A secondary status remains a secondary status, no matter how much she tries to gild it under a legitimate mother; she’s still of secondary status.
That’s the reality, and Marquis Pingan has nothing more to say about it.
The couple washed up and went to bed.
...
In the blink of an eye, it was the end of winter and the beginning of the lunar month, the originally scheduled day for accepting a concubine.
Early in the morning, the mansion was bustling.
The entrance of a concubine into the household still requires certain formalities.
Typically, several tables are laid out, and a few well-regarded families are invited to elevate the occasion, making it lively with a hearty meal.
By afternoon.
The new concubine’s sedan chair arrived at the main gate by itself, and the Family Matriarch had to personally go to receive her.
This signifies that she has accepted this concubine and is willing to bring this person in for her husband.
Concubines are not allowed to enter the mansion in sedan chairs.
Thus, after Yilan kicked the door of the sedan chair, Tan Biluo could only get out to follow the Family Matriarch inside.
Without a red veil, she could only wear some delicate jewelry.
Without gold ornaments, she could only wear silver.
Without a bright red wedding attire, she could only wear pink.
Without her husband’s welcome, she could only follow her matriarch back.
The courtyard had no music, no festivity, and not a single congratulatory welcome from family and friends.
Thinking that only by doing this could she accompany her childhood sweetheart, Yunze.
Tan Biluo felt immense discomfort; denying the grievance would be false.
She lowered her head to look at her pink wedding dress, an insane hatred slowly burgeoned in her eyes.
’It’s all because of this woman, all because this woman stood between her and her cousin!’
’Hm! Luckily, cousin’s heart is entirely with her, she has a great advantage; otherwise, she wouldn’t have easily married in!’
’Cousin, oh cousin, hope you’ll stand by me considering we played together as kids!’
Having finished praying, Tan Biluo cast a venomous gaze at County Princess Yilan in front of her, with a barely perceptible cold snort emanating from her nose.
’No wonder my cousin got thinner after marrying this woman!’
’Just with this rough, man-like woman, why would my cousin like you?’
Upon thinking this, she became filled with pride once more.
’That works too, not even bothering to compete for favors!’
’Cousin will surely love me!’
With these thoughts, Tan Biluo’s lips curled anew, her eyes filled with dreams and confidence for the future.
...
Following the mansion’s winding paths.
Yilan led Tan Biluo to her little courtyard.
"This is where you’ll be living from now on, right next to my courtyard!"
"If you’re missing anything, feel free to send someone to ask me!"
"As for the rest, take care of yourself!"
Yilan finished speaking, then turned with people and left, flicking her sleeves.
Tan Biluo’s eyes flickered with disdain, inwardly cursing.
’Isn’t she just an unspoiled wife! What’s there to be smug about!’
’Or... are you actually jealous of me?’
’Hm! If my cousin doesn’t like you, he just won’t like you, no matter your jealousy!’
Thinking thusly, she entered her courtyard head held high with her maid in tow.
...
This small courtyard is actually quite elegant and exquisite.
Especially compared with the adjacent grand and heavy main courtyard, hers seems even more secluded and unique.
However, come winter, with all the plants and leaves withered, not only is the courtyard unattractive, it also appears somewhat dull.
Compared with the still grand and imposing main courtyard next door, it falls short by several measures.
So... Tan Biluo is exceedingly angry.
"Whose idea was it to assign this courtyard!"
"So small, how can it accommodate anyone?"
She never lived in such a tiny place at the Tan Family (Of course, she was fortunate enough to reincarnate into a family without daughters. The matriarch is kindly, otherwise, as a secondary daughter, she’d be barely worth more than a servant!)
The personal maid was equally puzzled.
"Miss, logically speaking... you’re a dignified concubine!"
"With so many fine courtyards in the back and instead you’re given this small one!"
"From now on, whatever we do will be under her scrutiny!"
"Moreover... this courtyard is so dilapidated, barren, it hardly complements your demeanor!"
"Rather than staying here, why don’t we choose one ourselves!"
Tan Biluo found the suggestion quite rational.
"You’re right!"
"I’ll ask cousin to get me a bigger courtyard later!"
The maid felt it was significant, rushed to flatter her.
"Miss, you’re remarkable!"
"It’s true that you’re the most favored!"
"Servant congratulates you and to your cousin, may your love flourish and endure!"