Chapter 54: The Ledger

Imagine this: if you disdain even the gifts bestowed upon you by the emperor and choose to pawn them off, could there possibly be anyone in this world mightier than the emperor? Even if the emperor were to present you with a lump of dung, you would have to accept it joyfully, never pointing out its flaws to others.

Yet here stood Wen Qiao before her, insisting on inspecting the dowry left behind by Princess Changle. How could she possibly object? To do so would only make her seem guilty.

For a moment, Li Yanlan froze, unsure of what expression to wear.

Still, deep down, she resolved to first bluff her way past Wen Qiao.

If Wen Qiao were to discover now that Princess Changle's dowry was nearly depleted, she would surely rush back to inform the emperor. Then, no matter how much she tried to conceal it, the truth would come out. It was better to intimidate this girl for the time being and figure out the rest later.

Li Yanlan thought this to herself while forcing a genial smile.

“The princess’s dowry was naturally meant for you in the future, so you need not worry about that. Besides, the Marquis’s estate will not be short of money. When the time comes for your marriage, your father and I will prepare other dowries for you. However, I am truly too busy to accompany you there now. The princess’s dowry consists of precious items, and the storage is heavily guarded. If you were to go on your own, the guards would likely not admit you. How about this: wait a few days until I am less occupied, and I will personally take you there. How does that sound?”

Truth be told, Li Yanlan’s mind was quick; she had already decided how to trick Wen Qiao later. Although risky, it was better than having the emperor discover everything at once and directly punish the Marquis’s estate. After all, Wen Qiao was just a young girl recently arrived—how much of the grand world could she have seen? She probably couldn’t tell what was genuine or fake. As long as Wen Qiao was fooled, the emperor, overwhelmed with state affairs, wouldn’t be dwelling on this matter.

If she had to find a way to replenish the dowry over the years, it would be a tremendous effort. The Marquis’s household expenses alone had exceeded tens of thousands of silver taels over the past decade, not to mention the indulgence of letting Wen Zehan spend extravagantly—after all, one must show sincerity when making friends outside.

By that reckoning, the fate of the silver obtained from pawning Princess Changle’s dowry was quite clear.

But how could she confess this to Wen Qiao? If Wen Qiao turned around and told the emperor, it would be the end for her. So she could only chuckle it off, muddling through for now until she could find something convincing to present, to keep Wen Qiao from pestering her incessantly.

Though this plan was of her own making, it was for the sake of the Marquis’s estate. Later, she would have to discuss the matter with Wen Congqing in the study to ensure he could not feign ignorance.

“That is true. The lady does seem quite busy at the moment and likely cannot attend to your matters soon. Since that is the case, I will not trouble you further. Managing the household expenses must be tiring. However, there is one more thing. I have just returned from the palace and will need to return soon to continue my studies. I may not be able to tend to the household for a while. If you need me, simply send someone to summon me at the palace. After all, I am part of this family and should contribute to the Marquis’s estate. Please don’t leave me out; otherwise, I would feel like an outsider, and that would hurt.”

Wen Qiao performed this little speech well, and only when she noticed Li Yanlan’s growing impatience did she nod contentedly and turn to leave.

But she had not gone far when a loud crash came from inside, like porcelain shattering on the floor.

The elder smiled faintly and paid it no mind.

Let them make a fuss—the bigger, the better.

When the time came, not only would she retrieve Princess Changle’s dowry, but she would also demand the Marquis’s estate repay double the amount they had consumed over the years. Otherwise, wouldn’t all that money have been spent for nothing? Even borrowing money requires interest!

Wen Qiao thought this as she walked towards her courtyard.

Judging by the ledger Li Yanlan had taken earlier, it must have been the list of Princess Changle’s dowry, along with the items pawned over the years. Although Li Yanlan had swiftly confiscated the ledger, Wen Qiao still saw many lines drawn through items, likely marking those pawned.

In her previous life, she already knew this, yet she had selflessly agreed to let the Marquis’s estate keep the dowry. But back then, even if she disagreed, no one stood with her.

Times had changed. The mistakes and foolishness of her past life were no longer something she could endure.

Upon entering her courtyard, Wen Qiao found everything refreshed. She hadn’t returned for some time, and apparently, Li Yanlan, fearing a sudden inspection from the palace, had ordered the courtyard tidied up and prepared for Wen Qiao’s arrival.

She saw the two maids Li Yanlan had sent previously sweeping diligently, silent and focused on their work. It seemed they had taken to heart everything Wen Qiao had said before, such as not allowing them near her bedroom.

Wen Qiao’s fondness for these two girls grew; she was less wary of them than when they first arrived.

Yet she had no memory of these two from her previous life, as Li Yanlan had never sent maids before.

Li Yanlan truly was a strange character, Wen Qiao thought wryly.

The two maids, noticing Wen Qiao’s return, quickly set aside their brooms and knelt in greeting.

Their demeanor was both amusing and satisfying.

Amusing because they looked like children caught doing something wrong, embarrassed and helpless.

Satisfying because the authority Wen Qiao had established over the days had evidently taken effect; otherwise, they wouldn’t have greeted her so promptly.

Perhaps they were simply honest and obedient girls.

Wen Qiao nodded and told them to rise and resume their duties. Whether she would keep them employed required further thought.

Employing someone was different from dismissing them; if she wished to keep them, she needed to know their backgrounds thoroughly before she dared trust them.

For now, they seemed honest and without ill intent, so she would give them a chance. If they remained trustworthy over the next few days, she might assign them minor tasks. It would be a pity if such honest girls were only relegated to sweeping the outer courtyard.

Wen Qiao’s mind was busy with many thoughts.

After granting permission, the two maids thanked her and went about their chores, no longer hovering around her.

For the moment, she would set their matters aside and focus on the Marquis’s estate and her collaboration with Xiao Minghe.

Since no news had come in recent days, she decided to investigate whether the demons and devils within the estate were truly about to reveal themselves.

Her courtyard was sparsely populated. Though Li Yanlan had tidied it, she had not placed additional servants inside, likely to avoid upsetting Wen Qiao.

Thus, Wen Qiao was pleased with the quiet atmosphere.

With no one to disturb her, she could concentrate on her own affairs.

After instructing the maids, she shut the door and sat alone, leaning over the table to sketch and scribble.

Late into the night, only Wen Qiao’s courtyard remained illuminated. She had not ceased her work.

The screen attendant approached, noting the hour.

“Miss, it is already past midnight. What could keep you busy still? You should rest soon; staying up too late will strain your eyes.”

Wen Qiao stretched lazily and glanced around.

No one else was present; she was alone amidst her clutter.

Yet even so, she felt her efforts were insufficient.

The screen attendant peered at the papers, seeing many drawings atop layers of other sheets, likely a large collection.

Unable to understand the scribbles, she shook her head and, instead of probing, gently urged Wen Qiao to rest.

At this point, how could Wen Qiao continue working? If she disobeyed this little one’s wishes, she might report back to the Empress Dowager.

Just a few days ago, she had restrained the Empress Dowager from engaging in taxing matters. If Wen Qiao claimed she had not rested properly, the Empress Dowager might send two more maids tomorrow just to watch over her rest.

Wen Qiao smiled wryly, as if resigned, and allowed the attendant to help her wash up.

Initially, she had wondered if the attendants had been sent by the Empress Dowager to monitor her, but now, seeing their genuine concern, she no longer minded.

After all, she had never known such care before; the feeling was strange, even delightful, and she found herself somewhat intoxicated by it.

Besides, the attendants had not mentioned anything to the Empress Dowager. Even if they had, unless it was excessive, Wen Qiao would not be angry. She would be glad that someone still thought of her.

As long as there was someone who sincerely cared for her, Wen Qiao no longer felt alone. Otherwise, her heart would feel empty, as if the world had nothing to do with her.

“The Empress Dowager always says I’m like a housekeeper. But I don’t think I nag as much as you do. If I don’t go to bed soon, I’m sure you’ll have more to say. Just thinking about that makes my head tingle. You don’t have to watch me all night. Since I promised, I will definitely go to sleep.”

Wen Qiao was not used to being tended to and usually did everything herself. Today, only because the girl was clingy did she ask for some help, not expecting full service.

At first, the attendant worried Wen Qiao might be wary of them, reluctant to have servants so close. But soon she realized Wen Qiao simply preferred handling her affairs herself, and she relaxed.

Otherwise, she would have had no idea how to explain the situation to the Empress Dowager.

Fortunately, Wen Qiao had kept the two maids, and thanks to the Empress Dowager’s chance, they realized Wen Qiao was kind-hearted, not the rude person others claimed.

Now, she even considered herself fortunate to have met Wen Qiao.