The Wife of a Loyal Servant - Chapter 47

But why him? Why someone from Prince Qi’s mansion?

Her head started throbbing again.

She had always thought the man that night was just a street thug, someone who was being targeted and could only blame his bad luck. But now, she was beginning to doubt that idea.

Turning her head to gaze at the sleeping man beside her, she unconsciously frowned. In her past life, her only connection to Prince Qi’s mansion had been through this man. After his death, the mansion sent a pension, and from that point on, she had completely severed all ties with them.

She knew that no matter where you were, there would always be a few bad apples. Even if Kunzi had once worked for Prince Qi’s mansion, it didn’t necessarily mean that the wrongs he had done to her were connected to the mansion. Yet in her past life, her husband had died for the master of the mansion, and she had nearly been violated by someone from the same place. That left a lingering bitterness in her heart.

With a soft “smack,” Xiao Shitou’s tender little foot landed on her chest, breaking her train of thought.

She shook her head helplessly, scooped up the sprawling little one, and, gazing at his snoring face, felt a wave of affection. She couldn’t help but gently tap his tiny nose: “Such a sleeping habit… I wonder who he learned it from!”

“I guess it’s something you were born with.” A slightly hoarse voice suddenly rang in her ear. She turned around and met Cheng Shaotang’s deep eyes.

“Did I disturb you?” she asked apologetically.

He hadn’t returned from his shift until almost midnight and hadn’t gone to bed until the third watch. He’d only slept for a few hours before being woken, and Ling Yu felt a pang of heartache.

Cheng Shaotang shook his head. “No, it’s just that I don’t sleep well and wake up easily.”

In fact, since arriving in the capital, he hadn’t slept well, especially recently, with even more duties. Sometimes he wouldn’t get proper rest for days on end.

“Do you… Regret not going to Prince Qi’s residence back then?” Ling Yu hesitated for a long time before finally asking softly.

Although she had never met Prince Qi, she had heard that he was kind and benevolent, a true gentleman. She thought he should be easier to get along with than the current unpredictable and eccentric Crown Prince. If she hadn’t stopped him that day and had let him go to Prince Qi’s residence, then perhaps none of what happened afterward would have occurred.

Cheng Shaotang was surprised. “Why would you ask such a question? Not going to Prince Qi’s residence that day was a decision I made after careful consideration. Besides, regardless of the reason, His Highness the Crown Prince has treated me quite well. How could I regret not following someone else?”

Seeing her remain silent, he sighed and gently stroked her hair. “Don’t overthink. Aren’t we doing quite well now? If you want to continue doing business, then go ahead. If not, you can stay at home peacefully. My salary is more than enough to support you and your child.”

This was no deliberate exaggeration. As the deputy commander of the Crown Prince’s residence, his monthly stipend was already considerable, and with the Crown Prince’s occasional rewards, his income each month was indeed quite substantial. At the very least, it was enough for his wife and children to live in the capital, where every inch of land was worth gold, without worrying about their livelihood.

Ling Yu naturally knew that he was not lying. Though the Crown Prince was unpredictable in temperament, he was truly a very generous master. Before this, she had never realized that a single reward alone could cover several years’ worth of her family’s food, clothing, and daily expenses.

Comparing the two sides, it was no wonder that some people would say, “Better to be a rich man’s concubine than a poor man’s wife.”

At this very moment, she felt it even more deeply: if this person beside her could always remain, then in this lifetime she truly would never need to worry about making a living. This man, even if he were poor, would always find a way to ensure that his wife and children did not go hungry.

She thought that in her past life, she had simply grown too accustomed to having him around, to having him take care of everything for her. Yet once he suddenly disappeared, she could only stumble and struggle as she started over from the beginning.

But…

When she thought of the true culprit who, during the final years of her past life, had forced her to hide a dagger beneath her pillow, even though he had not yet harmed her in this life, hatred made her grind her teeth. She had to vent that anger for her past self.

Anyone who had intended to defile the wife of a deceased friend, regardless of whatever unavoidable reasons he might have had, was not someone worthy of forgiveness.

In her heart, she quietly made a decision.

Although Ling Dachun was single-mindedly focused on resolving the shop situation as soon as possible, he had never expected Ling Yu to accompany him every day. Unfortunately, despite his repeated requests, Ling Yu always found some excuse to refuse, so he gradually went along with her.

After all, her husband didn’t mind her running around all day, so why should he worry?

Thinking this way, he felt quite at ease.

While Ling Yu ostensibly accompanied Ling Dachun to find a shop, she secretly observed Kunzi’s shopping trips, noting how often he went out, which routes he took, the times he appeared, and whether he was accompanied by anyone—all these details were memorized.

After several such observations, she finally mastered his shopping routine.

That day, Xiao Mu was leaving the Crown Prince’s residence after finishing his shift when he suddenly heard someone call his name from behind. Turning around, he recognized Ling Yu and immediately smiled, greeting her, “Sister-in-law! Are you looking for Brother Cheng? He hasn’t returned yet. It’ll probably be a few more days.”

Several days ago, Cheng Shaotang had taken on an official assignment and had not returned.

“I know. I’m not here to see him, but to see you,” Ling Yu replied.

“Seeking me?” Xiao Mu was somewhat surprised.

Ling Yu looked around and gestured for him to a secluded spot. She lowered her voice and explained the situation. Xiao Mu stared in astonishment, unable to believe what he had heard. After a long pause, he asked hesitantly, “Did that person offend you, sister-in-law?”

“Yes. He offended me. I want to teach him a lesson. But you know your Brother Cheng’s temperament. He would certainly urge me to be magnanimous. I am, however, just a woman. I’ve always been narrow‑minded and believe firmly in repaying every grievance. So tell me. Will you help me or not?” Ling Yu asked, calmly meeting his gaze.

Xiao Mu had not expected her to say such a thing. There was a trace of unfamiliarity in his eyes as he looked at her. After a moment, he broke into a grin. “Sister‑in‑law is a forthright person. Fine—then I agree to this.”

“Remember as well, under no circumstances are you to tell your Brother Cheng,” Ling Yu added.

“Of course! Sister‑in‑law, rest assured. You came to me because you trust me. How could I ever betray you? Don’t worry!” Xiao Mu puffed out his chest, answering with conspicuous loyalty.

Only then did Ling Yu nod in satisfaction.

Yes—this was the Xiao Mu she knew.

That same day, Lai Kun went out as usual. Along the way, many people from the manor took the initiative to greet him, and he acknowledged them one by one with a sullen expression.

Ever since he obtained this position, more and more people had begun to crowd around him. Those who once looked down on him now smiled at him with undisguised obsequiousness. Those who had bullied him in the past now wished nothing more than to detour the moment they saw him, afraid that if he noticed them, he would settle scores afterward.

As usual, he separated from the two who had come out with him and walked alone down a secluded alley. Suddenly, his vision went black as someone pulled a sack over his head from behind. Before he could react, a heavy kick landed squarely on his backside, instantly sending him crashing to the ground.

Immediately afterward, fists fell on him like raindrops. With nowhere to dodge, he took the beating head‑on, nearly losing consciousness.

The next moment, someone lifted a stick and began beating him mercilessly, blow after blow. A muffled thud echoed as a strike hit his back. The pain was so excruciating that it felt as if his bones were being shattered. He could no longer restrain himself, crying out and dodging: “Hero, spare me! Hero, spare me!”

But the more he begged, the harder the blows fell. Several more strikes landed, and his screams rang out incessantly.

Ling Yu, her eyes filled with hatred, raised the stick and struck the man on the ground without mercy.

Lai Kun, wracked with pain, wished he could die. He had thought the previous blow was agonizing enough, but the next strike only intensified his suffering. He even heard the crack of bone. In terror and torment, he continued to beg and wail, fearing that even a moment’s hesitation would mean death.

Xiao Mu, who had been punching Lai Kun, had already stopped when Ling Yu swung the stick. Now, he watched in shock, shivering involuntarily.

Ruthless! So ruthless! He had never expected that the seemingly gentle and amiable sister‑in‑law could unleash such ferocity. Judging by her intensity, anyone unaware would think she bore a deep-seated grudge against the man.

Seeing the man unable to escape, still screaming, a sudden pang of sympathy arose in Xiao Mu. Startled, he was kicked by the struggling man’s legs. Instinctively, he steadied himself against the wall, unaware that something had fallen from his body.

As the man’s screams weakened and Ling Yu’s next blow was about to land, Xiao Mu could no longer hold back. He suddenly reached out, gripped the stick tightly, shook his head at the furious Ling Yu, and mouthed, “Run!”

Ling Yu, panting heavily, at least knew when to stop. If she had really killed him, the consequences would have been dire. So, unwilling to give up, she kicked Lai Kun, who was writhing on the ground in pain, hard, threw away the wooden stick, and fled with Xiao Mu.

They ran until they reached a secluded spot before stopping. Ling Yu wiped the sweat from her brow, a radiant smile of relief spreading across her face.

She felt she had never felt so relaxed before, as if the dark clouds hanging over her had finally dissipated, as if she had released all the fear accumulated over two lifetimes. From now on, in the dead of night, she would likely only remember the beating she had given that man.

“Sister-in-law, even if you hadn’t reminded me, I definitely wouldn’t have dared to tell Brother Cheng,” Xiao Mu said, both amused and helpless as she wiped her own sweat, reflecting on their actions.

“Thank you so much today! Next time, I’ll cook you something delicious!” Ling Yu smiled, her face flushed from the vigorous exercise, now beaming with radiant joy.

Xiao Mu, who had been somewhat apprehensive, fearing discovery of his sworn brother’s wife’s illicit affair, was now infected by her smile and felt that nothing seemed so serious anymore.

“Alright, and warm two more jugs of wine!”

“Sure, no problem!” Ling Yu readily agreed.

Meanwhile, Lai Kun, beaten half to death, struggled to tear the sack off his head. He couldn’t distinguish whether the water was tears, sweat, or blood, blurring his vision.

“Help…help me, help me…” he weakly cried out, the waves of pain coursing through his limbs making him feel like he was going to die there.

He struggled to his feet, his left hand accidentally grasping something. He then heard hurried footsteps and was quickly helped up.

Thank goodness, he was finally saved… Hearing the somewhat familiar voice, he only had time to exhale in relief before fainting again, still clutching the object in his hand.

Ling Yu, feeling pleased, bid farewell to Xiao Mu and returned home. She was met by the sight of a carriage marked with the Crown Prince’s residence parked in front of her house, and her smile immediately faded.

“Madam Cheng, what a coincidence! The Crown Princess wishes to see you and Miss Yang!” the messenger said with a smile upon recognizing her.

Hearing that the Crown Princess wanted to see her, Ling Yu did not dare delay. She quickly welcomed the messenger in and hurried to inform Yang Suwen.

Once the two women were ready and came out, the old woman noticed Xiao Shitou clinging tightly to his mother’s skirt, then glanced at Ling Yu’s helpless expression, smiling, “Madam Cheng, why not bring the young master along?”

“This… is that alright?” Ling Yu asked. Ling Dachun had gone out to find a suitable shop, so she naturally didn’t want to leave her son alone at home, yet she also worried that taking him to see the Crown Princess might breach protocol.

“Of course, of course, it’s perfectly fine. Her Majesty mentioned the young master just this morning, saying he’s lively and clever. It’s a pity she hasn’t formally met him yet. Now that there’s an opportunity, she will surely be delighted.”

Hearing this, Ling Yu felt relieved. Holding her son’s hand, she and Yang Suwen boarded the carriage to the Crown Prince’s residence.

Although somewhat curious about the Crown Princess’s reason for summoning them, Ling Yu had intended all along to cultivate a good relationship with her, hoping to leverage that connection for future business opportunities. As for Yang Suwen, she was naturally easygoing, and with Ling Yu by her side, she had little inclination to overthink.

However, Ling Yu had not expected to encounter Jin Qiaorong again in the Crown Princess’s quarters. In their brief exchange of glances, she noticed a fleeting look of panic and fear in the other woman’s eyes.

Feigning indifference, she looked away, bowed to the Crown Princess, and then coaxed her son, Xiao Shitou, to greet her as well.

The little boy blinked a few times, then cupped his hands and waved at the Crown Princess. “Greetings!” The Crown Princess, delighted, smiled and beckoned him to come closer.

Xiao Shitou looked up at his mother, and with her permission, immediately hopped over on his short legs, asking, “What did you call me for?”

Ling Yu sighed and rubbed her forehead. She had just been about to praise him for being sensible and polite, but now he had completely given himself away.

The Crown Princess chuckled, pinching his chubby little hand, and instead of answering, asked, “What’s your name? How old are you?”

Xiao Shitou, accustomed to being asked these two questions, proudly held up his four short, chubby fingers. “My name is Xiao Shitou, and I’ll be four soon!”

Yang Suwen couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

“This little rascal…” Ling Yu also couldn’t help but chuckle.

Ever since Ling Dachun taught him to count, the little boy had learned that four is older than three. From that point on, whenever anyone asked his age, he would insist, “Almost four years old,” refusing to say “three.”

The Crown Princess, however, adored his lively and bold personality. She held him in her arms, had a maid bring him sweet and delicious pastries, personally fed him, and occasionally teased him with playful words, her laughter endless at his witty responses.

Jin Qiaorong sat there awkwardly, unsure whether to leave or stay. Seeing that Ling Yu and Yang Suwen seemed not to recognize her, she secretly exhaled in relief, finally setting aside the worry that had weighed on her for many days.

Whatever plans they might have, as long as they didn’t interfere with her own future, that was acceptable. She had thought her own family, the Ning family, was extremely wealthy, but only after arriving at the Crown Prince’s residence did she realize the true grandeur of royalty. Compared to this, the Ning family’s wealth seemed trivial.

She watched Xiao Shitou nestled against the Crown Princess and, thinking of the rumors that the Crown Prince favored this child over his own son, pursed her lips.

The child born to Consort Xie was timid, cowardly, and prone to crying. How could he possibly win the Crown Prince’s favor? This Xiao Shitou was simply the tallest among the short ones—lucky by nature.

Ultimately, it was because the Crown Prince had no children. But this was also her opportunity.

The Crown Princess coaxed Xiao Shitou for a while, then presented him with an exquisite jade rabbit pendant as a greeting gift. Seeing the little boy hold it, his big eyes crinkling with joy, she couldn’t help but pinch his chubby cheeks.

What an endearing child! No wonder His Highness regards him so specially.

Ling Yu quickly rose to thank her for the gift. From this alone, it was evident that the Crown Princess knew quite a bit about Xiao Shitou, even that he was born in the Year of the Rabbit.

After instructing a maid to take Xiao Shitou to play in the outer room, the Crown Princess allowed Jin Qiaorong to leave at the same time.

The Crown Princess had no intention of introducing her to Ling Yu and the others, so Jin Qiaorong quickly departed.

“I only now realize that the Jade Complexion Cream was actually made by Miss Yang, and that Liufang Hall was established by the two of you. Truly remarkable,” the Crown Princess said with a smile, sipping her tea.

Yang Suwen’s eyes sparkled, and she pursed her lips, saying with a touch of pride, “Your Majesty flatters me. It’s nothing.”

Ling Yu also offered a few modest words in response.

“If this isn’t worth much, I’m afraid all the cosmetic shops in the capital would have to close down,” the Crown Princess chuckled.

Ling Yu couldn’t immediately guess her intention and simply smiled politely in return.

Finally, the Crown Princess asked, “Miss Yang, since you can personally concoct such a wondrous substance as Jade Complexion Cream, you must have a deep understanding of medicine, especially women’s ailments, right?”

Ling Yu’s mind raced; she noticed the subtle expectation on the Crown Princess’s face and now understood the reason for her summons today.

It seemed her main purpose in seeing Su Wen today was probably related to “women’s ailments.”

Even the most noble women would feel insecure if associated with childlessness.

As far as she knew, Crown Prince Zhao Yun had one principal wife, two secondary wives, and several concubines. None was particularly favored; if she had to compare, Consort Xie received somewhat more attention, likely because she gave birth to the Crown Prince’s eldest son.

Her own sister, an ordinary woman from a common family, had worried for years because she only had one daughter. Even a noble woman like the Crown Princess, having had no children for many years, must have endured difficulties.

Her previous desire to see Yang Suwen was probably because Imperial Physician Yang, rumored to be a master of gynecology, was involved.

“From a young age, I only loved tinkering with face creams and didn’t pay much attention to medicine. My late father often scolded me for this. When he fell seriously ill, knowing he wouldn’t recover, he sold the entire pharmacy he had built to avoid my poor medical skills dragging him down,” Yang Suwen said, sheepishly touching her nose when asked about her skills.

“Didn’t he teach you any unique medical techniques?” the Crown Princess pressed on.

This was inevitable. Although Yang Bochuan had long since passed away, the Crown Princess had occasionally heard from the late Empress’s nanny that the Jade Complexion Cream resembled in scent and color the postpartum scar-removal cream Yang Bochuan had once prepared for the Empress.

It seemed the Jade Complexion Cream also carried Physician Yang’s intent.

“Unique medical techniques?” Yang Suwen was completely bewildered. “What unique techniques did my father have?”

Seeing she wasn’t faking, the Crown Princess finally sighed in disappointment. She had been too hasty.

Ling Yu didn’t comment. In her previous life, the Crown Prince died young, and his only child perished a few years later, ending his line. She was unaware of the fates of the Crown Princess and the other consorts. After all, they were too far removed from her past life, and she had no time to concern herself with them.

“I find your Jade Complexion Cream excellent, but it seems a bit difficult to purchase. Now that you are in the capital, why not consider opening Liufang Hall here as well?” The Crown Princess quickly composed herself, thinking of her nearly finished cream, and asked.

“To be honest, Your Highness, I was thinking of that myself. My brother and I are currently looking for a shop,” Ling Yu replied thoughtfully, her spirits lifting.

The Crown Princess smiled. “That’s wonderful! I’ll await your good news when your new shop opens.”

“Thank you, Your Highness! I’m honored by your kind words!” Ling Yu replied happily.

The three chatted animatedly when Zhao Yun, taking the rare chance to visit the Crown Princess’s courtyard, was somewhat surprised to see Xiao Shitou in the yard.

He kept a straight face, waiting for the little boy to notice him.

Xiao Shitou was happily stuffing snacks into his mouth, eyes crinkling with satisfaction, oblivious to everyone else. Zhao Yun waited, but the maid assigned to care for him noticed him first and hurried forward to pay respects.

Startled, Xiao Shitou looked over curiously. Seeing a familiar face, he immediately called out loudly, “Uncle!” The maid, panicking, quickly covered his mouth.

“What are you doing? Let him go!” Zhao Yun glared at her. Looking at Xiao Shitou pouting pitifully, he sneered, “So ugly, always crying.”

The little boy pouted, then suddenly remembered his mother’s instructions. He cupped his hands and waved at Zhao Yun, saying in a sweet childish voice, “Pay my respects!”

Zhao Yun almost stumbled, glaring at him. “Who taught you to bow like that? It’s so awkward!”

The little boy finally got angry, glaring back with his big, dark eyes, then jumped up and ran into the house with a series of “thump, thump, thump” steps.

“Mother…”

Zhao Yun was about to pull him over and give him a proper scolding, to teach him that he wasn’t someone this little brat could glare at so easily. But when he heard the boy call out “Mother,” he stopped in his tracks, frowning as he asked the maid, “Is the Crown Princess receiving guests?”

Although he didn’t consider Ling Yu and Yang Suwen to be proper guests, the maid obediently replied yes.

Zhao Yun frowned and turned to leave.

Meanwhile, Prince Qi was thoughtfully examining the waist token in his hand and asked his concubine Ying Liu, “Was this really found by Lai Kun?”

“Absolutely!” Ying Liu replied. After years in the manor, she had long shed her old, sallow, and thin appearance as a poor girl. Her fair, delicate face and bright, clear eyes, as if holding two pools of spring water, were exceptionally lively.

Upon hearing this, Prince Qi’s thick brows furrowed even more.

So it seems that the person who had brutally beaten the servants in his household was from the Crown Prince’s residence… but why?