Chapter 12: Setting the Rules

After Ning Junruo left, the Prince of Liang’s residence fell into unrest.

Though Dowager Consort Xu had known that Ning Junruo was covering the household’s deficits with her own money, she hadn’t realized the extent of it.

Recalling how the princess once declared she would no longer provide financial support, the dowager’s heart ached with anger.

In her fury, she harshly scolded Chang Yuniang in front of the maids and servants, calling her an ungrateful temptress. Even if she were pregnant, there was no guarantee she’d bear a son. She warned His Highness not to be so easily swayed by her.

“That Chang Yuniang is truly cunning—on her very first day in the residence, she drove the princess away!”

“No kidding. Even after moving into Yunmeng Pavilion, she wasn’t satisfied. She had to instigate the prince to fight for her interests. Shameless!”

“Poor prince, completely manipulated by her. Anyone who sticks with her won’t have a good time.”

“God forbid I end up by her side!”

Wherever Yuzhu went, whispers followed. As her mistress’s servant, she hung her head in shame.

Thinking of the humiliation she endured under Chang Yuniang, she bit her lip and quietly resolved, “I can’t stay here any longer. I must find a way back to my young lady.”

With Chang Yuniang gone, the grand residence could not be without a housekeeper.

After enjoying a few peaceful years, the dowager now faced the headache of relentless debts.

She handed the spare key to the treasury over to Concubine Xiao, appointing her as temporary overseer.

Xiao Yunzi had long heard of the discord between the princess and the prince over appearances.

If the princess truly demanded the funds back, there was nothing to say.

At the time, the princess caused such a scene in the courtyard that even if she hadn’t asked for the money, just mentioning it would have been humiliating for her.

Yet the princess had chosen to confront the prince directly, without dragging Xiao Yunzi into it.

Previously, she thought the princess was cold, proud, and disdainful.

But to think someone so aloof would contribute thousands of taels to support everyone—

This realization made her feel somewhat guilty for misjudging her.

Fortunately, Xiao Yunzi, though not the smartest, was a woman who repaid kindness and enmity alike.

Thus, when the dowager sought her out, Xiao Yunzi agreed without hesitation.

But maid Qin Luo couldn’t help but caution, “Miss, you’ve heard the accounts too. Being housekeeper is good, but we don’t need to take on a hot potato.”

“Don’t worry. I have a plan,” Xiao Yunzi said as she flipped through the ledgers. “I never expected the grand Prince of Liang’s residence to have only a few hundred taels left.”

She pointed to the line for food supplies. “The prince’s salary won’t arrive until next month. From now on, we must tighten our belts. Clothing and jewelry expenses are to be cut entirely. Food expenses must be halved. Delicacies like venison or rare mushrooms should be bought sparingly.”

Qin Luo’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Cutting clothing and jewelry I can understand, but halving the food budget? Won’t the dowager or the prince object?”

“What are you thinking? Who said their food or clothing will be reduced?” Xiao Yunzi shot her a sharp glance. “The dowager, the prince, and of course myself—all maintain the usual standards. But the fox spirit and the other ladies in the rear must have their allowances cut in half.”

“So… you mean Chang Yuniang’s provisions will be halved, but yours remain the same?” Qin Luo wondered if her mistress was settling a personal score or playing favorites.

Though uneasy, she still followed the orders.

Indeed, when the mostly vegetarian dinners were delivered to the ladies’ chambers, complaints arose.

None had tasted such plain fare since arriving.

They knew the change was because of Chang Yuniang and silently cursed her, though none spoke openly.

Chang Yuniang had long heard the dowager’s scolding in front of the servants.

She had expected the princess to summon her for a reprimand, but nothing came.

The calm surface concealed the most dangerous undercurrents.

The entire afternoon, Chang Yuniang fretted anxiously.

At dinner, when the kitchen maid brought her the meal, she was dumbfounded. “Why is there no meat today? Is the dowager angry with me and forcing me to eat vegetarian?”

The maid replied expressionlessly, “Lady Chang, all the ladies in the residence are eating the same food.”

“Concubine Xiao is eating this too?” She knew the Xiao family was now in charge.

“Concubine Xiao’s meals remain unchanged,” the maid answered.

“What? Her meals are still the same?”

Chang Yuniang, who had been lacking confidence, now blazed with anger. “Madam knows pregnancy is not easy. I carry twins and need nourishing food. Just vegetables won’t do!”

“I am only following orders, my lady. Please eat while it is warm,” the maid said meekly.

“I have no appetite.” Chang Yuniang closed the food box. “I’ve been feeling queasy lately. Please have the maid prepare a light soup for me.”

“Lady, I fear you are mistaken. The accounts have been cut; even if I wished, I lack the ingredients.” The maid lifted her head with a hint of mockery. “Those delicacies before were paid for with the princess’s dowry money. Now that she no longer contributes, the household must tighten its belt. If Lady Chang finds the food too plain, she may add some silver and have the servants purchase whatever she desires.”

Was this maid allied with the princess?

Was she blaming Chang Yuniang for driving her away?

Chang Yuniang was no fool; she understood the insinuation perfectly.

“It’s just a soup I want, not necessarily meat. No need for so much fuss!” she immediately put on an air of dignity.

The silver in her hand was hard-earned. Now that she was in the residence, she couldn’t just flaunt her wealth.

She was nothing like Ning Junruo, who would never dip into her own private funds even if starving.

The maid could only gather the untouched food box and leave.