Chapter 230 She only hoped her belly would respond.

Baolan said, "Is my concubine hungry? I'll go to the kitchen and get you something to eat."

"I'm a little tired after shopping all morning and I want to take a nap. You all go ahead and do your work, don't worry about me," Ye Susu said.

"Yes, when Consort Liang wakes up, she will call for us. We will wait outside." The two maids closed the door for her.

Only then did Ye Susu dare to show her true emotions. She sat in front of the dressing mirror and looked herself over. Fortunately, Su Xuan hadn't left any obvious marks on her body.

"Baolan, bring me a basin of water," Ye Susu called out.

Soon, Baolan brought water, saying, "This servant will attend to my concubine!"

"No need, I'm used to being on my own. I've always taken care of myself. You all go ahead and do your work!" Ye Susu's voice softened, becoming kind and approachable. "From now on, don't always act like servants in front of me. Aren't we all our parents' precious darlings?"

Her voice choked with emotion, "My parents left me too early, and I was all alone." She was about to start winning people over.

Baolan said, "Don't be sad, Liangqie. I believe things will get better and better. Your parents will be very happy to know that you are living a life of comfort and security. Our Crown Prince is a very easy person to talk to. Liangqie has married better than many women in the world."

While washing her face, Ye Susu said, "I heard Baolan is getting married. Congratulations! You've taken care of me for so many days, I really miss you." She took out a silver bracelet from the drawer and put it on Baolan's wrist. "This is my own thing. My parents made it for me when they were still alive. I wore it for a long time. Now I'm giving it to you, hoping you will be happy too."

“This is unacceptable. This was left to you by my parents. I cannot accept it,” Baolan declined.

"I don't have anything valuable to give you. I wouldn't dare to give away the Empress and the Emperor's gifts easily, for fear of violating the rules. You can keep it. If you don't, I'll take it as you disliking me."

Since Consort Ye had said so, how could she dare not accept it? "Thank you, Consort Ye."

"Go on with your work, I'm going to take a nap." Ye Susu then shooed her out.

Lying in bed, she buried her head in the blanket, tears streaming down her face. She knew that Su Xuan now had something on her. Before, she could purely like Xie Shang, and she could hold her head high and be at peace with herself in front of him.

But now... she only hopes that her belly will give her a response.

-

A few days later, the results of the spring imperial examination were released. Jiang Fenghua received the news in advance. To her surprise, Jiang Jinyan came in second place, Xiao Yu came in first place, and the Cheng brothers also made the list.

Jiang Fenghua didn't wait for the results to be released because of her pregnancy, but she was still happy for Jiang Jinyan.

In his previous life, Jiang Jinyan was number one from the very beginning. During the imperial examination, he was even designated as the top scholar by the emperor because of his solid writing skills and unique insights.

However, after he entered the court and became an official, he never had any room for advancement. His life seemed to stop at becoming the top scholar in the imperial examination. He couldn't climb up, and even when he stayed in his post, he was ostracized by others.

After Xie Shang ascended the throne, he was even less valued and was eventually forced to resign. The Su family was the mastermind behind this.

He may go even further in this life; everything is moving towards the goal that Jiang Fenghua hopes for.

She then handed the gift she had prepared earlier to Hongxiu, asking her to deliver it to Jiang Jinyan at the Jiang residence.

Under Steward Cheng's tutelage, Hongxiu had been trained to be more cunning than a monkey. As soon as she left the palace, a carriage arrived. "Miss Hongxiu, I heard you were leaving the palace. Let me take you there!"

The person stopped the carriage, then jumped down to take the gift from her hands.

Hongxiu said, "Thank you, Steward Cheng, but no need. I've already called Uncle Yang..."

“Uncle Yang’s foot hurts, so let him rest at home. I just happen to be going that way to inspect the shops over there.” He took the gift from Hongxiu’s hand. “It’s still quite far to the Jiang family, and I’m worried about leaving you alone as a girl.”

Hongxiu glanced at him, but Cheng Feng had already put the gift in the car. He opened the curtain and said with a smile, "This is a gift my father prepared for Lord Jiang to celebrate his passing the imperial examination."

"Thank you so much, Steward Cheng."

Cheng Feng placed a low stool at Hongxiu's feet. After Hongxiu got into the carriage, he put the stool away. "From now on, don't always call me Manager Cheng. Actually, I'm not much older than you. You're eighteen today, and I've just turned twenty. From now on, just call me Cheng Feng."

Hongxiu was also shrewd. Seeing his actions, she naturally guessed his thoughts. She calmly and reservedly said, "After all, you are the steward of the manor, not a slave. How can I be so ignorant as to call Steward Cheng by his name? If the Crown Princess finds out, I will be reprimanded."

“I have never treated you and Miss Lianye as slaves. We are all equals,” Cheng Feng said with a smile. “The Cheng family is the Empress’s people. We were freed from slavery long ago and are now considered good citizens. However, my family members have always worked in the Prince’s mansion and are loyal and meticulous.”

After my father married and had children, the whole family stayed behind, working diligently for the Crown Prince, managing shops and estates. I could even study and take the imperial examinations, but I didn't like becoming an official. I preferred doing business. I was content just managing the business well for the Crown Prince...

He stated that he was of good character and a law-abiding citizen, and that marrying him would ensure a high social status, prevent hardship, and make her a legitimate wife.

Hongxiu learned a lot from Steward Cheng after arriving at the Prince's Mansion. Steward Cheng treated her like a successor, even like a daughter-in-law, and devoted himself to training her. In just one year, Hongxiu managed the Prince's Mansion's accounts and handled various affairs with ease.

Even without the high wages paid by the Prince's Mansion, Hongxiu and Lianye were already considered quite wealthy in a prosperous place like Shengjing City. Jiang Fenghua gave them enough money to increase their sense of security.

Although she was a maid, she was still a woman, and women need this kind of security.

Therefore, no matter how high the status of the Cheng family is, Hongxiu does not need to curry favor with the Cheng family for money, or even desperately try to marry the son of the Cheng steward.

She listened attentively as Cheng Feng spoke, remaining a passive listener and occasionally making a sound to show that she was listening, as a sign of respect.

As Cheng Feng drove the carriage, he said, "Don't think I lack ambition. I just say everyone has their own ambitions."

Hongxiu listened quietly, a faint smile playing on her lips. How could she not know that Butler Cheng's son was so talkative?

Cheng Feng suddenly stopped the carriage and walked towards the pastry shop by the roadside. Hongxiu lifted the curtain and glanced at it. Soon, Cheng Feng returned with a bunch of pastries and handed them to her as if they were old friends, saying, "There are two packs of each flavor. Pick the ones you like."

Cheng Feng took out a pack of peach-flavored ones. "You like this kind, right?"

Hongxiu was taken aback. "How did you know?"

Cheng Feng smiled. "Anyway, I know." He jumped off the carriage and continued on his way.