Chapter 116: Luring Her In

“This…” Nanny Liu asked Bao Ning, “Should we tear it down?”

“Since it’s already up, we might as well leave it for a while.” Bao Ning’s brow relaxed, and a faint smile played on her lips. “We’ll tear it down tonight.”

Pei Yuan’s method was excessively crude, but who was to say crude methods weren’t effective?

Manager Miao had looked shocked the entire time; hearing Bao Ning say they wouldn’t tear it down made him look even more stunned. Only now did Bao Ning find the presence of mind to observe him. He was in his early forties with a very honest and simple face. She also noticed a young eunuch of seventeen or eighteen standing beside him. The lad was fair and clean-looking, but his clothes were quite shabby. It wasn’t that he was filthy, just that his garments were excessively worn; on closer inspection, there was even a black patch on the toe of his boot.

What others chose to wear was none of her business, so Bao Ning ignored it and asked Manager Miao with a smile, “Did you sleep well last night?”

Manager Miao bowed and replied, “Very well, thank you for your consideration, Princess Consort.”

As Bao Ning walked into the manor, she signaled Nanny Liu to take out some loose silver and hand it to Manager Miao. “You’ve moved to a new place; I imagine you’ll need to purchase many new things. Take this money for your needs.”

Perhaps it was her imagination, but Bao Ning clearly saw the young eunuch beside him swallow hard when he saw the money pouch.

Manager Miao declined politely for a moment before accepting it with a smile and a word of thanks.

Bao Ning continued, “We appreciate the Emperor’s kindness and are very grateful, but to be honest, this manor doesn’t really need a manager. There are few masters and not many servants. I usually only care for flowers and plants; I don’t visit neighbors, and I have plenty of leisure time. There’s no need for a manager to handle the estates and shops—I can read the ledgers myself. If Manager Miao finds the duties here too light, please don’t take offense. It’s not that I don’t value you, it’s just that there truly isn’t much for you to do. If you find it hard to adjust, I will ask the Prince to petition the Emperor to transfer you back.”

These few sentences made Manager Miao extremely uncomfortable. He thought to himself that although this Princess Consort came from a common background and was young, she was surprisingly difficult to handle. At only their second meeting, she was already blocking his path and cutting off his authority.

Manager Miao smiled. “The Emperor sent this old servant to serve; there is no logic in going back just because one wishes to. This old servant is merely a slave. I can sweep courtyards and serve tea; the Princess Consort is truly overestimating me.”

Bao Ning hated this kind of circular official-speak. She didn’t want to continue the conversation. After a polite nod, she and Nanny Liu turned right at the fork ahead and went to the small hexagonal tower.

The tower had been cleaned, aired out for several days, and scented with incense. It was very cool inside during the summer.

Bao Ning didn’t go to the attic; she sat on the first floor. The space was large. It seemed Pei Yuan’s mother had been very fond of antiques and ancient paintings, and had also studied the I Ching (Book of Changes) deeply; a large diagram of the sixty-four hexagrams hung in the corner. Walking over, Bao Ning noticed the floor tiles were also arranged with some deliberation—they were also a hexagram diagram, but they were in disarray. She tried to move a tile to restore the image, but the tiles were ordinary stone embedded in the ground; they wouldn’t budge.

Bao Ning asked Nanny Liu, “Do you think Consort Xian’s palace had tiles like these? Could those tiles be moved? Looking at them in such a mess is quite irritating.”

Nanny Liu shook her head. “I don’t know.”

“Go find some books on this subject later; I want to read them.” Bao Ning narrowed her eyes and looked at the diagram on the wall again. It was a jumble of characters she couldn’t quite grasp. She said, “I’ve heard this field of study is very profound. If learned well, it might have miraculous uses. I’ll give it a try.”

Nanny Liu assumed she was just acting on a whim and said with a smile, “Very well, this servant will find them for you later.”

Bao Ning asked again, “That Manager Miao—what is his background? Has it been cleared?”

Nanny Liu replied, “His background is quite clean. He was originally a minor official in the Palace Administration Department. Everyone there is close to the Emperor and handles court affairs. His rank was Neisi Bo (Palace Internal Count), a seventh-rank official responsible for investigating illegal acts within the palace. Although the rank is low, it carries real power. He is a confidant of the Emperor. Sending him here suggests the Emperor isn’t entirely at ease with the Prince.”

Bao Ning nodded. She remembered the youth beside Manager Miao and smiled. “Speaking of which, a seventh-rank official should have a salary of at least a hundred piculs of grain a year. How could he be so impoverished?”

Nanny Liu said, “Madam is talking about the apprentice standing next to him today? That child is named Miao Xiaoguang. Manager Miao treats him like his own son.”

Bao Ning was surprised. “Treats him like a son, yet doesn’t even give him a decent pair of shoes?”

Nanny Liu smiled. “That is exactly where Manager Miao is clever. He holds an important post, and many people try to send him gifts through connections. He refuses them all, acting with integrity and living a life of poverty; his inner robes are often covered in patch upon patch. If there is a reward he absolutely cannot refuse, he sends it to Dajue Temple in the suburbs as incense money.”

Bao Ning nodded. “He is indeed very clever. By doing this, the Emperor trusts him even more.”

After feeling the breeze by the window for a while, Bao Ning felt refreshed. She stood up to head back. “It’s time for lunch. After we eat, go buy some fresh live chickens. We’re making roast chicken tonight.”

Looking at the vast empty green lawn, Bao Ning paused. “I feel like I haven’t raised chickens in a long time.”

Nanny Liu froze.

Bao Ning pointed to the land to the south. “Arrange for some hands this afternoon to build a fence along the wall. Then go buy fifteen… no, let’s make it fifty. Fifty chicks to raise.”

Nanny Liu held up her fingers, asking in disbelief, “Fifty?”

“What?” Bao Ning blinked. “Is that too few?”

Nanny Liu said tactfully, “We aren’t a farming household, after all. If we have that many chickens, the noise might disturb the neighbors on the next street.”

“There are no neighbors to the south.” Bao Ning pondered for a moment and accepted the suggestion. “Then let’s raise fewer. Buy thirty-six. Six is a lucky number for smoothness; it’s auspicious.”

Bao Ning continued, “Then I want eighteen ducks and nine geese. There are no fish in the lake, so I want eighty-one golden-topped carp, and six turtles.”

Having finished her list, she felt very satisfied. She strolled back to her courtyard while admiring the scenery along the path.

Nanny Liu rubbed her hands awkwardly behind her, thinking that the Princess Consort seemed to have become a bit more spendthrift and willful than before.

But this particular brand of “willfulness” was… quite unique.

In the study, Wei Meng and Pei Yuan sat opposite each other, discussing the matter of Yuan’er.

Wei Meng said, “Last time the Crown Princess wanted to kill Yuan’er, Pei Xiao locked her up. He’s also assigned guards to follow Yuan’er; the security is very tight. It won’t be easy to make a move in the short term.”

“We must plan this carefully.” Pei Yuan set down his brush. “He is, after all, the eldest Imperial Grandson. Though he isn’t biologically related, no one knows that. The Crown Princess may not like him, but plenty of others treasure him. Consort Gao treats him like the apple of her eye.”

Wei Meng clicked his tongue. “I find it strange. For such a major matter, why didn’t Pei Xiao tell his mother? Deceiving his own mother into thinking the child is her biological grandson… isn’t that insane?”

“I also find it strange; it makes no sense.” Pei Yuan thought for a moment and said, “There is only one reason: he wants to use this child to shut Consort Gao up. Given his status, not having a son to carry on his line would lead to criticism. Consort Gao would certainly nag him to produce an heir. With Yuan’er there, no one bothers him.”

“Now that you mention it, I remember something else.” Discussing gossip, Wei Meng’s eyes sparkled. “You say he ‘broke his seal’ so many years ago…”

Fearing Pei Yuan wouldn’t understand, Wei Meng repeated himself: “Broke his seal—you know what that means, right? It’s when a son of a noble family reaches the age to marry, sixteen or seventeen, and the elders arrange a ‘room-waiting’ maid for him, give him those ‘little books,’ and teach him how to…”

The veins on Pei Yuan’s forehead throbbed. “You don’t need to be so specific!”

Wei Meng said, “Hey, since you haven’t experienced it, I was afraid you wouldn’t understand…”

“Get to the point!”

Wei Meng coughed and brought the topic back. “He broke his seal so many years ago and has so many wives and concubines in his manor, yet he doesn’t have a single child? Could he have the same problem as Jia Ling—unable to produce?”

Pei Yuan said sternly, “Is your life too leisurely? Why are you concerned with other people’s bedroom affairs?”

Wei Meng studied Pei Yuan’s expression and suddenly understood. He patted his shoulder comfortingly. “Little General, don’t be too sensitive. I’m not doubting you in that regard yet. You haven’t been married long; not having a child isn’t necessarily a sign of a hidden ailment. But I think you shouldn’t be too thin-skinned about this. Don’t hide your illness from the doctor. If there’s a sign, you should get treated early… Put the inkstone down first!”

Pei Yuan hurled the inkstone violently at his feet. Wei Meng flinched as Pei Yuan snarled, “Shut your mouth! Your breath is full of filth!”

“Fine, fine, back to business.” Wei Meng cupped his hands in apology, his tone becoming serious. “Fresh news: Pei Xiao is trying to win over the Left Prime Minister, Dong Yushu. Dong Yushu’s son, Dong Tiancheng, was managing water works in the south and nearly drowned in the river. One of Pei Xiao’s retainers risked his life to save him. Dong Yushu is very grateful; yesterday he visited Pei Xiao under the pretext of checking on his health.”

Pei Yuan lowered his gaze in silence. Wei Meng continued, “The most suitable person for Right Prime Minister was originally Jia Daogong, but he has retired to his hometown. The vacancy won’t be filled quickly, leaving Dong Yushu as the sole power-holder leading the officials. Pei Xiao lost Tao Maobing and is now desperate to curry favor with the head of the officials. He also seems to be getting close to General Feng Huchang. But General Feng is arrogant and knows how to protect himself; Pei Xiao approached him long ago but has been repeatedly refused.”

Pei Yuan said, “Pei Xiao thinks of ways to trip me up every day; I can’t let him have it easy either. Kill Dong Tiancheng secretly and pin it on that retainer. Make it look like a robbery, then stage an accident to kill the retainer so there are no witnesses. I want to see if Dong Yushu can still ally with him after his son is murdered.”

Wei Meng nodded and added, “Pei Xiao’s maternal family—Consort Gao’s family—Grand Tutor Gao Wenyuan, seems to be making moves lately.”

Pei Yuan leaned back. “What is he doing?”

Wei Meng said, “Grand Tutor Gao visited General Qiu Mingshan. Yesterday was General Qiu’s birthday. Normally, sending a servant with a gift would suffice, but Gao Wenyuan went in person.”

Pei Yuan’s fist tightened on the armrest for a moment before relaxing. He said flatly, “Ah, so it was his birthday yesterday. I was too busy and forgot. I must have someone prepare a gift to send today, along with an apology.”

Wei Meng wanted to say something but swallowed it. The conflict between Pei Yuan and Qiu Mingshan involved personal matters beyond political views; he couldn’t interfere.

Pei Yuan didn’t dwell on that topic for long. “Pei Xiao’s current success depends on the Gao family. Gao Wenyuan holds great power, and toppling him is too difficult. However, there is a way to drive a wedge between them. The relationship between Pei Xiao and Gao Feihe (the Crown Princess) is not harmonious, and Grand Tutor Gao dotes on this granddaughter… What if Gao Feihe dies at the hands of the Crown Prince? Or if an irreparable conflict arises between them?”

For some reason, Wei Meng suddenly thought of Zhao Qian and blurted out, “How about I sacrifice my charms and go lure her in ?”

Pei Yuan was stunned. “How did you even think of that!” He frowned. “That is inappropriate and excessively vulgar.”

Pei Yuan paused, then added, “In another month, it will be the Mid-Autumn Festival. By custom, there will be a banquet in the palace. They will all be there…”

Wei Meng said, “If they are all there, I can sacrifice my charms…”

Pei Yuan could no longer endure it and sneered, “What charms do you have? Look at that ugly face of yours—even Jixiang wouldn’t be able to eat after seeing you. Where do you get such pride?”

Wei Meng was about to retaliate when he heard light, sneaking footsteps outside, stopping at the door as if trying to eavesdrop.

Pei Yuan stopped talking. After a moment, the person didn’t leave.

The two exchanged a look, walked to the door, and suddenly pulled it open. Manager Miao cried out in panic as the teacup in his hand shattered on the floor.

Pei Yuan’s tone was unfriendly. “What are you doing?”

Manager Miao hurriedly knelt. “I came to bring tea. I didn’t dare disturb the Prince’s discussion, so I lingered outside for a moment.”

Regardless of whether he was the Emperor’s man, Pei Yuan darkened his face and barked, “Get out!”

Manager Miao scrambled away.

Pei Yuan watched his back with a complex gaze. He didn’t continue the conversation with Wei Meng, simply told him to have soldiers guard the study from now on, and headed back to the courtyard.

Bao Ning had set up a large pot in the courtyard and was braising roast chicken. The aroma was already rich and could be smelled from far away.

Pei Yuan reached the door and saw her busy figure; the tension in his heart suddenly dissolved, and his mood brightened.

He straightened his collar, smiled, and called out, “What are you doing?”

“You’re back?” Bao Ning stood up, hiding her hands behind her back. When she reached him, she suddenly thrust them forward and laughed loudly. “I saved this specifically for you! Weren’t you asking for it? A fat chicken butt!”

Looking at the dripping object in her palm, Pei Yuan’s eyelid twitched.

He remembered what Wei Meng said—that man was like a gossipy woman now, worrying about other people’s children when he didn’t even have a wife.

“I don’t want the chicken butt.” Pei Yuan took off his outer robe and draped it over his arm. Using the clothes as cover, he suddenly gave Bao Ning’s backside a firm squeeze. “Yours feels better.”

He asked suggestively, “There’s a grove in the South Courtyard. No one goes there at night. Do you want to go?”

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