The King of Qin, Nangong Yu, personally went to the city gates to receive someone, and it was a woman of celestial beauty. He then brought her directly back to the Qin King's mansion. This news spread like wildfire, and within a short time, it was known throughout the capital.
Many people waited outside the Qin King's mansion. Bets were even placed on when the young lady would be kicked out. However, this time, they were disappointed. Not only was the King of Qin extremely attentive to this woman, but he also specifically bought two maids to attend to her. It was known that within the inner court of the Qin King's mansion, there were no maids, let alone any women. Now, not only had a woman moved in, but she also had maids serving her.
"Has Princess Yongning fallen out of favor?" someone inquired.
"That's the wrong way to put it. It's His Highness the King of Qin who is about to fall out of favor. His Highness the King of Qin is about to be removed from Princess Yongning's potential suitors list."
"See, I told you. Princess Yongning's husband will be none other than Minister Wen. Look how often Minister Wen visits the General's mansion; their relationship must be very good."
"I was more hopeful about the King of Qin. Last year on Qixi Festival, the King of Qin and Princess Yongning offered flowers together. They looked like a perfect match, a divine couple. It's truly regretful to see them like this now."
"Bah, what regretful?" someone spat. "Did you forget? The Great General said that Princess Yongning's husband must not take any concubines and can only marry Princess Yongning for his entire life. As a prince, how could His Highness the King of Qin marry only one woman? Judging by this, it seems Minister Wen is close to good news. Haha, luckily I bet on Minister Wen. Minister Wen is a hot favorite on this suitors list now!"
"I heard Princess Yongning's health has not been very good, and she hasn't gone out much since returning to the capital."
"I even went to the General's wife's medical clinic to ask. They said the General's wife is personally attending to Princess Yongning's health, and Princess Yongning will surely be safe and sound."
"Right, who exactly is this beauty who entered the Qin King's mansion?"
"You don't know about this?"
"You do?" Everyone gathered around, asking curiously. "Is it a scam?"
"Who's scamming?" the person said confidently. "My neighbor Niu Er's brother works for the Qin King's mansion, emptying the night pots. I heard him say that the young lady is the orphaned daughter of His Highness the King of Qin's old subordinate. That general died saving His Highness the King of Qin."
"A life-saving grace, one must repay with one's life. No wonder." Everyone suddenly understood. With a life at stake, Princess Yongning would likely be unable to compete.
While rumors flew outside, the General's mansion remained tranquil. The second daughter, Xiao Xiang, stood outside Shuiyue Xiaozhu, her expression wistful. Xiao Man had returned to the mansion some days ago, and she came every day, only to be turned away. It wasn't just her; even the Old Madam was denied entry.
"Miss, the eldest young lady is unwell and needs quiet rest. The General has ordered that she should not be disturbed. We should go back first," Yuanyang said cautiously.
Xiao Xiang looked at the closed door, a deep bewilderment in her eyes. She wanted to know how Xiao Man was, but she couldn't see her. If it weren't for the many hidden guards inside Shuiyue Xiaozhu, she would have wanted to climb over the wall to see.
"Is the eldest young lady still not seeing anyone?" the Third Concubine said, swaying her hips as she approached. "In my opinion, she's truly not well. I heard that when the General brought her back that day, she was covered in blood..."
"Concubine, do not speak nonsense." Xiao Xiang glanced at the Third Concubine, her gaze returning to the door of Shuiyue Xiaozhu, which showed no signs of opening. "What exactly is wrong with elder sister? Why doesn't she even want to see us?"
"Oh, second sister, still being shut out by elder sister?" Xiao Ting ran over, circling Xiao Xiang. "Second sister is quite persistent."
"Have you finished your homework assigned by the tutor, fourth sister? Be careful Concubine Lin hits your hand," Xiao Xiang said coldly. "After the New Year, you'll be fourteen. Once you come of age, you'll be betrothed."
Xiao Ting smiled broadly. "Don't worry, second sister. My marriage is my concubine's concern."
"Your concubine likely can't manage it," Xiao Xiang said slowly. "Don't you know that a concubine's marriage requires the Lady's approval? Even if grandmother dotes on you, your marriage still needs the Lady's nod."
Xiao Ting rolled her eyes at Xiao Xiang. "You, an old maiden who can't get married, are worried about other people's marriages."
"You wretched girl, what nonsense are you spouting? Do you believe I'll tear your mouth apart!" The Third Concubine, upon hearing Xiao Ting call Xiao Xiang an old maiden who couldn't get married, became instantly displeased and stepped forward to make a move. Xiao Xiang quickly held her back.
Seeing this, Xiao Ting took off running, looking back and making faces. The Third Concubine trembled with anger, shaking off Xiao Xiang's hand. "She said that to you, and you can tolerate it?"
"What else can I do? She is my sister and is favored by grandmother. If you truly hit her, it would be insubordination. Even as a concubine, she is still a master."
The Third Concubine's eyes reddened. "Even you think I'm a slave?"
"Concubine, please stop making a fuss, okay?" Xiao Xiang had a headache. The Third Concubine was not very capable but had a strong sense of pride. Before, with Xiao Man keeping her in check, she didn't dare to act rashly. Now that Xiao Man was in decline and not managing affairs, she was starting to court disaster again.
"How am I making a fuss? I'm fighting for you." The Third Concubine wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. "I am your mother. How can I stand by and watch others mistreat you? Look at us, mother and daughter; anyone can bully us now. Elder sister doesn't care about us, and who knows, one day we might end up like the Fourth Concubine, driven mad for no reason!"
Speaking of the Fourth Concubine, a flicker of doubt crossed Xiao Xiang's eyes. The Fourth Concubine had inexplicably gone mad, and the mansion didn't dare to make a fuss about it, treating her like a useless person. But how could a normal person suddenly go mad? And the timing of the Fourth Concubine's madness was too coincidental; it happened right after their father woke up.
"The Fourth Concubine was always alone; perhaps there were already signs, but we didn't notice. Alright, let's not argue here. Let's go back first." Xiao Xiang pulled the Third Concubine and walked back.
The Third Concubine was unhappy but dared not trouble Shuiyue Xiaozhu. Even if the person in Shuiyue Xiaozhu was not doing well, she was still the General's darling, and even the Old Madam could not touch her.
"By the way, a few days ago, the Old Madam sent the eldest young lady into the palace. What was her intention?" the Third Concubine asked in a low voice. She hadn't forgotten how the eldest young lady was detained in the palace and severely tormented by the Empress Dowager.
"Some things are better not to know, and some things are better not to hear," Xiao Xiang reminded the Third Concubine. "Concubine, I can't always be by your side to remind you. You should also learn to be more composed."
The Third Concubine pouted. "I was just curious. After all, it's not the first day that the eldest young lady and the Old Madam haven't gotten along. This time, the Old Madam used the Empress Dowager to deal with the eldest young lady. The General must resent her greatly in his heart."
Xiao Xiang shook her head, somewhat disapproving of the Third Concubine's schadenfreude. In the end, she said nothing.