Madam Lu held her younger son’s hand, following the young maid leading the way. Walking beside her, Zhou Xiuer was looking around, her eyes taking in the Wu Family’s surroundings.

She had seen fine places before; she once lived at Wufu’s home in Huayang, and that residence was nice, though a bit small.

Later, they moved to Huaan, where they stayed in a small house, even smaller than Wufu’s. Her father became a minor official, underrecognized though it was; still, it was better than being a merchant, so those merchants were willing to curry favor with him. She and Madam Lu were also invited to some merchants’ homes as guests.

But to her, those houses lacked depth and heritage, exhibiting nothing but vulgar wealth.

In Huaan, the best house she’d been in was the Quans’ manor, and it was said someone from the Quan family held a high official position in the capital, so they were considered wealthy and noble.

Yet even the Quan family was a branch family. Now in Changan, Zhou Xiuer found herself overwhelmed by the sights, even as she walked through the Wu Family’s estate.

It was truly large, with a stunning array of flowers and trees, the courtyards were beautiful. However, the servants’ gazes at them were unfriendly, carrying disdain and mockery.

Zhou Xiuer glanced down at her own dirty, coarse clothes, a trace of embarrassment flashed across her face.

She recalled that before coming to Changan, she was addressed as Miss Zhou, clad in fine silks and satins, and was even close to being promised a good marriage. But because of her father’s transgressions, they were suddenly reduced to their past, even below their former village life.

Recalling those dismal days, Zhou Xiuer couldn’t help but close her eyes, unwilling to remember them.

Mother was right; those days couldn’t be lived again, better to die than continue like that.

"Please have a seat first."

The maid led Madam Lu and her group to the drawing-room and distanced herself quickly, as the smell from them was quite overpowering, a strong sour stench, very unpleasant.

Madam Lu smiled and said, "Miss, could we have some tea, please?"

The maid pursed her lips and walked out.

Yongyong asked Madam Lu, "Mother, where’s Aunt? I’m hungry."

"Wait a bit. A wealthy household has its own rules. Your aunt is just a concubine; we need the Matriarch’s approval to see her!" Madam Lu, having spent half a year with them, knew some customs and manners by now.

A maid brought in some tea and a plate of snacks. As soon as they were set down, Yongyong’s eyes lit up, and his dirty hands grabbed them, stuffing them into his mouth.

The maid was astonished at the sight, her eyes quickly flashed with contempt and disdain.

Truly so crude.

Madam Lu forced a smile, "Sorry to have embarrassed you, Miss; the child was starved." She swallowed a mouthful of saliva, as she was also very hungry.

The maid heard this and tugged the corner of her mouth.

"Sister, when can we see my aunt?" Zhou Xiuer asked.

She truly wished to shed those clothes as soon as possible, bathe and groom herself; she couldn’t stand those disdainful gazes any longer.

"Your aunt?"

"Yes, Maternal Aunt Zhou."

The maid was about to speak when someone entered through the door, and she quickly went over, dropping a curtsy, "Madam."

Madam Lu and they looked over to see a noblewoman adorned with pearls and jade, and stood up, somewhat awkwardly, watching her approach. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

It was said this Madam hailed from a truly noble and prominent family, from the Earl’s mansion!

Pitiful for Madam Lu and her lot; having just arrived in the capital, they hadn’t been in touch with Madam Zhou for a long time. They knew nothing about Madam Zhou and Wufu not being part of the Wu Family anymore, nor did they know about Wufu’s matters!