The Princess Consort stepped forward, intending to enter.
Suddenly, a tall figure appeared before her.
"Princess Consort, please stay your step."
Zang Xu, Prince Ling's副将 (fùjiàng - deputy general), was his deputy on the battlefield and his most capable assistant off it.
He was personally guarding the entrance.
"I merely wish to see if I can be of any assistance."
The Princess Consort was stopped but showed no displeasure.
Just as she had for so many years, a hint of calm and composed smile always graced her face: "I heard the Prince brought a guest home. As his Princess Consort, it is only right that I welcome her."
Zang Xu knew the Princess Consort meant no harm.
It was natural for the Princess Consort to attend to guests arriving at the manor.
"However, the Prince has ordered that no one is to enter."
Zang Xu did not wish to see the Princess Consort unhappy, so he quickly explained, "She is merely the daughter of an old friend. Princess Consort, please do not overthink it."
The Princess Consort immediately smiled, "What could I possibly overthink? Your Prince has never been close to women all these years. Even if you presented him with a peerless beauty, he would not be interested."
She smiled with a hint of helplessness, shook her head, and chuckled softly, "I am merely afraid of breaking protocol. Since my assistance is not needed for the welcome, you should attend to them properly."
"Later, have someone thoroughly clean and tidy up the Orchid Garden..."
"The Prince said that Miss Chu will be staying in his courtyard."
"Oh dear, your Prince is rough and uncouth, completely lacking in manners. How can he let a young lady stay in his courtyard?"
The Princess Consort frowned. She could agree to anything else, but not this.
"It will ruin the young lady's reputation! He doesn't care about such things!"
Zang Xu pondered, also finding himself in a difficult position. He couldn't help but scratch his head, "It seems... that makes sense. Then I..."
"Go and quietly speak to the Prince. Have that young girl move into the Orchid Garden. Don't let ignorance of protocol harm her."
"Alright, I will go and inform the Prince right away. Thank you for the reminder, Princess Consort. Then, Princess Consort, you..."
"I will return to my own affairs."
Since her attendance was not required, she would go back to attend to other matters.
The manor was vast, and as the matriarch, she had many things to manage and was quite busy.
"Oh, right. I'll have someone send over some pastries later. Since you're not letting anyone else in, you can deliver them yourself, understand? Don't neglect the guest."
It was rare for their Prince to bring a guest home.
He hadn't enjoyed making friends for over a decade.
With his stubborn temper, most people wouldn't dare provoke him.
When people formed factions and cliques to visit, the Prince mostly preferred not to see them, and even if he did, he wouldn't show much warmth.
This time, it was truly a rare occasion.
The Princess Consort returned to her courtyard. Before she could even open her ledger, a figure in goose-yellow rushed in from outside.
Prince Ling's daughter, Chu Qianqian.
As soon as Chu Qianqian entered, her face was etched with worry. "Mother Consort, something terrible has happened! Father King has brought a young lady into the manor and she's staying in his courtyard! My Father King is going to betray you! Mother Consort, what shall we do?"
The Princess Consort felt a headache coming on and rubbed her temples, just about to explain.
Outside, another slender figure strode in.
"Mother Consort! I heard that Father King has brought his mistress back to the manor!"
Chu Nandong, the Nan Shizi (Shizi - heir apparent of a princely title) personally conferred by the Emperor, rushed in with utmost urgency.
"Mother Consort, what do we do? Father King has been loyal to you for so many years, and now he can't resist breaking his vows! Will that mistress give him many sons, and will Father King stop doting on us? Mother Consort, what are we to do?"