Lu Lingyun spoke, every word measured and slow, yet sharp as a knife, piercing her heart. It left Xing Dai Rong speechless. She felt her pride as a time traveler, her arrogance, crumble into dust before Lu Lingyun. With a sullen face, she left Lu Lingyun’s presence. Back in her own room, she shut herself away in the Leisure Pavilion. When Cheng Yunshuo returned from duty, he immediately asked Qiu Kui about Xing Dai Rong. Qiu Kui informed him of Xing Dai Rong’s confrontation with Lu Lingyun and her subsequent seclusion. At this, Cheng Yunshuo furrowed his brow, displeasure washing over him. He was unhappy, greatly unhappy. He had offered her the position of concubine, yet she dared to go to Lu Lingyun and demand to be elevated. This was utter nonsense! Why did she go to Lu Lingyun? When had Lu Lingyun ever wronged her? How could she be so oblivious to her own standing? Seeing her retreat to her room, seemingly prepared to sulk, Cheng Yunshuo felt both annoyance and anger. He had truly married a handful, a living ancestor!
As he pondered whether to appease or scold Xing Dai Rong, her door swung open from within. Standing calmly at the threshold, Xing Dai Rong met his gaze and spoke softly, “Yunshuo, you’re back.” She showed no trace of her usual temper, leaving Cheng Yunshuo bewildered.
“You went to see Lu Lingyun today?” Cheng Yunshuo asked directly.
“Yes,” Xing Dai Rong replied, still devoid of her usual fiery disposition. She remained at the doorway, “I want to talk to you properly.” Her calmness, bordering on a fragile vulnerability, struck a chord in him. Like a fledgling soaked in a storm, she lacked her usual boisterousness and vivacity. Cheng Yunshuo’s heart softened. He realized it was his actions that had upset her. He was the one who proposed making her a concubine. He had always indulged Xing Dai Rong, so it was understandable that she might be upset.
Cheng Yunshuo decided to speak openly with her, to clear the air. He stepped into the room, saying, “Dai Rong, you won’t be just any ordinary concubine. I will discuss it with Lingyun and make you a Noble Concubine.”
In this era, there could only be one official wife. Beneath her, concubines were divided into three tiers: Noble Concubines, Good Concubines, and Base Concubines. Qiuling was currently a Good Concubine. Generally, a concubine’s rank reflected her family background. A Noble Concubine came from a family with some standing, usually a lesser official’s daughter, or a wealthy merchant’s daughter. A Good Concubine came from a respectable family, or was a well-connected servant of the main family, like Qiuling. A Base Concubine was the lowest tier, comprising actresses, courtesans, orphans who had no one, and were accepted into the household solely for their beauty. Given Xing Dai Rong’s status, the Houfu would not easily accept her as a Base Concubine. However, Cheng Yunshuo’s affections were strong, and for her, he was willing to negotiate with Lu Lingyun and Lady Qin to secure Xing Dai Rong the status of Noble Concubine.
“Noble Concubine?” Xing Dai Rong repeated, a touch of sarcasm in her voice.
Cheng Yunshuo took her hand, continuing, “Dai Rong, titles don’t truly matter. With me, no one in this mansion will dare to bully you. I will ensure you have the best of everything in terms of food, clothing, and lifestyle.”
“The same as Lu Lingyun?” Xing Dai Rong countered.
Cheng Yunshuo choked on his words, his brow furrowed. “Why must you constantly compare yourself to Lingyun?”
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