cold clothes

After receiving the Empress's letter, Lady Yujing left the palace and went to the Prince's residence.

Liu Mama, the personal maid of the mistress of the Prince's mansion, came to greet her and led her into the main hall of the mistress's courtyard. Before she even stepped across the threshold of the hall, Liu Mama greeted her with a beaming smile, followed by the dignified and beautiful Miss Yuqing.

"Greetings, Lady-in-waiting. Please sit down. It's the dead of winter, so please have some hot tea to warm yourself up," said Madam Liu solicitously. A maidservant served Lady-in-waiting Yu Jing hot tea.

"Greetings, Lady-in-Waiting." Wang Yuqing moved with the grace of a willow swaying in the breeze, her voice as sweet as a nightingale's song in spring; even her gentle greetings were pleasing to the eye.

Despite the warm hospitality, Lady Yujing sat down on a pearwood chair covered with wool felt and took a sip of Miyunlong tea. This was an extremely precious tribute tea, only available to the imperial family and nobility. She could only drink it because she was associated with the Empress.

Lady Liu, taking a sip of tea, discreetly observed Lady Yujing's expression. Lady Yujing's calm demeanor suggested it wasn't anything serious, but what could possibly warrant such a visit? Lady Liu, no longer waiting, smiled and asked:

"Lady, what urgent matter does Her Majesty the Empress need us for?"

"Madam Wang, you will understand once you read Her Majesty the Empress's personal letter." With that, Lady Yujing handed the letter to Madam Liu.

After reading the letter carefully, Lady Liu understood the whole story. It turned out that she was to be instructed to train the Third Prince's newly acquired beauty.

The news that the Third Prince was keeping concubines outside the palace reached her ears, like a thorn stuck in her heart. It's said that men are inherently lustful; the Third Prince, who had remained celibate for eighteen years, finally broke his vow, and even set his sights on a lowly prostitute. However, a prostitute's lowly status shouldn't pose a threat to her daughter.

Besides, she naturally understood the Empress's intention in sending that prostitute to her door, so she was even less worried about the prostitute. That prostitute's name was Ningbi? She was rumored to be a famous courtesan? So what? She was utterly worthless.

"I see..." Lady Liu looked relieved after reading it. "Please inform Her Majesty the Empress, Your Excellency. I will definitely be able to transform this... girl of humble origins into a virtuous lady worthy of becoming a concubine of His Highness the Prince."

Yu Jing, the female official, smiled and said, "Her Majesty the Empress instructed me to inform Madam Wang that the woman named Ningbi seems to have some tricks up her sleeve, and has made the Third Prince quite fond of her. For the sake of the Third Prince and for Miss Yuqing, we must make her remember the rules of the inner quarters."

"Please inform Her Majesty, Lady Liu," Liu said, a venomous glint flashing in her eyes.

"Now that Her Majesty's decree has been conveyed, I must return to the palace to report. Madam Wang, farewell." Lady Yujing rose and left.

"Please take care, Your Excellency. Granny Liu, please see Your Excellency out of the mansion."

"Yes," Liu Mama replied.

Wang Yuqing, who had been quiet all along, also stood up to see the guest off, gently saying, "Take care."

After Lady Yujing left, Madam Wang resumed her dignified and imposing demeanor. She glanced at the Empress's handwritten letter again and said disdainfully, "Just a lowly prostitute, not worth your attention, Yuqing."

"Yes, Mother, what are your instructions?" Yuqing bowed her head to receive instruction.

Madam Wang's gaze softened. "You will handle this prostitute. Her Majesty the Empress surely intends to train you. You are the future Princess Consort of the Prince, and you will be in charge of the Prince's harem."

"Yes, mother."

"Remember to be ruthless in your actions; you're just too soft-hearted."

"……Yes."