Chapter 56: Officially Registered

Finishing their conversation, the two walked toward Snow Bamboo Residence.

Upon returning from Hibiscus Courtyard, Shen Mengli went straight into her study, took out a book of travel memoirs, and began reading while sipping tea.

"Crown Prince Consort, what is this about the Heir Apparent having his funds withheld by the accountant's office? Was it really done by the Princess?"

Ginkgo asked curiously while working on her embroidery nearby.

Shen Mengli picked up a cup of hot tea, gently blew on the surface, and took a small sip.

"It was Mother's doing. She cannot stand the Heir Apparent lending silver to Lin Qingyu, so she instructed the accountant's office to freeze his funds."

"It seems the Princess truly dislikes that Concubine Lin. No, 'loathing' would be a more accurate word."

Yingchun, a maid who had recently been assigned to Snow Bamboo Residence, said thoughtfully.

"Of course. Just look at Concubine Lin's demeanor—could anyone expect the Princess to ever grow fond of her? The mere fact that she has completely infatuated the Heir Apparent is reason enough for the Princess to despise her," Ginkgo chimed in from the side.

"Whenever I think the Heir Apparent likes Concubine Lin enough, he always manages to shatter my expectations. Thirty thousand taels! The Heir Apparent handed it over without a second thought. Just how deeply must he dote on Concubine Lin? With this level of favor, even if the Princess detests her, she can still walk through the entire estate with her head held high."

"If you ask me, the Heir Apparent has terrible taste. He leaves a virtuous and dutiful wife like our Crown Prince Consort unappreciated, and instead fawns over a flirtatious courtesan from a pleasure house. If I were the Princess, I would be furious too."

Just as the maids were deep in discussion, Magpie walked in from outside the doorway.

"Crown Prince Consort, the Heir Apparent has arrived and says he wishes to see you."

Why was Qi Yunyan back again?

Hadn't he just been seen off a moment ago?

Could it be that he had another score to settle with her?

That couldn't be right; she remembered doing nothing to offend him.

She had no idea why he was so obsessed with finding fault with her.

Shen Mengli led Ginkgo and Yingchun out of the study and into the main hall.

"Now that the Heir Apparent has returned so soon, what is the purpose of this visit?"

"Shen Mengli, why didn't you return my treasury key after taking it? You actually made me come and ask for it myself. Everything inside belongs to my private estate—you haven't emptied the whole place out, have you?"

The treasury key?

So it was about this.

Since he hadn't come to reclaim it all this time, she had simply assumed he intended to leave the key in her keeping.

It turned out he had simply forgotten.

"Heir Apparent, I only took a few insignificant pieces of gold and silver from your treasury. I didn't touch any of the truly valuable items."

"It seems you possess some restraint after all. Hand over the key."

"The key is not with me."

Qi Yunyan frowned. "Shen Mengli, are you trying to deny it? I clearly handed the key to you last time, and you never returned it to me. If it's not with you, could it possibly grow wings and fly back to me on its own?"

Facing Qi Yunyan's interrogation, Shen Mengli remained completely composed.

She answered unhurriedly, "The Heir Apparent misunderstands. After I went to the treasury to retrieve some items last time, I happened to encounter Mother, and she took the key from me."

"What! That is my treasury key! What sort of logic is there in handing it over to Mother?"

"The Heir Apparent and Mother are family—mother and son. There is no need to draw such strict boundaries between you. Besides, when Mother asked me for the key to my face, could I possibly refuse to give it to her? However, the Heir Apparent may rest assured; Mother is a sensible person and has not touched anything inside your treasury. She merely had people take inventory of your holdings and register everything in a ledger, just in case certain items were lost without your knowledge."

"If the Heir Apparent is still concerned, you are quite welcome to go inspect the treasury yourself."