He's jealous.
Xiao Bo smiled imperceptibly, echoed Pei Zhaoying, and toasted Xiao Yucheng, as if he really respected the Grand Marshal of the current dynasty.
The various petty princes saw the direction of the wind and knew they needed to act nicely in front of Xiao and Cheng, so they followed suit in toasting and made up some flattering words.
"Your Highness... Your Highness is too kind." Don't hit a smiling person. Xiao Yucheng drank a glass under the praise of everyone.
Only the Marquis of Huaiyang had a sullen face.
He is the emperor's uncle, entrenched in Huaiyang, extremely wealthy, with a strong army and horses. He took advantage of the eldest princess's wedding to enter the capital, and seemed poised to take control of the capital.
Unexpectedly, Xiao Yucheng came to challenge him.
His limelight and prestige were snatched away, and the Marquis of Huaiyang could not win the support of the people when he wanted to start a rebellion again.
After the banquet, Xue Can listened to Xiao and Cheng's explanation of the situation and said with regret:
"That Pei Zhaoying clearly wants to use your influence to eliminate the local threat. My lord, you should sit back and watch the fight, and let the little emperor and his sister deal with the headaches!"
Xiao Yucheng denied it in a deep voice:
"No, even though this is a blatant trap, I still have to jump into it. Huaiyang is too close to Jinling City. The Marquis of Huaiyang has been recuperating for many years. If I don't come forward and eliminate the roots as soon as possible, I will be handing the initiative to others! Pei Heng is weak and incompetent. If you expect him to do anything, you can only wait until he abdicates!"
The capital city was in turmoil, and Pei Zhaoying was able to take a breath and live a peaceful life for a few days.
Jiang Yubai and other subordinates did not naturally regard Xiao Bo as the male master who needed to be loyal to him just because of his political relationship, and they were always cautious when interacting with him in the mansion.
Pei Zhaoying knew they did nothing wrong.
But Xiao Bo entered the mansion alone, without any servants, and had to face bricks, stones, and plants that could not be considered a "home" every day. He was on guard against by others, which made Pei Zhaoying feel uncomfortable.
They lived in the same courtyard. Sometimes, when Pei Zhaoying opened the window, she would see Xiao Bo watering the wild flowers and weeds growing at the foot of the wall with an expressionless face. Her guilt reached its peak, so she found various ways to invite Xiao Bo to discuss matters with her in the same room.
She hoped to give Xiao Bo some sense of belonging, at least, she did not treat him as an outsider and be wary of him.
"Your Highness..." Jin Chenxiao collected intelligence and was about to report it. He looked at Xiao Bo in the study with an embarrassed expression.
"The Prince Consort is not an outsider, but my right-hand man. Just speak to him in person."
Xiao Bo's stiff pen tip began to move with great vigor again, and a smile unconsciously appeared on his face.
Pei Zhaoying said he was an expert in fine brushwork and had outstanding painting skills, and she pestered him to draw a few pictures for the mansion to use as embroidery patterns. Ostensibly, this was a task for him, but Xiao Bo knew she had good intentions and was worried that he would feel uncomfortable in the mansion.
Pei Zhaoying did what he said when it came to important military matters, and did not shy away from him, treating him as a national hero. Xiao Bo's joy was heavy and hidden deep in the box, not showing it to anyone.
Jin Chenxiao quietly looked at Xiao Bo twice before reporting as instructed:
"...Recently, the Grand Chancellor and the Marquis of Huaiyang have been at odds, leading to several clashes in the capital. First, a crony of the Marquis of Huaiyang was bullying people in the downtown area. The Grand Chancellor had him apprehended and executed without trial. The Marquis of Huaiyang was naturally furious, but a powerful dragon cannot overpower a local snake. Having been bullied several times by the Grand Chancellor, he felt unhappy and threatened to file a complaint before His Majesty... The Grand Chancellor said that the Marquis of Huaiyang and his wife had violated the rules in every way, and the undecided position of Crown Prince had caused unrest in Huaiyang. He even wanted to complain about the Marquis of Huaiyang's poor governance..."
They were all close friends, so Pei Zhaoying smiled without caring about anything else and bent over the desk.
"Hahahaha, it's really interesting that the Grand Marshal will one day righteously punish those who bully others. Is he some kind of loyal and law-abiding general? How refreshing."
She didn't notice that her cheek rubbed against the ink bamboo pattern that Xiao Bo had just drawn, and a black ink mark was stained on her snow-white cheek, reducing her solemnity.
Xiao Bo said nothing, stretched out his arm and handed her a pure white handkerchief.
Pei Zhaoying didn't look in the mirror and didn't understand what Xiao Bo meant. It was not appropriate for others to interfere with the interaction between the newlyweds.
Xiao Bo then wiped Pei Zhaoying with his hand with justification, and wiped off an ink mark, which he showed to Pei Zhaoying.
Through the handkerchief, Xiao Bo's fingers did not directly touch her cheek, but they inevitably brushed Pei Zhaoying's hair slightly.
The two of them didn't do anything reckless, but Pei Zhaoying suddenly stopped laughing, lowered her head to avoid the sight of Xiao Bo and others, and touched her ears uncomfortably.
Pei Zhaoying accepted his service out of kindness, so Xiao Bo felt free to express his opinions.
"Marquis Huaiyang is not one to sit still and wait for death. The Grand Marshal is pressing on step by step. Marquis Huaiyang will counterattack soon. We must be vigilant and take precautions inside and outside these days. At least don't let His Highness get affected."
He said this like a wise strategist, or like the sweetest and most caring person in Pei Zhaoying's room.
Pei Zhaoying was stunned for two breaths before ordering his men to do as they were told.
After sending the people away, she grabbed the handkerchief and wiped her face twice according to the places Xiao Bo had wiped.
"Be gentle, don't scratch the skin, I've cleaned it for you."
Pei Zhaoying grumbled dissatisfiedly: "I'm not that delicate..."
She still avoided looking into Xiao Bo's moist and soft eyes.
The boundaries between his dual identities as counselor and son-in-law are becoming increasingly blurred.
Pei Zhaoying didn't know whether this was important to him, but all she could do was give him the utmost respect.
Xiao Bo said, "I'm not being squeamish. Your Highness cannot afford to make any mistakes. Otherwise, we will lose our backbone and won't know what to do next."
Even Qiluo, Pei Zhaoying's personal servant, was sent to guard the door. There was no one around, and Xiao Bo still spoke in a serious tone, consistent in his words and deeds. Pei Zhaoying picked up the pattern he drew and examined it in a daze, trying to hide her deep disappointment.
Under Xiao Bo's close watch, Pei Zhaoying strictly followed the doctor's orders to take nourishing medicine. Her cheeks grew fatter and her complexion became more rosy. Like a well-cared-for rose, her energy and blood gradually became sufficient.
She didn't know what she was thinking and felt inexplicably angry. Xiao Bo was so attracted that he lost his composure and unconsciously pressed her cheek.
It feels very good, plump and elastic.
The previous twilight and deathly atmosphere were mostly swept away, and Xiao Bo seemed to have touched a spring.
Pei Zhaoying's whole body stiffened.
It wasn't like they hadn't had physical contact before. During the morning and evening massages, Xiao Bo insisted on doing everything himself, as if he was not particular about the little things for her recovery. Pei Zhaoying could only swallow her shame, suppress her girlish worries, and imitate Xiao Bo's calmness.
But he poked her cheek lightly, what did that mean?
Pei Zhaoying slowly raised her head with a puzzled look on her face. Not sure what Xiao Bo was thinking, she kept silent.
Xiao Bo didn't stop immediately. Instead, he gently pulled it upwards and explained slowly, "There's still a little bit left."
In fact, it is not.
I simply lost my mind for that moment.
Pei Zhaoying wasn't so easily fooled: "...you just said you wiped it clean."
"It wasn't facing the sunlight just now, so it leaked a little."
Xiao Bo spoke righteously and sternly, without any flaws, and continued to change to a smaller brush to paint delicate and detailed patterns on the grass.
Pei Zhaoying thought about it and felt that Xiao Bo, such a dignified and upright man, must have just wiped the ink marks for her unintentionally as he said. Being touched on the cheek didn't mean anything, so she shouldn't be stingy.
So, she admired Xiao Bo's calm writing and sighed with a smile:
"Actually, I also like to design my own patterns. I don't like the stereotyped patterns used by embroidery workshops. How boring is it to use the same patterns as others? Unfortunately, I've always been restless and have no talent for painting. I can come up with an idea, but the actual result is horrible. The only thing I can draw is the simplest auspicious cloud pattern."
Click.
Xiao Bo's wrist shook, and his brushstrokes stopped. A bean-sized drop of ink fell from the tip of the pen, blurring the fine tongcao pattern in the blink of an eye.
Xiao Bo pulled the corners of his lips stiffly, and asked in an ugly but gentle voice:
"You were the one who drew the auspicious cloud pattern on Commander Jiang's sword hilt, right? It must have taken you a long time, right?"
"Yes, he still thinks it's ugly, but it's truly the result of my life's work," Pei Zhaoying was so pleased with Xiao Bo's work that she asked herself, "Your drawings are so beautiful! They look like they're alive! I also like lotus and crabapple, but I don't like old-fashioned designs. Could you please draw a new one for me and I'll have it embroidered on my blouse?"
Xiao Bo smiled and said, "Not good."
Since she had personally drawn a pattern for another man, and that man had carved it into a sword handle and carried it with him every day, don't blame him for being stingy with his pen and ink and not wanting to do these hard work.
Seeing his warm smile, Pei Zhaoying was about to continue the conversation with a smile, but was two breaths late before she realized that he was refusing.
He was clearly discussing and drawing with her with great interest just now!
Pei Zhaoying finally understood what it meant to have a man's heart as deep as the sea. She couldn't guess what he was thinking at all.
Even though Xiao Bo treated her coldly, she had to maintain the magnanimity of the host and would not let anyone be wronged by being welcomed into the house. She generously handed over the power of housekeeper and several keys to the important vaults.
When Pei Zhaoying's parents were still alive, they did not cultivate her ability to become a housekeeper. She read military books and wielded swords and guns, but her parents applauded her and left her with four capable and competent housekeepers.
The four senior maids check and balance each other, and things are usually stable, but there are times when there are bumps and conflicts and no one is willing to give in.
When it comes to matters in the harem, the young maids are not so steady and will occasionally quarrel with each other. Trivial matters may cause a huge dam to collapse in an instant. Pei Zhaoying has the biggest headache dealing with these things.
Moreover, some of the mansion's accounts and the books recording various rare treasures were older than Pei Zhaoying. The recording methods of the accountants in the front and back were inconsistent, with some notes here and there. After a few years of trouble, some artifacts disappeared in the Spring and Autumn style of writing.
Especially during the period when Pei Zhaoying was seriously injured and unable to manage the affairs, people inside and outside the company had no idea how many good things he had embezzled. Pei Zhaoying was powerless, and when he picked up the account book again, it was like reading a heavenly book.
Pei Zhaoying smiled and pushed a bunch of keys and heavy accounts towards Xiao Bo in a flattering manner.
"You came to live in my house alone. If I had treated you poorly, I would have felt so upset and remorseful. Now, the trivial matters in the backyard are under your control. In the inner house, you are the master of the house and your words are law."
Xiao Bo lifted a corner of the account book.
The tiny handwriting is a mess, what a terrible mess.
Xiao Bo quickly closed the account book to avoid polluting his eyes: "You said you would treat me like a national hero, but it turns out that your family is lacking a loyal accountant."
"... Well, you're misunderstanding my good intentions. Just sort out the accounts. You're in charge of food, clothing, and servants' wages. I sincerely treat you as a family member!"
It's true that Pei Zhaoying treats Xiao Bo wholeheartedly, and it's also true that she wants to get rid of this hot potato as soon as possible.
The first day she took over the accounts, she seriously considered the possibility of laying off the servants and doing it herself. Unfortunately, Pei Heng kept raising her title, requiring the necessary pomp and circumstance, and the constant expansion of her mansion. It was no longer possible to live a simpler life.
Xiao Bo can see through even the most difficult cases, so these trivial household chores are a piece of cake for him.
Pei Zhaoying was almost acting like a spoiled child. She could still calculate the major military expenses. There were hundreds of spices, silks, satins, and food ingredients in the backyard. Some of the expensive spices were counted by the penny. She would yawn and feel sleepy after reading a few lines.
The military horses raised were all useless in managing domestic affairs.
The word "home" touched Xiao Bo's heart subtly.
He didn't show Pei Zhaoying a good face immediately, and weighed the weight for a while:
"The Emperor has granted me a few days of leave, so I've been able to manage my duties. But if I take on the Dali Temple duties, you're going to make me juggle multiple duties, leaving me with no free time. Donkeys in the suburban farms don't pull millstones like this, do they?"
If we don't help her, her bad debts will probably pile up like a mountain.
The corrupt officials in the mansion might cause a big mess over time.
Xiao Bo was an easy-going person and was willing to help, but seeing how cute and pitiful she looked, he couldn't help but want to hear what other good things she had to say.
"Master Xiao Bo, you have become my consort. The Princess's Mansion is your home. It is only natural that you should take care of the household affairs. Moreover, my private treasury has been handed over to you. If you think this position does not provide any additional salary, you can take as much silver as you want from my private treasury."
"Aren't you afraid that I'll empty your little treasury?" Xiao Bo teased her.
"Move ahead, move ahead. It's all yours."
Pei Zhaoying stretched out her hand to hold Xiao Bo's sleeve and beg him again, but her arms were a little short and she couldn't reach him, and her legs couldn't touch the ground, making direct contact inconvenient.
She was trapped in a wheelchair and stretched out her arms, looking listless, which made Xiao Bo's heart twitch——
If he doesn't help her, who else can she expect to lend a helping hand?
Xiao Bo changed his tone:
"Not really. I'm not a money-grubber either. It's good that you have that intention. The accounts aren't complicated, and I'll have them sorted out for you in a few days. However, I need to personally oversee the items in the warehouse. Once I have a clear overview, it will be easy for you to manage them later. I won't interfere with the monthly payments of your trusted associates, so you'll have to keep an eye on them and avoid alienating them."
Xiao Bo observed that since they got married, the two of them often dismissed their attendants to discuss matters alone, and even Qiluo was not required to serve them closely. Xiao Bo sometimes saw the discomfort and loneliness of those around her, and it was not good if the relationship between master and servant became alienated.
However, for example, when it comes to Jiang Yubai's discomfort, he just watches coldly, feeling annoyed and not wanting to care.
Pei Zhaoying agreed and successfully handed over the account book, her eyes curved into crescents with a smile.
A clarity that brings people to their defenses.
Maybe, it’s just like this for Xiao Bo.
Xiao Bo's pupils tightened at the thought.
Pei Zhaoying felt that she had gotten a great deal and winked at him proudly and gratefully.
Xiao Bo still had a tense expressionless face, but he had actually been in a daze for quite a while.
After handing over the accounts, Xiao Bo did not disappoint the trust placed in him. He went out of the courtyard with the key to the account book before dawn and checked the treasures recorded in the warehouse one by one. He even invited the managers to witness the things that were bestowed by the late emperor from the generation of Pei Zhaoying's grandfather, and described their shapes in detail before filing and sealing them.
The cash was counted one by one, and the distribution of monthly wages to servants in the past year was traced back. Two supervisors who had embezzled money and enriched themselves were exposed and were beaten with sticks and driven out of the mansion.
As a result, Xiao Bo was so busy that he couldn't even get enough food for the day.
Pei Zhaoying ate the nourishing porridge and side dishes in small bites. She was not used to the empty space beside her, so she asked Qiluo to wake her up early in the morning and call Xiao Bo to the main room to sit opposite her and have a meal.
Jinling's breakfast mainly consists of light and elegant porridge and dim sum. Pei Zhaoying, thinking that the Xiao family's ancestral home is in the north, specially asked the small kitchen to prepare extra noodles, accompanied by a few delicious and green side dishes, paying attention to Xiao Bo's dietary preferences.
However, Xiao Bo chose to eat the same thing as her, and accepted all the food that Pei Zhaoying picked for him, as if he was a puppet without his own preferences.
Pei Zhaoying felt unhappy and was about to ask Xiao Bo to take a rest today when someone from the palace came and said that the emperor wanted to summon his son-in-law.
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