After two rounds, the Third Princess Consort was really enjoying herself: "This mahjong is so much fun!"

Tong Cheng'er smiled and said, "This is mahjong, how could it not be fun!"

"As long as Third Sister-in-law is happy."

"I like it, how could I not like it? You're so good at this, you can even make something of anything."

After the Third Prince Consort finished speaking, the two concubines echoed her, their respectful demeanor treating her as if she were their master.

Tong Cheng'er watched from the side, and couldn't help but think that even the Third Prince probably didn't receive such treatment here.

After playing mahjong for several rounds, the Third Prince Consort invited Tong Cheng'er to stay for lunch. Thinking that Yinzhen probably wouldn't be back for lunch, she agreed.

After finishing their mahjong game, the two concubines tactfully took their leave. The Third Princess Consort then instructed the kitchen to prepare lunch, and the two began to talk.

"Third Sister-in-law, what was the deal with those two princesses just now?"

The Third Princess smiled and said, "It's nothing. Now I arrange who in the manor wants to serve me in bed. Besides, I manage all the affairs of the manor. They are even more attentive to me than to your third brother! I've come to terms with it. I'm quite happy with life like this now."

There's more to this than meets the eye.

Ever since the Third Prince indulged in excessive sexual activity, Consort Rong, seeing that her pregnant daughter-in-law was unresponsive to reason, had no choice but to call the Third Prince over and lecture him relentlessly, after which the Third Prince would "behave" in a "good manner".

And then...

The Third Prince's choice of who would serve him in bed was entirely up to his Third Consort. If the Third Prince disobeyed, his Third Consort would immediately go to the palace to pay her respects, leaving the Third Prince with no choice but to obey her arrangements.

That's why the Third Prince was such a strange figure; all the concubines in the backyard were trying to please his wife, hoping to get her to arrange more days for them.