Although Jiyun Alley is located in the southern part of the city, not in the most prestigious western district of the capital, the southern area is popular due to having the largest market in the city and being near the docks along Fengjiang to the south. Many government offices are also located here. As a result, some wealthy elites who enjoy the bustling atmosphere have chosen to settle in the southern area. Jiyun Alley, in particular, is a tranquil escape amid the hustle and bustle, making it the most valuable part of the south.
The houses here are no less expensive than those in the west of the city, and because of the concentration of elites, finding a property is quite difficult. When Xiao Yan mentioned that he had a vacant residence, even the Princess of Cheng assumed it would be an ordinary house. But once they entered, they were left utterly speechless.
After passing through the winding corridors, walking through the expansive garden, and crossing a series of pavilions to reach the main courtyard, Hua Wu couldn’t help but exclaim, “Miss, this house is enormous.” Tang Ning was also taken aback. The house that Xiao Yan had “sold” to her was almost as large as half of the Duke of Song's mansion.
This was no exaggeration. The Duke of Song’s mansion had been expanded over generations, with additional land granted by the previous emperor after the old Duke earned merit. The mansion had been expanded three times, making it one of the largest in the capital. No one could have imagined that the house Xiao Yan gave to Tang Ning would be so large.
The Princess of Cheng swallowed nervously and muttered, “This house cost thirteen thousand taels; your Chief Supervisor has really suffered a loss.” Given its size and location, even doubling the price would still seem unfair.
Hearing this, Uncle He laughed. “Our Chief Supervisor isn't short on money. Many people wanted this house before, but the Chief Supervisor found them irritating and was concerned about troublesome neighbors moving in and disturbing him. So, the house remained vacant.”
“Now that you’ve moved in, it’s perfect. The two residences can interact more often, bringing some life to the Chief Supervisor’s place,” Uncle He added with a smile. The Princess of Cheng, listening, couldn’t help but be astonished. This Xiao Chief Supervisor truly practiced favoritism.
Other people were considered nuisances, but Tang Ning was welcomed as a breath of fresh air.
Tang Ning, amused by Uncle He’s words, smiled softly as she sat down on a couch, her cloak still wrapped around her.
Uncle He then called over the staff from the courtyard. “These are the people the Chief Supervisor has left for you. This is Hang Ling, the head of the guards responsible for your safety and the security of the residence. If you have any instructions, feel free to give them to him.”
“The maids here were also originally from the Chief Supervisor's residence. Some managed the outer courtyard, others worked in the kitchen, and they’re all discreet and well-mannered. The Chief Supervisor said you could use them temporarily until you find someone you’re more comfortable with. If they’re not suitable, just send them back to the Chief Supervisor's residence.”
Hang Ling and the others stepped forward and greeted her. “Greetings, Miss.”
Tang Ning, realizing she hadn’t brought any money with her, felt a bit embarrassed. “You may stay for now, and I’ll reward you tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Miss,” Hang Ling replied, leading the others out.
Uncle He then smiled and said, “It’s getting late. You should rest early. I noticed you brought some of your own people. Tomorrow, I’ll hand over the management of the household to them. I’ll be staying here for the next few days, so if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Tang Ning replied softly, “Thank you.”
After Uncle He left, Nanny Jiang, who had been helping organize the servants and belongings, entered the room and remarked to the Princess of Cheng, “I thought this house might be a bit neglected after being vacant for so long, but everything is in perfect condition. I’ve already checked the courtyard, and the kitchen is fully functional. The only minor repairs needed are to the roof in a few places, and after organizing the storage rooms, Miss can settle in comfortably.”
The Princess of Cheng added with a smile, “Tang Ning, your new brother certainly takes care of things well.”
Despite being a eunuch, Xiao Yan still maintained propriety. He didn’t enter the house at night, ensuring that no one would gossip about Tang Ning.
From the moment Tang Ning decided to leave the Princess of Cheng’s residence to arriving at this new house, less than an hour had passed. In that time, Xiao Yan had already arranged everything: cleaning inside and out, assigning servants and guards, and taking care of every detail they might need. Such thoroughness was truly beyond the capability of ordinary people.
The Princess of Cheng, sitting beside Tang Ning, teased her with a smile, “If you weren’t my sister’s only daughter, and if I didn’t know that my sister never had another son as handsome as him, I’d suspect you were the Chief Supervisor’s real sister.”
Tang Ning, holding her cloak, laughed softly at the remark.
This new “brother”... really is quite something.
After chatting for a while, Nanny Jiang and Hua Wu went to organize the bedding, leaving Tang Ning and the Princess of Cheng alone. The Princess handed Tang Ning a cup of warm water and asked, “Tang Ning, what are your thoughts about the situation with the Song family?”
Tang Ning bit her lip. “I don’t want to go back.”
The Princess of Cheng didn’t press her for a reason, nor was she surprised by Tang Ning’s feelings. She had already sensed something earlier when Tang Ning confronted Song Jinxiu. She simply asked, “Have you made up your mind? Is it just that you don’t want to live with the Song family, or is there something more?”
Tang Ning’s gaze flickered slightly. “Aunt…”
The Princess of Cheng looked at her seriously. “I may have been spoiled by your uncle, and I don’t like playing mind games, but that doesn’t mean I don’t understand what’s going on. The things you said to Song Jinxiu earlier didn’t sound like mere frustration.”
“If this were only about Song Shulan, there’s no need for such a strong reaction. But you seem ready to break all ties with the Song family, and you even mentioned breaking off your engagement to Lu Zhiyuan. I’ve seen how much you once cared for that boy. Unless the Song family did something unforgivable, you wouldn’t have said such a thing.”
“Tang Ning, be honest with me. Did the Song family do something else?”
Tang Ning was startled by her aunt’s insight, but after a moment of hesitation, she realized that her aunt, being the daughter of a former grand tutor, couldn’t possibly be as oblivious as she appeared.
“Aunt, it’s possible that Song Shulan… isn’t my father’s daughter.”
“What?” The Princess of Cheng’s eyes widened in shock.
Tang Ning pressed her lips together. “When Third Uncle first brought Song Shulan back to the estate, he sent her directly to the main house. During those days, my aunt had a huge fight with my uncle, and even Grandmother was extremely displeased, refusing to let Song Shulan stay in the estate.”
“At the time, Song Jinxiu wasn’t home, and Aunt didn’t show herself for several days. I heard some servants say she was ill, and when I tried to visit, I was turned away.”
“Then, just a few days later, Third Uncle suddenly brought Song Shulan to me, telling me that she was my father’s illegitimate child and that her mother was a mistress he had kept when he was younger.”
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T/N: The original text refers to Xiao Yan as Governor or Supervisor or even Director sometimes. His role is officially the head eunuch of the palace but he wields considerable power as he controls the Black Armored Guards and has strong influence over the emperor. Xiao Yan has many secrets which would be unveiled gradually as we delve deeper into the book.
You can read ahead to chapterr 50 here
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