The Beloved Imperial Consort Chapter 139

“Is Cefei satisfied with Bengong’s pair of hummingbirds?” Zong Zheng Ying’s already thin and long face carried a hint of scorn, giving her a fierce and mean appearance.

“Qie thanks Princess for her generosity in bestowing Qie a treasure for personal enjoyment.” Mu Xi Yao replied respectfully, making sure to maintain her posture while showing no sign of cowardice. 

Zong Zheng Lin’s rewards must be firmly grasped in her hands. If she couldn’t even keep the benefits given by Boss, what distinguishes her from a good-for-nothing?

After witnessing Mu Xi Yao’s quick-witted and eloquent response, and having been silenced by her with a tall hat¹, Zong Zheng Ying was about to continue arguing with her when He Lian Min Min interrupted her plans. 

“Your Highness, Mu’shi is heavy with child. Shouldn’t we show her some grace and let her sit down to reply slowly?” 

He Lian Min Min currently harbored a strong dislike towards Zong Zheng Ying.

Her Highness, the princess, abused her authority and used it to oppress the prince’s household without regard to propriety. If anything were to happen to Mu Xi Yao, the blame wouldn’t fall on the princess, but the stress of it would suffocate He Lian Min Min. 

If the Sixth Highness were to find out about today’s incident, not only would He Lian Min Min have a hard time, but even Zong Zheng Ying would be affected.

Although Zong Zheng Lin respected her, she also knew a thing or two about that man’s methods outside. Everyone in the court said that the Sixth Highness was cold and stern, and his reputation was not spread around casually just to scare people. Even her own father, Sir He Lian, who was cold and hard-hearted, held some caution towards Zong Zheng Lin, which showed that the Sixth Prince was by no means a kind person. 

She wondered who was backing Zong Zheng Ying at this moment that she dared to come and challenge them. Wasn’t she afraid that the Sixth Highness would make her lose face once he returned? 

Upon seeing the situation in the room, Wei Zhen became anxious like a cat on a hot tin roof. He was about to go to the front yard to inform Tian Fu Shan about the situation and ask him to seek Her Ladyship Consort Shu to think of a solution to the difficult situation when he saw Mistress Yao lower her head slightly to conceal a sharp gaze that passed through the raised window lattice, instantly stopping him in his tracks.

That gaze made him feel cold all over. There was no fear in it, only calmness. Wei Zhen felt familiar with this chillingly calm gaze.

Given Mistress Yao’s cleverness, was she intentionally signaling him to not act rashly? As someone who had long served Zong Zheng Lin and was skilled at reading people’s expressions, Wei Zhen was adept at guessing his Master’s thoughts.

Since Mistress Yao had purposely stopped him, Wei Zhen hurriedly escorted the Young Master back to the side hall. He repeatedly instructed the nanny not to take the Young Master outside before he was assured and returned to stand in the shadows outside the main house, performing his duties as a guard.

“Oh? He Lian Principal Consort is quite virtuous. Why hasn’t Bengong heard before that the wife and concubines in the Sixth Brother’s residence were living together harmoniously like blood sisters?” Zong Zheng Ying sneered disdainfully, looking down on He Lian Min Min’s virtuous and generous facade. She despised the most this kind of woman, a principal wife who had to speak for her love rival to win a man’s heart.

“Since your Princess Consort is so generous, how can Bengong let you suffer grievances?” Zong Zheng Ying slammed the horsewhip on the carved table, making a sharp sound. “You may rise.” After giving her a hard time for a while, Zong Zheng Ying felt much better.

Mu Xi Yao kept her head down and concealed her expression. After politely thanking Zong Zheng Ying, she supported herself with Zhao Momo’s arm, moved her numb legs, and found a less prominent seat to sit down. 

He Lian Min Min secretly observed Mu Xi Yao’s expression and noticed that though acting humble, she maintained a composed demeanor. Her face revealed a hint of fatigue. In response to Zong Zheng Ying’s inquiries which were veiled in mockery, Mu Xi Yao opted for a diplomatic approach and did not engage in any argument.

What was the reason for this? He Lian Min Min couldn’t understand. 

Based on Mu Xi Yao’s usual style, no matter if it were the women in the household or the concubines in the palace, as long as they harbored ill intentions toward her, she would always strike back fiercely. Her methods were extremely ruthless. 

This time, Zong Zheng Ying made a special trip to humiliate Mu Xi Yao, but why did Mu Xi Yao repeatedly back down and endure it, letting the other side take the upper hand? 

Not only He Lian Min Min didn’t understand, but everyone inside and outside who served Mu Xi Yao also furrowed their brows, unable to guess what their Mistress was thinking. If it was said that Mistress was afraid because she didn’t have the support of His Highness, even the low-ranked servant girls in Danruo Courtyard would not believe this argument. This one was someone who didn’t take quarrels with His Highness seriously and could easily give him cold shoulder for ten days or half a month. If she could handle calmly the most aloof Sixth Prince of the Great Wei, how could she be afraid of the Fourth Princess who had lost her consort-mother? 

If Mu Xi Yao could hear their thoughts, she would definitely ask someone to properly educate them. 

She was reckless in front of Zong Zheng Lin and indulged in her desires and whims only because she relied on the fact that Boss currently cherished her and could not bear to see her suffer even a little. If one day Zong Zheng Lin changed his tastes, and she still acted without thinking, she wouldn’t need Boss to deal with her – she would just find a rope and hang herself to avoid suffering under the ruthless tactics of Zong Zheng Lin. 

Therefore, the most important thing was to ensure that Boss kept favoring her. The guidelines for becoming the favored imperial consort that Mu Xi Yao had set earlier urged her to constantly strive for improvement and never slack off.

As for whether or not she was afraid, that was a completely different matter.

For instance, Mu Xi Yao had to behave like a good grandson² in front of Yuancheng Emperor. Did she not feel any fear when she was by Zong Zheng Lin’s side? If there was genuine sincerity between them, would she need to constantly please him and use manipulative means to win his favor? 

Someone had said that affection obtained through the competition was never pure. Ultimately, she, Mu Xi Yao, did not trust Zong Zheng Lin. Regardless of how she acted or behaved, most of it was just a scheme, not her true feelings. Whether it was flattering or being arrogant, it was all about seeking favor.

The methods that worked on Zong Zheng Lin would hardly be effective on Zong Zheng Ying.

Therefore, there was no comparison between the Sixth Prince and the Fourth Princess. Mu Xi Yao admits that she feels fear.

The princes and princesses, though equally noble, held vastly different meanings to Yuancheng Emperor.

In all the major incidents she had been involved in before, there were shadows of power struggles between the princes. In the eyes of the Yuancheng Emperor, she was a pawn being used by others, someone without power or influence. Even if she resisted, it was all for survival and not out of choice. As for finally securing her own safety, it was simply because she was considered intelligent among women.

The one who came looking for trouble now was the Fourth Princess, Zong Zheng Ying. Not long ago, she lost the support of her maternal clan and now lived alone in Shengjing’s princess residence with a small sphere of influence, living a life free from worries about food and clothing as a powerless and influenceless imperial noblewoman. This content belongs to thehlifestyle.com, if you see this translation elsewhere, it’s been stolen!

Yuancheng Emperor may not show excessive favoritism towards this daughter, but he should still care for her. If Mu Xi Yao skillfully gets rid of her, how would Yuancheng Emperor feel about her? 

As an Emperor, he has witnessed too many conflicts between women. In his eyes, even if Zong Zheng Ying was at fault, it was only because she has been a bit spoilt and unreasonable, which was a common problem among princesses, and it was not a significant issue. As long as it remains a trivial matter, Yuancheng Emperor will never view Mu Xi Yao as more justified than Zong Zheng Ying.

Furthermore, as a Cefei, Mu Xi Yao was already at a disadvantage in terms of blood relation, and if she dared to step on the head³ of a Great Wei’s Princess, she would have no chance of winning this fight. Especially now that Shengjing City lacked the great Boss to oversee the situation! 

Most of the time, Mu Xi Yao didn’t need to rely on Zong Zheng Lin’s help; she only required his intimidating presence. 

Now that the situation was not in her favor, the best response was to keep a low profile for the time being and use He Lian Min Min as a buffer until she seizes the opportunity to devise a strategy. The situation then will naturally be different. 

Mu Xi Yao had greatly offended Zong Zheng Ying, and since the two sides had become mortal enemies, future clashes would be definitely inevitable. 

As she sat upright, her mind raced as she considered which strategy to employ as the situation was going to be serious. If she guessed correctly, Zong Zheng Ying only came to ‘say hello’ today. As for how will things unfold in the future, with her status as a princess, the most advantageous battlefield for her was not the prince’s residence, but the Inner Palace!

“Could it be that Cefei didn’t hear clearly what Bengong said?” Zong Zheng Ying felt comforted after the visit. Mu’shi had bowed her head in defeat and He Lian’shi was so angry that her face lost its composure. Zong Zheng Lin’s women were nothing special! 

“Your Fourth Highness is absolutely right. Qie’s servant has offended Your Highness and deserves to be punished.” Mu Xi Yao smiled and admitted to being in the wrong with a very good attitude.

He Lian Min Min was furious at her words of quick submission. This Mu’shi was too shrewd! By now, she had figured out that without the aid of His Highness, Mu’shi pretended to be weak and pushed her to the front. Unfortunately, even though she knew that she had fallen prey to her scheme, she could not get rid of the constraints of her status and had to follow the script!

“It’s good that you know what’s right and wrong. Bengong just fears that some people can’t distinguish between the two.” Zong Zheng Ying swept a sidelong glance at He Lian Min Min, with an even stronger contempt.

Mu’shi was smart enough to back down, but this He Lian Min Min still insisted on challenging her. It seems that Mu’shi was indeed much more cunning than He Lian Min Min. 

“Since Cefei seems to be doing well on this visit, Bengong won’t stay any longer. After Cefei gives birth and has some time, come to the palace more often. It has been a long time since everyone has seen Cefei.”

Zong Zheng Ying’s whip made a loud cracking noise in the air, and her gaze at Mu Xi Yao was clearly unkind.

When Mu Xi Yao finishes her postpartum confinement⁴, she would undoubtedly visit the palace to pay respect often. When that time comes, she will have plenty of opportunities to deal with this bitch. This time, it was just an interest, letting her experience the joy of being humiliated in public. 

Zong Zheng Ying adjusted her riding attire, stomped her boots, flung the curtain, and arrogantly left with her entourage.

He Lian Min Min glared fiercely at Mu Xi Yao with a livid face. Gui Li supported her as she reluctantly saw Zong Zheng Ying off.

“Mistress, why did Cefei…?”

“Do you wish to know why she suddenly changed her attitude?”

“Why does this servant feel like something is off? When has Cefei ever been treated like this in the residence? How could she bear it?”

“Do you think that woman is so good-tempered? She is just waiting for an opportunity. With His Highness not around, it isn’t worth it for her to take any risks herself. When His Highness comes back, you will see her true nature by how she manipulates him.”

“What Mistress means is that Cefei backed down on purpose to protect herself. Isn’t this making it difficult for you? If she retreats like this, and if the Princess comes knocking at the door again, it will be entirely up to you to maintain the dignity of the prince’s residence.”

“How long can she hide? She’s going to give birth in a couple of months, and after that, what it will have to do with me? But during this time, I can’t face that crazy woman alone.” After being reprimanded by He Lian Zhang several times and entrusted by Zong Zheng Lin, He Lian Min Min had become a bit clearer-headed. Under several stimuli and being separated from His Highness, she became more composed instead.

“Turn around and let’s go to Fanghua Courtyard to see Su Cefei. This person has rested for half a month. As the half-mistress of the prince’s residence, she should share some responsibilities.” He Lian Min Min was unable to outsmart Mu Xi Yao, but she was confident in dealing with Su Lin Rou. 

As long as she flattered her and belittled the abilities of Mu’shi in front of her, she believes that Su Lin Rou, who was eager to win over His Highness, would not miss this opportunity to gain merit. 

Translation notes:

[1] Putting a tall hat on someone refers to a figurative expression in Chinese that means to give someone an exaggerated or excessive compliment or praise. It implies that the praise given is not entirely genuine or sincere and may be used to flatter or manipulate someone.

[2] Acting like a grandson in Chinese means acting as a submissive and obedient person in front of someone with higher authority or power, usually in order to avoid trouble or gain favor.

[3] Step on someone’s head is a Chinese phrase that means to offend or disrespect someone, especially someone of higher status or authority.

[4] Postpartum confinement refers to a traditional practice following childbirth. Those who follow these customs typically begin immediately after birth, and the seclusion or special treatment lasts for a culturally variable length (source).

Relationship Diagram  (by Sith Kazar)

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