Luo Momo kept mumbling on, “His Highness is only twenty-three, still young and vigorous. How could he possibly have no women? On your wedding night, he took you twice, didn’t he? Men say one thing and do another. He’s indeed been busy these past few days, but he still made time to come here to you. Why else would he come in such a rush? Isn’t it obvious?”
Qingge cast a glance at the momo, feeling an impulse to make her disappear. ‘Should I just slap her to death, or perhaps stab her through?’
Luo Momo was unaware of the danger and continued nagging, “For a man like this, so drawn to beauty, pillow talk is the most effective. You should hold him tightly in your grasp… Next time he comes, remember to speak sweetly, say some gentle words, and make every effort to win his heart. That way, life will be easier for all of us.”
Her gaze then drifted to Qingge’s abdomen, “If you could bear him a child, regardless of gender, they would be the descendant of both Xiahou and imperial clans, born with boundless nobility and honor. As their mother… well, you should think of the advantages.”
Suppressing her urge to kill, Qingge smiled, “I understand, Momo. I know what you mean.”
“Though Ning Wang keeps no other women in this manor, you must still be cautious—” the momo said, lowering her voice as she glanced outside, “Especially that Cui Gugu; you must watch out for her. She’s about twenty, not too old. Originally, she belonged to the Noble Consort, but now she serves His Highness. It’s clear what her actual assignment is. Your Highness, you should find a way to handle this person.”
Qingge had no patience for this conversation. She knew Cui Gugu all too well. Every year, this court lady accompanied Ning Wang to the capital and was called upon by Noble Consort Tan without fail. It was certainly only a matter of time before Cui Gugu became Ning Wang’s woman. But what did that have to do with her?
This should concern the real Miss Xiahou, not her. She sneered inwardly. Her role worth a hundred thousand taels was clearly laid out, and it did not include dealing with Cui Gugu.
’Unless they pay more!’
“As such, this old servant happens to know a few tricks for serving a gentleman in bed. If you wish to learn, I can teach you slowly.” Luo Momo gave Qingge a meaningful smile, adding, “It’s all for your good, after all. Imagine if you could bear His Highness’ child—your status would rise beyond your wildest dream.”
Qingge raised an eyebrow, giving Luo Momo a sideways glance. Noticing the odd look on her face, the momo paused, puzzled.
“Luo Momo, everything you said makes sense,” Qingge began.
Luo Momo’s face lit up, “Then—”
Qingge continued, “But what does this have to do with me? None of these are my concern—they are beyond the scope of my hundred-thousand-tael duty!”
Luo Momo stood dumbfounded.
“Next time you bring anything up, make sure you have silver notes ready.”
‘I have never seen a woman so obsessed with money!’ Luo Momo’s irritation was evident. She took a deep breath, casting a glance filled with both disdain and forbearance. “Your Highness, you truly are something.”
Just as she was about to continue, a maidservant came to inform her that Steward Sun and Cui Gugu were asking for an audience. As ones in charge of the inner yard, they came to formally greet the new lady of the manor and deliver the Emperor’s bestowals for the wedding.
Thus, Qingge and Luo Momo set aside their quarrel and quickly composed themselves, waiting for Steward Sun and Cui Gugu to enter the room.
For Luo Momo, this was her first direct encounter with the enemy. As a servant of the inner yard, she would rarely have any chances to interact with the chief steward of the manor or the secret guards from Qianying Pavilion. However, Steward Sun and Cui Gugu were in charge of the inner yard—both Wangfei’s residence and area of jurisdiction—and the momo was resolute in clearing any obstacles in the way of the true Miss Xiahou. As soon as Cui Gugu entered, Luo Momo’s sharp gaze fell onto her, almost boring holes.
Qingge, however, didn’t even look up. She lowered her eyes, appearing indifferent and aloof. Her concern regarding Cui Gugu was completely different from Luo Momo’s—because she had a hunch that Cui Gugu had a hand in Ning Wang’s command to whip her a hundred times, and might even be the culprit who poisoned her.
The reason? She had accidentally stumbled upon a secret—a secret that belonged to Noble Consort Tan. At first, she didn’t think Noble Consort Tan had figured it out, but after enduring those hundred lashes and having her martial arts crippled by the poison, she began to suspect. She realized she had ultimately underestimated the Noble Consort.
After a while, Qingge finally lifted her eyes and glanced at Cui Gugu, only to find the other party already observing her as well. Their gazes met briefly before Cui Gugu respectfully nodded and lowered her head gracefully.
Clearly, she felt secure in her position, and with good reason—her status within Ning Wang Manor was indeed well-established. Originally a court lady in Noble Consort Tan’s services, Cui Gugu was heavily trusted by her mistress and known for being dutiful. Although not especially beautiful, she had a refined and pleasant appearance, and in her three years at Ning Wang Manor, she had always conducted herself with decorum and discipline.
And by that, it meant that she had never made any moves to attract Ning Wang. Ning Wang’s disdain for women’s advances was well-known, and he held those who attempted it in utter contempt. As such, Cui Gugu’s competence and restraint earned his trust, and her position as Noble Consort Tan’s trusted aide afforded her a level of respect within the manor.
And that’s why she did not show any timidness in front of the daughter of the Xiahou clan—the newly married Ning Wangfei. She had this confidence.
Qingge turned her gaze slightly away, feeling an increasing sense of distaste. It must have been Ning Wang’s behavior that left her uncomfortable, she thought, to the extent that she now even disliked the subordinates he valued.
Steward Sun and Cui Gugu stepped forward, first offering their new mistress a formal bow in greetings before introducing themselves. Qingge lounged lazily on the soft couch, casually flipping through the booklet of roster Cui Gugu had handed over. “How long have you two worked here?” she inquired.
Steward Sun replied respectfully, “This servant once served in the central military and owes my life to His Highness. Later, when His Highness established his manor, this servant left the army and was fortunate to be entrusted with managing the household’s various affairs. It has been five years now.”
Cui Gugu spoke up next, “This servant has been here for three years.”
“Oh, three years?” Qingge responded nonchalantly, flipping through the roster again. “How come your name isn’t listed here?”
Cui Gugu explained, “This servant is technically still a court lady of the palace, so my name remains on the palace roster. However, by Her Highness Noble Consort Tan’s orders, this servant is here to manage the inner yard for His Highness.”
“So you’re twenty now, aren’t you?” Qingge continued. “That means you’ll soon have to decide whether to stay or leave, correct?”
Cui Gugu showed a mild surprise. According to palace regulations, court ladies had to make a choice at twenty: either to marry—usually into a favorable match—or to remain in the palace as a single woman, committing to a lifelong career as a court lady. “This servant’s birthday is in the fourth month.” She began explaining. “Each year in the second month, the palace grants those who have turned twenty the option to leave, but this servant had not yet reached twenty at that time.”
Qingge nodded, “So it will be next year, then.”
Luo Momo felt quite pleased with Qingge’s response. Though she claimed she would not get involved, she was already subtly putting Cui Gugu in her place.
Cui Gugu, on the other hand, paused briefly before replying, “That’s correct, Your Highness.” She clearly wasn’t willing; she wanted to remain in Ning Wang Manor, quietly waiting for a chance.
Seeing this, Qingge, who had only intended to give Cui Gugu a subtle warning, let the topic drop. In the days to come, she could perhaps use her identity as ‘Ning Wangfei’ to probe further and hopefully gain some useful clues.
But for now, this was enough.
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Thank you for the update! It was so enjoyable reading up to this point