Everyone fell silent, terrified.
Having just witnessed a tragedy, who wouldn't be filled with fear upon hearing such a warning?
Originally, everyone thought that the princess was kind and gentle, and the prince was not as cold and ruthless as people said. Indeed, some people had developed feelings for him.
But I never expected the prince to go to this extent!
As expected, the living Yama lived up to his name.
The princess is easy to talk to but useless; the prince dislikes other women.
This is the most crucial point.
What's even more terrifying is that the princess was completely unaware of this matter.
They had all been instructed that anyone who reported this to the Princess Consort would suffer the same fate.
In other words, this was entirely the prince's idea from beginning to end.
Who would dare to have any hope now? It's simply... outrageous.
Who has ever seen a male master who doesn't cheat on his wife, yet still manages the household affairs for her?
After Xiu'er finished speaking, she continued to look for Yanran.
Yanran squatted by the pond, fishing for koi.
Xiu'er: "... Little darling, why did you go and mess with them again!"
Yanran said with a grin, "Aunt Ren wrote to Mother, saying that koi fish are hard to eat..."
"Why are you even touching it if it tastes bad? It's quite valuable."
Yanran shook her head and said, "What you learn from books is never enough; you must put it into practice to truly understand."
How will you know how bad it is if you don't try it?
Xiu'er said irritably, "Whatever, as long as you can take a beating. Anyway, it's not me who's going to get hit."
"What do you mean by that?"
"A single koi carp originally costs a dozen or so taels of silver, some even several dozen; once transported to the border town, the price doubles."
"It's not like we can't afford it..." Yanran, unconvinced.
"Each one was personally selected by the Prince."
Yanran: "... Is Father so free?"
"No matter how busy I am, I'll always have plenty of time to please the Princess Consort," Xiu'er said, then added after a moment's thought, "I learned it from Song Jingyang!"
Yanran stuck out her tongue. "Song Jingyang is the best, the best in the world!"
"Of course." Xiu'er raised her head high. "If it weren't for Song Jingyang's guidance, do you think Your Highness would have been able to marry the Empress?"
Yanran: "That was an imperial edict from my grandfather."
"Imperial decree aside, Her Majesty is now completely devoted to the Prince. I'm leaving now," Xiu'er said. "I'm going to keep Her Majesty company. I need to go back and get some sleep. I'll be there at noon."
"Alright." Yanran threw down her fishing rod, stood up, and said, "I'll go ask Mother if she'd like to eat koi."
Xiu'er: "..."
This child is incredibly persistent and tireless when it comes to food.
Jiang'er had someone tidy up, and then followed behind the two of them.
During the time she was in the Prince's mansion, her face visibly became rounder, and she became a lovable little girl.
Xiu'er was relieved after watching Yanran enter Tang Zhuyun's courtyard.
However, once she returned to her room and sat down, before she even untied her hair, she thought of Nanny Jing again.
Sigh, there's nothing I can do about it; I'm just born to worry.
Nanny Jing went to keep an eye on Concubine Yu, as she was also worried about her.
Concubine Yu is in poor mental condition; how could she bear to hurt Nanny Jing?
So Xiu'er got up again and went to check on her Concubine Yu in the secluded courtyard.
Concubine Yu sat in the courtyard in a daze. Nanny Jing was beside her, but she didn't try to persuade her. She just kept her head down and did her needlework.
She is making baby clothes for her unborn grandson or granddaughter.
She wasn't good at delicate work, so she was embarrassed to give it away, but since she used it herself, it was always a token of her grandmother's love.
Several maids stood behind him, serving him with utmost respect.
They were all afraid of Xiu'er.
Seeing Xiu'er enter, Nanny Jing quickly got up to help her, saying, "Why are you here? When you're not serving Her Highness, you should rest more."
Xiu'er didn't say she was worried about her, but made up an excuse. "It's nothing, I just remembered that it's your birthday next month and I wanted to ask which opera troupe you've invited."
Nanny Jing said, "You silly child, why are you hiring an opera troupe? No, I'm telling you, no! We can't cause trouble for Her Majesty; we have to remember our duty."
Xiu'er said, "Empress also loves to join in the fun, and is benefiting from your fame!"
"No, no," Nanny Jing refused repeatedly.
She has spent half her life being cautious and careful, always afraid of causing trouble for others.
Xiu'er said, "Mother, don't worry. Song Jingyang is working himself to the bone outside, not so you can suffer. What other old ladies have, we should have too. Although we live in the Prince's Mansion, you are still the old lady of the General's Mansion."
Nanny Jing said, "You children, you children, I know you are all filial, there's really no need."
As long as the whole family is doing well, that's enough.
"Why wouldn't I use it? The prince has given me a definite answer. You nursed the prince, and he always remembers you!"
Anyway, bringing up the prince always works on Nanny Jing.
Concubine Yu looked up at Nanny Jing, then lowered her head again.
Sure enough, Nanny Jing said, "Really? Then, go and ask the Princess what she likes?"
"I know perfectly well that Your Highness likes everything! Please think it over carefully, there's no rush," Xiu'er said with a smile.
"Yes, yes, good, good," Nanny Jing agreed repeatedly, very excited.
Xiu'er secretly glanced at Concubine Yu and found that the latter's expression was blank and she didn't seem aggressive, so she felt relieved.
"Don't forget to write to your mother often," Nanny Jing instructed Xiu'er. "Your mother only has you, and it hasn't been easy for her..."
They were both widowed women, and she knew that their only hope was their children.
Xiu'er smiled and said, "I know, Mother. Please take care of yourself. My mother is never one to suffer in silence."
Now, even if someone else writes a letter for her, she hurls insults at her.
Xiu'er wasn't angry; her mother was stubborn but soft-hearted.
Xiu'er yawned, and Nanny Jing urged her to go back and rest.
After she left, Concubine Yu, suddenly spoke up, "Are you the prince's wet nurse?"
However, before Nanny Jing could answer, she covered her ears, lowered her head, and began to scream, as if she had been frightened.
Nanny Jing and several maids quickly comforted her.
After a flurry of activity, Concubine Yu calmed down, her face gaunt and her heart ashen.
Nanny Jing sighed, "She's had a tragic fate."
Even though Concubine Yu had been "recuperating" for several years, her old wounds were still intertwined, making her look heartbreaking.
Concubine Yu secretly glanced at Nanny Jing and, seeing that she showed no sign of suspicion, breathed a sigh of relief.
She shouldn't have asked that question.
She's crazy, so let her stay crazy.
Her biggest worry right now is Xu'er.
If Xu'er can marry into a good family, then I can leave without any worries.
Living is so tiring.
Her daughter was her only remaining attachment in this world.
I wonder what kind of husband Xu'er will find in the future.
But then she thought again, her reputation was already ruined, what future did she have?
Thinking of this, Concubine Yu was overcome with grief.
She made up her mind to give her daughter a good talking-to when Zhou Xu came to visit.
My daughter is always very filial; will she come tonight?
Zhou Xu wanted to come, but plans can't always keep up with changes.