“Madam, something has happened to the Young Master!”

Madam of Marquis Ningyuan was startled and asked sternly, “What happened? Why such panic?”

The maid was about to speak, but seeing the curious gazes of the group of madams around Madam of Marquis Ningyuan, she immediately couldn’t speak. She only flushed red and stammered, as if finding it difficult to say.

Seeing the maid’s demeanor, Madam of Marquis Ningyuan’s heart sank with a thud, as if a heavy stone had been dropped on it, sinking down heavily.

Since the matter concerned her fiancé, Jiang Youyao couldn’t help herself. She stepped forward and asked, “What happened to Young Master Zhou?”

The maid seemed to only then notice Jiang Youyao. She became even more panicked, dodging Jiang Youyao’s questioning, yet her gaze subtly fell on Yang Shi.

Yang Shi was somewhat bewildered. Ji Shuran suddenly glanced at Jiang Li, but saw Jiang Li standing openly with a smile at the corners of her lips. A terrible thought filled her mind.

“No matter what,” Madam of Marquis Ningyuan couldn’t care about anything else. She only said to the maid, “Where is the Young Master? Take me to him quickly!”

The maid’s voice carried a crying tone. “The Master and the others are all at Yuxiu Pavilion… There are quite a few officials accompanying them as well. Madam… the Young Master is in trouble this time!”

She spoke unclearly, but seeing the maid’s appearance, everyone understood somewhat in their hearts. If it were simply trouble, why would she be so evasive? Saying it was trouble—clearly it was a scandal. Since many officials accompanying them had seen it, not knowing about it for now didn’t matter. Later, upon returning home, asking the master would naturally reveal what had happened.

Upon hearing this, Madam of Marquis Ningyuan’s body swayed and she nearly fell. She too had been the mistress of Marquis Ningyuan’s household for many years. From the maid’s demeanor, she roughly understood what had occurred. But hearing that many people were present, things immediately looked bad. Since it was a scandal, naturally the fewer people who knew the better. But the more people who saw it, the more impossible it would be to cover up in the future.

Jiang Li stood beside Ji Heng, her face still wearing a gentle smile. Speaking of which, Zhou Yanbang was also foolish, or perhaps Zhou Yanbang’s lust had made him bold. Emperor Hongxiao was discussing current affairs with his ministers in a side hall not far from Yuxiu Pavilion. The two places were so close—once Shen Ruyun made a commotion, these officials could naturally arrive in the shortest time and figure out what was happening.

This way, Zhou Yanbang’s matter could be considered known throughout the court, not wasting her painstaking efforts.

Ji Heng looked at the smile at the corners of Jiang Li’s mouth and found it interesting. He too learned from her to stand there without revealing anything, only pressing the fan handle against his lips to conceal the trace of a smile at the corners of his mouth.

Jiang Youyao hadn’t thought that much. Concern made her lose her composure. Since it concerned Zhou Yanbang, she couldn’t care about anything else. She only said, “Yuxiu Pavilion? Madam, I’ll go with you. Mother,” she tugged at Ji Shuran’s sleeve, “let’s all go take a look together!”

Ji Shuran wanted nothing more than to cover Jiang Youyao’s mouth. When Jiang Youyao said this, others wouldn’t think anything of it. In the Yan Dynasty, betrothed men and women being somewhat intimate was nothing objectionable. But those madams who had guessed the hidden truth looked at Jiang Youyao with eyes containing a few traces of sympathy.

Ji Shuran was put in a difficult position by Jiang Youyao’s words—going wasn’t right, not going wasn’t right either. However, Madam Liu slowly spoke up. She said, “No matter what? Staying here isn’t a solution either. Soon everyone should conclude the banquet and return home. Let’s first exit to the water corridor. It’s getting late—everyone should return to their residences.”

She had given the heir to Marquis Ningyuan a way out.

Liu Xu disdainfully turned her head away. If it were her, she wouldn’t give these people a way out. She would insist on witnessing firsthand exactly what had happened.

Madam of Marquis Ningyuan smiled gratefully at Madam Liu and said, “Yes indeed, let’s return first.” When walking, her steps were somewhat unsteady.

Jiang Li saw this but didn’t say a word. It was Ji Shuran who came over, looked into Jiang Li’s eyes, and asked softly, “Does Li’er know what this is about?”

She ultimately suspected her.

Jiang Li showed a surprised expression at the right time and shook her head. “I’ve been with the Duke all along. How would I know about Young Master Zhou’s affairs? Mother, your words are strange.”

Ji Shuran looked toward Ji Heng again. He was clearly born extremely beautiful, yet when those amber-colored eyes lightly glanced over, Ji Shuran felt a wave of coldness.

She immediately said nothing more. She only forced a smile, then went to catch up with Ji Chen Shi ahead, intending to discuss with Ji Chen Shi.

Ye Shijie fell behind and his gaze met Jiang Li’s. He seemed to want to speak but stopped, probably seeing Ji Heng on the side and finding it inconvenient to talk. He moved his lips, lowered his head, and left with the crowd.

Ji Heng and Jiang Li walked at the very back.

Jiang Li walked faster, deliberately trying to distance herself from Ji Heng, burying her head and walking continuously. Unfortunately, Ji Heng was tall with long legs. Walking unhurriedly, he always kept pace with Jiang Li, neither ahead nor behind.

He said leisurely, “Second Miss Jiang’s skill at putting on performances is even more spectacular than Liu Sheng from the Xiangsi Troupe.”

Jiang Li only felt a chill in her heart. One must know that Liu Sheng from the Xiangsi Troupe—for wanting to climb into bed, hadn’t he had his leg broken by this very person before him and been thrown out?

Could Ji Heng be hinting at something?

Jiang Li racked her brains thinking, but her mouth didn’t stay idle. She said, “The Duke has misunderstood. I have no interest in putting on performances.”

“People who perform don’t need interest,” Ji Heng said with a smile. “They just need to perform well.”

Jiang Li really didn’t know what this Duke of Su meant, but she had to rouse her spirits to deal with Ji Heng. Because Ji Heng really didn’t look like a good person.

Who knew what he was calculating in his heart? One must know that even Emperor Hongxiao had been calculated into his schemes.

Thinking that Ji Heng might have already turned toward Prince Cheng, Jiang Li shuddered.

Ji Heng had no loyalty between lord and subject. This was no longer just ruthlessness—this was arrogance with nothing that could be placed in his eyes.

Jiang Li thought that this kind of person, even if he was a beauty, was best kept at a distance.

Ji Heng stopped talking, only walking leisurely alongside Jiang Li. The silhouettes of the two of them—one delicate and thin, one gorgeous and bewitching—were clearly unrelated like wind and horses or cows. Yet the shadows cast on the ground by the lamplight were drawn together, showing an intimate posture, matching excessively well.

After passing the water corridor, they needed to go in the direction of exiting the palace to wait for their own masters.

The group of madams was walking when they suddenly heard a woman’s voice calling out, “Mother!”

That voice was very shrill. Everyone looked to see that outside a pavilion, there was actually a disheveled woman stumbling forward, running toward Shen Yurun’s mother, Madam Shen.

That woman was Shen Ruyun.

Even Jiang Li was somewhat surprised. One must know that her original intention was merely to have Shen Ruyun discover Jiang Yu’e and Zhou Yanbang’s illicit affair, and in jealousy draw others over. But now Shen Ruyun’s clothing was disheveled and her hair was in disarray—she didn’t know what had happened to her.

Could there have been an unexpected turn?

The smile on Madam Liu’s face, who was holding Liu Xu’s hand, flashed and disappeared.

Just now when others had only paid attention to the maid who came to report to Madam of Marquis Ningyuan, she had heard the maid mention the three words “Yuxiu Pavilion.” Knowing that the route out of the palace would inevitably pass by Yuxiu Pavilion, she had proposed leaving the palace immediately. Madam of Marquis Ningyuan was also confused by concern and hadn’t noticed the subtlety in this at all. Even Noble Consort Li and others who were familiar with the palace routes held an attitude of “it’s none of my business” and wouldn’t remind her.

Madam Liu bore no grudge against the Marquis Ningyuan household. She simply felt indignant for Jiang Li. Her good friend Ye Zhenzhen’s daughter was clearly a sensible and obedient girl, yet had suffered so much injustice for no reason. The Marquis Ningyuan household had also broken faith—how could they change the marriage alliance midway? Now hearing that Zhou Yanbang had gotten into trouble, Madam Liu didn’t feel sympathetic at all. Instead, she felt somewhat satisfied, feeling that heaven had opened its eyes. Since this was the case, not bringing everyone to personally see how Zhou Yanbang had “gotten into trouble” would be disappointing heaven’s good intentions, wouldn’t it?

She certainly wouldn’t kindly give the Marquis Ningyuan household a way out!

Shen Ruyun threw herself before Madam Shen and nearly fainted. Only then did everyone see clearly that Shen Ruyun had long since cried her face into a mess. She looked very pitiful.

“Mother, Mother…”

“Ruyun, what happened to you?” Madam Shen urgently asked.

“Mother, the heir to Marquis Ningyuan, he… he… took liberties with me!”

“Pfft!” Someone—some official family’s young lady—couldn’t help laughing aloud. Generally when women were taken advantage of, although angry, they wouldn’t proactively speak of it. It wasn’t about young ladies’ thin faces—speaking of such things before a large crowd always felt unseemly. Yet when Shen Ruyun said this, she spoke very loudly, as if afraid others wouldn’t hear. Or perhaps, coming from a small household originally, she didn’t know the rules?

Madam Shen immediately looked darkly at that young lady. The miss who had laughed immediately fell silent, frightened and burrowing toward her own mother.

Shen Ruyun continued crying breathlessly.

Jiang Li found it unexpected. This matter was truly outside her expectations. According to her speculation, although Zhou Yanbang was indeed a hypocrite, he wouldn’t go take liberties with Shen Ruyun, because to him Shen Ruyun was just a stranger. Moreover, Jiang Yu’e was there at the time. Zhou Yanbang… where would he have extra leisure?

Just at this moment, she suddenly glimpsed Shen Ruyun being held in Madam Shen’s embrace. Her eyes blinked—not an appearance of sadness, but rather like the smugness of some scheme succeeding.

Jiang Li suspected she had seen wrong and looked at her again. This time, although she didn’t see Shen Ruyun show the expression from just now, she discovered that Shen Ruyun’s clothing had been deliberately messed up on one side, and her disheveled hair also appeared very calculated. Moreover, how could someone who had been assaulted have their entire body in complete disarray, yet not have half a speck of mud on their shoes, still wear their hairpin very properly, and not have lost their earrings?

It was really too strange.

Jiang Li suddenly thought of a possibility.

She looked at Shen Ruyun with disbelief. If her guess were true, then even as Shen Ruyun’s sister-in-law, she would have to be astonished by Shen Ruyun’s audacity.

Shen Ruyun kept insisting that Zhou Yanbang had taken liberties with her. Upon hearing this, Jiang Youyao exploded with rage. Without waiting for Madam of Marquis Ningyuan to speak, she stepped forward first. “Nonsense! How could Young Master Zhou take liberties with you! Young Master Zhou is upright and honorable. You must be slandering Young Master Zhou!”

In everyone’s eyes, it truly seemed rather impossible. Although Shen Ruyun could be considered to have regular features, compared to Jiang Youyao, she was far inferior. Leaving aside such a beautiful Jiang Youyao to go take liberties with Shen Ruyun, whose looks were far inferior—in others’ eyes, unless Zhou Yanbang was a fool, there was no way to explain it.

Seeing Jiang Youyao act with the attitude of Zhou Yanbang’s legitimate wife, Shen Ruyun felt angry in her heart. Jealousy surged up for a moment. Without thinking, she sneered coldly, “Hmph! He didn’t just take liberties with me. Even your household’s Fifth Miss was taken advantage of as well!”

Jiang Yu’e!

Ji Shuran’s mind went blank. She instinctively looked at Yang Shi. Yang Shi was also dumbfounded. She had originally been unable to find Jiang Yu’e’s figure and was extremely anxious. Now hearing Shen Ruyun’s words, she felt as if struck by lightning.

Unlike others, if what Shen Ruyun said was true, with Shen Ruyun’s status as the top scholar’s younger sister, marrying Zhou Yanbang wouldn’t be difficult. But how could Jiang Yu’e compare to Shen Ruyun? Would she have to become Zhou Yanbang’s concubine? Even if she did, how could the main branch spare her?

Yang Shi murmured, “Impossible…”

“How is it impossible?” Shen Ruyun immediately said, “His Majesty and various officials witnessed it with their own eyes. Fourth Miss Jiang was… was…” She didn’t continue.

Madam of Marquis Ningyuan only felt the world spinning. Heavens, what had Zhou Yanbang done! Why would he suddenly become entangled with two strange young ladies, and why would His Majesty see it!

Zhou Yanbang was ruined!

Jiang Youyao retreated two steps, feeling as if her entire body had lost all strength. Although her mouth still clamored “impossible,” in her heart she already believed seventy percent.

Since Shen Ruyun said His Majesty and various officials had witnessed it with their own eyes, it clearly wasn’t false. In that instant, Jiang Youyao felt her heart aching terribly. She didn’t understand why Zhou Yanbang would do this. Shen Ruyun was one thing, but Jiang Yu’e was a Jiang family member. Zhou Yanbang was slapping her face! How could she face herself in the future! Would she have to let Jiang Yu’e also marry in as a concubine, sisters serving one husband together? Even if she was the legitimate wife, Jiang Youyao would absolutely not allow it!

At this moment, Jiang Youyao still considered herself Zhou Yanbang’s legitimate wife. Presumably Jiang Youyao also thought that after this incident, Zhou Yanbang would still marry her as his wife.

But Jiang Li saw clearly—for Jiang Youyao to marry Zhou Yanbang was now impossible.

Only because Shen Ruyun had also inserted herself.

If Shen Ruyun hadn’t interfered, it would simply be Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yu’e’s scandal known to everyone. But Jiang Yu’e was ultimately a concubine-born daughter with a different status. Jiang Youyao pressing down on her was very normal. Only Zhou Yanbang’s official career could never rise in the future. After Jiang Youyao and Zhou Yanbang lived together long enough, there would always be friction. Throwing Jiang Yu’e in to let the sisters fight each other would also save Jiang Li trouble.

But Shen Ruyun had been “taken advantage of” by Zhou Yanbang.

Shen Ruyun was the younger sister of the court’s new noble, Shen Yurun’s blood sister. Emperor Hongxiao currently valued Shen Yurun and would definitely take charge for Shen Yurun. Shen Ruyun’s heart was full of only Zhou Yanbang. Of course she couldn’t bear for Zhou Yanbang to be punished. The best solution was for Shen Ruyun to marry Zhou Yanbang.

Shen Ruyun had gotten her wish.

Jiang Li could almost certainly determine that the so-called Zhou Yanbang “taking liberties with” Shen Ruyun must be a fact fabricated by Shen Ruyun herself. Presumably at that time Zhou Yanbang’s own mind wasn’t clear, but Shen Ruyun had seized the opportunity and used a pretext to pin it on Zhou Yanbang.

Jiang Li didn’t know how Shen Ruyun had thought of this move, but she had to admire Shen Ruyun. Shen Ruyun was single-mindedly wanting to marry Zhou Yanbang. Now achieving her goal through this method—originally thinking this former sister-in-law only knew how to make foolish commotions, she now discovered that at certain times, Shen Ruyun still had quite a brain.

For instance, right now.

Just at this moment, more noisy sounds came from ahead. The various madams looked in unison toward the direction of the sounds and saw many people who looked like ministers clustered together at the pavilion entrance, not knowing what they were doing.

Seeing this, Shen Ruyun immediately choked up and said, “Look, those are them.”

Jiang Youyao’s heart was already violently turbulent. Hearing that Zhou Yanbang was ahead, disregarding Ji Shuran’s obstruction, she ran forward on her own. Those standing at Yuxiu Pavilion’s entrance were all officials, all unwilling to dirty their eyes and giving way. Jiang Yuanbai was also here. Seeing Jiang Youyao, he immediately said, “Youyao.”

Jiang Youyao ran to the entrance.

She saw that Yuxiu Pavilion was in complete disarray, emanating a certain thought-provoking smell. Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yu’e should have both awakened already. Their clothing was just somewhat disheveled, apparently hastily put on. Zhou Yanbang’s face was flushed red, seeming very embarrassed. Jiang Yu’e looked toward Jiang Youyao and pitifully called out, “Third Sister.”

Jiang Youyao took three steps as two and walked forward. Without thinking, she raised her hand and “slap!” gave Jiang Yu’e a strike across the face.

Jiang Yu’e was struck so hard her body swayed severely, but she didn’t move. She only covered her face as tears streamed down. “Third Sister, I… I’ve wronged you.”

Jiang Youyao then looked toward Zhou Yanbang and asked sorrowfully, “Young Master Zhou, you… how could you do this?”

“I, I don’t know.” Zhou Yanbang was also very bewildered. He didn’t know at all what had happened. He remembered that he had arranged to meet Jiang Li. Later Jiang Li came, and the two had become intimate. After that, his memories were all somewhat fuzzy, until a woman’s scream woke him. It was an unfamiliar woman who kept insisting he had assaulted her. Then His Majesty and his own father, along with some court officials came. The one sleeping beside him had become Jiang Yu’e.

Zhou Yanbang couldn’t remember anything. But seeing Jiang Youyao hit Jiang Yu’e, and Jiang Yu’e covering her face while forcibly enduring her grievance, he felt Jiang Yu’e was very pitiful and couldn’t help feeling compassion. Moreover, before him, Jiang Youyao had always been an innocent and carefree young girl. When had he ever seen her this wild?

Jiang Li stood in the crowd watching Zhou Yanbang’s behavior and felt somewhat puzzled. Logically, only Jiang Yu’e had drunk the drugged wine. How could Zhou Yanbang also have this dizzy, unclear appearance?

“What is Second Miss thinking about?” Ji Heng suddenly asked.

“Thinking about why Young Master Zhou can’t remember anything—whether his words are evasive.”

Ji Heng laughed lightly.

Jiang Li raised her head and looked at him suspiciously, but saw him meaningfully shake his fan. She suddenly understood.

This person liked watching plays so much, watching excitement without fearing things getting bigger. Since he knew her plan from the beginning, could he have added fuel to the fire to make this play more spectacular?

Could Zhou Yanbang’s current state be thanks to him?

Jiang Li’s feelings were complex. She really didn’t know what to say. Ji Heng wasn’t good for anything, yet in this matter, he had done a good deed, achieving an effect beyond expectations.

Presumably Shen Ruyun had seen Zhou Yanbang’s unconscious appearance and had a flash of inspiration, thinking of this underhanded method.

Could this be considered a fortuitous accident?

Even though she felt Ji Heng had done a good thing, Jiang Li’s gaze toward him warmed a little. But Ji Heng seemed not to have seen it and still smiled while watching the unfinished play before him.

Jiang Yuanbai could bear it no longer. He pulled Jiang Youyao out and handed her to Ji Shuran. Having witnessed it with her own eyes, Jiang Youyao’s spirit was shattered. At this moment she couldn’t care about anything else and fell into Ji Shuran’s embrace, silently weeping.

Emperor Hongxiao had already left, reportedly unable to bear such a filthy scene.

But how would this play conclude? Jiang Li was also curious. Zhou Yanbang would definitely be taken back to his residence temporarily. The Marquis Ningyuan household would discuss and provide an explanation. But how would Jiang Yu’e deal with the main branch’s fury? Jiang Yu’e had stolen Jiang Youyao’s fiancé. Jiang Li didn’t believe Jiang Youyao would let this go.

Moreover, Jiang Li casually glanced—Shen Yurun hadn’t appeared yet.

Just as she thought of this, she saw someone hurriedly approaching from outside the crowd. Shen Ruyun saw this person and called out, “Elder Brother!”

Shen Yurun had arrived.

Marquis Ningyuan was anxious about what to do next when he saw Shen Yurun arrive. Immediately one head became two. Their Marquis Ningyuan household had a large estate and great business, but this Assistant Drafter was currently a favored person before the Emperor. Shen Yurun only had Shen Ruyun as a younger sister. His own sister had been bullied—how could he not seek justice?

The Marquis Ningyuan household was caught in a dilemma.

Setting aside Jiang Yu’e’s status and position for now, Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Youyao already had a marriage contract. One was the current Chief Grand Councilor’s daughter, the other was the Assistant Drafter’s younger sister. They couldn’t afford to offend either, yet it seemed they had offended both sides.

“Yurun, why did you only just arrive?” Madam Shen cried out. “Your sister has been bullied!”

Jiang Li sneered inwardly. Why only just arrive? Naturally such precious time had been taken to meet with Princess Yongning.

Sure enough, not long after Shen Yurun appeared, Jiang Li saw emerging from the dark night, walking over unhurriedly, a woman’s graceful figure. Who else but Princess Yongning?

Truly not wasting even a bit of time—husband singing, wife following.

Jiang Li stared at Princess Yongning, trying her utmost to conceal the coldness in her expression. Yet Ji Heng took it all in. He thoughtfully gripped the fan handle, a trace of strange light flashing in his eyes.

Princess Yongning also unhurriedly came to join the excitement, asking with a face full of surprise what had happened.

Shen Yurun hastily comforted Shen Ruyun with a few words, then stood up and walked toward Zhou Yanbang, who was standing together with Jiang Yu’e, also not knowing what to do.

Zhou Yanbang didn’t know if it was because of that drug, but he still hadn’t completely awakened. As if not knowing fear, not knowing how serious this matter was, he was still somewhat dizzy.

Seeing him like this, Shen Yurun walked directly before Marquis Ningyuan and said to him, “Lord Zhou, this matter should give my younger sister an explanation.”

Being spoken to in such a forceful manner by a young junior before so many colleagues, Marquis Ningyuan felt somewhat ashamed and angry. However, he also clearly knew that today’s matter was originally Zhou Yanbang’s fault. Although angry in his heart, on his face he appropriately showed three parts contrition, saying, “It’s all this old man’s fault for teaching his son poorly, allowing this wretched son to cause such a catastrophe. Young Lord Shen need say no more. I will certainly have this wretched son give your sister an explanation!”

Shen Yurun speaking up for his own sister like this—the noble young ladies around who witnessed it all showed envious eyes. Added to the fact that Shen Yurun’s appearance was good, many people’s gazes toward him carried a few traces of admiration.

But Jiang Li sneered at it. Putting on such a righteous gentleman appearance—who knew about his deed of killing his wife and heir just to climb upward? How utterly shameless.

Yet blessed with a naturally deceptive good appearance that attracted women’s favor.

Ji Heng said, “Young Lord Shen has great responsibility.”

Jiang Li had wanted to ignore him, but upon hearing someone praise Shen Yurun, she couldn’t help refuting. She immediately replied neither coldly nor warmly, “The Duke’s requirements for people are quite low.”

“Second Miss doesn’t like Young Lord Shen?” Ji Heng asked back. “Strange. Young Lord Shen is handsome, refined and cultured—why not like him?”

Jiang Li sneered coldly, “When dead, all are just a pile of white bones. What’s there to like?”

“Second Miss is detached and Buddhist,” Ji Heng said. “So you don’t look at appearances.”

Only then did Jiang Li remember that this Duke before her was precisely one who loved beauty and hated ugliness, most concerned with people’s appearances, wasn’t he? She didn’t know why she was opposing Ji Heng at every turn, so she said, “Since Lord Shen is so beautiful, the Duke might as well consider taking him into your household—he would be a fragrant flower too.”

Speaking as if Shen Yurun were a male courtesan.

After a long while with no response from Ji Heng, not knowing if he had been choked by Jiang Li’s words, Jiang Li was just about to raise her head to look at him when she heard Ji Heng’s voice. He sighed, “I didn’t expect Second Miss to be so knowledgeable and experienced. How remarkable.”

Meaning she had even seen such things—she wasn’t a proper young lady of a noble family at all!

Jiang Li was too lazy to speak. She originally wasn’t a native-born noble lady of Yanjing City, nor was she any kind of refined young lady. She inherently disliked restraints and loved freedom. Let others see her however they wanted. Right now, she only wanted to see Zhou Yanbang’s fate.

She saw that on the other side, Princess Yongning had finally finished listening to the palace maid’s account of the whole story. Her eyes turned, and she walked forward.

Before this younger sister of Prince Cheng, Grand Consort Liu’s most beloved daughter, everyone had to lower themselves by three degrees. Princess Yongning smiled and spoke, “What explanation is needed? A young lady’s reputation is most important. Miss Shen is also a proper young lady. Being taken advantage of like this for nothing—how can she marry in the future?” Her gaze swept over the somewhat dazed Zhou Yanbang. She laughed lightly. “Fortunately, your two families are well-matched. Speaking of this matter, it’s not difficult. Just have the heir to Marquis Ningyuan marry Miss Zhou. Wouldn’t everyone be happy?”

Jiang Youyao’s body stiffened. She looked at Princess Yongning with disbelief.

Shen Ruyun prostrated in Madam Shen’s embrace, trying her utmost to hide the wild joy in her eyes.

Jiang Yu’e was anxious and uneasy. Princess Yongning’s explanation only mentioned Shen Ruyun but didn’t mention herself. Could it be because she was a concubine-born daughter, unworthy of being mentioned in the same breath as Shen Ruyun? Jiang Yu’e felt deeply humiliated. She could only lower her head, looking at her skirt unwillingly.

Jiang Li’s hands shrank into her sleeves, involuntarily clenching into fists. The smile at the corners of her lips also appeared mocking.

Princess Yongning had made an excellent move. She had clearly already perceived Shen Ruyun’s thoughts. This was coming to go with the flow and please her sister-in-law. Or perhaps it wasn’t to please her sister-in-law. With Princess Yongning’s temperament, she wouldn’t deign to regard Shen Ruyun. It was simply that by helping Shen Ruyun, Shen Yurun would also feel grateful to her.

If before it was only suspicion that Princess Yongning’s relationship with Shen Yurun was known early on by the Shen family, now Jiang Li could be certain.

They had indeed known all along.