A concubine who does not strive is not a good concubine

  As if laughing at his own embarrassment, "No matter how much my brother loves me, it's the sisters-in-law who are really in charge. What kind of logic is it to lock up official business and have a younger sister like me take care of it while leaving the sisters-in-law idle? This is completely upside down."

  Yu Xue's heart was filled with surprise, her chest slightly racing, but she obediently said: "However, Miss Guan's housekeeping skills are indeed impressive. Yu Xue can't compare to that. I'll just focus on serving Master properly, other matters...can only trouble you to take care of them, Miss."

  Ruyue smiled and said, "Sister-in-law is also too self-deprecating. A few days ago, a letter came from the capital, and our family has already arranged a marriage for brother. I believe that soon, the new sister-in-law will arrive in Datong. As a younger sister, it's better for me to stay out of brother and sister-in-law's affairs. So, regarding the salary of the servants in the mansion, please take care of it yourself, sister-in-law. However, I had previously promised something to the servants, so please help me fulfill that promise." Ruyue spoke with a smile from start to finish, seemingly very happy about the engagement between Yizhi and Chengying. She was also very friendly and respectful towards Yuexue, and her words showed affection for the new sister-in-law who would soon take office. Yuexue listened, her hands in her sleeves almost tearing her handkerchief apart.

  She couldn't tell which of his words were true, which were false, and which were just probing. In the days since they had clashed several times, from open conflict to secret struggle, she was not his match, first of all in speech she could not gain the upper hand, and privately she could not find a place to trip him up.

  She appears gentle and easy-going, but has a way of managing those under her that inspires fear. She doesn't hit, scold or punish, yet those under her are terrified of her. When she can no longer use her usual tactics to manipulate those under her, her only recourse is to turn against Zhiyi. Unfortunately, Zhiyi is someone who is oblivious to everything except his sister, and has no regard for anyone else's existence. All Ruoxi can do is grit her teeth and endure. She had thought that she could just lay low and avoid trouble, but now her husband is going to take a new wife, and Ruoxi is defending the new woman in front of her, without even speaking up for her. How can she bear this?

  The new wife is good or bad she doesn't know, but seeing the situation like this maintaining expectations, gnashing teeth, it's the last resort.

  Chao Yun was startled when she heard her plan and hastily waved her hand: "Sister, don't be foolish, this won't work. Don't you know the old master's temperament? He has always been a man of his word, if you do this, aren't you afraid of angering him?" Chao Yun anxiously tried to persuade her further, "Sister, I know you're not resigned to your fate, from being a noble lady to becoming a servant who has to endure the whims of others. Previously, the old master and mistress had promised us sisters that if we served with dedication, they would give us a title. Sister, considering our status, even being made a concubine is not bad. Could it be that you still harbor hopes of being made the official wife?"

  Yan Xue laughed coldly: "Why can't I? Before my family's decline, I was also a pampered young lady from a noble family. Now, look at what I've become! Even a mere concubine-born daughter can trample me underfoot. I refuse to accept it! As an official's daughter, why must I always be at the mercy of others, suffering humiliation and being treated like dirt? Why does she get to enjoy everything while I'm left with nothing? Chao Yun, I won't accept it, I simply won't!"

  Chao Yun gazed at her for a long time, then said softly: "You don't accept it, what can you do? Circumstances are stronger than people. Even if you don't accept it, what can you change?"

  Yu Xue sat on the purple gauze bed, twisting her handkerchief for a long time. Suddenly, she set her jaw: "Didn't Zhang Niang rely on this trick to enjoy the favor of thousands back then? My looks aren't inferior to hers. There's no reason why she could succeed and I can only fail."

  Chao Yun sighed again, "Do you want to compare with Zhang Niang? But, the old master is not the old lady, after all."

  Yu Xue fell silent for a moment, then said: "It won't be like that. It's certain to succeed. Men have always placed great importance on their offspring. Once the new wife enters the house, I'll use the child in my belly to compete with her."

  Chao Yun shook his head, "What's the point? Once the new wife enters the house, she is the legitimate wife. What can you use to compete with her? Just because of the child in your belly? I think it's difficult."

  "It's hard to say, but back then, didn't Zhang's wife use the child in her belly to squeeze out Madame Li until she was almost blown away? If it weren't for Old Lady, I reckon Madame Li would have been beaten to death long ago."

  Morning clouds saw her persuasion did not move, only helplessly sighed, "Zhang Niangniang is still a concubine no matter how strong she is. Sister, listen to my advice, don't do stupid things. Even if you really fought against the new wife, Master will not make you his legitimate wife. Do you know that in a family like Fang's, there is no way to let a servant become the mistress."

  Yu Xue fell silent for a moment, then gritted her teeth and said, "This won't do, that won't do, is it really going to be like this for the rest of my life?" Seeing Chao Yun's anxious expression, she continued to find excuses, trying to persuade her, as well as herself, "How can we know the outcome if we don't try? Don't worry, I won't fight a battle without confidence."

  Chao Yun sighed, "You can't even beat Fourth Miss, yet you dare to think of beating the new mistress? I think you're overestimating yourself."

  His face fell, and he couldn't help but let out a cold laugh: "Who said that? I'm not saying I can't beat her, it's just that I don't deign to fight with her. If she dares to block my way, I'll make sure she gets what's coming to her."

  Digression

  Sisters, come and tie up quickly, welcome to stay, one person one fragrant kiss, kisses~