Chapter 84

The minor incident became a hot topic of conversation among the guests. 

With the old lady present, no one dared to speak openly about it; instead, they whispered behind her back. 

At the end of the banquet, the Shi family invited the old lady to stay and listen to a performance: “We’ve invited Master Wan to perform, and the Governor is supporting him. Please stay and enjoy the performance before you leave.” 

The old lady couldn’t sit still for a moment: “I’m a bit tired; I’ll go back first.” 

She then told Ning Zhen, “You stay a while longer and listen to the performance. You’re young; you should socialize and make friends.” 

Ning Zhen agreed. 

She accompanied the old lady to the door and then returned to listen to the performance. 

Chu Jingyue sat down beside Ning Zhen. 

The small hand warmer was still beside Ning Zhen, and Chu Jingyue’s expression changed slightly: “You didn’t throw it away?” 

“It’s fine; the snake has been removed. I killed it at that time, so you don’t need to worry,” Ning Zhen said. 

Chu Jingyue replied, “Even if it’s a dead snake, I still get goosebumps looking at it. I could barely stand earlier.” 

She explained, “I was bitten by a snake when I was young.” 

Ning Zhen smiled. 

The hand warmer was useful; Ning Zhen had the Shi family’s servant add silver charcoal to it. It worked well and didn’t tire the hands. 

However, since Chu Jingyue was disturbed by it, Ning Zhen asked the servant to take it away and discard it. 

“Many people are talking about the second concubine,” Chu Jingyue said softly to Ning Zhen. 

Ning Zhen responded, “She made a fool of herself today.” 

“Just now, Mrs. Shi said that the second concubine came of her own accord, and she wasn’t invited,” Chu Jingyue added. 

Ning Zhen chuckled, “When the wall is down, everyone pushes. The Shi family surely didn’t send an invitation but gave a verbal notice. Otherwise, the second concubine wouldn’t have been able to come so easily. Now that she’s in trouble, people naturally want to distance themselves.” 

“Probably so,” Chu Jingyue agreed. 

She then asked, “With her plotting against you, are you letting her off lightly?” 

“I’ve taught her a lesson,” Ning Zhen replied. 

Besides, she needed to use this incident to keep FanFan out of the old lady’s residence. 

While Ning Zhen and Chu Jingyue chatted, someone came over to greet them. 

It was Yao Wenluo and her brother, Yao Anchi. 

Yao Wenluo was beautiful, wearing a light purple cheongsam embroidered with trailing camellias and a soft scarf, looking charming and delicate. Yao Anchi was in a deep brown suit with a matching vest, appearing distinguished and gentle. 

The siblings were both striking, making for a pleasing sight. 

“Ning Zhen, isn’t AYu accompanying you?” Yao Wenluo asked with a smile. 

Her smile didn’t hide the glee in her expression. 

“The Governor is busy with official duties,” Ning Zhen said. “Otherwise, why wouldn’t he come to such a grand occasion at the Shi family’s house?” 

Ning Zhen deflected blame. 

Don’t think she lacked influence because the Governor didn’t accompany her. 

Clearly, it was the Governor showing no respect to the Shi family; Shi Zongchang wasn’t as esteemed as other old officials. 

—First, drag the Shi family into the mud. 

If Yao Wenluo continued, Ning Zhen would lead her into a pit, causing her to offend people by criticizing Ning Zhen and subtly disparaging Director Shi. 

“…Was the concubine frightened just now?” Yao Wenluo’s brother, Yao Anchi, stepped forward to stop his sister and spoke to Ning Zhen with a smile. 

Ning Zhen responded, “It’s nothing serious; I’m not afraid of snakes.” 

“Indeed, the second concubine’s behavior today was unusual and strange. The Governor might not be pleased if he hears about it,” Yao Anchi said. 

—Don’t secretly scheme against my sister; take care of yourself first. 

Ning Zhen replied, “The Governor will naturally be concerned, but it’s not our business.” 

Yao Anchi exchanged a few more pleasantries and then took his sister away. 

Once they left, Chu Jingyue spoke up, “It seems your family and the Yao family have a tense relationship.” 

“Can you tell?” 

“Miss Yao and Young Master Yao have shown significant animosity towards you,” Chu Jingyue said with a smile. 

Ning Zhen smiled in return. 

The complexities involving the Governor were not suitable for public discussion. 

Ning Zhen enjoyed the performance thoroughly and gracefully completed her social obligations before heading home. 

Upon returning, she went straight to see the old lady. 

The old lady had just been venting her anger. 

“…If Adu hadn’t been confined, she would have been able to advise me at this moment,” the old lady said directly to Ning Zhen. 

She desperately needed Xu Fangdu’s companionship and comfort. 

The old lady’s eldest son made it his mission to irritate her daily; her second son was abroad; her adopted daughter was married; and her youngest daughter had a blunt personality. 

Only Xu Fangdu, with her gentle and considerate nature, could truly comfort her. 

Even though Xu Fangdu’s abilities were average, the old lady cherished her deeply. 

Ning Zhen said, “Mother, I’ve already dealt with the second concubine.” 

She told the old lady about slapping FanFan and injuring her neck. 

The old lady’s eyes brightened a bit. 

She then added, “You’ll leave behind evidence. She might use it to complain to the Governor.” 

The old lady wanted to deal with FanFan but was unwilling to take responsibility. 

A selfish side of the old lady’s character occasionally revealed itself. 

“I’m only doing this for the Governor to see. FanFan’s behavior is erratic. If I don’t teach her a lesson, she’ll bring more trouble in the future. This incident also helps keep her away from the old house,” Ning Zhen said. 

The old lady responded, “You should tell the Governor about this later.” 

Ning Zhen agreed. 

The old lady’s mood slightly improved, and she didn’t bring up Xu Fangdu again. 

After the Shi family’s banquet, the upper class of Suzhou was abuzz discussing the second concubine, FanFan. 

“The Shi family says she barged in uninvited and even brought a snake, causing a mishap.” 

“She wasn’t like this before. How did such an experienced person reveal her true nature now?” 

Through this banquet, Ning Zhen finally gained some recognition. 

She was elegant and graceful. Compared to FanFan, she was always poised. 

“Even the third concubine didn’t attend. Since the old lady became the main wife, the third concubine rarely appears. It seems the old lady favors the daughter-in-law more.” 

“Concubines in the Governor’s household are more esteemed than the main wives in ordinary families. If the second concubine didn’t cause trouble, the lady of the house wouldn’t have much to say.” 

After the banquet, Ning Zhen stayed quietly at Zhaiyuju. 

Managing the household chores and designing the renovation plans for the inner courtyard of the Governor’s residence kept her busy. 

The New Year was approaching. 

During the New Year, the complexity of household matters tested one’s managerial skills. 

Ning Zhen made a special trip back to her family home to consult her grandmother and sister-in-law on various New Year preparations for the reception room, storeroom, and kitchen. 

Though she couldn’t cover everything, she aimed to avoid major errors. 

Her grandmother and sister-in-law shared their insights with her. 

When she returned, her arrangements were meticulous and thorough. The house managers now had some respect for her and worked more carefully. 

In addition to managing household affairs and drawing plans, Ning Zhen kept an eye on the daily morning and evening reports. 

She monitored the political situation from various angles. 

Fortunately, there were no signs of impending war. 

On the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month, the old house celebrated the Little New Year, with activities such as cleaning and offering sacrifices, busy and bustling. 

Ning Zhen saw on the front page of the newspaper: “General Shuyang Cries at the Grave.” 

A certain fortress city in the central region, which had convenient waterway transportation, was occupied by a warlord surnamed Hong. As the New Year approached, this warlord planned to go to the capital. 

The presidential office was preparing for a cabinet reshuffle. 

Although cabinet reshuffles were significant, General Shuyang felt that the Governor was seeking glory through land sales, causing a commotion that led to the dismissal of fifty officers. 

These fifty dismissed officers went to cry at the ancestral grave of General Hong. 

The newspaper didn’t report any follow-up. 

There was a vague military movement that attracted the attention of the presidential office. Shuyang was now within Sheng Changyu’s sphere of influence, belonging to him. 

Ning Zhen hurried to look at the maps. 

After reviewing the maps several times, she concluded, “Sheng Changyu has achieved something significant this time. He should be in a good mood.” 

She immediately called the Governor’s residence. 

Before FanFan could spread any further rumors, she needed to inform Sheng Changyu about the situation. 

Even if she couldn’t take the lead, she could ensure fair treatment. 

“The Governor is in a meeting. I’ll check and get back to you,” the adjutant said. 

A moment later, the phone rang again: “The Governor wants to see you.” 

Ning Zhen grabbed the plans she had prepared and told the old lady that she was heading out, then drove off.