Repudiating a Good Wife Is Out of the Question

172. Prince Ning’s Counterattack

Translator: Sissy That Walk

In Prince Ning’s manor.

Prince Ning was simmering with anger after he read the letter that Xiao Yuqi had gone missing after his failed ambush, he was arrested by Xiao Yugui and taken to Prince Xing’s temporary residence before he had gone missing.

“Have we sent anyone to Prince Xing’s temporary residence?” Prince Ning asked Eunuch Gao with a grave face.

“We tried everything to sneak into his temporary residence but to no avail, but we can try that Master Qi Three who has grain coupons in hand. But it’s not going to be easy, Master Qi Three is loyal to Prince Xing even since Prince Xing has granted him an eighth-ranking title, he is happily taking charge of raising grains for the army.”

“How can Prince Xing come up with such a plan, he is resorting to every conceivable means at this point.” Prince Ning yelled in exasperation.

Eunuch Gao nodded, “People in the capital city look down upon petty titles like that, but local merchants will do anything to get a title like that. I heard that not only had Master Qi Three mortgaged his house but also he had borrowed a large amount of money from his friends to get the silver to exchange the grain coupons. No one dares push press for repayment now that he was an official.”

Prince Ning sighed, “Prince Xing has beat us to it! I should not have fought so hard for the Deputy Chief Examiner position, I should had done the same thing like Prince Xing. But unfortunately, I can’t get a price as high as Master Qi Three has paid now that the idea is no longer fresh.”

“Your Highness, have you forgotten that the Dragon Boat Festival (the 5th day of the 5th lunar month) is approaching? The imperial palace is about to purchase holiday gifts, it used to be the Ministry of Revenue who was in charge… …”

Prince Ning’s eyes sparkled as he heard that, “I will submit a report tomorrow, no way I’m going to give it up to Prince Xing without a fight!”

… …

Auntie Lu who was clad in mourning dress came to visit Dowager Xiao, Dowager Xiao was shocked to see her that way, “What’s going on? Why are you wearing… …”

Auntie Lu burst out weeping, “I haven’t got any letter from… from my husband, rumour has it… that he has already… already…”

“Already what?” Dowager Xiao got so nervous.

“Already passed away!” Auntie Lu lost control and cried out loud.

Dowager Xiao stamped her foot and shouted, “Servants! Ask His Lordship about this, where is my Qi!”

… …

Prince Xing’s temporary residence had got three letters this day. Two were for Prince Xing, and one for Xiao Yugui.

Prince Xing asked Xiao Yi to meet him in his study after he read his letters, Xiao Yi walked in with full composure like he had already guessed what the letters were about.

“Come take a seat, Yi.”

Prince Xing squinted his eyes and said, “You are right, Yi, Prince Ning is trying to take charge of the Dragon Boat Festival matter in the palace, what should we do about that?”

“We are not giving it up without a battle!” Xiao Yi lifted his robe and took a seat, “Your Highness, you have to fight, you need to show your attitude even though you know Prince Ning has got it in the bag.”

“Why?”

“Prince Ning might be all calm and poised without you, but he will be thrown into panic if you pose a threat, chances are he will be in a state of utter stupefaction with you being a threat.”

“Understood! I will leave the capital city tomorrow, I will trust you and Mo with the matter here.”

“We won’t let you down!”

Prince Xing asked loudly when Xiao Yi was about to leave, “What should I do if I really win this round?”

Xiao Yi chuckled, “That’s not going to happen, I suggest you come up with a way to deal with those Imperial Censors, Your Highness!”

Prince Xing nodded and he thought Yao Wenyuan would take care of that.

… …

Cao Mo was writing a proposal when Xiao Yi came back to their room, Xiao Yi frowned on seeing Cao Mo’s handwriting, “Mo, it’s time that you practised calligraphy.”

Cao Mo glared at Xiao Yi, “I don’t think so, I don’t need to impress anyone with my handwriting or attend the imperial examination. All right, time for the second step, we need to make an official announcement before the merchants try to pull strings in great confusion, it’s not good for public stability.”

Xiao Yi didn’t say anything, he just stood right behind Cao Mo and admired his proposal plan with his hands rubbing Cao Mo’s ear and lower back from time to time.

Xiao Yugui entered their room in a huff several minutes later, Cao Mo put down the pen and together greeted him with Xiao Yi.

Xiao Yi and Cao Mo exchanged a look subtly as they both had noticed how grave Xiao Yugui looked.

“I received a letter from your grandmother, she asked me where your Second Uncle is.” Xiao Yugui frowned.

“Just say you don’t know about that. No one can be sure about uncle’s whereabouts at this point, plus no way they are going to confront you because they dare not admit they knew Xiao Yuqi tried to ambush Master Qi Three.” Xiao Yi replied with indifference.

Xiao Yugui’s lips twitched, “Do you think Prince Xing will grant titles to more merchants?”

“I dare not conjecture what His Highness is thinking.” replied Xiao Yi.

“I think he will.” replied Cao Mo.

Xiao Yugui looked at Cao Mo and asked, “Why?”

Cao Mo smiled, “His Highness can at least find a few potential ones and get them in line first, merchants in the city are all dying to get a title, why not find a few potential ones first?”

Xiao Yugui stroked his beard and nodded, “That does make sense.”

Xiao Yi looked at Cao Mo with affection in his eyes and shook his head, ‘You cunning little thing, you are making use of those merchants!’

However, Xiao Yugui kept nodding and speaking highly of Cao Mo.

A guard reported that Cao Le was here to see Cao Mo right after Xiao Yugui took his leave.

“Why is here to see me at this hour?” Cao Mo murmured.

Cao Le grabbed Cao Mo’s hand as soon as he entered the room, “You have to help me out this time!”

“What’s with you again?”

“It’s not me, it’s mother’s relatives… …”

“How much silver do you have?”

“Some, not much.”

“Not much? Are you expecting me to fund him?”

“Prince Xing trusts you so much, just ask him for a title for your relative, no big deal. Plus, I can tell you a big secret.” Cao Le looked serious.

“What secret can you possibly know?”

“Just trust me on this one, it’s totally worth it!” with that Cao Le took a look at Xiao Yi.

Xiao Yi took the hint, he sneered at Cao Le and left the room.

Cao Mo shot Xiao Yi a warning look, the message it conveyed was ‘how dare you leave me with him, I will settle scores with you soon.’

Xiao Yi’s lips curled as he saw that, and he walked out of the room with a cheeky smile.

Cao Le said… …