Chapter XXVI - The Princess Consorts Authority
After Lady Xu’s visit, the atmosphere inside Prince Rui’s estate changed subtly.
The servants had always respected Shen Li because Prince Rui valued her.
Now—
they feared underestimating her as well.
Because everyone saw clearly:
she remained calm before provocation,
answered elegantly without losing dignity,
and somehow softened Prince Rui’s terrifying temper effortlessly.
Even Steward Zhou privately admitted:
“The estate finally has a true mistress.”
Meanwhile, rumors from Lady Xu’s humiliating dismissal spread through the capital by evening.
Naturally.
Nothing traveled faster than noble embarrassment.
Tea houses exploded immediately.
“Prince Rui replaced Princess Rui’s tea personally?”
“In front of Lady Xu?!”
“I heard he drove Lady Xu away after only half an hour.”
“Consort Xu’s faction must be furious.”
“Princess Rui truly has Prince Rui wrapped around her finger now.”
Inside Prince Rui’s estate, however—
Prince Rui remained completely unaware he was becoming the capital’s greatest romantic scandal.
Dangerous man.
—
That evening, Shen Li finally began formally reviewing the estate’s internal management.
Steward Zhou led her through storage courtyards, servant registries, treasury records, and household assignments while attendants followed respectfully behind.
Prince Rui’s estate operated almost like a military camp.
Everything:
organized,
disciplined,
efficient.
Almost frighteningly so.
Shen Li paused while examining one servant registry. “The western servants rotate every ten days?”
Steward Zhou nodded. “Yes. His Highness dislikes servants becoming overly connected internally.”
Smart.
Too much familiarity inside noble estates often created corruption and hidden alliances.
Still—
Shen Li noticed another issue quickly.
“Too many guards patrol the inner women’s quarters.”
Steward Zhou hesitated. “…His Highness ordered increased security after the assassination attempts.”
“I understand.” Shen Li lowered the ledger thoughtfully. “But if female servants feel constantly watched by armed soldiers, rumors will spread poorly.”
The old steward blinked slightly.
Because she was correct.
Military logic protected the estate physically.
But noble households required balance.
Prince Rui rarely considered softer domestic matters.
Shen Li continued calmly: “Move half the night guards outside the second courtyard gates instead. Increase female attendants inside the residence rather than soldiers.”
Steward Zhou’s eyes slowly brightened.
Elegant.
Practical.
Without weakening security.
No wonder Prince Rui valued her so quickly.
The old steward bowed respectfully. “This old servant understands.”
Several nearby servants exchanged impressed glances immediately.
Their new princess consort truly knew how to manage a household.
—
Unfortunately, not everyone welcomed that realization.
Later that night, one senior maid from the old estate staff quietly entered Consort Xu’s palace.
And reported everything.
“…Princess Rui already began adjusting household authority.”
Consort Xu sat beside the palace window silently while incense curled through dim candlelight.
“Prince Rui allowed it?”
“Yes.”
The older woman’s expression darkened slightly.
That was faster than expected.
Most military princes distrusted noble wives initially regarding estate authority.
Yet Prince Rui handed control to Shen Li almost immediately.
Dangerous.
Very dangerous.
Because if Shen Li truly stabilized Prince Rui’s household and gained servant loyalty—
removing her later would become much harder.
Consort Xu finally asked softly: “Did Prince Rui return during Lady Xu’s visit?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
The maid hesitated. “…His Highness dismissed Lady Xu directly.”
Silence filled the palace chamber.
Lady Xu, standing nearby, lowered her eyes tightly in humiliation.
Even remembering it made anger burn again.
Consort Xu looked toward her niece slowly. “You lost before truly beginning.”
Lady Xu’s fingers tightened painfully. “Aunt—”
“You underestimated Shen Li.”
The older woman’s voice remained calm.
“That woman endured seven years of humiliation without collapsing. Did you truly think she was weak?”
Lady Xu fell silent.
Because deep down—
she knew Consort Xu was right.
Shen Li looked gentle.
But gentle women surviving noble society for years were rarely fragile.
Consort Xu exhaled quietly. “No matter. If Prince Rui values her emotionally…” Her eyes darkened slightly. “Then she becomes his greatest weakness.”
The candle flames flickered coldly.
—
Meanwhile, inside the plum blossom courtyard, Shen Li remained completely unaware another scheme already formed around her.
She sat near the window brushing out her long hair while Qingyu arranged fresh bedding nearby.
The atmosphere felt peaceful tonight.
Until Qingyu suddenly sighed dramatically.
“Princess Consort.”
“…Mm?”
“His Highness truly listens only to you now.”
Shen Li paused slightly.
“What nonsense are you saying?”
Qingyu looked deeply serious. “Steward Zhou told everyone His Highness approved your guard changes immediately without questioning anything.”
Shen Li blinked softly.
Immediately?
But Prince Rui hadn’t even discussed it with her yet.
Before she could think further, footsteps echoed outside.
Then Prince Rui entered.
As always, the atmosphere shifted the moment he appeared.
Warmth spread subtly through the room despite winter winds outside.
Prince Rui removed his outer cloak slowly before noticing Shen Li still awake.
“You should sleep earlier.”
Shen Li looked toward him quietly. “Your Highness approved the guard changes?”
“Yes.”
“You didn’t even review them first.”
Prince Rui looked mildly puzzled. “You already did.”
The answer came naturally.
As though trusting her judgment required no thought whatsoever.
Shen Li’s heartbeat softened faintly.
Dangerous man.
Then Prince Rui noticed something else.
Her hair remained half loose down her back, dark as ink beneath candlelight.
For one dangerous second—
his gaze lingered too long.
Shen Li noticed immediately.
The atmosphere shifted subtly.
Closer.
Warmer.
Qingyu instantly sensed danger and fled spiritually from the room.
Traitor.
Silence settled afterward.
Prince Rui stepped closer slowly. “You’re drying your hair too late.”
“It takes time.”
Without another word, Prince Rui reached toward the silk cloth resting nearby.
Shen Li blinked softly. “Your Highness?”
Then— to her complete shock—
Prince Rui sat behind her.
And began drying her hair himself.
The world stopped briefly.
His large hands moved surprisingly carefully through her long dark hair while candlelight flickered softly around them.
Warm fingers. Slow movements. Impossible gentleness.
Shen Li’s heartbeat became unsteady immediately.
Because this— this domestic intimacy—
felt somehow more dangerous than kisses.
Prince Rui spoke quietly behind her: “When I was young, palace servants often left my hair wet during winters.”
Shen Li stilled slightly.
Prince Rui continued calmly: “I became sick repeatedly afterward.”
Something painful tightened inside her chest.
Neglected prince. Lonely prince.
No one caring enough even to dry his hair properly.
Shen Li lowered her gaze softly.
Then after a moment:
“So now Your Highness learned to care for others properly instead.”
Prince Rui’s hands paused briefly against her hair.
The silence afterward felt strangely deep.
Then quietly— very quietly—
he answered:
“No.”
“Only you.”