After Transmigrating as the White Lotus Crown Princess - Chapter 8

The rumors within the Crown Prince’s mansion quickly reached A-xi’s ears. He immediately turned around and told the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince was reading a book, while A-xi used a small mallet to massage his legs. Between strikes, A-xi said: “Today, the Crown Princess summoned all the concubines from Qinfang Garden to Lixue Hall. A whole crowd arrived, and I heard she made them introduce themselves one by one.”

Mu Jinyu let out a cold laugh: “What? Has she suddenly changed her nature and taken a liking to those women?”

A-xi shook his head obediently: “That’s not it either. She merely had them introduce themselves, then threatened them not to stir up trouble.”

Mu Jinyu knew those women in Qinfang Garden were no easy targets—most were eyes and ears sent by others. Even though Ning Huan held the title of Crown Princess, she didn’t have his favor or the power to manage the estate; the accounts and personnel were handled by Mu Jinyu’s own people. Over time, it would be a miracle if those women listened to her.

A Crown Princess without power was like a plucked phoenix—still a phoenix, but bald. Who would respect her?

Mu Jinyu soon grew weary. He put down his book, rested his chin on his hand, and dozed off for a while.

Seeing the Prince asleep, A-xi also slacked off. He stopped the massage and slipped out to drink tea, and naturally, discussed the Crown Princess with others. Her peerless beauty had already caused quite a stir among the estate’s servants.

“People used to say the Crown Princess’s title as the number one beauty was fake, that she couldn’t compare to Xiangxiang of Xingyue Tower or the top male host Qingcheng of Mingyu Tower. But when she stepped off the carriage today, I caught a glimpse, and my soul nearly left my body,” a servant said while squatting in a corner.

“Right? I also think her looks are beyond reproach. But rumor has it she and the Prince are at odds. Even if she’s as beautiful as a celestial, it’s no use without favor—” another guard said, leaning against the wall.

“I think the Prince will eventually give in. Who doesn’t love a beauty?” another person chimed in.

“The Prince’s heart is as hard as a rock; how could he change his mind so easily?”

“Why don’t we place a bet?”

“Sure! I’ll put down two taels that within a year, the Prince will definitely fall for the Crown Princess.”

“I’ll put down five taels that he won’t. You can’t force a twisted melon to be sweet, and the Prince is that forced melon.”

A-xi watched the excitement from the side. He found it strange—why was everyone betting on whether the Prince would like her, rather than whether the Crown Princess would like the Prince? Wouldn’t it be more wonderful to speculate if such a cold and aloof beauty would ever be moved?

A-xi fished five taels of silver from his pocket: “I bet the Crown Princess will give our Prince two children within three years!”

“…” “Ahem.”

Ning Huan, who happened to be nearby, heard these words and couldn’t help but cough twice due to the surge of emotion. The crowd was discussing things quite far away, and Dieqing couldn’t hear them, but Ning Huan could.

His hearing was excellent; practitioners of martial arts naturally have sharper senses than ordinary people. He couldn’t help but lament: I thought the Crown Prince’s mansion was full of serious people—either assassins who could kill hundreds or eloquent strategists—who knew there was a crowd of gossiping servants?

Judging by their attire, these few were likely high-ranking servants close to Mu Jinyu, given they could throw around several taels of silver. Ning Huan recognized the one called A-xi as the Prince’s personal eunuch.

Once A-xi spoke, others joined in: “I think His Highness is powerful; maybe it’ll be twins. Four children in three years!”

Ning Huan swept an indifferent glance over them, memorizing every face and figure.

The Crown Prince’s mansion was quite large, and Ning Huan found the courtyards and pavilions acceptable.

In his original world, Ning Huan also knew the Crown Prince, but their Prince lived in the Eastern Palace and wasn’t yet of age to establish his own estate. In the Eastern Palace, there were naturally many restrictions, unlike the freedom Mu Jinyu enjoyed here.

Dieqing was already marveling: “We’ve walked for half a day and still haven’t finished.”

Ning Huan had taken a nap and woken up to find the afternoon nearly gone, so he decided to walk around the estate with Dieqing and another maid. The other maid was originally from the mansion and was familiar with the grounds, explaining things to Ning Huan in detail.

“The Prince likes this plum garden very much. On snowy nights, he sits in that pavilion to admire the blossoms,” the maid said. “If you like flowers in your room, you must never let anyone pick the plums here. Last time a concubine picked some, the Prince had her killed. She was even sent by another prince, but he showed no mercy.”

Ning Huan gave an “mhm.”

Further ahead was Qinfang Garden. The maid continued: “The concubines live there. It’s very lively and the scenery is good; would you like to go in and see?”

Ning Huan didn’t want to go anywhere with too much drama. However, he suddenly recalled that in the novel, the original owner also lived in Qinfang Garden. Why was he assigned to Lixue Hall instead?

Ning Huan said: “I won’t go. Let’s head back.”

Lixue Hall had been renovated under Ning Huan’s instructions. He had high standards for his living environment—everything had to be refined. It was winter, and the capital’s seasons were distinct; the winter was lonely and desolate, with icicles hanging from the eaves. Because the temperature was low and ice was everywhere, the cold-sensitive Ning Huan entered the room.

He handed his cloak and hand-warmer to Dieqing.

Dieqing said: “I’ll have the evening meal prepared immediately.”

“Prepare hot water. I wish to bathe.”

“Yes.”

A-xi was still discussing the “bet” when someone said: “These past few days, the Prince hasn’t gone to the Princess’s side at all, except for the wedding night.”

“Manager Xi, what’s going on?”

A-xi waved them off: “Go on, go on. Don’t gossip about the masters.”

“Hmph, you were just betting she’d have two in three years.”

A-xi actually didn’t know what was wrong with the Prince. These past few days, His Highness acted exactly as he did when he was single, showing no intention of visiting the Princess. The Crown Princess was also proud, never coming to show concern for the Prince’s health. Other concubines would have been lingering everywhere he walked.

Thinking the time was right, A-xi returned to the Prince’s quarters. He slipped behind the screen to find the Prince still dozing, chin resting on his hand. Mu Jinyu wore casual clothes at home; the heated room was as comfortable as spring. He wore a simple black robe with straight lapels, his broad shoulders and narrow waist outlined by a matching belt. His features were sharp and deep; even in sleep, he possessed an intimidating presence.

A-xi was about to leave when the Prince suddenly opened his eyes. Those cold, grim eyes stared at him, making A-xi’s knees go soft: “Your Highness, you’re awake? Let me pour you some tea.”

A-xi handed him a cup, noticing that the Prince looked as though he had just had a very unpleasant dream. Mu Jinyu gripped the cup, the veins on the back of his hand bulging. He couldn’t explain the dream either; in fact, he hadn’t slept well for days.

Ning Huan was used to adding various fragrances to his bathwater—a habit from his home. It cleaned the skin and prevented diseases; in summer, it even kept mosquitoes away. But there was no such habit in this capital; nobles used ordinary bath beans. Ning Huan had several shops and planned to convert one to sell incense—half for sale, half for personal use.

After soaking and drying his hair, he put on fresh clothes that had been scented. The room was warm, so he stepped out in just a plain silk robe.

Upon entering the main room, Ning Huan was caught off guard. He hadn’t expected anyone to be there and bumped straight into someone.

Mu Jinyu let out a cold snort.

Ning Huan looked up. He wondered if the sun had risen from the west today—why did Mu Jinyu suddenly show up?

Ning Huan gave a light laugh: “Why has Your Highness come?”

“The Crown Prince’s mansion is mine. I go where I please.”

Ning Huan joked: “I haven’t prepared any food for Your Highness here.”

His voice was intentionally lowered, yet clear and soothing. Mu Jinyu saw him in plain white, his slender waist supple, his pale eyes carrying a hint of a smile, and his semi-dry dark hair falling behind him. He couldn’t help but think of the scene from his dream.

Dieqing had already instructed the maids to bring up the evening meal. Mu Jinyu glanced at the dishes on the table and frowned slightly. Ning Huan truly was as the rumors said—extravagant and difficult to serve.

Lixue Hall had its own small kitchen. Ning Huan couldn’t stand the estate’s usual food, so he had selected two clever and clean women from his dowry attendants to prepare his meals. They already had some culinary skill, and under Ning Huan’s guidance, they proved to be fast learners. Ning Huan had a photographic memory and remembered many recipes he had read for fun, which now came in handy. He provided the theory, they did the work, and the results were very close to his memories—certainly much better than the Prince’s estate chefs.

Dieqing set out two sets of bowls and chopsticks. Ning Huan reached out: “Your Highness, please be seated.”