Chapter 27: Returning to the Manor

The ways of the world are ever-changing. It was indeed with the tacit approval of the Emperor and Yin Ling that the Xu family’s concubine-born daughter entered the palace, just as Yin Sumuo had anticipated. However, an unexpected turn of events caused by Zhao Jiao’s sudden appearance had disrupted everything.

"Forget about any marriage with Prince Changli; I have found a more suitable match for you!" Yin Ling said nonchalantly while reclining on a chaise lounge.

Feng Yu’er shook her head frantically, crawling forward on her knees to plead. "Mother, I only wish to marry the Prince of Li. I beg you to grant my wish; I will do whatever you say!"

Yin Ling’s expression shifted instantly, turning dark and menacing. She rose in a flash, kicked the girl aside, and hissed, "I tried to elevate you, yet you are utterly useless. A mere fifth-rank official’s daughter of humble origins—you lost your composure and acted rashly in the palace, offending the Empress Dowager without even realizing it. You have ruined the perfect game of chess I was playing, and yet you have the audacity to beg me? It is a stroke of luck that I even let you keep your life. You useless thing, the Empress Dowager was right about one thing: in no respect are you even one ten-thousandth of Zhaojiao!"

Feng Yu’er collapsed to the ground, biting her lip so hard she dared not make another sound.

Having finished her tirade, Yin Ling smoothed her robes with composure and sat down again. "If you obey me, you remain the Princess Nianzhao of the Grand Princess’s mansion. If you continue to be ungrateful, I will send you to keep Zhaojiao company. Do you understand?"

Feng Yu’er trembled, bowing her head and prostrating herself on the floor. "Nianzhao… will follow Mother’s arrangements in everything!"

Yin Ling flashed a smile again. "That’s better. His Majesty is currently fretting over Prince Sumuo’s marriage. I think you and that boy Sumuo are quite a match. Are you willing?"

Feng Yu’er jerked her head up, but upon meeting Yin Ling’s gaze, she lowered it again. "I leave it to Mother’s discretion!"

"Good girl, stand up. Seeing you so obedient makes my heart ache. By the way, I spoke in public today, sentencing you to write the character 'Zhao' ten thousand times to be delivered to the Xu family in three days. Remember this—some things need not be rushed. Prince Sumuo seems interested in that girl from the Xu family. If she enters the Prince’s mansion in the future, as the primary consort, you can handle her however you please, and no one will say a word. One must learn to see the bigger picture; the path will open up for you!"

"Thank you, Mother, for your guidance! Nianzhao has learned her lesson..."

The humiliation and grievances suffered today would be repaid a hundredfold, a thousandfold in the future! One day, she would not have to live this life of bowing and scraping. Did they say she wasn't one ten-thousandth of Feng Zhaojiao? Just wait and see!

"That’s a good girl. Men are all the same; who you marry doesn't really matter. Rest assured, as long as I am here, no matter who you marry, you will never lack for glory, provided that... you remain obedient. You may go."

Yin Ling rested her head on her hand, closed her eyes, and waved her away. She was still somewhat useful, so she would keep her for now.

Zhao Jiao had been staying at the Prince Sumuo’s mansion for three days. Since things had already reached this point, she decided to simply lie back and relax. After all, if the Prince himself wasn't afraid of lowering his status by getting entangled with her, what did she have to fear?

"My lady, you look much better!" After three days, Yun Xiang had also started to adjust.

Zhao Jiao felt she had recovered well; Uncle Ji’s medical skills were truly remarkable—had it been an ordinary physician, she would not have recovered so quickly.

"Let’s go. We should pay our respects to the Prince and head back." Since Yin Ling had publicly ordered Feng Yu’er to write the ten thousand "Zhao" characters for the Xu household, she would surely make her do it and do so with great fanfare. Today was the third day, and she didn't want to let the noble princess have a wasted trip!

"Miss Xu, are you heading out?" Before Zhao Jiao could leave her room, Wan Niang entered.

"Yes, I am preparing to return. Is the Prince at the mansion?" She hadn't seen him for two days...

Wan Niang was very polite. "The Prince had business and left the city; he won't be back for a few days. He left instructions that if you were feeling better, you were free to leave, and he would seek you out upon his return."

So he had left the city.

Zhao Jiao nodded. "Then I won't disturb you any further. I shall take my leave now. I have caused you much trouble these past few days." The entire household had been very courteous to her.

"You are the Prince’s honored guest; it is only right that we serve you with care. Please wait a moment, Miss Xu. The Prince has prepared some things for you; I shall have them loaded onto the carriage now."

Rouge, powder, jewelry, pastries, and a pair of red fox-fur hand warmers—Wan Niang specifically noted that the red fox fur had been hunted by Yin Sumuo himself.

"Please thank the Prince on my behalf, Wan Niang. Farewell!" Since they were given, she would accept them all; she couldn't serve as a shield for nothing.

"She is indeed quite extraordinary!" Unassuming, calm, and composed.

Watching the carriage depart, Wan Niang turned around.

"She’s gone?" Uncle Ji hurried over from inside.

"Just left. What is it?"

"Oh! The medicine the Prince asked me to prepare is finally ready... Never mind, I'll have someone deliver it later."

"What medicine?" Wan Niang asked, puzzled. Wasn't she already recovered?

"The Prince said her health was too fragile and asked me to prepare some tonics."

Wan Niang mused thoughtfully, "This is the first time the Prince has been so attentive to a young lady. It seems Princess Sisi has no hope now!"

Uncle Ji shrugged and turned away. "Let’s not worry about that; as long as the Prince is happy, that is all that matters."

No one in the Xu family was surprised when Zhao Jiao failed the palace selection, but they were all shocked that she had moved into the Prince Sumuo’s mansion after leaving the palace. So, upon hearing that Zhao Jiao had returned, the Old Madam and the others waited in the main hall with great solemnity, posturing to interrogate her.

As it turned out, Zhao Jiao went straight to her own room!

"Do you see that? She has climbed a high branch and now looks down even on her own parents and elders!" The Old Madam’s face twisted with disdain.

"Does this... mean we are to pay our respects to the Fifth Miss? Could it be she is going to become a Princess?" Concubine Qiu remarked with biting sarcasm. This accursed girl had stolen her daughter’s spot and hooked the Prince—what a cunning scheme!

"If she can become a secondary consort, it would mean the ancestors of the Xu family are blessing us. Someone, go and summon that girl immediately... tell her I have questions for her!"

Xu Guodong glared darkly at Concubine Qiu and the worried-looking Concubine Meng. "How did you raise her!"

"I’m not going. Tell them I am feeling unwell." Zhao Jiao dismissed the servant with a single sentence and instructed Yun Xiang to send over a few items.

"Tell them these are gifts from the Prince for Concubine Meng and the Madame. No need to say anything else."

Since the Prince was using these items to help her save face, she would not be polite. These gifts signified the importance the Prince placed on her, and given Xu Guodong’s character, for the sake of his own career, he would not let the Old Madam and the others bother her for the time being.

As soon as Yun Xiang left, Liu Xu couldn't wait any longer. He had been on edge ever since Zhao Jiao entered the palace.

"Princess..."

"Shh—call me Miss from now on. Concubine Qiu kept her word, which makes things much easier. Feng Yu’er will likely come to the Xu mansion today... *cough*... *cough*... you should stay out of sight."

"Why would she come? Did you... catch a cold, Miss? Is it serious? I shall go fetch a physician at once." Liu Xu looked anxious.

Zhao Jiao shook her head. "I am fine, I have already recovered. I ran into her in the palace and couldn't help but give her some trouble. Liu Xu, contact Old Man Duan and find a suitable time for us to meet in the next few days. Be careful; this trip to the palace has drawn some attention."

"Understood... Miss, please take me with you next time you go anywhere. You have no martial arts now..."

Zhao Jiao spread her hands helplessly. "It’s too late to start training now. It’s fine; as long as I’m alive, it’s enough. I had such high martial arts before, and it didn't help... Are you accustomed to life in the Xu family?"

"I am. The young master went to the academy for the first time today and hasn't returned yet. Miss, the Xu family is not a good place; if you feel uncomfortable, I can make arrangements..."

"No need. This identity is just right for now—it doesn't draw too much attention, and nothing can be traced. By the way, help me investigate Feng Yu’er and her father..."