Thrown out of the house, the wet nurse enters the noble household and becomes a person of high statu

"You have such a sweet tongue." Wen Jingshu's eyes crinkled with delight at her compliment, her admiration growing stronger.

She truly adored this wet nurse; she was calm, steady, and meticulous in her actions, and she was devoted to Ye'er with utmost sincerity.

Such people, who know when to advance and retreat, understand their place, and are sincere, are rare in this secluded mansion.

A thought crossed her mind, and she said softly, "Luo Luo is still a child, and her body is weak. The place you live in is remote, and it is inevitably cold in winter."

When you're less busy in the future, you can bring Luo Luo to see me.

The charcoal fire in the side room was burning well, making it much warmer than Liu Wenying's room.

Liu Wenying hesitated, unable to believe it, "Madam... is this appropriate?"

"What's inappropriate about it? Ye'er is growing up every day. If he's always confined to his room surrounded by maids and nannies, he'll lose some of his liveliness. It's good for him to interact more with peers like Luo Luo."

Having said all that, it would be pretentious and ungrateful for Liu Wenying to refuse again.

"Thank you for your consideration, Madam! I thank you on behalf of Luo Luo. However, Luo Luo is not fully recovered. I will bring her over once she is completely healed, so as not to pass on her illness to the young master."

Wen Jingshu smiled and said, "There's no rush."

As the year draws to a close, the cold winds of December cannot extinguish the warm light emanating from the red silk lanterns that are gradually being hung under the eaves.

The Duke of Yu's mansion was filled with the sounds of carriages and horses early this morning.

Originally a branch of the Pei family in Jiangnan, Pei Chenghan's wife, Madam Liang, brought her family and made a special trip to the capital.

Firstly, it was a proper way to pay respects to the elders of the clan at the end of the year; secondly, it was to make arrangements in advance for the family members' examinations next spring.

Everyone except Pei Chenghan, who was too busy with official duties, came.

In such a situation, it is natural that the Queen Mother herself should be in charge.

Today, Madam Pei wore an ochre brocade jacket, her hair was neatly combed, and she wore a full set of kingfisher feather headdress.

As the eldest daughter-in-law of the main branch, Wen Jingshu sat gracefully to the left of Madam Pei, exuding gentleness and composure.

Second Madam Lin Zhiyao was also dressed up and sat opposite Wen Jingshu, smiling sweetly.

Madam Liang was invited to take a seat, took a sip of tea, glanced at everyone in the hall, and asked with a smile, "Where is Fourth Miss? I heard in your last letter that she was not feeling well; is she much better now?"

Fourth Sister is Pei Rongyue, the youngest sister in the family and the only daughter of Madam Pei.

Madam Pei said in a doting tone, "This child has been weak since she was little. She caught a chill a few days ago. Although she is fine now, the weather has been freezing lately, and she is prone to getting sick when the wind blows. So I let her rest in the warm pavilion and she won't be coming today."

Madam Liang nodded repeatedly, smiling as she agreed, "My sister-in-law really cares for the child. A girl's body is precious and should be carefully taken care of."

The two chatted for a while longer, but beneath the seemingly casual conversation lay a subtle undercurrent of rivalry.

Liang talked about how silk prices in Jiangnan had soared this year and how thriving her family's weaving workshop was. She then casually mentioned that her son would be taking the imperial examination next year and hoped that her employer could help her with some connections.

Madam Pei held her teacup, gently skimming off the foam with the lid, listening calmly and unhurriedly.

"It's good that the Jiangnan region is prosperous and businesses are thriving. As for personnel matters in the capital, Dingxuan is in the Ministry of Justice and has always only concerned himself with laws and regulations. He doesn't care about the welcoming and sending-off ceremonies or favors from outside."

As for Zeyu (Second Master), being in the Ministry of Personnel, he needs to avoid suspicion even more. For a family like ours, we have everything; maintaining stability and security is the most important thing, don't you think, sister-in-law?"

The warm smile on Liang's face froze. "Of course...yes."

It all boils down to disliking them! What family is being used as a shield?

Having lost ground, she simply stopped talking, looked at the swaddled baby in the wet nurse's arms, and changed the subject.

"Oh, this must be Ye-ge'er! Bring him over here so I can see him. I've heard that my sister-in-law has a grandson, and I'm so glad to finally see him today."

Liu Wenying glanced at the First Madam and, after receiving the First Madam's permission, handed the young master over to Liang Shi to hold.

The Liang family was not stupid; they understood the principle of being of the same ilk. No matter how much they secretly competed, they could not truly tear off the mask of civility.

She held Pei Yexuan in her arms, then changed her expression to one of loving intimacy.

"Qiaoqiao, with her pretty face and delicate features, is quite charming!"

Liang clicked her tongue in praise, but her eyes genuinely revealed envy.

Pei Dingxuan is the eldest son of the Pei family and has a smooth career. Now that he has such a healthy and lovely son, his future looks bright and his family will be glorious.

Looking at their own family, although they have some wealth, none of their children are particularly outstanding. How could they not be envious?

Madam Pei felt more pleased than if she had drunk honey upon hearing these words. "Don't praise a child too much."

She spoke modestly, but couldn't hide her pride in her tone, "However, Ye-ge'er is indeed a worry-free child, thanks to his mother and his second aunt who take such good care of him."

Upon receiving her mother-in-law's clear praise, Wen Jingshu quickly curtsied, "Mother, you flatter me. Taking care of my husband and children is a daughter-in-law's duty. It is thanks to Mother's guidance that I have been able to do it so well."

Lin Zhiyao also bowed slightly, saying, "It's much harder for the eldest sister-in-law to manage the inner courtyard; the daughter-in-law is just lending a hand."

The two women sang in harmony, their humility and propriety further highlighting the mistress's skill in managing the household and the harmonious relationship between the sisters-in-law in the Pei family.

As Liang listened and watched, the envy in her heart turned into real sourness.

Look at this mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, these sisters-in-law, so clever and eloquent, they handle the situation perfectly.

Thinking back on the petty squabbles and power struggles within his own household, he suddenly felt utterly bored.

I'm so envious.

"My sister-in-law is so lucky!" Madam Liang said sourly. "Her eldest son is accomplished, her grandson is healthy, and her daughters-in-law are all so virtuous and sensible. Such a complete blessing is truly enviable!"

Madam Pei felt incredibly pleased and relaxed upon hearing this, saying, "It's all because the family is united."

While the masters chatted merrily, Liu Wenying dared not relax.

The new lady had bright red nail polish, which was sharpened to a point that could easily scratch Pei Yexuan's delicate skin if one wasn't careful.

If the young master makes a mistake, the servant will be punished, not the master.

She, the wet nurse, would be the first to be affected.

Liu Wenying lowered her head and lowered her eyes, her posture humble, but she was always paying attention to Pei Yexuan.

Time passed slowly amidst the tension, and Wen Jingshu summoned her to give her instructions.

"It's time for Chen Ye'er to have some complementary food. Go to the small kitchen and get the prepared mashed yam. You are the most meticulous in taking care of the child; I don't trust anyone else."

Since her master had given the order, Liu Wenying had no choice but to obey.

The small kitchen wasn't far away, and the old woman on the stove had already prepared the stewed yam puree in a hot pot.

Liu Wenying carefully checked the temperature, then wrapped the bowl in a soft towel, and hurried back without daring to delay.

As soon as I arrived at the entrance of Hechuntang Courtyard, I heard exclamations coming from inside.

Before half a cup of tea was brewed, a major incident occurred.

…………