C6 A Plan

Xiao Yan remained silent, but her nanny, Mrs. Du, spoke up first. "Madam, as you mentioned, the management of the Duke's Mansion is under the Duchess's care. It's inevitable that some things might be overlooked, so..."

"When did you get the right to speak out of turn? Such disrespect," Mrs. Jin snapped, shooting a harsh glare at Mrs. Du. Mrs. Du immediately fell silent, feeling deflated. Being Xiao Yan's trusted confidante, Mrs. Du's reprimand felt like a slap in the face to Xiao Yan, leaving her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"Mother, I'll make sure to look into this matter thoroughly. I won't let Changge be wronged."

Mrs. Jin sighed and said slowly, "No need to investigate. Can you really find anything? If you can't manage it, let Changge help you. After all, she's the eldest daughter of the Duke's Mansion. She needs to learn these things eventually, so she might as well start now to get the hang of it."

"Mother! Changge is still young, I'm worried..."

"Enough, that's settled. You can guide her, and if you can't, isn't Mrs. Wei there to help?" With that, the old lady took Feng Changge's hand, speaking tenderly, "Be careful and take care of yourself. It's just learning for now, nothing too hard. Start with the inventory."

"Yes," Feng Changge replied with a gentle smile that endeared her to the old lady. After all, people who are sensible and discreet are always more favored, aren't they?

Feng Changge smiled softly, her gaze falling on Feng Chang'an, whose face was turning a shade of green with suppressed anger, yet pretending everything was fine. It was quite amusing.

As they were leaving, the old lady pulled Feng Chang'an aside for a few words. Feng Changge didn't catch what was said, but she noticed that when Feng Chang'an left Mrs. Jin's room, his face was completely flushed with anger.

Refreshing.

Back in their room, Biying couldn't hold back her laughter. Feng Changge tugged on her sleeve, and she finally composed herself.

"The young lady's move was truly brilliant. I've never seen the Duchess and the Second Miss look like that before. Let's see if they dare to bully the young lady again!"

Biying, though loyal, was young and didn't know how to restrain herself, showing her emotions openly.

"Ahem..." Feng Changge deliberately cleared her throat, shaking her head helplessly. "You really can't keep your cool, can you? Haven't you learned that walls have ears?"

Seeing Feng Changge's displeasure, Biying immediately composed herself. "I apologize, Miss. Thank you for the reminder."

After Biying left, Feng Changge sat inside, her gaze falling on the fleeting reflections of moonlight on water and flowers in a mirror. She had specifically asked Biying to bring a jar of bamboo leaf green wine. Though it was winter, and there were no flowers to admire, the act of warming wine had its own charm.

Today, the matriarch's actions were meant to give Xiao Yan and Feng Chang'an a hard time. The matriarch had always turned a blind eye to Xiao Yan's behavior, tolerating it as long as it didn't cross the line. However, Xiao Yan had become increasingly audacious, her pride preventing her from respecting the matriarch. Although the matriarch seemed to be helping Feng Changge today, she was also subtly trying to curb Xiao Yan's arrogance.

The wine in the porcelain cup was a pale yellow with a hint of green. It tasted sweet and mellow with a slight bitterness, leaving a lingering aftertaste. The unexpected responsibility of managing affairs today was a surprise. Though it was just a learning opportunity, it undoubtedly deepened the thorn in Xiao Yan and Feng Chang'an's hearts.

Suddenly, Feng Changge seemed to remember something. "Biying!" she called softly towards the door. Hearing her, Biying quickly entered the room. "Do you have something for me to do, Miss?"

Feng Changge leaned in and whispered a few words in Biying's ear, who nodded and left.

One cup after another, Feng Changge's cheeks flushed as she rested her head on the table, feeling dizzy. The drifting petals were as light as dreams, and the endless drizzle as fine as sorrow, while the silver hook idly held the curtain.

The next day, with the authority to access the storeroom, Feng Changge slipped out of the Phoenix Duke Mansion under the pretense of inspecting purchases.

The most bustling area in the capital was none other than Erxiang Street, and the liveliest spot on that street was the three-story Jinhuang Red Pavilion. Known for its stunning girls, exquisite dishes, and captivating performances, it was a favorite haunt for the young gentlemen and charming talents of the city. Among these frequent visitors was Feng Changxuan, a regular guest of the pavilion's star, Chu Qingqiu.

Today, Feng Changge ventured into this lively district to meet the renowned beauty often spoken of by the city's young men—Chu Qingqiu. To secure this meeting, Feng Changge invoked the name of the Phoenix Duke Mansion. Upon entering, Feng Changge immediately noticed that Chu Qingqiu was not much different from other girls, with the room filled with an overpowering scent of cosmetics. Yet, upon seeing her, Feng Changge had to admit she was indeed a beauty, though misplaced in such a setting.

Feng Changge wore a veil to avoid unnecessary trouble that might cause embarrassment.

“What brings you to see Qingqiu?” Chu Qingqiu asked, pouring tea for Feng Changge, who was dressed in men's clothing and exuded a certain spirited charm.

Feng Changge picked up the teacup, paused for a moment, then set it down, saying, “I mentioned my purpose upon arrival, and someone has already informed you. Miss Chu, being a smart person, you surely understand my family's matron's intentions. Young Master Changxuan was born into the Phoenix Duke Mansion; how could he take a courtesan as a vice consort? If word got out, wouldn’t it be a laughingstock?”