Chapter Thirty-Five: The Majestic and Commanding Chief Steward

Xiao Tao and Su Yun sat on the bed, wrapped thickly in quilts. When Xiao Tao saw Liu Ling’er arrive, her eyes grew hot and she nearly burst into tears. She had spent all of last night crouched behind the door of Liu Ling’er’s bridal chamber—not to eavesdrop, but out of genuine concern that something might happen to her. She had dozed off in a haze, only to be shaken awake in the morning by Bai Li Xian. Upon returning, she caught a cold.

Su Yun was even more unfortunate. Not only had he fallen from a roof beam and ended up with a huge bump, but he had also spent the night lying on the floor. When he woke up the next day, it was Xiao Tao who brought him back; otherwise, he would probably be in the prince’s mansion dungeon by now!

Liu Ling’er was deeply moved, hurrying over to take Xiao Tao’s pulse. After determining what medicine both she and Su Yun needed, she turned to Yu’er and instructed her to fetch the herbs.

But Yu’er hesitated. “My lady, it’s not that I’m lazy or unwilling to help, but two of the medicines you asked for are rather expensive. I’ll have to go to the steward to get the money.”

Liu Ling’er frowned. This Prince Xian’s mansion was truly peculiar. Why did a steward sound so formidable? Why didn’t Bai Li Xian just dismiss him?

She had Yu’er lead the way to the accounting room. Only then did Liu Ling’er understand, after Yu’er’s explanation: this steward, Li Chao, had been dispatched by His Majesty, Bai Li Hai, himself. With the emperor’s golden token, it was no wonder he was so confident.

Upon entering the accounting room, Liu Ling’er saw a man sleeping soundly at the writing desk. She deliberately made her footsteps loud, but he did not stir. Clearly, he’d been up to no good the night before.

She rapped on the table and said, “Steward, I have urgent need of medicine and must withdraw some money!”

Li Chao was jolted awake by her voice, immediately growing irritable. Without even looking up, he replied gruffly, “Do you have a writ of authorization?”

Aren’t household servants supposed to be deferential? Liu Ling’er realized her mistake; she had been completely wrong. Judging by Li Chao’s attitude, she understood: a powerful steward could simply choose to ignore her.

Her willowy brows knitted, Liu Ling’er slapped the table. “Steward Li, I am the princess consort. I need money now, so move quickly.”

This time, Li Chao did look up, casting her a sidelong glance. As he scrutinized Liu Ling’er, she appraised him in turn, curious to see what sort of person could act so high and mighty as a mere steward in Prince Xian’s mansion.

He wore a blue robe, the kind common folk could never afford—a single garment could feed a family for a year. Clearly, serving here as steward was a lucrative post. His features were passable, but there were faint shadows under his eyes—a telltale sign of frequenting brothels or overindulgence. His gaze was calculating and sinister, the mark of a true villain.

Li Chao stared at Liu Ling’er, greed flickering in his eyes as if he wished to swallow her whole. But when she grew angry, he looked at her with utter contempt. “Well, well! So you’re the princess consort? Forgive me! And I suppose I’m the prince! You want to withdraw money without a writ? Are you out of your mind? If the accounts don’t balance, who will answer for it?”

Hearing his righteous tone, delivered without a hint of shame, Liu Ling’er was momentarily stunned by his brazenness.

She gritted her teeth. “Are you giving it or not? My patience is limited—don’t force me to lose my temper and resort to violence!”

Li Chao grinned slyly. “Heh! My answer’s the same: no token, no money. If you’re so tough, hit me! Go on, try it!”

He even leaned his left cheek toward her, utterly indifferent. Liu Ling’er was so angry her stomach hurt. Seeing his provocation, she swung her arm and slapped him hard. “Scoundrel! Give you an inch and you take a mile. What can you do to me now that I’ve hit you?”

Li Chao was dumbfounded. He was appointed by imperial decree as steward of the prince’s mansion—even the prince must show him some respect. He was used to being the one handing out punishment—who dared strike him? Furious and humiliated, he shouted, “Just you wait! Hit me again if you dare. I swear you’ll regret this!”

Liu Ling’er decided to oblige him. Since he insisted on being slapped, she would grant his wish, even if it made her own hand ache. She slapped him again, and his face swelled like a steamed bun.

While Li Chao was still reeling, Liu Ling’er grabbed Yu’er and hurried out, complaining as they went, “Why is Li Chao so shameless, begging to be hit? Ugh, my hand hurts so much!”

Li Chao finally came to his senses and began to howl, rushing out to punish Liu Ling’er, but she was already nowhere to be found. Fuming, he returned to his room, vowing, “Liu Ling’er, don’t let me catch you! The next chance I get, you’re done for!”

Liu Ling’er then had Yu’er lead her to find Tie Wula. Upon seeing him, she asked, “Tie Wula, tell me honestly, where has the prince gone?”

Tie Wula’s face changed, but after some hemming and hawing, he finally confessed, “The master went to Moon Phoenix Pavilion, to meet Lord Wuyou.”

“Moon Phoenix Pavilion? What kind of place is that? Tie Wula, can you take me there?” Liu Ling’er asked innocently, her eyes wide.

Tie Wula’s face turned ashen. That was a place he did not even dare imagine visiting, and yet Liu Ling’er wanted to go! Absolutely not—he could never tell her.

In the end, Liu Ling’er couldn’t get any information about the Moon Phoenix Pavilion from Tie Wula. Considering his taciturn nature, she stomped her foot and went off in search of the maid Xiaocui.