Accord de Mu Yucheng

Chapitre 80

Taking the handkerchief handed to her by Consort Rong, she wiped her hands and said, "If that's the case, it will be easier to handle."

Xiaoyu glared at me and said, "It serves you right that Seventh Master argued with you. He's completely at his wit's end with you."

“We’ve always argued about everything under the sun, and we’re not bound by this one thing.” I smiled, a little tired. “It’s not that I miss you that much, it’s just that these women have been taking turns giving birth to sons for him lately, and I’ve gotten used to it, so I’ve misunderstood you.”

Xiaoyu, still sulking, wouldn't look at me, turning her head away to look elsewhere. "If it weren't for Seventh Master back then, my master and I would have died in the Pang family mansion. Seventh Master has been kind to me, how could I possibly ruin his reputation?!"

"Aren't you afraid of ruining other people's reputations?" I asked abruptly, startling even Consort Rong who was standing next to me.

I could see the pain in Xiaoyu's eyes. Her gaze was unfocused and conflicted as she looked at me. "Would I really hurt him?"

"Before you harm him, think about whether you can survive yourself?" Consort Rong, who had been silent for a long time, finally spoke, and her words hit the nail on the head.

“There are no outsiders here, so tell us,” I continued, picking up where Consort Rong left off. “We want you to give birth to this child, but we also need to know if you are actually capable of carrying it to term.”

“It’s Xiao Yi,” Xiao Yu said crisply, meeting our gaze without fear. “You’ve all heard of him. He used to be Third Master’s disciple, and now he’s a favorite in the court.”

With a clatter, the teacup fell from my hand. I stared blankly at Xiaoyu, unconscious. The same thought kept repeating in my mind—how did I raise such a troublemaker?

Consort Rong shook me, pulling me back to reality.

"What’s wrong with you?"

"I was scared." I answered truthfully, looked at Xiaoyu, swallowed, and stared blankly.

Xiaoyu smiled instead, "Although I am not qualified to protect this child, I will do my best to protect myself and him. I no longer care what will happen to his father. I only know that since he is my child, I will protect him with my life."

The word "tried my best" settled in my heart. Both were lives, yet I had been running away from them, avoiding them, even wanting to destroy them, while Xiaoyu had done everything in her power to protect them. I was both shocked and amazed, asking myself, had I truly done my best? Had I even considered the word "protect"? I couldn't utter another word. Suddenly, all the words of comfort I had prepared seemed so pale and powerless. Every word I spoke was a harsh self-reproach. Perhaps I truly don't deserve the title of "mother."

Consort Rong comforted Xiaoyu and then sent someone to escort her back to Consort Lin's quarters. By the time Xiaoyu returned to the inner palace, looking worried, I had mostly regained my senses. Consort Rong leaned over and tugged at my sleeve. I knew there were some things she wouldn't dare say directly in front of Xiaoyu.

“I know what you’re going to say.” I looked at Consort Rong. “You’re going to talk about Yu Ning and Consort Lin.”

"Even if the Emperor finds out, and Consort Lin notices something, that girl won't have much of a chance. Yu Ning has liked Xiao Yi for a long time, and the marriage invitation has been prepared long ago, just waiting to be granted the title of Marquis before proceeding. Consort Lin wants to give all the good things in the world to her daughter, how could she let Xiao Yu give birth to that child?! Just hearing the old women talk about things like this in the palace is enough to send chills down your spine. And you don't know how much the Emperor values Xiao Yi these days, he's about to grant him the title of Marquis, and his favored status is enough to surpass any prince. If a Miss Hua suddenly appears at this time, not only will it disgrace the royal family, but Yu Ning, Consort Lin, and even the Emperor will not let it go."

“I understand that principle. To tell you the truth, I raised Xiao Yi myself, and I cherish him like a younger brother, but I won’t let him run wild. I will definitely find a way to help Xiao Yu.”

Consort Rong smiled helplessly, "Look at you, you've already gotten so stubborn before anything's even happened. I really don't know how Seventh Prince will coax you."

I smiled, ignored her question, and simply took her hand. "Has Xin Nuo sent any news?"

"I received a letter not long ago, saying that she is doing well." Consort Rong said with a smile. "I recite scriptures and pray for that child every day, hoping that everything will go smoothly for her."

I nodded and said nothing more.

The carriage traveled smoothly out of the palace. Outside the curtain, the sky gradually darkened, and the street scenes receded before my eyes like a scroll painting. Xiao Yi, Xiao Yu, Consort Rong, Xin Nuo—faces overlapped and surged into view. I shook my head sharply. The four large, gilded characters of "Ning Shuo Prince's Mansion" appeared outside the curtain, silently staring at me.

Siliang was waiting for me at the gate of the mansion. I got out of the carriage without saying a word. The mansion was too quiet, so quiet that I felt that anything I said would be inappropriate. Siliang followed me through the outer courtyard and the middle gate. I stopped at the entrance of the main courtyard, hesitating whether to turn into the east wing. Siliang said cautiously, "His Highness is still in his study after court."

"I offended him." I smiled, but felt the smile was fake. "Go to the other courtyard and get me an account book that I haven't seen before."

My words were evasive, and Siliang couldn't understand them, but he didn't ask. He just responded, turned to the east, and left me alone at the entrance of the courtyard. I sighed and stepped into the courtyard.

I stood outside the study door for a long time, clutching the account book, until my legs went numb, before finally pushing the door open. Without even looking, I knew he was there; the entire room was piled high with books, and I couldn't find him anywhere except the towering stacks. As I expected, he wouldn't react at all. Luckily, I was prepared. I pulled the account book from my sleeve, placed a candlestick on the tea table, and, by its light, began to peruse the accounts, thinking that having a calculator for the important matters at hand would be much easier. The two of us, one buried in books, the other chewing on accounts, each silently waiting to see who could outlast the other.

By the time I reached page fifty of the account book, it was completely dark. A maid from Yao Shuhuan's room brought in tea. I noticed her hands trembling as she carried the tea, and I knew she had only dared to come in because she was nervous. She looked at me, also startled, and hesitated for a long time at the desk, unable to find a place to put the tea in her hand. Her voice was barely audible, "Your Highness, didn't we agree to go to the main room tonight?"

I sighed inwardly at Yao Shuhuan's lack of tact; wasn't she just asking for trouble? The person at the desk continued to hold their breath and remain silent. The little maid held her breath for a moment, but still didn't hear a sound. She tiptoed away with the tea in her hand, looking rather annoyed.

Chapter 43 A Long Road Ahead

I blinked, watching the little girl's disappointed figure as she left. I knew she was about to face an even more disappointed master, and I couldn't help but feel a little worried for her. My hand turned to page fifty-one, my mind filled with tiny, densely packed words. My eyelids grew heavier and heavier. I regretted not stopping the girl earlier and telling her to put the tea down; at least that would have kept me awake.

With a loud "bang," the door was flung open, the force of the impact instantly dispelling my drowsiness. Yao Shuhuan stood in the doorway, not stepping inside. Behind her was the same little maid from before, now trembling, carrying the same tea tray. I yawned, not rising, and gave a slight nod to Yao Shuhuan, who was glaring at me from inside, as a courtesy. With a quick glance, my eyes fell on the next chapter.

The person buried in the books remained silent, as if isolated from us for a lifetime, lost in their own world. I didn't notice the complicated expression on Yao Shuhuan's face; I only felt the cold air from outside seeping in. "Bang!" Another loud noise, and this time, a tea tray, teacup, and saucer flew in all at once through the doorway.

The teacup rolled on the floor, spinning a few times before stopping at my feet. I glanced down at the shattered teacup, which hadn't even rolled away, and felt a sharp pang of pain in my heart. My beloved Three Friends of Winter! I immediately had the urge to jump up and strangle the woman, but I took a deep breath and turned my gaze back to the accounts.

After her outburst, Yao Shuhuan finally lost interest and stormed off, seething with anger. The maidservant behind her, sensing the danger, closed the door for us and followed after her. I glanced at Lu Li, who was still pretending to be dead. How long was he going to keep this up? If he did, his wife would surely run away.

"Master, the Princess is packing her things and is making a fuss about leaving. Should you try to stop her?" It was Xiao Si's voice from outside the window.

There was still no answer. I was puzzled. Was it really necessary? Getting angry with me had dragged others into it.

"Master, the Princess Consort has reached the central gate. Will you stop her?" Xiao Si raised his voice, indicating that he wasn't just shouting for the people in the study to hear.

"..."

"My lord, the princess's sedan chair has started moving. Will you give chase or not?"

"..."

Xiao Si remained silent. I guessed Yao Shi hadn't gone far either. I finally reached an empty column in the ledger. I inwardly complained about having nothing to pass the time. Then, a ghostly voice finally came from behind me. I was so startled I almost cried. This was too much. When did this cold war begin? He actually gave in first!

"Finished reading?" Just three words. But they foreshadowed my small victory at that moment.

I barely managed to suppress the secret joy in my heart. Feigning composure, I said, "If you say you'll finish reading it, then it's fine."

This time, he actually pushed aside the books piled on the table and stood up. He approached step by step, reaching into his sleeve and pulling out a bottle. I didn't notice his expression; I only examined the small porcelain bottle.

"What's this?"

"I got it from an old nanny in the palace. She said it would reduce the pain."

Some concubines in the palace, fearing the pain of childbirth, or if the emperor did not wish to have an heir, would be given a cup of jade dew from this bottle. I picked up the porcelain bottle; it was cool to the touch. I looked up at him, suddenly wanting to hear him continue.

“I’ve thought about it, and you’re right.” He stared at me intently for a moment. “I have no right to beg you to keep this child. I have indeed thought about what this child means to me and to the safety of the country. But before that, I just want him, I simply want a child to make up for our years of estrangement.”

I put the porcelain bottle in my sleeve, not wanting to talk about the children anymore; I had run out of things to say on that topic.

"Yao Shuhuan has gone back to her parents' home."

"I know." He didn't seem bothered by my casually switching the phone, and naturally turned around and walked back to his desk to reply.

"Aren't we going to give chase?" I sighed. "The Grand Commander is still very important, isn't he?"

He turned and put a few books back in the bookcase, his voice still indifferent, "If I went after her, I wouldn't be able to see you when I came back." He looked up at me, a hint of sadness flashing in the depths of his eyes, "Yao Shuhuan is gone, and I'm just going to beg her to come back. If it were you who left, I'm afraid I wouldn't even have anyone to beg for help."

“You guessed right.” I smiled. He really knew my temperament. “I just made a bet with myself that if you stepped out, I would leave through the back door.”

"What's the other bet?" he suddenly asked, looking at me calmly.

"I can't understand why you didn't chase after it; naturally, you didn't think about the bet," I said, tilting my head. "I'll tell you when I think of it."

At the grand banquet where the Emperor bestowed titles upon Xiao Yi, I was filled with worry for Xiao Yu and hoped Lu Li would allow me to attend. Since Yao Shuhuan hadn't returned to the manor, and Yi Ling, residing in the outer courtyard, rarely ventured out, and Qin Lanruo was heavily pregnant, only I was truly available to accompany him. Yet, he refused. He had his reasons: the Emperor had begun a thorough investigation into Rong Zhaozhi's whereabouts, and he naturally didn't want me frequently entering and leaving the palace at this time, leaving him with any leverage. However, I persisted, and he had no choice but to reluctantly agree.

That evening, at Chang'an Palace, I looked around and finally spotted Xiaoyu behind Consort Lin. Just as I was about to look away, I saw Consort Rong casting a worried glance my way. We exchanged a knowing nod and a smile, both of us knowing exactly what was going to happen. I retreated to the family quarters and saw Xiao Yi walking in with Yu Ning. I felt a surge of anger. This was the good brother I had raised who had started something and then abandoned me.

I shook my head, sighed, and walked straight to the men's table. Several of my brothers were drinking and toasting each other. When I approached, Lu Li was holding a wine glass and talking to Sixth Brother. Seeing me coming, he looked puzzled and tried to get up. I gestured for him to sit down, and he didn't get up, just watched me walk towards Fifth Master with a smile. I smiled and snatched Fifth Master's wine glass, "Fifth Brother, my wife has something important to ask of you today. Could we speak in private for a moment?"

Fifth Master was taken aback, then looked at me with a smile, "Oh, it's you, girl. Of course I have to take care of your affairs."

As he spoke, he followed me outside. I stopped by the pond outside the palace and watched him quickly suppress his smile. "Fifth Master, do you remember Hua Yushang, the maidservant beside Consort Lin?"

"I've seen her with my mother before; she's quite a pretty girl. What's wrong?"

"That girl, I'm afraid we'll have to trouble Fifth Master to protect her."

"You're begging me for this? What did she do wrong to make you so worried?"

I forced a smile, "Bad luck in choosing the right person—"

Fifth Master nodded, then understood what I meant. "Since she is a maidservant of Mother Consort, it shouldn't be difficult for me to protect her. But you, you don't need to worry so much."

I smiled and said, "With Fifth Brother's words, I feel much more at ease." I raised my head and noticed that Fifth Sister-in-law's cold gaze was directed at us from the main hall. I quickly pushed Fifth Brother away and said, "Fifth Brother, you should hurry back. I don't want to be shot in the foot by Sister-in-law's cold arrow."

Fifth Master shook his head and smiled, then turned back to me and pretended to be angry, "If you call me Fifth Brother again, I won't help you with this."

"Understood." I raised my voice, "Fifth Master—"

Watching him smile contentedly and leave with a relaxed expression, I shook my head, muttering to myself, "Please don't let anything happen." As I walked into the palace, I had just stepped in when I heard the Emperor announce Xiao Yi's marriage. Then, Xiao Yi and Yu Ning both knelt down to express their gratitude.

Seeing Xiao Yi's smiling face, I wanted nothing more than to rush over and give him a good scolding. Suddenly, there was a loud "thud," something fell in the corner, and turning my head, I saw Xiao Yu swaying precariously, seemingly about to fall. Consort Rong rushed over to help her up. The corner had already attracted some attention; even the Emperor glanced at it slightly. I quickly pinched my leg, crying out "Ouch!" as I sat on the doorstep, yelling in pain, determined to draw attention.

Sure enough, everyone turned around at the sound of my voice, and no one paid any more attention to the girl who had broken things and was trembling with fear. Fifth Master, who was closer to me, quickly turned around and walked over, asking in a low voice, "What happened?" I winked at him and lowered my voice, "Fifth Master, don't forget what you promised me." He looked at me apprehensively, then turned slightly to look at Xiaoyu in the corner, and nodded, "I understand what's going on. Don't worry, I'll send her out right away and won't let her cause any trouble."

Before I could thank him, he had already stood up and made way for Lu Li, who was walking behind him. Lu Li walked over steadily, took my hand, and said, "What's wrong? Making such a fuss is making us a laughingstock."

"Who dares?!" I glared at him, and out of the corner of my eye I saw Fifth Prince walk to Consort Lin's side and say a few words, then nod to Consort Rong who was standing to the side. Consort Rong glanced at me slightly, and seeing that I looked indifferent, she felt relieved and let Xiaoyu go with Fifth Prince.

Lu Li sighed, squatted down in front of me, and gestured for me to climb on his back. I let him carry me out of the hall, and even after we left, I kept calling out and looking around for Xiaoyu and Fifth Master. After a few steps, I heard Lu Li's voice, which sounded like a half-smile, "I said, there's no one here anymore, so stop pretending. Not only did you take advantage of me, but you also need to make your call sound nicer."

I patted him, and seeing that no one was around, I slid off his back in a flash. I straightened my clothes and was about to say something when I saw Xiao Yi walk out of the small door, probably to sober up.

I pulled Lu Li a few steps forward and looked at Xiao Yi, "Lord Marquis, come with us to the side hall."

Xiao Yi looked around in confusion, then followed me and Lu Li into the side hall with a completely bewildered expression.

Upon entering the side hall, I turned back to meet Lu Li's gaze and uttered only one sentence, "Master, close and lock the door."

Although Lu Li didn't understand, he did as I said. Seeing me searching around the house for a while, he asked, "What are you thinking about?"

"stick!"

Lu Li was about to laugh when he heard this, but when he saw my expression, he realized something was wrong, but it was too late.

Xiao Yi walked up in a few steps, "I wonder what advice Your Highness and Madam have for me?"

"Instructions?" I raised my head and gave a cold laugh. "You think you can take instruction now that you've grown so big?"

Xiao Yi chuckled, "Madam, how have I offended you?!"

I slapped him across the face, my hand trembling with pain. Xiao Yi was stunned by the slap and stared at me blankly.

I slapped him again and again, muttering hatefully, "I'll beat you up, you bastard, I'll beat you up for starting something and then abandoning it, I'll beat you up for being a sycophant, I'll beat you up for disgracing the Xiao family, I'll beat you up for living sixteen years in vain..."

It wasn't until Lu Li grabbed his hand that he saw Xiao Yi, who was still in a daze, with a face that was as red as could be.

Xiao Yi still looked aggrieved. "Why did you hit me, Madam?"

Why did I hit you?! I gritted my teeth, "How did you make that wish to Xiaoyu, and how did you treat her?"

Upon hearing the name Xiaoyu, his expression froze. He bit his lip slightly, and a hint of guilt flashed in his eyes. "My feelings for Xiaoyu are genuine. I like her, and she likes me too. I just asked her to wait a little longer. In a year or two, I will definitely be able to take responsibility for her and never let her suffer again. But right now, I can only stay out of the limelight and can't do anything. Let her blame me if she wants."

I was so angry I wanted to beat my chest and stomp my feet, and I wanted to slap him again, but this time Lu Li held me firmly.

I scolded him along with the others, turning my head to look at Lu Li and saying, "The way you're saying this reminds me so much of a certain gentleman back then. All crows are black."

Lu Li felt awkward after what I said, so he turned his head and coughed, "Let's talk about one thing at a time, and settle the old scores when we get home."

Xiao Yi tilted his head back and closed his eyes. "Go ahead and hit me if you want. I'm no good anyway."

A pang of sadness shot through me, and tears welled up in my eyes. Lu Li was startled by my reaction and let go of my hand. I raised my still trembling hand, gave a cold smile, and slapped myself on the cheek. The blow startled Lu Li, who quickly grabbed me, and Xiao Yi looked at me with a pale face.

“Those slaps were for Xiaoyu, this one is what I owe Xiaoyu.”

"Madam, you..."