My Prince said he'd break my legs.

Are you insulting me?

Liang Youyou didn't understand what "idiot" meant, but subconsciously she knew it wasn't a good word.

"So what if I scold you? You're so capable, why doesn't Father send you to Prince Chen's mansion? It's because you're born out of wedlock and not presentable enough to even be given to Prince Chen as a concubine."

"you!"

Liang Youyou was so angry that her face turned red, but she was indeed a concubine's daughter, which was an indisputable fact. Since entering the mansion, Aunt Qiu had always been superior to Madam Gao in everything.

Moreover, the Liang family had already separated, and the grandmother lived with her eldest uncle's family. Her eldest uncle was the county magistrate of Yuzhou, so apart from Madam Gao, Aunt Qiu was the most senior among the women in the Liang family.

Unfortunately, Madam Gao was utterly useless. As the head mistress of the household, she was completely controlled by a concubine. Apart from her wealthy family, she was utterly worthless.

Because her aunt was favored, her daughter was also favored. She could outshine Liang Qingwan and Liang Zhiyi in everything, except for the title of being a concubine's daughter, which made her feel inferior.

Liang Youyou was also furious and blurted out:

"Just you wait. After Father gets promoted, let's see how arrogant you can be then. Father said that he won't wrong me and my aunt. I won't be a concubine's daughter forever."

Liang Zhiyi was so angry she almost laughed. Liang Huaijing was so biased that he used his first wife's family's money to pave his way to officialdom, yet he was always looking out for his concubine. Now, did he even plan to get Gao Shi divorced after he got promoted?

If it were just a matter of being divorced, that would be fine; the real fear is that he would cause Lady Gao to "die of illness."

Isn't this exactly what modern people call a typical "phoenix man" (a man from a poor background who achieves success)?

So awful!!

"What, do you think your concubine, who used to be a dancer, can become the official wife? Even if your mother is divorced a hundred times, it will never be Aunt Qiu's turn to take over. Since the founding of the Great Yu Dynasty, there have only been cases of remarriage, and there has never been a case of a concubine taking over. Do you think everyone is as easy to manipulate as your mother? Don't let a powerful mistress come and ruin you all."

Liang Zhiyi was too lazy to waste any more words with her and walked away.

"Don't be too smug. There's always a first time."

Liang Zhiyi paused, turned to look at her: "How could Aunt Qiu have given birth to such an idiot like you? You're spreading rumors about something that's barely even started. Go back and let Aunt Qiu give you a good talking-to!"

"You!" Liang Youyou was furious with her. She stomped her foot and turned to leave.

Liang Zhiyi snorted. She felt sorry for the Gao family. The whole family was supporting this man, but he was already planning how to kick them to the curb after he got promoted.

As expected, nothing is more toxic than a man from a humble background who has achieved success!

She was about to leave when she looked up and saw Gao standing not far away with red eyes, she must have heard a lot.

"Weren't you going to your maternal grandfather's house? Why are you back so soon?"

Even riding at full speed wouldn't be enough to cover the round trip!

Gao's emotions immediately calmed down, her gaze darting away: "I... I thought that your father needed your maternal grandfather at that time, so I turned back halfway."

Liang Zhiyi: "........"

It turns out that people can actually laugh when they're speechless.

The news of Liang Zhiyi and Liang Youyou arguing in the corridor quickly spread throughout the entire mansion.

Liang Huaijing was furious and punished Liang Youyou by making her kneel in the ancestral hall. That evening, he went to the main courtyard to have dinner with Madam Gao and stayed overnight there.

Then... Gao was appeased.

Liang Zhiyi stared blankly at the tree branch, speechless. This mother is not very reliable!

How do you break free from this situation when you encounter such a terrible teammate?

After thinking for a while, she picked up her pen and wrote a letter in a flowing style, embellishing the contents of the letter as she pleased.

Then, Chunmei was instructed to deliver it to Grandpa Gao: "You must personally hand it over to your maternal grandfather."

"Yes."

Her parents were unreliable, but the maid they assigned to her was reliable.

Chunmei responded and went to take care of her business.

I thought Chunmei wouldn't return until evening, since she had sneaked out of the manor and couldn't use the manor's carriage. The round trip would take at least two hours on foot. But she returned before Shenshi (3-5 PM).

"Did you fly there? So fast?"

"I ran into Guard Yu not far from the manor, and he escorted me there."

Yu Zhao?

"How did I end up running into him?"

The Eastern Palace is not located within the imperial palace, but rather in a residence built outside. Although Liang Residence is not in a remote place, it is not in a bustling area either, and it is quite far from the Eastern Palace. Logically speaking, it would be difficult to encounter anyone close to Pei Yue.

Moreover, why would they send a mere maidservant to the Gao residence?

It's absolutely bizarre.

"Guard Yu said he was on business nearby and it was on his way, so he gave me a ride. When I came back, Master Gao sent someone to take me back. So it was quick."

"Did no one see us?"

"No, young lady, you've been secretly seeing the Crown Prince for half a year now. Guard Yu knows this and is being very careful."

What does it mean to steal...?

Liang Zhiyi sighed, "How can this be described as having an affair?"

"What did your maternal grandfather say?"

"Old Master Gao said he understands, and thanks the two young ladies for their guidance."

Liang Zhiyi nodded. "Not bad, she's a sensible person."

As they were talking, the matron who was in charge of the women's clothes and jewelry came over. Two maids beside her were carrying a tray with a set of jewelry and a heavily embroidered orange-red ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) on it, which was decorated with intricate patterns and inlaid with pearls.

It was dazzling and magnificent.

It's beautiful, but... it's too dazzling.

"Fourth Miss, this is what Madam asked me to bring over. The Empress Dowager's birthday is coming up in a few days, and the palace will be holding a grand banquet. These are the dresses and jewelry for the banquet."

The maidservant was very perceptive and, following the old woman's instructions, raised the tray in front of her.

Liang Zhiyi picked up the ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), glanced at it, then put it down again, asking, "Was this ruqun prepared by Mother herself?"

"The clothes for the women entering the palace this time were all suggested by Aunt Qiu and Madam. Madam also thinks that the dress and jewelry prepared for the Fourth Miss are very beautiful."

Looks good my foot! Wearing this to a banquet in the palace, who are you trying to steal the spotlight from?

Aunt Qiu's abacus beads are practically jumping out of her face, and she still thinks Aunt Qiu is good.

Gao was incompetent, and none of her subordinates were of any use.

"Will the Third Miss also enter the palace?" Liang Zhiyi asked.

The old woman nodded and chuckled, "Yes, they're going. The Empress Dowager's birthday banquet is a grand affair, and it's very festive. There's no rule against illegitimate daughters going. The master said that the third young lady can go too. Surely all the noble young men in the capital will be attending this banquet. If the two young ladies go, they might just find a good match."

Liang Zhiyi remained silent, then changed the subject, pointing to the ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress).

"Take the ruqun to the Third Miss and say that Aunt Qiu prepared it for her. She is about the same height and weight as me, and her skin is fairer than mine. She will look better in it than I do."

The jewelry must be kept. Even if she doesn't wear it, it's all gold inlaid with jewels and is quite valuable. We can't just give it away casually. We can't just squander money, can we?

"This..." The old woman hesitated, "Madam has also prepared a dress and jewelry for the Third Miss. What will the Fourth Miss wear?"

Liang Zhiyi smiled as she took the tray of jewelry and handed it to Chunmei, but she wasn't going to give the jewelry away.

"It's alright, I have plenty of clothes. Just take the ruqun to the Third Miss and say that Aunt Qiu ordered it to be made. The Third Miss will like it very much. You don't need to tell Mother and Aunt Qiu that I gave it to the Third Miss."

The nanny hesitated for a moment, but still had someone send the ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) to Liang Youyou.