Chapter 1: The Concubine Enters the Mansion

The fragrant month of April had passed, and peach blossoms were in full bloom.

In the Great Zhou Dynasty, in the capital city, at the Dingyuan Marquis’s Mansion, in the Fangfei Courtyard.

The Marquess was sitting in front of a bronze mirror, applying makeup. Today was the day her husband, Dingyuan Marquis An Xiuyuan, was returning home. As his wife, she had to dress beautifully to make a good impression on him.

To be honest, she and An Xiuyuan had been married for over a month, but she was still a virgin. On the day of their wedding, An Xiuyuan received a letter and left the capital in a hurry. He had only returned today.

He had sent a messenger ahead to inform them of his arrival.

Looking at the reflection in the mirror, Yunzhi’s face gradually revealed a faint smile, gentle and captivating, instantly making one feel at ease.

But this was not her true nature.

Although she had been reborn in this world for over ten years, her modern thoughts were deeply ingrained and could not be washed away by ancient ideologies. To survive better, she had always been acting, pretending to be gentle, virtuous, and submissive, just like the noble ladies of this era, always putting her husband first.

“Madam, you look so beautiful!” The maid, Rulan, exclaimed, admiring the reflection in the mirror.

Yunzhi smiled and looked at herself in the mirror. Whether in her previous life or this one, she was a beauty.

However, she looked even more beautiful now, with every movement and expression exuding charm.

Rulan finished adorning Yunzhi with a delicate jade hairpin and said with a smile, “Madam, you’re ready!”

“Good, your skills have improved so much.” Yunzhi praised her with a smile. Just as she was about to stand up, she heard footsteps approaching from outside.

Immediately after, the maid, Rumei, lifted the curtain and entered, bowing to Yunzhi. “Madam, the Marquis has returned.”

“So soon?” Yunzhi was surprised. He was supposed to arrive in another hour, why was he back so early? Could something have happened?

Just as she was about to ask, she saw Rumei’s face turn pale and said, “Madam, the Marquis didn’t come back alone.”

Seeing Rumei’s expression, Yunzhi felt a sense of unease and asked, “Oh, who else is with him?”

“A woman and a boy about five years old.”

“A woman, a child?” Yunzhi’s heart sank slightly. She had been hoping that since her husband was back, they could finally consummate their marriage. She had been mentally preparing for this day for over a month.

Now it seemed like it wouldn’t happen.

Well, if that was the case, she wouldn’t force it.

Rulan carefully observed her mistress and asked, “Madam, should we…”

However, before she could finish, Yunzhi interrupted her and said, “Let’s go, let’s see what’s going on.”

The woman and child’s identities were unknown, so it was best to find out more.

“Yes!” Rulan responded and exchanged a glance with Rumei before following Yunzhi out of the room and towards the Cian Courtyard, where the old lady resided.

Cian Courtyard was quite a distance from Fangfei Courtyard. It took the three of them about a quarter of an hour to reach their destination. Before they even entered the courtyard, they could hear laughter and chatter coming from inside.

Hearing the old lady’s hearty laughter, Yunzhi was slightly surprised. Since her marriage into the Dingyuan Marquis’s family, the old lady had never been so cheerful. Every time Yunzhi saw her, she was always stern and serious, as if someone owed her millions.

It seemed the old lady was in a good mood today. Was it because her son had returned, or because of the woman and child, or both?

Yunzhi wondered as she approached the courtyard.