Publicly rolling up one’s sleeves was somewhat unladylike, even if only women were present.

Jiang Qiao, however, didn’t mind and candidly showed her exposed arm to everyone.

The young lady’s wrist was as white as snow, but it was covered with more than ten red spots.

The smile on Madam Marquis Changxing’s face froze.

“I should inform Madam that my skin is naturally sensitive, and I easily develop a rash when suddenly changing environments. I was worried about this when I went to sleep last night, and sure enough, this is how it turned out this morning,” Jiang Qiao furrowed her brows in distress. “So although the Marquis’s residence is lovely, I can’t stay any longer. Otherwise, I’ll soon be itching all over and unable to sleep.”

Madam Marquis Changxing recovered and still spoke gently, “If that’s the case, we certainly shouldn’t force you to stay.”

She glanced at Jiang Qian.

Jiang Qian understood and immediately said, “Third Sister, why didn’t you say so earlier? In a while, Second Sister will arrange a carriage to send you back.”

“Thank you, Second Sister,” Jiang Qiao smiled, linking her arm with Jiang Si’s. “I’ll go back with Fourth Sister in a bit.”

Jiang Qian’s expression stiffened. After a moment, she said, “You just arrived yesterday. The third Sister has to leave early because she’s uncomfortable, but the Fourth Sister has only stayed for a day. I was hoping she could stay a while longer to keep me company.”

“Don’t you have Fifth Sister and Sixth Sister to keep you company?” Jiang Qiao smiled, holding Jiang Si’s arm even tighter, showing no intention of letting go. “I’ve only been here for a day before leaving. Those who know will understand it’s because of my skin rash, but those who don’t might think I’ve upset Second Sister. So, let Fourth Sister accompany me back. That way, there won’t be any gossip.”

Jiang Qiao spoke quickly, but her words made sense.

Jiang Qian couldn’t argue and glanced at Jiang Pei.

Jiang Pei almost instantly understood Jiang Qian’s intention.

The second Sister wanted her to accompany the Third Sister back.

Why her? Just because she was a concubine’s daughter? Jiang Si clearly didn’t show a good face to Second Sister, yet Second Sister still treated her well. Why was that?

Lost in these thoughts, Jiang Pei didn’t speak up in time.

Jiang Qian suppressed her dissatisfaction and had to say, “In that case, why don’t we have Sixth Sister accompany you back?”

Jiang Qiao waved her hand with a smile, “Let’s not trouble two people for one task. I’ve already arranged it with Fourth Sister, and she’s agreed. Besides, Sixth Sister likes the Marquis’s residence so much, how could we make her leave to accompany me?”

“Fourth Sister rarely visits, while Sixth Sister can come anytime in the future—” Jiang Qian wished she could stuff a cloth in Jiang Qiao’s mouth.

Third Uncle was born of a concubine, and although Jiang Qiao was outspoken, she had never paid much attention to her. She didn’t expect her to ruin her plans now!

Jiang Qian knew without thinking that once Jiang Si left like this, Cao Xingyu would be furious.

Jiang Qiao rudely interrupted Jiang Qian’s words, “Second Sister, I don’t like the sound of that. Do you think that because we’re cousins, and Sixth Sister is your full sister, that’s why you’re treating me and Fourth Sister like outsiders?”

People are often less courteous to their own family while being polite to those they’re less close to. Jiang Qiao’s words left Jiang Qian speechless.

Jiang Qiao pressed on, curtsying to Madam Marquis Changxing, “Madam, Fourth Sister and I will bid you farewell now. We’ll come to visit you again when we have the chance.”

“Very well, have a safe journey. Jiang Shi, go make the arrangements quickly,” Madam Marquis Changxing said gently, then instructed her maid.

Shortly after, the maid who had left returned, carrying two gift boxes.

Madam Marquis Changxing smiled, “These aren’t anything valuable. One box for each of you sisters, take them home to enjoy.”

Jiang Si and Jiang Qiao curtsied together, “Thank you for your generous gifts, Madam.”

Jiang Qian, forcing a smile, led the group out. Madam Marquis Changxing stared at the still-swaying pearl curtain and sighed softly.

As soon as they left Madam Marquis Changxing’s quarters, Jiang Qian’s face darkened slightly, “Third Sister, you shouldn’t have said so much in front of the Madam.”

Jiang Qiao blinked, looking innocent, “I didn’t say much, just told the Madam I was leaving. Ah, is Second Sister upset that I’m taking Fourth Sister with me?”

Jiang Qian pursed her lips, looking at Jiang Qiao.

Jiang Qiao chuckled, “Second Sister, you’re so strange. Isn’t it the same whether Fourth Sister or Sixth Sister accompanies me back? They’re both sisters. Don’t tell me you favor Fourth Sister more because she’s prettier?”

Jiang Qian was at a loss for words, and Jiang Pei, who was caught in the crossfire, was equally furious.

She hadn’t done anything, why call her ugly?

Meeting Jiang Qiao’s smiling eyes, Jiang Qian felt a chill in her heart.

Had Jiang Qiao discovered something last night?

It’s never pleasant to know that your husband covets your younger sister. To avoid seeing and thinking about it, she hadn’t paid attention to the commotion in the east wing last night and had even instructed her maids and servants to retire early.

But even without paying attention, based on her understanding of Cao Xingyu, she could guess that the pervert wouldn’t have missed the opportunity to explore a young lady’s chamber at night.

Jiang Qian stared at Jiang Qiao, her mind racing with countless thoughts.

“Second Sister?”

Jiang Qian came back to her senses and forced a smile, “Third Sister is joking. You’re all my sisters, and I treat you all the same.”

She couldn’t make her intention to keep Jiang Si for a short stay too obvious. All her younger sisters were grown up now and becoming perceptive.

“That’s good. It seems I overthought things. I apologize to the Second Sister. By the way, when will the carriage be ready?”

Jiang Qian, with a heavy heart, saw Jiang Si and Jiang Qiao off to the carriage. Seeing Jiang Pei’s light-hearted expression and Jiang Li’s demure manner, she felt frustrated.

Those who should have left didn’t, and those who should have stayed didn’t. How vexing!

“Where are you going?” Cao Xingyu, the Heir of Marquis Changxing, who was just returning from outside, asked gently upon seeing the carriage stopped at the gate.

Before Jiang Qian could answer, the carriage curtain was suddenly lifted, revealing Jiang Qiao’s smiling, pretty face. “Little sister is feeling unwell and is returning to the Earl’s residence.”

Seeing it was Jiang Qiao, Cao Xingyu’s lips twitched almost imperceptibly, “Then Third Sister should see a doctor promptly upon returning to the manor. Let your Second Sister know your condition afterward, so we can put our minds at ease.”

“Don’t worry, Second Brother-in-law. I’ll be fine as soon as I return to the Earl’s residence,” Jiang Qiao smiled, inwardly cursing him as a beast in human clothing.

Cao Xingyu’s smile faltered slightly.

Why did those words sound so odd?

“Second Brother-in-law, go back with Second Sister. We’ll see you another time,” Jiang Qiao lowered the curtain.

The coachman raised his whip, and the carriage slowly started moving.

Cao Xingyu withdrew his gaze, maintaining his gentle and refined demeanor in public. He stepped forward and took Jiang Qian’s hand, asking, “What’s wrong with Third Sister?”

“Nothing serious,” Jiang Qian said vaguely.

“Uh.” Cao Xingyu glanced at Jiang Li and Jiang Pei beside Jiang Qian, his eyes darkening, “Where’s Fourth Sister?”

Under his gaze, Jiang Qian forced a smile and said, “Fourth Sister accompanied Third Sister back.”

Cao Xingyu suddenly turned his head to look at the departing carriage.

The carriage bearing the Marquis Changxing’s emblem had just turned the corner and disappeared.

Cao Xingyu turned back, staring at Jiang Qian for a good while before revealing a gentle smile, “Let’s go inside.”

Jiang Qian trembled all over and slowly nodded.

In the carriage, Jiang Qiao let out a long sigh of relief, “We’ve finally left that filthy place.”

Jiang Si, however, suddenly held her forehead.

Oh no, she had left Er-niu behind.