"Third Sister, don’t you want to know who in the Tang Mansion it is?"

Zhong Xiuxiu was very curious.

"The only one in the Tang Mansion who could be suitable for you is the second young master, Tang Feng," Zhong Xiuyao said. "Since Mother has taken a liking to you, she wouldn’t let you marry a concubine’s son."

"Third Sister, you’re really clever."

"I’m just playing a little smart, but unfortunately..." Zhong Xiuyao suddenly said, "But, I have to keep being smart; otherwise, in the Lin Mansion, I’d be gnawed to the bone."

Mrs. Lin is too ruthless!

Renowned in the Capital for being jealous, yet Lord Lin is lecherous; neither of the couple is a good person.

"Third Sister, as always, if you need my help with anything, just send someone to find me."

"Alright."

Zhong Xiuyao stood up: "It’s getting late, I should head back."

"Third Sister, remember, there are foods you shouldn’t eat..."

The things that couldn’t be eaten or used, Zhong Xiuxiu told Zhong Xiuyao in detail.

"Fifth Sister, you’ve truly become capable; with you, I’m so much more at ease."

As Zhong Xiuyao went downstairs, two aged maids came back gasping for breath.

"Auntie, please forgive us, we went to chase after a careless young girl..."

"No worries, I picked something, you both can choose the same, it’s on me."

"How can we accept this?"

"It’s nothing; it’s rare for us to come out, after all, we should purchase something to treat ourselves."

The two maids happily each chose a box of rouge, and Zhong Xiuyao generously paid for it, then got on the carriage back to the mansion.

Zhong Xiuxiu watched Zhong Xiuyao with a sense of comfort.

"Third Sister is truly a smart person; she can manage well anywhere she is," Zhong Xiuxiu said to Bianxia. "You’ve worked hard today."

"Miss, it’s no trouble for me," Bianxia said. "Actually, I also noticed, those two maids were cooperating as well."

"Is that so," Zhong Xiuxiu said. "Since we’re here, you should pick a box of rouge too; I’ll buy it for you."

"No need, Miss, you already gifted me some last time, and I haven’t used it yet."

"You’re still young, naturally beautiful, you truly don’t need these."

Zhong Xiuxiu said, "Then let’s go to the silver building, pick a piece of silver jewelry."

"Miss, there’s no need to spend so much."

"I said pick one, so choose one. Save it up, and it’ll make a good dowry in the future."

"Thank you, Miss."

Bianxia joyfully thanked her.

Ever since Miss entered Chunshan Academy, she had served her personally and learned a lot as well. The Miss was becoming more and more satisfied with her, and the rewards were increasing.

It truly matters to follow the right master.

Zhong Xiuxiu returned to the Zhong Mansion and proactively mentioned Zhong Xiuyao’s situation to Madam Zhong.

"It’s really hard on that third girl," Madam Zhong sighed. "When she was sent to the Lin Mansion that day, it was also for the glory of the Zhong Mansion, something I dare not forget. Fifth girl, since you can talk to her, if she needs my help, don’t hesitate to ask; I owe her."

Ultimately, the Zhong Mansion still belonged to her two sons.

If the nest is overturned, how can any egg remain intact? Sacrificing Zhong Xiuyao protected the Zhong Mansion, and Madam Zhong remembered her goodness.

"Yes, Mother, I’ll do my best to protect her."

"The seventh of the first lunar month is the fifth girl’s birthday. When the time comes, go visit her with a greeting card, saying I specially arranged for you to see her and celebrate her birthday. It’s also good to check her pulse and see how the fetus is doing."

"Yes, Mother."

Zhong Xiuxiu nodded, thinking about the lives of the few concubines in her mansion, compared to those in the Lin Mansion; it was truly worlds apart.

Indeed, if one is to be a concubine, they must select a good head of the family.

Of course, not every concubine is as lucky, able to meet someone as kind-hearted as Madam Zhong.

It’s often said, marry a virtuous woman, and a virtuous wife will bless three generations.

Like a legitimate mother, such a head of the family can truly bring prosperity to a family.

Although legitimate and concubine statuses differ, the contributions of concubines are also seen. Such a head of the family, who plans for the concubine’s future, is genuinely wise.

With a family like the Lin’s, who doesn’t know how many bad things they’ve done out of jealousy and no talent from the legitimate children; how far can such a family go?

Third Sister’s move is a bit risky, but it must be admitted, it’s also the key to breaking the situation.

She anticipated all sorts of things, and this pregnancy is something she has firmly set her mind on.

At the same time, she also knew, meeting people from the Zhong family was something Third Sister had to act out, indicating the tough days at the Lin Mansion.

Indeed, because she returned a little late than reported, Mrs. Lin started making a big fuss.

"Mistress, this concubine came back late because there were many people on the road, and the carriage was a bit slow..."

"How dare you contradict me! Someone, take Aunt Zhong back to her courtyard to reflect, copy the scriptures three hundred times, and she is not allowed to step out of the courtyard for three months."

"Mistress..."

"Say one more word, and it’ll be extended by another two months."

"No, Mistress, I truly didn’t..."

"Five months, five months not to step out of the courtyard."

Inside, Zhong Xiuyao was jubilant yet dared not show it, still had to appear aggrieved and teary-eyed.

"Auntie, please proceed."

The two maids hurriedly took Zhong Xiuyao back to the inner courtyard.

"Miss..."

The maid whispered.

Zhong Xiuyao shook her head.

Once the two maids left, Zhong Xiuyao laughed so broadly that her gums felt cold.

She gestured a five to the maid.

"Five months without needing to pay respects?"

"Yes, this month, she will also try every means to prevent Lord from coming to this courtyard."

Mrs. Lin was jealous of her favor and used this method to suppress her.

It truly was something she couldn’t wish for more.

That old man, whoever wants him can have him.

Now, all she cared about was protecting the child in her belly.

Once the five-month confinement period ended, the fetus would be seven months old; endure just a bit more, and when she visited temples to offer prayers, she could have Fifth Sister help with the delivery.

Everything was within her control.

"Miss, those two maids..."

Although they had been bought with small favors, it would be difficult to keep such a big matter from them.

"No worries, at that time, just say I gained weight, and also, prepare some winter clothes, wear them looser, and it won’t show."

"Miss, what about the food?"

"Remember, there are certain things I can’t eat. I’ll tell you, and you should be careful when getting meals from the kitchen."

"Yes, I won’t take those."

"Wrong, it’s not ’won’t take,’ but take them back and you eat them instead; I can’t eat them, understand?"

"Yes, Miss."

Her Miss was such a clever person, who could have thought one day her intelligence would be used this way; life truly is full of uncertainties.

However, with such a plan from Miss, she’d risk her life to ensure the mother and child’s safety.

"Miss, should we prepare clothes for the boy?"

"No rush," Zhong Xiuyao said. "It’s not suitable to prepare in the Lin Mansion; preparing would draw attention. By then, have the shopkeeper’s wife prepare some, and when needed, just collect them."

"Yes, Miss."

Miss’s considerations were indeed thorough.

"Next, I must focus entirely on copying scriptures, since I’m under house arrest."

Zhong Xiuyao laughed, "I always said, life is full of surprises and unpredictability; eventually, it will become the way I want it to be."