Marrying a royal playboy and becoming a glamorous matriarch

Chunxi, her face contorted with anger, whispered to Wei Qingrou, "Madam, their shameless fighting, even coming to your courtyard, is utterly outrageous. This time, you must teach them a lesson they won't forget."

Wei Qingrou chuckled lightly, "Then how do you think I should teach them a lesson?"

Chunxi was taken aback, but quickly offered a suggestion: "It would be best to make an example of them. Pick the most rebellious one and give him a good beating, so that others will know your ruthless methods and learn from this. They will not dare to provoke you again."

Xia Xi added from the side, "Simply having ruthless methods isn't enough. We should also select an obedient and sensible concubine, elevate her to a high position, bestow some benefits upon her, and set proper rules for the other concubines."

Wei Qingrou nodded, "I think it makes perfect sense. If you continue to use this combination of soft and hard tactics, Second Master's household will surely be peaceful."

Upon hearing this, Chunxi and Xiaxi both smiled, their eyes brimming with smugness.

They were handpicked by Madam Wei and trained over decades to be her dowry maids. They were not there to just sit around doing nothing; they were there to help the young lady with her troubles and offer advice.

Wei Qingrou added, "But you've forgotten the most important person."

After she finished speaking, she went into the house first.

Chunxi and Xiaxi exchanged a glance, looking completely bewildered, and asked, "Who is it?"

Wei Qingrou gave a mocking smile, which was, of course, the attitude of the male head of the household.

Since we've entered a patriarchal society, we should naturally adapt to local customs.

The glory of a matriarch comes from the man of the house. She doesn't need to be favored by him, but she also can't afford to offend him.

Therefore, Wei Qingrou does not intend to take action herself in this matter.

Upon entering the room, Wei Qingrou went straight to the side seat, while Qin Ping'an was sitting in the main seat drinking tea.

The few lashes he received were merely superficial pain; he was not seriously injured. His crying and shouting were just him trying to show off in front of the princess.

Upon seeing Wei Qingrou enter, the concubines quickly stood up and bowed respectfully, saying, "Greetings, Madam. May you enjoy a long and healthy life."

Wei Qingrou slowly sipped her tea, then waved her hand and said with a smile, "Get up. Is there something you need to do at my courtyard so late?"

The five concubines looked at each other, not daring to say a word.

Finally, the eldest concubine, the most senior, stepped forward and said with a smile, "It's nothing important, but we haven't seen Madam and Young Master for a long time, and we've been missing them, so we came to pay our respects. Unfortunately, Madam and Young Master are out, so we've been sitting here since we had nothing else to do."

Wei Qingrou smiled but remained silent.

She must have had a lot of free time; she was able to sit in her yard for an entire afternoon.

"Thank you for your kindness. It's getting late, so I won't keep you any longer. We can chat another day."

This means closing the door and seeing the guests off.

But they had not achieved their goal. The concubines hesitated and did not want to leave, their eyes burning with desire as they looked at Qin Ping'an, who was sitting in the main seat.

Wei Qingrou also saw through their intentions, so she went along with the aunts' thoughts and asked Qin Ping'an with a smile, "Where do you want to rest today?"

Qin Ping'an said with a smile, "Madam, where would you like me to sleep?"

Upon hearing this, the concubines were so nervous that their hearts nearly jumped out of their chests, and their palms were sweating. Each of them put on their most gentle and proper smiles and looked at Wei Qingrou with hope in their eyes.

Wei Qingrou smiled faintly. She didn't want to compete with others, nor did she want to share Qin Ping'an with one person and offend another.

Why should she be made the villain when it's clearly a matter of who Qin Ping'an sleeps with?

"You flatter me, Second Master. How could I possibly interfere in this matter? You should handle it yourself."

Qin Ping'an's expression darkened when he saw her say that, and he casually pointed to his aunt.

"Alright, then I'll stay in your room tonight. Let's go."

After saying that, he left with his aunt.

The other four concubines who were not chosen by Qin Ping'an were embarrassed and looked disappointed as they watched Qin Ping'an and the eldest concubine leave.

The second concubine's eyes flickered, and she said with a hint of reproach and resentment, "The eldest concubine and the second master have a relationship spanning decades, which is something we can't compare to."

Wei Qingrou picked up her teacup and looked at the concubines with a smile: "There's plenty of time. There will be other opportunities in the future. You may all leave now."

Upon hearing this, the concubines snapped out of their daze, quickly smiled, and stood up to take their leave.

“You are right, madam. I shall take my leave.”

Of the remaining four concubines, apart from the fifth concubine who was too young to understand, the others came today with the intention of trying to snatch Qin Ping'an away.

Now, although I was disappointed at not being selected, I finally felt a sense of relief.

This is the first time Qin Ping'an has stayed in the room of another concubine in the back courtyard since the mistress entered the mansion.

I thought the new mistress was domineering and greedy, and couldn't tolerate anyone else, but I didn't expect her to get rid of Qin Ping'an so easily today.

This is great news for all the concubines in the back quarters.

As long as Qin Ping'an is willing to step into the back room, do the other concubines in the other rooms have to worry about not having a chance?

Having something to look forward to is better than having nothing at all.

After seeing off the concubines, Wei Qingrou washed up and went to rest.

Looking at the square tent, I always felt a sense of unease.

Perhaps it was because she had spent too much time with Qin Ping'an these past two days, and the two of them had been intimate too frequently, that she had subconsciously developed a physical dependence on him.

It's physical dependence, not her dependence.

The problem with the domestic life is that there are fewer men, which inevitably leads to competition among women. The modern monogamous system is much better, as the law gives marriage a legitimate place.

Wei Qingrou turned over, telling herself that she shouldn't think about these things anymore.

Even in modern times, don't illegitimate children have inheritance rights? The law only sets the lower limit for human beings.

Ultimately, how a marriage ends depends on one's conscience.

But would a dissolute playboy like Qin Ping'an have any conscience?

I'm afraid not.

If Qin Ping'an were with his aunt now, he would probably be just as glib and intimate with her.

The first room in the back building was where the eldest aunt lived.

The eldest aunt had been with Qin Ping'an since childhood and was used to serving him.

She skillfully helped him wash and change, and then brought him a hot bowl of hangover soup.

After drinking it, Qin Ping'an calmly praised, "Auntie, your cooking skills are always excellent."

The concubine looked excited and almost choked up. She smiled and said, "If you like it, my lord, I will cook for you every day."

Qin Ping'an paused in his work. "That's not necessary. Otherwise, what's the point of keeping all these cooks in the manor?"

The concubine quickly waved her hand: "It's alright. I'm used to doing these things. It's my blessing that you like it, sir."

Qin Ping'an looked embarrassed and didn't say anything more.

For some reason, he always had so much to say to Wei Qingrou, but now he had nothing to say.

As it was time for bed, the eldest aunt blushed and shyly stepped forward to help Qin Ping'an undress.

"Sir, it's getting late, shall we rest?"