Chapter 9 Consort Liang Is at It Again!

Chu Wangfei Hua Yuwen was the youngest daughter of the Hua family, the imperial merchants of the Great Jin Dynasty. With three older brothers above her, she grew up pampered in luxury since childhood, fond of martial arts and weaponry, reigning supreme in Cangzhou.

To infuse the Hua family with some scholarly refinement, the family head spent a fortune sending his youngest son and daughter to Shangyong Academy. Yet, in less than a month, Hua Yuwen caused trouble and was advised to withdraw, leaving only the youngest son, Hua Yujin, to stay. The Hua family head was at his wits’ end with his daughter and eventually allowed her to accompany his second son to the capital, Tianjing, to handle business.

Unexpectedly,

even in the capital, where nobility abounded, Hua Yuwen still managed to stir up trouble.

At that time, Empress Xiao was bedridden with illness, and Prince Chu was still the Second Prince. During a spring outing, Prince Chu fell ill, and some imperial relatives took advantage of his misfortune. Hua Yuwen played the hero saving the beauty, offending several nobles. In the end, Hua the Second had to settle the matter with a hefty sum of money.

Thus, through repeated interactions, Hua Yuwen naturally became the Second Prince’s consort. To establish herself in the capital, she had to temper her sharp edges, gradually smoothing out her rough corners, only revealing her true nature within the walls of the prince’s residence.

Murong Ji had received quite a few beatings from Chu Wangfei ever since he could walk.

Prince Chu always respected Chu Wangfei and would only watch from the sidelines, offering verbal advice.

Murong Ji led a difficult life.

Just as Chu Wangfei was about to enter the inner chamber, Murong Ji quickly placed the medicine bowl into Ziyun’s outstretched hand, struggled to prop himself up halfway, tilted his head back slightly, his eyes glistening with tears as he called out in a soft, pleading voice.

Mother—Ji’er missed you so much—

Hua Yuwen’s rising anger was doused by this gentle, rain-like tone, her heart softening slightly. But when she caught a glimpse of the cunning flash in his eyes, she couldn’t help but let out a cold snort.

You wish I were dead!

Murong Ji tilted his head, his face the picture of innocence. What does Mother mean? Ji’er doesn’t understand.

Hua Yuwen gritted her teeth and stepped forward, but before she could speak, Prince Chu, who had hurried in after her, grabbed her wrist. He gently pulled her into his embrace and said in a low voice,

Ji’er has finally woken up! Wangfei, don’t get too worked up. Be mindful of Ji’er’s health!

Hua Yuwen caught sight of the hem of a palace attendant’s robe outside the door and suddenly shifted to a gentle expression, reaching out to softly stroke Murong Ji’s pale little face.

My poor Ji’er, Mother was so worried about you.

Murong Ji said nothing, slowly lying back down.

Such a sudden change in demeanor—something must be up.

Sure enough,

Hua Yuwen let out a long sigh, deliberately softening her voice, lacing it with self-blame and regret.

It’s all Mother’s fault for not taking good care of you. Once we return to the residence, Mother will never leave your side again.

Return to the residence?

In your dreams!

Murong Ji glanced at Prince Chu and found that he had already turned his head away, clearly unwilling to get involved.

Hua Yuwen continued, Once your father returns from Qingzhou, we’ll go to Cangzhou. It’s warm like spring all year round there, filled with blooming flowers—the perfect place for recuperation. Besides, Cangzhou is by the sea, and you love fish, don’t you? Your grandfather’s grilled fish skills are absolutely masterful—guaranteed to leave you craving more!

Murong Ji swallowed, feeling somewhat tempted.

Just then, light footsteps echoed from outside the chamber, accompanied by the respectful voice of a palace attendant: Greetings to Consort Liang.

Hua Yuwen’s face stiffened, but she quickly adjusted her expression, restoring her dignified composure.

Consort Shen Liang entered the inner hall gracefully, accompanied by two palace maids. Dressed in a pale purple palace gown with a gold-inlaid jade hairpin, her features were exquisitely painted, and her demeanor was gentle and refined. She glanced around the hall, her gaze lingering briefly on Prince Chu and his wife before revealing a kindly smile. I’ve come to see the imperial eldest grandson. I hope I’m not disturbing you?

Prince Chu and his wife hurried forward to bow respectfully. Greetings, Liang Consort.

Consort Shen Liang personally helped them rise, exchanging a few warm pleasantries before sitting by the bedside. She took Murong Ji’s small hand in hers, her tone full of compassion. The young heir has truly suffered. To endure illness at such a tender age—your hearts must be aching terribly.

Prince Chu’s pale face and weary expression seemed to convey everything without words.

Hua Yuwen smiled slightly and responded, Thank you for your concern, Liang Consort. Ji’er is already much better.

Consort Shen Liang nodded, her tone gentle yet firm. His Majesty is distressed about the imperial eldest grandson, and so am I. But with His Majesty occupied by state affairs, it falls upon me to share his burdens. Yuwen, once Prince Chu departs for Qingzhou, you and the imperial eldest grandson shall move to my Lakeside Hall. I will take care of you both.

Lakeside Hall, the most scenic palace in the court, overlooked a shimmering lake just beyond its windows—beautiful in all seasons. It sounded like an ideal place for recuperation.

And there were fish, too.

Murong Ji maintained a well-behaved demeanor, allowing Consort Shen Liang to hold his hand.

Hua Yuwen’s expression shifted slightly, her tone somewhat stiff. Your kindness is overwhelming, Consort. I dare not trouble you. However, Ji’er has been shy since infancy and may not rest well away from familiar surroundings.

Before Consort Shen Liang could respond, her smile fading slightly, she felt her hand being tightly grasped by two plump little hands. Looking down, she met Murong Ji’s large, clear eyes—sparkling like glass, filled with anticipation and admiration. Consort, may Ji’er really go?

His expression resembled that of the white cat Consort Shen Liang kept in Lakeside Hall when it clung to her—utterly endearing.

Suppressing the urge to pat the imperial eldest grandson’s head, she offered her warmest, most amiable smile. Does Ji’er wish to go?

Ignoring the warning glances from his parents, Murong Ji nodded emphatically. The Consort is beautiful! Ji’e likes the Consort!

Consort Shen Liang couldn’t hold back her laughter and had to raise a hand to cover her mouth. Very well! Then Ji’er shall come stay with me at Lakeside Hall for a while!

At the side, the corners of Prince Chu and his wife’s mouths twitched.

Little rascal!

He’s at it again!

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