Xueying returned to her east courtyard without uttering a word. She had once been the most beautiful princess in the Ulanara household; she had never been slandered like this before.

Xueying walked to the bronze mirror in front of the dressing table, took off her leather shoes and silk clothes. She had specially worn this outfit today because she didn't want to lose face in front of Fucha Mingyu, but she didn't expect to be criticized for being thrifty.

Xueying let down her ink-black hair, her pure white body naked in the mirror, without a single flaw, such youth and beauty.

After gazing at it for a long time, she took out a pale yellow dress with silver patterns and embroidered sea lilies from the wardrobe, slowly put it on, and then carefully gathered her long, silky hair into a bun. A jade hairpin was slanted through the bun, with a few delicate tassels hanging down, complementing the pair of jade earrings on her cheeks.

Looking at her reflection in the mirror, which was now even more beautiful and radiant than before, Xueying took a deep breath. How could she win Hongli's love? Did he even love her?

A'Luo returned quickly, bringing the maid with her.

The maidservant bowed to Xueying and said, "This servant is Zuying, greetings to Consort Xueying."

"When did you arrive at the manor?" Xueying asked.

“This servant just signed the indenture this year, but it’s only for three years, shortly before the Fujin (wife of the deceased) married into the family,” Zu Ying said.

"Why did you sign a contract of servitude? Don't you have anyone else in your family?" Xueying asked.

Zu Ying nodded, and Xue Ying said, "In that case, serve me well from now on, and I won't mistreat you."

Zu Ying said, "Thank you, Consort Xie, but I am already very content."

Xueying asked, puzzled, "What's there to be satisfied with?"

Zu Ying said, "My family members are all dead, but at least I'm still alive."

Her simple words touched Xueying, and her heart, which had been heavy for several days, felt as if the clouds had parted and the sun had come out. Yes, sometimes people can live very simply; a roof over their heads and a bowl of rice are enough to make them content.

Although she was unfortunate, there were many people more unfortunate than her. No matter where she was, she had to try her best to live on. Self-pity would only make her loved ones suffer and her enemies rejoice.

After figuring this out, the confusion in Xueying's eyes vanished, replaced by an unprecedented determination.

Ling Ruo smoothed her long hair that was draped behind her back and said calmly, "Zu Ying, tell me about the Fourth Prince."

“Fourth Prince…” Zu Ying wrinkled her nose and said, “Actually, I don’t know him very well. I’ve been in the manor for over a month and have only met him once, and from quite a distance. The servants say he’s very easy to get along with, doesn’t have much of an air about him, and treats us servants very well…”

He's kind to everyone? Then why is he so heartless to me, Ulanara Xueying?

“However,” Zu Ying said, “no matter how beautiful a concubine is, any man would be attracted to her. As long as Prince Beilang can see the concubine, he will definitely fall in love with her.”

Will he be tempted?

Xueying frowned slightly and said softly, "Your Highness is a prince, and there are many people around you who are more outstanding than me. Besides, Your Highness is wise and brave, and is by no means a person who only cares about appearance. Relatively speaking, virtue is the most important."

“Zu Ying understands. The concubine seems to be a kind-hearted person. Prince will definitely like her,” Zu Ying said.

"You can stay in the room and serve A'Luo," Xueying said.

Xueying waved Zuying away, then told A'luo to go to the front yard to see if the Prince had returned. A'luo went.