My sister became the empress, but I'm still growing vegetables and raising chickens

"Then what should I do next?"

Mother Tian said: "Girls, remember that all men in the world are selfish. Even if they are willing to give, it is because they get much more than they give. And if you want them to give willingly, the most important thing to do is to make them feel guilty."

"Guilty?"

The younger sister pondered the word "guilt," but couldn't figure out how to deal with it. Fortunately, it was still early, so she still had time to think about it.

The return of the three sisters to the capital did not mean a relaxing life, as they did not have to do anything. On the contrary, the Emperor had the Imperial Concubine arrange for two tutors to teach the three of them etiquette and manners. He also invited female teachers to teach them the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and songs.

It’s not that they have to study very well, but since they have returned to Beijing, they still have to maintain the dignity of a noble lady.

The second sister is a very serious person. She doesn't say anything even though she is tired. But the youngest sister seems to be very angry. She used to be the one who liked to complain the most about being tired, but now she studies more seriously than anyone else.

Si Muyan turned out to be the laziest one.

She was really upset. In the past, in the countryside, if she wanted to eat well and live well, she could only rely on her intelligence and hard work. Now she had money and leisure, why should she work hard?

After studying every day, Si Muyan felt like she was about to fall apart. Not to mention thinking about the future of the Marquis' Mansion, she was too lazy to even think about her own tomorrow.

This went on for half a month, and then the eldest princess sent an invitation, inviting the three girls to a flower-viewing banquet.

The tutor then told the three girls what was happening in the Princess's Mansion.

"The eldest princess is the first daughter of the late emperor's concubines. She married a member of the Zhao family in Nanyang. However, due to health issues, she gave birth to a daughter, Princess Zhao Ning, at the age of twenty-seven, and has no children since then. Princess Zhao Ning is now eighteen years old and is betrothed to His Royal Highness Prince Ning."

When Prince Ning was mentioned, the second sister raised her head and asked, "Your Highness Prince Ning? But is he the Minister of the Supreme Court?"

Auntie smiled and said, "Second Miss, do you know His Royal Highness Prince Ning?"

The second sister nodded: "I once heard the young master of the Duke of Fengguo Mansion mention that His Royal Highness Prince Ning is also a legendary figure."

My aunt said, "Yes, His Royal Highness Prince Ning was missing for many years and was only found two years ago. He is full of talent and his mind is as sharp as that of the old Prince Ning. The Emperor loves him very much. Later, Prince Ning gained experience in the Dali Temple and made contributions in several major cases, so he was promoted to the position of Dali Temple Minister."

The second sister was very surprised. He had been appointed as the Minister of Justice of the Supreme Court only two years after returning to the capital? No, one year! Feng Zizhou had left the capital last year, and his words were extremely respectful to His Royal Highness Prince Ning. It was obvious that Prince Ning was truly capable and definitely not someone who relied solely on the Emperor's favor.

My younger sister lowered her eyes and thought, the emperor must be very fond of him, otherwise how could someone who had been away from home since childhood become the Supreme Court Minister after returning? Moreover, the emperor must have some connection with the Ning Wang Mansion, perhaps because of guilt.

Guilt will give. The emperor must feel guilty about Prince Ning. What should she do to gain the emperor's guilt?

My aunt added, "Prince Ning and Princess Zhao Ning have been engaged since childhood and are about to marry. It's because Her Royal Highness the Princess can't bear to part with her daughter that she wants to stay for two more years."

The second sister asked in confusion, "Aunt just said that this Prince Ning was lost when he was young. If he was lost, how could he have arranged a marriage with the county lady?"

My aunt's face turned grim. After a moment's thought, she said, "It's hard to say these things outside, but you all must know. Prince Ning wasn't lost as a child. He was replaced in his cradle. The truth was discovered a few years ago, and he was found."

It's a drama of real and fake young master.

Si Muyan seemed to be getting a little interested, and asked with a malicious look, "If it had been discovered a few years later, wouldn't County Master Zhao Ning have been pitiful?"

My aunt also showed a sympathetic look: "Fortunately, it's not too late."

Si Muyan asked again: "What about the fake Prince Ning?"

Although such a royal secret is no longer a secret, he dared to pollute the royal bloodline. Even if he was just a young child who knew nothing about the world, he could not be forgiven and was naturally dealt with directly.

However, the aunt couldn't bring herself to discuss this in front of the three girls, so she changed the subject: "That's a matter concerning Prince Ning's Mansion. If you meet His Highness Prince Ning in the future, just pay your respects. There's nothing else to worry about. This time, the Princess's flower viewing banquet was specially organized for you. It must have been arranged by the Empress Dowager, so you don't have to be afraid. The Princess is a kind person and will definitely protect you."

But he couldn't help but remind her, "Three girls, the Marquis' Mansion had its share of troubles in the past, so your return is bound to attract criticism. If there are those ignorant people at the banquet gossiping, don't take it seriously. If it's really excessive, just ask Her Royal Highness the Princess to take care of it for you."

Of course the three sisters had anticipated this and nodded immediately.

Her aunt then gave a brief overview of the various prefectures in Kyoto. This was quite a lot, and Si Muyan was completely overwhelmed. She had a poor memory and was somewhat face-blind. Back in Songji Village, she had only known who was who after many interactions.

How could she remember it just by talking about it now? Not to mention the relationships between these noble families, it was even more difficult.

"This time, the guests at the flower viewing party are all ladies and young ladies. We also want you to get in touch with other girls so that it won't be too difficult for you to get around Kyoto in the future."

Si Muyan was so confused after hearing this that she didn't want to do anything after washing up in the evening. She climbed into bed early to sleep.

Her mother's surname was You. She was a very strict and serious person. Seeing this, she quickly came over to persuade him: "Are you going to bed so early, young lady? It's still early. You can practice calligraphy or read a book."

Si Muyan knew in her heart that her mother was different from her second and youngest sister's mothers. This mother You was not only there to serve her, but also to supervise her. She didn't mind being supervised, but she would never let anyone ride on her head.

"Mother You, come sit here, I have something for you to do."

Mother You's heart tightened, and she hurried over, but she didn't dare to sit down. She stood there and asked respectfully, "What's the matter, young lady?"

Si Muyan said, "Back then, the Anle Marquisate was a high-ranking family, and they were related to the Empress Dowager. I imagine they knew a lot of people. Once they were implicated and fell into disgrace, there must have been quite a few people willing to speak up for the Marquisate, those who tried to protect themselves, and those who took advantage of the situation, right?"

Mother You's eyes were a little vague and evasive.

Si Muyan continued, "Mother You was sent by the palace to be my eldest mother. She told me before that you have been in Kyoto for over thirty years. You were previously the head mother of the royal palace and you are very familiar with the situations in various prefectures in Kyoto. Even if you haven't paid much attention to these things before, it shouldn't be difficult for you to investigate, right?"

Mother You felt bitter. It seemed that she had underestimated this young lady.