Dai Chun Pavilion.

Wei Yundai was currently combing her long, black hair.

The black hair cascaded like a waterfall, shining with a glossy brightness.

She admired herself in the copper mirror, her eyebrows like distant mountains, lips as red as flowers, truly beautiful as an immortal.

As she gazed, she became entranced and let out a soft laugh.

"Tao Yao, do you think I’m beautiful?"

Tao Yao, who was helping her braid her hair and putting in various exquisite hairpins, smiled and said, "Miss, you’re indeed beautiful, strikingly so!"

"Then... am I more beautiful than Princess Nianxi?"

Tao Yao paused and then said, "Princess Nianxi lives in the Imperial Family and carries some elegance, but if speaking of beauty, how could she compare to Miss?"

Wei Yundai was satisfied and softly said, "Continue with the makeup!" 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

"Yes!"

"Miss, Miss!"

At this time, an urgent voice came from outside. Wei Yundai slightly frowned, revealing a trace of impatience, as she couldn’t be disturbed during her grooming, lest her delicate makeup be messed up.

"Miss, it seems to be someone from Madam’s side!"

Tao Yao glanced outside and replied.

"Let her in!" Wei Yundai, although displeased, had to give some face, as the person was from her mother’s side. So, the maid was allowed in.

"Miss, Madam sent me to inform you that Old Madam has sent someone to fetch Wei Yunyan."

Wei Yundai’s face, already not too friendly, completely changed: "Fetching that lowlife Wei Yunyan? What is Grandmother thinking? That bumpkin from the countryside living in our Wei State Duke Mansion? Won’t that make us a laughingstock?"

Wei Yundai spoke, her face full of anxiety and anger, stamping her foot fiercely, causing her meticulously arranged hair to become somewhat disheveled due to her agitation.

"Miss, please calm down. Pardon this maid’s words, but that Wei Yunyan is just a bastard, a little nobody. How can she be compared to you, Miss? You’re nobility, and what is she? When she comes, hmph, she’ll merely be a maid! So, Miss, there’s no need for you to be upset!"

Wei Yundai gradually calmed down. The maid was right, she was a legitimate noble, and that wild girl from the countryside, what was she?

Just someone no one loves!

Such a person, regardless of speech or behavior, couldn’t compare to her, so why be angry? Just consider her an extra grain pest in the mansion, one she could bully at will!

With this thought, Wei Yundai felt better, sitting down again and instructing Tao Yao to continue with her grooming.

When she finished, admiring her delicate flower-like beauty in the mirror, suddenly a voice came from outside.

"The Eldest Miss has returned to the mansion."

"Quick, go tell the Old Madam, the Eldest Miss is back!"

"..."

The voices outside were chaotic and fragmented. Wei Yundai’s expression cooled, but she quickly returned to normal. She rose slowly, lightly dusted off nonexistent specks of dust from her clothes, and said, "Let’s go, time to meet my dear sister!"

She slightly lifted her chin, proud as a swan, ready to give this so-called sister an unforgettable "welcome gift."

Tao Yao and the maid from Mrs. Wei’s side followed her out, passing through winding corridors, past flowing lotus ponds, rockeries, and pavilions... Along the way, the maids curtsied in greeting.

"Eldest Miss."

"Miss, may you be well!"

"..."

Listening to these greetings, Wei Yundai quietly said, "Tao Yao, from now on I am the Second Miss, she is the Eldest Miss."

"What is Eldest Miss saying? You’re the real Eldest Miss of this Wei Mansion, she? Heh..."

Tao Yao sneered lightly, her expression full of mockery.

Wei Yundai felt pleased, considering what item to reward her with later?

With that, the group arrived at the main hall.

Old Madam Wei was already there, alongside Mrs. Gao, and some of Duke Wei’s concubines and their children.

Of course, Duke Wei’s concubines were not many, just four. Two were from Mrs. Gao’s maiden family, sent to strengthen her position.

As for the other two concubines, they were from notable families but were daughters of concubines, only meant for alliances and to expand the Wei family’s descendants.

As Wei Yundai entered, she saw a figure kneeling on the ground, just looking at the back, it was like a snow lotus on a distant mountain, stirring the heart.

Wei Yundai, being the type unable to tolerate anyone better than her, seeing that figure so enchanting, was filled with a burst of fury.

But there were many people present, and the Old Madam was there. She couldn’t lose her temper, even had to act sisterly and warm.

She walked gracefully to the Old Madam, politely greeting, "Granddaughter Dai’er greets Grandmother, Mother, and the Aunts..."

Wei Yundai greeted each one with impeccable manners.

"Sister, Dai’er is truly knowledgeable and respectful. Look at her manner, dignified yet not lacking in charm, surely a virtuous wife and good mother in the future."

The one speaking was Second Aunt Yin Zhu, a supporter from Mrs. Gao’s side, who always praised Mrs. Gao and her children since entering the Duke Mansion. Naturally, Gao favored her and often arranged for her to accompany the Duke, allowing her to bear a son and a daughter.

Thus, the Second Aunt Yin Zhu’s status in the mansion was second only to Mrs. Gao.

With her words, the others voiced agreement.

Long Yue just knelt there, while everyone praised Wei Yundai’s excellence, forgetting her presence.

This was Mrs. Wei’s united effort to give Long Yue a show of strength!

The servants, stewards, and nurses nearby knew but turned a blind eye, even watching her misfortune with interest, being left out.

By logic, Long Yue should be anxious, maybe make some small gesture to gain some attention?

But no!

Long Yue continued kneeling, observing nothing, hearing nothing, as if detached from the surrounding events.

Wei Yundai, hearing the praises around her, occasionally glanced at the kneeling woman, seeing only Long Yue’s back, she didn’t care to see her front.

So what if she dressed well?

At heart, still a wild country girl, incapable of matching her value!

Content, Wei Yundai stood up, walked over to Mrs. Gao and the Old Madam, and obediently said, "Grandmother, Dai’er offers you tea."

Old Madam Wei nodded slightly, smiled, "Good, good, sweet child, haha, truly obedient, Ying’er, you have given birth to a good daughter!"

Ying’er, Mrs. Gao’s nickname, receiving the Old Madam’s praise, immediately stood to thank her.

This side of the family gathered warmly, completely forgetting Long Yue. After tea and chatting, the Old Madam prepared to return to her room.

Upon rising, she noticed the silent Long Yue.

She clapped her hand, exclaiming, "Oh dear, how could I forget you, child? See how forgetful I am in my age. Come, Yan’er, you’ve knelt long enough, hurry and get up!"

Saying so, she went to help Long Yue.

"Grandmother, I’m fine, listening to elders talk is also a blessing for the younger ones."

As Long Yue spoke, she stood, but having knelt for too long, she stumbled and fell over.

By coincidence, Wei Yundai was standing nearby, wanting to see what this little wench truly looked like, and met with a mishap!

Long Yue’s skirt caught underfoot, she swayed, and fell upon Wei Yundai.

"Ah—"

Wei Yundai screamed as the two of them tumbled to the ground.