Inside Prince Rui’s Residence, Jinniang was questioning the young maid standing before her.
“Did you find out everything clearly?”
The young maid nodded confidently.
“Xiaobaozi and I entered the residence at the same time, so we’re quite close. This time, he accompanied the Princess to Yuling Mountain. Xiaochuanzi from the residence went with them as well, along with two nannies and two maids.”
A faint smile appeared on Jinniang’s face.
Six servants from the residence had accompanied Xiao Yu. It seemed the Prince still did not trust his Princess and had deliberately sent people to keep an eye on her.
Most likely, everything Xiao Yu did on Yuling Mountain would eventually be reported to the Prince.
“You may go. If you hear anything else, bring the news to me.”
Jinniang’s personal maid, Xiaohong, escorted the young maid out and discreetly slipped a few copper coins into her hand. The young maid happily accepted them and left.
“Xiaohong, I need you to do something for me.”
Jinniang beckoned Xiaohong closer and whispered a few words into her ear. Xiaohong nodded and left to carry out her instructions.
Xie Jin had just stepped through the gates of the residence when someone called out from behind him.
“Your Highness, please wait.”
Xie Jin turned around and was surprised to see Nanny An, the Empress Dowager’s trusted attendant.
“Nanny An?”
“Her Majesty the Empress Dowager sent this old servant to speak with Your Highness.”
Xie Jin immediately understood.
The Empress Dowager must have heard something. Perhaps Nanny An had come specifically to support Xiao Yu!
“I respectfully await the Empress Dowager’s guidance.”
“The Empress Dowager heard that a woman has moved into Your Highness’s inner residence and that she is already pregnant. Is this true?”
“Jinniang is not a woman of dubious origins. Her father is a fifth-rank official. It is only because her mother was a concubine that she was never favored by her family. Jinniang and I—”
Nanny An raised her hand, stopping him from continuing.
“Your Highness, you are being foolish! The imperial family has strict ancestral rules and must serve as an example to all officials. If His Majesty learns of this, he may very well reprimand you. You must never favor a concubine while neglecting your lawful wife. Think about your status. Does Your Highness truly wish to be looked down upon by the other princes?”
“Not to mention that the Princess’s father is still the Chief Grand Secretary of the current dynasty. Even if his influence has weakened, his position remains. The Empress Dowager is also deeply fond of the Princess. Among the imperial princes, Your Highness has always been one of His Majesty’s favorites. If you lose your sense of propriety because of matters in your inner residence, the consequences will far outweigh any benefit.”
“Nanny…”
Xie Jin’s mouth tasted bitter.
Naturally, he understood everything Nanny An had said. He wanted to explain himself, but if the Empress Dowager learned the whole truth, she would undoubtedly defend Xiao Yu even more fiercely.
At this moment, he even began to regret bringing Xiao Yu into his residence.
If he had known things would turn out this way, he should have caused a scene that very day and rejected the marriage outright. Then he would not have to deal with all these troublesome matters now!
Unfortunately, there was no medicine for regret.
He had originally believed that, as a dignified imperial prince, dealing with a mere Xiao Yu would be effortless.
Unexpectedly, although he had managed to keep Xiao Yu under control and even the Xiao family had noticed nothing unusual, the Empress Dowager had somehow sensed something was wrong.
Could Xiao Yu have said something to the Empress Dowager after he left that day?
Nanny An seemed to see through his thoughts.
She had served the Empress Dowager for many years and possessed extremely sharp eyes. The day Xiao Yu visited the palace, Nanny An had already noticed that the newlywed couple had not consummated their marriage.
After making a few inquiries afterward, she understood what had happened.
Previously, both she and the Empress Dowager had believed that Xie Jin had conducted himself steadily and responsibly all these years.
Who would have thought he was also an unfaithful, heartless man?
Nanny An’s gaze toward Xie Jin immediately turned cold.
“The Empress Dowager also sensed that something was wrong between the two of you, which is why she instructed me to come and ask about it while offering Your Highness a few words of advice. I only hope Your Highness will take this old servant’s words to heart. As for authority over the household, it would be best to hand it over to the Princess as soon as possible.”
“Thank you for your guidance, Nanny An. Please tell the Empress Dowager that I will remember her words.”
Nanny An turned to leave, but after taking a few steps, she suddenly remembered something and looked back.
“On my way here, I heard that the Princess went to Yuling Mountain. If she went because she misses Imperial Consort Dowager Yu, then there is nothing wrong with that. But if there is some other reason, Your Highness should bring her back as soon as possible. A newlywed couple separating before even a full month has passed will inevitably invite gossip.”
After seeing Nanny An off, Xie Jin felt increasingly frustrated.
Xiao Yu must have said something to the Empress Dowager!
And yet she had dared tell him that she “hadn’t said anything!”
She had probably planned from the beginning to have the Empress Dowager support her.
Just then, Steward Du entered carrying a sheet of paper.
“Xiaobaozi sent this down from the mountain.”
Xie Jin took it and quickly scanned its contents.
“Hmph.”
Some of the frustration in his heart finally dissipated.
It seemed Xiao Yu was at least being sincere. Her claim that she had gone to Yuling Mountain to copy scriptures and calm her mind had not merely been an excuse.
“In a few days, go there personally and bring the Princess back.”
Steward Du froze for a moment.
He had overheard some of Nanny An’s words from a distance earlier. He had assumed Xie Jin would personally go and bring the Princess back, but instead, the Prince was sending him.
It seemed His Highness was still angry.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Wait.”
Xie Jin suddenly stopped him.
“Forget it. Don’t go. Have Nanny Chen make the trip personally instead. The authority to manage the Prince’s Residence must now be formally handed over to the Princess. Tell her that after the marriage, there are important matters within the residence that require the Princess to return as soon as possible and make the necessary arrangements. As for the rest, let Nanny Chen decide what to say.”
Hearing this, Steward Du immediately understood.
“This old servant understands!”
After dismissing Steward Du, Xie Jin sat in his chair and thought about everything Nanny An had said.
For once, he did not visit Jinxiu Courtyard.
Knowing that Jinniang would surely send someone to invite him over for dinner, he simply left the residence again.
His thoughts were in turmoil, and he did not want to see anyone.
Almost immediately after he left, Jinniang received the news.
In less than half an hour, she had already discovered the entire reason behind his departure and even guessed what Xie Jin was thinking.
Yet she was not upset.
Instead, she leisurely enjoyed dinner by herself. She did not send anyone to investigate Xie Jin’s whereabouts. After taking a short walk to aid digestion, she washed up and went to sleep.
By the time Xie Jin returned, he heard that Jinniang had not sent anyone looking for him.
For some reason, he suddenly felt greatly relieved.
Strangely enough, he had actually been feeling somewhat guilty.
The next day, after morning court ended, Xie Jin unexpectedly heard that the Ninth Imperial Uncle had also gone to Yuling Mountain.
An inexplicable irritation rose within him.
The last time they were at the palace, he had seen Xiao Yu speaking with the Ninth Imperial Uncle from a distance, and even then, the sight had made him uncomfortable.
But after thinking about it, Xie Jin decided there was nothing to worry about.
Even if the Ninth Imperial Uncle had gone to Yuling Mountain, he might not stay there. Besides, there was little chance he would encounter the female members of the household.
With that thought, Xie Jin put the matter aside.
However, the following day, a message sent down from the mountain by Xiaobaozi sent Xie Jin into a towering rage.
Riiip!
He tore the letter in his hands to pieces.
“Prepare a carriage immediately! I’m going to Yuling Mountain!”
Steward Du had only taken a few steps when Xie Jin suddenly called him back and waved his hand.
“Forget it. There’s no need.”
If he went there openly, Xiao Yu would surely refuse to admit anything.
It had only been a few days, yet Xiao Yu had already forgotten all sense of propriety!
If he did not catch her red-handed this time, he would never be able to swallow his anger.
“Inform Xiaobaozi. From now on, I want detailed reports of everything that happens on the mountain!”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
Steward Du accepted the order and left, feeling thoroughly puzzled.
His Prince truly changed his mind far too quickly!
He had no idea what the Princess had done to make His Highness so furious.
The next time Xiaobaozi sent news from the mountain, Steward Du decided he would ask a few questions himself. If something serious had truly happened, at least he could prepare for it in advance.
For three consecutive days, however, the reports sent by Xiaobaozi remained the same.
Xie Jin could finally endure it no longer.
His face turned livid with fury.
Without bringing a single servant with him, he went straight to the stables, mounted a horse, and galloped toward Yuling Mountain.
Meanwhile, on Yuling Mountain—
Xiao Yu had just finished copying scriptures in the Buddhist hall in the front courtyard.
The moment she stepped outside, she saw Xie Jin storming toward her furiously.
Her face immediately filled with surprise.
“Your Highness…”
Slap!
A resounding slap struck Xiao Yu across the face.
The force sent her staggering sideways.
Yuyan reacted quickly and caught her before she could fall, while Anxiang and Yingxiu paled in shock.
“Princess! Are you all right?”
“Your Highness! How can you hit someone without even asking what happened first?”
Yuyan narrowed her eyes dangerously.
Xiao Yu immediately sensed the anger rising within her and discreetly tugged at her arm.