Chapter 8 008 Treating her as his subordinate

Meng Qingshan picked up a piece and handed it to her, then picked up a piece for himself and stuffed it into his mouth. He didn't like sweets, so he swallowed it whole and his mouth felt sour. He saw a kettle on the stove, took a teacup from the table, poured himself a cup, and gulped it down. He still felt it wasn't enough, so he drank three cups in a row before stopping.

"You..." Qingli opened her mouth to stop him. It was hers to use, but she didn't want to cause any trouble. She just thought to herself, "What a rude and reckless man."

He turned to look at her, noticing that she had turned her gaze away, staring questioningly at the teacup in her hand, with a ring of lip rouge around the rim. He then stared intently at her bright red lips before finally finishing the teacup and sitting back down at the table. He handed her a piece of paper from his pocket, saying, "Remember the person on this."

His words were stiff. Qingli wondered if he thought she was his subordinate. But that was fine too; neither of them owed anything, and they could each do their own thing. She glanced at him lightly with her eyelashes down before looking away. She had an excellent memory, even a photographic one, and remembered it in her heart after just one glance. But she had already shown goodwill by helping to find important evidence. Now it was his turn to make a statement. Otherwise, she wouldn't have the time to help find people. Besides, she was still trapped in the house and couldn't get out.

"Is there any news about the person I'm looking for?"

Meng Qingshan had sent his trusted men to search along the route, but there had been no response so far. It was not that he was making excuses, but saying it out loud would seem like a perfunctory response, and Meng Qingshan was momentarily speechless.

Qingli could tell from his expression that there was no news, which made her even more uneasy. Two days ago, she received a message from her grandfather, in which he said that Song Zhang and his steward son, a group of five, had already set off and had not returned to the capital. He told her to protect herself and be careful. She only knew a few words of the truth and could not see the whole picture. She did not know whose eyes she had offended by returning to the capital. It was like walking in a fog, unable to see her own hand in front of her face. The feeling of groping forward was really unpleasant.

Meng Qingshan noticed her distracted state and stared intently at her. Her brows were furrowed, and her anxiety and panic were evident in her eyes. He clenched his fist. He knew that from the moment they met, she wouldn't have spoken to him unless she was looking for someone. What was so important about that person that made her so concerned? He darkened his eyes and said in a low voice, "There's no reply yet. If you have any further details, please let me know."

Qingli looked up blankly, then snapped back to reality when she saw the confusion in his eyes. She knew it was inconvenient to tell him about her grandfather's affairs, so she just shook her head and said, "This little maid is not allowed to leave the manor, and she doesn't know anything else."

Having said that, worried that he might be discouraged and not take it seriously, he added, "We've been gone for ten days. Let's wait a little longer. No matter what, a person can't just disappear into thin air."

"good."

When Qingli couldn't see him, she glared at him. He was so good at manipulating her, and she hadn't gained a single benefit from it. But without him, she couldn't find a better helper, so she had to swallow her anger. At this point, she needed to think one step further. If she couldn't find any information, she couldn't go back empty-handed. Madam Jiang had reached her limit, and her situation was precarious. Getting out of the palace with his help was an important step.

"Information for information, finding the person is another matter, you have to agree to another condition."

"What are the conditions?"

"I cannot be sure right now, but when I deliver this message to you, please make sure someone ensures my safety."

Hearing the unease in his words, Meng Qingshan frowned and replied firmly, "It's a deal."

Qingli heard what she wanted to hear, so she ignored him and went to the corner to turn off the light and sit on the bed by herself.

This was a blatant attempt to get rid of him. Meng Qingshan looked at the red bean cake she had placed on the table, then casually put it in his hand and said, "If there is any news, tie a red cloth to the window, and someone will come."

He always came uninvited. Since he was wearing a red cloth, it must be someone else. Qingli nodded, then lowered the curtain without caring that he couldn't come in person. There was a soft sound at the window. Qingli gently closed her eyes, her mind filled with the words in her grandfather's letter. If Song Zhang couldn't come, she was to make her escape on her own. She then took the 10,000 taels of silver notes hidden inside and hid them away.

It was as if an invisible net had enveloped her, suffocating her for a moment. Now that Meng Qingshan was looking for evidence of the Prince of Dingxi's disobedience, she deduced that the Prince of Dingxi was in a precarious situation and the Prince of Dingxi's mansion was doomed. She needed to escape the Prince of Dingxi's mansion through Jiang Shi's help before it collapsed. From then on, she could get rid of the Prince of Dingxi and go to the capital with Jiang Yue and Jiang Zhao in anonymity.

Her being trapped in the backyard was her biggest obstacle, so Meng Qingshan was a rare opportunity to lend a hand. No matter what the reason, she had to help him find the person.

The next day, when Qingli woke up, the room was still dark and gloomy. Jiang Yue and Jiang Zhao, who were outside, heard the noise and hung up the curtains. Their faces were full of joy. "Madam, the guards have left. Yingshui and Yingyue have gone to get the meal."

Qingli felt a little embarrassed thinking about the sarcastic remarks she had received from him yesterday. However, she thought that since he was the one who started this, he should be the one to suffer. So she got up naturally. Thinking that she was going out today, she dressed herself up carefully. But before she could leave, she heard a kneeling voice outside, "Your Highness, may you be well."

Heavy footsteps echoed in the stairwell. Jiang Yue and Jiang Zhao were already kneeling outside. Qing Li stood at the doorway, bowing slightly. The next moment, a large hand lifted her arm, and she stood up smoothly, smiling sweetly, "Your Highness, what brings you here?"

As she spoke, she stepped aside and pulled her hand away, but the Prince of Dingxi followed closely and grabbed her wrist, pulling her forward without allowing her to retreat. The Prince of Dingxi sat down on the stool with a magnanimous air and domineeringly pulled her into his arms. Her body tensed up but immediately relaxed. The bright red brocade fox fur cloak pressed down on her body, causing her body to straighten involuntarily.

The Prince of Dingxi also noticed the inconvenience of her clothes, so he took off her cloak and tossed it behind him. He could clearly feel the burning heat from her palms reaching her waist. Her waist was slender and willow-like, and she could feel the hand lingering on her waist. She turned slightly to the side, trying her best to ignore the strange discomfort, and placed her hands on the Prince of Dingxi's shoulders to keep the distance between them. She asked again, "Your Highness, what brings you here?"

"I came to see you." The Prince of Dingxi looked at her, who wore an extremely tacky peach-colored dress, yet appeared delicate and charming. He lovingly stroked her pearl-like skin, and a fire suddenly ignited in his eyes. He asked, "Where are you going?"

"I'd like to go out of the courtyard for some fresh air."

Her tone was pitiful. The Prince of Dingxi paused, thinking of the grievances she had suffered, and did not want to force her. So he said, "I will accompany you for a walk."

Her deer-like, watery eyes sparkled, and the Prince of Dingxi was even more pleased. He took the cloak from the maid and tied it on her, then led her into the garden, followed by a large group of guards and maids.

The branches were covered with frost, and the occasional snow reflected a faint light. The air was cold and fine. Taking a deep breath, the stale air in her lungs was swept away. In the distance, the lake was covered with thick ice. Qingli stood in the pavilion in the middle of the lake, surrounded by thick felt cloth. A stove was lit, so she did not feel cold at all. She looked down at the crystal clear ice surface. Water plants could be seen below, and occasionally a small fish or two could be glimpsed. She became interested and wanted to go down and take a walk.

The Prince of Dingxi was infected by her joy. He got up and pulled her into his arms. The cold wind made her nose slightly red, as if she had applied the finest rouge. Her face was even whiter. She smiled charmingly and was very attractive. The Prince of Dingxi regretted his decision. She had not been close to him for many days.

Their group made quite a commotion, and soon the lakeside was filled with the sounds of chattering. Upon seeing the Prince of Dingxi, they all smiled and rushed into the pavilion. With the help of the maids, they quickly pushed Qingli out, and some maids even deliberately shoved her. Jiang Zhao protected her and retreated step by step until they reached the outside of the pavilion before things calmed down.

"Your Highness, Your Highness..." came a series of sweet voices. One person sat on each side of the Prince of Dingxi, half of their body leaning against him, while the other massaged his shoulders, speaking flatteringly. Qingli pretended not to hear, her eyes scanning her surroundings. She still believed in Meng Qingshan's methods. If they couldn't find him in the front courtyard, he must be hiding in the back. Compared to the concubines' quarters, only the back garden was far from people and close to the street.

The lake was surrounded by tall trees, which concealed the courtyard. Qingli carefully surveyed her surroundings when a sudden flash of light made her squint. Looking towards the light, she saw a group of guards emerging from under a moon gate. They were dressed in black armor and carried broadswords; they were the personal guards of the Prince of Dingxi. The one in the lead was Shen Yongning, the Prince of Dingxi's strategist. He had a pointed face, narrow eyes, and ruthless methods. He had helped the Prince of Dingxi handle many shady matters.

She ended up in the hands of the Prince of Dingxi, partly due to Shen Yongning's machinations. His menacing stare at her every time they met made her uneasy. Qingli turned away, glancing at the group out of the corner of her eye. After a moment, she casually looked up, her eyes meeting his. Instantly, she felt a chill run through her, as if she were being stared at by a snake. She reassured herself that the Prince of Dingxi was behind her; what could he possibly do? Thinking this, she lowered her head from a distance.

The other person paused, gave her a deep look, and then turned and walked away. She followed his back until he disappeared from sight before she relaxed and leaned against Jiang Zhao's chest to rest. Jiang Zhao had also witnessed Shen Yongning's methods and was even more afraid, trembling slightly.

Unable to hear Qingli's movements, the Prince of Dingxi rose and stood behind her. Jiang Zhao naturally stepped aside. The Prince of Dingxi took her hand, his touch icy cold, and settled her in the pavilion. His three concubines were still standing around, their eyes like knives piercing her. Among them, Lady Ying, ever the charming one, leaned against the Prince of Dingxi and pleaded, "Your Highness, I haven't finished speaking yet, Heng'er..."

Lady Ying gave birth to a child, and the Prince of Dingxi was exceptionally lenient with her. Even though he was impatient at this moment, he was not harsh. He simply withdrew his hand and said indifferently, "I will go over tonight."

Lady Ying knew when to stop and curtsied in agreement. The other two ladies, having no children, dared not be so bold. They had no choice but to follow Lady Ying as she withdrew. Qing Li watched from afar as they encountered Qiu Zhi by the lake. She didn't know what they said, but Qiu Zhi gave her a disdainful glance before bending down and walking closer.

"Your Highness, the Princess Consort is suffering from an unbearable headache and dizziness, and is unable to get up," Qiu Zhi cried, kneeling on the ground.

Disgusted by Jiang's troublemaking, the Prince of Dingxi calmed down after a moment and turned to Qingli, saying, "The Princess Consort is not feeling well. You may stay here and enjoy the scenery. If you need anything, arrange for your servants to take care of it."

Qingli was pleased to see this happen, but her face showed reluctance and sadness, yet she had no choice but to agree. Her watery eyes were round, and her grief seemed about to spill out, making the Prince of Dingxi hesitate. After a moment of realization, Qingli immediately composed herself, curtsied respectfully, and saw the Prince of Dingxi off. She continued to sob for a while, and when she thought it was enough, she pressed her handkerchief hard against the corners of her eyes until they ached before saying in a sorrowful tone, "You may all leave."

Maids and servants should be respectful.

With no one around, Qingli gestured for Jiang Zhao to go somewhere further away. The two walked and stopped intermittently, until they reached the corner where Shen Yongning had just turned. Qingli slipped and cried out in pain.

"Madam!" Jiang Zhao saw Qing Li's pale face, her lips tightly bitten, and her body trembling slightly from the pain. She looked around frantically, regretting that she shouldn't have sent her away earlier. Jiang Zhao couldn't bear to be away from Qing Li at this moment, so he couldn't help but shout, "Someone come here! Someone come here!"

The loud voice echoed through the woods. Qingli, clinging to Jiang Zhao's arm, peered behind her. After a short while, a guard peeked out from behind the dense forest, then retreated. Qingli was somewhat disappointed by the guard's wariness. She thought that if they didn't show themselves, her rash approach would surely arouse the suspicion of the Prince of Dingxi.

Qingli listened intently, but there was still no sound. Just as she was about to ask Jiang Zhao to help her back to Taoyuan Pavilion, she unexpectedly saw a corner of a snow-blue brocade robe fluttering out from behind the tree trunk. Qingli immediately lowered her head and squeezed Jiang Zhao's palm. Jiang Zhao called out with knowing concern, "Madam, please bear with it a little longer. This servant will call for someone again."