Bai Hui's Little Scheme (A Straightforward Title That Lets Readers Know Whether to Read It)

Bai Hui was getting ready to change clothes and head out when Jin Xiaomei came to see her.

"I heard from Assistant Zhong that you like sheep testicles. Yesterday, I mentioned it to the kitchen, and when I just went over to confirm the menu, they said they'd already prepared a dish called Three Rams Bring Prosperity. Apparently, the sheep testicles have no gamy taste at all—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and soft as pudding."

Although Zhong Qing had taken on a more senior position, she still seemed to prefer being called "Assistant Zhong," as it highlighted her standing as a trusted confidante of both Third Mistress, the true power behind the Zhu Family, and Zhu Juntang, its heir.

In truth, how far Zhong Qing could ultimately rise had little to do with her own abilities. Her experience serving as Third Mistress's and Zhu Juntang's assistant mattered more.

From Jin Xiaomei's past observations, there was no doubt that Zhong Qing was favored by Third Mistress. Yet her relationship with Zhu Juntang had not reached the same level. Many times, Zhong Qing had relied on Third Mistress's support to go against Zhu Juntang's wishes, even interfering with and undermining Zhu Juntang's plans.

Zhong Qing's actions had not made Zhu Juntang lose her trust or dependence on her, but Jin Xiaomei believed that Zhu Juntang still felt Zhong Qing bore too deep an imprint of Third Mistress.

Even though Zhong Qing was Third Mistress's daughter, Zhu Juntang would still feel that she was not entirely one of her own. That was Jin Xiaomei's opportunity.

Jin Xiaomei did not see herself as becoming a second Zhong Qing. She wanted to become Zhu Juntang's "Zhong Qing." All she needed was to follow Third Miss Zhu closely. The Zhu Family would ultimately fall into