Chapter 17: Going Too Far

Xiao Yunzi was known for her fiery temper, and with the backing of the Grand Dowager, the recent austerity measures implemented in the prince’s mansion were being rigorously enforced.

As the household tightened its belt, the ones who suffered most were the servants.

Whereas before, when the masters ate meat, the servants could at least enjoy the broth, now, when the masters had only soup, the servants could count themselves lucky just to be full.

For years, the princess consort had managed the household, growing accustomed to this steady monotony. Though no one could find fault with her, neither did anyone think much of her.

After the concubine Xiao took charge, she established her authority by frequently punishing servants harshly for even minor mistakes, making life unbearable for them all. They longed for the princess consort’s return.

Only when they learned that the princess had been using her dowry to support the household did they begin to realize just how good she truly was.

Knowing that the princess had been driven away by Chang Yuniang, they secretly cursed her.

Rumors swirled in the mansion, and though Chang Yuniang had heard them, these past few days had brought her a sobering clarity.

She had once believed that with the child in her womb, she would gain status through her offspring, and with the prince’s favor, she would live comfortably in the residence.

She had not expected the Grand Dowager to coldly remark that even if the child was born, it might not be a son.

Confident she had won the prince’s heart, she was unaware that there was still a beauty like Lady Chen in the mansion. At the thought of her face, Chang Yuniang felt a pang of shame, even to the point of self-reproach.

She never imagined matters would escalate to this point, nor could she bear to think how unbearable life would be if she gave birth to a daughter.

No, it absolutely would not be a daughter!

She comforted herself with this thought, convinced that the soothsayer, known for his unerring predictions, was right: if he said it was a son, it would be a son.

Realizing the trouble she had caused, Chang Yuniang began to temper her temper, even sending Yu Zhu to convey to the prince her desire to apologize.

But the prince paid her no heed, still lodging at the Listening Rain Pavilion.

The midday meal was still three vegetables and one meat dish, accompanied by a rich chicken soup. These days, she had little appetite; staring at the dry rice, she lost all desire to eat.

Yu Zhu, sensing this, ladled half a bowl of soup for her. As she raised the spoon to her lips, she caught a faint fishy smell.

It was supposed to be chicken soup—how could it smell of fish?

Stirring the soup, she found something resembling fish swim bladders floating within.

"This is downright insulting!"

Furious, Chang Yuniang slammed the bowl onto the table. "What is going on with this soup? Go fetch the prince immediately and tell him I have no appetite and haven’t eaten for two days."

"But the prince is—"

Before Yu Zhu could finish, Chang Yuniang snapped, "Wherever he is, bring him here at once!"

Yu Zhu intended to explain that the prince was dining with the concubine, but seeing her wrath, she obediently left.

In the Cian Hall, lunch had just concluded. Zhao Shenxing and Lady Xiao were chatting with the Grand Dowager.

"By your account, the princess consort hasn’t been idle these past two days?"

"Someone watching secretly reported she visited the shop, apparently plotting something with Manager Yuan."

As the prince finished speaking, Lady Xiao looked guilty.

"I thought managing the household would be easy, but those crafty servants are two-faced. I don’t know how Sister Ning restrained them without punishment."

The Grand Dowager shot a surprised glance at her. "Did you just call her Sister Ning?"

Xiao Yunzi lowered her head in shame. "I wronged her before. After two days in charge, I realized how hard running the household is. The coffers are empty. I truly hope she returns soon."

"You know how much Yunji resented her before."

The Grand Dowager looked at her son meaningfully. "No wonder her heart grew cold. Don’t think household affairs are trivial. Not every woman can run the prince’s mansion as meticulously as she did."

"I’m right about to return and oversee the accounts. There are still many unsettled."

Xiao Yunzi was about to leave when Yan Xiu entered to report that a maid from Chang Yuniang’s quarters requested to see the prince.

"What trouble is she causing now?" the Grand Dowager frowned irritably.

"Yu Zhu said she’s had no appetite these days, not even drinking soup," Yan Xiu lowered her eyes.

"No appetite?"

Zhao Shenxing immediately sat up straight. "The child she carries is my flesh and blood! How come no one told me sooner?"

Without another word, he rushed out.

Seeing his urgency, Xiao Yunzi muttered, "That vixen is skilled in schemes. This is probably another one of her pity ploys."

The soup in the stew pot had cooled, with a thin layer of pale yellow fat congealed on top. Cold soup smelled stronger, and the fishy odor was unmistakable even from a distance.

With no one around, Chang Yuniang secretly applied a thin layer of pale powder to her cheeks and lips.

Her once rosy face instantly turned snow-white.

Having barely eaten these past days, this ordeal made her look significantly more haggard.

When Zhao Shenxing arrived, she lay weakly on the couch, gazing at the untouched meal on the table, unable to voice her complaints.

"I know you’ve been feeling unwell these past days, but no matter how bad, you can’t take it out on your body," Zhao Shenxing said, approaching her and glancing at the food. "Such bland fare and you still can’t eat?"

"The prince has finally come," Chang Yuniang said sullenly, clutching her belly as she tried to rise. "It’s all my fault. I kowtow to you in apology."

Seeing her feeble state, Zhao Shenxing hurriedly supported her arm. "Your health is paramount. Don’t torment yourself any further."

Leaning on his arm, tears streamed down her face like broken pearls.

"Those jade hairpieces were originally bought for me by Zhao Lang. I only wanted to reclaim what belonged to me. I just can’t understand how things spiraled like this. Now, both of us are trapped in a no-win situation..."

Her shoulders heaved with sobs, as if burdened by endless grievances, appearing pitiful indeed.

On the way back, they had agreed that once the princess consort accepted Yuniang as her cousin, he would publicly return the hairpieces to her.

Zhao Shenxing never anticipated things turning out this way.

Her words struck a chord deep within him, and recalling the Grand Dowager’s recent stern expressions, his anger welled up.

"Rest assured, I will settle this debt for you sooner or later."

Wiping away tears, Chang Yuniang despondently said, "Thank you for your kindness, but I fear I won’t live to see that day."

"Since entering the prince’s mansion, why say such hopeless things?" Zhao Shenxing’s displeasure was evident.

"It’s not that I want to be gloomy. Just look at this food—does it look fit for a pregnant woman?"

Chang Yuniang glanced at the dishes. "Since coming here, apart from cold steamed buns for breakfast, my two meals a day have been nothing but bland radishes and cabbage without a drop of oil."

"And this chicken soup—they even added fish swim bladders. How can one eat something so fishy?"

Her grievances grew heavier. "I don’t know whom I offended to be fed the same fare as the servants every day. Zhao Lang, I’ve heard other ladies enjoy bird’s nest and sea cucumber. They’re bullying me. In this vast mansion, only you can speak up for me..."

"Chang Yuniang, how dare you lie with your eyes wide open!" Xiao Yunzi appeared at the door, supporting the Grand Dowager.