First stage

Lu Huo is standing next to the bed as she watches Physician Yao checking the still unconscious Bao Baiyu. She is extremely worried because when she carried her eldest miss earlier, her body is not only cold but her complexion is extremely pale as well.

The other 3 maids are standing nearby, ready to receive any instruction from Lu Huo and/or Physician Yao.

A few minutes later, a gentle voice can be heard, "Physician Yao, how is the condition of the eldest miss? Is she alright?"

All maids including Physician Yao turn their heads to look at the new arrival. Physician Yao then says, "Second Madam Du, the eldest miss seems to be just fine but, her pulse rate is a bit slow l, her breathing as well. It was as if the eldest miss is in a deep slumber."

Second Madam Du Qingrou stares at her stepdaughter with an obvious worry shown on her face. Eldest Miss Bao Baiyu has always been quite a pig-headed little girl but, deep in her heart, she can never bring herself to hate her. Despite the lively nature of the little girl, she could see loneliness in her expressive eyes.

Duke Bao Biming and Duchess Fen Liling have always been living in a world of their own to a point that they seem to be ignoring their only daughter. In reality, Bao Baiyu is personally taken care of by various nannies for the past few years. Her last nanny voluntarily quitted after Bao Baiyu pushed her down the stairs when the older woman reprimanded her. The Duke and the Duchess did not even say a word and let her be.

Second Madam Du softly sighs before footsteps can be heard. She turns her head only to see a calm looking face of the Duchess together with an unsmiling face of the Duke.

"This concubine greets Her Ladyship and His Lordship."

Duke Bao nods his head and stares at the small figure lying on the bed, "Physician Yao, how is she?"

Physician Yao immediately stands up and bow his head in respect, "My Lord, Eldest Miss Bao seems to be just fine. She might have been too stressed out..."

"Husband, Baiyu might have been shocked with what had happened earlier. She just needs a good rest. Lu Huo, do take care of your mistress Physician Yao, do come to my courtyard. I need your assistance in some matters."

Duke Bao smiles as he takes his wife's hand into his, "Let us go then... Qingrou, please stay here for the time being and tells me once she has woken up."

Second Madam Du curtsy as the pair goes out of the room together with Physician Yao. There... Parents should not be like that. They are the ones who should be here together with their daughter. Not her.

"Older sister seems like they really do not care about the eldest miss. The rumour might have been true after all. Her Ladyship is pregnant with her second child."

Third Madam Jing Ruili enters the room with a piercing gaze in her eyes. Second Madam Du suddenly putting up an unseen protection barrier in between the bed and the new arrival.

"Ruili, why are you here? You are supposed to stay in your courtyard until His Lordship orders for you to go out."

Third Madam Jing laughs and says, "Qingrou, why are you being so kind towards that 'terror'? We never gain our husband's favour due to her mother who is someone without any status and an orphan! Once she is born, we have to cater to her daily bullying as well!"

Lu Huo and the other maids can only watch as both concubines are facing each other but, by now, all four of them are making themselves as a human-barrier next to the bed.

Second Madam Du gently shakes her head and further says, "Ruili, His Lordship never loves us in the first place. Our fathers offered us to be his concubines for business purposes. That is a fact. Living in Bao Manor for all these years is not an inconvenient at all. We are glorified and live in luxury even though we are just concubines. Yes, Eldest Miss is quite a character but she is nothing but a child."

Third Madam Jing wanted to rush towards the bed but Second Madam Du immediately grabs her wrist and pulls the other woman forcefully resulting in both of them to fall onto the floor.

"Second mother... Third mother... Do not fight. Baiyu is indeed the one at fault for disrespecting her elders. Please forgive me."

Both older women immediately look at the small girl who is staring at them with a slight frown on her forehead as she is now sitting on her bed.

Second Madam Du immediately says, "Yangzhi, go the Her Ladyship's courtyard to tell them that the eldest miss has wakened up."

Yangzhi curtsy to both concubines before she immediately goes out from the room.

Third Madam Jing stares at Bao Baiyu with a suspicious glint in her eyes, "Eldest Miss... What games are you playing now?"

"Third mother, I have been treating others without care and compassion. That is solely my fault. Second mother, thank you for your kindness."

"Eldest Miss, your health matters most. Diqiu, bring some light food for your mistress. I will leave now, take a good rest."

Bao Baiyu nods her head and says, "Baiyu thanks second mother and third mother for being here. Do take care on your way out."

Second Madam Du smiles and gently pats the small head before she pulls Third Madam Jing to go out with her leaving only Bao Baiyu and her 3 maids inside the large yet cold room.

Bao Baiyu stares at her door with the knowledge that her parents have never put her in their eyes. This condition will only worsen after the birth of her younger brother. After all, she has shown absolutely no sign of being a cultivator or a natural in martial arts. Even if she is somewhat a bright girl, that is comparable by having a legitimate heir.

"Lu Huo... Are you willing to do anything for me?"

Lu Huo turns her head to look at Bao Baiyu, "All of us are willing."

"Good. It is time."