Chapter 229
Soon, in a large pavilion with a serene atmosphere, there were not many flowers because Mu Heng feared his wife would suffer from morning sickness due to the strong fragrance. Additionally, many people warned that some women were allergic to pollen, which could affect their pregnancies.
He had built her a shaded pavilion, with only large trees that were carefully maintained to prevent any falling debris. The roof was made of the best materials for extra protection.
Every day, inspections were conducted to check for any strange animals or insects making nests. Even birds were not allowed to nest there, as their droppings could carry diseases.
Therefore, the place was only filled with shade and light, creating a cool environment. In front of the pavilion, there was a small waterfall, a replica inspired by a picture Yueqian had shown him from a modern book.
It was a method of garden design that could be used to decorate the manor. Just the sound of the waterfall hitting the rocks, combined with the gentle sound of the flute, created a peaceful atmosphere.
Yueqian spent her days in this place. Sometimes she chatted and teased the maids, and sometimes she told Rui Beng stories about Mu Heng’s younger siblings, mentioning that if Rui Beng met the two children, she would surely like them as they were very good kids. Rui Beng eagerly looked forward to it, understanding from Yueqian’s stories that much happiness awaited her.
Unfortunately, such peaceful moments were often interrupted. Today, after setting up the afternoon nap area, just as Ji Fei was about to play a lullaby for the mistress, a soldier from the manor appeared.
"Miss," the soldier, who guarded the manor gates, called out. He was one of the soldiers sent by the Wang, known for his speed and efficiency. When Yueqian saw him, she anticipated that some trouble was coming her way.
"What has happened?" The beautiful woman raised her eyebrows and asked. She immediately received an answer.
"Furen Mu, Concubine Ji, and Concubine Ping have arrived at the manor," the soldier reported excitedly.
Yueqian was even more puzzled by this matter. How could it be that the concubines themselves traveled to visit the Governor’s furen? Shouldn’t concubines remain secluded in the palace and send letters to invite them to the palace instead?
Yueqian pushed herself up. She had intended to take a nap, but with such important figures as the concubines coming to visit her, she had to go out and welcome them.
"And have you informed your master?" The beautiful woman walked down from the pavilion.
Wan Gui helped support her on one side, while a clumsier young maid carried their belongings behind them. The gatekeeper soldier shook his head upon hearing the mistress of the manor’s question.
"The concubines know that the master has work to attend to, so they instructed us not to call for him."
"I see," Yueqian nodded.
In truth, it wasn’t very appropriate. Having the two concubines come to the noble’s manor themselves and then meet a man could lead to strange rumors. Therefore, using the reason that Mu Heng was busy with official duties was a good solution. The concubines might have already known that many people would be coming to discuss work with Mu Heng today, so they chose to visit on this particular day.
"Miss, is it serious that the concubines are visiting us like this?" Ji Fei asked curiously.
She had been in the slave market all her life and knew little of the outside world. After being bought, she had never been outside either. Only Yang Ji, Geng Zhi, and Fan Yu had errands that required them to go out.
She herself was a servant in the manor and had never known about the issues involving the Second Prince’s concubine or her own mistress’s involvement.
Yueqian did not answer Ji Fei’s question. She simply turned to Yang Ji and Fan Yu, instructing them to prepare snacks without any mistakes, and ignored the question as if Ji Fei did not exist.
The mistress’s attitude made all the other servants immediately understand her stance, which pleased them greatly. Only Ji Fei was left seething with rage, unaware that her fate had been sealed since she became an enemy of the villainess.
"Miss, given the arrival of the concubines, there should be no mistakes. I suggest it would be better to leave Ji Fei outside with Rui Beng, wouldn’t it? If anything happens, you can call for help immediately."
Wan Gui knew that Ji Fei was troublesome, so she tried to keep her out of the way, while Rui Beng was clumsy. Making mistakes could happen at any time. The mistress might not mind, but the two noble guests might not be as forgiving.
Upon hearing Wan Gui’s suggestion, Ji Fei’s expression changed instantly. Previously, she would have retaliated against anyone who dared to prevent her from meeting the concubines. If her plan succeeded, Wan Gui would be the first she dealt with for knowing too much!
As if reading Ji Fei’s thoughts, Yueqian glanced at the beautiful woman once, a cold and terrifying smile appeared at the corner of her mouth. Ji Fei couldn’t understand the sudden fear she felt, but she lowered her head to hide her resentful gaze.
"It’s fine, let them in," Yueqian smiled slightly.
This warm demeanor made Wan Gui shake her head, while Ji Fei was a bit surprised. Even a fool knew the mistress was intelligent and aware of her schemes. Why, then, did she allow Ji Fei to be present?!
For women, meeting and befriending nobles was profitable. In the future, even the master of the manor would have to respect someone close to the concubines. Ji Fei couldn’t believe Yueqian would give her such an opportunity.
However, Ji Fei was not about to refuse this advantage. If she could seize the chance, her future would be bright.
This thought was correct. Ji Fei would become prominent after this, though it was just a matter of what aspect she would be outstanding in and what aspect the people in the mansion would be interested in her. This matter would have to be discussed later. Today marked the beginning, where she thought she was grasping a rose, unaware that she was holding a thorny stem.
"I will try not to cause any trouble, Miss." Unlike Ji Fei who was very happy, Rui Beng felt inexplicably anxious.
She would have preferred to stay outside as Wan Gui suggested, knowing her own weaknesses. Wan Gui’s proposal would have saved her from the death sentence.
For her, there was no desire to become someone important in the future. She had no ambitions whatsoever. As long as she had enough food to eat and a place to rest, doing her job well enough to earn her master’s favor and avoid scolding was sufficient.
"I will try to do my best," the beautiful woman replied, sounding like an obedient maid.
If not for the incident that morning, others might still think she was sincere and innocent. Fortunately, the display of hostility earlier in the morning had made everyone more cautious.
"Umm," Yueqian didn’t pay much attention. She touched Wan Gui’s arm as if she wanted to express her gratitude.
The middle-aged woman was slightly taken aback, unsure if it was what she thought. It seemed the mistress understood her intentions. But what she didn’t understand was, if the mistress knew, why still allow the two to go in and cause trouble?
The two concubines were already waiting in the reception house, which was more luxuriously and elegantly decorated to suit their status. The other pavilions of the master were quite simple.
The pavilion where Yueqian and her husband lived had nothing but books and relaxing paintings, except for a cabinet of fine wines according to Yueqian’s taste.
Occasionally, they would drink together as a couple. Before discovering Yueqian’s pregnancy, they would dance and drink under the moonlight, enjoying themselves. It was perhaps the only time they could truly relax after becoming royal servants.
"Greetings, Concubine Ji, Concubine Ping," Yueqian bowed respectfully.
She knelt to give a full ceremonial greeting, but the concubines stopped her. Concubine Ji moved swiftly, catching Yueqian with concern.
"No need for such formalities. We are just minor concubines. Let’s speak comfortably," she held Yueqian’s arm to help her stand up fully, indicating that she need not bow.
Moreover, with Yueqian being pregnant, even the king had told his pregnant concubines not to bow. How could visiting concubines demand such respect from the wife of the manor’s owner?
"Please, sit," Concubine Ping smiled and gestured for both to take a seat.
Wan Gui quickly attended to the guests, preparing tea for both concubines and her mistress with such skill that the concubines even praised her.
In fact, each concubine had brought two attendants with them, so if they wanted tea, they could have ordered their own attendants to prepare it. It was their right as guests, especially given their status as concubines.
However, they refrained from acting on their own and chose to wait for the hostess to arrive and have her prepare it, showing mutual respect. How could Yueqian not like this kind of respect?
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"Come now, speak to us normally. Honestly, we are not that accustomed to such formal speech ourselves. Let us save that for the palace," Concubine Ji Yao said with a laugh. Seeing their demeanor, the beautiful woman smiled genuinely.
"Then, please forgive any offenses," Yueqian switched to a more casual but still polite manner of speaking, appropriate for noble families. Both concubines nodded in agreement, and the atmosphere in the room relaxed considerably.
"In truth, we came today didn’t come here for much. We just wanted to express our gratitude for your help last time. Otherwise, we might have faced execution by now," Concubine Ji continued, with Concubine Ping nodding in agreement.
"They timed their attack perfectly. When I played a vigorous tune, they struck, taking advantage of the moment Ji Yao raised her arm, causing her long sleeve to obscure the view. A cruel arrow was then fired at us. We were terrified, and even now, we haven’t identified the perpetrator," Concubine Ping said earnestly.
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