Reborn of the Rightful

*********Duplicate section has been modified

Watching Rong Shi's carriage leave the estate, Ren Yaoqi turned and made her way back to the inner courtyard.

Xia Sheng's words had been echoing in Ren Yaoqi's ears all along. Though she appeared calm on the surface, her heart felt anything but light.

If Han Dongshan truly was a descendant of the Zhai Family from back then, what kind of grudge could have existed between the Zhai Family and the Ren Family that a child of only a few years at the time would remember it for so many years and go to such lengths to bring about the ruin of the Ren Family?

Ren Yaoqi felt that if her speculations were indeed true, the details of the truth from back then might not be something pleasant to uncover.

The ladies and young misses in the inner courtyard had resumed their cheerful chatter as if Rong Shi had never been there, but Ren Yaoqi was somewhat distracted.

"What's wrong with you?" asked Ren Yaohua, who was sitting beside Ren Yaoqi.

Although the two sisters had never gotten along since childhood, Ren Yaohua could still sense that something was off about Ren Yaoqi.

Ren Yaoqi smiled. "Has Grandmother said when we'll return to White Crane Town?" She was eager to go back and ask Old Woman Luo what exactly had happened back then. She had a feeling that Old Woman Luo definitely knew something.

Just a little bit more, and the mist shrouding the truth before her eyes would lift. Even someone as steady as Ren Yaoqi felt a sense of urgency.

Ren Yaohua frowned. "Probably the day after tomorrow. Grandmother likely still has some matters to discuss with Aunt."

Ren Yaoqi nodded and was about to speak when a maid from outside led in a little girl who was bouncing along. The child looked only three or four years old, with a jade-like, snow-white cuteness. Her large, bright eyes blinked curiously as she looked around the room. Only then did everyone realize that she was the one dragging the little maid who held her hand; the maid's face had turned pale with fright.

"Oh, whose child is this? She's truly lovely," a woman in her twenties said with a laugh.

As soon as she finished speaking, an elderly woman walked in. Seeing the child, she sighed helplessly. "Pan'er, you're being mischievous again." A woman who looked like a wet nurse hurried forward from behind the old woman and took the little girl into her arms.

The little girl kicked her legs in dissatisfaction, but the wet nurse dared not put her down, only whispering soothingly to her. The little girl, however, turned her face toward the elderly woman, tears welling in her eyes as if about to cry. "Great-grandmother, Great-grandmother, walk by myself, Pan'er walk by myself..."

Old Madam Lin laughed heartily and beckoned. "The Lei Family's precious treasure has arrived! Come, sit over here."

The elderly woman shook her head, still helpless. "Please excuse her, this child..."

Hearing Old Madam Lin's address, Ren Yaoqi turned her gaze toward the elderly woman who had just entered.

Was this Madam Lei of the Lei Family?

Madam Lei was the grandmother of the Lei Family head. She had to be at least sixty or seventy years old, yet she showed no signs of aging, appearing about the same age as Old Madam Ren. Compared to Old Madam Ren, Old Madam Lin, and the other elderly ladies, this Madam Lei possessed an especially composed and refined demeanor. Even when her great-granddaughter had just caused a slight breach of etiquette, her expression showed only helplessness, not embarrassment or awkwardness. When greeting everyone, she remained just as poised.

This was an elderly lady who had seen the world and had rich life experience, Ren Yaoqi concluded.However, the information she had previously obtained from Xiao Jinglin was that this Madam Lei was actually a mistress, not the legitimate wife formally married to the Lei Family's long-deceased Old Master.

The Lei Family truly was an interesting household, Ren Yaoqi thought with a lowered head and a smile.

"Sister, what are you smiling at?" A childish voice sounded beside her, startling Ren Yaoqi into looking up.

She saw the Lei Family's little child standing before her, biting her finger and looking at her curiously. Her large eyes took up nearly half her face, and her long eyelashes fluttered, making her appearance utterly delightful.

Lei Pan'er's wet nurse hurriedly apologized nearby, trying to pick her up again, but the little girl twisted away, frowning with a serious expression. "I want to sit with the sisters. Be good and don't cause trouble," she said.

The wet nurse was on the verge of tears.

Ren Yaoqi couldn't help but laugh, and even Ren Yaohua beside her found it hard to suppress a smile.

Lei Pan'er looked at Ren Yaoqi, then at Ren Yaohua, her large eyes filled with confusion. But she soon grinned broadly, grabbed a handful of peanuts from the fruit plate on the small table, and very ingratiatingly offered them to Ren Yaohua, then blinked at her.

Ren Yaohua was taken aback. She looked at the peanuts in her hand, then at the child. "Um... thank you."

She was about to say she didn't want them, but the child said matter-of-factly, "Sister shell, Pan'er eat." Then, with great familiarity, she climbed into Ren Yaoqi's lap, settled on her legs, and continued watching Ren Yaohua.

Ren Yaohua: "..."

Ren Yaoqi looked at the child who had so familiarly settled into her arms, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

Lei Pan'er didn't forget to look up at Ren Yaoqi, flattering her: "Sister smells nice, Pan'er likes it." As she spoke, she rubbed her little face against Ren Yaoqi's neck.

The wet nurse nearby was almost crying and hurriedly said, "Miss, this servant will shell the peanuts for you. Please come down quickly."

Ren Yaoqi couldn't resist pinching the child's soft cheek and said to the wet nurse with a smile, "It's alright."

Just then, Madam Lei walked over apologetically. "I'm sorry for the disturbance. This child is always mischievous." She then took the child from Ren Yaohua's hands.

Seeing it was her great-grandmother, Lei Pan'er immediately behaved, though her eyes remained fixed on the peanuts in Ren Yaohua's hand.

Madam Lei handed the child to the wet nurse. "Hold her properly, don't let her down."

The wet nurse immediately complied.

Madam Lei nodded with a smile to Ren Yaoqi and her sister, then led the wet nurse and child toward the area where several elderly ladies were seated.

Lei Pan'er waved to Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua. "Goodbye, sisters."

Ren Yaohua frowned at the peanuts in her hand and placed them on the small table beside her.

Behind a pillar and a screen, two young women were chatting.

"The Lei Family's little girl is really lovely."

"Indeed, but it's a pity she has a hard life. Her mother passed away not long after she was born, and she has no grandparents. She was raised by her great-grandmother. Speaking of which, the Lei Family's eldest master is already in his twenties and only has this one daughter."

"Why hasn't he remarried? Ah, I actually have a niece..." The woman couldn't help but grow rather enthusiastic.Another person chuckled upon hearing this and interjected teasingly, "Enough already. With the Lei Family's status and the eldest Lei master's qualities, do you think no one has considered this? Unfortunately, Master Lei is a man of deep sentiment. He insists on observing the full three-year mourning period for his deceased wife, and even Madam Lei can do nothing but let him have his way. I heard his wife passed away two years ago, so there's still a year to go."

"Oh, what a devoted man."

At this point, someone else chimed in, "I think even if you have a niece, there's no need to rush into marrying her into the Lei Family. Whether it's good or bad remains to be seen."

The newcomer to the conversation clearly had something more to say.

"What do you mean by that? With the Lei Family's status, in Yanbei, aside from the Yanbei Prince's Mansion and the Yun Family, no one else can match them. Isn't that considered a good family? Besides, the eldest master of the Lei Family—his looks and talents are hard to come by even with a lantern. Even as a widower, there are plenty of young ladies willing to marry him."

"Exactly. My aunt once asked me about the eldest Lei master's situation too." Another person joined the conversation, as the topic of the Lei Family had attracted quite a few listeners.

Ren Yaoqi sat there sipping tea, occasionally glancing at Ren Yaohua. She noticed Ren Yaohua peeling peanuts, placing the kernels on a silk handkerchief. However, Third Miss only removed the hard shells, leaving the red skins on the kernels untouched.

The women behind the screen continued chatting.

"I heard the Lei Family's background might be a bit problematic."

This statement startled the women.

"That can't be, can it?"

"How is that possible?"

Ren Yaoqi lightly tapped her fingers on the small table, her lowered eyes hiding her thoughtful expression.

"I heard this from someone too. That Madam Lei we just mentioned—isn't she said to be from the Huayin Liu Family?"

"Yes, what about it? Although the Liu Family has declined now, decades ago, they were one of the most prominent families in all of Great Zhou." Someone couldn't help but voice their doubt.

The woman hesitated, speaking vaguely, "I also heard this from others. I don't really know the specifics."

Someone scoffed, "Are you just talking nonsense?" Another dismissed it, not seeming to believe it.

The woman didn't defend herself. Instead, she smiled apologetically, "Just treat it as nonsense. How about I drink a few extra cups later to make up for it?"

Her response made some people suspicious.

"Hey, where did you hear all this?"

The woman smiled, "Quite a few people are spreading it. You'll find out eventually." After saying this, she refused to say any more, making an excuse and leaving.

Ren Yaoqi glanced at Xiangqin, who understood and quietly turned to leave.

Ren Yaohua finished peeling a handful of peanuts, wrapped them in her handkerchief, and called over a maid, instructing her to give the peanut kernels to the little girl from the Lei Family.

Ren Yaoqi looked at Ren Yaohua, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

Ren Yaohua remained expressionless, lowering her head to drink tea.

After a while, Xiangqin returned quietly, "Miss, it was the wife of a moderately wealthy merchant family from Yunyang City. I just saw her heading toward the flower hall, and then she started talking about the Lei Family with others."

Ren Yaohua looked at Ren Yaoqi, "Is someone deliberately spreading rumors against the Lei Family?"

Ren Yaoqi nodded, thinking to herself that the Han Family truly refused to give up. When one plan failed, they hatched another. Even if the Lei Family remained vigilant, they couldn't stop others from scheming against them.However, if Madam Lei's background truly had flaws that could be criticized, the Lei Family's reputation would undoubtedly suffer, and it would only be a matter of time before people exposed that the current head of the family was not of legitimate birth.

For now, it was just rumors being spread—what other underhanded tactics would follow?

As Ren Yaoqi pondered this, she glanced toward Madam Lei in the neighboring room. Madam Lei was conversing with several elderly ladies, her expression warm and gentle, exuding the refined composure unique to women from noble families. It was hard to believe such a lady could be an illegitimate concubine unfit for public appearances.

While listening to the conversation, Madam Lei kept an eye on her great-granddaughter, who was being held by her wet nurse. Watching the little girl lower her head to carefully peel the red-skinned nuts in her hands, then eat them with her face smeared, Madam Lei's gaze softened. She used the handkerchief she had been holding to wipe the child's face, earning a bright, beaming smile in return.

Just then, a servant woman entered, walked straight to Madam Lei, and whispered something into her ear after bowing.

Ren Yaoqi noticed a flicker of surprise in Madam Lei's eyes before she waved the servant away. Madam Lei waited until her conversation with the elderly ladies reached a pause before rising and approaching Old Madam Lin. After exchanging a few words with her, Old Madam Lin sent someone to fetch First Madam Lin.

Madam Lei then spoke a few words to Ren Shijia, who had arrived with First Madam Lin, before leaving accompanied by First Madam Lin.

It seemed Madam Lei was taking her leave early.

Ren Yaoqi had been closely observing Madam Lei's expression. Despite her efforts to conceal it, Ren Yaoqi could sense her anxiety.

Madam Lei departed with her great-granddaughter. Lei Pan'er, nestled in her wet nurse's arms, swung her little legs and giggled as she caught sight of Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua, waving cheerfully with an air of innocent carefreeness.

Ren Yaoqi sighed softly and averted her gaze.

Old Madam Ren sent someone to summon Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua. When the sisters arrived, they found Old Madam Ren and Ren Shijia conversing with a lady, while Ren Yaoyin stood by Old Madam Ren's side, supporting her arm. As they drew closer, Ren Yaoqi recognized the lady as First Madam Yun, whom she had met once before.

Old Madam Yun had not attended today; only First Madam Yun and Third Madam Yun had come together.

"Yaohua, Yaoqi, come and greet your Aunt Yun," Old Madam Ren beckoned to the sisters kindly.

Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua stepped forward to pay their respects to First Madam Yun, who responded amiably. When her gaze fell on Ren Yaoqi's face, her smile deepened. "Yesterday, Yaoqi visited the Yun Family with the Commandery Princess. Our Old Madam has been mentioning her ever since."

Old Madam Ren glanced at Ren Yaoqi but remarked, "This child is obedient, but her nature is too honest and reserved. If she has any shortcomings, please do not hesitate to correct her as her elder."

First Madam Yun smiled. "Not at all. Our Old Madam adores well-behaved young ladies and even personally invited her to attend this year's Thousand Gold Banquet."

Old Madam Ren was surprised. Due to other matters the previous day, she had not summoned Ren Yaoqi to inquire about the details, only knowing that she had accompanied the Commandery Princess to the Yun Family and received a few garments. She had not expected her to be invited to this year's Thousand Gold Banquet.

However, Old Madam Ren's surprise was fleeting, and she quickly expressed her gratitude.Ren Yaoyin smiled from the side, "Congratulations, Fifth Sister. The Yun Family's Thousand Gold Banquet isn't something just anyone can attend. When you return, you must share all the details with us sisters."

Old Madam Ren shot Ren Yaoyin a playful glare. "You child."

First Madam Yun teased with a smile, "Is this a complaint that we're favoring one over the others? Very well, when I return and report to the old madam, I'll request a few more invitations for you all." First Madam Yun, grateful for the Ren Family's previous care of Yun Wenfang, had grown closer to them and wanted to use this opportunity to repay the favor.

A blush spread across Ren Yaoyin's cheeks as she stammered, "Aunt, that's not what I meant..."

Old Madam Ren, pleased to have gained face in front of First Madam Yun, quickly urged Ren Yaoyin and Ren Yaohua to express their thanks.

Ren Yaoyin said, "Aunt, how has Cousin Qiuchen been lately? It's been so long since I last saw her. The last time we discussed poetry and literature was two years ago. Recently, I acquired a new poetry collection that I think she would enjoy. I wonder when I might have the chance to explore it with her."

Ren Yaohua glanced at Ren Yaoqi, the corners of her lips curling slightly in a smile tinged with unmistakable mockery. Fortunately, due to the angle, only Ren Yaoqi noticed.

Ren Yaoqi smiled faintly and lowered her head to smooth her sleeves. Was Ren Yaoyin trying to get First Madam Yun to invite her to the Yun Family's home?

Just as First Madam Yun was about to speak, a lady approached from the side and said with a laugh, "So here you are! I've been looking all over for you." Her tone suggested she was a close acquaintance of First Madam Yun.

"Do you need something?" First Madam Yun turned with a smile, her tone casual, indicating a comfortable relationship with the lady.

The lady appeared straightforward and cheerful. "Didn't you ask me to help you look for someone? Come quickly, I—" She stopped mid-sentence, realizing there were others nearby.

First Madam Yun quickly introduced both parties with a smile. The lady was the wife of an official in Yunyang City.

Presumably having matters to attend to, First Madam Yun exchanged a few more words with Old Madam Ren before leaving with the lady.

Ren Yaoyin watched First Madam Yun depart, a flicker of frustration flashing in her usually calm and composed eyes.

Ren Yaoqi pulled Ren Yaohua aside, pretending not to have noticed.

Old Madam Ren, however, was quite satisfied with her granddaughter's performance and gave them a few instructions before walking away.

Finally, as they were about to leave, Ren Yaoqi and her sisters followed Old Madam Ren to bid farewell to Ren Shijia.

The star of the day, young Lin Cen, was already fast asleep in his wet nurse's arms. Old Madam Ren still had some private words for Ren Shijia, so Ren Shijia instructed her maids to take Ren Yaoqi and her sisters to the outer room to play.

The maid leading them out looked familiar—it was Qingliu, who had once served in Old Madam Ren's courtyard. Though not as highly regarded as the most favored senior maids, she had gradually earned her place in Glory and Splendor Courtyard through her steady and reliable work.

Ren Yaoqi and her sisters were aware that Qingliu had accompanied Ren Shijia back to the Lin Family this time, intended to become a concubine for the Lin Family's son-in-law.

Though they said nothing openly, the Ren Family's young ladies were somewhat curious about this future concubine personally selected by Old Madam Ren.

However, Qingliu remained as quiet as ever, keeping her head slightly lowered. She still wore her hair in the style of an unmarried girl, suggesting she had not yet been formally taken as a concubine.

Inside the inner room, Ren Shijia and Old Madam Ren were also discussing Qingliu's situation.Ren Shijia blushed and pouted, showing a coquettish side she rarely displayed in front of outsiders. "He's only been back for a few days, and my husband said... he said he's not in the mood. Besides, I've just given birth to Cen'er. Didn't you say we could wait a few years until the child grows up a bit before letting Qingliu become a concubine?"

Old Madam Ren glanced at her, knowing her daughter well. "I said we could wait a few years before letting her conceive."

Ren Shijia lowered her head. "But isn't the reason you want me to arrange a concubine for my husband for the sake of having children? My husband isn't the type to chase after novelty or lust. He..."

Old Madam Ren sighed, not wanting to press her daughter further. "As long as you know what you're doing. I only have your best interests at heart."

Ren Shijia breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "Of course I know you mean well, Mother. By the way, when are you leaving?"

Old Madam Ren couldn't help but laugh at that. "What? Are you trying to chase me away?"

Ren Shijia hurriedly replied, "Of course not. I just can't bear to see you go. When you're in Yunyang City, I feel at ease and unafraid of anyone scheming behind my back. Once you leave, I won't feel secure."

Old Madam Ren snorted lightly. "I can't revolve around you alone." After saying this, she lowered her head to sip her tea without another word.

Ren Shijia looked at her mother, thought for a moment, and said, "Mother, why don't you leave a few of my nieces here to keep me company? You have no idea how unsettling it is living in the Lin Family now. Everyone seems to have ulterior motives. Having family around would give me courage."

Old Madam Ren was both amused and exasperated, pointing at Ren Shijia and scolding, "Is that all the backbone you have?"

But Ren Shijia grew more convinced that this was a good idea and went over to Old Madam Ren to plead.

Old Madam Ren initially didn't want to entertain her, but then she remembered that her granddaughters were about to attend the Yun Family's Thousand Gold Banquet. Moreover, the fifth girl was on good terms with the Commandery Princess of the Yanbei Prince's Mansion and had made an impression on the Yun Family. It might not be a bad idea for them to stay and socialize more with the people of Yunyang City.

So she relented a little. "Which nieces do you want to stay?"

Ren Shijia thought for a moment. "Yaoqi and Yaoyin? These two girls have good temperaments. When I was pregnant with Cen'er, they often came to keep me company and chat. They're quite likable. I could also introduce them to the ladies and young misses of Yunyang City."

Old Madam Ren didn't agree immediately. "I'll think about it and decide later."

Seeing that Old Madam Ren hadn't refused, Ren Shijia understood that she might need to make arrangements back home and didn't press further.

The mother and daughter chatted a bit more before Old Madam Ren left with her granddaughters.

The men of the Ren Family had set off back to White Crane Town the day after the full-month celebration, but Old Madam Ren stayed an extra day with her granddaughters and granddaughters-in-law.

Ren Yaoqi thought of asking Old Madam Ren if she could visit her maternal family in Treasure Vase Alley, but Old Madam Ren sipped her tea and said calmly, "There's no hurry. You and Yaoyin will be staying in Yunyang City for a while longer."

Ren Yaoqi was taken aback, and Ren Yaoyin also seemed to be hearing this for the first time. The other sisters of the Ren Family looked at Old Madam Ren.

Old Madam Ren said, "Your aunt wants you to stay in Yunyang City for a few days. Are you unwilling?"Ren Yaoyin quickly said, "How could I be unwilling? Aunt treats us extremely well, and Brother Cen is so adorable. I am willing to stay and keep Aunt company." She had been worried about finding an excuse to stay, and now, just as she was dozing off, someone handed her a pillow. Ren Yaoyin was overjoyed.

Ren Yaoqi originally didn’t mind staying in Yunyang City a little longer, but she was concerned about the Han family’s affairs and wanted to probe Old Woman Luo’s background. However, Old Madam Ren had no intention of listening to her granddaughters’ opinions and didn’t even bother to ask Ren Yaoqi.

After leaving Old Madam Ren’s room and returning to her own, Ren Yaohua said to Ren Yaoqi, "Be careful on your own. Don’t meet with the Yun family’s second young master again." After a moment’s thought, she frowned and added, "I’ll have to leave Xiangqin here to keep an eye on you."

Ren Yaoqi was slightly taken aback upon hearing this: "Third Sister, I know, you don't need to..."

Ren Yaohua, having grown up by Old Madam Ren's side, had learned many things, but most notably, she had inherited Old Madam Ren's decisive and unyielding nature. She did not bother to ask for Ren Yaoqi's opinion; what she said was her decision.

"I heard that Madam Fang will also be staying in Yunyang City for a few more days. I was originally worried, but since you're staying too, it works out perfectly. Xiangqin may be a bit clumsy, but she can handle running errands. If anything comes up, you can also send her home with a message." Ren Yaohua explained her plans.

Ren Yaoqi was not surprised that Madam Fang would be staying in Yunyang City longer. After all, Madam Fang had not come merely to attend the full-month celebration; she also needed time to pave the way for her husband's endeavors.

Concubine Fang had originally wanted to stay behind to accompany Madam Fang, but before she could even voice her thoughts, Old Madam Ren had refused. Although Old Madam Ren did not mind suppressing Madam Li at appropriate times to give Concubine Fang face, she was not foolish enough to allow a concubine to stay alone in Yunyang City and appear in public, especially after what had happened with Madam Kang. She could not afford to lose face like that.

Old Madam Ren was staying in Yunyang City for an extra day to meet with the elderly ladies and madams from families friendly with the Ren Family, to strengthen their connections. Thus, she was very busy today and had no time to summon her granddaughters for guidance. As a result, the Ren sisters remained at the villa.

The next day, Old Madam Ren set off back to White Crane Town with several female members of the Ren Family. Ren Shijia would also send someone to fetch Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaoyin to stay at the Lin Family.

This time, Fifth Madam Lin did not linger at her maternal home for long and obediently set off back to White Crane Town with Old Madam Ren.

Su Shi from the East Mansion also left with Old Madam Ren and the others. However, Ren Yaoting would stay at her maternal grandfather's home for a while. Upon learning that Ren Yaoqi would also remain in Yunyang City, she sent a maid to tell Ren Yaoqi that she wanted to play together.

After some thought, Ren Yaoqi finally pulled Ren Yaohua aside and said, "Third Sister, when you return, instruct Nanny Zhou to send Old Woman Luo and her granddaughter, who are staying at the mansion, to Yunyang City." Considering that she would be staying at the Lin Family with Ren Yaoyin, which might not be very convenient, Ren Yaoqi added, "Send them to my maternal grandfather's home first. I'll find a way to go there later."

Ren Yaohua looked at Ren Yaoqi for a moment. "You've been acting strange lately. What exactly are you busy with?"

Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment. "It's related to the Han Family. Their background is not simple... I haven't figured it out yet. I'll tell you once I understand."

Ren Yaohua thought about Ren Yaoqi's connection with the young master of the Han Family and frowned. Although she did not believe Ren Yaoqi was a frivolous person, she still felt somewhat uneasy. Just as she was about to offer a few more words of caution, someone arrived from Old Madam Ren's side.

Ren Yaohua had no choice but to drop the matter for now, saying only, "You're staying in Yunyang City alone. Don’t cause any trouble."