Too high to reach

Chapter 14 The show begins

At this moment, the Changhui Pavilion in the Qi Prince's Mansion is warm and cozy.

This is where Consort Feng of the mansion handles her daily household affairs.

It was completed just two years ago. It was personally planned and constructed by Consort Feng, and designed by Master Lu, a famous architect in the capital!

When the prince left, it wasn't even finished. He'll probably be surprised when he returns this time.

Thinking this through, a sweet and smug smile appeared on her face.

She was in her early twenties, with a slender face and calm, almond-shaped eyes that seemed to have a slight white cast when she looked up. She wasn't particularly beautiful, but she possessed a serene demeanor and her every movement was elegant and composed.

Her makeup and attire, from head to toe, were exquisite and meticulous.

She began assisting Granny Zhao in managing the household when she was sixteen, and later managed the household on her own.

Even after the princess married into the family, she never relinquished her power of managing the household. This was because she was not only the prince's concubine and secondary consort, but also one of his "own people."

In just a few years, she not only lived the life of a mistress or empress.

They could also enter the palace for audiences and socialize outside. The banquets of the Prince's Mansion also made a name for themselves in the capital.

He also amassed a considerable amount of private wealth, controlling all the people, finances, and affairs of the mansion.

Outside the mansion... he also kept his own secret agents.

Such achievements are comparable even to those of the Crown Princess!

A young girl from a humble background has achieved the life she has today... all thanks to God's blessings and her own hard work.

Suddenly, the curtain was lifted, and a little boy ran in, shouting, "Mother!"

That's right! She also gave birth to the prince's eldest son, who was his only son!
"Slow down!" she said with utmost affection.

"Mother, Shao'er wants to drink water!"

He quickly stood up and poured him some water himself, saying, "Drink slowly! Shao'er, your father is coming back!"

Li Shaofeng is four years old. He is intelligent and sensible, but he has no memory of his father.

"Do you miss your father?" Consort Feng continued to ask.

"I think so!" the boy replied casually.

It seems I'll have to teach him a thing or two before the Prince returns… She affectionately stroked the boy's head. She thought to herself: Boys can only apply for a princely title when they are seven years old. Now that the Prince has returned with merit, if he's willing, it can definitely be done sooner!
Madam Song rushed in: "Your Highness... someone from the second gate says that Princess Wenxiu has returned to the manor!"

Consort Feng was somewhat surprised, "They came back directly? The Zhou family didn't even send a message beforehand?"

Princess Wenxiu was the only child of the late Princess Zhou, and was granted the title of princess at birth!
With the princess's passing, the prince was often away from the capital. Zhou Jiaguang, fearing she would be "bullied" at the prince's residence, took her there. Thinking of this, Consort Feng found it amusing: A princess is a young lady; what harm could she possibly cause me?
"They said it was sent back by Madam Zhou!"

Consort Feng frowned slightly. Could the Zhou family be so ill-mannered? Even relatives don't come to the door directly.

What kind of place is the Prince's Mansion?

Besides, Zhou Li has been dead for several years. How can the Zhou family still act so arrogantly here?
Thinking of the past made him feel uneasy. He stood up and asked, "Was the firewall in that courtyard burned down?"

"She has a low-grade fever!"

"Yes, now that you're back, let's add all the necessary equipment!"

Mother Song agreed, went out to call her servant, and gave her a few instructions.

Consort Feng donned a mink cloak and strolled slowly past the ornately decorated buildings and the winter garden and pond.

The gates of Changhui Pavilion were wide open, and several unfamiliar old women and maids were busy inside and out, as if they were tidying up.

"The Concubine has arrived!" Madam Song announced sternly.

The courtyard quieted down, and everyone curtsied in greeting.

With Madam Song leading the way, Consort Feng was gently supported by her personal maid. Behind them followed two head maids and several other maids. The entourage was impressive.

Upon entering, one sees Madam Zhou sitting in the main seat with Princess Wenxiu, who is not yet six years old, and a young girl sitting on a chair next to them.

Upon seeing her enter, all three stood up. Madam Zhou smiled and nodded to Consort Feng first: "Consort Feng!"

Consort Feng nodded slightly: "Madam Zhou!"

Both women were ladies of noble birth, but Consort Feng was considered the head of the household, so Madam Zhou greeted her first.

"Xiangxiang, have you met Consort Feng?" Whether intentionally or due to her accent, Madam Zhou pronounced the word "consort" quite clearly.

The young girl curtsied politely, "Your Highness, Consort!" her voice clear and melodious.

Look, the Zhou family has taken good care of Princess Wenxiu. She has a good complexion, a dignified air, and is well-dressed.

"The princess has grown quite a bit taller," Consort Feng nodded.

Madam Zhou disliked Consort Feng's tone and pointed to the girl next to her: "I wonder if Consort Feng has seen this before? This is my Ninth Miss."

Turning her head, Consort Feng's heart skipped a beat.

She was a sixteen-year-old girl with fair skin and a beautiful face. Her eyes were as clear as a stream.

The image of the late Princess Zhou Li immediately flashed into her mind. Although this girl was not as beautiful as Zhou Li, the resemblance was not small...

She felt her throat tighten, but still smiled at Zhou Jiu, who was bowing to her, and said, "Miss Jiu. We've met before."

Everyone sat down, and Consort Feng first checked the temperature in the room before saying softly, "When the princess wasn't home, the fire wall here was only kept at a low temperature. I've already had it reheated. It might take a while before it warms up!"

Madam Zhou inspected the place from the front and back as soon as she arrived, but even though she was trying, she couldn't find any flaws.

He then explained, "We only received the news yesterday that the Prince was returning to the manor. Xiangxiang hasn't seen her father for several years and misses him terribly, so she insisted on coming back as soon as possible. She kept urging me to pack, and that's why we forgot to send a message!"

"Going back to my own home, it's alright if I don't send a letter!" Consort Feng smiled, pursing her lips.

In a short while, servants carried things into the courtyard: food, daily necessities, hot water. Even the flowers from the greenhouse were brought in.

"Consort Feng's housekeeper is renowned for her thoroughness! There's one more thing I need to trouble you with..."

“Madam Zhou, there’s no need for formalities. Please speak.”

"For the past two years at the Zhou family, Ajiu has been taking care of Xiangxiang. Xiangxiang can't be without her, so Ajiu will be staying at the Prince's Mansion for a while. I'll have to trouble Consort Feng to make the preparations."

Consort Feng's lips curled into a smile. So that's how it is... Her hand tightened inside her sleeve.

“Alright. However, the empty courtyards in the mansion are usually only cleaned and not heated. If we start heating now, it won’t get warm quickly. Ninth Miss is delicate and may not be able to handle it.”

"It's alright, they're close, and they often played together when they were at the Zhou family's house. They can stay in this room for now, and move out once the heating is on!"

Only then did Song's mother realize that this meant she wasn't planning on leaving? She looked at Consort Feng with a changed expression.

Consort Feng remained gentle: "That will do. Shouldn't Zhou Mama still serve the Princess? The closest place to here is Changlan Pavilion, so Mama Song, please go and make the arrangements with them."

"Yes!" Madam Song bowed and left with her entourage.

"The Prince was originally scheduled to return in October, but he has postponed it two or three times, and it's almost the end of the year now. I was worried that this news might not be accurate, so I didn't write to the Princess. I hope he won't postpone it again this time!" She explained why she hadn't written to the Zhou family.

His thoughts, however, were on Miss Zhou Jiu: although she wasn't as pretty as Zhou Li, she was sitting quietly with a smile at such a young age, showing great composure.

After entertaining the guests for a while, he had someone check the supplies prepared for the princess.

"Princess, please settle in first. If you need anything else, just send someone to find me!" He then took his leave.

Back at Changhui Pavilion, his face fell.

After arranging things, Madam Song came in and asked, "Madam, what does the Zhou family mean by this?"

Consort Feng smiled faintly, "What do you mean... Isn't it obvious enough? Ring the gong, and the show begins!"

"It really is?! They're shameless!" Song's mother said angrily.

Isn't this normal? But the image of that beautiful woman in her mind was making Consort Feng's thoughts unsettled...

Choubao asked: Are you serious about naming him Li Shaofeng?
Silly Fish replied: The story is passable, the name is idiotic... I have the utmost admiration for Mo Xiang's skill...

(End of this chapter)