Li Changle keenly sensed something was amiss and hurriedly said, “Sister, you’ve truly become muddled—forgetting even the things you gave yourself.”

Li Weiyang’s distinct black and white eyes revealed a trace of surprise. “Elder Sister, what I gave to Elder Brother was a green ink jade inkstone.” Then her gaze fell upon the beautiful mandarin duck embroidered pouch at Li Minfeng’s waist as she continued, “Could it be that Elder Brother is referring to this pouch?”

Li Minfeng’s complexion changed noticeably. “Since Third Sister didn’t give it, then I must have remembered incorrectly.”

However, Li Weiyang had already approached him. She suddenly pointed at the pouch at his waist and exclaimed in surprise, “Oh my, isn’t this pouch Ziyan’s work?” Then she turned her head, looking at Ziyan with an expression that was neither quite a smile nor not, saying, “Your embroidery is identical to the Xiangqiao embroidery of Second Miss of the Li Family from Pingcheng—delicate stitching and vibrant color matching. In our Prime Minister’s Manor, there isn’t a second person who could embroider something like this.”

Everyone was shocked. Li Changru covered her mouth and said, “What’s going on here? Why is Elder Cousin wearing a pouch made by a maid?!”

The Old Madam’s expression darkened. To secretly send a pouch under the pretext of her mistress’s name—this girl’s audacity was truly too great!

Ziyan’s complexion instantly paled. She fell to her knees with a thud, trembling all over. “This servant, this servant only sent the pouch following Third Miss’s instructions…”

Li Weiyang glanced at the pouch and sighed, “If you and Elder Brother have mutual affection, just say so directly. Why resort to appearing to repair the plank roads while secretly crossing at Chencang? I’m Elder Brother’s younger sister—even if I were to send a pouch, it should depict a roc soaring ten thousand miles or a golden toad at the Osmanthus Palace. What does sending mandarin ducks at play signify?”

Ziyan suddenly understood. Third Miss had known all along that she would send a pouch symbolizing romantic love between man and woman, and was certain that the Young Master would accept it. Yet she herself had been completely oblivious, falling right into the trap! But now, regret came too late!

Not only the Old Madam, even the First Madam’s expression looked extremely displeased. The eldest young master hadn’t even married yet, but had already taken a fancy to his sister’s maid Ziyan—this inevitably raised doubts about his character. The First Madam said coldly, “Minfeng, you’ve gone too far! Do you dare accept gifts from just anyone?!”

Li Minfeng glanced at Ziyan but showed little sign of panic. “Mother, I truly didn’t think that much about it. I simply found the pouch beautiful and accepted it.”

Pushing all responsibility away completely? Dream on! Li Weiyang’s face showed a chiding expression. “Elder Brother, don’t be embarrassed. You’ve always been generous toward your sister, and I’ve been wondering how to express my gratitude. Since Elder Brother likes this girl Ziyan, naturally I should fulfill this beautiful match.” As she spoke, she glanced at Ziyan.

Li Minfeng’s expression remained unchanged. “I appreciate your sentiment, but—”

Li Weiyang beamed with smiles. “What are you saying, Elder Brother? Someone as clever as you—how could you not have guessed that the gift was from Ziyan? If you didn’t like her, why would you carry the pouch on your person?!”

Li Minfeng froze. Originally, he had only worn this pouch to reassure Ziyan so she would work for him reliably, never expecting it would become a weapon Li Weiyang used against him. He immediately sneered coldly, “Third Sister is truly sharp-witted. Listening to you, it seems you even know what’s in my heart!” His words lacked conviction—after all, he did indeed have ulterior motives regarding Ziyan, and this wasn’t something honorable or aboveboard.

Li Changle frowned. “Third Sister, it’s merely a misunderstanding. Don’t take it to heart.”

Li Weiyang smiled. “Elder Sister, Ziyan traveled thousands of miles from Pingcheng to follow me back to the capital. I have an obligation to find her a good home. Since Elder Brother likes her and she’s devoted to him, I sincerely wish to fulfill their match.” She glanced at Li Minfeng, whose brows were deeply furrowed. “Though Ziyan’s status is humble, she’s more than qualified to serve Elder Brother as a fragrant-sleeved companion. Elder Brother has accepted her token of affection—surely he cannot simply trample upon this girl’s feelings. It wouldn’t sound good if word got out either.”

The Third Madam smiled faintly and lowered her head to drink tea.

The First Madam’s expression was so gloomy it seemed ready to drip water. The Second Madam, having listened for quite some time, finally smiled and said, “We truly must congratulate Feng’er. I observe this girl is not only beautiful but clever and quick-witted as well. How rare!”

Li Changru chimed in as well. “Indeed, Ziyan is such a clever girl. Last time when I asked Third Sister if I could have her, Third Sister was unwilling to part with her! This time Elder Brother has truly gotten himself a bargain!”

What nonsense about a bargain! The First Madam’s brows twitched faintly, her eyes containing a trace of coldness. The Master most detested when the young masters of the household became entangled with maids. The moment Li Minfeng returned, he had taken a fancy to a maid from his sister’s quarters—the Master would be furious! Yet Li Minfeng clearly knew the person who sent the pouch was Ziyan, but for some unknown reason had actually accepted it, leaving the First Madam truly puzzled and enraged. “This girl is so well-behaved and clever—let her follow me for now. After proper instruction, I’ll send her to Xiuzhu Courtyard.”

No matter what, she couldn’t allow such a seductress into her son’s quarters! The First Madam had made up her mind!

“In that case, I’ll trouble Mother to properly instruct Ziyan.” Li Weiyang glanced at Li Minfeng. “If not for Elder Brother treating me so well, and Ziyan being such an obedient and sensible girl, I would absolutely be unwilling to part with her.”

Li Minfeng looked at her coldly. “Then I thank Third Sister.” In any case, success was imminent—leaving Ziyan at Li Weiyang’s side served no further purpose anyway.

Hearing this, Ziyan’s face revealed a trace of joyful expression. Regardless of Third Miss’s motives, she had finally gotten her wish to enter the Young Master’s courtyard!

Li Minfeng felt somewhat annoyed in his heart, but thinking of how Li Weiyang would soon pay the price for her actions today, the smile on his face deepened by three degrees. He set this matter aside and instead exchanged a meaningful glance with Li Changle.

Li Changle understood. Smiling, she walked over and picked up the teacup placed beside the Old Madam. “Old Madam, drink some tea while it’s hot.”

The Old Madam instinctively reached to accept it, but Li Changle’s hand suddenly slipped. She cried out in alarm as the entire teacup fell to the ground, tea and fragments scattering everywhere!

This commotion startled everyone in the room.

Maids quickly rushed over, efficiently cleaning up the broken pieces. Li Changle looked thoroughly embarrassed and actually condescended to bend down as if to help, frightening all the maids.

Just then, Li Changle suddenly exclaimed in surprise and picked up a fragment from the ground. “What is this?”

The maid Luxin smiled. “In response to Eldest Miss, this is the red ginseng that the Old Madam regularly consumes.”

Red ginseng was extremely precious—not only greatly replenishing vital energy and blood, but also nourishing the heart and calming the spirit. However, its taste was too bitter, so it was generally stewed together with duck broth, or the red ginseng was cut into thin slices and steeped when drinking tea. Li Changle clearly knew this point, yet why was she asking despite knowing the answer? Everyone found it strange.

However, Li Changle revealed an expression of wanting to speak but hesitating, clutching that ginseng slice tightly in her hand. The Old Madam looked at her and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Li Changle’s willow-leaf brows knitted slightly, appearing quite uneasy. “This isn’t a red ginseng slice—this is perilla seed.”

Hearing this, Li Weiyang’s gaze suddenly turned cold. It had finally come!