Harem Daily Life

Upon hearing this, Qingfeng dared not ask any further questions and immediately agreed.

Tao Yanyan summoned Xianglan and asked her to bring out the jewelry she had prepared and give it to the two of them: "You have both started your own families and have your own children. You have worked hard to manage the royal property for me. Here are two sets of jewelry. It's almost the New Year, so consider them as a gift for you. Take one set and wear it."

Qingfeng and Mingyue hurriedly knelt down to express their gratitude. They received rewards every time they entered the palace, and following a mistress like the Empress was an incredible stroke of luck.

Marquis Ningyuan has been incredibly busy lately. Fortunately, Kang Mo had no other choice but to agree to He Linzhang's conditions and join forces to seize the Xia Kingdom's territory.

After seeing off the Xia Kingdom delegation at the city gate, Marquis Ningyuan boarded his carriage and headed to an inconspicuous courtyard in the north of the city, where a gambling-addicted servant of the Fang family was imprisoned.

"Well? Has he spoken yet?" Marquis Ningyuan was wearing a cloak, completely covering himself so that no one could see his face.

The subordinate said, "He was whipped ten times last night, and soon after, he started talking. He said he wasn't Fang Ziming's most trusted confidant, but Fang Ziming, who used to dislike wearing blue robes, has indeed been wearing them frequently lately. Moreover, since receiving a letter a few days ago, Fang Ziming has rushed to Ruyi Gold Shop and has been loitering there ever since. As for his association with Lady Lingxi, this servant said he doesn't usually accompany her and therefore knows nothing about it."

"What's the situation with the Fang family? Tell me in detail."

The subordinate then reported the information he had gathered: "...We haven't found out any bad habits yet, but the third son of the Fang family was previously engaged to the daughter of Lord Zhang, but since the palace banquet, the marriage between the Fang and Zhang families has stalled. This servant said that Fang Ming is cunning and scheming, and is very favored in the Fang family, even more so than his two older brothers. But unfortunately, he is too incompetent and has failed repeatedly."

Marquis Ningyuan has basically concluded that Fang Ming came prepared, an opportunist who wanted to take a shortcut and marry the princess to rise to the top in one step.

"Ha, he doesn't follow the right path, he loves to scheme, he lacks talent, and besides his pretty face, he's really good for nothing." Marquis Ningyuan looked down on such a young man.

"Continue to gather evidence, and send someone to the Marquis's residence to report any news you may have. Also, today when I went out of the city, I encountered such a long queue. It seems that this Lady Lingxi needs to be arrested as soon as possible. If we let it go any further, I'm afraid even more people will be deceived."

The subordinate obeyed the order and escorted Marquis Ningyuan out. Just then, a man from the dungeon came to report that the servant had confessed to some more things.

Tao Yanyan waited in the palace for five or six days before finally receiving news from the Marquis of Ningyuan.

Chang Tai presented the letter to Tao Yanyan, and what he saw made him furious.

"What a huge net! Rich and poor alike have all been ensnared. Some have been swindled out of tens of taels of silver, while others have been cheated out of thousands. They're really good at this business." The letter only contained part of what had been uncovered; there were still many cases that hadn't been investigated.

"You can know a person's face but not their heart. This Fang Ming is truly a genius swindler. His schemes are intricate and meticulous, making people willingly part with their money." Tao Yanyan felt a deep hatred for that man, who had almost deceived Consort Xian and nearly influenced He Min's life.

“Go tell the Marquis to verify and secure all the evidence, secretly bring everyone under control, and hand the case over to the Prefectural Governor’s Office. This is the largest fraud case in recent years.”

Chang Tai nodded and said, "The Marquis said that he does not want to attract too much attention. If it is to be reported to the authorities, he will secretly transfer all the witnesses and evidence to the Prefectural Governor's Office."

Upon hearing this, Tao Yanyan realized that her uncle was indeed shrewd and calculating, having accomplished his task and left without a trace, concealing his merits and fame.

"Alright, let's do as you say, Lord Marquis. After the report is filed with the authorities, they will naturally verify it. If there are any other protective umbrellas behind it, let the Prefectural Governor's Office investigate. You can then go into hiding, Lord Marquis."

Chang Tai accepted the order and left. Tao Yanyan read the letter again before putting it into the brazier to burn.

Consort Xian had been angry for several days, but when she heard that the Empress had invited her to have a chat, she instantly perked up. She rushed to Chang Le Palace, and the two went into the study and talked for a long time.

"So there were so many things behind this! This Fang fellow almost fooled me!" Consort Xian gritted her teeth, wishing she could wipe out the Fang family.

Tao Yanyan offered her a cup of tea to cool her down: "Currently, the investigation has found no evidence that the other members of the Fang family were also involved. Fang Ming caused this mess himself, so he should bear the consequences. As for the deceived people, the Jingzhao Prefecture will recover the stolen money, and the Fang family will still have to compensate him for what they owe. As for that Lingxi Niangniang at Fuyan Temple, I believe that the temple has also neglected its duty by not discovering her fraudulent activities for so long, and the religious authorities should punish her accordingly."

Consort Xian nodded: "Your Majesty is quite right, but these matters will be handled by the court. I just feel that before that, I want to teach that Fang Ming a lesson, otherwise it will be difficult to quell the hatred in my heart!"

He almost lost his daughter; how could he not hate him?

Tao Yanyan smiled and said, "Don't worry, I have already arranged for people to teach them a lesson. We should receive news in a few days."

Consort Xian was very curious about how Empress Tao would teach that treacherous villain a lesson, so she couldn't help but ask.

Tao Yanyan's eyes darkened: "Hasn't he always touted himself as a gentleman, protecting his reputation, raising his status, and wanting to marry a princess? Then let him become a villain that everyone despises, be reduced to dust, have his reputation ruined, and never be able to harm women again."

Although Consort Xian hadn't expected what kind of methods would be used, she began to look forward to it after hearing the Empress's words.

The streets in winter come alive with bright lights and bustling nightlife after dark, and some people flock to places of entertainment. The entrance to Zuichunlou in Liuxiang is more crowded than elsewhere, with people stopping to watch, wondering why it is so packed today.

"You don't know yet, do you? I heard that the third son of the Fang family sold himself at Zuichun Pavilion today and even became the top courtesan! This young master is playing too fancy a game. We don't understand his tricks at all, but we still have to come and see what's going on."

"A son or nephew of an official family sold himself?" someone in the crowd exclaimed. "My God! Wouldn't that bring shame to the family and make them a laughingstock for the rest of their lives?"

"You know what, I've met the Third Young Master Fang. He's truly dashing, tall, and handsome. Young ladies and wives alike are all staring at him. Such a handsome young man... fine, I'll sell myself. I just wonder who will be the lucky one. I'm actually looking forward to it!"

"What's the use of your expectations? Can't you hear the bidding going on inside? The highest bidder wins!"

"Outrageous! Outrageous! I must impeach Lord Fang! His family's morals are corrupt and morally reprehensible!" Imperial Censor Qiu was stuck in traffic on his way home from his duty, his carriage unable to move an inch. Upon inquiring, he learned that the third son of the Fang family had become a courtesan and sold himself into prostitution at the Drunken Spring Pavilion. He was so angry that he pounded on the carriage window.

Inside the Drunken Spring Pavilion, Fang Ziming, who had been brought there unconscious, had been dressed in a brightly colored outfit, revealing his thin chest muscles, and he really did look like a top courtesan. Looking at the indenture he had signed with his fingerprint, he was so angry that he almost died on the spot.

"I... I didn't sign this document! You... you forced a woman into prostitution!" Fang Ziming's eyes were red with anger.

The madam sneered, "It's real money, ten taels of silver for the indenture, and the contract has been signed. How can you deny it? My Drunken Spring Pavilion is a legitimate business with all the necessary licenses and permits. It's cash on delivery, so don't even think about denying it!"

Fang Ziming's head was buzzing: "How much did you say? Ten taels of silver?" His eyes, which were already red with anger, were almost laughing at the number.