Chapter Eight: Establishing Authority

Manager Tang remained completely oblivious, strolling into the council hall as if he were idly wandering through a garden. Though they had been granted entry to the palace, it was by no means a place to roam freely.

The council hall was arranged with simple elegance; though its furnishings could not compare to the treasures of the main palace, to these shopkeepers, they were already a rare luxury.

Now that all the managers had arrived, the Princess had yet to appear—a delay unprecedented until now. In the past, the Princess of Kangping, though of royal blood, never put on airs with them; she had never kept them waiting so long before.

Yu Shun stood in the back chamber behind the council hall. Seeing that the time was right, he rose and entered with the palace guards.

Suddenly, a group of men clad in identical guard uniforms stormed in—a formidable sight. The tension among those present was palpable, and even Manager Tang's expression betrayed a flicker of unease.

The guards lined up along both sides with perfect discipline, their stances uniform. Only then did Yu Shun step forward, a broad grin on his face.

Recognizing a familiar figure, the shopkeepers relaxed slightly. Manager Li, summoning his courage, stood and bowed to Yu Shun before speaking.

"Chief Steward Yu, may I ask what the Princess requires of us? We are but humble folk, and such an imposing spectacle truly unnerves us."

As he spoke, he made a show of wiping imaginary sweat from his brow. Ever resourceful, he had always maintained close ties with Yu Shun and Zhenzhu. Though he had heard no rumors this time, he had taken care to do what was necessary.

Yu Shun especially enjoyed being addressed as Chief Steward Yu; it was far more pleasing than being called Eunuch Yu. He waved his hand dismissively.

"What the Princess intends is not for a servant like me to know. As long as we have done nothing to be ashamed of, do you think Her Highness would take lives unjustly? Rest easy and stay seated."

At these words, cold sweat broke out across Manager Tang's back. He glanced at Yu Shun, who happened to be looking right at him, eyes as cold as death itself.

He understood immediately—his secret must have been exposed. He quickly stood.

"Chief Steward Yu, I beg you to plead for me before the Princess. I suddenly recall an urgent matter at my shop that must be handled."

He did not wait for Yu Shun's response but turned to leave at once. Yu Shun did not try to stop him, watching as he walked toward the door. Just as Tang was about to step over the threshold, one of the guards by the door lashed out with swift force.

Manager Tang was sent sprawling to the ground, his front teeth shattered, blood spilling from his mouth—a shocking sight.

Yu Shun let out a mocking laugh, bent down, and called out loudly, "Her Highness, the Princess, arrives..." Instinctively, everyone present knelt and bowed, not daring to utter a word.

Manager Tang’s eyes flashed with fury as he scrambled to his feet. Before Wei Baofu could even sit down, he burst into angry complaint.

“Your Highness is treating your subordinates too harshly. I have served you with utmost loyalty for years, yet now your guards treat me like this. Are you not afraid to chill the hearts of all your managers?”

Wei Baofu was surprised he still dared protest. She gestured for the maids to lift the curtain, determined to show them that there was nothing the Princess of Kangping dared not do.

“Manager Tang, you overstep yourself. What right do you have to speak for the other managers here?” Wei Baofu’s tone was gentle, not a trace of anger in her voice.

As the beaded curtain was drawn aside, everyone stole a glance—only to be struck with astonishment. None had expected the Princess of Kangping to possess such transcendent beauty. Were the timing less grave, no doubt they would have paused to admire her.

Manager Tang, however, was unmoved by her looks—he only felt a growing sense of dread. Still, he forced himself to speak.

“Your Highness need not say so. Even if I am not so capable, I have still served you loyally. You truly should not allow your guards to act in this manner.”

Wei Baofu smiled, unhurriedly picking up the account book from the tray held by her maid and tossing it before him without mercy.

“Do you imagine your accounting so flawless that I would not discover it? The thirty thousand taels you embezzled—will you return them yourself, or must I see to the confiscation of your household?”

Only then did Manager Tang begin to panic. He realized now that with all this display, there was little hope for a peaceful resolution.

Forcing himself to speak, he stammered, “To be honest, Your Highness, my young daughter has now entered the Eastern Palace as a favored concubine of the Crown Prince. I gave this sum as a tribute to His Highness, all for the good of the Princess. After all, with the Crown Prince’s support, your days will be much easier, since you have no one else to rely on.”

A flicker of anger crossed Wei Baofu’s face, though she remained outwardly calm. She found she had no patience for his excuses.

“Drag Manager Tang out and beat him to death with clubs. For the sake of his past service, I will see that he is buried with proper honors. The other managers will accompany him and witness the punishment.”

The severity of this command left everyone shaken. The Empress Dowager, watching her granddaughter from behind, felt both pride and pain.

Manager Tang would not submit quietly. As he struggled, he shouted, “You cannot treat me this way! My daughter is the Crown Prince’s concubine—I am his father-in-law! If I die, the Crown Prince will never forgive you!”

Wei Baofu paid him no heed, not even bothering to reply, her petite figure slouched lazily in the chair.

Yu Shun sneered, “Who do you think you are? You’re nothing but a dog raised by the Princess. If she kills you, no one will care. Besides, the Crown Prince has no Princess Consort—how are you a father-in-law? If you go around saying such things, the Crown Prince might do away with your daughter too.”

Manager Tang understood—there was no way out. Even as the Crown Prince’s man, he was insignificant; His Highness would never fall out with the Princess over him.

“Your Highness, your servant knows his crime. Please spare me—I will serve you with all my heart from now on. I am capable of many things, truly I am.”

He kowtowed as he pleaded. Wei Baofu disliked such scenes but now was not the time to yield.

“Your loyalty comes too late. You have no more chances. Save your words for the King of Hell—perhaps he will find a use for you.”

Yu Shun, deeming it time, strode forward and ordered coldly, “Gag him and drag him out for execution. Do not disturb Her Highness’s peace. The rest of you managers, go and watch.”

The remaining managers were trembling; not one dared speak. If Manager Wen had not been supported by Manager Li, he would surely have collapsed on the spot.

The guards hauled Manager Tang away, the others following in fear.

Soon, the sound of clubs striking flesh could be heard. At first, Manager Tang screamed and begged for mercy; within moments, all was silent.

Wei Baofu felt a choking discomfort in her chest, nearly overcome with nausea, but her task was not done. She had to see this through; Tang’s death had to serve its purpose.

A short while later, Yu Shun returned with the managers. None could stand on their own—all had to be dragged in by the guards.

Wei Baofu now appeared at ease, a faint smile on her lips, but to the managers she was more terrifying than ever.

“There is no need to panic. Those who deserved to die are dead. The rest of you should mend your ways, as I still rely on you. And let me assure you, Tang was not the only one found out. My hands are already stained with blood—I do not mind a little more.”