Chapter 77: The Grudge

Jia Yuntang returned home with a cold expression. She first went to Jia Laofu’s courtyard, where Jia Laofu was trimming a box of withered branches. Upon seeing her, Jia Laofu’s face darkened.

With a smile, she asked, “What’s wrong? Who made our little treasure upset?”

Jia Yuntang glanced at the servants around her but said nothing.

Jia Laofu then instructed the servants to leave.

Only then did Jia Yuntang speak with a sense of grievance, “Grandmother, the royal family hasn’t betrothed King Ding because a high monk said his marriage is fated to be a strange connection. He went out to search for someone, and King Ding set his sights on a widow. Grandmother, what should I do?”

Jia Laofu wiped away her smile and replied, “The royal family would never marry a widow.”

Jia Yuntang continued, “Grandmother, that widow is the newly titled Princess Changfeng.”

A widow from the common people had suddenly been elevated to a princess in a short period of time, and it was all due to King Ding’s favor. This was clearly paving the way for her! It was even possible she could become the future Princess Consort.

Jia Laofu’s eyes gleamed coldly as she said, “A princess who climbed up from the countryside? The higher she climbs, the harder she will fall. The royal family values their reputation. They would never marry a woman with nothing to offer. Don’t worry, there’s no need to panic.”

She had to think of a way. People needed to understand that this was the capital, not a place where anyone could live easily.

Later that evening, after coaxing the little ones to sleep, Tian Mi was about to enjoy some honey lemon water and read a book. Just then, she heard Yanzu’s gentle whistle. Someone had entered her princess mansion. It wasn’t the long whistle, so it was not an emergency.

Tian Mi wondered who would come to her mansion. She had just encountered Miss Chen, and her family had fallen into trouble—could the Chen family be trying to probe her mansion? But no, this was an unfamiliar person. Yanzu wouldn’t give a gentle whistle for an emergency.

Just as she was about to call Chun Yi to watch over the children while she went to investigate, her window suddenly opened. A person had entered the room—it was Bai Mucheng.

Seeing him, Tian Mi breathed a sigh of relief.

She went to check the window and was frustrated. How unreliable were the windows of this era? She had clearly closed it just now!

Tian Mi asked in annoyance, “What are you doing here so late?”

Bai Mucheng smiled, “I missed the babies, so I came to check on them.”

He handed her a small box and said, “I got this recently, but it’s of no use to me, so I’m giving it to you!”

Tian Mi thought, what does a rich woman like me need someone else’s things for? I make money and still want to give gifts to handsome young men!

Tian Mi responded, “Why would I want your things? Keep it for yourself!”

Bai Mucheng smiled and placed it into her hands, “If I’m giving it to you, you should take it.”

The box was small but quite heavy. What could it be?

Bai Mucheng seemed different from before; he appeared much gentler now.

She didn’t want to get entangled with him over small matters. She had received many things from him, so accepting his gift seemed appropriate.

Thinking about it, she was unfamiliar with many things in the capital, and since he was here, it was a good opportunity to ask him.

She asked, “Do you know anything about the local medicine shops in the capital? I’m thinking of buying a few familiar faces here.”

Those familiar with the capital had complex backgrounds, and it would be difficult to find outsiders to trust.

Bai Mucheng smiled lightly, “I’ll send someone over tomorrow. You can have your staff work with them and gradually get familiar with the place.”

Tian Mi thought that was a good idea. In a strange place, she didn’t feel safe trusting outsiders. It would be better to rely on someone she knew, and getting familiar with the capital through Bai Mucheng’s contacts seemed a safer choice. He wouldn’t harm her, especially since he cared about the babies.

Tian Mi smiled lightly, “Alright, thank you!”

Bai Mucheng was momentarily stunned by her radiant smile. He found himself unconsciously leaning closer to her. They were already quite close, and with Bai Mucheng’s tall and imposing figure, the air around them became heavy with pressure. Tian Mi instinctively took two steps back.

Only then did Bai Mucheng snap back to his senses. Feeling embarrassed, he stepped back and said, “You defended Miss Lin yesterday, and because of that, the Chen family has been demoted. They might hold a grudge. I’ll assign a few soldiers to your residence to ensure your safety. How does that sound?”

Tian Mi, who didn’t like having strangers in her residence, declined the offer.

“No need. I’m not someone easy to bully. If they dare to cause trouble, I’ll make sure they regret it.”

Seeing Tian Mi refuse his goodwill, Bai Mucheng could only nod in agreement.

Tian Mi covered her mouth and said, “It’s getting late. I need to rest!”

Bai Mucheng gave her a deep look, knowing that she was sending him away. Frustration surged inside him. That damn fat man! He had drugged him without care when he needed him, showing no regard for his feelings. Now that Bai Mucheng wanted her, he worried she would be upset. Could there be a more unfair situation than this?

Bai Mucheng left angrily, telling himself he would never care about her again—this woman who abandoned him after starting everything.

Tian Mi opened the box and looked inside. It was filled with exquisite jewelry, each piece more stunning than the last. Even as a rich woman, she couldn’t help but marvel at the luxury of it. Bai Mucheng sure knew how to spend lavishly.

Just as he exited the mansion, Bai Mucheng smacked his head in frustration. I came here to see the babies and didn’t even see them! What a fool I am! He sighed and decided to come back later.

Still, he made sure to leave three secret guards outside her mansion, just in case there was trouble, so they could notify him immediately.

He couldn’t help but recall that night when he was drugged and became muddled. He only regained some clarity in the middle of the night, utterly exhausted and with no strength left. Then the fat man called out to a “little brother” and a “fairy,” before coming back to disturb him. Bai Mucheng tried to push him away, but it was useless—he remained completely still. He tried to tell her to leave, but his mouth was sealed by her tongue, and his body couldn’t do anything. Her soft, chubby hands were everywhere, setting fire to his senses. He felt humiliated and furious. Though he had been unaware at the time, he remembered everything afterward—how he lost control, and how the antidote was completely ineffective.

This was a grudge! I must have owed her something in my past life!

The next morning, Qiuwu came to report that Madam Lin had arrived with her two daughters. Tian Mi guessed their visit’s purpose and invited them to the front hall. She welcomed them with Xiao Mama and Chun Yi.

Before long, Madam Lin and her two daughters entered the front hall with bright smiles, accompanied by two maidservants holding gifts. Madam Lin looked nearly forty, though Xiao Mama had previously mentioned that she was actually around thirty-four. She had returned from the frontier, and the harsh weather there had aged her prematurely.

The two Lin daughters were about fifteen and thirteen, the older one dignified and poised, while the younger one was lively and cute.

Tian Mi stood up to greet them, performing a junior’s courtesy, and Madam Lin hurriedly stopped her, saying, “Your righteous words yesterday on behalf of Miss Lin, our family is truly grateful.”

Tian Mi quickly helped her up and invited them to sit. Xia Mei and Xia Lan brought tea and pastries.

“Madam, there’s no need to be polite. General Lin is brave and wise—he secures the border and maintains peace at home. He’s a person worthy of everyone’s respect. I merely spoke the truth,” Tian Mi said.

Madam Lin was a little moved. People in the capital didn’t understand the hardships of the frontier, but she had lived through them, so she knew exactly how tough it was.

She sighed, “Ah, how many in the capital truly understand our struggles? As long as people don’t mock us for being rough and aged, it’s already a blessing. Only you, Your Highness, understand our difficulties.”

Lin Er Miss, Lin Yuqing, laughed, saying, “Your Highness, yesterday you were just like a fearless heroine, so beautiful.”

Tian Mi couldn’t help but laugh at the young girl’s words.

Madam Lin and the older Miss Lin, Lin Yixue, also laughed, and the awkwardness of their first meeting melted away. Madam Lin began chatting with Tian Mi about the upcoming palace banquet and suggested that they go together.

Though Tian Mi had planned to invite them for lunch, Madam Lin declined, mentioning they still had preparations for the palace. She invited Tian Mi to visit their house anytime, and Tian Mi, not wanting to insist, agreed.

As she sent them off, they encountered Huang Yuanying and Xu Yunfei returning from their outing. They were talking about matters at the academy. Seeing guests, they paused to greet them.

Tian Mi introduced them to each other. Though Xu Yunfei was a scholar, he had grown up in a security agency, which gave him a heroic air. The Lin family, known for their military background, exchanged respectful greetings, admiring each other.