Zhao Ruyu's Thoughts

Although the Marquis's family was declining in status and its rank was decreasing with each generation, the imperial family, mindful of past friendships, did not find any excuse to evict the entire family from the mansion, even though the descendants were incompetent. The mansion was very large, but the population had always been small, and the living quarters were spacious, so this Tea Tasting Residence had always been empty.

Xu Xi was, after all, the daughter of the second wife, and she had moved out after arguing with her mother. Giving her a house in a courtyard that was too nice would seem like a reward for her. If others followed suit, the Marquis's mansion would fall into chaos.

Therefore, arranging for her to live in this small, cramped courtyard is quite suitable.

"Fourth Miss, Sixth Miss!" The maidservant sent by Lady Wei to gather information ran breathlessly to a corridor and told Zhao Rurui and Zhao Ruyu, who were waiting there, "Fifth Miss went into the main courtyard. I didn't dare follow her, so I just watched from outside. Later, I saw Matron Ruan lead Fifth Miss to the Chess Watching Courtyard, and she didn't come out after that. Afterwards, Madam sent people to prepare the Tea Tasting Residence. I asked someone to inquire, and they said it was prepared for Fifth Miss to live there."

Zhao Ruyu and Zhao Rurui exchanged a glance.

Zhao Rurui asked, "Sixth Sister, what should we do?"

Zhao Ruyu curled the corners of her lips. "Fourth Sister, that's a question. Before, I was the legitimate daughter and you were the illegitimate daughter. You said Mother loved me, and even if she scolded me, she wouldn't really blame me, so she always asked me for advice. Now you're the illegitimate daughter and I'm the adopted daughter. The relationship is different, so I have to be behind you. You're still the elder sister, so naturally you have to make the decisions. I'll just listen to you."

Zhao Rurui bit her lip, her eyes full of confusion. "Sixth sister, I was just about to ask you that. Did I offend you in some way? Why have you become so cold towards me?"

You didn't offend me in this life, you offended me in a past life.

Zhao Ruyu thought to herself, but said aloud, "Sister, what are you saying? Aren't I the same as before? There's no way I've offended you."

"If I have offended you in any way, please forgive me, sister." Zhao Rurui bowed to Zhao Ruyu. "Sister, we grew up together, so our relationship is naturally special. Now that Fifth Miss is back, we should be even closer, don't you think? If there's anything I've done wrong, tell me, and I'll correct it."

As she spoke, she looked intently at Zhao Ruyu.

Seeing the two suddenly discussing their friendship, the young maid was so anxious she wanted to jump up and down. Seeing Zhao Ruyu remain silent, she quickly interjected, "Ladies, please speak slowly here. I must go back and report. Otherwise, the Second Madam will punish me for being gone so long."

With that, she curtsied and, without waiting for their agreement, turned to leave in a hurry.

Zhao Ruyu quickly stood up. "Wait, let's go together." With that, she lifted her skirt and chased after her.

Zhao Rurui was stunned for a moment. She watched the two leave without calling her or waiting for her. She gritted her teeth, stomped her foot, and followed them.

The three returned to the main courtyard of the second house, where a maidservant reported the matter to Lady Wei.

Enraged, Lady Wei kicked away the maid who was massaging her legs, cursing, "That little hussy, she's really gone too far! And that old man, she's one of our second branch's women, why does she care so much? Letting her stay at the Tea Tasting Residence, she's got a death wish!"

The servants inside were all silent with fear.

Lady Wei gritted her teeth and thought for a moment, then said to Zhao Ruyu, "Your sister is, after all, one of our second branch of the family. You're sisters with her, so go and see her. You'd better persuade her to come back to live in the second branch. Otherwise, don't blame me for disliking her in the future."

Lady Wei knew that Zhao Ruyu had once considered Tea Tasting Residence. The place was small and located under the old lady's nose, so none of the other grandchildren wanted to live there. However, Zhao Ruyu really wanted to get rid of her and live at Tea Tasting Residence. But the old lady refused.

Now that Xu Xi has been brought back, the old lady has arranged for him to stay at the Tea Tasting Residence, Zhao Ruyu is sure to Gao Xing.

This young girl appears demure and obedient in front of others, but Lady Wei knows she has many schemes and is quite cunning. Having Zhao Ruyu deal with Xu Xi would at least allow her to vent her anger. Otherwise, if Xu Xi disobeyed her today and nothing could be done, she would surely become ill from holding it in.

Zhao Ruyu breathed a sigh of relief, agreed, and left.

As she stepped out the door, a slight smile appeared on her lips.

If it were the Lady Wei in her previous life, she would naturally not be able to see through what Wei was up to. Not only would she deeply resent Xu Xi for returning and taking away her status and position, but she would also be jealous that Xu Xi easily obtained what she had always wanted but could not have. Thus, she would do things that would please Lady Wei but damage her image in the eyes of the old lady.

But now, she doesn't.

What's so great about the Tea Tasting Residence? In a few days, she'll be moving to the Capital Women's Academy. After that, she'll be living in the main courtyard of the Marquis of Pingnan's Residence's residence. It's not worth ruining her image in the eyes of the Old Madam and the First Madam for such trivial gains, thus affecting her marriage prospects.

She walked briskly to the Chess Watching Courtyard.