Liu Mentang was always straightforward and rarely spoke insincere words unless necessary.
As Miss He was confiding in her privately, Mentang felt that speaking against her conscience might jeopardize the young lady’s future.
So, after some thought, she said frankly, “I don’t know Miss Lian’s intentions, but for her to become so close to you upon first meeting, to the point of wanting to serve the same husband… Forgive my ignorance, but I can’t understand the meaning behind this.”
He Zhen had accompanied her father on business since childhood and was not naive. However, once greed takes hold in one’s heart, it’s easy to become blinded.
She had fallen in love with the Prince of Huaiyang at first sight and had loved only him since. Originally, due to the barrier of social status, she thought they could never be together in this life. But heaven seemed to show mercy, suddenly opening a window of opportunity for her.
This was enough to make her ecstatic, how could she care whether there was an abyss beyond that window?
She had intended to boast to Mrs. Liu that her infatuation wasn’t just a mirage. But hearing Mentang’s cold splash of reality, she felt somewhat deflated and mumbled, “Young ladies from great families like Miss Lian have a broader perspective than ordinary women on the streets. They’re born and raised to be household mistresses. How could they solely focus on romance? Maintaining harmony in the prince’s mansion and allowing the prince to focus on state affairs is most important…”
Mentang felt she might have said too much and gave a dry laugh, “Indeed, common women like us aren’t cut out to be mistresses. Fortunately, my husband is an ordinary citizen, so I don’t need to search far and wide for sisterly confidants or find ways to present them to him for the sake of the world… Here’s the list I’ve compiled over the past two days. The shortcomings you mentioned last time have been addressed. If there’s anything else that needs changing, just send word to my shop.”
Feeling the conversation had turned unproductive, Mentang said she shouldn’t take up any more of Miss He’s time and got off the carriage.
Left alone in the carriage, Miss He felt both angry and anxious, but couldn’t help thinking that Liu Mentang’s words made sense… Unable to decide, she forgot about being annoyed with Mrs. Cui and became lost in her thoughts.
As for Liu Mentang, after a busy day, everything in the North Street residence was back to normal in the evening.
Madam Li had bought fresh venison from a hunter, thinly sliced and smoked with fruitwood to make venison rolls. The soup was a milky-white broth made from simmered beef bones and deer tendon, deliciously garnished with chopped green onions.
To go with the soup, Madam Li had made large, eight-inch flaky flatbreads.
During the meal, the two young maids stood straight beside the masters’ table, balancing books on their heads while serving.
This was Madam Li’s new method to make them stand up straight.
Mentang felt sorry for the two maids who looked unsteady, so she told them to remove the books and eat at the side table first, then resume their posture after eating.
The two maids cautiously looked at Madam Li’s expression. Madam Li, in turn, looked at the prince’s face.
Finally, Cui Jiu spoke up: “This isn’t some deep palace inner court. It’s enough if they learn the etiquette properly.”
With these words, Madam Li finally relaxed her face, and the two young maids went to eat with visible relief.
During the meal, Mentang remembered He Zhen’s strange carriage story about two sisters serving one husband and casually related it to her husband.
Cui Xingzhou had been listening half-heartedly at first, but as he heard more, his expression became increasingly grave, his face darkening in a manner reminiscent of Madam Li.
Mentang was focused on wrapping venison in flatbread with side dishes and didn’t notice her husband’s expression. She continued, “I spoke my mind at the time, but afterward I felt some regret. If Miss He enters the prince’s mansion, the He family will become noble relatives in Zhenzhou. I criticized the He family earlier, not expecting them to rise so quickly. My dear, do you think I should try to mend relations with the He family?”
“Absurd! How could Miss Lian act like this? Could it be that He San has gone mad with delusions?” Cui Jiu put down his chopsticks, speaking with displeasure.
Liu Mentang picked up a large piece of venison for her husband and said, “Gone mad? I don’t think so. Miss He Zhen seemed quite normal to me. I’m just puzzled about how these young ladies from great families think. Even if it’s to secure her position as the principal wife, isn’t this too hasty?”
Cui Xingzhou’s thick eyebrows were almost knotted. After some thought, he understood his cousin’s intentions. She must have heard about his inquiries about He Zhen during his last visit and misunderstood, eagerly wanting to find a concubine for him…
Mentang continued, “But that prince seems quite pitiful. People say he and his cousin are childhood sweethearts. I thought it was a tale of innocent love and deep affection. It turns out to be just a marriage of convenience.”
Cui Jiu drawled, “How would you know, not being from the prince’s household?”
Liu Mentang, sipping her soup, said, “She’s not even married yet and is already eager to find concubines for her husband. How is this behavior any different from the flattering minor officials under high-ranking ones? I don’t see any true feelings. I just think, with the prince being fawned over like this every day, doesn’t his bottom hurt?”
Before she could finish speaking, Cui Jiu smashed the bowl in his hand with a loud crash.
Mentang was stunned. She looked up at her husband’s ashen face, bewildered. It was just a casual chat between husband and wife, why did he suddenly get angry?
Cui Xingzhou, in his anger, had smashed the bowl, but his face remained relatively composed. However, his tone was harsh as he said, “You’re slurping your soup so loudly. I think you should learn some manners from Madam Li!”
With that, he stood up, lifted his robe, and strode out.
Mo Ru, despite having choked on his flatbread, quickly ran after the prince.
Left behind, Mentang held her bowl, speechless, her wide eyes turning to look at Madam Li in confusion.
What a mess! Madam Li, long-tempered in the fires of adversity, had improved her ability to handle such situations. She let out a long sigh and said to Liu Mentang, “My lady, the sound of your soup drinking just now… was indeed a bit loud…”
Meanwhile, the Prince of Huaiyang, having had enough of being scolded to his face by an ignorant woman, rode his horse across the river back to the Zhenzhou prince’s mansion, his face cold.
It wasn’t the usual time for the prince’s return, so his sudden midnight arrival caught the household off guard. Maids and servants filed in and out of the courtyard, preparing water for the prince to change, making the bed, and burning incense.
However, the prince waved everyone away, keeping only Steward Gao.
Steward Gao, having worked in the mansion for a long time, noticed something off about the prince’s demeanor tonight and felt uneasy. He stood to the side, listening as the prince slowly asked questions.
Surprisingly, the prince inquired about some daily matters in the mansion. For instance, whether Miss Lian had recently held tea parties and who had attended.
Steward Gao answered truthfully, remembering that the prince had previously shown interest in the third daughter of the imperial merchant He family, and made sure to emphasize how well Miss Lian and Miss He got along.
Unexpectedly, the prince’s face became increasingly expressionless. Finally, while tapping the table, he admonished Steward Gao: “Since my father’s time, you’ve been the steward of this mansion. Do you know why?”
Steward Gao waited respectfully for the prince to explain. The Prince of Huaiyang continued, “It’s because both my father and I value one thing about you: you know the depth and importance of matters, never carelessly spreading the word of what the master orders. Moreover, you clearly understand who truly runs this prince’s mansion and never associate with sycophants.”
Hearing this, Steward Gao broke out in a cold sweat of fear. He knew the prince was referring to the time during the old prince’s reign when many in the mansion bullied the current Imperial Consort and the young prince. Fortunately, he had heeded his father’s warning then and didn’t join in the wrongdoing. So when the prince took charge later and purged a batch of servants, he was promoted to become the mansion’s steward.
Seeing his expression, Cui Xingzhou knew he understood his meaning. He then said calmly, “When you go down, investigate who was present during our last conversation and who might have spread words that shouldn’t have been spread.”
Having received the prince’s order, Steward Gao immediately withdrew, his mind racing as he recalled the two conversations. Suddenly, everything became clear.
Anyone who could maintain a position in such a noble household was no fool. After careful consideration, Steward Gao’s back began to break out in cold sweat again.
Why would the prince need others to guess his thoughts when he asked questions? Moreover, why would Miss Lian suddenly befriend a merchant’s daughter she had no connection with? Could it be that the words had leaked from him, causing the prince’s displeasure?
Realizing this, Steward Gao couldn’t sleep that night. He immediately began interrogating his servants one by one. These servants were always watching and stepping on each other to gain position, so within two hours, he had gotten to the bottom of the matter.
Steward Gao gave the order, and those servants who dared to spread words to the inner court were tied up.
That night, the sound of beatings could be heard continuously from the outer court, far from the inner court. To avoid disturbing the masters, those loose-lipped, gossip-spreading servants had their mouths stuffed with dirty rags, were severely beaten, and then all expelled.
Early the next morning, when Cui Xingzhou went to greet his mother, Imperial Consort Chu only learned about the previous night’s disturbance from her maid.
“Steward Gao, why did you cause such a commotion in the courtyard? Even if the servants misbehave, you don’t need to interrogate people at night. It’s unclear what happened; people might think our prince’s mansion is a cruel magistrate’s office!” Imperial Consort Chu scolded Steward Gao, who was standing to the side while serving food to her son.
Steward Gao, who hadn’t slept all night and was now being reprimanded by the Imperial Consort early in the morning, felt miserable but had to maintain a smile. As he was thinking of how to respond, the Prince of Huaiyang spoke up: “Although this isn’t a magistrate’s office, there are inevitably some who don’t know their place and try to spy on my affairs. If it’s just about daily preferences in food and drink, that’s fine, but if ill-intentioned people use those close to me to probe for military intelligence, it could lead to serious consequences. So it’s good for the steward to discipline the servants to keep their mouths shut and understand the rules.”
Cui Xingzhou’s face had been devoid of smiles since yesterday. Only now, upon seeing his mother, did his expression soften slightly. As he spoke, his gaze remained fixed on the food in his bowl.
However, his cousin Lian Suilan, sitting at the table, couldn’t help but glance at him. She quickly regained her composure, lowering her head to eat without a word, though her face seemed to pale further.
The Imperial Consort, unaware of the underlying tension, always listened to her son. She refrained from scolding the steward further and instead began reminiscing about their recent pleasant garden outing.
Cui Xingzhou listened with a smile. After finishing breakfast with his mother, he found an opportunity to leave the dining hall with his cousin Lian Suilan.
His cousin was indeed well-behaved. Although someone had seen her maid listening by the outer courtyard wall during yesterday’s caning, she didn’t ask a single question today, feigning disinterest.
Cui Xingzhou had intended to reprimand his cousin. As his future princess, she should focus on more important matters. It was inappropriate for her to try currying favor with concubines before even entering the household.
Unexpectedly, his cousin spoke first: “I’ve been feeling troubled these past few days. While overseeing the wedding porcelain order, I took a trip to Lingquan Town with some family members…”
Cui Xingzhou responded with a dry “Mm,” and she continued: “I had no ulterior motives. I simply met some like-minded friends and invited them to visit the manor… I hope we didn’t disturb the Imperial Consort.”
Cui Xingzhou turned to look at her, saying, “Mother enjoys lively company. It’s good for you to host gatherings, but as a noblewoman, you should socialize more with ladies of similar standing. There’s no need to be overly friendly with those beneath your station.”
Lian Suilan understood her cousin’s rebuke, confirming her suspicion that Cui Xingzhou had a private relationship with Miss He. How else could the news have reached him so quickly?
“Cousin,” she said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, “Mother always taught me to respect my future husband. I only thought of you being alone in the military camp with no one to care for you. I wished to help but couldn’t go myself, so I hoped to find someone suitable. I acted impulsively, and I ask for your forgiveness.”
Her vulnerability resembled the young Imperial Consort Chu. In the past, Cui Xingzhou would have appreciated his cousin’s thoughtfulness and not dwelt on such matters.
However, after being mocked by a woman on North Street yesterday about the pain in his backside, hearing his cousin’s “caring” words now only reminded him of the sound of slaps. If she truly loved him, why would she be so eager to find him concubines? The cousin’s feelings of gratitude vanished, replaced by utter boredom. He no longer wished to speak.
Yet, Cui Xingzhou never considered himself a paragon of virtue. Having already contemplated setting up an outside residence for Liu Niangniang, it would be unreasonable to berate his cousin for arranging concubines. Since the steward had been punished severely, deterring future attempts to pry into his preferences, that should suffice.
His cousin was intelligent; after today’s warning, she should reconsider her meddling. With this in mind, he replied coolly, “You’ve done nothing wrong. There’s nothing to forgive, cousin. Don’t overthink it.”
They walked silently for a while before parting ways.
Lian Suilan watched the Prince of Huaiyang’s retreating figure, her heart filled with bitterness. She had done her best, yet somehow offended Miss He, who now manipulated her cousin to humiliate her.
When Lianxiang carefully presented Miss He’s visiting card, asking if Lian Suilan would receive her, Lian Suilan snatched the card and tore it to pieces, coldly saying, “Tell her I’m ill and won’t see anyone!”
…
After returning home to curb his cousin’s enthusiasm for expanding his harem, Cui Xingzhou made a brief visit to the military camp.
The imperial edict to disband troops had been issued. All regions were required to submit their weapons and soldiers to the court. Except for necessary defensive forces, the remaining troops were to be demobilized and returned to civilian life. Violators would face punishment for illegal troop retention.
The troop reduction policy in Zhen Prefecture was imminent. Once the rebels in Yangshan began surrendering, Cui Xingzhou would be unable to keep the elite forces he had carefully nurtured for years.
However, Cui Xingzhou now had a plan. He instructed his civil officials to report troop numbers and weapons according to protocol, maintaining an appearance of cooperation with the court.
After handling routine matters at the camp, Cui Xingzhou decided to return to North Street for a midday rest.
Upon arriving at the North Street residence, Cui Xingzhou sensed something amiss. The courtyard remained unchanged, with dried chili peppers spread on the wall and gourd strips drying under the grape vines, exuding an air of domestic tranquility. Yet, Liu Niangniang’s usual warm welcome was notably absent.
Cui Xingzhou looked up at Mama Li, about to ask if Liu Miantang had gone out when the maid Bicao emerged from the house. Seeing Cui Xingzhou, she immediately called into the house, “Madam, the master has returned!”
However, no one came out to greet him.
Cui Xingzhou entered the house to find Miantang practicing calligraphy by the window. She appeared to have dressed hastily, her hair unpinned and loosely tied with a blue ribbon. Wearing a short-sleeved, fitted top and a wide-skirted house dress with a light jacket draped over her shoulders, she exuded a casual charm. Her slender arm extended as she wrote slowly.
Despite her relaxed appearance, her natural beauty prevented any sense of slovenliness. Instead, this carefree look held its allure.
Cui Xingzhou admired the side view of the beauty for a moment before approaching. Miantang was tracing characters on thin paper, but instead of using the “Liquan Ming” calligraphy he had written for her earlier, she was using a common copybook bought from a stationery shop.
Cui Xingzhou observed her writing for a while. Though the strokes were slightly shaky, there was a noticeable improvement. He praised her, “Not bad, you’ve made progress…”
On any other day, his compliment would have been met with Miantang’s delighted response: “My lord, do you mean it?” But today, she remained as still as an ice sculpture, not even glancing at Cui Xingzhou.
Noticing the unusual behavior, Cui Xingzhou stood there for a moment. Seeing no reaction, he furrowed his brow and asked, “What’s wrong? Why aren’t you speaking?”
He was accustomed to following his own will in speech and action. In the past, when he lost his temper at the manor, everyone would wait for his anger to subside before offering flattery. Who would dare give the prince the cold shoulder?
Cui Xingzhou had long forgotten about smashing the bowl at North Street after being away for a day.
But for Miantang, her husband smashing a bowl, criticizing her table manners, and not returning for the night was unforgivable—it was grounds for divorce!
So after Cui Xingzhou left, she closed the door and wept silently. She believed his anger was misplaced, that he still couldn’t forgive her past association with Young Master Ziyu.
If it were any other issue, she could seek his forgiveness. But this was a knot in a man’s heart that he couldn’t untie himself, and she was powerless to help. It was better to face it calmly, avoiding future awkwardness between them.
So when Lord Cui Jiu returned as if nothing had happened, she ignored him, focusing on her tasks to avoid future bowl-smashing and insults.
But the Prince of Huaiyang couldn’t tolerate this treatment. After standing silently behind Miantang for a while, his face darkened, and he stormed out.
Mama Li, waiting at the door, saw the prince’s displeasure and quickly composed herself, awaiting his orders.
“What’s wrong with her?” Cui Xingzhou asked, raising his thick eyebrows in annoyance.
Understanding the prince’s forgetfulness, Mama Li cautiously replied, “After you left, madam seemed frightened by your anger. She cried for a while and has barely spoken since.”
Cui Xingzhou paused, recalling how he had left the courtyard. In hindsight, criticizing Miantang’s table manners in front of the servants would be difficult for any woman to bear.
She was, after all, the nominal mistress of the North Street residence. It was understandable for her to be upset. Mama Li mentioned she had cried, and indeed, her eyes had appeared reddened earlier…
Cui Xingzhou frowned. He had intended to return to the military camp but hesitated at the gate, then turned back towards the house.
He wasn’t planning to console her; in fact, Cui Xingzhou had never comforted any woman besides his mother. However, he disliked her silence. Moreover… with the Yangshan situation unresolved, he still needed her—having found a sufficient reason, Cui Jiu’s steps lightened as he returned.
Still, the task of appeasing Miangxtang was daunting. Re-entering the room, he considered his approach. Finally, he grasped Miangxtang’s slender wrist, pulling her into his embrace, and asked softly, “Have you been crying?”
Miangxtang remained silent, merely pursing her pink lips, which looked as enticing as rain-kissed flower petals…
Cui Xingzhou lowered his gaze. Though initially at a loss for words, he found himself saying, “I was in a foul mood earlier. It wasn’t your fault. Did I frighten you?”
Miangxtang finally looked up at him with her large eyes and said, “My lord, you’ve always been gentle and courteous. You’ve never raised your voice at me before. Yesterday’s incident… I felt you were truly angry with me. But I don’t know what I did wrong or how to make amends. You didn’t come home all night, and I couldn’t sleep, worrying if you had a warm, safe place to rest. So…”
She paused, then continued thoughtfully, “Next time you find me displeasing, I’ll leave, and you can stay at home. That way, I won’t have to worry about your comfort, and it’ll be one less concern…”
Cui Xingzhou found her words amusing. Where could this lonely, foreign woman go? To an inn?