Rongrong understood that Xinzhu was using the Marquis’s name to bolster her position; otherwise, as a young lady trying to make a living outside, she would be very vulnerable to exploitation.

At this moment, Xinzhu mentioned only the Marquis’s wife, further protecting Rongrong’s reputation.

Boss Mei’s gaze cleared up significantly, and she looked at Rongrong with bright eyes, “Miss Xue is truly fortunate. Even after redeeming herself, she has such proper arrangements by her master. This is the first time I’ve seen a maidservant taking care of another maidservant!” Boss Mei had a rather straightforward personality and spoke bluntly, leaving Rongrong momentarily at a loss for words.

“Boss Mei is mistaken. Miss Xue has already redeemed herself, so she is no longer a maid,” Xin Zhu corrected. “When leaving the mansion, the Marquis’s wife said that from now on, Miss Xue will be considered a friend of the Jingning Marquis’s residence. Her injury was sustained while saving our Marquis’s wife. Being able to redeem herself is a grace from the Marquis’s wife, who is devout and always does good deeds. Even though Miss Xue has redeemed herself, the Marquis’s residence will continue to look after her affairs.”

This explanation surprised Rongrong.

She hadn’t expected Xinzhu to be so thorough in his words and actions.

In the past, he had always been silent and reserved around Xie Yuanchu, which made her even more grateful to Xie Yuanchu.

Boss Mei raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly, leading them into the room.

The room was somewhat more spacious than the side room Rongrong had in the Marquis’s residence, but the furniture was much simpler: a bed made of mixed wood with a canopy that had holes, a five-drawer chest, and a set of wicker chairs and table.

“It’s spacious enough; Chunxing and I won’t feel cramped,” Rongrong said.

Regardless of the size of the room, this was a place she had authority over.

Chunxing, being a farmer’s daughter who had always worked on the farm, was not as accustomed to the luxury of the Marquis’s residence as the other maidservants.

She was not surprised by the room’s condition and quickly began to dismantle the old bedding and replace it with the items Rongrong had stored here.

Once the bed was made, she helped Rongrong sit on it.

Boss Mei did not hurry to leave; she stayed in the room to explain the situation in the courtyard, especially regarding the use of the kitchen.

As they conversed, Rongrong realized that Mei Ningxiang was straightforward and blunt but had a kind heart.

“There is a kitchen over there, usually unused. You can go buy some rice and grains. However,” Mei Ningxiang glanced around and continued, “if you prefer, you can provide some money, and you can eat at the embroidery workshop.”

The other people in the courtyard worked at Mei Ningxiang’s embroidery workshop, so they ate there.

“Thank you, Boss Mei; that would be wonderful,” Rongrong said happily.

Since Rongrong couldn’t walk, Chunxing had to handle all the tasks, and if she also had to manage their meals, she would certainly be overwhelmed.

When Xinzhu left, he had arranged for a servant from the Marquis’s residence to deliver meals daily.

Unexpectedly, Rongrong had quickly arranged with Boss Mei to eat at the workshop instead.

Helplessly, Xinzhu had to add, “Miss Xue, don’t forget that your medicine is still being prepared at the Marquis’s residence. Have Chunxing go there daily to pick it up.”

Chunxing agreed.

“Boss Mei, Miss Xue is a friend of the Marquis’s wife. Please take extra care of her while she stays here. The Jingning Marquis’s residence will not ask for help without recompense.”

Mei Ningxiang was not intimidated by the mention of the “Marquis’s residence” and responded lightly, “That’s a fine thing to say. I’m just renting the room to Miss Xue as a business arrangement, nothing more. However, I will certainly take care of Miss Xue, as we are of the same kind.”

Rongrong was secretly alarmed, looking up at Mei Ningxiang.

The latter’s smile was warm and seemed genuine, but Rongrong wondered what she meant by “the same kind”—did she perceive something unusual about her?

“Can you read?” Mei Ningxiang suddenly asked.

“I can.”

Mei Ningxiang’s smile was as bright as ever. “I expected the Marquis’s maid would know how to read. Since you’re lying down and can’t move, I have many storybooks at my place. I’ll bring some over another day to help pass the time.”

“Thank you, Boss Mei,” Rongrong said with great delight.

In her previous life, she lived a leisurely and carefree existence in the Jing Shi Room.

She loved reading the most.

The Jing Shi Room had its own study, though it was far less splendid than the Emperor’s imperial study.

Nonetheless, it was filled with forbidden and secret books from various dynasties.

Besides the dry, technical books, there were many interesting novels with plotlines.

Her favorite was called The Treasure of the Bamboo Grove, written by a remarkable woman from the previous dynasty.

This woman was unmatched in beauty and possessed extraordinary skills from India, which is why she chose to live in seclusion in the bamboo forest.

Despite this, men continued to visit her frequently.

This book detailed her interactions with thirty-six men.

Each man was different in appearance, temperament, size, physique, and preferences, and thus each required different techniques.

With accompanying illustrations, each section was both entertaining and vivid.

She wondered if the novel Mei Ningxiang mentioned was something like this.

“Alright, you all tidy up. I need to go back and have a meal!” Boss Mei said as she swayed out with her slender figure.

When leaving the mansion, Chun Xing carried a food box, so lunch was taken care of.

After filling her stomach, Xin Zhu and Chun Xing carefully inspected the other items in the room.

While they were busy, someone was peeking in at the door.

“Who’s skulking around?” Xin Zhu asked coldly.

The person was startled by Xin Zhu and immediately turned to leave, but Xin Zhu wasn’t going to let him escape easily.

He grabbed him and threw him into the room.

“Are you… Mr. Yang?” Rongrong looked at the man on the floor and found him somewhat familiar.

“It’s me, Miss Xue.” The visitor was indeed Yang Tong.

He awkwardly smiled a couple of times, got up from the floor, and since the room hadn’t been cleaned yet, he was covered in dust from rolling on the floor.

Chun Xing found his appearance amusing and couldn’t help but cover her mouth and laugh.

“Miss Xue, I heard you moved in, so I… I thought I’d come see if everything is alright.”

This made sense.

Yang Tong was a real estate agent, and it was reasonable for him to check in on the property after the landlord and tenant had exchanged hands.

Xin Zhu looked at Rong Rong for confirmation, and Rong Rong said, “This is Mr. Yang, the agent who helped me find the house.”

Xin Zhu stood in front of Rong Rong, expressionless, and said, “So it’s an agent. I apologize for the earlier offense.”

“It’s no trouble,” Yang Tong said, looking at Xin Zhu.

Although he didn’t know Xin Zhu’s background, he could tell from his attire and demeanor that he was someone of importance.

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Yang Tong spoke with less confidence, “Miss Xue, if everything here is fine, I have other matters to attend to. I’ll take my leave now.”

“Then I won’t see you off,” Rong Rong said, unsure of what else to say, and just nodded.

Yang Tong took a few steps towards the door, then stepped back and said to Rong Rong, “I live not far ahead in Willow Alley, just around the corner. If you need anything, feel free to come find me.”

“Manager Yang is thoughtful, but Miss Xue doesn’t lack for help here. If there’s anything needed, I can take care of it without troubling you,” Xinzhu said politely, but he didn’t give Yang Tong any face.

Yang Tong stood at the door, his face alternating between red and white.

He managed a forced smile at Rongrong before leaving.

“Offering kindness with ulterior motives, he’s either a schemer or a thief,” Xinzhu commented after Yang Tong had left.

Chunxing nodded in agreement.

Rongrong could also see through Yang Tong’s intentions.

Since he hadn’t done anything out of line, there was no need to be overly concerned or annoyed.

With Xinzhu out shopping, Chunxing cleaned the house inside and out. Rongrong, having nothing else to do, could only lie on the bed and embroider.

By the time evening came, the house was finally arranged properly.

Once Xinzhu made sure Rongrong was settled, he returned to the Marquis’s residence and went straight to Xie Yuanchu’s study.

“Young Master, Miss Xue has been settled in.”

“How is the place?” Xie Yuanchu asked, putting down the book he was reading.

“The place is quite clean and not far from everyone, though it’s a bit crowded,” Xinzhu replied. “The landlord is a female boss of an embroidery workshop, and she seems to get along well with Miss Xue. While we were setting up, a real estate agent came by and seemed interested in Miss Xue.”

“Such striking beauty as Rongrong’s will naturally attract unwanted attention,” Xie Yuanchu frowned. “Keep a close watch during this period and make sure nothing goes wrong.”

“Rest assured, Young Master. With someone keeping an eye on things, we’ve got it covered.”

“Who?” Xie Yuanchu’s expression immediately brightened.

Even though he already had an answer, he still asked out of curiosity.

Xinzhu knew his master enjoyed watching the drama unfold and cooperated by saying, “The person is staying hidden and hasn’t shown themselves. It’s either Liuli or Zhenzhu.”

Xie Yuanchu squinted his eyes, “It’s clear they are attentive. With Rongrong gone, it will be easier for him to make his moves.”

Xinzhu glanced at Xie Yuanchu’s expression, wondering about the Crown Prince’s intentions.

What could the Crown Prince be up to…? Surely not, surely not…