The Command to Pamper the Husband - Chapter 186

Fen Xiang never expected the Fourth Prince to say such things directly.

Startled, she glanced nervously at the Fourth Prince. “Your Highness.”

“When I ask you something, answer truthfully. Otherwise, as the person closest to Cui Liang, you’ll inevitably be taken away for questioning,” the Fourth Prince said sternly.

Fen Xiang immediately looked at Zhao Jide. This newly appointed Capital Magistrate was rumored to be even more stubborn than the Minister of Justice, not giving face to anyone. Even though she served Consort Zhen, if she were taken away, Consort Zhen wouldn’t be able to save her.

Clenching her fists anxiously, Fen Xiang stood there, “Your Highness, I dare not lie. Although Cui Liang and I both serve Consort Zhen, Cui Liang doesn’t directly serve her because she isn’t very good-looking. She only handles cleaning tasks in the courtyard.”

“Then why does she share a room with you?” the Fourth Prince asked.

“Because, because…” Fen Xiang stammered.

Song Jin slapped the table, “Speak! You should know why Minister Zhen sent you back, right?”

Startled by the slap, Fen Xiang fell to her knees.

Normally, the servants only cared about their direct masters and didn’t fear the Fourth Prince, focusing solely on pleasing their own masters. But now, the Third Prince had been burned.

Even though they were only servants, they still discussed matters among themselves. They knew that Minister Zhen and Consort Zhen were loyal to the Third Prince, so they were essentially the Third Prince’s people.

Now that the Third Prince had been burned, Minister Zhen had immediately instructed Fen Xiang to cooperate fully with the Fourth Prince’s investigation. The meaning was clear.

Lowering her head, Fen Xiang said, “Although Cui Liang wasn’t very attractive, she was an excellent cook, much better than the cooks in Consort Zhen’s kitchen. To please Consort Zhen, I often had Cui Liang prepare special dishes for her.”

“And those dishes were made by Cui Liang?” Song Jin asked.

Fen Xiang blushed and nodded, then looked up with teary eyes, “I gave Cui Liang money for her work. She needed the money, and I didn’t force her. When I suggested it, she agreed right away.”

“If Cui Liang was such a good cook, why didn’t she cook directly for Consort Zhen? That would have earned her more rewards and favor,” Song Jin asked.

Fen Xiang shook her head. “Consort Zhen values appearances, both in people and food,” she said softly. “So, the cooks in Consort Zhen’s kitchen are all good-looking.”

Song Jin was stunned. So, Cui Liang couldn’t cook directly for Consort Zhen because of her looks?

“Consort Zhen didn’t want to see Cui Liang because she was unattractive?” Song Jin asked, incredulous. “That’s ridiculous.”

Remembering Consort Zhen’s courtyard, it seemed true that only attractive people were allowed to be visible.

“You mentioned that Cui Liang needed money. As far as I know, Consort Zhen doesn’t withhold your allowances,” Song Jin said.

“Consort Zhen is generous with us. Cui Liang needed money mainly because her family was demanding it. She wanted to save some money for herself. Her family would take all her allowance as soon as it was given, so she worked with me to save some money,” Fen Xiang explained.

“How long did you two cooperate? How much did Cui Liang save from this arrangement?” Song Jin asked.

Fen Xiang thought for a moment, “She saved between eight and ten taels.”

“Did Cui Liang mention why she was saving money?” Song Jin inquired.

“She often said her family was sucking her dry and wanted to kill her. She was saving money to buy her freedom,” Fen Xiang said.

“She didn’t want to work in the residence anymore?” Song Jin was surprised.

Working in a prince’s residence was a dream job for many girls. It wasn’t as strict as the palace and had a lower mortality rate. They received three sets of clothing per season, a good allowance, and frequent rewards from their masters. Despite being servants, they lived better than most girls from ordinary families and had better marriage prospects after leaving the residence. Cui Liang wanted to leave all this?

“Did anyone else know about Cui Liang’s plan to save money?” Song Jin asked.

Fen Xiang shook her head. “No, she didn’t dare tell anyone else. She was afraid the news would get out. She even begged me to keep it a secret.”

“Did you leak her secret?” Song Jin asked.

“No, I didn’t. I benefited from our arrangement too, as it made me one of Consort Zhen’s favorites. Why would I ruin that?” Fen Xiang replied, turning pale.

Song Jin understood her reaction. Cui Liang was dead. Without her, how could Fen Xiang maintain her position with Consort Zhen?

“Cui Liang’s savings, do you know where they are?” Song Jin asked.

Fen Xiang nodded, “Yes.”

“Take her to get it,” Song Jin ordered Wang Liu.

Wang Liu nodded and led Fen Xiang away.

After they left, Song Jin turned to Zhao Jide, “What do you think, Minister Zhao?”

“If Fen Xiang is telling the truth, Cui Liang’s family didn’t kill her. She was their breadwinner. So, they likely didn’t know about the kidnapping,” Zhao Jide concluded.

Song Jin raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment.

Noticing her reaction, Zhao Jide asked, “Do you think something is wrong, Your Highness?”

“Why did Cui Liang participate in the kidnapping? Was she willing or forced?” Song Jin asked.

“Forced,” Zhao Jide replied immediately. If she were willing, she wouldn’t have wanted to leave the residence. The protection of working for Consort Zhen was important. She was likely planning to escape both her family and her blackmailer.

Song Jin continued, “Cui Liang’s family exploited her. Why would she be forced?”

Realizing something, Zhao Jide’s eyes widened. “You mean…”

Song Jin nodded.

“If Cui Liang was indeed involved in the kidnapping, her family must have known and been complicit.”