Chapter 46: One Finger Less for Every Ten Thousand?

At the same time, Shangguan Jinghong's eyes lit up instantly.

He immediately looked up and said, "Xiaoyao, as long as I can do it, I will do my utmost!"

"I don't need you," Xiaoyao replied indifferently.

"Mommy has grown smarter; a smart mommy is awesome." Ruo Xi clenched her little fists excitedly, as if she was about to join the fray.

"Then, then what do you want?" Shangguan Jinghong asked, looking at Xiaoyao.

"One finger less for every ten thousand, see how many fingers less, and then decide whose to chop!" Xiaoyao said.

"Xiaoyao!" Shangguan Jinghong shouted.

"Prince Consort? Watch your tone! Standing before you is a princess!" Nurse Qin stepped forward and said coldly.

"Your Highness, we are still husband and wife. Remember, if news of you chopping off my mother's fingers spreads, it would bring shame to the royal family!" Shangguan Jinghong said coldly.

"Hmph, do you think the Emperor and Empress care about being slandered?" Xiaoyao scoffed. "Prince Consort, I think you should be more concerned about your own health. If you fall ill, you might lose your footing in court!"

Xiaoyao's threat made Shangguan Jinghong instantly sober up.

"Xiaoyao!" Taking a deep breath, Shangguan Jinghong gritted his teeth and said, "Give me three more days, and I will make sure they gather the silver for you!"

"Fine!" Ling Yue nodded, then gently patted her daughter and went to soothe her.

Ruo Xi was content, feeding, drinking water, and sleeping.

Her mommy had grown smarter, and that was great!

By mid-afternoon, Lady Hu arrived with ledgers, wearing her official robes.

In this residence, Lady Hu rarely wore her official robes unless she wanted to intimidate someone or if there were visitors from the palace.

Ruo Xi woke up refreshed after her nap.

The next moment, she furrowed her tiny brows.

"Why are there so many footsteps? Is this old hag not done yet?"

Xiaoyao gently patted her daughter as Dong Ju reported, "Princess, the matriarch brought people to carry all your dowry over, but those people aren't from our household!"

"Hmph!" Nurse Qin glared coldly. "Baiyu mentioned before he left that the Prince Consort went to the city defense camp this morning. He must have brought people from there!"

"The Emperor entrusted the city defense camp to him three years ago," Xiaoyao said.

"So he's trying to intimidate us?" Dong Ju clenched her fists. "If they dare to act recklessly, I'll make sure they don't leave alive!"

"Your Highness!" It was Lai Fu's voice from outside.

"What is it? It's noon, and you're disturbing the young princess. Watch your backs!" Dong Ju went out, hands on her hips, and shouted coldly from the entrance of Mozhu Garden, narrowing her eyes at the large group behind her.

"There are probably a hundred of them!" Nurse Qin wrapped her wrist with a bandage and said, "Princess, just protect the young princess later!"

"The city defense camp, perfect. If Mommy is smart..." Ruo Xi raised her tiny brows and looked at her mother, her eyes narrowing.

Xiaoyao looked down at her daughter, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Mother and daughter shared a silent understanding.

"Dong Ju, tell Her Highness that we've come to return the dowry!" Lai Fu raised his head, his voice loud.

"Smack! Smack!"

Dong Ju flashed forward and slapped Lai Fu twice, making him spit out blood and two gold teeth.

"You..." Lai Fu was furious.

"Dong Ju represents me!" A light voice came from inside the house, and Xiaoyao, dressed in a light blue gown, walked out slowly, followed by Nurse Qin carrying the young princess.

Nurse Qin gently patted the young princess, her eyes cold. "A mere steward, shouting in front of a princess—your mouth should have been swollen from the slap!"

Ruo Xi suddenly felt that lying low in this life was very promising.

With such a capable mother, it seemed unlikely that the Shangguan family could control her or use her to threaten the Emperor.

However, some things were still uncertain.

Thinking about her past experiences, Ruo Xi realized she still had much to learn about human nature.

"Your Highness, let's not talk about other matters. Here is your dowry. The matriarch has brought everything over. Would you like to count each item?" Lady Hu gritted her teeth and, after a moment of silence, looked up at Xiaoyao.

"Bring them in!" Xiaoyao pointed to one side. "There's plenty of space in the courtyard; a few boxes shouldn't be a problem."

Lady Hu felt a pang of pain but waved her hand, signaling the men to carry the chests inside.

"Ordinary skills, mixed with a few skilled ones. Hmm, these skills are quite good. Hmph, looks like Shangguan Jinghong came prepared!" Ruo Xi's tiny hands clenched together, itching to fight.

"Go, open that chest!" Xiaoyao pointed to one of the chests.

"Princess!" Lady Hu's face turned ashen.

"What, Mother-in-law, you don't want it opened? Is there something wrong with the contents?" Xiaoyao asked.

"Are you doubting me in public, Princess?" Lady Hu questioned.

"Even brothers settle accounts clearly, let alone..." Xiaoyao gave a faint smile. "I don't trust Mother-in-law!"

"You..." Mrs. Hu dared not lash out; she gritted her teeth and glanced at the two of them.

Dong Ju went over and opened the chest.

"Princess, twelve sets of headdresses. Although the sizes are slightly off, they are still quite nice!" Dong Ju counted and said.

"Good!" Xiaoyao nodded.

"Whoosh!"

Just as Dong Ju was about to close the chest, the two people beside her moved. Hidden in their sleeves were gleaming daggers, which they immediately wielded toward Dong Ju.

"Gee, gee, gee, when will I grow up? I'm itching for action!" Little Ruo Xi clenched her tiny fists and kicked her legs excitedly: "No matter whether these two end up dead or alive, Mrs. Hu will surely claim she had no knowledge of it. Let's see how my mother handles this!"

"Little County Princess, you're getting excited about a fight!" Nanny Qin lightly patted the little county princess's bottom and said, "When you grow up, you'll definitely be a mischievous girl!"

In Mozhu Garden, Nanny Jin had already replaced the staff. Several servants holding brooms were also waiting nearby. As soon as the princess gave the order, they would capture everyone, including the matriarch!