The bamboo in the courtyard remained emerald and upright. Thanks to this verdant scenery, Qing Qiu Yuan had less desolation and more vitality during the winter days.

Han Yan sat on the courtyard swing, playing with the ropes in her hands. Looking at the approaching Ji Lan, she smiled, “Did you find out anything?”

Ji Lan replied angrily, “That Zhou mother and daughter are too wicked! When this servant went out, the manor’s servants became increasingly unruly, all rushing to Gong Tong Yuan. Who knows what promises they made inside those rooms? Young Miss is the legitimate master of this manor.”

Han Yan smiled and shook her head dismissively, “They’ve just entered the manor, naturally they need to establish connections with the servants. No need to mind them. It helps me see which servants are truly loyal and which harbor other intentions.” Her expression changed as she thought of something: “While I can ignore other courtyards, we must keep a close watch on Qing Qiu Yuan. Shu Hong, and Ji Lan, you both need to stay vigilant. If Madam Zhou wants to spy on our courtyard’s activities, she’ll have to prove she has the capability first.”

Ji Lan widened her eyes: “Young Miss, shouldn’t we do something?”

“Do what?” Han Yan smiled at her and stretched comfortably: “We don’t need to do anything yet. We need to plan carefully.”

Shu Hong furrowed her brows, seemingly pondering Han Yan’s words. After a moment, her expression cleared, showing understanding. Han Yan’s face showed approval – thankfully her maids were clever. The lessons from her previous life taught her that keen eyes and ears were essential survival tools in these grand households. Ji Lan and Shu Hong were her eyes and ears in the courtyard.

She casually picked up a salted plum and put it in her mouth. Before the sourness could spread, Ji Lan spoke again: “This servant heard that Madam Zhou took a box to Song Lin Yuan.”

Han Yan was startled, accidentally biting her tongue. Without thinking further, she jumped off the swing, her eyes flashing with coldness: “What are they doing at Young Master Ming’s place!”

Shu Hong was also startled, while Ji Lan tentatively suggested: “They must have ill intentions. Young Master is now half the master of this manor. Perhaps they’re trying to curry favor?”

“You think Young Master Ming is half the master of this manor?” Han Yan questioned Ji Lan.

Ji Lan froze, as Han Yan continued: “When have the servants ever treated Young Master Ming as their master? Master dislikes him, so what if he’s the legitimate son? I don’t believe Madam Zhou is trying to curry favor with Young Master Ming.” After thinking for a moment, she clenched her fists and started toward the door: “No, I must go check.”

Young Master Ming was Han Yan’s only relative and her mother’s beloved child. Living this life again, Han Yan’s greatest wish was to take care of Young Master Ming and protect him as he grew up. While Han Yan could remain calm about other matters, anything concerning Young Master Ming was different. Seeing those scheming Zhou mother and daughter approach Young Master Ming, she couldn’t maintain her composure.

Shu Hong lowered her head and walked to Han Yan’s side: “Young Miss, let’s not alert them prematurely.”

Han Yan paused, as Shu Hong held her hand and consoled her: “This servant will go investigate now. It’s broad daylight – the Zhou mother and daughter wouldn’t dare harm Young Master in front of the manor’s servants. If anything seems amiss, this servant will protect Young Master with her life.”

Ji Lan added: “Young Master is very clever, Young Miss. Please don’t worry.”

Han Yan looked at her two maids, and her thoughts gradually calmed. Indeed, now wasn’t the time to alert them. If she rushed to Song Lin Yuan now, Madam Zhou would immediately realize she had informants, making it much harder to gather intelligence in the future. Moreover, Shu Hong had a point – Madam Zhou wouldn’t be foolish enough to harm Young Master Ming in broad daylight. Currently, Young Master Ming poses no threat to her. She had been too hasty.

Shu Hong looked at Han Yan earnestly: “Young Miss, trust this servant.”

After a moment, Han Yan nodded: “Go quickly and return quickly.”

When Master Zhuang returned to the manor, the sun had already set and dusk had fallen.

Just as he stepped down from his carriage, he saw two maids wearing lotus-colored jackets standing at the manor gate. One held a purple-gold carved hand warmer, while the other carried a silk lantern. Seeing him descend from the carriage, they immediately approached.

Master Zhuang casually took the hand warmer from the maid, sighing contentedly at its warmth. He glanced at the other maid, finding her unfamiliar, and asked: “Which courtyard are you from?”

The maid holding the lantern immediately curtsied and said softly: “In response to Master, this servant is from Gong Tong Yuan. Our mistress said the weather is cold and dark, so she sent us to attend to Master.”

Master Zhuang paused, narrowing his eyes. After a moment, he said: “Your mistress is thoughtful.” He then instructed his attendant: “Go inform Concubine Mei that I won’t be visiting tonight.”

The nearby maid’s heart leaped with joy upon hearing this, though she dared not show it on her face. She secretly marveled at Madam Zhou’s skill – with just a small gesture of consideration, she had kept Master in Gong Tong Yuan. The one in Furong Yuan would probably be smashing teacups in anger tonight.

Master Zhuang followed the two maids into Gong Tong Yuan. The courtyard was quiet, with bright candlelight shining through the window of a room in the east wing. A graceful silhouette sat by the window, casting a clear shadow on the paper window, head bowed while embroidering, appearing serious and gentle.

Waving the two maids away, Master Zhuang pushed open the door. The person by the window seemed not to notice, continuing to focus intently on embroidering the Hundred Sons Thousand Grandsons pattern on the frame.

Master Zhuang remained silent, standing behind her watching. Madam Zhou wore only a plain white undergarment with a purple-red outer robe. The thin clothes perfectly displayed her flawless figure. With a wasp waist and long legs, her black hair wasn’t pinned up but cascaded loosely over her shoulders, making her lips appear redder and her teeth whiter. Her cheeks resembled water-soaked peach blossoms, flushed from the nearby hand warmer. Her expression was gentle, yet naturally alluring and charming. In her hands, she held a red silk embroidery frame, her jade-like fingers flying over the silk.

As Master Zhuang watched, he felt something stirring in his heart. Those seemingly soft, powerless jade-like fingers made his mouth go dry. Yet the woman sat properly, completely unaware of his presence. He swallowed and suddenly embraced her from behind.

“Ah!” Madam Zhou was startled, dropping her embroidery frame. She turned her head: “Master…” Her lips happened to brush against Master Zhuang’s nose tip. Master Zhuang felt his blood surge – all his frustrations from court today mixed with the beautiful sight before him, rushing downward. He immediately picked up Madam Zhou, ignoring her exclamations as he pressed her onto the bed.

After their passionate encounter, Master Zhuang exhaled deeply, lying down beside Madam Zhou. One hand caressed her bare back while the other wandered mischievously.

Madam Zhou let out a soft moan, pushing at him: “Master, why are you so unrestrained today? If the servants were to see…”