Wang Qingyao and Xiao Yun did not return to Kangping Courtyard but went directly to the night market. They went to the Zhouqiao Night Market, which was close to home.
However, they didn't have much fun.
On the surface, she was the principal wife whose husband had just taken four beautiful concubines. Going to the night market was just for show. If she lingered too long, Xiao Yun, that sensitive fellow, would be unhappy.
So, they only browsed for a while and bought a few random things.
Then, she sighed and pretended to be unhappy, saying, "Forget it, let's go back."
Xiao Yun found a sense of presence and being cared for. He served her diligently, tried to make her happy, bought many things, and swore to the heavens that his heart belonged only to her and he would never touch other women.
Wang Qingyao's face "finally" showed a smile.
That night was naturally filled with passion and affection.
The next day, they woke up late, feeling sore all over. Xiao Yun went to the Ministry of Revenue early in the morning and specifically instructed Yin Zhu and the others not to wake her.
When Wang Qingyao opened her eyes, it was already bright daylight. However, the courtyard was quiet, not a sound to be heard. She assumed they were being careful not to disturb her and had deliberately lowered their voices.
Wang Qingyao raised her voice, and Yin Zhu and Zhi Zi entered, lifting the curtain. Wang Qingyao asked, "What time is it?"
Yin Zhu's face was beaming, "It's the main hour of Chen."
Wang Qingyao internally exclaimed, "Wo cao!" The main hour of Chen was eight o'clock. In ancient times, for a wife to wake up at eight o'clock was a great offense. If the Old Imperial Concubine knew, she would probably gossip about her being lazy and gluttonous behind her back.
Yin Zhu grinned as she helped her dress. Wang Qingyao glanced at her and asked, "What good news is there that you're so happy?"
Yin Zhu nodded towards the outside with her mouth, a smile on her face, and said, "Those four are still waiting outside."
Wang Qingyao internally exclaimed, "Wo cao!" again. She had been too engrossed in last night's fun and had forgotten about the four beauties. As she thought this, she sped up her washing and dressing.
Yin Zhu added, "They came very early. They arrived before the Prince even left. Who knows if they timed it perfectly? Fortunately, our Prince's heart is only with Her Majesty, and he didn't even glance at those four."
In Yin Zhu's tone, there was disdain and contempt for the four beauties, as well as immense pride in their master.
The mark on her face from Yun Zhu's slap had not completely faded. Wang Qingyao intended to give her a few days off, but she didn't care. She was determined to repay Wang Qingyao's life-saving grace and worked even more diligently than before. She also harbored intense animosity towards the four beauties bestowed by the Emperor to share Wang Qingyao's favor.
Wang Qingyao glanced towards the door, "Those four won't be standing outside all the time, will they?"
Speaking of this, Yin Zhu was a little displeased, "I intended to do so, but Granny Nian wouldn't allow it. She invited them into the side hall and is having them served with good food and drink."
Wang Qingyao nodded with satisfaction. As expected, Granny Nian was the more sensible one.
She lectured Yin Zhu, "These four were not given by just anyone; they were bestowed by the Emperor, the current Emperor. If others find out how we treat people granted by the Emperor, what will they think? Those who wish us ill might even accuse us of disrespecting the Emperor!"
Yin Zhu's face turned pale upon hearing this, and she stammered, "I, I, I..."
"Be polite to them in the future," Wang Qingyao said. "It's not as if the Ding'an Prince's mansion cannot afford to support four more people."
"Yes." Yin Zhu looked as if she had lost her parents.
Wang Qingyao finished getting ready, had a simple breakfast, and then went to the side hall to meet the four beauties.
As soon as the four beauties saw Wang Qingyao arrive, they nervously stood up.
These four were different from the four maids Bai Shi had chosen.
The four chosen by Bai Shi were all from poor families, sold to a matchmaker with the intention of becoming maids in wealthy households.
These four, however, were descendants of disgraced officials, punished and sent to the brothel to become courtesans and dancers. Their demeanor was different from the four chosen by Bai Shi.
Wang Qingyao was very amiable and immediately gestured for them to sit down.
The four sat down with trepidation. Wang Qingyao smiled, "You don't need to be so formal. The rules here are the most relaxed. From now on, we will be good sisters. Let's get along well."
The four quickly replied, "We dare not."
Wang Qingyao inquired carefully about their backgrounds. Huang Shiyu and Bian Siyue were both descendants of civil officials, while Jiang Jing and Qian Yu were descendants of military officials. They were all implicated in a rebellion case during the previous emperor's reign, from that same batch.
That rebellion case could only be mentioned, not spoken of directly. The four thought Wang Qingyao knew, but she actually didn't. She couldn't ask and had to pretend to understand.
"I have discussed with the Old Imperial Concubine, and you four will be first conferred the title of Ruren. After giving birth to heirs, you will be conferred titles accordingly. The Purple Thistle Tower is also a bit far, so you will all move to Kangping Courtyard to keep me company."
The four looked shocked. Huang Shiyu said after a moment of silence, "Actually, I quite like tranquility."
Oh, this one doesn't want to compete for favor.
Bian Siyue chuckled. Her laughter was pure, but it inexplicably made one's heart shiver.
Jiang Jing and Qian Yu said, "As the Princess Consort commands."
These two spoke in a serious tone, their eyes somewhat similar, carrying a heroic and crisp demeanor.
All four had distinct personalities, which Wang Qingyao found very likable.
She suddenly felt like a KTV madam with a group of fallen women under her.