After the favored concubine remarried, the aloof and powerful minister forcibly took her away.

Chapter 78 Gaining Freedom

As Xiang Ning finished writing the last word, she felt a scorching gaze on her from above.

She looked up and met Pei Yanzhi's gaze.

"What's wrong, sir?"

There were no flowers on her face.

"Bring it to me and see."

Pei Yanzhi reached out his hand to Xiang Ning, who looked down at what she had written.

Her handwriting was neat, but she was still a little embarrassed to show it to Pei Yanzhi.

"You're shy with me?"

Pei Yanzhi's face was somewhat pale, but he was quite energetic when talking to Xiang Ning.

Helpless, Xiang Ning had no choice but to pick up the paper and get up.

"Now we can see that it's written characters, and you've practiced quite well."

Pei Yanzhi smiled and looked at Xiang Ning. His words, which were hardly a compliment, made Xiang Ning blush instantly.

"Master, the First Madam has sent Mama Liao to invite Miss Xiangning to Qionghua Courtyard."

Cheng Hua's voice came from the doorway, and Pei Yanzhi lowered his hand.

Since his mother returned to the Pei residence, she had been quiet and reserved, but Pei Yanzhi did not think she was a stable person.

Who knows what's on their mind?

"Xiang Ning has to take care of me, so she can't go."

Pei Yanzhi refused very decisively, and Liao's mother, who was standing at the bottom of the steps, naturally heard everything clearly.

"Young Master, the Madam invited Miss Xiangning to come and give her some instructions. We're about to go to the Wen residence to present the betrothal gifts. Once the wedding date is set, we should raise Miss Xiangning's status."

"Please say more, Madam, so that there won't be any trouble or embarrassing situations later. If you are worried, you can let Chenghua go with you."

Liao's mother raised her voice, and when her words reached Pei Yanzhi's ears, he suddenly laughed.

"Then go and see. If anything happens, don't hesitate."

Pei Yanzhi put the Xuan paper in his hand aside, reached out and pulled Xiang Ning over: "I'll back you up."

He's still at the Pei residence, so the First Madam probably won't do anything drastic.

"I'll be right back."

Xiang Ning had a vague idea of ​​why the First Madam had summoned her.

Coincidentally, she also had something she wanted to say to the First Madam.

After leaving the house, Xiang Ning followed Liao's mother to Qionghua Courtyard.

On the way, Liao's mother remarked that it hadn't been long, and Xiang Ning had already become the young master's most beloved person.

“I was the only one by your side, but things are different now, with Miss Fuliu.”

Hearing Xiang Ning's words, Liao's mother paused, then took her hand: "Xiang Ning, don't blame me for being nosy, but no amount of pampering can compare to this belly."

“Having a child is what you can rely on. Fu Liu was given to the eldest young master by the madam, but the eldest young master is currently interested in you and will definitely not dote on her.”

"You just wait until after the betrothal ceremony, then focus on giving the young master a son."

Mrs. Liao's words made perfect sense, and Xiang Ning nodded with a smile: "I know, Mother's words are reasonable, but Madam should probably want this child to come out of Fu Liu's belly more."

Upon hearing this, Liao's mother's expression changed, and she sighed, "Madam, you have a deep-seated obsession."

While he was at the manor, he seemed a bit crazy. Later, he managed to write a letter to the Marquis of Qingyuan's residence and received a reply, after which he seemed much better.

Back at the Pei residence, she seems much more normal now. But Liao Mama has been serving Qin Bijun closely for so many years, how could she not know her personality?

She was trying to befriend Xiang Ning so that she could have protection in the future.

"I won't say anything more. Just pretend you didn't hear what Madam says later."

After giving her instructions, Madam Liao released Xiang Ning and, seeing her nod, led her people to continue to Qionghua Courtyard.

Upon arriving at Qionghua Courtyard, Madam Liao let Xiang Ning go in alone.

Incense was burning in the room. Qin Bijun raised her hand and waved it, and the fragrant mist went towards her.

Hearing footsteps, she opened her eyes and smiled, "It's Xiang Ning, come and sit down." Qin Bijun's attitude was so friendly that Xiang Ning felt uncomfortable.

"This servant can stand."

Upon hearing this, Qin Bijun smiled and said, "Now that you are Yan Zhi's woman, it wouldn't be unreasonable for you to call me 'mother'."

"If you don't sit down, are you blaming me for putting people next to Yan Zhi?"

Upon hearing this, Xiang Ning had no choice but to bow and sit down. Seeing this, Qin Bijun reached out and picked up the teacup beside her.

"Fu Liu is quite obedient, isn't she?"

She asked a question, and Xiang Ning nodded: "Miss Fu Liu is very good."

"That's good. I'll send her there, but not to let her be a spoiled brat."

After saying this, Qin Bijun said, "Xiang Ning, I know that the old lady values ​​you. She called you here today because she wanted to have a heart-to-heart talk with you."

“Fu Liu is someone from my courtyard. I trust her to take care of Yan Zhi, but with you, the former, around, Yan Zhi will definitely look down on anyone else.”

Qin Bijun took another sip of tea.

After saying this, she smiled broadly, her lips curving upwards.

"Madam, please speak frankly."

Xiang Ning had already understood what Qin Bijun meant by those words.

There are just some things she can't say.

"Take good care of Fu Liu for me; she won't be your enemy in the future."

Qin Bijun was worried that Xiang Ning would use some means to drive Fu Liu out.

She had finally found an opportunity to plant her own people, and naturally she didn't want them to be driven out by Pei Yanzhi.

Xiang Ning is a smart woman, and her request is not unreasonable.

"If I help you, what benefits will the First Madam offer me?"

Finally hearing Qin Bijun's words, Xiang Ning unconsciously clenched her hands, looked up at Qin Bijun, and asked a question.

"Whatever you want, as long as I can make it happen."

Xiang Ning took a deep breath: "This servant can help Miss Liu gain a foothold by the young master's side. I wonder if the madam can grant this servant a free life?"

This was her only chance to negotiate with Qin Bijun.

She needs to help Liu gain a foothold by Pei Yanzhi's side, and she also needs to get closer to Pei Yanzhi.

Xiang Ning was willing to give her this opportunity, but Qin Bijun also had to give her what she wanted.

Even if she fails to achieve her goal, Xiang Ning has other options to retreat from.

"You want a contract of servitude?"

"I didn't know you didn't want to be Yan Zhi's woman."

Qin Bijun seemed to have heard a huge joke, but Xiang Ning's suggestion was good.

Without Xiang Ning, Fu Liu was the only woman by Pei Yanzhi's side.

The old lady's hand couldn't even get into the Ink Pine Garden.

Xiang Ning's departure is a good thing for them all.

"Xiang Ning, do you really believe I'll agree to your request? If I truly didn't want to see you, I have many ways to make you die quietly."

Qin Bijun turned to look at Xiang Ning with a scrutinizing air, but Xiang Ning replied calmly, "Madam would not."

Because Pei Yanzhi dotes on her, his affection is her source of confidence.

Qin Bijun is now seeking her out alone, asking her to help her mentor Fu Liu, because they both know that Pei Yanzhi likes her.

Therefore, no one dared to touch her.

"I really underestimated you back then. I agree to your conditions."

"In that case, thank you very much, Madam. Please keep this a secret. I will find a way to ensure that Miss Fuliu is the only one favored by you."

(End of this chapter)