The Hostage Girl - Chapter 67-Part 2
Chapter 67—Part 2
It turned out that every month, Wen Niang managed to save more than half of their stipend, stuffing the money into a repurposed wine jar turned piggy bank.
In just a few months, the jar was already full.
Wen Niang planned to use the savings to buy land.
However, since Jiang Zhi was a hostage prince, they couldn’t purchase land in the Great Qi.
Instead, she intended to find trustworthy people to help her acquire fertile fields in neighboring states to lease out.
It was far better than sitting idle and depleting their resources while feeling insecure about the future.
Wen Niang’s words were a revelation to Jiang Xiurun, clearing her mind of lingering doubts.
The instability of her previous life had left a deep mark on her.
Deep down, she still felt like a rabbit constantly chased by dogs, always on edge, fearing disaster at any moment.
Her thoughts were perpetually fixed on seizing any chance to flee at the first opportunity.
But the current situation was entirely different from her past life.
Her elder brother had already established a household in Luo’an.
The crown prince she now served, although indulgent in his desires, was someone she could handle and who did not overly restrict her.
Thus, while she held the title of concubine in name only, she still enjoyed considerable freedom to come and go from the mansion.
It was nothing like her previous life, where Qin Zhao’s restrictive family orders kept her trapped in an awkward position as a mistress.
She had endured constant reprimands from Madam Xu and the Qin family’s messengers, who visited regularly to impose their demands.
Even when she later amassed some wealth and tried to ingratiate herself with others, her efforts were met with insincere words from the ladies of society, who mocked her behind her back.
But now, at least on the surface, she was the favored aide of the crown prince and a talented scholar recognized by Master Mu Feng at Luo’an Academy.
How could she continue to live with the anxious mindset of her past life, always scheming to escape?
It would be better to follow Wen Niang’s example—investing in land and assets in other states.
While she still enjoyed the prince’s favor, she could amass wealth comparable to a kingdom’s treasury!
As she mulled over this plan, the crown prince announced his intention to inspect the canal works, offering her the chance to accompany him.
It was a perfect opportunity to survey the surrounding fields and select suitable land for purchase.
Collecting annual rent would surely be a more stable and reliable strategy than clandestine lending.
Without hesitation, she eagerly agreed.
Seeing her so enthusiastic, Feng Liwu felt gratified, thinking his proposal had pleased her immensely.
In high spirits, he took her hand and demanded a kiss.
After being pestered repeatedly by the prince, Jiang Xiurun eventually resigned herself to the situation.
After all, he sought beauty, and she sought security.
Holding the title of a concubine in name, it wasn’t unreasonable to offer some affection to her nominal husband.
After all, he had spent money hiring people to carry her into the mansion in a sedan through the side gate.
He had invested in this role, hadn’t he?
Moreover, Feng Liwu was exceptionally handsome.
When he wasn’t exuding the authoritative aura of a crown prince, he was lively, charming, and dashing—a true paragon of male beauty.
Sometimes, when he clung to her eagerly, he seemed like a love-struck young boy.
Such an attractive and seductive man would undoubtedly be a rare treasure if she ever had the wealth to gather beautiful men like aristocrats.
Who knew how much she’d have to spend to secure someone like him?
But now, she could enjoy his attentions without paying a cent.
Thinking this way gave her a sense of profiting from a freebie.
Life, if overanalyzed, felt too burdensome.
Yet this whimsical thinking made her realize she was doing quite well.
Beneath the grapevine trellis, shadows danced gently.
The cool evening breeze brushed past as Jiang Xiurun let down her guard, engaging in an intimate kiss with the prince, indulging once again in the best “treasure” Luo’an City had to offer.
Feng Liwu had no idea what was on Jiang Xiurun’s mind.
He only found her exceptionally endearing today, her compliance during the kiss stirring his heart.
Scooping her into his arms, he started toward the room.
But just then, Jiang Xiurun suddenly stiffened in fear and whispered near his ear, “Someone is watching from the pavilion by the distant rockery…”
Feng Liwu glanced up and indeed caught a flicker of light from the rockery’s pavilion.
Judging by the direction, it was likely from Tian Ying’s residence.
Someone appeared to have been observing the scene from the pavilion.
While this area was part of the sleeping quarters and not as close to Tian Ying’s residence as the study, it was unsettling to know someone was spying on the inner grounds.
Feng Liwu frowned deeply, feeling his mood sour.
He resolved to quickly deal with Tian Ying and expel her from the mansion.
Jiang Xiurun, having been startled, lost her earlier nonchalance.
She hurriedly returned to her room, changed back into her own clothes, and retreated to her courtyard.
This fright reminded her of a crucial truth: no matter how good a man was, he would never truly belong to her.
So, even if it was free, she mustn’t accept it lightly!
