"This is all what a maid should do," Liufu replied with her head lowered, "If Madam has any requests, please feel free to instruct, I will do my utmost to fulfill them."

Mrs. Chen looked at her with satisfaction and nodded slightly, "It’s nothing important." Her eyes glowed with kindness and warmth, "How old are you this year?"

"Replying to Madam, I am eighteen this year." Liufu still kept her head bowed, feeling as though she was sitting on pins and needles.

Mrs. Chen nodded, then suddenly reached out affectionately to take Liufu’s hand in hers, surprising Liufu who stiffly looked at Mrs. Chen. Mrs. Chen laughed, "My husband is gentle and generous, surely you know him better than I do..." Liufu nodded stiffly and then shook her head, to which Mrs. Chen smiled, "It’s okay, you’ve been by husband’s side longer than I have; this is a fact I’m not wary of."

Liufu sighed with relief, Liufu and Caixia had both been serving the Seventh Young Master closely for several years in the household, watching him grow from a naïve boy into the prudent and stable person he was becoming, like a gem nearing its moment of brilliance!

After ten years of companionship, they had developed deep feelings, and the Seventh Young Master did not treat her as a servant. In her heart, she too... But this kind of relationship is precisely what she worries about, for when he marries Madam, will the Seventh Young Madam dislike or suppress them? Such matters are common both in this household and others.

Because of this, she and Caixia have been on edge, which is why after the initial contact with the new wife, she and Caixia had that conversation!

Caixia, after all, is older, having been betrothed earlier, but before she could marry, her fiancé died. Thus, the marriage didn’t count, otherwise she would have been a widow now. Due to this, her marriage was delayed, and customarily, she should have been sent out of the household, but the Seventh Young Master and the First Young Madam pleaded on her behalf, saying the room can’t be without Caixia. The First Young Madam agreed to keep her for another year, until the new Madam started managing things. So Caixia only needs to follow the rules; she was meant to leave, whereas Liufu... She too is eighteen this year, and according to custom, should leave next year, but...

Liufu quickly glanced at Mrs. Chen, having no other thoughts than to wish the Seventh Young Master happiness, not daring to think of anything else.

With her thoughts in disarray, Liufu replied, "Although I’ve served by Seventh Master’s side for several years, ultimately as a servant, I dare not overstep; Madam’s words make me anxious." Saying this, she attempted to stand.

"I was just speaking casually, no need to be so nervous." Mrs. Chen held her down, "I know you’re sensible, which is why I’m discussing this with you." Liufu quickly looked up at Mrs. Chen, sensing a foreboding, hearing Mrs. Chen say, "I’m expecting. I can still handle things in the room, but husband... Although I have four maids by my side, none compare to you in understanding his preferences and habits, making you the most suitable choice."

Liufu’s heart skipped a beat in astonishment, staring at Mrs. Chen!

The Seventh Young Madam wanted to give her a title, didn’t she?

It’s not something she hasn’t considered, but only as a fleeting thought. Mrs. Chen mentioned how well she understood the Seventh Young Master’s temperament, precisely because she knew him well, such presumptuous thoughts she never dared entertain.

"Seventh Young Madam... does the Seventh Young Master know?" Liufu’s face flushed with an urge to speak, Mrs. Chen replied, "I worried about your overthinking, so spoke with you first. I’ll talk to husband later." She patted Liufu’s hand, "Don’t worry; I’ll handle everything. Just prepare yourself, calmly become his bride."

Liufu turned pale with tension, Mrs. Chen finished speaking, seemingly exhausted, leaning back against the headboard, eyes closed, "Go and tidy yourself. Come over tonight." Concubine advised her to be virtuous and not monopolize her husband; she tried, but knowing it tore at her heart as if someone was slicing her soul with a knife. She couldn’t help taking a breath, lacking the courage now even to look at Liufu, fearing she might regret her decision!

"Seventh Young Madam..." Liufu wanted to speak, Mrs. Chen waved a hand, opening her eyes with a smile, "Go on, don’t be afraid... Nanny Zou will help you clean up and style yourself, asking her if you’re unsure."

Liufu anxiously knelt beside the bed with a thud.

Mrs. Chen looked at her in shock, "What’s wrong?" Tears streamed down Liufu’s face as she hastily wiped them away with her sleeve, kneeling straight-backed on the floor, "Madam, forgive my disrespect, I can’t agree to this."

"What?" Mrs. Chen was too surprised for words, all the maids she knew dreamed of becoming concubines, then having a child or two under their master’s watchful eye and being promoted to concubine, how could anyone refuse?

"Seventh Young Madam," Liufu said firmly, "I understand you protect the Seventh Young Master, but you should ask him if he agrees first!"

Tong Minzhi wouldn’t refuse? Mrs. Chen was taken aback, a hint of uncertainty; had she been overthinking it?

She was about to speak when Tong Minzhi entered with a somewhat displeased look. Mrs. Chen called out, "Husband, you’re back!" She moved to greet him.

Liufu also startled, stood up without waiting for Mrs. Chen’s command, bowed her head to hide her tear-stained eyes from Tong Minzhi.

Tong Minzhi, having overheard Liufu’s words outside the door about asking if he would agree, and now seeing Liufu has evidently cried, didn’t know what Mrs. Chen had done, his face slightly darkened.

Seeing Mrs. Chen eager to rise, he quickly stepped forward, "Stay lying down, avoid dizziness from the hurry!"

Mrs. Chen was gently held by him, reluctantly lying back down, her earlier distress calmed slightly.

"I have some matters, please excuse me." Liufu said awkwardly, not daring to meet Tong Minzhi’s gaze, briefly bowed to the couple and swiftly retreated.

Tong Minzhi looked puzzled but did not inquire, instead asked Mrs. Chen, "Dinner was early. Do you want to have something to eat?"

"Husband," seizing the moment Tong Minzhi had just seen everything, Mrs. Chen decided to speak, "I have something to discuss with you."

Tong Minzhi raised an eyebrow, sat on the stool where Liufu had just sat, looking at Mrs. Chen, waiting for her to speak.

Mrs. Chen pondered briefly before telling Tong Minzhi her plan, not waiting for her to finish, Tong Minzhi’s face turned solemn, "What nonsense are you saying!" He looked at Mrs. Chen displeased, "Don’t bring up these matters again in the future!"

"Husband?" Mrs. Chen didn’t know whether to feel joyful or surprised, "But I’m expecting, and there must be someone in the room to manage things."