With things having reached this point, even if Xie Yuheng was unwilling in his heart, he had no choice but to agree.
“All of you have served diligently and made contributions during your time at the Prime Minister’s residence. Since you have made up your minds, I shall not insist on keeping you.”
“Yin Ji, take inventory of the properties under the Prime Minister’s name, sell them off, and use the proceeds to cover the shortfall in the residence’s funds.”
“Rest assured, your monthly wages will be paid in full, not a single coin less.”
Old Madam Xie was so anxious she could hardly sit still. “But that’s hard-earned silver!”
Xie Yuheng’s brow furrowed even tighter. “Mother, which is more important: silver, or your son’s future?”
In Yujing City, any household with even a shred of reputation would never delay paying their servants’ monthly wages.
Let alone official and scholarly families, who considered such matters a disgrace; if it became public, it could damage one’s official reputation.
Old Madam Xie still held some fear toward her son and immediately fell silent.
Steward Wu, Nanny Cui, and the others bowed in gratitude and withdrew one by one.
Old Madam Xie’s expression instantly turned displeased.
Over the years, she had grown accustomed to a life of luxury; how could she possibly endure hardship now?
“Knowing full well that Princess Changle has a petty and jealous nature, why did you have to provoke her?”
As she spoke, Old Madam Xie glared at Xie Yuheng and Su Qingxi.
“You two are really something. Even if you have feelings for each other, you should have exercised restraint in public.”
“Once the princess marries into the household in the future, whether you take a wife or a concubine will be entirely up to you.”
“But now look what’s happened—all the family assets are gone. How are we supposed to live from now on?”
Xie Yuheng’s face darkened. “Mother, do not speak nonsense and ruin Qingxi’s reputation.”
Old Madam Xie pursed her lips but said nothing more.
Su Qingxi, however, felt a sudden tightness in her chest, an inexplicable pang of bitterness. Then, obediently, she removed the jade bracelet from her wrist.
She handed it to Xie Yuheng, her slightly pale face filled with earnestness.
“Qinggui Brother, Aunt Xie, during my time at the Prime Minister’s residence, you have provided me with many clothes and accessories. Please sell them all; it can help reduce the household’s losses.”
Xie Yuheng’s heart softened. He placed the jade bracelet back on Su Qingxi’s wrist.
“Keep it and don’t worry. It’s just that from now on, the household will have to cut back on expenses. I’m afraid life will become rather austere.”
Taking a deep breath, Xie Yuheng said coldly, “The matter of selling off the family assets is decided. There is no need for further discussion.”
With Xie Yuheng’s decree, no one dared to disobey. They accepted the order and withdrew.
Looking at the now much emptier residence, Xie Yuheng felt a wave of irritation.
…
Late spring and early summer were the perfect seasons for admiring flowers.
Grand Princess Shen Shuangyu delighted in tending to plants and flowers. With her skilled hands, she cultivated many rare and exotic blooms.
This earned her praise even from officials of the Ministry of Agriculture.
To allow everyone to appreciate them, every May, Grand Princess Shen Shuangyu would host the Spring Radiance Banquet at Qionghua Garden.
She would invite talented scholars and beauties from Yujing to gather for the grand feast, admiring flowers, sipping tea, and composing poetry in praise of spring’s splendor.
Time flew by, and soon it was the day of the Spring Radiance Banquet.
In front of Qionghua Garden, carriages and horses came and went in an endless stream.
Noble ladies and young masters from prestigious families gathered, seated separately on two sides.
Although it was a flower-viewing banquet, few had their eyes on the garden’s spring scenery.
“Have you heard? Princess Changle will also attend this Spring Radiance Banquet.”
“Really? In recent years, Princess Changle has rarely appeared at any banquet, and she has never attended the Spring Radiance Banquet. Moreover, after that scandal just the other day, why would Her Highness come?”
“Isn’t it obvious? Princess Changle must be coming for the Prime Minister.”
During the conversation, guards in silver armor parted the crowd, while palace maids holding long-handled feather fans and ornate canopies cleared the way.
A palanquin carried by six bearers slowly approached, and the crowd immediately fell silent, bowing their heads.
Crimson curtains embroidered with golden phoenixes hung around the palanquin, fluttering gently in the breeze, faintly revealing the peerless beauty within.
The palanquin stopped before the viewing terrace, and Mi Ning assisted Shen Zhaoli as she stepped down.
She wore a flowing, iridescent palace gown with subtle floral patterns, her dark hair styled into an ethereal updo adorned with a six-piece set of mutton-fat jasmine and winter jasmine hair ornaments.
This only enhanced her celestial beauty, making her appear unparalleled in the world.
Her entire presence exuded noble elegance, dignified and sacred, like a moon goddess descending to the mortal realm.
The crowd was momentarily stunned, rendered speechless.
In the past, Her Highness had always dressed simply and plainly—beautiful, yes, but lacking the imperial grandeur.
Today’s attire, however, made her look like a celestial maiden descending from the heavens!
Though inwardly marveling, no one dared utter a word, fearing they might tarnish such perfection.
Only after Shen Zhaoli had passed by did the crowd, their faces slightly flushed, kneel and pay their respects.
Xie Yuheng, who had arrived late with Su Qingxi, stood at the foot of the viewing terrace.
Gazing up at Shen Zhaoli as she ascended, his eyes held a trace of admiration.
She had been born under a shower of stars, radiant and brilliant.
Yet she remained aloft in the halls of power, unaware of the world’s hardships.
Su Qingxi, standing beside Xie Yuheng, was also struck by Shen Zhaoli’s dazzling presence.
Was that Princess Changle, the one who would one day marry Qinggui Brother?
She was truly beautiful.
Su Qingxi lowered her gaze, tightly clutching the hem of her dress, feeling a pang of inadequacy.
This was the most exquisite gown Aunt Xie had prepared for her.
But compared to Princess Changle, it was like fireflies beside the bright moon.
Unaware of Su Qingxi’s emotions, Xie Yuheng withdrew his gaze and led her toward the viewing terrace to attend the banquet.
However, they were stopped by a nanny, who glanced at Su Qingxi twice.
“Prime Minister Xie, the female guests are seated on the western viewing terrace. Allow this servant to escort this young lady there.”
Su Qingxi, attending such an occasion for the first time, felt timid and silently tightened her grip on Xie Yuheng’s sleeve.
The nanny nearby noticed this and flashed a look of disdain.
She had long heard that the Prime Minister had a childhood sweetheart who had moved into the Prime Minister’s residence without any formal arrangement—utterly improper.
And now, in public, she was clinging to a man like this. How shameless.
Xie Yuheng saw no issue with it, gently patting Su Qingxi’s hand, his tone warm.
“Don’t be afraid. Once you’re there, just seek out Princess Changle. She will take care of you.”
Su Qingxi recalled the figure she had just seen, hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
Witnessing their behavior, Nanny Xue couldn’t help but roll her eyes.
Prime Minister Xie had truly lost his senses.
What status did this girl have to deserve Princess Changle’s care?
“Let’s go.”
…
At the main seat, news of Xie Yuheng bringing his childhood sweetheart to the banquet had already reached Shen Shuangyu’s ears.
A palace maid reported beside her, and Shen Shuangyu’s expression was far from pleased.
This Prime Minister Xie was truly ungrateful.
How dare he bring that unrefined creature to such an occasion!
Shen Zhaoli, listening nearby, found it laughable.
Just days ago, he had repeatedly promised to visit her later.
Yet now, he had turned around and brought his childhood sweetheart to the banquet.
Xie Yuheng, whom others saw as honest and trustworthy, was nothing but a liar in her eyes.
Shen Shuangyu sighed, gently stroking Shen Zhaoli’s cheek, her eyes filled with pity.
“Li’er, deep affection is short-lived, and great wisdom invites sorrow.”