Chapter 836: 353 Fright (Part 2)
Chengteng was also unsettled at this time, anxiously waiting for Yueyao. He drank tea four times and asked no fewer than ten times, each time returning a disappointing answer.
When Yueyao returned to Ma’s Mansion, she immediately went to the study and briefed Chengteng about the matter.
After listening, Chengteng heaved a sigh of relief, “It’s good that the Empress did not agree. Yueyao, we need to settle your marriage soon.” The incident with the Fourth Prince had caused Chengteng to sweat profusely. He feared he couldn’t withstand another such episode.
Yueyao nodded, “Yes, my sister-in-law also said that my marriage should be settled soon. It’s just that there isn’t a suitable candidate yet.”
Upon hearing this, Chengteng began to feel a headache coming on, “Yueyao, you can’t keep being so picky. Good enough is enough.”
Yueyao was unwilling, “Uncle, marriage is a big deal, how can it be just ‘good enough’?” A marriage of compromise could easily become problematic. She did not want to end up fighting a bitter life-and-death struggle with a host of concubines later in life—it was such a waste of life.
Yueyao returned to Begonia Garden and saw a pot of yellow chrysanthemums placed in the room. The chrysanthemums were clearly just blooming, the blossoms fresh and delicate.
Xi Juan smiled, “Miss, these were sent over from the flower room.” Ma’s Mansion had a flower room that cultivated various kinds of flowers. The fresh flowers placed in the rooms during winter were from the flower room, and the best flowers always went to Yueyao first.
Yueyao sat at the dressing table, and Xi Yu came over to remove the jewelry from her head, then combed her tangled hair back into order.
After changing her clothes, Yueyao took a cup of water to drink.
Xiang Wei had eaten a bowl of steaming sweet soup, feeling warm in her chest. Satiated and in a good mood, she was ready to think, “Miss, why would the Fourth Prince suddenly take an interest in you? I think there’s something complicated behind this.” It would be stranger if it were simple!
Yueyao also found it strange. If it were admiration of her talents, she had been famous not just now, but for years. Why would he want to take her as a concubine now?
The word ‘concubine’ was what Yueyao hated the most. In her previous life, she had been forced into being a concubine, and in this life, she would rather die than be anyone’s concubine. From the Fourth Prince, Yueyao’s thoughts turned to Zhou Shu, and her face immediately changed, “Xiang Wei, you said Zhou Shu’s backers are the Zhou Family and the Fourth Prince. Is that true?”
Xiang Wei guessed what Yueyao wanted to say, “That can’t be?”
The more Yueyao thought about it, the more frightened she became, “Why can’t it be? A consort of the Royal Mansion, when dead of illness, would anyone pursue it? If later, without anyone noticing, I were to be sent to Haikou, who would know?” It really wasn’t impossible.
Xiang Wei felt that her mistress, usually so composed, would lose control over anything related to Zhou Shu, “To give his own consort to a merchant? Do you think the Fourth Prince has lost his mind?” Even though a consort was not a legal wife, such an act was still unthinkable.
Yet, Yueyao felt increasingly sure of her suspicions, “Why not? What wouldn’t a man sacrifice for great achievements, to say nothing of a woman of no consequence?”
Xiang Wei seriously said, “Miss, do you realize what you’re saying?” If a Prince wanted to achieve great things, those things were naturally related to a fight for succession—something one should not speak of lightly.
Yueyao was well aware of what she was talking about.
Xiang Wei, still doubtful, said, “Miss, even if the Fourth Prince were inclined, would he really exchange his woman for a merchant’s support?”
Yueyao hesitated, then said, “Zhou Shu is no ordinary merchant. He is very wealthy, extremely wealthy, he might have amassed tens of millions.” Yueyao wasn’t just making this up; Zhou Shu was very rich. Outsiders said the Zhou family assets were several million. In reality, that was just the money Zhou Shu left in Haikou. Most of his wealth was hidden on a small island. As for which small island, Yueyao didn’t ask, and Zhou Shu did not tell.
Xiang Wei opened her mouth in shock, “That much?” She thought Zhou Shu might have three or five million silver, but she hadn’t imagined Zhou Shu might actually possess tens of millions. If so, Yueyao’s speculation might really be possible. If the Fourth Prince wanted to rise to power, he would naturally need a great deal of money. Trading a woman for a moneybag was a bargain the Fourth Prince would certainly take. Once he obtained power, he could have whatever woman he wanted.
Perspiration dotted Yueyao’s forehead.
Xiang Wei slapped the table, “Then, as soon as Zhichen is formally adopted out, arrange the marriage immediately.” Not to get married, but to fix the marriage arrangement. That way, the Fourth Prince wouldn’t be able to interfere openly.
Yueyao felt that, during this period, it was better not to go anywhere, “How are Gu You and Gu Lan? If they are better, let them come back!” Yueyao was now imagining dangers everywhere.