The cousin's family is extremely wealthy; she deserves to be a concubine.

Just then, a gentle breeze blew in through the crack in the window, and Hua Sirong's mind cleared up a bit.

She shook her head and decided to take advantage of the fact that everyone was busy eating at the banquet to go for a walk in the garden and shake off her drowsiness.

If you go through the door, you'll definitely have to pass through the covered walkway, and you'll inevitably be spotted by the servants who are waiting there at your beck and call.

So, without further ado, seeing that no one was around, she simply pushed the window open a little and jumped out.

Back when they lived in Xishan, she was the most powerful person in the mansion, except for her father. Even if she did something out of line occasionally, no one dared to interfere.

Climbing through a window is something a lady wouldn't do.

But she wasn't a lady, and as for why she was frail from childhood?

Every year when the seasons change, she does get sick because of her constitution, but she has been somewhat rebellious since she was a child, and the more she is not supposed to do something, the more she wants to do it.

Although I don't do climbing through windows often, I've done it quite a few times.

I easily left the side hall and walked along the path without seeing anyone.

In the distance, the pavilion where many noble ladies had been sitting and laughing just moments before was now deserted.

However, the other side of the pavilion is too conspicuous, so she won't go there.

She chose a spot next to the artificial hill next to the pavilion. After passing through the artificial hill, she went straight to the lakeside. She then chose a place with lots of vegetation and found a secluded spot to sit down.

Listening to the distant commotion, I felt a pang of regret that I didn't have a fishing rod in my hand; otherwise, I could have found some amusement for myself.

Shaking her still slightly dizzy head, she felt it was more comfortable to stay outside. She wondered what kind of incense was burning in the room, as it was definitely not to her liking.

Watching the maids and servants coming and going on the distant veranda, Hua Sirong thought to herself about Wang Mama and Chunyan, hoping they would go back later, otherwise they would be very surprised to find that she was missing.

However, she didn't hide anything by the window. Wang Mama knew her best and would surely understand where she was going after taking a look.

Suddenly, she slapped her forehead. "Oh no, I think I locked the door."

Hua Sirong intended to go back, but just as she was about to get up, she heard voices coming from the artificial hill.

We're stuck here!

"Good girl, you've been so busy with my aunt these past few days, I haven't had time to be affectionate with you." A man's impatient voice came from inside the artificial cave.

Hua Sirong immediately covered her mouth, her eyes wide with disbelief. This was a place for women to stay, so how could there be men coming in and out?

Even male servants shouldn't be alone in such close proximity to female guests. If they offend a lady, the reputation of the Muqing Marquis's mansion will be ruined.

But this man who claims to be the master's relative is unknown, perhaps a relative of one of the ladies in the household.

A moment later, Hua Sirong heard a panting voice, "Master, my young master Zeng, today is an important matter. You can come to me anytime."

Upon hearing this, the other person's movements indeed subsided somewhat. "Alright, listen to our young mistress Zeng. Good girl, I'm asking you, has the feast in the side hall been served?"

Hearing such kind words from Young Madam Zeng, the good maidservant had no reason to hold back. "As the Third Madam instructed, I made sure that all the dishes in the side hall were served to Miss Biao."

Hua·Biao Guniang·Sirong: ...The side hall? Biao Guniang? Could it be referring specifically to me?

Young Master Zeng couldn't hide his joy as he eagerly asked, "Good girl, did you see how many people were serving inside and outside the house?"

Good girl was happy now, "Today, distinguished guests have come to the manor, and we are short-handed everywhere. The two maids who serve Miss Biao were called away by Zhang Mama from the main kitchen, and they can't come back before the guests have left."

"If it weren't for Master's plan, I think that maid serving the dishes would have completely forgotten about our cousin in the side hall."

"This is truly a stroke of luck! Do you know if she had a meal? That she could eat the dishes we tampered with?"

The girl said confidently, "My cousin has been observing a vegetarian diet because of mourning. But seeing all these delicacies on the table today, how could she possibly resist eating meat?"

"That makes sense. Good girl, what will I do without you?"

Good girl: "After today, Master will marry Miss Cousin. Does that mean that after he marries Miss Cousin, he won't care about my life or death?"

"How could that be! You're so capable, while that merchant girl only has a few stinking coins on her, she's nowhere near as good as you."

Good girl: "Master, you must keep your word. I don't ask to be on equal footing with Miss, I only ask that when Miss sets rules for me, you say a few words for me."

"Don't worry, don't worry. I'm promising you this. You'll be a concubine in name only, but in reality, you'll be the one in charge of the inner quarters. Besides, I'm worried that she might bring bad luck and affect the feng shui of our house."

Upon hearing this, the maid realized that she had been granted the power to manage the household, and she became even more dedicated to the tasks at hand. "Master, you need not worry. To ensure that today's plan goes perfectly, I have already changed the incense in the side hall."

"Come here, give me a kiss. You're such a good wife."

Good girl: "After you succeed, just don't forget me."

"Can't forget."

As the two figures faded into the distance, Hua Sirong felt a chill run through her body.

She had been feeling drowsy because she thought it was because she had been alone for too long and had nothing to do.

Little did they know that it was all a scheme behind the scenes.

She dug her left fingernails into her right palm, using the pain to force herself to calm down.

We definitely can't go back to the side hall. Even if we absolutely have to go out and show our faces, it has to be in full view of everyone.

She had to go to the main kitchen to find Wang Mama and Chunyan first; it wasn't safe for her to be alone.

Just as I was about to get up, I heard footsteps coming from inside the artificial hill.

Hua Sirong was shocked. Could it be that the two men discovered she wasn't in the side hall and came looking for her?

She looked around and saw nothing but the lake and a rockery taller than a person. Apart from the cave in the rockery that led directly outside, she couldn't get out.

No, we might be able to find a way out by following the lakeside and climbing the rocks.

Hua Sirong dared not gamble, fearing she might slip and fall into the lake.

Whether she'll drown or not, I don't know. But if she's rescued by a stranger, that would be worse than death.

She curled herself up into a ball, nestled behind the lush vegetation, close to the hollow of the artificial rock, trying to make herself inconspicuous.

"Miss, let's go back to our seats. Today, the male and female guests are seated separately, so your plan may not be feasible."

A gasp rang out, and Hua Sirong recognized the voice as belonging to the little girl who had been scolded. "What's wrong with it? Today is a rare opportunity!"

Hua Sirong recognized the voice; it was Jin Yaoyao's.

Maid: "But what can I say to get the second young master of the manor to come and see you, Miss?"

Jin Yaoyao: "Idiot! Have you forgotten the plan we made yesterday? Spend a few coins to find a servant to pass on the message that the Fourth Miss and the Third Miss had a fight."

The fourth young lady is the second young master's own sister. I don't believe he won't come.

The maidservant said anxiously, "But what if it's not the Second Young Master, but the Second Madam?"