After Prince Rui’s figure had completely disappeared and was no longer visible, Qiao Rongjin’s expression instantly changed.
She strode over to the table and dropped herself into a chair with a loud “thud.” Her posture was completely unrefined—almost rough, even a little like a wandering martial artist. It was a total contrast to the delicate, loving woman she had been moments ago.
Seriously, acting was exhausting.
She hadn’t even slept well lately, and now she still had to “perform” for Prince Rui at night.
Back in her modern life, she acted to survive. In this ancient world, she was still stuck in the fate of a working-class “employee.”
Ridiculous.
Seeing her mother’s instant transformation, Qi You was already numb to it. He silently went to pour her a cup of tea.
“Mother, have some tea.”
Honestly, if he hadn’t witnessed everything himself, he would’ve believed it too—believed that his mother truly loved his father. In fact, his father probably believed it completely.
Qiao Rongjin accepted the tea without hesitation.
“Thanks, my good son.”
It was the first time her “cheap son” had poured her tea, so she happily drank it in one go. Then she reached out and pinched his soft little cheek.
So smooth. So nice to touch.
At the same time, in various courtyards across the estate, maidservants hurried into their mistresses’ rooms.
Jinxiu Hall – Princess Consort’s residence
“Your Ladyship, His Highness did not stay in Haitang Courtyard. He has already left.”
The Princess Consort paused mid–hair-combing.
As expected.
“So where is he staying tonight?”
Was he going to that Chen woman again?
“Reporting to Your Ladyship, it seems His Highness is heading toward the study.”
The study?
“Keep watching where His Highness spends the night,” she ordered calmly. “Do not miss anything.”
Luoyan Courtyard – Madam Chen’s residence
“Your Ladyship, His Highness did not stay in Haitang Courtyard tonight!”
Yu Shu reported the news excitedly.
Madam Chen, soaking her feet and flipping through a storybook, didn’t even lift her head.
She simply gave a soft “mm.”
This outcome was within her expectations.
Haitang Courtyard was where they first met and shared so many memories. Those hibiscus trees were proof of it. Every time he saw them, he would only remember her good qualities.
He would never stay there with Qiao-shi.
That was precisely why she had once suggested moving the demoted Qiao-shi into Haitang Courtyard—because she knew she couldn’t keep him there.
As for Qiao-shi’s looks… they were indeed a threat.
“Exactly. No matter how beautiful Qiao-shi is, she can’t compare to even a fraction of our mistress in the prince’s heart,” Yu Xi blurted out.
Yu Shu was about to agree as well.
But Madam Chen calmly interrupted, “Enough. I’m going to sleep.”
“Your Ladyship, aren’t you waiting for His Highness?” Yu Shu asked.
“He won’t come tonight.”
Only she didn’t notice the faint trace of disappointment in her own voice.
Mei Garden – Madam Qin’s residence
Madam Qin looked at the prince sitting across from her, sipping tea in silence, and felt a surge of joy.
She had only told her maid to try her luck—she hadn’t expected him to actually come.
“Your Highness, this tea was brewed by this concubine herself. Please try it.”
“Alright.”
Prince Rui took a sip slowly. After a moment, his brows lifted slightly.
“There’s been a great improvement.”
Madam Qin immediately smiled, eyes bright with joy.
The maid beside her also felt relieved. At least her efforts to summon the prince hadn’t been wasted.
Though tonight, they had probably offended Madam Yan’s side—after all, they had arrived later, yet the prince still chose to come here.
But what did it matter?
In this harem, even the Princess Consort had to give their mistress some face.
Lin Feng Courtyard – Madam Yan
Madam Yan’s face was dark with rage.
Broken teacups lay scattered on the floor, hot tea spilled everywhere. Two maids knelt on the ground, trembling.
“Useless things! What good are you to me?! I told you to call for him, and you still let someone else take him away! Useless! Useless!”
She kicked one of the maids hard, sending her crashing to the ground. The girl didn’t dare make a sound.
“Calm yourself, Madam,” her wet nurse hurriedly said. “This old servant will teach them properly. It won’t happen again.”
Then she glared at the maids. “Get out! Don’t stay here and annoy the Madam!”
“Yes! We’ll get out right away!”
The two maids fled in panic.
Madam Yan sat down angrily. “Nanny! What does that Qin woman think she’s doing?! She’s done this more than once! Just because she’s the Empress Dowager’s niece?! What’s so great about her?!”
The nanny quickly interrupted her.
“Madam, you mustn’t speak like that. Madam Qin is someone even the Princess Consort avoids offending. The Empress Dowager dotes on her. We cannot provoke her—please don’t say such things again.”
Madam Yan was even more furious. “This can’t be said, that can’t be said—why don’t you just tell me to die!”
But after venting, she still calmed slightly.
The nanny was right. Qin-shi was nothing compared to her in looks or figure. The prince only went there out of obligation to the Empress Dowager. It wasn’t because she was inferior.
Thinking this, her mood eased a little—but her anger still lingered.
“If this happens again, I won’t let her off!”
“Yes, yes, Madam. Now please rest. The Fourth Young Master still has classes tomorrow.”