Chapter 73: Xing Dairong’s Strategy Against Lady Qin

Chapter 73: Xing Dairong's Strategy Against Lady Qin

Just the sight of Xing Dairong is annoying.

Back then, because of her, Lady Qin had several confrontations with Cheng Yunshuo. How could she possibly have a good attitude?

If Xing Dairong didn't have a child, she would have long since been kicked out, no, directly killed.

Someone who can't see their own status and position.

Hearing Lady Qin's harsh tone, a trace of hatred flashed in Xing Dairong's eyes, and her lowered face became even more respectful. "Lady Qin is right; it's Dairong's fault."

"Since you're wrong, stand for half an hour as punishment."

Lady Qin gave her no way out and continued to tidy up.

She wasn't treating Xing Dairong like Lu Lingyun; she was truly treating her as she should be treated.

She picked up her embroidery again, pretending that Xing Dairong wasn't even in the room, and continued chatting and embroidering with Lu Lingyun.

"Lingyun, your embroidery skills are truly remarkable."

"In the past, I used to embroider to pass the time."

"I can't learn it. Even when I was a young lady at home and they hired someone to teach me, I couldn't learn it." Lady Qin could only manage the simplest patterns; anything more complex was beyond her.

However, Lady Qin was the daughter of a national duke and would eventually become the mistress of a household. Embroidery was merely a pastime for her.

There was no need to put much effort into it.

If she could easily embroider something, it would make her sufficiently happy.

Her words reached Xing Dairong's ears, and a glint flashed in her eyes.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Xing Dairong let out an "ouch," and her body swayed slightly. Qiukui hurriedly went to support her.

Their commotion caught Lady Qin's attention, and she looked up with dissatisfaction. Before she could speak, Xing Dairong said,

"I'm fine. I can still stand. Don't let Lady Qin think I'm being overly dramatic."

Lady Qin sneered. This little trick wouldn't fool her, but Xing Dairong was a concubine of the next generation, carrying her son's child. She glanced at Xing Dairong. "Fine, sit down."

Xing Dairong quickly thanked Lady Qin. "Thank you, Lady Qin."

After sitting down, Lady Qin began lecturing her. "You are now a concubine in this household. I won't hold your past against you, but you must acknowledge and correct your mistakes."

"Yes, Dairong understands."

"As a concubine, you must follow the rules. You are not allowed to seduce the Prince anymore."

"Yes, Dairong understands."

"You must respect the young mistress and never defy her."

"Yes."

Several affirmative responses surprised Lu Lingyun.

How could a month of confinement really change her so much?

Lu Lingyun looked at Xing Dairong, who was now sitting properly, and realized that she no longer saw any trace of her former self.

But the tight grip of Xing Dairong's hand hidden under her sleeve betrayed a hint of her inner resentment.

Lady Qin was also surprised by Xing Dairong's temperament.

She hadn't seen her often before, as Cheng Yunshuo had protected her closely. The few times she tried to discipline her, she remembered Xing Dairong as a rebellious woman who openly defied her.

Her crude and rebellious nature made Lady Qin frown deeply, especially since she came from a brothel. Lady Qin despised her greatly.

But now, seeing Xing Dairong's obedient demeanor, Lady Qin was quite surprised.

After agreeing to everything, Lady Qin lost interest in making things difficult for her. "Fine, you're pregnant, so go back and rest. Don't cause trouble anymore."

"Yes, Lady Qin." Xing Dairong rose gracefully, bowed to Lady Qin, and left with Qiukui.

After they left, Lady Qin frowned slightly. "I really don't know what Shuo sees in her."

"Perhaps the Prince just likes her," Lu Lingyun said with a faint smile.

The next day, Lu Lingyun went to Lady Qin's room as usual. Before entering, she heard laughter and Xing Dairong's voice inside.

A maid lifted the curtain for Lu Lingyun and informed her, "Concubine Xing is here again."

Lu Lingyun nodded. Upon entering, she saw Lady Qin sitting on a soft couch in the main hall, with Xing Dairong standing nearby.

Xing Dairong was close to Lady Qin, who was working on embroidery. Xing Dairong pointed at the pattern and said, "Yes, yes, exactly like this."

"Lady Qin, look, isn't this method convenient?"

Lady Qin looked at the handkerchief. "It is quite interesting."

At that moment, she noticed Lu Lingyun approaching and called out, "Lingyun, you've come just in time. Come take a look."

"What is it?"

Lu Lingyun walked up to Lady Qin and leaned in to take a closer look. She saw an unusually novel embroidery piece. The fabric was covered with grids, each containing a pattern, and Lady Qin was embroidering them in a cross-stitch manner. With just a few stitches, she had already formed the shape of a flower.

This looked playful and simple, quite different from traditional embroidery, yet it was straightforward and intriguing.

"This is called cross-stitch, something I developed specially," Xing Dairong said proudly.

Lu Lingyun lifted her head and met Xing Dairong's sparkling eyes.

Her eyes had regained some of their former vitality—arrogance, pride, and disdain.

"Chunhe, this seems suitable for me," Lady Qin said.

Lu Lingyun agreed, "I think so too. It's simple and much better than those complicated stitching techniques."

"That's for sure," Xing Dairong chimed in.

This time, Lady Qin didn't scold her for talking back; instead, she asked her to come over and show her how to do it. "How should I stitch this part?"

Hearing Lady Qin engage with her, Xing Dairong leaned down to demonstrate, guiding her hands and fingers. "Madam, you can jump to the back like this, like this."

Lady Qin listened attentively.

While teaching, Xing Dairong shot Lu Lingyun a glance filled with pride and challenge.

She had improved significantly, hiding it well, but still couldn't escape Lu Lingyun's notice.

Lu Lingyun smiled at her gaze. "Mother, I have accounts to review. If there's nothing else, I'll go back and sort them out."

"Go ahead."

Lady Qin didn't even look up.

Xing Dairong's smug expression grew stronger.

After leaving Lady Qin, Chunhe followed Lu Lingyun.

"Madam, that vixen seems up to no good. She probably sees Madam has returned and wants to gain some favor."

Lu Lingyun responded, "Let her be."

She remained indifferent.

Because, after all, tricks and schemes were only temporary; true strength lay in one's own capabilities.

No matter how likable Xing Dairong was, she would always be seen as a mere plaything by others.

Returning to her courtyard, Lu Lingyun resumed her duties, firmly holding onto the power within the marquisate. Then, a maid came to report.

"Madam, Lady Li from Duke Xu's Mansion has sent a message."

Lu Lingyun had previously told Li Niyue to seek her help if she faced difficulties managing the household.

It hadn't been long, and here it was.

"Let me see."

Lu Lingyun took the letter from the maid and unfolded it. It was Li Niyue's handwriting.

Apart from the initial pleasantries, she mentioned a significant problem she was facing.

She lacked charcoal.