There was one more concubine.
The old lady didn't think much of it.
Nor did anyone in the Marquis's estate give it much thought, after all, the Marquis had over twenty concubines, and there were even more chambermaids. However, living expenses were standardized––the Crown Princess, as the steward, would not embezzle a hair's breadth, but she absolutely would not give a single wen more either. But if anyone caused trouble, the Marchioness had countless ways to make sure the concubines got no advantage.
Thus, the inner household was very stable, and even if someone wanted to stir up trouble, they wouldn't dare to actually act on it.
But there's always an exception to everything...
Gaocheng County
Xie Zhinuan rose early, practiced boxing and swordplay, had breakfast, and then took people to the manor with her.
The farmers saw her and were very restrained, tentatively sizing her up, not daring to take a deep breath or loosen the neck of their clothes.
