The Prince Consort Is Also Pretending To Be Affectionate Today - Chapter 27

27

The candlelight flickered, casting an ambiguous glow.

Ji Rongjin felt her heartbeat growing louder with each thump, reaching its peak with Shen Zhuwan’s words.

It pounded so fiercely that she felt dizzy, as if she were on the verge of a heart attack.

Subconsciously avoiding the woman’s piercing gaze, Ji Rongjin stammered, “I, I…”

I’m your husband.

The simple words refused to leave her lips.

“Never mind.” A faint warmth brushed against her cheek, tickling her, as the woman before her released her grip, her voice tinged with exhaustion. “How much does the consort wish to borrow?”

The fingers that had been holding her collar loosened, and the woman stepped back to a polite distance.

Ji Rongjin unconsciously clutched the towel in her hand and glanced up.

The woman before her had raven-black hair and porcelain skin, her half-revealed face exuding a cold, ethereal beauty, though marked by unmistakable fatigue.

Shen Zhuwan had been extraordinarily busy these past few days, with barely any time to rest. When exhaustion overwhelmed her and she still had to review memorials, she would light invigorating incense in the burner. Its sharp, cool scent would jolt her awake.

Everyone knew Her Highness the Princess was the most esteemed figure in Daqian, her status unparalleled. But what they didn’t know was the endless toil that came with such prestige.

Ji Rongjin realized she shouldn’t upset her further.

Seeing Ji Rongjin remain silent, her gaze lingering on her face, Shen Zhuwan’s lips curved ever so slightly before quickly returning to their usual calm.

As she turned to speak, the young woman’s soft voice broke the silence. “As the princess’s consort, I naturally belong to Your Highness alone and have never considered taking a concubine. I sought to redeem Lian Xia because I feared she’d be handed over to those with impure intentions, who might covet Your Highness through her resemblance to you.”

“I couldn’t bear to see that happen.”

The young woman spoke quickly, pausing briefly before continuing, “I’d like to borrow three thousand taels of silver.”

The room fell silent, and Ji Rongjin felt a twinge of unease.

Shen Zhuwan’s lips curled slightly. “Couldn’t bear it? Why not?”

She didn’t mention the silver.

Ji Rongjin grew flustered. “…Because Your Highness is so noble, no one should dare to harbor such thoughts.”

“Is that all?”

Ji Rongjin’s face flushed as she nodded.

Noticing the young woman’s embarrassment and having heard the answer she wanted, Shen Zhuwan decided not to tease her further. She asked casually, “Three thousand taels?”

Ji Rongjin exhaled in relief. “Three thousand taels.”

“That might not be enough.” Shen Zhuwan gave her a half-smile. “After all, the consort spent five thousand taels for just one night.”

Ji Rongjin: “…” My heart aches.

Shen Zhuwan continued, “Tomorrow, go to the steward and take fifteen thousand taels.”

Suppressing her heartache, Ji Rongjin replied, “If it’s that expensive, I’ll find another way.”

Perhaps she could drag the madam back and shake her down—it’d be better than being saddled with this debt.

“Has the consort forgotten the five thousand taels of debt you still owe outside?” Shen Zhuwan paused. “If there’s any surplus, you can keep it.”

Ji Rongjin’s head snapped up, her eyes gleaming with astonishment. Is she offering to bankroll me?

Shen Zhuwan turned away, sensing the fervent gaze behind her, and smiled faintly. “From now on, the consort need only answer to one creditor—me.”

Ji Rongjin: “…” Sob, the price of redeeming Lian Xia is selling myself to the princess.

The next day, holding fifteen thousand taels in silver notes, Ji Rongjin felt as if she were floating.

She had never been this rich in her life. The princess was truly a wealthy patron! Fifteen thousand taels of silver were handed over as casually as a few coins.

While marveling, Ji Rongjin set off on her spending spree.

Halfway there, she suddenly realized she didn’t know where Ye lived—or what she even looked like.

After a moment of thought, Ji Rongjin decided to give her the money the next time they met.

Lian Xia accompanied her to Flower Filled Pavillion, staying close behind her. Soon, the madam approached with a stiff smile that softened upon seeing Lian Xia behind Ji Rongjin.

“Thank you, Lord Ji, for bringing her back,” the madam said, reaching for Lian Xia with a fawning smile. “We’ll never dare to use the princess’s name like that again.”

Lian Xia’s eyes were filled with fear as she clung tightly to Ji Rongjin’s robe.

As expected, Ji Rongjin stopped the madam’s hand. “Lian Xia’s matter still requires investigation. I’m here to redeem her. From now on, she’ll cooperate with the Court of Judicial Review’s inquiries.”

Ji Rongjin had planned her words in advance. First, she couldn’t let anyone think she was redeeming Lian Xia for personal reasons, lest rumors spread. Second, nothing worked better for bargaining than claiming it was for an official investigation.

As expected, the madam’s face stiffened, likely recalling her time in the Court of Judicial Review’s prison.

“That’s no trouble at all,” the madam said, giving Lian Xia a sympathetic glance before smiling obsequiously at Ji Rongjin. “My lord, how about ten thousand taels?”

Ji Rongjin’s expression remained impassive. “I think implicating your entire clan would be simpler.”

After all, the brothel bore significant responsibility for this matter. Though they had already paid a hefty fine, Ji Rongjin could easily reopen the case if she wasn’t satisfied.

The madam gave a forced laugh, fear flashing in her eyes. “I was just joking, my lord. How could we ask for so much? One thousand taels will do.”

Ji Rongjin was inwardly pleased but kept her face cold as she glanced at the madam.

The madam flinched, closing her eyes and blurting out, “One hundred taels! One hundred taels, my lord, no less!”

Finally, Ji Rongjin allowed a kind smile to grace her face. “Oh, madam, I was only joking as well. One hundred taels it is—I won’t shortchange you.”

With that, she pulled a one-thousand-tael silver note from the stack and handed it to the madam.

Before the madam could rejoice, Ji Rongjin grinned. “Don’t forget to give me nine hundred taels in change.”

The madam: “…”

In the end, Ji Rongjin didn’t make her give the change. Leave some goodwill for future dealings.

Leaving Flower Filled Pavilion, Ji Rongjin felt the air was unusually fresh, and she even spoke to Lian Xia with a touch of warmth. “Alright, you’re free now. You can make your own way.”

Her eyes held encouragement, though tinged with reluctance—her six thousand taels were gone just like that.

Noticing the reluctance in her gaze, Lian Xia timidly asked, “My lord, may I follow you back?”

Ji Rongjin looked at her, puzzled. “You’re free now. Why would you want to live under someone else’s roof?”

Lian Xia blushed. “I believe you wouldn’t mistreat me, my lord.”

Ji Rongjin’s expression softened, but her words were ruthless. “You still owe me one thousand taels. If you stay at my residence, you’ll never pay it off in your lifetime.”

Lian Xia: “…”

Seeing the shame on Lian Xia’s face, Ji Rongjin felt she had convinced her. She turned and strolled back leisurely. “Miss Lian Xia, may we meet again if fate allows.”

Lian Xia didn’t follow, and Ji Rongjin breathed a sigh of relief, her steps light. Suddenly, a heart-wrenching cry rang out behind her: “My lord, ugh… sob, save me!”

Turning back, Ji Rongjin saw a man dragging Lian Xia toward a nearby alley, shouting, “You wretched woman, sent out to buy food, and you’re meeting a lover instead!”

Passersby assumed it was a domestic matter, whispering among themselves and ignoring Lian Xia’s cries of “I don’t know him!”

Ji Rongjin was shocked. Human traffickers operating in broad daylight in ancient times?

She strode over, swiftly kicking the man down, and loomed over him. “You claim to be her husband? Why don’t you come with me to the Court of Judicial Review for a thorough investigation?”

As she spoke, she subtly revealed the official seal at her waist.

Already cowed by the beating, the man saw the seal, panicked, and scrambled away.

Watching his retreating figure, Ji Rongjin felt the perks of being an official for the first time.

Coming to her senses, she realized her wrist was being gripped painfully by the woman behind her. She tugged at her sleeve, but it didn’t budge. Rubbing her temple helplessly with her other hand, she said, “You can let go now.”

Lian Xia didn’t release her. Instead, she slid down Ji Rongjin’s sleeve, kneeling on the ground, tears streaming as she pleaded, “My lord, please take me in!”

The commotion had already drawn a crowd, and now they gathered closer, pointing and whispering.

Unfazed, Ji Rongjin looked down at her after a moment and smiled faintly. “Alright.”

Not long after Shen Zhuwan returned, Shadow Two rushed to her, frantic. “Princess! The consort has kept that Lian Xia woman in the residence!”

Before Shen Zhuwan could respond, a knock came at the door. “Your Highness, I have something to report.”

Shen Zhuwan glanced at Shadow Two. “Enter.”

Ji Rongjin stepped into the study, only to spot Shadow Two standing to the side, eyes lowered.

Ji Rongjin: “…” You again!

Shen Zhuwan glanced at them both. “Shadow Two, you may leave.”

“Yes.”

Ji Rongjin glared at Shadow Two’s retreating back, thinking, You’d better not let me catch you slipping.

Only the two of them remained in the room.

Shen Zhuwan looked at her. “What is it?”

Ji Rongjin hesitated briefly before scurrying to the desk, leaning close to Shen Zhuwan and whispering, “I suspect there’s something off about Lian Xia.”

Shen Zhuwan raised an eyebrow, looking at the earnest young woman. “How so?”

Ji Rongjin recounted the day’s events, concluding, “In broad daylight, who would be so bold? I had barely parted from Lian Xia when that man appeared, as if he was afraid I’d think she was safe out there.”

She ground her teeth lightly, her eyes sparkling. “Do they think I’m stupid?”

Shen Zhuwan found her indignant expression amusing and smiled faintly. “They probably didn’t expect the consort to be so clever.”

“Haha, not really.” Ji Rongjin scratched the back of her head, beaming as if thrilled by the praise but trying to play it cool. “So I kept her around. I want to see what she’s up to.”

Shen Zhuwan nodded, setting down her brush and glancing at her. “What task did the consort assign her?”

Ji Rongjin grinned. “Latrine duty.”

Shen Zhuwan: “…The consort is quite generous.”

“Of course I am.” Ji Rongjin closed her eyes in mock pain. “When I think about how I spent six thousand taels to save someone who might be scheming against us, it feels like ants are crawling all over me. It’s unbearable.”

Shen Zhuwan was amused by her reaction and smiled. “What does the consort plan to do next?”

“Have her watched.” Ji Rongjin’s eyes gleamed mischievously. “I think Shadow Two is perfect for the job. Not only is she idle, but she’s quick to tattle.”

Her bright eyes practically screamed gossip.

Shen Zhuwan nodded, amused. “The consort makes a fair point.”

Ji Rongjin was delighted, thinking, Even Shadow Two can’t escape my grasp. In her excitement, her gaze casually swept over the desk.

Shen Zhuwan’s desk was usually neat, but lately, perhaps due to her busy schedule, various items were piled together, looking somewhat cluttered.

Ji Rongjin hesitated before saying, “Your Highness, shall I help you tidy the desk?”

Shen Zhuwan’s lips curved slightly. “Then I’ll trouble the consort.”

“No trouble at all.”

As Ji Rongjin spoke, she reached to move a stack of memorials from the upper left corner of the desk. As she began clearing the items beneath, her gaze paused on a painting.

Shen Zhuwan glanced at it, her expression stiffening slightly.

Before she could stop her, Ji Rongjin had already picked up the painting. After a long moment, she looked at Shen Zhuwan with a cryptic gaze. “Your Highness, does this painting… hold some special meaning?”

What painting do you think it is?