Upon hearing this, Miss Han buried her head somewhat shyly, appearing rather bashful.

Ren Yaohua turned to Old Madam Ren with a bright smile: “I see Miss Han sitting here feeling a bit constrained. Why don’t we sisters entertain her instead?”

Ren Yaohua appeared lively and cheerful in front of Old Madam Ren, quite different from her silent demeanor in front of Ren Shimin.

Old Madam Ren smiled: “I think you little monkey just wants to make a new playmate, don’t you? Sister You is a well-mannered and gentle girl – don’t frighten her.”

Sister You should be what they call Miss Han, so Ren Yaohua cast a somewhat teasing glance toward Han You.

Han You quickly said, “I also very much like the Ren family sisters. I was just thinking of finding an opportunity to get closer.”

Madam Han smiled as she glanced at her daughter, saying to Old Madam Ren, “She usually doesn’t like going out. In the year since we moved to Baiheng Town, she hasn’t made many friends her age. Today, seeing the Ren family’s young ladies has made her quite happy.”

Old Madam Ren laughed heartily: “In that case, let the younger generation go play together. Yin’er, Hua’er, Ying’er – you must entertain Sister You well and not neglect our guest.”

Most of the time in front of guests, Old Madam Ren presented herself as a kind and tolerant elder.

Ren Yaohua and Ren Yaoyin quickly responded.

Old Madam Ren looked toward Ren Yaoqi, standing to the side, saying with relative gentleness in front of the guest: “Since you’re here, join your two sisters in entertaining our guest. You mustn’t be naughty or cause trouble.”

These words made it seem as if she had just overlooked this granddaughter because she was usually too “naughty and troublesome.”

In her previous life, Ren Yaoqi would have felt wronged and sad. Now she merely sneered inwardly and lowered her head in acknowledgment.

She had taught Ren Yaohua not to lose Old Madam Ren’s favor, but she had no intention of seeking the old woman’s affection herself.

Some people, no matter how hard you try to please them, will still sacrifice you without hesitation when the time comes.

Living a second life, using what she had learned to please Old Madam Ren and gain her attention wouldn’t be difficult – she simply wasn’t willing to waste the effort!

The group went together to the eastern warm pavilion, which now served as the living quarters for Ren Yaoyin and Ren Yaoying.

Ren Yaoyin consciously took on the host’s responsibilities, dispatching maids and servants to prepare tea and refreshments. She handled everything in an orderly manner, very much in the style of her mother, First Madam.

“What does Miss Han like to do for entertainment at home?” Ren Yaohua ignored the other mistress of the East Warm Pavilion, Ren Yaoying, and directly led Miss Han to take a seat. She had lived here longer than Ren Yaoyin and was very familiar with the Winter Warm Pavilion.

Ren Yaoying concealed her displeasure and sat next to Ren Yaoqi.

Han You looked at the brightly smiling Ren Yaohua, then at Ren Yaoyin who was suppressing her unhappiness, feeling somewhat at a loss.

“My Third Sister likes chess and needlework, Fifth Sister likes playing the qin and reading, while Ninth Sister and I like calligraphy and painting. That’s why Third Sister asked what entertainment you prefer, Miss Han.” Ren Yaoqi smiled at Han You.

“You’ve revealed all our family sisters’ secrets to Miss Han right after she arrived.” Ren Yaoyin walked over, pretending to be displeased as she lightly patted Ren Yaoqi’s shoulder.

Han You finally relaxed somewhat, smiling as she said: “I like reading, and occasionally learn calligraphy and painting from my brother, though unfortunately I lack talent and don’t paint well. Please don’t call me Miss Han anymore – if you don’t mind, just call me Sister You.”

Ren Yaoqi secretly observed her, noting that her words and behavior showed a good upbringing. Though she seemed somewhat shy, it might be because she rarely interacted with outsiders.

Ren Yaoqi became curious about the Han family. Looking at Madam Han and her children, they all seemed well-cultivated. In her previous life, she had only heard that Young Master Han was an outstanding scholar with handsome looks and refined manners. However, since he spent most of his time studying at a famous academy in Yunyang City, almost no one had seen him.

As for other members of the Han family, she had no impression of them at all. She vaguely remembered that Madam Han would die of illness before long, and Miss Han would begin staying indoors to observe mourning for her mother.

“Doesn’t Sister You have other sisters at home?” Ren Yaoqi asked with apparent curiosity. “My family has many sisters. Besides Third Sister, Fourth Sister, and Ninth Sister sitting here, there are also First Sister and Second Sister who have already married. In the neighboring East Mansion, there’s the Seventh Sister from our uncle’s family, and the Sixth Sister who’s with Fourth Uncle in the capital. Oh, and there’s also—”

“Enough, Fifth Sister. Your long string of sisters has made me dizzy, let alone Sister You.” Ren Yaoyin laughed and shook her head, interrupting Ren Yaoqi.

Han You said enviously, “Having so many sisters must be so lively. My family only has my brother and me.”

Ren Yaoyin gently comforted her: “Come visit often in the future. Just treat us sisters as your own sisters.”

But Han You’s expression darkened: “Grandfather and Father don’t like us going out often. I’m afraid I won’t be able to visit frequently in the future.”

“Why won’t they let you go out?” Ren Yaoyu asked curiously.

Han You lowered her head: “Grandmother says women should be demure and self-respecting. Always running around outside isn’t good. Mother and I usually don’t go out. Today, Grandmother originally only wanted Mother to come, but I begged and begged before she allowed me to come along.”

Everyone was somewhat incredulous upon hearing this.

Because Yan Bei had once been ruled by the Liao people, the people of Yan Bei had never truly submitted to the Liao cavalry. Later, under the leadership of the Prince of Yan Bei, they drove the Liao people north of the Great Wall. Perhaps due to this historical background, the people of Yan Bei were considerably more open than southerners. Even the separation between men and women wasn’t as strict as in the South, and it was perfectly normal for young ladies from prominent families to socialize and play together.

Now, even the great families in the south probably didn’t have family rules as strict as the Han family’s.

“Do you never go out? Visiting relatives with elders, going to temples to worship Buddha… you’ve never done any of these?” Ren Yaoyu asked. Even as a concubine’s daughter, she had opportunities to go out and show her face.

Han You blushed and shook her head: “When we were in Jizhou, there were still clan relatives to visit. After coming to Baiheng Town… today is my first time going out.”

The Ren family sisters couldn’t say anything more.

After Madam Han spoke with Old Madam Ren and First Madam, who came later for a while, she politely declined Old Madam Ren’s invitation to stay for a meal and sent someone to call Han You back.

Han You rarely had so many peers to chat with and was extremely reluctant to leave, but she said nothing and stood up.

“Why don’t you all come visit my home in the future?” Han You was invited.

The Ren family sisters all smiled and agreed, escorting Han You out together.

Seeing the Han family mother and daughter leave, Ren Yaoqi didn’t want to stay at Ronghua Garden any longer and took leave of Old Madam Ren. Ren Yaohua remained to keep the old madam company.

As Ren Yaoqi walked back, she pondered the Han family’s affairs. When she reached the garden, she couldn’t help but pause.

After thinking for a moment, she instructed the maids behind her: “Father told me to find him before the noon meal. Xi’er and Xueli, follow me. Qingmei, take them back to the courtyard first.”

Xi’er was the senior maid from Li Shi’s room who had come along with her.

Qingmei looked at Xueli and smiled: “This servant should stay to attend the young miss. With only two people attending you, it might not be sufficient.”

Xi’er coldly scolded: “When the young miss tells you to go, you go. If you still haven’t learned what hierarchy means, go to Nanny Zhou first to receive a beating!”

Qingmei now didn’t dare to be presumptuous with the main wife’s senior maid. She could only look pleadingly at Ren Yaoqi.

Ren Yaoqi had already turned and walked away directly.

Xi’er and Xueli hurried to follow. Qingmei silently spat at Xi’er’s retreating figure before turning to leave.

“Miss, if these little hooves aren’t useful, just dismiss them all. You’re a young lady of the Ren family – surely you don’t lack people to serve you?” Xi’er said while pointingly glancing at Xueli.

Ren Yaoqi also glanced at Xueli, who quickly lowered her head with an even more respectful posture.

Ren Yaoqi smiled lightly and said to Xi’er: “Even cats and dogs develop feelings after being around for a long time, let alone those who serve closely. I think Xueli is quite good. When you have time, give her some guidance. Given time, she might well become presentable.”

Xueli’s face lit up with joy, seizing the opportunity: “This servant thanks the young miss and thanks Sister Xi’er. This servant will not disappoint the young miss’s cultivation.”

Xi’er snorted lightly but didn’t say anything unpleasant in front of Ren Yaoqi.