Zhou Xiuer returned somewhat absent-minded to Madam Lu, who rushed to her upon seeing her daughter’s changed attire.

"Where... Where did this come from?" Madam Lu trembled as she touched the clothes and jewelry on her daughter.

How long had it been since she last saw her daughter dressed like this?

Madam Lu plucked a golden hairpin from Zhou Xiuer’s head and casually inserted it into her own empty bun, a satisfied smile appearing at the corner of her mouth.

"Stupid girl, I’m asking you, are you mute?" Seeing Zhou Xiuer not responding, Madam Lu gave her a pat.

Zhou Xiuer jolted, came back to her senses, looked at her mother, and said hesitantly, "Mother, you were right, they are indeed trying to please us. They have to please us!"

Madam Lu was slightly taken aback, pulled her to sit on the bed, and asked, "What’s going on? What did you find out?"

Zhou Xiuer said, "Mother, do you know what Wufu’s current status is? How respected she is?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Lu became even more anxious and nearly yelled, "Stupid girl, if I knew, would I be asking you? Don’t be so hesitant, hurry up and tell me, are you trying to make me die from anxiety?"

"County Magistrate... She has been titled County Magistrate Ruifu and was given in marriage to a prince from Beiyan, ah, marrying a prince from another country, isn’t that a political marriage? But that’s a Princess Consort, a Princess Consort personally sought by Prince Jin!" Zhou Xiuer was somewhat incoherent.

Madam Lu was dumbfounded; County Magistrate, Princess Consort? What in the world?

Zhou Xiuer repeated what Wu Yining had told her to Madam Lu, and finally said, "So, that’s why they’re trying to please us and cozy up to us. Because they’ve had a falling out with Wufu and her people, they want us to speak well and help mend this rift!"

Madam Lu’s mouth hung open, even drooling, and it took her a long time to digest the news, stammering as she asked, "Is what you’re saying true?"

"Mother, this is known to everyone; you can just go out and ask, there’s no reason for them to deceive us, right?" Zhou Xiuer calmed down as well.

"Oh my, this stupid Wufu, how is she so blessed, is she going to reach the heavens?" Madam Lu sat foolishly. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Zhou Xiuer felt bitter inside; the ones blessed with good fortune, why couldn’t it be her?

They lamented their fate, unaware that these things were exchanged with sincerity and dedication from others, with no calculation, only a genuine heart.

"You tell me, why hasn’t your aunt returned to the family?" Madam Lu asked again.

"Mother, do you know if Aunt has the Marriage Certificate? She has separated from Uncle, no, from Lord Wu." Zhou Xiuer said softly.

Madam Lu slapped her thigh, "Oh, how could I forget this? Yes, indeed, your aunt initially signed a Marriage Certificate with Wu Lihong."

"Wu Yining said that Wufu intentionally caused Aunt and Lord Wu to separate. I think this is correct; most likely Wufu really played a part in it." Zhou Xiuer whispered, "She wouldn’t allow herself to be oppressed, how could she let the Wu Family people dominate her? So, she most likely orchestrated it."

"So, your aunt and Wu Lihong have no ties anymore?" Madam Lu frowned, "Oh dear, then what should we do? How can we save your father and brother?"

Zhou Xiuer smiled instead, "Mother, you are indeed confused. Wufu, being a County Magistrate, doesn’t her rank surpass Lord Wu? That’s a second-rank title, even if Wufu doesn’t want to intervene in this matter, the Wu Family, Lord Wu would still want to please us, ask us to speak well for them, and would likely resolve our problems, right?"

She lowered her head, playing with a purse at her waist, reportedly from the palace, exquisitely crafted, made of superior material, with particularly pleasant-smelling spices inside. Wu Yining mentioned that wearing it daily could enhance one’s beauty, and gifted it to her; isn’t that a form of flattery?