The Prince Consort Is Also Pretending To Be Affectionate Today - Chapter 22
22
As her fingertips brushed over the wound, a mix of coolness and pain intertwined, causing Ji Rongjin to furrow her brows slightly.
At that moment, she heard Shen Zhuwan speak, “Did the Consort go out yesterday?”
Ji Rongjin paused, not thinking much of it, and replied, “Yes, I went out for a meal with a friend.”
“A friend?” Shen Zhuwan’s voice was light, with a subtle upward lilt. Though she didn’t voice the rest of her question, Ji Rongjin already understood her implication.
“It was with the Jiang family’s…” Ji Rongjin paused, suddenly realizing something.
Jiang Nanyu was an unmarried woman, while she herself was now a “married man.” In the past, she had instinctively thought of herself as a woman, so going out with a friend seemed fine. But now, upon reflection, it did seem somewhat inappropriate.
Hmm… in the future, she’d have to make Jiang Nanyu dress as a man.
Shen Zhuwan observed her expression. Though it wasn’t quite the reaction she had expected, she felt reassured that Ji Rongjin understood. She withdrew her hand and said, “Alright, remember to apply this medicine twice a day.”
Ji Rongjin took the bottle of medicine, her eyelashes curving into a smile. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Hmm.” Shen Zhuwan looked up at her. “The Consort mentioned wanting to find someone to teach you. Have you found a suitable candidate?”
Ji Rongjin tucked away the medicine and shook her head honestly. “No.”
“I happen to have someone in mind,” Shen Zhuwan said. “If the Consort hasn’t found anyone yet, you can start with this person.”
Ji Rongjin thought it over and decided that anyone she found herself likely wouldn’t compare to the princess’s choice. She readily agreed, “Alright.”
With the matter settled, the hour was growing late. Ji Rongjin’s thoughts drifted to the bed. She glanced over and noticed Shen Zhuwan positioned in the center, showing no intention of making room for her.
Ji Rongjin stared blankly, only to see Shen Zhuwan looking back at her with a faint, almost teasing smile.
It was clear there was no intention of letting her share the bed.
Feeling a bit awkward, Ji Rongjin quickly got up and headed to her small couch, saying, “Goodnight, Your Highness?”
“Goodnight.”
The next day, Ji Rongjin was roused from her groggy sleep. She glanced at Dongmei standing by the bed, then at the sky outside, before burrowing back into her blankets. “It’s still early. No court today.”
“Consort,” Dongmei said, “Her Highness has instructed you to get up. The person to teach you martial arts is waiting in the courtyard.”
Ji Rongjin groaned in protest, pulling the blanket over her head. “Not learning, not learning.”
Learning martial arts might strengthen the body, but lack of sleep could lead to sudden death.
There was silence outside the blanket, and Ji Rongjin thought Dongmei had given in. But soon, she realized she was mistaken.
“Consort.”
A cold, emotionless voice rang out, startling Ji Rongjin fully awake.
It was Shen Zhuwan.
Resigned, she sat up, both sleepy and alert, and looked pleadingly at the woman beside her, hoping to change her mind. “Princess…”
“Time to get up,” Shen Zhuwan ordered coolly. “After training, the Consort still has duties at the Court of Judicial Review.”
Her plea ineffective, Ji Rongjin dragged herself out of bed, consoling herself that since she had promised the princess, she had to follow through, even if it meant crawling.
After washing up and leaving the room, the sky was still dark.
Getting up at three or four in the morning to train—Ji Rongjin silently thought she might end up with a “healthy corpse.”
As Dongmei had said, the martial arts instructor was already waiting in the courtyard. The figure was slender, dressed in a black robe that blended into the night. Upon seeing her, the person bowed slightly. “This subordinate is Shadow Two, tasked with teaching the Consort martial arts from today onward.”
Ji Rongjin waved a hand, eyeing the person’s slight frame, similar to her own, with a hint of doubt. “You…”
Shadow Two caught her skepticism but said nothing, merely demonstrating two moves that left Ji Rongjin thoroughly convinced.
Impressed, Ji Rongjin nodded, but Shadow Two remained expressionless. “The Consort’s foundation is too weak. For today, start by running three laps around the princess’s residence with weights.”
Ji Rongjin’s eyes widened. Three laps? Do you know how big the princess’s residence is?
She stared at Shadow Two, who stared back, eyes devoid of any emotion or even a change in expression. Yet, Ji Rongjin inexplicably sensed disdain and dissatisfaction.
Disdain she could understand, but dissatisfaction? What was that about?
With shackles on her wrists and ankles, Ji Rongjin ran while pondering.
Half a lap in, she was gasping for breath.
After one lap, she was drenched in sweat.
At one and a half laps, she collapsed on the ground, feeling as though her body was falling apart. Looking up at Shadow Two, who had followed behind, she panted, “I can’t… I can’t go on.”
Shadow Two shook her head, disappointment in her eyes. “The Consort truly can’t keep up.”
Ji Rongjin: “…” Why did that sound like it meant something else?
Fueled by indignation, she struggled to her feet.
Shadow Two glanced at her with mild surprise.
Ji Rongjin, still fuming, said, “You’re right. I’m not up to par.”
Shadow Two: “…” Didn’t expect your outburst to just be a momentary tantrum.
She shook her head. “Fine, that’s enough for today.”
Relieved, Ji Rongjin immediately removed the shackles and, with Dongmei’s support, hobbled away.
After she left, Shadow Two took out a small notebook and meticulously wrote: The Consort admitted her foundation is too weak and her stamina lacking.
After a moment’s thought, she added her own observation: This subordinate concurs.
After several days of such grueling training, Ji Rongjin visibly wilted.
One day after court, Chang Qingshan walked beside her, noticing her shaky steps. Hesitating, he asked, “Lord Ji, is something wrong with your health?”
Ji Rongjin waved it off. “Nothing’s wrong.”
“Oh.” Chang Qingshan said, his gaze lingering on her head with pity. “To suffer such an ailment at such a young age—it’s truly lamentable.”
Ji Rongjin: “?”
Chang Qingshan suddenly clapped his head, as if recalling something. “Right, I know of a clinic with an experienced doctor who specializes in treating baldness. Would you like to visit, my lord?”
Ji Rongjin replied seriously, “I don’t need treatment, but it wouldn’t hurt to learn more.”
Chang Qingshan gave her a knowing look, as if to say, I understand, I won’t tell anyone, and gave her the address.
That afternoon, Ji Rongjin changed into casual clothes and took a sedan to the clinic Chang Qingshan had mentioned, a reputable establishment on East Street. The place was crowded when she arrived.
While waiting idly in line, her peripheral vision caught a familiar figure at the medicine counter.
It was He Ping’an again.
Ji Rongjin looked closely. His clothes were slightly tattered, and his face bore several bruises, likely from being bullied by his two older brothers at home.
She raised an eyebrow, her gaze settling on the boy’s face.
Hmm… this guy does look familiar. Could it be the legendary “common face”?
No, that didn’t seem right. His face was actually quite attractive.
While she was musing, the boy’s sharp gaze turned toward her.
Caught off guard, Ji Rongjin flashed a smile and quickly looked away.
He Ping’an, recognizing her, softened the sharpness in his eyes. His gaze flickered briefly before he turned back, paid for his medicine, and left.
Ji Rongjin thought it was just a chance encounter and didn’t dwell on it—until someone stood beside her.
She turned to see He Ping’an, puzzled as to why he’d come over.
“I fought back,” the boy said in a soft, delicate voice, tinged with unease.
Ji Rongjin realized he was responding to their previous conversation. “The injuries—are they from them?”
He Ping’an’s eyes wavered, and he nodded slightly. “I resisted, so they hit me harder.”
Ji Rongjin looked down, noticing not only the bruises on his face but also scratch marks on his exposed neck.
She sighed. Not all resistance deters abusers; sometimes, weak resistance only provokes them further.
In such cases, unconventional methods were often needed.
Looking at the boy, who was pursing his lips and lowering his head dejectedly, Ji Rongjin’s eyes gleamed. She leaned in and whispered, “When you get back, do this…”
He Ping’an instinctively flinched but froze to listen. After hearing her suggestion, his eyes widened in shock, and he bit his lip, hesitant. “Will that really work?”
Ji Rongjin nodded confidently. “Of course.”
He Ping’an left, and Ji Rongjin picked up a fresh jar of hair-growth cream before returning home. Neither realized that this single idea would soon become the talk of the capital.
The next day, Ji Rongjin, exhausted from her ordeal, arrived at court. She noticed officials whispering in small groups, their eyes darting toward He Li.
He Li’s face was dark with anger, his expression so grim that his cheeks seemed to tremble.
Ji Rongjin, clueless, nudged Chang Qingshan. “What’s going on? What happened?”
Chang Qingshan glanced at the empty high platform, then subtly at He Li, before whispering, “Lord Ji, haven’t you heard? Yesterday, the Chancellor’s eldest and second sons nearly drowned.”
Ji Rongjin: “?”
Her face was full of shock. She was sure she hadn’t told He Ping’an to push them into water. But then, her expression shifted to one of realization.
Chang Qingshan leaned in closer, lowering his voice. “They say they nearly drowned in a latrine pit. It was the third young master of the He family who, despite the filth, pulled them out. Apparently, when they were dragged up, they were spewing filth from their mouths. Madam He fainted from the stench and declared those two sons ‘unwanted.’”
Ji Rongjin pictured the scene and nearly gagged.
But she understood what had happened.
She had only told He Ping’an to use a mop to disgust his brothers, but he’d gone further, somehow pushing them into the latrine pit and then “rescuing” them. This not only humiliated them but also kept him in the clear.
As for how the Chancellor’s household spent a foul-smelling night, that was another story.
Amid the crowd’s murmurs, He Li’s face grew even darker until a eunuch’s shout of “Court begins!” silenced the chatter.
Only the sound of officials kowtowing and greeting filled the hall.
Moments later, the young emperor’s voice rang out, “All my beloved subjects, rise.”
As officials reported various matters, Ji Rongjin soon lost interest and started fidgeting with her fingers.
Then Chang Qingshan stepped forward, bowing respectfully. “Your Majesty’s birthday is next month. Shall preparations begin now? Will there be rituals or Buddhist ceremonies on the day?”
Ji Rongjin perked up. The emperor’s birthday was coming up—what should she give him?
“Follow the usual protocols. The Ministry of Rites will handle the banquet and rituals, with the Ministry of Revenue assisting,” Shen Zhuwan’s calm voice responded.
Chang Qingshan nodded, said, “Yes,” and returned to his place.
Since the previous Minister of Revenue and his family had met their demise, the new minister was an elderly man who had served as a deputy for most of his career. Finally promoted, he was overjoyed and followed Shen Zhuwan’s orders to the letter.
When court finally ended, Ji Rongjin was kept behind for a meal.
After lunch, she asked the young emperor solemnly, “Your Majesty, what would you like for your birthday gift?”
The emperor thought for a moment, then said earnestly, “I have everything. If Brother-in-law is short on funds, there’s no need for extravagant gifts.”
Ji “Poor” Rongjin: “…” Ouch.
“Oh, right,” Shen Chi added, as if struck by a thought. “If Brother-in-law doesn’t know what to give, just give me the same thing you gave Sister.”
Ji Rongjin hesitated, glancing at Shen Zhuwan, about to speak, when Shen Zhuwan’s calm voice interrupted, “Chi’er, the Consort and I are family. Your birthday gift has already been prepared.”
“Oh—” the young emperor drawled, sounding disappointed. “Fine then.”
Sister is so stingy, only letting Brother-in-law give her gifts, not me.
Ji Rongjin could see the emperor’s displeasure, his pout practically able to hold an oil bottle. Her eyes twinkled. “Your Majesty, let’s not listen to the princess this time. It’s your birthday once a year—how can there be no gift?”
Shen Chi nodded eagerly but glanced at his sister.
Shen Zhuwan said nothing, merely glancing at Ji Rongjin before looking away.
“But,” Ji Rongjin continued, “if it’s the same as your sister’s, that’s no fun. I’ll give Your Majesty something unique, something you’ve never received before.”
Shen Chi’s eyes sparkled. “Really?”
Ji Rongjin nodded. “Of course!”
Shen Zhuwan, observing Ji Rongjin’s confident demeanor, suddenly recalled the incident at the Chancellor’s residence. She sighed inwardly, casting a slightly pitying glance at her younger brother.
Preparations for Shen Chi’s birthday proceeded in full swing. Meanwhile, General Lin was finally taking Lin Changcun away.
When Madam Lin learned of this, she was heartbroken for a while but was eventually persuaded by General Lin. First, it was to keep Lin Changcun away from the princess to avoid further scandals. Second, Lin Changcun was destined to join him on the battlefield eventually, and with minor unrest at the border, General Lin planned to let him gain experience.
The farewell banquet was, as before, held at the General’s residence.
As Ji Rongjin stepped off the carriage, she instinctively reached to help Shen Zhuwan down.
This time, among the familiar faces at the General’s residence, she not only saw General Lin’s family but also noticed a somewhat familiar servant behind Lin Changcun.
This servant—she felt like she’d seen him somewhere before.
Without thinking too much, Ji Rongjin helped Shen Zhuwan down from the carriage.
As before, she and Lin Changcun ended up walking at the back.
Lin Changcun’s mood was noticeably low, his resentment almost palpable, like that of a middle-aged housewife. Ji Rongjin glanced at him but, before she could look away, locked eyes with the servant beside him.
After three seconds of mutual staring, the servant suddenly exclaimed, “Young Master Ji?”
Ji Rongjin blinked, remembering who he was—the servant she’d met outside the pastry shop.
They had even exchanged some gossip back then.
She smiled warmly, about to greet him, when the servant’s eyes widened in shock. Lowering his voice, he trembled, “You really are the Consort!”
Ji Rongjin’s smile froze.
The servant continued, still shaking, “No wonder you told me the Consort had a penchant for men!”
Ji Rongjin’s smile faltered completely. She had spoken carelessly back then, but such rumors couldn’t be spread. If she’d known it would come to this, she wouldn’t have said anything.
Seeing Lin Changcun’s expression darken, Ji Rongjin was about to stop the servant, but he dropped another bombshell. “A penchant for men?! You don’t like our young master, do you?!”
Ji Rongjin: “…”
Before she could react, the servant delivered another blow. “No wonder you kept visiting our residence and brought our young master his favorite peach blossom pastries. So you’re in love with him?!”
Ji Rongjin: “!!!”
Little Ji: Is this for real?! o_O