The survival rule of a concubine's daughter 139 Those who should die have been punished, and those who should live are relieved.

  By afternoon, the news had been passed into the palace that Feng Niangniang was beaten to death in the palace of Empress Dowager and her body had been dragged to Luangang for burial.

  Moreover, the Empress Dowager also sent a eunuch from the palace to inform Ruqing of this. The white-haired old eunuch bowed respectfully to Ruqing, "Your humble servant Luo Bin greets Your Highness, may you be blessed with good fortune and prosperity."

  As the emotions were in the midst of the fragrance, under Xia's support, she got up from the large armchair and also returned a courtesy. With a smile at the corner of her lips, "There are no outsiders here, so there is no need for excessive politeness." Then she invited Luo Bin to sit down and have a good chat.

  Luó Bīn shook his head, "No, the old slave still has to return to the palace to report back, and doesn't dare to linger. It's just that I have to inform the Wang Fei, Feng Niangniang has been beheaded, her corpse has been dragged away and buried in a chaotic grave. The Empress Dowager wants me to inform the Wang Fei, when dealing with this treacherous and poisonous servant girl, the Wang Fei must not dirty her own hands."

  As she savored the words in her heart, a sudden realization dawned on her. With utmost sincerity, she replied: "Thank you for your trouble, Imperial Grandmother, I understand now. Thank you for taking the trouble to come here yourself."

  Luobin smiled obsequiously: "The princess is overpraising, this is what a slave should do. The time is not early, the old slave should return to the palace to report back, and then take leave."

  As the host personally escorted the guest to the gate, he also had someone hand over a package of tea leaves and said, "I know that your Excellency likes this particular brand, it just so happens that you arrived at the right time, I still have half a package left here, I'll give it to your Excellency as a small token of my sincerity, please accept it with a smile."

  After marrying into the Jing Wang Fu, Ruo Xian had already gained some insight. To establish herself in her husband's household, she not only learned the necessary skills but also paid attention to social etiquette. In the future, she would inevitably have to interact with members of the imperial family, and it was best not to offend any of the masters in the palace, especially their trusted eunuchs and ladies-in-waiting. Ruo Xian carefully observed these people's preferences and catered to them, although she couldn't be considered a confidante, at least she gained their favor and they wouldn't speak ill of her behind her back.

  Luobin was delighted to see the full package of tea leaves, which was his favorite. This year's Xinyang Maojian production was extremely low, and after being distributed in the palace, there were hardly any left. Now, receiving such a package from Ruoqing would be enough for him to drink for over a month. He happily accepted it and said many good things, glancing around before leaning down and whispering in Ruoqing's ear: "When the Empress Dowager dealt with Concubine Feng, it was in front of Princess Qing'an, who was frightened out of her wits."

  "It shouldn't be that serious, right?"

  Luobin said disdainfully: "Princess Qing'an had just seen the string of pearls and refused to admit it, saying that the queen was framing her. But Feng Niangniang herself confessed, and the Empress Dowager ordered her to be beaten to death on the spot. Princess Qing'an was so scared that her face turned white, and she wanted to plead for mercy. The Empress Dowager said, 'If you don't want your aunt to die, then take the punishment in her place.' Princess Qing'an really didn't dare say another word."

  As expected, it's indeed an iron-like selfless loving mother and a truly selfish unfilial daughter.

  Luó Bīn said: "However, later on, I secretly saw that Princess Qìng'ān had a resentful and poisonous look on her face. I reckon she must have been harboring hatred in her heart. The queen's words were not without reason."

  Ru Qing nodded and smiled: "Thank you, sir, for your reminder. I'm so grateful that words can't express it."

  After seeing Luo Bin off, Ru Xiang came to the Buddhist hall, knelt down in front of the majestic and sacred Guanyin, lit two incense sticks slowly, and was repenting for her own sins.

  Although Mrs. Yang was arrogant and self-righteous, thinking she was above others just because of her status, I don't hold any deep grudges against her. Even though she was so infuriated by her own daughter that she fell ill, if it weren't for her intentionally humiliating and belittling Yang Qining in front of the empress dowager and others, Yang Qining wouldn't have ended up like this today. As for why Yang Qining acted so impulsively and recklessly, part of it was because she was trapped by her own demons, part of it was due to being manipulated by others, but the last part was actually because she was secretly manipulating events from behind the scenes.

  If Yang Qining hadn't been so reckless, Madame Yang wouldn't have suffered this calamity.

  She had never even stepped on an ant from childhood to adulthood, yet now, in order to eliminate her rival, she has devised such a sinister plot. Although in the past, for the sake of competing with her half-sister for favor, she would occasionally play some petty tricks that were not quite elegant, such as fake crying and pretending to be ill, and sometimes causing trouble for her stepmother, but ultimately she had never really harmed anyone. Now, however, these beautiful and clean hands of hers have already been stained with a life.

  When one pillar of incense is about to burn out, another pillar of love is lit again.

  Phoenix Aunt is detestable, despicable, rascal, shameless, poisonous, stingy, cunning and slippery, but after all, she has nothing to do with her, yet she let her become a cannon fodder for her own selfish desires.

  Qing An may be hateful, but she only committed the crimes of attempted poisoning and inciting trouble with her sharp tongue. Giving her a few slaps to vent one's anger would have been enough; it was truly unnecessary to use Feng Niang as a scapegoat.

  But Feng Niang... With a heart full of guilt and shame, she had thought that even though Princess Qing'an was born out of wedlock, she still shared the surname Li and was the beloved granddaughter of the Empress Dowager. Perhaps the Empress Dowager would scold Princess Qing'an and have Feng Niang beaten with a board before sending her to the countryside for supervision. Who knew that the Empress Dowager's methods would be so ruthless, directly taking Feng Niang's life? Although this eliminated the hidden threat to Ruyi in the palace, it also left her carrying an invisible burden of guilt.

  Zhou Mama and He Mama stood in front of Ruyi, seeing that she had not gotten up for a long time. They couldn't help but take a step forward to persuade her: "Consort Rong, don't blame yourself anymore. They were the ones who brought this upon themselves, it has nothing to do with you."

  "What's mother looked at Ruqing with a sympathetic gaze and said softly, "The princess is kind-hearted and gentle, but fortunately, the Jing Wangfu is a large family with simple people. If she were to marry into a family that has been operating for three or four generations, there would be many more things to worry about, such as the relationships between different branches of the family, the mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and so on. Without a strong hand, one would be eaten alive and left with nothing. The princess's treatment of Feng Niang is purely self-preservation. It's still better than those who harm others for their own benefit and career advancement. In the past, the Liao Wangfei killed several concubines and daughters to establish her authority in front of them. Ruqing's actions are nothing compared to that. Moreover, Yang Taifu was not a good teacher, and it was her own fault. Feng Niang was implicated by her daughter and suffered on her behalf, but it wasn't like Ruqing had personally ordered her death."

  With a soft sigh, he stood up with the support of Aunt Zhou, his tone heavy, "I didn't kill Bo Ren, but Bo Ren died because of me. This guilt is worth repenting."

  "Queen Wang is kind-hearted. Madame Yang was just an accident, and it's not Queen Wang's fault. As for Phoenix Mother, she taught her daughter to be so poisonous, and she got off easy by taking the punishment for her. Hurting the royal children is a serious crime, but because of Princess Jing's title, Queen Wang let her off lightly, which shows Queen Wang's mercy."

  It's unclear whether it was the comfort of Mother Zhou or self-deception that calmed her down, but in any case, after more than half a day had passed, she finally stopped blaming herself.

  Later, the palace spread the news that the Empress Dowager publicly rebuked and reprimanded Concubine Lü and Consort Lu for meddling in the affairs of the Jingwang Mansion, causing Concubine Jing to become agitated and harming her pregnancy. She ordered Concubine Lü to be confined to her quarters for three years to reflect on her actions, and Consort Lu was punished by being forced to copy Buddhist scriptures a hundred times as a warning.

  Immediately afterwards, Empress Dowager and the Grand Empress Dowager bestowed many more gifts and ordered the imperial physician to come to the Jingwang Mansion for a check-up every day without fail.

  On the third day, Ru Mei came to the door again. This time, she swept away her previous gloom and walked with a spring in her step, her sleeves fluttering in the wind. As soon as she arrived at Long Xiang's residence, she burst out laughing, holding her belly. "Haha, I've never been so happy in my life! Fourth sister, I really underestimated you. You're so delicate and weak, but you have such abilities. Ah, how can I thank you?" Ru Mei rushed to Ru Qing's side, not even noticing the servants standing around, and laughed until her eyebrows disappeared into her hair.

  "I'm telling you, the other day when I saw my mother-in-law being carried back by the servants, I was really scared out of my wits. And then I heard Old Lady Qiu say that from now on, Mother will be bedridden for the rest of her life... Ah-choo! You don't know how I felt at that time..."

  "Third sister..." With a sorrowful expression, she gently furrowed her brow, grasping Rumei's hand, and was very emotional. "Now that Madame Yang has become like this, I'm also heartbroken, but please, third sister, restrain your grief."

  Ru Mei's mouth opened wide, staring blankly at Ru Qing, but the stinging sensation in her palm brought her back to reality quickly. She immediately switched from a smiling face to a bitter melon face, saying sorrowfully: "Sister said it was true... At that time, my heart was really suffering and painful. My mother-in-law had always been healthy and strong, but unexpectedly became like this after entering the palace. I'm really feeling very sad..." As she spoke, she also pretended to wipe away tears with a handkerchief.

  As she held onto her sleeve, covering the smile that was about to rise to her lips, both sisters felt a pang of sadness and sighed in unison. Just then, the wet nurse who had been by Rumei's side stepped forward and offered some words of comfort. Only then did Rumei slowly compose herself, her expression still sorrowful as she spoke in a mournful tone: "Mother suddenly becoming like this is really unbearable for me. Both my sister and I are heartbroken. My sister was truly devoted to Mother, and when she saw Mother's condition, she fainted on the spot. When she finally came to, she questioned the people who had accompanied Mother into the palace... In the end, my sister was furious and, under the pretext of not having taken good care of Mother, dismissed all of Mother's attendants."

  "Speaking of which, Mei suddenly said mysteriously: 'I heard that you used this three-inch tongue to scold the mother and daughter until they were left with nothing, awesome, I really can't see through you.'"

  "There's no way out, they're all forcing me to the door. If I don't fight back, she'll really get in and I'll be the one who suffers."

  Ru Mei nodded, "What you said is also true. However, Qiu's mother has a lot of grievances against you and says you're a wolf in sheep's clothing. And my mother-in-law became the innocent lamb waiting to be slaughtered."

  "Even if I were a female yaksha, I would be the most gentle, beautiful and elegant one. But she is the most disgusting and shameless sheep."

  Rumei burst out laughing, "Right, right, the most gentle Mother Night Yaksha, she is the most shameless sheep, haha, if it spreads to... Madam's ears, I don't know what kind of anger it will provoke."

  After a moment of silence, he suddenly asked: "Your sister-in-law must have grievances against me now, right?"

  Ru Mei shook her head and snorted: "My sister-in-law is just like the one at our house, both are slippery and insincere. This matter is clearly the mother-in-law's fault, how can she blame you? On the surface, she's heartbroken and grieving for her mother, crying so hard it's difficult to bear, but I think she's just pretending to cry." At that time, when the mother-in-law was carried back, Ru Mei also cried for a while, and later couldn't resist the infectious atmosphere, and really shed a few tears.

  Qing rebuked him sternly, "Nonsense! I heard that your sister-in-law went to visit Yang Taijun's guest before the meeting and her eyes were all red." Outsiders are spreading rumors that Yang Dafuren is indeed filial, and Yang Taijun has not lived in vain.

  Like beauty hesitated, suddenly scratched her scalp, "Right, I clearly saw that she didn't shed a single tear, but just wailed and screamed there. My wet nurse looked closely, she obviously applied some liquid to her face, how could it be real crying?" Real crying and heartbreak would indeed cause puffy eyes on the second day, but in the case of fake crying, there were also such symptoms, Like beauty thought this sister-in-law was simply amazing.

  "Ah, yes, it's really quite formidable." The incense on the side looked at her own princess with some disdain and impatience. If one were to talk about acting skills or crying techniques, their own princess had already mastered them years ago. Now she was still pretending here. Although Mrs. Yang's acting skills were not bad, if compared to the princess, she would definitely lose by a margin.

  "Ah, Princess, Madam, you're still young and don't know the tricks of crying. Just dab some ginger water or even chili water on your embroidered handkerchief, and I guarantee you'll cry until the heavens change color." Then, with a sympathetic expression, she gazed at Rumei, "Madam, you're straightforward from head to toe, how would you know about the twists and turns of these inner palace women? Although Big Madam is not bad, when it comes to cleverness and cunning, you're far inferior."

  Like a beauty hanging her head down dejectedly and sullenly: "Then you tell me, how should I deal with her?"

  The queen mother was indeed stunned, thinking for a moment before saying: "The great madam is the wife of the marquis's manor and also the imperial decree of the first rank, and she has given birth to two legitimate sons. She is also the eldest daughter of the He family. In the marquis's manor, her power is already deeply rooted. How can you compete with her?"

  As soon as the words came out, Ruoxi's face sank even more. She couldn't help but smile and say: "She is the legitimate daughter-in-law, she must be stricter to be convincing. Otherwise, how can she convince others? Third sister is a secondary wife, so she doesn't need to bear the responsibility of the family clan, it's much easier for her! Moreover, although third sister's elder sister-in-law has deep calculations in her heart, as long as she is a good person, what's wrong with being stricter? She is the elder sister-in-law, after all, an elder sister-in-law is like a mother. Her character is not bad, and she hasn't harmed or bullied you before. Third sister is younger than her, and her experience is not as rich as hers. It's no harm to show respect and deference, right, third sister?"

  As beautiful as a sunny day after a cloudy sky, he nodded deeply and said, "What you said makes sense, Eldest Sister is just like the one at home, although she's a bit shrewd, but she's really not a bad person."

  As if stroking his palm and smiling, "Isn't this just perfect? Why is Third Sister so blessed yet unaware of her blessings?"

  "Is that so? I'm blessed but don't know it. And you, being in a blessed state and yet not knowing it, look at you, getting fatter by the day, like a pig! Be careful, when Fourth Sister's wife returns, she'll see this fat sow and won't want you anymore."

  Her face flushed with anger, she muttered: "Third sister is really hateful." It just so happened to hit her sore spot.

  She's indeed put on some weight, although not to the point of being bloated all over, but rather plump and fair-skinned, having been pampered into a state of pale and chubby, to the extent that she can't even pull off playing the role of a poor pregnant woman who was nearly forced into a miscarriage by Yang Qining.

  Finally, she smiled with satisfaction. However, Lady Zhou couldn't bear to see this and comforted Rourou with a smile: "Princess, don't listen to Third Aunt's nonsense. When your mother was pregnant with you, she also gained weight, but after giving birth to you, she quickly regained her slim figure. Although your mother is now over 40, she still has the figure of a young girl. You resemble your mother in appearance and will surely regain your slender figure soon after giving birth to the little prince."

  "I hope so," she said with a sigh, but didn't have much confidence. Since her teenage years, she had always had a layer of fat around her lower abdomen that she couldn't get rid of no matter what. After spending a summer swimming in Datong, it had finally flattened out. But after returning to the Fang household and indulging in good food and sleep, the little belly had grown back. Even though she persisted in taking walks after meals every day and occasionally did some exercises on her back, the effect was minimal, so she eventually just gave up. Now that she was pregnant, her belly had ballooned out so big, and she worried that this small potbelly would never be able to be sucked back in again.

  Ru Mei is really happy today, in the mansion she has to pretend to be sad and sorrowful about "mother-in-law's miserable fate", but now in front of Ru Xiang, there's no need to worry, she can laugh and play freely.

  But after the laughter, Ru Mei couldn't help but sigh, "However, thinking back to how the once domineering old lady suddenly became a living dead person who can't speak or move, it's really unbearable to watch. Especially when I and my sister-in-law went to visit her, her expression was truly frightening, I reckon she must be feeling miserable too." Although Ru Mei was happy that she would no longer be oppressed by her mother-in-law from now on, after the initial excitement, she began to sympathize with Yang Tai Fu Ren again. If she were to end up like this in the future, she reckoned her daughter-in-law would also be secretly overjoyed despite appearing sad on the surface.

  With a low head, she let out a light sigh. "At first, I only wanted to mock and ridicule them, then have the Empress Dowager scold them back. At first, I thought that even though Yang Tai Fu was heartbroken for her daughter, as the old lady of the Yang household, with multiple daughters under her care, she would prioritize her son's interests. That's why she spoke harshly, thinking that Yang Tai Fu, despite being biased towards her own child, should be a reasonable person and wouldn't really let her daughter suffer as a concubine. But who knew that Yang Qi Ning would be so stubborn? It seems like the world revolves around her." Who would have thought that Yang Tai Fu was so unreasonable, and Yang Qi Ning was so biased? Even her own mother didn't matter to her; Yang Tai Fu threatened to die, but she thought it was her mother pressuring her, not considering her feelings. She even felt that as a mother, one had to sacrifice their last drop of blood for their child. Otherwise, they wouldn't be a good mother and would deserve criticism and scolding.

  Such a daughter... In ancient times, parents had absolute control over their children, otherwise there wouldn't be cases of sons being sold into the palace as eunuchs. When the son became successful, he would return to acknowledge his family and even demand that his son support him, and if the son refused, he would be subject to public criticism and condemnation. Having lived for nearly 20 years in ancient times, I really can't accept the traditional teaching that emphasizes the importance of "raising" over "giving birth". For example, when a family is poor, parents sell their daughter to their son as a wife, which is considered a righteous act. After being sold, no matter how well or poorly she lives, she still has to support her parents and cannot complain. What's more, even if the daughter is sold into a brothel and suffers humiliation, when her parents encounter difficulties and come seeking help, she must assist them. Having been indoctrinated with the modern idea that "raising" is more important than "giving birth", I really can't accept this way of thinking. It seems that as long as you are a parent, you can dispose of or even sell your own children at will, but if parents have any faults, their children must still support them, otherwise they would be considered unfilial.

  Even if one doesn't agree with the ancient virtues of filial piety and propriety, Yang Qining, who has been pampered by his mother since childhood, can still have such a bizarre idea, which is really becoming a rare flower.

  Sometimes, I couldn't help but suspect that this Yang person might also be a time-traveler, because such an unusual way of thinking, where children manipulate their parents, only exists in modern times.

  Outside the window, the sun is shining brightly. The medicinal herb flowers that were carefully cultivated in the Wangfu flower house are also blooming brightly. A gentle breeze blows into the room through the windward side, and the ice blocks placed in copper basins in every corner of the room have a great effect. Under the eaves, a large wind wheel is also transmitting a considerable amount of energy. On top of the wind wheel, many fragrant incense sticks are placed, and as the wind wheel turns, it sends out a breeze that carries a subtle scent. The room becomes even cooler and more peaceful.

  As she withdrew her gaze, her eyes again fell on Ruhua's delicate face, and after a long while, she said: "There is a distinction between intentionally doing evil and being forced to do evil. You have always been able to see the big picture and know when to advance or retreat. It was my mother-in-law who went too far... She has ended up like this today, and Eldest Sister said it's all because of her greed and indulgence. In reality, there is no need for you to blame yourself."

  "Really, sister-in-law, are you saying this?"

  Ru Mei nodded heavily, "This morning when I said I wanted to come to the Wang Fu to visit you, my sister-in-law told me these words. She said that no matter what happens, it's not your fault, if anyone is to blame, it's our Yang family for having such an ignorant and ungrateful daughter, which caused a big mess." After pausing, Ru Mei continued, "My sister-in-law also asked me to apologize to you on her behalf. She said she was really incompetent and couldn't stop the behavior of her mother and aunt, letting you get shocked and making our Yang Fu become the laughing stock of the entire capital city, even losing face in the imperial palace... it's really making her feel ashamed to face you..." Then she leaned into Ru Xiang's ear and whispered, "My sister-in-law is just like me, she's never been satisfied with that mother-daughter pair, I reckon now they're secretly rejoicing, hehe..."

  Under the sky, which daughter-in-law truly serves her parents-in-law as if they were her own biological parents? As long as everyone's face is saved, it's all right. The mother-in-law puts on a full show of dignity, while the daughter-in-law appears respectful on the surface but actually hates her to death. Therefore, there won't be any more sayings about a daughter-in-law enduring for many years and becoming a mother-in-law herself.

  Ru Mei stayed at Ru Qing's place for almost half a day before leaving, and Ru Qing invited her to stay for lunch. As they ate, Ru Mei couldn't help but exclaim: "The food in the Wang estate is still the best! This sour and spicy pork knuckle is even better than the one served at Tianxiang Tower outside. And this goose liver dish, it's so tender and smooth, I'm almost full!"

  Ru Qing smiled and said: "If you like to eat, I'll let the kitchen copy a recipe for you, go back and have the chef at Hou Fu make it, isn't that settled?" Ru Mei shook her head, "Forget it, this should be your chef's specialty, also their trump card, how can I bear to ask them to give it up? If you want to eat, just come here and freeload." Anyway, her mother-in-law was already like that, her sister-in-law busy with the lock affairs in the mansion, couldn't take care of her, and her husband wasn't by her side, if she didn't enjoy herself now, when would she?

  Suddenly, Mei thought of something and asked curiously: "I say, Fourth Sister, why don't you ask me about the outcome of that little girl?"

  "With you around, can she still jump up? I think it's difficult."

  Ru Mei nodded, "What you said makes sense." Then she told Ru Qing that Yang Qining was taken care of by the servants at the Yang residence as soon as he returned. Yang Qining failed to enter the Wang residence smoothly and also made his birth mother furious, the servants in the residence had prejudices against her, and they all discussed it privately, Yang Qining was indeed hit too hard this time, as soon as he returned to the residence, he locked himself in the house and didn't come out. Madame Yang did not scold him, but she also ordered people to guard around the courtyard, inside and outside were full of servants, even if he grew wings, it would be difficult for him to fly away.

  "However, the Yang's relatives have been coming to our house recently, bringing along some elderly family members and claiming that they want to take away this disgraced daughter to throw her into a river. Fortunately, my sister-in-law managed to stop them. She said we should wait for your uncle and third sister's husband to return before dealing with the situation."

  As a matter of fact, the patriarchs of large families in ancient times were not very powerful either. They were just older and had higher seniority, acting as intermediaries without real power. The ones who really held power were still the younger generation who inherited titles or family businesses. However, to avoid the heir being unscrupulous or having an improper style, which would bring shame to the family, a separate patriarch was chosen to supervise and guide from a higher seniority position, but with no real power. The one with real power was also subject to supervision and control by the elder generation, and it was just a matter of mutual restraint.

  The head of the clan and the elders have the right to dispose of any unworthy son in the family, but they must also obtain the consent of the heir before taking action.

  Mrs. Yang can keep the little girl who made a mistake under house arrest, but she has no right to punish her. However, with Mrs. Yang's temperament, I believe that the days of the people around Yang Qining will not be easy.

  Ru Mei couldn't help but admire Ru Qing's foresight, "As expected, sister-in-law didn't dare to arbitrarily dispose of this useless thing, but the people below were all ruined. All the first and second-class maids in the entire courtyard were either beaten or sold, the wet nurse and her family were driven to the countryside to do hard labor, and all the trusted maids by her side were sold far away, especially that maid named Autumn Water, who was even beaten to death."

  "Autumn water?" As if lost in thought, "Is that the little girl who often hides in the house with Yang Qining and Qing'an, chattering away?"

  Ru Mei nodded, "Yes, it's her. Eldest Sister-in-law hated her to the extreme. If not for this person fanning the flames and coming up with absurd ideas on the side, that cheap girl wouldn't have done something so crazy. On the night when Mother was carried back from the palace, Eldest Sister-in-law caught her and beat her to death."

  Just thinking about that bloody scene, Rong'er's heart still had lingering fears. Although she was a bit willful, she had never actually beaten a servant to death before. And there sat Yang Da Fu Ren, her face calm and expressionless, not saying a word, without even raising an eyebrow, taking the life of that lowly maid right in front of everyone.

  However, Autumn Water is not only hateful but also pitiful. Mei said, "Autumn Water has indeed followed the wrong person. Eldest Sister wants to beat her to death, and Autumn Water wants Qining to save her. But this cheap girl turned her face away and even kicked her, saying, 'You think I'm a fool and don't know your despicable tricks? You kept urging me to marry into the Jingwang Fu for my own sake?' Then she complained to Eldest Sister, saying that she had never thought of marrying into the Jingwang Fu, but this cheap girl kept urging her, which made her do something she regretted deeply. She cried with a nose full of snot and tears."

  As if smiling lightly, "Yes, once married to the Wangfu as a side concubine, if this girl is born with a beautiful face like a flower, it's also worth thinking about."

  Ru Mei nodded, "If it wasn't for my sister reminding me to pay more attention to this girl, I wouldn't have thought that she would have such an appetite and skills." Then asked Ru Qing: "Do you know the true origin of this girl?"

  "Found out?"

  Ru Mei nodded, "Elder sister used the Thunderfire to force her to tell the truth. It turned out that this girl was actually the daughter of the former Shanxi governor, with the surname Huang and the name Yuanyuan. Because her father colluded with the Tartars and was beheaded by Fu Yuan, the commander of the three armies in Shanxi, and our second brother, who led the troops to capture her family. This girl harbored hatred towards our second brother and voluntarily sought to enter his mansion as a servant, but unfortunately, he sent her to do hard labor in the laundry room due to her identity. She was even more resentful, looking for opportunities everywhere but unable to take action, so she escaped and made her way to Beijing, where she coincidentally sold herself into the Yang household, and somehow set her sights on you again."

  "Really? Me?"

  Ru Mei nodded, "That girl knew she had no way out, so she made a clean breast of it. She deeply resented Second Brother for exposing her father's crimes, which led to the entire Huang family being executed. She wanted revenge but was powerless, and later found out that you were the most favored by Second Brother. So, she tried every means to sneak into the palace, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Unfortunately, she said Yang Qining was a blockhead, with such good conditions right in front of him, yet he didn't know how to take advantage of them."

  "As if in a burst of laughter, 'If your little sister were to hear this, I wonder how wonderful it would be.'"

  As if following the laughter, "Not at all, that cheap girl was so angry on the spot that she came forward and scolded her, and also said a lot of unpleasant words."

  The high and mighty young lady of the Hou Manor, who had always been above others, one day became a pawn for her maid to take revenge on others and a stepping stone, how could she not go crazy? She was already heartbroken.

  After a sigh of relief and two laughs, I felt that something was not quite right. According to Rumei's words, Huang Yuanyuan, who had changed her name to Qiushui, was willing to lower herself to take revenge on Zhiyi, but Yushi said she was sent by a wealthy patron to curry favor with Zhiyi. Would this wealthy patron also be related to the Huang family?

  Digression

  Grandfather is in hospital, grandmother went to take care of him, no one takes care of the child, can't guarantee daily updates for the next ten days.