A Maid's Survival Story in a Noble Family Mansion? Rich Landlords Are More Appealing.

Although it was agreed upon verbally, Madam Li still felt a pang of regret for the beautiful noblewoman from the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion.

Just then, a maidservant outside announced excitedly, "Madam, the young lady has returned home!"

Before the words were finished, the concubine who had married into the Prince of Ning's mansion walked in with light steps.

"You may all leave now." She waved her hand, dismissing the servants waiting in the room.

As soon as he sat down, he lowered his voice and said, "Sister-in-law, isn't it a coincidence? Today at the Princess's residence, I heard an interesting story about An'ge'er."

She smiled, a subtle light flashing in her eyes, "Princess Anping mentioned that she went with her brother when the results were announced. Her brother spoke highly of our young master, saying that he was exceptionally talented and outstanding."

At first, Li was a little puzzled by her anxious attitude, but upon hearing this, her eyebrows relaxed and she naturally revealed the pride of being a mother.

"Oh? Is that so? Is this really worth you rushing back for?"

She was pleased, but took it as just a polite compliment.

However, what the concubine of Prince Ning said next made her slowly realize that it had an unusual meaning.

She continued in her lighthearted tone, "Isn't that right? The princess also praised him, saying that the young man is so young yet so learned, and even more so, he is well-mannered, virtuous, and clear-headed, unlike those frivolous young men."

Li's smile remained unchanged, but she was slightly taken aback. She couldn't help but raise her eyes and look at her sister-in-law with a hint of surprise and uncertainty.

The princess's attention, even mentioning qualities like propriety and chastity, seems to have gone beyond the scope of ordinary casual conversation.

She couldn't tell whether this was just casual gossip among the noble ladies or a signal that she dared not hope for.

The concubine of Prince Ning took in the subtle changes in Li's expression and knew that the time was right. As if casually, she ignited the most crucial spark with a single sentence:

"The princess jokingly added that she admired such upright and honest young men the most, saying that such a pure-hearted and virtuous gentleman was a worthy match to entrust one's life to."

"A clean and upright environment", "a peaceful and quiet surrounding", "a place worthy of trust"!

The soft lines on Li's face, which had been relaxed, instantly tightened, and a sharp glint flashed in her eyes.

She immediately understood that this was not idle talk; her sister-in-law had come back specifically to inform them that their opportunity had arrived at the Zhen'an Marquis's residence.

Instantly, the image of Amber appeared clearly in her mind, followed by Linglong.

The Princess's residence must have already investigated this matter thoroughly. The fact that they didn't explicitly state it leaves the choice to the Marquis's residence.

This was a "test" that Princess Anping, or rather the Princess's Mansion, presented to their Marquis's Mansion through her daughter.

But who is Princess Anping? She is the only daughter of the eldest princess, and it is said that she is very popular with the emperor.

It must be handled cleanly, neatly, and quickly! Delay is incompetence; incomplete handling is a lack of sincerity.

Either of these factors would cause this top-tier marriage, so easily within reach, to slip through our fingers.

"Mrs. Zhang, come in."

She quickly told Zhang Mama, "Go yourself and bring Amber here discreetly, without alerting anyone. Also, send someone to invite the Marquis and the Old Madam, saying there's some incredibly joyous news and they need to come quickly to discuss it!"

Zhang's mother accepted the order and left, leaving only the two women, the aunt and her sister-in-law, inside the house.

But Madam Li didn't sit idly by. After a moment's thought, she said to her sister-in-law, "Linglong has been with me for so many years, and she's quite steady. This matter can be resolved clearly for her; it's just that she's had bad luck."

The concubine of Prince Ning raised an eyebrow but remained silent.

Linglong was summoned in alone. She stood there with her head bowed and eyes downcast, secretly wondering what was going on in her mind about this sudden private audience.

Looking at her, Li felt a little sorry. This was the most useful maid in her life. She was clever and sensible. Otherwise, how could a maid she bought from outside have gained her trust?

However, this matter could not be overlooked; she could not gamble that the Princess's residence was unaware that she wanted Linglong to become Ange's concubine.

Without further hesitation, Madam Li spoke calmly yet with an undeniable air of authority: "Linglong, the eldest young lady just brought news that the young master's marriage has other great prospects."

Linglong was startled, but her expression remained respectful: "Congratulations, Madam, congratulations, Young Master."

Li changed the subject abruptly, her gaze sharp: "Ladies of noble families have certain rules, unlike ordinary families. From now on, the young master's side must be kept clean and tidy, with no idlers allowed."

These words were like an ice pick, instantly piercing Linglong's heart! Her whole body stiffened, and her blood seemed to freeze in an instant.

"Unrelated persons"? Are you referring to me?

Is the lady trying to silence someone in order to get closer to the princess?

All the memories of the sordid and secretive affairs within powerful families that he had witnessed and heard since his transmigration flooded his mind instantly.

A chilling fear shot from the soles of her feet to the top of her head, causing her to tremble uncontrollably.

No! I absolutely cannot sit idly by and wait to die! Linglong forced herself to calm down. She had saved up so much money over the years, and she hadn't spent it all yet.

Resist? Escape? Both are dead ends!

In a flash, she grasped the key—initiative! Decency! Loyalty!

The only way out is to make her masters feel that letting her go is more advantageous and dignified than letting her disappear!

Without hesitation, Linglong knelt down with a thud, not out of fear, but to show her greatest determination.

She raised her head, her eyes already brimming with just the right amount of tears, her voice clear and firm, tinged with a desperate tremor: "Madam! This servant begs your mercy, Madam, to release this servant from the manor!"

She skillfully aligned her own desires with her master's interests before the lady might utter an even more horrific decision:

"As long as it's for the young master's good! This humble servant would never dare to be the slightest blemish on the young master's reputation or tarnish the honor of the Marquis's mansion! I beg Madam to grant this humble servant's request for loyalty and allow me to return to my hometown. I will be forever grateful for Madam's great kindness!"

She had to immediately make her stance clear, proactively request to leave, and package this request as an act of unwavering loyalty and sacrifice to the Marquis's mansion and the young master.

Only in this way can one transform oneself from a "trouble that needs to be eliminated" into a "loyal servant who understands the greater good."

Li hesitated for a moment, and that moment of silence made Linglong's heart almost jump into her throat.

Then, she spoke slowly, her tone revealing neither joy nor anger, but rather a calm acceptance of what had been settled: "It's rare to find someone who cares about their master."

Having made up her mind, Li's tone softened slightly, taking on a condescending air.

"Very well, since you are so understanding and righteous, it would be heartless of me not to grant your request. I will return your indenture to you later, and you will no longer need to stay in the capital. I will also give you an additional one hundred taels of silver to settle our master-servant relationship."

"This servant thanks Madam for her kindness!" Linglong kowtowed deeply, her voice trembling slightly as if she had survived a calamity.

From an angle that Li couldn't see, the curve of her lips was impossible to suppress.

Freedom, it came so quickly, so easily!

Sure enough, who knows what will happen tomorrow?