Chapter 45 Entering the Manor II “Adapt quickly to your new status.”…

Chapter 45: Entering the Marquis's Mansion 2 "You'd best adapt to your new status quickly..."

The carriage halted at the west gate of Brocade Tower, just as two embroideresses were returning. Startled by the sight of such a grand carriage, they froze, then excitedly whispered, "Which noble has arrived now?"

A well-dressed man alighted—it was Lord Wen Song, Marquis Shen's aide! Their excited demeanor instantly shifted to respectful deference.

It was understandable; though Marquis Shen had visited twice, they had never seen his carriage. Assuming the passenger was the Marquis himself, they stood properly, unconsciously smoothing their hair.

When they looked up again, they were stunned.

"Rong Rong!" they exclaimed. Confirming Marquis Shen was not present and only Rong Rong had stepped down, they rushed over. "How did you get out of that carriage? You..."

Yue Rongrong blushed with embarrassment, speechless for a moment, offering only a smile.

Wen Song stood respectfully nearby. "Miss, I will come to escort you to the mansion tomorrow morning. I will personally explain everything to Manager Xu."

Yue Rongrong softly acknowledged him.

Wen Song glanced at the two embroideresses and gave a slight nod. "Farewell."

The two embroideresses curtsied in return. "Safe journey, sir."

As soon as Wen Song departed, they turned to see Yue Rongrong already entering the building. Exchanging a look, they immediately flanked her, linking arms.

"Rong Rong, what's going on? Are you going to the Marquis's mansion again tomorrow? Did the Marquis ask you to do something?"

Yes, to become a concubine. A chill ran through Yue Rongrong's heart. After struggling for so long, she had still reached this point...

Suddenly, she thought, if she hadn't been so resolute back then, if she had just made a fuss and agreed to follow Shen Jichen back to the capital, perhaps many things wouldn't have happened. Brother Qu wouldn't have borrowed usurious loans because of her prolonged illness, wouldn't have been arrested and beaten, and all the subsequent events wouldn't have occurred. Back then, Brother Qu and the Tofu Beauty from Gusu were already getting along...

"Rong Rong, Rong Rong? And you haven't been back for two days—were you with Marquis Shen?"

Yue Rongrong's thoughts were pulled back. Looking at the two curious faces, she wearily pleaded, "I'm so tired. I want to rest. Please, sisters, let me go for now."

With that, she quickened her pace, returning to her room ahead of them and closing the door.

The two embroideresses sighed in disappointment. "Rong Rong!"

"What are you two doing standing here?" Zhong Yu asked curiously as she approached. Suddenly, her eyes lit up. "Has Rong Rong returned?" She was about to knock but was stopped by the two embroideresses.

"Rong Rong is back, but she doesn't seem to want to see anyone or talk much."

On the day of the apprenticeship banquet, Zhong Yu grew worried when Yue Rongrong hadn't returned by evening. She went to Yi Jiang Nan to look for her but couldn't get in. She had to wait outside to catch a servant and, after much persuasion, learned that the apprenticeship banquet had been ruined...

She returned but still didn't see Yue Rongrong. She searched everywhere, even going to the Wei residence, but found no trace of her. She even went to the Marquis's mansion, but the servants there also said they hadn't seen Miss Yue. She thought of asking Shen Jichen for help, having seen his anxious and concerned demeanor before. She was certain he would help, but the gatekeeper said the Marquis was in a bad mood and refused to see anyone.

She had no choice but to return. After searching for two more days, she was about to report to the authorities! Who would have thought Rong Rong would return now! Overjoyed, she decided to leave for the time being upon hearing the embroideresses' words.

Just then, the door opened. Yue Rongrong called out, "Zhong Yu, come in!"

Zhong Yu turned around happily and hurried into the room under the envious gazes of the two embroideresses.

The door closed again. The two embroideresses walked back and ran into Du Yan and Zhang Jing, who were returning from the embroidery workshop.

"What are you two whispering about?" Du Yan asked with a smile.

"Rong Rong is back."

Zhang Jing was delighted. "Rong Rong is back? I'll go see her."

The two embroideresses stopped her. "Forget it. Aside from Zhong Yu, she doesn't want to see anyone else."

Du Yan sneered. "You're just offering warmth to someone who doesn't care. After sharing a room for so long, she still doesn't regard you highly."

Zhang Jing flushed with embarrassment. "I just wanted to ask where she's been these past two days!"

Du Yan was full of disdain. "Where else could she have been, staying out all night? Who knows which wild man she went with!"

The two embroideresses hurriedly covered her mouth in fright, widening their eyes and whispering, "Don't talk nonsense!"

Du Yan disdainfully pushed their hands away. "What are you doing!"

The two embroideresses lowered their voices. "Rong Rong came back in Marquis Shen's carriage!"

Zhang Jing widened her eyes in shock, covering her lips as she looked at them in disbelief.

Du Yan also froze, a flash of jealousy and resentment in her eyes. She sneered, "She usually acts so aloof, but in the end, she still rushed to offer herself. Now she's back—who knows what the Marquis thinks of her? Used and discarded." She laughed coldly.

The two embroideresses hesitated for a moment, wanting to mention that Lord Wen Song would personally pick up Rong Rong tomorrow. But seeing Du Yan's cold expression and knowing they had never gotten along, they decided it was better not to say much. They made an excuse and hurried away, thinking everyone would find out tomorrow anyway.

Du Yan snorted coldly and turned to go to Ren Hanzhen's room. Ren Hanzhen was already able to lie on her side, her expression indifferent.

Actually, Du Yan and Ren Hanzhen were quite similar. That grand wedding banquet had indeed been attended by many nobles, but Du Yan hadn't found any opportunities and could only return to Brocade Tower. Seeing Ren Hanzhen in such a state, she felt a great deal of sympathy. When there were no conflicts of interest, they were quite close.

In Yue Rongrong's room, Zhong Yu was stunned, unable to regain her senses for a long time. She stared blankly at Yue Rongrong, who grew increasingly embarrassed under her gaze, her cheeks slightly flushed as she hid behind a cup of water.

After a long while, Zhong Yu seemed to remember how to breathe again. She let out a heavy sigh, snatched the cup from Yue Rongrong's hand, drank the remaining water in one gulp, poured another cup, and drank it too. Finally coming to her senses, she whipped her head around to look at Yue Rongrong. "You're saying you're going to live in the Marquis's mansion from now on, that you've become Marquis Shen's person? I thought you wouldn't..." She abruptly cut herself off, swallowing the words "wouldn't become a concubine." Since it was already a done deal, there was no need to say it and upset Rong Rong further.

Zhong Yu was someone who easily accepted reality and believed that everything happened for a reason.

Hearing her unspoken words, Yue Rongrong smiled bitterly inwardly. She turned to look out the window, her heart filled with unease about the unknown.

Zhong Yu looked at her—her jade-like face carried a hint of unease and helplessness in her eyes. For a moment, Zhong Yu was mesmerized, clicking her tongue. No wonder even the iron-hearted Marquis Shen couldn't resist this look.

Suddenly, she grew anxious again and jumped up. "Zhen Xi is gone, and now you're leaving too. That means I'll be all alone..." She frowned deeply.

Just as Yue Rongrong was about to comfort her, Zhong Yu suddenly smiled and sat back down. "It's fine. Once I make the selection, I'll be leaving too. Last time I went to Wanfo Temple and drew a top-tier fortune slip! The great monk said that as long as I am kind to others in the coming year, I'll achieve great wealth and honor! Hahaha!"

She raised an eyebrow at Yue Rongrong, full of confidence.

Yue Rongrong was amused by her and remembered Zhen Xi. "Do you have any news of Zhen Xi?"

Zhong Yu paused for a moment before smiling. "I went to the Cai mansion to inquire. I heard she had a very hard time when she first entered the mansion. Vice Minister Cai has many concubines and attendants. She didn't want to see me. But now I hear she's doing well and has become Vice Minister Cai's beloved concubine."

In just those two sentences, both of them sensed the difficulties Zhen Xi had faced.

Seeing Yue Rongrong frowning with worry, Zhong Yu thought she was also concerned about her own situation and playfully comforted her, "But fortunately, Marquis Shen doesn't have all those messy women in his mansion, and he's nothing like Vice Minister Cai!"

Yue Rongrong went along with her. "Right, right. At least his looks are passable."

Zhong Yu raised an eyebrow. "They're more than passable! I've never seen a man more handsome than the Marquis! No loss, no loss." She laughed heartily and patted Yue Rongrong's shoulder.

Yue Rongrong was infected by her optimistic mood and finally smiled genuinely for the first time in two days. What was done was done. As Zhong Yu had once said, worrying was useless. For Qu Lieshan's safety, she could only try to ease her mind.

Early the next morning, the manager cheerfully entered Cloud Brocade Court and exclaimed, "Congratulations, Miss Rong Rong!"

Yue Rongrong had already woken up and was sitting before the mirror, dressed and made up. Hearing the manager's voice, she felt both embarrassed and annoyed. How was this congratulations!

But the other embroidery maidens had already gathered in the courtyard, surrounding the manager and chattering excitedly, "What great news?"

Manager Xu smiled mysteriously: "Rong Rong is moving to the Marquis’s residence today!"

Du Yan, who had just arrived, halted in her tracks, her face turning pale.

The crowd fell into a stunned silence for a moment before erupting excitedly like fireworks.

"To the Marquis’s residence? Does that mean the Marquis is taking Rong Rong as a concubine?"

At this question, Manager Xu hesitated. Wen Song hadn’t explicitly stated that the Marquis intended to take Rong Rong as a concubine—he’d only said that Rong Rong would be brought into the residence today and would no longer be an embroiderer at Brocade Tower. She was to become a person of status, but what kind of "person" exactly, Wen Song hadn’t clarified.

Uncertain and not wanting to spread rumors, he equivocated, "In any case, from now on, Rong Rong will be an honored person."

Du Yan caught a hint of ambiguity, and her tense expression instantly relaxed into a cold sneer. "Could it be that she’s going to be a servant in the Marquis’s household?"

Everyone turned to look at her as she explained, "Think about it. Even taking a concubine should involve some ceremony. Even commoners like us hold a banquet for such an occasion. Unless the Marquis doesn’t care about Rong Rong at all and is just toying with her for novelty’s sake."

This reasoning seemed plausible...

Just then, a call of "Manager Xu" interrupted their speculations. Wen Song strode in, followed by six maids, all perfectly disciplined.

The manager smiled obsequiously and bowed at the sight of Wen Song. "You’ve arrived." The embroiderers behind him bowed.

Wen Song nodded. "Where is Miss Rong Rong?"

"She’s in her room. Let me take you to her."

As the manager turned, he saw Yue Rongrong and Zhong Yu coming out. Wen Song quickly stepped forward and bowed. "Miss, I am here on the Marquis’s orders to fetch you."

The six maids behind him bowed in unison. "Greetings, Miss Rong Rong."

They addressed her as "Miss Rong Rong," not "Concubine," yet with such respect—this confused everyone at Brocade Tower. In what capacity was Rong Rong entering the Marquis’s residence?

Wen Song said, "Miss, just instruct them regarding any things you want to bring."

Yue Rongrong replied, "I have nothing to take."

Wen Song was momentarily taken aback, then said, "That’s fine. All daily necessities for the miss have already been prepared in the manor."

Zhong Yu, reluctant to part with Yue Rongrong, held her hand, her eyes tearing up. "Take care of yourself."

Yue Rongrong was moved nearly to tears herself.

Wen Song, seeing this, hurriedly said, "Miss, please don’t be sad. If Miss Zhong Yu wishes to see you, she can come to the Marquis’s manor anytime."

Zhong Yu stared through her tears, incredulous. "Really?"

Wen Song nodded, showing respect even to Zhong Yu. "Naturally."

Zhong Yu happily wiped her tears, took Yue Rongrong’s hand, and whispered a phrase she lived by into her ear: "Since it has come to this, accept it calmly."

She feared Yue Rongrong might be too stubborn, especially when dealing with Marquis Shen.

Everyone watched as Yue Rongrong departed. Wen Song, whom everyone showed respect to out of deference for Marquis Shen, followed respectfully behind her, trailed by the six maids. Suddenly, they regarded Yue Rongrong’s retreating figure with newfound respect and wariness.

Du Yan’s eyes flashed with venom before she turned and went to Ren Hanzhen’s room. Ren Hanzhen had just pulled back from the window. Du Yan said indignantly, "Did you see that? That wretch is so pleased with herself now! Marquis Shen must be blind!"

She was almost crazed with jealousy. Fuming, she sat on the edge of Ren Hanzhen’s bed. "I’d rather it were you!"

Ren Hanzhen inwardly sneered—if it had been her, Du Yan would likely say the same. Outwardly, she smiled gently. "Don’t worry about her. Who can say whether this turn is a blessing or a curse? What is Marquis Shen's status, and what is hers? He’ll grow tired of her sooner or later. Without Marquis Shen’s support, what is she? We’re different. The selection is coming soon. Once we’re chosen to enter the palace, won't you be assured of a splendid future?"

Du Yan’s eyes lit up. Entering the palace meant she might even see the Emperor! How could she still care about a mere Marquis? She immediately smiled, though she felt a twinge of unease when she looked at Ren Hanzhen. She turned to pour a cup of water for Ren Hanzhen. "How is your injury?"

Ren Hanzhen replied, "It should be mostly healed by the time of the selection. It shouldn’t affect my embroidery."

Du Yan’s gaze flickered, and she smiled. "That’s wonderful."

Ren Hanzhen took the teacup, smiled meaningfully at her, and lowered her head to drink.

＊＊

Yue Rongrong entered the Marquis’s residence with trepidation, only to find Wen Song leading her directly to the main courtyard. Her steps faltered slightly. Wen Song noticed and glanced back. "Miss, is something wrong?"

Yue Rongrong shook her head and followed. Since she was here, what was there to hesitate about? He had made everything clear yesterday.

Wen Song seemed to understand and said kindly, "The Marquis has gone to his duties."

Upon entering the courtyard, they found it filled with maids and servants, all bowing to Yue Rongrong in unison.

Wen Song said, "These are the servants usually responsible for cleaning the main courtyard. You’ll become familiar with them in time."

He then led Yue Rongrong through the long corridor, past the main hall, and straight into the inner courtyard, guiding her into the west wing of the main residence. As soon as she entered, she saw an easel and scholar's implements set before a floor-to-ceiling window. She stared in awe for a moment.

Wen Song said, "The Marquis personally arranged this for you last night. It faces the spring scenery in the courtyard."

Yue Rongrong walked over and saw that the rice paper and scholar's implements were clearly of superior quality. The pigments were vibrant and true to color, filling her with delight. Looking out the window, she saw a view of flowers drifting and water flowing—a truly beautiful scene. But then a question arose. She turned to Wen Song. "What will I do on a daily basis?"

She needed a general idea to gauge her position.

Wen Song was taken aback by her question and laughed. The two maids who had followed them in also lowered their heads and smiled. Yue Rongrong turned to look at them, and they quickly said, "Please forgive us, Miss."

"It’s fine." Yue Rongrong didn’t mind and looked back at Wen Song.

Wen Song said, "In the mornings, you will help the Marquis dress and join him for meals. When the Marquis returns to the residence, accompany him while he handles official matters. When the Marquis is not here, you may do as you please. You are a mistress of this household; no one would dare say otherwise."

Yue Rongrong said in surprise, "That’s all?"

The two maids behind her stifled giggles.

Wen Song cleared his throat and introduced the two maids. "Miss, these two will attend to you daily. This is Hui Yin, and this is Gu Yu."

Yue Rongrong actually recognized these two maids—they were the ones who had been by her bedside when she woke up after getting drunk last time. She couldn’t help but smile awkwardly.

The two maids also smiled. "Miss, if you need anything, just instruct us."

＊＊

Chun Auntie hurried into the main residence. Shortly after, a commotion arose from within the room. Chun Auntie quickly lifted the Grand Princess’s hand and ordered someone to clean up the overturned teacup. Worried, she said, "Your Highness, be careful not to burn yourself."

"Is this true?" the Grand Princess asked urgently.

Chun Auntie nodded. "The news isn’t widespread, but there are whispers. They say the Marquis personally went to the Empress to request a reward for Miss Zou to celebrate her birthday."

The Grand Princess frowned. "The Zou family? Which Zou family? I have no impression of them."

"No wonder. Her father is only an auxiliary official. He wouldn’t have the status to approach the front during banquets, so Your Highness naturally wouldn’t remember. But the matter isn’t really about Miss Zou." The Grand Princess looked at her, and Chun Auntie continued, "This matter actually traces back to that Miss Xin Yue from Brocade Tower. They say the Marquis did it to stand up for Xin Yue."

"Xin Yue..." The Grand Princess’s expression darkened. "It seems I underestimated this Xin Yue."

"Exactly. That's why I specifically went to Brocade Pavilion earlier to inquire about this Xin Yue. Guess what happened?"

"What happened?" For some reason, the Grand Princess's heart skipped a beat.

Chun Gu said seriously, "She has already entered the Marquis's estate! Just this morning! And it was Wen Song himself who went to fetch her!"

The Grand Princess abruptly stood up, her face darkening, her sleeve fluttering lightly. "Prepare the carriage! To the Marquis's estate. I want to see for myself who this Xin Yue really is!"

The Duke's carriage came to a grand halt in front of the Marquis's residence. All the gate attendants and household guards knelt down, shouting, "Long live Her Highness the Grand Princess!" The Grand Princess paid them no heed, entering the residence with a grim expression, followed by Chun Gu, two elder female servants, and four maidservants.

On the way to the main courtyard, they passed through an apricot grove. Laughter like silver bells rang out, and she paused, taking a few steps into the grove. She saw a young lady standing on a rock, reaching for a dense apricot blossom branch high above. Two maidservants carefully guarded her, calling out, "My lady, please come down. Let us do it."

"It's fine. I used to climb trees when I was little," a delicate, lively voice replied.

The Grand Princess suddenly stiffened. That voice... it sounded so familiar. She unconsciously tightened her grip on Chun Gu's hand.

A moment later, the young lady on the rock finally plucked the apricot blossom branch and turned around, revealing an exquisitely beautiful, radiant face! She stood there, waving the apricot blossom branch in her hand.

The Grand Princess and Chun Gu were both taken aback. The Grand Princess stumbled, leaning into Chun Gu's arm, who hurriedly steadied her.

Yue Rongrong and the other two also noticed someone was there and looked over. Yue Rongrong felt her head spin, the color draining from her face. She had known that entering the residence would mean eventually encountering the Grand Princess, but she hadn't expected it to be so soon. Hui Yin and Gu Yu immediately curtsied. Without anyone supporting her and feeling weak with panic, Yue Rongrong suddenly fell from the rock, her hand striking against another stone.

"Mother!"

An enraged voice rang out. The Grand Princess saw a figure flash before her eyes as Shen Jichen rushed forward to help Yue Rongrong up, his eyes filled with anxiety. When he looked up, his expression was extremely dark.

He helped Yue Rongrong to her feet. She glanced up at him, then quickly lowered her head. Shen Jichen's gaze darkened as he commanded, "Escort the young lady back."

Hui Yin and Gu Yu hurriedly complied, supporting Yue Rongrong as they left. As they passed by the Grand Princess, they heard her cold, sharp command: "Stop!"

Shen Jichen saw Yue Rongrong's back stiffen. His brows furrowed tightly as he said sternly, "Escort the young lady back."

The Grand Princess looked at Shen Jichen with disbelief and fury. She did not insist, waiting until Yue Rongrong had left before she asked sharply, "You're protecting her like this!" Seeing him remain silent, the Grand Princess laughed coldly. "I never thought my son, the renowned Marquis of Wujing, would be so spineless! To end up falling for this woman again! A woman of low status! Have you forgotten how she treated you back then..."

"I haven't forgotten!" Shen Jichen interrupted angrily, his cold eyes fixed on his mother. "But I also want to ask you, Mother, what exactly did you do back then?"

The Grand Princess was momentarily stunned, looking at him with grief and indignation. "You're questioning me? For this woman of low status..."

"How did you know she became of low status?" Shen Jichen's gaze grew colder.

The Grand Princess remained composed. "After she ran off with another man, I naturally investigated!"

"Then how is it you didn't know she had already come to the capital?" Otherwise, given his mother's temperament, Rong Rong would have long been driven out of the capital.

The Grand Princess said coldly, "I underestimated her. I thought that after becoming of low status, she would be utterly despondent! So I didn't have anyone keep an eye on her anymore!"

This explanation seemed plausible. The people Shen Jichen had sent to investigate the events of that year had not yet returned. He was only speculating that his mother might have done something.

"Is that so? Perhaps this matter is related to you," Shen Jichen said slowly.

The Grand Princess's face suddenly paled, her heart aching sharply. "You suspect me? Or are you interrogating me, Minister Shen!"

Shen Jichen looked at his mother's pained expression, and his heart wrenched. He stepped closer to the Grand Princess and said solemnly, "I hope this matter has nothing to do with you." He looked at her. "Mother, stay away from her."

The Grand Princess staggered back a step. Chun Gu hurriedly steadied her and advised earnestly, "Princess, don't confront the Marquis."

"Is it me confronting him? It's him, for that woman, time and again..." She choked up, unable to continue.

Chun Gu said, "Times are different now. The Marquis is no longer the young man he was back then. If things become too strained and he insists on marrying Yue Rongrong, I'm afraid no one will be able to stop him. Princess, perhaps you should yield for now and plan more carefully."

The Grand Princess was so angry she felt dizzy and could no longer think clearly. She could only follow Chun Gu's advice for now. Chun Gu helped her back and sent someone to summon the imperial physician. The Grand Princess gripped her hand and said thoughtfully, "Tomorrow, invite Jia Yan to the residence."

＊＊

Shen Jichen returned to the main courtyard and saw Wen Song waiting there. He asked, "Where is she?"

Wen Song replied, "In her room."

Shen Jichen walked over and saw Hui Yin holding a medical tray, her brow slightly furrowed. "What happened?"

Hui Yin replied, "Reporting to the Marquis, the young lady bruised her elbow. I was about to apply medicine."

Shen Jichen took the medical tray. "You may leave."

Hui Yin was momentarily surprised but then withdrew.

Gu Yu was still sitting with Yue Rongrong on the daybed by the window, examining her injury. "It's all bruised... I hope it didn't hit the bone..."

Yue Rongrong laughed. "I'm not that fragile!"

Footsteps approached. Yue Rongrong looked up and met Shen Jichen's deep gaze. Her smile froze, and she quickly pulled her sleeve down. Gu Yu turned around and, startled, immediately knelt straight. "Marquis!"

Shen Jichen said, "Dismissed."

Gu Yu swiftly rose and withdrew.

Shen Jichen sat down, placed the medical tray aside, and took Yue Rongrong's hand. Yue Rongrong pulled back, somewhat flustered. "Let Hui Yin do it."

Shen Jichen looked at her. "It seems your hand isn't that fragile after all."

"......"

Shen Jichen reached for her hand again. For a moment, his gaze softened as he said lightly, "You'd best accustom yourself to your new status quickly."

Yue Rongrong's expression changed slightly. Meeting his meaningful gaze, she lowered her head and no longer resisted.

Shen Jichen held her wrist, pushed up her sleeve, revealing a section of porcelain skin. He glanced at the bruise on her elbow, his eyes deepening. He picked up a cotton ball, dipped it in ointment, and gently applied it to her injury.

Actually, a minor injury like this would heal without medicine. Yue Rongrong looked at the bottle of what seemed like very expensive ointment and thought how particular nobles were. Suddenly, she felt a cool sensation on her elbow and shivered. She saw Shen Jichen blowing gently on the spot where he had applied the medicine, careful and attentive. Her face flushed red. When Shen Jichen looked up, she hurriedly asked, "Has the Grand Princess left?"

As she asked, she picked up the ointment jar as if studying it.

Shen Jichen instead asked, "Where else are you hurt?"

Yue Rongrong said firmly, "Nowhere!" She didn't mention that her waist might have been bumped too, though it didn't hurt much.

Shen Jichen released her hand, took the ointment jar from her, and put the cap back on.

"Actually, the Grand Princess doesn't like me. I don't want to affect the relationship between you and your mother..."

A faint anger rose in Shen Jichen's eyes as he said mockingly, "How thoughtful of you."

Yue Rongrong's subtle ploy was seen through, and she awkwardly pressed her lips together. She watched as Shen Jichen, his earlier gentleness gone, stood up and glanced at her. "Don't worry, the relationship between my mother and me is just fine. There's no need for you to concern yourself."

Watching Shen Jichen leave without looking back, Yue Rongrong clutched a nearby cushion and lay face down. The Grand Princess's furious face filled her mind, and she was still shaken. She thought to herself that she shouldn't have gone to pick apricot blossoms with Hui Yin and the others out of boredom. In the end, it was all in vain.

Just then, Hui Yin and Gu Yu came in and said to her, "Miss, we'll help you prepare later."

"What for?" Yue Rongrong asked listlessly.

"To accompany the Marquis for dinner, of course."

Gu Yu had a bubbly personality, while Hui Yin seemed outwardly composed but was actually quite lively herself. Seeing that Yue Rongrong was unassuming, beautiful, and easy to talk to, they had already become quite at ease around her in just half a day.