After listening to Sister Ran’s words, Zhang Xian’s heart was in turmoil. She knew that Sister Ran coming to her definitely wouldn’t mean anything good or say anything pleasant. However, upon hearing this, it was something she couldn’t have imagined even if she cracked her brain. Zhang Xian tried to act indifferent, but she couldn’t help feeling weak all over. When she attempted to force out a smile, it simply wouldn’t come.

Sister Ran saw her in this state and didn’t stop. She twirled a lock of her hair, smiled, and said, "Actually, everyone in the Marquis Mansion and the East Mansion knows that my father has only my aunt in his heart. My father is a cold person, and he only smiles in front of my aunt. In all these years, I’ve seldom seen it myself. As a child, witnessing all this truly pains me. After all, my aunt is also father’s woman, yet now she has become a stranger to him. But I’ve learned to let go; human relationships are due to fate, not something you can insist upon."

"Second Miss, my young lady is aware of this matter. Please don’t speak of it any further; these are words that should be uttered by young ladies," said the little maid beside Zhang Xian, unable to bear it any longer and standing up to speak.

Sister Ran smiled with pursed lips, "You’re quite an interesting little maid. If we’re speaking of rules, then let’s talk about them. Your young lady intends to enter our Marquis Mansion as a concubine, right? But I’ve never heard of residing first at someone’s mansion before becoming a concubine. Since your young lady is a child of an official family, shouldn’t she understand such rules? Yet here you are speaking to me about rules, aren’t you embarrassed?"

The little maid’s face turned red as she attempted to retort, but Zhang Xian stopped her, "You’re being unruly; when the masters are talking, how dare you interrupt? You’ve stayed in the Marquis Mansion for just two days and have forgotten all the rules. Now step back."

Upon Zhang Xian’s reprimand, the little maid lowered her head in acceptance of her mistake and stepped back.

However, on closer inspection of Zhang Xian’s words, there’s a hint of subtlety; saying that after staying in the Marquis Mansion for two days, she forgot the rules, clearly indicates that one learns bad habits there.

Sister Ran, no fool, immediately smiled and said, "How can Miss Zhang say such things? Do you mean that in our Marquis Mansion one learns bad habits? Could it be that in Miss Zhang’s eyes, our Marquis Mansion is a place without rules? Such words shouldn’t be said lightly; Grandmother likes Miss Zhang very much. If she hears such words, she might be unhappy. You still hope to enter the Marquis Mansion as a concubine, so you must please Grandmother."

Zhang Xian’s expression changed, "Sister Ran has misunderstood; how could I say the Marquis Mansion is a place without rules? It’s just a few words to admonish a little maid, no need for Sister Ran to take them to heart."

"Well, I wanted to inform you of this matter; now that it’s said, I’ll take my leave. You should rest, I’ve disturbed your nap, haven’t I?" Sister Ran sneered coldly a few times, then left with the maid.

Zhang Xian saw them to the door and watched them leave the courtyard before returning inside.

"Young lady, this Marquis Mansion is too bullying. We should head back. Besides, now that the lady of the East Mansion is a Commandery Princess, she surely stands alone with the Marquis; she won’t allow the Marquis to take concubines, and offending the Prince’s side might make it impossible to enter the Marquis Mansion. Upon returning, Master will blame you." The little maid’s face was full of anxiety.

Zhang Xian sat silently on the soft couch, gazing outside. The little maid was anxious, unable to remain still. However, seeing the young lady’s silence, she had no other options. While contemplating sending a letter to the Mansion, she suddenly saw the young lady speak, "Let’s go to Mrs. Gu Sr.’s place."

The little maid’s eyes brightened and she quickly helped tidy up the young lady’s appearance before the two headed to the main courtyard. Mrs. Gu Sr. had a habit of taking naps, and although Zhang Xian had only been in the Marquis Mansion for two days, she noticed that when Mrs. Gu Sr. was resting, the courtyard would be empty. But upon entering, they found a little maid there, guessing that Mrs. Gu Sr. wasn’t asleep. Upon informing the little maid, and hearing Mrs. Gu Sr.’s invitation from inside, Zhang Xian entered.

"Why aren’t you taking a nap?" Mrs. Gu Sr. beckoned her over, inviting her to sit beside her. "Sister Ran came to bother you again, didn’t she? I’ll speak to her later."

Zhang Xian shook her head, "Mrs. Gu Sr., not at all; I just think it’s time to return to the Mansion. Sister Ran said a few words to me, yet I feel they are for my own good. Initially, both mansions were discussing the marriage, and even though it’s not finalized, people might talk if I stay here. I believe it’s better to return to the Mansion first."

Initially, Zhang Xian was very anxious; she once thought that if she couldn’t enter the Marquis Mansion, the mansion would offer an explanation. But the situation has changed; Lin Youning is the Prince’s daughter, and the Marquis Mansion doesn’t want to offend the Royal Family. At this moment, they can’t bring someone into the mansion, let alone think of giving her an explanation, likely unable to fend for themselves.

Zhang Xian thought it better to offer to leave rather than be sent away, preserving some dignity, and perhaps making the Marquis Mansion feel indebted to her, seeing her in a better light.

Understanding this, she went to Mrs. Gu Sr.’s courtyard.

Mrs. Gu Sr.’s expression was stern, "I knew Sister Ran couldn’t say anything pleasant; I invited you here to stay for a few days because I admire your character. What could others say? The two mansions are discussing marriage, you needn’t worry; with my word, you can immediately be brought into the mansion. But I think not to wrong you, hoping you can first become familiar with the Marquis, and then bring you into the mansion. Since you’re worried about your reputation, I’ll have someone go to your mansion and set a date to bring you in."

Mrs. Gu Sr. patted her hand, "It’s a pity for you, such a good young lady having to become a concubine. I can’t promise anything else, but should you bear children, I’ll have the Marquis raise you to the status of a concubine mother." 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Zhang Xian was utterly astonished; she hadn’t expected Mrs. Gu Sr., knowing Lin Youning’s identity, to insist on bringing her into the mansion and even make an immediate decision.

For a moment, she was at a loss for words.

Mrs. Gu Sr. didn’t fuss over it, nor think too much. She considered it as young lady business; despite seeming calm usually, her experiences were still too few.

Mrs. Gu Sr. directly summoned Nanny Chi in front of her, "You head to Vice Minister Zhang’s Mansion, tell them I really like Sister Xian, ask them to select a date for bringing her into the Mansion."