At first, they thought it was only Aunt Meng who had suffered bad luck and fallen victim to thieves. Who would have imagined that their own household would not be spared?
All the antiques and paintings in Meng Yunzhen’s study had vanished without a trace.
Even the famous calligraphy hanging on the walls had been taken down completely.
The silks, satins, rouge, and cosmetics in Meng Yunting’s room were gone, leaving only bare wooden racks. Even the birthday gifts he had prepared for his concubines were nowhere to be found.
The banknotes and land deeds Meng Yunxi had hidden beneath his bed had disappeared, and not even a single gambling chip remained in the betting house.
As for Meng Yunchong, his alchemy herbs, magical artifacts, and even the notes personally taught by Rong Jue had all been swept away. The alchemy furnace stood alone in the room, a silent mockery.
“Who! Who on earth did this?!”
Meng Yunzhen smashed his fist against the empty shelves, his knuckles turning white, eyes bloodshot.
Those antiques were his life’s collection. Their disappearance hurt more than flesh being carved from his body.
Meng Yunting crouched on the ground, staring at his empty wardrobe, trembling all over. “My things… they’re all gone… How am I supposed to explain this to the women in the residence?”
Meng Yunxi stomped in agitation, cursing endlessly, yet he had no one to vent his anger on.
Meng Yunchong stood pale-faced in his alchemy room. Without herbs or notes, even his daily cultivation became impossible.
When Father and Mother Meng learned the news, they collapsed in the main hall, weeping bitterly.
Though the Meng family was not among the most elite of noble houses, generations of savings had accumulated substantial wealth.
Now everything had been looted, leaving not even a decent ornament behind.
The elderly couple cried until they nearly fainted, muttering repeatedly, “What sins have we committed?” and “How can we go on living like this?”
With multiple noble households robbed in succession—losses unprecedented in scope and severity—the matter soon reached the Emperor in the palace.
The Emperor flew into a rage and immediately ordered a thorough investigation. Not only did he assign the Minister of Justice to personally oversee the case, but he also mobilized the capital garrison troops to assist in the search.
Even beggars in the streets were interrogated multiple times.
Yet no matter how the authorities investigated, not the slightest clue could be found. There were no signs of forced entry, no records of anyone coming or going. It was as though the wealth had evaporated into thin air.
The Minister of Justice grew so anxious that his hair turned white. He submitted memorials pleading guilt several times, yet there was still no progress.
In the end, the case was hastily concluded as the work of “mysterious martial experts from the jianghu” and temporarily set aside.
When the four Meng brothers learned that the authorities had failed, they were so enraged they nearly coughed up blood.
Now their family coffers were empty. They could barely sustain daily expenses on their official salaries alone.
Meng Wanqing’s situation in the Prince’s manor was even more miserable. Her dowry, private treasury, and estates had all been emptied.
Already inept at managing household affairs, she was now without financial support.
Even her maids had begun to complain in secret.
In contrast, Meng Wanzhi not only enjoyed Xiao Jingyuan’s favor but had also been entrusted with managing part of the manor’s businesses.
Her innate talent for commerce had not diminished in the slightest.
After taking over, she first sorted through the accounts and removed corrupt servants.
Then, with keen business sense, she adjusted the operations—introducing new fabric patterns in the silk shop, launching signature dishes at the restaurant,
and opening grain transport routes through the canal system.
Within days, businesses that had once been barely surviving came back to life.
Profits multiplied severalfold.
Seeing this, Xiao Jingyuan regarded her with increasing admiration and gradually handed the manor’s financial authority over to her.
The present Meng Wanzhi was no longer the concubine-born girl who had once been bullied at will.
Now, whatever she desired, she need only murmur softly to Xiao Jingyuan, and it would be placed in her hands.
After court, Xiao Jingyuan often went straight to her courtyard, bringing all manner of rewards—imperial pastries from the palace kitchens,
silks from the Western Regions, pearl hairpins from the Southern Sea, even the treasured writing set bestowed upon him by the Emperor—he would pass them on to Meng Wanzhi.
As though he wished to place the finest things in the world before her, to compensate for the grievances she had suffered.
“Your Highness, this is too precious. I cannot accept it.” Meng Wanzhi held the translucent jade tea set, her eyes shimmering with just the right mix of delight and shyness. Her lips curved sweetly, her voice soft as cotton.
Xiao Jingyuan watched the light flicker in her eyes.
Listening to her gentle tone, his Adam’s apple rolled involuntarily.
Sunlight filtered through the window lattice, illuminating her face—her skin luminous as jade, her lips rosy like cherries.
That smiling expression was like the most enticing peach blossom upon a branch, stirring an itch in his heart.
He nearly lost control and pulled her into his embrace.
Suppressing the stirrings within, he reached out and gently ruffled her hair, affection unconsciously lacing his voice. “If it’s for you, take it. As long as you like it, I’ll give you anything.”
A knowing smile flashed in Meng Wanzhi’s eyes. She lifted her face, her smile brightening. “Thank you, Your Highness. This consort likes the Prince the most.”
The words “likes the most” brushed against his heart like a feather. Xiao Jingyuan felt a wave of heat course through him, his gaze burning hotter.
He knew he should not care for her so deeply, yet every time he saw her smile,
heard her voice,
he could no longer restrain the stirring in his heart.
All he wanted was to shelter her beneath his wings and let her smile forever like this.
Hearing her soft gratitude, Xiao Jingyuan merely responded with a quiet “Mm.”
The heat in his eyes had yet to fade, but he had already turned and stepped away.
His dark robe swept past the threshold, leaving behind a cold, resolute silhouette.
Watching him depart, the smile on Meng Wanzhi’s lips vanished instantly, a faint cold snort flashing in her eyes.
She had never expected this man to treat her sincerely. The present tenderness was nothing more than mutual benefit.
What she wanted was never his affection, but his power—to pave a path to freedom for herself and Xiao Muyan.
The entire manor would soon be swept into this storm. She had to prepare quickly and never repeat the tragedy of her previous life.
Just then, hurried footsteps sounded outside the courtyard gate, brimming with undisguised arrogance.
The one who entered was the concubine Tao Hua.
Once Meng Wanqing’s most capable maid, after being elevated to concubine status, she became a blade planted in the Prince’s manor—a loyal dog for Meng Wanqing.
In the past, when Meng Wanzhi had fallen into disgrace, Tao Hua had relied on Meng Wanqing’s power to torment her—slapping her, forcing her to kneel, withholding her meals. Every incident was etched into Meng Wanzhi’s bones.
The moment Tao Hua stepped inside, she lifted her chin and swept a contemptuous gaze over Meng Wanzhi.
Her tone was sharp and venomous. “Meng Wanzhi, you truly have some skill, seducing the Prince into favoring you like this. Just a counterfeit—do you really think you’re the mistress of this manor?”
She strode forward, looking down at her. “What right do you have to compete with the Eldest Miss? You’re nothing but a bastard whose father isn’t even known. Trash like you should be grateful to serve as a bed-warmer. Yet you dare covet what isn’t yours!”
Meng Wanzhi’s hands slowly clenched at her sides, murderous intent surging in her eyes.
The air around her seemed to grow heavier.
Her fingers tapped lightly against the table, producing a dull sound—a signal of the fury she was suppressing.
“How dare you scold my mother?”
Before Meng Wanzhi could act, Xiao Muyan suddenly jumped down from his chair, his small body standing protectively in front of her.
His round eyes glared at Tao Hua, childish anger ringing in his voice. “You bad woman! You’re not allowed to say bad things about my mother!”