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

"And what my cousin said about raising a good child is no easy task. If you don't raise a good child and instead raise a spoiled brat, then you've really squandered your future."

Hua Sirong said irritably, "Although what you said is true, why can't you stand to see me doing well? You just want to see my marriage a complete mess before you're satisfied, right!"

He Zhizhu knew that Hua Sirong wasn't really angry, but she retorted defiantly, "I'm telling the truth, and my cousin is still arguing with me. Do you think she'll pretend these possibilities don't exist just because I don't say them?"

Hua Sirong tapped He Zhizhu's forehead. "I can't argue with you. But in this world, nothing is perfect. If something is nine-tenths perfect, that's a blessing."

Unlike your older sister, I don't chase after a lifelong, monogamous relationship or fantasize about some kind of romantic love. I just want two people to treat each other with respect and get by.

"Don't overthink it. You've already been through it all, do you think you're still as naive as your older sister?"

"We just need to hope that the Marquis's mansion remains stable. As long as the people we marry in the future have even a little bit of conscience, our lives won't be too difficult."

Well, the question has come full circle. He Zhizhu asked, "What are your thoughts, cousin? How can we help the Marquis's family avoid getting involved in that trouble in the future?"

Hua Sirong shrugged, "We're already on the pirate ship. It's too late to get off now." If things aren't handled well, she might incur jealousy and be eliminated early.

He Zhizhu's eyes widened. "Then how come you still have the mind to talk about marriage here, cousin?"

Hua Sirong glanced at He Zhizhu and suggested, "Why don't you take advantage of the fact that the Marquis's mansion hasn't sunk yet and find yourself a reliable husband? Go through the proper betrothal and marriage ceremony quickly, and get married as soon as possible?"

He Zhizhu: "I'm twelve this year. Even if it's fast, I'll only be thirteen next year." She is a noble lady from the capital. How could she get married before she's sixteen? It's not like her family has fallen on hard times.

However, in a few more years, the Marquis's mansion will truly fall into ruin.

She is a married woman. If she finds a husband with a particularly conscientious family, she might have a chance to escape this disaster. But if something happens to her family, can she really just stand by and do nothing?

Seeing the conflicted look on her face, Hua Sirong kindly reminded her, "Haven't we climbed up to the Jiang family in the capital again? If we manage this relationship well, it might be able to help us in a critical moment."

Although the second prince is only destined to be a prince, he is still the new emperor's brother.

He Zhizhu glanced at Hua Sirong before hesitatingly asking, "Can the Jiang family speak to the new emperor?"

Hua Sirong said meaningfully, "Then I'll have to ask you."

He Zhizhu was puzzled.

Hua Sirong: "In your past life, when a new emperor ascended the throne, did he settle scores with his brothers?"

He Zhizhu fell into recollection, "I haven't heard of it. I only know that those ministers who instigated the princes to kill each other brought disaster to their families. Even our Marquis's mansion wasn't targeted by the new emperor, but by an imperial decree issued before the current emperor passed away."

Hua Sirong nodded. This was the brilliance of those in power: to bestow honors of benevolence and kindness upon the new emperor so as to quickly stabilize the court at the beginning of his reign.

As for the old emperor himself, since he was about to pass away anyway, he wouldn't care too much about being labeled as cruel and inhumane.

"My uncle happened to be passing by when I left Yimei Garden today. Is there something you need?"

He Zhizhu, who had been living in Yimei Garden, naturally knew the news. She spoke her mind and told Hua Sirong directly, "Naturally, it's for that Master Jiang."

Hua Sirong countered He Zhizhu's question, "Uncle has already essentially boarded the Fourth Prince's ship. Isn't it inappropriate for him to openly contact Master Jiang like this?"

He Zhizhu was pleased this time. "It's not a good idea, but I think it's a good idea."

To be honest, if my cousin had agreed to my previous suggestion, I, a young lady from a secluded family, wouldn't have had to worry about this.

But I'm not thinking that my cousin is just my cousin, and it's not worth sacrificing your marriage for the sake of the Marquis's mansion.

So, after learning about Mr. Jiang's identity, I had a bold idea.

My father is already on the Fourth Prince's pirate ship and can't get off, so why don't I use my influence to get him on a few more pirate ships?

Whoever comes to power then, it will be a blessing for my family. Even if I don't gain merit from supporting the new emperor, at least I can escape being purged.

My father originally lived in the front yard; he never liked to interfere in my mother's yard affairs. I had to specifically send someone to tell my father about Master Jiang's news.

Hua Sirong was unsure whether she should give He Zhizhu a thumbs up.

"Aren't you worried that your dad might be juggling multiple relationships and end up getting himself into trouble?"

He Zhizhu snorted, "My father is a marquis, after all. How could he not grasp the stakes involved? I trust my father."

Hua Sirong couldn't tell if He Zhizhu was serious. "The Marquis has already made connections with the Second and Fourth Princes. What about the other two princes? How does Cousin plan to help your father get involved with them?"

He Zhizhu's eyes darted around, and she pouted, "Didn't you say you didn't want to get involved? Knowing too much won't do you any good. Unless you agree to marry the new emperor, then I'll tell you all the secrets I know."

Hua Sirong gestured for her to shut up, "Let's forget it, curiosity killed the cat."

He Zhizhu promptly displayed an expression of disappointment and regret on her face.

Hua Sirong ignored her; who knows if this was just another act?

Even she herself might not believe everything she said, let alone He Zhizhu, who claims to have lived two lives. Anyone who actually believes her completely is a complete idiot!

She deserved to be tricked into becoming a concubine.

Seeing that Hua Sirong really didn't press the matter any further, He Zhizhu couldn't help but say, "Cousin, just ask me! I'll tell you everything. I was just teasing you."

You're the only one in this entire mansion who knows my secret. If you don't help me figure it out, what if I unintentionally do something that ruins everything?"

Hua Sirong reluctantly said, "For the sake of our shared fate, I'll just ask casually. I remember you said before that the new emperor's wife would die of illness in two years?"

As far as I know, the eldest prince married his principal wife two years ago, and although the third prince is not yet married, he is engaged to the granddaughter of the Grand Tutor's family.

"Besides, although I haven't been in the capital for long, I haven't heard any rumors that the Crown Prince's wife is in poor health." As for the Grand Tutor's granddaughter, if she were in poor health, the Emperor wouldn't issue an edict to bestow her upon his own son.

He Zhizhu gave a mysterious, mischievous smile; she knew her cousin wasn't truly indifferent.

"Our concubine, Shui, is pregnant with her third child and is about to give birth. Do you think she will be able to deliver the baby smoothly?"

Hua Sirong was wondering what their conversation had to do with a concubine in the Marquis's mansion, but then she suddenly had a flash of inspiration and widened her eyes, "You mean she died in childbirth?"

He Zhizhu gave Hua Sirong an approving look.

However, Hua Sirong showed no excitement. The reason was simple: her own mother had left because of giving birth to her.

Now that you know that this important person is facing such a calamity, what are your plans, cousin?