Chapter 6: Suspicion
Since their pleasant (perhaps?) rendezvous, Chu Lianmo seemed to enjoy spending time with Qi Xiaojun, even summoning him to grind ink while working in his study.
Qi Xiaojun, having finished grinding ink, would read in the study while Chu Lianmo worked.
When Chu Lianmo attended court, Qi Xiaojun had to pay respects to his wife.
Qi Xiaojun initially disliked this, especially with rumors circulating that he had replaced Yin Mei as Chu Lianmo’s favorite, fearing entanglement in the concubine drama.
Fortunately, Chu Lianmo’s wife, Jiang Wan, was a gentle and virtuous woman, always kind and solicitous towards Qi Xiaojun.
At their first meeting, Jiang Wan smiled and asked, “Ajun, your high fever worried me. Are you fully recovered?”
“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am completely healed.”
“He’s completely fine,” Yin Mei said sarcastically. “He could even stroll the streets with His Highness all day yesterday.”
Qi Xiaojun sneered at Yin Mei’s pale face. “It seems the esteemed Consort Yin’s body is as resilient as a cockroach, able to walk around shortly after being flogged.”
“You…!” Yin Mei was furious, turning to Jiang Wan. “Sister Jiang, look at him! He compared me to a cockroach! Does he think he’s so great just because His Highness favors him?”
Jiang Wan’s expression grew serious. “Yin Mei, you repeatedly bullied him; that’s why the Prince punished you. Your wounds aren’t even healed, yet you still try to sow discord?”
“Sister Jiang, I know I was wrong!” Yin Mei immediately apologized.
Jiang Wan turned to Qi Xiaojun, her eyes softening. “I knew nothing about what happened. It was my fault as the mistress of this mansion…Ajun, I apologize. If anything happens, please tell me immediately.”
“I understand. Thank you, Your Highness.”
Though Jiang Wan seemed kind and had never mistreated Zhou Jun (according to his memories), Qi Xiaojun still suspected her motives and preferred not to become close to Chu Lianmo’s other concubines. He politely declined her offer of support.
Nevertheless, Qi Xiaojun found Jiang Wan more agreeable than other women in the mansion. She was beautiful, elegantly dressed, of good family, yet lacked any arrogance, instead demonstrating grace and thoughtfulness.
But no one could be perfect.
Over the next few days, Qi Xiaojun noticed Jiang Wan coughing frequently, realizing she was unwell.
“Cough…” One day, Jiang Wan coughed up blood. Sighing, she looked at everyone. “You’ve all seen my condition. I want to help the Prince, but I can’t manage everything…Is anyone willing to help me?”
Qi Xiaojun’s mind raced—he was wasting time in the mansion. Helping would be beneficial.
Before he could speak, Yin Mei raised her hand. “Sister Wan, I’ll try!”
Qi Xiaojun felt annoyed at missing the opportunity. “Your Highness, I’d like to help as well.”
Yin Mei sneered. “I’m a consort; you’re a concubine. Managing the mansion isn’t your place.”
Jiang Wan frowned slightly. Yin Mei had a point; her status was higher.
After a moment, Jiang Wan said, “Let’s leave this to His Highness.”
“Your Highness is correct,” Qi Xiaojun said. “Such a matter should be decided by His Highness.”
That evening, Jiang Wan took Yin Mei and Qi Xiaojun to Chu Lianmo’s study.
After hearing their request, Chu Lianmo said without hesitation, “Ajun stay, the rest of you leave.”
“Your Highness!” Yin Mei’s face showed grievance; tears streamed down. “Are you still angry with me? I truly know I was wrong, and I’ve reflected on my actions!”
Chu Lianmo looked at him coldly and said, “Leave.”
“I won’t do it again, Your Highness! Please forgive me!”
“You still refuse to leave?” Chu Lianmo’s face turned icy. “Your wounds are healed, you want another beating?”
“I’m leaving!” Yin Mei fled. His wounds weren’t healed; he was merely putting on a brave face, his body aching with every step. He’d spent the past days mostly bedridden.
Chu Lianmo turned to Qi Xiaojun, his expression softer. “Sit. Tell me what you can do.”
Qi Xiaojun felt sympathy for Yin Mei.
Chu Lianmo had once deeply favored Yin Mei, but that favor had vanished quickly. Such was the nature of fickle men; his affections were fleeting.
But he needed to focus on Chu Lianmo’s question.
Strictly speaking, Qi Xiaojun wasn’t adept at household management. As a prince, he’d left it to the stewards. He cared more about state affairs. However, his father had promoted frugality, and Qi Xiaojun had dealt with some financial matters.
Qi Xiaojun thought, “I have experience with accounting and could help the mansion save money.”
“Oh?” Chu Lianmo’s eyes sharpened. “When did you do this?”
That question stumped Qi Xiaojun. As an insignificant illegitimate son, he had no access to accounting.
Qi Xiaojun could only say, “I haven’t, but I’ve read books on the subject.”
Chu Lianmo remained suspicious but didn’t press further. “Try it for a few days.”
So, the next day, Qi Xiaojun began managing the mansion’s accounts.
After reviewing the accounts, he found a problem:
The mansion’s numerous and extravagant concubines caused monthly expenses to nearly match income, sometimes exceeding it. Although Chu Lianmo’s past savings were sufficient, this was unsustainable; the mansion needed savings.
Qi Xiaojun couldn’t suggest reducing the number of concubines, so he listed ways to cut expenses and showed it to Jiang Wan.
Jiang Wan was shocked—
Not at the inappropriateness but the audacity. It affected everyone in the mansion, from the servants to the consorts and guards. A mere concubine dared to suggest this.
But the proposal was sound. So, Jiang Wan agreed to try it.
Chu Lianmo also reviewed Qi Xiaojun’s proposal.
It was detailed and precise, focusing on unnecessary luxuries without significantly affecting anyone’s quality of life.
Impressed, Chu Lianmo grew even more suspicious.
When did Zhou Jun develop such skills?
A doubtful Chu Lianmo summoned A Wang. “Has your master been acting differently lately?”
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