The Beloved Imperial Consort Chapter 177

“Mistress, by Shuxiang House, do you mean that place outside…” Qiang San’er wiped the sweat from his forehead, unable to finish his sentence. How could he let such vulgar words reach his Mistress’s ears? For a moment, this impressive man, over 1.8 meters tall, suddenly found himself at a loss, showing a hint of embarrassment.

“Male brothel.” Mu Xi Yao, amused, finished the sentence for him.

In the Great Wei, it was not forbidden for officials to keep little officials¹. While not prevalent, relationships between men were nonetheless common. As far as she knew, although Yuancheng Emperor had once admonished the Crown Prince, Zong Zheng Hui still secretly kept a little official in his Lincheng villa.

Even high-ranking ministers in the court, including those of the second rank, often set up separate properties specifically for housing pure officials² and entertainers.

“Mistress, even if this little one had the courage of the heavens, this little one wouldn’t dare to undertake this task for you,” Qiang San was so anxious he almost jumped on the spot. If he dared to foolishly follow Mistress’s outrageous order, he wouldn’t need to wait for tomorrow; His Highness could have someone take care of him tonight.

“What are you thinking, San’er?” Mu Xi Yao glared. “Your Highness is quite petty; it’s not up to your Mistress, I, to keep a male courtesan.”

San’er? Qiang San’er felt all the hairs on his body stand on end. Why did this way of addressing him sound so awkward? Like calling a woman? Not daring to openly refute the one above, he could only grit his teeth and accept it.

As for the disrespect towards His Highness in the Mistress’s words, as a servant, it was best to pretend ignorance.

“Later, Commander Wei will take you for a stroll in the Shuxiang House. His face is too conspicuous, not suitable for outsiders to see. You will take care of the following matters. The task is simple: just hand over some silver and intimidate them a bit. Remember, the more ferocious, the better.”

The more Qiang San’er heard about the tasks Mu Xi Yao assigned, the more terrified he became. When this mistress decided to act, there was nobody fiercer than her. Later, when Commander Wei entered with a stiff, stern face to receive his orders, Qiang San’er finally realized that the way this mistress behaved made His Highness’s limits seem just a hair’s breadth from non-existent.

“Wei Zhen.” Mu Xi Yao recalled there was a time constraint issue. “Release this information on the evening the Flower-viewing banquet ends.”

Wei Zhen’s eyes twitched as he numbly agreed. Mistress Yao could be extraordinarily harsh; it was best not to mess with this unruly one, especially since there was an even more powerful

master backing her.

After sorting out her affairs, Mu Xi Yao suddenly found herself with some free time. The little bun, Cheng Qing, was taken away by Consort Shu and hadn’t returned yet. She heard he was quite lively in the palace. Fortunately, the little bun was clever and had earnestly applied her tactics of being sweet-tongued, managing to get himself a carved jade pendant from Yuancheng Emperor.  As for the Old Ancestor, Empress Dowager, she stayed behind closed doors, practicing Buddhism, and rarely appeared except on days designed for paying respects.

She was about to go behind Zong Zheng Lin’s back to have some fun with her two adorable rabbits, which she hadn’t spent time with in a while when her plans were disrupted by the Chief Steward’s unexpected request for a meeting.

“Mistress, regarding the task His Highness assigned last time to find a companion attendant for the Young Master,” said Tian Fu Shan, sighing inwardly. The Young Master, Cheng Qing, faced challenges due to having a mother like Mu Xi Yao, who raised him with little restriction from a very young age. Even the princes in the palace only begin interacting with others after they turn three and are sent to the prince’s institution. “This is the list of candidates this subordinate has selected; please make your decision.”

Mu Xi Yao abruptly recalled that she had forgotten about this matter. She had been busy preparing for Cheng Qing’s first birthday celebration recently and nearly forgot to carefully choose playmates for her son. Luckily, there was a Chief Steward in the household who made sure that every task always received a response.

“Qie is thankful for Chief Steward’s efforts. Qie will look over the list and consult it with His Highness and then organize the selection process.” The boss must be more familiar with his own people than she was. Since there was no written exam, she would let the boss review the candidates first. She intended to keep tight control over the interview process.

She may not be able to follow in the footsteps of Mencius’ mother, who moved three times for the sake of her son’s education, but it was essential to create a beneficial environment for Cheng Qing’s development within a smaller scope.

In the evening, after Zong Zheng Lin returned and had dinner, he summoned Mo Lan to report to him.

Mu Xi Yao held a book and deliberately flipped the pages loudly to express her displeasure with the big boss’s intense scrutiny.

“If Jiao Jiao causes more trouble, your dessert portion will be halved tomorrow.” Apart from Lady Yu, the little woman was particularly fond of sweets, which was her soft spot. Zong Zheng Lin turned back to signal Mo Lan to continue, and on the other side, Mu Xi Yao ceased her antics, staring forlornly at the boss’s profile. This content belongs to thehlifestyle.com, if you see this translation elsewhere, it’s been stolen!

When Zong Zheng Lin was handling official matters, he ignored Mu Xi Yao’s various theatrics. If he showed any sign of caring during these moments, that woman would surely take advantage and pester him endlessly. The tasks that needed to be done would always pile up afterward. Having had similar experiences several times, the Sixth Highness quickly recognized the little vixen’s games and no longer allowed himself to be fooled.

A good while passed, and it was only when Mo Lan’s throat became slightly hoarse that she finally finished reporting today’s affairs.

Seeing her handling matters with increasing meticulousness, Zong Zheng Lin was pleased and rewarded her with silver. In front of Mu Xi Yao, he instructed her chief maid to bear in mind that if the mistress caused any trouble, she should feel free to report to his study.

Mu Xi Yao gazed grudgingly at Mo Lan. This girl had wasted all the patient guidance she had given her since childhood. Does she still recognize who her master is now? Why was she so obedient in front of the big boss, yet dared to speak out against her?

“Jiao Jiao, where did you hear about the Shuxiang House?” Zong Zheng Lin remembered that he had never brought up these dubious places in front of Mu Xi Yao. This woman had an unusually strong curiosity, and he feared that her daring nature would make her recklessly venture outside. At most, he had only agreed to let her visit the Red House, but due to her condition, this had not yet been fulfilled.

Mu Xi Yao had expected the boss to ask this question, so she replied confidently and without hesitation. “Qie overheard it during the madams’ and misses’ conversations.”

In truth, as soon as she arrived in Shengjing, she had coerced Zhao Qing into telling her about all the interesting places. Naturally, the Shuxiang House was not to be missed. However, she couldn’t let this petty man know that she had dared to entertain mischievous ideas before the ‘chance encounter’ with the Sixth Highness. Mu Xi Yao would rather die than face the consequences of that.

“This little head of yours is always filled with naughty ideas.” Zong Zheng Lin patted her on the top of her head. His fingers ran through her soft hair, reluctant to leave.

Mu Xi Yao was not the type to endure grievances. Though she said using a soft approach, she couldn’t wait to teach Zong Zheng Ying a lesson. After this, Zong Zheng Ying might become a bit more clear-headed and realize just how tough the bone she had initially chosen was and how she ended up getting her teeth knocked by this crafty woman of his.

“Your Highness has clearly wronged Qie. Here, this is the list Chief Strewed delivered today. Can Your Highness help Qietake a look?” Mu Xi Yao seized the chance to depend on someone more competent. This was a matter that a father should also have a say in.

Zong Zheng Lin carefully went through the list, examining each name. Finally, he nonchalantly chose seven or eight people who barely qualified to be companions for his son.

Mu Xi Yao watched his laid-back attitude, flipping through the list with a few quick flicks before making a decisionwithout even reading the names clearly. Was he assuming her eyesight wasn’t good enough to notice?

“Your Highness, all the people on the list are your subordinates, so naturally, you know their backgrounds at a glance. But Qie stays in the inner yard and is hearing most of these names for the first time. How could Qie possibly remember them when you go through the list so casually?” Mu Xi Yao furrowed her brows, feeling that the boss had not been very considerate lately.

Seeing the complaint in her eyes, Zong Zheng Lin’s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. He had initially planned to mark the names with ink and then give her the list to review, but unexpectedly, this woman did not appreciate it and instead pouted.

“Didn’t see them clearly?” Upon hearing the boss’s tone, Mu Xi Yao instantly grew wary.

“Then let’s do it another way.” With those words barely out, Zong Zheng Lin bent down and captured her lips with his.

The next day, Hui Lan was given a task by her mistress to copy a marked list and deliver it to the Chief Steward. It was only then that she noticed the marks on the paper looked quite odd and out of place.

They didn’t look like brushstrokes but rather seemed like they were smeared casually. The color was uneven and not as vivid as cinnabar. Additionally, there was a faint fragrance that seemed somewhat similar to the lip balm that had beenbestowed by the palace a few days ago.

Translation notes:

[1] Little official refers to male courtesan/male prostitute.

[2] Pure officials refer to a courtesan who has yet to receive a customer or a woman who performs arts but does not sell her body.

Relationship Diagram  (by Sith Kazar)

Previous Chapter | Table of contents | Next Chapter