Early morning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
An early rise.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Father still had three days of vacation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Today was for visiting his beloved daughter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian had already fished Zi Congheng out of bed early.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Unexpectedly, Zi Congheng had slept quite wellst night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
His headache didn''t seem to have red up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But being woken up before he was ready left him still feeling a bit sleepy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He yawned and asked, "Aren''t you tired?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian was already all tidied up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She said spiritedly, "I''m tired when I have school. When there''s no school, I''m not tired. Laziness is all about seizing the moment. If you get up earlier, you have more time to bezy. If you go to bedter, you get even more time to bezy. Early to rise andte to bed means countless long hours ofziness in a day. It''s delightful."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4
Zi Congheng: ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He had ck Tower push Mianmian out so he could get up and wash.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After washing up, he changed his clothes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The family ate breakfast together, then prepared to go visit rtives.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This was a strange experience for Zi Congheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Father had never taken him to visit rtives before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was still quite early in the morning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The inner city wasn''t congested yet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They arrived in less than half an hour.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Meng family already had servants waiting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The servants seemed much more enthusiastic thanst time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Meng Qingshe personally came out to greet the inws.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
His son-inw Meng Shaoxia also obediently came out to wee them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Imperial Secretary?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Meng Qingshe patted his inw''s shoulder sympathetically.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Changtian: ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Last night, several newly acquainted colleagues had alreadye to visit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Upon learning he was appointed as Imperial Secretary, their eyes practically turned red with envy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As a close attendant to the emperor, it was widely recognized as one of the fastest tracks for promotion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Changtian also felt this position was not easy toe by.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was a stroke of luck.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I knew the emperor wasn''t seriousst time. The position of Imperial Secretary is very tiring. You''re right under the emperor''s nose - it''s not easy to even ck off a little. You''ll be running back and forth between the pce and outside."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Madam Meng and Old Madam Meng smiled at their blundering family member.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
If there weren''t others present, Madam Meng would have wanted to give her husband a good scolding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
What nonsense was he spouting?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Meng Shaoxia hade to the capital and also had to work - as an Imperial Guard. He too would be going in and out of the pce, also close to the emperor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This was the difference between the Meng family and ordinary officials.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Meng family didn''t need to wait - they got results directly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
And it was a noble and rxed job.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Generally, as long as no one tried to rebel, there wasn''t much to do.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Good pay, light work, close to home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Anyway, the father-inw and son-inw should be able to see each other often in the pce from now on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Madam Meng and Old Madam Meng felt more at ease knowing their inw would also be working in the pce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The daughter''s own father clearly couldn''t be relied upon.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The old man was more dependable, but he wasn''t around.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At least the inw seemed more reliable than the girl''s own father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian took Zi Congheng to see her older sister.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
When Aunt Yin saw the young man, she grasped his hand and wouldn''t let go.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She was quite emotional for a moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was Commander Zi who had originally sent her to the Jiang family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But there had been no follow-up after that, not even any inquiries.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There was no nting of spies or anything of the sort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Later, she had settled down contentedly at the Jiang house and stayed all these years.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The eldest daughter had married and had children.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Now seeing this young man again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Commander Zi had passed away, leaving behind an orphan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Zi Congheng wasn''t used to being touched by others.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But the old woman before him meant no harm.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He didn''t understand why she was so moved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yet he felt a sense of gratitude, mixed with his father''s legacy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Aunt Yin didn''t say anything about considering the Jiang family as his own from now on. Some things didn''t need to be said or repeated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There was no need to prove one''s kindness through others'' pity.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Time would tell.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Aunt Yin simply held his hand lovingly and patted his head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Zi Congheng passively epted this affection, because he discovered that sinceing to the Jiang family, whenever anyone lovingly held his hand or patted his head, he couldn''t push them away. The Jiang family members all seemed to have great strength.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4
Zi Congheng was given a task - to watch over the two chubby babies as they sunbathed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
If the sun crept onto their faces, he was to move them a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They were worried about the sun getting in the babies'' eyes and being too bright.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At the same time, he could hear Mianmian and her sister chattering away in the next room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Sister, you''ve lost so much weight!" Mianmian looked at her sister, feeling that her waist had slimmed down while her chest had grownrger.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She hadn''t expected that her sister, after giving birth, would actually look even more beautiful than before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Before she had been a round-faced young girl, but now she seemed to have gained an indescribable charm.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In any case, she was very alluring.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian couldn''t help but reach out to touch her when she got close.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Seeing the maid bring in some snacks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian went to get some.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
With her sister not at home, it felt like the family''s mealscked soul.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Yu sat beside her younger sister and also reached out her hand, just barely reaching the snacks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Suddenly, she heard a cough.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Young miss, you can''t eat any more. Although you don''t look bad now, if you keep eating without restraint, your body will be plump and you''ll age quickly. Men don''t change much in appearance as they age, but women who have had children can easily look old if they don''t take care of themselves. If you keep eating like this, in a few years when you stand next to your husband, you''ll look a generation older."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Yu withdrew her hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She looked at the sweets on the table somewhat wistfully.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There was no help for it - breastfeeding made her want to eat more, and eating more increased her appetite. Now she felt hungry all the time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Sister has recovered very well," Mianmian said, touching her sister''s waist. The flesh was still firm, not bby at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, wives at this time certainly didn''t have it easy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Not only did they have to manage the household, have children, serve their inws, and handle social interactions, the most terrifying thing was that they might suddenly be stabbed in the back by their husband. While you''re here busy as can be, running the household and kitchen, managing social affairs, he might suddenly bring home a concubine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
And she''d likely be younger and prettier than you, with full legal status.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But looking at her sister''s condition, she seemed to be doing quite well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Perhaps it was mainly due to the simple family atmosphere at her brother-inw''s home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
For a family that had only had single children for generations, they surprisingly didn''t have any concubines. Their family values were truly excellent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It could be counted among the best in the capital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This was also why there were so many rumors about Jiang Yu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Because Meng Shaoxia, in the eyes of mothers-inw in the capital, was among the top three most desirable son-inws.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Wealthy background, high status, and no concubines.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
You couldn''t find better even if you searched with antern.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Seeing how loudly her sister spoke at the Meng house, she probably wasn''t being mistreated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"When it''s time for the children''s hundred-day celebration, you''ll need to make an appearance. Try to restrain yourself a bit. Even if you can''t be The Seductress Yu, you shouldn''t be Yu Daji."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
When Jiang Yu heard her aunt mention "The Seductress Yu", she burst outughing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The first time she heard people talking about the rumors outside, Jiang Yu had alreadyughed uncontrobly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She never imagined that one day, such rumors would actually be associated with her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Speaking of beauty, Jiang Yu knew very well that she probably ranked near the bottom in her family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, she had never cared much about her appearance since she was young. If you put face cream and a steamed bun in front of her, she would definitely choose the bun.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4
Although she didn''t care, hearing people say she was very beautiful still made her very happy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Since moving to the Meng family, Jiang Yu''s biggest impression was that prices in the capital were quite high.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She was skilled at cooking, so she was naturally sensitive to ingredients and their prices.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Soon after arriving at the Meng house, with her aunt''s assistance, she quietly lowered the prices in the back kitchen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Without making a fuss, she reorganized the Meng family''s inner household.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Meng family didn''t have issues with concubines, but there were other problems.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Madam Meng''s management wasx, Old Madam Meng didn''t interfere, so the servants would take advantage of loopholes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In short, with Aunt Yin''s help, as soon as she arrived at the Meng house, she tackled a major corruption issue in the purchasing department.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She took control of the kitchen''s authority.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Establishing the authority of the Meng family''s third-generation mistress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There were no secrets in the capital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This added anotheryer to the impressive image of "The Seductress Yu".<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Indeed, she was a formidable woman.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Entering the household with two sons, in just three days she had taken over household management and dismissed a servant who had worked there for over twenty years.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4
Yet the Meng family, from top to bottom, still praised the young mistress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At the Meng house, Mianmian felt that the servants indeed seemed more respectful thanst time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After chatting here and having some snacks and tea, it was time to go eat lunch together.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian felt that her silly sister had be a bit more astute after a few days at the Meng house.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It felt like at home, her sister was always the soft and gentle older sister.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But at someone else''s house, she suddenly stood tall, like she had be an adult.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Yu stood up, holding Mianmian''s hand. Her aunt had someone go fetch the two young masters.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian and Zi Congheng walked behind her sister.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They watched as maids ran to open doors, and servants lined up outside calling out greetings to the young mistress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
What a grand scene!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0