The Revenge Of Prince Jing's Ruthless Consort

"I know Side Consort Chen is kind and always willing to help," Li Meihua said with a gentle smile, her tone calm and pleasant.

Just as Chen Lianhua was about to respond, Li Meihua's voice cut through again—this time, firmer.

"Since I'm well now, I hope Side Consort Chen will come later this afternoon to report how you've managed the household these past two days.

You must also bring the household account books and keys. After the morning greetings, I'll send my servant to accompany you—there's no need to trouble yourself."

A moment of stunned silence followed. Chen Lianhua's expression stiffened, unable to mask her surprise fast enough. Even the five concubines seated nearby, who had been watching with mild amusement, were startled. This wasn't the naive, timid Fujin they had known.

What was she doing? When had she begun to display such audacity? Chen Lianhua thought.

Chen Lianhua quickly regained her composure, schooling her features into a look of gentle concern.

"Madam, are you certain? I should first report to His Highness. The prince personally instructed me to oversee the household until your health improved. He was worried you might faint again," she said, her voice coated in warmth and worry.

Already using Prince Jing as her shield? Shameless. Luckily, she came prepared. Li Meihua thought coldly.

The smile on Li Meihua's face vanished in an instant. Her expression turned cold—so cold it stunned everyone present.

"What does Side Consort Chen mean by that?" Her voice, laced with quiet fury, cut through the air. "Are you threatening me with Wangye?"

She remained seated, her posture composed yet imposing, as her gaze fixed sharply on Chen Lianhua. "Just yesterday, a servant dared to use your name to intimidate me.

I wonder how Side Consort Chen managed the household these past two days that even a lowly maid has the audacity to trample over her mistress."

Her words, though soft, struck like a slap to the face.

Chen Lianhua froze, her smile faltering ever so slightly. Why is she acting so out of character?

In the past, the mere mention of Prince Jing would've made Li Meihua bow her head shyly, too timid to even meet her eyes. But now… she even dares to speak back with such boldness? How dare she!

Suppressing the rising anger in her chest, Chen Lianhua forced herself to smile again.

"I don't understand what Fujin means by that," Chen Lianhua said softly.

Li Meihua's gaze sharpened, her tone laced with cold elegance. "I don't need you to understand. As long as you're clear in your heart, that's enough. I've already informed the Prince, so Side Consort Chen need not concern herself."

I wanted to give you some face, but it seems there's no need. Li Meihua said. If she insists on playing innocent, then she shouldn't blame her for tearing the mask off.

"Just last night," Li Meihua continued icily, "a servant dared to tell me—the main Fujin—that Side Consort Chen instructed them not to use the kitchen or cook for anyone if it was too late.

A mere servant, using your name to defy mine. Is that the kind of household management Side Consort Chen prides herself on?"

She gave a soft laugh, devoid of warmth.

"A servant dares to disregard the main wife's authority because of a side consort's word… I fear I may not even be able to eat a proper meal next time."

Her voice cut like frost.

"Chunmei," Li Meihua called calmly, not bothering to spare Chen Lianhua a glance.

"Yes, Fujin," Chunmei replied as she stepped forward.

"Follow Side Consort Chen's servant. She will hand over the household key, the general household ledger, the account book, and everything else in her possession," Li Meihua ordered calmly, not sparing Chen Lianhua even a glance.

Chen Lianhua's expression stiffened. She stared at Li Meihua in disbelief, shocked by the cold gleam in her eyes.

What is going on? Why is she acting so out of character? How dare she humiliate her in front of everyone like this?

Just because she's the Fujin, she thinks she can do whatever she pleases? Dream on. She will never hand the household management over to her. All her previous efforts—wasted? Never.

"Fujin, I didn't mean it that way," Chen Lianhua said, forcing her voice to remain calm. "But finishing everything will take time. It won't be possible today."

Li Meihua's lips curled slightly—not in a smile, but in something far more chilling.

"Since Side Consort Chen seems to doubt that I've already informed Prince Jing, feel free to send someone to verify it with him," she said coldly. "After all, it's usually the main consort's duty to manage the household, is it not?"

She looked directly at Chen Lianhua, her expression composed, her gaze sharp as blades.

Chen Lianhua knew exactly what this was—a warning.

She's threatening her.

After all, she had always portrayed herself as a kind, gentle, and unambitious woman in front of Prince Jing.

If word got out that she was arguing with the main Fujin and refusing to hand over household authority, the prince might start to question her intentions—something she could not afford.

Forcing a calm smile, Chen Lianhua turned to her maid. "Qinghe."

"Yes, Side Fujin?" Qinghe responded.

"Go and hand over the household keys and the account ledgers to Fujin's maid."

"Yes, Side Fujin." Qinghe bowed and left with Chunmei.

Chen Lianhua then turned back to Li Meihua, her face now calm, her voice soft and sweet. "I hope Fujin will not be offended by my earlier words.

I only feared His Highness would be displeased with me if he learned I handed over the household management to fujin while you only just recently recovered."

She smiled with such innocence it was almost convincing—almost as if she hadn't been arguing moments before.

"Of course not. I'm not that petty," Li Meihua replied, her eyes meeting Chen Lianhua's. Yet no smile reached her lips.

Though she had won this round in their first confrontation, she knew Chen Lianhua wouldn't let it end here. She'll likely run straight to Prince Jing and poison his ear with lies.

But she didn't care. There was no use hoping for anything from that cold-hearted husband anyway.

Li Meihua turned to the other five concubines who had been quietly enjoying the spectacle. She didn't have the patience to deal with them today.She had bigger matters to confront—starting with her third sister.

She'll come soon… no doubt because she's working with Chen Lianhua.

She rose from her seat gracefully. "That will be all for today. Tomorrow, come earlier. There are matters to discuss."

Without waiting for a reply, she turned and swept out of the hall, leaving the stunned concubines behind.

Walking out of Fuyan Hall, Li Meihua returned to her room. She quietly removed the jewelry from her neck and wrists, leaving only the hairpin in her hair. Now, the next step is removing all of Chen Lianhua's people from the manor. Only those she trusted would remain.

She had barely laid down on the bed when a commotion rose from outside. Footsteps rushed toward her courtyard, swift and chaotic. A moment later, her third sister, Li Mingzhu, burst into the room.

"Sister! You're finally awake! I thought something had happened to you!" Li Mingzhu wailed as she threw herself onto the bed, tears flowing like someone had died.

Li Meihua dug her nails into her palm, forcing herself to stay calm. She couldn't behave too strangely—not like she had with Chen Lianhua. Mingzhu knew her too well. Any misstep, and she'd be the first to grow suspicious.

If Chen Lianhua was cunning, manipulative, and cruel… then Li Mingzhu was far worse.

Sitting up slowly, Li Meihua looked at her sister and forced a smile. "Alright, stop crying. See? I'm fine now. You don't have to worry so much." She reached out to dab at Li Mingzhu's tears with her sleeve. "Look, your makeup is smudging."

Only she knew how tightly she was holding back.

Seeing her sister still acting like her usual self, Li Mingzhu's heart finally settled. When she'd heard from Chen Lianhua's maidservant Hongdou that Li Meihua had been behaving strangely, she'd been deeply worried.

If something went wrong now, it might ruin everything.

"I won't cry again, Sister," Li Mingzhu murmured, snuggling into Li Meihua's arms and resting her head on her shoulder. "I heard you took back the household management from Side Consort Chen… won't that make the prince angry with you?" Li Mingzhu said.

She didn't notice the flash of disgust that passed through Li Meihua's eyes as she looked at her.

"I only did it because I didn't want the prince to think I'm irresponsible," Li Meihua replied gently.

"Now that I've recovered, continuing to let Side Consort Chen manage the household—which is meant to be handled by the main consort—would reflect poorly on me. Not just in his eyes, but in everyone else's as well."

Li Mingzhu slowly lifted her head to look at her, but Li Meihua clearly saw the trace of disdain buried behind her younger sister's seemingly concerned gaze—an emotion she was desperately trying to conceal.

"Sister must be overthinking things," Li Mingzhu said with a soft, sweet smile."If Sister runs into any trouble while managing the household, you can always ask me—or Side Fujin Chen,"

She sounded like she was truly thinking of Li Meihua's well-being.

"Of course. I'll make sure to do as Xiao Zhu says," Li Meihua replied, her voice just as gentle. "Then I'll go now, Sister," Li Mingzhu said, standing from the bed.

"Alright then. If you're ever free, do come visit me more often," Li Meihua said with a warm smile.