The old madam knew Wu Cui Rou’s nature well. The matter of managing the household was of great importance and could not be taken lightly.

Chen Shi softly said, “Mother, I think this might be a good opportunity to let my sister-in-law test her abilities. It wouldn’t hurt.”

Wu Cui Rou was surprised.

The main branch was actually speaking up for her—was there some hidden plan behind this?

Chen Shi continued, “After all, the management skills of a daughter-in-law are only honed when she’s involved in the household matters. Only by doing so can she improve.”

“Right, Mother. Let me try,” Wu Cui Rou couldn’t wait to accept the offer.

Looking at the pleading expression on Wu Cui Rou’s face, the old madam reluctantly gave in.

“Well, this family will eventually be handed over to the second branch,” the old madam thought.

Once outside Cangwu Courtyard, Chen Shi felt a weight lift off her shoulders.

“To hell with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law. From now on, I will only take care of my own little family. The rest of the Duke’s family can have no further connection with me.”

“Big sister-in-law,” someone called from behind.

Chen Shi turned around, coughing slightly as she covered her mouth.

Wu Cui Rou walked up to her. “Big sister-in-law, what is your intention in helping me today?”

Chen Shi replied, “The power of managing the household—doesn’t my sister-in-law want it?”

Wu Cui Rou, of course, wanted it, but she hadn’t expected Chen Shi to willingly let it go.

Chen Shi smiled, “I’m tired. I’ll head back now. Sister-in-law, take care.”

Wu Cui Rou frowned.

She realized something had changed in Chen Shi.

But what exactly had changed, she couldn’t say.

“Zhao Mama, what do you think she really wants?” Wu Cui Rou asked.

Zhao Mama replied, “No matter what she wants, the power to manage the household is now in Madam’s hands. In the entire Duke’s mansion, Madam is the most powerful.”

Chen Shi went to her room as soon as she got home, and immediately ordered the household ledgers to be brought to her.

Chun Tao was worried. “Madam, what if the second branch makes things difficult for us after we hand over the household management?”

After all, just a few days ago, the second branch had been punished because of the main branch.

And over the years, Madam had contributed a lot of money to the household.

Chen Shi was unconcerned. “If Wu Cui Rou had a bit of intelligence, she wouldn’t be going against the main branch.”

Now that Wu Cui Rou had received the power to manage the household, her most urgent task was to win people over.

But with her ability, how many would be willing to follow her?

Chun Zhi, thinking more deeply, said, “Madam, you’ve spent so much money on the Duke’s mansion these years. Now that it finally has some income, it seems a pity to just let go.”

Chen Shi paused.

Chun Zhi had a point.

“Chun Zhi, Chun Tao, you two should tally the money we’ve spent over the years on the Duke’s mansion. We must reclaim it.”

Chun Zhi and Chun Tao were surprised.

That wasn’t what they meant!

At that moment, Wan Zeng came in.

“Madam, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived and wishes to see Young Miss.”

The Crown Prince?

Chen Shi was puzzled, but still changed her clothes and took her daughter to meet him.

In Ming De Hall, the Crown Prince sat drinking tea, waiting, with Duke An Guo at his side.

The Crown Prince, born of the Empress, was highly valued by the Emperor, who had kept him by his side for his education.

At just thirteen years old, he had already shown great promise.

If nothing unexpected happened, he would surely be the next Emperor.

Jun Yin looked around impatiently, finally seeing them arrive.

“Madam, I greet you,” Chen Shi said, bowing.

Seeing the baby in Chen Shi’s arms, Jun Yin’s face lit up, and he quickly walked over.

“Madam, may I hold Yuanxi?”

Since their last meeting, the Crown Prince had missed Yuanxi dearly.

Chen Shi, surprised by the request, slowly taught the Crown Prince how to hold a baby.

【Did Brother Crown Prince come just to see me?】 Jiang Yuanxi thought, curious.

Jun Yin opened a food box that he had brought with him.

The sweet aroma filled the air, and Jiang Yuanxi sniffed eagerly.

“This food was brought from the imperial kitchen, Yuanxi, do you like it?”

【I like it!】 The various pastries looked so beautiful.

Chen Shi hesitated.

“Your Highness, Yuanxi can only drink milk for now.”

Jun Yin touched his nose, quietly closing the food box.

“My apologies for my oversight.”

Jiang Yuanxi sighed internally. Was he just showing off food to her?

She chewed on her pacifier, making a soft “crunching” sound.

But the Crown Prince had not forgotten the purpose of his visit.

“I will be heading to Jiangnan in a few days. After I return, I’ll take Yuanxi to the imperial kitchen for a meal. How about that?”

Duke An Guo was curious, seeing the Crown Prince talking to a baby.

A girl, other than being pretty, what use could she have?

【The Crown Prince is going to Jiangnan? But the corrupt official hasn’t gone, good, very good.】

The Crown Prince wanted to ask who that corrupt official was, but with so many people around, it wasn’t the right moment.

While thinking, Jiang Yuanxi sighed again.

Chen Shi pressed her hand to her chest. She hoped the Crown Prince didn’t find out any royal matters, or she couldn’t guarantee that she wouldn’t spill them.

【Though the corrupt official didn’t go, the magistrate of Jiangcheng is ruthless. Crown Prince, be sure to protect yourself.】 Otherwise, her delicious food would be ruined.

Crown Prince Jun Yin’s eyes lit up. He had come for the right reason.

Calculating the time, when he returned, Yuanxi would be just about one year old and able to eat meat.

Jiang Yuanxi eagerly anticipated that day.

【Roast chicken, roasted goose, big pork knuckles, all mine!】

When the Crown Prince left, Jiang Yuanxi gazed after him longingly.

【Crown Prince, I will miss you.】

She wished she could stand at the door with a handkerchief.

【Hurry back, Crown Prince!】

【You’ll be my real brother from now on!】

【Don’t forget our promise, Brother!】

Chen Shi looked at her daughter helplessly.

How could a little one talk so much?

If she grows up like this, what will happen?

Since the last warning from the Emperor, Duke An Guo no longer dared to take action against the main branch.

At least, he didn’t dare to openly make things difficult for them.

However, seeing that his eldest son was increasingly favored by the Emperor, Duke An Guo felt anxious.

That evening, he took Jiang Qisheng to find Jiang Fengyuan.

Jiang Fengyuan sat in his study, holding Jiang Yuanxi, his expression cold as he looked at the two.

“Father, you should know, I’m a military officer, and my second brother isn’t interested in the military camp,” Jiang Fengyuan said.

Duke An Guo replied, “There are many officials in the court. Surely some civil officials are friendly with you. You can ask them for help.”

Duke An Guo’s words really angered Jiang Yuanxi.

She had never seen anyone so shameless in asking for help.

【Second uncle, do you even know what you’re doing?】

【You can’t do anything right, but you’re number one in eating.】

【What a big face. If you were capable, you’d do it yourself. Why ask my father?】

Jiang Fengyuan agreed with his daughter’s words, though they were a bit crude.

“Father, as for power and influence, your connections are the widest. As long as you ask, those people won’t turn you down.”

Jiang Qisheng looked at Duke An Guo.

“Father, why not help me out?”

Duke An Guo, who had always been proud, was furious at the suggestion. Asking for help was extremely difficult for him.

Not being good at socializing was one of the reasons the Duke’s house was weakening.

Duke An Guo snorted coldly, adopting a high-and-mighty attitude.

“If you don’t want to help, then forget it. Don’t keep making excuses.”

Jiang Fengyuan replied, “Then I’ll see you off, Father. Please take care.”

Duke An Guo was so enraged that he left in a huff.

Jiang Qisheng quickly followed, glancing back.

The main branch seemed to have changed.

His once kind and filial older brother now dared to argue with their father.

And now, he seemed completely indifferent toward his younger brother.

Had he misjudged things?

Duke An Guo, in a fit of rage, returned to his study and threw everything around.

Jiang Qisheng stood quietly by the side, silent.

The servants quickly rushed in to tidy up the room.

“Father, why did the Crown Prince come today? What does it mean?” Jiang Qisheng asked.

Duke An Guo replied, “How should I know?”

If his second son wasn’t so useless, he wouldn’t have to endure this.

Jiang Qisheng said, “Big brother is greatly favored. When he inherits the title of Duke, there will be no room left for us. Father, you must come up with a plan.”