The beloved is reborn as a substitute, and the tyrant begs for forgiveness every night.

Just after Xu Leyao had the royal physician examine Zhu'er's condition, Shizhu walked in.

As soon as she entered, she knelt down on the ground.

Facing Xu Leyao, Shi Zhu, like a bamboo shoot falling over, explained the reason for her visit.

After she finished speaking, Xu Leyao looked up at her.

Xu Leyao looked puzzled.

"What do you want to achieve by telling me all this?"

When asked about her purpose, Shizhu directly stated her intention.

“Miss Weiwei, I am currently serving Miss Xiuxiu, but I also want to find a way out for myself. I have signed a contract with no option to leave the manor in three years and will be allowed to marry on my own. But I am not content to be a servant or coachman for the rest of my life.”

As she spoke, she kowtowed deeply.

"I hope Miss Vivi can show me the way."

Her words could almost be described as a surrender.

However, Xu Leyao simply smiled and asked.

"Why should I believe you? The message you sent today is not very important to me."

As Xu Leyao said this, Shizhu bowed her head to the ground again.

“Miss Weiwei, I was sold into this household because I have a gambling father and a good-for-nothing brother. Therefore, I don’t want to go back. If Miss Weiwei is willing to lend me a hand, I will go through fire and water for you, even if it means my death.”

After hearing her words, Xu Leyao began to seriously examine her.

This Dianthus is actually smarter than Pearl.

But how did she figure out that Xu Leyao would save her?

Xu Leyao had some doubts, so she asked directly.

In response to her question, Shizhu briefly recounted her initial analysis.

After listening, Xu Leyao's gaze softened a bit.

It would be such a waste to confine such a clever woman to the inner quarters of the house.

"Since you chose to come today, you must have made preparations."

Xu Leyao gave her a deep look and continued.

“Right now, I have no shortage of maids to serve me, but someone needs to keep an eye on Jiang Xiuxiu. If you’re willing, you can keep an eye on her for me. Later, I can just take her over.”

After saying this, Xu Leyao stared intently at Shizhu, carefully observing her reaction.

Shi Zhu was taken aback at first, but then nodded firmly in agreement.

“Miss Weiwei, I will prove my loyalty to you.”

Upon hearing this, Xu Leyao remained noncommittal.

She simply nodded slightly and then dismissed Shizhu.

After Shi Zhu left, Xu Leyao turned around and saw Zhu'er staring at her with teary eyes.

"Miss, are you no longer going to accept me?"

Seeing her on the verge of tears, Xu Leyao couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.

When did I ever say I didn't want you anymore?

“But when Shizhu came over just now, I felt that you still admired her quite a bit.”

Pearl spoke based on her intuition.

Upon hearing this, Xu Leyao's smile faded.

Then, she looked at Pearl with a righteous and indignant expression.

“Zhu’er, given your current condition, it is not suitable for you to come to the palace with me in the future.”

Upon hearing this, Pearl's face fell, and she looked like a doll that had been abandoned.

"Miss, whatever it is, I'm willing to learn."

Hearing this, Xu Leyao nodded.

"It is precisely because you are willing to learn, and because I believe in you, that I have always kept you by my side and taught you personally."

Upon hearing this, Zhu'er struggled to get off the bed and kowtow.

Xu Leyao quickly stopped her and continued speaking.

"I'm not saying this to make you feel grateful. If you really want to come to the palace with me, then you need to remember your behavior from now on."

She paused, her eyes gleaming as she looked at Pearl.

"The palace is a complex place with many people and unpredictable events, far more dangerous than what you see in the inner quarters now. If you are not capable, I will still let you leave the palace to marry on your own in the future."

Upon hearing this, Pearl shook her head vigorously, like a rattle-drum.

“Miss, I’m sure I can learn it.”

Seeing the determination in Zhu'er's eyes, Xu Leyao remained silent.

It wasn't that she didn't believe Pearl's determination.

However, everyone has their own destiny, and who knows where she will end up?

Moreover, the path she chose was still fraught with danger.

Thinking this, Xu Leyao spoke again.

"If that's the case, then now analyze why I should accept the carnation."

Faced with Xu Leyao's question, Zhu'er pondered carefully.

Xu Leyao didn't urge her, but let her think, while she slowly sipped a cup of tea.

After a short while, Zhu'er tentatively spoke.

“Miss, I think Shizhu is quite clever.”

"Is this the only reason?"

Xu Leyao paused slightly, then pressed for an answer.

Pearl shook her head.

"It's not just for that reason. Shi Zhu was able to analyze some clues and figure out that the person who really bribed her was Miss, which is enough to prove her meticulousness. Moreover, she dared to risk being discovered today and come directly to surrender, which is a testament to her loyalty."

Upon hearing this, Xu Leyao neither nodded nor shook her head.

She simply encouraged Pearl to continue speaking with her eyes.

Encouraged by her, Pearl finally finished saying everything she hadn't said before.

"Although she has her own ulterior motives, they are within the limits of tolerance. Moreover, by bringing up her own family, she has essentially put leverage in the young lady's hands. People like that are more reassuring to use."

After Zhu'er finished speaking, she stared intently at Xu Leyao.

This time, it was Xu Leyao's turn to be somewhat surprised.

She hadn't realized before that Pearl had this kind of insight.

But now it seems that she underestimated Pearl.

Based on this analysis alone, Pearl's line of thinking is not wrong.

That wasn't much different from what she was thinking.

The only important point is that Pearl didn't mention it.

"And the most important point is that I never believed her from beginning to end."

Xu Leyao spoke slowly.

"If a person wants to gain the trust of others, they must first let others see their performance. Pearl, I'm leaving the task of keeping an eye on the stone bamboo to you."

As soon as Xu Leyao finished speaking, she saw Zhu'er looking at her with a look of surprise and delight.

"Yes, Miss, I will definitely be able to complete this task well."

Hearing Zhu'er's assurance, Xu Leyao simply smiled and nodded, without saying anything more.

There's no point in saying more; just observe Shizhu's behavior in the future, and we'll know her purpose today.

After Zhu'er recovered from her injuries, she kept a close eye on Shi Zhu, both openly and secretly.

Xu Leyao saw all of this.