So what if she's my sister-in-law? You seduced me first.

Ning Yu didn't dare to sleep too much. She took a two-hour nap and then got up.

She hadn't paid her respects to the old lady for two days. In this large family, who knows what people might be saying about her behind her back?

She still has to live here, so she has to maintain appearances.

"Miss, why don't you eat something first before you go?"

Looking at the simple two dishes and soup, Ning Yu said indifferently, "You've been lazy again."

"Those servants aren't on the same page as Miss. They know the young master won't be coming back, and they're all eager to go work in other courtyards."

"By the way, has this month's allowance been paid yet?"

Qinghe gets angry whenever this is mentioned. "Such a big mansion, the princess consort's monthly allowance should be at least a hundred taels, and she should also receive a reward when she serves tea after marrying in. But the prince is not here, so they all take advantage of your easy-going nature---"

Ning Yu drank the porridge in her bowl without getting angry. Xie Yan must have many shops, banks, and restaurants under his control, and he must also have many ways to make money by buying mines in private. But she didn't know who was managing them.

When she married into the Xie family, they gave her three large boxes of gold and silver utensils and other betrothal gifts, and her father also contributed to her dowry, but she didn't want to touch that money.

If she could continue to live a carefree life as a wealthy lady in the Xie family, that would be fine. But if something unexpected happened, that money could help her do whatever she wanted.

She needs to think of a way to make money.

"Bring over those servants who personally attend to the young master first."

There were quite a few servants in the Mo Courtyard, but Ning Yu didn't have the mind to win over so many people. She only called over a few maids and nannies she often saw and gave them a lecture.

In a short period of time, Ning Yu discerned which people had ulterior motives and which could be kept around.

She gave them all a reward and gave them a few words of advice, saying, "Now that the young master is not here, I am in charge of the Mo Academy. Qin Mama has been in the Mo Academy for so many years and is an old woman. She has been taking care to remind everyone who is lax in their duties."

After receiving the money, everyone was noticeably better and answered respectfully.

Qin Mama quickly chimed in, "With the young master's death in battle, the servants of Mo Courtyard have become so saddened that they have become lazy in their work. The young master's wife is kind-hearted, and we servants have often failed in our duty. Please forgive us."

"Now that the master is not here, we servants will naturally obey the princess consort. Please feel free to give us any orders."

Ning Yu didn't reply, slowly sipping her tea, her beautiful face expressionless, making those below her wonder what was going on.

You know, everyone thought this Crown Princess was too young and didn't take her seriously, but now that she's just sitting there, these old fogies can't figure out what she's thinking.

"Alright, you may all leave. Qin Mama, please stay."

Qin's mother was a seasoned veteran; she wasn't upset that someone had left her alone, but she was outwardly very respectful.

"There's something I need Mama Qin to do at the Imperial Treasury. Could you inquire whether the Imperial Treasury has any of this month's supply of Korean silk, fine satin, or fine brocade?"

Qin Mama's eyes darted around, and she immediately replied, "The steward must have forgotten. This old servant will go and ask."

Since the Crown Prince died on the battlefield, no one has been there to support the Crown Princess. The food, clothing and daily necessities in the Mo Courtyard have decreased significantly, and various supplies have been reduced. When the Crown Prince was alive, they would never have dared to do this.

If the Crown Princess had a son or daughter, no one would dare to so blatantly deduct from her pay. It's just that they know no one will back her up. Those old scoundrels are used to judging people based on their status.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Mother Qin."

"Your Highness is too kind to this servant."

At this time, the old lady was probably awake, so Ning Yu changed into a proper set of plain clothes and went to Rong'an Hall.

The Grand Princess was also in the hall, and several ladies and young misses were talking with the old lady. However, the old lady's face was a little pale, and she sat on the soft cushion on the couch, looking at everyone without saying a word.

"Grandmother, Mother."

When she entered, everyone's expressions were quite interesting. The Second Madam was furious when she heard the news that her son had actually pleaded for the Crown Princess in front of the Old Madam.

With so many people in the family, there's always more gossip. Who knows what they'll say about the two of them behind their backs? Humph, if she hears anyone spouting nonsense, she'll tear their mouths apart.

"Get up quickly. Are you feeling better after catching a cold at Yueshan a couple of days ago?"

Ning Yu sat down to the left of the Grand Princess and replied gently, "Much better."

Looking at her docile appearance, the old lady thought of her grandson, whom she had raised with great care.

Ayan cannot be without an heir. Ning is still young, so they will have to adopt a child from the clan to raise under their name.

"Come out with me."

The Grand Princess suddenly stood up, her magnificent makeup revealing an undeniable air of authority.

Ning Yu glanced at the silent old lady and followed her.

Under the eaves outside, the Grand Princess looked at the woman with her head bowed and eyes lowered. "What's wrong with your mouth?"

Ning Yu's palm tightened, and she said calmly, "I accidentally bit it while eating."

"The other day, Granny Zhou and the others went to your room and never came back. They suddenly drowned in the pavilion in the middle of the lake. Do you know what happened?"

"My daughter-in-law doesn't know."

The Grand Princess looked at her calm and composed face for a long while. "The Emperor bestowed this marriage upon you. Your husband died tragically on the battlefield. I was acting on the Emperor's orders. A-Yu, don't blame me."

"My husband died in battle, and I am heartbroken. I will stay quietly in the Mo Courtyard from now on, take care of my husband's affairs, keep company with the lamp and the Buddha, and pray for him."

"Have you had any dealings with He Mian?"

Ning Yu rolled her eyes slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Third Master has been in the Fifth Army Camp for many years. The collapse of the mausoleum killed Lord Zhang, who was the Fifth Army Camp's superior. Third Master probably doesn't want anything to happen at this critical juncture."

The Grand Princess was surprised by what she said and narrowed her eyes slightly. This little girl was smarter than she thought.

"You certainly know a lot."

Ning Yu did not reply, but simply lowered her head.

The Grand Princess didn't seem to be looking for trouble with her; her voice was authoritative as she said, "Go back."

"Yes."

Ning Yu did not go to the old lady's room to pay her respects again, but went down the steps to her own courtyard.

From the moment she learned of the prince's death in battle to the moment she wanted to be secretly executed by the Xie family, only a few days had passed, and she had barely slept a wink due to her anxiety and fear.

Now that the matter is resolved, she can finally live a carefree and peaceful life as a lady of leisure.

With this thought in mind, Ning Yu's smile deepened, and she walked with a bright and radiant lightness.

"The Crown Princess."

A familiar voice rang out, and the smile on her face faded slightly. She turned around and asked, "Lord Qingfeng, is there something you need?"

Seeing her charming gaze, Qingfeng lowered his voice and said, "My master has sent me to invite the Crown Princess over."

Having finished her business, Ning Yu saw no need to further humiliate herself by his side. With a leisurely smile, she said, "The Commander is confused. There is a difference between men and women. It's not appropriate to go to your brother-in-law's room so late at night."