Rebirth: Making a Fortune in Ancient Times

Consort Lu looked at her returning personal maid, fiddling with the flowers in her hand, and lazily asked...

"She agreed?"

"Yes, Consort Lu. She even gave me a few gold leaves, saying it was for me to buy flowers to wear." The maid held up the gold leaves that Madam Wang had just given her and showed them to Consort Lu.

"Well, since it's a reward for you, you can accept it. You've served me since you were little, and I won't mistreat you because of our years of friendship. As long as I'm doing well, you'll naturally be doing well too." Consort Lu subtly warned her.

Upon hearing her words, the maidservant was so frightened that she immediately knelt on the ground.

“Consort, ever since Madam sent me to serve Miss, my heart has always been with Miss, and I would never dare to deceive or betray my mistress in any way.”

"What are you doing? You've been by my side for so many years, of course I trust you. I just gave you a few words of advice, and you're already so frightened. If outsiders see this, they'll think we're not on good terms. Get up quickly. Take this pot of flowers to the Prince and tell him that Lady Wang is coming to admire the moon tonight."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The maid carried the potted plant with its trimmed branches out of the courtyard. Consort Lu watched her retreating figure, a slight smile playing on her lips. This maid was sent by Madam Lu, her stepmother. Although she had served her since childhood, she wasn't on her side.

She hadn't wanted to take her along when she got married, but her stepmother insisted that she come as part of the dowry, saying it was to help her. Didn't she see through her stepmother's intentions? She was simply afraid that if she married into a higher social class, she would become disobedient. Fortunately, the prince treated her well. Once she gave birth to the prince's child and secured her position in the prince's mansion, she would find an opportunity to deal with this girl who was trying to climb into his bed.

That evening, Madam Wang arrived as promised. To cooperate with Prince Ding'an and his entourage in their performance, she only brought two maids with her this time.

Consort Lu, who was waiting for her at the door, was quite surprised to see that she had only brought two maids with her. You see, she usually had more than a dozen people serving her when she went out, and at least four maids. It was really rare for her to have only two maids like tonight.

"Sister, why did you only bring two people today?"

"Hey, didn't I come here to admire the moon with you? Why bring so many people? They're so noisy."

Thinking of the prince's plan, Consort Lu felt that this was more convenient and smiled as she echoed her words.

“Sister is right. Let’s go in. Everything is ready inside. I’ve had some of your favorite fruits prepared…” Consort Lu took Lady Wang’s arm and walked inside, with two maids following quietly behind.

Inside the octagonal pavilion with its upturned eaves, sheer curtains draped the walls, providing shelter from the cool evening breeze while still allowing a glimpse of the garden bathed in soft light. On the tea table lay seven or eight exquisite pastries and fruits, along with a delicate wine pot.

"Little sister, are you getting ready for a couple of drinks?"

"Sister, this is fruit wine that the prince specially ordered to be brewed for me. Drinking it will not only beautify my skin and help me sleep well, but it also won't cause headaches."

"That's great, then I'm really benefiting from my sister's kindness today."

After the two were seated, Consort Lu personally poured a cup of wine for Lady Wang.

"Sister, try this fruit wine first and see if it suits your taste."

Lady Wang looked down at the clear, bright color of the wine in her glass. The aroma of citrus blended perfectly with the wine's fragrance, creating a unique flavor. Seeing the eager look in Consort Lu's eyes across from her, she smiled slightly, raised her glass, and drank. The taste was smooth and refreshing, leaving a lingering fragrance on her palate—a very peculiar and delightful experience.

"Is it good?" Consort Lu couldn't help but ask after seeing her remain silent for a long time after drinking a cup.

"Hmm, the taste is very unique, and it's delicious. Is this citrus wine?" Madam Wang smiled and nodded gently.

"This..." Consort Lu was about to answer when she heard a hearty laugh coming from outside the pavilion.

“Your Majesty’s guess is correct. It is indeed citrus wine. If you like it, I will have a servant send a few jars to you in a moment.” Prince Ding’an, dressed in a narrow-sleeved black robe with gold thread and dark patterns, stepped into the pavilion.

"May Your Highness be well"

The two men stood up when they heard the laughter, and bowed to each other as Prince Ding'an approached.

Prince Ding'an quickened his pace, personally helped Consort Lu to her feet, and stood beside her before speaking gently to Lady Wang, who was still bowing.

“Madam, please don’t stand on ceremony. I finished my official business and found that Min’er wasn’t in the courtyard. I asked the maid and learned that it was you, Madam. I thought that since we are acquaintances, I came to check on you. I hope I have disturbed your enjoyment?”

"Your Highness, I was just talking to my sister about this fruit wine, and she likes it very much too."

"Since you like it, have someone send a few jars to the inn for Madam to drink slowly," Zhou Ji immediately replied upon hearing Consort Lu's words.

"This humble woman truly enjoys the taste of fruit wine. Since that's the case, I'll shamelessly accept it. Thank you for the reward, Your Highness," Madam Wang said with a smile. Little did she know, she was sensitive to alcohol; after only one cup, her face was already flushed and her eyes were brimming with tears.

The Prince of Ding'an, who already harbored some feelings for her, was even more captivated by her appearance. However, remembering the important matter he had to attend to that day, he suppressed his desires. He secretly told himself that once he sat in that position, he could have any beauty he desired.

“Madam, I was impolite in my words yesterday. I hope you will not take offense.” The Prince of Ding’an’s tone was full of apology.

"I don't remember what Your Highness was talking about! Your Highness is always gentle and polite, there's nothing abrupt about it."

"Yes, Madam is right. I misspoke." Prince Ding'an exchanged a glance with Consort Lu beside him and quickly followed her words.

"But what has Madam thought about the matter of the silver we discussed yesterday?" Prince Ding'an brought up the old topic again.

"Your Highness, rest assured, I have already written a letter and will send it to your home tomorrow, explaining the whole story. I believe your family will definitely support you."

"The weather outside is not good these days, and the post stations are not as smooth as they used to be. Why don't you write the letter, Madam, and I will have someone deliver it to you personally?"

"Wouldn't that be too much trouble for Your Highness? The maids I brought are all capable; they can just go back and run the errand. I wouldn't dare trouble Your Highness's people!" Madam Wang smiled and rejected his suggestion.

“Oh, how can you call this trouble? If we really have to call it trouble, then it is I who have troubled you, Madam. The girls under your command are certainly capable, but with the chaos of war at this time, it is not safe for a young lady to travel alone. It would be more appropriate for me to send someone to deliver it.” Zhou Ji’s words seemed to be for Madam Wang’s benefit, but the underlying meaning was also very forceful.