Chapter 201 Who is the Murderer 8
Chapter 201 Who is the Murderer 8
Shen Lan and she walked for a while and arrived at a tall building in the backyard.
This tall building is the Buddhist pagoda where Madam Tong usually worships Buddha; surely no one will come here today.
Shen Lan led Yan Ni to the top floor of the pagoda, overlooking the entire Tong Mansion and taking in the entire stage.
Jenny was a little nervous, but also a little excited.
She said, "Sister, won't we get caught slacking off here?"
Shen Lan shook her head, "Don't worry, there are many people in the manor today, no one will pay attention to the two little maids. Let's watch the show and then go back."
As they spoke, they noticed that the area around the stage was filled with people, and every single one of them was a lady with an official title.
The performance begins with Lin Miaoniang's dance.
She led twenty-four dancers in a joyful and festive dance.
It was neither particularly outstanding nor bad, but it was still a feast for the eyes.
"This Lin Wuguan is truly stunningly beautiful. I wonder when the Emperor will take her into the palace."
"His Majesty is getting old and may not take this young and beautiful dancer as his concubine, but the next emperor may not."
Everyone thought that Lin Miaoniang would definitely be taken in by the Emperor, and it was only a matter of time.
Therefore, even if they looked down on her status, the ladies would not make things difficult for her.
Lin Miaoniang did not put in her full effort in the dance she choreographed this time.
The main reason was that she knew the Tong family was wealthy and powerful, and if she stood out too much, she might be resented by others.
Shen Lan watched her dance from the tower and said to Yan Ni, "She truly deserves to be called the queen of dance; her beauty is simply breathtaking."
Jenny was not interested in dancing.
She was just a dancer; if it weren't for the princess's patronage, her status would be even lower than hers.
"Does your sister like watching dancing?"
"I don't think anyone would dislike it, right? It's so beautiful!"
Jenny said dismissively, "She's nothing but a prostitute."
"No, not anymore. She is now a female official with a rank."
Yanni sensed her envy and asked curiously, "Does Sister also want to become a female official?"
"You do not want it?"
Of course!
As a woman, especially one who was a slave, who wouldn't want to change their life and become their own master?
Shen Lan tempted her, "My sister also has a chance."
"How to say?"
"You are the young master's wife's confidante, and soon you will be the young master's head maid. As long as you... serve the young master well, he will find you a good marriage. Then you will naturally be able to get rid of your slave status and change your life."
"How easy is that? It's better to be a concubine; at least you won't have to worry about food and drink for the rest of your life."
Shen Lan never expected that she had such intentions.
The young master of the Zhenyuan Marquis's mansion is too young; she certainly can't expect anything from a little kid.
Therefore, her target is the heir of the Marquis of Zhenyuan!
Shen Lan has perked up.
She asked, seemingly casually, "You want to be the Crown Prince's concubine? Would the Crown Prince's wife agree?"
Yanni bit her lip, not wanting to say more, but out of pride, she said haughtily, "This is what the Crown Prince's wife promised me?"
Shen Lan was even more surprised, "She wants to elevate you to the position of concubine?"
Jenny nodded.
"Wait a minute, didn't you say before that the Crown Prince's wife wanted you to be the young master's head maid?"
Jenny hesitated before saying, "Perhaps these two things are not contradictory."
Shen Lan pinched her cheek. "Silly sister, how could there be such a good thing? You either serve the young master obediently or become the prince's concubine. You can't have both."
Jenny was also unsure.
She couldn't very well discuss this matter in the Marquis's residence, but now that she had met a kindred spirit, she naturally spoke her mind freely.
"Which path do you think I should take, sister?"
Shen Lan sincerely analyzed the situation for her.
"This is something that concerns your entire life. You need to know what you want and which path is easier to take."
For example, if you want to become the Crown Prince's concubine, what are your chances of winning his favor? What is the Crown Prince's wife's personality? Is she tolerant and generous?
Yanni hugged herself tightly, shook her head and smiled bitterly: "The Crown Prince's wife is very strict with him. All the concubines in the back courtyard are people she arranged, but none of them have gotten pregnant yet."
The servants in the manor all suspected that the young master's wife was behind it.
"If that's the case, it means the Crown Prince's wife is jealous. If you want to climb the social ladder, this path won't be easy!"
Jenny nodded and said, "That's right, so I'm willing to serve the young master when Madam asks me to."
Shen Lan spoke up for her, saying, "But the young master is still young. When he grows up, there will be maids of the same age who will win his favor. How will you handle that then?"
If you could be fortunate enough to marry a good steward, that would be fine. But I fear the young master doesn't consider these things, and you'll be wasting your precious youth!
This is also what Jenny is worried about.
She was in the prime of her life and certainly didn't want to waste her time.
She had seen the Crown Prince's wife's methods before, so how could she dare to risk her reputation?
Shen Lan continued to coax her, "Why don't you tell me what you've thought of, and I'll give you some ideas."
Jenny was moved to tears, "Thank you, sister. I was also hesitant."
"Leaving aside other matters, what kind of person is the Crown Prince's wife?"
Yanni pouted, "Don't be fooled by our Crown Prince's wife's usual generous and proper demeanor. In reality, she keeps a close eye on the Crown Prince. She will be unhappy if anyone tries to get close to him."
"What can she do if she's unhappy? These days, which high-ranking official doesn't have three wives and four concubines? Don't worry, as long as she still cares about her reputation, she won't dare to do anything to you."
Jenny thought she was very naive.
Not wanting to reveal too much, she gave an ambiguous answer: "I am very grateful for your kindness, sister, but things in the manor are complicated and not so easy to explain."
Shen Lan was puzzled. "It's just a matter of how magnanimous the Crown Prince's wife is. What's so complicated about it? You and the Crown Prince's wife are of the same lineage, so she will definitely support you."
Jenny seemed to be thinking about something and refused to speak.
Shen Lan leaned closer to her and asked softly, "You seem very afraid of the Crown Prince's wife?"
"The Crown Prince's wife is truly awe-inspiring," said Yanni.
But it was clear that she was also somewhat scared.
“The Crown Prince’s wife needs to establish her authority to manage the household, but you are different. You are from the same lineage as the Crown Prince’s wife, so she can’t possibly dislike you. You don’t need to have such concerns.”
Jenny thought her words made a lot of sense. "Should I do that?"
"Of course, we should follow our hearts. If you want to rise in rank, then we'll think of something that the Crown Prince's wife can tolerate, so as not to cause her trouble for you."
Jenny bit her lip and said, "She...the Crown Prince's wife might not agree."
"It doesn't matter if she disagrees, the important thing is whether the Crown Prince will agree."
Shen Lan pondered for a moment before asking, "How is the relationship between the young master and his wife?"
"Okay."
Hearing this answer, Shen Lan suddenly felt uncertain.
"How good is 'okay'?"
"It's just that... the Crown Prince rarely has affairs, but sometimes he can't help himself, and his wife gets very angry when she finds out."
Shen Lan frowned and asked, "Is her anger that scary?"
"Yes, it's terrifying!"
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