The Eldest Princess Is So Annoying! - Chapter 17

Mu Xu did not sleep at all that night.

She tossed and turned in bed, her mind filled with the messages Qie Ge had sent through the maid. No matter how long she thought about them, she could not tell which parts were true and which were false.

She only hated that she knew nothing of medicine. Otherwise, how could Qie Ge have toyed with her so easily?

Mu Xu kept her eyes wide open, afraid that if she so much as blinked, her hands might begin to fester.

As a result, when she rose the next morning, two enormous dark circles hung beneath her eyes. Taohua was so startled that she hurriedly applied powder to Mu Xu’s face, managing to conceal them somewhat.

The moment the hour of the Snake arrived, a carriage from the Eldest Princess’s residence stopped outside the courtyard.

Mu Xu walked out, and Qingqian stepped forward.

“Miss Mu, please board the carriage!”

Her voice sounded the same as usual, yet Mu Xu vaguely sensed something different about her today.

Was there perhaps a touch more respect in her tone?

Mu Xu had no time to dwell on it.

After bowing to Qie Ge, she was about to climb into the carriage when a pale hand unexpectedly extended from behind the gauze curtain.

Without question, it belonged to Qie Ge.

Was Qie Ge trying to pull her up?

That thought was quickly rejected.

Qie Ge might genuinely intend to help her, but she probably intended to tease her as well. Who knew whether she would suddenly let go midway and send Mu Xu sprawling backward?

When Mu Xu did not offer her hand for a long time, Qie Ge asked, “What is wrong? Are you afraid I might harm you?”

Mu Xu bit her lip.

Had Qie Ge not harmed her enough already?

First, she had made Mu Xu fall from a stool. Then she had forced her to move a stone stool. Afterward, she had sent a maid to frighten her so badly that she could not sleep all night.

“Mu Xu would not dare.”

Qie Ge laughed softly.

She claimed she would not dare, but did that not clearly mean she was afraid Qie Ge would harm her?

Qie Ge had not intended to tease Mu Xu in the slightest just now. It was rare for her to show kindness, but since Mu Xu refused to accept it, she let the matter drop.

Taohua and Cuizhu helped Mu Xu into the carriage, and she sat down some distance away from Qie Ge.

Who could have imagined that the first time they rode in a carriage together, Qie Ge had still been Miss Nangong and the two of them could barely be considered friends?

Now, Qie Ge was the incomparably noble Eldest Princess, while Mu Xu was about to become her Prince Consort.

Mu Xu’s behavior struck Qie Ge as particularly amusing.

“Prince Consort, why are you sitting so far away? Do you think I might eat you?”

Qie Ge pointed to the space closer to her.

“Come here. Sit here.”

Mu Xu looked at her.

She was extremely unwilling, but what choice did she have?

She could only rise obediently and shuffle closer with her head lowered.

Mu Xu believed she had concealed her grievance and reluctance perfectly.

She had no idea that Qie Ge could see every thought in her heart with complete clarity.

Since they would soon be arriving at the Cai residence, Qie Ge decided not to argue with her.

Only after Mu Xu sat closer did Qie Ge notice the additional powder on her face. Looking carefully, she could faintly make out dark circles beneath it.

It seemed Mu Xu had not slept well last night.

Or perhaps she had not slept at all.

Qie Ge smiled faintly.

“Did the Prince Consort sleep well last night?”

Mu Xu lowered her head slightly.

“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I slept very well.”

Qie Ge laughed softly, but a chill gradually entered her eyes.

Under her stare, Mu Xu felt her scalp go numb.

The surrounding air seemed to solidify, and even breathing became exceptionally difficult.

She lowered her head even further.

Mu Xu’s heart rose into her throat.

She knew she had said the wrong thing.

She should not have lied so recklessly to Qie Ge merely because Qie Ge had teased her.

Her heart filled with unease.

If Her Highness punished her, Mu Xu would accept it.

But if Qie Ge became angry and took it out on Jiang Huaisheng, that would be disastrous.

“I dislike people who lie. There will not be a next time.”

Mu Xu secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

She no longer dared relax in the slightest.

People often said that accompanying a ruler was like accompanying a tiger.

Today, she finally understood.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Qie Ge closed her eyes and instructed, “Qingqian, explain it to her.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

“Qingqian will now tell Miss Mu about the Cai residence. Miss Mu must remember everything carefully.”

Mu Xu hurriedly sat upright and listened attentively.

Who beneath the heavens did not know the name Cai Qifeng?

He was one of the greatest literary masters of the age and a veteran official who had served two emperors.

His temperament was merely somewhat eccentric.

Qingqian said, “After arriving at the Cai residence, Miss Mu need not concern herself with anyone else. She only needs to make Madam Cai happy.”

Mu Xu nodded, waiting for Qingqian to continue.

She waited and waited, but Qingqian showed no intention of saying anything else.

Mu Xu looked at her in confusion.

Was that all?

People said one should cater to another person’s preferences. Qingqian wanted her to make Madam Cai happy, yet Mu Xu did not even know what Madam Cai liked.

How was she supposed to please her?

Qingqian thought for a moment.

It seemed she had omitted one important matter.

She added, “Miss Mu, do not be afraid.”

“……”

Do not be afraid?

That was no different from saying nothing at all.

How could Mu Xu possibly not be afraid?

Countless thoughts filled her mind.

She was terrified that she might accidentally anger Madam Cai later.

What would she do if that truly happened?

When they arrived at the Cai residence, Cai Qifeng, his wife, and all the servants of the household were waiting at the entrance.

Mu Xu and Qingqian stepped down first. Qingqian then helped Qie Ge from the carriage.

Everyone knelt and bowed to Qie Ge.

“This subject—this subject’s wife—greets Your Highness Qie Ge!”

“This servant greets Your Highness Qie Ge!”

Qie Ge raised one hand slightly.

“Dispense with the formalities.”

“Thank you, Your Highness Qie Ge!” everyone answered in unison.

Cai Qifeng stepped forward and invited Qie Ge inside.

“Your Highness, please.”

Qie Ge inclined her head.

Mu Xu followed behind her, secretly sweeping her gaze over the surrounding people.

A woman stood beside Cai Qifeng, and there appeared to be no one else.

With the Eldest Princess arriving, should the entire family not have come to welcome her?

Could the rumors be true?

Was Cai Qifeng truly devoted to only his wife, without taking a single concubine?

Once they entered the hall, Qie Ge cupped her hands.

“This student greets Teach—”

Before she could finish, Cai Qifeng interrupted her with a stern expression and no trace of courtesy.

“If Your Highness has come to this humble residence in your capacity as the Eldest Princess, this old subject would not dare fail to welcome you. But if you have come as this old man’s student, then leave.”

The atmosphere instantly became awkward.

Mu Xu was especially shocked.

Cai Qifeng was actually Her Highness’s teacher?!

Did rumors not say that Cai Qifeng refused to accept students?

Even if he was her teacher, he was still a subject.

How could he dare show the Eldest Princess such displeasure?

Beneath the heavens, Cai Qifeng was probably the only person who would dare do such a thing.

A trace of helplessness flashed through Qie Ge’s eyes.

It seemed Teacher still had not forgiven her.

In the end, she withdrew her salute.

“This is Mu Xu.”

Mu Xu smiled gently and bowed respectfully to the couple.

“Mu Xu greets Adoptive Father and Adoptive Mother.”

Cai Qifeng let out a cold snort.

Although he was dissatisfied, he would not publicly embarrass the emperor.

That brother and sister were both more troublesome than the other. Now they had even appointed a female Prince Consort.

It was completely absurd!

Taking a female Prince Consort was bad enough, but they had also sent her to his residence and dragged him into the matter.

How could Cai Qifeng fail to understand what those two were plotting?

They wanted the Cai family to protect her?

Not a chance!

Although Cai Qifeng thought this way, Madam Cai was not of the same mind.

She liked Mu Xu the moment she saw her and had been staring at her ever since they entered the hall.

Since Madam Cai had not yet spoken, Mu Xu did not know what she should say.

Whenever Madam Cai looked at her, Mu Xu returned a smile, though she grew increasingly nervous inside.

Madam Cai was delighted, and some of her worries faded.

Qie Ge glanced at Madam Cai and Mu Xu.

She understood her teacher’s temperament better than anyone.

Whenever matters of state were involved, he would disregard everything else.

“Lord Cai, may I speak with you privately?”

Seeing Qie Ge’s serious expression, Cai Qifeng understood.

He said, “Your Highness, this way.”

After the two left, Madam Cai began examining Mu Xu even more openly.

Mu Xu grew somewhat uncomfortable beneath her gaze, unable to understand what Madam Cai intended.

She was afraid of saying the wrong thing.

Surely addressing her as Adoptive Mother could not be wrong.

Regardless of whether Madam Cai accepted her, Mu Xu called again, “Adoptive Mother.”

Her voice was exceptionally gentle, creating an indescribable sense of comfort.

Madam Cai wanted to speak, but feared frightening Mu Xu.

After struggling for a while, she finally asked, “Child, are you Liu’er’s Prince Consort?”

Mu Xu froze.

She stood there blankly, all her earlier anxiety instantly driven away by shock.

That rough, hoarse voice could not possibly belong to a woman!

Had Madam Cai been standing behind a screen while speaking, Mu Xu would undoubtedly have assumed she was a burly man!

Seeing Mu Xu’s reaction, Madam Cai’s eyes dimmed.

Her voice had resembled a man’s since childhood. After suffering a fever once, it became even more pronounced.

She had sought countless renowned physicians, but all of them said there was nothing they could do.

After she reached marriageable age, many men came to propose. But the moment she spoke, the suitors were so frightened that they fled as fast as they could.

Some even forgot to take back their betrothal gifts, terrified that she might cling to them.

After spending some time in despair, she gave up all hope of marrying.

Then, by chance, she rescued Cai Qifeng on the street.

Afterward, Cai Qifeng repeatedly came to visit her residence and even brought people to propose marriage.

She believed he had come to mock her and attacked him with her fists and feet.

Yet no matter how often she drove him away or beat him, Cai Qifeng would leave that day and return the next.

Over time, sincerity revealed itself.

Seeing how genuine he was, she eventually agreed to the marriage.

Their loving marriage became a celebrated story.

Unfortunately, Heaven did not grant every wish.

After Madam Cai suffered a miscarriage, her body was damaged, and she could no longer bear children.

She was devastated.

Her prolonged weeping further injured her throat, making her voice even harsher and more unpleasant.

The couple both adored children.

At first, they considered adopting a child from within the clan.

But whenever Madam Cai spoke, the babies immediately burst into loud sobs. Their mothers were heartbroken and naturally refused to let Madam Cai take them.

Later, the couple thought that adopting an older child might be better.

But the moment Madam Cai spoke, the little girl was so terrified that she nearly fainted from crying, screaming that she wanted to go home to her parents.

Helpless, Madam Cai turned her attention toward Cai Qifeng and urged him to take a concubine.

But Cai Qifeng refused no matter what she said.

The late emperor had doted greatly upon Qie Ge.

He spent more than half a year searching for a teacher worthy of her.

After careful consideration, Cai Qifeng was the only suitable choice.

Yet no matter how many times the late emperor raised the matter openly or indirectly, Cai Qifeng refused.

The late emperor was deeply calculating and knew Cai Qifeng’s weakness.

He therefore frequently allowed Qie Ge to leave the palace.

She went nowhere else.

She came directly to the Cai residence.

As a child, Qie Ge had been delicate and adorable, like a doll carved from jade. Her voice had been soft and sweet as well.

Every time she called Madam Cai “Teacher’s Wife,” Madam Cai beamed with joy, her heart practically blooming.

Most importantly, Qie Ge was not afraid of her.

Therefore, Qie Ge’s success in becoming Cai Qifeng’s student was entirely thanks to Madam Cai.

Cai Qifeng feared his wife.

If Madam Cai said one thing, he did not dare say another.

As long as one won Madam Cai over and persuaded her to whisper a few words beside his pillow, any request would certainly be granted.

That was why Qingqian had given Mu Xu those instructions.

Noticing Madam Cai’s dejection, Mu Xu seemed to understand the reason.

So it was because of her voice.

She had probably been born this way.

If so, Madam Cai was truly pitiful.

Mu Xu was simple and kindhearted by nature.

How could she bear to see Madam Cai so upset?

A smile curved at the corners of her lips.

“Reporting to Adoptive Mother, I am.”

Madam Cai raised her eyes.

The darkness within them vanished completely, and secret delight filled her heart.

Just like Liu’er, Mu Xu was not afraid of her?

“Child, you… you are not afraid of me?”

Mu Xu shook her head.

Because of her voice, Madam Cai was probably more easily hurt than ordinary people.

Mu Xu smiled.

“Adoptive Mother truly knows how to joke. How could an adopted daughter possibly be afraid of her adoptive mother?”

Madam Cai had always wanted a daughter.

Seeing Mu Xu so gentle, lovable, and every bit the refined young lady of a great household, she was exactly as Madam Cai had always imagined her daughter would be.

Her happiness grew even greater.

Since Mu Xu was Liu’er’s Prince Consort, she naturally had to be wonderful.

Madam Cai took Mu Xu by the hand and began leading her toward the rear courtyard.

“When Liu’er was young, she often visited the residence. Her favorite place was Ziyuan Pavilion. Adoptive Mother will take you to have a look!”

Surprise flashed through Mu Xu’s eyes.

She had not expected Madam Cai to accept her so quickly.

But looking at the hand holding hers, she could not bring herself to pull away.

She feared hurting Madam Cai again.

“All right.”