After flirting with the aloof prince, the concubine ran away pregnant.

The next morning, before dawn, Afu got up.

From several newly made outfits, she chose the most inconspicuous lotus-green jacket, styled her hair in a simple double-loop bun, and looked clean and elegant.

As soon as Afu stepped into the Cining Courtyard, Granny Cui, who was guarding the door, greeted her with a smile: "Miss Afu, you've arrived. Madam has been thinking of you."

She was led to the inner hall, where Lady Hou was reclining on a Luohan bed covered with white fox fur, holding a string of Buddhist prayer beads in her hand. Sitting next to her was Xie Yun, who was wearing a bright red dress.

Upon seeing Afu, Xie Yun merely raised her eyelids lazily before turning her head away again, fiddling with her newly dyed nail polish, her face radiating disdain.

"Afu greets Madam and Miss." Afu stepped forward and performed a proper curtsy.

"Get up, get up quickly." Madam Hou put down her prayer beads, beckoned to her with a warm smile, "Come, sit here with me."

She pointed to an embroidered stool beside the daybed. Granny Cui quickly stepped forward and helped Afu sit down.

Afu, however, feigned surprise and delight, sitting on half her buttocks with her body slightly leaning forward, maintaining an excellent posture.

"You're such a good girl, always so well-behaved." The Lady Hou looked her over, her gaze lingering on the gauze on her wrist. She sighed, "I'm sorry you had to go through what happened the other day."

Afu quickly replied, "Madam, you flatter me. I dare not feel wronged in the slightest. It is my honor to be able to share the burdens of the young master."

"Look at her, what a fine child she is." Lady Hou turned to Xie Yun, her tone tinged with a hint of regret. "She seems much more composed than that girl Tao Yao. That girl used to seem quite well-behaved, but now... sigh, her temperament has been completely warped."

Upon hearing Tao Yao's name, Xie Yun slammed the teacup down on the small table with a loud thud.

"I told you long ago that she's cunning and not a good person, but you wouldn't believe me and always said she was innocent and kind."

Xie Yun's tone was full of disdain. "Now you're all set? Can't keep up the act anymore, huh? To curry favor, you even dared to steal someone else's blood. If you're capable of something like that, what wouldn't you dare to do?"

"Alright, that's enough." Lady Hou frowned. "No matter what, she saved your brother's life, and that kindness is still there. Now that she has made a mistake, our Marquis's mansion is taking care of her, which is more than enough."

Xie Yun pursed her lips, clearly disagreeing, but didn't argue further.

She suddenly turned to look at A-Fu, as if deliberately looking for something to do, and asked her, "A-Fu, tell me, is Tao Yao malicious?"

Upon hearing this question, Lady Hou's gaze fell upon Afu.

Afu's mind raced. To say she wasn't bad would be against her conscience and offend Xie Yun. To say she was bad would make her seem petty and gossipy.

She thought for a moment before replying softly, "Miss Taoyao... perhaps she just likes the young master too much and has gone astray for a moment. But this method is indeed a bit unethical."

It points out that Tao Yao's motive is "liking the prince" while also affirming that she has "malicious intentions," thus offending neither side.

Upon hearing this, Xie Yun finally smiled: "You do have some discernment when it comes to people."

Afu silently added in her mind, "How could I not have good judgment? If I still can't see clearly, I'll be dead."

As they were talking, a servant brought in some snacks and fruits. One of the dishes was chilled lychees, which were crystal clear and looked very appealing.

Xie Yun glanced at it and lost interest. Somewhat listlessly, she used a silver skewer to pok at another piece of hibiscus cake on the plate, muttering to herself, "It's so hot today, everything tastes cloying. Even though this fruit is chilled, it's still not as refreshing as those cool and refreshing desserts."

Hearing this, Lady Hou immediately understood. She glanced at her daughter and couldn't help but smile.

Xie Yun had been thinking about the plum snow cheese ever since the last time.

Unfortunately, her brother refused to give her the recipe. She had her small kitchen in the courtyard try it several times, but the food always tasted wrong, which made her so angry that she didn't give Xie Xun a kind look for several days.

Afu observed the subtle tension between the mother and daughter and understood it perfectly.

She stood up, curtsied, and said gently, "If Miss likes it, I will make it and send it to you tomorrow."

Xie Yun's eyes lit up instantly. She cleared her throat reservedly, but couldn't hide the joy in her eyes and brows. She deliberately looked at Afu with an appreciative gaze: "Oh? That's great. If you're going to make some, make a lot. There are many people in my courtyard."

"Yes, I've got it."

Afu mentally scoffed again. Sure enough, he had the same taste as her brother. For a bite to eat, he actually went around in circles and made indirect hints to a maid like her. There was no one else like him.

Seeing her daughter happy, Lady Hou's smile deepened. She had Granny Cui reward Afu with a pair of pure gold bracelets, and then chatted with her for a while, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.

After the maids removed the snacks and replaced them with fresh tea, the Lady of the Marquis's expression gradually became serious.

She picked up her teacup, gently skimmed off the foam, and looked at Afu. She spoke in a measured tone, "Afu, you're a smart girl. I won't beat around the bush with you anymore."

"Now that you've moved into Zhenliu Pavilion, your monthly allowance has been increased. Although you don't have the title of concubine, you have the reality. This is because the young master values ​​you, and it's also the Marquis's compensation to you."

Afu quickly stood up, her hands at her sides, and said, "This servant thanks Madam and Young Master for their kindness."

"Hmm." Madam Hou nodded, her tone still calm. "But you must also remember that there are rules in everything. You are, after all, a maid by birth, and you must not take advantage of this to become arrogant and forget your duty."

"This servant understands."

"It's good that you understand."

Lady Hou put down her teacup and finally got to the point, "The young master's marriage has already been arranged. Once the young master's wife enters the household, if you remain well-behaved, I will naturally grant you favors and find an auspicious day to formally elevate you to the position of concubine."

His words were spoken in a grand and dignified manner, employing both kindness and severity.

For a maid, being promoted to the rank of "concubine" was an unparalleled honor.

Afu felt a slight tug at her heartstrings, but quickly relaxed again.

Marriage is good. Once married, the household will have a proper mistress, and she, as a concubine, should be dismissed.

Suppressing her joy, she feigned a perfectly measured mix of fear and overwhelming gratitude, and knelt down. "This servant thanks Madam for her kindness. I dare not presume for a higher rank; I only ask to serve the young master and madam for the rest of my life, and that would be enough for me."

Seeing her grateful expression, the Lady Hou's smile deepened.

She wouldn't mind giving a maid who was sensible, knew when to advance and retreat, and was of great use to her son a little more respect.