Who Would Lose Out in the End Was Still Uncertain

"Let's go see Xue Luochuan."

Qian Renxue released her hold on Bai Wanwan's waist and gently tidied the slightly disheveled strands of hair beside her ear.

"Mm..."

Bai Wanwan gave a muffled reply, then headed toward the Middle Hall with Qian Renxue.

Inside the meeting chamber of the Middle Hall.

Qian Renxue and Bai Wanwan sat in the seats of honor on either side, quietly waiting for Xue Luochuan to arrive.

Time slowly passed.

After a few minutes, faint footsteps sounded outside, and Xue Luochuan gradually came into view.

Upon entering the chamber, Xue Luochuan settled into a chair with easy familiarity.

"Young ladies, I've already placed everything you bought in the front hall, including the twenty-three maids."

"Rest assured, all twenty-three maids are untouched. If they aren't enough, the Auction House may have more after a while."

A faint smile rested on Xue Luochuan's lips. He seemed to be in a very good mood.

"Sorry for the trouble, Your Highness."

Qian Renxue nodded slightly, paying little mind to the trivial matters Xue Luochuan mentioned.

"Not at all. It was hardly any trouble."

Xue Luochuan looked at the two women in the seats of honor, his expression gradually turning serious. "Young ladies, since we've already agreed to work together, I'll speak frankly."

"I intend to test my eldest brother soon. When it becomes necessary, I hope you'll support me openly. After all, I need Father Emperor to see that the people backing me are no weaker than those backing my eldest brother. That way, I can gain a greater say."

"Certainly. We'll step forward when necessary."

Qian Renxue rested her elbow on the table and propped her head on her hand. After only a brief moment of thought, she readily agreed.

Because of the incident involving Xue Beng, they had most likely already drawn Xue Ye's attention. Whether they remained in the shadows or stepped forward to support Xue Luochuan openly would make little difference.

And if their open support helped Xue Luochuan gain a greater say, they would benefit more as well. Ideally, they could make the most of the opening he provided, giving themselves room to act as opportunities arose.

Upon hearing Qian Renxue's answer, Xue Luochuan let out a long breath and smiled in satisfaction.

"In that case, I won't disturb you any longer, young ladies. There are some matters I need to return and prepare for in advance."

Xue Luochuan rose from his seat and headed outside.

After exchanging a glance, Qian Renxue and Bai Wanwan stood to see him off.

After all, partners ought to act like partners. As an important guest, Xue Luochuan naturally deserved to be seen off. Besides, they also needed to visit the front hall to inspect the maids he had brought.

Leaving the Middle Hall, they followed the path paved with bluestone until they reached the estate's entrance. Only then did they stop, watching Xue Luochuan walk away.

Once Xue Luochuan had completely disappeared from sight, Qian Renxue and Bai Wanwan turned and walked back into the estate.

Shi Nian, who was guarding the entrance, considerately closed the gates again.

"Where are the maids the Second Prince brought?"

Bai Wanwan glanced at Shi Nian by the gate and asked softly.

"In the front hall, Young Lady."

Shi Nian answered respectfully.

Bai Wanwan raised her hand slightly, signaling for Shi Nian to continue guarding the gates, then headed to the front hall with Qian Renxue.

They entered the front hall.

Twenty-three tall, striking-looking girls around seventeen or eighteen years old stood nervously on either side. The items they had won at the Auction House lay on a table nearby.

Bai Wanwan swept her gaze over the girls' faces one by one, paying particular attention to their eyes. Only after seeing that their eyes were lively, completely unlike those of the Auction House staff, did she nod in satisfaction.

"As maids here, your main duty will be keeping the estate clean. Your wages will be two Gold Soul Coins a month. Once you've worked for three months, you may choose whether to stay or leave."

"You ten will be responsible for the front hall, you ten for the Middle Hall, and the remaining three for the rear hall. Does everyone understand?"

Bai Wanwan looked over them, her tone perfectly calm.

"Y-yes, we understand."

There was a timid edge to their voices.

Bai Wanwan waved lightly to dismiss them, then headed toward the rear hall with Qian Renxue.

Two Gold Soul Coins a month was already a generous wage. After three months, if they no longer wished to remain as maids, the six Gold Soul Coins they had earned would be enough to start new lives.

Compared to the Heaven Dou Auction House, Bai Wanwan felt that the terms she offered were practically a gift from the gods.

They returned to the rear hall.

Just as Bai Wanwan was about to return to her room, Qian Renxue caught her wrist.

"What is it, big sister?"

Bai Wanwan looked at Qian Renxue in confusion.

"No one should be disturbing us now."

"I'm still missing a body pillow."

Qian Renxue extended a finger and tapped the tip of Bai Wanwan's nose.

"A... body pillow..."

Seemingly recalling what had happened in the rear hall earlier, Bai Wanwan's face gradually reddened.

She stole a glance at Qian Renxue, only to avert her eyes the instant their gazes met.

I've rested my head on big sister's lap so many times. Being her body pillow once in a while wouldn't be so bad.

Besides, who loses out in the end is still uncertain.

After giving it some earnest, serious thought, Bai Wanwan entered the room with Qian Renxue.

The Heaven Dou Imperial Palace.

Inside Xue Ye's study.

Xue Ye lowered his eyes to the report that had just been presented and gradually sank into thought.

As the ruler of the Heaven Dou Empire, there was little that happened in Heaven Dou City that could escape him. As for the petty maneuvers within the Imperial Palace, his silence did not mean he was unaware of them.

The report he was reading concerned the four princes' recent activities.

"Qinghe has outstanding political talent and shows something of my younger self, but his disposition is too gentle."

"Luochuan is very intelligent, but he's been a little restless lately."

"Haicang has been following his second brother lately. He's showing some troubling signs as well."

"Xue Beng..."

"I should have him move to the Prince Manor one of these days. The sight of him irritates me."

Xue Ye set down the report, his eyes still thoughtful, as though he were weighing something.

Of the four princes, he was very pleased with all except Xue Beng.

Xue Qinghe, Xue Luochuan, and Xue Haicang each had their own strengths. Naturally, Xue Ye was perfectly aware of their covert maneuvers; he simply never minded them.

After all, he also wanted to see which prince was best suited to become the Future Heir.