If she hadn’t mentioned it, it might have been fine—but once she did, Bai Chuchu’s hatred surged again, her silver teeth nearly grinding to pieces. She hissed, “That’s right! The prince was originally coming to me. If it weren’t for her tricks, how would he have ended up at Anlexuan instead? It’s all her… all because of her…”
“Your Ladyship, small impatience will ruin great plans. You must endure, you must endure,” said Yuxue softly, stepping forward to rub Bai Chuchu’s chest in comfort. When she saw her mistress’s breathing gradually steady, she finally let out a sigh of relief.
“These past two days, I told you to get close to the maids serving beside the prince. How is that going?”
No matter how unwilling she was, that woman was the princess consort, and Bai Chuchu was only a side concubine. She didn’t dare confront her head-on, so she had arranged for her trusted maid to take the indirect route.
“The prince’s maid, Chunfen, is truly difficult to deal with—no matter what I do, she’s cold as stone. I even wanted to give her a little gift, but couldn’t find a single chance. However, that Hongxiu girl—she seems to have quite a few complaints about the princess consort. She’s straightforward and bold. I gave her the silver sachet Your Ladyship rewarded me with, and she loved it. Most of what I’ve learned about the prince’s preferences and recent happenings comes from her. She’s observant and attentive.”
“Is that so?”
A smile finally appeared on Bai Chuchu’s face. Yuxue, watching her closely, lowered her voice. “Only… though she’s careful, I can tell—her heart is a bit too bold. I fear she harbors… improper thoughts toward the prince.”
“A pretty, flirtatious maid in the prince’s own quarters having a crush on him? That’s perfectly normal,” Bai Chuchu said carelessly, her smile widening. “Silly girl, we should only worry if she doesn’t have such thoughts. So long as she does, there will come a day when we can use her. You must win this Hongxiu over. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Your Ladyship, I understand.”
Yuxue nodded but still looked uneasy. After a moment, she said softly, “But, Your Ladyship… what if Chunfen tells the prince about me?”
“What about you?” Bai Chuchu arched a brow. “All you’ve done is try to bribe them a little, haven’t you?”
“Isn’t that enough? The prince could have me beaten to death for that alone.”
“Fool.” Bai Chuchu chuckled lightly. “If I dared send you to gather information, of course I’ve already prepared a way out for you. In this whole residence, you’re the only one I truly trust. Do you really think I’d just watch you die?”
“Thank you, Your Ladyship.” Yuxue put on a deeply moved expression—because with a mistress like this, good acting was essential. “But still…”
“No buts.” Bai Chuchu raised her hand impatiently, cutting her off. She rose and walked to the window, gazing out at the willow branches swaying in the wind. “Before, I played hard to get, and who would’ve thought it’d backfire so badly? The prince still hasn’t visited me. As his concubine, how can I just sit still? Sending my maid to find out his preferences and whereabouts—trying to make amends—isn’t that only natural?”
Yuxue suddenly understood, her eyes widening. “So… Your Ladyship already had a plan. You’re using my actions to show the prince that you realize your mistake—that you seek his forgiveness, aren’t you?”
“Of course. So if Chunfen reports you to the prince, that’s the best possible outcome. There’s nothing to fear.”
Bai Chuchu patted her shoulder reassuringly, but Yuxue still looked hesitant. “Then… what if she doesn’t tell the prince?”
“Do you really think the prince’s rooms are without informants? Even if Chunfen says nothing, someone else will. Never underestimate how tightly he controls this household.”
“Then I’m relieved.” Yuxue looked at her with admiration. “Your Ladyship is brilliant—everything is under your control.”
“I hope so.” Bai Chuchu’s expression, however, was not as optimistic. She stared absently out the window, murmuring, “These past few days, I’ve indeed fallen behind the princess consort by one step. But she’s just a country girl. As long as I plan carefully and move steadily, I’ll soon catch up—and then leave her far behind.”
“You definitely will.” Yuxue clenched her fists encouragingly. “She only became the princess consort because of her kinship with the Empress. But you, Your Ladyship, were personally chosen for the prince by His Majesty himself. That means the Emperor truly knows your character—she’s nowhere near your equal.”
“You’re right.” Bai Chuchu lifted her chin proudly. “She ascended in one leap, while I rose here by my own ability.”
Just then, a little maid outside announced, “Miss Hongxiu has arrived.”
“Hongxiu?” Bai Chuchu raised her brows and motioned for Yuxue to welcome her in. Moments later, Yuxue and Hongxiu entered together.
Seated gracefully on the couch, Bai Chuchu watched as Hongxiu curtsied and smiled sweetly. “Just now, His Highness remarked how lovely the weather was. I said, why not invite the side consort for a stroll in the garden? After all, since the wedding, His Highness hasn’t yet accompanied Your Ladyship. And, fortunately, he was in a good mood today—he agreed and sent me to invite you.”
“Truly?”
Bai Chuchu jumped up, unable to hide her delight. She stepped forward and grasped Hongxiu’s wrist, tears brimming in her eyes. “Sister, your kindness—I will never forget it. If I ever live in peace and prosperity, I’ll gladly share it with you.”
Startled, Hongxiu quickly pulled back, flustered. “Your Ladyship overpraises me! I dare not accept such words. It was only a few casual remarks—nothing worth your gratitude. As the saying goes, helping others is helping oneself. Why wouldn’t I? Besides, everything I do is for His Highness.”
“Yes, we women of the inner court—our thoughts are all centered on the prince,” Bai Chuchu said meaningfully.
Hongxiu blushed, and Bai Chuchu smiled gently. She slipped off a jade bracelet from her wrist and took Hongxiu’s hand. “This bracelet is made of fine Hetian jade, crafted by the best jeweler in the capital. I just put it on this morning—the prince hasn’t even seen it yet. Your wrists are slender and fair—it suits you perfectly. Just a small token, please don’t refuse.”
“I can’t possibly—”
But Bai Chuchu ignored her protests and fastened the bracelet herself. Hongxiu could only sigh and say, “Side Consort, you’re too kind. Since you insist, I’ll humbly accept. Only, please don’t call me sister again. I’m just a servant—if His Highness heard that, I wouldn’t know if I could keep my life!”
“Alright.”
Bai Chuchu nodded in agreement. Hongxiu smiled. “Then Your Ladyship should dress up quickly. His Highness is still in the study. Once you change, you can go meet him.”
“Very well. Tell him I’ll be there soon.”
After Yuxue escorted Hongxiu out, she returned to help her mistress prepare, smiling as she said, “Your Ladyship, this Hongxiu may be greedy, but she gets things done. Sure enough, she spoke for you before the prince.”
Bai Chuchu replied coolly, “She didn’t speak for me. She only wanted to spite the princess consort.”
“Who cares why? As long as she’s on our side, that’s all that matters. Having her whisper a few words in front of the prince now and then is worth more than all our schemes.”
“Not necessarily.”
Bai Chuchu shook her head, adjusting her collar before the mirror. “This time, though she did speak for me, the credit truly belongs to Chunfen. If she hadn’t reported your actions to the prince—letting him see my supposed remorse—Hongxiu’s words alone might not have worked.”
(End of Chapter)