Reborn of the Rightful

When Madam Li married into the Ren Family, she had only Nanny Zhou by her side.

Although Prince Xian was not short of attendants, under the circumstances where soldiers were at their necks, only Nanny Zhou, who originally served the Princess Consort, was suitable to accompany Madam Li to the Ren Family. Those who now serve by Madam Li’s mother’s side are not of proper maid or nanny backgrounds.

Fortunately, none of the old retainers from Xianwang Residence who could follow to Yanbei were mere decorative figures. Nanny Zhou was a capable person who could take on ten by herself. Just from the maids and servants she had trained for Madam Li over the years, it was clear that even without trusted confidantes as dowry companions, Nanny Zhou had the ability to create something out of nothing.

This was why Madam Li trusted the people selected by Nanny Zhou so much. Even Ren Yaoqi did not doubt Nanny Zhou’s ability to choose people.

The Granny Xu standing before Ren Yaoqi now, head bowed and hands clasped, was someone Nanny Zhou held in high regard. And today, Ren Yaoqi gained further insight into her methods.

Ren Yaoqi slowly reached up and pulled a butterfly-and-flower patterned filigree gold hairpin from her chignon. She gently stirred the medicinal dregs on the kang table until she found the herb she had anticipated, then her hand stilled.

“Where did this come from?” Ren Yaoqi looked at Granny Xu and asked with a smile.

Without raising her head, Granny Xu replied, “These foul things from the residence are arranged to be cleared out daily…”

Hearing this, Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but pause, glancing at Granny Xu. “Did you retrieve it from where the waste is dumped?”

Granny Xu quickly said, “This servant bathed and changed clothes before coming.” After a moment’s thought, she added, “The waste from our residence is set aside by them, sorted one by one before being disposed of.”

White Crane Town had a designated place for handling daily waste. Items transported out from wealthy households like the Ren Family, even discarded things, would be carefully sorted to see if anything of value could be found. After all, to the poor, what flowed from the gaps between the teeth of the rich might well be treasures, so many made a living by sifting through such waste.

Although she had never been to such a place, Ren Yaoqi could imagine how much effort Granny Xu had expended to retrieve these medicinal dregs from the vast amount of waste from the Ren Family.

Ren Yaoqi looked at Granny Xu, who had cleaned herself and restored her neat appearance, and remained silent for a long while.

Seeing Ren Yaoqi silent, Granny Xu cautiously ventured, “Miss, this servant… this servant accidentally overheard your conversation with Nanny Zhou yesterday. Although you were magnanimous and did not hold this servant accountable, this servant still feels uneasy.”

Granny Xu glanced at Ren Yaoqi, but seeing her only watching without speaking, she felt uncertain about this seemingly gentle and agreeable young mistress. After a pause, she continued, “This servant heard that you were looking for the medicinal dregs from Eighth Miss’s prescription, so I took the liberty to search for them. Please do not blame this servant for acting presumptuously and overstepping.”

Yesterday, when Ren Yaoqi spoke with Nanny Zhou, she wasn’t sure how much Granny Xu had overheard. Logically, it would have been best for Granny Xu to pretend she had been discovered by Nanny Zhou as soon as she entered; otherwise, it would seem like eavesdropping and displease her mistress.

Thus, Granny Xu’s actions today were indeed quite risky.

At this moment, Granny Xu truly felt uneasy.She was no fool; how could she not know that her actions might easily provoke her mistress's displeasure? So she was taking a gamble.

Granny Xu had been in the mansion for some time now, and she sensed that Ren Yaoqi's temperament was gentle and easy to serve. However, if one assumed from this that the young mistress was easily fooled, they would be gravely mistaken.

On the contrary, after careful observation, Granny Xu concluded that Ren Yaoqi was a person of strong will. This was evident from the way Nanny Zhou, the stewardess of Purple Magnolia Courtyard, obeyed her every word without question.

Yet she also sensed that although Ren Yaoqi treated her well and had ostensibly entrusted her with all matters in the chambers, never interfering when she dealt with the maids or household affairs, there was a lingering feeling that Ren Yaoqi did not truly trust her.

Before entering the mansion, Nanny Zhou had employed many tactics on her, which Granny Xu was well aware of but cooperated with earnestly. She sensed that Nanny Zhou, or rather Third Madam, was seeking a confidante for the young lady.

Although the first half of Granny Xu's life had not been particularly smooth due to various reasons, she was intelligent and somewhat ambitious. Being able to enter the Ren Family mansion to assist the young lady and eventually follow her to her husband's household was a rare opportunity for her—one she wanted to seize, perhaps the only chance of its kind in her lifetime.

In the end, Granny Xu indeed stood out from a group of candidate matrons through her own efforts and cleverness. Originally, she was meant to serve Third Miss, but later Fifth Miss requested her. To be fair, initially, Granny Xu had higher expectations for Ren Yaohua than for Ren Yaoqi, so the change of mistress left her with some disappointment, though she quickly suppressed it. She understood that some matters were beyond her control, but how she walked her path from then on was something she could still strive for.

Now, faced with the young mistress's ambiguous attitude, Granny Xu felt it was worth taking a risk. She recognized that, given the current situation in Purple Magnolia Courtyard, Ren Yaoqi indeed needed a capable confidante matron. Instead of feigning ignorance, she chose to prove her abilities directly to her mistress.

Although Ren Yaoqi remained silent, she had been closely observing the changes in Granny Xu's expression, including the determination to take a gamble and the longing for recognition in her eyes at that moment.

By now, Ren Yaoqi could judge that the Granny Xu standing before her was merely an ordinary matron with ambition, eager to prove herself before her mistress and hoping to be entrusted with greater responsibilities. She was not someone sent by any faction—at least not yet.

As for whether Granny Xu might be bribed or switch sides in the future, it was hard to say. After all, ambition often serves not only as a driving force for progress but also as a catalyst leading one astray.

In the brief moment of silence, both mistress and servant had turned many thoughts over in their minds.

Just as the unease in Granny Xu's heart began to outweigh her certainty, Ren Yaoqi finally spoke.

"Thank you for your trouble, Granny."Seeing Ren Yaoqi speak, Granny Xu felt inexplicably relieved and quickly said, "It is only right for a servant to share her master's worries." After glancing at Ren Yaoqi, Granny Xu tentatively asked, "Miss, what do you plan to do next? If there is anything this servant can do, please do not hesitate to ask."

Ren Yaoqi used the gold hairpin in her hand to lift the four corners of the coarse cloth on the kang table, covering the medicinal dregs. "There is no need to do anything for now. Take these away and dispose of them."

Granny Xu hurried forward and collected the packet of medicinal dregs.

Watching Granny Xu's movements, Ren Yaoqi suddenly spoke, "Granny Xu, I am deducting three months of your allowance. Do you have any objections?"

Upon hearing this, Granny Xu was first stunned, but after a moment, her face revealed unconcealed joy. "This servant has no objections. Thank you, Miss."

Yesterday, she had overheard her mistress speaking with Nanny Zhou. Although she had not intentionally eavesdropped, she had inexplicably not withdrawn immediately and had discreetly fetched what her mistress needed.

From yesterday until today, Ren Yaoqi had remained calm and showed no intention of reprimanding her, which made Granny Xu uneasy. This indicated that Ren Yaoqi did not regard her as one of her own, and such a composed attitude was actually a form of caution.

Now, after she had taken matters into her own hands, Ren Yaoqi not only did not reward her but instead punished her. This did not make Granny Xu resentful; instead, it made her feel that her mistress might value her more in the future.

After all, only dispensable pawns need to be appeased, while useful people require timely discipline.

Thus, Granny Xu felt reassured.

After Granny Xu withdrew with a relaxed expression, Ren Yaoqi rested her cheek on her hand, leaning against the kang table in thought for a while, and finally smiled faintly.

"The Lin Family has sent someone. This time, it is the First Madam of the Lin Family herself. Old Madam Ren has asked Madam and the young ladies to go meet them," Xier, sent by Madam Li, informed Ren Yaoqi.

The First Madam of the Lin Family was Madam Lin's mother. This visit to the Ren Family was undoubtedly for Ren Yaoyu's sake.

Ren Yaoqi changed into attire suitable for receiving guests and went with Madam Li and Ren Yaohua to the Glory and Splendor Courtyard.

This was not Ren Yaoqi's first time meeting the First Madam of the Lin Family. The Lin and Ren families had a close relationship, often visiting each other during festivals and for celebrations or funerals.

In terms of seniority, the First Madam of the Lin Family was of the same generation as Old Madam Ren, though she was much younger. She bore a fifty percent resemblance to Madam Lin but was slightly fuller in figure. Ren Yaoyu resembled her even more, which explained why the First Madam of the Lin Family had always doted on her granddaughter.

When Ren Yaoqi arrived, the First Madam and Ren Yaoting were already present.

Seeing Madam Li arrive with Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua, the First Madam of the Lin Family paused her conversation and looked at the two sisters with a warm, slightly teasing smile. "Oh, these two sisters are blossoming more beautifully each year. Third Madam is truly blessed."

Although the First Madam of the Lin Family was now the head of the Lin household, she was more approachable and less imposing than the First Madam of the Ren Family. She always greeted others with a smile and acted familiar with everyone, making her well-liked among the ladies of Yunyang City's social circles.Madam Li led Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua forward to pay their respects to her. She took hold of both sisters, one in each hand, and even after they rose, she continued holding their hands, looking very fond of them. "I've always said that the young ladies from the Ren Family are truly delightful, unlike those little rascals from our Lin Family who are practically climbing roofs and tearing tiles like boys."

Everyone loves to hear compliments, and Old Madam Ren’s expression brightened even more. Madam Li modestly demurred a few words.

Madam Lin asked the sisters quite a few questions before letting them take their seats.

Ren Yaoqi listened as Madam Lin resumed chatting with Old Madam Ren, moving from the marriage alliance between the Li and Zhang families to the price of ginseng from the northeast rising another twenty percent after spring. Her words were witty, her voice lively, and even ordinary matters took on an extra layer of interest when she spoke, captivating even Old Madam Ren.

In short, Madam Lin was a very talkative person. However, her conversation revolved around recent amusing events in Yunyang City, and from start to finish, she never mentioned her own daughter or granddaughter. It seemed as though her visit to the Ren Family was truly just a casual call.

Finally, after three rounds of tea, with the atmosphere in the room harmonious and Old Madam Ren all smiles, Madam Lin broached the purpose of her visit today.

"I know my daughter’s temperament well, and it’s fortunate she married into the Ren Family. If she had married elsewhere... Ah! Mother-in-law, I truly owe you an apology all these years!"

She began by admitting her own fault, softening Old Madam Ren’s tone, who felt compelled to speak up for Madam Lin: "Fifth Madam grew up under my watch, like my own daughter. She’s just straightforward by nature—I don’t believe she has any ill intent."

Hearing this, Madam Lin sighed with both emotion and gratitude: "Mother-in-law, I’ve put you in a difficult position."

It must be said that Madam Lin was a master at steering the conversation, and the atmosphere remained harmonious. Without even waiting for Madam Lin to ask, Old Madam Ren agreed to let her visit Madam Lin and Ren Yaoyu.

However, Madam Lin smiled and said, "As for Huijun, let it be. Her temperament is best tempered by some cold treatment to teach her a lesson. I think your punishment, Mother-in-law, is still on the lenient side. I’ll go see Yu’er, so I can report back to the old madam."

Since Madam Lin had rushed over after receiving the news, she naturally knew that Fifth Master Lin was keeping watch over Madam Lin. Being a clever person, she wouldn’t disturb the couple’s reconciliation at this time. However, she was genuinely concerned about her granddaughter and wanted to visit and ask a few questions.

Old Madam Ren nodded and instructed First Madam Ren, "Accompany Mother-in-law to see Yu’er."

Madam Lin quickly declined, "First Madam is busy with her affairs—there’s no need for her to accompany me." She glanced at the Ren Family’s young ladies and said with a smile, "How about you send one of the girls with me, Mother-in-law? I’ve taken a liking to these girls at first sight—don’t be stingy."

Old Madam Ren laughed heartily and looked at her granddaughters. "Then how about Yaohua and Yaoqi accompany you?"

Madam Lin replied happily, "That would be wonderful."

Thus, Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua accompanied Madam Lin out the door.

It was another clear day, with sunlight gentle and just right. Ren Yaohua led the group toward the shade.

The Ren Family could not compare to old-established families like the Yun Family or the Qiu Family, as its foundations were still shallow. The main ancestral hall of the Ren Family was located in the northwest corner of the Ren estate.Ren Yaoqi was no stranger to this place. In her previous life, after she and Ren Yijun had caused a commotion in the ancestral hall, that scene had often appeared in her dreams. Ren Yaoqi thought perhaps it was because her hatred for the Ren Family ran too deep with no outlet for release—the moment she smashed the ancestral tablets was the most unrestrained and exhilarating time she had experienced in all her years with the Ren Family.

First Madam Lin held the sisters’ hands and chatted warmly with them along the way. Though she spoke a great deal, she had a way of making it impossible to dislike her.

When the two-courtyard house facing south came into view, First Madam Lin suddenly smiled and said, “By the way, will you sisters be going to Yunyang City to watch the dragon boat races this year?”

Ren Yaohua nodded. “Yes, we’ll be going with Grandmother.”

First Madam Lin smiled and said, “I heard yesterday that your maternal grandparents’ family also received an invitation—it was sent by the Prince of Yanbei’s Mansion.”

Ren Yaohua and Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but be taken aback upon hearing this.

Prince Xian’s family held a very special position in Yanbei—their status was more esteemed than any other noble family, yet in the various social circles of Yunyang City, Prince Xian’s family was often overlooked.

Most of the time, they were simply forgotten.

Prince Xian had been in Yanbei for over a decade but had never attended the dragon boat races in Yunyang City. This year, however, he had received an invitation, and it had come from the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion. No wonder Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua couldn’t help but read more into this news.

After sharing this information, First Madam Lin shifted to other topics. It was Ren Yaohua who couldn’t resist asking, “Why would the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion send an invitation to my maternal grandparents’ family? They’ve never done so in previous years.”

First Madam Lin smiled upon hearing this, not minding Ren Yaohua’s interruption, and replied kindly, “I heard that a few days ago, the Princess Consort happened to meet your maternal grandmother while she was out, and the two chatted for a while. The Commandery Princess was also there at the time and casually asked if your maternal grandmother would be watching this year’s dragon boat races. Afterward, the Princess Consort sent someone to deliver the invitation.”

As she spoke, First Madam Lin glanced at Ren Yaoqi with a meaningful smile. “Although the Commandery Princess rarely returns to Yunyang City, she is, after all, the Princess Consort’s only daughter. It’s only natural that she is doted on.”

Every move of the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion had always been the focus of public attention, so it was widely known in Yunyang City that the Commandery Princess had visited White Crane Town to spend time with the Ren Family’s Fifth Young Miss. First Madam Lin also believed that it was because Ren Yaoqi was on good terms with the Commandery Princess that the latter had deliberately mentioned it when she met Princess Consort Xian. Since the Commandery Princess had brought it up, the Princess Consort had no choice but to send the invitation.

Ren Yaohua was pleased, thinking it was a good thing for her maternal grandparents’ family to be included in Yunyang City’s noble circles.

Ren Yaoqi, however, had more on her mind.

She wondered whether Prince Xian’s family had received the invitation to the dragon boat races simply because of the Commandery Princess’s casual remark.

For some reason, the face of a certain someone, who always seemed to carry an ethereal air, suddenly appeared before her—from his appearance to his posture, he was flawlessly perfect, unshaken even by the weight of Mount Tai or the threat of swords.

Any word in the world that described beauty could be applied to him, yet such a person always seemed to lack a touch of human warmth. He was more suited to being enshrined on an altar.

Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but inwardly scoff.Since this person's thoughts were too difficult to guess, Ren Yaoqi was not certain whether this matter was related to him or what his motives might be.

Unlike Ren Yaohua, Ren Yaoqi did not want to see Xianwang Residence being dragged out and implicated by various parties during such uncertain times. Compared to integrating into the aristocratic circles of Yanbei, Ren Yaoqi would rather Xianwang Residence remain peacefully forgotten by everyone.

If Xianwang Residence were to stir up trouble in Yanbei and get too close to the noble families, some people in the imperial court would lose sleep.

The ancestral hall of the Ren Family was built on a foundation much higher than the other courtyards, requiring a climb up a long flight of over a dozen steps to enter. The ancestral hall was divided into front and rear courtyards. The front courtyard was not much different from an ordinary courtyard, and both men and women could enter. The rear courtyard, however, was only opened during festivals, and only male members of the Ren Family were allowed inside.

The place where Ren Yaoyu was confined for reflection was the west wing of the front courtyard, which housed a small Buddhist chapel.

The group ascended the steps, and a maid stepped forward to gently push open the closed door, revealing a vast bluestone courtyard.

This ancestral hall was not originally part of the old residence but was rebuilt after the Ren Family moved in, commissioned by the former head of the family, Ren Baoming. It was much newer than the other buildings of the Ren Family. It was said that the site selection had been extremely meticulous.

The main hall in the front courtyard faced north, with five bays and a gabled roof. It was currently closed. The entire courtyard was cold and quiet, with not a single person in sight.

Ren Yaoqi heard First Madam Lin sigh and turned to see her slightly reddened eyes.

"Eighth Sister is in the west wing over there. Would you like us to accompany you inside, First Madam?" Ren Yaohua asked, pointing toward the west wing.

First Madam Lin likely had some private words to share with Ren Yaoyu. Ren Yaohua had a favorable impression of First Madam Lin, so she decided to do her a favor by not intruding.

First Madam Lin quickly replied, "I should go in alone. You sisters..."

Ren Yaoqi smiled and said, "We’ll wait in the east wing. When you come out, just send someone to call us."

First Madam Lin thanked the two and headed toward the west wing.

Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua walked toward the east wing. At that moment, several elderly maids staying in the ancestral hall emerged from the side rooms next to the west wing.

Ren Yaohua dismissed them, not needing their service, and only asked them to open the door to the east wing.

The front courtyard of the ancestral hall was rarely visited on ordinary days. The east wing was a hall furnished with nothing more than tables and chairs. Standing at the doorway, Ren Yaoqi seemed to smell the damp, decaying scent inside, which she disliked.

"Let’s wait outside," Ren Yaoqi said to Ren Yaohua.

Ren Yaohua didn’t mind either way, as the corridor was suitable for sitting.

Thus, the two sisters sat in the corridor, waiting for First Madam Lin to emerge.

With nothing else to do, the sisters chatted idly. Ren Yaohua asked Ren Yaoqi, "Did you mention this year’s dragon boat race to the Commandery Princess?" She was referring to the invitation Xianwang Residence had received.

Ren Yaoqi shook her head. "I never mentioned it."

Ren Yaohua couldn’t help but fall into thought.

Ren Yaoqi also had no immediate insight into the matter and said nothing further.

Just then, crying came from the west wing—clearly Ren Yaoyu’s voice. Despite the large courtyard separating the east and west wings, Ren Yaoyu’s sobs carried clearly, heart-wrenching and piercing.

The sisters glanced toward the west wing, both falling silent.First Madam Lin stayed in the west wing for about half an hour before emerging. When Ren Yaoqi saw her, she noticed that her eyes were even redder than when she had entered. Though her expression was calm, it could not fully conceal the worry within.

Compared to Old Madam Ren, her grandmother, First Madam Lin held deeper affection for her granddaughter Ren Yaoyu.

Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua did not ask further questions, simply escorting First Madam Lin out.

On the way back, First Madam Lin spoke noticeably less.

Upon returning to Glory and Splendor Courtyard, First Madam Lin requested Old Madam Ren to allow her to visit Glazed Courtyard. However, she was not going to see her daughter Madam Lin—she intended to visit Concubine Kang.

Old Madam Ren also agreed, and this time it was still First Madam Ren who accompanied her, as Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua were not in a position to visit Concubine Kang. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please come to Qidian to vote for recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)