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

Chapter 30 Are you short of money?
When Xiang Ning spoke, she didn't show the disdain that the servants in the Pei household had.

She treated Pei Mingxiu as her master.

Thinking of her past experiences, Pei Mingxiu opened his mouth and said one more thing: "Be careful of the green bamboo in your courtyard."

After leaving those words, Pei Mingxiu departed.

Xiang Ning blinked as she watched Pei Mingxiu's retreating figure. This third young master was somewhat different from what Bi Tao had described.

When others bullied or humiliated him, he remained calm and composed. Yet, when talking to him, Xiang Ning sensed no trace of inferiority or timidity.

That's it, she didn't want to meddle in other people's business.

Thinking of this, Xiang Ning stuffed the hairpin into her small bundle and prepared to go find Bi Tao.

As Xiang Ning passed a dried fruit shop, she paused, bought some, and prepared to take them back for the maids and servants at Qingyi Residence to try.

Having finished her business and secured a large order, Xiang Ning was in a good mood. She took the items and met up with Bi Tao, and together they returned to the Pei residence.

Upon arriving at Mosong Garden, Xiang Ning looked around but couldn't find Qing Zhu.

Thinking of Pei Mingxiu's words again, she pursed her lips. It seemed she would have to be more careful from now on. She wondered what Qingzhu was plotting against her this time.

She instructed Bitao to distribute the dried fruit she was holding to the servants of Qingyi Residence, and everyone praised Xiangning for her generosity.

Xiang Ning didn't think anything of it; after all, one is obligated to those who pay the bills.

The good deeds she is doing now are all for her future.

After distributing the items, Xiang Ning went to clean Pei Yanzhi's house. Now that Mama Fang had come to Mosong Garden, the people serving in the courtyard dared not slack off anymore.

They were afraid that Fang's mother would find some fault with them and then beat them up.

When Pei Yanzhi returned, he saw Xiang Ning making clothes for him. She had only embroidered half of the bamboo leaves, and it was not yet clear what she was doing.

"Master is back? Water is ready for you."

After Xiang Ning finished speaking, she went forward to help Pei Yanzhi change his clothes. Pei Yanzhi stood by the window and rummaged through her sewing basket.

Then I found a handkerchief that I had just started embroidering.

Thinking of Cheng Hua's words today, Pei Yanzhi couldn't help but ask, "Are you short of money?"

"Ok?"

Xiang Ning had just brought over some clothes for Pei Yanzhi to change into when she heard his question.

Chenghua said he saw you at the entrance of the embroidery workshop today.

Pei Yanzhi said in a low voice that when Chenghua followed him to the government office, they passed Pingshun Street and happened to see Xiang Ning carrying something inside.

There were maids and servants in the manor who were quite good at embroidery, and they would exchange their embroidery for money, which was not unusual.

Pei Yanzhi just didn't expect Xiang Ning to do the same.

“My family’s ancestral home and land have been mortgaged, and I want to save up money to buy them back.”

Xiang Ning lowered her head and made up a reason casually: her mother had said, "If something doesn't work out, don't tell anyone."

If Pei Yanzhi found out about her redemption, he would definitely be unhappy, so Xiang Ning said that she wanted to buy back her ancestral home and land.

Upon hearing Xiang Ning's reply, Pei Yanzhi did not ask any further questions.

Although Xiang Ning is now his first-class maid, according to her, her monthly salary is far from enough to buy back the ancestral home and land.

Selling embroidery to raise money is a reasonable explanation.

"I'll have the steward double your monthly allowance, and it'll come out of my account."

After Xiang Ning finished changing Pei Yanzhi's clothes, she heard Pei Yanzhi say this as she got up.

He wants to double her monthly allowance?
Wouldn't that mean she could save enough money in less than a year?

Xiang Ning looked up, her gaze towards Pei Yanzhi filled with a warmth she hadn't shown before.

Pei Yanzhi suddenly felt a burning sensation all over his body, and felt inexplicably hot.

"you……"

"This servant will go and test the water temperature for the master's bath."

Xiang Ning left with a smile, and as she walked out, her heart began to beat faster.

What triggered Pei Yanzhi at the Dali Temple today? Or was it because he was pleased with the service he received last night and felt he should reward him with some gold and silver?

She shook her head, clearing her mind of these thoughts, and went to test the water temperature for Pei Yanzhi. After Pei Yanzhi finished bathing, Xiang Ning stood by and served him dinner.

Just as Xiang Ning was about to go in during the night watch, she was stopped by Fang's mother.

"Master has been working hard all day, he should rest early. Chenghua, you stay here and keep watch."

Fang's mother thought that Xiang Ning went in again to have sex with Pei Yanzhi.

She had just been instructed by the old lady today to keep an eye on Pei Yanzhi.

After Chenghua was called over, he heard what Fang's mother said and his gaze fell on Pei Yanzhi inside.

He dared not answer those words; how could a man compare to a young woman?

I've just had my fill of meat again...

"Then this old servant will take Miss Xiangning back first."

Before Pei Yanzhi could say anything more, Fang's mother bowed and left with her entourage.

Pei Yanzhi's eyes were dark, and there was a hint of displeasure in them.

He made Xiang Ning keep watch for him, not just for that kind of thing.

"Sir...I'll go in and give it to you..."

Cheng Hua had just stepped inside when he heard Pei Yanzhi utter the word "Get lost."

Well, he knew it; the master didn't like him.

After pulling Xiang Ning back into the house, Fang's mother said with a smile, "Xiang Ning, don't blame your mother, I'm doing this for your own good."

"Men need to be kept in suspense. You can't have them every day. Even the most delicious food can get boring eventually."

After saying this, Fang's mother said earnestly, "You are still young now, but there will come a day when you grow old and lose your beauty. Long-term pampering cannot compare to having a child."

Drinking contraceptive soup frequently is not a good thing.

Fang's mother only spoke up to remind Xiang Ning because she genuinely found Xiang Ning endearing.

"I know, thank you, Mom."

Xiang Ning smiled and replied to Fang's mother, saying that she should thank Fang's mother.

If Pei Yanzhi were to do something else, her small frame simply couldn't take it.

"Alright, then you should get some rest."

After they finished speaking, they each went to rest.

Pei Yanzhi was left alone in the room, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

He knew he wasn't a person who was overly greedy, and he had never experienced such sleepless nights before.

But now, whenever he closes his eyes, all he sees is the scene from last night.

Her eyes were blurry with tears, her red lips were slightly parted, and her face was flushed, making her captivating.

After turning over again, Pei Yanzhi sat up and walked to the desk to look at the files.

The next day, Xiang Ning came over to help Pei Yanzhi wash up, feeling refreshed, and noticed a small dark spot under his eye.

"Didn't you sleep well last night, sir?"

Upon hearing this, Pei Yanzhi felt even more annoyed.

"The incense doesn't smell good, please don't light it anymore."

Upon hearing this, Xiang Ning turned to look at the incense. Pei Yanzhi had been using this incense before she came to Qingyi Residence to serve him.

Why do you suddenly say it smells bad today?
"Then this servant will pick some flowers for you today and put them in the room..."

As soon as Xiang Ning finished speaking, Pei Yanzhi reached out and pulled her into his arms.

He wrapped one arm around her waist and the other around her chin, then kissed her deeply, lingering and caressing her until he released the pent-up frustration in his heart.

Her little mouth kept chattering away, but Pei Yanzhi didn't hear a word she said. All he knew was that he quite liked the feeling of her touching him so closely.

It's like eating a piece of fine glutinous rice cake.

(End of this chapter)