Chapter 36: The Prince’s Generosity

Just then, the second master, Shangguan Hongchen, walked in.

"Big brother, sister-in-law. Oh, the two younger sisters-in-law are here too." He did not greet his own mother. He rarely addressed her in public. Calling her "Secondary Consort" was incorrect, as the Second Old Madam was not the late Prince’s secondary consort, but merely a concubine. Calling her "Aunt" felt demeaning, and the Second Old Madam disliked it. Over time, they had reached a silent understanding: in such settings, he simply did not address her. In private, he called her Mother, and if absolutely forced, he would use "Second Old Madam."

"Second brother, dismiss all the concubines in your courtyard who have not borne children," the Prince said, his irritation rising the moment he saw his good-for-nothing brother. He knew that if the man continued to indulge solely in women, he would eventually meet his end in their arms.

"Big brother, why are you suddenly lashing out at me? Those women haven't caused any trouble. Did you go and blabber to my wife? I’ll settle this with you when we get back!" The Second Master could never bear to part with his favorites. Lacking the courage to argue with the Prince, he turned his aggression toward his wife—a man who only bullied those beneath him.

"Husband, I didn't! I only came to ask the Princess for more betrothal gifts. Zifeng’s betrothal is in ten days, and we only have eighteen sets—it’s too embarrassing to show," Miao Luoying said, dabbing at her eyes.

"You are thirty-nine years old and have accomplished nothing. You are a disgrace to the Shangguan family. If you continue this absurdity, don't you dare call yourself the Second Master of Prince Rong’s estate when you step out. If you aren't ashamed, I am. Tomorrow, you will accompany me to the military camp; I will have General Wang assign you to the ordnance department," the Prince reprimanded.

"How can that be? Brother, look at me—do I look like a man suited for working with military hardware?" The Second Master reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, suddenly refusing. The work was dirty and exhausting, and he would have to live in the barracks, returning home only once every fortnight.

"This is not up for debate. You will come with me tomorrow, or you will dismiss the women in your chambers," the Prince said, his tone final as he lamented his brother's lack of ambition. The Second Master had been spoiled rotten by the Second Old Madam.

With a look of utter despair, the Second Master dared not defy his brother, though he resolved to find a way to slip away if the opportunity arose.

"Prince, please make a decision regarding Zifeng’s marriage," the Second Old Madam interjected, steering the conversation back. "A marriage for a descendant of this estate is no small matter. We cannot be stingy; the estate cannot afford the loss of face. With only ten days left, we still lack decent betrothal gifts."

The Prince was well aware of the state of the second branch. He had tried to discipline his brother many times to no avail, and his sister-in-law was equally incapable of managing a household. They had turned their affairs into a complete mess. The Prince scanned the room.

"What is your opinion, Princess?"

The Princess was surprised to be asked. He was the head of the household; she would follow whatever he decided. "I believe in handling things officially. We cannot favor one over the other; Zifeng is not the only descendant of the Shangguan family."

"Indeed, the Princess is correct," the Prince agreed.

"But brother, Zifeng is your own nephew, and the Second Old Madam is your aunt. How can this relationship be compared to the others?" the Second Master argued.

"Hmph. Do you want to take my place as Prince?" The Prince’s single question silenced him.

"Prince, the bride-to-be is the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Ning’an’s estate. If our gifts are inadequate, the marriage might be jeopardized," Shao Zhiruo said, deliberately escalating the situation. She was planning for her own son, who was a few months older than Zifeng and engaged but not yet betrothed; she was waiting to see the outcome of Zifeng’s case. She knew the second branch was destitute and was counting on the Princess to provide. The Second Old Madam had timed this intentionally—asking only ten days before the ceremony—to corner the Princess.

"How many gifts have been prepared?" the Prince asked.

"Only eighteen sets," Miao Luoying replied, blushing with shame. The Prince felt like striking someone. The second branch had squandered so much that they couldn't even provide a decent betrothal. Before the late Prince had passed, he had given the second branch five shops to ensure their stability, and the Second Mistress had brought three more as dowry. Even the third branch didn't have that much wealth.

The Prince let out a long sigh. "Zifeng is someone I watched grow up. As his uncle, I will provide ten thousand taels of silver from my private coffers to grace his wedding. However, starting next month, the second branch’s monthly allowance will be reduced by one hundred taels." It was a carrot and a stick.

"Thank you, Prince! Thank you, Princess!" The Second Mistress beamed, stepping forward to bow. The other two sisters-in-law looked displeased. Since the money came from the Prince’s own pocket rather than the public treasury, it was a personal gift. Whether he gave it or not was his choice. As for the reduction in allowance, they suspected that within a few months, the Princess would be hounded by the Second Old Madam and the Second Mistress into restoring it. They exchanged disappointed glances.

"I will also gift three thousand taels to Zijin, and the same for Zilyu," the Prince added. Shangguan Zijin was the eldest grandson of the other branch, and Shangguan Zilyu was the second.

Upon hearing that their own sons would receive three thousand taels—though less than Zifeng—Shao Zhiruo and Shen Miaoyi felt some relief. It was better than nothing. They stepped forward to thank the Prince. His intervention had solved the Princess’s dilemma.

The second branch left happily, and the others were not overly disappointed. As everyone dispersed, Yu Yuanzheng remained. Throughout the entire ordeal, she had been a mere bystander with no say.

"Princess, are you unhappy with my solution?" the Prince asked, noticing her silence.

"Not at all. You are the head of the household; you may spend your own money as you wish. I would not dare to object."

"Very well, do not be angry. I have something for Ziqi as well." He pulled a stack of banknotes from his robes and handed them to Yu Yuanzheng. She was startled—was this really happening? She dared not take them, looking to the Princess for direction.

"Since the Prince has given them to you, keep them," the Princess said.

"Go to the market and buy some fine fabric to make some beautiful clothes for yourself and Ziqi. Once the betrothal is official, the wedding won't be far off. You will need to assist your mother in receiving guests; you cannot be dressed too shabbily." The Princess took the notes from the Prince and pressed them into Yu Yuanzheng's hand.

"Thank you, Father, Mother," Yu Yuanzheng said with a joyful smile. Not wanting to overstay her welcome while the Prince was present, she excused herself. As she walked, she counted the notes. It was ten thousand taels. Money had never come so easily. She felt absolutely delighted.

Back at the Qiya Courtyard, she found someone waiting for her.