Gu Chaoyan…


    Madame of Duke Changning''s Mansion hadn''t heard that name in years. She remembered her well as the woman they despised the most.


    Duke Changning''s Mansion, despite its low status, received many marriage proposals for their son. They had initially been betrothed to Gu Chaoyan.


    But Gu Chaoyan was far from suitable.


    Her mother was a businesswoman, and her father held no influence in the Gu Mansion. Gu Chaoyan herself was considered unintelligent and unattractive, with a tarnished reputation. If Duke Changning''s Mansion had proceeded with that marriage, they would have be theughingstock of the entire capital.


    Eventually, they called off the engagement and arranged a marriage with the Second Lady of the Gu Family instead. Gu Ruxue was renowned for her beauty and talent, making it a promising and advantageous alliance for both families.


    However, the Second Lady ended up marrying the Crown Prince instead, leaving Duke Changning''s Mansion to be the perpetual target of mockery in the capital.


    And her son''s marriage remained unsettled.


    No family was willing to offer their daughters as potential matches for him. The ordinary girls they encountered were seen as unworthy of his stature. Everywhere they went, they faced mockery and ridicule.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>


    As a result, Duke Changning''s Mansion had been confined within its walls for over a year. They paid little attention to the outside world, waiting for the moment when they would be forgotten and could start anew. It was eptable for Lu Jiming to dy his marriage; he deserved a suitable match.


    During this time, Duke Changning''s Mansion continued to lead a rtively ordinary life, detached from the affairs of the outside world. They remained content, even though they were oblivious to the recent events.


    Madame Duke Changning''s expression twisted upon hearing Lu Jiming mention the supposed rise of the hideous Gu Chaoyan as the new Queen. Although Gu Chaoyan had be more attractive over time, she could never ascend to the position of Queen, even if she had married someone of higher status.


    "New Queen? It''s more likely for me to be the new Queen," Madame Duke Changning retorted sharply, unable to conceal her deep-rooted animosity towards Gu Chaoyan.


    She believed that Duke Changning''s Mansion had ended up in its current state precisely because of Gu Chaoyan''s involvement. If it weren''t for that ill-fated engagement, the mansion would have prospered and avoided such a catastrophic downfall.


    "This hideous woman will never ascend to the position of Queen! Housekeeper, if you''re unhappy working for us, say so openly. I will report your insolence to the Ministry of Rites and have them rece you with someone more suitable. Why would youe up with such a repugnant im?" Her gaze bore into the housekeeper, filled with displeasure.


    The number of servants working for Duke Changning''s Mansion was limited. These servants were provided by the court due to the mansion''s low social status.


    Madame Duke Changning regarded them as mere employees and doubted their true loyalty. She suspected that they, like many others, mocked Duke Changning''s Mansion behind their backs. Despite the mansion''s decline, the housekeeper remained a minor figure in their eyes.