As expected, it was better to be concubine than a wife, and it was better to be a mistress than a concubine. Anyways, the newer a woman was, the more men would like them. Ji Man silently clucked her tongue disapproval a few times, then she left right after acknowledging Marquis Moyu’s order. 

  It was time for her to step back and be the spectator until these two sides had injured the other party. Hadn’t Wen Wan always been the woman that the marquis’s favored the most? Now, there was a woman that was even more favored than her. Even though Xia-shi was lacking in refinement – one glance would be enough to tell that she was the daughter of farmers, didn’t know the Four Scholarly Arts, or have double eyelids – it didn’t matter. Even a common performer could be lifted up to female lead status if she gained the male lead’s love. 

  — 

  Holding Haohao, Ning Yuxuan looked at Xia-shi. The doctor had left after writing the prescription, and the servants had been sent away. 

  He asked, “Lianxin, what did you promise me?” 

  Xia-shi twisted the edges of her sleeve in her hands. Embarrassed, she said, “I’ve already done my best. How could have I know that they would try to poison Haohao through me? The people in your household are too scheming. Any action that I take, I have to worry that someone is going to use it to harm Haohao somehow.” 

  Original translation is from fuyuneko dot org. If you’re reading this elsewhere, this chapter has been stolen. Please stop supporting theft. 

  “In the future, visit Madam frequently with Haohao,” Ning Yuxuan helplessly said, “Let Madam protect the two of you.” 

  Xia-shi nodded. After hesitating for a moment, she asked, “My lord, who is this child’s mother? Why did you give him to this servant to take care of? Is his biological mother no longer alive?” 

  Ning Yuxuan pursed his lips. “Don’t ask the questions that you shouldn’t be asking. If you do a good job taking care of him, then I’ll naturally have your child taken care of as well. When your son is older, I’ll send him to a private school.” 

  “Thank you my lord for your great benevolence.” Xia-shi tried to copy other people’s manner and clumsily saluted. 

  If it wasn’t for Marquis Moyu, who knows how many people would be yelling and cursing at her for being a widow that gave birth to a child? It would have been impossible for her to make a living. Marquis Moyu was truly a kind person. He let her live in a grand courtyard just for taking care of a baby. She even had her own servants. He just wouldn’t tell her who the baby’s real mother was. 

  Xia-shi pursed her lips. All of the servant girls, concubines, and the main wife were such beauties. Would it be possible for her, a widow, to gain his interest? 

  — 

  Ji Man was taking a stroll with Dengxin following by her side. When they passed by the back gate, they suddenly saw Muxu. She was holding Fu-er in her arms. 

  Muxu was an honored concubine now, and she usually dressed lavishly. However, she was dressed surprisingly simple today. She looked quite like her former servant girl self. 

  And so, Ji Man called out, “Muxu.” 

  Startled, Muxu turned her head. Seeing that it was Nie Sangyu, her face paled. She hurriedly came over and saluted. “Madam.” 

  “Where are you going?” Ji Man curiously looked at the baby in Muxu’s arms. “Why are you taking Fu-er out of the estate?” 

  Li Zixiu, who had been following Muxu, came through the back gate too. Muxu didn’t even have time to signal for him to hide. As soon as he appeared, he was faced with Madam looking at him with a probing gaze. 

  “This…… This servant is just going out for a walk. It’s quite stuffy in the estate.” Muxu had her head lowered, and her eyes kept moving. 

  Ji Man turned her gaze back to Muxu. “Is that so?” 

  Then, she smiled at Li Zixiu and said, “Something happened at Cailian Courtyard today. It seems like there was a problem with the medicine that Doctor Li had prescribed. The marquis is still at Cailian Courtyard. Doctor Li, you should probably go over there to see him.” 

  Li Zixiu froze in surprise and instinctively glanced at Muxu. Muxu had her head lowered to coax the baby in her arms and pretended that she didn’t see his look. 

  “This one will go over there to take a look.” Doctor Li left right after saluting Nie Sangyu. 

  Looking at Muxu, who was standing in front of her, Ji Man lightly said, “You know, I still fondly remember that person who had saved part of the Beggar’s chicken for me. She had looked so guilty and anguished when she found out the saved chicken had been eaten by a mouse.” 

  Muxu briefly raised her head in surprise, then lowered her gaze again. 

  “Sometimes, if something doesn’t belong to you, you shouldn’t insistently go after it.” Ji Man smiled. “Even if you insist on going after it anyways, you shouldn’t harm a baby.” 

  Flustered, Muxu retreated a few steps back and said, “Madam, what are you saying? This servant is just leaving the estate to take a stroll outside. Who have I harmed?” 

  Ji Man smiled and said, “I was just casually saying it. I’m worried that you’re going to walk down the wrong path.” 

  Muxu pressed her lips together. 

  — 

  Marquis Moyu ordered that all of the doctors in the estate had to drop off a copy of their prescriptions to Steward Qian whenever they wrote out a prescription. 

  It was such a serious scene that Wen Wan was curious about what had caused it, so she asked Nie Chenyu. 

  Nie Chenyu was currently peeling melon seeds. In a peculiar tone, she said, “Isn’t it just that peasant woman causing trouble? The marquis had looked so nervous. He even pulled Madam along to go there with him. It almost got to the point of Doctor Li being kicked out of the estate.” 

  “That peasant woman? Xia-shi?” Wen Wan curled her lip. She had considered that unbearably vulgar woman beneath her notice. How could Yuxuan possible like her? He probably only cared about her because of Haohao. 

  “Older sister Wan-er, you don’t need to address her by her name. That peasant woman is truly skillful. Hadn’t the marquis gone to her courtyard several times this month?” Nie Chenyun lightly harrumphed and said, “How many times has he come to our places?” 

  Wen Wan paused before smiling and said, “Aren’t you Madam’s legitimate younger sister? Why don’t you ask your older sister to share some favor with you? That way your courtyard won’t be so lonely.” 

  At the mention of this, Nie Chenyu became angrier. She had already heard these words several times, but Nie Sangyu still hadn’t sent the marquis to favor her. What a stupid woman that couldn’t tell good from bad. 

  Back in the Nie Residence, she had been the true legitimate daughter. Her clothes and food hadn’t been worse than Nie Sangyu’s, but she had still disliked her. Why did her biological older brother treat Nie Sangyu so well, but not her? Why had her father been so pampering towards Nie Sangyu and given her such a good marriage? She was his daughter too, but she had entered this household as only an ordinary concubine. 

  In this lifetime, Nie Sangyu was the person that she despised the most.

  Chapter 252 – Competing for my husband and lord’s heart (1) 

  Nie Sangyu’s mother had been a vixen, and she had given birth to another vixen, Nie Sangyu. This is what her own mother had been telling her since she was a child. Even though Nie Sangyu’s biological mother was her mother’s older sister, her mother had always hated her older sister for an unknown reason. 

  For now, she wouldn’t concern herself with grudges of the previous generation. Right now, she was in Marquis Moyu’s estate and had to figure out a way to change her fortune despite Nie Sangyu oppressing her. 

  “Older sister Wan-er, Chenyu has something she needs your help with.” Nie Chenyu turn her body to face Wen Wan. Holding Wen Wan’s hand in hers and slowly swing it back and forth, she asked, “Older sister Wan-er, can you give younger sister a chance the next time Marquis Moyu comes to Qiangwei Courtyard?” 

  A chance? Wen Wan’s inwardly felt slightly displeased, but Nie Chenyu had always been coming over here and cajoling her into improving her mood. Nie Chenyu was a sweet-talker that knew how to pander. Although she was a member of Nie Clan, her position wasn’t as firm as Nie Sangyu. 

  After considering it over, Wen Wan smiled and said, “If you want to compete for the marquis’s favor, I can naturally help you. I know best what type of woman the marquis likes. But, how will you repay me?” 

  Nie Chenyu’s eyes brightened. Overjoyed, she asked, “Older sister, how do you want me to repay you?” 

  She hadn’t made the wrong decision in following after Wen Wan. If she had followed the imperial noble consort’s instruction of being loyal to Nie Sangyu, she would have no hope of being favored by the marquis. Inwardly feeling very happy, she impatiently waited for Wen Wan to answer. 

  Wen Wan pretended to contemplate for a while, then she smiled and said, “I’m really curious about Madam’s past. Since there’s nothing better to do in the estate, tell me about Madam’s past. If you do, I guarantee that the marquis will favor you more than once.” 

  This was quite simple, ah. Nie Chenyu giggled and said, “Older sister you truly care about young sister. You won’t put younger sister in a difficult spot. I know information that can be used against Nie Sangyu. Once the marquis favors me, younger sister will tell older sister anything that you want to know.” 

  A trace of disdain flashed through Wen Wan’s eyes, but she was still smiling as she said, “Alright.” 

  — 

  By chance, Marquis Moyu came over to Qiangwei Courtyard that night. He had originally been a bit tired and just wanted to say a few words to Wen Wan before sleeping. But, when he pushed open the doors and entered the room, it was pitch-black. 

  There was the fragrance of burning incense in the room, and the mood was very good. A beam of moonlight came through the window, and he could faintly see a figure flipping her hand on the red silk sheet to expose her beautiful skin that had been hidden. 

  A woman’s voice murmured, “My Lord — ” 

  Ning Yuxuan wasn’t a man that practiced asceticism. All of the women in this household belonged to him, so there wasn’t any reason why he couldn’t sleep with a specific one. Still, he felt slightly cranky. He had come here to look for Wen Wan, but she had pushed another women to him. 

  Although he knew that the woman on the bed wasn’t Wen Wan, he still favored her. He appreciated clever women, but he had never appreciated a smart aleck. If she wanted to play with him, then there wouldn’t be a way for her fix things once she started regretting her choices. 

  — 

  After one night of entanglement, Nie Chenyu felt as if her waist was going to snap apart. The next day, when the sun was already high in the sky, she still hadn’t awakened and was drowsily asleep in Wen Wan’s bed. 

  When Wen Wan entered the room, her expression was slightly ugly. she had the servants wake Nie Chenyu up and help her get dressed. 

  “Thank you so much, older sister Wan-er.” Seeing Nie Chenyu’s satisfied smile and the colorful marks on her body, Wen Wan felt as if a knife had stabbed her heart. 

  “No need, go back to your room to rest first. That way, it’ll be more convenient to treat your injuries too.” 

  Still smiling, Nie Chenyu stood up. But her legs wobbled, and she needed a group of servant girls to support her as they put on her clothes for her and brought her back to her Luoyan Courtyard. 

  It could only be said that she didn’t know how to conduct herself. She had borrowed the marquis’s favor for Wen Wan to be favored herself, so she should be behaving more low-key. Wen Wan felt very angered just by looking at Nie Chenyu’s overly conspicuous smile. 

  — 

  However, after this one night, it seemed as if Marquis Moyu had changed his taste. He didn’t go Qiangwei Courtyard again. Every time he passed by Qiangwei Courtyard, he would head straight to Luoyan Courtyard. 

  It seemed that Nie Chenyu was being quite favored. Although she was still just a concubine, the marquis went over to her place every day when he had time. Even on nights where he didn’t stay over, he would go there to eat dinner with her. 

  As a result, the servants in the marquis’s estate acted pragmatically and their treatment of Nie Chenyu was on par with the treatment of a main wife’s. Nie Chenyu’s spoke with much more confidence. 

  When Ji Man brought over this month’s material for fabric for each courtyard, Nie Chenyu said with a disdainful expression, “This material is worse that what the servants wear in Nie Residence. Madam, can’t you do a better job with selecting? Young sister is someone that has to see the marquis every day.” 

  Ji Man smiled. “These are the rules and standards of this estate. It’s a little too excessive to say this is worse than what Nie Residence’s servant girls wear. Most people can’t afford to wear silk fabric.” 

  Nie Chenyu lightly harrumphed. She looked at her in askance, “Madam, are you feeling jealous of Chenyu?” 

  Utterly baffled, Ji Man asked, “What’s there to be jealous about?” 

  “Don’t you feel resentful that the marquis favors me so much?” Nie Chenyu giggled. She picked up the silk fabric on the table and said, “If you don’t resent me, then you wouldn’t send over this type of silk fabric. You’re doing this so that I won’t have beautiful clothing to wear in front of the marquis.” 

  In a person’s life, you’re bound to meet a couple of idiots. It would be a waste of your saliva to argue with them. 

  Ji Man smiled as she shook her head and said, “If you aren’t satisfied with this, then go to the storehouse with money to pick out the fabric that you want. Steward Qian manages the storehouse. You can take whatever you want, but you have to pay the original cost. Otherwise, there would be anarchy if everyone complained and insisted on having the best.” 

  Nie Chenyu definitely wasn’t lacking in money. Not even mentioning the other items, just counting the gold bars, she had a box full of them from the dowry that her mother had secretly prepared. It was just that most people didn’t know about it. Nie Sangyu thought that she didn’t have money? Nie Chenyu sneered. 

  That afternoon, she brought money to the storehouse and exchanged it for a large pile of fabric. 

  Taking the money, Steward Qian didn’t say any extra words. Although Nie Chenyu had taken the most expensive type of fabrics, she had given enough money for them. 

  However, after the fabric was made into clothing and Nie Chenyu ostentatiously paraded herself in them, a problem arrived. 

  There should be a difference in treatment between superiors and inferiors. So, wasn’t it a bit improper for an ordinary concubine to dress like a main wife? 

  The people that saw Nie Chenyu silently grumbled this, but since she was favored by the marquis and also the main wife’s younger sister, no one dare to say these thoughts aloud. 

  Translator Ramblings: It feels more like they’re competing for his body. Oh Ning Yuxuan, you’re like a piece of commodity that’s being traded among your harem members. Too bad for Wen Wan that she never learns for long that Ning Yuxuan hates it when she does something like this.

  Chapter 253 – Competing for my husband and lord’s heart (2) 

  “Nie Sangyu has been lacking in etiquette since she was young. She’s always liked seducing my older brother too.” 

  Sitting in Qiangwei Courtyard, Nie Chenyu had come here to follow through with her half of the agreement to tell about Nie Sangyu’s past. 

  Wen Wan cast a glance at her clothes and adornment before quietly listening to her. 

  Twisting the handkerchief in her hand and with a face full of resentment, Nie Chenyu said, “My older brother always sided with her and protected her, but she was always offending my mother and speaking rudely. Who knows how her mother taught her?” 

  Wen Wan wasn’t interested in this. Waving her hand, she said, “What was the information that could be used against her?” 

  Nie Chenyu looked left and right before whispering, “Nie Sangyu is a shameless person. Before she got married, she would frequently leave home to go out to play. One time she didn’t return until the next day. I heard that she had gotten separated from my older brother and spent the time alone with a man. No one else knows about this. My older brother had only told me and threatened me with keeping it a secret from our mother.” 

  Wen Wan raised her eyebrows. This was already something that happened several years ago. Could this really be considered blackmail material? Still, spending a night with a man was something that could ruin a woman’s reputation. So Nie Sangyu had hidden this matter and that was how she was able to marry Marquis Moyu later? 

  “Who was that man? Do you know?” Wen Wan asked. 

  Nie Chenyu shook her head. “How could I know this?” 

  Wen Wan looked at her in disappointment. She shouldn’t have believed in her. Don’t even mention that she had given away Yuxuan’s favor to her, but she hadn’t even gotten any useful information in return. 

  Looking at Nie Chenyu’s prideful expression now that she had gotten power, Wen Wan was in a bad mood. After exchanging a few more words, she let her leave. 

  Wen Wan felt fretful. It really wasn’t an easy thing to overturn Nie Sangyu. 

  Standing by her side, Tanxiang said, “Master, is there any need in asking about her past? It’s only natural that Nie Sangyu hasn’t messed up too badly before. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to act so arrogantly for so long. If she hasn’t done anything bad, won’t it be fine if you just get her to do something bad now?” 

  “But……” Wen Wan somewhat helplessly rubbed her handkerchief. “If I act so viciously, I’m afraid that Yuxuan will despise me in the same way that he used to despise her.” 

  “Master, do you still not understand? Kind-hearted people can’t survive in this household. If you want something, then you need to compete for it.” 

  Wen Wan fell silent. 

  — 

  Returning from the imperial court, Ning Mingjie didn’t take a carriage back. Instead, he slowly walked. He found out today that his father had selected a main wife for him. She was Prince Gong’s daughter. Although he had never met her, he heard that she didn’t know the Four Scholarly Arts, her adherence to etiquette was very poor, and she was very arrogant and rude. He didn’t understand why his father had chosen a woman like this to be his wife. 

  Still, he wasn’t young anymore. If he had to marry a woman and settle down, he could…… try to accommodate it. 

  Just as he was absorbed in thinking about this, there was suddenly a figure in front of him that hadn’t notice him and ended up bumping into him. 

  Wearing a cloak, Wen Wan hurriedly bowed and said, “Sorry.” 

  Ning Mingjie raised his eyebrows. “Why is it you?” 

  He had always had a good impression of Wen Wan because he hadn’t seen her shady side. This woman knew how to write, and her fragile appearance made people feel tenderness towards her. If it wasn’t…… he might have liked this type of woman. 

  Wen Wan seemed to have recognized him. She wryly smiled and said, “So it’s Young Master. Wan-er is sorry for bumping into you.” 

  “Why did you come out by yourself?” Finding the situation strange, Ning Mingjie looked around. 

  Wen Wan sadly smiled and said, “Wan-er is just a servant. If Wan-er doesn’t come out by myself, then should there be someone with me to protect me? Young Master, if you aren’t busy, do you want to go to a nearby teahouse with Wan-er?” 

  Ning Mingjie slightly nodded. 

  — 

  “Last time at the palace banquet, a lot of people praised you for your dancing. Why do you still seem unhappy today?” Ning Mingjie asked another question. 

  Wen Wan lowered her head before finally sighing and saying, “It’s probably because Wan-er shone too brightly that time. After we returned home, Madam wouldn’t let the marquis raise Wan-er’s status. Wan-er is still only a servant.” 

  Ning Mingjie raised his eyebrows. “Didn’t you give birth to a son?” 

  “So what if I did?” Wen Wan’s eyes reddened. “Even my child was taken away by Madam. Even though I gave birth to that child, it doesn’t matter.” 

  Seeing that she seemed to have a lot of grievance that she wanted to spill out, Ning Mingjie looked at the sky, stood up, and said, “Let’s talk on another day. It’s not early anymore. If we keeping talking, it might be snowing by the time we’re done.” 

  Wen Wan paused. She nodded and wanted to stand up, but her foot suddenly wobbled and she fell towards Ning Mingjie. 

  Ning Mingjie stretched his hand out to support her. Slightly frowning, he asked, “What’s wrong?” 

  Wen Wan hurriedly endured her pain and stood up straight, only to end up gasping as she said, “It’s nothing…… I just sprained my foot.” 

  “Can you still go back without seeing a doctor first?” 

  Wen Wan forced a smile. “It’s okay. It’s not a problem.” 

  Looking at how her foot was in so much pain that she had to keep it raised, Ning Mingjie hired a carriage to bring her back to the marquis’s estate even though he thought this wasn’t a good idea. 

  “You can stop at the back gate,” Wen Wan said to the driver. 

  When they arrived at the back gate, Wen Wan was in so much pain that she couldn’t get off the carriage. Her large eyes gleamed with tears as she looked at Ning Mingjie.

  Chapter 254 – It isn’t easy being the matriarch of this family (1) 

  Ning Mingjie silently looked at Wen Wan, but he didn’t make any move towards carrying her. He only asked, “How about I tell the carriage driver to call over your servant girls?” 

  Wen Wan’s eyes dimmed. She said in a low voice, “Wan-er is just a servant girl herself. How can I be that fragile and pampered? I’ll just walk by myself.” 

  After saying this, she stood up. As she was passing by Ning Mingjie to get off the carriage, she was in too much pain and fell on top of him. Her pretty face turned red. Biting her lip, she seemed as if she was angry with herself for behaving so stupidly. 

  Ning Mingjie stretched his hand out to help her up and out of the carriage, but he did this in a very proper manner; he only lent an arm to support her. 

  “Thank you…… Wan-er is so useless……” There were tears in Wen Wan’s eyes as she quietly said, “No wonder Yuxuan has been giving me the cold shoulder lately. If only I could be as clever and witty as Madam……” 

  Ning Mingjie paused before chuckling. “Everyone is different. Someone like Sangyu, there can only be one.” 

  Wen Wan’s expression became somewhat ugly. 

  Noticing that he had been indiscreet, Ning Mingjie added, “Miss Wen, you have your good points too.” 

  “Young Master, you don’t need to praise Wan-er. Wan-er knows that she’s not praiseworthy.” Wen Wan leaned her entire body weight onto Ning Mingjie’s hand and moved one foot forward. In order to keep her from falling, he could only follow her forward. 

  Wen Wan entered the estate through the back gate. The sky was gloomy, and a moment later, it started snowing as Ning Mingjie had predicted earlier. By the time the two of them had walked to Qiangwei Courtyard, their shoulders had already become wet from the snow that had melted. 

  “Young Master, you should stay over in one of the southern courtyards,” Wen Wan quietly said, “The snow is getting heavier, and your home is far from here. Wan-er will have someone tidy up a place for you to stay.” 

  Ning Mingjie was used to staying in the marquis’s estate. Looking at the weather, he pursed his lips and nodded. 

  Tanxiang went to the southern part of the estate and tidied up a place for him to stay the night. 

  — 

  Ji Man had just finished eating dinner and was continuing her embroidery for a picture that depicted Wan Zhaojun’s journey. 

  (T/N: Wang Zhaojun is known as one of the Four Beauties of ancient China. She was sent to the northwest by Emperor Yuan to marry the leader of Xiongnu’s ruling clan.) 

  Dengxin scurried into the room and quietly said, “Master, there a dispute in the kitchen. Chunfeng took Mistress Zheng’s swallow’s nest soup, and a fight broke out between her and Luqiao. This servant passed by and lectured them, but this servant didn’t know that Chunfeng would go back and tell Xia-shi this matter. That Xia-shi is always lacking in manners. She went to the kitchen, rolled up her sleeves, and flipped over the simmering swallow’s nest soup.” 

  Dengxin’s words painted a vivid scene and Ji Man couldn’t resist laughing. Xia-shi was outspoken and had a peasant woman’s shrewish spirit. It was amusing to hear that she would actually knock over the swallow’s nest soup. 

  “Master, how can you be laughing about this?” Dengxin lightly stamped her feet. “They looked like they’re about to start a fight when this servant left.” 

  Putting down her embroidery, Ji Man stood up and said, “It’s cold outside. Bring me a hand warmer before we go out. What’s the big deal? It’s just a bowl of swallow’s nest soup. Let’s walk slowly. There’s no need to feel anxious.” 

  Dengxin let out a sound of surprise, but she still swiftly brought a fox-lined cloak and hand warmer to her master. When they went outside, she urged her master to walk faster as she held up an umbrella. 

  This servant girl still had a vivacious personality. Back when Gancao had just passed, Dengxin’s eyes were full of hate. At the time, Ji Man had been worried that these extreme emotions would linger. Seeing that she had returned to her lively self, it alleviated Ji Man’s worries. 

  However, when they reached the kitchen, the situation was truly very tense. Muxu had arrived here before them. She and Xia-shi had dragged their fight towards the doorway. Xia-shi was very strong. Pressing Muxu down, she swore, “I’ve never seen such a heartless person like you before. It’s just a bowl of stuff, and you want me to kneel outside in the middle of winter for it? If someone is going to be kneeling, it’ll be you!” 

  Muxu was so angry that her face was red. The nearby servants had come over to pull Xia-shi away, but she still successfully kicked Muxu several times before they could drag her away. 

  “You really have no respect for the difference in treatment between superiors and inferiors,” Muxu angrily said, “You think you’re a master just because you brought back a bastard? How dare you hit me for telling you to kneel? I’m going to beat you to death today. Who will dare to say that I’m wrong in doing this?!” 

  Luqiao pulled Xia-shi up and slapped her on both cheeks. Seeing this sight, Chunfeng and Muyu were extremely nervous and hurriedly went forward to pull Luqiao away. Pushing and shoving, they ended up bumping into Nie Sangyu on her way inside. She tripped on the doorstep and fell over. 

  Ji Man, “.……” 

  As expected, you should always stay far away when women were fighting. 

  “Master!” Dengxin hurriedly helped her up, then she turned her head and shouted at the clamorous group, “All of you, stop!” 

  Muxu and Xia-shi both paused. Looking at the doorway, both of them were startled. Muxu hastily came over to support Nie Sangyu. Xia-shi felt somewhat embarrassed and stood in place as she fidgeted. 

  Her butt really hurt, but Ji Man had to maintain the appearance of a main wife, so she put on a stern expression as she asked, “What’s worth the two of you causing such a fuss and even started fighting? Do you think this is a vegetable market? ” 

  On the side, the duck that had been hanged upside down innocently quacked a few times. 

  Feeling very wronged, Muxu said, “Madam, please give me justice. What right did she have in taking this servant’s swallow’s nest soup? Just because Luqiao scolded her servant girl a little bit, that woman dared to hit me!” 

  Unwilling to accept Muxu’s words, Xia-shi said, “Didn’t she return that swallow’s nest soup? Why did you servant girl still insist on slapping her? Isn’t she still a person too? Why shouldn’t I be able to slap someone back for her?” 

  Outraged, Muxu said, “You undisciplined……” 

  Ji Man pursed her lips and said, “Both of you take a step back. Causing such a fuss over a bowl of swallow’s nest soup. People might start thinking that the marquis’s estate is poor. Zheng-er, send someone over to Feiwan Courtyard. Dengxin will replenish your supply.” 

  Unwilling to accept this, Muxu said, “Madam, didn’t you say that the rules for hierarchy have to be upheld in this household? Xia-shi is only an ordinary concubine, and she offended her superior. She hit this servant in front of so many people. Madam, are you really going to settle the matter in this manner?”


  Chapter 255 – It isn’t easy being the matriarch of this family (2) 

  Ji Man didn’t know why, but Muxu seemed to be especially dissatisfied with Xia-shi. Ji Man couldn’t just straightforwardly tell Muxu that Xia-shi was someone that the marquis cared about. If it was a person that the marquis cared about, it was a bad idea to provoke that other person, no matter what her status was. Why did Muxu insist on clashing with Xia-shi? 

  “After I think of a punishment, I’ll let all of you know.” Ji Man rubbed her forehead and said, “For now, don’t keep standing here. You should all go back to your places. It’s not early anymore.” 

  Even though Muxu was extremely unwilling, she could only salute Madam and leave this place with Luqiao. 

  Ji Man sighed. Pulling Xia-shi along, she asked, “How’s Haohao?” 

  At the mentioned of Haohao, Xia-shi softened considerably. Her lips twitched as she said, “He was sleeping when I left. He’s not like those delicate young masters that cry all day and night. He’s very well-behaved.” 

  “Then I’ll go with you and take a look for myself.” Ji Man pressed her hands behind her aching back. It wasn’t easy being the matriarch of this family. She had to be fair and just in her decisions and be close with everyone while not being too close. She had to say kind words in front of everyone while still maintaining the dignity and authority of a matriarch. This job was really too difficult. 

  Her recent fall had felt somewhat painful, and she couldn’t tell if the injury had been serious. Right now, that spot didn’t feel too painful as she was walking. When she went back to Feiwan Courtyard, it should be fine after she had Dengxin rub that spot for her. 

  After arriving at Cailian Courtyard, she held Haohao, who had already fully recovered from the poisoning. The little fellow blankly looked at her. A bubble of snivel came from his nose as he giggled. 

  Ji Man’s mood finally improved a bit. Soon after telling Xia-shi that needed to respect her superiors and couldn’t offend them, she decided to go back to her own courtyard. 

  It was late evening, and Marquis Moyu hadn’t said where he would be staying tonight. He might be coming to Feiwan Courtyard, so it would be best if she went back earlier. 

  After taking a few steps out of Cailain Courtyard, she passed by the guest quarters that were located in the southern part of the estate. After Marquis Jingwen’s family had left, this spaced had been left empty. Ji Man inadvertently cast a glance in that direction and was surprised to see lit lanterns. 

  Ji Man asked Dengxin, “Who came over for a visit?” 

  Dengxin shook her head. “This servant didn’t hear that there would be a guest today.” 

  Then, how could there be lit lanterns? The night was dark, and the only light came from the room that Ning Mingjie had stayed in last time. 

  A chill went up Ji Man’s spine. She clutched her cloak closer and started walking away. 

  From the side, Tanxiang’s crisp voice called out to stop her, “Madam.” 

  Ji Man paused her step. 

  Seeing someone coming over and finding it strange, Dengxin asked, “Why are you here?” 

  Tanxiang came over, saluted, and obediently answered, “The marquis is drunk. After reached the southern part of the estate, he started throwing up and made a huge mess. This servant could only have the marquis stay here for the night. Mistress Wan isn’t feeling well and won’t be able to attend to him tonight. Madam, since you happen to be here, you should help take care of the marquis.” 

  Ning Yuxuan was drunk? Ji Man raised her eyebrows. How could such person that was so cool-headed and self-controlled person get drunk? 

  Right after taking another step, a sharp jolt of pain came from her lower back. Holding her waist, Ji Man gasped as she broke out in cold sweat from the pain. 

  “Madam, did you hurt your waist?” Tanxiang hurriedly came over to support her and said to Dengxin, “There’s soup for sobering up in the southern kitchen. Older sister Dengxin, you can go get it. This servant will help Madam inside.” 

  As she was saying this, she was already leading Nie Sangyu towards the room. 

  Dengxin didn’t think anything of it and immediately left to get the soup. Ji Man felt there was something off about the situation, but her waist felt too painful for her to clearly think. And, since Tanxiang was still here, there probably wouldn’t be anything too bad inside. And so, she allowed herself to be led into the room. 

  She was also pretty curious what Marquis Moyu looked like when he was drunk. 

  Right after Ji Man sat down, Tanxiang left to fetch tea. After Tanxiang closed the doors on her way out, there was a soft thudding sound. Ji Man was rubbing her waist, so she didn’t hear. A while later, after the pain had lessened, she heard a surprise voice. “Sangyu?” 

  Ji Man’s heart skipped a beat. When she turned around, she saw Ning Mingjie, who had walked out from behind the divider. 

  In an instant, flashes of drama fragments flashed through her mind. Ji Man’s first reaction was to jump up and pull at the doors. For a moment, she had even forgotten about her waist injury. 

  The doors had been locked on the outside with a padlock. Ji Man wryly smiled; what a predicament. 

  What a blatant way to frame someone. If a woman was charged with infidelity, she would be drowned in a bamboo cage. She almost couldn’t believe that she had fallen into this trap. Tanxiang was certainly very bold. This was clearly letting her know who wanted to harm her. And yet, it didn’t matter. If people found out about her being alone with Ning Mingjie at night, they wouldn’t believe her innocence even if she had a hundred mouths to defend herself with. 

  Ji Man turned her head and somewhat despairingly looked at Ning Mingjie. 

  Ning Mingjie wasn’t stupid. After seeing her reaction, he brought over a nearby stool and used it to jump onto the upper part of a window ledge, then he jumped again and smoothly landed onto one of the beams of the room. Watching his swift and elegant movements, Ji Man was astonished. 

  She quickly helpfully moved the stool far away. Feeling another flash of agony, Ji Man sat back down as she grimaced in pain. 

  There was a jingling sound from the lock outside. Ji Man didn’t bother standing up to try to open the doors. Her hand was still clutching her lower back, and her face showed the pain that she was feeling. 

  As Marquis Moyu casually followed after Tanxiang, he asked, “Why would she be here?” 

  Tanxiang said in a worried tone, “This servant saw Madam entering here, but she didn’t come out. Perhaps, she was feeling uncomfortable……” 

  When Tanxiang raised her head, she was shocked. She looked around in surprise. Where was he? 

  After walking a few steps into the room, Ning Yuxuan saw Nie Sangyu’s pained expression. He chuckled and asked, “What happened?” 

  “This servant fell down in the kitchen when this servant went over there to resolve something.” While Ji Man was saying this, she curiously looked at him, “My lord, aren’t you suppose to be drunk? Tanxiang led this servant into this room by saying that you needed someone to take care of you because you were intoxicated.”