Volume 1, Chapter 51: Isn't it just the Empress Dowager's birthday gift? She will go get it.

Ever since the incident with the intruder, the Marquis of Chengen’s estate had been heavily guarded at all times. Even the West Courtyard, which usually went unattended, was ordered to be thoroughly cleaned up and reorganized.

Lady Li had originally been reluctant to go to such trouble, especially since it meant spending hard-earned silver. The ledger she had just received yesterday required a massive sum, and the monthly expenses of the manor already consumed most of her energy. Who could have foreseen that these vexing matters would keep piling up?

"My lady, do not fret. As for that little wretch's belongings, whether we compensate her or not, what does it matter?" Nanny Liu was combing Lady Li's hair in front of the mirror, where a few strands of white hair had begun to show.

Noticing this, Nanny Liu waited until Lady Li wasn't paying attention, then stealthily wrapped her finger around the gray hairs and gently plucked them out.

Lady Li felt her scalp tighten, winced, and let out an "Ouch."

Nanny Liu hurriedly covered for it, saying, "I am growing old; even combing hair is no longer done well."

"Never mind, let someone else do it." Lady Li had always been lenient with Nanny Liu, who, after all, had been her wet nurse.

Nanny Liu nodded and called over a young maidservant.

"My lady, the Empress Dowager's birthday gift has already been prepared, but the final balance for Cuiping Workshop has yet to be paid. They sent someone to press for the debt yesterday, and this..." Nanny Liu wore a hesitant look. "The silver we have on hand probably cannot be spared just yet."

When it came to the Empress Dowager's birthday gift, Lady Li attached the utmost importance to it. Cuiping Workshop was one of the finest establishments in the capital, and every item they sold was a unique masterpiece. However, Cuiping Workshop had a strict rule: if the final balance was not settled, the goods would under no circumstances be handed over to the buyer.

A thought flashed through Lady Li's mind. She glanced at the ledger, and instantly an idea took shape. "Go to the Crown Prince Consort's quarters and drop a hint. Have her go and retrieve this birthday gift."

Nanny Liu immediately understood Lady Li's intention. She brought a basin of water for Lady Li to wash her hands and said, "My lady is brilliant. This time, she will surely have to bleed a little silver."

And so it should be.

Since Xie Shu had married into their Marquis of Chengen's estate, she ought to share the manor's burdens, and naturally, she should contribute her share toward this birthday gift for the Empress Dowager.

"Go, send word. Tell her properly that this birthday gift is for the Empress Dowager, and letting her fetch it is her good fortune." Lady Li urged Nanny Liu to deliver the message. She harbored hidden anger deep inside, yet she dared not meet with Xie Shu in person. She had suffered a crushing defeat these past few days, and Ning Rongsheng had ended up in such a state...

What troubled Lady Li the most right now, however, was Lin Wan'er's pregnancy...

The position of Heir must belong to her Sheng'er.

Inside Ruyi Garden, it was a scene of ceaseless activity.

Xie Shu had long since found this courtyard unpleasing to the eye, and taking advantage of the commotion from last night, she had people start rearranging and clearing things out today.

"Yes, yes, throw that screen away; it's so vulgar."

When Nanny Liu stepped through the threshold, she saw Lvlian directing the servants in moving items. Glancing up, she nearly collided with a large folding screen, dodged to the right, and slammed headfirst into the wall. "Ouch! What a blind piece of trash!"

Hearing the voice, Lvlian looked over and said sarcastically, "I wonder who the blind one is! There's such a wide path to walk on, yet you chose to dart out of that little alleyway and yelp like a stray cat or dog!"

"You little hussy, how dare you mock me!" Upon hearing this, Nanny Liu knew Lvlian was insulting her indirectly!

Lvlian couldn't be bothered to entertain her. She made a funny face at Nanny Liu, stuck out her tongue, turned around, and hurried back to the inner courtyard to report to Xie Shu. "Crown Prince Consort, that old hag from Lady Li's place is here!"

Hearing that someone had arrived, Xie Shu, who had been lying on the bed feeling annoyed, immediately beckoned to Lvlian. "Quick, quick, help me up!"

"Crown Prince Consort, why are you so happy?" Lvlian asked, puzzled, but still walked over to the bed to help Xie Shu up.

"We might just be able to leave the estate!" Xie Shu beamed, the corners of her mouth curling up uncontrollably.

The Marquis of Chengen had issued an order: because an intruder had broken into the manor, nobody was permitted to leave casually. Those who did need to go out had to be registered in a ledger and thoroughly searched.

Yesterday, the Marquis of Chengen had already grown suspicious of Xie Shu, so naturally, she was unwilling to march right into trouble. This morning, she had racked her brains trying to devise a plan, but simply couldn't think of a good excuse.

"Nanny Liu, what brings you to grace us with your presence?" Xie Shu looked at the newcomer with a radiant smile and even had Lvlian bring a cup of tea to offer her.

Nanny Liu snorted twice. Seeing that Xie Shu's attitude was so amiable, she assumed the girl had been disciplined by the Marquis of Chengen yesterday and had learned some manners. As for the offered tea, however, she didn't dare touch a single drop.

"In a couple of days is the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet, and our Marquis of Chengen's estate will certainly be attending. Since the Crown Prince Consort has now married into the manor, she naturally must shoulder some responsibilities for it. The birthday gift has already been prepared; it only needs someone to fetch it. Crown Prince Consort, could I trouble you to make a trip?" Nanny Liu put on airs, her tone rising melodiously at the end as if she were singing an opera.

Upon hearing this, Xie Shu was overjoyed. She slapped her thighs with both hands and agreed instantly, "A trivial matter, a mere trifle."

"Lvlian, did you hear that? We get to go fetch the Empress Dowager's birthday gift! Quick, quick, order the carriage prepared!" She had finally found an excuse to leave the estate! What a wonderful idea Lady Li had concocted! A truly wonderful idea!

Nanny Liu froze, never expecting Xie Shu to be so agreeable. She had thought she would have to bicker with Xie Shu for a long time, perhaps even exchange a few rounds of verbal abuse, before the other party could be coerced into going!

At that moment, seeing Xie Shu so enthusiastic, Nanny Liu didn't know how to react for a moment. Fearing that Xie Shu might have some hidden scheme, she opened her mouth and added another warning: "This birthday gift is for the Empress Dowager; there must be no mistakes whatsoever."

"Rest assured, rest assured! Isn't it just the Empress Dowager's birthday gift? Consider this minor task handled impeccably by yours truly." Anxious to leave the estate, Xie Shu hurriedly had Lvlian escort the visitor out. "Safe journey, Nanny Liu! Wait for my good news!"

Perhaps because of today's overwhelming enthusiasm, Nanny Liu began to feel rather pleased with herself. A featherless, ignorant girl—she only had to drop the name "Empress Dowager," and the fool had eagerly jumped right into the trap, didn't she?

Once she returned, she would certainly have to tell the Marchioness to use the Empress Dowager's prestige more often to keep Xie Shu suppressed!

Inside Chenxiang Courtyard, Lady Li pondered Nanny Liu's words, still feeling that something was amiss. She asked repeatedly, "Was she really that happy?"

"Indeed, overjoyed. She set off with her people without a moment's pause," Nanny Liu nodded heavily. "If you ask me, my lady, you should have brought up the Empress Dowager's name much earlier. That would have cowed her long ago."

Yet, hearing those words, Lady Li felt her heart skip a beat with anxiety.

Xie Shu hadn't even feared the Emperor inside the Hall of Governmental Affairs; would she be afraid of the Empress Dowager?

"My lady, you can rest easy! Everyone knows the rules of Cuiping Workshop. If the Crown Prince Consort doesn't settle the bill in full, she will never be able to bring that birthday gift back. Besides, I've already sent someone to follow her in secret. If she refuses to pay the silver, she'll lose face completely!"

At her age, Nanny Liu naturally had plenty of tricks up her sleeve. Since she had lured Xie Shu into the trap, she would definitely make her swallow this bitter pill!