“Master, Master, Consort Nian has arrived and says she wants to see you!” Shui Ling called out from outside the study.
Neither the Fourth Master nor Lanqin answered, so Shuiling had to repeat herself. Finally, the Fourth Master said, "I understand. Tell her to go back first. Tell her to go to the front yard on the sixth day. Before the sixth day, I don't want to hear anything."
Shui Ling agreed, hesitated for a moment, and then immediately went to report back.
"It seems they can't wait. Master, why do we have to wait until the sixth day?" Lanqin asked.
"Because I have some things to take care of. Also, I don't agree with your suggestion. We should divide the power. Nian Shi already manages the kitchen and miscellaneous affairs of the mansion. Now, the Fujin (Prince Consort) mainly appears when I need her, which is her duty. Now, I'll delegate some more power to Nian Shi, but you and the head nanny will still be in charge of the mansion's accounts, income and expenditure verification. Leave everything else to Nian Shi," the Fourth Prince said.
Lanqin looked at the Fourth Prince, knowing he trusted her and entrusted her with managing the Prince's treasury. Lanqin thought for a moment and said, "Very well, I'll only handle these matters. Let Consort Nian worry about the rest. She likes to meddle anyway. I hope the Fourth Prince can remind Consort Nian not to do anything out of line. Consort Song and Consort Wu are both elderly; she shouldn't take advantage of them to skimp on their food. The meals in the South Courtyard are separate; she can't interfere with my affairs. I'm not worried about anything else." Lanqin said. She knew these next few years would likely be turbulent, a crucial period for the Fourth Prince's success in the struggle for the throne. He truly needed the support of powerful families and officials, both inside and outside the court. At least Lanqin knew that Nian Gengyao had played an indispensable role in the Fourth Prince's path to the throne. Even though she was now the Fourth Prince's most favored woman, Lanqin knew that the wheels of history were unstoppable. She couldn't stop the Nian family from supporting the Fourth Prince, so she could only avoid them. Once the Fourth Prince ascended the throne and the situation was settled, she would still be the Fourth Prince's most favored woman, and that would be a completely different story.
“Alright, it’s decided then.” Lanqin nodded and said, “They are also the master’s concubines.”
"But all I want is to be with you," Fourth Master said emotionally, embracing Lanqin's soft waist.
"My lord, there are still three days left. Please pamper me well!" Lanqin said, hooking her arm around the Fourth Master's neck.
Fourth Master's kisses rained down on Lanqin's forehead, cheeks, lips, neck, and chest. Lanqin was instantly ignited by Fourth Master's actions. She responded to Fourth Master yearningly, and the two embraced tightly.
Meanwhile, Shui Ling had already relayed the message to Madam Nian, telling her that the Fourth Master had ordered that matters be discussed again on the sixth day of the month, and that she should go back and wait.
It wasn't Nian Shi who came to deliver the message, but her maid Cui Ling. Seeing Shui Ling's cold words, Cui Ling could only glare at Shui Ling before turning and leaving.
Meanwhile, Lady Fucha was sitting in Lady Nian's main room, enjoying tea with her.
"Now, we finally have a chance to control her. Since we can't touch her, we'll target her family. Haha!" Mrs. Nian's smile carried a hint of relief and satisfaction.
"The person who impeached Lingzhu is one of my father's students. He was able to stay in the capital entirely because of my father's connections. Now it's time for them to serve," said Lady Fucha.
“Very good. Now the Prince should understand that what he needs is not just a woman, but the support behind her,” said Madam Nian.
"I am very curious as to how Lady Niohuru has been able to win the Prince's favor for so many years. In terms of appearance, she is not as good as you, Consort; in terms of family background, she is still not as good as you. Therefore, I think the Prince may be confused. Only you, Consort, are the one he should favor and value," said Lady Fucha.
A smile spread across Lady Nian's face. She had to admit, Lady Fucha's words pleased her greatly, and she had been thinking the same thing all along. Now, with Lady Fucha's help, the Fourth Prince was finally beginning to understand.
"Your Fucha clan is not to be underestimated. Your Highness should understand from now on which people to befriend and which not to befriend. Liu is deposed; she is no longer chaste, yet she still has the nerve to serve Your Highness. This time, we used her to counterbalance the Niohuru clan. It's already good enough that she can retain her status as a princess. From now on, we don't need to talk to her anymore. You should come often. We two should serve Your Highness well, understand?" Nian said.
"Yes, Your Highness will remember your teachings. From now on, I will follow your lead. Niohuru is an obstacle for both of us. Once we get rid of her, we can help the Prince get on that path," said Lady Fucha.
"Master!" Cui Ling walked in from outside at this moment.
As soon as Lady Nian saw her return, she immediately asked, "Well, what did the Prince say?"
Fearing that Madam Nian would be angry, Cui Ling stammered, "The Prince sent word that we would discuss this matter again after the sixth day of the month. Then he sent me back."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
