Rules? What Rules?

The journey to the main estate was long, but Yao Yao didn't mind. She sat in the grand carriage, her tiny hands resting on her lap, appearing to be the perfect picture of an obedient child. 

The Shang family's main mansion was somewhere she had no memories of. The body she inhabited had once lived there, but after being abandoned, whatever recollection there should have been had long since faded.

She hadn't seen Su Mi since they parted yesterday. She looked out the window as she wondered if Su Mi had made it back to the main estate before her? 

The carriage slowed as they passed through massive iron gates, flanked by guards. Even before they stopped completely, Yao Yao could already see it.

The estate was massive.

Sprawling gardens stretched in every direction, filled with neatly trimmed hedges, ancient trees, and an elegant stone pathway leading up to the main residence.

And the mansion itself is a towering structure of pale stone and dark wood, adorned with gold-accented details and massive glass windows. Multiple wings extended from the main building, indicating just how many lived and worked within.

Yao Yao let out a slow breath. So this is the Shang family's power.

"Stop dawdling," Shang Qing Ye's cold voice interrupted her thoughts.

Yao Yao blinked and quickly hopped out of the carriage, adjusting her expression into one of innocent curiosity. She turned her head, taking everything in, her pink eyes sparkling as if she were merely a five-year-old in awe of her surroundings.

The moment she stepped onto the stone path, whispers stirred from the servants nearby.

"She's really back…"

"The abandoned child…"

"She doesn't even look sickly at all…"

Yao Yao ignored the whispers and followed the rest of the family into the grand hall. As they entered, a wave of cold, refined luxury washed over her.

Everything was sparkling. From the polished marble floors to the glittering chandeliers above, the mansion was a clear statement of power and nobility.

Ying Ying barely spared Yao Yao a glance, the moment they had entered, she turned and went deep into the mansion without hesitation.

Min Min on the other hand, had her gaze locked onto her, her face twisted in disgust, not even bothering to conceal her expression.

A butler stepped forward.

"Lady Shang, the rooms have been prepared as per your instruction."

Shang Qing Ye nodded before turning her gaze to Yao Yao. "You will be staying in the west wing."

She gave Shang Qing Ye her most adorable, obedient smile. "Thank you, Mother."

Shang Qing Ye turned and walked away, not even acknowledging her.

Tch. Like mother, like daughter. Yao Yao clicked her tongue silently inside, her smile unfazed.

Yao Yao was led to her room by the butler.

As they reached the west wing, Yao Yao glanced around and noticed how eerily quiet the place is..It felt… isolated and empty.

Yao Yao immediately understood, Shang Qing Ye had intentionally sent her here, away and out of sight from the main household. 

Well, that's fine with me. I get more freedom anyway. 

Once inside, she observed her new quarters. The room was spacious, decorated in soft pastels, with fine silk curtains framing a large window overlooking the courtyard.

A soft bed, a vanity, a wardrobe filled with expensive yet plain dresses, everything a noble child should have.

"Everything a cute and adorable child like me deserves to have," Yao Yao muttered under her breath, swinging her legs as she climbed onto the soft bed.

It was nice. Plush. Fit for a princess.

A soft knock.

The door opened, and two new servants stepped inside.

Two people entered the room, one was an older woman and the other, a young girl.

The older woman stood with perfect posture, her hair pulled back into a severe bun. Her uniform was neat, her expression utterly impassive. The younger girl, was likely no older than fourteen, her uniform crisp but her demeanour hesitant.

The older servant seemed firm, unyielding and impossible to sway. But the younger one....she could be turned.

The older woman stepped forward, bowing stiffly.

"Young Miss, I am Nanny Fang," she said, her voice firm and unwavering.

"I will be overseeing your care during your stay in the west wing."

Overseeing.

You mean watching.

She merely nodded.

"I will ensure your needs are met within reason."

Yao Yao blinked slowly.

"Within reason."

She smiled, unfazed.

"Then I'll be in your care, Nanny Fang!"

For a moment, the older woman paused, as if thrown off by her easy compliance.

The young servant stepped forward hesitantly.

"I… I am Lily," she said softly, bowing quickly.

"I was assigned to serve you, Young Miss."

Yao Yao examined her briefly, she doesn't look like the type to disobey orders.

Not openly.

Not yet.

A soft chuckle escaped Yao Yao's lips as she suddenly grabbed Lily's hands.

"Lily!" she said excitedly. "Will you play with me?"

Lily froze.

"U-Um, I—"

"I want to go see the horses!" Yao Yao announced. "Let's go to the stables!"

Nanny Fang's expression hardened instantly.

"You should not visit the stables," she said coldly. "It is unclean, unsuitable for someone of your status. As the third daughter of the Shang family, you must present yourself properly."

Yao Yao blinked up at her.

"Properly?"

"A lady must develop herself indoors, learning manners and grace," Nanny Fang lectured. "Your public image matters."

Yao Yao felt a twinge of irritation.

Nanny Fang continued.

"Young Miss, I will now explain the rules of the household," she said sternly.

Yao Yao blinked. 

"There will be no unnecessary wandering. You are to remain within the west wing unless summoned."

Sounds like a prison. 

"You will wake at dawn for etiquette lessons. Breakfast is served promptly at seven. If you are late, you do not eat."

Definitely a prison. 

"You are to refrain from associating with lower servants unless absolutely necessary."

And.. what's considered necessary?

"As a daughter of the Shang family, you must carry yourself with dignity. That means grace, composure, and above all—obedience."

Yao Yao's lips twitched.

She kept her sweet smile in place, tilting her head slightly. "Understood, Nanny Fang," she said in the most obedient voice she could muster.

Nanny Fang nodded approvingly.

"Then I'll be sure to stay indoors," as a mischievous grin flashed across her face. 

And then—

Yao Yao grabbed Lily's hand and bolted for the door.

"AFTER I SEE SU MI!"

Lily let out a tiny yelp as Yao Yao dragged her toward the exit.

"YOUNG MISS—!" Nanny Fang barked.

Too late.

Yao Yao was already gone.

Yao Yao bolted down the stone pathway, her tiny feet moving swiftly and effortlessly, dragging a panicked Lily behind her.

"Y-Young Miss—!" Lily gasped. "We shouldn't—!"

"Shhh!" Yao Yao whispered loudly, dodging a startled maid. "We're just going for a little walk!"

"A walk shouldn't involve running!"

From behind them, Nanny Fang's sharp voice echoed.

"Young Miss, return at once!"

Yao Yao's smile widened.

Catch me if you can, old woman.