Jinxiu Hall, the Princess Consort’s residence.
At this moment, the Princess Consort was having dinner with her children.
“Shao’er, how has your studies been these past days?” she asked casually. When dining with her children, she did not insist on strict rules like “no talking during meals.” Thinking that she had been busy lately and had not properly inquired about her son’s studies, she took the opportunity to ask.
Hearing this, Qi Shao put down his chopsticks and replied in a steady, composed voice,
“Reporting to Mother, everything is going well.”
“It’s not just ‘going well’,” Qi Shu interjected immediately, winking at him. “Mother, you don’t know—Imperial tutors in the palace are practically praising Brother to the heavens!”
She looked rather proud, as if she were the one being praised.
She had heard this from the Empress Dowager when she accompanied her to the palace. The tutors in the Imperial Study all spoke highly of her brother.
Hearing her teasing, Qi Shao’s face flushed slightly, but he quickly returned to composure. He only shot his sister a discreet glare.
Qi Shu, however, blinked at him playfully in return.
The Princess Consort saw all their little gestures. Her expression visibly softened. The palace tutors were all great scholars—there was no need to doubt their judgment.
Her son’s growing steadiness pleased her, and her daughter’s lively spirit was also endearing. Compared to the other concubine-born children in the manor, her two children were far more dignified.
“That so? It seems Shao’er has truly been diligent. Very good.”
Hearing his mother’s praise, Qi Shao’s ears turned red. The Princess Consort and the Prince were both rarely praise-giving.
Seeing her son like this, the Princess Consort’s heart softened further.
“However, as the legitimate eldest son and the heir of the Prince’s residence, you must continue to work hard. You cannot lose to the other concubine-born sons, and certainly not to other imperial grandsons. Only then will you not disgrace the Prince Rui’s Manor.”
Qi Shao immediately straightened his expression and replied solemnly,
“Son understands. I will not disappoint Mother.”
He would become the pride of both his mother and father.
Qi Shu chimed in proudly, “That’s right! My brother is a genius in both literature and martial arts. Those concubine-born brothers and other noble sons can’t even compare to him!”
“Then you should tighten your own discipline,” the Princess Consort glanced at her calmly. “I’ve heard you’ve been rather lax lately. You even lost your qin lesson to Qi Lin.”
Qi Shu’s chin, which had been lifted proudly, instantly drooped.
But she quickly straightened again, full of fighting spirit.
“That was just a mistake! I didn’t perform well. Next time I’ll definitely win back!”
“Then I look forward to it,” the Princess Consort said lightly. “After all, if you lose again to a younger girl by two years, it won’t sound very good, will it?”
This was clearly a provocation.
As the legitimate eldest daughter of the Prince’s residence and the only county princess, she had to excel in all aspects of the arts. She represented not only the manor, but also her mother’s dignity. The Princess Consort naturally held high expectations.
“Mm! Mother, just wait and see!” Qi Shu said energetically.
Seeing this, the Princess Consort and Qi Shao exchanged a glance, both satisfied with the result.
After dinner, the siblings left separately. The Princess Consort had the remaining food cleared from the table and turned to Steward Zhang.
“Zhang Mama, Qiao-shi and her child should be done with dinner and preparing to return. Go assist Qiyun in escorting them back to Haitang Courtyard. Handle anything that needs attention. Make sure they are properly sent there. Also—how many maids are currently in Haitang Courtyard?”
Steward Zhang replied without hesitation,
“Reporting to Your Highness, there are only two maids there: Qinglian, who came with Qiao-shi as part of her dowry, and Zhuyun, a rough servant assigned there after Qiao-shi moved in.”
“As for Qingyue… she had already been executed for conspiring with Concubine Ye against the mistress.”
The Princess Consort tapped her finger lightly on the table.
“And Zhuyun? Whose person is she?”
Zhang Mama shook her head.
“That girl rarely speaks and has never interacted with anyone in the manor since she was bought. She has no known ties to any of the masters.”
“So it seems she has no backing,” the Princess Consort said slowly.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she pondered.
She was still puzzled about how Qiao-shi had dealt with Concubine Ye’s people. It was impossible that no one had helped her. Was it Zhuyun? But how could two weak women have managed such a thing at that time?
She truly could not figure it out.
“The previous wet nurse and maids who were taking care of Qi You are no longer suitable. In two days, select a new wet nurse and three maids for Haitang Courtyard. Keep an eye on that Zhuyun.”
The Princess Consort disliked anything outside her control. She already had informants placed in every courtyard—nothing in the manor escaped her eyes. She had simply not cared before, when she assumed Qiao-shi was finished.
But now, recalling the Prince’s attitude, she felt it was still necessary to keep watch.
After all, Qi You had also been moved there. Any child with a son could become a variable.
“Yes, Your Highness,” Steward Zhang replied, understanding her meaning perfectly.
Meanwhile, in Luoyan Courtyard, the atmosphere was warm and relaxed.
After eating and drinking his fill, the Prince of Rui held Concubine Chen’s delicate hand, absentmindedly rubbing it. He rested his head against her shoulder, his expression rarely relaxed, though faintly tired.
“Your Highness?” Concubine Chen asked softly. “Would you like me to massage your shoulders?”
At that moment, the Prince of Rui pulled her into his arms and looked down at her closely.
Concubine Chen had gentle, delicate features—unremarkable among the women in the harem. Yet whenever he was with her, his body and mind always relaxed.
She was different from all the others.
She did not compete for favor. She did not care for his affection. In fact, if she could, she would not even remain in the Prince’s residence.
Though she appeared soft, he knew she was strong inside. Her heart was locked away like a cage, impossible to open. He had long realized that she understood his intentions, yet there was never any trace of affection in her eyes.
She complied with him in everything, even showed concern at times—but she had never let him enter her heart.
The Prince of Rui felt a faint unwillingness rise within him.
He subconsciously lifted her chin, his thumb brushing against it slowly, emotions churning in his eyes.
Sensing that something was off today, Concubine Chen felt confused—and a little afraid. The pressure from him was overwhelming.
She hesitated, then asked softly,
“Your Highness… what’s wrong? Is something troubling you?”