Unlike Shangguan Li, who was the emperor's biological brother and thus the emperor had to be wary of him, Shangguan Ren was also struggling to survive in this precarious situation. Naturally, he had to use whatever he could to his advantage.
[If Shangguan Li's relationship with the Emperor could be slightly strained, Shangguan Ren would have a chance to rise in the ranks. Even the worst opportunity would be becoming a regional prince, enjoying far more freedom outside the capital. How could Shangguan Ren possibly give that up?]
"Magpie," Lu Qingyan called out, "Pack up your things, I'm full."
"Yes." Magpie replied. The maid following behind her quickly tidied up the room.
The magpie stood quietly beside Lu Qingyan until everyone had left before approaching her: "Your Highness, should we send someone back to the Fu residence to deliver a message?"
"What are you saying?" Lu Qingyan touched the jade ring on her finger and curled the corners of her mouth. "She'll be returning to her parents' home in a couple of days. Whatever she wants to say won't make a difference. Mother has always been concerned about my sister. It's the same if she sends the letter back to the manor."
Seeing Lu Qingyan's calm and confident expression, Xique also calmed down considerably. Her mistress had spoken; there was no point in her saying anything more.
Logically speaking, Fu Ziwu was the second legitimate daughter, and the standard for employing people should have been the same as that for the eldest legitimate daughter—eight head maids. It's unclear why Madam Fu disliked Fu Ziwu so much, but she assigned her a maid instead. If it weren't for the third-class maids in the courtyard doing the menial work, Xique would have been exhausted long ago.
Fu Zige had mentioned this matter to Madam Fu, but Madam Fu just listened and let it go, completely ignoring Fu Ziwu.
Lu Qingyan sat in front of the bronze mirror, looking at the beautiful woman in it, and thought to herself, "Fu Ziwu, don't worry. What belongs to you, I will definitely help you get back."
"Magpie, is the dowry list with you?" Lu Qingyan turned her head and asked, "Bring it over so I can take a look. I'll go to the storeroom to check it later and make sure no things are put in the wrong place. Everything that should be there should be placed in the room."
Magpie smiled and agreed: "I understand. I've kept the dowry list safe and sound. I'll come find it right away."
While the magpie went out to get the order, Lu Qingyan changed into a lotus-root pink peony dress. The refreshing color made her look radiant.
The storeroom in the Prince's mansion was guarded by Sun Ping, the son of the head steward. He was a servant born into the household and was very clever. He was quick to learn about news in the mansion, and he knew that Shangguan Ren had just had lunch with Lu Qingyan that morning. So he could guess that the princess had a place in the prince's heart.
Besides, even without status, a princess is still a princess, and a mere servant like him can't afford to offend her.
“Your Highness, these matters can be handled by your servants. There’s no need for you to make this trip yourself.” Sun Ping said, but still opened the storeroom and stood up to take his leave. “Your Highness, please. All the dowry you brought is inside. Please give me any instructions if you need anything. I’ll wait outside for you.”
"Thank you for your trouble, Steward Sun." Lu Qingyan nodded politely to him.
Sun Ping repeatedly said, "Your Highness is too kind. This is what I should do."
After Sun Ping left, Lu Qingyan casually opened a large box and saw a pile of fabric inside. Most of the fabric was red and gray, with a red top layer and gray underneath. At first glance, it looked very festive, but upon closer inspection, it was rather disappointing.
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