Chapter 1

Chapter 1

I lowered my head even further. “This servant… will follow Madam’s teachings. I will devote my heart and soul to serving the Heir and Madam!”

Shen Yujiao instructed her attendants, “Arrange a separate room for her. Her monthly allowance and supplies are to follow the standard for a Concubine.”

The servants’ gazes remained disdainful, yet they were now tinged with a complex, probing curiosity.

I was tossed into a secluded little room in the West Wing.

I had barely stumbled a few steps and found my footing when the sound of very light footsteps came from outside the window.

An unfamiliar voice drifted in through a crack in the door. “Is the girl settled? Master wants to know-is the deed done?”

My heart hammered against my ribs. My voice carried a sob as I replied, “Who’s out there? I… I don’t know anything… Madam just punished me… Please, I beg you, spare me…”

There was a moment of silence outside.

Then, the voice grew impatient. “Stop playing dumb! Do you really think no one knows what happened last night?”

My voice shook violently. “What happened last night… This servant merely served the Heir a cup of tea… It was the Heir who…”

The person outside snorted coldly, and the sound of footsteps vanished at the end of the veranda.

As I thought, someone was watching.

The incense from last night was definitely no accident.

Part 2

While I was lost in thought, the door opened.

Nanny Zhao entered carrying a wooden tray. “Miss Ah Wu-oh, no, I should call you Concubine now.”

She set the wooden tray on the table. “Madam is kind; this is her reward for you. In the future, keep to your place and serve the Heir well. You’ll have your share of benefits.”

On the tray were two sets of dresses and a silver hairpin.

I hurried to express my gratitude.

Nanny Zhao huffed. “It’s good that you’re sensible. Don’t think that just because you’ve climbed into his bed, you’re a real master now. Madam wants you to think carefully… was there something that shouldn’t have been in that tea last night?”

I fell to my knees with a thud and grabbed the hem of her clothes. “Nanny, I am being wronged! It was just ordinary Pre-rain Longjing tea…”

Nanny Zhao shook me off with disgust. “Whether you’re wronged or not, Madam will be the judge. Mind your tongue… or else, watch your skin!”

She turned and left, and the door clicked shut again.

I crawled up from the floor and silently finished the cold rice and vegetables that had been sent over.

Lying in bed, sleep eluded me.

A faint sound came from the door.

I crept to the door on bare feet and pressed against it.

There was a rustling movement outside.

My heart tightened.

Something wrapped in oil paper was shoved through the gap, landing right at my feet.