But when he was pampering someone, if anyone crossed him, he’d show a black face and turn away, unlike today when he’s being so pleasant and easygoing.

Has the sun risen from the west today?

Or is it because she bumped into Aunt Gu?

"Mrs. Gu has always been unassuming and undemanding; she’s truly fortunate." Mr. Zhong said, "Fifth Girl has made a name for herself at Chunshan Academy. Just today, Mr. Zhao was praising her."

"Mr. Zhao?"

The family’s top superior, praising Mr. Zhao, was quite an unexpected situation!

"Mr. Zhao’s eldest daughter-in-law had a difficult labor; the midwife was at a loss, so Mrs. Zhao went to Chunshan Women’s Medical College to ask for Mr. Xiao’s help, but Mr. Xiao was in the palace at the time. So Mrs. Zhao sought help elsewhere, and our Fifth Girl took a young lady to the Zhao Mansion and successfully delivered the baby; both mother and child are safe."

Mr. Zhao was thrilled to have his firstborn grandson.

When he found out Zhong Xiuxiu was his daughter, he went to the government office and praised him profusely, even mentioning he would invite him for drinks another day.

Mr. Zhong’s work has never been anything special; he’s just very average.

The path to promotion for a mediocre person is not smooth, but he didn’t mind. It was something out of his control if his superior didn’t notice him.

Unexpectedly, overnight, his superior started calling him brother, praising him endlessly, and hinting at a promising position awaiting him, which made Mr. Zhong very happy.

He was thinking about what gift to give his daughter when he returned home, but he found out that Mrs. Gu was pregnant. Having a sibling for Fifth Girl would be nice.

As for Mrs. Li, she should be punished as deserved.

He didn’t feel a bit sorry anymore.

Mr. Zhong felt that raising a Fifth Girl was no less rewarding than raising an average son!

In the past, everyone thought sending a girl to Chunshan Women’s Medical College was degrading. Many girls were sent there, only to be returned.

Your family would withdraw, other families would withdraw, and nobody cared.

If it weren’t for Empress Dowager’s support, these people wouldn’t want to learn.

But, no one expected that those who stayed and persevered turned out to be truly outstanding.

At first, Mr. Zhong sent his concubine’s daughter, Fifth Girl, to study merely to follow the trend; everyone was doing it, so he did it too.

He never imagined that Zhong Xiuxiu would learn so well, truly bringing him pride! 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"Indeed, Aunt Gu is truly fortunate," Madam Zhong remarked. "Once this child is born, regardless of whether it’s a boy or a girl, husband, let’s give her a title as a recognized concubine."

"Very well, I’m assured with you managing the household affairs."

In the back courtyard, Mrs. Li, holding her swollen red face, was still stewing in anger.

"Has the master returned?"

"He has, auntie, the master has returned, he’s in Madam’s courtyard," Zi’er whispered, "Aunt, you..."

"Wait for me; inform me immediately when the master comes my way."

"Yes, aunt."

Mrs. Li was most skilled at playing the zither, which was how she first captivated the master.

Having suffered such humiliation today, she intended to have the master speak up for her.

Half an hour later, Zi’er hurried over to tell her: "The master is coming."

Mrs. Li immediately started playing the zither by the window.

But this time, the master did not enter her courtyard.

"Did you see clearly where the master went?"

"Aunt, he went to Aunt Gu’s courtyard."

"That old hag, clinging to the master despite her age, she’s worthless, and the child in her belly surely can’t be born..."

"Aunt, don’t say that."

Zi’er was frightened.

She was born a servant of the Zhong Mansion; her parents worked in Madam’s courtyard as cleaning servants. Though her family wasn’t favored, they found life in the Zhong Mansion comfortable enough.

After all, the Zhong Mansion, unlike other homes, wasn’t harsh to servants; beatings and killings were frequent occurrences elsewhere.

Whether it was Madam or the few concubines in the back courtyard, they had their share of public and private disputes, but never went too far.

It was the first time Zi’er saw someone so openly cursing Aunt Gu as Mrs. Li did.

"Snap," just as Zi’er finished speaking, she received a slap on her face.

"How dare a mere servant girl say I’m wrong; have you turned against me? Who are you working for, exactly..."

Not only hitting Zi’er, but also scolding her.

Unfortunately, Nanny Lin walked in.

"What’s this? You want to hit me too?"

Enemies indeed appear more hostile at sight; Mrs. Li felt displeased just looking at Nanny Lin.

"I’m not like some who are lawless; if the master doesn’t speak, naturally, I wouldn’t dare hit you."

Nanny Lin thought Mrs. Li wasn’t intelligent at all. Just how long had she been in the mansion, and already offended everyone, both old and young.