The weather gradually darkened, and a light drizzle began to fall. The drizzle pattered on the ground, wetting the earth and moistening the air, making people feel refreshed.
Even without Prince Qi Yanqi, the Qi Prince's Mansion continues to operate smoothly. The only difference is that the steward who used to be in charge of the mansion's operations has now become Wuyou—the true mistress of the Qi Prince's Mansion.
Having lived through many lifetimes, Wuyou was adept at managing household affairs. After all, she had been an emperor and an empress dowager, so she naturally had no problem handling the small inner quarters. In just one day, she had thoroughly grasped the situation of the Prince's mansion.
Even the seasoned butler had to admire Wuyou's efficiency and stewardship skills, which were truly impressive. He felt an increasing admiration for Wuyou, but also a touch of sympathy; he was quite adept at understanding his masters' thoughts.
King Qi of Yan was naturally dissolute and licentious, fond of beautiful women, and also violent, often beating and scolding his servants; the queen was ruthless and doted on her youngest son without any limits, and only ever showed her disrespect to those who were useful to her.
As for the princess, although she is beautiful, she is in poor health. The prince might be intrigued by her for a couple of days at most, but that's it. In addition, there are a whole host of beautiful women outside, making it difficult to choose. The scene of the couple living in harmony is definitely not going to happen.
Without a husband's support, without a mother-in-law's help, and without her own family's backing, her situation is far too difficult. For this princess of Yong to marry into the family is like a fat sheep entering a den of wolves, to be devoured without a trace. Even if she manages to survive, she will likely have her edges smoothed out and her youth wasted in the quiet, secluded backyard of this mansion.
Three days into their marriage, Yan Qi hadn't even shown up. Wu You remained calm and unhurried, spending her days organizing the affairs of the Prince's mansion, removing all the thorns in its side, and finding a pretext to launch a campaign of buying off enemies and killings, appearing completely focused on building her career.
The steward, who had already formed a revolutionary camaraderie with Wuyou, was the first to worry. Rumors were rampant outside, portraying the Princess Consort of Qi as a worthless and ugly woman, which frightened the Prince of Qi so much that he fled to a brothel on his wedding night, not daring to show his face or even return to the Prince of Qi's residence.
People say that three people can make a tiger, and even if it's just a rumor, if many people say it, it will gradually become the truth. This is an unspeakable disgrace for the princess, the Qi Prince's Mansion, and even the Great Yan royal family.
Given the Queen's personality, she wouldn't blame her beloved son upon learning of this. Instead, she would likely target the Princess first, which would only worsen the Princess's situation.
After the steward cautiously brought up the matter, Wuyou put down the account book in her hand and chuckled. "Thank you for your concern, steward, but what can I do? I am just a princess who has married into a foreign land. How dare I confront the prince head-on? Do you expect me to lead a group of servants to Zuichunlou to kidnap her back? I'm afraid I would really become a laughing stock of the Great Yan royal family."
The steward choked, realizing that the princess's words made perfect sense. What could a weak woman like her do? Was she supposed to act like a shrew from the marketplace, causing a scene in a brothel and confronting people in public?
“But the prince never returns to the palace; frequenting brothels isn’t a solution.” The steward stammered. The prince’s stubborn nature was truly impossible to deal with; only the King and Queen could manage him to some extent, but the Queen seemed unwilling to get involved.
Wuyou fell silent upon hearing this, stroking the bracelet on his left wrist. Then he looked up at the butler and uttered something astonishing.
"Steward, do you know who this woman is that the prince is so fond of? If the prince truly likes her, then let's bring her into the manor! Otherwise, we won't be able to bear the blame from the queen."
These words truly shocked the steward so much that he almost cried out. To share a husband with a courtesan, to be abandoned in the bridal chamber by her husband so soon after their wedding—each and every one of these things was a slap in the face. Even a commoner woman could not bear such humiliation, let alone a princess.
Newly married, she had to endure the humiliation of welcoming the courtesan who had stolen her husband back to the palace. Such magnanimity and courage are not something that ordinary people can do.
"Is Your Highness truly certain? The Prince once mentioned taking Ziyan as a concubine, but the Queen rejected it. Now that Your Highness has spoken up yourself, there is no turning back." The steward, well aware of the details, couldn't help but hesitate. The Princess's words pleased the Prince, and the Queen wouldn't object; it was practically a done deal.
"Yes, I've thought it through very clearly. As long as Your Highness can change your mind and stop ruining your body, taking a concubine is nothing. Besides, I never expected Your Highness to only have me." Wuyou smiled faintly, a smile that seemed to carry a hint of sorrow and bitterness.
"Steward, take some men and invite the Prince and Miss Ziyan back!" Wuyou rubbed her forehead, her eyelids drooping slightly, looking exhausted, which made people worry.
"Yes, Your Highness." The steward obeyed. He had actually considered this method; it was the best solution. However, it would put the princess in a difficult position, and he couldn't bear to pressure a young girl, so he hadn't brought it up. He hadn't expected the princess to bring it up herself. Recalling the recent events, the steward could only sigh at the princess's misfortune.
The steward indirectly became a regular at Zuichunlou, often going there to drag Yan Qi, who was drunk and lingering there, back to the Prince's Mansion or the Palace. He was quite familiar with the place.
Accompanied by two or three servants, the group quickly arrived at the entrance of Zuixianglou. They knocked on the door and could faintly hear rustling sounds before the door was opened.
Although the Drunken Spring Pavilion doesn't accept customers at night, as it's a time for rest and recuperation, the pimps still guard the main gate, keeping watch to prevent anyone from coming to visit, waiting for business to come in, and preventing any trouble. They react very quickly.
A madam dressed in a red gauze dress, her hair slightly disheveled, yawning incessantly, came out, waving a folding fan in her hand. Her movements carried the scent of perfume, and her swaying exuded a charming and alluring womanly air.
"Oh, who do we have here? It's the steward of Prince Qi's mansion! What brings you here?" The madam chuckled, her silk fan fluttering and creating a fragrant breeze.
"Ahem, I've come to bring my lord back to the manor." The steward coughed, unable to bear the overly strong scent of perfume any longer, and turned his head slightly.
I really can't understand what my prince is thinking. He ignores his beautiful princess and runs off to a place like this to philander. The fragrance alone is enough to kill a person.
"So you've come looking for someone!" The madam chuckled, covering her mouth with her fan, her tone strange.
"Prince Qi redeemed my Ziyan a long time ago. Now that the princess has entered the household, when can my Ziyan enter? She has been waiting for so long! What do you say, steward?" The madam leaned against the door with her arms crossed, adopting a casual, conversational posture.
This wasn't the first time she'd said something similar, and the steward had always given her a perfunctory answer. But this time, she was uncharacteristically different, her tone inscrutable: "This time, I'm here on the orders of the Princess to invite the Prince back to the manor. As for Miss Ziyan, the Princess has already agreed to let her enter the manor."
"Really! I need to tell Ziyan this good news right away. Come with me!" The madam was overjoyed. It would be a wonderful thing for her Zuixiang Pavilion if the girl she raised became the Prince Qi's favorite concubine!
So, a large group of people went upstairs.
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