Zora walked into the room, her gaze scanning the variety of clothes hanging in the closet. She carefully picked out a simple yet elegant outfit—a red-and-white combination, similar to riding attire. After a satisfying breakfast, Zora stretched out on the beauty couch, lounging carelessly. This world was a lot more comfortable than the one she came from. There was food, drink, and a mother who pampered her. The people like Madam Bai and Yeyin were insignificant; she could make them disappear with a snap of her fingers.
Yesterday's encounter with Sean made her uneasy. That man was no ordinary person. She had to be cautious—if he decided to play tricks, she had to be ready. If they could settle their differences, it would be good. But if not, she would have to handle it sooner rather than later.
Zora had no interest in titles. What did they matter? Since she was here, she intended to enjoy herself, especially with all the resources at her disposal. Life was too good to waste.
"Dear, my dear, I heard you got drunk again yesterday. Did you have fun at the Princess's palace? Your second sister finally came to her senses and decided to take you out to have some fun. Did you enjoy yourself?" Madam Bai's voice pierced through the door before she even entered.
She stormed into the room, grabbed the teacup, and drank several cups in one go.
Her eyes, full of curiosity and intent, were locked onto Zora, making her uneasy.
"Good morning, mother. I drank a bit too much yesterday, so I couldn't join you for breakfast. Was your court meeting over?" Zora asked as she stood up, brushed off her clothes, and walked to sit across from her mother.
Madam Bai sighed in complaint, "Don't even get me started, dear. This morning, the Left Chancellor gave me such a hard time during the morning court. He caught me off guard! Usually, I'm just a figurehead at court, but now I suspect your second sister may have offended the Third Princess. That must be why the Left Chancellor is targeting me."
"Could it be that I offended the Third Princess?" Zora asked, raising an eyebrow.
Madam Bai immediately defended Zora, saying, "Oh, my dear, you're such a delicate and admirable person, everyone loves you. How could the Third Princess have an issue with you? If she did, it must be her mistake. She clearly doesn't know how to appreciate someone as great as you."
Zora felt the warmth in her heart from her mother's unwavering support. After years of surviving in a harsh world, it was rare to find someone who trusted her so deeply. Now, in this new world, she was enjoying the same affection as the original owner of this body.
"Mother, I want to meet someone. Do you know how I could do that?" Zora asked seriously.
"Who do you want to meet, my dear?" Madam Bai replied.
"The Second Son of the Grand Tutor's family, Sean."
"Dear, dear, you... don't tell me you've taken a liking to that noble son of the Grand Tutor's family?" Madam Bai hesitated, standing up, rubbing her hands nervously, pacing back and forth.
"Mother, it's not what you think. I just need to discuss something important with him. Can you ask Uncle to send him an invitation? I'll meet him privately. This matter is urgent, and I really need your help with it," Zora said earnestly, clasping her hands in respect.
Zora's maternal uncle was a senior official in the military department, holding a high title. Only he could invite Sean.
Sean was a dangerous figure in this world—his reputation was tied to his honor. If he became enraged, it could cause significant trouble.
"Alright, I'll talk to your uncle right away. If you want this meeting, he'll be more than willing to help. I'll make sure you two meet, and if Sean knows how to appreciate you, I'll arrange the marriage! You really like him, don't you?" Madam Bai said with resolve.
Zora's face twitched. If anyone overheard this conversation, they'd think Madam Bai was planning her wedding without any hesitation.
"It's not exactly like that. I just need to meet him to discuss something. Can you have Uncle send him an invitation? I'll meet him then. Please make sure it happens," Zora insisted, bowing respectfully.
Madam Bai agreed, "Good, I'll take care of it. You can count on me!"
She left the room, only to return shortly with a stack of silver coins, which she placed in Zora's hands.
"This is two hundred taels. Take it and spend it as needed. If it's not enough, just charge it to the palace account. I'm off now!" Madam Bai hurriedly left after her instructions.
Zora looked at the silver coins, shook her head, and chuckled softly.
At the Grand Tutor's residence, in the elegant courtyard, a servant handed Sean an invitation.
"Lord, the Military Minister's family has sent an invitation. They would like you to visit tomorrow at noon."
Sean took the invitation, opened it, and read the contents.
The Military Minister's eldest son? He had never met him before. Why would they suddenly want to see him?
Then it hit him—the eldest son was the brother of the Duke who had been dishonored. Could this be related to that shameless woman?
Sean quickly pieced together the reason.
But why did she want to meet him?
After a moment's thought, Sean handed the invitation back to the servant. "Tell them I'll come tomorrow at noon."
"Yes, sir!" The servant bowed and left.
Just then, Nat entered with lunch, urging, "My lord, please reconsider. You look unwell today. You should rest and take care of yourself."
"It's fine. I've made my decision. There's no need to say more. Set the table," Sean said, his brow furrowing deeply as if weighed down by endless worries.
The events from yesterday still haunted him—humiliation, frustration, fear, and doubt all mixed together, leaving him troubled and uneasy. He ate little, his food tasteless, and set aside his meal after only a couple of bites.
In contrast, Zora was enjoying her meal with her mother. The two of them ate heartily, savoring every bite of the delicious dishes. Zora tore into a roasted lamb chop, juice dribbling down her chin as she devoured it. She hadn't had such good food in a long time, and it was more satisfying than she could have imagined.
"Dear, your uncle just sent word that Sean will visit the Military Minister's residence tomorrow at noon. He may even have lunch there, so be sure to go early, you don't want to miss him."
"Women need to be proactive, like I was in my youth. Your father was quite the handsome man, and good men are always surrounded by women. Do you understand?" Madam Bai's pride was evident as she spoke.
She sighed dramatically, "Too bad I didn't have good fortune."
"Don't worry, mother. I'll stay in today to rest and make sure I leave early tomorrow." Zora immediately changed the subject by offering her mother more food. "Try this shrimp, it's amazing. You'll love it."
"Alright, alright. You eat too. Eat more if you like it," Madam Bai responded.
After the meal, Zora went for a walk outside, thinking about how she would persuade Sean. In this world where women ruled, she had been given an advantage, yet she still needed to figure out how to convince this cold-hearted man.
Back in her room, she remembered how the original owner dressed. She couldn't afford to look too casual when meeting Sean tomorrow. "Lichun, go to the Jinxi Pavilion and get me a few decent outfits—something simple and elegant, similar to what I'm wearing now," she instructed her maid.
"Yes, miss. I'll go right away," Lichun replied.
After a relaxing bath and some rest, Zora used her wood powers to heal herself before falling into a deep sleep.
She slept soundly through the night.