Inside Yifu Hall, sandalwood incense curled gracefully into the air.
The Old Madam sat upright in the seat of honor, slowly rolling a string of agarwood prayer beads between her fingers. Her gaze fell upon the figure in pale yellow standing in the center of the hall, and her tone was unusually gentle. "Cheng Lu, before you arrived, we discussed settling you in the Second Branch's quarters. The courtyard there is spacious and relatively quiet. What do you think?"
Cheng Lu was slightly taken aback.
She had originally thought that, given her status as a "cousin," such arrangements would be decided by a single word from her elders. She never expected to be asked for her opinion.
But the Old Madam had asked.
Not only had she asked, but her tone also carried a genuine sense of respect.
Cheng Lu's heart stirred slightly, though her face revealed nothing. She simply gave a graceful curtsy, her voice soft and clear. "I will leave everything to the Old Madam's decision."
Her manners were impeccable, her attitude respectful, without a single superfluous word.
The Old Madam's fingers paused on her prayer beads, her gaze lingering on Cheng Lu for a moment longer.
This child...
She nodded secretly in her heart.
She was indeed someone who had come from the palace. Despite her bizarre background, she acted with such perfect propriety. She did not put on airs relying on her previous status, nor did she cower because of her new identity.
Such an understanding of the bigger picture was simply excellent.
The Old Madam withdrew her gaze and turned to look at Shen Ninghuan, who was seated to her lower right.
"Ninghuan."
Shen Ninghuan quickly stood up and slightly lowered her head. "Grandmother."
The Old Madam looked at her with a profound gaze. "You and Cheng Lu are of a similar age; you should interact more and build a bond in the future. You are slightly older and already married, so you must take good care of this younger sister."
Her words were clear.
Settling her in the Second Branch was the Old Madam's decision; having Shen Ninghuan look after her was the Old Madam's charge.
Shen Ninghuan curtsied, her tone gentle yet firm. "Please rest assured, Grandmother, your granddaughter-in-law understands."
"Hearing that our cousin was moving into the manor, I had someone prepare a courtyard yesterday. It is right next to Anle Residence—quiet and elegant. It's close to us, which will make it easy to look after her."
"It is all properly furnished now. I will take Sister Cheng Lu to see it shortly, to check if there is anything else that needs to be added. If anything is missing, we will make up for it at once."
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall slightly froze.
It was already prepared yesterday?
The Old Madam's action of rolling the prayer beads stopped. The look she directed at Shen Ninghuan held a bit more scrutiny, and a bit more... surprise.
She remembered clearly that when the message was sent to the Second Branch earlier, it only said that a cousin was entering the manor and asked the entire household to prepare for her arrival. It never mentioned which branch would house her.
Although the Marquis of Weiyuan's Manor was not as strictly regulated as the imperial palace.
It was still a grand and noble household.
Matters of receiving guests were always discussed and decided by the mistresses. The Old Madam had gathered everyone today precisely to clarify things and finalize the arrangements.
But Shen Ninghuan...
Had actually made preparations before the outcome was even decided?
The Old Madam's gaze deepened.
This child was either meticulous and forward-thinking, having considered every possibility, or... she was absolutely certain of something.
She slowly rolled her prayer beads, a hint of admiration in her tone. "You are quite thoughtful."
The words were spoken plainly, but the word "thoughtful" carried significant weight in the ears of everyone present. A granddaughter-in-law who could earn the Old Madam's personal praise for being "thoughtful" was a rare sight in this manor.
Shen Ninghuan, however, showed not a hint of smugness.
She merely smiled faintly.
And explained softly, "Grandmother praises me too highly. A few days ago, it was only said that Sister Cheng Lu was coming to the manor, but not where she would be settled."
"Your granddaughter-in-law just thought that, regardless of where our sister stays, she is a guest of our Marquis's Manor, and the Second Branch should be prepared. If she were to stay elsewhere, it would just be wasted effort, and we do not lack that little bit of time. If she were to stay with the Second Branch, we would not be caught unprepared at the last minute and make our sister feel neglected."
She spoke sincerely, her tone humble and her logic flawless.
As the Old Madam listened, the admiration in her eyes deepened.
These words were beautifully spoken.
She admitted to making preparations while keeping herself completely blameless—it was not overstepping her bounds, nor acting on her own authority; it was merely "just in case" and "not wanting to neglect a guest."
This granddaughter-in-law...
Was indeed quite good.
She handled matters thoroughly and properly, planning ahead without claiming credit or showing off, displaying the demeanor of a noble lady. The Old Madam nodded slightly and said nothing more, only stating, "That is very good. Then Cheng Lu is in your hands."
Shen Ninghuan curtsied again. "Yes."
However, what the Old Madam did not know was that Shen Ninghuan's "planning ahead" was not "just in case" at all.
She was almost certain of it!
Certain that this cousin would definitely be handed over to the Second Branch to be settled!
From the moment she received the news, Shen Ninghuan was eighty or ninety percent sure.
The Old Madam had specifically ordered the entire household to welcome her together; this was to give Cheng Lu face, and it further demonstrated the Old Madam's high regard for this "cousin."
Someone who could be treated so solemnly by the Old Madam must have a significant background.
Since she was valued.
They would do their utmost to prevent any potential mishaps.
According to the rules, such an important guest should be received by the First Branch; after all, the First Branch was the eldest and legitimate line, the future masters of the Marquis's Manor.
But the problem lay right here—this cousin was a woman.
And the heir of the First Branch, Pei Ciling...
Had a prior record.
Shen Ninghuan recalled the farce on the day of the swapped marriages. The Old Madam came from a military family, had been decisive and ruthless all her life, and absolutely loathed the messy, scandalous affairs of the inner chambers.
Now that a "cousin" had arrived at the manor, regardless of her looks, the mere fact that the Old Madam personally oversaw the matter meant that not a single mistake could be allowed to happen to her.
Would the Old Madam send such a person right to the doorstep of a grandson with a "prior record"?
No.
Absolutely not.
Therefore, the Second Branch was almost the only choice.
Shen Ninghuan lowered her eyes, the corners of her lips curving into a very faint smile.
Of course, this was only her guess. If she guessed wrong, it would just be wasted effort. The Second Branch did not lack that little bit of time, nor did they lack those furnishings.
But if she guessed right...
Then her "planning ahead" would allow Cheng Lu to feel the goodwill and thoughtfulness of this family from her very first step into the Second Branch.
This first impression was invaluable.
And the facts proved.
She had guessed right!
...
After the welcoming ceremony at Yifu Hall ended, Shen Ninghuan led Cheng Lu toward the Second Branch. Passing through the festooned gate and skirting around a small garden, they arrived at the courtyard of the Second Branch.
As Cheng Lu walked, she quietly observed her surroundings.
This Marquis's Manor was vastly different from the imperial palace where she had lived for sixteen years.
The palace halls were towering and majestic, exuding strict rules and authority everywhere. Even walking was monitored by eunuchs and senior maids; which foot to step with first, how fast to walk—not the slightest error was permitted.
But here...
The spring breeze brushed past the wind chimes under the eaves, making them tinkle merrily.
From afar came the lowered voices of the sweeping maids, carrying a casual, domestic feel. Clusters of nameless flowers and plants grew in the corners of the walls, blooming vibrantly.
Cheng Lu suddenly felt that the air here seemed lighter than in the palace.
Breathing it in.
It wasn't so heavy!
"Sister Cheng, this way please."
Shen Ninghuan's gentle and clear voice pulled Cheng Lu back from her reverie.
Cheng Lu collected her thoughts.
And followed her into a small courtyard.
The courtyard gate was moon-shaped. Carved above the lintel were the words "Jing'an." Pushing the door open, one was greeted by a wisteria trellis. The vines intertwined, creating a canopy of green leaves, from which hung clusters of pale purple flowers.
Stone tables and stools were placed in the courtyard. On the table sat a celadon vase holding a few newly plucked floral branches.
The main house had three rooms, all bright and clean.
Bamboo blinds hung under the corridor, painted with landscapes, exuding a touch of elegance.
Shen Ninghuan led her into the room.
The furnishings inside were simple yet sophisticated. The furniture was all made of rosewood. On the desk lay a brush, ink, paper, and an inkstone. A few exquisite porcelain pieces rested on the curio shelf. The bed was made with brand-new bedding in an elegant pale lotus-root purple, embroidered with sparse orchids.
"I wasn't sure what style you liked, Sister, so I just decorated it in a simple and elegant manner," Shen Ninghuan smiled. "If there is anything not to your liking, please just tell me, and we will get more things."
Cheng Lu stood in the room, looking around, and was stunned for a moment.
This place...
It clearly showed that a lot of thought had been put into it.
Every detail was appropriate, every item was just right. It wasn't a piled-on display of wealth, but rather a thoughtful arrangement filled with warmth.
Cheng Lu turned her head and looked at Shen Ninghuan.
Shen Ninghuan was also looking at her with a smile. Cheng Lu suddenly felt her eyes grow hot. She quickly lowered her gaze, suppressing that bit of heat, and said softly, "Thank you, Second Sister-in-law. This place... is wonderful."
Shen Ninghuan looked at her slightly reddened ear tips. She stepped forward and gently held Cheng Lu's hand.
That hand was slender and cold.
It carried a somewhat cautious tension.
"Sister Cheng," Shen Ninghuan said gently, "from now on, this is your home! You can do whatever you want, eat whatever you want, and if you have any difficulties, just come to me. There are fewer people here in the Second Branch, and not so many rules. Just live here with peace of mind."
Cheng Lu raised her eyes to look at her. In those clear eyes, something was gently trembling.
"Okay."
...
After settling Cheng Lu, Shen Ninghuan left Jing'an Courtyard and walked towards Anle Residence.
Meanwhile, in the study of Anle Residence, Pei Cijing was sitting on pins and needles.
He had no mind for reading at all.
The copy of the Analects on his desk had been open for ages without a single page being turned. He held the scroll, but his eyes stared straight out the window. His mind had long flown elsewhere.
The cousin.
Cheng Lu.
Li Chenglu.
These three names spun around in his head, making him utterly frustrated.
Pei Cijing tossed the book onto the desk, stood up, and paced back and forth in the room. He walked to the east wall, turned around; walked to the west wall, turned around.
Pei Cijing was like a rabbit trapped in a cage, unable to settle down no matter what.
He hated trouble.
He hated big trouble even more.
And this Miss Cheng Lu, the alias of the Ninth Prince—without a doubt, was a monumental trouble.
The moment that pale yellow figure stepped into the main hall, Pei Cijing's suspended heart completely died. Although he had long suspected that Cheng Lu was Li Chenglu, it was only after seeing her that he truly confirmed it.
That face!
Those eyes!
That unconcealable aura—if she wasn't him, who else could it be?
At the same time, the system's notification sound arrived as expected—[Ding! Successfully consumed the gossip 'Cheng Lu is actually Li Chenglu, the prince enters the Marquis's mansion in women's clothing', Gossip Points +1438]
[Current Gossip Points: 5312]
While it was certainly pleasing to receive Gossip Points, compared to having the gossip land right next to him, he would much rather not be involved in the matters of the gossip.
But now, such a huge problem had been stuffed right into his home?
Pei Cijing stopped pacing.
He took a deep breath.
He felt a slight ache in his teeth.
He remembered that day at the Imperial College when he kindly shared melon seeds with Li Chengyu. The two of them watched the spectacle together in a harmonious atmosphere. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone just maintained a pure gossip-sharing friendship?
Why did he have to stick to him like a dog-skin plaster!
And the matter of hinting at the Ninth Prince's secret during the flower-viewing banquet, Li Chengyu hadn't even repaid that favor yet. Now, he had directly shoved the trouble into their house!
The more Pei Cijing thought about it, the angrier he got. He couldn't help but curse in a low voice, "Li Chengyu, that unreliable bastard!"
There was nothing wrong with designing a fake death for the Ninth Prince to escape. Given the Ninth Prince's identity and his innate illness, "death" was indeed his best way out.
This could be considered finding life through death, right?
It was just...
Since you faked your death and escaped, couldn't you send the person further away?
Send them south! Send them to Jiangnan! Hide them in a place with beautiful mountains and rivers, where no one knows who they are! Why did you have to keep the person in the capital, send them to their Marquis's mansion, and right in front of him, Pei Cijing?
Wasn't this deliberately making it impossible for him to sleep?
Pei Cijing plopped back down into his chair, looked up at the ceiling beams, and let out a long sigh.
What was he going to do from now on?
This was a genuine "former prince." Although he was now the "cousin," if that identity were to leak out, it would be the crime of deceiving the emperor, which meant losing their heads!
He, Pei Cijing, just wanted to lie flat, eat melons, and live his little life peacefully. Why was it so difficult?
The door creaked open.
Pei Cijing jolted upright and turned his head to look. Shen Ninghuan stepped through the door, lifting her skirt, a faint smile on her face.
"Husband?"
Pei Cijing sprang to his feet, rushed over to her in a few strides, grabbed her hand, and pulled her into a corner.
Shen Ninghuan stumbled slightly from his pull, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "Husband, what's wrong?"
Pei Cijing looked left and right to confirm no one was around before lowering his voice and asking urgently, "Wife, you saw it too, right?"
He didn't say what he saw.
But Shen Ninghuan knew what he meant.
She nodded gently, lowering her voice as well. "Cheng Lu should be Li Chenglu."
Pei Cijing's expression instantly became subtle. It was a complex mix of "I knew it" and "we're doomed."
He took a deep breath and pressed on in a low voice, "Wife, don't you think that when faking a death to escape, one should travel far away and live incognito? The further the better, the fewer people who know them, the better. That's the only way to leave no hidden dangers. But now... now they've stuffed the person right into our home. What is the meaning of this?"
Seeing his anxious and angry appearance, Shen Ninghuan couldn't help but curl the corners of her lips.
She held Pei Cijing's hand and said gently, "Don't worry, Husband."
His wife's calmness made Pei Cijing pause for a moment, looking at her.
Shen Ninghuan's palm was warm, carrying a reassuring strength. She looked directly into his eyes, her tone steady. "The risk of this matter is actually not as great as you imagine."
Pei Cijing blinked. "How so?"
Shen Ninghuan pulled him to sit down on the couch by the window and began to analyze it for him in detail...
