Chapter 110: Keeping a Mistress in Secret
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“Your Highness, the Princess Consort, Prince Wei’s family would like to meet with you, and Noble Consort Shu has also sent some tonic supplements.”
Ever since Chu Jinyao became pregnant, many people used the excuse of visiting her to probe the truth. Every two or three days, someone would come requesting an audience. Chu Jinyao used the excuse of feeling unwell after the long journey and declined all requests. If she met with one and not another, it would cause resentment, so she simply decided not to see anyone at all.
“I’m not feeling well and don’t have the energy to meet with the Prince Wei family. Please thank her for her kind intentions and politely decline the visit.”
“And what about Noble Consort Shu’s supplements?”
“Have them placed in storage as they are, and prepare an appropriate gift to send back to Noble Consort Shu’s palace.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The servant left with the orders, while Linglong fanned Chu Jinyao, remarking, “I thought the social engagements at the summer palace were overwhelming, but now that we’ve returned to the palace, it seems even more complicated.”
“They’re not really here to visit me. They’re just using it as an excuse to see if my pregnancy is real or not,” Chu Jinyao said calmly, fully aware of their intentions.
Linglong agreed, and seeing that Chu Jinyao seemed indifferent, she tried to console her, saying, “Your Highness, there’s no need to worry. The first child always holds a special place. Things of rarity are valued more, so no matter if it’s a boy or a girl, the first child will always be loved more by the elders. When there are more children, their attention naturally wanes. The little prince or princess you’re carrying will definitely be doted on by the Emperor, which is why those outside are envious and trying to find out more.”
At the mention of the child, a smile appeared on Chu Jinyao’s face. This pregnancy would undoubtedly come with its dangers, and as the child’s mother, she couldn’t afford to relax for even a moment. She was determined to ensure her child entered this world safely.
Chu Jinyao had once laughed at Qin Yi for hiring a midwife just a month after finding out about the pregnancy, but soon after, she found herself making little clothes and shoes for the baby, even though her belly hadn’t yet shown. Ever since the incident with Empress Xiao Qi, Chu Jinyao had been exceedingly cautious about her clothing—every piece of fabric was thoroughly checked before it reached her. Now, with the baby, she became even more meticulous.
After chatting for a while, their conversation drifted to Prince Su. Linglong mentioned, “Your Highness, Prince Su and Princess Consort Su will be leaving in half a month. A few days from now, Princess Consort Su is hosting a farewell banquet at their mansion. Do you plan to attend?”
The Emperor had originally taken Prince Su to the summer palace because he was reluctant to see him leave so soon, but now that everyone had returned to the capital, Prince Su had no reason to remain any longer.
Chu Jinyao thought for a moment and replied, “Since Prince Su and his wife are leaving the capital, who knows when we’ll meet again. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me not to attend. As her elder sister-in-law, I must show proper grace. Prepare a gift, and I’ll go to Prince Su’s residence myself.”
Linglong quickly arranged everything. On the day of the farewell banquet, even Zhao Lanhui, Princess Consort Su, was surprised to hear that the Crown Princess was coming in person.
Given how cautious Chu Jinyao had been with her pregnancy, Zhao Lanhui assumed that receiving a gift from the East Palace would be the extent of the courtesy. She never expected Chu Jinyao to come herself. Zhao Lanhui was at a loss for words; it seemed she had underestimated Chu Jinyao’s decisiveness.
As Chu Jinyao’s entourage entered the Prince’s mansion, she greeted the ladies warmly and graciously. Now that Chu Jinyao was pregnant, her demeanor had become even more poised and dignified—embodying the perfect image of a Crown Princess. The noblewomen present, adorned in their finest jewels and silks, stood respectfully before her, despite being high-ranking ladies themselves. Each of them, formidable in their own right, were eager to please the Crown Princess, and they did so without any sense of incongruity.
With Chu Jinyao taking center stage, Zhao Lanhui found herself tensing up. The political landscape of the capital had shifted significantly over the past two years. Although the Prince Wei’s household still retained its prestige, it was clear to all that the Marquis of Changxing’s family, due to Chu Jinyao’s position, had a brighter future.
The Marquis of Zhenbei’s family, too, couldn’t be absent from such an occasion. Since Chu Jinyao’s arrival, the female members of the Qi family seemed somewhat uneasy. After taking her seat, Old Madam Qi, trying to strike up conversation with Chu Jinyao, smiled and exchanged a few words, to which Chu Jinyao politely nodded and then turned her attention to others. This left the Qi ladies feeling awkward, and Old Madam Qi herself was especially uneasy.
The Qi family’s troubles were evident to all, especially after Qi Rong had caused such an embarrassment. The ladies of the Qi household felt nothing but anger toward Old Madam Qi, who had not only failed to manage her daughter but had also tainted the reputation of other branches of the family. The daughters of those branches were innocent, and yet they had to endure the consequences of Qi Rong’s actions.
While the Qi ladies exchanged pleasantries with forced smiles, Chu Jinyao feigned attention to other conversations, intentionally ignoring them. The others present noticed this but, out of courtesy, pretended not to see.
Since Chu Jinyao was the last to arrive, the banquet soon began. Everyone knew how precious the Crown Princess was in her current condition, and no one dared keep her too long. The banquet began promptly, and Chu Jinyao, after symbolically taking a few bites, excused herself to the back to change her clothes. She had two lives to consider, and although she trusted Zhao Lanhui wouldn’t tamper with the food, she wasn’t about to take any chances.
The pretext of changing clothes was merely an excuse. Once in her private chamber, Chu Jinyao rested briefly. However, before long, a maid informed her that Lady Chu and Second Lady Duan were requesting an audience.
Chu Jinyao nodded. “Let them in.”
Chu Jinxian and Duan Yinghua entered together. They both knew that Chu Jinyao wouldn’t stay long and had made a point to visit her as soon as she stepped away from the main gathering.
Not waiting for formalities, Chu Jinyao immediately had them rise. “We’re family. No need for such formalities. Sister, how have you been?”
“I’m well, and little one is growing stronger every day,” Chu Jinxian replied with a smile as she sat down. “I was just thinking of you the other day, and then I heard from Grandmother that you’re expecting. Now our children will have each other as company.”
Indeed, Chu Jinyao felt the same joy. Both sisters had found happiness, and now, with both expecting children, it seemed that fortune had truly smiled upon them. Duan Yinghua, who had been quietly observing the conversation, smiled as she watched the two sisters chat. Afterward, she had the Chu family’s younger sisters come forward to greet the Crown Princess.
Sixth Young Lady and Seventh Young Lady were already engaged, so the girls who came today were the even younger ones. They had little memory of Taiyuan, having grown up in the capital, and gazed at their illustrious fifth sister, the Crown Princess, with a mixture of awe and fear.
These girls were still too young for Chu Jinyao to have much of an impression of them, so she asked a few casual questions before sending them off to play in the next room. Duan Yinghua, having fulfilled her task from Old Madam Chu, finally felt relieved and slowly broached the true reason for her visit.
After some polite conversation, Duan Yinghua hesitated and then began cautiously, “Your Highness, Eldest Sister, I know this isn’t something I should bother you with, but I don’t know who else to turn to.”
Chu Jinyao and Chu Jinxian exchanged glances, their expressions growing serious. From the moment Duan Yinghua had arrived, Chu Jinyao sensed that something was wrong. The way Duan Yinghua carried herself seemed off, but without her bringing it up, there was little Chu Jinyao could do but wait.
Seeing their concern, Chu Jinxian spoke up first, “We have only one younger brother, and you’re just like our own sister. If something’s troubling you, feel free to speak openly. We may not be able to solve everything, but we can at least offer advice.”
Chu Jinyao nodded in agreement. “Second Sister-in-law, feel free to share.”
Now reassured, Duan Yinghua finally confided in them, “I may be out of line for bringing this up, but as a woman, my primary duty is to take care of my family. If Second Master has taken a liking to someone else, I wouldn’t mind bringing her into the household. However, I’m worried about the background of this woman. If we bring her in carelessly, it could damage the reputation of the Marquis’s household.”
Hearing this, Chu Jinyao was stunned. Duan Yinghua was known for being capable and competitive, while her husband, Second Master, was mild-mannered and not one to stir up trouble. Their relationship wasn’t passionate, but it was stable, and there had been no other women involved. But now, from what Duan Yinghua was implying, Second Master had taken a liking to someone outside?
This was completely unexpected.
Chu Jinyao and Chu Jinxian exchanged shocked glances, each seeing the same surprise in the other’s eyes. No wonder Duan Yinghua had come to speak to them in private. Chu Jinyao’s face darkened, and she said to Duan Yinghua, “What exactly is going on? Second Sister-in-law, don’t worry and just tell me everything. If Second Brother is in the wrong, even though I’m his sister, I won’t hesitate to speak to him.”
Since Chu Jinyao had been made the Crown Princess, the fortunes of the Marquis of Changxing’s family had changed dramatically. As Qin Yi gained more power in court, more and more people sought to form connections with the family. This was where the benefit of having a grandmother who prioritized the family’s interests above all else became clear. Old Madam Chu always put the family’s future first. Seeing the family’s prosperity just around the corner, she would never allow anyone to hold them back. Old Madam Chu had strict control over the younger generation of the family, not allowing any of them to tarnish the Marquis of Changxing’s reputation. This approach was exactly what Chu Jinyao wanted.
As the eldest son and Chu Jinyao’s biological brother, Second Master was the rightful heir to the Marquis’s title. He had become someone no one in the capital could afford to offend. Fortunately, Second Master was mild-mannered and unambitious, spending most of his time at home reading or meditating on philosophy with friends, far removed from the worldly concerns of money and power. Other families might scorn a future imperial-in-law with so little interest in power, but Chu Jinyao found it ideal. With the Marquis’s family already aligned with the Crown Prince, avoiding further entanglements was a victory in itself. Qin Yi also approved of his brother-in-law’s peaceful nature, knowing that if Second Master remained quiet and non-confrontational, he could continue to treat him generously.
But now, listening to Duan Yinghua’s words, it seemed that Second Master had quietly caused a major problem outside the home?
Duan Yinghua had not dared to speak to Old Madam Chu or Madam Zhao, so she came seeking Chu Jinyao’s help, hoping that she could exert some influence within the Marquis’s household. With a downcast expression, Duan Yinghua continued, “At first, I didn’t suspect anything. But when we were staying at the summer palace, I noticed several large sums of money leaving Second Master’s accounts under mysterious circumstances. When I asked him about it, his answers were vague. At first, I thought I was just being paranoid, but after we returned to the capital, though his accounts returned to normal, he started going out more frequently. If he had someone he cared about, I wouldn’t mind him being upfront about it, but he’s being secretive. Whenever I ask, he denies it, but then continues to sneak out. I… I just don’t know what to do.”
Duan Yinghua spoke with increasing frustration, and by the end, she could no longer hold back her tears. Chu Jinxian sighed and softly consoled her. Chu Jinyao, too, found her brother’s behavior disappointing. She said, “Second Brother is acting inappropriately. I’ll find a way to talk to him. Second Sister-in-law, please don’t cry. Since you entered this family, you’ve been exemplary. Everyone who meets you praises you. Second Brother is simply blind to the blessings he has. He just needs someone to knock some sense into him.”
Hearing this, Duan Yinghua finally felt reassured. If Second Master had indeed taken a mistress, she knew the rest of the family would likely not side with her. However, with Chu Jinyao speaking up, even Old Madam Chu would have to be cautious. Today, Duan Yinghua had come hoping for a small chance of success, fearing that as Second Master’s sister, Chu Jinyao would side with him. But to her surprise, Chu Jinyao was not only reasonable but also supported her stance, even offering to reprimand Second Master herself.
Duan Yinghua was deeply moved. Initially, she had befriended Chu Jinyao primarily for her connection to the Crown Prince, but now, she felt genuine gratitude toward her sister-in-law.
Chu Jinyao truly believed that her second brother was incredibly fortunate to have married someone as capable as Duan Yinghua. It wasn’t just Second Master— the entire Marquis’s household was fortunate to have such a competent daughter-in-law. With this thought, Chu Jinyao naturally took Duan Yinghua’s side in the matter.
Chu Jinxian offered a few words of comfort and had one of her maids escort Duan Yinghua to freshen up and redo her makeup. Once she had left, Chu Jinyao asked her sister, “Elder Sister, do you know what this is about?”
Chu Jinxian shook her head. “This is the first time I’ve heard of it. Grandmother and Mother certainly wouldn’t have told us.”
That made sense. Old Madam Chu and Madam Zhao had different priorities. Even if they knew, they wouldn’t involve their married daughters. Chu Jinyao frowned. “Second Brother may be gentle, but I never thought he would do something like this.”
“I find it strange as well.” Chu Jinxian had watched Second Master grow up and knew what kind of person he was. She couldn’t believe that Second Master would keep a mistress in secret. After some thought, she said, “Let’s leave it for now. Since Second Sister-in-law has raised the issue, we’ll have to address it. When I return, I’ll have my husband probe the matter to see what’s really going on with Second Brother.”
“You’re going to let Brother-in-law handle it?”
Chu Jinxian cast a sidelong glance at her sister. “Who else? Are you planning to ask the Crown Prince to handle it?”
Realizing her mistake, Chu Jinyao blurted, “You’re right. It’s better to let Brother-in-law intervene. What was I thinking?”
As Second Master’s younger sister, even if she was the Crown Princess, it wasn’t her place to bring up such matters directly. These things were usually handled through one’s husband… But asking Qin Yi to get involved in something like this? That wouldn’t be a gentle reminder—it would be a terrifying shock!
Seeing her younger sister playfully knock herself on the head, Chu Jinxian chuckled. “They say pregnancy makes you forgetful for three years. Looks like it’s starting with you.”
After agreeing on a course of action, Chu Jinyao left the matter to Chu Jinxian, not planning to involve herself further. First, it wasn’t convenient for her to get involved while residing in the palace. Second, if she intervened directly, there would be no room for negotiation. Private matters like this were part of an official’s moral standing, and if Chu Jinyao exposed this issue, it would become a major scandal. It was better to let Chu Jinxian handle it, with Chu Jinyao offering subtle pressure from behind.
Chu Jinyao didn’t stay at the banquet much longer. Once Duan Yinghua had recomposed herself, Chu Jinyao gave a few more words of reassurance before leaving with her entourage and returning to the palace, her mind full of unresolved thoughts.
But once she returned to the palace, she found herself facing yet another situation.
Upon hearing the report from one of her informants within the palace, Chu Jinyao pressed her hand against her forehead in exasperation. “You’re telling me that Noble Consort Shu and the Empress have had a falling out?”
