Luo Momo dismissed the servants and looked Qingge over carefully before solemnly saying, “Your Highness, you must be cautious.”
Qingge knew what the momo was worried about—she was worried that the third master might mention something about the Xiahou clan that Qingge shouldn’t know, and equally worried that Qingge’s performance might slip, exposing the deception. She wanted to warn Qingge but unfortunately didn’t know how to phrase it.
Amused by the momo’s conflicted expression, Qingge calmly waited.
In the end, Luo Momo gave up. She gritted her teeth and said, “Never mind. Let’s just go and see.”
Qingge let out a soft chuckle, “Alright.”
Seeing her like this, Luo Momo suddenly had the urge to slap her.
But the momo took a deep breath, suppressing the impulse. ‘Not yet! When the time comes, I’ll definitely settle this score!’
The maidservants were immediately summoned back to redo Qingge’s makeup. Then, boarding the already prepared palanquin, she went to the drawing hall to meet her supposed ‘Third Uncle.’
…
This Third Master Xiahou had a broad face, square mouth, rosy lips, and white teeth. As one might expect from a direct descendant of such a prestigious clan, his bearing and demeanor were remarkable. Qingge had seen his portrait before, so she recognized him immediately upon entering the drawing hall. She performed a greeting with the proper courtesy of a junior, and he returned the gesture.
After the formalities, the ‘uncle and niece’ sat down in their respective positions as host and guest, with tea and refreshments promptly served. After a brief exchange of polite pleasantries, Third Master Xiahou produced a small box, “Your mother asked me to deliver a letter from home.”
Qingge thanked him and accepted the letter. She then pressed her lips together, a hint of worry appearing on her face. “Third Uncle, how is my mother’s health?”
Xiahou Jianxue’s mother was frail and often ill, so naturally, Xiahou Jianxue would be most concerned about her mother’s condition.
Third Master Xiahou replied, “She’s doing alright, just missing you.” As he spoke, he instructed Luo Momo to step out. Though Luo Momo was reluctant, she had no choice but to comply, casting a warning glance at Qingge before leaving.
Once Luo Momo had left, Third Master Xiahou asked directly, “Are you doing well?”
His meaning was obvious—he was asking about her relationship with Ning Wang.
Qingge naturally replied that all was well. Third Master Xiahou sighed and, lowering his voice slightly, said, “Recently, there have been some disturbances within our family. Nothing major, but enough to cause some trouble. Now that you’ve married Ning Wang, seeing you and your husband living harmoniously puts us at ease. We only hope you’ll have a son or two soon, so your elders can truly feel at peace.”
‘It seems that not many people in the Xiahou clan are aware of the truth.’ Qingge quickly inferred. Yes, for the Xiahou clan, marrying off a legitimate daughter to secure an alliance with the imperial family was undoubtedly beneficial. But if the matter of the fake bride was exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable.
From this perspective, Mo Jingxi, Luo Momo, and herself were indeed all in the same boat.
After a few more polite exchanges, Ning Wang arrived. Third Master Xiahou promptly greeted him, and Qingge took the opportunity to excuse herself and return to her courtyard.
As soon as she entered her room, Luo Momo hurried over and began questioning her. “What did you talk about?”
Qingge glanced at the momo. Luo Momo’s sharp gaze bore into her, clearly worried that she might conceal something.
Seeing no reason to hide anything, Qingge recounted the conversation in full.
Luo Momo asked repeatedly, confirming several times that Qingge had not withheld anything before finally relaxing. She took the letter, tucked it away securely, and let out a long sigh of relief. “I’m telling you, Your Highness, we absolutely cannot afford to let our guard down. I bear you no ill will—I only hope we can get through this smoothly. Once this is over, I can go back and enjoy my old age in peace, and you can walk away with a fortune.”
Qingge nodded in agreement. “You’re absolutely right, momo.”
At this, Luo Momo’s expression softened into a smile. Qingge observed her closely; once the momo smiled, the sharpness and harshness in her features disappeared, and the lines around her eyes relaxed. Intrigued, Qingge remarked, “Momo, you’re so loyal and devoted to your master. It seems the Xiahou clan knows how to produce faithful servants.”
Centuries-old clans like the Xiahou naturally kept hereditary servants. These household sla∨es were born into servitude across generations, unwaveringly loyal and deeply tied to the families they served. In return, the family carefully selected and trained their best servants, offering them education and even opportunities to enter officialdom.
For ordinary people, serving such a powerful family often provided a more stable and advantageous life than living as commoners. Even someone like Mo Jingxi was likely a household sla∨e of the Xiahou clan.
“You don’t understand.” Luo Momo glanced at Qingge and let out a soft sigh, “In fact, I’m not originally from the Xiahou clan.”
Qingge was surprised to hear this. Luo Momo, who always spoke so fervently of the Xiahou clan, turned out not to be one of their household servants by birth.
Luo Momo continued, “I’m actually from Xiyuan. My family suffered a devastating calamity, and I barely escaped death. It was the Madam who saved my life and helped take care of my family’s affairs. Since then, I’ve served her faithfully.”
Qingge remarked, “Luo Momo is truly loyal and honorable.”
Luo Momo shook her head with a touch of sadness. “It’s more guilt than loyalty. Back then, the Madam—”
She stopped abruptly, then murmured, “There’s no point in bringing it up.”
Qingge looked over and saw Luo Momo’s cloudy eyes seemed to grow even gloomier, as if cast by a sorrow she was unwilling to share. It was clear she was recalling something painful from the past, something about Madam Xiahou that left her with deep regret.
Luo Momo was indeed fiercely loyal to her mistress and her mistress’s daughter. Qingge was a little surprised by this, but it was also within her expectations. She disliked Luo Momo and couldn’t wait to give the woman a good stab with her blade. Conversely, Luo Momo was likely plotting how to deal with her once their business was concluded. Both were conspirators in the same scheme, yet they remained deeply wary of each other.
Still, perhaps Luo Momo wasn’t as detestable as she appeared. Maybe it was simply their mutual distrust and hidden agendas that made them see each other as enemies.
As Qingge thought about this, her mind drifted to the Xiahou young miss, whom Luo Momo so staunchly protected. She recalled that fleeting, hurried glance exchanged between herself and Xiahou Jianxue under the dim light of that night.
What kind of person was Xiahou Jianxue? People said she was immensely talented and proficient in music, poetry, and literature—a true lady of her class. From what Qingge observed that night, she also seemed delicate, kind, and as gentle as flowing water.
With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Qingge raised a hand to cover her forehead, lazily lowering her eyelids. The warm afternoon sunlight was so comforting that she had no desire to open her eyes.
A moment later, she gave an order. “Prepare for my bath.”
Luo Momo, still immersed in her own emotions, was caught off guard by the sudden command. “Why the sudden need for a bath?” she asked, confused.
Qingge chuckled softly. “His Highness is coming over.”
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