Prime Minister’s Estate

First Madam hurried back to the Prime Minister’s estate, not even bothering to monitor Li Weiyang. This actually had a profound reason. Li Xiaoran had been out for three days and actually brought back a new concubine. What was different this time was that Li Xiaoran hadn’t even informed First Madam beforehand.

This meant Li Xiaoran no longer respected her as his legitimate wife as he used to. Come to think of it, since the witchcraft incident, he hadn’t even stepped into her room once. Normally, First Madam could still endure this, but at this time, she could no longer tolerate it. She hurriedly rushed home with Li Changle, only to hear that Li Xiaoran had taken the newly arrived beauty to attend a banquet and wasn’t at the estate at all. Immediately, her anger turned into suppression, her hatred so intense she nearly bit through her teeth. She tossed and turned all night without even bothering to ask about Li Weiyang’s whereabouts. Early the next morning, unable to sit still, she immediately sent people to summon the newly arrived beauty, Concubine Yun.

First Madam gripped her teacup, staring at Concubine Yun before her.

This woman’s skin was whiter than snow. Her nose and facial features were like they’d been carefully carved from jade. Standing there, she was like a flowering tree piled with snow, jade pressing down crabapple blossoms. Though not comparable to her own stunning daughter, she was still a beauty who made it impossible to look away. She walked forward gracefully like a willow in the wind and performed an elegant curtsy.

When First Madam clearly saw this face, she was momentarily flustered, almost thinking that woman from years ago had returned. Then anger secretly rose in her heart—so the master had never forgotten that woman! However, she had deep schemes after all. Though she deeply detested this Concubine Yun, her face showed not a trace of it. She smiled and beckoned her forward, asking her to extend her hand so she could examine it. Concubine Yun’s fingers were also long and slender like spring onions, her palm shape extremely beautiful. First Madam asked her age and place of origin.

Concubine Yun said: “This servant is called Yun Mei, sixteen years old, from Changzhou.”

Her voice was melodious as a yellow oriole, her teeth like pearls and jade. First Madam’s heart burned with resentment: This appearance truly evokes pity—no wonder Li Xiaoran, who has rarely taken new favorites in recent years, would still take her in.

Concubine Yun didn’t dare meet First Madam’s gaze, because though this mistress wore a smile on her face, her eyes were extremely deep, like a great mouth wanting to swallow her whole, or as if trying to extract something from her body.

“Oh.” Only then did First Madam realize her lapse in composure. She hastily put back on that gentle, elegant smile: “You needn’t be afraid. I’m just seeing how beautiful you are and feeling happy on the master’s behalf.” She steadied herself slightly and thought carefully with sideways glances: “However, the name Mei’er is too vulgar. I’ll change your name. How about just calling you Yun Rou instead? It sounds more elegant and dignified—what do you think?”

Concubine Yun bowed her head deeply, yet the corners of her mouth drooped, clearly unhappy.

First Madam hadn’t expected this girl who seemed so weak would actually be quite stubborn at heart. She felt slightly annoyed—she didn’t know why, but after being neglected, she became particularly easy to anger, though she didn’t show it. There were too many ways to deal with this little wretch. Her eyes turned as she changed the subject without a ripple: “Never mind, that name doesn’t sound good either. You can keep calling yourself Yun Mei for now. When the master has time someday, he can change your name!”

Concubine Yun thanked her again but became wary in her heart of First Madam’s skill at observing people’s hearts.

Just as they were stalling, a maid suddenly came to report that the master had arrived.

First Madam slowly raised her head, her gaze piercing as she stared at Li Xiaoran entering—though she didn’t want to show such a sharp gaze at this moment, she couldn’t help herself.

This time, bringing someone back without saying a word was simply too humiliating.

Seeing Concubine Yun’s aggrieved appearance, Li Xiaoran’s face immediately showed some displeasure. But he was a measured person after all, so he only said lightly: “You may withdraw first. I have matters to discuss with Madam.”

Just in this gap of conversation, Nanny Lin suddenly walked in quickly and whispered a few words to First Madam. First Madam’s expression changed as she asked: “Is this matter certain?”

Nanny Lin smiled: “Yes, this old servant has already verified it.”

First Madam was startled, then barely perceptible joy floated in her eyes. Originally she had planned to say a few words to Li Xiaoran about Concubine Yun, but now hearing the news that Li Weiyang had disappeared and not returned to the estate, joy immediately spread across her brow. She decided to set aside Concubine Yun’s matter for now and deal with Li Weiyang, this grave threat to her heart.

After Concubine Yun withdrew, First Madam suddenly became serious: “Nanny Lin, have everyone else leave. I have matters to discuss with the master.” She felt this sentence slide slowly from her mouth like a blade, yet her mood while speaking was surprisingly good.

Li Xiaoran thought she was going to blame him for not telling her about Concubine Yun in advance. A storm flashed across his face and vanished.

First Madam understood Li Xiaoran well. At this moment, her face remained impassive, yet her eyes concealed barely perceptible cunning: “Master, I have other important matters to discuss with you.”

Li Xiaoran’s expression eased slightly. He waved his hand, ordering everyone to withdraw.

Thinking she was about to eliminate Li Weiyang soon, First Madam felt a surge of hot blood rush to her throat. She forcefully swallowed it down, walked closer to him, and looked up, showing a worried expression on her face: “I bear great responsibility for this matter, which makes me feel extremely guilty. But things have come to this point—I must tell you the truth, Master.”

Her voice was soft, yet each word was like an icicle.

Li Xiaoran frowned: “Don’t be mysterious. Speak quickly.”

First Madam felt triumphant inside, yet her face showed even more hesitation: “Yesterday at Princess Yongning’s estate for the banquet, Old Madam’s old friend suddenly came to visit. She was anxious to return, and coincidentally I wasn’t feeling well, so I came back together with her. Since we had all left, afraid it would be awkward to explain to the Princess, we had Weiyang and Minde stay to attend the evening banquet.”

Actually, at the time Old Madam had wanted to test whether Li Weiyang could handle things independently. First Madam simply hadn’t taken her seriously at all.

“And then?” Li Xiaoran detected something was wrong.

First Madam looked guilty: “Then my headache was severe, so I lay down first, thinking Weiyang and Minde would return on their own when the time came. Who knew someone just reported that they found our Li family carriage on the official road, with our household guards beside it. These people were all dead, and worse, Weiyang and Minde are nowhere to be found…”

The carriage was attacked!

Li Xiaoran felt this string of icicles pierce straight into his brain. Every pore on his body tightened, yet his body didn’t move a muscle, his lips wooden and silent. What he feared most now was trouble at home, and he worried even more this matter had other implications!

“Who has such audacity!” After came thick anger. He stared at First Madam fiercely like an evil wolf, his teeth grinding forcefully as if about to spark flames. Almost squeezing these words from between his teeth: “How dare they attack my family’s carriage!”

First Madam had never seen Li Xiaoran with such a severe expression. She was slightly startled, then said: “Yes, these people are so bold—not only attacking the carriage but also abducting both Weiyang and Minde! Now I’m afraid—”

“What do you mean!” Li Xiaoran roared, flames nearly shooting from his eyes. He hadn’t expected that in the capital, someone would dare touch his Li family carriage, even abducting his daughter. Though he didn’t necessarily have deep feelings for Li Weiyang, this absolutely violated his authority. “Send people to search! Go send people to find Weiyang and Minde immediately!”

Third Madam had just died, and now they’d lost her adopted son. If word got out, people would think he was coveting the Third Branch’s property! They must find Minde immediately!

“Master, the most important thing isn’t this—they’ve been missing all night!” First Madam fearlessly met his gaze, steel-needle-like light already shooting from her eyes. “I’m afraid Weiyang has long since lost her chastity!”

Li Xiaoran was stabbed by this steel-needle-like gaze—no, he should say he was completely stunned. For a moment he stood there dazed, the muscles in his face beginning to twist violently, as if being squeezed by an invisible hand.

First Madam noticed that veins now bulged on Li Xiaoran’s forehead, writhing like earthworms. Gradually, towering rage flashed in his eyes—showing how furious he was. Her face seemed even more anxious: “Master, if Weiyang really is found, the Li family’s reputation and face will be completely ruined!”

A noble daughter who had been missing all night—Li Xiaoran couldn’t help imagining how much humiliation the Li family would suffer in the future, how his colleagues would view this, how the Emperor would view it! He suddenly calmed down, his face becoming like a blurred steel mask: “What exactly do you mean by these words?”

These words touched the deepest secret in First Madam’s heart. Normally, she would definitely play the role of a magnanimous loving mother, waiting for the master to think of the consequences himself, then she would step forward to be the good person, sending Li Weiyang to a temple to live out her remaining days as a nun. This way, she wouldn’t make Li Xiaoran suspicious of her intentions and could maintain her consistent image before everyone. But this time, she didn’t continue to endure. Instead, she brought it up first—yes, she wanted to seize this opportunity to put Li Weiyang to death! Though First Madam thought this way, when Li Xiaoran became suspicious, a trace of fear still appeared in her heart. So she quickly adjusted her emotions, her expression turning sorrowful: “Master, I say this without the slightest selfish motive. I’m just truly worried about Weiyang. She’s a good girl who hasn’t been betrothed to anyone yet. If people learn of this matter in the future, which family will marry her?” As she spoke, she pretentiously dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, as if from genuine worry.

Li Xiaoran sneered coldly without any hint of a smile, like his mouth had torn open a gash. Though he felt First Madam was crying crocodile tears, he had to admit what she said was right! He stared at her hatefully and shot out: “Then how should this matter be handled?!”

First Madam feigned surprise and said: “Yes, I’m also troubled by this. First send people to find her, then we can discuss what to do! I only wanted to prepare you mentally, Master!”

Li Xiaoran was stunned, a trace of coldness flashing through his expression. He waved his hand and loudly said: “Summon the steward here!”

Outside, footsteps immediately sounded and quickly departed.

Li Xiaoran sat down and drank a cup of tea, but felt it chillingly cold. He sighed deeply: “Even if she comes back alive, it will be a huge problem!”

First Madam smiled faintly, then concealed her smile and stepped forward: “Master needn’t worry—perhaps Weiyang has heaven’s protection!”

Li Xiaoran didn’t know what to say for a moment. He sat there bewildered for a while. Just as he was preparing to stand and go out to devise a strategy, someone suddenly came to report: “Third Miss has returned!”

Li Xiaoran watched Li Weiyang slowly walk in and was actually shocked.

Before returning, Li Weiyang had carefully groomed herself. She deliberately inserted a lotus flower picked from the garden into her hair, used an eyebrow pencil to lightly trace her eyebrows with extremely light color that could barely be seen unless looked at closely, lightly applied a layer of powder to her face, dissolved rouge and lightly dabbed it on both cheeks and lips—wearing makeup yet seeming not to, indescribably fresh and beautiful. This was because if she didn’t wear makeup today, she couldn’t possibly conceal the haggardness of a sleepless night. However, to those unaware, Li Weiyang, who never wore powder and rouge, now radiated youthful vitality throughout her body. Everything about her was fresh and pure, like a flower bud not yet bloomed in the early morning, carrying a kind of liveliness never seen before.

Li Xiaoran keenly noticed Li Weiyang had a silver hairpin in her hair. Normally this wouldn’t attract his attention, but somehow today he noticed it—a hairpin made of the purest silver with a hollow center, shaped like a lifelike flowering tree. On it, thin silver sheets formed flowers and buds, with colorful gemstones embedded in the flower hearts that emitted seven-colored light under the sunlight. Worn in her hair, it truly blazed brilliantly, adding considerable charm to the originally refined and lovely Li Weiyang.

“Weiyang, you’ve finally returned!” First Madam rushed forward with an anxious expression, yet things like venomous fangs flickered in and out of view in her gaze.

Li Weiyang saw this but seemed very moved, hastily smiling in response: “Mother, Weiyang has made you worry.”

“Weiyang, it’s more than just worry—Mother’s heart nearly died of anxiety, fearing you’d suffered some mishap!” A trace of cold smile appeared at the corners of First Madam’s mouth, the venomous fangs in her eyes gradually becoming clear. Whether Li Weiyang returned alive or remained unharmed, staying out all night was already a dead end!

Li Weiyang’s heart trembled. She frowned slightly. With her cleverness, she had already sensed the other party’s implications. Yet she maintained an innocent manner, as if completely unguarded: “Mother is so good to me—thinking of this, Weiyang feels uneasy day and night!”

Expecting her to be flustered and at a loss, but she showed not the slightest sign! First Madam gritted her teeth, the cold smile at her lips fully blooming: “The servants said the guards who went with you all died, and you were abducted. Quickly let Mother see if you suffered any injuries?”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “Mother, Weiyang is completely unharmed. Look.” After speaking, she lightly spun in a circle and smiled at Li Xiaoran: “Father, Weiyang is unfilial, making you worry as well.”

First Madam thought she was pretending to be calm and sneered coldly as she continued pouring salt on the wound: “Weiyang, if you’ve suffered any grievance, don’t endure it forcibly. Just tell Mother—Mother will certainly stand up for you.”

Grievance? Li Weiyang sneered coldly in her heart. She glanced at First Madam’s ugly face and felt she had nothing to discuss with this beast-like woman. She coldly spat out: “Mother is worrying unnecessarily. Weiyang is completely unharmed.”

First Madam stared into her eyes, still wanting to continue probing indirectly, but discovered her eyes already looked back coldly, yet contained an invisible chill, like a deity statue worshipped in a desolate temple—mysterious and eerie yet bone-chillingly terrifying. Just then, Li Weiyang suddenly smiled. First Madam felt this laughter like a ladle of ice water poured straight into her heart. She involuntarily shuddered, her momentum weakening involuntarily.

“Weiyang, you’re truly alright? Then how did you return?” They couldn’t have been bandits who released you themselves. Li Xiaoran couldn’t help asking. He no longer wanted to hear what First Madam was saying. He had to know the ins and outs of this matter to make the most appropriate arrangements!

Li Weiyang understood Li Xiaoran’s meaning very well, but she didn’t immediately answer this question. She only smiled and suddenly seemed to remember something: “Oh yes, Father, today I must ask you to prepare gifts to properly thank the Seventh Prince and Princess Yongning. If not for these two Highnesses, Weiyang couldn’t have returned!”

First Madam’s expression changed, then she said: “What did you say?”

Li Xiaoran also stood up at once, showing a surprised expression.

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows innocently: “Doesn’t Father know? Oh my, I was so focused on the joy of surviving and catching up with Mother that I forgot to discuss serious matters. Yesterday, a group of people suddenly rushed out from somewhere trying to rob our carriage. The guards fought desperately to protect Minde and me, but we were outnumbered. At the critical moment, the Seventh Highness happened to pass by. Seeing injustice, he drew his sword to help—very heroically! After driving off those bandits, the Seventh Highness saw Minde was injured and specially sent us to Princess Yongning’s estate to recover. The Princess sheltered us for the night and even sent for a physician for Minde. This truly was meeting noble people while traveling. Without their help, Weiyang couldn’t have returned safely!”

Hearing this, Li Xiaoran was immediately overjoyed: “The Seventh Highness saved you?”

Li Weiyang nodded.

“And Princess Yongning also sheltered you?”

Li Weiyang continued nodding.

“Is all this true?”

Li Weiyang smiled with pursed lips: “Father, what’s wrong with you? I came back in the Princess’s estate carriage!” At this point, she smiled sweetly and glanced at First Madam: “Fortunately my fate was strong. If I’d truly been abducted by bandits, Weiyang wouldn’t dare return—I’d have died early to preserve my chastity. Mother, I returned safely—why do you seem unhappy about it?”

“No, this is impossible! You must be lying. How could you disappear for an entire night yet have nothing happen!” First Madam caught her breath and suddenly turned hostile, completely losing composure.

People often say the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment. First Madam had thought she could use this opportunity to completely finish off Li Weiyang, never expecting she could turn calamity into fortune even in this situation. This was simply too fortunate, too unacceptable!

Li Xiaoran’s expression changed dramatically: “What are you saying! Stop at once!”

First Madam was startled, then her face turned deathly pale. She realized she had lost her composure.

After Li Xiaoran’s great anger came anxiety, now all transforming into joy. The Seventh Prince had saved Li Weiyang, and she had stayed at the Princess’s estate for a night—the impact of these two pieces of news far exceeded the news of Li Weiyang’s disappearance.

Yet he still had a trace of doubt, because all this had changed too quickly, leaving people at a loss.

Li Weiyang seemed to know what he was thinking and smiled: “Oh yes, the Princess said I was frightened because of attending the banquet, so she specially bestowed this hairpin as consolation.” As she spoke, she pointed to the expensive hairpin on her head.

This time, Li Xiaoran breathed a long sigh of relief. This was truly—too astonishing! Then he glared fiercely at First Madam.

First Madam’s heart jumped. The original fog dispersed as she forced a smile: “Weiyang, you truly have—good fortune.”

Li Xiaoran also smiled, consoling: “Weiyang, your mother is just too happy for the moment.”

First Madam was probably disappointed to the extreme. She wouldn’t let any opportunity pass to put herself to death—truly vicious as a scorpion, utterly wicked! However, Li Weiyang smiled faintly—wasn’t she the same?

“Yes, Weiyang, Mother is too happy. Don’t blame me.” First Madam’s throat seemed stuffed with cotton, her speech extremely unnatural.

“Mother, you needn’t be like this. This is heaven’s good fortune given to me—no one can stop it.” Though Li Weiyang spoke with extreme humility, clearly her words had barbs.

Li Weiyang’s eyes were black as well water. To First Madam, they were like the ghostly blue flames of netherworld fire hovering in demon valleys and ghost ravines.

“Of course, this matter is also my good fate. If the Seventh Highness hadn’t happened to pass by last night—” Li Weiyang said lightly: “I’m afraid I’d have perished in the wilderness, eaten by dogs and crows.”

Hearing Li Weiyang’s words, Li Xiaoran felt it was indeed so. Honestly speaking, he had originally worried Li Weiyang’s death would affect the family’s reputation and felt she was truly an inauspicious daughter. But now it seemed she had tremendous fortune. This psychological change showed subtle expression on his face, all captured in Li Weiyang’s eyes.

Li Xiaoran didn’t forget to ask: “What about Old Madam?”

“Father, rest assured—Weiyang will go report to Old Madam immediately.”

Li Xiaoran nodded, watching Li Weiyang leave. Then he turned and stared at his wife. He hadn’t expected she was not only narrow-minded but also had the behavior of a vicious woman. Though clearly the legitimate mother, she constantly schemed against children born of concubines. Li Xiaoran didn’t require her to treat his other children as her own—at least she should maintain appearances. Displaying such naked resentment made him feel chilled to the bone. No matter what, Li Weiyang carried his blood. First Madam actually hoped she’d come to harm, using this to eliminate her—truly chilling to the heart. He worked tirelessly managing official circles outside, doing everything flawlessly, never expecting the wife he’d always considered virtuous would undermine him behind the scenes. Too disappointing!

He snorted coldly. Without waiting for First Madam to explain, he flicked his sleeves and left directly! At the door, he suddenly stopped: “Don’t forget to prepare thank-you gifts!”

First Madam was startled, then full of resentment yet helpless. She said in a muffled voice: “Yes.”

Li Weiyang first went to Old Madam’s courtyard to pay respects, explained the matter once, then returned to her own courtyard. Bai Zhi breathed a sigh of relief: “Miss, fortunately you were clever—going to the Seventh Prince’s estate first to have him help arrange everything.”

“First Madam of course wouldn’t easily let this opportunity pass. How could I give people grounds for criticism?” Now Li Weiyang was certain helping Tuoba Yu earlier hadn’t been wrong. He was someone who knew how to repay kindness, and moreover, the effect was immediate. Before returning, she had bathed, groomed, and specially prepared—truly showing no abnormality.

“First Madam is simply taking advantage of the fire…”

“She’s always been this kind of person…”

Just then, Mo Zhu suddenly reported: “Miss, Seventh Concubine has come!”

Li Weiyang was startled.

“Mother…”

“Weiyang…” Seventh Concubine rushed over, tightly embracing Li Weiyang, crying loudly.

Li Weiyang looked with mixed feelings at this fragile birth mother, not knowing what to do for a moment. Bai Zhi nearby quickly came over to support Seventh Concubine, carefully saying: “Concubine, don’t worry—Miss has returned safely, hasn’t she?”

Seventh Concubine’s entire eyes were swollen—she had truly been worried to death. As soon as she heard of this matter, she immediately rushed over.

Li Weiyang gently explained the ins and outs to her, saying roughly the same as what she’d told Li Xiaoran. She didn’t want her birth mother worrying along with everyone else.

“So that’s what happened…” Hearing she’d spent the night at the Princess’s estate, Seventh Concubine breathed a sigh of relief.

She had thought Li Weiyang had suffered some grievance…

“Originally Miss insisted on returning…” Bai Zhi smiled.

“But the Princess’s invitation was hard to decline…” Mo Zhu interjected.

Li Weiyang only smiled: “Actually there was nothing major. It’s just the Princess felt I was frightened because of attending the banquet and felt bad about it…”

“I originally wanted to send someone back to the estate to report, but by then it was already very late. I was afraid it would instead alarm Old Madam and all of you…” Li Weiyang said, looking at the sorrow still remaining on Seventh Concubine’s face. She couldn’t help feeling guilty: “It’s all my fault for making Mother worry.”

Seventh Concubine, tears glistening, shook her head with a smile. After her joy, she gently sighed, seeing the bloodshot veins in Li Weiyang’s eyes. Her heart ached: “It’s all Mother’s uselessness—unable to protect you.”

In Li Weiyang’s heart, a warm current flowed.

Honestly, she had always felt a sense of distance toward Seventh Concubine. Though she was her biological mother, in her previous life she had died early. Having not grown up at her side, their feelings weren’t particularly deep. In this life, she actually didn’t know how to interact with her, so she always held back somewhat. But today, seeing her genuine tears, Li Weiyang felt guilty for her previous sense of distance.

Her gaze was as warm and moist as jade, yet bright as stars.

“Mother, I said before—from now on, I’ll protect you.”

Seventh Concubine stared blankly at her daughter, her emotions surging violently: “Weiyang, don’t oppose First Madam. She’ll harm you.”

Tan Shi was a weak woman. Now she had no other desires—she only hoped her daughter would live peacefully and marry into a good family in the future. First Madam was ruthless and vicious. She didn’t want Weiyang to come to harm.

“Mother, as long as people are alive, they’ll encounter countless setbacks. No one knows what will happen tomorrow. I chose this path myself. No matter what hardships or even dangers I encounter, I won’t retreat. Since I’ve already made sufficient preparations, there’s no need to think about anything else. Moreover, even if I wanted to retreat, others wouldn’t allow me to! Living openly and honestly, existing freely and happily—there’s nothing to fear…” She feared neither life nor death, but First Madam was different, so the winner would definitely be her.

Seventh Concubine was stunned. She suddenly felt Weiyang’s stubbornness and strength far exceeded her imagination.

“Weiyang…” She made up her mind: “Mother will definitely support you.”

That weak Seventh Concubine could say such words… Li Weiyang couldn’t help but smile, only feeling sweet and sour in her heart. The feeling of having family by her side was truly wonderful.

The news that Li Weiyang was attacked on the official road and rescued by the Seventh Prince immediately spread throughout the capital, making those noble young ladies green with envy. Everyone said this County Princess Anping had good fortune—carriage robbery was a once-in-a-century occurrence, yet she could also have a prince greatly favored by the Emperor play the hero saving the beauty. Of course there was also much gossip—some even questioned how bandits could appear on an official road for no reason. Moreover, those bandits had all died without leaving a single survivor. Some individuals even spread word that Li Weiyang had deliberately arranged it to get close to the Seventh Prince. Such sour words spread around, but the Li family didn’t particularly care—compared to a woman losing her chastity, all this was nothing. No matter how stormy it was outside, the parties involved—Tuoba Yu and Li Weiyang—showed no reaction. After the incident, the two had no further contact. After causing a commotion for a while, the matter passed.

Hearing of this, Li Changle had thought Li Weiyang was going to have terrible luck, never expecting she’d turn calamity into fortune. Her heart burned with vexation yet she was helpless, feeling depressed.

Seeing her poor complexion, Tanxiang advised: “Miss, now all the flowers in the garden have bloomed. Why don’t you go out and look?”

Li Changle looked at her coldly. Tanxiang’s heart tightened: “This servant is—” She had good intentions!

Li Changle glanced at the spring scenery outside. Her headaches had been getting worse lately, especially seeing Li Weiyang wandering before her—she couldn’t help but flare up. “Fine, let’s go out for a walk.”

Li Changle brought Tanxiang and others to the garden but saw a beauty sitting in the octagonal pavilion not far away. She couldn’t help frowning: “Who is that person?”

Tanxiang glanced and said carefully: “That’s the Ninth Concubine the master newly took.”

Ninth Concubine? The woman Father brought back without informing Mother—Yun Ji? Li Changle looked from afar and couldn’t help frowning. Yun Ji was from Changzhou and reportedly had been a performer. Father actually brought such a lowly woman into the estate—could he have gone mad?

Li Changle brought Tanxiang and silently walked beside Yun Ji. The maid nearby wanted to alert her but was frightened by Li Changle’s cold gaze into silence.

Yun Ji looked up and suddenly discovered First Miss had arrived. Frightened, she hastily stood.

Li Changle smiled faintly, narrowed her eyes, and looked smilingly at what was in her hands.

In Yun Ji’s snow-white hands was a small brocade pouch embroidered with silk thread forming twin lotus flowers, with small jade beads adorning the sides. Though exquisitely made, the materials were clearly cheap and quite old.

“This pouch is truly beautiful.” Li Changle smiled faintly, her face impassive, but suspicion rose in her heart.

Yun Ji was actually very panicked. She had only been admiring the scenery here when, touched by the scene, she unconsciously took out this pouch she carried with her. She thought her maid would alert her, but no one told her First Miss had come! She didn’t know what Li Changle had seen, but—a pouch couldn’t represent anything! She tried to smile as naturally as possible, pretending to be calm: “Yes, my mother embroidered this. I’ve always kept it with me as a protective charm.”

Li Changle was an extremely sensitive person. She felt this seemed like a love token from a man—this guess made her immediately excited. However, she suppressed this excitement and smiled faintly: “You’ve already married into our family. From now on, we’re one family. You needn’t be so constrained.”

Seeing she wasn’t pursuing the matter further, Yun Ji quickly put the pouch away.

Li Changle deliberately pretended not to notice and instead smiled amiably: “Ninth Concubine, Changzhou is so far from here—do you miss home?”

Since age ten, Yun Ji had followed a theater troupe away from her hometown. Her impressions of her parents were already blurred—much less could she speak of missing home. Outside, she’d been a performer, always looked down upon. Later, at Minister Lou’s banquet, she sang at a hall performance and was unexpectedly noticed by Li Xiaoran and brought back. But after arriving at the Li estate, not one person looked up to her. Everyone cursed her as a lowly performer behind her back. Yet this First Miss was different—actually showing her such a kind smile. So she felt a moment of surprise, not knowing how to answer.

Li Changle changed the subject: “However, with your beauty and character, Father will naturally cherish you more. From now on, you’ll never have to wander the streets or suffer hardship.”

Hearing her say this, Yun Ji only smiled bitterly, counting this as not contradicting her intention.

Li Changle smiled faintly and casually brought up other matters, diverting Yun Ji’s attention.

After chatting for half an hour, Yun Ji had quite a good impression of this First Miss. When taking her leave, she even made an appointment to talk again next time.

Tanxiang saw all this, growing increasingly puzzled. First Miss appeared approachable on the surface but was actually quite proud. Ninth Concubine came from lowly origins, yet First Miss conversed so pleasantly with her? This was truly too strange!

Watching Yun Ji’s figure disappear in the garden, Li Changle smiled faintly, stood, and said: “Let’s go.”

Tanxiang looked at the smile on Li Changle’s lips and involuntarily lowered her head.

Li Changle entered First Madam’s courtyard and talked with her for a good while. When she emerged, her face was wreathed in smiles. Tanxiang saw this and felt even more fearful. Every time First Miss showed this kind of smile, someone was definitely going to have bad luck. However—who would the unlucky one be? If it were just Ninth Concubine suffering, that definitely wouldn’t make First Miss this happy…

Half a month later, First Madam sent someone to invite Li Xiaoran over. Li Xiaoran had just returned to the estate. Saying he had urgent matters, he went to his study. First Madam waited and waited until dark without seeing a trace of him. First Madam ordered lanterns lit and sent someone to press him again. After waiting for him quite a while more, she finally saw him enter. She personally stepped forward to help him remove his outer robe while observing his expression, smiling: “Two days from now is Ninth Concubine’s birthday. I was thinking of making it lively for her.”

Li Xiaoran looked up, coldly glancing at First Madam.

First Madam’s heart jumped, yet her face remained smiling.

Li Xiaoran couldn’t detect anything amiss. He refused First Madam’s hands and responded lightly: “I understand. I still have other matters. You should also rest early.”

“Master, I’ve also prepared sweet treats. Please have some at least.” First Madam urged earnestly.

Li Xiaoran shook his head: “No need.” After speaking, he turned and left, heading straight for Ninth Concubine’s courtyard.

Nanny Lin looked anxiously at First Madam. First Madam sneered coldly, raising a sharp smile. The tonic on the table that had been warmed half the night went untouched. In an instant, the rich sweet steam dispersed, growing completely cold.

On another side, Bai Zhi quietly told Li Weiyang about the movements in the Li family these past days. Following Miss’s instructions, she reported everything in detail, including First Miss conversing pleasantly with Ninth Concubine, and First Madam releasing news today that she would celebrate Ninth Concubine’s birthday.

After Bai Zhi finished, she couldn’t help saying: “Miss, it seems First Madam has begun drawing Ninth Concubine to her side.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly and shook her head: “As the mistress, if she cannot control her husband’s concubines, she must find ways to eliminate them. Fourth Concubine and Sixth Concubine are already very difficult to deal with. Now Father exclusively favors Ninth Concubine, not even giving her face. Do you think First Madam will still let Ninth Concubine live peacefully?”

Bai Zhi paused, then said: “Miss means—”

“Just Ninth Concubine alone would definitely not satisfy their appetite. If they could drag down a thorn in their side as well, that would be even better.” Candlelight reflected on the pear wood window lattice carved with wealthy crabapple blossoms, casting intricate shadows on Li Weiyang’s face like a layer of dark gauze.

Nanny Lin walked solemnly through the corridor. Sunlight reflected brightly on the courtyard wall. She couldn’t help frowning. The maids nearby watched her hurried manner, with several tall, sturdy matrons following behind.

“Where is Nanny Lin going? Why so hurried?” The little maids whispered to each other.

“Don’t you know? Ninth Concubine is having a birthday. First Madam is personally arranging it for her! Antique plates, silk and satin… flowing out like water. Madam is truly good to Ninth Concubine!”

“Exactly! Fourth Concubine’s face turned green. Sixth Concubine has also shut herself in her room all day refusing to come out! Ninth Concubine is receiving treatment never before seen in the Li family.”

“Who told the master to dote on Ninth Concubine! You didn’t see—cherishing her like a precious treasure. For half a month straight, he’s stayed in her courtyard. When Ninth Concubine married in, she should be half a mistress, so she shouldn’t touch those theater costumes anymore. But the master dotes on her—he actually had a new set of stage clothes specially made. They often close the doors so she can sing for the master!”

“What do you know!” Another maid said in a low voice: “I heard from Nanny Zhou next door that Ninth Concubine isn’t ordinary—young, beautiful, and knows how to serve men. You girls wouldn’t understand!”

Li Weiyang walked through the garden. The maids immediately fell silent, looking at each other.

Li Weiyang smiled faintly: “Disperse now. Be careful Nanny Lin hears and punishes you.”

The little maids giggled and quickly scattered. Third Miss was kind—she usually didn’t scold maids casually and wasn’t like Fifth Miss, who would report them behind their backs.

Li Weiyang watched Nanny Lin’s figure disappear down the corridor and couldn’t help frowning, not knowing what First Madam’s grand arrangements for Ninth Concubine’s birthday were plotting this time.

Perhaps she was overthinking it…