Granny Bi chimed in, "Yes, when our Lord becomes the Prince Consort, how can we not hope that the Yin family will rise to even greater heights?"
As if she could already see that day, Old Madam Yin said, "Doesn't the Qin family dote on that little slut Qin Sheng? A woman who has returned from a divorce, let's see how the Qin family will find husbands for their sons and daughters in the future!"
How could a woman who has divorced and returned home affect the marriage prospects of the men and women in the clan?
Besides, the reasons for the divorce between the lady and the prince are already widely known outside. Doesn't the old lady herself know the truth?
Although Granny Bi saw through everything, she dared not say it aloud.
“Oh, right, go to the front yard,” Old Madam Yin said, remembering something, “and have the servants move all of the Earl’s things into Mingyue Pavilion.”
"..."
Granny Bi was taken aback and subconsciously said, "Isn't this too hasty? After all..." The lady had just left.
Even if it's just an act, shouldn't we wait at least ten days or half a month before making any decisions?
"What's the rush?" Old Madam Yin frowned. "Tell all the servants to keep their mouths shut and not to gossip about things they shouldn't say, or they'll all be sold off!"
"yes……"
Granny Bi shuddered, turned around and left.
...
As the Lunar New Year approaches, the weather is getting colder, but the streets outside are still bustling, and everyone's face is filled with the joy of the upcoming New Year.
When they returned to the Qin residence, it had already started snowing.
Their parents returned first, while Qin Sheng and Qin Yu, the siblings, lagged behind, remaining silent the entire way.
The carriage stopped, and Qin Yu jumped down first, then picked up his younger sister and carried her down.
There were many people at the entrance of the Qin residence, including Qin's father and mother, the Qin family patriarch and uncles, aunts and uncles, cousins and brothers.
Everyone's face carried varying degrees of kindness, which deeply moved Qin Sheng.
The whole family sat down at several tables for a meal. After sitting with the elders for a while, Qin Sheng returned to her own courtyard.
This is the courtyard where she lived before she got married, called Qiushuixuan. There is an old banyan tree in the courtyard, and there is a swing on the tree. It was made by Qin Yu for Qin Sheng when she came of age.
Almost nothing has changed in Qiushui Pavilion; everything is still the same as it was before she got married.
"Madam---" Qiao'er poured Qin Sheng a cup of tea with a smile, then slapped herself on the face, "Oh dear, I can't call you Madam anymore, I have to call you Lady."
Qin Sheng smiled, seemingly unconcerned.
The maids in the courtyard were all newly assigned. In addition to the two head maids, Qiao'er and Emerald, there were four second-class maids and four third-class maids.
Qin Sheng sat for a while, then felt a little sleepy, so he asked Qiao'er and Emerald to help him to bed for a nap.
...
Yin Mansion.
After the lady left, the household affairs are still temporarily managed by Concubine Lin. She was summoned by the old lady and upon her return, she immediately had the side rooms next to Songliu Courtyard prepared for Concubine Ye's mother to live in.
Speaking of this matter, not only Aunt Lin, but everyone else found it very strange.
This Aunt Ye has had a rather unfortunate fate. After being sent out of the mansion, everyone thought she probably wouldn't come back.
Who knew---
Not only did she return, but she also brought her mother with her, and the old lady treated her with even greater kindness and warmth than before.
Moreover, looking across the entire Xiang Dynasty, which concubine lives with her mother at her husband's house? It's laughable!
Although the old lady only said that the lady was a relative of Aunt Ye, they were mother and daughter after all, and you could tell from their eyes and expressions.
The old lady and the old man are really confused!
Aunt Lin was a sentimental person, and she felt that the lady would definitely have a better life after leaving the Yin family.
In the garden.
While Xuemei was taking a walk in the garden with her maid, enjoying the nice weather, she saw Ye Jiaoniang coming towards her.
"You look quite well. If this baby is a boy, you'll definitely be considered a mother who has gained status because of her son," Ye Jiaoniang said.
"..."
Xuemei was a little unsure of what she meant, so she paused and said, "Then I'll take Aunt Ye's good wishes with me."
Ye Jiaoniang looked at her and chatted with her casually.
She looked different from before; it was as if she had kept all her worries buried deep inside, not letting anyone see a trace of them.
Ye Jiaoniang broke off a sprig of plum blossom, gently sniffed it, and then handed the flower to Xuemei.
She said, "We're both concubines, so we should be even closer."
Xuemei held the delicate plum blossoms in her hand, feeling both puzzled and wary, but her face remained expressionless.
She dared not underestimate this person.
No one knows what tricks Ye Jiaoniang has up her sleeve, but she's now the apple of the old lady's eye in the mansion.
Xuemei smiled and said, "That's true."
Ye Jiaoniang took her hand and glanced at the maid beside her, "You all wait here and don't come over. I need to say a few words to Aunt Mei."
"..."
The two maids looked at each other in confusion. Before Xue Mei could speak, Ye Jiao Niang had already pulled her aside. Xue Mei instinctively covered her stomach with one hand.
There were several canna lilies nearby.
Ye Jiaoniang released Xuemei and said, "Aren't you puzzled by the Lord and the Old Madam's attitude towards me?"
"Nothing in this world happens without a reason. This matter concerns my background."
"What's your background?"
Ye Jiaoniang hesitated for a moment, but still said, "About nineteen years ago, the late Emperor Hui visited the Hushan area incognito. My mother was a famous beauty at the time and was given to Emperor Hui by the local officials."
"!!!"
Xuemei, quick-witted, blurted out, "Then wouldn't you be a princess—" She didn't dare to say the word "princess," her charming eyes widening in surprise.
No wonder, no wonder...
Xuemei's expression suddenly changed drastically. Everything flashed through her mind like a revolving lantern, and she finally understood.
I see, I see!
That means that the old lady's maid, Granny Shi, went to the black market to buy that poison, really to harm the lady!
For the sake of the Earl's and the Yin family's reputation, the old lady did not want the Earl and Madam to divorce. She wanted Madam to die secretly without anyone knowing...
Then---
Despite the freezing weather, Xue Mei's back suddenly broke out in a layer of sweat.
A princess? This Ye Jiaoniang is actually a princess?!
If that's the case, then once she's recognized as a member of the family, wouldn't the Earl become... the Prince Consort?
What should she do then?
Xuemei instinctively raised her hand to protect her stomach, and couldn't help but think of the child Ye Jiaoniang had lost due to miscarriage...
"Xuemei, are you willing to help me?" Ye Jiaoniang suddenly grabbed her hand, her eyes burning with desire, and said, "As long as you are willing to help me, when you give birth to the Earl's eldest son, you will be the mistress of this Yin family. I will never compete with you for him."
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