After listening to Xiao Ying's words, the magpie said, "You did a great job." Then it took out a silver ingot from its pocket and handed it to Xiao Ying, "Go back and keep an eye on things. Do a good job, and you'll get your share of the rewards, understand?"
Xiao Ying held the silver and smiled broadly, saying, "I understand, I understand. Sister Magpie is so kind to me, I will definitely work hard and help you."
Xiao Ying then flattered her, saying, "I've always said that Ruan Meiying is just a prostitute from a brothel. How could she possibly compare to Master Linlang? It's my honor to serve Master Linlang."
The magpie said, "Alright, alright, I understand. You go now. Don't tell anyone about this, and don't let anyone else find out, understand?"
Xiao Ying said, "Don't worry about me, I won't cause you any trouble. Sister Magpie, I'll be going now."
Xiao Ying tucked the silver into her bosom, then cautiously looked around. Seeing that no one was around, she left and quickly returned to the servants' quarters to avoid being discovered.
The magpie watched her leave, then returned to the courtyard, walked to Linlang's door, and knocked.
The person inside said, "Who is it?"
The magpie replied, "I am your master, the magpie."
Linlang was resting on her bed in the room when she heard the magpie's voice. She gestured to her maid to open the door, and the magpie came in.
Linlang sat up and looked at the magpie, asking, "Where were you just now?"
Magpie looked around at the people, and Linlang understood what she meant, saying, "You all go down first."
After everyone left, Magpie closed the door and said to Linlang, "Master, we have news from the people we sent to keep an eye on Ruan Meiying."
Linlang asked, "What news?"
The magpie said, "That person said that Ruan Meiying went to the Fujin's place today and came back with a beaming face. She must have received some benefits."
Linlang thought for a while and said, "Is Ruan Meiying and Fujin conspiring to deal with me?"
The magpie said, "If that's the case, Master, we have to be careful. What should we do then?"
Linlang wanted to know what Ruan Meiying and Fujin had talked about, but Ruan Meiying wouldn't tell her, and Fujin wouldn't tell him either.
Linlang said, "Go and keep an eye on Ruan Meiying and find out what she's been up to lately. Try to find out what she and the Fujin were talking about."
Magpie went down as instructed, and Linlang walked to the table, wrote down the day's events in a letter, then summoned a carrier pigeon, tied the letter to its leg, and released it. This carrier pigeon belonged to the Eighth Prince.
Now, although Ruan Meiying had obtained the Fujin's permission, she had come to the Prince's mansion alone. The people around her were all newcomers, and she had only known them for a short time. She couldn't trust them yet. Moreover, the Prince's mansion was so complicated that these people might have been sent by the Fujin, Linlang, or other concubines. She had to be on guard.
After thinking it over, Ruan Meiying came up with a plan. She called over Shaoyao and asked, "Shaoyao, how's the matter I asked you to handle last time?"
Peony replied, "My lady, I have already gone to Baixiang Restaurant and spoken with their owner. The Prince's Mansion wants to host a banquet at Baixiang Restaurant, and their owner is very happy. I was just about to come and ask you what dishes you would like to eat."
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