The Cousin Is About to Marry，The Abstinent Young Lord Loses Control-Chapter 256 - 255: Showing Off Wealth

Returning to a familiar place, Ji Mingzhu had a dreamless night.

The next morning, she woke up looking radiant, completely unlike someone who had traveled a long distance.

Xie Yunzhen rarely needed to get up early, so he lay in bed, waiting for Ji Mingzhu to wake up.

Seeing her spirited appearance, he asked with a half-smile, "Did you sneak some energy?"

Ji Mingzhu wanted to roll her eyes, but instead her gaze fell on the man’s firm honey-colored chest.

After more than a year of expedition, he had tanned a bit.

Very masculine, with a stronger aura of aggression.

Her slender fingers fiddled for a while, then helped Xie Yunzhen adjust his collar.

She held tightly onto the collar, afraid that it would come undone if he moved.

Ji Mingzhu, looking serious, said, "Keep warm, or you’ll start talking nonsense."

Xie Yunzhen grasped her hand and pulled her under the covers, "I feel a bit cold, come warm me up."

Gold stood outside the door, hearing the couple talking inside.

Thinking they would get up, she had someone prepare hot water and toiletries.

Unexpectedly, after waiting and waiting, she still saw no one.

After changing the hot water several times, someone finally called her to bring the water inside...

Gold thought to herself, no wonder the Commandery Princess was so worried; they truly can’t be left alone.

Having served Ji Mingzhu for years, Gold knew exactly what she was thinking.

Feeling quite embarrassed, Ji Mingzhu discreetly glared at the man heading to the bathroom.

Xie Yunzhen, as if having eyes on his back, suddenly turned around.

He said, "My wife and I were just playing around, didn’t do anything we shouldn’t. I haven’t forgotten the doctor’s instructions."

Ji Mingzhu, who was combing her hair, was so embarrassed that she wished she could find a hole to hide in.

This was no different from loudly denying hidden money!

Gold, being simple-hearted, truly believed Xie Yunzhen’s words.

She said earnestly, "The lady is going through a difficult pregnancy, should not work too hard; everything should prioritize the lady and the little master."

Xie Yunzhen wholeheartedly agreed.

"Well said, let the lady reward you with a piece of gold."

With that, he quickly stepped into the bathroom.

Ji Mingzhu found it both funny and exasperating, "The man doesn’t have personal savings, so he loves to flaunt using my silver!"

Gold beamed brightly, "Thank you in advance, Madam."

Ji Mingzhu chuckled softly, feeling very relaxed, "You’ve worked hard during this period, and the house has been managed well, with the girls working in an orderly manner. It must have taken quite an effort. With the New Year approaching, you can give two taels of silver to each diligent worker, and for yourself, I’ll add a piece of gold to double the good fortune."

No one resents money as long as it comes from a legitimate source.

Gold’s smile grew even brighter, "Thank you, Madam. In the coming year, I’ll work tirelessly to repay you."

Ji Mingzhu twitched her mouth, "There’s no need for that."

"There is!"

As a servant, if the master wants to beat, punish, or even sell them, they have no room for resistance.

Meeting a good master like Madam, if she doesn’t give her all, Gold would feel ungrateful.

Speaking while combing Ji Mingzhu’s hair, she shared with her the fresh news from the capital.

Most were related to the Duke Mansion.

"Though I can’t go out, Tianshui can, and some news he brings back should be accurate."

Even though Ji Mingzhu wasn’t in the capital, key updates were shared with her by Xie Yunling through letters.

Fearing her unfamiliarity with the family dynamics while away, she might be under others’ control when she returns.

Gold felt the same.

She wished for Ji Mingzhu to have control over both the Duke Mansion and Ji Mansion.

"After the Duke passed away, the old lady fainted for several days. Upon waking, she acted like she was possessed, choking the Commandery Princess, muttering about a murderer. Somehow, the incident was leaked."

"Later, the Prince Mansion came seeking justice, wanting to take the Commandery Princess home, and even asked her to repudiate her deceased husband."

"Frightened by their stance, the old lady apologized and clarified, spreading news that she fell ill, suffered hallucinations, and mistook the Commandery Princess for Du Peifang, leading to the assault."

"Since then, the old lady has been devoted to prayer and today is her first time leaving Crane Dance Hall."

As for Duke Xie’s death, rumors abound outside.

The old lady’s actions undoubtedly shifted focus onto Princess An He.

Although later explained as hallucinations, it didn’t dispel some people’s suspicions.

Yet regardless of what others speculated, the blame fell on Du Peifang.

Ji Mingzhu had no interest in managing this chaotic affair.

Instead, she mentioned another matter, "The border climate differs from here, causing possible illnesses. I originally intended to grant you freedom from servitude, might as well take this chance to do so."

Having the chance to be freed from servitude is a tremendous opportunity.

Being the senior maid beside Ji Mingzhu, Gold could read and write, understand etiquette, was skilled in needlework...

Most crucially, she had saved up a considerable amount of silver.

Leaving Ji Mansion to start her own life or returning home, whatever she chose, her path was smoother than most girls.

Faced with a good opportunity, Gold would not refuse.

No one wishes to be a servant for life.

Even if her life in the mansion was good, a servant and a good family member are essentially different.

Yet she felt hesitant.

"Will I not see you, Madam, after I leave?"

Ji Mingzhu smiled openly, "There’s no feast that doesn’t end; we can part gracefully, it’s a good thing."

This sentiment Gold indeed agreed with.

Yet still felt reluctant.

Some confusion lingered.

She had never considered leaving Madam before, hence hadn’t planned for her future at all.

Ji Mingzhu laughed, "If you choose to stay in the capital, I’ll be back every three years with Xie Yunzhen, and we can reunite then."

Gold felt a bit downcast.

Being freed should have been a joyous event but thinking about leaving Madam made her unhappy.

Yet to abandon this chance, she realized she couldn’t.

Gold bit her lip, feeling quite guilty.

She didn’t seem as devoted as she imagined, swearing loyalty and following Madam to the end.

Seeing Gold’s expression through the bronze mirror, Ji Mingzhu spoke softly, "You didn’t wrong me; you carry no burden."

"Conversely, because you’re loyal and efficient, pleasing me greatly, I’m willing to let you go."

Gold felt much better, "Then who will take care of you when I leave, in a few months you’ll give birth and can’t do without someone being around."

She offered, "After being freed, I could still come to the border to serve you, and you can pay me regular silver."

Ji Mingzhu was amused by her suggestion.

Suddenly understanding why Gold was her favorite among the many maids serving her.

She was truly genuine.

Without any scheming.

Moreover, she genuinely cared for her.

Each quality was rare in a deep mansion.

Thinking of this, Ji Mingzhu felt increasingly grateful to Mrs. Guan.

When she first came to the Duke Mansion, her aunt genuinely cared for her, even choosing the best maids and servants to serve her.

This kindness etched deeply in her heart forever. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Ji Mingzhu’s lips curved, "That side has prepared maids and matrons long ago, lacking no personnel, rest assured."

Reflecting back, Ji Mingzhu suddenly suspected.

Did Xie Yunzhen foresee the Emperor appointing him to defend the border?

Otherwise, when she intended to dismiss the servants, he insisted otherwise, leaving everyone at the General Mansion.

Saying he’d take her far from the capital.

So this was what he meant...