Old Madam Wei is a woman who understands the bigger picture.

She herself gave birth to a son and a daughter, but then was unable to have more children. For the prosperity of the Wei State Duke Mansion, she proactively arranged for her husband to take concubines, earning a reputation for virtuousness in Daliang.

The concubines, once they entered the Duke Mansion, were treated well, and their children were raised with care. Several of them became outstanding.

Therefore, everyone in the mansion has great respect for this Old Madam Wei.

Seeing her own example, Old Madam Wei naturally hopes her descendants can do the same, so she particularly favors children who understand the bigger picture.

Wei Yundai was once the treasure of the household, even though she had several younger sisters, they were all born to concubines. Key to this was that they all flattered her, making her feel like she was the unmatched moon in the sky.

So, at that time, she had a good grasp of herself.

Even if there were things that displeased her, she wouldn’t show it.

Old Madam Wei was very satisfied with her and often praised her, giving her many gifts, which only made Wei Yundai even more conceited.

By rights, she wouldn’t likely commit any repeated indiscretions, but ironically, Long Yue impersonated Wei Yunyan, who was two years her senior.

Once she entered, she became the eldest Miss.

Even though she was only a concubine’s daughter, in terms of seniority, she had to be called "elder sister."

Wei Yundai, proud and arrogant, could not tolerate this. Thus, conflicts and confrontations arose.

She was spoiled, unable to match Long Yue’s cunning, and thus tragedy befell her.

Old Madam Wei glanced disappointedly at Wei Yundai and slowly stood up: "It’s getting late, everyone disperse, please!"

After such a turmoil, Long Yue had been introduced, though the key was that Old Madam Wei was in a poor mood and didn’t feel like lingering any longer.

Two maids immediately stepped forward, with one raising her hand to let Old Madam Wei lean on her palm, supporting her as she left.

"Miss Wei, please follow me!"

A woman in her thirties stepped forward and saluted. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

She was to take her to her residence.

Long Yue nodded slightly: "Thank you, Auntie."

"There is no need for thanks, for we are servants, while you are the master. It is our duty to serve, and I hope you remember that you are the master at all times and in all places. You must carry the demeanor of a master!"

"Thank you for the advice, Auntie!"

Long Yue could tell that this auntie was under Old Madam Wei, likely sent to welcome her; as for talk about the master being the master, servant being the servant, well, just listen to it, don’t take it to heart.

The deeper into the hierarchy of such noble houses, the clearer the distinctions; even though masters and servants differed, it depended on the status of the master and the servant.

Take the Imperial Palace, for instance. A concubine who falls out of favor and is sent to the Cold Palace is not even as highly regarded as a favored concubine’s close servant!

A concubine is still a concubine, having once been the Emperor’s woman, even if fallen; but a favored concubine’s close servant is just a servant.

In principle, can a servant compare to a master?

Of course not, but reality is harsh!

Long Yue had long seen through all this. At this moment, she would not put on airs and the necessary courtesies to those around the Old Madam cannot be spared.

The auntie seemed somewhat stunned by Long Yue’s calm composure and sense of decorum, then revealed a somewhat comforting smile.

"Very well, come with me!"

With that, Long Yue followed the auntie onwards.

Along the way, the maids and servants who saw Long Yue only offered slight bows, barely considered greetings, none as reverent as they were with Wei Yundai earlier.

This was the difference!

However, Long Yue’s heart remained tranquil.

Following the auntie through winding corridors, passing through gardens and pavilions, they arrived at a courtyard.

This place was quite secluded and the courtyard appeared old; it was clear it wasn’t a good place.

The auntie brought her here and said, "Miss, there are no spare courtyards in the mansion, so you may have to put up with this for a few days. When another courtyard is vacated, we’ll arrange for you."

Long Yue said simply, "Alright!"

"Greetings to Miss!"

From within the courtyard, two maids and two servants emerged, bowing to Long Yue.

"This is Dong Mei, this is Yu Zhu. They will be your personal maids from now on. If there’s anything to be done, just instruct them. The other two are A cheng and A yao; if there are any heavy tasks, just call on them!"

"Alright!"

"In that case, I will take my leave."

"Take care, Auntie!"

After the auntie left, Long Yue turned to look at the four behind her. These were the servants allocated to her. They looked obedient and submissive, but among them were definitely people placed by Mrs. Wei, or perhaps they all were!

Long Yue chose not to expose them and merely looked at them indifferently.

"I don’t care who your masters were before this, but from now on, I am your master. Our honor is one, our disgrace is one, and I hope you know your place! you’er!"

"Ah—"

Long Yue called out, and you’er appeared from somewhere beside her.

"He is my sworn brother. If I am your master, so is he. From now on, you must listen to him and not disobey!"

The two maids and the two servants exchanged glances but didn’t speak.

Long Yue’s expression turned cold, and she said, "What is it? Not listening to the master’s words?"

"Miss, you are the eldest Miss of the Wei State Duke Mansion, so we must listen to your instructions and serve you, but he is just an outsider; we absolutely cannot agree to that!"

It was Dong Mei who spoke, looking petite but speaking with sharpness.

Her meaning was clear. You are the Miss, we have no problem serving you, but asking us to serve you’er, an outsider, is out of the question.

Long Yue squinted slightly and walked forward slowly, asking, "You are maids, I am the master, correct?"

Dong Mei was taken aback, nodded and said, "Yes!"

"When the master instructs the maids to do something, can the maids bargain?"

Long Yue’s question was equally sharp, and Dong Mei’s face immediately turned grim!

"Maid..." She hesitated for a moment, then said, "does not dare."

"Oh? If you do not dare, then whence the previous words?"

Dong Mei was startled again. She raised her head, looking at Long Yue in shock.

She had been placed by Mrs. Wei specifically to make things difficult for Long Yue, to make her life hard, but now, instead of causing Long Yue trouble, it was clear that Long Yue was holding the whip against her!

This eldest Miss Wei was not so easily dealt with!

Dong Mei bit her red lip and said, "Spare me, Miss. It was my own ignorance; please forgive me, Miss!"

In any case, this was always the master. If she wanted to make a fuss, as a maid, there was no way she could bear the consequences alone. Mistress might protect her, but since she was to serve Wei Yunyan, the Mistress couldn’t help her every time she got into trouble, could she?

Dong Mei was wise, understanding the principle of strong enemies weak self, weak enemies strong self. With this formidable eldest Miss, there was no need to confront her head-on.

Long Yue, seeing Dong Mei knew how to endure, couldn’t help but chuckle softly, "Do you understand your mistake?"

"Yes, this servant understands her mistake!"

"Hmm, knowing one’s mistakes and correcting them is most commendable. Thus, I will not punish you severely, but without rules, nothing can be accomplished. I cannot just let you off. You will be responsible for cleaning this place entirely today!"

Suddenly, Dong Mei looked at her in shock.