Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Similarly, the Splendid Brocade Pavilion was filled with joy from top to bottom.

Fang Yuaner also hadn't expected to wake up and become Shu Fei.

After all, when she was pregnant, she asked the Princess to request the title of Shu Fei on her behalf, but the Prince hadn't approved it.

She had thought all hope was lost, but then Prince Jing suddenly agreed?!

The entire Splendid Brocade Pavilion was buzzing with congratulations. Fang Yuaner generously handed out money and rewarded everyone handsomely.

Only after giving out the rewards did she remember that Xie Run had also become Shu Fei along with her?

Fang Yuaner toyed with a jade ornament and said casually, "Truly, fools have dumb luck."

Although Xie Run was favored, she still couldn't match her level of favor.

Fang Yuaner had grand ambitions and had never taken the "sweet and naive" Xie Run seriously.

She could produce soap, glass, and ice-making methods, but what could Xie Run do?

Relying on her beauty to please a man—how long could that kind of favor last?

Fang Yuaner knew much more than that.

Influenced by modern thinking, she felt that love was completely unreliable.

To truly bind a man to herself, only self-interest would do the trick!

If Xie Run were to hear this, she wouldn't see any problem with it.

But Fang Yuaner overlooked one thing.

Prince Jing was currently just a prince, so he could be tied down by self-interest.

But if he one day became the emperor, holding supreme power over the realm, unless he commanded millions of troops, what benefit could possibly bind him?

Fang Yuaner underestimated the power of imperial authority in feudal society, and she will eventually pay dearly for this oversight.

For now, Fang Yuaner didn't believe that Xie Run had changed Prince Jing's mind, prompting him to suddenly promote both her and Xie Run.

She was more inclined to think it was because she and Xie Run were pregnant at the same time.

Moreover, Fang Yuaner thought even further.

Now that she and Xie Run had become Shu Fei, there would be three Shu Fei in the household.

So how would Prince Jing arrange the two women bestowed by Consort Rou?

These two women were more or less the same in status, and without any special favor, their ranks would likely be similar.

But there was only one Shu Fei position left.

Either both would be given the title of Ce Fei, or they would be concubines... Fang Yuaner, of course, hoped they would be concubines.

If these two became Ce Fei, blocking her path to advancement, Fang Yuaner would not hesitate to take drastic measures.

If they were merely concubines, whether they gained favor or not, Fang Yuaner wouldn't care too much.

Her only worry was that these two would fight over the only remaining Shu Fei position.

The Princess had asked Prince Jing the same thing at noon.

After all, Prince Jing could freely bestow ranks, but as the Princess, who oversaw all household matters, she naturally had to consider much more.

When Prince Jing proposed promoting Xie and Fang to Shu Fei, the Princess raised this issue.

Princess: "The women bestowed by Mother Consort will arrive in a couple of days. If we promote Xie and Fang to Shu Fei, how should we arrange the ranks of these two?"

In the Princess's mind, she naturally wanted these two to become concubines.

After all, a concubine from a good family and a Shu Fei carry very different weight.

But this was something only Prince Jing could say. If she said it, and word reached Consort Rou, she would be seen as jealous and oppressive toward the new women.

Prince Jing said indifferently, "Since Mother Consort chose them to produce heirs, let whichever of the two gives birth first be promoted to Shu Fei."

The Princess immediately understood—both would enter the residence as lower concubines.

But with Prince Jing's words, the two would become natural rivals as soon as they entered the residence.

This saved the Princess a lot of trouble.

"Then I will make the arrangements." The Princess then asked, "Now that three women in the household are to be promoted to Shu Fei, they will likely all need to move to new courtyards..."

Before the Princess could finish, Prince Jing had already grown impatient and said, "You can handle these household trivialities as you see fit."

Then he added, "I trust you, of course."

It must be said, the Princess's administrative skills were impeccable.

Soon, Xie Run received a message from the Princess asking her to choose a courtyard.

The message was delivered by Miss Tinghe from the Princess's courtyard.

She had a delicate appearance and spoke slowly and deliberately: "Since the four season courtyards have been uninhabited for a long time, a lot of repairs are needed, so they won't be ready anytime soon. If everyone moves together, by the time the two mistresses are further along in their pregnancies, it will be inconvenient. The Princess suggests that the courtyards be selected first, and then each Shu Fei can decide when to move in."

According to the household regulations, aside from some small pavilions and courtyards, the main courtyard, the secondary consort courtyard, and the four concubine courtyards were already laid out.

The four Shu Fei courtyards were Spring Mountain Courtyard, Summer Pool Courtyard, Autumn Maple Courtyard, and Winter Snow Courtyard.

Originally, apart from the Princess, there was only one Ce Fei Ning in the household.

She occupied the only secondary consort courtyard at the time and renamed it Fragrant Orchid Courtyard.

Even later, when Ce Fei Ning was demoted to Shu Fei Ning, Prince Jing, out of consideration for her eldest son, did not make her move out of Fragrant Orchid Courtyard.

Since the household had no Shu Fei for many years, the four courtyards designated for Shu Fei had been vacant for a long time.

Miss Tinghe smiled and said, "Each of the four courtyards has its own features. Spring Mountain Courtyard has a small hill in the back, with beautiful spring scenery and quite a peaceful atmosphere."

"Summer Pool Courtyard is near Moon-Viewing Pond, has the best location, and is very bright—perfect for enjoying lotuses in summer. Autumn Maple Courtyard is exquisite and spacious, with a maple grove in the front courtyard, and it's also close to the Princess's courtyard."

"As for Winter Snow Courtyard, it's large and has a plum grove inside, but it's remote and chilly. It's only used for snow-viewing every year, and the repairs will probably take longer..."

After hearing this, Xie Run smiled and slipped a jade bracelet to Tinghe, asking softly, "Miss Tinghe, have Sister Fang and Sister Yun already made their choices? If they have preferences, it would be good to let me know in advance, so that we don't end up choosing the same one."

Tinghe accepted the bracelet and said cheerfully, "Shu Fei Fang and Shu Fei Yun haven't chosen yet, but I heard that Shu Fei Fang quite likes Summer Pool Courtyard, while Shu Fei Yun is leaning toward Autumn Maple Courtyard."

"Thank you, Miss Tinghe, for informing me. May I take some time to think it over carefully before letting the Princess Consort know?"

"Of course," Tinghe said. "The Princess Consort mentioned that renovating the courtyards cannot be completed in a short time. You may take your time choosing, no need to rush."

Xie Run scoffed inwardly upon hearing this.

There were only four courtyards in total. What was there to think about so slowly?

It was merely letting the three of them negotiate privately to keep things from getting awkward over the courtyards later on.

This was supposed to be the Princess Consort's job, yet she generously delegated the authority, but also passed the buck—and the conflict—to the three of them.

Among the four courtyards, the best was actually the Xiachi Courtyard, the most luxurious and magnificent, was exactly the kind of thing Fang Yuaner would love. It was no surprise that Fang Yuaner had her eye on it.

Next was the Qiuri Courtyard, which required little renovation and was quite refined and elegant. Once Shufei Yun had fully recovered, she could move in.

The remaining Chunshan Courtyard, though decent, was the smallest of the four, with a low hill adjoining the backyard and uneven terrain.

The Dongxue Courtyard was large but very remote and desolate, making it the worst of the four.

Of course, even the worst was better than the small pavilion where Xie Run currently lived.

Upon hearing this, Xie Run had a plan forming in her mind.

She never intended to stand out or vie for attention, so naturally, she wouldn't fight with them over anything.

Moreover, hearing that the Chunshan Courtyard had a low hill made her heart skip a beat.

After all, she spent her days walking in the courtyard, couldn't make anything interesting happen, it was too confined anyway.

The Chunshan Courtyard was quiet; once she closed its gates, she could do whatever she wanted.

As expected, in the end, Fang Yuaner chose the Xiachi Courtyard, Shufei Yun chose the Qiuri Courtyard, and Xie Run chose the Chunshan Courtyard.

The three courtyards began their renovations in full swing.

By tradition, a promotion to Shufei called for a proper banquet.

Since both Xie Run and Fang Yuaner were pregnant, Prince Jing, worried it might cause trouble, decided to hold the banquet until both had given birth, ensuring it would be both lively and proper.

Xie Run was perfectly happy to have a break, but Fang Yuaner was a bit unhappy.

She felt it was a way for the Princess Consort to put her in her place.

Xie Run couldn't wrap her head around Fang Yuaner's way of thinking. At the moment, she was thinking about another matter.

Now that she had been promoted, her staff would need to increase.

According to the rules for a Shufei, she could have four senior maids, four junior maids, three cleaning women and maids, and a young eunuch.

The traitor who leaked the soap formula last time had not yet been identified.

Yuli had always been carefree and hot-tempered. Now that Xie Run was pregnant and promoted, she feared Yuli would get too big for her boots, and was even less willing to keep her close.

Bringing in new people made Xie Run uneasy.

After thinking it over, Xie Run had Dan Tao call in Xiaoshu and Xiao Ci.

The two of them entered, bowed, and stood quietly.

Xie Run said gently, "Now that I've been promoted to Shufei, my attendants need to increase. You two are old hands around here now. When I report to the Princess Consort, I will promote you to senior maids."

Xiaoshu and Xiao Ci were overjoyed and quickly thanked her.

Xie Run added, "Don't thank me too soon. I'm willing to promote you, but you must prove yourselves useful."

Xiaoshu, quick-witted, immediately replied, "Master, if there's anything you need us for, we will do our utmost, even at the cost of our lives!"

Xiao Ci, slower, echoed the response.

Xie Run said, "New people will be assigned to the courtyard, but I'm new here and don't know their temperaments. You are homeborn servants and know the household better than I do."

"If there are good candidates, feel free to recommend them to me. If they are chosen, you will be rewarded."

"We obey, Master!"

As she replied, Xiaoshu's eyes darted, already having a few candidates in mind.

By letting them recommend people, Xie Run was granting them real benefits.

Xie Run was now a Shufei, somewhat favored, and carrying the prince's child.

Even being a rough maid in her courtyard was more prestigious than being a senior maid in other courtyards.

As homeborn servants like Xiaoshu and Xiao Ci, with parents and siblings in the household, their connections were extensive.

As soon as word got out that Xie Run needed more staff, many people would want to pay to use their connections to get into her service.

It was not just money; it involved favors and face, which was another layer of complication.

In some ways, Xie Run was beginning to build her own power in the prince's residence.

The benefits might not be apparent now, but over time, they would become clear.

After promoting the two maids, Xie Run had Dan Tao call Yuli in, leaving only the two of them.

Xie Run asked, "Do you know why I called you here?"

Yuli had been under punishment and had not served by Xie Run's side for a long time.

When she heard Xie Run summon her, she thought her mistress was no longer angry and would bring her back to serve. Hearing this, she knew it was not the case.

Yuli was uneasy. "Master, I know I was wrong. From now on, I will be careful in my words and actions, and never say anything inappropriate again."

Xie Run stared at her for a moment, then shook her head with a sigh. "No, deep down, you still feel wronged."

Yuli's expression stiffened.

Xie Run continued slowly, "You probably still think that you were being loyal to me, standing up for me, and that I failed to distinguish loyalty from treachery and wronged you."

Yuli's eyes flickered with alarm, and she instinctively wanted to explain.

"Master, I'm not! I'm not..."

"Then do you feel wronged?" Xie Run's gaze was clear and cool as she asked calmly. "I will only ask this once. If you lie, I won't bother asking further."

Yuli's heart sank. She was silent for a moment before slowly nodding.

Since it had come to this, Yuli decided to speak her mind.

"Your servant is utterly loyal to you, my lady, as heaven and earth are my witnesses. But that Fang Shi—how can a mere merchant's daughter compare to you?"

"The main kitchen staff kiss up to the high and step on the low. That Shiqie An has never been favored for years, yet she got pregnant by sheer luck, and the kitchen staff fawn over her maids like little lapdogs... I cannot stand it!"

"My lady originally was favored too—why indulge them?!"

Xie Run felt utterly helpless.

Yuli aimed high but lacked skill and had a hot temper, but at heart she was still loyal to her lady.

Dealing with someone like this was the hardest: punishing her was inappropriate, and employing her was also uncomfortable.

Xie Run had originally wanted to correct her thinking, but after hearing these words, she felt a cold sweat running down her back.

The Yuli before her—wasn't she just like Qiu Lan from before?!

Xie Run sighed and closed her eyes with a heavy heart. "Those who follow different paths cannot work together. Hearing your words, I'm afraid you often think I'm not living up to expectations, right?"

Yuli instantly lost her earlier arrogance and stammered, "Your servant wouldn't dare. I just feel that my lady is too soft-natured, and you need someone with a strong temper to fight for your rights."

Xie Run: "...In this prince's mansion, justice is never won by a fierce temper. Enough, say no more."

Seeing Xie Run's expression, Yuli finally panicked: "My lady, what do you mean..."

Xie Run chose to be blunt: "Now that I have been promoted to the rank of Shu Fei, I must be even more cautious on the path ahead. I fear I can no longer keep you in my service."

Hearing this, Yuli dropped to her knees on the ground.

Her movement was so abrupt that a sound that set one's teeth on edge was heard.

"Does my lady mean to abandon your servant?!"

Xie Run rose and helped her up, her voice softening a little. "You have committed no offense, so I will not punish you. But you are simply not suited to living in this inner courtyard of the prince's mansion—do you understand my meaning?"

Yuli felt completely dazed. "Your servant... understands."

Every word felt difficult to utter. Her eyes reddened as she asked, "Then how does my lady intend to deal with me?"

"After all, we have shared a bond of mistress and servant, and I will not treat you poorly. You are no longer young; I plan to find you a good marriage and marry you off with great fanfare."

Yuli's pale face suddenly flushed with red, and she began to stammer, "My lady, your servant..."

Xie Run: "I asked Dan Tao. She said you have a neighbor back in your hometown, a childhood friend who grew up with you. This year he passed the tongsheng (entry-level imperial exam) and has long admired you... What do you think of him?"

Yuli blushed and said, "Could your servant... consider it a little longer?"

"Of course."

After Yuli left, Xie Run let out a sigh of relief, still feeling helpless.

She raised her hand and touched her barely noticeable belly.

She did not want to be a heartless person, but for the sake of the baby in her womb, she had to eliminate all possible dangers.

Back in her room, Yuli began to weep quietly.

It would be a lie to say she didn't feel sad.