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  Chapter 20

  The maid from the Han residence hastily curtsied and spoke with a sense of urgency, "In response to your question, I am a servant in the household of Lord Han, who handles political affairs. The lion dog in your hand is called Yutuaner, its our mistresss treasured pet, and Im usually the one taking care of it. But this morning when I got up, I dont know how it went missing..."

  She stared straight at the Pomeranian, reluctant to move her gaze away for even a moment. "The little servant by the door remembered that when Master went to court, it seemed that Yu Tuan also left the house with the sedan chair. Fortunately, the big brother at the gate of the noble mansion said that Yu Tuan was taken in by the mansion, so I dared to ask to see you and wanted to take Yu Tuan back home."

  Lost the masters treasure, a severe punishment is inevitable, if in such a strict and severe household, its hard to say whether she would be sold, beaten or killed, no wonder she was so anxious.

  Ming Xuan hurriedly handed the jade ball back, "Originally, I was afraid that the dog would run wildly on the street or be taken away by someone else. My fifth brother brought the jade ball back, its the wifes pet, hurry up and take it back to report!"

  The girl happily accepted it and followed the old woman out with a thousand thanks.

  Ling Yue glanced at Ming Xuans face, and Xue Su also looked cautious.

  Ming Xuan couldnt help but laugh, "What are you guys doing?"

  If it were the former Ming Xuan, who had experienced the pain of being jilted by her fiancé on their wedding day, even though three years have passed since then, she would still be unable to avoid feeling a few pangs of sadness and regret when hearing about Han Xiufengs affairs. But she is no longer the original owner; although its not good to say this out loud, she has expressed her own feelings several times through her amnesia, and towards Han Xiu, she can remain completely indifferent, let alone being his wife?

  Besides, he will get married sooner or later, wont he?

  Lin Xue saw Ming Huans smile and knew she had no more worries, so she put aside her previous concerns, pulled her into the inner room, "In a few days, it will be Zhu Jias eldest brothers birthday, coincidentally on the same day as Yuan sisters birthday. Since its not a big birthday, the Auxiliary National Dukes mansion wont make a big deal out of it. I heard from Fifth Brother that they only invited relatives and some close friends to celebrate at the National Dukes mansion, and then it will be over. The invitation has already been sent, and we should receive it in about two days."

  She smiled and said, "I heard that among the invited young masters, there are also those who have sent a marriage proposal to Xiangs sister."

  Ming Xuan was slightly stunned, and then he immediately felt a warm feeling in his heart.

  Yesterday she narrowly escaped a disaster, her grandmother was overjoyed and told her that she had already arranged a marriage for her. The mans surname is Yan, his name is Qingyan, he is the second son of Yan Zeng, a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Works, who last autumn passed the imperial examination as the top scholar, and is now this years hottest candidate for the title of zhuangyuan, he is only eighteen years old, young and proud, with a handsome appearance.

  She knew in her heart that previously, her grandmother had asked Zhus eldest brother to sound out Yan Qingyan, thinking that the Yan family was interested, so her grandmother and great aunt would take advantage of Eldest Brother and Yuers birthday to let her take a look at Young Master Yan, if she was also satisfied, then this marriage could continue.

  Ming Xuan didnt think so, Grandmother was really overthinking, just based on this Yan Gongzi is not a relative within the five degrees of mourning, with a clean family background and matching age, she wouldnt have any objections. Shes getting older, theres limited room for choice to begin with, let alone with younger sisters marriage matters pressing down, originally there wasnt much time left anyway.

  In the evening, Old Lady Zhu sent someone to summon Lin Yue over for questioning.

  Not long after, the old lady sent a servant to the Jade Pavilion to deliver a message: "The elderly madam said that its getting late and cold outside, so she has invited Miss Bao to stay overnight at the AnTai Temple. Please dont wait up for Miss Bao, Seventh Miss, you can also retire early."

  Dan Hong saw the old woman out and then asked Qi Saozi to close the door tightly and went into the inner room.

  She smiled and said, "Its strange, when Miss Biao was here, I always felt that there was a constant chatter in my ear, which was a bit annoying. But now that shes not here, the house feels quiet and empty."

  Ming Xuan went into the clean room to wash and change, saying, "Since thats the case, how about we three sleep together tonight? Weve been busy with things lately and havent had a chance to chat in a long time."

  Inside the house, the charcoal was full and warm, and the quilt on the bed was all high-quality new cotton. On this cold day, Dan Hong and Xue Su naturally snuggled up together in the big warm bed, both laughing and saying it was good. After washing up, they lay down on the couch with Ming Huan to chat.

  Ming Xuan considered the two girls as sisters, so she didnt beat around the bush and asked directly, "The ninth young lady has been betrothed to Jianan Bo, we both know about this. Eighth sister is still recovering from her illness in the villa, but my own marriage will likely be settled soon. You are both close to me, so Ill ask you first: will you follow me or stay in the Hou Mansion?"

  She paused slightly, adding, "Our matters, both of us are clear about, thinking that the future husbands family may not be as noble and wealthy as our own, we are all born into a marquis household, going to an ordinary officials family to serve as a maid, it seems somewhat humiliating. If you want to stay, I will speak with grandmother and have you both transferred back to An Tai Yuan."

  Xue Su hastily said, "Its the first time Ive heard of a master who wants to get rid of all the people theyre used to having around. If you leave us, Miss, and go to your husbands family, where everything is unfamiliar, and there isnt even anyone to serve you, how will you manage?"

  Dan Hong also felt a bit anxious, "Where is the young lady? Well follow her wherever she goes. Dont tell me you dont want me and Snow Essence sister to come along?"

  Ming Xuan heard their true feelings and smiled, saying, "I naturally dont want to part with you. To be honest, if I really left you, I still havent figured out how to spend my days. But these words need to be said beforehand. No matter what, following me to marry into another family will not make our lives more dignified than in the Hou Mansion."

  She stretched out her hand, one hand holding Xue Su and the other holding Dan Hong. "But since you both said youre willing to continue following me, I wont be hypocritical and say some unnecessary things. Just one sentence: no matter where we are, Gu Ming Xuan will never let you two suffer because of me."

  Both Xue Su and Dan Hong understood the meaning of his heartfelt words, but the melancholy in them was not lost on either.

  Xue Su comforted Ming Xuan, "Miss is worrying too much."

  She blinked, half-jokingly and half-seriously saying, "The young ladies in our household who married the best are the Noble Consorts. Logically speaking, among those who followed the Noble Consort into the palace, Min Huang and Song Baiji should have been the most fortunate, right? But Min Huang died as soon as he entered the palace, and Song Bai died suddenly from an illness at the end of last year."

  The palace seems to be a cluster of flowers and brocade, but in reality, every step is frightening. The palace concubines with lower status cant even guarantee their safety from morning to night, let alone those little maids who followed them into the palace? They are as small as ants, relying on others for survival.

  Xue Su paused for a moment, then continued, "As everyone knows, the Fourth Aunts marriage was considered the worst. Although her husband entered the Hanlin Academy, after all these years, he is still only a seventh-rank compiler, with no further advancement. However, when the Fourth Aunt returned home for a banquet recently, Rui Lian and Rui Lan, who had accompanied her as dowry, also came back to reunite with everyone. Rui Lian married the second manager of the Fourth Uncles household and gave birth to two big fat sons, living a happy life. Rui Lan also became relatives with the manager of the shop."

  Her gentle voice was filled with deep longing, "The high-ranking families may be noble, but as slaves, how can we be noble? The humble households have a dull life, but they also have the advantage of being unassuming."

  Ming Xuan turned her head and looked at Xue Su, this girl was not only capable but also had a clear mind.

  "Dont worry, as long as youre willing, Ririen and Rilands days can also be spent."

  Dan Hongs thoughts were simple and pure. After hearing this, she scratched her head, "I dont think as much as Snow Su sister does. My parents and brothers are all in the Jiangnan estate, and there are no other family members in the mansion. Originally, it didnt matter where I went. Going back to Taian Institute to work is naturally good, but how can it compare to following Miss? Im not as capable as Snow Su sister, besides being able to comb Misss hair and do some miscellaneous tasks, I dont know anything else."

  She smiled lightly, "Its rare for a young lady like you to not despise me for being clumsy, of course Ill rely on you!"

  Having narrowly escaped the marriage with Jianan Bo, Ming Xuan was in a good mood. Although she had never explicitly stated it, this bright and clear mood was also genuinely conveyed to Xue Su and Dan Hong. The coldness of dawn and dusk, but the warmth inside the house was like spring.

  Everything seems to be heading in a good direction.

  Just as she closed her eyes, Ming Xuan suddenly thought of those icy sharp eyes again. They didnt have a hint of warmth, but somehow they could convey all sorts of emotions. Those were the eyes of that proud and pleased Mr. Han...

  She asked in a low voice, "Have you ever heard of Mr. Hans wife? Which family is she from?"

  Xue Su was taken aback for a moment, then thought for a while before responding, "It seems to be the only daughter of Cheng En Hou."

  Dan Hong and the maidservants of the Hou Mansion all knew a thing or two about the outside world, so they naturally knew more news than others. Continuing from Xue Sus words, one of them said, "She is the only daughter of Cheng En Marquis Lus family."

  She thought for a moment and then said, "Miss, you have not paid attention to external matters in the past three years, nor have you ever asked about them. Im afraid you dont know these things. The birth mother of His Majesty was originally a palace maid, and her family only had one biological brother. After His Majesty ascended to the throne, he conferred the title of Duke of Chengen on this brother. The Duke of Chengen has only one legitimate daughter, whom he loves extremely dearly. As His Majesty treats his maternal relatives with great kindness and generosity, he broke precedent and conferred the title of Princess Huian on her."

  He was originally from a humble background and had no real power to contend for the throne, but was pushed by Pei Xiang to the supreme throne. Now that the government is controlled by Pei Xiang, although it seems peaceful for the time being, in the long run, he will inevitably feel dissatisfied, so he supports his mothers family, which is also reasonable. The favor of Chengen Hou is at its peak, and Han Xiuxiu was able to marry Princess Huian, presumably with great help, otherwise she would not have been promoted to Ping Zhang Zhengshi in just two years.

  Gu Mingxuans eyes were filled with a hint of mockery, "So thats how it is."

  Abandoning oneself is to preserve ones integrity. Marrying the Princess of Huian can be considered as choosing a higher branch. This Lord Han is skilled in calculation, and its no wonder that at such a young age, he could become a powerful minister.

  She thought for a moment and then carefully asked, "Come to think of it, I dont even remember how I got engaged to Lord Han in the first place..."

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