Reborn of the Rightful

Ren Yaoqi found a moment to pull Ren Yaohua aside for a private conversation.

"Send someone to keep an eye on the East Mansion. Report back immediately if there's any movement."

The two were still in the eastern side room of the main hall in Glory and Splendor Courtyard. Old Madam Ren was in the adjacent bright hall, listening to her senior maid Jinlian detailing the gift list brought by First Madam Lin during her visit today. Old Madam Ren personally instructed what return gifts should be prepared later, her voice drifting over through the carved bamboo curtain.

Originally, Ren Yaoyin had also been in the eastern side room, holding a small embroidery basket and working on a shoe upper. She had just gotten up and gone to her own small warm chamber to fetch some thread.

Ren Yaoqi's voice was very soft, almost whispered directly into Ren Yaohua's ear. Hearing this, Ren Yaohua glanced warily toward the bamboo curtain. Though not entirely accustomed to it, she leaned close to Ren Yaoqi's ear, mimicking her manner to avoid being overheard: "What's going on with the East Mansion? What kind of movement could there be?"

Just as Ren Yaoqi was about to speak, light footsteps came from the inner chamber, as if Ren Yaoyin was returning from the warm chamber. The two sisters sat up properly, acting as if nothing was amiss.

Sure enough, Ren Yaoyin emerged from the eastern inner chamber, holding a strand of gold thread in her hand.

Old Madam Ren had instructed the sisters to stay in the main hall, as First Madam Lin would be staying for lunch at Glory and Splendor Courtyard, and they were to accompany her.

It wasn't convenient to talk now. Ren Yaohua lowered her head in thought, set down her teacup, and slowly rose, addressing the senior maid Wujing who was attending nearby: "I'm going to freshen up."

Ren Yaoyin approached, offering Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua a gentle smile before returning to the kang to busy herself with her embroidery, noticing nothing unusual.

Ren Yaohua left with her maid.

Ren Yaoqi remained seated, drinking her tea. Occasionally, she leaned over to ask Ren Yaoyin about embroidery techniques. Ren Yaoyin patiently answered each question, sometimes pausing to demonstrate complex stitches using scrap fabric from her embroidery basket.

When it came to her sisters' inquiries, no matter the topic, if Ren Yaoyin knew the answer, she always responded earnestly—never dismissive or secretive. Undeniably, among the Ren Family sisters, Ren Yaoyin was the most adept at handling social relations.

Before long, Ren Yaohua returned. Ren Yaoqi looked up at her, and Ren Yaohua gave an imperceptible nod.

Although she hadn't fully understood Ren Yaoqi's intentions, Ren Yaohua had still arranged for someone to keep watch on the East Mansion.

As lunchtime approached, Old Madam Ren sent someone to Glazed Tile Courtyard to invite First Madam Lin over.

First Madam did not come; instead, Eldest Young Madam Zhao Shi accompanied First Madam Lin. First Madam had personally gone to oversee the kitchen. The sisters left the eastern side room, after which Eldest Young Madam Zhao Shi called Ren Yaoyin out to instruct her on some matter.

Just then, Ren Yaohua's senior maid Xiangqin entered, quietly standing by her mistress's side.

Seeing that Old Madam Ren and First Madam Lin were engaged in conversation and had no attention to spare for them, Ren Yaohua and Ren Yaoqi returned to the eastern wing.

With no outsiders watching, Xiangqin immediately whispered quickly and softly: "Miss, today a few old women from the East Mansion came over to visit, and one of them lingered at the gatehouse chatting. Other than that, there hasn't been any other movement."The East and West Mansions were originally one family, and many of the servants on both sides were relatives, so it was normal for them to interact. Although the old madam of the East Mansion disliked people from both sides having contact, Second Madam Su Shi was not particularly strict about managing these matters.

Ren Yaoqi nodded and instructed, "For now, just keep a distant watch on those few people. Don’t let anyone notice."

Ren Yaoqi and Xiangqin spoke in very low voices, and Ren Yaohua also deliberately lowered her voice as she asked, "What moves might the East Mansion make?"

Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment. "I actually hope she will take action. Otherwise, I’ll have to go through the trouble of setting things up myself."

Ren Yaoqi wanted to drag the East Mansion into this mess. Based on her understanding of Su Shi, Su Shi would likely have some suspicions about Concubine Fang.

Last time, when she used Ren Yaoting to bring down the Su Family, Ren Yaoqi deliberately did not distance herself too much. Given Su Shi’s shrewdness, she would surely connect Ren Yaoting’s unusual behavior with their interactions.

Ren Yaoqi wasn’t afraid of Su Shi thinking too much—she was afraid she wouldn’t think enough.

However, she couldn’t be certain whether Su Shi would wade into this muddy water. After all, she wasn’t a deity.

"Fifth Young Miss, what should we do next? Just keep watching?" Xiangqin seemed to understand only partially.

Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment and advised, "Just keep watching for now. If anyone from the East Mansion has any contact with Eldest Madam Lin, find a way for someone else to witness it—anyone will do. But make sure our own people stay clear."

Xiangqin quickly nodded. "This servant understands. I’ll go instruct those two old women right away."

Ren Yaoqi whispered a few more instructions before sending her off.

Ren Yaohua didn’t fully understand Ren Yaoqi’s arrangements either, but this wasn’t the time to discuss it, so she didn’t ask further.

Shortly after, Eldest Young Madam Zhao Shi brought Ren Yaoyin over to ask Old Madam Ren if it was time to set the meal. Upon receiving Old Madam Ren’s instructions, Zhao Shi took Ren Yaoyin to direct the maids in setting the tables.

It was likely that Zhao Shi had called Ren Yaoyin away earlier to teach her some household matters. Ren Yaoyin was about the same age as Ren Yaohua and had reached the age for marriage discussions. Since First Madam was usually too busy with her many responsibilities, it fell to Zhao Shi, her own elder sister-in-law, to teach her more often. As a result, Ren Yaoyin and Zhao Shi had a very good relationship.

Since Zhao Shi and Ren Yaoyin were of the same generation as Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua, and the two of them were busy, Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua felt it inappropriate to just stand by and watch. They also went out to help, though there wasn’t much they actually needed to do themselves.

Zhao Shi had a simple and honest nature. Although she naturally had her own preferences, when she saw Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua come over, she was willing to teach them as well.

The Ren Family treated Eldest Madam Lin with great care, serving eight cold dishes, sixteen hot dishes, and eight types of porridge and pastries.

Eldest Madam Lin showed no signs of anything unusual on her face. Although noble families emphasized not speaking during meals or while resting, the meal proceeded harmoniously, with both host and guest enjoying themselves.

After the meal, they sat for a while longer and drank tea before Eldest Madam Lin took her leave. After leaving Liuli Courtyard, Eldest Madam Lin did not bring up the matter of her daughter and granddaughter again with Old Madam Ren, appearing quite content to leave everything in Old Madam Ren’s hands.

Old Madam Ren urged Eldest Madam Lin to stay a few more times before finally rising to personally see her off. She instructed Granny Gui to have people load the gifts prepared by the Ren Family for the Lin Family onto the Lin Family’s carriage.The two elderly ladies walking at the front held each other's hands, exchanging polite courtesies in a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.

Old Madam Ren escorted Madam Lin all the way to the Inner Gate before turning back to Glory and Splendor Courtyard.

Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua did not follow Old Madam Ren back. As Old Madam Ren had the habit of taking an afternoon nap, the two sisters went straight to Purple Magnolia Courtyard.

Third Madam Li had only briefly greeted the guests earlier before being dismissed by Old Madam Ren, not being asked to accompany them. Li was already accustomed to this. When she saw the two sisters return, she even pulled them aside to ask if they had eaten their fill.

Although the banquet for guests had many dishes, it was common to leave still feeling hungry.

Ren Yaoqi was not hungry. She ate when it was time to eat and drank when it was time to drink, casually directing the maids to serve many dishes. Her appetite was no different from usual. She ate quite a bit, and her manners were impeccable, so no one said anything about her.

Not long after, Xiangqin also returned. Ren Yaohua gave her a meaningful look, and the two of them, along with their maids, went to the eastern side room where they usually chatted and drank tea.

Xiangqin did not hesitate and reported directly, "When Madam Lin was in the mansion, no one from the East Mansion approached. However, when the Lin family's carriage drove out of the mansion, the old woman from the East Mansion who had been chatting in the gatehouse took the opportunity to leave as well. The old woman we sent to keep an eye on her was clever. She immediately found a way to send two gatehouse women out on errands, while another old woman quietly slipped out through the side gate to take a look. She happened to see the old woman being allowed onto Madam Lin's carriage at the mouth of the alley."

Hearing this, Ren Yaoqi felt relieved and said to Xiangqin, "Very good. Give each of them a tael of silver as a reward."

Xiangqin's eyes sparkled as she joked, "That's several taels of silver! Should it come from Fifth Miss's account or from our Third Miss's account?"

Ren Yaoqi glanced at Ren Yaohua and said calmly, "Naturally, whoever sent the people should be responsible for paying."

Xiangqin was left speechless.

Ren Yaohua shot Ren Yaoqi a sidelong glance and gave a light snort but said nothing more.

Xiangqin stuck out her tongue and left.

"What are you up to?" Ren Yaohua finally seized the opportunity to ask.

Ren Yaoqi stopped joking and whispered a few words to Ren Yaohua.

Ren Yaohua couldn't help but frown slightly. "Can Second Aunt find a way to bring down Concubine Kang?"

Ren Yaoqi shook a finger. "Second Aunt isn't trying to bring down Concubine Kang. She just wants to give Concubine Fang a warning. What does it matter to her whether Concubine Kang or Fifth Aunt wins or loses? You think this Concubine Kang is a clever and scheming character, right? But no one in the Ren Family takes her seriously."

Ren Yaohua thought for a moment. "Is it because of Fifth Uncle's attitude toward her?"

Ren Yaoqi couldn't help but laugh at this. "Then how do you think Father treats Concubine Fang?"

Ren Yaohua was taken aback.

Their father, Third Master Ren, did not pay much attention to Concubine Fang either, spending only a few nights a month in her courtyard. Yet everyone in the Ren Family knew that Concubine Fang was no simple character. No one in the Ren Family dared to underestimate her.

"This is the Ren Family. Your status here depends on the family behind you," Ren Yaoqi said in an extremely calm voice. "Concubine Kang's background ensures that no matter how cunning or brilliant she is, she is nothing more than a pawn that can be discarded at any time.""No wonder Madam Lin felt much more at ease after meeting Concubine Kang," Ren Yaohua said thoughtfully.

"Madam Lin is a clever woman, so she didn't dwell on Madam Kang's affairs. Instead, she was more concerned about whether her daughter and granddaughter had suffered. The only purpose of Madam Kang's appearance was to unsettle Madam Lin."

Those involved are often blinded, while onlookers see clearly. Only Madam Lin would be thrown into disarray by someone like Concubine Kang.

"So that's why you kept stopping me from interfering in the Fifth Household's matters..." Ren Yaohua extrapolated, pondering, "Because you knew Concubine Kang couldn't stir up much trouble, and even if Madam Lin and Ren Yaoyu fell out of favor, the real reason couldn't possibly be Concubine Kang?"

Ren Yaoqi did not deny this.

"Second Aunt also knows this, so her interference was just a mild warning to Concubine Fang, without any real intention of making an enemy of her?"

Although Ren Yaohua was impulsive by nature, she was intelligent, so she gradually thought far ahead.

"If that's the case, then Second Aunt's interference won't be much help to us either. It's even possible that Concubine Fang, out of caution toward Second Aunt, might try to befriend her, and the two could end up joining forces."

Concubine Fang had always been clever—she wouldn't do anything to clash head-on. If something benefited her, she wouldn't mind lowering her pride a little.

Ren Yaoqi looked at Ren Yaohua and gave an approving smile. "That was indeed the case originally." She hadn't expected Ren Yaohua to progress so quickly.

Ren Yaohua couldn't help but frown, showing a hint of confusion. "Originally?"

Ren Yaoqi nodded. "So what we need to do is make Second Aunt get more deeply involved."

Ren Yaohua was taken aback. "Would Second Aunt do that?"

Su Shi was a shrewd person and naturally wouldn't deliberately make an enemy of the Fang Family, but...

"Isn't there still Madam Lin?" Ren Yaoqi blinked playfully at Ren Yaohua.

"Does Second Aunt think she can withdraw so easily? Since she's already involved, she shouldn't expect to stay out of it unscathed."

This was Ren Yaoqi's true scheme.

The conflict between Concubine Kang and Madam Lin was merely a domestic matter of the Fifth Household, having nothing to do with her. She didn't care at all who gained the upper hand or who suffered. She had simply been waiting for an opportunity—an opportunity to drag Su Shi into the mess.

Given the relationship between the Lin Family and the Ren Family through Ren Shijia and her husband, the future was still uncertain. Therefore, Madam Lin was at a disadvantage against Concubine Fang, only able to passively endure attacks.

In other words, Concubine Fang's life was too leisurely—she needed a real opponent.

"But you also said Madam Lin is a clever person. Would she willingly wade into this muddy water?" Ren Yaohua asked uncertainly.

Ren Yaoqi smiled. "Madam Lin is indeed clever, but she is also a mother. Concubine Kang may not be a big deal to her, but she knows what Concubine Kang's existence means to her daughter. If given the chance, Madam Lin wouldn't mind helping her daughter remove this eyesore."

Ren Yaohua fell silent upon hearing this.

After a long while, she couldn't help but sigh, looking at Ren Yaoqi with a complex expression. "Your calculations are indeed precise, even taking human nature into account."

Ren Yaohua's tone was unusually admiring, but Ren Yaoqi felt no joy or pride upon hearing it.She understood clearly that the reason she could calculate everything so precisely was because she did not consider these people as her own family. Due to her experiences in her previous life, Ren Yaoqi found it difficult to have any goodwill toward the Ren Family.

From the moment she and Ren Yaohua were pushed out to be sacrificed, she had seen through many things.

After the Ren Family fell into misfortune, the Lin Family, Qiu Family, and Fang Family—all close in-laws who had frequent dealings with the Ren Family—kept their distance as far as possible. Not only did they refuse to help, but they also took advantage of the situation to seize joint business ventures.

A few days later, Concubine Kang seemed to have recovered considerably and voluntarily requested to return to her own small courtyard. Old Madam Ren allowed her to move back and assigned several more maids to serve her.

Fifth Master Ren Shimiao appeared to be genuinely accompanying Madam Lin in seclusion for self-reflection. Since entering the room, he had not shown his face again, handling all daily necessities within the room. However, he sent someone daily to visit his daughter or called his son in to examine his studies.

Old Madam Ren was somewhat displeased with this and sent people several times to summon Ren Shimiao. Yet, Ren Shimiao seemed determined, refusing to come out. However, he did not resort to pleading or throwing tantrums to beg Old Madam Ren for leniency for his wife and daughter. Instead, he seemed quite satisfied with the current situation.

Old Madam Ren tried to manage him a few times but ultimately had no choice but to let him be.

One morning, Ren Yaoqi, Ren Yaohua, and Ren Yaoyin were in the Glory and Splendor Courtyard, learning needlework from an old maidservant by Old Madam Ren’s side. A servant from the gatehouse came to report that someone from outside the estate had come to see Concubine Kang—it was her elder sister-in-law from her maternal family.

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Ren initially paid little attention, assuming it was a visit from Concubine Kang’s family after learning about her miscarriage.

Since Concubine Kang’s miscarriage, although Old Madam Ren had arranged for people to care for her daily, Fifth Master Ren showed no concern. The old madam did not want to pay too much attention to a concubine, lest others think she was deliberately sowing discord between her son and his wife.

Thus, upon hearing that someone had come to see Concubine Kang, she merely instructed the servants below to receive them. After all, a concubine’s family visitors were not considered proper relatives. The fact that she even inquired about it was already showing considerable face.

Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua sat facing each other under the south window, while Ren Yaoyin was quietly asking the old maidservant about needlework techniques. Upon hearing the report, Ren Yaohua’s eyelids twitched instinctively, and she glanced at Ren Yaoqi.

Ren Yaoqi was holding up her small embroidery hoop, examining it carefully against the south window. Her slightly furrowed brow seemed troubled over which color to use for the small lotus pod next to the water duck on the embroidery, and she did not notice Ren Yaohua’s gaze.

Ren Yaohua only glanced briefly before lowering her head again and continuing her work as if nothing had happened.

Not long after, someone else came in to report.

This time, it was not someone from the gatehouse but the servant from the Glory and Splendor Courtyard whom Old Madam Ren had sent out earlier.

Seeing her return hurriedly, Old Madam Ren knew the matter might not be simple and frowned, asking, “Why are you back? Didn’t I tell you to take them to see Concubine Kang?”

The servant quickly replied, “This servant originally intended to take them to see Concubine Kang, but Concubine Kang’s sister-in-law said… she requested an audience with you…”

Old Madam Ren was displeased upon hearing this. “No need. I do not wish to receive guests now.” She had no intention of meeting a concubine’s relative, as it would be beneath her status.The old woman's expression was uneasy. She glanced up at Old Madam Ren and hesitated before saying, "Concubine Kang's sister-in-law didn't come alone. She... brought a family named Liu, saying they have something to request an audience with you."

In just that short moment, another woman guarding the courtyard gate entered the yard. Ren Yaoqi, sitting by the south window, heard the newcomer outside saying, "Quickly help me report inside. There's a commotion outside."

Old Madam Ren, with sharp ears, heard the voices outside and shouted, "Who's out there? Come in and report!"

The newcomer was the woman guarding the Inner Gate. Hearing Old Madam Ren, she hurried inside.

"What's going on? All this noise and clamor—is there no sense of propriety?" The old madam sat at the head, imposing even without showing anger.

The woman wiped cold sweat from her forehead. "Please forgive me, Old Madam. Those people outside insist on requesting an audience with you. Without your command, we servants didn't dare bring them in, but they wouldn't listen to reason and tried to force their way in. We couldn't stop them."

"What?" Old Madam Ren was taken aback.

The woman who had entered earlier was also surprised. "Weren't they fine earlier? Why did they suddenly cause trouble?"

It turned out that although the people brought by Sister-in-Law Kang had remained silent outside the mansion, they hadn't spoken either. After entering the mansion, when the woman said she would take them to Concubine Kang, Sister-in-Law Kang insisted on seeing the old madam instead.

Seeing something amiss, the woman hurried to Glory and Splendor Courtyard to report. Unexpectedly, shortly after she left, a commotion broke out outside.

Old Madam Ren said coldly, "How many people?"

The woman from the Inner Gate replied, "Including Sister-in-Law Kang, three women and four men. The men aren't suitable to enter the inner courtyard, so they've been arranged to have tea in the outer courtyard. Only the three women entered the Inner Gate. First Madam has already rushed over after hearing about it."

Hearing that First Madam had gone to handle the situation, Old Madam Ren's expression improved slightly.

"What is the background of the Liu family that came with Sister-in-Law Kang?" Old Madam Ren was no pushover and quickly sensed something unusual.

The woman she had sent to receive them said, "Sister-in-Law Kang only said they were relatives from Concubine Kang's mother's side."

Old Madam Ren thought for a moment and instructed, "Go and invite Sister-in-Law Kang here to speak. As for the rest of the Liu family, take them to the outer courtyard for tea."

The woman acknowledged the order and was about to leave when Old Madam Ren called her back. "Find a secluded small courtyard in the outer courtyard and have people guard the outside. Don't let them wander around."

After the women withdrew, Old Madam Ren lowered her gaze and pondered for a moment. Glancing over, she saw Ren Yaoqi, Ren Yaohua, and Ren Yaoyin still sitting to the side. After hesitating briefly, she said to them, "Your grandmother has guests to receive. For now, go to the inner room. The rest of you may leave."

Old Madam Ren didn't send her granddaughters away but dismissed all the attendants, leaving only Granny Gui and a few senior maids.

Ren Yaoqi followed her two sisters into the inner room.Recently, Old Madam Ren’s approach to educating her granddaughters had noticeably changed from before. When the granddaughters came to pay their respects in the morning, she would keep them for breakfast and then have them stay in the Glory and Splendor Courtyard for the rest of the morning. Usually, she would find skilled seamstresses to teach them tailoring and embroidery. When discussing matters or handling household affairs with First Madam, she also kept them nearby to listen, rarely avoiding their presence. Occasionally, she would even ask for their opinions—though she might not necessarily adopt them—allowing them to participate in some way.

Today, the arrival of the Kang family’s representative seemed somewhat unusual, yet Old Madam Ren merely had the three sisters enter the inner room without sending them away.

Not long after Ren Yaoqi and the others had settled in the eastern side room, they heard someone outside announce that Sister-in-Law Kang had arrived.

After a series of faint rustling sounds, a young woman’s voice sounded from the neighboring room: “Your humble servant, Madam Kang, pays her respects to Old Madam Ren. May you enjoy boundless peace and well-being.”