Sleep in the side room?

Li Jiǎo’s smile froze slightly at the corners of her mouth, hardly daring to believe what her ears had heard.

This was her wedding night, yet the Prince actually wouldn’t consummate their marriage?

Prince Rui was equally embarrassed.

No matter what, he was still a man. Regardless of his noble status, it would be awkward to be unable to do what should be done on such a special day.

Prince Rui quickened his departing steps.

“Your Highness—” Li Jiǎo couldn’t help but stand and call out. What remained for her was the light pink pearl curtain gently swaying, the tinkling sound of glass beads colliding, making the bridal chamber seem even more empty.

Li Jiǎo sat down in a daze, momentarily confused.

Why would the Prince treat her this way? Could it be that the Prince didn’t fancy her, but was taking revenge because she had pulled off his belt?

This reason was too absurd for Li Jiǎo to force herself to believe.

There must be some reason she didn’t know!

She couldn’t panic. Since she had already entered the Prince’s residence, there were many days ahead. Whatever the reason, with enough patience, she would find out sooner or later.

News of Li Jiǎo entering Prince Rui’s residence quickly spread throughout the capital.

When Old Madam of Earl Guchang heard this, she was stunned for a long while before sighing: “Jiǎo’er’s temperament is truly completely different from her mother’s.”

Old Earl Guchang sipped his tea: “Different temperaments aren’t necessarily bad. Her mother had a gentle and quiet nature, but unfortunately had a poor fate. I hope our granddaughter is one with good fortune, making our affection for her worthwhile.”

Among these noble families, the young men mostly weren’t accomplished in their studies, and there were noble daughters by the handful—how many heir apparent capable of inheriting titles were there to marry? Marrying a second or youngest son might sound impressive as a duke’s or marquis’s household, but in reality, once the old masters and mistresses passed away and the family divided, they immediately became ordinary households.

Truth be told, for a daughter to be properly carried into a Prince’s residence was already excellent fortune—only a very few overly proud families would be unable to accept this.

When Madam Wen, wife of Marquis Taining, heard about this matter, she had different thoughts.

“I never expected this eldest miss of the Li residence to be so capable—one Lantern Festival and she entered Prince Rui’s residence.”

Her trusted matron smiled ingratiatingly: “The same rice feeds a hundred different people. Not all young ladies are as chaste and quiet as our Seventh Miss.”

Mentioning her daughter Zhu Yán, Madam Wen’s expression softened, but was quickly replaced by gloom: “Nanny Li, you must keep a close eye on our cousin miss for me. Our cousin Miss is as close to Miss Li as if they were one person—she’s not the same type as Yan’er.”

To be able to latch onto Prince Rui using the opportunity of accompanying Du Feixue to view the lanterns, Miss Li was truly someone she couldn’t help but be wary of. What’s more, this cousin’s miss lives in their residence and keeps inviting Miss Li over as a guest. If Miss Li gave Du Feixue some advice to scheme against her pair of children, that would truly make her sick with anger.

“Madam need not worry. This old servant has been watching coldly—our Seventh Miss doesn’t enjoy being warm with the cousin miss, so she won’t suffer any loss.”

Madam Wen shook her head: “I’m afraid Yan’er will suffer a loss.”

If her carefully raised son were to be entangled by someone like Du Feixue, his entire life would truly be ruined.

“Isn’t the cousin miss still in mourning?”

Madam Wen laughed coldly: “Still in mourning, yet when Old Madam suggested it, she went to view the lanterns. Do you still think she’s someone who would properly observe mourning?”

Yet she could only say these words to her trusted matron—she couldn’t mention half a word to Old Madam or the Marquis.

One was an external grandmother, the other an uncle—both were pitying Du Feixue for losing her mother. If she said anything, she would become the villain.

“Go invite Seventh Miss over.”

Soon, Zhu Yán entered: “Mother, did you need me for something?”

Facing her beloved daughter, Madam Wen showed a gentle smile: “Have you been out playing these past few days?”

Zhu Yán smiled with pursed lips: “Apart from that day during the Lantern Festival, I only went to the Su residence yesterday to accompany Sister Su in playing chess.”

“That girl Luo Yi is still so fond of chess?”

“Yes, Sister Su loves chess most. Every time, she defeats me utterly. I’m afraid only Fifth Brother could avenge me.” The name Qiao Zhao came to Zhu Yán’s lips but was silently swallowed back.

Madam Wen slightly raised her eyebrows: “Oh, your Fifth Brother has played chess with Miss Su?”

“No, they haven’t. How would they have the opportunity to play against each other? Besides, it wouldn’t be appropriate.”

Seeing Zhu Yán’s candid expression, Madam Wen knew her daughter wasn’t hiding anything and couldn’t help but be more satisfied with Su Luo Yi.

“I’m quite curious to know who would have the slight advantage if Fifth Brother faced Sister Su.”

Madam Wen smiled: “There will be opportunities.”

Zhu Yán was slightly stunned. Being a clever girl, she quickly understood her mother’s meaning and immediately showed a genuine smile.

Fifth Brother and Sister Su?

She was truly looking forward to it.

After Zhu Yán left, Madam Wen instructed her trusted matron: “Go spread the news that I’m preparing to look at potential matches for the heir apparent to where the cousin miss can hear it.”

The trusted matron was startled: “Madam, if the cousin miss finds out, she’ll make a scene.”

Madam Wen laughed coldly: “I’m afraid she won’t make a scene!”

There’s no such thing as being a thief for a thousand days without guarding against thieves for a thousand days. Since there was such a hidden danger in the residence, rather than let it erupt unexpectedly in the future, catching people off guard, she might as well ignite it in advance.

This way, even if Old Madam and the Marquis pitied Du Feixue for losing her mother, they would have some understanding in their hearts.

Indeed, as Madam Wen expected, when Du Feixue secretly overheard the maids’ idle chatter, she immediately felt as if someone had punched her in the head. Completely dazed, she ran toward Old Madam Taining’s residence.

Ever since Lady Zhu hanged herself, Old Madam Taining’s spirits had been poor, and she had begun eating vegetarian meals.

To show filial piety, Madam Wen would come over to dine with Old Madam Taining during lunch.

On this day, Marquis Taining happened to be at the residence as well, also coming over to accompany his parents.

The maids had just set the dishes on the table when Du Feixue burst in, throwing herself into Old Madam Taining’s arms and crying loudly.

“What’s wrong with Feixue? Did you have a nightmare or suffer some grievance? Tell your external grandmother quickly.” Old Madam Taining was shocked, gently patting Du Feixue’s back to comfort her.

Madam Wen twitched the corners of her mouth.

This cousin miss lived more comfortably than the residence’s proper young ladies, who could give her grievances to suffer?

Du Feixue hugged Old Madam Taining’s neck and slowly raised her head, sobbing: “External grandmother, I heard that Cousin Yan is going to have his marriage arranged—”

Old Madam Taining couldn’t help but look toward Madam Wen.

Madam Wen smiled lightly: “Before New Year, I did mention to the Marquis that Yan’er is twenty-one after this New Year—it’s time to settle his marriage.”

If it weren’t for Yan’er’s poor health after birth, and a Taoist priest who cured Yan’er instructing that no betrothal should be arranged before he reached adulthood, she would be holding grandchildren by now—where would all these troublesome matters come from?

“It’s still the first month now. Cousin, miss, please don’t cry.” Madam Wen gently consoled, not mentioning another word.

Old Madam Taining’s expression changed, and her gaze toward her granddaughter deepened.

“External grandmother, could you not have your cousin brother arrange his marriage now?” Du Feixue hadn’t noticed, pleading innocently.

Madam Wen’s eyebrows moved slightly, a smile flashing in her eyes.

She had said this cousin miss would never disappoint.