Rong Dai returned to her courtyard with a gloomy expression. Since the title of concubine had not yet been formally granted, and she was unwilling to lower herself by living in the Western Courtyard reserved for Prince Qi’s concubines, the prince had arranged for her to stay in Furong Courtyard.
Furong Courtyard was an independent courtyard in the rear section of the prince’s residence—a spacious, two-section compound. Though it couldn’t compare to the main courtyard where Rong Luoge currently lived, it was not far off.
“Miss, what should we do next? In my humble opinion, since the princess is so ungrateful, perhaps you should join forces with Zhenguo Gong Furen,” Nanny Guan suggested.
Rong Dai suppressed her anger. Zhenguo Gong Furen had just ordered the destruction of her mother and brother’s residence. If not for that, why would she have moved into Prince Qi’s residence? After all, the title of concubine had not been granted, and she hadn’t entered the household with any fanfare. It was truly humiliating.
But thinking of Rong Luoge, Rong Dai forcefully pushed down her resentment toward Zhenguo Gong Furen. After careful consideration, the only ones who could legitimately suppress Rong Luoge were her father and the Duchess.
“Prepare the sedan. We’re going to the Duke’s residence.” Rong Dai was a patient person—otherwise, how could she have come this far? Even if she loathed the Duchess, as long as she could help her deal with Rong Luoge, she was willing to join forces.
Cang Yun, who had just left the Duke’s residence, spotted Rong Dai entering and quietly stepped aside. Once they had entered, she hurried back as fast as she could.
Rong Luoge was not surprised to hear Cang Yun’s report. Since Rong Dai couldn’t gain any advantage from her, of course she would turn around and reluctantly ally with Chu Ke again.
Seeing her mistress’s indifferent expression, Cang Yun grew anxious. “Miss, if Rong Dai and the Duchess join forces, you’ll be at a disadvantage.”
“Not necessarily,” Rong Luoge replied, having already formed a plan. She looked at Cang Yun and said, “If the dowry is delivered, take it directly to the small house my mother left behind.”
“But Miss, the old house has no one guarding it. It wouldn’t be safe to leave things there—what if thieves steal them?”
“That’s why I’m going out to hire some guards.” Rong Luoge had already made up her mind. After instructing Cang Yun, she changed her clothes and left.
The largest escort agency in the capital was Zhenxing Escort Agency. Many merchants hired them for protection during their travels. Rong Luoge knew that in this line of work, there were many who had been injured or disabled. She planned to select a few skilled individuals from Zhenxing Escort Agency to serve as guards at the old house.
The chief escort of Zhenxing Escort Agency was surnamed Luo, named Luo Xian. Upon hearing that Princess Qi had arrived, he personally came out to greet her. After exchanging pleasantries and learning of her purpose, he thought for a moment and said with a smile, “The agency certainly has the people you’re looking for, Princess. I recommend two to you: one named He Huai and the other Jing Chu. Both were once renowned escorts under my command. They were injured while escorting a journey westward and are no longer fit for long-distance travel, but they are more than capable of serving as guards.”
“Rong Luoge? What are you doing here?”
Hearing an unfamiliar voice, Rong Luoge turned and saw a young woman in a goose-yellow dress glaring at her with hostility.
Memories of the original owner surfaced in her mind, and Rong Luoge looked at the other woman with a hint of amusement.
Ming Yuhua—Prince Qi’s maternal cousin, Consort Ming’s niece, and the eldest legitimate daughter of the General’s household.
This one adored her dear cousin, but since the General was already Prince Qi’s uncle, marrying within the family would be a waste of resources. Thus, the marriage could not happen.
Instead of resenting her family and cousin who prioritized their own interests, Ming Yuhua harbored hatred for the original host who married Prince Qi. How laughable.
"What does this have to do with you, Miss Ming?" Rong Luoge couldn't be bothered to engage with her. After retorting, she turned to Luo Xian and said, "Chief Luo, let's settle it this way. Please have them go to this address. The monthly salary will be as you suggested, and the contract will be for ten years."
Just as Luo Xian was about to agree, Ming Yuhua interjected, "Wait!"
Ming Yuhua was nearly driven mad with anger. In the past, Rong Luoge would be timid and submissive in her presence, but this time, she was being completely ignored, which naturally displeased her. "Rong Luoge, I want these two people!"
Rong Luoge's expression darkened as she stared at Ming Yuhua with a mocking smile.
Ming Yuhua's delicate face stiffened at the sight of Rong Luoge's expression, her heart trembling slightly. Then, feeling a mix of shame and anger, she snapped, "What are you looking at? I'm warning you, you'd better know your place. Otherwise, I'll tell my cousin and have him deal with you."
"Only children resort to childish tattling. Miss Ming is already of age…" Rong Luoge sneered. "Besides, there's an order to things. Is this how General Ming and Lady Ming taught their child to snatch others' belongings?"
Since when had Rong Luoge become so sharp-tongued?
Ming Yuhua stared at her in shock, then grew furious upon hearing her criticize her parents. She immediately stepped forward, raising her hand to teach her a lesson.
Rong Luoge's face darkened further. She intercepted Ming Yuhua's wrist, her eyes flashing with even greater ferocity as she let out a cold laugh. "Miss Ming, what an impressive display of authority! Daring to strike a royal consort at will. It seems I must seek justice before Her Majesty the Empress!"
The Empress and Consort Ming had always been at odds. Ming Yuhua could hardly believe her ears. What was Rong Luoge saying?
How dare she use the Empress to pressure her? Didn't she know that her cousin despised the Empress and the Crown Prince the most?
"Rong Luoge, have you gone mad?"
"Whether I'm mad or not, I don't know, but it seems Miss Ming is the one who's lost her mind." Rong Luoge stared at her, then suddenly stepped closer and whispered softly in her ear, "Ming Yuhua, what's the use of your affection for Prince Qi? Your family doesn't approve of you marrying him, and Prince Qi has no intention of taking you as his wife. Instead of standing up for yourself, you come to take your frustrations out on me, thinking I'm an easy target? Do you think I'm still the same person who would let you bully me? Dream on!"
Ming Yuhua was convinced Rong Luoge had truly lost her mind. The old Rong Luoge had been soft-spoken, timid, and fearful, never daring to talk back when bullied. What had gotten into her today?
"You…"
Rong Luoge paid her no further attention and turned back to Luo Xian. "Chief Luo, it's settled then. I'll take my leave now."
"Take care, Consort. I'll send someone over shortly." Luo Xian replied with a smile, as if he hadn't witnessed the earlier scene. He paid no mind to Ming Yuhua's earlier words. While the General's household held power, his Zhenxing Escort Agency was no pushover either, not someone anyone could order around at will.
Fuming, Ming Yuhua chased after her and grabbed Rong Luoge. "Rong Luoge, you may act tough in front of others, but I don't believe you're truly unafraid of my cousin's anger. If he finds out how you treated me, he'll definitely make you pay."
Rong Luoge had always adored her cousin. Her earlier defiance must have been an act.
Rong Luoge brushed off Ming Yuhua's hand gripping hers. "Ming Yuhua, you really are as foolish as they say. Why are you staring at me? Your dear cousin doesn't like me—his heart's treasure, the apple of his eye, is Rong Dai. Did you know? Before he even requested the title of concubine for her, your cousin couldn't wait to bring his beloved into his household."
"What? Rong Dai? Who are you trying to fool?" Of course Ming Yuhua knew Rong Dai. In fact, their relationship was quite good, precisely because Rong Dai also disliked Rong Luoge.
Rong Luoge didn't mind causing a bit of trouble for Rong Dai. This self-righteous young lady was the perfect tool, wasn't she?
"Otherwise, why do you think I became Princess Qi? It's because your dear cousin couldn't marry Rong Dai. He married me to hold the position of princess for her, to cover for them." Watching Ming Yuhua's face turn ashen, Rong Luoge leisurely added, "Do you know why Rong Dai was willing to befriend you? Did you really think she enjoyed flattering you?"