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

Many people in Yimei Garden knew about Wenqin's little scheme, and now that they saw her dream had been shattered, they dared not step forward to mock her.

At least Wenqin is still Shen's top maid. They can only gossip behind her back; they wouldn't dare to make things difficult for her to her face.

In addition, with Granny Zhang mediating on Wenqin's behalf, the matter did not reach Madam Shen's ears.

While strolling through the garden, Yuan Tiaotiao and her servant spotted Wenqin crying uncontrollably from afar. Adhering to the survival principle of "better to avoid trouble," they consciously avoided her.

Du Juan was amazed, "I wonder what happened that made Sister Wenqin so sad."

Yuan Tiaotiao gazed thoughtfully in the direction of Wenqin. Although she was new to the Marquis's mansion, she was, after all, the future mistress of the mansion, and there were still quite a few people who secretly pledged their allegiance to her.

She had heard rumors a couple of days earlier that Madam Shen wanted to send people to Yimei Garden.

I originally thought one of them must be a favorite of the Shen family, so I asked Miss Qin.

But seeing how heartbroken she was, she didn't look like she was celebrating anything.

In fact, Yuan Tiaotiao didn't really like Wenqin, mainly because she was too capable in dealing with outsiders and was extremely familiar with the people in the Shen family's courtyard.

When Wenqin came to Mixiang Garden, Yuan Tiaotiao felt that her position would be threatened.

When the master and servant returned to the Fragrant Garden, they happened to run into Wen Hua, who was carrying a small bundle and reporting for duty.

The person was brought by Granny Zhang, and she spoke very eloquently, "My mistress was afraid that you, young mistress, would not be used to the food and lodging in the mansion since you are new here, so she sent her capable head maid to serve you personally."

The madam said that Wenhua should just take good care of the young master, which would also be considered as relieving the young mistress's worries.

The lady added that the young couple were newly married and it wouldn't be appropriate to send the young master to the outer courtyard, lest people laugh at them.

Yuan Tiaotiao secretly gathered her strength and barely managed to suppress the nameless anger in her heart. "Miss Wenhua seems to be a clever girl. She will definitely be able to take good care of my husband."

After seeing off Granny Zhang, a young maid was assigned to take Wenhua downstairs to settle her in. Only Yuan Tiaotiao, wiping away tears, and Dujuan, who was standing up for her mistress, remained in the room.

“Miss, you and the young master are newly married, and the Lady of the Marquis has already started interfering in your domestic affairs. This mother-in-law is too impatient.”

Yuan Tiaotiao sadly stroked the bracelet on her wrist, which He Zhizhang had given her a few days ago.

The sweetness between the couple seemed like it was just yesterday, but now she had to part with her husband. How could she not feel pain in her heart?

"When I was still a young lady, I thought I was very magnanimous. I just wanted to keep my position as the legal wife and give birth to a legitimate son as soon as possible."

But after we got married, when we became one person, I realized I couldn't bear to give up half of my husband.

Du Juan felt sorry for her daughter, "Then let's not separate. The young master cares so much about the girl. When he comes back from going out, he always brings her a plate of snacks or something."

Even if someone is staying in the front courtyard, they still have to call their personal servant to come to our courtyard to let us know.

"Since the young master is so considerate, if the young lady simply tells him she doesn't want to give him up to another woman, he will definitely agree."

Yuan Tiaotiao's eyes lit up with hope, "Really? My husband would agree to this?"

Before Dujuan could answer, she continued, "Even if my husband agrees, what good will it do? I still won't be able to explain it to my mother-in-law."

Besides, He Zhizhang doesn't seem like the kind of person who would stay with her for the rest of his life.

Yuan Tiaotiao looked Du Juan over again, then took Du Juan's hand and said, "You've been by my side since you were little. It's no exaggeration to say that we're as close as sisters."

Now my mother-in-law has only sent over a painting. I think that according to her wishes, I should choose another person to serve the young master.

"Dujuan, I'm asking you, are you willing to serve the young master?"

Du Juan quickly withdrew her hand, knelt down, her face flushed, and her head hung low, making it difficult for Yuan Tiaotiao to see her clearly.

Du Juan: "This servant is willing to serve you, young lady, for the rest of my life and never marry."

If Yuan Tiaotiao had heard these words while she was in her boudoir, she would probably have been overjoyed.

In this situation, she felt her blood freeze, but she still had to force a smile on her face. "What nonsense are you talking about? What girl doesn't get married?"

Since you want to serve me for life, why not become the young master's concubine? After you have a son or daughter, I'll promote you to a secondary wife. That way, you'll serve me for life.

Du Juan had served Yuan Tiaotiao since she was a child, so how could she not hear the barbed and icy tone in her voice? She suppressed her lingering thoughts and immediately pledged her loyalty.

"Miss, you've misunderstood me. I'm going to serve you for the rest of my life. When I get older, I'll get married and stay by your side as an old mother."

As for the son-in-law, there are countless people in this courtyard vying to serve him. What am I, an outsider, supposed to compete with them for?

I will simply stay by your side and live a peaceful life. Once you give birth to your son, I will dedicate myself to caring for him."

Hearing this, Yuan Tiaotiao's face finally brightened. She got up and helped Du Juan up. "I know you're a good person, but what young woman doesn't get married?"

I'm still waiting for your children to be playmates for my little rascal, so don't ever mention self-combing again.

“Our young master is handsome and gentle, but you’re so stubborn, how come you’re complaining about your son-in-law?”

Although they said that, the master and servant knew in their hearts that Yuan Tiaotiao did not intend to send Dujuan away.

After this incident, Du Juan devoted all her attention to Yuan Tiaotiao, and she no longer took the initiative to serve He Zhizhang when he came to Mixiang Garden.

In short, avoid it if you can.

That day, while having breakfast, He Zhizhang jokingly teased Yuan Tiaotiao.

"Am I some kind of monster? The Dujuan who serves you is like a mouse seeing a cat when she sees me. I think she's about to run away from the Fragrant Garden."

Yuan Tiaotiao's eyes sparkled, but her face was beaming with a smile. "It's clear that my husband is in a very good mood today, even having the time to joke around."

After speaking, she looked at Wen Hua, who was setting out the dishes, and noticed that she looked more charming and mature than when she first came to Mi Xiang Yuan.

Looking at the table full of delicious food, Yuan Tiaotiao found it hard to eat.

Last night, my husband was again being waited on hand and foot by me.

Her eyes darkened slightly, but she didn't show it on her face. "My husband only has Wenhua to serve him, which is a bit too few. I've been idle these past few days, so why don't I pick out two more maids who know how to serve him?"

He Zhizhang's smile deepened, and he placed his large hand on Yuan Tiaotiao's soft hand. "With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for! Tiaotiao, you can handle it as you see fit."

Yuan Tiaotiao's heart was filled with mixed feelings, but she forced herself to be magnanimous, saying, "These are all my duties as a wife."

He Zhizhang smiled but said nothing, pretending not to see Yuan Tiaotiao's forced smile, and focused on drinking his porridge.