Chapter 1028: Chapter 984: The Things Behind

The integrity of aristocratic families is basically nonexistent, especially when it comes to the future prospects of their own family. When it matters most, integrity can be cast aside in favor of family inheritance, which is ultimately more important.

Guo Dan casually mentioned something that reminded many people, though aristocratic women traditionally do not become concubines for others, it also depends on who the other person is.

“That person seems to be the daughter of my cousin,” Xin Rang murmured with a frown. He was aware of Xin Pi’s recent situation, though he hadn’t delved deeply into it.

“Brother Xin, what did you say? I didn’t catch that.” Meng Jian pretended to be hard of hearing.

“Nothing,” Xin Rang shook his head. Although Xin Pi and Xin Ping had diverged somewhat, it was not as seriously as the situation with Chen Xi, and a flash of insight crossed his mind. He replied with a bland expression.

Don’t be fooled by their current camaraderie; they each have their own interests, and they are not unbreakable as a unit. Xin Rang would never vocalize his suspicions.

Meng Jian shook his head and didn’t pursue the matter further. Truthfully, he hadn’t been very interested in attending this so-called Yuzhou Aristocratic Family Alliance. With his intelligence, he could see clearly that Liu Bei needed people who could support him.

Though entering Liu Bei’s circle now wouldn’t reach the top tier, what the Meng Clan sought was long-term peace and development without making waves. Therefore, Meng Jian felt no pressure and was simply there to observe what bloom the Yuzhou aristocratic families could produce.

However, amidst the chaotic situation, Meng Gongwei estimated that today would end with idle chatter; even grasshoppers on the same rope might not work together harmoniously.

“Marquis Chen, aren’t you curious about what that group was doing earlier?” Hann Qiong gradually revealed himself while asking.

“A group of middle-aged folks having a meal at the Zhen Family estate, dressed quite elaborately, and adorned with heirloom jewelry; what else could it be?” Chen Xi said nonchalantly. “Even at a glance, I saw a couple of familiar faces from the Qing Xu Families. The Jizhou Aristocratic Families wouldn’t be here…”

Chen Xi didn’t finish, but Hann Qiong already understood. “Marquis Chen indeed has insightful eyes. But does Marquis Chen think they belong to Yuzhou or Yanzhou?”

“Who cares if it’s Yuzhou or Yanzhou? They’re just putting on a show for the Jizhou Aristocratic Families, nothing that concerns me,” Chen Xi responded casually, unconcerned about where the aristocratic families hailed from.

“Truly remarkable, you are,” Hann Qiong praised, then gradually faded. “I overheard that the Yuzhou aristocratic families seem to have offered you a few concubines. What are your intentions regarding this?”

“Heh,” Chen Xi laughed coldly. If he truly needed concubines, his manor already housed numerous Beautiful Ladies. The aristocratic families can be quite tedious at times. “In my household, there’s an extraordinary woman; I don’t believe aristocratic noblewomen can serve tea and tend to matters as obediently as she does.”

Speaking of Chen Yun, Chen Xi couldn’t help but reminisce about his wife and his daughter, whom he has yet to meet since birth. Regarding the daughter’s name, Chen Xi hesitated for a while before deciding to name her Chen Qian, sticking to the previous choice whether it implied a handsome man.

After the List of Extraordinary Women was published, two individuals faced the greatest pressure: Lady Bianh of Cao Cao, and Chen Yun.

Lady Bianh, without a doubt, is a beauty, but she is not Cao Cao’s legal wife; that position belongs to the Ding Clan. To be fair, if not for Lady Ding having a generous heart and Lady Bianh being good at handling people, maintaining good relations with Lady Ding, Lady Bianh might have faced isolation from Cao Cao’s other wives and concubines.

Even so, Lady Bianh’s life isn’t easy. Despite the controversy surrounding the list, the more people criticize it, the more it is accepted, to the point where even critics stopped disputing the rankings and only criticized Xuu Shao’s actions. In essence, the rankings eventually became widely accepted.

Naturally, life isn’t easy for Lady Bianh, nor for Chen Yun. While Lady Bianh is at least considered Cao Cao’s concubine, everyone knows Chen Yun’s situation. Though she is indeed Chen Xi’s maid, she remains untouched; he has never laid a hand on her, relegating her to tasks like grinding ink and pouring tea.

Regarding sleeping arrangements, initially, those unaware of Chen Xi’s nature had resigned themselves, ready for the possibility. Yet, with deeper understanding, they no longer resist, whereas the concubine is willing but the gentleman is uninterested. Chen Xi simply doesn’t prioritize his maid.

Essentially, apart from the occasional chore of laundry duty, Chen Xi’s maids in the inner courtyard are quite relaxed, with plenty of free time to pursue their interests.

But because of this, the maids have gradually been categorized into tiers. Some spend their ample free time wandering aimlessly, while others invest in reading and learning to become useful, yet only Chen Yun actively seeks out knowledge both from books and other earnest subjects.

Chen Yun, the most beautiful among them, already knew some characters, which is why she was chosen to be Chen Xi’s maid. Although Chen Xi wouldn’t act on his maids, pleasing things within sight are always more pleasant, a common male flaw. Since Chen Xi often wasn’t home, he had Chen Yun look after Chen Lan, for Chen Lan’s softer heart made her easier to manage.

In ancient times, a personal maid was one of the closest figures to their master, often without secrets.

This is why, regardless of a master’s propriety, a personal maid eventually becomes a concubine. Other maids may buy their freedom, while personal maids encounter entirely different matters, taking away secrets if freed. Hence, they either die or become part of the family, a nearly established rule.

Thus, their status is relatively higher, sometimes exceeding that of some concubines. However, the Chen Family had no concubines, leaving Chen Yun as merely the highest-tier maid…

Therefore, the title from the List of Extraordinary Women only served as a burden to Chen Yun. Nowadays, she ceased performing the drama that earned her the title and reads quietly at home without Chen Xi’s company for night study sessions; the reasons remain unknown.

Whether continuing to be seen publicly might affect Chen Xi is uncertain, so Chen Yun can only wait quietly for Chen Xi and seek instructions upon seeing him. Until then, she reads obediently at home instead of performing.

Whether this counts as protection or not is a matter of personal opinion. Chen Yun showed no dissatisfaction, simply following Fan Jian’s arrangements to read at home. Fortunately, when Fan Jian attended lessons at Cai Yan’s place, he’d bring Chen Yun along, subtly improving her character and perspective.(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you’re welcome at Starting Point (wuxiaworld.site) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my utmost motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.wuxiaworld.site for reading.)