"The Young Madam has returned." Seeing her arrival, the maids standing guard by the door announced her presence one after another.

Qi Yue walked in and proceeded directly toward the Heir's chambers.

"Young Madam." Qiu Xiang rushed out as soon as she heard the announcement. Unlike previous times when her greetings held a mixture of fear and disdain, now her face was entirely wreathed in smiles. "I was just about to come look for you."

Qi Yue didn't even spare her a glance and went inside.

Chang Yuncheng sat on a chair sipping tea, utterly still, not lifting his eyelids, as if he hadn't heard or seen her enter.

In one corner of the room stood two maids, perhaps sixteen or seventeen, who hastily bowed to Qi Yue.

Qi Yue took no offense, sitting down in the chair next to Chang Yuncheng, smiling as she observed the two maids.

They were pleasingly rounded in figure, their hair done up in simple coils, adorned with few trinkets, and dressed in the standard attire of second-tier maids.

"Raise your heads so I can see you," Qi Yue said with a smile.

The two maids first exchanged a glance while keeping their heads down, then lifted them.

Oval faces, almond eyes, their expressions soft and lovely.

Qi Yue once more praised the discerning eye of the Dingxi Marquisate for selecting servants—charming without being wanton, delicate without being common.

"These are the women bestowed upon me by Mother," Chang Yuncheng finally spoke, still not sparing Qi Yue a single glance.

Hearing this, the two maids immediately knelt and kowtowed to Qi Yue.

"Greetings, Young Madam," they said.

Qiu Xiang, standing nearby, instantly presented two bowls of tea. The two maids accepted them, knelt before Qi Yue, and raised the bowls.

Qi Yue watched them with a gentle smile, making no move to accept.

"Young Madam," Qiu Xiang prompted softly.

"These two maids are not attractive enough; I don't like them. Choose again," Qi Yue said, still smiling.

The two maids kneeling on the ground could no longer maintain their composure and stared up at the Young Madam in astonishment.

A’Ru, standing behind Qi Yue, felt an overwhelming urge to reach out and pinch her, breaking out in a cold sweat from anxiety.

Everyone was surprised, except for Chang Yuncheng; a flicker of understanding actually crossed his eyes.

Didn't this woman take delight in opposing him? Indeed, it was worthwhile bringing people here to watch the show when he was in good spirits.

"I like them," he finally looked at Qi Yue, a cold smile touching his lips as he spoke.

"My Lord Heir speaks lightly, but must the rules of the household be thrown into chaos merely because you approve?"

Ben Yue slowly stroked her fingers as she spoke, "Father was so fond of Concubine Zhu, yet even without Mother's consent, he kept her quartered outside the residence for several years before being allowed back."

Saying this, she raised her eyes to look at Chang Yuncheng.

"The Worthy Prince sets the example; yet you, his son, presume to overstep your own father?" she questioned with a smile.

Chang Yuncheng looked at her, and Qi Yue looked back at him.

You use your mother to suppress me, so I will use your father to suppress you. Who is afraid of whom? It is not yet certain who is more distasteful.

The atmosphere in the room instantly turned taut; the maids trembled, not daring to draw a breath.

"Are you jealous?" Chang Yuncheng suddenly dropped his severe demeanor, leaning back in his chair, speaking slowly, his expression toward Qi Yue a mixture of irony and amusement.

"Jealous of what?" Qi Yue laughed. "They aren't even as radiant as I am; why would I be jealous of them?"

The maids could hold back no longer and all stared at Qi Yue. This Young Madam truly has no sense of modesty. Chang Yuncheng watched her and let out an unbidden laugh.

This woman was truly, truly rather interesting.

"However, since it is what the Heir desires..." Qi Yue's tone shifted abruptly, "I shall defer to you, My Lord Heir."

The suddenly tense atmosphere immediately eased.

A’Ru managed to exhale from nearly suffocating, while a hint of disappointment crossed Qiu Xiang's face.

What nonsense is the Young Madam playing at, swinging between extremes...

Chang Yuncheng simply watched her without speaking.

"I will pick better ones for you in the future, My Lord Heir," Qi Yue offered him with a bright smile.

Chang Yuncheng gave a cold smile and remained silent.

Qi Yue spoke no more, reaching out to take the tea from the two maids who were still kneeling on the floor, their bodies trembling slightly.

"You two may rise now, and serve the Heir well." She took a slight sip from each cup and set them down.

As she spoke, she glanced around, grabbing a pair of exquisitely crafted, small, delicate Meiren Ping (Beauty Vases) from the table.

"Things happened suddenly, and I came unprepared. The items in the Heir's room are all of the finest quality... these two are for your reward." Qi Yue declared.

Since she absolutely would not spend her own money or give her own possessions, rewarding him with things not listed under her name was perfectly convenient.

The two kneeling maids stared blankly at the Meiren Ping before them.

This... this kind of welcoming gift was certainly unique...

Their gazes drifted to Qi Yue's wrists, where she wore a pair of brilliant, golden bracelets inlaid with turquoise stones that glittered dazzlingly. They had heard that the Young Madam's dowry consisted of treasures the Old Marchioness had accumulated over a lifetime—everything she wore, used, or displayed was incomparably valuable. Qi Yue withdrew her hands.

The two tongfang (secondary wives/concubines) accepted the vases, bowed, and thanked her.

"Qiu Xiang, go tell the kitchen to prepare a few extra dishes tonight; we have cause for celebration," Qi Yue announced.

Qiu Xiang glanced at Chang Yuncheng.

Chang Yuncheng leaned back against the chair, seemingly lost in thought.

Seeing Qi Yue staring at her, Qiu Xiang dared not delay and responded with an affirmative before withdrawing.

"Thank you for your generosity, Young Madam; we dare not accept," the two tongfang maids had completed their formalities. Their faces lost their earlier tension, and they spoke to Qi Yue with smiles.

"How could that be? You serve the Heir; that is a matter of the utmost importance," Qi Yue replied cheerfully.

A’Ru behind her finally breathed a sigh of relief. Qi Yue turned to ask her if there were other arrangements needed. Seeing how agreeable the Young Madam was, the two tongfang maids felt both happy and unable to conceal a touch of smugness. After all, they were people gifted by the First Mistress, and moreover, the Heir did not favor the Young Madam, so naturally, the Young Madam had to be more polite to them.

The two tongfang lost their initial restraint and began engaging Qi Yue in conversation, making the gathering of the three or four women in the room decidedly lively.

The more Chang Yuncheng listened, the gloomier his expression became. He placed his teacup heavily onto the table, and the women's laughter in the room instantly ceased.

"Are you finished?" he said sternly. "If not, finish outside."

Qi Yue smiled and stood up, waving dismissively at the two maids who were frozen in fear.

"Go, go, you two step down for now," she said.

The two tongfang gratefully withdrew in haste. Qi Yue, supporting A’Ru, also rose to leave. Reaching the doorway, she stopped as if remembering something.

"My Lord Heir," she paused, turning back to look at Chang Yuncheng, "I was just thinking of telling you as well. The daily household affairs are complicated, with people coming and going. Now that two more have been added, this courtyard has become increasingly chaotic. To avoid disturbing your peace and quiet, I shall move back to the Qiutong Courtyard immediately."

A’Ru was clearly unaware of this plan and gasped upon hearing it.

Chang Yuncheng looked up at her and suddenly smiled.

"So that's how it is," he chuckled.

Qi Yue looked at his smile, feeling a chill in her heart. A saying surfaced in her mind: Don't fear the night owl crying, fear the night owl laughing...

"My Lord Heir, thank you for these past days. You helped me, and I helped you; we are now settled," she quickly stated.

"Indeed, I went to check today; my subordinate has recovered and already returned north today," Chang Yuncheng said with a smile, standing up. "I was just meaning to inform you specifically."

Although she had already anticipated this outcome, Qi Yue was genuinely pleased to hear him confirm it, and a real smile touched her face.

"Is that so? Then thank you, My Lord Heir. You must tell him to be careful for a while longer, to prevent the wound from being aggravated," she said with a smile.

Chang Yuncheng nodded.

"Fine, I understand. I will relay the message," he smiled. "Now, is there anything else to say? Is your favor fulfilled?"

"No more," Qi Yue replied brightly. "I have completed this favor for you."

"Very well, then you can get out of here." Chang Yuncheng laughed.

Ben Yue's smile vanished instantly; she snorted and turned away, sweeping her hand in a gesture.

But Chang Yuncheng's voice behind her suddenly rose in volume.

"Someone! Call the staff! The Young Madam has been too overworked recently and is unwell; she needs to go recuperate at Biyun Manor!" he shouted loudly.

At this declaration, everyone outside the room was utterly stunned.

"Chang Yuncheng, what did you say?" Qi Yue turned around, her eyes wide, demanding.

"I said, get lost," Chang Yuncheng looked at her, still wearing that smile. "Didn't you say your favor was done? I don't need you anymore, do I?"

"Chang Yuncheng, you can't be this unreasonable!" Qi Yue walked over in anger. "I already said I won't live here anymore; don't push it too far."

"Not living here isn't far enough," Chang Yuncheng sneered. "You need to roll far away, so I never see you again, that is far enough."

"Chang Yuncheng, you dream on!" Qi Yue lunged forward, grabbing the lapel of Chang Yuncheng's robe and shouting.

Leaving the Dingxi Marquisate—that was impossible. She absolutely could not leave here; how would she manage to return?

"Then watch, see if I can," Chang Yuncheng gripped her wrist tightly.

Qi Yue couldn't help but cry out in pain, feeling as if her wrist bones were grinding apart.

"My Lord Heir, My Lord Heir, please calm your anger." A’Ru rushed forward crying, kowtowing repeatedly.

Chang Yuncheng grunted, then abruptly released his grip. Qi Yue stumbled back several steps, clutching her wrist, a cold sweat breaking out on her forehead from the pain.

"Chang Yuncheng, you are utterly shameless! Burning bridges after crossing them, is this how you behave?" she looked up at the man and spoke slowly.

The man stood with his hands behind his back, observing her with a mocking smile plastered on his face.

"I burned the bridge. What can you do about it?" he laughed.

Qi Yue looked at that handsome, smiling face, wanting nothing more than to raise her hand and strike it, but she knew hitting him would be useless.

"Fine," she said, rubbing the wrist that was already bruising under his grip, glaring fiercely at him. "I hope you don't regret this, that you never have to beg me for help one day."

"I beg you?" Chang Yuncheng threw his head back and burst into loud laughter. The laughter abruptly cut short, and he pointed outward with his hand, spitting out a single, cold word: "Scram."

Recommendation: The Concubine is Gentle and Good

In her previous life, she adhered to the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, taking her husband as heaven, only to be ultimately murdered by the husband she served, resulting in the death of both mother and child.

Heaven granted her a chance at rebirth, so she would exact revenge for every wrong and settle every grievance.

The concubine was gentle and good, but she would no longer allow herself to be trampled underfoot and played with in the palm of another's hand.

The summary is inadequate; please read the main text.