Chapter 5: Utterly Depraved

As expected, appearances matter—clothes make the man, and a horse depends on its saddle.

Xiao Yunji was naturally beautiful, and wearing the exquisite southern pearl hair ornament made her look even more dignified. Listening to the maids’ praises, she glanced left and right into the bronze mirror, her heart blooming with joy.

“Besides the Grand Concubine and the Princess Consort, I doubt anyone else in Liangzhou has the fortune to wear such a beautiful hairpiece,” the maid Yingtao said sweetly.

“Exactly. Our lady only received such a set when she was officially titled,” added Xiao Yunji’s wet nurse, Aunt Shen, smiling as she reminded her, “This hair ornament is precious and highly regarded as a symbol of a woman’s dignity in the capital. The Princess Consort is so generous to give it to you; she clearly wants to befriend you. Don’t disappoint her goodwill.”

“Who wants her favor!” Xiao Yunji snorted coldly, pouting and muttering sulkily, “It’s so stuffy inside, I want to go out for a walk.”

Yingtao immediately helped her up.

Turning right upon exiting the door, they reached the Listening Rain Pavilion, where Lady Chen resided—a woman who was always favored by the Prince.

Madam Xiao, accompanied by several maids, turned that way.

Her purpose in coming was not only to see if she could meet the Prince but also to flaunt her newly acquired jewelry.

Just as they approached the courtyard gate, they saw Chen Qinghe standing beneath the eaves in a pale pink fitted dress, gazing anxiously toward the entrance.

The shadow of the begonia blossoms accentuated her slender waist, making her posture especially graceful. Her beautiful cheeks resembled blooming peonies—unforgettable at a glance. A breeze stirred her jet-black hair, which danced like flowing ribbons in the wind.

Such beauty was like a clear, elegant melody.

A woman of such striking looks as Lady Chen needed no action; simply standing there was a living painting.

Whenever Xiao Yunji saw her face, jealousy churned fiercely within her. “Oh, who are you waiting for so eagerly?” she teased.

“Madam jokes. I’m just out for some fresh air,” Chen Qinghe replied with a guilty smile.

“Oh, just fresh air…” Xiao Yunji deliberately elongated her words. “I thought the Prince was in your room. I came specially to check. Usually, when the Prince returns, he’s the first to visit you. Has he still not come, even this late?”

Usually, upon returning home, the Prince would pay respects to the Grand Concubine before coming to see her.

This time, the Prince not only brought back a pregnant woman but had stayed away from Listening Rain Pavilion for so long.

Chen Qinghe’s heart was already anxious like ants on a hot pan.

“Madam came to ridicule me? But you haven’t seen the Prince either!”

That remark hit a sore spot. Chen Qinghe’s brows furrowed in displeasure, and even the vibrant blossoms in the courtyard seemed to lose their color.

“Though my lady hasn’t seen the Prince, she did receive a gift from him,” Yingtao said proudly, her spirit lifted by their mistress being favored by the Princess Consort. “Such a delicate hair ornament— even the titled ladies in the capital may not have one like this. The Prince truly dotes on our lady.”

Chen Qinghe finally noticed the hairpiece on Xiao Yunji’s head. She looked at the thumb-sized pearl, brilliantly shining amid the cluster of turquoise-blue petals. Suddenly, fear crept into her heart.

Xiao Yunji had received such a precious gift, yet she had nothing.

Could the Prince have truly forgotten her?

Unlike the Xiao family, supported by the Grand Concubine, Chen Qinghe’s standing in the household depended entirely on the Prince’s favor.

She dared not imagine how the disdainful servants, who looked down on her, would treat her without the Prince’s kindness.

Hearing that a woman surnamed Chang had moved into the Yunmeng Pavilion unsettled her further.

Her heart sank even deeper. “Are you sure the Prince sent it?”

“Who else could it be?” Xiao Yunji said with satisfaction at Chen Qinghe’s dismay. “Besides the Prince, who in this household could produce such a precious ornament?”

The words were true, striking Chen Qinghe like a thunderclap. Yet she feigned calmness and said, “Since you’re here, Madam, why not come inside for some tea?”

“Forget it. The Prince isn’t here, and I’m too lazy,” Xiao Yunji said lightly, casting her a glance before strutting away like a victorious rooster.

Her mocking words pierced Chen Qinghe’s heart like a sharp blade. Unable to contain herself, she clutched her chest and retreated to her room, sending the maid Dragonfly to find the Prince, claiming her heart ailment had flared up again.

Yuzhu, who had been serving at Yilan Residence, was still figuring out why the Princess Consort suddenly assigned her here. Seeing the two women clinging to each other affectionately, she simply stood outside waiting for orders.

After Dragonfly found Yunmeng Pavilion and stated her purpose, Yuzhu immediately called loudly at the door, “Prince, the maid from Listening Rain Pavilion requests to see you. Lady Chen’s heart ailment has flared up.”

Inside, Zhao Shenxing was embracing Chang Yuniang, leaning on the couch in an intimate embrace. Hearing this, he quickly released her.

“Qinghe is unwell. I must go see her.”

Chang Yuniang immediately held her belly, moaning softly, “Zhao, you’re no doctor. If she’s unwell, call the physician. It’s rare to see you, how can you leave us mother and child here alone?”

The sweet tone of “Zhao” made his heart ache with longing.

Anyone who knew he was the Prince of Liang showed him respect, even kneeling before him. The women in the harem, though seemingly devoted, harbored their own fears.

Only Chang Yuniang, fully aware of his identity, flirted with him as before, unafraid to offend.

True hearts are rare, even if daughters of noble birth are easy to find.

To him, her playful antics were a kind of charm.

Like ordinary wives jealous when their husbands fancy others.

Even among many wives and concubines, this tactic worked well on Zhao Shenxing.

Chang Yuniang’s coquettish demeanor stirred his heart, and he couldn’t help but pinch her flushed cheek. “You little enchantress! Fine, fine. I won’t go anywhere today. I’ll stay here with you.”

“Ouch, ouch! I knew Zhao cared most for me…”

Her exaggerated laughter made the two inexperienced girls outside blush deeply.

Unable to complete her task, Dragonfly relayed every word she overheard to Lady Chen.

“Wretch!” Chen Qinghe raged as she furiously shoved the tea cup and teapot off the table, shattering the exquisite porcelain like her broken heart, scattering shards across the floor.

“No wonder the world despises courtesans. They are truly despicable—so pregnant, yet shamelessly clinging to the Prince, refusing to let go…”