After watching Madam Rong’s carriage leave the residence, Ren Yaoqi finally turned to return to the inner courtyard. Xia Sheng’s words from earlier kept echoing in Ren Yaoqi’s ears. Though she appeared calm on the surface, her heart couldn’t relax.

If Han Dongshan truly was a descendant of the former Zhai family, what grudge could exist between the Zhai family and the Ren family that would make a child who was only a few years old at the time remember for all these years, trying by every means to bring ruin to the Ren family?

Ren Yaoqi felt that if all her suspicions proved true, perhaps the detailed truth of what happened back then wouldn’t be a pleasant matter.

The ladies and young misses in the inner courtyard had resumed their cheerful conversation from when Madam Rong wasn’t present, but Ren Yaoqi was somewhat absent-minded.

“What’s wrong with you?” asked Ren Yaohua, who was sitting beside Ren Yaoqi.

Though the two sisters had never gotten along since childhood, Ren Yaohua could still sense something was amiss with Ren Yaoqi.

Ren Yaoqi smiled: “Has Grandmother said when we’ll return to White Crane Town?” She very much wanted to go back and ask Nanny Luo exactly what had happened back then—she had a feeling that Nanny Luo knew something.

Just a little more, and the fog shrouding everything before her eyes would be lifted. Even someone as composed as Ren Yaoqi felt an urgent impatience.

Ren Yaohua frowned: “Probably the day after tomorrow. Grandmother likely still has some matters to discuss with Aunt.”

Ren Yaoqi nodded. Just as she was about to speak, a maid outside led in a bouncing little girl. The child appeared to be only three or four years old, adorably fair as jade and snow, with a pair of large eyes blinking curiously as she looked at the people in the room. Only then did everyone realize she was dragging along the little maid who was supposed to be leading her. The little maid holding her hand was so frightened that her face turned white.

“Oh my, whose child is this? She’s so beautiful,” laughed a woman in her twenties.

As soon as she finished speaking, an elderly woman walked in. Seeing the child, she said helplessly, “Pan’er, you’re being naughty again.” Behind the elderly woman, a wet nurse quickly stepped forward and picked up the little girl.

The little girl kicked her legs in dissatisfaction, but how dare the wet nurse put her down again? She could only coax her in low tones. The little girl turned her face toward the woman, tears welling in her eyes as if she might cry: “Great-grandmother, Great-grandmother, walk by myself, Pan’er walk by myself.”

Old Madam Lin laughed heartily and beckoned: “The Lei family’s precious treasure has come! Quick, come sit over here.”

The elderly woman shook her head helplessly: “How embarrassing—this child…”

Hearing Old Madam Lin’s form of address, Ren Yaoqi looked toward the elderly woman who had just entered.

This was the Lei family’s Grand Madam?

Grand Madam Lei was the grandmother of the Lei family head. She had to be at least sixty or seventy years old, yet her face showed no signs of age—she appeared about the same age as Old Madam Ren. Compared to Old Madam Ren, Old Madam Lin, and the other elderly women, this Grand Madam Lei possessed an especially composed and elegant bearing. Even when her great-granddaughter had just entered somewhat improperly, she showed only helplessness on her face without any embarrassment or awkwardness. When greeting everyone, she remained perfectly composed.

This was an elderly lady who had seen the world and possessed rich experience, Ren Yaoqi concluded.

However, the information she had received from Xiao Jinglin last time was that this Grand Madam Lei was a concubine, not the legitimate wife of the long-deceased Old Master Lei, who had been properly married.

The Lei family was truly an interesting household, Ren Yaoqi smiled to herself.

“Sister, what are you smiling about?” A childish voice sounded beside her ear, making Ren Yaoqi look up in surprise.

She saw the Lei family’s little girl standing right in front of her, biting her finger as she looked at her curiously. Her large eyes almost occupied half her face, with long eyelashes fluttering—she looked very endearing.

Lei Pan’er’s wet nurse hurriedly apologized from the side, wanting to carry her away again. The little girl twisted her body to avoid her, frowning seriously: “I want to sit with the sisters. You be good and don’t make trouble.”

The wet nurse was on the verge of tears.

Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but laugh, and even Ren Yaohua beside her found it hard to suppress her amusement.

Lei Pan’er looked at Ren Yaoqi, then at Ren Yaohua, somewhat puzzled, but she quickly broke into a grin. Then she grabbed a handful of peanuts from the fruit plate on the small table and offered them ingratiatingly to Ren Yaohua, blinking at her.

Ren Yaohua was stunned, looking at the peanuts in her hand, then at the child: “Uh… thank you.”

Just as she was about to say she didn’t eat them, the little child matter-of-factly said, “Sister peel, Pan’er eat.” Then she climbed quite naturally into Ren Yaoqi’s arms, settling on her lap, and continued looking at Ren Yaohua.

Ren Yaohua: “…”

Ren Yaoqi looked at the child who had made herself at home in her arms, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

Lei Pan’er didn’t forget to look up at Ren Yaoqi, saying ingratiatingly: “Sister smells nice, Pan’er likes.” She even rubbed her little face against Ren Yaoqi’s neck.

The wet nurse was nearly crying, hurriedly saying: “Miss, let this servant peel peanuts for you—please come down.”

Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but pinch the child’s soft little cheek, smiling at the wet nurse: “It’s alright.”

At this moment, Grand Madam Lei walked over apologetically: “Sorry for the disturbance—this child is always naughty.” Then she took the child from Ren Yaohua.

Seeing her great-grandmother had come, Lei Pan’er immediately behaved, though her eyes were still fixed on the peanuts in Ren Yaohua’s hand.

Grand Madam Lei handed the child to the wet nurse: “Hold her properly and don’t let her down.”

The wet nurse immediately complied.

Grand Madam Lei smiled and nodded at the Ren Yaoqi sisters, then took the wet nurse and child toward the elderly ladies.

Lei Pan’er waved at Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua: “Goodbye, sisters.”

Ren Yaohua frowned at the peanuts in her hand and placed them on the small table beside her.

Behind a pillar and a screen, two young women were chatting.

“The Lei family’s little girl is so beautiful.”

“Indeed, she is, but it’s pitiful—her mother died not long after she was born, and she has no paternal grandparents. She’s growing up with her great-grandmother. Speaking of which, Master Lei is already in his twenties and only has one daughter.”

“Why hasn’t he remarried? I have a niece…” Hearing this, the woman couldn’t help but become interested.

The other person laughed and interrupted teasingly: “Come now, with the Lei family’s status and Master Lei’s talents, do you think no one has this idea? Unfortunately, Master Lei values loyalty—he says he’ll observe full mourning for his first wife for three years. Even Grand Madam Lei can do nothing but let him be. I heard the Lei family’s eldest daughter-in-law died two years ago—there’s still one year left.”

“Oh, what a devoted man.”

Then someone else joined the conversation: “I think even if you have a niece, there’s no need to be so eager to marry into the Lei family. Whether it’s good or bad is still uncertain.”

This newcomer to the conversation had implications in her words.

“What do you mean? The Lei family’s status in Yanbei, apart from Prince Yanbei’s residence and the Yun family, is unmatched by anyone. How is this not a good family? Moreover, Master Lei’s appearance and abilities are hard to find even with a lantern. Even as a second wife, plenty of girls would be willing to marry him.”

“Exactly, my aunt asked me about Master Lei’s situation before.” More people joined the conversation—the Lei family topic attracted quite a few.

Ren Yaoqi sat there drinking tea, occasionally glancing at Ren Yaohua, only to see her peeling peanuts. The nuts were picked out and placed on a silk handkerchief, though Third Miss Ren only removed the hard shells, too lazy to remove the red skin from the kernels.

The woman behind the screen continued chatting.

“I heard the Lei family’s origins might be problematic.”

This statement startled several women.

“That can’t be right?”

“How is that possible?”

Ren Yaoqi’s fingers tapped lightly on the small table, her downcast eyes hiding the thoughtfulness within.

“I also heard it from someone—that Grand Madam Lei, isn’t she supposed to be from the Liu family of Huayin?”

“Yes, how so? Though the Liu family has declined now, decades ago they were one of the top families in all of Great Zhou.” Someone impatiently asked.

The woman hesitated, speaking vaguely: “I also heard it from others—I don’t understand the specific situation.”

Someone scoffed: “You’re just talking nonsense, aren’t you?” Others were perfunctory, not very believing.

The woman didn’t argue, instead smiling apologetically: “Just consider it nonsense—I’ll drink a few more cups as an apology later.”

Her saying this made some people suspicious.

“Hey, where did you hear all this?”

The woman smiled: “Quite a few people are spreading it—you’ll know eventually anyway.” After saying this, she refused to speak further and found an excuse to leave.

Ren Yaoqi glanced at Xiangqin, who understood and quietly withdrew.

Ren Yaohua finished peeling the peanuts, wrapped them in her handkerchief, beckoned a maid over, and instructed her to give the peanut kernels to the Lei family’s little girl.

Ren Yaoqi glanced at Ren Yaohua with some amusement in her eyes.

Ren Yaohua remained expressionless, lowering her head to drink tea.

After a while, Xiangqin quietly returned: “Miss, she’s the wife of a middle-class merchant family in Yunyang City. This servant just saw her heading toward the flower hall, then speaking with others about the Lei family again.”

Ren Yaohua looked at Ren Yaoqi: “Someone is deliberately spreading rumors unfavorable to the Lei family?”

Ren Yaoqi nodded, thinking that the Han family was indeed persistent—when one plan failed, they devised another. Even if the Lei family was somewhat alert, they couldn’t prevent others’ schemes and targeting.

If there truly were flaws to be found in Grand Madam Lei’s background, the Lei family’s reputation would certainly suffer, and it would be a matter of time before people discovered that the current family head wasn’t legitimate.

Now they were only spreading rumors—what other schemes would follow?

As Ren Yaoqi pondered, she looked toward the adjacent room where Grand Madam Lei was. Grand Madam Lei was speaking with several elderly ladies, wearing a gentle smile with the refined composure that only women from prestigious families possessed. It was hard to believe such an elderly lady was an unseemly concubine.

While listening to others speak, Grand Madam Lei also watched her great-granddaughter being held by the wet nurse. Seeing the little girl seriously peeling the red-skinned kernels and eating messily, Grand Madam Lei’s gaze softened. She used the handkerchief she’d been holding to wipe the child’s face, earning a big smile in return.

At this moment, an old woman entered and walked directly to Grand Madam Lei’s side, bowing and whispering in her ear.

Ren Yaoqi watched as surprise flashed quickly through Grand Madam Lei’s eyes before she waved the woman away. She waited until her conversation with the elderly ladies reached a pause, then rose and went to Old Madam Lin. Old Madam Lin spoke with her briefly, then summoned Eldest Madam Lin.

Grand Madam Lei spoke a few words to Ren Shijia, who had come with Eldest Madam Lin, then left under Eldest Madam Lin’s escort.

It appeared Grand Madam Lei was taking her leave early. Ren Yaoqi had been watching Grand Madam Lei’s expression, and though she concealed it well, Ren Yaoqi still sensed her worry.

Grand Madam Lei left with her great-granddaughter. Lei Pan’er lay in the wet nurse’s arms, swinging her little legs. Meeting Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua’s gaze, she giggled and waved at them, looking completely innocent and carefree.

Ren Yaoqi sighed softly and looked away.

Old Madam Ren sent someone to call Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua over. When the sisters arrived, they saw Old Madam Ren and Ren Shijia talking with a lady, with Ren Yaoyin supporting Old Madam Ren’s hand and standing nearby. Drawing closer, Ren Yaoqi discovered the lady was Eldest Madam Yun, whom she’d met once before.

Old Madam Yun hadn’t come today—only Eldest Madam Yun and Third Madam Yun had come together.

“Hua’er, Qi’er, come meet your Aunt Yun.” Old Madam Ren beckoned the sisters very kindly.

Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua went over to pay respects to Eldest Madam Yun, who responded amiably. When her gaze fell on Ren Yaoqi’s face, her smile deepened: “Yesterday, Yaoqi went to the Yun residence with the Princess—our Old Madam is still talking about it.”

Old Madam Ren glanced at Ren Yaoqi but said, “This child is obedient enough, just too honest and doesn’t like to talk. If there’s anything inappropriate, as an elder, you should point it out.”

Eldest Madam Yun smiled: “Not at all—our Old Madam just likes well-behaved, clever girls. She even personally invited her to participate in this year’s Thousand Gold Banquet.”

Old Madam Ren was somewhat surprised. Yesterday, she’d been busy and hadn’t called Ren Yaoqi over to ask for details—she only knew she’d gone to the Yun residence with the Princess and received some clothing. She hadn’t expected her to be invited to this year’s Thousand Gold Banquet.

However, Old Madam Ren’s surprise was fleeting, and she immediately expressed thanks.

Ren Yaoyin smiled from the side: “Congratulations to Fifth Sister. The Yun family’s Thousand Gold Banquet isn’t something just anyone can attend. When you return, you must tell your sisters all about it.”

Old Madam Ren smiled and glared at Ren Yaoyin: “You child.”

Eldest Madam Yun laughed teasingly: “Are you blaming us for favoritism? Fine, when I return I’ll report to Old Madam and get a few more invitations for you girls.” Eldest Madam Yun, remembering how the Yun family had previously cared for Yun Wenfang, was somewhat closer to the Ren family than before, wanting to repay the favor.

Ren Yaoyin’s face flushed as she stammered: “Aunt, that’s not what I meant…”

Old Madam Ren gained face from Eldest Madam Yun and was pleased, quickly having Ren Yaoyin and Ren Yaohua express thanks.

Ren Yaoyin said, “Aunt, how is Cousin Qiuchen lately? I haven’t seen her in ages—the last time we discussed poetry was two years ago. Recently, I acquired a new poetry collection that she would surely enjoy. I wonder when there might be an opportunity to discuss it with her.”

Ren Yaohua glanced at Ren Yaoqi, the corners of her mouth curving slightly in a smile containing indescribable mockery—fortunately, due to the angle, only Ren Yaoqi saw it.

Ren Yaoqi smiled slightly and lowered her head to smooth her sleeves. Was Ren Yaoyin trying to get Eldest Madam Yun to invite her to visit the Yun residence?

Just as Eldest Madam Yun was about to speak, a woman approached, laughing: “There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” From her tone, she was well-acquainted with Eldest Madam Yun.

“Were you looking for me about something?” Eldest Madam Yun turned with a casual smile—she must have a good relationship with this woman.

The woman seemed quite forthright: “Didn’t you ask me to help you look at people? Come quickly, I—” She stopped mid-sentence, realizing there were others nearby.

Eldest Madam Yun quickly introduced both sides. The woman was the wife of some official in Yunyang City.

Eldest Madam Yun had business to attend to, so after speaking briefly with Old Madam Ren, she left with the woman.

Ren Yaoyin watched Eldest Madam Yun leave, a flash of annoyance appearing in her usually calm, composed eyes.

Ren Yaoqi pulled Ren Yaohua aside, pretending not to notice.

Old Madam Ren was quite satisfied with her granddaughter’s performance, giving them some instructions before walking away.

Finally, when leaving, the Ren Yaoqi sisters followed Old Madam Ren to bid farewell to Ren Shijia.

Today’s protagonist, little Master Lin Cen, was already sleeping soundly in his wet nurse’s arms. Old Madam Ren had some private words for Ren Shijia, so Ren Shijia had a maid take the Ren sisters to the outer room to play.

The maid leading them out looked familiar—it was Qingliu, who had once served in Old Madam Ren’s courtyard. Though not as favored as the most valued head maids, she had gradually made her mark in Ronghua Garden through steady work.

The Ren sisters all knew that when Ren Shijia returned to the Lin family this time, Qingliu had come with her to serve as a concubine for the Lin son-in-law.

So though they said nothing openly, the Ren young ladies were somewhat curious about this future concubine personally selected by Old Madam Ren.

However, Qingliu still didn’t talk much, keeping her head slightly lowered, and she still wore an unmarried girl’s hairstyle, apparently not yet having had the face-opening ceremony.

In the inner room, Ren Shijia and Old Madam Ren were also discussing Qingliu’s situation.

Ren Shijia blushed and pouted, showing some of the charming innocence she didn’t display before outsiders: “It’s only been a few days since we returned, and my husband says… says he’s not in the mood. Besides, now that I’ve had Ben’er, didn’t you say we could wait a few years until the child is older before having Qingliu’s face-opening ceremony?”

Old Madam Ren glanced at her, still understanding this daughter quite well: “I said we could wait a few years before letting her have children.”

Ren Shijia lowered her head: “But didn’t you have me take a concubine for my husband for the sake of children? My husband isn’t someone who craves novelty or beauty, he…”

Old Madam Ren sighed, not wanting to make things difficult for her daughter: “As long as you know what you’re doing—I’m always looking out for your best interests.”

Ren Shijia breathed a sigh of relief and smiled: “Of course, I know Mother is looking out for me. By the way, when are you leaving?”

Old Madam Ren laughed in exasperation: “What? Trying to send me away?”

Ren Shijia quickly said, “How could I? I just can’t bear to see you go. When you’re in Yunyang City, I feel secure and don’t worry about others scheming behind my back. When you leave, I feel uneasy.”

Old Madam Ren snorted lightly: “I can’t revolve around just you.” After speaking, she lowered her head to drink tea in silence.

Ren Shijia looked at her mother, thought for a moment, then said: “Mother, why don’t you leave a few nieces to keep me company? You don’t know—living in this Lin residence now makes me nervous, seeing everyone as having ill intentions. Having family members here would give me courage.”

Old Madam Ren found this both amusing and exasperating, pointing at Ren Shijia: “That’s all the backbone you have!” But Ren Shijia thought this idea better and better, going to Old Madam Ren to cajole her.

Old Madam Ren originally didn’t want to pay her any mind, but later thought that several granddaughters would attend the Yun family’s Thousand Gold Banquet, and Fifth Girl was friendly with Prince Yanbei’s Princess and had made an impression on the Yun family. If they stayed to socialize more with people in Yunyang City, it might not be a bad thing.

So she relented somewhat: “Which niece do you want to stay?”

Ren Shijia thought: “Yaoqi and Yaoyin? These two girls have good temperaments. When I was carrying Ben’er, they often came to chat with me—quite likeable. I could also take them to meet the ladies and young misses of Yunyang City.”

Old Madam Ren didn’t agree immediately: “I’ll think about it and decide later.”

Seeing Old Madam Ren hadn’t refused, Ren Shijia knew she might need to return and make arrangements, so she said nothing more.

The mother and daughter talked some more before Old Madam Ren left with her granddaughters.

The Ren family men had departed for White Crane Town the day after the full-moon celebration, while Old Madam Ren stayed an extra day with her granddaughters and grandson’s wife.

Ren Yaoqi was thinking of telling Old Madam Ren she wanted to visit her maternal grandfather’s family at Treasure Vase Alley, but Old Madam Ren was drinking tea and said casually: “There’s no rush for that—you and Yin’er will be staying in Yunyang City for some time anyway.”

Ren Yaoqi was startled. Ren Yaoyin also just learned of this, while the other Ren sisters looked toward Old Madam Ren.

Old Madam Ren said, “Your aunt wants you to stay in Yunyang City for a while. You’re not unwilling, are you?”

Ren Yaoyin quickly said, “How could we be unwilling? Aunt treats us extremely well, and little Ben’er is so adorable—your granddaughter is happy to stay and keep Aunt company.” She’d been afraid she’d want to stay without a good excuse—this was like someone bringing a pillow when she was sleepy. Ren Yaoyin was delighted.

Ren Yaoqi originally didn’t mind staying in Yunyang City longer, but she was concerned about the Han family matter and wanted to probe Nanny Luo’s background. However, Old Madam Ren wasn’t seeking her granddaughters’ opinions anyway—she didn’t even ask Ren Yaoqi’s thoughts.

After leaving Old Madam’s room and returning to her own, Ren Yaohua said to Ren Yaoqi: “Be careful yourself—don’t meet with the Yun family’s second young master again.” After thinking, she frowned: “I should leave Xiangqin here to watch you.”

Ren Yaoqi was slightly surprised: “Third Sister, I know—you don’t need to…”

Ren Yaohua, having grown up beside Old Madam Ren, had learned her grandmother’s authoritative nature perfectly. She didn’t ask Ren Yaoqi’s opinion at all—what she said was her decision.

“I heard the Fang family lady will also stay in Yunyang City longer. I was originally worried, but since you’re staying too, it works out perfectly. Xiangqin may be somewhat dull, but she can handle errands, and if anything happens, she can send word home.” Ren Yaohua explained her plan.

Ren Yaoqi wasn’t surprised that Madam Fang would stay longer in Yunyang City. Originally, Madam Fang hadn’t come just for the full-moon celebration—she needed time to network for her husband and test the waters.

Concubine Fang had also wanted to stay and accompany Madam Fang, but before she could speak, Old Madam Ren refused. Though Old Madam Ren didn’t mind suppressing Li Shi and giving Concubine Fang face when appropriate, she wasn’t foolish enough to let a concubine stay alone in Yunyang City to show her face publicly, especially after the Kang Shi incident. She couldn’t afford such a loss of face.

Old Madam Ren’s extra day in Yunyang City was to meet with elderly ladies and wives from families friendly with the Ren family, maintaining relationships. So the old lady was quite busy today and had no time to call her granddaughters for instruction, leaving the Ren sisters to stay at the separate residence.

The next day, Old Madam Ren would depart for White Crane Town with the female family members, while Ren Shijia would send someone to bring Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaoyin to live at the Lin residence.

Fifth Madam Lin Shi didn’t linger at her natal home this time, dutifully departing for White Crane Town with Old Madam Ren.

Su Shi from the East Residence also left with Old Madam Ren and the others, while Ren Yaoting would stay at her maternal grandparents’ home for some time. Learning that Ren Yaoqi would also remain in Yunyang City, she sent a maid to say she wanted to play together.

After thinking, Ren Yaoqi finally pulled Ren Yaohua aside: “Third Sister, when you return, tell Nanny Zhou to send that Nanny Luo and her granddaughter who remained at the residence to Yunyang City.” Thinking she’d be living at the Lin residence with Ren Yaoyin, which wouldn’t be convenient, Ren Yaoqi instructed: “Send them to Grandfather’s house first—I’ll find a way to see them there.”

Ren Yaohua looked at Ren Yaoqi for a while: “You’ve been acting strange lately—what exactly are you busy with?”

Ren Yaoqi thought: “It’s related to the Han family—their background isn’t simple… I haven’t figured it out yet. I’ll tell you when I understand clearly.”

Thinking of Ren Yaoqi’s situation with that Han family young master, Ren Yaohua frowned. Though she didn’t think Ren Yaoqi was frivolous, she was still somewhat worried. Just as she was about to give more instructions, someone from Old Madam Ren’s side came.

Ren Yaohua could only temporarily desist, saying only: “Stay in Yunyang City and don’t cause trouble.”