Yu Yi had read many historical books and had some understanding of the chaotic period of regional warfare. If she could find Tu Feibaai’s weakness or leverage, completing the mission might be possible.
—
Yu Yi followed Wu Ma through the house. Wu Ma explained the purpose of each room on the ground floor, which areas were off-limits, who lived in each room on the second floor, that she must knock before entering a room, and only enter with permission. After teaching these rules, she took her to the third concubine’s room to clean up and wait.
That night, Tu Feibaai and his group returned very late. While waiting in her room, Yu Yi heard the sound of a car approaching the house and quickly went downstairs to wait in the hall.
When Tu Feibaai returned, besides Ding Jingman, there was another woman – Yu Taochuer, Tu Feibaai’s fourth concubine.
Yu Taochuer was originally a famous actress from the provincial city. After marrying Tu Feibaai, she left the theater but would occasionally return to perform. Tu Feibaai did not object. Today, Yu Taochuer had gone to perform a play, which was why Yu Yi had not seen her during the day.
Yu Yi respectfully lowered her head and greeted them: “Commander, Third Concubine, Fourth Concubine, you’ve returned.”
Yu Taochuer looked Yu Yi up and down, smiling: “Jingman, this is the maid you just hired today? She’s quite beautiful.”
If she were dressed up, she might even be more beautiful than Jingman!
Ding Jingman’s face changed, looking at Yu Yi and then at Tu Feibaai, recalling that it was Feibaai who had challenged her in the afternoon. Yu Taoge’s words particularly stung her, so she forced a smile and followed up: “Taoge is right. For women, three parts depend on looks, seven parts on styling.”
Yu Taoge’s eyebrows twitched, but she didn’t argue with Ding Jingman. She just looked at Tu Feibaai with infinite grievance.
Tu Feibaai paid no attention to their bickering, threw his coat on the sofa, and strode upstairs. Ding Jingman gave Yu Taoge a triumphant glance and swayed upstairs. Yu Yi quickly followed Ding Jingman.
Yu Taoge glared fiercely at Ding Jingman’s back, picked up the coat Tu Feibaai had thrown on the sofa, and handed it to her maid Ah Xiang before going upstairs.
