Jiang Li stared fixedly at Shen Yurun.

As Shen Ruyun’s elder brother, Shen Yurun couldn’t possibly not know his own sister’s feelings. Princess Yongning being so perceptive and understanding, helping his own sister resolve her lifelong matter—witnessing this with his own eyes, would Shen Yurun be moved?

Shen Yurun’s eyelids moved slightly, but he didn’t speak.

Jiang Li sneered inwardly. So indifferent—she had thought Shen Yurun would take the opportunity to joyfully express his gratitude.

On the other side, Ji Shuran could clearly feel Jiang Youyao’s agitation in her embrace. For a moment, she was in a difficult position.

If days ago when Zhou Yanbang had proposed canceling the engagement with Jiang Youyao, Ji Shuran had only been angry but not very worried—after all, as long as the Marquis Ningyuan household had any brains, they wouldn’t do something that would destroy their own future. But the current matter greatly exceeded the scope of what Ji Shuran could handle.

If it were only Jiang Yu’e alone, Ji Shuran could also think of ways to gradually deal with it. However, it also involved the younger sister of Assistant Drafter Shen Yurun. Shen Ruyun wasn’t a character who could be easily dismissed. This time, the heir to Marquis Ningyuan, Zhou Yanbang, could barely protect himself. With one glance at Jiang Yuanbai’s ugly expression, Ji Shuran knew that in Jiang Yuanbai’s heart, this marriage alliance should be off.

Ji Shuran also didn’t hope for Jiang Youyao to marry Zhou Yanbang—after this incident, Zhou Yanbang’s official career had no more possibilities.

However, Jiang Youyao liked Zhou Yanbang.

Ji Shuran only felt a headache. This truly was an unexpected disaster. Although the unlucky one was Zhou Yanbang, wasn’t the most heartbroken still Jiang Youyao? Thinking of this, Ji Shuran couldn’t help glancing at Jiang Li again.

Jiang Li stood beside Ji Heng. Ji Heng was tall, which happened to place Jiang Li in his shadow, making it impossible to see Jiang Li’s expression clearly. But Ji Shuran thought that right now, Jiang Li’s face must be wearing that detestable smile, as if nothing could shake her.

This matter must be related to Jiang Li. Ji Shuran thought hatefully—tonight she had originally wanted to make Jiang Li and Ye Shijie lose all face, but unexpectedly the one who got into trouble was Zhou Yanbang. Setting aside Shen Ruyun, how Jiang Yu’e had gotten entangled with Zhou Yanbang made Ji Shuran angry. She also believed there must be Jiang Li’s meddling behind it.

But what exactly was Jiang Li’s relationship with Ji Heng? Ji Shuran didn’t dare go over to question Jiang Li. She was truly wary of the Duke of Su. That beautiful young man was like a brightly colored venomous snake coiled around Jiang Li, yet inadvertently placing Jiang Li within his protective range.

Ji Shuran was also helpless.

Princess Yongning’s words left people unable to respond for a moment.

Actually, Shen Yurun was also caught in a dilemma. If he accepted Princess Yongning’s words, it would resolve the matter too easily, making the Shen family’s daughter seem cheap, as if she couldn’t wait to marry Zhou Yanbang. If he declined, in front of Shen Ruyun… Shen Ruyun definitely wouldn’t understand.

Princess Yongning thought she understood his intentions, but was too foolish. Such matters should be discussed privately—why bring it up now, in front of so many people, making it difficult to answer? If Xue Fangfei were here, she definitely wouldn’t do this… Shen Yurun thought wistfully.

In the end, he still didn’t follow Princess Yongning’s lead. He only said to Marquis Ningyuan, “Today my sister was frightened. I will first take her home to rest and see a doctor. This matter was witnessed by everyone present. In the future, I must ask the Lord to give my Shen family an explanation!” Having finished, with an appearance of not wanting to entangle further and being very concerned about Shen Ruyun, he walked to Madam Shen’s side and led Shen Ruyun away.

Shen Ruyun was greatly disappointed. She found it very puzzling that Shen Yurun hadn’t followed Princess Yongning’s words and wanted to make a fuss with a few more sentences. But raising her head, she met Shen Yurun’s stern gaze and immediately didn’t dare speak. Although Shen Yurun treated her very well, when Shen Yurun was truly angry, even Madam Shen didn’t dare provoke him.

Shen Ruyun could only leave with Shen Yurun, filled with reluctance.

Princess Yongning’s good intentions—unexpectedly Shen Yurun didn’t accept her words at all. She was very embarrassed. On one hand, she cursed Shen Yurun in her heart for being ungrateful and not knowing what was good for him. On the other hand, she blamed Zhou Yanbang for causing trouble. For a moment, she even resented Zhou Yanbang. She only sneered coldly at Marquis Ningyuan, “Truly cannot be brought to the table—morally corrupt!” Turning her head, she left.

Marquis Ningyuan today had lost all face before his colleagues, both inside and out. Standing in place, his face flushed bright red.

A trace of a smile escaped Jiang Li’s lips.

Ji Heng asked, “What is Second Miss Jiang laughing at?”

“The pot calling the kettle black,” Jiang Li said. “Isn’t it funny?”

Princess Yongning scolded Marquis Ningyuan as being morally corrupt and beneath notice, yet didn’t look at whether she herself was qualified to say such words. In Jiang Li’s eyes, Princess Yongning and Zhou Yanbang were just birds of a feather. Moreover, Zhou Yanbang hadn’t killed anyone. Princess Yongning had even stolen another’s nest—even more shameless.

Madam of Marquis Ningyuan finally came to her senses. Forcibly suppressing the anger and panic in her heart, she walked to Yuxiu Pavilion’s entrance. First, she pretended to strike Zhou Yanbang a few times, then looked at Jiang Yu’e and said, “Fifth Miss Jiang was also frightened today. Return home to rest first. In a few days, our Zhou family will definitely give Fifth Miss Jiang an explanation.”

But it was said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, making Jiang Yu’e somewhat afraid.

Shen Ruyun kept insisting she had been taken advantage of by Zhou Yanbang. But when Jiang Yu’e and Zhou Yanbang were discovered together by everyone, it didn’t look like someone being taken advantage of. Instead, it looked like mutual affection. In Madam of Marquis Ningyuan’s eyes, perhaps Jiang Yu’e had seduced Zhou Yanbang first.

And Jiang Yu’e’s status didn’t warrant Madam of Marquis Ningyuan being anxious and fearful. Even if giving Jiang Yu’e a status, at most it would be as a concubine in the Zhou household. Everyone knew that Third Master Jiang Yuanxing and Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Yuanping weren’t blood brothers. There was no need to show Jiang Yuanxing much courtesy for the sake of other Jiang family members. Giving Jiang Yuanxing an explanation would be much easier.

Jiang Yu’e hadn’t failed to hear the mockery and indifference in Madam of Marquis Ningyuan’s tone. Half humiliated and half ashamed and angry in her heart, she was helpless and could only cast a pleading gaze toward Yang Shi.

Yang Shi and Jiang Yuanxing—only now could they truly lament their suffering. Although Yang Shi normally didn’t like her daughter fawning over Ji Shuran and her daughter, as Jiang family members, she also understood the pros and cons. Jiang Yu’e becoming like Jiang Youyao’s follower was not without Yang Shi’s tacit approval. What Jiang Yu’e had done now undoubtedly offended the main branch. Even if wanting to speak for Jiang Yu’e, at this scene, there truly was no place for the Jiang family’s third branch to speak.

Especially since between Jiang Yu’e and Zhou Yanbang, it might well have been mutual willingness. Since it was mutual willingness, there was no question of any “explanation.”

Yang Shi couldn’t say anything good. She could only steel herself to step forward, help Jiang Yu’e up, lead Jiang Yu’e to the side, hastily say a few words to Jiang Yuanbai, not even daring to look at Ji Shuran’s expression, and hurriedly left.

Seeing this scene, with the two young ladies involved in this situation having left, only Zhou Yanbang remained alone. The Marquis Ningyuan household also immediately wanted to take Zhou Yanbang away. The spectators, seeing this, knew there was no more excitement to appreciate next and said their farewells to return home, preparing to continue discussing this heart-stopping romantic affair upon reaching their residences.

The Jiang family also had to return home.

Jiang Youyao probably still wanted to question Zhou Yanbang about why he would treat her this way. However, Ji Shuran kept holding her tightly. Moreover, there were still many people watching around. She could only give up. But that ashen appearance actually looked even more haggard than Zhou Yanbang, who had been caught in adultery.

Jiang Li also followed behind the Jiang family members, preparing to return home together. When about to leave, she suddenly thought of something, stopped, and turned around.

Ji Heng was still standing in place. Seeing her turn around, he was somewhat surprised.

Jiang Li lightly curtsied to him and said, “Today’s matter depended entirely on the Duke’s help. Jiang Li is extremely grateful.”

“Don’t.” Ji Heng’s fan gave off some dim splendor in the dark night. He said carelessly, “You’re the one performing, I’m the one watching. Second Miss, don’t get it wrong.” Ji Heng smiled strangely. “I only watch plays, I don’t perform.”

Jiang Li was slightly stunned, feeling somewhat deflated. She had deliberately spoken this way hoping to make Ji Heng think today’s matter was accomplished by them together. If Ji Heng wanted to betray her in the future, he would at least have some scruples. Who knew this person wouldn’t even fall for this, being incredibly cautious.

Truly treacherous to the extreme.

Jiang Li’s smile faded somewhat. She nodded and drifted away with the Jiang family’s procession.

“Mm, women are truly scary,” Ji Heng laughed lowly behind her, muttering to himself. “Little girls are also women.”

…

On the way back, Jiang Li didn’t ride in the same carriage as Jiang Youyao and the others.

Jiang Youyao probably wanted to cry and pour out her heart to Ji Shuran properly. This heartbroken appearance absolutely couldn’t be seen by others, especially Jiang Youyao’s thorn in the side, Jiang Li. Jiang Li then rode in a carriage with the second branch.

Along the way, Jiang Jingrui’s expression was strange, as if trying extremely hard to suppress the impulse to talk with Jiang Li. Naturally so—he must be itching to properly discuss today’s secret affair between Jiang Yu’e and Zhou Yanbang with Jiang Li. Only, with parents and elder brother all in one carriage, Jiang Jingrui couldn’t speak up well. So all along the way, he kept winking at Jiang Li. Jiang Li didn’t need to ask him to know what he wanted to say—after returning home, go to Fangfei Courtyard to talk in detail.

But Jiang Li was too lazy to deal with him.

Today’s matter—Ji Shuran and her daughter had wanted to harm her and Ye Shijie, but the result ended up fulfilling Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yu’e, even letting Shen Ruyun find an opening. The water in this pond had already been stirred until it couldn’t be any muddier. Honestly speaking, even Jiang Li herself hadn’t expected such a result would be achieved. Who knew Shen Ruyun would have such an inspired stroke?

It looked like everyone was happy for Jiang Li, but actually this was just the beginning.

Ji Shuran would sooner or later figure out that the matter between Jiang Yu’e and Zhou Yanbang was Jiang Li’s doing. And after this time, Jiang Youyao would thoroughly never walk together with Zhou Yanbang. Jiang Youyao hated Jiang Yu’e, but hated even more the instigator, Jiang Li.

As for Ye Shijie’s side, Ji Shuran had wanted to harm Ye Shijie but failed. However, Ye Shijie was now already Vice Minister of Revenue—already attracting envious eyes. Who knew how much jealousy and hatred he would attract openly and secretly? Not to mention other people, Ji Shuran could easily have her natal family, the Ji family people, trip up Ye Shijie. Although Ye Shijie was appointed by Emperor Hongxiao, he had just entered office and had no connections to rely on at all. The Ye family had no officials in the past. The protection they could give Ye Shijie was truly very little.

Her and Ye Shijie’s path would inevitably become even more difficult ahead.

However, that was nothing. Jiang Li thought happily—no matter what, being able to make enemies before her suffer losses wasn’t treating herself unfairly. No matter how many difficulties lay ahead, at most it would just be like tonight, resolving them one by one.

Her path would always become smoother and smoother.

…

After returning to the residence, Jiang Li didn’t greet Jiang Yuanbai and the others. She directly returned to Fangfei Courtyard. It was already too late today. Bai Xue and Tong’er saw her return safely and sound, and both breathed a sigh of relief. Jiang Li also didn’t tell the two of them what had happened at today’s palace banquet. Tonight she had also been busy all night and even dealt with Duke of Su Ji Heng. Right now she also wanted to rest well. Whatever matters there were could wait until tomorrow.

As for Jiang Yuanbai and Old Madam Jiang’s side, Jiang Li smiled slightly. Tonight they naturally couldn’t spare attention for her—there were more important matters to do.

In Wanfeng Hall.

Old Madam Jiang looked at Jiang Yuanbai solemnly.

She had lived to such an advanced age and seen quite a bit. She had heard plenty about catching adultery before a crowd and had even witnessed it firsthand. For instance, previously when top scholar Shen Yurun’s wife Xue Fangfei had been caught in illicit relations with someone at Madam Shen’s birthday banquet, Old Madam Jiang had been present.

She despised people who didn’t value themselves, detested children who destroyed the family’s reputation. But she never expected that one day, this would happen in their Jiang family.

“Truly concubine-born behavior!” Old Madam Jiang said coldly. “The daughter taught is the same!” The one in trouble was the third branch, not her own biological son. Old Madam Jiang didn’t know whether to feel fortunate or angry.

Jiang Yuanbai rarely saw his mother so furious and remained silent without speaking.

“What do you plan to do?” Old Madam Jiang asked.

“Your son plans to immediately cancel Youyao and Zhou Yanbang’s marriage alliance.” Jiang Yuanbai said seriously. “After this matter, Youyao can no longer marry into the Zhou family. No matter what’s between Yu’e and Zhou Yanbang, Youyao is my main branch’s legitimate daughter. Marrying into the Zhou family, she would also become the laughingstock of all Yanjing City.” Jiang Yuanbai sighed. “Moreover, this son Zhou Yanbang has extremely improper intentions. Clearly betrothed to my daughter, yet entangled unclearly with other Jiang family young ladies. His character is contrary—I don’t believe this person will treat Youyao well in the future.”

“I think the same.” Probably seeing that Jiang Yuanbai thought along the same lines as herself, Old Madam Jiang’s expression also eased somewhat. “Their Zhou family this time also has no face to mention the marriage alliance with Youyao anymore. No matter. Youyao is still young now. These days, pay more attention to suitable families. My Jiang family’s daughter—no matter what, finding a better gentleman than that Zhou family boy is as easy as turning over one’s hand!”

Jiang Yuanbai nodded in agreement.

Mother and son had just reached this point when crying sounds from a young girl came from outside. Jiang Yuanbai looked back to see Jiang Youyao disregarding Ji Shuran’s obstruction and bursting in herself.

As soon as Jiang Youyao burst in, she grabbed Jiang Yuanbai’s sleeve and cried, “Father, I cannot cancel the marriage alliance with Young Master Zhou!”

Ji Shuran, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, quickly pulled her up. Old Madam Jiang frowned. “Ji Shi, how are you looking after Youyao? How did you let her in?”

Ji Shuran was utterly helpless. She only said, “Mother, Master, Youyao is excessively heartbroken. Several times before she nearly fainted… Youyao is too pitiful. Out of the blue, Young Master Zhou does such a thing. Isn’t this stabbing needles into our Youyao’s heart?”

Jiang Yuanbai looked down at his youngest daughter. Jiang Youyao was obviously truly heartbroken. With her nature of cherishing her appearance so much, now her tears had ruined her makeup and she didn’t care. Her lips were even pale as paper. Jiang Yuanbai inevitably felt heartache. In his view, the one most hurt by this matter was Jiang Youyao. After all, Jiang Youyao hadn’t done anything wrong, yet suffered her beloved’s betrayal.

Jiang Yuanbai patiently said, “Youyao, stop being willful. Zhou Yanbang doing such things—how can he become my Jiang family’s son-in-law?” Seeing Jiang Youyao’s unwilling appearance, he steeled his heart and continued speaking. “Since Zhou Yanbang could be together with Jiang Yu’e, clearly his heart doesn’t have you in it. If his heart cared about you even half a bit, he wouldn’t do such things to shame you. As your father, I cannot marry you to such a man without responsibility who also doesn’t have you in his heart!”

“No—” Unexpectedly, after hearing Jiang Yuanbai’s words, Jiang Youyao not only wasn’t persuaded but became even more stubborn. She retorted, “Young Master Zhou’s heart does have me in it. The reason he was together with Jiang Yu’e is because… because Jiang Yu’e seduced him! Jiang Yu’e harmed him. Yes, it was Jiang Yu’e putting on an act. Jiang Yu’e has long wanted to steal Young Master Zhou, so she used such despicable methods. This isn’t Young Master Zhou’s fault. Father, it’s Jiang Yu’e’s fault. What you should do isn’t cancel my engagement with Young Master Zhou—it’s severely punish that slut Jiang Yu’e!”

Once these words were spoken, Ji Shuran inwardly cried out in alarm. Jiang Yuanbai looked at Jiang Youyao in shock.

In Jiang Yuanbai’s heart, Jiang Youyao had always been an innocent, carefree, naive little girl. But right now, this woman appearing crazed and full of foul language was truly too unfamiliar.

Ji Shuran hurriedly smiled. “Youyao is just too angry. Previously she also heard some gossip saying Yu’e…” She too intended to pour dirty water on Jiang Yu’e. Or perhaps it couldn’t even be called dirty water. In Ji Shuran’s view, that Jiang Yu’e ended up entangled with Zhou Yanbang—there might not have been half-hearted resistance, or perhaps it was fundamentally collusion with Jiang Li.

“Nonsense!” Old Madam Jiang, who had been watching coldly, said sternly. “Jiang Yu’e seduced Zhou Yanbang herself—then what about Shen Ruyun? The Assistant Drafter’s younger sister wouldn’t bother actively seducing Zhou Yanbang!”

If Jiang Li were here and heard Old Madam Jiang’s words, she would definitely be unable to help laughing aloud. Because just as Old Madam Jiang’s absurd statement said—the Assistant Drafter’s younger sister wouldn’t actively seduce Zhou Yanbang? She even didn’t hesitate to sacrifice her own reputation, insisting that Zhou Yanbang had “taken advantage of” her just to marry into the Zhou family!

Jiang Youyao froze.

Indeed, Jiang Yu’e could be said to have seduced Zhou Yanbang—but what about Shen Ruyun? Between Shen Ruyun and Zhou Yanbang, they could be said to be strangers in the past. Moreover, Shen Ruyun wasn’t Jiang Yu’e. Once the Shen family proposed that Zhou Yanbang take responsibility, without doubt, as Princess Yongning said, Zhou Yanbang would definitely have to marry Shen Ruyun.

Even as the esteemed Chief Grand Councilor’s daughter, what could she do? Unless on that day it had also been herself who was taken advantage of by Zhou Yanbang, perhaps she could compete with Shen Ruyun to see whom Zhou Yanbang would ultimately choose.

Seeing that Jiang Youyao seemed somewhat moved, Old Madam Jiang said coldly again, “Moreover, no matter how things end up between Jiang Yu’e and Zhou Yanbang, our Jiang family absolutely will not allow sisters serving one husband. Zhou Yanbang cannot possibly become your husband.”

Jiang Youyao’s body went soft. She directly collapsed limply on the ground, unable to say anything, only crying pitifully.

She knew that what Old Madam Jiang said was true. She and Zhou Yanbang—nothing could come of it anymore!

Painstakingly scheming, snatching this marriage alliance from Jiang Li’s hands, joyfully waiting for her beloved to welcome her through the door. As long as they waited until next winter, as long as they waited until then, she would be the legitimate heir’s wife.

But all this fell short at the last moment when about to succeed. In the end, all the painstaking efforts were just making wedding clothes for others!

In Jiang Youyao’s heart was dark despair.

Just at this moment, sobbing sounds from a woman came from far to near outside. Someone entered Wanfeng Hall from outside—it was people from the Jiang family’s third branch.

As soon as Jiang Yuanxing entered, without a word, he knelt before Old Madam Jiang. Behind him, Yang Shi and Jiang Yu’e also knelt down.

Jiang Yuanxing turned his head and knocked his forehead twice loudly before Jiang Yuanbai. “Elder Brother, Third Brother has wronged you. Failure to teach one’s child is the father’s fault. Yu’e causing such a disaster this time is all because I didn’t teach her well. Beat me to death!”

Yang Shi also cried toward Ji Shuran. “Elder Sister-in-law, I truly have no face to see you. I know what Yu’e did this time was really too excessive, but… Yu’e is flesh that fell from my body. You’re also a mother. I have no choice. I beg you to give Yu’e a way to live. In my next life, I’ll repay you as an ox or horse!”

Jiang Yu’e also had teary eyes. Crying, she kowtowed to Jiang Youyao. She wasn’t as talkative as Jiang Yuanxing and Yang Shi. She only sobbed, “Third Sister… I was wrong…”

This whole family had actually all come to apologize. For a time, Wanfeng Hall’s crying shook the heavens. How lively.

Jiang Yuanbai was somewhat embarrassed. He and this concubine-born brother weren’t usually very close. It wasn’t about legitimate versus concubine-born distinctions, but rather that Jiang Yuanxing’s temperament was truly too weak and incompetent. Jiang Yuanbai looked down on him. Even now—a man’s knees bore gold. That Jiang Yuanxing knelt before him—Jiang Yuanbai didn’t feel this showed Jiang Yuanxing’s sincerity. Instead, he felt he had knelt down too easily.

Ji Shuran avoided Yang Shi’s hand grabbing at her skirt hem and forced a smile. “Sister-in-law, what are you saying? What do you mean by me giving Yu’e a way to live? I haven’t done anything to Yu’e. If you’re talking about the Zhou family and Youyao’s marriage alliance, there’s no need to worry about it. Our Youyao and the heir to Marquis Ningyuan are absolutely impossible. Whatever plans Yu’e has next have nothing to do with Youyao. So the repayment as ox or horse you mentioned truly isn’t necessary.”

Yang Shi hadn’t expected Ji Shuran would speak so readily. Hearing again that Jiang Youyao and Zhou Yanbang were impossible and this marriage alliance probably wouldn’t come to pass, her heart sank even more. Everyone in the Jiang family knew Jiang Youyao was deeply attached to Zhou Yanbang. Now that Jiang Youyao couldn’t enter the Zhou family’s doors but Jiang Yu’e could, it would be strange if Jiang Youyao didn’t resent Jiang Yu’e.

Yang Shi’s heart was like duckweed floating in water, unable to distinguish up, down, left or right—utterly confused, very panicked.

Jiang Yu’e, listening on the side, felt joy in her heart.

Speaking fairly, if choosing between Shen Ruyun and Jiang Youyao to become Zhou Yanbang’s legitimate wife, Jiang Yu’e would rather choose Shen Ruyun. Staying with Jiang Youyao day after day would remind Jiang Yu’e of her days being ignored in the Jiang family, and would also remind her of the fact that she was merely a concubine-born daughter.

Jiang Yu’e didn’t want to stay with Jiang Youyao. With Jiang Youyao overshadowing her, she would still have to serve Jiang Youyao tea respectfully, arrange food dishes, and inquire after her well-being—just like normally flattering Jiang Youyao, no different from her past self. This way, she might as well serve a stranger.

The joy in Jiang Yu’e’s gaze clearly fell into Jiang Youyao’s eyes. Jiang Youyao only felt the fire in her heart “whoosh” up high. That joy was so glaring it made Jiang Youyao lose her rationality. She suddenly jumped up and lunged at Jiang Yu’e.

“Slut!” she shrieked.

Jiang Yu’e was just shrinking her body, kneeling there pitifully. Caught off guard by Jiang Youyao suddenly jumping up to attack, she was knocked to the ground in one motion. The pearl hairpins in her hair bun had just been thrown off when she was pounced on by Jiang Youyao and fell to the ground.

Jiang Yu’e screamed miserably.

…

The sun lazily shone on the carved windows. A yellow oriole stopped on the crabapple branch by the door, chirping cheerfully.

When Jiang Li walked over, the yellow oriole was startled. Fluttering its wings, in the blink of an eye it flew to a tall tree.

Jiang Li raised her eyes to look at the sky outside. It was good weather.

“Miss—Miss—” Tong’er came running in from outside.

Bai Xue was sweeping the floor. When Tong’er entered, she ran too urgently and her feet slipped. Just as she was about to tumble to the ground, Bai Xue quickly extended an arm to support her. Worthy of being the strong Bai Xue—she held her steadily with one arm. Only then did Tong’er stand straight. Narrowly escaping disaster, she gratefully said to Bai Xue, “Thank you, Bai Xue.”

“What matter is so urgent?” Bai Xue asked curiously. “Can’t you speak slowly?”

“No, it’s a top priority matter. Speaking slowly wouldn’t be fresh news. Miss—” She finally found Jiang Li standing by the window basking in the sun. “Finally found you, Miss. Today this servant went to the outer courtyard and heard something. Miss, do you know what it is?”

Before Jiang Li could speak, Bai Xue interjected, “If you don’t say it, how will Miss know what it is?”

“You don’t speak.” Tong’er said. “This servant heard that last night something happened in Wanfeng Hall. Don’t know why, but Third Miss and Fifth Miss got into a fight.”

“Got into a fight?” Jiang Li was surprised, though thinking about it, she felt relieved. Jiang Yu’e and Jiang Youyao were both not people who could hold back their temper. Fighting was very normal. She just hadn’t expected they would fight in Wanfeng Hall, not knowing to restrain themselves even a bit before Old Madam Jiang. Quite bold.

“Who won the fight?” Bai Xue only cared about this.

“Hehehe, Third Miss is so fierce—of course Third Miss won. I heard Fifth Miss was even injured in the face by Third Miss, bled, and this time her face is disfigured. But strangely, Third Madam and Third Master didn’t say anything. Last night they found a doctor to look, and this matter was just let pass. They actually didn’t blame Third Miss. This is too strange.”

Tong’er shrugged. “Don’t know what they fought about either.”

Jiang Li smiled. She knew what they fought over.

Over Zhou Yanbang.