Chapter 17: Is It Really That Simple?

Yuan Rou did not make it explicit, but her mother and the empress had been contending for so many years; it was inevitable that she would want to place a pawn by Yuan Zaichun’s side.

With such thoughts, she picked up the tea cup beside her, her cherry lips pressing lightly against its rim. She could not help but smile.

This time, she was determined to win.

After leaving the palace gates, Qiao Qingyun quietly followed behind Yuan Zaichun. He asked nothing, and she offered nothing—if the enemy remained still, so would she.

But Yuan Zaichun could not hold back. He knew his imperial sister's temperament all too well. How could she simply go in and look into a few issues so easily? And even dismiss everyone else from the room?

But as the words reached his lips, Yuan Zaichun hesitated. After all, they were merely allies; would such a question not invite misunderstanding?

Feeling uncomfortable, Yuan Zaichun’s brows knit together tightly, his expression as severe as if he wished to tear someone to pieces.

After a long moment, he finally mustered the courage and asked, feigning casualness, "What did you discuss?"

"Hmm?"

Qiao Qingyun was caught off guard. When she realized what he meant, she hastily replied, "It was nothing—only that the princess is somewhat weak in energy and blood, and she permitted me to enter the palace to treat her in seven days’ time."

"Is it really that simple?" Yuan Zaichun clearly did not believe her; even his hands clenched into fists in front of him.

Could there be something else going on?

Qiao Qingyun’s appearance was always harmless—not especially alluring, but certainly enough to allay a man’s suspicions. She simply used her large, limpid eyes to gaze at Yuan Zaichun, tilting her head slightly as she asked, "If Your Highness does not believe me, you may ask the princess yourself. I am but a humble woman—how would I dare to deceive you?"

Hearing this, Yuan Zaichun was so exasperated that he actually laughed. Who would believe someone who could say such things was merely a humble woman? No fool would.

But since they had reached this point, he chose to speak a little more. "My imperial sister is a woman of delicate thoughts and deep calculation. If she truly encounters any difficulty, she may come to me, and I will speak with her."

"Thank you for Your Highness’s kindness, but I do not require it, nor did the princess make things difficult for me."

Qiao Qingyun was determined to stick to this story.

That Yuan Rou just now was clearly not someone to be trifled with. She would do well to ensure her own safety—if things blew up now, it would be far from easy.

"You are ungrateful," Yuan Zaichun spat, nearly suffocated by her words. Qiao Qingyun, however, found his reaction rather baffling.

At best, their relationship was a partnership; even after the upcoming wedding, it would be nothing more than a formality. This alone was enough to invite gossip.

Upon returning to the Crown Prince’s residence, Qiao Qingyun behaved as usual. When they neared Listening Bamboo Court, she turned to Yuan Zaichun and bowed. "I take my leave, Your Highness."

"Stop."

Both Qiao Qingyun and Qingluo froze. Qingluo’s heart pounded anxiously—had Qiao Qingyun said something wrong earlier and offended the Crown Prince?

"What other orders does Your Highness have?"

Since they were already in this situation, and knowing that relationships between princesses and princes in the palace were rarely harmonious—often fraught with open and hidden strife—Qiao Qingyun guessed he might want to ask about Princess Yongning.

"My mother has sent someone to tailor your wedding dress. Be sure to give clear instructions. All of General Qiao’s assets will be in your hands."

Heavens!

Was she about to become a wealthy woman?

A glint of excitement flickered in Qiao Qingyun’s eyes. She immediately bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Highness."

"Hmm."

Only after Yuan Zaichun had left did Qiao Qingyun exhale in relief. Glancing back at Qingluo, she asked, "How much wealth did my father have?"

"Miss, that is your own father—how do you not know?" Qingluo was taken aback, surprised that Qiao Qingyun did not know this.

Realizing her slip, Qiao Qingyun quickly covered with a laugh, "At home, Father always had me focus solely on needlework. I know nothing of the rest."

This explanation was reasonable enough.

Qingluo nodded. "It’s said that just the properties General Qiao owns could be sold for several million taels. But since you’ll be returning soon, selling them is out of the question, and you’ll need money for servants’ wages as well."

"Between silver and various businesses, the total must be several million taels at least."

Good heavens!

Qiao Qingyun felt as though she could soar into the sky!

To think such good fortune awaited her—such wealth, and she had not even known it.

With an inheritance secured, she could do as she pleased in the future. Whatever she wanted to do would be within easy reach.

"I’m so rich! Once the money is in hand, the first thing I’ll do is buy you a new outfit. It can’t be pink or green, I can hardly look at them anymore. I’ll have something tailored for you."

Qingluo was stunned, a warm feeling blossoming in her heart. No one had cared about such things for a long time—but…

"When your personal maids arrive, they will serve you. There will be no need for me…"

Indeed, Qingluo feared what would become of her once Qiao Qingyun’s personal attendants arrived. Serving by Qiao Qingyun’s side these past years had been easy and carefree, even playful at times—something that would never have happened before.

But now, it was happening right before her eyes.

Qiao Qingyun had earned her genuine affection and loyalty, far more than Bu Shenglian ever had. Bu Shenglian had always shown one face in public and another in private, gathering the servants in name only. Many, in truth, were disgruntled and dissatisfied.

"Don’t worry. Even if they come, your position is unshakable. Everything will be based on ability—how could they just bypass competence?"

Because Qiao Qingyun had few memories of those original attendants, she naturally preferred to trust those she had brought into her confidence, avoiding unnecessary trouble in the future.

"Truly? Miss, you truly won’t cast me aside?"

Qingluo brightened, looking up hopefully. Qiao Qingyun nodded with certainty. "Of course not. Why would I cast you aside when you’ve done nothing wrong? Remember, you are and will remain my personal maid. As for the others, they’ll have to wait their turn."

Deep down, she suspected that her father’s downfall was caused by betrayal from within. Of course, she could not be sure which of those people had been involved—only time would tell.

In any case, she must remain vigilant. In this place, there were too many who shed tears and put on smiles, only to scheme behind one’s back.

Especially among those around her—the more maids, the more trouble there was.