"Miss, Miss, you've finally returned!" As soon as the sedan chair touched the ground, the nanny rushed out eagerly. "What's the matter, Nanny?" Yin Qin supported Cold Wanyuan as she stepped out of the sedan, while the purple-eyed young man beside her received the attentions of others. "The ladies from the Hidden Charm Pavilion have started a fuss." The nanny sighed, overwhelmed by the array of their various wives and concubines. "Ah," Cold Wanyuan nodded, knowing full well they wouldn't be easily persuaded. "Where is Father, the General?" He's such a picky eye—he hasn't found a single worthy wife or concubine. "Earlier, there was an urgent report from the military camp. The General has already departed with his chief advisor and deputy commander." The nanny replied. "He left so quickly," Cold Wanyuan remarked, slightly frowning, as if surprised by the news. "Come, let's go see those women." "Yes," the nanny nodded, growing increasingly accustomed to following Cold Wanyuan's lead. Even the General has entrusted the management of the household to Miss, which speaks volumes about Miss's capabilities. "Miss, may I ask who this young gentleman is?" Lu Li glanced toward the boy by the side, her nanny looking puzzled. The young man was indeed strikingly handsome, especially his deep purple eyes, which seemed to draw one in. Yet his clothes appeared worn, not at all like that of a wealthy noble. "I purchased him," said Ling Wan, her gaze softening slightly as it settled on the boy who had clearly been hurt by her words. "What is your name?" "Ye Chen," replied the boy with a cool, composed tone. Though he had indeed been bought by Ling Wan, his pride remained unshaken—he didn't know why he felt reluctant to be looked down upon by this young girl. "Nanny, please take Ye Chen to be washed and combed. I'll go to the Pavilion of Hidden Grace myself." "Very well," the nanny nodded. "Miss, you'll have to be careful—those women, once they're in a frenzy, are quite formidable." "Understood," Ling Wan agreed, and with that, she took Yin Qin toward the Pavilion of Hidden Grace. Warm sunlight peeked through the trees, a gentle summer breeze brushing against her face. Amidst the lush, well-tended gardens, In the grand hall of Zangjiao Pavilion, a group of women sat on either side. Some dressed vividly and gracefully, exuding charm and allure; others were elegant and delicate, appearing tender and graceful. Sitting at the head of the hall was Lady Mu Zhaoyun, the general's wife, who held her teacup with poised grace. You all know that now the household affairs are entirely managed by the third lady. She even troubles me, let alone you all the ladies-in-waiting." Gazing at the attendants with a look of deep concern and helplessness, she expressed her satisfaction at being able to drive these maids out. Yet, circumstances change. If she were to expel them all now, she would be left alone—she feared she would struggle to withstand that young girl's determination. It would be better, then, to find ways to retain them and make use of them. "It's truly excessive," the graceful woman lifted her brows, "You are the commander's wife—how can you allow a child of just three years old to run the household?" The girl is indeed ruthless—she has not only reduced the lady's monthly stipend by half, but has also decided to evict all the attendants from the household. What a grievous injustice! Her eyes, half-closed with elegance, flashed with indignation. "Exactly," the white-robed lady added, "The eldest daughter is the legitimate heir, while this girl is merely the daughter of a low-ranking attendant. How can she compete with the lady or the eldest daughter?" With a delicate tone, her clear, stream-like gaze concealed subtle schemes and sharpness unseen by others. "Doesn't she intend to avenge her late mother-in-law?" the blue-robed woman suddenly asked. "Is that so?" A cool, youthful voice echoed. The women turned to see a delicate young girl enter. She wore a charming double braid, adorned with pearl flowers, with a few strands of hair cascading down her cheeks, looking lively and mischievous. Dressed in a soft pink robe and skirt, edged in white, the skirt featured large, six-petaled floral patterns. Her small feet were tucked into delicate butterfly slippers. Her features were so familiar—wasn't she the daughter of Xiao Lian, the low-born girl? Yet, she had changed—no longer timid. Her eyes, like black gems, shone with bright, sharp clarity. "Indeed, a true descendant of the low-born girl—so ungracious, not even summoning anyone to greet the ladies when she sees them," the graceful woman in red silk, with her lovely peach-blossom eyes, stared coldly at the girl, her tone dismissive. The other women remained silent, each gazing directly at the girl, who had recently caused the collapse of the Hidden Elegance Pavilion—how could one have imagined such a determined and sharp-witted young lady? Mu Zhaoyun smiled, observing the young wives struggling to find words "Coldly, Wanyuan curved her lips slightly, a smile half-formed." "My mother has already gone to the King of the Underworld. Does it seem likely that any of you would follow her there?" "You—" The graceful woman grew furious, clearly cursing them to death. "Moreover—" Wanyuan's gaze deepened, coldly sweeping over them. "Are you worthy?" "Regardless of how we may argue, we are your father's wives and concubines." Mu Zhaoyun spoke up. "Wives and concubines?" Wanyuan scoffed. "You'll no longer be that by the time this is over." "You—" Mu Zhaoyun grew annoyed, glaring at her with resentment. "Do you really think you can have your general dismiss me?" The lesser concubines had already been dismissed—could she possibly dismiss even herself? "Nothing is impossible," Wanyuan smiled, with a sly air. "Once I've made up my mind, nothing stands in my way." "I am the Princess," Mu Zhaoyun insisted, emphasizing her noble status. "What difference does that make?" Wanyuan said with disdain. "Even if you were a You still fear the Princess—how utterly foolish you are. "You're too arrogant," the white-robed lady said, her eyes glistening with tears, as if being bullied. "We wish to see the General." Perhaps, in appreciation of their service, the General would be kind enough to grant them an audience. "Even the General himself cannot alter my decision," Cold Wanyuan said, her gaze disdainful, deeply weary of such insincere women. "It's all your fault for treating me poorly, for not honoring my mother, Xiao Lian. But now, you've made your mistake—there's no turning back." With a sly, mocking smile, she watched as their faces turned pale. "Yin Qin." "At your service." Yin Qin stepped in from the doorway. "Go and have the steward dismantle this entire place immediately. Right now. I want to witness these women driven out—along with this very place—buried beneath the ground." Her eyes remained cold, fixed on the tightly clenched hands of Mu Zhaoyun, veins bulging. Next, it will be your turn. "Madam." "Madam." “……” Upon hearing Cold Wanyan’s words, the concubines invariably grew anxious, hastily gazing at Mu Zhaoyun with pleading eyes, hoping she would stay with them. “Will the mistress also accompany me and watch as this place is dismantled?” Cold Wanyan arched an eyebrow, deliberately asking. “Hmph.” Mu Zhaoyun studied her expression, then emitted a cold sigh. Ignoring the pleading voices behind her, she swept her sleeve and departed. “I won’t go.” When even Mu Zhaoyun left, the women realized their fate was sealed. Used to their privileged lives, they simply could not survive outside the household. “Me too—I won’t go.” The young woman in blue robes glared at Cold Wanyan, then settled herself firmly onto the ground. “If you insist on pushing me out, then I’ll hang myself.” The woman in white, eyes glistening with tears, presented a delicate, helpless demeanor, as though pressed to the very limit. “Even if we leave, we won’t survive. Perhaps it’s better to die right here.” The woman in blue robes also fixed her gaze firmly on Cold Wanyan. “So small in stature, yet so cruel "Be careful—this daily newspaper must be delivered to the house." The red-dress lady, indeed graceful and enchanting, spoke with a touch of charm even when scolding. "...Ah," she lifted her delicate brow. "So they've come with tears, tantrums, and even threats of suicide—will she be frightened off? Of course not. "Housekeeper," she gestured with her hand toward the door. "Presently." The housekeeper and servants were already waiting outside, quietly sighing at the insubordination of the young wives, for Miss Xiao was not one to be easily moved by such displays. "Did you hear? Someone wants to hang herself, someone wants to hit the wall." The slender lady pointed to the group of women dressed in soft, delicate makeup, her tone cool and composed. "Go fetch a rope for the one who wants to hang—make sure she doesn't have to search for one. And move the one who wants to hit the wall a little farther away—don't let her collapse or bruise herself, for the sake of the guests' dignity." "Understood," the housekeeper replied, smiling gently. Miss Xiao truly was impressive. "You—!" The group of women trembled, incensed by the cold, detached tone, their efforts now rendered futile. They grumbled, preparing to pack up and leave. Yet, since they were departing, they certainly couldn't leave behind the silks, brocades, and precious jewels. "Stand there." Cold-Bend watched the women's eyes darting with intent—how could she miss their thoughts? "Master of the household, assign stewards to keep an eye on them. Not a single thread or needle from the general's estate shall be taken with them, beyond what belongs to the women themselves." "You—!" The women, now exposed and both indignant and afraid, could hardly believe how powerful this young girl had become. "You won't fare well," she muttered, as she prepared to depart, casting a curse upon them. "My fate will surely be better than yours," Cold-Bend replied calmly, her smile sharp and sly. Would they dare to challenge her, when their powder and blushes were so thick? ——— The Nine-Year-Old Fairy Princess ——— At the 2nd hour, 3,350 words: Send your flowers, cast your votes, place your books, and leave your paw prints.