Chapter 14: Picking a Fight, Part 1

Yu Qingyan sat in the front hall, glancing at the ledger Wang Fu handed her.
“What is this?”
“This was sent earlier by Lady Rou. It’s the household account book for this residence. Please have a look, Your Highness.”
Yu Qingyan frowned. “So Lady Rou used to manage this?”
“Yes.”
Yu Qingyan handed the book to a nearby maid. “Then let her continue managing it.”
“Yes.”
“Is there anything else?”
“All the concubines of the Lord are waiting outside the Bamboo Grove Garden to pay their respects to Your Highness.”
“Very well, let them in. You may leave now.”

Yu Qingyan took her seat at the head of the room and watched as four flamboyantly dressed women strutted in, filling the space with the heavy scent of makeup that made her want to cough.
“Sisters, today we’ve finally opened our eyes. This is the former Empress herself.”
“How can you be so rude, sister? Now she is the mistress of our lord’s residence.”
“Mistress? The Emperor has already ordered the entire Yu family executed. How can she possibly deserve that title? I don’t understand why the Lord still allows her to live here!”

“Everyone, let’s say less…”
“Afraid of her? What’s she going to do, eat you?” The first woman who spoke swayed her slender waist as she approached Yu Qingyan. “Don’t think that having the title of ‘Idle Princess’ means you truly are. The Lord took you in out of kindness. You’d better know your place!”

Yu Qingyan raised an eyebrow and suddenly struck her with a slap. The woman’s eyes widened in disbelief. “How dare you hit me!”
Before anyone could react, Yu Qingyan delivered another slap with the back of her hand, knocking the woman to the ground, where she lay unable to rise.
“Madam, are you alright?” A maid by the woman’s side hurried to help her up.
“Is that all you have to say?”

Yu Qingyan stood, looking at the troublesome women before her. Just as she was about to speak, footsteps sounded outside the door again.
Lin Wanrou entered, glanced at those in the room, and then respectfully bowed to Yu Qingyan. “Concubine Lin pays respects to Your Highness.”
Yu Qingyan was momentarily taken aback by her kneeling. Among these women, her appearance was the most striking, her delicate features radiating gentleness. Not just men, even looking at her was a comfort.
“No need for such formalities, sister. Meixiang, bring tea.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Yu Qingyan looked her over. “So you are Lady Rou.”
“That’s right.”
“From now on, you will manage the affairs of the residence. Things will continue as they have.”
“Your Highness trusts me, Wanrou will do her utmost.”

Apart from the woman who had been struck down, the other three exchanged glances and then knelt before Yu Qingyan.
“Concubines Wei, Jiang, and Chen pay respects to Your Highness.”
Yu Qingyan raised an eyebrow and cast another glance at Lady Rou seated below. This woman was truly extraordinary.
Lin Shi, Wanrou?
Jingfei is Lin Wanqing. Could they be sisters?
Lin Wanqing has already been granted the title of Consort, so why is Lin Wanrou still just a concubine in the Idle Prince’s residence?

Yu Qingyan smiled. “Everyone, please sit. Don’t just stand there.”
Just as Lady Yin, still supported by a maid, was about to sit, Yu Qingyan suddenly said, “Meixiang, escort Lady Yin out. The Bamboo Grove Garden is small and cannot accommodate a Buddha as large as Lady Yin.”
Meixiang looked cautiously at Yu Qingyan, then bowed to Lady Yin. “Lady Yin, please.”
“I… I will definitely tell the Lord!”
“Tell the Lord what? How you caused a scene in the Bamboo Grove Garden?”