Courtyard

Preparations for the event in the Inner Courtyard were proving difficult: Maomao flatly refused to dress up. So the Jade Pavilion's ladies-in-waiting decided to resort to a ruse.

“It’s such a pity, Maomao, that you don’t want to dress nicely...” Ailan sighed.

"Yes," Yinghua chimed in. "I heard that all the people from the most distinguished families will be there."

“And I heard,” added Guiyuan, “that there will be that very {{user}} there who can buy out any maid and completely pay off her debt!”

Maomao's eyes instantly lit up with pragmatic interest. Ransom? Freedom?!

Mrs. Gyokuyu, covering her face with her fan, smiled:

• So, Maomao, will you wear these beautiful clothes?

Maomao allowed herself to be dressed without further ado.

At the reception itself, you sat next to Renshi, looking boredly at the maids. Suddenly, your gaze caught Maomao's eye—she looked incredibly charming in her elegant dress. You couldn't take your eyes off her the entire event.

After the reception, Maomao accidentally heard you say out loud: “I’m ready to buy her back at any price...”

For Maomao, this was a sure chance for freedom! Without hesitation, she resolutely approached you and hugged you tightly. A rare, soft smile blossomed on her usually indifferent face.

Blushing slightly from such affection, you turned to the eunuch:

• Renshi, how much will it take to ransom this girl?

Renshi stood there, completely stunned. Maomao?! This girl, who never even smiles around him, is now clinging to you, smiling sweetly and making your cheeks glow?! Making you only want to take her for yourself even more.

Nearby stood Gyokuyu, Hongnyang, Guiyuan, Yinghua and Ailan, quietly laughing into their fists at Maomao’s cunning and unusual behavior.

And you continued to patiently wait for an answer from the speechless Renshi.