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

Chapter 41 Being too smart isn't always a good thing.

Standing on the steps, Kang's mother looked at Xiang Ning and said something.

She stood there looking down at Xiang Ning, her gaze filled with coldness.

After saying that, Kang's mother went inside, leaving Xiang Ning kneeling on the uneven cobblestones, her knees aching from the roughness.

But she didn't sway; instead, she knelt upright.

Seeing this, Fang's mother gave an approving look.

If it were anyone else, kneeling on such a cobblestone road, they would have started to sway long ago.

Xiang Ning is better than others in this respect. As long as she can get past the old lady, she will have an extra protector in this mansion in the future.

She didn't know how much time had passed, but Xiang Ning's knees began to tremble, and her forehead was covered in a layer of cold sweat.

Just then, Madam Kang came out of the house and said, "Go in, the old lady has woken up."

Upon hearing this, Xiang Ning obediently replied "Yes" and stood up.

She must have been kneeling on these pebbles for an hour, her legs were trembling, and she almost fell when she stood up.

Fortunately, Fang's mother, who was standing next to her, helped her up.

Xiang Ning thanked him softly and limped into the house.

As soon as you enter the house, you can smell the sandalwood fragrance. Madam Pei is sitting inside, holding a string of Buddhist prayer beads in her hand, leaning back.

Her eyes were closed, and her gray hair was simply adorned with a cloisonné hairpin, yet her face exuded an air of authority that was impossible to ignore.

"This servant greets the old lady."

Xiang Ning knelt down again and bowed to the old lady.

The sound of the prayer beads stopping stopped, and the old lady opened her eyes to look at Xiang Ning kneeling in front of her.

"Keep your head up."

Madam Pei's voice carried an inherent authority, and at first glance, it even bore a resemblance to Pei Yanzhi's.

Xiang Ning raised her head and looked at Madam Pei.

Do you know why I'm punishing you?

Upon hearing this, Xiang Ning nodded: "Because this servant acted on her own initiative."

Upon receiving Xiang Ning's reply, Madam Pei smiled and said, "You're a smart person. Now tell me, what does it mean to act on one's own initiative?"

“This servant took it upon herself to drive Qingzhu out of the Mosong Garden.”

After saying this, Xiang Ning lowered her head and explained, "Qing Zhu plotted against me first and tried to ruin my reputation. I was only trying to protect myself."

Hearing this, the old lady nodded approvingly: "So, you sensed what Qingzhu was up to last night?"

Before dragging Qingzhu out of the mansion, the old lady must have already asked Fang Mama to find out the details.

In order to survive, Qingzhu will confess everything.

The old lady already knew what was going on, so Xiang Ning couldn't hide anything from her when she asked questions. Being open and honest was the attitude the old lady wanted.

“There have been some unknown insects in Mosong Garden these past few days, so I went to the storeroom to get some deworming medicine. There should be a record of me getting medicine in the storeroom, but when I got it, the smell of the deworming medicine was a bit off.”

“I have always been sensitive to smells since I was a child. After I sensed that something was wrong, I asked the small kitchen in Mosongyuan to brew medicine for everyone to drink, and I also asked someone to keep watch in the house.”

Xiang Ning didn't need to continue; everything was already clear.

"How did you bribe that person?"

Madam Pei, with her sharp eyes, stared intently at Xiang Ning and asked a question.

"It was just a sugar pill. I lied to him and said it was something the Master used at the Dali Temple to interrogate criminals."

Xiang Ning answered honestly and respectfully, and upon hearing this, Madam Pei suddenly laughed.

"You can fool people with just a sugar pill, impressive skill."

"Get up, Mama Kang, bring her a chair."

Just then, Old Madam Pei gave an order to someone outside, and shortly after, Mama Kang brought over a chair. Old Madam Pei gestured for Xiang Ning to sit down, and Xiang Ning thanked her and sat down.

Her legs were about to give way, and if she didn't rest soon, she was afraid she would embarrass herself in front of the old lady.

"Xiang Ning, you are very smart and beautiful. I heard from Aunt Liao that you are a beautiful girl but very dull. I was worried about you."

Madam Pei picked up the teacup beside her, took a sip, and said something.

She didn't care how many women Pei Yanzhi had around him, but he couldn't have any fools around him.

To avoid causing unrest in the household later.

However, there shouldn't be any women who are too clever, lest they develop any improper thoughts.

Before meeting Xiang Ning, Madam Pei feared that she was one of the two types.

But after seeing Xiang Ning, she felt relieved.

There was no ambition in her eyes.

Her intelligence was only revealed when necessary.

"God gave you such a beautiful face, which is not unfair to you. You have made good use of this face, and that is your own skill."

“Your status is low, but you know how to advance and retreat. Staying by Yan Zhi’s side is just right.”

Madam Pei pointed at Xiang Ning, touched her, and then withdrew her hand.

"Thank you for your kindness, Madam. I only wish to serve the young master wholeheartedly."

Xiang Ning's demure and submissive demeanor pleased the old lady.

It's not bad that Pei Yanzhi has such a woman serving him.

As long as she doesn't harbor any delusions, she will be able to establish herself firmly in the Pei household no matter which new bride enters the family.

A mother's status rises with her son's, allowing her to leap over the dragon gate and escape her status as a slave.

“If you encounter something like this again in the future, go to find Fang Mama. You were too rash in stepping forward this time. If Yan Zhi hears this, he will only think you are a scheming person.”

"Furthermore, Qingzhu has served me closely for so many years. How can he save face after causing such a mess?"

Old Madam Pei spoke up with a hint of displeasure in her voice, which startled Xiang Ning.

Yesterday, she was so focused on how to retaliate that she didn't even think of this aspect. If Pei Yanzhi thinks she is a scheming person, it might be bad.

"Let's go back. I hope that Yanzhi's courtyard can be peaceful and harmonious."

The implication is that Xiang Ning should think twice before acting in similar situations in the future.

If you're going to do it, do it quietly and don't leave any leverage for others to use against you.

"This servant thanks the old lady for her guidance."

Xiang Ning stood up, bowed to Madam Pei, and then left.

After Xiang Ning limped out, Madam Kang smiled and said, "The old lady said a few more words to Xiang Ning today."

To receive a word or two of guidance from the old lady would be a great honor; Xiang Ning is truly blessed.

The old lady said meaningfully, "Don't you think she looks a lot like an old friend?"

Upon hearing the old lady's words, Kang's mother was taken aback, and then she remembered: "She looks somewhat like Madam Lan."

“Yes, but she knows better than Madam Lan. It’s impossible for Yan Zhi to be without concubines. Rather than letting Qin Bijun interfere, I might as well cultivate one myself.”

"As long as she has Yanzhi in her heart, I can overlook the little tricks she plays in private."

The old lady is now wary of Qin Bijun, fearing that she might arrange someone else to surround Pei Yanzhi.

If we really can't defend against it, with this incense stick around, we can keep an eye on things a bit.

"The old lady is wise. I hope our eldest madam can be more clear-headed."

(End of this chapter)