After dealing with Shen Ruyun, Jiang Li was in an even better mood.

Her steps even became lighter, as if in a trance she had returned to the country lanes of Tong Village in Xiangyang. She couldn’t help wanting to sing a song.

Finally, she had drawn Shen Ruyun into this chaotic battle as well.

She had been worrying about what method to use to lead everyone to Yuxiu Pavilion, when Shen Ruyun had run right into her. Given Shen Ruyun’s infatuation with Zhou Yanbang, watching with her own eyes as the man she loved had illicit relations with another woman, Shen Ruyun definitely wouldn’t be able to bear it. Knowing this former sister-in-law’s impulsive and mindless nature, Jiang Li believed that the moment Shen Ruyun discovered the affair, she would definitely find a way to make such a commotion that everyone at the entire palace banquet would know about this scandal.

This way, the world would know that Fifth Miss Jiang and Second Miss Jiang’s fiancé had slept together. While it was certainly immoral for a younger sister to steal her older sister’s man, Zhou Yanbang as the fiancé would also be despised. Jiang Li thought that Jiang Yuanbai, who valued reputation, would definitely no longer let Jiang Youyao marry Zhou Yanbang. However, Jiang Youyao was devoted to Zhou Yanbang. This way, it would be like cutting out a piece of Jiang Youyao’s heart while she was still alive. Jiang Youyao would definitely be overwhelmed with pain.

And what about Jiang Yu’e? At most she would just marry into the Marquis Ningyuan household as a concubine, but was being a concubine really good? Just the Marquis and Madam of Ningyuan alone wouldn’t give a kind face to this woman who had ruined their son’s reputation. No matter whom Zhou Yanbang married in the future, the future mistress of the household would also mercilessly torment Jiang Yu’e, a woman habitually skilled at seducing men.

As for Shen Ruyun, this matter would be exposed because of her discovery. Without doubt, she would more or less form enmity with the Marquis Ningyuan household. Zhou Yanbang would never develop any feelings of admiration for Shen Ruyun, and Shen Ruyun would never be able to obtain Zhou Yanbang’s heart in this lifetime.

In this play, everyone got what they deserved. Jiang Li was very satisfied.

While she was thinking about this, she suddenly saw two people talking ahead. One of them was very conspicuous. Even in the darkness, he was like a cluster of the most dazzling moonlight, attracting people to continuously cast their gazes toward him.

The young man wore brilliant red clothing. In the night he looked even more like an exquisitely beautiful demon. He was lowering his head speaking with the person opposite him. Since he was at an angle to Jiang Li and the lamplight was dim, she couldn’t make out his expression.

She hadn’t expected to encounter the Duke of Su here.

Jiang Li’s heart tightened. Her good mood from just tricking Shen Ruyun was instantly swept away completely.

Every time she saw the Duke of Su, Jiang Li felt uncomfortable all over. Perhaps it was because the Duke of Su’s appearance was too gorgeous, too aggressive, or perhaps it was those eyes of his—clearly seeming lazy and half-smiling, yet making one feel that he was observing you with utmost clarity.

Jiang Li stopped in her tracks. The Duke of Su and his companion also noticed someone and turned to look at her. Jiang Li groaned inwardly, but her face showed no panic whatsoever. Unhurriedly, she curtsied to the Duke of Su, then turned and walked in another direction.

It looked as though she had unintentionally walked here and happened to encounter the Duke of Su in the most ordinary way. Without any interaction, she simply left—just an ordinary matter.

But her heart still wasn’t calm.

She kept feeling that the person talking with Ji Heng looked very familiar. When that person turned to face her, that sense of familiarity grew even stronger. Although she didn’t know exactly where she had seen them before, Jiang Li was certain she had definitely seen this person.

She was somewhat puzzled. She and Ji Heng were complete strangers. The few times they had met, there hadn’t been much interaction. Even in her previous life, they had been like strangers passing on the road. She absolutely shouldn’t recognize anyone close to Ji Heng. That person must not be Ji Heng’s man—so who could it be?

Racking her brains in deep thought, she couldn’t help but wonder why Ji Heng would appear here. Swaggering around at the palace banquet—only the flamboyant Duke of Su could do such a thing. This was also because the current Emperor Hongxiao was exceptionally tolerant toward the Duke of Su. Naturally this made sense—on one side was her own Jiang family, on the other was the Right Chancellor and Prince Cheng forming one faction. To counterbalance these forces, Emperor Hongxiao could only rely on Ji Heng.

Hmm, the Right Chancellor?

Jiang Li’s heart stirred. At this moment, she suddenly remembered—wasn’t the person who had just been speaking with Ji Heng a servant of Li Jing, the Right Chancellor’s eldest son?

Young Master Li of the Li family was both virtuous and talented, and also loved making friends far and wide. Back when Shen Yurun had placed first in the imperial examinations, Li Jing had actually not cared about his own status as the Right Chancellor’s son and had personally come to congratulate Shen Yurun. At that time, Jiang Li had been receiving guests together with Shen Yurun, and she remembered that among Li Jing’s personal guards, there had been such a person.

If it were someone else, even if they had seen Li Jing’s guards, after so much time had passed with only one encounter, even if they met again, they probably wouldn’t recognize them. But Jiang Li’s memory was exceptional. That person’s appearance was as clear as if she had seen them yesterday. She absolutely wouldn’t mistake them.

He was the Right Chancellor’s man!

Jiang Li had a great revelation in her heart, as if she had discovered a huge secret. One must know that Ji Heng was Emperor Hongxiao’s man, yet he was privately conversing with Li Jing’s people. Could it be that Ji Heng and the Right Chancellor had long been in contact? This way, wouldn’t it be repairing the road in the open while secretly crossing by another path—had Ji Heng already been bought by the Right Chancellor?

No, no, no. The Right Chancellor wasn’t yet capable of buying off Ji Heng. Then… had Ji Heng chosen the Right Chancellor, chosen Prince Cheng?

He was a traitor?!

As if glimpsing the tip of an iceberg, with this heart-stopping realization, Jiang Li’s footsteps suddenly stopped. Her heart kept pounding uncontrollably.

But just at this moment, a leisurely voice suddenly came from behind her, as if he had been waiting a long time. He said, “What did Second Miss Jiang discover that frightens you so?”

Jiang Li turned around abruptly!

Ji Heng was standing right behind her. She actually hadn’t known when Ji Heng had followed her. Ji Heng was only a fist’s distance away from her. Because he was too tall, when speaking to her he bent down slightly. And Jiang Li had turned too suddenly, almost crashing into his embrace. Ji Heng then grabbed her by the back collar, half-lifting her to make eye contact.

He had an extremely beautiful pair of eyes.

The shape was extremely beautiful—long and lustrous, with the outer corners slightly upturned, bringing out a bewitching magnificence. The color was extremely beautiful—presenting a slight amber hue, transparent as glazed glass. One could see their own reflection in his eyes. The expression was extremely beautiful—when he looked at someone with that half-smile, he seemed passionate yet also seemed heartless. Yet there was a fragrance like opium poppies that drilled into your five internal organs and six hollow organs, making your whole heart itch.

But he was extremely cold.

Even with this gentle, beguiling posture, this face that could topple all living beings, Jiang Li could still see from his face that coldness that had seeped into his very bones.

He was a demon who could see through people’s hearts.

Since becoming Second Miss Jiang, through multiple encounters, this was her first confrontation with him.

Jiang Li looked directly into his eyes, trying her utmost to make herself appear calm. She said, “The Duke jests.”

Ji Heng nonchalantly released his hand, letting go of Jiang Li’s collar. Ji Heng said, “You can’t see your own eyes. Are you very flustered?”

Jiang Li instinctively took a step back, opening up a bit of distance from him, as if only then did she feel somewhat safer. She said, “The Duke has seen wrong. I’m not flustered.”

Actually, logically speaking, Jiang Li’s performance was too calm. But if she behaved in a flustered manner like other young ladies of noble families, Jiang Li felt he would definitely recognize her.

Ji Heng’s eyes were too sharp.

Ji Heng looked down at her, pondered for a moment, then suddenly spoke. “Perhaps you recognize that person just now?”

“I don’t recognize him.” Jiang Li blurted out without thinking. Xue Zhao had once said that lies had to come out in one breath to sound real. But Jiang Li’s heart couldn’t help feeling alarmed. What kind of intuition did Ji Heng have that he could even guess this?

He truly was terrifying—a beauty whose thoughts were hidden very deep.

Ji Heng finally didn’t pursue this question relentlessly. He only looked at Jiang Li and said meaningfully, “Every time I encounter Second Miss Jiang, I can see a good play. The Duke’s mansion has never seen such an exciting performance.” He pretended to clap his hands. The gold-threaded folding fan in his palm traced glimmers of light in the dark night. “What a pity.”

“The Duke has misspoken,” Jiang Li said. “I’m not an actor, nor is this a stage.”

“Is that so?” Ji Heng curved his lips. “But what you just did, the play you arranged for Fifth Miss Jiang and the heir to Marquis Ningyuan—it truly was quite clever.”

Jiang Li’s heart jumped. Ji Heng even knew about this!

“It seems you truly have no interest in the heir to Marquis Ningyuan. What a pity that the heir’s sincere heart was wrongly placed.” Ji Heng sighed. “You’ve even drawn in the young lady of the Shen family.” He lowered his voice. “Second Miss Jiang’s play is quite complex.”

Hearing such words from such a beautiful young man’s mouth, even though his voice was low and husky with a bewitching allure, Jiang Li still felt fine goosebumps rising on her back.

From arranging Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yu’e, even to encountering Shen Ruyun not long ago—all of this had happened just moments before. The imperial palace was so large that it wasn’t simple to inquire clearly about what was happening in every corner. But Ji Heng knew everything almost immediately. What did this mean? This meant that Ji Heng had eyes and ears throughout the entire imperial palace!

What was happening in this palace that he didn’t know about? Perhaps even Shen Yurun and Princess Yongning’s private tryst—this person also knew all about it crystal clear!

Jiang Li’s expression was ambiguous and unclear. This instead made Ji Heng find it interesting. He said, “What is Second Miss Jiang thinking?”

Jiang Li lifted her head to look at him. In an instant, she had made up her mind. She said to Ji Heng, “The Duke likes watching plays, so watch plays then. However, the age-old rule of not speaking while watching a play—presumably the Duke also understands it.”

Upon hearing this, Ji Heng seemed to have heard some joke. He leaned slightly to the side, his tone even more ambiguous. “What if I insist on speaking? What can you do to me?”

Jiang Li felt a breath catch in her chest. Truthfully, she really couldn’t do anything to Ji Heng. Ji Heng was the Duke of Su. Even as Jiang Yuanbai’s daughter, she couldn’t do anything to Ji Heng. Moreover, this person was moody and acted without following any rules. Having just glimpsed his sinister ambitions, whether he would speak of this matter was truly uncertain.

“Then I can only acknowledge defeat.” Jiang Li replied plainly.

When under someone’s roof, one had to bow their head. Confronting Ji Heng forcefully at this time would have no benefits whatsoever. Besides making her own situation even more troublesome, it would serve no purpose. At least tonight she had done everything she could. If even this didn’t succeed, it would simply be her bad luck.

People would have times of bad luck, but people wouldn’t have bad luck every single time.

Ji Heng glanced at Jiang Li and suddenly smiled. He said, “Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.” He lazily brushed away non-existent dust from his sleeve with his folding fan. “If I told, there would be no more plays to watch in the future. That would be… such a pity.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Li’s heart relaxed.

Although it was just something Ji Heng said casually, given Ji Heng’s temperament, he probably wouldn’t go back on his word. She said, “Then many thanks to the Duke.”

“You and Ye Shijie seem to have a good relationship,” Ji Heng suddenly brought up Ye Shijie. “Tonight’s matter—you two were in sync, your methods of putting on an act were exactly alike.” Ji Heng said, “Ye Shijie walks very close to you?”

Out of the blue, why would he suddenly mention Ye Shijie? But Jiang Li immediately thought of Li Jing’s man who had been speaking with Ji Heng just now. The Right Chancellor’s household had previously intended to recruit Ye Shijie, but now Ye Shijie was distancing himself from them… Could Ji Heng be here because of this matter?

After rapidly weighing things in her heart several times, Jiang Li finally said, “My relationship with Cousin Ye is only average. We haven’t spoken many times, and I’m not very clear about Cousin Ye’s affairs either. Tonight’s matter was just a coincidence.”

Upon hearing this, Ji Heng smiled thoughtfully but didn’t say anything more. Jiang Li felt uncomfortable just looking at his eyes. Fortunately, this person didn’t stay with Jiang Li endlessly without end. He said, “Let’s go.”

Jiang Li said, “What?”

“Aren’t you going to watch the play?” He said it as if it were obvious. “I’ll go along too.”

Jiang Li: “…”

She didn’t want to stand together with Ji Heng. Leaving aside what the Jiang family people would think, just being looked at by Ji Heng’s scrutinizing gaze made Jiang Li feel the sensation of being observed was too intense.

Although in her previous life she had already been married and wasn’t a naive girl who knew nothing, and she had more than enough experience dealing with all kinds of people, the feeling Ji Heng gave off was too dangerous. He was like a venomous beast that hadn’t yet shown its claws. One could only see its beautiful long feathers and elegant form, but couldn’t see the sharp claws and hunting posture hidden beneath its beautiful exterior.

But no matter what, she had no way to refuse Ji Heng’s request.

Jiang Li had no choice but to proceed together with Ji Heng.

…

At the water pavilion, the tea on the tables had been refilled several times.

After the night banquet’s lotus viewing, the Empress Dowager was getting old. After sitting for a while, she had to return to the traveling palace to rest. Grand Consort Liu habitually opposed the Empress Dowager. Once the Empress Dowager left, she also felt bored and left shortly after.

Emperor Hongxiao had to discuss current affairs with his ministers. The faces of the ladies in the water pavilion gradually showed signs of weariness.

Although the apricot blossom wine at the palace banquet wasn’t intoxicating, they had drunk a lot. Now, blowing in the night breeze, they felt so comfortable they only wanted to close their eyes and doze for a while.

Seeing this, Ji Chen Shi smiled and suggested, “Always sitting like this makes one drowsy. Why don’t we stand and walk around? I heard the lotus flowers at the far end of the water corridor are blooming most beautifully. Noble Consort Li said that a twin-headed lotus bloomed a few days ago. That’s a rare thing. Let’s go take a look and broaden our horizons.”

Once these words were spoken, the young ladies and madams who had been drowsy just moments before unanimously perked up.

Someone asked, “A twin-headed lotus? I’ve never seen one. I heard that previously a twin-headed lotus bloomed in the pond behind Baiyun Temple. Many people went to see it, saying that seeing it would bring blessings and household harmony.”

Household harmony—there was another phrase that was probably too embarrassing to say aloud: that the husband and wife’s relationship would be smooth. Among the female relatives present, which married woman didn’t wish for marital harmony? Even the unmarried daughters hoped that one day they would marry and find a satisfactory husband, living harmoniously together for their whole lives. With such a good omen, who wouldn’t want to go see it?

“This is true.” Noble Consort Li also smiled. “If all the madams want to see it, you may certainly go look.”

The madams and young ladies present immediately became happy, all agreeing with Ji Chen Shi’s suggestion to go see the twin-headed lotus.

Liu Xu didn’t really want to go. She truly found it difficult to blend in with those noble young ladies. However, Madam Liu still needed to socialize with the wives of Magistrate Chengde’s colleagues, so she patted Liu Xu’s head, indicating she should go along with them.

Ji Shuran also smiled and stood up, saying, “Li’er is also in the tearoom at the far end of the corridor. After resting for a while, she probably isn’t so dizzy anymore. I’ll just go get her, and we can leave the palace together later.”

Jiang Yuyan timidly spoke up, “Fourth Sister also hasn’t returned yet.”

Jiang Li had gone to rest. Jiang Yu’e had only gone to change clothes, yet she too had disappeared without return. Yang Shi also noticed and complained, “This girl, wandering around randomly—why hasn’t she come back yet?”

“No need to worry,” Jiang Youyao said. “Fourth Sister left together with Second Sister. Perhaps Fourth Sister is with Second Sister right now. When we go to the tearoom later, we’ll be able to see them.”

Yang Shi didn’t dare refute Jiang Youyao’s words, but in her heart she didn’t believe it. She knew her own daughter best. Jiang Yu’e and Jiang Li had never gotten along. How could she be staying with Jiang Li? Moreover, today was a palace banquet. How could Jiang Yu’e be content not showing her face and hiding in a tearoom? Given Jiang Yu’e’s temperament, she should have come out long ago to attract others’ attention.

But even if she was anxious, she couldn’t show it. Moreover, Yang Shi truly didn’t know where Jiang Yu’e had gone. She thought she would follow along to the tearoom first to see if Jiang Yu’e was inside.

The group then walked toward the tearoom at the far end of the corridor.

The moon had disappeared at some unknown time, drilling beneath layers of clouds, only sprinkling down one or two points of dim light. The lotus leaves and lotus flowers on the water were all rustling in the wind. Seeing people passing by, the swimming fish all dove beneath the lotus leaves.

Sparkling waves, turbulent undercurrents.

That corridor looked very long, but while walking and chatting with smiles, it was reached in just a moment. Upon reaching the corridor’s end, they indeed saw a twin-headed lotus. However, this twin-headed lotus wasn’t as fresh and eye-catching as other lotus flowers—just two small blossoms that didn’t seem remarkable at all.

Everyone was somewhat disappointed.

However, they still looked a few more times because of that legend about blessing “household harmony.” But after looking, they instead felt it wasn’t as beautiful as the scenery at the water pavilion.

Ji Shuran smiled. “Li’er is in the tearoom here. I’ll go check on her first. Whichever of you is thirsty and wants to go in for tea may come along as well.”

After walking for a while, there were indeed madams who were thirsty and wanted tea, so they walked over together with Ji Shuran.

Ji Shuran walked to the front of the tearoom.

There was only a tiny bit of dim lamplight in the tearoom. In the night it seemed particularly ambiguous and lingering. Through the window, one couldn’t see any figures inside. It was just extraordinarily quiet.

Jiang Youyao smiled. “Is Second Sister asleep? Why is it so quiet inside? Not even a sound can be heard.”

“Very possible,” Ji Shuran spoke with concern. “She said earlier she felt dizzy. If she’s fallen asleep now, she mustn’t catch cold.” But in her heart she was immensely smug. Right now, Jiang Li and Ye Shijie had presumably just finished their passionate encounter and were sleeping from exhaustion. How could they hear sounds from outside? The drug’s effects were at their strongest right now. With so many “witnesses” behind her, this night was destined to be an unforgettable night for Jiang Li and Ye Shijie.

Therefore, Ji Shuran didn’t hesitate at all. While softly calling “Li’er,” she reached out and pushed open the door.

The tearoom door seemed unlocked. With a light push, it opened.

The lamplight suddenly flickered.

Ji Shuran stepped inside.

As soon as she entered, Ji Shuran’s heart stirred. She only felt something was wrong. But before she had time to think, she saw that at the small table in the tearoom, beneath the lamplight, Ye Shijie was supporting his face with one hand, frowning as he looked at her.

His clothes were neat and clean. Before the small table were tea and refreshments. There was no sign of Jiang Li in the room.

This was completely different from the passionate scene of chaos Ji Shuran had imagined.

Ji Shuran’s eyes went black. Behind her, other madams had already arrived, including Jiang Youyao deliberately raising her voice, “Second Sister—”

The voice came to an abrupt halt.

The madams outside suddenly saw Ye Shijie, a man, appearing here and were also startled. However, someone quickly recognized him—this was this year’s top scorer at the Imperial Academy examination, Young Master Ye who had just been appointed by His Majesty as Vice Minister of Revenue. Someone asked, “Why is Young Master Ye here?”

Jiang Youyao had entered full of joy, only wanting to witness Jiang Li’s wretched and pathetic state. Seeing Ye Shijie sitting here perfectly fine, she immediately shrieked, “Why are you sitting here? Where is my Second Sister—”

“Your second sister?” Ye Shijie frowned slightly. “Second Miss Jiang? I haven’t seen any Second Miss Jiang. I drank wine at the banquet. A guiding palace maid let me rest here for a moment. I only just arrived and haven’t seen your second sister.” He looked at Jiang Youyao. “Perhaps Second Miss Jiang already left.”

“Impossible—” Jiang Youyao was furious. “She must be hiding. Where is she?” She began searching around everywhere.

The surrounding madams immediately looked at Jiang Youyao with strange gazes. With Jiang Youyao’s appearance, as if she was certain Jiang Li must be here, she was truly somewhat obsessed.

Seeing how the others looked at Jiang Youyao, Ji Shuran’s heart sank with a thud. Afraid Jiang Youyao would reveal something, she immediately grabbed Jiang Youyao’s arm and looked at Ye Shijie with a smile. “Youyao is just too worried about Li’er. Look, it’s so late at night, and Li’er is nowhere to be seen. What if something happened?” A picture of a very worried, loving mother.

Ye Shijie had long understood that tonight’s matter was masterminded by the venomous woman before him. He also knew what kind of vicious heart lay beneath Ji Shuran’s loving face. In his heart he only sneered coldly, but on his face he still solemnly waved his hand. “Madam’s concern has led to confusion. That’s understandable. However…” He said politely, “Next time, please knock before entering.”

Ji Shuran’s face immediately flushed with embarrassment.

She had been single-mindedly thinking about letting everyone see Jiang Li’s disgraceful state. How could she deliberately knock on the door? But what was going on here? Ji Shuran was suspicious. The tearoom was so small—Jiang Li absolutely couldn’t be hiding in it. Moreover, Ye Shijie’s clothes were neat and tidy. There were no traces in the room, not even any unusual fragrance. Everything indicated that Ye Shijie and Jiang Li simply had never started anything at all?

The person who came to report had clearly said they saw both Jiang Li and Ye Shijie enter this tearoom. Right now, from Ye Shijie’s appearance, he didn’t look like someone who had been drugged. Then what about Jiang Li? Where was Jiang Li?

Ji Shuran’s heart grew anxious. Not seeing Jiang Li, she always felt there was something else that had been overlooked, something that was about to happen.

After Ye Shijie finished speaking to Ji Shuran, he stood up and cupped his hands to the various madams. As a man standing in an entirely female setting, it was somewhat inconvenient. It was better to take his leave.

Just as he reached the doorway, he suddenly stopped.

“Madam, Second Miss Jiang has arrived.” Ye Shijie said into the room.

Ji Shuran froze, then quickly walked to the doorway. She saw walking gracefully from the far end of the corridor—who else but Jiang Li?

Beside Jiang Li was also a handsome young man in red clothing—none other than Duke of Su, Ji Heng.

Seeing their group, Jiang Li was also very puzzled. She came forward and said, “Mother… why have you all come?”

“Li’er,” Ji Shuran asked, “weren’t you resting in the tearoom? Why were you nowhere to be seen just now, with only Young Master Ye?”

Jiang Li smiled bashfully. “I stayed in the tearoom for a moment, then wanted to use the privy. After coming out, I didn’t know the way and got lost. Walking around and around, I kept going in circles. I didn’t know the way, and there was no one passing by. I was delayed too long in the garden. Fortunately, I encountered the Duke.” Jiang Li smiled. “The Duke saw I was having difficulty and led me out of the garden. I originally wanted to wait for Mother in the tearoom, so I returned to the tearoom, but didn’t expect you had all come. Why?” Jiang Li looked at Ji Shuran. “Is something wrong?”

Ji Shuran was speechless.

Duke of Su Ji Heng was standing right beside Jiang Li. She didn’t know which of Jiang Li’s words were true, but Ji Shuran couldn’t express doubt. Because doubting Jiang Li meant doubting Ji Heng. Since Ji Heng hadn’t said anything, he had tacitly acknowledged that what Jiang Li said was fact.

Ji Shuran nearly ground her teeth to pieces.

Jiang Li turned her head, as if only now seeing Ye Shijie. She looked somewhat puzzled. “How did Young Master Ye come to this tearoom? There are so many tearooms in the palace. The men’s tearooms aren’t on this side either…” She didn’t continue, but the meaning in her words made all the madams think deeply.

If Jiang Li hadn’t gone to the privy and hadn’t gotten lost, delaying too long on the road, Jiang Li and Ye Shijie would have been in the same room. Looking at it from others’ perspectives, even if nothing had happened, it would at least be hard to explain clearly. For this newly appointed Vice Minister of Revenue, it was not a good thing. Of course, for Second Miss Jiang, it was also a blow to her reputation.

However, Second Miss Jiang had been very fortunate to just avoid it.

Thinking again of Third Miss Jiang’s abnormal behavior upon entering the room just now, as if she had known all along that Second Miss Jiang would be in the tearoom, and Ji Shuran had even pushed the door open directly without knocking… It was very thought-provoking.

Seeing that Jiang Li had turned the tables with just a few words, Ji Shuran was extremely hateful in her heart. For the moment, she couldn’t think of appropriate words in response. She could only cast a pleading gaze toward Noble Consort Li and Ji Chen Shi.

Noble Consort Li was just about to speak when she suddenly saw someone stumble and run in from outside, heading straight for Madam of Marquis Ningyuan. It should be Madam of Marquis Ningyuan’s maid.

That maid cried out in panic, “Madam, something has happened to the Young Master!”

Author’s Note: Finally they’re having a conversation! Rounding it off, it’s practically marriage, you know!