Miss Shui had brought along this tea set when she dropped off the account books last month. The rouge store’s business was getting better and better, and the profits were like rolling snowballs that were getting bigger too. As a result, Miss Shui had developed a slight connection with the local authorities. This tea set had passed through many hands before Miss Shui had purchased it off a wife of a government official for a high price. Miss Shui had also given that woman a VIP membership card to express her thanks for parting with the tea set. 

  Ji Man had Dengxin bring out this tea set as a way to tell Pengyue that she wasn’t lacking in money, so the offered benefit from Pengyue naturally couldn’t be money. Although Ji Man hadn’t decided yet whether or not she would help Pengyue, she still wanted to establish a base for the value of this favor. 

  Pengyue pursed her lips and lightly smiled. “This is a really good tea.” 

  “Your Highness, you know that Sangyu’s family isn’t in a good situation right now, so my words won’t have much weight with Marquis Moyu.” Ji Man sighed and said, “Even if Sangyu wants to help, Sangyu don’t have the power to do so.” 

  Pengyue blinked and said, “Ah Li said your words will be the most effective.” 

  “Eh?” Ji Man’s lips twitched. Didn’t the second prince live a secluded life? Where did he get the information to reach this verdict? If her words had any persuasive ability, she would have already gotten Ning Yuxuan to say, “I love you” and made a clean getaway a long time ago. 

  Watching her, Pengyue said, “I just want older sister to try. I said that I would protect Ah Li and not let him suffer being bullied and humiliated anymore. Older sister, please help me accomplish my goal.” 

  Alright, she was even calling her older sister. But, had this silly girl not considered the fact that Nie Sangyu’s older cousin was the third prince? If she helped out the second prince by saying good words about him to Ning Yuxuan, wouldn’t there be a missing motive? Could she say that she was sympathetic towards the second prince and liked Pengyue? No, that wouldn’t make sense. She wasn’t the Holy Mother. 

  Ji Man lowered her eyes in hesitation. 

  Pengyue also silently thought for a long time. Then, she gritted her teeth and unhooked the red whip that was hanging from her waist. “Older sister, if you think that Pengyue can’t give you a worthwhile benefit, then how about this, I’ll leave this whip with you. It’ll count as Pengyue owing older sister an extremely big favor. In the future, if older sister is ever in a difficult situation, then Pengyue will definitely help you without hesitation if it’s within my power.” 

  This type of promise was what someone like Ji Man, who was scared of death and living in a place far from home, liked the most. Still, during a negotiation, she couldn’t show how much she wanted this promise. Ji Man pretended to quietly consider this offer for a long time, then she pinched her thigh. In a tone of voice as if she had been put into a difficult position, she finally said, “Your Highness, since you’re already shown such heartfelt sentiment, then Sangyu can only try my best.” 

  Pengyu let out a sigh of relied. With a heart filled with joy, she said, “I’ll wait for your good news.” 

  Since she had agreed, then what should she say to Marquis Moyu? At the time that Ji Man agreed, she had already thought of an answer, 

  Right now, during the war period, what was the imperial court most lacking? Money. 

  What did she have the most of and was just piling up without any use? Money. 

  In summary, there was no need for her to say any extra words. She could just literally tell Ning Yuxuan Pengyue’s request, then replace Pengyue’s whip with a huge amount of banknotes as the grand gift. 

  This was the equivalent to spending her money to buy insurance, and Marquis Moyu was doing the paid work for her. Thinking about it like this, it was definitely worth it. 

  Ning Yuxuan was a wily old fox. He definitely wouldn’t refuse this request that wouldn’t take any effort at all and would also gain him the second prince’s favorable impression. Moreover, it wasn’t like Ning Yuxuan was an honest and upright official that wouldn’t accept bribes. He had such a large family to support. Did you think that his fiefdom and his official’s salary would be enough? 

  Still, as the third prince’s younger cousin, she couldn’t tell him this matter with a happy face. She had to look extremely unwilling and helpless as she told him about this request. 

  Even though it wouldn’t be a threat to the other princes if the second prince gained a title that would improve his living standards, she still had pay attention to any adverse changes. 

  After Pengyue left, Ji Man decided to talk about this matter with Ning Yuxuan and went to his study. 

  But, when she pushed open the doors, she saw Nie Chenyu’s snow white shoulders and back. 

  Hearing the creaking sound from the doors, Nie Chenyu hurriedly came down from Ning Yuxuan’s body and bashfully put on her clothes. She stamped her feet and said, “Older sister, why didn’t you knock on the door before coming in?” 

  Ning Yuxuan raised his eyes and saw Sangyu. Surprisingly, his clothes weren’t disheveled. 

  How was this her fault? Every time there was a passionate scene inside the study, the doors were never locked, and there wasn’t a servant posted outside the doors to warn visitors. Ji Man rolled her eyes. Looking at Nie Chenyu’s pleased expression, she indifferently said, “My lord, I have something to discuss with you.” 

  Tugging on Ning Yuxuan’s sleeve, Nie Chenyu coquettishly protested, “But younger sister’s clothes are already in disarray. It’s so cold outside. What if I get a cold? At the very least, we’re sisters by blood. Is there really something that you can’t say in front of your own sister?” 

  “Oh.” Ji Man found a nearby seat and sat down, then she nodded her head and said, “Feel free to continue then. After the two of you are done, and you return to your courtyard, I’ll discuss the matter with the marquis. After all, we’re sisters by blood. Is there really something that you can’t do in front of your own sister?” 

  Nie Chenyu choked on her words. She cautiously looked at the marquis’s expression. There was a smile in his eyes. 

  He waved his hand and said, “You should leave first.” 

  “My lord……” Nie Chenyu pouted in discontent. 

  Marquis Moyu glanced at her and said with a smile, “Go.” 

  Nie Chenyu felt a shiver up her spine. She wrapped her cloak around herself and hatefully glared at her sister before opening the doors and leaving. 

  Ning Yuxuan stared at Nie Sangyu’s face, but he was left feeling disappointed once again. There wasn’t the slightest trace of jealousy and vexation that a woman should be feeling. Instead, she was looking at him with a fake smile as she said, “My lord, this servant came here to tell you the reason behind the princess consort’s visit.” 

  “En.” Marquis Moyu withdrew his gaze and disinterestedly fiddled with the brush he was holding.

  Chapter 298 – There’s nothing as terrifying as a person’s heart (1) 

  Ji Man very responsibly and diligently passed on Pengyue’s words. At the end, she tactfully said, “Pengyue was the one that pleaded for the second prince to be given a title, but the imperial court has probably already spent a long time debating which fiefdom the second prince should be given, right?” 

  Marquis Moyu lightly harrumphed and looked at the banknotes that Nie Sangyu had put down on the desk. It really was a staggering amount that would astonish anyone. 

  “It’s enough for you to just pass on her message,” he said, “I understand what they want, and I’ll naturally weight the advantages and disadvantages.” 

  “That’s good.” Brightly smiling, Ji Man nodded. It was naturally the best for her if she could completely remove herself from the situation. 

  Ning Yuxuan looked at her again and said, “I’m going to Luoyan Courtyard tonight. You don’t have to wait for me.” 

  Ji Man nodded. “Alright, then this servant will leave first.” 

  Ning Yuxuan, “.……” 

  Right after she had stepped out of the study, she heard a voice shouting, “Nie Sangyu, do you not have a heart?!” 

  Ji Man paused. She turned her head back. Seeing a slightly annoyed face, she couldn’t resist smiling. “How can a person not have a heart? Without a heart, a person would just die. But, if your heart has feelings for a person that you shouldn’t have, then that will kill your heart. My lord, weren’t you the one that personally murdered Sangyu’s heart?” 

  Ning Yuxuan was stunned. 

  “If you don’t have a sincere heart yourself, then don’t demand for someone else’s sincere heart. Right now, Sangyu isn’t asking for the marquis’s faithful heart. Sangyu just wants a peaceful life.” Ji Man’s smile dimmed. “My lord, didn’t you always want Sangyu to be gentle and sensible? That’s exactly what Sangyu is doing right now, so why are you feeling annoyed?” 

  He was the one that had lost his self-control by asking such a stupid and foolish question. Ning Yuxun chuckled, waved his hand, and said, “You can leave.” 

  “Understood.” 

  It wasn’t until several steps later that Ji Man felt a bit regretful. Why on earth had she told him her true feelings? She should have responded that my lord was her most precious person and made some kissy sounds! She could have tricked him into saying, “I love you.” Wouldn’t she have saved herself a lot of trouble? 

  But, at the time, she couldn’t resist falling into her pattern of ridiculing him. He hadn’t appreciated Nie Sangyu’s love when he had it and only felt regret after losing her affection. Thinking of how vexed he had looked, she couldn’t resist feeling super happy for Nie Sangyu. 

  Since he would be going to Luoyan Courtyard in the evening, then she was free for the rest of the day. After taking a bath, Ji Man decided to go to bed. But, for some reason, it was especially windy tonight. Dengxin had caught a cold, so she withdrew earlier tonight to go rest. There were only two lowest-ranking servant girls standing outside by the doors that decided to remain here for another two hours before going to sleep themselves. 

  It seemed as if a shadow had fluttered past her windows. It was accompanied by an absolutely horrifying voice that said, “So cold……” 

  Just as Ji Man was about to close her eyes, she heard that voice and sat up. 

  “The lake was so cold. Master, how could you be so heartless?” A prolonged voice sounded in the middle of the outside courtyard. It fluttered over from the windows to in front of the doors. The two lowest-rankings servants screamed in fright, and then it was followed by the sound of bodies falling onto the ground. 

  Was this supposed to be a late night encounter with a vengeful spirit? Ji Man raised her eyebrows. It had already been so long since Muxu had drowned in the lake. For her to think of coming here to demand Nie Sangyu’s life in payment after such a long time had passed, Muxu’s reflection period had certainly taken long enough, ah. 

  The doors were blown open by a gust of wind, and the wind had also extinguished the candle on the table. In the midst of the darkened room, Ji Man saw a glimpse of something coming inside. The creature’s long hair was dripping wet and covering the front of its face. It left behind a trail of water. 

  The black hair was pushed back to reveal a deathly pale face. The creature smiled as it asked her, “Master, do you want to visit the bottom of the lake?” 

  Sitting on the bed, Ji Man smiled as she shook her head. “I don’t.” 

  “Muxu” paused. It seemed as if “Muxu” was at a temporary loss for words. 

  Ji Man had already groped around and found a wooden hairpin by her pillow. 

  This courtyard had everything, but it was rare to see a ghost. Even if a ghost appeared, it was most likely just a fake one. Still, who had she recently offended and wouldn’t let her off? 

  “Master, you’re so heartless. You wouldn’t even let off Fu-er……” the ghost quietly said, “Repay the death of my baby with your life.” 

  Listening up to this point, Ji Man kicked her feet out at the ghost’s stomach. As expected, it was a thing that had a material existence. The force from her kick caused the fake ghost’s hair to be flung back as it retreated a few steps. 

  Taking advantage of the darkness, Ji Man swiftly stabbed the hairpin into the fake ghost’s shoulder. Hearing a pained scream, she punching the ghost’s jaw. It was a self-defense move that she had seen somewhere. Then, she jumped out of bed and ran outside. 

  After running to the doorway, Ji Man shouted as loud as she could, “Dengxin! Hurry, call the police!” Realizing that her words wouldn’t make sense to the people here, she quickly shouted again, “Hurry, call for the other servants. There’s a thief!” 

  The shadowy figure had already caught up to her. The wooden hairpin obviously hadn’t been able to do much damage against it. After all, a person would be wearing thick clothing in winter. This wasn’t a TV show where a hairpin could easily pierce through an assassin’s thick clothing. 

  The fake ghost wrapped its hands around Ji Man’s neck to strangle her. Struggling, Ji Man got her hand around the softy, flesh part of the fake ghost’s arm and used all of her strength to twist it. 

  “Ah -” 

  It was clearly a man’s voice, and he had tried to sound like Muxu? Ji Man’s lips twitched. Taking advantage of the moment when he loosened his grip, she hastily kicked his lower half. Then, half-running and half-stumbling, she ran towards the snow-covered ground and was able to open Feiwan Courtyard’s doors before the fake ghost caught up to her again. 

  Because Dengxin was sick, she had been soundly asleep. However, after such a loud commotion, it was impossible for her to not be awakened. After putting on her outer robe and coming out of her room, she saw that a creature with untied hair was chasing after her master in the outside courtyard. 

  “Guards!” Dengxin’s voice was hoarse from her cold, so she wasn’t able to shout very loudly. She hurriedly ran over to help her master. Since the courtyard’s doors were opened, several people outside of Feiwan Courtyard were also startled awake by the commotion, and lights were being lit up in the other courtyards.

  Chapter 299 – There’s nothing as terrifying as a person’s heart (2) 

  Ji Man was almost strangled to death. There were several times when she felt as if her heart was going to stop beating. But, suddenly, the fake ghost let go of her and surprisingly started running out of Feiwan Courtyard. 

  “Master.” Dengxin was so flustered that she wasn’t able to say anything else. Her hand hovered over her master’s bruising neck. 

  Ji Man hurriedly waved her hand away. She was still alive. She just needed to get her breath back. 

  “What happened here?” The first person that rushed over here was Liu Hanyun. Seeing that Nie Sangyu was slumped on the ground at the doorway with her clothes disheveled, she hurriedly came forward to help her inside. “What’s wrong? It’s such a cold night. Why are you outside?” 

  The two lowest-ranking servant girls that had fainted were still by the doorway too. Liu Hanyun glanced at them, then she ordered Chunpi to light some candles and inform the marquis. 

  After being wrapped up in a quilt, Ji Man didn’t return to her senses for a long time. Finally, she said, “Someone pretending to be Muxu came into my room to scare me.” 

  Stumped for words, Liu Hanyun looked around before asking. “Muxu?” 

  “En, it wasn’t real. The person impersonating her was a man.” Ji Man touched her sore neck and accepted the hot tea that Dengxin brought her. “My throat hurts. Let’s wait until the marquis arrives to talk.” 

  Liu Hanyun pursed her lips and said, “Didn’t the marquis go to Luoyan Courtyard? Who knows if it’s possible to get him to come tonight?” 

  While they were talking, Mu Shuiqing had also arrived and was quietly sitting nearby to keep Nie Sangyu company. Hearing that someone had been pretending to be a ghost, she frowned and said, “They really don’t know when to stop.” 

  Remembering that Xuwu had said that trouble came from involving yourself with people that have sinister intentions, Ji Man inwardly sighed. He really was quite accurate with his prediction. Since he was so good at fortune telling, why couldn’t he have helped her avoid this misfortune? 

  One after another, the other women in the harem came over. Even Wen Wan scurried over here to watch the amusing show, but Xia-shi still hadn’t come. 

  With a furrowed brow, Liu Hanyun said, “Someone should call Mistress Xia over. Since there’s someone out there pretending to be a ghost, it’ll be better if we’re all gathered together.” 

  By this time, Marquis Moyu and Nie Chenyu had also come over. After Ji Man had finished recounting tonight’s event, Xia-shi finally came over. She was quite late. 

  Feeling very discontent and looking as if she had been disturbed from her sleep, Xia-shi said to Nie Sangyu, “What are you guys doing in the middle of the night? You’re always dealing with unending trouble because the position of the main wife will always attract the jealousy of others.” 

  Ning Yuxuan glanced at Xia-shi, then he pursuing his lips and said to Nie Sangyu, “I’ve already ordered for all of the servants to wait outside in your courtyard.” 

  Ji Man nodded. She went outside with her hands cupped around the teacup. There were a lot of lit lamps outside. All of the servants standing outside didn’t looked neatly put together, and they seemed half-awake and half-asleep. 

  If she wanted to find the culprit, she had to do it quickly. Otherwise, if she waited and the other person had already destroyed the evidence, what was the use in trying to catch the culprit? Ji Man personally walked over to the group of servants and closely examined them. She eliminated the ones that didn’t have the right height or body type. After that, there were eight servants left that looked more or less similar to her assailant, but only one of them had slightly wet hair. 

  Ji Man stepped forward and asked, “Which courtyard are you from?” 

  That servant lowered his head and answered, “This servant is from Cailian Courtyard.” 

  On the side, Xia-shi nodded. “Yeah, he’s from my courtyard. He’s quite hardworking.” 

  Ji Man paused, then she turned her head and looked at Guibai. “Examine his body for me. See if there’s any bruises on the inner part of his right arm and his left shoulder.” 

  Guibai made a sound of assent. As the group of the women waited on the side to watch this good show, Xia-shi blustered, “It can’t be him, right? Madam, why would you suspect that he was the one pretending to be a ghost? He already withdrew to rest before I went to sleep.” 

  Liu Hanyun lowered her eyes and said, “There’s no need for you to say more. Just wait to see the result.” 

  Nie Chenyu was feeling very discontent that she was bothered tonight and was impatiently standing behind Ning Yuxuan. 

  Looking at the bruises on Nie Sangyu’s neck, Ning Yuxuan slightly frowned. 

  After Guibai examined that servant, he restrained that servant and said, “My lord, Madam, it’s as Madam said. There’s bruises on the inner part of his right arm and left shoulder.” 

  Was it really going to be that simple? Ji Man was flabbergasted. In the group of servants, that servant had been the only one with damp hair, and she had caught the culprit on the first attempt. 

  Ning Yuxuan slightly frowned. He glanced at Xia-shi. 

  Xia-shi was at a loss. Looking at the servant, she mumbled, “It’s him……” 

  In a low voice, Marquis Moyu ordered, “Guibai, bring other servants with you and search Cailian Courtyard.” 

  “Understood.” Guibai immediately left after acknowledging the order. 

  It was only now that Xia-shi started to feel panicky. “Haohao just fell asleep. Don’t wake up him during your search.” 

  Guibai didn’t bother listening to her words as he led a group of servants away. 

  Tugging on Ning Yuxuan’s sleeve, Nie Chenyu said, “This isn’t a big deal. My lord, let’s go back to rest? Your robe is too thin to be standing outside in this weather.” 

  Ning Yuxuan waved his hand. “You can go back first. I’m going to Cailian Courtyard too.” 

  Seeing that Nie Chenyu wasn’t happy, Wen Wan, who was standing nearby, smiled and said, “Younger sister Chenyu, you’re being too ignorant. In the marquis’s heart, Madam is naturally the most important one. Something just happened to her. How could he possibly still have time to care about you?” 

  Ning Yuxuan looked at Wen Wan for a moment before taking Xia-shi with him as he headed towards Cailian Courtyard. 

  Ji Man pursed her lips and followed after them with Liu Hanyun supporting her by the arm. 

  This night was doomed to not be peaceful. Items used to fake being a ghost were found in Cailian Courtyard. And, what a coincidence, these items were found in Xia-shi‘s bedchamber. 

  Xia-shi knelt on the ground with a dazed expression. 

  Liu Hanyun softly scoffed, “What good fortune. Madam has been so caring towards you. How could you even think about using a fake ghost to hurt her?” 

  Xia-shi pursed her lips and raised her head to look at Marquis Moyu. “I didn’t. My lord, believe in me. It’s impossible for me to do something like this. Those items don’t belong to me either.”


  Chapter 300 – When falsehood is taken for truth, the truth becomes falsehood (1) 

  Looking at Xia-shi‘s unsophisticated peasant appearance, Ji Man thought that it probably wasn’t her. Besides, it had been too easy to catch her assailant. It seemed more like someone was trying to frame Xia-shi. 

  In contrast, Liu Hanyun seemed especially active today. She was normally a very quiet person, but today she had followed them here and found fault with Xia-shi several times. 

  Thinking of how Liu Hanyun had tried to persuade her to not allow Haohao to become the marquis’s heir and how Liu Hanyun had a son of her own, Ji Man felt suspicion growing in her heart. She pursed her lips and said, “How about we wait until tomorrow and take our time investigating this matter?” 

  Slightly frowning, Liu Hanyun said, “Madam, it’s already reached this point. Why do you want to wait until tomorrow instead of making a resolute decision now?” 

  Xia-shi raised her head to look at Liu Hanyun and said, “I haven’t done anything to offend you. Why do insist on blaming me? This matter really has nothing to do with me. Madam has even said that she wants to investigate this matter more before deciding. Why are you insisting on pushing this crime onto my head?” 

  “You……” Liu Hanyun pursed her lips and her brow slightly furrowed. 

  Marquis Moyu glanced at Liu Hanyun and considered for a while before saying, “It really is getting too late, and we’re going to disturb Haohao from his sleep if we keep talking. Let’s just do as Sangyu said. Let’s save this discussion for tomorrow.” 

  Liu Hanyun lowered her head and said, “Since neither my lord nor Madam are anxious about settling this matter, then Hanyun naturally has nothing to say.” 

  Ning Yuxuan added, “En. As for the matter of promoting you to the position of secondary wife that I mentioned before, let’s do it at the same time as Haohao’s first birthday.” 

  “Many thanks, my lord.” Liu Hanyun didn’t linger here. After saluting, she turned around and left. 

  Xia-shi patted her knees as she stood up. Hearing the sound of a baby crying in the next room, she slapped her thigh and said, “Aiya, my Haohao!” 

  Without saying another word, she hastily left too. It seemed that she was very worried about Haohao. 

  Ning Yuxuan’s brow relaxed. Looking at Nie Sangyu, he said, “Xia-shi doesn’t know anything. You have to take extra care of her. Sometimes, you’ll have to protect her more too. 

  Ji Man raised her eyebrows. Clutching her cloak, she coughed a few times before saying, “This servant understands.” 

  — 

  In the end, the blame for the extremely ridiculous incident of someone pretending to be a ghost was placed on Xia-shi‘s head. But, since Xia-shi was needed to take care of Haohao, and the marquis had already signaled that he wanted her punishment to be lighter, Ji Man only punished her with not getting a monthly allowance for the next six months. Still, the food, clothing, and other necessities that she was provided with wouldn’t be any less than before. 

  — 

  Liu Hanyun was holding Xi-er, and her expression didn’t look good as she said, “Madam, are you thinking that Hanyun is deliberately not getting along with Xia-shi?” 

  Ji Man silently thought; wasn’t that just the simple truth? But, she outwardly comforted her by saying, “You don’t have to overthink things. It wasn’t a big deal. It’s not like a ghost would scare me anyways. Since the marquis isn’t willing to perform an in-depth investigation, let’s just put it behind us.” 

  Liu Hanyun opened and closed her mouth, but in the end, she sullenly swallowed down the words that she wanted to say. Holding Xi-er, she didn’t say another word. 

  — 

  When Haohao’s first birthday came, Ji Man was a bit absent-minded. This day wasn’t that far from when she had given birth to her own child. Xia-shi had probably conceived her child around the same time as her during the Southern Trip. 

  Although Wen Wan had been enjoying the living standards of an honored concubine since the day that Marquis Moyu had brought up the topic with Ji Man, everyone still had to wear new clothing that was appropriate to the changes in their status on Haohao’s birthday celebration. And so, Liu Hanyun was wearing a light pink dress when she brought Xi-er over in her arms. 

  Since they were still in the three-year mourning period for Old Madame, the birthday banquet couldn’t be too big or special. Instead, it was just the entire household sharing a meal together, then there would be a birthday grab and an official recording of Haohao becoming the marquis’s heir. 

  (T/N: The birthday grab (zhuazhou) is a tradition where parents place a variety of items in front of their child on his or her first birthday, and the child will grab one of the items. Whatever the child chooses is said to determine his or her future inclination and proficiencies.) 

  After Wen Wan was once again called Mistress Wen, she seemed to very quickly walk out from the shadow of Yun-er‘s death. Her face was like a beautiful blooming peach flower. 

  There was also a faint smile on Liu Hanyun’s face from her promotion to a secondary wife. And, once Qi Siling had regained control over the household accounts, she also wore slightly more lavish clothing. The only person that was feeling dissatisfied was Nie Chenyu. 

  Nie Chenyu, who had been quite favored lately, was still only a concubine and had to sit next to Mu Shuiqing. Nie Chenyu’s face was livid today, but given Nie Clan’s current state, she didn’t have the means to demand a promotion in her status. She hadn’t been able to get pregnant either, so she could only sit in a desolate corner with Mu Shuiqing and watch. 

  For some reason, Xia-shi had come to the birthday celebration wearing a red gown. Holding Haohao, she was smiling quite happily. But, as soon as Xia-shi entered the main hall, Ji Man’s lips twitched. 

  During ancient time banquets, only the main wife was allowed to wear red, even a secondary wife or side consort could only wear hues of light pink. But, Xia-shi had casually entered the room wearing bright red. 

  The room full of people stopped talking, but Xia-shi didn’t notice. With a bright grin, she brought Haohao over to the marquis and said, “Haohao has been very well-fed today. He’ll definitely grab something good later!” 

  Marquis Moyu looked at her from top to bottom. With a fake smile, he asked, “Who gave you the clothes that you’re wearing right now?” 

  “My clothes?” Xia-shi lowered her head to look. Smiling, she said, “I made these clothes myself. They said we’re going to celebrate Haohao’s first birthday today, so I should wear slightly more colorful clothing. Out of all the fabrics they sent over, this one looked the best, so I used this one. My lord, what do you think?” 

  Ning Yuxuan lightly smiled. He stretched his hands out and took Haohao, then he turned his head to the side and said to Nie Sangyu, “Take her to have her clothes changed.” 

  Ji Man nodded and stood up to lead Xia-shi to Feiwan Courtyard. 

  Translator Ramblings: Isn’t there a possibility that Xia-shi tried to kill or harm Nie Sangyu, and she just wasn’t very good at hiding the evidence? Or, it’s neither of them, and someone else tried to frame Xia-shi? It’s consistent with Ji Man’s character to side with whomever she thinks is the underdog. 

  Earlier in the story, there’s no doubt that when Liu Hanyun helps out Nie Sangyu/Ji Man, she doesn’t want anything in return. In contrast, Ji Man has always viewed Liu Hanyun as a tool that could be useful to her, so it’s possible that she’s projecting her motivation onto Liu Hanyun. Or, maybe, Liu Hanyun really has changed.

  Chapter 301 – When falsehood is taken for truth, the truth becomes falsehood (2) 

  Not understanding what was going on, Xia-shi blankly looked at Nie Sangyu as she followed after her. “What? Does this gown not look good? It can’t be, ah. I can see that Madam’s dress looks pretty good.” 

  Ji Man sighed and said, “It is pretty good, but I’m the only one that can wear this color.” 

  Xia-shi scratched her head in puzzlement. “Why? Are you worried that someone will look better than you in this color?” 

  Ji Man didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She turned her head to look at Xia-shi and said, “In your village, did they not have the rule that only the main wife can wear red?” 

  “Nope.” Xia-shi shook her head at a complete loss. Afterwards, she somewhat panicky said, “Have I done something wrong? Someone sent over this fabric. I didn’t know that I couldn’t wear it, ah.” 

  Ji Man nodded. “I know you’re not clever, so I won’t blame you. Just come with me to change into something else.” 

  Xia-shi finally obediently followed after her. After reaching Feiwan Courtyard and changing into a light purple dress that belonged to Nie Sangyu, she returned to the birthday celebration in high spirits again. Holding Haohao again, she said, “Madam’s clothing feels so comfortable.” 

  Liu Hanyun glanced at her. Nearby, Wen Wan sneered and said, “Of course Madam’s clothing is comfortable, but you need to have the right qualifications to wear it.” 

  Not understanding her words, Xia-shi looked at Wen Wan for a moment. Then, she lowered her head and teased Haohao. 

  There wasn’t much happiness on Ning Yuxuan’s face today. Instead, there was a faint trace of fatigue. 

  After the meal, it was time for the birthday grab. Xia-shi placed Haohao on the ground, plopped down nearby herself, and exuberantly shouted, “Grab the dagger in front of you. Grabbing the brush is okay too. Go on, grab it!” 

  Nie Chenyu was so annoyed by Xia-shi‘s noisiness that she couldn’t resist saying, “Mistress Xia, what a child grabs is up to the child. There’s no use in you shouting.” 

  Xia-shi twitched her lips and finally sat back down in silence. 

  Haohao opened his eyes wide and looked at the pile of things in front of him. He crawled over and surprisingly grabbed a gold ingot. 

  Qi Siling smirked. “The heir will definitely enjoy a wealthy future.” 

  For this family, the gold ingot wasn’t considered a good item to choose. After all, this was an official’s family, so it would naturally be better if the son could be talented in scholarly and military affairs. 

  Ning Yuxuan pursed his lips and subconsciously glanced at Nie Sangyu. 

  With her gaze focused on Haohao, Ji Man was lost in her thoughts. 

  Holding onto the gold ingot and not paying attention to Xia-shi‘s mumbling, Haohao actually turned around and crawled to Nie Sangyu’s side. He dropped the gold ingot by her feet. 

  Everyone was shocked. Ji Man was struck dumb for a bit, then she leaned over and picked up Haohao and the gold ingot. “Haohao, are you planning on earning money and giving it to me to show filial piety?” 

  Nie Chenyu burst out in laughter. “Older sister, be careful with your words. They might make Mistress Xia furious. After all, Haohao is her biological son. Even if he’s going to show filial piety, there’s an order of priority.” 

  “He’s a child that knows filial piety.” Ning Yuxuan stretched his hands out and took Haohao into his arms, then he took off a fine jade accessory from his waist and hanged it on Haohao’s neck. 

  Xia-shi widely smiled again. Seeing that Ning Yuxuan was happy, she jubilantly said, “It’s naturally the best to have a filial child.” 

  After the informal ceremony was completed and everyone dispersed her own courtyards, Liu Hanyun brought Xi-er with her to Feiwan Courtyard. 

  She asked, “Madam, do you still think that Xia-shi is someone that can be allowed to stay?” 

  Ji Man poked at the jade waist accessory that was carved with the word “Ning” and said with a smile, “It’s not an issue of whether or not she can stay. The marquis likes Haohao, and Haohao needs someone to care for him. Xia-shi is Haohao’s biological mother.” 

  With a serious expression, Liu Hanyun said, “Forgive Hanyun for speaking bluntly, Xia-shi isn’t a simple person. Since Haohao is the heir, then he should be given to you to raise. And yet, the marquis insists on having Xia-shi raise him. What will you do in the future once the marquis passes away and the little heir had grown up without having any affection for you?” 

  Ji Man thought; by that time, she should have already fulfilled her goal and returned to modern-day to eat watermelon while enjoying air conditioning. 

  “Moreover, Xia-shi continues to act inappropriately, but the marquis keeps tolerating her behavior. If one day Xia-shi does something that harms you and the marquis pardons her behavior by using the excuse that Xia-shi doesn’t know the rules, will you really not feel wronged?” 

  Ji Man raised her eyes and interrupted her, “Hanyun, you’ve changed.” 

  Liu Hanyun was startled. 

  “In the past, you wouldn’t have cared about stuff like this.” Ji Man looked at Xi-er, who was nestled in Liu Hanyun’s arms. “Is it because you have a child now, so the things you want have increased?” 

  Lightly biting her lip, Liu Hanyun didn’t deny the accusation. 

  “It’s better if you don’t get forget your original self.” Ji Man patted her shoulder. “If you stay the same as before, then the marquis will treat you the same as before. You’ll have Xi-er to take care of you for the rest of your life, so you don’t need worry about the future either.” 

  The room was silent for a while, then Liu Hanyun stood up and said, “Madam, you were right to lecture this servant. This servant will withdraw first.” 

  “Be careful with walking. It’s slippery outside because of the snow.” Ji Man waved her hand. 

  Did she seem like someone that was easily manipulated? Xia-shi was someone that the marquis wanted to protect. There was no way that she wouldn’t recklessly try to harm her. 

  — 

  Soon, the title and related fiefdom for the second prince was announced. She didn’t know who had privately talked with the emperor, but the second prince, who was usually ignored by the emperor, was surprisingly given Zhangjun as his fiefdom. Zhangjun was a wealth territory that was very close to the capital. It was a pretty good place. 

  Although the second prince was getting a title before the first prince and third prince, this almost meant that the second prince wasn’t in the running for the position of the crown prince anymore. And so, Zhao Zhe and Zhao Jue didn’t have anything to say. In contrast, Pengyue came over to thank her before leaving for Zhangjun. 

  “I won’t forget the promise that I made to you,” Pengyue seriously said, “If you ever meet with difficulty, Ah Li and I will definitely do our best to help you.” 

  Smiling, Ji Man agreed, “Okay.” 

  Errong had already returned to Jing Province, and one after another, many people in Nie Clan had been demoted to a lower rank. Although the third prince was still regardless highly by the emperor, Nie Clan seemed to be on the precipice of a crisis. 

  T/N: The title of this chapter (When falsehood is taken for truth, the truth becomes falsehood) is a line from Dream of the Red Chamber. 

  Translator Ramblings: Ji Man downplays Xia-shi’s threat to her because she believe that Xia-shi isn’t smart and thinks that Liu Hanyun’s warnings are only because she wants to use her to get rid of Xia-shi to help Xi-er’s status. But, if Xia-shi was kicked out of the estate, wouldn’t Haohao automatically be given to the main wife to raise? This would cement Haohao’s position as the heir even more, secure Nie Sangyu/Ji Man’s future, and drastically decrease the likelihood of Xi-er ever becoming the marquis’s heir. Am I missing something? 

  When I was re-reading the novel, it was more obvious that Xia-shi gets away with a lot of things just by playing the “I’m an ignorant peasant that doesn’t know any better” card. It’s also possible that Xia-shi genuinely doesn’t know the rules and other customs because no one tells her anything until after she messes up. See Exhibit A: Wen Wan, who messed up a lot in the beginning because she wasn’t aware of the stricter rules in a noble household since Ning Yuxuan didn’t bother hiring a tutor for her. 

  Anyways, I’m guessing that based on the title of this chapter that the author’s intention when we read this story arc is to feel doubtful and unsure what the real truth is. 

  P.S. It was so cute and sweet when Haohao dropped the gold ingot by Ji Man’s feet.