Chapter 173: Repaying Debts

Chapter 173

Repaying Debts

After being dismissed from the room, Mu Zhao Yi felt humiliated. As a lone woman, it was inappropriate for her to wait in the hall. Feeling awkward standing by the door, she decided to have a maid take her to see Young Miss Nie.

The maid, not daring to act on her own, brought Mu Zhao Yi to see Manager Wang first. Wang Dongpo saw Mu Zhao Yi’s demeanor and sensed trouble, so he spoke calmly to delay her.

"Young Miss Nie is currently reviewing the accounts. May I ask what business you have with her, Miss?"

Mu Qiuxiang, frustrated that she held the position of Consort Zhao Yi yet couldn’t reveal it, restrained her irritation and answered as calmly as possible.

"Earlier, Young Miss Nie played the zither for us. I have a few questions I’d like her to clarify."

"Please wait a moment. I will inform her."

Mu Zhao Yi, feeling indignant that she, a royal consort, had to wait for the daughter of a mere merchant, could do nothing but follow Wang Dongpo when he returned.

Even though Mu Rongying anticipated that her cousin was coming to stir trouble, she did not refuse the meeting. Wang Dongpo led Mu Zhao Yi in but made no move to leave. Mu Rongying knew he was concerned but gave him a small nod, signaling that she could handle it. Wang Dongpo exchanged glances with Chunmei and, after receiving her signal, left with some relief.

Once the two women were alone, Mu Zhao Yi immediately spoke up.

"Sister Rongying, I heard that you fled to Huangjing and became someone’s concubine. How is it that you now appear as Young Miss Nie?"

"Mu Rongying has been in the Mu family manor all along. Isn’t she gravely ill now?"

Mu Rongying responded coolly, as if the matter had nothing to do with her. Mu Zhao Yi, enraged by her cousin’s calm demeanor, burst out in anger.

"Stop playing dumb. What I heard is that you’ve already lost your purity as someone’s concubine. That’s why, in front of His Majesty and Kang Wang, you pretended to act noble and said you didn’t want to marry. In reality, you’re just jealous that I’ve risen to become Consort Zhao Yi, isn’t that right?"

Mu Rongying smiled and responded gently,

"Your gold is merely trash in my eyes. What I discard, I never regret. I wish you all the fortune and favor in the world, Consort Zhao Yi. Nie Ying is just a merchant, with plenty of work to do to make a living. Please excuse me."

Her calm words almost made Mu Zhao Yi want to scream and throw a fit.

"I’ve taken on all the burdens for you, yet you still dare to act so indifferent."

Mu Zhao Yi shouted, barely able to contain her rage.

"Burdens? Weren’t you more than willing to accept them? By now, I’m sure your mother is enjoying a comfortable life, and your brother must be more favored by the elders."

Mu Rongying said knowingly. Everything in the Mu family was dictated by interests. When Mu Qiuxiang chose to enter the palace, her family, the secondary branch, had reaped the benefits. And now, Mu Qiuxiang dared to speak of debts?

Mu Zhao Yi was left speechless. When it came to intelligence, Mu Rongying had always been unrivaled in the Mu household. She may appear gentle, but she was not someone to be easily bullied, as Mu Zhao Yi thought. While she fumbled for a response, the door suddenly opened, and Kang Wang strode in, his face furious when he saw Mu Zhao Yi standing facing Yingying.

"What business does Mu Yi Niang have with the woman I love?"

Kang Wang’s voice was cold, and the way he looked at her made Mu Zhao Yi’s face burn with shame. Being looked down upon repeatedly in front of Mu Rongying, Mu Zhao Yi was naturally felt humiliated. Kang Wang had just openly declared Mu Rongying’s place in his heart, fueling her envy. They were born in the same year and raised in the same household, yet Mu Rongying always seemed to receive the best without much effort. Meanwhile, Mu Zhao Yi had struggled tirelessly, only to end up with what Mu Rongying discarded. In that moment, Mu Zhao Yi felt deeply bitter about her fate.

"Hah! Your beloved woman, is she? I wasn’t aware that Your Highness wished to take a defiled woman as your consort."

Mu Zhao Yi was shocked that she blurted it out. Mu Rongying’s escape was a closely guarded secret within the Mu family.

The atmosphere turned icy, and Mu Zhao Yi trembled as she saw Kang Wang’s expression. She knew then that she had made a grave mistake.

"And since when has Mu Yi Niang become so familiar with Young Miss Nie? I am well aware of her purity. She is not someone who would trade herself for power or wealth. Perhaps that’s something you would not understand."

His words struck Mu Zhao Yi like a blow. As a young woman, who wouldn’t have dreamed of a man as handsome as Kang Wang? Yet her youth had been sacrificed to his father, and now, he showed his disdain towards her while cherishing Mu Rongying.

"Your master is preparing to leave—why are you still here?"

Kang Wang’s stern voice cut through the air. As Mu Zhao Yi prepared to leave, he added a final remark.

"Never speak such vile words again. No matter who supports you, I can end your life at any moment!"

Kang Wang, usually gentle and noble like a spring breeze, was now terrifying like a ferocious beast. Mu Zhao Yi fled the room in a panic. Chunmei, seeing that the couple had things to discuss, quietly left and closed the door behind her.

Once they were alone, Kang Wang pulled Mu Rongying into his arms, whispering in her ear,

"I’ve told them. You will be my only wife."

Hearing those words, Mu Rongying’s heart filled with sweetness, though she knew it wouldn’t be that simple.

"And...what did your father and mother say?"

Kang Wang leaned down and kissed her gently.

"Don’t worry about that. Leave it to me. All you need to do is prepare to ride the bridal sedan."

His warm words brought tears to Mu Rongying’s eyes, and she hugged him tightly, overjoyed.

"Your Highness, I only need you. I don’t care if I get to ride a sedan or not."

Kang Wang understood her feelings, and the two embraced for a long while before he finally spoke again.

"I sent them back ahead. My father and mother need time to think things over. I’ll speak to them again tonight."

Mu Rongying loosened her embrace, looking up at him with concern. With the Emperor’s sudden arrival, Kang Wang had become even busier.

"And tonight...?"

"Tonight, I won’t be returning. Will you not be able to sleep without me, Yingying?"

Kang Wang teased her as he gently lifted her chin. Blushing, Mu Rongying playfully pushed his chest away. Kang Wang laughed heartily, and knowing that he had little time left, she shared what was on her mind.

"Your Highness, no matter what you decide, Yingying will always stand by your side."

Kang Wang smiled warmly, pulling her into a tighter embrace."I chose wisely."