Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 205 Hurt each other
"What are you following me for?"

Wang Yuanji, her face flushed with anger, turned to look at the little dog that had been following her. Her two maids flanked her from the left and right.

"Your Highness, we are unfamiliar with this place, and it is not very safe. Have you not heard of the dangers of the White Dragon Fish?"
"Or perhaps we should go to the main camp on the outskirts of the city first."

The greyhound bowed and spoke humbly.

Wang Yuanji thought for a moment, and finally let out a long sigh.

The Prince of Jin's mansion frequently bought servants from human traffickers, and also had a slave-catching team in the house to catch runaway slaves.

If our family can do this, why can't other families? If she were kidnapped by human traffickers in Taishan County, that would be a huge mess!

"That's fine then."

Wang Yuanji nodded, still ignoring Xi Gou, and led the two maids back to the camp on the outskirts of the city.

However, she found it a bit strange that the servants of Shi Shouxin's family knew what "white dragon fish clothing" meant.
Could someone who has never been to school say such a thing?
The group quickly arrived at the camp on the outskirts of the city, and there were no major problems along the way.

As soon as they returned, Li Liang went up to the greyhound and pulled him aside to ask, "How was the day?"

"It's a long story. The Princess and Lady Yang have a completely broken relationship and are practically at each other's throats. I'm afraid it will be very difficult to bring Lady Yang back this time."

The dog shook its head in disappointment and said, "Madam is Li Wan. She has really offended Wang Yuanji today."

Li Liang's expression was also not good. To be honest, their relationship with Wang Yuanji was just that of guards and "employers," and they had no personal relationship whatsoever.

They have already sent Wang Yuanji to Fenggao County, and she should be going to Qingzhou on official business. It would be very inappropriate for her to stay here.

Even without Shi Shouxin's presence, many things cannot be stopped. For example, the preparatory work for building the Qi King's palace in Qingzhou must proceed step by step without Shi Shouxin's arrangement.

"Why don't you try to persuade them again later?"

Li Liang pleaded.

Xigou nodded. Since things had come to this, he could only go and ask. He figured that the Princess Consort of Jin was reasonable and should be able to reason with him.

Besides, we can't really ask Li Liang to handle this kind of thing.

Before long, the greyhound arrived at the military tent where Wang Yuanji was staying, requesting a meeting to report. Logically speaking, it was quite inappropriate for a servant to make such a request.

They're unlikely to agree, and might even get a beating.

Whether it was because Wang Yuanji was in a bad mood and wanted to find someone to vent her anger on, or because Shi Shouxin had a lot of influence, Wang Yuanji actually let Xigou enter the military tent alone, and had the maids wait outside the tent.

Looking at the seemingly harmless-looking greyhound, Wang Yuanji asked irritably, "Aren't you afraid I'll tell outsiders that you have designs on me? Anyway, no one here saw it. Killing a servant of yours under this pretext is just a matter of a word from me. What are you even doing here?"

"The Princess Consort's every word and action reflects the reputation of the Prince of Jin's residence, so she shouldn't do such a thing."

The greyhound replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.

Upon hearing this, Wang Yuanji sat up straight and put away the mocking smile on her face.

"You don't seem like an ordinary servant, do you? Who is your father? What is your family background?"

Wang Yuanji asked seriously.

“My mother came from the Niu Jin family, and I don’t know anything else about her. My name is Li Gou. My mother said that I should not call myself Niu Gou in front of the Sima family.”

Greyhound answered truthfully.

Upon hearing this, Wang Yuanji burst into laughter. The servant in front of her was certainly not stupid; he knew that this Princess of Jin was Sima Zhao's wife, which was why he deliberately revealed her background.

"Speak, what do you want to advise me on?"

Wang Yuanji crossed her legs and looked at the greyhound, asking a question.

"The princess is here on business. If she gets angry and leaves, it could ruin everything."

Why not go before dinner? We can eat and chat while we go. I doubt that a gathering like today's will keep the guests until after dinner.

It's not appropriate for the ladies and concubines of wealthy families to return home late.

"It's a greyhound," said in a deep voice.

It must be said that he did learn something from following Shi Shouxin for several years. This analysis is reasonable.

Wang Yuanji nodded. Putting everything else aside, the words "ruined a great deal" were indeed true.

"Come with me now."

Wang Yuanji sighed, and her attitude softened considerably after hearing that Xigou was a descendant of Niu Jin.

Driven by Xigou, Wang Yuanji, accompanied only by a maid, arrived at Yuanhui Residence—yes, the "Water Curtain Cave"—once again, traveling light. Just as Xigou had predicted, the lively gathering had already ended.

Yang Huiyu was directing the maids to tidy up the courtyard and didn't notice Wang Yuanji and her entourage arriving at all. The gate to the Water Curtain Cave was wide open, and several guests were still there, talking to Li Wan. In particular, the wife of Prefect Liang was gesturing wildly and laughing heartily, looking like she hadn't had enough.

"Oh my, isn't this the Princess Consort? This way, please."

Yang Huiyu finally noticed that Wang Yuanji had returned. With a forced smile and insincere politeness, she stepped forward and shook hands with her.

Knowing she was in the wrong, Wang Yuanji dared not meet Yang Huiyu's gaze. She exchanged a few polite words and then fell silent.

Now is not the time to talk business, nor is this the place to do so.

"Why don't you rest in my study for a while, cousin? The food and drinks will be ready soon."

Yang Huiyu spoke to Wang Yuanji, then gave a few instructions to her maid Xu Ying before leading Wang Yuanji to the study.

The two knelt facing each other, remaining silent.

After a long while, Yang Huiyu finally spoke up and asked, "You came all this way just to see how I'm doing?"

"Yeah, I see. You're living a pretty carefree life. I'm ashamed of myself."

Wang Yuanji couldn't help but make a sarcastic remark.

Upon hearing this, Yang Huiyu lost face, but she managed to remain calm and didn't utter a curse.

"Is it really that hard to say those words?"

"Are you suggesting I play the role of Ehuang and Nüying to serve Sima Zhao, or are you suggesting I return Taofu to your clan as your own child?"

Yang Huiyu asked with a cold face, clearly knowing full well why Wang Yuanji had come here.

In the end, isn't it all just about vying for power and profit?

“Now that the Prince of Jin is in poor health, even if he wanted to do something to you, he would be powerless to do so. He is only seeking a title.”

Of course, if you disagree, I won't force you, but there's no room for discussion on returning the peachwood charms to their ancestral origin.

Wang Yuanji said solemnly.

Upon hearing this, Yang Huiyu's lips curled up slightly, her cold smile laced with mockery.

She looked at Wang Yuanji and retorted, "If Tao Fu has returned to the clan, then what am I to him? Back then, when you took advantage of Sima Shi, you made all sorts of promises, are you really just going to pack up and leave now?"

There was no excuse for this. Wang Yuanji lowered her head, not daring to look at Yang Huiyu, and only whispered in defense: "That's why I made you a concubine of Prince Jin. Even if you become a concubine of Prince Jin, Tao Fu is still your son. It was you who disagreed."

"So, it's my fault?"

Yang Huiyu looked at Wang Yuanji and asked in return, her gaze sharp as a knife. Although the Princess Consort of Jin was the one who had the final say in the Jin Prince's mansion, she didn't dare to meet her eyes at this moment.

"I've seen through the true nature of your Sima family."

"Then you can wait here. I'll go check if the food and drinks are ready. Excuse me."

Yang Huiyu coldly uttered a sentence and then got up and left.

After she left, Wang Yuanji wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes with the corner of her clothes.

Doesn't she feel wronged?
Is it something she wants to get involved in regarding the Sima family's affairs?

Everything is just a matter of "the times"; which of these things is she free to choose?
However, by adopting Sima You, he had exhausted Sima Shi's political resources. Now, facing the potential backlash, it's simply a matter of repaying debts in kind.

You can't blame anyone else; you chose this path yourself!

Wang Yuanji sighed deeply. She was truly worried sick about preventing her two sons from fighting each other in the future. In fact, even if Sima You returned to his ancestral home, he might still clash with Sima Yan in the future.

However, there is still a possibility of getting along peacefully.

Unlike now, Sima You, with the status of Sima Shi's eldest son, is talented and not a fool. In the future, Sima You will definitely vie for that position; even if he doesn't want to, his subordinates will force him to!
Wang Yuanji knew this would be the outcome, so she was willing to swallow her pride and beg Yang Huiyu for help.

But how easy is that?

Lost in thought, Wang Yuanji was unaware that the sky had turned from bright to dark in the blink of an eye. A maid came to the study to light a lamp for her. The courtyard was also decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, as if it were a festival.

"Your Highness, Lady Yu requests your presence in the main hall for a banquet." Xu Ying's voice came from outside.

Wang Yuanji opened the door and subconsciously glanced at Xu Ying, only to find that this maid was exceptionally beautiful, unlike the personal maids she usually saw.

She's so much better than her own personal maid!
Wang Yuanji thought to herself: Yang Huiyu really knows how to enjoy himself after arriving in his hometown of Taishan County. He lives much more freely than I did in the Prince of Jin's mansion. Even the maids around him are charming and elegant, with unparalleled beauty. Whether he takes her out or entertains guests at home, he really brings honor to the family.

Over the years, Wang Yuanji focused on the benefits of the Sima family, neglecting her own enjoyment. In the end, she discovered that all the benefits went to Sima Zhao, and she only had the title of Princess Consort of Jin.

This made Wang Yuanji feel a pang of sorrow. Yes, what had she been after all these years?

Was it all just to secure a memorial tablet in the Sima family's ancestral temple?
When Xu Ying led her to the main hall, Wang Yuanji saw that Yang Huiyu had set out a table full of dishes, the kind of "folk" style of eating where several people share a table.

Besides the maid she brought, only Xi Gou and Xu Ying, two servants, were present at the banquet. Of course, Li Wan wasn't considered a servant; she was more of a guest.

Seeing that Yang Huiyu did not order the servants to leave, Wang Yuanji felt embarrassed to let her servants go.

"I've thought about what you brought up today, and it wouldn't be good to just refuse you outright, as that would make me seem unreasonable."

With a mischievous grin, Yang Huiyu picked up her wine glass, swirled it, and continued, "How about this, let's have a drinking contest. Whoever can drink the other under the table wins."

"If I win, you'll let the peach charm return to its original state, right?"

Wang Yuanji rolled up her sleeves and looked at Yang Huiyu, her mind racing with excitement.

Before they were married, they had done absurd things like drinking contests, and now they are just following the old "rules of the underworld".

"Yes, you won, so it's your decision."

"I won. Now you can go back to Luoyang and never mention this again."

As Yang Huiyu spoke, he picked up his wine glass and drank the wine in one gulp!

"It's your turn!"

She put down her wine glass and looked at Wang Yuanji!
"Hmph! Then you'll just have to wait and see."

Wang Yuanji raised her wine cup and drank the wine in it in one gulp, only to feel a burning sensation in her throat.

"What kind of wine is this?"

Wang Yuanji was taken aback and looked at Yang Huiyu to ask a question in return.

Li Wan, standing to the side, said timidly, "This is my brew, it's called Erguotou."

"Drink it or don't, if you're scared, then go back to Luoyang and be the Princess of Jin."

Yang Huiyu said coldly.

Wang Yuanji glared at her, her temper flared, and she drank another cup.

Yang Huiyu also drank a cup, and the two of them just drank there without eating a single dish.

The onlookers were terrified. When Wang Yuanji's maid tried to persuade her to drink, she was shoved to the ground by her mistress. Xu Ying tried to persuade Yang Huiyu to drink less, but the latter refused without hesitation.

Before an incense stick could burn, Wang Yuanji was passed out from drinking. She was so drunk that she kept saying she wanted to drink more, but her body was completely immobile.

Yang Huiyu helped Wang Yuanji up and instructed Xu Ying, "I'm helping the Princess into her bedroom to rest. You mustn't disturb her, understand?"

After saying that, the two of them staggered toward the bedroom.

The others had no choice but to follow behind them.

After Yang Huiyu and the others entered the bedroom, they soon called Xu Ying to bring a basin of hot water into the room.

Xu Ying brought in water, but saw that Yang Huiyu hadn't drunk any alcohol at all, only smelled a little like alcohol!
Wang Yuanji, however, lay on the couch, her body occasionally twisting, and she kept saying, "I can still drink."

The difference in their states is quite significant.

"I never thought drinking water would be so uncomfortable."

Yang Huiyu couldn't help but complain.

Xu Ying almost burst out laughing when she heard that.

Wang Yuanji seemed to have heard this as well. She was in a half-drunk, half-awake state. She pointed at Yang Huiyu with her finger, but soon her hand fell limply to her side.

Yang Huiyu leaned close to Xu Ying's ear and whispered a few words. Upon hearing this, the latter exclaimed in surprise, "Lady Yu, you mustn't do this! You shouldn't have done this!"

"Back then, I colluded with the Prince of Jin and his wife to take advantage of my late husband's childless offspring. Do you really think I'm a good person?"

"Do you think I'm a good person because I've taken good care of you?"

Yang Huiyu countered with a question.

Xu Ying fell silent. She knew what Yang Huiyu was thinking. Now that Wang Yuanji had come knocking on their door, this was a case of "courtesy first, then force."

If Yang Huiyu disagrees, Sima Zhao will definitely have other ways, but they will be less than respectable.

If Yang Huiyu isn't a good person, it's because others forced her into this situation.

Yang Huiyu walked out of the bedroom and went straight to Xigou, saying to him, "Come with me into the bedroom and clean it up."

"Lady Yang, I'll go."

The maidservant brought by Wang Yuanji spoke and stepped forward to prepare to enter the bedroom.

Yang Huiyu waved his hand, signaling the maid to leave.

Left with no other choice, Greyhound went into the bedroom.

At this moment, Yang Huiyu turned to the maid and asked, "Did you see anything just now?"

"I saw one..."

Before the maid could finish speaking, Yang Huiyu continued, "Think again, what did you just see?"

The maid suddenly realized what was happening and her face turned pale with fright.

"That's right. From now on, you'll be the Princess Consort of Jin's confidante, understand?"

Don't ask what you shouldn't ask, and don't say what you shouldn't say.

Otherwise, you know the consequences.

I won't do anything to you, but it's hard to say about the others.

Yang Huiyu patted the maid's shoulder to remind her, and the terrified maid nodded hurriedly like a chicken pecking at rice.

After saying that, Yang Huiyu returned to her bedroom.

She looked at the bewildered greyhound and asked:

I'm giving you two choices now.

First, you were in Taishan County and were killed by Taishan bandits from who-knows-where.

Secondly, tonight I must serve Princess Jin well and make sure she rediscovers the joys of being a woman.

You can choose one of the two.

After saying that, Xu Ying stepped forward and, right in front of Xi Gou, removed all of Wang Yuanji's clothes and covered her with a blanket.

They don't shy away from anything at all.

"Lady Yu...can I not choose?"

Greyhound smiled wryly.

"You don't think my mansion has no guards, do you?"
Without my order, you are not allowed to leave this house.

Yang Huiyu spoke calmly, her tone as cold as ice.

Sima Zhao and Wang Yuanji's relentless pressure made her determined to use any means necessary to win back the favor!
Now, she's capable of doing anything ridiculous!

After saying that, Yang Huiyu ignored the dumbfounded Xigou and led Xu Ying out of the bedroom, then hung a copper lock on the door.

Lock it up completely!

"Oh, I'm in such a good mood today, let's go up to the attic for a drink and to admire the moon."

Yang Huiyu stretched and smiled at Li Wan and the others.

(End of this chapter)