The matter of that residence outside has finally been settled.

Meng Shuhui was anxious to move out, but Gu Xiyan, being a widow, couldn’t just go out casually.



So, she entrusted Mama Sun to take two maidservants along to lend a hand, ensuring that all the daily necessities were fully prepared.



Meng Shuhui repeatedly declined, saying it wasn’t necessary.



She had already imposed too much on Gu Xiyan’s generosity.



While they were close and didn’t need to stand on ceremony, she couldn’t burden Gu Xiyan any further.



She began to pack her own luggage, though there wasn’t much to pack anyway—most of it were items belonging to the two children.



Over the past couple of days, Gu Xiyan had taken apart her old dresses and padded jackets, remaking them into little outfits for the children.



She said the lingering chill of late spring in the capital is quite harsh, and there will be more rain yet to come.



No matter how poor one is, the children must not be left shabby.



Meng Shuhui saw it with her eyes, held it in her heart, and a myriad of emotions welled up within her.



She knew that for her sake, Gu Xiyan had already cast aside all pretense of saving face.



Now she only hopes that in the future, her two children will achieve something, so as not to let down her aunt’s kind intentions.



After cleaning up, Gu Xiyan asked Mrs.



Sun to take two servants, carry the loads, and help Meng Shuhui settle in.



By noon that day, Mrs.



Sun came back with news, saying everything was arranged.



She then mentioned how delighted the two children were and added,



“Mrs.



Meng said this house is so rare you’d hardly find it even with a lantern.



It’s all thanks to meeting fellow townsfolk.



Master Ye is a scholar and a kind-hearted man—this is truly an act of goodness!” Gu Xiyan chuckled lightly, thanked Mother Sun once more earnestly, and slipped her a few hundred coins as a reward.



Now she wasn’t short on money.



She had Qiu Sang pawn off the bolt of cloth, the gold bracelet, and the cloak—all at once, she got one hundred twenty taels of silver.



She thought, she could take some of this silver and give it to Lu Chenglian, asking him to help with a few arrangements.



This was naturally no small sum for Gu Xiyan; she was actually a bit reluctant to part with it—how wonderful it would be to keep this money and use it slowly.



But after all, this brother-in-law from sister-in-law’s maiden family had once taken in sister-in-law and her two children.



There was affection in that, and now he has fallen on hard times.



If she asked Lu Chenglian for help but was unwilling to spare the money, her conscience would never be at ease.



There will be plenty of time in the future.



She could gradually figure out a way to earn the money herself.



With five taels of silver a month, she could earn sixty taels a year—over the long term, wouldn’t it all come back?



After all, the daily necessities and expenses were already covered by the Duke’s mansion.



The reason she saved money was precisely for unexpected emergencies like this, and now was the time to put it to use!



So, after thinking it over, she took one hundred taels out of the one hundred and twenty taels, exchanged it for a bank note, and thought of finding an opportunity to slip it to Lu Chenglian.



Yet, as luck would have it, Lu Chenglian was nowhere to be seen for two or three consecutive days.



As a widow, it wasn’t appropriate for her to keep a constant watch on her elder brother-in-law, so she had to seek opportunities discreetly.



She thought of the two maids in Lu Chenglian’s room, Yingtong and Peibai, and considered ways to get closer to them, hoping to gather some information.



Coincidentally, on this day, Gu Xiyan saw Yingtong and Peibai picking newly sprouted willow branches by the lake to make wreaths.



Accompanied by Qiusang, she walked over as if by chance, greeting the two maids with a smile.



Yingtong was exceptionally beautiful, with a slender figure, skilled hands, and had been well-read since childhood, possessing a certain literary talent.



She was the most favored person in Lu Chenglian’s room.



Gu Xiyan had also vaguely heard the news, knowing that this person was reserved for Lu Chenglian.



However, Lu Chenglian was proud and aloof; before properly marrying a wife, he was unwilling to accept just anyone casually, which was why she was still waiting there.



But sooner or later, she’ll definitely be taken into his chambers anyway.



Yingtong glanced up at Gu Xiyan, gave a slight smile and greeted him, then continued lowering her head to weave willow branches.



Although she was now just a maid, she was a first-class one, serving by Lu Chenglian’s side, so she was practically half a young lady.



Lu Chenglian held power on the outside, and even if he was incorruptible, he still received all kinds of fine goods as gifts in the past—things others had never even seen.



If they were long-lasting items, that was one thing, but if they were food or daily necessities meant for a taste of novelty, or things Lu Chenglian didn’t care much about, they inevitably ended up in the hands of the lower servants.



Yingtong managed the items in Lu Chenglian’s quarters, handling everything that passed through his rooms.



She often used these things to build relationships, and in the mansion, no wife or maid from any household disliked her.



Generous people are always likable.



Thus, Yingtong now carries a hint of arrogance.



Upon seeing Gu Xiyan, being able to greet her is considered showing some respect to this young widow.



Gu Xiyan, of course, knew she didn’t hold much weight in Yingtong’s eyes.



As a widow tucked away in a corner, she rarely went out and typically avoided those who were currently in the limelight.



But now, with the intention of making some inquiries, she had no choice but to approach with a smile, testing the waters to find a topic of conversation and deliberately offering to weave the willow branches herself, taking the initiative to volunteer.



Yingtong was somewhat surprised and handed the willow branches to Gu Xiyan.



To earn favor, Gu Xiyan naturally put in all her effort, with Qiusang assisting from the side.



The two of them—mistress and servant—indeed did a fine job weaving.



Pei Bai took it, delighted, and praised,



“The sixth young mistress is so skillful!



Next time we need something like this, you can come and weave it for us!” Gu Xiyan smiled,



“Just tell me what you’d like me to weave!” Qiu Sang, who had just been weaving willow branches, had all ten fingers stained green with the juice from the tender shoots.



Hearing this, she couldn’t help but sigh with resignation.



A proper young mistress lowering herself to flatter a maid in someone else’s room—what a sight!



And that Pei Bai, boldly saying,



“You come and weave it for us,” commanding a proper young mistress as if she were just a maid—how outrageous!



Yingtong, being more prudent than Peibai, chided her at once:



“Nonsense!



How could you ever think of asking the young mistress to weave one for you?



Truly, you’ve forgotten your place!” Peibai thought about it and realized her mistake, then smiled and said,



“My fault, my fault.



I hope the mistress is magnanimous and won’t hold it against me.” Gu Xiyan didn’t mind.



When circumstances force you to bend, you must learn to bow your head.



Once a person is willing to cast everything aside, what use is there in clinging to face?



So she smiled and said,



“It’s just a little pastime, nothing about status.



I enjoy weaving these, and seeing you wear them beautifully brings me joy!” Yingtong was naturally comforted by these words, and so a hint of a smile appeared on her face as she began to chat and laugh with Gu Xiyan.



Having finally managed to get on good terms with these two maids, Gu Xiyan engaged in light conversation with them.



She couldn’t help but subtly probe for information, and eventually found out that Lu Chenglian had been busy with official duties lately and hadn’t returned to the estate, though he was expected back within the next day or two.



Only then did Gu Xiyan realize—no wonder she hadn’t been able to find him.



With that remark, Peibai noticed the pouch hanging at Gu Xiyan’s waist and rather liked its design: “Where did you get the pattern for this?” Gu Xiyan quickly untied her own pouch and said with a smile,



“This was embroidered by Qiusang.



She’s not the best at needlework, but it’ll do for casual wear.” Qiusang:



“…” The young mistress was trying to win favor, even going so far as to be humble on her behalf!



But in truth, her embroidery was actually quite excellent!



Pei Bai smiled and said,



“The embroidery looks lovely, and the orchid design is quite nice too.” Ying Tong also noticed the orchid and couldn’t help but take a closer look.



The patterns often embroidered on Lu Chenglian’s robes were usually limited to a few designs, and while orchids were among them, not all orchid paintings were suitable for embroidery, and they didn’t have many good patterns on hand.



The orchid on Gu Xiyan’s pouch was far more beautiful—elegant and easy to embroider.



Hearing this, Qiusang replied,



“This was drawn by the young mistress herself.” Yingtong was quite surprised and looked at Gu Xiyan.



“You drew it yourself?” Gu Xiyan nodded.



“Back at home, I used to copy a few brushstrokes from time to time.



Now that I’m no longer in the mood, I just casually sketched it to use as an embroidery pattern.” Peibai was quite taken aback, praising it repeatedly.



She then mentioned the patches on Gu Xiyan’s skirt, which were embroidered with some delicate floral patterns.



They looked quite nice as well, and everyone began to examine them with great interest.



Looking at it this way, Peibai commented,



“This style is quite beautiful.



It would have been truly excellent a few years ago, but it’s just not very popular these days.” Her casual remark truly hit upon the very heart of Gu Xiyan’s current predicament in an instant.



Throughout the four seasons, the manor would issue both new fabric and the above-mentioned tailored clothes.



Gu Xiyan naturally had them made as well, but always in a conventional style.



Sometimes she saved on herself, as she had little need for them anyway.



The dress she was wearing now was indeed from two years ago, just something to get by in, already out of fashion.



Yingtong immediately shot a glance at Peibai, and Peibai quickly stopped smiling and let the matter drop.



Qiushang, who was standing nearby, naturally felt displeased hearing these words.



In fact, her status was the same as those two maids—both were first-class maidservants.



However, serving different mistresses made all the difference, and it was simply her misfortune.



Normally, she could endure a bit of unfairness, but her own lady was a proper young mistress.



For Peibai to say such things in front of her was nothing short of showing off, wasn’t it?



Gu Xiyan paid no mind to this.



After exchanging a few words with the two maids, she bid them farewell.



Once they had walked some distance away, Qiusang sneered coldly,



“Putting on airs like an ox with a green onion stuck up its nose—how pretentious can she be?



Even if Third Master takes her into his quarters, she’ll just be a concubine at most.



No matter what she does, in terms of status, she can never rise above the title of ‘concubine.’ Does she really delude herself into thinking she can become the Third Young Mistress?



A mere bedfellow, yet she truly fancies herself a proper mistress.



How utterly clueless!” She had her own ambitions and had long set her mind on earning a proper, officially arranged marriage—only then would she feel her life was not in vain.



Gu Xiyan sighed softly,



“In the past, how could I have ever been willing to go before others like this?



But there’s no choice—I have to bow my head and ask for help.



I have no choice but to endure it.



Once this matter is settled, who will bother with her anymore?



We’ll just retreat to our own quarters and keep to ourselves.” Yet Qiū Sāng turned her head, appraising Gù Xīyán with a look: “Young Mistress, if I may speak frankly, Madame indeed has fallen on hard times.



But truly, Madame, you are so beautiful—aren’t you much lovelier than Yíng Tóng?



You hardly use any rouge or powder, yet your complexion and figure far surpass hers.



And when it comes to talent, just a few casual brushstrokes from you would be enough to trample her into the mud!



And now, instead, she gets to act so high and mighty—it really makes one choke with indignation.” Gù Xīyán shot Qiū Sāng a glance; the girl’s face was full of resentment: “Keep your mouth shut.



If you keep speaking so recklessly, watch out—I’ll send you off tomorrow to be married off to some servant boy!” Qiū Sāng hastily pleaded: “Dear Madame, it’s just that I can’t stand her arrogant manner and feel terribly wronged on your behalf.



Please, don’t be angry.” Only then did Gù Xīyán rein in her temper and sigh: “What’s the use of saying all this?



In this life… I suppose I can only resign myself to fate.” Her man was gone early, and her life had turned out this way—she had thought it over eight hundred times already.



If she had married an ordinary family, she could have thought about moving forward, and remarrying wouldn’t have been impossible—but this is a ducal mansion!



In a ducal mansion, such matters are absolutely out of the question; she has no choice but to stay and endure here.



In truth, the ducal mansion may not welcome her.



For instance, her mother-in-law finds her utterly vexing; the old lady is reminded of her grandson whenever she sees her, and it brings her sorrow as well.



She herself likely has no desire to endure and linger like this.



This is exactly what they call mutual dislike—disgusted at the sight of each other.



But what else can be done?



In this world, with its reputation and its rules, they have no choice but to make do like this.



Every time this happened, Gu Xiyan could only find a bit of solace by thinking about the five taels of silver she received as her monthly allowance.



Who would have thought that just as they were talking, they suddenly spotted a figure standing in the bamboo grove ahead.



The figure was quite tall and stood with a cold, detached air, seemingly looking in their direction.



Gu Xiyan couldn’t believe her eyes, staring wide-eyed as she recognized it was Lu Chenglian.



It was him!



Gu Xiyan’s heart immediately filled with panic.



She desperately tried to recall what she had just said to Qiu Sang, wondering if any of her words could be used against her.



She truly had no idea how much the other person had overheard.



At this moment, she felt extremely embarrassed, yet she had no choice but to lower her head and step forward to bow respectfully.



Lu Chenglian’s face remained calm and unreadable, his eyes silently fixed on Gu Xiyan.



Gu Xiyan was in a daze.



Lu Chenglian raised a slight eyebrow.



Suddenly understanding, Gu Xiyan remembered the main task at hand.



She quickly retrieved the banknote from her sleeve and handed it to Qiu Sang.



Then, she gave a slight bow and said to Lu Chenglian with a smile,



“Third Master, as a woman, I’m not familiar with the customs of the outside world.



I’ve asked you to look into this matter for me, so it’s only right that I show some gratitude by offering you a drink, some tea, or perhaps a little something for those running errands below.



However, my funds are tight, and I’m not well-versed in these matters—I’m not quite sure how much would be appropriate to avoid appearing impolite.” Her words were thoughtful, and her attitude was appropriately humble.



Qiu Sang was initially stunned, but when she was handed the silver note, she finally snapped out of it.



Hearing this, she held the note respectfully in both hands and presented it to Lu Chenglian.



Lu Chenglian’s gaze remained indifferent; he neither accepted it nor looked at Qiu Sang.



Gu Xiyan could only smile and add,



“It’s just a small amount of silver.



Please don’t refuse it—consider it a token of appreciation for the servants to have a cup of tea.” Lu Chenglian silently observed Gu Xiyan.



Spring had arrived, and though there was still a lingering chill in the air, the heavy winter cloaks had been set aside.



Most of the ladies in the mansion had already switched to fresh spring attire.



The garment she wore appeared decent enough, but the cuffs showed slight signs of wear, indicating it had been several years old and was not newly made.



The tips of her fingers were slightly stained with green juice, and she carried the faint scent of freshly cut willow branches.



Lu Chenglian withdrew his gaze, his expression distant and aloof.



“Forget about the silver.



Keep it for your own expenses.



When dealing with matters and social interactions outside, there’s no need to rely solely on money.” Gu Xiyan paused for a moment, looking at Lu Chenglian with confusion.



Lu Chenglian noticed her sparkling eyes, which held a hint of bewilderment.



It carried a touch of innocence.



Lu Chenglian said dismissively,



“Besides, if we really need to smooth things over, a hundred taels of silver is nothing.



Toss it out, and I’m afraid it won’t even make a splash.” Gu Xiyan’s face slowly flushed red.



She hadn’t expected Lu Chenglian to be so blunt with her about this—it felt like he was tearing open a fresh wound right in front of her.



She had little money yet still wanted to get things done—wasn’t that practically begging him for help?



That’s how it turned out, he said.



However, Lu Chenglian showed no trace of guilt or the slightest hint of tact, continuing,



“You may not understand the ways of the world, but you should realize that favors are the most valuable things and the hardest to repay, isn’t that right?” Gu Xiyan looked at him, her mind a complete blank.



What could she say?



Lu Chenglian took a deep look at Gu Xiyan before turning and leaving.



Gu Xiyan stood there in a daze.



She gazed at the distant flowers, the distant trees, and the birds flying across the sky.



Everything around her was vibrant and alive, yet she felt weak all over.



She had no idea what that person meant by those words, but the look in his eyes before he left and the underlying meaning in his words left her with much to ponder.



How does one repay a personal favor?