While Yun Chu was speaking in Anshou Hall.

Xie Ping was dragged by He Shi into the small grove behind.

“What are you doing?” Xie Ping jumped in fright. She looked left and right, and only after seeing no one did she say: “Didn’t Father order you to be confined in the small temple? How did you get out?”

He Shi said somewhat nervously: “Why would Madam suddenly bring you to the Eldest Princess’s manor? Nothing happened, did it?”

Xie Ping’s face was full of impatience: “Mother brought me to see the world. What could have happened?”

He Shi simply didn’t believe it.

Recently, Madam had made move after move against her several children. She absolutely didn’t believe Madam would be so kind as to bring Sister Ping to see the world.

“I saw the Fourth Prince, Prince An’jing.” Xie Ping spoke the words she dared not say to Yun Chu: “Do you think I could become Princess Consort An’jing?”

He Shi’s eyes widened: “You—what nonsense are you spouting?”

What status was the Fourth Prince? How dare the daughter of a mere fifth-rank official’s household harbor such aspirations?

Moreover, although Sister Ping’s current status was the legitimate eldest daughter of the Xie manor, anyone who inquired carefully would know that Sister Ping was a concubine-born daughter from an outside household.

The imperial family placed the greatest importance on status. With Sister Ping’s origins, she couldn’t possibly be entered into the imperial jade register.

Xie Ping bit her lip: “Nothing in the world is difficult for one who sets their mind to it.”

“My Sister Ping, you mustn’t act rashly.” He Shi was frightened out of her wits: “Your marriage will naturally be decided by the old madam and Madam. Don’t develop thoughts you shouldn’t have.”

As the two were speaking.

Suddenly a voice came: “Isn’t this Nanny He? Didn’t the master punish you with confinement and reflection in the small temple? How have you come out? What audacity!”

The speaker was none other than Concubine Tao. She had heard that Madam returned from the Eldest Princess’s manor and came specifically to join the excitement. Who could have imagined she would see He Shi, who should have been confined in the small temple?

As soon as she saw He Shi, her eyes began to shoot fire.

The child in her belly had nearly lost its life, yet this lowly embryo who coveted the master was completely unharmed.

She raised her hand and fiercely slapped it down.

Xie Ping’s eyes and hands were quick—she hurriedly blocked it.

Concubine Tao’s eyes narrowed: “What does the eldest miss mean by this?”

“I was the one who asked Nanny He to deliver some things for me.” Xie Ping spoke: “Concubine Tao is carrying a child. It would be better not to lose your temper—be careful not to disturb the fetal energy.”

“That the eldest miss protects this woman who coveted your father and framed your mother so much is truly surprising.” Concubine Tao glanced at He Shi, then looked at Xie Ping. Her brow suddenly furrowed. Looking carefully, these two people’s appearances actually bore some resemblance…

Xie Ping’s heart pounded wildly.

She glared at He Shi with extreme annoyance.

She had told her not to come looking for her again, yet this He Shi insisted on coming during her confinement period.

If people began to suspect the relationship between her and He Shi, her entire life would be ruined…

She said coldly: “What are you standing there stupidly for? Hurry back to the small temple!”

He Shi lowered her head and left.

Concubine Tao’s face showed a thoughtful expression.

Rain fell at midnight, the pattering sound continuous. Yun Chu slept well accompanied by the rain’s sound.

When she rose in the morning, the rain still hadn’t stopped. The air carried rain threads, making one feel a hint of early winter’s cold.

Tingxue’s face carried worry. According to her knowledge, Uncle Chen had already stockpiled nearly forty thousand taels’ worth of ice. Madam’s private accounts could be said to have not a single tael of silver left. If it continued to be this cold, summer would definitely not be too hot. This ice was extremely likely to be left on their hands…

With a heavy heart, she dressed Yun Chu’s hair. Walking outside, those who came to pay respects had already arrived.

After casually chatting about family matters for a few moments, according to custom the concubines should take their leave.

At this moment, Concubine Tao stood up: “Madam, this concubine has something to inquire. When the eldest miss sent things to the small temple, did she obtain Madam’s permission?”

Xie Ping’s expression suddenly froze.

She had only secretly sent things that one time, done very discreetly. How had Concubine Tao learned of it?

Yun Chu took a sip of tea.

This matter—she had deliberately arranged for someone to leak word at Concubine Tao’s place. To force He Shi into a desperate situation, she had to find a good blade.

Without question, Concubine Tao was an excellent blade.

Her heart was clear as a mirror, yet her face showed surprise: “Sister Ping, is what Concubine Tao says true?”

Xie Ping simply couldn’t deny it and stammered: “Mother, I—I… Nanny He practically watched me grow up. I saw that small temple was truly shabby, so I…”

“Your father punished her because she schemed to harm an unborn child. Making her live in the small temple is punishment for her. Yet you secretly sent various things—where does this place your father’s authority?” Yun Chu’s voice gradually grew cold: “She nearly killed an unborn child, and this child is your own little brother. You’re making Concubine Tao’s heart turn cold, and also making this child’s heart cold. Sister Ping, do you understand your error?”

Concubine Tao followed up: “The eldest miss truly cannot distinguish between close and distant. To actually protect a lowly servant who can’t be mentioned in polite company everywhere—truly very strange.”

These past days, Yun Chu had always been gentle and pleasant with Xie Ping. This was the first time she had been so stern.

Xie Ping lowered her head and said quietly: “Mother, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have privately sent things to Nanny He. I was wrong. I’ll never do it again.”

Yun Chu spoke indifferently: “He Shi committed a grave error. Not sending her to see the authorities is the Xie family’s mercy. It’s impossible to let her continue enjoying first-class servant treatment as before. Concubine Tao, if you have time, make a trip to the small temple. Whatever should be taken away, take it all. No need to submit it to the public storehouse—keep it for yourself. Consider it calming the shock for the young master in your belly.”

Concubine Tao was delighted: “Many thanks, Madam!”

Having obtained Yun Chu’s permission, Concubine Tao immediately led two sturdy matrons directly to the Xie manor’s small temple.

Because the old madam believed in Buddhism, when establishing the manor she had built a temple. But because they couldn’t support too many people, only a small nun lived in this temple. Now He Shi additionally resided there.

He Shi lived in the west wing room. She was sitting in the room thinking about matters.

Suddenly, the door was kicked open.

Concubine Tao walked in supporting her belly, looking around: “Tsk tsk, a servant who schemed against her master can actually live in such a good room. I’m not as charitable as the master and Madam. Someone come, move everything out!”

At her command, the two matrons outside walked in and moved out all the visible objects. Not only that, they also took away the clothes, shoes, and other belongings from the cabinet. Then they rolled up the bedding and threw it directly into the courtyard…

“What are you doing…” He Shi’s eyes widened: “Don’t touch my things!”

As soon as the bedding was rolled up, a money pouch fell out.

Concubine Tao bent down to pick it up. Opening it to look, inside besides silver, there were actually several hundred-tael banknotes.

“You He Shi, to actually secretly hide so much silver!” Concubine Tao angrily shouted: “So you not only schemed against your master, you also stole silver. The master trusted you so much!”

He Shi hurried to snatch the silver.

This was her personal savings accumulated over so many years—it wasn’t stolen!

All her worldly possessions were in this money pouch!

She threw herself desperately toward Concubine Tao.

“Someone come, she wants to harm me!” Concubine Tao retreated, letting the two sturdy matrons come forward.

The matrons kicked out. He Shi screamed miserably and fell to the ground.