The Beloved Imperial Consort Chapter 154

In the evening, Cheng Qing finally got to see his dad, whom he loved to cuddle with the most. His cheerfulness made Mu Xi Yao feel slightly jealous. 

This clever child had a sharp little mind. Despite Zong Zheng Lin being away for so many days, he still recognized him. As soon as he saw his dad, Cheng Qing tumbled down with a thud, but luckily the Sixth Highness acted quickly. Otherwise, the little bun would have gotten a bump on his head. 

Gui Momo, who was holding Cheng Qing, was so scared that her face changed, and she quickly apologized. 

“Momo, you don’t need to blame yourself or take the punishment. If this little guy doesn’t get disciplined, he will misbehave all the time. Let him experience a fall and see if he dares to be naughty again and learn from his mistake.” Mu Xi Yao helped Gui Momo up, displeased with her son’s tendency to become hyperactive in front of an audience. 

“Your Highness, how about you find someone who won’t coddle him? Or find some children who are half a year to a year older than him to play together?” Cheng Qing was always guarded by Momo, Mo Lan, and others as if they were protecting a baby chick. People who didn’t know would think he was a daughter. 

Besides, a child’s childhood lacks joy without any playmates. They should find some companions for him to roll and wrestle with. Adults may not understand the fun children have when playing with each other. 

Zong Zheng Lin kissed his son’s cheek, his eyes full of tenderness. The little guy has grown taller again and felt slightly heavier in his hands. The Sixth Highness readily agreed with Mu Xi Yao’s suggestion. 

Although the little woman was extremely spoilt herself, she did not coddle or indulge her child in any way when it came to raising him. This woman was very attentive to Cheng Qing in private, paying attention to every detail of his wardrobe and diet. Only in this aspect of his character did she insist on forcing it, not allowing Cheng Qing to be spoilt or raised too delicately by others. In this regard, Mu Xi Yao could be considered unconventional among the noblewomen of Shengjing. 

“Tell Tian Fu Shan to bring some people over in a few days. If they catch your eyes, just keep them,” The Sixth Highness has always been swift and decisive, acting according to his own will. He was very quick in responding to Mu Xi Yao’s request. 

Mu Xi Yao was very pleased with the great boss’s attitude, but she couldn’t help but feel that his words had a touch of a bandit leader’s air. The Sixth Highness went out to suppress the bandits and came back with an air of a bandit himself.

For you, it was just a matter of ‘just keep them’, but we still have to seek their parent’s opinions. He made it sound like she was forcibly taking someone else’s child. Her good intentions were somewhat distorted by the Sixth Highness. People from the imperial family were accustomed to being domineering, especially Zong Zheng Lin!

Tian Fu Shan was waiting outside and his ears perked up as he listened to His Highness’s orders. His heart skipped a beat, and he silently screamed ‘This is not good’ in his mind. 

This errand was not easy to handle. The Young Master had just turned one year old, and he was already being assigned personal attendants? This was a rare occurrence in any household. Moreover, they were all children mingling together. What if they played without caution and ended up hurting Young Master? How can that be acceptable? Even if His Highness and Cefei were willing to act so recklessly, Her Ladyship Consort Shu would never agree! 

Tian Fu Shan’s face showed anguish. Once His Highness’s words were out, he would have to take on the task of running errands and communicating with the palace. If Her Ladyship was not satisfied, he would be the first to be blamed! 

Furthermore, if this information got out, Tian Fu Shan felt like he would be overwhelmed by a swarm of women, each with a child in tow, leaving him with no place to stand. 

The firstborn son of the Sixth Highness was the only child in the residence, so the level of favor he received went without saying. If someone could accompany the Young Master from an early age and grow up together, the bond they formed would be incomparable to ordinary people. Also, Cefei has always been kind and generous, and the rewards she bestowed were always more substantial than those from other courtyards. To serve under such a Mistress, the days ahead would definitely be filled with promising expectations. 

Gui Momo and Mo Lan stood guard in the outer chamber. Upon hearing the two Masters casually making arrangement for the Young Master, a chilling sensation ran through their hearts. How could Cefei have such a heart of stone to push a tender and endearing Young Master out to play with children of servants? 

Although the Young Master was exceptionally clever and could walk steadily before turning one year old, his little arms and legs were still fragile. Whenever Gui Momo imagined the Young Master being led by those wild children to run around all over the courtyard, potentially stumbling and getting hurt, her heart ached as if pricked by needles. 

She glanced at Mo Lan with blame in her eyes. That gaze clearly implied that when Mistress Yao lived in Mu residence, they must not have taken good care of her, otherwise, she wouldn’t have turned out like this. 

Mo Lan’s face turned red, and she hung her head low in shame. Mistress’s temperament was obviously good in the residence, except for being a little mischievous; she had no other shortcomings. But now she had become more and more adept at playing around, being undisciplined, all because of His Highness’s indulgence! As for those peculiar ideas, could it be that Mistress simply had too much free time on her hands and spent her days pondering and coming up with them? 

“Jiao Jiao, attend to the bath.” The Sixth Highness ordered with a serious tone, but the fieriness in his phoenix eyes made Mu Xi Yao retreat in fear. 

Lifting Mu Xi Yao into his arms, Zong Zheng Lin paid no attention to the disapproving gazes of Zhao Momo and others and strode toward the Shuangyan Pool. 

Once the two Masters entered, more than an hour passed. The two little servant girls on duty felt too embarrassed to meet each other’s eyes, their hands and feet restless. Upon hearing Cefei’s intermittent soft moans and cries from inside, they were genuinely embarrassed. 

“Your Highness～” Mu Xi Yao was completely drained, nestling weakly on Zong Zheng Lin’s chest, her fingers too lazy to move. 

“Jiao Jiao, quickly give birth.” While a beauty was right there, he couldn’t touch her. Zong Zheng Lin’s torment far exceeded that of Mu Xi Yao’s. The Sixth Highness was greatly provoked by Mu Xi Yao’s deliberate teasing, causing him to lose some of his restraint. 

“So alluring and seductive, do you feel uncomfortable now?” Just as he was about to teach her a lesson for her audacious and wanton teasing, he accidentally caught sight of the rising and falling motions of the little woman’s curvaceous voluptuousness. Zong Zheng Lin’s eyes darkened, and he quickly closed them to regain composure, redirecting his attention. 

This enchantress was going to be the death of him. He couldn’t bear to let go of her. Once he had touched her, he couldn’t be separated from her. Zong Zheng Lin felt an inexplicable pull toward Mu Xi Yao. None of the women he had been with before could drive a man to madness like she did. The Sixth Highness, who had always disregarded the allure of women, had no choice but to acknowledge that being intimate with Mu Xi Yao left him completely engrossed, causing his reason to crumble. 

“Your Highness, tilt your neck to the right.” Mu Xi Yao was so overwhelmed with fatigue that she couldn’t possibly understand the struggles of Zong Zheng Lin’s silent endurance. She simply tugged at his arm, snuggling into the man’s embrace, and seeking a comfortable position to rest for herself.

“Hmm? Why is there no sight of Qie’s cook?” Just as the woman’s breath had just calmed down, she suddenly remembered the person she had been fussing over for so long. Why hadn’t he reported to Danruo Courtyard yet? 

“Your Highness, you haven’t forgotten about this, have you?” Mu Xi Yao pouted. She was done. Why should she abide by the agreement and write letters every day while the great boss could completely forget about what she had asked for as he got busy? 

Zong Zheng Lin’s desire had not yet dissipated when he lowered his head and was once again provoked by her charming and accusing appearance. The luscious, shiny red lips were irresistibly seductive to him. 

“If you want that person, then attend to Bendian once again.” After saying that, he leaned down and sucked on the daintily erect rosebud that had been teasing him for so long, the tip of his tongue swirling and softly nibbling on it, causing Mu Xi Yao to whimper and cry delicately.  

Not again! Mu Xi Yao felt resentful. Had she known in advance that this beast could use any excuse to make things difficult for her, she would have been out of her mind to bring up that damn cook at this moment. 

“Do you have the leisure to be distracted?” Noticing Mu Xi Yao’s absent-mindedness, Zong Zheng Lin’s voice rose slightly and the movements in his mouth became more intense. 

“Ah!” Mu Xi Yao exclaimed. She lowered her head and collided with the man’s wicked and arrogant face, which infuriated her so much that she instantly retaliated. This content belongs to thehlifestyle.com, if you see this translation elsewhere, it’s been stolen!

“I let you cause mischief!” This woman threw a tantrum. She reached out and pulled at the hair on Zong Zheng Lin’s temples haphazardly, venting her anger. This stinky man just won’t stop. Doesn’t he know that he should exercise restraint in this matter? How long does he plan to linger in the pool? The big boss had a stable mindset. He was completely oblivious to shame as others listened to the live show of their lovemaking. But she couldn’t do it. She was a person of integrity. 

Zong Zheng Lin paid no attention to Mu Xi Yao’s audacious actions and his expression grew even more delighted. “Jiao Jiao’s such posture is even more dazzling than before. The way you’re being coquettish is just right for the occasion.” Both women and fierce horses could generally ignite men’s interest. 

Mu Xi Yao’s hands paused, and she instantly fell silent. 

Great Boss, could you focus a bit more and try to understand the meaning behind Qie’s words? When will your self-talk and baseless associations be corrected? 

The following day, the Sixth Highness was absent early in the morning. Mu Xi Yao was left alone, buried deep in the soft pillow, sleeping soundly until the hour of Si¹.

“Mistress, it’s time to get up.” Mo Lan leaned down next to Mu Xi Yao and gently called out. 

As expected, there was no response. This scene repeated itself twice daily, and Mo Lan was already used to it.

“Mistress, His Highness instructed that if you don’t get up in time and miss the breakfast, Madam…”

Mu Xi Yao abruptly lifted the covers with a huff, poking her little head out in irritation. 

“Isn’t His Highness not here? How about your Mistress, I, lie down again and wait for His Highness to come to prompt Qie up? It won’t be too late to get up then.” That scourge Zong Zheng Lin won’t let her rest at night but wakes her up so diligently early in the morning. She is a pregnant woman, alright? She couldn’t compare to him, who had a martial art foundation so strong it made her feel lingering fear. 

“How does Jiao Jiao know that Bendian is not here?” The deep and mellow voice of the Sixth Highness came from behind the brocade screen. 

The master and servant looked at each other, Mu Xi Yao’s eyes widened in surprise. Seeing Mistress’s gloomy face, Mo Lan quickly shook her head, indicating that she did not hide or withhold anything. 

“Your Highness!” Mu Xi Yao pulled the blanket over, revealing only a pair of fiery eyes, pouting and protesting, “How can you secretly eavesdrop by the wall?” This habit was a bit scary…if the boss did it periodically, she would often be caught in the act, wouldn’t she?

Zong Zheng Lin changed into regular black attire. He removed his crown and tied his hair into a high topknot at the back of his head, with a few strands left loose to cascade down in a carefree manner. He lifted the hem of his robe and sat on a huanghuali armchair² not far from Mu Xi Yao, stretching out his long, straight legs.

Secretly? Zong Zheng Lin made a mental note. Later on, the little woman would naturally be warm and affectionate, throwing herself into his arms. This debt can be put on hold for now.

“Shuzhong soup dumplings, golden silk shrimp dumplings, water-boiled tofu. Hasn’t Jiao Jiao been craving these for a long time? Are you hungry now?” It didn’t take much effort to wake up the little woman. If you cater to Mu Xi Yao’s preferences, she will immediately respond. 

“Hmm?” The woman who was indolent and half-asleep just a moment ago blinked her eyes repeatedly. Instantly, her eyes regained their radiance as she understood the meaning behind Zong Zheng Lin’s words. She cheered and sat up. 

She stretched her arms forward and smiled very sweetly at Zong Zheng Lin, “Want a hug and freshen up.” 

Oh my, that change of her demeanor was quite fast. Zong Zheng Lin’s handsome face carried a smile and a gleam of calculation flashed in his eyes. He took a few steps and lifted her up, placing her on his lap, then instructed people to quickly tidy up this finicky darling.

The experience was definitely better when the beauty took the initiative.

After handing her a cup of warm water, he leaned over and kissed her little mouth that was still smacking, “Satisfied?” 

After freshening up, Mu Xi Yao felt refreshed and nodded vigorously while hugging the boss. “Your Highness, you’ve made Qie starving.” It was all because of your remarkable stamina. If it weren’t for engaging in intimate activities with you, Qie wouldn’t feel so embarrassingly famished early in the morning. 

Mu Xi Yao implicitly expressed her dissatisfaction, but the Sixth Highness automatically interpreted it as praise. Zong Zheng Lin felt delighted to be so admired by his beloved woman. 

With her arms around the Sixth Highness’s neck, she was carried by him all the way to the outer room. Sitting on Zong Zheng Lin’s lap, Mu Xi Yao waited for the maidservants to serve the dishes, triumphantly swinging her legs. 

“Qie knew it, Your Highness must have remembered,” she gave the man’s cheek a peck, assuming a demeanor of flattery now. 

Pointing a finger at her forehead, Zong Zheng Lin raised an eyebrow, “Who pouted, threw a tantrum, and bit someone last night?” Now she knew how to flatter? Why did she then hold onto the hair on his temple and refused to let go at that time? 

Mu Xi Yao felt embarrassed for a moment. Her eyes then turned and she smiled cunningly, “ Who were those heartless little ones serving Your Highness last night? With so many women in Your Highness’s inner yard, only Qie can appreciate Your Highness’s efforts. From now on, Your Highness should come to Qie’s room and ignore the other minxes.” Mu Xi Yao leaned in and kissed his chin. As for who attended to him in the night, she was muddle-headed at that time and didn’t remember.

If he wanted to settle the score, she had to accept it first.

Seeing her openly act dumb, Zong Zheng Lin narrowed his phoenix eyes and smiled profoundly. 

“The minx from last night was quite formidable, leaving Bendian secretly reminiscing even this morning. Bendian wonders how Jiao Jiao compares to her. Who is more capable? Jiao Jiao, what do you say we have a little comparison tonight? 

Mu Xi Yao’s smile instantly froze and she stared dumbfounded at the man in front of her. For a moment, she had the urge to bury herself. 

Damn it, when it came to the art of flirting, the Sixth Highness had already grasped the essence of it. As the rising wave, she was ruthlessly crushed by the shameless boss on the sandy shore! How did the man who was once solemn and upright become someone who left people at a loss for words?  

Mu Xi Yao tugged at his sleeve with a long face, “Your Highness, it’s all because Qie is hungry. Maybe Qie will remember after eating a meal?” She will enjoy a satisfying meal first; punishment can come later. Mu Xi Yao made some concessions for the sake of delicious food, which she reluctantly found acceptable. 

Zong Zheng Lin was amused by her unwillingness to surrender. He gently stroked her hair, his gaze gentle. 

“There’s already a formidable minx in the inner yard. Bendian holds an exceptional affection for her.” After saying that, he kissed her forehead before ordering the meal to be served. 

Mu Xi Yao had originally thought that the big boss would take advantage of the opportunity and make a move, but she never could have imagined receiving such cheesy words of affection. Rosy blushes instantly graced her snowy cheeks, burning hot with fiery intensity. 

This meal was consumed with lingering affection, bearing a hint of a flirtation. Mu Xi Yao blushed and leaned against Zong Zheng Lin, behaving unusually obedient. The Sixth Highness brought the food to her lips, and Mu Xi Yao smiled, her eyes turning into crescents, accepting them without hesitation.

Zhao Momo and others tactfully left the room, unable to conceal the smiles on their faces.

Since His Highness returned from Shuzhong, it seemed that his affection for the Cefei had deepened even further. This early morning, seeing the bashful and adorably charming Mistress Yao filled them with hidden joy. 

In the entire household, only Danruo Courtyard seemed to echo with laughter, while the rest of the courtyards were always quiet and cheerless. Every time they passed by, they were greeted with a melancholic scene of autumn’s waning. 

Thanks to Mistress Yao’s capabilities, she had captured the heart of His Highness and Danruo Courtyard now boasted a prosperous state. 

When Tian Fu Shan arrived at Danruo Courtyard to ask for His Highness, he saw the Sixth Highness with a relaxed expression, as if in a good mood. Mistress Yao was attentively brewing tea by the side, her every move so captivating and pleasing to the eye that one couldn’t look away. 

“Master, Sir He Lian is here to pay his respects.” 

“Bring him to the study and have him wait there.” Since He Lian Zhang had come at this time, he should have received a message from He Lian Min Min. Upon seeing that the situation had turned around, he rushed to the prince’s residence to seek forgiveness. 

The old man was too cunning. After falling into someone’s trap, it was about time he learnt a lesson. Shoving people into the household behind his back? Leaving this sly fox, who was full of selfish motives, out to dry was fitting. 

Zong Zheng Lin had met He Lian Wei Rui before. Her eyes, so contrasting to those of Mu Xi Yao, left a deep impression. How could the Sixth Highness not be annoyed when someone wanted him to take that woman in into the residence? 

“Wait,” Zong Zheng Lin called Tian Fu Shan, who was about to retreat, “fetch a cup of fine tea brewed by Cefei and give it to He Lian Zhang.” Drinking tea had a revitalizing effect. It could awaken his scheming mind. 

Mu Xi Yao chuckled inwardly. Zong Zheng Lin’s veiled message was truly impressive. If He Lian Zhang could drink her cup of tea with pleasure, he would definitely not feel good inside. 

Well, since that guy treated her like a thorn in his side and persisted in holding onto her, it was about time the Sixth Highness made him feel nauseated. It might teach him a lesson.  

Tian Fushan’s face twitched as he watched Cefei deliberately adding jasmine and mint, turning a fine pot of Longjing tea into a floral tea meant for women. 

Sir He Lian had taken a tumble this time. Of all people, he provoked the two Masters who would seek revenge for every little grievance…his original intention was to please His Highness, wasn’t it? Yet, besides the person before his eyes, there was no one else in the residence who could please His Highness.

——

“Mistress, won’t you go and see Master?” Feng Momo was an old servant of He Lian House after all, and she didn’t dare not show her face when the lord came. 

“What difference would it make if Qie saw him?” He Lian Min Min calmly practiced calligraphy, quietly waiting for His Highness to send someone to pick her up after noon. 

According to His Highness’s instructions that day, she needed to leave the residence today to have someone check her pulse. Afterward, she no longer needed to worry or be afraid. But the price…He Lian Min Min felt a tingle in her nose. 

“If it wasn’t for He Lian House prioritizing short-term gains over long-term goals, believing in that old monk’s words and insisting on bringing that wench into the household, would we have almost been forced to leave the house and losing everything, with nowhere to go?”

He Lian Min Min hated deeply the person behind the scenes, and also He Lian House’s cold-heartedness and ruthlessness, disregarding even blood ties. 

“After this incident, apart from Madam, it would be best to remain indifferent to He Lian House.” 

Seeing a distant look on Miss’s face, devoid of the previous resentment, Feng Momo inferred that her heart must have turned cold and filled with gloom. Her well-organized days have been completely disrupted. How difficult it must be for a woman to live in the inner yard without her husband’s favor and the support of her parental family. And as for the matter of the heir, Feng Momo dared not utter a single word about it. 

In the outer room of the front yard’s study, Sir He Lian sat upright with a weary and helpless expression on his face.  

During these past few days, he had been busy visiting various acquaintances. He had already sorted through all the people he needed to approach for favors. Although the majority of former acquaintances and colleagues in the official circles did not explicitly decline, they also did not agree to speak on behalf of He Lian House. The few who were willing to speak up and lend a helping hand were, however, of lower rank and barely held any influence among the officials in the capital. 

At times like this, the limitations of He Lian Zhang’s upstanding reputation became apparent. Those within the factions naturally formed alliances and often stuck together. When a highly respected royalist like him ran into trouble, there were many spectators but very few who rushed to aid.

As for the inside of the moral faction, it was common for intellectuals to look down upon each other and hold mutual animosity. It wasn’t worthwhile for them to speak up for He Lian House. These people blindly followed Yuancheng Emperor, and since his current attitude was unclear, naturally, no one came forward to express their stance. 

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Translation notes:

[1] Hour of Si refers to 9-11 AM.

[2] Huanghuali armchair refers to an armchair that is made of “yellow flowering pear” wood, which is a member of the rosewood family.

 

Relationship Diagram  (by Sith Kazar)

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