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Some pleasantly surprised pageboys enthusiastically exchanged greetings with Man Yuke. “Cousin is here. Fourth Miss will be delighted.”
“Yes, and the dowager will be grinning ear to ear.”
Su Biluo followed behind, crestfallen.
Ah, it’s you’re own fault. You reap what you sow.
She’d spent the last couple months at the general’s estate doing all she could to run her businesses well and earn money so she could leave this place and live a carefree life. So she had never formally went to pay her respects to the two widows in the north compound.
Moonglow and Vivid had whispered to her that the two old ladies were offended by Su Biluo’s slight, but she never thought anything of it. One, she was busy with work every day. Two, she figured since she was leaving sooner or later anyway, it didn’t matter all that much if she saw them or got along with them or not.
But today she just so happened to decide to go after the general and live the rest of her days here in peace, and was now finding it would be no easy task to once again get in the good graces of these two elders.
Just one thing after another. Seemed every ancient person had some female cousin. Without doubt, Man Yuke’s appearance was like adding frost to snow. She clearly was hostile, making Su Biluo feel like she had needles aimed at her back.
She gritted her teeth, her stubborn nature producing in her the will to fight. The more one tried to vie for her things, the better.
Neverland, Neverland—
Didn’t she give it that name to represent escaping one’s past? To start over on Cloudwind Continent?
She stepped over the threshold into the east compound with her head up and her chest out, the picture of a dignified lady CEO.
Su Biluo, win this battle.
After all, you’re the rightful wife. You still have the advantage, as before.
Remember, Su Biluo, as long as you intend to occupy this position, no one can take it from you.
Unless… someone does to you like they did in the 21st century and simply murder you.
A lightbulb went off in her head at that. Last night in the woods, was that an assassination attempt?
But she had only been here a few months and was still a stranger in a strange land. Who could her adversary be?
Could it be…
Su Biluo’s heart thumped.
“Aiya, Cousin,” a clear, sweet voice called, interrupting Su Biluo’s train of thought. “It’s so wonderful that Cousin is here…”
“Teeheehee—”
That titter, like a silver bell. Who else could that be but Mo Ziling?
Mo Ziling flew out of her room like a lithe sparrow when she heard the maid’s announcement and was suddenly right before them, affectionately grabbing at Man Yuke’s arm and tugging it.
“Cousin, I’ve missed you so much. Did you bring me anything tasty?” Mo Ziling looked like a spoiled child.
Man Yuke’s eyes suddenly dimmed and she dropped her feathery lashes. “Sorry, Ziling, I know I always bring you Southern Man snacks for you, but… but I ran away this time. It was too rushed, so I didn’t bring anything.”
“Ran away?” Mo Ziqian came out upon hearing that. “Why did you run away?”
“Ah—” Man Yuke sighed. “Second Cousin, it’s a long story. I’ll explain once I’ve called on Grandmother and Aunt.”
“Fine,” Mo Zichen said. “Ziling, take Little Sister Yuke and get her settled down in the side-room and then we’ll eat. I’ll go tell Mother and Grandmother you’re here. Have food served in a bit.”
“Okay,” Mo Ziling replied cheerfully. She pulled Man Yuke along. “Like always, I’ll set you up in the room next to mine so we can chat at night.”
Su Biluo didn’t mind that everyone was ignoring her. She smiled with her arms crossed as she watched them leave, then disappeared into her own room.
“Moonglow, hurry up hurry up, it’s time for the ugly daughter-in-law to face her mother-in-law. Help me get dressed up. Oh, and Vivid, prepare some things Mother-in-law and the Old Dowager like. Food, everyday things, etc. Spend as much silver as you need. This madame wants to see two really great gifts. Go go go!”
Su Biluo sat at the vanity as she deftly gave her instructions.
Moonglow and Vivid snapped into action at once.
Over these last four months under Su Biluo they had learned something called “efficiency”.
And Su Biluo was a generous mistress, often giving them tips, massively increasing the maids’ personal savings. So they were very obedient and devoted to their new mistress.
The Courtyard 