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

“What Auntie says is absolutely right.”

Xiao Ran gracefully moved to the small table, gently raised her jade-like hand, and picked up the scattered fruits one by one, her movements slow and composed.

"Since there are bad apples, they must be removed, whether it's our small family or this vast general's mansion."

A faint smile played on her lips, but her eyes were as deep and unfathomable as a pool, silently fixed on Madam He, making Madam He feel a chill run down her spine and a sense of inexplicable fear arise.

He forced himself to remain calm, chuckled a few times, and then reached out and seemingly affectionately grasped Xiao Ran's soft hand.

"Ran'er, you wouldn't be harboring resentment towards your aunt, would you?"

"Auntie, what are you saying? How could Ran'er be so unreasonable?" Xiao Ran replied gently.

"That's good, Ran'er. As you know, the rules in this mansion are strict and cannot be relaxed. You've only been in the capital for a little over two years. If those cunning servants dare to act recklessly and bully you, what will become of them? Naturally, it is up to me, the mistress of the house, to step in and properly discipline them in order to maintain peace in this mansion and ensure that you, Ran'er, can act smoothly and without worry in the future."

He's words were clearly an emphasis on her own position—the mistress of the house—and could even be seen as a warning to Xiao Ran.

Indeed, after all, she had spoken ill of her own daughter at Jinyunfang today.

But what if it's just feigned flattery? She's discovered something big now.

“Yes, naturally… it needs some tidying up.” Xiao Ran slowly raised her eyes, looked at Madam He, and after seeing the gleaming gold hairpin, said:

"This gold hairpin is really beautiful. Did Father give it to Aunt?"

Madam He was taken aback, then nodded somewhat awkwardly, saying, "Yes, yes... does Ran'er like it?"

"I love it! How about you give me this hairpin, Auntie?"

Madam He suddenly regretted her loose tongue, but there was nothing she could do. She could only slowly remove the hairpin and reply:

"it is good……"

Xiao Ran looked at the hairpin that He Shi had just handed her. Actually, she had noticed the hairpin from the beginning because it was incredibly smooth, as if it had just been wiped clean. She figured He Shi must really like it, but...

She remembered that Mrs. He never liked wearing gold and silver, and she would never be too ostentatious in front of her father, because her father saw her as a good housewife who was diligent and thrifty.

But the hairpin was so solidly made that Xiao Ran even felt it was a bit heavy when she held it in her hand.

“Aunt, since there’s nothing else, Ran’er will take her leave now. I think my maids have already learned their lesson, and Ran’er feels a little sorry for them, so I’ll go back and release them.”

"It's good that you've learned your lesson." Madam He seemed quite satisfied, then turned her head and called out towards the door, "Siji."

The maidservant at the door quickly came over and bowed to Madam He and Xiao Ran.

"Give the key to Miss Ran."

"Yes." Siji reached into her bosom and handed over the key.

But her sharp eyes noticed that Siji's hands were different from the other maids'...

If it were an ordinary maid, she would either have very calloused hands because she had to do odd jobs, or she would not be able to have direct contact with her master, since maids were also ranked and had to meet the requirements for promotion.

For example, Ginkgo, she can be considered an old maid.

But Si Ji not only had no calluses on her hands, but she was also very young... This puzzled Xiao Ran.

Xiao Ran slowly stood up, bowed to Madam He, and then gave Si Ji a meaningful look.

"Thank you, Auntie. Ran'er will be leaving now."