A Willing Mistake, My Lady – Chapter 62
by Little PandaThe Heir Takes the Fall
The County Princess’s Fake Lin Daiyu1
Through the open window, the light gauze curtains fluttered outward, shrouding the entire frame in a pale pink shadow, with half of the fabric still billowing outside.
Upon the walls inside the room hung sensual, erotic paintings—the sort of spring scenes that would stir desire in anyone who looked at them.
On the bed shrouded in misty gauze, that fragile, easily bullied little white flower2 was held fast in an embrace, a hand locked around her waist.
“Ah Yin, don’t be like this. Let go,” Qingyao’s voice was soft and weak, yet it carried a firm resolve.
Zhao Lanyin felt a spark of anger at her lukewarm, indifferent tone.
“Why should I? I won’t let go, and what can you do about it? Besides, what did you say to that Shen fellow? Did you wish us a long and harmonious marriage? Did you know he already has a first wife? You know nothing at all!” Zhao Lanyin spoke muffledly, burying her head from behind into the smooth, white crook of Qingyao’s neck.
Her fingers, however, did not hesitate as they unfastened the sash around Qingyao’s waist.
“Ah… He… How could he have a wife?” Zhao Lanyin’s hands were so cold that a shiver ran down Qingyao’s spine, raising goosebumps on her skin.
The pale green robe was slid off her shoulders, pooling around her waist. Her soft, lustrous, porcelain-pale body was far more worth looking at than the little white flower’s face.
“Don’t do this, be good… If Young Master Shen won’t do, there are others. Don’t waste your time on me, we can never be… Ah…!” Halfway through her sentence, she was interrupted by a sudden, sharp pinch.
Having been distracted by the revelation that Young Master Shen actually had a wife, she now scrambled in a panic to pull her robes back up. Outside, the pink curtain was sucked through the window by the wind, flapping loudly.
Watching her futile struggles, Zhao Lanyin slowly pinned her slender wrists behind her back. Seeing her skin turn a delicate rose pink—spreading inch by inch from her earlobes downward in her embarrassment—a burning heat flickered in her cold, aloof eyes.
Resting her chin in the hollow of her collarbone, she looked down past the delicate shoulder. She could see her own nails, painted in brilliant red koudan3, sinking deeply into the flesh.
“Jiejie, are my hands that cold? That’s because you don’t love me!” Zhao Lanyin’s tone was aggrieved, laced with a stubborn obsession.
With her hands pinned, the little white flower wanted to speak, but a wave of slight pain and tingling warmth washed over her. Her delicate brows furrowed, and she closed her almond eyes in sheer embarrassment, not even daring to look.
“You should head back soon, lest the Dowager Empress find out and scold you again,” the little white flower urged, finally finding her voice after a long pause.
“I’m not leaving. I want to stay here, I want to be with jiejie!” The County Princess threw a petulant, childish tantrum, though her hands gently tied the little white flower’s robes back together.
“You… should still listen to the Dowager Empress…!” Qingyao still didn’t dare turn around to look at the County Princess’s expression.
“Be quiet. I have my own arrangements, and you don’t need to worry about my affairs… I didn’t mean to snap at you… I…!” She had promised she wouldn’t bully her anymore, yet the woman always pushed her away.
Once, she had even subtly hinted that if Zhao Lanyin liked girls, she could introduce her to a couple of qingguanren4.
It was enough to infuriate her to death!
Sigh. There were strict old nannies stationed at her manor; if she stayed out all night, the Dowager Empress would certainly hear of it by tomorrow.
Unwilling to leave just yet, she pulled her close and wantonly captured her lips, tasting her tongue.
Ye Qingyao raised a hand, her pinky gently tracing the tiny red mole at the corner of the princess’s eye.
She did like this meimei. From the very first time she had visited the Prince’s manor, she had taken a liking to this beautiful, unique girl. Back then, the little girl had worn a red embroidered dress, laughing like a bright little sun.
But she had never meant that kind of affection!
This was terrible. Once she descended to the Underworld, how would she ever face the Prince and the Princess Consort? It was probably best if she did not die anytime soon…
Having returned to her manor, Zhao Lanyin had no idea what method General Shen had to get the woman out, but she knew she had to devise a way to dissolve their betrothal.
Unlike Shen Hetang, who was currently overwhelmed with worries, Jiang Chenyu had been riding high on a wave of success lately.
Jiang Ning was a seasoned veteran of the martial world. She had managed to win over several of the local hosts simply by keeping them constantly plied with wine, treating them to feasts, and taking them to pleasure houses.
There was even an obstinate old fellow who had consistently refused to accept her. Upon learning that he had a mistress but dared not bring her into his home due to a fiercely jealous wife, Jiang Ning took action.
She directly purchased the girl’s freedom, bought a courtyard house, and presented both the maiden and the deed to him. In an instant, the two of them became the closest of brothers.
This tactic of catering to an opponent’s specific desires was something Jiang Chenyu had taught her during their very first collaboration.
Who would have thought that no matter the era or situation, the trick remained as effective as ever?
As for that Boss Zhou, his high social standing was merely inherited from his ancestors; his actual capabilities didn’t even amount to a fraction of Jiang Ning’s net worth.
It was just like that fellow Li Xiangrong. Even among those who commanded ocean-going merchant ships, not everyone could amass a fortune like Jiang Ning’s.
Most of their wealth had come from that haul of rare and exotic treasures—treasures that weren’t for just anyone to claim.
Many merchant ships carried only a tiny amount of jewelry amidst a vessel full of standard cargo. This time, the two women had come to the capital specifically to liquidate the remainder of their rare gems.
Lately, Jiang Chenyu hadn’t even found the time to think of Ah Tang, as she was busy building houses for her crew. Meanwhile, the renovation of the storefront was still underway.
Having just begun to establish her foothold, Jiang Chenyu had bought a plot of land. She planned to construct the housing while reserving enough space to lay out a massive communal courtyard.
Once her men settled down here, they could bring their wives and sisters to live together in the capital.
Furthermore, observing that everyone in the capital dressed with great refinement and care, she thought of gathering the womenfolk to start a ready-made garment business. Her goal wasn’t to make a massive profit, but to give everyone a sense of hope and a steady livelihood.
The site of the great courtyard was quite a distance from the shop; the storefront was located in the bustling market district, whereas the residential compound needed to be further from the crowds.
The shop currently resembled a large, diverse emporium, which they had named Springview Hall.
The renovations were nearing completion, with Chuntao and Jiang Yi keeping watch over the site day in and day out.
Chuntao was in charge of managing materials and expenditures, while Jiang Yi directed the younger subordinates and craftsmen. Despite their youth, both of them handled their duties with remarkable experience. After all, they had been working since they were barely ten years old.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chenyu had left the shop affairs in their hands to focus on designing the layout of the residential compound.
Jiang Ning had specially selected several of her most capable men to follow and assist her.
Upon hearing that Madam Jiang was spending her own silver to build new homes for them, the men were so ecstatic they wanted to hoist her into the air and toss her up in celebration—though, of course, they only dared to think it.
Everyone’s morale reached an unprecedented high, and the construction site quickly became filled with warm, harmonious energy.
It was already the tenth month. The houses had to be completed within two months, before the winter snows set in.
Yet with enough hands on deck, nothing was impossible; they might even finish in less than a month.
“A’cai, has the crew of craftsmen we hired yesterday arrived?” Jiang Chenyu asked, wrapped in a thick, slate-grey cloak. She wore no elaborate jewelry, only a face cloth to shield herself from the dusty wind.
Her naturally expressive, amorous peach-blossom eyes had been lined to sweep upward at the outer corners, lending her an imposing, authoritative air. When she was at work, no one dared to make light of her.
“Replying to Madam, they’ve finished their morning meal and are ready to begin work immediately,” the subordinate answered.
“Very well. Bring me the blueprints they drew up so I can take another look.” Recalling the layout of the compound, she decided to perform a final inspection.
The compound spanned roughly one thousand square meters—a moderate size compared to other residential estates in the capital.
Jiang Chenyu planned to build row houses. The Jiang Fleet had over forty men, along with nearly ten stewards of varying ranks.
First, there had to be twenty private single rooms. In addition to the capable stewards receiving their own quarters, any worker who performed exceptionally well and wished to bring his wife over could apply for a private room.
This would not only drive them to work harder but also inspire them with hope for a better future.
Aside from the single rooms, there would be shared quarters. Though these rooms might be small, the kang5 platforms would be spacious enough to comfortably accommodate three men.
Such accommodations were already superior to what seventy percent of the capital’s working class had access to.
The compound was divided into four distinct zones: living quarters, workshops, recreation areas, and a dining hall.
Looking at the clearly organized layout on the blueprint, she felt satisfied. The master craftsmen she had hired were also experienced veterans of their trade.
Watching the carts of timber and blue bricks being hauled in by the workmen, Jiang Chenyu turned her gaze onto the old master craftsman.
“You’re Uncle Da, correct? I’m the manager here, so if you need anything in the future, just speak up. However, these blue bricks look somewhat off. Surely they aren’t salvaged materials brought in to fill the quota?” Jiang Chenyu tapped a finger against the blue bricks loaded on the cart.
“What?! You old scoundrel, how dare you try to swindle laozi6 with such inferior trash?!” Although A’cai was young, he was Jiang Ning’s trusted muscle. He rolled up his sleeves and prepared to charge forward.
The crew of twenty or so craftsmen were no pushovers either. Sensing trouble, they quickly massed together.
A brawl was on the verge of breaking out.
“A’cai, don’t be rash,” Jiang Chenyu said, gently holding A’cai back before looking up to meet the old craftsman’s shrewd gaze. “Uncle Da, have your men behave themselves. We’re all here to earn silver, not to rob one another. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Young lady, if you don’t understand the trade, you shouldn’t speak so carelessly. How could these possibly be used bricks? You’re questioning our reputation!” The old craftsman was an experienced hand himself, and he spoke with absolute, righteous indignation.
“Uncle Da, we placed an order for premium materials. These blue bricks of yours are dull in color, inconsistent in thickness, and even pitted and uneven in places. Yet, why are some of them perfectly smooth and polished?” Jiang Chenyu pointed out the obvious defects one by one.
“Uncle Da, though we’re newcomers to the capital, I’ve been dealing in dry goods since I was a child. I can assess the quality of most materials with a single glance. Everyone wants to make a bit more money when doing business, but after all, harmony breeds wealth7. What do you say?” Some boundaries had to be established right from the start, lest they be taken for easy targets.
The old craftsman felt a bead of sweat break out on his forehead. He had underestimated this girl. He had initially figured that since they were from out of town, he could skim a bit of profit from the materials to buy some wine and meat for his men.
“Young lady, you don’t understand. There’s currently a severe shortage of blue bricks in the capital, and your compound requires a vast quantity. I had no choice but to borrow some from others. It’s not that this old man was trying to deceive you. If you don’t believe me, you can send your own men to buy some; you won’t find any either.” The old man quickly shifted his tone, smoothly covering for himself.
Jiang Chenyu had no desire to burn bridges completely. After all, time was short and the workload was heavy; she didn’t want to replace the entire construction crew over such a minor matter. She well understood the proverb that water that is too clear has no fish.
“How about this: do your best to source new bricks. If none are to be found in the capital, we can buy them from neighboring areas. If the silver is insufficient, we can negotiate. But these are new houses, and we wish to have an auspicious start. Once the compound is finished, I’ll certainly not mistreat you or your men. What do you think?” Jiang Chenyu suggested in a calm, measured voice.
How many blue bricks could this compound possibly need? The old man was merely saving face. Neither she nor Jiang Ning were the type to lose a great deal for the sake of small savings; how could they possibly build new houses with salvaged bricks?
Of course, she had only spoken casually. While she had accompanied her maternal grandfather to source goods in the past, she didn’t understand every trick of the trade. However, the discrepancies in the blue bricks were simply too glaring. Being far more observant than the group of men around her, she had spotted the anomalies upon closer inspection.
“The young lady is correct. This old man will ask around further to ensure we use only the finest materials for you.” Knowing he was in the wrong and grateful for the face-saving exit, the old craftsman readily took the opportunity to back down.
“A’cai, for midday meals, go purchase half a side of pork so Uncle Da and the men can have a hearty meat dish,” Jiang Chenyu instructed after a brief thought.
“Understood. I’ll send one of the younger brothers to buy it shortly.” A’cai didn’t truly understand why Madam Jiang would reward these swindlers with a better meal.
“Such occurrences are common. Today is the groundbreaking, and a smooth start is what matters most. Find someone knowledgeable and tactful to oversee the incoming timber and stone. If anything is amiss, report it first. There’s no need to display your usual aggressive temper here; harmony breeds wealth,” Jiang Chenyu advised A’cai.
The old craftsman had surrendered so quickly likely because he was intimidated by the fierce and menacing appearance of A’cai and his companions.
Sometimes, one had to employ both strength and gentleness; neither could be spared.
That night, Jiang Chenyu’s fingers clicked rapidly as she slid the wooden beads of her abacus.
“Two thousand taels for the shop, five hundred for renovations, five hundred for the land, and an estimated eight hundred for construction. Adding three hundred for labor and meals, we’ll need a cash flow of roughly five thousand taels,” Jiang Chenyu reported the general figures to Jiang Ning. This business venture was a joint partnership, with each of them contributing fifty thousand taels as working capital.
“You can decide these matters on your own; there’s no need to run everything by me.” Lately, Jiang Ning had focused solely on external relations, leaving all domestic affairs entirely in Jiang Chenyu’s hands.
“How can that be? Why are you busy running about outside if not for this business? You don’t have to manage the detailed ledger, but you must keep track of the general expenses. Otherwise, if the funds run dry one day, don’t come looking for me.” Jiang Chenyu felt that Jiang Ning had grown a bit complacent recently. Could she have picked up bad habits from those old merchants?
“It doesn’t matter. Even if we spend it all, I’ll simply give you more!”
“If you spend like this, how many times will your yearly maritime earnings cover it? Though we did make a fortune last time, you still have a massive crowd of people to feed. A single lapse in judgment could wash everything away. They say the marketplace is like a battlefield; opening a shop is easy, but keeping it running is hard. Have you forgotten how you amassed this wealth in the first place?”
Jiang Ning’s wealth hadn’t come easily. Since childhood, she had used her fists to command respect in the alleys. Had she not met Jiang Chenyu, she might still have carved out a name for herself, but she would never have achieved her current status.
Jiang Chenyu’s wealth, on the other hand, had come more easily. She had stood on the shoulders of her maternal grandfather and then crossed paths with a talent as sharp as an unsheathed blade—Jiang Ning—allowing her to build her current empire.
Yet when it came to their business, it was Jiang Ning who bore the physical hardships. If Jiang Chenyu lost some money, it wouldn’t ruin her, but if Jiang Ning lost everything, then all her years of grueling labor would have been in vain.
“Sigh, I’ve made you worry. Lately, I really have lost my bearings from all their flattery. They know I have deep pockets, so they keep trying to push their own goods onto me, hinting both overtly and covertly that this is the rule of the trade. Naturally, I wouldn’t agree so easily. If I want to source stock, can’t I go myself? Why should I let them act as middle-men? Who knows what underhanded tricks they’re playing.”
Hearing Jiang Chenyu’s firm yet gentle words, Jiang Ning calmed down. She had been slightly blinded by the capital’s opulence, but she was no clueless, spoiled heir. Even if she faltered momentarily, she would not lose her footing.
“Li Xiangrong’s group is indeed hard to read. Right now, it feels as though we’ve boarded a rogue ship. If we don’t appease those few individuals, I fear our trade license will be difficult to secure.”
“So they’re using the trade license to threaten you? Have they colluded with the local officials?”
“One must have connections in the imperial court to get things done. They’re simply taking advantage of the fact that we’re newcomers.”
“Hmph, completely devoid of integrity! Write down their names. Once we establish ourselves, we’ll drive them straight out of Lanfang Street. What sort of people are they? Is that Li Xiangrong also an ungrateful wretch?” Jiang Chenyu spoke with righteous indignation.
“Haha, Ah Yu is right. We’ll squeeze them all out in the future. Li Xiangrong is actually not too bad; his words are still somewhat fair. But who knows if he’s simply playing the good cop?” Jiang Ning’s eyes darted thoughtfully.
“We’re not entirely without options either. Let’s wait a bit longer.”
“Wait for whom? Your sweetheart who’s about to marry the County Princess?” Jiang Ning truly looked down on Shen Hetang now. Although they had once got along splendidly, the moment she heard the news about Shen Hetang, she wished she could march over and thrash her.
“Of course not him!” Although Jiang Chenyu had also heard the rumors, she was far too busy to dwell on them.
“Oh? Not him? Then who else?” They were, after all, of purely common merchant stock.
“Hua Rong!” Jiang Chenyu said with absolute composure.
“Hua Rong? Your biological father? When did you get back in touch with him?” Jiang Ning was rather astonished.
“I visited once last year, and afterward, he’d send word whenever there was important news. He seems to have received a promotion—though I don’t know whose coattails he rode—and after years of stagnation, he has surprisingly become a capital official this year. Although his rank certainly won’t be very high, even a locust’s leg is still meat. At the very least, we’re not entirely without backing.” Jiang Chenyu analyzed the situation calmly.
“Are you… truly alright with this?” Jiang Ning scrutinized her expression.
“Why wouldn’t I be? If we can get along, we will. If not, I can simply use silver to have him introduce us to higher-ranking officials. It’s still better than relying on complete strangers,” Jiang Chenyu remarked indifferently.
She suspected that the self-serving, pragmatic trait inherited from Hua Rong’s bloodline had finally awakened within her.
“It’s good that you have no hard feelings.” Jiang Ning remembered that Jiang Chenyu had previously been highly reluctant to mention the Hua family.
“Perhaps it’s because I’ve grown up now; many things can no longer be measured simply by what I like or dislike.” Yet, she still felt a tinge of melancholy. She feared she was becoming increasingly selfish and cold, and she found herself starting to miss Ah Tang.
Whenever Ah Tang was by her side, even if she did absolutely nothing, Jiang Chenyu felt a profound sense of ease.
After Shen Hetang went to consult her older sister regarding Miss Ye, Shen Yunshu declared with righteous finality, “This is no issue. We’ll simply have Heir Wei take the woman in as a concubine.”
Shen Hetang was speechless…!!!
“Is it really that simple and crude?!” Shen Hetang was thoroughly startled. She wanted to rescue someone, yes, but she had never intended to sacrifice her own sister’s domestic peace!
Furthermore, did they truly not need to consult her brother-in-law, who currently seemed practically nonexistent?
“And what else would you propose?” Shen Yunshu swept a cold gaze over her.
“Er… Splendid… Absolutely splendid…!” She didn’t dare to offer any other suggestions!
“He has not been home these past two days. Since we have a use for him, I’ll send someone to fetch him back tomorrow. Take that opportunity to bring him to Wanxiang Pavilion, show your faces, and put on a show,” Shen Yunshu arranged her husband’s affairs as dispassionately as an unfeeling machine.
“But what if brother-in-law doesn’t take a fancy to Miss Ye?”
“That’s of no consequence. It’s my affair.”
Shen Hetang couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pity for her absent brother-in-law.
Yet on second thought, Heir Wei was indeed the perfect candidate. Leaving aside the flock of beauties in his rear court, based solely on the prestige of the old Marquis, the Dowager Empress would surely show some leniency.
Once Miss Ye married, it would completely sever the inappropriate desires of the County Princess. This ought to put the Dowager Empress’s mind at ease. This was indeed the best course of action!
When they broached the plan to the County Princess, her expression was just as shocked as Shen Hetang’s had been. She was vehemently opposed at first, but after Shen Hetang repeatedly guaranteed that with the Heir’s Wife present, not a single hair on Miss Ye’s head would be harmed, she finally gave her reluctant consent.
Within Wanxiang Pavilion, inside the Madame’s private room, Ye Qingyao sat daintily beside a round table.
“Good Nanny, did that Young Master Shen give you two thousand taels the other day?” Her innocent eyes looked pleadingly at the Madame.
“Pah! What nonsense are you talking, you wench? Two thousand taels? Are you edged in pure gold?” The Madame widened her eyes, clutching her chest. This extortionate ancestor of hers had returned.
“Was it fifteen hundred taels then?” Ye Qingyao pressed further.
“Only five hundred! Five hundred!”
“Thirteen hundred?”
“Eight hundred, and not a coin more!”
“Twelve hundred?”
“Aiyah, how irritating! Fine, it was exactly one thousand taels, alright?!”
“Nanny, you’re dishonest. We agreed to a clean fifty-fifty split, and in exchange, I wouldn’t speak a word of this to the County Princess. You can’t swindle me out of my hard-earned money!” Ye Qingyao wore a face of absolute misery, looking as though the Madame owed her eighty thousand strings of cash.
“Here! Take it! You absolute miser!” Feeling a stab of pain in her heart, the Madame pulled a five-hundred-tael silver note from her bodice and slapped it hard onto the table, looking almost ready to weep from frustration.
“Nanny, as long as the green hills remain, one need not worry about firewood. Don’t be sad!” With that, she turned and glided back to her own room, looking as fragile as a willow in the wind.
The Madame glared at her slender, delicate waist, wishing she could snap it in half.
Three days later, Heir Wei was dragged to Wanxiang Pavilion by his brother-in-law. He was actually quite pleased; after all, being invited to drink and make merry by General Shen himself was a matter of immense prestige that he could boast about later.
Shen Hetang had no intention of actually taking him to see Miss Ye. After all, a single meeting with her cost as much as several years of her salary at the yamen. That black-hearted Madame’s prices had truly terrified her.
In a moment, she only needed to lead him up to the second floor and let rumors spread that he had taken a fancy to Miss Qingdai. The rest of the scheme could be left to her sister.
The moment the two of them sat down, several of Heir Wei’s companions came over and gathered around them. With no other choice, they had to join in the rowdy gathering.
Coincidentally, Jiang Ning had also been dragged into Wanxiang Pavilion that very day. The senior business associate accompanying her was plotting something, insisting on introducing a girl to her.
During their conversation, he even suggested taking the girl onto a pleasure boat. The whole affair felt highly suspicious, as if a trap were being laid for her.
After two rounds of wine, seeing no sign that the gathering was coming to an end, two more courtesans approached and hovered around her, incessantly pouring drinks.
Left with no other option, Jiang Ning ordered Jiang Yi to run back and fetch Chuntao, with instructions to claim that there was an urgent emergency at home and that Madam required her immediate return. Although this lie might be exposed later, escaping her current predicament was the priority.
Not long ago, when these men were still unfamiliar with her, they had been polite with their drinking. Lately, however, they had grown increasingly overbearing, even attempting to foist someone’s mistress onto her. Did she look like some sort of easy target?
Upon receiving word of Jiang Ning’s plea for help, Jiang Chenyu reconsidered several times before ultimately deciding to make the trip herself.
Accompanied by Chuntao and two maidservants, she boarded a carriage and hurried toward Wanxiang Pavilion in the dark of night.
She had intended to wait inside the carriage, but nearly two quarters of an hour passed, and Chuntao and Cuidie had still not managed to bring Jiang Ning down.
Growing increasingly anxious as she sat in the carriage, Jiang Chenyu finally decided to head inside to see for herself!
Footnotes
- A classic literary allusion to the protagonist of Dream of the Red Chamber, a masterpiece of Chinese literature, famous for being a fragile, delicate, and melancholic beauty easily moved to tears.
- A common modern Chinese slang term xiao baihua referring to a woman who appears innocent, fragile, and helpless, though she may possess hidden depths or manipulative traits.
- Koudan is a traditional Chinese nail dye made from crushed balsam flowers and alum, used since ancient times by noblewomen to color their nails red.
- Qingguanren refers to a high-class courtesan in a traditional Chinese brothel who only performs arts like music, poetry, and chess, and does not engage in sexual services.
- A traditional northern Chinese brick or clay platform bed that can be heated from underneath during winter.
- An arrogant, vulgar self-reference literally meaning your father.
- A traditional Chinese merchant proverb meaning harmony breeds wealth.
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