Just as Qingge predicted, Ning Wang had been neglecting her for several days, never showing up at Ninghe Courtyard where she resided. He hadn’t even sent a single messenger to her, acting as if he had never married at all.
Of course, Qingge enjoyed his estrangement. If he could continue to neglect her like this for months, she could easily finish her task, collect her silvers, and leave safely. She could even use this opportunity to resign from Qianying Pavilion.
However, Luo Momo was beyond anxious, continuously calculating how many days Ning Wang had not visited Ninghe Courtyard, trying to guess his thoughts.
By the fourth day, she was desperate, “Your Highness, you need to think of something. This can’t go on.”
Qingge, who was busy enjoying the exquisite refreshment prepared by the kitchen staff, gave the momo a nonchalant look. “Luo Momo, what’s bothering you?”
‘This situation is perfect, what more could I want?’
Luo Momo stared directly at Qingge, “If this continues, what will happen? This isn’t like a marriage at all. What if His Highness takes another concubine? What then?”
“You can’t just sit here and do nothing, can you?”
“…” Qingge understood what Luo Momo meant. She had been paid to play Xiahou Jianxue’s role in this marriage, and her current inaction was seen as neglecting her duties, which Luo Momo was not pleased with.
They might even use this as a reason to deny her next payment. Although she could also take the silver by force, one must fulfill their part in business dealings. After all, even thieves have their own codes of conduct.
“I understand. However, I can’t just go to him without a reason.” Qingge said calmly. “Let’s endure it for now and wait for an opportunity to act when the time is right.”
Luo Momo was distressed, “That Cui Gugu looks very arrogant when she comes to pay daily respects. Seeing you being neglected here must be exactly what she wants.”
“Why bother about this?” Qingge was nonchalant. “I am the Wangfei, and she is just a court lady.” Inwardly, however, she was excitedly rooting for Cui Gugu’s success—‘Come on Cui Gugu, hurry up and climb into Ning Wang’s bed! It would be best if you could completely enchant him, leaving me free.’
“You——” Luo Momo was exasperated. “Such an obvious scheme, yet you couldn’t see it!”
“So what? I can’t just make another trip to Tianhong Pavilion, can I? If it were known that the Wangfei kept visiting her husband’s residence in the front yard, people would start gossiping about how very lustful she is!”
Her words caused Luo Momo to choke with anger. Women from military families really have no manners!
Taking another deep breath, the momo exerted her patience and slowly said, “This servant received the news that Third Master was on his way here two days ago, both to visit you and probably to discuss important matters with Ning Wang. Now is a critical time.”
Then she stopped speaking, feeling that such matters should not be disclosed to a mere impostor—who likely wouldn’t understand them, anyway.
But Qingge quickly understood the underlying message. The Third Master mentioned by Luo Momo was probably Xiahou Jianxue’s third uncle, known for his astuteness and diplomatic skills. Although his visit to the Ning Wang Manor appeared to be a familial courtesy to his niece, his real intention was likely to discuss strategic cooperation between the Xiahou clan and Ning Wang Manor.
After a pause, Luo Momo shifted the conversation: “The relationship between a husband and wife ultimately has to be resolved by themselves, but Your Highness, please do not forget that His Highness is a prince; you should not oppose him too directly. Even if you show your temper, you should measure it, just enough but not too much.”
Qingge, tired of the constant nagging, said curtly, “I know.” Then she asked, “Isn’t tomorrow the opening of Lize Lake? I have nothing to do anyway, so I want to go out and have fun.”
Luo Momo thought for a moment, “That might be good. We can go out, buy some romantic trinkets like matching jade pendants or lucky sachets, and later give them to His Highness as a pretext.”
Qingge looked curiously at Luo Momo, “Momo, you do have a lot of experience, don’t you?”
Luo Momo’s old face blushed, and she spat out, “I’m just advising you!”
Qingge then said, “If that’s the case, let’s call Cui Gugu over. I’ll give her the order.” Going to Lize Lake would naturally be an opportunity for her to slip away to meet Ye Min and discuss her future.
Luo Momo had no objections and quickly summoned Cui Gugu.
The moment Cui Gugu walked in, Qingge couldn’t help but notice she seemed different from usual. Normally, this capable woman would be wrapped in a somber-colored brocade robe, her hair neatly combed, and her makeup impeccably applied. It was the very model of a proper court lady. But now, although at first glance she seemed unchanged, there was a distinct charm about her femininity.
Qingge subtly glanced over and immediately understood where this impression came from. The rouge on Cui Gugu’s lips was a softer shade, her eyebrows were more delicately drawn than usual, and even the hairpin she used was adorned with fine pearls, making her look lively and eye-catching.
Clearly, Cui Gugu had subtly started to aim for an opportunity.
Qingge could understand her. One of them was a secret guard, the other court lady. Their fates had brought them into their current position, but whether through prowess or beauty, they both strived to climb up, to change their destiny.
Qingge’s vigilance was primarily directed at Noble Consort Tan, and since it was her principle to not offend others unless they offend her first—not that she would back down if provoked—she had no ill feeling toward Cui Gugu and greeted her with a warm smile.
But the amiable response only made Cui Gugu suspicious. Ning Wang hadn’t set foot in the Wangfei’s quarters for days, and as a newlywed, the Wangfei should be restless. So why did she appear so calm and collected? Was it all an act?
Still, with years of experience as a court lady, Cui Gugu knew better than to let her thoughts show. She maintained her usual compliant and respectful demeanor, politely greeting the Wangfei before standing quietly with her head slightly lowered, awaiting further instructions.
Qingge got straight to the point, expressing her intention to leave the manor for an outing at the newly opened Lize Lake to partake in the festivities.
“Tomorrow, to Lize Lake?” Cui Gugu’s expression became slightly troubled, though she maintained a perfectly polite smile.
Luo Momo chimed in, “Exactly. Her Highness has been looking forward to this outing for days, eager to experience the customs of Yuning. Is there a problem?”
Cui Gugu patiently explained, “Her Highness is of noble status, and if she were to travel, guards must be arranged in advance to ensure her safety. How could such preparations be made on such short notice?”
In short, she was refusing to allow the trip.
Hearing this, Luo Momo’s face darkened. “Cui Gugu, who do you think Her Highness is? She is the Wangfei of this Ning Wang Manor. How can you dictate whether she can go or not?”
Cui Gugu was about to argue when Qingge cut in, “Cui Gugu, perhaps you could inquire with His Highness? I mentioned it to him the other day, and he agreed. If His Highness disapproves, then I will say no more.” She then glanced at Cui Gugu. “If you don’t even ask, how will you explain yourself when His Highness asks about it later?”
Cui Gugu was slightly taken aback. She lowered her head slightly, her lips pressed together, as a faint furrow appeared on her brow.
For three years, she had enjoyed Ning Wang’s trust, granting her significant standing within the manor. It could even be said that she was the only woman in Yuning who held such proximity to him. However, she was keenly aware that this trust and reliance stemmed from her flawless execution of duties, always staying within bounds without overstepping or making errors.
While Ning Wang was ignoring the Wangfei at the moment, she was, after all, still his legally wed consort, the legitimate daughter of the prestigious Xiahou Clan. Just yesterday, the Xiahou clan had sent Ning Wang a letter, apparently to schedule an important meeting.
This implied that the alliance between the Xiahou clan and the imperial family was to facilitate very important affairs, emphasizing the importance Ning Wang put on this marriage.
For this reason, Ning Wang would not offend the Xiahou clan without a valid reason and would, for the most part, afford due respect to the bride they had sent. If she caused trouble for the Wangfei and the Wangfei complained, Ning Wang would undoubtedly view her as incompetent, no matter how she tried to justify herself.
But if she really did as Wangfei said and goes to ask for Ning Wang’s permission…
What if that inadvertently helped them reconcile, giving the Wangfei an opportunity?
After a moment of contemplation, Cui Gugu finally said, “His Highness has been busy with official duties at Tianhong Pavilion all day; it wouldn’t be right to disturb him. Since Your Highness insists, this servant will go to Steward Sun and have him arrange everything.”
Qingge nodded, “Fine. You may go now.”
Cui Gugu did not waste time and immediately went to convey Wangfei’s order to Steward Sun. Although Steward Sun looked troubled, after being persuaded by Cui Gugu, he had no choice but to prepare the carriages and escort guards for Wangfei’s outings tomorrow.
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