Jiang Ning said, âNonsense. If her man doesnât protect her, she wouldnât care about any prejudices.â
âFifth Sisterâs man is good, but being a daughter of a concubine, not yet established her own family, and relying on the Countâs household to live, she has to summon her courage to face the elders. Even if he wants to protect Fifth Sister, I suspect he may not be capable enough.â
Jiang Ning wondered, âItâs strange, why did our family choose such a marriage for Fifth Sister in the first place?â
Jiang Yan offered a bitter smile, âSeventh Sister, you are the legitimate daughter of our family, not understanding this is not your fault. In our house, whether one is born to a wife or a concubine, they are raised the same way. But outside, girls born of concubines are always somewhat inferior. To be willingly married as the main wife to someone of decent status is already a good way out. Even if she is a daughter of a concubine from the Prime Ministerâs Mansion, she is still a daughter of a concubine after all.â
After a pause she continued, âTo be frank, if not for the sudden marriage proposal from the Prince of Zhao, my aunt would have started to inquire which family would be willing to have me as a widowâs successor or as a concubine.â
âThatâs too extreme.â
âMy aunt doesnât want me to enter the palace. Even being someoneâs successor is better than entering the palace and never seeing them again,â Jiang Yan chuckled, âSeventh Sister, you donât compare. You can often go home after entering the palace because you are the Princess Consort. But if you were a wife of the Emperor, donât even think about leaving the palace casually.â
Jiang Ning laughed, âIf you say so, what can I even say.â
Jiang Yan also started laughing, âI donât know why, but talking to you, Seventh Sister, makes me feel relaxed and happy. Before I knew it, I had said a lot. Itâs getting late, I should go. My parents and my aunt are waiting for my return home, I canât keep them waiting and worrying for too long.â
Jiang Ning saw her off and bid her farewell at the door of Crystal Clear Manor.
A cute and pretty palace maid walked towards Jiang Ning, with a shy smile on her face, and kneeled down to salute her when she reached in front of Jiang Ning.
Jiang Ning took a step back and laughed, âWho are you and what are you doing here?â
The little palace maid bowed her head to salute her before standing up and simply stared at Jiang Ning, her eyes brimming with joy.
Jiang Ning was taken aback and looked closely. Suddenly she shouted joyfully, âGood gracious, Gufeng! Is that you, you deceptive creature! You gave me quite the scare!â@@novelbin@@
Huang Ying and Chunlai and others rushed over when they heard the news, and watched Gufeng, who was dressed pink and tender, all of them laughing heartily.
âGufeng, didnât I tell you to rest first? Why did you come already? And all dolled up like this,â Jiang Ning laughed while making the comment.
Gufeng blushed, âAs soon as Seventh Miss spoke to the General about me, the General sent Gulin to treat my injuries, so I recovered quickly. I intentionally dressed up as a girl so that it would be easier for me to move around in the East Palace and to better serve and protect you.â
Jiang Ning laughed, âEven though you look adorable dressed up as a girl, it really is unnecessary. Look at Gucheng, he has been following me around and it hasnât been a problem. Also, there are so many Imperial Guards in the harem, you wonât add much.â
Gufeng replied, âGucheng might be okay with being a night owl, but I canât follow his example. Iâd rather be a maid, it will be more convenient to protect and serve Seventh Miss.â
Jiang Ning laughed, âAlright then. Letâs see how long you last. Funnily enough, Iâm going to visit the Elegant Heir Palace to meet the rest of the royal ladies. Gufeng, Xiachu, both of you come with me.â
Gufeng happily accepted, and when he raised his head, he saw Gucheng was squatting on the roof, watching him coldly.
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