The Wife of a Loyal Servant - Chapter 45

Jin Qiaorong clenched both hands tightly inside her sleeves, her mind occupied by a single thought—she’d discovered it. She’d discovered it…

Consort Ning turned her head and, seeing Jin Qiaorong’s pallid face and subtly trembling body, frowned, a trace of disdain flickering across her expression.

So she really was raised by a kept woman—someone who couldn’t be brought into polite society. Frightened into this state by nothing more than the sight of a noble person. Still, perhaps that was for the best. Someone so weak and incompetent was easy to control, and there was no fear she’d ever stir up any real trouble in the future.

“Now that you’ve received Her Majesty’s approval, you may stay here. As for what kind of future awaits you, that will depend on you. I’m hardly of any help—so I only hope you can at least show some backbone,” she said, quickly withdrawing her earlier contempt and adopting a tone of earnest concern.

“I’ll remember everything you’ve said, Sister,” Jin Qiaorong replied after steadying herself, forcing her voice to sound calm.

“You may stay here for now. If you need anything, just let me know.”

“Thank you, Sister. Safe travels.”

Only once Consort Ning’s figure had completely disappeared did Jin Qiaorong collapse onto the long couch, her body shaking as she muttered endlessly,

“What do I do, what do I do? How could she also be in the Crown Prince’s residence? Wasn’t she supposed to be in Qinghe County? What if… what if she tells the Crown Princess…”

“No, no—this won’t do. I need to consult my uncle at once. I can’t let them ruin my grand plan. But… but my uncle is thousands of miles away at home. Distant water can’t put out a nearby fire…”

The more she thought about it, the more panicked she became. She had never dreamed that she was just one step away from the life she wanted—only for an unexpected interloper to appear midway, clutching her right at the throat.

“Miss, is it right to place these things here?” A maid suddenly entered to ask, snapping her back to her senses. “That spot will do.”

After watching the maid put her belongings away, she paused for a moment, then deliberately asked in a casual tone, “The two people I saw outside the Crown Princess’s chambers just now—who were they?”

“I only know that one of them was Commander Cheng’s wife. As for the other, I’m not quite sure.”

“Com—Commander Cheng?” Jin Qiaorong’s face instantly changed. “I… I’ve never heard of a Commander Cheng in this residence.”

“Oh, it’s not strange that you wouldn’t know, Miss. Commander Cheng is newly appointed. He’s currently one of His Highness the Crown Prince’s favored men. Otherwise, why would the Crown Princess go out of her way to draw him in through his wife?” The maid, being from the Ning household herself, did not bother to conceal anything from her.

“So he’s that formidable… but where exactly is this Commander Cheng from?”

“That I’m not certain of. I only heard that he was once a constable in some county. Last time, he rendered meritorious service protecting the imperial person, so His Highness kept him in the residence as deputy commander. Like the former Commander Chu, he’s deeply trusted by His Highness.”

Jin Qiaorong’s heart began to pound even harder, and without realizing it, her face paled several shades further.

By now, she could finally be certain that the Commander Cheng so highly valued by the Crown Prince was, without a doubt, Cheng Shaotang. No matter how she thought about it, she never imagined that Cheng Shaotang would encounter such fortune, rising in a single leap to become a commander within the Crown Prince’s residence.

And judging by the maid’s tone, was it really the case that even the Crown Princess herself had to go to such lengths to win him over?

If they were to tell the Crown Prince about her affairs… a chill ran straight down her spine.

No, no. She had to think of a way to stop them. She could not let them ruin her future prospects.

Ling Yu’s heart, too, was unable to calm for a long while. She likewise had never expected that in this lifetime she would encounter Jin Qiaorong again—let alone in such an utterly unexpected place.

Following the maid inside to pay her respects to the Crown Princess, she heard a gentle, melodious female voice from above, granting her a seat. She hurriedly bent her knees to offer thanks before finally taking her place.

From the moment she entered, the Crown Princess had been watching her every move. Seeing that in just over a month her bearing and etiquette had already become proper and polished, without the slightest fault to pick at, she could not help but nod inwardly in approval.

“It seems Nanny Chen truly put her heart into teaching.”

Ling Yu promptly rose to reply, “Nanny Chen devoted a great deal of effort and patience in her instruction. It is this one who is dull-witted, with limited understanding.”

“There’s no need to be so restrained. Simply treat this as you would your own home,” the Crown Princess said with a smile, gesturing for her to sit.

Ling Yu bowed in thanks and took her seat once more.

The Crown Princess asked a few more questions about Ling Yu’s life at home, focusing particularly on Xiao Shitou. As she listened to Ling Yu recount Xiao Shitou’s various mischievous antics, the smile on her face never once faded.

“Madam Cheng is a truly blessed woman. With a son like this, one could have no regrets in this life,” she said with a sigh.

Ling Yu froze for a moment, unsure how to respond. She knew well that the Crown Princess had never conceived since her marriage. Just as she was carefully considering offering a few words of comfort, the Crown Princess had already shifted her gaze to Yang Suwen, who had been sitting quietly to the side.

“Your surname is Yang, young lady. May I ask your father’s name?”

“My late father was Yang Bochuan.” Caught off guard by the question, Yang Suwen answered instinctively, a little flustered.

Late father? The Crown Princess’s heart jolted. “Your father has already passed away?”

Did that mean her last remaining hope was gone as well?

“Yes—yes, my father passed away many years ago.” Yang Suwen nervously clutched at her sleeve, quickly lifting her eyes to glance at the woman seated above, dressed in fine robes yet appearing gentle and approachable.

So this was the Crown Princess? She truly was beautiful, though her complexion didn’t look very good. Even with powder applied, Yang Suwen could still make out faint spots on her face. She wondered what kind of facial cream the Crown Princess usually used. If she consistently applied Jade Complexion Cream, there would surely be a significant improvement in less than half a month.

As she was pondering this to herself, she suddenly heard the Crown Princess ask suspiciously, “What cream?”

“Jade Complexion Cream!” she blurted out. No sooner had the words left her mouth than she met Ling Yu’s utterly helpless expression and realized she must have spoken her thoughts aloud without noticing. Feeling suddenly self-conscious, she lowered her head.

The Crown Princess looked at her, who seemed ready to dig a hole and bury herself, then at Ling Yu, who looked as though she wished to draw a clear line and pretend she didn’t know her. At last, she couldn’t help but laugh.

“What exactly is this Jade Complexion Cream? Why does it sound so familiar? Does it truly have such remarkable effects?” The Crown Princess knew her complexion hadn’t been very good lately, but she always made an effort to appear perfectly composed and impeccably made up. Being told to her face that her complexion was lacking was truly unprecedented.

“Your Highness, have you forgotten? Didn’t the First Madam send over a box a few days ago, saying it worked quite well? It’s still sitting in the makeup case,” the maid Caiyun reminded her with a smile.

“Now that you mention it, I do recall,” the Crown Princess said. “Since both my sister-in-law and Miss Yang say it is good, it must indeed be something worthwhile.” Although disappointed that Yang Bochuan had long since passed away, she quickly suppressed her dejection and smiled.

Seeing that she was not blamed in the slightest for her breach of decorum and that the Crown Princess remained gentle and approachable, Yang Suwen’s spirits lifted at once.

“Your Highness, I would never deceive you. While Jade Complexion Cream can improve issues with your skin, the key lies in resting more and properly nourishing your body. Once your inner health is well tended, you will naturally glow with vitality—so radiant that even without makeup, you would still dazzle and draw every eye.”

Ling Yu was too late to stop her and could only rub her forehead helplessly. Just as Yang Suwen enthusiastically rose to move closer to the Crown Princess, Ling Yu grabbed her and forcibly pulled her back, lowering her voice. “You crazy girl—settle down already!”

Yang Suwen’s expression stiffened. She cast Ling Yu a guilty glance, then obediently sat back down, tongue-tied and not daring to say another word.

Ling Yu braced herself and apologized, only to hear the Crown Princess suddenly let out a clear, melodious laugh. She froze, momentarily at a loss.

The Crown Princess laughed for quite a while before gently dabbing the tears of laughter from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief. She lightly adjusted her makeup, then said with an unconcealed smile, “Miss Yang speaks most rightly. Truly worthy of being the daughter of the famed ‘Saint-Hand’ Imperial Physician, Yang Bochuan.”

“‘Saint-Hand’ Imperial Physician?” Yang Suwen, just relieved that she wasn’t being reproached, frowned in confusion.

“Did your father never mention this to you?” the Crown Princess said, somewhat surprised. “He was once an imperial physician in the palace and was long known as the ‘Saint-Hand’ Imperial Physician. When Mother was alive, her health was personally overseen by him.”

Yang Suwen scratched behind her ear. “My father was an imperial physician? I really never heard him mention that. Logically speaking, with such a glorious and impressive past, he should have been bragging about it all the time.”

Finding her temperament amusing, the Crown Princess chatted with her a while longer before finally letting them take their leave.

“You crazy girl—you really lose all sense when people are around. It’s only thanks to Her Highness’s generous nature that she didn’t take offense. Otherwise, I wonder what good would have come of it for you!” On the way out of the main courtyard, Ling Yu couldn’t help sneaking a glance at Yang Suwen.

Yang Suwen ingratiatingly hugged her arm and gave it a little shake. “Good sister, I won’t dare do it again.”

“Sister-in-law, Miss Yang!” As the two passed through a round arched gate, they saw Xiao Mu approaching with a smile as he greeted them.

“It’s Xiao Mu—haven’t seen you in quite some time,” Ling Yu said, relaxing a little at the sight of a familiar face.

“Go back and report. I’ll personally escort the two of them back later,” Xiao Mu instructed the maid who had been leading the way.

The maid nodded in acknowledgment, curtsied to him, and left.

“Sister-in-law, are you going to pick up Xiao Shitou? He’s at the training ground with Brother Cheng right now. Please wait here for a moment—I’ll have someone notify Brother Cheng.”

“Then I’ll trouble you.”

“No trouble at all.” Xiao Mu called out to a nearby guard and gave him a few instructions. He then stayed with Ling Yu chatting for a while longer, until another guard came over and whispered something in his ear.

“Go attend to your business—we can wait here,” Ling Yu said quickly when she saw him frowning as though troubled.

Although Xiao Mu wanted to stay and look after them, duty could not be delayed. He apologized and said, “Then I’ll take my leave. Don’t worry, sister-in-law—this place isn’t far from the training ground. Brother Cheng is likely already on his way.”

“I know. Go on and do what you need to,” Ling Yu urged.

Only then did Xiao Mu leave.

“It really is different once you enter the Crown Prince’s residence,” Yang Suwen sighed as she watched his retreating figure. “He looks so much more imposing—so much more distinguished.”

Ling Yu merely smiled and did not respond.

From the outside, they looked imposing and grand, but who knew how many dangers they had to face behind the scenes?

“Sister-in-law…” A familiar young woman’s voice sounded behind them.

Ling Yu turned and saw Jin Qiaorong standing there, though she didn’t know when she had arrived.

“So it really is you! I knew there couldn’t possibly be two people in this world who looked so alike!” Yang Suwen exclaimed, pointing at her.

Ling Yu gently squeezed her hand, signaling her to say no more. Though Yang Suwen had countless questions, she swallowed them back and obediently stood at Ling Yu’s side.

Ling Yu looked at Jin Qiaorong and said calmly, “There has long been nothing between us. Let’s dispense with the ‘sister-in-law’ address. I imagine you wouldn’t want anyone to know about our past connection either.”

Jin Qiaorong looked at her with complicated emotions. If not for the fact that the face before her was still the one she knew so well, she would never have believed that the woman standing there, whose bearing and demeanor were in no way inferior to her own, was the money-reeking woman from Chengjia Village.

Since the other party had already spoken plainly, there was no need for further pretense. Besides, it was not appropriate for her to linger here. If she were discovered, it would surely lead to trouble. At the very least, her legitimate elder sister would not let the matter pass so easily.

“In that case, I hope you remember your own words. You and I have no connection whatsoever. Let the past be completely buried. As for things that should not be spoken of, it would be best to rot them deep in your belly.”

Ling Yu naturally understood her purpose. Hearing this, she merely let out a cold laugh. “Rest assured—if we truly must compare, I’m even less willing than you are to have anything to do with you.”

Jin Qiaorong’s expression darkened. She wanted to say more, but from afar she spotted the maid she had finally managed to shake off heading in their direction. Not daring to stay any longer, she quickly walked off the other way.

“So her purpose in coming was to warn you not to tell anyone about her past?” Yang Suwen asked with a frown after she had disappeared from sight.

“That should indeed be the case,” Ling Yu replied. Still uneasy, she cautioned her, “You must remember this as well—Shaoan’s wife, Madam Jin, has long since died. The woman we saw has nothing to do with us. Before today, we had never met.”

“Don’t worry, sister, I know my limits.” Yang Suwen was no fool; with just a little thought, she knew the matter was serious, and there was no way she would dare take it lightly.

As the two were speaking, Cheng Shaotang arrived, leading Xiao Shitou by the hand.

Seeing her son’s flushed, excited cheeks, Ling Yu wiped the sweat from his face and asked, “What did you take him to do? How did he end up drenched in sweat?”

“I took him to the training ground to run a few laps. Just now that was…” Cheng Shaotang answered casually, but his gaze drifted toward the direction where Jin Qiaorong had disappeared, his thick brows unconsciously knitting together.

Could it be that his eyes had deceived him? Had he really seen that Jin woman?

Ling Yu naturally knew whom he was referring to, but it was not a place for further discussion. Lifting her son, she said softly, “Whatever it is, we’ll talk when we get back.”

Cheng Shaotang’s heart jolted. He suddenly realized that what he had seen earlier might not have been an illusion after all. His expression grew noticeably more grave, and he gave a slight nod.

It was not until night, when Cheng Shaotang returned from duty, that he saw Ling Yu inside the room, draped in an outer robe and absentmindedly folding clothes, as though she had been waiting for him.

“I saw Jin Qiaorong at the Crown Princess’s place today. Why do you think she’s here? Wasn’t she supposed to have returned to her family and live as a wealthy young lady?” Ling Yu asked the moment he came in.

Ever since he had caught sight of Jin Qiaorong earlier that day, Cheng Shaotang had already made discreet inquiries. Hearing her question, he replied, “Her current identity is the illegitimate younger sister of Consort Ning, the third daughter of the Ning family, who was fostered in a nunnery from childhood. Consort Ning has recently brought her into the residence for a short stay.”

“Consort Ning’s younger sister? Brought over for a short stay?” Ling Yu was somewhat surprised, yet she felt that something didn’t quite add up.

Cheng Shaotang paused, then continued slowly, “They call it a short stay, but everyone knows it’s really for serving the Crown Prince. Ever since Consort Ning’s miscarriage years ago, she has struggled to conceive. Whether it’s she herself or the Ning household, they’re likely growing anxious. This Third Miss Ning was probably sent by the Ning family to take her sister’s place and secure favor—and to bear a grandchild of royal blood for the Ning family.”

Ling Yu’s expression changed completely.

So Jin Qiaorong was meant to become the Crown Prince’s concubine… no, even calling her a concubine was too generous. At the very least, a Crown Prince’s concubine is formally brought into the residence and recognized openly within the palace. Someone like Jin Qiaorong, arriving under the guise of being a consort’s younger sister here for a short stay, even if she were to catch the Crown Prince’s eye for a time, would likely amount to nothing more than a lowly, unofficial bed-servant.

“But she’s been married before—she’s no longer untouched. Why would the Ning family send her here?” Ling Yu still couldn’t understand. “If this were exposed, wouldn’t it be courting trouble?”

“The only possibility is that she and her uncle from the Su family concealed this matter, and that the Ning family doesn’t know she was ever married.”

“My rough guess is that after her mother, Madam Su, passed away, the Su family gradually grew distant from the Ning family. Without that connection, the Su family hasn’t fared well in recent years. That’s why they were so eager to retrieve their niece—hoping to use her to reestablish ties with the Ning household.”

“And it just so happens that the Ning household has no age-appropriate young ladies who could assist Consort Ning—it’s like someone handing over a pillow just as they were growing drowsy. Naturally, they accepted her without much difficulty.”

Cheng Shaotang laid out his speculations one by one.

Ling Yu considered it for a moment and found it quite convincing.

“But after all, she was once involved with our family… If the Crown Prince were to find out… what she’s doing is truly risky.” She was still uneasy.

If Jin Qiaorong’s scheme were to fail and anger the Crown Prince, and he were to pursue the matter and trace it back to Cheng Shaoan, wouldn’t that be inviting trouble upon their own family?

“Why don’t we think of a way to remind the Crown Prince? That way, we can distance our family from this as early as possible.”

Cheng Shaotang shook his head. “Remind him of what? Third Miss Ning is merely entering the residence to accompany her elder sister, and she even has the Crown Princess’s approval. If we went running over to ‘remind’ the Crown Prince that Third Miss Ning has already been married and is no longer untouched, what would that amount to?”

“The key to this matter lies with the Crown Prince himself. If he doesn’t take a liking to Third Miss Ning, then wouldn’t we be dragging Shaoan into this for nothing? And even if he does take a liking to her, if something truly happens, with so many eyes watching within the Crown Prince’s residence, does she really think she can hide it?”

“Since she dares to act this way, she might actually have a method to conceal it. If it really comes to that, and only then do we speak up, I’m afraid we won’t escape being implicated,” Ling Yu said uneasily.

Cheng Shaotang stared at her intently, so intently that she began to feel unsettled. “W-why are you looking at me like that?”

“Xiao Yu, you truly don’t understand men—especially men born into wealth.”

Ling Yu glared at him angrily and retorted defiantly, “Why should I bother understanding other men?”

Cheng Shaotang laughed despite himself, realizing his words were inappropriate, and hurriedly covered his mouth, feigning a cough to gloss it over. “Given the Crown Prince’s temperament, if he were to discover he’s been deceived, the first thing he’d do would be to kill her to vent his anger, and then settle accounts with the Ning family. He wouldn’t waste the effort investigating who she was once married to.”

“After all, to him, Third Miss Ning is nothing more than a lowly woman he can discard at will. The Crown Prince is a man destined for great undertakings; he won’t waste much time on such a woman.”

He doesn’t even have the leisure to concern himself with his proper wives and concubines, let alone one who willingly delivered herself to his doorstep.

Ling Yu thought about Zhao Yun’s temperament and felt that his words truly struck the mark.

“So, in that case, what we should do is stand aside and truly have nothing whatsoever to do with her?”

Cheng Shaotang nodded and replied coldly, “Of course. Cheng Jin shi* has long been dead. That one is merely a stranger who happens to resemble Jinshi. Why should we waste any effort on her?”

(*TL’s note: 程金氏 (Chéng Jīn shì) is a formal, classical way to address a married woman: Madam Jin of the Cheng family)

Ling Yu did not miss the disgust and disdain on his face. She knew he was still standing up for Cheng Shaoan and deeply resented Jin Qiaorong for abandoning her husband. For a moment, she found herself at a loss for words.

“There’s another matter I’d like to discuss with you. I’m planning to open Liufang Hall in the capital as well. What do you think?”

She had already formed this idea earlier that day in the Crown Princess’s chambers. Since the Jade Complexion Cream had entered the capital’s circle of noblewomen without her even realizing it, wouldn’t it be a shame not to seize the chance to make a profit?

Cheng Shaotang unconsciously frowned. “Do you understand the principle that a tall tree catches the wind?”

Ling Yu’s breath caught as he continued, “Indeed, if Liufang Hall opens in the capital, it will certainly make enormous profits. As the business grows and the money increases, it will likely end up beyond what you and I can control.”

Struggles always require backing, and besides people, resources, and power, money is indispensable. Once Liufang Hall grows strong, it will become a piece of fat meat everyone covets—who wouldn’t want to take a bite?

There are too many powerful figures in the capital. Even with the Crown Prince’s residence behind me, my strength is still far too limited to protect it. But if we relied on the Crown Prince, Liufang Hall would eventually no longer bear the Cheng or Yang surname, but the Zhao surname instead.

He knew she wouldn’t want to see that happen.

After a brief thought, Ling Yu understood his concerns. Her expression shifted several times before she finally murmured, “Let me think it over first. There must be other ways.”

“There is another solution,” Cheng Shaotang added. “We can find another partner. Just like when you cooperated with the Ye family of Changluo City, you could do the same in the capital.”

“Yes, yes, I can look for a new partner!” Ling Yu’s eyes lit up.

Cheng Shaotang gently shook his head, took clean clothes, and went to prepare for his bath and rest.

Finding a partner in the capital was no easy matter. They would need both influence and upright character—and most who possessed both likely wouldn’t even look twice at a business of her size.