Chapter 11: The Princess Residence’s Flattering Breeds Resentment

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"Yesterday, Ah Nian was absolutely resolute about not marrying. If you truly insist on marrying her, you should quickly remove all obstacles before having a sincere conversation with her. Grandmother cherishes her dearly, like the apple of her eye. Even if you try to pressure her with the Pei family, she may still not consent to this marriage."

"I understand."

Pei Zisu had lived two lives and had seen every kind of scene imaginable.

In his previous life, cautious of his precarious identity, he did not dare to take the first step. But at the palace banquet, when he observed that the heir apparent was not particularly considerate toward her, and could even see helplessness and melancholy beneath her makeup, Pei Zisu began to regret it.

He had planned to make arrangements and "take" her back, but unexpectedly died in a meticulously plotted assassination. Lost and dazed, his soul drifted aimlessly for who knew how long.

He had witnessed his clan torn apart, his father’s foolish loyalty leading to death, his siblings and younger relatives becoming pawns in that catastrophe, and the woman he treasured passing away alone in a forgotten corner of the courtyard. He was filled with sorrow and rage.

Therefore, given this second chance at life, he vowed that such nightmares would never happen again.

A fleeting flash of cold ruthlessness crossed his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it. When he looked back at Wang Kuan, his gaze had grown much calmer.

"Let’s go. We still need to pay respects to the old lady."

"Right, right, if you hadn’t reminded me, I almost forgot."

Pei Zisu glanced at him and couldn’t help teasing.

"You’re still so young and already forgetful? I think you really should go somewhere else to gain some experience so that staying here in Western Capital every day doesn’t wear down your spirit."

"You’re the one to blame. Because of what you said, Father went to the capital prison early this morning to block someone. I don’t know how it turned out, but it looks like this time when you return to Hanzhou, I might have to leave together with you."

Wang Kuan’s words were laced with a helpless despair.

Born and raised in Western Capital, he had hunted in the suburbs but never ventured far beyond. Suddenly having to leave, naturally, filled his heart with reluctance.

"Getting some experience while you’re young will benefit you. Don’t think too much about it."

Pei Zisu patted his shoulder, knowing that a major event was about to unfold at the Ministry of Guards. Leaving early might help Wang Kuan avoid getting caught up in trouble, sparing him from an undeserved beating — a small kindness from a cousin.

With that, the two headed toward the Yuhua Courtyard where the matriarch resided.

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Meanwhile, Jiang Shiyuan, already seated in a carriage, was on her way to the Princess’s Mansion. The old emperor had few children: three princes and four princesses, but none was as favored as the Crown Prince and Princess Qinghuan.

Thus, her mansion was located next to the Chun Prince’s residence. This had once been the old emperor’s private retreat.

Since Princess Qinghuan’s birth, the place had been under renovation. After she was allowed to establish her household independently, the old emperor granted her generous fiefdoms. In Western Capital, everyone knew the princess’s mansion was overflowing with wealth and grandeur, its walls adorned with lavish gold leaf and vibrant paintings.

Upon alighting, a kindly-faced nanny awaited at the gates. Jiang Shiyuan smiled and respectfully approached.

"Nanny Shen, what a surprise to see you here."

"The princess intended to meet with you alone today, but unexpectedly the Chun Prince’s consort came to visit, accompanied by the heir apparent’s consort. The princess worried that your meeting might be awkward, so she sent this old servant to wait for you. Let’s go to the Hidden Jade Hall for a while. Once their business is done, the princess will come."

"I see. Thank you, Nanny Shen, for leading the way."

"Please, young lady."

Nanny Shen was the most trusted attendant of Princess Qinghuan. Since accompanying her out of the palace, the entire household obeyed her commands. Few in Western Capital enjoyed her personal reception — a testament to how welcomed Jiang Shiyuan was in the princess’s mansion.

The Hidden Jade Hall was a pavilion by the water in the inner courtyard, surrounded on three sides by water and shaded by lush greenery — the coolest spot in the mansion. Knowing Jiang Shiyuan disliked scented teas, Princess Qinghuan had thoughtfully placed some fresh fruits here.

Amid the refreshing air tinged with fruity aroma, Jiang Shiyuan’s eyes curved in a gentle smile.

"The princess is very thoughtful."

"Please rest a moment, young lady. I will go check if the princess’s business is concluded."

"Yes, please attend to it."

Before leaving, Nanny Shen sent over some Meishan Mist Tea, Jiang Shiyuan’s favorite delicacy. It was extremely precious, costing thousands of gold coins per tael, something only found in the princess’s mansion. It was unavailable anywhere else.

Taking a light sip, the tea’s delicate fragrance and mellow sweetness lingered without heaviness.

Gazing out at the verdant scenery, Jiang Shiyuan felt her mood ease considerably. Leaning against the balustrade, she watched the golden koi occasionally breaking the surface of the pond. Taking the fish food offered by a maid, she began feeding them.

She was not at all bothered by the arrival of the Chun Prince’s consort and the heir apparent’s consort.

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In the main hall of the inner residence,

Princess Qinghuan reclined on a Ruyi Noble Consort’s couch, listlessly listening to the Chun Prince’s consort recount old, trivial stories. Though her expression was faint, a trace of annoyance stirred within.

If not for the fact that the Chun Prince was her father’s full brother and their mansions were adjacent, she would have ignored these two altogether — especially Jiang Er, who now held the title of heir apparent’s consort.

She toyed with a pearl the size of a fresh peach, its luster as radiant as spring’s first blooms. Yet compared with her moonlit-colored silk gown embroidered with phoenixes and plum blossoms, the pearl paled somewhat.

The fabric, woven in the imperial court, was fully embroidered with plum blossoms along the hem, and vivid phoenixes stitched with multicolored threads. Since Empress Yihui’s passing, only Princess Qinghuan was permitted to wear the phoenix motif.

Even the crown princess would envy her, let alone the Chun Prince’s consort and Jiang Shijin, the heir apparent’s consort, who gushed endless praise over the princess from beginning to end. The princess only grew more disinterested.

She then lazily remarked, "Auntie Wang, forgive me. I’ve been listening to your chatter since early morning and feel rather weary. The emperor has summoned me this afternoon to accompany him. If I’m not in good spirits, it wouldn’t do to lose composure before him."

The Chun Prince’s consort’s smile faded, replaced by some embarrassment.

Her usual haughty demeanor in front of elders, which had sparked jealousy in the princess, now bred further irritation. But restrained by the princess’s favor, she forced down her anger and offered a polite smile.

"Oh dear, I always forget the time when talking with you. This must be when the household begins dividing tasks. I won’t keep Qinghuan any longer. Next time, Auntie Wang will bring some of your favorite yellow mud cakes to see you."

"No need for such trouble, Auntie Wang. The princess’s kitchen staff is quite skilled. If I want yellow mud cake, I can get it anytime. No need for the heir apparent’s consort to rise early and make it. I haven’t touched a single bite, which is a pity."

Princess Qinghuan glanced disdainfully at the unopened box of yellow mud cakes.

She did enjoy good food, but it depended on who brought it. She was well aware of Jiang Shijin’s intentions and found her all the more irritating.