The Crown Prince’s carriage left early in the morning.

Xie Yuanchu stayed at the estate for half the day and, after finishing the estate’s affairs, finally departed.

Rong Rong, who had previously agreed to work at the Hou residence, was now needed as a maid in Xie Yuanchu’s household.

After receiving his approval, she and Chun Xing returned to the residence.

Unlike the journey there, Xie Yuanchu now traveled alone in a carriage, while Rong Rong and Zhen Zhen sat in the back of the green-draped carriage.

“Didn’t they say that Fu Quan wanted you to serve the Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace?” Zhen Zhen, who had refrained from talking to Rong Rong for several days, finally asked her out of long-held curiosity.

Rong Rong nodded.

“Do you really not want to go?” Zhen Zhen asked further.

The Eastern Palace was a prestigious place.

Though the Hou residence was wealthy, there was a vast difference between a prince and a commoner.

In the Hou residence, the highest status for a maid was to become a concubine, but in the Eastern Palace…

Zhen Zhen could only imagine.

“I already told you I want to redeem myself. You didn’t believe me.”

“Yes…” Zhen Zhen looked at Rong Rong with some guilt.

She had always doubted Rong Rong’s intention to redeem herself.

While she had dreamed of becoming a concubine to Xie Yuanchu along with Rong Rong, she knew that the Hou residence’s rules wouldn’t allow two top maids to become concubines.

Xie Yuanchu treated both Rong Rong and Zhen Zhen well, but Zhen Zhen understood that he favored her more.

When Rong Rong said she wanted to leave the residence to redeem herself, Zhen Zhen thought it was because Rong Rong realized Xie Yuanchu’s preference for her and was giving Zhen Zhen an opportunity.

This made Zhen Zhen feel guilty and willing to use her own money to help Rong Rong.

But now it seemed Zhen Zhen had misunderstood.

Rong Rong truly wanted to redeem herself for freedom.

If she were to go to the Eastern Palace, she would be in a far more enviable position than being a concubine in the Hou residence.

Understanding this, Zhen Zhen felt even more guilty and didn’t dare ask further.

The two of them leaned silently against the carriage windows, lost in their own thoughts, not noticing the scenery outside.

“Are you going home this month?” After a while, Zhen Zhen asked, unable to hold back. “A few months ago, your brother and sister-in-law wanted you to give money to renovate the house. I wonder if they left you a room. You might as well visit now while you have a break. You don’t want to go back and find there’s no place to stay.”

Rong Rong appreciated Zhen Zhen’s concern but had already decided not to return to her original family’s home after meeting her brother and sister-in-law.

She planned to rent a small place in the city.

“I don’t want to go back. When I’m on vacation, I’d like to explore the city. From now on, I’ll make a living in the city.”

Zhen Zhen nodded. “With your skills, staying in the city is definitely better. After so many years in the Hou residence, what could you do back in the village?” She sighed, “For someone as talented and beautiful as you, it would be a shame to end up with a farmer…”

Rong Rong thought Zhen Zhen’s comment was unreasonable.

What was wrong with being a farmer?

It was still honest work, just like for high officials and nobles, with its own pros and cons.

If she found someone with similar interests in the future, even a farmer would be acceptable.

Rong Rong didn’t believe her life would be worse off.

Instead of arguing, she smiled and said, “Now that the Young Master has agreed, I have some flexibility. I’m just not sure where to look for a place in such a big city.”

“The cook, Aunt Han, has family members who run a small business and surely knows some real estate agents. It would be better to ask her to introduce you rather than searching on your own,” Zhenzhen suggested.

Rongrong was thrilled. “Do you know Aunt Han well?”

Zhenzhen smiled with satisfaction. “The maid Luomei in the Marquis’s wife’s courtyard is Aunt Han’s third girl. Aunt Han wanted her to work in the Young Master’s study, but Mrs. Wang thought Luomei was too pretty and said the family didn’t need more maids. I had to plead with the Young Master on her behalf, and he didn’t want to embarrass Mrs. Wang, so he sent Luomei to the Marquis’s wife’s courtyard instead.”

In the Marquis’s residence, the most sought-after place for maids was the Young Master’s study.

It was known for the Young Master’s kindness and the chance to advance in rank.

Since there were already two senior maids, Zhenzhen and Rongrong, the other maids served outside.

The Marquis’s wife’s courtyard was also a good option.

She was known for her kind nature and had little work to do now that Mrs. Wang was in charge.

Rongrong, upon hearing Zhenzhen’s story about Aunt Han, suddenly had an idea. “Yesterday, I mentioned buying my freedom to the Young Master. He said I should select a replacement before I leave. How about Luomei? Would she be a good choice to help you in the study?”

“Luomei is quite good-looking, similar to you in her fresh and simple beauty, though not as pretty as you. She’s also younger and very lively.”

“Are you saying I’m an old maid in your eyes?” Rongrong teased.

“Ah, I’m three months older than you. If you’re an old maid, then so am I,” Zhenzhen said with a downcast look.

Rongrong knew Zhenzhen was feeling sentimental.

They were both eighteen now, and if they didn’t get promoted to a higher rank soon, their chances would be slim. “I think the Young Master has feelings for you, or he wouldn’t have acted that way that night. But promise me, don’t give in too soon.”

Zhenzhen was moved by the Young Master and was struggling with her feelings.

Rongrong wanted to remind her to be careful.

“Actually, the Young Master has feelings for you too, but right now…”

“Let’s not talk about me. Once we return to the residence, I’ll mention Luomei to the Young Master. If he agrees, we can immediately visit Aunt Han.” Aunt Han’s husband was familiar with various people in the capital due to his business, so recommending Luomei would make things easier for Rongrong in the future.

Zhenzhen nodded. “Luomei has a nice temperament, so I think she’ll get along well with me.” She started to tear up again.

Rongrong knew Zhenzhen was reluctant to part with her.

As their carriage entered the capital, Rongrong pointed to a silk store outside and said, “Our clothes are all made at the residence. When I have some free time, I’ll go look at the latest styles in the market and buy you a nice outfit.”

The senior maids in the Marquis’s residence received new clothes every season.

Rongrong had always used her money to support her family and rarely bought new clothes or accessories for herself.

Zhenzhen, who was usually alone, was excited by the idea of shopping in the capital. “Which day are you going? I’d love to go with you to the silk store and look at bracelets and hairpins.”

“If you can come with me, I’d be delighted, but what about the Young Master? We both have a break, so what will happen with him?”

Zhen Zhen had already thought of a plan. “I’ll ask the Young Master when he’ll be out. I’ll only go out for half a day and return before he gets back. He won’t mind.”

Rong Rong thought this was not a good idea.

Although Xie Yuanchu treated them well, he would never agree to such an unorthodox practice as giving a holiday to the head maid.

However, Rong Rong was wrong.

After returning to the residence, Zhen Zhen reported the plan to Xie Yuanchu in his study.

After a brief contemplation, he agreed, even saying that she could go out whenever she wished.

Zhen Zhen was happy but noticed something unusual.

She didn’t mention this to Rong Rong when she returned to her room, fearing she might anger her if she guessed wrong.

Xie Yuan Chu, deep in thought in the study, was soon visited by his servant Xin Zhu, who brought a message.

“What did he say?”

“I didn’t see Fu Quan . His disciple, Wang Gong , came to deliver the message. Wang Gong said Fu Quan was aware of the situation and agreed to the redemption.”

“Alright, you may leave.” Xie Yuan Chu dismissed Xin Zhu with a wave and sat alone in the study, pondering the words “redemption is good.” After a while, he smiled meaningfully.

He tapped his fingers on the table. “Indeed, redemption is good.”

“Young Master, the Hou Madame requests your presence,” Xin Zhu said from outside the study.

Xie Yuanchu collected his thoughts, put on his cloak, and went to his mother’s quarters.

The Hou Madame, Lady Zhai, was forty-two this year.

Due to her years of vegetarianism, she looked somewhat thin but had a sharp, spirited gaze.

When she gave birth to Xie Yuanrui, she endured great suffering and, in despair, vowed to live her life in Buddhist meditation if she survived.

After both mother and daughter were safe, Lady Zhai established a Buddhist altar in the residence and devoted herself to vegetarianism and chanting.

“Mother, it was my fault not to greet you after returning to the residence,” Xie Yuan Chu said, bowing in apology.

Lady Zhai had no intention of reproaching her son. “Sit down. I just have a few questions for you.”

“Mother, are you asking about Yuanrui?”

Seeing that her son had guessed her intention, Lady Zhai sighed heavily. “The other day, the Empress summoned me to the palace and mentioned the Crown Princess. I responded, but I could still see that the Empress was uncertain. If the Crown Prince is truly interested, this matter would be almost settled.” She paused, then looked up in surprise as her son didn’t respond. “What’s the matter? Is the Crown Prince not interested in Yuanrui?”

“Mother, do you really want to send Yuanrui to the Eastern Palace?”

“Yuanrui is our youngest child. Since she was little, the Marquis and I have always favored her and kept her at home longer, not because I wanted to climb the social ladder, but because with our family’s status, she would have a good life anywhere.

Yet she seems obsessed with marrying the Crown Prince.

If we forced her to marry someone else, she’d probably cause a scene. Now that you’re back, can’t you ask her about it?”

Xie Yuanchu was left speechless by his mother’s words and nodded gloomily.

“Don’t just nod, speak up. What did the Crown Prince say?”

“He said it’s fine to choose anyone as the Crown Princess.”

Zhai Shi paused for a moment and then softly said, “As long as the Crown Prince hasn’t outright rejected the idea, there’s still hope. People’s hearts warm up over time, even ice will eventually melt.”

Listening to his mother’s endless chatter, Xie Yuanchu was reminded of her similar advice before his own marriage and said faintly, “Matters of love rely on fate; you can’t force them.”

“You’re still blaming me,” Zhai Shi said, looking dazed, and then her eyes filled with tears. “I knew you were upset with me for arranging your marriage to Yilan. I understand now why you refused to stay in Yilan’s room after returning—it was all for me to see.”

Xie Yuanchu did hold some resentment but was a very filial person.

Seeing his mother cry, he immediately softened, “We were discussing Yuanrui, but why does it turn into a discussion about me?”

“Then tell me, why haven’t you stayed in Yilan’s room since you returned?”

“Mother, you’re practicing Buddhist devotions now. Please don’t concern yourself with these matters.”

Zhai Shi glared at Xie Yuanchu and said angrily, “If it weren’t for your wife coming to me in tears, I wouldn’t bother with your room!”

“She went to you in tears?” Xie Yuanchu was surprised.

“Don’t blame her. No matter how well-bred she is, being neglected for so long must be upsetting. It’s better for her to cry to her mother than to stay in your house.”

Hearing this, Xie Yuanchu’s tone became slightly impatient: “Yilan has everything a proper wife should have. She manages all the big and small affairs of the household. Your and Father’s treatment of her is like that of a biological daughter. What could she possibly be upset about?”

“A woman feels lonely without her husband. Isn’t that enough to be upset about?” Zhai Shi’s irritation grew as she listened to Xie Yuanchu’s defense. “You returned from the army and immediately took those two beautiful maids to the hot spring villa. If you want to be charming, that’s one thing, but you should at least spend a night in her room. Our household needs a legitimate heir.”

“Mother, Zhenzhen and Rongrong are not my women. Although they are my maids, they are innocent young ladies.”

“Innocent young ladies?” Zhai Shi didn’t believe this and said, “If they are truly as you say, then I’ll find them suitors soon. They are already eighteen and of marriageable age. Delaying their marriage would make our family seem unkind.”

“Please don’t worry about it, Mother. Rongrong has already told me she wants to buy her freedom and leave the house.”