The Beloved Imperial Consort Chapter 158

With an expression of despair on his face, Tian Fu Shan held the guest list and passed through the second gate, only to unexpectedly run into the Sixth Highness, who had the authority to make decisions, coming from the opposite direction. 

“What’s the matter?” Did Mu Xi Yao wrap up the discussion so quickly?

The Chief Steward swiftly handed over the guest list. When the list left his hand, it felt like dropping a hot potato, and he instantly felt relieved. If Mistress Yao intended to cause trouble, it was best for His Highness to handle it. Dealing with such tasks was simply too overwhelming for them, the lowly servants, to cope with.

Zong Zheng Lin briefly skimmed through the list, showing no change in his expression. He returned the list to Tian Fu Shan and, accompanied by Wei Zhen, continued walking. “Proceed according to Cefei’s wishes.” 

He was surprised by Mu Xi Yao’s unusual restraint towards Zong Zheng Ying this time, but little did he know that she would take the chance to seek revenge at the first opportunity. This woman was stubborn-minded indeed.

Meanwhile, Mu Xi Yao was discussing with Zhao Momo and insisting on personally going to the backyard grove to pick the chrysanthemum wine. 

“Mistress, please listen to this old servant’s advice. The rainy weather makes it inconvenient to walk in the grove. You’re heavily pregnant, why would you want to venture into that muddy terrain? If you’re worried that the maids might handle your precious jar clumsily and drop it, let this old servant go and keep an eye on them for you. Wouldn’t that be better?” 

No, of course not! Ever since Zong Zheng Lin returned to the residence, it had been difficult to find an opportunity to go out for a stroll. If she didn’t do it now, was she supposed to wait for the boss’s return and then continue being under surveillance? 

The light rain of the afternoon had ceased, leaving behind a hazy ambiance of misty drizzle. During such a season, going to the garden and picking up a hoe, and cosplaying as Sister Lin¹ would be the epitome of artistic expression. Oh, she should also bring her guqin and play a《Burial of Flowers》² to set the atmosphere. 

Mu Xi Yao, with nothing else to do and feeling a bit restless, suddenly found something entertaining. Naturally, she would do everything possible to make it happen.

As soon as Zong Zheng Lin entered the main courtyard, he could already hear the commotion inside the house, even from the corridor. Mu Xi Yao’s soft voice could be vaguely heard, and from the tone, he knew she was definitely up to no good. He arrived at just the right time, indeed.

“What are you up to this time?” The room instantly fell silent at the Sixth Highness’s question. Zong Zheng Lin entered the room and fixed his gaze on the person surrounded by everyone in the center, dressed for travel, waiting for her response. The light rain outside had just stopped. Where did this woman intend to hurry off to?

“Your Highness.” Gosh, the Great Boss was getting sneakier and sneakier! 

Mu Xi Yao slowly lowered her hands that were fastening the hood and pouted her lips. When she turned around to face Zong Zheng Lin, she was already smiling sweetly. Mo Lan, standing by the side, had observed her Mistress’s swift transformation, occurring in the blink of an eye, and couldn’t help but be amazed at her Mistress’s remarkable abilities, which were growing increasingly profound.

“Qie is going to personally fetch the wine for Your Highness.” The Sixth Highness’s return at this time not only spoilt her excitement but also meant that he wouldn’t let her leave. Truly detestable. 

Most importantly, she absolutely couldn’t let him know that she was going out for fun; otherwise, he might become stricter in disciplining her in the future. She had to come up with a clever response to make the boss aware of her sincere hospitality, and it would be best if he agreed to go out together.

Mu Xi Yao had already abandoned any delusions of going out alone. 

Sure enough, Zong Zheng Lin walked over and, without a word, unfastened her cloak and handed it to Mo Lan, who had been waiting with outstretching hands. “It seems to Bendian that you cannot calm your mind and have come up with mischief again. No matter how nicely you put it, it’s useless. Today, Jiao Jiao will be accompanying Bendian and drinking indoors, and that’s it.”

That’s it? Why should it be so? Mu Xi Yao grumbled unhappily. She reached out and grabbed a corner of the cloak, clutching it tightly with her fingers, not allowing Mo Lan to take it away. Her beautiful eyes stared at Zong Zheng Lin with shyness, misty, and filled with grievances. 

Inside the room, apart from Mu Xi Yao, who was convinced that she had perfectly mastered her expression, no one believed that she was genuinely afraid. Mistress, your gaze is so expressive, with unwavering spirit emanating from every fiber of your being. How should we, your servants, describe this?

“Mistress?” Mo Lan was at a loss. How does this resemble the behavior of a mother? You’re even making such gestures in front of His Highness. Aren’t you afraid of being laughed at by others? Furthermore, wasn’t the reason His Highness came at this time because it was getting late and he specifically came to keep you company and have a chat with you? Afterward, it will be time to prepare dinner. Where else would you like to go?

Zong Zheng Lin couldn’t help but be amused by her rascal-like appearance. She was indeed going backward the more she lived. The Sixth Highness made no efforts to stop her and casually settled on the couch bed, stretching his long legs. He took the Biluochun tea handed to him by Hui Lan and lazily said, “Is it enjoying a leisurely stroll in the garden today or taking a boat ride on the Yunyang Lake after you’ve recovered from childbirth? Take your time to think it over, Jiao Jiao.” 

Mu Xi Yao’s little hand that was tugging at the cloak suddenly paused. She blinked her eyes and pondered for a moment. Finally, she pouted and obediently listened to his words.

When a man stands under eaves³. he ends up being at a disadvantage. If she were able to take charge of the household, she would undoubtedly keep the boss locked up in a tiny dark room while she enjoyed a life of extravagance and pleasure outside.

Mu Xi Yao was quite bold, daring to fantasize about imprisoning the Jian’an Emperor to vent her frustrations.

Mu Xi Yao awkwardly chose to sit on the furthest soft couch away from the boss, pouting as she picked up a nearby book and pretended to read it. In reality, her mind was elsewhere, scheming for tomorrow morning when the boss would be away… Wait, tomorrow morning?

Tomorrow was the day for the imperial physician’s follow-up visit. He Lian Min Min was bound to shock everyone and make a dramatic turnaround, avenging her grievances. How come such an important matter was not mentioned by Zong Zheng Lin? Could it be that the Big Boss has already privately made arrangements?

Mu Xi Yao poked her head out from behind the book, secretly scrutinizing the man sitting across from her, who was holding a teacup and completely engrossed in savoring his tea.

Hmm, he had changed his robe, the strands of hair in front were still moist, and even his boots were swapped…It seemed like he had taken his official wife out to enjoy some intimate moments, and now he was here to seek some variety and spice things up with her after ‘erasing’ all traces of the previous affair.

Mu Xi Yao’s eyes gleamed as she clutched the book tightly, covering half of her face with it. Her dark, mischievous eyes never stayed still for a moment.

Although Zong Zheng Lin’s phoenix eyes were hidden behind the mist rising from the teacup, he could still clearly see her mischievous and cunning expression.

“Have you seen enough? If Jiao Jiao likes it so much, feel free to come closer and take a closer look.” As soon as the words fell, the woman across from him swiftly raised her book, completely covering her face. However, the title of that book…the corners of Zong Zheng Lin’s lips couldn’t help but curl up, and the expression in his phoenix eyes gradually became profound. With such a book held in the hands of the little woman, the hidden meanings it carried set his mind racing with imagination.  

“If Jiao Jiao continues to brazenly tease like this, it would be difficult for Bendian not to have some ideas.” In fact, the Sixth Highness had already entertained himself with quite a few thoughts. If it weren’t for the fact that the woman opposite him was still unaware, and it was amusing to tease her, Zong Zheng Lin would have already put his plans into action.

He dismissed Zhao Momo and the others. Later, this woman was bound to throw a tantrum. It was a perfect opportunity for him to go and appease her, and in the process, have a taste of the beauty. 

Mu Xi Yao was puzzled. What did Zong Zheng Lin mean by this? When did she tease him? 

Her little head slowly emerged again, and her eyes happened to catch a glimpse of amusement on the Big Boss’s face as he watched the spectacle unfold. 

Upon closer inspection, that man’s phoenix eyes were fixed on the book in front of her, his smile carrying a deep meaning. That expression on his face was simply begging to be smacked.

Sensing something amiss, Mu Xi Yao withdrew her gaze, lowered her eyelids, and shifted her attention to the book she held high in her hands. Having only glanced at two lines, she immediately exclaimed in shock, her face flushing red as she tossed the book far away. In a fit of embarrassment, she pounded the soft couch fiercely while cursing Zong Zheng Lin for his shamelessness. 

The sight of Mu Xi Yao getting worked up initially amused the Sixth Highness, but as he saw her genuine anger and embarrassment, those snowy-white hands of hers couldn’t withstand her rough treatment. 

“Alright, let’s calm down. There’s no need to be angry, Jiao Jiao. Bendian will love you, regardless of your appearance.” Women were easily embarrassed. Except for occasional moments of boldness when provoked, Mu Xi Yao was quite shy the rest of the time. Being seen like this by him must have made her mortified.

Zong Zheng Lin had heard that when a woman embarrassed herself in front of her beloved, it could be very humiliating for her. Mu Xi Yao’s current state perfectly matched that description, and this comparison greatly pleased the Sixth Highness. 

While Zong Zheng Lin was feeling great, Mu Xi Yao wished she could kick the ignorant man in front of her out of the door.

Love my ass! Mu Xi Yao cursed in her heart. Was this about love? The boss was the epitome of shamelessness, actually bringing adult books into her room! What does this have to do with love? 

Those erotic paintings made even veteran rotten girl⁴ like her blush and her heart race. And those headnotes! Goodness, the Big Boss even left annotations in a bold cursive script. Has he no shame? This content belongs to thehlifestyle.com, if you see this translation elsewhere, it’s been stolen!

“You, you actually…” Mu Xi Yao’s face flushed red as she trembled, accusing this mensao⁵ of acting like a scoundrel.  

Zong Zheng Lin burst into laughter. He gently steadied her swaying head and leaned down to kiss her eyes, which were even more vibrant due to anger. 

“Bendian accidentally acquired it during the suppression of bandits in Shuzhong. It is rumored to be a secret technique from the previous dynasty, capable of enhancing the bedroom intimacy between a man and a woman, making conception extremely easy. It was placed in Jiao Jiao’s room yesterday. How come you only see it today?” 

It was placed yesterday? Even the tips of Mu Xi Yao’s ears were burning…Zhao Momo should be illiterate, right? Ah, ah? The only person who cleaned up the room yesterday, besides Zhao Momo, would be no one else, right?

“Your Highness!” Mu Xi Yao grabbed his collar and bit down on Zong Zheng Lin’s chin, exerting considerable force this time. “How could you casually leave this kind of, this kind of….book that corrupts children in Qie’s room?” In her anxious state, Mu Xi Yao blurted out words without careful consideration, and it made the smile in Zong Zheng Lin’s phoenix eyes deepen. 

As soon as the words left her mouth, Mu Xi Yao felt embarrassed herself. She meant to say ‘is a bad influence on people’, but her disobedient mouth had betrayed her. How embarrassing.

“How could Jiao Jiao be considered a child?” Zong Zheng Lin held her in his arms, his smile softening his features. His handsome face was so striking that it was dazzling.

“This book was specially brought for Jiao Jiao, convenient for when the time comes to give it a try.” The Sixth Highness continued teasing. Seeing Mu Xi Yao stomp her legs in anger, he gently patted her back, lest this woman would get too agitated and hurt the child.

The two embraced intimately for a long while before Zong Zheng Lin reluctantly parted from her lips.

“What were you looking at just now?”

“An adulterer, acting like a remorseful thief attempting to purify his body with a bath!” How puny. Qie is familiar with the signs of a man’s adultery. 

Knowing that she was just joking, the Sixth Highness went along with her and flattered himself, “Jiao Jiao, with that tone, are you perhaps feeling jealous?”

Mu Xi Yao raised her chin, her expression smug, “Qie has beauty, figure, and money. Why be jealous of others?” Boss, you’re lucky to have such an outstanding background; otherwise, Qie might not have wasted my time with you. 

Zong Zheng Lin pinched her nose. This woman was becoming even more shameless.

“Now that Jiao Jiao has offended her, the next time you meet, Zong Zheng Ying will surely become even harsher in her actions. Do you really not want Bendian to protect you?” The Sixth Highness truly looked down upon the gentle approach that Mu Xi Yao spoke of. This woman clearly had many tricks up her sleeve, yet she insisted on secretly competing with Zong Zheng Ying. Instead of wasting energy on others, she should focus more on him and their son.

“These matters between women are always something one must get accustomed to. There is no need for Your Highness to get involved. You speak as if Qie is incompetent.” No matter how mighty Zong Zheng Lin was, there would be always times when he could not attend to every detail. While relying on a man may be convenient, ultimately it was better for a woman to be capable herself. 

Translation notes:

[1] Sister Lin, also known as Lin Daiyu, is a character from the classic Chinese novel “Dream of the Red Chamber”.

[2] Burial of Flowers refers to a musical piece inspired by a famous poem in the novel “Dream of the Red Chamber (see second page here).

[3] When a man stands under eaves refers to the idiom “When a man stands under eaves, he has to lower his head”, which means one often has to concede when he/she is in a disadvantaged position.

[4] Rotten girl, also known as “fushoji”, refers to women who enjoy fictional gay content. 

[5] Mensao refers to someone outwardly cold but passionate inside.

Relationship Diagram  (by Sith Kazar)

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