Good heavens, Ning Wanwan truly had no idea what was going on. She never expected Madam Ning to be so formidable—even the original owner's dowry maids were this capable. It was no wonder the original owner had been so arrogant and domineering; wasn't this the equivalent of having the strongest bodyguards in the modern world?
"What about the other three?" Ning Wanwan asked.
"Aside from the martial ones, only Huang Xia, who is skilled in medicine, is able to serve by your side," Lüqiu replied.
"As for Qingchun and Baidong," Lüqiu hesitated, her eyes filled with a trace of grievance, "have you forgotten, Your Ladyship? A few months ago, you sent them both to the Laundry Bureau to do menial labor."
"Huh?" Ning Wanwan was shocked. Had the original owner really been that daring? "Why? What did they do wrong?"
"That is a question they should be asking you. I have no idea. Even I was almost..." Lüqiu didn't dare finish her sentence. If Ning Wanwan hadn't undergone such a radical change in temperament after falling into the water, she herself would likely have met the same fate by now.
Because of this, everyone in Ruyi Palace walked on eggshells; who wasn't terrified of this Imperial Noble Consort?
"Alright, alright. What happened in the past was my fault. You can call them back now," Ning Wanwan said, not wanting to dwell on it. The palace was riddled with hidden dangers, and she was in dire need of capable people right now.
"Yes." Upon hearing this, Lüqiu left in high spirits.
That night, Pei Jinxiu came to visit. On the luxurious, massive bed, Ning Wanwan felt somewhat awkward.
"Why are you still so shy?" Pei Jinxiu reached out and touched her face.
"Why do you love touching my face so much? Do you think I'm easy to bully?" Thinking of what was about to happen, Ning Wanwan couldn't help but feel embarrassed; even her words sounded like a flirtatious pout.
She was so stunningly beautiful that it seemed no one in the world could resist such a creature, and Pei Jinxiu was no exception.
"My beloved consort is so breathtakingly beautiful that I find myself reluctant to let you go," Pei Jinxiu said. His gaze was as deep as the ocean, hiding a raging storm that no one could catch even a glimpse of.
Ning Wanwan secretly suspected that this Pei Jinxiu had a split personality; he seemed like a completely different person inside and outside the palace.
"I hear you've summoned all four of your dowry maids back to your side?" Pei Jinxiu asked.
"How did you know?" Ning Wanwan replied.
"I won't tell you." With that, he gave the bridge of her nose a playful flick.
Ning Wanwan yelped and covered her nose, shooting him a coquettish glare. Her beautiful eyes were filled with moisture, shimmering like a spring pool.
Pei Jinxiu’s gaze darkened, his Adam's apple bobbing once. He reached out and pulled her into his arms, kissing her with a gentle yet conquering intensity.
Ning Wanwan had been nervous at first, but under Pei Jinxiu’s tender assault, she quickly became as soft as water, yielding entirely to his lead.
The stories she read online didn't lie; Ning Wanwan was now getting a taste of it herself.
The next day, when Ning Wanwan woke up, the sun was already high. An uninvited guest arrived at Ruyi Palace—Talented Lady Lin.
"Talented Lady Lin Xi pays her respects to the Imperial Noble Consort," Lin Xi said, bowing respectfully.
"No need for formalities." Ning Wanwan’s body ached, and in front of Lin Xi, she couldn't help but rub her willow-thin waist.
Lin Xi lowered her eyes, masking the darkness within them, and gently brought forward the Fuguang Brocade she had brought with her.
"Your Ladyship, my father passed through the merchant districts while traveling south and saw this fabric. It was truly beautiful, so he brought some back for me. My looks are ordinary, and I am no match for the beauty and charm of the Imperial Noble Consort. It is only fitting that I offer it to you. I hope you like it."
Ning Wanwan laughed it off, saying, "I couldn't possibly accept this. Talented Lady Lin, you should keep it for yourself."
The Fuguang Brocade was woven entirely from dense gold thread, shimmering like ripples in the sunlight. The fabric was luxurious, light, and as delicate as cicada wings; it was truly magnificent.
Lüqiu, standing to the side, was stunned at first, but then her face turned cold as she recalled something.
Talented Lady Lin left the gift and departed with her maid. Ning Wanwan hadn't even had time to offer a return gift and was just about to tell Lüqiu to send something over when Lüqiu’s next words left her frozen in place.
"Your Ladyship, you must be careful with this Talented Lady Lin. It is highly likely there is something wrong with what she brought."
"What do you mean?" Ning Wanwan frowned. This was only the second time she had met Lin Xi, right? She looked so soft, weak, and harmless.
"After Huang Xia returned, she checked the spices in Your Ladyship’s palace and found a large amount of musk. This spice, unique to the Western Regions, was a gift from Talented Lady Lin."
"What?" Ning Wanwan was shocked. Why did everyone want to kick her while she was down? "Musk from the Western Regions... no wonder it smells so strong." She had even sniffed it carefully; it was certainly potent and did have a calming effect.
"Your Ladyship, this musk can cause infertility!" Lüqiu said anxiously.
"But didn't I already lose the ability to bear children long ago? If I'm infertile, then so be it. I didn't want to give birth anyway." Ning Wanwan was terrified of pain. Her major in the modern era had been nursing; she hadn't given birth herself, but hadn't she seen enough of whether or not it hurt?
"Your Ladyship!" Lüqiu stamped her foot, frustrated that her mistress wouldn't listen. Even though Ning Wanwan had become kinder and more gentle than before, it seemed she had also lost her wits along the way.