The Beloved Imperial Consort

Chapter 156: Benefits

　　“Your Highness.” When He Lian Zhang saw the black-dressed Zhong Zheng Lin enter the study, he quickly stood up and bowed.

“Why, was the tea not up to your taste?” Zhong Zheng Lin spoke unhurriedly as he glanced at the tea bowl in He Lian Zhang’s hand, there was still more than half of the scented tea that Mu Xi Yao had brewed with “care”.

　　It seemed that Lord He Lian didn’t appreciate Mu Xi Yao’s tea-making skills.

　　He Lian Zhang, who was waiting with his head bowed, was embarrassed and didn’t know how to reply, but when he heard His Highness continue speaking he knew His Highness would not pursue it.

“Master He Lian’s attitude when visiting this time is more reserved than last time. In two days, the physician of the Imperial Hospital will come to the Mansion for a follow-up check-up. Is the Lord in a hurry to visit because he is afraid that bendian will not be able to wait for the imperial doctor and thus treat He Lian-shi badly?” 

He Lian Zhang’s heart trembled. He knew that His Highness was already dissatisfied, and he didn’t have the guts to talk to him about rectifying the name of the He Lian family. At this time, it was better to admit his mistakes honestly and be extra cautious.

“Your Highness, this minister, this minister is guilty.” He Lian Zhang had no choice but to kneel down slowly, bowing down and prostrating. He lowered his stance first and subdued, just hoping to dispel His Sixth Highness’ anger.

　　“Oh? Bendian thought Lord He Lian had a certain belief of winning, he even prepared the dowry, merely just waiting for bendian to come over and welcome you.”

　　He Lian Zhang’s forehead was sweating. The He Lian family had indeed prepared the dowry for He Lian Wei Rui to leave her boudoir, His Highness’ words were so clearly accusing him of plotting against him.

“Please forgive this minister, Your Highness. It was this minister who was delusional and did something stupid. The guilty minister is willing to accept the punishment.”

Zhong Zheng Lin snorted coldly. Accepting the punishment? There will certainly be opportunities later.

“Your He Lian family really thought that no one would notice your little thoughts? Yet you actually implicated the Princess Consort in this matter. If there was no one tripping you, He Lian Zhang, what were you planning on doing?”

He Lian Zhang was too afraid to answer His Sixth Highness who was casually interrogating him while sitting above him. Regardless of whether it was a “thought” or a “plan”, if he dared to reply to this, he would be charged with beheading. Emperor Yuancheng was still in good health, and trying to climb a prince who had the possibility of succeeding him was tantamount to having dissatisfaction with the current Emperor. Even if he had the courage to plan in his heart, he would never dare to reveal a word in front of His Sixth Highness.

Zhong Zheng Lin’s voice was freezing cold. Seeing that he was obviously afraid, he just let it go. He Lian Zhang was still useful, particularly, it was good to leave him on the bright side to attract attention.

“The Princess Consort of bendian, once she has entered the gate of the Prince’s Mansion, cannot let others make trouble for herself. This point, Lord He Lian, needs to be kept in mind.”

He Lian Zhang lowered his body even lower. His Highness’ words really made him feel complicated. He knew that His Highness’ words naturally meant that the person behind the scenes would definitely not succeed. His Sixth Highness speaking these words conveyed his intention of keeping the He Lian family and Lian Min Min safe. Without the root cause, the He Lian family can escape smoothly. What was worrying was that the He Lian family was also included in the category of “others”. Such a typical clan struggle, yet the price to pay was extremely high when it ran into His Highness’ hands.

“Master He Lian, when you have time, you might as well consider carefully. Is your He Lian family not satisfied with the title of Princess Consort? There are many errands inside and outside the court. If the children of the He Lian family look down on them, there are still many people waiting in line behind them.”

[Bambi: This line caused me many troubles, I'm just guessing this is what ZZL meant but he might not be.]

The kneeling He Lian Zhang trembled, feeling quite frightened. The meaning of His Royal Highness’ words could not be more clear, if the He Lian family did not give an explanation this time, there was no need to discuss this matter.

After spending most of his life in the officialdom, He Lian Zhang still had enough brains to win the position of Minister of the Ministry of Punishment. Although the situation was not satisfactory, at this time, if he seized the opportunity to be loyal to His Sixth Highness, not only would he be able to escape disaster, but he would also be able to safely follow His Highness all the way to prosperity.

Immediate benefits were nothing compared to long-term benefits. At this time, sacrifice some petty profits and only wait for the Sixth Highness to... At that time, the entire He Lian family will be extremely prominent. Finally understanding the key point, Lord He Lian’s expression eased.

What happened next was almost a matter of course. He Lian Zhang put his heart on the line and frankly pleaded his loyalty and determination to the Sixth Highness. Thus, desperately tied the entire family’s interests with the Sixth Prince’s Mansion tightly.

Zhong Zheng Lin sat quietly with an indifferent expression and he only made a sound at the right time to show his attitude as he watched the old fox He Lian rush up to flatter him. This conversation about the future of the He Lian family was settled under the guidance of His Sixth Highness like this. The result Mu Xi Yao aimed at could be regarded as achieved.

The two met in the study for more than half an hour and it was not until His Highness gave the right words that He Lian Zhang finally let out a sigh of relief, yet his back was already wet with sweat.

　 This master’s temper was really hard to serve. Although the foundation of the He Lian family had been preserved this time, it was actually broken. His Sixth Highness only made such a cold remark, but the benefits that flowed out of the He Lian family were enough to make the entirety of Shengjing jealous. Without the few waterways and commercial roads in their hands, the family’s income had plummeted by more than seventy percent. Fortunately, there was still hope for the future, otherwise, Lord He Lian might be heartbroken and overwhelmed.

　 He Lian Zhang wiped the sweat from his forehead. This meeting was more exhausting than the interrogation by the Ministry of Criminal Justice. The majesty of His Sixth Highness was so intense that he really didn’t dare to be distracted for a moment.

　　A plan that was thought to be able to climb straight to the sky, but in the end, it was a big failure! Whose power was it that had stepped in and almost turned the He Lian family’s boat in the gutter? The boulder hanging in his heart was removed, and He Lian Zhang was finally able to devote all his attention to investigating this matter.

“Settled so soon?” Mu Xi Yao held Zhong Zheng Lin’s big hand and leaned on him.

“Go for a walk.” Listening to Tian Fu Shan’s report, Mu Xi Yao spent less time walking around during this period. It should be because she was too busy being lazy and making small calculations, which delayed this business. “What did bendian explain before leaving the capital, Jiao Jiao, do you still remember?” 

People were supposed to watch her walk a few steps every day, yet this woman relied on her status and insisted on suppressing the servants of Danruo Courtyard so that no one dared to speak out. Zhong Zheng Lin put his arms around her and waved away most of the attendants, leaving only Wei Zhen and Mo Lan behind. At this time, there was no one around, so Mu Xi Yao wouldn’t lose face, it was just right to settle the matter of her laziness.

Mu Xi Yao was slowly led forward by him, and when she sensed that the direction of the conversation was wrong, she immediately put her empty left hand on the man’s arm, leaning her small head towards him. She was about to come up with a beauty trick to escape but was quickly spotted by Lord Boss, who was still sane.

“Keep an eye on the road. You are pregnant, don’t toss about.” His Sixth Highness spoke sternly.

As soon as Mu Xi Yao was caught in the midst of her mischief, she just played tricks every time, and he never saw her change in the slightest. At this moment, they were still walking on the small road paved with bluestone slabs. It had rained last night, and the ground was slippery, so special attention was needed yet this woman leaned crookedly on him and her eyes were not paying any attention to her feet.

Mu Xi Yao saw that the Boss was not easy to fool, so she turned her dark eyes [B], slipped her small hand inside Zhong Zheng Lin’s wide sleeve, and caressed his strong arm lightly just clearly making trouble.

Boss, before you left, you babbled for a long time, explaining many small and scattered matters, how could qie remember them all? Qie’s not a recorder, so it is only normal to be unable to answer.

“Today qie just snoozed for a little while. Mo Lan can testify.” That girl should be smarter, don’t be intimidated by the Boss’ prestige when standing in front of him, come on, tell the truth.

“Why does bendian need to call your people for proof? Do you think Tian Fu Shan dared to hide it from me?” Zhong Zheng Lin grabbed her troublesome little hand, held it in the palm of his hand, and rubbed it gently.

If it wasn’t for the wrong timing, the little woman’s gentle caressing would be quite interesting. His Sixth Highness temporarily suppressed the desire in his heart and continued to lecture Mu Xi Yao severely.

“This baby has already gone through twists and turns. You don’t listen to the doctor’s instructions and move around carelessly. When the delivery comes, if you suffer and lose your temper, Jiao Jiao should wait to be taken care of.” Zhong Zheng Lin recalled the mess Mu Xi Yao made when her first child was born. In the delivery room, everyone was jumping around like dogs. Recalling it, he couldn’t help but feel edgy.

This time, if this woman dared to mess around again and refuse to listen to the midwife’s guidance, she will definitely be taught a lesson.

Mu Xi Yao saw that her usual tricks had failed, and instead made His Sixth Highness’ complexion more and more serious, so she quickly changed to a new trick to deal with the Boss’ unpredictable temper.

“Ouch!” Mu Xi Yao cried, her eyes closed suddenly, and her black eyebrows tightly frowned.

Zhong Zheng Lin was startled by the sudden change, hugged her, and let her lean in his arms, with an anxious expression on his face, “What’s the matter? What hurts?” Why did she suddenly cry out in pain?

In such a hurry, the scolding from earlier was naturally forgotten.

“Some dust is blinding qie’s eyes, it hurts.” Mu Xi Yao wailed. Don’t dare to pretend to be a serious problem or the loss would outweigh the gain, like causing Zhong Zhen Lin to be mad. Such a minor ailment, which was neither painful nor itchy, was thus easily picked up.

Hearing that it was just dust getting into her eyes, His Sixth Highness’ anxious heart slowly settled down. Fortunately, there was nothing wrong with her belly. He was afraid of accidents as premature birth could be fatal.

Zhong Zheng Lin was about to appease the little woman who was frowning, but Mu Xi Yao didn’t care about it and just rubbed her eyes with her hand straight up.

This woman! Reluctantly, Zhong Zheng Lin pulled down her little hand that was moving indiscriminately and lifted her chin slightly. “Hey, just blow the dust, don’t hurt your eyes with your hands.”

Mu Xi Yao tried her best to keep her face sullen, with a sad expression on her face. But in her heart, she began to regret. This weak little white flower’s [1] expression was too difficult to hold, had she known she would’ve found another excuse to distract the Boss.

Seeing that Zhong Zheng Lin’s face was approaching, and was about to pull her eyelids, Mu Xi Yao became nervous and threw herself into his arms in a hurry, forgetting to continue pretending.

Just kidding, her eyelids being pulled by the Boss, even if it was a thoughtful action, Mu Xi Yao couldn’t bear to let Zhong Zheng Lin see her in such an appearance. No matter how much the man said to love her, it was better if such tasteless instants were fewer.

“It doesn’t hurt anymore, it doesn’t hurt anymore.” The little woman shook her head like a rattle. After a while, she looked up at him with a playful smile and raised her eyebrows. Zhong Zheng Lin couldn’t recover from this change.

Taking a closer look at her smug face, snickering like a little fox, ah, His Royal Highness instantly understood that this woman was not innocent, but merely humming, and pretending to be a fool for him.

When Zhong Zheng Lin thought about it, he understood that she was making such a big move as she just wanted to get away without punishment. This method really made him angry. Just as he was about to catch her and teach her a good lesson, he saw Mu Xi Yao's expression change, obediently leaning on his chest, shy and not daring to raise her head, a pair of small hands grasping his brocade robe, loosening and tightening.

“Your Highness is so nervous, taking qie to his heart, qie’s heart is very happy.” Mu Xi Yao put her right hand on his chest and listened carefully to his heartbeat. The sudden intimacy made Zhong Zheng Lin’s breathing stagnate.

Mu Xi Yao saw the Boss getting angry so she quickly responded softly, showing a rare warmth. She wanted to say a few words to scare His Sixth Highness, but after much deliberation, she couldn’t find a suitable wording. In the end, she simply chose the most straightforward sentence and rushed straight into Zhong Zheng Lin’s heart.

Mu Xi Yao was in an emergency, and she only had one idea: to attack His Sixth Highness first and hit the nail on the head with one blow.

Sure enough, the effect of the occasional “emotional outburst” was that Lord Boss had calmed himself down, and no matter how many lessons he’d planned to teach her, they were all wiped out.

When Zhong Zheng Lin heard Mu Xi Yao’s rare show of affection, his heart immediately went numb, and the chest touched by Mu Xi Yao gradually felt hot.

In the end, he finally caved to her relentless pestering [2]. This enchantress’ ability to ignite and put out fires was truly amazing!

Zhong Zheng Lin sighed helplessly, and only took the opportunity to enjoy the beauty’s affection. “It’s getting more and more naughty, really ought for a slap.” The slap fell on her little derriere and although the first two were decent slaps later they became more and more wanton.

Mu Xi Yao let out a soft breath, struggled a little, and wouldn’t stop complaining. “Who told His Highness to teach others so much that qie’s head was dizzy? Anyway, His Highness is back in the mansion, so His Highness can just watch qie, qie will listen.”

Why so much trouble? No matter how loud he threatened to teach her, anyway didn’t he just let her go? Mu Xi Yao was very proud. To deal with Lord Boss, she had to fall out and do such a strange move, but the Boss was so dazzled that he had no time to liquidate her debt.

Zhong Zheng Lin had eaten enough tofu [3], and seeing her walking for a while, her complexion was already ruddy, so he simply hugged her and walked towards the gazebo.

“It’s very rare for Jiao Jiao to ask bendian to be with Jiao Jiao all the time. If bendian has time, bendian will be with Jiao Jiao.” Zhong Zheng Lin deliberately distorted her meaning and when he saw her pouting, a smile appeared in the corner of his eyes.

The little woman was getting more and more courageous now, daring to play tricks in his face. However, her temperament did not change, even if she faked it, it was still very flamboyant on the surface.

Mu Xi Yao put her arms around his neck, fawning, and continued to ask. “Your Highness hasn’t told qie if the He Lian family has lost money this time?”

She worked so hard, and she couldn’t do without something in return. Moreover, according to Zhong Zheng Lin’s temperament, although he would not spend his time trying to get the He Lian family’s wealth, he would not generously push away the benefits being delivered to his door.

“So promising.” Zhong Zheng Lin laughed. The little woman insisted on caring about the result. Well, as long as she wanted it, so as not let her keep it in her heart and consume her mind.

It’s strange, among the account books handed over to her, except for the two waterways of He Lian’s family, which one was not more beneficial than the other? She looked down at those at home and insisted on getting the ones from outside. With this temperament, should she be praised for being a good housekeeper?

“The He Lian family waterways Jiao Jiao wanted are useless, but Jiao Jiao can still take over the shop in Shengjing for fun.” The doting tone of His Sixth Highness made the two people standing outside the pavilion sigh at the same time.

Because Mistress Yao wanted it, so you grasped the waterway trade road and other business? If Lord He Lian knew about it, he might be so angry that he vomited blood. Even if it was a shop, it was also a prosperous shop in the capital, making money every day. If this business was done by Mistress Yao, the store may have come up with something weird.

At the same time, the two thought of those small and exquisite objects in the Jia Yi store whose prices had remained high up until now and felt that Mistress Yao was really good at the business.

“Shop?” Mu Xi Yao disliked it. There was a Jia Yi manager who came to report his work every month. It was really annoying, he did nothing but disturb her comfortable life, and she would be a fool to pick up another shop! “No shops, but waterway business.” In the territory of Great Wei, anyone who was involved in waterway transportation was absolutely guaranteed to make a profit without losing money. Mu Xi Yao still knew this truth.

His Royal Highness the Sixth Prince wanted to hide this good thing from her and give her the broth [4], but there was no way! If she wanted to play, she needed to plan a good way of having money thus having a good future! Did the Boos think she could only do business in Shengjing?

Zhong Zheng Lin saw that she was angry and unhappy as if she was being bullied by him, so he let out a muffled laugh, “Does Jiao Jiao know where this waterway leads to?”

“Where?” Mu Xi Yao asked confidently. Anywhere it led it would still be good for business, as long as there were people, how could anyone be afraid of losing money?

Wei Zhen’s face twitched. Mistress Yao was so bold. She even dared to think of having the Qu River in ​​the south of the Yangtze River [5], the most important taxpayer under the eyes of Emperor Yuancheng.

Back then, the He Lian family’s grandparents invested eighty percent of the family property in it with the family money, so they received the court’s favour and were able to share half of the bonus. Even His Highness dare not intervene openly. This was all a private agreement and the Emperor should not know the slightest word of the change of ownership of the waterway. Mistress Yao didn’t understand anything now, so she was so bold and ready to challenge Emperor Yuancheng.

Zhong Zheng Lin patted her dishonest head, laughed, and teased, “If Jiao Jiao wants the water transportation in the Qu River for herself, she can go to the palace to face the Emperor and report in person.”

Mu Xi Yao was embarrassed. This uncle [6] actually snatched money from Emperor Yuancheng’s hand! He was so courageous he even broke the ground on Tai Sui’s head [7].

Zhong Zheng Lin noticed that she looked devastated that she couldn’t reap the benefits. This small appearance of hers made His Sixth Highness amused.

“Is Jiao Jiao’s monthly money not enough to spend?” This woman’s begging for waterways was purely greedy for novelties. If she truly got to manage it, she will get awkward after keeping it for a day or two and will quit.

Mu Xi Yao rolled her eyes in disdain. Was she so worthless?

There was no hope for the waterway, what about the commercial road?

Zhong Zheng Lin could see her thoughts and patiently explained this embarrassment. “The business road leads to the two Jins. It takes at least three months to go back and forth. Horse thieves are rampant on the road. Does Jiao Jiao want to deal with the escort again?”

Mu Xi Yao completely stopped thinking after hearing his complicated words.

Grandma, it was really a waste of time. All this shiny white silver went into the pocket of the Big Boss who came out halfway. If she had known that the He Lian family was so poor, she wouldn’t have bothered to worry about it.

Mu Xi Yao was wronged, of course, she wouldn’t let the Sixth Highness enjoy himself alone. She did not make a fuss, merely looking at him listlessly. Zhong Zheng Lin narrowed his eyes and finally expressed his favour.

“Jiao Jiao has worked hard for a long time.” Zhong Zheng Lin himself felt that this was awkward. This woman rarely used her brains if she was not pushed by him. In a flash of inspiration, she got this idea and carefully plotted for money for half a day. It’s just that he couldn’t say it like this, otherwise, the woman wouldn’t be able to stop. “The waterway business road is not suitable, how about Jiao Jiao takes the Zhuangzi in the suburbs of Shengjin as a condolence?"

Mu Xi Yao, a crop of Zhuangzi [8], liked it very much, she had asked several times but failed to succeed. Zhong Zheng Lin was afraid that she would use the excuse of inspecting the property, so she kept going outside the mansion. But now it was appropriate. Not only could he stop her from talking, but he was not afraid of her sneaking out to play around in private.

Why did Zhong Zheng Lin believe that Mu Xi Yao had no way to run outside? What else, if she was not in Shengjing by then, how could she slip away?

 ___________________

▲ Footnotes

[B] As a translator, something that annoys me in the novel is the author’s repetitive use of the phrase “Mu Xi Yao turned her eyes” when she simply wants to say MXY’s contemplating or getting an idea. Like, it sounds so odd, and she uses it too much! The worst part is that I feel that if I change it, it’s a bit like changing the author’s signature… awful signature btw. Currently crying.

[1] A “little white flower” is a Chinese term used to refer to a woman who’s good, kind, and lovable. 

[2] 終是抵不住她纏磨功夫 - The breakdown of the words in this sentence (“to wind around/to coil/to tangle” and “to rub”) really made me want to translate this bit as “got him wrapped in her little finger”, lmao. In the end, I still didn’t.

[3] “Zhong Zheng Lin had eaten enough tofu”, meaning, grope, take advantage sexually, like that. 

[4] “His Royal Highness the Sixth Prince wanted to hide this good thing from her and give her the broth” as in, don’t let her eat the meat in the soup but just the broth, give her scraps of a good thing.

[5] 江南瞿河 - south of Changjiang or Yangtze river, Qu River. 

Wikipedia (Yangtze): The river originates from several tributaries in the eastern part of the Tibetan Plateau, two of which are commonly referred to as the “source.” These tributaries join and the river then runs eastward through Qinghai (Tsinghai), turning southward down a deep valley at the border of Sichuan (Szechwan) and Tibet to reach Yunnan. 

[6] She called him 大爷- dàye (coll.) father's older brother/uncle/a term of respect for older men. I think it’s a bit like “grandpa, father” in Chinese culture, she’s calling him from an older generation because she’s admitting he’s superior (cuz he robbed the Emperor lmao).

[7] 太歲頭上動土 tài suì tóu shàng dòng tǔ. In ancient times, the position where Tai Sui was located was on the evil side, and it was not suitable to start construction. Therefore, it is used as a metaphor for offending powerful or vicious people. 

The 3rd and 2nd chapters of Water Margin: “You, Niao Tutuo, want to fight with me, and you are coming to break ground on the head of Tai Sui.” 

The 3rd and 5th chapters of Small History of Civilization: “The great monk there is very versatile, and he is very recognizable. The prince in Beijing, Bei Ziye, even in Jinan City, is rampant, no one dares to break ground on Tai Sui.” (From the National Academy for Educational Research.)

[8] 莊子 zhuāngzi. Refers to a property outside the city, usually where the family has planted their daily food intake (so they don’t have to buy it). It is used as a place to play when getting tired of the city. (If you’ve read many historical Chinese novels then you already know).