The matchmaker brought the young maids to the manor. Jun Jiuli selected six honest and dutiful ones, all with indentured contracts.
Their work was uniformly arranged by Lüzhu. Lüzhu spent a long time searching for the right cook for the kitchen.
The two stewards who came along directly took on the roles of house managers. Two more household servants were purchased for errands and rough chores.
After the courtyard was cleaned, Lüzhu chose an auspicious date. She notified Madam Song, and they moved with great joy.
Many people were sent from the Marquis's estate to help. It was all done in half a day.
"I thought the rumors were false. The Marchioness isn't treating this niece poorly. She was busy helping out the whole time. I remember she was still sick."
"Who knows if it's true or an act? Look how happy Madam Song is, while the Marchioness's face has been long and drawn."
"You're being too demanding. The whole family is sickly. How could she possibly be happy?"
"That's true."
"I'm telling you, this second young lady must have some backing to move out. Her paternal grandmother and uncle are still alive. How could they willingly let a young girl establish her own household?"
"Yes, yes. Aren't they afraid of being laughed at?"
"The Marquis's estate agreed. I personally saw the Marquis and Lord Song go to the yamen to handle the household registration."
"Heh, a highly skilled Daoist lives next door to me. He received the Marquis a few days ago. He said this second young lady is incompatible with his family's horoscopes. Otherwise, why would the Marquis's estate let her go, inviting gossip?"
"If you put it that way, could she be a jinx?"
"You believe what those charlatans say? He's just a fraud. He even told my father that I would become a high official. He tricked my father out of a pot of wine."
"How could the Marquis trust an outsider so easily? Isn't that hurting his own niece's feelings? No wonder she insisted on moving out."
"I heard the Marquis initially wanted to send her to the estate, where it's remote. A young girl would be at their mercy."
"If it weren't for Lord Song, how could these things be moved out so openly?"
"Alas, who's to say?"
...
"Miss, Lüzhu was very happy today. Although this house isn't as big as the Marquis's estate, it feels much more comfortable to live in."
"Silly girl, you've had quite a bit to drink. You're tired today too. Go rest quickly."
"Hehehe."
After Jun Jiuli moved, the Marquis kept dropping hints to Lord Song. After some time, seeing that no one from the Marquis's estate was harassing her, Jun Jiuli lived a peaceful life.
Only then did Lord Song plead with the Emperor on behalf of the Marquis of Zhongyong. The censors also stopped scrutinizing him.
The Emperor, busy with state affairs, hadn't paid much attention to a Marquis without a significant position. When Lord Song mentioned him, the Emperor finally remembered him and lifted his house arrest.
Despite still being ill, the Marquis of Zhongyong gritted his teeth and insisted on attending court daily. If he didn't, he feared not only the Emperor but also his colleagues would forget him.
The three young masters of the manor were lying in bed, listless. Zhao Jingyi's foot had improved somewhat. She could get out of bed and walk, but she couldn't put much weight on her right foot, making her movements awkward.
"Mother, since second sister moved out, aunt has had difficulty seeing her. Aunt has come so many times. Let's help her."
The Marchioness wrote on paper, "Mother has her own ways."
"I knew Mother was the most capable. What if the Song family refuses to let this go?"
"A woman who has lost her reputation, no matter how much Madam Song likes her, she won't force her son to marry her."
The mother and daughter exchanged a smile.
The Prime Minister's wife held a chrysanthemum viewing banquet every year, which served as a matchmaking event for their circle.
The Marchioness had already sent an invitation to Jun Jiuli, stating that they were still family and inviting Jun Jiuli to go with her.
After recuperating for some time, Su Wei could also walk on his feet. Dressed up, he looked quite handsome. Madam Wu happily led him out.
The noble ladies chatted inside the pavilion. Zhao Jingyi suddenly clutched her stomach, looking at Jun Jiuli with discomfort.
"Second sister, I feel a bit unwell. Will you accompany me for a walk?"
The others expressed concern, but not with much warmth. Jun Jiuli naturally agreed and took her arm as they walked out.
On the bridge, she said she saw something strange on the lake and pointed with her finger for Jun Jiuli to see.
Jun Jiuli pretended to lean out. Seeing the opportunity, Zhao Jingyi quietly reached for her back.
Jun Jiuli suddenly crouched down. "Oh dear, how careless of me to step on my skirt."
Zhao Jingyi lunged forward. Jun Jiuli forcefully pushed her lower leg. Zhao Jingyi tumbled headfirst into the water. Jun Jiuli stood up and immediately reached out to grab her but missed.
She cried out in panic, "Help! Someone fell into the water!"
The noble ladies in the pavilion had a clear view of the scene. The person who had reached out had fallen in herself. Perhaps she had intended to push her second sister.
With a splash, a person in blue jumped into the water. Judging by the splash, it was a young master. The noble ladies calmed down, ready to watch the show.
Soon, he fished the person out. He took liberties several times during the process, making the noble ladies feel disgusted.
He dragged the person to the shore. Upon realizing the person was not right, he didn't know what to do, but he felt a hidden thrill.
"Fourth sister, fourth sister, what's wrong? Wake up quickly."
As Jun Jiuli spoke, she continuously patted Zhao Jingyi's face. The group of madams also happened to walk over.
Jun Jiuli and Zhao Jingyi were wearing the same color clothes today, differing only in pattern and style. This was all the Marchioness's plan, to make it easier to act.
She hurried over and, upon seeing her daughter had fallen into the trap, broke into a sweat, eager to lead the madams over.
At this moment, a group of noble ladies had already gathered. "Sister Jing Shu, how is Sister Jing Yi?"
"Sister Liu, I don't know. The doctor should be here soon."
"This won't do. We must help her expel the water from her mouth first, or I fear she might not survive until the doctor arrives."
The Marchioness quickly went over, pushed Jun Jiuli aside, and vigorously pressed on Zhao Jingyi's chest.
Zhao Jingyi coughed up several mouthfuls of water and then slowly regained consciousness. Several maids carried her into the house.
"Who is this? The male guests' banquet is clearly not held here."
"I am Su Wei. I was just passing by. I heard someone shouting for help, so I rushed over. I apologize for my intrusion."
After speaking, he tried to slip away. His younger aunt's gaze felt like it could devour him.
"Marchioness, what a coincidence. I recall this is your nephew, isn't it?"
Madam Wu immediately jumped out. "Yes, yes. What a coincidence. It's a good thing you came, or your cousin would have been in danger."
The Marquis's own daughter was more valuable than a rich niece. Perhaps she could even secure a minor official post for his son.
After all, his three sons were useless. If his son married his daughter, he would be considered half a son. Madam Wu's thoughts were delightful.
She began incessantly praising her son, spouting about heroes matching beauty and destined unions.
She was only short of setting the date for a marriage proposal. The Marchioness, unable to speak, nearly lunged to tear her mouth open.