“Qinggui Brother, who usually manages the household accounts? How could the monthly allowances be so unclear?”
Xie Yuheng’s jade-like, cool countenance rarely showed a trace of embarrassment.
Though he was deeply versed in court politics and nearly invincible in official circles, he was not adept at managing household affairs.
His elderly mother was illiterate and couldn’t even read account books.
There was no hope of her handling the myriad trivial matters and account management of the entire Prime Minister’s Mansion.
Thus, since he had risen to the first rank and established his own residence, the household accounts had been managed independently by the accountants.
Old Madam Xie’s expression turned grim: “What nonsense about having no money! We’ve always spent like this before, and there’s never been a problem.”
“Could it be that you servants, blinded by wealth, have done some underhanded things and are trying to deceive us?”
Xie Yuheng’s cool gaze swept over everyone, and he too felt some suspicion.
His monthly salary was substantial, and over the years, the emperor’s favor had granted him many fields and shops. Surely it couldn’t be that he couldn’t even support one mansion.
“Have the steward bring the accounts. I will examine them thoroughly!”
Seeing the atmosphere tense, Su Qingxi gently tugged at Xie Yuheng’s sleeve and blinked at him.
Then, smiling, she walked behind the old madam and began massaging her shoulders.
“Aunt Xie, Qinggui Brother, please don’t be upset.”
“If these dishes aren’t to your taste, Xi’er will personally cook a few small dishes. Let’s eat first, alright?”
“Only, Xi’er’s skills are ordinary, I’m afraid they can’t compare to the chefs sent by Her Highness the Princess.”
“Aunt Xie and Qinggui Brother must not look down on Xi’er.”
Old Madam Xie had watched Su Qingxi grow up and knew she was frail. How could she bear to let her cook?
“Xi’er, having this thought makes Aunt Xie happy. Our Xi’er is meant to enjoy blessings in the future; how could she do the work of servants?”
Su Qingxi lowered her eyes, her voice softening.
“Xi’er is an orphan with both parents gone. If not for Qinggui Brother taking me in, who knows where I’d be struggling to survive now? How dare I hope for too much?”
A flicker of pity crossed Xie Yuheng’s cool face.
“What nonsense are you talking? Master Su was immensely kind to me. No matter what, I would never abandon you.”
Old Madam Xie quickly pulled Su Qingxi to sit down, comforting her: “Exactly, don’t say such things again in the future. The Prime Minister’s Mansion is your home.”
“With Qinggui here, who would dare bully you?”
Su Qingxi’s beautiful almond eyes misted over, her palm-sized face pitifully lovely.
Old Madam Xie’s heart ached at the sight, taking out a handkerchief to wipe her tears.
“Look at this poor child, don’t cry. If you cry your face away, how will you go out to attend banquets?”
Su Qingxi was taken aback, but Xie Yuheng understood.
“Has the Grand Princess sent an invitation for the Spring Radiance Banquet?”
Old Madam Xie nodded: “Exactly. My thought is that you should take Xi’er along, let her broaden her horizons.”
“Staying cooped up indoors all day, where’s the youthful spirit a young girl should have?”
“I’ve heard that the noble ladies of Yujing all attend banquets. It would be good for Xi’er to go out and make some friends.”
Xie Yuheng frowned slightly. In the past, Xi’er’s health had been poor, so he had never considered taking her to banquets.
Now that Xi’er’s health was better than before, his mother’s words made sense.
“Xi’er, would you like to go?”
Su Qingxi nodded, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
“Qinggui Brother, I want to go.”
…
Princess Changle’s Mansion, Qinghuan Hall.
A sandalwood carriage carved with floral patterns came to a halt, and the accompanying maidservant handed the visiting card to the gatekeeper.
Upon recognizing the plaque of the Taifu Mansion’s Zhou family on the carriage, the gatekeeper dared not delay in the slightest and immediately reported it.
The message was relayed through layers, and eventually, Yun Yao presented the visiting card to Shen Zhaoli.
Hesitating for a long while with the card in hand, Shen Zhaoli finally opened it.
Seeing the familiar handwriting on it, her eyes involuntarily reddened.
It was indeed her.
Zhou Qingyun, the eldest granddaughter of the Taifu, was her sworn sister.
In their childhood, Shen Zhaoli had studied under Old Grand Tutor Zhou and attended classes alongside Zhou Qingyun.
As the daughter of the Taifu, Zhou Qingyun had been immersed in scholarly influence since a young age and was exceptionally intelligent.
But Shen Zhaoli was also a prodigy, mastering everything she learned with ease.
Both were equally proud and stubborn, refusing to yield to the other.
They had competed countless times since childhood.
Yet, through their daily interactions, a mutual admiration grew between them, and they eventually became sworn sisters.
They were hailed as the Twin Jewels of Yujing.
However, later on, Shen Zhaoli spent her days chasing after Xie Yuheng, losing her dignity in the process.
Zhou Qingyun could not bear to see her former friend demean herself so. After several attempts to persuade her proved futile, she severed ties with Shen Zhaoli, unwilling to meet her again.
Shen Zhaoli never expected Zhou Qingyun to take the initiative to send her a visiting card.
“I must personally go to receive her.”
Clutching the visiting card, Shen Zhaoli rose and walked outside.
Seeing this, Mi Ning and the others hurriedly followed.
Passing through the small garden, they saw from afar an elegant woman, graceful as an orchid in a secluded valley, approaching steadily.
She wore a purple gauze dress embroidered with emerald patterns, her dark hair styled in a single spiral bun.
A six-piece set of jade lotus and silver filigree hair ornaments adorned her head, exuding nobility without appearing overly elaborate—a vision of refined beauty.
Zhou Qingyun curtsied, her voice gentle and refined, though her tone carried a hint of stiffness.
“Your humble subject, Zhou Qingyun, pays her respects to Princess Changle.”
Shen Zhaoli was taken aback, her smile freezing on her face, yet she still reached out to help her up.
“Jingyi, you are truly piercing my heart.”
Zhou Qingyun raised her eyes to look at Shen Zhaoli. “Is it not only the Prime Minister who can pierce Princess Changle’s heart?”
Hearing the resentment in Zhou Qingyun’s words, Shen Zhaoli quickly linked arms with her, her tone soft and gentle.
“Dear Jingyi, I was the one who failed to appreciate your kindness before. Please don’t be angry with me anymore.”
Zhou Qingyun stared at Shen Zhaoli for a moment before sighing.
“The one who failed to appreciate kindness is Xie Yuheng.”
“Do you know that this time, all of Yujing is laughing at you? If you remain stubbornly deluded, I truly won’t care about you anymore.”
“I, Zhou Qingyun, have no sworn sister as spineless as you.”
Shen Zhaoli’s expression turned serious, her eyes clear and filled with cold pride.
“Jingyi, from now on, I have no connection whatsoever with Xie Yuheng.”
“Three months from now, I will be entering a marriage alliance with Beiliang. I am very glad that you could set aside past grievances and come to see me.”
Zhou Qingyun was stunned. “A marriage alliance with Beiliang? You…”
Shen Zhaoli chuckled lightly, interrupting Zhou Qingyun’s wild thoughts.
“I volunteered. I’m sure you understand the situation between Dajing and Beiliang.”
“The marriage alliance is inevitable. It is my duty as the eldest princess of Dajing.”
Zhou Qingyun pursed her red lips, her elegant face showing a complex expression.
She resented Shen Zhaoli, a princess of a nation, for being consumed by love and wasting her youth.
Yet, in her heart, she was even more unwilling to see her friend sacrifice herself for the sake of peace.
But she knew Shen Zhaoli best—once she made a decision, she would never turn back.
It was the same three years ago when she fell for Xie Yuheng, and it was the same now with the marriage alliance to Beiliang.
“If you are determined to marry, you must be fully prepared.”
Shen Zhaoli smiled softly, warmth blooming in her heart.
“Don’t worry. I am, after all, the Grand Tutor’s most accomplished disciple.”
The two of them chatted as they walked toward the hall.
Zhou Qingyun couldn’t help but chuckle softly, giving Shen Zhaoli a reproachful glance.
“You have the nerve to say that. Your actions over these past few years have angered Grandfather terribly.”
“He ordered the servants not to bring any news of you into the residence, yet he couldn’t help but worry. He often came to my courtyard, hinting around to ask about your recent situation.”
Shen Zhaoli felt a pang of sorrow in her heart, deeply troubled.
Over these years, for Xie Yuheng’s sake, she had neglected too many people who truly loved and cared for her.
“I’ll personally visit the old master another day to apologize.”
Zhou Qingyun nodded. “That’s good. Don’t be fooled by Grandfather scolding you all day—he still holds you in his heart.”
Shen Zhaoli smiled wryly. The Zhou family of the Grand Tutor were close ministers to the Shen family.
Since the founding of Dajing, they had served in the court, with generations of officials in the family who had accumulated meritorious achievements over the years.
Old Grand Tutor Zhou held such a high status that even the Imperial Uncle had to show him deference.
When she was young, she studied at the Zhou family school,
and received many strokes of the cane from Old Grand Tutor Zhou, yet he also loved her as if she were his own granddaughter.
Whatever Zhou Qingyun had, she was sure to have a share as well.
“Alright, let’s not always talk about me. I’ve heard that you’re already engaged to the eldest son of the Lu family, the Marquis of Wen’an.”
“That eldest son Lu attained the position of Chancellor of the Imperial Academy at a young age. I hear he is not only exceptionally talented but also handsome and dignified.”
“His future prospects are limitless. I imagine the old master must be quite satisfied.”
Zhou Qingyun’s fair face flushed slightly, her voice tinged with shyness.
“Grandfather personally met him and had much praise for the young master of the Lu family.”
Shen Zhaoli couldn’t help but chuckle softly, teasing Zhou Qingyun with a mischievous look.
“The old master is satisfied, but what about Jingyi? Are you satisfied?”
Zhou Qingyun shot Shen Zhaoli a reproachful glance, her face completely flushed, as she lightly tapped Shen Zhaoli’s forehead with her slender finger.
“You, still in the mood to tease me? You should focus on not wasting your own talents.”
“Grandfather often says you are the most gifted and talented person he has ever seen. If you would only apply yourself diligently, write books to leave for posterity, you might one day break through the constraints and become the first female great scholar.”
“But look at you—these past three years, you’ve spent every day chasing after that Xie Yuheng. I’m afraid you’ve let all your past studies go to waste.”
Shen Zhaoli sighed. Over these three years, she had devoted too much of her mind to Xie Yuheng.
And what had been neglected was far more than just her studies.