After the favored concubine remarried, the aloof and powerful minister forcibly took her away.

Chapter 16 She didn't want Pei Yanzhi's child either.

In less than a night, the people in the Pei household learned about what happened at Mosong Garden.

Others envied Xiang Ning for being favored by the young master despite being beaten. They thought that after this incident, she would surely become the first mistress of Mo Song Yuan.

It's a blessing in disguise.

When the news reached Qionghua Courtyard, Madam Pei, holding a teacup, frowned upon hearing it.

"In the past, Yan Zhi never cared about matters between men and women, but now that he has obtained Xiang Ning, he has become a bit more indulgent."

Madam Liao, serving Madam Pei, said in a low voice, "Madam, you don't need to worry. How could a young master from a prominent family not have a few concubines serving him?"

"We can't let the new wife enter the family and not appreciate the wonders of it."

In some families, after the engagement is finalized, the woman's family will send a maid to test the waters and see if the groom is any good.

For a couple to live a harmonious and happy life, sexual relations are essential.

"That's true, but I'm worried that Xiang Ning might have other ideas. Go and give her a nudge later."

With Madam Pei's words, Madam Liao naturally wouldn't say anything more.

"This old servant will go shortly, but what reward does Madam intend to give Xiangning?"

She was, after all, someone who served the young master, and for the first time ever, she had gained his favor. It was only right that she be given some rewards.

"Okay, you go and do it. Pick out some gold and silver jewelry."

Madam Pei said it casually, without caring at all.

Mrs. Liao bowed and agreed.

At this moment, in Ningfu Residence, the innermost part of the Pei residence, an old woman helped up an old woman kneeling in front of the Buddhist shrine.

"Madam, this is a great joy."

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Pei turned to look at her: "What brings you such great joy?"

Kang's mother approached her and whispered something, and then she saw a look of joy on her face.

"That is indeed great joy. Yan Zhi is too thoughtful, and no one can make decisions for him. I even thought he didn't like women."

Hearing the old lady's words, Madam Kang's smile deepened: "Our young master is a blessed man, skilled in both literature and martial arts, with excellent looks and character. How could he not like women?"

"Now that he has servants in his room, the old lady can finally put her mind at ease."

With Kang Mama's words, Old Madam Pei nodded: "Our Pei family is a scholarly family, and we cannot allow a son born out of wedlock to be born before the bride has even entered the family. You can talk to the First Madam about this when you go to Qionghua Courtyard later."

That means that the contraceptive decoction should still be given as it is.

Don't let it turn out to be an illegitimate son, making people think that the Pei family is incompetent and doesn't understand the rules.

Madam Kang naturally agreed with a smile, and then the old lady said, "Give that maid some more rewards so that she can serve you wholeheartedly in the future. The Pei family will not shortchange her or mistreat her."

Now that Pei Yanzhi has a woman by his side, the old lady's idea of ​​choosing a new wife for him has become active again.

Pei Yanzhi is the eldest son of the main branch of the family. He is exceptionally intelligent and will become the future head of the Pei family.

If he doesn't get married, it will be difficult for his younger siblings to get married.

The old lady had mentioned it to him before, but no matter what she said to him, he always replied, "It's an arranged marriage."

The old lady and Madam Pei were so overwhelmed by the choices that they ended up delaying the decision.

Now, it's time to put it on the agenda.

Coincidentally, Princess Huihe's birthday is coming up soon, and the Pei family is among those invited. All the noble ladies in the capital will be there, so it's a good opportunity to meet them.

When Xiang Ning awoke again in the tranquil residence of Mosong Garden, the sun was already high in the sky.

She slept fitfully, and in her dream she felt someone pinching her waist.

"Sister Xiangning, are you awake?"

An unfamiliar voice came from outside. Xiang Ning rubbed her head and sat up.

Hearing the sounds coming from inside the house, the maid Bitao pushed open the door and went in.

Upon noticing the red marks on Xiang Ning's body, her face flushed slightly.

"Who are you?" Xiang Ning looked at Bi Tao with some doubt. She had never seen Bi Tao before. Was this Pei Yanzhi's new maid?
“My name is Bitao. I was transferred here from the outer courtyard by the master. The master said that Sister Xiangning has worked hard, so he asked me to help her with some chores.”

Bitao held Xiangning's clothes in her hands and stepped forward to help Xiangning change.

Xiang Ning was unwilling to accept such treatment from her master and hurriedly reached out to stop Bi Tao.

"I can just do it myself."

"Sister, please don't refuse me. I only have the opportunity to serve at Qingyi Residence because of you."

Bitao's face was round and plump, just like a freshly picked peach.

She was pleasing to the eye and naturally very strong. Xiang Ning couldn't compete with her at all and had no choice but to let her dress her.

"Sister, just let me know if you need anything in the future."

After dressing Xiang Ning, Bi Tao dampened a handkerchief and handed it to Xiang Ning.

Before Xiang Ning could reply, she heard Liao's mother's voice from outside.

She stepped out of the house in Qingyi Residence and saw Liao's mother as soon as she went out.

Two maids followed behind Madam Liao, each carrying two trays with hairpins and fabric on them.

"Why is Aunt Liao here?"

Xiang Ning bowed to Liao Mama, but Liao Mama quickly stopped her, saying, "You can't do that. You are now someone who is respected by the young master. How can I accept your bow?"

"Mom, sit here."

Listening to what Liao's mother said, Xiang Ning led Liao's mother to sit on a stone bench to the side.

Qingyi Residence is Pei Yanzhi's territory; without his order, no one dares to trespass on it.

Therefore, in this Qingyi Residence now, there are only Xiangning and Bitao, and two servants.

Mrs. Liao sat down, smiling as she took Xiang Ning's hand: "I knew back then that you would definitely win the young master's favor, and sure enough, it did."

With that figure and looks, even a woman would find it hard to resist, let alone a man.

Especially now that she has been pampered by the young master, the charm in her eyes and brows is simply impossible to hide.

Her eyes seemed to hold a pool of clear spring water, both inviting and reluctant.

"I must thank you for your guidance, Mother. Without you, I would not exist."

Xiang Ning exchanged pleasantries with Liao's mother, and then saw Liao's mother's smile deepen.

"These are gifts from the First Madam and the Old Madam."

After she finished speaking, the maid behind her placed the tray on the stone table.

The hairpins and beads are exquisite, and the fabric is even more rare.

Xiang Ning chuckled and took out a jade bracelet of excellent quality, placing it in Liao's mother's hand.

"This jade color really suits my mother's temperament. She looks even more noble. I'm too young to match her."

After saying that, she took two smaller gold hairpins and placed them in the hands of the two maids: "Thank you for your hard work."

Mrs. Liao received the most valuable piece of jewelry from the pile, and she couldn't stop smiling.

"Madam thinks highly of you, and now the old lady also knows of your existence. If you give birth to a son or daughter in the future, you will surely have a place in the Pei family."

After saying that, Madam Liao stood up and lowered her voice, saying, "But the Pei family is, after all, a scholarly family and a powerful family in the capital. They have allowed their concubines to become pregnant before the new bride has even entered the family."

"Mother Kang, who serves the old lady, told the lady that if they send over a contraceptive soup, she should drink it and then nourish herself with ginseng soup, lest she ruin her health."

Liao's mother's reminder made Xiang Ning suddenly remember this matter.

However, taking the contraceptive decoction did not actually do her any harm.

She didn't want Pei Yanzhi's child either.

"Thank you for reminding me, Mom. I understand."

(End of this chapter)