Chapter 9 Want to Eat You  

After seeing off her mother and sister-in-law and hiding the silver notes they had secretly slipped her, Nian Jiao happily settled in for an afternoon nap. Suddenly, she was yanked out from under the covers, utterly bewildered about what was happening.  

The beautiful and delicate young woman sat up, her dark hair cascading like seaweed, her collarbones as fair as jade, her expression completely dazed.  

Fourth Master was also taken aback. When he entered, he had deliberately ordered no announcement, never expecting her to be sleeping so soundly.  

Glancing at the sky, he thought back to his younger days of study—by this time, he would have already finished his archery and horseback practice and even reviewed the next day’s lessons.  

Fourth Master dismissed the attendants and sat down, his expression inscrutable as he gazed at Nian Jiao. After a long pause, he adjusted her slipped-underwear back over her collarbones and straightened the silk quilt that had been twisted into odd shapes from her sleep.  

Nian Jiao: “…………”  

She was now mostly awake.  

Anxious and confused, she couldn’t fathom why the boss had come at this hour. Was he jealous that she was sleeping?  

“You seem a little upset,” she ventured cautiously.  

Fourth Master hadn’t anticipated this remark—the icy walls around his heart trembled slightly, cracking open a tiny fissure. He raised an eyebrow; in some ways, Nian Shi wasn’t foolish after all.  

He nodded. “Thirteenth Brother’s legs have never fully recovered. This is the seventh physician we’ve consulted this year.”  

So the Prince wanted to confide in her!  

Easing the boss’s worries was a fundamental duty of brown-nosing. Instantly, Nian Jiao straightened her posture, wrinkling her little nose as she fought off drowsiness, listening with earnest focus.  

In the 47th year of Kangxi’s reign, when the Emperor deposed the Crown Prince, the Thirteenth Prince had pleaded for leniency on the Crown Prince’s behalf, his words before the throne so impassioned that he was branded a conspirator.  

Amid the bitter winter, the Thirteenth Prince was stripped of his noble title, reduced to a bald prince. It was then that his legs were ruined from kneeling. Though the Crown Prince had since been reinstated, the Thirteenth Prince remained out of favor. Worse still, his injuries had worsened, developing into poisonous sores that even the imperial physicians could do little about.  

Fourth Master said quietly, “He’s not even thirty yet…”  

His words trailed off there.  

He wasn’t accustomed to opening his heart to others, and this was already an uncharacteristic outpouring. Silence returned to the room, and Fourth Master’s emotions settled. He hadn’t expected a response from Nian Jiao, but when he looked up, he found Consort Nian leaning her entire body toward him.  

Warm fingers lightly, softly brushed against his brow, tentative and gentle.  

When the man didn’t react, Nian Jiao immediately grew bolder, smoothing out the creases as if tracing little circles.  

With utmost sincerity, she declared, “Thirteenth Prince’s legs will definitely get better.”  

Having said that, she threw off the silk quilt and climbed out of bed. After rummaging through her trunk for a moment, she returned holding a dark, unglazed pottery jar. “Speaking of difficult ailments, my eldest brother has always been fond of studying such things—he might have a solution. This is a medicated cream my mother just brought over, personally prepared by my brother. It not only treats external injuries but has many other uses. Why not let Thirteenth Prince try it?”  

The jar of medicated cream was quite large, yet Nian Jiao showed no hesitation. Nian Xiyao produced medicines as if they were wholesale goods—Old Madam Nian had brought several jars this time, worried she might run out.  

Nian Jiao suspected her eldest brother wasn’t focusing on his official duties at all, pouring all his energy instead into medicine, science, geometry, and astronomy!  

With the sole intention of easing her boss’s burden, she gazed at Fourth Master eagerly, willing him to take the jar.  

Those large hands finally accepted the pottery jar. Fourth Master studied her, his gaze profound, before nodding after a long pause.  

Before Nian Jiao could even form a dimpled smile, the man’s eyes abruptly dropped to her feet.

“…” Nian Jiao belatedly felt a chill and realized she was only wearing her underwear, with no time to even put on her shoes or socks.

Fourth Master seemed accustomed to this. He sighed lightly and effortlessly lifted Nian Jiao onto the bed with his free hand, as if handling a pampered kitten.

Seeing him reach for a clean cloth nearby, Nian Jiao instinctively shrank back. “I… I can do it myself.”

She grabbed the cloth, hastily wiped her feet, then looked up at him obediently.

Fourth Master’s expression was unreadable as he leaned down, gently tucked the hair falling over her chest behind her ear, and meticulously adjusted the silk quilt once more. “Get dressed. It’s time for dinner.”

“Mhm!”

“I’m going to the study to handle official documents.”

“This concubine respectfully sees you off—”

Fourth Master raised an eyebrow, grabbed the pottery jar, and strode out.

He thought to himself—she was still sitting properly on the bed.

What kind of farewell was this?

–

The Fu Jin had left during the day and only returned to Yong Prince’s Manor by evening.

Soon, the businesses and shops under Eighth Fu Jin’s name suffered devastating blows. The assailant made no attempt to conceal their actions, striking swiftly and decisively.

Having managed the royal residence for years, the Fu Jin’s resources were incomparable. By the time Eighth Fu Jin realized what was happening, barely one in ten of her shops remained.

Upon investigation, she trembled with rage: “Fourth Master’s Consort…”

These businesses were all part of her dowry when she married Yin Si. Most of the people under her relied on the shops’ income to survive. Now that Yin Si had fallen from grace, every bit of income was precious.

This was cutting into her flesh!

Behind that mask of kindness and generosity, the attack had been ruthlessly executed. Eighth Fu Jin immediately wanted to confront her at Yong Prince’s Manor—she had targeted that vixen Nian Shi! What business did Ulanara have interfering?!

In the end, Eighth Master stopped her.

Seeing Yin Si’s pale face filled with silent pleading, Eighth Fu Jin found her feet rooted to the ground, her throat heavy as if filled with lead. “You…”

How could you not be furious?

Furious, of course he was furious.

Yet even as Eighth Master seethed, he also felt a wave of relief.

It wasn’t hard to piece together—Fourth Sister-in-law’s actions were likely sanctioned by Fourth Brother himself.

But he had to admit—Fourth Master had handled this well.

Let the women settle disputes among themselves. Once resolved, the matter would be over, without dragging it into court politics.

In his weakened state, he couldn’t afford to widen the rift with Fourth Master. What was a little patience compared to that…

Eighth Master closed his eyes, hiding the shadows within.

–

The turmoil in Eighth Fu Jin’s businesses reached the ears of Yong Prince’s household, but the real shock came with Old Madam Nian’s visit.

The Dwelling of Peach Blossoms bustled with activity, basking in glory all day. Meanwhile, in the East Courtyard, Consort Li tossed and turned, letting out her eighth cold sneer of the day.

The Nian family.

Nian Shi’s father had once been Governor of Huguang. Of her two brothers, Nian Gengyao was already formidable, and even Nian Xiyao served as Prefect of Zhili’s Daming Circuit.

Compared to them, her own family background was embarrassingly lacking—any visit from them would only invite ridicule.

Li stood by the window, her face dark with resentment.

Nearby, Eldest Princess approached and tugged at her sleeve. “Mother…”

Eldest Princess Bu’erhedai, now twelve, was raised under the Fu Jin’s care but occasionally visited her birth mother in the East Courtyard. Lifting her delicate face, she whispered, “Mother has me, and Hongshi. That’s worth more than anything others could offer.”

Li forced a smile and patted her head. “You stay here and do your needlework. Your mother is going out for a walk.”

The Yong Prince’s Manor was vast, with a small garden in the rear courtyard, complete with pavilions and resting areas. Consort Li walked unimpeded until she rounded a peach tree and noticed someone sitting in the pavilion.

The light pink garment, embroidered with delicate floral patterns, made the wearer appear more radiant than the flowers—elegant and captivating.

“Well, well,” Li said, curling her lips. “Consort Nian, who never steps beyond the inner gates, has finally decided to come out for some air?”

Hearing the voice, Nian Jiao quickly hid the half-eaten pastry she had been nibbling on.

She stood up, remembering her humble and low-key persona, and smiled sweetly at Li. “Sister Li. It’s not that I was unwilling to come out, but my knees had just healed, so I only now ventured out for a stroll.”

“…” Consort Li was momentarily stunned by her unexpected candor.

After scrutinizing her for a long moment, Li finally managed to say, “Your knees must be truly precious. Why didn’t you ask Old Madam Nian to bring you some priceless medicine?”

Nian Jiao didn’t understand.

Medicine was just medicine—what did its price have to do with anything?

She sensed that Consort Li was displeased and thought to herself, *Yesterday, the Prince was in a bad mood, and today it’s Consort Li’s turn. The feng shui of this manor must be off.*

Nian Jiao took a few steps forward and consoled her, “Sister Li, don’t be upset. If life gets difficult, just smile and it’ll pass. If it becomes unbearable, you can always talk to me. Don’t keep it bottled up.”

Li: “……”

Staring into Nian Jiao’s sincere eyes, Consort Li stood frozen like a statue, unable to react for a long moment.

By the time she regained her senses, Nian Jiao—along with the pastries on the stone table—had vanished, leaving only a faint pink figure retreating into the distance.

Consort Li’s face darkened as she asked her attendant matron, “Was Nian Shi doing that on purpose? Or is she just naturally simple-minded?”

Before the matron could answer, she sat down with a scowl.

On her way back to the East Courtyard, Consort Li walked much slower, her earlier anger noticeably diminished. As soon as she entered the courtyard, the Eldest Princess rushed to greet her. “Mother!”

The Eldest Princess looked genuinely surprised. “Consort Nian—Mother Nian—just sent someone with a bowl of bird’s nest porridge. She said it was specially prepared by the main kitchen for you—not only to nourish your complexion but also to cool your temper.”

Consort Li: “?”

Staring at the rich, fragrant bowl of porridge, Consort Li suddenly felt foolish for having been angry with Nian Jiao earlier.

She scooped a large spoonful and shoved it into her mouth resentfully.

…

News from the rear courtyard never escaped the Fu Jin’s notice.

When Mama Fang reported the incident, the Fu Jin nearly choked on her tea, quickly covering her laughter with a handkerchief.

Mama Fang wore a complicated expression. “Now I understand what you meant, my lady.”

She couldn’t help but think that if Consort Nian hadn’t married into the Yong Prince’s Manor, she would have been devoured alive.

Yet fate worked in mysterious ways. When Consort Li, who was usually so sharp-tongued and unassailable, faced Consort Nian, it was like punching cotton—an utterly unprecedented phenomenon.

The Fu Jin said gently, “Her eyes are very pure.”

So pure, untainted by any hint of malice or scheming.

The Fu Jin drifted into thought. *How did the Nian family raise such a daughter? If she had been born into an ordinary, well-off household, Nian Shi would surely have lived a happier life, untouched by hardship. But alas…*

She lowered her gaze, unconsciously fingering the pendant at her chest. *Alas, she had to marry into the imperial family.*

Fourth Master never concerned himself with the petty jealousies of the inner court. Apart from spending the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month in Fu Jin’s chamber—where they slept separately under two silk quilts—he remained aloof toward all his consorts.  

Ever since harboring those treasonous thoughts, he had practically moved into his study, whether at the Yong Royal Residence or the Yuanmingyuan.  

In the study, Su Peisheng ground ink, his lips twitching as he carefully chose his words: “Consort Nian rested in the pavilion of the small garden this morning and happened to meet Consort Li…”  

Fourth Master set down his brush and fixed his gaze on the presumptuous servant, watching until Su Peisheng lowered his head before saying, “Go on.”  

Su Peisheng exhaled in relief and spilled the rest in one breath. Then he noticed the slight quirk at the corner of the Prince’s lips, as if he were suppressing a smile.  

Had the sun risen from the west?!  

Just yesterday, he had been vexed over the Thirteenth Prince’s affairs, yet a single visit to the Dwelling of Peach Blossoms had lifted his spirits. Su Peisheng couldn’t help but admire Consort Nian to the point of prostration—accustomed to his master’s icy demeanor, this sudden thaw felt almost unbearably sweet.  

Fourth Master’s gaze drifted absently across the desk, lingering briefly on a pale blue porcelain vase. “When it’s time for the meal, remember to bring this along.”  

He rubbed his Buddhist beads, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Consider it a reward for her thoughtfulness.”  

…  

The “thoughtful” Nian Jiao finished her bird’s nest porridge, shooed Mama Qiu and the others outside, and pulled out her diary to indulge in her steadfast little hobby.  

After scribbling away at the desk, she cupped her cheeks, her eyes darting repeatedly toward the dressing table, itching to take out her floral jewelry for admiration.  

But with dinner approaching, she reluctantly gave up, tucking the diary away with lingering reluctance.  

When the announcement came from outside, Nian Jiao’s eyes sparkled as she turned—only to see Su Peisheng carefully cradling a porcelain vase.  

Its misty pale blue hue, the slender neck like a white crane, exuded an understated elegance that stole one’s breath.  

Nian Jiao: “…”  

She blinked in bewilderment, then noticed Fourth Master watching her from nearby, his phoenix eyes unusually gentle.  

Despite her heavy heart, her thigh-hugging instincts kicked in swiftly.  

She accepted the vase, arranging it meticulously before pivoting toward Fourth Master, wrapping her arms around his neck, and rising onto her tiptoes—  

To plant a kiss on his cheek.  

Su Peisheng: ?!  

The familiar peach fragrance nestled against his chest, and under the sheer impact, the man took a step back.  

Fourth Master looked down at her, touched his cheek, and scolded lightly, “Don’t do this again.”  

And that was that.  

Nian Jiao sulked, thinking gloomily that displeasure must be contagious—now it was her turn.  

What was so appealing about pale blue? If that vase had a different color, some patterns, maybe gold embroidery to flaunt its luxury—now that would be a treasure in her eyes!  

She nuzzled against Fourth Master’s neck and asked, “Is the Royal Residence’s feng shui not good?”  

Fourth Master: “…”  

Assuming she was being whimsical again, he pressed a hand to her head. “Time to eat.”  

Nian Jiao buried her face in the crook of his neck, dragging out her reply with clear reluctance. “Fine.”  

Glancing at the spread of bland dishes, she muttered under her breath, “I want pig trotters.”  

Fourth Master didn’t quite catch it. “What?”  

Nian Jiao pressed her lips together and quickly amended, “I want you.”