Love at First Sight, Chapter 34: Not a Single Good Person

Wen Yueqing told Zun You what she had overheard last night, and Liu Yi had already informed him about the Second Prince's activities in the Mei Jin Courtyard. Zun You had not expected that his second brother would secretly train so many assassins; according to Wen Yueqing, Zun Xiu was also involved in bribery with the Ministry of War.

In truth, it was common among nobles and princes to train their own guards, attendants, spies, and assassins; there was nothing inherently wrong with that. Including Zun You himself, all the princes had their own elite guards, even spies. However, Zun Xiu’s covert collusion with the Ministry of War was another matter entirely; if the Emperor ever found out, it would be a grave offense.

As for the identity of the person who met with Zun Xiu yesterday, they had no idea. Wen Yueqing didn’t know Wu Yuntong, and by the time they had come out, Wu Yuntong had already left.

Upon learning all this, Zun You did not react much outwardly, though inwardly he thought, at last he had something to hold against his second brother. If only he could obtain proof. Though Zun You usually appeared carefree and easygoing, deep inside he harbored ambitions for the Crown Prince’s position. Otherwise, he would not have made himself so proficient in both the civil and martial arts; Zun You was, in fact, very clever, rarely forgetting anything he learned.

Because he found daily studies so easy, he never appeared to put in much effort, and his casual nature gave others the impression that he was undisciplined and frivolous.

“Little Moon, you’re really amazing, helping me overhear such important matters,” Zun You said with delight, gazing at Wen Yueqing.

“Little Moon?” Wen Yueqing was surprised; she had no idea when she had acquired such a nickname.

Zun You continued as if it were the most natural thing, “Yes, isn’t it a wonderful name? I’ll call you that from now on.”

Wen Yueqing rolled her eyes. “No, absolutely not. It’s far too childish.”

“I think it’s perfect, just right for you.” Zun You paid her protests no mind; he was determined to use the new nickname.

“It’s too cloying, as if you’re calling a child. If others hear it, how embarrassing!” Wen Yueqing objected strongly.

“Why are you so worked up? Fine, you tell me—what should I call you? It has to be something unique, just for me.” Zun You wanted her opinion.

Wen Yueqing pondered for a moment, then said, “I don’t know, but definitely not that one.”

“How about ‘Little Yueyue’?” Zun You proposed another name.

The famous face of the comedian Yue Yunpeng instantly flashed through Wen Yueqing’s mind. Supporting her head with her hand, she recalled how, in her previous life, Gao Yun had appeared on a variety show with him. Wen Yueqing nearly burst out laughing.

“No, that won’t do either,” Wen Yueqing said helplessly.

Seeing Zun You’s stubborn expression, she hesitated, then finally said, “Call me ‘Yue’er,’ all right? But you mustn’t use it in front of others.”

“Alright, alright—only when it’s just the two of us,” Zun You agreed after a moment’s consideration.

While the two of them laughed and chatted in the front courtyard, things were much less harmonious in the rear. Lady Tian once again brought Qiao’er with her to visit Lady Li.

“Sister Li, I’ve come to see you,” Lady Tian lifted the curtain and entered.

Lady Li was eating an apple; she didn’t rise upon seeing her but simply gestured for her to sit.

“Sister Tian, please, sit down. Here, have an apple,” she said, offering one.

Lady Tian didn’t stand on ceremony and sat right beside her. “Thank you, Sister, but I’m dieting these days. I can’t eat it. Unlike you, who eats for two now,” Lady Tian laughed, covering her mouth with a handkerchief.

Lady Li glanced down at her waistline, noting she had indeed grown rounder, but she didn’t mind and continued eating.

Lady Tian went on, “Sister Li, didn’t you say the prince would visit you yesterday? Yet this morning I heard that last night he left the residence with Wen Yueqing, and didn’t return until deep into the night. And both of them were thoroughly drunk.”

Hearing this, Lady Li set down her apple and glared at Cui’er, her maid, irritated. “Didn’t the prince say he had urgent matters this morning? How did it turn into him leaving with Wen Yueqing?”

Lady Li thought to herself, “That wretched girl—why does she know everything about the prince’s affairs, while I remain in the dark, even though Lady Tian knows?”

Cui’er dropped her head hastily under Lady Li’s glare; she had kept quiet out of fear that her mistress would be upset, thinking it was for Lady Li’s own good.

Seeing Lady Li’s expression, Lady Tian was delighted inside, though outwardly she feigned surprise. “Oh? Sister Li, you didn’t know?”

“I got up late today, so I’m not clear about the goings-on in the front courtyard,” Lady Li said with a pout.

“Then I must tell you properly. This morning, two carriages arrived outside the residence. One was loaded with piles of silk clothing and fabrics, the other with boxes of jewelry. All of it was gifts from the prince to Wen Yueqing,” Lady Tian said with exaggerated gestures, painting a vivid picture.

“What? Is that true?” Lady Li’s tone betrayed her anger.

“Of course it’s true; everyone in the front courtyard saw it. Oh, Sister Li, what is going on? She’s just a maid, yet the prince lavished her with so many gifts,” Lady Tian said, her face full of indignation.

Lady Li bit her lip. She was carrying the prince’s child, and he had only given her a handful of gifts. What was Wen Yueqing, anyway? Was she even worthy?

Lady Tian, seeing Lady Li’s silence, leaned closer. Lowering her voice, she said, “Sister Li, what do you suppose the prince means by this? Is he planning to make Wen Yueqing his concubine? You’re now pregnant and unable to attend to him, and he seldom visits me. But Wen Yueqing…”

She deliberately left her sentence unfinished, letting Lady Li draw her own conclusions.

Lady Li closed her eyes, covering her belly with one hand, taking several deep breaths. After a moment, she opened her eyes and said, “Sister Tian, I’m feeling unwell and need to rest. Forgive me for my poor hospitality.”

Lady Tian quickly replied, “Oh, Sister Li, are you alright? I shouldn’t have said anything. If I’d known, I’d have kept quiet.”

She stood and bowed. “I’ll take my leave, then. Please rest well.”

With that, Lady Tian withdrew. Once outside, she allowed herself a smile, thinking, “Unwell? That’s just as it should be.” She walked briskly back to her own chambers, eager to see if Lady Li would swallow her pride.

Cui’er, seeing Lady Li’s pallor, helped her onto the bed. “Miss, please don’t be angry. Lady Tian was really too much.”

Lady Li lay on the bed, her expression fierce. “She came just to gloat, and that Wen Yueqing—always scheming with the prince. Neither of them is any good.”