Reborn of the Rightful

Xiao Jingxi gave a light cough. "No, is she betrothed or not?"

Ren Yaoqi was taken aback by this question.

Xiao Jingxi quickly added, "I have a subordinate whose age matches hers perfectly. If she isn't betrothed yet..."

Hearing this, Ren Yaoqi understood and couldn't help but laugh. "Why are you getting involved in such matters? Besides, Xiangqin is my sister's maid. Even if it were about marriage arrangements, it wouldn't be my place to decide."

Xiao Jingxi thought for a moment, somewhat awkwardly saying, "I wonder if the Lei Family's First Madam would be willing to part with her? My mother has a few capable maids who could be sent to the Lei Family."

"Well... I heard my sister say she wanted to keep Xiangqin by her side as a steward." Ren Yaoqi was also hesitant. Xiao Jingxi usually didn't involve himself in such matters, but since he knew Xiangqin was from the Lei Family and still asked, this subordinate must be someone he highly valued or had some connection with.

"If it really isn't possible, then we'll have to let it go." Xiao Jingxi led Ren Yaoqi to sit by the bed.

"Who is it that has taken a liking to Xiangqin?" Ren Yaoqi asked curiously.

Xiao Jingxi smiled. "It's Xiao Hua's younger brother, Xiao Shun, who oversees the Prince's Mansion's judicial affairs. You probably haven't met him."

Ren Yaoqi had met Xiao Hua, who came from a background as a shadow guard and was said to have followed Xiao Jingxi since childhood, making him a trusted confidant. Since Xiao Shun was Xiao Hua's younger brother, he must have grown up with Xiao Jingxi as well—no wonder Xiao Jingxi was willing to speak up for him.

"I'll ask my sister, but if she's reluctant to let her go, there won't be anything we can do." Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment before replying.

Xiao Jingxi leaned over and kissed Ren Yaoqi's cheek, whispering softly, "Thank you for your trouble, my lady."

The next day, Xiangqin didn't come to the Yanbei Prince's Mansion. Ren Yaoqi sent Pingguo to the Lei Family to see Ren Yaohua, but unexpectedly, Ren Yaohua came to the Yanbei Prince's Mansion in the afternoon.

Ren Yaohua wasn't one for small talk. As soon as Ren Yaoqi dismissed the idle onlookers, she frowned and asked, "Did Xiangqin cause trouble at the Prince's Mansion? Otherwise, why would someone take a liking to her?"

Ren Yaoqi: "..."

Ren Yaohua glanced sideways at Ren Yaoqi and said, "Never mind. Bring that person here for me to see. If he's truly suitable, I can marry Xiangqin off to your mansion."

Ren Yaoqi was somewhat surprised. "Didn't you say before that you wanted to keep her by your side as a steward?"

Ren Yaohua sounded impatient. "I don't lack people around me, and she'd surely be willing to follow you. Besides, this girl may not have many other skills, but she's exceptionally adept at acting like a fox borrowing the tiger's might. Having her by your side as a vanguard would be good. Your temperament, to put it nicely, is gentle and agreeable; to put it bluntly, you're too soft! How can it be right for any random person to walk all over you? I think you need a girl who can throw caution to the wind and make a scene at critical moments to help you vent your anger."

After yesterday's incident, Xiangqin had reported everything to Ren Yaohua, which infuriated her. When she heard how Xiangqin had taught Yan Ningshuang a lesson, Ren Yaohua gave her a token scolding but later rewarded her with a gold hairpin. Today, when Ren Yaoqi asked about Pingguo's betrothal, Ren Yaohua thought it might be a good idea to bring Pingguo to Ren Yaoqi's side. Ren Yaoqi's senior maids were steady and reliable, but sometimes shameless people needed to be dealt with by someone who wasn't afraid to make a scene.Although Ren Yaohua wore a displeased expression, Ren Yaoqi could tell that her willingness to part with Xiangqin stemmed from concern for her own well-being. Feeling a warmth in her heart, she moved closer and looped her arm through Ren Yaohua’s, smiling as she said, “Thank you, sister.”

Ren Yaohua pushed her away somewhat awkwardly. “What are you doing? Sit properly! First, have the person brought over so I can see him. If he’s not suitable, I won’t let that girl marry him.”

Ren Yaohua had always been tough on the outside but soft on the inside. Ren Yaoqi understood perfectly well that she still held affection for Xiangqin, which made her even more touched.

Ren Yaoqi sent someone to inform Xiao Jingxi, asking him to have Xiao Shun brought to the front hall, Yingya Pavilion, so Ren Yaohua could meet him.

Not long after, Xiao Jingxi returned, and Xiao Shun was led to Yingya Pavilion to wait.

Xiao Jingxi showed great respect toward Ren Yaohua, his sister-in-law, observing all proper courtesies. Ren Yaohua, mindful that her younger sister was pregnant and still needed Xiao Jingxi’s constant care, gave him face and refrained from sarcastic remarks. Otherwise, daring to set his sights on her maid would have earned him some trouble from Ren Yaohua. After all, while she was willing to let Xiangqin go, it was entirely out of consideration for Ren Yaoqi. She still harbored some resentment toward Xiao Jingxi and his uniquely discerning subordinate.

Under the cold gaze of his sister-in-law, Xiao Jingxi walked over to Ren Yaoqi and said with a smile, “Would you like to come along and see? It’s just at Yingya Pavilion, not far. You haven’t been out in a while—a walk would do you good.”

Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment, then glanced at Ren Yaohua.

Ren Yaohua said, “Go ahead. Staying cooped up indoors isn’t good for you.”

Ren Yaoqi agreed.

The three of them left Zhaoning Hall together. Seeing Xiao Jingxi walking beside Ren Yaoqi, carefully shielding her, Ren Yaohua’s earlier dissatisfaction with him diminished considerably.

Xiangqin followed behind Ren Yaohua, her face beaming with joy. She had no idea where her masters were going, whom they were meeting, or what the purpose was.

So when Xiangqin followed Ren Yaohua into Yingya Pavilion and saw Xiao Shun standing in the middle of the room, having waited for some time, her eyes widened in surprise. “Huh?”

This earned her a fierce glare from Ren Yaohua, who turned back to look at her, startling her.

Xiao Shun bowed respectfully to the masters, then smiled at Xiangqin.

Xiangqin immediately forgot Ren Yaohua’s earlier warning and returned Xiao Shun’s smile with a big, silly grin, even winking at him.

Though Ren Yaohua and Ren Yaoqi remained silent, they had been discreetly observing Xiao Shun, and Xiangqin’s little gesture did not escape their notice. Ren Yaohua was so angry her head throbbed, while Ren Yaoqi simply smiled.

“You may leave now!” Ren Yaohua said to Xiangqin.

Xiangqin blinked, glanced at Xiao Shun, and though she very much wanted to stay, she obediently withdrew without another word. Before leaving, she flashed Xiao Shun another radiant smile.

Only after Xiangqin had left did Ren Yaohua begin to scrutinize Xiao Shun critically. She had assumed that Xiao Jingxi’s capable subordinates would all be tall, imposing, and robust, so she was somewhat dissatisfied to find someone like Xiao Shun.Xiao Jingxi guessed what Ren Yaohua was thinking. Recalling the difficulties he himself had faced when seeking to marry Ren Yaoqi, he couldn't help but feel a sense of shared sympathy for his subordinate. He took the initiative to break the awkward silence: "His name is Xiao Shun. He oversees the judicial and penal affairs of Yanbei Prince's Mansion, and he has an elder brother who serves as the commander of the mansion's guards. The two brothers have practiced martial arts with me since childhood. In terms of martial skill, Xiao Shun may not match his brother, but he's certainly no weakling."

The latter part of Second Young Master Xiao's statement was the key point—meaning, don't judge Xiao Shun by his delicate appearance; he is a trained martial artist and definitely not someone without strength.

Sure enough, Ren Yaohua's expression softened a little. She asked Xiao Shun a few more questions.

Xiao Shun usually carried a somewhat cold and gloomy demeanor, but today he made an effort to appear more approachable. When answering Ren Yaohua's questions, he was respectful and articulate, leaving her no room for criticism.

In truth, aside from being perhaps too handsome and appearing somewhat slender, Ren Yaohua didn't have any major objections to Xiao Hua.

Finally, Ren Yaohua said, "This maid of mine has had a lively, restless temperament since childhood, like a little monkey. Even if she were to marry, her personality would likely not be well-received. She has been with me since she was young, and I don’t want her to suffer, so I intend to keep her with me for a few more years to help her settle down. Though I don’t know what you see in my maid, what can you offer to convince me to let her go?"

Xiao Shun thought for a moment and replied succinctly, "I find her genuine nature rare and precious. I will treat her well in the future."

Ren Yaohua glanced at Xiao Shun but said nothing.

Ren Yaoqi, however, knew that Xiao Shun's simple answer had actually satisfied Ren Yaohua. Compared to smooth talkers with silver tongues, Ren Yaohua preferred someone down-to-earth and sincere.

"Go back for now. I’ll think it over," Ren Yaohua said to Xiao Shun.

Without another word, Xiao Shun bowed and withdrew.

Only then did Ren Yaoqi ask Ren Yaohua, "Well?"

Ren Yaohua frowned. "His looks are a bit too refined." After a pause, she added, "But a man isn’t judged by his face."

"You said he oversees the judicial and penal affairs of the Prince's Mansion? Would someone like that have too much blood on his hands?" Ren Yaohua asked Xiao Jingxi.

Xiao Jingxi thought for a moment and smiled. "When a knife kills, is it the knife that commits the sin or the person wielding it? Those who bear the burden of too much killing are often not executors like Xiao Shun, but those in positions of power like us."

Ren Yaoqi glanced at Xiao Jingxi, who gently squeezed her hand and gave her a tender smile.

Ren Yaohua said nothing more.

When Xiao Shun emerged from Yingya Pavilion, Xiangqin, who had been waiting outside, spotted him immediately and stealthily gestured to him.

Xiao Shun followed Xiangqin to a nearby corridor.

"Ah Shun, why are you here? Did the master need you for something?" Xiangqin, with her natural familiarity, gave him a nickname and looked at him with bright, curious eyes.

Xiao Shun looked at her for a long moment, then nodded.

Xiangqin was curious about why the master had summoned him and why her own mistress had been present, but she knew the rules and didn’t ask.

Xiao Shun, however, sensed her thoughts and smiled meaningfully. "Want to know why the master called for me? You’ll find out soon enough."

Xiangqin widened her eyes in confusion.Xiao Shun smiled at her again, then with a flick of his hand, a small wooden pig appeared in his palm. The pig was only the size of a walnut, carved with simple and clean craftsmanship. Its tiny body was round and plump, looking adorably clumsy.

"This is for you." Xiao Shun placed the wooden carving into Xiangqin's hand.

Xiangqin held the little pig, grinning so widely her eyes disappeared. "F-for me? Isn’t this too much? But how did you know I was born in the Year of the Pig?" Though she said this, she couldn’t bear to let go of the small wooden carving.

Xiao Shun smiled at her. "As long as you like it." Then, without waiting for Xiangqin to return it, he turned and walked away.

"Hey!" By the time Xiangqin looked up, Xiao Shun was already far away.

"Never mind, I’ll return it to him next time I see him."

Xiangqin was still too naive—she had never heard of a betrothal gift being returned once accepted.

Xiangqin never expected that when Ren Yaohua was leaving the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion, she suddenly said to her, "You’ll stay at the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion and serve the Second Young Lady."

Still unaware of the seriousness of the situation, Xiangqin immediately replied cheerfully, "Alright! When should I return home?"

Ren Yaohua glanced at her foolish expression. "After you’re married, you can come back to see me when you visit your family."

"Oh." Xiangqin blinked, then snapped back to reality. "Huh?"

Nanny Gao, standing beside Ren Yaohua, chuckled. "Xiangqin, this is a joyous occasion! The Madam has just betrothed you to Lord Xiao."

"W-what Lord Xiao?" Xiangqin was still confused.

Ren Yaohua glanced at her. "Xiao Shun. Don’t you know him?"

Xiangqin: "..."

When Ren Yaohua truly left Xiangqin at the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion and departed with her entourage, Xiangqin couldn’t help but burst into loud sobs.

Ren Yaoqi’s senior maidservants tried their best to hold back their laughter as they took turns comforting her, but Xiangqin only cried as if the world were ending.

Finally, Ren Yaoqi sighed helplessly and said with a smile, "The wedding date hasn’t even been set yet. My sister was just teasing you. Clean yourself up and go back for now. If you really don’t want to marry here, neither my sister nor I will force you."

Only then did Xiangqin stop crying, feeling deeply embarrassed as she left.

In the following days, Xiangqin did not return to the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion. However, not long after, Ren Yaohua sent someone to inform Ren Yaoqi that Xiangqin had agreed to the marriage.