Chapter 218: Chapter 218: Protecting Her Otherworldly Soul
Qu Fulan hurriedly put the jade pendant back into the space, then got up to greet Heir Pei.
As Pei Ji’an entered, his gaze swept up and down Qu Fulan, then casually asked, "Where did you go just now?"
Qu Fulan found Heir Pei to be somewhat odd at the moment, but couldn’t pinpoint why. So, she recounted where she had been and then asked what was the matter.
Pei Ji’an lifted his robe and sat down, accepting the tea handed over by a maid. He said nonchalantly, "Oh, nothing, just asking."
Qu Fulan didn’t mention the jade pendant glowing. She didn’t know the purpose of the pendant Pei Ji’an carried, but she used it to protect her cross-world soul.
So, talking carelessly about things she herself couldn’t fully grasp might just be tempting fate.
Otherwise, if Heir Pei learned that her pendant could glow, he would surely inquire about the reason, right? And if he found something out, how could she explain?
After all, having crossed worlds, being cautious in her actions was always right—talk less, do more.
As for the reason the jade pendant glowed, she believed she’d understand it one day.
On the other hand, in the second branch of the family, because Cheng Ru was recently recovering emotionally, she didn’t manage household affairs temporarily.
The second madam’s illness always lingered without a cure due to her age, an unchangeable matter.
Logically, as the daughter-in-law, Ren Hua should help with some affairs, but having just married, she hadn’t yet grasped everything and couldn’t manage the household for the time being.
Besides, as a daughter-in-law, she had to care for her sick mother-in-law, so she tackled matters step by step.
For now, most matters rested on the shoulders of the Third Miss. She temporarily set aside other tasks to manage the inner residence affairs.
Fortunately, as a trueborn lady, the Third Miss had the necessary decisiveness to keep the housekeeper mothers in line, ensuring compliance and preventing dishonesty.
Actually, in this aspect, Cheng Ru did a better job than the Third Miss, even though she was not from a wealthy family and seemed very easy-going, she was really skillful, using both firmness and gentleness to handle those veteran housekeepers.
Some people are perhaps naturally adept at management; this skill was why the second madam entrusted Cheng Ru to assist with household management.
Presently, the Third Miss only hoped Cheng Ru could recover soon to continue assisting her in managing the household; otherwise, it was too hard for one person.
When Cheng Ru might recover was still unclear, but because she wasn’t managing affairs temporarily, Master Lu at the family temple was also neglected.
Originally, three meals a day were delivered by someone, all hot and decent. Now, Master Lu had eaten days of cold leftovers.
The problem was that the person delivering food wasn’t timely; breakfast arrived at noon, leaving one hungry all morning. And not only cold, it seemed like leftovers. In summer, it was passable, but in winter, the oil solidified—how could one eat it?
Master Lu had to light a fire herself to reheat the food. But having not collected firewood for a long time, there was none at the temple, forcing her to go hungry up the mountain for more.
In such frustration, she inevitably asked about Cheng Ru’s condition.
Most of the servants acted opportunistically. When Cheng Ru managed, they needed to watch their behavior; now that Cheng Ru was like this, they naturally feared nothing, "Doesn’t Master know? Miss Cheng’s embarrassment has reached its peak; she’s too busy crying in her room to care for these matters! In the future, Master Lu should provide for your meals herself. The temple has a kitchen, there’s firewood on the back hill, and there’s plenty of supplies, but we’re all busy and have no time to deliver meals."
Such words naturally enraged Master Lu, but she suppressed her anger, saying calmly, "What exactly happened? What’s wrong with Cheng Ru?"
The maid didn’t mind telling, anyway, as long as news didn’t spread, she narrated what happened.
"Tsk tsk, said she wasn’t seen indecently, but who knows the truth? Perhaps everything was seen; otherwise, why not dare go out till now?"
The power of rumors is fearsome, and three people can act like a tiger. The whole matter is a mix of truth and speculation.
After speaking, the maid swaggered away, leaving Master Lu frowning with disgust, filled with concern.
Since Heir Pei had spoken, within the entire Pei Mansion, only Cheng Ru could care for Master Lu due to her relative status. To involve the Third Miss and others from the clan would contradict Heir Pei.
Now that such a thing happened to Cheng Ru, she couldn’t take care of herself, let alone Master Lu.
Master Lu felt bad at heart, thinking that future necessities of life would depend on others, sinking her heart further.
This situation might last until the Marquis returns.
Screwing her eyes shut tightly, Master Lu endured all the humiliation and discomfort, trying hard to finish the food in her bowl.
Meanwhile, Ji Nishang wasn’t having a good time either.
She wanted to send people to test the recipe at Qu Fulan’s "Pig’s Trotter Noodles" shop, but they simply didn’t hire workers, making it impossible.
After much consideration, Ji Nishang realized on her own she wasn’t lacking. Why follow their steps? She could pursue business her own way.
Once her business grew, she could naturally overshadow the Pei Family, delight her aunt, and catch her cousin’s attention.
As for Qu Fulan, an unprotected orphan who now seemed to have the Pei Mansion as her backing—when Heir Pei married in the future, where would there be a place for her?
Eventually, besides the Xiao Family, where else could she go? And once in the Xiao Family, she would be even easier to control.
Having figured it out, Ji Nishang used her knowledge of the Capital City to seek new commercial opportunities.
She decided on the clothing business due to its high profit. With capital on hand, she could start after the New Year.
After the New Year, Qu Fulan would age another year.
Then, an important event occurred at the Pei Mansion.
Marquis Pei returned, naturally bringing the Marchioness with him.
However, the Marchioness was severely injured and unconscious; due to poor border conditions, she had to be brought back to the Capital City for healing.
Meanwhile, with sudden changes in the southern and northern border battles, Heir Pei and Prince Xiao headed to the borders, one south and one north.
Upon hearing this news, Master Lu summoned Cheng Ru, "The Marquis is back; your great fortune has arrived."
After such a long period of mental adjustment, Cheng Ru had long emerged from the initial gloom.
However, her prestige within the Pei Mansion suffered greatly.
Now that the Marquis returned and the heirs had to leave, with Master Lu’s assistance, her good fortune was indeed upon her.
Conversely, Qu Fulan’s luck, reliant on Heir Pei, was at an end.
Yet before Cheng Ru found a chance to act, Qu Fulan disappeared.
Upon investigation, it was discovered that Heir Pei, when heading to the border, took Qu Fulan with him!