After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

Xiao Ran had no intention of deliberately making things difficult for her; she simply asked calmly:

"I remember you used to serve your aunt. How come you're guarding the gate here now?"

Upon hearing this, Ginkgo's eyes involuntarily darted away slightly, and she never raised her head, responding softly with a murmur:

"Madam has her reasons for making these arrangements. I am of lowly status and dare not presume to speculate..."

Xiao Ran's lips curled into a faint smile. She chuckled softly and then ignored her, walking slowly away. Her voice drifted back: "In the end, he's just a gatekeeper... nothing more."

How could Ginkgo not understand the contempt in those unspoken words?

At this moment, however, she did not feel anger. Instead, a sense of jealousy quietly arose from the bottom of her heart, spreading and entwining like vines.

……

As dusk deepened, the night, as dark as ink, quietly enveloped the entire mansion. The courtyard where Madam He lived was lit up early with warm yellow lights, and the door slowly opened, as if quietly waiting for someone's arrival.

Xiao Ran moved lightly, and as soon as she stepped into the courtyard, a maid dressed in light white clothes came into view.

The maidservant stood quietly to the side, her expression slightly reserved, her eyes revealing a simple and unassuming nature. As Xiao Ran approached, she became increasingly certain that her guess was almost certainly correct.

"Miss Ran, Madam requests your presence." The maid bowed slightly, her voice soft yet concise.

Xiao Ran paused, not rushing into the house, but instead raising her eyes to carefully examine the maid in front of her, and asked, "What's your name?"

The maidservant remained calm, without the slightest hesitation or surprise, and answered softly, "This servant is Siji."

Xiao Ran nodded thoughtfully, secretly pondering that this must be the maid who replaced Yin Xing. However, she had no recollection of this maid in her past life; could something have subtly changed?

"I don't recall ever seeing you in the manor before... Do you know Ginkgo?"

"know."

Siji remained as sparing with words as ever, uttering only these two words briefly before falling silent.

Xiao Ran chuckled inwardly. This was indeed a cautious and prudent manner. No wonder, in this noble mansion, a maid who was not honest and dutiful would find it difficult to live a peaceful life for long.

Thinking this, Xiao Ran ignored Si Ji and walked straight into He Shi's room.

Upon entering the room, one could see Mrs. He standing gracefully in front of the table, her hands intently working on something. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be an exquisite fruit platter, with various fresh fruits arranged in a pleasing and inviting manner.

As if sensing something, Mrs. He slowly turned around, saw her at a glance, and immediately beamed with joy. She quickly stepped forward and warmly took her hand.

"Oh, Ran'er, you've finally arrived! Come and try these fruits. The general specially ordered them to be sent over, so they must taste delicious."

But Xiao Ran quietly shook off her hand.

“If Aunt knows I’m coming, then she should know why I’m here.”

Mrs. He was taken aback, then slowly sat down, but she did not stop fiddling with the fruit plate.

"Ran'er, look at this fruit..."

Xiao Ran was amazed to see He Shi drop the fruits one by one very high, but He Shi's next move surprised her.

He pulled out a few fruits from the bottom, and the fruits piled on top instantly scattered onto the table.

"Ran'er, did you see that?" Madam He slowly turned her eyes and stared at her.

"The bad apples should be removed as soon as possible."