Chapter 85

Qiu Liang saw that Chu Lingyue had made up her mind, so she held her tongue and said no more. With two Dark Guards watching over them, she felt confident about their safety.

The thought of those Dark Guards made Qiu Liang turn to Tang Jin. “There are two matters. I’ve learned that the Xiaoyao Prince’s Side Consort is your birth mother. If you can use that connection to gauge the Xiaoyao Prince’s intentions, so much the better.”

She had spoken with Jia Yi and Jia Er before entering the room and heard the full story from the two Dark Guards.

Tang Jin took a deep breath, keeping her expression calm. “What’s the other matter?”

She wasn’t sure how much Old compatriot knew of Lady Qian’s past, nor if there were hidden details beyond her own suspicions. But she had no desire to ask.

Qiu Liang nodded and continued. “The other is that old beggar who tailed you. He has ties to the Xiaoyao Prince’s Mansion…”

Tang Jin’s head throbbed as she listened. She knew next to nothing about the domestic intrigues of the high and mighty.

Chu Lingyue, however, caught on quickly. “We’ll keep an eye on it. Thank you, Magistrate Qiu.”

Qiu Liang nodded. “In any case, stay vigilant. As for the Empress, I’ll consult Her Majesty tomorrow and then come find you.”

Prince An meant to exploit Chu Lingyue’s resemblance to the Empress, putting them on the defensive. But handled shrewdly, they could seize the advantage.

Still, with the Empress involved, Qiu Liang couldn’t act rashly on her own.

With that, she took her leave.

Tang Jin sighed. “Tomorrow won’t be peaceful.”

Chu Lingyue paused for a moment before releasing her hand. “We’ll see how it plays out.”

Tang Jin’s gaze darkened at the sight of her freed hand, but it brightened again in an instant.

After all, they now shared a bed without the old constraints of propriety. It was the start of a true romance.

Short of consummating their union, she could do anything she pleased—including holding Chu Lingyue while they slept.

“A-Jin, get some rest,” Chu Lingyue said with a soft sigh as Tang Jin’s hand settled on her waist.

The sigh carried a hint of resignation—not too heavy, but enough to betray her feelings.

Her priorities loomed large: first, the schemes from Prince An’s Mansion; second, scraping together silver for the journey to the Imperial Capital; romance could wait…

Tang Jin’s fingers stilled. She obediently closed her eyes. “Alright, let’s sleep.”

Tomorrow would demand all her wits. Best to rest and gather her strength now.

Of course, she wasn’t backing down. This was playing the long game, setting aside matters of the heart for one night. It wouldn’t kill her.

The next day dawned bright and clear.

After a simple breakfast, Tang Jin and her companions boarded their carriage and set off for the Xiaoyao Prince’s Mansion.

The gates were decked out with lanterns and colorful decorations. A steady stream of guests arrived for the birthday banquet.

Tang Jin glanced at the line of people presenting gifts and realized with a start, “Oh no—we didn’t prepare a birthday present.”

The four of them exchanged looks before silently retreating to the carriage.

Old Madam Tang spoke first. “This Old Lady brought nothing but her walking stick.”

Chu Lingyue said nothing, merely shaking her head.

Tang Jin turned hopefully to Tang Mian.

Tang Mian fumbled awkwardly at her waist, producing a dagger, then drew a short knife from her calf. “This is all I’ve got. Can I give these?”

Tang Jin’s mouth twitched. As if.

“How much silver did everyone bring? Pool it quick—we need to buy something proper.”

Old Madam Tang repeated herself. “Just my walking stick.” She hadn’t even considered spending on this outing.

Tang Mian spread her hands, dagger in one, knife in the other. No silver on her either.

Only Chu Lingyue produced twenty taels in loose silver from her pouch and handed it to Tang Jin. “How much do you have? We need to get something now, or we’ll be late.”

In Hundred Blades City, banquets favored early arrivals. The later guests tended to be the truly prominent ones, drawing all eyes.

Their group couldn’t afford to lag behind.

“I didn’t bring much either. Should we head back to Tower Beyond Towers?” Tang Jin had been too distracted with idle fancies the night before to think of it.

Chu Lingyue fell silent. She’d never troubled herself with such details before, and this was her first such occasion in a decade. It had slipped her mind.

As for Old Madam Tang and Tang Mian… well, they were just there for the feast.

With no objections, Tang Jin signaled Tang Mian to turn the carriage around. But that would draw attention.

They had barely rounded the corner when someone blocked their path.

Jia Er tossed a jade pendant into the carriage, his face dark. “This Hibiscus Jade Pendant is an imperial gift. Use it for now.”

Tang Jin snatched it up and instinctively looked to Chu Lingyue. Would this work?

Chu Lingyue examined it closely. “Fine hibiscus jade, top quality. Worth at least a thousand taels. That’ll do.”

Tang Jin’s heart ached at the sum, but she relaxed.

“Thanks, Brother Jia Er. I’ll repay you with a thousand-tael silver note when we get back.”

Jia Er said nothing, leaping away and vanishing.

“A thousand taels of silver—that’s no small loss,” Jia Yi murmured, seeing his brother’s sour expression. “But we need to get into the Prince’s Mansion early. Duty first.”

The brothers couldn’t stray far from Tang Jin and Chu Lingyue. Entering promptly would let them scout secure vantage points.

Jia Er rolled his eyes. “Got it.”

He wasn’t upset over the silver. This was the one imperial gift he’d received in years—his chance to brag to the lads, gone.

What a gut punch.

The carriage returned to the mansion gates.

“Chief Shopkeeper Tang of Tower Beyond Towers, presenting one piece of Dushan hibiscus jade.”

Tang Jin’s group finally entered the Xiaoyao Prince’s Mansion.

Steward Bai hurried over at the mention of Tower Beyond Towers and escorted them to the front row on the left, right by the main table.

Tang Jin and Chu Lingyue sat beside Old Madam Tang. As Tang Mian moved to join them, Steward Bai held up a hand.

“Maids stand and serve,” he said kindly. Mixing servants with masters lacked decorum and invited mockery.

Tang Mian glared. Who are you calling a maid?

Oh, right—she was playing the part this time.

She took a deep breath and stationed herself behind Chu Lingyue. At least she’d make her mistress look regal and beautiful.

The mansion brimmed with guests, but only elites gained entry: officials and nobles, or merchant magnates.

Each arrived sharp-eyed and suspicious. Seeing Tang Jin’s group seated upfront, they exchanged knowing glances.

Tower Beyond Towers had never rated such prime spots before—just a manager, not the owner.

The seed of doubt planted, they turned back to the gates. Later arrivals were the real heavyweights.

“Prince An arrives…” He and his son took seats at the main table.

“Prefect Li arrives…” Prefect Li and his family settled opposite Tang Jin, at the first table on the right, also by the main.

Finally, Xiaoyao Prince and Lady Qian entered and sat.

Xiaoyao Prince surveyed the guests, then rose with a cup in hand.

Everyone stood.

“Today marks my beloved consort’s birthday. Your presence honors our humble abode. This Prince thanks you all.”

He drained his cup and sat, drawing Lady Qian’s hand down with him.

Cheers and felicitations rang out. The banquet began in earnest.

Cups clinked amid lively banter, the hall buzzing.

Yet two tables simmered with unease. At the main, Prince An and his son offered bare toasts before falling silent, their eyes flicking between Tang Jin’s table and Prefect Li’s.

Xiaoyao Prince was distracted, pondering the surprise he had planned for Lady Qian.

Lady Qian, spotting Tang Jin and Old Madam Tang, went rigid, a tense inkling dawning about her husband’s intentions.

Tang Jin’s table held just the three women.

Old Madam Tang shoveled food without a glance elsewhere, the picture of a guest here only to eat.

Tang Jin watched Chu Lingyue’s every move. Though new to grand banquets, she knew ancient dining customs were rife with pitfalls. Best to mimic Chu Lingyue and avoid slips.

Chu Lingyue ate calmly and quietly, her every gesture a delight to behold.

Tang Mian alone wore a look of utter misery, practically starving in place. She regretted the maid disguise—no bites for her now.

Midway through, Prince An rose unsteadily.

Xiaoyao Prince frowned but held his peace. With so many watching, brotherly discord mustn’t show.

All eyes turned to Prince An.

He raised his cup to the assembly. “Today is my royal sister-in-law’s birthday. This King is overjoyed— a toast to you all.”

Smiles met his gesture as cups rose and drank.

Prince An’s face flushed with drunken abandon. He refilled and made straight for Tang Jin’s table.

“This young lady looks unfamiliar. From which household? A valued guest of the Prince’s Mansion, I see.”

His gaze fixed on Chu Lingyue, voicing the crowd’s curiosity.

In Hundred Blades City, left was honored—note Prefect Li on the right. This new Tower Beyond Towers chief manager must be someone important.

Lady Qian tugged Xiaoyao Prince’s sleeve.

He patted her hand, bidding patience.

He wanted to see what mischief his younger brother would stir.

Chu Lingyue’s face remained impassive as she rose and curtsied. “This common wife is the rightful spouse of Tower Beyond Towers’s Manager Tang. I pay my respects to Your Highness, the County Prince.”

Xiaoyao Prince stared hard at her face and chuckled. “Such enduring charms, madam. Come, drink with this Prince.”

The resemblance to Empress Chu was uncanny. Surely his brother saw it too.

Today, he’d cement his reputation for coveting her beauty—in plain sight of all—to cover his tracks later.

Xiaoyao Prince waited, but Lady Qian could not. She rose unconsciously.

She knew Chu Lingyue was Tang Jin’s wife—her own daughter’s rightful spouse.

Lady Qian’s movement made Old Madam Tang, who had been eating steadily, slam down her chopsticks with a bang.

The sharp crack drew every eye.

Prince An’s face soured. “What rudeness from this old woman. Do you think this is some tavern, to smash chopsticks before this King?”

The hall fell silent.

Old Madam Tang stood, wine cup in hand. She moved to Chu Lingyue’s side, resting her walking stick on the girl’s shoulder with one hand. “Good child, sit.”

With the other, she raised her cup and cracked a grin. “You’re the County Prince, eh? Word is you’re not entirely shameless—always chasing married women. This Old Lady’s wed too. Am I still charming, then?”

What gall, to bully her precious one. She was all in—testing if Lady Qian’s heart was true or feigned.

“Second Brother, you’ve had too much,” Xiaoyao Prince said, rising at last before his brother could retort.