Not Your Typical Villianess

The next morning at the Crown Prince's mansion 

Chen Yao sneered at the eunuch standing guard at the Entrance to Zhu Fenfang's courtyard. Liang walked forward and raising her head proudly at the Eunuch said, "Don't you know who my mistress is how dare you to stop her from going in? She is his highness favoured concubine, do you lack respect? Let her in, she is here with the breakfast she specially made for his Highness! Who would be held responsible if his highness misses his breakfast because of your stupidity".

The Eunuch glanced down his nose at then and snorted, "what favoured concubine? Do you not know the rules, how date you a mere concubine age into a senior imperial concubine's waiters? This residence has rules that have been held up for year's how can a newly acquired concubine challenge a system as old as the establishment of Northern Wei" he turned to Chen Yao and with mocking tones said,

"Madam, his business got back from the banquet late. Even Eunuch Lan is cautious please don't make things difficult for me. His highness breakfast is always prepared by the chef, no need to worry yourself. Please go back to your quarters and wait for his highness to call on you"

Chen Yao's hand holding the tray up tightened but she maintained a serene smile, she had no intention of making g her pain show. She glared at the launch once more before turning around and leaving. The Eunuch's lips tugged up as she left, he walked back into the compound and shut the door.

Chen Yao left angrily, she quick three the tray of food to Liang once they were out of sight. She had made a lot of noise as she left for Zhu Fenfang's courtyard with the food which attracted a lot of attention from the servants. Her Embarrassment was twofold as she made the short trip back, there were loud whispers among the servants after she left.

By the time she arrived at her compound, the Jews had spread and she became the laughingstock of the entire residence. The servant's impression of her immediately declined, although they never poked fun at her to her face. The servant still made things a little difficult for her in secret. Chen Yao who. Had assumed that the world receives preferential treatment because of her close ties to the Tong family quickly learned that she could never compare to the child of a favoured first rank minister like Zhu Fenfang. 

Back at Zhu Fenfang's courtyard, Eunuch Lan the long time personal eunuch that has served the Crown Prince since birth stood by the balcony looking towards the entrance of the company. He tiptoed to the door and listened in to check if the noise from the gate interrupted the Crown Prince's sleep. Luckily it didn't, he let go of the breath he unknowingly held and walked back to the balcony.

The Crown Prince stayed out in his study till late almost daylight, it was understandable if he slept in, he didn't want to wake the crown Prince. The little third-ranked eunuch who attended to Chen Yao at the gate rushed to Eunuch Lan's side, "teacher Lan, can rest assured now. I just sent Madam Chen away, she initially wanted to cause a scene but I was smart and settle everything".

Eunuch Lan nodded, "you did well, although his Highness didn't say it plainly. He had hunted to me a few times that he did like that concubine and based on the stunt she just pull today, she lacks the elegance needed to stand next to his highness. Her shamelessly trying badge into a senior concubine's courtyard was eye-opening. People like her should be put in their place_" he was cut shut as one of his disciples Eunuch Xiaoyi ran into the compound and rushed to him. 

His brow furrowed as the younger eunuch got closer, "what is it, Xiaoyi". His disciples bowed and held out a written letter to him, "Master, Xiaobao sent this down from the palace", he glanced at the closed door leading into the pavilion as he continued, "it is very urgent, his highness must read this".

Eunuch Lan, took the letter from him, "urgent..... This is a serious" he glanced at the door and them to the two eunuchs standing by his side he said, "get some water heated and form the kitchen to get a light breakfast delivered. Oh and Xiaoyi go heat a hangover soup for his highness. Make haste we don't have much time. One more thing Xiaoyi, inform the maids to get his fitness grooming things and official uniform ready".

"Yes, master" both Junior eunuchs chorused and hurried away.

Eunuch Lan walked closer to the door and knocked gently, on the other side of the door Zhongshan held Zhu Fenfang closely, his hands resting on her thigh as she sat astride. She bent over him and kissed him softly, his hands crept up her thigh to rest on her butt as he deepened the kiss. The knock didn't register in his head until he face little butterfly kisses from her chin down to her neck. He pulled away and glanced at the doors as he heard a loud knock. Through the paper frames of the door, a bent shadow of a slightly plum male could be seen. 

"Who is it!" He spat out harshly, irritated that his fun was interrupted.

"Pardon my interrupt, your highness. It is A'Lan, I have urgent news" Eunuch Lan replied softly.

Zhongshan Ling pushed Zhu Fenfang who currently sat astride seductively to the side and felt around the head of the bed for his walking stick. He had completely forgotten that he was restless, Zhu Fenfang pushed the shirt off his silk undergarments off his shouldn't seconds earlier. The sudden chill breeze on his naked chest alerted him of his current state of undress. He glanced down at his milk coloured chest and pursed his lips. Zhu Fenfang noticing his little actions smiled and picked up his shirt.

"Here you go, your highness", she said in a soft voice as she draped the shirt on his shoulders. 

Zhongshan Ling put his hand into the sleeves of the shirt and holding his walking stick pushed himself up from the bed. He hissed as he felt a slight pain in his legs, he stood and flexed the muscles of his good leg to allow the flow of blood to kickstart before stepping forward. "come in", she said loudly as he walked out of the bed to the cushions seat by the tea-table.

Eunuch Lan was a seasoned servant, he took his time before going it. He stood in front of Zhongshan Ling and bowed, "good day, Your Highness", said backing Zhu Fenfang's bed-chamber. 

"No need to be so formal, you have urgent news".

"Yes, Your Highness. However..." He glanced skillfully at the bed-chamber.

Zhongshan Ling nodded, "help me get dressed".

Forty minutes later, after freshening up and eating breakfast, Zhongshan Ling left for his study. Zhu Fenfeng escorted him to the entrance of her compound.. She waited by the gates until he was out of sight before walking back to her room.