Chapter 19

If these had been the dishes she currently loved, Xu Duanyi would have had no reason to wonder.

But these particular dishes…

It had been a long time since she last ate them.

Her aunt didn’t like spicy food.

Living with her aunt, she had grown accustomed to eating the same way.

Aunt Deng, having served people for many years, was naturally skilled at observing and interpreting others’ expressions and emotions.

Aunt Deng had served others for many years and was naturally skilled at observing and interpreting people’s expressions and emotions.

Seeing her staring at the dishes in a daze, the woman beside her spoke, “When His Highness brought you back to the manor, I noticed you liked these dishes. Luckily, we have a chef from Shu who is quite skilled, so I took the liberty of making this decision tonight.”

“If you don’t like them, I can have someone prepare some Jing-style dishes instead.”

“No need.”

Xu Duanyi smiled and gently declined, “It’s been a while since I’ve had these. It’s a good chance to taste them again today.”

Her father was from Shu and had a fondness for spicy food.

Until the age of six, she followed his tastes, but after living in the palace with her aunt for many years, her preferences gradually became lighter.

She only ate spicy food when leaving the palace with Xie Qingya in the past.

After Xie Qingya went to Jizhou, her visits to the prince’s manor became rare.

She hadn’t expected that the servants here would still remember, which lifted her spirits significantly.

Seeing her pleased, Aunt Deng felt relieved as well.

Earlier, she had been conflicted about what food to prepare for the princess consort, until His Highness, in passing, mentioned, “Didn’t she like spicy food before? Just make some Shu-style dishes.”

Thinking that His Highness still cared about his wife, she had hoped to help reconcile the couple.

But who would have thought His Highness would cause trouble tonight?

Now, all her carefully planned words had to be swallowed.

All she could do was focus on serving the princess consort diligently, ensuring neither she nor her attendants felt neglected by the household.

“There’s no need for you to trouble yourself,” Xu Duanyi said. “You are a senior servant of the manor and once served my mother-in-law. There’s no need for you to handle these tasks.”

Bixi stepped forward with a smile.

“Aunt Deng, I’ll take care of things. You can sit and chat with the princess consort.”

It was customary for a new mistress to inquire about the household’s affairs, and Aunt Deng was prepared.

With a smile, she said, “That would be fine. I do have some things to discuss with you.”

She then took out two tokens and a set of keys.

“After the late princess passed, His Highness temporarily entrusted me with the household management. Now that you are here, these matters should be handed over to you.”

“Since it’s already late, I will show you around tomorrow and introduce you to the staff so you’ll know who’s who, making it easier to give orders.”

She assumed Xu Duanyi would be eager to take charge, but that wasn’t her intention.

Knowing Xie Qingya’s displeasure with the marriage and his guarded heart, she had no desire to involve herself in household matters.

“You misunderstand.”

“Oh?” Aunt Deng blinked in confusion.

Xu Duanyi spoke gently, “I’m new here and unfamiliar with the manor’s workings. It’s better if you continue managing things for now.”

“This…” Aunt Deng hesitated, surprised.

She had assumed the princess consort would want control immediately. Even His Highness, when asked, had responded indifferently, “Let her do as she wishes.”

Unexpectedly, she declined.

Xu Duanyi added, “If you don’t mind, I’ll accompany you tomorrow to meet everyone. You can keep the keys for now, and I’ll ask for them when I’m ready.”

Aunt Deng, after a brief hesitation, said, “Then I’ll hold onto them for you. You can take them anytime.”

Xu Duanyi nodded and asked, “I didn’t see Ping An or Chang Ning earlier. Are they unwell?”

At her words, Aunt Deng’s smile faltered.

She had been worried they might be ill, but their absence seemed intentional.

“Nothing serious—just a cold. Given today’s festivities and the many guests, we thought it best they avoid spreading illness.”

Xu Duanyi understood and didn’t press further.

“Then I’ll trouble you to check on them for me. I’ll visit tomorrow.”

Aunt Deng agreed readily.

Once Aunt Deng left, Xu Duanyi began her meal.

The chef’s skill was excellent.

Though the dishes were Shu-style, the spice level had been tempered, making them flavorful but not overwhelming.

She ate quietly while Bixi served her and Shiyu ladled soup, both silent.

Xu Duanyi said nothing until the meal ended.

Bixi called for the dishes to be cleared and poured her a cup of tea to cleanse her palate.

She nudged Shiyu gently with her elbow, signaling her to bring it over.

Xu Duanyi pretended not to notice.

“Your tea, my lady.”

Shiyu placed the cup beside her with a hopeful, ingratiating smile.

Xu Duanyi ignored it and instructed Bixi, “Go tidy the bridal chamber.”

“…Yes.”

Bixi hesitated as if to speak on Shiyu’s behalf but, seeing Xu Duanyi’s composed expression, said nothing and left.

Once alone, Xu Duanyi turned to Shiyu.

“Who told you to speak to Aunt Deng like that?”

“She used to serve the Grand Princess. Even Dong Gu must greet her respectfully and call her ‘Aunt’ when she sees her!”

Shiyu knew she was at fault and lowered her head further.

However, she couldn’t help feeling a bit upset.

“…It’s all because of how that Prince of Nan’an treated you! I’m just not happy about it. You marrying him is a blessing for the Nan’an Palace, yet he dares show you such disrespect!”

“If only I had been there just now—”

“And what would you have done?”

Xu Duanyi interrupted her.

Even someone as straightforward as Shiyu could sense something was off with Xu Duanyi’s tone.

She glanced up cautiously and saw her usually gentle and kind mistress staring at her with an expressionless face.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Shiyu dared not speak further.

She quickly knelt before Xu Duanyi, tugged at the hem of her dress like a remorseful puppy, and looked up with pleading eyes. “Mistress, are you angry with me?”

After all, Shiyu had been by her side since childhood.

Though Xu Duanyi kept a stern face, she couldn’t bring herself to speak harshly.

“Didn’t I warn you back in the palace to be careful with your words and actions once we arrived at the prince’s manor?”

Shiyu pressed her lips together.

She dared not lie and nodded. “…You did.”

“Then you knowingly disobeyed me.” Xu Duanyi’s voice was calm but firm.

“Mistress…”

Shiyu tried to defend herself, but Xu Duanyi raised a hand.

Shiyu immediately fell silent.

Xu Duanyi continued, “I won’t ask why you acted this way. I understand your reasons. But, Shiyu, this is the last time.”

“If you act like this again—”

“You’ve been with me since we were young. I wouldn’t have the heart to punish you. But you will no longer stay by my side. I’ll send you home, and after that, you can do as you please.”

This struck Shiyu to the core.

She could endure a beating, but being sent away? Her face turned pale, and her voice rose in desperation. “No!”

Her eyes reddened.

Clinging tightly to Xu Duanyi’s dress, she shook her head furiously. “No, no!”

“Mistress, please don’t send me away!”

“I won’t do it again. I swear I won’t.”

Bixi, hearing the commotion, hurried over. Seeing the scene, she grew anxious.

“Mistress…”

She approached, intending to plead for Shiyu.

Xu Duanyi glanced at her.

When Bixi, too, fell silent under that gaze, Xu Duanyi turned her attention back to Shiyu.

Once Shi Yu had sobbed herself breathless, Xu Duanyi wiped her tears. “If you don’t misstep again, I won’t send you away.”

“It all depends on your actions.”

Shiyu, still choking back sobs, promised, “I will keep my mouth in check and treat His Highness and everyone in the manor well.”

Satisfied, Xu Duanyi pulled her to her feet.

Seeing her tear-streaked face, Xu Duanyi sighed. “You’re crying like a child. Go wash your face.”

“Come back when you’re done; I have more instructions for you.”

Shiyu didn’t dare delay and quickly went to wash up.

Bixi stayed behind with Xu Duanyi.

When she noticed her mistress rubbing her temples, she stepped forward to massage them.

Xu Duanyi lowered her hand, letting Bixi continue.

“You spoke firmly to her today. She won’t dare disobey again,” Bixi reassured her.

Xu Duanyi responded with a quiet “Mm.” She had no real intention of sending Shiyu away.

When Shiyu returned, she was more cautious than before, keeping a respectful distance from Xu Duanyi.

Xu Duanyi reached out a hand.

Shiyu immediately stepped forward, taking it.

“You and Bixi are the closest people to me. It pains me to scold you.”

Shiyu quickly replied, “It was my fault.”

The cold water had cleared her head.

She realized how reckless she had been.

Bixi, too, cared deeply for their mistress, but she avoided trouble not out of fear but to spare Xu Duanyi further burdens.

Shiyu, by contrast, claimed to care but often made things harder.

Her heart ached at the thought of adding to her mistress’s struggles.

Lowering her head further, she vowed, “…I won’t act that way again.”

Xu Duanyi saw her sincerity and gently patted her hand.

Then, glancing at Bixi, she gestured toward the door.

Understanding the silent command, Bixi went to stand guard outside.

“Keep an eye on the people my aunt sent over. Don’t let them notice, but observe their actions. Report anything unusual to me immediately.”

Xu Duanyi hoped her suspicions were unfounded but believed caution was necessary.

Shiyu, though puzzled, asked no questions.

She was, above all, loyal to Xu Duanyi. Without hesitation, she nodded.

—-

Meanwhile, outside.

Mei Xuezhen seized a moment to speak privately with Xie Qingya.

With Chang Feng and Lingji guarding the perimeter, their meeting went unnoticed.

Seeing Xie Qingya press his temples, Mei Xuezheng frowned. “Still feeling unwell?”

Xie Qingya had been forced to drink heavily that evening.

Despite taking a sobering pill beforehand, the relentless toasts had taken their toll.

“…It’s fine,”

Even his voice was a bit hoarse from drinking.

“That person beside you earlier, the one who kept pouring me drinks—who was that? He seemed unfamiliar.”

Mei Xuezhen rolled his eyes and complained, “Who else could it be? Li Wengao, your princess’s loyal follower.”

Xie Qingya must have really had too much to drink; his brain was reacting much slower than usual.

When Mei Xuezhen mentioned “your princess,” he had no particular reaction—only a slight furrowing of his brows.

Mei Xuezhen, however, had more to say.

“You too. Didn’t we agree on this? It’s just an act, and it’s not like you haven’t acted before. But in front of so many people, you actually dared to embarrass her like that.”

“Thankfully, Xiao family’s eldest son had some sense. Otherwise, tonight wouldn’t have been just Li Wengao trying to drown you in drinks!”

His curiosity was piqued, and he couldn’t help but ask, “Xie Qingya, what exactly were you thinking?”

“Not much… I was just a bit irritated,” Xie Qingya admitted, knowing full well that his actions tonight had been inappropriate.

He had simply been overwhelmed by a sudden frustration and no longer wanted to continue the charade.

Had it been anyone else tonight, he could have played his role to perfection.

But she… she was Xu Duanyi.

And that was the difference.

Now, he regretted it.

No matter what, he should not have shamed her in public like that.

But those thoughts—he could share them with no one, not even Mei Xuezhen.

He pressed his lips together and remained silent.

Mei Xuezhen, unaware of the deeper turmoil, assumed Xie Qingya’s frustration stemmed from his dislike of the marriage, which explained his outburst earlier.

With a sigh, Mei Xuezhen patted him on the shoulder.

He wasn’t sure what comforting words to offer.

“She’s in the prince’s residence now. Just be cautious in how you handle things. I’ll stay away for a while unless something urgent comes up.”

“If there’s anything, send Changfeng to find me.”

“Alright.”

They couldn’t linger too long without raising suspicion.

With that, Mei Xuezhen prepared to leave.

After he left, Xie Qingya remained standing in the garden.

He stared silently in the direction of Linfeng Pavilion.

When Chang Feng came up behind him and called out, Xie Qingya paused before finally asking, “What is she doing now?”