CHAPTER 553: CHAPTER 542: THE MARCHIONESS’S MAID

After paying respects to Second Old Master and Second Mrs. Shen by serving them tea, it was time to meet some of their peers, all from Second Old Master’s family.

The couple had one legitimate son and one legitimate daughter; the elder son is named Duan Rongyu, who is one year younger than Duan Rongjing but is already married. His wife is his cousin Mrs. Xiao, and they had a son named Jie.

Since Duan Rongyu was still studying, Zhong Lan gave him an ink slab. For Mrs. Xiao, it was a set of gemstone hairpins; for the little fatty Jie, a gold-made fortune lock.

Second Old Master and Second Mrs. Shen’s legitimate daughter is Duan Wen. Zhong Lan had met her yesterday, found her spirited and quirky, so this morning she switched the prepared gemstone hairpins for ones made of eastern pearls, which suited this young and beautiful girl better.

The eastern pearl hairpins were round and smooth, the craftsman’s work excellent, and Duan Wen was indeed very pleased, "Thank you, sister-in-law!"

Beyond Duan Rongyu and Duan Wen, Second Old Master also had two concubine daughters. Zhong Lan nodded at them, and then gave each one a jade bracelet of ordinary quality. The two concubine daughters calmly thanked her, showing no dissatisfaction at all.

Here one could see Second Mrs. Shen’s ability to manage a household; she had concubine daughters but no concubine sons, and the concubine daughters had not been raised in fearful servitude nor were they ignorantly arrogant.

"Lady, you still need to learn more from Second Madam in the future." After returning to Qingfeng Courtyard from paying their respects with tea, Ye Qiu whispered to Zhong Lan.

"I know, my aunt really is capable. I’ll rest a bit; call me when Marquis arrives." After a tiring day yesterday and getting up so early today, Zhong Lan was feeling strained and laid down to rest, while Ye Qiu and others tiptoed out slowly.

After leaving, Ye Qiu and the others did not idle about. Shen Dong and Liu Xia continued to arrange the wedding trousseau, including recording the items sent by the Old Marquis and Second Mrs. Shen today for proper keeping. There was indeed much to do.

Yang Chun stayed to attend to her, while Ye Qiu went to find the housekeeper nanny of Qingfeng Courtyard, but before she could find her, the housekeeper found her first.

"These are the keys to the various gates of Qingfeng Courtyard, as well as the indentures of the maids and servants serving here, sent by the Old Madam. Since the Marchioness is resting, could you please hand these items to her?"

"Thanks to nanny," took the items and then handed her a wallet, "Where do you live now, nanny? As we are new here, could we consult you if there’s anything unclear?"

The nanny gladly accepted without hesitation: "I reside just outside of Qingfeng Courtyard, in the servant rooms. Miss can come to ask me anytime if there’s any doubt."

"Then thank you, nanny."

It seems that their Lady’s performance this morning was so impressive that the Old Marquis was willing to give her this credit, promptly handing over the management rights of Qingfeng Courtyard. Ye Qiu believed that in a few days, once the Lady was settled in at the Marquis Mansion, she would likely begin managing the household.

Perhaps due to many duties, Marquis Weiyuan came back a bit late tonight, but still rested at Qingfeng Courtyard. Hearing noises outside the door all night, Ye Qiu was actually worried that their Lady might not be able to bear it.

But as a maid, she had no say over such matters. For the Marquis Mansion at this time, marrying was a means to provide Marquis Weiyuan with offspring. For Zhong Lan, regardless of Marquis Weiyuan’s future situation, having an heir by her side was beneficial.

However, some things happen so swiftly; Marquis Weiyuan had only shared a room with Zhong Lan for two days, and before even returning from the third day’s visit to the palace, an imperial decree arrived ordering him to war at the border.

Zhong Lan’s face turned pale instantly, and she immediately thought of what others had said about the dangerous situation Marquis Weiyuan was facing in this war.

Having long prepared herself for widowhood, why did she feel such heart palpitations and reluctance now that the day was approaching?

After all, she is his newlywed wife, the Marquis Weiyuan still cares about her, seeing Zhong Lan’s face turn pale, he finally held her hand to comfort her, "Don’t worry, I will return safely."

"But war is so perilous..."

"Trust me, I have been on the battlefield since I was fifteen, and I have never lost."

"But everyone says..."

"Those are all false, do not believe them." Perhaps seeing Zhong Lan too worried, Marquis Weiyuan took a long time to say such a statement.

Ye Qiu’s eyes flickered, she knew there was inside information, otherwise, why would everyone think that this battle would surely be lost even before it has begun? Even if they lost this battle, Marquis Weiyuan wouldn’t necessarily die, right? So why is there a rumor all over the city that the Lady married to live a widowhood life?

The Zhong Family has no great influence, apart from Aunt Wei and Zhong Yin, she couldn’t think of anyone else opposing the Lady, but these two are people from the inner house, one a concubine and the other a concubine daughter, what power could they have?

So the only ones who can create such public opinion must be the Marquis Mansion, but is this rumor spread by others, or is it intentionally by them?

If it is intentional by the Marquis Mansion, then why would they release such news?

"Then promise me, no matter what happens, you must ensure your safety." Zhong Lan said with reddened eyes.

Missioned to go to war just two days after the wedding, even though this marriage was arranged by his grandmother and the matchmaker, Duan Rongjing still felt some guilt. There won’t be a shortage of storms in the capital in the coming years, it was he who dragged her into this.

But the conditions on the battlefield change rapidly, and him not adept at lying, couldn’t guarantee.

Duan Rongjing fell silent, and Zhong Lan almost cried out loud.

"I will write letters to you, and I will ask grandmother to take good care of you, sorry, His Majesty has ordered an immediate deployment, I can not accompany you back tomorrow." After saying this, Duan Rongjing strode out, reached the door then came back and took out a key, "This is the key to my storeroom, take or buy anything you like."

After saying this, as if it were his final tenderness, he then fell silent again and turned away.

Zhong Lan suppressed her urge to cry and stuffed a wallet into his chest, "You must promise me to be careful!"

Duan Rongjing finally left, and Zhong Lan stood at the door, her face full of desolation.

Ye Qiu looked at the Lady somewhat unable to bear it, hoping that the medicine she gave the Lady would work, but after all, it wasn’t a Fertility Pill, there’s no guarantee that she would get pregnant immediately, but the chance of conception should be significantly increased.

Hopefully, Marquis Weiyuan is diligent enough these past two days to leave the Lady with a child or two, and with children to divert her attention, she would not be so worried anymore.

Perhaps because Marquis Weiyuan has been sent on the expedition just two days after their marriage, Old Marquis had prepared very generous returning home gifts for Zhong Lan, and had even arranged for the old housekeeper of the Marquis Mansion to accompany her. However, even so, when Zhong Lan returned, she still faced mockery from Zhong Yin.

"Sister has returned? Where is your husband? Ah, my apologies, I forgot, your husband has left for the expedition yesterday." Zhong Yin said with an apologetic face, but her eyes were full of schadenfreude.