Marrying a royal playboy and becoming a glamorous matriarch

The princess rolled her eyes at him: "You're such a glutton. Seeing your wife so busy, you don't even offer to lend a hand."

Qin Pingan said lazily, "I won't get involved in those accounting matters. Let the capable people in the family do it; the capable should do more."

This attempt to shirk responsibility and shirk duty only earned him a roll of the eyes from the princess.

She reached out and patted Qin Ping'an's shoulder: "You lazybones, you're actually acting like you're right."

Qin Ping'an squinted, revealing a pained expression, and cried out "Ouch, ouch!" as he dodged the princess's hand, trying to beg for mercy.

"I won't dare to do it again, I won't dare to do it again!"

Lunch was served in the North Campus, and the dishes were naturally delicious and plentiful.

The princess's intentions were too obvious; she prepared many nourishing soups and medicinal dishes to replenish yin and yang.

Wei Qingrou pretended not to know and picked out the foods she liked to eat.

Anyway, it's not her who can't have children.

Qin Ping'an, however, couldn't stand it any longer. He fiddled with the food in his bowl, clicking his tongue in amazement, "How anxious is Mother?"

The princess gave him a reproachful look: "How can you not be in such a hurry?"

Qin Ping'an, who seemed completely indifferent, said, "Why rush me? You know my situation; I'm willing but unable to help."

The princess glared at him: "You always have to try."

Qin Ping'an raised an eyebrow and said, "How does Mother know I'm not working hard? I've already tried my best. You can ask her if you don't believe me."

Wei Qingrou's face flushed instantly. She lowered her head and ate her food without saying a word, a blush creeping up her ears.

The princess scolded angrily, "What nonsense are you talking about?"

Qin Pingan said nonchalantly, "Alright, alright, I will definitely work harder in the future so that my mother can hold her big, fat grandson as soon as possible."

The princess was finally satisfied. She turned around and put another piece of food on Wei Qingrou's plate, saying, "Qingrou, eat more."

Wei Qingrou quickly thanked her, "Thank you, Mother."

After dinner, Wei Qingrou stayed in the north courtyard to make arrangements, while Qin Ping'an went out on business.

With nothing else to do, the princess consort and Wei Qingrou made arrangements together.

Seeing that she had such an interest, Wei Qingrou explained her plans to the princess in detail.

"My daughter-in-law checked the customs of previous years, and the lanterns and red invitations have already been prepared."

"These paper-cut window decorations also have many auspicious patterns, such as magpies on branches and five blessings arriving at the door. We cut more of each one depending on which one Mother likes."

"Besides these, there are also New Year pictures, lanterns, kumquat bonsai, velvet flowers..."

The princess looked at the various decorations, which were complete in every category, and found no fault with them. She simply clapped her hands and said, "Alright, Qingrou, dress as you like. Mother will do whatever you want."

Wei Qingrou didn't need to do it herself; she could simply let the servants handle it according to the previous arrangements.

She was only holding some small trinkets, sitting next to the princess, and the two were talking.

While the princess was blending perfumes, she also busied herself with her own work.

The princess was bored, so she asked her, "What are you doing?"

Wei Qingrou's fingers flew across the paper, deftly turning it under the scissors to cut out beautiful and delicate patterns.

After cutting it out, Wei Qingrou carefully opened it, shook off the scraps of paper, and revealed a delicate pair of butterflies flying wing to wing.

The princess found it strange and asked, "Where is this thing, which is pointed at with a palm, supposed to be stuck?"

Wei Qingrou placed the butterfly on her head and laughed, "This is something we wear on our heads during the New Year. Children in the countryside can't afford new clothes for the New Year, so they cut out patterns from colored paper and tie them on their heads for good luck. I wore one when I was little too."

Upon hearing this, the princess recalled that she had been raised outside as a child and must have suffered a lot, and she couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

But seeing how many interesting things she told about her childhood, I secretly admired her character and smiled along with her.

"This looks quite festive."

Wei Qingrou said, "If Mother likes it, she might as well try it. The patterns on it are all drawn up, just cut them out."

The princess was also eager to try. She took the item, picked up the small scissors, and slowly cut it open, finally unfolding an eight-panel plum blossom peace picture.

The princess beamed from ear to ear, saying repeatedly, "Interesting."

After a busy afternoon, the decorations on the north side of the courtyard are finally finished.

Wei Qingrou and the princess went to see it together and found that red ribbons and colorful decorations were tied everywhere in the courtyard and kumquat bonsai were placed in the garden.

The round, plump kumquats are as bright yellow as the sunset, giving a feeling of abundance and prosperity. Kyoto families often place kumquats in their homes to symbolize good fortune, prosperity, and good luck.

The Spring Festival couplets on the main gate and the second gate were written by the prince himself. The strokes are vigorous, grand, and expansive, conveying a sense of lofty ambition.

Wei Qingrou secretly admired him; although her father-in-law, the prince, was always sickly, his calligraphy was truly excellent.

The princess was quite pleased with the newly decorated courtyard and praised Wei Qingrou repeatedly.

That evening, Wei Qingrou was invited to dine with them. The two enjoyed a warm hot pot meal and then happily played cards for a while until it got dark before Wei Qingrou was allowed to go home.

Once inside, Xia Xi was holding the account book.

Wei Qingrou asked, "Is there a problem with the Wangfu's losses?"

The Prince's residence does not tolerate broken items; anything even slightly damaged must be removed.

However, the losses must be clearly recorded in the loss log. Otherwise, if we are too lenient and don't take any action, there will be cases of theft and resale. Therefore, we need to take stock of the losses every year.

In the afternoon, she went to the North Courtyard to take care of things, leaving Xia Xi in the West Courtyard to check on the wear and tear.

Xia Xi said, "Reporting to Madam, we haven't found any problems, but there are some irregularities in Aunt Ying's accounts. I think it's better to let you know."

Wei Qingrou took the ledger and looked through it.

Xia Xi said, "There is too much damage in Aunt Ying's room. Although she has paid for it all, there are still too many things damaged. I am not sure if there is anything fishy going on."

Wei Qingrou flipped through the ledger and glanced at it briefly.

In just two or three months since winter began, I've already worn out seven or eight items, averaging three items per month.

If it was an accident, then the person serving them was far too careless; they could be sold off.

However, if it were said that she was secretly reporting losses in order to profit from them, Aunt Ying actually made up for the lost money, so it wasn't for the money.

Wei Qingrou thought for a moment and then said, "Find two maids to keep an eye on things. If anything seems amiss, report it immediately."

Xia Xi replied, "Yes."

Wei Qingrou then instructed, "I remember that the damaged items are supposed to be sent out of the manor, right? Even when they are sent for disposal, keep a close eye on them."

Xia Xi nodded in agreement.

After dealing with this matter, Wei Qingrou undressed, washed up, and was about to rest when Qin Ping'an returned.

He looked travel-worn and carried a chilly aura, as if he had been standing outside for a long time.

Wei Qingrou quickly had someone bring him red date and ginger soup, and then stuffed the hot water bottle into his arms.

Qin Ping'an was still being coy and didn't want it, but Wei Qingrou grabbed him and said forcefully, "Warm yourself up quickly, you're as cold as an ice cube. Who have you been out having a romantic time with?"

Qin Pingan grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms.

Holding a soft, warm body in his arms, Qin Ping'an exhaled a breath of cold air and smiled lazily and roguishly.

"Of course, it's the newly crowned top courtesan of Luoxian Tower. We chatted about everything from romance to poetry and literature."

Wei Qingrou rolled her eyes: "Do we also need to look at the stars and the moon?"

Qin Ping'an's chest vibrated slightly, and he chuckled.

"Well, actually we were taking the eldest prince back to the palace."

Wei Qingrou quickly asked, "What about my sister?"

Qin Pingan replied truthfully, "I didn't bring it. The Crown Prince went back secretly this time."

Wei Qingrou immediately became anxious.

"No matter how much the two of them argue, they can't just leave her outside alone, can they?"