The Villainous Consort (GL) - Chapter 26

Qi Yu left the manor for one reason: today was the third day after the wedding. Although she had never been married in the modern world, she had lived long enough to know the tradition of the “Three-Day Return Visit.”

Judging by the atmosphere in the Princess’s Manor, it was clear that the Eldest Princess had no intention of observing it. Or perhaps, in the Imperial family, there was no such custom for a Prince Consort to return home.

However, thinking of Nanny Li, Qi Yu’s heart felt heavy all morning. She decided to take Hanfeng along to the market to buy some gifts.

Before the wedding, Qi Yu’s father had given her three hundred taels in banknotes. The State Preceptor’s Manor was likely quite poor, surviving on a modest official salary. Adding that to the monthly allowance she had saved with Nanny Li, she had only three hundred and fifty taels in total.

Qi Yu was already thinking about her eventual plan to leave the capital, which would require money. Every penny saved was a penny earned. She didn’t plan on buying gifts for everyone; she only wanted to buy a piece of jewelry for Nanny Li.

When Hanshui brought her people to find them, she saw Qi Yu and Hanfeng entering a silver jewelry shop. She noted that the Prince Consort didn’t seem to have the habit of wearing jewelry on her own head or hands.

Once Qi Yu was inside, Hanshui thought for a moment and led her group in to confront her directly. “Prince Consort.”

Qi Yu was startled. She hadn’t expected to run into Hanshui here. Logically, a maid from the Princess’s Manor wouldn’t come to a common silver shop to buy things.

Noticing two men dressed as attendants with her, Qi Yu arched an eyebrow. “What a coincidence.” The suspicion of being followed flashed through her mind, but it dissipated when Hanshui beckoned to the two men.

“These are guards from the manor. Their skills are exceptional. The Master has ordered them to follow the Prince Consort from now on to ensure your safety.”

The Princess had said to inform her directly—there was no need for secrecy.

Qi Yu’s expression stiffened. She hadn’t expected Hanshui to be so blunt. However, she understood. The slight discomfort she felt was actually eased by the fact that Hanshui had made it clear.

“I appreciate the Princess’s concern. I am returning to the State Preceptor’s Manor today and might be back late. Please inform the Princess for me.”

Hanshui glanced at the silver hairpin in Qi Yu’s hand. It was a feminine design, carved with a few flowers. “Compared to flowers, the Princess prefers bamboo,” Hanshui remarked.

Seeing the maid staring at the hairpin, Qi Yu immediately caught her meaning. She replied crossly, “It’s not for the Princess.”

She didn’t even accompany me for the return visit, and I’m supposed to waste my silver on her? What are you thinking?

Hanshui stared at Qi Yu in disbelief. Not for the Princess? Is she buying it for herself? But her taste is… well, that hairpin is quite ugly.

Being a clever maid, however, she knew how to speak tactfully. “The Prince Consort would look very good wearing it.” Is the State Preceptor’s Manor really that poor? Hanshui wondered. Should I remind the Princess to prepare some jewelry for the Prince Consort when we get back?

Even if the Prince Consort didn’t have the habit of wearing it, everyone loves beautiful things. Even if it stayed in a box, looking at it would make one happy. Hanshui herself had a box full of trinkets she couldn’t wear while practicing martial arts, but just looking at them improved her mood.

Qi Yu looked at Hanshui, then back at the simple, heavy hairpin carved with faint plum blossoms. She explained instinctively, “It’s not for me, either. It’s for…”

She was cut off halfway.

“Is it for another girl?” Hanshui looked at Qi Yu with newfound curiosity, sizing her up from head to toe. Who would have thought? The Prince Consort is actually pining for another girl? Our poor Princess truly has bad luck this time.

Qi Yu was baffled. What ‘other girl’? Seeing the look in Hanshui’s eyes, she felt stifled. She knew exactly what the girl was thinking.

She rolled her eyes helplessly. “It’s for Nanny Li.”

“Oh,” Hanshui replied. Whether she believed it or not was a mystery, but she promptly returned to the manor to report.

As a loyal maid, she naturally had to tell her Master that the Prince Consort was buying a hairpin for “Nanny Li.” Whether the Master believed it was not her concern. The storybooks always said that couples should pay more attention to each other; a little misunderstanding and jealousy would only make the eventual reconciliation sweeter.

The Eldest Princess listened to the report. “You say the Prince Consort bought a hairpin and is going back to the State Preceptor’s Manor to give it to Nanny Li?”

Hanshui nodded like a chick pecking grain. “Yes, that’s what she said. Master, do you think she’s actually giving it to Nanny Li?” Or a younger girl? She didn’t dare say the last part out loud.

The Princess fell into thought for a moment. “Prepare the carriage. Go to the storehouse and pick out several gifts suitable for the State Preceptor.” She paused, then added, “Pick out some delicate items for Nanny Li as well. Prepare multiple carriages; I shall accompany the Prince Consort to the State Preceptor’s Manor.”

Hanshui complied, though she was confused. It was normal to go check who the hairpin was for, but why prepare such lavish gifts? The items in the Princess’s storehouse were priceless treasures. Giving away so many gems just to confirm the destination of a silver hairpin seemed like a bad deal.

The Eldest Princess tapped her fingers against the arm of her chair. She had indeed been negligent this time, but fortunately, it wasn’t too late to make the visit.

A procession of several carriages from the Princess’s Manor, accompanied by many guards, was quite a sight on the streets. When they arrived at the State Preceptor’s Manor, the Eldest Princess looked at Hanshui. “Go and tell the gatekeeper that I have accompanied the Prince Consort for the return visit. Be sure to speak loudly.”

The Preceptor’s Manor was not in a bustling part of the capital, but it was close to the Palace and surrounded by the residences of other officials. It was a prestigious area and never lacked for witnesses.

Hanshui shouted the announcement, and every passerby and neighbor heard it. Good heavens, the Eldest Princess and her Consort are truly in love! She’s actually willing to lower herself to accompany him for the return rites.

Inside the courtyard, Qi Yu—who was currently being hugged by a weeping Nanny Li—heard the announcement as well.

She looked at her father, who was visibly overwhelmed by the honor, and couldn’t help but smile. This villain truly loves putting on a show. However, Qi Yu was more than happy to play along with this particular act.

As she watched the gifts being carried in one by one, she became even happier. For the first time, she felt the Princess’s penchant for public performance was a great quality. Yes, please keep it up, she thought.

When it was time to leave, Qi Yu stood behind the row of carriages, unsure which one to board. The Eldest Princess, who was already getting into her carriage, paused. “The Prince Consort shall ride with me.”

Hanshui pouted, but then a childish grin spread across her face. It’s a good thing for the Master to want to be alone with the Prince Consort.

Inside the carriage, Qi Yu watched the Princess and sat properly on the opposite side.

Seeing her cautious movements, the Princess smiled. “If the Prince Consort wished to return home today, you should have informed me in advance.”

Perhaps because of the confined space, the Princess’s voice sounded softer and warmer than usual. Qi Yu looked up and met a pair of eyes filled with a bright, charming smile.

Her heart skipped a beat, but she maintained a nonchalant expression. “If I had said so… would the Princess have come?