The pregnant woman pressed down on the wife, and the cousin collapsed into the prince's arms.

After much persuasion, Su Wanrou finally stopped crying, but she was still unwilling to accept it. Yes, Shen Yunshuang did greet her every day, but she didn't want to see her face at all! She didn't want to see her delicate, frail figure, her smug expression, or her stunning beauty!

However, she was determined to salvage her image in the young master's eyes, and she couldn't afford to be mean to Shen Yunshuang in the slightest!

However, she was still clear-headed. What's done is done, and no matter how much she hated it, she couldn't change the fact that there was now a concubine in the mansion.

Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory in every battle. She still knew too little about Shen Yunshuang.

Su Wanrou wiped away her tears and asked intently, "Have the people to be placed in Ningxiang Pavilion been selected?"

Seeing her mistress's expression, Zhou's mother knew that she had come to her senses.

She replied, "I think we should let Chun Tao and Qiu Shi serve them. They are servants we brought from the Su family, and they are clever. They will definitely be able to help us gather information."

Both of them were second-class maids serving Su Wanrou. Although they were not her confidantes, they were loyal. After all, they had been servants in the Su family for generations, so they were easy to control.

Speaking of Chun Tao, because of her outstanding appearance, Madam Su had a plan when she brought her to the Marquis's mansion. For example, if her daughter became pregnant and could no longer serve the young master, she could let the young master take Chun Tao as a concubine, which was also a way to win him over.

However, Su Wanrou did not think so. As Chun Tao grew older and became more and more beautiful, she became more and more wary of her appearance. In addition, she was not pregnant, so she had no intention of letting any woman get close to Pei Jingnian.

Chun Tao, a rather beautiful maid, could only awkwardly remain a second-class maid in Jinlan Courtyard.

However, such a beautiful maid was an eyesore in Jinlan Courtyard, but Su Wanrou thought it was perfect when placed in Ningxiang Pavilion. Zhou Mama really understood her heart.

Since Pei Jingnian has already taken a concubine, she doesn't care if he takes another one. In fact, it would be better if he could take away Shen Yunshuang's favor, which would make her feel more at ease.

_

The next day

When Shen Yunshuang came to Jinlan Courtyard to pay her respects, Su Wanrou said, "Consort Shen has been serving the young master these days, and she must be very tired. I see that Ningxiang Pavilion is short-handed. I have two maids by my side, one named Chuntao and the other named Qiushi. They are quite clever, so I will assign them to you to help you with your work."

As soon as he finished speaking, two maids stepped forward. Both of them were dressed in light blue fine cloth vests with cross-collars, paired with plain white skirts and matching silk sashes. Although their clothes were identical, the one on the right was clearly more outstanding in appearance. Her skin was as white as snow, her eyebrows were slightly raised, her lips were a little thin, and her almond eyes were large and bright, but her gaze was lively and gave people a sense of restlessness.

Shen Yunshuang seemed lost in thought. Chun Tao… She remembered that in her past life, when Su Wanrou was pregnant, Chun Tao seduced Pei Jingnian and became another of his concubines. However, she was later dealt with terribly by Su Wanrou.

She covered her eyes, thinking to herself: Su Wanrou is trying to plant someone by her side, and she even specially chose a girl as beautiful as Chun Tao. Her intentions are obvious to everyone.

However, she didn't think a slightly attractive maid could pose any threat. Su Wanrou wanted to monitor her, but she also had information to pass on to Su Wanrou. It was perfect to use these two maids; it was truly effortless.

Thinking this, Shen Yunshuang put on a troubled look, stood up and said, "I should not refuse the Crown Princess's kindness, but my aunt is kind to me and has already assigned me two maids. Ningxiang Pavilion has few people and little work, so there is really no need for so many people to serve me." Her voice was soft and pleasant, and her expression was respectful and gentle, leaving no room for criticism.

But as Su Wanrou looked at her, she hated her innocent and unassuming appearance even more, and she also hated the favoritism her mother-in-law showed towards her niece in every word she spoke.

"Even though Ningxiang Pavilion is small, it can still accommodate two maids. Please don't refuse."

Since she had said so, Shen Yunshuang did not refuse any longer and naturally accepted the two maids, taking them back to Ningxiang Pavilion.

_

When Shen Yunshuang returned to Ningxiang Pavilion, she was helped by Lürui and Xuezhi to remove her elaborate hairpins and change into a comfortable set of everyday clothes.

At this time, Chuntao and Qiushi were made to stand on the outer corridor and were not allowed to enter the inner room.

Unlike Qiushi, Chuntao was not well-behaved and obedient. Her big eyes darted around, as if she wished she could fly into the inner room to see.

She deeply admired the young master, and therefore naturally felt extremely jealous of Shen Yunshuang.

Although she dared not be particularly presumptuous, she had a keen eye and could tell at a glance that the interior furnishings were quite exquisite. While not as luxurious as Jinlan Courtyard, they exuded elegance in every aspect.

The rosewood flower stand, the porcelain vase from the previous dynasty, and the cloud-patterned gauze curtains on the windows were all made of soft, smoky silk, worth a fortune. When sunlight fell on them, they would emit a faint purple glow. Such fine things were only used as window screens. Compared to the dazzling array of rare treasures in Su Wanrou's possession, this understated approach left Chun Tao speechless.

She was also extremely jealous. Such a favor must have been bestowed by the old lady or tacitly approved by the young master. Consort Shen was indeed deeply favored.

Thinking this, he couldn't help but lament his bad luck. If the concubine hadn't entered the manor, with her looks, she might have been able to secure a place in the Marquis's household.

Now, with the ethereal beauty of the concubine as a foil, her once-proud looks had lost all their appeal. Her thoughts raced like this until Shen Yunshuang finished changing and called them in to speak, finally bringing her to a stop.

A faint fragrance of orchids burned in the warm room.

Shen Yunshuang wore a cherry-pink jacket embroidered with crabapple blossoms, which made her face look even more radiant. She sat on a soft couch by the window, looking at the maids in front of her.

According to the rules of the manor, a concubine's quarters can be staffed with a maximum of eight maids. Previously, she only had two "direct descendants" brought from Yangzhou, Lü Rui and Xue Zhi, and two maids who did menial tasks.

A few days ago, her aunt also gave her two maids, Lanru and Yunxi. With the two maids Su Wanrou gave her today, she now has all the maids she needs.

This is also why she didn't refuse Su Wanrou before. It's perfectly normal for the principal wife to assign two maids to the concubine, and it's also very proper. Even if Pei Jingnian knew, he wouldn't say anything. He might even think that Su Wanrou, the crown prince's wife, is very considerate and takes good care of this newly taken-in "sister".

Men don't really like jealousy and rivalry; they prefer peace and harmony between their wives and concubines.

Shen Yunshuang pondered for a moment and then said, "Ningxiang Pavilion is now fully staffed. From now on, everyone should fulfill their duties and responsibilities. Lanru."

She turned her gaze to the maid in the center. Her expression was calm and serene, and she looked very reliable. "From now on, you will be the head maid, in charge of all affairs of Ningxiang Pavilion. You will be in charge of the management and dispatch of the maids, as well as the communication and coordination between the Marquis's mansion and the outside world. If you are unsure about anything, feel free to come and discuss it with me."