The Prince Consort Is Also Pretending To Be Affectionate Today - Chapter 17
17
The third young master of the Chancellor’s residence celebrated his birthday with great fanfare, and as a result, everyone remembered his name: He Ping’an.
After the event, Ji Rongjin learned the unfortunate child’s name and couldn’t help but sigh, “No wonder they named him Ping’an (Peace). He’s anything but peaceful right now.”
At that moment, she was lounging in Shen Zhuwan’s study, tossing out this comment, which earned her a glance from the woman seated at the desk. “Finished reviewing the case files?” Shen Zhuwan asked.
Ji Rongjin: “…Not yet.”
Shen Zhuwan raised an eyebrow slightly, her expression half-smiling. “If you don’t finish today’s, tomorrow’s will only pile up.”
Ji Rongjin immediately felt the weight of pressure. “What a sin.”
Since their conversation by the lake a couple of days ago, their relationship had gradually returned to normal. The reason Ji Rongjin was in Shen Zhuwan’s study was mainly due to her duties at the Court of Judicial Review.
Back when she was idling away her time, playing with cats and dogs to recuperate, she hadn’t considered the backlog of historical issues. Now, with a mountain of case files staring her in the face, Ji Rongjin was dumbfounded.
She struggled in her own study, succumbed to sleep in her dreams, and woke up to an ever-growing pile of documents.
In truth, these were only the remnants after the diligent Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Zuo Qing, had already taken on the bulk of the work. Compared to the responsible Zuo Qing, Ji Rongjin, as the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, was utterly irresponsible.
Later, when Shen Zhuwan somehow learned of this, she issued a single command, and Ji Rongjin was relocated to Shen Zhuwan’s study to work alongside her. The results were remarkable.
Ji Rongjin took a deep breath and buried herself in the case files.
Occasionally, she glanced up at Shen Zhuwan, seeing her similarly engrossed in her work, pen in hand. Inspired, Ji Rongjin lowered her head again and focused on the documents.
The night grew deeper.
Ji Rongjin slumped over the table, rubbing her bleary eyes, and looked at the woman at the desk.
Shen Zhuwan was still diligently writing, seemingly unaffected by the long hours of work.
Ji Rongjin couldn’t help but speak up. “Your Highness, it’s late.”
Shen Zhuwan looked up and saw the young woman below blinking hard, her intentions clear without words.
She nodded lightly. “The Prince Consort has worked hard. You may return and rest.”
Ji Rongjin, as if granted amnesty, gleefully gathered her case files to leave. After a couple of steps, she suddenly paused, turned back, and said, “Your Highness, you should rest early too. Don’t overwork yourself. I’ll head off to rest now.”
Shen Zhuwan glanced at her with an enigmatic expression and gave a soft “Mm.”
A quarter of an hour later, a shadowy figure silently appeared in the study.
Without looking up, Shen Zhuwan asked, “The Prince Consort left the residence again?”
Shadow Two nodded. “Yes, and today she brought her maid along.”
“Brought her maid?” Shen Zhuwan’s eyes flickered with contemplation. “Follow her.”
This wasn’t the first time this had happened. Recalling the young woman’s earlier words urging her to rest early, it was clear it wasn’t out of concern for her—it was to prevent Shen Zhuwan from staying up and interfering with her plans.
But… Shen Zhuwan set down her brush, deep in thought. What exactly was the point of going to the lake to catch bugs every day?
On the other side, Ji Rongjin quickly changed into simpler clothes and left the residence with Dongmei.
Originally, she hadn’t planned to bring anyone, but Dongmei was too sharp. Fearing the maid might let something slip and ruin her plans, Ji Rongjin decided to bring her along. It was convenient to have an extra pair of hands anyway.
Ji Rongjin skillfully took a shortcut to the lake. After about half an hour, the sky had completely darkened.
A large, luminous moon reflected in the lake, its light rippling across the water.
The grass by the lakeside rustled, and a head suddenly popped out, complaining, “You’re finally here! I was almost eaten alive by bugs!”
Dongmei jumped, nearly letting out a scream. Her heart pounded as she stared wide-eyed at Ji Rongjin.
Ji Rongjin, however, was unfazed, scratching her head sheepishly. “These past few days, I’ve been buried in case files. I’m practically turning into one myself. Once I’m done, I’ll treat you to a big meal, I promise.”
Jiang Nanyu glared at her fiercely. “You’d better. I deserve it.”
It was too dark for Ji Rongjin to see Dongmei clearly, but she noticed the maid standing frozen, as if stunned. Ji Rongjin called out, “Hey, don’t just stand there. Come help.”
Dongmei stirred, then suddenly crouched down, her voice trembling with disbelief and emotion. “So the Prince Consort has been sneaking out at night for a rendezvous.”
Ji Rongjin: “…Who goes on a date to catch bugs?”
Dongmei’s sobbing stopped. “That… does make sense.”
“Stop overthinking and come help.”
“…”
Under the heavy moonlight, the group busied themselves by the lake. As the night deepened, the two groups parted ways, sneaking off in different directions.
Back at the residence, Ji Rongjin carefully carried her spoils, instructing the person beside her, “Handle these with care. Keep the males and females separate, and don’t forget to add some leaves. Toss in a couple of snails for them to eat.”
Dongmei memorized the instructions, then cautiously asked, “Prince Consort, what are these for?”
Ji Rongjin smiled mysteriously. “A secret.”
The next day, Ji Rongjin woke up with her secret and increasingly dark circles under her eyes.
It was supposed to be a day off, but with the pile of case files looming, Ji Rongjin had no choice but to keep working. Fortunately, Shen Zhuwan was also taking the day off, so after breakfast, they tacitly headed to the study together.
By the time Ji Rongjin yawned for the twenty-fifth time, Shen Zhuwan spoke up. “Did the Prince Consort not sleep well last night?”
Ji Rongjin was about to respond when another yawn interrupted her. “No.”
After all, her days were spent either attending court or reviewing case files, and her nights were dedicated to her “grand endeavor.” She had thought that transmigrating into the role of Prince Consort would let her live comfortably as a kept man, pampered by the princess. Who would’ve guessed that even a kept man had to work hard?
Lost in her thoughts, a sachet suddenly appeared on the table.
Ji Rongjin froze, following the slender fingers to Shen Zhuwan’s slightly concerned face.
“What’s this?” Ji Rongjin asked.
“A sachet,” Shen Zhuwan replied, withdrawing her hand. “It contains calming herbs.”
Ji Rongjin paused, instinctively touching the dark circles under her eyes.
Seeing her gesture, Shen Zhuwan’s eyes glinted with amusement. “They’re quite noticeable.”
Ji Rongjin: “…”
She grudgingly accepted the sachet, muttering, “With Your Highness’s sachet tonight, I’m sure I’ll sleep soundly.”
Shen Zhuwan had been about to leave, but upon hearing this, her gaze shifted. “I noticed the Prince Consort seemed quite refreshed during the nights you stayed in my quarters. Perhaps…”
“No need, Your Highness!” Ji Rongjin suddenly perked up. “These days, I’ve been working on case files, and sometimes I think of details at night and need to light a lamp. I wouldn’t want to disturb Your Highness. This calming sachet will do just fine.”
“I see.” Shen Zhuwan lowered her eyes and turned to leave.
The room fell silent, as if the earlier exchange had been a mere interlude.
“Does the Prince Consort have time tomorrow?”
In the quiet, Shen Zhuwan’s words made Ji Rongjin’s heart skip a beat. She looked up, nervously meeting the woman’s gaze. “What’s the matter, Your Highness? Is something happening tomorrow?”
Of course, there was something—she remembered. Tomorrow was Shen Zhuwan’s birthday.
“Nothing major,” Shen Zhuwan said, pausing. “Just a meal at the General’s residence.”
“Hm?” Ji Rongjin looked up, puzzled. “A meal at the General’s residence?”
“Yes.” Shen Zhuwan said unhurriedly. “Tomorrow is my birthday, and the General’s residence sent an invitation.”
Ji Rongjin feigned surprise. “Tomorrow is Your Highness’s birthday?”
Shen Zhuwan nodded, glancing at her. “If the Prince Consort doesn’t wish to go, I won’t force you.”
After all, her relationship with Lin Changcun was indeed strained.
Ji Rongjin silently filled in the blanks in her mind but said aloud, “It’s fine. It’s my wife’s birthday, so of course I’ll attend. I just don’t know what Your Highness likes, so I can prepare accordingly.”
Shen Zhuwan’s voice softened. “No need for gifts. It’s just a simple meal.”
Ji Rongjin nodded in agreement.
But in her heart, she felt a bit exasperated.
Lin Changcun, that guy, would surely cause a scene tomorrow, fawning over Shen Zhuwan right in front of her, as if she, the nominal “Prince Consort,” wouldn’t notice.
So annoying.
It wasn’t that Ji Rongjin thought he was stealing her person—she just found his oblivious behavior infuriating. After some thought, she decided to give him a surprise tomorrow.
The next day, before noon, Ji Rongjin successfully cleared her backlog of case files, took a refreshing nap, and got up to prepare herself.
“What color is the princess wearing today?” Ji Rongjin asked Dongmei, admiring her revitalized reflection in the mirror.
“The princess is wearing a flowing cyan skirt today.” Dongmei replied.
Ji Rongjin nodded. “Get me a cyan robe as well.”
Dongmei was slightly surprised but fetched it as requested.
Ji Rongjin quickly changed, pleased with her reflection. The cyan robe complemented her fair complexion, a black-and-gold belt accentuating her slim waist. As she moved, the faint cloud patterns embroidered on the hem flowed like water, making her look like a fresh bamboo shoot—strikingly elegant.
Dongmei nodded approvingly. “The Prince Consort looks stunning today and matches the princess perfectly.”
Satisfied, Ji Rongjin stood at the residence’s entrance, brimming with confidence.
Soon, Shen Zhuwan approached gracefully. The same cyan dress on her exuded an air of mysterious dignity.
“Your Highness.” Ji Rongjin said, standing by the carriage and extending her hand.
Jinxi, standing nearby, was puzzled. Wasn’t this her job? Why was the Prince Consort stealing her role today?
Shen Zhuwan glanced at her calmly, then placed her hand in Ji Rongjin’s and entered the carriage.
Ji Rongjin followed closely, sitting beside her.
The carriage moved steadily. Shen Zhuwan, seated inside, glanced at the slightly tense young woman beside her and said leisurely, “Why is the Prince Consort so nervous?”
“I’m not nervous.” Ji Rongjin replied. “I’m just excited.”
Engrossed in her plans, she didn’t notice the odd look in Shen Zhuwan’s eyes.
The horses neighed, and the carriage came to a stop. Ji Rongjin knew they had arrived.
The curtain was lifted, and light poured in.
Ji Rongjin stepped out and, as expected, saw a crowd waiting at the General’s residence, with Lin Changcun’s wide grin standing out prominently.
But upon seeing her, his grin vanished, replaced by a cold “Hmph.”
Ji Rongjin raised an eyebrow and stepped down from the carriage.
A cyan figure soon appeared. Ji Rongjin extended her hand. “Your Highness, careful.”
Her back was to the crowd, so she couldn’t see their expressions, but Shen Zhuwan could—not only see them but also guess what Ji Rongjin was thinking.
A hint of amusement flickered in her eyes. Under Lin Changcun’s gritted teeth, Shen Zhuwan placed her hand in Ji Rongjin’s, letting her guide her down.
Whether intentional or not, Shen Zhuwan felt her hand being subtly raised in a certain direction.
Remaining composed, she stepped down from the carriage with Ji Rongjin’s assistance.
Ji Rongjin walked beside her, smiling broadly as she greeted, “General Lin, Madam Lin, Young Master Lin—”
When her gaze landed on Lin Changcun, her brows lifted slightly, and her tone carried extra weight.
The flaunting was unmistakable.
Shen Zhuwan’s eyes fell on Ji Rongjin’s matching cyan robe. After a moment, she chuckled silently.
How childish.