After Marrying the Heirless Crown Prince, I Gave Birth to Three Children - Chapter 14

Chapter 14: The Scumbag ex’s Mistress?

After the crown prince had his medicine applied, he ignored Xie Yao’s objections and insisted, in a firm manner, on getting out of bed. Xie Yao had no choice but to comply. Yet when dinnertime came, the crown prince appeared at the main courtyard.

Xie Yao was stunned. “Your Highness?” She had nearly gotten used to dining alone.

The crown prince’s gaze swept over the table before he sat down with composure. “Let’s eat.”

His “good” from yesterday had been an agreement to both requests.

Xie Yao froze for a moment, and then quickly lifted her face in a smile. “Your Highness is truly kind.”

Momentarily dazzled by Xie Yao’s smile, the crown prince lowered his eyes and ate quietly. But the tips of his ears had turned faintly red…

Xie Yao, sharp as ever, caught sight of this. She was thrilled! Winning over the crown prince was only a matter of time!

After dinner, Hongdou returned to the prince’s residence to report back, carrying in her hands the reward Madam Zhang had given her. When Xie Yao had decided to reveal the matter to Madam Zhang, she had already instructed Zhuxin to place people in Sweetwater Alley, waiting only for news.

Hearing Hongdou recount Madam Zhang’s reactions and words one by one, Xie Yao said, “You did well. You’ve worked hard on this matter.” Then she added, “Tomorrow I will send someone to bring Ping’an to Master Qingshan’s residence. You needn’t worry about him. But as for your mother… that requires some care. Let her come live in the palace.”

Madam Zhang was no easy character.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Hongdou said, deeply grateful that she had revealed all of Madam Zhang’s schemes that night and chosen to follow the crown princess. The crown princess was the true wise master.

Xie Yao chuckled and signaled Zhuxin to hand something to Hongdou. Hongdou accepted it, then looked down, it were her and her mother’s servitude contracts!

“Tomorrow, once Ping’an becomes Master Qingshan’s personal disciple, you and your mother should also return to freedom.” Xie Yao’s voice grew firm. “But I hope you and Ping’an can help me with one task. Before the initiation ceremony, no matter what rumors you hear, do not step forward to clarify them.”

Even if she did nothing, with Master Qingshan’s fondness for Ye Ping’an, he would eventually come to her about the matter. Since she wanted to forge a good relationship, she did not mind investing a bit more.

Hongdou’s eyes welled with tears, and she knocked her head heavily on the ground in thanks.

Xie Yao always kept her word. She had not only secured the recommendation letter, but even asked the crown prince to give her people.

The next day, Si-nan personally escorted Ye Ping’an with the recommendation letter to Master Qingshan’s residence. Leaving in the morning, he returned alone to the crown prince’s manor in the afternoon.

“Your Highness,” Si-nan reported upon returning to the study, “that boy is truly a talent. His memory is flawless. Master Qingshan himself praised him repeatedly and has already decided to take him as a personal disciple! He even kept him at the Cui residence today, saying he would choose an auspicious date to hold a grand banquet to celebrate this.”

For Master Qingshan to be so pleased showed Ye Ping’an’s talent was extraordinary.

The crown prince’s brows lifted slightly; even he had not expected this. He wondered where Xie Yao had found the boy.

Si-nan continued, “Your Highness, this means Master Qingshan’s last disciple will now be counted as one of our faction.”

Though Ye Ping’an was young, Master Qingshan still had other disciples. There weren’t many, but each held considerable influence as upright officials in court. Not to mention Master Qingshan’s influence over scholars across the land.

Xiao Ji glanced at Si-nan. “Have you reported this matter to the crown princess?”

Si-nan’s expression stiffened, and he lowered his head. “This subordinate will go right away!”

Just as he was about to leave, Xiao Ji suddenly spoke. “Forget it. I’ll go myself.”

Si-nan: ??? Why did it feel like His Highness simply wanted an excuse to see the crown princess?

Before he could say anything, Xiao Ji was already on his feet, heading toward the main courtyard.

After Xiao Ji explained the matter to Xie Yao, she was delighted despite already expecting it. Investing in a prodigy was one thing; what made her happier was cutting off Song Wenbo’s future path.

Just then, the maid Yingtao came in from outside. “Your Highness, someone has come from the palace. The Noble Consort has sent someone to invite you to enter the palace for a talk.”

Again!

Xie Yao knew she could not avoid this matter. She had already refused the Noble Consort’s last invitation on grounds of illness. If she refused again today, it would be tearing the facade apart.

She nodded slightly to Zhuxin, signaling her to go outside and accept the summons. Meanwhile, she prepared to change clothes. Rising to her feet, she noticed the crown prince still sitting there. She was about to speak when Xiao Ji offered, “Shall I accompany you into the palace?”

“Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but it isn’t necessary,” she said. She could handle this herself.

After bidding farewell to Xiao Ji, Xie Yao went alone, boarding the carriage bound for the palace. She followed the young eunuch all the way to Weiyang Palace, where the Noble Consort resided.

As soon as she stepped through the doorway, a sharp, domineering voice rang out. “I heard the position of crown princess was originally meant for Second Miss Xie. Why did you end up marrying into the crown prince’s manor instead? Could it be you were greedy for the glory and wealth of the prince’s household?”

At the sound of that voice, Xie Yao’s steps faltered slightly, her fists clenched tight. Only the pain kept her mind clear.

The speaker was none other than Song Wenbo’s mistress, Princess Xiao Ning, the Noble Consort’s daughter by the emperor.

She was titled Princess He Yi.

It was said the emperor adored her dearly, so much so that even though she was already nineteen, he still hadn’t arranged a marriage for her.

Xie Yao lifted her eyes. Xiao Ning wore a bright red palace gown and sat lazily to the Noble Consort’s right. Her skin was fair, her features exquisite, and her phoenix-shaped eyes glared at Xie Yao with cold arrogance. Her presence was overwhelming.

“Your daughter-in-law greets the Noble Consort,” Xie Yao said, bowing first before responding slowly, “As for marriage, it is arranged by parental command and the matchmaker’s word. Marrying His Highness was decreed by the emperor and my elders. I would not dare presume to decide for myself.”

“Hmph.” Xiao Ning sized Xie Yao up and down, her eyes flashing with jealousy. “Sharp-tongued little thing!”

Xie Yao replied openly, “Thank you, Princess, for the compliment.”

Xiao Ning: “…”

Tch!

“Ning’er!” At last, the Noble Consort herself spoke. Though she had borne a daughter Xiao Ning’s age, she looked no more than thirty. Her phoenix eyes were identical to Xiao Ning’s, the mother and daughter both breathtakingly beautiful.

Her voice was soft, warm as a spring breeze. “Crown Princess, Ning’er is still young and thoughtless. I hope you won’t take offense.”

Young? She’s been playing around plenty! In her past life, Xie Yao had seen enough of Xiao Ning’s lewd antics to be disgusted.

“Your Highness is too courteous. As crown princess, I am Her Highness the princess’s sister-in-law. Naturally, I will be understanding and be tolerant,” Xie Yao answered.

“Good child,” the Noble Consort said with a gentle smile. “Come, sit down.”

“The crown prince has a cold temperament, and there are few to serve in his household. To marry him, you must have suffered such grievance.” Her phoenix eyes narrowed. “How have you and the crown prince gotten along these days?”

Feigning ignorance! Xie Yao did not believe for a moment the Noble Consort was unaware of the crown prince’s household situation.

“The crown prince is upright and considerate. To marry His Highness is my greatest fortune,” Xie Yao said softly, keeping her words deliberately vague.

The Noble Consort’s mouth twitched. Considerate? Was this girl out of her mind?

“Pfft!” Xiao Ning couldn’t hold back her laughter, the disdain in it plain.

But the Noble Consort did not laugh. Instead, she regarded Xie Yao with probing eyes. Her people had already investigated: it was Xie Yao who had uncovered the steward Ding’s usury dealings.

Was it truly by chance?

Cultural Notes:

• Sweetwater Alley: Often depicted in novels as a red-light district or an area with hidden households/mistresses.
• Servitude contracts: Legal documents binding servants/slaves to a household. Returning them signified granting freedom.
• Princess He Yi: Fictional princess title. “He Yi” implies harmony and proper conduct, but here it is ironic given her spoiled and brazen personality.
• Noble Consort: One of the highest-ranking imperial consorts, second only to the empress.