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

Pei Dingxuan's heart sank.

He stared at Pei Zeyu, trying to find even a trace of being seduced in those eyes.

No.

Pei Zeyu's eyes were clear and open.

The second brother was not as impulsive and easily fooled as the third brother.

He is cold and discerning, with his own considerations and calculations, and is by no means someone who can be easily swayed by beauty.

But today he said so many nice things about Liu Wenying.

He was even willing to confront his own elder brother face to face.

Grandmother held a very important place in the second brother's heart, and Liu Wenying was the most pleasing person to Grandmother.

As long as she is useful to her grandmother, Pei Zeyu will never watch her be easily expelled from the manor.

What a clever Liu Wenying! Not only did she seduce the third brother, but she also deceived the second brother.

Seeing the emerging forces that could potentially break the deadlock, Liu Wenying's mind raced, and she seized the opportunity.

"Sir, you must have misunderstood."

She forced a smile, "Last night, after leaving Mingxi Hall, I went back to my room and did not go out. I suppose it was because it was dark that you mistook me for someone else."

Her face was calm, though there was still some moisture in her eyes, but she did not flinch.

Liu Wenying was gambling, gambling that Third Master would protect him, gambling that she would offer First Master a way out, and that he would accept it.

"I hope I'm mistaken."

With his second brother by his side and considering his grandmother's feelings, Pei Dingxuan finally relented.

Liu Wenying made the right bet.

Pei Dingxuan was unwilling to stay any longer, and as soon as he left, the tense atmosphere suddenly dissipated.

Liu Wenying relaxed slightly.

But before he could catch his breath, he saw that Second Master Pei Zeyu was still standing in the same spot, not leaving with First Master.

He stood before the only way out, holding a folding fan, his face indifferent, quietly watching her.

Her eyes, always gentle and smiling, held emotions she couldn't understand, yet they inexplicably made her feel uneasy.

Liu Wenying curtsied, "This servant thanks Second Master for rescuing me."

With her eyelashes drooping and a gentle blink, the tears that had been hanging in the air slid down and landed on her clothes.

She raised her hand to wipe it, as if nothing had happened.

Pei Zeyu remained silent.

He walked slowly towards her a few steps and stopped in front of her.

Then, when she was completely off guard, he reached out and touched the red mark on her chin that Pei Dingxuan had pinched.

A warm, soft touch came over me, and my delicate skin pressed against my fingertips without the slightest aversion or discomfort.

He confirmed that he truly did not find her touch offensive or disgusting.

Pei Zeyu withdrew his hand.

The touch was so sudden, so fast it felt like an illusion, yet incredibly real.

Liu Wenying was startled and incredulous.

Doesn't he have OCD?

Why would she touch me on her own initiative?

Pei Zeyu, however, did not feel that his actions were inappropriate. He held the tip of his fan against his palm and fixed his gaze on her face.

"I don't care what your past entanglements were, but in Mingxi Hall, you can only obediently serve your grandmother and do your duty. You can't think about anything else."

Liu Wenying was more than happy to agree, nodding vigorously.

"This servant will remember this and will serve the old lady wholeheartedly from now on, without daring to be distracted in the slightest."

As soon as she finished speaking, she tried to turn away, as if to prove her promise.

Just as I passed by him, my arm tightened.

"What's the rush?" The second master frowned, his gaze falling on the faint red mark on her chin. "The mark hasn't faded yet; aren't you afraid people will ask questions if you just let it go like this?"

Liu Wenying was awakened by his words and raised her hand to stroke her chin.

I was so focused on feeling wronged and relieved that I forgot the glaring marks left by the old man.

If other people were to see this, who knows how much gossip would spread.

"Second Master is right, this servant was negligent."

"Go to the small kitchen and apply some ice; it will help the swelling subside faster."

Pei Zeyu released her arm.

"Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Second Master. I will go right away."

"Go."

Liu Wenying didn't dare to delay and quickly walked towards the small kitchen.

I couldn't help but glance back as I left.

I felt that things had taken an unexpected turn today, and Second Master's help was indispensable.

As for anything else... she didn't dare to think about it.

……

Steam rose from the small kitchen, where a medicinal meal for the old lady was simmering on the stove, bubbling away.

When Liu Wenying walked in, the old woman in charge was washing vegetables. When she saw her come in, she quickly wiped her hands.

"Why is Nurse Liu here? Did the old lady give you some instructions?"

"It's not the old lady, it's me... I accidentally bumped my chin and wanted to ask if you have any crushed ice to apply to it."

The old woman turned to fetch it, but then slapped her forehead and said, "Oh dear, my memory is terrible! I forgot that today's ice hasn't been delivered yet."

"It hasn't arrived yet?" Liu Wenying was taken aback. "It should have arrived by Chenshi (7-9 AM) at the latest."

"Who says otherwise? I don't know what's been going on lately, the deliveries are getting later and later every day..."

As the two were talking, the light at the doorway was blocked, and Xi Chun walked in carrying an empty tray.

The old woman's eyes lit up, and she hurriedly asked, "Miss Xi Chun, what's going on with the ice deliveries lately? Why are they being delivered later and later? Today's hasn't even arrived yet."

Xi Chun was in charge of delivering ice to Mingxi Hall. If there was a shortage of ice, she would naturally be the best person to ask.

She placed the tray on the table, her brow furrowing slightly.

Why are you asking that?

Granny Chen pointed at Liu Wenying: "Nanny Liu wants a piece of crushed ice to treat her wound, but the ice hasn't arrived yet."

Upon hearing this, Xi Chun's gaze fell on the red mark on Liu Wenying's chin.

"Apply to wounds? Ice is precious in summer; it's reserved for the old lady and the masters, and not something anyone can use casually."

She's not some pampered mistress like Fourth Madam, needing ice packs for every little thing she gets hurt. Does she really think she's half a mistress?

Xi Chun's words were barbed and pointed, and the other maids in the kitchen fell silent, lowering their heads and pretending to be busy.

Even Granny Chen couldn't stand it anymore and quickly tried to smooth things over.

"Miss Xi Chun, Nanny Liu also serves the old lady. It wouldn't look good if she went to her with a bruise on her face..."

"If it's not good-looking, then it's not good-looking."

Xi Chun interrupted her, "Ice is for the masters to cool off, not for her to apply to her face."

Liu Wenying's heart sank slightly. It wasn't that she absolutely needed ice, but rather that the Second Master had given the order.

Xi Chun spoke with conviction; even if she brought up the Second Master, she wouldn't give in easily.

"Since the ice hasn't arrived yet, then forget it. I'll just soak a handkerchief in water and apply it as a compress. It's no trouble."

It's just a red mark anyway; it can be wiped away with cold water. There's no need to get angry or upset.

"Hmph." Xi Chun took a sip of tea and was about to leave.

Granny Chen caught up, "When will the ice be delivered? Mingxi Hall's supply is almost gone, not even enough for the town's ingredients..."

Xi Chun paused, then turned around impatiently.

"Ice isn't under my jurisdiction; it's the Imperial Forestry Bureau that's been delaying the delivery. What can I do?"

Everyone knows that ice in summer is a precious commodity, and only members of the royal family and a few favored high-ranking officials and nobles are qualified to receive ice from the Imperial Park Administration.

Ordinary people, even those with immense wealth, cannot buy such a precious item to beat the summer heat.

Even a noble family like the Pei family had to rely on the quota allocation from the Imperial Forestry Bureau.

The Shanglin Bureau was in charge of the ice harvesting, storage, and distribution of all ice cellars in the capital.

The timing and quantity of ice delivery are entirely controlled by the other side, and there's no use in the subordinates being anxious.

Xi Chun left without looking back after saying those words.

As soon as she left, Granny Chen sighed heavily.

"What should we do? The late delivery from the Imperial Forest Administration is manageable for our small kitchen; the fruits and pastries just won't keep well and will lose their freshness. But how can the old lady possibly endure it?"

Turning around, she saw Liu Wenying still applying a wet cloth to her face, and Granny Chen forced a smile.

"I'm so sorry, Nanny Liu, you've seen it yourself, I really had no choice."

"It's alright, I'm much better now."

Mingxitang had other matters to attend to, so Liu Wenying didn't linger and hurried back.

She tidied herself up and took care of the old lady as usual.

…………