Chapter 8: A Meat-Fueled Tempest
Qi Xiaojun patiently explained, “This rule applies to the mansion’s expenses. If you use your own money to buy more meat, there’s no problem.”
“You don’t understand!” Murong Ying remained angry. “We guards often grab a quick bite when others are covering for us. We rely on the mansion’s food; we don’t have time to buy elsewhere. Do you think we all have nothing to do like you?”
Qi Xiaojun was trying to be kind to Murong Ying, Chu Lianmo’s confidant, but his words were laced with sarcasm, and he was growing impatient.
He couldn’t slap Murong Ying like Yin Mei; he knew of the strong bond between Murong Ying and Chu Lianmo. He was unsure how to proceed.
Chu Lianmo entered. “What’s going on? I heard you arguing from afar.”
“…I wasn’t arguing,” Qi Xiaojun said, feeling wronged. “Guard Murong disagreed with the food rules, and I was explaining.”
“Aying,” Chu Lianmo looked sternly at Murong Ying. “What are you doing?”
“Your Highness! You always side with him!” Murong Ying pouted. “He complains, and you believe him!”
Qi Xiaojun thought: I was stating facts, not criticizing you, why is it considered complaining?
“Murong Ying!” Chu Lianmo shouted. “Even as my concubine, he’s your superior! Am I too kind to you? You’re spoiled and undisciplined!”
“…I’m at fault.” Murong Ying, frightened by Chu Lianmo’s anger, knelt.
Chu Lianmo softened his tone. “Tell me what happened.”
Qi Xiaojun recounted their conversation.
“You’re right.”
Chu Lianmo nodded, then turned back to Murong Ying. “The rules apply to everyone, even me. Why should you receive special treatment just because you love meat?”
“Your Highness, do you think I’m spoiled?” Murong Ying’s eyes welled up. “I often rush my meals when busy, but I never complained. Can’t I eat more meat when I’m not busy?”
Qi Xiaojun recalled Murong Ying eating only a few snacks while guarding them at the restaurant. He was indeed dedicated but fixated on this small matter.
“Are you still arguing?” Chu Lianmo frowned. “Ajun said you can eat whatever you want when you have free time. But while on duty, you must follow the rules. If you continue, go home and be a spoiled young master!”
Murong Ying, unable to retort, said, “I’m sorry, Your Highness. Please forgive me.”
“Then you’ll be punished. Kneel in the garden for half an hour.”
Murong Ying was close to tears.
But seeing Chu Lianmo unwavering, he went to the garden.
Qi Xiaojun felt a twinge of sympathy.
He just wanted more meat…
“Heh, Ajun, you’re kind,” Chu Lianmo noted his expression. “Don’t worry, guards are strong; half an hour is nothing.”
Chu Lianmo, though firm, was soft-hearted. He chose the garden because of its visibility, adding a bit of mental torment.
Kneeling in the garden, Murong Ying was mortified.
It started to rain.
Murong Ying noticed the rain stopping above him.
Jiang Wan stood beside him, holding an umbrella.
“…Why are you here, Your Highness?” Murong Ying wished no one would see him.
“I heard about what happened,” Jiang Wan said gently. “It’s just meat. Let’s forget it. I eat vegetarian; I’ll give you my meat allowance; you’ll have four liang, almost half a jin.”
“…Ah?” Murong Ying was taken aback. “Your Highness, you don’t have to!”
Jiang Wan smiled. “It’s fine. I’m not healthy enough to digest much meat. It’s better for someone who needs it.”
“Your Highness…why are you so kind?” Murong Ying had never interacted with Jiang Wan before.
Jiang Wan chuckled, looking towards the northeast—the direction of her family’s estate.
“I have a brother, about your age. My younger sister and he are twins; they always argued. If he made her cry, Father would punish him; I always comforted him. They are almost the same age, neither should yield to the other.
“You remind me of him.”
“I see,” Murong Ying felt aggrieved again after hearing “neither should yield”. It was a small matter; he simply resented Chu Lianmo favoring a recent acquaintance over his long-time companion.
Zhou Jun was a minor official’s illegitimate son; he was a direct heir of the Murong family. Why should he yield?
Jiang Wan seemed to understand. “His Highness is fair-minded; he doesn’t let feelings cloud his judgment. He’s upholding justice, not showing favoritism. If everyone demands special treatment, how can Ajun’s rules be implemented?”
Murong Ying saw her point.
“How long have you been kneeling?” Jiang Wan asked. “Let’s chat; time will pass faster.”
“Is that… too much trouble?” Murong Ying, despite his words, was secretly relieved. Kneeling silently was boring.
Jiang Wan smiled. “I know you’re cheerful; you must be stifled by the rules?”
“You understand me!” Murong Ying was moved. “I don’t care; you started the conversation; His Highness can’t punish me!”
Jiang Wan laughed. “The Prince respects me; he won’t punish me.”
Qi Xiaojun, watching from the bushes, was surprised.
He had come to give her an umbrella but someone had already done so.
He was surprised to see them laughing and chatting.
Qi Xiaojun pondered.