ã€ŠReal Empress from a Noble Familyã€‹


 Chapter 1 - You Are Heading for Your Own Doom

    <h4>Chapter 1 You Are Heading for Your Own Doom</h4>

    Snow was flying on the Mount Dizi in the deep winter.

    In the afternoon, Qiu Yn was trudging on the path to the top of the mountain.

    It snowed heavily, and the wind was blowing violently from the top of the mountain. Although she took off her fur coat to move more easily, she still had difficulties in struggling forward.

    ¡°Cousin, cousin! Let me go! Let me go!¡± With hands and feet tightly tied by the soaked twine, Kang Jinzhang was dragged in the snow by her with a rope. His tears and snots were condensed into ice, and he was begging in horror, ¡°It is that Yue Zhi seduced me! Believe me! Believe me... I am your cousin, and we are rted!¡±

    ¡°So now you have remembered that you are my cousin?¡± Qiu Yn stopped. She wiped the snow on her face and turned her head, looking at Kang Jinzhang with a faint smile. Her voice was cold, ¡°When you sneaked into my room at that midnight, why didn¡¯t you think about it? Yue Zhi just suffered for me. Do you think that I don¡¯t know who your real target was at that night?¡±

    Kang Jinzhang was startled, ¡°You know?!¡±

    ¡°I had to go out that night, so I let Yue Zhi sleep on my bed to take my ce. But I didn¡¯t expect that it would hurt her...¡± Qiu Yn smiled slightly, and her smile was as beautiful as the plum blossom. But then she heaved the rope without hesitation and kept climbing.

    ¡°That night... I drank too much that night! Really!¡± Kang Jinzhang vaguely remembered that at the end of this road was a cliff. He was so frightened and begged incoherently, ¡°Cousin, listen to me! Yue Zhi is just a servant girl. And grandma loves me the most. As long as you release me this time, I can give you many servant girls better than her! I will find ten for you, no, one hundred!¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn was indifferent, he hurriedly said, ¡°Cousin, do you know? There¡¯s something wrong with the marriage that grandma let First Uncle manage for you.¡± Suddenly, Qiu Yn¡¯s action elerated, and Kang Jinzhang eximed, ¡°Although Deng Yi is the nephew of Duke of Guangyang and he is tall and handsome, he only loves men! He has no interest in girls! As long as you let me go, I¡¯ll ask grandmother to dissolve the engagement for you!¡±

    ¡°General Ruan has be incurably ill, and he is your grandfather! If you kill me, you won¡¯t be able to hide it from grandmother, as well as the fact that you secretly followed General Ruan to study martial arts would also be exposed! Do you want General Ruan¡¯sst period of time being so unpeaceful?¡± Kang Jinzhang said earnestly, trying his best to think about his words, ¡°And my Second Aunt ¡ª your mother is also not well. This time she sent you here to look for me, and isn¡¯t it just to let you please grandma? You... Aren¡¯t you afraid that grandma would let your mother pay for my life with her life?!¡±

    Qiu Yn let him down again. Smiling at him, she leaned down and gave him two ps!

    ¡°Go on. I am listening. Let¡¯s see whether you can make me let you off.¡± She dragged Kang Jinzhang forward again but said leisurely.

    Kang Jinzhang looked at the cliff getting closer and closer, horrified to death, ¡°There is a secret. If you kill me, you will never know it in this life!¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Qiu Ynughed while dragging, ¡°What¡¯s the secret?¡±

    ¡°About your brother¡¯s death!¡± As soon as he said this, he was put down.

    Kang Jinzhang breathed a sigh of relief in his heart and then quickly said, ¡°Your brother was not dead because of you at all! I heard in my ears that he was killed by our family!¡± For fear of Qiu Yn changing her mind, he hurriedly said in one breath, ¡°It is just shortly after the news of your father¡¯s deathing back, your brother died, and at that time you just got your first birthday, Grandma thinks that it is because of you that your father and your brother died, so she always hates you.¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± Qiu Yn ran her fingers through her hair and smiled at Kang Jinzhang, but a faint one. ¡°You know it, but you didn¡¯t speak it out. After so many years, what evidence can there be? What¡¯s the matter if I know it or not?¡±

    ¡°There is the evidence! There is the evidence!¡± Kang Jinzhang was anxious, ¡°I can testify to you! I heard it myself! Grandma will believe me! You know she loves me the most!¡±

    Qiu Yn gave him a pitying nce and sighed, ¡°But it¡¯s useless! He is dead, and he can¡¯t be alive again even if I find out the murderer.¡±

    After she finished talking, she continued to drag him up the mountain.

    Seeing that it was not far from the cliff, Kang Jinzhang struggled on the snow and wept bitterly, ¡°Cousin... no! Cousin, please let me go! Please, please! I will never dare to y tricks on you again! I will never dare to egg grandma on to make troubles for you! As long as you let me off, I will do whatever you want me to do! I beg you! We are cousins! We are the brother and sister!¡±

    Qiu Yn was thinking carefully about it.

    Kang Jinzhang was like catching a life-saving straw, ¡°Cousin, you say! You just say it! Isn¡¯t that First Aunt always bullying you? When I go back, I can ask grandma to take her...¡±

    ¡°The antidote of the poison Youmianxiang, do you have it?¡± Qiu Yn asked softly, ¡°If you have, I will send you down the mountain immediately!¡±

    ¡°The poison Youmianxiang?¡± Kang Jinzhang was extremely surprised, ¡°The poison Youmianxiang has no antidote... No! Cousin, it really doesn¡¯t have any antidote! I can surely do it for you if you give me another order...¡±

    Qiu Yn chuckled and said, ¡°Don¡¯t bother. Didn¡¯t you mention that General Ruan and your Second Aunt are all at death¡¯s door from illness? It is because that they were all poisoned by Madame Lu, your dear grandmother, with the poison Youmianxiang! Otherwise, why would I follow your Second Aunt¡¯s words to go here after knowing you want to misbehave while you egg Madame Lu on to send me into this mountain?¡±

    ¡°Did you think I would have the antidote of the poison Youmianxiang?¡± Kang Jinzhang was sopunctious that he was almost about to hit the ground, and he yelled hurriedly, ¡°Wait! It hit me that grandma seemed to have let me take over a box, and she seemed to have said that it is rted to the poison Youmianxiang...¡±

    ¡°I never expect to get the antidote from you.¡± Qiu Yn smiled and broke his hope. She dragged him to the cliff and said lightly, ¡°Don¡¯t expect my mother to pay for your life. Do you know why?¡±

    Kang Jinzhang felt half of his body outside the cliff and half of him inside. He was so frightened that his heart was almost broken, and he asked subconsciously, ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because the mother of this body should have died of poisoning a few days ago.¡± Qiu Yn looked at him with a smile, ¡°She asked her daughter toe here before taking the poison. What she liked here were just the deep snow, the high mountains, and the dense forest. It was secluded, and it would be easy for her daughter to get away!¡±

    As she pushed Kang Jinzhang out of the cliff, she smiled and said what Kang Jinzhang couldn¡¯t understand, ¡°In order to let her daughter safely leave Qiu Family, although this body¡¯s mother could still live for half a year, she would rather kill herself in advance... I have taken over the daughter¡¯s body now, and if I don¡¯t do anything for them, I would be very sorry. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±

    ¡°Ah?!!!!¡±

    ¡°You will not die originally. But with such a shout, it will be more terrible for you to be buried alive!¡± A momentter, in the sound of avnche, Qiu Yn hid in a cave near the cliff and sighed, ¡°In fact, I did not think of making you dead from falling. I just wanted you to be frozen for a while, and I would ask you questions then...¡±

 Chapter 2 - Barely Escaping with Her Life

    <h4>Chapter 2 Barely Escaping with Her Life</h4>

    ¡°Whip! Whip her to death!¡± With hair disheveled and eyes red, Qiu Yuqing hysterically urged the old maidservants who were punishing Qiu Yn, ¡°Whip her till her flesh was torn to shreds and see if she still dares to not admit how she murdered my poor Jinzhang!¡±

    Four or five old maidservants who were strong and merciless waved the whip as she ordered. ¡°Crack!¡± ¡°Crack!¡± With a few sounds of whipping, Qiu Yn hanging from the beam of the room made a weak cry. She dropped her head. It seemed that she would like to struggle, but she did not have strength.

    ¡°I thought that since this body has been engaged to the nephew of Duke of Guangyang, Qiu Family would not be too ruthless.¡± Feeling the burning pain of whipping more and more numbness, Qiu Yn, who was at the gate of death, sighed in her heart, ¡°If I had knew earlier that this Aunt Qiu is sowless, I should have escaped ording to the order of the body¡¯s mother, Princess Ruan. I should not have been back here, even though that house was buried in the avnche and I had no money to seek refuge with that aunt thousands of miles away...¡±

    Finally getting rid of the end of world in the previous life, she did not expect that the second life would be worse than thest days! At least, she had never been beaten like this in the past life!

    Seeing Qiu Yn¡¯s breath getting weaker and weaker, Princess Yang, the Duchess of Xihe, frowned slightly and said, ¡°Sister, it is enough. We¡¯d better let her off now.¡±

    Qiu Yn heard these words when she was on the verge of shock, and she thought, ¡°In my memory, although the Duchess of Xihe doesn¡¯t like me, she much more hates that Aunt Qiu wants to take over the right of the Prince¡¯s Mansion with the favor of Madame Lu... It seems that Aunt Qiu did not ask Princess Yang¡¯s opinion when ordering to hang me here and beat me as soon as I came back today. And it hurt Princess Yang the hostess¡¯s face.¡±

    Thinking of this, Qiu Yn used herst strength to say with a weak voice, ¡°Aunt Qiu, I am a member of the Qiu Family anyway. Even if I have done something wrong, my First Aunt is here, though my mother passed away. As you hit me like this, do you really follow the rule of Qiu Family?¡±

    ...When Princess Ruan was still here, she lived behind closed doors, indifferent to the right and wrong of the Prince¡¯s Mansion. Both Princess Yang and Aunt Qiu counted on Princess Ruan and sometimes they even cooperated. Now that theirmon goal, Princess Ruan was gone, and it would be strange if they two did not fight each other directly!

    ¡°Rules?!¡± Qiu Yuqing was deeply sad for the death of her only son. At this moment, being like an angry lioness, she went over and gave Qiu Yn a p upon hearing the words! She angrily shouted, ¡°In this Prince¡¯s Mansion, I am the rule!¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Sure enough, when Qiu Yuqing just finished her words, Princess Yang, who couldn¡¯t hold back anymore, stood up and said furiously. ¡°Qiu Yuqing, you have got married. Prince took you back to live here for thinking that you cannot get along well with your husband Kang¡¯s family, and it would be not easy for you, a widow, to live with two children. But now you even regard yourself as the rule of Prince¡¯s Mansion!? Where do you ce Prince and me, and the Madame? Or in your mind, the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe now has belonged to the Kang Family?!¡±

    And then Princess Yang excitedly said to Madame Lu, who was taking tears with the handkerchief and whispering about her poor grandson, ¡°Mother! Please judge for us! Does this Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe on earth belong to which family? The Qiu Family or the Kang Family? If it belongs to the Kang Family, as the daughter-inw, I would not dare to upy the sister-inw¡¯s ce with my children!¡±

    Madame Lu put down her handkerchief and nced at Qiu Yn coldly, ¡°A bad junior provoked you two with her words, and both of you should really be provoked? Are you idiots?¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t Princess Yang understand this?¡± Qiu Yn closed her eyes, making her breath weaker and more obscured, sneering in her heart, ¡°But she still stands up immediately. ? Can she not stand up? Just now I almost spoke out in public that she, the real hostess of the Prince¡¯s Mansion, was standing back. If she still didn¡¯te out yet to say something, then Qiu Yuqing would surely take over the right in the Prince¡¯s Mansion! By then, she, the princess, would indeed be a joke!¡±

    An angry expression shed on Princess Yang¡¯s face, ¡°Mother! It cannot be said in this way. A state has itsws, and a family has its rules. Yn is a member of our Qiu Family, and she is even the Commandery Princess Ningyi conferred formally! Even if you want to ask her about Jinzhang¡¯s death, you should ask in a proper way, instead of directly torturing her!¡±

    Madame Lu said coldly, ¡°You are a fair person! Then ording to your words, you are the Duchess of Xihe conferred formally, while I am an old woman without any title! When I meet you, should I kowtow to you as a greeting?!¡±

    It was known to all over the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe that what Madame Lu hated most was that she still had no status and no title even though her son had be the Duke of Xihe. In the past, she, as the concubine of old Duke of Xihe, had been formally kicked out of the house by the old Princess.

    But when Princess Yang heard these words, instead of immediately kneeling down to apologize, she said in a same cold voice, ¡°How dare me? Mother, you are over thinking!¡±

    ¡°This Princess Yang...¡± With only one breath left, Qiu Yn was still sober and insisted on listening, with her ears up. Something hit her slightly, ¡°She just spoke out on purpose? She was just waiting for me to say those words, so that she could take this opportunity to fight with Qiu Yuqing? Otherwise, since Madame Lu¡¯s words are so serious, Princess Yang should have yielded... I don¡¯t know if she contradicts Lu now, how can she exin to Duke of Xiheter?¡±

    In her memory, her First Uncle, Duke of Xihe, was a filial son. ? So even though Madame Lu favored her own daughter Qiu Yuqing, Princess Yang could only see the husband¡¯s sistere back to the family as a widow and scramble for power...

    Thinking of this, Qiu Yn tilted her head over her shoulder, pretending to faint!

    Princess Yang nced at her and said, ¡°Put the Commandery Princess down. Two days ago, when the Empress convened the peeress to the pce, she taught us that as a wife, we should be kind and never torture innocent people for pleasure, not to mention torturing the Commandery Princess! Do you want to make trouble for Prince?¡±

    It was done!

    Hearing these words, Qiu Yn was finally relieved. She was really afraid that Princess Yang helped her in order to anger Lu and Qiu Yuqing to kill her, and then caught them tripping for that they killed the Commandery Princess conferred formally by the court...

    Until now that Princess Yang mentioned the Empress did Qiu Yn believe that Princess Yang really did not want her to die.

    When Qiu Yuqing saw that even Madame Lu kept silence after her sister-inw mentioned the Empress, she was so shocked and angry that she sat down on the ground and pped her thigh, crying. ¡°What a cruel sister-inw... I¡¯ve lost my beloved only son! Now I just hit this little b*tch a few times, and then you want to let her down! Don¡¯t you have a conscience! Is it you that asked her to kill my son? Is it?! Tell me! Tell me clearly!!!¡±

    ¡°Gag her mouth!¡± Princess Yang looked resentful and pounded the table!

    ¡°Madame! Madame! What¡¯s wrong with you, Madame?!¡± As soon as she finished her words, Princess Yang heard the maids screaming behind her. She looked back, only to see Madame Lu raising a finger pointing at her and covering the chest with one hand. The Madame almost seemed to faint!

    Princess Yang gritted her teeth, ¡°Why not hurriedly help Madame go back to rest?!¡±

    At this moment, a man in red brocade robe rushed in. When he saw Qiu Yn hanging from the beam of the room, he frowned and screamed angrily, ¡°D**n! What are you doing?! Hurriedly put her down!¡±

    After seeing the person clearly, everyone was in a daze.

    Qiu Yn almost thought that the Duke of Xihe who always disliked her was also possessed by another person. While Qiu Yuqing immediately screamed, ¡°Brother, are you mad? This little b*tch killed my Jinzhang...¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± The face of Qiu Mengmin, Duke of Xihe, turned red with anger. They were born by the same mother, so he always loved his younger sister. But he yelled at her at the moment, ¡°General Jiang just came in person and asked why our family had been making so much noise and nagging his family for over one hour. Thedy of Marquess Qin is living in the Jiang¡¯s residence next door, and she is the mother of the Empress! Hurry up to clean it up?! Would you like them toe in and have a look personally?!¡±

 Chapter 3 - Cruel and Unscrupulous Relatives (1)

    <h4>Chapter 3 Cruel and Unscrupulous Rtives (1)</h4>

    ¡°You suffered a lot, Your Grace¡± At dusk, Su He, the personal maid, took the medicine and fed Qiu Yn who was lying on her side, with a spoon. Qiu Yn¡¯s scars were still shocking after taking the medicine. From time to time, Su He turned her head and wiped tears on her own shoulders, ¡°Lady Yuqing is so hardhearted!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s lucky that the Prince got there in time.¡± Mrs. Zhou was an old domestic maidservant of Princess Ruan. Her eyes were red and swollen, but she still tried to show happiness on her face and said, ¡°With Prince¡¯s words, Commandery Princess can have a good rest to nurse the injury. After Commandery Princess recovers... we can ask her cousin for help and ask him to make an excuse and take Commandery Princess to live in General¡¯s House...¡±

    Su He was the granddaughter of Mrs. Zhou. Since now there was no other people in the inner room, Su He couldn¡¯t help speaking out, ¡°The Prince didn¡¯t mean to save our Commandery Princess, did he? It¡¯s clear that he was just afraid to bother thedy of Marquess Qin enjoying the plum in the next house, so that he let others put our Commandery Princess down! If it were not for General Jiang¡¯sing, our Commandery Princess would have been...¡±

    ¡°Hush!¡± Mrs. Zhou frowned and dressed her down in a low voice, ¡°Do you want to kill our Commandery Princess!¡±

    Then she said to Qiu Yn softly, ¡°Commandery Princess, we are living under other¡¯s thumb now, and you... you have to bear it! Never show your hatred to the Prince!¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Zhou, I know.¡± Qiu Yn coughed a few times and then spat out some blood. She said lightly, ¡°Not only Prince, but also my Aunt. I understand her. After all, Kang Jinzhang is her only son.¡±

    Listening to her nd tone, Su He looked at her in amazement, but she only saw Qiu Yn¡¯s indifferent expression and her unfathomable eyes being like the deep coldke. Just having a nce, Su He couldn¡¯t help trembling!

    ¡°It is good that you can understand.¡± Mrs. Zhou also noticed Qiu Yn¡¯s anomaly, and she sighed, ¡°We can only endure...¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Zhou, you just mentioned my cousin, and who is he?¡± Qiu Yn suddenly interrupted her, ¡°My male cousins of my grandfather¡¯s family have all been gone, haven¡¯t they?¡±

    In her memory, her grandfather, General Ruan, was the No.2 in the Dari¡¯s Army. His prestige was only second to that of Marquess Qin, Jiang Qianchuan, who was also known as Piaoqi General and the ¡°Defender of the State¡±. At that time, Ruan Family was also very prominent.

    However, due to a fiasco of General Ruan ten years ago, his sons, grandchildren, and Qiu Zhongyan who was his son-inw and the former Duke of Xihe all lost their lives. It not only led to the death of all offspring of Ruan Family and his rtives by marriage but also took away all his honor gained from the half-life army experience, only leaving him one General¡¯s Mansion and the vacant title of General.

    For this reason, the Madame Lu had the courage and opportunity to take action on General Ruan and Princess Ruan!

    ¡°He is the heir adopted by General Ruan when you just left the capital city.¡± Su He whispered, ¡°It is said that he is the offspring of General Ruan¡¯s former subordinate. On the Princess Ruan¡¯s funeral, he also showed up. When hearing that you were trapped on the mountain by the avnche and hanging between life and death, he proposed initiatively that he could attend Princess Ruan¡¯s funeral in your name.¡±

    While saying, Su He¡¯s eyes turned red, ¡°As soon as Princess Ruan passed away, Lady Yuqing and Princess Yang just sent someone over to tell us that it wasn¡¯t a good day when Princess Ruan died. They said if she was not buried soon, it would hinder all the members of the family... If it hadn¡¯t been your cousin who gave Prince¡¯s Mansion five thousand tael of silver as the present for the first-time meeting, they would have even nned to carry the Princess out that day.¡±

    Qiu Yn exhaled, ¡°I see. This cousin... Is he my elder cousin or younger cousin?¡±

    ¡°This young master is five years older than you.¡± Su He said, ¡°By the way, he originally asked Princess Yang to let him know as soon as you came back. Perhaps he was caught by something in the daytime, otherwise...¡±

    ¡°Since he used five thousand tael of silver for a chance to attend the funeral, if hees to see me again, how can he be empty-handed?¡± Qiu Yn said nothing, thinking in her heart, ¡°It seems that the reason why Princess Yang protected me is not so simple. However, in my memory, Ruan Family has a very hard life since they failed, and Princess Ruan often sold her dowry secretly to help them. For this reason, General Ruan was poisoned by Lu when she got a chance. Could this cousin who suddenly showed up have so much money?¡±

    At this time, the door of the inner room was suddenly opened, and a well-dressed old maidservant came in swaggeringly. As she saw Qiu Yn awake, with a long voice of ¡°Yo¡±, she went to a drum stool not far away and sat on it directly. She said harshly, ¡°You are not dead yet?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Su He was so angry to stand up, but she was quickly pressed back by Mrs. Zhou. Mrs. Zhou quickly gave Qiu Yn a wink, and then she made a fawning smile at the old maidservant, ¡°Mrs. Fan, what brings you here?¡± She was Mrs. Fan, Qiu Yuqing¡¯s trusted servant.

    ¡°Ridiculous!¡± As Mrs. Fan heard it, she immediately grabbed the tea bowl on the table and smashed it to the ground, ¡°Your Commandery Princess killed our young master! You even dare to think that it is over just because General Jiang came, and the princess said something for you?!¡±

    Su He could not help shouting, ¡°My master did not harm anyone! It was you who forced my master to...¡±

    ¡°You the little b*tch dare to talk back to me?¡± As Mrs. Fan heard it, an angry look shed in her eyes, and she stood up and gave Su He a p in the face heavily! Su He screamed and fell on the quilt covering Qiu Yn, together with the small bowl of medicine that had not been fed!

    ¡°Your Grace!¡± Having no time to care about her granddaughter, Mrs. Zhou hurriedly came forward to check Qiu Yn. Qiu Yn¡¯s face turned pale for Su He fell right on the wounds on her whole body. But when Su He got up, Qiu Yn shook her head slightly to show she was fine. And then Mrs. Zhou was in relief.

    Seeing this, Mrs. Fan suddenly pushed Su He again, but this time, Su He fell down on the blue brick floor rather than press Qiu Yn again!

    ¡°Bah! Slut! No manners!¡± In the end, Mrs. Fan didn¡¯t dare to hit Qiu Yn directly. When she found that she had no opportunity to hurt Qiu Yn, she spat on Su He and said scornfully, ¡°All in all, our young master is dead, but you are still alive. It is impossible for ourdy to let it go!¡±

    ¡°What does my aunt you want?¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s face was pale, and she looked at Mrs. Fan for a moment, asking indifferently.

    Mrs. Fan felt a little scared when Qiu Yn stared at her. But thinking that Princess Ruan was dead and the so-called Commandery Princess was only twelve years old, while she had the backing of Qiu Yuqing, she opened her eyes widely and fiercely again, ¡°What does she want? Ourdy just has the only one son, and she undergoes all sorts of hardships to raise him! Let alone the love...¡±

    Mrs. Fan said for a long time while patting her legs and the table. When seeing that Qiu Yn slowly closed her eyes and seemed to be tired, she was afraid that the real business was held up, so she stopped grunting and said hatefully, ¡°Take all the old Princess¡¯s and your mother¡¯s dowry out as the dowry of my youngdyter! My youngdy may beg for forgiveness in front of ourdy to save your life! Otherwise...¡±

    Both Mrs. Zhou and Su He eximed, and Mrs. Zhou angrily said, ¡°These all belong to our Commandery Princess! If they were all given to the youngdy, what should we do?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think that with the two poor wretches who are still willing to serve you, you will be able to keep your life!¡± Mrs. Fan sneered and squinted at them, ¡°If it were not for that my youngdy feels you pitiful and remembers the cousin rtionship between you and her, it would be no wonder that you cannot live through tonight! I can tell you now. You have this only one chance. If you don¡¯t finish the document of giving us the two dowries voluntarily as thepensation for killing our young master before dawn, you can just wait to apany your buried mother!¡±

    After that, she spat on Mrs. Zhou again, and then she went away proudly!

    Mrs. Zhou raised Su He in tears and asked Qiu Yn, ¡°Your Grace...¡±

    Before she finished her words, there was a noise outside. It was a gentle voice, ¡°Oh, why don¡¯t you close the door?¡±

    ¡°Xiuyan!¡± Mrs. Zhou was startled. She had no time to change Qiu Yn¡¯s quilt and rushed out eagerly. ¡°What brings you here? Is it that Princess Yang has some orders?¡±

 Chapter 4 - Cruel and Unscrupulous Relatives (2)

    <strong>Chapter 4 Cruel and Unscrupulous Rtives (2)</strong>

    Xiuyan was Princess Yang¡¯s confidential chief maid, who was bought by Princess herself several years ago. She strode in, saw the mess in the room and frowned gently, asking, ¡°What happened? Commandery Princess is out of condition now. Who was so clumsy to break things up?¡±

    Then she curtsied to Qiu Yn, ¡°Princess Yang sent me to visit you. But she was afraid that if I came here early, someone ill-intentioned might see this and bother you with it. That¡¯s why Ie sote...How are you feeling now?¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Xiuyan!¡± Qiu Yn sneered to herself, ¡°They knew that I was almost beaten to death but stille here again and again. Who would visit a patient like this? They obviously want to make things worse!¡±

    But she had to keep expressing her gratitude, ¡°Thanks to First Aunt today, or I would probably be dead like my mother now!¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t say so!¡± Xiuyan hurried to say, ¡°You are Commandery Princess. Lady Yuqing was driven by a temporary impulse to beat you. No one dares to kill you. You see, just now Prince Qiu also said that he wanted you to take a good rest and get well again soon!¡±

    Qiu Yn concentrated her mind, ¡°First Uncle? Is the Jiang Family next door so powerful as to frighten the Qiu Family? No, the two families are not rted. What¡¯s more, the Ruan Family does not get well with Jiang Qianchuan. It¡¯s lucky that they didn¡¯te to give me more harm. It¡¯s impossible that they want to meddle in the Qiu Family¡¯s affair.¡±

    Xiuyan recognized her amazement and lowered her voice, ¡°Actually when Prince Qiu heard what Madame and Lady Yuqing said, he also thought it was you who killed Young Master Kang! Fortunately, Princess Yang defended you, and Prince Qiu believed her...Princess had argued firmly with Prince Qiu for you! Tonight, Prince Qiu didn¡¯t sleep in Princess Yang¡¯s room but went to Mistress Liu!¡±

    Qiu Yn was a little upset in her heart, ¡°It must be true that Qiu Mengmin, Duke of Xihe, went to sleep in his concubine¡¯s room tonight. But that¡¯s probably because as a dutiful son he wanted to show respect to his mother Lu! As for whether it¡¯s the result of a quarrel with Princess Yang, that¡¯s impossible. Today Princess Yang mentioned Empress Jiang, who interferes in politics directly and openly! Even Empress Dowager, who meddled in politics for 30 years, can¡¯t deal with her. The Jiang Family¡¯s residence is only next door, and the Empress¡¯ mother is staying there. Also, just now people from the Jiang Family came to ask why there was noise in Prince¡¯s Mansion...So it¡¯s not possible that Qiu Mengmin dares to let me die at this point. He should feel grateful for Princess Yang¡¯s reminding!¡±

    But on the outside, she showed her gratitude immediately, ¡°Fir...First Aunt is so kind to me! I...I really don¡¯t know how to repay her!¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t say so,¡± Xiuyan hurried to hand over a handkerchief for her to wipe the tears and said gently, ¡°in fact, Princess has always treated you as her dear niece. But you know. Madame prefers Lady Yuqing in everything. That¡¯s why on most asions, Princess can¡¯t speak for you and have to leave you to feel aggrieved for so many years!¡±

    ¡°I know. In this family, apart from my mother, only First Aunt cares for me!¡± Qiu Yn took a deep sigh and sobbed with the handkerchief in her hands.

    Xiuyan¡¯s eyes circled as her real intention was emerging. She said, ¡°What a pity that Princess has deeply offended Madame, Lady Yuqing and Prince! Next, Princess may be confined in her room. At that time, I¡¯m afraid she can do nothing to protect you anymore, even though she wants to!¡±

    Qiu Yn had known her real intention, but still showed a big panic on her face and almost sat up from her bed, ¡°What? Then...I...First Aunt...What should she do now?¡±

    ¡°Madame and Lady Yuqing now must hate you very much!¡± Xiuyan pursed her lips and said in a low and deep voice, ¡°so the only way is to let Prince Qiu speak for you!¡±

    ¡°But First Uncle...¡± Qiu Yn was at a loss. Her finger joints became pale as she grasped the quilt too hard.

    Xiuyan¡¯s eyes blinked, ¡°I know Prince Qiu has an urgent thing now. If you can help with it...¡±

    ¡°An urgent thing?¡± Qiu Yn said in a hurry, ¡°I can help First Uncle?¡±

    ¡°You know Prince likes his eldest son the most,¡± Xiuyan said calmly, ¡°right now Prince Qiu wants to get First Young Master a position out of town, but he needs 800 thousand tael of silver to make it happen! If you help him this time, won¡¯t he like you and treat you well?¡±

    Qiu Yn really wanted to check how much her grandmother and her mother¡¯s dowry was. 800 thousand tael of silver! The whole wealth of this Prince¡¯s Mansion was about 2 million tael. Although Qiu Mengmin was hereditary Duke of Xihe, how could he dare to use almost half of the family¡¯s wealth to find a position for his son borne by his concubine?

    This was too much bullying for a child!

    She thought Xiuyan would be kind as her attitude was good, but it turned out that she was even more cruel than Mrs. Fan sent by her cousin Kang Lizhang! Kang Lizhang only asked her to give out her dowry. As for how much money she could get from the dowries, that was Kang Lizhang¡¯s business. However, Princess Yang directly set a price of 800 thousand tael of silver. What if two dowries couldn¡¯t match this price?

    Qiu Yn¡¯s face turned pale, ¡°So much money?¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Seeing this, Xiuyan became angry right away, ¡°Princess Yang did so many things for you and even offended the whole family, while you still don¡¯t know how urgent it is? Fine, I¡¯m going back to tell Princess Yang that you don¡¯t care about her kindness at all!¡±

    ¡°Please wait, Xiuyan!¡± Of course, Qiu Yn had to stop her and she said anxiously, ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m unwilling to give money, but...I don¡¯t have any!¡±

    Xiuyan turned around and said angrily, ¡°Howe that you don¡¯t have money? The old Princess and Princess Ruan¡¯s dowries are all yours!¡±

    ¡°Well?¡± Qiu Yn said in a loss, ¡°Where are they?¡±

    Xiuyan was shocked. Then she looked at Mrs. Zhou and Su He, ¡°Where are the lists of old Princess and Princess Ruan¡¯s dowries?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± Mrs. Zhou¡¯s heart missed a beat and answered immediately.

    Su He said in anger, ¡°When our Princess passed away, Princess Yang and Lady Yuqing sent servants to search for the dowries. They nearly broke down the house but found nothing. This time as soon as Commandery Princess came back, she was searched by Lady Yuqing¡¯s servants, but still, they found nothing...How could we know where they are?¡±

    Xiuyan frowned, ¡°although old Princess and Princess Ruan¡¯s dowries were taken over by Prince Qiu when Princess Ruan passed away, without a list, many things were lost, and no one knew where to find them. Small objects like a piece of antique or a piece of jewelry could be hidden in any corner of any shop, let alone the deeds and shops unknown to Prince Qiu¡¯s family.

    She asked in suspicion, ¡°You really have no idea?¡±

    ¡°As First Aunt is so kind to me, I tell you the truth, Xiuyan¡± Qiu Yn sighed faintly, ¡°If I knew where the wealth was, why did Ie back here?¡±

    Xiuyan thought and agreed.

    ¡°I will ask Princess Yang when I¡¯m back,¡± knowing that she couldn¡¯t get money from this visit, Xiuyan¡¯s attitude changed at once. Flinging her hand, she left in a gloomy face.

    ¡°Your Grace, we have trouble now!¡± Mrs. Zhou changed the quilt for Qiu Yn and said anxiously, ¡°the Kang Family asked for the dowries, while Princess Yang asked for money. But we can¡¯t even find the lists of the dowries. What are we going to do now?¡±

    Qiu Yn said to Su He, ¡°See if there are other peopleing. If not, close the door and windows.¡±

    When Su He came back and confirmed there was no one eavesdropping, Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°The lists were already sent to my aunt¡¯s home a thousand kilometers away! If I die before I¡¯m married, my aunt will have someone take the letter written by my mother and the dowry lists to the capital city for awsuit...Such a big sum of money will surely attract many people. As Duke of Xihe¡¯s family has fallen into decline now, someone may seize this opportunity to rob a big part of Duke of Xihe¡¯s industry!¡±

    Mrs. Zhou and Su He were surprised, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here right for it,¡± Qiu Yn said grinding her teeth, ¡°If I died today, within three months, this Xihe Mansion would not live for long either!¡±

    After she said this, she heard some faint noise outside. The corners of her mouth curved up: It was natural that Su He couldn¡¯t check this big yard alone, and Xiuyan dide back for more information...In this way, her dying tactics would be working. When the Qiu Family went for that aunt of her and realized it was all bullshit, she would have got the most precious time!

 Chapter 5 - Sharing the Same Bed

    <strong>Chapter 5 Sharing the Same Bed</strong>

    Qiu Yn was awakened by a strange sound not far away at this night.

    She kept breathing smoothly and opened her eyes secretly, only to feel her heart jerk suddenly!

    After calming down, she finally found that it was a cat squatting at her feet.

    It pressed part of the curtain, whose eyes were round with different colors and glowing in the night. It looks like a ghost at first nce, and it was so scary!

    ¡°It was put in deliberately or came by ident?¡± Qiu Yn thought, ¡°Mrs. Fan and Xiuyan had approached my bed before. Did they do something?¡±

    She was afraid of the cat rushing to scratch her, while footsteps that were deliberately lowered down urred out of the curtain.

    Qiu Yn¡¯s heart was stunned, and she closed her eyes, pretending to sleep.

    A momentter, a figure shed into the curtain with the faint exotic scent. She seemed relieved and yelled softly, ¡°Find you finally!¡±

    The cat ¡°meowed¡±zily, and it seemed reluctant.

    ¡°I was scolded by my cousin because you ran around!¡± The girl scolded, leaning down and picked the cat up, ¡°After you go back, you will be punished for having no goat liver in thete supper!¡±

    Qiu Yn recognized that it was a young girl, who was about the same age as she was now. The voice was very strange, which was different from anyone in the Prince¡¯s Mansion. So, she relieved.

    However?

    The girl picked up the cat. She didn¡¯t leave immediately, butughed softly: ¡°Oh, what a smell of medicine. Is it the one who was beaten in the crowds for a long time in the day when I was eavesdropping on the wall?¡± As she spoke, she tiptoed to the bed.

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn was speechless.

    ¡°It¡¯s really a little beauty, but it was so terrible that her face was swollen!¡± The girl didn¡¯t know she was awake. She just stood beside the bed with interest and looked at her with the gauzentern used at night and said regretfully, ¡°I don¡¯t know what she had suffered. This Qiu family is really merciless!¡±

    She also reached out and touched Qiu Yn¡¯s face frequently.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter to you, anyway. Please leave me alone.¡±

    Qiu Yn was in a mess, and she probably knew that the girl might live in the next door. Even if she wasn¡¯t a member of Jiang Family, she should be one of the neighbors ... She might be very popr among the elders, so that she didn¡¯t feel guilty of climbing over the wall to find the cat at midnight and sneaking into other¡¯s boudoir!

    Fortunately, a clear cough came out of the window after the girl muttered for a moment!

    A young man asked gently, ¡°Cousin, are you inside? Come out quickly!¡±

    ¡°Damn!¡± The young girl seemed to be frozen all of a sudden. She cursed lowly, ¡°Nianxue, you put me in a dilemma!¡±

    Huh ... Luckily, her family members were responsible and were looking for her.

    Qiu Yn was just about to rx when the girl did something she didn¡¯t expect!

    ... She picked up the cat named Nianxue, threw it on the bed, and shout loudly, ¡°I will not go out!¡±

    Qiu Yn was frozen all over!

    She was not only afraid that the cat would scratch her. However, the key was that the young girl hit her acupoints quickly while throwing the cat!

    Then the young girl slipped away and ran away from the other side of the curtain!

    As expected, the gentle voice came in with the window sound softly, ¡°Please quit your monkey business! This is other¡¯s boudoir! Go back home with me!¡±

    The boy did not know what was happening in the curtain since Qiu Yn¡¯s dumb acupoint was hit, and she could not remind him. So, he took it for granted that his cousin climbed to the bed because of the sound of throwing the cat!

    So, he naturally lifted the curtain by the bed to pull the naughty cousin¡ªand then¡ªhe was flurried!

    But this young man was obviously not an ordinary person, and he calmed down instantly, saluting Qiu Qn who was ring at him and whispered, ¡°I¡¯m sorry?I didn¡¯t mean to offend!¡±

    He might be the real owner of the cat. Just a moment, the cat stepped gracefully and jumped into his arms quickly without his call!

    ¡°I offended you today, and I will definitely repay youter!¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s shoulder was naked at this moment. Although her shoulder was covered with medicine, it should not be seen by men after all. The boy just wanted to leave with the cat after saying these words ... but just now the voice of Mrs. Zhou came from outside, ¡°Su He, can you go to the yard to check if anyone came in? I¡¯m going to see Commandery Princess!¡±

    The boy was so flurried, and he was about to rush towards the window. But at this time Su He said ¡°hey¡± outside the window, ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m afraid of the dark ... Could youe out and check the yard with me after seeing the Commandry Princess? ¡±

    ¡°Wait a moment!¡± Mrs. Zhou opened the door of the inner room after saying this sentence!

    Qiu Yn sighed deeply in her heart.

    Mrs. Zhou entered the room and then took off the thick cover that was put on the night light. She came in holding the light and whispered, ¡°Your Grace?¡±

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s all right. Please go to sleep.¡± What assured her was that Qiu Yn¡¯s voice soon came out of the bed-curtain.

    Mrs. Zhou used the light to check outside again, and she found nothing abnormal, so she pulled back the cover and urged, ¡°It seems that I heard someone speaking loudly. You can call us if something happens.¡±

    ¡°Ok.¡± After Mrs. Zhou went out and called Su He to check the yard, Qiu Yn whispered, ¡°Can you get off my bed now?¡±

    The young boy got up terribly from her side and was about to make an apology when there was a rush of footsteps outside the door, so he lied down in a panic again!

    They were both embarrassed ... Just at this time, Mrs. Zhou rushed in and said in terror, ¡°Your Grace, someone climbed over the courtyard wall!¡±

    ¡°... Perhaps someone was spying the other day.¡±

    ¡°No. There was no trace on the courtyard wall when I checked in the evening! Someone must have entered our courtyard just now! What should we do now?¡± Mrs. Zhou was in a panic, ¡°Mrs. Fan and Xiuyan just came to ask you for dowries of the Old Princess and the Princess. Are they ... We¡¯re done! what can we do?!¡±

    Before Qiu Yn said something to appease her, Mrs. Zhou pped her hands and gritted her teeth, ¡°You¡¯re the only child of the princess, but they also tried to kill you like this ... Although I have no the ability to protect you, I would not live alone!¡± Then she called Su He, ¡°Go and get our quilts! Tonight, we are guarding the Commandery Princess in this room!¡±

    When Qiu Yn heard it, she was almost breathless! The boy next to her was also short of breath.

    Both of them thought, ¡°What should we exin that we lie down like this when Mrs. Zhou and Su Hee in the next morning to help wash and dress?¡±

 Chapter 6 - Perverted Thief

    <h4>Chapter 6 Perverted Thief</h4>

    No matter how Qiu Yn refused and persuaded, Mrs. Zhou was determined to protect her to the end.

    Mrs. Zhou even wanted to walk into the brocade curtain and lift up the bed-curtain to sit by the bed and show her loyalty to Qiu Yn. Qiu Yn was so scared that she allowed without the hint of the boy next to her.

    And then, Mrs. Zhou blocked them while Su He took the beddings here. The grandmother together with her granddaughter made a shakedown in front of the south window and the door separately.

    What made the two on the bed more in despair was that Mrs. Zhou still couldn¡¯t rest assured when she slept there. Mrs. Zhou whispered to Su He, ¡°Since we have served Commandery Princess the whole day, now we should not sleep too deeply that cannot notice if someonees in!¡±

    Then, no matter how Qiu Yn persuaded, Mrs. Zhou was so clever that she took a belt to connect the door and window to her body. It ensured that if something happened in the two ces, the belt would wake her up soon! Even if this belt was cut, the movement would wake her up.

    What a loyal servant!

    Qiu Yn sighed deeply!

    Qiu Yn held her breath and stared at the top of the bed-curtain for a long time. Until she thought that Mrs. Zhou and Su He should fall asleep again, she carefully turned her head to look at the boy beside her. At the sight of him, she was stunned slightly. The boy was so handsome!

    The boy was only fifteen or sixteen years old. His dashing eyebrows seemed like a sword, and his phoenix eyes were as light as stars. Under the dim light passing through the bed-curtain, his white face was like a beautiful wless jade! The slightly pursed thin lips were as red as fresh flowers. He was so handsome that there was no one to match him!

    Originally, since he was much more beautiful than ordinary people, it would make others have a sense of inferiority at the sight. But a helpless bitter smile on his face at the moment made him seem to be sociable.

    When he saw Qiu Yn turn her head, this bitter smile mixed with embarrassment became a little deeper.

    ¡°They¡¯re asleep. Go quickly.¡± Although Qiu Yn had developed a strength-based aesthetic in thest days, she was also shocked by the boy¡¯s wless appearance at this moment. And then she whispered, ¡°You can go out through the rear window. It is behind the screen and locked from the inside. Just open it carefully.¡±

    But when the boy heard it, his bitter smile became deeper. He whispered to her, ¡°I was afraid my cousin would escape from the rear window. So, just before calling for her, I went to the back of the house and blocked all the rear windows from the outside.¡±

    If you had not done this, you would not have been in such a situation.

    Qiu Yn suddenly remembered, ¡°How did your cousin just go out? I saw her go towards the rear window!¡±

    ¡°She didn¡¯t go out through the rear window but hid behind the screen. When your servants went to the courtyard to check together, she took the opportunity to slip out. While I...¡± The helpless expression in the boy¡¯s eyes became clearer. He watched his cousin slip out, but he was unable to get out because he was in the bed, blocked by Qiu Yn. In addition, he rushed to a girl¡¯s bed and the girl covered him, and how could he just go away without any words?

    But for such a little case, almost as soon as his cousin went out, Mrs. Zhou came back to report the trace on the wall of the courtyard!

    Qiu Yn sighed silently, ¡°So what can you do?¡±

    ¡°...¡± The young boy asked tentatively. ¡°Could you send your servants away on some pretext?¡±

    ¡°I wish I could. But as you saw just now, they are all afraid that I will be murdered. It will not work whatever pretext I use!¡± The corner of Qiu Yn¡¯s mouth jerked, ¡°Don¡¯t you have another choice?¡±

    The boy thought for a while, ¡°I can stun them in a moment, but...¡±

    He didn¡¯t finish yet. Suddenly there were some fierce gong sounds from outside!

    The sounds came in the silent night so suddenly that almost scared Qiu Yn to death!

    Mrs. Zhou and Su He, who just fell asleep, jumped up at the same time!

    ¡°Your Grace?!¡± Mrs. Zhou and Su He looked at the bed-curtain first!

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. It seems something happened outside?¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know if she should breathe a sigh of relief or not. Just after she finished, someone outside already screamed out loudly, ¡°Fire! Quick! Fire!¡±

    Upon hearing this, Mrs. Zhou was shocked, ¡°It seems to be right next to our yard?!¡±

    Suddenly, an old maidservant scolded with her shrill voice, ¡°What a cursed person who did harm to her parents and brother! In the daytime, Lady Yuqing was so kind that she did not beat her to death, and now she caused a fire in the house. What a cursed person! Doing harm to the whole family, you are doomed to be ulcerated and die in your boots!¡±

    Su He was so angry that her face was pale, ¡°Mrs. Li! How could she be so vicious?! Our Commandery Princess has been staying in the house, and she med us when there¡¯s a fire outside?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that there are some people who don¡¯t believe that the list of two dowries is not with me.¡± Qiu Yn said calmly with a cold look, ¡°And they want to force me to run out with the list!¡±

    Just now Mrs. Zhou slept without taking off her clothing. At this time, she put on her robe and said in a deep voice, ¡°Your Grace, stay here and wait a moment. I will go out and have a look!¡± Before Qiu Yn asked Su He to apany her, Mrs. Zhou ordered Su He seriously, ¡°Look after our Commandery Princess here! If I can¡¯t stop themter, you should protect our Commandery Princess to your death. Do you remember?!¡±

    Su He nodded seriously, ¡°Grandma, please rest assured!¡±

    As soon as Mrs. Zhou went out, Qiu Yn quickly said to Su He, ¡°Go outside and help Mrs. Zhou! Mrs. Zhou is getting on in years, and Mrs. Li sounds formidable. Don¡¯t let Mrs. Zhou get the short end of the stick!¡±

    Su He shook her head, ¡°Grandma lets me look after you!¡±

    When she just finished speaking, it was already noisy outside. The voices in argument even could not be covered by the sounds of gongs and the firefighting.

    ¡°Mrs. Sun! You should speak with conscience! My Commandery Princess has been staying in the room. You identally caused a fire yourself, and why should you scold my Commandery Princess?¡±

    ¡°I scolded a cursed person. You mean the one you serve is a cursed one?¡±

    ¡°You!¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Zhou, you see, Mrs. Sun has scolded here for a long time, but there is no other servant in other roomsing out to argue for the master. Only you came here. It is because you are guilty, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°You guys...¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with us? What¡¯s wrong with the words of Mrs. Sun? There is no fire in Prince¡¯s Mansion before, let alone in the snowy day! As soon as your master came back, the fire came. If she did not cause it, who else should be to me?! Tell me! Tell me! You tell me!¡±

    ¡°Go out and persuade Mrs. Zhou toe back.¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s face was pale with anger, and she said to Su He softly, ¡°Mrs. Zhou is alone, and those people outside step on us together. The more Mrs. Zhou argues with them, the more difficulties she will face. If the fire is noting towards us, let it go.¡±

    Su He hesitated for a moment before she said, ¡°Well... I go to call her in the corridor?¡±

    Qiu Yn breathed a sigh of relief. Under noises outside the window, she said to the boy beside her, ¡°Prepare. Seize this opportunity!¡±

    The boy whispered, ¡°Thank you. There will be rewards in the future!¡±

    But!

    The next moment, Qiu Yn shouted in amazement, ¡°Why are you going out from the window?!¡±

    The little maid, who carried a drum stool and was about to climb the window, exined with flushed cheeks, ¡°I am afraid of the darkness, and the outside room did not have a light now. I... dare not go out from there.¡±

    ¡°...OK.¡± Qiu Yn fell back to her pillow weakly.

    She thought, when the maid got out, the boy by her side should have a chance to leave.

    However, after Su He went out through the window, she did not leave! She just stood outside the window and called Mrs. Zhou!

    Su He did it for that the door of this house was just in the corridor where she was guarding.

    Qiu Yn and the boy beside her felt that it was doomed. Suddenly, there was a noiseing from the rear window. And then the girl, who had got her cousin into a fix, said in a low voice, ¡°Cousin! Go out quickly before the fire set by me goes out! If you don¡¯t leave now, you will be a perverted thief!¡±

    Qiu Yn was shocked and speechless and so did the boy.

 Chapter 7 - Cousin of the Ruan Family

    <strong>Chapter 7 Cousin of the Ruan Family</strong>

    ¡°Ah, where¡¯s the cat from?¡± In the next morning, Mrs. Zhou braced herself up and came in to serve Qiu Yn¡¯s grooming. But she found that there was a snow-white cat on Qiu Yn¡¯s quilt.

    The cat had long hairs and short ears, looking like a lion. The most attractive part was its eyes, which were round and big, bright and dazzling. One was blue, and the other was yellow. The cat was so beautiful when it looked around.

    As a person who didn¡¯t like cats so much, Mrs. Zhou was also attracted while seeing it. She reached out and petted its soft and luxuriant hairs, and then she held it to the ground, ¡°Don¡¯t scratch my Commandery Princess!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know where it came from. It ran to my bedst night. I saw that it didn¡¯t hurt me, so I just let it go.¡± Qiu Yn tried to suppress her good mood. In fact, the cat was left by the boy yesterday.

    Being worried that Mrs. Zhou and Su He would block him again, the boy had no time to say other words. But he told Qiu Yn that the cat was his beloved pet, and he would send someone to ask for it. And at that time, he would repay her publicly aspensation.

    ¡°Even if he is not a member of the Jiang Family, he certainly doesn¡¯t live far away. Otherwise, how would his cate over?¡± Qiu Yn thought to herself, ¡°Being able to live next to the Prince¡¯s Mansion and daring toe here just for a cat, his family should have some power. In this way, Princess Yang and Aunt Qiu will be more afraid to deal with me.¡±

    Thinking of this, Qiu Yn told Mrs. Zhou, ¡°Feed it in a moment.¡±

    Mrs. Zhou nodded, but then she said, ¡°But I¡¯d better take it outter. All in all, we didn¡¯t raise it before. Just in case it may bite someone.¡±

    Su He came in, carrying a food box full of her effort. She said excitedly, ¡°Your Grace, your cousin is here! He is visiting Princess Yang at this moment.¡±

    After feeling excited, Su He pouted, ¡°The people in the kitchen said that the young masteres with a big gift today! It will benefit Princess Yang again!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense!¡± Mrs. Zhou stopped her hurriedly and looked at Qiu Yn who smiled silently, and then she sighed, ¡°If the young master did not bring a great gift, how could he be able to meet our Commandery Princess?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought about it and asked, ¡°I can¡¯t get up now. While this... cousin is here, how should I meet him?¡±

    ¡°You are only twelve years old, and your cousin is not an outsider.¡± Mrs. Zhou said, ¡°Of course, you should let hime in and meet him. If you feel it improper, you can just put down the thin curtain by the bed.¡±

    Qiu Yn breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°It seems that the limitation ofmunications between boys and girls here is rtively weak...¡± In her memory, the only cousin that the original owner of this body saw before was Kang Jinzhang, a disgusting pedophile. She had few impressions of the limitation between men and women in this world. To avoid making mistakes, Qiu Yn had to ask about it by herself.

    After a while, Princess Yang surely let Xiuyan send Ruan Qingyan over.

    Ruan Qingyan was handsome. He had nice eyebrows and light eyes, and hisplexion was as pale as a woman. He was tall and stood straight, with a beautiful appearance.

    He was in a mourning dress and looked very quiet. But it seemed the slight sorrow between his eyebrows was hard to remove. Undoubtedly, this sorrow could easily arouse the attention and curiosity of others, especially young women.

    Even Xiuyan, the trusted maid of Princess Yang, couldn¡¯t help looking at him before she left.

    Since it was the first time they met, as usual, they greeted each other politely.

    After that, Ruan Qingyan made a straightforward proposal to talk to Qiu Yn alone.

    Probably because he had attended the funeral of Princess Ruan before, Mrs. Zhou and Su He did not take a wary eye on him. After asking Qiu Yn formally, they went out together.

    ¡°Cou...cousin, are you okay now?¡± Ruan Qingyan couldn¡¯t see Qiu Yn clearly outside the thin curtain. But Qiu Yn could see him clearly. Ruan Qingyan, her cousin that showed up suddenly, was looking at her straightly, with aplex expression beyond description.

    Qiu Yn pondered for a moment before she cautiously said, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°I heard Princess Yang say that you were beaten by Qiu Yuqing yesterday?¡± Ruan Qingyan was obviously worried, ¡°How is your injury?¡±

    ¡°My cousin Kang Jinzhang was unfortunately dead in the avnche.¡± Qiu Yn considered her words carefully, ¡°Aunt Qiu was overly sad and she let off steam on me yesterday... But no one can help it. Fortunately... I was let off in time. I think I will recover after resting for a few days.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan listened silently. The look in his eyes was gloomy and showed infinitepassion, ¡°Did they send for a doctor for you?¡±

    ¡°Yes, otherwise, how would I have taken medicine?¡± Qiu Yn saw that he did care about her. After thinking, she sobbed in a low voice suddenly, ¡°But...¡±

    Sure enough, when Ruan Qingyan heard her cry, his face changed slightly, and his body leaned forward. He asked hurriedly, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Butst night, both Aunt Yang and Aunt Qiu sent someone over to ask me for the dowry of my grandma and my mother. But I even don¡¯t know about the dowry list, and how can I give them?¡± Seemly sad and scared, Qiu Yn bent her head, ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do now. Cousin, have... have you heard the whereabouts of the list of two dowries in grandfather¡¯s house?¡±

    Anger shed in Ruan Qingyan¡¯s eyes. He pressed it for a moment before he said, ¡°I don¡¯t know. But don¡¯t worry! A few days ago, the Empress Dowager killed four trusted maids. Then, to upset the Empress Dowager, the Empress gathered the peeresses and asked them not to abuse the children and subordinates, which insinuated the Empress Dowager¡¯s behavior! It just happened a few days ago, and Qiu Family will not dare to make you have an ident these days!¡±

    He got a breathing space and lowered his voice, ¡°It¡¯s almost New Year¡¯s Day. After that, I will take the imperial exam held in spring, and I am almost sure of it that I will pass the exam! As far as I know, the chief examiner will be Xue Chang, the elder statesman of this country. He has a high status and is impartial in the fight for power between the Empress Dowager and the Empress. No one dares to neglect him! At that time, no matter where my position is on the list, I will have the name of being a student of him. And then it will be easier for me to make an excuse and take you to live with the Ruan Family and apany grandfather!¡±

    Hearing the two pieces of news, Qiu Yn felt a bit relieved, ¡°It seems that he is really concerned about me. He didn¡¯t say the perfunctory words and pay lip service to me. He has a n... It¡¯s strange. We are so-called cousins that have no biological rtions, and we haven¡¯t met each other before. Isn¡¯t he too attentive to me?¡±

    While she was suspicious, suddenly a noise came from outside. Su He yelled angrily, ¡°Obviously, the cat was first picked up by my Commandery Princess. How could it be that it was picked up by Lady Lizhang?!¡±

    Both Ruan Qingyan and Qiu Yn were stunned. Ruan Qingyan subconsciously asked, ¡°What did you pick up?¡±

    In the bed-curtain, Qiu Yn¡¯s face turned dark!

    After a long while, she said lightly, ¡°Just a Persian cat.¡±

    There was no need to go out and ask. She knew that the boy did fulfill his promisest night and send someone to ask for the cat. Prince¡¯s Mansion didn¡¯t neglect him and did hand over the cat.

    But it had nothing to do with Qiu Yn. It was Aunt Qiu¡¯s daughter, Kang Lizhang, who epted the thanks.

    ¡°If it does not belong to you, it will never be yours!¡± Qiu Yn bit her lip and sneered in her heart, ¡°Do you think I can only swallow the bitter pill in silence?!¡±

 Chapter 8 - Stirring Revenge

    <h4>Chapter 8 Stirring Revenge</h4>

    ¡°You want to see me?¡± Qiu Jinzhu, Commandery Princess Ningtai, walked in proudly with her head up, followed by her servants who also held their heads high.

    She was a younger cousin of Qiu Yn and ranked sixth.

    In Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, there were seven of Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s generation, including both boys and girls. Except for the eldest young master, Qiu Hongzhi who was the son of a concubine, thete former heir Qiu Jinn who ranked third, and Qiu Yinzhi, son of the official wife, who ranked seventh, others of the seven were all girls.

    Among the four girls, only Commandery Princess Ningxin, Qiu Baozhu, got married. Other girls all lived in Prince¡¯s Mansion, but none of them was familiar to Qiu Yn.

    She said frankly, ¡°It¡¯s me who found that Persian cat. I thought it would be returned in your name. Howe it turned to be Cousin Lizhang?¡±

    ¡°How dare you say it?¡± Qiu Jinzhu was so angry about it that she didn¡¯t have lunch. Now hearing this, she said bitterly, ¡°Don¡¯t you know in what position you are in this mansion? Will that kind of good thing happen to you? Why didn¡¯t you send that cat to my mother earlier but let that b*tch of the Kang family take the advantage? My mother has saved your life for nothing in return!¡±

    Qiu Yn said indifferently, ¡°How could I know who that cat¡¯s owner is? I didn¡¯t know it was General Jiang¡¯s cat. I thought it belonged to someone in this Prince¡¯s Mansion!¡±

    ¡°General Jiang?¡± Qiu Jinzhu said through gritted teeth, ¡°You think that only General Jiang owes this favor? That cat ran away from Princess Yongfu¡¯s arms when she was ying with it! Just now, Princess Yongfu sent her invitation and asked Kang Lizhang to go to the royal pce to have a talk at the New Year¡¯s Eve dinner...Princess Yongfu is Empress¡¯ only child! In the past, Kang Family was not powerful. Although Aunt Qiu often made a scene, she could only make it within this mansion. She wouldn¡¯t have a ce to stand when she met other peeresses! But now, Kang Lizhang buttered up the Princess. More good things are in store for her!¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered and said in her heart, ¡°In that case, I should thank that princess for being careless. I saw her once. Kang Lizhang...Haha!¡±

    ¡°Anyway, there¡¯s no possibility that I get such chance,¡± Qiu Yn said calmly, ¡°but I hope you get such chance, as you are also a member of our Qiu Family! Yet...¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu was clever to see it through and gave a cold smile, ¡°What nice words you said! You¡¯re just afraid that Aunt Qiu will keep making trouble for you and want to draw me to your side!¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t feel any shame but said lightly, ¡°Do you want to see Kang Lizhang gaining ground like this?¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s face was gloomy and sulky. She said after a while, ¡°My mother said there were only a few days before the New Year¡¯s Eve.¡± She meant that if you had an idea, hurry to tell her! Also, she meant that she had her mother, Princess Yang, as a gatekeeper, so she only wanted practical methods.

    ¡°Yes, there are only a few days ahead before the New Year¡¯s Eve,¡± Qiu Yn said with a calm face, ¡°It¡¯s a pity that I got injured badly. Although I¡¯m a Commandery Princess who¡¯s qualified to attend the dinner, my poor body doesn¡¯t allow me to go.¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu said with disdain, ¡°Even if you were not injured, do you think you can go as you will? Did you ask this family for permission?¡±

    ¡°But in view of my poor condition, even if I got permission to go, I couldn¡¯t.¡± Qiu Yn stared at her eyes and said word by word, ¡°So health is the most important!¡±

    Seeing Qiu Jinzhu look nk, Qiu Yn realized that her cousin was only ten years old and was not so brilliant. Understanding the hint behind her words was an extravagant hope.

    So, she waved to let Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s chief maid Qingxin and Su He go outside, and said directly, ¡°This time Cousin Lizhang got the thanks from both General Jiang and Princess, who knows what other benefits she can get in the future! If you let her attend the dinner in the pce on New Year¡¯s Eve, from this on, through your whole life, it will be strange that you and your mother are not bullied by Aunt Qiu and Cousin Lizhang!¡±

    ¡°But Princess sent the invitation on her own, what can I do?¡± Qiu Jinzhu said through gritted teeth, ¡°It¡¯s all your fault! If it weren¡¯t for you...¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the use of ming me now? I¡¯m afraid that Cousin Lizhang is picking her dressing and jewelry for the dinner in the pce now!¡± Qiu Yn said with a cold smile, ¡°If you don¡¯t want her to go there, go for her! Why did youe to me? Do you think I¡¯m happy to see her there?¡±

    There was anger in Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s eyes, ¡°You think I don¡¯t want to go for her? But, my father and grandmother...¡±

    ¡°I have no idea what Madame Lu thinks, but Uncle Mengmin must hope that it was you who returned that Persian cat!¡± Qiu Yn gave her a glimpse and said, ¡°It¡¯s just that Uncle Mengmin is a filial son and it¡¯s hard for him to say it out!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Qiu Jinzhu yelled, ¡°My father is always partial towards that b*tch Kang Lizhang! That¡¯s why my mother told me not to fight her!¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered and said, ¡°That¡¯s about trivial things! Uncle Mengmin was thinking about Madame Lu so he didn¡¯t want you to fight! But how could Uncle Mengmin hope that you also give in on this important thing? Uncle Mengmin was also partial towards Cousin Jinzhang, but do you think he will let him be the heir of Prince of Xihe? You are Uncle Mengmin¡¯s daughter, while Cousin Lizhang is a cousin of him! She can¡¯tpare with you!¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s eyes twinkled, ¡°In that case, my father really will support me?¡±

    Qiu Yn was drinking the Ginseng soup, smiling but not speaking.

    ¡°I will go back and ask my mother. If you dare to cheat me,¡± Qiu Jinzhu thought for a while and said seriously, ¡°I will tell my mother to torture you to death!¡±

    After she left, Mrs. Zhou went in and said worriedly, ¡°If Qiu Jinzhu really does something against Lady Lizhang, and Lady Yuqing knows that...Even if Lady Yuqing doesn¡¯t dare to kill you, I¡¯m afraid she may torture you.¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded and said calmly, ¡°So next, you go to see Princess Yang and tell her that I feel very wronged today and I¡¯m in such a bad mood that I don¡¯t want to live anymore!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Mrs. Zhou was shocked!

    ¡°...Just make her think so,¡± Qiu Yn looked at the scars on her arm, sneering, ¡°Then give her the hint that I have known Empress Jiang¡¯s recent order. The Empress Dowager only killed some maids in the royal pce, but I am a Commandery Princess! If I were dead...no one would have a good time! My cousin Ruan Qingyan is certain to pass the Imperial Exam next year. He is only seventeen but has already passed the Provincial Exam. As the saying goes, ¡®Those under thirty years old rarely pass the Imperial Exam¡¯. Princess Yang should think it over!¡±

    Mrs. Zhou¡¯s face was pale, but when she heard that Ruan Qingyan would probably pass the exam next year, she became d and said, ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°I heard it from his own mouth,¡± Qiu Yn was sure on the surface, but she actually suspects it. In her memory, no matter in the former life or this life, the Imperial Exam was not easy to pass!

    But now she had to be more confident even than Ruan Qingyan himself, ¡°So you don¡¯t worry. We have my Cousin Qingyan¡¯s support, and we won¡¯t have to put up with everything in the future!¡±

    Mrs. Zhou stood up right away, ¡°I¡¯m going to tell Princess Yang right now!¡±

    ¡°How will Qiu Jinzhu deal with Kang Lizhang? I remember she¡¯s six years younger than Kang Lizhang.¡± Qiu Yn was reviewing her n and frowned slightly, ¡°I hope she can do a good job and don¡¯t be beaten by Kang Lizhang in reverse. That will be a joke!¡±

    However, the newsing on the following day was proof that she had thought less of this younger cousin.

 Chapter 9 - Princess Yangs Agenda

    <h4>Chapter 9 Princess Yang¡¯s Agenda</h4>

    ¡°You all move away!¡± Madame Lu¡¯s deep and furious voice came from outside of the window.

    Inside the room, Xiuyan didn¡¯t look out of the window. She said with a smile on her face, ¡°... Don¡¯t worry. Even if Madamees in, Prince will still agree with Princess. You are the Commandery Princess after all. How can they let you suffer again and again at home?¡±

    ¡°I have troubled First Aunt,¡± the scar on Qiu Yn¡¯s face had faded away. Although she couldn¡¯t get up, her spirit was good. She said with a smile, ¡°I also have troubled you toe here. This golden hairpin looks great on you...¡±

    ¡°Eh, I came to save you from trouble under Princess¡¯smand. How can I ept this?¡± Xiuyan said those words. But she kept looking at the golden hairpin.

    ¡°I¡¯m in the period of mourning for my mother. I can¡¯t use any of these,¡± Qiu Yn gave her a reason. Then Xiuyan took it with a smile.

    Madame Lu forced her way into the room at this moment. She walked in tremblingly.

    Seeing Xiuyan was here, Madame Lu¡¯s eyes shined, ¡± What a good daughter-inw! Connived with Jinzhu to disfigure Lizhang and prevented Yuqing froming to mess with this cursed one. Now she even sent her maid here to keep an eye on. Does she want to kick me and my daughter out of the family?¡±

    Xiuyan put on an adorable smile, ¡°You misunderstood. Commandery Princess Ningyi doesn¡¯t have enough servants here. Princess is afraid that you may be treated poorly when youe here. So, she sent me here.¡±

    Madame Lu gave her a fierce look and then looked at Qiu Yn. She said coldly, ¡°Do you think you can keep yourself safe with two dowries and Empress Jiang who doesn¡¯t even remember you? You instigated Jinzhu to disfigure Li. You did such a vicious thing! And you still think Yang can protect you?¡±

    Dragon head walking stick kept hitting the floor, ¡°Hrious! So hrious! Yang arranged some people outside to stop Yuqing. But how can they stop me? I will kill you myself today to avenge Lizhang!¡±

    Qiu Yn blinked her eyes and said with a smile, ¡°Madame, you are really hrious. The person who protects me is your son! Otherwise, the servants dare to only let you in? Are you afraid to admit it so that you have to drag First Aunt into this?¡±

    In Madame Lu¡¯s impression, she was always shy and afraid to talk. Besides, ever since Madame Lu came back to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, when did she ever hear such mean words considering she had such an obedient son.

    She was stunned by anger!

    A strange look streaked across Xiuyan¡¯s eyes. But with another thought, she looked down immediately like she heard nothing.

    ¡°Full of nonsense!¡± Madame Lu was so angry that she was trembling. She raised her padauk walking stick suddenly and shouted, ¡°My son is the most obedient son. You, the cursed one, instigated Yuqing and Yang, and you instigated Jinzhu to disfigure Li. Now you dare to instigate me and my son...¡±

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t say what you just said out in the public,¡± Qiu Yn was still smiling, ¡°Old Princess of Xihe has kicked you out of Qiu Family a long time ago. You shouldn¡¯t be considered as our family member! The one who First Uncle calls mother can only be old Princess! He is the Duke of Xihe because he is old Princess¡¯s son! If he is your son, your family should go back to where you came from. And how dare you hurt me? Ha...I will stay still. After you hurt me with your walking stick, you guys can pack your things and go back to your shit hole!¡±

    She turned her eyes and said, ¡°Oh, no. You can¡¯t go back. An old woman like you who is not even a peeress dares to kill the Commandery Princess. You are definitely going down with me!¡±

    Xiuyan suddenly stood up, blocking the movement of the walking stick that Madame Lu waved with hatred and said vaguely, ¡°Commandery Princess is right. Although you don¡¯t have the title, we have treated you well for all these years! Your treatment is the same as old Princess! I¡¯m not asking you for anything else. Just please don¡¯t make all the people in this mansion suffer!¡±

    Qiu Yn attacked her about not having a title. Although Madame Lu was furious, she could bear it. Now even her daughter-inw¡¯s maid said like this. Madame Lu felt like there were countless knives stabbing her chest and keeping twisting. That strong humiliating feeling made her about to go mad!

    ¡°Yang taught you guys this, didn¡¯t she? How dare! How dare she! Where is my son? Tell him toe back! Tell him toe back right now! Otherwise, I will kill myself...¡±

    Madame Lu¡¯s voice trembled. She staggered and sat on the floor, and then shouted in a high-pitched voice!

    When she made a scene like this in the normal days, Princess Yang would kneel at once and beg for forgiveness taking up all the punishment no matter how much hatred she had.

    But now Princess Yang wasn¡¯t here. Xiuyan and Qiu Yn looked at her like she was a joke, ¡°Is she always like this?¡±

    ¡°Sunday punch. You don¡¯t know how much our Princess has suffered because of this! Even sixth Commandery Princess is the same,¡± there was happiness in Xiuyan¡¯s tone, ¡°No wonder old Princess kicked her out. So cheesy, what kind of family can stand her? Not to mention we are the Prince family.¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°Never mind. Just tell her,¡± and then said, ¡°First Uncle said himself that he was going to live at another ce for a while. First Aunt would be in charge during his absence... Can you go peacefully?¡±

    After Madame Lu and her walking stick got carried away by others, Xiuyan suddenly put away her smile and changed into a serious look and said, ¡°Princess offended Madame big time for you this time! Once Princees back, and Madame goes to him toin about this, Princess can¡¯t bear it!¡±

    ¡°First Aunt helped me a lot this time. I won¡¯t forget it,¡± Qiu Yn knew what she was going to say. But she still added, ¡°If there is anything I can do, just say the word!¡±

    ¡°You saw how much Madame hated you,¡± Xiuyan said patiently, ¡°Let me tell you the truth. Madame suffers a lot today. And Lady Lizhang¡¯s face is ruined. Madame and Lady Yuqing won¡¯t let you off the hook even you try to scare them with the Empress again.¡±

    She added, ¡°Jiang Family next door just hates the noise. But there are many ways to make people disappear...¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn changing her smiley face into a cold one, Xiuyan then said, ¡°It¡¯s getting cold. And a lot happened in the mansion today. Princess is tired and she decides not to monitor anything tonight. She has sent away all the servants. Princess won¡¯t be able to know where you are about to go and do.¡±

    ¡°I understood!¡± Qiu Yn mocked at heart. Ever since Xiuyan came to her room in person, she knew that Princess Yang couldn¡¯t wait to kill Madame Lu!

    However, although Qiu Mengmin left to avoid all this and acquiesced in Princess Yang taking over control while he was gone, he would never allow Princess Yang to hurt his biological mother! Princess Yang couldn¡¯t take the fault either. So, she needed someone to do it for her.

    In the Prince¡¯s Mansion, who was more suitable than herself to be this someone?

    But...

    Qiu Yn squinted, ¡°She nned to go see Madame Lu privately even Princess Yang didn¡¯t mention it.¡±

    Although Princess Yang took her side more or less these few times, she did so for herself. She didn¡¯t do it because of her good will. She remembered being ripped off for 800 thousand tael of silver. If Princess Yang really did kill Madame Lu via this chance, Aunt Qiu wouldn¡¯t be a match against her anymore.

    When that time came, Princess Yang wouldn¡¯t need Qiu Yn anymore. Then Qiu Yn would be amb for her to ughter!

    ¡°Madame Lu doesn¡¯t have any title of nobility. She still can suppress Princess Yang for years. She must have some abilities!¡± Qiu Yn thought about it calmly, ¡°She fell for the tricks every step of the way recently. Maybe because her son is so obedient that she gets too spoiled. Just need to remind her a little. She should be able toe back to her senses and regain control. I need you guys to fight with each other for now. Don¡¯t let me down, you guys. As Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s elders, don¡¯t get suppressed by a kid!¡±

 Chapter 10 - The Fightback of Madame Lu

    <h4>Chapter 10 The Fightback of Madame Lu</h4>

    That night, Su He held Qiu Yn on to the sedan chair sent by Princess Yang and went to the yard of Madame Lu.

    Princess Yang didn¡¯t set anyone to keep a watch on and even sent her people away to avoid any suspicion.

    Qiu Yn thought that it would take a while for her to meet Madame Lu. Madame Lu might not want to suffer again and refuse to meet her. To her surprise, Madame Lu was sitting on the couch and drinking a bowl of spun gold bird nest porridge, looking calm.

    People could still believe that she would live for eighty more years with her rosy cheeks and the youthful look.

    ¡°What? You are disappointed to see that I¡¯m not lying on my couch and dying?¡± Madame Lu handed the bird¡¯s nest porridge, which she had only two or three tastes, to the maid and said, ¡°It tastes bad. You can use it to feed the dog!¡±

    ¡°Yes, Madame!¡± The maid looked at the almost untouched porridge enviously and took it away carefully.

    ¡°This was the style of your grandmother when she was alive.¡± Madame Lu said lightly. ¡°I once took her porridge and took a sip under the table... How should I describe it? For now, I can have it every day, and it feels just so so. But at that time, it was so delicious that I couldn¡¯t help but finish the whole bowl. In the end, someone found out and told your grandmother about it. The next day, I got kicked out!¡±

    Qiu Yn looked calm and smiled lightly. She said, ¡°The rule is that the concubine needs to be subservient to the official wife. Not to mention that the Qiu Family is a Prince¡¯s Mansion with extraordinary status. Honestly, you deserved to be kicked out as you vited the rules.¡±

    ¡°But she¡¯s dead now, same as her son and her grandson!¡± Madame Lu looked at her sarcastically and resentfully. ¡°But I am alive! I¡¯m alive and well! It is possible that I can live for decades. I have many children and even grandchildren! But you are her only child and fallen into my control. I can treat you any way I want...¡±

    ¡°But my grandmother is an old Princess.¡± Qiu Yn was smiling as usual, ¡°She is still the old Princess even if she passed away. But you are just Madame Lu. The New Year¡¯s Eve ising, and when the Princees back to hold the memorial ceremony for the ancestor. He will be kowtowing to my grandmother¡¯s memorial. If you pass away in the future, he can only hold the memorial ceremony for you secretly, and he won¡¯t let anyone know. Now...¡±

    She looked at the more and more furious look of Madame Lu and smiled, ¡°Do you... still feel proud?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have the title for nobility, but do you think I can¡¯t fight with Yang?¡± Madame Lu could finally catch her breath after a long time and she stared at Qiu Yn, ¡°You came at night and nned to piss me off. And the Prince¡¯s Mansion can be controlled by Yang. Do you think your life will be good this way? Will Yang be soft-hearted to you? She had had her eyes on your two dowries for a long time.¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled lightly, ¡°So what? First Aunt doesn¡¯t have a life-and-death feud with me. She wants my money, not my life...¡±

    ¡°Do you think that she will keep you alive after taking two dowries? Keeping you alive for future revenge?¡± Madame Lu sneered, ¡°I¡¯ll that tell you that the scar on Lizhang¡¯s face is permanent. Her whole life is over! You can give her one of your dowries for a living...¡±

    Madame Lu said coldly when she saw Qiu Yn looking at her like a psycho, ¡°You will be staying at General¡¯s Mansion for a long time!¡±

    ¡°Are you in charge of this family now?¡± Qiu Yn shook her head after hearing that, ¡°Plus, I¡¯m only twelve years old. I can¡¯t stay in Ruan Family until I get married. The marriage that you guys arranged for me. He-he... I don¡¯t even want to talk about it. You guys make up a reason to make mee back right after I enter the Ruan Family and I lose a dowry for no reason? Do you think I am that stupid?¡±

    Madame Lu took a deep breath to calm down and yelled, ¡°What do you want? Don¡¯t think that you can do anything you want with your cousin¡¯s background and the rtionship with the Empress! Let me tell you that Quan Qingyan is so young, and he is not even rted to you. He probably just wants your dowries, and that¡¯s why he came so many times!¡±

    ¡°You know that he gave money to Yang. How do you know that he didn¡¯t collude with Yang? Plus, Empress Jiang¡¯s word was towards Empress Dowager! There¡¯s no chance that someone as respectful as the Empress can remember a little Grace like you are! Do you think you can stay alive after the thing blows over? Yang is using you as a weapon, and you think that you are manipting her? You are too young for mind games... You are just silly. You are working for the one who sold you out!¡±

    Qiu Yn was listeningzily, and a young maid ran into the room covered with snow when she was just about to talk. The young maid was crying while yelling, ¡°Madame! It is very bad! The young master... The young master was pushed into theke!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Madame Lu had her eyes wide open. Then her body turned and fainted with a kick!

    ¡°Madame! Madame!!!¡±

    Suddenly the room was all messed up. Su He suddenly asked in that mess, ¡°Your Grace, what should we do?¡±.

    Young Master Qiu Hongzhi was the most favorable and appreciated son of Duke of Xihe even if he was the son of a concubine and his mother died a long time ago! Even the only trueborn, the seventh Master Qiu Yinzhi, couldn¡¯tpete with him because of the naughtiness.

    ¡°It¡¯s none of our business,¡± Qiu Yn said calmly. ¡°First of all, we didn¡¯t push him. Secondly, we don¡¯t know Qiu Hongzhi that well! Is it important for us whether he has fallen into the water or not?¡±

    Su He just came to her sense and said, ¡°Then... Should we go out and have a look?¡±

    ¡°Of course, we need to go back!¡± Qiu Yn looked at the old maidservants who were moving Madame Lu to the couch in the inner chamber and curled her lip, ¡°For sure, there¡¯s no substitute for experience!¡±

    Su He asked curiously, ¡°what experience?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll exin when we get back. Whoo. I hope the sedan is not too far. I don¡¯t want to walk back looking like this.¡± Qiu Yn murmured.

    Fortunately, the sedan was waiting outside. Both of them went back to their ce and let Mrs. Zhou send away the people who were lifting the sedan.

    After entering the inner chamber, Su He couldn¡¯t wait to ask, ¡°what did you just say?¡±

    ¡°I thought that Princess Yang would be in charge of the Prince¡¯s Mansion if I didn¡¯t go and talk to Lu!¡± Qiu Yn patted her head and said with a smile, ¡°I realized that I had underestimated Madame Lu after hearing that Qiu Hongzhi fell into theke. No wonder she could have Princess Yang suffering in silence under her control with a vixenish and graceless Aunt Qiu.¡±

    Su He opened her eyes widely and said, ¡°Did Madame Lu arrange the whole thing about the oldest Master falling into theke?¡±

    ¡°Did you not hear the news? He was pushed into theke!¡± Qiu Yn smiled lightly and said, ¡°The oldest Master was not born by Princess Yang, and she has her own son... There are only two boys in the Mansion, and the Young Prince still hasn¡¯t been announced. There¡¯s no way that the Prince won¡¯t distrust Princess Yang!¡±

    She also said, ¡°The point is that the Prince is hiding from Lu and let Princess Yang take care of the Prince¡¯s Mansion. Lu couldn¡¯t find her son to have her back, and she couldn¡¯t deal with her daughter-inw! But after Qiu Hongzhi fell into theke, the Prince has toe back for his favorite son considering that he has only two sons!¡±

    Su He finally understood, ¡°Your Grace, you are so smart. You can identify all the tricks that Madame is using!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I know what they are up to, and I also need to know how to...¡± Mrs. Zhou suddenly walked in with a strange look. She said quietly, ¡°Your Grace, the Fourth Young Lady is here. She is only wearing a jacket... She wants to see you. What should we do?¡±

    Su He turned her head and ask, ¡°What is she doing here?¡±

    Qiu Yn was clear and said, ¡°It seems like the one who pushed Qiu Hongzhi into theke is my fourth sister or someone who¡¯s rted to her!¡± She said, and she told Mrs. Zhou, ¡°Let her in as she is already here!¡±

 Chapter 11 - The Threat of Qiu Mingzhu

    <h4>Chapter 11 The Threat of Qiu Mingzhu</h4>

    After a while, Qiu Mingzhu walked in looking pale-white and with coldness. She was wearing the silk shoes that she put on when she went to bed. The shoes were soaked by the snow, and it left a string of stamps on the thick blue nket in the inner chamber.

    She was two years older than Qiu Yn, and her biological mother was Mistress Tian. She could only be named as the Fourth Lady instead of Commandery Princess.

    Mistress Tian had almost fallen into disfavor, but she rmended her cousin who was Mistress Bian to the mansion. Mistress Bian was eighteen years old this year. She was a beauty and good at dancing and singing. So that Mistress Tian and her daughter had a pretty good life in the Prince¡¯s Mansion.

    It¡¯s said that Qiu Mengmin once promised Mistress Bian to proim her immediately as the Concubine if she could give birth to a boy.

    ¡°... It seems that either Lu did not misjudge Princess Yang, or Princess Yang reacted very quickly to know that something happened to Qiu Hongzhi and brought Mistress Bian out?¡± Qiu Yn was having several thoughts while looking at Qiu Mingzhu who was so cold that her face turned greenish and she was shaking while walking into the chamber. Qiu Yn thought, ¡°I can barely protect myself. Why would Qiu Mingzhue to me?¡±

    Thinking of that, she said softly, ¡°Sister, why do youe to me?¡±

    Qiu Mingzhu said in a hurry, ¡°Sister! Can I hide at your ce? Just till the sun rises?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°What do you mean, sister?¡±

    ¡°The Princess wronged Mistress Bian for pushing Brother Hongzhi into theke!¡± Qiu Mingzhu started crying even before she finished her words, ¡°Our grandmother said that the Princess asked Mistress Bian to push him. My mother, Mistress Tian, was taken by them for questioning. Ruyi who serves Mistress Bian came secretly to inform me so that I can get away from it!¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°Sister, now you are dragging me down. You know my position in this ce! You ran over in such disheveled clothes, and I opened the door because I was afraid that you would get cold. But, what should I say if someone finds you in my chamber? In that case, I will be suspected of Brother Hongzhi¡¯s ident as well!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll only stay until the sunrise! Your chamber is remote, and people from the Princess¡¯ sent you back. Probably no one wille and look for you!¡± Qiu Mingzhu begged, ¡°Mistress Bian was wronged! Please believe me! I will find father after the sunrise... Father will definitelye back and stand for Mistress Bian!¡± She promised, ¡°Mistress Bian will never forget your great grace by that time!¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Qiu Mingzhu was crying her heart out, and even Su He couldn¡¯t bear it anymore. But Qiu Yn still refused hardly, ¡°I can¡¯t even keep my life alive now! Please go away!¡±

    Then she told Mrs. Zhou, ¡°Bring the fur coat I madest year and put it on for my fourth sister. Then send her out!¡±

    Mrs. Zhou was nothing like Su He. She also agreed not to get involved in this mess. She answered immediately and wanted to send Qiu Mingzhu out right after she got the fur coat.

    Seeing this, Qiu Mingzhu started to look resented, ¡°Do you still have a conscience? You are a poor person yourself. Why don¡¯t you help me?¡±

    ¡°Because I¡¯m so poor!¡± Qiu Yn said lightly, ¡°How can I have pity on others?¡±

    Qiu Mingzhu broke herself free from Mrs. Zhou and said while gritting her teeth, ¡°Ok! Since you won¡¯t help me, I will... I...¡±

    Su He hurried towards Qiu Yn and blocked her. Su He was looking at her vigntly, and Su He was afraid that she would say, ¡°I will fight you!¡± Mrs. Zhou also tried her best to hold Qiu Mingzhu.

    But as a result, Qiu Mingzhu said, ¡°... I... I will die in front of you!¡±

    Both Qiu Yn and Su He burst outughing. Qiu Yn seemed to hear someone chuckling at the same time outside the back window, but it was covered by the sound of Su He and herself. Her mind changed slightly. She was d that she didn¡¯t agree to let Qiu Mingzhu stay.

    At this moment, she let Su He hold Qiu Mingzhu together, ¡°Then I don¡¯t even dare to let you stay. I don¡¯t want to move as I¡¯m already livingfortably here. Please let me go, sister. After all, we¡¯ve been staying at our own yards, and we rarely see each other. The mansion is so big. There must be a good ce for you to hide. Why do you have toe and put me through? Don¡¯t you think you are unreasonable?¡±

    ¡°None of those houses has a fire...¡±

    ¡°I will give you my fur coat, okay?¡± Qiu Yn cut her off, ¡°My boots are too small for you. If you are not satisfied yet, you can take a quilt with you. But you can¡¯t stay here.¡±

    Qiu Mingzhu looked resentful, and she turned back when she was walking towards the door. She said ferociously, ¡°I will tell everyone that you convinced me to stay here and asked me to escape from the mansion to find my father if I get caught. You can¡¯t stay away from it if you don¡¯t help me! That¡¯s in your dream!¡±

    Both Su He and Mrs. Zhou changed their look at the same time.

    Even Mrs. Zhou who was not good at verbal disputes was angry, ¡°Fourth Lady, Commandery Princess has limited power, and she is already very nice to you. How... How could you do this?¡±

    ¡°Hmm! That¡¯s what I do. You let me stay here and help me hide till the sunrise for me to find my father after escaping from the Maison.¡± Qiu Mingzhu sneered, ¡°Otherwise, I will find the Princess and tell her that you persuaded me to do so.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a saying that the poor person must be utterly detestable.¡± Qiu Yn smiled and stopped Su He. She said kindly to Su He, ¡°Now you know why I don¡¯t have pity for her just now?¡±

    Su He said angrily, ¡°We should never let her in!¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, what should we do now?¡± Mrs. Zhou looked at Qiu Mingzhu resentfully and asked.

    Qiu Yn looked at Qiu Mingzhu who was fearless and said with interest, ¡°What else can we do? The eldest brother was an example, right? Take off her fur coat and throw her into theke! If she dies...she will bemitting suicide for fear of punishment!¡±

    Qiu Mingzhu was startled, ¡°You...¡±

    Su He asked, ¡°What if she doesn¡¯t freeze to death?¡±

    ¡°Then press her into theke first and drown her!¡± Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°She will die anyway. And my fourth sister won¡¯t care that much, right? Right now, it is quiet, and it¡¯s nighttime. Everyone is attracted by the ident of the eldest brother. You and Mrs. Zhou should go and get things done... Remember that no one came in tonight!¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Qiu Mingzhu was finally frightened when she saw that Mrs. Zhou and Su He was going to agree with the n. She shouted, ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that my father will find out andpensate your life for mine?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m the Commandery Princess, and you are a Mistress¡¯ daughter. Your life is nothingparing to mine!¡± Qiu Yn said lightly, ¡°Plus, we are not sure how the eldest brother is doing now, and Mistress Bian is affected by the ident. Do you think uncle will have time to care about you?¡±

    Qiu Mingzhu looked desperate, and she was anxious when she saw Su He reaching out to pick up a heavy coppermp stand nearby and intended to knock her out. She said immediately, ¡°I was kidding. Why would I smear you? I need to thank you for your help. Wait! I know a secret!¡±

 Chapter 12 - Beautiful Youth in the Snow

    <h4>Chapter 12 Beautiful Youth in the Snow</h4>

    ¡°Your Grace, why don¡¯t you listen to the secret that Miss Mingzhu said?¡± After Mrs. Zhou took Qiu Mingzhu to Princess Yang, Su He made a rose dew and handed it to Qiu Yn. She asked curiously, ¡°I think she should really know what the secret was...¡±

    ¡°But must it have anything to do with us?¡± Qiu Yn smiled slightly and took a sip of rose dew. ¡°The first thing we are asking for is self-protection and then to live without acting ording to where the wind blows. Then there are other things we ought to do... Knowing too many secrets too early is not a good thing! ¡±

    She thought, ¡°There was a chuckle out of the window just now. I¡¯m not sure whether she is a servant of Princess Yang or Madame Lu. She followed the Qiu Mingzhu all the way, and maybe is lying in the back window and eavesdropping.¡±

    Su He did not fully understand and nodded, ¡°So Miss Mingzhu didn¡¯t tell you because of her goodwill! She is so!¡±

    ¡°Aunt Yang and Madame Lu will control her. We don¡¯t need to think about it.¡± Qiu Yn looked at the back window meaningfully and patted her, ¡°It¡¯s toote. Let¡¯s settle down!¡±

    At this time, the wind and snow were heavy. Even when it waste at night, Qiu Yn was not sure whether the person who was eavesdropping left. Anyway, the matter that Qiu Hongzhi fell into the water couldn¡¯t be ended in a short period of time. So Qiu Yn believed that she should be careful and talk about this tomorrow.

    She called Su He to make the bed and asked her to the outer room to wait for Mrs. Zhou toe back.

    Originally, one of them had to sleep on the footrest of her bed to safeguard her. But Qiu Yn formed a habit of being sleepless if there was someone nearby in thest phase. So, she changed this rule after she came back from Mount Dizi.

    After Su He left, Qiu Yn was about to fall asleep when the rear window was tapped rhythmically.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Qiu Yn frowned, thinking for a while and groaned, ¡°Who is it?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Jiang Yashuang.¡± A young boy who also deliberately lowered his voice spoke from the rear window. He was gentle and elegant. ¡°Ie here to apologize, Your Grace. I¡¯m wondering if it¡¯s suitable for you to have a talk with me at the rear window.¡±

    ¡°Is him General Jiang that Commandery Princess Ningtai failed to hook up with? Is he the grandson of Marquess Qin, the son of Great General of North, the nephew of Empress Jiang and the cousin of Princess Yongfu?¡±

    Qiu Yn narrowed her eyes, ¡°Only fool would be inconvenient!¡±

    She didn¡¯t hesitate, ¡°Wait a minute! I¡¯ming!¡±

    Wrapped a fur coat casually, she hurried to the paper screen. After opening the rear window, she found there was only cold wind instead of snow that she expected. A boy in white fox fur saw her appearing at the window. He took off his hood, revealed his handsome face, and smiled at her kindly.

    He used an emerald bamboo hair sp to hold long ck hair, and a thickyer of snow had umted on his fur coat. He stood in front of the rear window like a javelin, blocking most of the snow for her.

    ¡°Ge...General Jiang?¡± With a nced of him, Qiu Yn had already known that the chuckle she had just heard was supposed to be made by him, and she was a little bit surprised, ¡°I suppose that you and your sister did not mean to do that. It already happened. Why do you take it so seriously?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang made a bow outside the window, and smiled softly, ¡°Yongfu made mischief, and I really offended you that night. How can you forgive us so easy?¡± Then he took a small box from his sleeve, and passed it through the window, ¡°This is the Yulu Ointment made secretly in the pce, which can make the skin soft and fair and is able to remove scars. I hope you can ept it!¡±

    ¡°I really need it, so I ept it!¡± Qiu Yn took it immediately after thinking briefly.

    ¡°Originally Yongfu and I nned to call on you, but there must be something wrong with the person who sent Nianxue back ording to servants in this mansion. In addition, it was inconvenient for you to attend New Year¡¯s Eve banquet.¡± Jiang Yashuang did not leave, but continued softly, ¡°So Ie here tonight and hope for your forgiveness.¡± Then he made another bow.

    Qiu Yn secretly sighed that everyone in the Jiang Family was polite and gentle?¡±If he were one of Qiu Mengmin¡¯s two sons, he would not apologize if he had an opportunity to share a bed with a girl. Probably they would frame me seducing him.

    She smiled, ¡°Thank you foring, but in fact, I have forgotten those things.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang chuckled and said, ¡°Your Grace is broad-minded, and I am totally grateful!¡± He groaned, ¡°I took the liberty of prying into your information. And my sister nned to ask her mother to mention you at New Year¡¯s Eve banquet, so I¡¯m wondering whether you are willing or not? ¡±

    ¡°Princess is kind, but I¡¯m afraid... I¡¯m ashamed of it!¡± Qiu Yn was shocked after hearing his words and shook his head immediately, ¡°I said that now that things have passed. I have already forgotten them. In addition, I have already epted the Yulu Ointment tonight. How dare I bother you again? ¡±

    Before Jiang Yashuang saying something, she said, ¡°You havee out for a long time. You¡¯d better go back early. Staying in that the deep snow at night is not good for your health!¡± She nodded and just closed the window in front of him!

    Jiang Yashuang stared at the closed rear window for a moment. There was a meaningful smile on his lips, and he brushed off the snow on his shoulders. And then he left.

    A momentter, in the Jiang¡¯s residence adjacent to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, a beautiful twelve or thirteen-year-old girl pouted andmented, ¡°It is no wonder that Commandery Princess Ningyi was bullied by everyone in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. She is so timid that she doesn¡¯t even dare to push herself forward with my support! I won¡¯t care about her next time, because she was wasting my kindness! ¡±

    Jiang Yashuang, who just returned, leisurely picked up the warmer and poured himself a bowl of hot tea. And he smiled lightly, ¡°You are wrong. If I were her, I would refuse, too!¡±

    Princess Yongfu was surprised, ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because you want your mother to mention her in public instead of yourself.¡± Jiang Yashuang said faintly, ¡°Your mother is the empress! Her private sentence will be considered and spected by countless people. Not to mention she mentions someone in public who has never been mentioned on New Year¡¯s Eve banquet before.¡±

    ¡°You just know that if your mother mentions her, all the people in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe do not dare to neglect her. But you ignore some other things.¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head and said, ¡°Did you forget Deng Yi, the fianc¨¦ of Commandery Princess Ningyi? He is the grandnephew of Empress Dowager! What would Empress Dowager think if your mother mentions Commandery Princess Ningyi? How could she be eligible to participate in the fight between two empresses? Of course, she would rather give up this opportunity, in this case, rather than being suspected that she supports your mother and being killed! ¡±

    Princess Yongfu thought for a moment and said, ¡°I know. Then I will go back and tell my mother. I¡¯ll stop her from mentioning Ningyi.¡±

    ¡°Actually!¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled deeply and said, ¡°There is another way if you want to help her...¡±

 Chapter 13 - A Chance to Escape

    <h4>Chapter 13 A Chance to Escape</h4>

    At noon the next day, Hongyao, the first maid of Qiu Mengmin came to invite Qiu Yn in person. ¡°It said that you know about the things that Young Master Qiu Hongzhi fell into thekest night and things of Mistress Bian and others, Your Grace. Now Prince is going to investigate by himself, so I¡¯m here to invite you to help Prince tell right from wrong.¡±

    It was impossible to avoid this kind of thing, and Qiu Yn also didn¡¯t want to hide. So, she brought Su He and quickly got on the sedan.

    Arriving at the back of the Prince¡¯s Mansion, she saw Madame Lu sat in the first ce, and Qiu Mengmin sat with shame at the next seat.

    No one else had the right to sit. Even Princess Yang and Qiu Yuqing were kneeling at the front of the crowd. Of course, no one dared to stand, except Madame Lu and her son.

    But Qiu Yn didn¡¯t intend to join in the fun. So as soon as she entered and witnessed the situation, she immediately raised her sleeves to cover her mouth, coughing to death. Her body was shaking, and she seemed to fall down at any time!

    Seeing this, Qiu Mengmin frowned and said, ¡°You can just sit down.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Uncle Mengmin.¡± After hearing that she could sit, Qiu Yn immediately stopped coughing, and walked steadily?She didn¡¯t even pay lip service, and this let Madame Lu and her son had a fierce look in their eyes at the same time.

    ¡°You¡¯ve juste at the right moment. Hongzhi fell into thekest night, but he didn¡¯t see who pushed him. Some people saw it was Mistress Bian and some people saw it was Mistress Liu. Tell me who do you think it was.¡± Qiu Mengmin instructed with a gloomy face.

    Qiu Yn said innocently, ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say. Last night when the elder brother fell into theke, I was talking with Madame Lu. I didn¡¯t know him falling into theke until a little maid came to inform Madame Lu. And I didn¡¯t know anything else. ¡±

    Qiu Mengmin frowned and said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you stay in your house in the middle of the night and why do youe to my mother¡¯s ce?¡±

    ¡°Because Cousin Kang¡¯s face was injured.¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s answer made everyone in the hall stunned. And even Princess Yang, who was kneeling down obediently there, looked up at her in confusion.

    Qiu Mengmin was naturally confused, she turned away and asked Madame Lu, ¡°Mother?¡±

    Madame Lu said coldly, ¡°It is clear that someone thinks that you are not able to piss me off in the daytime, and he wants you to continue at night?Do you think you can get away?¡± After saying this, she looked at Princess Yang fiercely, who lowered her head and pretended to see nothing.

    ¡°Madame, you¡¯re wrong. Actually, you remembered that my grandmother had ointment in her dowry that could eliminate scars. So, you called me and asked about it. Why didn¡¯t you admit it now?¡± Qiu Yn said with a frown.

    After hearing this, Princess Yang clenched her fist vigorously and her face shed with anger!

    ¡°What? Do you have an ointment that can eliminate scars?¡± Qiu Yuqing shouted at Qiu Yn immediately, ¡°Give me! Do you hear me?¡±

    Qiu Yuqing only had a son and a daughter. But her son died, so her daughter was her only hope.

    Kang Lizhang was so beautiful that she was invited by the princess to attend a banquet in the pce two days ago. This was like a golden road to Qiu Yuqing, who was forced to marry amon person because of being driven out of the Prince¡¯s Mansion.

    She originally thought that she could rely on her daughter to be imposing in the future, but she didn¡¯t expect that it was ruined by her niece only after one day!

    Now she heard that it was possible for Kang Lizhang to recover her appearance. She couldn¡¯t wait anymore.

    Su He saw that Qiu Yuqing made threatening gestures and was about to lunge, she was so frightened that she hurried to protect Qiu Yn, and she said vigntly, ¡°Lady Yuqing, please calm down. Our Commandery Princess is weak!¡±

    ¡°Is she weak? This little b*tch was almost beaten to death by me a few days ago, and now she can move around! She is just pretending!¡± Qiu Yuqing replied angrily, ¡°Get out of my way! I¡¯ll p you two if you don¡¯t take the ointment out! ¡±

    ¡°Yuqing!¡± Madam Lu suddenly yelled, ¡°You back away!¡±

    ¡°Mother!¡± Qiu Yuqing didn¡¯t expect that her own mother who always supported her would say so to her. She couldn¡¯t help but stunned.

    ¡°Do you have such an ointment?¡± Madam Lu narrowed her eyelids and asked lightly. She did not say that in the dowry of old Princess Xihe, but only said in Qiu Yn¡¯s hand. Obviously, she denied the content of the conversation between themst night.

    Qiu Ynughed, ¡°You really have a bad memory. Didn¡¯t I tell youst night? That ointment was already used by grandma.¡±

    ¡°You!!!¡± Qiu Yuqing and Madame Lu looked sullen at the same time! Princess Yang was relieved, but then she doubted?Did Qiu Yn want to entertain them? What could she rely on?

    Qiu Yn just continued, ¡°But this ointment is not only in my grandmother¡¯s dowry.¡±

    Madame Lu nced at her daughter again. She stopped her daughter¡¯s urge and asked, ¡°Where is it?¡±

    ¡°The Yulu ointment that is secretly made in the pce can also be used to eliminate scars.¡± Qiu Yn said quietly and calmly. ¡°But it is very precious. Its main effect is not eliminating scars but nourishing the skin! And it is only supplied for the Empress Dowager and the Empress?It is even rare for the imperial concubines and princesses to see it! ¡±

    ¡°Yulu ointment?¡± Madam Lu muttered to herself, as if in memory.

    Qiu Yuqing asked anxiously, ¡°Mother, is what this little b*tch said true?

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard it once.¡± Madame Lu nced at Qiu Yn hatefully. Her family background was not outstanding. She widened her knowledge when she served old Princess of Xihe. When Qiu Yuqing was kicked out of the Prince¡¯s Mansion, she was still young. Although she was the daughter of the old Duke of Xihe, she did not have the vision and spirit that youngdies of the Prince¡¯s Mansion deserved.

    ¡°You are relevant to disfiguring Li¡¯s face!¡± Madame Lu¡¯s face darkened, and she sternly said, ¡°In order topensate her, you ought to find a way... to get some for Lizhang!¡±

    ¡°I said that it is only avable to Empress Dowager and Empress.¡± Qiu Yn said faintly, ¡°What kind of person do you think Cousin Kang is?¡±

    Qiu Yuqing was quite unreasonable, ¡°I don¡¯t care about you. Anyway, I will scratch on your face if you can¡¯t take out the Yulu ointment to treat my daughter.¡±

    ¡°You are irrational?!¡± Qiu Yn turned her head and looked at her. She suddenly grabbed the tea bowl at her hand and mmed down in front of her. She said loudly, ¡°How are you! You have no official rank and you were kicked out by my grandmother long ago. It¡¯s polite to call you aunt! But you call me little b*tch and you turned up your nose at me! Who do you think I am with the title Commandery Princess!? Are there anyws in your mind? You¡¯re really cheeky. Believe it or not, if you call it again, I¡¯ll suicide here. I¡¯m wondering how you can tell the imperial court?My Cousin Ruan is a schr, who can submit a statement to the emperor! Do you really think that nobody would ask me if I were dead? ¡±

    An artist lives everywhere. Since Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was afraid of Empress Jiang and Ruan Qingyan, they didn¡¯t dare to bully her now. So, how could Qiu Yn let off this opportunity to vent her anger? Suddenly, she picked up tea sets, fruit trays and even bonsais to throw on Qiu Yuqing!

    Qiu Yuqing was stunned for a while, and then she rushed up and beat her like an angry lioness, and scolded, ¡°How dare you talk back...¡±

    ¡°Stop her!¡± Qiu Mengmin shouted in unison with Madame Lu!

    After Qiu Yuqing was taken away, they looked at Qiu Yn with deep eyes, ¡°Don¡¯t think that Ruan Qingyan, a young child, can protect you. You know whom we are afraid of, so that we don¡¯t hurt you temporarily! Let¡¯s talk about your conditions! Don¡¯t go too far, and don¡¯t forget that Ruan Qingyan hasn¡¯t passed the imperial examination yet! Even if he passes, Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe is still a Prince¡¯s Mansion!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going back to Ruan Family for a few days.¡± Qiu Yn returned to her weak and morbid appearance at this time, and saidzily, ¡°I will bring it to you when I return. Don¡¯t think that I have it in my hand. I would have started using it myself early if I had! I have to rely on my grandfather to check if any of his old friends can do that. Isn¡¯t this requirement reasonable?¡±

 Chapter 14 - Met Rival in Love on the Road

    <h4>Chapter 14 Met Rival in Love on the Road</h4>

    On the snow-covered street, pedestrians were all in a hurry with their clothes wrapped tightly.

    An inconspicuous carriage hoofed through the snow. Two bodyguards in green and three or four nannies followed the carriage on foot. It looked like some womenfolk of a normal wealthy family were going out.

    Some passersby checked the carriage asionally and then looked away apathetically.

    Inside the carriage, Su He said excitedly, ¡°Your Grace, you are really resourceful. You managed to make the Prince family agree to let you go to the General¡¯s Mansion. Now we are out and will never go back!¡±

    ¡°How is that possible?¡± Mrs. Zhou was about to say this. Seeing Qiu Yn looked more rxed than she was in Prince¡¯s Mansion, she managed to keep those words to herself.

    However, Qiu Yn said it herself, ¡°That¡¯s not possible. I have an engagement. How can I live at Ruan Family forever?¡± Besides, the best-case scenario was that grandfather, General Ruan, lived for one more year or so.

    Ruan Family didn¡¯t have any womenfolk. Once grandfather died, only step cousin Ruan Qingyan left. Unless he married, she couldn¡¯t go there anymore.

    Hearing Qiu Yn mentioned her engagement, worries in Mrs. Zhou¡¯s looks thickened. She was afraid to dampen Qiu Yn¡¯s spirits. She looked away and said nothing.

    ¡°What kind of person is Deng Yi?¡± Finally, Qiu Yn asked about this.

    Mrs. Zhou said with bitterness, ¡°He is Duke of Guangyang¡¯s nephew. Empress Dowager felt sorry for him for losing his father at a young age. So, she rewarded him with a level six title Fortitude Commandant. However, he got the Xiucai (students of the metropolitan) title with a good rank two years ago. If he can get the Jinshi (graduates of the metropolitan and the pce state exam) title, Empress Dowager will definitely put him in an important position.¡±

    Hearing this she thought if this man wasn¡¯t up to the point where he liked men too much to endure women, he would make a good husband.

    However, if he hadn¡¯t been like that, how could those people from the Prince¡¯s Mansion would have decided to marry Qiu Yn to him?

    Qiu Yn said with surprise, ¡°Why does Empress Dowager treat him so nicely?¡±

    ¡°His mother is Empress Dowager¡¯s niece and also Duke of Guangyang¡¯s half-sister,¡± Mrs. Zhou sighed andforted her, ¡°Maybe he is not like what the rumor says...otherwise, why did he agree to get married? Isn¡¯t it?¡±

    It turned out that Duke of Guangyang was a member of Empress Dowager¡¯s maiden home. Qiu Yn nodded thoughtfully. Former owner of this body didn¡¯t know all these. She had to find out herself.

    ¡°Hope I can find a way to break off the engagement this time I go to Ruan Family,¡± Qiu Yn thought, ¡°Although someone says that love between the same gender is true love, gay¡¯s wife is pathetic. I don¡¯t want to be the victim!¡±

    Suddenly, with a bang sound, the carriage flipped over violently.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Three people in the carriage almost got thrown out. They grabbed the crosspiece at the back of the carriage and asked.

    ¡°Your Grace, my fault. Ditch at the side of the road is filled with the heavy snow. I didn¡¯t see clearly and let the carriage fall into it,¡± The carter¡¯s voice came from outside. He apologized. But there was no fear in his tone, ¡°Your Grace, please get off the carriage first. Let me and the bodyguards drag the carriage out.¡±

    Su He said angrily, ¡°How can you be so careless? We don¡¯t have our veil hats with us.¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, please hurry. Otherwise, the carriage will flip over even more. I can¡¯t afford if you get hurt,¡± The carter was Madame Lu¡¯s man. Of course, he wasn¡¯t afraid of Su He. Now he was clearly gloating, ¡°Besides, there are only few people on the road. Everyone is trying to get home as soon as possible. Who will have time to stare at Your Grace?¡±

    Qiu Yn stopped Su He from quarreling with the carter and harrumphed, ¡°They have already searched once before we went out. Still worried?¡± Knowing the character of the people in the Prince¡¯s Mansion, it was weird that they didn¡¯te up with anything on the road.

    Three of them put on their fur coats and got off the carriage. The carter put on a fake smile and said, ¡°Your Grace, you are overthinking it.¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want to talk to him. There was no Yulu Ointment in the carriage. She walked a little further away from the carriage with Su He and Mrs. Zhou and let those nannies search using help as excuses.

    However, those people were either eager to make contributions or not willing to give up. Just one of the wheels stuck in the ditch. A group of people couldn¡¯t lift it up in a long time. Su He was afraid that Qiu Yn might be frozen. She urged them a few times. They found a lot of excuses to prevaricate. It looked like they must find the Yulu Ointment.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind them. Let¡¯s build a snowman,¡± Qiu Yn said with a cold smile, ¡°They have to get us there within today, haven¡¯t they?¡±

    Su He pouted at first. Then she saw Qiu Yn making a snow ball that triggered her inner childishness. She stopped being angry and built the snowman with her excitedly.

    A carriage stopped beside them suddenly when they just finished building the outline. A clear voice came from the carriage, ¡°Youngdy, do you need a hand?¡±

    Qiu Yn was held in a trance and then looked at the carriage. The carriage curtain was tightly closed. But the carriage was big and gorgeous. Beautiful patterns were carved on the wheels. A group of armed bodyguards followed the carriage. Judging by the look, the man inside the carriage was not normal. Then she said, ¡°Thank you. It¡¯s not a big deal. It¡¯s just my carriage flipped over back there. I am just passing time by building a snowman while the servants are getting it out.¡±

    People in the carriage seemed to have a discussion in low voices. The former clear voice said, ¡°Xu Hu, you take a few men and go to the back. Get that carriage out.¡±

    One of the bodyguards behind the carriage answered right away. He took a few men and turned their horses around.

    Qiu Yn thanked them in a hurry.

    The clear voice said with augh, ¡°Just a small thing. It¡¯s cold and you are young. Don¡¯t be frozen.¡± Then he asked who she was.

    They just helped and Qiu Yn¡¯s identity was not a secret. She said that she was Commandery Princess Ningyi of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe.

    Who knew that just after she said that, a man¡¯s voice came from the carriage, ¡°New Year is about toe. Commandery Princess Ningyi goes out in in clothes. Are you going to the General¡¯s Mansion?¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know what he meant and said yes.

    The carriage curtain was open. A man in a gorgeous outfit with a book in his hand appeared. This man had white and clean skin. His nose was straight and his lips were thin. He looked at her meaningfully with his long and narrow eyes. It looked like he wanted to say something. But after a while, he just smiled and said, ¡°Your carriage should be out of the ditch. Hurry up. Don¡¯t get frozen on the road.¡±

    Qiu Yn thanked him and walked towards her carriage with Mrs. Zhou and Su He. When she thought that man might not be able to hear her, she asked Mrs. Zhou who had a strange look on her face, ¡°Do you know that man?¡±

    ¡°... He... he is the Young Prince of Duke of Guangyang!¡± Mrs. Zhou said with a pale face.

    Seeing Qiu Yn¡¯s enlightened look, Mrs. Zhou was afraid she might misunderstand. She sighed and said in a low voice, ¡°It¡¯s said that Young Master Deng and Ruan Qingyan are... However, Deng likes... both men and women.¡±

    It turned out to be a rival in love!

 Chapter 15 - Famous Prostitute Was Sentimental

    <h4>Chapter 15 Famous Prostitute Was Sentimental</h4>

    General Ruan¡¯s mansion was located at the north of the capital city. It was the only house Ruan Family had left.

    The whole mansion appeared to be a little gruesome because too many towering pine and cypress trees were nted there. It was colder inside the walls than outside in the wind.

    Qiu Yn walked out of General Ruan¡¯s room with a gloomy face.

    Ruan Qingyan wasn¡¯t home on that day. Although he brought a few men into the General¡¯s Mansion after he got the right of inheritance, the housekeeper was still the same old Ruan An. So Qiu Yn got here without any obstruction. She could tell that Ruan Qingyan put a lot of thoughts in settling General Ruan down.

    The room behind her was warm, clean and big. And the inside was very tidy. The underfloor heating was well functioned. Furnishings were simple. But all were carefully selected. There was a wintersweet bonsai on a higher table and a basin of daffodils on a lower shelf. The room was full of nice smell.

    Qiu Yn¡¯s clothes still got the flowery smell even she had already been out.

    But the skeleton like delirious look of General Ruan who was taken good care of...although it had something to do with his old age and illness, Qiu Yn knew the biggest reason was the poison Youmianxiang. Otherwise, how could he get weak so quickly considering he disyed his kung fu to the former owner of this body at the early autumn ording to her memory?

    ¡°I can only rest assured when Madame Lu is dead!¡± Qiu Yn bit her lips and thought viciously. She talked with General Ruan for a while inside the room. She used three handkerchiefs just for wiping his drool.

    Ruan An who waited outside approached, ¡°Your Grace, Young Master is about toe back.¡±

    ¡°This early? Did you say that he wouldn¡¯t be back until evening?¡± Qiu Yn collected her thoughts and asked in surprise.

    Ruan An said, ¡°I sent someone looking for him. He heard that you were here. And hees back early.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Ruan, you are treating me like a stranger. What if he has something important to do?¡± Qiu Yn shook her head and said, ¡°Since then, let me go to the door and greet him.¡±

    She did this not just because she was polite, but also because General¡¯s Mansion had fallen into decay for many years. Besides General Ruan¡¯s room and the servants¡¯ rooms, only Ruan Qingyan¡¯s ce was tidied up. The other ces, like the drawing room and lobby, were all not tidied up. So, she didn¡¯t have other ces to be when she was out of General Ruan¡¯s room.

    Ruan An also knew this. He said a few words out of courtesy and then went to the front door with her.

    They were talking behind the door. After a while, doorman knocked on the door and said Ruan Qingyan was back.

    Hearing this, Qiu Yn lifted her dress lightly and said in a loud voice while she was stepping over the doorsill, ¡°Cousin!¡± As she was about to say something, she heard a sweet voice down the stairs grumbling, ¡°Ruan, why didn¡¯t you tell me that you had such a beautifuldy at home? Were you afraid of me being jealous?¡±

    Along with the seductive voice, a youngdy in green and a maid in blue neatly got off the carriage that closely followed Ruan Qingyan¡¯s horse.

    The youngdy in green was about 16 or 17. She had an oval face with pink-and-white cheeks. Her arched eyebrows like she was frowning. Her eyes were like apricot. She was pretty and dainty.

    She also dressed up nicely. Her hair wasbed into a double-de chignon. Two jade hairpins shaped like hibiscus inserted into the chignons obliquely. Moon shaped earrings were on her ears and hank knotting bracelet was on her wrist. She looked like a youngdy of a wealthy family. However, she got off her carriage voluntarily and ran to Ruan Qingyan who just got off his horse. She held his arm tightly and looked over here with an obvious hostility. Judging by all these...

    Qiu Yn frowned slowly and looked at Ruan Qingyan with doubt and discontent. Princess Ruan died. As her nephew, Ruan Qingyan should observe mourning for five months. How long had it been? He dared to fool around publicly.

    Ruan Qingyan was about to walk up the stairs while answering Qiu Yn¡¯s call. His face went dark when the youngdy in green held his arm. He turned to her and said, ¡°This is my aunt¡¯s daughter. She came here to see my grandfather. You show some respect!¡±

    The youngdy in green was stunned by his reproach. She was humiliated and ditched his arm angrily. But she showed reluctance in her eyes after Ruan Qingyan took two steps. She put up a face full of smile and run after him, ¡°Um, I didn¡¯t know. No warned, no fault.¡±

    Seeing Ruan Qingyan stopped and looked at her coldly, it looked like he wanted her to go. The youngdy in green turned her eyes and bowed to Qiu Yn in a hurry. She said with a smile, ¡°I¡¯m Hua Shenshen living in Spring House at the south of the city. I didn¡¯t know you were his cousin. Please forgive me!¡±

    Qiu Yn realized that she deliberately called her cousin that was her identity in the General¡¯s Mansion. With contempt in her heart she said tly, ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±

    ¡°Ruan...¡± Hua Shenshen bent her big enchanting eyes and looked at Ruan Qingyan pitifully, ¡°See, your cousin forgives me...¡±

    ¡°You go home,¡± Ruan Qingyan was calm. But he was full of regret that his cousin saw him fooling around with this prostitute. Of course, he wasn¡¯t in the mood tofort her, ¡°I told you that I didn¡¯t need you to walk me home.¡±

    Hua Shenshen followed him to the doorsill. Seeing Ruan Qingyan only paid attention to Qiu Yn and said to her with care, ¡°Don¡¯t stand in the ce with a draught anymore. Why did you wait here for me? Just stay in the room from now on. Are you trying to keep the formality with me?¡±

    ¡°Loathsome! So cruel!¡± Watching the door closing in front of her, Hua Shenshen scolded angrily. But she had to turned around.

    The maid in blue was also angry, ¡°There are so many princes and nobles who want to see you but can¡¯t. Young Master Ruan is only a grandson of a declining general with nothing but a Juren (candidates of the pce state exam) title. He should consider himself lucky that you are willing to let him be your guest. How dare he treat you so poorly? Really doesn¡¯t know fear! When we go back, let¡¯s put a bug in those people¡¯s ears. Let¡¯s see if he can live past tomorrow!¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Who knew that Hua Shenshen¡¯s face went dark while hearing this and reproached, ¡°Zip your mouth after we go back! If you dare to ther on about this and get Ruan killed, watch out for your life!¡±

    The maid was scared and said in a hurry, ¡°Mydy, I was just angry for you...¡±

    ¡°Just a twelve-year-old little girl. Let alone that there may be nothing going on between she and Ruan, even if there is, are you saying that I can¡¯t beat her?¡± Hua Shenshen said disdainfully, ¡°Find out about the little girl. Don¡¯t do anything extra!¡±

    The maid answered cautiously, ¡°Okay!¡±

 Chapter 16 - Cousin Qingyans Origin

    <h4>Chapter 16 Cousin Qingyan¡¯s Origin</h4>

    ¡°It¡¯s my first time to arrive in the capital city and I will take the Metropolitan Exam next year. I want to make the acquaintance of some future peers and Hua knows some of them. That¡¯s why I met her several times.¡± As soon as the gate closed, Ruan Qingyan gave a dry cough and hurried to exin, ¡°The other day, she introduced me to Earl of Jingchuan¡¯s youngest son, young master Ling. I made an appointment to treat him a dinner today, but I didn¡¯t know he also invited Hua. Just now I heard that you were here, and I wanted toe back early. But Hua insisted to follow me. I had no time to waste on her, so I got on my horse and left. I never thought that...¡±

    Qiu Yn glimpsed at him and thought this cousin of her was really clever. As the General¡¯s Mansion was in decline, if he said he was the grandson of General Ruan, most probably no one would take notice of him and he would even be despised. Asking a famous courtesan to introduce him was at least a better way.

    What¡¯s more, he could ask the courtesan their likes and make a specific n to each.... For men like Ruan Qingyan, this was the quickest way to meet the middle- and upper-ss people in the capital city. But certainly, this method didn¡¯t fit everyone. It only worked when one was both handsome and brilliant enough to make the courtesan willing to help.

    Although she didn¡¯t know about Hua Shenshen, from her look and powerful manner to fight for a man, if she was not the best courtesan, she must have been liked by numerous guests. She couldn¡¯t be amon prostitute.

    ¡°No wonder he said he was confident in passing the exam.¡± Qiu Yn thought for a moment and said, ¡°Don¡¯t get it wrong, Cousin. I¡¯m just afraid that as you are still in mourning for my mother if you and Miss Hua openly...¡± Speaking of this, she thought of a memory from herst life. Pausing for a minute, she continued, ¡°...meet each other, someone may use this against you.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan secretly observed her facial expression. When he made sure there was no disdain, he felt rxed and smiled, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I had dinner with young master Ling in a decent restaurant. Till now, not so many people know me. And the carriage that Hua took today was not hers. If she hadn¡¯t got off from the carriage, others would not have known she was in it.¡±

    Although Qiu Yn didn¡¯t seem to care about what happened just now, Ruan Qingyan felt embarrassed and changed the topic, ¡°I didn¡¯t think that Prince¡¯s family would agree to let youe here. Now that you are here, don¡¯t go back. There is no good one in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe! I won¡¯t rx when you stay there alone!¡±

    Qiu Yn knew from his words that he had asked Princess Yang and others to let here back to General¡¯s Mansion many times but were all refused.

    That was not a surprise. First, the Prince¡¯s family were looking for the two dowries. Then, as Ruan Qingyan was worried about herself alone in the Prince¡¯s Mansion, he had to visit them often, every time with some gifts. If she lived in the General¡¯s Mansion, Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t need to go there.

    As she was thinking about what she should do when she stayed in the Ruan Family, she spoke concisely of the reason why she came here.

    Ruan Qingyan frowned and said, ¡°Yulu Ointment? That¡¯s hard to get. Let me think...¡±

    ¡°Young master, Commandery Princess doesn¡¯t want to marry Deng Yi!¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t speak but Su He behind her suddenly said!

    ¡°Su He? Shut up your mouth!¡± Qiu Yn was angry and turned back to scold her.

    Ruan Qingyan looked at Su He with me, and then said to Qiu Yn, ¡°Why did you hide your worry from me? Why do I have to hear it from your maid who¡¯s so worried about you?¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at Su He coldly until she looked down with a pale face. Then, she said, ¡°It¡¯s not a worry. The Lunar New Year ising now. I nned to discuss it with you after that.¡±

    ¡°Listen. Settle yourself down here first.¡± Hearing what she said, Ruan Qingyan¡¯s face rxed a little. After thinking for a moment, he said, ¡°The day after tomorrow will be the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve and it will be hard to make an appointment. I can go to visit Deng Yi in the first lunar month and ask him whether he can cancel the engagement.¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t think he was so quick to respond. She was stunned for a while and said, ¡°That Deng Yi seems to live in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang. Are you sure you can see him?¡±

    ¡°Young Master Ling calls Young Prince of Duke of Guangyang cousin, so he is also a rtive to Deng Yi. It should be no problem to request young master Ling to ask Deng Yi out.¡± Ruan Qingyan said calmly.

    Qiu Yn knew that he only just got an acquaintance with that young master Ling. If he asked him for a favor so soon, he would be despised even if he sent him a great gift as a reward. If by any chance he didn¡¯t do well, he might lose this friend. Ruan Qingyan would attend the Metropolitan Exam in next year¡¯s spring. The people he made friends with now would benefit him in his future official career. If he made use of them now for her, it was like that he would kill the new bud that he had cultivated with great care!

    But Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t hesitate at all!

    Qiu Yn looked at Ruan Qingyan with aplex face, ¡°You are so good to me.¡±

    ¡°My mother passed away early. When my father was approaching his end, he gave me arge sum of fortune, more than any of my brothers.¡± Ruan Qingyan seemed to understand her doubt. He walked ahead to shield the wind for her and said lightly, ¡°So they don¡¯t like me. After the mourning period of my father was over, they tried to cheat me to go overseas in order to seize my industry. Luckily, the faithful servant sympathized with me and told me about that in secret. However, I was alone in the family, so I could only dispose of my industry in a hurry and left.¡±

    He took a look at Qiu Yn, ¡°There was no one I could go to. I remembered my father once told me he used to work for General Ruan, so I came here hoping to get the old General¡¯s help. When I came here, I found he had no grandson, so I decided to be his grandson and became a member of the Ruan Family.¡±

    ¡°Therefore, apart from the old General, only you are my family.¡± Ruan Qingyan sighed, ¡°I see you as my own sister.¡±

    ¡°My brother passed away very early. Though you are my cousin, you are also my brother.¡± Qiu Yn said sweetly but still doubted in her heart. Perhaps because she had seen so many despicable people in herst life, she couldn¡¯t believe a good cousin from heaven, well, pennies from heaven falling in front of her.

    Ruan Qingyan turned his face aside for a while and then turned back, saying, ¡°I didn¡¯t know you woulde. The rooms were not cleaned. Look, you sleep in my ce. Other ces of this mansion have been emptying for years and it will be bad for your health to sleep in those rooms.¡±

    ¡°But what about you?¡± Qiu Yn asked in surprise.

    ¡°I have to take care of my grandfather. I can make a bed in his living room.¡± Ruan Qingyan said without care, ¡°You only have Mrs. Zhou and Su He to serve you. That¡¯s not enough. I will let my maids Chunran and Xiaran stay with you. They have followed me for years and you can trust them.¡±

    After a while, they went to see General Ruan. Then Qiu Yn was pushed to Ruan Qingyan¡¯s Lvqiang Court by him. Her luggage was put in.

    ¡°If you need anything, just tell Chunran and Xiaran,¡± Ruan Qingyan saw her simple luggage and turned to tell Ruan An to write down a long list of things and try to buy them all within a day. In spite of all these, he still kept telling Qiu Yn, ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate to ask for anything!¡±

    Also, he told her she could use anything in the room. Even if she broke something, it would be okay.

    When she finally sent her suddenly chatty cousin out, Qiu Yn thought of two things for Chunran and Xiaran to do. After the two maids went out, she struck the table and asked Su He angrily, ¡°Who taught you to interrupt like that? Or did you teach yourself?¡±

 Chapter 17 - Midnight Tryst (Part One)

    <h4>Chapter 17 Midnight Tryst (Part One)</h4>

    Su He said tremblingly, ¡°I came up with it myself!¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Qiu Yn frowned.

    ¡°...because Young Master Ruan is focusing on his career now,¡± Su He bit her lips and said timidly, ¡°I¡¯m afraid that he is nice to you only because of your engagement. So... I want to test him.¡±

    ¡°Should I be the one doing something like this?¡± Qiu Yn realized that no wonder Madame Lu said that Ruan Qingyan might be up to no good. ¡°See? Even Su He suspects him!¡±

    Su He cried, ¡°How can you do that? When I say something wrong, you can apologize to Young Master Ruan by hitting me or scolding me. But if you and Young Master Ruan are in a stalemate, we are in his ce now!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about this kind of thing anymore!¡± Qiu Yn looked at the little girl who was shorter than her and sighed, ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing!¡± Seeing Su He was about to say something, she pounded the table, ¡°You don¡¯t want to listen to me anymore, do you?¡±

    Su He then said, ¡°I don¡¯t dare. I will listen to you from now on!¡±

    ¡°Go fetch some water.¡± Qiu Yn sent her out. And her face went dark.

    Now there were two threats in front of her. One was from the people of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. After seeing the look of General Ruan, she decided that after she went back, she would kill Madame Lu no matter what. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep. The other was her engagement that seemed could be dyed for two or three years.

    Thetter was trickier than the former.

    ording to her memory, she and Deng Yi¡¯s engagement was proposed by Duke of Guangyang instead of Deng Yi. Then Duke of Xihe, Qiu Mengmin, agreed to it.

    When Princess Ruan knew about it, the two families had already exchanged their dates of birth to see if they were well matched.

    Empress Dowager Gu was behind Duke of Guangyang. So, it was nearly impossible for her to break off this engagement. The only hope was that Deng Yi didn¡¯t want to marry her and went to talk to his family. But they had been engaged for two years. If Deng Yi had wanted to break off it, he wouldn¡¯t have waited until now.

    ¡°nned to ask him to repay his debtter. Now, it looks like I need to break off the engagement first in case anything bad happens. What if he forgets about me after a while?¡± Qiu Yn thought. Although Ruan Qingyan helped her with all he got, he was new in town and didn¡¯t know anyone. He was still taking root.

    Even if he got the first ce in the spring tryouts and got the Number One Schr title, he was no match against Duke of Guangyang.

    Everyone knew that the only one who could stand against Empress Dowager Gu was Empress Jiang.

    ¡°General Jiang is just one of Empress¡¯s nephews. Even he is Empress¡¯s favorite, he may not be able to get Empress to listen to whatever he says. Even he can, he may not want to,¡± Qiu Yn thought about how to make sure that Jiang Yashuang would do it, ¡°But he led me into the fight between the two empressesst time... Maybe I can work my way in through here?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan came to visit her the next day, she asked him, ¡°Did anything happen between two queens recently?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t know why she suddenly cared about this and said, ¡°Nothing. Why?¡±

    ¡°Last time you said that Empress Dowager gave four of her close maids the death penalty. What was that?¡± Qiu Yn thought for a while and asked.

    Ruan Qingyan gave her a strange look. But he still answered, ¡°This thing is really strange. That four maids served Empress Dowager many years. Empress Dowager liked them a lot. I heard from Shenshen...I heard from Hua that in the pce even princes and princesses wouldn¡¯t dare to treat those four slightly. However, Empress Dowager gave them the death penalty without any warning. And their usations were stealing properties in Empress Dowager¡¯s pce!¡±

    ¡°Prime minister¡¯s hanger-on can be considered as level seven officer, not to mention their master is the Empress Dowager. How can theyck money?¡± Qiu Yn shook her head and said, ¡°Even if they were short-sighted, but after served Empress Dowager this many years, they should know better. Their usations must be made up.¡±

    ¡°Why did you suddenly ask this?¡± Ruan Qingyan asked.

    ¡°I thought about Cousin Kang going to dinner in the pce out of the blue yesterday,¡± Qiu Yn answered calmly, ¡°As a civilian girl, she just gave back a cat and was invited to the New Year¡¯s Eve dinner that only officers above level five and their families are allowed to go. Empress Dowager and Empress don¡¯t get along. Empress did this. Isn¡¯t she afraid that Empress Dowager will use her of not knowing the rules?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan muttered to himself, ¡°Indeed suspicious...however, Princess Yongfu sent out the invitation. It¡¯s said that this princess is young and naive. She might do this on the spur of the moment.¡±

    Qiu Yn nned to distract him. She got what she wanted and kept on saying, ¡°You are right. I forgot that Princess Yongfu was young.¡±

    Then she chatted with Ruan Qingyan. Because New Year was about toe. There were a lot of things to do. Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t stay long in Lvqiang Court and got taken away by Ruan An.

    The moment he left, Qiu Yn asked Su He toe alone and whispered in her ears.

    Su He didn¡¯t hear much and said happily, ¡°Go tell General Jiang the truth?¡± Then doubtfully, ¡°Why do you want to meet him privately? If he doesn¡¯t believe, he cane to visit in the morning. You can ask Young Master Ruan to exin the situation to you.¡±

    ¡°I heard that grandfather didn¡¯t get along with Marquess Qin back then. Who knows Marquess Qin will be happy or not if General Jianges here openly?¡± Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°Besides we will only say a few words at the back door of General¡¯s Mansion. Are you afraid that I may suffer losses? He has a good reputation. Besides, judging from his family, he gave Cousin Kang a big reward because of a Persian cat. How can he treat me poorly?¡±

    Su He said with worry, ¡°What if he believes people in the Prince¡¯s Mansion and thinks that you have another...lie to him?¡±

    ¡°No if. Do you mean that we should let Cousin Kang take the credit?¡± Qiu Yn pushed her, ¡°Don¡¯t dally! Do as what I say!¡±

 Chapter 18 - Midnight Tryst (Part Two)

    <h4>Chapter 18 Midnight Tryst (Part Two)</h4>

    Although there were not many stars at night in winter and they were far less bright and glorious than the summer nights, they had a deste and lonely artistic conceptionparing to the aliveness of stars on summer nights.

    At ten o¡¯clock, Qiu Yn came out from Lvqiang Court quietly. She didn¡¯t bring herntern as she was afraid of revealing her presence. She secretly got to the back door of the General¡¯s Mansion based on her memory of the route during daytime.

    The back door had already been closed by that time, but fortunately, the door was plugged from the inside and it wasn¡¯t locked.

    Qiu Yn pulled thetch carefully, and someone coughed lightly outside the door right after that, ¡°Your Grace?¡±

    She didn¡¯t expect Jiang Yashuang to be here early and opened the door. Jiang Yanshuang was wearing a purple or ck fur coat standing outside in the dark with a certain hat in his hand and he was smiling.

    There were two dimnterns hanging above his head, and it made him look like a bright jade under the moon. His lips were slightly hooked, and he was holding a wisp of spring breeze-like smile. He looked so gentle and extraordinary.

    It is not appropriate for a man and a woman to talk for a long time in the middle of the night. So, Jiang Yashuang nodded at her and asked, ¡°Your Grace, are you in any trouble and wrote the letter for help?¡±

    ¡°I want to dissolve my engagement with Deng Yi. I wonder if you can tell me what I should do?¡± Qiu Yn asked tentatively.

    ording to the custom then, for women, especially unmarried women, whom others got in their bed, whether anything actually happened would cause a great loss in their reputation. The man who did that not only must marry her, but also couldn¡¯t divorce her easily as he was the wrong-doer.

    However, this was based on the assumption that neither of them was married and the two families had rather simr social status and power.

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t believe that she had the power to force Jiang Yashuang into marrying her now, and she had no time to consider her life-long event. Therefore, she was saying it rather euphemistically to avoid Jiang Yashuang¡¯s direct objection.

    After hearing this, Jiang Yashuang was indeed looking thoughtful.

    Qiu Yn was gradually disappointed as he had not responded for a long time.

    ¡°Deng Yi has quite a different preference with ordinary people. If it¡¯s just him, it would not be big trouble.¡± Jiang Yashuang suddenly said, ¡°However, I¡¯m afraid that his elders might not be willing to.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought, ¡°Ha, you¡¯re afraid, which means there must be a way.¡± She asked, ¡°What do you mean, young General?¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Gu, Deng Yi¡¯s mother, actually prefers a noble daughter with both parents alive and a vigorous temper.¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled and said, ¡°To be honest, Mrs. Gu isn¡¯t the most satisfied with your family background, Your Grace. If your temper doesn¡¯t fit her expectations either...¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at him doubtfully, thinking that all the mothers-inw in the world would want their daughter-inw to be virtuous.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, Your Grace, maybe I shall arrange for you to have a few words with Mrs. Gu. If this n fails, I would go to the Empress to ask her to help you. Is that alright with you?¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled yfully and said firmly.

    If the Empress was disturbed, it was most likely that she would be involved in the dispute between the Empresses. After all, with Deng Yi¡¯s rtionship with the Empress Dowager, it was challenging the Empress Dowager to cancel the marriage. How could Empress Jiang miss the opportunity?

    Qiu Yn thought for a moment and decided to take her chance with Mrs. Gu, so she nodded and said, ¡°Then...¡±

    An angry voice came from behind her when she was only halfway of her sentence. It said coldly, ¡°No!¡±

    ¡°... Cousin?!¡± Qiu Yn was shocked to see Ruan Qingyan striding up, with white fox fur on, and his face turned ck due to anger.

    He had a cloak in his hand. As he walked past Qiu Yn, he threw it into her arms, but he ignored her and passed her directly to block her behind him. Then, he bowed towards Jiang Yashuang, who was still smiling, and said with a gloomy face, ¡°Although I have no idea how my cousin invited you, General Jiang, to be here, please forgive her rudeness as she was too young and ignorant.¡±

    Then he added, ¡°What a big deal it was, the dispute between the Empresses? In what position is my cousin girl to be involved in this? Would you please, General Jiang, find someone who is more capable of this... It¡¯s gettingte, so I¡¯m sorry that I can¡¯t send you out!¡±

    Then, regardless of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s answer, he shut the door in front of him with a ¡°Bang¡±!

    ¡°Hey...¡± Qiu Yn was caught red-handed, so she was indefensible. But seeing him shutting her hope out of the door so neatly made her a bit upset. She went up to hold Ruan Qingyan¡¯s sleeve and said, ¡°Cousin, you...¡±

    ¡°Go back!¡± Ruan Qingyan, who has always been kind and doting on her since they first met, was now looking furious! His voice was cold as ice and he looked at her sternly. The sharpness in his eyes kept Qiu Yn¡¯s mouth shut immediately.

    Ruan Qingyan strode out for about fifty meters away until he stopped and turned around without saying a word. He took over the cloak Qiu Yn was holding and put it on for her. Seeing that he had softened a bit, Qiu Yn tried to exin, ¡°General Jiang was just...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what!¡± Ruan Qingyan neatly tied the tie-up of the cloak for her into a Ruyi knot and patted the fox fur around the neckline of the cloak. While doing all these, he said in a very light voice, ¡°If grandfather weren¡¯t in the house and you invited someone over and left traces, I promise I would skin that boy who¡¯s outside the door!¡±

    ¡°... My father in my previous life who killed zombies and enemies like cutting vegetables was not as fierce as this. It¡¯s just a few words, and a thousand steps away from the pledge of eternal love... If you ever know that I have slept with Jiang Yashuang in the same bed for more than a couple hours, I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll ughter the Jiang¡¯s family.¡±

    Qiu Yn was muttering in her heart, but she kept her mouth shut seeing Ruan Qingyan¡¯s face now.

    ¡°What is your rtionship with the Jiang guy?¡± Ruan Qingyan sent all the servants off and immediately questioned her with a harsh tone right when they got back to Lvqiang Court.

    ¡°... Actually, I am the one who picked up the cat that Kang Lizhang returned.¡± Qiu Yn said softly.

    Ruan Qingyan asked coldly, ¡°Since the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe has let Kang Lizhang take your ce, how does Jiang know that it was actually you who found the cat?¡±

    ¡°Er... because... because Su He happened to go out today and met him, so she told him.¡± Qiu Yn paused and said.

    Ruan Qingyan was so angry that heughed, ¡°How could he just believe it like that? Then just for the little favor, he came to meet you in the middle of the night, especially when it¡¯s almost New Year? Wasn¡¯t he even worried about you colluding with the Empress Dowager or anyone else to kill him?¡±

    ¡°You just said that I left traces in the Jiang¡¯s house...¡± Qiu Yn muttered in a low voice. Seeing Ruan Qingyan bing angrier and was about to refute it, she just simply didn¡¯t care anymore. She struck the table heavily and shouted, ¡°Indeed there¡¯s an inside story, but I won¡¯t tell you! I won¡¯t tell you even if you kill me!¡±

    ¡°You...!!!¡± Ruan Qingyan¡¯s veins bulged and he grabbed the teapot in his hand angrily. Qiu Yn thought that he was going to throw it to the ground, but instead, he poured her some hot tea and switched into a tired tone, ¡°Never mind. If you don¡¯t want to tell me, then don¡¯t. However, don¡¯t ever meet with him privately again... I have an idea about cancelling the marriage, but you need to trust me, okay?¡±

 Chapter 19 - What Should I Wear?

    <h4>Chapter 19 ¡°What Should I Wear?¡±</h4>

    Qiu Yn got herself away temporarily by acting in a slick way. On the next day, the day of New Year¡¯s Eve, she got up and went to greet General Ruan as usual and talked with him for a while. As Ruan Qingyan gave up his yard to her, he had to sleep in the guest room in General Ruan¡¯s yard. When she got there, they would naturally meet.

    By then, Ruan Qingyan had already wiped, dressed and groomed General Ruan. He was sitting in the outer room, reading. Qiu Yn whispered a greeting to him and went inside to fulfill her duties as a granddaughter.

    But today, just when General Ruan started to look tired, before Qiu Yn even had the chance to leave, the maid Dongran came in from the outer room and said, ¡°Young master, there was a pce servant on the door and he left after passing a word.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan acknowledged with a ¡°hmm¡±, and seemed to make a gesture to Dongran, asking her to be quiet. Then, there was a sound of a table and chair moving, as well as footsteps. It seemed that he was taking Dongran outside for a word.

    Qiu Yn rolled her eyes and whispered to Su He, ¡°You stay here to apany my grandfather for me. Just a moment!¡± Then, she hurriedly said to General Ruan, ¡°Grandpa, I¡¯ll be right back. Just wait for me!¡±

    She ran outside, holding her skirt corners in her hands. She saw Ruan Qingyan leading Dongran walking away along the corridor. Fortunately, it seemed that the message was not said yet.

    Qiu Yn ran up to them and yelled, ¡°Cousin, what did the pce servant say? I want to know too!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan frowned when he heard her following. Just when he was about to refuse, Qiu Yn simply dropped her dignity and held on to his arm, shaking. ¡°Cousin, cousin! I wanna know too! As you said, I am your only female cousin, so you have to treat me like family.¡±

    ¡°Let go! Let go! Where¡¯s your manner?¡± Ruan Qingyan wanted to shake her off but was quite reluctant to do so. So, he tried pulling Qiu Yn off, only that she held on even tighter. He yelled and sighed for quite a while until he gave up finally, and said, ¡°Go back to the room if you want to know. Don¡¯t cause a scene here.¡±

    After entering the small drawing room, Dongran felt a little funny, but she did not dare tough out loud. She looked at Qiu Yn and said, ¡°Actually, the news happened to be rted to you, Your Grace.¡±

    The other two were both shocked. After looking at each other, Ruan Qingyan asked with a deep voice, ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°The Empress Dowager ordered the Commandery Princess to join the feast tonight at the pce!¡± Said Dongran.

    Ruan Qingyan¡¯s face turned iron-blue, and he looked at Qiu Yn, ¡°Did that Jiang guy do this?¡±

    ¡°Not necessarily.¡± Qiu Yn paused for a moment and said, ¡°He just said that he would arrange for me to meet with Madam Gu, but the meeting is not necessarily at the pce feast... There are many people at the feast, which isn¡¯t the perfect asion for a meeting. Besides, it¡¯s the Empress Dowager who wants me, not the Empress. How could Jiang Yashuang affect the decision of the Empress Dowager?¡±

    ¡°But you are now serving filial piety. How could you enter the pce?¡± Ruan Qingyan frowned with his nce low, ¡°... I know. It must be because of Kang Lizhang!¡±

    Qiu Yn stunned for a moment and then realized that the Empress Dowager and the Empress were disagreeable. Last time the Empress Dowager ordered the death of close maids, and the Empress was desperate to promote the viciousness of the Empress Dowager. Now that the Empress wanted to help Kang Lizhang, the Empress Dowager must do something in return.

    Surely the Empress Dowager might not know that the Persian cat was picked up by Qiu Yn, but she definitely knew her grief at the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. After all, after the death of Princess Ruan, the people in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe had been bullying Qiu Yn quite upright.

    ¡°It¡¯s my destiny!¡± Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help eximing. She rejected Jiang Yashuang¡¯s idea at the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, and she thought that she could escape the dispute between the Empresses. However, she didn¡¯t realize that she couldn¡¯t stay out of it since Princess Yongfu invited Kang Lizhang to the banquet.

    A sudden thought came to her mind, ¡°What if Princess Yongfu did it on purpose? Is it for the revenge on Kang Lizhang for confessing her credit, or is it because I am the fianc¨¦e of Deng Yi?¡±

    Her mind had filled with a mess of thoughts, when she heard Ruan Qingyan said, ¡°The dispute between the Empresses is not a trivial thing. You are too young to be involved in this mess... I¡¯ll go find a doctor and ask him to say that you are too ill to be there!¡±

    ¡°The Empress Dowager had her orders. How could we just fool her so easily?¡± Qiu Yn shook her head. ¡°For whether the Empress Dowager or the Empress, my life is fully under their control! Therefore, it¡¯s very likely that I¡¯ll not be in danger if I enter the pce. Even if I crossed the Empress, I could still rely on the Empress Dowager as my patron.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan said, panicked, ¡°Empress Jiang was a decisive woman when ites to killing, just like Marquess Qin! You must not offend her...¡±

    ¡°You need to be strong enough to maintain a good rtionship with both sides. I¡¯m not the Master Xue you told me before, cousin.¡± Qiu Yn was biting her lips and said, ¡°Furthermore, if I say that Cousin Kang actually treated me kindly and nicely, I would cross the Empress Dowager. I have to take my side now.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan looked at her with aplex look, and he said after a moment, ¡°I¡¯ll try my best to get a good ranking in the imperial examination in spring. Then I could turn to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang, and raise your profile a bit... However, in this case, I don¡¯t know what to do about your marriage.¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°Save that problem forter... I will have to enter the pce tonight and I definitely can¡¯t wear my funeral clothes there. What should I wear?¡±

    ¡°...¡± It was such a hard question that even Ruan Qingyan had the confidence to ace the examination next year, he didn¡¯t know the answer to it. Luckily, a carriage was sent by the Empress Dowager to pick her up by noon. The two nannies who came with the carriage tipped them directly, after Ruan Qingyan bribed them with some money. ¡°The Empress Dowager heard that the Commandery Princess Ningyi was aggrieved at the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. She is a Commandery Princess, and yet she doesn¡¯t even have new clothes in New Year!¡±

    Then, Qiu Yn knew what she would do tonight. She needed to perform a tragedy of her own...

 Chapter 20 - You Are Such a Beast!

    <strong>Chapter 20 You Are Such a Beast!</strong>

    Qiu Yn went into the pce very smoothly because of the pce carriage sent by the Empress Dowager.

    Unfortunately, the Emperor and the Empress were talking to the Empress Dowager when she came to Hall of Taishi, the main hall of Pce of Ganquan where Empress Dowager lived. So, the servant of the pce arranged Qiu Yn to wait in Lodge of Liuchun, which was not far from Hall of Taishi.

    Qiu Yn and Su He didn¡¯t wait long when there was a sudden sound of footsteps outside the door. At the same time, a man who she seemed to have met before said with a smile, ¡°Cousin, let¡¯s wait in Lodge of Liuchun for a while.¡±

    A man in gorgeous clothes and a gold crown stepped into the door with a smile and just happened to meet Qiu Yn just after he finished saying, and they were all stunned.

    Qiu Yn recognized that he was Gu Yan, the Young Prince of Duke of Guangyang, who she came across on the way to General¡¯s Mansion. So, she immediately got up to salute him.

    Gu Yan nced at her and revealed a faint smile and meaningful expression. He said to the person followed him behind, ¡°Cousin, what a small world!¡±

    It was a boy about seventeen or eighteen years old. And when he walked in, he made people feel as if the room had been shining!

    Qiu Yn was a peerless beauty even though she had not fully developed now. Otherwise, Kang Jinzhang would not covet her. Unexpectedly, Deng Yi was as beautiful as she was.

    His skin was white as snow, and his facial features were so delicate that it made people praise. He wore a simple style of red peace Ruyi cloud patterned brocade rope, with dark ck hair that was held by anolin jade bamboo joint hair sp.

    If he hadn¡¯t had a prominent Adam¡¯s apple, anyone would have reckoned that he was a peerless beauty dressed as a man.

    ¡°What a peerless beautiful bottom...¡± Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but nce at Gu Yan with a profound look.

    But the boy looked indifferent. He ignored Gu Yan¡¯s words after entering in and took the chair closest to him and raised his robe to sit down. Then, he closed his eyes to take a rest.

    Seeing this, Gu Yan smiled slightly. He saluted Qiu Yn with fist and palm and apologized, ¡°Cousin Deng has always been indifferent. He did not intend to target you. Please forgive him, Your Grace!¡±

    As he said, Qiu Yn and Deng Yi both knew that the one in front was engaged to be married. Although Deng Yi was indifferent, he could not help but look at Qiu Yn. Qiu Yn hadn¡¯t thought of what she was going to say or do when they looked at each other, but she saw a touch of disgust and disdain in Deng Yi¡¯s eyes. He turned his head away and seemed not in a mood to care about her.

    ¡°Tut! Do you think I am willing to marry you?¡± Originally, Qiu Yn had no opinion on him at all. This engagement was not set by Deng Yi, but now she was angry because she was somehow despised by him.

    Seeing that the unmarried couple were in disharmony, and they didn¡¯t even say polite words. Gu Yan¡¯s smile deepened, and he said, ¡°Do you enter the pce for the banquet, Your Grace? Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°I entered the pce at the order of Empress Dowager. I am waiting here because Emperor and Empress were inside.¡± Qiu Yn nced at him and said lightly.

    Gu Yan looked up and down her half-old dress, which was obviously short, and he seemed to understand. He turned to Deng Yi and said, ¡°Cousin Deng, why don¡¯t you say hello to Commandery Princess Ningyi? ¡±

    At this time, Deng Yi closed his eyes again, and said without opening his eyes, ¡°Body contact is forbidden between men and women. Please find another ce to wait, Commandery Princess Ningyi!¡±

    Qiu Yn scolded him in her heart and smiled, ¡°Young Master Deng, I was brought here by the servant of Empress Dowager. What if Empress Dowager calls me in but can¡¯t find me because I go to another ce? Don¡¯t you think it is not good? Since you are so particr about it, why not go out by yourself, Young Master Deng? ¡±

    ¡°Unruly, willful and rude, she is not like a good wife!¡± Deng Yi closed his eyes and said coldly.

    ¡°... If you were not the grandnephew of Empress Dowager and here were not the imperial pce, I promise I would let you know what was really unruly, willful and rude!¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled stiffly and said coldly, ¡°Since you are so dissatisfied with me, why not send someone to break off the marital engagement?!¡±

    Deng Yi still closed his eyes, ¡°It was set by the elders, so I have no choice. Don¡¯t you see that I am not in a mood to see you?¡±

    ¡°So, you have a problem with your elders?¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°I am ashamed to give myself to you who are not loyal and filial!¡±

    ¡°Use clever words to instigate. It really demonstrates that youck women¡¯s morality!¡± Deng Yi said impassively, ¡°The family education in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe is so poor!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the family of your future wife that your grandparents chose for you!¡± Qiu Yn said coldly, ¡°If you have a problem, please go back and tell your elders! Why do you throw your weight about!? It is said that you read a lot. Have you forgotten etiquette and shame those saints taught?! ¡±

    Deng Yi opened his eyes and looked at her extremely coldly, ¡°Say it again?!¡±

    ¡°You have the opinion and the ability...¡± Qiu Yn opened her mouth and was about to repeat when Gu Yan coughed and nced at Deng Yi, which made thetter one close his eyes immediately as if nothing had happened.

    Gu Yan turned to Qiu Yn and smiled, ¡°Can we have a quiet word, Your Grace?¡±

    Qiu Yn stared fiercely at Deng Yi. She thought that Gu Yan was simply separating them, so she let Su He stay in the room, put on her fur coat and went out with him after he insisted on the invitation.

    ¡°I suppose you have heard about cousin Deng¡¯s hidden illness, Your Grace?¡± Gu Yan turned around and asked with a smile when they walked to a ce somewhere away from the door and stood still.

    Qiu Yn did not know what he meant and nodded cautiously.

    Gu Yan expressed regret in his eyes, ¡°Although you are still young, I can already see how peerless beautiful you will be in the future... Are you willing to marry cousin Deng? To tell you the truth, Your Grace, cousin Deng has no interest in women at all. ¡±

    ¡°Are you going to help me break off the marital engagement?¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s eyes brightened, and she said to herself, ¡°Does Gu Yan and Deng Yi really fall in love with each other and don¡¯t want to be disturbed by me. So, he seized the chance to find a reason to quarrel, which is a reason to break off the marital engagement. Is there such a good thing?¡±

    Of course, there was no such good thing!

    Because Gu Yan suddenly held her hands and rubbed her hands tightly. His eyes were strange, and his voice was dumb, ¡°Cousin Deng¡¯s father died early, and he lived with my little aunt in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang since he was a child. If you married him, you will also live there. Cousin Deng has a hidden illness. But I really feel sorry for you marrying a wrong person since you are so beautiful!¡±

    ¡°I thought you were going to be a good person. It turned out that you want to undermine your cousin. You n to y us as your toys in the future?!¡±

    Qiu Yn was terrified, she struck his vital part and gritted her teeth without hesitation, ¡°You are such a beast!¡±

    Although Gu Yan thought that Qiu Yn would resist and refuse, he never thought that this small Commandery Princess was so rude. Unexpectedly, his balls were kicked. Feeling painful and angry, he raised his hands and pped her ignoring what he said just now, ¡°B*tch! I give you dignity but you don¡¯t want it!¡±

    However, seeing Qiu Yn was about to be hit, a white hand like a jade stretched out behind Gu Yan. He held Gu Yan¡¯s arm firmly, so that he could not move at all.

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face lit up with joy, but his eyes were sharp, and he smiled, ¡°It is really a coincidence that Young Prince Gu also wants to find someone topete?¡±

    Gu Yan only felt dizzy just now. Bump. And he was upside down and had been thrown into the deep snow outside the railings.

    Jiang Yashuang turned his head and looked at Qiu Yn with concern, ¡°Your Grace?¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your generous help, Young General!¡± Qiu Yn raised her sleeves to cover her lips, and there were tears under trembling eyshes. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Young Prince would make trouble in the pce.¡± At this moment, she couldn¡¯t express her gratitude to Jiang Yashuang. Because of the gap between her current strength and that of Gu Yan, she could imagine today¡¯s end if Jiang Yashuang hadn¡¯t been here!

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid!¡± Jiang Yashuang whispered. He strode down the cloister, and met Gu Yan who was climbing up with snow on his head, ¡°Do you get up, Young Prince? Shall we continue?¡±

    Gu Yan wiped the snow on his face with ruthless eyes, ¡°Young General, are you going to tantly oppose Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang just for a broken-down Commandery Princess?!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Deng Yi, who stayed in Pavilion of Liuchun, was shocked by the movement outside. He was shocked when he came out to see Gu Yan¡¯s difiture, and he scolded the maids outside the door, ¡°Why don¡¯t you go and tell the Empress Dowager quickly?!¡±

    The two maids were stunned by the sudden conflict. After being reminded by Deng Yi, they suddenly hurriedly raised their skirts and ran to Hall of Taishi.

    ¡°General Jiang, what do you mean?!¡± Deng Yi frowned and walked over¡ªBut he hadn¡¯t even reached in front of him, Jiang Yashuang had already lifted up the corner of his robe, kicking his foot in Gu Yan¡¯s chest. This made the noble Young Prince plunge into the snow again!

    Deng Yi, who had intended to know what happened, was furious, ¡°You !!!¡±

    ¡°You are looking for death!¡± Said Gu Yan, who got up the second time with crooked crown and dispersed robe, had no intention of removing the snow on his face. His original handsome face was distorted by resentment, and he scolded, ¡°If you want to die, I will fulfill you! ¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s heart burst suddenly under the hallway. She saw the sh of cold light in his sleeve and eximed, ¡°Beware, young General!!!¡±

 Chapter 21 - Beat Your Head Broken and Bleeding!

    <h4>Chapter 21 Beat Your Head Broken and Bleeding!</h4>

    At this time Jiang Yashuang walked to Gu Yan and was about to give him another kick. Hearing Qiu Yn¡¯s warning, he knew something was wrong and backed off quickly like a swimming fish. It was a narrow escape¡ªthe dagger only scratched his sleeve. The edge of the bagger seemed to be blue. It was poisoned!

    ¡°How dare you carry a weapon into the Pce!¡± Jiang Yashuang¡¯s calm face turned sulky. He looked down at the breach in the sleeve and said severely, ¡°Are you going to rebel?¡±

    ¡°You think you have something on me?¡± By now, Gu Yan¡¯s golden hat nted to the back of his ears. He unloosed the strings to throw it at his feet andughed awfully, ¡°This Water-Cutting Bagger is an antique of thest dynasty. Empress Dowager likes all kinds of weapons as a hobby. Today is the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve. I took it to the Pce to give to the Empress Dowager. I had got the permission from the Empress Dowager before I came! I didn¡¯t think it could also be used to kill you who were seeking your own destruction!¡±

    Deng Yi¡¯s pupils contracted slightly and stood between the two, ¡°This is the Empress Dowager¡¯s residence. Don¡¯t fight here! Cousin, General Jiang...¡±

    He wanted to stop this fight but Gu Yan, who had been beaten, wouldn¡¯t agree.

    ¡°Now that you are my cousin, back off!¡± He glimpsed at Qiu Yn gruesomely, ¡°Teach your shameless fianc¨¦e a good lesson. She hooked up with Jiang in broad daylight! No wonder she said she didn¡¯t want to marry you. She must have already devoted herself to...¡±

    Qiu Yn interrupted him with a yell, ¡°In broad daylight! Gu Yan, do you deserve to say it? If it were not for General Jiang¡¯s help, I wouldn¡¯t believe a young Prince dared to flirt openly with an equally-ranked Commandery Princess in the Empress Dowager¡¯s residence! It¡¯s more than just an immoral act, but a disregard for the imperial titles. And now you dare to insult me in return! Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang is the Empress Dowager¡¯s mother¡¯s home. Why is a despicable man like you was also born there?¡±

    If she had more power now, she would have cut this dirty bastard into pieces!

    Deng Yi red at her, ¡°It was you who triggered this!¡± He flung his sleeve and said angrily, ¡°And you have the nerve to say it! Hurry to apologize to my cousin!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Commandery Princess by imperial mandate. What are you talking to me like this?¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t have a good impression of him and at this time was irritated to death. As her nominal fianc¨¦ helped Gu Yan to oppress her and showed no respect for her, she sneered and said, ¡°Do you think with an engagement you can behave like a master of me now? Do you deserve it?¡±

    Although Deng Yi only had a nominal title of Rank 6 Officer and was a Juren, as a nephew of the Duke of Guangyang and a young man valued by Empress Dowager, he was even usually respected by some princes and princesses. Hearing what she said, he raged and stopped persuading Gu Yan and Jiang Yashuang not to fight. Pulling up his sleeves, he walked off the porch, ¡°Do you think I won¡¯t teach you a lesson because you are Commandery Princess?¡±

    ¡°Your Grace!¡± At this time, in Liuchun Pavilion, Su He also noticed something was wrong outside. She wanted to go out but was stopped from helping Qiu Yn immediately after only one yell.

    ¡°It can¡¯t be better that youe here for your own death! If I kill you, I will be free from the engagement!¡± Qiu Yn looked coldly at Deng Yi who was striding quickly and angrily toward her. In her wide sleeves, her slim and fair fingers were warming up quickly like blooming orchids, ¡°As long as you don¡¯t die on the spot... no one will suspect me!¡±

    However...

    Deng Yi was still walking when suddenly a scream came behind him, ¡°Young Prince Gu, how dare you try to kill our young master?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Deng Yi was surprised. Looking back, he saw Gu Yan, with the sharpness of and the poison on his Water-Cutting Bagger, driving unarmed Jiang Yashuang to retreat continuously. But in reality, the fifteen-year-old and still growing Jiang Yashuang had no less strength than Gu Yan, who was nearly thirty but had been indulged in alcohol and women.

    Just now Jiang Yashuang beat up Gu Yan so hard. It was because, for one thing, Gu Yan had been firstly hit heavily by Qiu Yn and he still felt hurt; for another, Jiang Yashuang beat Gu Yan unexpectedly before Gu Yan was prepared.

    Now Gu Yan had Water-Cutting Bagger but Jiang Yashuang had no weapon on him for entering the Pce and now he had to be careful of the poison on the bagger as well. So, he was soon at the disadvantage!

    Seeing the scene, Jiang Tan, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s servant who had followed his master into the Pce, yelled angrily and loudly, ¡°If my young master was hurt, Empress will definitely skin you people of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang!¡±

    Not only Jiang Tan was anxious, seeing Jiang Yashuang escape dangerously from the fiercer and fiercer attacks of Gu Yan, Deng Yi¡¯s heart was also beating furiously, ¡°Though Empress Jiang has many nephews, she likes this neenth one most....¡±

    By his knowledge of Empress Jiang, what Jiang Tan had said was no exaggeration! If Jiang Yashuang died here, Empress Jiang might grab Jinwu Guards¡¯ halberd and rush out of the Pce to kill Gu Yan in revenge for her nephew!

    ¡°Stop, cousin! It¡¯s Commandery Princess Ningyi who started it today! I¡¯m afraid General Jiang was also incited by her!¡± Deng Yi had no time to teach his fianc¨¦e a lesson in person and hurried to go back to stop them. At the same time, he referred to Qiu Yn and hoped to give the two an out to stop the fight.

    But Gu Yan wouldn¡¯t listen as he was so furious and his eyes were red. Seeing Deng Yi came, he pushed him away so that Deng Yi staggered, cursing, ¡°Don¡¯t get in my way! I can¡¯t let him bully me!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sneered as he was dodging, ¡°As a future husband, you didn¡¯t protect your fianc¨¦e who was bullied but took an innocent girl as a shield. Deng Yi, are you a man at all?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Deng Yi just managed hard to gain his bnce. Hearing this, his fair face immediately became red. He wanted to refute but couldn¡¯t find the right words. At this time, two snowballs flew past him aiming at Gu Yan!

    Gu Yan dodged by instinct and Jiang Yashuang got a chance of respite. The snowballs came in such a sudden that the three all looked to the direction from which they came and saw that, in the porch, Qiu Yn retracted her hands and was staring at Gu Yan coldly.

    ¡°Why are you still here? Go and get her!¡± Gu Yan yelled angrily at Deng Yi.

    Meanwhile, Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°Commandery Princess, go back to Liuchun Pavilion. You are a young girl and don¡¯t get involved!¡±

    Qiu Yn knew what he meant. Jiang Yashuang was supported by his Empress aunt, so he didn¡¯t fear Empress Dowager¡¯s young rtives. But her situation was different. What¡¯s more, Deng Yi really worried that Gu Yan might hurt Jiang Yashuang and he didn¡¯t dare to leave. If she had gone into Liuchun Pavilion and let him lose her sight, he would have followed her and put up pressure on her for sure.

    ¡°You are kind to me. How can I leave you here in a bad situation?¡± Qiu Yn made a fist. Looking around, she twinkled suddenly and pulled up the edge of her dress to jump onto the fence¡ª

    The next moment, Jiang Yashuang heard Qiu Yn¡¯s crisp voice diagonally behind him, ¡°Young General, catch this!¡±

    Then came the sound of the wind!

    Jiang Yashuang caught it by instinct. The feel of it surprised him. Looking down, he couldn¡¯t help smiling, ¡°Commandery Princess, you are so innocent and clever!¡±

    It turned out that Qiu Yn knocked down a piece of icicle outside the Liuchun Pavilion whose length was several Chinese feet and wrapped the thick side with her handkerchief. She made an ice sword for him ¡ª or an ice thorn.

    No matter a sword or a thorn, Jiang Yashuang now had a weapon!

    Especially that Water-Cutting Bagger¡¯s length was only one Chinese foot while this ice thorn was as long as three Chinese feet. The old saying went that, ¡°A foot longer, a foot stronger.¡± Now when the former¡¯s de was on the way to reaching Jiang Yashuang, thetter could have already stabbed a hole in Gu Yan¡¯s body! With this, the two exchanged their offense and defense situation!

    ¡°General Jiang, please show some mercy!¡± Before, Deng Yi hesitated and dared not to leave but now he totally gave up the idea of getting Qiu Yn in trouble. He hurried to step between the two, ¡°My cousin was caught by anger just now...¡±

    That terribly sharp icicle shed across Gu Yan¡¯s throat for several times that his neck was left with an obvious red scar. Deng Yi didn¡¯t know any martial art and was almost scared to death. He kept persuading Jiang Yashuang to stop!

    But just now Gu Yan didn¡¯t care about his cousin¡¯s words, let alone Jiang Yashuang would listen to him. Seeing Deng Yi tried to grab the icicle from his hand, with a cold light shed in his eyes, Jiang Yashuang said severely, ¡°You also want to die?¡±

    Before Deng Yi took any reaction, Jiang Yashuang put the icicle horizontally and patted his chest with it. Although the icicle was sharp at its edge, the horizontal force should not be too strong, or it would break. In spite of this, this pat made Deng Yi, who was weak, stagger for a couple of steps and finally fall down to the snow!

    ¡°Young master!¡± A servant who didn¡¯t know what to do came from the porch to help him up.

    Deng Yi stood up by himself before the servant got him and rushed over to stop them, ¡°This is the Pce of Ganquan. Are you all mad?¡±

    ¡°None of your business!¡± Jiang Yashuang answered after he made a stab toward Gu Yan and during the time when he was about to give another stab, his elbow hit exactly on Deng Yi¡¯s chest! Deng Yi was hurt badly at once and his blood seemed to churn for a long while. If it had not been the servant who came up and helped him, he would have fallen into the snow again!

    ¡°Young master, are you alright?¡± The servant asked in worry.

    Before the servant finished his words, with a ¡°bang¡±, a figure fell in the snow not far away. The splitting snow covered both the master¡¯s and the servant¡¯s face!

    ¡°Cousin!¡± Gu Yan got such a terrible crash that he didn¡¯t manage to stand up in his furious mood! Deng Yi was horrified and yelled angrily at Jiang Yashuang, ¡°How dare you hit him so hard?¡±

    ¡°You let your cousin kill but don¡¯t let General Jiang hit?¡± A crisp and sarcastic voice came behind him. Deng Yi looked back with rage and saw Qiu Yn stoodposed not far away. She curved the corner of her mouth, ¡°If young General hadn¡¯t shown mercy, he would have already died!¡±

    Deng Yi could do nothing to Jiang Yashuang, but he didn¡¯t fear her. He sneered, ¡°My cousin was hurt, and all you people of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe....¡±

    ¡°I will kill you!¡± At this time, hearing a roar from Gu Yan, all people looked at him. They saw Gu Yan now had no decency as a Young Prince at all. His hair loose, his nose bleeding, his face distorted out of shape. Like a devil, he waved the Water-Cutting Bagger and headed for Jiang Yashuang, ¡°Go to hell! Go to hell¡ª¡±

    Water-Cutting Bagger became a blue light moving directly toward Jiang Yashuang¡¯s chest!

    Although this attack was a result of Gu Yan¡¯s huge hate and contained his endless rage and will of kill, Jiang Yashuang only moved his icicle lightly and the Water-Cutting Bagger was knocked into the snow!

    Without the advantage of a weapon, Gu Yan was no match for Jiang Yashuang. He was easily hit down into the snow by Jiang Yashuang¡¯s icicle and couldn¡¯t stand up again. He stopped fighting andid on his back, staring at Jiang Yashuang with hate, ¡°I will remember today¡¯s humiliation!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid you have a bad memory. Let me help you remember!¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled and put his foot on Gu Yan¡¯s chest, ¡°You only have the strength to bully the lonely and the weak. What¡¯s the use to remember me?¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yashuang!¡± Gu Yan lost his decency and cursed, ¡°You bastard! I will catch you and...¡±

    Qiu Yn gave him a kind reminder, ¡°You are still under young General¡¯s foot.¡±

    Gu Yan¡¯s eyes were red and pointed at Qiu Yn with his index finger and middle finger angrily, ¡°Bitch! You think you are safe by depending on this bastard? Next moment I will let you die in this Pce of Ganquan!¡±

    ¡°Are you reminding me to remove the danger right now in case I fail to save but harm her?¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled but his eyes showed he wanted to kill!

    Deng Yi,ing hastily, saw his unusual look and screamed in great terror, ¡°Young General, don¡¯t¡ª¡±

    Jiang Yashuang kicked Gu Yan¡¯s lower jaw without hesitation and Gu Yan vomited a big mouthful of blood. His head tilted to a side and his body stopped moving. No one knew whether he was alive or dead!

    People were all silent. Only Jiang Yashuang wiped out the blood on his boots with a corner of Gu Yan¡¯s robe as if nothing had have happened.

    At this time, a group of people finally came from the direction of the Hall of Taishi!

    The leading eunuch wore a dark red robe and held a Horsetail Whisk. Seeing from his outfit, he was of higher rank but was nowing so hastily that he had no time to care about the hat which was askew. From far away, he yelled, ¡°Empress Dowager, Emperor and Empressmanded that Young Prince of Duke of Guangyang, General Jiang, Commandery Princess Ningyi and Commandant Denge to the Hall. Now please stop fighting!¡±

 Chapter 22 - Fight Between Mother and Daughter-in-law

    <b>Chapter 22 Fight Between Mother and Daughter-inw</b>

    ¡°What is going on?¡± Along with the rebuke, a whole set of grape pattern porcin bowl was smashed from the top of the stairs. The lid of the bowl grazed through Qiu Yn¡¯s hair and broke into pieces on the floor behind her.

    Above the stairs, Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s eyes had a piercing gleam. Her angry face implied her intention to kill.

    Emperor and empress who sat a little lower than Empress Dowager were watching her blowing off her steam calmly. Four people kneeling below the stairs had different looks. Qiu Yn who had no connections was looking down timidly. Gu Yan and Deng Yi were scrambling to talk about their grievances. Jiang Yashuang was calm. Seeing Qiu Yn looking at him, he was chill enough to give her a smile. He obviously had a lot of confidence in his Empress aunt.

    He was Empress¡¯s biological nephew after all. And he had a biological grandfather who was called the Defender of the State.

    Qiu Yn bit her lips anxiously, ¡°What am I going to do?¡±

    She peeked above. Empress Dowager should be over 50 years old. But she looked a little more than 30 years old at most.

    Her biological son Jinshang was the youngest son of former emperor. At the time he was born, his half-brother had been the crown prince for more than 10 years who was fully fledged. However, that crown prince was suspected of trying to kill his father before his brother turned 3. His whole family were sentenced to death except a born retarded grandson who was used to prove the royal family¡¯s mercy.

    You could know how impressive Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s beauty and meanness were.

    Empress Dowager who sat on her exclusive chair at the top had changed into the crimson formal dress for dinner. She wore 12-flower shaped hairpins on her head. Stateliness was revealed in her looks. Her elegant demeanor as the Regent Empress Dowager was obvious.

    Empress Jiang who sat a little lower surprised Qiu Yn a little. Empress was dainty and cute. She had a chubby oval face. Her eyebrows were thin and eyes were big. The corner of her mouth turned up like she was smiling. Even though she was in empress¡¯s formal dress and wearing the phoenix cor, she still gave people an ignorant feeling judging by her look.

    But the aggressive vibeing from the small sized Empress reminded Qiu Yn of a phrase from herst life ¡°Lolita¡¯s look, queen¡¯s vibe¡±.

    Between two empresses, emperor was wearing his formal clothes and his white jade crown. Judging by his appearance, he could be considered as tall and elegant. However, he was obedient and gloomy. He didn¡¯t look like an emperor. He was more like a concubine who was envied by the Empress and suppressed by the Empress Dowager.

    ¡°You two are useless,¡± after hearing Gu Yan and Deng Yi¡¯sint for a while, Empress Jiang who was calm originally showed impatience, ¡°Two against one. And you guys still ended up like this. What a shame!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu said angrily, ¡°Why did you talk like you were on the right side since it was your nephew who hurt others?¡±

    ¡°Shuang did it because he couldn¡¯t stand these two bullying Commandery Princess Ningyi,¡± Empress Jiang said with contempt, ¡°How brave he is! Commandery Princess Ningyi is only 12, right? She is still a little girl! Mother, please tell me what did Shuang do wrong helping others. In my opinion, Duke of Guangyang is muddled because of his old age. How does he teach his son and nephew? They dare to bully others in the pce. Who knows what they might do outside the pce? Do they think they have power over our country?¡±

    Empress said those words rapidly and decidedly. Hearing it, Qiu Yn who kneeled below the stairs wanted to stand up and gave her apuse.

    But it was unpleasant for Empress Dowager Gu. She said with hatred, ¡°Did I ask you? Shut up!¡±

    Empress Jiang disobeyed, ¡°Mother, you are the Empress Dowager. How could you be partial to them?¡±

    ¡°Son?¡± Empress Dowager took a deep breath and turned to the Emperor.

    Emperor who was sipping the tea he was holding looked up reluctantly. Intimidated by Empress Dowager¡¯s look, he showed cowardice and said, ¡°Mother is right...¡± Before he could finish, Qiu Yn saw Empress Jiang reaching out from the side where Empress Dowager couldn¡¯t see and pinching the Emperor violently.

    Emperor¡¯s face twitched. He almost knocked over his tea. Finally, he said bearing his pain, ¡°Mother! I¡¯m not feeling well. I want to leave. I will leave this thing to you two.¡±

    After saying this, he stood up immediately. He even forgot to put down his tea. He bowed with the teacup in his hand and then walked away.

    ¡°You...¡± Empress Dowager Gu was stunned. She stared at Empress Jiang viciously, ¡°You did this!¡± Although she didn¡¯t see, she could have guessed since their conflicts didn¡¯t generate in a day or two.

    Empress Jiang acted as if nothing had happened, ¡°Mother, what are you talking about? I don¡¯t understand!¡±

    Qiu Yn bit her lips to prevent herself fromughing out loud. Empress Dowager who had been a regent for 30 years was truly tough. However, who knew what her destiny held. She just had to have a daughter-inw like Empress Jiang. She could remain in her regent position until now and didn¡¯t get pissed off by her daughter-inw. Empress Dowager truly didn¡¯t have it easy!

    Empress Dowager Gu grinded her teeth for a while and then pounded on the table. She pointed at Qiu Yn and shouted with anger, ¡°You, speak up! Did Yan and Yi bully you earlier or not?¡±

    ¡°Yes, your Grace. It was because Young Prince Gu molested me...¡± Although Qiu Yn prepared to draw a line with Jiang Family and take Empress Dowager¡¯s side before she went to the pce, now it would be suicidal if she took Empress Dowager¡¯s side. Of course, she needed to keep the good rtionship with Jiang Family.

    So, Qiu Yn was about to tell the truth without hesitation.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Before she could finish her sentence, Empress Dowager squinted her eyes and checked out her worn-out dress, ¡°As the Commandery Princess, how could youe to the pce dressing like this? Don¡¯t tell me that Duchess of Xihe raises her niece like this. Not to mention that you are an official Commandery Princess.¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s heart quivered. Empress Jiang was also stunned for a while. An old maid beside Empress Dowager bowed and said, ¡°Your Grace, you didn¡¯t know this. ording to the rumors, the hostess of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe is not Duchess of Xihe. It¡¯s Duke of Xihe¡¯s sister Qiu Yuqing and her daughter Kang Lizhang.¡±

    ¡°Kang Lizhang?¡± Empress Dowager sneered and then looked at the Empress, ¡°It seems that themon girl Yongfu invited to dinner tonight has the same name?¡±

    Empress Jiang puckered her lips, ¡°Yongfu? How could a little girl like her make this kind of decision? It was me who asked her to do it.¡±

    ¡°So inappropriate! New Year¡¯s Eve dinner is to reward the officials by our royal family. Only officials who are above level 5 can attend with their families. Those who below level 5 can¡¯t attend unless they have special permission. Allowing amon girl to join the dinner because of a trivial thing has already broken the rules. I can let it go if the girl is good,¡± Empress Dowager was furious. She pounded on the table and shouted, ¡°You dare to invite a girl who took over her aunt¡¯s power and bullied her cousin.¡±

    Empress Jiang said coldly, ¡°Maid Lu said it was a rumor that the hostess of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was not the Princess but Qiu Yuqing and her daughter. Can this kind of rumors be true? It was a joke told by themon folks. If you as the Empress Dowager believe it, it will be a real joke!¡±

    ¡°You, tell us why did youe to the pce dressing like this,¡± Empress Dowager Gu didn¡¯t want to quarrel with her daughter-inw. She went after Qiu Yn again, ¡°Is it you who despise the royal family, or did someone mistreat you? Don¡¯t worry about what just happened. I will uphold justice for you.¡±

    Ignoring Empress Dowager¡¯s threat about despising the royal family, Qiu Yn answered immediately, ¡°Because my mother just passed away. I have been in mourning thesest few months. I didn¡¯t customize new clothes...¡±

    ¡°Girls at her age grow fast indeed,¡± Empress Jiang cut her off immediately, ¡°However, Duchess of Xihe did wrong too. Even you are in mourning, she should have prepared you some in clothes in case you need to go out. Oh right, mother, since Commandery Princess Ningyi is still in mourning and today is New Year¡¯s Eve, you summoned her here?¡±

    After these two events, Empress Dowager Gu realized that Qiu Yn had made up her mind to take Jiang Family¡¯s side. Her look became gloomy, ¡°Our royal family is protected by god. There is nothing to be afraid of! Youe from a general¡¯s family. You are not a coward, are you?¡±

    Empress Jiang said leisurely, ¡°Of course not. I just thought you didn¡¯t like Commandery Princess Ningyi. You summoned her here and scolded her even when she was in mourning and taking care of her grandfather,¡± they circled back to the conflict outside Liuchun Pavilion. Empress nced at Gu Yan, ¡°However, maids in the pce are responsible for teaching Commandery Princess. Why trouble Young Prince Gu?¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu sneered, ¡°She said that Yan bullied her. So, we have to take her words for it? Did you ask the maids in Liuchun Pavilion?¡±

    Gu Yan sensed that Empress Dowager was on his side. He said loudly, ¡°Although Commandery Princess Ningyi is young, she is very cunning! Your Grace, please torture her. So that she could tell the truth.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Just when he stopped talking, Empress Jiang shouted, ¡°Commandery Princess is a girl. His Majesty avoided punishing her. How dare you tell me and mother how to do?¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu pounded on the table angrily. Seeing the Empress acted like she didn¡¯t see, she took a deep breath, ¡°Servants! Take Ningyi away andsh her 30 times! I will continue to interrogate her after this.¡±

    Empress Jiang was about to say something. Empress Dowager Gu shouted, ¡°What? Do you want to teach me how to punish a Commandery Princess?¡±

    ¡°How could I dare?¡± Empress Jiang said icily.

    Empress Dowager thought she admitted her failure. Seeing the servants walking towards Qiu Yn, she felt she was less sulky. However, Empress Jiang said tly in the next second, ¡°But I think even a Commandery Princess has a lower status than a Princess. She is still the daughter of a Duke which is entitled by Gaozong Emperor. We should decide after consulting Empress Dowager Ye.¡±

    The color of Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s face turned red-brown right after hearing the three words ¡°Empress Dowager Ye¡±.

    ¡°Empress Dowager Ye doesn¡¯t like these worldly matters and lived in Ganli Pce for years to avoid these matters. But!¡± Empress Jiang said seriously, ¡°Empress Dowager Ye is the wife of former Emperor and his Majesty¡¯s official mother after all. Isn¡¯t that right, mother?¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu stared at Empress Jiang firmly while Empress Jiang put on a sweet smile.

    After a while, Empress Dowager Gu grinded her teeth and said, ¡°Then send her to Ganli Pce!¡±

    ¡°There is an Empress Dowager Ye in the pce?¡± Qiu Yn was stunned at this moment. She was sure that she remembered everything of the body¡¯s former owner¡¯s life. But when did two Empress Dowagers exist in this country? And that Empress Dowager Ye was the lineal one!

    ¡°Your Grace, please calm down,¡± Qiu Yn hadn¡¯t been taken away yet. A servant came to ease the tension and said with caution, ¡°Dinner is about to begin. Um...¡±

    ¡°Nijin, take Commandery Princess Ningyi and her maid to Ganli Pce,¡± Empress Jiang turned around and instructed a maid in colorful clothes behind her, ¡°Ask Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s advice on how to punish Commandery Princess Ningyi.¡±

    Qiu Yn was relieved. Empress Jiang helped her all the way just now. Although it was because she took Empress¡¯s side repeatedly when she was answering Empress Dowager¡¯s questions, it did show that Empress Jiang protected her side well.

    Now Empress suggested sending her to Ganli Pce. It didn¡¯t matter what kind of person this unknown Empress Dowager Ye was. Should be safe for now... right?

    However, when she looked up after bowed, she saw Empress Dowager Gu sitting up there gloomy but calm. She didn¡¯t know why, but her heart skipped a beat.

    ¡°Empress Dowager Gu won¡¯t do anything to me secretly in Ganli Pce, will she?¡±

 Chapter 23 - The Attempted Murder in Ganli Palace

    <h4>Chapter 23 The Attempted Murder in Ganli Pce</h4>

    ¡°Ganli Pce is where Empress Dowager Ye lives alone, so the side halls have not been opened for many years.¡± Nijin said while watching the young maids cleaning the elegant room covered with dust, ¡°The only ce people can live in is this Wangxing Pavilion, as Princess Duanroues here once in a while. Your Grace, it¡¯s just for one night.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked in confusion, ¡°Should I not greet Empress Dowager Ye? Didn¡¯t you say that Empress Dowager Ye would be settling me?¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager Ye generally does not meet outsiders apart from the Empress and Princess Duanrou.¡± Nijin smirked and said, ¡°She¡¯s just saying... I¡¯ll go to find you some clothes. You would stay here for one night and I¡¯ll find someone to send you back tomorrow, and that¡¯s the end of your visit to the pce this time.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by ¡®the end¡¯? Gu Yan was beaten so badly. Even if I leave the pce, would he let me go?¡± Qiu Yn thought.

    ¡°No, if I leave the pce, he would be fearless in taking revenge on me.¡±

    Qiu Yn bit her lower lip and said, ¡°Um, madam...¡±

    ¡°The cleaning is done.¡± Nijin interrupted her abruptly and scanned around the room. She asked, ¡°Your Grace, please look around and see if there¡¯s anything else you need. If not...¡± She said, looking sorry, ¡°I have to go back and serve the Empress.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me, madam. Thank you for today.¡± Qiu Yn gave her a purse and Nijin took it without hesitation. Then she said with a smile, ¡°Your Grace, please rest well today. The Empress should be taking time to meet you tomorrow.¡±

    If she could meet the Empress again, there was still a chance.

    Qiu Yn was a bit relieved and took a few steps to send Nijin out. Then she started figuring how she could hold on to the Empress tomorrow to be her protection.

    After she thought for a while, she found that Su He was staring at her emotionlessly.

    ¡°Are you scared? Are you okay?¡± Qiu Yn stopped thinking and asked with concern, reaching out to touch her forehead.

    Surprisingly, Su He asked, ¡°Your Grace, aren¡¯t you hungry?¡±

    ¡°Hungry?¡± Qiu Yn paused for a moment and immediately felt hungry. Su He and she had been fasting since the morning in order to enter the pce. She didn¡¯t even realize before Su He mentioned it. Since she did, Qiu Yn felt worse.

    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you say it when Nijin asked you what you needed?¡± Su He looked at her helplessly.

    Qiu Yn looked at the room with gorgeous furnishings, but there was nothing to eat or drink apart from the tea on the table. Her mouth twitched, ¡°I...forget!¡±

    The youngdy and the maid were silent for a while, and then Su He said quietly, ¡°I¡¯ll go out to ask the young maid who just cleaned the room and see if she could find us some food in Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s kitchen.¡±

    ¡°... Okay.¡± Qiu Yn wanted to bang herself against the wall. It was just a few days since she was well served, and she forgot to mention such an important thing as food!

    After a while, Su He returned with a pale face, saying that there was no one around. Qiu Yn suddenly thought of something and stood up, ¡°I forget that you are afraid of darkness. Perhaps the maids happen to be away, I¡¯ll go look for them.¡±

    It was New Year¡¯s Eve tonight, and it was not surprising that the pce maids were ck.

    Moreover, Qiu Yn was not qualified to ask the people in the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce to serve her with respect, even though this Empress Dowager Ye was not doing quite well in the pce. Being the birth mother of the Emperor, even the Commandery Princess hadn¡¯t heard of her before.

    However, just when she was about to leave, Su He, who was soothing herself from the shock by some hot tea held her back and said seriously, ¡°There¡¯s really no one out there!¡±

    At this time, the maid had drunk more than half a cup of the hot tea, but her face was still pale. Apparently, she was quite scared, ¡°I¡¯m worried that you are hungry, so I bravely looked around three courtyards! There¡¯s literally no one. It¡¯s not supposed to be like this in the Empress Dowager¡¯s pce! Even if it¡¯s the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve, it¡¯s impossible that there¡¯s no one in such a big ce! The maid of the Empress has just settled us here.¡±

    Qiu Yn suddenly thought of the anxiety she had when leaving the Pce of Ganquan, and she grabbed Su He¡¯s hand, dragging her to leave. ¡°Hurry up! I¡¯m afraid we...¡± Before she was able to finish by ¡°have fallen into a trap.¡± Someone outside the door said coldly, ¡°You want to leave? Where to? To hell?¡±

    It was definitely Deng Yi with such words that deserved to get his teeth kicked in.

    Deng Yi pushed through the door. He had urgently cleaned up and changed his crimson clothes covered with mud and snow for him falling a few times before into a turmeric colored brocade.

    Surely it was not as eye-catching as crimson, but he was so good looking that anything he wore suited him perfectly. Even though there were still a few bruises on his face, it would not affect his beauty.

    However, his expression was still icy, ¡°You¡¯ve done tons of unwise things and it¡¯s your own fault that you are here today. Think about it carefully in hell and be smarter in your next life!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s you.¡± Qiu Yn took a deep breath, and said, ¡°How dare you harm the Commandery Princess in the pce?¡± Knowing that he came with the order from the Empress Dowager, and wouldn¡¯t be afraid of her title as the Commandery Princess, she continued, ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that the Empress would investigate it thoroughly?¡±

    ¡°The Empress deliberately arranged you toe to this Ganli Pce, but left no one to apany you. Do you really not understand what this means?¡± Deng Yi said lightly. Qiu Yn¡¯s heart sank.

    What if the Empress was using her as bait? If this was the case, it was a good thing now. The more terrible possibility was that the Empress treated her as a sacrifice to use Empress Dowager Gu ofmanding her grandnephew to murder the offspring of a hero, the Commandery Princess.

    The powerful and fierce Empress who seemed to protect her in all ways in the Hall of Taishi offered to send her to this Ganli Pce. Her maid took her purse and tipped that the Empress would meet her tomorrow. What if those were all forpletely making use of her?

    At this moment Qiu Yn was utterly shocked.

    Deng Yi looked at her emotionlessly and said in a mocking tone, ¡°If you could bear it back in the Liuchun Pavilion, you wouldn¡¯t have been in this situation now.¡±

    Strangely, his voice was a bit peculiar and his nce wasplicated.

    ¡°Bear it? How could I bear it?¡± Qiu Yn held back her disturbed mood and smiled sweetly and innocently at him, ¡°Should I just bare the fact that Gu Yan assaults me? So that I could happily be your wife in name and his toy in fact? Do I have to live such a life?¡±

    Her expression turned serious and she sneered, ¡°General Jiang was right. You are not a man at all! No matter how you hate me, I am still your fianc¨¦e by name! You not only just watched your cousin harass me, but tried to help him in every way... Are you sure you are still a human now? Or does Gu Yan even treat you as a human?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Deng Yi¡¯s face darkened immediately. He yelled loudly and flicked his sleeves, ¡°I was thinking that you would die tonight anyway, so I nned to let you live a little longer. Since you can¡¯t wait to die, I will do it as you wish!¡±

    Before he had finished his sentence, two strong and tall pce guards walked in from the darkness behind him, both with a white strip of cloth in their hands, and headed towards Qiu Yn and Su He.

    Su He, who had been stunned by this scene, came to her senses at this moment. She covered her ears and screamed, ¡°Help!¡±

    However, since Deng Yi knew that the Ganli Pce might be a trap of the Empress, and still dared to bring people here for the murder, he would not be afraid of Su He¡¯s crying for help.

    He stood outside the door, holding his hands back, looking at the scene indifferently and calmly, as if he had not heard Su He¡¯s tone changing.

    But to his surprise,pared to Su He¡¯s panic, Qiu Yn looked quite calm.

    ¡°Manners of nobles, huh? You are about to die and yet still so conscious about it!¡± Deng Yi thought sarcastically. He was about to turn around, not because he couldn¡¯t bear it, but because he knew that no matter how beautiful people were during their lifetime, they looked extremely ugly after being strangled.

    However, just when he turned around, he heard the guard¡¯s dull hum. Deng Yi turned his head back in shock and his pupils shrank.

    Qiu Yn, who seemed to have epted her fate andy on the couch thest moment, suddenly moved like a sh!

    First, as she had dealt with Gu Yan before, she gave the guard who wanted to kill her a fierce kick in the groin. The guard immediately fell to the ground and twisted like a cooked prawn!

    Then, at a spooky speed, she flew towards Su He and lifted her hands. Pink dust with a rouge scent rose up. Both Su He and the guard who was strangling her closed their eyes instinctively!

    Right at the moment when the guard closed his eyes, a sharp silver hairpin pierced into his eye without hesitation and prated the back of his head! Then, Qiu Yn picked up a candlestick at her hand and stabbed it together with the candle on top of it into the chest of the guard who was still screaming on the ground!

    The action was so fast that it would not exceed the time of ten breaths!

    Outside the door, Deng Yi stood very still and felt a chill creeping up his hands and feet.

    As for Qiu Yn, she calmly looked at the guard¡¯s struggle with his shout weakening. She loosened her hands only after he lost his breath and disgustedly looked at the blood spilled onto her clothes. She got up to help Su He, ¡°Go take a rest on the couch.¡±

    Su He was almost strangled just now, and she was still breathing greedily. Qiu Yn removed the white strip of cloth around her delicate neck to see a deep purple, almost ck, bruise.

    Qiu Yn touched the bruise gently and saw Su He suddenly shrink back. ¡°Just lie down first. Don¡¯t worry!¡± She retracted her hand and instructed quietly.

    She turned around and turned her wrist. Another silver hairpin was already between her fingers. The tip of the hairpin exuded a cold re under the candlelight.

    ¡°I have no way to cancel the marriage, but I can manage to marry someone else, so you can get away.¡± Deng Yi looked at her calmly even though he watched her kill two people. His face was pale but there was strange light in his eyes. He slowly said, almost word by word, ¡°I can help you cover the two people you killed tonight, under one condition.¡±

    Qiu Yn looked down at the silver hairpin in her hand and smiled, ¡°Do you think you are in a position to talk about the conditions?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I do!¡± Deng Yi looked at the silver hairpin as well, ¡°I just hinted that Empress Jiang knew the Empress Dowager¡¯s ns and still arranged you here. In fact, I just made that up. The incident outside Liuchun Pavilion happened unexpectedly. The fact that I¡¯m here was also ast-minute n of the Empress Dowager. How would the Empress know?¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn looking up himself and the silver cymbals in between her fingers glinting, Deng Yi¡¯s pupils contracted a little and he speeded up his words, ¡°Empress Dowager doesn¡¯t like Empress Dowager Ye, but Empress Dowager Ye is kind to Empress Jiang and that¡¯s why Empress Jiang always protects her. This time, the Empress Dowager first expressed her n of censuring Princess Yongfu and also agreed on sending you here. The n was just to distract the Empress¡¯ attention with Princess Yongfu and kill you right here while iming that you caught Empress Dowager Ye carrying on a ndestine love affair, and she killed you to cover her tracks! These two bodyguards in Ganli Pce are Men of Sacrifice and are bribed by the Empress Dowager. They would kill themselves after killing you and write a suicide note. If I don¡¯t cover for you and handle the intrigant quietly..., not only you and Empress Dowager Ye, but also Empress Jiang will get in big trouble!¡±

    He looked up at Qiu Yn¡¯s eyes, ¡°How can you turn to Empress Jiang then? If you don¡¯t turn to Empress Jiang, you will die before you marry me!¡±

    Qiu Yn was silent for a moment and she said, ¡°What¡¯s your condition?¡±

 Chapter 24 - Involved in Trouble

    <strong>Chapter 24 Involved in Trouble</strong>

    ¡°You want to learn Kong Fu from me?¡± Qiu Yn stared at Deng Yi, ¡°If you ask Gu Yan, you can have top masters at your pick to be your teacher. Why me? And what would you expect to be my student? You can stay at General Ruan¡¯s Mansion or Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe? Or you expect me to stay at Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang?¡±

    Faintly, Deng Yi said, ¡°Your martial arts were taught by General Ruan in secret right? How often could you meet with General Ruan before? If you can learn the killing Kong Fu like this, why can¡¯t I?

    Indeed, I had killing Kong Fu, but it was never learned from the General. It was the technique that I learned after surviving the zombies and thousands of difficulties. Qiu Yn zed at him, ¡°So what are you going to do?¡±

    ¡°I will contact you in January of the lunar year.¡± Deng Yi said indifferently, ¡°Now I will clean up your mess first... As for the marriage contract, once I have learned something, I will set you free!¡±

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°What if you have a sudden change of heart after you finish your learning? Wouldn¡¯t that be such a disadvantage for me then?¡±

    Deng Yi looked at her with disdain, ¡°You think that I want to marry you?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t, but what if you want to continue to utilize me?¡± Qiu Yn argued without any hesitation, ¡°You must add conditions! Otherwise, we have no deal!¡±

    Deng Yi threatened with anger, ¡°Don¡¯t forget that if I don¡¯t clean up your mess...¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait for Empress Jiang¡¯s people toe.¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°The Empress is the descendant of Empress Dowager, but she has the power to fight with the Empress Dowager for so many years! Even if the Empress Dowager¡¯s y caught her in surprise tonight, I doubt that she would not fall for it long. Moreover, this Ganli Pce is sorge, even I kill you, I can still hide in the Pce with Su He and wait till sunrise.¡±

    Deng Yi took a deep breath, calmed down, and said, ¡°If Empress Jianges to clean up your mess, then you will indeed be a frequent trouble maker for her!¡±

    ¡°If she is willing to frequently clean up messes after me,¡± Qiu Yn said without any rush, ¡°then it would mean that I am worth the trouble for her, or why on earth would she go through the trouble?¡±

    Neither of them was willing to make a concession, staring at each other for a while. Deng Yi looked away and spoke first, ¡°What do you want from me? Don¡¯t go too far!¡±

    ¡°Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe...¡±

    She was interrupted by Deng Yi before she had finished her sentence, ¡°You are already a target for the Empress Dowager, and there is no way that I would take care of the mess in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe!¡±

    ¡°Then give thousands of taels of silver?¡± Qiu Yn said unwillingly.

    Deng Yi¡¯s face was iron-tinged, ¡°I only get fifty taels a month, and that is after I be Xiucai!¡±

    ¡°Then let me punch you to get even!¡± Qiu Yn measured him up with malicious intentions.

    ¡°I am a man of knowledge and all the long hours of study leave me a thin physical body. A fierce woman like you, are you sure that you will not punch me to death?¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at his thin and delicate body that even woman would be ashamed of, dismayed for a while and then waved her hand, ¡°You may go now.¡±

    Looking at her downhearted gesture after her scheme failed, cold-blooded like Deng Yi, he had a smug smile and then cooled down his face, ¡°Hum.¡± He waved his cloth and left immediately.

    After he left, Qiu Yn waited for a while but the Empress did not send anyone here. She thought that it was no longer safe for them to stay, so she called Su He, helped her go out the door and entered a dusty room with no one in for a long time next door.

    In this way, she would know if somebody came to find them and could still run for their lives through the backdoor if anyone came to harm them. Now, she was in the royal pce with no control toe and go. With Deng Yi¡¯s help, she didn¡¯t have to rush for Empress Jiang¡¯s help¨Cmost importantly, she wouldn¡¯t know how to find the Empress. If she identally bumped into the Empress Dowager when finding the way, she would be too undeserved to surrender herself to her killer. It would be better to wait to be summoned from the Empress tomorrow.

    Qiu Yn rolled up her sleeves, packed up the dusty bed and let Su He lie down, and she tiptoed herself to the side of the window to look around. She saw a courtyard illuminated by only a few pce lights and a servant carrying a food box and sneaking over!

    ¡°Food!¡± If it had been just a servant, though suspicious, she would not have gotten involved, but he was a servant with a food box!

    Qiu Yn, starving long enough for her memory from thest phaseing back, could not stand the temptation anymore! She told Su He to be careful and then went after the servant.

    The servant, circled around in the pce, finally opened a door of a side hall, entered and closed the door right way with caution. Yn did not dare to enter after him, so she circled to the back to take her chance. With poor luck, she found the side hall windows closed for a cold day in the winter though the room was upied.

    She had to go back to the front door to take her chance.

    Fortunately, an opportunity soon became avable. After a short period, the servant quietly came out, turned to close the door and just went away!

    Qiu Yn waited for a while behind the trees and decided to take the risk.

    It turned out that she entered the hall smoothly, and found the side hall to be a dormitory. The embroidery tents were hanged high, and the brocade had been smoked, as if it had always been upied.

    But at the moment no one was there in the room.

    The food box that drew her here was ced in the corner, and all the dishes in it had been taken out. The long table in front of the brocade divan was full of furnishings.

    Flower-boiled quail,mb¡¯s tongue,mb¡¯s palm, stewed fresh shrimp and pig¡¯s feet, stewed jellyfish, baked cake and bone, stewed three treasures, southern style fried eel... All the delicious dishes made Qiu Yn drool with envy. Without time to find a pair of chopsticks, she rubbed her fingers on her inner wear, picked a shrimp up with her fingers and ate it without hesitation.

    Apart from the southern style fried eel, she tasted every dish quickly, and found her favorite to be the dish¨Cstewed fresh shrimp and pig¡¯s feet. While she was enjoying her feast, she heard the begging from outside of the hall, ¡°The neenth master, the neenth master, how can I dare to deceive you? You have to believe me that it was truly the eighth master that found the feast boring and wanted to eat along here.¡±

    Qiu Yn, horrified of being found, looked up to the see the back window that was sealed tight and did not seem to be broken open in a second. She regretted that she tasted the food before finding a way out. Now she had nowhere to hide except the divan. She prayed and hid under the divan.

    She had just hidden under and heard the sound of the door open, but it was Jiang Yashuang¡¯s voice, still polite, but with a chill, ¡°Since My brother is bored at the table, and I am feeling the same, I will wait here for him and have a drink with him!¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s heart lost a beat, and she looked outside. Jiang Yashuang, wearing a navy-blue gown, stood there with an indifferent face but with a slight smile on his mouth. But his smile got colder and colder while he sized around.

    And the servant she followed all the way here was persuading with sweat, ¡°The eighth master said he wanted to be alone...¡±

    Jiang Yashuang turned and looked at him. Qiu Yn thought he would scold the servant, but instead, he hit him with a palm against the back of his neck!

    Stunned by this act, Qiu Yn watched Jiang Yashuang drag the servant out and came in alone momentster. This time, instead of looking around, he picked a chair and sat down to wait for his eighth brother.

    A whileter, footsteps came from outside the hall!

    Apanying the footsteps were human voices¨Cprobably because of the unattended presence in the Ganli Pce. Theer could be unscrupulous. Before the door was reached, a woman¡¯s soft voice could be heard, ¡°I miss you so much that I¡¯m about to die! Why didn¡¯t youe these days? Did you have another girl you like? Hmm? ¡±

    Thest ¡°hum¡± word was a voice with thousands and hundreds of turns¨Cit was followed by a man¡¯s voice, with a clear gasp, ¡°Little witch, how could I find a new girl that can bepared to you? The emperor who is my uncle inw, is so submissive and fearful of my aunt, just like the mouse that meets the cat! But for you, he dared to beg my fourth aunt for two full months, just to get the title of ¡°Fair Concubine¡± for you.¡±

    Qiu Yn could not bear to listen to the flirting words of the couple!

    ¡°This is big trouble¡±, Qiu Yn was shocked after hearing the words ¡°Fair Concubine¡¯ as if she had been stricken by lightning.

    More rming was the gasp that Jiang Yashuang, who was sitting still and waiting, made after hearing the female voice.

    Qiu Yn watched him get up quickly, just like she had thought before¨Cgoing straight to the back window to leave¨Cit seemed he couldn¡¯t handle the mess after watching the love affair of his brother and the beloved concubine of his uncle inw.

    But maybe windows were jinxes for Jiang Yashuang. Just asst time at the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, when he couldn¡¯t break out from the back window, this time he pushed for a long time and found that these windows were all crucified!

    Leaving him no choice, with the couple approaching the front gate, helplessly, Jiang Yashuang had to take shelter under the divan like Qiu Yn.

    And apparently, he found someone else beat him to the spot under the divan. Surprisingly, he found that she had been his hiding friend fromst time in the same scenario. Though it was dim under the divan and Qiu Yn could not see clearly of his face, she judged from his shaking hand covering his mouth. She could tell howplicated he must feel.

    Thanks to God, he managed to withhold his scream... In this situation, it would be normal if the divan was overturned.

    But now, they had a bigger test!

    The eighth son of family Jiang had long fallen in love with the Fair Concubine. You may know what was going to happen if they entered and closed the door! Qiu Yn thought that she would get caught for sneaking food. However, those two lovebirds did not turn an eye to the dishes and went directly to divan!

    Not for long, the divan began shaking. Under the thin bed, if Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang hadn¡¯t been adults, they wouldn¡¯t have fit in. Even so, they could barely hide when they curled up.

    Now with the shake of the bed, dust and all the dirtiness fell down. It was more of a torture for both Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang.

    Qiu Yn prayed desperately for time to pass quickly, hoping the lovebird on top of them would hurry to finish their business and left here. However, things did not go with her wish! The shake of the bed stopped for a moment but started again. Her one side of the body became numb. She couldn¡¯t bear this suffering and turned her body quietly. But within the small space, her turning made her cuddle in Jiang Yashuang¡¯s chest. They identally hugged together.

    ¡°Did you eat the dishes on the table?¡± Qiu Yn was still in shock, and suddenly heard Jiang Yashuang whispering in her ear, and his warm lips touched her earlobe several times, with stiffness in his tone. Qiu Yn noticed that he was trying his best to avoid the intimate contact between the two, but it was obviously in vain within this small space.

    ¡°... Yes.¡± Qiu Yn said awkwardly.

    ¡°... Hang in there.¡± Jiang Yashuang was silent for a moment, and said faintly.

    She was warmed by his word and thought, ¡°How nice he is! He even cares about whether she¡¯s hungry or not and expresses that he will treat her food and drink after that. He¡¯s so considerate and sweet even if he¡¯s trying to distract me.¡±

    But she heard Fair Concubine saying in a sweet tone, ¡°Where is the drug that you mentionedst time to add for fun? We are going to try today?¡±

    Then the eighth master said in a mute voice, ¡°I told them to put the ¡®fun¡¯ inside the fried eel. We can enjoy itter!¡±

    What? So Jiang Yashuang thought she had taken the philter and could not help taking advantage of him?!

    ¡°...!!!¡± At this moment, only the spectacr sight of thousands of beasts rushing together could describe Qiu Yn¡¯s shock and awkwardness!!!

 Chapter 25 - Be Involved in Big Trouble!

    <h4>Chapter 25 Be Involved in Big Trouble!</h4>

    Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang waited until the eighth young master Jiang and Fair Concubine left after thoroughly enjoying themselves. They had already been tortured to the point where their clothes were wet, so they hurriedly climbed out.

    However, they forced to curl themselves up in the narrow ce down the divan. Both of their hands and feet had been numb.

    In this case, they had to continue to hold each other while exercising. At this time, even if Jiang Yashuang, who valued etiquette, didn¡¯t have any thoughts about ambiguity and honor. He only wanted to restore his ability to act quickly!

    This kind of divan that had not been cleaned for many years was not a ce for people to stay at all!

    When they came out, they lit amp. But they witnessed that they were messy because of cobwebs all over them and just overhead, not to mention their faces.

    Qiu Yn felt regretful in heart. She intended to turn to the Empress because of Gu Yan. But she immediately came across that the nephew of Empress Jiang fornicated with the most beloved concubine of the emperor. And this was also known by another nephew of Empress Jiang. Was the heaven going to kill her?

    For such a big thing, unless Jiang Yashuang was innocent, even if he just protected her, he would definitely kill her!

    She trembled her fingers to tidy up herself, and her heart was beating quickly!

    Jiang Yashuang was indeed a child of Empress¡¯s n. Although his face looked bad, he still behaved calmly. He just tidied himself up casually and looked at Qiu Yn, ¡°Your Grace...¡±

    ¡°I just killed two guards of the Ganli Pce. Both of them were servants of Empress Dowager Gu.¡± Qiu Yn immediately said, ¡°ording to Deng Yi, who took them to Wangxing Pavilion to kill me and Su He, Empress Dowager Gu got an adulterer into the pce, intending to nder Empress Dowager Ye!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was stunned, and there was a sh of sharpness in his eyes, ¡°Adulterer?¡±

    ¡°I was called to the pce by the Empress Dowager this time, and I was in a daze.¡± Qiu Yn said what happened on her way here in a few words, revealing the look of fear, ¡°Unexpectedly, in the Liuchun Pavilion before and the Ganli Pce followed, I almost couldn¡¯t leave the pce alive.¡±

    Before she finished speaking, her eyshes shook and tears fell silently.

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t notice the embarrassment that shed across Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face because she bowed her head in order to look pitiful.

    ...Jiang Yashuang suggested Princess Yongfu invite Kang Lizhang to the pce for a banquet before. Originally, he wanted to use the conflict between the two empresses and the Empress Dowager¡¯s help to make Qiu Yn¡¯s life better.

    Of course, this would sacrifice Kang Lizhang.

    However, whether it was Jiang Yashuang or Princess Yongfu, both of them hated Kang Lizhang who took credit for others¡¯ work. So it didn¡¯t matter how she was punished by the Empress Dowager!

    Unexpectedly, man proposes, God disposes. From Gu Yan molested Qiu Yn in the Liuchun Pavilion, things no longer followed as Jiang Yashuang expected.

    In fact, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s idea caused the little Commandery Princess to get into this situation...

    He had a headache and rubbed his forehead, and then he pulled the topic back, ¡°General of Feather Squad and Imperial Guard with level above five, also the direct nephew of the Emperor, actually had affair with the most beloved concubine of the Emperor, namely, Fair Concubine. What do you think about this, Your Grace?¡±

    Qiu Yn heard that he was giving her a chance. She felt relieved and said with a severe countenance, ¡°This is impossible! How could this immoral thing happen as it is strict to go in and out of the pce? Does he think that all the people in the pce are blind? There must be someone who hates the Jiang family and envies the Empress ndering!¡±

    Her current disadvantages were too weak. The only twelve-year-old Commandery Princess had no elders to rely on. She had no power. But being extremely weak was an advantage. That was, she couldn¡¯t even offend the Jiang family!

    In particr, she had greatly offended Empress Dowager Gu for her reaction in Hall of Taishi.

    If she didn¡¯t stand firmly with the Empress, Empress Dowager Gu would eat her alive even the Jiang Family didn¡¯t take special vengeance on her and didn¡¯t care about her!

    ¡°Did youe here since you were lost, Your Grace?¡± Sure enough, Jiang Yashuang smiled after a moment of contemtion, ¡°I take you back.¡±

    The relief of surviving danger was revealed on Qiu Yn¡¯s face, but she was more on her guard. It was not that she had a vile mind. She just saw all kinds of tricks that people being friendly and stabbed others at the same time in thest phase.

    Fortunately, Jiang Yashuang was a man of high principles. He did not mean to assault her when she was off guard. And after the lights were turned off, he said, ¡°I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s not good for your grace to walk with me if someone sees. Please be a few steps behind, Your Grace.¡±

    It was exactly what Qiu Yn was hoping for. She was worried if they stayed too close? ¡°Ugh, is Jiang Yashuang afraid of being taken advantage of by me again? Even if I really take any medicine by mistake, I¡¯m only twelve years old. I can¡¯t hurt him...¡±

    They left the hall one by one and walked towards the house where Qiu Yn had been settled.

    At this time, the stars above were sparse, and it seemed that the banquet in front was also about to finish. In the deep pce covered with thick snow, there was fragrance of plum blossom flowing from somewhere. It was cool and cold, proud and clean. It flew with the night wind, and made people immediately perk up.

    Qiu Yn looked at Jiang Yashuang, who was walking slowly a dozen steps ahead, wondering if he really let her go¡ªShe suddenly saw Jiang Yashuang stop!

    Without thinking, Qiu Yn ducked and hid behind the nearest stoa.

    In the open and serene night, it was surprisingly quiet because there wasn¡¯t snowing.

    Therefore, Qiu Yn suddenly heard it was the eighth young master Jiang¡¯s voice, ¡°Neen, it is really you! Did you just hide under the divan, right? What did you do there?¡±

    Qiu Yn sipped her lips, and quickly looked at the surrounding terrain with the snow reflection. She was looking for a way to escape.

    However, Jiang Yashuang did not mean to betray her, and he said lightly, ¡°Aunt said that you have always beening here recently. She was afraid that you would disturb Empress Dowager Ye, so she called me toe and see.¡±

    ¡°Your watch me grow up. How can youe to coax me?¡± The eighth young master Jiang smiled and said in an indifferent tone, ¡°Did Tao let you do this because she cared about her grandniece? Did she think that I fancied a gorgeous maid in the pce again? ¡±

    ¡°Grandmother is doing this for you.¡± Jiang Yashuang was caught in a lie, but he didn¡¯t feel embarrassed. And he still said lightly, ¡°Additionally, sister-inw is virtuous and considerate. It¡¯s really unjustified that you repeatedly vent your anger on her for grandmother¡¯s sake.¡±

    The eighth young master Jiang said, ¡°Grandmother, grandmother, you call her so affectionately! Our direct grandmother died long ago! Grandfather married Tao just in order to win over the Tao family. Now our family is strong. We don¡¯t need Tao family¡¯s help. But you still tter them like this. If junior Tao were pretty, I would have thought you liked her...¡±

    This eighth young master Jiang was so shameless that he hooked up with his uncle¡¯s concubine. And he immediately suspected his brother coveted his wife after his brother persuaded him to treat his wife better. After the stoa, Qiu Yn thought helplessly, ¡°Did I hear any secrets I shouldn¡¯t hear...¡±

    ¡°Mind your words.¡± Jiang Yashuang was not frightened or angry, and his tone was light as ever, ¡°Sister-inw has always been decent. And I am not an unfilial person...¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± The eighth young master Jiang was impatient, and he interrupted Jiang Yashuang before he finished saying, ¡°Just a joke. Why do you feel anxious? I know that you are a good man and you stay away from womanizing. Let¡¯s get to the point. How do you n to tell Taos since you have seen?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang hesitated for a moment and then said, ¡°This affair is too big. Of course, I can¡¯t tell them.¡±

    ¡°You are indeed my direct brother...¡± Although the eighth young master of Jiang called his step grandmother ¡°Tao¡± a few times, he was obviously a little bit afraid of Tao for his loose tone now.

    But Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°But I will tell aunt!¡±

    ¡°What mischief you are going to do?!¡± The eighth young master Jiang yelled, ¡°You tell aunt? She won¡¯t do anything to me. But what about Fair Concubine?!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought speechlessly, ¡°This adulterer has conscience!¡±

    Then the eighth young master Jiang immediately said something trashy, ¡°If you really feel wronged for uncle, please wait a year or so. After I¡¯m tired of Fair Concubine, you can tell! I like her now. You are against me intentionally if you do it!¡±

    ¡°Fair Concubine¡¯s status is different from that of a maid in the pce. In the past, it¡¯s easy for aunt to cover up your affair with a maid. But concubine...Once the matter is exposed, have you thought of the consequence before?¡± Jiang Yashuang said lightly, ¡°This will bring disaster to our family!¡±

    The eighth young master Jiang said indifferently, ¡°So I chose this Ganli Pce. I¡¯m in charge of this ce and the guards and maids are my henchmen. To tell you the truth, I¡¯ve had trysts a few times here. Have you heard about it?¡±

    Now Qiu Yn knew why this Ganli Pce looked like a ghost pce...Just because he dismissed people here for the convenience of having a tryst with lover.

    And then the eighth young master Jiang sneered, ¡°Actually, I just found out that you were hiding under the divan halfway. There is only one ce to hide in that room, and it¡¯s actually a trap. If I hadn¡¯t smelled your usual fragrance ¡®Yuelin Fragrance¡¯, I would have gone out to call people in, and surrounded the divan...You don¡¯t have to worry about that!¡±

    ¡°So I survived?¡± Qiu Yn burst into tears in her heart. ¡°How do I feel that the more I listen, the more I suppose that I¡¯m in trouble? And he¡ªhe still made love with Fair Concubine so long though he knew his brother was hiding underneath?!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about to finish in front. Let¡¯s go back.¡± The eighth young master said gently, ¡°Don¡¯t you like your Persian cat very much? Think about it. Would you be happy in case I deliberately killed your Persian cat? Fair Concubine is like a Persian cat to me¡ªIt¡¯s not a big deal if you really want to punish her. But could you let me flirt her for a few days?

    Listening to them as they went away, Qiu Yn knew that Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t lead her. She wiped off the cold sweat on her forehead and looked around. Fortunately, this ce was not far from the room where Su He stayed. So, she found Su He though she went wrong several times¡ªAt this time, Su He had already fallen asleep because of fear and exhaustion!

    ¡°Not so bad.¡± Qiu Yn touched her forehead and found that it was not hot. So she relieved.

    She walked around in the room where the guard was killed just now, but found no traces of other people. She took the quilt and returned to the ce where Su He stayed, and then shey down beside the divan¡ªIt was dusk when she was woken up by others.

    Nijin woke her up and she was confused, ¡°Why are you here, Commandery Princess Ningyi? I couldn¡¯t find you if there weren¡¯t any ice edges!¡±

    ¡°Eh!¡± Another maid was trying to wake Su He up, and she suddenly found a bruise on Su He¡¯s neck. She was surprised, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?!¡±

    The two maids looked at each other, and no longer asked why Qiu Yn and Su He moved. They fetched water to clean up Su He and Qiu Yn, ¡°Please clean up quickly. The Empress is free now. It has to be dyed if you miss!¡±

    Today was the first day of the first lunar month. It was not easy for the Empress to take time out. But Qiu Yn was inevitably wondering if there was something else since the Empress rushed to see her.

    ¡°For example, in fact, I am also the child of Empress Jiang. But I must be raised outside the pce because Empress Dowager Gu is cruel and ruthless! I am of noble birth, but I am bullied by someone like Madame Lu. Empress Jiang must be hiding and crying secretly now. Should I cry when I go there...¡±

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t stop the wild illusions, and she was thankful that she and Su He had been found in this room. Otherwise, she could not be able to exin the cobwebs and dust that she didn¡¯t clean up thoroughly after climbing out under the divan to the maids...

    But now the two maids didn¡¯t ask. How normal was it to be dirty to live in such a room that hadn¡¯t been cleaned up?

    After cleaning up, Qiu Yn saw a sedan waiting after she came out.

    The location of the Ganli Pce was rtively isted. But the Zishen Pce where the Empress lived was located in the center of the harem. So the two pces were far away.

    So that Qiu Yn was awakened again when she got out of the sedan. She almost tripped when she stepped on the steps in front of the Zishen Pce.

    ¡°Be careful, Your Grace!¡± Su He, whose neck was covered with a silk handkerchief to conceal the bruises, came to support her faithfully although she walked unsteadily. And this prevented Qiu Yn from falling under the watchful eyes of people.

    But Su He¡¯s voice also made everyone around look at here subconsciously. One of them was a young boy of eighteen or neen years old. He wore gorgeous clothes, with a golden crown and a jade belt. He was surrounded by several maids and was stepping down from above. As he was unfamiliar with Qiu Yn, he asked attendants curiously, ¡°This is...?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll ask for you, Your Highness.¡± His maid also didn¡¯t know. After asking, she took a few steps, ¡°Sister Nijin, this is?¡±

    ¡°It is Commandery Princess Ningyi from Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe.¡± The maid named Nijin nodded to her and reminded Qiu Yn not far away in a low voice, ¡°Your Grace, that¡¯s Prince Yan!¡±

 Chapter 26 - Digging Deep While Digging

    <h4>Chapter 26 Digging Deep While Digging</h4>

    Qiu Yn had not seen Chu Weize, Prince Yan. Even if she had seen him, it was not the right time to greet. So, she turned around and followed Nijin into the hall after saluting.

    ¡°I¡¯m Qiu Yn. Wish you all the best, Your Majesty!¡± She saluted in ordance with the rules after being led to the Beijue Hall. Empress Jiang asked her to stand up quickly,¡± Sit down. You are first-ss Commandery Princess. You don¡¯t have to be restrained.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty!¡± Qiu Yn guessed that the Empress might like a generous and straightforward character since she talked back to Empress Dowager without euphemism. So she sat down on the next drum stool without refusal.

    She nced at steps above silently. Empress Jiang now changed into regr clothes. She wore a pink peace Ruyi cloud patterned brocade coat, tied with a jade belt. She twisted her hair into a spiral bun and looked cute and lovely.

    However, the Empress¡¯s momentum remained. She leaned on her throne and askedzily, ¡°What did you do in Mount Dizist winter?¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t expect she would ask this question. After a while, she said, ¡°My cousin was studying in the residence of Mount Dizi and identally caught a cold. So my uncle¡¯s birth mother asked me to see him. ¡±

    ¡°Kang Jinzhang has a sister called Kang Lizhang. And your uncle still has several children.¡± Empress Jiang said casually, ¡°Why did she ask you to visit? You still have other cousins.¡± The Empress looked at her with a faint smile, ¡°Why did he die after you visited him?¡±

    Qiu Yn changed her thoughts immediately. Empress Jiang must be aware of something shady about the matter in Mount Dizi. But maybe she didn¡¯t value Kang Jinzhang from her tone. So, ording to what she said...

    Without a word, she knelt down, ¡°Please forgive me, Your Majesty!¡±

    Empress Jiangughed, and was very satisfied with her cleverness from the tone, ¡°Tell me about what happened!¡±

    ¡°... That¡¯s what happened. I really didn¡¯t want to kill him. I just want to scare him, so that he wouldn¡¯t continue to... Continue to disturb me!¡± Qiu Yn said pitifully and there were tears falling on her face, which were as white as a gardenia petal.

    Apart from concealing that she passed through time and space, she didn¡¯t change a word about what happened in Mount Dizi. It was not that she didn¡¯t want to embroider the truth, but that it was clear that Empress Jiang had already investigated before. It was not worthwhile if she exaggerated and made the Empress be disgusted with her.

    But people tended to sympathize with her because she was right and young. It seemed that her tearful and vivid usation was sessful in that several maids around Empress Jiang turned over and wiped away their tears silently.

    Even Empress Jiang frowned slightly, but she said, ¡°Your uncle¡¯s birth mother... What do you mean? At least you should call your grandfather¡¯s concubine step-grandmother, right?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Qiu Qn was waiting for her to ask this, and she said immediately, ¡°Uncle¡¯s birth mother indeed had been my grandfather¡¯s concubine, but...¡±

    ¡°Had been?¡± Empress Jiang immediately responded. She sat upright slightly and looked down on her, ¡°You mean she isn¡¯t your grandfather¡¯s concubine anymore?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re brilliant, Your Majesty!¡± Qiu Yn said timidly, ¡°ording to what my uncle¡¯s birth mother said, she vited the rules when she was serving my direct grandmother. So she was driven out of Prince¡¯s Mansion by my grandmother¡ªLater on, uncle returned to inherit the title and took her back because my father was killed in battle and my brother died young. So he respectfully calls her Madame Lu...¡±

    ¡°Thank you for telling me why you were driven out, Madame Lu! Otherwise, how could I confirm that you had broken the rules?¡±

    Empress Jiang looked at her deeply. Suddenly, her face was darkened, and she said angrily, ¡°It¡¯s absurd! She has nothing to do with Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe since she was the concubine who was driven out by the old Princess of Xihe! Qiu Mengmin, the present Duke of Xihe, not only took her back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion¡ªBut he even respectfully calls her Madame! It is clear that he ignores his official mother, the old Princess of Xihe! Does this unfaithful and unfilial individual still deserve to inherit the title of duke?! ¡±

    Qiu Yn said in a ¡°shocked¡± state, ¡°Your Majesty, my uncle is disying filial piety!¡±

    ¡°How can you disobey the rules if you are disying filial piety?¡± Empress Jiang said coldly, ¡°Official mother is senior. Concubine mother is junior. This is the rule of the whole world! Even if the son of a concubine gets the title of nobility, he should give the official mother first. ording to Qiu Mengmin¡¯s action, won¡¯t the rules be out of order in the future?!¡±

    Empress Jiang said very loud and she was full of righteous indignation. She could not wait to run to Ganquan Pce and yelled to Empress Dowager Gu¡ªThe old Princess of Xihe had already died, but the Empress Dowager Ye, the Empress of the former emperor, was still alive! The Empress Dowager Gu was the former emperor¡¯s concubine. She even pushed the Empress Dowager Ye aside and only a few people in the pce remembered her!

    It was not only a mess in the future, but also a mess now!

    Qiu Yn tried her best to take the topic to the deep trap she prepared for Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Of course, she wouldn¡¯t let off the opportunity to set thedder for the Empress. Shey on the floor and confessed loudly without hesitation, ¡°Thank you for your instructions, Your Majesty¡ªPlease forgive me for not persuading my uncle to respect grandmother in time because I¡¯m so young that I didn¡¯t know this was against the rules.¡±

    ¡°Officer,e in!¡± Empress Jiang was worthy of being born of a general¡¯s family. She gave a straightforwardmand, ¡°Drafting a decree! Qiu Mengmin, Duke of Xihe, despised his official mother and murdered his niece. He was unfaithful, unfilial and unjust. He was unworthy of inheriting the title. Dismiss his title and demote tomon people!¡± She added after thinking, ¡°And exile in ces beyond the Great Wall!¡±

    The female officer in front of the Empress was so quick that she almost finished writing a decree full of couplets andpound sentences after the Empress stopped speaking. She presented it to Empress Jiang after finishing and drying the ink.

    Empress Jiang changed a few words to make its tone more severe, and then she nodded.

    So someone came forward and copied it into a formal decree.

    ¡°Why couldn¡¯t you perceive that Lu and your uncle had evil thoughts? Even Princess Ruan who was alive at that time couldn¡¯t perceive?¡± Empress Jiang turned her head and asked Qiu Yn who was rejoicing secretly, ¡°Especially you are so pretty although you are young. You are as beautiful as my daughter Yongfu! Princess Ruan even agreed to ask you to visit Kang Jinzhang in Mount Dizi with a maid who was at about the same age as you? Kang Jinzhang often went to brothels. He wasn¡¯t a good person! Princess Ruan really trusted him so much? ¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s eyes turned red quickly, ¡°My mother just wanted me to escape.¡±

    ¡°Escape?¡± Empress Jiang smiled, ¡°Where could you go in the wild mountains of the Mount Dizi as a little girl? Escape to the wolf¡¯s stomach?¡±

    The maids in the pce who were moved by Qiu Yn¡¯s words just now alsoughed.

    ¡°Because of my marriage.¡± Qiu Yn changed her thoughts and said in a choked voice, ¡°It was Lu who urged my uncle to arrange the engagement, and my mother didn¡¯t know. Because Deng Yi... she greatly opposed but she couldn¡¯t resist because my uncle deliberately embarrassed her... So she wanted a loyal maid to take me away and went to rtives far away for shelter on the way to Mount Dizi! ¡±

    Empress Jiang asked, ¡°Why did you return to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe?¡±

    ¡°After the avnche, it was hard for me to survive. But I found that the ce where Cousin Kang had fallen was buried by snow! I was worried that my mother was angry, and I couldn¡¯t return alone. So...¡± Qiu Yn wouldn¡¯t let off any chance to show filial piety.

    Sure enough, Empress Jiang nodded slightly. There was a touch of softness in her eyes while she was looking at Qiu Yn¡ªShe had been in charge of the Central Pce for many years. She stood up to Empress Dowager as an equal and made the emperor have no temper. But so far she just had a child, Princess Yongfu.

    Yesterday, Empress Dowager asked her about the matter that Princess Yongfu invited Kang Lizhang to the pce. And Empress Jiang took the responsibility immediately. This showed how she cared for and defended her own daughter.

    Of course, love between mother and daughter was the easiest thing to touch the Empress.

    ¡°You are filial. And it has been hard for you these years.¡± Empress Jiang sighed, ¡°But you are too honest. Qiu Mengmin and Lu are so disrespectful. Why note and tell me early and let me support you? ¡±

    Qiu Yn hadn¡¯t spoken yet, but a middle-aged female officer who stood behind Empress Jiang answered it for her, ¡°Your Majesty, Qiu Mengmin, who is a son of a concubine, is the eldest son of the old Duke of Xihe. He is educated and he knows principles. How couldn¡¯t he know what he did these years was disrespectful to his official mother? In this case, would he give a chance for others to expose them?¡±

    Empress Jiang thought what she said was very reasonable. She encouraged her in a few words instead of asking her anymore. Since it waste, she awarded her casually, and asked Nijin to send her out of the pce.

    Actually, leaving the pce in this way made Qiu Yn feel a bit disappointed¡ªShe deliberately talked about her dissatisfaction with her marriage to Deng Yi. Empress Jiang criticized Qiu Mengmin again and again, but she didn¡¯t mention breaking her engagement.

    Although ording to the major principle, Qiu Yn¡¯s marriage should be decided by Qiu Mengmin since her grandfather and father were gone, and she had no brother. Even if the marriage was not good, people onlymented that Qiu Mengmin was unkind. But it was inconvenient for others to interfere.

    But Empress Jiang was so mighty in front of the Empress Dowager. Was it a big deal for her to interfere with the family matter of Wang Family?!

    Perhaps she kept this yoke in order to make it convenient for her to order about Qiu Yn in the future?

    ¡°Maybe the most important thing for Empress Jiang now is to use Qiu Mengmin¡¯s disrespect for old Princess of Xihe to reflect on the matter that Empress Dowager Gu treated Empress Dowager Ye unfairly.¡± Qiu Yn secretly thought, ¡°Maybe she worries that if she breaks my engagement at this time, this will give Empress Dowager Gu opportunity to change the topic! ¡±

    If so, after the thing that Qiu Mengmin disrespected his official mother was settled... There was hope for her to regain freedom.

    Thinking this was possible, Qiu Yn looked forward to it in a happy mood.

    However, the pleasure was destroyed on the way to the pce gate by a greeting from the back¡ªGu Yan, who came out of the corridor nearby, seemed to be waiting especially for her here.

    He wore a veil hat to cover the scars on his face. It was estimated that he entered the pce just after worshiping ancestors, and had no time to change hisplicated robe.

    ¡°Are you going out of the pce too, Commandery Princess Ningyi? It¡¯s really a coincidence. I do too.¡± Gu Yan came over and followed Qiu Yn¡¯s sedan. He said softly. And his voice was a little hoarse. Perhaps it was caused by his loud yells yesterday?

    Anyway, they were in two hostile camps. Qiu Yn wasn¡¯t afraid to offend him a little more. So she coughed, ¡°That sounds familiar.¡±

    Su He bowed her head and said nothing. But Nijin apanying didn¡¯t care about Gu Yan, and she burst outughing¡ªHow couldn¡¯t the maids in the pce of the Empress take delight in talking about the thing that Gu Yan and Deng Yi were badly beaten up by Jiang Yashuang on ount of a sentence ¡°It¡¯s really a coincidence. Young Prince Gu also wants topete with others.¡± said by Jiang Yashuang?

    However, Gu Yan also said ¡°It¡¯s really a coincidence.¡± This just gave an opportunity for Qiu Yn to taunt.

    Gu Yan¡¯s muscles on his face jumped. He nced at Nijin who had no respect for him, and then took a deep breath to curb his temper. He said, ¡°I talked about Your Grace with my aunt after backing home yesterday. And she felt deep regret about the death of Princess Ruan. So she nned to pick Your Grace up to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang in the first lunar month to stay for a short time... You¡¯d better not go back to the General¡¯s Mansion today, Your Grace. Return to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe to pack up your things. Probably someone will pick you up tomorrow. ¡±

    Su He¡¯s face turned pale after hearing his words!

 Chapter 27 - Destroying His Future!

    <h4>Chapter 27 Destroying His Future!</h4>

    Qiu Yn was calm, ¡°I can¡¯t go. First, I¡¯m still in the mourning period for my mother. How can I go out and be a guest, let alone in the first lunar month? It would be trouble for you. Second, my grandfather is still in bed. How can I enjoy the festival myself and forget my grandfather¡¯s need of being looked after?¡±

    ¡°No wonder Her Majesty says Your Grace is filial and reasonable,¡± Nijin said smiling. She implied that Gu Yan and Mrs. Gu were so silly as to invite her to their home and be unaware that she was still in the mourning period and she had a seriously ill grandfather to look after.

    As they were chatting, they went out of the gate of the Pce. Nijin helped Qiu Yn get off the sedan with Su He.

    Gu Yan had been jeered at for several times. His face under the veil hat was as cold as frost but he still showed no intent to leave. He sped his hands behind his back and staring at Qiu Yn with a deep look behind the veil.

    However, neither Qiu Yn nor Nijin cared for his existence. Nijin knew that Qiu Yn was invited to the Pce by Empress Dowager. Seeing she only took one maid Su He with her and worried that it would be inconvenient for her to return, Nijin wanted to get her a carriage. But Qiu Yn had sharp eyes and had seen on the shafts of the carriage, Ruan Qingyan in his open-fronted robe ordering the driver toe, so she declined Nijin¡¯s offer.

    ¡°Please go back, Nijin. The snow is heavy. Thank you for walking me so far,¡± Qiu Yn secretly tucked another packet prepared by Ruan Qingyan into Nijin¡¯s sleeve.

    ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure,¡± Nijin pinched it and found it like nothing inside, so she knew there were silver notes. And if exchanged them into silver tael or gold tael, the small packet wouldn¡¯t fit. She was content inside and the smile on her face was blooming, ¡°That¡¯s so kind of you.¡±

    While they were talking, Ruan Qingyan came near. Nijin thought it would be no problem as Ruan Qingyan was near and around them, the guards were watching. Also, she was a favorite of Empress, so she didn¡¯t need to show more hospitality either to Qiu Yn or Ruan Qingyan¡ªwhat she had done was enough. Thus, when Qiu Yn asked her to return again, she turned around to stepped into the Pce gate.

    As soon as Nijin¡¯s figure disappeared into the gate, Ruan Qingyan came near. He jumped off the carriage and saw Qiu Yn¡¯s clothes were neat and her face was calm, which indicated everything was okay. He felt relieved inside him and handed her a small, delicate copper hand warmer with a smile, ¡°You are here. Get on the carriage. It¡¯s too windy here.¡±

    Reminding her was not enough. He quickly took off his open-fronted robe and put it on her.

    Qiu Yn was about to say something, when Gu Yan next to her said suddenly, ¡°Is this Young Master Ruan?¡±

    ¡°My name is Ruan Qingyan. May I know your name?¡± Ruan Qingyan had seen Gu Yan when he wasing, but he saw Qiu Yn only talked with the maid who walked her out and paid no attention to Gu Yan. He thought the two didn¡¯t know each other and thus the first thing to do was to make sure his cousin was warm. He had no time to talk to him.

    Now Gu Yan said to him first. Seeing his clothes and the guards behind him, Ruan Qingyan knew he was of no ordinary origin and responded politely.

    Watching him, Gu Yan gave an implicit smile, ¡°Young Master Ruan is so good-looking!¡±

    Qiu Yn was frightened by his words!

    Gu Yan continued to introduce himself, ¡°I¡¯m Gu Yan and my father is Duke of Guangyang.¡±

    As Empress Dowager¡¯s grandnephew, Gu Yan¡¯s name was known in the capital City¡¯s nobles. Ruan Qingyan, who was ambitious and even asked a famous courtesan to help him make the acquaintance of the higher ss, certainly knew him.

    Especially ording to what he and Qiu Yn discussed, he thought this time she went into the Pce was to seek refuge with Empress Dowager. Although he wondered why his cousin ignored Gu Yan, he still treated with enough courtesy and made a fist and palm salute, ¡°Young Master Gu, nice to meet you!¡±

    Before his voice died away, his sleeve was pulled by Qiu Yn, ¡°Cousin, grandpa is expecting us home! Shall we leave now?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan was surprised for a minute, but he soon understood her hint and gave up the intention to keep on talking with Gu Yan. He made another polite but distant fist and palm salute, ¡°My grandfather is waiting for us toe back home and we have to hurry. Hoping to get your understanding!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Gu Yan was also polite. Behind his veil, his smile was strange, ¡°Please go. Give General Ruan my regards. Speaking of this, it¡¯s a blessing for old General Ruan to have a grandson as handsome as you are. But I wonder why there is always a gloomy taint on your face, which really pains me!¡±

    The more he praised Ruan Qingyan¡¯s look, the paler Qiu Yn¡¯s face became. Now by his saying ¡°pains¡±, she was terrified! She almost forced Ruan Qingyan on the carriage with a hard dragging.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Ruan Qingyan asked urgently when the carriage left the gate and after he pulled up the curtain to see no one around, ¡°Isn¡¯t Gu Yan Empress Dowager¡¯s grandnephew?¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°Empress Dowager asked Deng Yi to take some people with him ande to me. They almost killed me and Su He!¡± While she said this, Su He had removed the silk handkerchief on her neck and showed the horrible bruise.

    Ruan Qingyan¡¯s pupils contracted immediately and he grasped Qiu Yn¡¯s wrist.

    Qiu Yn was shocked by his sudden act. She looked at him with fear but saw his face was serious. He put two fingers on her wrist pulse for a while and gave out a relieved breath, ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Qiu Yn knew that most imperial exam candidates have some medical knowledge and was not surprised at his quick but right judgment through feeling her pulse, ¡°That¡¯s why I have to stand by the Empress¡¯ side.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan rxed his face obviously and nodded, ¡°Empress Jiang is a good choice, better than Empress Dowager Gu.¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°But you may be schemed against because of me!¡±

    ¡°You mean Gu Yan?¡± Ruan Qingyan smiled, ¡°With the Empress there, he can¡¯t do anything easily and openly, let alone I can protect myself.¡±

    Seeing Ruan Qingyan was so calm, Qiu Yn was silent for a moment and said in the end, ¡°Gu Yan... He likes man! What he just said....¡±

    Gu Yan liked both men and women. He and his cousin liked each other and looked like a couple. It was not a secret in Jing City, or else Mrs. Zhou would not know at all.

    Ruan Qingyan looked handsome, carried a mncholy temperament and had an identity as the inheriting grandson in a declined General¡¯s Mansion. If in herst life, the people who strongly wished he and Gu Yan were a couple could not be more.

    Although there were not so many insane guys in this life, with the power of Gu Yan, he didn¡¯t really have to do anything to Ruan Qingyan. As long as he privately implies that there was an affair between them, it was enough to destroy Ruan Qingyan!

    In particr, the Ruan family was now in a state of decline. If thinking for the worse, some people might suspect that Ruan Qingyan wanted to get an advantage from Gu Yan with his good look!

    Even though Ruan Qingyan was brilliant and knowledgeable, with this reputation, no matter how good his article would be in the examination, it would leave a bad impression on the examiner. How could there be any hope of passing the exam? Taking 10,000 steps back, even if he passed, what about the future? Such a bad stain would be a stumbling block in his career!

    This scheme of Gu Yan was so extremely vicious!

    Qiu Yn was in a heavy mood. Ruan Qingyan was not only the closest rtive she could rely on, but in these days, his meticulous care and support had umted feelings in her heart, even if she still had some doubts.

    Now, because of her, her cousin, who was supposed to have a bright future, was facing the threat of ruining his fame. Thinking about this, she couldn¡¯t wait to kill Gu Yan directly at the Pce gate!

    However, Ruan Qingyanforted her with an air of self-assurance, ¡°The clear one is clear, the turbid one is turbid. Now that it¡¯s not a secret that Gu Yan likes men, even if he says some rumor, what else can he actually do to me? At most, the rumor will be spread among themon people. But I don¡¯t live among them!¡±

    ¡°But the exam...¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s words were interrupted by him, ¡°Master Xue has always been known for his fairness and rigor! If not, how could he have been neutral for so many years in the struggle for power between the Empress and the Empress Dowager? How could he be easily blinded? After I pass the exam and be his disciple, even if Gu Yan wants to stigmatize me, he has to think twice!¡±

    This was true. Xue Chang was an important minister. Certainly, both the Empress and the Empress Dowager hoped to have him as a supporter. And the reason why he could be neutral for so many years, in addition to sufficient status and methods, must be his integrity. Otherwise, he would be caught for something and joined one camp long ago. In a situation of even rivalry, the neutral party had always been the most difficult. It was impossible to handle it without real ability.

    In this case, of course, Gu Yan should not offend his disciple. Otherwise, Xue Chang would lose face. In worse situation, he might be forced to support the Empress Jiang, which Empress Dowager Gu absolutely would not want and allow to happen.

    Of course, there was a premise for this beautiful vision, that is, Ruan Qingyan could withstand all the open and secret attacks of Gu Yan from now to the imperial examination in spring and he¡¯d better get Xue Chang¡¯s recognition.

    The problem was that however fair Xue Chang was, what his integrity could do was restricted within the examination room. In terms of power, Ruan Qingyan couldn¡¯tpare to the Duke of Guangyang. No matter how strictly Xue Chang supervised the examination, if Ruan Qingyan couldn¡¯t enter the examination room, it was all useless.

    There were still two months before the exam....

    Qiu Yn suggested, ¡°Cousin, don¡¯t stay in General¡¯s Mansion. How about going somewhere else and studying without distraction for some days?¡± They couldn¡¯t go against him but had to hide from him.

    However, Ruan Qingyan shook his head, ¡°My grandfather needs me to take care of.¡± In private, he did not need to take care of General Ruan directly because no one would know from the outside, but he must stay in the General¡¯s House!

    Because General Ruan now only had Ruan Qingyan as the grandson. Not taking care of his grandfather because of the exam was a big disobedience against filial piety. If it was revealed, even if he became a Jinshi, this title would definitely be removed from him, even if he became an official!

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of him!¡± Qiu Yn said, ¡°I have made some trouble to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, and now I can¡¯t go back without preparation....¡±

    She didn¡¯t finish talking, but the carriage stopped. A cold voice came from outside the carriage, ¡°Your Grace, you are finally here. Something happened in the Prince¡¯s Mansion. Please go back quickly!¡±

    Qiu Yn and Ruan Qingyan frowned at the same time. Although this voice was strange to them, they knew that the owner was a servant of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe¡ªas the saying went, ¡°Speak of the devil and he shall appear.¡± This also suggested that it was an illusion of Qiu Yn to think the people from the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe had no time to pick up her back.

    She motioned for Dong Ran to lift the curtain a little, and saw a butler in his thirties, with a horse, standing glumly beside the shaft of the carriage and saying coldly, ¡°The Lord and Lady are both waiting for you. Please go back with me. It¡¯s Spring Festival. Though old General Ruan is lonely, but yourst name is Qiu. Shouldn¡¯t that the Qiu Familye first?¡±

 Chapter 28 - You Do It Wrong, Watching Me!

    <strong>Chapter 28 You Do It Wrong, Watching Me!</strong>

    They walked into the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. They found it was not a chaos like they thought it would be.

    Things were organized. Servants were doing their jobs. It seemed to be in perfect order. If it were not for the terror and hatred in the servants¡¯ eyes when they looked at Qiu Yn which proved the impact of Empress¡¯s promation, Qiu Yn would think nothing had happened.

    However, when they arrived at the drawing-room and saw Qiu Mengmin¡¯s gloomy face, Qiu Yn¡¯s mood was lightened at once.

    Qiu Mengmin asked Ruan Qingyan to avoid and wait outside bluntly. After the door was closed, he didn¡¯t even have time for formality. He asked without preamble, ¡°Are you insane? How dare you instigate Empress Jiang to ruin us!¡±

    ¡°Are you hearing yourself? Empress is such a brilliantdy. How could she listen to a kid like me?¡± Qiu Yn smiled immediately, ¡°How could you believe this kind of rumor? If the words get out, people will assume you are muddled because of your old age.¡±

    Qiu Mengmin ground his teeth and said, ¡°Just after you got summoned to Beijue Hall by the Empress, the Empress¡¯s promation of me being deposed was sent to me. You dare say you have nothing to do with it?¡±

    Qiu Yn saidzily, ¡°Empress is perspicacious. She must have her reason to depose you. You don¡¯t think that the Empress is the muddleheaded and credulous type, do you? You are being disrespectful to the Empress. You are doing wrong, right?¡±

    Hearing her kept bringing up the Empress, Qiu Mengmin stared at her hatefully for a while and then smiled wickedly, ¡°But I have to thank you for this time.¡±

    He had prepared a strong counterattack against Qiu Yn¡¯s subconscious query. However, Qiu Yn said naturally, ¡°Since then, uncle, will you give me thousands of taels of silver as the gift money?¡± When asking for awards, she not just called him uncle, but also said it with love.

    Qiu Mengmin choked. He really didn¡¯t expect his niece who just turned 13 on that day was so glib and so shameless. He said after a while, ¡°If it was not you who had evil agenda, how could we get Empress Dowager¡¯s favor? Although Empress is distinguished, Empress Dowager is more distinguished. And her level is also higher.¡±

    He nned to use this information tough at Qiu Yn and damage her morale. But Qiu Yn agreed with him earlier. Now Qiu Mengmin brought it up. It couldn¡¯t have the same impact as he wanted. Instead, it made him look weak.

    And Qiu Yn still said with a smile, ¡°Oh, you really should thank me! Otherwise, how can we reach out to the Empress Dowager? It will break my heart if you only reward me with thousands of taels of silver. Uncle, please add a few acres ofnd or something like that. We are family. You don¡¯t need to reward me too much.¡±

    She knew clearly that Empress Jiang wanted to use the fact that Qiu Mengmin didn¡¯t respect his official mother to allude to Empress Dowager Gu. Of course, Empress Dowager Gu couldn¡¯t sit still waiting for death. If taking down Empress Dowager Gu was that easy, why was it still a tie since two empresses had been fighting for all these years? When Empress Jiang asked someone to send out her promation, Qiu Yn knew just a promation couldn¡¯t solve the problem.

    It was just an opening for another fight between the most distinguished mother and daughter-inw of Darui!

    So Qiu Yn predicted that Empress Dowager Gu would annul Empress Jiang¡¯s promation of deposing and exiling Duke of Xihe. The only surprise was how fast Empress Dowager Gu acted. She thought since Empress sent people to announce her promation so efficiently. She thought the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe would at least get mopped up by yamen runners, when Empress Dowager heard about it and reacted.

    However, it didn¡¯t matter that Empress Dowager Gu kept Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe safe for now. Madame Lu was kicked out by the old Princess of Xihe officially.

    ording to time-old tradition, she could never go back to Prince¡¯s Mansion. Let alone get served by Duke of Xihe and be Madame Lu in the mansion.

    It was fine if nobody mentioned it. Once it was out there, it would be a serious and big issue involving filial piety and ranking polygamy system. Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe could never escape unscathed in the current situation.

    So, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t care about Qiu Mengmin¡¯s sarcasm and threat at all. She had already offended Empress Dowager Gu big time in Hall of Taishi yesterday anyway. Would it matter that she offended her further?

    She wasn¡¯t Jiang Yashuang. Empress wasn¡¯t obliged to defend her for no reason. Empress Dowager could end her life at any time if she wasn¡¯t protected by Empress. Not just her, let alone Mrs. Zhou and Su He, even Ruan Qingyan would be implicated.

    When Qiu Yn said my uncle¡¯s biological mother, she had made up her mind. She needed to seize the opportunity of meeting the Empress to project herself fully.

    At this kind of crucial moment, Qiu Yn who sharpened herself into an iron-hearted woman in thest phase surly wouldn¡¯t pity any enemy.

    She enjoyed Qiu Mengmin¡¯s look which showed he wanted to walk down and kill her. Sheughed and said, throwing up her hands, ¡°My servant told me that I should care for Qiu Family since it was New Year. I thought he said that because you guys were all about to die. Who knows when Ie back, you guys are all fine. Are you guys ying me? That¡¯s it. I need to go back to the General¡¯s Mansion and attend to my poor grandfather.¡±

    After said that, she turned around and nned to walk towards outside. She stopped after two steps and looked back with a faint smile on her face, ¡°Uncle, you are really stingy. You asked me toe back during the New Year. But you didn¡¯t give me gift money at all. People like you are not meant to be doing great things. In my opinion, you can¡¯t get through the current crisis even with Empress Dowager¡¯s protection. I suggest you admit your guilt and resign your title. Lest you go through all the trouble and still end badly.¡±

    Qiu Mengmin¡¯s face twitched. He took a deep breath. He was able to calm down and said, ¡°When old Princess died, you just turned one. You couldn¡¯t have remembered her. I think your feeling towards her is just so so. You did this kind of thing this time because you hold a grudge against our family for mistreating you these years. For that, I can guarantee it won¡¯t happen again. Anyhow, we have the samest name. If something happened to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, even you were a Commandery Princess, would you have a good life as a lonely little girl?¡±

    And then said, ¡°It was said that Ruan Qingyan outside treated you very well. But you may not know. Although he hasn¡¯t been in the city for a very long time, he has already be the guest of two famous prostitutes in the city. Countless yboys envy him. Although you aren¡¯t old enough to get married, as to appearance, girls in our family can¡¯tpare to you. So, think about it, why Ruan Qingyan treats you well!¡±

    Qiu Yn said with a smile, ¡°Even I don¡¯t have my cousin to back me up, I still have my husband¡¯s family. What am I afraid of? Worst case scenario, I can just go to Deng Yi. You were the one who engaged me with him. Oh, right. I met Young Prince of Duke of Guangyang this time I went to the pce. He also thought I was beautiful. And he asked if I had any sister looking like me. Since you were my matchmaker, how could I not repay you? I told him that my sixth sister was much more beautiful than me. Young Prince was very happy. He said he woulde and take a look himselfter. You have to thank me for this.¡±

    Hearing this, Qiu Mengmin was about to cough blood. He stared at Qiu Yn firmly. After got stared by him for a while, her smile was even bigger, ¡°Uncle, why are you so moved? Sixth sister is my sister. Praising her is what I should do. However, if the sixth sister really marries Young Prince of Duke of Guangyang, you and she must not forget about me.¡±

    If he could marry Qiu Jinzhu to Gu Yan as the wife, even Gu Yan liked both men and women and was a yboy, to be honest, Qiu Mengmin wouldn¡¯t hesitate. Gu Yan was the biological grandnephew of Regent Empress Dowager, and he was Empress Dowager¡¯s beloved.

    However, Gu Yan got married when he was 17. His wife Tang was from a powerful family. Her father was one of the prime ministers of Darui. Their eldest son was already 10.

    Gu Yan had countless beautiful women and catamites in his backyard and countless lovers in the brothels, and also unknown illegal love affairs. He also fornicated with others¡¯ wives, widows, others¡¯ unmarried daughters... He might not be able to remember them all. But Tang¡¯s position was so secure that nobody would doubt it.

    Besides ording to Qiu Yn, Gu Yan wanted to take a look at Qiu Jinzhu privately. Considering his disposition, what good woulde out of his private visit?

    Qiu Mengmin couldn¡¯t withhold himself anymore. He pounded on the table angrily and rebuked loudly, ¡°Jinzhu is only 10. She is one-month younger than Young Prince Gu¡¯s eldest son. How dare you frame her like this! How could our Qiu Family have a vicious and shameless thing like you?¡±

    ¡°When you engaged me with Deng Yi, I was also 10!¡± The expression in Qiu Yn¡¯s eyes was innocent, ¡°I have a vicious and shameless elder like you who me the victim. I just learn from you. What¡¯s so rare about it?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Qiu Mengmin was furious. He grabbed a peach pattern white zed porcin bottle beside his hand and threw it at her head.

    Qiu Yn¡¯s face went dark. She was about to teach him a lesson. Suddenly, with a cracking sound of the window behind her, a thing flew in and knocked the bottle down a few meters in front of Qiu Yn.

    And then the padauk ornamental engraving window was smashed. Ruan Qingyan rushed in like wind. He paid no attention to Prince¡¯s Mansion¡¯s servants who uproariously called for help. He checked Qiu Yn to see if she was hurt and then rushed to the front. He picked up Qiu Mengmin who was distracted at his chest.

    And then he punched Qiu Mengmin in the face violently.

    After the blow, there were tears and blood. Qiu Mengmin howled in pain.

    ¡°Cousin, you can¡¯t do this!¡± Seeing this, Qiu Yn knew it was bad. She lifted her dress and run to them in a hurry. She pulled Ruan Qingyan¡¯s sleeve and said anxiously, ¡°Empress Dowager repealed Empress¡¯s promation of deposing his title. He is still Duke of Xihe! You are just a Juren. If Empress Dowager knows you hit him, she will definitely sabotage your rank! If so, what about the imperial examination in spring?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan said coldly, ¡°Forget about the imperial examination in spring!¡± After he said this, he punched Qiu Mengmin in his left jaw. And Qiu Mengmin spit out two teeth while howling.

    ¡°Imperial...Imperial examination in spring? You can forget about it...¡± Qiu Mengmin had lost his demeanor as the Duke of Xihe at this moment. His whole face was blue due to the blows. He was crying and snoring. His blood sshed. His whole face was twisted because of the pain and humiliation. Heughed destely with a super vicious look.

    Qiu Yn had lifted up her sleeves as they spoke. She pushed Ruan Qingyan violently at this moment and shouted, ¡°I¡¯m not saying that you can¡¯t beat him. It¡¯s that you are doing it wrong. Watch me!¡± After said this, she grabbed Qiu Mengmin from Ruan Qingyan¡¯s hand. The next moment, Ruan Qingyan whose heart was full of pity against his sister and hatred against Qiu Mengmin gaped at Qiu Yn. He saw her grabbing Qiu Mengmin¡¯s hair and knocking his head against 1.31 inches thick lignumvitae table beside her without a blink.

    One, two...blood sshed on Qiu Yn¡¯s clothes. She was still calm. Her hand was steady like she was smashing walnuts. Seeing this scene, even Ruan Qingyan got a chilly feeling in his heart.

    After a while, hearing a lot of promiscuous footstepsing close, Qiu Yn threw unconscious Qiu Mengmin under the table. She took two steps back and knelt. She cried loudly, ¡°Uncle, why did you do this to yourself....¡±

    Outside the door, Madame Lu, Princess Yang, Qiu Yuqing and others who rushed here heard the heart-stricken crying. They all felt dizzy.

    Madame Lu trembled and almost fainted.

    Thanks to Ruan Qingyan who was inside. He said dully, ¡°Cou...sin, he...he seems to be alive.¡±

    ¡°Of course he can¡¯t die!¡± Qiu Yn was sobbing. Cold looks appeared in Madame Lu and others¡¯ eyes at the same time. They were slowing down and trying to have something on them. So they could scold them badly. However, what Qiu Yn said next almost killed them, ¡°He needs to be alive for Empress to punish him for disrespect of his official mother! How can we let him die so easily? Whoever started the trouble should end it. He invited Lu back. Of course he should send her out!¡±

 Chapter 29 - Inside the Fu Ning Palace

    <strong>Chapter 29 Inside the Fu Ning Pce</strong>

    ¡°... Your Majesty, please uphold justice for me!¡±

    Side hall, Fu Ning Pce.

    There was a fierce atmosphere in the hall, but the emperor sitting on the throne was looking bored.

    On the right of the throne was kneeling Commandery Princess Ningyi Qiu Yn and schr Ruan Qingyan. Now Qiu Yn was crying sorrowfully. As for the person she was crying to, or at least apparently so, the emperor¡¯s sight asionally swift to a yellowish bottle of GuiGuZi descending from a mountain. He found it quite new for him and wondered if this has been recently changed.

    But not necessarily... he hasn¡¯t been to Fu Ning Pce for a long time, maybe he¡¯s wrong.

    He should have been in charge of the royal court since he was married at the age of sixteen.

    However, Empress Dowager Gu continued to control the court from behind on the pretext of hisck of experience. Later, the senior officials had too much discontent against it, especially the Jiang Family, which had repeatedly expressed their dissatisfaction. Later, Empress Dowager Gu simply excused that ¡°the emperor is not feeling well¡±. The emperor was too weak to object.

    However, he had been ¡°unwell¡± ever since then.

    He generally did not live in the Fu Ning Pce like every Darui emperor used to. Empress Dowager Gu didn¡¯t stop him from living here, but in addition to being where the Darui emperors live, it was also an inner court used for official discussions. Surely the Pce of Ganquan had reced this purpose when Empress Dowager Gu was the regent.

    However, after Empress Jiang failed to persuade the emperor of seizing power and decided to do it on her own, the ministers were fed up with running around between Pce of Ganquan and Zishen Pce. They unanimously proposed to restore the role of Fu Ning Pce to end the battle between the mother-inw and the daughter-inw.

    It was convenient for the ministers, but the emperor was fed up from being called by the Empress or the Empress Dowager to help out from time to time. He simply stayed in the harem and did not return easily.

    ¡°Maybe I remember it wrong. The things in this ce won¡¯t change casually.¡± The emperor was a bit bored. He didn¡¯t want toe today, but by the rules, he had to stay with the Empress on the first day of a month, especially the first day of the first lunar month.

    Empress Jiang wanted to wrestle with Empress Dowager Gu, and she brought him here.

    The poor emperor had no excuse to escape, so he could only remain seated.

    The crying of Commandery Princess Ningyi Qiu Yn ended with a profoundly sad pleading. The beautiful and delicate little girl was lying under the throne, full of hope in desperation. It was really touching.

    But the emperor didn¡¯t pay attention to what she said at all. However, Empress Jiang was wiping her tears with a handkerchief, and she asked him in a sad tone, ¡°Your Majesty, Qiu Mengmin is totally an animal! How could such a person bear the title of nobility? Is there justice in this world?¡±

    ¡°The empress was right.¡± The emperor said absentmindedly. What he was thinking now was that the Commandery Princess was quite pretty, and she would grow up to be a stunner. However, now that she publicly helped the Empress to go against Empress Dowager Gu, it was hard to tell if she could survive till then.

    Empress Jiang¡¯s mouth ticked with a proud smile, but the Empress Dowager Gu on the left side of the throne irritatedly yelled, ¡°What did you say? Son!¡±

    The emperor immediately flinched and said weakly, ¡°Mother... it¡¯s all up to you!¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty was saying that mother should be in charge of ordering the deprivation of Qiu Mengmin¡¯s title as Duke of Xihe, as well as the death of Lu! Empress Jiang pushed her handkerchief into her sleeve and squinted at Empress Dowager Gu. She shamelessly misinterpreted the emperor¡¯s words right on the spot, ¡°So unfaithful, unfilial, unkind and unjust! It would be a joke if he remains the Duke of Xihe!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu said angrily, ¡°The unfaithful, unfilial, unkind and unjust one is Ningyi! As a niece, she actuallyined of her uncle behind his back! In my opinion, the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe had raised a total ungrateful traitor all these years!¡±

    Since the Empress Dowager made such a statement, Madame Lu, Commandery Princess Ningtai and Princess Yang kneeling on the left of the throne cried immediately. Princess Yang stepped forward on her knees. She kept kowtowing and said, ¡°I beg you Empress Dowager to uphold justice for us! The Lord was filial all these years, and I have been taking great care of Commandery Princess Ningyi. I have no idea at all how I offend the Commandery Princess, that she wants to do this to us!¡±

    If Empress Jiang only said about death to Lu, Princess Yang could not wait to raise both hands and feet to approve it. However, Empress Jiang also wanted to deprive Qiu Mengmin¡¯s title of nobility. What position would this put Princess Yang and the two Commandery Princess Ningxin and Ningtai? Ningxin was born by Qiu Mengmin¡¯s first wife and Princess Yang didn¡¯t really care. However, Ningtai was her own daughter! Not to mention that she was still trying to win the position of Young Prince for her own son Qiu Yinzhi.

    Now Princess Yang could only try her best to discredit Qiu Yn in order to preserve Qiu Mengmin¡¯s title.

    But Qiu Yn was so vicious!

    It was her and Ruan Qingyan who beat Qiu Mengmin till he¡¯s beyond recognition and fainted.

    However, at this hall, the course of the incident became Qiu Mengmin¡¯s unwillingness to Empress Jiang¡¯s order when she said it. And Qiu Yn made up that Qiu Mengmin tried to intimidate her by harming himself and made her deny the disrespect of Qiu Mengmin to her official mother. As for Ruan Qingyan¡¯s entry, breaking the window, was described as a righteous act in a hurry as he was too worried about Qiu Mengmin. Qiu Yn specifically emphasized the word ¡°righteous¡± when she said it was obvious that she was asking for a reward for Ruan Qingyan.

    Princess Yang had been in charge of the mansion for years, and she has seen many shameless people. But someone at Qiu Yn¡¯s age who righteously use otherwise after beating her elders was far beyond her imagination.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t get rid of her this time, I¡¯m afraid she¡¯ll get better and better at this in the future.¡± As amazed as she was, deep fears came to Princess Yang¡¯s mind. She was just a little girl and already so vicious. If she was allowed to grow up, could the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe be able to restrain her?

    Although Princess Yang did not know about the poison Youmianxiang applied to General Ruan, but she knew that the death of Princess Ruan was closely rted to Madame Lu... The hatred between the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe and Qiu Yn was not something that could bepensated by the Prince¡¯s Mansion side.

    Therefore, Qiu Yn must die!

    Thinking of this, Princess Yang became cruel and ruthless. She cried fiercely, ¡°Yn! Do you have to see your uncle and aunt die? Alright, I¡¯ll die in front of you right now. I just beg you not to treat your poor brothers and sisters in the future.¡± She barely finished her sentence before she mmed her head towards the nearest staircase.

    ¡°Mother!¡± Qiu Jinzhu was terrified by the ident and she screamed.

    It was already toote when she realized what¡¯s happening and tried to hold her mother back.

    Fortunately, a eunuch ran out quickly and stopped her somehow with a Horsetail Whisk. Although Yang was bleeding heavily, she was not in danger.

    However, even though her life was not at risk, everyone else in the hall was shocked.

    Empress Jiang mmed on the table angrily and shouted, ¡°It¡¯s the Lunar New Year and you are in front of the emperor! How dare you do such an unlucky thing here? How did the Yang family teach their daughter? Drag her out immediately, don¡¯t let her die here, it¡¯s too unlucky!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu had also straightened her face. Yesterday, the Empress Dowager summoned Qiu Yn who was still in her mother¡¯s mourning period into the pce. She did not take the ¡°unlucky¡± omens that seriously. However, seeing blood in front of the emperor is way more serious than summoning a person in mourning period! The former, even in normal families, was an omen of the disaster of blood. As for the royal family... the more superstitious people might think of it as an omen for war!

    If there¡¯s really a war, the Jiang family in charge of the army would be more arrogant! This sign was too bad!

    However, Empress Dowager Gu hated being dominated by Empress Jiang even more, so she said immediately, ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for being driven to death by Commandery Princess Ningyi, Yang was a daughter of an official and a formal princess, how could she make such a known mistake? Yang did it wrong, but Commandery Princess Ningyi also cannot be forgiven!¡±

    ¡°You must be kidding me.¡± said Empress Jiang coldly. ¡°The Princess was forced tomit suicide in front of the emperor by the fatherless and motherless Commandery Princess, how dumb does that sound? Even if Yang really is so dumb, do you think nobody in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe would intervene? Will they just sit there and watch the thirteen-year-old Commandery Princess bully her Princess aunt in her thirties?¡±

    Empress Dowager¡¯s face straightened, ¡°It¡¯s exactly because she¡¯s fatherless and motherless that she¡¯s got such a bad manner! That she would bully her aunt! The Commandery Princess is just thirteen and she lost her parents. Everyone who knows this would sympathize with her at once. It was right that Yang treats her well, but she cried and shouted once she was aggrieved. As an aunt of hers, she has to apany his husband, take care of the Prince¡¯s Mansion, take care of her own children and the social rtionship during festivals. Who could withstand her endless provocation?¡±

    She nced at Empress Jiang and sneered, ¡°So don¡¯t get all empathized just because someone lost their parents at a young age. Often, it¡¯s the kind of people who are the most vicious and the most unreasonable! They fool others with their unfortunate life experience into thinking that they are helping them! But they don¡¯t know that who really needs help are dying!¡±

    Wow, now this was a real master!

    Qiu Yn waspletely speechless and she admired the speech so much!

    She thought that it was already shameless to describe how Qiu Mengmin fainted, but at least Qiu Mengmin was still fainted now and was not in the hall! However, Empress Dowager Gu made things up even she knew that Qiu Yn was kneeling right there, and it sounded so reasonable!

    Qiu Yn¡¯s most sympathetic thing had turned into her most despicable one as Empress Dowager Gu described it, and it had even be the reason for the Empress Dowager to scold the Empress for being too young and inexperienced!

    Fortunately, Empress Jiang was not so easily defeated, and she stared back unabashedly, ¡°ording to what you just said, it is likely that Yang deliberately bang herself against the stairs to win over your sympathy. You are indeed much older than me, but you shouldn¡¯t be so soft, and protect whoever tries to die. If so, there¡¯s no need for debating over official business in the future. Everyone should just simply jump into the Jinming Pool! How does that sound?¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu said coldly, ¡°What do you mean by protecting Commandery Princess Ningyi like this?¡±

    ¡°I am just trying to reason you!¡± Empress Jiang pointed at Madame Lu who was too old to bare kneeling for so long and sneered, ¡°This Lu, was officially expelled from the Prince¡¯s Mansion by Xihe old Princess at that time. However, after Qiu Mengmin inherited the title, he took her back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion and even respected her as Madame Lu. Despite that Qiu Mengmin ignores the order of his official mother, I don¡¯t remember the court giving her the title Madame.¡±

    Madame Lu¡¯s arrogance back at the Prince¡¯s Mansion was now long gone, and she argued timidly, ¡°It... it was just a name from the servants, the Prince did not...¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± A young eunuch in front of the Empress shouted loudly with a contemptuous tone, ¡°Did the Empress let you speak? You rude thing!¡±

    Empress Jiang didn¡¯t even bother looking at her, and she continued to say to Empress Dowager Gu, ¡°Qiu Mengmin was not filial to his official mother, how could he treat her granddaughter well? I have heard that the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe treated Princess Ruan¡¯s funeral very casually. This Princess Ruan was the mother of Commandery Princess Ningyi. They did not even wait for Commandery Princess Ningyi, who was not in the Prince¡¯s Mansion at that time. Fortunately, the heir of the Ruan Family came to pay homage, so that they barely buried her after the Ruans paid money and effort.¡±

    ¡°The only daughter of Princess Ruan was not with her when she died?¡± Empress Dowager Gu narrowed her eyes and keenly found a breach. She immediately asked sternly, ¡°You unfilial thing! How could you treat your mother like this?¡±

    Qiu Yn burst into tears in a second, ¡°My uncle forced me to visit my sick cousin in Mount Dizi.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense! How could someone ask a female cousin to visit a male cousin alone?¡± Empress Dowager Gu was furious. ¡°You must be toozy to serve your mother and make excuses to run away from her!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not the truth that Empress Dowager has just said!¡± Qiu Yn was relieved that she didn¡¯t use her of trying to seduce her cousin... Perhaps the marriage contract with Deng Yi had given the Empress Dowager a little bit of shame. She said without hesitation, ¡°I had failed your expectations, and I didn¡¯t dare to have a rtionship with your junior rtive anymore. I plead your Highness to terminate the marriage contract between young master Deng and I.¡±

    Didn¡¯t you say that I¡¯m bad in every way? Please despise me more, don¡¯t ever let me be part of the Deng¡¯s family!

 Chapter 30 - Solicit Patronage

    <strong>Chapter 30 Solicit Patronage</strong>

    ¡°You bastard!¡± Who would know that Empress Dowager Gu was so hard to cheat? She pounded the table and reproached them angrily, ¡°The engagement is so important to a person that you should not trifle with it! Who allows you to talk about rescission so easily!¡±

    Empress Jiang said, ¡°Mother, why do you turn to another topic? The matter of Qiu Mengmin is waiting for your imperial decree to unduke him!¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed in her heart. Empress Dowager Gu didn¡¯t simply push the boat with the current and easily broke off her engagement with Deng Yi in a temper. After she lost this hope, there was nothing noteworthy in two empresses¡¯ quarrel. It¡¯s merely something usual.

    Sure enough, after Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang¡¯s fierce quarreling, the result was still to hold court to discuss whether Qiu Mengmin was obedient or not after the Lantern Festival, saying that it should not disturb innocent ministers celebrating the Spring Festival only for Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe¡¯s private matters. But how could ministers keep calm and not start to prepare for it after they heard the news?

    ¡°This is still good. How would Gu Yan dare to do something openly to my cousin at this critical moment!¡± Qiu Yn was thinking about this, while she heard Empress Jiang told Empress Dowager Gu, ¡°Well, in these days, all people in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe except Commandery Princess Ningyi shall be grounded!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu coldly replied, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi is still in mourning. Where does she want to go?¡±

    ¡°Do you forget General Ruan?¡± Empress Jiang smiled softly and said, ¡°General Ruan has been in bad condition recently. He lost his daughter at the end ofst year, which brought him great pain. How could we now prevent his only granddaughter from going back and apanying him for some days?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this Ruan Qingyan the heir of Ruan Family?¡± Empress Dowager Gu sneered, ¡°As for their ages, these brother and sister....¡±

    Supposing the mean Empress Dowager would shamelessly talk some gossip about the single young man and woman, Empress Jiang said, ¡°Does mother think both of them are too young to take the duty of the General¡¯s Mansion? I also think so. But now there is no more capable person in Ruan Family. We could only ask them to be more careful and take good care of General Ruan.¡±

    The sullen Empress Dowager Gu was about to say something with a sour face, but the eunuch standing behind her suddenly stepped forward and whispered something. The Empress Dowager frowned and said, ¡°So, let Deng Yi give them a hand at times.¡±

    Empress Jiang¡¯s twitched the corner of her mouth and said, ¡°Deng Yi, won¡¯t he go to study?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just the first month of the lunar year. What¡¯s the hurry?¡± Empress Dowager Gu said proudly, ¡°With his talent, doesn¡¯t he need these few days to hurry up?¡±

    Empress Jiang looked around Qiu Yn, seeing her rxed and taking it easy, so she conceded and said, ¡°We¡¯ll do as mother said.¡±

    The farce today finally came to an end, and the emperor was obviously very good at capturing such moments. His gging spirit suddenly soared, and he blurted out, ¡°The son salute farewell to the mother empress!¡±

    Empress Jiang also very happily said, ¡°The daughter-inw salute farewell to the mother empress!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu had intended to take a cup of hot tea before leaving. Hearing this, she upset the teacup furiously and jumped to her feet. She then glumly swaggered off, without looking at her terrible son and daughter-inw even once.

    ¡°What happened to the Empress Dowager?¡± The sleepy emperor was confused.

    Qiu Yn standing under the red pedestal of the throne, bit her lips with great effort to keep fromughing and thought, ¡°Is this emperor a born fool?¡±

    Then she heard Empress Jiang said as if nothing had happened, ¡°The Empress Dowager upset the teacup, and of course, she hurries to go back and change her clothes.¡± After saying one sentence, she asked people to leave without giving the emperor any chance to talk.

    Without any doubt, Qiu Yn and Ruan Qingyan were softlyforted and were told to go back to General¡¯s Mansion to apany General Ruan.

    Princess Yang had just made blood seen in Fu Ning Pce. She was dragged out, and the bloodstain was also handled by eunuchs. But Qiu Jinzhu and Madame Lu were still kneeling in trembling. In Empress Jiang¡¯s present position, they won¡¯t be treated well.

    At this time, Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s age saved her, a ten-year-old girl, and it were her father and grandmother who were to me. Empress Jiang would not depreciate herself to argue with Qiu Jinzhu, so she just ignored her and instructed, ¡°Lu has been impolite, flog her 5 times as reward, and then expel her out of the pce!¡±

    It¡¯s hard to tell whether she would live or die after being flogged for 5 times for a woman as old as Madame Lu. Making an appointment with the Empress Dowager to debate on the court after the Lantern Festival, the Empress would not kill her now. But she would not let her live easily without punishment. What is more painful than any punishment is prestige. No matter how this affair would be resolved, Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe would be thoroughly discredited this time.

    But Qiu Yn didn¡¯t care at all. She silently thanked the old Princess of Xihe for her foresight. The old Princess officially kicked Madame Lu out of the Mansion formerly so that she, as the heir of the Mansion and Commandery Princess, did not need to im kin with this second grandmother. So, why would she care about the face of Madame Lu and even her life?

    After leaving the pce, she was mainly thinking about, ¡°Fortunately, Empress Dowager Gu just fought fiercely with Empress Jiang and took no care about the cousin.¡±

    Normally, a schr who had received both attention from the Empress Dowager and the Empress before the exam would have some advantage in the exam and future career. However, the situation for this year was different. Xue Chang was a member of the neutral party. By ¡°neutral party¡±, we meant they worked justly and impartially. And more importantly, they kept bnce in the two empresses¡¯ power struggle and never revealed any w.

    In the situation today, if Empress Dowager Gu or Jiang Empress revealed a clear attitude towards Ruan Qingyan, whether it¡¯s positive or negative, due to the hostility between the two empresses, the other party would react the other way. So, if Xue Chang admitted such person into the court and this schr then became his disciple, he could imagine how troublesome it would be.

    If Qiu Yn were the examiner under this circumstance, she would let him fail in the exam directly! Who would know what Xue Chang would do? Ruan Qingyan was not as talented as already well-known in the whole country, so even if he was not admitted, nobody would doubt the fairness of the exam!

    Therefore now, as Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t attract both empresses¡¯ attention, Qiu Yn rxed.

    Ruan Qingyan also understood this and calmly said, ¡°You have made such a big trouble for Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, and even Empress Dowager Gu has been insinuated. How could the Empress Dowager care about other things? As Empress Jiang is supporting you, of course, she would not make me into trouble.¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled and grabbed his arm, ¡°Cousin, are you unhappy? me me for talking about Qiu Mengmin¡¯s matter before you? I¡¯ve got no other way. You have to take the exam! So many matters are involved in at this critical moment, how could you escape from being continuously inquired on the court after the Lantern Festival? I am free anyway. Besides, if you, my cousin could pass the exam, being a Jinshi and further an official, you will protect me better, won¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°... How old are you to be so clinging?¡± Ruan Qingyan struggled for a while. He didn¡¯t struggle hard within such a tiny room in the carriage, so he was still held by Qiu Yn. Ruan Qingyan looked helpless, but actually with joy in his eyes, and he said softly, ¡°You¡¯ve already been a big girl!¡±

    ¡°I am always your younger sister no matter how old I am!¡± Qiu Yn said sweetly.

    These words made Ruan Qingyan wild with joy. He vigorously clenched his fists and released, calming down and smiled, ¡°Thank to one word of the Empress, we can reunite happily with grandfather for half a month.¡±

    In fact, Ruan Qingyan had been too happy. Days calmly passed, but the imagined half month¡¯s joy for the family was interrupted by an unbidden guest just on the 5th day of the month.

    Unluckily, he couldn¡¯t afford to drive this unbidden guest away!

    Because the guest is just the youngest son of Earl of Jingchuan, Ling Zui, the so-called young master Ling in the capital.

    Ling Zui was the same age as Ruan Qingyan. Qiu Yn was lying behind the window and peeking. She found that unlike the yboy-style nickname of this young master, this person looked like nothing about foppery. He is white and handsome in shining sumptuous clothes, with bright eyes and graceful eyebrows, and his behavior can¡¯t help to divulge sophistication and elegance. Everything was showing that he was rich, handsome and well-educated.

    Further, it seemed like he was beyond looked sophisticated but actually was well-educated. Qiu Yn thought like this because she heard his greetings with Ruan Qingyan. There were more than 5 to 6 sentences that cited proverbs and allusions that she didn¡¯t understand at all.

    However, men shall not be judged only by their looks. This guy had been renowned for his romance two years ago within the capital. He had so many lovers that Gu Yan may fail topete with him.

    There was surely nothing serious when such a person came to visit, especially when he brought another person.

    He brought a female guest here, who did not reunite with her family during the New Year but ran to the General¡¯s Mansion with an infamous young master. So possibly, she was the same kind of woman as Hua Shenshen.

    But if looked closely at this woman whom Ruan Qingyan called ¡°the Girl, Peni Yue,¡± she was not like a seductress.

    Peni Yue was about 16 or 17 years old, and she should have ancestries of the Northern barbarian tribes. Her contours of the facial features were deeper than ordinary people, with long eyshes and bright eyes. Her skin was white and dazzling and she was in very good shape. Regarding looks, she and Hua Shenshen can be described as orchids and daisies, each with its own merits.

    She was also very tall, almost as tall as Ling Zui, who was a medium height man. Her hair was Huixin style, with two jade round hair sps inserted obliquely, and the bottom of hair sps was already taller than Ling Zui. There was no other ornament except this pair of round hair sps. She wore light blue silk clothes and a simple dress. It seemed like she didn¡¯t use rouge to make-up, with her lips almost pale.

    However, the reason why Qiu Yn thought she was not a seductress was not her simple dress and make-up, but her temperament, which was totally opposite to her shape and appearance and could be described with an entire piece of so.

    But Qiu Yn described it as simple as possible, a cold powerful Lolita within a maturedy¡¯s shape!

    In the era of her previous life when the zombies haven¡¯te out, only an ordinary photo of this girl would attract countless people to sumb.

    Unfortunately, it¡¯s a pity that she was not living in a good time that she was just a performer in a brothel.

    Ling Zui had finished greetings. He did not need to be embarrassed to visit and ask Ruan Qingyan for some advantage because of his noble blood. Ling Zui came to the point directly, ¡°Today is the 5th day. After the Spring Festival, you would take the exam. But how could you know nothing about the formerly agreed beauty pageant? Spring House asked one of Empress Dowager¡¯s favorite princes, Prince Zhou, to support them this time, with their full effort aiming to defeat Miss Yue¡¯s Jinpa Pavilion....¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my young master!¡± Ruan Qingyan followed, ¡°I¡¯ve prepared for it... Dongran!¡± Dongran answered by offering up a thick wad of silver notes.

    Then Peni Yue gently opened her lips and thanked him lightly. The sound lines were simr to her temperament, which both were fresh and cool. The coldness made people feel she was high above and far away.

    So, he just came to solicit patronage! Qiu Yn felt disappointed after peeking and eavesdropping. She thought it was rted to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe!

    As soon as she was about to leave secretly on tiptoes, her wish to get in touch with the guests concerning Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was realized. Chunran patted on her shoulder and asked her to a ce where they would not disturb the reception room. Chunran dry coughed and reported, ¡°The young master Deng ising, but our young master isn¡¯t free at present... So Commandery Princess, what should we....¡±

    ¡°Let me meet with him,¡± Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°What are they thinking about during this New Year days? Why does everyone go outside instead of staying at home!¡±

    Chunran grabbed her, ¡°The young master said, no matter who you want to see, Young Prince of Duke of Guangyang or the Young Master of Deng Family, he must be with you!¡±

    ¡°So, what you mean to report this to me?¡± Qiu Yn was surprised and thought, ¡°Didn¡¯t youe to call me to greet the guests?¡±

    ¡°Maid ising to ask you to meet with the old general,¡± Chunran was awkward and said, ¡°Qiuran has asked Young Master Deng to rest for a while in some other yards.¡±

    Qiu Yn was speechless and said, ¡°I get it. Don¡¯t let Deng Yie alone. If Gu Yan is noting with him, that would be OK, and I could meet him.¡± This guy really came to learn now!

 Chapter 31 - Misogyny

    <h4>Chapter 31 Misogyny</h4>

    Deng Yi wore a crust green ribbing robe with folded datura in a dark embroidery pattern. He also wore a brocade belt, covered with a purplish-blue wide-sleeved double-breasted open-fronted robe. A suet jade hairpin was twined around his bun. The colors of his clothes were dull, the essories were simple, and his expression was indifferent. But he was as beautiful as spring flowers. A potted peony urged by the greenhouse on the high desk behind him were blooming. The flowers were red, and the leaves were green. But it looked like the flowers were not as beautiful as him.

    The little attendant who came with him was handsome, but he was gloomy behind him.

    Qiu Yn came in. Because she didn¡¯t know where this attendant belonged, she bickered with Deng Yi coldly in a few words before leading him to greet General Ruan.

    General Ruan cannot even respond to his granddaughter. And of course, he couldn¡¯t respond to her future husband too.

    Although Deng Yi was indifferent and had a bad temper, he was still respectful to the elders. Faced with unconscious General Ruan, he did not show dislike. He patiently apanied him to talk and wiped his saliva twice. And he remembered to tuck the sheets when he left.

    The problem was that when he stood up, he was still holding the handkerchief, which he used to wipe General Ruan¡¯s saliva at this time.

    Xishi, one of the maids who especially served General Ruan, respectfully came to take it with two hands and identally touched Deng Yi¡¯s fingertips.

    Qiu Yn clearly saw this scene on one side. It was a coincidence that Xishi absolutely had no intention of teasing. But Deng Yi¡¯s face was livid immediately! He trembled his lips and scolded ¡°b*tch¡±, and then staggered towards the door! He almost bumped into Qiu Yn when he ran past her, but he didn¡¯t stop!

    Qiu Yn followed him with a shock. She saw he directly throw himself into the snow after going out. He grabbed the snow and rubbed the ce where he was touched by Xishi. And it seemed that he was stained with something disgusting. Even his indifferent expression showed deep hatred!

    ¡°... Get some hot water!¡± Qiu Yn suddenly realized that Kang Jinzhang seemed to have said before he died that Deng Yi hated girls....

    Uh, hated to that extent? Xishi was so aggrieved that she was going to burst out crying!

    Su He fetched some hot water. Qiu Yn called him a few times but he didn¡¯t move. So, she asked his attendant to pull him into the house. And then, he used a bunch of flower dew and soaps with seven or eight pots of water altogether. He almost rubbed off severalyers of his hands¡¯ skin. At this time, Deng Yi¡¯s forehead was already full of tiny sweat beads, and then he took the silk handkerchief handed over by his attendant and dried his hands. Fortunately, he did not continue to ask for water.

    Qiu Yn breathed a sigh of relief. She really didn¡¯t know how tofort his psychological addiction. So, she changed the topic, ¡°It¡¯s almost noon, do you want to have a meal?¡±

    Deng Yi looked at her emotionlessly, ¡°OK.¡±

    So, this thing passed. Qiu Yn asked Su He tofort Xishi and went to the front yard to call a few servants to serve Deng Yi when she asked someone to take the meal....

    However, Ruan Qingyan, who received the news of Deng Yi¡¯sing, came in person to invite him before attendants came. He said, ¡°I was with young master Ling just now. I told the servants not to disturb because we were negotiating important matters. Unfortunately, I neglect you.... Please go to the front hall for talking.¡± He also pretended to shout at Qiu Yn, who didn¡¯t know the rules and didn¡¯t tell him in time that Deng Yi was here.

    But Ruan Qingyan said again without waiting for Deng Yi to speak, ¡°My cousin is young and ignorant. Fortunately, you are so generous that you don¡¯t care about it.¡±

    Deng Yi did not like to speak, so he snorted. And then he followed Ruan Qingyan.

    Qiu Yn jumped anxiously behind. She gesticted and asked Chunran to pull up. Anyway, she kept Dongran here, ¡°Peni Yue is in the front. How can we let Deng Yi know?!¡±

    Neglecting Deng Yi was just neglecting. It¡¯s nothing to say that he neglected Deng Yi because Ling Zui came first. Everyone knew the decline of General¡¯s Mansion over the years. And it was not surprising that servants did something wrong. Ruan Qingyan, who just arrived, was not to me.

    However, Deng Yi was neglected because he was discussing with young master Ling about how to tter a prostitute. This was not just a matter of scorning Deng Yi.

    Ruan Qingyan had associated with a prostitute when it was filial piety period for Princess Ruan and General Ruan was sick abed. It was as unfilial as Qiu Mengmin! If this was caught by Empress Dowager Gu, she would drown inughter! Because Deng Yi and Empress Dowager Gu were at the same party!

    Fortunately, Dongran said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Your Grace. Young masteres here just now. Because he just sent Miss Peni Yue! Now there was only young master Ling in front.¡±

    ¡°The Young master Ling is so annoying.¡± Qiu Yn calmed down, and could not helpining, ¡°Now it¡¯s Spring Festival. He came here without informing. And he also took Peni Yue?!¡± You didn¡¯t have to take her if you were raising money? Ruan Qingyan gave you money for your sake, not for her!

    Qiu Yn just saw it clearly behind the window. Ruan Qingyan was very kind to Peni Yue. And he asionally said a few jokes as Ling Zui thought. But there was no addiction in his eyes. This cousin had great ambition. It could be seen from his deliberate choice of Xue Chang as a teacher that he had nned his career long time ago. This kind of person knew the truth of ¡°In books, you can find glowing beauty.¡± How could he be easily bewildered by beauty?

    Dongranforted her smilingly, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s Peni Yue who wants to see our young master.... Anyway, they are persons who like acting sometimes. Don¡¯t be angry, Your Grace. Young master can handle these things!¡±

    Seeing Dong Ran repeatedly assured that Ruan Qingyan couldpletely control the situation, Qiu Yn had to apany General Ruan for a while and returned to Lvqiang Court to find something to do because she was useless.

    But the first lunar month was the most leisure time of the year apart from visiting rtives.

    Mrs. Zhou was sad when she mentioned this, ¡°After the defeat of the old general and our Prince¡¯s death in battle....¡±

    Qiu Yn listened to her patiently. She concluded that the fall of power in Qiu Family and Ruan Family, Qiu Mengmin and his son¡¯s deliberate obstruction and General Ruan¡¯s refusal of guests after suffering made it impossible for her to visit rtives here....

    ¡°I can¡¯t go on like this. I don¡¯t have any connections!¡± Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°There is no wonder that my cousin descends to ask a prostitute to be intermediary.... Mrs. Zhou, please list all the rtives that we normally can pay a visit to. And I will look at itter.¡±

    Mrs. Zhou said joyfully, ¡°Now the first lunar month is not over....¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s uneasy to visit now!¡± Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°Empress Dowager and Empress Jiang have scheduled a battle after the Lantern Festival.... Uh, I mean Qiu Mengmin¡¯s thing is very sensitive now. Don¡¯t let these people think I was a lobbyist for Empress Jiang, or I am going to bully and trouble them! How can I restore the old rtionship?¡±

    Mrs. Zhou felt pitiful, ¡°Then, when can you move around?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to hurry. I have to be familiar with the recent situation since we haven¡¯t contact with others for a long time. And I pick some useful families, right?¡± Qiu Yn stopped because she remembered that Mrs. Zhou couldn¡¯t read or write. She sat in front of the desk and let Xiaran grind the ink. And then she asked Mrs. Zhou to dictate and she wrote down.

    Thank goodness. The original skills were all retained, including calligraphy....

    However, Qiu Yn happened to hit the bottom of the desk as she wrote. A small hidden drawer slipped out of the side of the desk with a ¡°click¡±!

    Everyone was stunned!

    ¡°Did cousin put it?¡± Qiu Yn asked Chunran and Xiaran in wonder.

    Chunran and Xiaran looked at each other and shook their heads, ¡°It is Qiuran and Dongran who clean the Young Master¡¯s inner chamber. We haven¡¯te in before.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t the past member of Ruan Family put it?¡± Qiu Yn nced at the zed box which size was like a girl¡¯s palm in the dark drawer. It had fine texture and it was sparkling and clear, which made it clear to see the contents inside, like a ball of hays.

    Qiu Yn was curious. She thought that even if Ruan Qingyan put it.... Anyway, it had been seen. Look at it again.... Should it be OK?

    She simply put down her writing brush and took out the zed box to look carefully.

    Chunran and Xiaran didn¡¯t say anything because they didn¡¯t know if this thing was Ruan Qingyan¡¯s and if Qiu Yn could see it.

    Qiu Yn looked at it for a moment. And she found that they were not hays, but dried flowers, which looked like chrysanthemums. It was hard to judge the original type and color of it now. But it was quite old, and it did not look like a collection that was processed after rigorous procedures.

    ¡°This thing... is worth treasuring?¡± Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t see any strange things in the dried flowers. She shook her head and put it back. And she signaled Mrs. Zhou to continue.

    At dusk, Ruan Qingyan came over.

    Qiu Yn asked him about Ling Zui and Deng Yi. He said, ¡°Young master Ling went back to apany his mother, Princess Maode. As for Deng Yi, he wanted to stay, so I asked someone to clean up Cuiwei Pavilion for him.¡±

    Cuiwei Pavilion was far away from Lvqiang Court¡ªIt was clear that Ruan Qingyan was wary of Deng Yi. But ording to Deng Yi¡¯s disgust for women, perhaps the problem was him, even he lived in Lvqiang Court?

    Suddenly Ruan Qingyan looked at her with a faint smile while she wasining in her heart, ¡°Are you happy to eavesdrop?¡±

    ¡°Uh...¡± Qiu Yn ingratiated herself with him by smiling, ¡°I won¡¯t do it again!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan was very straightforward, ¡°How can a girl from a well-bred family break the rules?! Copy Women¡¯s Stories a hundred times! Submit before the Lantern Festival!¡±

    ... What should I do if I suddenly have an impulsion not to have a cousin? Qiu Yn quickly changed the topic, ¡°By the way! Where did the thing in the secretpartment in your deske from? Is it yours?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan¡¯s face was stiff, ¡°How did you find it?¡±

    ¡°I identally hit it and it came out.¡± Qiu Yn said innocently, ¡°What are the dried flowers in that box?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan looked at her deeply and said indifferently, ¡°It¡¯s ¡®Nijin Baoxi¡¯.¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn was confused, his eyes shed with disappointment, ¡°Haven¡¯t you seen it at Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe? It is a famous type in chrysanthemums. And its color is as bright as gold. Because of its festive name, it was in the dowry when aunt married.... I remember some are nted in the yard where you live. ¡±

    Without waiting for Qiu Yn to speak, Ruan Qingyan had returned to ordinary looking, and he said lightly, ¡°Well, do you have any other things? If not, you can copy Women¡¯s Stories quickly! If I know you do this kind of thing again, which loses the status as a girl from a well-bred family... Please think about the consequence!¡±

    It was only a few days! How did you change from a good brother to a teaching aunt?! Did you show your true self because we were familiar?!

    Qiu Yn was sad and speechless....

 Chapter 32 - The True Face of Cousin

    <strong>Chapter 32 The True Face of Cousin</strong>

    The next day. After Qiu Yn washed and dressed up, she visited General Ruan as usual. She saw that Ruan Qingyan and Deng Yi stood at the left and right side of General Ruan¡¯s couch when she just entered. One beat his shoulders and another kneaded legs. They were attentive to General Ruan.

    She was stunned for a while. Deng Yi turned his head and stared at her fiercely while kneading General Ruan¡¯s legs. She suddenly realized¡ªRuan Qingyan must guard him as a thief. So, he had no chance to see her. And he stayed here because she had toe here to greet General Ruan.

    Sure enough, Ruan Qingyan, who was beating General Ruan¡¯s shoulders on the other side, said with a fake smile when she hadn¡¯t spoken yet, ¡°You came, cousin? Come to talk with grandfather. I will apany young master Deng to the study room¡ªYou are really toilsome this morning, young master Deng!¡±

    Deng Yi said with a grimace, ¡°I have something to say to Commandery Princess Ningyi alone.¡±

    ¡°Your request was presumptuous.¡± Ruan Qingyan was immediately angry, ¡°Even if you have an engagement, you haven¡¯t married after all! Wouldn¡¯t this ruin my sister¡¯s fame? My grandfather is sick, and my aunt was gone. I can¡¯t be regardless of my cousin¡¯s future! Please say it in front of me if you want to say something!¡±

    From yesterday to today, Deng Yi requested him several times to let him see Qiu Yn. But he was rejected by Ruan Qingyan in various ways. If he hadn¡¯t waited for Qiu Yn toe over now, he would have suspected that they were ying with him. Unexpectedly, Ruan Qingyan still obstructed him when Qiu Yn came. He almost got mad in his heart. And he said with a somber expression on his face, ¡°You are only the cousin of Commandery Princess Ningyi, and you don¡¯t have Qiu as your surname. Why do you say so much nonsense!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan was not angry and he smiled lightly, ¡°But my cousin is in General¡¯s Mansion now. This is the ce of Ruan Family. I can¡¯t bear the responsibility if something happens to my cousin here!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Deng Yi would go up and give him a punch if he lost his mind!

    He was toozy to beat around the bush. He looked at Qiu Yn and gnashed his teeth. And he asked directly, ¡°About the thing you promised me that night, do you want to....¡±

    Hearing the words ¡°evening¡± and ¡°promise,¡± not only the people present were wide-eyed, but also Ruan Qingyan stood up directly. He asked with a pale face, ¡°Which night?! What is it!¡±

    Qiu Yn nced at Deng Yi speechlessly. ¡ª You were seeking death! Jiang Yashuang just said a few words in the middle of the night, but Cousin Ruan wanted to peel his skin! Did you think your lifespan was too long!?

    Sure enough, Ruan Qingyan asked Qiu Yn with a pale face. But there was a murderous gleam hard to hide in his eyes when he looked at Deng Yi!

    ¡°... Cousin, don¡¯t be angry. In fact, ... he wants to worship me as a teacher!¡± Qiu Yn exined embarrassingly, and she pulled Su He out, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask Su He!¡± It was estimated that her credit was not enough because she yed too many little tricks these two days.

    But Su He gave her an answer that made her speechless, ¡°I was almost dead that day and I didn¡¯t hear what you and young master Deng said.¡±

    Fortunately, Ruan Qingyan was still a little rational, and he asked expressionlessly, ¡°Young master Deng?!¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Unfortunately, Deng Yi wasted this opportunity. He said without thinking, ¡°How can I worship you as a teacher?!¡±

    So he was lifted up by Ruan Qingyan who grabbed his cor immediately!

    ¡°I, I just want to learn Kung Fu from Commandery Princess Ningyi!!!¡± After all, he was a young Xiucai. Deng Yi finally understood his current situation because he was out of breath by the tight cor. And then he shouted in panic, ¡°I didn¡¯t say worshiping! Why should I worship her as a teacher? Commandery Princess Ningyi is younger than me!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan stared at him with a sullen look on his face for a long while. He snorted and dropped Deng Yi until his legs were weak. And then Ruan Qingyan turned his head and asked Qiu Yn, ¡°When did you learn Kung Fu? And he even knew?¡±

    ¡°I almost killed him in the pce....¡± Qiu Yn exined in detail resentfully the part that was deliberately passed in thest description. Ruan Qingyan frowned immediately and reprimanded her severely as she thought.

    Deng Yi was scared just now, but he was also very courageous when he regained consciousness. He adjusted his robe and calmed down. He even dared to keep up insisting on Qiu Yn fulfilling her agreement.

    Anyway, they had already had a conflict. Additionally, Deng Yi, the grandniece of Empress Dowager, wanted to learn Kung Fu secretly from his fianc¨¦e who almost killed him, instead of trying to find a way to worship.... Ruan Qingyan saw through the inside story at a nce. He also lost his previous politeness and said with a sullen face, ¡°Since my cousin has promised, let me teach you!¡±

    Deng Yi was dissatisfied, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi agreed at that time....¡± He was so impressed that Qiu Yn even killed two bodyguards at that time. Even if he wanted to keep this from his family, he also didn¡¯t want to find somebody casually to learn.

    ¡°My cousin¡¯s skill can only beat weak schrs just like you!¡± Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t see the scene in person, but he estimated based on what he knew. He could not help sneering at Deng Yi who was inexperienced. In order to prove this, he told servants to bring up a porcin tea bowl. He rubbed it in front of Deng Yi. And the porcin tea bowl turned into fallen porcin powder. ¡°If you really want to learn Kung Fu, you should wee if I am willing to teach you!¡±

    Of course, the implication was that you watched me show such a skill, you were definitely unwilling to learn Kung Fu if you still entangled my cousin! You must have an ulterior motive!

    Not only Deng Yi, but also Qiu Yn was stunned when she saw the porcin tea bowl easily turned into porcin powder by him! Although the killing skills she practiced in thest phase were extremely effective, they were all kinds of exquisite skills that had nothing to do with internal force. She blurted out at this time, ¡°I also want to learn!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan stared at her fiercely, ¡°Learn needlework first!¡±

    At this time, Deng Yi revived from the shock, ¡°You... are you really willing to teach me such skill?¡±

    ¡°My cousin promised you. I will certainly teach you.¡± Ruan Qingyan proudly said, ¡°But if you want to learn to this extent, you have to endure unimaginable hardship. If you can¡¯t endure, in that way....¡±

    ¡°I want to learn!¡± Deng Yi took a deep breath and said straightforwardly!

    Ruan Qingyan saw that he didn¡¯t seem to be in disguise, then his face softened and said, ¡°You and I are about the same age. You don¡¯t need to worship me as a teacher. I just return the favor for my cousin.... You go back to Cuiwei Pavilion first. I will test your levelter and think about how to start.¡±

    Deng Yi asked worriedly, ¡°Will you regardless of me just like yesterday that you deceived me to Cuiwei Pavilion and locked the door?¡± Now Qiu Yn knew more about the limit of Ruan Qingyan....

    ¡°Can I lock you up until Lantern Festival?¡± Ruan Qingyan smiled.

    ... After Deng Yi left, Ruan Qingyan struck servants that they should hold their tongues unless they would ruin Qiu Yn¡¯s fame. And then, Qiu Yn was dragged into the next room by him. He sternly asked if she concealed any other things!

    Although Ruan Qingyan gradually showed his true face, would he easily control Qiu Yn? This was impossible!

    So, Qiu Yn shamelessly yed her trump card when she was questioned for less than three sentences, ¡°I will say nothing! Will you hit me!?¡±

    Would Ruan Qingyan hit her? No, he wouldn¡¯t.... So, he could only try his best to touch her in the end. But Qiu Yn¡¯s hard heart was the same as her killing skills. They were thoroughly tempered in thest phase. And she wouldn¡¯t change if she decided.

    ¡°Are the girls so vexing when they grow up?¡± Ruan Qingyan watched her go away proudly. He shook his head and asked the maid next to Dongran. Dongran, two or three years older than Qiu Yn, said carefully, ¡°Commandery Princess does have more ideas.¡±

    ¡°She is still young...¡± Ruan Qingyan sighed and said with a down mood, ¡°Ask Deng Yi to practice horse stance first when youe to Cuiwei Pavilion!¡±

    Dongran asked, ¡°Are you going to teach him by yourself, young master? It is imperial examination in spring ahead.¡±

    ¡°Let him practice horse stance until I finish the exam.¡± Ruan Qingyan said absentmindedly, ¡°I teach him by myself... If he is willing to break off the engagement to my cousin, I can teach him some; if he is unwise, I will trouble him!¡±

    Dongran covered her mouth and smiled, ¡°You said you would be refined when you got here.¡±

    ¡°Cousin is not here.¡± Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t have a refined temperament as a mncholy superb young master anymore. He looked haughty and behavedzily. He squinted at the gray sky outside the window, and said lightly, ¡°Grandfather wouldn¡¯t know if I am good or bad since he was sick... Why should I pretend when my cousin isn¡¯t here?!¡±

    After being domineering for a while, he sighed again and again, ¡°I don¡¯t know how many things my cousin had hidden from me? I really trembled with fear for her.... Why is she so disobedient? I don¡¯t know if she was like this when aunt was alive?¡±

    Thinking of Princess Ruan, Ruan Qingyan¡¯s eyes dimmed....

    Qiu Yn was not as worried as Ruan Qingyan after returning to Lvqiang Court.

    She had lunch in a good mood. And she practiced boxing in the yard at noon because General Ruan had to sleep. After finishing, General Ruan had not woken up and she thought about finding something to do. But Qiuran came suddenly, and she said solemnly, ¡°Qu Shan¡¯s family is here. Young master asked you to the front hall, Your Grace!¡±

    ¡°Qu Shan?¡± Qiu Yn was stunned for a moment. It seemed that she was familiar with this name. Mrs. Zhou beside said to Su He surprisingly, ¡°Didn¡¯t they being sold far away by Lady Yuqing? How will theye back?¡±

    Qiu Yn suddenly remembered after being reminded that there were other servants besides Mrs. Zhou and Su He who served them when Princess Ruan was alive. However, Princess Yang and Qiu Yuqing took away all the good things after Princess Ruan passed away. They even sold and drove away their servants.

    Mrs. Zhou was too old to be sold. And Su He was so good-looking that Qiu Yuqing wanted to sell her at a high price, so she didn¡¯t sell her temporarily. But Qiu Yn came back at this time. So, she released them and let them continue to serve her. That was how they survived.

    Qu Shan was one of the servants who served Princess Ruan before. His family was working in the kitchen. Qu Shan was in charge of purchasing. His wife and mother were female cooks. And his daughter was an unskilled maid. The couple were just in the prime of their lives. The mother cooked good food, and the daughter was smart and diligent. Mrs. Zhou said that they were sold first.... And the ce was not close!

    Qiuran said, ¡°It seems that the buyer had trouble?¡±

    So, they came to ask me to take them in? Qiu Yn thought it was not that simple.

 Chapter 33 - A Cousin Who Cares for You like Your Mother

    <h4>Chapter 33 A Cousin Who Cares for You like Your Mother</h4>

    ¡°Your Grace!¡± Seeing Qiu Yning out, Qu Shan and his family were all excited.

    Qu Shan¡¯s mother, Mrs. Li was about sixty. She was born in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe and had a talent for cooking. When she was only over 20, she took charge of the old Princess¡¯ diet.

    When the old Princess of Xihe passed away, Qiu Mengmin was in charge. He didn¡¯t trust the servants of his official mother, so he sold most of them. Qu Shan¡¯s family was supposed to be sold as well, but Princess Ruan kept them and some other servants, so they started serving Princess Ruan and her daughter.

    It could be said that his family watched Qiu Yn grow up, so they had a unique feeling for her.

    Now when the master and the servants saw each other again after a long time, Mrs. Li couldn¡¯t help bursting into tears. Sobbing and bowing down on her knees, she said, ¡°I couldn¡¯t imagine that I would see Your Grace again!¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Li, please stand up!¡± Qiu Yn was shocked by her act and hurried to reach her.

    After she persuaded the Qu family to stand up and when they calmed down, Qiu Yn asked, ¡°Mrs. Li, didn¡¯t you leave the Jing City?¡±

    As Mrs. Zhou recalled, the Qu family was sold to an official who was relegated to a distant ce, probably to Lingnan. Mrs. Li was old, and transportation was difficult at this time. If she did go to Lingnan, they would never meet again, so her excitement was no exaggeration.

    ¡°My family indeed was sold to Prefect Wu, who was going to Lingnan for office, and was taken out of the Jing City,¡± Mrs. Li just regained herposure but cried again after being asked, ¡°But before the Lunar New Year, before we arrived in Jiangnan, Prefect Wu resigned because his parent passed away! So, he took us to his hometown, which was in a county three day¡¯s walk away from Jing City. The other day, someone came and said he would buy us back to Prince¡¯s Mansion under your order. Prefect Wu asked for my will and we certainly love to go back and serve Your Grace....¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s heart sunk and looked at Ruan Qingyan who was also looking at her, saying, ¡°I didn¡¯t know where you were sold. How could I buy you back?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Your Grace,¡± Mrs. Li sobbed, ¡°Actually those people were sent by Prince and Princess Yang to kill us. On the way back to the Jing City, they showed their true colors and was going to bind us to stones and throw us into the river! Luckily, General Jiang and his people came in time, and we were able to see Your Grace again!¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s face was livid and said, ¡°And then? Did Jiang Ya... General Jiang say anything?¡±

    ¡°General Jiang escorted us to the Jing City and told us toe here to Your Grace for shelter.¡± Mrs. Li lifted her sleeve to wipe her tears and begged, ¡°We have always been nning to serve Your Grace and Princess for our whole life. Before Princess passed away, she told us to take good care of Your Grace! Now that we meet again, please take us!¡±

    Before Mrs. Li¡¯s voice faded, behind her, Qu Shan had silently held a set of ve contracts up with both hands.

    Qiu Yn sighed. She didn¡¯t take the ve contracts but said, ¡°Mrs. Li, I won¡¯t hide it from you. I think it is because of me that you were almost killed.¡±

    ¡°How can we me Your Grace? Although I¡¯m not clever, I know the fact that I served old Princess is disliked by Prince and Princess Yang,¡± hearing this, Mrs. Li had noints but smiled bitterly, ¡°It seems that by selling us to Prefect Wu, Lady Yuqing showed mercy. But if Prefect Wu didn¡¯t resign and return to his hometown, if we had followed him to Lingnan where poisonous air and diseases were everywhere, I would have already died on the road! Qu Shan and my other family are not so good in health either. They might also have died! The masters in Prince¡¯s Mansion obviously nned to exchange our lives for some money!¡±

    She took the ve contracts from Qu Shan¡¯s hands, staggered over and put them in Qiu Yn¡¯s hands, ¡°Your Grace, don¡¯t you want us to serve you?¡±

    So far Qiu Yn had to take the ve contracts. She had mixed feelings, but Ruan Qingyan smiled lightly. He thought now that the Qu family was former servants of Princess Ruan and was almost killed by Qiu Mengmin¡¯s people, he could trust them. He had been worried that there were not enough servants around Qiu Yn. Now Qu Shan and his family came back, his worry could be relieved.

    Thus, when he saw Qiu Yn took the contracts, he immediately rewarded them with 50 silver taels as a praise for their loyalty on behalf of her.

    Qiuran and Mrs. Zhou went to help Qu Shan¡¯s family settle down. Ruan Qingyan discussed with Qiu Yn, ¡°It seems that by agreeing to deal with Qiu Mengmin after the Lantern Festival, Empress Dowager Gu aimed to give him a chance to kill the witnesses!¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s face didn¡¯t look good, ¡°We didn¡¯t think of this. But even if we thought of it, it was no use, for we don¡¯t have so many men! It¡¯s lucky that the Jiang Family thought of it.¡±

    She frowned, ¡°Actually, as witnesses are all servants, they are not so reliable. I¡¯m worried about the evidence.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan said, ¡°You mean the genealogy? I guess it¡¯s hard to tamper with it.¡±

    ording to the rules at this time, only the wife can be written down in the genealogy. As for concubines, only if they gave birth to a son could they be recorded.

    Madame Lu had Qiu Mengmin, so the genealogy had had her name. But old Princess drove her out officially, which meant not only Madame Lu never coulde back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion before old Princess died, but old Princess ordered to delete her name from the genealogy!

    In this way, Madame Lu¡¯s rtion to the Prince¡¯s Mansion had beenpletely cut off!

    She was not even allowed to go back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion to mourn for the old Princess¡¯s death and take this opportunity to regain her position!

    ¡°If it were hard to make some change to the genealogy, why would Qiu Mengmin sent his men to kill Mrs. Li¡¯s family?¡± Qiu Yn shook her head and said, ¡°I guess not only Mrs. Li, but other servants are being killed.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan thought for a while and said, ¡°The genealogy is the most important thing in a family, and it will be hard to make changes. Especially it was 30 years ago when old Princess drove Lu out. If they wrote her name now, the ink marks would reveal it was newly added!¡±

    ¡°If it can¡¯t be changed,¡± his words didn¡¯t reassure Qiu Yn and she said calmly, ¡°the simplest way is to ruin the genealogy! A charge of poorly preserving the genealogy is better than a disrespect to the official mother! Also, in this way, Lu¡¯s identity is blurred. It¡¯s possible that under the support of Empress Dowager, Lu can gain a title of old Princess.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Ruan Qingyan sneered aloud.

    He recovered hisposure and said, ¡°Empress Jiang intended to take this as an innuendo about Empress Dowager Gu. Even if Empress Dowager Gu wanted to make Lu the old Princess, Empress Jiang would not agree. The Empress and Empress Dowager are evenly matched. It¡¯s hard for Qiu Mengmin to get away with it.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought for a moment and suggested, ¡°What about we invite Jiang Yashuang here and ask him the current situation?¡± After the Lantern Festival, they would deal with Empress Dowager Gu as a team. If they didn¡¯t exchange information now, how could they cooperate better in the future?

    Seeing Ruan Qingyan became unhappy at once, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know whether tough or to cry, ¡°General Jiang is a good man. Why do you dislike him so much?¡±

    ¡°Will a good man meet a young girl at the back door at midnight?¡± Ruan Qingyan sneered.

    A shot directly in the head! Qiu Yn said unhappily, ¡°I invited him....¡±

    ¡°That was also his fault!¡± Ruan Qingyan said unreasonably, ¡°Do you want me to admit that my cousin is a dissolute girl?¡±

    Qiu Ynughed drily, ¡°Well... It was just a meeting....¡±

    ¡°Anyway, I will contact the Jiang Family and you give up your hope of seeing Jiang Yashuang again!¡± Ruan Qingyan said coldly and loudly, ¡°Listen! I dislike that guy. If he tries to seduce you again, even though he is the nephew of the Empress, I will let him suffer!¡±

    ... Does the so-called ¡°seduce¡± include the situation where I invite him or approach him?

    Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°Then, what can I do? Stay in the mansion all day long? You see, grandpa is only awake for a short time every day. I have nothing else to do....¡±

    ¡°In that case, you can learn needlework,¡± Ruan Qingyan said sincerely, ¡°every girl knows how to sew! If you don¡¯t study it or other skills, you will be looked down on when you get married and live in your husband¡¯s home. The saying goes that ¡°Marry a woman for her good quality.¡± Every mother-inw and father-inw....¡±

    Next, Qiu Yn listened to Ruan Qingyan¡¯s long teaching of ¡°how to be a good wife who is liked by everyone¡±. Atst, she couldn¡¯t bear it and pped the table, ¡°Are you my cousin or my future brother-inw? Which side are you on?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan froze and said, ¡°I said it for your good... I saw all mothers persuade their daughters in this way. Will a mother harm her daughter?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn felt deeply defeated by him and pushed him out, ¡°Go, go, go, go out now!¡±

    Who could tolerate a cousin who, in his heart, tried to be a mother?

    Although Ruan Qingyan determined to prevent his cousin from meeting other men, he still failed. Two dayster, Ling Zui came and pulled him out to Jinpa Pavilion to watch Peni Yue¡¯s first performance this year.

    As soon as he left, He Zifu, a man who imed himself the shopkeeper of Renqing Pharmacy which was bought by Ruan Qingyan when he just arrived in Jing City, came sweating for help, ¡°Renqing Pharmacy was destroyed by Prince of Zhou¡¯s men!¡±

    ¡°Prince of Zhou?¡± Qiu Yn was shocked, ¡°Did he directly take his men there and destroy it? The Pharmacy is not open yet, right? Did you send someone to the court?¡± She faintly remembered that Chu Weizhou, Prince of Zhou, was Chu Weize, Prince of Yan¡¯s younger brother. Their mother was Noble Consort Gu, who was only secondary to Empress Jiang. Yes, she was Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s niece and Duke of Guangyang¡¯s younger sister!

    With this rtion and the current situation, no wonder Chu Weizhou found trouble with the Ruan Family¡¯s industry. Although Chu Weizhou was the Emperor¡¯s son and Prince of Zhou, he shouldn¡¯t dare to ignore Empress Jiang. She was not a loving official mother who cared for her fame. Didn¡¯t he fear that Empress Jiang would make him suffer as he helped Empress Dowager Gu by making trouble unreasonably?

    He Zifu wiped his sweat and said, ¡°Young master ordered that the Pharmacy be open after the Lantern Festival, but a drugstore is about life and death, so we had some men to stay at the store. The day before, someone came at midnight and said his family had an acute disease. He took a prescription given by a doctor he knew well to buy medicines. The man in the store believed his words and gave him the medicines in case his family would die.... To our surprise, that prescription was tampered with. One of the medicines....¡±

    ¡°Okay. You mean Prince of Zhou destroyed the store for a good reason?¡± Qiu Yn asked with a sulky face.

    He Zifu¡¯s face was full of guilt. He said anxiously, ¡°Yes. And the man who took the medicines died. His body was put in the lobby of Renqing Pharmacy....¡±

 Chapter 34 - Prince of Zhou

    <h4>Chapter 34 Prince of Zhou</h4>

    When Qiu Yn rushed to Renqing Pharmacy the entire store, including the two-story small building which was used as amodation ce and storeroom behind the store, had been smashed beyond recognition. Fortunately, because it is the first lunar month and almost all shops on the street were close for the New Year, there were few people surrounded and watched. There were just so few onlookers, and they even dispersed after seeing her.

    This relieved Qiu Yn, who was ready to face thousands of people¡¯s judgements in a jampacked ce.

    But when she just got out of the carriage, she heard He Zifu¡¯s sigh, and he looked distressed, seeing the ce not very far and saying, ¡°Your Grace! Look there!¡±

    It was a que that was made by famous artists who were hired by Renqing Pharmacy when it started business dozens of years ago.

    This shiny que which had always been rubbed to almost like a mirror, was now smashed to few parts, and it was deliberately discarded on the street in front of the store. People wereing and going. Intentionally or unintentionally, the que was trampled into the mud.

    Turning around, the ce where the que was originally hung was now reced with a bloody and startling banner ¡°a life for a life!¡±

    ¡°Go in first.¡± Qiu Yn narrowed her eyes. Instead of asking some people to clean up the broken que, she walked directly into Renqing Pharmacy. She paused on the threshold, looking up and appreciating the que, and said with somewhat surprising relief, ¡°The calligraphy was not as good as mine.¡±

    He Zifu and other people behind her were all silently speechless and thought, ¡°Was it time to care about this?¡±

    After entering the door, it was a broken hall with all wall being smashed, and people could even feel the wind in the hall. However, even though it was like a ruin, there was a simple spiritual hall in the middle, but the atmosphere was surprisingly harmonious.

    ¡°Your Highness¡¯s high morality reached up to the clouds! We vulgar people have nothing to pay back!¡± The middle-aged couple who wore mourning habiliments and dragged their children were weeping bitterly.

    ¡°As the Prince of Darui, also known as Prince of Zhou, I received benefits from the whole country. So, how can I ignore innocentmon citizens being bullied by bigwigs?¡± Prince of Zhou, Chu Weizhou, who was in luxurious sable fur and had handsome eyes and eyebrows, said with obviouspassion on his face. He spared no effort to disy his style of being close to the people. Without knowing whether he knew Qiu Yn wasing in or not, but he even leaned down to personally lift the husband of the couple up.

    Chu Weizhou was so warm as if in spring and said, ¡°Get up! Get up! These are what I should do as a prince.¡±

    ¡°Prince of Zhou is such a great man!¡± One of the oldest children suddenly said, who was ignorantly kneeling over and over with parents.

    ¡°Prince of Zhou is so approachable!¡± The other two children froze for a second, and one of them said subconsciously.

    ¡°Your Highness is the best!¡± The youngest child was just 4 or 5 years old, and he finally dully remembered what he should say after being pinched by his brothers and sisters.

    Chu Weizhou looked at them kindly, with his gaze, his expression, pretty much like looking at his illegitimate son. A son that cannot be given birth by his true love, apart far away for a dozen of years, and then was difficultly recognized after suffering a lot. He was so kind, full of paternal love!

    Turning to Qiu Yn in front of him, Chu Weizhou immediately changed to a ruthless attitude, just like the autumn wind to wipe out leaves, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi! What can you say?¡±

    ¡°Ningyi greets Your Highness. Wish Prince of Zhou all happiness!¡± Qiu Yn politely saluted.

    Chu Weizhou sneered and waved, ¡°No more words! Renqing Pharmacy carelessly prescribe medicine and led to the death of innocent people. Don¡¯t try to let this pass relying on your Commandery Princess status and the influence of General Ruan! Ie across this matter today, and as a Prince, I must uphold justice for them! I won¡¯t tolerate any noble to bully the poor and ignore thew of the country!¡±

    Qiu Yn nced at him with a smile, with mythical creatures running about wildly in her heart, ¡°If General Ruan and I are powerful, how dare youe to the door?¡±

    ¡°Since Your Highness mentioned nationalw, I dare to ask Your Highness, which rule of Darui nationalw enables princes to casually smash others¡¯ shops?¡± Qiu Yn said several times in heart, ¡°I am now ady and a Commandery Princess,¡± and asked with a light smile.

    Chu Weizhou froze for a moment and seemed to be very surprised by her actions that she didn¡¯t admit mistakes and ask for punishment, but instead, dare to turn around and ask back.

    Fortunately, he did not respond slowly. He immediately sneered, looking around and said, ¡°Who said this ce was smashed by me?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, how noble our Prince is! It¡¯s your little Renqing Pharmacy¡¯s great honor to wee the Prince and let the Prince sit for a while. Do you think you are qualified for being smashed by the Prince?!¡±

    ¡°No one of Renqing Pharmacy hase out and hosted, and they haven¡¯t served Prince even some water or tea when Prince came here. And now they are querying Your Highness. How unreasonable!¡±

    Entourages of Prince of Zhou¡¯s Mansion spoke in support of Prince one after another.

    ¡°So, you did it?¡± Qiu Yn ignored the others and turned her gaze, staring sharply at the couple who wore mourning habiliments.

    The couple was stared to shrink their heads. However, hearing Chu Weizhou¡¯s cough, they immediately realized that they had a backer, which was more powerful than Qiu Yn. Hence, they suddenly inted arrogance again and said, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s us! Your Renqing Pharmacy murdered our father! A life for a life is justified! What about smashing your drugstore?¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled coldly, with knives in her meaningful nce, ¡°First, whether your dad died because of Renqing Pharmacy or not is not a matter that you could determine, so did I. As to Prince of Zhou...¡± She nced at Chu Weizhou, who gradually frowned, smirking, ¡°So did Prince of Zhou!¡±

    ¡°Your Grace!¡± The servant from Prince of Zhou¡¯s Mansion was about to speak, but Qiu Yn ignored them again. She stretched out her slender white and tender fingers, pointing in the direction of the Governor¡¯s office and said, ¡°You should go to the Governor¡¯s office to report! Governor would check the corpse and investigate. Atst, he would make a sentence, officially telling you what led to the death, and this would really count!¡±

    Putting down her hands, Qiu Yn said coldly, ¡°What qualifications do you have to say that your dad died of Renqing Pharmacy before Governor decided the case?! Just bringing a corpse casually in the hall andying it here enabled you to smash the store and the que reasonably at ease? ording to you, who dare to open the door to do business in the future?¡±

    ¡°Second, even if Governor decided Renqing Pharmacy should take some responsibility, the following punishment and penalty should be decided by Governor, too, instead of being decided by you! Otherwise, everyone who believed he is reasonable could do whatever he wants, and what about the decency of the nationalw!¡±

    Qiu Yn pointed at them wrathfully, ¡°You are nothing butwless! You are frenzied!¡±

    The couple were both dumbfounded after her questions, but their oldest child was smart and reminded them, ¡°Dad, mom, grandpa just died after taking their pharmacy¡¯s medicine!¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes!¡± The couple were reminded, and the wife immediately opened her throat and cried loudly, ¡°Daddy! You¡¯re so wronged! This damned Renqing Pharmacy murdered you!¡±

    ¡°Manager He, go out and ask someone to Governor¡¯s office to beat the drum at court to lodge aint!¡± Qiu Yn raised her voice and sternly said, ¡°Go and sue this couple for monstrous crime! After killing their old father, they framed and imputed Renqing Pharmacy to swindle money!¡±

    The wife¡¯s cry came to a halt, and she almost jumped up in shock, ¡°You, you, nonsense!¡±

    He Zifu was also stunned by Qiu Yn sudden instruction, wondering whether to go or not?

    ¡°I am talking nonsense?¡± Qiu Yn nced scornfully at the wife and said, ¡°Let me ask you, why don¡¯t you report andin to the Governor and ask for the justice when you suspected Renqing Pharmacy after your father¡¯s death! Instead, you came to Renqing Pharmacy to smash and make troubles. You want nothing but extorting money! After your father¡¯s death, without nning a revenge, you extorted money the first time. Isn¡¯t it swindling money?! This is unfilial! You unfilial people, who knows how your father died? Maybe it was for ckmailing ¡®Renqing Pharmacy¡¯, so ....¡±

    Chu Weizhou finally couldn¡¯t help stopping it, and sternly said, ¡°It¡¯s nonsense!¡±

    As soon as he spoke, the whole family of the couple was relieved!

    ¡°It¡¯s still in the first lunar month, how could the Governor¡¯s office be open?!¡± Chu Weizhou was Prince of Zhou indeed, and he started to counterattack once he entered the battle, ¡°Further, maybe they came here first instead of the Governor¡¯s office, because they bitterly hated Renqing Pharmacy and can¡¯t wait for the official justice. They came here to smash the hurtful store and vent their anger. Even though they didn¡¯t follow the rules, they are pardonable!¡±

    His voice abruptly stern, ¡°You, Commandery Princess Ningyi! Look at you, a young age girl, but your mind is so vicious! In front of the victim¡¯s spirit, the victim¡¯s family, you have never thought about Renqing Pharmacy acting as if human life is not worth a straw. You even try to reverse ck and white and nder the good! It¡¯s a shame for nobilities! How could a person like you be worthy of being a Commandery Princess?! I should report this to our grandmother Emperor, to unduke you!¡±

    ¡°Your Highness, please respect.¡± Su He and the others looked hurried when heard his words, but Qiu Yn said softly, ¡°My title of nobility, Commandery Princess, is from my father Duke of Xihe, and Duke of Xihe¡¯s title was from Your Highness¡¯s great-grandfather Emperor Gaozong!¡± Emperor Gaozong had admitted the title of Duke of Xihe being inherited from generation to generation. All daughters born of the legal wife of the duke would be Commandery Princess, as the same status with Royal Commandery Princess! If I don¡¯t remember it wrongly, in Darui nationalw, Prince would have no right to propose unduking a Commandery Princess? This is the power of Imperial Harem, and Your Highness is obviously a male, he-he!¡±

    The essence of the word ¡°he-he¡± is still so useful even after the change of life.

    Chu Weizhou¡¯s original noble and elegantplexion, with sometimes gentle sometimes stern, was gradually turning livid.

    Except for his official mother, Empress Jiang who made him look like a mouse seeing a cat, he had never been repeatedly satirized and provoked by anyone else, including Empress Dowager Gu!

    ¡°Since you talked about nationalw with me.¡± Fortunately, had been taught by the top nobleman since he was young, Chu Weizhou calmed down in the shortest time: He knew that based on status, he didn¡¯t have to talk about any nationalw or justice with this Commandery Princess who had no parents alive. Just crush it directly by his standing! However, this Commandery Princess Ningyi at the front, is the introduction to a new round of battle between two empresses!

    At present, no matter whether it was Empress Dowager Gu, Empress Jiang, or the neutral faction, it could be said that all people in the imperial court were staring at her! At this time, utilizing his standing to oppress her... based on his experience from young until now, Chu Weizhou definitely did not want to give his official mother any chance to make troubles.

    So, he suppressed his fury, and said seriously, ¡°As a Prince, may I ask you, what is the crime of defaming a Prince?¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°What you mean by saying this?¡±

    ¡°You just suspected the Prince has smashed Renqing Pharmacy!¡± Chu Weizhou was thinking about how to deal with this abominable Commandery Princess with this handle at one fling. However, Qiu Yn was surprised and said, ¡°Your highness, your words are mean. When did I suspect you? As a Commandery Princess, I was just consulting you a question! Is it because you are a Prince that you think the Commandery Princess was suspecting you then?!¡±

    ¡°You!!!¡± Chu Weizhou didn¡¯t expect that she would not admit it on the spot!

    But thought about it carefully, the original words of Qiu Yn at the time were, ¡°Dare to ask Your Highness, which rule of Darui nationalw enables Prince to casually smash others¡¯ shops?¡±

    She was obviously querying and asking back him then!

    But now, Qiu Yn definitely had to assure it was ¡°doubt,¡± also she made it into a pleasant-to-hear word, ¡°consult!¡±

    ¡°Is here a real hot spot?¡± When Chu Weizhou was angry to mad, here a sound was heard from the outside of the door. It¡¯s a chuckle that he was familiar with, and then a young and elegant man slowly walked in, who was in a luxurious, cinnabar, brocade-made clothes, with four-season flower pattern and gold woven satin on it!

    ¡°Brother, the 2nd Prince!¡± Seeing his half-brother Prince of Yan, Chu Weize, who shared the same mother with him, wasing, Chu Weizhou was cheerful and stood up!

    Qiu Yn otherwise got her heart sank for a while. Even though she supposed those two princes dare not do something to her without any reasons, but two princes were still princes indeed. However, at this moment, another guy showed up behind Chu Weize. This guy was in pine green brocade-made clothes, with cloud pattern and dark flower satin on it, and had an emerald bamboo style hair sp on head. Elegant and with the graceful bearing, smiling softly like spring breeze, this guy shot a nce at the room and his smile became more obvious, ¡°How are you Commandery Princess Ningyi? Oh, Prince of Zhou, we said goodbye in a hurry yesterday, and we meet again so soon?¡±

    ¡°... Jiang Yashuang! You again!!!¡± Chu Weizhou gnashed his teeth in anger!

 Chapter 35 - Decisive Prince of Yan

    <h4>Chapter 35 Decisive Prince of Yan</h4>

    Hearing what Chu Weizhou said, she could tell that he had fallen for Jiang Yashuang¡¯s trick before. And it happened yesterday. Qiu Yn smiled. She didn¡¯t try to cover up her gloating look.

    Chu Weizhou looked her angrily and said to Chu Weize, ¡°Weize, why are you with him?¡± His discontent with Jiang Yashuang showed between the lines.

    ¡°We met on the road,¡± Chu Weize was one year older than Chu Weizhou. He was 18. But he was way calmer than his brother. People couldn¡¯t tell his attitude towards Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn from his expression at all. He was pleasant and graceful, ¡°Weizhou, why are you here?¡±

    ¡°I was passing by. I saw someone seeking justice. So, I stopped to take a look,¡± Chu Weizhou¡¯s look was gloomy, ¡°I didn¡¯t think Commandery Princess Ningyi was so glib that she was able to pass the buckpletely with a few words. Instead, she used this poor couple for something they didn¡¯t do. She even wanted to me me.¡±

    Qiu Yn put on an innocent look, ¡°Prince of Zhou, I can¡¯t agree with you. First, I never me you. Second, I said it was hard to tell whether this couple was ckmailing, or they were being wronged without trial. Was I wrong?¡± She kept on saying, ¡°Even if they are really being wronged, they can seek justice through thew. What possible reason could they have smashing Renqing Pharmacy like this?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said immediately, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi is right. A country has itsws and a family has its rules. Everything needs to follow the rules. Prince of Zhou, you are biased. You really have wronged Commandery Princess.¡±

    ¡°I can take the injustice. It¡¯s just that Renqing Pharmacy is a decades-old shop. It¡¯s not easy for two generations to build up its reputation. Now its reputation got trod on like this. It¡¯s such a pity!¡± Qiu Yn was choking with sobs.

    ¡°s! Prince of Zhou, you are truly reckless,¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed with pity and looked around, ¡°The shop is alsomon folk¡¯s property.¡±

    Qiu Yn cried sadly, ¡°Grandfather is sick. He must take all his medicine every day. Ruan Family doesn¡¯t have much property left nowadays. Renqing Pharmacy is the most important one. Grandfather¡¯s medicine is stored in the warehouse at the back. I¡¯m afraid to go back there to check until now. What if it¡¯s ruined too.... My mom diedst year. Now I only have my grandfather left in my mom¡¯s family....¡±

    Speaking of which, she cried out loud naturally!

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face went dark, ¡°It¡¯s really outrageous! They didn¡¯t know whether Renqing Pharmacy gave them the wrong medicine or not. And they dared to ruin General Ruan¡¯s medicine. General has dedicated his whole life to the country. Now he is sick. And he has to endure humiliation like this? They really aren¡¯t taking the soldiers who dedicated their whole lives to the country seriously.¡±

    Since Chu Weize couldn¡¯t jump in while they were talking, he was asking Chu Weizhou about the detail. When he heard that, he frowned a little and approached, ¡°Yashuang, please rx. I think these folks didn¡¯t know General Ruan¡¯s medicine was back there. Otherwise how dare they?¡±

    He turned to Qiu Yn reproachfully, ¡°Normally, pharmacy doesn¡¯t open during the first lunar month. Why do you leave General Ruan¡¯s medicine in the pharmacy instead of taking it home? Now general can¡¯t take his medicine in time. How can you fix it? In this case, I will try to find the missing medicinal materials for you.¡±

    What he said was really smart. First, he med that family which was in mourning for destroying the medicine in order to get Prince of Zhou out of it. Second, he used Qiu Yn of not taking seriously of General Ruan¡¯s medicine. Because she left General¡¯s medicine in the pharmacy instead of at home. Finally, he tried to be the good guy.

    However, Qiu Yn wouldn¡¯t fall for his trick. She said pitifully, ¡°On behalf of my grandfather and cousin, thank you so much, Prince of Yan. Truth to be told, I had to leave my grandfather¡¯s medicine here. It has been hard for General¡¯s Family in these two years. Except for grandfather¡¯s room, other ces haven¡¯t been fixed for years. If I put medicine in grandfather¡¯s room, the smell is too thick for him. If I put medicine in other ces, I¡¯m afraid that the old rooms may have leaking roofs that will damage the medicine. So...¡±

    Chu Weize frowned a little. He felt the situation was not good.

    ¡°If my cousin didn¡¯t use his money to support the family after he was adopted by my grandfather, my grandfather wouldn¡¯t be able to take the best medicine in thest few days,¡± Of course, Qiu Yn hadn¡¯t finished yet. She looked at him without a blink and said pitifully, ¡°We won¡¯t dream of repairing the whole General¡¯s Mansion. It will cost five to six thousand taels of silver to just repair the medicinal materials storing warehouse. My cousin doesn¡¯t have much money. And he needs to pay for my grandfather¡¯s treatment. We really... really don¡¯t have enough money!¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, why are you crying?¡± Jiang Yashuang added fuel to the fire calmly, ¡°Hasn¡¯t Prince of Yan already agreed to help you? You don¡¯t need to worry about General¡¯s medicine getting damaged anymore.¡±

    Qiu Yn turned to Chu Weize immediately with surprise, ¡°Prince of Yan is willing to help Ruan Family repair the General¡¯s Mansion?¡±

    Chu Weizhou was so pissed off that he snarled, ¡°Don¡¯t push your luck!¡±

    ¡°... I¡¯m not an officer yet. I also don¡¯t have much money,¡± Chu Weize stopped Chu Weizhou with a bitter smile, ¡°I want to help you repair the whole General¡¯s Mansion. But I can¡¯t. I may be able to help you repair the medicinal materials storing warehouse,¡± he turned to his bodyguard, ¡°Pick up six thousand taels of silver note after we get back and send it to General¡¯s Mansion!¡±

    ¡°Your Highness, you are so righteous and easy-going! I can never repay you.¡± Qiu Yn wiped her tears gratefully and kept thanking him, ¡°You are such a nice guy!¡±

    Listening to the familiar lines, Chu Weizhou felt unparalleled grievance and humiliation. He couldn¡¯t help pulling Chu Weize¡¯s sleeve violently and snarled, ¡°Weize, don¡¯t listen to her! Pretending to be poor is what she does! Before you guys got here, she was so glib. Now she is all about grievance and misery. How shameless!¡±

    ¡°Prince of Zhou, you are so mean!¡± Qiu Yn showed him how to be shameless at once. She looked at him timidly. And then she hid behind Jiang Yashuang even more timidly. She showed half of her head and said with grievance and fear, ¡°Prince of Yan, I don¡¯t dare to take your money...¡±

    Jiang Yashuang frowned, ¡°Prince of Zhou, you are over the line indeed. Is it worthy of intimidating young Commandery Princess in public for just six thousand taels of silver? If this gets out, it won¡¯t sound good, will it?¡±

    Chu Weizhou snarled, ¡°Jiang Yashuang! You have been acting against me on everything for these few days. And now you are obviously taking her side. What¡¯s wrong with you? Don¡¯t forget that she is Deng Yi¡¯s fianc¨¦e. Youe from a powerful family. Is your conscience clear that you are doing this?¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned. She spat on Chu Weizhou¡¯s shameless behavior inwardly. She thought Prince of Zhou was innocent. After she heard what he said, she knew that he shouldn¡¯t be overlooked. Men and women¡¯s rtionship was the mostplicated thing. Besides at this time, cousins would feel ufortable even their younger female cousins just holding their arms. Although Jiang Yashuang was calm, he was still young. How could he bear someone attacking him with this kind of thing?

    Of course, Jiang Yashuang was stunned. He seemed to be very embarrassed.

    Acent look shed through Chu Weizhou¡¯s eyes. He was about to keep on. Jiang Yashuang suddenly looked at the family which was in mourning and said in surprise, ¡°ording to what you said... Your Highness... But this family, I really don¡¯t see anyone who is your type no matter how I look.¡±

    Chu Weizhou was stunned. He looked at the same direction as Jiang Yashuang. He was checking out the wife and their eldest daughter. The wife was over 30 which was considered an old woman at this time. Moreover, she was probably ugly when she was young. And now she was apletely faded old woman. The eldest daughter was the one reminding her parents just now. She was 11 or 12. She looked smart with her big ck eyes.

    However, this girl might have suffered too much and it was cold. She was sniffling ceaselessly. Her dark and skinny face was badly chapped from the cold. Chu Weizhou¡¯s unskilled maid (maids who only do the rough work) was way more good-looking than her.

    After Chu Weizhou understood what Jiang Yashuang meant, he was furious, ¡°Bullshit! I was just passing by. And I couldn¡¯t stand them being wronged....¡±

    ¡°The court doesn¡¯t rule yet. How do you know they are being wronged?¡± Jiang Yashuang said tly, ¡°Are you saying that whoever you see first is the one being wronged? How ridiculous!¡±

    Chu Weizhou was so furious that he was shivering, ¡°Fine! Let¡¯s say that I was biased. But what did you mean just now? How... How can Ick beautiful women? That I will be this desperate?¡±

    There might be no one who was willing to bet a few taels of silver on this mother and daughter in the gambling house. How could they seduce him?

    What kind of person did he think he was? Would he take any women? Just as everyone knows, there were countless beautiful women in the brothels in the city. Among those women, there were countless prostitutes who wanted to hook up with Chu Weizhou. But until now, there was only one woman he was willing to pay attention to. That woman was Hua Shenshen, the top prostitute of Spring House, which was known as the number one brothel in the city.

    He came to look for trouble in Renqing Pharmacy on that day. Backing up Gu Family was one of the reasons. But the main reason was Hua Shenshen was very unhappy because Ruan Qingyan chose to sponsor Peni Yue of Jinpa Pavilion instead of her.

    It would take a gorgeous and beautiful woman like Hua Shenshen who was also good at manipting men to make Chu Weizhou do her bidding willingly despite her low status. Hus Shenshen represented his taste!

    This mother and daughter were too much below standard. Being his maids would embarrass him, okay?

    At this very moment, Qiu Yn muttered behind Jiang Yashuang, ¡°Who knows if you want to try something new or not today....¡±

    ¡°Ahem!¡± Jiang Yashuang coughed immediately trying to cover up his irresistibleugh. Seeing this, Chu Weize knew it would be a mess afterward. He was decisive. He pulled his brother at once and said, ¡°It¡¯s the first lunar month. Everyone must be busy. There is no need to be locked in a stalemate for something beyond our jurisdiction. In my opinion, let¡¯s do it like this. I will send someone to notify Governor Feng Rugui about this and ask him to investigate. How about this?¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t answer immediately. Instead, she looked at Jiang Yashuang inquiringly.

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°Feng Rugui was one of my family¡¯s followers. I¡¯m afraid that Prince of Zhou may be worried.¡±

    ¡°Yashuang, you must be kidding. Mother selected Feng Rugui by herself. He is the strictest and most impartial person. How can my brother be worried?¡± Chu Weize smiled gently, ¡°We need to meet with our grandmother. We have to go now. Yashuang and Commandery Princess Ningyi please suit yourselves... Goodbye!¡±

    After he said that, he did a fist and palm salute. Then he dragged unreconciled Chu Weizhou and walked away. He left decidedly!

 Chapter 36 - What Does â€œTry Peaceful Means Before Resorting to Forceâ€ Mean?

    <h4>Chapter 36 What Does ¡°Try Peaceful Means Before Resorting to Force¡± Mean?</h4>

    ¡°Thank you for arriving in time,¡± after Chu Weize and Chu Weizhou left, Qiu Yn stopped pretending to be pity. She walked out from behind Jiang Yashuang. She curtseyed and said with a smile, ¡°Otherwise, as an insignificant Commandery Princess, how could I stand up to Prince of Yan and Prince of Zhou?¡±

    She had a lot of things to deal with recently. Girls at her age were normally a little skinny at this time. Now she was so skinny that her lower jaw was pointy which made her face look more exquisite and delicate. Especially her eyes looked like peach blossom which made her always seem loving and tender even when she looked at people angrily. Now that she smiled which made her seem more loving and tender.

    As sophisticated as he was, Jiang Yashuang was still stunned by her beauty for a moment. Then he said with a smile, ¡°You are wee. Prince of Yan and Prince of Zhou may not be as glib as you.¡±

    ¡°Prince of Zhou and Prince of Yan stand high above the masses. If I don¡¯t have the Empress¡¯s blessing, how am I qualified to talk back to them? Does it matter in this kind of situation that I¡¯m glib or not?¡± Qiu Yn smiled and said, ¡°If you weren¡¯t here, how would Prince of Yan give me six thousand taels of silver so easily?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled and said, ¡°Thanks to your shrewdness. You seized the chance to trick him,¡± he changed the topic and said, ¡°What happened today was so sudden. I came at short notice and just in time to bump into Prince of Yan on the road. I wonder if you knew why this happened?¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at the family which was in mourning in the corner and instructed He Zifu, ¡°Take care of them!¡± After He Zifu dragged them out while shouting, she said seriously, ¡°Please enlighten me.¡±

    ¡°April 9th is the date of the Courtesan Competition in the city,¡± Jiang Yashuang said tly, ¡°Prince of Zhou and Young Earl Ling arepeting with each other this time. It is said that your cousin and Young Earl Ling were friends. It¡¯s inconvenient for him to participate in this kind of activity because he is in mourning now. But he definitely has been helping Young Earl Ling in private. And your cousin bought Renqing Pharmacy after he arrived in the city when he was not Ruan Family¡¯s heir.¡±

    Qiu Yn had a little headache, ¡°In this case, this kind of thing will happen again?¡± She understood why Jiang Yashuang exined this so directly. This was Ruan Qingyan¡¯s personal matter. Jiang Yashuang stood up for them today. Because the timing of this thing and people involving in it could be misinterpreted as Empress Dowager¡¯s clique challenging Empress¡¯s clique.

    Once Prince of Zhou came to his senses and avoided this kind of misunderstanding, Jiang Yashuang might not be willing to help them anymore. He was the biological grandson of the Emperor¡¯s father-inw and Empress¡¯s biological nephew after all. It was normal that he bustled around helping the Empress and Jiang Family. How could he bustle around for Ruan Qingyan¡¯s personal matter?

    And Prince of Zhou was a prince anyway who also had a Duke title. How could he get suppressed unless by someone like Jiang Yashuang?

    Just like Qiu Yn thought after she asked tentatively, Jiang Yashuang smiled and said tly, ¡°After you got back, you¡¯d better tell your cousin to notify Young Earl Ling.¡±

    Qiu Yn bit her petal-like lips and thought for a while. She said suddenly, ¡°I almost forgot. You saved and escorted my old servants Qu Shan and his family to General¡¯s Mansion two days ago. Thank you so much!¡±

    ¡°Oh. I just happened to meet them when I was on a tour. You are wee,¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled slightly. He was graceful. There was no mundanity in his grace let alone intention to kill. He said elegantly, ¡°It was just bad luck for those people who wanted to kill them.¡±

    ¡°Qu Shan and his family were indeed lucky. That¡¯s why they could meet you,¡± Qiu Yn seemed to be thinking about something, ¡°However, when my mother died, my uncle sold all the servants. Not everyone is as lucky as Qu Shan and his family.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled and looked at her quietly.

    It made Qiu Yn feel that he had seen through her. She paused for a while and continued, ¡°Will those people who went after Qu Shan and his family be afraid of his luck? And will they approach from another angle? Marquess Qin is famous after all. Since they were defeated by you, it¡¯s normal that they are afraid of doing this again. And they may think of something else.¡±

    Seeing Jiang Yashuang was still just smiling, Qiu Yn simply said all she wanted to say, ¡°Qu Shan and his family almost got killed two days ago. Now Ruan Family¡¯s shop got ndered and smashed. How can it be a coincidence? In my opinion, it¡¯s most definitely that the same group did it, right?¡±

    ¡°If it was the same group, what do you n to do?¡± Jiang Yashuang asked with a smile.

    Qiu Yn looked at him with hope, ¡°Always being bullied. I have had enough. I think it¡¯s time to teach them a lesson?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said significantly, ¡°It depends on how you do it.¡±

    ¡°You mean?¡± Qiu Yn asked in a hurry.

    Jiang Yashuang said nothing. He just smiled and said, ¡°Make the decision yourself,¡± he looked outside, ¡°It¡¯s snowing again. I need to get back.¡±

    ¡°I have got you dyed, young General. Goodbye,¡± Qiu Yn walked him to the door and watched him getting on his horse. Then she turned around. Her face went dark and she instructed, ¡°Manager He, you stay and clean this up. Go get me some of grandfather¡¯s medicine from the back. The damaged one is also okay. Others follow me to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xiheter.¡±

    Su He said in surprise, ¡°Your Grace, our things are still in the General¡¯s Mansion waiting to be unpacked. Why are we going back to Prince¡¯s Mansion?¡±

    ¡°Who says I¡¯m going back?¡± Qiu Yn said coldly, ¡°I¡¯m going to ask my good uncle and aunt. Why are they so vicious and ruthless that they even went after grandfather¡¯s crucial medicine? Do they hate grandmother so much that they vent their anger on my grandfather?¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± Su He eximed, ¡°Prince and others?¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, these are all for old General,¡± while they were talking, He Zifu approached holding a few medicine boxes which were covered with footprints and about to fall apart, ¡°A lot of the medicine inside the boxes are gone!¡± He lowered his voice, ¡°But the concealedpartment wasn¡¯t being found. I crushed some cheapest medicine and put it in!¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at him approvingly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Someone will change it into the best kind for us!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m unworthy of young master¡¯s and your trust,¡± He Zifu lowered his head. He didn¡¯t hide the hatred in his tone, ¡°But my father and I worked hard for decades to build Renqing Pharmacy¡¯s reputation. I only hope that sow the wind and reap the whirlwind!¡±

    A carriage came out from the corner after Qiu Yn and her maids left. The maid lifted a corner of the unimpressive dark-colored curtain cautiously. Behind the curtain, Hua Shenshen whose hair was shaped like lily wore a gorgeous outfit with heavy makeup. She was beautiful like a peony. However, she gritted her teeth, ¡°Shameless b*tch! Ruan is so good to her. But she still has an affair with Jiang Yashuang....¡±

    The maidforted, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi is engaged....¡±

    ¡°Is there anyone in the city who doesn¡¯t know that Deng Yi prefers men to women?¡± Hua Shenshen sneered, ¡°In my opinion, Qiu Yn just wants to use Ruan to get out of her engagement. Otherwise, why does she stay in General¡¯s Mansion instead of going back to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe during the holiday? Ruan and I was fine. Why does he help that pretentious little b*tch Peni Yue instead of me this time? It must be Qiu Yn who ndered me in front of Ruan because she envies me.¡±

    ¡°I thought Ruan would be here. So, I dressed up and waited here on purpose.... But it¡¯s still worth my trip that I found out about Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang having an affair behind Ruan¡¯s back.¡± Hua Shenshen bit her lips, ¡°Let¡¯s go back first. Let me think about how to deal with her. Dare to steal my man!¡±

    Just because Qiu Yn walked Jiang Yashuang out. And she got a despiteful rival somehow. She didn¡¯t know this yet. And of course, she wouldn¡¯t care about her or anyone else like her.

    She was exining to Su He, Chunran and others about her reason for this trip, ¡°It is an exception that General Jiang stands up for us against Prince of Zhou today. He may not help us anymore.¡±

    Su He, Chunran and others said nervously, ¡°What should we do?¡±

    ¡°So, we need to go to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe now!¡± Qiu Yn had a serious look, ¡°General Jiang is not willing to keep helping us with this. Because it¡¯s cousin¡¯s personal matter. It almost has nothing to do with Jiang Family. If we want him to keep helping us, then we need to connect Jiang Family with this thing!¡±

    Su He was lost in a fog. Chunran and Xiaran were indeed two years older. And also, they had seen a lot along the waying with Ruan Qingyan from distant South to the capital city. Giving some thoughts, Chunran asked tentatively, ¡°Your Grace, do you mean that we can connect Jiang Family to this thing if we go to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe now?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Qiu Yn said with a sneer, ¡°Renqing Pharmacy was ndered and smashed. Even grandfather¡¯s medicine was ruined....¡±

    She pointed to the boxes which were held by the maids cautiously to prevent the broken pieces from falling, ¡°Prince of Zhou denied that he did this. And of course, he won¡¯t admit that he put that family to it. However, that family won¡¯t look for trouble in Renqing Pharmacy for no reason, right? Of course, there is a reason! And the reason is that Qiu Mengmin vents his anger on Ruan Family! He is behind this!¡±

    Su He said subconsciously, ¡°But what if that family doesn¡¯t admit that Prince put them to it?¡±

    ¡°So, I consulted General Jiang just now,¡± Qiu Yn said, ¡°Governor Feng Rugui was Jiang Family¡¯s follower. General Jiang made Prince of Yan agree to let him investigate this case. If he can¡¯t even get an appropriate testimony, then Jiang Family put him in the governor position for nothing! Since General Jiang connive at me to do this, he surely will prepare us the testimony!¡±

    Chunran and Xiaran looked at each other. They cheered up and said, ¡°Then what should we do?¡±

    Su He said angrily, ¡°Old maidservant Fan who serves Lady Yuqing and old maidservant Sun who is in charge are both evil! They used to bully Commandery Princess a lot. We must teach them a lesson this time!¡±

    ¡°Old maidservants can wait. After we deal with their masters, what differences will they make?¡± Qiu Yn touched Su He¡¯s little head and said, ¡°Qiu Mengmin is my uncle after all. Even I need to seek justice for my grandfather, I can¡¯t let him use me of being disrespectful. So, we will try peaceful means before resorting to force this time!¡±

    Su He asked in a hurry, ¡°What does ¡®try peaceful means before resorting to force¡¯ mean?¡±

    ¡°We will try peaceful means in public and resort to force in private!¡± Qiu Yn said firmly.

 Chapter 37 - Questioning Visit

    <strong>Chapter 37 Questioning Visit</strong>

    ¡°How shameless are you toe back here?¡± Just when Qiu Yn stepped inside the door, a tea bowl was smashed on the threshold, and porcin shattered.

    Princess Yang with a wound on her head screamed, ¡°You evil thing! We¡¯ve raised you for so long! Even if I have a dog, with so many years of food and drinks, it won¡¯t bite me!¡± She knew that it was impossible to buy Qiu Yn over, so she didn¡¯t care anymore and vented directly.

    ¡°I just wanted to greet my uncle and aunt, but it turned out only my aunt is here to see me.¡± However, Qiu Yn was here to be hostile today, so she said, ¡°Besides, my aunt refers to me as a dog and smashes a tea bowl as soon as she sees me. Sure enough, uncle and aunt are feeling guilty? One dares not toe out, and one tries to shift the subject by being hostile?¡±

    Before Princess Yang had the chance to speak, Qiu Yn shouted, ¡°Su He, give me that thing!¡±

    Su He, Chun Ran, and others heard her. They took out the tattered boxes and medicines from their sleeves and throw them in front of the hall!

    Princess Yang smelled medicine and instinctively covered her nose. However, she immediately realized that Qiu Yn would not be stupid enough to openly poison her. She was shocked and asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Everyone knows that my grandfather, General Ruan needs medicine badly for the past two years. As the General¡¯s Mansion has been in disrepair for years, the warehouse is practically useless. He could only store the medicine in the Ruan family¡¯s Renqing Pharmacy.¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°However, Qu Shan¡¯s family was hunted down two days ago. After General Jiang saved them, the Renqing Pharmacy was just smashed. Not only was it smashed, but also the medicines that my grandfather needs were destroyed.¡±

    Her pitch became higher, and she had already brought in some sternness. ¡°Hence, I am here to ask my uncle and aunt. Even though the old Princess had you wronged back in years ago, had my grandfather ever offended you two? Why did you do such a vicious thing to an old man?¡±

    Princess Yang was stunned, ¡°You are talking nonsense! What is Renqing Pharmacy? We have never heard of it!¡±

    ¡°People who smashed Renqing Pharmacy have already been handed over to the Governor, and the truth will be found in days. If my aunt still wants to bet on luck and pretends to be innocent, that¡¯s a total mistake!¡± Qiu Yn said coldly, ¡°Disrespecting the old Princess was already wrong. Now you won¡¯t even let myst elder rest in peace?¡±

    Suddenly she threw herself over those boxes and medicinal herbs, and let out a sorrow, ¡°I lost my father and the old Princess since young! I lost my brother! I lost my motherst year! My uncle and my aunt don¡¯t like me. The only elder rtive I have is my grandfather! Why wouldn¡¯t you let him go? Why? Just because you say that I am disobedient and disrespectful? If you don¡¯t give me a statement today, and let my grandfather live, I will die in front of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe to uphold justice for my grandfather!¡±

    Su He, Chun Ran and Xia Ran followed her and knelt to the ground. They shouted in unison, ¡°Your Grace, please think twice!¡±

    Chun Ran sobbed and said, ¡°Your Grace, don¡¯t do this! General Jiang was there to see the whole incident when Renqing Pharmacy was smashed. Prince of Yan also said that Governor Feng rmended by Marquess Qin would be in charge of the investigation of this case. They would uphold justice for Renqing Pharmacy and Ruan family.¡±

    Xia Ran added, while crying, ¡°Your Grace, let¡¯s go to the pce and ask the Empress to help us! General Jiang had said it already, General Ruan had been fighting for the country in his whole life. The insultation he had must be investigated, for him, and for the soldiers who are still on the frontline at this moment. Marquess Qin was also a military man, the Empress knows the hardship of being a general more than anyone does. She won¡¯t just sit there and watch the old general being murdered!¡±

    Both of them were servants of the Ruan family, and now they are arguing for their own master. There is no need for them to be inferior in front of Princess Yang.

    While Su He choked and said, ¡°I am a servant of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, I should not say something bad about my masters. However, I couldn¡¯t bear it today, even if it would risk my life. Everyone in the capital knows the fact that the Prince was disrespectful to the old Princess. Why did you even bothering back to ask the Prince and Princess Yang, Your Grace? You treated the Prince and Princess Yang as uncle and aunt, but they....¡±

    Meanwhile, Princess Yang¡¯s face turned pale and her limbs were cold.

    ¡°Go! Find the Prince and ask him toe!¡± Princess Yang gritted her teeth and told the servants. Everyone in the Prince¡¯s Mansion knew that Qiu Yn did note in peace. However, the vicious niece was fancied by Empress Jiang now. They couldn¡¯t harm her, and likely they couldn¡¯t even win her in an argument. If they don¡¯t see her, they were afraid that she could make use of it. Qiu Mengmin and Madame Lu have decided to send Princess Yang out as their representative.

    It wasn¡¯t all that the mother and son bullied the daughter-inw together, but that Princess Yang was injured on the head. In case things go wrong, she could use her injury as an excuse to send off the guest.

    However, how things had developed does not allow her to send off the guest as nned.

    Murdering General Ruan¡ªEven if Madame Lu had already used the poison Youmianxiang before, that was done secretly. Besides, because of the special source of the poison Youmianxiang, even if Qiu Yn knew, there¡¯s nothing she could do about it.

    However, on the surface, the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe couldn¡¯t afford to bear the charges of murdering General Ruan!

    Even if he lost power, he was still a general after all!

    General Ruan¡¯s fiasco back then should be punished indeed, but his life¡¯s contribution to the country could not be erased!

    The worse thing is that the Jiang family¡¯s sess started with military merit. The younger brother of Marquess Qin, Sir Jibei was still leading the army in the north border. He had to personally fight the barbarians from the north every year.

    Even if Marquess Qin did not have a good rtionship with General Ruan before, he would never sit idly by when General Ruan was to be murdered. That¡¯s because it represents the dignity of a veteran who dedicated his life to the battlefield! The hundreds of thousands of soldiers in Darui would not let it happen either. General Ruan had the title of the general after all, but more of them didn¡¯t get to be a general in their whole life. If a general could be murdered easily, what about them?

    When ites to this kind of things, all the military men in the country have the same opinion. Even if Empress Dowager Gu did not dare to do anything to take thest breath away from General Ruan without solid proof, let alone the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe! This was the basic gratitude a country could present to a general.

    Therefore, Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe must stay out of this!

    How could Princess Yang send her guest off now? Now that Qiu Yn was about to leave, she had to stop her instead.

    ¡°What on earth is going on here?¡± A few momentster, Qiu Mengmin, wearing regr clothes, also with a wound on his face strode in with a grumpy face.

    He nced down at the people crying in the hall, exchanged nces with Princess Yang, and said in a deep voice, ¡°Yn! Did youe back to cry, or did youe back for real business? If it¡¯s the former case, then the Princess and I won¡¯t bother you anymore, we¡¯ll just leave!¡± After he finished his words, he was about to leave.

    Qiu Yn could tell that he wanted to disturb her flow, so naturally, she won¡¯t be fooled into keeping him. Instead, she said emotionally, ¡°Whatever you like, uncle. I just beg you to let my grandfather go. I would listen to whatever you and aunt ask me to do.¡±

    Qiu Mengmin¡¯s anger was pounding in his chest. He suppressed his madness and entered the hall, sitting in the main seat Princess Yang gave up for him. Then, he said coldly, ¡°well, since you¡¯ve said so, I¡¯m not going anywhere. Tell me, how did we murder your grandfather?¡±

    ¡°Two days ago, when General Jiang rescued the Qu Shan family who had served the old Princess from the thieves, those thieves said that they were instructed by uncle and aunt!¡± Qiu Yn choked and said, ¡°Now that Renqing Pharmacy was vilified, and people smashed its signboard....¡±

    ¡°You already said that they are thieves, how could they be trusted?¡± Qiu Mengmin said nkly, ¡°It¡¯s all because of you. You said that I didn¡¯t respect the old Princess in front of the Empress. Now everyone knows, even the thieves try to me it on me to get away with their crime.¡±

    Qiu Yn said angrily, ¡°Uncle is so eloquent! But what about Renqing Pharmacy? What do you say? These, these, and these are all my grandfather¡¯s life-saving medicine!¡±

    Qiu Mengmin nced at the sparse medicinal herbs in front of her, and said coldly, ¡°Renqing Pharmacy? I have never heard of this ce! What do we know? Is there another niece like you in the whole world? You doubt everything in your own family!¡±

    ¡°If there¡¯s no evidence, would I be so confused?¡± Qiu Yn eximed, ¡°I never thought of it! It¡¯s just because my grandfather was too ill to get out of bed, so I pleaded for your permission to serve him for a few days in the General¡¯s Mansion. I didn¡¯t expect that it would bring such a disaster to my grandfather. If I knew this earlier, how dare I mention it?¡±

    ¡°What about the evidence?¡± Qiu Mengmin didn¡¯t show it on his face, but he was a little stunned on the inside. He knew that Qiu Yn was not the kind of person who started a trouble but couldn¡¯t close it. Now that she dared to make such a noise, she must have something to rely on!

    Sure enough, Qiu Yn said, ¡°The servant who went smashing Renqing Pharmacy said it in person. If uncle wants evidence, I would send someone to bring a copy to you from the Governor¡¯s officeter.¡±

    The Governor¡¯s office!

    How could Qiu Mengmin not know the rtionship between Feng Rugui and the Jiang Family? The governor got to his position by pleasing the Jiang Family and gained the support from them, especially Empress Jiang! Therefore, for Feng Rugui, the Daruiw was nothing at all. He would only follow the will of the Jiang Family. Whatever the Jiang Family said is true to him.

    Therefore, Qiu Mengmin wouldn¡¯t even bother asking about the case. When this case was in Feng Rugui¡¯s hands, there¡¯s no chance he could stay out of it. Qiu Mengmin took a deep breath to hold back his fury, and said solemnly, ¡°Who do Feng Rugui think he is? Does he think he¡¯s worthy to defile the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe? Since you have to put the crime of murdering General Ruan on us, well then, let¡¯s go into the pce to talk about it!¡±

    Qiu Yn was supported by Empress Jiang, but the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was also sheltered by Empress Dowager Gu! They avoided her before because they thought that it wasn¡¯t necessary when they were the elders, but they don¡¯t have the upper hand. However, Qiu Mengmin did not think that he needed to be afraid of his niece if they went hostile.

    ¡°Sure, let¡¯s go into the pce!¡± Qiu Yn was not afraid at all, as she sneered and said, ¡°I also need to tell the Empress and the Empress Dowager about the Qu Shan family and ask them to uphold justice!¡±

    She nced at Qiu Mengmin coldly, ¡°Uncle must remember that Qu Shan¡¯s mother, Li, was the old woman who had served the old Princess of decades! She had personally witnessed Lu¡¯s vition of the rule, and Lu being driven out by the old Princess! The Qu Shan family had been living peacefully ever since they were sold, but someone tried to kill them a few days back. Do you really think the officials are stupid enough to ignore the connection?¡±

 Chapter 38 - Assemble on Imperial Court

    <b>Chapter 38 Assemble on Imperial Court</b>

    Princess Yang watched Qiu Yn and the others walking away and holding their head high. She thought about the tens of thousands of taels silver note that she just paid and couldn¡¯t stop feeling heartbroken. She couldn¡¯t help telling Qiu Mengmin, ¡°She is protected by Empress, but we have Empress Dowager stand behind, too! Why do we spend this money to reconcile and buy the peace?!¡±

    ¡°You know nothing?!¡± Qiu Mengmin¡¯s eyes were dark and deep, like full of fog and haze, and he said coldly, ¡°Jiang Family had our family¡¯s handle about Qu Shan family¡¯s matter. Also, Li was indeed knowing clearly how our mother was expelled at that time. She was serving nearby and watching when the old Princess removed our mother¡¯s name from the pedigree book. If now we get into the pce, we will definitely suffer disadvantages!¡±

    ¡°... How about after the Lantern Festival?¡± Princess Yang paused for a moment and asked anxiously.

    Qiu Mengmin said, ¡°After knowing Qu Shan¡¯s family living, mother and I have prepared for coping with Li¡¯s matter. Anyway, there are still a few days before the Imperial Court, so there¡¯s still time. There is nothing to concede today. Don¡¯t worry about suffering losses and it¡¯s impossible that we could not take the money with interest after fixing her on the Imperial Court!¡±

    Princess Yang¡¯s eyes shed with resentment, and she nodded heavily, ¡°Only this little b*tch alone could not afford to pay us back! I want thed, Ruan, and Fangruan who hid her dowry list thousands of miles away, all of them paying the price!¡±

    ¡°Pay the price?¡± In General¡¯s Mansion, Ruan Qingyan stared seriously at his cousin Qiu Yn, who was obviously ttering to him, continuously sneered and pointed at the thousands taels amount of silver note on the table, ¡°Princess Yang could agree me to join the family and attend aunt¡¯s funeral even before sending someone to General¡¯s Mansion to check my identity only for 5000 silver taels of money! Her entire family was extremely greedy, and also extremely miserly! How could you ckmail 10,000 silver taels from them! And you said you let them pay for their stupid mistake?! Have you ever thought about the consequences of doing this?!!!¡±

    Saying thest word, Ruan Qingyan was almost growling!

    Qiu Yn was ashamed and fluently replied, ¡°Oh yeah, sorry cousin, I am wrong. I should not be optimistic about the IQ of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. If they were angry with me and struck a vicious blow, then I was like a sheep in wolf den!¡± I should havee back to discuss it with you and ask you toe forward... No, no, I should have let you decide and listened to you! I¡¯m really wrong!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m your only sister, the only kinsfolk except our grandfather! I shouldn¡¯t let you worry about me and shouldn¡¯t make grandfather distressed! I should always put my own safety first, and always remember that I have a cousin! I should always remember that I don¡¯t need to go into battle by myself again and again....¡±

    She said all of what Ruan Qingyan thought and didn¡¯t expect and then asked painfully, ¡°Cousin, are you willing to forgive me now?¡± As a little beauty, only as tall as Ruan Qingyan¡¯s shoulder, she stood timidly by him. Her hair was long, wet after bath and long to knee, fluffily covering her head like a gorgeous robe, and as a perfect foil for her slim waist, which was soft and swaying in the wind like water lotus.

    Her white fingers also hooked the corners of Ruan Qingyan¡¯s sleeves, swinging to and fro, with her big and bright peach-blossom-like eyes blinking, the watery eyes showing her cunning and poor look.

    Ruan Qingyan¡¯s heart was full of different moods: want to scold her, but hate to say harsh words, and also she had said all words and criticized herself; want to hit her, but thought that she was already a mature girl, who would lose face even with little physical punishment. As he thought more, he was more powerless!

    After judging and weighing for a while, he said, ¡°Transcribe ¡®Behavioral Norms of Girls¡¯ for 800 copies!!!¡±

    Then he was stopped by Qiu Yn. This troublesome sister fell out as easily as turning pages of books. Immediately she loosened grip, and turned to Su He and shouted, ¡°Come and buy me a few pounds of arsenic formitting suicide! I can¡¯t live!!!¡±

    So, why did ¡°crying, making troubles and hanging oneself¡± be summed up as women¡¯s ultimate skills?!

    Because these were the essence of victory built on the corpses of countless losers over the years!

    Watching Ruan Qingyan was awkwardly defeated again, Qiu Yn smiled smugly and came up to appease, ¡°Cousin, don¡¯t be angry! Anyway, didn¡¯t Ie back with all the things doing well? Qiu Mengmin can¡¯t forget the duke title, so how dare he desperately fight with me! You know, the Lantern Festival is approaching, and so does the Imperial Court. When he would be unduked on the Imperial Court, we would worry quite less in the future. How about thinking something good!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan said coldly, ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate Qiu Mengmin. If he wasn¡¯t strong and capable, how could he force Aunt to die before I came?!¡±

    Qiu Yn was puzzled, ¡°Mother Princess knows you areing?¡±

    ¡°... I mean, ording to Aunt ¡®s age, she should not have passed awayst year. It can show that she hadn¡¯t enjoyed a cozy life.¡± Ruan Qingyan paused and said calmly, ¡°It could also show Qiu Mengmin¡¯s ability!¡±

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°We could do nothing to help. Mother only has me as her only child, but I am not a son! Qiu Mengmin inherited the noble title and was justified as the head of the family. He is older than my father and carries his wife and son, as well as his birth mother and sisters. His whole family was back, how could mother strive against so great power and so many people?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan raised a hand to touch her head and said, ¡± He¡¯s with so many people and is powerful is one of the reasons, but his shrewdness can¡¯t be ignored! Are numerous people and great power equal to victory? Then let¡¯s justpete byparing the number of our people! In short, you should not be happy today by ckmailing and receiving his money! He is much more capable and more difficult to deal with than you imagine! Do you know it?!¡±

    ¡°I see!¡± Qiu Yn friendly said.

    ... Sending Ruan Qingyan away, Su He, who had apanied Qiu Yn being bullied by the entire Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, was still immersed in the joy of the victory today. He came happily and asked, ¡°Your Grace, shall we go to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe tomorrow and the day after tomorrow?¡± Obviously, she became addicted to doing this with Qiu Mengmin.

    Qiu Yn nodded solemnly, ¡°Of course I have to go! I¡¯m also going to take 16,000 silver taels of money!¡±

    Su He was overjoyed, ¡°Really ?!¡± and then wondered, ¡°Why is it 16,000, not 20,000 taels?¡± Don¡¯t they generally make it up a round number?

    Qiu Yn stopped Chunran and Xiaran who came out to stop her, picking up both silver notes on the table and cing them in Su He¡¯s hands, then she seriously said, ¡°Because the ce you will go to is Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe¡ª actually the neighborhood of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, Marquess Qin¡¯s other mansion, and give this money to General Jiang! Without General Jiang¡¯s help, how can there be such a good thing, receiving 16,000 silver taels of money within a day by just a few words! ording to his General status, he won¡¯t ept the money, at least not all of it. But send him all the money to show our sincerity and appreciation. You do it quickly tomorrow!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Su He was speechless, Chunran and Xiaran covered mouths smiling.

    The next day, Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t ept all the money as expected, but only take a small amount, 6,000 silver taels of money. With regard to this, Qiu Yn was at ease, ¡°ording to his status, he won¡¯t stand aside after he took the money, no matter how much of it. He would surely be standing with us.¡±

    Everything is fine for the next few days, and the Lantern Festival was just around the corner.

    Probably because after the Lantern Festival, the Empress Dowager party and the Empress party were going to fight head-on, all people were focusing on preparing for the battle and ignored the festival.

    Ruan Qingyan and Qiu Yn had apanied General Ruan and had never gone out, but they heard from the servants who went out strolling that this year¡¯s Lantern Festival was not very lively.

    ¡°It forebodes the fierce situation on thising Imperial Court!¡± Darui¡¯s official holiday was from the winter solstice to the Lantern Festival, and the usual rule was to assemble on the Imperial Court on each even number date and to rest on odd number days. The day after the Lantern Festival would be 16th of the month, so it would be a day to assemble on the Imperial Court. Early in the morning, Ruan Qingyan got up and saw the heavy snow drifting outside. He couldn¡¯t feel the happiness of the snow as a propitious sign. Instead, he felt the sky full of haze. Thinking of the Lantern Festival scene described by servantsst night, he just worried and felt his heart heavy.

    Qiu Ynforted him, ¡°It¡¯s the truth that Qiu Mengmin disrespected the old Princess, no matter how fierce the Imperial Court would be!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Ruan Qingyan sighed, ¡°I knew you should have let me reveal this! Now things are all about troubles that you¡¯ve made, and I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll be there to have chance speaking for you?¡±

    Qiu Yn said with surprise, ¡°You are going too ?!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan was even more surprised than her, ¡°Do you want to go alone ?!¡±

    ¡°But cousin, you haven¡¯t been qualified to appear on the Imperial Court up till now, have you?¡± Qiu Yn certainly thought that she would go for the Imperial Court alone to unveil this second battle between two Empresses. But actually, she¡¯s not alone, the Empress party is her alliance for sure!

    Ruan Qingyan reminded, ¡°Could you just said that I also had something to do with it?¡±

    ¡°... But what does it have to do with you? This is Qiu Family ¡®s business!¡± Qiu Yn advised in earnest, ¡°The imperial examination in spring would be on the first few days of February. There¡¯s only less than a month left, don¡¯t you study anymore?¡±

    ¡°If you are involved in two Empresses¡¯ dispute, how can I stay at home reading books?¡± Ruan Qingyan asked her in reply, ¡°And if I have to rely on this month studying, do I dare to take the exam?!¡±

    ¡°Grinding the spear just before a battle may not make it sharper, but still could make it polished!¡± Qiu Yn said sincerely, ¡°You have a wrong attitude towards the exam!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan was toozy to answer her and said, ¡°Wasn¡¯t I there when Qiu Mengmin hurt himselfst time?¡±

    ¡°... Are you sure that eunuchs will let you enter the pce for this?¡± Qiu Yn said with little sadness, ¡°And even if you feel confident to pass the exam, think about Master Xue¡¯s mood... What will you do if unfortunately, he deliberately fails you because you are involved in this?¡±

    ¡°Then he would offend Empress.¡± Ruan Qingyan said lightly, ¡°At most, he won¡¯t cultivate me as a trusted subordinate! But isn¡¯t it the same if I rely on Empress Jiang?¡±

    So Ruan Qingyan did rely on ¡°witnessing Duke of Xihe hurting himself to coerce Commandery Princess Ningyi¡± to enter the pce gate....

    They were not qualified to appear on the Imperial Court as the ministers and officials. When they were called to enter into Funing Hall, the opening had passed, and it entered into ¡°official drama¡±. Once they crossed the threshold, they just felt the anxious atmosphere and tense situation in the magnificent Hall.

    They brother and sister leading the Qu Shan family, looked steadily forward and saluted to Empress Dowager Gu, Emperor, and Empress Jiang. And then they noticed that Qiu Mengmin was among the nobles and expressionless. Princess Yang, Madame Lu, and some senior servants of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe were called in before they came in.

    Except for Princess Yang, who had the title of nobility, everyone else was kneeling, taking up the right side to the red pedestal of the throne.

    Qiu Yn and the others could then only choose the left side, and the left and right above on the throne were just the opposite of what they looked under the red pedestal of the throne. So Qiu Yn and her fellows looked up and saw Empress Jiang who was sitting to the right of Emperor, while Princess Yang looked up and saw Empress Dowager Gu who was on the left of the throne. Clearly and extremely different, they were like two armies facing out and like a river between them!

    In contrast, Princess Yang had more people behind her while Qiu Yn had an imposing manner. Because Ruan Qingyan had the title of Juren, he was also qualified to stand with her. So, Princess Yang was standing alone on the other side. If Qiu Mengmin wouldn¡¯te out to stand with her, she would be looked as weaker.

    However, the civil and military officials in two lines were as many as clouds in the sky. It¡¯s hard to say which party has bigger power and numerical strength at this moment.

    After Qiu Yn and the others standing on the left side of the red pedestal of the throne, a handsome eunuch came out above, flicking the horsetail whisk, and said loudly, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi, Ruan Qingyan, the heir of General Ruan, and old Princess of Xihe¡¯s old servants are all brought here. If you ministers have any doubt, you could start asking now.¡±

    After finishing the words, he flicked the horsetail whisk again, and then retreated back behind Empress Jiang.

    Like shooting a starting gun, all civilian and military officers at court, who were originally silent, buzzed.

    A momentter, an official who was in a dark green uniform with a silver belt came out from the civilian side, pointing at Qiu Yn and shouted, ¡°As a niece, you didn¡¯t care about the education from your uncle and untie, discussing the elders without respect and offending the superior as the junior! You could be said as unloyal, unfilial, not benevolent and heartless, almost worse than animals! From my perspective, Qiu doesn¡¯t deserve the title Commandery Princess and she is even unworthy standing here!¡±

 Chapter 39 - Fierce Battle in Golden Hall!

    <h4>Chapter 39 Fierce Battle in Golden Hall!</h4>

    Ruan Qingyan looked at the official with ferocious look just after he scolded¡ª

    But Qiu Yn was faster than him!

    The young girl¡¯s crisp and sweet voice was like a pearl falling into a jade te. And it moved people deeply. But her words were more severe than the official¡¯s, ¡°Qiu?! My title of Commandery Princess has not been canceled. So far, I¡¯m still a vice-one-ss Commandery Princess! Even the eunuch of Empress calls me ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi.¡± You dare to call myst name¡ªwhere is your rule of senior and junior as a sixth-ss official?! Are you bullying me because I¡¯m so young that I can be easily frightened?!¡±

    Before waiting for the official to speak, Qiu Yn said loudly and angrily, ¡°As for whether I deserve to be here or not, I am ordered to be here today! It is also permitted by Empress Dowager, Emperor and Empress! Do you think it¡¯s inappropriate?! As a court official, how dare you offend the sacred will! Do you respect the Emperor! Do you have legitimism! Do you have the distinction between Emperor and officials?! You are a bastard! You are unworthy of being a son and official!!¡±

    Her parallel sentences were really vigorous! The official looked pale and almost backed away!

    Qiu Yn caught a w. Of course, the Empress¡¯s Party wouldn¡¯t let go of this first advantage. Three civil officials wearing green robes stepped out of the line to expand the battle results¡ª

    ¡°I¡¯m an Attendant Censor and my name is Cai Anshi. I¡¯m going to impeach Dr. Han Shan of Imperial College. He has no respect for Commandery Princess of Duke of Xihe, who was conferred by Emperor Gaozong. He publicly insulted the surname of Commandery Princess and didn¡¯t call her title! This is clearly disrespectful to Emperor Gaozong, the court, Empress Dowager, Emperor and Empress today!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a Pce Censor and my name is Shangguan Jiu. I¡¯m going to impeach Dr. Han Shan of Imperial College. He spoke rudely and despised Emperor!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a Pce Censor and my name is Wen Qiang. I¡¯m going to impeach Dr. Han Shan of Imperial College. He ndered vice-one-ss Commandery Princess without verification. He was crazy and made irresponsible remarks at random!¡±

    The Empress¡¯s Party was so powerful. And the Empress Dowager¡¯s Party was of course not to be outdone!

    ¡°Cai Anshi, Shangguan Jiu and Wen Qiang, don¡¯t importune and change the topic! Although Han Shan has faults, it was just a slip of the tongue, because he was too excited! What we are going to discuss today is that Commandery Princess Ningyi improperly discussed Duke of Xihe¡ª¡± He belonged to Empress Dowager¡¯s Party. He wore a light scarlet official robe with little flowers. And he wore a golden belt and whitebait bag. It was clear that he was a level five official. He held a jade tablet and was excited. And his beard on his chin raised with his head, ¡°Commandery Princess, Duke of Xihe is your uncle. Can you discuss whether he is filial or not as his junior?¡±

    Qiu Yn said coldly, ¡°When did I say my uncle is not filial?!¡±

    ¡°It is universally known¡ª¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s universally known?!¡± Qiu Yn interrupted him sharply, ¡°On the first day of the first lunar month, I went to Beijue Hall to pay a formal visit to Empress. Empress med me because I didn¡¯t call my uncle¡¯s biological mother my ordinary grandmother when she asked me! How can I deceive Empress? Certainly, I have to say why¡ªDo you ask me to ept the charge of being disrespectful to ordinary grandma in order to defend my uncle ording to what you mean?! Although I am young and I don¡¯t read many books, I also know the sequence of heaven, earth, emperor, family and teachers! Naturally, the Emperor is in front of the family. So, Empress is more important than my uncle¡ªOr you have forgotten the simple truth after reading so many books?!¡±

    The level five official was stronger than the level six official. He said after hearing the words, ¡°It¡¯s really good! Although you are young, Your Grace, so many adult women can¡¯tpete with your sharp tongue. Why you mention your age over and over again?! I suspect you¡¯re presuming on your juniority!¡±

    Then his voice sank, ¡°Since you said the words of ¡°the sequence of heaven, earth, emperor, family and teachers¡±, Your Grace, I thought you were educated for a few days! I want to ask you¡ªHave you read the words in The Analects of Confucius ¡°Father conceals child, and the child conceals father. There is honesty inside?¡± It¡¯s okay if you haven¡¯t read it. There is no need for juniors to bear responsibility for concealing seniors in Darui¡¯sw; if the seniors conceal juniors, they don¡¯t have to be punished except the capital offence¡ªHow do you exin thisw to me?!¡±

    Qiu Yn and Empress¡¯s Party were all silent!

    If people who support Qiu Mengmin¡¯s biggest mortal wound was that Madame Lu was officially driven out of Prince¡¯s Mansion by old Princess of Xihe; then what the level five official asked was also Qiu Yn¡¯s biggest w in this battle!

    Family members conceal each other!

    This world was not the ancient times of Qiu Yn¡¯s previous life, but the history was very simr. Even the celebrities of the dynasty were very simr. The Four Books and The Five ssics, allusions and legends were almost the same as the ancient times of her previous life!

    Now let¡¯s not talk about the history of this world, let¡¯s talk about Qiu Yn¡¯s current predicament¡ªThe so-called family members conceal each other was that family members conceal others¡¯ charges and they didn¡¯t take responsibility!

    This was the principle in the criminalw in the ancient world of Qiu Yn¡¯s previous life and present world. And it was deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.

    Mainly in ancient times, the world was governed by filial piety. Therefore, rtives especially the elders could harbor family members if theymitted crimes except treason and rebellion! Even the government encouraged harbouring!

    On the contrary¡ªIf you chose righteousness and punished your rtives, then it was a tragedy.

    Not only your rtives would me you¡ªQiu Yn didn¡¯t care about this; the government also thought that you were unfilial and unjust. And you even betrayed your rtives¡ªWere you still a human?

    Not to mention that Qiu Yn betrayed Duke of Xihe, who was her uncle and elder!

    In many people¡¯s view, this kind of behavior was a bit lighter than killing father ...

    ¡°You just said that the three Attendant Consors importuned and changed the topic. Now you are setting up a trap by recing the beams with rotten timbers?!¡± Fortunately, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t waste time in thest phase. She was intrigued in an extremely hostile environment. She sneered and squinted after pausing for a moment, ¡°You asked me about thew of Darui. It was clear that you confirmed that I didn¡¯t conceal my family. But, is this the same thing?!¡±

    She lifted her head. And her amorous eyes were bright. She looked sharply at the level five official and scolded, ¡°If you were in my position at that time, how would you call your uncle¡¯s biological mother?! Call her Lu?!¡±

    The level five official frowned¡ª Seeing this, an elder over sixty among civil officials wearing purple winked. And a level four official who wore a dark scarlet robe and was not far from the level five official supported, ¡°Why did you deliberately embarrass, Your Grace? Lu has been worshiped at Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe for many years and has never been known! But once Your Grace entered the pce, the news that Duke of Xihe was disrespectful to his official mother was immediately spread! Smart people could know the secret inside with a nce!¡±

    Qiu Yn asked faintly, ¡°ording to your words, I remember the drugstore of my maternal grandparents¡¯ house was smashed two days ago. When the shopkeeper left the drugstore and went to the General¡¯s Mansion for help, the drugstore was intact! But after I arrived, I found that the drugstore had been smashed. And Prince of Zhou was there¡ªSo, it must be Prince of Zhou who smashed it? After all, he had never been to the drugstore before. And he went there once, but the drugstore was ruined. Smart people can know the secret inside by your deduction!¡±

    Today, Chu Weizhou was not in the imperial court. But even if he was present, it was estimated that he couldn¡¯t stop the loud ridicule from Empress¡¯s Party. Several people even looked at Qiu Yn with praise.

    And the Empress Dowager¡¯s party couldn¡¯tugh¡ª The elder who just winked frowned and coughed. An official behind him who wore a gold belt, a goldfish bag and a purple robe with a badplexion stepped out of the line. He said coldly, ¡°Please be careful, Commandery Princess Ningyi! Prince of Zhou is so noble that you can¡¯t randomly take him as an example and ruin his fame! It¡¯s disrespectful to the imperial family!¡±

    ¡°You are right!¡± Qiu Yn approved him. She saluted to people above the red footsteps, ¡°I¡¯m so quick to refute that I offended Prince of Zhou. Please forgive me for my ignorance, Your Highness!¡±

    The three ahead did not want to battle by themselves at this time. So, Empress Dowager and Emperor did not say anything. Empress Jiang nodded and it was passed¡ªEmpress Dowager Gu was not generous to let her pass easily. It was because Han Shan was caught tripping before. Because of the beginning of the dispute, his disposal was put aside first. If she caught Qiu Yn¡¯s smaller fault, Han Shan¡¯s affair would definitely be turned out!

    Then it was confusing.

    Then Qiu Yn straightened up and looked at the level four official. She said in a bad tone, ¡°This official is so stubborn!¡±

    The level four official was stunned, but Shangguan Jiu reacted first. After all, he was a Pce Censor, who was specially responsible for tattling others on the imperial court¡ªHe lifted his tablet and said loudly without hesitation, ¡°I¡¯m Shangguan Jiu. I¡¯m going to impeach Yang Tao, a Minister of Personnel. He randomly spected Commandery Princess of Duke of Xihe conferred by Emperor Gaozong without any evidence! This ignores Emperor Gaozong¡¯s orders, the imperial court and the imperial family! I earnestly request you to scrutinize and punish him severely, Your Majesty! Otherwise, how can the imperial court¡¯s majesty and imperial family¡¯s honor be disyed?! How to respect Emperor Gaozong?!¡±

    Qiu Yn turned her eyes when she heard Shangguan Jiu pointed out the name of level four official. She looked at that person seriously¡ªHis surname was Yang. It seemed that he was a nsman of Princess Yang?

    I remembered the Yang Family was a neutral party ....

    I wondered if he fell to the Empress Dowager¡¯s Party because Princess Yang was defeated by me?

    Yang Tao reacted the same as her after hearing the words. He saluted and confessed to the persons above red footsteps¡ª It was Empress Dowager Gu who nodded her head and made this thing past at this time.

    It seemed that they tied, and no one suffered losses. They returned to the starting line.

    But a civil official wearing a purple robe from Empress Dowager¡¯s Party came out to support and made Qiu Yn confess¡ªording to the rules of official wearing in Darui, officials over level three were eligible to wear a purple robe; level four and five wore vermilion; level six to nine wore cyan; exile officials andmon people wore white.

    In other words, the Empress Dowager¡¯s Party had dispatched a level six official, a level five official, a level four official and one official above level three. And even an official over level three were secretly pointing although he didn¡¯te out ....

    On the contrary, the Empress¡¯s Party¡ªNone of the officials who were qualified to wear vermilion robes spoke except three level six Attendant Censors who were active altogether at the beginning and reported their names loudly!

    In recent years, this situation could not have happened since Empress and Empress Dowager were well-matched!

    What caused this scene was Commandery Princess Ningyi, who was only thirteen years old!

    After Yang Tao straightened up, all the officials looked at Qiu Yn again. And there were no disregard, contempt and banter in their eyes!

    The little Commandery Princess stood there with dignity. She wore white clothes and was shorter than Ruan Qingyan¡ª

    There were a few servants behind her who had knelt until now. Probably because they saw Emperor for the first time, they were scared and were still trembling now;

    There was only a little youth with cyan clothes next to her, who was a little older than her. He was willing to dedicate himself to helping her, but his ability was limited;

    All officials had known her background: She lost her father at one year old and lost her motherst year. After falling out with Qiu Mengmin¡¯s family, the only elder she could rely on was her grandfather who no longer knew her ....

    But at the moment, no one thought that she was lonely and pathetic. She had independent beauty.

    Like orchids growing on cliffs, they silently took roots in stones, struggling to grow and brewed blooming¡ªThen they bloomed and sent forth a unique fragrance. They didn¡¯t value others¡¯ praise¡ª¡ªNo matter how much effort they made, how much they suffered, they just lived for themselves, not for anyone.

    Recalling her modesty, patience and calmness since she entered the hall... Even many officials with usualplexion in crowds of officials wearing purple official uniforms who were close to red footsteps nced at Qiu Yn thoughtfully.

    After a brief silence, Qiu Mengmin, who looked calm all the time, came out and bowed down. He said, ¡°I¡¯m Qiu Mengmin. I swear on all I hold and the title of Duke of Xihe that my biological mother Lu was driven out of Prince¡¯s Mansion by my official mother, the old Princess of Xihe. But! She asked someone to tell me to take my biological mother back and looked after her because she cared for their former affection before she died!¡±

    Qiu Yn and Ruan Qingyan were both shocked and trembling!

 Chapter 40 - A Sudden Clap of Thunder!

    <h4>Chapter 40 A Sudden p of Thunder!</h4>

    The Empress¡¯s Party also noticed the crisis¡ªQiu Mengmin even betted his title and his life in public. How could he be willing to make such a big bet if he was not quite sure?

    A moment after the turmoil of all officials, a level five civil official in a light scarlet robe came out with a dignified expression, ¡°It is a big event. Is there any evidence?!¡±

    Qiu Mengmin raised his head. A sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth. He looked at Princess Yang who had not had a chance to intervene until now first, and then looked at the several people who were lying prostrate on the ground behind her, ¡°The two old servants who served old Princess at that time can prove it! In fact, it is because of the two loyal servants that I knew that old Princess forgave my biological mother!¡±

    He arched his hand to the persons above the red footsteps, ¡°I beg Empress Dowager, Emperor and Empress to allow them to prove for me!¡±

    The emperor sat there without expression just like a decoration. Perhaps his mind was already out of the world.

    Empress Jiang gazed at him. She frowned and returned to normal face.

    Certainly, Empress Dowager Gu looked happy. She nodded slightly, ¡°They can stand up to speak because they served old Princess of Xihe before!¡±

    Qiu Yn bit her lip and looked at them with Ruan Qingyan¡ªThe two people behind Princess Yang were an old woman and a strong woman.

    The elder had sagging skin. She was old but strong, and she was spirited; the young one was about thirty years old, with red lips and white teeth. Qiu Yn had no impression on them. But Mrs. Li, who was behind her, shouted low and said, ¡°Mr. Guan and Dongyao!?¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s heart sank: These two people really served old Princess?!

    ¡°Be quiet!¡± Mrs. Li¡¯s exmation made the servant who was in charge of maintaining order below the red footsteps frowned. He cracked a quiet whip and scolded!

    Qiu Yn turned back and gave Mrs. Li a soothing look immediately¡ªDuring this time, Mrs. Guan didn¡¯t even look at them. She saluted to the persons above the red footsteps. And she said clearly, ¡°I¡¯m Guan. My name is not worth mentioning. And I came from Kuizhou and exiled to the capital city with my parents. After my parents died, I was forced to sell myself to be a maid in Prince¡¯s Mansion to make a living at the age of thirteen. At the age of sixteen, I was honored to serve the old Princess of Xihe. The prince cherished me and allowed me to return to hometown for retirement after the old Princess died. And then I left the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe! Recently, I heard that the Prince needed me to prove the past thing. So, I ventured toe here. I have no regrets even if I die because I have seen the faces of Emperor and Empress! I never dare to lie!¡±

    She was more than sixty years old. From the first time she served old Princess of Xihe at sixteen years old, to the death of the old Princess of Xihe at eleventh years old, she had served the old Princess for over thirty years! Mrs. Guan served old Princess of Xihe almost as soon as she married.

    On ount of this, her qualifications were more senior than Mrs. Li¡ªMrs. Li began to be the chef of the old Princess of Xihe over twenty years old. And now she was more than fifty!

    What¡¯s more, Mrs. Li was in charge of the kitchen. It was impossible for her to apany the old Princess all day long. So how could shepete with Mrs. Guan who was an attendant?

    And Qiu Mengmin not only found Mrs. Guan to prove, but also found Dongyao!

    Dongyao said this, ¡°I¡¯m Wen, who was once named Dongyao by the old Princess of Xihe. I was born in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe! A few years before the death of the old Princess, I was fortunate to serve her closely and became the head of the first-ss maids!¡±

    Qiu Yn bit her lip.

    People in Empress¡¯s Party looked solemn!

    Mrs. Guan and Dongyao reported their identity and began to describe the situation before the death of the old Princess of Xihe,¡± ... After hearing the news of the old Prince¡¯s death, old Princess was prostrate with grief and fainted right away because she only has one child, the old Prince! And she was sick at that night!¡±

    ¡°At that time, Commandery Princess Ningyi was only one year old. And the old Young Prince was only eight years old. They all needed caring. But Princess Ruan was sick too after hearing the news¡ªAll the people in Prince¡¯s Mansion were afraid of the old Princess and Princess Ruan would have trouble. We were busy in a few days. However, the old Young Prince identally fell into theke and died during this time. After hearing the news, the sick old Princess vomited blood for several days, and then....¡±

    ¡°Before the old Princess died, she repeatedly told Princess Ruan not to call the doctor for ount. She also said that old Prince and old Young Prince were gone, the title of nobility of Duke of Xihe should be inherited by the current Prince. And after all, Prince¡¯s biological mother was just his biological mother, although she was driven out of Prince¡¯s Mansion on ount of small mistakes! After Prince took over Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, it was better to resolve the former resentment and took his mother back to look after, in order to take the responsibility of a son.¡±

    ¡°Old Princess also asked Dongyao and me to tell Prince to care for Princess Ruan and Commandery Princess Ningyi because they were family....¡±

    It seemed that Mrs. Guan and Dongyao were touched by the feeling of the master and servant. Their eyes were red, and voices were choked!

    But Qiu Yn listened without emotion and her heart was chilling as ice!

    It seemed that this description was normal. But definitely it was well designed!

    ¡ªFirstly, they said that Qiu Zhongyan¡¯s death led to the old Princess of Xihe¡¯s sickness, ¡°Because old Princess only had one child, old Prince¡±. This was simply a suggestion that old Princess only valued her son Qiu Zhongyan and she didn¡¯t treat Qiu Mengmin, the eldest son born by a concubine, as her son! The hidden meaning was that the old Princess of Xihe was not a good official mother!

    Besides, they emphasized that Qiu Yn and Qiu Jinn ¡°needed caring¡± at that time when Qiu Jinn died. It obviously used Princess Ruan of not taking good care of her children as a mother! The phrase ¡°All the people in Prince¡¯s Mansion were afraid of the old Princess and Princess Ruan would have trouble¡± actually disassociated themselves from servants who looked after Qiu Jinn!

    If the above words were deliberately designed, the next words were undoubtedly malicious and extremely vicious!

    ¡°Before old Princess died, she repeatedly told Princess Ruan not to call the doctor for ount¡± actually meant that if old Princess hadn¡¯t told Princess Ruan, she would have called the doctor for ount¡ªIn fact, old Princess was stimted by the matter that she lost her son in old age. Her sickness could not be cured by medicine. But Princess Ruan thought it was the doctor¡¯s fault because old Princess couldn¡¯t be cured¡ªAs we could imagine, people would think that Princess Ruan was unreasonable and always vented her anger on others after hearing this sentence!

    Moreover, Qiu Mengmin emphasized that ¡°It was because of the two loyal servants that I knew old Princess forgave my biological mother¡± before Mrs. Guan and Dongyao came out. Compare the sentences before and after¡ªPrincess Ruan also heard thest words of the old Princess of Xihe which was beneficial to Qiu Mengmin. However, only Mrs. Guan and Dongyao told him.

    It was straightforward¡ªPrincess Ruan was dissatisfied with Qiu Mengmin.

    She was so dissatisfied that she concealed the old Princess of Xihe¡¯sst words!

    Then, as Princess Ruan¡¯s biological daughter, Qiu Yn¡¯s rebellion and nder of Qiu Mengmin also seemed to have a reasonable exnation: She was misled by Princess Ruan or she was instigated by Princess Ruan!

    ¡°The title of nobility of Duke of Xihe should be inherited by the current Prince¡±. They had discredited old Princess of Xihe and Princess Ruan from the words above. But they confirmed Qiu Mengmin¡¯s legal identity to inherit the title in a tone of the official mother!

    Next, they mentioned the matter of Madame Lu. ¡°In order to take the responsibility of a son,¡± ording to this sentence, if someone opposed it, they would question them about old Princess of Xihe¡¯s unkindness and her action of preventing the son of a concubine to ¡°take the responsibility of a son!¡±

    The finishing touch was thest sentence¡ªCare for Princess Ruan and Commandery Princess Ningyi because they were family!

    Because of thisst sentence, people woulde to a conclusion from what they said: In the early years, the old Princess of Xihe was jealous of the eldest son Qiu Mengmin and his mother. So, she drove them out of Prince¡¯s Mansion with the identity of the official mother! It seemed merciless!

    However, due to the death of Qiu Zhongyan and Qiu Jinn, the old Princess of Xihe suffered a lot and was about to pass away. At this time, in order to consider the remaining granddaughter Qiu Yn, she had to change the way she behaved!

    So, she not only let Princess Ruan forgive the doctor who treated her, but also appeased Qiu Mengmin. She agreed with him about taking back Madame Lu to exchange his care for Princess Ruan and Qiu Yn!

    But Princess Ruan was not like old Princess of Xihe, who passed away after ordering. She was still alive! So, she was still hostile to Qiu Mengmin¡ªSo, there was Qiu Yn, the niece who exposed her uncle¡¯s disrespect to his official mother!

    It made sense! Impable!

    A mean, jealous, narrow-minded official mother, who only thought about her own child and regardless of the son of a concubine but had to bow to him because of fate, was sculptured by them!

    An equally mean and narrow-minded sister-inw, who only thought about her dead husband and son and even taught her biological daughter to be hostile to the innocent uncle, was sculptured vividly!

    A young, ignorant, unreasonable, stupid and unfilial niece, who just trusted her mother¡¯s instigation, was also sculptured vividly.

    What Qiu Yn had discussed with Ruan Qingyan before was the biggest victory in this battle¡ªThe problem that genealogy was not easy to modify was skipped directly under these remarks¡ªThe matter that old Princess of Xihe had driven Madame Lu out was written in genealogy! But old Princess changed her mind before she died! Although it was toote to add Madame Lu¡¯s name back to Qiu Family¡¯s genealogy, there was witness. Additionally, Madame Lu was Qiu Mengmin¡¯s biological mother. What was the reason for forbidding someone to support mother?

    Yang Tao, a Minister of Personnel, simply wanted tough loudly!

    He couldn¡¯t wait to ask, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi! The facts and witnesses are all present¡ªWhat else can you say?!¡±

    Princess Yang listened to her cousin¡¯s question, and thought happily, ¡°With Mrs. Guan and Dongyao, even if Qushan¡¯s family came out¡ªCould a female cook far away from the kitchenpete with the maids who had served old Princess for most of her life? In particr, Mrs. Guan and Dongyao¡¯s words had made all officials be disgusted with b*itch old Princess of Xihe and Ruan. Ruan had stopped Qushan¡¯s family from being sold. On ount of this, it could be said that they were instigated or misled by Ruan if they said something true!¡±

    For a moment, everyone looked at Qiu Yn whose face was pale!

    ¡°Of course there is!¡± Qiu Yn was silent for a moment. There were many officials whispering. It seemed that Empress Dowager was about to convict her, Empress Jiang looked somber but couldn¡¯t find suitable words to protect her¡ªShe finally spoke!

    Without asking for forgiveness or confessing, she still stood upright with a dignifiedplexion and looked calm, ¡°The words of Mrs. Guan and Dongyao are not true! Mrs. Li behind me....¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s said that Mrs. Li was just old Princess of Xihe¡¯s female cook?¡± The level five official who debated with her to rece Han Shan came out again. She said sarcastically, ¡°In Commandery Princess Ningyi¡¯s eyes, a female cook who was in the smoky kitchen was closer to old Princess than her maids?!¡±

    The man held a tablet and bowed around. He asked with a smile, ¡°Masters, have you heard anything more ridiculous than this?¡±

    ¡°Ningyi was still young and was inevitably deceived.¡± Princess Yang finally found the opportunity to speak, and immediately saluted and confessed to the people. She sighed, ¡°Mrs. Li¡¯s family was called by Princess Ruan to serve her after old Princess died. It can be said that they watched Ningyi grow up. And they were very close to Ningyi! It was because of our carelessness that they instigated Ningyi....¡±

    This statement undoubtedly confirmed that Qiu Yn was misled by the immoral biological mother, Princess Ruan, and the unpredictable servants to deliberately against Qiu Mengmin!

    The Empress¡¯s Party had a tendency of being defeated!

    At this moment, Ruan Qingyan, who had been standing still just like Princess Yang, suddenly looked up and said lightly, ¡°Minister Yang and Princess Yang, don¡¯t be happy so early¡ªRuan Family and Lian Family, the old Princess of Xihe¡¯s family, both have a written letter eleven years ago before old Princess of Xihe died, which can prove that old Princess allowed Madame Lu to return to Prince¡¯s Mansion was fake!¡±

    It was like a sudden p of thunder!!!

 Chapter 41 - Do You Have Designs on My Cousin?

    <strong>Chapter 41 Do You Have Designs on My Cousin?</strong>

    As soon as they entered the General¡¯s Mansion, before the gate was closed, Qiu Yn pulled Ruan Qingyan¡¯s sleeve in a rush, ¡°How did you know that letter?¡± She, who inherited the memory of this body, didn¡¯t remember this letter, but Ruan Qingyan was adopted to the Ruan Family as an heir only half a year ago and he submitted the letter to everyone at the court¡ªeven a blind man could see there was something strange about him!

    But Ruan Qingyan calmly said, ¡°It was Ruan An who told me!¡±

    ¡°Ruan An?¡± Qiu Yn was stunned and looked at Ruan An, the old butler who wasing from not far away.

    As expected, Ruan An bowed and asked anxiously, ¡°Was the letter used at the court?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Ruan Qingyan nodded and made a serious salute to him, ¡°Thanks for your reminding, or we would be caught in big trouble!¡± If Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t take out the letter in time, even if Qiu Yn was articte, she could only depend on Empress Jiang to muddle up the situation and find other old servants who had taken care of old Princess.

    But with Mrs. Guan¡¯s long experience of serving old Princess, it was hardly possible to find another witness to refute her. What¡¯s more, Empress Dowager would not sit by and let Empress look for the person she wanted.

    Ruan An avoided Ruan Qingyan¡¯s salute and heaved a great sigh of relief.

    Qiu Yn asked in doubt, ¡°Mr. Ruan, now that you already knew about the letter, why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier?¡±

    ¡°s!¡± Ruan An sighed, ¡°You don¡¯t know that the letter was originally left by the old Princess as thest weapon to deal with Duke of Xihe. ording to the old General, it should be used at the most critical point! Since you are still young and have to be taken care of in the Prince¡¯s Mansion, if it were taken out early, things might change. The old General intended to exchange it for a good husband for you. When you are married, it will be hard for them to rule over you!¡±

    No wonder onlyst year, when she and Deng Yi were engaged for two years, that Princess Ruan told her to run away from Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Probably because of the existence of this letter, General Ruan and Princess Ruan thought there was hope. But they didn¡¯t think that Madame Lu was so vicious that she harmed them both directly.

    Without the protection of her grandfather and mother, under normal circumstances, what could a young orphan girl do with the letter of old Princess of Xihe?

    Besides, as soon as Princess Ruan died, Princess Yang and Qiu Yuqing searched her roompletely and tantly. If Ruan Qingyan was not adopted to the Ruan Family, it seemed that as soon as General Ruan died, the Qiu Family woulde with the excuse of helping Qiu Yn settle the old General¡¯s affairs and search through the General¡¯s Mansion. By then, even if there was some letter, Qiu Yn would never know.

    Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the futureter. Thanks to the letter today....¡±

    Ruan An carefully asked, ¡°Did the court decide how to deal with Duke of Xihe today?¡±

    ¡°Not yet,¡± Qiu Yn and Ruan Qingyan looked at each other and showed an expression of helplessness together, ¡°My cousin said that the family of my grandmother¡¯s mother, the Lian Family, also had a simr letter, so Empress Dowager said it would not be decided until the letter in the Lian Family was also taken as a piece of evidence. Well, let¡¯s hope the Lian Family keeps that letter well.¡±

    ¡°The Lian Family¡¯s old master has passed away early. Some other masters returned to their hometown for the funeral. Since then, they have been living there,¡± Ruan An frowned and said, ¡°The Lian Family is in Lanxi, which is not near Jing City! It at least costs more than one month toe here and return!¡±

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°Yes. Thanks to Empress, I can still live in the General¡¯s Mansion and attend to my grandfather this month.¡±

    ¡°It is really too dangerous for Your Grace to live in Prince¡¯s Mansion now,¡± Ruan An nodded. ¡°Although if something happened to Your Grace if living there, Prince¡¯s Mansion would surely take the consequences, they may still dare to take risks!¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°There is nothing to do, for I am young.¡± If she were not of the younger generation, even if there was no evidence and she was only suspected of killing Qiu Mengmin and people around him, her future must have been ruined. She wanted to kill the rted people and ruin the evidence more than Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe did!

    For a girl from thest phase, what she was most good at was not plotting but killing! Killing was an indispensable skill! Qiu Yn sighed that her strength was not as good as in thest life, so she had to go on the way of intrigue and was oppressed by seniority in the family.... If only she could challenge Qiu Mengmin to a duel to settle this issue....

    Of course, Ruan An didn¡¯t know the dangerous idea she had in her mind now andforted her, ¡°When the two letters of old Princess are put together, will Duke of Xihe still dare to oppress Your Grace as your uncle?¡±

    At this time, Ruan Qingyan looked at the sky outside and said, ¡°Let¡¯s prepare for dinner now and discuss it tomorrow.¡±

    The day ended. All the people in Jing City were waiting for the Lian Family and the other letter left by the old Princess of Xihe.

    The next day, Qiu Yn was awake and was dressing up. Suddenly she heard some noise outside. It seemed to be Deng Yi. She hurried to call Su He, ¡°See what¡¯s going on outside!¡±

    Su He only took two steps when Chunran lifted the door curtain and came in, smiling, ¡°Your Grace, there is no need to send Su He out to see. It is young master Deng. But he has been persuaded back to Cuiwei Pavilion now.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked curiously, ¡°Why did hee over? Didn¡¯t my cousin teach him martial arts?¡±

    ¡°Young master told him to do horse stance first. Isn¡¯t it necessary for a beginner?¡± Chunran curved up her lips, ¡°But young master Deng thought it was an excuse to get rid of him....¡±

    ¡°Well, Deng Yi was unreasonable,¡± Qiu Yn nodded. ¡°How could a man as restless as him learn true martial arts?¡±

    Chunran said with a smile, ¡°Exactly.¡±

    ¡°Then, how did you persuade him to go back?¡± Qiu Yn asked. ¡°After all, he came to my door. It won¡¯t be easy to persuade him.¡±

    Chunran coughed at once, ¡°It¡¯s Dongran who came and got him back.... I was far away from her and didn¡¯t know how!¡±

    The answer soon came¡ªXiaran, who had picked up some branches of plum blossoms to put in the vase, said excitedly, ¡°Dongran was so clever. As Young master Deng refused to leave, Dongran pulled his sleeve and he was frightened to run away! Ha-ha!¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t pity Deng Yi at all and wasughing back and forth with her hand propped against the dresser, ¡°He deserves it! He shouldn¡¯t have bullied Xishi!¡±

    When she dressed up and went to see General Ruan, she found Ruan Qingyan was not in the outer room. Maid Xisong exined, ¡°Young master has had the room next door cleaned and made it a study. If you have something to talk to him, just go and call him.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I won¡¯t disturb him when he¡¯s studying,¡± Qiu Yn shook her head.

    She apanied and took care of General Ruan till noon when he fell asleep. After that, she walked to the next room and saw Ruan Qingyan was sitting behind the desk and reading at full attention. So, she signed silence to Dongran and left quietly.

    On the way, something came to Qiu Yn and she asked Chunran, ¡°Deng Yi is still here? Didn¡¯t he leave the day before on the Lantern Festival?¡±

    ¡°He did leave the day before, but he came again in the evening that day,¡± Chunran said, ¡°It was almost 9 o¡¯clock. He knocked up the man at the corner gate and came in.¡±

    ¡°....¡± Qiu Yn turned around immediately, ¡°I will check what his design is!¡±

    Chunran hurried to say, ¡°Please don¡¯t! Young master said you shouldn¡¯t meet him! There are not so many days before the imperial examination in spring. If he knows you go for young master Deng, he must be distracted!¡±

    ¡°Then don¡¯t tell him!¡± Qiu Yn said seriously. ¡°You don¡¯t want to disturb his career, so you mustn¡¯t let him know! It¡¯s about the results of his ten years of hard study, about the Ruan Family¡¯s future and also... Do you understand?¡±

    Chunran and Xiaran looked at each other speechlessly!

    In the end, they could not persuade Qiu Yn, and had no choice but to follow her to Cuiwei Pavilion. Before entering, they heard a very embarrassing voice from the courtyard¡ª

    ¡°It, it hurts me! Have you done now?¡± Deng Yi¡¯s voice was obviously with pain and faint breaths!

    ¡°Young master, please hold on.... It won¡¯t be long!¡± This voice sounded unfamiliar and seemed to be a servant.

    ¡°I... I can¡¯t! Hurry up!¡± When Deng Yi said this, he took a couple of breaths.

    ¡°I will, I will be quick!¡± The servantforted him in a hurry. Probably he was too anxious at Deng Yi¡¯s urging, so he put up his force and they heard Deng Yi¡¯s scream of pain at once!

    In view of Deng Yi¡¯s reputation, Qiu Yn and her party immediately had a rich association with the previous dialogue. Qiu Yn hesitated between ¡°I¡¯d better not go in and disturb them¡± and ¡°That¡¯s out of line! Under the broad daylight, he did such an immoral thing in the Ruan Family. If this were known by other people, how could the Ruan Family be respected?¡± for half a second, and resolutely chose thetter, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°You finallye!¡± Startled by Qiu Yn¡¯s suddening, Deng Yi and his servant did not feel ashamed, but Deng Yi almost jumped up. He questioned angrily, ¡°You said you would teach me martial arts, but you not only just left me here but let me do horse stance every day¡ªI feel pain in every part of my body! See these liquor jars there? I have used up two jars of medicinal liquor for bruises, but you still won¡¯t teach me!¡±

    Qiu Yn stared speechlessly at Deng Yi, who rolled up his sleeves high to let his servant apply medicinal liquor on him....

    ¡°Don¡¯t you understand ¡®A high building rises from the t ground¡¯?¡± Calming down, Qiu Yn stretched out her hands and rubbed her face into a poker face. ¡°By the way, as the Lantern Festival is over, why are you here again?¡±

    Deng Yi snorted, ¡°Don¡¯t be so ungrateful! If I didn¡¯t live here, you and your cousin, both unmarried but living together, would be harshly criticized!¡±

    Qiu Ynughed, ¡°You eat without paying here, and you have someone teach you martial arts. Do I still owe you?¡±

    ¡°Anyway, I won¡¯t pay neither for the room nor the food!¡± Deng Yi said alertly at once, ¡°I have no money!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought, ¡°I only ckmailed you once unsessfully. Am I such a money-grubber in your mind?¡±

    As Qiu Ynined in her mind, she walked over and sat down in front of him, ¡°Why on earth did youe back? Your family and your cousin didn¡¯t prevent you?¡±

    Hearing she mentioned Gu Yan, Deng Yi¡¯s face showed a touch ofplexity. He said, ¡°I will participate in the imperial exam in autumn next year. There are still nearly two years before that. What¡¯s the matter of asionally staying outside?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t speak like that,¡± Qiu Yn said kindly, ¡°Did you hear what happened in the Imperial Court? Your cousin must be disappointed. If you don¡¯t go back andfort him, he may me you for not supporting him!¡±

    Deng Yi frowned and said, ¡°This is Ruan¡¯s house. You are still a guest yourself, but now you want to drive me out?¡± He thought for a moment and said, ¡°By the way, will your cousin take the exam next month?¡±

    ¡°Yes. He¡¯s terrific, right? A seventeen-year-old Juren! An eighteen-year-old Jinshi!¡± Qiu Yn proudly unted. ¡°He¡¯s only one year older than you! Even if you could pass the exam next year, you would only be an eighteen-year-old Juren!¡±

    Deng Yi gave her a re and said, ¡°It¡¯s not wise for him to do so! If someone bes a Jinshi at 17, it means he is a talent! It¡¯s said that ¡®Those under thirty years old rarely pass the Metropolitan Exam.¡¯ At his age, if he can study for more years before he takes the exam, if he can¡¯t be Number One Schr, he can still be among the first three ranks! At that time, he will still be praised as a talented young man. But if he takes the exam now, I guess he will at most be among the second rank, which is far less honorable than the first rank!¡±

    He snorted again, ¡°You think I don¡¯t have the ability to be a Juren? Those who passed the exam in autumnst year but ranked lower were no better than me! I didn¡¯t take the exam only because I wanted a higher rank! Not only me, that Jiang Yashuang you know, he¡¯s 16 but as early as three years ago, he could write an article that could pass the county level exam. He could have been a Xiucai at that time, but Marquess of Qin wanted to toughen him, so he was not allowed to take the exam. Only next year can he participate in the exam!¡±

    He sighed, ¡°I know the reason why young master Ruan will take the exam this year. He could be among the first rank graduates, but now he only wants to pass the exam. You ruined him. You ruined him!¡±

    He looked at Qiu Yn and shook his head. His ming eyes made Qiu Yn silent for a while. After sending away their servants, Qiu Yn asked Deng Yi, who was confused, ¡°Tell me the truth¡ªdo you have designs on my cousin? Is it why you keep staying here and refuse to leave?¡±

 Chapter 42 - Exactly Touched the Spot

    <strong>Chapter 42 Exactly Touched the Spot</strong>

    ¡°Why is young master Deng leaving?¡± Chunran and others asked inexplicably, ¡°Does he quit learning martial arts?¡±

    Qiu Yn said with guilty, ¡°Maybe he missed his family.¡± Perfunctorily, she hurriedly changed to another subject, ¡°Cousin will attend the test on February 9th. His recent diet should be certain things that you definitely shouldn¡¯t let slide. What he has eaten for these days?

    Chunran paused and said, ¡°This... has always been managed by Sister Dongran.¡±

    ¡°Cousin will finished mourning period at the end of this month, just few days left.... I guess we could fetch some meat in secret for him to build up health,¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s lowed her voice, ¡°But be careful, don¡¯t let others know. If Empress Dowager¡¯s men know it as a handle, they would ruin his fame!¡±

    Su He blinked her big eyes, admiringly said, ¡°That¡¯s why Your Grace deliberately got him pissed off! Afraid of young master Deng divulge a secret leak? I just went in and saw that young master Deng was as strong as able to overturn that rosewood tea table!¡±

    ¡°... He-he-he-he-he-he!¡± Qiu Yn smiled hypocritically for a while and said, ¡°In short, go tell Dongranter, to support my cousin taking the exam, provide him the most nutritious food!¡±

    Chunran replied rapidly and went to find Dongran.

    Just then, Ruan An hurried over and said directly, ¡°Your Grace, could you please go and drive Mrs. and Miss Kang away? They have been making noises in front of the gate. Young master will take the exam soon, so I really couldn¡¯t bother him!¡±

    The smile on Qiu Yn¡¯s mouth froze suddenly, and herplexion turned blue, ¡°Aunt Qiu and Kang Lizhang, how dare theye here making troubles?!¡±

    Ruan An said shamefully, ¡°Exactly! Mrs. Kang is shrewish indeed. I asked few servants to drive them out of the door. However, our servants are no match for her. They were pushed back by Mrs. Kang and fell... s!¡±

    In fact, the housekeeper shouldn¡¯t be the one to me for being unhelpful. General¡¯s Mansion has been dpidated and ruined more than ten years. Not only it was severely understaffed, but also the few who are barely left were also old, weak, and sick. Unexpectedly, they couldn¡¯t even deal with a shrew.

    ¡°I¡¯m going now. Remember don¡¯t disturb cousin!¡± Qiu Yn suddenly stood up, and solemnly exhorted even before changed dress, ¡°I definitely won¡¯t let this mother and daughter from ruin cousin¡¯s bright future!¡±

    She hasn¡¯t let Kang Family¡¯s mother and daughter pay the debt for their previous abuse. And now, at this very important moment before Ruan Qingyan¡¯s examination, they evene to the door to make trouble!

    ¡°Unfortunately, this body is too young. Although I have learned martial arts before, after all, it is far from my previous life....¡± Qiu Yn hurriedly walked towards the gate of General¡¯s Mansion, with cold, murderous light shing in her bright, peach-blossom-shaped eyes!

    When she rushed to the gate, she saw Qiu Yuqing blocking the gate and yelling loudly, ¡°... Who dare to block my path! Do you know who I am? My brother is Duke of Xihe! A small general of Ruan Family means nothing! He is in bad health and needs to rest, but this is none of my business! Bah! I won¡¯t leave before this brate out!¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yning out, Qiu Yuqing¡¯s eyes lighted. Rolling her sleeves as crossing the threshold, she was cursing and shouted, ¡°Little b*tch! Finally you show up?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be rude!¡± Ruan Family¡¯s servants hastened to stop her.

    But these two servants were as thin as ath. Although they were young, how could they bear rude and unreasonable Qiu Yuqing, who had been living in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe forst decade, heavy-jowled and potbellied!

    Instead of holding back Qiu Yuqing, they were dragged by her and staggered. They hurried to remind, ¡°Your Grace, please go back! Please ask young master or housekeeper toe!¡±

    ¡°How could you refuse to give a warm reception for aunt¡¯s visit?¡± Qiu Yn stared at Qiu Yuqing, gathering the gloomy color, lightly smiling and said, ¡°What do you mean? Open the door quickly and invite my aunt in for some tea.¡±

    Qiu Yuqing gave her a scornful nce and said, ¡°It¡¯s your honor!¡± She was then about to enter in.

    ¡°Wait a moment!¡± A soft voice suddenly came from behind her, and stopped her in time, ¡°Young master Ruan must be reviewing for these days. I¡¯m afraid we would disturb him if we¡¯re going in. I think we just need to talk to cousin in front of the gate.¡±

    ¡°Cousin Kang is here, too? Have you been totally recovered? How could you stand in a draught?¡± Qiu Yn frowned slightly, recognizing that the voice belonged to Kang Lizhang. This Kang Lizhang was unlike Qiu Yuqing but was simr to Madame Lu, scheming deep, and even realized her plot, which is to let them in and block their retreat. If Qiu Yuqing stood outside, even though there just few passersby on street in front of General¡¯s Mansion. Atst, Qiu Yn would not take risks to do something to Qiu Yuqing in public.

    A young girl wrapped in a sable fur and wearing a veil hat appeared behind Qiu Yuqing. Taking a good look at this slim figure, it should be Kang Lizhang. She said softly, ¡°I wear a veil hat. So, don¡¯t worry, my cousin!¡±

    ¡°Whether you wear a veil hat or not, there is no reason for not inviting elders who came to the door for a cup of tea. My cousin, do you want to deliberately trap me into being impolite?¡± Qiu Yn replied sharply.

    Kang Lizhang smirked, ¡°This is Ruan Family instead of Qiu Family. We could go back to the Qiu Family for residence, and we don¡¯t need you, my dear cousin, to provide amodation. Where is Yulu Ointment? Just give us and we¡¯ll leave, in case we may disturb young master Ruan from reviewing for the exam.

    ¡°Absolutely right!¡± Qiu Yuqing has always spoiled her children. Listening Kang Lizhang talking just now, she kept silent. But now, she found her spare time and continued growling, ¡°You little b*tch, saying fetch my Lizhang Yulu Ointment from home and then disappeared for several days! I would have thought you had already died here!¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s eyes flickered, and she almost couldn¡¯t resist the urge to p her, but she still lightly smiled, ¡°So aunt and cousin came just for Yulu Ointment? Unfortunately, my grandfather has been in poor health these days, and I need to serve with my cousin in front of his bed. We went into the pce few days ago, and I haven¡¯t even had time to go to rtives to ask about this.¡±

    ¡°What do you pretend?!¡± Qiu Yuqing yelled, ¡°Empress rewarded you both times you entered the pce. There is Yulu Ointment in it. You think we don¡¯t know?¡±

    Kang Lizhang smiled softly and said, ¡°Mother, why are you angry? Yulu Ointment is such a precious thing that my cousin shall grudge to give it to us. But if I don¡¯t apply Yulu Ointment, my face will be ruined. I think we have to impress my cousin with sincerity!¡±

    Saying this, she looked around and seemed to murmur to herself, ¡°If you get hungry, servants bring loquat-leaf water and pastries here. And If you are tired, just take a break in the carriage. Every day we¡¯de to plead with cousin for three to five hours. I guess cousin¡¯s heart would finally melt with pity!¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s eyes were full of killing intent!

    So, this pair of mother and daughter just came specifically for Ruan Qingyan!

    ¡°This pair of mother and daughter can¡¯t be kept alive... but now we must coax them out of sight of outsiders and then deal with them....¡± Qiu Yn bowed her head and figured out how to deal with the situation ahead. However, suddenly there came harsh dog barks from outside!

    It followed with downstairs Kang Family¡¯s servants¡¯ panicked crying, ¡°Whose dogs came out!¡±

    Hesitating whether to fight or tolerate, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t suppose this would matter at the beginning. Sounds like the voice was from a very young maid, so is it strange for a young girl to get afraid of dogs? But out of her expectation, the two Ruan Family¡¯s servants who tried to stop Qiu Yuqing before, also stepping towards the door and saying, ¡°That¡¯s not dog, that¡¯s mastiff! Your Grace, let¡¯s close the door quickly! Mastiff would bite and kill people if it went mad!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Kang Family¡¯s mother and daughter listened to these words, hurrying to looked back. By this look, Qiu Yuqing¡¯s fat face twitched, ¡°These two dogs are almost catching up with calves! What dogs are they?!¡±

    ¡°Hide in the mansion now!¡± Kang Lizhang decided it in a second. Holding the veil hat in one hand and the skirt in the other, pushing Qiu Yuqing, she stepped into General¡¯s Mansion in a sh, and she hurriedly urged, ¡°Close the door!¡±

    Qiu Yn stunned when she watched the mother and daughter shed in, ordering Ruan Family¡¯s servants, and Qiu Yuqing even by the way mmed the door!

    The point was, all servants following them except for few personal maid and some servants very near, including other servants around the carriage, were still outside!

    ¡°So how about those young maids under stair!¡± Qiu Yn saw the head-tall mastiff dogs jumped towards the horse which pulled the carriage just before the door was closed. In a second, the intive cry that made before the horse¡¯s death and people¡¯s hysterical shouts were heard!

    Qiu Yuqing was tapping her chest to calm down. ¡°Bah,¡± she heard Qiu Yn¡¯s words and spat to her, ¡± They are my servants, and it¡¯s none of your little b*tch¡¯s business! Little b*tch, you¡¯re unable to protect yourself and you still find fault with me! Believe it or not, one more word, I would tear your bad mouth up?!¡±

    Kang Lizhang, who was equally shocked, sneered, ¡°How could we not realize you have suchpassion? Then just go out of the side door to save them! Hope us to run out and get bitten by mastiffs, and then you are happy?¡±

    She saw all servants of Ruan Family around looked scornful, so she rolled her eyes, ¡°You just wanted to trick us into the door, and you say such things now! I know you are just malevolent! Tell us, are these mastiffs let out by you? You bad guy shed crocodile tears and try to find fault with us?!¡±

    ¡°You guys are so shameless!¡± Su He angered, with hands shuddering!

    ¡°The one who is shameless is your master!¡± Kang Lizhang had been in Prince¡¯s Mansion for so many years that even Commandery Princess Ningtai was afraid of her. So, how can she tolerate Su He scold her! She changed her face and sneered, ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know at present General Ruan was ill to death and can¡¯t even recognize people now? Your master was stubbornly staying at General¡¯s Mansion instead of her real, legit home! Does she really tend to apany the old general? So why is she here now? She clearlyes for Ruan Qingyan!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Qiu Yuqing suddenly perked up. She got used to dirty talks when she lived in poor markets, so she¡¯s a great one for idle gossip, and she said without thinking, ¡°What Commandery Princess! Just paramour! Just invite us toe in as the hostess.... I¡¯m afraid that these days you¡¯ve slept with Ruan Qingyan in the same bed, so you naturally believe you are the hostess of the house?! I¡¯m wondering that Ruan Qingyan may not review for the exam, but was drained by you and is even unable to get off the bed today!¡±

    ¡°You mother and daughter seasoned duet, echo each other so skillfully!¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s heart was full of desire of murdering, but she seemed to smile more brightly, ¡°I don¡¯t know how many people have been harmed by you like this? No wonder my cousin dares to loot both dowry that my grandmother and mother left me as she is just 16 years old!¡±

    ¡°Cousin, stop lip service, we all heard that you were eloquent on Imperial Court. I¡¯m curious that you just want to trick mother and me into the door. Is there any ambush? Otherwise, how can mastiffs show up so timely?¡± Kang Lizhang suddenly came up for few steps to her, showing a sharp tail of hairpin in her sleeve and smiling, ¡°In order to reassure me and your aunt, from now on, you just tamely stay with me.... Remember to be submissive!¡±

    However, before she finished talking, her wrist suddenly fiercely hurt, and she involuntarily threw away the hairpin!

    And then Kang Lizhang only felt dazed, with sharp pain in her shoulders and throat! By the time she came to herself, she had already been subdued by Qiu Yn, half-kneeling on the ground, being choked, and with the veil hat off. Without saying anything, Xiaran got up and kicked the hairpin far away!

    ¡°Little Bit*h, how dare you?¡± Qiu Yuqing suddenly shouted out and intended to rush forward, but only walking few steps, and she was then blocked by Qiu Yn¡¯s action.

    When using the right hand to dislocate Kang Lizhang¡¯s chin and left hand to lift against Kang Lizhang¡¯s eyelids, Qiu Yn said lightly, ¡°Thank you for cooperation, my cousin. Your eyes and teeth are so beautiful, but you like to lie through teeth. How about removing them!¡±

 Chapter 43 - How About Digging Them Out?

    <strong>Chapter 43 How About Digging Them Out?</strong>

    ¡°Little b*tch! How dare you go after my Lizhang? Do you have a death wish?¡± Qiu Yuqing was stunned for a moment. However, she used to bully Qiu Yn all the time. How could she be frightened so easily? Waving her cattail leaf fan like hand, she was about to rush forward to rescue Kang Lizhang at once.

    However, without even blink, Qiu Yn¡¯s white fingertips dug down violently.

    The moment the cold fingertips touched her eyelid lightly, Kang Lizhang had already got frightened from her heart. With a sudden force at this moment, there came a terror more terrifying than the unknown fierce pain which was the fear of getting her eyes dug out alive. Kang Lizhang who was always calm and resourceful totally nked out.

    She only had one clear thought which was fear!

    The enormous and boundless fear!

    The widespread and overwhelming terror!

    However, although her eyes were bulged out like a goldfish by the squeeze at this moment, she could still see the light.

    Kang Lizhang couldn¡¯t make a sound because her jaw was dislocated. But people could imagine how intense she was from her expression which was twisted in spite of the unhealed scar on her left face.

    However, Qiu Yn who was doing it was calm. She chuckled near Kang Lizhang¡¯s ear, ¡°See. Your mother doesn¡¯t care about your beautiful eyes anyway. How about I dig them out and keep them as a toy?¡±

    Hearing this, Qiu Yuqing got a chilling feeling inwardly. She couldn¡¯t help stopping.

    Eyes didn¡¯t like scars on the skin. Scars could be healed with Yulu Ointment.

    If Kang Lizhang¡¯s eyes got dug out, she would be blind for the rest of her life.

    Not just blind, after losing her eyeballs, she would look creepy with these two empty holes no matter how beautiful she was.

    Whether she cared for her daughter or she hoped to gain glory via her daughter. Qiu Yuqing wouldn¡¯t dare to let Kang Lizhang take the risk. She raised her hand and looked at Qiu Yn hatefully, ¡°You vicious thing! How dare you treat your cousin like this? I¡¯ll make sure everyone knows what you did today. Your reputation will be ruined for sure. Let¡¯s see how you can go out afterward.¡±

    ¡°That reminds me,¡± Qiu Yn instructed tly, ¡°Xiaran,e here. Take off Cousin Kang¡¯s clothes!¡±

    Hearing this, Kang Lizhang was so pissed off that she almost fainted.

    Qiu Yuqing was also livid. She looked around and saw some scattered servants and the butler Ruan An, ¡°Little b*tch. What do you want?¡±

    ¡°Pull it down. A little more! It¡¯s useless just revealing her shoulder,¡± Qiu Yn ignored her. She instructed Xiaran, ¡°Check if she has something like a mole or a birthmark... Don¡¯t those rascals on the backstreet like to talk about women? Find out the characteristic of her body and reveal it to themter. Even they are not able to sleep with her, they can brag about it for a while. Although Cousin Kang lives in the Prince¡¯s Mansion, she is just amon girl. What are they afraid of?¡±

    Xiaran pulled off Kang Lizhang¡¯s sleeve with a smile. Half of her breast was showing. The light-yellow lotus pattern belly-band made her white skin look extremely tender, ¡°Even she has the Prince¡¯s Family to back her up, if they cause a big scandal, the Prince¡¯s Family going after them will make the rumor seem real. Getting insulted by that kind of man, if she doesn¡¯t kill herself to protect her moral integrity, her whole family¡¯s reputation will be ruined.¡±

    Qiu Yuqing¡¯s whole face turned liver-colored. She pointed at Qiu Yn tremblingly. She wanted to say something. But she couldn¡¯t.

    Seeing this, Ruan An who sent the servants to the back when Xiaran made her move sighed. He came to mediate and said, ¡°Ms. Kang, just let go of what happened today! Whether Commandery Princess or your daughter, they are both in the prime of their youth. No need to ruin their lives for a moment of anger.¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Qiu Yuqing opened her mouth. She wanted to say something mean. Qiu Yn was impatient. She pushed up her hand which was at Kang Lizhang¡¯s throat rapidly. She put Kang Lizhang¡¯s jaw back and said with threat near her ear, ¡°You only get three sentences.¡±

    Kang Lizhang didn¡¯t hesitate at all, ¡°Mother! Listen to her!¡±

    Qiu Yuqing said, ¡°But this....¡±

    ¡°If you still want me as your daughter!¡± Kang Lizhang¡¯s beautiful face filled with a fierce look.

    They looked at each other for a while. Qiu Yuqing lowered her arm and her head hesitantly, ¡°What do you want?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care how Princess Yang instigated you guys toe here. Cousin Kang will stay in General¡¯s Mansion and keep mepany from today. As for you, Aunt Qiu, get the f**k out! Nevere back again!¡± Qiu Yn nced at Ruan An, ¡°Mr. Ruan is kind. He didn¡¯t have the heart to let Cousin Kang get peeped by the servants. I¡¯m not that kind! If you don¡¯t want to pick up your precious daughter from a one-dor store...¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s voice became fierce suddenly, ¡°Keep Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe in line for me!¡±

    The color of Qiu Yuqing¡¯s face changed between green and pale for a couple of times. Finally, her face went red, ¡°You want me to leave Lizhang here as your hostage. And I need to keep Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe in line for you? Are you dreaming?¡±

    ¡°You still have one sentence left,¡± Qiu Yn said tly behind Kang Lizhang.

    Kang Lizhang took a deep breath, ¡°Mother, if you don¡¯t have me, you will only have grandmother to back you up. How can you fight against First Aunt?¡±

    After a long silence, Qiu Yuqingpromised with her daughter again. Her voice was much lower, ¡°I used to mess with you all the time. If I leave Lizhang here, what if you hurt her or bully her?¡±

    ¡°What are you worried about? There is no if!¡± Qiu Yn said in surprise, ¡°It¡¯s not just that you used to hurt me and bully me. Your daughter also tried to take away my dowry which was left to me by my grandmother and mother. Now she ends up in my hand. Of course, I will hurt her and bully her!¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Qiu Yuqing was so furious.

    However, Kang Lizhang gave her a resolute look, ¡°Listen to her!¡±

    Kang Lizhang was pped in her face the next moment.

    Under Qiu Yuqing¡¯s fierce re, Qiu Yn took Kang Lizhang by her throat again like nothing had happened and said tly, ¡°I said you only got three sentences. Who asks you to say another one without my permission?¡±

    Ruan An mediated again, ¡°Mrs. Kang, even your daughter suffers a little bit after she stays, she will be alive for sure. If you keep being unrepentant...Your daughter doesn¡¯t have her veil hat now. If the scar on her face gets revealed in the air for long, I¡¯m afraid that the Yulu Ointment also....¡±

    Those words gave Kang Lizhang a thrill! She looked up and stared at Qiu Yuqing. Her intense look showed not just entreaty and persuasion, but also hatred.

    Getting stared at by her daughter like that, Qiu Yuqing¡¯s heart quivered. She couldn¡¯t help saying, ¡°Fine.... I¡¯ll leave... You guys can¡¯t treat Lizhang poorly. Otherwise... Otherwise....¡±

    Seeing the hatred getting stronger in Kang Lizhang¡¯s eyes, Qiu Yuqing had mixed feelings. She felt both ashamed and unreconciled. She red at Qiu Yn hatefully. She didn¡¯t dare to keep provoking her. She followed Ruan An to the side door mumbling.

    ¡°Find a remote room and lock her in. Keep a close watch,¡± seeing Qiu Yuqing had gone far, Qiu Yn let go of Kang Lizhang and pushed her to the snow-covered ground. She instructed coldly, ¡°Oh right, remember to find a room with heating. Leave nothing on her except for her underwear.¡±

    Kang Lizhang who was standing up shivered. She wanted to say something. But she touched her face and said nothing after all.

    Su He asked innocently, ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Cousin Kang is resourceful. And we don¡¯t have enough people. We couldn¡¯t even pin down Aunt Qiu just now. We can¡¯t let the hostage who delivered herself to us run away because of our negligence,¡± Qiu Yn said tly, ¡°Some blockheads wille to bother cousin by then. I don¡¯t have time to keep an eye on her all the time. It¡¯s best that she can¡¯t leave the room.¡±

    Xiaran took two servants who got called back with her and locked Kang Lizhang in.

    Su He was happy that they won another round at Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Then she saw Qiu Yn rubbing her wrist frowning. She was scared at once, ¡°Your Grace!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Qiu Yn thought about how weak this body was again. She looked up and saw Ruan Aning back. She approached in a hurry, ¡°Has Aunt Qiu left?¡±

    ¡°Already left,¡± Ruan An nodded. Seeing there was no one else except Su He, he couldn¡¯t help reproaching mildly, ¡°Next time you want to do something like what you did today. Just give Xiaran or any old maidservant a hint and let them do it. Why did you say it out loud yourself? What if people hold it against you...?¡±

    Qiu Ynforted, ¡°There is no evidence anyway. I won¡¯t admit it if this gets out.¡±

    Ruan An was choked. Seeing her was about to walk away, he followed in a hurry, ¡°Your Grace... can you go to the drawing-room again?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Qiu Yn was surprised.

    ¡°... Young Earl Ling knocked on our side door just now. He is still a Tongsheng (students who passed the county level exam). Princess Royal Maode spoils him so much that he is ignorant and ipetent,¡± Ruan An whispered, ¡°He muste to see young master for beer and skittles. It was okay in the old days. But the imperial examination in spring ising up....¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°Understood. He is not sent here by someone too, is he?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s unlikely. It seems to me that he is short of money and wants to borrow some money from young master,¡± Ruan An was in a pickle, ¡°I have prepared the silver notes. But it¡¯s inappropriate for me to give them to him.¡±

    ¡°Then let me do it,¡± Qiu Yn scolded Ling Zui for being a scumbag inwardly. He had already brought a prostitute to their home for sponsorship in the first lunar month. Now he knew that Ruan Qingyan was about to take the exam. He still came asking for money. Even Ruan Qingyan¡¯s status was lower than him, he still spent so much money for him. He really didn¡¯t treat Ruan Qingyan seriously.

    But Ling Zui seemed to be more shameless than she thought. Just when Qiu Yn arrived at the drawing-room, she was not even able to be polite. Ling Zui who leaned against the couch on the left-hand and appreciated a porcin bottle which was supposed to be on the shelf didn¡¯t even look up and said, ¡°I did you a big favor today. How do you n to thank me?¡±

    Qiu Yn took two deep breaths. So, she could keep herself from going up and kicking him violently. She put on a fake smile, ¡°Young Earl Ling, my cousin will take the exam on Feb. 9th. He is studying right now. He can¡¯t be disturbed. Please forgive him.¡±

    ¡°Eh...¡± Ling Zui thought it was Ruan Qingyan. When he found the voice was different, he sat up in a hurry. He looked up and saw a beautifuldy standing at the door. As the saying goes, if you want to be beautiful, dress in mourning white. Qiu Yn was born stunning plus those peach blossom-like eyes which were full of temptation. She was standing at the door with an unhappy face at this moment. She was elegant and beautiful like a lotus rising out of water. She was also morous and coquettish like a peony in blossom. Words couldn¡¯t describe her beauty. Her beauty was just immeasurable.

    Even a yboy like Ling Zui who was used to beauties was flipped.

    He didn¡¯t regain his senses until his cute maid who was serving beside him pinched him jealously. He stood up and greeted her affably, ¡°Are you Commandery Princess Ningyi?¡±

    ¡°Greetings Young Earl!¡± Qiu Yn gave him amon salute in a way neither servile nor haughty. Actually, Ling Zui was not a Young Prince. People respectfully called him Young Earl. It was not his title. He should give a salute to her.

    However, although Qiu Yn was a Commandery Princess, she was down and out now.

    Ling Zui saluted back passionately. Seeing Qiu Yn ncing at the coral flower and bird pattern porcin bottle which he put down, his face went red. He asked his maid to put it back in a hurry and said embarrassedly, ¡°Um... I waited for Ruan for a while and didn¡¯t see himing.... Then....¡±

    Actually, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t care that he took the bottle to have a look at without asking. It was lucky that he didn¡¯t take it away. She just wanted to give him the money and send him away. In case it got dyed for long which would make Ruan An worried, and Ruan Qingyan would be bothered atst.

    So, she said directly, ¡°My butler said that you stored some silver notes herest time. You are here to get them, right? I don¡¯t know if the number is correct?¡± She put a pile of silver notes on the table between them while saying and pushed them over.

 Chapter 44 - Nianxue? Whitey?

    <strong>Chapter 44 ¡°Nianxue? Whitey?¡±</strong>

    ¡°Have I saved money here?¡± Ling Zui stunned for a moment and came to realization that this was a nice way of Qiu Yn to give him money in order to let him take it generously.

    If Ruan Qingyan gave it to him, he would take it easily; but he always softened himself when he saw beautiful girls. Especially for Qiu Yn who was such a belle, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to give her money to show his richness, how could he ept money from her instead? Then he smiled and said, ¡°I¡¯m sure that sister Ning Yi misremembered. I don¡¯t remember saving money at the Ruan Family.¡± While he was talking, he shamelessly changed the referral affectionately.

    But as soon as he refused to ept it, Qiu Yn was annoyed.¡± What does this man want to do today? Did hee to drag cousin for supporting Peni Yue and Yingzhou Yue?¡±

    Because she hadn¡¯t dealt with Ling Zui before and didn¡¯t know his temper, Qiu Yn pondered the wording for a while and didn¡¯t know how to talk to him.

    As for Ling Zui, he loved talking to beauties. Now when Qiu Yn was not talking, he came forward and asked, ¡°How old is sister Ning Yi this year? You seemed to be of simr age with one of my younger female cousins, she¡¯s thirteen this year.¡±

    ¡°Me too.¡± Qiu Yn said casually. Just after she spoke then she realized that girls weren¡¯t supposed to tell their ages to strange men in this world. However, Ling Zui was so experienced that he first talked about the age of his cousin. Surely Qiu Yn fell for the trap. God knows if he had such a cousin.

    Sure enough, there¡¯s a smug look in Ling Zui¡¯s eyes. He said, ¡°Sister Ning Yi is just so nicely young!¡±

    Hell young! Lolicon!

    Qiu Yn muttered in her heart, and said lightly, ¡°Little Earl is at your prime days too.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s any girls in Ruan Family whose age is simr as you are. What kind of pastime do you usually have?¡± Ling Zui could tell that she was not very enthusiastic. After thinking about it, he changed the topic, ¡°The nobledies in the capital like to keep Persian cats as petstely, do you want me to bring you one next time?¡±

    Qiu Yn wondered, ¡°Persian cat? She suddenly remembered Nianxue from Jiang Yashuang¡¯s home.¡±

    Ling Zui nodded and said, ¡°These days, every noble girls have one, but Tao¡¯s family have the best ones. I am quite familiar with the young master of Tao¡¯s family, so there are many newborn kittens that I can pick at will... I wonder what kind of looks does sister Ning Yi like? Spear towed in the snow? Whipped hydrangea? Dark clouds covering the snow?¡±

    Hearing the words ¡°Tao¡¯s Family,¡± Qiu Yn remembered what she had overheard at the Ganli Pcest time. She asked carefully, ¡°I heard that this Tao¡¯s family was the original family of thedy of Marquess Qin?¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡± Ling Zui saw her inquiring, and he immediately smiled and said, ¡°The Tao family was elder statesmen for three dynasties. Although they had the glory of having seven Jinshis in a family, and having three father and sons as Premiers, they also have many disobedient children. They keep cats and dogs, join cockfighting, and horse racing. They have yed many tricks relying on their family history, and they have be famous for it! If sister Ning Yi is interested in this kind of things, it must be right to approach them.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought that it was no wonder that eighth young master Jiang talked about Marquess Qin marrying Lady Tao to win over the Tao family. It turned out that the Tao family was so brilliant before. However, it had been doing not so well these years. She¡¯d only heard that the nickname for Jiang family¡¯s is half a government. She¡¯d never thought that the Tao¡¯s family, which she¡¯d never heard about, was once so prominent that it had three Premiers. Even the Jiang family now had only one.

    ... Speaking of which, Madame Tao had also saved Qiu Yn a few times indirectly. It was her who was enjoying plum blossoms next to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe when Qiu Yuqing did it too loud beating Qiu Yn. Then she sent Jiang Yashuang to investigate this and let Qiu Mengmin urged Qiu Yuqing and the others to rest for a while, so that Qiu Yn was saved from being killed alive.

    ¡°Thank you, little Earl, for telling me. But now my grandfather is sick, and my cousin was about to take the exam. I have no time to do all the stuff, let alone raising a pet.¡± Qiu Yn thought for a while and said.

    Getting her meaning to invite her visitor to leave, Ling Zui was a bit embarrassed. However, when he was swept through by Qiu Yn¡¯s bright nce, he felt better again. He smiled and said, ¡°What sister Ning Yi said was right... However, Persian cats aren¡¯t that hard to keep. I¡¯ll send someone to deliver you er. Just let a more careful maid to raise it. Even if it dies, it doesn¡¯t matter, as there are plenty at Tao¡¯s family.¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want to take anything from him before asking Ruan Qingyan, so she said, ¡°But....¡±

    ¡°Consider it done!¡± Ling Zui stood up and said righteously, ¡°Brother Ruan and I are friends at first sight! His cousin is just like my cousin! I only gave one to each of my cousins a couple days ago, how could I not give one to you? You would be making me embarrassed if you don¡¯t ept it.¡±

    ¡°Thank you then!¡± Qiu Yn could tell that he doesn¡¯t really mean it but did it for her instead. However, Ling Zui even used the word ¡°embarrassed¡±. Young and rich masters like him treated their dignity very seriously, it would be really embarrassed if she refused further. Besides, just for the money, Ruan Qingyan gave this little Earl, it is normal to take some presents asionally.

    Ling Zui turned to be happy again, and asked, ¡°What kind of looks does sister Ning Yi like? Oh, the so-called spear towed in the snow, is all white with a ck tail....¡±

    ¡°You can just send me a white one.¡± Qiu Yn was anxious to send him away, so surely, she didn¡¯t bother listening to him anymore. Hence, she interrupted him.

    However, Ling Zui stunned for a moment and murmured, ¡°Pure white?¡±

    ¡°If it doesn¡¯t work, you can just pick any one for me.¡± Qiu Yn said quickly.

    ¡°Sure, it¡¯s alright. I remember that the Tao¡¯s family happened to have one like that... I¡¯ll send it to you!¡± Ling Zui immediately said.

    ... After sending Ling Zui off, Qiu Yn asked the whereabouts Kang Lizhang was detained and was about to interrogate her. However, a servant came and reported that Deng Yi was back.

    Qiu Yn wasn¡¯t sure if she shouldugh or cry. She looked at the sky and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t he going home? Why is he back in a few hours?¡±

    ¡°Young master Deng said that he had already brought back what he went back home to get.¡± The servant coughed dryly.

    It seemed that the reason why Deng Yi ran back again was that he was actually going home just to get something....

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°Keep watching him! Don¡¯t let him get close grandfather and cousin... besides, the meat was all prepared for grandfather.¡±

    The servant responded, but didn¡¯t leave, saying, ¡°Young master Deng said he wants to see you.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t see him!¡± Qiu Yn said simply, ¡°Let him continue squatting! The journey of a thousand miles begins with his feet. If he couldn¡¯t even do the horse stance well, how could he practice martial arts? Who does he think he is? Could he just simplye across a thousand-year-old Ginseng or Polygonum multiflorum that could increase your skills for 300 years?¡±

    Ruan An on the side was startled, ¡°The thousand-year-old Ginseng and Polygonum multiflorum could do that?¡±

    ¡°... Just kidding.¡± Qiu Yn secretly wiped her cold sweat, smiled and directed the conversation away, ¡°Is my grandfather awake now? I¡¯ll go to apany him.¡±

    She talked a while with General Ruan who had just waken in the main room. After seeing him getting tired again, Qiu Yn left.

    Before leaving, she stomped to the study next door and peeped. She saw Ruan Qingyan leaning on the back of his chair, closing his eyes and resting. She didn¡¯t know if he was really asleep or just resting. Out of fear that he would find her there, she signed towards Dongran, asking her toe out of the room. She found out that Ruan Qingyan was not disturbed today, and she left, relieved.

    Back to Lvqiang Court, Su He was sewing excitedly.

    Qiu Yn saw that she was sewing some rags and was very surprised, ¡°What are you going to make?¡±

    ¡°The kitten would need somewhere to stay!¡± Su He edged the needle and said, ¡°I would make a little home for it!¡±

    ¡°... What if the little Earl was just saying it casually?¡± Qiu Yn reminded her, speechlessly.

    Su He paused a moment and said, ¡°He¡¯s an Earl! How could he?¡±

    Qiu Yn wanted to say that lying was probably a gifted skill for his kind, but seeing the disappointment in Su He¡¯s eyes, she touched her head andforted her, ¡°I¡¯m just afraid that he would forget. However, if you like cats, I¡¯ll buy you one even if he doesn¡¯t send us one. He just said that the Tao family has a lot of kittens.¡±

    Speaking of this, Qiu Yn suddenly thought, ¡°Keeping Persian cats hadn¡¯t been so popr in the capital when I moved here from the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe.¡±

    Ling Zui said that nowadays, almost all the nobledies in the capital have a Persian cat. Commandery Princess Ning Tai was also one of the noble girls. As for Kang Lizhang, even though she was not a nobledy, she actually enjoyed a higher standard than Qiu Jinzhu. ording to her memory, both of them were very vain. They never missed out any popr things in the capital!¡±

    If the nobledies started raising Persian cats, how could they be exceptional?

    ¡°Did it happen in the past half a month? But in this world, it¡¯s not as simple as in my previous life to make something so popr....¡± Qiu Yn wondered, ¡°Is it rted to the Tao¡¯s family?¡±

    For the secret news of the Jiang¡¯s family that she overheard that New Year¡¯s Eve, the eighth young master Jiang did not have much respect for his step-grandmother Madame Tao. However, even though he talked behind her back, eighth young master Jiang still feared Madame Tao.

    In other words, even if Madame Tao was married by Marquess Qin Guogong in order to win over the once glorious Tao¡¯s family, he was not weak in the Jiang¡¯s family. Even the eighth young master Jiang who dared to have an affair with the emperor¡¯s uncle¡¯s concubine only dared to talk about her badly in private.

    ¡°Will it be that the Tao¡¯s family is nning to rise?¡± Qiu Yn murmured, ¡°But a family that had three Premiers nning to rise by selling Persian cats.... That¡¯s way too much....¡±

    She thought hard for a while, and suddenly came to realize, ¡°Even that there¡¯s a problem with Persian cats being popr in the capital, it has nothing to do with me! I haven¡¯t even handled the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe yet!¡±

    In this way, she put aside the thoughts about the Persian cats and started thinking about how to ¡°talk¡± to Kang Lizhang.

    However, Ling Zui was trustworthy, and the next day he sent a small Persian cat that was snow-white and had blue and yellow discolored pupils.

    The palm-sized Persian cat was carefully supported by a silk mat. It was just a small fluffy ball, with pink paw pads. The way that it looked around curiously with the discolored eyes was so adorable. Suddenly even Qiu Yn was left out. She sat alone in the hall, no one even offered her tea.

    Qiu Yn ran away with a grumpy face to make a pot of tea for herself. Then she sat back to her original position and waited for a long while. Finally, Su He ran over, carrying her skirt and shouted, ¡°Your Grace!¡±

    Huh! Now you know you¡¯re wrong! It¡¯s just a cat, and it¡¯s more important than me? You people have no conscience! Hurry up and say I¡¯m the most important one!

    However, Su He said, ¡°The Persian cat did not have a name yet. Would you please give it one?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn said nkly, ¡°Why bother me for such simple tasks? It¡¯s so white, just call it Whitey!¡±

    Su He paused and said, ¡°But General Jiang¡¯s Persian cat is also pure white like this. I heard that its name is Nianxue!¡±

    They were all white cats, one is called ¡°Whitey¡± and the other is ¡°Nianxue.¡± What an ironic contrast?

    Qiu Yn continued to be expressionless, ¡°Don¡¯t you know it¡¯s easier to raise if you give it a cheap name? It¡¯s white, so why not call it Whitey?¡±

    Su He thought for a while and was persuaded, ¡°Well, yeah. Sister Chunran, sister Xiaran! The Commandery Princess had named the Persian cat Whitey!¡±

    house Then, she hurriedly ran back to the little home she set up for the Persian cat, and once again left Qiu Yn sitting alone in the hall. She looked angrily at the pot of tea that had already cooled down...

 Chapter 45 - Strived for Favor

    <strong>Chapter 45 Strived for Favor</strong>

    The snow stopped in the afternoon on this day, and the thin winter sunlight transmitted slight warmth to people on the ground.

    Qiu Yn went to Cuiwei Pavilion with a sour face. As soon as she entered, she saw Deng Yi frowning and sitting under the window, reading.

    ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you here to learn martial arts? Why are you reviewing books?¡± Qiu Yn was surprised.

    Deng Yi nced at her, and frowned even more, ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°Ie to guide you and give some advice.¡± Qiu Yn squeezed her hands, and knuckles made some crisp sounds, ¡°But you are loafing on the job!¡±

    ¡°The day after tomorrow is the time for uncle to appraise my study, so I will return to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang,¡± Deng Yi enviously nced at her little white hands, but not for their good looks. Instead, he envied the great power within them, ¡°I¡¯ve practiced squatting for these days, so I have to take time reviewing.¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn looking around without intent to leave, Deng Yi couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°So, what else you want?¡±

    ¡°Nah....¡± Qiu Yn said absent-mindedly, ¡°Juste here and take a look, in case you think I break my promise!¡±

    Deng Yi snorted, ¡°Have you kept your words? In addition to instruct me to practice squatting for so many days, you even tried to make troubles and drive me away several days ago so you could make the promise void. Fortunately, I realized your trick half of my way and came back. Otherwise, you would just make it!¡±

    It¡¯s absolutely that you think too much, OK?! Under normal circumstances, I always have a high moral principle... Although it¡¯s not the same matter that I was born with lower-standard moral integrity....

    Qiu Yn was about to retort, but Deng Yi then said, ¡°Just tell me youe with what evil ideas! Don¡¯t suppose I know nothing. Young Earl Ling sent you a Persian cat several days ago, which is you kind of little girls¡¯ favorite! And you just got it, you have to y with it all day. So, I¡¯m wondering why you spare some time for me?!¡±

    ¡°... What makes I feel like your tone full of jealousy and is so sorrowful?¡± Qiu Yn said earnestly, ¡°I think you don¡¯t like girls, do you?¡±

    Deng Yi was astounded! His face turned red, then white, and then blue. Finally, he suddenly threw away the book vigorously, and yelled with anger, ¡°You¡¯re really... really shameless!¡±

    ¡°How could he even can¡¯t ept this kind of words? To what extent does this guy resist women?¡± Looking at his disgusted and angry face, Qiu Yn quietly wiped her sweat and said, ¡°The Persian cat is not something that I asked Young Earl Ling for.¡±

    In fact, it was just because Su He and the others liked that Persian cat so much that they almost left Qiu Yn frequently in a cold corner alone, and Qiu Yn was not as shameless as to strive for their favor openly with a cat. So, thinking of Deng Yi¡¯s wail and howl when he was applied medicinal liquorst time, Qiu Yn came here to find somefort....

    What she hated most right now was Whitey, OK?

    Nevertheless, Deng Yi¡¯s counterattack was so fierce that it almost K.O. her at once.... He smiled superciliously and coldly, ¡°No more exnation. Anyway, you and I are just fake couples in my whole life, and we would never be real man and wife!¡±

    Qiu Yn got angry and speechless, ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth!!!¡± How could I be so foolish that I insist on having a deep affection for you while knowing you are purely homosexual?!

    Deng Yi replied indifferently, ¡°You¡¯d better do as you said. Don¡¯t tell me in the future if anyone sends you anything, OK? I don¡¯t give a sh*t!¡±

    Why can¡¯t I just hack him?!

    Qiu Yn took a deep breath, flicking her sleeves, and went off in a huff!

    Gazing at her figure after she furiously went away, Deng Yi felt great delighted. However, this didn¡¯tst for a long time, Qiu Yn left but returned soon, with two big snowballs, which were as huge as tes!

    ¡°You nonsense!¡± With the huge difference of force between the two, poor Deng Yi, even if he jumped up immediately, still couldn¡¯t escape from being hit by the snowball, and it just hit the bullseye, his nose! He yelled, covering his sore nose, ¡°A gentleman always uses his tongue but not his fists!¡±

    ¡°You pretend to be noble and cold!¡± The second snowball hit Deng Yi¡¯s head, and Deng Yi breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°You violent and savage vixen! Dare you fight with me in the form of debating?!¡±

    As a result, Qiu Yn, who got nothing in hands now, sneered, reaching hands into sleeves, and suddenly fetched out two bigger snowballs. With both hands throwing, she just made Deng Yi stricken and covered all over with snow!

    ¡°You call me shrew!!!¡±

    ¡°You call me violent and savage!¡±

    ¡°You jump around to dodge!¡±

    ¡°You stand still like a telegraph pole and make no fun!¡±

    ¡°You...¡±

    After half an hour, Qiu Yn blushed scarlet on cheeks, and she was as gorgeous as peaches and plums. She then stood with her hands on her hips, slightly panting in front of the low couch and asking, ¡°Youe out or not?!¡±

    ¡°I am a true man. How can I break my words?!¡± Deng Yi¡¯s dull voice came out from the bottom of the couch, and he said in a tough tone, ¡°I said I won¡¯te out and I definitely won¡¯t!¡±

    ¡°I have no more snowball!¡± Qiu Yn bent down and reached under the couch to show him.

    Deng Yi was angry, ¡°You just said the same! Then I show up and was poured a basin of snow! You think I would be fooled one more time?!¡±

    ¡°Now the basin is empty, too.¡± Qiu Yn dragged the basin to the couch and buckled it down to prove her innocence.

    ¡°There are bottles on the tea table, and also you can put snowballs on the couch!¡± Apparently, the cheating just now has made Qiu Yn ¡®s credit run out. Deng Yi sneered, ¡°In short, I won¡¯te out before you leave today!¡±

    Qiu Yn shook head and sighed, ¡°Well, are you so afraid of me?¡±

    ¡°Who said I¡¯m afraid of you?¡± grinding teeth for a while, Deng Yi then calmly said, ¡°I just disdain you as a vixen and don¡¯t want to fight!¡±

    ¡°Then why don¡¯t youe out? Let me vent out, and you¡¯ll be fine?¡± Qiu Yn said righteously.

    Deng Yi was speechless, ¡°You piss off!!¡±

    ¡°You ask me to piss off!¡± Qiu Yn kicked vigorously on the couch, and the ashes, which was full of bottom of the couch for many years, fell down....

    Hearing Deng Yi¡¯s acute cough, Qiu Ynbed her hair with hands and cleared up her dress. She was ready to leave and said, ¡°Hum! You are so weak. Let you off this time.... You think I would adore you, a coward schr? Not others but my cousin as an example, my cousin is thousand times more excellent than you!¡±

    To her surprise, a simr cough was soundeding behind her even before she finished!

    As soon as Qiu Yn turned back, she saw Ruan Qingyan standing at the door with a super strange look, like he was about saying something but stop on a second thought.

    ¡°Cousin, why are youing?¡± Qiu Yn guiltily looked at the melted snow in the house,ing forward and smiled, ¡°You just concentrate on reviewing books. Let me take care of everything in the mansion.... Uh... these are actually made by Deng Yi, and I¡¯m instructing him....¡±

    Ruan Qingyan gave her aplicated look and said, ¡°Young master Deng has been assigned to me to teach, so you don¡¯t have to worry about him. Don¡¯te here casually next time.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah.... Today is just an ident.... I won¡¯t make this happen again!¡± Qiu Yn ttered him, ¡°Cousin, are you here for me? You really don¡¯t need to worry. See, the victim will never be me anyway....¡±

    Deng Yi finally climbed out awkwardly and grimily, and heined to Ruan Qingyan indignantly, ¡°Young master Ruan! Look at your cousin! Are there any rules!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan groaned for a while and said, ¡°Cousin, apologize!¡±

    Qiu Yn froze, thinking that cousin had always been partial to her, but how could he be so fair today? But anyway, she had bullied Deng Yi for such a long time, and it¡¯s not difficult to make an apology. So, she perfunctorily saluted to Deng Yi, smiling and said, ¡°Young master Deng, I¡¯m really sorry for winning the snow battle today!¡±

    ¡°Are you ying snowballs? You¡¯re just hitting me from beginning to the end!?¡± Deng Yi gritted his teeth and was more eager for the martial arts taught by General Ruan, ¡°Young master Ruan, I have practiced squatting for several days. Could you officially teach me now? I believe I am talented in learning new skills.¡±

    He looked at Qiu Yn with contempt during his speech and thought, ¡°This little girl can learn to be so tough. How can I be worse than her?¡±

    Obviously, Qiu Yn¡¯s military performance caused Deng Yi to make a huge error in the power judgment of the Ruan Family¡¯s ancestral martial arts.... So Ruan Qingyan, who shocked Qiu Yn casually, was now deemed as a Kungfu master and as tough and excellent as a god in Deng Yi¡¯s mind....

    Ruan Qingyan frowned, thinking for a moment before saying, ¡°I came here today to teach you.¡±

    When he said this, he nced Qiu Yn ¡®s expression, but noticed that she had no disappointment or embarrassment. Instead, she said cheerfully, ¡°Cousin, I also want to learn!¡±

    ¡°No way!¡± Ruan Qingyan rebuffed, ¡°Go back to the yard to practice the women¡¯s sewing and tailoring! Don¡¯t always wander aimlessly around the mansion!¡±

    ¡°... Fine!¡± Qiu Yn squinting her eyes, directly agreed in a blink and started walking outside.

    But then Ruan Qingyan enjoined, ¡°My five senses are sharper than you think. If you hide and peek nearby, believe it or not, I will lock you in Lvqiang Court and don¡¯t allow you to get out anymore?!¡±

    ¡°How can we happily be siblings?!! If you truly desire to be a pro-mother, why don¡¯t you find a man and give birth by yourself!¡±

    Qiu Yn left Cuiwei Pavilion unhappily. After she returned to Lvqiang Court, she saw Su He and all other maids still ying around with Whitey, and they didn¡¯t even notice that she went out alone and back. Totally unbearable now!

    She walked over and yelled, ¡°Su He!¡±

    ¡°Your Grace get up?¡± Su He turned around gleefully and said, ¡°The tea has just been prepared for you, and it¡¯s on the table! The pastry is also just brought here.... The chestnut cake you like, Whitey also likes it very much! I just took a small piece and put it in front of him, and he stretched ws, trying to catch it.... But unfortunately, the people who brought him here said that Whitey hasn¡¯t been able to eat it now....¡±

    Qiu Yn was expressionless, ¡± Today is thest few days of the month, and cousin is about to take the exam on Feb. 9th! And you still have free time to surround and y with a Persian cat?!¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, you mean....¡± Su He and other maids were all shocked when they heard this. She let Whitey go,ing over and standing by, waiting for orders.

    ¡°On the second day after Imperial Court, Aunt Qiu and her daughter had been here to make troubles. But everything went very smoothly after we detained Kang Lizhang. Do you think they would so easily let us go, I mean, as to the despicableness of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe and power of Empress Dowager Gu?¡± Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°Especially, there is still an Empress Dowager¡¯s grand-nephew in the mansion!¡±

    Su He and others all bowed their heads shamefully, ¡°We won¡¯t do this again!¡±

    ¡°So, Your Grace, what are we going to do now?¡± Qiu Yn was satisfied that she attracted maids¡¯ attention from Whitey by little tricks. However, Su He and other maids were soon vigorous after ashamed for a while. All of them were motivated, holding their handkerchiefs tight and gazing at her glowingly, ¡°We would never let them ruin young master Ruan!¡±

    Qiu Yn bit her lip and was about to say, ¡°Let¡¯s do it step by step,¡± but she finally swallowed these words back and said, ¡°If they haven¡¯t made any trouble these days, then I guess they would do it half-way to the examination spot. In this case, I think... I could only borrow some people from Jiang Family!¡±

    ¡°But will Jiang Family be willing to help us?¡± Su He and other maids looked at each other with anxiety and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t General Jiang implyingst time that he wouldn¡¯t like to help you for things like smashing the drugstore?¡±

    ¡°He said he was pretty unwilling to help us, but this doesn¡¯t mean he absolutely will not! He just wants to get rid of me, so as to avoid me depending on matters of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe to always ckmail his Jiang Family. There are only a few steps from General¡¯s Mansion to the examination spot. Jiang Family has been officers for generations and has lots of masters. Escorting for a while to buy the trust of a young and promising talent, why is he unwilling to make such a good business?¡±

    Qiu Yn massaged her forehead, and she looked pale. She then said, ¡°So few servants in our mansion that we even couldn¡¯t drive Aunt Qiu away. How can we escort cousin to the examination spot? Even if cousin¡¯s Kungfu is excellent, but it¡¯s still too dangerous. How could he take the exam if he gets hurt or gets emotional fluctuation?¡±

    Su He was about to speak, but Xi Xian rushed in, eagerly saying, ¡°Your Grace! The old general, he suddenly vomited blood!!!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Qiu Yn stood up abruptly, ¡°Is everything okay before noon?¡±

    It was like a thunderbolt out of a clear sky!

 Chapter 46 - Picking a Son-in-law

    <h4>Chapter 46 Picking a Son-inw</h4>

    The white-beard imperial doctor frowned with dignifiedplexion.

    Ruan Qingyan and Qiu Yn were frightened to disturb him, so they held their breath aside. They even didn¡¯t have time to entertain Jiang Yashuang who brought this old imperial doctor.

    It took a long time for the old imperial doctor to loosen his grip and frowned, ¡°Not good.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan and Qiu Yn¡¯s hearts suddenly sank!

    Fortunately, Jiang Yashuang asked calmly, ¡°Can you cure him?¡±

    ¡°This time I can. But I¡¯m not sure if it happens again.¡± The old imperial doctor stroked his long beard. Although hisplexion was dignified, Qiu Yn discovered that he was a bit upset.

    Ruan Qingyan asked cautiously, ¡°Imperial doctor, my grandfather¡¯s disease...?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s difficult to cure him by medicine because he is old.¡± The old imperial doctor sighed, ¡°Especially his body has umted countless internal injuries since he has been engaged in many wars for a lifetime... In recent years, he is depressed which worsens the illness. I can only treat symptoms, not the root cause!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan¡¯s face turned pale!

    After a moment, his fist and palm saluted. He said, ¡°Even so... I can still serve my grandfather for a few days. Please try your best! Please relieve the pain of my grandfather!¡±

    ¡°Although the old general is old, he must be very happy to have a filial grandson who cares for him although he can¡¯t speak.¡± The old imperial doctor looked at him sympathetically andforted him.

    In the room where General Ruan lived, there were no four treasures of study. Ruan Qingyan asked the olddy to go to the next study room¡ªQiu Yn stayed to look after General Ruan. Jiang Yashuang also didn¡¯t move. After asking Xishi and others to leave, he said lightly, ¡°Although Qi Shuluo is not an administrative assistant, his medical skill is also at the top of the Imperial Academy of Medicine. He said that he could not treat the root cause, I am afraid that General Ruan... can¡¯t survive for long.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Qiu Yn said in a loss.

    She knew when she passed through, and the doctor that General Ruan had found determined that he could not live for half a year.

    Now, it seemed to be half a year.

    But he really couldn¡¯t die.

    Even though he was simr to the vegetative people that Qiu Yn saw in her previous life. The General¡¯s Mansion was just General¡¯s Mansion if he was alive. Although it had fallen, it was also a noble family.

    He was also the only elder whom Ruan Qingyan and Qiu Yn could rely on¡ªWithout him, how could Qiu Yn intrude into Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe and denounce uncle and aunt¡¯s mercilessness as Renqing Pharmacy was smashed?

    The most terrible thing was that it was only half a month before Ruan Qingyan going to take the test.

    General Ruan was seriously ill, how could grandson concentrate on preparing for the test?! How could he take the test?!

    Without the identity of Jinshi, he was not enough to be an official. There were so many Jurens and grandsons of fallen generals in the capital city. Although a seventeen-year-old Juren was rare, he couldn¡¯tpete with Jinshi. If he managed to be an official, his future was limited.

    Besides, Ruan Qingyan had already chosen Xue Chang as his teacher... Once he missed this year, even if he could survive in the battle between Empress and Empress Dowager for three years, would he be able to wait until the people of the Empress Jiang as examiner?

    ¡°Do you have any n?¡± Jiang Yashuang asked.

    ¡°Hope the old imperial doctor can cure grandfather for his excellent skilled,¡± Qiu Yn said lonely, ¡°What else can I do?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang thought for a while, and said, ¡°In fact, your cousin could not mention Lian Family at that time.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Qiu Yn took a moment to understand. She smiled and said, ¡°I¡¯m an orphan girl. My rival is my uncle. And Ruan Family has also been in decline for many years.... If cousin didn¡¯t pull Lian Family, he might be worried.¡±

    ¡°Since the letter is true, why should we be afraid as we have Empress?¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head. ¡°Ruan Qingyan mentioned Lian Family only because imperial examination in spring is approaching. He was worried that you went into the pce alone. But he was also worried about his future. It took him about one month to go to Lanxi and came back. So he used this one month in which Empress and Empress Dowager were in a truce to prepare for the test.¡±

    Qiu Yn was very clear about Ruan Qingyan¡¯s n. But she could not admit it facing him, ¡°Two letters were more credible than one letter. Additionally, it is unfilial to official grandmother. Grandmother¡¯s family ought to tell since she died.¡±

    ¡°He extricates himself temporarily from this situation. But it makes my family busy.¡± Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°Do you know that several of my brothers were sent to Lanxi and escorted the letter and Lian Family to go north on the 16th day of the first lunar month before the Imperial Court was over?¡±

    ¡°This....¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°Dozens of Men of Sacrifice of my family died during this short period of more than ten days!¡±

    ¡°... Do youe to use my cousin?¡± Qiu Yn frowned and suspiciously asked.

    ¡°Do you know the origin of your cousin?¡± Jiang Yashuang asked nomittally.

    Qiu Yn thought for a moment and she said, ¡°He was the son of my grandfather¡¯s old subordinate. Because of his father¡¯s preference, he was marginalized by his official mother and brothers, so¡ª¡±

    ¡°He has been a Juren since seventeen years old. Even if his official mother and official brother couldn¡¯t tolerate him, how could he leave the family and be adopted as a child by others as long as the elder in the n didn¡¯t die?¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled slightly, but his eyes were cold, ¡°And after he arrived at Ruan Family, he extremely cared about you at once. He treated you like a pearl in the palm. Do you think there would be such a thing that he clicked with you?¡±

    Qiu Yn groaned, ¡°You mean that my father did not actually die. The cousin was the son of my father after his false death. He is my half-brother, so he is so good to me? Oh, this is not right. In this way, he should be my younger brother¡ª Is he my father? But he was skillful in maintaining appearance¡ª¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked at her strangely. He said after a moment, ¡°The eldest son of General Ruan, your First Uncle, was famous for being henpecked in the capital city at that time! One year, he was forced to a brothel by a colleague. And he fancied a pretty prostitute. He really liked her and let her be his mistress who lived outside without telling your First Aunt. But your First Aunt knew it and she used Horsetail Whisk tosh your First Uncle. He ran all the way to the street. It was a joke in capital city for several years....¡±

    ¡°Of course, the pretty mistress couldn¡¯t escape. It was said that your First Aunt intended to kill her. But a wealthy merchant passing by exchanged pearls for her because of her beauty when she was dragged out¡ªIf she was pregnant at that time, it was about the same age as your cousin.¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned. Jiang Yashuang was right. Every family won¡¯t dislike Ruan Qingyan for his talent for reading. How could they easily let him be adopted by others, even if he was the old boss of his so-called biological father?

    But if they knew that he was not the child of the family, it was not surprising that they didn¡¯t stop him from being adopted by Ruan Family since he found his origin. Even official mother and official brother¡¯s intolerance helped him¡ª At that time, Mrs. Ruan was jealous, and Mr. Ruan was afraid of his wife. He was afraid of taking his child of a mistress back. So he entrusted the child to his father¡¯s old subordinate secretly. And it was undoubtedly logical.

    Thinking of Ruan Qingyan¡¯splex expression when he attended the funeral of Princess Ruan and they met for the first time, Qiu Yn believed roughly. But she couldn¡¯t estimate Jiang Yashuang¡¯s intention of telling her about these things. So she sounded out, ¡°So what? I call him cousin anyway.¡±

    ¡°General Ruan was defeated in northern territory eleven years ago. His two sons and three grandchildren, as well as your father, Duke of Xihe, were all killed in battle!¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled faintly. ¡°The news came back to the capital city. There is no need for me to mention the change in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Your Second Aunt was sick, and she died before the ident. And your Second Uncle was not remarried before this battle... Although your First Aunt controlled your First Uncle strictly, she really loved your First Uncle. After knowing that her husband and son died, she immediately hung herself....¡±

    Saying this, he paused. But Qiu Yn had already knew what he meant¡ª¡ªFirst Aunt who didn¡¯t allow First Uncle to have love affairs died eleven years ago. Why didn¡¯t Ruan Qingyan back since Ruan Family had no boys?

    Although Ruan Family had begun to decline rapidly at that time, at least General Ruan was in good health and could pave the way for him if he came back at that time.

    More importantly, the reason why Ruan Family fell to the present situation was directly rted to the issue that General Ruan had no child¡ª¡ªHe was defeated. His children and grandchildren died. And his wife and daughter-inw died because of the bad news. Under these circumstances, General Ruan could still survive alone instead of choosing to die with his wife and children. He was very determined.

    Although he still had daughters and granddaughters, how could theypare with his own descendants? When General Ruan was able to get up in memory, there were loneliness and deep sorrow in his eyes although he was kind to Qiu Yn.

    If he had a grandson when he was still good, maybe it would be different¡ª Having promising people was different.

    ¡°It seemed that cousin doesn¡¯t hate Ruan Family for being away for several years from his actions of caring for grandfather.... Then why did hee backst year?¡± Qiu Yn groaned in her heart, and said to Jiang Yashuang, ¡°I¡¯m wondering what your n is because you pay attention to my cousin?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang coughed and said, ¡°After mourning, Your Grace coulde to my house if you feel that you can¡¯t get along with the children of Duke of Xihe.¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s face darkened before he finished speaking. She said coldly, ¡°Please watch how you conduct yourself! Although I am grateful for my cousin¡¯s maintenance these days, I would rather return favor with my life. And definitely not for him....¡± She was upset in her heart¡ª Wasn¡¯t this guy a gentleman? Was this what he really was?! He hid himself too deep before!

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s handsome face suddenly turned red. He said embarrassedly, ¡°Your Grace¡ª What do think of?! It is my two sisters who are unmarried. Eh. I am speaking for them!¡±

    Sisters? Why did daughters of Jiang Banchao¡¯s family invite me? Especially two years after the end of mourning for my mother?

    Qiu Yn changed her thoughts. She noticed Jiang Yashuang emphasized on ¡°unmarried¡±¡ª Did they fancy cousin?

    There was no wonder that he had to find out his origin!

    Qiu Yn breathed a sigh of relief and said with enthusiasm, ¡°No matter whether cousin is the child of Ruan Family, he is the blood rtion to General Ruan and me. Few people canpare with his conduct ording to this¡ª Not to mention grandfather. He should treat elders with filial respect. But he also treats me like his sister, although I am just his cousin!¡±

    Marryingdy from a decent family like youngdy of Jiang Family could shorten twenty years for Ruan Qingyan to strive. Certainly, Qiu Yn would try her best to put in a good word for him. Anyway, she didn¡¯t hear about his true love who never leave or forsake him.

    ¡°Well, he has been in the capital city for less than half a year. Two famous prostitutes in the capital city who are most probably to win the title of the most popr courtesan are jealous for each other because of him. Few people canpete with his dissoluteness.¡± Jia Yashuang returned to his usualplexion. He twirled his sleeves and said yfully.

    ¡°That¡¯s Young Earl Ling dragged him there.¡± In order to shorten twenty years for Ruan Qingyan to strive, Qiu Yn immediately made Ling Zui as a scapegoat. She said indignantly, ¡°He really didn¡¯t want to go there! But he was afraid to offend Young Earl Ling and he had to engage in social intercourse! Please think of it. If my cousin is a man who is greedy for beauty, how could he be a Jurenst year?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang groaned and said, ¡°It makes sense....¡±

    However!

    Before he finished meditating, a servant ran in, sweating and panting, ¡°Your Grace. The famous prostitute of Spring House, Hua Shenshen, was unwilling to leave at the side door. The housekeeper invites you to send her away!¡±

 Chapter 47 - Whos Shy?

    <h4><strong>Chapter 47 Who¡¯s Shy?</strong></h4>

    Why embarrassing me so soon? What I said was true!

    Am I a jinx so that whoever I praise, that person gets bad luck?

    Qiu Yn almost lost her breath!

    Seeing Jiang Yashuang was looking at her with a half-smile, she got a quick wit and said, ¡°Look, I told you that my cousin never wanted to take any notice of these girls! It¡¯s all Young Earl Ling¡¯s fault that he let them know his address, so theye here every day for my cousin! If he really cared about them, he wouldn¡¯t have sent me to tell them to leave.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang reminded her kindly, ¡°A servant said it was the butler who told you to ask them to leave.¡±

    ¡°Right! When Young Earl Ling is not here, my cousin doesn¡¯t care about Hua Shenshen or Hua Qianqian. All the people here know that. The butler can decide directly to drive her off without telling my cousin!¡± Qiu Yn tried hard to describe Ruan Qingyan as one who ¡°went to the brothel from time to time for necessary social activities but was an upright gentleman.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Jiang Yashuang thought for a while with his hand on his chin and said, ¡°But since the butler can make the decision, why he asked you for help? You said young master Ruan treat you as a real sister, but he let a Commandery Princess sister to send away a courtesan.... It doesn¡¯t seem proper.¡±

    Qiu Yn hurried to say, ¡°This was the butler¡¯s idea and he was afraid that my cousin was interrupted. The butler Mr. Ruan is a good man, but he¡¯s a pushover. Hua Shenshen is a prostitute. If she loses her temper, Mr. Ruan may not hold her back, so he asked me to help.¡±

    ¡°Are you fierce?¡± Jiang Yashuang looked at her in amazement, ¡°I thought you were gentle.¡±

    ¡°Well, the butler didn¡¯t mean to let me drive off Hua Shenshen. How do I have such ability?¡± Hearing the word ¡°gentle,¡± Qiu Yn pretended to be weak, sweet and innocent and lowered her voice, ¡°He just thought that I was a weak little girl and Hua Shenshen wouldn¡¯t push me too hard... Right?¡±

    Before her voice faded, she saw Jiang Yashuang smiled strangely and ambiguously. Suddenly it came to Qiu Yn that back in Ganli Pce, she hid together with him under the bed and heard eighth young master Jiang and Fair Concubine¡¯s affair. Later, in case of being killed, she spoke of the fact that she had killed Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s confidential bodyguards to show her stance....

    Jiang Yashuang knew her ability better than Ruan Qingyan. When she told Ruan Qingyan about the death of the two bodyguards, she only described it very briefly for fear that her cousin might worry!

    As expected, Jiang Yashuang smiled for a while and nodded seriously, ¡°You indeed seem weak!¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your understanding!¡± Qiu Yn said calmly and pretended not to hear the word ¡°seem¡± that he stressed. ¡°Mr. Ruan may be worrying now. I¡¯ll go there and please make yourself at home.¡±

    ¡°She is only a courtesan, but you are noble. It will be too much for you to see her on your own.¡± Jiang Yashuang stopped her with a light smile and said slowly, ¡°Let my servant Jiang Tan go instead and send her away.¡±

    Qiu Yn said immediately without thinking twice, ¡°No!¡±

    He obviously wanted Jiang Tan to get information from her!

    She hurried to find some excuse to prevent him, ¡°Today you have sent for the imperial doctor for my grandfather and my cousin and I are so grateful. We haven¡¯t treated you a cup of good tea, so how can we ask you for a favor again?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t call it a favor,¡± Jiang Yashuang looked at her with great interest. ¡°Plus, your cousin has gone with Qi Shuluo for the prescription. Will you leave General Ruan alone with the servants or an outsider like me?¡±

    His words made Qiu Yn speechless. Seeing the handsome servant Jiang Tan heading for the side door, she ran to the door in a hurry and called Chunran, ¡°You follow him too!¡±

    After the two servants went away, Qiu Yn became restless, which made Jiang Yashuang very interested. He couldn¡¯t help joking, ¡°You seem to worry that I may know what that prostitute says?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely!¡± It was about her cousin¡¯s future career. Qiu Yn kept thinking and finally found a good excuse, ¡°Did you forget that it was you who told me that in this year¡¯s Courtesan Competition, Prince of Zhou supported this Hua... this Miss Hua!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said smilingly, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? This courtesan is now running after your cousin.¡±

    ¡°Who knows whether she takes the order of Prince of Zhou?¡± Qiu Yn said seriously. ¡°My cousin is studying with full attention now and my grandfather¡¯s disease got worse today. It¡¯s not strange that she didn¡¯t know it before she came!¡± She implied again that Ruan Qingyan was not familiar with Hua Shenshen. ¡°After she came, the doorman of the side gate should have told her, but she still refused to leave, which in my view, is on purpose! When she sees your servant there, she will surely say something bad!¡±

    Jiang Yashuangughed, ¡°As both the grandson of a general and a Juren, how can your cousin be easily insulted by a prostitute? Now that Hua can have Prince of Zhou as her supporter, she won¡¯t be so silly.¡±

    Qiu Yn insisted, ¡°What if Prince of Zhou likes her dumbness and ignorance?¡± Men¡¯s joy of seducing innocent girls to the wrong track could onlypare with girls¡¯ sense of fulfillment of getting the yboys back to the right way. Though Miss Hua had already been on the wrong way....

    Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t helpughing, ¡°Why do you praise your cousin so eagerly? Do you do this for my Jiang Family¡¯s power? Till now, you haven¡¯t even asked what my elder sister looks like.¡±

    ¡°Do I need to? With your look, even if you were a beggar on the street, there would be numerous wealthy girls who wanted to take some valuable things from her home and run away with you! You are so handsome, so your sister must also be pretty!¡± Qiu Yn said without thinking too much.

    Before she finished her words, she didn¡¯t feel anything strange, but Jiang Yashuang was stunned, and his face immediately became red.

    He quickly gave some dry coughs as a cover-up and was about to me Qiu Yn for her recklessness. But when he saw her calm face, he found he overthought: this little Commandery Princess is very young. It¡¯s said that her mother was always sick and weak, and her uncle and aunt are not good guardians. Maybe no one taught her well and she didn¡¯t know it was improper to speak like that in front of a young man.

    Thus, after hesitating for a while, Jiang Yashuang had no choice but changed the topic, ¡°The snow is heavy today....¡± While he was speaking, the sound of footsteps came, and it was Jiang Tan rushing in!

    Seeing this, Jiang Yashuang felt relieved inside. He thought it was the right time for him toe back so that the ambiguous aura caused by Qiu Yn¡¯s praise of his look could stop now. But Jiang Tan looked weird and didn¡¯t say anything after saluting.

    Without seeing Chunran, Qiu Yn started suspecting.

    ¡°Did you ask the courtesan to leave? How did you do it?¡± Jiang Yashuang asked with confusion.

    Jiang Tan coughed and said, ¡°She has left.... When I arrived there, I told her that General Ruan was ill and young master Ruan had to study, and it was inconvenient for the Ruan Family to wee a guest. Then she left.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s all?¡± Jiang Yashuang was surprised.

    ¡°... Yes, that¡¯s all,¡± Jiang Tan stammered but automatically nced at Qiu Yn.

    It not only made Qiu Yn¡¯s heart sink, but Jiang Yashuang became serious, ¡°Tell the truth!¡±

    Jiang Tan¡¯s mouth opened and said helplessly, ¡°Young master, can I tell you when we are back?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± hearing this, Qiu Yn hurried to say. ¡°Hua is so good at lying! If you tell us here, I can exin it to young General; if you tell it when you leave, my cousin may be misunderstood. He doesn¡¯t deserve it!¡± When saying thest sentence, she faced Jiang Yashuang.

    Jiang Tan was shocked, ¡°How does it rte to young master Ruan?¡±

    ¡°Then who does it rte to?¡± Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang both asked in surprise.

    Jiang Tan was urged for a long time before he carefully said, ¡°Miss Hua knows whose servant I am and she... she said that... now that young master helped Commandery Princess Ningyi openly, why he still let her stay with the Ruan Family.¡±

    ¡°....!¡±

    All the people in the room were silent for a moment. Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face color changed rapidly and he was so angry that he couldn¡¯t speak. Qiu Yn had to ask alone calmly, ¡°Why did she say so?¡±

    ¡°She said that she saw Your Grace and our young master walked out of a shop together and Your Grace saw our young master off,¡± Jiang Tan said in a low voice.

    ¡°Now it¡¯s clear!¡± Qiu Yn looked at Jiang Yashuang whose face was still red and said seriously. ¡°Hua is sent by Prince of Zhou!¡±

    Because his brother, eighth young master Jiang was spoiled by his family, he started to flirt and sleep with women from 12 or 13. As he grew older, he became more dissolute and harder to persuade, which disappointed Marquess Qin very much. When it came to the younger grandson Jiang Yashuang, Marquess Qin learned from the lesson of his former grandson and disciplined him strictly in case he might be like eighth young master Jiang.

    As a result, although Jiang Yashuang was taught to be sophisticated by his grandfather at a young age, when it came to the rtion between men and women, he always avoided it and refused to mention it.

    Just now, in this room, there was only General Ruan in aa except him and Qiu Yn. It could also be said that he and Qiu Yn were in a room alone. When Qiu Yn casually praised his good look, his face turned red immediately; now when he heard from Jiang Tan how he and Qiu Yn were described by Hua, he felt too ashamed to stay here!

    Now Qiu Yn¡¯s conspiracy theory was equivalent to rescue for him. He asked at once, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Do you remember Renqing Pharmacy? Prince of Zhou did the same thing to make you shy so that you would leave us alone. In this way, he could do whatever he wanted to harm me and my cousin.¡±

    Qiu Yn looked very serious. That¡¯s right. She shouldn¡¯tugh now, ¡°Or else, with her identity, how can Hua gossip about us like that?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang realized, ¡°I see....¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because no matter Prince of Zhou or Prince of Yan, they are all afraid of you!¡± Qiu Yn keptplimenting him with all her efforts. ¡°They can only make you shy with such things and let you escape from them. That¡¯s all they have!¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s shy?¡± Jiang Yashuang gave a snort and rolled his eyes to her. ¡°A little girl like you knows nothing!¡±

    He actually agreed with Qiu Yn. With a powerful Empress aunt, although Prince of Yan and Prince of Zhou are of noble origin, when they saw members of the Jiang Family, especially Jiang Yashuang, the beloved nephew of Empress Jiang, they always avoided to meet them directly.

    But...

    As a member of the Jiang Family and the beloved nephew of Empress, he was described by a 13-year-old girl as a shy man twice!

    How could he agree!

    ¡°But just now you almost wanted to leave at once. Prince of Zhou¡¯s plot really....¡± Qiu Yn opened her clear eyes wide and stared at him innocently.

    ¡°When did I say I would leave?¡± Jiang Yashuang sneered. ¡°Was I afraid of Prince of Zhou when he made up those lies of us? You have looked down on me so much!¡± Then, he reprimanded Jiang Tan, ¡°That¡¯s only a rumor from a prostitute and you told me particrly! Didn¡¯t you know you could deal with her on spot? As a servant of our Jiang Family, why didn¡¯t you get such nerve?¡±

    Jiang Tan apologized with a bitter smile, ¡°I was too feeble. Please punish me!¡± If Commandery Princess Ningyi didn¡¯t persuade you, the rumor could prevent you from seeing Commandery Princess Ningyi again! That¡¯s why a servant like me wanted to tell you when we were back!

    I know you are always shy about such things so I was afraid if I told you before Commandery Princess, you would be so embarrassed!

    Chunran came back veryte after Jiang Tan and she was also scolded. After they saw off Dr. Qi and Jiang Yashuang, Qiu Yn called her over with a sulky face, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you stop Hua from talking nonsense? It was lucky that I thought of a method quickly, or that shy General Jiang would nevere to us! If another man of Jiang came instead of him but was not as good, with the condition of us now, how can we deal with him?¡±

    Chunran had no time tough at Qiu Yn¡¯s mock of the ¡°shy¡± Jiang Yashuang who was three years older than her. She said seriously, ¡°The reason why I waste was that when Jiang Tan went back to report to you, Hua pulled me aside and told me that Prince of Zhou nned to harm our young master....¡±

    Qiu Yn was shocked, ¡°Tell me the details! When my cousin finished reading....¡±

 Chapter 48 - The Poison Youmianxiang

    <strong>Chapter 48 The Poison Youmianxiang</strong>

    ¡°My official mother and brother of my former family before I was adopted by Ruan Family are found. And they are being sent to the city secretly?¡± Ruan Qingyan said frowning, ¡°Hua said so?¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded, ¡°She also said that it was because Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s clique had failed a few times trying to rob Lian Family¡¯s letter which was about old Princess of Xihe. Then someone stumbled on the idea of going after you.¡±

    Ruan Qianyan sneered, ¡°Going after me? Do I look like amb waiting to be ughtered?¡±

    ¡°Cousin, did you talk to your family before you were adopted by Ruan Family?¡± Qiu Yn muttered to herself, ¡°ording to Hua Shenshen, your official mother and brother were about to say that you abandoned your original status and ancestral hall in order to be the young master of General¡¯s Mansion....¡±

    She had to say that this move of Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s clique was very diabolic!

    Abandoning one¡¯s ancestral hall was a crime worse than killing the emperor or one¡¯s father at that time.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. People they found definitely weren¡¯t my former official mother and brother,¡± Ruan Qingyan said with a sneer, ¡°In my opinion, they may think that there is no one who knows my former official mother and brother in the city... And they found two people who had a southern ent and were the simr age to mess with me.¡±

    Qiu Yn said in a surprise, ¡°How do you know?¡±

    ¡°... Tell youter,¡± a painful look shed through Ruan Qingyan¡¯s eyes. He said in a dull voice, ¡°Fake will always be fake. They will definitely give the show away in due course.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that Empress Dowager Gu and her clique will keep holding this against you. Since they know when Lian Family¡¯s letter arrives, Qiu Mengmin will definitely be in the wrong. Because you were the one who brought up the letter between Ruan Family and Lian Family,¡± Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°Jiang Family is focus on Lian Family¡¯s letter right now. Even they know that Empress Dowager Gu is aiming at you, they may not be able to give much help. The one who contributes this idea to Empress Dowager Gu is really vicious!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan smiled, ¡°Don¡¯t believe whatever Hua says. Many people know that I¡¯m about to take the exam now. And she told you this at the very moment. Who knows whether it¡¯s real or not? She may just want to make me feel ill at ease. So, I will end up with a bad grade.¡±

    Qiu Yn was confounded for a moment. Ruan Qingyan continued, ¡°People¡¯s mind is unpredictable. Besides, Hua grew up in a brothel. Although she is just a few years older than you, she is way more experienced in life than normal people. She seems to look out for me at everything. But don¡¯t you forget? I supported her deadly foe Peni Yue in the Courtesan Competition because of Young Earl Ling. Do you think she will return good for evil?¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn hesitating at saying something, Ruan Qingyan said sincerely and earnestly, ¡°So, don¡¯t assume someone is good because he is nice to you.¡±

    Finally, he cut to the chase, ¡°Jiang Yashuang is kind of good-looking. And he is polite to you. But just think about it. Let alone that you are still engaged, even if you aren¡¯t, he invited you who aren¡¯t married nor rted to him to be with him alone for a few times. Will a decent man do such things? So you can see that he is not a good person. He is a sanctimonious man with an ulterior motive....¡±

    Hearing Ruan Qingyan sparing no effort in tarring Jiang Yashuang, Qiu Yn coughed, ¡°I was just thinking about how to remind you that Hua Shenshen may not be trusted.... I didn¡¯t think that you had already noticed it.¡±

    ¡°Do I need you to remind of me this kind of thing?¡± Ruan Qingyan sneered, ¡°The number of prostitutes who give their first time to me is more than the number of people that you know... Ahem! Ahem! Ahem!¡±

    Suddenly realizing that he might have said something which would corrupt his cousin¡¯s heart, Ruan Qingyan changed the topic awkwardly, ¡°Anyhow, don¡¯t see Hua Shenshen again when shees here in the future. How is she qualified to speak with you in her status?¡±

    Before getting thest word out, he found a random excuse that he needed to keep on studying and run away.

    ¡°Eh, eh. The number of prostitutes who give their first time to him is more than the number of people that I know?¡± Qiu Yn snickered behind him, ¡°Really? You don¡¯t look like you have excesses of drink and sex, okay? Or you paid to sleep with them, but instead you just talked to them under the quilt?¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, if Cousin Ruan hears what you said, he will punish you again!¡± Su He reminded her blinking.

    The corner of Qiu Yn¡¯s mouth twitched, ¡°If you dare to snitch on me, I will marry you to a cripple who is blind, mute and deaf.¡±

    Su He smiled, ¡°I¡¯m not afraid! You adore me. You won¡¯t do me wrong in my marriage.¡±

    Was it true that people shouldn¡¯t teach their maids too well?

    Qiu Yn said ruthlessly, ¡°Then I will confiscate your sry of this month as penalty!¡±

    Su He¡¯s eyes were full of tears immediately. She raised her hand and said, ¡°I will never ever tell!¡±

    ¡°Humph!¡± Qiu Yn raised her head yfully, ¡°Okay. It¡¯s time to serve grandfather with his medicine.¡±

    General Ruan was weak in the first ce. Coughing a lot of blood had almost killed him this time. Hey under a sumptuous quilt looking skin and bones which drew tears from people.

    Bloodstained handkerchiefs were carried out one after another. Although he stopped coughing blood after a few days, it was still shocking by the sight.

    Everyone in the General¡¯s Mansion was gloomy. It had weighed on everyone¡¯s mind.

    After butler Ruan An knew General Ruan didn¡¯t have long, he didn¡¯t want to attend to anything. He didn¡¯t move a step from General¡¯s bed and cried in silence.

    His family had been Ruan Family¡¯s servants for generations. And he had been General Ruan¡¯s personal servant since General was a kid. He followed General Ruan to every war for his whole life. And he was there when General Ruan¡¯s sons and grandsons were killed in the war. Finally, when General Ruan was punished because of his defeat, he also took off his armor and followed him back to Ruan Family to be his servant. He would apany General Ruan and guard the General¡¯s Mansion which was declining day by day for the rest of his life.

    Although they were not brothers, their connections were deeper than real brothers.

    ¡°Mr. Ruan, go get some rest. I will serve grandfather with his medicine,¡± Ruan An didn¡¯t fulfill his duty. But General¡¯s Mansion shouldn¡¯t be unattended or attended by Ruan Qingyan. So, Qiu Yn had to be the housekeeper temporarily which would allow Ruan An to be with General Ruan more.

    However, seeing Ruan An¡¯s gloomy and spiritless look, she decided to persuade Ruan An to get some rest, ¡°Considering grandfather¡¯s condition, Ruan Family will have to depend on cousin. If you don¡¯t take care of yourself, do you want cousin to keep taking care of this family and his work after he gets the Jinshi title? How will he be able to do that?¡±

    After she repeated for a few times, Ruan An looked up nkly. Xishi held him and also dragged him to rest. Qiu Yn was feeding General Ruan with his medicine. She suddenly thought of something and her expression changed.

    She finished feeding General Ruan his medicine absently. It was rare that she didn¡¯t stay to talk to General Ruan who was not able to talk. Shoving the bowl into Maid Xisong¡¯s hand, she stood up and walked towards outside, ¡°Where is my cousin? I need to ask him about something!¡±

    ¡°You want to know why grandfather is like this?¡± Ruan Qingyan was next door. Seeing Qiu Yn rushing in eagerly, he stood up with a little surprise, ¡°Dr. Qi said it was because he was too worried and angry. It is said that anger will damage the liver and worry will damage the spleen. The liver is in charge of storing blood in the human body. It is a vital organ. Spleen is in charge of blood that runs through main and coteral channels....¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t understand that you put it like this,¡± Qiu Yn admitted directly that she was uneducated, ¡°Anyhow, didn¡¯t Dr. Qi say that grandfather was poisoned?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan¡¯s look became serious, ¡°Poison? Are you sure? What kind of poison?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. That¡¯s why I¡¯m asking you,¡± Qiu Yn had a bad feeling. However, she stayed calm and collected. She said nkly, ¡°I just thought that grandfather¡¯s condition was stable. Why did he cough blood suddenly? Empress Dowager Gu and her clique are trying every means to go after us these days. Did they exploit an advantage because we were being careless?¡±

    Staring at her for a moment, Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t find any w and then said, ¡°Dr. Qi was hired by Jiang Yashuang. If grandfather were poisoned, he definitely would tell us. Once we find out that Empress Dowager Gu and her clique did this, Jiang Family will have one more thing on them after all.¡±

    Since Dr. Qi didn¡¯t say anything, that meant General Ruan wasn¡¯t poisoned. Or he didn¡¯t find out that General Ruan was poisoned.

    But General Ruan was clearly poisoned.

    The poison Youmianxiang!

    When Qiu Yn first upied this body, while she was organizing the body¡¯s former owner¡¯s memory, she noticed that the body¡¯s former owner¡¯s most profound memory was that Princess Ruan killed herself resolutely for her to leave Qiu Family without any strings.

    The second profound memory was the poison Youmianxiang!

    ¡°However, talking about the memory of the poison Youmianxiang, it was not just that Princess Ruan told the body¡¯s former owner that she and General Ruan were both poisoned by it. And also, Princess Ruan forbade the body¡¯s former owner to tell anyone about the secret,¡± Qiu Yn left the study. On her way back to Lvqiang Court, her heart was rising and falling like waves. She spected eagerly, ¡°Can¡¯t even mention the poison Youmianxiang in front of others. Because mentioning it will cause a catastrophe!¡±

    Qiu Yn asked Kang Jinzhang about it deliberately back then. She estimated the thickness of the snow below the cliff and knew Kang Jinzhang wouldn¡¯t die from falling. However, that guy did too many bad things and he had to shout which made himself get buried alive.

    If she knew that would happen, she would ask all her questions above the cliff.

    In a word, because she remembered Princess Ruan¡¯s warning, Qiu Yn kept those words to herself discreetly. She would rather expose that Qiu Mengmin didn¡¯t respect his official mother the old Princess of Xihe than tell the truth about Madame Lu trying to murder Princess Ruan and her father.

    She thought since she couldn¡¯t bring up those words, she could make others bring it up.

    But...

    ¡°If the poison Youmianxiang can¡¯t be detected, how did Princess Ruan know?¡± considering how down and out Ruan Family was, they shouldn¡¯t be able to find any good doctor back then. It was lucky that they could find a regr doctor.¡±

    ¡°Dr. Qi Shuluo who Jiang Yashuang hired was said to be in a high position in the Imperial Academy of Medicine. Ordinarily, he should be able to figure out why General Ruan looks like this.¡±

    Qiu Yn retrieved her memory of Qi Shuluo¡¯s expression changes when he was diagnosing General Ruan carefully.

    Suddenly, she remembered when Jiang Yashuang asked him whether General Ruan could be saved or not, although Qi Shuluo looked solemn, he was also a little uneasy.

    Qiu Yn thought it was because General Ruan¡¯s condition was critical back then. Now when she thought about it, he might have noticed the poison Youmianxiang.

    However, he also chose to shut up.

    ¡°What kind of big event does the poison Youmianxiang involve? Or does it have some horrendous origin? It could have this kind of huge deterrence!¡± Qiu Yn felt so lost. And she was also deeply afraid, ¡°The question is how did an abandoned concubine like Madame Lu get her hand on such a forbidden poison?¡±

    After formed alliance with Jiang Family and got the letter from Lian Family and Ruan Family which could be used as the ultimate weapon, Qiu Yn felt she was sure to win. A wonderful life was within reach. Now the mysterious poison Youmianxiang made her feel that dangery everywhere again.

    ¡°Anyway, Madame Lu needs to die first,¡± having spent too many precarious days in thest phase after all, Qiu Yn had adjusted her mind when she arrived at Lvqiang Court, ¡°Take one step at a time.... Um. Eat, sleep and hit Cousin Kang. At least the present days are nice....¡±

 Chapter 49 - The Official Mother and the Official Brother Came

    <strong>Chapter 49 The Official Mother and the Official Brother Came</strong>

    The day when Ruan Qingyan took the exam came quickly. These days, nothing happened. So, the way he went to the examination ce was thought to be dangerous, where he had to kill ten people when he took one pace.

    ... But after Ruan Qingyan went in, everything around was as usual.

    ¡°Do they want to strike in the examination hall?¡± Qiu Yn guessed in her heart while leaning on the window of the carriage and looked at the crowd that had scattered.

    Dongran shook her head and said, ¡°This is impossible. Xue Xiang won¡¯t let this thing happen.¡± Then her voice lowered, ¡°Even the Empress Dowager cannot offend schrs.¡±

    Qiu Yn also agreed since the imperial examination was the foundation of the country. Even if the Empress Dowager¡¯s Party did not care about one or two talented schrs, they had to prevent the Empress from deceiving.

    ¡°It turns out that our nervousness these days is in vain!¡± Qiu Yn wiped her cold sweat and said resentfully.

    Dongran smiled and said, ¡°Probably not. What if there were some evildoers hiding by the road before the young master entered the examination hall? Fortunately, the young master entered safely.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡± Qiu Yn pulled down the curtain.

    The carriage had already turned and drove to General¡¯s Mansion as the carter ordered.

    As they approached the General¡¯s Mansion, someone shouted, ¡°Is Ningyi in the carriage?¡±

    She realized who he was as soon as she heard this title. Qiu Yn rubbed her eyebrows and pulled the curtain to look outside. Sure enough, Ling Zui, wearing a red robe and a coat made of feathers, rode on a green horse and smiled beside the carriage. He saluted with fist and palm when he saw her face. He said, ¡°Did youe back after sending your cousin?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Where are you going?¡± Qiu Yn thought in her heart, ¡°Please don¡¯t say you are going to Ruan Family again!¡±

    Fortunately, although Ling Zui stared at her face swiftly, he was not shameless enough toe to her house. He said, ¡°I intend to hunt some game in the jungle to show filial respect for my parents since the snow has melted in the spring.¡± He asked her with a smile, ¡°Do you like it? I can share some with you when I pass by.¡±

    ¡°Thank for your kindness. But I¡¯m in mourning....¡± Qiu Yn said in disobedience. She hadn¡¯t eaten meat since she passed through because of Mrs. Zhou and Su He who were loyal to Princess Ruan! Even the chicken soup was haven only during the injury... God knew how she wanted to grab his robe and shouted, ¡°Give me all!!!¡±

    Certainly, Ling Zui didn¡¯t know her thoughts andughed, ¡°Sorry, I forget... You are really a filial daughter.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Don¡¯t you repay your parents¡¯ kindness of rearing you?¡± Qiu Yn reluctantly said.

    They talked for a while, and then Ling Zui returned to his own team and went away.

    ¡°Are those a few hunting dogs? They are very big!¡± Su He pulled the curtain and looked out asionally. She eximed, ¡°They are as tall as people!¡±

    ¡°Is that true?¡± Qiu Yn pulled the curtain that she lowered right away. And her pupils constricted slightly when she looked out, ¡°Are these mastiffs?¡±

    ¡°Fortunately, they are tied up by someone holding an iron chain and they don¡¯t approach us. Otherwise, our horse would be frightened.¡± Dongran said thankfully as she looked.

    Qiu Yn watched the tall mastiffs disappear at the corner of the street with Ling Zui. And she thought, ¡°No wonder he said that he had helped that day.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Dongran and Su He were puzzled.

    ¡°On the day when Aunt Qiu and Cousin Kang came, the mastiffs that scared them into the house turned out to be Young Earl Ling¡¯s. He deliberately released them.¡± Qiu Ynughed, ¡°He really has conscience since cousin has spent so much money for him!¡±

    Thinking of Qiu Yuqing and Kang Lizhang, she asked, ¡°What happened to Kang Lizhang over the past two days? I am worried about my cousin and I didn¡¯t go to hit her.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s still the same as before, keeping silent in the room,¡± Dongran said, ¡°She asionally chatted for a while with maids who delivered the meal, and she asked when you would go there.¡±

    ¡°Does she like being hit by me?¡± Qiu Yn was surprised. Was Cousin Kang masochism?!

    Dongran smiled awkwardly, ¡°It seems that she wants to beg you for Yulu Ointment. The injury on her face....¡±

    ¡°Do I look so kind?¡± Qiu Yn narrowed her eyes, ¡°If she asks again next time, let the maid elicit what she prepares to exchange for Yulu Ointment!¡±

    The box of Yulu Ointment sent by Jiang Yashuang gave her the inspiration to temporarily escape from Prince¡¯s Mansion. At that time, she sealed the box and threw it into the well in the empty courtyard near the outer wall, so as not to be found by people of Prince¡¯s Mansion. She nned to take it secretly after she got well in Ruan Family. As a result, there was also Yulu Ointment among the gifts awarded by Empress Jiang when she went to the pce on Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve. She left it alone since she had some.

    Now that she heard that Kang Lizhang was eager to see her. She began to calcte how much benefit she could get from Cousin Kang?

    It was not that she loved money, but at least she should get what they took from old Princess and Princess Ruan back with interest?

    Unexpectedly, Qiu Yn received a piece of bad news when she entered General¡¯s Mansion, ¡°A note was posted on the door which was written by the servant of Censor Qiu Dian. He was posting for the past official mother and official brother of young master.¡±

    Ruan An frowned, ¡°I¡¯m afraid... the visitor has bad will!¡±

    ¡°I just thought that Hua Shenshen was talking nonsense. It turned out that she was wronged. Not because they didn¡¯te, but they are waiting for my cousin toe out, and want to fight with me alone?¡± Qiu Yn opened the post and looked at the signature, Mrs. Pang and Pang Biao. She was quite interested, ¡°Cousin¡¯sst name used to be Pang? What was his first name? Hu? Bao?¡±

    Ruan An coughed and said, ¡°Your Grace, they wille tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Deal with them?¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Who stiptes that you must receive? They are on behalf of Censor, so what? How can I entertain others since I have to take care of my grandfather because he is in bad health? Especially my cousin is in the examination hall now, how do I know that the person is someone he knew before? What if he is a fraud¡ªeh?¡±

    She blinked and asked Ruan An, ¡°Catch two frauds at General¡¯s Mansion. What do you think, Mr. Ruan?¡±

    ¡°Young master said before that these two men could not be his former mother and brother.¡± Ruan An groaned, ¡°But since they dare to openly post and visit, they obviously depend on others. Moreover....¡± He looked up at Qiu Yn, ¡°Many people have been reminded of the position of Governor Feng Rugui from the thing that happened in Renqing Pharmacy. Qiu Dian takes control of Censorate and he knew thew of Darui well. Even if he does not apany the mother and son, I am afraid he will send someone to help them.¡±

    The implication was that it was impossible for Qiu Yn to bully the public by officials as she didst time.

    Qiu Yn thought for a moment and said, ¡°If this is the case, then I¡¯d like to see them. After all, it has nothing to do with me even if they are true. If I don¡¯t meet them, it will be more troublesome to wait until my cousin finishes the exam....¡±

    ¡°It is apparent that they deliberately avoid cousin because they chose to inform today ande to visit tomorrow.¡± Ruan An frowned. ¡°From my perspective, they areing for you, Your Grace!¡±

    Qiu Yn said indifferently, ¡°Let¡¯s see what deadliest weapon they have prepared these days! Qiu Dian... I don¡¯t know if he is the official who wore a purple robe on the imperial court that day?¡±

    The next day the mother and son of the Pang Family came, and they were apanied by Qiu Dian¡¯s follower.

    Taking them to the hall and had a look: Mrs. Pang was portly as a wife of a merchant. But she had slightly darker skin, otherwise she could be a beauty; Pang Biao was tall and strong, just like his name. He looked like a standard businessman, Oh, the kind of businessman who specialized in business without capital.

    The person who apanied them was a 30-year-old skinny man, wearing schr clothes and a soft headscarf. Although he didn¡¯t look very well, he was very calm. He imed his name was Li Gui, and he was a Juren. But he didn¡¯t take the test of this year. Perhaps he couldn¡¯t keep taking the imperial examination?

    Li Gui said that he was a distant rtive of Mrs. Pang, and he apanied them toe. Then he said nothing.

    The mother and son were a little nervous at first. It seemed that they entered the General¡¯s Mansion for the first time.

    But the mother looked up and saw that there was only a twelve or three-year-old girl in in clothes. And there were not many people around. She suddenly had confidence, ¡°Your Grace, Ie here with my son to beg you for one thing.¡±

    Qiu Yn said casually, ¡°Since youe with Censor Qiu¡¯s post... Please say something.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s said that my younger son, Pang Lu, came herest year. Now something happened at home, and I want to invite him back together.¡± Mrs. Pang said sternly.

    ¡°Who is Pang Lu?¡± Qiu Yn continued saying carelessly. She was admiring the pattern of the red and blue sea animal pattern bowl in her hand, ¡°There is nobody this name¡ª Additionally, although you are rtive of Juren Li and youe with the post of Censor Qiu, I also have to say: There is an elderly who is in bad health. Now he is waiting for his grandson¡¯s good news. The imperial doctor has told us not to disturb him... This is not a secret in capital city. Can you figure it out before you find someone?¡±

    Her face sank. And she mmed the tea bowl, ¡°I¡¯m the only one who take care of my grandfather. Is Censor Qiu so dull that he takes Ruan Family as a pastime because nothing happened in his home?!¡±

    Hearing the menace in her words, Li Gui said, ¡°It¡¯s not like this.¡± And then he looked at Mrs. Pang and her son.

    The mother and son¡¯s faces were dignified, ¡°Rest assured, Your Grace. Although I¡¯m not good at literacy, I also know a littlew of Darui. How dare Ie unless I confirm that the child is here?¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Oh, I haven¡¯t fully identified the people here. But you have confirmed it? How can you confirm it?¡±

    ¡°Please see the letter, Your Grace.¡± Mrs. Pang took out an unsealed letter from her sleeve and lifted it with her hands.

    Qiu Yn nced at Dongran. Dongran went down and took the letter from Mrs. Pang¡¯s hand. She looked at it with the help of the light for a while, and then brushed it. Then she put it on the table beside Qiu Yn.

    ¡°... All the people go out. I¡¯m going to talk to Mrs. Pang alone.¡± Qiu Yn ordered after opening the letter and nced at it. Her face changed immediately.

    Dongran and others were surprised, ¡°Your Grace?¡±

    ¡°Get out!¡± Qiu Yn rubbed her eyebrows and ordered again.

    After Li Gui saluted with his fist and palm and headed toward outside, Dongran and others looked at each other and went out step by step and turned around. They were afraid of making Qiu Yn lose her face in front of the outsiders. And they thought Mrs. Pang didn¡¯t dare to hurt Qiu Yn.

    When the door closed, Qiu Yn asked Mrs. Pang with a somber face, ¡°Who are you?!¡±

 Chapter 50 - Battle of Wits, or Cruelty?

    <strong>Chapter 50 Battle of Wits, or Cruelty?</strong>

    Mrs. Pang smiled and said meaningfully, ¡°Your Grace, the point is not who I am, but do you really believe what in the letter?¡±

    Qiu Yn nced coldly at her and then read the letter again. In fact, there was only one sentence on it, ¡°There is a two-inch scar under Pang Lu¡¯s left rib.¡±

    ¡ª As inmon sense, this kind of private physical features could only be known by close family members!

    For Ruan Qingyan, who just finished mourning period for Aunt and had a seriously ill grandfather at home, it would be better to admit that Mrs. Pang as his former official mother than admitting that he was mingling with people like Hua Shenshen for these days!

    ¡°She¡¯s utilizing cousin¡¯s prospect to force me to surrender!¡± Qiu Yn was anxious and angry, ¡°People in Jing City are not familiar with cousin, so if Mrs. Pang could tell his personal body features but tell some other lies, no one else could be able to make any doubt. If we want to overthrow her so-called official mother identity, how could we make it without going to the south to find evidence? But not to mention the time to make a round trip, will the Empress Dowager sit by? The Empress is now focusing on the letter of the Lian Family, so certainly at this very moment she would not spare any time to care about cousin!¡±

    Qiu Yn knew the odds are against them at present¡ª Empress Dowager had sent a follower of a Censor-in-chief in her party to their mansion, so definitely she should confidently have had a good enough handle instead of ying tricks. However, she did not directly ruin Ruan Qingyan, bute to them after Ruan Qingyan attending the exam. Surely this was not due to kindness but aiming to utilize theirst moment defection to severely attack Empress Jiang!

    ¡°It seems that the Empress Dowager failed in obtaining the Lian Family¡¯s letter! So they have to y some other tricks, using my cousin¡¯s matter to incite defection me! What should I do now?¡± She hurriedly thought, putting the letter back on the table, and looked at the determined Mrs. Pang, ¡°How if I believe it? And how if I not?¡±

    Mrs. Pang had never expected she didn¡¯t panic at all in such a young age, she froze and then said with a smile, ¡°If Your Grace believes, I will surely tell you something about my young son. But if Your Grace don¡¯t believe me, as my humble identity, of course I would not be able to disturb you. I bid you farewell in no time.¡±

    Seeing that Qiu Yn had no intention of pressing her to stay, Mrs. Pang frowned, ¡°You would believe once you take off Pang Lu¡¯s clothes and check it after he¡¯s back from the exam.¡±

    After saying this, she saluted and walked towards the door. When approaching the threshold, she stopped suddenly, turning back, and smiled slightly, ¡°My elder son and I will temporarily stay in the Mansion of Censor for these days, if Your Grace want another meet, just ask people to there to tell me. I coulde and greet Your Grace at any time.¡±

    Qiu Yn replied indifferently, ¡°Got it, you could leave now!¡±

    Soon after Mrs. Pang went out, Su He and Dongran pushed in the door with a look of surprise, and said before Qiu Yn opened mouth, ¡°The Juren Li outside just bid us farewell and left.¡±

    Then they asked, ¡°Your Grace, how about Mrs. Pang?¡±

    ¡°Come here, Dongran, I have something to ask you.¡± Although Qiu Yn had almost believed it, she still wanted to ask Ruan Qingyan¡¯s personal maid to make sure. Looked like preupied and solemn, she asked Dongran toe and put the letter in her hand, ¡°Is this true or false?¡±

    Dongran took a look and her face clouded, ¡°Oops!¡±

    Now she had known the result before being replied, and she sighed, ¡°Since this is the case, just send someone to ask Mrs. Pang toe here in these two days and let¡¯s listen to her bargaining conditions.¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Dongran held the letter in hand, biting her lip, and suddenly said, ¡°The young master enjoined me before that if anyone came to the door iming as his official mother, he asked me to find a person first.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked in great surprise, ¡°To find who?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, the young master merely told me the address.¡± Dongran requested, ¡°May I go there first tonight? Could Your Grace call back that Mrs. Pangter if someone there couldn¡¯t solve the problem?¡± Both they know that it would be nice for Mrs. Pang to only ckmail for a great amount without making any other trouble after she had such a big handle of Ruan Qingyan.

    But she would definitely force these couple of cousins into the dead-end!

    So, of course it would be better to out of the dilemma in other ways.

    Qiu Yn then asked, ¡°Have you got anything to prepare before going?¡±

    ¡°As young master¡¯s instruction, I would prepare for it.¡± Dongran replied with equivocation.

    Realizing that she didn¡¯t want to reveal too much, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t continue to ask but only said, ¡°Be careful then, if you need, go with a servant in the Mansion aspanion. It is not safe for a girl to go alone at night.¡±

    Dongran smiled apologetically and then replied, ¡°Yes, I would.¡±

    Even though she said like this in the daytime, she still went out alone through the back door after nightfall.

    Su He knew it, and she doubted when making the bed for Qiu Yn in the evening as Chunran and Xiaran paid no attention, ¡°Who is sister Dongran meeting on earth? She is going to see this guy at night, and even worse, she insists to go alone?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll know after shees back.¡± Qiu Yn thought that Ruan Qingyan obviously had high martial arts, so his personal maid Dongran might have also been trained. The reason she didn¡¯t go out with any servant at night may not be her confidence to walk alone safely but could be avoiding being noticed by others.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know who she is meeting with, and what is cousin¡¯s pre-arrangement?¡± Qiu Yn guessed, ¡°Dongran didn¡¯t answer directly just now, but it seemed like she was pretty sure that ¡®the man¡¯ could solve this matter of Mrs. Pang. Also, it was after she saw the letter! Is it someone bigwig? But how could he be more powerful and influential than Empress Dowager? I guess at present, even Empress may not have the time to protect cousin?¡±

    Suddenly she thought of Xue Chang, ¡°Before cousin came to Jing City, he seemed to n to be his disciple, even when the chief examiner of the experimental examination in spring had not been decided. But cousin was firmly determined.... Did cousin and Xue Chang keep in touch a long time ago? Is Dongran going to meet with Xue Chang?!¡±

    The leader of the neutral party, who was valued by both Empress Dowager and Empress, was indeed extraordinary in influence.... But how would Xue Chang get Ruan Qingyan out of this conspiracy? It¡¯s impossible to take refuge in Empress Dowager....

    Qiu Yn guessed several bigwigs but only found none of them match, so she quit woolgathering and just simply waited. In the middle of the night, Dongran returned and rushed to Lvqiang Court to see whether her master stayed up or not.

    Surely Dongran was heard and was asked toe into the inner chamber to report at once, and she said, ¡°That... ¡®that man¡¯ has promised to help us resolve this matter. Your Grace, please don¡¯t worry about it anymore!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought for a while, then tentatively asking, ¡°What is he going to do?¡±

    ¡°In short, Mrs. Pang and her son will have no chance to im as the mother and brother of the young master!¡± Dongran said firmly.

    ¡°Can you tell me who this person is?¡± Qiu Yn again spected for a long time, and finally couldn¡¯t hold back her curiosity and asked.

    Dongran smiled apologetically again, ¡°The young master and ¡®the man¡¯ both urged me to avoid leaking any message of him.¡±

    ¡°... Fine.¡± Slightly being snubbed, Qiu Yn was embarrassed to further utilize her identity topel Dongran to answer, so she thought about coquettishly asking cousin after Ruan Qingyanes back from exam.

    But although she decided not to make a detailed inquiry, Mrs. Pang visited her again on thest day before imperial examination in spring finished. And she implied that if Qiu Yn kept being unrepentant and persistent, she would invite followers and servants of the Qiu Family to wait outside the examination spot tomorrow, in order to im Ruan Qingyan as her son in the presence of all schrs!

    Qiu Yn looked at Dongran¡¯s expression and ignored Mrs. Pang, but after Mrs. Pang was politely asked off, she felt a little perturbed, ¡°Are you sure? This matters to my cousin¡¯s whole life!¡±

    ¡°Please rest assured, Your Grace. It would be perfectly solved.¡± Dongran affirmed, ¡°How dare I crack a joke of the young master¡¯s prospect?¡±

    ording to Ruan Qingyan¡¯s shrewdness, Qiu Yn supposed his personal maid should be also credible.

    But she kept tossing and turning in bed until dawn.

    Getting up early and calling servant to wash her face with cold water, Qiu Yn tried best to brace herself up. She then arrived at outside of the examinationpound by carriage. Watching the scene of the crowded servants gathering to pick up their masters for a while, the white linen handkerchief was soon squeezed and crumpled by her.

    Noticing her nervousness, Dongran can¡¯t help tofort, ¡°No worries, master! There will be definitely fine!¡±

    As soon as her voice fell, Qiu Yn¡¯s expression changed slightly, and she looked outside the carriage, ¡°They¡¯reing!¡±

    Su He and others followed her gaze, with all their hearts sank, ¡°Mrs. Pang! Pang Biao!¡±

    ¡°As well as Li Gui and some others, presumably other followers of the Qiu family?¡± Su He pressed her chest and whispered, ¡°These?¡±

    Everyone in the carriage now looked at Dongran.

    But Dongran was still calm, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, just ignore them.¡±

    Qiu Yn barely enough managed to ignore them, but this group of people obstinately squeezed out of the crowd to their carriage.

    Because the examinees were about toe out, and there were so many people around, all people were no longer at ease to wait. Mrs. Pang came up and lifted the curtain of the carriage, saying coldly, ¡°Your Grace, this is thest chance we have before I ignore family affection. Don¡¯t you really not consider talking with us in the tea house over there?¡±

    Finding Qiu Yn hesitating, Dongran replied before she answered, ¡°You are such a rude woman! Who allows you to lift the curtain of our carriage?! Get off!¡±

    Driving Mrs. Pang away, she apologized humbly to Qiu Yn, ¡°We really don¡¯t need to care about them....¡±

    ¡°But how to exin itter?¡± Although Qiu Yn felt that based on Ruan Qingyan¡¯s sophistication, his trusted subordinate should not be unreliable, but seeing that Mrs. Pang and her fellows gathering forward to the gate of the examinationpound, she also felt suspicious of Dongran.

    Dongran closed her mouth tightly and have no idea about what to say. At this time, the gate of the examinationpound opened. As arge number of examinees of different expressions poured out, the original wide field in front of the examinationpound was full of people while the crowd continually surged. The servants who were sent by Qiu Yn to find Ruan Qingyan were all submerged and disappeared in one second!

    Qiu Yn felt worse and worse in her heart. She suddenly raised her hand and squeezed Dongran¡¯s neck, ¡°Did you mean to intentionally hurt my cousin?!¡±

    Before she finished her words, from the gate of the examinationpound several yelps rang out, ¡°Murdering!¡±

    ¡°Someone¡¯s murdering!!!¡±

    ¡°Where is the murderer? How does he disappear in a blink? Yamen runner! Pleasee over, yamen runner! A candidate is assassinated!¡±

    Qiu Yn froze, wondering how could a murder take ce at the gate of the examinationpound in broad daylight, especially at this time just after the test?! Then she saw the swelling crowd was separated, and two yamen runners carried a person who has a bleeding wound under ribs running towards her, ¡°Is this the carriage of General Ruan¡¯s Mansion? We¡¯re really sorry for failing to stop an unknown madman from assassinating young master Ruan! Fortunately, the young master only hurt the left rib, and this will not be life-threatening!¡±

    Qiu Yn subconsciously lowered her hand, which was squeezing Dongran¡¯s neck. When she jumped off the carriage, she happened to notice the shocked and furious Mrs. Pang in the crowd. As they nced at each other, such shock and anger in her eyes made Qiu Yn exhaled heavily!

 Chapter 51 - Qiu Bo

    <strong>Chapter 51 Qiu Bo</strong>

    ¡°Help my cousin on the carriage!¡± Qiu Yn held her handkerchief tightly and ordered loudly, ¡°Call for a doctor! Hurry up!¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Qiu Family¡¯s men saw that Ruan Qingyan was about to be lifted on the carriage. If he went back to General¡¯s Mansion andpletely covered up the old scar with the new scar in this attack, the threat letter would be useless.

    Li Gui pushed Mrs. Pang out and Mrs. Pang quickly understood it. She grabbed Ruan Qingyan¡¯s sleeve at once and said, ¡°My poor son! I came all the way from the south to see you, but you were injured by that bad guy before we meet.... If you died, how should your brother and I tell your father when we meet him in the underworld....¡±

    At this time, there was a way out for the carriage to send Ruan Qingyan to the doctor, but the watching crowd was still huge. Seeing Mrs. Pang wept, Qiu Yn grabbed Mrs. Pang¡¯s chignon and pped her so hard that she became silent right away with half her face swelling.

    ¡°Get her!¡± The crowd was shocked by the scene where the girl who was here to meet Ruan Qingyan suddenly pped the woman who imed to be Ruan Qingyan¡¯s mother. Qiu Yn pointed at Mrs. Pang and said angrily to the two Yamen runner, ¡°You didn¡¯t see that my carriage was parked here and that woman thievishly came and lifted the curtain to peep. She didn¡¯t leave until my maid told her off! I thought she didn¡¯t know the rules but now I think she must be a cohort of those attackers who had hurt my cousin!¡±

    The two Yamen runners were amazed by her words. One of them automatically touched his weapon at his waist!

    ¡°No!¡± Pang Biao and others wanted to exin but Qiu Yn didn¡¯t give them a chance!

    She pped Mrs. Pang once again and raised her voice angrily, ¡°My uncle and aunt died ten years ago! How can you be my aunt and my cousin¡¯s mother? Clearly, you thought I was just a little girl and wanted to mix things up as your cohorts didn¡¯t killed my cousin! I tell you: my grandfather now only has one heir which is my cousin! If he died, my grandfather¡¯s family would be over! If you dare toe one step closer, I will beat you to death right now!¡±

    Pang Biao hurriedly took Mrs. Pang¡¯s arms and red at Qiu Yn, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi, you have gone too far! My mother was worried about my younger brother so she came over to see him! But you imed that she wanted to harm him! Is it proper for a Commandery Princess to deny the rtion between a mother and her son?¡±

    Li Gui and his men also stepped forward. He bowed to the crowd and said, ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, we work for Censor-in-chief, Mr. Qiu, and I am a distant rtive of Mrs. Pang and Mr. Pang. I can testify for them that Ruan Qingyan used to be called Pang Lu. He is indeed the youngest son of the Pang Family!¡±

    The Yamen runner who believed Qiu Yn¡¯s words and was about to get Mrs. Pang a while ago now put his hand down when he heard the name of Qiu Dian. He said with suspicion, ¡°I know you. You are Mr. Li who worked under Mr. Qiu!¡±

    The crowd didn¡¯t know who to believe and started buzzing with discussion.

    Qiu Yn was trying hard to think of a way out. Suddenly she heard a charming and loud voice, ¡°Say, this Commandery Princess ims that injured man is her cousin, while Mr. Li says he is a younger rtive. That means neither side is an enemy of that young master. Then, why are you still quarreling here and leave him alone in the carriage?¡±

    The crowd froze for a moment and looked to the direction where the voice came. It was a woman in a bright red brocade gown with a falling-off-the-horse bun on her head. She was about 20 years old and dressed as an unmarried girl.

    This woman was ravishing and seemed to be wealthy as she wore many pieces of jewelry. Behind her, a young maid in pink with thin eyebrows and big eyes followed her with a basket covered by a piece of cloth; beside her, a schr inke blue brocade robe about 18 or 19 was taken by his arm by her. The schr looked pale and seemed to be in need of a good rest after the exam.

    ¡°My younger brother is usually fit but now he can¡¯t stand by himself and needs my help,¡± the woman saw the crowd was watching her but she was not shy at all. When she swung her handkerchief, the people near her smelled the fragrant air. She continued charmingly, ¡°Not to say that young master was injured.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your reminder!¡± Qiu Yn said at once and urged the driver, ¡°Hurry up! Move away!¡±

    Then the crowd made way for them. A light shed in Li Gui¡¯s eyes and he said loudly, ¡°We follow them too!¡±

    ¡°Right, we should make sure my brother is okay!¡± Pang Biao understood him immediately and took Mrs. Pang along!

    That beautiful woman also took her brother near and said, ¡°If your house is far away from here, I suppose you should send him to the clinic nearby. I know there is a Muxing Clinic on the next street and it is owned by an imperial doctor¡¯s student who has great medical knowledge and skills.¡±

    The examination hall was not near the General¡¯s Mansion. But what Qiu Yn worried about was whether Ruan Qingyan¡¯s old scar could be covered up with the new one.

    Li Gui and his men showed clearly that they would stick to the end. If the new scar couldn¡¯t cover the old one, it would be all in vain!

    When she was hesitating, Dongran¡¯s voice came from inside the carriage, ¡°Your Grace, young master has woken up and he demanded we go to Muxing Clinic!¡±

    ¡°Please guide us there,¡± seeing Li Gui and his men had surrounded the carriage and were watching closely into the carriage, Qiu Yn knew that with Qiu Dian behind them and without the Jiang Family¡¯s support, she couldn¡¯t defeat them now. Besides, Ruan Qingyan himself asked her to go, she had to agree.

    The beautiful woman invited her into her carriage, ¡°Let your carriage follow ours. I also n to go there to get some nutritious medicine for my brother.¡±

    She didn¡¯t finish her words but her brother¡¯s mouth had twitched and his expression looked strange.

    ¡°Do you still fear taking medicine at your age?¡± the ravishing woman nced at him at once with a half ming, half charming smile. Then she said to Qiu Yn smilingly, ¡°My name is Qiu Bo and this is my brother, Qiu Nie. I didn¡¯t hear clearly your title. May I know which Commandery Princess you are?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought the woman was weird: now that she knows I¡¯m a Commandery Princess, she didn¡¯t use honorific words as if she was also of noble origin; but her surname is ¡°Qiu¡±, which may only belong to Duke of Xihe¡¯s family.

    ¡°I¡¯m Commandery Princess Ningyi,¡± she nodded to Qiu Bo and Qiu Nie. ¡°My father is thete former Duke of Xihe.¡±

    ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi,¡± Qiu Bopressed her lips into a smile and took her on the carriage. ¡°We have the same surname!¡±

    Qiu Yn also smiled, ¡°What a coincidence. Thank you for your reminder just now.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure,¡± Qiu Bo covered her mouth with her sleeve and her eyes squinted because of the smile. ¡°I rarely have the chance to see noble people. Please forgive me if I had offended Your Grace.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind that I¡¯m noble,¡± Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°I¡¯m just an orphan girl now.¡±

    By now, Qiu Yn tried to know where the two came from. Qiu Bo answered, ¡°We used to live in the suburb of Jing City. When my brother was admitted into the Imperial College two years ago, we moved downtown. I don¡¯t often go out and I don¡¯t know many people. I just deal with domestic affairs and let Nie focus on studying.¡±

    It seemed that she answered Qiu Yn¡¯s question, but indeed she didn¡¯t tell who they were, not even whether they were from an official¡¯s family.

    Qiu Yn started to suspect at once.

    But now the carriage had stopped in front of Muxing Clinic. Li Gui and his men raced to help lift Ruan Qingyan off and send him into the clinic.

    ¡°I¡¯m not used to being watched by others when I¡¯m doing my job. Please go out,¡± Muxing Clinic¡¯s doctor, Yuan Zhixing walked out and saw the half of Ruan Qingyan¡¯s clothes were red with blood. He was a little shocked and urged his assistant to take his medical kit while driving people out.

    Qiu Bo said, ¡°Dr. Yuan is always like this.¡±

    But neither Qiu Yn nor Li Gui would listen.

    They all found various excuses to stay here and watch.

    Yuan Zhixing was angered by them and said, ¡°Please call for other doctors!¡±

    Qiu Bo hurried to mediate. Atst, for fear of dying the treatment, they all took one step back and left only Dongran and Li Gui there.

    The waiting was killing the people outside.

    Qiu Bo and Qiu Nie were rxed because it was none of their business. Well, to be exact, it should be said that only Qiu Bo felt rxed, mostly because she asked for a bowl of ck medicine which made Qiu Nie frown immediately at a nce!

    ¡°Chunran, look! That young master Qiu fear taking medicine though he¡¯s several years older than our Commandery Princess!¡± Qiu Yn was worrying about Ruan Qingyan¡¯s scar and had no time to notice Qiu Bo and Qiu Nie, but Su He was young and became distracted soon. She whispered to Chunran, ¡°Like a baby....¡±

    To be honest, her voice was really low. Even Qiu Yn who was less than a Chinese foot away didn¡¯t hear all of it, but some dozens of Chinese feet away, Qiu Nie suddenly turned around and looked at her coldly!

    Su He and Chunran were shocked and shut their mouths automatically.

    At the same time, Qiu Bo wasughing like a flower swung by the wind, evenughing her head off. She pressed him, ¡°Take it! Look at your pale face. If you don¡¯t take more nutrition, how can I feel reassured?¡±

    Qiu Nie was silent for a while and called an assistant toe over. He pointed to Qiu Bo, ¡°My sister is not well these days. Please also make her some nutritious medicine!¡±

    He stressed, ¡°It¡¯s said that ¡®Good medicine is bitter.¡¯ Pick the bitterest medicine, however much it costs!¡±

    Qiu Bo¡¯s smile froze. She wanted to say something but was left behind Qiu Nie. He said in azy voice, ¡°You care about me so much, so I should also care about you.¡±

    ¡°Ha-ha....¡± Qiu Boughed drily.

    Qiu Yn understood that Qiu Nie was provoking his sister and looked at them with amazement....

    At this point, the door opened and Yuan Zhixing and Li Gui walked out one after another.

    ¡°Dr. Yuan, how¡¯s my cousin?¡± Qiu Yn was asking Yuan Zhixing about Ruan Qingyan, but she was actually watching Li Gui¡¯s expression behind. But Li Gui¡¯s face was calm and unreadable.

    Yuan Zhixing said indifferently, ¡°It¡¯s only a flesh wound. Though deep, it won¡¯t prevent him from attending the pce exam.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Dr. Yuan,¡± Qiu Yn resisted her anxiety and said. ¡°And thanks for your kind words.¡± Yuan Zhixing had a way with words. He described Ruan Qingyan¡¯s wound with ¡°it won¡¯t prevent him from attending the pce exam,¡± which was surely a kind of blessing words. After Qiu Yn thanked him, she was about to question Li Gui directly when Dongran came out and said, ¡°Just now, young master said he was thirsty and I gave him some water.¡±

    She knew what Qiu Yn most worried about and said, ¡°Young master¡¯s wound is not severe. Yet he has rarely been hurt and now he gets a scar without any provocation. The viin is so hateful!¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s expression rxed and used angrily to Li Gui, ¡°Juren Li, I highly suspect that the two people behind you are cohorts of the viin who hurt my cousin! Including you! I don¡¯t know when my cousin offended you so that you harmed him so badly.¡± She didn¡¯t wait for them to respond and ordered Chunran, ¡°Tell the Yamen official! Censor-in-chief? Can a Censor-in-chief harm a schr in broad daylight?¡±

 Chapter 52 - Lian Family Arrived

    <strong>Chapter 52 Lian Family Arrived</strong>

    Li Gui¡¯s face twitched for a bit. But he calmed down immediately. He gave Qiu Yn a fist and palm salute and said, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi, this was a misunderstanding! Although I¡¯m rted to Pang Family remotely, I have never seen Pang Lu before. I didn¡¯t know that they had the wrong person. However, the purpose of Pang Biao and his mothering to the city really is looking for Pang Lu. They definitely didn¡¯t collude with the person who stabbed Young Master Ruan.¡±

    Another staff of Qiu Family Zhao Huairen who came with him also said at this point, ¡°We are the staff of the Censor. We both have titles and are well educated. How could we indulge our rtives tomit a crime? We really just had the wrong person today.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me this,¡± Qiu Yn realized that they wanted to turn big problems into small ones and make small ones disappear. But she surely wouldn¡¯t agree so easily. She sneered, ¡°Li Gui, you brought them to us with certainty back then. And you used me of preventing a mother from taking back her son just now at the door of the examinationpound. I can let that go. But my cousin was stabbed right when he went out of the examinationpound. How can I let go of that?¡±

    ¡°But it really has nothing to do with us....¡±

    ¡°Am I supposed to believe that you guys have nothing to do with it because you said so?¡± Qiu Yn was furious, ¡°You also said that my cousin was definitely Pang Family¡¯s son before.¡±

    Li Gui frowned, ¡°This was a misunderstanding....¡±

    ¡°Misunderstanding? There are so many people in the Jing City. Why aren¡¯t you mistaken about others but my cousin? You obviously thought that since my grandfather was seriously ill and Ruan Family didn¡¯t have lot heirs, you could bully us easily. You wanted to ckmail us!¡± Qiu Yn cried while she was using them, ¡°My grandfather¡¯s condition is so bad. He is only alive until now because my cousin takes good care of him. Dr. Qi himself said sost time. You guys obviously want to kill the whole Ruan Family! What did Ruan Family ever do to you guys that you guys had to do such a terrible thing?¡±

    Her words made Li Gui and others angry, ¡°Commandery Princess, you are so glib! It was just a little misunderstanding. And you used us of trying to kill the whole Ruan Family. How ridiculous!¡±

    ¡°It was obvious that you guys went after my cousin because you guys failed to intimidate me with fabricated lies,¡± Qiu Yn raised her sleeve and wiped her face. She said loudly, ¡°You guys want to skim over this kind of vicious move by saying it was a misunderstanding. Do you guys think that you guys wrote thew of Darui?¡±

    ¡°We didn¡¯t write thew of Darui. But neither did you! What evidence do you have which can prove that we harmed Ruan Qingyan? Framing and ndering us, are you so righteous?¡± Zhao Huairen pped his sleeve defiantly, ¡°It really is that women and snob are hard....¡±

    Before he could finish his sentence, Qiu Yn¡¯s face suddenly went dark. She pointed at Zhao Huairen and reproached, ¡°You guys colluded with the viins and harmed my cousin. Now you dare to me the victim and scold me! Do you guys¡¯ parents know that you guys are so shameless?¡±

    Before her voice had died away, she grabbed a golden censer near her hand and smashed towards Zhao Huairen¡¯s head, ¡°Unruly bastards! Beat them up!¡±

    Li Gui and his gang prevailed in numbers. But Qiu Yn charged forward herself. How dare Li Gui and other men touch a Commandery Princess in public? Mrs. Pang was a woman. However, Qiu Yn was highly skilled. She grabbed a horsetail whisk upside down by one hand and lifted her dress by another hand. Her move was flexible, and her attack was vicious. She whipped Li Gui and others badly all by herself. They all scampered off like frightened rats.

    Seeing this, Qiu Bo and Qiu Nie who were taking their medicine in the same room were stunned.

    ¡°This...¡± Qiu Bo was stupefied for a moment and then turned to her brother.

    Qiu Nie looked at Qiu Yn with interest for a while. His pupil contracted a little and said, ¡°She is not simple.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m saying what should we do now?¡± Qiu Bo said with frustration.

    ¡°One side is the General¡¯s Mansion and the Commandery Princess. The other is the Censor. What are wemon folks going to do about this?¡± Qiu Nie smiledzily. He poured his medicine which he took two sips with difficulty just now in a pot of azalea near him, ¡°Let¡¯s pay for the medicine and get out of here! If we get dragged into this, we won¡¯t be able to know what causes our death.¡±

    Qiu Bo gave him a coquettish look andughed, ¡°Will you be scared?¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to go, I will,¡± Qiu Nie clicked his tongue. He stood up. Qiu Yn asked the servants to block the door to prevent Li Gui and others from escaping when she started the fight. Qiu Nie didn¡¯t mean to ask Ruan Family¡¯s servants to move. He jumped over to the corridor outside with a little help from a window near him.

    Chunran and others didn¡¯t think much of it. Qiu Yn who was forced to form a habit of being observant and alert during a fight in thest phase was surprised.

    ¡°He barely made a sound when he touched the ground!¡± he remembered the corridor outside was built on stilts. It was 12 centimeters above the ground. Although Qiu Nie was thin, he was tall. He should make a sound when hended on the corridor. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t hear a thing, although he had taken a few steps.

    ¡°There is something wrong with them!¡± seeing Qiu Bo jumped over the window lifting her dress, she looked normal. However, they had already drawn Qiu Yn¡¯s attention, ¡°Didn¡¯t know whether they are enemies or friends? Or just strangers happened to meet?¡±

    By the time, Li Gui and others¡¯ faces were covered with blood due to the whip. Seeing Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want to stop, they were ready to risk everything. Theyy on the ground and yelled, ¡°Murder!¡±

    ¡°Dare to go after my cousin with what you got!¡± Qiu Yn threw the horsetail whisk on him with a sneer. ¡°If you wish to die, I¡¯ll grant you the wish!¡± she instructed the servants, ¡°Search them. Gather their money and give it to Dr. Yuan.¡±

    She continued, ¡°Don¡¯t let them leave just yet. I¡¯m going to check on cousin.¡±

    Just when she went in the inner chamber, Ruan Qingyan whose face was pale reproached her, ¡°Can you act like a girl? If you want to beat them, can¡¯t you let maids and old maidservants do it? You had to do it yourself. If this gets out... No, why do you beat up others frequently? What kind of girls act like you?¡±

    ¡°If I don¡¯t do it myself, what help can Su He, Chunran and the other maids who are weak and vulnerable be of? It¡¯s lucky that people don¡¯t take advantage of them!¡± Qiu Yn criticized inwardly. She changed the topic immediately, ¡°I have already beaten them up. How do we end this?¡±

    Seeing her admitting her fault with an unrepentant attitude, Ruan Qingyan rubbed his forehead. He sighed in frustration, ¡°Just say that you thought they were connected to the viins who stabbed me. You were worried that grandfather couldn¡¯t take the hard hit. And you hit them due to a moment of anger. Try to tie this up with filial piety. Don¡¯t let people have something on you!¡±

    It was lucky that Ruan Family was morally right. Even Li Gui and others were beaten up, Ruan Family could still get Qiu Yn out of it.

    Ruan Qingyan was worried at this moment, ¡°Lian Family is supposed to arrive in the city tomorrow or the day after tomorrow? I¡¯m afraid that I can¡¯t go to the Imperial Court this time.¡±

    His new wound couldpletely cover his old wound. It was indeed a severe wound. His skin and flesh got shoveled away arge part. He lost a lot of blood. Yuan Zhixing said that he could still take the imperial exam since the exam was in March.

    ¡°Cousin, you just focus on getting better. Do I look like I can be bullied easily?¡± Qiu Yn said in a hurry, ¡°It¡¯s just that don¡¯t forget to tell me if you have trump cards to avoid me being unprepared.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan muttered to himself, ¡°I don¡¯t have anything more. Just those two letters. But I¡¯m afraid there may be some idents since it has been so many years.¡±

    ¡°Actually, there shouldn¡¯t be any ident,¡± Qiu Yn thought about it and said, ¡°Otherwise, why did Empress Dowager and her clique try to use Mrs. Pang and her son to go after you? It¡¯s obvious that they lost their hope on Lian Family¡¯s letter. So, they have to find another way.¡±

    Her prediction was right.

    Two dayster, under the escort of the people Jiang Family sent, old Princess of Xihe¡¯s youngest brother Lian Chen arrived at the Jing City with his son and nephew after a long journey.

    After Old Master Lian died, Lian Family sold its property in Jing City when they went back to their hometown to attend the burial ceremony.

    Qiu Yn nned to clean up a few yards in General¡¯s Mansion to entertain them. However, when she received the message from Lian Family, they had been ced at Jiang¡¯s residence.

    Jiang Family¡¯s servant who gave her the message exined politely that considering General Ruan was sick, Lian Family living here might disturb him. Jiang Family happened to have a lot of empty houses. So, they made the arrangement.

    Of course, Qiu Yn had no problem with this. Considering their rtionship, Lian Family living in the General¡¯s Mansion was actually awkward. Lian Family and Ruan Family was not rted after all. Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe should be the one to entertain Lian Family.

    However, Qiu Mengmin, the master of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, happened to be the one Lian Family wanted to me this time they came to Jing City. Of course, Lian Family wouldn¡¯t go to the Prince¡¯s Mansion.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know where the residence is. When can I go visit those elders?¡± Qiu Yn asked Jiang Family¡¯s servant.

    ¡°Tomorrow is fine, if it¡¯s convenient for you. I¡¯ll pick you up then,¡± the servant answered.

    Qiu Yn agreed without hesitation. The next day was a singr day. There was no Imperial Court. It was just the right time for her to be acquainted with Lian Family.

    The next day, Jiang Family¡¯s servant arrived at General¡¯s Mansion on time. He picked up Qiu Yn and sent her to the residence where Lian Family was. Just when she got off the carriage, she saw a young man in blue approaching. He asked with a smile, ¡°Are you the cousin of Qiu Family? My name is Lian Ding. My grandfather is your uncle.¡±

    ¡°Hello, Cousin Lian,¡± Qiu Yn saluted to him in a hurry. Lian Ding looked about 16 or 17. His skin was a little dark. But he had a wide forehead and was well-featured. Although he just had a long journey, he was in fine fig.

    He led Qiu Yn to see Lian Chen and others. He sighed with emotion about Princess Ruan¡¯s death on the way. And he asked her about her current condition. The residence was not big. After a few chitchats, they arrived at the main building.

    Two servants were guarding the main building. They were both big and burly. They had bright piercing eyes. They were most definitely the bodyguards arranging by Jiang Family.

    After she went in and went pass the screen, she saw an old man in a cyan flower pattern robe and a hood sitting upright on the left.

    Lian Ding looked a lot like this old man. She could tell he was Lian Chen without asking.

    Qiu Yn approached and saluted in a hurry, ¡°Uncle, you must be tired from this long-way travel.¡±

    Lian Chen asked her to stand up genially. He introduced two men who sat on the right to her while touching his grey long beard, ¡°These are your second uncle and third uncle.¡±

    ¡°Uncles, you two must also be tired from this long-way travel,¡± Qiu Yn saluted to them too.

    Seeing that she didn¡¯t put on airs because she was a Commandery Princess, people of Lian Family were more friendly. They showed that they wanted to get to know her better, ¡°We went back to Lanxi decades ago. We only knew that your grandmother died 11 years ago. We heard nothing from you after that. We didn¡¯t know what had happened. We didn¡¯t know how much you had suffered from your uncle and aunt until we got the message from Marquess Qin¡¯s staff. In the final analysis, it was our fault. If we have sent people to the city to see you guys, how could it end up like this?¡±

    ¡°Uncle, you have overstated the case,¡± this was just formality. When old Princess of Xihe¡¯s father the Old Master Lian was alive, he was the Minister of the Ministry of Rites. Lian Family was a real powerful family. It was so easy for them to seek justice for Princess Ruan and her daughter.

    The sad fact was that Old Master Lian¡¯s sons and grandsons were not promising. None of them got the Jinshi title. They got their official titles because of Old Master Lian¡¯s meritorious service. How could they stand against Qiu Mengmin after he got his Duke title? However, Qiu Yn surely wouldn¡¯t debunk them. Instead, she said, ¡°The two ces are far from each other. It¡¯s really not easy for you, uncles and cousins, toe this time. We were not able to send the message before. How is that your fault?¡±

    ¡°You have suffered a lot these years,¡± Lian Chen sighed heavily.

    They chatted with each other for a while. After they asked about each other¡¯s current condition, Lian Chen dyed no more. He talked about the letter directly, ¡°I have sent the letter to Marquess Qin for safekeeping to avoid thieves and rascals coveting it. I will present it tomorrow at the Imperial Court and show it to all the officials.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, uncle,¡± after getting this confirmation, Qiu Yn was relieved a lot. Let¡¯s see how Qiu Mengmin denies this.

    After she left, Lian Chen squinted, ¡°What do you guys think about this kid?¡±

    ¡°She is young. But she is tactful. She doesn¡¯t look like that she has been bullied a lot like Jiang Family said,¡± on the right, Lian Jianhao who was older and also the firstborn son thought for a while and said first.

    Lian Chen¡¯s son Lian Jianhai said after his brother finished, ¡°Her mother Princess Ruan is General Ruan¡¯s daughter. General Ruan¡¯s prestige was only a little lower than Marquess Qin in the army back then. Even their condition was not good, she was still a General¡¯s daughter. There is no way that she raised her only daughter to be a subservient person.¡±

    ¡°Then we need to change our n,¡± Lian Chen nodded and said, ¡°This kid is not that gullible like we thought.¡±

    ¡°Uncle, how about we wait until this thing is over?¡± Lian Jianhao said, ¡°We just met her for the first time today. Perhaps, Ruan Family taught her how to deal with us the moment they knew we were about toe to the city. Isn¡¯t it said that although General Ruan¡¯s heir was only 18, he had already taken the metropolitan exam?¡±

    Lian Chen thought for a while and said, ¡°Let¡¯s do this. The thing we need to consider now is to seek justice for your aunt!¡±

 Chapter 53 - Another Debate on Imperial Court!

    <strong>Chapter 53 Another Debate on Imperial Court!</strong>

    The next day when assembled on the Imperial Court, the Empress party showed the handwritten letter of old Princess of Xihe, which was preserved by Lian Family. Afterparing it with Ruan Qingyan¡¯s letter and found both exactly consistent with each other, all people of their party then were full of momentum!

    However, Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s party failed to obtain Lian Family¡¯s preserved letter first, and then they again failed to put pressure on Qiu Yn with the use of Ruan Qingyan¡¯s origins. So, they were also well prepared to counterattack on the battlefield.

    Once after old Princess¡¯s personal letters were checked and confirmed, Qiu Mengmin was ¡°frightenedly and angrily¡± but still firmly imed that although he was not allowed to apany the dying old Princess of Xihe, he was still allowed by the old Princess to take Madame Lu back to fulfill his filial duty, and these words were personally conveyed by Mrs. Guan and Dongyao!

    Although this matter hadn¡¯t been mentioned by Princess Ruan, she had neither raised any objection. So, without a second thought, he supposed she tacitly approved.

    Someone in Empress¡¯s party sneered, ¡°You inherited the title and took charge of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Your sister-inw did not have a son, and these poor orphan-daughter and widow were depending on you for living. So, thinking about her helpless only daughter, how dare Princess Ruan express any discontent after you said you want to pick your own mother back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion? How dare they offend you?

    ¡°Director of Studies Zhuang, you went too far.¡± Among the Empress Dowager party, a dignitary who wore a purple robe with arge group of flower patterns on it, as well as a jade belt and a judge¡¯s hat, stood up and said lightly, ¡°How do you know it was not a story that was told by those two elderly servants who supposed old Princess of Xihe would die soon and deliberately fabricated lies in order to please the new master?¡±

    ¡°If so, why hasn¡¯t Princess Ruan ever mentioned such a thing?¡± Zhuang Mo, the Director of Studies of the Imperial College immediately asked him back, ¡°When the old Princess of Xihe died, how could Princess Ruan, thewful daughter-inw, be absent?¡±

    But his words just happened to fall into that dignitary¡¯s trap, who immediately said, ¡°That was Princess Ruan¡¯s unfilial behavior! How could she conceal such a big matter! She was intentionally making Duke of Xihe be unfilial to the official mother because of his unawareness!¡± He then calmly continued, ¡°Now it is Princess Ruan¡¯s daughter who unveiled the conspiracy!¡±

    He saluted to the throne above and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know whether should I admire Princess Ruan¡¯s sophistication, or...?¡± He didn¡¯t finish the following words, but nced at Lian Chen and the others around. Thus, everyone on the Imperial Court understood what he meant, ¡°This might even be schemed by the old Princess of Xihe?!¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned slightly. After all, Empress Dowager and Empress, the two sides had been so well-matched that neither could gain the upper hand for many years. Even though the Empress party had the advantage of physical evidence at present, It was still not easy to overpower the Empress Dowager.

    Further, Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s adherents were really insidious that they mixed up ck and white and interpreted Qiu Mengmin¡¯s fabrication of official mother¡¯s testament as he was trapped by his official mother and sister-inw!

    ¡°This official is such a literary giant with his superb rhetoric!¡± Qiu Yn took a deep breath and asked sharply before Zhuang Mo¡¯s refutation, ¡°But I want to ask Your Excellency, do you have any evidence for your words? To maliciously nder my deceased grandmother and mother without any evidence! Even though my brother passed away so early and I am young and weak, I can¡¯t bear my mother and grandmother¡¯s reputation being trampled on by you like this!¡±

    She abruptly took a step closer to Yang Tao, squeezing fists, with her eyes almost zing, and spoke up, ¡°Unless you show us evidence today! Otherwise, I would never ever let you and your whole family go until you visit my mother¡¯s grave to admit your mistake and ask for her forgiveness!¡±

    She said these words categorically with grim determination and each word was so powerful as it hit the floor!

    The officer seemed awed by her momentum, and almost forgot to answer for a while.

    Zhuang Mo¡¯s eyes shed, and his originally prepared speech turned to loud apuse, ¡°Fabulous! What a filial Commandery Princess!¡±

    ¡°Maliciously conjecture about Princess Ruan without any reliable evidence!¡± Behind Zhuang Mo, another dignitary who also wore a purple robe, which represented the most noble official rank, stood out and sneered, ¡°Qiu Dian, we all know that you instructed your followers to pretend to be some rtives of Ruan Qingyan, the sessor grandson of General Ruan, in order to thwart him in passing the imperial examination in spring! What¡¯s more, Ruan Qingyan was assassinated once upon he was walking out of the examinationpound, and the only criminal suspect that was found after Governor interrogated and examined was also one of your followers!¡±

    This official also saluted towards the throne, ¡°I suppose what Qiu Dian did out of the court plus his nder on Princess Ruan just now, he must have personal enmity towards Ruan Family! Considering this, Qiu Dian should be avoided attending the discussion! Otherwise, what he will say would be unjust!¡±

    ¡°Chancellor Dou¡¯s words do make sense,¡± Empress Jiang said immediately.

    ¡°What Qiu Dian did out of the Imperial Court was just his negligence for mistakenly taking some other people as Ruan Family¡¯s rtive. He is amon human being who can¡¯t avoid making mistakes. So, why keep your eyes on such a trivial matter?¡± Empress Dowager Gu slightly rolled her eyes and said coldly, ¡°As for the assassin, Feng Rugui is stupid! Why did he think those followers chose to meet with Commandery Princess Ningyi before their action if they were the assassins? Speaking of Qiu Dian¡¯s doubt about Princess Ruan, Qiu Dian is a Censor-in-chief, on which position who could always be able to make any proposal freely. Further, his words are somewhat reasonable!¡±

    Empress Jiang sneered, ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t think so. Why his words make any sense? Now, it is Qiu Mengmin who was unfilial to his official mother under irrefutable evidence. Qiu Dian, as the Censor-in-chief whose duty is to make suggestions and impeach officials, said nothing about Qiu Mengmin¡¯s guilty! By contrast, he was continually defaming the deceased Princess Ruan. If it was not for private grudge, then what he did this for?!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu nced at her with cold eyes, ¡°After Qiu Zhongyan died for the country on the battlefield, when Qiu Mengmin inherited the title, he actually moved back to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe instead of living there formerly. So we could learn that the old Princess of Xihe should haven¡¯t treated him well as the official mother! In that case, was it strange for her and her daughter-inw to scheme against a son born from a concubine?!¡±

    Qiu Yn, who was standing under the throne almost can¡¯t help to concealing her fury. As Empress Dowager¡¯s evaluation, the deceased old Princess was nailed to the pillory with stigma even after death!

    But the Lian Family was more anxious and furious than her!

    Lian Chen didn¡¯t say any word, but tucking up his robe and kneeled, ¡°bang, bang, bang,¡± continuously kowtowing. At the same time, he also loudly spoke out, ¡°My sister received good education when she was young in our family, and it is absolutely impossible for her to maltreat any stepchild! Although my family is not as noble as the most well-established families, all female members in our family can still be regarded as ¡®kind and quiet¡¯!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Giving strong backing to Lian Chen, Empress Jiang turning head, her gaze passed through the emperor and greeted Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s eyes, and then she coldly said, ¡°Mother, your words are funny! The emperor Gaozong appointed Prince Gonghuai as crown prince formerly, andter Prince Gonghuai passed away because of illness. So, the former emperor was recalled back to the East Pce even after he had already left the pce! So, do you also mean Empress Dowager Xiaoding was not virtuous?!¡±

    ¡°How could youpare an official¡¯s family affairs with the royal family?!¡± Empress Dowager Gu blew a fuse, ¡°The royal principle is that all grown-up princes have to get married and leave the pce! This is stipted to keep the pce safe and harmonious! But as to officials, which of them would be excluded from the mundane rule that the young must respect for seniority and serve the elderly without leaving home!¡±

    Empress Jiang still replied coldly, ¡°If as you said, Qiu Mengmin was indeed even more sinful! When the old Princess of Xihe was still alive, he actually had moved out of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe! Even if there was a contradiction between mother and child, as a filial child, he should endure all things and continue to apany the official mother! But he just left like that, wouldn¡¯t he entrap old Princess of Xihe into embarrassment?! It was obvious that he misbehaved for conspiracy!¡±

    Empress then raised the voice, ¡°What¡¯s more, after Qiu Zhongyan died on the battlefield, his eldest son and legitimate inheritor, Qiu Jinn, suddenly drowned in the pool and died, which caused the old Princess of Xihe died soon for heartbroken after hearing so many continuous bad news in few days! How could it be such a coincidence? Probably, Qiu Jinn was murdered by Qiu Mengmin at all, because of the title of Duke of Xihe!¡±

    Qiu Mengmin thumped kneeling down as Lian Chen just did, and ¡°bang, bang, bang¡± desperately kowtowed, ¡°I dare not do such a monstrous crime! You Grace, please investigate and make the right judgment!¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Empress Dowager Gu yelled, ¡°It was obviously because of Princess Ruan¡¯s poor care for her children! And Qiu Mengmin hadn¡¯t inherited the title yet at that time, how could he be able to kill Qiu Jinn?!¡±

    ¡°How do you exin the matter about Guan and Dongyao?!¡± Empress Jiang sneered, ¡°These two servants were clearly loyal to Qiu Mengmin and murdered Qiu Zhongyan¡¯s only son who was born of his legal wife. They were following Qiu Mengmin¡¯s order, so was it strange for them to do that, aiming to steal the royal title which should belong to his nephew? Poor Qiu Jinn, how old was he then? Seven or eight years old? What an innocent child!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu frowned, and her face suddenly became gloomy!

    Qiu Yn bit her lip and secretly admired Empress Jiang: when Empress Jiang mentioned Qiu Jinn, Qiu Yn thought she was merely imitating Empress Dowager Gu to nder. But when Empress Jiang talked about Mrs. Guan and Dongyao obeying Qiu Mengmin¡¯s order, she suddenly realized the real reason why she mentioned Qiu Jinn!

    The two letters from the old Princess of Xihe obviously proved that the old Princess had never allowed Madame Lu to return to Prince¡¯s Mansion.

    And Qiu Mengmin insisted that he was also deceived by the servants.

    So, all people would regard Mrs. Guan and Dongyao, who asserted emphatically that the old Princess positively offered Qiu Mengmin a chance to serve his birth mother, as deliberate fabricated the old Princess¡¯sst words to please the new master!

    As capricious as Mrs. Guan and Dongyao, it was very likely for them to please Qiu Mengmin when the whole Prince¡¯s Mansion was in chaos. To murder Qiu Jinn, it was not impossible!

    ¡ª After all, Qiu Jinn should have inherited the title. But it would be impossible for him to thank Mrs. Guan and Dongyao if he turned to be the new Duke. Also, as the former sessor, there had been too many people serving around Qiu Jinn, and even if hecked servants, he may not want Mrs. Guan and Dongyao as his private maids!

    So, Qiu Mengmin seized this point and seduced them to murder his young nephew, how logical is it?!

    ¡°Empress Dowager Gu would definitely deny Mrs. Guan and Dongyao murdered Qiu Jinn....¡± Qiu Yn thought so while Empress Dowager Gu said coldly, ¡°Even if Qiu Jinn might be murdered, the reason should be Princess Ruan¡¯s carelessness! Additionally, the murderer may not necessarily be Mrs. Guan and Dongyao, who were close servants of the old Princess of Xihe. Since the old Princess felt ufortable and became worse and worse, how did they have free time to leave?¡±

    Empress Dowager sneered, ¡°What¡¯s more, the hand-written letter from the old Princess of Xihe could already prove that these two maids were not good at all. So, maybe the old Princess wasck of the ability to discover the reliable people and put them at a suitable position! In this case, all other servants in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe may not be reliable, either. Is it strange for someone to murder Qiu Jinn for piled-up grievances or merely by ident?

    Empress Jiang replied in no hurry and calmly, ¡°Since you also agree that Qiu Jinn¡¯s death is odd, I suggest to thoroughly investigate the cause of Qiu Jinn¡¯s death!¡±

    Empress sneered and looked down at all officials on the court, ¡°After all, Qiu Zhongyan died for the country. Since the death of his only son was so doubtful, how could we ignore it?! Otherwise, would it chill hundreds of thousands of soldiers¡¯ hearts who are defending the border for Darui!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s heart suddenly sank!

    Actually, since Qiu Jinn had been dead for more than ten years. Regardless of whether he was killed or not, it was almost impossible to find something new even though it was easy to specte.

    But this thorough investigation request was made by Empress Jiang, so, Empress Dowager Gu naturally doubted that whether the Jiang Family had already known the truth that Qiu Jinn was murdered, and was waiting here with some traps?

    If the Jiang Family could prove that Qiu Mengmin murdered his nephew to usurp the Duke position¡ªthe problem would be much more serious than his unfilial behavior to official mother!

    At least, the reason why Qiu Mengmin was disobedient to his official mother was to showpassion to the birth mother.

    Even though the position of official mother was higher than the mother who gave birth and Qiu Mengmin¡¯s behavior was wrong from the mainstream perspective, however, it may still not be hard for him to gain sympathy based on bonds of kinship!

    ¡°But...¡±

    ¡°Empress Jiang may just make some tricks!¡± Empress Dowager Gu was a little uncertain, and she couldn¡¯t help but looked at Qiu Yn who was standing below the steps, ¡°The matter was suddenly brought out by Qiu Yn, who is the sister of Qiu Jinn, and her grandfather recently had a new heir.... Does she really have evidence, intentionally nning all these with Empress Jiang¡¯s help to disclose it?¡±

    Qiu Yn noticed Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s gaze and thought a lot in this very moment in her heart. She knelt down and said, ¡°I hope Empress Dowager will allow to thoroughly investigate the death of my brother and prove the innocence of my grandmother and mother!¡±

    The entire pce was so quiet that even a sound of a needle falling would be heard, and everyone on the Imperial Court was holding breath, waiting for an answer from Empress Dowager Gu!

 Chapter 54 - Guilty as Charged

    <strong>Chapter 54 Guilty as Charged</strong>

    ¡°Why are you changing the topic?!¡± Thinking twice, Empress Dowager Gu considered that she could not take the risk. In case Qiu Mengmin was charged with murdering her nephew, it would make herself a joke for protecting Qiu Mengmin. That was not the worst. Jiang Family might make waves by taking this opportunity, which was what she feared. For example, it was truly doubtful why the offspring of Qiu Mengmin were killed in battles, and then Jiang Family immediately embarked on investigating Ruan Family after investigating the cause of the death of Qiu Jinn?

    Jiang Family¡¯s rtions in the military were intertwined. It would be terrible if they interfered with the affairs of Darui and trapped all foes.

    Considering this, Empress Dowager Gu said coldly, ¡°Old Princess saw Qiu Jinn die prematurely and Qiu Jinn was her only granddaughter. If she doubted the cause of her death, you, of course, would not let it go so easily. right? That is to say, Princess Ruan diest year. If her only son¡¯s death was rted to Qiu Mengmin, do you think that she would have lived with her foe with her only daughter in one house for many years?¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager...¡± Empress Dowager Gu angrily stopped Qiu Yn who was standing below the steps as she was speaking. Empress Dowager Gu said, ¡°Shut up! Who told you that you can interrupt me when I am talking!¡±

    Empress Jiang refuted immediately, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi may have evidence.¡±

    ¡°When will you let it go?¡± Empress Dowager Gu was furious, patting heavily on the arm of the jade chair. She cried, ¡°What on earth are we talking about today? What do you think my Imperial Court (the Imperial Court is a ce where the emperor met ministers) is? It is not a ce where you can talk about whatever you want? Do you think my ministers and I are here for entertaining you?¡±

    Empress Jiang hummed, saying, ¡°Sorry, mother,¡± with a disapproving tone.

    The ministers who were standing below saw through what was going on. They stood still in two rows. Nobody was hoping to be involved in the fight between two queens. However, there was one standing first in the row of the civil officials stood out fearlessly. He looked emaciated. He had grey hair, and wore a purple robe. He stepped out and said, ¡°You both should not ruin your rtionship because of those unimportant things. From my view, as we have had decided to discuss Duke of Xihe¡¯s filial piety. I thought we should focus on our agenda.¡±

    He paused for a minute and continued, ¡°As for the death of the previous heir of the Xihe, I suggest we talk about itter. We should reach a deal about what we are talking about now first.¡±

    Hearing what the minister said, Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang felt relieved with a smile on their faces. Apparently, both of them respected him very much.

    Catching sight of the whole dialogue, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help guessing who the man was.

    Surely enough, Empress Dowager Gu took a deep breath, saying with a nod, ¡°Minister Xue, your suggestion is epted.¡±

    ¡ª No doubt that the minister with a purple robe was an elder statesman having served two emperors of Darui. He was Xue Chang, the minister of the Ministry of Personnel, the manager of governmental affairs and the Huai Earl!

    Assuaging the queens, Xue Chang looked still peaceful. He did a fist and palm salute and walked back to where he was standing. It seemed like nothing had happened at all.

    Xue Chang had been back to where he was standing and closed his eyes for a rest. He heard one man saying, ¡°Empress Dowager, my majesty, Empress, as Lian Family and Ruan Family have received the autograph letter sent by old Princess of Xihe and confirmed its authenticity, I think that Qiu Mengmin, the Duke of Xihe will have no excuse for the fact that he disobeyed his official mother.¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right!¡± the followers of Qiu Family cheered up, adding ¡°Put bluntly, either Qiu Mengmin was deceived by the servant or he took the servants to bear the me, no matter which one, Lu had been deported from the Prince¡¯s Mansion by old Princess of Xihe. Lu had nothing to do with Qiu Family! If this is true, how dare Qiu Mengmin to disobey her mother¡¯s will and continue to support Lu in the Prince¡¯s Mansion?¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled coldly. She turned her head, looking at pale-faced Qiu Mengmin, thinking, ¡°Do you think that you will be acquitted after making up old Princess¡¯s will and then let Mrs. Guan and Dongyao bear the me? The dilemma you are facing is that supporting your biological mother means to disobey your official mother¡¯s will; but if you will not support your biological mother... Hahaha! You are the Prince of heredity, but your biological mother has to be disced! If this happens in the future, you will be cast aside by the people!¡±

    Now, there were no options for Qiu Mengmin but to quit his title of nobility!

    Quitting the title of nobility was not enough, he must also waive all assets documented on the ount book of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe!

    He must also abandon all belongings under the title of Duke of Xihe ¡ª because old Princess of Xihe, in the name of thedy of the house, disqualified Madame Lu to fetch the support provided by Qiu Family. So, even though Madame Lu did not live in the Prince¡¯s Mansion, she could not live any ce belonged to Duke of Xihe. Or she would disobey Xihe old Princess¡¯s will!

    No need to say that Qiu Mengmin disobeyed old Princess of Xihe, but he was the only son of Madame Lu. He, as the only son, was raised by his biological mother but now lived in the eminent Prince¡¯s Mansion. If he left his mother alone, he would be impeached by the ministers. And he would be criticized by the people.

    Those were the reasons why Qiu Mengmin must quit his title of the nobility. As an heir, he must abide by the decision made by the official mother. On the other hand, as a son, he could not leave his mother alone. So, he had no choice but to transfer his nobility to the other and support his mother on his own.

    ¡°There were not many kids in Qiu Family, which made him stand alone in the world,¡± said Qiu Yn, squinting slightly. He was guessing what Qiu Mengmin¡¯s final decision would be, ¡± Qiu Mengmin could transfer his title to one of his sons and then he could leave the house and live alone. He could support Lu with the assets not belonging to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe... Nevertheless, was this his decision? If it was, could he convince himself to do it?¡±

    All the ministers standing in the hall waited for Qiu Mengmin¡¯s response. He said nothing in a long time. Many of them began to lose patience.

    One of the followers of Empress Dowager, knowing that Qiu Mengmin might not know the answer at the time, stepped out and defended Qiu Mengmin before the followers of Empress attempted to push him to answer. The man said, ¡°At that time, old Princess of Xihe deported Lu, but the heir of the title of the nobility was Qiu Zhongyan. As we know, Qiu Zhongyan had no offspring. If Qiu Mengmin did not inherit the title of the nobility, the family of Duke of Xihe might have no progeny. I think it is cruel for him to be not allowed to support his biological mother!¡±

    This man was obviously on the side of Empress Dowager. He bowed to Empress Dowager as soon as hepleted his talk and then continued, ¡°My majesty, I was hoping you can revoke the order made by old Princess of Xihe....¡±

    ¡°Ridiculous!¡± Chancellor Dou stepped out again. He shook his sleeve,shing out at him as he was raising his ivory hand te, ¡°Since ancient times,dy of the house has been in charge of concubines. It has be a rule since then. At that time, it was old Princess of Xihe¡¯s right to deport Lu. She had reasons to do it! Gu Ying, how dare you to ask Empress Dowager to revoke the order made by old Princess of Xihe. You are attempting to obfuscate the situation and make us not tell the right from wrong. You are a devil!¡±

    Gu Ying, this name represented that he was a family member of Empress Dowager. Qiu Yn took a nce at him. He wore a light red official suit. He was far from being handsome, but he was tall. He was not infuriated though he wasshed out by Chancellor Dou. He stepped out, saying in a low voice, ¡°The so-called reasons for that was just because of a bowl of cubilose soup. It was not a big deal at all. Even a servant would not be deported because of this. Why was she deported....¡±

    ¡°Gu Ying, you are talking about empty words. You¡¯re pretending to be a nice man!¡± said one man from the row for level five of military officers. He was in his thirties. He was handsome with bright eyes and dashing eyebrows, but his face was pale which proved that he had been addicted to wine for a long time. Although his title was not high, he seemed rxed and fearless.

    He said unconcernedly, ¡°May I venture to ask Chief Minister, is it reasonable thatdy of the house is in charge of all concubines?¡± Looking at the man who was speaking, Qiu Yn felt cold at his back.

    Gu Ying frowned and was about to answer him sharply. The officer did not give him a chance to interrupt. He continued, ¡°At that time, old Princess of Xihemanded Lu to feed a dog with porridge. However, Lu fed herself and reported to old Princess of Xihe that she had done it. Was it a deception?!¡±

    ¡°As what she did, old Princess of Xihe was not against rules to deport Lu,¡± said the officer, adding, ¡°Chief Minister is in charge of punishment and imprisonment ¡ª did you always judge your cases depending on the suggestions provided by your aides and staff? This case has proved itself. Why are you so ridiculous?¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yadan!¡± Gu Ying¡¯s face turned pale with rage. He yelled, ¡°Legal is nothing more than human feelings¡ª¡±

    Jiang Yadan interrupted him, saying with a cold smile, ¡°So, you did know that Lu was against rules. Her deportation was not somebody else¡¯s fault but her own! And then Qiu Mengmin disobeyed his official mother, but he did not confess to it though we have evidence. Allowing for this, you still defend him shamelessly. In my view, I think that you want to get his two under-aged and beautiful daughters. Am I right? Liar!¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± all the officers wearing red robes said in chorus. Qiu Yn, who had no remote chance to say something for himself, lowered his head. His embittered smile proved what he was thinking, ¡°Eighth young master Jiang, he can always remind you of love affairs ... I thought that he just disagreed with his brother Jiang Yashuang, and then said that on purpose on that day! Now, I might be wrong. He had a disposition to attack somebody else with their love affairs. Is this his nature?¡±

    That was right. When the man spoke the first word, Qiu Yn immediately recognized that this was the one who blocked Jiang Yashuang at Ganli Pce that night, eighth young master Jiang, a level five officer

    ¡°Yadan, you retreat!¡± a man stepped out and gave an order in a low voice. He was wearing purple round cor clothes with thirteen jade goldfish decorations tied up on his waist.

    Qiu Yn noticed that this man stood in the third ce in the row before he stepped out. It was clear that this man was one of the two vice chief ministers of Darui!

    Tang Zimo, as one of the two vice chief ministers, was the father-inw of Duke of Guangyang¡¯s Young Prince. And his only son, Tang Dan married Changping Princess, Empress Dowager¡¯s only daughter.

    Another vice chief minister, Jiang Tianao was the first nephew of Marquess Qin Jiang Qianchuan, the ¡°Defender of the State¡±. Jiang Tianao was a special family member of Jiang Family. His grandfather and grandmother died in their early ages and his two uncles, Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei were raised by his father who supported them as a ve.

    Jiang Tianao, as the first son of Jiang Tianshan, got tremendous supports from his two uncles in his career, which even dwarfed their biological sons.

    By coincidence, one of them was on the side of Empress Dowager and another one was on the side of Empress. The one, at this time,manded Jiang Yadan to retreat must be Jiang Tianao.

    Seeing the ministers of Empress stepping out, the ministers of Empress Dowager could not sit on their hands any longer. As soon as Jiang Tianaopleted his talk, Tang Zimo, the second of the civil officials stood out, saying calmly, ¡°We should focus on what we are discussing over here. It¡¯s not allowed to talk like the peasants. How dare you to offend in a word over and over again?!¡±

    ¡°It was Gu Ying¡¯s fault. He was a little bossy on this thing,¡± Jiang Tianaomanded his nephew to stay put. And then he turned to Tang Zimo, saying calmly, ¡°Jiang Yadan is too young andnded on a trap.¡±

    Tang Zimo said, ¡°Anyway, Jiang Yadan has made an embarrassing gaffe at this convention.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t overreact, Mr. Tang. It is not unusual to disagree with each other andsh out at each other during a convention,¡± Jiang Tianao did a fist and palm salute in the hall recklessly, adding ¡°Empress Dowager, my Majesty and Empress had decided to let it go. Why did Mr. Tang not let it go and always attempt to deflect our focus?¡±

    Tang Zimo cast a down look at the row of Censors, saying, ¡°We should focus on one thing at one time. That our majesties let it go does not mean the man who did it is right!¡±

    One of the Censors stepped out, asking for impeaching Jiang Yadan because what he said insulted the majesties.

    It was natural that the followers of Empress disagreed with the impeachment. One of them also stepped out to ask for the impeachment of Gu Ying. Noticing that they were deflecting the focus, Xue Chang, who was closing his eyes for a rest opened eyes and said, ¡°Hi, everyone, we have had reached a deal. We must focus on our agenda about two mothers of Xihe¡¯s.¡±

    The premier had a high prestige among them. The heated debate immediately cooled down when he began to talk. Even Tang Zimo and Jiang Tianao became serious swiftly. Both of them said, ¡°You are so right, Mr. Xue.¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu and other majesties were losing their patience too. The convention would not end if the debate continued like this.

    Empress Jiang patted the arm of her jade chair heavily and said, ¡°Qiu Mengmin! Now I give you a chance to defend for yourself. What do you want to say now?¡±

    Hearing this, Qiu Mengmin¡¯s lips trembled. He kneed abruptly and answered, ¡°I... dare not to disobey the order of official mother, old Princess of Xihe, nor will I let my biological mother live alone. I, hence, ask for the permission of Empress Dowager, my majesty and Empress, to allow me to quit my title and be amon person. I will surely support my mother on my own!¡±

    All the followers of Empress Dowager sighed after hearing his words. It was a hard decision for anybody to make.

    Empress Jiang said seriously before the followers of Empress Dowager began to defend him, ¡°Now, I see you truly have a conscience! Yet, over the past years, you did support your biological mother in the Prince¡¯s Mansion. Although you were deceived by servants, what you did offend your official mother. Do you agree?¡±

    Qiu Mengmin said with an embittered smile, ¡°Sorry, I felt guilty!¡±

    ¡°Now, ording to rules, you will be fined thousands of dors, and you have to pay the fine from your ount! Plus, you will be caned 20 times at the gate of Pce for warning others against following a bad example.¡± said Empress Jiang, staring at Qiu Mengmin.

    After she gave hermand, she turned to stern-faced Empress Dowager Gu with a contrived smile, ¡°Mother, do you have any suggestions?¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu answered in a cold voice, ¡°Wind up!¡± Empress Dowager felt unhappy about the result but she had to ept it as it was futile to argue any longer. So, she gave up.

    After the convention, the faltering Qiu Mengmin took a nce at his niece, presenting intense hatred to her.

    Lian Chen realized Qiu Mengmin¡¯s intention. He said to Qiu Yn with a low voice, ¡°He did quit his title, however, your grandfather has no other sons to inherit his title. Qiu Mengmin must be the first choice to inherit all his assets.... After all, they are still in one family. You must not make big mistakes in the future!¡±

    ¡°Thanks for your remind, uncle!¡± said Qiu Yn politely. Noticing that Lian Chen did not look at her, Qiu Yn also smiled sweetly at Qiu Mengmin, thinking, ¡°It is not so easy to get out of my trap by sacrificing only two servants.¡±

 Chapter 55 - Actually, I Come Here to Offer Help!

    <strong>Chapter 55 Actually, I Come Here to Offer Help!</strong>

    ¡°How dare youe here again?¡± Qiu Mengmin was just lifted back after being punished in front of the pce gate and Qiu Yn came right with Kang Lizhang. All the people in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe knew that it was not proper to sh with her at present, but when she strode in smilingly, he still felt furious inside!

    Qiu Yn showed an amazed expression, ¡°What? You mean when you permitted me to stay with my grandfather for a couple of days, you actually drove me off?¡± She didn¡¯t wait for them to refute but took Kang Lizhang by her arm and sighed, ¡°Even though you don¡¯t like me, what¡¯s wrong with my sending Lizhang back?¡±

    All the people in Prince¡¯s Mansion were angered by her words, but they didn¡¯t dare to admit that they didn¡¯t want her back. Princess Yang resisted her rage and said, ¡°You stayed there for so many days and never came back! Who can tell you still want toe back here?¡±

    ¡°I certainly want toe back!¡± Qiu Yn smiled humbly and sweaty and said sincerely, ¡°My uncle will soon give up his title. I wonder who will be the next master of this Prince¡¯s Mansion. My older cousin or my younger cousin? And as a Commandery Princess, I should always stay in the Prince¡¯s Mansion and not in other houses that don¡¯t belong to it. In this way, I certainly have toe back and find out who will be the next Prince. After all, my parents were all gone. Now my uncle will leave with his mother, so I have to stay with my cousins, right?¡±

    Hearing her words, Qiu Mengmin, who was lying on the bed in the inner room waiting for the medicine to be applied on him, almost irritated to death. In the outer room, Princess Yang was first shocked, and then controlled her anger and looked at the inner room.

    Although Qiu Mengmin and Madame Lu always liked the concubine¡¯s son, Qiu Hongzhi, in the Imperial Court, the Yang Family had supported their son-inw clearly. At this time, the heir should be Princess Yang¡¯s son, the seventh child of Qiu Mengmin, Qiu Yinzhi.

    ¡°You will know that in the end,¡± Princess Yang said stone-facedly. As she was reminded of the most important thing at the time, she had no time to hate Qiu Yn but only wanted her to leave right now so that she could go inside and discuss the matter of the heir with Qiu Mengmin. ¡°Now that Lizhang is here and you should be tired, you can rest in the courtyard or go back to General¡¯s Mansion to take care of General Ruan.... You decide. We are so busy now and have no time to look after you.¡±

    Qiu Yn let loose Kang Lizhang¡¯s arm and sat down near Princess Yang. Shepressed her lips into a smile and said, ¡°If I left now, auntie, you would be in big trouble!¡± As she was saying, she gave a strange half-smile and looked at Kang Lizhang who wore a veil hat and didn¡¯t say a word aftering in.

    Kang Lizhang noticed her eyes and shivered!

    Princess Yang turned suspiciously and asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Just now, on the way here, Lizhang promised me that if the eldest cousin inherited the title, she would surely persuade him to treat me well,¡± Qiu Yn said indifferently. ¡°She also said that Aunt Yuqing liked him the most, and Lu liked Aunt Yuqing the most.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say these!¡± Kang Lizhang defended after seeing Princess Yang looking at her viciously, though she was sophisticated and had Madame Lu to back her.

    Princess Yang was not surprised that her nephew had such thought, but she also disliked Qiu Yn. Plus, Qiu Mengmin who was in the inner room could hear their talk, so she said coldly, ¡°You think you can fool me with such little trick?¡±

    ¡°In that case, you can ask my uncle who he wants to give his title to,¡± Qiu Yn sneered and raised her voice a bit. She called towards the inner room, ¡°Uncle, you should think it through. In the two meetings of the Imperial Court, Yang Tao spoke for you. But if you give the title to my little cousin.... You and my aunt will have no time to teach and care for him. Think of his age. He will need the help of his mother¡¯s family, in which case, he will have to listen to his uncle from his mother¡¯s side. Lu is still well now. Who knows how many years you should spend on her? Although he is your son, it¡¯s said that ¡®The favor of raising a child is bigger than the favor of bearing a child¡¯. I¡¯m afraid all your efforts would turn out to be in vain and you would give Yang Family a dutiful son!¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Princess Yang was stunned by her words so that she was speechless for a moment. Then she jumped up, trying to stop her from continuing, ¡°It¡¯s all nonsense! Yinzhi is both the youngest son of Prince and my son. He will surely be dutiful to his father! He is not ungrateful as you are!¡±

    Qiu Yn stood up to escape her attack and said smilingly, ¡°Who cares if he is the son you bore for my uncle? You won¡¯t stay with him every day and it will be natural that you and he be distant. Do you really think my youngest cousin can be the real Duke of Xihe when you two leave with Lu? Don¡¯t be joking! Even if I don¡¯t get him into trouble, the servants in this mansion can easily make him a puppet of them!¡±

    ¡°Moreover, the Imperial Court was held twice recently and my uncle was convicted and punished. He can no longer stay in Jing City. It would be better for him to take Lu to a far ce and let people forget him soon.¡± Qiu Yn ran briskly around the seats without stopping the provocative words. ¡°If he went far away, wouldn¡¯t my little brother ask his uncle for help instead of sending people all the way to find you? Would there be enough time when something urgent happened? So if my little cousin became the heir, ha-ha!¡±

    Princess Yang became more and more anxious. She picked up something and was about to throw it on Qiu Yn, ¡°Are you crazy?¡±

    ¡°I think the crazy one is you,¡± Qiu Yn stopped running when she saw Princess Yang wanted to hurt her. She tucked her hair on the temple behind her ears and sneered, ¡°You should be grateful that I didn¡¯t ckmail you when I came in. How dare you hit me?¡±

    Princess Yang was seething with anger and said, ¡°Are you as fragile as ss? Although your uncle will give up his title, don¡¯t forget that we are still your elders. Your parents have gone, so we have the right to lecture you!¡±

    ¡°Lecturing is different from hurting,¡± Qiu Yn sneered. ¡°If you hurt me, even if one touch, I can lie in bed for half a year! Since you can make up my grandmother¡¯s final words, it won¡¯t be strange that you ill-treat me, her only child alive now!¡±

    Princess Yang was overwhelmed by her anger, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare! I tell you¡ª¡± But she was stopped by Xiuyan, who persuaded her, ¡°Princess, you don¡¯t need to quarrel with Commandery Princess. The top priority now is not letting her convince Prince!¡±

    ¡°What I said is true,¡± Qiu Yn heard it with her sharp ears. She gave a slightly cold smile, ¡°If you don¡¯t trust me, auntie, you can go in and ask my uncle right now to whom he wants to give the title.¡±

    She said firmly and Princess Yang¡¯s heart sank: if Prince didn¡¯t believe her, why he didn¡¯t refute her? Currently, the door connecting the inner room and the outer room was open. The outside words could be heard inside, and vice versa.

    Princess Yang knew that Qiu Mengmin hated this niece of him. If Qiu Mengmin was able to prove her wrong, he wouldn¡¯t stay silent.

    Especially although he gave up his title for filial piety, the heir was still his son. For Princess Yang, having a son as Duke of Xihe was more reassuring than having her husband as Duke of Xihe, even at the cost of she not being the Princess.

    So far, Princess Yang felt first chilling, then furious.... She took a deep breath and chose to ignore Qiu Yn, who was admiring the antiques in the room with great interest. She walked straight in the inner room, drove out the servants and closed the door. Then she discussed the matter of the heir with Qiu Mengmin directly, ¡°Look how brash she is! She really thinks she can decide who you will give the title to!¡±

    To Princess Yang¡¯s disappointment, Qiu Mengmin sighed and said helplessly, ¡°I also want Yinzhi to get the title. After all, he is your son. But that little devil is right, too. Yinzhi is too young. Because of Empress Dowager, the Imperial Court agreed to give us three days to pack. When we left, even if your family cane and help, can theye every day? I¡¯m not worried about the servants but that little devil. Look what we end up with! If she schemes against Yinzhi, he must have a worse end than us!¡±

    Princess Yang was upset that her husband seemed to agree with every word of Qiu Yn.

    She refuted sulkily, ¡°You lose your title because of your mother.¡± After saying it, she hated Madame Lu more. A momentter, she continued, ¡°Except that, how could she have other things against you? Yinzhi is young, but she is not much older. With so many people helping Yinzhi, can¡¯t he defeat her?¡±

    Qiu Mengmin muttered, ¡°I hadn¡¯t noticed her ability before Ruan died. Do you really think Yinzhi can beat her?¡±

    Being stared at by her husband, Princess Yang wasn¡¯t confident to admit Qiu Yinzhi was a rival of Qiu Yn. She only said that ording to Qiu Yn¡¯s performance at the Imperial Court, she could easily kick Qiu Yinzhi¡¯s ass!

    But as a mother, she always had a way to say good words for her own son, ¡°Can Hongzhipete with her? Don¡¯t forget that she has Ruan Qingyan to back her up. He became a Juren before he was 20 and he took the imperial examination in springtely. Whether he can pass it or not, he shows his talent, while Hongzhi has studied for so many years but he is just a Xiucai.¡±

    Qiu Mengmin disliked to hear his beloved eldest son was looked down on and said, ¡°A young Juren like Ruan Qingyan is rare. It¡¯s impossible for him to pass that exam and became a Jinshi. He just wanted to avoid the designs of his brother so he hurried toe to Jing City by the excuse of taking the exam. That¡¯s his family affair and we should stop talking about it. Hongzhi is older and more reliable than Yinzhi!¡±

    ¡°Even if he is more reliable, how about the Lian Family? They came all the way to Jing City, won¡¯t that little devil ask them to stay longer here and threaten us again?¡± Princess Yang said angrily. ¡°Even we have to show respect to the old master of the Lian Family and call him uncle, let alone Hongzhi? If Yinzhi inherits the title, we have my mother¡¯s family to look after him. None of the Lian Family members is an official, so they won¡¯t dare to bully my mother¡¯s family!¡±

    Qiu Mengmin said tly, ¡°Will the youngdy of the Ding Family end the mourning period in this May? When she marries Hongzhi, we will have the Ding Family to back us.¡± Qiu Hongzhi was 23 but didn¡¯t get married. It was an old age to get married, though his fiancee had to observe the mourning period for her mother before the wedding.

    It was also a result of Qiu Mengmin¡¯s high expectations. He had thought his eldest son could study well and had a good future, so he didn¡¯t let him get married too early, in case that the wife was not decent enough. But Qiu Mengmin inherited the title of Duke of Xihe before Qiu Hongzhi took the Apprentice Exam, the qualification exam of the imperial exams. So he didn¡¯t wait for Hongzhi to have a bright future by passing the imperial exams and engaged him to the daughter of the official wife of a Hanlin Academy official, which was this Miss Ding.

    In the past, Princess Yang had thought Miss Ding was not bad. Even though she was a daughter of a Hanlin Academy official, she had thought Qiu Yinzhi would have a better wife. Now she heard what Qiu Mengmin said and sneered, ¡°Did any member of the Ding Family speak for you this time? If you let Hongzhi be your heir, will the Ding Family help him? In the two meetings of the Imperial Court, among all the rtives, only my brother helped you!¡±

    Qiu Mengmin and his wife talked in a low voice in the inner room, and it couldn¡¯t be heard outside.

    But Qiu Yn wasn¡¯t interested in eavesdropping. She was just admiring the delicate objects one by one in the room leisurely.

    Kang Lizhang lost her patience and asked carefully, ¡°May I go back to my mother?¡±

    ¡°Are you going to tell her about me and let her give me trouble?¡± Qiu Yn said while watching a beige vase with tube-shaped ears and didn¡¯t even look up.

    Kang Lizhang was frightened and said hurriedly, ¡°Never! I¡¯m just afraid that the servants may tell my mother that I¡¯m back and it may cause you... Your Grace trouble!¡± The servants were surprised by the humility in Kang Lizhang¡¯s tone.

    ¡°It won¡¯t,¡± Qiu Yn put down the vase and smiled friendly to her, which made Kang Lizhang chill. Qiu Yn said, ¡°If Aunt Qiues, it will be you who will get into trouble.¡±

    Kang Lizhang could only give a bitter smile and said, ¡°It¡¯s all up to you.¡± She had learned from the torture in General¡¯s Mansion that she should be meek before this cousin, let alone the position of one of her moles was recorded by Qiu Yn.

    ¡°Do you believe that the reason why auntie hasn¡¯te out is that uncle wants the eldest cousin to get the title?¡± Qiu Yn smiled and said suddenly.

    ¡°I agree....¡± Kang Lizhang had also thought so long before. Qiu Yinzhi was only 8. He was too young and naughty. If he inherited the title at his age, even if Princess Yang took Qiu Hongzhi along with her, he would never be the real Duke of Xihe.

    Qiu Mengmin had suffered half his life under his official mother and only recently had he finally got rid of her. He would surely prevent the new duke from being a puppet, even if he didn¡¯t care about the assumption that Qiu Yinzhi might be drawn by the Yang Family. He had only two sons. As the younger one was too little, who else could he give his title to?

    Kang Lizhang was trying to guess Qiu Yn¡¯s thought and said in a low voice, ¡°If you want little cousin to get the title, I can persuade my grandmother for you if you agree....¡±

    ¡°Little cousin?¡± Qiu Yn smiled casually and put down the yellow lotus petal patterned jar with green patches and four ears. She said with a strange expression, ¡°No, no. Actually, Ie here to offer help. I have a good idea that can preserve uncle¡¯s title without much trouble, but I wonder whether he wants to know.¡±

    Qiu Yn said thest sentence with a sudden loud voice. Before her voice faded, she heard a ¡°bang¡± from the inner room, as if something was broken.

    After a moment, Princess Yang opened the door and came out with a sulky face. She said, ¡°Are you done withughing at our misery?¡±

 Chapter 56 - Asked Her to See Me

    <strong>Chapter 56 Asked Her to See Me</strong>

    Qiu Yn said with a smile, ¡°Uncle Mengmin, if I really have a good idea, won¡¯t you listen? What a shame. Even if big brother inherits your title, half of his thought is on study and the other half is on women for all these years, talking about how to manage a family, in my opinion he may not be better than me, does he? After you and aunt left, I wonder who will benefit from your assets?¡±

    Princess Yang snarled, ¡°How dare you despoil our assets?¡±

    ¡°Uncle, Yang Family can¡¯t be trusted. Ding Family is not better,¡± Qiu Yn blinked and yelled towards inside, ¡°Has Ding Family ever helped you this time? They follow Prime Minister Xue wholeheartedly. They were willing to marry their official daughter to big brother before. Because they felt satisfied that you had no connection with the two Empresses. Otherwise, Miss Ding is said to be excellent. And their family values the close descent system. How could they marry her to big brother? I¡¯m sure that Ding Family must feel so remorseful and angry right now. Even Miss Ding marries big brother, I¡¯m afraid that her family won¡¯t be acquainted with you.¡±

    Qiu Mengmin and his wife knew that she was up to no good. However, what she said was the truth which they both could think of. It was hard for them not to listen.

    She vowed solemnly, ¡°So, the safest way is that you keep on being the Duke of Xihe, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Princess Yang mmed the door and whispered with Qiu Mengmin inside the room for a while. Finally, they asked her to go in. If Qiu Mengmin had any other choice, he definitely wouldn¡¯t abdicate in his son¡¯s favor in advance. Besides, Princess Yang would never agree to let the concubine¡¯s eldest son inherit the Duke title.

    They couldn¡¯t agree with each other. Although they knew that Qiu Yn wouldn¡¯t help them unconditionally, they chose to listen to her with a flicker of hope.

    Just like what they thought, after Qiu Yn went in, she said directly, ¡°Lu caused all the trouble. If she were gone, you wouldn¡¯t be in a pickle, would you?¡±

    ¡°... You bastard! Are you trying to encourage me to kill my mother?¡± Qiu Mengmin and his wife were stunned for a moment. Then Qiu Mengmin regained his sense. His forehead veins twitched. He was about to stand up and hit her. However, his wound caused by the flogging ached right when he made a move. Princess Yang took care of him in a hurry. However, her heart was pounding rapidly.

    For Qiu Mengmin, this suggestion made him furious!

    But for Princess Yang, this suggestion was so adorable!

    Thinking about how much she had suffered from Madame Lu in public and in private for all these years, Princess Yang nearly apuded for this idea on the spot.

    As an abandoned concubine, Madame Lu should consider herself lucky that her son and daughter-inw were willing to take her back and support her as the old Princess. However, she couldn¡¯t behave herself. She used to instigate her daughter and granddaughter to trick her daughter-inw and the other granddaughter. And now she and her husband were about to lose their titles because of her. Every daughter-inw would hate this kind of mother-inw who had an awkward position and caused troubles.

    ¡°But Prince definitely won¡¯t agree! This evil little girl... what is her backup n?¡± Princess Yang withheld her anticipated look and sneaked a peek at Qiu Yn. She sincerely prayed that her niece could have an incredible explosion of ideas and convinced Qiu Mengmin at once.

    Luckily, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t let her down. She said with a smile, ¡°Uncle, you went too far. I was just telling the truth. Just be honest, if Lu were gone now, who wouldn¡¯t say that you guys were loving and caring mother and son who had mutual understanding? All the officials who wouldn¡¯t pity you at that time? Empress Dowager will definitely speak for you. She will call off the officials who are about toe and do the verification in three days and let you continue being the Duke of Xihe. This should be considered as sacrificing one person to make your whole family happy!¡±

    Qiu Mengmin sneered with a pale face, ¡°How could you have such a lunatic idea at this young age....¡±

    ¡°No one else is here now except aunt. Don¡¯t say these grand words,¡± Qiu Yn turned hostile so quickly. Her face went dark at once. She said coldly, ¡°If Lu hadn¡¯t murdered my mother with poison and harmed my grandfather, and she had also tried to kill me which drove me into a corner, how could I have been so ruthless? You guys don¡¯t give me a way out. How can you expect me to serve you guys respectfully? Wake up! My father and brother had a short life. If one of them were still alive, even my grandmother was gone, you guys would lower yourselves to please me in a hurry. And it would be depended on my mood whether I paid attention to you guys or not!¡±

    She sneered and squinted at Princess Yang, ¡°I used my mother¡¯s money to pay for my living when I lived in the Prince¡¯s Mansion for all these years. And you guys have the reputation of raising me! So does the Prince¡¯s Mansion! I can let that go. Just think about how you guys treated me for all these years. Even my grandmother treated you guys badly back then, how did it concern me and my mother? Considering the way you guys treated me and how badly you guys treated me for all these years, it¡¯s reasonable that I ruin you guys.¡±

    Biting her lips, Princess Yang couldn¡¯t help saying, ¡°Then why are you presenting ideas to my husband now?¡± before her voice had died away, Qiu Mengmin raised his hand and pped her. She got pped onto the ground, ¡°Vicious woman! Are you really considering it?¡±

    ¡°I just wanted to know what she was up to!¡± Princess Yang couldn¡¯t win the fight between her, Madame Lu and Qiu Yuqing for all these years. Because her husband was so bias. She got used to be shamed by Qiu Mengmin. But it was the first time that she was pped in front of her niece. She felt sad and wronged. She couldn¡¯t help yelling, ¡°When did I say that I would follow her n?¡±

    Seeing them turning against each other, a meaningful look shed through Qiu Yn¡¯s eyes, ¡°If Qiu Mengmin really determined not to exchange Lu for his title, why did he react so strongly? How angry he was at Princess Yang proved how wavered he was!¡±

    This was not strange. Qiu Hongzhi and Qiu Yinzhi both were not able to manage the property of Prince Mansion of Xihe. Qiu Yn was tricking them step by step inside the family. Empress and her clique were eyeing up them outside the family. Qiu Mengmin was forced by the situation to resign his title. If he did resign, it might be the beginning of his family being ripped apart and his property being passed into others¡¯ hands.

    Even if he didn¡¯t think of himself, he should at least think of his kids, right?

    However, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t expose Qiu Mengmin¡¯s thought. She said slowly, ¡°I have presented you with the idea. You guys can discuss whether to ept it or not. I¡¯m going to leave now.¡±

    Just when she was out of the room, a blue vase was smashed against the doorsill.

    ¡°Your Grace!¡± Su He who was waiting outside was surprised. She asked if she was hurt in a hurry.

    Qiu Yn said casually, ¡°It¡¯s okay. I wear a lot of clothes in the winter.¡±

    She turned to Kang Lizhang, ¡°You are still here?¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t instruct me what to do before you went in. How can I leave without talking to you?¡± Kang Lizhang smiled in a hurry.

    Qiu Yn looked at her cousin who was resilient with interest. She tucked her hair behind her ear and moved close to her ear. She chuckled and said, ¡°It¡¯s the best that you are here. I have an errand for you to run.¡±

    After a while, in the main hall at the backyard, Madame Lu was livid, ¡°She asked me to see her?¡±

    ¡°That damned little b*tch...¡± just when Qiu Yuqing began to speak, Madame Lu red at her. She snarled, ¡°Shut up!¡±

    ¡°Grandmother don¡¯t be mad!¡± Kang Lizhang who came to deliver the message poured some tea and handed it to her in a hurry. She also patted on her back and rubbed her chest. Sheforted her in a soft voice, ¡°My mother is always straight forward. If we aren¡¯t protected by you, I don¡¯t know how we could survive for all these years....¡± She was already sobbing at this point.

    There was a reason that Madame Lu was bias toward her daughter¡¯s family. Although Qiu Yuqing was vulgar and ignorant, she followed Madame Lu¡¯s every instruction. Just like Madame Lu was, her granddaughter Kang Lizhang was talented, beautiful and resourceful. She was also honeymouthed and ingenious. She knew how to make people happy. Madame Lu liked her from the bottom of her heart.

    For her granddaughter¡¯s sake, Madame Lu wanted to keep scolding her daughter, but she withheld herself atst. She took over the tea and sighed, ¡°Although you guys will still be with me in the future, I don¡¯t know how our lives will be.¡±

    ¡°As long as we are with you, it¡¯s a good life no matter what,¡± Kang Lizhang said softly.

    Madame Lu felt warm at heart. She was about to say something. But she got a glimpse of her daughter¡¯s unhappy face. She couldn¡¯t help getting angry. She kicked her with a mild-to-medium force and snarled, ¡°Do you know why I didn¡¯t just ask you toe here, but also asked Hongzhi and others not to go there the moment I heard that little thing wasing? You imbecile. Now your brother is about to lose his title. And we don¡¯t even have a title of nobility. And you want to go and pick a fight with a Commandery Princess. Do you want to give her something to hold against us?¡±

    Qiu Yuqing said indignantly, ¡°So what she is a Commandery Princess? She is still my niece!¡±

    ¡°You are such a blockhead!¡± Madame Lu was so furious that she didn¡¯t know what to say to her. She said hatefully, ¡°That¡¯s true that she ranks as your junior. But do you forget Lian Family? Lian Family happens to have an old bastard left! I assure you that once you take advantage of your seniority in the family, she will go back to Lian Family to cry for help immediately. Then they wille to seek justice using their seniority in the family right away.¡±

    ¡°Lian Chen just has a Xiucai title. He is nothing...¡± before Qiu Yuqing could finish her sentence, Madame Lu couldn¡¯t withhold herself anymore. She had already kicked her for a few times. She said with a sneer, ¡°Even if he was a beggar, you guys should respect him in front of others because he was Lian¡¯s official brother.¡±

    Her daughter was so stupid. Lian Chen and the other two were taken to the city by Jiang Family. Although Lian Chen didn¡¯t have an official rank, he had the Empress and her clique to back him up. Even if he had no one, this kind of obvious w would cause Prince¡¯s Mansion trouble sooner orter.

    Madame Lu couldn¡¯t help regretting that she only focused on cultivating Qiu Mengmin and Qiu Hongzhi and neglected to teach her daughter. Because she didn¡¯t expect that they could go back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion. She thought they would be down and out forever. So, her daughter grew up to be a total short-sighted woman in the marketce.

    But it was toote to train Qiu Yuqing. So, after kicking her Madame Lu drew a deep sigh, ¡°Lizhang,e in and help me get dressed. Isn¡¯t she just a 13 years old Commandery Princess? It¡¯s not like I haven¡¯t seen her before. Since Empress Dowager has agreed that my son can support me outside the Mansion, what can she do to me?¡±

    Kang Lizhang held Madame Lu carefully and apanied her to the inner chamber. She felt perturbed and confused, ¡°What exactly did Qiu Yn say to First Uncle and First Aunt after she went into the inner chamber? She asked me to tell grandmother to go to her yard after she went out... what exactly does she want?¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, what do you want to do?¡± when it was about time, Su He asked curiously in the courtyard which was roughly cleaned, ¡°Madame Lu is the most insidious and vicious person. You asked her toe here. What shall we do if she brings a lot of people with her to bully us? Or she uses us of doing something to her?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I whispered in Cousin Kang¡¯s ear and asked her to invite Madame Lu here just now instead of me going to her,¡± Qiu Yn said contentedly, ¡°Do you think I will admit that it¡¯s me who invited Madame Lu here? It could be her who brought people here to mess with us after she knew that I was back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion.¡±

    ¡°...¡± all the servants went silent for a while because of her low moral principle. Su He continued, ¡°Then what do you want asking her toe here? Is it for old Princess and Princess¡¯s stuff which they took from us?¡±

    Speaking of which, Su He¡¯s eyes were full of hope.

    Qiu Yn frowned unexpectedly. She instructed in a low voice, ¡°None of you shall mention anything about the stuffter! Not even a word or a look!¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± not just Su He was surprised, Mrs. Zhou, Chunran and Xiaran who came back with her also felt unbelievable, ¡°If we don¡¯t take back our stuff while the condition is good for us, afterwards...¡±

    ¡°Just listen to me!¡± Qiu Yn was about to say something. She heard voices outside her courtyard suddenly. She instructed forcefully at once, ¡°Who dares to disobey me. Don¡¯t resent me for being ruthless.¡±

    Su He and others looked at each other and then said, ¡°Okay!¡±

    Before their voices had died away, someone knocked on the door.

 Chapter 57 - The Conspiracy Arising out of the PoisonYoumianxiang

    <strong>Chapter 57 The Conspiracy Arising out of the Poison</strong><strong>Youmianxiang</strong>

    ¡°I am having sent all the servants out. Now, what do you want to say, say it. What do you want to do, do it.¡± said Madame Lu, looking at the closing door, putting down her tea.

    Qiu Yn did not want to beat about the bush anymore. She said bluntly, ¡°Did you kill my brother?¡±

    Madame Lu answered her coldly, ¡°Nonsense. We all know that his poor fate contributed to his premature death.¡±

    ¡°But your grandson told me this when he was alive,¡± said Qiu Yn. Her words shocked Madame Lu. She stood up abruptly, pointing at her and saying inconceivably, ¡°You... you! Yuqing has been always saying you killed Jinzhang. Is it true?¡±

    Although Madame Lu once said to Qiu Mengmin that she thought it was Qiu Yn who killed Kang Jinzhang. However, all the people in the Prince¡¯s Mansion thought that Kang Jinzhang was buried due to avnche. Nobody realized that Qiu Yn, twelve years old at that time had the power to kill his cousin, seventeen years old and far taller.

    Qiu Yn continued coldly, ¡°You killed my brother. And you have bullied and humiliated my mother and me for so many years. You even forced me to marry a man I dislike. And you instigated Kang Jinzhang to date me ¡ª I had motivations to kill him.¡±

    Madame Lu stood still for a while. She attempted to calm herself down. She sat down on the chair, saying, ¡°You are truly a granddaughter of old Princess. You are shameless even you hurt others.¡±

    ¡°You are so wrong. If old Princess did something offensive, You three have died many years ago. If so, there is no remote chance for you to bully and humiliate my mother and me so long,¡± said Qiu Yn, adding ¡°You just remember that old Princess deported you. Why did you think of what you have done to us? Answer me. Why is my father, as the only trueborn, younger than your son?¡±

    Madame Lu turned angrily, saying, ¡°You should me old Princess, she can¡¯t have children.¡±

    ¡°It sounded like you are so innocent!¡± said Qiu Yn coldly, adding ¡°I have investigated. The date your son was born was half a year earlier than the date old Princess married my father. You have been pregnant before old Princess got married! Due to your love affair with my father, old Princess got furious at Prince. She just forgave him yearster with the help of the elders. And then she got pregnant. The baby was my father. This was the reason why my father is younger than your son. Old Princess surely could have children.¡±

    She continued, ¡°After you did all these terrible things, old Princess did not part you from your son, nor did she kill you when you were giving birth. She would not have deported you if you did not have my father¡¯s child, Qiu Yuqing. She even gave you money for deportation. You used this sum of money to live in the capital. At that time, Mr. Lian, father of old Princess, did not retire. If they wanted to kill you, you three have died at no costs! Now you still thought she was mean to you? I thought that she was so nice to you that you had chances to do those terrible things!¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± screamed Madame Lu. Realizing that her plot was exposed, she paused for a while with tears falling. ¡°You are attempting to obfuscate me. My son and my daughter are also Prince¡¯s children. Why does Qiu Zhongyan have the chance to own the whole Prince¡¯s Mansion? Why should we leave the Prince¡¯s Mansion with a small sum of money?¡±

    ¡°Wow, you are really skilled at pretending to be innocent,¡± said Qiu Yn, smiling. ¡°Mrs. Li has told me clearly that Qiu Family, from ancient times, prefers trueborn sons to bastards. Bastards can get nothing important unless there are no trueborn son. This is documented in the family rules. If you can¡¯t read, your son, as Duke of Xihe so many years, never mentioned this to you? All bastards before followed the rules. Old Princess just did what the rules told her. If you felt unfair, you should talk with Qiu Family¡¯s ancestors. Ha, ha, ha.¡±

    With tears falling down her cheeks, Madame Lu said, ¡°You are born to be a Princess. In your mind, people like us are inferior! But we all have parents! I just wanted to have a family, but why did old Princess bully and humiliate us?¡±

    After saying this, she smiled coldly, adding ¡°Do you think your grandmother is a good person? Let me tell you something. Your father, he should have been the third child, but his older brother, the bastard¡¯s mother died when she was giving birth, thus raised by old Princess. Everything was usual in the first two years. But when your father was one week old, his older brother, the bastard, died out of the blue! I guessed old Princess might kill him. However, your grandfather felt sorry for her due to Qiu Mengmin. Seeing that he dered that his son died because of major illness.¡±

    Hearing of this, Qiu Yn said, ¡°First of all, dare you to say that you did not hope that kid to die at that time? Second, as my grandfather was willing to dere his second son died because of illness. I thought that he also was willing to dere his bastard son died because of illness? If old Princess did fear that the bastard she raised would be on my father¡¯s way of career, I think your son, the so-called the first son of the family, should have died hundreds of times. I am guessing you yed tricks that frightened old Princess, so that she let you three go and be alive.¡±

    Looking at speechless Madame Lu, Qiu Ynughed, ¡°The rightest thing old Princess did in her life was to deport you! Thank goddess, you did not have the title of nobility. If you got one, you would have had privileges to walk around in the Pce, cooked up stories and tarnished old Princess¡¯s fame. If my guess is true, my bad reputation as a girl who contributed to the deaths of my father, my brothers, my grandmother, and my mother who diedst year was spread by you!¡±

    Hearing of this, Madame Lu said with a different tone, ¡°I was born in a poor family, but I long for wealth. How can I be a rich woman if I did not do something? Just because I was born in a poor family, I was doomed to be a servant?¡±

    ¡°Whoa. You mean you are a good woman?¡± said Qiu Yn, scornfully. ¡°You have done something terrible, you deserved who you are now!¡±

    ¡°Your grandmother has bullied and humiliated us for so many years. I just dealt with you as the same as she did to us.¡± said Madame Lu, coldly, and then added, ¡°So you should not hate us. We just did what we had to.¡±

    Qiu Yn began tough, ¡°Now Imand you to p yourself 5 times. Or I will tell rogues that there is a mole on her back waist!¡±

    Seeing Madame Lu constrain her temper, she clenched her fists and said, ¡°Or I strip you and check whether there is a mole on your body? And let everybody know that the woman my uncle support in the Prince¡¯s Mansion is a bitch.¡±

    ¡°... We did not treat you like this, never!!!¡± said Madame Lu in a low voice, taking a deep breath. Her face turned pale.

    ¡°That is because my mother protected me from you when she was alive. And, you forced me to marry Deng Yi ¡ª Empress Dowager¡¯s grandson. If my reputation was ruined by rumors of cheating Deng Yi, do you think that Gu Family will let me go?¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at her coldly but sternly. No sympathy in her eyes. She continued, ¡°You even forced me to go to the Mount Dizi. You nned to let mend in Kang Jinzhang¡¯s trap. If my reputation was ruined, I might be punished by Deng Yi. I even have no chance to defend myself but to suicide! You hated old Princess, So, you wish I would die painfully. You hope I will be humiliated by others and feel desperate. You said my death is a happy ending to everyone. And then you will feel satisfied, right?¡±

    Speaking of this, she smiled and continued, ¡°So, you know what. Comparing with your mean heart, I am a nice girl! I am even touched by my kindness that I have mercy on you and let you still be alive until now.¡±

    Madame Lu kept silent for a while and then said, ¡°As you have known everything, why did you need me to tell you? You are here just because you want to know the cause of Qiu Jinn¡¯s death? Do you think that I would tell you that he died not because of an ident?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I am here not for that.¡± Qiu Yn said, adding, ¡°As a matter of fact, what I want to know is about the poison Youmianxiang!¡±

    Hearing of her words, Madame Lu¡¯s pupils contracted intensely!

    ¡°You used this poison to kill my mother and my grandfather,¡± said Qiu Yn. She observed her reaction while saying, ¡°You think that I don¡¯t know what you did?¡±

    Madame Lu said nothing with a poked face.

    Qiu Yn noticed her reaction. She continued, ¡°My mother has given me the evidence. I am guessing you don¡¯t want to live any longer, right?¡±

    Unexpectedly, her words trigger a controversial reflection. Madame Lu looked at her with a fake smile, saying, ¡°I am sure she would not give you that evidence unless she was crazy. If she did, girl, listen to me. Throw it away or destroy it as early as possible. Or you will die unknowing the reason.¡±

    Qiu Yn responded quickly, ¡°What you said, in my eyes, is crocodile tears. You are afraid you may get into trouble because I have the evidence regarding poison Youmianxiang.¡±

    Madame Lu frowned.

    ¡°You¡¯d better tell me the truth. Or one day, I suddenly miss my mother intensely plus I am too young to keep a secret. I may disclose your secrets... Ha, ha! You know what, I do not have other family members already. You want to die with me in one day?¡± said Qiu Yn, coldly, adding, ¡°Well, well. you have seen what I was able to do. I am not threatening you!¡±

    Madame Lu raised his hand adjusting a golden hairpin near her one ear. She looked at her with sympathy, saying, ¡°Well, of course not. I am sure I will tell you the truth sooner orter. I am just thinking about how to express myself.¡±

    Noticing her strange facial expression, Qiu Yn felt daunted but she said, ¡°You tell me the truth now. It¡¯s pointless to think about how to say? Do you think I am a kid, easy to be hoaxed?¡±

    ¡°Ok, I will be straight ¡ª the poison Youmianxiang was made secretly when the former emperor abolished crown prince,¡± said Madame Lu, looking weird. Her words frightened Qiu Yn. Madame Lu continued, ¡°The abolished crown prince was talented. He was indulged in governance, poems and spices. The spices he made at that time outpaced many, thus he always sent his spices to concubines....¡±

    Speaking of this, Madame Lu paused suddenly looking at Qiu Yn.

    Qiu Yn took a deep breath, saying, ¡°So, to make the poison Youmianxiang was rted to the crime of killing the emperormitted by the abolished prince? But, as I know, his crime had been disclosed already. Why was it a taboo?¡±

    Madame Lu continued meaningfully, ¡°Because the former emperor abolished crown prince, and yearster, before the former emperor died, an imperial doctor blurted out that the smell in the room was like the smell of the poison Youmianxiang ¡ª hourster, the doctor was killed for no reasons.¡±

    If the first prince of the former emperor was abolished because of the poison Youmianxiang which, subsequently, gave trouble to the East Pce, The poison Youmianxiang was impossible to be seen in the Pce again. That was ridiculous that it was seen in the bedroom of the former emperor? In particr, the doctor who just blurted out something smelled like the poison Youmianxiang was killed, even his family members were killed due to this. What the doctor said confirmed that the poison Youmianxiang was truly seen in the Pce.

    That is to say, both the abolished crown prince and the former emperor died because of the poison Youmianxiang!

    As for the killer ¡ª the incumbent emperor was only 7 years old when he ascended the throne. Empress Dowager Gu, the mother of this 7 years old emperor, had acted as regent since then. It was clear now who was the person who vilified the abolish prince and killed the former emperor.

    ¡°Well, all the things were rted to the legitimacy of the incumbent emperor,¡± said Qiu Yn, having had seen through the whole thing. ¡°Now, I understand why Jiang Yashuang invited Qi Shuluo to the General¡¯s Mansion and he dared not to say anything ¡ª but now, the two queens are fighting for power. However, their power hail from the emperor! If the emperor is challenged by rumors, they will end up being nothing at all. So, it is not strange why Princess Ruan asked me repeatedly not to say anything about ¡®the poison Youmianxiang¡¯.¡±

    She raised her head looking at Madame Lu, ¡°Why do you have this poison?¡±

    Madame Lu looked at her,ughably, ¡°I already have told you enough. Do you really think I will tell you everything I know?¡±

    ¡°You reminded me!¡± said Qiu Yn, nodding and adding, ¡°I just ordered you to p yourself 5 times but you have yet to do it. Now I add it to 10 times. Will you do it yourself or if you not....¡± said Qiu Yn. She stood up abruptly, lifting her leg and kicked Madame Lu. Madame Lu fell on the ground. She continued coldly, ¡°You want me to strip off you and find a pimp for you, do you? I will tell the world what you have done.¡± Although Deng Yi sold off Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s creation, it was shameful to set it aside.

 Chapter 58 - My Death Was a Must?!

    <b>Chapter 58 My Death Was a Must?!</b>

    Madame Lu eventually gave in. She kneeled on the ground in front of Qiu Yn, pping herself 10 times and begging for her mercy. Madame Lu must regret deeply that she agreed to talk with Qiu Yn alone.

    She went back to her residence with a gloomy face. Her intimate old maidservant immediately ordered one maid to prepare hot water for washing up.

    Cui Xin got a towel for Madame Lu. Madame Lu screamed while Cui Xin was helping her with face washing up. Hearing her scream, Cui Xin immediately kneeled on the ground. Madame Lu pped her heavily and said angrily, ¡°So hard? You also intend to kill me, don¡¯t you?¡±

    In general, Cui Xin was one of her favorite maidservants. She knew that Madame Lu wouldsh out at anybody whenever she was furious. She must hold back her tears. She kneeled on the ground and kowtowed over and over again, saying to Madame Lu, ¡°Sorry, my grace! Sorry.¡±

    ¡°You want to kill me and then you can give your oath to that little b*tch. And then you will have a rich life, won¡¯t you?¡± said Madame Lu, angrily. She was so angry that she lost her temper and kicked Cui Xin on her chest. She continued, ¡°You, betrayer!¡±

    Hearing of her words, Cui Xin realized that she would have a tough time. Madame Lu beat her like she was Commandery Princess. She kneeled on the ground, begging, ¡°Please, my Lord. I don¡¯t have the idea to betray you at all.¡±

    Madame Lu looked at her angrily, saying, ¡°Do you think I will believe your sweet words! Now, my son has quitted his title. But she is a genuine Commandery Princess....¡±

    Her tone was so serious that Cui Xin thought that she would kill her if possible. Cui Mei, Cui Xin¡¯s best friend entered the room while Cui Xin was thinking about how to survive the disaster. Cui Mei reported to Madame Lu, ¡°My Lord, Prince is here.¡±

    ¡°Get out of my room! I definitely will kill youter!¡± said Madame Lu to Cui Xin. As for her son, she felt guilty. He had to quit his title because of Madame Lu. Being afraid of making him wait too long, Madame Lu shook her hand and asked others to carry Cui Xin out. She washed her face herself, thus she would not look fragile in front of Qiu Mengmin. Being ready, she said, ¡°Send Prince in.¡±

    Qiu Mengmin entered. He looked pale and hurry.

    Looking at his son, Madame Lu said with care, ¡°My son, it is all my fault. I should have protected you from that.¡±

    ¡°Mother, it¡¯s not your fault. Don¡¯t me yourself. It¡¯s my fault,¡± said Qiu Mengmin, smiling bitterly. He did the salute hastily and hastened to sit down on a chair before his mother said so. He faltered to the chair.

    Qiu Mengmin was always steady in handling everything. Despite his rude bearing, Madame Lu, however, would not me him because of what he was suffering. She regretted, ¡°If I knew that he would be an ungrateful and vicious person, I should have...¡± A cruel sight radiated from her eyes, ¡°My Jinzhang would not have been killed by her!¡±

    Qiu Mengmin paused and said, ¡°Jinzhang was killed by her?¡± And then he smiled and continued, ¡°It¡¯s useless now. She is not the girl nobody cares or admire before now. There is no evidence to charge her. So, keep all the things just in our minds. That¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°Fortunately, the new Prince is your son!¡± said Madame Lu. She felt wronged. After taking a short pause, she said, ¡°For your record, who do you n to transfer your title? Yang Family stepped out in the Imperial Court this time. To my knowledge, I think we should pay close attention to Yinzhi, however, he is so young and he is a dumbass, and the most important thing is that bitch is living in our house. I think it is not appropriate to transfer your title to Yinzhi.¡±

    Madame Lu thought Yang, that bitch, was born in a high-rank official family and now she was the legitimate Princess. She always could not behave herself. If her son was chosen to be the new prince, how can she, as the mother-inw, control her in the future? And Qiu Hongzhi had been living with Madame Lu for a number of years. He must be on Madame Lu¡¯s side.

    Qiu Mengmin said bitterly, ¡°In fact, I cannot get assured even if Qiu Hongzhi will be saved. He has been indulged in books for years already....¡±

    Madame Lu was pleased to hear that her son did not want to transfer the title to Qiu Yinzhi. She said, ¡°Hongzhi is a nice boy. He is no match for that bitch. She was born to be a devil.¡± She sighed and continued, ¡°Fortunately, the Family of his father-inw is an eminent family, and Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s wife is a clever woman and she will marry Qiu Hongzhi in theing months. If they can help each other and keep alert. There is no remote chance for that bitch to hurt them.¡±

    ¡°I am afraid that Lian Family will stay.¡± sighed Qiu Mengmin.

    ¡°What? How can they...¡± said Madame Lu, frowning.

    ¡°Despite his old age, it was enough for Lian Chen to ask his sons and grandsons to go with him, why did he also ask his nephew toe to the capital city? Guess what he intends to do?¡± said Qiu Mengmin, putting his head in his arms. Madame Lu could not see the facial expressions but she could feel his anxiety. Qiu Mengmin continued, ¡°I am afraid that he wanted to fetch a rank by taking advantage of the power struggle. Lian Chen¡¯s father has been dead long ago leaving nothing for his offspring. Lian Family went back to Lanxi for the funeral (at the time, the immediate family members had to stay at home andmemorate the dead person for 27 months), and had no chance to save their title any longer. Over the past few years, there were no Jinshi in the family. They, of course, would not like to stay in the countryside as a countryside official. They would grasp every chance they could to get promoted.¡±

    Hearing what her son said, Madame Lu even did not know what to respond for a while. For a moment, she said, ¡°Even though Lian Chen is your elder, I don¡¯t think that Empress Dowager will allow him to do anything he wants. How can they allow him to bully or humiliate somebody else because of his age?¡±

    ¡°If you are out to condemn somebody, you can always trump up a charge,¡± said Qiu Mengmin, disappointedly, ¡°Empress is not a rational person. With her support and Lian Chen¡¯s status, Lian Family will be the pain of our family¡¯s ass. We should try to avoid any spat with them face to face.¡±

    Qiu Mengmin¡¯s words reminded Madame Lu of the days when old Princess was still alive. She couldn¡¯t help cursing, ¡°Why did not Lian Family members all die in one day? For so many years, not only have the young been living like beggars but also the elder has been alive. That old dumbass even moved into the capital making trouble for me. I curse her to death now.¡±

    Qiu Mengmin kept silent for a while and continued, ¡°Even not allowing for Lian Family. I also felt anxious. If Yinzhi gets my title, he would be in trouble in theing days! If Hongzhi gets my title, I don¡¯t think that Yang Family will agree with it. Am I right, mother? They must be hostile to Hongzhi.¡±

    His exnation caused Madame Lu anxious. She said, ¡°Well... Despite they supported you, if you are in trouble, their daughter, grandson and granddaughter surely will be involved in this trouble too. Our family is prestigious. Why will they interfere with our business?¡±

    ¡°But I only have two sons. I should have had more,¡± said Qiu Mengmin, lightly.

    ¡ª But the fact was that Yang Family could achieve the goal without interfering. What Yang Family needed to do was to get rid of Qiu Hongzhi when Qiu Mengmin and his wife went back to the countryside with Madame Lu. And then, naturally, the title of Duke of Xihe, would be Qiu Yinzhi¡¯s at no costs.

    Madame Lu said angrily, ¡°Despite Hongzhi has no support from other families, his wife¡¯s family will support him! I don¡¯t think that Ding Family will sit on their hands watching their daughter be a widow.¡±

    ¡°We will leave in three days. However, Hongzhi will get married after May,¡± said Qiu Mengmin, exhaustedly, adding, ¡°Darui is a nation with an open mind. Girls can marry again if permission. If something bad happens to Hongzhi. I am afraid that Ding Family will choose somebody else to marry their daughter. To them, it is a happy ending.¡±

    As girls could marry somebody else if permission, Ding Family, of course, would not try their best to defend Qiu Hongzhi. During the power struggle, Ding Family, as inws, had been silent from the beginning. They might be d to witness Qiu Hongzhi was killed by Yang Family. Thus, they could stand by watching others battle.

    ¡°Ugh! It¡¯s all my fault!¡± sighed Madame Lu, frowning.

    Qiu Mengmin smiled bitterly, ¡°Mother, don¡¯t say that. We are family.¡±

    Qiu Mengmin and Madame Lu looked at each other sighing. And then Qiu Mengmin noticed that there were fingerprints on his mother¡¯s faces. He asked astoundingly, ¡°Mother, what happened to your face....¡±

    Although Madame Lu hated Qiu Yn intensely, she did not want to tell her son what had happened to her a few minutes ago. She did not want to lose her face. She said vaguely, ¡°I missed your father and cried for a while. I might not get cleaned.¡±

    Hearing his mother mentioned father, Qiu Mengmin felt like getting an electric shock through his body. He did not know what to say. And then he changed the topic abruptly, ¡°Anyway, mother, I am guessing that after we leave, something severe will happen to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe.¡±

    ¡°What is your n?¡± asked Madame Lu carelessly. Suddenly she realized something implicated in his son¡¯s words. She raised her head and asked, ¡°You?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care about the title,¡± said Qiu Mengmin, not looking at his mother¡¯s eyes. He continued to say, ¡°But, either Hongzhi or Yinzhi cannot safeguard the family. Mingzhu and Jinzhu are still young. They are not engaged yet. If I leave the house... they may....¡±

    Hearing this, Madame Lu felt terrible. Despite Qiu Mengmin had been saying that ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, mother.¡± The implication of his son¡¯s sentences just now demonstrated that in his deep heart, he med his mother.

    ¡°Then, you stay here,¡± said Madame Lu, sadly. No response from Qiu Mengmin. Madame Lu realized that she was right. She continued, ¡°Yuqing and Lizhang will be around me. We move out and you stay here to safeguard Hongzhi and others ¡ª and you visit me when you are free.¡±

    ¡°Mother, please don¡¯t say that. It is the son¡¯s responsibility to support the elders. It is a rule. You only have one son. That is me. I surely will be rebuked by people if I leave you alone.¡±

    Madame Lu sat still on the chair. And then she burst into tears, saying, ¡°You mean I must die?¡± Qiu Mengmin had been talking about his suffering after entering. He almost burst out: it is all your fault, and the whole Family¡¯s sufferings are all from you. It was clear that Qiu Mengmin was still unwilling to lose his title because of Madame Lu.

    But now he objected Madame Lu¡¯s proposal to have her daughter taking care of her.

    Qiu Mengmin wanted to kill three birds with one stone. He was eager to retain his title. He also did not want to disobey his mother. At the same time, he could keep his image of integrity among people. How could it be possible if she is still alive?

    She raised him with plenty of sufferings, and he had been a good boy for his whole life. But now he implied that he wanted his mother to die for his title and family. Thinking of this, Madame Lu felt heartbroken. Her heart was so wretched that she did not want to see her son anymore. There was only one thought that kept spinning in her head, die!

    ¡°Plop!¡±

    Qiu Mengmin kneeled before her. Madame Lu wiped tears, saying bitterly, ¡°Okay, Okay! I am your mother. All I do is for your better life. As you want me to die....¡±

    ¡°Mother, don¡¯t say that again!¡± yelled Qiu Mengmin, holding her hand. He said in a low voice, ¡°How dare me to kill you! I... I just want you to stage a y with me!¡±

    Madame Lu was upset about her fate. So, she said mockingly, ¡°Oh? What y?¡±

    ¡°The truth is, mother, Qiu Yn, that bitch, wanted to sow dissension between us. She tried to force you to...¡± said Qiu Mengmin with rage, adding, ¡°What did she think of me? I am not a man who will sacrifice his mother for seeking wealth. We survived the suffering of living in the countryside many years ago. But now, although we cannot use the assets of the Prince¡¯s Mansion, we can use it secretly living far away from the capital. We still can have a wealthy life then. If no Empress is protecting her, I even want to kill her thousands of times!¡±

    Hearing of this, Madame Lu was furious with wide-open eyes. ¡°That bitch! How dare she sow dissension between us and trap me to death! What a mean woman!!!¡± said Madame Lu. She then took a deep breath and continued, ¡°Despite Empress... I still think that we should kill that bitch!¡±

    ¡°Yes, mother, I agree with you one hundred percent,¡± said Qiu Mengmin, immediately. ¡°But, as you know, that bitch is a wily fox. We have no chance to kill her in two or three days. But on the other hand, we must leave within three days.¡±

    ¡°Then what¡¯s your y?¡± said Madame Lu.

    Qiu Mengmin took out a porcin bottle, saying, ¡°This is, kind of, poison. Take two spoons of it or less will cause no harm to your body. Even if you take two spoons, there is still a chance to be healed. I... want to grasp this opportunity and prolong our leave. Anyway, I want to leave after Hongzhi marries the girl in Ding Family! And then, I am sure that Ding Family won¡¯t stand by, see what¡¯s going on and do nothing.¡±

    ¡°It sounds good,¡± said Madame Lu, feeling relieved. She took the bottle ¡ª She felt relieved knowing that her son would not want her to die. This was her first time to take poison, she was a bit little scared. She said, ¡°No more than two spoons, right?¡±

    ¡°Mother, if you don¡¯t trust me. I will prove it!¡± said Qiu Mengmin, grasping back the bottle and poured a little on his palm. He took it!

    Madame Lu was shocked totally!

    She hurriedly seized the bottle and said, ¡°Are you out of your mind? When did I say I don¡¯t believe you?¡±

    Qiu Mengmin turned pale after taking the poison but he could still kneel steadily on the ground. It proved that the poison was not strong.

    Madame Lu felt relieved. She began to denounce Qiu Mengmin, ¡°Are you crazy! I am even willing to die for you. Why do I distrust you? I just plucked it out of the air.¡± She was so worried about her son that she asked him to see a doctor immediately.

    ¡°Yes, mother,¡± replied Qiu Mengmin. He felt ufortable despite nothing severe happened to him. He struggled to stand up and say goodbye to his mother, ¡°Mother, it¡¯s all on you now!¡±

    ¡°Go and have a rest. No problem!¡± said Madame Lu, hatred shing out of her eyes. She grasped the bottle tightly and said, ¡°That bitch will be notorious, I swear!¡±

 Chapter 59 - Playacting, Who Cheated Who?

    <strong>Chapter 59 yacting, Who Cheated Who?</strong>

    Sending Qiu Mengmin away, Madame Lu asked servants in to clean and dress her up, and she was figuring out how to make this drama, mitting suicide to protect son,¡± much more real. So, she ordered servants to take two grandsons here to kindly and pleasantly show solicitude for them.

    Qiu Hongzhi didn¡¯t feel any strange for he had always been spoiled by his grandmother and father. But as to Qiu Yinzhi, who had been disliked by Madame Lu due to Princess Yang and had always been rebuked, he felt extremely ttered with surprise then.

    After all they were her own grandsons. Seeing them, Madame Lu¡¯s heart suddenly softened, and she opened a chest, taking a pair of jade kylins to give them, ¡°These are the best pair of jade crafts of mine. Just for you brothers, exactly one for each.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, grandma!¡± Both grandsons said with one voice.

    They both thought that Madame Lu was about to leave Prince¡¯s Mansion. Thus, at this time, it was not surprising that she would like to leave the young descendants some gifts. So they just thanked without asking for reasons¡ªafter all, it may make everyone embarrassed.

    Madame Lu also felt pleased as neither of them mentioned the reason. After few words, she hastily sent them away. And she thought about to meet her granddaughters as well. Actually, if she really did not want to live any longer, Commandery Princess Ningxin, Qiu Baozhu, who had married out of the mansion, should also be called back, but Madame Lu supposed that would be too affected, which may be utilized by the Empress party to use Qiu Mengmin as he failed to find out the unusual situation of his mother.

    Moreover, Qiu Baozhu, whose birth mother was forced to die by Madame Lu and Qiu Mengmin together to give way to Princess Yang, who was the beloved daughter, the apple of eye of an influential dignitary and his wife, had never got close to Prince¡¯s Mansion. After she married, except returning back on the third day of the wedding as the custom, she hadn¡¯t stepped over the threshold of this family even once. Her husband¡¯s family was also not as noble as Prince¡¯s Mansion, so Prince¡¯s Mansion seldom cared about her.

    ¡°This granddaughter is also ungrateful,¡± Madame Lu thought, ¡°never mind, maybe just ask Mingzhu, Jinzhu toe and chat for a while, as well as Yuqing and Lizhang.¡±

    Preparing everything as plots to make the drama real, Madame Lu had talked with all descendants. She stayed upte until the middle of the night, waiting for everyone to fall asleep, then quietly, putting on a new suit,bing hair and making up, even inserting a pearls and jade hairpin, and finally she took the pill which was given by her son with some water.

    Although her son took it in person to show her the innocuity, she was still a little worried, so she just dug more than a spoonful, thinking that if the reaction would not be great after she ate, and then she could add some more. But she should ever never take too much of it.

    However, which was beyond her imagination that even though she arbitrarily reduced half of teaspoon¡¯s amount, once after she took it, she still felt like a sharp knife was cutting her intestines violently, and this pain made her can¡¯t help to cry loudly!

    Unfortunately, because she nned to do everything to make the drama as real as possible, she unusually ordered all servants to rest at night, with no one left!

    ¡°Little Mengmin took it in front of me, it seemed this medicine wasn¡¯t that strong!¡± Madame Lu can¡¯t stop rolling on the wool-woven nket. She had no time to consider how much furniture she had knocked down, and she was just begging someone could find her, ¡°Do I have such an umon constitution that is unable to take this medicine?¡±

    As she was struggling to crawl towards the door, the door opened.

    Madame Lu deeply breathed with a sigh of relief and was about to say something. But out of her expectation, the person quickly stepped into the room and then closed the door!

    This action made Madame Lu startled and panicked, ¡°Is that little b*tch again...?¡±

    However, before her second thought, she was almost shocked to faint when she put all effort to look up! Under the light, the person who changed into the servant¡¯s clothes and looked at her with aplex expression, could only be Qiu Mengmin without anyone else!

    When Madame Lu saw his son just quietly witnessing her rolling with great pain without doing anything to help, she suddenly realized something horrible, which made her feel like falling into an ice cer!

    But as the closest kin, the mother and the son, even if she had guessed eighty percent of the whole thing at this moment, she still held a glimmer of hope, and she shouted piteously, ¡°Little Mengmin, I¡¯m afraid I took too much of this medicine and I can¡¯t stand anymore! Go to find a doctor!¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t I know you so well? I told you to take two spoons at most, and I know you would only eat one spoon for most.¡± Qiu Mengmin pitifully looked at her while his words were like knives, ¡°I had eaten the antidote before I took a spoon of it in front of you. So, I guess you would try the same amount, a spoon, after you saw me do it sessfully.¡±

    Madame Lu was already sore to death with all three tiers of clothes wet with sweat, but the pain deep in her heart was worse than the poison. She couldn¡¯t believe it, ¡°You... why are you doing this?! I had already told you that I am willing to die for you! Why, why do you lie to your mother?!¡±

    Her own son told her to act in a y, so she believed him. She happily chatted and cared for the young children, then grooming, putting on the best new clothes, and nned to cooperate with her son to deal with Qiu Yn. But who could imagine, the person Qiu Mengmin really wanted to get rid of was not Qiu Yn but his birth mother!

    The pain in Madame Lu¡¯s heart at this moment wasplexed beyond words!

    She would rather be asked to die by Qiu Mengmin in the day¡ªthough that would also be painful and overwhelmed with grief, it would still be happier than now, being tricked into death by her own son step by step!

    Qiu Mengmin looked at her with pity, but said, ¡°Mother, you have always had a bad time, and you can¡¯t bear others to live well, even including your own child! Although the old Princess had quarreled with my father for several years because of my birth, which was totally your design, however, to be honest, the old Princess was nice and impartial to others, and she only hated you and father, but had never mistreated me for it.¡±

    There was a gleam in the very deep of his eyes, not for Madame Lu, but for the deceased old Princess. ¡°I still remember the old Princess holding me under the cherry-apple tree to enjoy the flowers. When did the old Princess start to keep me in distance? Why did she finally turn to be totally indifferent to me and even drive me out of the Mansion? It all started from the day you incited me, and I believed that the old Prince had a vicious motive when she tried to treat me well!¡±

    ¡°Actually, you said those words for nothing more than yourself. You were scared, weren¡¯t you?¡± Qiu Mengmin burst into tears sorrowfully. ¡°You designed the birth of me only for pursuing wealth and status. Although the old Princess was soft-hearted and did not want you to die, but you were not allowed to meet my father anymore. Grandmother hated you for breaking the rules and never liked you as well. If I alienated from you as others did, how could you gain your ends? So, when you found the old Princess treated me well and I also liked the Old Princess, you were scared. You couldn¡¯t leave any possibility for me to get along well with the Old Princess! Unfortunately, I was too young and too naive at that time, thinking that my birth mother would never hurt me. So I believed you! But the old Princess had her pride. When she found out that I doubted her, she simply refused to exin anything under the anger! This misunderstanding got deeper and deeper. In the end, Ipletely lost the old Princess¡¯s favor!¡±

    ¡°If I were raised by the old Princess, instead of living a poor life with you for so many years.... Even if you maye to the Mansion now, I should also be able to give you some benefits in private and send some servants for you. And that¡¯s all! Enough! So how could I be cornered by a niece and was unduked for the guilt?¡±

    Qiu Mengmin seemed likeughing at himself, ¡°Outsiders thought that Old Princess was more or less sorry for me, and I tacitly approved it in public. But deep in my heart, it was very clear: how could it be the old Princess treated me bad! In contrast, it was me treating her so terribly! ¡ª How kind the old Princess was at that time! However, because I listened to you, I gradually broke her heart! I was not her own son, and she lost her face soon after her marriage because of my birth. But she tolerated so much, and let me grow up without any hurt. She also conventionally gave me money before asked me to leave the Mansion when I grew up. She had done too much for me. What can an official mother do more?¡±

    Madame Lu¡¯s face was covered with tears, and she bit the wool-woven nket on the ground to bear the pain, crying, ¡°So you always remember the old Princess?! Fine, when you were a kid, the old Princess treated you well! But why didn¡¯t you think about this? She had no son of her own at that time. Treating you well, on the one hand, she could separate us mother and son; on the other hand, both your grandparents would think her as a good mother. Who in this family wouldn¡¯t say that she is a virtuous wife and generous mother? You were spoiled at that time, knowing nothing about my life, your own mother¡¯s poor life!¡±

    ¡°So you drag your son into the mire with you?¡± Qiu Mengmin said lightly, ¡°When Princess Ruan was alive, she was always worrying that we would murder Qiu Yn. Any food must be tasted by her half a day before her daughter was allowed to eat. You both are birth mothers, but why the only thing you keep doing was implicating your son into trouble, and into continuous trouble?¡±

    ¡°If I were the official mother, wouldn¡¯t I love you?!¡± Madame Lu rolling to him, reaching out and grabbing his boots, wanly smiled, ¡°After all, you me me for being unblessed with no luck and unable to be the wife but only a concubine, do you? But is it because of me? You think I am unwilling to be born as a noble and be married as the legitimate wife ceremoniously with a decent wedding?¡±

    Qiu Mengmin shook his head and looked at her with mercy, ¡°Mother, you think that I treat you like this is for the resentment in the past? No, those things have passed. You see, even if I remember the Old Princess in private, I have never cared more about Qiu Yn. You know, I... am actually simr to you, not a grateful person! I am just worrying that you could once ruin your son¡¯s future for your own before. Now, your son asked you to sacrifice for the family.... Would you listen to it?¡±

    ¡°I have told you, to die for you, I am always willing to die for you as your mother!¡± Madame Lu shed tears, shouting hysterically!

    She saw that Qiu Mengmin listened to her words without any change on his face, but he merely sighed, ¡°You said you would like to, but as the previous matter, how could I believe you once more? Who knows if you promise it readily in front of me but then with hate in heart, manoeuvre to make me and my entire family to die with you!¡±

    Madame Lu was trembling all over, not only for pain, but also for her shock and rage, ¡°In your heart, I... your mother... is like this?!¡±

    ¡°You are the birth mother of me. I... I really don¡¯t want to do this.¡± Qiu Mengmin whispered, ¡°But you just spoke against to appoint Yinzhi as my inheritor, I... I am... sorry to you....¡±

    ¡°I... just... said... it... without... any... meaning.... If... you... you really... want... to... appoint... Yinzhi....¡± Madame Lu gradually stopped struggling for she knew she was dying, and said at herst gasp, ¡°I... as... your mother....¡±

    ¡°Not for this.¡± Qiu Mengmin said indifferently, ¡°I know why you oppose to appoint Yinzhi as my heir, for Yang, right? This time, I was trapped by Qiu Yn, so you would either me Qiu Yn or the old Princess. But actually you had never thought about my tough situation. You just slightly said that you made my whole family so many troubles aste as I had resigned and came back home today. But soon, you just followed the idea of suppressing Yang! If you mentioned, maybe only for one word, maybe just showing me ambiguously that you would be willing to do anything for me... I, I would had not cheated to you like this!¡±

    He looked with great sorrow at Madame Lu, who suddenly widened her eyes, and said, ¡°You have always only thought of yourself! So to be honest, is there anything wrong I do to take precautions against you?¡±

    ... After a while, Madame Lu¡¯s life gradually ended in silence, but Qiu Mengmin was still worrying, and stretched out fingers to check the heart pulse. After assuring that she was really dead, he finally cried with tears, ¡°What you mostly pursued in your life was to overpower the old Princess. Now youmitted suicide for your son, so he no more needs to support you and could be able to keep the title of Duke of Xihe. Well, it¡¯s also a kind of fulfillment of your wish. I have never mentioned your bad behaviors within these years and treated you so well as the old Princess. For this time, I have to do this to you, but I don¡¯t owe to you. We mother and son... call it even!¡±

    After he finished the words, he gently kicked, to shake off Madam Lu¡¯s hand which was holding his whip, and then looked down to check if there was any evidence in her palm showing his presence. Finally, he sighed and turned to leave.

    Qiu Mengmin stumbled out of the back door of the courtyard where Madame Lu lived¡ªhe had arranged all for it, and there was no one as n.

    But at that moment he turned back to close the door, he heard a fearful cough right there under a nearby crape myrtle tree that made him almost frightened out of his wits!

    ¡°Uncle is really decisive and merciless!¡± Followed was Qiu Yn¡¯s voice, which was deliberately lowered but still revealed her kind of meaningful smile, ¡°I just made the suggestion few hours ago, and I have never imagined that you could make it so soon.... But, as the niece, I wanted to remind uncle that for such a good idea, would uncle cross the river and dismantle the bridge, to kill meter?¡±

 Chapter 60 - Cannot See the Forest for the Trees

    <strong>Chapter 60 Cannot See the Forest for the Trees</strong>

    The spring breeze was still a little cold at the night on the end of February. The shadows of the crape myrtle trees are trembling and vague in winds, with only Qiu Yn¡¯s eyes brightly shining, looking out of here, mockingly and silently.

    It took Qiu Mengmin a while to cover the door, and then he turned around, but with no surprise on his face. He only said faintly, ¡°In the early years, I heard that General Ruan was superior in martial arts. Sure enough, you are a real offspring of Ruan. The servants I sent here to guard?¡±

    ¡°Fainted, over there. I know it¡¯s not easy for uncle to cultivate your men. How could I just kill them?¡± Qiu Yn covered her lips,ughing, and said softly.

    ¡°You know that I haven¡¯t learned martial arts, so how abouting here to talk?¡± Qiu Mengmin blew out thentern hanging under the back door and greeted, ¡°I guess you stunned my men in the middle of the night, waiting for me here but still keeping the secret for me, so there is leeway for us to talk.¡±

    Qiu Yn said, slowly and proudly, ¡°Surely we would talk. But uncle, you¡¯d better go with me. I don¡¯t know what you have arranged tonight, so it makes me intranquil if I go with you.¡±

    Qiu Mengmin thought for a while, but finally did not object. He followed Qiu Yn to have a talk in a pavilion surrounded by water on three sides in the garden.

    ¡°Uncle, have you ever ¡®dismantled the bridge after crossed the river¡¯?¡± Qiu Yn stood in the pavilion and asked before he opened the mouth.

    Qiu Mengmin said lightly, ¡°You can rest assured. Mother did everything just because of the love for son, and she had never thought about hurting anyone.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t believe it, ¡°You are a filial son, but now your birth mother has passed away like this. Won¡¯t you seize the opportunity to entrap your niece into trouble?¡±

    ¡°You expect me to be stupid?¡± Qiu Mengmin said indifferently, ¡°You told me this idea, so how would you have no subsequent trick? Even if I can¡¯t guess what it is, I know you have Empress¡¯s support now. It would have been much easier to solve this problem if you were not engaged in; but you are now engaged in it, Empress will definitely make a thorough investigation... Even though I believe I leave no evidence and should be innocent, things still could not totally be predictable. The most important thing for me at present is to keep the title of nobility, so why would I take any other risk?¡±

    He looked at Qiu Yn, ¡°What about you? You were just waiting for me alone, instead of calling out a group of people? This is weird.¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled and said, ¡°Uncle, you are a smart man. How dare I be silly as your niece? I brought few old maidservants here, and you never know that I¡¯ve learned some martial arts from grandfather before, so you carelessly let me wait outside for you! If I brought somepetent servants here, how could it be easy to get something on you? You have taken the Prince¡¯s Mansion for a dozen of years, and I am not confident enough to leave after blowing the lid off without paying anything!¡±

    Qiu Mengmin noticed that she was talking about ¡°paying something¡± instead of ¡°leaving here alive,¡± which meant that Qiu Yn, even though she thought Prince¡¯s Mansion was under his control, she would still be able to retreat, with only suffering some losses.

    ¡°Let¡¯s be honest,¡± Qiu Mengmin thought in heart and said, ¡°No one is around now, and empty talk is useless. You drew my attention, so you must have a purpose¡ªwhat you want?¡±

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°How dare I talk about ¡°want¡±? Just because I saw what I shouldn¡¯t know, so... would you like to pay me something to help me get over a shock?¡±

    ¡°Since you have learnt martial arts secretly with nobody knows, and it seems that you have not learned too badly. Plotting in secret, anyone you want to murder in the mansion... you would be always able to find some chances to do something.¡± Qiu Mengmin said in a low voice, ¡°But you, you beat around the bush and even got involved in the dispute between two Empresses! It is nothing more than you feel that it¡¯s not harsh and cruel enough for Madame Lu, unless I do it by myself.... I just did what you want, so what else are you still unsatisfied with?¡±

    ¡°As your words, you have indeed fulfilled my dream for these days!¡± Qiu Yn smiled lightly and said, ¡°So, let¡¯s let this go. You don¡¯t mention me with this, and I won¡¯t make you any trouble with it. But there is one thing I have to know: what are you going to do with Lu¡¯s funeral?¡±

    Qiu Mengmin snorted, ¡°Since you said I am a filial son...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget that she is an abandoned concubine of the Prince¡¯s Mansion!¡± Qiu Yn interrupted with a light smile, ¡°In earlyst winter, when my mother passed away, her funeral was almost shabby to worse than servants if without my cousin¡¯s helping hands! Uncle, are you as muddled as to allow Lu¡¯s funeral to be better than my mother¡¯s?¡±

    ¡°I mean, since I am a filial son...¡± Qiu Mengmin said with a poker face, ¡°I should be extremely grieved when I suddenly hear my birth mother died for me. So I should naturally hardly be able to get up from bed and go to work for some time! And your cousins are young and have never experienced such a big event. Even if they are negligent, they are worthy of forgiveness... After the funeral is done, I will probably recover then.¡±

    Qiu Yn froze for a while and couldn¡¯t find any w. She couldn¡¯t helpughing, ¡°Uncle, you are so decisive! I used to say that you are not a person who is able to make great achievements! But now I know that I am still too young, and I made a wrong judgement!¡±

    ¡°What the hell is your n? Just say it.¡± Qiu Mengmin said quietly, with neither angry nor happy expression on face.

    ¡°You witnessed that I was beaten after I returned from Mount Dizi. You saw it in your eyes.¡± Qiu Yn smiled brightly, ¡°It¡¯s been so long time I wait before Lu died. My grievances rise up from deep of my heart, which makes me hard to fall asleep in the middle of the night! So, how could we solve this?¡±

    Qiu Mengmin said coldly, ¡°Jinzhang was indeed killed by you. A life for a life, it¡¯s always the convention! You was just beaten, is there anything wrong?¡±

    ¡°Lu told you?¡± Qiu Yn smiled faintly, ¡°What about the death of my mother concubine?¡±

    Qiu Mengmin sneered, ¡°If there is no irond evidence for things that have happened such a long time ago, don¡¯t waste your time talking about this anymore.¡±

    ¡°My mother¡¯s death is not a trivial matter!¡± Qiu Yn said lightly, ¡°As for the evidence, how do you know that I don¡¯t have any?¡±

    ¡°Even if you may have, the dead are dead. What could you do any further?¡± Qiu Mengmin nced at the courtyard where Madame Lu lived and calmly said, ¡°What could you do to a person who has been dead already?¡±

    Qiu Yn pondered for a moment, then said, ¡°You mean, I can only let this go?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you already holding Lizhang?¡± Qiu Mengmin whispered, ¡°Well, if you want to do something to your aunt in the future, I can also pretend not to know for a few times... But, don¡¯t think about anything else. I could do this to my own mother. So, you know I have already made a great concession to you, for the sake of the old Princess!¡±

    ... Watching Qiu Mengmin went far away, Qiu Yn wandered alone in the pavilion for a while, and then left, too.

    On the following day¡¯s morning, after a heartrending scream of Cui Mei, the maid who went into the inner chamber to serve, the whole Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe went into chaos!

    Qiu Mengmin, who was lying on the bed after being punished on the Imperial Court, was barefoot and scattered with hair after learning of the bad news, crazily rushing to the birth mother¡¯s ce. Watching the cold body that had been moved to the couch, regardless of the messy room, he fell down on his knees, and screamed, ¡°Mum!¡± Then, he fainted and lost consciousness!

    After this, the Prince¡¯s Mansion went even more chaotic!

    Taking advantage of this messy situation, Chunran and Xiaran tied Kang Lizhang tightly with her mouth stuffed with cloth from the garden pavilion, and quietly put her into Qiu Yn¡¯s room.

    ¡°So?¡± Qiu Yn smiled and personally untied her, then asked Su He to bring in some food. Watching Kang Lizhang who was devouring like a wolf, she kindly reminded, ¡°I said it¡¯s for your own good that I cheated you there and tied you! I definitely didn¡¯t mean to harm you. Could you believe in me now?¡±

    ¡°Cousin, please! Please save us!¡± Kang Lizhang was tied up confusedly for a whole night, and heard the thrilling thing Qiu Mengmin personally admitted. Although in this season unchanging clothes for one night wouldn¡¯t make people stinky, now there was an obvious urine smell emitting from her, which showed how scared she was!

    She quickly ate some food when Qiu Yn was talking, and gathered a little strength then. Kang Lizhang had no more time caring about whether her wound on face was cured or not. She just kept kowtowing on the ground and refused to stand up, saying, ¡°My brother deserved it! It¡¯s right for you to kill him. My mother and I have mistakenly offended you so many times before, but you helped me to know the true face of First Uncle. I believe you also feel pitiful to us mother and daughter! Please, cousin, please show mercy and save us!¡±

    Qiu Yn touching her chin, said with a smile, ¡°What can I do to save you? If it weren¡¯t for the Empress¡¯s previous favor, I even should have not survivedst night!¡±

    ¡°Cousin, do you have any arrangement? Please feel free to tell me!¡± Kang Lizhang heard her words and knew that she was putting on airs. Madame Lu was gone, so Kang Family¡¯s mother and daughter suddenly lost support, too. They wouldn¡¯t have easy days even if they only considered about the hatred of Princess Yang.

    Qiu Mengmin has been filial to Madame Lu over years, and was partial to nieces. These made the Kang Family mother and daughter feel that he would not let Princess Yang treat them too bad in his presence even when Madame Lu is no more here.

    But now, knowing that Madame Lu was actually cheated and murdered by Qiu Mengmin, how could Kang Lizhang count on this uncle anymore?

    Even though she was sophisticated, she still can¡¯t help being in chaos at this moment. Face, hatred, future... she could think about none of them now. The only thing she did was stepping forward, grabbing Qiu Yn¡¯s skirt corner and begged, ¡°As long as you are willing to help us to survive, we¡¯ll do whatever you want!¡±

    Qiu Yn seemed to wear a faint smile on her face, ¡°There is a way to survive, but don¡¯t you dare to go?¡±

    Kang Lizhang hurriedly replied, ¡°Cousin, please tell!¡±

    ¡°To find a chance, you just tell your First Uncle alone that you have known everything happenedst night!¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t finish her words, but Kang Lizhang was scared to loosen the corner of her skirt, with her arms sping her chest tightly, horrifiedly said, ¡°Then First Uncle must not leave me alive!¡±

    ¡°How about the truth would be disclosed if he dare to kill you?¡± Qiu Yn snorted, ¡°If you don¡¯t say like this, your First Uncle may think you don¡¯t know the truth, so he may do nothing to you. But, don¡¯t forget your First Aunt, how miserable she was because of you mother and daughter¡¯s so many years bully? Guess will she let you go or not?¡±

    She leaned down and ignored Kang Lizhang¡¯s bad smell, leaning in her ear and said softly, ¡°You heard itst night: the idea was mine, and I said in front of your First Aunt.... At that time, your First Uncle did not agree. Could you assure that you First Uncle adopted this method atst without any of your First Aunt¡¯s instigation?¡±

    Kang Lizhang was trembling all over and her lips were trembling for a long time as well before she finally said, ¡°But... I...¡±

    ¡°No more ¡®but¡¯,¡± Qiu Yn threw up hands and said mercilessly, ¡°I point you the way to survive¡ª if you don¡¯t threaten your First Uncle, your First Aunt can kill you mother and daughter as easy as blowing off dust! You are able to threaten your First Uncle, as long as you have further preparation... And then, is there any need for you to worry about that he may not protect you?¡±

    While saying this, her eyes shed and then she reminded, ¡°You grew up in Prince¡¯s Mansion. Are you seventeen this year? With no engagement, so guess what kind of husband your First Aunt will find for you? Without Lu... Aunt Qiu, or you whole Kang Family, how can you confront First Aunt? I, as a Commandery Princess, have been arranged to marry such a guy, so what kind of garbage will you marry with? Think about it!¡±

    Sending Kang Lizhang away, Su He and other maids quickly opened the window to ventte the room, and lighted the incense burner to disperse the smell she brought in. And she said, ¡°I used to see Lady Lizhang¡¯s being capable. Who knows she¡¯s also so timid!¡±

    ¡°She used to be courageous because the bad luck had never fell on her.¡± Qiu Yn snorted, ¡°Now things areing to her, so she suddenly reveals the true colors!¡±

    After thinking for a while, she asked, ¡°Everything¡¯s ready?¡±

    Su He hurriedly replied, ¡°Yeah, all of it. Your Grace, do you want to look?¡±

    ¡°No, I do not know much about these....¡± Qiu Yn exhaled, gazing and saying, ¡°This time is mainly to tell mother this good news. As to the otion... I guess mother will not be too concerned about it!¡±

    Although she still hadn¡¯t figured out how Madame Lu got the poison Youmianxiang and plotted in secret against Princess Ruan and General Ruan, however, at least this person who directly killed Princess Ruan¡¯s father and daughter was dead now.

    Qiu Yn felt that she should go to sweep the grave and report this happy news to Princess Ruan.

 Chapter 61 - An Eye for an Eye!

    <strong>Chapter 61 An Eye for an Eye!</strong>

    About a three-or-four-day walk away from Jing City, there was a little hill, behind which stood a mountain of medium height and in front of which flew a river less than ten Chinese feet. This little hill could be counted as a good ce of blessing because of the mountain behind it and the river before it, though neither the mountain was high nor the river was deep.

    ¡°What a good ce!¡± Qiu Yn said with a half-smile holding the curtain in the carriage which had just arrived at the foot of the hill at sunset. Her eyes were fixed on a frightened hare, especially on its big beautiful back legs, for a long while and she finally decided to switch her eyes to the top of the hill.

    By the light of the sunset, she could see there were a bunch of people wearing in clothes.

    ¡°Send someone over and ask them whether they belong to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe,¡± Qiu Yn stared at them for a moment and smiled significantly. ¡°Let the leading persone here and talk!¡±

    The hill was not high, but it took some time to go up ande down.

    After a while, it became dark. The servants lit the torches and only a patch of ground was lit up¡ªafter all, it was a wild and opennd and that was all seven or eight torches could do.

    Beyond the firelight, it was endless darkness. Su He was scared of the dark and she stood very close to Qiu Yn, daring not to leave.

    Qiu Yn was amused by her and was about tofort her when a slight cough came from not far away and someone said with a strange tone, ¡°Cousin Yn, why are you here?¡±

    The servants heard it and stepped aside for Qiu Hongzhi toe over.

    This son of the concubine was over 20 now. He was short but good looking. Wearing a dark blue robe, he kept rolling a jade thumb ring with his right hand, while his left hand stayed behind his back. With a distant and vignt expression, he asked, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be looking after General Ruan in his Mansion? Why did you leave him ande here?¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t bother to answer him, ¡°Was Lu buried?¡±

    The impolite question made Qiu Hongzhi frowned and an angry expression appeared on his face!

    But Qiu Yn quickly continued, ¡°What are you mad at? Did you expect me to call her grandmother? Did she deserve it?¡±

    ¡°You must be joking, Cousin Yn,¡± Qiu Hongzhi said sullenly. He hated Qiu Yn from the bottom of his heart. If not including being preferred by Madame Lu, the fact that he lost Madame Lu as a big support in contending for the title was enough for him to resent her so much.

    However, he could do nothing to this cousin of him. Now he said with a disgust hard to hide, ¡°Why do you ask?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Qiu Yn was more impatient than him. She shouted with an angry face. ¡°You tell me, why do you want to bury Lu here?¡±

    ¡°She couldn¡¯t be buried in our family cemetery but she would miss grandfather and wished to look at his tomb. You are a Commandery Princess. Won¡¯t you fulfill this little wish of her?¡± Qiu Hongzhi felt humiliated by her constant dominant words, but he was afraid that if he left now, Qiu Yn would take it against him, so he had to repress his rage and answer.

    Still, Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Why should I fulfill her wish? Who was she?¡±

    She didn¡¯t wait for Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s answer but said, ¡°She was just an outsider! Grandmother had kicked her off, so she had no rtion with our family! I had allowed you to settle her affairs because she was the mother of my uncle. But you buried her at such a ce where she could see our family cemetery! What do you mean? Do you think that grandmother was wrong and Lu was treated unfairly?¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s expression changed a little. He said in a deep voice, ¡°I had consulted your granduncle from the Lian Family before I came here....¡±

    ¡°Then you didn¡¯t make it clear with granduncle!¡± Qiu Yn said coldly. ¡°Or else, granduncle wouldn¡¯t have agreed with you! You probably have told him about your difficulty so that he could allow you to bury Lu. Don¡¯t try to fool me because I¡¯m young! I tell you, you mustn¡¯t bury her here. If you dare, I will go to the pce and sue you for your disobedience of filial duty on behalf of my grandmother! She wanted to see our family cemetery? She missed my grandfather? How shameless! Who was she? She didn¡¯t deserve to!¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s face was pale with anger. He took one step forward toward the carriage and said, ¡°You...¡±

    Su He hurried to interpose herself between Qiu Yn and Qiu Hongzhi and watched him warily.

    ¡°Move away!¡± Qiu Yn pushed her back to her seat and sneered, ¡°What? I pointed out your fault and you want to hit me? I¡¯ve never seen an ungrateful man like you! I¡¯m right here. Don¡¯t you dare to beat me!¡±

    ¡°Young master, please calm down!¡± Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s servant quickly stopped him. If Qiu Hongzhi did hit Qiu Yn, in view of her brutal means, he would never have a good future!

    Qiu Hongzhi also knew it. Although he hated her so much that he wanted to strangle her, he forced himself to resist the impulse, clenching and rxing his fists for many times. He asked almost through gritted teeth, ¡°What do you want?¡±

    ¡°Bury her far away, at a random ce! She was just an abandoned concubine whose name was no longer on our genealogy. How dare she try to rte to our family?¡± Qiu Yn said formidably. ¡°When she was alive, she lived as Madame shamelessly for over a decade and received simr treatment as that of old Princess. Since she is dead now, things should be made clear! Even a lifelong prostitute should be more moral than her!¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Qiu Hongzhi had decided to tolerate her, but he was enraged by her mean words. He pulled up his sleeve and was about to rush over, ¡°I will make you...¡±

    Qiu Yn was also angry. She jumped off the carriage and said with her finger pointed at him, ¡°Make me what? Say it clearly!¡±

    ¡°Young master, please calm down! Please calm down!¡± the servants were terrified and tried hard to pull Qiu Hongzhi aside. They all persuaded him regardless of whether it would be heard by Qiu Yn, ¡°Prince is ill and Princess doesn¡¯t feel good. She also said that Master Qiu Yinzhi was too young and let you settle these things. What do you think she meant? Did you forget Master Lian¡¯s words? Also, Commandery Princess should be in General¡¯s Mansion and looking after General Ruan now. Why did she suddenlye here?¡±

    These words were like a bucket of cold water pouring down on Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s head. The servant feared that these words were still not enough, so he mentioned the former incident, ¡°Last time, you were pushed into theke and the suspect turned out to be Mistress Liu. How was that possible? She is in good graces and has no child, so why should she harm you?¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi took a deep breath and pushed away the servant¡¯s hands. He walked to Qiu Yn and said in a deep voice, ¡°Did Princess send you here?¡±

    Qiu Yn withdrew her unkindness and smiled as if she had never said any mean words, ¡°No wonder Lu and my uncle like you. You are so clever!¡±

    ¡°Did Princess treat you well so that you help her?¡± Qiu Hongzhi sneered. ¡°Do you think you can get something good if Qiu Yinzhi gets the title? By her morality...¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Qiu Yn lifted her hand to stop him. ¡°Aunt told me about this ce and the time and I know what¡¯s her n! Even if she didn¡¯t tell me, I would ask for it.¡±

    She squinted and said, ¡°Do you really think that I¡¯m here to make you angry?¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi slightly frowned and felt something wrong. He asked coldly, ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°I want to visit the graves of my grandparents and my parents,¡± Qiu Yn gazed at him with a half-smile. ¡°But I missed the daylight! I¡¯m a girl who¡¯s afraid of walking in the dark.... But luckily I met you! Go with me. In this way, you won¡¯t worry about me and I won¡¯t be scared, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi became angry, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°It means I don¡¯t want you to bury Lu!¡± Qiu Yn said frankly. ¡°When my mother died, I didn¡¯t have the chance to settle her affairs! She was the former Princess! Why an abandoned concubine like Lu could have her grandson to settle her affairs? Do you think I¡¯m a kind person who won¡¯t take revenge?¡±

    In the firelight, her smile was sweet and her appearance was beautiful, but her eyes were chilling, ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate! Follow me! Or when I return to Jing City, I will tell people you don¡¯t want to visit your official grandparents¡¯ graves because of an abandoned concubine! If it¡¯s known by all, think how ¡®happy¡¯ your official mother will be!¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s face was twisted for a long while. Persuaded by his confidential servant¡¯s whispering, he finally made his decision. Gritting his teeth, he said, ¡°Fine!¡±

    ¡°Oh, by the way,¡± Qiu Yn turned around with content and suddenly stopped, saying indifferently, ¡°My mother¡¯s affairs were settled by Cousin Ruan¡¯s 5,000 silver taels. So if you want to bury Lu, you should give me 6,000 silver taels! Or she should never be buried!¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi was riled up, ¡°It was Princess who took the money!¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you been in charge of the Mansion these days? When wee back, give me the money immediately!¡± Qiu Yn said lightly. ¡°If not, believe me, I¡¯m so good at getting my money back.... What¡¯s more, at that time, I will ask for far more than 6,000 silver taels!¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi looked at the curtain she flicked down speechlessly with his face pale with anger!

    The next day, at noon, the spring daylight covered the whole ground.

    ¡°Lu is dead. She was not only killed by her own son, but was deceived by her son. I guess before she died, she must have been so upset. Her affairs were also settled in a poor way.... Ha ha!¡±

    Before the high gravestone, Qiu Yn wore in clothes and was no longer mean or arrogant. She had sent all her servants far away. She stirred the joss paper in the pan and talked quietly to Princess Ruan in the tomb, ¡°She poisoned you and your father, and forced you to kill yourself so that your daughter could live.... Actually, even though you killed yourself, your real daughter has gone.... Even I don¡¯t know how she died.¡±

    ¡°The poison Youmianxiang involves too many people. Lu refused to tell where she got it. I tested Qiu Mengmin but it seemed that he also didn¡¯t know about it.... Or else, why didn¡¯t he think your death was significant? I¡¯m not able to find out the real criminal behind all the things. I can only let Lu die and vent your anger!¡±

    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s not only Lu, Qiu Mengmin, Qiu Yuqing, Princess Yang who have bullied you two.... Like Cousin Ruan said, none of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe¡¯s people is good!¡± Qiu Yn murmured. ¡°Please rest assured. I will remember them all and let no one get away.... After all, who knows whether some of them have Youmianxiang?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t even know how that poison smells or what it looks like.... It¡¯s too tiring to be watchful to those people. They¡¯d better all die so that I won¡¯t be afraid,¡± the firelight reflected on her face made her fair and tender cheek pink and attractive. ¡°Oh, I almost forgot there is another piece of good news: the Ruan Family has an heir now and will live on. Although now the Ruan Family is in decline, this heir seems promising!¡±

    ¡°Though his origin seems questionable...¡±

    ¡°But he¡¯s good to me and it¡¯s all because of you. After all, I have angered him several times and I¡¯m not a good cousin in his mind. If he didn¡¯t think of you as his aunt, he would have left me alone.¡±

    ¡°Nevertheless, if only he can revive the Ruan Family, it may be okay that he leaves me alone and I live independently....¡±

    ¡°Anyway, I will take justice back to all the grief and disappointment you felt....¡±

    ¡°I do this for my own parents who took their lives to make me alive.... It¡¯s a pity that I can¡¯t pay my filial piety to them now. So please take my offer instead of them....¡±

    She reached out her hand and stroking the characters on the gravestone. Then she leaned her head on it and the cold feeling made her dazed, ¡°Dad, mom, how are you now?¡±

    The memories of both her past life and this life came surging.

    But Qiu Yn had learned to control her emotion in thest phase. She let her mood flow out for a moment and then forced herself up. She bowed to the gravestone, ¡°Time¡¯s up and I should leave. I hope in the near future I can tell you more good news!¡±

    At the edge of her vision, she saw Su He and others wereing towards her. Qiu Yn took out a handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped her tears on the cheek, saying quietly, ¡°Yes, whatever situation I¡¯m in, I should keep alive and well! I have made it, right?¡±

    Her parents in herst life had both died when they protected her from crowds of zombies. Theirst words were the same, ¡°Stay alive! Live well!¡±

    ¡°I have survived. Now I should live well... and make sure those in my way live bitterly!¡± Qiu Yn threw the handkerchief in the pan and ordered calmly, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    The sky was high and the cloud was thin.

    In this season where the spring sun and wind were both soft, even a cemetery covered with pines and cypress was warm and tender. Such tenderness was like a mother¡¯s gentleness and love, full of the Creator¡¯s blessing to all the creatures.

    The brighter and brighter vision before her was like a lively road of the future. The more she moved forward, the brighter and more prosperous the future would be.

    In the vast vigor of the spring, flowers were blooming boundlessly.

 Chapter 62 - You Are So Heartless and Ruthless. You Totally Broke My Heart!

    <b>Chapter 62 You Are So Heartless and Ruthless. You Totally Broke My Heart!</b>

    Morning, General¡¯s Mansion.

    Backyard.

    Qiu Yn pushed the window open with a cracking sound. A few peach blossoms were in bloom in the yard outside the window. They were red like a sunset glow. When the soft wind blew, falling petals went through the yard and entered the room with mist, and finallynded on people¡¯s head softly.

    She turned around and fawningly flicked away a petal on Ruan Qingyan¡¯s shoulder who was healing his wounds in bed. And then she wiped off the dew he got from the petal with a handkerchief, ¡°Cousin, you are so hardworking.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan stared at the book in his hand intently. It seemed that he didn¡¯t hear her.

    Qiu Yn wasn¡¯t discouraged. Dongran came in holding a bowl of medicine after a while. She approached and took it over in a hurry. She blew on a spoon of the medicine affably and fed it to Ruan Qingyan, ¡°Cousin, it¡¯s time for your medicine.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan tried to avoid and moved backward. He put down his book and then looked at Dongran who was behind Qiu Yn.

    Dongran smiled awkwardly, ¡°Um... Your Grace, how about letting me serve young master?¡±

    Qiu Yn had to give the bowl back to her bitterly.

    After a while, Ruan Qingyan finished drinking his medicine. Qiu Yn handed him a te of preserved fruit in a hurry, ¡°Cousin, want one?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan picked up his book again.

    He didn¡¯t even look at her the whole time.

    Was he still the gentle and thoughtful Cousin Ruan who used to show her the utmost solicitude and forbear her in everything?

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m a push-over? It has been two days! I have said I was wrong for several times! And I have transcribed the ¡°Behavioral Norms of Girls¡±. Smile to you every day. And seek all means to y up to you. You still give me the long face?¡± Qiu Yn looked down at the preserved fruit in her hand. Her face was going dark. Finally, she couldn¡¯t helpshing out, ¡°What? Do you think I can do nothing about you?¡±

    ¡°Your Grace...¡± seeing the situation going bad, Dongran didn¡¯t have time to clean up the bowl. She rushed to them in a hurry trying to dissuade.

    However, the sibling fight Dongran was worried about didn¡¯t happen.

    Not just didn¡¯t happen, what Qiu Yn did next was truly unwatchable!

    She threw herself at the side of the bed and hugged Ruan Qingyan as sudden as lightning. Then she cried out loud, ¡°Ohhh... Cousin, I was wrong. I was wrong. I was really wrong! Don¡¯t ignore me, okay? Okay? Ohhh... I only have you now... How could you treat me like this? You are so heartless and ruthless. You are being unreasonable...Eh. No. I¡¯ll rephrase. You are so heartless and ruthless. You totally broke my heart. Do you know that?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan who focused on studying and didn¡¯t bother about what¡¯s happening in the outside world was stupefied.

    After a long time, he patted on Qiu Yn¡¯s arm gently with a sigh. His tone was full of frustration which was caused by herck of moral integrity, ¡°Can you not be so rascally? Do you think you got the head start by hugging me and crying, and I will forget you are doing the routine ¡®first cry, then throw a tantrum and finally threaten to hang yourself¡¯?¡±

    ¡°Ohhh... You actually said that I was rascal!¡± hearing this, Qiu Yn cried louder, ¡°Even you say that about me, there is nothing for me to live for...¡±

    She let go of Ruan Qingyan, ¡°I think it¡¯s better that I jump into the lotus pond! Or knock my head against the stone lion at the door, have my meal with arsenic... Anyway, I don¡¯t want to live!¡±

    After the triple kill, Ruan Qingyan¡¯s look changed a few times. He held his forehead with frustration, ¡°Stop being nonsense! Don¡¯t act like those ignorant marketce women!¡±

    ¡°I know you adore me the most!¡± Qiu Yn stopped crying immediately. She finished wiping her face quickly. Acting like nothing had happened, she said sweetly at once, ¡°How can you bear to keep ignoring me, right?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan was so disturbed. He tried so hard to stop himself from jumping out of bed to punish her. He asked her grinding his teeth, ¡°Lu killed herself two days ago, are you responsible for that? You are much bolder right now. How dare you involve yourself in things which concern human lives! Who taught you that?¡±

    Qiu Yn blinked her bright eyes, ¡°Oh, I have nothing to do with that. I just went back and mocked them a little. As for how did Lu died, I think my uncle should know better!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan¡¯s pupil contracted a little, ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Cousin Kang told me. I don¡¯t know whether it¡¯s true or not,¡± Qiu Yn distorted the fact shamelessly to avoid Ruan Qingyan knowing that she put herself in danger to discover Qiu Mengmin killing his mother. Ruan Qingyan ignored her in these days. Because she dragged Kang Lizhang back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion in a hurry without telling him or asking for permission on that day.

    If Ruan Qingyan who determined to protect her knew how she deliberately nned to provoke Qiu Mengmin and others, and how she showed no mercy and made them hold a simple memorial ceremony for Lu, She wasn¡¯t afraid that she might go too far which would make Qiu Mengmin and his son put up a desperate fight with her. He would probably be hopping mad.

    Just like what she thought, after Ruan Qingyan heard that it was Kang Lizhang who told her, his look wasn¡¯t so bad. He snorted, ¡°This woman isn¡¯t kind. She may not be trusted.¡±

    ¡°Cousin, you are right,¡± Qiu Yn put on an approval look.

    The most important thing right now was to make Cousin Ruan forgive her anyway. As for what to do next, she was familiar with overtly agreeing but covertly opposing!

    Ruan Qingyan who still had a little hope for her cousin¡¯s morality integrity was bewildered by her tame and teachable appearance. He felt a little better and asked her about the grave visiting.

    Qiu Yn observed his look carefully. She told him things which wouldn¡¯t provoke him and said atst, ¡°Because I met big brother on the road. He asked me repeatedly to move back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion after I came back this time.¡±

    She made Qiu Hongzhi furious a few times when they visited the gave this time. He surely couldn¡¯t ask her repeatedly. Even if he did, he could never pay attention to it, if she didn¡¯t want to move back. She said so because she didn¡¯t want to live in the General¡¯s Mansion anymore.

    She moved here because she was afraid of being harmed in the Prince¡¯s Mansion after all. And she also wanted to find her way out after she moved out of the Prince¡¯s Mansion.

    Now she had achieved her goal. How could she keep hiding in the General¡¯s Mansion when she could get her revenge and expand territory taking advantage of the good situation?

    General¡¯s Mansion didn¡¯t have a hostess after all. Even Deng Yi was here, it was only a matter of time before people started to talk about her reputation and integrity. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t care. But Jiang Family took a fancy to Ruan Qingyan as their son-inw. Although Ruan Qingyan was calm when Qiu Yn told him the information, the passion shing through his eyes at that very moment made Qiu Yn realize that her cousin was very interested in being Jiang Family¡¯s son-inw.

    In that case, Qiu Yn surely wouldn¡¯t stand in his way.

    ¡°Why did you listen to him?¡± hearing that she was going to go back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion, Ruan Qingyan¡¯s look which just got better went bad again, ¡°Grandfather is your biological grandfather. You are taking care of a sick elder. Who can speak ill of you? If you are afraid of the rumors, we can send Deng Yi away and I will live in one of my closest friends¡¯ houses.¡±

    ¡°I think my big brother has a point. I¡¯m a member of Qiu Family after all. It¡¯s inappropriate that I keep living here,¡± Qiu Yn said in a hurry, ¡°Besides after this, especially now Lu is dead, how could they dare to bully me like before? Besides, am I a pushover?¡±

    You were an adopted grandson. You moved out when grandfather was heavily ill. Did you want to get impeached by the Censor?

    Seeing Ruan Qingyan was about to say something, Qiu Yn changed the topic in a hurry, ¡°If I move back, you need to help me with something. I don¡¯t want to keep the servants of the Prince¡¯s Mansion. I n to buy a few myself. But I haven¡¯t bought one before. Please help me take a look.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t fall for her trick. He said with a straight face, ¡°I still don¡¯t approve of you moving back. It doesn¡¯t matter how Lu died. Everyone in the Prince¡¯s Mansion must hate your guts right now. Why did Qiu Hongzhi ask you to go back? Because he ns to deal with you after you go back.¡±

    ¡°Am I that easy to be dealt with?¡± Qiu Yn pulled his sleeve and shook it from side to side coquettishly. She used her sweet voice shamelessly, ¡°Besides, Qiu Hongzhi is busy fighting against Qiu Yinzhi for the Young Prince position. Although Qiu Yinzhi is young, his mother¡¯s family which is the Yang Family is hard to deal with. Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s wife¡¯s family which is the Ding Family is not as powerful as Yang Family. He won¡¯t have time to mess with me. He should consider himself lucky that I don¡¯t mess with him.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan sneered, ¡°That¡¯s easy for you to say! Do you want to step in? That¡¯s why you are so eager to go back?¡±

    ¡°Eh...¡± really didn¡¯t have enough credit? Qiu Yn rapidly thought about what should she say at this moment to make Ruan Qingyan trust her?

    ¡°Young Master! Young Master! Great news! Great news!¡± when the atmosphere in the room became a little awkward, messy footsteps suddenly came from the winding corridor. With the ovepping sound of ¡°Great News¡±, the door got pushed open with a cracking sound. A servant in blue rushed in. With a face full of happiness, he said loudly, ¡°Congrattions, Young Master! You are No. 35 on the Gongshi enrolling list!¡±

    They were stunned at first. And then Qiu Yn and Dongran were wild with joy, ¡°Got it?¡±

    ¡°No. 35 on the Gongshi enrolling list, I¡¯m sure of it! I saw it with my own eyes. I had a clear look!¡± the servant in blue was the one they sent to take a look at the list. In fact, after getting ignored by Ruan Qingyan for two days, Qiu Yn came to Ruan Qingyan¡¯s inner chamber in the morning and tried to please him. Because the Gongshi enrolling list woulde out on that day. She thought if she couldn¡¯t get Ruan Qingyan to forgive her, she could have this thing to kill time.

    However, they were busy arguing with each other. They both forgot such an important thing.

    Now hearing the servant say he got the title, Qiu Yn smiled immediately. She said to Ruan Qingyan happily, ¡°Cousin, shall we reward them?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± his cousin and the servants were very happy. By contrast, Ruan Qingyan was extremely calm. Although he was smiling, he was far from excited. He nodded slightly, ¡°Dongran, go and give them the rewards.¡±

    He asked Dongran to take the servants out and then turned to Qiu Yn. He brought up the topic again, ¡°About keep staying in the General¡¯s Mansion...¡±

    ¡°Cousin, you have already got the title. Are you still afraid that I may be bullied?¡± Qiu Yn argued coquettishly, ¡°They were not able to fight against us when you just had the Juren title. Now you have the Gongshi title. Soon you will have the Jinshi title... Who in the Prince¡¯s Mansion dare to offend me in public from now on?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan had a serious look, ¡°What about in private?¡±

    ¡°I still get you, do I?¡± Qiu Yn said sweetly, ¡°Won¡¯t you back me up if I move back there?¡±

    She lowered her voice, ¡°Qiu Mengmin and his wife are sick now. And you get the Gongshi title. I go back now, It can be described as full of momentum! This kind of good chance may never appear again. To be honest, cousin, I can¡¯t stay here until I get married, can I? So, it¡¯s better I go back at the best time instead of going backter. If I miss my chance now, it will cause me more trouble when I go backter.¡±

    After she tried every possible way to persuade Ruan Qingyan, he instructed sighing, ¡°Be careful! Anything goes wrong,e back at once. Don¡¯t mind others¡¯ judgements. Your well being is the most important thing, understand?¡±

    ¡°I know, I know!¡± Qiu Yn nodded repeatedly. She said with a serious look, ¡°I¡¯m waiting to bully people by unting my powerful connections after you do well in your career. I won¡¯t treat myself poorly.¡±

    Qiu Yn got out of General¡¯s Mansion. Seeing all the guests swarming in, she was relieved, ¡°Ruan Family will have a lot of rtives and friends from now on.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so happy today,¡± Su He said with emotion, ¡°Your Grace, you also sound much happier than usual.¡±

    ¡°This is what we called a merry heart makes a cheerful countenance. Of course, I¡¯m delighted,¡± Qiu Yn squinted a little and said cosily. She reached out and let the sunshine shine into her hands though the half-lifted curtain.

    Su He said innocently, ¡°Only if this kind of good things could happen every day.¡±

    Chunran and Xiaran both smiled, ¡°How could the result of imperial examination in springe out every day?¡±

    ¡°Although the result of the imperial examination in spring can¡¯te out every day, we can find other things to make us happy!¡± Qiu Yn smiled slyly and touched Su He¡¯s head. She said with a smile, ¡°Let¡¯s go! We will go see Granduncle Lian and others. I will let you know why I forbid you guys to mention old Princess¡¯s and mother¡¯s dowries!¡±

    Spring brought hope to thend. Everything was prosperous. She didn¡¯t want those annoying people to enjoy such a good time, good season and good life like she did!

    Happiness which built on enemies¡¯ miseries was the real happiness. And it was also the true meaning of happiness. Qiu Yn who had little moral integrity and incorrect perspectives firmly believed it!

 Chapter 63 - Premiership for You, Dowry Returned to Me

    <strong>Chapter 63 Premiership for You, Dowry Returned to Me</strong>

    At Jiang¡¯s residence, Lian Chen was surprised when he saw Qiu Yn. ¡°I thought you are out of town,¡± said he.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been to the old Princess¡¯s and my mother¡¯s tombs for a while,¡± said Qiu Yn. Old Princess Lian¡¯s tomb was close to Princess Ruan¡¯s. Qiu Yn wanted to say something privately to Princess Ruan. Shemanded Su He and others to sweep the tomb. How could she not feel shame when she said so? ¡°When I wasing back, I forgot to say goodbye to my uncle.¡±

    ¡°Sure. I should have been there too,¡± said Lian Chen, stroking his long beard. He sighed and continued, ¡°Now we all know how mean Qiu Mengmin is. Lu suicided for fearing the punishment. So, it sounded reasonable for you to mourn them....¡±

    Hearing what he said, Qiu Yn was shocked and said, ¡°Lu suicided because of fearing for the punishment?¡±

    ¡°This has been concluded by the judge,¡± smiled Lian Jianhao.

    Qiu Yn understood that this must be the conclusion of Empress Jiang¡¯s instead of the judge¡¯s. She asked immediately, ¡°What about my uncle?¡±

    ¡°Because Qiu Mengmin¡¯s two sons refused to seed to the title, Empress Dowager concluded that Duke of Xihe has no other offspring to seed the title. She insisted that Qiu Mengmin must resume as the Duke of Xihe,¡± said Lian Jianhai, adding, ¡°But he was fined a decade¡¯s sry by the Empress and revoke his other titles apart from the title of the nobility....¡±

    Speaking of this, Lian Jianhai reminded her, ¡°Empress must have rewarded you when you were out of town. When did youe back? You haven¡¯t been to the Prince¡¯s Mansion yet, have you? I suggest that you write a thank-you letter to the Emperor.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for your heads-up,¡± said Qiu Yn, nodding. She was wondering why Empress Jiang resumed his post so easily. There must have something uncovered. So, she asked, ¡°This time, I could vindicate my grandmother. Thanks for you alling here testifying and helping me out.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not a big deal. Your grandmother is my sister. It is my responsibility to defend you,¡± said Lian Chen, adding, ¡°Over the past years, because we parted miles away, I even had no chance to protect you which caused your grandmother and you to be bullied and humiliated. I deeply regret that. So, no need to say thank you.¡±

    Qiu Yn, of course, would say that it deserved to thank everybody who had offered help, in particr, Lian Family ¡ª They had already had this small talk for a while. And then she went to the point, ¡°Although Lu died because of fear, she was your biological mother. As she had passed away, I thought that you must harbor resentment against me in your heart.¡±

    She bit her lips, looking at Lian Chen and saying, ¡°Hoping you can remind me of the things that I may infuriate you in the future.¡±

    ¡°Sure, it is a problem,¡± said Lian Chen, looking at Lian Jianhao and Lian Jianhai, adding, ¡°As there is no womenfolk serving you over here from your family, I am thinking that you have to leave and find another ce to live.¡±

    He thought for a while and continued, ¡°How about this? I will ask your two uncles to stay with you now. Andter, I will send somebody to pick your aunts. They can visit you from time to time. I don¡¯t think that Qiu Mengmin dares to bully or humiliate you when they are around.¡±

    Lian Jianhao seemed to have something to say.

    Lian Chen looked at him, saying, ¡°Anything wrong?¡±

    ¡°Although they can often visit her, it cannot solve the rooted problem,¡± said Lian Jianhao with hesitation, adding, ¡°Apart from Qiu Mengmin, there are only women left in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. It is unreasonable for the servants who do not stand on Prince¡¯s side but support the young Commandery Princess, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned, seeming like being anxious.

    ¡°Do you have any n?¡± questioned Lian Chen.

    ¡°Since my sister¡¯s husband died, she swore that she would not remarry and she will only focus on her kid. Nothing else....¡±

    What she said reminded Lian Chen. He turned to Qiu Yn and said, ¡°Your aunt was raised by your grandmother with a good education. She and her husband were good and nice people. It was a pity that her husband died so early. He went to attend the provincial examination and then vomited blood. He died soon after the examination. He even got third ce at that examination ... They only had a daughter named Qingqian. If I am guessing right, she is one year younger than you.¡±

    The point is, ¡°Your aunt missed your uncle so much and considering that Qingqian is still young, despite her husband died in his twenties, she still did not intend to marry again. At the beginning ofst year, the countryside official even erected a memorial archway for her.¡±

    The people of Darui had an open mind. Divorce and remarry were not unusual in this country. Due to this reason, there were few memorial archways in the country. The memorial archway yed a tremendous role somehow in the country. Despite Mrs. Lian had no title of nobility on her, she was respected by the people because of the memorial archway.

    It was explicit that the meaning of Lian Family was: They hoped Qiu Yn would ask Mrs. Lian to move to the capital, living in the Prince¡¯s Mansion.

    Above all, Mrs. Lian and Qiu Mengmin were of the same generation. She was also the niece of Qiu Mengmin¡¯s mother. If she could make no big mistakes, Qiu Mengmin would not frame her. In particr, she was one of the representatives of the virtuous women. Even Princess Yang must restrain herself before her.

    With the help of Mrs. Lian, Qiu Yn would enjoy peaceful times ¡ª yet, who could ensure that something else would not happen to her?

    Qiu Yn had never met Mrs. Lian before. She was worried that whether this aunt was a strict and pedantic woman. If she was, that meant Qiu Yn caged herself by inviting this woman. And then, it would be hard to get rid of her and probably would infuriate Lian Family as well.

    Thinking of this, Qiu Yn said calmly, ¡°I am so impressed by Aunt Lian¡¯s bearing!¡± That was all she said, nothing more.

    Hearing of her words, Lian Chen stroked his beard, looking at Lian Jianhao and Lian Jianhai ¡ª They had realized that Qiu Yn, despite 13 years old then, seemed much maturer than her age. Not feeling disappointed, Lian Chen said gently, ¡°Your aunt is a nicedy with a kind heart. Her daughter is also a good girl. If shees here living with you, you may enjoy the days with them.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s perfect,¡± said Qiu Yn, smiling. But she still said nothing more.

    Lian Chen realized that even she knew that she would encounter many troubles living alone in the Prince¡¯s Mansion, she would not agree to live with her aunt until she had met her aunt.

    So, he left it behind and changed the topic, ¡°I heard that General Ruan¡¯s grandson has passed the metropolitan examination, congrats to him!¡±

    Nobody would reject to share the good news, in particr, from a rtive who was skilled at study ¡ª Qiu Yn also fell into this sphere. So, she smiled and said, ¡°Cousin Ruan does excel at study.¡±

    ¡°I heard that your cousin is the youngest examinee among all,¡± said Lian Ding, who was standing beside them and kept silent. He suddenly broke his silence, adding, ¡°As for this, I am 2 years younger than him, but I am even not a Xiucai. What a shame!¡±

    ¡°How could youpete with junior General Ruan?¡± said Lian Jianhai, smiling.

    Qiu Yn thought to herself: As the young master of Jiang Family and the son of Great General of North who was in charge of a majority of troops, Jiang Yashuang, of course, would be called General Jiang even if he was born with nothing.

    However, on the other hand, Ruan Qingyan, as the only grandson of General Ruan¡¯s, passed the examination. Until this moment, people realized that he was a child of a General.

    To meditate and relieve Lian Jianhai¡¯s son, Lian Chen said to Qiu Yn, ¡°There may be many visitors in theing days in the General Ruan¡¯ mansion. You have been living in his mansion by far. Is it okay still?¡±

    ¡°I have asked my servants to move my stuff to the Prince¡¯s Mansion while the Imperial Court was over that day,¡± said Qiu Yn.

    ¡°Please take care,¡± said Lian Chen, frowning. ¡°We should always keep an eye on everything... Above all, your uncle is Prince. Well, as we hastened to move, we forget to take some womenfolk with us, or we can leave several for you.¡±

    ¡°No need to worry about me. Lu just died for fear days ago. If my uncle is angry at me now, I guess he would leave me alone recently. If he punishes me, he will defy Empress,¡± said Qiu Yn, smiling. ¡°I, actually, came here because of big trouble. I need your help!¡± continued she.

    ¡°What is it?¡± said Lian Chen, shockingly.

    ¡°Well, you know that my grandmother and my mother have died. I have no immediate family members in the world,¡± sighed Qiu Yn. ¡°Their dowry, in general, should be inherited by me ¡ª for your record, I am not a greedy person. I am thinking that the dowry is the remains of my family members. It is unjustifiable to give it to others. When my mother was severely ill, my aunts have taken some stuff from us... I was worried that some people who do not know the whole story may think I am not a good remains keeper.¡±

    Hearing of this, Lian Family members turned pale. One said, ¡°It is not about your greed. Nobody should upy a girl¡¯s dowry except her kid! This has been a rule since long ago. It is also a rule documented in thews of Darui! How dare the members of the Prince¡¯s Mansion who not only disobeyed the will of old Princess but also grasp old Princess¡¯s stuff?¡±

    Lian Ding was furious and said, ¡°Grandpa, they even dare to defy my grandmother¡¯s will and has supported Lu in the Prince¡¯s Mansion for over ten years. It¡¯s impossible for them, of course, to stay away from my aunts¡¯ stuff! What they did was a tremendous humiliation for my sister Qiu Yn.¡±

    ¡°So, what stuff on earth has been taken by them? Did you check the list?¡± said Lian Chen, angrily. He did not seem like in a hurry ¡ª Anyone could judge who was right and who was wrong in this conflict. Standing on the right side, Lian Chen was not worried about the result. Anyway, the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe still existed. He could ask them topensate for the loss if any.

    Qiu Yn said helplessly, ¡°The key part is that I don¡¯t have the list of my grandmother¡¯s and my mother¡¯s dowry. I even did not see any sheet. I have asked the servants of my mother¡¯s. They told me they had not seen it before. I used to suspect that the sheet was taken by my aunts. Yet they even once ask me to give them the sheet! I can¡¯t judge whether they were lying or not.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal,¡± said Lian Chen, frowning. He ended up being happy and said, ¡°We have one copy of the sheet of old Princess¡¯s dowry. Although we forgot to take it with us this time. I think that we can send somebody back and fetch it for us.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think it is safe on the way forth and back...¡± reminded Lian Ding.

    There had been Many Jiang Family¡¯s Men of Sacrifice who died along the roads. Thinking of this, Lian Chen was anxious gravely.

    This was the reason why Qiu Yn hurried toe over here discussing it with Lian Family ¡ª Many servants of Jiang Family had died for protecting the persons and mails walking to the capital. Hundreds of men died, of course, would scare away those for the task.

    Even if Empress Dowager Gu did not care about the sheet of the dowry, Lian Family could not beat up the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe in terms of force.

    She was nning to say that Qiu Mengmin and his wife were ¡°lying on the bed due to illness¡±, we should go and return as soon as possible... Before she said so, Lian Jianhai asked, ¡°I heard days ago from Lian Ding that he had seen Master Qiu in the capital.¡±

    ¡°You are right!¡± said Lian Ding, being happy. ¡°How could I forget Master Qiu? If he can do us a big favor. We will be fine on the way if there are not many mobs.¡±

    Qiu Yn said surprisingly, ¡°Master Qiu?¡±

    ¡°He is something like a cowboy,¡± exined Lian Jianhao. ¡°He was born in a family of a schr. No idea why he became a cowboy wandering in the world...¡±

    ¡°Uncle, Master Qiu once said that a man should read thousands of books and travel thousands of miles,¡± said Lian Ding. He seemed like admiring him very much. He even nned to argue with Lian Jianhao about his heroism. ¡°Master Qiu is still at his young age, uncle. How could you know he will not take the examinations in the future? And, Master Qiu is a vigorous and unrestrained man. He has helped many people when he was traveling around. In my opinion, He is better than many...¡±

    Lian Jianhai frowned and yelled, ¡°Shut up and behave yourself!¡±

    Lian Jianhao said immediately it was fine ¡ª Lian Chen did not intend to be involved in the children¡¯s spat and said to Qiu Yn, ¡°Years ago, I heard that a number of murder cases urred in Lanxi. The suspect had gone away when they confirmed who did them. The family members of the victims, however, did not give up. They invited Master Qiu to break the cases ¡ª It was so impressive that this man beheaded the suspect within months and sent it to the locals. More interesting was that this man did not take away all the bonus, instead, he shared the majority of his money with the family members of victims and left himself only a small sum.¡±

    Lian Ding said excitedly, ¡°He has been to our house before!¡±

    ¡°And your uncle thought that he was born in the family of a schr. Thus, he borrowed some books to him and allowed him to stay at home for months,¡± said Lian Chen, stroking his beard. ¡°So, we met him before and we may have been friends ever since... This man enjoyed a good reputation and is skilled at Kung Fu. If he could lend us a hand, we will be safer along the way... But I think...¡±

    ¡°But what?¡± asked Qiu Yn curiously. They suddenly all talked about a terrific cowboy who she was eager to meet.

    ¡°But nobody knows his background,¡± said Lian Chen. ¡°Master Qiu is not his real name. He got this name years ago. At that moment, he was standing against rails on the second floor of a hotel, looking at the falling leaves. He was asked his name and he said casually ¡°Qiu Feng¡±. It sounded not like a real name somehow. We only have one copy of the sheet of dowry. In case this man is not the man we can depend on...¡±

 Chapter 64 - General Jiang After Bath

    <strong>Chapter 64 General Jiang After Bath</strong>

    Because the matter was so great, at the end of the discussion, Lian Chen still couldn¡¯t agree with Lian Ding¡¯s suggestion and he decided to think about some other methods. Chivalry, loyalty and friendship... these sounded like attractive for young people like Lian Ding. But for sophisticated old people like Lian Chen, these are empty words as drifting clouds.

    Lian Chen had met with Qiu Feng before but still can¡¯t believe him; Qiu Yn, a person who remained doubtful about Ruan Qingyan¡¯s origin, was even more reluctant to take risks.

    ¡°Have you ever heard of this guy, Qiu Feng?¡± Qiu Yn asked Chunran and Xiaran on the way back to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe.

    Both of them nodded, ¡°Although the Iron Master Qiu only appears for recent few years, but his reputation is so great and spreading so fast that even the stadholder of Jiao Zhou wants to recruit him. However, because nobody knows his origin and he could hardly be met with... so finally, the stadholder gives up.¡±

    ¡°How about his ent? You know that people¡¯s ents are different from each other in different viges in the south?¡± Qiu Yn frowned slightly. When Lian Chen said that the origin of Qiu Feng was unknown, she felt uncertain. But now, even the stadholder of Jiao Zhou neither couldn¡¯t make a thorough investigation of his unknown background, so it was beyond unclear, but suspicious. Unless it was in the era of war and in a state of anarch, otherwise, the government¡¯s power should definitely be the greatest and most extensive.

    Xiaran said, ¡°But his ent is just simple authentic Mandarin.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn felt speechless.

    Chunran proposed, ¡°Why not go back to General¡¯s Mansion and ask the young master? He met with and made friends with lots of people when he was in the south. He knows people of all sorts, so he may hear on the grapevine and know some private information.¡±

    ¡°Cousin is getting sick and recuperating now. Moreover, the pce exam would be on Mar. 15th. I don¡¯t want him to get distracted.¡± Qiu Yn shook her head, ¡°No matter how much the dowry is, how could it bepared with cousin¡¯s prospect?¡±

    Su He couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°Can we ask General Jiang to help?¡±

    ¡°If Jiang Family get involved, I¡¯m afraid Empress Dowager Gu won¡¯t sit back and watch,¡± Qiu Yn kept shaking head, ¡°besides, I just picked up and sent back a cat of him, and he has already returned the favor.¡±

    Even though she said like this... When Su He and other servants were all settled at night, Qiu Yn got up quietly, changing her clothes into a neat dark one, then left the room through window and went straight to the wall next to Jiang¡¯s residence....

    A momentter, stroking her chest, she hid in one room in Jiang¡¯s residence and sighed for her adventure, ¡°It¡¯s just one of their residences, even if it¡¯s inhabited, how could they go so far as guarding so carefully? Fortunately, the zombies of my previous life were smarter and moving more swiftly than these Kungfu masters.... Huh... I was almost found by them just now.... I¡¯m so weak now!¡±

    Wiping the cold sweat, Qiu Yn felt her in a dilemma, ¡°How could I forget that I even don¡¯t know where Jiang Yashuang lives! This residence is so big! If I keep searching like this, I may be witnessed... and I couldn¡¯t just kill people optionally like in my previous life.... If I retreat, it¡¯s so hard to give up after making so great effort....¡±

    When she was thinking deeply and weighing the pros and cons, a sound of footstep just came from the outside gallery, and then a girl whispered softly, calling out liquidly, ¡°Jiang Tan!¡±

    Qiu Yn suddenly awoke and realized: Isn¡¯t this Jiang Tan Jiang Yashuang¡¯s trusted subordinate£¿

    As her expectation, Jiang Tan¡¯s voice sounded in the court, calling the girl ¡°Your Grace He.¡± It sounded like he was pretty surprised, ¡°Your Grace, haven¡¯t you slept yet? Is it because you haven¡¯t used to the bed here?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care about this,¡± the girl¡¯s voice was sweet and crisp, but also showing her nimbleness, ¡°I just greeted Madame and went to sister Qizheng to chat for a while. I am about to go back! It¡¯s sote now, so why are you still here?¡±

    ¡°Xixiang ink which is used by the neenth young master runs out. But following the old Master¡¯s instruction, he hasn¡¯t finished practicing calligraphy today yet. So, the young master asks me to go to the warehouse to get some while he is practicing sword fighting,¡± Jiang Tan exined, ¡°and I¡¯m going to send the ink.¡±

    The youngdy He then said, ¡°Oh, wait... fine, forget it. You call Caiqi or Caiying toe here tomorrow. I got some very nice ink this time when I left Jing City. Let cousin try it.¡± Obviously, she formerly wanted Jiang Tan to take it to Jiang Yashuang on his way back, but then thought that it was sote and it was not appropriate for Jiang Tan, a manservant to get her residence. So she changed her mind.

    Jiang Tan smiled and said, ¡°The neenth young master just said, after your grace back, you must bring something for him.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s almost an adult now. How could he still look forward to what I bring to him like a child as before?¡± That youngdy Heughed, ¡°Go back and tell him, so that he won¡¯t make a blind guess and could concentrate when practicing calligraphy. If the old Master found him absent-minded, he would be punished and has to rewrite it one more time.¡±

    After Jiang Tan greeted and left, the youngdy He and her servants also went away, Qiu Yn hurriedly walked out of the house and chased after Jiang Tan.

    Following Jiang Tan, she smoothly went to a small independent courtyard near theke.

    Before she entered, she had already heard the sound of brandishing a sword.

    Qiu Yn thought for some time, then went around the courtyard and climbed over the wall to get in. Entering the courtyard, the sound of the de breaking through the air became clearer. She looked out from a dark corner of the wall. In the court, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s long sword danced into a silver light. He yed it so well as his defense was like water-impermeable. But Jiang Tan was absent. Maybe he went to the study room to put down the ink. Two maids in colorful dresses serving in the gallery, and they probably be Caiqi and Caiying Jiang Tan just said to the youngdy.

    ¡°So... how long will his practice take? Well, Jiang Tan just said that he hasn¡¯t finished practicing calligraphy. Maybe find the study room first.¡± Qiu Yn withdrew her head.

    The yard was not very big, so it was easy to get to the study room. Not long after, Qiu Yn got into a room full of books.

    At this time, Jiang Tan had left the ink on the table and left himself. She hid in a corner in the dark and began to wait. At the same time, she was preparing the words which she may have to sayter to convince Jiang Yashuang to help more or less.

    After a while...

    ¡°How could he still haven¡¯t shown up? It is already midnight, and Darui didn¡¯t have an Imperial Exam for warriors. How could he be so hardworking?¡±

    And another whileter...

    ¡°There¡¯s no sound in the yard. Why nobody shows up? Is there more than one study room?! So where are the others?¡±

    Still a whileter...

    ¡°Not anymore! There must be a problem that he hasn¡¯t been here for so long. I almost fall asleep if I keep waiting here... Let me go out and find him!¡±

    Qiu Yn silently crept out of the door, looking around, and saw a light in a room. The light illuminated the outline of the bookshelf, and the corner of her mouth twitched, ¡°There is another study room!¡±

    But when she sneaked in from the rear window, she found that Jiang Yashuang was not here either. But the threeyers red-sandalwood-made Fushou bed, which was not far from the bookshelf, made her realize that here should not be a study room but a bedroom instead....

    Noticing this bed, Qiu Yn thought of several times of experience that she was blocked together with Jiang Yashuang, so she thought, ¡°It¡¯s too ominous, I¡¯ll leave now!¡±

    She walked out of the bedroom cautiously. There was apartment outside without lights... and the point was, she was walking and knocking a person!

    The man responded astoundingly fast, reaching out to cover her mouth!

    The next seconds, Qiu Yn bent her knee, mming into his crotch!

    At the same time, her two fingers reached out like a halberd, poking directly towards the man¡¯s eyes!

    But both movements of her attack didn¡¯t work. The man seemed to notice the unusual situation. With his other hand grabbing her wrist and lightly pressing her vulnerable point, Qiu Yn suddenly became sore and weak, and almost fainted in him arms¡ª following Jiang Yashuang¡¯s helpless words, ¡°I just took a shower inside and I found you in my bedroom. So, I want to put on a robe here and then go in....¡±

    ... At this time, the two people were too close, even without a word, Qiu Yn could feel a strand of long hair with wet water, brushing her cheek.

    ¡°... I¡¯m sorry!¡± Qiu Yn was embarrassed secretly and whispered. Why did she forget that he would take a bath after practicing sword fighting£¿

    Jiang Yashuang let go of her hands and coughed with embarrassment, ¡°You... go into the room first. I haven¡¯t... fastened my outer belt....¡±

    Obviously, he used both his hands just not only because he felt wrong, but also for he had to pull his robe.

    Qiu Yn went back to the bedroom embarrassedly. After a moment, Jiang Yashuang, whose face looked like a beautiful jade but was faintly blushing at the moment, came in.

    He was just out of the bath, with his dark, waist-length hair ipletely dried. He spread it on his shoulders, wet and soft, smooth like silk under the light. Inside of his dark green, wide-sleeved and peacock pattern clothes, a snowy white underwear was partly hidden and partly visible. All these made her handsome eyebrows and eyes are as bright as the beautiful forests andkes after the rain, but with a bitter smile on his face. However, seeing Qiu Yn lowering her head timidly, he shook head again, sighing, ¡°Sit down and talk.¡±

    ¡°I was really sorry just now.¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s face showed her pain and self-me, as well as her positive attitude of admitting the mistake.

    Probably because it was not the first time things be embarrassing when encountering her, even though Jiang Yashuang was a bit shy, he had used to it, too. He said with a little helplessness, ¡°Just an ident, and you don¡¯t know I¡¯m in thepartment... so did youe because of something hard to handle?¡±

    ¡°... I would like to ask granduncle to talk to my uncle Qiu Mengmin about the dowries of my grandmother and mother,¡± Qiu Yn was now in no mood to prepare for her words, and she just said straightforwardly, ¡°but I don¡¯t have the dowries¡¯ list ¡ª the one collected by Lian Family is in Lanxi and granduncle is a little worried about whether it could be delivered or not.¡±

    She snapped two silver notes on table without any useless words, ¡°Whether you could make it sessfully or not, these are my small gifts.¡± Although after she sneaked into the room in secret, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s nice attitude showed that he was well-cultivated. But it would be unreasonable if she paid nothing every time when she needed his help and bothered him. What was the old saying? The benefit-based rtionship would be the most stable!

    Jiang Yashuang nced at the silver note but didn¡¯t ept it. He calmly asked, ¡°Who is the master of Mrs. Fan and Xiuyan?¡±

    Qiu Yn wondered for a moment before she remembered how he knew it. She couldn¡¯t help but nced at him, Jiang Yashuang subconsciously turned his head, and coughed with embarrassment, ¡°I incidentally remember it when I heard your words on that day.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my aunt Qiu Yuqing and aunt Princess Yang.¡± Qiu Yn was worried that he might feel embarrassed, so she turned to be serious, hurriedly sitting properly and looking straight.

    Jiang Yashuang pondered, ¡°I do have some servants, but... they are all monitored by Empress Dowager.¡±

    ¡°One of my cousins, who is in my granduncle¡¯s family, rmends a person and it sounds great, but I don¡¯t know the details of that guy.¡± Qiu Yn knew that he was telling the truth ¡ª the two Empresses¡¯ war seemed to be temporarily suspended, but it was more likely that they just turned the battlefield back to the imperial harem. So, even if Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe knew Lian Family¡¯s dowry list, if they want to do something, it is estimated that they would only utilize the power of Prince¡¯s Mansion.

    But if Jiang Yashuang did something and led to Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s misunderstanding.... In Qiu Yn¡¯s n, she wanted Qiu Mengmin to give back these two dowries silently, but without raising a colossal uproar as the matter of Madame Lu.

    So she didn¡¯t insist but turned to her second-best choice, ¡°I think that Jiang Family has eyes and ears everywhere, so Ie to ask you about it.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang lowered his head, ¡°Keep going.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a master in the south, called Qiu Feng.¡± Qiu Yn hadn¡¯t finished but she saw Jiang Yashuang shaking his head, ¡°I haven¡¯t heard of this guy before.¡±

    He thought for a while, ¡°Tomorrow I¡¯ll ask servants to go back to the Mansion of Marquess Qin and ask for this, maybe someone over there knows.¡±

    Speaking of this, he suddenly said, ¡°In fact, if you don¡¯t believe this Qiu Feng, there is another way to get that list into Jing City sessfully.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked in no time, ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Ask someone to take this to the north of the city,¡± Jiang Yashuang walked to the bookshelf, taking out a bluestone token from it, and said an address, ¡°this is another stronghold of ¡®Tianya¡¯.¡±

    He exined, ¡°Although ¡®Tianya¡¯ specializes in assassinations, as long as the rewards are considerable, they would be willing to ept some other errands. Their credibility has always been good, and they will definitely make it as long as they ept your order!¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn¡¯s hesitant look, Jiang Yashuang whispered, ¡°Their principals are very savvy, so the government has failed several times of secret exterminating operations.... Of course, this is also because they are very useful sometimes.¡±

 Chapter 65 - Dont Worry, You Are out of My League!

    <strong>Chapter 65 Don¡¯t Worry, You Are out of My League!</strong>

    After they had finished talking business, Qiu Yn asked to leave as she knew that Jiang Yashuang was timid.

    Jiang Yashuang tapped on the edge of the table and said while pointing at two silver notes, ¡°Put them away. The reason I wanted the six thousand taelsst time was that my eighth elder brother dropped by to present his respects to my grandmother. And he asked for the money when he knew about it. I don¡¯tck money, so you don¡¯t need to do this.¡±

    Qiu Yn took a peep at his countenance and found that he wasn¡¯t standing on ceremony. After having pondered for a moment, she put them away and apologized with seeming embarrassment, ¡°Please excuse my imprudence.¡± She murmured in her heart, ¡°The young General is a man of such upright character... Could it be said that he was making it up to me?¡±

    s, she hadn¡¯t encountered a man of such great moral integrity for a long, long time. This would make her coy, OK?

    She might as well thank him when she came up with some other ways in the future... What made her worried was that whether there would still be possible to draw him over and let him gradually be the permanent backstage supporter as he was unwilling to ept the money.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t offer you much help.¡± Jiang Yashuang rose smilingly, ¡°Let me walk you out a few steps, in case that you may encounter some bodyguards...¡± He seemed to be hesitating for a fraction of second, yet he suggested anyway. ¡°Never go out at midnight if it¡¯s not an emergency. Don¡¯t take it the wrong way. All I¡¯m worrying about is that it may ruin your reputation for chastity if the word that you came to see me at midnight goes out. Besides, all the bodyguards in our family had once defended the North Territory, so they are quite brutal.¡±

    As he was exining, he observed Qiu Yn¡¯s countenance. He minded his words lest she couldn¡¯t take them ¡ª Now in such circumstances, any girl of thirteen would definitely be extremely shy, however, Qiu Yn kept a poker face all along. She asked him with detachment, ¡°Will you spoil it?¡±

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Jiang Yashuang replied immediately.

    Qiu Yn wore a severe countenance, ¡°I believe you!¡± And then she gave a gentle smile, which was like a spring blossom. ¡°So there¡¯s nothing to worry about! Since no one will know about it, how can my reputation for chastity be ruined?¡±

    Hearing this, Jiang Yashuang became speechless for a while. Then on further reflection, he added, ¡°Don¡¯t take offense. Truth be told, if you still do as you please... I¡¯m afraid that your future husband¡¯s family will despise you.¡±

    ¡°Like I said, will you spoil that?¡± Qiu Yn stated sincerely and earnestly, ¡°I have long felt that you are an honest and broad-minded man. Since you won¡¯t spoil the thing that I called on you at midnight and I¡¯m surely wiser than to spoil it out myself, so how could my hushand¡¯s family know about it? And I¡¯ve never thought of fawning on you, right?¡±

    Herst sentence made Jiang Yashuang quite embarrassed. After havingposed himself, he felt a bit annoyed and criticized, ¡°How could you, such a young girl, talking about your husband¡¯s family?¡±

    Seeing that Qiu Yn still wouldn¡¯t stop talking, Jiang Yashuang sulked and inculcated her, ¡°Besides, though you assume that I¡¯m a decent man, yet what if I¡¯m not? Won¡¯t you be spoiled if I¡¯m a scum? What I mean is that you should always guard against the harm others might do to you.¡±

    Qiu Yn eyed him smilingly, ¡°I sneaked in here.¡± she stressed, ¡°None of the kick-ass bodyguards noticed me. Even if you are not a decent man, I don¡¯t necessarily have to be afraid of you, right?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang snorted slightly, ¡°You think you are so formidable just because you killed two bodyguards in Ganli Pce? Come on, the reason is just that they didn¡¯t guard against you considering that you are so little and that you are the Commandery Princess. Don¡¯t you remember that you didn¡¯t seed in sneaking up on me?¡±

    ¡°You call that a surprise attack?¡± Qiu Yn denied it quite shamelessly. ¡°Like you said, you¡¯ve already known that I am here.¡± She even whispered, ¡°Speaking of which, it was you that actually sneaked up on me!¡±

    Preached by her like this, Jiang Yashuang, who had covered his mouth first, immediately coughed his head off, ¡°I¡¯m just afraid that you may rm the servants. And you don¡¯t want to be taken under escort to meet my grandmother at midnight, do you?¡±

    Qiu Yn reassured him, ¡°You can rest assured! By then, your grandmother will definitely minimize it or just hush it up andpel everyone in the family not toment on it, which means that she will live on like nothing happened in order to save your reputation and integrity. Aren¡¯t you worrying about nothing?¡±

    As Qiu Yn and the Princess Yongfu were of the same age and that Jiang Yashuang and the Princess Yongfu had always been like siblings, so he felt that it was right for him to offer her some guidance since the Commandery Princess and his sibling were peers. But Qiu Yn¡¯s shameless logic made him feel that he could no longer act as an eldest brother in front of her now, thus he had to avoid arguing with her, ¡°... Well, forget it. Let me walk you out.¡±

    It was probably because he hadn¡¯t prevailed her not toe at midnight and worried that she might still have climbed over the wall to look for him if she had had an emergency, Jiang Yashuang walked her out all the way avoiding being seen. Then he looked around and whispered, ¡°My fourth aunt would like to praise and honor you. When are you going to enter the pce to express your gratitude? I¡¯ll request my elder sister to wait for you in pce.¡±

    Qiu Yn felt astonished and said, ¡°I¡¯ve juste back after visiting my elder¡¯s grave. I only got wind of it and I don¡¯t know for sure. But anyhow, only after I have received the praise and honor do I need to express my gratitude, right? Wait, I still need to mourn for my mother... Eh...¡±

    She suddenly realized that it was not proper for her to call on others during the time she was mourning for her mother...

    ¡°I rather think we should ce more weight on the thing that you ran out at midnight.¡± Jiang Yashuang let out a sigh, ¡°Can you get onto the wall from here? If you can¡¯t...¡± Before he had finished his words, Qiu Yn had jumped onto the wall expertly. Then with one bound, she jumped off the wall after having waved to him. Jiang Yashuang felt relieved when feeling sure that there were no other sounds after one thud and he pondered, ¡°I really have no idea about how the Princess Ruan brought up her daughter. The Commandery Princess appeared to be sensible and capable, yet her nature was no better than Yongfu....¡±

    Yet on second thought, he took pity on Qiu Yn considering her growing circumstance, ¡°Only when the granaries are full do people respect rites and obligations. She has always been in peril, so no wonder that she was uninhibited.¡±

    Though he told Qiu Yn that others might despise her because of her behavior, yet actually Jiang Yashuang himself took no notice of it. After all, Princess Yongfu who he regarded as a sibling was no better than an unruly person. Not to mention Princess Yongfu, just by taking Empress Jiang and Jiang Yadan as an example, one could tell that the styles of most children in Jiang Family were actually a long way from being well-behaved and well-educated.

    And just because there had been so many children who were imprudent and reckless, Marquess Qiu began to guide his younger master who was devious, talented, handsome, cultured and sophisticated for fear that there might have been disasters if his grandchildren, who had no sense of propriety, had continued acting rashly once he had been gone.

    He sighed, returning to the night to continue with his unfinished work. In the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, Qiu Yn arrived at her room without any difficulty and studied the indigo wooden token in the light she used when getting up at night, ¡°How much silver should I give him?¡±

    She did trust the secret society rmended by Jiang Yashuang. She assumed that the Jiang Family had probably stepped into the secret society, otherwise how could they elude the imperial encirclement and suppression for several times? Life was nothing like a martial arts fiction in which a swordsman could punish and kill officials at will. If there really had been a swordsman who did something like this, he would have been the most wanted.

    ¡°It¡¯s probably that when the Jiang Family wants to do something in secret, the secret society will show up and finish it.¡± Qiu Yn pondered, ¡°But however brutal the Jiang Family are, they couldn¡¯t have beenwless every day and every year. Undoubtedly, they didn¡¯t keep them for nothing. By ordering them to do some business, they could not only attain the goal of training them but also make some silver money... Tut-tut, Jiang Banchao is really worthy of his name. His grandchildren had always been carrying such kind of wooden tokens in order to introduce customers to their family.¡±

    Since she had judged that she could trust ¡°Tianya¡±, Qiu Yn naturally didn¡¯t want to wait anymore. Though it was not the most appropriate time to ask for dowry as the couple Qiu Mengmin and his wife were ill at present, yet it was OK for her to get the dowry list as soon as possible.

    Because this time she would go to the Lian Family to get something, the consigner who went to ¡°Tianya¡± would surely ask the Lian Family to clear it up. But Qiu Yn would still have had to pay the price even if the Lian Family hadn¡¯t wanted it. As Ruan Qingyan reminded, the Lian Family was no longer like before. Besides, even if they had had a family property, they shouldn¡¯t have paid the money standing to reason. After all, it would have surely been Qiu Yn who would have got the bigger share.

    Moreover, Jiang Yashuang had told her that ¡°Tianya¡± charged quite a lot.

    ¡°As forrge bills, I have no more than one thousand taels. The extra is the change my brother gave me...¡± Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help regretting that she forgot asking Jiang Yashuang how much ¡°Tianya¡± often charged, ¡°If the money I were to pay them was more than their scale of fees, then there would be no problems. I just fear that I didn¡¯t pay them enough. Because on one hand, even if I didn¡¯t pay enough, they would surely be too ashamed to ask me for the rest. And on the other hand, even if they could make up the money, they would definitely be mad at me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d rather pay more... Princess Yang asked for eight hundred thousand taels of silver at the first time, which will be no less than four hundred thousand taels even if she makes a discount.¡± Qiu Yn was doing the ounts. ¡°I¡¯ll get up a bit earlier tomorrow and go to the General¡¯s Mansion to ask my cousin whether he has any extra silver or not. If he does, then I¡¯ll borrow some from him. I can never make the Lian Family lose any money. Otherwise, if I make up the money, they will owe me one. But If I owe them one, they will probably not speak of it and will be mad when thinking of it.¡±

    How rare it was to get along well with such rtives! Even though she sensed that the Lian Family had their own agendas, yet Qiu Yn could still bear it. She finally decided to get on with them.

    Finally, she made thorough ns. The next morning, no sooner had she been ready to go out than an empress¡¯s decree of praise and honor came from the pce. The empress awarded her something valuable.

    So she received the decree, served the people who came to announce the decree and put away the awards... After finished all these things, it had been noon already.

    Just as Qiu Yn was about to change her ns and go to the General¡¯s Mansion, Commandery Princess Qiu Jinzhu suddenly came for her with Master Qiu Yinzhi, ¡°You hounded our grandmother to death and made my father and mother sick because of anger, but now you got the awards from the Empress. You are happy now, aren¡¯t you? You know what...¡±

    Before Qiu Jinzhu had finished her words, Qiu Yn stepped forward and gave her a p, which made her almost turn a circle in front of her. Though the cousin was only eleven years old, yet Qiu Yn dared not to take her lightly considering Kang Lizhang¡¯s precedent. Thus she was determined to teach her a lesson on seeing hering over, so that she wouldn¡¯t have courage to find fault every once in a while!

    After having pped Qiu Jinzhu, Qiu Yn saw that Qiu Yinzhi let out a yell and rushed over to beat her. Just at that moment, Qiu Yn sent the cousin flying onto the woolen nket with a swift kick. After that, she admonished coldly, ¡°I don¡¯t give a d*mn about who incited you toe for me. Now I¡¯m in the middle of something! Don¡¯t ask for trouble! You can be as silly as you like, but don¡¯t be so silly to get in my way!¡±

    With this, she told Mrs. Zhou and the others, ¡°Take down their servants! Drag them down to the stairs and beat them to death! Don¡¯t you stop until they are disabled!¡±

    Although the present atmosphere of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was different from before and they all knew that Qiu Yn was a handful, yet the servants hadn¡¯t expected that Qiu Yn was this brutal. Hearing it, they all moured, ¡°How could there be a Commandery Princess like this? All we did was only apanying the sixth Commandery Princess and the little young master to be here. Why should we get beaten up?¡±

    ¡°Precisely! Does it have anything to do with us? Even Yamen should bring a charge against people if they want to arrest them. We did nothing wrong! Who did we provoke?¡±

    ¡°Even if she wants to build prestige, this is really an unreasonable way.¡±

    Hearing the noises of tongues outside, Qiu Yn left behind the siblings and walked to the stairs outside. She swept her eyes over the crowd coldly, ¡°What? You got a problem?¡±

    Seeing that she look annoyed and recalling that the servants sent by the Empress to announce the decree also treated her kindly, the servants here felt somewhat afraid while holding a grudge. After they had looked at each other for a moment, an old maidservant stepped forward and argued, ¡°We maidservants have done nothing wrong, have we? Your Grace, the punishment is way... too...¡±

    ¡°Qiu Jinzhu and Qiu Yinzhi are indeed young and ignorant, but are you all dead?! Why did you all stand aside?¡± These people had always been bullying Princess Ruan and her daughter, thus actually Qiu Yn had already nned to get even with them for this when she was avable and now the chance had arrived. She questioned coldly, ¡°My uncle had already gained a notoriety of being unfilial. Now that you let the two siblingse for me just after the Empress had sent me some awards, are you trying to let outsiders know how much the two siblings disrespect me, their elder sister?! I¡¯ve heard that my aunt has always been better to you than me. Now my aunt has just been ill and you waste no time to entrap your little master!¡±

    ¡°They wanted to harm us?¡± Though Qiu Jinzhu was ruthless and spoiled, yet she was not mindless. Hearing their talk in the room, Qiu Jinzhu stopped crying, wiped her face casually and rushed out, full of misgivings.

    Qiu Yn swept her eyes over her coldly. Recalling that her p made her unable to fight back and seeing that none of the servants who had always been pampering and spoiling her actually dared to step forward to safeguard her, Qiu Jinzhu immediately huddled for fear that Qiu Yn might hurt her again.

    Only when seeing that she was afraid did Qiu Yn turn her gaze back and sneer, ¡°If you are not really silly, then please give it a second thought. Do you want to take advantage of me or be wronged when you siblings came for me? And please think harder about who will be one that profits after you have suffered losses?!¡±

    ¡°Qiu Hongzhi! It must be him!¡± Because Qiu Mengmin and his wife both stayed in bed, now the only person that could have been in charge was Qiu Hongzhi. Without thinking, Qiu Jinzhu gnashed her teeth. Then she lowered her chin and shouted at Qiu Yinzhi who was still making a scene inside the room, ¡°Let¡¯s go to see our mother!¡±

    ¡°Stop right there!¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s face darkened, reproaching, ¡°Who told you that you could leave?! All of you knelt in my house for an hour! Otherwise if someone dares to take one step, I¡¯ll break his or her leg!¡±

 Chapter 66 - An Unexpected Visitor

    <h4>Chapter 66 An Unexpected Visitor</h4>

    Qiu Yn had a sharp tongue but a tender heart. She weighed that Qiu Jinzhu and her brother were kids and Mrs. Zhou had pleaded for them. Thus, she asked them to stand up soon.

    However, their servants were not so lucky to escape from punishment. ¡°Su He, you go there and find out who among them bullied you before. Go and get all of them. They must be punished!¡±

    Qiu Yn remembered them clearly, saying, ¡°Mrs. Sun, Mrs. Fan, Xiuyan and the cart driver, and those servants who sent me to the General¡¯s Mansion. Get all of them here ¡ª Anyone who is not here or reluctant to be here, you tell me the name, I will go and punish them myself.¡±

    She tried hard to persuade Ruan Qingyan letting her go in an attempt to cash in on this. She, of course, would not stand by and watch it slip away.

    So, Qiu Yn ordered Chunran, ¡°You go there too. If Su He is too softhearted, you should be there and take charge! We should see to it that they know our attitude and what they should do! Not only to me but also to all of you!¡±

    ... When Xiaran came back from the General¡¯s Mansion, she heard a bitter cry from far away. She was surprised what¡¯s going on there. She rushed into the yard, seeing that Su He was supervising two old maidservants she took from the General¡¯s Mansion caning the servants. After seeing it clearly, she was relieved.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± surprised Xiaran.

    ¡°Commandery Princess asked us to teach them a lesson!¡± said Su He. She was a little anxious because she was too young to see the bloody scene and hear the one after another cry. ¡°You must go in. Commandery Princess is waiting for you to report what¡¯s going on,¡± said Su He, hastily.

    Xiaran looked around surprisedly, walking into the room.

    ¡°You also knew ¡®Tianya¡¯?¡± asked Qiu Yn, surprisedly. ¡°Their business is flourishing, I heard.¡±

    Xiaran said in a low voice, ¡°Do you remember that Dongran went out at one night? She was looking for them.¡±

    That meant this group was a well-organized one ¡ª As we all know, the killer who murdered somebody in front of the examinationpound had yet to be judged. Qiu Dian did a lot of work to acquit Li Gui.

    ¡°So, you must know how they handle things, right?¡± asked Qiu Yn.

    ¡°Young master said you need to ask Lian Family to task it, and he will pay itter,¡± said Xiaran in a low voice. ¡°Young master has tasked them many times. And the head of them was a new one transferred from the south... He is a friend of young master.¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned, ¡°A friend? It sounded like he was a regr customer who doesn¡¯t need a member card to enjoy a discount. Ruan Qingyan must have done many businesses with them.¡±

    A frightening idea spinning in his head: The cousin might have dealt with official mother and brother as a business with ¡°Tianya¡± ... That might be the reason why the followers of Empress Dowager seeking for official mother and brother were not feeling guilty at all...

    Xiaran said awkwardly, ¡°Anyway, it is good to pay itter. Commandery Princess and Lian Family both need not pay for it.¡±

    Looking at her awkward expression, Qiu Yn murmured, ¡°If so, I realize suddenly... Oh, tomorrow is not Okay, as I have to express my gratitude to the Emperor. The day after tomorrow will be fine. And then I will go to Lian Family and exin it.¡±

    Saying of this, she reminded of something, ¡°The thank-you letter... How to write it then?¡±

    The rest was shocked at her words, looking at each other surprisedly.

    Seeing what the rest did, Qiu Yn put down her tea bowl and said, ¡°Then, go and see whether Xiuyan has been carried back? Ask her to give me a module to copy... Oh, not copy, to learn how to write from it!¡±

    Xiaran bit her lip, trying to hold herugh. She saluted and walked out of the room, searching for help.

    All of a sudden, she ran back to the room and said, ¡°The daughters of Qiao Chengbo Family have been here. They are in the hall waiting for the reception!¡±

    ¡°Daughter of He Family?¡± thought Qiu Yn. She remembered thatst night when she sneaked into the next door, ady was talking about Miss He. ¡°Is it Miss He? Why did shee here for me? Did she realize that I was hiding in the room yesterday?¡± thought Qiu Yn, shockingly.

    She thought ofor a while and did not respond immediately ¡ª The maid Mrs. Zhou advised her in a low voice, ¡°Your Grace, I think you must go there and meet her. Miss He¡¯s father, though not an official, is a trusted follower of Great General of North. Her grandfather was a military adviser of Mr. Jiang!¡±

    ¡°I did not say I don¡¯t want to meet her. I am wondering why ady I never heard before suddenly came here for me,¡± said Qiu Yn, frowning.

    Mrs. Zhou did not overthink. She said, ¡°Miss He is shrewd... And she is a material girl. I think that this girl might have visited many people who she did not know much. She may find out something profitable. I also heard that she is a businesswoman who keeps her promise. Take it easy.¡±

    It would be fine if her intention were for business. She might be here making trouble!

    Qiu Yn smiled bitterly and said, ¡°Well. I will go and meet her. It may be not polite to make our guest wait too long!¡±

    Entering the front hall, they saw a girl of seventeen or eighteen surrounded by a dozen maids sitting on the chair and drinking a cup of tea.

    Realizing that Qiu Yn was entering the room, the girl stood up. She smiled at her, saying, ¡°Pleased to meet you, Your Grace!¡± And then she saluted to her.

    ¡°d to meet you. Wee to my home,¡± replied Qiu Yn. She realized that this girl was not an ordinary person. To her, it would not be polite to be condescending. She immediately went forward and shook hands with her and took a glimpse at her at the same time. She was pretty with an always smiling face, arching eyebrows and bright eyes. She was wearing a skirt with different patterns on it and her hair in a bun. There were not many decorations on her head except two or three pearl head-ornaments and hairpins.

    Not wearing any fancy clothes, she still had a temperament born in a top-ss family. Qiu Yn was wondering she might wear like this because she was still in the mourning period. Qiu Yn raised her hand and invited her to sit.

    After sitting back, Miss He began to introduce herself. Her nickname was ¡°Shuijin¡±. For the reason of politeness, Qiu Yn also told her her nickname ¡ª And then, they talked about the weather, seasons, food, etc. Miss He knew that Qiu Yn had a cat around. So, they shared cat-raising experience ...

    Qiu Yn was attempting to get the points in the first ce, and then she found out that this girl... had no points at all. Was sheing here for an empty talk? No points at all?

    Realizing that it was getting dark, He Shuijin drank the tea and said with a smile, ¡°Oh, I almost forgot my intentioning here. I have an important thing discussing with you.¡±

    Hearing that she was getting to the focus, Qiu Yn smiled. She replied excitedly, ¡°So, what¡¯s it, sister!¡±

    ¡°I want to know whether you have a female teacher?¡± asked He Shuijin, smiling.

    ¡°Not yet...¡± replied Qiu Yn, guessing that Miss He might intend to introduce a female teacher to her ¡ª Qiu Yn was reluctant to ept a strange teacher. Lian Family once rmended her aunt to live with her, which she refused. Was she a nice person or not? She did not know? Nor was the female teacher rmended by He Shuijin.

    In particr, He Shuijin was a girl of privilege and greedy ¡ª and yet how much she could get to rmend a female teacher? There must be an inside story!

    ¡°Okay,¡± said He Shuijin, smiling. ¡°I want to rmend Miss Shao to you. She is also born in a famous family and well-known in girl¡¯s circle ¡ª She is working now in the Jiang¡¯s residence next door teaching Chunfu princess. Over the past years, Chunfu princess had learned as much as she could teach. Thus, Miss Shao, despite being convinced to stay in the Jiang¡¯s residence, insisted on ¡®not receiving any sry upon no work¡¯. On the other side, Chunfu princess also wants to proceed to visit her frequently. So, she requested me to ask you if you will permit Miss Shao to stay with you.¡±

    She proceeded, ¡°Chunfu princess is the eighteenth child of the Jiang Family. Her true name is Jiang Qizheng.¡±

    What she said sounded justifiable. However, thinking of the suggestion provided by Jiang Yashuangst night, Qiu Yn guessed that He Shuijin must bemissioned by Jiang Yashuang.

    ¡°Are you concerning about whether Miss Shao is stern? No need at all,¡± said He Shuijin, realizing Qiu Yn did not respond and look at the ground. She was guessing what Qiu Yn was concerned. ¡°Actually, Miss Shao is a gentledy. She treats her students as sisters and never force or constrain you to do anything.¡±

    Qiu Yn was relieved after hearing of this ¡ª She did not care what Miss Shao could teach her. What she cared most was that she could behave herself and leave her alone. After all, He Shuijin was a girl of privilege anding here in the name of Chunfu princess. It would be rude to refuse her.

    Allowing for it, Qiu Yn said with a smile, ¡°There must have a misunderstanding between us. I think that I have been taught by my mother before. I never have a female teacher. I have no idea how to employ a teacher... So, I am meditating the rites and lost in my thought!¡±

    He Shuijin knew that what she said was empty talk. She ignored it, and said with a smile ¡°No need at all. Miss Shao is an open-minddy. And you are in the mourning period. In my view, it will be good to hold a simple ceremony. If you don¡¯t want to spend much time on these demanding rites, I will send one for your help.¡±

    And then they talked the details how to invite Miss Shao toe to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe ¡ª As the date Ruan Qingyan attending the imperial exam was nearing, and Chunfu princess also wanted Miss Shao to stay with her longer, Qiu Yn determined to hold the ceremony after the date of dering the results of the imperial exam. And then, Qiu Yn could focus on her learning.

    After things got done, He Shuijin said goodbye to Qiu Yn and thanked Qiu Yn¡¯s reception.

    Qiu Yn, of course, had to see her off ¡ª They held each other¡¯s arm walking along. He Shuijin said with a fake smile, ¡°Sister, we had a pleasant talk today. We are friends now. If you have any trouble in the future, I can do you a favor, if possible. Even if it is beyond my capability, I also can ask somebody else to help.¡±

    ¡°... I appreciate your help, sister,¡± said Qiu Yn with thanks. She thought to herself, ¡°You are really sent by Jiang Yashuang!¡±

    Seeing this girl off, Qiu Yn was walking back to her room with Su He. On her way home, she encountered Kang Lizhang. She was out of breath and said, ¡°Qiu Hongzhi hurt Qiu Yinzhi!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me this. It¡¯s not my business,¡± said Qiu Yn, impatiently.

    ¡°Qiu Yinzhi intended to kill Qiu Hongzhi. Qiu Hongzhi wounded Qiu Yinzhi when they were fighting,¡± said Kang Lizhang, quickly. ¡°Qiu Yinzhi said that he heard from you that Qiu Hongzhi would kill him and Qiu Jinzhu. So, he grabbed a knife and wanted to kill Qiu Hongzhi ¡ª Now, Qiu Hongzhi wants you to... well, invites you to the wing hall exining the whole thing!¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled coldly and said, ¡°You just asked Qiu Hongzhi to investigate all my servants who were punished. I never mentioned him?!¡± She shook her sleeve impatiently. ¡°It¡¯s their business. I don¡¯t want to get involved. Leave me alone!¡±

    She pushed away Kang Lizhang while she was catching a paper ball slipping out of Kang Lizhang¡¯s sleeve.

 Chapter 67 - Wait and See Who Will Be Ruined

    <b>Chapter 67 Wait and See Who Will Be Ruined</b>

    Back to her own courtyard, Qiu Yn unfolded the paper ball and scanned it, and showed an expression of ¡°as expected¡±, ¡°It¡¯s just a show by Qiu Hongzhi and Qiu Yinzhi, probably under the guidance of Princess Yang.¡±

    ¡°How could they be so shameless!¡± Su He¡¯s face was red with anger. ¡°Sixth Commandery Princess and Young Master Qiu Yinzhi put a damper on Empress¡¯s recent praise to Your Grace, and Your Grace told them that they were used as pawns. But they turned to work with Young Master Qiu Hongzhi to go against Your Grace!¡±

    Qiu Yn touched her little head smilingly, ¡°It¡¯s not the first time that they have been so shameless. You need to get used to it.¡±

    ¡°What should we do now?¡± Su He didn¡¯t want to refute and became upset. ¡°Now that they are on the same side now, their servants will follow them. Especially the servants we just beat....¡±

    ¡°Then we can beat them again!¡± Qiu Yn ordered slowly. ¡°I remember there is a colored ss hairpin in the rewards of Empress. Give it to me.¡±

    Chunran got it quickly. Qiu Yn gave an idle look at it when taking it and put it in her sleeve, ¡°Okay. Tell Cousin Hongzhi to search the Mansion!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Chunran and others were stunned.

    ¡°Especially those servants who were punished just now!¡± Qiu Yn lifted her hand to raked her fingers through her hair on the temple and said casually. ¡°Just tell him that a piece of Empress¡¯s rewards to me was missing after Qiu Jinzhu and Qiu Yinzhi came!¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi strode into his cousin¡¯s courtyard with a sulky face. When he saw Qiu Yn was sitting leisurely on the swing under the pear tree and was watching himing in with a strange half-smile, somehow anger welled up within him!

    He shouted angrily, ¡°What¡¯s your problem? Jinzhu and Yinzhi came after the pce servants had left. You should have put the rewards away by then! You should search your own servants when your things are missing, but you want to search the Mansion! Don¡¯t you know your uncle and aunt are not well now?¡±

    Qiu Yn said unhurriedly, ¡°Why are you so angry? Of course I didn¡¯t give my order for no reason. They basically nevere to me, but they dide after Empress had sent the rewards to me. I certainly suspect them! Qiu Jinzhu came and made rude remarks to me! Although she never showed enough respect to me, she shouldn¡¯t have scolded me once she met me!¡±

    Speaking of it, she curved up the corner of her mouth, ¡°When someone acts abnormally, there must be some designs! Now I know why she scolded me. It was a distraction of my attention for her to steal the hairpin....¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi interrupted her with an angry expression, ¡°Do you have evidence when you say it was them who stole it rather than your own servants? Have you searched them?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Qiu Yn said sincerely. ¡°Look, this is the missing hairpin. So how could they steal it?¡±

    Seeing the colored ss hairpin she took out from her sleeve, Qiu Hongzhi almost fainted with rage, ¡°You... you ndered them!¡±

    ¡°They brought this on themselves!¡± Qiu Yn sneered. ¡°I beat them for their rude remarks, but I didn¡¯t mention you! They could tell you it was me who incited them to go against you, so why couldn¡¯t I ask them to return the hairpin?¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi shouted loudly, ¡°We are families! Why do you have to make a trivial thingplex when you can clear up the misunderstanding by a brief exnation?¡±

    ¡°You should say that to them!¡± Qiu Yn also raised her voice. ¡°Why do I have to give in? Because they are your brother and sister while I am just your cousin? Do you think it¡¯s easy to bully me as my father and mother died?¡±

    ¡°You are the elder cousin. What¡¯s wrong to give in to your younger cousins?¡±

    ¡°Then since you are the eldest cousin, you should give in to me! But why are you acting so aggressive?¡±

    Their quarrel was so loud that it could be heard outside the deep courtyard. A whileter, the servants peeped carefully and found Qiu Hongzhi left with an angry face.

    ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi is getting tougher and tougher....¡± the whole servants of the Prince¡¯s Mansion thought of the suffering that Qiu Yn and Princess Ruan went through and were all scared. ¡°Even Xiuyan, the confidential major maid of Princess was beaten. From now on, except for the masters, will there be any servant that she doesn¡¯t dare to beat?¡±

    Almost at the same time, Xiuyan knelt down with her injured body in front of Princess Yang and said in tears, ¡°I think I never offended Commandery Princess Ningyi. Last time she was almost beaten to death by Lady Yuqing, and it was Your Grace who saved her and sent me to inquire after her health. Now she changed so fast! I never saw a person so ungrateful!¡±

    Princess Yang was also angry. Everyone knew that Xiuyan was her faithful and capable servant, but Qiu Yn beat Xiuyan together with those old maidservants who did simple heavy work. It was an obvious rebellious act against her!

    However, Princess Yang thought for a while and finally only said, ¡°The Empress supports her and we have no way. The good thing is that she¡¯s now 13. When she is out of the mourning period of her mother and bes 15, we will marry her into the Deng Family and let her be an actual widow!¡±

    Xiuyan didn¡¯t expect that Princess Yang would let it go easily and she felt sad, ¡°But...¡±

    ¡°But the Empress won¡¯t support that son of the b**ch!¡± Princess Yang nced at Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s courtyard with her face darkening and whispered, ¡°Call that b*st*rd here tomorrow and I will ask him how he can be so useless as the master of this Mansion!¡±

    Xiuyan realized that Princess Yang was not so scared of Qiu Yn that she would not speak for her confidential major maid who was beaten openly. She wanted to take the chance to handle Qiu Hongzhi.

    She reminded, ¡°Just now Young Master Qiu Hongzhi hase to her.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a token gesture,¡± Princess Yang sneered and said. ¡°That b*st*rd was taught by the old b**ch and was extremely deep! It¡¯s very possible that on the surface, he had a big fight with that little b*tch but in private, he said nice things to her and put all the things on us!¡±

    Xiuyan bit her lip and said, ¡°In that way...¡±

    ¡°The two in the west courtyard, what are they doing these days?¡± Princess Yang asked seriously while rolling her jade bracelet.

    ¡°I heard that Lady Yuqing was not well either and never went out. Lady Lizhang often met Young Master Qiu Hongzhi... Oh, after Commandery Princess Ningyi saw off Young Lady He, Lady Lizhang came to her but was pushed away by her. Commandery Princess Ningyi ignored Lady Lizhang.¡±

    Princess Yang sneered, ¡°It¡¯s no longer the time when that old b*tch was the Madame! That little b*tch Qiu Yn is so vicious now that she even prevented that b*st*rd from burying the old b*tch himself. How silly that Kang Lizhang still wanted to cop an attitude as a Lady in front of her!¡±

    Xiuyan understood and said, ¡°Kang Family are onlymon people, just wealthy among the crowd. The daughter of such families can at most be called ¡®Miss¡¯. She is not qualified to be called Lady.¡± She lowered her voice and suggested, ¡°How about seizing this opportunity where Young Master Qiu Hongzhi is the master of the Mansion now...¡±

    ¡°That old b*tch just died.¡± Princess Yang hated the two from the Kang Family so much that she hoped they would be tortured to death as soon as possible. But she thought for a moment and sighed, shaking her head, ¡°Prince is heart-broken for her death and is still ill in bed. He even doesn¡¯t want to see anyone... If we deal with them now, Prince will be angry.¡±

    Qiu Mengmin was not so silly as not to know the conflict between Princess Yang and Qiu Yuqing, Kang Lizhang and Qiu Hongzhi. If something happened to Qiu Yuqing and Kang Lizhang, the first one he would suspect would be Princess Yang, let alone Qiu Mengmin¡¯s beloved eldest son!

    ¡°Yet, how deep the rtions will be between the siblings who have both started their own family?¡± Princess Yang repressed her hatred and sneered. ¡°Especially Qiu Yuqing has an annoying character! I highly doubt that without that old b*tch and after Prince recovers from the sorrow, she still can coax him into backing her!¡±

    Xiuyan thought for a moment and said, ¡°Lady... Miss Kang knows how to coax people.¡±

    ¡°If she could see anyone now!¡± Princess Yang said with disdain. ¡°Wasn¡¯t her face hurt? How should she run here and there? You tell her tomorrow that I¡¯m concerned for her and want her to rest in her courtyard all day long! Prince has been sad these days. She is his niece but keepsing to him, more often than Mingzhu and Jinzhu. Is she afraid that Prince will forget that old b*tch?¡±

    Speaking of it, suddenly she thought of something, ¡°I remember Fan, Qiu Yuqing¡¯s servant, went before you to that little b*tch... Was she punished this time?¡±

    Xiuyan gave a wan smile, ¡°Her legs were broken.¡± Pausing for a moment, she continued, ¡°No one dares to call a doctor for her and she is just left there!¡±

    Princess Yang frowned slightly, ¡°Was she punished in that little b*tch¡¯s yard?¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡±

    ¡°And Qiu Yuqing stayed quiet for her?¡± Princess Yang felt it unbelievable. ¡°She¡¯s not a clever woman!¡±

    After thinking it twice she understood, ¡°But she has a good daughter!¡± She must have been stopped by Kang Lizhang.

    ¡°It¡¯s good for them that Kang Jinzhang died in the avnche!¡± thinking of her niece¡¯s skill, Princess Yang said with her face darkening, ¡°Or else... Huh! They have done so many bad things and it¡¯s a judgment on them!¡±

    ¡°This is a judgment on them!¡± in a courtyard where the pear tree was blooming, Qiu Yn said leisurely to Su He. ¡°Their own grandmother died but as grandsons, it¡¯s okay that they don¡¯t cry or wear mourning for her because they don¡¯t want to be convicted by disrespecting their official grandmother. But now they don¡¯t even have a sad expression. Instead, they fight against each other for the title... Well, well, well!¡±

    Su He was holding the little Persian cat in her arms and said angrily, ¡°They deserve it!¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Qiu Yn said smilingly. ¡°But if they don¡¯t fight like this, my uncle and aunt won¡¯t ¡®recover¡¯ soon. If they don¡¯t recover, even if the list of the dowries is taken here, other people will think I¡¯m not merciful! I don¡¯t care about it, but my granduncle may care.... Especially my cousin just passed the exam, and his fame shouldn¡¯t be ruined by me!¡±

    Su He brooded for a moment, ¡°But now both Young Master Qiu Hongzhi and Young Master Qiu Yinzhi are making ns against you.¡±

    ¡°They are just pretending,¡± Qiu Yn said with a slight smile. ¡°Qiu Yinzhi is still too young and he listens to his mother. Qiu Hongzhi is not a fool. Last time I forced him to go with me to visit the graves of my parents and let him know clearly that my aunt wanted to ruin his life! Although I want to harm him, I can¡¯t reach him immediately as we live far away. But my aunt is his official mother. It¡¯s convenient for her to deal with him! So who do you think he wants to handle first?¡±

    She moved the swing slowly and sighed, ¡°It seems that it¡¯s me who leaves the people in the Mansion in panic, but actually I¡¯m not!¡±

    I¡¯m just pushing it ahead behind the scenes, she added in her mind.

 Chapter 68 - Hey, Time to Pay the Protection Fee!

    <strong>Chapter 68 Hey, Time to Pay the Protection Fee!</strong>

    After hearing the news that Princess Yang forbade Kang Lizhang to go out of her yard, Chunran and others were a little worried, ¡°Did Princess Yang find out about Lady Lizhang and us....¡±

    ¡°There is nothing to be afraid of! Even if she knew that I bribed Kang Lizhang to work for me, what¡¯s she going to do to me?¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t care, ¡°Besides, Kang Lizhang won¡¯t be grounded so easily. You guys just wait and see!¡±

    If Kang Lizhang had already shown her hand to Qiu Mengmin, Qiu Mengmin would definitely have her back. If she hadn¡¯t, she was even less likely to ept the grounding punishment. Considering how sophisticated Cousin Kang was, if she went for drastic measures, Princess Yang who was sick right now might not be able to stop her.

    Just like what she thought, when it was about noon, Su He heard some news and said, ¡°Lady Yuqing threw a tantrum. Even a dozen of old maidservants couldn¡¯t pin her down. She barged into Prince¡¯s bedroom and asked him to uphold justice. Prince scolded Princess Yang badly!¡±

    ¡°That was reasonable. Lu hasn¡¯t been dead for very long after all,¡± Qiu Yn curled her lips, ¡°If he doesn¡¯t help Aunt Qiu at this time, how can he prove his love for his biological mother?¡±

    Su He said with a smile, ¡°It¡¯s said that Lady Yuqing even wanted toe and throw tantrum at our ce! Lady Lizhang found her and kneeled on the ground in front of her. Holding her leg and dragging her dress, she went through a lot of troubles begging her to go back. Lady Yuqing used her of protecting you! So hrious. Who in the Mansion doesn¡¯t know that Lady Lizhang did it to protect Lady Yuqing?¡±

    ¡°Did you just realize that Aunt Qiu was stupid?¡± Qiu Yn tapped on her forehead with a smile, ¡°Oh, Princess Yang got scolded. What¡¯s her condition now?¡±

    Su He said, ¡°Can there be any other condition? When I came back, I saw someone going out, that people said that Princess didn¡¯t feel well and needed a doctor.¡±

    ¡°Um?¡± Qiu Yn thought for a while and said to her, ¡°You go find Kang Lizhang tonight and send her a message.¡±

    Su He asked curiously, ¡°What message?¡±

    ¡°Princess Yang doesn¡¯t feel well now. She may not get better any time soon. Miss Ding¡¯s mourning period will be over in May. And she will begin to prepare for the wedding, right? If Princess Yang is still not well, how well-prepared could Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s wedding be? Considering that he just cares about studying, how can he prepare his wedding nicely?¡± Qiu Yn said with a bit of smile, ¡°Tell her to remind Qiu Hongzhi to figure his way out as soon as possible! Don¡¯t let Princess Yang make him embarrassed in front of his wife¡¯s family. If that makes Ding Family unhappy and they decide not to take care of their daughter and son-inw, how can he fight against Princess Yang in the future?¡±

    Chunran said with a smile, ¡°How could people prepare for their weddings all by themselves if they had someone to rely on? If Princess Yang is still sick until Young Master Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s wedding, Young Master Qiu Hongzhi will have a problem with his wedding.¡±

    ¡°In my opinion, he doesn¡¯t just have a problem,¡± Xiaran thought for a while and said, ¡°Young Master Qiu Hongzhi is the eldest son. His wedding should be ceremonious. Given Prince¡¯s status, he can¡¯t bustle around for Young Master Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s wedding, right? So, they have to wait until Princess Yang gets better. In that case, since Princess Yang is not well, Miss Ding may not be able to get married?¡±

    ¡°Miss Ding is almost 20. If her wedding gets dyed, how could Ding Family be okay with it?¡±

    Qiu Yn instructed Su Hezily, ¡°I don¡¯t remind him for free. Ask Kang Lizhang to tell Qiu Hongzhi that he¡¯d better bring me ten thousand taels silver notes quickly in private. My reminder of this time is worth a thousand taels. And he hadn¡¯t brought me the six thousand taels which I mentioned when we visited the grave. Now he owes me nine thousand. Of course, he can refuse like he always does, or he can me the Princess and Prince for not willing to give the money. Anyway, if I don¡¯t see the ten thousand taels silver notes before sunset tomorrow, I will be on Princess Yang¡¯s side on the matter of his marriage. Whether to give me the protection fee or not, ask him to think about it thoroughly!¡±

    Kang Lizhang said the exact words to Qiu Hongzhi on the next day. Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s look changed for a few times. Finally, he let out a deep sigh. He asked his trusted maid Jin Chan to withdraw three thousand taels silver notes and take two pieces of jade ware, ¡°Tell her that I only have this much in silver right now. I brought these two pieces of jade ware with more than eight thousand taels. They can offset the rest seven thousand taels.¡±

    Kang Lizhang and Qiu Hongzhi had always been close because they had themon enemy Princess Yang. Seeing that there was only Jin Chan in the room at that moment, Kang Lizhang whispered, ¡°How did she ckmail you for moneyst time?¡±

    ¡°When Princess Ruan died, Yang took five thousand taels from Ruan Qingyan. But she just spent several hundred on the funeral,¡± Qiu Hongzhi said with a gloomy face, ¡°And that b*tch asked me for it.¡±

    ¡°In my opinion, First Aunt may be behind this. Otherwise, do you think she will be afraid of First Aunt? She asked you for the money instead of First Aunt. I think First Aunt might promise her something in private,¡± Kang Lizhang muttered to herself for a while and then said, ¡°First Aunt is pretending to be sick and letting you manage the family. She put you on the spot.¡±

    Jin Chan interrupted, ¡°Lady Lizhang, my young master also knew that. However, there are just these few people in the Mansion. Now Prince and Princess are sick. If my young master doesn¡¯te forward, who will? Others aren¡¯t perfectly justifiable after all. Am I right?¡±

    Kang Lizhang realized that Jin Chan was disparaging her on purpose. Because Jin Chan was afraid that she might ask Qiu Hongzhi to yield power to her. Kang Lizhang¡¯s face went dark immediately.

    Seeing Jin Chan with a faint smile on her face, Kang Lizhang realized that her grandmother Madame Lu had died. Without Madame Lu backing her up, Jin Chan dared to look down on her to her face. Because she had been sleeping with Qiu Hongzhi sincest year and was sure she could manipte Qiu Hongzhi via pillow talk.

    Recalling how ttering Jin Chan was when Madame Lu was alive,paring to how frivolous she was now, Kang Lizhang hated her guts inwardly. However, seeing that Qiu Hongzhi was drinking his tea quietly and had no intention to reproach Jin Chan, she knew that he had just the same thought. He was afraid of things going back to when Madame Lu was alive that Kang Lizhang and her mother were in charge of the Prince¡¯s Mansion¡¯s family business.

    She calmed herself down and said with a fake smile, ¡°When did I say that cousin shouldn¡¯t be in charge? I meant that First Aunt took a lot of Second Aunt¡¯s and old Princess¡¯s stuff! If she asks cousin for stuff via all kinds of excuses every now and then, what will you guys do?¡±

    Jin Chan curled her lips. She had been jealous of Lady Lizhang for a long time. Because Lady Lizhang was born a civilian, but she had a life better than a Commandery Princess in the Prince¡¯s Mansion relying on Madame Lu . Now she had a chance to step her down. She surely wouldn¡¯t miss it, ¡°Do you mean that you want to pay for my young master?¡±

    What she said made Kang Lizhang so furious that she wanted to p her!

    However, Kang Lizhang was not a normal person. She withheld herself despite of her fury. She just said coldly, ¡°She who has a mind to beat her dog will easily find a stick. If you give her the money once, it will never end. Don¡¯t you worry about her not having excuses to ask for more money? She will empty your pocket no matter how rich you are. Who can afford that kind of expense?¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi sat aside and watched his cousin and his maid arguing with each other. Finally, he said, ¡°Cousin, don¡¯t mind Jin Chan. What do you have in mind?¡±

    Kang Lizhang sensed that he was biased against Jin Chan. She was bitterly disappointed. But she didn¡¯t expose her feeling. She just said tly, ¡°I think since it was First Aunt who took the money, it¡¯s better she pays it back herself.¡±

    ¡°I talked to my father about this. Father was not feeling well. He listened roughly and asked me to go talk to Yang,¡± Qiu Hongzhi was disappointed at this idea. He mocked, ¡°Yang said she gave all the money to grandmother. Who knows if she was telling the truth? She also said that our family didn¡¯t have that much money. And she asked me to ignore Qiu Yn. She has the seal used for withdrawingrge amount of money. And I am afraid of disturbing father. The three thousand taels is my money.¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi had his own difficulties. His mother was dead and couldn¡¯t help him. After Madame Lu died, he only had Qiu Mengmin to back him up. Qiu Mengmin valued him the eldest son of a concubine more than the youngest son of the wife. Because Qiu Mengmin thought he was more capable than Qiu Yinzhi.

    So, he couldn¡¯t go to Qiu Mengmin whenever Princess Yang deliberately gave him a hard time.

    Once Qiu Mengmin thought he was actually useless, one could imagine how he would end up. Otherwise, how could he use his money which he saved so hard to pay the protection fee?

    Kang Lizhang said frowning, ¡°If you give all your money to her, how are you going to buy over the servants in the Mansion?¡± she lowered her voice, ¡°Frankly speaking, First Aunt has to be sick right now. After this period....¡±

    It¡¯s the best time for Qiu Hongzhi to control the Prince¡¯s Mansion, or at least expand his influence.

    Princess Yang was afraid of people questioning her filial piety. Otherwise, she would never im to be sick at this moment and let the eldest son of a concubine be in charge of the family.

    Qiu Hongzhi frowned tightly.

    ¡°Actually, since you can use your stuff to offset, why don¡¯t you use sixth cousin¡¯s and seventh cousin¡¯s?¡± Kang Lizhang puckered her lips and whispered.

    ¡°Their stuff?¡± Qiu Hongzhi was stunned, ¡°Those two are Yang¡¯s sweethearts. Yang picked their servants and maids herself.¡±

    Kang Lizhang said in an unhurried tone, ¡°That¡¯s unlikely,¡± she was afraid that Qiu Hongzhi couldn¡¯t understand her, ¡°When grandmother was alive, she also cared about them very much.¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi looked at her with surprise. He leaned forward a bit, ¡°How much can we get?¡±

    ¡°It would be easy when grandmother was alive,¡± Kang Lizhang sighed, ¡°But now... they may not dare!¡±

    ¡°Cousin, are you treating me like an outsider?¡± Qiu Hongzhi said frowning, ¡°I know what you are worried about. We are in this together now. If I could take Yang down, would you and aunt feel more rxed?¡±

    Kang Lizhang nced at Jin Chan who was biting her lip and said with a faint smile, ¡°Why did you sound like I was negotiating with you? Am I that kind of person? Now I have your word. I¡¯ll ask them to do it right away. It¡¯s just...after we take the stuff out, how do we cash them?¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi realized that she didn¡¯t want to tell him who were the people nted by Madame Lu. He frowned and unfolded his eyebrows and then said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. As long as you give me the stuff, I¡¯ll handle the rest,¡± he reminded, ¡°Tell them to select wisely. Don¡¯t pick the worthless stuff and waste our time!¡±

    ¡°They won¡¯t. They know what to pick,¡± Kang Lizhang promised.

    Qiu Hongzhi said again, ¡°And if they find out their stuff are missing...¡±

    ¡°It definitely has nothing to do with you,¡± Kang Lizhang said knowingly.

    ¡°Now my young master is in charge. I¡¯m afraid that when they find out something is wrong, they will bother young master for answers, even they don¡¯t know anything.¡± said Jin Chan tepidly. She was not willing to be left out. And she also hated Kang Lizhang for ncing at her with insinuation just now.

    Qiu Hongzhi didn¡¯t indulge her this time. He rebuked, ¡°How could you say that to Lady Lizhang? p yourself!¡±

    Jin Chan was stunned. She looked at Qiu Hongzhi intively. However, he was no longer the gentle person he was when they were intimate. He looked at her coldly. There was obvious anger in his look.

    ¡°Snap! Snap!¡± seeing Jin Chan pping herself with tears in her eyes and her pink cheek swelling up, Kang Lizhang smiled gently and persuaded, ¡°Cousin, why get angry for a maid? How could I take her seriously?¡± she said this to insinuate what Qiu Hongzhi just said ¡°cousin don¡¯t mind her¡±.

    Qiu Hongzhi pretended that he didn¡¯t realize what she meant. He said with a smile, ¡°How could a maidpare with us?¡±

    Although Kang Lizhang knew that he only said this because he needed her help, he would belittle her in every possible way tofort Jin Chanter, she still felt happy seeing Jin Chan¡¯s pale face. She said with a smile, ¡°Let¡¯s talk business. If they find out something is missing ande to you, First Aunt inevitably will me you. However, what if sixth cousin and seventh cousin are not so great either that they are also selling stuff themselves?¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s eyes were brightened!

 Chapter 69 - Mistress Bian Was Pregnant

    <h4>Chapter 69 Mistress Bian Was Pregnant</h4>

    ¡°How did that happen? How did you encourage Qiu Hongzhi to teach Qiu Yinzhi to be bad?¡± asked Qiu Yn curiously, eating pine nuts Chunran peeled for her.

    To protect others from discovering that they contacted privately, Kang Lizhang usually came here at midnight.

    This night was no different.

    Qiu Yn had waned her patience to wait for her so long. She went to bed as usual. As Kang Lizhang arrived, Qiu Yn leaped out of bed to meet her. The window toward the west opened in half. Outside, there was a pear tree in its full bloom, looking like snow and graupel under the moonlight. Against this droplet, Qiu Yn looked like a fairy.

    Looking at this picturesque scene, Kang Lizhang was full of bitterness due to the scar on her face.

    Qiu Yn had given her the Yulu Ointment, but the injury was so deep on the face caused by Qiu Jinzhu that it would take a long time to recover.

    And the key problem was that even if she recoveredpletely, she would not be as beautiful as Qiu Yn in terms of appearance.

    ¡°I should also cut a scar on her face before grandmother died!¡± thought Kang Lizhang. This idea kept spinning in her head.

    Qiu Yn¡¯s words made her return to reality. She replied immediately, ¡°You have told me to let them fight as fiercely as possible and maintain the bnce of two sides. I think that Qiu Hongzhi may be in an unfavorable position before he marries the youngdy of Ding Family. So, I think that we should help him a little.¡±

    Qiu Yn sipped a mouthful of tea, saying with a smile, ¡°If your idea works, Qiu Mengmin may disdain Qiu Yinzhipletely? If so, Princess Yang may be in an unfavorable position. My wish is they will fight with each other for years.¡±

    Kang Lizhang seemed nervous. She exined hastily, ¡°Sister, I can exin it. I believe that, oh, not believe. I am 70% sure that the baby conceived by Mistress Bian is a boy!¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± said Qiu Yn shockingly. ¡°How do you know that?¡±

    ¡°Her maid Ruyi told me that,¡± said Kang Lizhang in a low voice. ¡°Ruyi once was punished by First Aunt heavily because of Mistress Bian. I rushed to help her out of the trouble. She always wanted to repay me for this... and now, my mother and I have no dependence. Ruyi told me this news because she wanted to help Mistress Bian and ensure that Mistress Bian will give birth safely. I don¡¯t think Ruyi had lied to me.¡±

    Qiu Yn squinted, indicating that she believed what she just said.

    The situation in the Prince¡¯s Mansion had changed. When Madame Lu was still alive, Princess Yang had to restrain herself. As Madame Lu was dead, Princess Yang would be a beast out of a cage. She, as the justifiable Princess in the Prince¡¯s Mansion, would do whatever she wanted to do in the past without the constraints from the elders.

    Not long ago, Qiu Hongzhi fell into ake. Princess Yang wanted to frame Mistress Bian by taking advantage of it. Fortunately, Mistress Liu became the scapegoat, which saved Mistress Bian. Or Mistress Bian might have been deported out of the Prince¡¯s Mansion. At that time, Princess Yang had decided to get rid of her. Meanwhile, the news that Mistress Bian was pregnant was not spread.

    Qiu Yinzhi, as the youngest son, was not the favorite one of his father Qiu Mengmin¡¯s in the first ce. If a baby were given birth to by Mistress Bian whom Qiu Mengmin once promised that she would be promoted as concubine if she would give birth to a boy, Qiu Yinzhi would have no future at all.

    Princess Yang must have decided to get rid of Mistress Bian regardless of infuriating Qiu Mengmin.

    Qiu Yn pondered for a while, saying, ¡°So, the idea that encourages Qiu Hongzhi to teach Qiu Yinzhi to be bad is put forward by Mistress Bian?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s Mistress Tian¡¯s idea,¡± said Kang Lizhang, shyly.

    ¡°Wow, there are so many foxes in the Prince¡¯s Mansion,¡± said Qiu Yn. ¡°How many months have Mistress Bian been pregnant?¡± asked Qiu Yn.

    ¡°Two months... or more,¡± answered Kang Lizhang with a fear.

    ¡°Even we abet Qiu Hongzhi to im that Princess Yang is ill, how can she be ill for eight months in session unrecovered?¡± said Qiu Yn, squinting at Kang Lizhang. ¡°And we know that she pretends to be ill, and we have told the outsiders that she is ill. So, The period before Mistress Bian gives birth will be tough for her.¡±

    ¡°If she can give birth smoothly, the struggle among Young Princes must be fiercer!¡± said Kang Lizhang meticulously.

    ¡°To give birth is the first work. To let the boy be alive is the most important,¡± said Qiu Yn. ¡°From my perspective, Qiu Mengmin did not want to bestow the title on his sons born in wedlock or his first son. What he wants to do is to bestow it on a talented one.¡±

    ¡°In reality... it is not that hard,¡± said Kang Lizhang, pausing for a while. ¡°First Uncle has not many sons, and Mistress Bian is his favorite lover. If he knows that Mistress Bian is pregnant, he must protect her from any danger. But... First Uncle is ill now and First Aunt is serving him all the time. Mistress Bian has no chance to see First Uncle! How can she tell First Uncle she is pregnant? Ask somebody else to tell him? It is not safe. First Uncle is ill lying on the bed. If the news is overheard by First Aunt, it will be a nightmare!¡± continued Kang Lizhang.

    ¡°I know that Qiu Mengmin is the most important breadwinner of Mistress Bian and Qiu Hongzhi. Only after Qiu Mengmin recovers, both will be relieved!¡±

    Hearing her words, Qiu Yn was angry. ¡°Upon your word, it didn¡¯t sound like a hard task. How can we make big money from Mistress Bian if it is not difficult?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± said Kang Lizhang, shockingly.

    ¡°What?¡± Qiu Yn asked. ¡°If she needs my help, I will do it. But how much can she pay?¡±

    Kang Lizhang continued without a pause, ¡°She is a mistress. Do you think how much money does she have?¡± After saying this, she realized that Qiu Yn might p her as she did in the General¡¯s Mansion days ago. She walked back a little instinctively. Qiu Yn looked at her with a fake smile, not intending to p her at all. Realizing that she would not p her, she felt relieved and awkward. She was angry but she had to hold herself together.

    ¡°I know she is not rich, but she must have something invaluable,¡± smiled Qiu Yn. ¡°No more jokes. we all know that Qiu Mengmin loves her. He even promised to bestow the concubine on her... I don¡¯t believe that he would not have given her anything worth much?¡±

    Seeing Kang Lizhang ponder and bite her lip, Qiu Yn reminded her, ¡°Do you believe that the baby, we even don¡¯t know it is a boy or girl, can be your firm dependence because you help his mother out today? The baby even may die for no reason before bing Young Prince.¡±

    Kang Lizhang had no idea after hearing her words. ¡°Let me tell you the truth. The man you asked me to get for delivering the message, I still have no clue. On the other hand, First Aunt even can¡¯t wait to kill us all...¡±

    ¡°So, it is not right to sumb to Mistress Bian now,¡± said Qiu Yn, disdainfully. ¡°She was just a mistress. And even if she bes a concubine, she is not a wife at all. But you are a Lady Lizhang. Even if your family is not a decent one, you don¡¯t need to tter her. And I afraid that she may kick your ass even though you sumb to her.¡±

    ¡°You want to marry Qiu Hongzhi, don¡¯t you?¡± asked Qiu Yn with a smile.

    ¡°Are you kidding me?!¡± said Kang Lizhang, shockingly. Even if she wanted to marry this man, Qiu Mengmin, the father of this man, would not allow his son to marry a girl from a lower ss ¡ª even if she was his niece ¡ª and Qiu Hongzhi was engaged five years ago. His fianc¨¦e was the girl in Hanlin Academy. Kang Lizhang had no chance to rece her at all.

    ¡°Then you won¡¯t stay in the Prince¡¯s Mansion for the rest of your life. In this case, why you have to live under Young Prince¡¯s thumb,¡± said Qiu Yn, teasingly. ¡°The baby Mistress Bian will give birth may take hold of power in the future. But when it happens, your children may have grown up for marriage already.¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s words woke her up. She murmured, ¡°That¡¯s right. What I wanted from her is that she can help me with my marriage...¡±

    ¡°She will do her best to help you ¡ª Tian Family and Bian Family are not the same ss. In terms of the struggle for the position of Young Prince, Mistress Bian¡¯s family has no power to help her!¡± said Qiu Yn. ¡°You have a feud with Princess Yang and you are shrewd. I believe, if you marry an influential man, you may have the force to fight against Princess Yang, which, on the other hand, will help Mistress Bian indirectly.¡±

    ¡°Yes, you are so right. How can I forget it?¡± said Kang Lizhang with a self-deprecating tone. She was now more fearful of Qiu Yn.

    Qiu Yn continued to say seriously, ¡°You always think that you are clever enough to handle everything. Without my heads-up, Mistress Bian and Mistress Tian must mock you privately.¡±

    After saying this, she took a nce at the copper water clock and yawned. ¡°Okay, then. No more important thing? If no, I¡¯ll be back and sleep. You don¡¯t forget to find out if Mistress Bian is rich and offer her a high price... And I will give you yourmission then.¡±

    Kang Lizhang nodded with a bitter smile, standing up for leaving.

    When she walked back near the window, she heard Su He murmuring inside, ¡°Tomorrow is the date of the imperial exam. You told me you would get up earlier, waiting for the good news of young master. But you are still up until now... How can you get up earlier tomorrow morning?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t belittle my determination to stay upte. Over the past years...¡± murmured Qiu Yn, yawning often.

    Su He sneered at her, ¡°I have been serving you since your childhood. I clearly remember how many times you stayed upte in the past. Don¡¯t mention your past stories. Do you still remember that year, you wanted to watch the fireworks show at Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve. You had been acting like a spoiled child with Princess, begging for your stay-up for almost one hour. She finally agreed to you to watch it. But you slept on my arm that night.¡±

    ¡°That was an old story... You are so bad. Why do you always remind me of my sad memory...¡±

    Kang Lizhang had been out of the yard. The sound in the yard was fading. She walked back meticulously to her living ce while she was grumbling, ¡°Ruan Qingyan will be a Jinshi. He will be the dependence of Qiu Yn¡¯s in the future. Even without the help of Empress, First Uncle must also think twice before he makes trouble for her. She is lucky. But I, on the other hand, am reduced to look for my living boat day and night...¡±

    Ruan Qingyan reminded her of her brother Kang Jinzhang. In reality, Kang Jinzhang was also brilliant. He was a Xiucai before he went to Mount Dizi. He must have a bright future. Madame Lu and Qiu Mengmin loved him far more than Qiu Yinzhi. They acquiesced Kang Jinzhang in lusting for Qiu Yn partly because they assumed Kang Jinzhang would have a bright future... Unfortunately, he never came back after he went to Mount Dizi.

    Despite Kang Lizhang heard that Qiu Yn admitted she killed Kang Jinzhang, she dared not to tell her mother, Qiu Yuqing, the sad news ¡ª If she knew about it, it would prompt Qiu Yn to kill her and her mother earlier.

    She walked fast at midnight. The wind in March was soft, but she felt gloomy, ¡°If my brother were still alive, our family could have left the Prince¡¯s Mansion. We could still enjoy a fluent life upon our past savings. If he passed all examinations, my mother might be bestowed a title of nobility, and then I would be a youngdy. What a beautiful dream.¡±

    However, Kang Jinzhang had been dead. If Qiu Yuqing and I left the Prince¡¯s Mansion going back to the Kang Family, they must be reluctant to resign themselves to fate. But if they did not go back to live in Kang Family, a widowed woman and her girl lived alone, directly or indirectly, would seduce trouble, let alone Princess Yang.

    Thinking of her life and difficulties before her, Kang Lizhang hated Qiu Yn more. She reminded herself, ¡°Now is not the time to have a feud with her ... I will wait, wait for one day she makes a mistake. And then I will crush her... Before that happens, I should wait, constrain myself. One day, I will get a chance to revenge myself on her!¡±

    On the other side, Qiu Yn was lying on her soft bed. She thought while Su He had covered and tucked her, ¡°Mistress Bian is pregnant, and it is a boy. I should not let this chance slip away from me ¡ª I don¡¯t need to talk with her directly. As Kang Lizhang has a connection with her, it is good for me to see that she bes the middle person between us. Anyway, to kill her and her mother will cost me nothing if I want to do it!¡±

    From the very beginning, Qiu Yn did not trust Kang Lizhang at all.

    Her thought is simple, ¡°Kang Lizhang is not a person who will render good for evil. She knew who killed her brother Kang Jinzhang ¡ª If she has the bottom line, she will revenge herself. If she does not have a bottom line... Well, a person who does not have a bottom line will do anything possible. A person like that is not worth trust.¡±

 Chapter 70 - My Brother Told Me

    <strong>Chapter 70 My Brother Told Me</strong>

    The next morning, Su He tried everything to wake Qiu Yn up. She finally got up for dressing and washing up. Even so, she was stillte when she arrived at the General¡¯s Mansion. Ruan Qingyan had been to the Pce already.

    ¡°You are still here?¡± asked Qiu Yn. Knowing that Ruan Qingyan had been to the Pce, she went to visit General Ruan. When she walked into the inner chamber, she saw Deng Yi wiping saliva for General Ruan! Xishi and others were standing far away from him, lowering their heads and keeping silence. Only two servants stood near him, acting as assistants.

    Seeing the shocked Qiu Yn, Deng Yi said coldly, ¡°Why can¡¯t I be here?¡±

    ¡°You...¡± paused Qiu Yn, looking at him skeptically. ¡°Your parents allowed you to live here? Even if your parents allowed you to do so, your brother Gu Yan would not love you anymore?¡±

    Deng Yi said angrily, ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my business.¡± said Qiu Yn, going to her point. ¡°As you see, my grandfather is ill. Only my brother is around serving him. He, of course, has no time for you. You have you own ce to live. Why are you still here? You idiot.¡±

    ¡°I am here looking after your grandfather! You have already seen it.¡± said Deng Yi, furiously.

    Qiu Yn turned to be angry. She looked around, saying to him, ¡°Youe with me. I want to talk with you now.¡±

    Deng Yi handed the towel to a servant standing near him. He readjusted his clothes, walking outside along with her. When they arrived at the corridor, Deng Yi asked the followers to leave them alone. Qiu Yn said to him seriously, ¡°Do you change your mind? You will marry nobody but me?¡±

    Seeing Deng Yi looking at her scornfully, sheughed grimly, saying, ¡°If not, why are you looking after my grandpa so solicitously?!¡±

    ¡°You are such a...¡± paused Deng Yi. His face turned to be red due to anger. He constrained himself because he thought that he was from an urbane family. ¡°Looking at General Ruan reminds me of my grandpa! You really think that you are so beautiful that every men will fall in love with you?¡±

    His words made Qiu Yn more nervous instead of relieved. She said, ¡°Let me tell you something. My brother won¡¯t love you! You should know that!¡±

    Her words infuriated Deng Yi. He jumped at her and kicked her. He said in a trembling voice, ¡°What kind of person do you think I am? Ah? What a person!!!¡±

    ¡°Oh, you have no crush on my brother and me, haven¡¯t you?¡± questioned Qiu Yn, trying to avoid being kicked. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± said she with a relief.

    Deng Yi attempted to kick her for several times but failed. He knew he could not defeat her. So, he said angrily, ¡°You are a kid. I have no idea where you got so many dirty ideas!¡±

    ¡°One should always guard against the harm!¡± said Qiu Yn calmly. ¡°As you have no crush on me and my brother, I still think that you should not stay here anymore!¡±

    Seeing Deng Yi turning to be angrier, she said with a smile, ¡°You are the grandson of Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s. Yet, my brother is standing on the side of Empress Jiang. You think about it. Your long-term stay over here, of course, will influence my brother¡¯s future. He is my only dependence. How should I sit on my hands, watching you hurt him?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Deng Yi paused, saying nothing. For a while, he said, ¡°Then, what about learning Kung Fu?¡±

    ¡°I used to live in the General¡¯s Mansion for two or three days at most. I even was able to get it in such a short time.¡± said Qiu Yn proudly. ¡°You have been a Juren since years ago. Are you sillier than me?¡±

    Deng Yi did not realize what she said was malicious. He was confident in his talent. ¡°Let me think about it...¡± said he.

    In a sudden, both of them heard somebody coughing nearby. They looked around, searching for the person. It was Qiuran walking toward them. She said, ¡°Mrs. Gu is here. She said that young master Deng had not been back for a long time, She missed you. So, she came here and see what¡¯s going on.¡±

    Watching Deng Yi walking away, Qiu Yn went back to the inner chamber, serving General Ruan. Within minutes, Qiuran ran into and said, ¡°Mrs. Gu heard that Commandery Princess is also here. She invited Your Grace to her room.¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned, ¡°What did she want?¡±

    ¡°To meet a parent? ¡± said Su He, quickly. All of them gazed at her and said in chorus, ¡°You, shut up!¡±

    ¡°I am not ugly! I am pretty, very pretty¡± screamed Qiu Yn.

    After scoffing Su He, she turned to be serious, ¡°How did Mrs. Gu know I am here? Did Deng Yi tell her?¡±

    ¡°I just overheard that Mrs. Gu said we don¡¯t have womenfolk nearby, so she asked Deng Yi out for talk.¡± said Qiuran, awkwardly. ¡°I did not hear their talk clearly but I saw that Deng Yi was unwilling to proceed their talk. He might not mention you are here? It probably a doorman slipped it out before Deng Yi went there.¡±

    ¡°It might not be like that? I am a girl. How can I be invited to go there and talk with her? Did this doorman want to be punished?¡± said Qiu Yn.

    ¡°So, will Your Grace go or not?¡± asked Qiuran, biting her lip.

    ¡°... I¡¯ll go.¡± said Qiu Yn. He stood up and said, ¡°After all, she is a senior and she¡¯s been here already ¡ª I shouldn¡¯t keep her waiting too long. And, from my deep heart, I hope she will say no to my marriage with her son!¡±

    Mrs. Gu did not n to enter the General¡¯s Mansion in the first ce. She tried everything shunning publicity, so she waited for her at the side door.

    Walking out the gate, Qiu Yn saw a beautiful woman surrounded by four or five maids standing beside a carriage.

    Deng Yi looked just like the woman. She must be Mrs. Gu, the niece of Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s and Duke of Guangyang¡¯s bastard sister. Deng Yi was handsome. So, it was safe to say that his mother must be pretty.

    ¡°You are Yn?¡± asked Mrs. Gu with a smile, looking at Qiu Yn walking closer.

    ¡°Nice to meet you, Mrs. Gu,¡± said Qiu Yn politely, showing her respect to a senior.

    Seeing Qiu Yn¡¯s pretentious action, Deng Yi who was standing behind his mother had a fake smile, grumbling, ¡°What a fox!¡±

    ¡°You shut up!¡± said Mrs. Gu in a low voice, frowning. And then she turned to Qiu Yn and said with a light smile, ¡°You are so pretty. Look at you. You like a flower in full bloom before me shadowing all others.¡±

    Hearing herpliment, Qiu Yn said, ¡°Thank you. You look gorgeous too.¡±

    ¡°I was gorgeous, but not now,¡± said Mrs. Gu with a smile.

    A maid who was standing beside Mrs. Gu added, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi is pretty. Our lord is beautiful. You two, from my point, are not like mother-inw and daughter-inw, more like mother and daughter.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think that daughter is more intimate than a daughter-inw. As we know, the daughter will get married and then leave me.¡± said Mrs. Gu, looking at the future daughter-inw kindly. ¡°A daughter-inw will live with me for good!¡±

    Her words shocked Qiu Yn. Mrs. Gu came here not only for seeing her but also mentioning from time to time that Qiu Yn was her daughter-inw... What was that supposed to mean? She peeked at Deng Yi. He was also in a mess.

    ¡°Thanks for yourpliments.¡± said Qiu Yn with a little cold voice. Her attitude made the joyful situation embarrassed.

    Realizing Qiu Yn did not want to be intimate with her, Mrs. Gu frowned. She paused for a while and said, ¡°Well, you know what. There are no strangers up here. You, Deng Yi and I met each other in private. No need to be acting like a guest. Anyway, you will be my daughter-inw as soon as your mourning period is over.¡±

    ¡°I am wondering why you invited me over here? Do you have something important informing me?¡± asked Qiu Yn coldly.

    After saying so, she suddenly remembered the heads-up Jiang Yashuang had said to her. She added immediately, ¡°As we know, my brother is taking the imperial exam today. I should defer to my brother always. So, I cannot give a clear answer to your question now. I must discuss with my brother.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Mrs. Gu said nothing and then grumbled, ¡°You discuss with him everything concerned you?¡±

    Qiu Yn lowered her head, looking like a tamemb. She pretended to be a not independent-minded girl. ¡°You are right. My brother told me I am too young to decide. I must discuss with him for everything to shun mistakes! My brother also said... My brother once told me... My brother said... My brother also said... My brother...¡±

    Mrs. Gu finally put up with her garrulous ¡°My brother said¡±. She turned angry, ¡°You defer to your brother all the time, uh? He is not your biological brother. He even has a different family name from you. You have uncles, other brothers and aunts. Why do you a girl always be around him? If this is spread to some ulterior persons, you will be gossiped!¡±

    ¡°But my brother said...¡± Qiu Yn wanted to proceed. Mrs. Gu. interrupted her immediately ¡ª Now Mrs. Gu became angry, ¡°Enough! You are my daughter-inw. Even if you cannot get help from Qiu Family, you should consult with my son, Deng Yi instead of your brother!¡±

    Mrs. Gu took a deep breath and continued, ¡°Now I know you are in your mourning period. How about this? I sent two maids who know the rules very well for you. You should stay in the Prince¡¯s Mansion rather than in the General¡¯s Mansion! If General Ruan doesn¡¯t ask you toe back, you should not go back to visit him! Young General Ruan is still single. But you alwayse here ying with him. It is ridiculous. It will result in troubles for Deng Yi, you and Young General Ruan. Are we clear?¡±

    Listening to her relentless words, Chunran and Su He were a little angry. They had to keep silent because Mrs. Gu was Qiu Yn¡¯s future mother-inw.

    Qiu Yn looked at Mrs. Gu, unknowing what she must do next. ¡°But my grandpa has been ill for a while. If I don¡¯te and visit him often, I don¡¯t think it is a good manner.¡±

    ¡°He has been taken care of by Young General Ruan,¡± said Mrs. Gu.

    ¡°But my brother is a step-grandson. I am his only immediate rtive in the world. My care to him is different from his.¡± said Qiu Yn gloomily, biting her lip. ¡°That is why I am here often even my brother is around all the time.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Mrs. Gu constrained her temper, adding that ¡°If you insist on that, I will agree to what you do ¡ª but tomorrow, I will send the maids to you. They will teach you how to behave before a senior...¡±

    ¡°I... I have had a female teacher already...¡± slipped out Qiu Yn. ¡°I am worried that what your maids will teach is different from my teacher¡¯s, who should I follow then?¡±

    ¡°A female teacher! Who is she?¡± asked Mrs. Gu angrily.

    ¡± Miss He rmended Miss Shao to me. She used to teach Chunfu princess.¡± said Qiu Yn. ¡°We have talked about it and I agreed.¡±

    Mrs. Gu became indignant, she said, ¡°Miss He and Chunfu princess are on the side of Jiang Family! But you are my daughter-inw! How dare you to ept a teacher rmended by them rather than the ones I give you!¡±

    Qiu Yn was a little scared. She lowered her head saying nothing.

    Mrs. Gu questioned her again. she began to grumble, ¡°Miss He said Miss Shao is a gentle teacher. I... I heard that Miss Shao was born in Qiao Chengbo Family. I dare not to reject... And the ones you will send... I... dare not reject either. I am afraid that Miss He may be angry about the whole thing... I...¡±

    ¡°You are such a loser!¡± said Mrs. Gu disdainfully. She was tired to behave like a kind-hearted mother-inw, so she shook her hand and walked to her carriage. Sitting down in her carriage, she suddenly remembered that her son was still standing over there. She said seriously, ¡°Why are you still standing here? Go and pack your stuff! You want to live here forever or not?¡±

    Deng Yi nodded like a coward. Mrs. Gu sighed, ¡°What have I given birth to?¡±

 Chapter 71 - A Disservice to Dear Brother

    <strong>Chapter 71 A Disservice to Dear Brother</strong>

    ¡°What did she mean on earth?¡± asked Qiu Yn aggressively to Deng Yi. ¡°We have a deal, right?¡±

    ¡°How should I know? I have been here since long ago!¡± replied Deng Yi coldly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you want to tear up our agreement!¡± whispered Qiu Yn. She was indignant.

    ¡°You think that everyone is just like you, a promise-breaker!¡± Deng Yi gazed at her and said, ¡°I think somebody in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang must have said something to her, which incurred a misunderstanding.¡±

    ¡°A misunderstanding? Like what?¡± asked Qiu Yn curiously.

    ¡°You know what the misunderstanding is. No need me to tell you about it.¡± said Deng Yi, sounding cold. ¡°Or why you mention your Cousin Ruan from time to time before my Mum?¡±

    Seeing she was still bewildering, Deng Yi continued, ¡°My mother wishes you be a capable and tough girl. If you have shown her who you really are today, she might have loved you more... But you just acted like you were a toy of your Cousin Ruan. There must be somebody who taught you to act like that.¡±

    Qiu Yn understood now. ¡°She came here to meet me because she thought that I must be a tough girl.¡±

    ¡°Probably,¡± said Deng Yi, frowning. ¡°No idea what happened to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang recently. As my mother asked me to go home, I should follow her order.¡±

    Qiu Yn admonished, ¡°You should note here again. Don¡¯t make trouble for my brother.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d better mind your own business!¡± said Deng Yi. ¡°I know very well the maids my mother will send to you! They must the ones having served my grandmother. They know rules so well that they became strict with the young! Look at you, a naughty girl, I am sure you will be tortured to death by them.¡±

    ¡°Ten thousand!¡± screamed Qiu Yn.

    ¡°What?¡± asked Deng Yi.

    ¡°Ten thousand dors. You help me out ¡ª You are not going to marry me anyway. So, why do we use this to bother your mother?¡± said Qiu Yn. ¡°What you think? It¡¯s a price you cannot resist, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°The price is good. But I am afraid I won¡¯t get it. My mother is a tough woman.¡± said Deng Yi, seeming that something terrible happened to him before.

    ¡°I heard you are the only child in your family?¡± asked Qiu Yn.

    ¡°Yep.¡± answered Deng Yi, frowning.

    ¡°Your mother had lost your father many years ago. She only has you. And you are good at your academic... But you can¡¯t even do this. Are you her natural son or not?¡± interrogated Qiu Yn, staring at him. We all knew that a son, to a widow, was her most important person in the world. They must be cherished by their mothers. In the general sense, whatever Deng Yi required, his mother would try everything to satisfy him. So, in a general sense, it was a piece of cake for him to stop his mother send two strict maids.

    Nevertheless, Deng Yi answered coldly, ¡°My mother has her own idea. I can¡¯t help anyway!¡± After saying this, he shook his sleeve, walking back to the Cuiwei Pavilion for packing stuff.

    Qiu Yn was standing there alone, watching him leaving. She stood still for a while and then said to her maids, ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion.¡±

    Su He was a little upset, ¡°Miss Shao was rmended by Miss He. But now Mrs. Gu also will send maids over here to teach rules... ¡± Miss Shao was on the side of Empress, and the two maids were followers of Empress Dowager. If they were under the same roof, Qiu Yn must be in big trouble.

    ¡°Ignore her.¡± said Qiu Yn coldly. ¡°Deng Yi has told us whom Mrs. Gu will send to us ¡ª He cannot stop it. What else can we do?¡±

    She did not answer Su He¡¯s question and turned to Xiaran, ¡°I, actually, did not want to do something tough for this small thing. However, somebody forced me to do it... Deng Yi gave up the ten thousand dors I offered to him. Now, you offer this price to ¡®Tianya¡¯. He may want to earn it.¡±

    After what happened, she was not in a mood to live longer in the General¡¯s Mansion. She told Qiuran and Dongran to exin her leave to Ruan Qingyan who would be allowed home at dusk. And then she went back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe.

    Arriving at her room, Qiu Yn immediately sent Su He to the Jiang¡¯s residence. She told her, ¡°You go there and tell Miss Shao that we have cleaned a room for her. As we don¡¯t know her living habits, ask her to send a maid toe over helping us with decorations. If there are something needed to be improved, we will do it now. We wish she have a good mood when she arrives here 3 dayster.¡±

    Su He was upset, ¡°Not sure if Mr. Shaw is really nice or not?¡±

    ¡°She is one person, Okay?¡± said Qiu Yn, frowning. ¡°Which is much better than the two ones sent by Mrs. Gu. And, He Shuijin¡¯s attitude is better than Mrs. Gu¡¯s.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought Su He mighte back with one maid sent by Miss Shao. She hadn¡¯t expected her to bring back a group of people. Of which there were He Shuijin, a maid with pretty eyes and colorful clothes and a senior maid wearing a blue wrinkle skirt.

    Behind them were more than twenty followers. They entered Qiu Yn¡¯s yard even without giving an advance notice.

    Qiu Yn was leaning on the west window eating the pine nuts peeled off by Chunran. She was shocked when she saw so many people emerging from nowhere suddenly. She jumped off the chair, put on her shoes and running out for greeting. So many people emerging in the yards spoke for itself. And Su He was not a careless maid who would lead strangers into the yard without an advance notice.

    Arriving at the yard, Qiu Yn encountered He Shuijin. She smiled and said, ¡°Sorry to bother you. I heard that you have prepared a room for Miss Shao. Sister Qizheng and I are free now. So, we bothe here with Miss Shao. We are here just for fun. Please be rx.¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, thanks foring over here!¡± said Qiu Yn. She had guessed that Chunfu princess Jiang Qizheng might be here. She was right after confirming with He Shuijin. She immediately saluted to her.

    ¡°Our status are almost the same. No need to be so courtesy.¡± said Jiang Qizheng, breaking into a smile. She rushed to help her stand up and said causally, ¡°Please forgive us toe here without an advance notice.¡±

    ¡°Don ¡®t say that. We are greatly honored by your gracious presence.¡± said Qiu Yn, looking at the Chunfu princess secretly. She was born in Jiang Family, which meant few people had higher ranks than her. She even had an official princess title which was the only one in her family. She was pretty and kind, seeming like a nice girl...

    Qiu Yn felt pleased to see her. She thought, ¡°Is she my future sister-inw? Lucky my brother!¡±

    He Shuijin and Jiang Qizheng introduced Miss Shao to her ¡ª the senior maid wearing a blue skirt.

    Miss Shao¡¯s nickname was ¡°Yuemei¡± and was born in an official family. About the reason that she never got married and became a teacher...

    While Jiang Qizheng and Shao Yuemei were viewing the pear blossom in the yard, He Shuijin walked with Qiu Yn to a corner and told her about Miss Shao¡¯s family background. ¡°Miss Shao¡¯s parents died in her early age. Her brother failed the examinations and her sister-inw egged her brother on to let her marry an official as a renewed wife ¡ª However, he was more than 60 with a number of children. Miss Shao was only 16 years old then. She, of course, was reluctant to agree the marriage. But she had to follow the rule (that was, follow the older brother¡¯s arrangement if their father died). She finally made a decision that she would not marry anyone in her life. She did this for praying for her parents too. Her sister-inw, despite she failed to force her to marry an old man, had been angry at her since then. There was no room for her to stay in her family. She had to leave and support herself on her own.¡±

    ¡°Wow. Life is hard to her,¡± said Qiu Yn.

    Although Shao Yuemei was apanying by Chunfu princess and other maids now, she also went through a long period of tough days. When she left her home, she was only 16 years old. As a girl, in particr, a pretty girl, she must be strong enough to be independent.

    Not only did Shao Yuemei make it finally but also she became the teacher of the princess of Jiang Family. Allowing for her family background, she did not give up on herself... Her experience, if written as an inspirational book, must be tear-jerking and exciting!

    ¡°Qizhen and I respect her very much.¡± said He Shuijin with a smile.

    Qiu Yn remembered that Mrs. Zhou once said He Shuijin was a ¡°material¡± girl. Those were not good words for a girl in that social environment (which paid respects to officials, peasants, industries and businessmen in a descending order). But in today¡¯s world, she must be credited as a career woman. From this point, Qiu Yn and Shao Yuemei who worked hard being a teacher of a princess had a mutual affection to each other.

    So, He Shuijin had been busy in Shao Yuemei¡¯s business partly because of Jiang Qizheng.

    ¡°As Shao Yuemei had experienced so much and had great achievements, she must be a nice teacher who knows exactly what she should and should not do.¡± Thinking of this, Qiu Yn could rest assured for she agreed to ept a teacher who never met before. ¡°She must know what she should and should not do.¡±

    She was afraid that the teacher might be a captious and frighteningdy.

    As long as Shao Yuemei understood who she was and what she could not do, Qiu Yn had no extra requirements on her talents or teaching ability.

    He Shuijin must have reached a deal with Jiang Qizheng. While He Shuijin just finished her introduction of Shao Yuemei, Jiang Qizheng was walking with Shao Yuemei arm-in-arm toward her. She said with a smile, ¡°Miss Shao told me that after she saw the pear blossom, it is unnecessary for her to inspect other ces.¡±

    Those sentences were not said by Shao Yuemei herself. If so, Qiu Yn must have replied her withpliments.

    Qiu Yn, after hearing Jiang Qizheng¡¯s words, would like to ¡°do something good for her brother¡±. She immediately said, ¡°That is great! I am just amon person. I once thought it was monotonous as the yard is full of pear blossom. I even tried to nt other trees. Thanks to my brother Cousin Ruan who changed my mind. Thus, I did not be a person who destroys the scene.¡±

    Her words made everyone smile. ¡°Miss Shao loved pear blossom the most. There must have some bond between you two.¡±

    Although Shao Yuemei said that it was not necessary to see the other ces after seeing the pear blossom in the yard, Qiu Yn still invited her and others to see her room¡ª Considering that they were both female and there were other people around in the Prince¡¯s Mansion, Qiu Yn arranged her room close to her own. So, they could take care of each other from time to time.

    Qiu Yn even asked the servants to knock down the walls in the east and south and built a new wall after incorporating some ces into her own yard.

    And then she arranged a room for Shao Yuemei and another room as the ssroom ... Considering the girls¡¯ school scale, the ssroom was spacious.

    It really wasn¡¯t up to her if this was going to happen before.

    But now, Qiu Hongzhi, the man in charge of the house, had to give her tremendous sums of money as the protection money for peace. Thus, Qiu Hongzhi would not say anything and let her go ahead when Qiu Yn knocked down walls and upied some spaces.

    During their viewing, Qiu Yn tried everything to talk with Jiang Qizheng, heaping praise on her brother Ruan Qingyan ¡ª Seeing them off, she thought in proud, ¡°Now, the odds my brother bes her husband will increase definitely.¡±

    She might not anticipate that the three of them, after leaving the house, gossiped her, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi must have crush on her brother Cousin Ruan. She talked about him so much before us.¡±

    ¡°It was the first time Jiang Yashuang had ever been so attached to girl. We should see to it that he will not be heart-broken.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that Jiang Yashuang sympathizes with her because he thought she lost her parents in her childhood and her uncle and aunt are not kind to her,¡± said Shao Yuemei. She preferred to keep silent at most of time.

    ¡°How is that possible? There are much more people who are poorer than Commandery Princess Ningyi! I didn¡¯t see he shows his sympathy for them.¡± said He Shuijin firmly.

    ¡°Thanks to grandpa¡¯s mentoring, Jiang Yashuang is always calm andposed.¡± said Jiang Qizheng, agreeing with her one hundred percent. ¡°He always follows the social rules to the rtives and his sister, let alone womenfolk unrted to us at all. But this time, he begged me and Miss He for Commandery Princess Ningyi... We have just met Commandery Princess Ningyi and she is beautiful. As a saying goes, ¡®A young man has no power to move his eyes away from a beautiful woman.¡±

    ¡°Miss Shao, please keep an eye on her in the future. We need to know who she really is.¡± said He Shuijin, frowning. ¡°This is the first time Jiang Yashuang is attached to a girl. And Commandery Princess Ningyi is also born in a decent family... I am afraid that Jiang Yashuang is too young to distinguish good from bad!¡± Shuijin said to Shao Yuemei.

    She continued to whisper, ¡°Madame¡¯s meaning is: If she is a nice girl, Madame will try everything to persuade Empress in persuading her engagement with Deng Yi; If she is not a nice girl, she must marry Deng Yi as soon as possible after she terminates her mourning period. Thus, I believe that Jiang Yashuang will move on.¡±

    Yuemei replied, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Your Highness, Miss He. I will do everything I can to aplish my task and give you a satisfied answer.¡±

    ... Poor Qiu Yn who spared no effort to entertain and observe Jiang Qizheng thought that what she did assisted her brother Ruan Qingyan. She must not expect that she was the monkey in the cage observed by others.

 Chapter 72 - That Is Your Fate!

    <strong>Chapter 72 That Is Your Fate!</strong>

    ¡°Tianya¡± was indeed worthy of being rmended by Jiang Yashuang, a member of the crown prince¡¯s party who had experienced all kinds of situations. It was both efficient and professional. Xiaran went over that night and paid the full amount of 300 taels of silver. The next day at noon, there was news from the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang that two tenders were injured on the way to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe.

    ¡°How did it happen in the middle of the city?¡± Qiu Yn asked with a smile, ¡°Was it an ident or something else?¡±

    ¡°An ident.¡± Xiaran, who had been enjoined by Tianya and went out to ¡°receive goods¡± this morning, chuckled. ¡°The horse pulling the cart was suddenly frightened and fell into a ditch by the road! One tender had a leg broken and the other was injured in the head. They were so wretched when rescued out!¡±

    Su He, holding Whitey next to him, interjected, ¡°Hey, just like this?¡±

    ¡°Little Su He is getting crueller.¡± Qiu Yn teased her and asked with a smile, ¡°What do you think will happen?¡±

    Su He blushed, ¡°Aren¡¯t the men from ¡®Tianya¡¯ all killers...¡±

    ¡°Did you forget that Governor Feng Rugui used to be a disciple of the Jiangs? Anything bad that happens in Jing City is to be dealt with by Feng Rugui in the end.¡± Qiu Yn believed that Tianya belonged to the Jiangs. For the Jiang Family, both Tianya and Feng Rugui were their own. They earned the money, but wasn¡¯t it too ridiculous?

    She took a sip of tea and smiled, ¡°The two tenders actually had done nothing against us. But Mrs. Gu sent them to make rules for me and I just didn¡¯t like that. It would be fine to just stop them. There was need to make things worse. Besides, we could have saved some money!¡±

    ¡°You are right, Your Grace. In fact, the two tenders had suffered too much this time.¡± Xiaran listened quietly and smiled, ¡°If it hadn¡¯t been for a pair of passing siblings who ordered their men to help, it could have been very hard to drag them out!¡±

    Qiu Yn felt that there was nothing more to ask about. After all, she herself was Commandery Princess. Even if Mrs. Gu, his nominal mother-inw, wanted to send someone to teach her rules, not anyone was eligible.

    Although the power of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang is beyond that of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, in terms of social status, they were simr. She didn¡¯t believe Mrs. Gu, a widow who lived with her only son in her parents¡¯ home, would send tenders now and again. Didn¡¯t the princesses anddies of the Gus need teachers?

    She was about to change the topic when Xiaran said, ¡°The siblings looked familiar. I might saw them in the examinationpoundst time.¡±

    ¡°You mean Qiu Bo and Qiu Nie?¡± Qiu Yn had a good memory.

    Xiaran nodded, ¡°But they seem to have a younger sister, who is one or two years younger than Your Grace and is very cute. The maid saw her giving her veil to cover the wound of the tender who was injured in the head at the tea-house.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s a little girl. It¡¯s not surprising that she is kind.¡± Qiu Yn said so, but thinking of the anomaly Qiu Niest time, she couldn¡¯t help muttering, ¡°Howe where there is trouble, there are people from that Qiu Family, who are all so passionate and helpful?¡±

    But then she thought, ¡°Even if Qiu Nie has learned some martial arts and might be good at... It¡¯s not a fault to be good at both literature and martial arts and he may not be a good person.... Well, does a good person have anything to do with me? I am not Chief Minister!¡±

    Qiu Yn ignored these and told the maids, ¡°Yesterday, Princess Chunfu and Miss He said Madam Shao likes pear blossoms. You will go to the Young Master¡¯s residence and ask if there are any decorations with pear blossoms in the warehouse and bring a few over. If he refuses, just tell him I wille in person.¡±

    Su He smiled and said, ¡°How dare he refuse?¡±

    She rose, handed Whitey to Xiaran and was about to set off to find Qiu Hongzhi when Chunran, with a few pear blossoms on her temples, walked in and whispered, ¡°Cousin Mingzhu is here.¡±

    ¡°Why is it her?¡± Qiu Yn sneered. There was no doubt that Qiu Mingzhu came over for Mistress Bian¡¯s pregnancy. But Qiu Yn had intended to let Kang Lizhang take a message and didn¡¯t want to get involved directly. The reason was very simple. She was a niece and it was not good for her to keep a close rtionship with her uncle¡¯s concubine.

    With Kang Lizhang passing messages, she could get away any time she wanted to.... Now it seemed that Mistress Bian might not trust Kang Lizhang and sent her niece over.

    ¡°Show her in now that she is here.¡± Qiu Ynmanded casually.

    Qiu Mingzhu was her senior. Qiu Yn should have gone to meet her to show her respect.

    But, on the one hand, Qiu Mingzhu came to seek help from Qiu Yn; on the other hand, Qiu Mingzhu left a bad impression on her thest time they met. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t even care for Qiu Hongzhi, none to mention Qiu Mingzhu.

    A momentter, Qiu Mingzhu appeared in the doorway with her lips clenched. After crossing the threshold, she knelt down and pleaded, ¡°I was worried about Mistress Bianst time and said something stupid to you. I beg you to forgive me!¡±

    ¡°Nothing the matter. I also asked Mrs. Zhou to take you to Princess Yang. I heard you were restrained by Princess Yang for a few days.¡± Qiu Yn said lightly, ¡°It was not me who had suffered. There is no reason for the forgiveness.¡±

    A trace of anger shed across Qiu Mingzhu¡¯s eyes, but she immediately returned to helplessness, ¡°Thank you for your generosity.¡±

    ¡°Get up and let¡¯s have a chat, Cousin Mingzhu.¡± Qiu Yn pointed to the seat a bit away from her, ¡°Be seated!¡±

    Qiu Mingzhu thanked before getting up and sat down. After sitting down, she saw that Qiu Yn was only teasing the Persian cat in Xiaran¡¯s arms and ignored her, so she cleared her throat and said, ¡°Cousin Yn, Mistress Bian sent me over to beg you for something.¡±

    Qiu Yn rubbed Whitey¡¯s soft fur and asked indifferently, ¡°What¡¯s it?¡±

    ¡°Mistress Bian¡¯s mother is seriously ill. She can¡¯t rest assured that she wants to go back and have a look.¡± Qiu Mingzhu endured being ignored and said, ¡°If it is possible, she wants to stay for a few days.¡±

    ¡°She should ask my aunt, not me.¡± Qiu Yn let go of Whitey that was dissatisfied with ¡°Meow¡± and looked at her, ¡°How can a niece get involved in her uncle¡¯s household affairs?¡±

    Qiu Mingzhu bit her lower lip again and said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯m telling the truth ¡ª Mistress Bian wants to go back for a short stay and you know the reason now. She sent me here to ask you for help. If you can help, Mistress Bian¡¯s savings over the years, though not very much, will not disappoint you.¡±

    ¡°For a short stay¡± Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°Do you really think Princess Yang is a corpse? Your father is pretending to be sick in bed and Princess Yang uses that as an excuse and does not allow his concubines to get close to him in case they would disturb him. Being a favorite concubine, she does not show any concerns about your father¡¯s illness but wants to visit her mother. I ask you, since Mistress Bian came to over, have her parents ever been sick? Has Mistress Bian ever returned to visit? Will Princess Yang believe it¡¯s so coincident? Do you think Princess Yang is actually an idiot?¡±

    Qiu Mingzhu¡¯s face changed a bit. She bent slightly toward her and said eagerly, ¡°You mean?¡±

    ¡°If Mistress Bian stays obediently in the Mansion, she might be able to hide it for a few more days while Princess Yang¡¯s attention is now focused on Qiu Hongzhi. Should she dare to propose to leave the mansion, huh!¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°No one could guarantee that her baby is safe!¡±

    ¡°Then Cousin Yn, what¡¯s your idea?¡± Qiu Mingzhu asked anxiously. She couldn¡¯t help being anxious. She was the only daughter of a concubine in the Prince¡¯s Mansion. All the other girls were Commandery Princesses. And because of the favor of Mistress Bian, she was disliked by the official mother.

    Right now, she was fifteen and would have her hair done up in the middle of the year. The most important thing in this age was about to marry. Was Princess Yang going to marry her to a satisfactory guy? Qiu Mingzhu was worried about this matter. Now Mistress Bian was pregnant and had secretly seen a doctor, who concluded that it was a male child.... This was really good news for Qiu Mingzhu. How could she let go of this opportunity?

    Qiu Yn nced at her and said with a half smile, ¡°How was Mistress Liu ousted from the Mansion? I was not there at that time, so please tell me the details.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about that either,¡± Qiu Mingzhu gasped and said, ¡°It is said that Mistress Liu¡¯s maid was tortured, but the confession was made by Mistress Liu.¡±

    ¡°Princess Yang insisted that it was Mistress Bian. But Lu should aim at Princess Yang, right?¡± Qiu Yn asked leisurely, ¡°Why should Mistress Liu get involved in?¡±

    Qiu Mingzhu said with a bitter smile, ¡°Mistress Bian was ndered by the Princess because she also went to the garden that night. And the one who asked her to go to the garden was Mistress Liu. Maybe only the Princess knows the truth.¡±

    ¡°Would either of the two favorite concubines be abandoned sooner orter?¡± Qiu Yn yelled, ¡°The Princess is really good at ying.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Qiu Mingzhu pursed her lips and said, ¡°Mistress Bian and Mistress Liu knew they were both tricked. Since the Young Master was involved in, they had no choice but to fight to the bitter end in order to protect themselves.¡± In the end, it was Mistress Bian who was more skillful and won.

    So the defeated Mistress Liu took the charge of murdering Qiu Hongzhi and was swept out of the Mansion.

    After a pause, Qiu Mingzhu said, ¡°Cousin Yn, you know how important this opportunity is for Mistress Bian, Mistress Tian and me. I will not lie to you. Mistress Bian and Mistress Tian are willing to repay you with all their private savings so long as you can help!¡±

    Qiu Yn stretched her finger and flicked on Whitey¡¯s head, making Whitey attack her with an annoyed paw. But the kitten could not hurt her at this time. Pretending not to see Su He¡¯sining eyes, Qiu Yn turned to Qiu Mingzhu, ¡°Send the deposit over first. I¡¯ll give you a way out when I am satisfied with the deposit.¡±

    ¡°Then what¡¯s the deposit?¡± Qiu Mingzhu was stunned.

    ¡°It depends on your sincerity.¡± Qiu Yn saidzily. ¡°After all, you have seen it. I am not short of anything now and there¡¯s no need to ask for trouble. So if you are sincere enough, I might take the trouble. If you are not sincere, why should I take the trouble?¡±

    She reminded again, ¡°Anyhow, the deposit will never be refunded!¡±

    Qiu Mingzhu bit her lips for a long time before she could hold her breath and said coldly, ¡°If your way does not work well, then...¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s your fate!¡± Qiu Yn said firmly, ¡°Anything unexpected may happen at any time. Don¡¯t me it on me!¡±

    ¡°... I have to go back and discuss with them!¡± Qiu Mingzhu got up with a darkened face, ¡°Just wait for my reply!¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded, ¡°Go ahead. But it¡¯s better to be quick. My cousin will be a Jinshi tomorrow. I¡¯ll be relieved when his ranking is assured in the list. I¡¯ll take the Madam to the Mansion to start the ss.... I may have no time for the business in case the Madam arranges too much schoolwork!¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s face suddenly turned dark as she watched Qiu Mingzhu walk away!

    Su He asked in surprise, ¡°Your Grace?¡±

    ¡°They are having a good n!¡± Qiu Yn sneered and exined to Su He, ¡°Do you think they really came to beg me? It¡¯s obvious that they are taking advantage of me. Qiu Mingzhu stayed here for half a day. Princess Yang will know it unless she is dead! And then she will know Mistress Bian is pregnant. Even if Qiu Mengmin is still ill, dare Princess Yang do it easily?¡±

    Su He said in surprise, ¡°Why did Cousin Mingzhu ask you again and again for a way?¡±

    ¡°If Princess Yang knows that she came over alone and talked with me for a long time, she will not touch Mistress Bian easily, not that she dare not touch her!¡± Qiu Yn said coldly, ¡°She is the Princess. If she wants to settle with a concubine, there are always ways! I guess Mistress Tian and others are nning like this: If I have a perfect solution, I am willing to buy peace; if I don¡¯t have one, Qiu Mingzhu¡¯s visit can also make Princess Yang restrain a bit!¡±

    Su He was annoyed and said, ¡°Cousin Mingzhu was really up to no good! I had thought she was sincere! But she just wanted to take advantage of Your Grace and didn¡¯t wanna spend even a penny!¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s okay if they wanna take advantage of me.¡± Qiu Yn took a sip of tea and squinted. ¡°We don¡¯t need money at all right now, and we won¡¯t becking anymore in the future. It¡¯s a good thing for these people to think that I¡¯ve been meddling in business for money.¡±

    If people in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe knew what she had said in front of Princess Ruan¡¯s tomb, they would stop fighting for the status of Young Prince! They would unite to fight with her desperately. Qiu Yn felt that it was better to make these people believe that her revenge was ckmail!

 Chapter 73 - Be at the Second Rank

    <strong>Chapter 73 Be at the Second Rank</strong>

    In order to put more pressure on Mistress Bian, Qiu Yn sent Chunran to present Qiu Jinzhu two pear blossoms to put into a vase.

    Although Qiu Jinzhu felt confused, yet Princess Yang would definitely figure it out when being told by her daughter that Qiu Mingzhu had visited Qiu Yn. She would be thinking that there must have been negotiations between the two sides and Qiu Yn must have put pressure on Mistress Bian as they didn¡¯t reach an agreement.

    Princess Yang immediately shifted her attention from Qiu Hongzhi to Princess Bian!

    Yet Qiu Yn, who made the undertow in the Prince¡¯s Mansion even stronger with two branches of pear blossom, went to sleep quite early and prepared to get up early and go to the General¡¯s Mansion to wait for good news.

    After she had arrived at the General¡¯s Mansion the next day, Ruan Qingyan had already gone to join in the Golden Hall. As all of them were in the middle of something, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t expect toe across him.

    After she had served General Ruan for a while, she retired outside and stood by when seeing that General Ruan was tired.

    When the results came out, the servant who went to see the billboard returned happily and informed, ¡°Young master was the thirty-seventh in the second rank.¡±

    ¡°The thirty-seventh in the second rank?¡± It was out of Qiu Yn¡¯s expectation. ¡°It was several ces lower than the results of the metropolitan exam.¡± Ruan Qingyan ranked thirty-fifth in the metropolitan exam. If the imperial exam had been sorted by the grades from the metropolitan exam and the top three in the first rank had been abandoned, he would have been the thirty-second in the second rank.

    Yet now it was fully five ces lower than thest time. Though it could be said that he hade out in front as he had ranked about thirtieth among three hundred schrs who would be chosen in the subject and Ruan Qingyan had not even been twenty years old, yet Qiu Yn still felt unhappy, ¡°Though the imperial exam was held by the Emperor, yet he could not have anything to do with it. It must have been Empress Dowager Gu who lowered his rank.... But why did Empress Jiang stand aside?¡±

    When thinking of this, she realized that Qiu Mengmin got her peerage back so easily. ording to the news she heard, except that Empress Jiangbelled Madame Lu as ¡°killing herself in shame¡±, she hardly fought against Empress Dowager Gu.... This was really not the style of the Empress who provoked the fight in the pce.

    ¡°Did anything that happened in pce chambers or in the Jiang Family distract the Empress at that time?¡± Qiu Yn presumed while ordering the servants to furnish the General¡¯s Mansion and sending Chunran and Xiaran to prepare for the reception of a steady stream of guests.

    The current rule was that the billboard would be published two days after the imperial exam and those who passed it would be invited to dine with the Emperor the next day. But Ruan Qingyan could not be able to return to the Mansion after the billboard had been published. The reason was that he would be invited to some banquets by his fellows or people like Ling Zui to bond with him.

    Only those who couldn¡¯t attend the banquet would send their congrattion cards and gifts to the General¡¯s Mansion.

    Yet the reason was that everyone knew General Ruan was too ill to attend to business, otherwise there would definitely have been someone who came to the Mansion to validate their existence.

    As a cousin, Qiu Yn could not appear as the mistress of the Ruan Family. So she told Ruan An and the others to receive gifts but not guests. Even so, they still had to bring in quite a lot of presents.

    Seeing this, Su He couldn¡¯t help clicking her tongue, ¡°I wonder when we can finish sending return presents....¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s time to buy more servants.¡± Qiu Yn, who was sorting the greeting cards, sighed genuinely, ¡°Now it¡¯s nothing like before. If there are still no neers, then the servants here will definitely not be enough.¡±

    For fear that Ruan Qingyan might have been out of favor with the Jiang Family, Qiu Yn excused herself earlier at the time at which she estimated Ruan Qingyan would return after the banquet. Ruan An proposed to keep her, ¡°Young Master just said this morning that he hadn¡¯t seen you for days. So please do stay a little bit longer and wait for him to return to talk to you.¡±

    Qiu Yn dismissed the crowd and whispered to Ruan An about the Jiang Family¡¯s intention of choosing a son-inw, ¡°Not to mention that I have already had a marriage contract with Deng Yi, even if I don¡¯t, I have already been a girl of thirteen, OK? I could still say that my uncle and aunt didn¡¯t treat me well during the short period I lived here before. I don¡¯t have other rtives and I can only seek protection from my cousin. Now, if I make outsiders feel that I have it off with my cousin, won¡¯t it ruin my cousin¡¯s future?¡±

    Hearing her words, Ruan An also felt that it made sense, ¡°But now you are in the Prince¡¯s Mansion all by yourself, do you....¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll make myself at home and I enjoy my life now.¡± Qiu Yn consoled him, ¡°Don¡¯t tell my cousin what I¡¯ve just said to you in case he might feel bad. In fact, my cousin has always been very nice to me. If without him, how could I own what I have today? So I can¡¯t harm him whatsoever.¡±

    Ruan An replied, moaning and groaning, ¡°Madame and some other madams have gone too early, otherwise...¡±

    ¡°By the time my cousin gets married and I have a sister-inw, won¡¯t it be proper for me toe over often then?¡± Qiu Yn reminded, ¡°Speaking of which, please keep an eye on my cousin when you are free. Don¡¯t let others lure him into fooling around with some bitches like Hua Shenshen or Hua Qianqian. If someone in the Jiang Family senses it, the Jiang Family will certainly intervene on behalf of their daughter. I saw the daughter of the Jiang Family in person the other day. She is really beautiful and good-tempered. Such a talent wouldn¡¯t be worrying about finding a good husband even if she were not the daughter of the Jiang Family. Though my cousin is a good person, yet not a single girl doesn¡¯t hope that her future husband only has eyes on her. As for those bitches in brothels, please ask him to stay away from them as possibly as he can! Never lose the main goal because of small gains!¡±

    Ruan An said hastily, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The reason that our young master hooked up with them was that he had no alternatives.... Now our young master won an official rank, so he doesn¡¯t have to y up to others too much in the future.¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded, ¡°I see, off I go then.¡±

    Yet when he returned to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, she found that there was a gift lying in her yard. Then she asked who delivered it here.

    Xiaran, who stayed behind, replied, ¡°It was from the Young Master Qiu Hongzhi and he meant to congratte the young master.¡± She and Chunran had been officially given away to Qiu Yn and since then they had called Ruan Qingyan the same as Su He.

    ¡°That¡¯s weird. If he really wants to congratte my cousin, then he should send it to the General¡¯s Mansion. Why did he send it here? Am I required to run errands for him?¡± Qiu Yn grumbled, walking into the room.

    Xia Ran followed behind her, replying smilingly, ¡°No, no, no. The Young Master¡¯s share had already been sent to the General¡¯s Mansion. Young Master Qiu Hongzhi said that you should also be honored as the young master seeded in the imperial exam, so he also sent you a share.¡±

    ¡°Tut-tut! Check the gifts to see if there is anything dangerous. If there isn¡¯t any, put them in the depot.¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t buy any of that nonsense. She wondered whether it could be that Qiu Hongzhi wanted to follow Qiu Mingzhu¡¯s example and take advantage of her to shift or interfere with Princess Yang¡¯s focus or not.

    She felt her heart was burning, ¡°Who does he think I am? Does he assume that he can use me at his will?!¡± One should always be the master of his or her own destiny, OK?

    But there was no need for her to do it instantly, as she had two important matters to deal with at the moment.

    Tomorrow was the day on which she would invite Shao Yuemei over to be an assistant to the general.

    Originally, Qiu Yn only supervised the repairing and furnishing of Gui Xue and Mr. Shao¡¯s residence. After all, Shao Yuemei just lived next door and it was inappropriate for her to call on her in person as she was still mourning for her mother. She could just send some servants like Su He to pick her up by then. As for the ceremony of starting school and epting students, youngdy He had already guaranteed that she would make arrangements for them.

    Besides this, what she needed to do now was something Su He reminded her in the General¡¯s Mansion ¡ª to add more servants!

    Now the only assistants at her side apart from Mrs. Zhou, Su He and the Qu Family were the two personal maids Chunran and Xiaran given by Ruan Qingyan and several cheap coolies.

    They were capable enough to serve her. But if she let them do something else that they didn¡¯t always do, they would be at the end of their rope.

    Especially two days ago, they even startled Princess Chunfu when guarding the Mansion. So who knew whether Princess Chunfu would be here again or not when Qiu Yn brought Shao Yuemei here tomorrow?

    No matter how simple a ceremony was, it was a ceremony after all. Qiu Yn supposed that she would definitely urge He Shuijin and the others to have a meal, so the number of the men that would be serving them was...

    Not to mention other errands, she didn¡¯t even have enough servants to serve the dishes!

    ¡°After all the time of scheming against each other, the n of adding people actually dragged on till today!¡± Qiu Yn let out a sigh helplessly, ¡°My cousin will definitely be terribly busy, so I had better not rely on him to cook anything up for me. Anyway, as for those servants that I bought, I have their indentures. So they can never raise hell!¡±

    She immediately told Xiaran to take notes and find a reliable middleman to buy some servants five or six dayster. ¡°Hush it up, don¡¯t breathe a word to anyone about it in case that someone with ulterior motives may know it and get us some spies.¡±

    She nned to buy some servants on her own while Qiu Hongzhi dispatched someone to ask her if she was short of hands, ¡°Young Master Qiu Hongzhi heard that Your Grace had invited a female teacher yourself and would like to set up a girl¡¯s school at home. He wondered whether Your Grace needed some extra servants to serve guests.¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Qiu Yn spurned his offer, ¡°The servants here should be enough. If there are too many guests, I¡¯ll let them work harder at best.¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi, along with Qiu Mengmin, was on the Empress Dowager¡¯s side.

    And no matter whether Princess Chunfu kept the appointment tomorrow or not, Shao Yuemei and He Shuijin were still diehard supporters of the Empress. How could Qiu Yn let Qiu Hongzhi have a hand in this?

    As a result, not only Qiu Hongzhi, but Princess Yang almost simultaneously dispatched someone to ask her, ¡°It¡¯s said that Princess Chunfu will call at here tomorrow, do you have enough servants to serve the princess....¡±

    ¡°Princess Chunfu has oncee here and at that time she came straight into my yard without being unsatisfied.¡± Qiu Yn replied sharply, ¡°Why can¡¯t I serve her well this time? Besides, the princess doesn¡¯t look like a person who likes making a fuss. Please ask my aunt to focus on recuperating and not be worried in case that her illness may be aggravated!¡±

    When the words fell on Princess Yang¡¯s ears, she was so angry that she punched the bed for such a while. Then she reproached, ¡°What an ingrate! I really should have watched Qiu Yuqing beat her to death!¡±

    Xiuyan proposed cautiously, ¡°Actually, I suppose that a chance maye up as the fifth Commandery Princess has invited the female teacher over.¡±

    Princess Yang replied in puzzlement, ¡°What? Why?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t the fifth Commandery Princess invite over that female teacher for the reason that youngdy Hee around to rmend?¡± This was not a secret. When Qiu Yn intended to tear down the wall and annex the nearby house, all members of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe heard about it.

    Xiuyan continued, ¡°She is also the teacher of Princess Chunfu! But the fifth Commandery Princess had here and built such arge girl¡¯s school only to make the teacher teach her. So what about the fourth youngdy and our sixth Commandery Princess?¡±

    Princess Yang frowned, ¡°You mean you want Jinzhu to attend her girl¡¯s school too? No way! You¡¯ve already seen how sophisticated and crafty she was. Though Jinzhu and Yinzhi were her born cousins, yet did she show mercy to them? Jinzhu is so little! If she goes there, she will surely be bullied every single second!¡±

    With this, Princess Yang¡¯s hate grew stronger, ¡°If she had just joined herself to the Empress, then that would have been fine. Yet now she brought in the person who was rmended by the tigress filled with the stink of money! After passing through a long time, I have no idea whether the Empress Dowager will...¡±

    ¡°How could I risk our six Commandery Princess?¡± Seeing her muttering, Xiuyan hastily exined herself, ¡°Our sixth Commandery Princess is still a little girl and you have been ill, so as your own daughter, the sixth Commandery Princess will surely be at your side and serve you. However, as for the sixth youngdy, she can attend it!¡±

    Princess Yang¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°That¡¯s right! Qiu Mingzhu, a cheap maid, is such a piece of ass. She actually went to find that little b*tch whimsically..... Fortunately, that little b*tch was too weak to harbour her or help her out of the Mansion. Otherwise, if the Prince had returned in time....¡± She snorted slightly, ¡°Qiu Mingzhu was carefree and not to mention how aggressive and domineering the little b*tch was! Just let the sisters learn something together.... Let¡¯s wait and see how they will be getting along!¡±

    Xiuyan echoed smilingly, ¡°Mr. Shao was invited by the fifth Commandery Princess. So can the fifth Commandery Princess, who has a bad temper, have the fourth youngdy attending the ss with her? Besides, the fourth young master was not a coward. Thus they will surely get into a fight!¡±

    She muttered, ¡°But I fear that the fifth Commandery Princess won¡¯t ept her right from the beginning!¡±

    ¡°There has never been such a thing that a female teacher is invited to teach only one student.¡± Princess Yang sneered, ¡°If the little b*tch dares to oppose it, I¡¯ll go to the pce to consult the Empress Dowager about how to discipline such a selfish niece who showed no respect to her aunt or cousin!¡±

 Chapter 74 - Noble Girls Gathering

    <b>Chapter 74 Noble Girls¡¯ Gathering</b>

    Qiu Yn had thought she was ready to wee the noble guests, but on the day when Shao Yuemei officially became the teacher in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, she found she had underestimated this female teacher¡¯s influence. Chunfu Princess Jiang Qizheng and He Shuijin were two she had met before.

    Apart from them, from the Jiang Family came the fifteenth youngdy Jiang Qiyun, the seventh youngdy Jiang Qisheng; from the Tao Family came the fourth youngdy Tao Peibin. And even two royal daughters came!

    Qiu Yn had met Princess Yongfu Chu Weitong before and had seen how naughty this royal Princess was. Alright, she mighte here for fun.

    But, why was County Princess Duanrou also here?

    Qiu Yn thought hard but remembered nothing else about her except for the time when she went to Ganli Pce, she stayed at this Princess¡¯ yard.

    In general, the royal daughters who had an official title would study with other princesses in the pce. They had full-time teachers in the pce to instruct them.

    Last time when He Shuijin came and rmended Shao Yuemei, she mentioned that Jiang Qizheng was also Shao Yuemei¡¯s student to attract Qiu Yn, but she said nothing about County Princess Duanrou. If Shao Yuemei had taught her, He Shuijin would have mentioned that as it could be a credit to her career.

    ¡°Were these noble girls moved by Madam Shao¡¯s experience so that when they heard she would teach here, they decided toe and support her?¡± Qiu Yn tried to repress her feeling of surprise and greeted everyone as usual. Actually, since the number of guests was far more than what she had expected, it would be impossible for her to make everyone satisfied....

    ¡°Well, birds of a feather flock together. They may just like Princess Yongfu and came for fun,¡± when Qiu Yn realized it, she decided to give up being perfect and tried her best to wee the guests.

    In this way, the guests that she had no time to greet could walk aside and whisper to each other using the decoration in the yard as a cover.

    For example, Princess Yongfu was now murmuring to County Princess Duanrou, ¡°See? That¡¯s my future neenth sister-inw! Your future neenth aunt!¡±

    County Princess Duanrou Chu Chunxiao was of the same age as Princess Yongfu, but she was always careful because of her origin. She asked with doubt, ¡°Wasn¡¯t she engaged to Deng Yi two years ago?¡±

    ¡°Who cares about Deng Yi?¡± Princess Yongfu waved her hand with might like her mother. ¡°As long as my cousin likes her, even if she were engaged to a prince, she could cancel the engagement.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Chu Chunxiao knew well the Jiang Family¡¯s style and nodded. ¡°She¡¯s pretty.¡±

    Princess Yongfu felt proud, ¡°It was me who let them meet each other!¡± These days, all members and servants of the Jiang Family noticed Jiang Yashuang¡¯s special care and help to Commandery Princess Ningyi Qiu Yn. They came here today to see her by the excuse of attending this event.

    Yet, including Madame Tao, all of them thought Jiang Yashuang was attracted by Qiu Yn¡¯s unmatched beauty when he was at Liuchun Pavilion, so he started protecting her.

    Only Princess Yongfu knew that before that time, and thanks to her, Jiang Yashuang had met Qiu Yn.

    ¡°You?¡± Chu Chunxiao knew nothing of it and was naturally surprised. It seemed to her that today was the first time that Princess Yongfu had seen Qiu Yn.

    ¡°Well... I¡¯ll tell you about it after they get married.¡± Princess Yongfu was desperate to tell her, but after a second thought, she decided with a feeling of pity to repress it. ¡°My neenth cousin is too shy about such things. If I tell you now, who knows how shy he will be.... In order not to make trouble for him, I should say it when all is settled. I don¡¯t mean to hide it from you.¡±

    Chu Chunxiao was not so curious so she just smiled, ¡°Okay.¡±

    The two girls were both close to Jiang Yashuang. They wouldn¡¯t look down on or dislike Qiu Yn who was a Commandery Princess and never offended them. Princess Yongfu thought she made them know each other when she was ying by chance, and she felt happy about it.

    But some were not happy.

    Under the pear tree at the corner of the courtyard, Tao Peibin, pretending to be admiring the pear blossoms, was biting her lip lightly and unhappy.

    Jiang Qisheng had always been close to this cousin of her, now she was persuading her, ¡°Although she is a Commandery Princess, her parents are both dead now and she¡¯s not in good rtions with her uncle. My family has inquired about her. Only the heir of the Ruan Family is good to her. But that heir officially became a member of the Ruan Family onlyst year, so he may look after her for good fame. Even the Lian Family is only good to her for fame. I will ask my mother¡¯s servant to tell them in private and make sure the Lian Family bes distant from her! And also the Ruan Family! At the end of the day, she has nothing except the title of a Commandery Princess! She can¡¯tpare with you!¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s beautiful.¡± Tao Peibin was very downcast when saying it. As Madame Tao¡¯s grandniece and a cousin of Little Tao, the wife of the eighth young master of the Jiang Family, she and Jiang Yashuang grew up together from childhood.

    Girls fell in love early. Jiang Yashuang¡¯s mother followed her husband to live in the border for years. He was brought up by Madame Tao and Little Tao. Thus, Tao Peibin had many opportunities to meet him and in this way, she fell for him.

    Honestly speaking, it was very possible that Tao Peibin could marry Jiang Yashuang. For one thing, Jiang Yashuang had always respected and obeyed his step-grandmother Madame Tao and his official sister-inw Little Tao. For another, in early times, the Tao Family was more influential than the Jiang Family. What was more, nowadays, the Jiang Family didn¡¯t need marriage to strengthen their power.

    Tao Peibin only worried that she was not good looking enough to attract her extremely handsome cousin. Another cousin of her, Little Tao was very kind and able, but because of hermon look, she rarely attracted Jiang Yadan¡¯s attention to look at her.

    Compared to her, Tao Peibin was the most beautiful girl among her generation in the Tao Family, but she was still not as pretty as the youngdies from the Jiang Family, let alone that Commandery Princess in in clothes but as beautiful as a pear flower fairy not far away....

    ¡°What¡¯s the use of being beautiful?¡± Jiang Qiyun took off a branch of pear flowers and came near. She put the flower branch into Tao Peibin¡¯s hair and said with disdain, ¡°The prostitutes in the brothel are all pretty, but are they noble? And this one, well! She is a noble girl nominally, but see how she treats us as guests! She¡¯s not like a noble girl at all!¡±

    Jiang Qiyun was not so close to Tao Peibin. Her mean words were not for Tao Peibin, but for herself. She always thought she was good looking and hated others who looked prettier than her. In the past, she once tried to scratch Jiang Qizheng¡¯s face and ruin her beauty and only stopped after Empress Jiang called her into the pce and scolded her harshly.

    She was so cruel to her cousin, let alone to others who were not her rtives.

    Actually her family didn¡¯t want her toe, but when she heard Jiang Yashuang was attracted by Commandery Princess Ningyi¡¯s beauty and would like to help her with anything, she was determined toe. Her family failed to stop her, so they persuaded Jiang Qizheng and others to take her along.

    When Jiang Qiyun came and saw Qiu Yn was as pretty as a flower fairy and realized she couldn¡¯tpare with her, her feelings were clear to imagine!

    ¡°Don¡¯t be silly. She¡¯s the one Jiang Yashuang likes. If you hurt her, he won¡¯t let you get away.¡± Jiang Qisheng disliked Qiu Yn either because of Tao Peibin, but when she saw Jiang Qiyun, she still pulled her aside and reminded her. When Jiang Qiyun almost ruined Jiang Qizheng¡¯s face, Jiang Qizheng¡¯s younger brother Jiang Yashuang was only twelve but when he heard about it, he was furious and wanted Jiang Qiyun to be punished. If Jiang Qiyun¡¯s mother, Madame Dou, didn¡¯t let her run to her grandfather Chancellor Dou, she would suffer a lot!

    Althoughter the old rtives settled this incident and Jiang Qizheng¡¯s face was not broken, the first branch and the fourth branch of the Jiang Family had discord. Last time it was Jiang Yashuang¡¯s sister, this time it was the girl he liked. If Jiang Qiyun did such thing again, Jiang Yashuang would not let her get away even if she hid in Chancellor Dou¡¯s.

    Jiang Qiyun also knew it. After that incident, she was a little scared of this cousin of her. She didn¡¯t look happy but said, ¡°I won¡¯te to her if she doesn¡¯t offend me!¡± Then she snorted, ¡°About Jiang Qizheng, I have told you that it was an ident! What¡¯s more, she¡¯s intact! Why do you all think it was me who wanted to harm her? It was possible that she harmed herself on purpose to trap me!¡±

    ¡°Keep admiring the flowers here and I¡¯ll go to Peibin.¡± Jiang Qisheng didn¡¯t want to argue with her. Seeing Jiang Qiyun agreed to her advice, she shook her head and went back to cheer Tao Peibin up.

    Qiu Yn knew nothing of what these unexpected guests were thinking.

    When she found she couldn¡¯t make everyone satisfied, she decided to put her focus on Jiang Qizheng, who she thought would be Ruan Qingyan¡¯s future wife and her future sister-inw. At the same time, Jiang Qizheng was also very interested in her younger brother¡¯s future wife and her future sister-inw.

    The two both held the goal to help their brother and cousin find happiness. They talked like old acquaintances very quickly and started to test each other.

    ¡°This set of Four Treasures of Study of you seems very nice. I wonder whose calligraphy you are studying.¡± Jiang Qizheng scanned Qiu Yn¡¯s study and asked smilingly.

    ¡°I learned Floral Calligraphy from my mother. It¡¯s not so good.¡± Qiu Yn took out a piece of calligraphy paper confidently and showed her the characters she wrote. She thought at her age, her calligraphy was good enough so that she could please her future sister-inw. ¡°What calligraphy do you usually practice?¡±

    Jiang Qizheng took over the paper and studied it, saying, ¡°I don¡¯t have a fixed type to study. Often I practice this type today and study that type tomorrow. If it were not my grandmother who was kind to me, I would be scolded by my parents.¡±

    He Shuijin smiled by her side and said, ¡°Qizheng¡¯s writing is excellent.¡±

    Did that mean she could write any type of calligraphy well?

    Jiang Qizheng appraised the characters calmly for a while and smiled lightly, ¡°Your writing is as pretty as you are.¡±

    Qiu Yn knew her words were only out of politeness and couldn¡¯t help regret that she had taken a wrong step! She didn¡¯t know this Chunfu Princess was an expert in calligraphy. Qiu Yn thought her writing was good, but only among ordinary people. In front of an expert, she was silly to show it.

    ¡°It¡¯s far from being pretty. I only know how to hold the brush.¡± Qiu Yn regained herposure and started her mission again. ¡°By the way, Cousin Ruan writes good calligraphy....¡±

    Qiu Yn restarted to help Ruan Qingyan leave a good impression but she didn¡¯t notice Jiang Qizheng sighing after she put down the paper and exchanged an eye of resignation with He Shuijin....

 Chapter 75 - Generalâ€™s Family Was Full of Drama

    <strong>Chapter 75 General¡¯s Family Was Full of Drama</strong>

    ¡°How about it? What does that Commandery Princess look like?¡± when Jiang Qizheng and others went back to their house next door, Little Tao who had been waiting for them for a long time approached and teased with a smile, ¡°Before Madame went to bed, she said that you and therge crowd going there might scare that little girl.¡±

    ¡°Being scared of meeting just a few people, how can this kind of useless person be qualified to marry into our family? Tut!¡± Jiang Qiyun had been angry for a long time. Because Qiu Yn was much more beautiful than her. However, she had some scruple. So, she didn¡¯t dare to do something to her. She was full of anger. Seeing Little Tao at that moment, she took it out on her rudely, ¡°Don¡¯t you think you adore her too much? She hasn¡¯t married into our family yet!¡±

    Little Tao knew her sister-inw was fastidious all along. She didn¡¯t get angry. She smiled and said, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen her. I just told you what mother said.¡± she knew that Jiang Qiyun didn¡¯t take Madame Tao seriously. Because Jiang Qiyun¡¯s father Jiang Tianao was a junior with a special status who Marquess Qin paid special regard to. So, Little Tao changed the topic at once after she said that, ¡°You guys have gone out for a long time. Must be tired? There are some freshly made drinks inside. Come and have some.¡±

    Unexpectedly, Jiang Qiyun continued toin, ¡°Tired? Not just tired, also hungry! What kind of Commandery Princess is she? She doesn¡¯t even know how to entertain guests! None of the dishes she serves today is worth eating!¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s because she is young.¡± Little Tao¡¯s husband didn¡¯t like her. She had no kid and her family was down and out. Although the grandmother of her husband¡¯s family Madame Tao was also her great-aunt and Madame Tao¡¯s only daughter was Empress Jiang, she and Madame Tao were twice removed. And there were a lot of people in Jiang Family. It was hard for Madame Tao to protect her.

    So, Little Tao was kind to everyone and forbearing in everything. She smiled and then mediated, ¡°She is 13 after all. Her elders don¡¯t adore her. It¡¯s hard to avoid being hurry-scurry and making you feel neglected.¡±

    ¡°Qiyun, youined about being tired and hungry. Little Tao told you that there were drinks inside. But instead of going in, you stand here and talk back to Little Tao. I really don¡¯t know what you are thinking.¡± seeing Jiang Qiyun was about to say something, Jiang Qizheng was impatient. She frowned a little and said tepidly, ¡°Are you deliberately messing with my branch? No one invited you to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe today! Our crowd went there without invitation. It was nice of her to entertain us. What more do you expect? Do you think Commandery Princess Ningyi owe you?¡±

    Jiang Yadan and Jiang Yashuang were both sons of the fourth branch. They and Jiang Qizheng were siblings. Little Tao was Jiang Qizheng¡¯s brother¡¯s wife. In Jiang Qizheng¡¯s opinion, Jiang Qiyun taking it out on her equaled taking out on her branch. If it were not for that Jiang Qiyun was her elder cousin and she should respect her, she would have reproached her a long time ago.

    After getting reproached, Jiang Qiyun surely wouldn¡¯t let it go. She snarled, ¡°Oh. Are you guys trying to gang up on me?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t use others of bullying you while you are messing with them!¡± Jiang Qizheng didn¡¯t like Jiang Qiyun at all because of their grudges. They avoided talking to each other as they could in front of the elders. And they quarreled with each other for a few times in private. Jiang Qizheng said coldly, ¡°Grandmother lives here temporarily. Because they are repairing the main room in Marquess¡¯s Mansion and grandmother hates the noise. If you want to go in and take a rest, please be quiet! Otherwise, if you disturb grandmother, even if she won¡¯t me you, I will go talk to First Uncle!¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Jiang Qiyun was hopping mad. But she couldn¡¯t do anything. Elders liked Jiang Qizheng the most among all the juniors. Not only Empress Jiang gave her a Princess title among all the nieces, Jiang Tianao also liked her more than his own daughter. Madame Dou could never make Jiang Tianao change his mind!

    Jiang Qiyun was disgraced by Jiang Qizheng. She surely wouldn¡¯t go in and have a drink. She turned around furiously, ¡°I won¡¯t disturb you and your grandmother!¡±

    ¡°Qiyun!¡± Little Tao sighed inwardly. She wanted to mediate. However, He Shuijin stopped her stealthily, ¡°Little Tao, don¡¯t mind her. She came with us in order to see the Commandery Princess next door. Since she has already seen her, do you think she will stay and pay respects to Madame?¡±

    Little Tao smiled bitterly. She had to let Jiang Qiyun go off in a huff.

    Only Little Tao who was a goody-goody was perturbed because Jiang Qiyun left. Others including Princess Yongfu who liked to meddle were silent. After Jiang Qiyun left, they began to talk like nothing had happened, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi is indeed beautiful. I thought Sister He was being exaggerated. After our visit today...¡±

    Princess Yongfuplimented Qiu Yn¡¯s beauty frankly. Although she saw Qiu Yn before Jiang Yashuang did, she saw her at night. She couldn¡¯t see her clearly because the light was not good. And also, Qiu Yn just got beaten up back then. She was at thest gasp and covered with unguent. Of course, it would tamper with her beauty. The Commandery Princess Ningyi she saw on that day was already healed and meticulously dressed. Of course, she looked way more beautiful.

    However, when she was half way through her sentence, He Shuijin, Jiang Qizheng and Jiang Qisheng all stepped on her almost at the same time. Although they stepped on Princess Yongfu slightly, she was still pretty depressed. She buried her head in her arms and said angrily, ¡°Fine. I won¡¯t say anything!¡±

    Although He Shuijin¡¯s and others¡¯ moves were subtle, Tao Peibin grew up with them, how could she not know the reason?

    She was already unhappy after she saw Qiu Yn. It was just that Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know her well. And she didn¡¯t pay attention to her because there were so many people for her to entertain. However, Tao Peibin couldn¡¯t hide her emotion from all the people in the room.

    Looking at Princess Yongfu who had an unhappy look at that moment, Tao Peibin thought about that she used to worry about Princess Yongfu and Jiang Yashuang. Because they were always close like real siblings. She was the only cousin Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t avoid after he grew up. Tao Peibin never thought it would be an orphan Commandery Princess who stole her man.

    She felt unspeakable bitterness and didn¡¯t want to stay any longer. She smiled reluctantly and stood up, ¡°I am feeling a little dizzy all the sudden. I want to go and take some rest. You guys have fun.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you!¡± Jiang Qisheng wasn¡¯t from Jiang Yashuang¡¯s branch. She wasn¡¯t that interested in her cousin¡¯s marriage. She went next door with them just to keep Tao Peibinpany. Now that Tao Peibin wanted to leave. She surely wouldn¡¯t stay.

    After they left, Princess Duanrou patted on Princess Yongfu¡¯s shoulder and said gently, ¡°Okay. You can talk now. Those who shouldn¡¯t hear are all gone.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s an obvious fact that Commandery Princess Ningyi is beautiful!¡± Princess Yongfu sat up and pouted unhappily, ¡°They saw her themselves. Why did you stop me from saying so? Be more beautiful if she could! Jealous of others is not necessary!¡±

    She was Empress Jiang¡¯s only kid. Overawed by how Empress Jiang adored her, even the Emperor didn¡¯t dare to criticize her. She stopped talking reluctantly because she and they were close. Otherwise, let alone that she didn¡¯t notice that Tao Peibin was unhappy, even if she did, she wouldn¡¯t care. Even if she said that Tao Peibin was not beautiful enough to covet Jiang Yashuang to her face, what could she do to her?

    ¡°Oh, you!¡± sensing that Princess Yongfu was angry for real, He Shuijin and othersforted her with a smile in a hurry. Otherwise, if she went back to the Pce angrily and told on them, although Empress Jiang was very protective of her nieces and nephews, offending her daughter was uneptable. How could she adore her nieces more than her daughter? Besides, Empress Jiang had way too many nieces.

    They went through a lot of trouble to make Princess Yongfu happy again. Princess Duanrou thoughtfully asked her to show her the garden of the house. Until that moment, Little Tao finally got the chance to ask the real question, ¡°What is she like?¡±

    ¡°We only met her for the second time. It¡¯s hard to tell whether she is nice or not.¡± this was the matter of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s wife. Jiang Qizheng and He Shuijin were both cautious. They didn¡¯t jump at conclusion, ¡°We don¡¯t find any obvious w for now. She is young anyway. It¡¯s better that we let Madam Shao observe carefully. It¡¯s nice that she let Madam Shao stay in the same yard with her. Thus, Madam Shao can know about her daily life. It¡¯s the best way to know about someone.¡±

    Little Tao said with a smile, ¡°Yashuang always has good taste. I suppose the one he likes can¡¯t be bad.¡±

    Realizing that she wasn¡¯t trying to speak for her cousin, Jiang Qizheng and He Shuijin were relieved, ¡°You are right.¡± They both had nice impression of Qiu Yn. She was beautiful. Although she made a lot of mistakes interacting with them because she was unprepared, she was natural and graceful the whole time. She wasn¡¯t panic nor upset. Considering her age and how she grew up, it was rare that she could be so graceful.

    So, they were a little worried, ¡°It¡¯s just that she brought up her Cousin Ruan a lot. It¡¯s okay if she is just grateful. We did some research after all. Ruan Qingyan has been really great to her. And he helped her with Princess Ruan¡¯s funeral. But if she loves Ruan Qingyan because of that... it¡¯s the first time that Yashuang is into a girl for all these years.¡±

    ¡°Shall we ask Yashuang?¡± Little Tao thought for a while and suggested, ¡°I remembered that Yashuang had gone to General¡¯s Mansion for a few times. If that were real, he should notice something.¡±

    ¡°Definitely not!¡± Jiang Qizheng and He Shuijin objected at the same time, ¡°When Yashuang asked for our help back then, we asked him ambiguously if he liked her or not. It¡¯s not something which he shouldn¡¯t mention. However, he got angry. He said that we measured the stature of great men by the yardstick of small men and he just took pity on her. Weforted him for a long time to get him stop being angry. If we go and ask him like you suggested, he will be angry again, won¡¯t he?¡±

    He Shuijin continued, ¡°We most definitely can¡¯t let Yashuang know that we went to check the Commandery Princess out by ourselves and arranged Madam Shao to be with her. Otherwise, he won¡¯t find us thoughtful. Moreover, he will definitely me us for meddling!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Jiang Qizheng said with a serious look, ¡°Since that Commandery Princess could bring down his uncle, she must be sophisticated. Can someone like her like being inspected by us like this? It¡¯s okay if she doesn¡¯t marry to Yashuang. If she does, how embarrassed will we be?¡±

    Little Tao murmured to herself, ¡°That¡¯s right. Yashuang is an absolute nice guy. It¡¯s just that he is so shy.¡±

    ¡°He is not shy about other things, only his marriage...¡± Jiang Qizheng shook her head, ¡°It¡¯s only because Yadan fools around too much. He makes grandfather and grandmother so afraid that Yashuang will learn from him. So, they overdid it which made Yashuang so old-fashioned that he couldn¡¯t even tell the truth in front of us.¡±

    Speaking of which, she asked Little Tao with concern, ¡°How is the thing Yadan caused a few days ago? Any news from the Pce?¡±

    Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe

    After sent away the guests, Qiu Yn suggested Shao Yuemei that they should rest first and start the ss the next day.

    After some chitchats, she went back to her room. In spite of her exhaustion from the long day, she took out a piece of letter paper and wrote a letter rapidly. The general idea of this letter was that she got an important information for Ruan Qingyan just now. His future fianc¨¦e was good at calligraphy. She looked very interested in it. And she was also picky.

    ¡°Even Jiang Family only considers cousin as one of the candidates for their son-inw, but with my assistance and cousin is a talented handsome man with a promising career, he will surely win thepetition and get the girl!¡± Qiu Yn finished writing and sealed it after examination. She asked Xiaran to send it to the General¡¯s Mansion at once and thought about it happily, ¡°My cousin¡¯s future wife is beautiful and has a good temper. She alsoes from a powerful family. Eh, cousin just got the title. He is way too busy these two days. Otherwise, I should ask him to make his move as soon as possible. So, he can marry her soon.¡±

 Chapter76 - I Was A Bossy Girl in Nature

    <strong>Chapter76 I Was A Bossy Girl in Nature</strong>

    It had been the end of March after rites for passing the imperial exam. The rites included results release, celebration feast, court dress granted, thank you note and ancestors¡¯ worship, etc.

    Qiu Yn had been studying for ten more days. She realized that Madam Shao was undoubtedly a good teacher beingpetent for teaching princesses. She, despite unborn in a royal family, was skilled at so many techniques such as qin (a Chinese instrument), chess, calligraphy, painting and poems, etc. She even had a vast knowledge of books preparing for imperial examinations.

    The part that Qiu Yn satisfied the most was that Miss Shao was a reticent teacher. She never steered away from her teaching topic. She never intervened in Qiu Yn¡¯s after-ss activities either.

    Madam Shao, as an intelligent, good-looking and versatile teacher who took her ss seriously, was an ideal teacher for anyone!

    After spending the time with her for half a month, Qiu Yn was not suspicious of Miss Shao anymore. She decided to send gifts to He Shuijin to thank her for introduction. The gifts were one stone that could kill two birds. She wanted to make friends with He Shuijin and others and used them for a future emergency.

    She sent Xiaran, a steady and resourceful maid, to Qiao Mayor¡¯s house. And then she summoned Chunran, ¡°My brother is still not free now?¡±

    ¡°The thing young master promised Young Earl Ling... Heads-up, you also knew about it.¡± said Chunran in embarrassment.

    ¡°The Courtesan Competition will be held on April 9?¡± asked Qiu Yn, frowning. ¡°It was Okay that he went there before... But now, he will be the son-inw of Jiang Family. Even if he always has a crush on many girls, he should watch his bearing this time, behaving like a gentleman now. How could he go out and y with loser Ling Zui and flirt with prostitutes?¡±

    ¡°Young master once said that man should keep his promise.¡± said Chunran.

    ¡°It depends on what the promise is!¡± said Qiu Yn promptly. ¡°I just sent our gifts to Young Lady He. If she is free recently, she must be here in theing days! If shees here with Chunfu princess again, it will be a chance for my brother to meet her.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan was a handsome boy. Jiang Qizheng would like him!

    ¡°Even if Chunfu princess does note, Young Lady He, as Chunfu princess¡¯s best friend, will tell her everything about my brother. I am sure about it.¡± sighed Qiu Yn. ¡°Why is my brother so stubborn this time?¡±

    ¡°No need to hurry, Your Grace. Young master once said that Jiang Family had known that he promised Young Earl Ling he would assist in the Courtesan Competition. If he breaks his promise this time because of Chunfu princess, it seemed like he pleased Jiang Family, but in reality, he may be looked down by them.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± said Qiu Yn. She thought that if Ruan Qingyan married Jiang Qizheng, he would enjoy the fruits of her family¡¯s sess. But his marriage would make him a puppet. Anyway, Qiu Yn thought that Jiang Qizheng was a nice girl. Or she would try everything to stop them.

    Pondering for a while, Qiu Yn said, ¡°Okay. Let him do what he wants to do. But he should focus on his assistance. He should not go to the brothel...¡±

    ¡°Young master must know what he is doing!¡± said Chunran. ¡°And the girl Peni Yue whom they will assist is the girl that Young Earl Ling is crazy about. Young master must try his best toplete them.¡±

    Settling down this topic, Qiu Yn suddenly remembered something important. She asked, ¡°Any news from the Prince¡¯s Mansion?¡±

    ¡°It is said that Prince is getting better.¡±

    This short answer made Qiu Yn smile lightly. She said, ¡°He should be better now.¡±

    In the past half month, Qiu Yn was busy in observing Miss Shao. She did not go around and make trouble for anybody.

    The two pear flowers she sent put the mistresses into the struggle of crown princes which had been fierce for a long time. Mistress Bian had nothing to do but to spend all her money to settle everything down. Even Mistress Tian had to pay for a big sum to Qiu Yn to ask for her help.

    Qiu Yn¡¯s solution was simple ¡ª Although Princess Yang cast doubt on Mistress Bian because of pear flowers, she must not realize that Mistress Bian was pregnant.

    After all, the youngest child in the Prince¡¯s Mansion Qiu Yinzhi has been ten years old. There had been no more children born over the past ten years. Qiu Mengmin must think that he would not have more children.

    So, Mistress Bian wanted to conceal her pregnancy for several months. She might divert Princess Yang¡¯s attention from Qiu Hongzhi, the one she wants to get rid of most.

    ¡°Last time, I taught Mistress Bian how to meet Qiu Mengmin by avoiding being noticed by Princess Yang. I did receive her money but helped her with nothing. She, finally, had to seek help from Qiu Hongzhi.¡± said Qiu Yn, sipping tea. ¡°Qiu Hongzhi is so helpful. He found out a way to bring her to Qiu Mengmin in only two days. Mistress Bian cried her experience before Qiu Mengmin, telling him everything... Now, Qiu Mengmin allowed Mistress Bian to stay with him all the time. I think that Princess Yang must be upset recently!¡±

    ¡°If Qiu Hongzhi knows that Mistress Bian conceives a baby boy, I am wondering if he will regret what he has done today.¡± said Chunran, smiling.

    ¡°Maybe not.¡± said Qiu Yn, shaking her head. ¡°I still insist on my opinion. Even if she gives birth to a boy, she may have no chance to bring him up. Even if the boy would be lucky enough to be a grown-up, he might not be talented. Compared with my brother, Qiu Hongzhi is a loser. But he is much better than others. That is the reason why Ding Hanlin Academy agreed to let his daughter marry him. But the key part is that he is a bastard!¡±

    ¡°Young Master Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s mother has been dead for a long time. And on the other side, Mistress Bian is the most favorite one of Qiu Mengmin¡¯s. To this point, the boy may have his day because of his mother.¡± said Su He, interrupting. ¡°By the way, Your Grace, do you think that Prince has already known that Mistress Bian is pregnant?¡±

    ¡°As Mistress Bian has met him before, she must have told him about it. It is the only way for her out of the trouble! And Qiu Mengmin insisted on keeping her around him. Do you think he did so just because she is his most favorite woman? As we know, the reason Qiu Mengmin is lying on the bed is that he is too sad for losing his mother! He should not have kept his concubine beside him if he wanted to be a perfect son. That is why Princess Yang could resist Mistress Bian to meet him before.¡± smiled Qiu Yn.

    Speaking of this, she smiled, ¡°Qiu Mengmin must have known her pregnancy. In my opinion, Princess Yang must have jolt out of her daydream too during the past days! Don¡¯t you think it is weird that Qiu Hongzhi and Qiu Yinzhi both are quiet recently? I guess Princess Yang must have told Qiu Hongzhi the whole thing and they are conspiring to kill the baby together. In doing so, they could go back to their battle they used to fight! I guess this is the reason why Qiu Mengmin is hasty to get better.¡±

    Su He counted the days and then she said, ¡°Good news is, ording to the news reported by Prince¡¯s Mansion, I guess Prince will recover within five or six days. And within ten or more days, the stuff from Lanxi will also arrive.¡±

    ¡°Thanks to the consideration of Ruan and Lian families, so that old stuffs have been put aside totally. Or we have to burden the suffer ourselves.¡±

    Qiu Yn said with a nod, ¡°That is the reason why Imanded you to zip your mouth about this thing when Lu came here! If she were warned it, and left a will to hold all ountability, Qiu Mengmin must also admit the ountability. But he would pay nothing in the excuse of losing money year after year... If so, we can get nothing finally. We can¡¯t get our stuff back, right?¡±

    She breathed heavily and continued, ¡°It¡¯s different now. Lu died long ago. Qiu Mengmin has to admit the crime that he embezzled old Princess¡¯s and my mother¡¯s dowry. And meanwhile, he surely hoped to hold his title in arm tightly. So, he will try everything he can to return the stuff to me! Oh, and includes one piece of dowry a Commandery Princess rightfully should have!¡±

    Su He was convinced by her words, ¡°Your Grace, you are so awesome!¡±

    ¡°I like yourpliment!¡± said Qiu Yn, not modest at all. She touched her head, squinting and saying, ¡°Morepliment?¡±

    ¡°You certainly will be tired of hearing the samepliment. And then, you will ask me to say something new.¡± said Su He, making a face to her. ¡°I won¡¯t fall for that! I will use this one for my life to make you happy!¡±

    ¡°You are out of line! Chunran, teach her a lesson!¡± smiled Qiu Yn.

    Chunran covered her mouth, smiling, ¡°Your Grace, you know that I will do whatever you ask me to do! It¡¯s you who spoiled her like this.¡±

    While they were making jokes, the little maid Chen Shui who was still in her internship and bought several days ago, walked into the room, saying, ¡°Your Grace, Xiu Rong is here, Princess Yang wants you to go her ce.¡±

    Seeing a new maiding into the room, they all became serious, sitting up, ¡°For what?¡±

    ¡°Xiu Rong did not tell me more in the first ce.¡± replied Chen Shui in a low voice. ¡°I had to tell her that no details, I dare not to report. So, she told me a little. There were some princesses from Yang Familying to visit Princess Yang.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that got to do with me?¡± grunted Qiu Yn. She thought for a while and stood up, saying, ¡°She must not ask me to go there for meeting her two nieces. I am afraid she has new plots dealing with me ¡ª I don¡¯t care. I am not scared of her.¡±

    Anyway, she was free now. She then asked them to dress her up.

    After dressing up, she went out with Chunran and Su He. Xiu Rong had been waiting for her anxiously, but she dared not to say anything considering Xiuyan¡¯s case. She was reluctant topliment her with a smile and then ushered them.

    Before entering the yard where Princess Yang was recuperating, they heard girls¡¯ voices passing out of the room.

    ¡°Why did you get up while you are still sick?¡± said Qiu Yn, walking into the room before Xiu Rong reported them. She bypassed the screen and saw pale-faced Princess Yang wearing formal dress, sitting in the middle and smiling at the girls like a blooming flower.

    Seeing Qiu Yn breaking into the room rudely, her smile froze.

    ¡°Who are you? Are you allowed in here!¡± a girl in her 10s stood up,shing out at Qiu Yn before Princess Yang said a word. ¡°You are so rude! Get out of the room and leave us alone!¡±

    This girl was beautiful with bright eyes. Her voice was delicate. Her actions of standing up and yelling demonstrated that she was born in a decent family ¡ª A girl who had a simr age might have been shocked by her bearing.

    Unfortunately, the girl in front of her was Qiu Yn ¡ªQiu Yn held up her skirt, walked quickly to the girl and pped her before Princess Yang stopped the girl¡¯s rudeness. This little girl was stunnedpletely by Qiu Yn¡¯s sudden p!

    ¡°Who the hell are you! You did not salute to me even you saw me. How dare you to behave so rude and evenshed out at me?¡± yelled Qiu Yn. Qiu Yn took a handkerchief out of Su He¡¯s sleeve after pping the girl. ¡°Are you blind, you don¡¯t know who I am?¡± she added while she was wiping her hand carefully in front of the rest.

    She finished cleaning in a minute, but she did not return it to Su He. She threw it out of the window! And then she angrily asked Princess Yang, who was stunned, ¡°So, my aunt, you asked me toe here for insulting me by a dumb!¡±

    Did you think that I just dared to show my muscle in private instead of in public?

    I was a bossy girl in nature, Okay?

 Chapter 77 - I Was the No. One

    <strong>Chapter 77 I Was the No. One</strong>

    ¡°You... Why did you p me?¡± The whole room was as quiet as a desert then. Princess Yang was attempting to restrain herself from tearing up Qiu Yn. The little girl, Miss Yang, jolted out of her shock finally. She cried like she never cried before.

    Seeing what was happening to their little sister, the rest two Miss Yangs rushed to stand up, checking her injury ¡ª As a little girl, her skin must be tender. But Qiu Yn always had a strong hand. Fortunately, she did not use her full strength to p Miss Yang. But fingerprints were still shown immediately on her face.

    Miss Yangs were indignant. One of them held up andforted the girl while the other one panned Qiu Yn. ¡°You came in from nowhere and we did not know each other at all. We don¡¯t know you are Commandery Princess. That¡¯s why we did not salute to you ¡ª But how can you p her so heavily?!¡±

    Qiu Yn grunted to her and found herself a seat. ¡°Am I wrong? Am I wrong? Didn¡¯t you hear what she just said to me? She is rude.¡±

    The girl who quarreled with Qiu Yn growled, ¡°You look young, but you speak rudely. Yes, I agree that my sister spoke bluntly to you...¡±

    ¡°There is a senior over here, and you must know here is not your home.¡± Qiu Yn interrupted her. ¡°Here is the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe! You are guests. Even if it were a maiding in, you would have no right tosh out at her? Here is not your home. Here is Qiu Family.¡±

    She copied eighth young master Jiang¡¯s verbose quarrel skill, ¡°Or you want to add your family name to Qiu? So, you leap at the chance of being a hostess of the Prince¡¯s Mansion?¡±

    Her words almost killed the four Yangs, the three little girls and the senior one, Princess Yang.

    ¡°How can a girl talk like that?¡± said Princess Yang in a trembling voice. ¡°Go and apologize to your sisters now!¡± yelled Princess Yang.

    ¡°My aunt, I don¡¯t think you are right.¡± said Qiu Yn, not looking at Miss Yangs. ¡°There are so many so-called sisters in a family. Please answer me, my aunt, do I have any blood rtion with Yang Family? Nothing rted! Yang Family is your mother¡¯s family. No rtion with me at all. How can they be my sisters?¡±

    ¡°Yang Family is at least a decent family, but so hurried to join Qiu Family. What an amazing joke?¡± said Qiu Yn, disdainfully and arrogantly.

    ¡°Nobody wants to be your rtive! You are alone in the world. Your parents have died! Your title of Commandery Princess means nothing to us. Your father was defeated in a war and your mother...¡± the girl who argued with Qiu Yn snarled. She never met a person who was so eloquent before, which drove her crazy. So, she snarled what she should and should not unstoppably.

    Before she finished her words, Qiu Yn stood up quickly, kicking the table in front of her over. She rolled up her sleeves and growled, ¡°You bitch. You insulted my parents. Are you getting tired of living!!!¡±

    ... Half a dayter, indignant Princess Yang watched Qiu Yn go out of the room. Qiu Yn won the battlepletely. Princess Yang then looked at the three girls who were defeated in the battle, sighed and said to the girl who started the fight tiredly, ¡°Yishi, you know how mean she is now?¡±

    Yang Yishi nodded, sobbing, ¡°It was my fault that I didn¡¯t take aunt¡¯s advice to heart. I thought I could give her a head start.¡± But the result was the opposite. Qiu Yn taught them a lesson by pping, kicking and cursing. The new brocade dress was even full of footprints. What a shame!

    ¡°I heard from your uncle that this little b*tch once learned Kung Fu from Ruan Family.¡± said Princess Yang. She was angry at Yang Yishi because she started the fight but no ability to end it. It should be noted that Princess Yang had been reinstating Qiu Yn¡¯s bad temper over and over again to them.

    However, this conceited Yang Yishi did not put her words in heart.

    But Yang Yishi was the only daughter of her brother Yang Tao. She was spoiled in her family. Princess Yang thought that she would need the help of her mother¡¯s family in the future, so, she decided to restrain herself. She must proceed to find a way out of the trouble, ¡°I just forgot to tell you how mean she is. Or you will know how to fight against her. It was my fault. I don¡¯t give you helpful advice.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t me yourself. Oh... It¡¯s just skin wounds. Oh... I don¡¯t think that bitch would have the guts to do it for real!¡± said Yang Yishi. She was a little arrogant but she also could ept advice. She now realized that she disrupted her aunt¡¯s n, so, she pretended to be considerable ¡ª She was the oldest one in the three. As she said so, the rest two agreed subsequently.

    The fourforted each other for a while. One brought up the n again, ¡°As we fought with that bitch. I think that she will refuse us to attend the girl¡¯s school. What can we do now?¡±

    In the first ce, Xiuyan suggested to Princess Yang that Qiu Mingzhu went to the girl¡¯s school with Qiu Yn. If they fought with each other, Princess Yang would not be at a loss anyway. Given that Qiu Mingzhu was not a match for Qiu Yn, Princess Yang decided to write a letter to her mother¡¯s family, asking for sending two or three eloquent girls over here to study with Qiu Mingzhu and Qiu Yn. What Princess Yang¡¯s immediate concern was Qiu Mingzhu¡¯s betrayal to Qiu Yn.

    Since Yang Yishi, Yang Yifu and Yang Yinian heard that Qiu Yn once fought with Yang Tao on the court, they had hoarded hatred to this Commandery Princess Ningyi. After hearing the girl¡¯s school thing, they begged toe, revenging themselves on Qiu Yn. However, they did not expect that this Commandery Princess was so tough. Sheshed out at them even before she reported her name. They came here with confidence but failed their fight finally.

    Yang Yishi got a beat, which must make her lost interest in the school.

    But the girl¡¯s school... which should not be given up easily. If so, it meant that they were defeated by Qiu Yn. That was the loss they could not stand.

    They looked at each other, knowing nothing for the next. Finally, Yang Yifu opened her mouth.

    Princess Yang immediately turned to her, ¡°Yifu?¡±

    ¡°She is rude and cruel.¡± said Yang Yifu, who was the one trying to quarrel with Qiu Yn a few minutes ago. She was deemed as a talkative girl in her family. But she was defeated by Qiu Yn ¡ª She reverted to beposed and organized. She proceeded, ¡°She was not like a Commandery Princess. She is a shrew and nagging woman. But we are from a decent family with good manners. We were cultivated to be nice and polite girls. She is totally not our type.¡±

    After defending her sisters against Qiu Yn, Yang Yifu becameposed. She said, ¡°We can deal with her. We just don¡¯t want to degrade our level and talk more with her. That¡¯s all!¡±

    She looked at Yang Yishi and asked, ¡°Sister, what about Miss Sheng...¡±

    Yang Yishi turned to be angry after hearing she mentioned, ¡°Miss Sheng¡±, she said, ¡°Don¡¯t mention her before me.¡±

    ¡°There is a saying, ¡®tobat poison with poison¡¯. It is appropriate to deal with this bitch with another poison.¡± said Yang Yifu. ¡°You don¡¯t like her anyway, so it is not bad to ask her toe over and go to the girl¡¯s school together. We are d to see one of them to be defeated by the other one. Right?¡±

    ¡°Miss Sheng?¡± asked Princess Yang, curiously. ¡°Is it the girl born by your youngest aunt from Yishi¡¯s family?¡±

    Yang Yishi shed a look at Yang Yifu unhappily, replying awkwardly, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s her. Ma¡¯am.¡±

    Yang Yishi was reluctant to mention her because Miss Sheng (the full name was Sheng Shishui) was said to be the one whose father Sheng Wujiu, the Suiyang Prefect was dead before she was born. However, the date she was born did not match the time of her conception. It was said that as the title of Sheng was less potent than Lu Family and her two brothers¡¯ looking were simr to members of Sheng Family¡¯s, they were epted by Sheng Family.

    But Sheng Family was reluctant to rear her. Her mother Lu also knew she could do nothing about it. So, she sent her baby to her mother¡¯s home.

    Her family background, even though she was the granddaughter of Lu Family, must make her an unfavorable one in the family.

    What¡¯s worse was that after sending her baby to her mother¡¯s home, Lu did not perform duty as a mother. She even neither cared about her baby nor sent child maintenance. It¡¯s reasonable that Lu family was angry about her and her baby.

    Under this circumstance, it was safe for us to say that Sheng Shishui did have a tough childhood. However, the fact was not. She became the most favorite one in Lu Family. Even Yang Yishi had lost her position in the Family. The rest of the daughters of Lu Family¡¯s, from time to time, had to sumb to her.

    What she could do was definitely beyond our imagination.

    ¡°If we get Miss Sheng to attend the girl¡¯s school, I am sure we can enjoy ¡°good stories¡± every day!¡± said Princess Yang. She was happy to get this girl after pondering the rumors rted to Sheng Shishui¡¯s family background.

    But after a while, she thought that it might not be easy to ask this girl toe. ¡°Miss Sheng has no direct rtionship with the Prince¡¯s Mansion. Is she willing to help us?¡±

    It must be noted that at present, Qiu Yn was well-known as a fighter in the court. Despite there were many girls in Families like Yang Yishi, feeling unconvinced. They wanted to fight against it if possible. But more girls were rational and they knew that Qiu Yn must be a tough girl who had fought against Empress Dowager, Emperor and Empress in the court. The key part was that she won in every fight.

    ¡°It¡¯s Okay to have her over here.¡± grunted Yang Yishi. ¡°My youngest aunt is a cheap person. Although my uncle and aunt raised Sheng Shishui, it is unreasonable they must give her dowry, right? So, she tried everything to deceive my grandma into giving her money... If you can give her candy, I am sure she wille!¡±

    Thinking about her suggestion for a while, Princess Yang said, ¡°Well... You go there and talk with her?¡±

    Yang Yishi and the rest two looked at each other. Yang Yishipared the hatred value between ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk with Sheng Shishui¡± and ¡°Qiu Yn, the bitch, I am angry at her very much¡±. The result was thetter outweighed the former much. So, she nodded and said, ¡°Okay, I will!¡±

    One side, they were discussing how to get a strong supporter, on the other side, Qiu Yn was also analyzing the situation aftering back, ¡°I am sure Princess Yang asked me to go there not for meeting her three nieces. As I had a spat with them, I guess her n must not work out now. This feeling was so good. I am d to see her heartbroken...¡±

    She was satisfied with the happy ending. And then she thought, ¡°So, why did she ask me to go there? For what?¡± Thinking it once again from the very beginning, she guessed it must be rted to the girl¡¯s school. ¡°If she wants to get somebody in with unresisted reasons, I have to ept it unless Miss Shao rejected.¡±

    After talking with Miss Shao, Miss Shao said, ¡°I can teach five or six students at the same time. To me, it¡¯s not a big trouble. In effect, we should not confine ourselves regardless of other¡¯s suggestions. As you have to stay home because of your mourning period, it will be good to have several ssmates learning together andmunicating with each other.¡±

    Not like that at all! There were plenty of examples that ssmates fought against each other in history!

    ¡°I don¡¯t need ssmates.¡± said Qiu Yn, frowning. ¡°My brother Cousin Ruan is a new Jinshi. I can learn from him if you are not here. Miss Shao, you are a clever person. You know that Princess Yang is mean to me. The girls she rmends will not stand on my side. My goal is simple. I just want a quiet ce for my studies. I don¡¯t want to be involved in troubles!¡±

    Shao Yuemei smiled gently at her. As a senior, she wasposed. The experience she went through had taught her much. She said, ¡°Your Grace, to be honest, you will marry a guy from a family of high status, wealth, and power. But there is a saying, ¡°The environment in a family of high status is as tough as in the desert¡¯. ording to my teaching experience, a talented girl might not get along with others in such a family. You should remember, to get along with people, in particr, those who are hostile for you is actually a lesson we must grasp in our life. Why don¡¯t you take your future ssmates as a life lesson you must learn?¡±

    ¡°But I am in my mourning period. I am not in a mood to face or solve the trouble.¡± said Qiu Yn. What she said, of course, was not her true meaning. The true one was that she would like to face big trouble. She did not want to ¡°y games¡± with those little girls. No satisfaction even if she won.

    ¡°How can everything goes as you wish?¡± said Shao Yuemei gently. ¡°I still insist that you should have a few ssmates. It¡¯s always a sharpening of friendship, for better or worse.¡±

    Unexpectedly, this open-to-persuasion Miss Shao turned to be stubborn. Qiu Yn might be angry at her if she were not Miss Shao. However, Miss Shao was good at rtionship stuff. The guestsing over with her for inspecting that day had shown their muscles to her.

    Thinking of this, Qiu Yn had topromise, ¡°I am a little tired of learning books. So, Miss Shao, can you introduce a teacher teaching Kung Fu for us?¡±

    When the Kung Fu ss began, the students would practice with each other. At that time, I, as Commandery Princess, would not mind being dubbed as ¡°the best master of Kung Fu in the girls¡¯ world!¡±

 Chapter 78 - Kneel in Front of Me

    <b>Chapter 78 Kneel in Front of Me</b>

    ¡°She wants a Kung Fu teacher?¡± asked He Shuijin, shockingly, to Jiang Qizheng. ¡°Is she kidding me? This is the lesson that never had before in girls¡¯ schools.¡±

    ¡°Miss Shao told me the reason is that she wanted to reject Princess Yang to get somebody else in the school. She nned to persuade Miss Shao to be a bad person. However, Miss Shao thought that more girls in the school would help her to know Qiu Yn better. So, she disagreed Qiu Yn¡¯s suggestion. Rejected by Miss Shao, Qiu Yn proposed Kung Fu lesson.¡±

    ¡°I see. She learned Kung Fu from General Ruan before. If the lesson begins, she will be the best one in this part.¡± smiled He Shuijin.

    ¡°If it came true, she might take conspiratorial means against her ssmates whom she dislikes.¡± To Jiang Family, it was easy to guess Qiu Yn¡¯s true intention as they knew her well. ¡°Well, what a cunning girl she is! Jiang Yashuang is a gentleman. If he married this girl, he might be cowed in the future.¡±

    ¡°I kinda like her now.¡± said He Shuijin, sipping her tea. ¡°She excels at strategies. Tobat an enemy¡¯s weakness with its own strength.¡±

    ¡°So, you mean, to send a Kung Fu teacher to her?¡± said Jiang Qizheng, having her chin cupped in her hands.

    ¡°We do have some guards who are good at Kung Fu. We can send one or two guards there teaching them showy Kung Fu. It¡¯s not a big deal.¡± said He Shuijin carelessly. ¡°But I think it¡¯s too smooth for Commandery Princess Ningyi to get it.¡±

    ¡°You just said you liked her. I thought that you would be on her side then. Your true intention is to embarrass her?¡± said Jiang Qizheng.

    ¡°I like her, so I think I should torture her.¡± smiled He Shuijin. ¡°If it were not about Jiang Yashuang, we would not have had to visit her from time to time. She might not realize that you and Princess Yongfu¡¯s presence in her ce has freed her from many troubles! She had an intensive debate with Empress Dowager Gu and others in the court. Do you think the seniors will let her go without reprisal? They just didn¡¯t want to settle an old score with her. Or she would have died long ago.¡±

    ¡°Well, what¡¯s your n? For your record, anything you want to do, do itpletely! Or Jiang Yashuang will get angry at you after he knows it. At that time, I can¡¯t help you out.¡± said Jiang Qizheng.

    ¡°How can I do things that others can hold against me?¡± grinned He Shuijin. ¡°I suggest we suspend this thing first. There will be a big event held in the capital recently, right? Ruan Qingyan will attend it also. We should ask Qiu Yn to go to the event with us. So, we can make clear what¡¯s her true intention to Ruan Qingyan... What do you think?¡±

    Seeing Jiang Qizheng not respond immediately, He Shuijin proceeded,¡± You think about it. We are trying our best to help her. But on the other side, she has a crush on Ruan Qingyan... At this point, what are we doing now, Huh?¡±

    ¡°But this event...¡± said Jiang Qizheng with a frown. The activity like Courtesan Competition was not appropriate for girls. It is Okay for the young master of Jiang Family to attend. But girls¡¯ attendance will be regarded as morality breakers...¡±

    It was said that the majority of members of Jiang Family¡¯s were not rules followers, but depending on what rules they broke.

    He Shuijin smiled and said, ¡°You thought Jiang Yashuang is a simple boy. But now what about you? Aren¡¯t you flexible now? Think about it, Commandery Princess Ningyi is still in her mourning period. She probably won¡¯t go to the Courtesan Competition. We all know what kind of ce the Courtesan Competition is. What we need to do is to get a private room nearby and go there under a guise. As the date of Courtesan Competition is approaching, I think it is not a big deal for us to go there watching it. I don¡¯t think people will judge us.¡±

    Patting He Shuijin on her shoulder, Jiang Qizheng was displeased, ¡°I have to spend all my time to entertain grandmother and aunts. But look at you. You are a busy girl. You have been to many ces and gone through a lot. Is it reasonable you have more ideas?¡±

    ¡°So, Sister He, can I ask you to give us details about your n?¡±

    He Shuijin was a quick thinker. She said, ¡°It¡¯s easy. There is a pot of crabapple bonsai in Madame¡¯s flowerbed, which was a birthday gift sent by Commandery Princess Ningyi¡¯s father, Qiu Zhongyan, the Duke of Xihe. You borrow the pot from Madame and hold a crabapple bonsai poem party. I think Commandery Princess Ningyi will definitely be here.¡±

    ¡°Your suggestion is excellent. That will make Commandery Princess Ningyi remind her father.¡± said Jiang Qizheng happily. She stood up and continued, ¡°So, Miss He, you sit over here drinking your tea. I will go and borrow the flower.¡±

    Qiu Yn, the girl living next to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe did not realize their plot. She was looking up and down the neers in the girl¡¯s school ¡ª Qiu Mingzhu and Sheng Shishui.

    Qiu Yn took a nce at Qiu Mingzhu and turned quickly to Sheng Shishui whom drew her interests. ¡°Sheng Shishui is a distant rtive of Princess Yang. She was asked to be in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe on purpose... It is so clear that she was sent here against me.¡±

    Miss Sheng seemed like only fourteen years old. She was pretty with bright eyes. The long ck hair was shaped in a bun. There was a long gold hairpin tipped on the hair. The dove¡¯s egg size pearl hanged on it, glistening in the sun.

    She dressed in a suitable green skirt. The light green showed off the delicate and white skin of the girl.

    ¡°No idea what tricks Princess Yang used to get those girls over here?¡± thought Qiu Yn. Now she¡¯s not very well informed. She had no idea who Sheng Shishui was. She got to know her a little after Sheng Shishui introduced herself and her rtionship with Princess Yang. She turned to her and said in a huff, ¡°Please have a seat.¡±

    They had been standing in the room for over half an hour. Finally, they could sit down for a rest. Qiu Mingzhu kept lowering her head, avoiding eye contact with Qiu Yn who had a resentful sight.

    Sheng Shishui said thanks to her. She wasposed and calm, not showing any resentment.

    ¡°I am Okay with Qiu Mingzhu over here studying with me.¡± said Qiu Yn. Su He had prepared tea for them. ¡°But Miss Sheng, I sincerely concerned about you.¡±

    ¡°Please give me some advice!¡± said Sheng Shishui with a leisurely smile.

    ¡°My brother is old enough to get married.¡± said Qiu Yn. ¡°My younger brother is also old enough to know the sex. As you know, there are males in the house. Although Miss Sheng is one of the distant rtives of my family, it is far distant anyway. Your frequent presence over here may taint your reputation!¡±

    Qiu Mingzhu turned pale. She thought, ¡°The bitch, she is truly eloquent!¡±

    Sheng Shishui might be despised if she insisted on studying over here ording to Qiu Yn¡¯s meaning. If rumblings were passed to Miss Ding, Sheng Shishui might be in an unfavorable position after getting married.

    Yet Sheng Shishui smiled, seeming nothing serious to her, ¡°Your Grace, you are right. I also thought that it was inappropriate toe here when Princess Yang told me. But Princess Yang promised my grandmother that the girl¡¯s school is close to your house. Usually, the boys won¡¯te over here. So, my grandmother nodded her suggestion.¡±

    Well, well. Her words made her shine among them ¡ª The meaning was that she did not beg toe here. It was Princess Yang who forced her toe.

    Qiu Yn smiled meaningfully, ¡°Oh, I see. No more questions for me. As you also want to have lessons with Miss Shao. Wee!¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Cousin Yn.¡± said Qiu Mingzhu. She did not know whether she should be happy or sad about her words. What she was happy about was that she could report to Princess Yang that she became Qiu Yn¡¯s ssmate. What she was worried about was that she had no clue what would happen to her in the future...

    Sitting there with mixed feelings, Qiu Yn saw that Sheng Shishui began to establish a rtionship with her. Sheng Shishui took out a beautifully embroidered handkerchief and told Qiu Yn that this was made by herself in a hurry as a gift. ¡°I made it in a hurry. It may not be in good quality. Hope you don¡¯t mind.¡± said she.

    Qiu Yn took a nce at Su He. She quickly went forward and got it, unfolding it in front of Qiu Yn. There were a few light color flowers on the handkerchief. A pair of egrets flew highly on the diagonal of the handkerchief. Obviously, Sheng Shishui realized that Qiu Yn was in her mourning period when she made the handkerchief. This was a rule that a person who was in a mourning period should not use bright color stuff. She was so good at embroidery that the handkerchief looked elegant and vivid. In particr, the eyes of the egrets made the egrets alive.

    ¡°You are so good at that stuff. I don¡¯t think that anybody can outpace you over this.¡± said Qiu Yn, ordering Su He to bring it in. She proceeded carelessly, ¡°Thanks for your gift.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee. Happy to know you like it,¡± said Sheng Shishui modestly.

    ¡°Chunran, go and show them around the girl¡¯s school. And don¡¯t forget to clean up a room for them.¡±manded Qiu Yn after she put aside the gift. ¡°Only the students studying in the girl¡¯s school are allowed to enter. You go and clean the room in the corner with otherster. Those who go to the school too early should await in that room and not allowed to go around in the yard. If anyone who breaks the rule, you tell me. Although the school is in my yard, it is also my private ce. Nobody is allowed to bother me without notice! Are you clear?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡± said Chunran, lowering her head. Qiu Mingzhu and Sheng Shishui knew well that what she said, actually, was for them.

    Sheng Shishui smiled sweetly and said, ¡°It¡¯s our honor to be your ssmates. We should abide by any rules.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± nodded Qiu Yn. ¡°I don¡¯t know you before. That means we are neither friends nor enemies. I think we should be like this here and forever. It¡¯s good for you!¡±

    Did this mean that she was sure she would be the winner in any fight? Her words aroused Sheng Shishui¡¯s enthusiasm for victory. Yet she calmed herself down and said politely, ¡°Yes, Your Grace. We will.¡±

    Chunran walked them out of the room. Su He came in with a te of cherry. She whispered, ¡°Your Grace, I think you shouldn¡¯t let them stay here.¡±

    ¡°So what? If not, Princess Yang must gossip me everywhere that I want to be independent of the Prince¡¯s Mansion.¡± said Qiu Yn. ¡°In particr, the money for the school¡¯s renovation and Miss Shao¡¯s sry is paid by the Prince¡¯s Mansion. From this point, it is justifiable for Princess Yang to ask Qiu Mingzhu toe here.¡±

    ¡°What about Miss Sheng...¡±

    ¡°She hadn¡¯t even turned 14 yet.¡± said Qiu Yn, disdainfully.

    ¡°But you are also only thirteen!¡± reminded Su He. ¡°She is older than you!¡±

    ¡°But I am much smarter than her.¡± said Qiu Yn, chewing cherry. ¡°I won¡¯t lose to her. I¡¯m sure!¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes. You are right! You are the smartest one! However, there are so many things waiting for you, which may distract your attention from Miss Sheng.¡± said Su He.

    ¡°Is she a girl worthy of my attention?¡± said Qiu Yn, picked up a cherry and put it into Su He¡¯s mouth. ¡°The reason she is here is to make trouble for me and get some useful message. But it is no sense to make trouble for me except they will feel relieved. And about spying me, we can use this to find out who is undercover in this yard.¡±

    ¡°The thing we will handle tomorrow is our top priority! To concern this girl is cing the unimportant before the important!¡±

    Su He asked excitedly in a low voice, ¡°Old Princess¡¯s dowry list...?¡±

    ¡°Xiaran just reported to me that granduncle Lian had received the stuff!¡± nodded Qiu Yn. ¡°Fortunately, Mistress Bian is pregnant and Qiu Mengmin is getting better now. This piece of news divert people¡¯s attention on us for not forgiving them and attempt to kill him when God stands on our side!¡±

 Chapter 79 - Being the Brother, the Father, also the Mother

    <h4>Chapter 79 Being the Brother, the Father, also the Mother</h4>

    Qiu Yn ordered servants to prepare a carriage the next day, however, she did not go to the residence of Lian Chen but to the General¡¯s Mansion.

    Ruan Qingyan made great effort to spare some time to wait for her in the Mansion. Seeing her cousin sitting on the low couch under the peach tree in the distance... Qiu Yn, who had been familiar with this scene, suddenly changed herself into a humble and solemn expression. Expecting his instructions, she came forward carefully to greet him, and quickly stood by, ready for his sermon.

    ¡°Don¡¯t need to pretend anymore.¡± unexpectedly, looking at her, Ruan Qingyan shook his head and said in disappointment, ¡°You always promised me so well, but then you never kept your words. You just do whatever you want waywardly.... What could I say anymore? All words are useless! You think I don¡¯t know your temper?¡±

    Qiu Yn said and smiled obsequiously, ¡°Since it is so... cousin, don¡¯t me me anymore....¡± Even if Ruan Qingyan hadn¡¯t tired of sermons, Qiu Yn was tired of making apologies.

    Noticing Ruan Qingyan was goggling at her, she shrunk head and said embarrassedly, ¡°Just kidding!¡±

    ¡°How have you been recently?¡± Ruan Qingyan had no way to deal with this cousin. He sighed and gave up his intention of dissuasion. Instead, he asked her to sit on another low couch nearby. Softening his tone, he showed loving care for her.

    ¡°Great!¡± Qiu Yn said sweetly, ¡°Knowing that you are Jinshi now as in such a young age, and are enrolled in the Hanlin Academy as well, everyone knows that you have a bright prospect... So, who dares to embarrass me?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan frowned, ¡°But how did I hear that you beat the youngdy of the Yang Family?¡±

    ¡°They deserve it!¡± Qiu Yn scolded those long-tongued people for being annoying, but quickly switched to a ¡°pouring out grievances¡± mode, with tears in her beautiful eyes that were like spring peach blossoms. ¡°It¡¯s okay if they only me me as a humble servant before Princess Yang, but they even humiliated my father and mother, I...¡±

    Ruan Qingyan¡¯s face quickly clouded, and he asked in a cold voice, ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Why do I lie to you for this kind of thing!¡± Qiu Yn said angrily, ¡°And it was Princess Yang who asked me toe that day! Otherwise, why shall I care about them, the Yang Family¡¯s arrival to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe? What does this have anything to do with me? Am I bored enough to stir up trouble and beat them?¡±

    ¡°Which youngdies of Yang Family?¡± Ruan Qingyan¡¯s expression continually changed, unpredictably, but the unhappy feeling from his eyes was more and more. He asked, word by word, ¡°Do you know their rankings or their names?¡±

    Qiu Yn left after beating them, but she asked afterwards, so she could answer this at this moment, ¡°Yang Yishi, Yang Yifu and Yang Yinian... I can¡¯t distinguish them and tell who is who. But these three are there at that time.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan sneered and said, ¡°Well, I keep them in mind. Just rest assured that I will definitely im justice for aunt and uncle!¡±

    ¡°Forget it, these three were horribly beat by me and cried back. I don¡¯t know whether they would still have courage toe to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe in future.¡± Qiu Yn saw that he stopped investigating her responsibility for beating them. Taking a breath, she persuaded him in turn, ¡°You are a newly selected Jinshi. Don¡¯t demean yourself to care about these little girls! Besides, they aredies from respectable families and are raised in the mansions. You would even hardly meet with them, OK?¡±

    She had already taken the advantage anyway. If Ruan Qingyan hadn¡¯t mentioned it, she would have entirely forgotten about this matter of the poor three sisters of Yang Family.... Now,ining for a while, she suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about Chunfu Princess! When you are not busy after the 9th of the month,e to visit me often. I would manage to let you meet with her once... And then you would know that Chunfu Princess was such a beauty, at the same time with good temper....¡±

    Ruan Qingyan looked at her bubbling over with enthusiasm. The unhappiness deep in his eyes slightly reduced, and he said with a faint smile, ¡°Are you sure that is ¡°Chunfu¡± Princess? It is said that there are several youngdies of Jiang Family who are about to marry, not only Chunfu Princess. From my view, I think the sister that Jiang Yashuang said is more likely to be his cousin. After all, Chunfu Princess is the youngest youngdy of the Brides-to-be in Jiang Family, right?¡±

    Qiu Yn felt surprised, ¡°But if that was Jiang Family¡¯s other youngdy, why did Jiang Yashuange for this? He has this only sister of the whole blood! The other youngdies of Jiang Family belong to other branches!¡±

    ¡°But he was the only one who could pass on this message at that time, wasn¡¯t he?¡± Ruan Qingyan disagreed, ¡°After all, their surnames are the same, Jiang, it doesn¡¯t matter who passed on this message. Isn¡¯t as the cousin, he then could not do this for cousin sister¡¯s marriage?¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned and said, ¡°If so, things would be tough to deal with. I thought it must be Chunfu Princess. Although twodies of Jiang Family showed up observing the mentorship ceremony on that day, I unexpectedly pay little attention to them. Don¡¯t me me for my negligence. But it would be so bad if it affects your marriage.¡± Qiu Yn, sincerely wanted to be a good sister-inw and get along well with her future brother¡¯s wife...

    However, Ruan Qingyan looked like indifferent. He said, ¡°There are many other good families to unite by marriage than Jiang Family.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Qiu Yn asked in surprise, ¡°Cousin, what do you mean?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan had already sent off all his men in order to teach her before. At this time, only these brother and sister are sitting under the peach blossom tree. He smiled slightly and said, ¡°Prime Minister Xue often called me to go to his mansion during this time, and he taught me a lot.¡±

    ¡°But, it perhaps Prime Minister Xue simply cherishes your talents, without any other expectation?¡± Happiness knocked the door so suddenly¡ª Qiu Yn even couldn¡¯t believe it!

    She had thought that Ruan Qingyan being included as Jiang Family¡¯s son-inw candidates was already a big surprise. But now, even Xue Chang also pays special regard to him! Does this mean the cousin is the real main character of this book indeed?

    This is not ancient romance at all, but should be a novel about Imperial Harem, right? Chunfu Princess, the youngdy of the Xue family, and those three sisters of Yang Family that cousin asked just now are estimated to be the possible future concubine...

    Ruan Qingyan interrupted Qiu Yn¡¯s unrealistic imagination with a slight smile, and said, ¡°If they really want to teach me, why bother to ask me indirectly whether I¡¯ve married?¡±

    That was true. At this time, the most possible reason as asking him whether he had married or not should be they wanted to be a matchmaker. If they didn¡¯t have girls in own family, they should be asked to do this for some others. There was no other reason to ask this just for a casual talk.

    Qiu Yn¡¯s beautiful, peach-blossom-like eyes flickered, ¡°Have you ever seen the youngdy of the Xue family? Is she beautiful? How about her temper? Did you immediately feel butterflies in the stomach and fall in love with her... ah-ha!¡±

    She raised her hand subconsciously to knock her forehead¡ª Ruan Qingyan took her hands down with a cold face, and softly scolded, ¡°You nonsense!¡±

    ¡°Just kidding...¡± Pretending to be pitiful for a while but seeing Ruan Qingyan wasn¡¯t fooled by it, Qiu Yn sadly gave up the trick, and said hatefully, ¡°Cousin, you don¡¯t love me anymore!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan almost felt speechless and said, ¡°Don¡¯t casually say these words that should not be proper for girls, and don¡¯t think that I don¡¯t have the heart to punish you next time!¡± He had known for now that this cousin sister should be treated seriously with tough words, and you had to be cruel! Otherwise, no matter how earnest you were, she would not listen to your words!

    Having only one cousin sister, like the apple of his eye, Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t want to spoil her into a bad girl!

    Qiu Yn saw him being hardhearted, so she sadly said, ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t say this anymore... so, go on. Have you ever seen the youngdy of the Xue family? Do I ask like this still touch your sore spot and being defined as ¡®improper¡¯?¡±

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Ruan Qingyan said lightly, ¡°What a person Prime Minister Xue is? He hasn¡¯t made it clearly so far. So how can I meet with his precious daughter? But I guess the youngdy of the Xue family should have seen me.¡±

    Qiu Yn suddenly was enlightened, ¡°She is in the dark? How do you know?¡±

    ¡°The grandson of Prime Minister Xue led me to go around the small building intentionally, and tried with great effort to make me stand where I was straightly facing to the small building... If I still can¡¯t guess who was upstairs, I would not be qualified as Jinshi!¡± The atmosphere turned to be easy again, Ruan Qingyan also acted like nothing had happened, and he smiled, ¡°So don¡¯t worry too much about my marriage! At least I am a man, and I don¡¯t need to do this in a hurry... But you!¡±

    ¡°... Me?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan nodded seriously, ¡°Deng Yi is not a good choice, and this engagement is definitely going to be broke. He is now hiding back to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang, but it is impossible for him to hide for a lifetime! I would be free after Courtesan Competition, and I¡¯ll immediately go find him then!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan looking at this cousin, said, ¡°Jiang Yashuang...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m innocent with him!¡± Qiu Yn said seriously, ¡°Cousin, you definitely think too much!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan hummed, ¡°I also hope I think too much!¡± He warned, ¡°I haven¡¯t found anything bad about this person up until now. But Jiang Family is a big, powerful family, so the hidden matters would beyond your imagination! Aunt and uncle had been both passed away, and I am just a newly selected Jinshi. We brother and sister¡¯s power are so weak that Jiang Family would even not notice us... You maye to grief if you marry him! So don¡¯t consider about this guy anymore!¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°I have never considered about him, OK?¡±

    ¡°A schr who went to the exam with me looks great.¡± Ruan Qingyan ignored her rebuttal and said, ¡°Although he failed this time, I think there must be a ce for him next time... His name is Xun Yuxi, a person from Shannan, one year older than me. He¡¯s handsome and also talented, with a gentle temperament and an open mind. He would be a generous and kind person! The most satisfying point is that he is from an official family but also very rich. What¡¯s more, both his parents had passed away, leaving him as the only child and inheritor! Without any sisters! If you marry him, you don¡¯t have to serve his family, the parents-inw, sisters or brothers... You don¡¯t have to worry about any of his rtives....¡±

    Is this the ancient version of the best bachelor¡ª ¡°possessing house and car, with both parents dead¡±?!

    Seeing Qiu Yn staring at him dumbfoundedly, Ruan Qingyan said with a smile, ¡°When Prime Minister Xue discussed with his wife privately about the standard for selecting a son-inw, I overheard it. I think everything about Xun Yuxi is suitable... so, how do you feel? I would arrange people to take a look at him for you privately. If you want, I can make an oral agreement with him first. When he bes Jinshiter and you will also finish observing mourning....¡±

    ¡°... The biological parents will not do harm to their daughter... so you just copy these parents¡¯ standard for choosing a husband?!¡± Qiu Yn remembered Ruan Qingyan¡¯sst time sermon, which imed ¡°how could the biological mother hurt her daughter.¡± Wiping off her sweat, she said in a low voice, ¡°So the Prime Minister Xue and his wife choose you because you don¡¯t have lots of elder rtives in Ruan Family to serve?¡±

    She thought they were simply attracted by Ruan Qingyan¡¯s talents! It turned out that Ruan Family¡¯s small and with few people was also an important consideration.... Sure enough, she was still too young and too naive. She had been too moral!

    Ruan Qingyan stayed calm and said, ¡°That¡¯s fine, how could they consider little for themselves? Further, I am willing to marry one of these youngdies, also aiming for her family.¡±

    Huh, he tried to look on the bright side of it.

    Qiu Yn was about to say something, Qiuraning in and reporting, ¡°The young master of Lian Familyes.¡±

    ¡°Let him in at once!¡± Ruan Qingyan immediately got up, ¡°And let¡¯s move to wee him!¡±

    He also didn¡¯t forget to take time to emphasize to Qiu Yn, ¡°After Courtesan Competition, when youe to visit grandfather, I would ask Xun Yuxi toe as well. Just like thest time you peeked at Young Earl Ling... Although this is against the rule, it is a big event for your life. So I hope you choose one you like.¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s mouth twitched and she said, ¡°I¡¯m only thirteen, do you go too far?¡±

    ¡°In the southern countryside, many women are already mothers at the age of thirteen!¡± Ruan Qingyan sneered, ¡°Don¡¯t make excuses¡ª anyway, just give up Jiang Yashuang! I have you as my only sister, so I don¡¯t want to see you be fooled with and misguided!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn looked at him speechlessly, ¡°From which and why do you insist that I have the mind to be Jiang Family¡¯s wife!¡±

    She decisively shifted the topic, ¡°Cousin Lian admires

    you very much... Although we meet here today, and cousin Lianes alone to avoid Prince¡¯s Mansion attention, but....¡±

    Ruan Qingyan took it for granted and said, ¡°I naturally have to discuss the study work with him. And also, we have some business to discuss today, so it is inconvenient for outsiders to participate. Otherwise, I would have asked Xun Yuxi toe today. Then we would have killed two birds with one stone¡ª check the study and also pick you a husband....¡±

    ¡°...!!!¡± Could you stop caring about me too much as being my brother, my father and also mother?!

 Chapter 80 - Dont Disturb My Cousin!

    <h4>Chapter 80 Don¡¯t Disturb My Cousin!</h4>

    The two met Lian Ding in the front hall and they came to the parlor and sat down.

    After the greetings, Ruan Qingyan sent the servants and maids away and came to the point, ¡°The housekeeper Mr. Ruan has found my aunt¡¯s dowry list. What about the old Princess¡¯?¡±

    Lian Ding said instantly, ¡°Grand aunt¡¯s list is also here.¡± He looked at Qiu Yn. ¡°The people rmended by Cousin Qiu were terrific. They brought it in with the box. Grandpa saw it and said they had traveled for such a long distance and the box had been so well kept that there wasn¡¯t even a scratch on it. If he had known them earlier, he wouldn¡¯t have hired the escorts when he returned to our hometown.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan coughed, ¡°I got to know them by chance when I was in the South. I just mentioned them when I heard my cousin talk about them that day.¡±

    ¡°It was you who rmended them?¡± Lian Ding came to understand. ¡°I was wondering how Cousin Qiu could know such people.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan stared fiercely at his cousin who bowed her head and digressed, ¡°Since the dowry lists are here and Qiu Mengmin has recovered. Then it is time that we agreed on a date for the visit.¡±

    Lian Ding nodded, ¡°Before I came, my grandfather said that you are the new Jinshi. It would be better for you to deal with this matter than him.¡±

    ¡°How can this matter be done without Mr. Lian?¡± Ruan Qingyan smiled, ¡°But there is no one of the same generation with Mr. Lian in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. It¡¯s not appropriate for Mr. Lian to go in person. In my opinion, let¡¯s make a copy of the list and visit Qiu Mengmin first. If he agrees, then there is no need to bother the elders. If he refuses, then we¡¯ll ask the elders to talk to him about the matter. What¡¯s your idea?¡±

    Lian Ding said briskly, ¡°That¡¯s perfect.¡±

    Next, they discussed over the date to visit Qiu Mengmin. Since Ruan Qingyan had to support Peng Laiyue, so it was scheduled after the Courtesan Competition.

    Lian Ding had no objection over the date but disclosed a message, ¡°My uncle was made Prefect of Kuaicheng the other day and my father was also made Justice of Dali Temple. We don¡¯t wanna disturb the Jiangs any more and are nning to buy a new house. It¡¯s good that we just have the time to deal with the new house and then we can settle down to confront the Duke of Xihe.¡±

    ¡°Both uncles have been promoted?¡± Qiu Yn asked in surprise, ¡°This is a happy event. Why didn¡¯t you tell us early? I should have congratted them.¡±

    ¡°Actually, my uncle was Prefect.¡± Lian Ding sighed, ¡°My father also served in Dali Temple. But my great-grandfather died that year and they came back with the coffin for the funeral and were never called back. Thanks to the pity of the Empress, she demanded the Official Department to ask about it and resume their original ranks.¡±

    The most outstanding of the Lians¡¯ Family was the old Princess¡¯ father Minister Lian. When Minister Lian was still alive, though his sons and grandsons were not well educated, they still found their way in the officialdom thanks to his blessing. When Minister Lian died, the Lians¡¯ Family quickly returned to its original form. To be honest, it wasmon for someone to lose office and be a squire during his mourning for his parents just because he had no rtives in the imperial court.

    Therefore, the four of the Lians came not only for the sake of Qiu Yn, but also they wanted to take this opportunity to seek recovery.

    Now they had achieved what they wanted and built a rtionship with the booming Jiangs. What a bonus it was!

    Ruan Qingyan and Qiu Yn congratted. Ruan Qingyan asked, ¡°Have you found the new house? When I first came to the capital, I didn¡¯t expect to inherit anything, but I was also looking for a house for a while. So, I know a bit about houses here in the capital and might be of any help.¡±

    Lian Ding said with a smile, ¡°Thank you. But the Jiangs sent a butler to help us. My father told me it was almost settled.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan nodded and told Lian Ding to let him know if he could be of any help. Lian Ding asked for the opportunity to go to his house to ask for help with his lessons in his spare time. After all, only Minister Lian was a Jinshi in the family and the others were at most Juren. They needed someone like Ruan Qingyan for guidance.

    Ruan Qingyan, who had wanted him to cover his cousin¡¯s blind date, naturally agreed.

    At this point, Ruan Qingyan looked at the bronze clock in the corner of the room and was about to ask Lian Ding for dinner when Lian Ding pondered and said to Qiu Yn, ¡°I heard you¡¯ve opened a school for girls and invited Madam Shao, the most famous female teacher in the Capital.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked, ¡°How did you know that? Is Madam Shao so famous?¡±

    ¡°We haven¡¯t been in Jing City for more than ten years. Somebody else told us about that.¡± Lian Ding exined, ¡°It is said that Madam Shao is expert at teaching. All the youngdies taught by her are elegant and virtuous, and are praised by others.¡±

    Uh, hope I won¡¯t ruin her reputation....

    Qiu Yn felt a bit guilty for no reason and was about to speak when Lian Ding asked embarrassedly, ¡°My aunt came to the capital for treatment with us. She brought her daughter... I wonder if you would ept her to your school?¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned. Ruan Qingyan cut in, ¡°I¡¯m afraid this is inappropriate.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m too reckless....¡± Lian Ding was young and inexperienced. He was so awkward when he was refused.

    Lian Ding felt ashamed and was about to apologize when Ruan Qingyuan said, ¡°Please don¡¯t get me wrong. I say this for such a reason: Madam Shao may be a good teacher. But the school is in the Prince¡¯s Mansion. You know Qiu Mengmin and his wife have always been unkind to Yn and we are gonna talk to Qiu Mengmin about the dowry after the Courtesan Competition.... Yn is from the Qiu Family and she just has to live there. If your cousin is there, I¡¯m afraid she has to suffer!¡±

    I have broken my heart for my cousin who lives alone in the Mansion! And now you want your cousin to be there too. Whatever your purpose is, my cousin will have to suffer if anything happens to your cousin in the Mansion. How can this be!

    Lian Ding did not understand him and said, ¡°Actually, my grandfather is worried about Cousin Qiu. He thinks, though Cousin Wang is one year younger than Cousin Qiu, she has always been calm since my uncle passed away early. If she is with Cousin Qiu in the girls¡¯ school, they can take care of each other.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t like these words. He thought, ¡°Your twelve-year-old cousin is calm? Could she match my thirteen-year-old cousin who is able to talk eloquently in the court?! Doesn¡¯t that mean your cousin is more capable than my cousin?!¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s not up to my cousin to decide whether she can enter the school or not. You¡¯ll have to ask Princess Yang for permission.¡± Ruan Qingyan said lightly. ¡°So... when are you going to talk about it with her?¡±

    Before Lian Ding could speak, Ruan Qingyan said, ¡°If you go to see Princess Yang now, I don¡¯t think she will refuse. But we¡¯ll go there after the Courtesan Competition. I am afraid your cousin will be awkward then. However, if we talk about it after we see Qiu Mengmin, even if you may ask, Princess Yang may not agree.¡±

    Lian Ding was stunned. Realizing that Ruan Qingyan was suspicious of their sincerity in recovering the dowry for Qiu Yn, Lian Ding said, ¡°It¡¯s not like what you think....¡±

    ¡°Please tell me more!¡± Ruan Qingyan changed so quickly and seemed to be alienated with Lian Ding.

    Qiu Yn had a chance to get in now, ¡°Cousin! If Granduncle didn¡¯t care for me, why should he send Cousin Lian here today? Cousin Lian is not an outsider!¡±

    She lightened the atmosphere and Lian Ding went on with a wry smile, ¡°It¡¯s not what Brother Ruan thought. Well, to be frank, we really don¡¯t wanna hurt Cousin Qiu although the purpose may not be so graceful.¡±

    He opened his mouth and said helplessly, ¡°I heard that Madam Shao has taught manydies from eminent families. Even Princess Chunfu was his disciple... I just want Cousin Wang to know more people.¡±

    To put it bluntly, they wanted to seek backyard diplomacy.

    In fact, Qiu Yn had guessed their purpose when Lian Ding started to talk but she was unwilling to admit his cousin into the school. Lian Ding vowed how calm Cousin Wang was. How could a twelve-year-old girl be that calm? Even if she was really calm, there was now the 14-year-old Sheng Shishui and 15-year-old Qiu Mingzhu in the school.

    Even if no more people were added in the future, the two would be mischievous enough.

    Qiu Yn was already very busy, and now she had to take care of Wang Qingqian. It would be troublesome.

    After all, they were cousins. Qiu Yn had not found a suitable refusal when Ruan Qingyan said, ¡°Since Brother Lian has talked of it, I also wanna ask something. Is Miss Wang valued in the family?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Lian Ding was stunned. ¡°There are not many heirs, especially girls, in our recent generations. Both her mother, my youngest aunt, and cousin Wang are the apples of the eyes in our family.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan put on a kind expression, ¡°Your family wants to choose Madam Shao as Miss Wang¡¯s teacher since you love her so much. But I don¡¯t think it¡¯s appropriate... I also heard of Madam Shao¡¯s female disciples¡ªmy cousin the Commandery Princess, the honorable of Princess Chunfu, the daughter and granddaughter of Mayor Qiao, the daughters of the Chief and the Director of the Directorate of Education, the daughter of the eminent Tao¡¯s....¡±

    The more he said, the uglier Lian Ding¡¯s face became. Lian Ding was about to break out when Ruan Qingyan changed his tone. ¡°I did not mean to belittle Miss Wang. But there are many people in the world who please those in power and bully those disadvantaged. If Miss Wang¡¯s father is not a high official and we put her among the noble female group, even if my cousin protects her, there might still be troubles for her. I¡¯m afraid Miss Wang, who is already used to being the apple of your eyes, may not be able to bear!¡±

    They all belong to the princess party. Can ady from a humble family have a good life among them?!

    ¡°Cousin Wang is calm, but the nobledies are not necessarily the same.¡± Qiu Yn took over deliberately. ¡°To tell you the truth, the other day, threedies of the Yangs¡¯ were impolite to my father and his concubine in front of me. I was so angry that I had a fight with them. Guess what? It turned out to be my fault!¡±

    Frowning slightly, she continued, ¡°I heardter that the threedies of the Yangs¡¯ wanted to be disciples of Madam Shao.¡±

    Lian Ding¡¯s face changed at these words, ¡°That¡¯s right, but we didn¡¯t think of it... s! It¡¯s a shame for us. There has been no Jinshi in our family after my great grandfather, and my grandfather is aged. I¡¯m afraid...¡±

    At this point, he shook his head and stopped. But Ruan Qingyan and Qiu Yn were clever and knew everything as soon as they heard that. Lian Chen knew that he was old. One day when he died, his nephew and son would resign for the mourning period and return to the rank of squire again.

    ¡°However, something still can be done.¡± Ruan Qingyan thought that he still needed the Lians. Lian Ding was easy to deal with, but Lian Chen and other older ones might haveints. So he said, ¡°In my opinion, there are two choices. Firstly, your uncle and father now have official positions and have no time for the imperial exam. But Brother Lian is still young. If you study hard, it¡¯s not difficult for your cousin to be honored with your promotion one day. Secondly, since your aunt is here for medical treatment, Miss Wang can take care of her during the time. If she is known for her filial piety, there is also no need for her to bow before the nobledies. What do you think?¡±

    This kid isn¡¯t even a Xiucai. If Miss Wang wished to rely on him, she might have to wait until she has her own children!

    If she wishes to be a filial daughter, then she will have no time to go to school since she has to be always with her mother.

    So it¡¯s unlikely that she will disturb my cousin!

    Ruan Qingyan narrowed his eyes and thought, ¡°But I have taken the trouble to give them an idea and that¡¯s good enough. If they still want to send that youngdy to my cousin¡¯s school, that¡¯s to admit Miss Wang isn¡¯t so valued. In that case, there¡¯s nothing to do with my cousin if anything happens to the girl. The Lians didn¡¯t care about their niece in the first ce!¡±

 Chapter 81 - Let Me Teach You How to Be a Man

    <h4>Chapter 81 Let Me Teach You How to Be a Man</h4>

    Ruan Qingyan invited Lian Ding and Qiu Yn for dinner. They chatted after the meal and then Lian Ding went back as he had to reply. Ruan Qingyan wanted to talk more with Qiu Yn, but two or three bunches of people came sessively and asked him to go to Jinpa Pavilion. Qiu Yn stood up and said, ¡°Go there, cousin. Anyway, it won¡¯t be long before we have time to talk again.¡±

    ¡°Be careful in Prince¡¯s Mansion. If something happened, just send someone here and tell me.¡± Ruan Qingyan had no choice but sent her on the carriage. He didn¡¯t let her go until he thought he had given her enough cautions.

    When Qiu Yn left General¡¯s Mansion, she heaved a long sigh of relief, ¡°My cousin is more and more like a senior. I feel a headache whenever I see him!¡±

    Su He said with a smile, ¡°Young Master Ruan cares about you.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you see I was lectured?¡± Qiu Yn looked askance at her.

    ¡°That¡¯s for Your Grace¡¯s own good!¡± Su He said with a smirk. ¡°I also think Your Grace is too high-spirited. Your Grace is 13 and young master won¡¯t let you go on like this.¡±

    Qiu Yn pretended to be angry, ¡°Whose maid are you? I will give you to my cousin as his little concubine and let my future sister-inw bully you!¡±

    Su He wasn¡¯t scared by her words at all. She stuck her tongue out and said, ¡°Didn¡¯t Your Grace say you wanted to be a good sister-inw and get on well with your cousin¡¯s wife? Is it proper to send your close maid to Young Master Ruan as his concubine?¡±

    ¡°How clever are you!¡± Qiu Yn poked her in the forehead with false anger.

    They bickered like this on the way back to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Before they entered the room, Xiaran came out and reported, ¡°Chunfu Princess and Young Lady He next door sent an invitation and asked you to go to Yunyi Restaurant at Mirror Lake in the south of the city for Begonia Poetry Party.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°How can I go there during the mourning period?¡±

    Xiaran followed her into the room and said, ¡°It¡¯s okay. The guy who sent the invitation said that although there was a patch of begonia woods beside Yunyi Restaurant, the flowers were not so beautiful. Thus, Chunfu Princess nned to bring some begonia bonsais there, one of which is the birthday gift from your father to thedy of Marquess Qin. When you were young, your father had passed away. It¡¯s proper to go and see the thing that is relevant to him.¡±

    ¡°But I sense this so-called poetry party is designed particrly for me.¡± Qiu Yn sat down and was about to take the teacup when something urred to her. ¡°April 9th? Isn¡¯t it the day of the Courtesan Competition?¡±

    Xiaran said, ¡°It is not only the day of the Courtesan Competition ¡ª do you know where Yunyi Restaurant is? It¡¯s not far from Spring House and is across theke from Jinpa Pavilion. The Courtesan Competition will be held right on Mirror Lake!¡±

    ¡°I see!¡± Qiu Yn said seriously. ¡°I know cousin shouldn¡¯t be involved in the Courtesan Competition! Look, Chunfu Princess is upset.¡±

    Xiaran also agreed with her, so she told her about the location of Yunyi Restaurant, ¡°It¡¯s lucky that we can still save the day, or her highness would not have asked you there with an appropriate excuse!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought for a while and said, ¡°I have to think of a good reason for my cousin, or else we will be enemies instead of families and that will be big trouble!¡±

    They discussed it for a long time. But as neither of them knew the extent to which Jiang Qizheng was suspicious, they had to react ording to the situation there.

    ¡°Now that it is called Begonia Poetry Party, how do you think of making some poems beforehand? Your Grace¡± Xiaran reminded.

    Qiu Yn shook her head, ¡°I don¡¯t have that mood now. Plus, I will go there because of my father, not for poetry.¡±

    Xiaran thought and agreed.

    In the following days, Qiu Yn kept considering how to exin Ruan Qingyan¡¯s thing to Jiang Qizheng, so that her mind wandered in ss.

    Shao Yuemei had taught for more than a decade and with her rich experience, she knew Qiu Yn had something in her mind.

    So Jiang Qizheng got thetest news, ¡°Since Commandery Princess Ningyi received the invitation from you and Young Lady He, she was so anxious that she couldn¡¯t concentrate in ss.¡±

    ¡°Why was she so nervous? Will we eat her?¡± this time He Shuijin was not here, so Jiang Qizheng went to her sister-inw Little Tao for discussion. ¡°But do you think she was nervous for herself or she worried that her affairs with Ruan Qingyan are known by us so she felt guilty?¡±

    Little Tao said smilingly, ¡°I have never seen her and you want me to tell you this. How can I know? But whichever reason that makes her so anxious, you will see it when you meet on that day.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng agreed with her, so she put it aside and continued to prepare for the poetry party.

    When she left, Little Tao¡¯s maid Lvzhan asked, ¡°Young madame, I remember you guessed that Commandery Princess Ningyi kept mentioning Ruan Qingyan in front of Chunfu Princess and Young Lady He because she wanted to be the matchmaker rather than she fell in love with him. Why didn¡¯t you tell Chunfu Princess?¡±

    Little Tao said in a low voice, ¡°It¡¯s only my guess. If it proves wrong, I will be too embarrassed. If right, although Ruan Qingyan is a Jinshi under 20 years old, there are still too many good men for Chunfu Princess and Young Lady He to pick and marry. If Commandery Princess Ningyi annoys them by this, as she is the one Jiang Yashuang likes, there will be a conflict between them!¡±

    Lvzhan said, ¡°You are so kind.¡± But she didn¡¯t think alike, ¡°I¡¯m afraid she didn¡¯t tell them on purpose as she has a in look and is not liked by the eighth young master. So when she heard that Commandery Princess was so beautiful that the neenth young master couldn¡¯t stop missing her and helping her, she was jealous and wanted Chunfu Princess to think that Commandery Princess was not good!¡±

    As she thought so, she knew she was now 16 and would be married to someone in a few years. Suddenly she got a good idea, ¡°The eighth young master and the neenth young master are brothers. Though they don¡¯t often be with each other because of the age gap, they still care about each other. If I tell young madame¡¯s thoughts to the eighth young master, he will surely remind the neenth young master.¡±

    Certainly, the point was not to make Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn a couple but that: ¡°In this way, I can have a chance to talk with the eighth young master.... Which clothes should I wear? The new light yellow dress has a cor so high that it can¡¯t present the beauty of my neck, but the luminous green one is not made of high-quality cloth....¡±

    Lvzhan made up her mind to sleep with Jiang Yadan, so she thought of all the ways to carry out her n quickly.

    When the day when Jiang Yadan came to greet Madame Tao came, she dressed up and found an opportunity to meet Jiang Yadan at a quiet ce. Then she told him Little Tao¡¯s ¡°jealousy¡± softly.

    Jiang Yadan had seen so many women and Lvzhan was not so attractive to him. He knew her n immediately but he didn¡¯t care. Seeing Lvzhan was beautiful after dressing up, he held her in his arms readily before she finished her words....

    After that, he came to Little Tao and told her that he would make Lvzhan his concubine. Seeing his always gentle and quiet wife became surprised and angry with tears, Jiang Yadan seldom felt guilty. He didn¡¯t scold her for Lvzhan¡¯s words butforted her. In the end, he inquired about Jiang Yashuang, ¡°I heard he fell in love with a girl?¡±

    Little Tao had been used to his affairs. Although this time was her close maid, it had happened and she still had to go on with life. So she answered him listlessly, ¡°They all say so, but he himself doesn¡¯t admit.¡±

    ¡°He was taught by grandparents to be a nerd. At his age, he hasn¡¯t had any concubine. I feel shameful for him!¡± Jiang Yadan didn¡¯t think he was strange. ¡°Now he finally likes someone and it is normal for him to deny.¡±

    Then he asked about the detail, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi? Then why you didn¡¯t let her cancel the engagement with Deng Yi?¡±

    Little Tao answered, ¡°That¡¯s grandmother¡¯s order. Jiang Qizheng and He Shuijin met her twice and found that she often mentioned Ruan Qingyan so they worried that she loved him. Grandmother said if so, it was better to let her marry Deng Yi or Ruan Qingyan and we would let her go. If there is nothing between them, since she is still in the mourning period of her mother, she can¡¯t be married. It¡¯s good to let Madam Shao observe her in these years.¡±

    Jiang Yadan smiled and said, ¡°No wonder Shao Yuemei moved from our family. I know she taught Jiang Qisheng and Jiang Qizheng well and grandmother asked her to stay here permanently to teach the girls of the next generation. You sent her there to be a spy.¡±

    Although it was not Little Tao who put forward this idea, her face was still red and argued, ¡°After all, it is the first time that Jiang Yashuang has fallen in love and we are afraid that he will be hurt.¡±

    Jiang Yadan said, ¡°He¡¯s not a girl and how can he be hurt? I say you should have let me take him along to meet girls for a few years and no one will hurt him anymore. But by the way....¡±

    He wore a thoughtful look, ¡°That little Commandery Princess is still growing but has a stunning look that other beauties can¡¯tpare.¡± He said with pity, ¡± Now that she¡¯s the one Yashuang likes, I will let her go.¡±

    Little Tao¡¯s expression was rigid as she knew what he meant. If Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t fall in love with Qiu Yn, Jiang Yadan would pick her up.

    She didn¡¯t know what to say. After she calmed down, she said, ¡°Do you have anything else?¡±

    Jiang Yadan squinted at her with a half-smile, ¡°What? Are you driving me off?¡± The Jiang Family¡¯s males all had a good look. Although Jiang Yadan had long been chasing women, he was still at a golden age. His eyes were like bright stars and his brows were like long swords. Little Tao¡¯s cheeks became pink when he looked at her.

    Stunned for a moment, she said in a hurry, ¡°No, it¡¯s about the time when the servantse for the report.¡±

    ¡°Then you should go.¡± Jiang Yadan had intended to flirt with her and decide whether to stay for the night depending on her reaction, but when he heard what Little Tao said, he cursed ¡°dull¡± in his mind and ignored the disappointment on her face. Standing up, he said, ¡°I¡¯ll go to Yashuang.¡±

    Seeing his brothere, Jiang Yashuang was not surprised at all, ¡°I did return the money leftst time. Now I only got a couple of hundred taels saved from my allowance. If you need it, just take it.¡±

    Jiang Yadanughed and scolded him, ¡°Do Ie just for money?¡± He said it with some guilty. Actually, the adult male member of the Jiang Family had a generous allowance each month. He was a level five military official and also had a sry. Besides, his inferiors also gave him payoffs. But all these were not enough for him to spend, so when he ran out of money, he had toe to his brother and cousins for help.

    However, most of the Jiang Family men were spendthrifts who did not get much money at hand, except Jiang Yashuang.

    Since he saw someone give Jiang Yashuang arge sum of moneyst time, when he came here, he woulde to Jiang Yashuang and see if he could grab some again.

    At the moment, he was seen through by his brother and felt embarrassed. He hurried to change the topic, ¡°I just think the triennial Courtesan Competition will be held three dayster. You are a young man. How can it be interesting to write and practice martial arts in your room all day long? What about going with me there to have some fun?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t even consider it, ¡°No, that¡¯s not a clean ce. Grandfather said....¡±

    ¡°Stop!¡± Jiang Yadan felt restless and said. ¡°I have told you many times. Don¡¯t mention the lecture of grandfather and grandmother before me! I hate it!¡±

    He knew his younger brother was virtuous and it was not easy for others to persuade him into watching the Courtesan Competition. But it was not hard for him, ¡°In fact, Jiang Qizheng and other girls also want to watch, but you know in their position, they can¡¯t go there openly, so they n to hold a Begonia Poetry Party at Yunyi Restaurant as an excuse. But the Courtesan Competition is a big event. There will be full of people around Mirror Lake. Will you rest easy when our sister and cousins are also there? Thus we should order a room next to them and protect them!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t know the real aim of the Begonia Poetry Party. When he heard it, he hesitated, ¡°Why do they like to watch that?¡±

    ¡°Just for fun. It¡¯s not a big deal,¡± Jiang Yadan said. ¡°Other male cousins all have to work and are not avable, except me. And you are free at home. If you don¡¯t go with me, I can¡¯t take care of all the girls by myself!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang felt he got some other designs but he also knew Jiang Yadan would not harm him as they were brothers. After a moment of hesitation, he nodded, ¡°OK!¡±

    ¡°This boy is taught to be a nerd by the old men so that when he likes a girl, he bes such a coward that his sister and female cousins need to help him.... Even the female teacher was sent to be a spy for him! That¡¯s not the Jiang Family-style!¡± Jiang Yadan walked out of his younger brother¡¯s courtyard slowly and snorted. ¡°Let me teach you how to be a man!¡±

 Chapter 82 - Alone in a Room

    <h4>Chapter 82 Alone in a Room</h4>

    So, on April 9th, at Jiang Yadan¡¯s request, Jiang Yashuang and he rode to Yunyi Restaurant in advance. They went in the private room ¡°Binghu Xianyu¡± which was next to the private room ¡°Baihe Woxue¡± booked by He Shuijin.

    Because it was still early. They just asked the servant to make them some tea. They chatted casually while eating some of the special snacks of Yunyi Restaurant. Yunyi Restaurant was built by Mirror Lake. All the private rooms upstairs were near the window. So, the guests could enjoy theke view.

    That day was the first day of the Courtesan Competition which was held once three years. Yunyi Restaurant made all of its private rooms into luxury belvederes which had the most splendid view. So, while they were drinking tea, Jiang Yashuang suddenly saw someone unexpected among the people who got off the carriage. He couldn¡¯t help making a sound.

    Jiang Yadan had been watching him. He looked at the same direction as Jiang Yashuang and also noticed Qiu Yn who wore a veiled hat. He asked deadpan on purpose, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Jiang Yashuang said vaguely. He knew his brother wasn¡¯t reliable when it rted to women. He felt if he talked to his brother about Qiu Yn, his brother wouldn¡¯t have anything nice to say. Besides, two men talking about an unrted woman was inappropriate.

    Jiang Yadan didn¡¯t ask him again. He just let time pass by. Until Qiu Yn went in ¡°Baihe Woxue¡±, he asked Jiang Yashaung frowning, ¡°You are not going out?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was confused, ¡°Going out to do what?¡±

    Do what? Your mistress... oh no. You watched the woman you liked going into the restaurant. However, you didn¡¯t find an excuse to go out and pretend to run into her. Even there were people around and it was inconvenient to say honey words, giving her anguishing look would be nice. Did you know how to seduce women or not?

    Jiang Yadan¡¯s face was gloomy. He felt his brother was absolutely useless.

    I was ready to let you go out even if you made an excuse that you were worried about getting sunburn by the moon. But it turned out that you didn¡¯t want to go out at all.

    He was so frustrated. However, Jiang Yashuang continued, ¡°Is someone you inviteding? So, you want me to go out? Aunt went through a lot of trouble to smooth the thing you caused in the Pce over. Don¡¯t cause any more trouble! Beware of aunt knowing....¡±

    ¡°No one ising.¡± Jiang Yadan interrupted grinding his teeth, ¡°I haven¡¯t invited anyone today!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang nodded, ¡°Since we are here to take care of our sisters, it¡¯s better we don¡¯t invite others.¡±

    I was here for you! You idiot!

    Jiang Yadan frowned for a while. He had an idea suddenly and then said to Jiang Yashuang, ¡°You stay here. I thought of something and I need to go down there for a while.¡±

    ¡°Yadan, just be honest. Who exactly did you invite today?¡± Jiang Yashuang found him suspicious, ¡°It won¡¯t be the concubine of Zhang Family again, will it?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Jiang Yadan said angrily. Before he could say another word, Jiang Yashuang asked again, ¡°Then it¡¯s the widow of Zhao Family?¡±

    ¡°How is it possible?¡±

    ¡°Young Lady of Xu Family?¡±

    ¡°No!¡±

    ¡°Madam of Liu Family?¡±

    ¡°I told you....¡±

    ¡°Two Madams of Yin Family? Bride of Xu Family? Young Lady of An Family? Or prostitutes?¡± Jiang Yashuang uttered all the women he knew who Jiang Yadan had seduced within one breath. Jiang Yadan was livid because of his question, ¡°I said it was not like that. Why are you being so nagging? I¡¯lle back in a while!¡±

    Jiang Yadan ignored him after he said all that and left determinedly.

    Staring at his back, as if deep in thought, Jiang Yashuang instructed Jiang Tan, ¡°Follow him. See if Yadan fools around with someone new!¡± although Empress Jiang was always very protective of her family, Jiang Yadan was too dissolute. He dipped his finger in the imperial harem again and again which brought shame on Empress Jiang again and again. Empress was nominally in charge of the imperial harem now after all.

    Even Empress Jiang was busy jostling for the power of the court, and she let her trusted maid be in charge of the imperial harem, when things happened Empress would always be the one to be ashamed.

    Jiang Yadan didn¡¯t listen to him before and insisted on dating Fair Concubine. And Jiang Yadan was caught in the act by Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s clique in the imperial garden a few days ago.

    He was lucky that he was experienced in getting caught because he had a lot of affairs. Jiang Yadan saw that Empress Dowager¡¯s clique was about to search behind the artificial hill. He knocked out Fair Concubine and threw her in the pond decidedly. And he jumped in too. He imed that he was rescuing her. He managed to find an excuse for their messy clothes and the hickey on Fair Concubine¡¯s neck. He was lucky that he had a great aunt who quarreled with Empress Dowager Gu for him and refused to back down. That was how the tumult was subsided.

    However, everyone knew the truth. So, Empress Jiang had to make a concession to Empress Dowager Gu. She didn¡¯t just give Qiu Mengmin his Duke title back, she also had to call off series of attacks regarding Empress Dowager Gu disrespecting Empress Dowager Ye which they had already prepared.

    Therefore, right after Empress Jiang negotiated with Empress Dowager Gu, she summoned Jiang Yadan and scolded him badly!

    If it were not for Jiang Tianao and his wife who pleaded for Jiang Yadan, Marquess Qin would beat him up badly. It hadn¡¯t been long since the tumult. Yadan wasn¡¯t going to fool around again, was he?

    Jiang Yashuang sighed inwardly.

    He looked down at the more and more crowded people by theke pensively.

    After a while, he heard the door opened and then closed rapidly. He sensed that only one person came in and thought it was Jiang Tan. He pushed the teacup away and asked without looking back, ¡°Who did Yadan go to see?¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± to his surprise, before his voice had died away, the person who came in made a sound out of surprise.

    Feeling that something was wrong, Jiang Yashuang turned around suddenly. He saw Qiu Yn who wore a green coat and blue dress gawking at him.

    Qiu Yn was participating in a poetry gathering on that day. It was inappropriate to wear her mourning clothes. So, she dressed up a little. Although she didn¡¯t put on makeup, she chose her outfit wisely. Shebed her hair into two conch shaped chignons and pinned two white jade flower-shaped hairpins and a silver hairpin. Although her outfit was light-colored and she had no makeup on, she was still gorgeous enough to make the begonias outside look pale. Especially the lingering panic look in her eyes made people eager to protect her.

    Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t help standing up, ¡°You?¡±

    ¡°I went into the wrong room. This is not Baihe Woxue!¡± Qiu Yn bit her lips, ¡°Sorry!¡±

    ¡°Is there something out there? Are you scared?¡± Jiang Yashuang observed her expression and asked in surprise. In his impression, she was fierce enough to be described as doughty. Could she be scared in this kind of broad daylight?

    Qiu Yn was so frustrated and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know which idiot brings mastiffs here! I also don¡¯t know what got into those two mastiffs. They just keep chasing me...¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was stunned, ¡°Really?¡± then he found it odd, ¡°I saw you arrived a long time ago. Have you been down there the whole time?¡±

    ¡°I dide up here!¡± Qiu Yn said with an injured tone, ¡°But someone was looking for me down there. So, I went down. There were too many people down there. Su He and I were separated by the crowds. I wanted toe back up and see if Su He came back. But just when I came back up, two mastiffs which were taller than me pounced on me. I thought this room was Baihe Woxue! So, I opened the door in a hurry and went in!¡±

    Actually, she wasn¡¯t so scared for those two mastiffs. Because she had killed way too many strange creatures in thest phase. She could feel that those two mastiffs weren¡¯t meant to kill. The problem was that she was a delicate Commandery Princess now, not the killer in thest phase.

    Moreover, she had a glorious and grand mission on that day. That was to make Ruan Qingyan who got involved in the Courtesan Competition look like a loyal husband. In order to achieve that aim, getting Jiang Qizheng and others to trust her was necessary. She had got it all figured out. She would rush back to the private room using the mastiffs as an excuse and throw herself into Jiang Qizheng¡¯s arm to seekfort.

    And then the loving big sister and future wife of her cousin would stand up for the delicate little sister and future sister-inw. No matter how the thing went, they would be closer. The future wife of her cousin surely would trust her more. What a harmonious and loving script.

    She was grateful of those two mastiffs and their owner. She had put on the scared and panic look when she rushed into the room. However, who could tell her why she went into the wrong room?

    She was lucky that Jiang Yashuang sat at the farthest from the door. Otherwise, her throwing herself into his arm would make this decent young man cry for help. Then Jiang Qizheng and others would havee here after heard the noise and seen her molesting their brother. Cousin Ruan¡¯s future would be ruined by her.

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s delighted voice interrupted her train of thought, ¡°The private rooms of Yunyi Restaurant look the same from the outside. Only their names are different. It¡¯s normal that you made a mistake since youe here for the first time.¡± then suggested, ¡°Let me walk you out. I suppose no one dares to let their dogs run wild here. It might be the servant who takes care of the dogs neglected and let them run out by mistake.¡±

    Qiu Yn said gratefully, ¡°Thank you so much.¡± in order to prove herself to be a delicate Commandery Princess instead of a tough woman, she moved away from the door deliberately and let Jiang Yashuang open the door.

    However...

    Jiang Yashuang went to the door. Tried once, couldn¡¯t open. Tried again, still couldn¡¯t open.

    Seeing this, Qiu Yn dered in a hurry, ¡°I just closed it casually! It¡¯s not me who broke it!¡±

    ¡°The door isn¡¯t broken.¡± after Jiang Yashuang pushed against the door and knocked for a few times, his face went dark rapidly, ¡°Someone locked the door from outside.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Qiu Yn was surprised!

    ¡°We may be implicated by Yadan,¡± Jiang Yashuang knew that Qiu Yn heard a little about what Jiang Yadan was like in Ganli Pcest time. So, he didn¡¯t deny, ¡°I was here with Yadan just now. He went out a while ago. I was worried and sent Jiang Tan after him... I assume that it¡¯s meant for him. And we just happen to be here.¡±

    Qiu Yn realized what he meant which was that someone wanted to catch Jiang Yadan in the act, but they locked her and Jiang Yashuang here by mistake. She looked terrible all the sudden, ¡°What should we do now?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang also looked terrible, ¡°This door is very solid. I can cut it open with my sword. But it will make a huge sound. We can jump out of the window at ordinary times. But today....¡± there were way too many people down there. If they jumped, they wouldn¡¯t be able tond on the ground.

    As for both sides of the private room, there were walls thick enough to obstruct sound.

    Those two who had nowhere to go looked at each other and didn¡¯t know what to say!

    Meanwhile, outside the door, Jiang Yadan was talking to Ling Zui¡¯s servant, ¡°Thank Cousin Ling for me.¡±

    ¡°Eighth Young Master Jiang, you are wee. My master said just two mastiffs, you could use as you please.¡± the servant who took care of the mastiffs for Ling Zui said with a smile.

    ¡°Okay. They won¡¯t be needed anymore. Take them away... Remember, nothing has happened today!¡± Jiang Yadan nodded slightly and instructed.

    The servant¡¯s look became serious. He swore that he wouldn¡¯t say a word. After sent the servant away, Jiang Yadan nced at the doors of the two private rooms. He said frowning, ¡°Idiots! Why haven¡¯t they changed the names of the private rooms? If someone sees this and tells Yashuang about it, considering how smart he is, he will definitely figure it out!¡±

    Jiang Tan who got pinned down by Jiang Yadan¡¯s men begged in a low voice with a grimace, ¡°Young Master Yadan, Young Master Yashuang is really not interested in Commandery Princess Ningyi. You are putting him on the spot.¡±

    ¡°I tried every means to let him be with a beautiful girl alone. How am I putting him on the spot?¡± Jiang Yadan objected, ¡°Even if he wasn¡¯t interested in that little Commandery Princess... It¡¯s not toote to be interested in her now!¡± then he ignored Jiang Tan and asked his men to drag him to another private room which he had already booked. He thoughtcently, ¡°Let¡¯s see how grandfather and aunt use me of being dissolute by using Yashuang¡¯s abstinence as a counter-example from now on!¡±

 Chapter 83 - Be My Maid?

    <h4>Chapter 83 Be My Maid?</h4>

    In the room of ¡°Binghu Xianyu¡±, both Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn were not suspicious of Jiang Yadan. They focused on how to get out of there. ¡°How about this, you go and break the door while I am hiding here? And then you go first and I will catch youter?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang shook her head immediately, ¡°There is no more stuff in this room. Where can you hide? And the sound will be loud to break the door ¡ª the person who locked the door probably is out there. Once he finds out our action, he must call on people to embarrass us...¡±

    Speaking of this, a good idea shed in her mind, ¡°I have a good idea, which needs your cooperation.¡±

    ¡°How?¡± asked Qiu Yn, worried.

    ¡°The aim of the person who locked the door must be eighth young master Jiang. The man certainly will bring some people over here to embarrass us.¡± murmured Jiang Yashuang. ¡°But eighth young master Jiang is not here. When theye in, they will realize that they locked somebody else in the room. I don¡¯t think they knew you before. So, you have to pretend to be my maid, Okay?¡±

    ¡°Good idea!¡± relieved Qiu Yn. ¡°Not long, right? It¡¯s not a big deal.¡± ¡°It¡¯s much better than be gossiped!¡±

    If the rumblings were passed to Cousin Ruan on the opposite side of theke in the ¡°Jinpa Pavilion¡±, he might be angry at her! Qiu Yn felt lucky from her deep heart if their n seeded.

    ¡°As nobody ising, Your Grace, please be yourself.¡± said Jiang Yashuang. They felt relieved as they figured out the way out. Jiang Yashuang walked back to her seat. He realized that Qiu Yn wanted to stand behind her as a maid. ¡°Don¡¯t be like this. They are noting. When they areing, we can be a host and a maid.¡±

    Realizing it was not the time, Qiu Yn sat on the seat where Jiang Yadan used to sit ¡ª They sat quietly for a while, nothing to say ¡ª After a while, Jiang Yashuang broke the ice, asking, ¡°Your Grace, youe out for a break today?¡±

    ¡°There is a bonsai shown in the Begonia poem party, I heard, which was a gift sent by my father to your grandmother.¡± said Qiu Yn. ¡°Chunfu Princess told me this message, so I came here for worshiping it.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang did not anticipate that her question was rted to Qiu Yn¡¯s dead father. He immediately gave a dry cough and altered the topic, ¡°Was young master Ruan looking for you downstairs a moment ago?¡±

    ¡°Not him.¡± Qiu Yn replied in surprise. ¡°It was your sister¡¯s maid. She did not tell me more, Well... So, I went downstairs. But in a moment, Su He was packed away by the crowd. I neither found Su He nor the maid. So, I went up here.¡±

    Speaking of this, she frowned. She proceeded seeming like talking to herself, ¡°My brother did not know I am here. I am wondering who is there looking for me?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang proceeded to ask in surprise, ¡°My sister asked you toe. Why did you go downstairs alone?¡±

    ¡°They were busy at that time. And it¡¯s not far away from here and I know the maid too.¡± said Qiu Yn. Jiang Yashuang realized there must have stories Qiu Yn did not want to say.

    He kept quiet for a while and proceeded, ¡°About the poem party, I only knew that it was held by my sister Jiang Qizheng and He Shuijin. I did not know who else will attend the party.¡±

    ¡°In effect, I did not know all of them either ¡ª Jiang Qisheng and Tao Peibin are there too. And Miss Zhuang or somebody else... I did not get more because I hurried to go downstairs.¡±

    ¡°They are nice girls.¡± thought Jiang Yashuang, ¡°Jiang Qizheng has been considerable and Miss He is a smart girl... In principle, they wouldn¡¯t let Commandery Princess Ningyi go downstairs alone when they were there? Commandery Princess Ningyi is a girl who won¡¯t start a fight although she is bold. Hence, why did they fight against each other in such a short time after they came into the room?¡±

    He didn¡¯t realize what Tao Peibin was thinking. He could not guess out what¡¯s wrong with them.

    In effect, Qiu Yn also had no idea what¡¯s going on: I justplimented Miss Tao for her hairpin, and she replied ¡®Thank you. I just like it. In fact, it doesn¡¯t match me¡¯. Who knew what¡¯s the problem with Jiang Qizheng. She said right away that ¡®We know you are beautiful. But how dare you to start a fight like this? Huh!¡±

    Actually, Qiu Yn did not care who asked her to go downstairs. She just pretended to be confused in front of Jiang Yashuang. ¡°Apparently, Jiang Qisheng made trouble out of nothing. Chunfu Princess and Young Lady He might think that it would be awkward. Theymanded a maid to look for me. They thought I would... But unexpectedly, I entered a wrong room when I was back. That¡¯s the reason why I am trapped with you. They might think that I was angry because I did not go back...¡±

    To be honest, after Jiang Qisheng said those words, Chunfu Princess and He Shuijin stood up and stopped her immediately at the same time, and they apologized to Qiu Yn on behalf of Jiang Qisheng ¡ª But in minutes, theymanded a maid to ask me to get out of the room rather than Jiang Qisheng, and what¡¯s more, when the maid asked her to go out, Jiang Qisheng and Tao Peibin hold Chunfu Princess and He Shuijin respectively, letting her go outside alone. It looked like that she was kicked out of the room by them....

    Although Jiang Qisheng was Jiang Qizheng¡¯s elder sister and it was reasonable for Jiang Qizheng to tend to her family member, Qiu Yn was still furious at what they did. ¡°I would not have yed with you girls if it weren¡¯t the fact that Chunfu Princess would be my sister-inw one day. Hmm!¡±

    They kept silent for a while and the atmosphere was gradually embarrassed. Fortunately, drumbeats passed into their ears from thekeside ¡ª Courtesan Competition started finally!

    The two had nothing more to say turned to theke and began to watch the activity.

    With the drumbeats, plenty of boats decorated beautifully emerged on the Mirror Lake. The sound of drums, fireworks and people became louder and louder.

    ¡°It is held every three years. It is really bustling.¡± said Qiu Yn, looking down the street which was crowded with people.

    Jiang Yashuang did not realize that Qiu Yn likened the people downstairs to dead bodies on the street. She was not surprised to watch this event despite this was her first time. ¡°Your Grace, you did not watch Courtesan Competition before, didn¡¯t you?¡± said Jiang Yashuang.

    ¡°Sure.¡± said Qiu Yn. ¡°My mother was herest time!¡±

    ... Jiang Yashuang¡¯s smile froze. He thought, ¡°What a day today is. Why did I always remind her of her dead father or mother?¡±

    He gave a dry cough again, ¡°I heard that young master Ruan is right across theke?¡±

    ¡°He is here because of Young Earl Ling.¡± said Qiu Yn. The fact that she went downstairs alone made Qiu Yn dislike the girls of Jiang Family more.

    In addition, Ruan Qingyan once told her that Xue Chang also wanted him to be his son-inw. Although she still wanted to add the odds for her brother, the feeling was not strong now when the girl was not her future sister-inw. So, she said lightly, ¡°My brother is not a horny boy. Or how can he be a Jinshi recently?¡±

    Hearing her words, Jiang Yashuang replied immediately, ¡°You have met my sisters already?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I have. Problem?¡± asked Qiu Yn.

    ¡°Do you know which sister I told youst time?¡± smiled Jiang Yashuang.

    ¡°Not Chunfu Princess?¡± said Qiu Yn in surprise.

    Ruan Qingyan once cast doubt on this, but Qiu Yn thought it must be Chunfu Princess. Among all girls of Jiang Family, only Chunfu Princess tended to talk with her.

    ¡°Is it Jiang Qisheng?¡± In the first ce, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t understand why Jiang Qisheng was hostile for her. Now she understood after hearing Jiang Yashuang¡¯s words. ¡°I must misconstrue Chunfu Princess with my future sister-inw... That¡¯s what pissed her off?¡±

    Thinking of this, Qiu Yn was not that mad anymore. She really wanted to get along with Ruan Qingyan¡¯s future wife. At this point, she would be more tolerant of the future sister-inw.

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯m in trouble.¡± thought Qiu Yn. ¡°Jiang Qisheng must misunderstand that I don¡¯t want her to be my sister-inw?¡±

    Qiu Yn was thinking about how to solve the misunderstanding while Jiang Yashuang said with a smile, ¡°How can it be my sister Jiang Qizheng? My sisters Jiang Qisheng even not get married yet!¡±

    Qiu Yn felt nervous. ¡°So, who on earth is she?¡± asked Qiu Yn. She immediately regretted saying so because once Jiang Yashuang told her his sister¡¯s name, Ruan Qingyan must propose marriage to Jiang Family.

    It would be fine if the girl were Jiang Qizheng. But Qiu Yn did not know well about the rest of the girls in Jiang Family. In case she was not a nice girl, it must be a big trouble for Ruan Qingyan.

    Before Jiang Yashuang answered her question, Qiu Yn diverted the topic promptly, ¡°By the way, who do you think want to lock us inside the most?¡±

    After saying this, Qiu Yn realized that it was necessary to talk more about it. ¡°In honest, your family is powerful in the capital. Even your brother had an appointment with somebody here. I don¡¯t think somebody dared to lock him, right?¡±

    Jiang Yadan even disrespected the emperor¡¯s favorite concubine, not mention the other womenfolk. Even if the traitor is not afraid to be ridiculed by people, he should think twice the revenge of angry Jiang Yadan.

    ¡°...¡± Jiang Yashuang paused for a while and proceeded, ¡°I¡¯m not clear about it.¡±

    It seemed that he surely knew it but he did not want to exin ¡ª Qiu Yn thought, ¡°Must it the feud between powerful families?¡±

    If Jiang Yadan and the other female were caught in the room today, the scandal must be spread to every corner! And then Marquess Qin must be furious and me the fourth branch of Jiang Family...

    During their conversation, the boats on theke began to cluster at the center of theke. As the majority of boats were embellished in red, it looked like a big Mand at the center of theke viewed from the Yunyi Restaurant.

    The boats gathered together at the center not long, they began to disperse to all directions ¡ª This was the first activity of the Courtesan Competition. All boats lined up one by one ording to thest ranking we obtained, going around theke for one circle to demonstrate the training achievements in the past times. Some virgins from the brothels were standing on the bow seducing the audience. In the process of the going around theke, the audience would throw coins or valuable stuff to the boats.

    The winner of the first activities was the one who got the most money or stuff.

    Some rich men rushed out of restaurants or hotels near the Yunyi Restaurant, carrying or holding coins or valuable stuff. They flooded into the crowd, pushing them away and heading off to theke. Seeing this scene, Qiu Yn asked Jiang Yashuang, ¡°Where is yours? Can¡¯t sent them out?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang replied to her disdainfully, ¡°I¡¯m here because I¡¯m afraid my sisters might be crowded.¡± The implication of his words was that he did not prepare anything at all for the boats.

    ¡°Well, Ling Zui must have asked my brother to throw a big sum of money...¡± Ruan Qingyan was a frugal boy. Qiu Yn even felt terrible for Ruan Qingyan when she heard that he would spend so much on this event. Suddenly, a bout ofke wind blew, uncovered the boxes carried heavily by two rich men. It was full of silver which would shock anyone seeing it. Qiu Yn turned pale and thought, ¡°How can they be so rich and why they spend their money on this asion?¡±

    If everyone spent so much on this, Ruan Qingyan must be a poor man immediately!

 Chapter 84 - Why Were You Hiding Here?!

    <h4>Chapter 84 Why Were You Hiding Here?!</h4>

    The thought of Ruan Qingyan being forced to fight thesescivious tycoons today made Qiu Yn feel like she was sitting on pins and needles. ¡°He always told me he has enough money, but whether or not he can handle the situation is a big problem. The people over here credit gold as mud. Those who carried silvers to theke were shy to uncover their box!¡±

    She couldn¡¯t help asking Jiang Yashuang, ¡°How much can a winner get in thispetition?¡±

    ¡°How should I know?¡± answered Jiang Yashuang in surprise.

    Realizing Qiu Yn was not satisfied with his answer, Jiang Yashuang paused for a while and continued, ¡°But it must be a lot. My brother always doesn¡¯t care about how much he spends in daily life. But the result of thispetition is also beyond his control.¡±

    Young master of Jiang Family was not short of money.

    Qiu Yn calcted in her heart. She felt more desperate upon her calction. ¡°My brother must have to pay much for this activity! Ling Zui, you dumbass!¡±

    The first boat has been approaching the Yunyi Restaurant while they were talking. It was sunny with the soft wind. Theke was clean as well. Yunyi Restaurant was built along theke. The Yunyi Restaurant was a little higher than the deck of the boat. Standing on it, they could enjoy the view.

    Qiu Yn saw four or five beautiful girls standing on the deck. They were ying chess, ying instruments or looking at the distance. Although they were young, they demonstrated their flirtatious smiles to the audience.

    ¡°The spring House, the boat of the Spring House ising!¡± cried the people downstairs. People flooded to theke. Some of them standing in the first row even were pushed into theke.

    ¡°The president of Qingfeng Ji, Gu Shizong donates twenty pieces of fine silk and 5 kilograms of gold to the Spring House!¡± a loud raucous voice shadowed the noise passed to every corner.

    And then, several rich people crowded to the boat, holding boxes of fine silk and gold to the boat. Plenty of uniform strong men were kneeling on the boat, attempting to catch everything people handed over to them.

    The boats following the boat of the Spring House came one by one. The sound of those who counted the donations passed to ears from time to time. As soon as the boat of the Spring House rowed away, the boat of the Yunyi Restaurant came. Suddenly, sound like rain on a roof passed to ears. Qiu Yn thought it was raining all of a sudden. Actually, it was people sitting on the second floor who threw their ornaments to the boat.

    Some frivolous youth standing on the second floor were flirting with the girls on the boat. Obviously, the girls had been taught how to handle this situation. They just kept silent and smile, responding nothing.

    Seeing the boat of the Spring House off, Qiu Yn asked curiously, ¡°As we can throw things to the boat, why should they carry the boxes to the bank and hand them to the boat? Even the heavy stuff like gold can also be lifted to the boat from the second floor. Why did people not do like that?¡±

    Pondering for a while, Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°I did not attend this event before. I guess the reason is that they want to show off their wealth before others.¡±

    ... Sure. They were rich. Every rich man preferred to show off.

    If they just stood on the second floor and threw boxes of gold to the boat, their names would just be called out by someone. That was not the rich people wanted. If they carried the boxes of gold and crowded to theke, people around must be jealous of their wealth. That was the feeling they wanted.

    They surely would not let the opportunity to show off leave!

    Qiu Yn thought that the questions she asked before were childish. So, she immediately diverted the topic, ¡°The girls on the boats are beautiful and slim. It¡¯s a pity they work in brothels.¡±

    Hearing what she said, Jiang Yashuang looked at her with a funny smile. Qiu Yn thought that it¡¯s not a big deal while Jiang Yashuang was smile at her, ¡°I think that some of the girls on the boats are older than you.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn waspletely speechless.

    After a while, the second boat was nearing slowly ¡ª Qiu Yn paid close attention to the boat as she heard people downstairs cried that this was the boat of the Jinpa Pavilion.

    It might be because the star in the ¡°Jinpa Pavilion¡± who preferred to be cold, the girls on this boat were pretty but cold. They did not pose frivolous gestures to attract people. Instead, they stood or sat on the boat, posing like virtuous girls.

    Some fine silk had been stacked on the boat of the ¡°Jinpa Pavilion¡± ¡ª As per the rules, they were not allowed to be moved inside even no extra room on the deck. The more money they received, the more followers it demonstrated they would have.

    Qiu Yn felt obliged to help Ruan Qingyan. So, she took off all ornaments on her body, throwing them to the boat.

    Looking at her childish action, Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°Your Grace, you like the girls on this boat?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that my brother might bankrupt because of Young Earl Ling!¡± said Qiu Yn angrily. ¡°My brother hasn¡¯t married yet! And he also has grandpa to support!¡±

    If she had known that there were so many crazy rich people attending the Courtesan Competition, she would have impeded her brother to attend it.

    ¡°To be honest, the ornaments you just threw is worth thousands of dors. It¡¯s not a big deal to them.¡±

    ¡°How can we build a thousand miles without a single step forward?¡± said Qiu Yn seriously. ¡°Don¡¯t look down thousands of dors? There were even people throwing tens of dors!¡±

    She sighed while she was speaking. ¡°The jewelry would not be in my hands if it were valuable. You see, it is in and hardly used in the past.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°It¡¯s about the Old Princess Lian¡¯s dowry list?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I have got it. As you mention it, I should thank you for introducing ¡°Tianya¡± to me.¡± said Qiu Yn, pursing her lips. ¡°But my uncle is ill recently. I will talk about it with himter.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang paused for a while, saying, ¡°It was my family who got you into this. If you encounter difficulties in the future, don¡¯t hesitate to tell Cousin He. She will help you.¡± Jiang Yashuang knew that Qiu Yn did not know He Shuijin very well. He reminded her, ¡°Cousin He has been responsible for the ount of my family three years ago. She knew very well about whom my family is familiar with.¡±

    Qiu Yn took a glimpse at him with a surprise ¡ª A general ount, even if it were an overt one, would not be handed to a mediocre person, allowing for the power of Jiang Family.

    Not only was He Shuijin a girl, but she was not a family member of the Jiang Family. It made Qiu Yn curious about the rtionship between He Shuijin and the Jiang Family. She thought that Jiang Yashuang was a gentleman. He would not be angry even if she said something wrong. So, she asked discreetly, ¡°Young Lady He is so capable?¡±

    ¡°Cousin He is the niece of my third aunt. She is also fiancee of one of my brothers.¡± said Jiang Yashuang. He did not get angry. ¡°Originally, the general ount was held by my third aunt. But she is getting older and older. On the other side, Cousin He is good at those things. So, we assign it to her upon the permission of my grandmother.¡±

    Qiu Yn eximed, ¡°Wow, Young Lady He must be very, very smart and capable!¡±

    Jiang Family was a powerful family with many sons and grandsons living together, He Shuijin must show herpetency. Although she was the niece of the third aunt of Jiang Family and future daughter-inw, she would not get the position only approved by thedy of Marquess Qin and the third aunt. He Shuijin must be talented in every respect. That was to say, she must be a business genius!

    Her guess was true. Jiang Yashuang smiled and said, ¡°You are so right.¡±

    Three boats had rowed away while they were talking. The next one with three girls posing on it demonstrated its specialty. All the girls were wearing a solid color shirt. That was: pomegranate red, oil green,ke blue, respectively. Even the hairpins matched the dress color perfectly.

    The three girls were standing on the deck with shyness, looking around.

    It was the first time Qiu Yn saw girls wearing like this. She felt curious. ¡°These three girls are pretty. Much better than the girls in the boats of the Spring House and Jinpa Pavilion.¡±

    ¡°No wonder the ancients preferred to be akin girls to flowers.¡± She pointed to the girl wearing a pomegranate red shirt. ¡°This girl was pretty, just like the flower she is wearing.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked at the girls Qiu Yn was talking about. He said lightly, ¡°It¡¯s just the color of the dress that attracts people! She is not pretty at all. I think that a girl like you wearing a in dress is more...¡± speaking of this, he stopped immediately, looking at Qiu Yn awkwardly.

    Qiu Yn was looking at the girl in red. She did not react to his remark in the first ce. She jolted out of her mind when she had eye contact with him. She was not sure what he said was his true meaning or only a joke. So, she looked at him for a while, and then snarled, ¡°Why did youpare me with those girls?!¡±

    ¡°Sorry. I did not mean to offend you. Your Grace. I just thought that the girl in red is just so so.¡± said Jiang Yashuang immediately. He now felt so wronged. He did not intend to flirt with her. He just said what he wanted to say.

    The critical point was that his true meaning, to anybody, was a flirt.

    Qiu Yn looked at him suspiciously for a while. He did not seem like the man who had a crush on her for a long time. She felt relieved and said, ¡°If you have something to say, just say it! Why did youpare me with them? I think that if you dress ady¡¯s shirt and stand on the deck, you will certainly be more beautiful than them!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, thinking, ¡°I just said what I wanted to say, which already had put me in a dilemma.¡± So, he said bitterly, ¡°I apologize. It¡¯s my fault. Beg for your forgiveness!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think this guy meant to take advantage of me....¡± So, Qiu Ynined about his rudeness for a while. She forgave him after safeguarding her image like ¡°I am a girl who pays close attention to my reputation.¡±

    After finishing the awkward conversation, they both looked at the boats outside again. Suddenly, a sound passed in while they were watching the boats.

    Hearing the sound, Qiu Yn said nothing except standing up and walking quickly to stand behind Jiang Yashuang like a maid.

    Jiang Yashuang immediately picked up the two teacups, throwing them out of the window with water inside still.

    They hurried to adjust their dresses. Jiang Yashuang immediately behaved like a young master from a powerful family. He attempted to beposed and say with an impatient tone. He was preparing to deride the people who woulde in and get them out of the room as quick as possible ¡ª So, they could escape!

    Yet ¡ª

    In a minute, the door was opened. But instead of a group of people rushing in the room in a stormy manner as expected, a girl cautiously probed into her head.

    What Jiang Qisheng saw was two persons inside. One was sitting on a chair while the other one was standing behind him. Seeing them, Jiang Qisheng, who was apprehensive in the first ce, turned furious immediately!

    She screamed in a low voice, ¡°You two ¡ª What are you doing here?!¡±

    Tao Peibin entered the room while Jiang Qisheng was screaming. Her pretty face was full of sorrow and hatred. ¡°Jiang Yashuang, Commandery Princess Ningyi! You both...?!¡±

    In the room of the ¡°Binghu Xianyu,¡± Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn were shocked by the situation, unknowing what to say.

 Chapter 85 - No Need to Explain to You!

    <h4>Chapter 85 No Need to Exin to You!</h4>

    A long timeter, when Qiu Yn was about to speak, Jiang Qisheng suddenly walked in. With a poker face, she rushed to Qiu Yn without saying a word, and she pped her!

    Qiu Yn would naturally not allow her to do that, so in a great surprise, she angrily dodged to avoid her attack, and shouted to Jiang Yashuang, who just stood up in shock, ¡°You¡¯d better exin it at once!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang hurriedly held Jiang Qisheng and said, ¡°Sister! What are you doing!¡±

    Jiang Qisheng struggled to free herself but couldn¡¯t make it. She gritted her teeth and scolded, ¡°Get out of my way! Let me teach this shameless bitch a lesson!¡±

    ¡°What are you thinking? We are locked here!¡± Jiang Yashuang said angrily, ¡°We have no way to get out of here, but could only stay together! Don¡¯t talk nonsense about Commandery Princess Ningyi and ruin her good name!¡±

    At this time, Tao Peibin also entered the room, and she closed the door afterwards. Hearing these words, she was sobbing, ¡°Cousin Yashuang, you are always so nice to people. You are honest and treat others with sincerity, no wonder sometimes you are utilized. Do you know why we find here? Because Commandery Princess Ningyi hasn¡¯te back!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang frowned, ¡°I know....¡±

    ¡°Her maid Su He went back to private room to report. Sister was very surprised and sent servants to go downstairs to search. And it turned out that Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe¡¯s carriage was there, but the driver also said that he didn¡¯t see her. So we asked the manager of this Yunyi Restaurant, but he said no one had ever visited Commandery Princess Ningyi!¡± Tao Peibin interrupted him, ncing somberly at Qiu Yn , and said coldly, ¡°We all think it should be Commandery Princess Ningyi¡¯s excuse that she wanted to go somewhere secretly but didn¡¯t want us to know! But sister Qizheng thinks it¡¯s better to find her first in Yunyi Restaurant....¡±

    Jiang Qisheng sneered and said, ¡°19th brother, how long has Commandery Princess Ningyi been here?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face darkened, ¡°Well, she has been for a while, but Commandery Princess Ningyi came here for a reason, not as you think.¡±

    ¡°Not as we think?¡± Jiang Yashuang was recognized as a good temper one among children of the Jiang Family and Jiang Qisheng was his older sister, so she immediately seriously reprimanded him, ¡°You are kept home studying all the day by grandfather and grandmother, so you have never seen people¡¯s sinister hearts. You know nothing!¡±

    She nced at the expressionless Qiu Yn with a sneer, ¡°Did she tell you that she was formerly with us in Baihe Woxue,¡± and then someone looked for her, so she went downstairs with a maid ¡ª but for whatever reason she got separated with the maid and came across you here?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was frozen: these are indeed what Qiu Yn just said to him!

    Jiang Qisheng knew that she hit the point, so the fury on her face turned more obvious, and she rebuked Yashuang in a low voice, ¡°You have to think about it. There are so many people today. She is a guest and she is younger than all of us. So how could we let her go alone when we were all around? It was simply that she denied our sister¡¯s good intention to apany her but left in a hurry alone!¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you say that when Chunfu Princess wanted to apany me to go downstairs, you immediately stepped up to talk with her and pulled her hands, so that she couldn¡¯t go with me?¡± Qiu Yn stopped her words coldly.

    She now found out that Jiang Qisheng was not against her only because she hated her being close to Chunfu Princess, otherwise she would not be so merciless!

    Although Qiu Yn hadn¡¯t figured out why she hated her so much and opposed her with such a great effort, after hearing Jiang Qisheng¡¯s words ¡ª Qiu Yn thought that unless Ruan Qingyan would die without marrying this woman, she would otherwise definitely disagree with this marriage! Thinking about this, she naturally lost her mood to continue to leave them a good impression. She began to fight back then!

    Hearing the truth was told, Jiang Qisheng¡¯s anger was even more growing, ¡°What?! Did I need your permission to allow me to talk to my own cousin? Who do you think you are? Why I have to care about you?¡±

    ¡°How dare I ask ady of Jiang Family to care about me?¡± Qiu Yn said, with herself neither humble nor pushy, ¡°I just praised the hairpin of the youngdy of Tao Family was so beautiful, and Jiang Qisheng immediately said that I was stirring up trouble ¡ª I really don¡¯t know what I¡¯ve done offended you, so that you deliberately nned to frame me!¡±

    Hearing this, Jiang Yashuang looked up at Tao Peibin¡¯s head, and then said with surprise, ¡°Isn¡¯t this the hairpin that our grandma gave to Cousin Tao? What¡¯s wrong with it?¡±

    Of course, Jiang Qisheng and Tao Peibin wouldn¡¯t tell the problem was just for the hairpin was given by Madame Tao. Tao Peibin, who focused on marrying Jiang Yashuang, paid special attention to the hairpin while Qiu Yn knew nothing about it. Therefore, when she praised it without thinking, Tao Peibin, who had supposed her as a rival in love, suddenly felt offended.

    So, Jiang Qisheng, who had always been close to Tao Peibin as her sister, naturally couldn¡¯t bear to watch her cousin ¡°being bullied¡±, and immediately jumped out to me Qiu Yn!

    Facing puzzled Jiang Yashuang, Jiang Qisheng sneered, ¡°Sure enough that the hairpin gave by grandma was great, but now Cousin Tao is here! She did not say anything about Cousin Tao, but only praised her hairpin. She definitely looked down on Cousin Tao! So, is there anything wrong that I said she stirred up troubles?¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s long eyshes shuddered for a moment, and suddenly her tears dropped, ¡°So it¡¯s all because I didn¡¯t praise Miss Tao¡¯s beauty? Today, it¡¯s the first time that I meet with so manydies. I should have forgotten how to behave properly and what to say just in the private room if Chunfu Princess and Young Lady He did not help me. I am so nervous and offend Miss Tao without knowing¡ª¡±

    While she was saying, she deeply bowed low to Tao Peibin, ¡°I am young and ignorant. I hope you are generous and could forgive me.¡± she added, ¡°In fact, Miss Tao is so beautiful, who would ignore this even if I forget to praise?¡±

    ¡°You¡ª!¡± What Tao Peibin cared most about Qiu Yn was her appearance. Even among herpanions, she was not outstanding. So when she stood in front of Qiu Yn, who was young and beautiful like spring flowers, her appearance suddenly turned to be even more ordinary and gloomy. Now, listening to Qiu Yn¡¯s apology, which was more like sarcasm, she fell into a rage. If Jiang Yashuang was not here, she should have torn up Qiu Yn¡¯s mouth now!

    Seeing her trembling with anger and unable to speak, Jiang Qisheng felt much annoyed and pushed Jiang Yashuang hard. She said angrily, ¡°Listen to these weird words! Do you still want to protect her?!¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Jiang Yashuang firmly stood, still standing in front of her. He always smiled, but now he had no smile on his darkened face, and he said, ¡°There has never been a custom saying that people must praise thedy when they meet. Just for such a trivial matter, Qisheng and Cousin Tao, you two really make a fuss! Anyway, Commandery Princess Ningyi is also invited here by our sister!¡±

    Jiang Qisheng was originally dissatisfied with Jiang Yashuang¡¯s ¡°affection¡± to Qiu Yn, so she was furious after seeing this, ¡°You are really seduced by this girl, aren¡¯t you?! Even though your 8th brother, who was reprimanded by the elders as dissipated, has never been partial to the outsiders and made troubles to our family members!¡±

    ¡°Sister Qisheng, what did you say!¡± Jiang Yashuang was always guilty of being forced to sleep on the same bed with Qiu Yn, and Qiu Yn¡¯s origin was so pitiful. So, even if he had known that Qiu Yn was a troublemaker, he still had pity for her, plus he firmly believed that he was innocent with her¡ª

    First impressions were strongest, Jiang Qisheng had had a prejudice against Qiu Yn, so she firmly imed that the two have an improper rtionship. Even though Jiang Yashuang had a good temper, he was also annoyed now, ¡°Commandery Princess is entitled the second rank ofdy, so her identity is much nobler than you, sister. So, no more these kinds of bad words to nder Commandery Princess Ningyi! Do you follow our Jiang Family¡¯s rule!¡±

    ¡°You insinuate your own sister don¡¯t follow the rules for her?!¡± The more he maintained Qiu Yn, the more angry Jiang Qisheng was ¡ª Jiang Family¡¯s members were always spirited and stubborn, so she kicked Jiang Yashuang directly and scolded, ¡°People always say that the female would help outsiders, but our family now have a male turncoat! I really don¡¯t know what was done by our ancestors to give birth to such....¡±

    Tao Peibin stood nearby and wiped tears. She was just sitting there watching Jiang Qisheng help her. But now, hearing Jiang Qisheng¡¯s words bing more and more ridiculous, she was shocked and was about to stop her. However, Qiu Yn, who was also standing behind Jiang Yashuang, showing her helplessness and pitifulness, said quietly before her, ¡°If you feel unpleasant and want to punish me, just do it. Why do you say such bad words to your ancestors like this? In any case, they are your ancestors!¡±

    Before she finished her words, Jiang Yashuang had raised hand and pushed Jiang Qisheng. Fortunately, Tao Peibin went forward to help, otherwise Jiang Qisheng should have fallen. The only time that Jiang Yashuang had been furious was when Jiang Qiyun tried to disfigure Jiang Qizheng. But as this time, he pushed her so hard, making his cousin sisters shocked!

    Jiang Yashuang, the 19th young master, who had always be polite and always smiled to people, now became ck in the face. His bright eyes were full of anger, and every single word he said was severe, ¡°You are unreasonable! Madam Shao had taught you nothing for all these years! For such a misunderstanding, you even say such rude words to our ancestors! I don¡¯t think I need to exin to you anymore!¡± He then turned around, and said to Qiu Yn, ¡°Your Grace, please follow me to back to another courtyard, and we could report all this to our grandmother. She would prove our innocence!¡±

    Hearing this, instead of the former sobbing, Tao Peibin almost couldn¡¯t control herself to howl on the spot ¡ª it was already ¡°we,¡± how could you two be innocent!

    Qiu Yn greeted Jiang Yashuang¡¯s deep gaze. Without fear, she said in a calm voice, ¡°In my opinion, we should thoroughly investigate the person who locked us here. Who he really is! We don¡¯t know whether we were locked by mistake, or someone did it intentionally, aiming us!¡±

    She said so decisively and firmly that Jiang Yashuang¡¯s doubts greatly dissipated, but he still said, ¡°Your Grace, please go with me to see our grandmother!¡±

    ¡°No way!¡± Tao Peibin blurted out!

    Seeing Jiang Yashuang ignored her, she turned anxious. She took a step forward and said, ¡°Cousin Yashuang, did you forget? This Commandery Princess Ningyi is still in the mourning period, how could we take her to our mansion?¡±

    ¡°Commandery Princess is not wearing filial piety now.¡± Jiang Yashuang was so angry at the moment that he had no usual courtesy. He replied coldly, ¡°And grandmother has never cared about this!¡±

    ¡°Grandmother¡ª¡± Tao Peibin tried to persuade him, but he coldly stopped her, ¡°I am raised by my grandma, so I know grandma better than you!¡± Tao Peibin fell into silence: well, she was Madame Tao¡¯s own granddaughter, but nominally, Jiang Yashuang, this grandson not rted by blood, were indeed much closer to Madame Tao than her!

    However, she really didn¡¯t want Jiang Yashuang to take Qiu Yn back to see Madame Tao¡ª Were she unaware of what is her grandmother¡¯s attitude towards this matter? Madame Tao, although she did not support this as much as Princess Yongfu, she had never meant to object!

    Further, she hadn¡¯t had time to exin her feelings to grandmother. If Madame Tao feels good about Qiu Yn, maybe she would directly support this marriage and promote their engagement for today¡¯s matter. And then, what could she do?

    So, Tao Peibin was speechless, but she quickly pulled the sleeve of Jiang Qisheng.

    Jiang Qisheng was shocked by the sudden fury of her cousin brother, and she was unable to speak for a while. When Peibin pulled her sleeve, she misunderstood, and said angrily, ¡°Well! Let¡¯s go to grandma¡¯s ce, let¡¯s go! I would like to ask grandmother to make a fair judgement about who is the shameless one!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang ignored her, but only said to Qiu Yn, ¡°I¡¯m sorry to make you go through all this today. I will definitely handle this matter and give you a fair result!¡±

    This scene made Jiang Qisheng and Tao Peibin feel more distressed....

 Chapter 86 - Are You Qualified to Mind My Business?

    <h4>Chapter 86 Are You Qualified to Mind My Business?</h4>

    Madame Tao should be in her fifties. But she was good at keeping fit and seemed to be in her early forties. Her blood kinship with Empress Jiang was obvious. She looked just like Empress Jiang in her senior years.

    Different from Empress Jiang¡¯s temperament, Madame Tao was amiable and kind. The Mother and daughter had the same quality of keeping calm in an emergency. Even when the juniors who were supposed to go to theke for fun returned earlier angrily with a strange little girl, Madame Tao would still smile, ¡°Hey, why did youe back so early today? Didn¡¯t you say that you wouldn¡¯t have lunch?¡±

    She nced outside and smiled again, ¡°Where are Zheng¡¯er and others? Why are you back?¡± Only then did she talk to Qiu Yn, ¡°You look strange to me.¡±

    Jiang Qisheng nced at Qiu Yn hard and cut in, ¡°Grandma, this is the Commandery Princess Ningyi next door! Cousin Zheng¡¯er and Cousin He kindly asked her to go to the poetry meeting. Guess what? She only nced in our booth and then ran to Yashuang¡¯s! Not only that, she also instigated Yashuang to scold Cousin Tao and me forck of manners...¡±

    ¡°Cousin!¡± Qiu Yn was sullen and was about to speak when Jiang Yashuang interrupted Jiang Qisheng with a nk expression and said lightly, ¡°I respect you as an elder cousin, so I let you exin the situation first, but did not let you talk nonsense!¡±

    Madame Tao¡¯s smile faded when she saw the cousins quarreling. She frowned and asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Everything was OK when you went out. Howe you began to quarrel with each other just after a few hours?¡±

    Jiang Qisheng grumbled, ¡°Grandmother, look at Jiang Yashuang! He had never spoken to us like this before!¡±

    Qiu Yn secretly used her of being despicable and vicious. From the reaction of Empress Jiang after Jiang Yashuang beat Gu Yan and Deng Yi, she knew the Jiangs were ready to shield faults of the young ones! Even if Madame Tao were not malicious to her before, after hearing this, she would feel that it was she who had caused the gap between the cousins!

    Under such circumstances, how can Madame Tao make the cousins reconciled? Of course the me is on outsiders!

    She quickly pondered how she would refute. But even though she was eloquenct, how could she withstand the bias of the grand-parent?

    It was obvious that Jiang Qisheng was going to ruin her. Seeing Madame Tao¡¯s stiff face, she went even further, ¡°Not only that, Jiang Yashuang wanted to beat me in Yunyi Restaurant just for this Qiu Yn!¡± She sobbed, ¡°We were good to each other but havee to this point for the sake of an outsider! I don¡¯t know how to face the elders in the future.¡±

    She peeped at Qiu Yn with a provocative andcent look while talking.

    ¡°Jiang Qisheng! If there is a chance in the future, I will pay back the insults today!¡± Qiu Yn secretly ground her teeth!

    But she still thought that she¡¯d better not speak but wait. It would be better for Jiang Yashuang to step forward. If Jiang Yashuang did not speak for her, no matter how beautiful her words were, Jiang Qisheng would continue to talk nonsense. This was the sadness of disparity in power!

    However, just as Qiu Yn was about to abandon herself to her fate, Madame Tao gave her a surprise. Madame Tao smiled and said kindly, ¡°Yeah, Yashuang has been obedient since very young, and he has never argued with the family. So you are used to bullying him. Now he wants justice and you feel wronged, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Having said this, Madame Tao, regardless of the consternation of Jiang Qisheng and Tao Peibin, waved to Jiang Yashuang with her sincere love, ¡°Shuang,e over to grandma. Good boy, you are always generous and sensible. Who made you angry like this? Tell grandma and grandma will find justice for you!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang went over, sat down by grandma, who held him in her arms, and said, ¡°I should have been to Yunyi Restaurant with my brother today...¡± He told the story roughly and said lightly ¡°Though awkward, it could be exined. But Cousin Jiang Qisheng and Cousin Tao repeatedly insulted Commandery Princess Ningyi and even wanted to fight Commandery Princess Ningyi. They said over and again that I had been captivated by Commandery Princess Ningyi! This is just nonsense! They would not let me exin, so I had no choice but toe back and beg grandma to give me justice.¡±

    He went on, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi also wants grandma to judge the matter and thoroughly investigate who was the person that locked us in the booth!¡±

    Madame Tao looked at Qiu Yn and said with a light smile, ¡°This is for sure! How could someone from our family be tricked? Commandery Princess Ningyi is also a distinguisheddy. How could she be ndered?¡±

    Jiang Qisheng said angrily, ¡°Grandma! The matter has not been rified. Who knows whether it was ndering or Commandery Princess Ningyi deliberately acted in order to get along with Jiang Yashuang alone?¡±

    ¡°Was it Zheng¡¯er¡¯s maid who called Commandery Princess Ningyi downstairs?¡± Madame Tao asked slowly.

    ¡°Although it was...¡±

    Madame Tao snorted: ¡°I remember that her maids have seen Commandery Princess Ningyi twice at most, and only three times plus this time today. Why do you think the servants who have been in our family for years could be so muddled as not to know the master?!¡±

    Jiang Qisheng heard the criticism in her tone. She was not upset, though. She only lowered her head and kept silent, but refused to apologize.

    Madame Tao didn¡¯t care about her silent rebellion and said leisurely, ¡°Now that it was brought to me, I can¡¯t ignore it. Mom Hu, you took Chaohai¡¯s letter to Yunyi Restaurant. Be sure to check it out!¡± Chaohai is Marquess Qin¡¯s courtesy name.

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Just as Madame Tao finished and before Mom Hu had time to take the order, Tao Peibin cut in suddenly, ¡°I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s inappropriate. In the restaurant just now, we were afraid that Cousin Yashuang would be deceived, so we said something improper. Now that everything is rified, there is no need to go any further. Besides, it would be...¡± she nced at Qiu Yn reluctantly before continuing, ¡°It would be a disgrace for Commandery Princess Ningyi!¡±

    Madame Taoughed and asked, ¡°What do you think of that?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked at Qiu Yn in hesitation. It would make no difference to him. To say something unpleasant, the reputation of the Jiangs had long been ruined by Jiang Yadan. It wouldn¡¯t be much of a disgrace for the Jiangs to have another young man who got along privately with a Commandery Princess who was engaged to somebody else.

    So it was not good for Qiu Yn.

    Qiu Yn said firmly, ¡°Thank you for your understanding, Madame. But I have done nothing wrong! I beg Madame to check it out for my deceased mother and father so that they won¡¯t get involved in the shame in theher world!¡±

    Madame Tao looked at her with a smile, ¡°I can see your determination now that you have mentioned your deceased parents. But you have to know, whether innocent or not, you will be discussed by everyone!¡±

    ¡°The wise man knows he knows nothing while the fool thinks he knows all. I am only seeking justice! For this reason, I am willing to be smashed to pieces. I hope Madame can satisfy me!¡± Qiu Yn said with finality!

    Jiang Qisheng and Tao Peibin used her of intentionally locking the door from the beginning, so that she could be with Jiang Yashuang. If she had not demanded a thorough investigation, maybe Jiang Yashuang would have doubted her!

    Now it was brought to Madame Tao. Who knew what story would be made out of it afterward if it was solved in just a few words! How could Qiu Yn ept that!

    Moreover, were Jiang Yashuang and I really locked by Jiang Yadan¡¯s rivals? Aren¡¯t the two cousins ying the trick of thieves crying ¡°Stop thief!¡±?

    Having heard what Qiu Yn said, Madame Tao looked at her grandniece and said, ¡°Now that they are not worried about themselves, let¡¯s check it out.¡±

    Tao Peibin couldn¡¯t wait to say, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi! You want to seek innocence! But have you ever thought about Cousin Yashuang? You are engaged to somebody. People will say that Cousin Yashuang has taken someone¡¯s fiancee! Do you want Cousin Yashuang to bear such a bad reputation?¡±

    ¡°Madame has said, neither General Jiang nor I am afraid. Why are you so worried, Miss Tao?¡± Qiu Yn lowered her eyes and said softly. ¡°What¡¯s more, I will be the first to be discussed by others or investigated by the Dengs!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said in a deep voice, ¡°Cousin Tao, now that grandma has settled it, I don¡¯t think you should worry too much.¡±

    Tao Peibin was startled and her beautiful face suddenly turned red!

    Jiang Yashuang was telling her that she was not qualified to mind the business!

    Wasn¡¯t that right? Jiang Qisheng had the status of a cousin. But Tao Peibin was not a member of the Jiangs. She was also younger than Jiang Yashuang. How could she have a hand in Jiang Yashuang¡¯s private affairs?

    ¡°Jiang Yashuang, why did you say that to Cousin Tao?¡± Jiang Qisheng couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°She is out of kindness!¡±

    Madame Tao asked in a light tone, ¡°Is there anything else?¡±

    Jiang Qisheng choked and bowed her head. ¡°None.¡±

    ¡°Then, all of you go back now. It¡¯s almost time for lunch. Don¡¯t miss it.¡± Madame Tao gave them the order to leave but smiled lovingly at Jiang Yashuang. ¡°Shuang, will you stay and have lunch with grandma?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang nodded, ¡°I am greedy for your braised eggnts.¡±

    Madame Tao did not even ask the granddaughter and grandniece to stay for lunch. Naturally, Qiu Yn knew what to do and got up and said goodbye.

    She returned to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe with a sullen face. Entering the yard, she saw Sheng Shishui and Qiu Mingzhu, each with a silk fan in hand, were leaning on the railing of the corridor outside the school, talking andughing.

    The two were so dear toward each other, like a pair of sisters who had been living together for many years.

    ¡°Now that there are other peopleing to study here, it seems inconvenient not to have a wall. We are being watched by peopleing in and going out. They are just so idle!¡± Qiu Yn was unhappy. Seeing that, she told Xianran, who came out to greet her, ¡°Find time to get the craftsmen!¡±

    Xiaran said yes. Sheng Shishui and Qiu Mingzhu also saw her. But Qiu Mingzhu turned around and pretended no to see her. Sheng Shishui bowed to pay a salute.

    The two kept her warning in mind and did not dare to go down the corridor into the courtyard without permission.

    ¡°By the way, I was going out today. Didn¡¯t I tell Madam Shao to rest for a day?¡± Qiu Yn was just about to enter the door when she thought of it. She got angry, ¡°Why did Madam Shao still give lessons?¡± Even if she knew Shao Yuemei¡¯s social rtions, at this moment, she couldn¡¯t help having the idea of firing her. It seemed that she had no respect for her. Wasn¡¯t that too much?

    Fortunately, Xiaran exined at once, ¡°Madam Shao did close the school. Today, Miss Sheng and Cousin Mingzhu came to ask for advice. Madam Shao said she was tired and neglected them. But they just stayed to wait on Madam Shao...¡±

    ¡°Let them go!¡± Qiu Yn said with a sullen face, ¡°They are so idle. Are they waiting for anybody? Doesn¡¯t Madam Shao have a maid? Or didn¡¯t I arrange somebody to serve Madam Shao?¡±

    Xiaran saw that she had lost temper, responded quickly and walked towards Sheng Shishui and Qiu Mingzhu.

    Qiu Yn entered the door. She was in such a bad mood that she did not have the interest to listen to Su He to exin the whereabout after they were separated. She onlymanded, ¡°I don¡¯t want to be disturbed. Call me at dinner!¡± Going into the inner chamber, she closed the door with a bang!¡±

 Chapter 87 - Is This Your Marriage Proposal?!

    <h4>Chapter 87 Is This Your Marriage Proposal?!</h4>

    Closing the door, Qiu Yn threw herself upon the bed and made a roll with the quilt in her arms. She looked at the top of the bed canopy, stunned. She had to get up earlier and eat less this morning because she was going out. She was tired with the event and it didn¡¯t take long for her to feel sleepy. Soon she went into a sound sleep....

    Not knowing how long she had slept, she suddenly heard someone calling, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi? Commandery Princess Ningyi?¡±

    Qiu Yn answered vaguely and suddenly woke up. She saw it was already dim inside the room. Obviously it was almost time for dinner. In the dim room, she could barely recognize Jiang Yashuang, who had changed into a robe, a jade belt and a gold crown. His face was obscured in the shadow. His eyes were drooping but not pointed at Qiu Yn¡¯s bed.

    ¡°How dare youe?¡± Qiu Yn rubbed her eyes and rolled up, saying sulkily, ¡°When the door opened, we were innocent with neat clothes. But Miss Tao would not excuse us! If she knew that you came to see me secretly, she would kill me!¡±

    Before Jiang Yashuang could speak, she snorted again and said unhappily, ¡°Please allow me to say something unpleasant. You were not honest in this matter! Now that you were engaged to Miss Tao, you should have tried every means to open the door when you found the booth locked. We were there for just a short time, and...¡±

    Jiang Yashuang raised his head in amazement and saw that she was half covered with the quilt. He quickly looked away, ¡°Stop there! Am I engaged to Cousin Tao? What are you talking about! How can it be?¡±

    ¡°There is no one else here. Why are you pretending to be confused?¡± Qiu Yn thought. ¡°I guess you are not engaged, so I said that.¡± She still seemed wronged. ¡°If you were not engaged, why wouldn¡¯t she spare me when we were locked together by mistake? Do you believe that she was hostile to me just because I praised her pearls instead of her?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang frowned and said nothing.

    Qiu Yn went on, ¡°I don¡¯t believe Miss Tao would be so tough over such small matters! When she found that we were alone in the same room, she cried. If she was not fond of you, why did she cry? She is your cousin, not my mine! Did she think you were ruined by me?!¡±

    ¡°It seems that Cousin Tao and others have offended you so badly!¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed and shook his head. ¡°Why did you sow discord as soon as you saw me?¡±

    Qiu Yn blushed when she was exposed. But as she was in the bed canopy, no one could see that. She said awkwardly, ¡°Did you see through it?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was even more awkward. ¡°Am I so stupid in your eyes?¡±

    ¡°No, I always think you are smart!¡± Qiu Yn said righteously, ¡°And you are kind and amiable!¡±

    Jiang Yashuangughed, ¡°Then why are you still sowing discord?¡±

    ¡°Because you are kind!¡± Qiu Yn said sweetly, ¡°You see, how dare I talk so casually in front of others, even my cousin?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang felt that she seemed to have something to say. Of course, due to his social position, he absolutely could not think of the connotation in Qiu Yn¡¯s praise: ¡°There¡¯s money enough here to attract idiots,¡± so he did not find any malice in it and said with a smile, ¡°Master Ruan seems to treat you as a sister?¡±

    ¡°He is even more ruthless than my brother!¡± Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°I don¡¯t like to see him recently. Well, forget it. What are you here for, General?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s almost done. I think I shoulde and talk to you.¡± Jiang Yashuang showed some embarrassment. Obviously it was difficult for him to tell her the truth. If it were easy, it would not be Jiang Yashuang who sneaked in to tell her. It should be Jiang Qizheng and others who came to visit and exin.

    Anyhow, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t expect any justice, so she smiled and asked, ¡°Oh? So fast? What was that about?¡±

    ¡°It was my brother.¡± It was absolutely impossible for Jiang Yashuang to tell Qiu Yn that Jiang Yadan did not care about Qiu Yn¡¯s fame, so he said vaguely, ¡°I told Jiang Tan to follow him when he left and see what he was doing... I think it was for this reason that he got impatient and told somebody toe back to lock the door... No one had expected to get you into trouble.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Qiu Yn said, ¡°Well... what could I say? The innocent was hurt.¡±

    But she was sneering in heart. Jiang Yadan was almost thirty this year, how could he be so naive?

    Jiang Qisheng dared to beat her cousin in front of others. So the peers in the family were not very afraid of him. Maybe, that was because Jiang Yashuang had a good temper, or he was younger. Jiang Qisheng was just a cousin! Not to mention Jiang Yadan, an elder brother. She heard clearly how Jiang Yadan negotiated with Jiang Yashuang thest time at Ganli Pce.

    If Jiang Yadan didn¡¯t want to be disturbed by his brother, he didn¡¯t need to lock the door. He would just tell him to mind his own business.

    Moreover, why did Jiang Yashuang go to Yunyi Restaurant today? He himself told her the reason! To care for Jiang Qizheng and others!

    Jiang Qizheng and others were in the booth, how could Jiang Yashuang leave them behind to follow Jiang Yadan?

    Jiang Yashuang knew that his words were full of loopholes, and he coughed, ¡°Anyway, we should apologize to you.¡±

    They were startled by the knock on the door. It was Su He. ¡°Your Grace! It¡¯s time for dinner!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry now. You guys can eat by yourselves. Don¡¯t disturb me.¡± Qiu Yn frowned and said casually.

    Su He said anxiously, ¡°Oh? But you didn¡¯t have lunch!¡± Following was Mrs. Zhou¡¯s voice, ¡°Your Grace, you¡¯d bettere out to freshen up and eat a bit! I know you were wronged today, but you still have to live the life. Both His Royal Highness the Prince and Her Royal Highness the Princess are gone. If you don¡¯t take care of yourself, what could we do?¡±

    Su He also said, ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry, Your Grace. Even if outsiders don¡¯t believe you, will the young master not believe you? Besides, you were innocent. It was the Jiangs who made trouble for you. You don¡¯t need to ruin yourself for their fault.¡±

    The little maid choked a little, ¡°If you are really aggrieved, juste out and beat me! I am really worried about you!¡±

    Qiu Yn rubbed his forehead and said in a perfunctory manner, ¡°I¡¯m not as bad as you think... There are pastries here and I have eaten some. I don¡¯t really want to eat now... Mrs. Zhou, please go with Su He. I want to have a bit more rest and wille outter.¡±

    The persuasion was repeated by Mrs. Zhou and Su He. Hearing Qiu Yn more and more impatient, they left hesitantly.

    Jiang Yashuang listened quietly to the conversation between them. He whispered when there was no sound outside the door, ¡°Grandma means, if You are willing, I would like to marry you. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°Huh?!¡± Qiu Yn was wondering whether Jiang Yadan was the one who locked the door, and what his real purpose was. When she heard this, she was almost startled to fall off the bed. ¡°What did you say?!¡±

    At this time, dusk was falling and it was hazy in the room.

    So it was impossible to see Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face. In Qiu Yn¡¯s opinion, Jiang Yashuang, who had always been shy in matters between men and women, should not be able to say such words!

    Jiang Yashuang slowed his tone and repeated, ¡°If you are willing, my grandmother will go to the pce tomorrow and ask my aunt to disengage you from Deng Yi. We will make the engagement with you!¡±

    ¡°What is going on!¡± Qiu Yn was messed up. Aren¡¯t we talking about that matter? Howe it has turned to a marriage proposal?!

    Meanwhile in the Jiangs¡¯ residence next door, young Madame Tao was also asking Madame Tao doubtfully, ¡°You don¡¯t like Pebin. Then why do you like Commandery Princess Ningyi whom you¡¯ve met only once?¡±

    ¡°It has nothing to do with like or dislike.¡± Madame Tao nced at young Madame Tao. Both young Madame Tao and Tao Peibin were her grandnieces, but Madame Tao valued the former more than thetter.

    She said frankly to her, ¡°Just because she is good-looking and has the status of a Commandery Princess. If she is engaged to Shuang, your father and mother won¡¯t say I have mistreated their little son!¡±

    Little Tao wondered, ¡°But grandma, what¡¯s grandfather¡¯s idea?¡± Jiang Yashuang was one of the few heirs of the Jiangs who was cultivated by Marquess Qin himself. It was impossible that Marquess Qin wouldn¡¯t care about his marriage!

    Madame Tao smiled, ¡°I know well about your grandfather. He never values the family background and appearance of a person. What he values most is talent! With her performance in the court, your grandfather will never say no! Besides, he always prefers Shuang. As long as Shuang himself talks it to him, he¡¯s sure to agree!¡±

    She looked at young Madame Tao, ¡°I know what you are worrying about! This Commandery Princess Ningyi has nothing but a title. Her uncle¡¯s family is unlikely to help her. Only Ruan Qingyan has always protected her because of their blood rtionship. But he is just a new Jinshi. He is worth talking about in the families of ordinary people. But he is nothing in a family like ours¡±

    Young Madame Tao said with a smile, ¡°Nothing can be hidden from you. I just think, even if our family has fallen a bit these years, there are still some people. This Commandery Princess Ningyi is so lonely!¡±

    ¡°Why are you so honest? No wonder even a maid dare bully you!¡± Madame Tao sighed and said seriously, ¡°You are thinking about Shuang! But with the prestige and power of our family, Shuang can marry any distinguished girl, even Princess Yongfu. So long as the two of them are willing to marry each other, Tianluan will agree. However, he is good-tempered and is easy to get along.¡±

    Tianluan was Empress Jiang¡¯s pet name, and only Madame Tao could call it in private. Even Marquess Qin would mention her as Empress before his juniors.

    Young Madame Tao said cautiously, ¡°I know you are good to me. But I¡¯m afraid others will talk about you.¡±

    Madame Tao said contemptuously, ¡°Let them talk! When I got married, Madame Dou had no respect for me just because she was Jiang Tianao¡¯s wife and a niece of Chaohai¡¯s first wife. She has been restrained a bit these years because of Tianluan. In this big family, who is really good to me besides you? At that time... Well, let¡¯s stop talking about the sadness. In short, so long as Tianluan is there, nobody darese over to quarrel with me even if they are not content!¡±

    She lowered her voice, ¡°Jiang Qijun did not show respect for you in front of others! Jiang Qisheng even beat Shuang. These idiots! They even came to me and said Shuang was bad to them. They didn¡¯t think how they treated others in the family! Now that they don¡¯t like Commandery Princess Ningyi, I will marry her to Shuang!¡±

    Young Madame Tao tried hard to hold her tears, but she still choked, ¡°I¡¯m useless, grandma. You¡¯ve given me so much care!¡±

    Although she was a well-known ¡°gooddy¡± in the family, she was not a fool.

    From what Madame Tao said, she was intending to fight with his daughters-inw and granddaughters. But young Madame Tao was very clear that Madame Tao was arranging for Jiang Yashuang to marry Commandery Princess Ningyi for her sake. As she was not favored by her husband and had no children of her own, she had been living a hard life in the family. She was least noticeable among all the wives. Except for Jiang Yashuang, none of the sisters-inw and brothers-inw had respect for her....

    If Jiang Yashuang married a woman who was backed by her father and brothers, like Cousin Tao Peibin, due to his good nature, even if Jiang Yashuang respected her as a sister-inw, if his wife disrespected her, he would not me his wife but only admonish privately, how can she keep her dignity as the eldest sister-inw?

    But Qiu Yn was different. She was an orphan girl. The only cousin, Ruan Qingyan, who could help her, had no significant influence. Now the engagement had not yet been settled and she had already offended a group ofdies... After the marriage, she would certainly bring no threat to her.

    Maybe, she would have to rely on her to be able to survive among thedies....

 Chapter 88 - A Pile of Good-guy Cards for You....

    <h4>Chapter 88 A Pile of Good-guy Cards for You....</h4>

    Although Madame Tao had persuaded Jiang Yashuang to discuss the marriage in person, he didn¡¯t expect Qiu Yn would refuse, ¡°I am no good enough for a gentleman....¡±

    ¡°If you were not good enough, no one would dare to call themselves beautiful in this world.¡± Now that he had made the offer of marriage, Jiang Yashuang felt much at ease and said straightforwardly, ¡°In fact, I am no match of you in social status and looks. I am just a civilian. I dare beg you just because of my aunt.¡±

    ¡°Anyway, that¡¯s what it means.¡± Qiu Yn said inly, ¡°If you talk about appearance, I actually think that if I marry you, everybody will say that I have married up. I have nothing in this world except myself.¡±

    As for the dowry of Old Princess Lian and Princess Ruan, with the prestige of Jiang family, it¡¯s worth nothing even plus the entire property of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe.

    Jiang Yashuang thought for a while and said, ¡°I know what you are worried about. They are Jiang Qisheng and others. Jiang Qisheng is just my cousin. To be honest, we don¡¯t have much time to be together onmon days. She is older than me and will definitely marry before you. And I didn¡¯t know much of Cousin Tao before. Only after grandma told me just now did I get to understand, so I have asked my grandmother to send her back to her family and tell her parents not to let here over any more in future.¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°If you say that, I will think that you have been in love with me for a long time.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang had prepared to tell the truth, but was stunned at her words. He smiled awkwardly, ¡°To be honest, I have always treated you like Princess Yongfu....¡±

    ¡°Then why did you suddenly want to marry me?¡± Qiu Yn asked, with the corners of her mouth curved up slightly, ¡°Is it for responsibility? But you didn¡¯t want to hurt me. What kind of responsibility is that?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said without hesitation, ¡°I didn¡¯t want to harm you. But what is done cannot be undone. If I don¡¯t marry you, the Gus will never spare you.¡±

    ¡°Even if nothing happened today, how can the Gus spare me just because of the two the assemblies alone?¡± Qiu Yn said disapprovingly, ¡°You think too much, I asked your grandmother to thoroughly investigate what happened today, and absolutely did not want to force your family to give me an exnation after getting it messed up. Still that sentence, I¡¯ve never thought of marrying you.¡±

    Once the Courtesan Competition was over, she would get back the dowry equivalent of that of Old Princess Lian and Princess Ruan. Then she would break off the engagement with Deng Yi. With her fortune and her title as a Commandery Princess, though no worth mentioning in a family like the Jiangs, even though Jiang Qisheng was bold enough to hit her, in the eyes of ordinary people, she was still very noble. For example, Xun Yuxi, who was rmended by Ruan Qingyan, would never dare to trifle with her.

    Why must you make a servant of yourself when you are a genuine master! Qiu Yn felt that only an idiot would marry into the family to be a well-behaved daughter-inw!

    So she rejected decisively, ¡°I know you are a good man, but you don¡¯t have to do that. After all, you are still young. If you marry me out of responsibility, you¡¯ll be ruined by me in case you meet someone else in the future.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said inly ¡°Now that I have married you, I should perform my duty as a husband. There is no reason for me to meet somebody else and not to be responsible for you in the future. You can rest assured.¡±

    Qiu Yn said sincerely, ¡°I know you are a good man!¡±

    It was a pity that Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t know the existence of good-guy cards and still said seriously, ¡°So you don¡¯t have to worry about the future. Anyhow, I will maintain everything for you as the legal wife.¡±

    ¡°Even if I have difficulty giving birth and am jealous?¡± Qiu Yn counted the reasons why she rejected the marriage: she was worried about Jiang Qisheng and Tao Peibin, who hated her, and Jiang Yashuang had dealt with that; she worried that Jiang Yashuang would find another woman after marriage and he also made a promise about that; she had no elder family members to back her and would be in an embarrassing situation if she married up and he also promised....

    But don¡¯t assume that I won¡¯t find a suitable excuse to refuse!

    Qiu Yn, regardless of the darkness in the room and the fact that Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t see her expression at all, said sorrowfully and quietly, ¡°I used to meet with an avnche in Mount Dizi. Although I had a lucky escape, I trudged in the snow for a long time and was chilled through the body. Though the doctor didn¡¯t talk to me, I overheard that it would be hard for me to have children.¡±

    ¡°Of course, I could adopt a baby of a concubine, but having seen what my uncle has done over the years, I don¡¯t want to have a child like my uncle in the future. So I swore the first time I went to court that I would never allow my husband to have a concubine!¡±

    Hearing this, Jiang Yashuang thought for a long time. Qiu Yn thought he would retreat this time, but he said, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Boy, are you so full of morality? Jiang Yadan, Jiang Qisheng and others are so disgusting just because you¡¯ve taken up all the high moral principles of the Jiangs?

    Though dumbfounded, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help thinking, ¡°Does he also have problems so that my proposal just satisfied him?!¡±

    A Commandery Princess with no bottom line looked down secretly....

    But then she heard Jiang Yashuang say, ¡°Our family is a prosperous one. We will adopt a nephew. Do you agree?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought, ¡°I don¡¯t believe you are unbeatable!¡± So she said immediately, ¡°No! I¡¯m not willing to raise somebody else¡¯s child!¡±

    ¡°Then, we¡¯ll wait until the nephew is old enough and recognize him under our name.¡± Jiang Yashuang was still giving in. ¡°If you don¡¯t like this arrangement, let¡¯s not mention it anymore. Our brothers and nephews will certainly make arrangements for us after we die.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought for a while and asked cautiously. ¡°General!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°I am here.¡±

    ¡°Actually, you¡¯ve been deeply in love with me since you first saw me, haven¡¯t you?¡± Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°Now there are no outsiders here. I won¡¯tugh at you when you tell me the truth.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said after a moment, ¡°I... um... honestly, after that time, I have been feeling guilty.¡± He continued with uncertainty, ¡°Of course, knowing your situation, I really have pity for your loneliness.¡±

    ¡°So you are not interested in me!¡± Qiu Yn twitched her lips and said, ¡°Well, I know you have a good temper, so I tell you straight, and hope you don¡¯t fall out with me: you have been tolerant to me again and again out of guilt and responsibility. I can¡¯t help but wonder, what the hell do you think?¡±

    Young man, are you so full of moral principles as to spend your whole life bearing responsibility?! It is okay if you love me, but you don¡¯t love me at all! I am not that awful as to need your responsibility to survive!

    Jiang Yashuang said in amazement, ¡°Do you mean that I don¡¯t love you enough, so you don¡¯t want to marry me? But we had no formal meetings before and had no time for a long talk for various reasons. How could we have feelings? After the engagement, we¡¯ll have more time tomunicate and everything should be alright.¡±

    ¡°No, no.¡± Qiu Yn said, ¡°I¡¯m just curious about why you want to be responsible now? As for my loss, I suffered a big loss when we first met, right£¿It¡¯s no big dealpared with that one.¡±

    ¡°But the situation is different. Thest time...¡± Jiang Yashuang was a little embarrassed in his tone. ¡°No one knewst time. I don¡¯t think I would ruin you. But this time... it¡¯s hard not to be known. I can¡¯t watch you suffer.¡±

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°That is to say, you will marry somebody else otherwise?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said in a low voice, ¡°If it is a suitable match....¡±

    ¡°Well, I got it.¡± Qiu Yn interrupted him. ¡°As long as it is a suitable match and you don¡¯t hate her, you will take responsibility. You are really a good guy. But have you ever considered whether I am willing to marry you?¡±

    Before he could answer, she continued, ¡°I¡¯m not saying that you are bad, I have repeatedly said that you are a good person, every time from the bottom of my heart! But I still feel that I am not suitable to be your wife.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang thought for a second, ¡°You don¡¯t like me?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that.¡± Qiu Yn thought for a while before giving a reply, ¡°You are a good guy, and everybody likes good people. It¡¯s just that I don¡¯t think I am good enough to be a wife of your family.¡±

    She went on, ¡°As the saying goes, a crow is never the whiter for washing herself often. I just don¡¯t want to change this temperament at all!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°I don¡¯t think you have anything to change. The rules of our family are not as harsh as you think.¡±

    Nonsense! You are a beloved grandson and certainly will not feel the harshness! Besides, can the rules for sons and daughters-inw be the same?!

    Qiu Yn felt hungry at this point. She didn¡¯t want to argue with him anymore and said, ¡°I think you better go back and discuss with your elders about my problem with pregnancy and the concubine. It¡¯s not up to you to make such a decision.¡±

    After a pause, she felt that she should not ruin her own future with the excuses and said, ¡°I believe you will not let anybody else know it, especially people like Jiang Qisheng.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°I think....¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m hungry!¡± Qiu Yn touched her own forehead, ¡°If you don¡¯t leave, I can¡¯t go out to eat!¡±

    ¡°See you!¡± Jiang Yashuang seemed to be messed up in mind. He made a salute with both hands and disappeared from behind the screen.

    Qiu Yn sighed quietly, ¡°Howe I feel that he was instigated?¡± Qiu Yn felt that he was most likely to be instigated by Madame Tao.

    ¡°The question is, we just met once and she couldn¡¯t wait to send her grandson over the wall to propose. Isn¡¯t Jiang Yashuang her own grandson? Oh... Jiang Yashuang is really not her direct grandson. After all, she brought him up.¡±

    She thought about it for a while and couldn¡¯t figure out a definite clue, so she got up, ¡°Well, forget it and go for dinner first. Su He and others would be worrying now.¡±

    Somehow, a person fell into the door as soon as she touched it!

    ¡°Su He?!¡± Qiu Yn, who was shocked, almost struck with a hand! Thanks to the light from outside, Su He¡¯s face was reflected in time!

    ¡°What are you doing here!¡± Qiu Yn helped the little maid up, who was terrified and trembling, and asked angrily, ¡°Didn¡¯t I say I woulde out soon?¡±

    Su He said cautiously, ¡°But... it¡¯s almost two hours... Grandma was worried and sent me to wait... I... I was afraid I couldn¡¯t hear your soft voice when you were hungry, so I leaned against the door....¡±

    Well, she was eavesdropping!

 Chapter 89 - Im Born to Be a Dangerous Beauty!

    <h4>Chapter 89 I¡¯m Born to Be a Dangerous Beauty!</h4>

    Qiu Yn red at the careless maid. Seeing her hesitant appearance, she knew that she had eavesdropped on the door for so long. If she didn¡¯t hear all of her conversation with Jiang Yashuang, she might hear something about it. However, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want to mention this now, so she brushed her sleeves and said, ¡°All right. I¡¯ming out. Where¡¯s the dinner? Why don¡¯t you serve the dishes?¡±

    Su He hurriedly ran to serve the food. Mrs. Zhou, Chunran and others heard that she was out of the inner chamber, so they all gathered tofort her.

    Qiu Yn was absent-minded and perfunctory. She finished her dinner and rinsed her mouth under the service of everyone. Then she remembered to ask, ¡°Has the matter of Yunyi Restaurant spread to the Prince¡¯s Mansion?¡±

    Mrs. Zhou sighed, ¡°The servants outside are talking about it, but you can rest assured that no one dares toe here to make trouble, even if they are gossiping in private, they are also hiding from us.¡±

    ¡°Princess Yang¡¯s biggest worry now is Mistress Bian¡¯s belly. She also knows that I am not a person to be bullied, so she naturally has no time for trouble.¡± Qiu Yn snorted, ¡°I just taught the servants of the house a lessonst time. I¡¯m sure their memory won¡¯t be so bad!¡±

    After meditating for a while, she asked, ¡°Now that the Prince¡¯s Mansion knows it, but has the matter of the Yunyi Restaurant spread outside?¡±

    Mrs. Zhou and Chunran looked at each other, and a trace of sadness shed across their face, ¡°This....¡±

    ¡°What time is it? Why do you still keep it from me?¡± Qiu Yn rubbed her eyebrows and said, ¡°Su He?¡±

    Su He immediately said, ¡°After listening to the gossip of the servants in the house, your grandmother asked me to pry outside. It has already spread outside.¡± She hesitated for a moment before she went on, ¡°It is said that the words came from the subordinates of the Jiang family.¡±

    Qiu Yn narrowed her eyes, ¡°It¡¯s probably the bitch, Jiang Qisheng. Maybe it isn¡¯t her. She may have been instigated by Tao Peibin. In short, these two bitches really want to kill me.¡±

    Although Jiang Yashuang had the intention of asking her to marry him, it was not necessary for him to do so in terms of his character and identity. Especially if she agreed to marry him, she would be the wife of Jiang Yashuang. In that case, her reputation was damaged, how could Jiang Yashuang be decent?

    It was Tao Peibin.

    She cried in ¡°Binghu Xianyu¡±, which directly exposed her mind to Jiang Yashuang. In particr, although she lured Jiang Qisheng to do everything possible to her, there was nothing she could do about it under the favouritism of Madame Tao. ording to Jiang Yashuang¡¯s words, she was sent back to the Tao family because of this. She could not easily go to the Jiang family in the future.

    Under such circumstances, even if she did not know that Jiang Yashuang was going to take up the responsibility of being alone with Qiu Yn, it was natural to make Qiu Yn angry.

    ¡°She is a loser. She has been fond of Jiang Yashuang for a long time and doesn¡¯t act early, but she is determined to root out her romantic rival. She is not as good as Cousin Kang. She just came from a good family, or she will be squeezed to death by me every minute.¡± Qiu Yn sneered in her heart, ¡°But as soon as Jiang Yashuang knows her mind, he won¡¯t let her go to the Jiang family, so he doesn¡¯t have the slightest affection for her. Tut, how dare she fight with me?¡±

    Mrs. Zhou red at Su He. She seemed to me her for being talkative. But she saw that Qiu Yn was not depressed. On the contrary, her face was full of hatred, so she had no time to me Su He. She hurriedlyforted her, ¡°Your Grace, don¡¯t be angry. I wonder if there is some misunderstanding in it? Otherwise, Your Grace used to have no grudges with the youngdy Jiang Qisheng of the Jiang family and Miss Tao. Thest time Madam Shao moved to our house. These two people also came to watch the ceremony. How could they embarrass you? Maybe someone is making trouble!¡±

    Qiu Yn hummed, ¡°Mrs. Zhou, don¡¯t worry. I have a clear idea of this, and it¡¯s really no one who provoked it. If someone really stirs up discord, it is Tao Peibin. But there is a person in the Jiang family who is reasonable. In the daytime, I came back from Yunyi Restaurant and went to thedy of Marquess Qin first. I think thedy of Marquess Qin is very reasonable.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Mrs. Zhou breathed a sigh of relief when she heard the words. She knew that Jiang Qisheng and Tao Peibin had a hard time with Qiu Yn. Even if someone stirred up discord, this feud had reached the point that these two people had openly corrupted the reputation of Qiu Yn. Was this feud easy to solve? Mrs. Zhou didn¡¯t know what to do. She was afraid that Qiu Yn could not bear it and would do something irreparable. She couldn¡¯t rest assured if she didn¡¯t try to persuade her.

    Qiu Yn knew that she was loyal. She soothed her with warm words. She looked at the corner timer and got up, ¡°You are tired and worried about me just now. You can go and get some rest.¡±

    She also said, ¡°Su He, you stay. I want to ask you something.¡±

    Su He bit her lips timidly when she heard the words, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Take good care of Your Grace.¡± Mrs. Zhou and others knew that Qiu Yn wanted to ask her about the situation after the separation of the masters and servants in the Yunyi Restaurant during the day. They warned Su He and all saluted and left.

    When the people left, Qiu Yn rolled up her sleeves and picked up Su He¡¯s ear neither lightly nor heavily, ¡°How dare you! How dare you eavesdrop on me?¡±

    ¡°I really don¡¯t mean to do this.¡± She picked up her ear in a measured way. Su He didn¡¯t feel pain. She knew she wasn¡¯t really angry, but she still cooperated with her and begged her for mercy, ¡°I am afraid Your Grace would call me, so I leaned against the door... and... and I didn¡¯t hear much either.¡±

    Looking at her aggrieved look, Qiu Yn clouded her face for a long time. She thought it was enough for her to see. She snorted heavily, let go of her hand, and continued to speak coldly, ¡°Oh? So what did you hear?¡±

    Su He looked outside furtively and saw that there was silence in the corridor. There was a chirp of insects around her, but there was no one there. Then she whispered, ¡°I just heard that General Jiang wanted to marry you, but you... But you keep refusing.¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered and said, ¡°Did you hear a few words? Didn¡¯t you hear all the words?¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, don¡¯t be angry...¡± Su He lowered her eyes. She approached her carefully and pinched her shoulder tentatively.

    Seeing that Qiu Yn did not refuse, she breathed a sigh of relief. She knew that as long as she continued to please her, it would be over. She pinched her shoulder for a while and then ventured to ask, ¡°But why doesn¡¯t Your Grace agree? Now the people outside are all talking about it....¡±

    Qiu Yn curled her lips and said, ¡°I know the reason why you are afraid just now that I don¡¯t know what the people outside said about me is that you overheard what you shouldn¡¯t have heard.¡±

    Su He said pitifully, ¡°I know you must be angry with the youngdy Jiang Qisheng and the youngdy of the Tao Family for what they did to you. But all this had nothing to do with General Jiang! If you get angry about your marriage because of those twodies, this...¡±

    ¡°... You think too much!¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°You overestimate Jiang Qisheng and Tao Peibin! I really don¡¯t want to marry Jiang Yashuang. Otherwise, even if those two people object it, or he has engaged to Tao Peibin, do you think I dare not to rob him?¡±

    Whatever I wanted in my previous life, I paid for it with guns, ammunition or fists! These girls raised in these wealthy families were more aggressive than me?

    Su He hurriedly said, ¡°In that case, why don¡¯t you promise General Jiang?¡±

    The corners of Qiu Yn¡¯s mouth twitched, and she said, ¡°Then why do you think I should agree with him?¡±

    ¡°Hees from a good family, has a good temper and is good-looking, and he is clean. He begged you so sincerely for a long time.¡± Su He¡¯s big ck-and-white eyes were full of puzzles, ¡°He is much better than the young master of the Deng Family! By the way, he doesn¡¯t like men!¡±

    ¡°Does it ever ur to you that I am the Commandery Princess, and Jiang Qisheng is just the daughter of an official, but does she respect me as Commandery Princess? She just bullies me like an ordinary woman, doesn¡¯t she?¡± Qiu Yn hummed, ¡°Is it so easy to be the wife of the Jiang family? Do you think marrying into the Jiang family will be better than marrying Deng Yi?¡±

    Su He said quickly, ¡°Although the youngdy Jiang Qisheng can¡¯t get along with you, General Jiang likes you so much. He certainly won¡¯t sit and watch you being bullied.¡±

    Qiu Yn nced at her, ¡°It seems that you really don¡¯t understand. Then let me tell you. Jiang Yashuang quietly came here to discuss the marriage with me, it¡¯s just that he has a good heart. There may also be internal reasons within the Jiang family. Someone has encouraged him. In short, he feels that there is a lot of talk outside about me being alone in a room with him, and he feels very sorry to me. He doesn¡¯t adore me.¡±

    ¡°What is the difference?¡± Su He said disapprovingly, ¡°You haven¡¯t seen much of him before. He is not interested in you, which shows that he is a gentleman.¡±

    ¡°But I don¡¯t admire and love him either.¡± Qiu Yn stroked her forehead and said, ¡°If I marry him now, what if I meet someone I like in the future?¡±

    Su He said in surprise, ¡°But now you don¡¯t marry General Jiang. What are you going to do with this gossip?¡±

    ¡°Why should I care about this gossip?¡± Qiu Yn hummed, ¡°Since Jiang Yashuang feels guilty about me, whether I marry him or not, I think he will try to protect me. I am just gossiped. On the one hand, it can not take away my title of the Commandery Princess. On the other hand, I won¡¯t lose a piece of meat. Why should I care?¡±

    She was so open-minded. Su He stayed for a long time before she regained her senses. She stammered, ¡°The engagement of the Deng family....¡±

    ¡°Anyway, I won¡¯t admit it!¡± Qiu Yn said contemptuously, ¡°No one in the Deng family is in Yunyi Restaurant! I¡¯ll say the same words. Jiang Yashuang is so virtuous that he won¡¯t watch the Deng family drive me to death. Maybe, I can take advantage of the opportunity to break off the engagement with the Deng family, then I can be free.¡±

    Su He was about to cry, ¡°Even if you break off the engagement with the Deng family, have you ever thought about what will happen to your marriage in the future if your reputation is ruined?¡±

    Qiu Yn said in surprise, ¡°What do you need to worry about? Won¡¯t we be able to get two dowries soon? Even if Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe doesn¡¯t give me a penny of dowry in the future, we should have a lot of money, right?¡±

    ¡°Fame!¡± Su He almost wanted to pat the table and growl, ¡°Is this a question of whether we have money or not?¡±

    ¡°I have the title of the Commandery Princess. I also have money.¡± Qiu Yn was full of confidence, ¡°And I¡¯m so beautiful! Are you still afraid I won¡¯t get married? There are so many widows remarrying in this society. Even if my reputation has been ruined, at least I¡¯ve never married anyone by now.¡±

    Su He almost vomited blood, ¡°That¡¯s not how it works! At least the reputations of widows and divorced women are not tarnished. If there are people like you, let me say something unpleasant. If others marry you, they will have to worry that you will associate with General Jiang in the future.¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± Qiu Yn mused.

    Su He was frightened and prayed that she could figure it out. As a result, after a while, Qiu Yn said earnestly, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. The world is so big that there are all kinds of people. I am so good-looking that I don¡¯t believe that there are not more than a dozen people who are deluded by my beauty, and they are willing to bow down under my...¡± She looked down and continued to say proudly, ¡°Watercolor fairy skirt!¡±

    ¡°More than a dozen...¡± Su He waspletely defeated by her integrity....

    The poor little maid held thest glimmer of hope and asked, ¡°You... Are you kidding me? You must be joking, right?¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s kidding you? I¡¯m serious.¡± Qiu Yn red at her and said impolitely, ¡°Because of my beautiful appearance which is envied by others, I¡¯m born to be a dangerous beauty. Do I have to worry about marriage? I¡¯m worried that there are too many men waiting for me to pick.¡±

    Su He could hardly breathe, but she heard a man suddenly chuckle outside the window.

    Both of them were stupefied. Qiu Yn turned her wrists and took the candlestick that was not lit nearby. It didn¡¯t matter to tell Su He these impudent and brazen words. It was not a good thing for outsiders to listen to it.

    She was confident indeed, but she also knew that her present position and influence were far from being free from words.

    ¡°Your Grace, you¡¯re such a maverick.¡± The manughed out loud. He also knew that his deeds had been revealed, but he didn¡¯t run. He stood up from the pear tree where he was hiding, floating into the courtyard. He clenched his fists towards the house through the corridor, and said with a hearty smile, ¡°I am Qiu Feng from the south. I am entrusted by others. Ie herete at night. I hope you can forgive me for the offense.¡±

    Although the pear blossoms had bloomed now, the moon was as bright as frost tonight. The man was dressed in snow and white and hid in the tree. At a cursory nce, she thought it was the light of the moon shining on the leaves, which was hard to detect. She didn¡¯t know how long he had been listening.

    ¡°Qiu Feng?¡± Qiu Yn suddenly thought of someone the Lian family said and asked quietly, ¡°Are you Master Qiu?¡±

    Qiu Feng smiled freely, ¡°Yes, I am.¡±

 Chapter 90 - Here Comes Another Eavesdropper

    <h4>Chapter 90 Here Comes Another Eavesdropper</h4>

    Qiu Yn narrowed her eyes and sharply criticized him and said, ¡°I have always heard that Master Qiu is a great warrior. Why are you eavesdropping on us in a tree like a thief?¡±

    Qiu Feng did not deny it, ¡°It is true that I have been hiding in a tree, but this is because in the evening, after hearing the rumors outside, your brother, Ruan Qingyan was worried that Your Grace is worried too much, in case you can¡¯t get over it... That¡¯s why he asked me to protect you.¡±

    He solemnly said, ¡°Although I have been watching Your Grace after arriving, I don¡¯t deliberately eavesdrop on your conversation. It is because of the stillness of night so that I heard a few words. Of course, I won¡¯t tell anyone about it.¡±

    Qiu Yn snorted, ¡°My cousin always spoils me. If he is worried about me, why doesn¡¯t he visit me himself? He unexpectedly entrusted an outsider?¡±

    ¡°Your brother is so drunk today that when he asked me to do this, he was still talking nonsense.¡± Qiu Fengughed, ¡°By the way, this is your brother¡¯s Jade pendant. Your Grace, you should know it.¡± When he was speaking, he took out a piece of jade pendant, which wasmonly used by Ruan Qingyan.

    It was not easy for others to take the jade pendant away from him because of Ruan Qingyan¡¯s martial arts.

    Even if he was drunk, there was someone around to take care of him.

    And listening to what the Lian Family said, Qiu Feng was not a wicked man. The doubts in Qiu Yn¡¯s heart were slightly reduced, and she nodded, ¡°It is indeed my cousin¡¯s object. I just misjudged you. I¡¯m really sorry.¡±

    ¡°Your brother¡¯s request is that I won¡¯t show up unless Your Grace does something unwise. This jade pendant is also for me to help Your Grace.¡± Qiu Feng sneered, ¡°It¡¯s just that I didn¡¯t expect Your Grace¡¯s words to be unique, so I inadvertently rmed Your Grace.¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°My cousin is really busy. What can rumors do to me? He also has to worry about it.¡± She asked, ¡°When did Master Qiu know my cousin? I¡¯ve never heard my cousin talk about you.¡±

    She remembered that thest time she told Ruan Qingyan about Qiu Feng. His appearance seemed that he just knew the name, Qiu Feng, but he didn¡¯t know him at all. How many secrets did her cousin have?

    Qiu Feng said bluntly, ¡°In the early years, I had contact with your cousin in the south. Your brother is generous and heroic. He has been kind to me several times.¡±

    Generous and heroic?

    Qiu Yn looked at him weirdly for a moment. It made sense for him to be generous, but Ruan Qingyan had a deep mansion and liked to n. How heroic was he?

    ¡°I also heard that my cousin is the child of a big businessman in the South.¡± Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t say that she had to find out the exact details of Ruan Qingyan, but she didn¡¯t want to miss the chance to get to know him. All was quiet at dead of night. Chunran and Xiaran were not here. Of course she wanted to induce Qiu Feng to say what he didn¡¯t want to say, ¡°But I don¡¯t know he has already known Master Qiu. I wonder if his official mother and official brother are all right?¡±

    However, Qiu Feng sighed, ¡°At the beginning of the year, when I was about to go north, the Pang family contracted the epidemic. The whole family died.¡±

    ¡°... So this is how my cousin¡¯s VIP status of ¡®Tianya¡¯es from?¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s mouth twitched fiercely.

    Of course, she dared not to say the words in front of Qiu Feng. She just thought about it, but she said, ¡°Ah? How could this happen? This is really...¡± She said vaguely, ¡°I heard my cousin of the Lian Family say that you are usually in the south. Are you going north this time for the imperial examination?¡±

    Qiu Feng didn¡¯t seem to want to reveal to his the purpose of going north. She answered irresponsibly, ¡°I think Ruan Qingyan has sobered up by now. I see that Your Grace is in good spirits. I want to go back and tell him the news first, so that he won¡¯t worry ande in person. What does Your Grace think?¡±

    Qiu Yn said angrily, ¡°It is up to you, Master Qiu.¡±

    Watching Qiu Feng go through the house, Su He was terrified and said, ¡°Your Grace, will he really keep the secret?¡± Although Su He had heard the Lian Family say before that Master Qiu was very trustworthy, but what Qiu Yn had said just now was so arrogant....

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t take it seriously, ¡°He is entrusted by my cousin. Will my cousin pick someone who is not reliable? Do you know that thest time I had a few words with Jiang Yashuang in the house, and you were just watching outside the door. He scolded me to death. Now he asked this man to sneak into our yard in the middle of the night, which shows that this man can be trusted.¡±

    Su He thought about it and agreed with her. She did not expect that Qiu Yn continued to said, ¡°Besides, if he says something to others, will I admit it? Now there are a lot of people outside talking about me, and there are all kinds of arguments. Smart people know that those words are half true. If they are not smart people, I don¡¯t care about them.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Su He secretly vomited blood and said weakly, ¡°Then you really don¡¯t consider agreeing to General Jiang?¡±

    Qiu Yn waved her hand, ¡°You go back to sleep. Don¡¯t tell them including Mrs. Zhou about this. Otherwise, I am reluctant to mistreat you, but I can find a good family for you in advance and allow you to go out.¡±

    Su He said immediately, ¡°I won¡¯t tell them. Don¡¯t kick me out!¡±

    She let Su He leave. Qiu Yn stretched herself. She strolled into the inner chamber to have a rest, ¡°There¡¯s an uphill battle to fight tomorrow. Jiang Yashuang, you have to work harder. Don¡¯t really trick me to death.¡±

    The next morning, as she expected, she had just cleaned up and was only halfway through a bowl of green stem rice porridge. Chen Shui rushed in carrying her skirt in a panic, ¡°The Deng Family is here!¡±

    She took a breath and hastened to add, ¡°The wife of the Young Prince of the Duke of Guangyang personally apanied Mrs. Gu.¡±

    Qiu Yn put down her chopsticks, took a sip of the tea next to her, and asked, ¡°Are they in the vestibule, or do theye directly to me?¡±

    Chen Shui almost stamped her foots, ¡°The Princess Yang has been waiting in the vestibule. Your Grace, what do we do now?¡±

    ¡°They asked me to see them, so I¡¯ll see them!¡± Qiu Yn said carelessly, ¡°What else can I do?¡±

    She was so calm. The other people including Mrs. Zhou and Chunran were all freaking out. Although it was said that the Darui¡¯s atmosphere was open, and remarriage was not prohibited, there was a death penalty for having an affair with solid evidence.

    Even if Qiu Yn was the Commandery Princess, Deng Yi was still the grandson of the Empress Dowager Gu. Would the Gu family embarrass their grandson so much?

    In the suffering of the servants scratching their ears and their cheeks and barely vomiting blood, Qiu Yn slowly finished her breakfast. She also ordered another bowl of almond tea and drank it leisurely for a while before Xiu Rong invited her, ¡°The wife of the Young Prince of the Duke of Guangyang and Mrs. Gu are here. The Princess asks you to speak in the vestibule.¡±

    Qiu Yn ordered Su He to go with her. They were halfway. Xiu Rong saw that there was no one before and after. She whispered, ¡°The Princess said that she believed that you must not be the kind of person who is unruly. When you meet the wife of the Young Prince and Mrs. Gu, if you have any grievances, please tell them.¡±

    As soon as Su He heard it, she immediately looked at her suspiciously and warily.

    Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°Although I don¡¯t want to marry Dengyi, I won¡¯t joke about my reputation because of it.¡± She had already known that Princess Yang would make an effort to speak for her this time. After all, Princess Yang had her own daughter, not to mention her only son, Qiu Yinzhi, who was not old enough to get married. If his official cousin was sentenced to death, how could he marry a famous girl a few yearster?

    The marriage between Qiu Hongzhi and the Ding family had already been decided. If anything happened to the Qiu Family, the Ding family could only ept it unless they werepletely shameless to break off the engagement. Princess Yang regarded Qiu Hongzhi as a serious worry. How could she let Qiu Hongzhi take advantage of this?

    Sure enough, she went to the vestibule to meet the people in turn. After she finished the salute, Princess Yang said, ¡°Look at her. As long as the child does not go out, she is dressed in a white mourning dress for her mother at home. Now shees out to see us. We can¡¯t see any red on her. There are few young girls who don¡¯t like to wear red and green clothes, but she can stand it. It shows that she is a good child of filial piety. In that case, how could she be alone with an outsider? Someone must be trying to hurt her.¡±

    Qiu Yn remembered to keep a cowardly image in front of Mrs. Gu. She bowed her head and kept silent, only using the corner of her eyes to keep an eye on the visitors.

    She had seen Mrs. Gu who sat in the first position. Today, Mrs. Gu was still beautiful, but her face was cold. She turned a deaf ear to Princess Yang¡¯s advice and said bluntly, ¡°The Princess Yang, I know that the sixth Commandery Princess of the mansion is your own flesh and blood. So even if you hate this niece very much, you will certainly speak for her. You have to be conscience. Think about Yi of my family, too. How do you feel when your son marries a bad wife in the future, but your inws help cover it up?¡±

    Princess Yang, for the sake of her children, had to take great pains to protect Qiu Yn¡¯s reputation and had secretly vomited blood. After hearing what Mrs. Gu said, she almost fainted without breath, ¡°Your son just married a seductive woman.¡±

    However, although Mrs. Gu¡¯s title of nobility was not high, it was only the fourth grade, but she was the Empress Dowager¡¯s niece. Now she came here because the gossip about Qiu Yn was so popr. How dare Princess Yang offend her?

    She hadn¡¯t figured out what she could say not to offend Mrs. Gu but also to defend Qiu Yn. Tang, the wife of the Young Prince of the Duke of Guangyang, looked at Qiu Yn. She also said, ¡°Auntie, you¡¯re right. And the kind words the Princess put in for the Commandery Princess Ningyi are ridiculous. How many people wear red and green clothes to observe filial piety? When the Commandery Princess Ningyies out to see us in in clothes today, she just does what she is supposed to do. In fact, during the mourning period, she should not go out at all. Yesterday, the Commandery Princess Ningyi not only went to Yunyi Restaurant, it is said that she also went to the Jiang¡¯s residence next door.¡±

    Hearing the words, Mrs. Gu was even more unhappy, and her intention of killing shed in her eyes.

    Princess Yang hurriedly said, ¡°You two really have a misunderstanding. I also know that this child went out yesterday because the Chunfu Princess said that there was a begonia bonsai on top of the poetry conference held in Yunyi Restaurant. This was used by her second brother to congratte thedy of Marquess Qin on her birthday. The Chunfu Princess thought that the child had never met her father, so she invited her toe and have a look. After all, it is something that passes through her father¡¯s hands.¡±

    Mrs. Gu didn¡¯t buy it. She said coldly, ¡°Oh, is that true? The elegant room upstairs in the Yunyi Restaurant is really holding a poetry conference? What day was it yesterday? I don¡¯t think Princess Yang knows it, do you? Even if yesterday wasn¡¯t the day of the Courtesan Competition... Don¡¯t you know what the ces near Yunyi Restaurant are? Those ces are all messy ces. Is that where decent girls should go?¡±

    Tang said lightly, ¡°Princess Yang is really avoiding the important points. Why do you only say Chunfu Princess and not Jiang Yashuang of the Jiang family also went to Yunyi Restaurant yesterday? Is it true that the Commandery Princess Ningyi went to Yunyi Restaurant to see begonia flowers rather than to meet people in private?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely impossible!¡± Princess Yang wanted to go on, but Tang raised her hand and pointed to Qiu Yn, saying, ¡°Since Your Grace is here, why doesn¡¯t Your Grace say it herself?¡±

    Qiu Yn nced at her and said quietly, ¡°Please ask thedy of Marquess Qin next door what happened yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Are you putting pressure on me with thedy of Marquess Qin?¡± Tang smiled coldly. She was also a beauty, otherwise she would not have won the respect of Gu Yan. She had a long face and eyebrows like the moon, and her phoenix-like eyes were shining. Now she looked nobler and nobler with anger and sarcasm, ¡°Who is thedy of Marquess Qin to you? What I asked you, you asked me to ask her?¡±

    It made Mrs. Gu furious, ¡°Slut!¡±

    ¡°The wife of the Young Prince. Mrs. Gu.¡± Princess Yang was shocked and secretly scolded Qiu Yn for losing her head. She still didn¡¯t know how to behave in times of crisis. Qiu Yn suddenly looked up, revealing the despair and anger of being driven to a dead end, ¡°Mrs. Gu also knows that yesterday is the day of the Courtesan Competition. There are a sea of people up and down the Yunyi Restaurant. Am I that stupid to choose to meet an outsider on a day like this? Can¡¯t you see such an obvious frame-up? But I suspect that Mrs. Gu and the wife of the Young Prince, you are intentional, are you?¡±

 Chapter 91 - You Can Scream, But No One Will Ever Come to Help You!

    <h4>Chapter 91 You Can Scream, But No One Will Ever Come to Help You!</h4>

    Mrs. Gu said angrily, ¡°You are my future daughter-inw. Why would I frame you? Do you think I¡¯m okay about my son being despised because of you?¡±

    ¡°Ridiculous!¡± Tang also shouted coldly. ¡°You did such a shameless thing. Not only Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe is in trouble, but cousin Deng Yi loses his face, and now you me us? Do you have any sense of shame?¡±

    Qiu Yn wouldn¡¯t give in. She sneered and said, ¡°Shame? Last time, Gu Yan, Young Prince of Duke of Guangyang, flirted with me openly in the pce. If General Jiang hadn¡¯t passed by and help me, I would have killed myself by bumping my head on the pir in Liuchun Pavilion! How could you take your anger out on me because you can¡¯t control your husband?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Tang was outraged. Mrs. Gu was silent for a moment and then screamed, ¡°You are talking nonsense!¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at her with disdain, ¡°You know whether I¡¯m talking nonsense or not! I can swear on my parents¡¯ spirits that Gu Yan did flirt with me publicly. Can you also swear on Deng Yi¡¯s safety that you don¡¯t know Gu Yan has designs on me?¡±

    As she said it, she put her hand on her own face and nced at Tang, ¡°I know why Young Princess came with Mrs. Gu here and tried hard to convict me! It¡¯s because you know Gu Yan once flirted with me and now you see I¡¯m much prettier and younger than you, so you get jealous....¡±

    Anyway, she never wanted to marry Deng Yi and had a political stance against the Gu Family. The two here obviously came for a fight. It was impossible now to cancel the engagement peacefully. In this case, Qiu Yn decided to take off the mask and taunt them with full force to irritate them.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Tang couldn¡¯t hear anymore. She stood up as she pped the table and said to Princess Yang who hadn¡¯t got a chance to speak, ¡°We, Gu Family, won¡¯t recognize her as the wife of cousin Deng Yi! But his fame shouldn¡¯t be ruined like this.... Princess Yang! You are a clever woman and you should know what to do so that your children won¡¯t get into trouble because of her!¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s face became grave¡ªTang was suggesting Princess Yang should kill her and tell others that she dropped dead. Then the Deng Family would not investigate it and this incidence would be let go!

    Seeing Princess Yang was happy after being stunned for a moment and all the three noblewomen were looking at her with evil eyes, Qiu Yn smiled coldly. Suddenly she stood up and on tiptoe to look outside, saying, ¡°It seems that no one is outside.¡±

    By now, Tang and Mrs. Gu were on their feet. Both of them ignored her and said goodbye coldly to Princess Yang, who was repressing her ecstasy. They wanted to go back and wait for the good news.

    Unexpectedly, Qiu Yn lifted the edge of her dress, rushed to Tang, and pulled open her clothes quickly!

    It was April and warm. Although Tang was a visiting guest, she only wore underwear behind her robe. Hit by this sudden move, her shoulders were exposed. When she was a youngdy, she was the beloved daughter of Premier; after she got married, she was Young Princess. When had she ever been attacked like this? So at once, she covered her chest tightly and screamed so loud that the room seemed to be shaking!

    ¡°Keep screaming and the gatekeeper wille and see you!¡± Qiu Yn pped her without hesitation and Tang staggered. Luckily, she didn¡¯t fall to the ground as she held the Zitan Wood table behind her!

    At this point, Princess Yang wanted to die right now!

    ¡°Are you crazy?¡± Princess Yang felt dizzy but she didn¡¯t dare to faint. Young Princess of Duke of Guangyang came with Mrs. Gu to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe to criticize Qiu Yn but instead was undressed and pped by Qiu Yn in front of her. If she couldn¡¯t give her a good answer at once, the Gu Family would ask Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe for an answer!

    Princess Yang was about to call her maids to protect Tang, but Qiu Yn took off the Pure Gold Phoenix-head Hairpin on Tang¡¯s head smilingly and scratched her face with it indifferently and a red scar appeared. Though it was a shallow one, it hurt as well. She said, ¡°Who dares toe?¡±

    No need for Princess Yang¡¯s order to stop, none of the servants dared toe closer!

    Inparison, Tang was brave andmanded with a deep voice, ¡°You alle and take her! I will let you go to hell even if my face is ruined!¡±

    In return, she got another heavy p!

    With a tearing sound, Tang felt her body was lighter and cooler. Looking down, she found her begonia red lotus-patterned loose sleeve silk robe was torn apart from top to bottom and fell down to the carpet!

    ¡°I will kill you!¡± Tang dived to Qiu Yn like a madwoman!

    Qiu Yn gave her a casual punch and she fell to the table. She looked up and smiled at Princess Yang, who was thinking hurriedly how to save Tang and was frightened by her smile!

    Qiu Yn suddenly changed her expression into a happy one and said sweetly, ¡°Thanks to auntie¡¯s driving off the servants so that no one can hear this bad woman¡¯s screaming. She¡¯s totally at our mercy.¡±

    Her words almost killed Princess Yang, who hurried to defend herself, ¡°It¡¯s not like that! Young Princess, Mrs. Gu, see, I never... No, the reason why I drove away the servants was not....¡± Princess Yang was incoherent: it was she who had driven the servants away, but how could she do this to harm them?

    She did this in case she failed to appease Mrs. Gu and Tang and got Qiu Jinzhu and Qiu Yinzhi into trouble because some gossipy servants might say to others that Qiu Yn¡¯s fame was suspected by her future husband¡¯s family.

    ¡°Now that we had a fight, why should you be humble in front of them?¡± Qiu Yn wouldn¡¯t give her a chance to exin and said immediately. ¡°Mrs. Gu is only a Graceful Lady and she is respected only because her surname is Gu. Tang is a Young Princess, but she is still not a real Princess! How could theye and speak dominantly in front of you?¡±

    She rubbed her fists and scanned Tang¡¯s bareback, ¡°As we have agreed, let¡¯s rip her clothes off and see if there is a birthmark. If she doesn¡¯t listen to uster, we will let all the hooligans in the capital know and spread the feature of Young Princess of Duke of Guangyang!¡±

    Right after she finished her words, Tang, who was originally taking deep breaths as a result of anger, screamed and looked viciously at Princess Yang. Then she bumped her head on the sharp corner of the padauk table with determination!

    However, Qiu Yn pulled lightly and she was pulled back to the ground. She said leisurely, ¡°Why are you in such a hurry to kill yourself? Hear me out. If you died now, I would find some men to im themselves as your paramours and tell others that you died of shame because your affairs were known.... I think as long as we say Mrs. Gu had been killed by you before you died, no one outside would believe it was we who killed you!¡±

    Mrs. Gu was frightened and automatically backed off....

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t stop her but said coldly, ¡°Mrs. Gu, watch yourself. I¡¯m not good at using a hidden weapon. If you keep backing, I may get a slippery hand and turn a threat into a reality that one of your eyes is removed. That¡¯s not worth it, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Mrs. Gu stopped moving as if she got roots under her feet. She looked at her with aplicated expression, as if she wanted to speak but stopped.

    As Qiu Yn scared her, she continued to taunt Tang, ¡°I can see that you have the nerve, but since you have a son, you will in the end lose your nerve. I heard he is your only child. How old is he? Eleven? He doesn¡¯t even have an engagement! You know better than me what kind of man Gu Yan is. People say he respects you. But if he did, why did he flirt with me, your future cousin-inw? By his position, there should be many women who badly want to rece you! At that time, your son will be a real nuisance!¡±

    She sneered, ¡°How worthy it will be to exchange my life for you and your son¡¯s bad ending?¡±

    That was exactly Tang¡¯s soft underbelly. She shivered for a long time on the ground and then asked through gritted teeth, ¡°What do you want?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s easy. If you don¡¯t get in my way, I will leave you alive, which also means your son can live well!¡± Qiu Yn squatted down and patted her face with the hairpin. She said with a half-smile, ¡°Don¡¯t wear that wronged look! We were not enemies and I wouldn¡¯t go against you. But today you wanted to kill me. This is what you deserve and there is no way you should be resentful!¡±

    Tang gave a bitter smile, ¡°Don¡¯t you admit the shameless thing you did?¡±

    Qiu Yn pped her right away again. The loud sound made Princess Yang and Mrs. Gu frightened. She said, ¡°If you were fair, why didn¡¯t you say anything when Gu Yan was bullying men and abusing women? You came to me only because you thought I was weak! You are the one who helped the viin do evil and pretended to be moral! If I were Princess Yongfu, would you dare to kill me?¡±

    Tang lifted her face which was full of bruises and she was about to say something when Xiuyan coughed outside in the yard. She came to the window and reported, ¡°Your Grace, Chunfu Princess ising!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± There was a mess in the room. Hearing the news, Tang, Mrs. Gu, and Princess Yang all felt at loss. Qiu Yn had already got control of them, now Chunfu Princess wasing. They knew this princess would not miss the chance to attack Empress Dowager¡¯s party, even if she did note to help Qiu Yn!

    At this moment, Mrs. Gu wanted to drop dead. Qiu Yn was calm. She turned around and ordered, ¡°Tell Chunfu Princess to have some tea in the flower hall and my aunt will soone.¡±

    Then she smiled sweetly at Princess Yang, ¡°I told you that you didn¡¯t need to worry. See, Chunfu Princesses in person!¡±

    Princess Yang grasped her chest and pointed at her with a shaking finger, wanting badly to show she was innocent. Qiu Yn implied that Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe turned to support Empress!

 Chapter 92 - You Have The Courage to Bow Down to Me, But You Donâ€™t Have The Courage to Help Your Son

    <h4>Chapter 92 You Have The Courage to Bow Down to Me, But You Don¡¯t Have The Courage to Help Your Son</h4>

    Jiang Qizheng chatted with Princess Yang for a long time. But she still didn¡¯t see Qiu Yning out. So, she suspected that Mrs. Gu and Tang who arrived early had done something to Commandery Princess Ningyi. She was about to make Princess Yang tell the truth by virtue of her Princess title. Finally, the sound of footsteps came from outside. And then a maid came in and reported, ¡°Mrs. Gu and Commandery Princess Ningyi are here.¡±

    Princess Yang smiled reluctantly and looked at Chunfu Princess. Although they were in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, Chunfu Princess and Princess Yang were the same level, besides Chunfu Princess was a guest. After Chunfu Princess nodded, Princess Yang then said, ¡°Invite them in!¡±

    After a while, Qiu Yn came in leisurely. Mrs. Gu who dressed up followed her.

    ¡°Your Grace, do you have something to instruct using here today?¡± after some chitchats, Princess Yang finally asked the real question which everyone was thinking about.

    Just like they thought, Jiang Qizheng said apologetically, ¡°I¡¯m here to exin the misinformation sent by our servant yesterday which damaged Commandery Princess Ningyi¡¯s reputation.¡±

    Princess Yang felt so bitter, ¡°It¡¯s hard enough to deal with just this little b*tch. And now Jiang Family is on her side! Can I live a peaceful life from now on?¡±

    But she had to thank Jiang Qizheng with a fake smile foring here personally to rehabilitate Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe¡¯s reputation. After the formality, Jiang Qizheng cut to the chase. She said exactly like how their family discussedst night, ¡°We held a poetry party in Yunyi Restaurant yesterday. As for why we invited Commandery Princess Ningyi, I think Princess and Mrs. Gu already knew. However, what you two didn¡¯t know was that I changed to men¡¯s clothes halfway for convenience.¡±

    At this point, everyone knew how Jiang Family was about to exin.

    ¡°We booked two adjacent private rooms in Yunyi Restaurant yesterday. It¡¯s just one of the rooms that was booked under Yadan¡¯s name. Of course, he and Yashuang also booked a room. But it was far from our rooms.¡±

    Jiang Family thought Jiang Yadan did one thing right. That was booking another private room besides ¡°Binghu Xianyu¡± secretly in order to teach Jiang Yashuang how to be a qualified man of Jiang Family. He did this to avoid having no ce to stay.

    ¡°One of the adjacent rooms was for us to hold the poetry party. The other was for Commandery Princess Ningyi. Because we might horse around in the poetry party. Commandery Princess Ningyi was still in mourning. It was inconvenient for her. So, she went to the other room to rest after she enjoyed the sight of begonia for a while.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng said calmly, ¡°But since I invited her, I certainly couldn¡¯t leave her in the other room alone. So, I went to keep herpany for a while. Who would think that someone started a rumour? Because I wore men¡¯s clothes. Yashuang went along with Yadan yesterday. And we just happened to be in the same restaurant.¡±

    ¡°I got tired after a while. I remembered that my grandmother mentioned that she wanted to meet Commandery Princess Ningyi. So, I went back home with Commandery Princess Ningyi and my two sisters. I was in the same carriage with Commandery Princess Ningyi. Yadan was worried about us. So, he asked Yashuang to go back with us. To our surprise, someone misrepresented this as Yadan taking Commandery Princess Ningyi to the residence. People who started the rumour were absolutely crazy.¡±

    ¡°I see. I wondered how could Yn do such a shameless thing since she always behaves herself and Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe has strict family rules?¡± it was not Princess Yang who replied, but Mrs. Gu.

    For a moment, everyone in the room including Jiang Qizheng was stunned. Seeing Mrs. Gu¡¯s convinced expression and her look towards Qiu Yn filling with pity, even Qiu Yn was stupefied. She threatened Tang and Mrs. Gu at the back just now. In this way, they wouldn¡¯t attempt to manipte her anymore, and they would break her engagement with Deng Yi as soon as possible.

    What did Mrs. Gu want to do?

    Qiu Yn¡¯s face went dark all the sudden.

    Seeing this, Mrs. Gu said humbly, ¡°I asked you not to go out as you pleased in the future just now. Because I have heard so many people talking about it. How could I doubt you? Now Chunfu Princesses here in person in order to clear your name. If you are still unhappy, I will apologize to you, okay?¡±

    Mrs. Gu continued, ¡°I don¡¯t have daughters. I always want to treat my daughter-inw as my daughter. You can¡¯t treat me as a stranger because of this....¡±

    Qiu Yn said with a gloomy face, ¡°You are too serious. How do I dare to ask you to apologize to me?¡±

    Seeing this, Jiang Qizheng said as if deep in thought, ¡°It looks like Commandery Princess Ningyi and Mrs. Gu have something to discuss. And I interrupted you guys? In that case, you guys do what you please. I will be fine here with Princess Yang.¡±

    Hearing this, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t decline. She stood up at once and saluted. Then she said to Mrs. Gu tly, ¡°If you have something to say, let¡¯s go outside and talk.¡±

    Then those two went out of the room. Just when they were at some secluded ce, Mrs. Gu stopped Qiu Yn suddenly, ¡°Can we talk in private?¡±

    Qiu Yn was used to face zombies alone. Of course, she was okay with this.

    After sent away the servants, with a bang sound, Mrs. Gu knelt in front of her without saying anything.

    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s look changed. She moved aside at once. But she didn¡¯t look surprised. She said coldly, ¡°Didn¡¯t you see what I did just now? Do you think you can bind me to your son by doing this?¡±

    Seeing that Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want to ept her salute, Mrs. Gu still bowed to Qiu Yn. When she looked up, she was crying, ¡°Since you already knew, then I¡¯ll cut to the chase. I¡¯ll agree to anything as long as you help my son escape from Gu Yan.¡±

    Qiu Yn shook her head, ¡°Who do you think I am? You might as well ask Her Majesty for help instead of me. Or go back and ask Chunfu Princess for help which is also more reliable than asking me.¡±

    Mrs. Gu choked with sobs, ¡°That¡¯s useless. Those two aren¡¯t afraid of Gu Yan. But how could they be willing to help my son?¡±

    ¡°But why should I help him?¡± Qiu Yn asked, ¡°I also avoid Gu Yan as possible as I can.¡±

    ¡°You just don¡¯t want to be in this mess. You must have a solution.¡± Mrs. Gu said with a bitter smile, ¡°Seeing what you did to Tang, I knew that if you married to my son, you could never let Gu Yan caste eyes at you and my son. I know you are out of my son¡¯s league now. I¡¯m not asking you guys to be a real couple. I just want you to help him after you guys are married. When he is free, if you want to remarry, I¡¯m willing to give you eighty percent of my family¡¯s property.¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Mrs. Gu, you are so naive. Just because I tore up Tang¡¯s clothes and hit her badly enough which made her not dare to talk back today, then you think I¡¯m able to deal with Gu Yan? In the final analysis, I just caught you guys off guard today. Besides we are in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. If I were in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang, a crowd of old maidservants might rush into the room to fight with me when I just pulled down Tang¡¯s clothes a little.¡±

    She said coldly, ¡°How am I capable of dealing with Gu Yan? Besides, to be honest, I never thought of marrying your son. Let alone be a real couple.¡±

    ¡°Do you want me to kill myself in front of you?¡± all words turned into a deep sigh, Mrs. Gu asked despairingly. Mrs. Gu thought for a while. She realized that she didn¡¯t know how to deal with her future daughter-inw.

    Qiu Yn squinted and said with a faint smile, ¡°I¡¯m really sorry. I¡¯m more hard-hearted than you think. Besides, do you think you can kill yourself in front of me if I don¡¯t want to watch?¡±

    Mrs. Gu choked a bit and then sniffed. She moved towards Qiu Yn on her knees and tried to grab her dress. Seeing Qiu Yn moving backward warily, she lowered her hands disappointedly. She stood up slowly and whispered, ¡°Fine. It seems like I have nothing to impress you now. But... could you please hear the story of my son? Maybe after you hear it, you will be willing to help him?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought that she had her hands full with her own matters. How could she have time to mind others¡¯ business? Besides, it was something that could hurt herself!

    She had a good impression of Deng Yi. But it was not good enough to take a risk for him!

    But Mrs. Gu begged again, ¡°I heard that Princess Ruan adored you very much when she was alive. And you also loved her a lot. For Princess Ruan¡¯s sake, you just consider this as pity for a mother, okay?¡±

    As it hade to this, Qiu Yn thought of her parents of herst life. She puckered her lips for a long time and finally nodded, ¡°Fine!¡±

    ¡°As a matter of fact, it was all my fault!¡± after got her permission, Mrs. Gu couldn¡¯t help crying, ¡°Back when Yi¡¯s father was alive, I lived in Deng Family with his father. But I was young and stupid back then. I felt that because his father was born in a farmer¡¯s family. Even he got the Tanhua and got into Hanlin Academy, the house he bought was still not luxury enough and food and clothing were not delicate enough! Although my mother is a concubine, old Princess of Guangyang raised me like her own daughter. So, after she heard me saying that I was ufortable living in Deng Family, she sent people to take me back to Prince¡¯s Mansion from time to time... Then Yi¡¯s father was gone. Not long after that, old Princess was gone too....¡±

    At this point, Mrs. Gu¡¯s face suddenly went pale. It was like she felt some unbearable pain at that moment. She adjusted her breath for a while and then continued, ¡°Old Princess treated me as her own. Of course I was devastated when she was gone. I brought Yi to the Prince¡¯s Mansion to offer our condolences. Gu Yan persuaded me to stay in the Prince¡¯s Mansion with Yi at that time. He said he was afraid that I might be too toilsome on my own.¡±

    ¡°But actually he was after Deng Yi?¡± Qiu Yn felt she had heard enough of the story. So, she said, ¡°ording to my knowledge, Gu Yan didn¡¯t just begin to like both men and women in these few years, right?¡± since he was always like that, could it kill you to take precaution?

    Mrs. Gu said bitterly, ¡°Ruan Qingyan is known for being heartless among the prostitutes.

    But will you suspect him of having evil agendas towards you?¡±

    Seeing that Qiu Yn was frowning, she sighed ruefully, ¡°I trusted Gu Yan back then as much as you trust Ruan Qingyan right now. Just so you know, although I¡¯m his aunt, I¡¯m only a few years older than him. Because old Princess adored me. We were like siblings. Yi was only 4 or 5 years old. How could I know that he liked handsome young men and was after Yi since that time?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought she and her son both had stunning beauties. But they didn¡¯t think about maintaining vignce to others. She really was the one to me for what had happened to his son!

    ¡°So, Gu Yan forced Deng Yi after he grew up?¡± Qiu Yn asked.

    Mrs. Gu smiled tragically, ¡°If it were just like that... When Yi was young, Gu Yan led him to like men behind everyone¡¯s back. When I found out about it, Yi didn¡¯t even want to be close to me!¡±

    Qiu Yn was enlightened. It turned out that Gu Yan made Deng Yi a misogynist!

    ¡°Your son is only in his teens after all. If you teach him now, it may be reversible.¡± Qiu Yn squinted and said, ¡°As for getting rid of Gu Yan, I think you¡¯d better ce hopes on the Empress Dowager. ording to my few meetings with her, she quite likes Deng Yi. And he is talented. He only needs to make the Empress Dowager see his talent and feel that he is worthy of her protection. Empress Dowager surely will do right by him. As for me, just like I said before I couldn¡¯t help him.¡±

    The gleam of Mrs. Gu¡¯s eyes was dim at once, ¡°I once knelt before Empress Dowager for 8 hours.¡±

    You could guess the result.

    ¡°Are you really going to watch him die?¡± seeing Qiu Yn¡¯s poker face, Mrs. Gu asked disconstely, ¡°I always hope my son could have a talented wife. So, she could help him. I thought since you were picked by Gu Yan, you definitely wouldn¡¯t be the one who could help him. Unexpectedly, Gu Yan was wrong!¡±

    ¡°I thought you were my son¡¯s savior. Isn¡¯t there a saying that every cloud has a silver lining?¡± Seeing that she was about to leave, Mrs. Gu approached and dragged her dress desperately, ¡°Could you just take pity on us? Take pity on Yi? He really is not bad, is he?¡±

    Qiu Yn turned around and looked at her with frustration, ¡°You have the courage to please me, the one who just humiliated you! You have the courage to bow down to me! You have the courage to threaten to kill yourself in front of me! Why don¡¯t you have the courage to help your son by yourself? You are unreasonable enough to ce illusional hope on a vixenish daughter-inw?¡±

    Mrs. Gu was stunned!

    ¡°Anyway, if you want to save your son, do it by yourself. Don¡¯t drag me into it!¡± Qiu Yn said tly, ¡°Otherwise, I may not be able to help him. But I surely can make it worse!¡± although she didn¡¯t hate Deng Yi, as for Mrs. Gu, a certain warning was necessary. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want to be tricked by her at the crucial moment because of her hatred!

    What she didn¡¯t know was that after watching her leave Mrs. Gu¡¯s look became very calm all of the sudden. She didn¡¯t look like someone who begged one¡¯s junior but got nothing. Instead, she was relieved. She muttered to herself, ¡°Why did ¡®Tianya¡¯ ask me to use my son as an excuse to beg this little girl?¡±

    On second thought, she sighed, ¡°Eh. I just wish they could make a move as soon as possible and help me and Yi get rid of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang. Why do I bother about other things?¡±

    The breeze blew across her stunning face. But it couldn¡¯t blow away her sadness.

 Chapter 93 - I Did Not Care Whether She Liked Me or Not

    <h4>Chapter 93 I Did Not Care Whether She Liked Me or Not</h4>

    It was not long after Qiu Yn went back to her yard, Jiang Qizheng wasing for Shao Yuemei.

    As she was here not for her, Qiu Yn, of course, would leave them alone. Shemanded the maids to prepare the snacks and tea for them, said hello to Jiang Qizheng and Madam Shao before she left.

    Seeing Qiu Yn leaving the room, Shao Yuemei asked, ¡°Your Highness, are you here for...¡± She looked at Qiu Yn¡¯s room direction while she was speaking. ¡°So, what¡¯s the n now?¡± added Shao Yuemei. The Jiang Family sent her over here to spy and investigate Qiu Yn because she would be the daughter-inw of the Jiang Family. At this point, Shao Yuemei, of course, was a loyal follower of the family. About the rumblings spreading from the Yunyi Restaurant, the maid brought from the Jiang Family had told her the truth after the maid gossiped with others. So, it did not need Jiang Qizheng to exin more about it.

    ¡°My grandma has a good impression of her. And about Jiang Yashuang, you know him. He is a good boy. We had a family meetingst night and we reached a consensus. Jiang Yashuang must marry Qiu Yn.¡± said Jiang Qizheng with a frown. ¡°As the n, my grandma would have gone to the pce talking with my aunt... However, she felt ufortable this morning and had to stay at home.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng might not know that Jiang Yashuang had already been here telling Qiu Yn about the engagement at 3 AM. After all, both Madame Tao and Jiang Yashuang thought it was not in line with conventions to let girls know too much about their engagement. For this reason, Jiang Qizheng cast no doubt on the reason why Madame Tao did not go to the pce.

    Shao Yuemei had been Jiang Qizheng¡¯s teacher for many years. She was both a mentor and a friend to Jiang Qizheng. Hence, she knew Chunfu Princess well. She looked at her eyes and said, ¡°Your Highness, you don¡¯t agree with the marriage? I remember, in the past, you did not object to their marriage despite you did not support it.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t object any girl to marry Jiang Yashuang as long as my brother likes her and the girl is nice as well.¡± said Jiang Qizheng, sipping her tea. And then she said in a low voice, ¡°But, I just heard one thing....¡±

    Realizing the rtionship between Mrs. Gu and Qiu Yn was fairly abnormal, Jiang Qizheng immediately advised them to go out looking for a solution. Staying with Princess Yang by herself, Qiu Yn alsomanded a maid to overhear what¡¯s going on outside secretly.

    Her confidant told her everything she overheard outside including Mrs. Gu knelt in front of Qiu Yn for her mercy. Hearing the whole story, Jiang Qizheng was a little angry, ¡°Surely enough, Deng Yi is not the best. However, the engagement between him and Qiu Yn is not canceled, which means Mrs. Gu is her future mother-inw still. As a senior, Mrs. Gu knelt in front of her begging ¡ª although the trouble was so big that she could not promise her anything, her bearings were arrogant and her attitude was fairly cold. I think Qiu Yn is a girl with a hard heart. She is not the girl for Jiang Yashuang.¡±

    Hearing part of the details, Shao Yuemei also thought Qiu Yn was too harsh. She was reluctant toment on Jiang Yashuang¡¯s marriage. Hence, she said, ¡°The better news is that Madame did not go to the pce. Your Highness will tell Madame the whole story, and I think Madame will take a second think on the engagement.¡±

    ¡°However, if Jiang Yashuang were not to marry her, her reputation must be tarnished because of the scandal. Even if our family tries everything to save her from sinking into theke, her life will be ruined anyway.¡± said Jiang Qizheng with a sign. ¡°She is a nice girl... and I must say she is pretty. What a pity!¡±

    Shao Yuemei did not agree on Jiang Qizheng¡¯sment. Although she did not hear her stunning feedback like ¡°I was born to be a beauty bringing disasters¡±, she knew Qiu Yn would not give up herself. She was getting to know her in the past days. Thinking that Jiang Qizheng might be in a dilemma, she advised, ¡°You just said she is a tough girl, didn¡¯t you? A person with a hard heart might hurt others from time to time, but they could have a good life to lead. As long as we protect her from big troubles, I believe even if she married amon man from amon family instead of marrying a man from a powerful family, she would have a pleasant life to lead.¡±

    Pondering on her words, Jiang Qizheng felt relieved, ¡°She might not be the dream wife of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s. However, staying along with Jiang Yashuang in a room, as we all knew, she must be framed by my brother. From the bottom, I think it is my family member who framed her to the misery.... If she led to a good life, Jiang Yashuang could feel less guilty.¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yashuang is a kind boy ¡ª I have to say, he was framed by eighth young master Jiang this time indeed.¡± smiled Shao Yuemei.

    ¡°I can¡¯t agree with you more.¡± sighed Jiang Qizheng. ¡°Learning the whole storyst night, my grandpa outraged. He wanted to punish my brotherst night in the first ce. But Uncle stopped him and exined like, ¡®If we punished him at this critical time, we might lead people to gossip what¡¯s going on in the Yunyi Restaurant.¡¯ He was right.¡±

    ¡°Atst, my brother was exempted from punishment. But do you know what? He went to the Spring House happilyst night. He cares little about what he had done. On the other side, Jiang Yashuang was very angry. He even sent Cousin Tao back home, not allowing her to visit my family without permission.¡±

    Tao Peibin was polite and friendly to everyone except her love rival, Qiu Yn. Shao Yuemei had a good impression of her. Hence, Madam Shao wanted to say something defending her, ¡°Jiang Yashuang is a handsome and talented boy. Meanwhile, Miss Tao grows up along him... Even if she tried to trap Commandery Princess Ningyi in the Yunyi Restaurant, I still don¡¯t think she meant to it. She was too young to understand what she was doing and its consequences. She came to the Jiang Family frequently in the past. But ofte, she did note often, which might arise gossip too!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng had always been a good student of Miss Shao¡¯s. But she shook her head expressing her disagreement this time to her teacher. ¡°My grandma also agreed to ask her back and not allowed her to go to the Jiang Family. After all, Jiang Yashuang doesn¡¯t like her. She did not know what he thought before, but she knew it now. We should get her out of the feeling to Jiang Yashuang. Or her life will be ruined.¡±

    Realizing what they were talking about was a private matter, Shao Yuemei did not say more. She was a teacher. Her status did not allow her to interfere with those girls¡¯ lives. And she already gave a shot to defend Tao Peibin.

    They talked something else after that, and Jiang Qizheng said goodbye to her finally.

    It was a rite for Qiu Yn, as the hostess, to see Jiang Qizheng off. While she walked her out, she realized Jiang Qizheng, ¡°like old friends from the start,¡± had, more or less, alienated her.

    Believing that Qiu Yn was not a girl for her brother, Jiang Qizheng, of course, would not treat Qiu Yn like a future sister-inw. However, Qiu Yn did not get it. In contrast, Qiu Yn considered, ¡°Sure enough, sisters from the same family are more intimate. What¡¯s going on yesterday was not my fault. It was Jiang Qisheng and Tao Peibin¡¯s who started it. But why is Chunfu Princess angry at me now... Anyway, the implication of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s words yesterday was that the Jiang Family would not allow this girl to marry my brother.¡±

    The thought spinning in her head made her less enthusiastic to Jiang Qizheng. They walked to the door shoulder by shoulder, saying nothing and departing quickly.

    Su He did not know what¡¯s going on between them. She walked back, feeling upset. ¡°Did Chunfu Princesse here defending you? Why was she so cold when Princess is not here?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay with me.¡± said Qiu Yn causally. ¡°Cousin Kang came at a bad time. Chunfu Princess left not long before Cousin Kang sat down ¡ª Let¡¯s walk quicker. I am afraid that Mistress Bian or somebody else might have been in trouble.¡±

    Thanks to the Yulu Ointment given by Qiu Yn, the scar on Kang Lizhang¡¯s face had faded a lot. It was not even discovered with the makeup. Kang Lizhang seemed to be in the blues. ¡°You have walked her out before I asked you not,.¡± said she.

    Qiu Yn found her a seat, saying casually, ¡°Chunfu Princess is my distinguished guest. How can I make her wait too long when she was leaving.¡±

    Kang Lizhang said with a frown, ¡°You know what ¡ª minutes ago when you went out with Mrs. Gu. Chunfu Princess sent a maid to tail behind you two. The maid heard what you were talking about. I walked over here as quick as I can when I was informed of this. I don¡¯t know if she did it on purpose. She was just gone before I talked to you!¡±

    Qiu Yn paused for a while, and said, ¡°I don¡¯t think that the Jiang Family would feel bad for Mrs. Gu and Deng Yi. It¡¯s Okay if they heard it.¡±

    ¡°But the maids serving for First Aunt told me that Chunfu Princess has always valued etiquette. Now she knew Mrs. Gu kneeled in front of you... she might not like you anymore.¡± said Kang Lizhang.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care if she doesn¡¯t like me.¡± said Qiu Yn with a casual tone. ¡°I don¡¯t think she is the boss in the Jiang Family.¡±

    Kang Lizhang pondered her words. Qiu Yn might want to tell her that she had somebody else to depend on in the Jiang Family and the person who relied on was not less powerful than Chunfu Princess.

    Thinking about it, Kang Lizhang felt relieved ¡ª She once heard that Qiu Mengmin killed his mother, and promised Qiu Yn to hand her and her mother to Qiu Yn, leaving them to Qiu Yn¡¯s disposal. To Kang Lizhang, Qiu Mengmin and her wife were the worst persons. Hence, she thought she would be safer living in the shadow of Qiu Yn who hated Qiu Mengmin more than her.

    Noticing that Kang Lizhang did not proceed to talk or say goodbye, Qiu Yn asked, ¡°Do you have anything else to say?¡±

    ¡°I just heard...¡± said Kang Lizhang, biting her lip. ¡°Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s wedding date has been set. It is on May 26th.¡±

    ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°Princess said that after he got married, she would put Qiu Mingzhu¡¯s marriage on her list. She is two years younger than me!¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see. You are concerned about your marriage?¡± said Qiu Yn.

    ¡°After thinking days and nights, I concluded that it¡¯s better to get married as early as possible.¡± said Kang Lizhang, turning red on her face. She tried to go on speaking in a calmed voice, ¡°I really don¡¯t have the guts or the confidence to implement that idea you mentioned.¡±

    ¡°Anyway, I promised you that it¡¯s up to you,¡± smiled Qiu Yn. She paused for a while and continued, ¡°So, who is your Mr. Right?¡±

    To marry whom? Since Kang Lizhang became a member of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, thanks to Madame Lu who treated her in a favor, she could have been living in a pleasant environment, which was even better than some decent Commandery Princesses. However, because she was born in a lower family ss, having the same fate as Madame Lu, she used to be not invited to the parties held by decent princesses.

    Sometimes, Madame Lu would force Qiu Jinzhu to take her with them. Unfortunately, in this case, the party might all but end up in a frustrated one. Since her childhood, Kang Lizhang had be a girl who always held back her emotions. Years passed, she was impatient to be a person being looked down or disdained. Thus, she went to the Qiu Family as rarely as she could.

    What¡¯s worse was that Princess Yang concealed on purpose. She, atst became a leftover in the family.

    ... Actually, she had her dream lover.

    ¡°Ruan Qingyan is a handsome and talented boy. He got Jinshi and waited for official bestowing! There may be many officials in the court who wanted him to be their son-inw! My chance is a remote one.¡± thought of Kang Lizhang. She recollected the scene when Ruan Qingyan visited Qiu Ynst year. She saw a handsome boy coincidentally while she was standing on the second floor. Thinking of Ruan Qingyan, she hadplicated feelings whirling in her heart.

    At that time, she was crazy about Ruan Qingyan¡¯s appearance and demeanor but she was not moved. She thought that the Ruan Family is not a big family and Ruan Qingyan was adopted by the family. Although he got Jinshi at his young age but at that time, nobody could ensure he would be a higher rank officer. For these reasons, she thought he was not the one worth her life.

    Unexpectedly, the boy she was moved but considered worthless became a boy beyond her reach.

    Kang Lizhang couldn¡¯t help saddening, ¡°To marry a man whose ss is lower than me, I would rather die. To marry a man whose ss is higher than me, it is impossible...¡± she ground her teeth and said, ¡°Finally, I have to sumb to my fate bing a concubine of somebody!¡±

    Listening to her remark, Qiu Yn was shocked, ¡°To be a concubine?¡± said she.

    ¡°I am the niece of the Prince¡¯s Mansion, but my family is amon one, which is only richer thanmon people in the town. My family is not even an affluent one.¡± said Kang Lizhang, pursing her lips. ¡°The ss of a girl depends on her father¡¯s ss. I want to marry a man whom the Prince¡¯s Mansion even dare not to bully. For this end, what else I can do except to be a concubine?¡±

    She regretted deeply now. When Madame Lu was alive, what she thought was to revenge herself on those girls from the official families and thought that those who wanted to marry her was too low. But now, she was dyed because of her decision in the past.

    What¡¯s worse was that she was in a miserable condition now!

    Qiu Yn gave her a fake smile, ¡°Wow, since when you had be such a decisive girl...

    As you have decided to be a concubine, I am wondering who you want to marry?¡±

 Chapter 94 - Ruan Qingyan Denounced Me Again...

    <h4>Chapter 94 Ruan Qingyan Denounced Me Again...</h4>

    ¡°Chu Xiao, the Duke of Huainan?¡± asked Qiu Yn in surprise. ¡°Why him?¡± Long ago, when she wasmanded to the pce, Ruan Qingyan coached her about the loyal members. The Duke of Huainan was the one among his introduction. He was the half-brother of the Emperor, but he was adopted by the former emperor¡¯s brother, Prince Gonghuai when he was a baby.

    At that time, Gaozong emperor established the eldest son as Crown Prince. But unfortunately for the prince, he died before bing an emperor. Gaozong had no more children, so he established Prince Gonghuai as Crown Prince. Gaozong made the former emperor be the Crown Prince. Then the former emperor selected his fourth son Chu Xiao to be adopted for the continuation of Prince Gonghuai ¡®s family.

    No matter in the regime periods of the former emperor or the current emperor, Chu Xiao always enjoyed privileges because he was not only the son of the previous emperor, but an heir of Prince Gonghuai. Now, the Prince must be under 50. He held the title of the Duke of Huainan and the status of the royal n. He was the man Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang dared not to contradict.

    Qiu Yn never heard that the man had anything to do with the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. After all, Zongzhengshi (an institution in charge of the royal affairs) was in charge of the royal ns. Nevertheless, Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was a Prince with a different family name of the royal family. Qiu Yn was curious and asked, ¡°Is it Qiu Hongzhi who gave you this advice?¡±

    Kang Lizhang said immediately, ¡°Don¡¯t overthink. I even did not tell my mother except you about my thought.¡±

    ¡°Aunt Qiu is such a fool. She can¡¯t get anything done smoothly. You needn¡¯t tell her anything,¡± said Qiu Yn with a frown. ¡°So, how can he be your target? Did you meet before?¡±

    ¡°... Because he wanted me long ago.¡± said Kang Lizhang with dim eyes. ¡°Two years ago, Qiu Jinzhu and I went to her daughter, Lihui¡¯s birthday party. My status was known by others when we were having dinner. I was disdained and I ran to the garden crying for my poor fate... He showed up in the garden andforted me. The next day, he sent a man to my house, implying he wanted me to be his concubine. My grandma and my First Uncle had a big quarrel after knowing thister. Anyway, we rejected him.¡±

    At that time, Kang Lizhang was an arrogant girl. It was impossible to be a concubine. Even it was Prince¡¯s concubine. A concubine would be a concubine forever.

    Qiu Yn did not see thising, she said, ¡°At that time, he wanted you, but you rejected him. I did not hear him re-mention this in the past two years. Do you really want to give yourself to a man like him?¡±

    ¡°Yes, and then I will be a shameless girl and he may reject me too.¡± said Kang Lizhang with a sigh. ¡°So, I need your help.¡±

    ¡°How? I don¡¯t know this man. Even if I knew him, how could I go there and tell him you wanted to be his concubine£¿This will make you feel better?¡± said Qiu Yn angrily.

    ¡°Can you help me to get his schedule? That year, he just saw me and wanted me... I think if he saw me again, he would want me again? My grandma has been dead. And my First Uncle will agree with me because he did not hear what¡¯s going on that night.¡± said Kang Lizhang, biting her lip.

    ¡°If I helped you, what could I get?¡± said Qiu Yn, nodding to her.

    ¡°If I became a concubine of the Duke of Huainan...¡± said Kang Lizhang. She was interrupted in the middle of her speaking. ¡°Then you would be free from me. I, of course, won¡¯t go to the house of the Duke of Huainan to criticize you? Huh?¡± said Qiu Yn.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have much money now ¡ª and if I take much stuff out of my family, my First Aunt must entertain a suspicion of me. She has got her eye on me right now.¡±

    ¡°So, why do you hurry?¡± said Qiu Yn, shaking her hand. ¡°Even though Chu Xiao still wants you after two yearster, You must remember, Lu just died a few days ago and you are still in your mourning period! I believe that even if he said so and Qiu Mengmin stands out of your way, you still need to wait until your mourning period is over. In case he forgets you again and not pick you, what will you do?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Kang Lizhang had no clue what to say.

    ¡°So, you have to wait until Qiu Hongzhi gets married and your mourning period is over.¡± continued Qiu Yn.

    Then she said with a cunning smile, ¡°If you can behave yourself recently, I may help you get a position of a senior concubine (whose rank was higher than concubine), which is much better than being a concubine!¡±

    Kang Lizhang felt happy to hear what she said, but in a second, she said with doubt, ¡°I heard that there is no more room for another senior concubine for the Duke of Huainan.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s up to you.¡± said Qiu Yn firmly. ¡°I said what I said. Believe it or not, it¡¯s up to you.¡±

    ... After Kang Lizhang left, Su He asked in curiosity, ¡°Your Grace, are you nning to deal with one of the senior concubines of the Duke of Huainan?¡±

    ¡°How is thating?¡± said Qiu Yn carelessly. ¡°If I have the power you said, the first ones I will deal with are Jiang Qisheng and Tao Peibin. I don¡¯t have time to deal with those I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°So, well... But you just promised Kang Lizhang to help her get a senior concubine position.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not serious, I lied to her,¡± said Qiu Yn to her confidant who was inplete shock. ¡°You still remember that we are nning to get our dowry back from Qiu Mengmin, right? I think that Kang Lizhang may be able to do us a favor? I just wanted tofort her, so I promised her. What I want is that she can assist us with some stuff in the future!¡±

    ¡°But, if she asked you to keep your promise...¡± asked Su He.

    ¡°Does she have the guts to force me to do anything?¡± said Qiu Yn, shamelessly. ¡°And nobody heard what we were talking about except you girls. Do you want to sell me out?¡±

    Su He and others immediately said no.

    ¡°Fine. She has no evidence. How can she prove I promised her?¡± said Qiu Yn. ¡°If she said that I promised her, I would rebut her that she wants to the senior concubine fairly, which drives her crazy!¡±

    ¡°...¡± The listeners were shocked by her words. They realized that to continue this topic might lead to an end road. So, they changed the topic, ¡°Your Grace, it¡¯s noon now. What do you want to eat?¡±

    After noon, a servant working in the General¡¯s Mansion came over and reported an issue. There was something wrong with the ount books of the ¡°Renqing Pharmacy.¡± He Zifu, the shopkeeper, was not sure what to do with it. So, he reported the issue to Ruan Qingyan but he had no time to take care of it because he was busy in his own business. He assigned Qiu Yn to go there and solve it.

    Of course, Qiu Yn would not reject it. She went there happily. After she went into the back yard of the ¡°Renqing Pharmacy,¡± she immediately turned into upset because she saw angry Ruan Qingyan sitting in the room.

    ¡°Qingyan, you didn¡¯t go to the Mirror Lake today?¡± asked Qiu Yn discreetly, giving her sweet smile to him.

    ¡°You must exin to me what¡¯s going on in the Yunyi Restaurant.¡± asked Ruan Qingyan coldly.

    ¡°Chunfu Princess wore man¡¯s clothes and others misunderstood her.¡± grunted Qiu Yn. ¡°But we have exined the whole thing....¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t fool me with the words the Jiang Family used to fool others!¡± said Ruan Qingyan coldly. ¡°Do you think that I donated the Jinpa Pavilion¡¯ because of Young Earl Ling and I have nothing to do with the ¡®Spring House¡¯? Tell you the truth, the boss of the ¡®Yunyi Restaurant¡¯ is the same as the one of the ¡®Spring House.¡¯ I have been to the ¡®Yunyi Restaurant¡¯ many times before. I know everyone there, including the boss and the servants! Tell me what¡¯s going on there yesterday? Tell me everything now!¡±

    Qiu Yn said sadly, ¡°You have known everything. Why did you still ask me? Are you torturing me?¡±

    What kind of brother he was? Why did he know everything urring?

    It seemed nobody could lie to him!

    ¡°Nobody asked you to go there! The Courtesan Competition is not a ce for girls!¡± said Ruan Qingyan. He outraged, ¡°And you went there without noticing me? Did you respect me or not?¡±

    Hearing his words, Qiu Yn was in shock: My dear brother, how could you be so autocratic! You used to be a nice and kind brother!

    ¡°... I thought that the Jiang Family was concerned about your involvement in the Courtesan Competition. So, they made a point of calling me over to exin.¡± exined Qiu Yn, frightening. ¡°I did not expect that would happen? Eighth young master Jiang is an unreliable man!¡±

    ¡°You mean Jiang Yadan? Do you think that your reputation is tarnished because of Jiang Yadan¡¯s fault?¡± said Ruan Qingyan coldly.

    ¡°You know it?¡± said Qiu Yn in shock. You were my God! You even knew what¡¯s going on and the truth the Jiang Family attempted to cover overnight? In a second, she realized that Ruan Qingyan said he knew everyone in the ¡°Yunyi Restaurant¡±... So, it was natural he knew what¡¯s going on there.

    As expected, Ruan Qingyan said coldly, ¡°You were led downstairs and separated from Su He, and then you entered a wrong room whose name was reced as ¡®Binghu Xianyu¡¯. Jiang Yadan did these things. But, when you left the ¡®Baihe Woxue¡¯, you must remember that no one apanied you. It was Jiang Qisheng and Madame Tao who did this on purpose!¡±

    His eyes shed fierce lights while he spoke of them, ¡°Do you know why they did this?¡±

    ¡°How could they be sure that I would enter into the ¡®Binghu Xianyu¡¯?¡± asked Qiu Yn. ¡°If they have known it, why did they fuel the me? Tao Peibin had been crazy about Jiang Yashuang for a long time!¡± In a second, she seemed to understand something else. ¡°Something is wrong! I guessed they did not realize that Jiang Yadan lied and got me out of the room just for locking me with Jiang Yashuang in the room? They must guess out that Jiang Yadan wanted to flirt with me or something!¡±

    After understanding the whole story, Qiu Yn felt like plenty of buckets of water pouring on her head!

    If the truth were that Jiang Yadan wanted to kill her, she would have a remote chance to escape from his grip, allowing for the power she had at present. In the first ce, she thought that Jiang Qisheng and Tao Peibin gossiped her and tarnished her reputation because they lost the case judged by Madame Tao ¡ª From the current situation, they wanted to kill her!

    She was angry and shocked. Looking at his poor sister, Ruan Qingyan was getting less angry. He softened his tone tofort her, ¡°Fortunately, you are still here safely. The Jiang Family also attempted to cover the whole thing... About your sufferings, I will help you when I am free!¡± said Ruan Qingyan with anger in his eyes.

    Yesterday, Qiu Yn still felt relieved for Jiang Yashuang dismissed Tao Peibin decisively. But now, it turned out that Tao Peibin was a tough girl. She realized that Jiang Yashuang, actually, was partial to his own family members. ¡°This malicious bastard, I couldn¡¯t believe she was just only dismissed!¡± thought Qiu Yn.

    She did not respond to Ruan Qingyan, only giving him a gloomy face. ¡°Two malicious women, I will kill them both!¡± said she, angrily.

    Looking at her, Ruan Qingyan felt upset. He immediately turned to be a nice and kind brother he used to be. Heforted her with a soft tone. After a long time, Qiu Yn gradually became less angry. Seeing she was not mad, one of Ruan Qingyan¡¯s young servant Ruan Yi came toward him, reminding him, ¡°The time for the private dinner in the ¡®Jinpa Pavilion¡¯, my lord, has been past half an hour. We need to leave as soon as possible. If not, I don¡¯t think Young Earl Ling can cover you anymore. If we were discovered we are here, they would doubt you.¡±

    Rubbing her temples, Qiu Yn said, ¡°You go, do your business. I¡¯m fine.¡± Now she understood why his brother Ruan Qingyan asked her to the ¡°Renqing Pharmacy¡±. Meeting over here might avoid aggravating to tarnish her reputation as it was bad enough now in the capital.

    Sighing for a relief, Ruan Qingyan stood up and said, ¡°You take care of yourself...¡± He remembered something after walking a few steps. ¡°For your record, I met a man in my grade. His family is just like yours. His sister is one year younger than yours. He also nned to get a female teacher teaching his sister recently. It reminded me that you have a good teacher, Madam Shao has a good reputation in the capital. So, I rmend your ce to him. She will stay here with you, learning stuff.¡±

    Qiu Yn felt shocked, ¡°My family Qiu is notmon in the world. Are they the man and girl we wet in the examinationpoundst time?¡±

    ¡°Yes, exactly.¡± said Ruan Qingyan. ¡°The highest rank they got in the past was Juren before Qiu Nie got the Jinshi. His elder sister had managed to conduct family chores for her brother, focusing on his study. His younger sister is still young. He wants her to learn something in case she can help her family in the future.¡±

    ¡°But there already have many girls in the school in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. The personal rtionships among us are soplicated, making the ce a not good one for another girl now!¡± said Qiu Yn with doubt.

    ¡°I have told him everything. He said that if his sister could not survive in the girl¡¯s school, it proves that she is not a girl for a powerful family. If so, they would consider letting her marry amon man in amon family.¡± said Ruan Qingyan. ¡°So, you don¡¯t need to take care of her... I must be leaving now, you take care.¡±

    Qiu Yn grunted carelessly. She looked at his back, thinking, ¡°When did he start to concern about this kind of stuff? Or he thought that Qiu Nie is a helper one day? Long ago, he even rejected Wang Qingqian. What brought him to introduce someone else to the girl¡¯s school?¡±

 Chapter 95 - Older and Wiser

    <h4>Chapter 95 Older and Wiser</h4>

    Returning to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, Xiaran submitted a letter and reported, ¡°This was from a family whose surname is also Qiu.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡± Qiu Yn took it and looked at it. In addition to some of the usual words, it said that they wanted to pay a visit three dayster. So, Qiu Yn told Xiaran, ¡°Is the person who sent the post still there? If he is, tell him that I would be here waiting three dayster.¡±

    Xiaran answered and went out to instruct a young maid to pass on the message.

    Chunran then asked, ¡°Is this Qiu Bo among these guests the one we met at the entrance of the examinationpoundst time?¡±

    ¡°It should be her.¡± Qiu Yn remembered when she entrusted ¡°Tianya¡± to block the two tenders that sent by Mrs. Gu, Xiaran witnessed the three brothers and sisters of Qiu Family happened to pass by. She sneered, ¡°This Qiu Qian, should be their young sister.¡± So she ordered, ¡°Prepare one more seat in the girl¡¯s school, as well as books and stationery.¡±

    Although Ruan Qingyan said that there was no need to take special care of this Qiu Qian, however, now the girl¡¯s school was funded by Prince¡¯s Mansion. Thus, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t mind being generous. Moreover, this also showed her attention to Qiu Qian. This would not only help Ruan Qingyan get close to Qiu Nie, but also showed favour to Qiu Qian in the girl¡¯s school, so the little girl would not be looked down on because of her origin and family. To a potential teammate, Qiu Yn was very caring.

    But after the table and chairs were added, Shao Yuemei came over.

    Qiu Yn personally went out to wee her into the house. The teacher and student greeted for a while, and Shao Yuemei asked directly, ¡°I just saw servants sent some furniture to the school, is there someone new to enroll?¡±

    ¡°I just heard the shopkeeper of ¡®Renqing Pharmacy¡¯ said, a friend and schoolmate of my cousin has a younger sister who hopes to be taught by a famous teacher, so I think there is no other female teachers in Jing City could be more famous than you. And I remember that you said that you want more students to be in school, so I invite her discretionarily.¡± Qiu Yn said,¡° I just came back and told maid, and I am going to freshen up and tell you.¡±

    Actually, this was not the truth. She asked Shao Yuemei to refuse to ept other students before but was rejected. Although she did nothing to Shao Yuemei because of her rtionships andwork, she remained very unhappy.

    So this time, she deliberately decided the thing without discussing it with Shao Yuemei. What she meant was, as a female teacher who was hired by the boss, if you didn¡¯t listen to the boss, you would never be given face then.

    Shao Yuemei smiled gently, ¡°This is fine, but I don¡¯t know how old is this new female young master? What kind of books has she read before? I would like to prepare in advance.¡±

    ¡°She is twelve now, and the shopkeeper is unclear about the other things. How about asking it after sheester?¡± Qiu Yn thought that she just knew the name of this new ssmate after reading the letter, so how could she know some more?

    Failing to know more about this new student, Shao Yuemei turned to other topics. The teacher and the student talked for a while, and then had dinner together. Shao Yuemei greeted and left¡ª not long after she went back to her own ce, her maid Huanhua quietly left Prince¡¯s Mansion and entered a nearby courtyard.

    ¡°Did Madam Shao call you toe back?¡± Huanhua was walking towards the house where Jiang Qizheng lived, but happened to meet Jiang Qisheng on the way there. Jiang Qisheng stopped her and asked, ¡°Is it about the bitch named Qiu again?¡±

    Huanhua knew she was arrogant, so quickly replied with a smile, ¡°It¡¯s for the new student who would enroll in the girl¡¯s school. She is rmended by Commandery Princess Ningyi.¡±

    ¡°She is notorious, so why care about her?¡± Jiang Qisheng said with his arms on her hips, as well as a somber face, ¡°Is 19th brother unable to marry no one else? Must her?¡±

    Huanhua knew that Jiang Qizheng was also disappointed with Commandery Princess Ningyi, but Shao Yuemei had debuted as a female teacher at the age of 16 and has grown to her current status. She has her own way of dealing with things.

    She went to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe to be a female teacher because of the order of Jiang Family. Now, although Jiang Qizheng has expressed her position, the words in private cannot be taken seriously. There was still no clear exclusion that Commandery Princess Ningyi would not be the daughter-inw of Jiang Family, so she would still do what she should do.

    Huanhua did not dare to follow Jiang Qisheng¡¯s words, nor dare to refute. So she only smiled obsequiously, ¡°I know nothing as a maid! I just send a message to Your Highness.¡±

    Jiang Qisheng rolled her eyes and said, ¡°Let me go with you!¡±

    Huanhua and her just came to Jiang Qizheng¡¯s yard, but found that Jiang Qizheng was about to go out. When she saw Huanhua, she stopped and asked for some questions. After knowing the whole story, she just said without showing any inclination, ¡°Got it. You could go back.¡±

    Huanhua had trained by Shao Yuemei not to be long-tongued, so she immediately left after she heard the words.

    However, Jiang Qisheng didn¡¯t leave with her, she pulled Jiang Qizheng and said, ¡°18th sister, you really want to see our brother marry with that woman next door? Her reputation! Do our family has to bear this?¡±

    Jiang Qizheng was also very opposed to Qiu Yn to marry into the family. But she hated more about Jiang Qisheng kicking Jiang Yashuang in Yunyi Restaurant. So she replied lukewarmly, ¡°Sister Jiang Qisheng, you go too far. Our grandfather and grandmother are both here. The elders, they would take care of the marriage of 19th brother. And our third uncle and third aunt hadn¡¯t said anything, why should you worry about this?¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Jiang Qisheng had never expected this gentle cousin would stab her with words, so this infuriated her. She shook her sleeves off and said, ¡°Great! Great! You brother and sister can¡¯t favor those outsiders more. I know it! You guys do not know chalk from cheese!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng usually has a good temper, but indeed, she was also spoiled when she grew up. Actually, she would not be afraid if she really quarrels with her cousin. So she said coldly at the moment, ¡°How could wepare to you, 17th sister! Just for Cousin Tao, I ¡¯m afraid you even could sell 19th brother as an exchange! I almost feel that Cousin Tao is your reborn parent! So that you help her with all your effort! How respectful is the 19th brother to you? Cousin Tao just cried, and you beat him even without asking! You know what, even our grandfather and grandmother, they haven¡¯t hurt even a finger of him!¡±

    Jiang Qisheng now realized why Jiang Qizheng had such a bad attitude towards her. But she refused to admit her mistake, ¡°I just can¡¯t bear him always protecting that Qiu! Besides, did I hurt him? He learned martial art. If he could not have even endured such a tiny woman¡¯s fist, what had he learned?!¡±

    If it wasn¡¯t for the good manner she had learned since childhood, Jiang Qizheng would simply want to give her a p, ¡°I agree what 19th brother said, I also had nothing to talk with you¡ª it¡¯s better to go to the third aunt to ask for justice!¡± After she finished these words, she ignored her, and directly going off in a huff, towards Madame Tao¡¯s yard.

    Only leave Jiang Qisheng anxiously stamping her feet, ¡°Do you know something else other than telling the elders? How shameless you are?!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng arrived at Madame Tao¡¯s yard after she had known that Jiang Yashuang had gone back to learn calligraphy. Nowadays Madame Tao has no other juniors in front of her, so seeing hering, she smiled and asked, ¡°It¡¯s sote, how do youe?¡±

    ¡°I miss you, so Ie and apany you.¡± Jiang Qizheng and Jiang Yashuang were twins, and both of them were raised by Madame Tao and Madame Tao Junior. Naturally, they were closer to them than other children of Jiang Family. Jiang Qizheng said while saluting, and then she came over to massage Madame Tao¡¯s shoulders.

    Madame Tao closed her eyes because of feelingfortable, enjoying the service of the children, but she smiled, ¡°This is not true, you must havee for something.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng pretended to be angry, ¡°Could grandmother pretending to be less smart, so her granddaughter could be telling some sweet words?¡±

    ¡°I really want, but your face is full of thoughts, and it¡¯s so hard for me to not notice it!¡± Madame Tao smiled, ¡°Okay, I would know even if you say nothing. Are youing for Qiu Family¡¯s child matter?¡±

    ¡°Nothing can¡¯t be concealed from my grandmother.¡± Jiang Qizheng said sweetly, ¡°Granddaughter would not hide anything before you¡ª this girl doesn¡¯t match my brother!¡±

    Madame Tao said with a smile, ¡°You said this before, and I told you that I didn¡¯t think the child did wrong¡ª so you find some new reasons?¡±

    ¡°No matter what, hard-hearted people would always be hardhearted. Especially, Jiang Qisheng and Cousin Tao had offended her, even including 8th brother.¡± Jiang Qizheng just came back from Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, and came to Madame Tao at once with anxiety. She really hoped to terminate this marriage immediately, so she could also call back Shao Yuemei as soon as possible. Unfortunately, Madame Tao disagreed.

    She was sent back to her house and she racked her brains to think about it for a long time before finally got a new reason. ¡°So, once she marries into our family, I am afraid that there would be no peace anymore.¡± And she added, ¡°Even though our family owed her this time, we could thenpensate her for some other things. There is no need to pay her our 19th brother, right?¡±

    Madame Tao smiled and said, ¡°You probably don¡¯t know, but actually at that night, Yashuang crossed the wall and told her about the marriage.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng was shocked, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°But she refused.¡± Madame Tao said with a soft smile, ¡°If this girl is really such a heart-wrenching and unscrupulous person, why do you say she refused to marry Yashuang? To be honest, even for the royal princesses, except Yongfu, there are definitely a lot of girls who want to marry him!¡±

    Prince of Yan, Prince of Zhou, these princes who got titles were still respecting Jiang Family¡¯s children. So, you know that ¡°the wife of Jiang Yashuang,¡± how tempting such a position was!

    Of course, Jiang Qizheng also knew this at this moment. She couldn¡¯t help but stop doing the massage to Madame Tao, and she wondered, ¡°She refused?! What did she think?¡±

    Madame Tao said, ¡°Don¡¯t wonder what she had thought. Just think about her refusal, which is enough to prove that she is not the kind of person you think! If it changes to another person, who would be willing to miss such a great opportunity? Yashuang is the most well-behaved and considerate boy in the heir of our family. There are few people could bepared with him, even those noble families, who puffed themselves as having the best family education!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng suddenly felt a little embarrassed, ¡°Yes, granddaughter had the wrong thought. But it doesn¡¯t matter. You would take care of it, right?¡±

    ¡°Since you want me to give you some suggestions, so I remind you of something.¡± Madame Tao smiled, ¡°You said that you noticed Mrs. Gu had a weird attitude towards the child, and deliberately asked them to go out to say something. Is it right?¡±

    Jiang Qizheng said, ¡°Yes...¡± she was a bit awakened at this point. ¡°Do you mean Mrs. Gu had already expected that I would send someone to follow them?¡±

    Madame Taoughed, ¡°You think about it one more time. If Mrs. Gu really asked the child, why did she show a look before other people? Not only to say that she humiliated herself in vain, but also the child would be criticized for disrespecting the elders if her attitude is heardter by Gu Family....¡±

    Jiang Qizheng¡¯s face suddenly blushed and she said, ¡°This Mrs. Gu! After listening to maid¡¯s words, I was quite sympathetic to her and Deng Yi. But I had never thought she... she actually...¡± When she didn¡¯t doubt, she merely felt sympathetic. But now when she started her doubt, she felt, ¡°I¡¯m afraid that Deng Yi ¡®s encounter may not be true, either! This person is really shameless! How could an elder, kneeling and pleading, only for discrediting Commandery Princess Ningyi....¡±

    Madame Tao said with a light smile, ¡°A daughter of a concubine in a big family, but could be able to make Guangyang old Princess to raise her as own daughter. How can she be innocent and weak?¡± And sheforted Jiang Qizheng, ¡°You should not be too angry. Anyway, such despicable trick, Mrs. Gu dare to use it on that child, but would never dare to treat you like that! Just let it go as a tiny thing!¡±

    ... After Jiang Qizheng left, the servantdy who served Madame Tao asked curiously, ¡°Had Mrs. Gu really known the people of Your Grace was following, so deliberately threw mud at Commandery Princess Ningyi?¡±

    Madame Tao justughed, when Mom Huughed but also scolded, ¡°You care so much? Anyway, Gu Family doesn¡¯t have any good person. Does such a tiny thing matter?¡±

 Chapter 96 - The Active Princess Yongfu

    <h4>Chapter 96 The Active Princess Yongfu</h4>

    Jiang Qizheng was ¡°reminded¡± by Madame Tao. Knowing that it was Mrs. Gu who had harmed Qiu Yn, she no longer opposed the marriage.

    However, she was not in favor of it either. After all, Qiu Yn¡¯s reputation was really not that good. Jiang Qizheng always loved his brother more. She struggled between guilt for Qiu Yn and love for Jiang Yashuang for a long time and decided not to care about this matter, ¡°Anyway, grandma is smart and capable, and she has always treated him like her own grandson. There is no need to worry.¡±

    She was not ready to be the sister-inw, but Princess Yongfu was anxious.

    She was a naughty princess. As for the gossip on reputation... When Empress Jiang decided to do politics, the criticism from all over the empire was much fiercer than the rumor today. There were even imperial censors who threatened tomit suicide in court.

    As Empress Jiang¡¯s daughter, she wouldn¡¯t care about such trifles as now. Besides, who was Qiu Yn¡¯s ¡°lover¡±? It was my cousin! Not an outsider!

    Princess Yongfu regarded herself as the matchmaker of Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang. She hoped wholeheartedly that they would marry each other so that she could show off her climbing skills... Oh, no, it was her vision... No... Anyway, it was the thought of a naughty kid.

    All of a sudden, there was no more news on this matter. Princess Yongfu was too anxious to stay in the pce and rushed to the Jiang¡¯s residence for information.

    She was Madame Tao¡¯s direct granddaughter. When Madame Tao saw her, her eyes and brows were all stretched out. She couldn¡¯t wait to hold her in her arms and rub her on the body before asking with a smile, ¡°Why are you out again? Did you make trouble and were afraid of being scolded by your mom?¡±

    ¡°Oh, no!¡± Princess Yongfu snuggled in her arms, ¡°I miss grandma!¡±

    Madame Taoughed, ¡°You are not telling the truth! You are so eager to ask about something. Do you want to coax me? Anyhow, what are you up to?¡±

    Princess Yongfu¡¯s demeanor is not as high as that of Jiang Qizheng, and she said directly, ¡°Cousin Yashuang¡¯s marriage.¡±

    ¡°Why do you care about that?¡± Madame Tao was stunned and poked her lightly on the forehead. ¡°Are you worried that you¡¯ll have no sister-inw?¡±

    ¡°I am the matchmaker of Cousin Yashuang and Commandery Princess Ningyi!¡± Princess Yongfu was irritated, ¡°What¡¯s the point if Commandery Princess Ningyi were not my sister-inw?¡±

    Madame Tao said, ¡°Do you treat your cousin¡¯s marriage as a joke? Come on, don¡¯t ask about it anymore.¡±

    Madame Tao wanted very much to get Qiu Yn engaged to Jiang Yashuang. Such a noble, impable and powerless granddaughter-inw is not so easy to find.

    But now Qiu Yn¡¯s reputation was ruined and she herself didn¡¯t want to marry. Madame Tao was not certain now. Princess Yongfu was too young and not experienced, so Madame Tao wouldn¡¯t tell her anything.

    Princess Yongfu tried every way in vain and left unhappily. But she was not willing to give up, so she went into the adjoining Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe as soon as they came out of the Jiang¡¯s residence regardless of the maids¡¯ dissuasion.

    Being very anxious now, Princess Yunfu did not feel like being formally greeted and rushed directly to the school and called Qiu Yn, who was in ss, to one side, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you married my cousin yet?!¡±

    Qiu Yn was bewildered at Princess Yongfu¡¯s intention and she felt embarrassed at the words, ¡°What do you mean, Your Highness? I stayed at home these days for mourning for my mom. I haven¡¯t seen your cousin!¡±

    Was somebody else trying to defame her? Even Princess Yongfu got to know it!

    Princess Yongfu¡¯s personal maid, who had been following her, rushed up and covered her mouth. She exined to Qiu Yn awkwardly, ¡°Please don¡¯t misunderstand Your Highness, Your Grace. Don¡¯t you mind...¡± She dragged Princess Yongfu away while she was speaking. What a joke! Empress Jiang can only make a rmendation on Jiang Yashuang¡¯s marriage. Her proposal will definitely be valued by the Jiangs, but it is impossible for her to decide!

    Now that Princess Yongfu had interfered with it, things would be in a mess if the Jiangs did not make the engagement.

    Qiu Yn knew that the princess was unreliable, and she probably guessed what was going on. She couldn¡¯t help but sigh with relief, ¡°See you, Your Highness!¡± Hurry up! You naughty kid! You almost scared me to death!

    Princess Yongfu was reluctant and grabbed a sachet around Qiu Yn¡¯s waist before leaving.

    Watching her go away, Qiu Yn twitched her mouth slightly, ¡°Don¡¯t take it to Jiang Yashuang!¡±

    She did it!

    Realizing that Qiu Yn¡¯s status as her would-be sister-inw had been challenged, Princess Yongfu, who firmly believed that her own status as the matchmaker was challenged, began to take action!

    Leaving Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, she ran back to the Jiang¡¯s residence and quietly showed the sachet to Jiang Yashuang, ¡°This is from Commandery Princess Ningyi. She has been missing you! It¡¯s a pity that it is inconvenient for her toe over. When she saw me, she begged me tearfully to give it to you!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang did not think much of Princess Yongfu¡¯s lines which she edited referring to the lines from stories of wits and beauties. The little princess killed a guard the first time she went to the pce. What was more, she even went to steal food to eat afterwards. How was it possible that she would send the sachet tearfully?

    Seeing that Jiang Yashuang, who forced a smile, kept silent, Princess Yongfu got impatient, ¡°She is so willing. What on earth is your idea?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked at her and chuckled. He knocked on the table, ¡°I bet three months¡¯ allowance. This sachet was either stolen or taken in your name!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m pissed off!¡± Princess Yongfu jumped up and said, ¡°I¡¯m trying so hard to help you, but you stillugh at me!¡± Jiang Yashuangughed breathlessly. Since Empress Jiang told her to be back to the pce before the gate was to be locked, Princess Yongfu did not have much time. She was not interested in his exnation but looked at him, grabbed a piece of jade pendant and ran away. ¡°Write some love poems tonight and I will send them for you tomorrow. All geniuses in the storybooks impress the beauties with poems. You should learn from them!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang wanted to get back the jade pendant. However, Princess Yongfu was also a martial artist, who ran out of the yard swiftly. Thinking that others would gossip about it when they saw him chasing her, he had to return to his room. ¡°ording to grandma, Commandery Princess Ningyi¡¯s problem with pregnancy might not be true. Otherwise, the Duke of Xihe and his wife, who had hatred against her, would have spread the news long ago... She said that because she was still afraid of being embarrassed by Jiang Qisheng and others after getting married....¡±

    ¡°I have exined that to her. It seems that she still doesn¡¯t believe it.¡± Jiang Yashuang stopped smiling, thinking about what to do next. ¡°The gossip outside is getting more and more vicious. Grandma reminded mest time that a lot of girls were forced to die by the gossip...¡± Thinking of this, Jiang Yashuang had someints about Jiang Yadan. ¡°That was not a good joke for the girl¡¯s reputation! You were ruining her life!¡±

    He couldn¡¯t put it down his mind and decided, ¡°I¡¯ll go and see her in the evening... In case she should...¡±

    Princess Yongfu worked tirelessly and ran back to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe to find Qiu Yn. Out of breath, she said, ¡°I helped you and sent that sachet to my cousin! My cousin was very pleasantly surprised and stored it in his best box! This is his return... Keep it!¡± And she whispered, ¡°I will continue to pass things between you. Don¡¯t worry!¡±

    We are not worried at all. I only worry about you now!

    Qiu Yn almost knelt down to her. Your cousin himself admitted that he wanted to marry me out of pure responsibility instead of love. How could he be so disgusting?!

    She was about to reject it when Princess Yongfu looked up at the sun and eximed, ¡°I¡¯m going back to the pce! Here you are!¡± She put the jade pendant in her hand. Skirt in hand, she called at the maids who had just run to her, ¡°Be quick! Go back to the pce! Otherwise, mom will be mad and ground me for several days!¡±

    Watching her hurriedly in and hurriedly out and leaving a jade pendant with a wave of the sleeve, Qiu Yn told Su He emotionlessly: ¡°Tell others I am ill tomorrow. Do not let Princess Yongfu into the yard in case she should be infected!¡±

    Su He didn¡¯t hear Princess Yongfu¡¯s intention and said okay.

    Qiu Yn rummaged through boxes and cases in the inner chamber that night, hoping to find something unobtrusive to hold the jade pendant and return it to Jiang Yashuang. She heard a slight cough behind the screen when she had a big pile of boxes and cases and had difficulty choosing a suitable one!

    She turned back instantly!

    Seeing Jiang Yashuang, she couldn¡¯t help but touch on the forehead, ¡°You are here?¡±

    Before she had time to say ¡°then you can take your jade pendant back¡±, Jiang Yashuang looked at the boxes and cases that filled the room with a peculiar expression and said, ¡°In fact, that jade pendant was just what I carried with me and not a good one. You don¡¯t have to put too much care on it. I have more at home.¡±

    Qiu Yn almost vomited, ¡°You misunderstood me. I just want to find an unremarkable case for it and then give it back to you!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked at the boxes and cases, which were obviously not found in a short time, and smiled with tolerance, ¡°Okay.¡±

    What¡¯s okay! What¡¯s that expression of yours? You just need to write on your face ¡°I know you have me in your heart, but because I¡¯m honest and kind, I won¡¯t say that¡±, okay?

    Qiu Yn said with a stiff face, ¡°You came to get back you jade pendant, didn¡¯t you? I know Princess Yongfu didn¡¯t tell the truth.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°Yongfu has always been naughty. Don¡¯t me her. But she didn¡¯t mean any harm.¡±

    ¡°How dare I me Her Highness?¡± Qiu Yn immediately said in an alienated manner, ¡°Young General, please take the jade pendant and return the sachet to me and go back!¡±

    ¡°The rumours are getting worse these days.¡± Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t respond to her but said, ¡°Someone is behind the scenes. News came from the main residence just now that Qiu Dian intends to impeach me for seducing you.¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s expression changed slightly, ¡°Doesn¡¯t he care about Deng Yi¡¯s reputation?

    And, does he have evidence?¡±

    ¡°Several servants of Yunyi Restaurant have disappeared.¡± Jiang Yashuang answered thetter question first and then smiled slightly, ¡°Deng Yi is not an heir of the Gus. Besides, if this matter can be used to attack our family, it doesn¡¯t matter even if his surname is Gu.¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t care about rumors, because, with her moral integrity, fame is nothing.

    But when it came to conflicts in court...

    ¡°Actually, even if I canceled the engagement with Deng Yi now, would it be appropriate to get engaged right away?¡± Qiu Yn thought for a long time and said, ¡°After all, I¡¯m still in the mourning period.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang heard the looseness in her tone and chuckled slightly, ¡°It¡¯s only two or three years. Even if we are not engaged, everyone will know it.¡±

    ¡°Then...¡± Qiu Yn murmured, ¡°Shall we talk about it when I¡¯m out of the mourning? Otherwise, Princess Chunfu¡¯s efforts would be in vain.¡±

    Sending away Jiang Yashuang, Qiu Yn hit on the bed forcefully, ¡°Qiu Dian, Jiang Qisheng, Tao Peibin, Jiang Yadan... hum!¡±

    There is nothing more hateful than a blow right on the head when you are on the way up!

 Chapter 97 - She was Scolded by Cousin...

    <h4>Chapter 97 She was Scolded by Cousin...</h4>

    The next day, Qiu Bo came to visit with her younger sister Qiu Qian.

    Qiu Yn greeted them in person at the second door, which made the two sisters feel very ttered. Today, Qiu Bo was not wearing the gorgeous dress as she did at the entrance to the examinationpound, maybe for Qiu Yn¡¯s reason that she was still in the mourning period. Instead, she was wearing a broad sleeved summer dress with lotus patterns in light green. Her hairstyle was the coil of a snake, on which there were not many beads. The hair looked even darker against the white jade hairpin that was in the pattern of a phoenix head with a bead in the mouth.

    She was born a beauty. Although she was simply dressed and had a dignified look, she had a seductive charm all over.

    The twelve-year-old Qiu Qian was innocent and artless. She followed Qiu Bo¡¯s steps with a restrained look. She looked around curiously as Qiu Yn was not focusing on her, showing her childishness.

    Qiu Yn talked to Qiu Bo and nced at Qiu Qian with the corner of her eyes. Her oval face was with a bit of childish roundness. The eyebrows were like two green feathers, the eyes were like two watery apricots and the skin was so tender that you could pinch water out of it. She was a selected beauty no matter where she was. No wonder her brother and sister had great hope for her.

    ¡°However, such an unmatched beauty may be either a queen or a prostitute. Whether the little girl will be married into a wealthy family in the future will be known when she enters the girls¡¯ school.¡± Qiu Yn thought.

    The threeughed and walked towards Qiu Yn¡¯s courtyard. When they turned around a gable wall covered with roses, they had a sudden encounter with Qiu Hongzhi, who was with a few others. He didn¡¯t look very well, as if he had just received a scolding.

    Stunned, Qiu Bo subconsciously blocked Qiu Qian. Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°Why are you going from here? Isn¡¯t this the ce for womenfolk?¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi said in an angered tone, ¡°Just now I was summoned by the Princess. I was in a hurry so I took a short cut!¡± At this point, he nced at Qiu Bo casually and was stunned by her extraordinary charm. He almost forgot himself if it were not for the guy who pulled him in time from behind. He pretended to be calm, ¡°How do I know you have female guests now? You didn¡¯t tell me!¡±

    ¡°Go immediately!¡± Qiu Yn wanted to entertain Qiu Bo and her sister today. She did not want to quarrel with him.

    Qiu Hongzhi also snorted and went away with his men. He whispered to the young servant who just pulled him, ¡°Go and find out who the two girls are.¡±

    It was not difficult. An hourter, the servant put the information of the three siblings of the Qius on the desk of Qiu Hongzhi.

    ¡°They are newly moved to the capital?¡± Qiu Hongzhi felt at ease when he saw that, but then he frowned, ¡°Newly selected Jinshi Qiu Nie? Also surnamed Qiu?¡± He was struck by the beauty of the girl just now. However, he had an official wife. Besides, it was impossible for him to marry a woman without a prestigious family background for the sake of the title of Young Prince. Moreover, marriage between people bearing the same surname was forbidden.

    The problem was that ordinary people with backbones would not let their daughters be concubines, let alone the elder sister of a new Jinshi who was on his way up.

    Seeing the deep frown on his face, Jin Chan knew he was caring about Qiu Bo and said tartly, ¡°Young Master, you must be careful. This Qiu was greeted into the yard by that one in person and they just happened to run into you... I¡¯m worried that she is making some other ns.¡±

    This reminded Qiu Hongzhi. He had to restrain his desire in front of power, closed the file on the three siblings of the Qius and handed it to Jin Chan, ¡°Send it to the Princess, saying that that one suddenly invited the sisters to the school in our house... They must be up to something.¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi had restrained his desire. But Qiu Yn was talking happily with the sisters like old friends.

    Qiu Yn talked with Qiu Bo alone almost throughout the process. Qiu Qian just sat there quietly in a dignified and respectful manner, the corners of her mouth slightly hooked with a faint smile.

    Qiu Yn had been observing her for a long time. She couldn¡¯t help asking Qiu Bo, ¡°Has your sister ever been trained in bearing?¡±

    ¡°There was an old maid who had returned home from the pce in the vige. We asked her to teach Qian¡¯er for a few days. But she was slow at learning and didn¡¯t learn much.¡± Since Qiu Bo came for help today, she was a bit uneasy and answered very modestly.

    Qiu Yn said with a smile, ¡°You are too modest. In my opinion, Qiu Qian¡¯s bearing is already very good. Even if she entered the school, she would just need some adjustments.¡±

    The two talked for a little while and Qiu Yn treated the two sisters to lunch. After the meal, Qiu Bo left, but Qiu Qian stayed following Qiu Yn¡¯s suggestion to go to the ss in the afternoon. There was a ss in the morning, but Qiu Yn took a leave to entertain them.

    In the afternoon, Qiu Yn took Qiu Qian to the school. Shao Yuemei and Sheng Shishui expressed their wee more or less. Only Qiu Mingzhu sat there expressionlessly and ignored Qiu Qian.

    Even when Qiu Qian took the initiative to salute her, she still ignored her and just asked Shao Yuemei, ¡°Madam, will you continue the lecture?¡±

    Qiu Yn said lightly, ¡°Don¡¯t care about this person, Qian¡¯er. She has a problem with her hearing.¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Qiu Mingzhu turned around and red at her.

    Qiu Yn returned her a provocative and defiant look.

    Qiu Mingzhu gritted her teeth and almost broke the writing brush. But she didn¡¯t dare to do anything to her, just snorted and turned her head to one side!

    Shao Yuemei smiled gently, as if she didn¡¯t see it. It was Sheng Shishui who stepped out and exined with a smile, ¡°Cousin Mingzhu is of such a nature. Just don¡¯t mind....¡±

    Qiu Mingzhu was so annoyed by Qiu Yn that she said coldly, ¡°Who are you?! Did I ask you to apologize for me? Have you considered whether somebody is worth my apology?¡±

    Sheng Shishui was disgraced but still not annoyed. She said with a smile, ¡°We are here learning together and should help each other. Didn¡¯t Madam Shao teach us ¡°harmony¡± the other day? Cousin Mingzhu¡¯s words were a bit too far.¡±

    ¡°How cheeky!¡± Qiu Mingzhu yelled sullenly.

    Sheng Shishui was still not annoyed and said with a smile, ¡°Cousin Mingzhu is never forgiving. I surrender to you!¡±

    At this time, Qiu Qian asked timidly ¡°Is this my seat?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I sent for this set of desk and chair the other day. Do you like it? If you don¡¯t like it, I¡¯ll change for you.¡± Qiu Yn saidzily, holding her cheeks in both hands.

    ¡°Thank you, Sister Lan, I like it very much.¡± Qiu Qian answered instantly.

    Sheng Shishui¡¯s eyes flickered when she heard Qiu Qian call Qiu Yn ¡°Sister Lan,¡± and she gazed at Qiu Qian admiringly.

    ¡°Well, this is the way I am helping you.¡± Qiu Yn pretended not to take notice of that. She thought, ¡°Of the four people in the school, I show obvious preference for you. Even if there were no conflicts in the past, there would be in the future. What¡¯s more, you were brought in by me and will be regarded as enemies by them. If you can take that, you have the potential of being the futuredy of a grand mansion. If you can¡¯t, you¡¯d better go back and live a peaceful life. Girls get married early these days, so you¡¯d better not waste your youth.¡±

    Anyway, everything was under her eyes. No matter how fierce the fight could be, she would be able to deal with it.

    Qiu Qian came to school every day and had lunch with Qiu Yn. The girl had learned a little before, but the teacher who taught her before was really not of the same level as Shao Yuemei. In addition, she did not have a prominent background, nor did she have much knowledge. There was so much to be made up.

    Qiu Yn had nned to prepare a yard next to the school for her to live in. Anyway, Shao Yuemei was living here. It made no difference to have one more person. However, Qiu Qian missed her family and chose to go to school daily. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t care about that anymore.

    So the days passed. Although there were asional quarrels in the school, in general, there was nothing so serious as to distract thedies from learning.

    Qiu Qian was always a timid and standard-looking girl. She pretended to be confused when Qiu Mingzhu said something unpleasant so that it seemed that she was not really naive and ignorant.

    When the Courtesan Competition wasing to an end, Qiu Yn was called over by Ruan Qingyan again. Qiu Yn said righteously immediately they met, ¡°I have been very good recently! I haven¡¯t done anything! I study every day and do my homework! If you heard something bad, it must be ndering!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan looked at her weirdly, ¡°Did I call you over to scold you?¡±

    ¡°You are not going to scold me?¡± Qiu Yn sighed with relief and said cheerfully, ¡°Then I can set my mind at rest....¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Ruan Qingyan narrowed her eyes and looked at her suspiciously. ¡°If you haven¡¯t done anything wrong, why are you so eager to exin?¡±

    Qiu Yn said angrily, ¡°It¡¯s all because of your scoldings! How good you were when we first got to know each other. In just a few months, you have changed! Now I am afraid of seeing you!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan¡¯s eyes suddenly sharpened. He said coldly, ¡°Oh? Are you afraid of me?¡±

    Watched by him, Qiu Yn felt a bit guilty for no reason. She said awkwardly, ¡°Good cousin, I¡¯m just joking... You must have something for me. Let¡¯s get down to business...¡±

    ¡°If you are really afraid of me, have you ever done as I repeatedly told you? You make it clear to me!¡± Ruan Qingyan shouted sullenly!

    Qiu Yn immediately switched to the tearful mode, grabbed him on the sleeves and shook the arms, ¡°I was wrong! I was kidding. Good cousin, don¡¯t be so mean. I was just joking!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan said angrily, ¡°Tell me with your conscience: did I scold you if it were not for your stupidity?! What¡¯s more, did you respond to me when I talked to you?!¡±

    He couldn¡¯t believe that this cousin would not be bashful toin that he was too fierce! The naughty girl would do anything if he were not fierce!

    Qiu Yn regretted that she had overacted. She made self-criticism tearfully and tried her best to y the coquetry until Ruan Qingyan cooled down a bit. She asked sobbingly, ¡°Cousin, why did you call me here today?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan snorted, ¡°The Courtesan Competition ising to an end in two days. After that, you go out of the city to sweep aunt¡¯s graveyard.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked in surprise, ¡°Why? I did it just the other day.¡±

    ¡°Why can¡¯t you do it again? You just say you miss aunt!¡± Ruan Qingyan shouted despotically, ¡°In short, you must leave the city on that day!¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Qiu Yn asked reluctantly.

    Ruan Qingyan red at her, ¡°Xun Yuxi will also be out of town that day... You can take a look from the wagon and see whether you are satisfied or not!¡±

 Chapter 98 - Things That Shouldnt Be Asked About

    <h4>Chapter 98 Things That Shouldn¡¯t Be Asked About</h4>

    Qiu Yn returned to Prince¡¯s Mansion unhappily. Just as she entered the yard, Chunran came up and reported her a message, ¡°Mistress Bian bled!¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Qiu Yn was startled. She agreed to protect Mistress Bian before Qiu Mengmin recovered. Now that Qiu Mengmin had recovered, it had nothing to do with her, so she just asked, ¡°Who did it? Princess Yang or Qiu Hongzhi?¡±

    Chunran said, ¡°It was noisy over there. We have not made it clear. Anyway, she had eaten the wrong thing. Now the doctor is busy working.¡±

    There was definite news in the evening that the baby survived, but Mistress Bian had lost much of the vitality and had to stay in bed and rest. She couldn¡¯t even walk out of the room. Another message was that Qiu Mingzhu had asked for leave from Shao Yuemei, saying that she was worried about Mistress Bian and wanted to be with her for a few days.

    ¡°Neither Princess Yang nor Qiu Hongzhi was punished?¡± Qiu Yn was a little surprised. ¡°Do they want to me me for it?!¡±

    Xiaran said, ¡°Is it because of the inconvenience?¡±

    ¡°Miss Ding will be married in May. It¡¯s not the right time to have unwanted trouble.¡± Qiu Yn also thought so. ¡°But I guess it was because of this that they did it. However, they failed. I¡¯m afraid there will be more to see in the mansion in the future.¡±

    Since she was not involved in it, Qiu Yn did not want to care more about it. She just treated it as gossip

    .

    The next day was thest day of the Courtesan Competition. Both Hua Shenshen and Peni Yue had their strengths and weaknesses over the past few days.

    So the result on thest day touched the hearts of many people. Qiu Yn began to sigh early in the morning, ¡°I really don¡¯t know how much cousin was fleeced this time. How can they survive in the General¡¯s Mansion? Those rich men went too far. Don¡¯t they know that they should keep their wealth secret? They gave away wealth inrge quantities and deserved to be remembered by thieves!¡±

    Chunran and Xiaran bit their lips while listening to her speaking. Finally, when they saw that she was really upset, they smiled and said: ¡°You can rest assured that the young master saw such scenes a lot in the past. The giants in the south really spend money like water when they want to support somebody. In fact, the scene here in the capital city is just like that.¡±

    Seeing that they were not surprised at all, Qiu Yn wondered, ¡°Is it so crazy even in the south?!¡±

    ¡°Everything is behind the scene.¡± said Chunran, ¡°Those prostitutes are not worth that much. On the one hand, they arepeting to show off their wealth; on the other hand, they do it for the proprietor behind thedies. For example, why is Young Earl Ling supporting ¡®Pavilion Jinpa¡¯? Just because the Earl of Jingchuan has a share in it. And it¡¯s said that the proprietor of ¡®Spring House¡¯ is from a certain royal n.¡±

    Hearing that this was a political investment rather than a pure waste on Ling Zui, Qiu Yn felt a lot better, ¡°No wonder those people at Yunyi Restaurant that day looked so rich.¡±

    She freshened up, had breakfast and was about to go to the school when Chen Shui came in and told her, ¡°Princess Duanrou is here.¡±

    ¡°Princess Duanrou?¡± Qiu Yn wondered, ¡°Why is sheing? Show her in!¡±

    Naturally, she couldn¡¯t go to school now and sent Su He to ask for leave. She went to meet Chu Chunxiao and weed her into the room. She was wondering why this County Princess came to visit when Chu Chunxiao broke the ice. She took out a letter folded into the shape of a double-diamond, ¡°Aunt Yongfu asked me to send it to you. I heard it was from... Uncle Jiang.¡±

    She added, ¡°Aunt is grounded in the pce by Her Majesty.¡±

    Qiu Yn wanted to bang her head against the wall. She had thought that Princess Yongfu was just asionally crazy. It turned out that she had taken it seriously! ¡°If you must do it, will you do it in a healthy and natural way? Aren¡¯t you tired of being disgusting for a few times a day? I just can¡¯t stand it!¡±

    Chu Chunxiao also showed obvious sympathy for her. Sheid the letter on the table and whispered, ¡°You can burn it off when I leave. Anyway, I only promised her to pass on the letter and words.¡±

    Seeing that the fourteen-year-old County Princess was so generous and kind, Qiu Yn asked in a low voice, ¡°Can you tell me why Princess Yongfu is so active...?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know?¡± Chu Chunxiao opened her eyes widely, ¡°Wasn¡¯t it because of Aunt that you got to know Uncle Jiang?¡±

    Qiu Yn pressed her hand against her chest to avoid vomiting blood, ¡°Did she say so?¡± Was Princess Yongfu¡¯s moral integrity also taken by Jiang Yashuang? She was unruly and barging about, and almost damaged her cousin¡¯s reputation. But she thought she was doing something good!

    Chu Chunxiao understood what she meant and sighed, ¡°I knew you couldn¡¯t believe Aunt. But that¡¯s how she thinks. I heard that she told Madame Tao the other day that there was no point if you were not her cousin-inw.¡±

    ¡°So she urged Jiang Yashuang to suddenlye over to propose the marriage that night?¡±

    Qiu Yn once again knelt for Princess Yongfu and kept back her tears while thinking, ¡°Jiang Yashaung is Madame Tao¡¯s only grandson with blood kinship. Did she suggest that Jiang Yashuang marry me because of her entanglement?¡±

    ¡°The Taos is declining while the Jiangs is so prominent. And Empress Jiang is also a family member of the Jiangs. It¡¯s said that, of her nephews, she favored Jiang Yashuang most. She couldn¡¯t have treated Jiang Yashuang¡¯s marriage as a children¡¯s game for the sake of Princess Yongfu. Anyhow, he was taught by Marquess Qin himself and is a beloved grandson. How could he make a random marriage just to please his granddaughter?¡±

    However, the internal affairs of the Jiangs that she learned about were hearsay and she did not care about it anymore. ¡°Anyway, my suggestion on the marriage is also a dying tactic. I might not get married into the Jiang¡¯s Family in the future. So there¡¯s no need to worry about anything.¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn speechless for a while, Chu Chunxiao said sympathetically, ¡°You have not yet dismissed the engagement, so it¡¯s really not good for Aunt to do so. I will advise her no to interfere any more when I am back.¡±

    ¡°Thank you very much.¡± Qiu Yn said at once.

    ¡°You are wee.¡± Chu Chunxiaoforted her for a while before leaving.

    As soon as she left, Qiu Yn burned the letter over a candle without even opening it. She freshened up and went to school with Su He.

    She went into the ssroom during the recess of Shao Yuemei¡¯s lecture and sat down at her seat. She immediately felt something wrong in the school today.

    Both Sheng Shishui and Shao Yuemei were shrewd. No matter what they had in their minds, they always greeted others with smiles and courtesy. Qiu Qian was also a sensible and clever girl. Most of the disputes on the usual days were caused by Qiu Yn and Qiu Mingzhu.

    Qiu Mingzhu had taken leave to take care of Mistress Bian. There were only two students, Sheng Shishui and Qiu Qian, in the school. There should be no conflicts even if they didn¡¯t get along well.

    However, the atmosphere was extremely stiff. Even Shao Yuemei, who had never been involved in the battles between her disciples, looked peaky.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Qiu Yn looked at Qiu Qian in doubt.

    However, Qiu Qian, hanging her head, looked upset, as if she had made trouble.

    She was just about to ask when Shao Yuemei started the lesson. So she had to keep quiet.

    At noon break, Qiu Yn exchanged greetings with Shao Yuemei and ignored Sheng Shishui. She took Qiu Qian back to her room and asked in a low voice, ¡°Did you fight with her when I talked to Princess Duanrou?¡±

    Qiu Qian said embarrassedly, ¡°No.¡± She gnawed at her lower lip before whispering, ¡°I... I asked something I should not have asked.¡±

    ¡°What did you ask?¡± Qiu Yn wondered. With Qiu Qian¡¯s temperament and her purpose ofing to the school, she shouldn¡¯t have been too outspoken. Neither Shao Yuemei nor Sheng Shishui was the kind of people who disy their emotions. Qiu Qian¡¯s question must be weird.

    Sure enough Qiu Yn was shocked by Qiu Qian¡¯s words, ¡°Madam Shao talked of incense today. I asked how Youmianxiang was made... And Madam Shao began to look unpleasant. Miss Sheng wanted to smooth things over but was scolded by Madam Shao...¡±

    Qiu Yn tried her best to suppress the shock in her heart and asked in a deep voice, ¡°Did Madam Shao tell you the origin of Youmianxiang?¡±

    ¡°Madam Shao said she didn¡¯t know anything about it.¡± Qiu Qian asked cautiously, ¡°Sister Lan, did I ask something that I shouldn¡¯t have asked?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiu Yn answered curtly and asked, ¡°Where did you hear about... Youmianxiang?¡±

    Qiu Qian looked at her and got more and more uneasy. She whispered, ¡°It was the retired maid who told me about it.¡±

    ¡°What did she tell you?¡± When Qiu Bo told her that she had invited an old maid to teach Qiu Qian manners, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t take it to heart. Now when she knew that the old maid actually knew about the Youmianxiang, she suddenly turned cautious!

    Qiu Qian said timidly, ¡°The maid also taught me to identify incense. I liked incense Fumi very much at that time. It¡¯s soft and sweet andsts long. But the maid said the best incense she had ever seen was Youmianxiang. The fragrance is mysterious and endless beyond description. It is a pity that this fragrance was not known tomon people and has been lost.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the maid¡¯s name? Is she still there? Does she have any descendants?¡± Qiu Yn asked sessively!

    ¡°She was surnamed Guan. I do not know her given name. She died two years ago and had no families. My sister arranged the burial because she had taught me...¡± Qiu Qian asked in surprise, ¡°What¡¯s Youmianxiang, Your Grace?¡±

    Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead. She looked pale in the face, ¡°If someone asked you about Youmianxiang in the future, you¡¯d better tell her all you know. As for what the maid left behind, if someone wants it, just give it. You really don¡¯t know more about Youmianxiang?¡±

    At this point, if Qiu Qian still couldn¡¯t make out anything, she wouldn¡¯t have to stay in the school anymore. She hesitated before saying, ¡°Madam Guan didn¡¯t say more. I really don¡¯t know anything else. In fact, I really wanted to see Youmianxiang after Madam Guan mentioned it, but it has never appeared on the market.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought, ¡°This was the thing that killed the former emperor and his son. How can you get it!¡±

    She frowned slightly, ¡°You don¡¯t want to tell me you have inquired about Youmianxiang?¡±

    Qiu Qian said embarrassedly, ¡°I asked my sister to keep an eye on it. But we had to support our brother to study at that time and our family was not very rich. When my sister heard it was a fragrance from the pce, she persuaded me to wait until our brother passed the exam. Sister Lan, this incense...?¡±

    ¡°Probably you lived too far away from the capital city before, so you couldn¡¯t get sufficient information. This incense was given to the former emperor by the abolished crown prince.¡± Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°Don¡¯t mention it in future!¡±

    Qiu Qian eximed, ¡°But Madam Guan said it was poisonous....¡±

    ¡°Hence an abolished crown prince.¡± Qiu Yn hummed, ¡°This is too big for you to bear. Don¡¯t mention it in the future!¡±

    Just then, Chen Shui came in, ¡°Miss Sheng is here!¡±

    ¡°Show her in.¡± Qiu Yn usually had no interest in Sheng Shishui, but knowing that Qiu Qian had just asked about Youmianxiang, she had to allow her toe in.

    Sure enough, Sheng Shishui left her maid outside, entered the door alone and saluted. Seeing there was only Su He besides Qiu Yn and Qiu Qian, she said directly, ¡°Miss Qiu has been here for a short time and is unfamiliar with many things. It¡¯s clear that she asionally says something that shouldn¡¯t be said. I¡¯m just here to say this: what Miss Qiu asked about today. Although Miss Qiu is innocent about it, it may cause trouble if known to others. We might as well treat it as if nothing has happened. What do you think?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought, no wonder Princess Yang specially arranged for Sheng Shishui to enter the school. It was indeed wise of her. This was the kind of matter involving the fight for the status of crown prince of the former emperor¡¯s reign. Even if it had been clearly and publicly announced, who knew what sins there were behind the scene? If you wanted to make an issue of it, you could get into trouble.

    Sheng Shishui was obviously unwilling to be involved in such things for no reason, so she came over to make the promise that she would not tell anyone what Qiu Qian had asked.

    ¡°Though she wouldn¡¯t gossip, what about Shao Yuemei?¡± Qiu Yn thought to herself, ¡°She is a confidant of the Jiangs... Qiu Qian might be in serious trouble now! Am I involved in it?¡±

 Chapter 99 - Have A Foot In Both Camps

    <h4>Chapter 99 Have A Foot In Both Camps</h4>

    But during the ss in the afternoon, Shao Yuemei¡¯splexion had returned to normal, showing no attempt to investigate this matter.

    Qiu Yn was surprised at first, but then she thought Shao Yuemei was only a female teacher. Even if she was a loyal follower of the Jiang Family, she was not its family member after all. If she was really involved in the whirlpool of whether the present throne was legal or not, she might note to a good end. That is to say, it conforms to the interests of all parties to deal with it like there is no such thing, as Sheng Shishui suggested.

    ¡°Fortunately, cousin Qiu Mingzhu wasn¡¯t here. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t be so sensible since she was more insidious and less intelligent.¡± Qiu Yn let out a long sigh of relief secretly,¡± Qiu Qian was a little bit lucky, otherwise, Qiu Nie couldn¡¯t protect her if this matter really caused some troubles.¡±

    Now that this matter had already passed, Qiu Yn would not mention it again.

    But she didn¡¯t listen to the teachers attentively in ss this afternoon, with her mind focused on guessing who was the murderer of Princess Ruan and her father. If judged from Youmianxiang, Empress Dowager Gu was most likely to be the murderer.

    But the question is, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t figure out why Empress Dowager Gu did this. Although General Ruan was denounced by her after his crushing defeat that year, all of these could just be ssified as state affairs. Moreover, General Ruan had already been punished for that matter.

    If Empress Dowager Gu wanted to kill General Ruan, didn¡¯t she just need to sentence him to death earlier? After all, General Ruan did not have a good rtionship with Jiang Family. During the discussion about his crime, Empress Jiang didn¡¯t actually try her best to protect him even though she said a few words for him to sing a different tune.

    Even if Empress Dowager Guter regretted her initial decision and decided to kill General Ruan and Princess Ruan, why did she use Youmianxiang with her status of Empress Dowager? What¡¯s more, this poison will cause spection about the death of former emperor and the deposed prince in the previous dynasty.

    ¡°It seems that somebody was deliberately arousing people¡¯s suspicion of Empress Dowager Gu...¡± Qiu Yn thought, ¡°But if somebody wants to fabricate a charge against Empress Dowager, who dares to confront the Empress Dowager with this matter, my cousin or me? What¡¯s the difference between doing this way and not doing it at all? It¡¯s so strange....¡±

    What had been even more strange was, ¡°This poison was through Lu¡¯s hands... but how could she afford to be involved in such a thing with her family background? Wait! ¡±

    Suddenly, an idea shed into her mind and Qiu Yn¡¯s face turned ghastly pale in a short while. ¡°Qiu Zhongyan, the two uncles of Ruan Family, and those cousins, even if General Ruan suffered a crushing defeat at that time, isn¡¯t it too coincidental that all his offsprings and son-inw died?¡±

    Under normal circumstances, it¡¯s rare for generals to be killed in battles, especially high-ranking generals.

    In addition, General Ruan was not a fool, even if he was such a cruel man that he had forced his children and grandchildren to take the lead, isn¡¯t it impossible for him to make all his offsprings to do so? In particr, how could General Ruan not arrange a safe position for his son-inw Qiu Zhongyan who had a higher peerage as the only son of Old Princess Lian?

    In the end, he was the only old man toe back alive!

    ¡°Hiss... So my brother Qiu Jinn might also be murdered?! Is it true what Empress Jiang said in court that day?! ¡°Qiu Yn¡¯s face became ghastly livid, ¡°But who on earth wants to destroy Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe? And why are Qiu Mengmin and all his families safe and sound at present, while Mistress Bian is going to give birth to Qiu Mengmin¡¯s third son, is it true that they did it? ¡±

    Since she knew the origin of Youmianxiang, Qiu Yn had always believed that there was a real murderer behind, colluding with Madame Lu, or Qiu Mengmin¡¯s family.

    But now when thinking about it carefully, she felt a chill. ¡°It¡¯s because of the fact that Princess Ruan and General Ruan was poisoned by Youmianxiang that I still dare not to talk about it with my cousin! If the murderer is really an aristocrat, does he need to do this? It seems that they are the real culprits! ¡±

    ¡°In that case, I must take actions quickly!¡± Qiu Yn bit her lips, ¡°Especially after I asked for the dowry, I¡¯m afraid the most urgent thing for the whole family of Qiu Mengmin is to work together to eradicate me!¡±

    The sound of a mild cough interrupted Qiu Yn¡¯s thoughts. She got a shock and looked up, happening to meet Shao Yuemei¡¯s puzzled eyes, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi? You seem a little distracted.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been dreaming of my concubine mother these two days, so I was thinking about arranging time to visit her again.¡± Qiu Yn settled down and said casually.

    Hearing that she was just missing her mother, Shao Yuemei just consoled her with a few words and went on with the lecture, saying nothing else.

    Shortly after ss was over that day, the result of Courtesan Competition was reported, Peni Yue won the title of courtesan this year as she had wished, with much dignity.

    However, Hua Shenshen narrowly missed such an opportunity. And it was said that after the defeat, this prostitute who was famous for her shrewdness was so angry that she burst into tears in public, and she pointed to the chic room of the ¡°Jinpa Pavilion¡±, shouting ¡°Sworn enemy¡± loudly.

    Although she didn¡¯t mention the name of the ¡°sworn enemy¡±, many people guessed that it was Ruan Qingyan. Qiu Yn frowned when she heard this, ¡°This woman isn¡¯t a kind-hearted guy. Doesn¡¯t she deliberately make my cousin a target of public usation?¡±

    ording to the rules over the past years, among the new candidates in Metropolitan Exam, only the top ones had a chance to enter Hanlin Academy. However, Ruan Qingyan was also listed as a new member of Hanlin Academy because of his younger age and his rtionship with Empress Jiang, even if his ranking was not high enough.

    It was known to all that the person couldn¡¯t be assigned as prime minister by default if he hadn¡¯t been a member of Hanlin Academy in Darui, which proved the dignity and importance of Hanlin Academy.

    In such situation, Ruan Qingyan had already be the envious target for others. And what Hua Shenshen did was just pouring oil on the fire. Thinking about this, Qiu Yn felt very annoyed, ¡°Why didn¡¯t Peni Yue and Young Earl Ling stand out to say something at that time?¡± Ruan Qingyan got into trouble just because of them!

    Chunran said, ¡°It was said that a prostitute ranking under Peni Yue in Jinpa Pavilion came out and talked back. But it turned out that the reason was she had been unable to argue with Hua Shenshen so that she was ashamed to return to the room finally.¡±

    Qiu Yn hummed, ¡°Young Earl Ling is really unreliable!¡± And shemented Peni Yue, ¡°Even if she wants to be a cool beauty, it¡¯s necessary for her to be conscientious! But she just hides behind to wait for an escort, does she really regard herself as a snow lotus?! What a bitch!¡±

    Seeing that she was angry, Xiaran hurriedly pacified her, ¡°Anyway, Hua Shenshen did not indicate who it was. Young Earl Ling had also been the guest in her room before, so your cousin is not necessary to be the guilty person!¡±

    Thinking of that she couldn¡¯t help with this matter now, Qiu Yn sighed. Rubbing her forehead for a while, she said, ¡°Send someone to take a leave from Madam Shaoter. I¡¯ve promised my cousin to visit concubine mother tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°As a matter of fact, it turns out to be having a foot in both camps!¡± Early the next morning, Qiu Yn, boarded the carriage while holding her skirt. Listening to the sound of the carriage wheels drove out of the city, she felt somewhat guilty, ¡°Although I only hinted to Jiang Yashuangst time and did not agree with him, it¡¯s not nice for me to meet Xun Yuxi as my cousin told me....¡±

    ¡°Yeah? I would think I¡¯m not kind now, what an unexpected thing it is! Sure enough, my moral integrity can be saved.¡± Qiu Yn was excited for a while but then sighed, ¡°And I have nothing to do but imply Jiang Yashuang to agree with the marriage. If my cousin knew what I¡¯ve done, he would kill me. Well, I¡¯m sure he won¡¯t kill me, but it would be scarier if he didn¡¯t put me to death!¡±

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help shivering when thinking of her cousin who became increasingly strict with her, seeming to impose the worries for Qiu Zhongyan, Princess Ruan and even Old Princess Lian on her, ¡°It is so unreasonable. Why should I be afraid of him? It¡¯s him who should be afraid of me... Is it because I¡¯ve gotten used to being scolded recently?¡±

    ¡°The reason must lie in the fact that I¡¯m too weak now!¡± Qiu Ynforted herself, ¡°When I regain my strength, hum!¡±

    No matter how she imagined that she would keep Ruan Qingyan under her control in the future, Qiu Yn did not dare to annoy this cousin too much at present, so she obediently appeared at the city gate at the appointed time. As expected, there were several cavalries lingering not far from the city gate, seeming to be waiting for someone. Among the cavalries, a man in blue was the most eye-catching one.

    This man had a fairplexion, his long eyebrows thrusting into the temples, and his eyes looking like bright stars. Although he dressed as a schr, his posture of riding the horse was as straight as a soldier. Apart from the straight back, his vigorous and strenuous profile also stood out with the thin summer clothes. And there was a bow of eagle feather hanging from the saddle. All of these made this person look valorous and elegant.

    Qiu Yn observed these cavalries from the curtain of the carriage. She was not worried about being discovered because there were a lot of carriages passing by at that time and the one she was taking wasn¡¯t conspicuous. And now she whispered to Chunran, ¡°Who is Xun Yuxi?¡±

    ¡°It must be the most handsome one.¡± Su He observed together next to her and answered her question without hesitation, ¡°That man in blue-Your Grace, of course young master would choose the best one for you!¡±

    Qiu Yn said with a smile, ¡°When we go back, go to ask my cousin for an urate answer in order to avoid mistaking the irrelevant person.¡±

    However, Su He really guessed right. After a while, Ruan Yi caught up with the carriage and said to them, ¡°Xun Yuxi was the one in blue. Young master asked whether you saw him clearly? If you didn¡¯t see him clearly, he will make a second arrangement.¡±

    In the carriage, Qiu Yn kept rubbing her forehead and sighed, ¡°It¡¯s okay to wait for a few days. I¡¯ll tell my cousin in person when I go back.¡± He doesn¡¯t need to think about finding a husband for a cousin like me right now, okay?!

    Although she had already seen Xun Yuxi, it was unlikely for her to go back as soon as she saw the guy since she had promised to sweep Princess Ruan¡¯s tomb. Therefore, it was necessary for her to go to sweep the tomb. But Ruan Yi reminded her not to be too much hurried, ¡°Young master said since there was nothing urgent, it would be bad if something went wrong on the way in a hurry. There were several heavy rains in the capital area two days ago, so now there are several sections of official road that¡¯s not easy to move on.¡±

    ¡°I see. Extend my thanks to my cousin.¡± After Qiu Yn agreed with the suggestion, Ruan Yi left with permission from her.

    Thus it took Qiu Yn nearly four days to get to the royal mausoleum at a moderate pace. Then she finished sweeping the tomb in one day. After that, she did feel that it was not worth staying any longer in the cemetery, so she set out on her journey back to the capital the next day.

    By the time she returned to the capital, it had been the tenth day since she left there.

    However, as soon as she stepped into Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, she felt as if something bad had happened.

    After returning to her own yard, she hurriedly summoned the servants who had stayed behind to take care of things to ask what had happened.

    ¡°Your Grace, something did happen, but it couldn¡¯t be treated as a matter of Prince¡¯s Mansion, though it has something to do with Prince¡¯s Mansion.¡± The little maid Shi Ye, who was called up, said in a ringing voice, ¡°Word came that a youngdy of Yang Family has died.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked in surprise, ¡°Yang Family?¡±

    ¡°She was one of the three youngdies from Yang Family who had paid a visit herest time.¡± Shi Ye replied, ¡°Her name is Yang Yifu. It is said that shemitted adultery in the rouge shop and was caught by others. As soon as she went back home, she hanged herself from a beam.¡±

    Qiu Yn was astounded by this news, ¡°Unbelievable, such a thing would happen in Yang Family?¡±

    ¡°Yang Family insisted that this youngdy¡¯s maid was the real one whomitted adultery in the rouge shop, but she deceived the innocent youngdy to go to the rouge shop to select rouge. As a result, her shame was discovered and the youngdy was implicated...¡± Knowing that Qiu Yn was at odds with the three youngdies of the Yang Family who came herest time, Shi Ye curled the corners of her mouth and said, ¡°Then shemitted suicide because she thought she hadn¡¯t kept the servants under control. But who knows the truth? Anyway, the maid is dead, too.¡±

    ¡°How about Princess Yang these two days?¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t care about Yang Yifu¡¯s early death too much. Anyway, she had nothing to do with the affairs of the Yang family. But she was more concerned about the activities within Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe.

    Shi Ye pursed her lips, ¡°The princess left things in the mansion behind and went back home on purpose, and she didn¡¯t look good when she came back. For the past two days, she has been too busy to have a rest during the day, making arrangements for her eldest son¡¯s marriage. But she has been taking sixth Commandery Princess with her all the time since she came back from Yang Family, and she doesn¡¯t permit her to take a step away.¡±

    ¡°Then it seems that the maid has been wronged.¡± Qiu Yn snorted, ¡°Otherwise, why would Princess Yang suddenly requires her daughter to obey the rules?¡±

    Unexpectedly, when she went to ss the next day, Sheng Shishui asked her out again at lunch. And he asked to talk with Qiu Yn alone without Qiu Qian¡¯s presence.

    After consideration, Qiu Yn agreed with his proposal and asked herpanion to leave for a while. But Sheng Shishui¡¯s first words were, ¡°Yang Yifu has been wronged! The one who actually has an affair with others is Yang Yishi!¡±

 Chapter 100 - Cousin, You Are Innocent

    <h4>Chapter 100 Cousin, You Are Innocent</h4>

    Qiu Yn was stupefied, and then said, ¡°What does this have to do with me?¡±

    Sheng Shishui said neatly, ¡°Yang Yifu is the child of a concubine. Her biological mother is old and out of favor now. She used to be her father¡¯s beloved. She still has some money in her hand. She has only one biological daughter, Yang Yifu. She is willing to take it all out to avenge her daughter.¡±

    ¡°She should go to ¡®Tianya¡¯. What does she want from me?¡± Qiu Yn muttered in her heart, but she also knew that ¡°Tianya¡± was not an organization known to anyone.

    Seeing Sheng Shishui who had a determined look at this moment, she said lightly, ¡°You probably misunderstood. I am actually only interested in my own money. What¡¯s more,st time Yang Yishi might have suffered a loss in my hand. However, can I still go to the Yang Family to deal with her?¡±

    Sheng Shishui was a bit surprised, but she quickly said, ¡°What if the person who contacted Yang Yishi is your cousin, young General Ruan?¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Qiu Yn suddenly changed her face, ¡°It¡¯s nonsense! My cousin doesn¡¯t know the womenfolk of the Yang Family at all.¡±

    She only reprimanded Sheng Shishui harshly on the surface, but Qiu Yn had some doubts in her heart. Last time Ruan Qingyan knew that she had a fight with the womenfolk of Yang family, so he carefully asked the names of the three people including Yang Yishi. And this time he let her visit Princess Ruan¡¯s grave. It seemed to have a glimpse of Xun Yuxi. But that was not what Ruan Qingyan said at first.

    Could it be that he pretended to see Xun Yuxi? His real purpose was to send her away from the capital city so that Ruan Qingyan could rest assured to attack Yang Yishi and others?

    Sheng Shishui said unhurriedly, ¡°Your Grace, are you kidding me? How dare I arrange such a big event arbitrarily? In fact, It was me who found out about this first.¡±

    Qiu Yn said suspiciously, ¡°Oh? Can the Yang family still keep you alive?¡±

    ¡°Of course I don¡¯t dare to show my tracks.¡± Sheng Shishui said calmly, ¡°The day after you left Jing City was my aunt¡¯s birthday. My aunt is Yang Yishi¡¯s mother. Although they don¡¯t like me as niece very much, my grandmother also let me congratte them. It was not good for them to kick me out in front of people. Of course, I knew how to behave. I followed my cousins to congratte them. I spent the rest of the time in the corner so as not to disturb their eyes.¡±

    Qiu Yn hummed, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that when my cousin sneaked into the Yang Family¡¯s backyard to meet Yang Yishi that day, you saw it.¡±

    ¡°Even so, I¡¯ve never met your cousin. How do I know that person is him?¡± Sheng Shishui smiled, ¡°I happened to hear a maid advising Yang Yishi across the flower tree. She said that although the young General Ruan who contacted her was talented and considerate, he was your official cousin and supported Empress Jiang. He might not be willing to marry Yang Yishi. She was afraid he was teasing her.¡±

    Qiu Yn changed her face slightly, ¡°Then what?¡±

    ¡°Then Yang Yishi of course disagreed with her.¡± Sheng Shishui sneered, ¡°Otherwise, how could the matter be exposed and have to drag Yang Yifu to take the me for her?¡±

    ¡°... Did my cousin do such a thing?¡± Qiu Yn thought about it carefully and immediately burst into tears, ¡°Why do I think it¡¯s possible? Although Yang Yishi should be raised in purdah, Ruan Qingyan can¡¯t see her casually, but it¡¯s possible to meet the princess by cousin¡¯s force. It¡¯s no problem to climb an embroidery building!¡±

    It was difficult for Qiu Yn to think him pure because of Ruan Qingyan¡¯s experiences with two famous prostitutes in Jing City. He could easily subdue masters of love such as Hua Shenshen and Peni Yue, not to mention Yang Yishi who lived in purdah. Since ancient times, the mostmon elopement object of girls was either a schr or a martial arts master. Cousin Ruan, he had both!

    It was estimated that this kind of thing was easy for Ruan Qingyan.

    Qiu Yn felt bad. She had the upper hand in fighting. Her cousin still felt sorry for her, so he wanted to kill everyone else. Of course she felt very warm when she had such a good brother who was eager to protect her. The problem was that at present, this cousin was still the important son-inw candidate of the bigwigs in the imperial court.

    There was not much hope for Ruan Qingyan to be a son-inw of the Jiang family because of Jiang Qisheng and Tao Peibin. Was it possible that even the Xue family¡¯s marriage was hopeless?

    What was more, Ruan Qingyan seduced Yang Yishi in his present identity, Qiu Yn really felt that he was the one who suffered, ¡°Yang Yishi is just an ordinarydy. There are many such girls in the backyard of officials all over the world. My cousin is a Jinshi who is less than 20 years old. It is estimated that he is the youngest Jinshi in the imperial court. He unexpectedly lowered himself to deal with Yang Yishi by himself. If he really wants to do this, won¡¯t he hire a pretty boy?¡±

    She thought about it in a mess. Qiu Yn said with a sullen face, ¡°So you threatened me with that?¡±

    Sheng Shishui shook her head and smiled, ¡°I dare not to call myself a smart person, but I think I am a sensible one. Your Grace, your identity is different from mine. What¡¯s more, even Princess Yang can¡¯t do anything about you. There are two reasons why I came here to study: One is that Madam Shao is so famous that I want to gain some benefit from her. The other is that Yang Yishi had spoken it on behalf of Princess Yang. In my situation, it¡¯s impossible to say no, don¡¯t you think? In that case, why should I be against Your Grace?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought that her words were naturally like a strong wind blowing. She didn¡¯t believe it at all, ¡°If you are really sensible, you should have pretended to be sick or dead. You shouldn¡¯t havee here. But it¡¯s not interesting to say these words right now, so let¡¯s get down to business. Since you are not a threat, what do you want?¡±

    ¡°Snitch.¡± Sheng Shishui briskly said, ¡°ording to the news found out by Yang Yifu¡¯s birth mother, although Yang Yishi pulled Yang Yifu to prevent disaster, as a matter of fact, the Yang family has also known about her adultery. My uncle always spoils her, so this time he is furious. But since Yang Yifu saved Yang Yishi with her life. After all, she is my uncle¡¯s own flesh and blood. My uncle is also reluctant to let her ruin her whole life. Now he is nning to force young General Ruan to marry Yang Yishi.¡±

    ¡°Dream on!¡± Qiu Yn was furious. A person like her who was unreasonable to help her rtives would be fair unless there were strangers on both sides, and there was no one she liked. Now she said, ¡°Even if my cousin seduced Yang Yishi, if she is a good girl from respectable families, and there are many attendants in front and behind her when she is going out and in. Can my cousin still force her? She was not a good thing. Why me my cousin?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s more, I had a fight with them that day. I don¡¯t know which one of the three people deliberately stopped me and let the other side beat me and put abel on me. It can be seen that the Yang family are all such people. I don¡¯t see my cousin seduce Yang Yishi. Maybe Yang Yishi saw my cousin somewhere and she tried to obtain him first. Otherwise, in her capacity, if she didn¡¯t give him a chance, could my cousin get in touch with her?¡±

    Sheng Shishui said, ¡°You¡¯re right. But it is said that Yang Yishi has the physical evidence given by your cousin. If things get really big, Yang Yishi will certainly be forced to death by the Yang family. Your cousin¡¯s future...¡±

    The biggest threat to Ruan Qingyan, who seed in the imperial examination when he was young, was his future.

    Qiu Yn hummed and said, ¡°You convinced me. But I can¡¯t control the Yang Family. Since you havee to consult with me, I think you have an idea, but you just need my help... Right?¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, you are smart.¡± Sheng Shishui paid apliment and continued to say, ¡°But Your Grace also overestimates me. Your Grace still can¡¯t do anything with the backyard of the Yang Family, let alone me? Fortunately, there is no need to go to the backyard of the Yang Family when we tried to clean up the grievances for Yang Yifu.¡±

    She paused. Seeing Qiu Yn not answer, she continued to say, ¡°The person who has an affair with an outsider is not Yang Yifu at all, nor is it the maid beside her. Although Yang Yishi relied on that she was Yang Tao¡¯s beloved daughter, and she pointed out that Yang Yifu took the me for her, as far as Yang Yifu¡¯s biological mother knows, Yang Yifu and her maid were still virgins when they were buried.¡±

    ¡°In this way, they will naturally not have an affair with others. But in this way, can you burn the fire on Yang Yishi?¡± Qiu Yn was not satisfied, ¡°The Yang family can take advantage of the opportunity to clean themselves. They can say that both the youngdy and the maid have been wronged. And you should know that I don¡¯t care if Yang Yifu¡¯s revenge could be avenged. All I care about is how can my cousin get out of the dirty things of the Yang family.¡±

    Sheng Shishui said, ¡°Please listen to me. Yang Yifu was not actually suicide, but was killed by Yang Yishi, and then transferred the me to her. After killing her, Yang Yishi was panicked and left away. Her body was packed into the coffin by her biological mother herself. ording to what her birth mother said, Yang Yifu clenched her fists with both hands after her death, and she could not break it even though she tried hard... Maybe we can do something from here.¡±

    ¡°You mean spreading rumors to make Yang Yishi think that she identally left evidence when she killed Yang Yifu?¡± Qiu Yn frowned and said, ¡°What about my cousin?¡±

    ¡°We can let the rumor say that Yang Yishi¡¯s adulterer is someone else. I think this is not a problem with the ability of Your Grace and the young General Ruan.¡± Sheng Shishui said, ¡°As long as people suspect that in the Yang Family, Yang Yishi is the one who has an affair with others. Do you believe that she used the young General Ruan of being an adulterer? She has suffered at your hands, and my uncle has suffered at the hands of you and the young General Ruan... These grievances are known to both the imperial court and the public, but they are not a secret, are they?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought for a while and said, ¡°Tomorrow I will visit my grandfather. I¡¯ll give you an urate answer when Ie back.¡±

    Since Ruan Qingyan was involved, Qiu Yn would not believe Sheng Shishui on the basis of her one-sided words without personallymunicating with her cousin.

    Sheng Shishui also knew this very well, so she left.

    The next day, Qiu Yn rushed to General¡¯s Mansion early in the morning. It happened that Ruan Qingyan was at home that day. He was very happy to see hering, ¡°You¡¯re back? You seem to have lost some weight after running back and forth.¡± So he told the kitchen to boil tonic soup. This was what Qiu Yn loved most about this cousin because the so-called ¡°tonic soup¡± he said was actually meet soup.

    Although she usually thought of this cousin¡¯s long face, she always felt unpleasant, but every time she drank the meat soup, Qiu Yn felt his loveliness from the bottom of her heart. He was simply a real brother.

    After drinking five bowls of ¡°tonic soup¡± in one breath and seeing that Ruan Qingyan frequently handed over the look of ¡°It is enough¡±, Qiu Yn was very unwilling to put down the bowl and began to exin his intention.

    She didn¡¯t know that Ruan Qingyan frowned at the beginning, ¡°I¡¯ve never seen Yang Yishi or Yang Yifu.¡±

    ¡°Ah?!¡± Qiu Yn was stunned. Ruan Qingyan never lied to her. Besides, there was no one else here at this moment, did he need to lie to his cousin? She suddenly angry, ¡°How dare Sheng Shishui is! How dare she lie to me?¡±

    ¡°This lie is so easily pierced. The woman surnamed Sheng would not say such words if she had some brains.¡± Ruan Qingyan sneered, ¡°I think this woman was also misled by the words of the master and the maid.¡±

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help being surprised, ¡°You mean that Yang Yishi had an affair with others and wanted to force you to marry her, all of which were deliberately told to Sheng Shishui and Yang Yifu¡¯s biological mother. Why?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan shouted angrily, ¡°Aren¡¯t you usually very smart? You will know this kind of thing after a little thought. Why don¡¯t you understand now? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re still thinking about soup!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn looked at him with tears in her eyes: Of course I was still thinking about drinking soup! It was a pity. As a Commandery Princess in a rich family, I had never eaten a piece of meat. Didn¡¯t you want me to miss the meat soup I just drank?

    Ruan Qingyan twisted his head and did not look at her sad eyes, ¡°Did Sheng Shishui suggest to steal the tomb? Originally it is not easy to handle the backyard of the Yang Family. If you want to keep it simple, you have to use your brain on the grave. I think that the Yang Family is going to wait for us.¡±

    After saying, he didn¡¯t wait for Qiu Yn¡¯s reply. He turned his head and saw that his cousin was staring foolishly at the green parrot on the porch outside. The salivating eyes made the parrot which was usually very noisy well-behaved that it hid its head under its wings and dared not to look at her.

    ¡°... You stay here for dinner today. I¡¯ll let someone cook... some nourishing dishes for you.¡± Ruan Qingyan coughed for a long time but failed to wake up his cousin in longing. He sighed helplessly and said, ¡°Now you turn your head around. Pay attention!¡±

 Chapter 101 - Diversion. Pull the Plug (1)

    <h4>Chapter 101 Diversion. Pull the Plug (1)</h4>

    Under the cover of Ruan Qingyan, Qiu Yn finally ate meat for once. She was reluctant to leave the General¡¯s Mansion. Her heart was filled with gratitude to her brother, ¡°How nice my cousin is! He is definitely the best cousin in the world!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been worrying about the child for so long. It is not as good as letting her eat meat.¡± By contrast, Ruan Qingyan was not in a good mood as she was. After seeing off Qiu Yn, he sighed to Dongran, ¡°If I had known this, I should haveid down the rules for her. If she were obedient, I would often ask her toe here and quietly cook a meat meal for her. If she were disobedient, there would only be green vegetables and tofu!¡±

    Dongran covered her mouth andughed, ¡°Your Grace is still growing up, she inevitably had some desire for food.¡±

    ¡°Next time shees here, let her take the parrot away. I¡¯ve taught it two auspicious words. It¡¯s not easy for me. As a result, she has stared at it for a while. It is so scared that it dares not to scream.¡± Ruan Qingyan shook his head. Instead of talking about Qiu Yn, he asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on with the Yang family?¡±

    Dongran also reined in her smile and replied earnestly, ¡°Yang Hao, the father of Yang Yifu, has already known that the death of his daughter was caused by his niece. But Yang Hao was ignorant and unskilled. He relied on his brother Yang Tao to support him to where he is today... Yang Tao promised that he would help him find a good job. He also gave him a pair of twin sisters in private. After all, his daughter is dead, and Yang Hao has promised to take over the matter for the first branch of the Yang family.¡±

    At this point, she was a little worried, ¡°In this way, even if Yang Yishi was exposed, I am afraid the matter would be taken over by Yang Hao.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan snorted, ¡°Isn¡¯t Yang Yifu ¡®s biological mother still alive?¡±

    ¡°Luan loves her own flesh and blood deadly. She has been lying in bed these days and can¡¯t get up... But she is just a concubine, not to mention that she has long been out of favor.¡± Dongran said, ¡°What¡¯s more, although she wanted Yang Yishi to die, she doesn¡¯t have great courage. Otherwise...¡±

    Ruan Qingyan said quietly, ¡°Let Luan wake up! Now she has fallen out of favor. She is just a concubine. There is a ready-made reason that she follows in her daughter¡¯s footsteps when she can¡¯t get over it because her own daughter has done something shameful. The Yang family has already killed Yang Yifu. Who cares about her?¡±

    Dongran replied hurriedly.

    ¡°As for the Yang family, let Luan herself wonder whether she is going to die with her only biological daughter, Yang Yishi, or avenge themselves before she isbeled as ashamed and self-inflicted suicide.¡± Ruan Qingyan sneered, ¡°What about the Ding family? What¡¯s going on now?¡±

    ¡°The price charged by Ding Hanlin¡¯s favorite concubine Ge is much higher than the amount you set.¡± Dongran frowned slightly, ¡°Actually... I think the Ding family is different from the Yang family. Last time there was a dispute in the imperial court. The Ding family didn¡¯t do anything, so we might as well concentrate on dealing with the Yang family.¡±

    In fact, Ruan Qingyan deliberately let Qiu Yn leave this time so that he could clean up the Yang family, but his purpose was not simply to avenge the rude remarks made by the three youngdies of the Yang family against Qiu Yn at the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihest time. It was just by the way. He was mainly for the dowry.

    He didn¡¯t want to have any more idents like Mrs. Guan and Dongyao. So before he went there, he nned to help Qiu Mengmin¡¯s wife and wife-to-be find something to do, so that they would not be idle to help one by one at that time.

    After listening to Dongran¡¯s advice, Ruan Qingyan shook his head, ¡°Not only have I not be a member of Prime Minister Xue, but you also forget that Prime Minister Xue and the Ding family are also rted by marriage. Although the Ding family has always followed Prime Minister Xue in political affairs, they are different in family affairs.¡±

    His eyes narrowed slightly, ¡°Especially I have just entered the circle of Prime Minister Xue now. I don¡¯t have a solid foundation. If I don¡¯t try to keep the Ding family from talking, when I fall out with Qiu Mengmin, the Ding family wille here and ask me to do him a favor. Do you want me to agree or disagree? If I agreed, what about my sister¡¯s estate? If I disagreed, wouldn¡¯t I get into hatred with others as soon as I enter the official career?¡±

    Dongran thought that Ruan Qingyan had made a feud with the Empress Dowager Gu because of Qiu Yn. If he offended the examiner¡¯s inws again, even if he had more tricks, it would be difficult for him to live in the future.

    She thought for a while and said, ¡°Then... promise Ge?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan shook his head and said, ¡°She is only a concubine. How dare she charge too much? Give her 10% of the amount I originally ordered. Tell her that if she agreed, the matter would be over this time. If not, Ding Hanlin has many concubines beside her.¡±

    ¡°But the other concubines are not as favored as her.¡± Dongran reminded, ¡°Especially since Ding Hanlin¡¯s wife had died three years ago, he has never had a wife. Ge has always been in charge of the backyard. Although she is a concubine, actually, she¡¯s no different from his wife.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s just a concubine.¡± Ruan Qingyan said coldly, ¡°Take 90% of the amount originally intended to be given to Ge and go to find the youngdy in the mansion of Qiao Chengbo to ask her for help. Let Ding Hanlin have a wife as soon as possible, and he must let the daughter of the official family be his wife who had better have the means and courage, and she can¡¯t tolerate others!¡±

    Dongran understood what he meant and asked, ¡°At that time, can Ge¡¯s nemesis be his wife?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay to do this as long as she doesn¡¯t guess us to do it.¡± Ruan Qingyan said indifferently, ¡°Although the youngdy of the He family attaches great importance to profits and wealth, she is well versed in the way of business. She always keeps her word. As long as she takes the money, we don¡¯t have to worry about it.¡±

    ¡°Since you can control Ge, can you do something to that Miss Ding?¡± Dongran asked again, ¡°After all, she will be the Commandery Princess¡¯s sister-inw after May.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan shook his head, ¡°When she arrived at the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, it was not impossible for me to handle her. We don¡¯t have to rush to do it so as not to be suspected of my sister.¡±

    Dongran said, ¡°Yes.¡± After thinking for a while, she said, ¡°The housewarming of the Lian Family came to an end a few days ago. They had sent someone to ask you about the day when you went to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Now the Commandery Princess has returned.... At this time?¡±

    ¡°Five dayster.¡± Ruan Qingyan narrowed his eyes and said, ¡°There is still a month to go before Miss Ding gets married. If I put it off any longer, it would destroy the happiness of the Ding family in marrying their daughter. Apart from forming a grudge, it seems to me that the Lian Family has been a little timid recently. If I put it off any longer, there would be trouble.¡±

    Dongran sighed, ¡°I think they left the Jiang¡¯s residence. No Jiang¡¯s family can spread messages in front of them all day long. They are afraid of offending many people and losing their official position again.¡± She didn¡¯t say the rest. When the Lian Family went to the Jing City this time, the first thing was that they did not dare to disobey the Jiang family¡¯s meaning, and the second thing was that they wanted to be reused.

    Now that both Lian Jianhai and Lian Jianhao had official positions, they wanted to be stable. Especially Wang Qingqian failed to enter the boudoir school of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Although Lian Ding believed that Ruan Qingyan and his sisters are good for Wang Qingqian, Lian Chen and others may not think so. There was more or less a gap here, and the bad reputation of Qiu Yn had shaken the confidence of the Lian Family to support her.

    Lian Chen made a full promise before, so he was embarrassed to step down at this time.

    If they didn¡¯t get things done while they were hesitating, Lian Chen would put it off. It was not easy for them to borrow his seniority again.

    The reason why Ruan Qingyan tried to find trouble for the Yang family and the Ding family before falling out was that he was afraid that when the two families greeted each other, the Lian family did not make efforts. When Qiu Mengmin saw the ws, there would be a lot of troubles.

    ¡°The Yang family asked Luan to think carefully. If she can¡¯t figure it out, let the first branch of the Yang Family pretend to wake her up.¡± Ruan Qingyan meditated for a moment and said, ¡°If Ge heard that Ding Hanlin is going to remarry after the death of his wife, and she still wouldn¡¯t act.¡± His face was expressionless, ¡°Then drag her into it!¡±

    Dongran said, ¡°Okay!¡±

    Qiu Yn had no idea that her cousin had made such painstaking ns. When she returned to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, she proudly summoned Sheng Shishui and announced that she did not intend to interfere in the affairs of the Yang family. She also warned her not to nder her cousin by hearsay.

    Sheng Shishui heard the words. A look of surprise shed across her face, ¡°Are you saying that the person dating Yang Yishi is not the young General Ruan?¡±

    ¡°How talented my cousin is!¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Yang Yishi is not worthy of my cousin from head to toe. The two famous prostitutes sought after by countless people in the Jing City want to run with my cousin when they see him. When ites to seducing people, what is Yang Yishi?¡±

    Sheng Shishui also had a bad rtionship with Yang Yishi. She naturally had no problem when Qiu Yn took famous prostitutes to belittle Yang Yishi. She said thoughtfully, ¡°If that was the case, someone might try to frame the young General Ruan on purpose.¡±

    Qiu Yn disdainfully said, ¡°My cousin¡¯s itinerary is avable for reference these days. Want to frame...¡± At this point, she frowned slightly, but Sheng Shishui said first, ¡°If this was the case, then someone might want to deal with Yang Family.¡±

    ¡°So what are you going to do? Do you want to report the news to the Yang Family?¡± Although Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know the movement of Ruan Qingyan these days, at this point she also noticed that it was not Ruan Qingyan who had an affair with Ruan Qingyan. However, it might not really have nothing to do with him. Sheng Shishui who also came to her senses was on the alert.

    However, Sheng Shishui smiled softly, ¡°Your Grace, you are kidding me. Not to mention that my aunt and cousin Yishi never want to see me, even if they were willing to let me in, I went to remind them of this, which would be tantamount to telling them that I know about Yang Yishi¡¯s matter? What will happen to me then?¡±

    Qiu Yn hummed, ¡°You¡¯re not so confused!¡± In order to keep the reputation of Yang Yishi, Yang Yifu, another youngdy of the Yang family had been killed by herself. What was Sheng Shishui?

    ¡°I just want to earn some private property in the future.¡± Sheng Shishui smiled calmly, ¡°Of course, I dare not to touch anything that is too dangerous.¡± When she said this, she pursed her lips, ¡°Unfortunately, I don¡¯t know who is targeting the Yang family this time, otherwise I can volunteer to help you. Maybe I can share some of the hard money.¡±

    Qiu Yn nced at her, ¡°If Yang Yishi were exposed, it would be bad for her and your aunt, and even the Lu family would be affected, right?¡±

    Sheng Shishui said as if nothing had happened, ¡°I once fell into the pool when I was five years old. If I hadn¡¯t dressed less in the summer and hadn¡¯t struggled to float again, I would have almost died.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡±

    ¡°If I fell by myself, or someone identally pushed me. I wouldn¡¯t care.¡± Sheng Shishui sneered, ¡°But my aunt watched Yang Yishi push me down. After that, my grandmother scolded them. They said that anyway, I lived to embarrass the Lu family and made them lose face because of my background and it would be better to drown me so that they could rest assured... Your Grace, why do you think I can¡¯t betray them?¡±

    She bit her lips, ¡°As for the Lu family, anyway, there is a person like me, so the Lu family¡¯s face has been lost for once. And even if I don¡¯t worry about it this time, will the Yang family be all right? Your Grace, you also said that if Yang Yishi was really a good one, could the adulterer force her in front of many maids and old maidservants around her? It is her own fault.¡±

    Qiu Yn said nomittally, ¡°Unfortunately, I don¡¯t know who the person behind this scene is. Otherwise, I don¡¯t mind showing you a way to make money.¡±

    Sheng Shishui regained the quiet and dignified smile in a blink of an eye, ¡°Do you think that if I helped first, would they give me something good over there?¡±

    ¡°How do I know?¡± Qiu Yn saidzily, ¡°However, if you didn¡¯t help, I¡¯m sure they wouldn¡¯t give you any benefit over there. If you helped, I¡¯m not sure if you could get some benefits.¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, you¡¯re right.¡± Sheng Shishui smiled and got up to say goodbye, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I have to go back to apany my grandmother.¡±

 Chapter 102 - Diversion. Pull the Plug (2)

    <h4>Chapter 102 Diversion. Pull the Plug (2)</h4>

    The next noon, Qiu Yn finished her ss and took Qiu Qian to her room. Entering the room, she saw He Shuijin sitting leisurely on the bed under the west window. With a Chinese rose in her hand, she was ying with Whitey.

    ¡°Miss He?¡± Qiu Yn was surprised and then scolded Chunran. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you go to my ss and call me?¡±

    He Shuijin threw the Chinese rose to Whitey at once and stood up to salute. She said smilingly, ¡°Your Grace, don¡¯t me them. It was me who told them not to go and disturb you. After all, there was nothing urgent. When I was waiting here, they served me well. It¡¯s just I yed with your Persian cat without asking for your permission.¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t care about her ying with Whitey. This Persian cat was of good quality and was taken good care of by Su He and others. Now it was so beautiful that all the maids would like to hold it in their arms. As its real master, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t have time to y with it and was used to see it being affectionate to others.

    They exchanged some pleasantries and Qiu Yn introduced Qiu Qian to her. Then the host and guest sat down separately.

    Qiu Yn asked He Shuijin why she came, but He Shuijin only chatted about other things. After a while, Qiu Qian realized what was going on and went out by the excuse of taking Whitey to the yard and y.

    After she left, He Shuijin talked about her real intention, ¡°I came here hoping to inquire about someone.¡±

    Qiu Yn said immediately, ¡°Please.¡± Are you going to show your hand and ask me about my cousin? God bless the Jiang Family is not marrying Jiang Qisheng to him!

    ¡°I heard when the three youngdies of the Yang Family came here, Your Grace met them.¡± He Shuijin sipped her tea and said with a smile. ¡°May I know how does Your Grace think about the sixth youngdy, whose name is Yinian?¡±

    This question was not expected by Qiu Yn. She was stunned for a long while and shook her head, ¡°Actually I couldn¡¯t even tell the threedies from each other, let alone know how is this sixth youngdy.¡±

    He Shuijin¡¯s showed a little disappointment. She sighed, ¡°I see. I thought it was a good thing!¡±

    ¡°May I know what it is?¡± Qiu Yn asked as she didn¡¯t leave right away. Thinking that they were not so close, she added, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean anything. If it is not proper....¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing improper.¡± He Shuijin shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s not a secret anyway. Did Your Grace hear about the incident in the Yang Family after you came back from the cemetery?¡±

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°Yes. Was it about Yang Yifu? Then why do you ask me about Yang Yinian?¡±

    He Shuijin smiled and said, ¡°Yang Yifu is dead now and that¡¯s not my business. As for Yang Yinian, it¡¯s time for her to be engaged with someone. But such a thing happened to her cousin, how could her own marriage not be influenced? She¡¯s her parents¡¯ only daughter and they don¡¯t want her to be married too far away or marry beneath her, so they asked me for help.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°The Yang Family asked you for help?¡±

    Don¡¯t you belong to the Empress¡¯s party? Don¡¯t the Yang Family belong to the Empress Dowager¡¯s party? Are the two parties going to cooperate?

    He Shuijin said nonchntly, ¡°Well, I offer help to these families in my free time and charge a little.... These are all family affairs and don¡¯t involve politics.¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t think that her fame of ¡°profit-driven¡± was gained through openly charging for favors. She had thought it was because He Shuijin helped to manage Jiang Family¡¯s industry. Trying to figure out what He Shuijin implied, she asked, ¡°Someone wants to marry Yang Yinian, but he doesn¡¯t know her personality?¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡± He Shuijin nodded. ¡°After all, I don¡¯t know the Yang Family well. Ding Hanlin is much older than Yang Yinian and already has children. If he remarried a woman who¡¯s not able to control other concubines, that wouldn¡¯t be good.¡±

    ¡°Yang Yinian and Ding Hanlin?¡± Qiu Yn eximed in shock. Although a man marrying a much younger girl had always been a tradition, this man had married once and he had children. Such a match was hard to admire.

    Moreover, Ding Hanlin¡¯s eldest daughter, who would marry Qiu Hongzhi at the end of May, seemed to be older than Yang Yinian.

    He Shuijin was calm and didn¡¯t think anything wrong with this marriage, ¡°Yang Yinian¡¯s father, Yang Yong, is only level five Vice Censor-in-chief, while Ding Hanlin is senior level three Hanlin Academician Recipient of Edicts who is the head of Hanlin Academy. Although being his second wife, Yang Yinian will not be despised through this marriage. Especially regarding what happened to Yang Yifu, the Yang Family should be grateful that Ding Hanlin shows interest in this marriage.¡±

    Fine, values in the age were different. Yet in thest life, before thest phase came, there had been many young women who would like to marry old rich men. It was true that there is nothing new under the sun.

    Though Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know whether Yang Yinian herself wanted to marry him, since her parents had decided for her, she had no interest in getting involved. After feeling amazed, she realized another problem, ¡°But the Yang Family and the Ding Family?¡±

    He Shuijin smiled elegantly, ¡°Yang Yong promised that he would live apart from the Yang Family as soon as possible.¡±

    Qiu Yn understood it at once, ¡°It means he doesn¡¯t want to follow Yang Tao but turns to the neutral party. He¡¯s so decisive by marrying her own daughter who¡¯s only fifteen or sixteen years old to an old man. She will not only be his second wife but the stepmother of his children who are older than her.¡±

    However, thinking of the fact that Yang Yishi killed her cousin Yang Yifu and made her the scapegoat of her affair, and Yang Tao sweeten up Yang Hao to help cover up her daughter¡¯s mistake, it was really ¡°like daughter, like father¡±. If Yang Tao got trouble in the future, it was likely that he would make his brother the scapegoat.

    Yang Hao had neither learning nor skill and had to be supported by his elder brother until today. Yang Yong was Vice Censor-in-chief. It seemed that he had some ability so he didn¡¯t have to stay with his family and be Yang Tao¡¯s backup scapegoat. It was understandable that he wanted to seize the chance and move out of his family.

    After considering her own pros and cons of Yang Yinian¡¯s marrying Ding Hanlin, Qiu Yn said implicitly, ¡°Although I can¡¯t distinguish the three youngdies of the Yang Family, in my view, they all seem good.¡±

    He Shuijin smiled. In fact, she also wanted to make it done. Even if Yang Yong turned to Xue Chang instead of Empress Jiang, it would undermine the power of Empress Dowager¡¯s party.

    ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s true that Yang Yinian is a beauty.¡± He Shuijin seemed to say to herself when she left.

    Qiu Yn knew that she would try her best to persuade Ding Hanlin into marrying Yang Yinian.

    But the road to this marriage was not smooth. As soon as she saw off He Shuijin, another piece of shocking news came from the Yang Family: Yang Yishi, still single, got pregnant!

    Qiu Yn asked Su He who just came back from inquiring information, ¡°How did the news break?¡±

    Su He ran all her way back lifting the edge of her dress and her face was red. After grasping her chest and panting for a moment, she said, ¡°It¡¯s said that Yang Yifu¡¯s mother Luan was not well, so she called for a doctor. When the doctor came, Yang Yishi was also there. Luan said she seemed pale and asked the doctor to see her. At that time, all the people were talking in a low voice behind the curtain, so the doctor didn¡¯t know who she was and thought she was another concubine. Thus, after he examined her, he offered his congrattions.¡±

    ¡°This is about the daughter of the Yang Family, but it spread so quickly. It seems that the one who wants to harm the Yang Family has made good preparation.¡± Qiu Yn clicked her tongue andmented. ¡°Who is the father of Yang Yishi¡¯s child?¡±

    Just after she asked, Princess Yang burst in with her servants angrily and cursed, ¡°How vicious you are! You incited Ruan Qingyan to hook up with Yishi! The Yang Family has now lost all the fame and is beingughed at by everyone....¡±

    ¡°You are talking nonsense!¡± Qiu Yn heard it and knew that Yang Yishi said it was Ruan Qingyan. She became angry and shouted, ¡°You said that my cousin hooked up with Yang Yishi? What a joke! Everyone knows that my cousin is attractive to girls. Even the winner of the Courtesan Competition also prefers him. Can Yang Yishipare with the winner courtesan?¡±

    Princess Yang was furious, ¡°Yishi is an elegantdy. How can youpare her with a prostitute?¡±

    ¡°If she were a realdy, then why would she be seduced?¡± Qiu Yn sneered. ¡°If she could control herself better and meet no men outside her family, how could she be seduced? Was the Yang Family¡¯s guard so loose that anyone could sneak into a girl¡¯s room?¡±

    Princess Yang said angrily, ¡°That must be Ruan Qingyan¡¯s smooth talk....¡±

    ¡°Still, it was Yang Yishi who couldn¡¯t keep her chastity first!¡± Qiu Yn said definitely. ¡°If she were virtuous, why would she respond to other men? She should have cut her ears off when she heard other men talking to her! That¡¯s the example of being virtuous!¡±

    ¡°You... you are also a woman but look what you said about Yishi!¡± Princess Yang knew Qiu Yn was sharp in talking, but she didn¡¯t know to what extent. She almost fainted by rage. After stunning for a while, she said in a shivering voice, ¡°Now, not only Yishi, but Yinian, Yimian.... All the Yang Family girls are ruined! Don¡¯t you know? And you spoke like that! Do you have a conscience?¡±

    Qiu Yn said in disdain, ¡°You should have kept the girls in the right way in the first ce instead of ming me! Am I the master of the Yang Family? It is the Yang Family who failed to discipline your girls and that¡¯s not my business! Moreover, you imed it was my cousin who seduced Yang Yishi. Where is the evidence? Even though you are a Princess, is it right for you to nder a Jinshi? You are degrading all the schrs!¡±

    Hearing her mentioned all the schrs, Princess Yang couldn¡¯t repress her anger. She rolled up her sleeves and was about to beat her, ¡°You are so eloquent that you refer to all the schrs! Then let¡¯s see which schr will disagree that I beat you as your aunt!¡±

    Qiu Yn immediately sat down on the ground and said, ¡°Su He, call a doctor and tell others than my aunt treats me as a doormat because Yang Yishi had sex with someone. And that I¡¯m beaten to faint and vomit blood. I guess I can¡¯t recover unless I lie in bed for a year or two!¡±

    Princess Yang screamed with wrath, ¡°Let¡¯s see how Su He can go out of this yard without my permission!¡±

    As she ordered, the servants who had followed her here all said yes! Such arge crowd was intimidating!

    Seeing this, Qiu Yn stood up at once and patted her dress, saying, ¡°You think you can defeat me like this?¡±

    Princess Yang sneered, ¡°I know you have learned some superficial martial arts from the old dog of the Ruan Family! But do you think I¡¯m still unprepared?¡±

    ¡°Are you really prepared?¡± Qiu Yn sneered and suddenly shouted to the outside. ¡°Madam Shao! Help! My aunt wants to kill me!¡±

    Can you also kill the teacher who is respected even by Chunfu Princess?

 Chapter 103 - Diversion. Pull the Plug (3)

    <h4>Chapter 103 Diversion. Pull the Plug (3)</h4>

    After Shao Yuemei arrived, although Princess Yang was full of hatred, she didn¡¯t dare to offend Shao Yuemei. Because she was overawed by all the nobledies who came to visit when Shao Yuemei moved her schoolst time. Especially, Jiang Family and Princess Yongfu. So, she only managed to maintain her dignity because Shao Yuemei came to mediate and left in a huff.

    When she was about to leave, she couldn¡¯t help saying, ¡°Yishi¡¯s brother and father have already brought people to General¡¯s Mansion to seek justice. After this, even Ruan Qingyan marries Yishi, he won¡¯t be able to stay in Hanlin Academy anymore. For Yishi¡¯s sake, best-case scenario, he will be dispatched to some remote ce to be a low-level officer. He deserves this! But my poor niece doesn¡¯t!¡±

    ¡°It sounds like Darui belongs to Yang family.¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Aunt, you¡¯d better be discreet about your words. In case someone uses us of having an ulterior motive. Besides, although I¡¯m not well educated, I still know that since it¡¯s fornication, they both must have done wrong. Don¡¯t sound like it¡¯s all the man¡¯s fault. After all, not just Yang Yishi, Yang Yifu is also like this. Everyone knows which side misbehaves!¡±

    There were sessive rumours about twodies of Yang Family fornicating with others. No matter how angry Princess Yang was. She didn¡¯t have the audacity to argue with Qiu Yn about thedies of Yang Family¡¯s reputation and integrity. She said a few mincing words with a livid face and left ungracefully.

    After she left, Shao Yuemei said a fewforting words to Qiu Yn and then began to indirectly ask about what exactly happened between Ruan Qingyan and Yang Yishi.

    Of course, Qiu Yn tly denied, ¡°It¡¯s pure nder! After my cousin got the title, he was too busy to entertain his ssmates and friends. How could he have time to fornicate with some woman? My cousin got into Hanlin Academy before he turned 20. In your opinion, if he really liked Yang Yishi, wouldn¡¯t he be qualified to propose to her honestly? Why should they date stealthily?¡±

    Shao Yuemei also didn¡¯t quite believe Ruan Qingyan would be stupid enough to seduce Yang Yishi. Jiang Family intended to let Ruan Qingyan be their son-inw. Of course, they investigated him. Ruan Qingyan was thoughtful and resourceful which made him perfect for pursuing career in officialdom. This kind of person should know better. Besides, judging by his talent and look, there should be a lot of beautiful women throwing themselves at him.

    Among all thedies in Jing City, the daughter of Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel Yang Yishi was barely made to the top-level whether judging by her family or herself. And she was not that beautiful. How could Ruan Qingyan risk his career for her?

    So, after Qiu Yn denied, Shao Yuemei left after a few chitchats.

    As expected, at dusk on that day, a rumour spread saying that Ruan Qingyan firmly denied having seen Yang Yishi. Neither side could convince the other. Finally, Ruan Qingyan¡¯s teacher Xue Chang heard about it. He sent people to invite them to his home to discuss it.

    After their discussion, Ruan Qingyan was proved innocent at once. Because Yang Yishi and her close maid were brought to the Minister¡¯s Mansion as well. They couldn¡¯t identify Ruan Qingyan among a line of young men across the screen.

    Xue Chang wasn¡¯t pleased about this. Xue Family and Yang Family were close before. But Yang Tao chose to be on Empress Dowager¡¯s side because of his sister. So, Xue Chang distanced himself from Yang Family. Now that Yang Tao¡¯s daughter was ndering Ruan Qingyan. Who didn¡¯t know that among all the students of that year Xue Chang valued Ruan Qingyan the most?

    Even the outsiders didn¡¯t know that Xue Chang listed him as the candidate of his son-inw, but agreeing with Empress Jiang, letting Ruan Qingyan into Hanlin Academy, inviting him home to help with his study from time to time.... Everyone should have noticed all these, right?

    Although Xue Chang couldn¡¯t scold Yang Family out loud considering his status, he still said coldly, ¡°People who have the Jinshi title will be pirs of our country. How could I let them get ndered by a woman randomly? Yang Family must give a proper exnation about this!¡±

    Prime Minister¡¯s words sealed Yang Family¡¯s tragic fate. Yang Tao and others were in total despair. They didn¡¯t know how they went out of the Prime Minister¡¯s house. When they went back home and saw Yang Yishi curling up, Yang Yiyong, son of Yang Tao, went towards her and pped her. His p made his sister who he adored scream. And blood was dripping from her lips.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Lu adored her daughter. She reproached her son in a hurry.

    ¡°The good daughter of yours.¡± when Yang Tao looked at Yang Yishi at that moment, there was no love in his look like the usual days. Instead, his look was full of hatred and viciousness, ¡°Prime Minister Xue asked us to give Ruan Qingyan a proper exnation. Tell me how we can exin this?¡±

    Lu was terrified. She knew that putting other matters aside, Yang Yishi was surely going to die. She choked with sobs, ¡°We only have this one daughter!¡±

    ¡°I would rather not have her. It would be better than bringing shame to our whole family.¡± Yang Tao said with a fierce look, ¡°Do you still want to protect her at this kind of crucial moment?¡±

    ¡°Father, I want to know who exactly he is!¡± Yang Yishi stood up wobbly holding the little table. She regained her senses at that moment. She knew that she was doomed. So, she begged calmly, ¡°Even it¡¯s not Ruan Qingyan, it may have something to do with him! Otherwise, why did he tell me that he was Ruan Qingyan?¡±

    Yang Yiyong snarled, ¡°You have the audacity to bring up that bastard!¡±

    ¡°Even I kill myself right now, our family¡¯s reputation is stillpletely ruined, isn¡¯t it?¡± Yang Yishi said with a bitter smile, ¡°If we could find out the connection between the person who lied to Ruan Qingyan and me, we could somehow restore a little of our family¡¯s reputation, right? Is father really going to beg a junior to let our family off the hook?¡±

    She had a point.

    Yang Tao and his son didn¡¯t have time to care about Yang Yishi¡¯s life or death right now. They were trying their best to keep their family safe. The exnation Xue Chang wanted was not just a dead daughter and somepensation. Especially, after Yang Family took Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s side, they had Empress¡¯s clique as their opponents.

    If they used him ofcking discipline of his daughter and ndering Jinshi, he would lose his job as the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. Worst case scenario, he would end up in jail.

    Had to drag Ruan Qingyan into the mess!

    ¡°Tell me everything about that bastard....¡± Yang Tao ground his teeth for a while trying to calm down. Then he instructed in a low voice.

    Under the pressure of life and death, Yang Family was super-efficient. They found out the true identity of the person who fornicated with Yang Yishi. But they were all stupefied after they found out about his identity.

    ¡°Ding Hanlin¡¯s nephew?¡± Yang Tao said in surprise, ¡°Why did he say that he was Ruan Qingyan?¡±

    Yang Yiyong said with a bitter smile, ¡°He said he never said that he was Ruan Qingyan. It was just that hisst name was also Qingyan. Hisst name and Ruan Qingyan¡¯sst name had the same pronunciation but different letters. When Yishi asked his name, he didn¡¯t tell her his family name. Yishi probably mistook him for Commandery Princess Ningyi¡¯s cousin Ruan Qingyan because of that....¡±

    Speaking of which, an angry look shed through Yang Yiyong¡¯s face, ¡°Ding Hanlin¡¯s elder brother only has this one son. It¡¯s said that Madame Xue of Ding Family adored him the most among all the grandsons. So, I couldn¡¯t actually do anything to him. I have asked him over and over. That bastard clung to his view. In my opinion, he probably misled Yishi on purpose! Otherwise, he and Yishi were already... How could she not know his family name and identity?¡±

    ¡°She thought that bastard was Ruan Qingyan and still went out with him?¡± thinking about how stupid his daughter was, who he always thought was clever, Yang Tao felt bouts of chest pain.

    ¡°Yishi thought that Ruan Qingyan was sincere. She thought if she could win him over, we wouldn¡¯t need to worry about how to deal with Commandery Princess Ningyi anymore.¡± Yang Yiyong let out a deep sigh, ¡°Luckily although Ding Qingyan said that he didn¡¯t know Ruan Qingyan at all, Madame Xue of Ding Family is Prime Minister Xue¡¯s sister. If we got her to help us, Prime Minister Xue would help us clean up the mess for his sister¡¯s sake.¡±

    Yang Tao frowned tightly and said, ¡°Ding Qingyan... I remember he is such a yboy. Never mind. As long as we can get him to marry Yishi.¡±

    However, just when first branch of Yang Family was relieved, third branch disagreed, ¡°We finally got Young Lady He to facilitate the marriage. So, we can get our branch out of the mess. If Yishi married Ding Qingyan, Yinian¡¯s and Ding Hanlin¡¯s position in the family would be weird.¡±

    ¡°At least Ding Qingyan was born in a family with political connections. No matter how misbehaved he is, can first branch be picky right now? They definitely will marry Yishi to him. Ding Family is in the wrong. Can they refuse?¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s put the marriage aside. We need to divide up family property and live apart at once! First branch only has Yishi living at home now. Yifu of second branch is dead. We have Yinian and Yimian. Their two cousins have that kind of reputation. What should they do in the future?¡±

    Hearing her parents¡¯ argument, Yang Yinian bit her lips and went back to her room quietly. Her half-sister Yang Yimian waited for her with a gloomy face, ¡°Yinian, how was it going?¡±

    ¡°Father said that First Uncle definitely wouldn¡¯t agree to divide up family property and live apart at this moment. If even we couldn¡¯t wait to draw the line, others surely would avoid our family like avoiding gue.¡± Yang Yinian said listlessly.

    Yang Yimian almost burst into tears, ¡°Then what about us? How could First Uncle do this? He is dragging all of us down with him, isn¡¯t he?¡±

    ¡°Now we only can do as Sister Sheng told the other day.¡± Yang Yinian bit her lips for a while and said fiercely, ¡°Yifu of the second branch was already dead because of Yishi. Now they want to drag us down too. We may as well learn from Yifu¡¯s biological mother and put up a desperate fight!¡±

    Yang Yimian asked in surprise, ¡°What did Sister Sheng say?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell others.¡± Yang Yinian crept up to the window and checked outside. Then she went back to the bed and whispered to Yang Yimian¡¯s ear, ¡°Sister Sheng asked me to beware of Yishi. Because Sister Sheng has seen her with some guy. Sister Sheng also said that she didn¡¯t dare to warn Yifu. Because she and Yishi were always close like siblings. Sister Sheng was afraid that Yifu wouldn¡¯t believe her and went to tell Yishi on her.¡±

    Yang Yimian said in surprise, ¡°Sister Sheng knew? Then why didn¡¯t she say so?¡±

    ¡°Are you stupid?¡± Yang Yinian pushed her, ¡°First Aunt and Yishi already dislike Sister Sheng. Because of what Yishi did this time even Yifu was... Sister Sheng will never tell unless she wants to die! She was only willing to warn me because we sometimes helped her when Yishi was bullying her.¡±

    ¡°Oh... It turns out Yifu was...¡± Yang Yimian said in fright, ¡°Yinian, go on!¡±

    Yang Yinian whispered, ¡°It was also Sister Sheng who reminded me about Yifu. Otherwise, I also thought Yifu was like Yishi or got dragged down by Yishi. It was Sister Sheng who asked about Yifu¡¯s condition before and after she hung herself. Sister Sheng told me her analysis that Yifu couldn¡¯t have hung herself. Then I knew that it was Yishi... Never mind, enough about this. Anyhow, we need to separate from first branch right now! Otherwise, not just us, father and our brothers will get dragged down by first branch sooner orter!¡±

    Yang Yinian exhaled, ¡°Sister Sheng said it was obvious that someone hid the truth about Yishi killing Yifu. Otherwise, even she found it suspicious, how could our elders not? It definitely was First Uncle who somehow made Second Uncle let go of it. Second Uncle doesn¡¯t love Yifu. But our parents love us. In this case, if Yishi went after us, our parents would have a good excuse to force First Uncle to separate from us!¡±

    Yang Yimian nodded biting her lips. But she thought, ¡°Since Sister Sheng has already known that, if she really cared about Yishi, even she didn¡¯t dare to tell First Aunt and Yishi herself, couldn¡¯t she ask Madame of Lu Family to send the message for her? Madame of Lu Family adores her. She definitely won¡¯t reveal that it was Sister Sheng who told her when she warns First Aunt....¡±

    Suddenly, she was rmed, ¡°Sister Sheng didn¡¯t tell Madame of Lu Family. But she told Yinian again and again. She even anticipated what would happen today...Could it be that she did it on purpose?¡±

    She remembered Yang Yishi once pushed Sheng Shishui into a pond on purpose. Although Madame of Lu Family rebuked Yang Yishi after that, she didn¡¯t take it seriously. After she went back to Yang Family, she talked to her sisters about it casually, ¡°It was a shame that I failed to drown that bastard. I have to watch her keep embarrassing Lu Family.¡±

    However, Sheng Shishui who got seriously ill after she fell into water never brought that thing up. Moreover, she called Lu and Yang Yishi ¡°First Aunt¡± and ¡°Fourth Cousin Yang¡± politely no matter in public or in private. It was like Yang Yishi never pushed her.

    Yang Yimian felt chilly all over her body. She grabbed Yang Yinian¡¯s sleeve suddenly and said word by word, ¡°We must separate from them! Move out as soon as possible. We can¡¯t stay in this house any longer!¡±

 Chapter 104 - Diversion. Pull the Plug (4)

    <h4>Chapter 104 Diversion. Pull the Plug (4)</h4>

    At noon, in the middle room of the back yard of the Ding Family.

    Madame Xue was rubbing her temples. ¡°Ge? What¡¯s sheing for?¡± said she.

    The maid replying to her knew Madame Xue did not like Ge. Ge was always cocky because she considered herself the most favorite one of Prince. The maid replied frighteningly, ¡°Ge told me it¡¯s about Qingyan. She got an idea but was not sure of it. She came here for your suggestion.¡±

    ¡°We have discussed it. We have no choice but to let Ding Qingyan marry that girl. Ge is only a mistress. I can¡¯t believe she can propose any good idea,¡± said Madame Xue coldly.

    Madame Xue knew her grandson, Ding Qingyan well. Because he himself thought that he was born in a powerful family and handsome, he liked to woo young girls.

    Ding Qingyan¡¯s father, the second son of Madame Xue had died long ago. Meanwhile, Ding Qingyan was good at ttering, which made Madame Xue favor him more than others. Ding Hanlin, Ding Qingyan¡¯s uncle, wanted to give him a lesson but Madame Xue often stopped him. For these reasons, Ding Qingyan became increasingly reckless. He was tired of the girls from the brothels or ordinary families. Now he targeted the girls from powerful families.

    Among the girls from powerful families, Yang Yishi was not the only one who suffered from his callous disregard. But they did not stand out to uncover the scandals while Yang Yishi did. They often reached a consensus with the Ding Family in private. He, as a boy with scandals gossiped about by others, certainly would not be trusted by others.

    Seeing Madame Xue was angry, the maid stood quietly. She was nning to walk out of the room and tell Ge to go back while Mrs. Nan stopped her.

    ¡°Madame, as you already woke up,¡± Mrs. Nan suggested. ¡°why not ask her toe in and listen to her suggestion? She might have a good idea to solve the problem, and Ding Qingyan may not marry that easy girl. If she couldn¡¯t give a good idea, Madame might denounce her and give her a lesson, telling her not to do the things which may tarnish the family¡¯s reputation.¡±

    She was sure of a ¡°tool¡± for venting resentment and anger.

    Hearing Mrs. Nan¡¯s words, Madame Xue nodded, saying, ¡°Okay, then. Send her in!¡±

    In a second, Ge came into the room. She was in her 20s. Her standing pose seemed to entuate her fragile beauty and the slenderness of her graceful figure. She gave a sweet salutation to Madame Xue and realized that she was not a wee person. So, she got right to the points, ¡°Qingyan had fallen for the Yang Family¡¯s trap this time. If he followed the Yang family¡¯s n and married Miss Yang, he would be a cause for concern in the future.¡±

    In the first ce, Madame Xue nned to use Ge as her vent for resentment. But Ge spoke for her most favorite grandson. Madame Xue turned to be less angry, ¡°You said you have a good idea?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Yang Yishi who has been deceiving Qingyan.¡± Ge said with a nod. ¡°Qingyan thought Yishi was a maid working in the Yang Family. So, it was Yishi who deceive Qingyan in the first ce. Why should Qingyan suffer the consequence of marrying her? If the Yang Family insisted, it would be okay but she must be a concubine!¡±

    Madame Xue nced at Mrs. Nan. Both said nothing. After a while, Madame Xue said, ¡°But when the Yang Family discovered Qingyan, he admitted that he had known her identity.¡±

    ¡°I remembered that Yang Yiyong hit Qingyan?¡± Ge said with confidence. ¡°We could use the Yang Family of plotting to take Qingyan to bear the crime for them. Qingyan had to confess to false charges under torture because he was alone and scared!¡±

    Madame Xue thought for a long time and said, ¡°All right. Your suggestion has been noted. You can go now.¡±

    Ge said yes and walked out of the room slowly.

    When she was about to step out of the door, Madame Xue said suddenly, ¡°Who told you this?¡±

    ¡°Nobody told me this!¡± Ge immediately responded, ¡°I thought it out myself!¡±

    Madame Xue smiled coldly, ¡°You used to let him alone and never cared about him? Why did you care about him this time?¡±

    After denying of Madame Xue¡¯s usation, Ge said to herself that the man bribed her was so canny. Madame Xue did cast doubt on her finally.

    She had been reminded of the uncertainty before, so she behaved calmly when Madame Xue asked her. She turned to Madame Xue and knelt on the ground, saying frighteningly, ¡°In the past, I did not care about Qingyan because he was old enough and I am not his aunt. I am afraid that some malicious people might gossip about our rtionship. That is the reason I did not care about him. As I got married, I became a member of the Ding Family. I must care about everyone in the family now.¡±

    Madame Xue stared at her for a moment, grunting, ¡°Wow, good words! I give you another chance- tell me the truth or not?¡±

    ¡°... I... I...¡± Ge estimated the situation, showing fear, ¡°I heard that our master wanted to get a concubine ofte....¡±

    ¡°So, do you think you¡¯ll be the first branch for you¡¯ve been acting in charge for Lu?¡± Madame Xue did not doubt her anymore. She said coldly, ¡°You should focus on your own business. Every woman in the Ding Family is virtuous. If you didn¡¯t start trouble, nobody would give you a concubine any trouble.¡±

    Realizing what Madame Xue said was a promise to her, Ge felt relieved and happy. As long as she did not start trouble, Madame Xue might protect her after Ding Hanlin got another concubine. Thinking of this, she said, ¡°Thank you for your tips, Madame! I will remember every word you told me today!¡±

    That was impossible! I would pay somebody by my private money to discourage the new concubine from entering the door!

    Staring at the gifts and money in the hall, Ruan Qingyan did not know whether he shouldugh or cry. The gifts sent back unopened contained not only the ones he sent to Ge but also other silvers and golds. After hearing Ge¡¯s request, he said, ¡°Why did shee and ask me? She should go and ask for Young Lady He.¡±

    Dongran smiled, ¡°Young Lady He is not the girl she can ask for. Ge is afraid of being known by others she was asking for help. As you know, Madame Xue dislikes her very much. If Madame noticed that she harbors something evil, she would be kicked out of the family finally. For these reasons, she dares not to do it. But we initiated a rtionship with her this time which was not noticed by Madame, or she dared not to have bad ideas.¡±

    ¡°She is a decisive woman.¡± said Ruan Qingyan with a smile. ¡°When the Ding Family and the Yang Family are fighting against each other, we send those stuff to Young Lady He as a favor we do for her. Whether Young Lady He epts it or not, it¡¯s up to Ge¡¯s fate.¡±

    They did the favor the next day ¡ª If the Ding Family could ept Yang Yishi as a man just like Ding Hanlin said, Yang Yishi¡¯s status, in fact, did match Ding Qingyan. In honest, Ding Hanlin disliked Ding Qingyan. The boy spoiled by Madame Xue desperately. He thought that it was Yang Yishi who had to suffer a lot from the marriage, given what Ding Qingyan did in the past.

    But Madame Xue firmly disagreed with the wedding. ¡°If Qingyan confessed that he had an affair with Yang Yishi and we allowed him to marry this girl. There would be no ce for him to hide in the capital due to the scandal. He did nothing great for the country, nor was he an officer. Do you want him to be a low-level officer? If not, he has to stay in our hometown which is thousands of miles away from here? You really don¡¯t concern his safety over there?¡±

    ¡°I will send some reliable servants for him.¡± said Ding Hanlin discreetly.

    ¡°Then what about me?¡± screamed Madame Xue. ¡°I¡¯m old now. I may die at any moment! I like him. You know that! If he leaves the capital, and then I want to see him before I am dying, but he is not here. And then you are happy?¡±

    ¡°Mother, you are well! Don¡¯t say that!¡± said Ding Hanlin, giving a perfunctory smile.

    ¡°All right. Forget it. Any girl who wants to be my granddaughter-inw must be a good girl! But Yang Yishi, she even couldn¡¯t reject Qingyan¡¯s seduction when she was a girl. How can we ensure that she won¡¯t cheat on Qingyan after getting married?¡± said Madame Xue. ¡°And I watched him grow to be a man. I can¡¯t bear to see he leaves me! I definitely disagree with the marriage!¡±

    ¡°But Yang Yishi is pregnant. If Qingyan didn¡¯t marry her, she might die of gossip. At that time, the Yang Family will not let go,¡± said Ding Hanlin. ¡°That¡¯s thest thing I want to see.¡±

    Madame Xue red at him, saying, ¡°It is the Yang Family who did not discipline their girl! It¡¯s none of our business. Why were there no other girls having sex with my Qingyan? Anyway, I disagree with their marriage. You must solve it ¡ª You are allowed to give the Yang Family more money, or you can speak for the Yang Family in the court or to your uncle. I definitely won¡¯t agree with the marriage!¡±

    Knowing that Ding Hanlin was a kind man and might sumb to the coercion or begging, Madame Xue emphasized, ¡°If you agreed with the marriage, I would die in front of you when the girl enters my door.¡±

    A threating from one¡¯s mother would be like spanking for a kid. It hurt a lot and it couldn¡¯t be avoided. Ding Hanlin had to persuade the Yang Family to ept the fact although he sympathized with them ¡ª Anyway, it was the world where respecting the elders was the first.

    Ding Hanlin¡¯s refusal of the marriage meant a poison to the Yang Family.

    At this exact time, Ding Hanlin got a message. The day before he met the Yang Family, the girls in line four and seven in the Yang Family went and met Yang Yishi, who was the fourth girl of the family. They drank the tea prepared in advance by Yang Yishi and then began spitting blood. The people from the third branch heard the news and hurried to handle the emergency. They doubted that Yang Yishi poisoned the girls because Yang Yishi was jealous of the girls as her reputation was ruined. The people of the third branch was quarreling with the first branch about it. The third branch wanted to split from the family and live alone.

    After knowing the whole fighting, Ding Hanlin, who initially was forced to persuade the Yang Family, thought that Yang Yishi was a wicked girl not suitable for his nephew.

    When the Ding Family had a heated debate with the Yang Family, the relieved Ruan Qingyan invited his friend, Lian Ding to go to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe with dowry lists in their hands.

    ¡°Dowry?¡± asked Qiu Mengmin and his wife with a shock. ¡°Rx, rx. We know that Yn is still in her mourning period and not allowed to go outside. You guys think that we will not give her enough money when she is free from the period? We will give her the stuff belonging to her. Surely enough. Thank you two for your consideration!¡±

    Lian Ding knew that he was not as canny as Ruan Qingyan. And he had told Ruan Qingyan on their way here that Ruan Qingyan would do the talking and he would do the listening. So, hearing Qiu Mengming¡¯s exnation, he said nothing but to drink tea.

    Ruan Qingyan knew they would not give up the stuff easily. He said coldly, ¡°We, originally, wouldn¡¯t have suspected you and Princess. Or we won¡¯t wait so long to meet you. A few days ago, Young Earl Ling bought a chicken type pot with dots around the neck passed down from the former dynasty at a high price. I asionally talked about the pot with my housekeeper, Ruan An. He reminded me that when my aunt got married, she had a pot just like the one I described in her dowry. So, I checked with Young Earl Ling and he asked the vendor where the pot hade from. The vendor told us it was from your family. That is the reason why I invited Lian Chen toe over for an answer. We are just wondering if you took Qiu Yn¡¯s stuff by mistake?¡±

    ¡°Dear, what happened?¡± Qiu Mengmin asked his wife angrily.

    ¡°There were too many things to deal with for Hongzhi and it¡¯s his first time to be in charge of everything. It must be the servant who stole it and sold it in the market.¡± exined Princess Yang. Knowing that Qiu Mengmin had sold her out instead of defending her, Princess Yang was angry at her husband who made himself no responsibility for it at all. So, she mentioned Qiu Hongzhi as a scapegoat.

    ¡°It must be like this.¡± said Qiu Mengmin with a frown. ¡°Hongzhi used to focus on his books and rarely care about what¡¯s going on in the house. Not long ago, Princess and I were ill lying on the bed and we assigned him to be in charge. He is too young to put everything in control. What¡¯s more, Hongzhi is not as capable as Ruan Qingyan. Hope you two excuse him for his ipetency....¡±

    He stopped speaking for a while and proceeded, ¡°How much did Young Earl Ling pay for the pot? As you guys think it is Yn¡¯s stuff. We should repurchase it and return it to Yn.¡±

    The title of Ruan Qingyan at the time was a copy editor at Hanlin Academy. His rank is level seven. As all officials working at Hanlin Academy were noble, no matter his level was or the asion was formal or informal, the outsider would call anyone from the Hanlin with the family name followed if the head of the Academy was absent. At first blush, it seemed that Ruan Qingyan was the head of the Academy just like the real one Ding Yiming.

    ¡°No need to rush.¡± said Ruan Qingyan with a careless smile. ¡°After Young Earl Ling realized that the pot is remains left by aunt for Yn, he had given it to me. But...¡± said Ruan Qingyan slowly. ¡°I heard that the vendor bought it long ago. It was the beginning of this year! If I did not remember it wrong, by then, you and Princess were well enough.¡±

    ¡°Oh, at that time, I was busy in the affairs of the Imperial Court Assembly. My wife and I were concerned about the events. It¡¯s my fault. Sorry!¡±

    ¡°But why was the phic head hairpin also sold in the market? It was one of the stuff in the dowry too.¡± questioned Ruan Qingyan. Lian Ding put down the teacup while hearing his words. He took a beautiful and precious hairpin out of his pocket,ining, ¡°This was a gift given by the former emperor to my grandpa. As my aunt married into your family, my grandpa sent it to her as the most important gift... But now, it was caught on a prostitute¡¯s head.¡±

 Chapter 105 - Give Me My Stuff Back

    <h4>Chapter 105 Give Me My Stuff Back</h4>

    A gift granted by the emperor was caught on a prostitute¡¯s head. Surely, it was a big deal.

    Qiu Mengmin and Princess Yang had expected that theiring must lead to big trouble, but they had not expected that wasing.

    Both of them turned pale. They wanted to speak, but Ruan Qingyan shook his hand, saying, ¡°Let¡¯s go to the point. As some stuff belonging to Old Princess Lian and my aunt have been sold in the market. I guess there might be more in the market. We both took the list of the dowry with us today. I suggest we open the boxes and check them in front of the servants. By doing so, the servants may realize that we pay close attention to the stuff and they should not do the wrongdoings again!¡±

    Check? How to check?

    Needless to ask for his wife¡¯s suggestion, Qiu Mengmin had known the answer. It was no.

    When Princess Ruan was alive, she kept a close tab on her dowry, while Old Princess Lian did not. For safety, Old Princess Lian locked her dowry in the warehouse. Hence, Madame Lu, Qiu Yuqing and princess Yang had to slip into the warehouse and stole Old Princess Lian¡¯s dowry when she¡¯s not there. Anyway, Princess Ruan was in a weak position and she could do nothing about it even she had discovered who stole her dowry.

    Princess Ruan¡¯s stuff had been removed after she died, and only left furniture like tables and chairs in her room. They were not removed because Princess Yang wanted to take advantage of the feud between Qiu Yn and Madame Lu. Generally speaking, after the death of the mother, if only unmarried girls left, they would enjoy the right to inherit the dowry. And the furniture and other stuff would be recorded and locked in the warehouse thereafter. The shops and manors would be managed by the elders for her offspring. All would be handed over to her girls when they got married. But now, there was no more room for storing Old Princess Lian¡¯s and Princess Ruan¡¯s stuff in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe!

    Their stuff had been allocated to others already!

    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good time now.¡± said Qiu Mengmin, closing his eyes. ¡°They had a lot of dowries over here. It¡¯s not an easy job. And my son would get married next month. All of us are busy preparing for the wedding. We don¡¯t have enough hands for the job. I think we should do it after the wedding. About the stealers in my house, they will be held ountable for what they did.¡±

    Hearing his excuse, Ruan Qingyan said lightly, ¡°I heard that Mingzhu is also blind dating recently? That means that Mingzhu may get married after Qiu Hongzhi. There are sixth Commandery Princess and Young Master Qiu Yinzhi waiting in line? If you took the marriage as your excuse, you would be busy forever. We won¡¯t have time to check at all.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± said Qiu Mengmin angrily. ¡°Are you doubting that I embezzled their dowries?¡±

    ¡°If you did nothing wrong, why wouldn¡¯t lead us to the warehouse, checking the dowries?¡± questioned Ruan Qingyan. ¡°If you both were too busy to be present, you could assign your confidant to check along with us. Lian Ding and I are willing to take our time checking the stuff!¡±

    And then, he smiled coldly, ¡°If there were no more stuff missing except the two after checking, I would kneel in front of you, begging for your pardon and I am willing to ept any punishment imposed by you.¡±

    Qiu Mengmin kept silent, unknowing what to say.

    Seeing that Ruan Qingyan was getting impatient and began to speak again, Princess Yang said suddenly, ¡°Can I have a look at the list you take?¡±

    ¡°Okay, here you are!¡± said Ruan Qingyan promptly.

    ncing that the list taken out of their pockets were new ones, Qiu Mengmin and his wife felt relieved, ¡°Well, the list...¡±

    ¡°Oh, those are the copies.¡± said Ruan Qingyan calmly. ¡°As you know, there are only two lists in the world. We are afraid that we will lose them when we take them out. If Prince and Princess allowed us to check the dowries, I would send somebody to take it here. I have reported the whole thing to my teacher and he has agreed to send somebody over here as an inspector.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan¡¯s teacher, Xue Chang. Now he mentioned him to force Qiu Mengmin to agree.

    Princess Yang held the list, flipping through it. She was shocked. She tried to calm herself down and said, ¡°As what you just said, there are only two lists. You guys hold one copy, respectively. But the list for the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe received is not avable. As there is no cross reference, how should we know if yours are right?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan said, ¡°I also heard that there were two lists which were kept by my aunt before. But when she passed away, Yn was not in the house.¡±

    From what he said, the implication was that the lists must be in their hands.

    Princess Yang couldn¡¯t help cursing Madame Lu, ¡°That old woman, she had dared to let Kang Jinzhang court Commandery Princess, and she even did not care about Ruan when Ruan was dying! If Qiu Yn was there apanying Ruan when she was dying, we should have nted the lie that Qiu Yn got the lists. But now, it was obvious that Ruan had been dead for a long time before Qiu Yn went back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion! How can I now ask Qiu Yn to give me the lists?¡±

    Now, Ruan Qingyan asked us to give them the lists!

    ¡°Though the lists are copies, there won¡¯t be mistakes as long as Prince gives the original one for cross-reference.¡± said Ruan Qingyan, forcing them to the corner. ¡°As you are busy now, I don¡¯t think we should sit here wasting time. Please give us the copies. We will go and check now.¡±

    Qiu Mengmin was nervous now. If he insisted, Ruan Qingyan, of course, would not break into the warehouse checking the stuff. But if he did not answer, Ruan Qingyan could report him to Xue Chang and ask for Xue Chang¡¯s help.

    As he was wondering what to do next, Princess Yang talked coldly, ¡°We are certainly not having their dowries lists. But I heard the stuff you guys had was sent to the Fang Family by Yn, her sister¡¯s husband¡¯s home.¡±

    Noticing that Ruan Qingyan distrusted her words, Princess Yang proceeded, ¡°Qingyan, if you don¡¯t trust me, you can send somebody to ask Fang Nongyan. He is in Hezhou!¡± She pointed to the lists, adding, ¡°If both the lists were correct, you would be wee to check the stuff in my warehouse.¡±

    ¡ª Long ago, General Ruan was defeated in a war. Because Fang Nongyan was involved in the war, he was relegated to an inferior ce which was thousands of kilometers away from the capital!

    What Princess Yang thought was that if Ruan Qingyan agreed to send somebody there asking for the truth, it would take about a year to go and return. The man sent by Princess Yang there was still on his way back!

    If the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe had the buffering time, they probably would figure out how to handle the trouble.

    Hearing his wife¡¯s exnation, Qiu Mengmin felt relieved.

    But Ruan Qingyan gave her an implicated look, saying, ¡°No need to go to Hezhou. My sister and her husband will arrive in the capital a few dayster. By then we can go and ask them. Will youe with me, Princess?¡±

    Princess Yang said in a very shock, ¡°How is that possible?¡±

    ¡°At the beginning of this year, my brother-inw received a job transfer certificatemanding him to work in the capital. As it is too far away from the capital, he has been on his way since long ago.¡± said Ruan Qingyan calmly. He thought to himself: I had done what I could do to take care of my sister. So what, the only granddaughter living in the world did not care about it!

    When he was informed that Qiu Yn had made up a story sending the lists the Fang Family, he had bribed some key officials for transferring Fang Nongyan to the capital.

    What a coincidence it was! Ruan Qingyan tried everything to avoid Yang Tao, one of the officials in the Minister of Personnel, making trouble for himself. Fortunately, Fang Nongyan had been the County Magistrate for many years and the neers in the Ministry of Personnel knew nothing about his past. Plus, the department Fang Nongyan would work for was a ce few people would visit in a year. For these reasons, the formal transfer certificate could be issued before Yang Tao vetted it.

    Unexpectedly, his job transfer made big trouble for Qiu Mengmin.

    Realizing that Qiu Mengmin and his wife were in shock, Ruan Qingyan knew what he did before was worthwhile. He said calmly, ¡°So, don¡¯t worry. My brother takes many servants who had to work for them for many years in Hezhou. If Yn did send something over there, it would be impossible to hide from everyone.¡±

    He gave a cold simile while speaking of this, ¡°But I am curious. It was said that when Yn went to the Mount Dizi, she only took a maid named Yue Zhi who had been dead because of the snow slide! And I also knew that the maids serving for my aunt and my sister are in your control, right? So, could you tell me how Yn got a man to send the list to Hezhou?¡±

    Damn it!

    Qiu Mengmin and his wife felt like hearing a thunder over their heads.

    Princess Yang repented that she focused on the list only at that time and did pay scant attention to the details! But now, everything blew up.

    From Ruan Qingyan¡¯s words and pose, they realized that they had screwed up everything.

    On thest glimpse of hope, Qiu Mengmin said, ¡°Okay... Let¡¯s get it clear after they arrive in the capital!¡±

    ¡°They will be here within three days, the most.¡± said Ruan Qingyan, standing up and speaking goodbye. ¡°By then, I surely will be here with them!¡±

    Seeing them off, Qiu Mengmin questioned Princess Yang immediately, ¡°How many have you got from the old Princess¡¯s and Ruan¡¯s dowries?¡±

    ¡°Except some heavy furniture stored in Yn¡¯s room, the rest...¡± said Princess Yang with trembling lips.

    ¡°Return them soon!¡± screamed Qiu Mengmin, standing up. ¡°Go and get them back to the warehouse now! And don¡¯t forget to get some old seals nailed on the doors! Ruan Qingyan and Lian Ding had been here. I guess Fang Nongyan did not get the list. Ruan Qingyan and Lian Ding have support from Prime Minister Xue, Young Earl Ling and the Jiang Family in the next door. In the past, the Ruan Family was weak and had no power. It¡¯s okay to take advantage of them. But now, we should not have done it.¡±

    Princess Yang was also angry, ¡°You did not say no when we took it! And the four treasures of study (including a brush pen, ink-stick, paper and inkstone) are also the stuff of old Princess¡¯s dowry... And you like them very much!¡±

    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s time to listen to your nagging? Go and get the things back!¡± screamed Qiu Mengmin.

    ¡°What about the stuff in Yuqing¡¯s room...¡± asked Princess Yang, giving him an angry look mixing with a smile.

    ¡°I¡¯ll return mine. You go and check every branch and ask them to return theirs. We must get it done in three days... The stuff missing or sold must get back or repurchase them using our ount! Anyway, Hongzhi¡¯s wedding is drawing near. We must get everything out of the way!¡± ordered Qiu Mengmin, shaking his sleeve impatiently. ¡°That¡¯s it. You go and get all things done now! I¡¯ll go and see Bian!¡±

    His words made Princess Yang angry. She clenched her fist.

    Xiuyan came over and said, ¡°Princess, don¡¯t get angry at Prince. Our reputation would be ruined if Ruan Qingyan and Lian Ding made a big deal out of it!¡± Qiu Mengmin had been sentenced the name of disrespecting the official mother. Because of this, the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe had been disgraced since then.

    Adding an usation of invading the niece¡¯s property would be thest straw of the whole family.

    Thinking of this, Princess Yang felt disrupting, ¡°Okay, okay. Let¡¯s go and see Qiu Yuqing now. That bitch must have got many stuff under the cover of Lu in the past. We go and ask her to give all back!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget Young Master Qiu Hongzhi.¡± reminded Xiuyan. ¡°We knew that Prince used to give him money behind your back. Taking advantage of the opportunity for giving stuff back to Commandery Princess Ningyi, we should check his ount too. After this, he won¡¯t have money to bribe anyone!¡±

    ¡°Great idea!¡± said Princess Yang. Fighting against them encouraged her again. ¡°And don¡¯t forget Bian... Huh! As Prince has been there by himself, we could let her live longer. But I won¡¯t let Tian and her son go this time.¡±

    After checking, it turned out that it was a disaster. Princess Yang was in aplete daze after being informed. ¡°What? Only thirty percent left in the warehouse? Where are the seventy?¡±

 Chapter 106 - He Will Be a Dead Man If He Wonâ€™t

    <h4>Chapter 106 He Will Be a Dead Man If He Won¡¯t</h4>

    It was a warm afternoon.

    ¡°Where are the seventy percent? I also want to know!¡± said Qiu Yn, lying on the soft bedzily and stroking Whitey¡¯s smooth fur. ¡°But I don¡¯t think Kang Lizhang would tell Qiu Hongzhi about it. Even if we tortured Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s and Qiu Yinzhi¡¯s servants and maids, we still couldn¡¯t get our stuff back. It¡¯s not helpful!¡±

    Kang Lizhang once advised Qiu Hongzhi to cooperate with her to steal Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s and her brother¡¯s stuff for money. After hearing the news, Qiu Yn asked Kang Lizhang to sell Old Princess Lian¡¯s and Princess Ruan¡¯s dowries first ¡ª In effect, after Madame Lu died, Kang Lizhang had seen that her mother¡¯s and her private money would be dismissed.

    Realizing what¡¯s going on, shemanded one confidant to hide treasures in the Prince¡¯s Mansion overnight.

    Butter, to gain Qiu Yns¡¯s trust, Kang Lizhang told her everything. As the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was a foe of Qiu Yn, she was not in a hurry to get back the stuff Kang Lizhang had hidden. She intentionally let Kang Lizhang own them... Anyway, Qiu Yn was not a mean girl.

    ¡°Qiu Mengmin only had three days to get all things done. How could it be possible?¡± said Chunran with a smile. Mrs. Zhou and Su He were standing around, intending to say something.

    Qiu Yn had finished a pearl. She got a handkerchief and swiped her hand, saying with a doubt, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Princess Yang sold the dowry in the past and gave money to the General.¡± said Mrs. Zhou after asking Su He to go out as a watchdog. ¡°All persons who knew the thing have been dismissed by Princess Yang except me after Lu died. I am not sure if there were some left like Mrs. Guan or Dongyao?¡± whispered Mrs. Zhou.

    ¡°I have heard about it before... but, were there seals or prints on the stuff when they were sold?¡± asked Qiu Yn.

    ¡°Yes, it did! The stuff your mother asked us to sell was notmon things in the market. The buyer did not want to buy the stuff which was the stolen goods because he might be involved in a crime. Needless to say, the buyer was afraid that he paid now and then in a second, he was used of a crime. For these reasons, the buyers asked us to write a note to prove that it was Princess who wanted to sell voluntarily.¡±

    ¡°... So, the stuff my mother sold was her dowry?¡± said Qiu Yn, sitting up straight.

    ¡°Surely enough.¡± answered Mrs. Zhou. ¡°And your mother told us that the stuff your grandmother left is yours now. Nobody was allowed to sell them.¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded. ¡°So, about my grandma¡¯s dowry, Qiu Mengmin had no excuse to use or sell them? Ruan Qingyan has told me that the dowry is worth four hundred thousand.¡±

    ¡°Wow, that much?¡± eximed Chunran and Xiaran. They both had seen the world because of Ruan Qingyan. But hearing it was four hundred thousand worth dowries, they were in a shock. After all, when a girl got married, she would be a member of her husband¡¯s family. Dowries embodied the affluence of a family.

    ¡°Not as many as Princess¡¯s!¡± Mrs. Zhou let slip.

    ¡°My mother¡¯s dowry is truly more than others. And now the stuff they need to give me back shouldn¡¯t be based on the list!¡± smiled Qiu Yn coldly. ¡°The annual revenue of the shops and manors are not included in the list. The manors are fertile ones and the shops are in good ces. About the Princess¡¯s dowry, I am sure they cannot give back ny percent of it, let alone my mother¡¯s. They will be no way to get rid of the crime of embezzling my stuff! If Qiu Mengmin dared not to buy back the stuff based on the market price, my brother wouldn¡¯t spare him!¡±

    There were reasons why the dowries of the Princess were plenty: The Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was a hereditary family. Despite Old Princess Lian was the Minister¡¯s daughter, her family was not wealthy. To avoid his daughter being looked down in her husband¡¯s family, the minister tried everything to prepare a great dowry for her daughter¡¯s wedding.

    So did Princess Ruan. Though Ruan Family had been an official family since three generations ago, it was sure enough that the Ruan Family was not as wealthy as the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, the one helped found the country. Plus, General Ruan had been in various wars for his life, making a lot of money out of the battles. He, of course, would give much to her daughter who would marry a man from a powerful family. After checking the dowry lists left by the Lian and Ruan families, Qiu Yn realized that the eighty hundred thousand Xiuyan asked once was not a big number. The property left by her mother and grandma must be over one million.

    That was to say, excluding those Qiu Yn did not know, the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe must pay one-third of their whole property to her!

    Needless to say, Qiu Mengmin and his family members would try everything not to pay.

    ¡°Fortunately, Yang Family has a naughty girl who started the fight between the Ding Family and Yang Family... Or, Qiu Mengmin must fetch help from these two families. If so, nobody could imagine what woulde about next!¡± thought Qiu Yn, secretly being d she had expected what¡¯sing.

    She calmed herself down, ¡°About the stuff my mother sold in the past years, my brother had counted the prices and expenditures of the General¡¯s Mansion. I guess the job can be done within two days at most. The money my mother subsidized the General¡¯s Mansion is the bnce between what the General¡¯s Mansion got by selling the dowry and its expenditures!¡±

    ¡°But how about our expenditures in the past years...¡± asked Mrs. Zhou promptly.

    ¡°It¡¯s their responsibility to support us. I am sure Qiu Mengmin dare not to tell others that he has withheld our money, making us sell my mother¡¯s dowry to buy necessities we need.¡± said Qiu Yn. ¡°So, we shouldn¡¯t admit the notes approved by my mother. Most of them should be nted to Qiu Mengmin because he did not manage his men strictly. He was allowed to have some troublemakers in his house, why can¡¯t I have some traitors in my house?¡±

    ¡°If you were right, Qiu Mengmin might use your mother of not managing her maids strictly. So, it¡¯s not their fault.¡± said Chunran, putting forward a question.

    ¡°Who told you the maid who sold the stuff was the one serving for my mother?¡± said Qiu Yn. ¡°I could defend myself. I can say that they did all the things. And, my mother had been not in charge of the house since Qiu Mengmin got the title of the Prince. And then some maids secretly sold the dowry. Qiu Mengmin, as the host of the house, will be held ountable!¡±

    ¡°But there were seals on the notes...¡± reminded Mrs. Zhou discreetly.

    ¡°They stole stuff. They also could steal the seal, right?¡± said Qiu Yn calmly. ¡°And, the stuff my mother sold were antiques or hairpins. She never thought to sell the shops or manors. I am wondering how Qiu Mengmin will return the shops and manors to us this time!¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see. But... Although I did not hear that your mother would sell shops or manors before, nobody has paid the rent since Qiu Mengmin is in charge of everything.¡± said Mrs. Zhou.

    ¡°I did not realize that.¡± said Qiu Yn with a shock. ¡°Is it possible that after my grandpa was conquered in the war, he sold them and used the money for his promotion?¡± said Qiu Yn, thinking for a while. Needless to say, it would take a lot of money. Hundreds of thousand were only a piece of cake for this.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± said Mrs. Zhou, shaking her head. ¡°I remembered, at that time, your grandpa and your father died one after another in a short period. Your grandma and your mother were extremely sad because of their death. Theyforted each other with you in her arms. They must have no idea what the General did!¡±

    ¡°Then why nobody came paying for the rent?¡± asked Qiu Yn.

    ¡°I have asked your mother about this. She told me that she was afraid others might grab the properties, so she sold the shops and manors for cash.¡± said Mrs. Zhou with a low voice. ¡°But the problem is, I have counted the cash. I don¡¯t think your mother got all the cash. Or, she would not sell her dowry to support the General¡¯s Mansion! So, I¡¯ve always suspected that those shops and manors have been grabbed by others already.¡±

    ¡°But who did this?¡± asked Chunran.

    ¡°Mrs. Li and I did the guess. We thought that Qiu Mengmin might be angry at you because your grandmother deported him. Your mother gave him part of her dowry for your survival.¡± said Mrs. Zhou with a sign, looking at Qiu Yn.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think Qiu Mengmin was so stupid to ept my mother¡¯s dowry. The dowry is recorded in a list that is kept by my mother¡¯s family. Wasn¡¯t he afraid that I would debunk his misdeeds when I older enough with my mother if she were alive then.¡±

    ¡°At that time, our young master was not adopted yet. If there were no sons in the General¡¯s Mansion, I mean, only Princess and you in the family... all the dowry your mother owned would be embezzled by the Prince¡¯s Mansion.¡± Only sons or daughters have the right to inherit their mother¡¯s dowry in ordance with the rules. If there were no sons or daughters or sons or daughters who died at an early age, the dowry should be returned to the mother¡¯s family.

    But if there were no sons or daughters in the mother¡¯s family, the dowry, in nature, would be given to her husband¡¯s family. The best way to avoid it was to adopt one for the family.

    So, if the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe wanted to grab Princess Ruan¡¯s dowry, what they might need to do was to kill Princess Ruan and Qiu Yn.

    Even about the Old Princess Lian¡¯s dowry, if they were not informed Qiu Yn was dead or not and the trouble they had encountered over the past years, they probably would give up Old Princess Lian¡¯s dowry. The Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe would have grabbed both dowries finally.

    ¡°So, it¡¯s not strange that we could not get the list.¡± said Qiu Yn, understanding the whole plot. ¡°In effect, the list was not missing at all. It must be Princess Ruan who destroyed it on purpose. The Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, of course, would not resign itself to the failure. They would try everything to find out the two lists! They must guess the list is in my hand because my mother has only one daughter, it¡¯s me... My mother figured out a way to protect me by taking advantage of their greed.¡±

    She thought, ¡°Surely enough, a person¡¯s fate is decided when he was born ¡ª Or a girl like me, would be dead one hundred times considering the plots I faced and the person protected me. At that time, my mother was poisoned. But now I was twelve years old. It proved that I was a girl protected by God.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know then.¡± said Mrs. Zhou, interrupting her thought. ¡°Or she gave the money to those who were in trouble because of the General or their family members? But it was impossible, I think. After all, your mother was raised indoor and she did not know those people. Even if she wanted to support the above, she would do it through the General¡¯s Mansion. The ie sent to the General¡¯s Mansion were all handled by me. I am sure no rents included.¡±

    Pondering for a while, Qiu Yn said while she smacked her hand down on to the table, ¡°I couldn¡¯t get the answer. I will send a man to ask Ruan An tomorrow.¡±

    After lying on the bed, Qiu Yn heard a rustling sound passing on behind the screen. She said to herself, ¡°Oh, again?¡±

    In a second, in the moonlight, she caught sight of a figure whom she immediately recognized as Jiang Yashuang. He wore a robe, coughing to announce his arrival. She took a deep breath and said, ¡°What do you want this time?¡±

    ¡°I was informed that Ruan Qingyan and Lian Ding went to ask Qiu Mengmin to return the dowry belonging to you?¡± said Jiang Yashuang, getting to the point directly.

    ¡°Yes, you saw them?¡± said Qiu Yn, rubbing her forehead. There was a bed-curtain standing between them. ¡°My sister and her husband will be here several dayster. I guess Qiu Mengmin will have nothing to defend for themselves.¡± said Qiu Yn,zily.

    ¡°Those are the things belonging to you. Why should you let Qiu Mengmin return them to you three dayster? I will go there with my brother and get things done!¡± said Jiang Yashuang.

    Hearing his words, Qiu Yn sat up straight immediately, ¡°Do you forgot those rumblings. It was Chunfu Princess who covered it for us?¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay.¡± said Jiang Yashuang in confidence. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that the feud between the Yang Family and Ding Family. Now all people are concerned about what¡¯s going on over them. Few people would care about what¡¯s going on in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe.¡± said he. ¡°Even somebody asks, I could say that you are one of the best friends of my sister, Jiang Qizheng. For this reason, you assigned me to deal with it with my brother.¡±

    ¡°My grandma and my mother left me enormous properties!¡± said Qiu Yn calmly. ¡°My uncle, you know, he is a Prince. He won¡¯t let it go easily.¡±

    ¡°He would be a dead man if he weren¡¯t willing to!¡± said Jiang Yashuang dismissively.

 Chapter 107 - Do You Think I Want to Marry Only for the Wealth?!

    <h4>Chapter 107 Do You Think I Want to Marry Only for the Wealth?!</h4>

    The next day, the Jiang Yadan and Jiang Yashuang came to the door as expectation.

    From beginning to end, Jiang Yashuang only said three sentences to Qiu Mengmin ¡ª

    ¡°Both pieces of dowry of Old Princess Lian and Princess Ruan, together with the earnings of it for these years, you pay it with the market price to Commandery Princess Ningyi!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not discussing it with you. I ask you to do as I said!¡±

    ¡°Go to hell if you couldn¡¯t do it!¡±

    Qiu Mengmin, who even didn¡¯t have a second to greet, was dumb there and he couldn¡¯t believe what he just heard!

    ¡°I am hereditary noble...¡±

    ¡°No more hereditary noble once you all die.¡± Jiang Yadan, who started drinking tea from him entering the door until this moment, said as it was a tiny stuff, ¡°I said that your heart is too soft. Why are you wasting time on him? Anyway, this Prince¡¯s Mansion just has so few people. If these father and son were dead, then the dowry would be returned to Commandery Princess Ningyi, and we could also make a fortune as well!¡±

    Qiu Mengmin¡¯s face turned blue, ¡°What a Jiang Family! What a Marquess Qin¡¯s Family! Even the Prince¡¯s Mansion that honored by Gaozong emperor is regarded as trash! Does Darui belong to the Jiang Family! I¡¯ll enter the pce to ask Empress Dowager to....¡±

    ¡°Go into the pce?! My younger brother tried to save your face. But, are you truly shameless?¡± Jiang Yadan raised his hand and turned over the table, breaking porcin and tea sshing. ¡°You made a servant take the mest time on Imperial Court. This time, you again embezzled the industry left by the Old Princess Lian and Princess Ruan leaving to the Commandery Princess Ningyi. Let me see who else can you me on?! There are a lot of things presented by the royal family. Merely based on this, how you think you could still keep the title of the Duke?! Without the noble title, is there any difference between you and a piece of shit?!¡±

    Jiang Gan, who stood behind him, chuckled, ¡°Young master, don¡¯t forget that the Sixth Commandery Princess of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe is said to be pretty.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s yourster.¡± Jiang Yadan looked around unscrupulously and sneered, ¡°My brother considered about Commandery Princess Ningyi¡¯s dignity, as long as you return what Commandery Princess¡¯s belongings ¡ª if you didn¡¯t want to, we could wait for this Prince¡¯s Mansion to be closed down, then we could return it to Commandery Princess as well.¡±

    Qiu Mengmin took a few deep breaths before squeezing some words through the teeth, ¡°I have no intention to take my niece¡¯s deserving property! I have been packing up for these days....¡±

    ¡°No more nonsense!¡± A sullen look shaded Jiang Yadan¡¯s face instantly, ¡°In three days, return all the industry back to Commandery Princess Ningyi. And we¡¯re done. If there¡¯s any problem or you y any trickster, I¡¯ll let Feng Rugui first take Qiu Hongzhi away. And if you still refuse to pay off after burying your oldest son¡¯s body. Huh... then you¡¯re just ready to reunite the family in hell!¡±

    ... After listening to Su He¡¯s vivid description, Qiu Yn was dumbfounded, ¡° Jiang Family¡¯s children are so overbearing?!¡± Even the royal family could not be as arrogant as them!

    Chunran and others were also wearing an inconceivable expression, ¡°Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe is declining, but it is still a hereditary noble family ¡ª how could these two young masters of Jiang Family talk about exterminating their entire family so easily?!¡±

    So Qiu Yn postponed the matter that night, dressed up seriously and waiting for Jiang Yashuang toe over and exin to her.... But she waited and waited, and she couldn¡¯t see him even until midnight. She felt anxious, so she hurriedly made the decision. Changing the clothes, she went to cross the high wall again. Secretly going to Jiang Yashuang¡¯s room, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s was greatly shocked and got up from bed!

    ¡°How could youe here sote? Did anything happen?¡± Jiang Yashuang looked at her in surprise, ¡°Does Qiu Mengmin do something bad in desperation? How could he?¡±

    Qiu Ynined, ¡°Why didn¡¯t youe to my ce today?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was relieved, and said a little embarrassedly, ¡°I went to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe today, and I didn¡¯t finish homework in the daytime, so I have to make up at night.... After finishing all these, I suppose the time iste, I think you have settled and slept, so I don¡¯te to disturb you.¡±

    How poor a student was!

    Qiu Yn gave him a sympathetic look and said, ¡°I heard servants telling about your journey to Prince¡¯s Mansion today ¡ª How could you treat my uncle so irreverently, so does it matter?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face showed his attitude of taking it for granted, ¡°Go straight to save time, my family has always been like this.¡±

    ¡°... Emmm, to threaten him about killing the whole family... seems too straight?¡± Qiu Yn looked dumbfounded for a long time, and said, ¡°Anyhow, he¡¯s still a noble?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang disagreed and said, ¡°He has no power in hand and also with no deep foundation... so you know he has only the name. Besides, this time he has no reason to do this. If the trouble were taken seriously, the Empress Dowager Gu could even not guarantee that he would not be unduked.¡±

    All right, the nobles who had only honorable title but no strength were paper tigers.

    Qiu Yn silently shed tears of sadness for herself, and suddenly said, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just let him unduked?¡±

    ¡°Then Empress Dowager Gu would be happy.¡± Jiang Yashuang chuckled lightly. ¡°The husband of Empress Dowager¡¯s daughter Princess Xingkang, Marquess Zhang, Kuang Shihan, is now in the post of general of Zhenxi. And it was your grandfather General Ruan¡¯s position. This army of Zhenxi was cast by your grandfather Duke of Xihe and General Ruan. Even if Kuang Shihan has been cultivating loyal followers in the dozens of years, it is still impossible to rece the entire army. So, there are always people who are still loyal to your family.¡±

    ¡°Wait! You mean, after my grandfather was defeated that year, he was seeded by Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s son-inw?!¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s face changed, ¡°What had he done before then?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang nced at her, ¡°He was also one of the generals of Zhenxi Army, only under General Ruan, and he was even higher than your father¡¯s status in the army... This was because General Ruan and the old Duke of Xihe stipted that all positions would be taken in the military only based on talents, instead of any status.¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯splexion changed for a moment, then she asked, ¡°My grandfather was defeated at that time... did this rted Kuang Shihan being the general of Zhenxiter?¡±

    ¡°If General Ruan was not disastrously defeated, and his children and grandchildren were notpletely dead and wounded, even though Kuang Shihan was the second highest position in the army in that time only below the General Ruan, he would have been absolutely impossible to control Zhenxi army like this now.¡± Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°It¡¯s an obvious thing ¡ª Further, it was General Ruan who brought Kuang Shihan up, otherwise General Ruan wouldn¡¯t close the door and refuse to meet with any guest after being punished, even to some many years old fellows.¡±

    ¡°No wonder General¡¯s Mansion is so cold and cheerless that we could meet no one during the holidays.¡± Qiu Yn bit her lip and thought quickly. ¡°Obviously, if Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t lie to me, the previous General Ruan¡¯s failure should me on Empress Dowager Gu. The purpose of her was to fight for the forces in the army and to contend with the Jiang Family. Zhenbei Army has Sir Jibei and the Great General of North, Empress Dowager Gu can¡¯t even get into it, so she hit the idea of the Zhenxi Army! Poor General Ruan! He devoted his whole life to the country on the battlefield, but he finally fell because of the dirty politics!¡±

    Thinking of it here, she felt a little strange, ¡°Since this Kuang Shihan was taught by General Ruan, why didn¡¯t Empress Dowager Gu directly cozy up to General Ruan? General Ruan was said to have a bad rtionship with Marquess Qin, why didn¡¯t he be friend with Empress Dowager? Even if he didn¡¯t agree to be friend, he should be a neutral party.... Isn¡¯t Xue Chang be neutral now? Was my grandfather¡¯s political talent so poor?¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn pondering, Jiang Yashuang said softly, ¡°Since Princess Ruan didn¡¯t tell you about these past events, I think you don¡¯t have to care about it so much after knowing it.... Further, Kuang Shihan is so strong and powerful now, even though Jiang Family could not definitely prevail over him. So it¡¯s not a simple matter to counter with him. We¡¯d better prepare for it gradually.¡±

    Then he added, ¡°So, we actually don¡¯t want to unduke Qiu Mengmin, unless this is thest choice. Although Empress Dowager Gu can¡¯t let him restore Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe¡¯s influence on the Zhenxi Army, keeping him always allows Empress Dowager Gu and Kuang Shihan do not dare to believe the Zhenxi Army.¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°Don¡¯t dare to believe it? However, my father Prince, my uncle, cousin, so many people had died in the battlefield. Was it really our two families are so unblessed and unlucky? I think it should be my grandfather, he should not believe in Zhenxi army.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°You are too underestimating your two families¡¯ power! Let me tell you the truth, just Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, how much of its industry today, you have any idea about it?¡±

    ¡°Two or three million taels I guess.¡± Qiu Yn said, ¡°That¡¯s what I heard.¡±

    ¡°Outsiders know this number.¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°But is it possible? Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was not entitle the noble name by Emperor Gaozu, but everyone knows it is because the aged emperor deliberately leaving this chance to show the trust and honor to the young sessor Gaozong. From Emperor Gaozong to the former emperor to the present emperor, apart from the eleven years since the death of your father, the royal rewards had never been stopped. Also, no prodigal children squandering the family fortune. So, only considering the general¡¯s sry and other awards granted by emperors, it should be more than this number.¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°Are you saying that Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe concealing many industries secretly in the dark?¡±

    ¡°Not ¡®many¡¯, but I mean ¡®the most of it¡¯ may be hidden in the dark.¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°This has been guessed by people for decades. After all, the ancestor of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was a famous general at the founding of the country. You know the war, the rule is after seizing the city and looting thend, as the general, you will always be able to share some benefits.... Also, Qiu Family has never had a big family. Since the establishment of the Prince ¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, at most it had only three sons in a generation, and there is rule that children who were gave birth by concubines cannot share the wealth of the family. I remember that someone in my family had calcted for your family before, that your family¡¯s real amount of wealth, is more than dozens of million?¡±

    When he said this, Qiu Yn looked at him strangely, and he was surprised, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°... Nothing.¡± Qiu Yn turned away her eyes immediately.

    But Jiang Yashuang understood in an instant that his gentle smile at the corner of his mouth could not help but freeze, and he said in a deep voice, ¡°Do you think I propose a marriage to you just for the industry of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe?!¡±

    ¡°You think too much, I am merely surprised that Prince¡¯s Mansion actually hid so many industries, but I have never heard.¡± Qiu Yn grumbled slightly on the face, but secretly thought, ¡°I am wondering why you insist so much to take care of this matter, now the answer is you are going for this great wealth!¡±

    Although she had long suspected that Jiang Yashuang insisted on being responsible for her is for some unknown reasons, but after discovering it, she still felt a little sorrowful, her beautiful appearance and smart could still notpeting with the great wealth... and Jiang Yashuang had never admitted that he loved her even once.... Even if she hasn¡¯t grown to the most amorous age, but how could she be so unattractive?

    Such a sense of failure....

    Sheined from deep of her heart here, but she just listened to Jiang Yashuang¡¯s coldly saying, ¡°If I, or Jiang Family wanted to seize the property of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, there would be countless opportunities in the past eleven years! I don¡¯t need to take my life-long event as the price!¡±

    Looking at his expression of ¡°you are insulting me,¡± Qiu Yn hummed in her heart and said, ¡°You really think too much, I don¡¯t even know where those industries are. If I couldn¡¯t take it, how could you get them? Mere three million taels, I think it¡¯s not worthy for you to care about it.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang gave her a deep look, apparently disbelieving her exnation, and he only coldly said, ¡°The night is deep, I send you back!¡±

    Actually he directly asked her to leave!

    Qiu Yn secretly gritted her teeth, ¡°No need, I¡¯ll go by myself!¡±

    Why it was you who were angry¡ª to think about the process of you bringing up proposal, why shouldn¡¯t I doubt you!

 Chapter 108 - How Dare You Insult My Cousin! I Will Kill You!

    <h4>Chapter 108 How Dare You Insult My Cousin! I Will Kill You!</h4>

    Although Qiu Yn refused over and over again, Jiang Yashuang suppressed his anger and followed behind without saying a word.

    Both felt s/he was the wronged one. Although they were walking through the garden in the courtyard one after another, they didn¡¯t speak to each other.

    They heard a voice nearby when walking through a corridor. Jiang Yashuang whispered, ¡°It seems that my brother ising back from his entertainment... Let¡¯s shelter somewhere.¡±

    Qiu Yn ignored him, but followed him into the shadow of the rockery outside the corridor.

    After a moment, Jiang Yadan, who was supported by Jiang Gan, staggered through the corridor. Jiang Gan whispered, ¡°Young master, are you going to Young Madame¡¯s room or Mistress Lu¡¯s?¡±

    ¡°Lvzhan¡¯s. Tell Madame to cover up for me.¡± said Jiang Yadan vaguely, ¡°In case grandfather knows that I almost stayed at ¡®Jinpa Pavilion¡¯ tonight....¡±

    He yed outside and came back to sleep with a concubine but let his wife lie to his elders. A genuine scum!

    Qiu Yn cursed in mind and red at Jiang Yashuang: As the saying goes, siblings are alike. She was almost deceived by the kind and honest appearance of this guy, thinking he was really full of moral integrity!

    Jiang Yashuang seemed to have perceived her thoughts. He hummed when Jiang Yadan left, ¡°Why did you look at me when you heard what my brother said? I¡¯m not like him!¡±

    ¡°In what way aren¡¯t you like him?¡± Qiu Yn sneered. ¡°You are brothers. Even if you didn¡¯t look like each other, you were resembled by one another in many ways!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Jiang Yashuang felt a little stuffy in the chest and said sulkily, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    So both returned to silence. Nothing else happened. The wall was almost in sight. Qiu Yn sped up her pace and wanted to throw Jiang Yashuang behind. She ran only a few steps further when she suddenly heard a dead thud from her feet and felt a sudden pain in the left ankle!

    ¡°Uh!¡± Qiu Yn suppressed the scream behind her lips. She staggered and took hold of a tree on the way before she kept her footing. Looking back, she saw something like a box lying where she had just stepped over. A mechanical structure among the crushed parts was exposed there. It must be a trap.

    Noticing that there was something wrong, Jiang Yashuang, who was a few steps behind, caught up and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me there are traps!¡± Qiu Yn was so painful that the left leg was senseless below the knee. Cold sweat was rolling down the corner of her robe. However, what was even stronger than the pain was the grievance. She almost wailed, ¡°Why are you like this!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was taken aback: ¡°Where¡¯s the trap?¡± He looked down and frowned, ¡°It was not supposed to be set here. This is a device used for hunting in the woods... Why is it here? Was it inadvertently lost?¡±

    Seeing that Qiu Yn tried her best to endure but was still in tears, he said, ¡°I will definitely investigate this matter tomorrow. How is your injury? Let me have a look!¡±

    ¡°How is it? I won¡¯t die anyway!¡± Qiu Yn felt gloomy all the way and now she was met with such a mishap. She was so depressed that she wanted to bump into a wall. When Jiang Yashuang asked, she immediately said, ¡°Anything nice to see?! You are not a doctor! Even if you were, could it get better with a look? ¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sighed and knelt down on one knee. He gently flicked her skirt aside. Seeing the bleeding on her sock, he frowned. He carefully pulled down the sock and saw arge ck patch on the swollen ankle. It looked terrible against the white skin around. The spot directly hit by the trap in the middle was badly mutted!

    He stared at it for a moment and said in a deep voice, ¡°Just hold on. Let me see if there is any injury in the bone!¡± Then he pressed lightly. Immediately, Qiu Yn screamed in a deep voice. Trembling, she scolded, ¡°Do you want to kill me?!¡±

    ¡°The bones should be fine.¡± Jiang Yashuang let out a sigh of relief and said softly, ¡°I remember there is a gazebo nearby. Let me help you sit over there first and I will get the medicine!¡±

    Qiu Yn was leaning feebly on the tree. She said hatefully, ¡°It was all because of you! If you didn¡¯t follow me, I wouldn¡¯t have to run just now!¡±

    Her unreasonable conduct actually made the atmosphere between them rxed. Jiang Yashuang stood up, showing a look of embarrassment, ¡°Why did you run? We were not yet under the wall.¡±

    ¡°You were like a puppet following me all the way. I was annoyed when I saw you!¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s bad temper was exposed when she was annoyed. She said angrily, ¡°I wanted to go back early to avoid seeing you. Was I wrong?¡±

    ¡°... No, you were not wrong. It was my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have talked to you on the way.¡± Jiang Yashuang, who had arge womenfolk in the family, had long learned not to reason with girls, especially girls who were being angry. He sighed, ¡°Okay, let me help you to the gazebo. The injury needs to be treated immediately.¡±

    Qiu Yn was finally coaxed into calmness. Jiang Yashuang half-supported and half-carried her to the gazebo and hurried back to his yard to fetch the medicine. Thank goodness, no one found them. After the medicine was applied onto the injury, Qiu Yn finally felt better and smiled, ¡°Thank you... Wait!¡±

    She froze suddenly, ¡°How can I go back?¡±

    They looked at the high wall in the distance and her bandaged ankles... After a moment of silence, Jiang Yashuang coughed, ¡°As a matter of expediency, shall I... carry you over?¡±

    Qiu Yn said angrily, ¡°I don¡¯t want that!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said embarrassedly, ¡°I don¡¯t mean to offend you, but how can you get over now?¡±

    Another moment of silence....

    Seeing Qiu Yn gnawing at her lip, Jiang Yashuang knew that she was embarrassed and said in a soft voice, ¡°Or shall I ask someone to clean up a yard so that you can put up for the night?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Qiu Yn objected immediately, ¡°I don¡¯t want to stay here!¡±

    ¡°Then I can only send you over.¡± Jiang Yashuang spread his hands and said, ¡°It¡¯s nighttime... I couldn¡¯t possibly call at the door. I don¡¯t care, but what about you?¡±

    You fool! Qiu Yn growled silently in her heart: Don¡¯t you know that girls should be reserved? If I agreed when you say you want to carry me, isn¡¯t that a damage to my status!

    It seems inappropriate to climb the wall in the middle of the night, but it was all because of you. Now, if you were really considerate, you should carry me over without hesitation. I would yell at you afterwards to prove that I am a pure and noble good girl who values the morals between men and women. And now you are waiting for my permission. Do you have brains?

    Jiang Yashuang might have heard theints in her heart. He whispered ¡°Sorry!¡± Leaning over, he held Qiu Yn horizontally into his arms!

    Although they had embraced each other tightly due to the situation before, they were both focused on not being discovered and there was no way to be graceful.

    This was the first time Jiang Yashuang had taken the initiative to carry Qiu Yn, though there was a reason. The girl¡¯s soft body was tightly nestled in his arms. Because of the sudden rise, she subconsciously grasped his coat. Her movement and the scent from her nose made his heart pounding fast. He froze for a while when he picked her up.

    ¡°If you dared say anything...¡± Qiu Yn clenched her teeth weakly into his ears. This was the first time she had been so close to a man other than a blood rtive. On normal days, it was not difficult for Qiu Yn to adjust quickly. But she was inevitably impetuous with the sessive blows tonight. Seeing Jiang Yashuang¡¯s gaffe at this moment, she also felt very embarrassed.

    So she pinched Jiang Yashuang to cover up her own embarrassment, ¡°Did you get that?¡±

    ¡°Am I so stupid?¡± Jiang Yashuang was awakened by her pinch. He calmed down, smiled awkwardly and walked towards the high wall.

    Behind the wall was a big wood belonging to the prince¡¯s mansion. It looked nice in the daytime but frightful and weird in the night.

    ¡°It is such a long way from here to your yard. Weren¡¯t you scared when you came over tonight?¡± Jiang Yashuang walked sideways from time to time so that Qiu Yn wouldn¡¯t be scratched by the branches. After a moment of walking, both could feel each others¡¯ temperature through the thin summer clothes. The silence and dimness around them seemed to be brewing some kind of romance. Inexplicably, Jiang Yashuang felt a bit dry in his mouth. He suppressed his panic and asked.

    Qiu Yn snorted: ¡°What¡¯s so scary about being remote? The cruelty in the noisy world is life-threatening!¡± How many people in the previous life knelt in vain for a remote and uninhabited ce!

    But the words had a different meaning in Jiang Yashuang¡¯s ears. He was silent for a while, ¡°I know that although the situation is better for you than before, you still have to guard against arrows shot from behind. Think twice when anything crops up. I want to marry you, but have no intention for the property of your family. My grandfather told me that both the property of your family and that of our family had been earned with life on the battlefield. Our family also rose from the army. Although there is no friendship between the families of the Qius and the Ruans, as the saying goes, all beings grieve for their fellow beings, we have more opportunities to seek fortune elsewhere and there is no point in bullying orphans and widows.¡±

    Qiu Yn was about to speak when suddenly Jiang Yashuang stopped and backed off quickly. At the same time, Qiu Yn was changed from a horizontal hold to a one-handed hold by his left arm. A dazzling gleam shed out of his right sleeve. A soft sword had been outstretched and pointed directly behind the tree not far in front, ¡°Who? Come out!¡±

    The two were wondering whether it was Qiu Mengmin when a young man dressed in ck turned out from behind the tree. Qiu Yn was almost scared to death, ¡°Cooooooousin?!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan¡¯s face was exposed in the cold moonlighting through the shade of the trees. There was not a trace of expression on his face, but behind the eyes was an endless storm, ¡°Before I start, you better exin what is going on!¡±

    ¡°Cousin, you must believe me, this is a misunderstanding...¡± Qiu Yn was interrupted by Ruan Qingyan, who pulled out a long knife from his waist, ¡°I am not asking you!¡±

    Having recognized it was Ruan Qingyan, Jiang Yashuang let down the tip of his sword, looked down a bit and said, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi was identally injured and could note back over the wall, so I am helping her.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ste in the middle of the night! Why isn¡¯t my cousin in her boudoir, but in your ce?! You must be lusting after my cousin and seducing her for her ignorance!¡± Ruan Qingyan¡¯s eyes almost burst, ¡°I had wanted you to die instantly without much pain. Since you refuse to tell the truth, I will peel you alive tonight!¡±

    With the words, the long knife was thrust out like a gust of wind!

    Jiang Yashuang waved his soft sword to block it. He frowned and shouted, ¡°You cousin went to see me for some reason....¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing more than being forced by you!¡± Ruan Qingyan was now not interested in talking to him. He gnashed his teeth, ¡°You dare insult my cousin! I will let you know in a moment what it is like to be peeled and cut into pieces!¡±

    Qiu Yn, who was tightly held in Jiang Yashuang¡¯s arms and was unable to move, could only watch the fight. She tried to exin, ¡°I have done nothing with him! Cousin, he was really sending me back!¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Ruan Qingyan shouted angrily, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid! I¡¯ll kill him immediately!¡±

    I¡¯m not afraid of him at all! I¡¯m afraid of you now!

    Qiu Yn was about to continue to exin when she suddenly saw a ck shadow behind Ruan Qingyan. She blurted out subconsciously, ¡°Cousin! Watch your back!¡±

    ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi, which side are you on?!¡± Having been found out, the dark figure knew that the attack could not bepleted and appeared resentfully,ining while raising his sword into the battle, ¡°Didn¡¯t you see your cousin had taken the upper hand because my brother is holding you?¡±

    ¡°Brother?!¡± This time it was Jiang Yashuang who was startled. He asked with uncertainty, ¡°Why are you here?! Didn¡¯t you return to your room?¡±

 Chapter 109 - Dont You Care About Her Baby?!

    <h4>Chapter 109 Don¡¯t You Care About Her Baby?!</h4>

    ¡°If I went to Lvzhan¡¯s room, how could you hold Commandery Princess Ningyi in your arms?¡± Jiang Yadan shocked everybody as soon as he opened his mouth. And he scolded his brother angrily, ¡°Your sweetheart came to you in the middle of the night and you didn¡¯t keep her for the night. Why did you give up the opportunity? You did the samest time at Yunyi Restaurant! Are you a man of our family!¡±

    Both Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn were petrified, ¡°You put the trap there?¡±

    ¡°Of course I did it!¡± Jiang Yadan was not ashamed of being exposed on the spot, but said proudly, ¡°Now that you two love each other, what are you waiting for? Isn¡¯t it a nice thing to be intimate early? Both of you are like puppets. You are not tired, but all the brothers and sisters are tired of watching!¡±

    Qiu Yn was dumbfounded, grabbing at Jiang Yashuang¡¯s robe and asked frantically, ¡°Did the whole family see me when I was there?¡± Even if she were short of moral integrity, how could she get along in the world now that she had lost face in front of the whole family?

    Jiang Yashuang was going crazy. He didn¡¯t care about fighting with Ruan Qingyan. Anyway, Jiang Yadan had taken over. He looked around breathlessly for a moment and said in relief, ¡°No, just him!¡±

    At this time, the other two were fighting fiercely. Jiang Yadan, who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and had been indulged in alcohol and women, was obviously no opponent of Ruan Qingyan, who had a rough life and had been struggling all the way. He was forced to retreat in a flurry just after several encounters.

    But instead of asking Jiang Yashuang for help, he jumped to one side and yelled at Ruan Qingyan, ¡°What do you mean, Ruan Qingyuan? It¡¯s a nice chance for my brother and your cousin to be intimate for a while. You can go to the ¡®Jinpa Pavilion¡¯ to sleep with the belle there when you have nothing to do. Peni Yue is even willing to pay you. You should be there but why are you here to disturb others? Don¡¯t you think you¡¯ve gone too far?¡±

    He did not care about Qiu Yn¡¯s fame at all. Ruan Qingyan was so angry that he almost dropped his knife, ¡°You two bastards! How can a girl from a decent family meet with someone in the middle of the night? What¡¯s more, my cousin is still in the mourning period! You are men of a noble family and have no worries, but you ruined my cousin! If I did not kill you today, I swear...¡±

    ¡°Who are bastards?¡± Jiang Yadan was furious. ¡°I am lustful, but I haven¡¯t gone so far as to take advantage of my brother! You ask your cousin, have I seen her before except at the court? As for my brother, if he were a bastard, why should Ie to help him in the middle of the night instead of enjoying being with my wife and concubines? If you didn¡¯te tonight, my brother would send your cousin to her room without being noticed. If your cousin¡¯s fame were ruined, it should be all because of you!¡±

    Damn you! I would have knelt for you if I hadn¡¯t got injured in the ankle and were not being held by Jiang Yashuang. So a qualified good brother of yours should be a bastard!

    Jiang Yashuang also had an urge to vomit blood, ¡°Brother, what are you talking about!¡± And then he said to Ruan Qingyan, ¡°Hanlin Ruan, all this happened unexpectedly today. It is easy to cause misunderstanding. But it wouldn¡¯t help if you continued to fight. Why not stop and listen to our exnation?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan was shaking with rage. Taking advantage of the situation, Jiang Yadan, who managed not to be wounded, said, ¡°Right! When your cousin is married to my brother, you will be his cousin-inw. If we didn¡¯t stop, wouldn¡¯t it be embarrassing when we be rtives? I know you became a Jinshi and entered the Imperial Academy at such a young age and think that you are a talent. How could you be so stupid? If it were not for my would-be sister-inw, I would kill you for what you have done today!¡±

    Stimted by Jiang Yadan, Ruan Qingyan, who was already crazy, went ballistic. With his attainments in martial arts, the result was that, barely had Jiang Yadan stopped talking, he was shed to fly a long distance away with his sword, breaking three or four trees that were as thick as the diameter of a rice bowl and falling heavily on the ground. Hey there still, like a corpse.

    Seeing this, both Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn were frightened, ¡°Cousin?¡±

    ¡°Brother!¡± In a hurry, Jiang Yashuang took off his robe, spread it on the ground and put Qiu Yn on it, ¡°Sit here. Let me go and see my brother!¡±

    Qiu Yn waspletely stunned this time. Although Jiang Yadan was not a good man, his identity as Marquess Qin¡¯s grandson, Empress Jiang¡¯s nephew, the eldest son of Great General of North... If he were killed or even injured severely by Ruan Qingyan, how would he deal with it?

    Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t even look at the brothers. He put his knife back into the sheath and walked over to help her, ¡°Where is the injury? Does it matter?¡±

    ¡°Go quickly!¡± How could Qiu Yn care about her own injury now? Pushing his hand away, she whispered, ¡°Leave quickly while Jiang Yashuang is taking care of Jiang Yadan....¡±

    ¡°Never mind.¡± Ruan Qingyan sneered, his eyes filled with the intention to kill, ¡°I¡¯ll kill both...¡±

    ¡°You stupid thing!¡± The sentence was interrupted by Jiang Yadan¡¯s voice of scolding in the distance. ¡°You forgot the silk armor on me? How could he hurt me with such a thrust... hiss... I was waiting for you to trick him over... hiss... so that I could attack... hiss... And you ran over alone!¡±

    Jiang Yadan was obviously very disappointed and angry now. Rising up with Jiang Yashuang¡¯s help, he shook his head and sighed, ¡°Howe I have such a stupid brother!¡±

    ¡°Since you are fine, you may go now.¡± He was not happy, and Jiang Yashuang was also choked. When he stood up, he immediately withdrew his hand and said nkly.

    ¡°... Fortunately, it¡¯s okay!¡± Jiang Yadan recovered after staggering two steps. Obviously he was not seriously injured. Qiu Yn sighed with relief, ¡°Cousin knew how to act properly.¡±

    However, seeing Ruan Qingyan straighten up, he pulled out the knife again, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that you are wearing a silk armor. But I promise to kill you with one more stroke!¡±

    ¡°Cousin, don¡¯t do it!¡± Bleeding in the mouth, Qiu Yn grasped his sleeve firmly, ¡°This is really a misunderstanding! Allow me to exin!¡±

    It was not easy for you to pass the imperial examination to be a Jinshi and enter the Hanlin Academy. Beautiful girls and great honors are waiting for you. How can you be so impulsive! Where is your wisdom?!

    ¡°Ruan Qingyuan, did you see it?¡± She dragged her cousin, but another man was not stopped at all. Jiang Yadan walked over and sneered, ¡°If your cousin were not fond of my brother, why should she try her best to stop you? One of them is willing to hug and the other is willing to be hugged. Even Qiu Mengmin and his wife, who raise your cousin, said nothing. You are only her cousin. Why should youe to break them up? Besides, if you really cared about your cousin, you should know that your cousin will be married into our family sooner orter. Now you have offended my brother and me. Aren¡¯t you afraid that we will turn on your cousin in the future?¡±

    He seemed to be full of sincerity and affection, ¡°Do you know how to be a cousin-inw? Our family is so prominent. However, when I see my brothers-inw, I will have to restrain a little in case my sisters suffer. You...¡±

    ¡°Crash!¡±

    Hardly had Jiang Yadan finished speaking when Ruan Qingyan cut off the sleeve pulled by Qiu Yn from behind and rushed towards him with the knife!

    ¡°Brother, you get off!¡± Seeing this, Jiang Yashuang stepped forward quickly, squeezed his brother aside and waved the soft sword like a snake, holding back the de that was cutting down straight!

    In terms of age, Jiang Yashuang was more than ten years younger than Jiang Yadan; in terms of martial arts, Jiang Yashuang, who was disciplined and diligent, was much more powerful than Jiang Yadan. Earlier, within three rounds, Jiang Yadan could only defend from Ruan Qingyan. But when Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t have to worry about Qiu Yn, he was even able to fight with Ruan Qingyan for a long while.

    ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi, are you going to let them fight until dawn?¡± Seeing that he couldn¡¯t even get in, Jiang Yadan watched the battle for a moment and quietly moved to Qiu Yn, whispering, ¡°Come on! Find a way!¡±

    Qiu Yn held the sleeve cut off by Ruan Qingyan and said in frustration, ¡°How could I stand by if I had a way?¡± She couldn¡¯t help butin, ¡°I never offended you. Why did you set the trap to hurt me? If I were not injured now, I could go up and stop!¡±

    Jiang Yadan didn¡¯t feel that he was doing anything wrong, ¡°My brother doesn¡¯t understand amorous feelings at all under the instruction of the elders. If you were not injured, even if you climbed the wall a hundred times, believe it or not, he wouldn¡¯t know how to be intimate with you.¡±

    ¡°... I don¡¯t want him to be intimate with me at all!¡± Qiu Yn simply wanted to vomit blood, ¡°I went to him for business!¡±

    You almost made meme and were found out by my cousin. Do you want me to thank you? !

    ¡°So, a girl always needs to cover up a bit even if she is willing.¡± Jiang Yadan, who must have given all his morals to his younger brother, said with certainty, ¡°So when a man does not understand and is serious with you, there is no way even if you are impatient.¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at him and sighed after a while, murmuring ¡°I suddenly wished that my cousin had chopped you to death....¡±

    Jiang Yadan nodded in agreement, ¡°You would feel embarrassed if you didn¡¯t curse me now.¡±

    ¡°It is improper for men and women to be too close to one another. Please stay away from me!¡± Qiu Yn said expressionlessly. Although this sentence might have no influence on her, with her cousin on the spot, topete morals with him at this time was to seek trouble when she was to be scolded back home!

    But Jiang Yadan pretended not to hear and still talked eloquently, ¡°Although this is a secluded ce, the guards of the two families are not dead. If the fight goes on, people from both sides wille and see. My brother and I don¡¯t care. But I am afraid you and your cousin... you, in particr, will be disgraced.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought about the consequences and felt a shiver. She no longer drove him but asked, ¡°So what do you suggest?¡±

    ¡°You persuade your cousin to stop!¡± Jiang Yadan frowned. ¡°We don¡¯t want to fight but are forced by your cousin. Don¡¯t you see it? It is the first time we have endured. We made trouble at other times. Who was bold enough to fight with us? This is all for you!¡±

    ¡°I dragged him just now. Why must you stimte him!¡± Qiu Yn said angrily, ¡°You see he has even cut his sleeves. I can¡¯t walk now. What can I do? Can I call to stop them? The guards maye sooner.¡±

    Jiang Yadan tutted, ¡°Then you have no other choice? You looked smart at the Court Assembly that day, so you shouldn¡¯t be so stupid. Can¡¯t you manage such a small thing?¡±

    Qiu Yn vomited a bit of blood and said angrily, ¡°Then you tell me, what can I do here now?! Shall I roll on the ground like a three-year-old kid, begging them not to fight?!¡±

    She had barely stopped when Jiang Yadan¡¯s eyes lit up and he talked to himself, ¡°A kid? I almost forgot this trick!¡±

    Next moment, before Qiu Yn, who realized what was to happen, could stop him, Jiang Yashaung, the unscrupulous guy, turned his head and shouted to Ruan Qingyan, ¡°Ruan Qingyuan, even if you don¡¯t care about the injury to your cousin¡¯s foot, don¡¯t you care about the baby in her belly?¡±

    ¡°I will kill you!¡± Qiu Yn shouted hysterically, ¡°You deserve being ughtered a thousand times!¡±

 Chapter 110 - I will be at daggers drawn with you all my life!

    <h4>Chapter 110 I will be at daggers drawn with you all my life!</h4>

    ¡°Cousin, listen to me, that Jiang Yadan is absolutely talking nonsense! You know that he is not a good man. How could you believe what he said?¡± A tearful Qiu Yn lifted Ruan Qingyan from the grass. Jiang Yadan¡¯s voice shouted the already fierce battle directly into the end. If Jiang Yashuang, who also wore a silk armor, had not stopped at the crucial moment, the two would both have died tonight!

    Even though, each of them had suffered a ruthless blow from the other. Now they were either vomiting blood or in aa, losing theirbat power for the while.

    Seeing this scene, Qiu Yn skipped towards Ruan Qingyan on one foot without hesitation. Ruan Qingyan would not go into aa even after spitting a few mouthfuls of blood. He felt her pulse to see if she was pregnant. He took a long breath and wanted to say something. However, he just moved his thin lips stained with blood and tilted his head!

    ¡°Cousin?!¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s voice changed into a terrified tone. Then she found that he had just fainted and felt at ease again.

    On the other side, Jiang Yadan, worriedly, also woke up Jiang Yashuang, ¡°How are you doing now? Does it matter?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang gasped for a while and said weakly, ¡°Ruan Qingyan¡¯s internal strength is extremely powerful... The silk armor seems to be ruined. I am in an awful state now, and I am afraid I will have to rest for a few days.¡±

    ¡°You ain¡¯t die?¡± Jiang Yadan immediately stretched his eyebrows and said in a low voice, ¡°Then I¡¯ll tell you something important....¡±

    Jiang Yashuang asked weakly, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Just now you and Ruan Qingyan almost died together. But Commandery Princess Ningyi ran to see her cousin, not you!¡± Jiang Yadan obviously clenched his teeth, ¡°It¡¯s just too much!¡±

    ¡°After all, they are blood rtives.¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed softly. He was disappointed in the heart, but thinking that he had no official rtionship with Qiu Yn and their emotions towards each other were still vague, he could find no reason to me Qiu Yn.

    Jiang Yadan said angrily, ¡°Blood rtives? If they were blood rtives, why should Ruan fight with us so desperately? Wasn¡¯t he forcing us to give his cousin an identity?! I think they want to marry each other!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was weak and ufortable all over now. He knew that his brother was not very reliable and ignored his remark, saying, ¡°I¡¯m not feeling well. Would you go and find two men to help me...¡± He paused, ¡°And send Ruan Qingyan away and get a tight-lipped maid to send Commandery Princess Ningyi back to her room. Don¡¯t let anyone know what happened here tonight.¡±

    ¡°You allow the woman you like to value someone else more than you?¡± said Jiang Yadan sullenly, ¡°You don¡¯t see it as a shame but I do!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said sulkily, ¡°If you talked nonsense again, I would probably have to die!¡±

    ¡°Even though the silk armor was destroyed, it protected you. You ain¡¯t die now!¡± Jiang Yadan snorted. ¡°You were beaten by the rival and were willing to watch the little Commandery Princess taking care of him.... Never have we had such a big shame! If you are still my brother, you should save the face!¡±

    ¡°I....¡± Jiang Yashuang was helpless to this brother who was full of jealousy. He was about to continue to urge him to go back and get help when Jiang Yandan, who had hoped that his brother would be a qualified man of the Jiang¡¯s family, disyed his fairness to the younger brother and the would-be sister-inw. Following his trap to cripple the would-be sister-inw, he kicked Jiang Yashuang so heavily that he lost consciousness instantly.

    Then, the unscrupulous brother who was skilled at performance ¡°panicked¡± and shouted to Qiu Yn, ¡°Your Grace! Come over and have a look! My brother is dying!¡±

    I don¡¯t believe that you won¡¯te over... If so, there¡¯s no need for such a younger sister-inw!

    Sure enough, Qiu Yn was shocked, ¡°What?! How could it be?!¡± The Jiangs will definitely take revenge on us....

    So she limped to Jiang Yashuang¡¯s side and looked. His face was pale and the blood stains on his lips were obvious, but it was clear that he was breathing smoothly. He was badly wounded but would never die.

    Jiang Yadan calmly met her angry eyes and admitted frankly that he had lied to her, ¡°My brother fainted first. Why should you see Ruan first?¡±

    ¡°I beg you to go to hell!¡± Qiu Yn broke outpletely, ¡°Here are the four of us now. You would definitely take care of your younger brother. Why shouldn¡¯t I see my cousin first?!¡±

    There was simply something wrong with the guy! No need for identification, sure!

    He¡¯s always so jealous. No wonder Marquess Qin was strict with Jiang Yashuang, otherwise, the fourth branch of the Jiangs would have no hope for the future with such an eldest son.

    However, Jiang Yadan said eloquently, ¡°If you were willing to take care of my brother, I would care for Ruan on your behalf!¡±

    ¡°You would take care of my cousin?!¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°It would be good if you didn¡¯t take the opportunity to trample him! I know you are narrow-minded and wouldn¡¯t let anyone go!¡±

    ¡°I would also trample my brother!¡± Jiang Yadan said proudly, ¡°He woke up just now and now he passed out because I trampled him!¡±

    Qiu Yn felt for the first time in her life that she was so full of mercy. She looked at Jiang Yadan in disbelief, ¡°He can¡¯t be your brother! He must have been picked up from somewhere!¡±

    ¡°I helped him because he¡¯s my brother!¡± Jiang Yadan sneered. ¡°How did he attend to you just now when you hurt your ankle? Do you know that the only elders he has served in our family are our grandfather and grandmother? Now, he is injured. You didn¡¯t even look at him with the corner of your eyes but ran to take care of the culprit Ruan Qingyan! Do you have conscience?¡±

    Qiu Yn was about to speak, but Jiang Yadan wouldn¡¯t give her a chance. He raised his voice, ¡°Even if you have no conscience, don¡¯t you know that you should save face for your man in front of others?! Ruan Qingyan is not good a cousin-inw, and you are not a good woman! My brother would have been ruined by the two of you if there had been others here. Fortunately, you can¡¯t move over now. I think I¡¯ll have to find time to tell Shao Yuemei to be strict with you! Otherwise...¡±

    ¡°Now that your brother and my cousin have stopped fighting, do you think it¡¯s not lively enough?¡± Qiu Yn now really wanted to tear him into pieces! She got hold of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s flexible sword, pointed at Jiang Yadan and shouted, ¡°If you dared talk nonsense again, I would kill you immediately!¡±

    Jiang Yadan said loudly, ¡°Dare you fight with a warrior?¡± I advise you to put down your sword. You are my brother¡¯s sweetheart and I don¡¯t wanna touch you. Naturally, I won¡¯t indulge you. If we really fight... Haha!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to kill him! I¡¯m going to kill him !¡± A momentter, Jiang Yadan finally got his men for the aftermath, Qiu Yn was also sent back to her room. She climbed onto the bed and bit at the quilt fiercely. Filled with grief and indignation, she cried, ¡°Jiang Yadan you bastard! I will be at daggers drawn with you all my life!¡±

    In fact, it wasn¡¯t just Qiu Yn who was devastated by Jiang Yadan that night. The most tragic one was Jiang Yashuang, who was sending Qiu Yn back to her room, but was stopped and beaten by Ruan Qingyan, who was eager to protect his cousin. In order to save the so-call face, he was kicked unconscious by his elder brother on the spot and was finally sent back to the yard for treatment. Waking up, he saw that the room was brightly lit and Jiang Yadan was sitting upright by the bed!

    Jiang Yashuang had already calmed down. But when he saw him, he felt the urge to vomit blood again, ¡°It¡¯s almost dawn. It is time you went back.¡±

    ¡°No need to hurry. Anyway, I can take a nap tomorrow in the pce when I am on duty.¡± Jiang Yadan snorted. ¡°I¡¯m here to tell you something when you wake up....¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Jiang Yashuang suddenly thought, ¡°Was grandmother startled tonight?!¡±

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Jiang Yadan, who had been influenced by Uncle Jiang Tianao and Aunt Yang and always had opinions on Madame Tao, would never go to see her except when necessary. He frowned, ¡°Your face ispletely lost tonight! How could I let others tell grandmother? I have given instructions to the guards that whoever dares to disclose a single word will get his family implicated.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was relieved. Jiang Yadan¡¯s threat had always worked well because anyone who knew a bit about Jiang Yadan knew that when this dude said that he was going to kill your whole family, it was possible that even your neighbors would be ughtered. He would never show any mercy at thest moment.

    ¡°If other family members knew that Commandery Princess Ningyi came over at night, there could be gossip around. It¡¯s best to cover up the matter.¡± Jiang Yashuang thought for a second and said, ¡°My injury was due to my carelessness in practicing! And I beg you to tell the doctor for me. Fortunately, grandfather is not living here. And grandmother, sister-inws and sisters do not know about martial arts and they won¡¯t find anything unusual.¡±

    Jiang Yadan sneered coldly, ¡°You are still thinking about the little Commandery Princess. I want to ask you, what are you going to do with Ruan Qingyan?¡±

    ¡°Where is he¡± Jiang Yashuang frowned and asked.

    ¡°For your sake, I had him carried to the guest room.¡± Jiang Yadan narrowed his eyes. ¡°In my opinion, his rtionship with the little Commandery Princess is not simple. Why not take this opportunity to...¡± He raised his hand and made a sharp gesture in the throat!

    ¡°Why?¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°You know I am going to marry Commandery Princes Ningyi because our family owes her so much. I must be responsible for her. If she really loved Ruan Qingyan, even if I married her by force, her heart would still belong to somebody else.¡±

    Jiang Yadan sneered, ¡°ording to what you said, you have no affection for that little Commandery Princess? Then I ask you, cousin Tao only showed admiration for you and you sent her back home. Why would you allow the little Commandery Princess to slip into your room in the middle of the night?!¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Jiang Yashuang was embarrassed and was about to exin when Jiang Yadan said again, ¡°When the little Commandery Princess was injured, how gently did you take care of her? I saw everything behind the rockwork. If you are not fond of her, why should you do that?! Have you ever been so hospitable to any of those richdies?!¡±

    Seeing Jiang Yashuang looked at him tongue-tied and didn¡¯t know what to say, Jiang Yadan smiled conceitedly, ¡°I¡¯m not as good as you at learning and martial arts. But you are no match for me in love affairs! How can you hide from me?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you touch Ruan Qingyan! He is famous for his care for Commandery Princess Ningyi. Anyone who saw the scene tonight would have done the same. It¡¯s just that Ruan Qingyan¡¯s might is beyond our expectation, so we met with a big loss.¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°What¡¯s more, he has entered Hanlin Academy at such a young age, which shows that he is a genius. The loss of such a person is also a loss to the state.¡±

    Jiang Yadan red at him, ¡°You are worried that the little Commandery Princess hates you for this? Wouldn¡¯t everything be okay if you had done that to her? All was ruined by Ruan Qingyan. But if you had been a bit sensible that time at Yunyi Restaurant, I promise she would have checked you first tonight! Don¡¯t care who¡¯s in her heart now. As long as she is yours, she will be on your side.¡±

    ¡°Is it sensible to take advantage of others¡¯ unfavorable situation?¡± Jiang Yashuang said angrily, ¡°Don¡¯t you take such messy stuff home, OK?¡±

    ¡°Am I not for you?¡± Jiang Yadan said hatefully, ¡°You are old enough to know about affairs between men and women! I don¡¯t hope you will be tricked by the little Commandery Princess!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang endured the urge to vomit blood, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have been wounded tonight if you hadn¡¯t set the trap to injure Commandery Princess Ningyi! So please, go back to Mistress Lu¡¯s room, to your wife and your mistresses... Just don¡¯t interfere with my affairs anymore, OK?¡±

    ¡°Why are you ming me?¡± Jiang Yadan was very unhappy, ¡°But how can other family members possibly help you in this kind matter? They are just having fun. Who else would help you if you don¡¯t learn from me?!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was dumbfounded, ¡°You mean all the sisters and...?!¡±

    Realizing that the whole family were hiding from him alone, even though he had always had a good temper, he couldn¡¯t help but get angry, ¡°It¡¯s my private business. What fun is there for the whole family?¡±

 Chapter 111 - The Lost Property

    <h4>Chapter 111 The Lost Property</h4>

    Old people are usually light sleepers, as was with Madame Tao.

    She woke up as usual and groomed. Then her confidant, the old maid Mom Hu, came in. After the other maids were sent away, she whispered to her what had happenedst night. Although Jiang Yadan believed that the guards dared not leak out anything, it would be ridiculous that Old Madame Tao should be deceived by a grandson in the residence.

    ¡°Does anyone else know about this?¡± Madame Tao asked, frowning.

    Hu whispered, ¡°The young master gave the ban and the younger brother found a reason that he was injured in practice... No one knows yet.¡±

    ¡°Then just treat it as if nothing happened.¡± Madame Tao said immediately.

    Seeing Mom Hu wanted to say something, Madame Tao sighed, ¡°Why? Can¡¯t you do it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that.¡± Hu responded instantly, ¡°You said it didn¡¯t happen. How could it be let out?¡± She hesitated and said, ¡°I just think the Commandery Princess next door... is not very reserved!¡±

    Madame Tao said casually, ¡°Don¡¯t care whether she is reserved or not! Anyway, my grandson is fond of her.¡±

    Hearing this, Mom Hu knew that Madame Tao liked Qiu Yn¡¯s status as a Commandery Princess and an orphan with no power behind her. She would not bring threat to Madame Tao Junior in the family, although she felt it would be unfair for Jiang Yashuang to marry such a shameless girl. She smiled, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi is so lucky and Madame is tolerant. People in other families would...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s her ability to get my grandson hooked.¡± Madame Tao sneered. ¡°I¡¯m not all for Peibin! Believe it or not, now if you go to tell him to marry someone else, he won¡¯t agree! Anyway, she¡¯s not reserved before him and she didn¡¯t have an affair with anyone else. My grandson does not care. Why do you care so much?¡±

    Mom Hu said embarrassedly, ¡°I don¡¯t mean that...¡± She thought that Commandery Princess Ningyi was only 13 years old. How could she have the skills to seduce men? It was all because she was good-looking. Jiang Yashuang was young and ignorant. He didn¡¯t know that to marry a wife was to marry her virtue. She suddenly thought of Madame Tao Junior, who was universally recognized as being virtuous, and sighed in the heart, ¡°Well, Jiang Yashuang is actually the same as Jiang Yadan. The girls they like may not necessarily have good virtues, but they must have good looks.¡±

    She didn¡¯t want to defend Jiang Yashuang anymore. Calming herself down, she asked, ¡°What if he sent someone over to inform?¡±

    ¡°I will believe whatever he says. You remember those who doubt. I¡¯ll exin for him.¡± Madame Tao said lightly. ¡°Also, tell the guards to be cautious, in case it¡¯s spread to the old residence. Don¡¯t me me for being ruthless if Chaohai got to know it!¡±

    Mom Hu replied respectfully, ¡°Got it!¡±

    Two hourster, everybody in the residence knew that Jiang Yashuang got injured in the chest while practicing martial arts and was bedridden.

    The Jiangs rose with military merits and all children were required to learn to read and write and practice martial arts. Everyone was used to the asional minor injuries. And Jiang Yashuang¡¯s maid informed with understatement. It didn¡¯t seem critical. So nobody took it seriously. They just sent the servants to have a look or sent some gifts.

    His sister-inw Madame Tao Junior and her sister Jiang Qizheng came in person, but ¡°unfortunately¡±, Jiang Yashuang happened to be asleep after taking medicine. The two asked the maid and knew that there was nothing serious and went back in relief.

    When they returned to Madame Tao, they happened to hear Jiang Qisheng saying, ¡°Has he beenzy recently? How could he get injured with a little movement in his own yard?¡±

    Both Madame Tao Junior and Jiang Qizheng were irritated and were about to lift the curtain and go inside to reason with her when they heard old Madame Tao say lukewarmly, ¡°Aren¡¯t you ashamed of saying that?! All of you were talking about his marriage and now everyone in the family knows that he is fond of the little Commandery Princess next door, but only he has been kept in the dark. Could he be happy to know it?¡±

    Did it mean that Jiang Yashuang ¡°got injured¡± this time because he got to know what his sisters-inw, sisters and cousins did behind him?

    The two looked at one another awkwardly and dared not go inside for a while.

    Inside, Jiang Qisheng felt wronged, ¡°I did nothing. They were mainly arranged by cousin Qizheng. I just joined them two times! In my opinion, Commandery Princess Ningyi is not worthy of my brother!¡±

    ¡°Is it for you to determine?¡± Madame Tao, who was in a bad mood today for some reason, was extremely rude to Jiang Qisheng. ¡°Even your parents didn¡¯t say anything over the marriage. What do you worry about? Do you know the rules Madam Shao taught you? Get lost from me. I don¡¯t want to see you now! Go back and copy Behavioral Norms of Girls ten times! Think about what Madam Shao taught you. Don¡¯t spoil your status as a decent youngdy!¡±

    Jiang Qisheng was cursed and got rather annoyed ¡°I would note anymore if you didn¡¯t like me. But you didn¡¯t have to scold me like this!¡±

    ¡°You are spoiled! Why couldn¡¯t I scold you?¡± Madame Tao raised her voice angrily. ¡°Well, then you don¡¯t need to be here with me. Go back to the old residence immediately to be with your mother in case you are wronged here!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯se againter,¡± Madame Tao Junior pulled Jiang Qizheng by the sleeve and whispered. ¡°If she came out and meets us, she might think we are here to eavesdrop!¡±

    Coming to a secluded ce, the two got worried, ¡°He knew we were asking about Commandery Princess Ningyi. What should we do now?¡±

    ¡°Or shall we start with Commandery Princess Ningyi?¡± The two took Madame Tao¡¯s words to be true and believed that Jiang Yashuang was really mad at the matter now. They felt guilty and was afraid that Jiang Yashuang would demand them for an answer when he got better. After struggling for a while, Madame Tao Junior suggested, ¡°He likes her. If she doesn¡¯t care and says a few words for us, I believe he will satisfy her.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng was embarrassed, ¡°Butst time I didn¡¯t know Mrs. Gu was deliberately bad to her and was very indifferent to her when she left. She seemed to be aware of it but ignored me. Now what should we say if we went to see her?¡±

    ¡°Is Shuijin busytely?¡± Madame Tao Junior hadn¡¯t even seen Qiu Yn. She gnawed at her lip for a while and thought of He Shuijin.

    Naturally, He Shuijin had been busy recently. The Dings and the Yangs were in a life-or-death struggle. There had been several fights between the two families. With their family status, it was unlikely that the conflict was unknown in the court. After all, it was in the capital.

    Both Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang had inquired about the process. Every time, Empress Jiang only asked He Shuijin, who knew everything in and out of the court, so it was impossible for her to focus on other things.

    In this case, Jiang Qizheng had to brace herself and go in person. She was afraid that her brother would really fall out with her. However, Qiu Mengmin and his wife almost knew nothing about it, except that Princess Chunfu sent her brother and even came in person to ask for the dowry for Qiu Yn.

    ¡°... What should we do now?¡± Princess Yang asked listlessly, ¡°The two of the Jiangs gave us only three days. The day before yesterday, Ruan the beast also said that he would bring the Fangs here three dayster. It¡¯s tomorrow!¡±

    Qiu Mengmin said after a long time of silence, ¡°What else could we do if we didn¡¯t give them what they want?¡±

    ¡°Give her?!¡± Princess Yang opened her eyes wide in astonishment. ¡°That list... It would be a million taels if you took the ie of the shops and farms over the years into ount! Now you cannot even find a tenth of that much! Shall we pay the rest? Don¡¯t forget Ruan sold arge part of her own share. Shall we make up for that too?¡±

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t pay, they would let out the secret!¡± Qiu Mengmin said expressionlessly, his facial muscles twitching constantly. ¡°Ruan¡¯s part should not be paid by us. But have you thought about it? How much is left of the old Princess¡¯ share now? Can we afford to bear the usation of embezzling the legal mother¡¯s dowry?¡±

    Princess Yang said, ¡°Just say Ruan sold it! Anyway, when she was alive, the old Princess¡¯ dowry was in her custody.¡±

    ¡°Are you stupid?¡± Qiu Mengmin said angrily, ¡°Without Princess Ruan¡¯s private seal or written confirmation, do you think we can me it on her even if she is dead? And Ruan sold her own dowry to help the General¡¯s family. Do you think Ruan Qingyan and Qiu Yn did not know that? But did you notice whether Ruan Qingyan mentioned this when he came over that day? No! Do you know why? It means this is their offer!¡±

    He gasped for a few moments and said in a trembling voice, ¡°Both the Ruans and the Lians kept the old dowry lists. Even if all our property were confiscated, we had to give Qiu Yn her share. The Ruans and Lians only sent two juniors here. Obviously they don¡¯t want to let it out! Do you think they consider it for us for nothing? They just want to turn what Ruan sold on us!¡±

    ¡°In a word, we can¡¯t reason with the Ruans and Lians and cannotpete in power with the Jiangs.¡± Qiu Mengmin said with a wan smile. ¡°Even Empress Dowager, who is now entangled in the conflicts between the Dings and the Yangs, has no time to care about us who have no real power. It¡¯s just a great loss to the property. If it gets into a life-or-death struggle, our title...¡±

    Princess Yang remained silent for a long time and muttered, ¡°But all our property adds up to no more than three million taels... and one million will be immediately allocated to that little bitch. What will we leave to our own sons Hongzhi and Yinzhi?¡±

    Qiu Mengmin rubbed his eyebrows, ¡°Burn a few warehouses tonight!¡±

    Princess Yang was startled.

    ¡°Deduct all of the old Princess¡¯ things and make up for the amount ording to the dowry lists.¡± Qiu Mengmin lowered his voice, ¡°I heard my mother say there should have been more property in the family. The old Princess might have hidden some! But it hasn¡¯t been found all these years... I had thought since Qiu Yn was thest direct heir of the old Princess, she would have told Ruan. But Ruan never admitted... Since Qiu Yn suddenly asked so many people to help her this time, I wonder whether it has anything to do with the lost property.¡±

    Princess Yang¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°How much did the old Princess hide?¡±

    ¡°Mother said that our present property is but leftoverpared with my father¡¯s times.¡± Qiu Mengmin frowned, ¡°Anyway, Qiu Yn won¡¯t leave until she has fulfilled the mourning period here. Keep an eye on her in the next two years! If the property hidden by the old Princess really got into her hands, it would be not difficult for us to find clues! The old Princess and Ruan¡¯s dowry should of course belong to her, but the property of our family has nothing to do with her!¡±

    Hearing these words, Princess Yang got fiery, ¡°Why not give the Old Princess¡¯ stuff to her so that we can keep an eye on her secretly and take action when she gets the property? If we didn¡¯t give, what if she couldn¡¯t get the property?¡±

    Qiu Mengmin sneered, ¡°Stupid! Did you forget that the Jiangs made every effort to help her? Princess Chunfu knew her for only a few days. Why should she stand up for her? I think she must have promised to divide the profit with Princess Chunfu. If the old Princess¡¯ legacy or something in the dowry is needed to get the property hidden by her, with the Jiangs¡¯ interference, how can it be left to us? So we need to be prepared just in case.¡±

 Chapter 112 - Misunderstood Hush Money

    <h4>Chapter 112 Misunderstood Hush Money</h4>

    The next day, Ruan Qingyan did note here in person. It was said that when he was ying martial arts with a guard, he was injured by the guard and had to recuperate for a few days before he could get up. However, Lian Jianhai came here apanied by his son, Lian Ding. After a few words of greeting, they brought up the business directly.

    What the father and his son of the Lian Family said was not as aggressive as Ruan Qingyan, but their polite attitude could hardly hide their toughness.

    Qiu Mengmin and his wife knew that it must have something to do with the current troubles of the Ding family and the Yang family, as well as the brothers of the Jiang family and Chunfu Princess sessively came forward to support Qiu Yn. These people and events had given the Lian family sufficient confidence. These were the people who wanted to have a closer rtionship with Qiu Yn.

    And the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe once again became their petition.

    ¡°It¡¯s a shame to say that my son¡¯s wedding is just around the corner. We are naturally very short of money at home. Two days ago, I began to take stock of the dowry of the old Princess and sister-inw Ruan. Unexpectedly it let those who betrayed their master take advantage of the loophole. Yesterday, they burned the warehouse!¡±

    Under such circumstances, although Qiu Mengmin couldn¡¯t be rude because of the identity of her official mother¡¯s family, it was difficult for his attitude to warm up. He said indifferently, ¡°I think they are afraid of being held ountable. Now the suspected servants have been tied up outside waiting to be dealt with... Fortunately, with the list of your two families, I am not afraid of wronging my niece.¡±

    When the father and his son of the Lian family heard that the warehouse was burned, they all thought that Qiu Mengmin was going to default on the bill. His face had darkened. However, there were twists and turns. Qiu Mengmin was about to admit it without even seeing the Fang family. They were relieved. They all felt that it was a good thing they came here today. It turned out that Qiu Mengmin could no longer make it.

    ¡°About that list...¡± With a sigh of relief, Lian Jianhai still worried that Qiu Mengmin implemented dying tactics. He put it off again and again. Even if he admitted it, it was tantamount to not admitting it. He took advantage of the opportunity to ask him for a specific date.

    Qiu Mengmin answered briskly, ¡°Now my son¡¯s marriage is only a few days away. Cousin, you also know that he is my eldest son. The Ding Family is now involved in the right and wrong again. If people were asked to ount for the industry at this time, the affairs of the two children would be too deste. And my niece is not yet married. I think after the bride is married, and then I¡¯ll convert it ording to the list and give it to my niece. After all, my niece will not suffer, okay?¡±

    After hearing the words, Lian Jianhai frowned for a moment, and then said, ¡°There is no loss in value, but the things left by the old Princess and Princess Ruan can be used to be missed.¡±

    When Qiu Mengmin and his wife heard this, their hearts were moved, but their faces showed a look of regret, ¡°Because I have never seen the dowry list of the old Princess and sister-inw Ruan. The old Princess died suddenly that year. Many things were not exined. So after the ledger was lost, we really don¡¯t know what belonged to our niece and which belonged to our family. Furthermore, the warehouse has been burned down now. Those things can¡¯t be checked out.¡±

    Lian Jianhai didn¡¯t know what they were nning. Firstly, what he said was perfunctory. After all, it was only natural that a woman¡¯s dowry should be left to her own flesh and blood. But nowadays, if you said bluntly, ¡°That¡¯s my money,¡± rather than said, ¡°Those are the things that my grandmother and my mother left behind to be missed.¡± which showed elegance and filial.

    Secondly, he saw that Qiu Mengmin didn¡¯t make any excuses. He suspected that he was afraid that the Jiang family would take advantage of the condition, and he wondered if he could extort hush money as well.

    Now that he saw Qiu Mengmin and his wife came up with a reason, Lian Jianhai pretends to be sad, ¡°Aren¡¯t there a few things left? Even if the value of what you supplement did not make the child aggrieved, it would not be the original thing of the old Princess and Princess Ruan, is it?¡±

    The more he said this, the more Qiu Mengmin and his wife believed that those things had something to do with the missing big-head industry of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Why were they willing to take them out? So they insisted that they had nothing. After being questioned again and again by Lian Jianhai, Qiu Mengmin simply admitted the mistake of ¡°poor safekeeping¡± and offered somepensation to the Lian family and the Ruan Family, ¡°The original thing is really unusable.¡±

    ording to Qiu Mengmin, what he said in order to close Lian Jianhai¡¯s mouth. The dowry waspensated ording to the price. Although it was not the original thing, it was alsopensated. After all, there was no dowry list before. Furthermore, Qiu Mengmin took over the Prince¡¯s Mansion halfway, and he could be forgiven for not knowing which things should be given to Qiu Yn.

    If the Ruan Family continued to insist on the original items from the Lian family, it would be too aggressive for them not to give a reason.

    Lian Jianhai did not know that he took a free ride and had such a misunderstanding. His goal was achieved. He said a few perfunctory words with satisfaction, and no longer cared about it.

    ...

    The preconceived Qiu Mengmin and his wife felt that this was because Lian Jianhai was afraid to arouse his suspicion.

    In short, both sides ended the consultation with their own minds.

    When the results of the negotiations were reported to Qiu Yn, Mrs. Zhou, Su He and others were very happy, ¡°Things are making progress!¡±

    ¡°I said in the morning that Your Grace broke her foot yesterday. The young master was actually injured by the bodyguard by ident. Could it be that the Prince was not reconciled to it, so he tampered with it?¡± Mrs. Zhou continued to say, ¡°Now it seems that bitternesses before sweetness.¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled guiltily, ¡°My injury is fine. Anyway, I don¡¯t need to go out recently... And Madam Shao¡¯s school is only a few steps away.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t do it!¡± Mrs. Zhou hurriedly said, ¡°It¡¯s okay for you to lie down these days. This time, although you don¡¯t hurt your bones, you¡¯re hurt pretty bad. If you left seque in your feet, you would be in trouble.¡±

    She scolded Su He again, ¡°Your Grace can¡¯t sleep at night and wants to go out for a walk. You should be careful with Your Grace! When Your Grace fell, you didn¡¯t wake us up right away. You didn¡¯t report it until dawn. If Your Grace hadn¡¯t protected you, I would have beaten you.¡±

    Su He cleverly admitted that she was wrong, ¡°I don¡¯t serve Your Grace well. It is all my fault.¡±

    ¡°Uh, it¡¯s not all the fault of Su He.¡± Qiu Yn shrank her head. The wound on her foot was treated by Jiang Yashuang. In order to hide from Mrs. Zhou and others, she had to quietly ask Su He as a cover.

    She was ashamed to see Su He being scolded at this moment. She quickly spoke for her, ¡°It¡¯s also my own fault. Suddenly I wanted to climb the pear tree. Su He advised me not to climb, but I didn¡¯t stop.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to nag, but Your Grace is very precious. The former prince and the former princess are dead. If you don¡¯t take care of yourself....¡± Mrs. Zhou sighed, and she painstakingly began to advise her not to fool around in the future. Mrs. Zhou didn¡¯t leave until Qiu Yn¡¯s face was stiff withughter.

    She also let Chunran, Xiaran leave, only left Su He and said to her, ¡°I¡¯m sorry to let you be wronged.¡±

    Su He looked at her as she reached out her hands to rub her face. Her small mouth beeped, ¡°This is nothing, but Your Grace, can you stop making trouble?¡±

    ¡°That was an ident...¡± Qiu Yn murmured with a littleck of strength, ¡°I¡¯ve never been hurt before, have I?¡±

    Su He said angrily, ¡°But now that we meet again and again in the middle of the night, who else do you want to marry? Chunfu Princess just came over. Although you let me leave, I can guess what the princess told you must have something to do with the little General Jiang! You have only met her Royal Highness a few times, and what you said was polite. Is she worth worrying about you? I think thest visit of the two young masters of the Jiang family were not the meaning of Chunfu Princess. I am afraid that Chunfu Princess came here to say today is the meaning of General Jiang, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead, ¡°Well, Since you have to say it, I might as well tell you that Chunfu Princess dide for Jiang Yashuang. It¡¯s just that I never thought that even Madam Shao has something to do with this matter.¡±

    Su He was shocked, ¡°Madam Shao!? What does the Jiang family mean?¡±

    ¡°Observe.¡± Qiu Yn snorted, ¡°Jiang Yashuang is quite sympathetic when he knows my situation because of the Persian cat. He doesn¡¯t mean anything. But he is a man. It is not convenient for him to help me, so he asked his sisters to take care of me. However, his sisters and sisters-inw all misunderstand and think that he has taken a fancy to me. As a result, they sent Madam Shao to be a spy.¡±

    Su He was stunned for a while before saying, ¡°The Jiang Family... How could the Jiang Family do this? You are the Commandery Princess. It is okay that they invite to you and see you at dinner. What do they mean by sending a person to our home?¡± Even if the imperial family chose concubines, it couldn¡¯t say that they sent someone to the house of the concubines to observe them for a long time.

    They didn¡¯t take Qiu Yn seriously.

    ¡°The Jiangs is in charge of half of the country!¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Last time in Yunyi Restaurant, it was the eighth young master of the Jiang family who wanted to give Jiang Yashuang a chance to take advantage of me, so he designed to lock us in a room... Their children do not even pay attention to the prince of the emperor. What am I, the Commandery Princess?¡±

    Su He looked not good and said, ¡°This...¡±

    ¡°I am still in mourning. If these things came out, what do you think would happen to me?¡± Qiu Yn narrowed her eyes, ¡°And what can the children of the Jiang family do? Do you think if the Jiang family really treated me as a wife-to-be, they would disrespect me like this?¡±

    Seeing that Su He did not speak, she said, ¡°Even if I did marry into the Jiang family, it would be my destiny to set rules all day long with the rank of Jiang Yashuang. Now I am more rxed and happy. Why do you think I should make myself suffer?¡±

    ¡°Did the Princess Chunfu tell you about Madam Shao?¡± Su He was silent for a while, and suddenly said, ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yashuang knows about it. She is afraid of creating a gap with her brother, so she came here to exin it to me.¡± Qiu Yn nced at her, ¡°Otherwise, I still think He Shuijin introduced me to a good gentleman!¡±

    Su He whispered, ¡°In this way, General Jiang treats you...¡±

    ¡°Anyway, we¡¯ll talk about it in two years.¡± Qiu Yn thought to herself that as a sister-inw to someone like Jiang Yadan, she would lose ten years of her life. She really didn¡¯t know what kind of life his wife, Little Tao, lived.

    However, although Jiang Yashuang did not mean to like her, he gave in to her in every way. In this age of marriage, parents¡¯ demands and responsible reasons were based on mutual affection.

    The difference in the concept of this couldn¡¯t be exined in a few words. All her previous reasons for refusing to marry had been solved by Jiang Yashuang. It was hypocritical to find new reasons. She might as well take a long-term view. Who knew what would change in two or three years?

    ¡°In this way, she seems to be using him as a shield for the next two years... It is okay to take advantage of him. At worst, when we break upter, the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe willpensate my estate. I¡¯ll give him some.¡± Qiu Yn thought about it secretly, ¡°As for the fact that he is not short of money or anything. Anyway, I only have such a conscience!¡±

    After her conscience calmed down, she thought that after that, all she had to do was to recover quietly until Qiu Hong got married. By the way, she could send someone to visit Ruan Qingyan from time to time to dispel this cousin¡¯s anger. As a result, she weed two groups of visitors within two days.

 Chapter 113 - A Psychologically Twisted Wild Child

    <h4>Chapter 113 A Psychologically Twisted Wild Child</h4>

    The Lian Family arrived first.

    The aunt, Wang Lianshi and her daughter, Wang Qingqian had been mentioned by Lian Chen before.

    Wang Lianshi was only thirty years old. She had beautiful features and a fairplexion. Probably because she was widowed when she was young, there was a lingering light sorrow between her eyebrows. She looked depressed.

    Her daughter, Wang Qingqian, was bright and lovely with a small apple-like face and curvy ck eyebrows. Her big ck and white eyes flickered, and her white skin was like a shelled litchi. She was brimming with the childish beauty of cardamom.

    Qiu Yn looked at her for a moment and praised her. She said to Wang Lianshi, ¡°I heard from Cousin Lian that Cousin Wang was very cute. I don¡¯t know until I see her today that what my cousin said was still notprehensive. When cousin Wang came in, the room bes brighter.¡±

    ¡°Sister Commandery Princess is so beautiful!¡± Wang Qingqian not only looked beautiful, but also had a pleasant temperament. The mncholy Wang Lianshi had not said anything, she had already twittered, ¡°I have never seen anyone as beautiful as you.¡±

    Wang Lianshi was obviously very indulgent to her daughter. Instead of scolding her for snatching her words, she nodded and said, ¡°At that time, Princess Ruan was a famous beauty in Jing City. Many princes and young masters wanted to marry her, but she refused them. If your Uncle Qiu and Princess Ruan hadn¡¯t had a childhood rtionship...¡±

    Speaking of this, she suddenly looked very dull. She didn¡¯t know if she thought of herte husband who died young. Instead of talking about the past, she asked about Qiu Yn¡¯s foot injury.

    Qiu Yn said perfunctorily ording to the prefabricated story, and made amends for her, ¡°I wanted to visit you when I heard earlier that my aunt and cousin were here. I just heard my Cousin Lian said that he was moving. I was afraid that I would make troubles for the elders, so I thought I would go there after the Courtesan Competition. I didn¡¯t expect that ident in the Yunyi Restaurant was caused all over the city by some people. I was afraid of dragging the Lian family into this, so I had to give it up. It was rude of me to let my aunt and cousine to see me first when the matter dragged on like this.¡±

    ... In fact, she just forgot about it.

    However, even if Wang Lianshi was so skeptical, she could not have debunked her. After saying a few words, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter¡±, she routinely asked about her health. In the middle of talking, the maid, Chen Shui, came in to confess her guilt and said to Qiu Yn, ¡°When the Lu family heard that Your Grace is injured, they send some medicine. Miss Qiu also prepares something. Princess Yang sent someone to bring these two things to the yard. They are outside now.¡±

    ¡°You ask Mrs. Zhou to find a ce to put it.¡± Qiu Yn said indifferently, ¡°In addition, the fourth sister is now going to help Mistress Tian take care of Mistress Bian. I am injured again, and I am not going to boudoir school these days. But it is not good for us to dy the study of Miss Sheng and Miss Qiu. Let Madam Shao continue to open the school.¡±

    After Chen Shui went out, Wang Lianshi and her daughter did not speak for a while. Qiu Yn also felt a little embarrassed when she remembered that the Lian family intended to let Wang Qingqian study here, but she was rejected by Ruan Qingyan and herself. She thought about it for a moment, saying, ¡°Madam Shao is excellent. It¡¯s a pity that she doesn¡¯t know how long she can stay and teach.¡±

    Wang Lianshi and her daughter didn¡¯t say anything, but they still had some bad feelings about the matter. They were all a little surprised at what she said this at this moment, ¡°Isn¡¯t she just be invited? Why is she leaving again?¡±

    ¡°The Young Lady He told me before that Madam Shao is going to another school and is unwilling to get paid in the Jiang family for nothing after teaching the eighteenth youngdy of the Jiang family.¡± Qiu Yn lied, ¡°But recently I heard that the youngdy Sun of the Jiang family and others also want her to continue to teach them. Although I hope to keep her, on the one hand, Madam Shao has taught in the Jiang family for many years and has deeper feelings in the Jiang Family. On the other hand, these days, my fourth sister is too scared to leave because Mistress Bian almost had a miscarriage. She doesn¡¯t care about the boudoir school. There can be more harmony in ss... When she was there before, she would get into a few fights in every ss. Madam Shao doesn¡¯t say anything, but she is tired of thinking about it.¡±

    Wang Qingqian asked doubtfully, ¡°I heard that Miss Qiu¡¯s birth mother¡¯s surname is Tian. Mistress Bian had a miscarriage. Why is she so worried?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so talkative!¡± Wang Lianshi did not spoil her daughter this time and gave a light reprimand. She said to Qiu Yn, ¡°It¡¯s hard for you. The so-called aristocratic family is as deep as the sea, let alone the Prince¡¯s Mansion. Even the boudoir school is soplicated. Fortunately, I listened to Ruan Hanlin¡¯s advice and didn¡¯t ask Qianqian toe over. Otherwise, she is bound to suffer because the child is spoiled by me.¡±

    The Lian family was considered a distinguished family before its decline. As the official granddaughter of Minister Lian, how could Wang Lianshi not know about the twists and turns in the deep courtyard? As soon as she thought of the fourth sister, mistress and miscarriage, she knew that none of this was a good thing. She originally didn¡¯t want her only daughter to be wronged in front of her female ssmates. Now that she heard that the Prince¡¯s Mansion was soplicated, she was even more determined to ask her daughter not toe and study with Shao Yuemei.

    So at this moment, following Qiu Yn¡¯s hint, she simply spoke out.

    Qiu Yn breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that she understood what she meant. She was about to answer, but Wang Qingqian was a little dissatisfied and said, ¡°At this age, why should I be worse than others? Howe I must be the one who suffers?¡±

    Wang Lianshi frowned and said, ¡°All right! There is no enmity between us. What do you mean by that? Fortunately, your cousin is not an outsider. If people heard about it, they would think you have a grudge against someone from the boudoir school of the Prince¡¯s Mansion.¡±

    After hearing this, Wang Qingqian was still not convinced. Seeing her like this, Qiu Yn secretly smiled in her heart, ¡°You are such a naive little girl. You don¡¯t even know how to show your joy and anger. You are still sopetitive. When you really get into this boudoir school, it¡¯s time for you to cry.¡±

    Even if only Sheng Shishui and Qiu Qian were attending sses as usual. Not to mention Qiu Qian, because she was introduced to this school by Ruan Qingyan and her, she might not embarrass Wang Qingqian. But Sheng Shishui who was a youngdy having a dishonorable background was not very convinced to her.

    If she really wanted to deal with Wang Qingqian, it would be estimated that even if her cousin Wang were sold by her, she would count the money for her.

    No one knew her daughter better than a mother. Qiu Yn could see that Wang Qingqian was not suitable for living in the big mansion. Wang Lianshi was naturally more aware of this, so after decisively making her eyes stop her daughter from continuing to disobey, she casually said a few words and hurriedly left. She guessed she went home to educate her daughter.

    After they left, Chunran smiled and said, ¡°This youngdy Wang is naive and lovely.¡±

    ¡°It is obvious that the Lian family has been pampering her.¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Without the pity and humility of the whole family, how could they raise an innocent youngdy?¡± Kang Lizhang, who also grew up in her grandfather¡¯s house, was a case in point.

    Therefore, although Wang Qingqian was not suitable foring to the boudoir school of the Prince¡¯s Mansion, it didn¡¯t mean that she was not good. She had a good fate and grew up smoothly. The first thing my uncles did after they resumed their official posts was to take them to the Jing City for a rest, which showed that they attached great importance to them. Even if they had thought of sending her to boudoir school to make some connections for their uncles, they didn¡¯t mention it after they were stopped... With the protection of such elders, it was not a big deal to be naive.

    The day after the visit by Wang Lianshi and her daughter, the General Ruan senior¡¯s only surviving descendant surnamed Ruan. Ruan Qingyan, whose background was obscure, was not included. Ruan Ciyi also brought a six-year-old boy to visit.

    Before she came here, Qiu Yn had asked Mrs. Zhou about her. This cousin Ruan was the eldest granddaughter of the General Ruan senior. If Ruan Qingyan were really a member of the Ruan family, these two people would be half-brothers and sisters of the same father.

    She married Fang Nongyan. Although he was not from a famous family, he was a proud young talent at that time. When he was nominated for the gold list, he was less than 30 years old. His marriage was dyed because he was preupied with his studies, and he happened to be chosen as his son-inw by the General Ruan senior.

    ording to Mrs. Zhou, the couples were very good-looking and matched each other very well at that time, and they became a good story in the Jing City.

    It was just that she had been demoted for more than ten years, and her mother¡¯s family had no son for a long time. Under such a blow, even if she were as beautiful as a flower, it would look like a decline in color. Ruan Ciyi was only a few years older than Wang Lianshi, but she seemed to be half a generation older than Wang Lianshi. In particr, there was heavy indignation between her eyebrows, which was tantamount to writing clearly that she had been unhappy in the past two years.

    The boy she brought was handsome, but he didn¡¯t look like her. Maybe he looked like Fang Nongyan.

    When she saw the cousin Ruan, who was very different from what Mrs. Zhou said, Qiu Yn was very sad in her heart. It was just that although they were cousins by blood, when Ruan Ciyi and his wife were demoted and left the Jing City, Qiu Yn just turned one year old and still couldn¡¯t remember anyone. They were strangers to each other now.

    After a long period of careful greeting, they got to know each other a little bit.

    At this time, Qiu Yn looked at the time and left them for lunch. She saw her nephew, Fang Zijun, ying with the jade pendant of Ruan Ciyi in boredom. She called Su He, ¡°When I talk to my cousin, Zijun is probably boring to listen to us. You show him around the yard. By the way, give him Whitey to y with. The kid maybe likes it.¡±

    She did not expect that soon after Fang Zijun was taken out, a mournful scream of the Whitey came from the yard.

    It scared Qiu Yn and Ruan Ciyi stood up together.

    ¡°Did the Whitey scratch Fang Zijun?¡± Qiu Yn secretly regretted her carelessness. Although Whitey used to y with Su He and others, it never hurt anyone, but it was an animal. The child was ignorant and hurt it, and it became angry and inevitably showed its wildness. It was just that she and Ruan Ciyi ran out in a panic, only to see that Fang Zijun was there safely. Su He blushed and keptforting the Whitey in her arms.

    Seeing Qiu Yn and Ruan Ciyiing out, Su He almost burst into tears on the spot. She hugged Whitey and came angrily, ¡°Your Grace, I hugged Whitey to y with the young master Fang. I didn¡¯t expect that the young master Fang looked at it for a while, and he suddenly picked it up and threw it to the ground. I never knew he could y like this with Persian cat.¡±

    Hearing the words, Qiu Yn¡¯s face could not help changing color and look at Fang Zijun, only to see him look innocent. He murmured, ¡°It¡¯s just a cat! Yesterday, Uncle Ruan said I could do whatever I wanted.¡±

    Seeing that Qiu Yn did not look good, Ruan Ciyi hurriedly reprimanded him, ¡°How do you talk to your aunt? This is your aunt¡¯s cat. Your aunt kindly asked someone to take it out to y with you. How could you hurt it?¡±

    ¡°Forget about it. The child is not sensible.¡± Qiu Yn took a deep look at her little nephew who felt that nothing had happened. He stopped Ruan Ciyi indifferently, ¡°It seems that he doesn¡¯t like Persian cat. Su He, take the Whitey away. Chen Shui, you go and get that pair of zed horses for Zijun.¡±

    After such an episode, the two cousins returned to the house. The intimacy umted by the previous pleasantries had gone. After lunch, Ruan Ciyi said they were going to leave. Qiu Yn symbolically asked them to stay and asked Mrs. Zhou to see them off on her behalf.

    When Mrs. Zhou finished seeing them off, the first thing she did when she returned to the yard was to pull Su He¡¯s ear and bring her to Qiu Yn to apologize, ¡°Although the Whitey is given to Your Grace by Young Earl Ling, and you usually like it, it is just a cat in the end. Today, cousin Ruan came here for the first time with her son, and you actually said the young master¡¯s fault in front of Your Grace and cousin Ruan. Didn¡¯t you embarrass cousin Ruan? Those who don¡¯t know the matter think that Your Grace is deliberately contemptuous of the cousin Ruan.¡±

    Su He, with tears in her eyes, was about to kneel ording to the words of Mrs. Zhou, but Qiu Yn shook her hand and hummed coldly, ¡°Not to mention cousin Ruan, I don¡¯t like Fang Zijun very much, too. He was brought here by my eldest cousin, or I¡¯ll beat him up!¡±

    Mrs. Zhou couldn¡¯t help staying in a daze. Although Whitey belonged to Qiu Yn, Qiu Yn usually didn¡¯t attach great importance to it. Why did she take it so seriously now?

    As the dowry of the Princess Ruan, Mrs. Zhou naturally had a sense of closeness to Ruan Ciyi. She was worried about the gap between Qiu Yn and Ruan Ciyi. She hurriedly advised her, ¡°Your Grace, don¡¯t listen to Su He¡¯s provocation. You and Miss Ruan are flesh and blood rtives, which is difficult for the ordinary people topare, let alone a cat. The young master is young and ignorant. Miss Ruan will certainly teach him this time when she goes back. I¡¯m sure she won¡¯t make you angry in the future. Please don¡¯t argue with him!¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t look good, ¡°I don¡¯t think he hurt my ego. I think it¡¯s terrible that such a young child directly kills a young cat for no reason.¡±

    If Fang Zijun were just a wild child, such as stepping on Whitey¡¯s tail and pulling its beard, Qiu Yn was not the one who regarded cats as more important than people. She could just smile and forget it. But this boy unexpectedly wanted to throw Whitey to death. He was not a wild child at all. He had a psychological problem at all.

    Even if such a person was a seemingly harmless child, who knew what he would do? Qiu Yn just deliberately looked bad. She¡¯d better stay away from this kind of nephew.

    ¡°Listening to what he said is that cousin Ruan spoils him very much. If cousin Ruan was really the blood of Uncle Ruan, Fang Zijun is his own nephew. My cousin is so kind to me, not to mention their Ruan family.¡± Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead and thought, ¡°But this nephew is not normal at all! If I don¡¯t remind cousin Ruan, I really don¡¯t rest assured. If I reminded him... Such a thing happened today. What if my cousin thought I love the Whitey toin about him on purpose?¡±

    She felt a headache.

 Chapter 114 - You Will Never Get Away with It!

    <h4>Chapter 114 You Will Never Get Away with It!</h4>

    Qiu Yn hesitated for a while and finally decided not to mention it. After all, Fang Zijun was a child. She would beughed at if others knew she told Ruan Qingyan about this child. Also, she had confidence in Ruan Qingyan that he would see Fang Zijun¡¯s true character in the end, however well he pretended in General¡¯s Mansion.

    ¡°¡®Uncle Ruan said I could do whatever I wanted¡¯?¡± she sneered in her mind. ¡°When my cousin and I first met, he also indulged my every whim. But when we got more familiar, he showed his true colors and was so controlling that whenever I saw him, I felt scary! s, how can I get through it this time?¡±

    Thinking of her own stuff, Qiu Yn was in no mood to care about Fang Zijun. That night she and Jiang Yashuang were caught together and Ruan Qingyan was so furious.... She thought for a long time with a frown. Finally, she covered her head with the quilt disappointed, ¡°Anyway, both he and I can¡¯t go out now. Maybe his good mood will return as he rests in the house.¡±

    She also felt lucky, ¡°ording to what Chunfu Princess told me, thanks to the Jiang brothers, this thing has been hidden from others, or else I and my cousin would be in trouble. At that time, many people would twist the knife and it would be impossible to get back old Princess and Princess Ruan¡¯s dowries.¡±

    The day ended like that. Early in the next morning, Qiuran came for a visit with a basket of snacks.

    Qiu Yn felt guilty when she saw whoever from General¡¯s Mansion. After she woke up, she ventured to ask about Ruan Qingyan¡¯s wound.

    Qiuran replied, ¡°Young master will be OK. The doctor said that he could get up and walk in a few days. Please don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Then she added, ¡°Old General is also fine.¡±

    After reporting the grandfather and grandson¡¯s condition, she talked about her real intention, ¡°Last evening, young master heard that little young master Fang was naughty here, so he sent me toe and ask.¡±

    Qiu Yn was angry in her mind, ¡°That wild kid was probably twisted to try to kill my pet. I didn¡¯t punish him but gave him a set of zed horses instead. How could hein about me first?¡±

    Her face darkened immediately. She said, ¡°Well, that was not a big deal. I was talking with Cousin Ciyi yesterday. Seeing Fang Zijun feel bored, I asked Su He to take him to y in the yard, together with Whitey.... But it seemed that he hated Persian cats, or else why did he try to kill it when he saw it? All in all, it¡¯s just a cat and it was not something big. That was the first time we met and I won¡¯t be serious about his naughtiness.¡±

    Hearing thisining talk, Qiuran hurried to appease her with a smile, ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, Your Grace. Young master doesn¡¯t mean to me you by sending me here. Actually, he wanted me to exin it to you. That boy is not Lady Ciyi¡¯s son. Young master inquired about them and found that she and her husband didn¡¯t have any children after her own son and two daughters died early. That may be because Young Master Fang was mad at Lady Ciyi for he was demoted years ago. Now all the children of him were borne by his concubines. If it were not you that Lady Ciyi visited yesterday, she would not have taken Fang Zijun together.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°Fang Zijun is not Cousin Ciyi¡¯s son?¡± No wonder he did not look like Ruan Ciyi. She had thought he resembled Fang Nongyan!

    ¡°Young master was afraid that you might get her wrong because of little young master Fang.¡± Qiuran sighed. ¡°ording to the old maids who followed Lady Ciyi when she got married, she had a hard time these years. Young Master Fang and little young master Fang¡¯s birth mother spoiled him very much, but Lady Ciyi couldn¡¯t say anything.¡±

    ¡°I knew that no kid would try to kill his aunt¡¯s pet when he came to his aunt¡¯s for the first time!¡± Qiu Yn quickly understood what was going on after she heard it. She couldn¡¯t help giving a cold smile, ¡°I thought that kid had a poor character. Now I guess he is also malicious!¡±

    It was obvious that Fang Zijun did it on purpose to make mischief between her and Ruan Ciyi!

    She rubbed her forehead, ¡°Now that my cousin knows that kid is not Cousin Ciyi¡¯s son, why did he also spoil him so that he said to me ¡®Uncle Ruan said I could do whatever I wanted¡¯?¡± She was angered by it yesterday. It was like she was harsh to Fang Zijun as his aunt!

    Qiuran smiled, ¡°Young master said that little young master Fang had no descent from the Ruan Family. He is not rted to either young master or Your Grace. Thus, why should we care whether he is good or bad?¡±

    Like I said, my cousin¡¯s gentleness and sensitivity in the first meeting is fishy. He was not adoring Fang Zijun but he took him as an outsider and was just being polite!

    ¡°As you said, Fang Nongyan prefers his concubines to his wife? Or else Cousin Ciyi should have disciplined Fang Zijun well as his official mother,¡± Qiu Yn thought for a while and asked. ¡°Before, they were in Hezhou, so even if we knew it, we couldn¡¯t deal with it. Now that they are here, are we still going to see Cousin Ciyi be bullied like this?¡±

    ¡°Certainly not. Yet Young Master Fang also knows that it is our young master who helped him toe back to the capital. In this case, he should not still be angry at Lady Ciyi,¡± Qiuran said.

    Qiu Yn gave her a deep look and said, ¡°In that way, I will rest assured.¡±

    But Mrs. Zhou couldn¡¯t rest assured. After Qiuran left, Mrs. Zhou said with upset, ¡°Your Grace, I never thought Young Master Fang was someone that would be mad at Lady Ciyi because of Old General! He should think that without Old General, he would not have that high position in those days! Even though he is a Jinshi, many others could also be a District Magistrate in a remote ce for more than a decade for many reasons such asck of contacts in the imperial court, poor rtionship with the superior, little political achievement... How could he me Lady Ciyi? She must have suffered much in these years... Back to the days when her mother was alive, she was a pampered daughter....¡±

    She chattered for a long while. Qiu Yn still got the patience to listen, but Su He couldn¡¯t take it. She grasped Mrs. Zhou¡¯s sleeve, ¡°Now Lady Ciyi is back and with Young Master Ruan and our Commandery Princess, if she were bullied again by Young Master Fang, she would have someone to support her.¡±

    Our Commandery Princess could kill a man and still be calm, even her uncle and aunt failed to defeat her. This cousin-inw is only a level seven official who was transferred back to Jing City recently. Don¡¯t be silly to think he can make anything different.

    Qiu Yn understood what Su He meant andughed, ¡°I think I have no chance to interfere in it. Didn¡¯t you hear what Qiuran said? Cousin Ciyi¡¯s husband has known why he coulde back to Jing City. If he cared about his career, he would have to treat Cousin Ciyi well.¡±

    Mrs. Zhou agreed and felt rxed.

    But she and Su He didn¡¯t know Qiu Yn had other considerations: ¡°Now that my cousin let Qiuran tell us he didn¡¯t take Fang Zijun as one he could trust, he certainly didn¡¯t like Fang Nongyan either. However, Cousin Ciyi now belongs to the Fang Family. If the father and son did something bad, she would also be involved. Did my cousin really force Fang Nongyan to treat Cousin Ciyi well only with his career? Well, when I was fighting with the threedies from the Yang Family, I gained the upper hand and defeated them. Even so, he wanted to punish them more... This time, it¡¯s this Cousin Ciyi, who might be his real sister....¡±

    ¡°Fang Nongyan will get in trouble.¡± Qiu Yn was clear. ¡°But what kind of the trouble?¡±

    Probably because Ruan Qingyan was still nursing the injuries, in the next days nothing happened to the Fang Family.

    Qiu Yn was in no rush. As long as Fang Nongyan was not a fool, he would be good to his wife, whose brother just helped him to be transferred to Jing City. In this way, it was okay to get even with him several dayster.

    Then the day of Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s wedding came.

    At this time, Qiu Yn¡¯s foot did not fully recover, but she could walk around the yard.

    Nevertheless, she didn¡¯t bother to attend it and still took her foot as an excuse for not going.

    It was May 26. Listening to the uproar in the Mansion, Qiu Yn was ying with Whitey idly. Although it was thrown to the ground by Fang Zijun, as he was still a little boy, Whitey only felt scared and two dayster, it could run and jump as usual. But now it only stuck to Su He and would not stay close to any other servants in this court. It seemed to be really frightened by that incident.

    Yet Whitey was clever to know who its real master was.

    ¡°They won¡¯t stop until midnight.¡± Qiu Yn listened and said to Su He. ¡°Let Mrs. Zhou sleep in another room tonight, in case she couldn¡¯t fall asleep.¡±

    Su He replied, ¡°Just now Chen Shui and others went there. They told me that although the noise was loud, there were not many guests today.¡±

    Qiu Yn was not surprised, ¡°The conflicts of Ding Family and Yang Family are getting more severe. I guess they would end up taking it to the imperial court if they kept doing it like this. They certainly had no mood to attend the wedding.¡±

    No mood was one of the reasons. Another was that the two families would fight whenever they met. It was ridiculous to fight on the wedding reception in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, so they could only send some distant rtives here or just send no one.

    Thus, Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s wedding was doomed to be very awkward.

    But no one could have expected that this wedding reception was not the most horrible part of Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s wedding. It was the day when the couple went back to the bride¡¯s home on the third day of their wedding that the most horrible thing happened. The Ding Family opened their gate widely to wee their daughter and son-inw, but the first one who walked into the gate was not Qiu Hongzhi and his wife, but a girl in mourning clothes who dashed suddenly from the crowd ¡ª Yang Yishi!

    Before the Yang Family changed their stance, they were also the neutral party like the Ding Family. The two families often had contact with each other, though not so close, or Ding Qingyan would not have a chance to seduce Yang Yishi.

    If Ruan Qingyan hadn¡¯t be a Jinshi and rose to fame at the age of 18 during that time and if Yang Yishi hadn¡¯t determined to revenge against Qiu Yn, she would not have taken Ding Qingyan for Ruan Qingyan or been tricked to this extent today.

    Many of the young and old maids at the gate knew her as she was the daughter of the Minister of Personnel. At this moment, they saw her and knew something bad might happen, so they quitted making congrattions to Qiu Hongzhi and his wife but all ran over, trying to stop her.

    Yet having sneaked in the crowd and stayed silent for a long time, Yang Yishi was prepared for this chance. As soon as she walked into the gate of the Ding Family, she yowled, ¡°Ding Qingyan! You will never get away with it!¡± The old maid who was closest to her could only grasp the edge of her drawstring when she had already taken out a dagger from her sleeve and gashed her throat with it!

    The blood spurted out to the head and body of everyone around her, including the newly married couple!

 Chapter 115 - Trouble Knocking on the Xue Familys Door

    <h4>Chapter 115 Trouble Knocking on the Xue Family¡¯s Door</h4>

    Yang Yishi killed herself behind the front gate of the Ding Family on the day when the girl from the Ding Family first visited her parents¡¯ home after marriage ¡ª She was two months pregnant at the time of her death.

    The words she spoke before her death was disseminated to every corner immediately. People began to sympathize Yang Family.

    ¡°Are you insane!¡± The Ding Family was bound to lose considering what¡¯s going on now unless Ding Qingyan also killed himself. But Madame Xue could not allow that toe about. Meanwhile, Madame Xue also realized that Yang Yishi died inside the gates of the Ding family in such a fierce and desperate manner that the Ding Family had to give a clear exnation to the Yang Family because Yang Yishi was a daughter of a Minister of Personnel.

    So, Madame Xue left her granddaughter and her husband alone to entertain themselves. Shemanded her servants to deal with Yang Yishi¡¯s body while she was seeking help from her brother, Prime Minister Xue.

    Hearing the reasons why Yang Yishi died, Xue Chang denounced Madame, ¡°It was a fact that Qingyan had an affair with Yang Yishi. And I don¡¯t think the status of Yang Yishi did not match the Ding Family. Why did you stop them? Now, she died in the Ding Family. I guess some people will attempt to impeach Yiming. His title of Hanlin will surely be stripped! His title was bestowed by the emperor.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t like Yang Yishi. She was an easy girl. Over the past years, you have cultivated them and helped them be sessful, but what did they do? They stand on the side of Empress Dowager! A girl like her might make big trouble for my Qingyan if she married him.¡±

    Madame Xue was full of remorse now. If she had known that Yang Yishi would kill herself, she would not have forced her son to reject their marriage so hard. ¡°Unexpectedly, she was so malicious. She killed herself on the day her new granddaughter-inw first visited her parents¡¯ family after marriage.¡± said she.

    ¡°So, do you have any idea helping Yiming not be demoted?¡± said Madame Xue with a sigh.

    ¡°He has to leave the city because of this! You should feel lucky if he were not found guilty. I know you have been spoiling Qingyan. But, at the bottom, he is from amon family. The future of the Ding Family depends on Yiming!¡± said Xue Chang, being angry. As a matter of fact, Xue Chang never liked Ding Qingyan, just as Ding Hanlin did. After all, he was a family member and covered by Madame Xue. They could do nothing about him but to let him go.

    This time, however, Xue Chang did hate this grandson.

    It should be noted that Ding Yiming was not only Xue Chang¡¯s nephew, but also a helper in the Court. Xue Chang was the head of the neutral party but Ding Hanlin was also a critical member of the party. But now, Ding Hanlin was in trouble because of his nephew, which would definitely impact the neutral party as he was the head. His immediate concern was that both people standing with Empress Dowager and Empress would take advantage of this trouble, forcing him to sumb!

    Noticing that Xue Chang was angry at her, Madame Xue said in a low voice, ¡°It¡¯s all my fault. Because of my love for Qingyan, I made Yiming into trouble... But, Qingyan is the only son Yiguang has in the world! Even we have topensate for the Yang Family, they should not ask my Qingyan to die, right? Yang Yishi killed herself on the day when Qinghong came back to the Ding Family. She was so malicious!¡±

    ¡°They wouldn¡¯t, I guess.¡± said Xue Chang after keeping quiet for a while. ¡°But, Qingyan must bring the memorial tablet of Yang Yishi to the Ding Family. And he must go to the Yang Family, mourning for their lost... Those are the things he must do. If the situation went worse, he might be put into prison.¡±

    After hearing the first two, Madame Xue epted grudgingly. When she heard that Ding Qingyan might be put into prison, she was shocked, ¡°Into prison?¡±

    ¡°When Qinghong first visited her own family, Yang Yishi must have been helped by somebody else to blend into the celebrating and cheering crowd.¡± said Xue Chang coldly. ¡°If the Yang Family hadn¡¯t let her out, she wouldn¡¯t have been out of her room at that time! I don¡¯t think it was the Yang Family who asked her to do that on the day Qinghong went back to her own family. As you know, Qinghong¡¯s husband is the son of the Duke of Xihe! The Yang Family must think for Princess Yang before doing anything. I think... it must be Empress Dowager who asked her to do it!¡±

    ¡°Shush...¡± Madame Xue gave him a gesture. Although she paid scant attention to politics, it¡¯s about Empress Dowager. She must know the severity of the thing or she had lived for nothing over the past years. ¡°You mean that if we did not follow Empress Dowager, she might put Qingyan into prison in the excuse of Yang Yishi¡¯s case? If it happened, Qingyan might be killed in prison? Right?¡±

    ¡°So, you mean you want me to choose Empress Dowager¡¯s side for avoiding putting Qingyan into prison?¡± said Xue Chang coldly.

    ¡°You misunderstood me.¡± said Madame Xue with a shock. In a second, it dawned on her more clearly what¡¯s going on. Compared with the troublemaker Ding Qingyan, Xue Chang was the innocent one but he was hurt the most in the whole case. ¡°I said it¡¯s all my fault. If I haven¡¯t forced Yiming to resist the wedding between Yiming and Yang Yishi, Yiming and you wouldn¡¯t have been in trouble...¡±

    Speaking of this, Madame Xue said on impulse, ¡°One life? Right? Yang Yishi dared to do that, so do I. I will hang myself in the Yang Family tomorrow! And then Empress Dowager will definitely shut up this time!¡±

    ¡°Are you insane?¡± said Xue Chang. He knew that Madame Xue, his sister, did not care about politics. There was only one thing in her eyes, her grandson, Ding Qingyan. Xue Chang knew well that she didn¡¯t make the trouble on purpose although she caused it. He immediately stopped her impulse when he heard that she intended to kill herself for shutting the Yang Family up. ¡°Yang Yishi was just a kid. Her life is worthless, but yours not.¡±

    Madame Xue shook her head, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t stop me then. You just said that Yiming is the vital person developing our family. I know he wouldn¡¯t have had today¡¯s achievements without your assistance. Only if you are okay, Yiming and others would be okay then. As of me, I am old, anyway...¡±

    ¡°Do you think that Empress Dowager had egged Yang Yishi on, and then she would let us go easily?¡± said Xue Chang with a sign. ¡°Forget it. I will handle it. You know that Empress Dowager and Empress have wanted me to stand along with one of them for a long time. I can handle them correctly.¡±

    Xue Chang took a long time to persuade his sister giving up the idea of killing herself in the Yang Family. Seeing her off, Xue Chang pondered for a while. He summoned his grandson, Xue Nongying. ¡°You go and pack your stuff. You need to live with your aunts for a long time.¡±

    Xue Fangfei, Xue Chang¡¯s first daughter, lived in Yanzhou, which was thousands of miles away.

    ¡°What¡¯s happened to my first aunt?¡± asked Xue Nongying with a shock after hearing his words.

    ¡°We are in trouble now because of the Ding Family. Empress Dowager had known something which can be used against us. For your safety, you must go somewhere else.¡± said Xue Chang.

    ¡°But if something happened to our family, do you think my aunt¡¯s family would survive?¡± asked Xue Nongying. He disagreed with his grandpa. ¡°I remembered that when General Ruan was conquered in the battles, his sons, grandsons and son-inw all were in trouble. What¡¯s more, I have stayed here and been covered by you for fifteen years already. Now, you are in trouble and I run away, do you think that is a man should do? I will stay here sharing your burden.¡±

    ¡°Bullshit. If you escaped from the trouble, we would still have a chance to make everything back. What can you do to stay here?¡± shouted Xue Chang.

    ¡°Empress Dowager now can force you to take a side because the Yang Family had the upper hand in public opinion about Yang Yishi¡¯s case.¡± said Xue Nongying with head lowering. And then he said, ¡°But Empress Dowager, in effect, did not want to punish you, she wanted you to take her side instead!¡±

    Seeing his grandpa did not respond, he continued without being discouraged. ¡°So, I think we can use Empress to fight against Empress Dowager and prevent her from being too pushy on you.¡±

    ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t know how to bnce the power?¡± said Xue Chang coldly. ¡°Do you think the Jiang Family is a good one? Do you think the Jiang Family won¡¯t take advantage of the case?¡± questioned Xue Chang, seeming tired. ¡°In the past, they tried everything to get me but I rejected. Now, I have to sumb to them? If I agreed, I would be in a weaker position forever!¡±

    He had been protecting himself discreetly for many years in the battle of the two queens. Over the past decade, he had been in the center of power but stayed firmly. His bearings gained respect from Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang although they tried to get him. On the surface, it seemed that he won. In effect, he lived a life just like walking on thin ice.

    Xue Chang knew that as he had chosen to go into politics, he must know how to deal with the power battle. It¡¯s not a children¡¯s game. It¡¯s a bet, a bet on life. Take the Yang Family as an example. They lived in a miserable condition now. If they kept neutral and did not choose to be on Empress Dowager¡¯s side, Madame Xue wouldn¡¯t have bullied his brother, his sons and his allies although she did not care about politics. In honesty, the reason why Madame Xue rejected Qingyan to marry Yang Yishi was that the Yang Family betrayed Xue Chang and really loved Ding Qingyan.

    Simply put, Xue Chang, as an officer, had been impartial for so many years during the battle between the most powerful mother-inw and daughter-inw. He must have suffered a lot but he had dealt with them perfectly. But now, he had to stand out to choose a side. To choose Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s side, it meant he asked her pardon. To choose Empress Jiang¡¯s side, it meant he begged for help. No matter which side he chose, Xue Chang felt deeply wronged. He knew trouble was knocking on his door now.

    Xue Nongying squinted, saying, ¡°Even if the Jiang Family used us, it would be better to be used by Empress Dowager Gu. After all, Empress Dowager Gu has something on the Ding Family and us. If we chose Empress Dowager, we would be in a weaker position. We know that the Yang Family is on Empress Dowager¡¯s side.¡±

    ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t know what you said? But you may not notice that Jiang Tianao has been trying to rece me for a long time! If I chose the Jiang Family, I would lose my position definitely. I¡¯m okay that I lose my position. I have been in this position for many years already. I am reluctant to pass my position and my reputation to Jiang Tianao when I resign. At that time, when he gets my position, he must get rid of my confidants and my men and rece them with his own ones. I have been in the position for decades. And I have plenty of students in this nation. Does he want to get rid of them all? If he wanted to do this, do you think what he would do?¡±

    What would he do? Two options. To kill Xue Chang or to bruise Xue Chang¡¯s reputation. Whichever it was, it was not a good one to Xue Chang.

    To lose his position and perks or to live under others¡¯ thumb, it¡¯s a question. Xue Chang, as a minister for decades, of course, would be reluctant to live like that.

    ¡°Simply to say, it¡¯s severe this time.¡± said Xue Chang with a sigh. ¡°But you don¡¯t need to worry too much. I have served two emperors. I don¡¯t think I can¡¯t go through the storm this time. The reason why I asked you to live with your aunt and told you the truth is that I worry about your safety.¡±

    Musing for a while, Xue Nongying still defied his grandpa. He whispered, ¡°Or... how about our family to establish a connection with the Jiang Family through marriage?¡±

    ¡°We know that you can¡¯t lose your position now. If we used the Jiang Family, it would not be easy for you to get out of the trouble that grandma and Qingyan made.¡± exined he. After all, the Ding Family made a mistake to the Yang Family. As the uncle of Ding Hanlin and Ding Qingyan and the head of the neutral party, Xue Chang would not escape from the trouble easily, regardless of his position or rtionship with them.

    ¡°If we wanted the Jiang Family to help us, why not to establish a connection with the Jiang Family through marriage?¡±

    ¡°It sounds like a terrible idea. Do you think that Jiang Tianao will let me go because of the connection with us? Just like a saying goes, ¡®Like father, like son.¡¯ If Jiang Qianchuan had not married Madame Tao¡¯s daughter as his second wife, the Jiang Family wouldn¡¯t have got today¡¯s status. After the grandfather of Madame Tao died, the Jiang Family began to grab the Tao Family¡¯s official turf! If not so, the Tao Family wouldn¡¯t have been weak so quickly since then!¡± said Xue Chang with a frown.

    Speaking of this, Xue Chang gave a long sigh to relieve himself. ¡°The grandfather of Madame Tao was called ¡®the pir of the nation¡¯. He indeed was the pir of Darui when he was alive. If he were alive until now, I don¡¯t think the battle between the mother-inw and the daughter-inw would happen, nor did the Queen step aside for nothing. If he could live two years longer, the crown prince who was repealed in the former emperor¡¯s reign wouldn¡¯t have been wronged to death ... All right. Those were the past things. Forget it. The marriage thing is futile. If we did so, we would have to sacrifice the happiness of one girl in our family. It¡¯s worthless.¡±

    Xue Nongying did not give up. He continued with head lowered, ¡°How about the fourth branch of the Jiang Family. I heard that Jiang Tianao loved the sons and daughters of the fourth branch more than his own offspring! If we could have a marriage connection with their fourth branch, I don¡¯t think Jiang Tianao would do something bad to the fourth branch, the Yue Family. Right?¡±

    ¡°Jiang Tianchi?¡± asked Xue Chang, his grey eyebrows trembling when he said so. He certainly knew the reason why Jiang Tianao loved the sons and daughters of the fourth branch of the Jiang Family. It¡¯s not because Jiang Yadan and others were good children but because of Jiang Tianchi, the head of the fourth branch and meanwhile, the second son of Marquess Qin.

    The most influential representative of the Jiang Family in the political spectrum now was Jiang Tianao. The reason why Jiang Tianao could get the position was that he was supported by two uncles. His uncles were raised and supported by Jiang Tianao¡¯s father in the past. Hence, they sincerely wanted to repay Jiang Tianao. Meanwhile, they were the heads of the army.

    But now, Marquess Qin had been living in the capital since his resignation. On the other side, Sir Jibei, despite charging the North part of the nation, would not be able to fight in frontlines anymore. He might being back to the capital in two years. The representative of the Jiang Family in the army must be Jiang Tianchi, the one who began to fight with the army since he was twelve years old and had been the Great General of North from scratch!

    Jiang Tianao was in his middle age. If he wanted to stay in the current position or to be installed as the minister in the future, he must fetch support from his family and use the influence it had in the army. Under this circumstance, Jiang Tianao certainly would love the sons and daughters of Jiang Tianchi¡¯s.

    In the same vein, Jiang Tianao wouldn¡¯t hurt Jiang Tianchi¡¯s rtives by marriage. Currently, Marquess Qin and his brother could control what Jiang Tianchi should or should not do. But soon, Marquess Qin and his brother would pass away. At that time, who could manage Jiang Tianchi? Jiang Tianao had many brothers. Jiang Tianchi¡¯s brother, Jiang Tianqi, one of the ministers of the Army, knew well about the politics as well. Who could ensure that he would not fight for the position of the prime minister?

    ¡°Wow, you are one of the qualify sessors of our family!¡± eximing Xue Chang. He exalted Xue Nongying after musing for a while and pping.

 Chapter 116 - Dont Compete with Me for A Man, Aunt!

    <h4>Chapter 116 Don¡¯t Compete with Me for A Man, Aunt!</h4>

    Getting out of the study, Xue Nongying did not go back to his room. He went to his mother¡¯s room instead.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± asked Xuesun. She was talking with her maids and servants. Reported that her son wasing, she immediately asked him in.

    ¡°I have something to talk with you. Mother.¡± nodded Xue Nongying.

    Xuesunmanded her maids and servants to get out of the room.

    Seeing it was her confidants watching at the door, she turned to her son and asked, ¡°What¡¯s it? Dear.¡±

    ¡°I just gave a word of advice to grandpa. I suggested our family have a connection with the Jiang Family through marriage.¡± said Xue Nongying lightly. ¡°What we need to do is to prevail Nan and her daughter to ept the marriage. And then, they certainly will give up Ruan Qingyan. We know my sister has a crush on him!¡±

    Nan was Xue Chang¡¯s favored concubine. She had one son and one daughter but she was even one year younger than Xue Nongying. Usually, in the first ce, the newest Gongshi would visit his teacher to express his thanks after the emperor dered the examination results. It was there where Xue Chang met Ruan Qingyan. He had a good impression on Ruan Qingyan at first nce but no more. But Xue Nongying¡¯s father, Xue Fangchao, liked him very much when he was helping entertain the guests.

    Xue Nongqing, Xue Fangchao¡¯s daughter, was fourteen years old. She was pretty and outgoing. Her parents, including her brothers, loved her very much. She was raised in a rxed environment, worrying about nothing. As a result, she was a naive girl. After investigating Ruan Qingyan¡¯s background, Xue Fangchao and his wife both thought that Ruan Qingyan was a capable boy without many family members. They thought he was the perfect Mr. Right for their daughter. To be sure, they asked for Xue Chang¡¯s advice.

    In the first ce, Xue Chang had agreed to the marriage. He was even close to inform Ruan Qingyan about this. Unfortunately, Nan knew this from somewhere. She also took a chance and met Ruan Qingyan. The result was that she also thought Ruan Qingyan was also her perfect son-inw.

    Xue Fangmi was Xue Chang youngest daughter who was one year older than his niece Xue Nongqing. She looked just like her mother Nan. She was pretty and slender. The most important part was that she was good at poems and drawing, which made her a well-known talented girl in the girls¡¯ circle in the capital. Many people hade to propose marriage to this girl since she was eleven years old. But Xue Chang couldn¡¯t bear to see this girl get married at an early age because she was a daughter Xue Chang had in his old age. As a result, her marriage had been up in the air since then.

    The battle for a man between an aunt and a niece was unavoidable, and the most terrible part was that no one nned to stay back.

    Xue Chang certainly would not sit by and watch. Given his position, he surely was not a fool. As Xue Fangchao met Ruan Qingyan first, Xue Chang certainly would not grab others¡¯ favorite for satisfying his own daughter. It was hical.

    But Xue Nongqing did not want to give up so easily. After Nan noticed Xue Chang¡¯s preference, Xue Fangmi hurried to talk to Xue Nongqing at that night. She cried and said she did not intend topete with Xue Nongqing for a man. The reason she did so was that Nan was a concubine. If she married another man with plenty of family members other than Ruan Qingyan who was the only son of the family, she might struggle to survive among the family conflicts... But on the other hand, Xue Nongqing was a girl given birth by a wife. She needn¡¯t worry about being looked down in her future husband¡¯s family....

    That¡¯s not the end of her lie. She continued to lie to Xue Nongqing that she actually did not know Ruan Qingyan was the man Xue Fangchao wanted to marry his daughter. Hence, she had told her girlfriends that Ruan Qingyan was her fianc¨¦. So, if it ended up Ruan Qingyan marrying others, she might have to die.

    Hearing her exnation with tears flying, Xue Nongqing, as a soft heart and naive girl, immediately promised her that she wouldn¡¯t marry Ruan Qingyan. She even promised that she wouldn¡¯t tell anybody the whole thing.

    And then, Xue Nongqing talked to her grandpa about her marriage with Ruan Qingyan. She told him that she did not like the man. Hearing the message, Xue Fangchao and his wife rushed to stop her. But it ended up useless. Xue Chang certainly wouldn¡¯t force her to marry a man she did not like. Xue Nongying and her parents wouldn¡¯t know the truth if Nan did not get carried away and let slip.

    Although Xue Nongqing was a little girl, she kept her promise from the start. After she got known the truth, she did not n to break her promise to tell Xue Chang the truth!

    Xue Nongqing was reluctant to speak for herself. Xue Nongying had no evidence. If he told Xue Chang rashly, it might be counterproductive. Nan might falsely use them ¡ª As a result, Xue Nongying and his family had to live with it!

    When Xue Chang asked Xue Nongying to go and live with his aunt, Xue Nongying immediately suggested to him to establish connections through marriage with the Jiang Family. His real aim was to get rid of Xue Fangmi and get Ruan Qingyan for his sister.

    After hearing her son¡¯s ount, Xuesun turned to be happy, ¡°Is it possible? There are many people in the Jiang Family. Do you think Nan will agree to the marriage?¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yashuang is different from others in the Jiang Family.¡± exined Xue Nongying, adding, ¡°He was raised and educated by Marquess Qin. He is very hard on himself. There are even maids and servants serving me, but he doesn¡¯t have a maid around. Plus, he is close to Madame Tao. And he is also the most favorite nephew of Empress Jiang. For this reason, Nan must agree with the marriage! After all, she had been longing to be a wife for many years, which was a dream Ruan Qingyan could not help here true!¡±

    Xuesun was d about the message. She said, ¡°If General Jiang were as good as you said, how about...¡±

    ¡°Mother, don¡¯t forget that I just heard that Jiang Yashuang is a good guy. We don¡¯t know him at all.¡± said Xue Nongying, adding, ¡°Even if he were a good man, we should remember that there are many people in his family and none of them is a simple one? But my sister, she was simple, kind and naive. If she became a member of the Jiang Family, she would be bullied every day!¡±

    ¡°Err! It is we who spoiled her too much. She is a big girl now but she is simple!¡± said Xuesun. Her son discouraged her from her n. ¡°True to Nongqing¡¯s nature, Ruan Qingyan is the best one.¡±

    But in a second, she said, ¡°But, if Xue Fangmi married Jiang Yashuang, Nan would be more ruthless. We would be bullied by her more in the future.¡±

    ¡°No need to worry, mother. Since Jiang Tianao covets my grandpa¡¯s position, he will not let my little aunt Xue Fangmi marry Jiang Yashuang.¡± said Xue Nongying with a cold smile.

    ¡°So...¡± said Xuesun with a shock.

    ¡°I think my grandpa also realizes it. He certainly will do the thing without Jiang Tianao¡¯s knowledge ¡ª but our immediate concern is Ruan Qingyan. We all noticed that grandpa has been fond of Ruan Qingyan recently. If grandpa suddenly turned to be cold to him and promises Xue Fangmi to marry Jiang Yashuang, I don¡¯t think we can have a good reason to exin it.¡± said Xue Nongying firmly. ¡°So, I am sure that grandpa will find another girl in our family to marry Ruan Qingyan, and then talk with Marquess Qin about it in private!¡±

    Seeing Xuesun being in a puzzle, Xue Nongying proceeded, ¡°So, our immediate concern is to persuade Nongying agreeing to marry Ruan Qingyan. Or grandpa will get another girl to marry him!¡±

    ¡°But what about your grandpa¡¯s position...¡± said Xuesun urgently. ¡°This is our immediate concern too.¡±

    Xue Nongying pursed and said, ¡°Mother, do you really think my grandpa enters a dead road?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± asked Xuesun. She knew that his son was clever and canny. His father, Xue Fangchao always said that he found himself humble before his son, let alone his mother. After hearing his son¡¯s words, Xuesun felt proud.

    ¡°My grandpa has served two emperors. He had been through many tough things. I am sure he won¡¯t be screwed up by this little thing.¡± said Xue Nongying dismissively. ¡°The reason he wanted to send me to live with my aunt is that he was testing me!¡±

    Before Xuesun asked more questions, Xue Nongying proceeded, ¡°Xue Fangmi¡¯s tricks would not escape my grandpa. He did not expose it because he thought that he is old and Nan serves him very well. He wants to save her face. The second reason is that Nongying failed herself and tried to protect Fangmi. But, at the bottom of my grandpa¡¯s heart, he prefers us to others. For example, this morning, I realized that my grandpa concerned the marriage thing greatly, I used the opportunity, getting Ruan Qingyan back for Nongqing! If I hadn¡¯t realized what¡¯s going on and went to live with my aunt, I would have ruined his n. He wanted to give my aunt a lesson, telling her not to spoil her grandson, Ding Qingyan. If his n worked out, he would try to persuade Fangmi giving up Ruan Qingyan and marrying anyone in Jiang Family.¡±

    ¡°Simply put, no matter what I say and do before my grandpa, he has a way out of the trouble without hurting anybody. Meanwhile, he will give my aunt a lesson she will not forget. Or, you think about it, why my grandpa did not mention the marriage with others and at the same time, we are not allowed to talk about it either although Nongqing had said she did not like Ruan Qingyan and Fangmi also old enough to get married.¡±

    Xuesun said with a sigh, ¡°I certainly know that your grandpa is an awesome man! But I am confused about your information. You told me to establish a connection with the Jiang Family, but it may not work out. And then you told me your grandpa would consider everything... What¡¯s your point?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t see how my grandpa dealt with this simr situation before, so I can¡¯t give a conclusion. But about the marriage thing with the Jiang Family, I think it¡¯s an excuse.¡± said Xue Nongying in confidence. ¡°Based on my spection, my grandpa will leak the information beforehand. He may tell others that he will let Fangmi marry Jiang Yashuang in order tomand support from Empress, which will deter Empress Dowager... And then, his problem is solved smoothly. He will use Jiang Tianao and force him to announce the marriage thing is not a real thing! And then he will alienate the Jiang Family to a ce where it is today. So, people will think that the whole marriage thing is ruined by Jiang Tianao. On the other hand, the Jiang Family has to bear the consequences without a im!¡±

    ¡°Based on what you said, Nan and her daughter be our tools?¡± said Xuesun, feeling happy.

    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right. My grandpa has been neutral for so many years. He certainly will not change his attitude because of the battle between the Ding and Yang Families. In honest, the reason why Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang dare not look down my grandpa? His position is not a critical factor. The real reason is that they both want to get the centrists¡¯ support. That is the most important part.¡±

    Based on the above reasoning, Xue Chang certainly wouldn¡¯t give up his base, the neutral position, because of this crisis.

    ¡°Huh, usually, your grandpa spoils Nan and her daughter so much, I think he is...¡± Xuesun¡¯s talk was interrupted by Xue Nongying. He continued, ¡°Mother, there¡¯s something you don¡¯t know. Who told you that my grandpa who took Fangmi as an excuse is not because he spoils her?¡±

    ¡°Err?!¡± grunted Xuesun with a shock.

    ¡°We, in fact, don¡¯t have a good rtionship with Nan and Fangmi. The rtionship bes worse because of marriage thing and Ruan Qingyan.¡± said Xue Nongying. ¡°Because my grandpa is still alive, we still can get along with each other on the surface. My grandpa is getting older. He certainly wants all his family members to get along with each other.¡±

    ¡°So, my grandpa took this chance to test me. As a result, Nan certainly will give up Ruan Qingyan. And then, grandpa solves our problem by taking the excuse of the marriage of Fangmi.¡± said Xue Nongying, adding, ¡°Mother, the whole thing was nned by my grandpa, but Fangmi, in the end, is at a weaker position than us. So, through this marriage thing, we, on one side, will ept the more favorite end. Meanwhile, we will pay back to Nan and Fangmi.¡±

    ¡°I got it,¡± said Xuesun with a nod. ¡°Your grandpa wishes that all family members can get along and live without fighting with each other. I already understood your points. From now on, if Nan doesn¡¯t make trouble for us, we won¡¯t make any trouble for her. I hope your grandpa will see our true heart and have happy days!¡±

    Feeling relieved, Xue Nongying said with a smile, ¡°In fact, there is nothing important for us to fight. Fangmi is a girl. At the bottom, it¡¯s about the extent of her dowry. And Nan¡¯s son, he is spoiled. My grandpa has given up on him. We are the only ones who can support our family in the future. My grandpa could only be reassured if we acted generously.¡±

    Only seniors who felt reassured would devolve powers!

    Because Xuesun and Xue Nongying thought that the confidant was standing at the gate as the gatekeeper, they both did not realize that there was still one maid responsible for sweeping the floor standing behind a rear window. She heard their dialogue with every word.

    After several hours, in the Nan¡¯s yard. Nan, although over 30, she was still pretty and looked like a beautiful girl. The words reported by the maid angered her so much that she mmed the silverb on the table and said furiously, ¡°Damn them, the first branch! If I hadn¡¯t bribed the maid, I would not have known that you did such an evil thing!¡±

    Xue Fangmi, looking just like her mother was more beautiful because of her younger age. She advised her mother not to be angry, ¡°Mother, don¡¯t be angry. This is not my father¡¯s idea. The first branch can¡¯t set us up. Impossible!¡±

    ¡°Not like that! I¡¯ll go and ask your father. We have agreed to let you marry Ruan Qingyan. Why did he break his promise and agree to let Xue Nongqing marry him?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s useless! When did he change his mind after he decided? I don¡¯t think I can marry Ruan Qingyan anymore!¡± said Xue Fangmi, holding her mother. Her fresh eyes shed pride. ¡°But, If I can¡¯t marry him, nor do they!¡±

    Now it turned out Nan began to worry about her daughter, ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous! Although your father loves and spoils you and your brother, he would certainly be mad at you guys if you didn¡¯t follow his words!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mother. I know what to do.¡± said Xue Fangmi with a cold smile. ¡°As my father doesn¡¯t want me to marry Ruan Qingyan, I will do exactly he wishes. I won¡¯t marry him ¡ª but I am not sure if Ruan Qingyan would be willing to marry Xue Nongqing after I have decided not to marry Ruan Qingyan. Huh?¡±

 Chapter 117 - In Which Way You Choose to Die?

    <h4>Chapter 117 In Which Way You Choose to Die?</h4>

    All people in the Mansion of Prime Minister Xue had their dark secrets, while in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, a gloomy cloud was above it.

    Since when Qiu Hongzhi came with his newly married wife Ding Qinghong back to her parents¡¯ home, they encountered Yang Yishi¡¯smitting suicide as she cut her throat in the Ding Family, Prince¡¯s Mansion had not been peaceful in the past few days.

    Ding Qinghong greeted Princess Yang on this day, and she started to wipe tears after she went back room, ¡°Yang Yishi ran to the Ding Family door andmitted suicide. But she was not forced by me! By the way, I was getting sshed with blood on this great day, which was the only time I had in my life! She made me so unlucky, but I had never scolded her! However, my mother scolded me and talked about it every day for this matter! Even if Yang Yishi was her niece and she was in pain, shouldn¡¯t my husband and I call her ¡®mother¡¯?¡±

    Her trusted maid Zhenzhen went to close the door first, and then came back to persuade her, ¡°Madame, please ignore her. We have inquired before that Princess Yang is not the biological mother of Young Master Qiu Hongzhi, so she always dislikes him. She did this clearly for transferring her anger on you!¡±

    ¡°But she is my mother-inw, and I have to greet her every morning and evening. Further, I have to listen to whatever she says and smile obsequiously, so how can I ignore her?¡± Ding Qinghong was also pampered when she was raised in her family. Although she lost mother a few years ago, Madame Xue had always spoiled the juniors. So, she had never met a mean elder like Princess Yang. She felt OK for the first one or two times, butter, for more times, the grievances in her heart grew to be hard to bear.

    However, unfortunately her own family, the Ding Family, now was also in a mess. So, even though Ding Qinghong wanted to send a message back and ask her grandmother to send some people to take a visit, and incidentally help her to face Princess Yang, she could hardly make it!

    Ding Qinghong felt sadder, and she could not help but sighed, ¡°Why am I so miserable?¡±

    Zhenzhen was about to answer, but suddenly a sound of the outer door opening was sound. So, she quickly got up and asked, ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°Qinghong, you inside?¡± Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s voice was heard. Ding Qinghong and Zhenzhen hurriedly went out to wee him, ¡°My dear husband, youe back so early today?¡± Even in the day when they married, Qiu Hongzhi was also thinking about how to please Qiu Mengmin, and he went to the study room every day to read books, so that he could show his hardworking and studious qualities.

    ording to his returning time for recent days, he should be expected to be back one hourter. So, Ding Qinghong and her maids naturally couldn¡¯t help but wondered why he returned so early today.

    But Qiu Hongzhi said to Zhenzhen, ¡°You, leave for a while.¡±

    So, only this couple was left in the room, and he said, ¡°I heard from servants that you looked not good when you came out from Princess¡¯s ce. I¡¯m worried, so Ie back to have a look.¡± He further asked with concern, ¡°What¡¯s up? Does Princess make you awkward?¡±

    Ding Qinghong was wronged at the moment, so when he asked, she almost cried out, ¡°About Yang Yishi....¡±

    ¡°That was Yang Family¡¯s fault to not teach the girl well. We were all involved when we came back on that day!¡± Qiu Hongzhi said with a heavy face and sneered, ¡°How could Princess me you for this? She bullied you so much!¡± And he said, ¡°I¡¯m going to find my father!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Ding Qinghong saw her husband defending her so firmly, so the grievances in her heart had mostly dispersed. She hurriedly holding him, said, ¡°In the end, she is our mother. She is my mother-inw, so this is very appropriate for her to me me for anything. In addition, I heard that father looked not very well recently, so we¡¯d better not bother him for this.¡± The new wife let husband go to her father-inw toin about her mother-inw only in few days after they married. Even if the father-inw gave her face this time, people would say she was not virtuous if this was heard by outsiders!

    Qiu Hongzhi was just talking superficially, so when she was holding him, he stopped. Heforted her with soft words and expression. As newly married couples, after a while, the bed-curtain was pulled down¡ª however, outside the door Jin Chan looked angrily at Zhenzhen who was blocking the road, ¡°I really have something very important to report to Young Master Qiu Hongzhi!¡±

    Zhenzhen sneered coldly, ¡°The young master is now inside with the youngdy, dare you bother them?¡±

    ¡°Okay! That¡¯s what you say!¡± Jin Chan bit her lip and said angrily, ¡°If there is something wrong, don¡¯t me me!¡±

    Zhenzhen snorted, ¡°How do I know what you are saying? Anyway, you haven¡¯t told me, and you stop wondering pull me down!¡±

    After quarrelling for a while, Jin Chan couldn¡¯t help but talked about the situation, ¡°The Princess is now following Prince¡¯s order to calcte how much we have to pay back to Commandery Princess Ningyi¡ª however, Young Master is not taking care of it at present, so who knows how much Princess would feather her own nest?!¡±

    Zhenzhen was a little nervous at first, but she was relieved after she heard the words. She said with a sneer, ¡°Will there be no record of the industries of our mansion? If Princess was able to do something, she would have done it. Why she has to find opportunities for now?¡±

    Jin Chan angrily said, ¡°You know nothing! After Lu... Prince¡¯s mother died, Young Master Qiu Hongzhi manage the whole mansion for some days, and he had not returned the keys and ount books back to the Princess until he married. So, what if the Princess does something on the ount book this time and traps Young Master Qiu Hongzhi into trouble?!¡±

    But these words couldn¡¯t scare Zhenzhen. She replied, ¡°Don¡¯t try to find any reason to meet Young Master Qiu Hongzhi¡ª you can¡¯t even make me deceived by these bullshits. Does it so easy to tamper with the ount book? You think Young Master stupid? Plus, the keys and ount books had been returned to the Princess such a long time ago. Princess didn¡¯t say anything then, so did she find it interesting to talk about this matter now?¡±

    Jin Chan¡¯s purpose was unveiled, and she didn¡¯t dare to go into the room directly, so she left despondingly.

    Before she went outside, she heard the door open with ¡°squeak.¡± Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s voice was dumb and he asked servants toe in and serve¡ªshe suddenly felt sour in her heart and couldn¡¯t help but want to look back. However, she reminded herself that these days, since Ding Qinghong married into the mansion, Qiu Hongzhi turned to be indifferent to her every time she saw him. He made it clear that he must be affectionate and cultivate love with his wife. Thus, she thought that she might be ignored even if she actively got close to him, so atst, she angrily stamped and left.

    Jin Chan was in a panic and did not know where she had passed. When she settled back into her concentration, she saw Kang Lizhang holding an ivory fan and was leaning her chin against it. She stood thoughtfully not far away, staring at her up and down.

    ¡°Why you are here, too?¡± Jin Chan saw her, feeling a little worse, and coldly snorted.

    Kang Lizhang didn¡¯t to reply her some weird words, but instead, she smiled happily, ¡°How does it feel to fall out of favor?¡±

    ¡°You!!!¡± Jin Chan changed her face with anger.

    ¡°If I were you, I wouldn¡¯t have the leisure to provoke someone who wouldn¡¯tpete with you at all, but rather think about it, how can I still be in the cousin¡¯s room in the future?¡± Kang Lizhang saidzily, ¡°In addition that Ding Qinghong is far better than you on appearance, just because her father is Ding Hanlin and her grandmother is the sister of Prime Minister Xue, cousin would fully give her face! You, a maid that bought by five taels of silver, and worked hard to serve cousin. How dare youpare yourself with her? You deserve it?!¡±

    Jin Chan shivered with anger, ¡°No matter how bad, I¡¯m still better than you! No one wants you!¡± said her in a trembling voice.

    This one sentence made Kang Lizhang also changed her expression, but Jin Chan did not stop. She continued to say, ¡°To talk about the taste of being out of favor, since Lu passed away¡ª Did cousin taste it before me?¡±

    After hearing this, Kang Lizhang already had a killing intent leaking from her eyes. There was no one around, Jin Chan was also a little scared in heart, so she found herself a step, ¡°I have to serve masters, so I¡¯m not as free as you. I¡¯m leaving!¡± And she left quickly.

    Here remained Kang Lizhang biting her lip, and watching her go away with a very bitter feeling... After a long time, Kang Lizhang whispered, ¡°Even a maid of a house doesn¡¯t respect me in her eyes. How could my life be in the future?! I¡¯d better take a risk, maybe....¡± Her slim fingers clenched the bluestone token in her sleeve, ¡°Tonight... I must go to the north of the city!¡±

    Ding Qinghong was wronged, Jin Chan was lost, Kang Lizhang felt hatred.... As to Qiu Yn, who was receiving industries in recent days, was in a bad mood at the moment, too.

    The reason was very simple. Ruan Qingyan had mostly recovered and he came to the door.

    He was invited by Qiu Mengmin and his wife. The original intention of them was to explore what was left by the old Princess were problematic or valuable. However, Ruan Qingyan was indifferent from beginning to end with almost no expression on face, and he just immersed himself into the work to check whether the things Prince¡¯s Mansion had paid Qiu Yn had problems, or whether they were really worth the price that they imed... He barely replied Qiu Mengmin and his wife, so they actually observed and found nothing.

    ¡°I think Lian Jianhai reminded him when he went back.¡± Qiu Mengmin couple held preconceived views and thought so.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t met with my cousin for a few days, and I heard that she was injured. So, I wanted to visit her.¡± At about noon, when Qiu Mengmin was about to ask him to have lunch in the mansion, Ruan Qingyan suddenly put down the booklet and said.

    Qiu Mengmin pondered for a while, ¡°Ruan Hanlin, please help yourself.¡±

    He had found no clue in the whole morning, so he thought he may still find nothing even after they take a meal together. Thus, it was useless to force him to stay here.

    As a result, Ruan Qingyan went to Qiu Yn¡¯s yard.

    Qiu Yn, who was like sitting on a chair that full of needles after taking him to the mansion, now tremblingly and servantly greeted him, apanying him walking into the main hall and pouring water for him in person. And finally, she dare not to sit, but stood respectfully and tactfully nearby, waiting for his orders.

    ¡°How about your foot?¡± Ruan Qingyan took the tea but didn¡¯t drink it, just holding it in his hands and looking at her coldly.

    Qiu Yn was wailing and shouting deep in her heart, but she quickly made a pleasing smile on face.

    It took a long time for Ruan Qingyan to ask such a question.

    Although his tone was still cold, Qiu Yn heard the concerns in it sensitively. ¡°Fortunately he was still caring about me!¡± She suddenly recovered her spirit and entered a pitiful state, ¡°Haven¡¯t fully recovered. I still feel ankles sore after walking for a few steps.¡±

    However, Ruan Qingyan said with a nk face, ¡°You deserve it, me yourself!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Could you be meaner?! I really found that you cared about me, Okay! Qiu Yn silently swallowed her tears and turned into a weak and desperate state, and she said destely, ¡°If my feet are reallyme, I... I don¡¯t want to live anymore!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan was furious immediately after hearing this! But after this great anger, he suddenly calmed down again. He opened the tea bowl and took a sip, then put it back on the table. Then, he asked slowly, ¡°Oh? In which way you choose to die? Do you want to jump into the lotus pond, or hit the stone lion at the door, or call servants to buy arsenic and make you poisonous bibimbap?¡±

    Qiu Yn secretly sighed in heart, ¡°How could he be this? I have only used two times for this trick, and this is the third time¡ª why is it invalidated?¡± This is a must-kill! How can it be useless so fast!

    Seeing her keeping silent, Ruan Qingyan said slowly, ¡°Well, I¡¯ll give you an idea...¡± He said as he took off a delicate dagger from his waist. ¡°Bang,¡± he pped it on the table, clenching his teeth said, ¡°You stabbed me with this dagger, and then went to General¡¯s Mansion to kill your grandfather, and then waited for the governors to sentence your death?! Huh?!¡±

    Qiu Yn shrank her head and knelt down to her legs very decisively, hugged his knees and began to cry, ¡°I¡¯m wrong, cousin! I would never say that again! Woo... cousin, you have to believe me, this time I really know that I¡¯m so, so, so wrong and I can¡¯t be wrong more! Could you stop scaring me like this? Woo... how could I hurt grandfather and you... woo....¡±

    Ruan Qingyan looked at her coldly. After a long while, he looked like very tired and he said, ¡°Didn¡¯t you hurt grandfather and me? Grandfather didn¡¯t know anything now, I mean maybe. But for what you¡¯ve done recently, any of which was like stabbing me on my heart!¡±

    ¡°WTF! This tone... still can¡¯t pass?!¡±

    Qiu Yn, who was rubbing tears and snots on his robe, softening her legs and sitting on the ground, thought desperately, ¡°How can I muddle through this now?!¡±

 Chapter 118 - Cousin was Humiliated

    <h4>Chapter 118 Cousin was Humiliated</h4>

    Anyhow, Ruan Qingyan cared about her sincerely. Although he knew her promise was not reliable, he still sighed and forgave her after she confessed tearfully. Sending away the maids, he came to the point, ¡°I have read part of thepensation list and found nothing unusual. I don¡¯t think they would do such stupid things now that they agreed topensate.¡±

    Qiu Yn tried to please her cousin, ¡°It was all because of your backup that I could...¡±

    ¡°There is nothing more to say about this matter.¡± Ruan Qingyan interrupted her impassively, saying, ¡°Tell me what was going on between you and the brothers of the Jiangs!¡±

    Wiping the cold sweat off her face, Qiu Yn said, ¡°Actually, I talked to Jiang Yadan for the first time that night.¡± With his bad reputation, she must draw a line with him in the first ce. Who knew what Ruan Qingyan was going to ask next?

    ¡°So you mainly interacted with Jiang Yashuang?¡± Ruan Qingyan asked nonchntly, supporting his chin with one hand. ¡°Were you forced to go to the Jiangs¡¯ residence in the middle of the night? Or were you asking him for help?¡±

    He asked calmly, but Qiu Yn felt shocked for no reason and answered cautiously, ¡°I... um, he and his brother came to speak for me that day and I felt strange, so I went to ask him.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan said lightly, ¡°So you did not consider one another as outsiders?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn went silent immediately, looking timid and rubbing the corner of her dress as pitifully as possible.

    Ruan Qingyan closed his eyes, and after a while, opened again. His tone was still faint, ¡°So what do you want now?¡±

    ¡°... Cousin?¡± Qiu Yn was not sure of his attitude. She asked hesitantly.

    ¡°Do you want to marry Jiang Yashuang?¡± Ruan Qingyan looked at her.

    Qiu Yn was stunned for a while and said, ¡°Not that...¡±

    ¡°So what are you going to do with your marriage?¡± Ruan Qingyan sneered. ¡°Are you going to get along with Jiang Yashuang like this? Who knows what will happen... Are you willing to be ruined? Don¡¯t tell me he is a good guy. If he were really good, he would definitely not be in close contact with you before marrying you. The end of Yang Yishi is an example!¡±

    Qiu Yn whispered, ¡°He... said he would marry me, but...¡±

    ¡°But what?!¡± Ruan Qingyan¡¯s eyes shed with anger and he said coldly, ¡°Since ancient times, libertines have been cheating women with the same trick. They first seduce you and then coax you with sweet words. They satisfy you whatever you want. Once you are in their hands, you¡¯ll know whether they can fulfill what they promised before! I had thought you were a smart girl and would not be easily coaxed! Now I know you are so silly!¡±

    Apparently he was almost mad and went so far as to say, ¡°When I was in the South, I promised many girls that I would marry them and live with them for a lifetime. But when I came here, I brought only several maids. But no one has had an affair with me. As the saying goes, all crows under the sun are ck. There is no good man in the world. To be honest, although this is a bit extreme, it is by no means unreasonable! Do you think you are good-looking and have the dignity of a Commandery Princess, so Jiang Yashuang will never deceive you? You are too naive!¡±

    Qiu Yn wanted to bump straight into the wall, saying, ¡°No. Jiang Yashuang said if I agreed to marry him, he would immediately disengage me from Deng, and we would get engaged afterwards, but I didn¡¯t agree.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan sneered, ¡°Did he say that to you at midnight?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn was choked and unable to speak for a long time. ¡°Anyway, I still haven¡¯t figured out whether to marry him or not.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan said coldly, ¡°Even if he didn¡¯t lie to you, you met him privately before getting married and was found by his families. Do you think you¡¯ll have dignity when you are married?¡±

    ¡°I have done nothing with Jiang Yashuang!¡± In his eyes, she was an empty-headed girl who had been deceived by dandies and was till impenitent. Spitting blood, Qiu Yn pulled up her sleeve. A little red spot appeared on the arm. ¡°I don¡¯t want to marry Jiang Yashuang because I think his family is too powerful now. They must have rules for the wives, so I might as well find someone less aggressive!¡±

    Seeing the virginity mark, Ruan Qingyan¡¯s face eased up at once. But soon he sneered out, ¡°It seems that this Jiang is throwing a long line to catch a big fish and intends to rob you of your love! Don¡¯t think that he is a person who respects you. If he really respected you, he would never allow you to be wronged!¡±

    Qiu Yn spat out a mouthful of blood again and said weakly, ¡°You are right, Cousin!¡±

    ¡°Since you haven¡¯t suffered much and it is not known to others, I won¡¯t punish you this time.¡± Ruan Qingyan thought for a while and said, ¡°But you can no longer contact the Jiang in future. Did you get it?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± it was not the first time that Qiu Yn had yed a double part so she promised quickly. Anyway, whether to keep the promise or not will depend.

    Unexpectedly, Ruan Qingyan went on, ¡°The Jiang lives next door. Even if you don¡¯t go to him, I am afraid he wille to you. In my opinion, you¡¯d better stay out for a while. Anyway, Qiu Mengmin and his wife havepensated the property for you. Now that this matter is settled, this ce will not have much to do with you in future. You just have to wait to marry when you are out of the mourning period.¡±

    Qiu Yn froze for a moment before asking, ¡°Where do you want me to go?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s inappropriate not to live in the Mansion when you are here in the city.¡± Ruan Qingyan apparently had a n. He said without thinking, ¡°Pick a vige outside the city and say that you want to concentrate on the mourning and don¡¯t like the noise in the mansion.¡±

    ¡°Then what about Madam Shao and the school?¡± Qiu Yn asked reluctantly.

    Ruan Qingyan said indifferently, ¡°Ask thedy if she is willing go with you. If not, then forget it. I will find somebody else for you.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought for a while and said, ¡°But my injury has not yet healed. Can I wait a few days?¡±

    Hearing the words, Ruan Qingyan frowned and said after a while, ¡°It¡¯s okay, but you¡¯d better leave quickly.¡± At this point, his face sank, ¡°Don¡¯t let me know you are in touch with the Jiang. Got it?!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Qiu Yn solemnly promised that she would absolutely keep her cousin¡¯s words in mind and would never lie to him anymore... Sending away Ruan Qingyan with sweet words, she called Su He and told her to go to Mayor Qiao¡¯s House through the back door. ¡°Take that set of gold head ornament. Tell Young Lady He that I have never asked her for help before and I don¡¯t know her rules. If it was not enough, I would make up. Ask her if my cousin was in trouble recently.¡±

    Su He wondered, ¡°Why did you say so?¡±

    ¡°My cousin used to send me to sweep my mother¡¯s graveyard, but when I returned to the city, I heard that the girl of the Yangs¡¯ had an affair with somebody.¡± Qiu Yn leaned on the cushion behind her. She was wearing a cold expression. ¡°I was asked to go out of town again. He was so eager that I wasn¡¯t prepared for it at all. Wasn¡¯t he afraid that I would be murdered when I lived alone in the vige?!¡±

    Su He whispered softly, ¡°Are you so easy to be murdered?¡±

    ¡°And he talked about my business today but didn¡¯t mention the eventst time when his sister and Fang Zijun came to visit.¡± Qiu Yn hummed, ¡°Is this normal? Even if he didn¡¯t take Fang Zijun as his friend, he should have scolded his sister. Obviously, he was eager to send me away!¡±

    ¡°But what trouble could your cousin have?¡± Su He felt it was incredible. ¡°Your cousin is a young talent. He entered the Hanlin Academy and is also valued by Prime Minister Xue....¡±

    ¡°The problem lies here!¡± The next afternoon, He Shuijin sat in the hall, drinking the tea specially made for her, and said cheerfully, ¡°A rumor goes in the capital city for several days that Minister Xue intends to marry his daughter to General Ruan. I don¡¯t hide it from you. The Jiangs also had the intention. Now that they don¡¯t mention it anymore, I won¡¯t say who the girl is. The Jiangs hesitated because they didn¡¯t want topete with Prime Minister Xue. But, although Prime Minister Xue has taken a fancy to General Ruan, the girl is short-sighted.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked quickly, ¡°You mean that Miss Xue was unwilling to marry my cousin? Was there any trouble out of this?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have much contact with Xue Fangmi, but she looks like a gentle and charming girl in formal asions. Many people im her to be the first talented girl in the capital city.¡± It was not known whether He Shuijin had been bribed or didn¡¯t like Xue Fangmi, but she was so dismissive when mentioning the Prime Minister¡¯s daughter. ¡°Who would have thought she had done that. She humiliated General Ruan before others and said she would rather not marry than fall in love with General Ruan!¡±

    She put down the teacup and sneered, ¡°She is indeed the daughter of a humble maidservant. Even though she pretends to be dignified and elegant, she asionally gives herself away! Girls of decent families might talk about their marriages with the elders even if they were not satisfied with the arranged marriages. How could she be so disrespectful as to insult an innocent person? People know that it was the prime minister who called General Ruan every time. Speaking of that time when she came out of the backyard to humiliate General Ruan, I am afraid that was the first time when General Ruan had seen her!¡±

    The somber expression on Qiu Yn¡¯s face was apparent. ¡°How did she humiliate my cousin?¡±

    He Shuijin said, ¡°I do not know for sure. It seemed like this: Two days ago, Prime Minister Xue invited General Ruan to his residence to help with homework. When he came out, he met several young men who went there to see Xue Nongying, the Prime Minister¡¯s grandson. They met Xue Fangmi on their way out of the residence and she said that in public. Prime Minister Xue scolded Xue Fangmi immediately afterwards and sent gifts to the general¡¯s residence to appease him... But now the gossip outside is not very pleasant. You know General Ruan passed the imperial exam at such a young age. Many people are jealous and can¡¯t have anyone else stand out even if they themselves are ipetent.¡±

    ¡°I guess General Ruan was afraid that the gossip would disturb you here, so he suggested that you stay in the vige for a while.¡±

    ¡°Can I see this Xue Fangmi?¡± Qiu Yn thought for minutes and asked.

    He Shuijin smiled and shook her head, ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t help you, but that I am no friend of hers. After all, Prime Minister Xue has always been upright at court and deliberately kept a distance from us, so I can¡¯t make an appointment with that one.¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn clenching her teeth, He Shuijin reminded, ¡°You are now in the mourning period and it¡¯s not convenient for you be out. When the period is over, with your dignity, except for some private feasts, you can attend any event. The circle of noble girls in the capital city is not very big and you will meet her sooner orter.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for reminding. That will do.¡± Qiu Yn calmed down and said with a sullen expression. Indeed, Ruan Qingyan himself should be able to cope with this matter. But he was a man. If he quarreled with thedy, who was the daughter of his examiner, he would be in a disadvantageous position at the very beginning.

    But, should cousin take that? What a joke!

    Qiu Yn made up her mind, ¡°When I meet Xue Fangmi, I must torture the bitch to death!¡±

    Told your father that you didn¡¯t want to marry! If your father did not imply it to my cousin, why must my cousin married you?

    You dared to bully my cousin! See how I would squash you into scraps!

 Chapter 119 - Is Jiang Yashuang Making a Proposal?!

    <h4>Chapter 119 Is Jiang Yashuang Making a Proposal?!</h4>

    Now that Qiu Yn knew why Ruan Qingyan wanted to send her away, she refused to leave.

    Two dayster, when Ruan Qingyan came to urge her to leave, she told him directly, ¡°I got to know that you were upset with the little bitch of the Xues. It shows that Prime Minister Xue is a failure in instructing his daughter and you are innocent. But it has nothing to do with me. Why should I leave?¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Ruan Qingyan did not admit and frowned, ¡°Do you want to find a reason to stay with Jiang Yashuang?¡±

    Qiu Yn hummed, ¡°If you don¡¯t trust me, you can still hire that Master Qiu to shadow me. I¡¯ll pay!¡±

    Hearing this, Ruan Qingyan sighed, ¡°That¡¯ not the reason. It¡¯s just a little incident. In fact, I want you to leave the city because the conflict between the Dings and the Yangs has already implicated Prime Minister Xue. A secret war is surging in the court and the party struggle is on the verge... Both the Dings and the Yangs are rtives by marriage of your family. I am afraid it¡¯s not safe for you to stay there now!¡±

    ¡°I have survived the toughest time.¡± Qiu Yn disagreed. ¡°Besides, I know the truth now. I can hear the news about the situation in the city. If I stayed out, it would not be convenient to get any news and I would be worried.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan knew she was stubborn. He was a cousin after all. Qiu Yn herself refused to leave and he could not send her away by force without the permission of Qiu Mengmin and his wife. After a long time of fruitless persuasion, he had no choice but to tell her not to contact Jiang Yashuang anymore and left uneasily with Qiu Yn¡¯s promise.

    This time, Qiu Yn did not send anyone out for news. Holding the tea bowl, she was lost in thought. ¡°My cousin had worked hard for many years before he became an official. What is Xue Fangmi? It¡¯s all because she has a good father. My cousin was humiliated by her in public just because of the decline of his family, and he had to put up with it!¡±

    Then she thought, ¡°Actually, Jiang Yashuang is a good person. With the power of his family, if I married him, my cousin would certainly benefit... Bah! What am I thinking?! An ignorant member of the princess party made me think of marrying a wealthy man to support myself! I am getting more and more degraded!¡±

    Qiu Yn shook her head and sighed, ¡°It must be this kind of easy life that has made me less adventurous... But what can I do now in this situation?¡±

    Displeased, she went to the school.

    ...

    A few days passed. The news of the struggle in the court spread throughout the capital city. At this time in previous years, the Empress Dowager, the empress and the emperor had already gone to the pce in Mount Dizi for the summer.

    But this year was an exception. There was a big avnche in Mount Dizi at the end ofst year. Yes, it was caused by Kang Jinzhang¡¯s shout. The summer residence of the Duke of Xihe in Mount Dizi was entirely buried. The Royal Pce not far away was also hit by the disaster. Although the pce was huge and not buriedpletely, many buildings were damaged.

    The repair work had not beenpleted so far, so the royal family could not go there for the summer this year, let alone the officials in the court.

    Political tension was cloaked under the hot weather.

    The Duke of Xihe, who was in an awkward position in the struggle, was living a hard life under this circumstance.

    Qiu Mengmin did not want to offend either side. It was better for him to turn a deaf ear. However, he was a Duke. Unlike Chu Xiao, Duke of Huainan, who could attend the court assembly as he wished, now that he was at the court, as the mutual rtive of the Dings and the Yangs, who triggered the struggle, Qiu Mengmin couldn¡¯t just stand by!

    So every time after the Court Assembly, Qiu Mengmin was so tired that he didn¡¯t want to say a word back at home.

    And everyone in the family was spiritless.

    Qiu Yn did not care about Qiu Mengmin, but she was caring about Ruan Qingyan. She was not in a good mood either.

    It was not noon yet. She hid herself in the cool room and was holding half a watermelon that had just been lifted from the well, eating a bit now and again. Suddenly the door was pushed open and in came Su He with a whirl of heat. She took a look at Chen Shui and Shi Ye who were serving in the room, ¡°Your Grace, I have something to tell you.¡±

    Chen Shui and Shi Ye turned to Qiu Yn. Qiu Yn had always had a preference for Su He and treated her as a sister. She sent the other two away and said, ¡°Weren¡¯t you out to buy two pots of jasmine? Why did youe back sote? I left half a watermelon for you in the well!¡±

    Without saying thanks, Su He leaned forward and whispered, ¡°Your Grace, it¡¯s no good news. I heard the Jiangs are arranging for General Jiang¡¯s marriage!¡±

    Qiu Yn froze for a moment and frowned slightly. If Jiang Yashuang were married, they would no longer be able to keep in close touch with each other. In that case, it would not be easy to find a backer who was nice to talk to and asked for a little... It would be a loss for her and she felt a little sour in the heart. She had no more appetite for the sweet and delicious watermelon....

    ¡°Women¡¯s desire for exclusivity! You don¡¯t want to marry him and you don¡¯t want him to marry anyone else?¡± Qiu Yn thought to herself mockingly, ¡°But cousin is right. He promised to wait until I am out of the mourning period... Now it¡¯s just a few days and he¡¯s going to make a proposal to somebody else.¡±

    She settled down, suppressed the jealousy and disappointment in her heart and said, ¡°Whatever he does is none of my business!¡± As if to prove this, she dug arge spoonful of watermelon and stuffed it into her mouth!

    Barely had she swallowed half of the melon when Su He said, ¡°But the girl is Prime Minister Xue¡¯s youngest daughter Xue Fangmi!¡±

    ¡°Ahem... ¡± Hearing the name, Qiu Yn was so eager to ask that she was stuck by the melon and coughed over and again. Su He stepped forward and patted her on the back. After a long while, the flushed Qiu Lan recovered. She had no time to wipe the tears but asked, ¡°Who?!¡±

    ¡°Xue Fangmi!¡± Su He picked up the teapot and poured a bowl of herbal tea to her, saying with a grievance, ¡°Are you really willing to give General Jiang away to her? It is said that she likes General Jiang, but there was no hope of a marriage because of the different standpoints of the two families at the court. She would like to take advantage of this opportunity to fulfill her wish! The Jiangs don¡¯t care that she was the daughter of a concubine because of Prime Minister Xue!¡±

    Qiu Yn, who felt that Jiang Yashuang was unreliable, would otherwise say once more ¡°It¡¯s none of my business.¡± However, when she heard the name ¡°Xue Fangmi,¡± she was immediately filled with fighting spirit! There was no need for Su He to prod her. She gritted her teeth and said, ¡°To fulfill her wish?! Damn it! As long as I am alive, never will she fulfill her wish!¡±

    She immediately told Su He, ¡°You go out and spread a message. Just say...¡± She looked at the watermelon in her hand, ¡°I ate too much cold food and fell ill! Remember to fetch the doctor who treated my foot injuryst time.¡± The doctor was invited by the Jiangs.

    Su He was overjoyed, ¡°Your Grace, would you like me to go next door again?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Although Qiu Yn was full of thoughts on how to make Xue Fangmi unhappy, she was calm, so she said decisively, ¡°I am nobler in identity than Xue Fangmi. But in terms of power, we are no match of Prime Minister Xue. In particr, there is no one behind me except my cousin. Now if I wanted to get involved, I could only bet on the moral integrity of Jiang Yashuang. So, why should I beg him?¡±

    She sneered, ¡°If Jiang Yashuang remembered his promises to me, even if we had no contact these days, he should care for me! If he did not care about my illness at all, then I shouldn¡¯t have to care about him. I¡¯ll just think how to cope with that little bitch!¡±

    Then Su He asked, ¡°Shall I prepare some snacks for the doctor?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Qiu Yn rejected her proposal again, ¡°If Jiang Yashuang did not care, do you think the doctor would run over to tell him? In that case, why should I bend down before a doctor? If he cared, do you think the doctor who has served the Jiangs for many years would be partial to us just for the snacks? It would be embarrassing if he gave us away afterwards!¡±

    ¡°... Then I¡¯ll fetch the doctor.¡± With two ideas rejected in session by Qiu Ymn, Su He blushed and retreated hurriedly.

    After she left, Qiu Yn felt a little uneasy when her excitement was over. ¡°Could Su He be lying to me? I don¡¯t think she dare! But, even if it were true, if I did this, it would be troublesome if I didn¡¯t marry Jiang Yashuang in the future... Or shall I deal with Xue Fangmi without disturbing the Jiangs? But even He Shuijin is unfamiliar with the Xues, let alone me. s... The princess party is the most annoying!¡±

    She hesitated and could not make up her mind until Su He came back with the doctor. Now that the doctor came, she had to see him first.

    She was not ill, which, of course, could not be concealed from the doctor.

    Hearing Su He said a lot of specious symptoms, the doctor pondered for a while and came to the conclusion of ¡°sultry weather plus anxiety¡±. He wrote a prescription for recuperating the spleen and liver, told her to keep an open mind... and left.

    After the doctor left, Su He asked nervously, ¡°Will hee? He will definitelye, right? If he didn¡¯te, then...¡±

    ¡°What are you worried about? I¡¯m not worried myself!¡± Qiu Yn was hesitant and uneasy. She was upset to hear her noise and said grouchily, ¡°Well, go ahead and do your job. I¡¯m really tired... Let me get some sleep.¡±

    Su He answered, ¡°I forgot it¡¯s inconvenient for him toe above board! I¡¯m going out!¡±

    Coming to the threshold, she snickered again, ¡°You can rest assured. No one, including me, will be eavesdropping this time!¡±

    Qiu Ynughed and scolded, ¡°What are you saying! Isn¡¯t it still daytime.¡±

    After Su He left, Qiu Yn continued to think about her marriage. The more she thought, the more vexed she was and the more difficult it was to make a decision. Finally she pulled the quilt. ¡°Go to bed first and have enough sleep!¡±

    When she woke up, it was already sunset. As it was midsummer, it was still bright outside, but inside the room it was dim.

    Qiu Yn got up and rubbed her eyes. Her summer dress, which she had not taken off before going to bed, slid down the shoulder on one side, revealing more than half of her body. Immediately she heard a reminder cough out of the bed canopy that was half rolled-up.

    ¡°Huh, are you here?¡± Qiu Yn pulled up the dress casually and asked carelessly, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

 Chapter 120 - I Dont Love You at All!

    <h4>Chapter 120 I Don¡¯t Love You at All!</h4>

    Jiang Yashuang was holding Whitey, which slid in without being noticed. He looked down at it to avoid the embarrassment of seeing Qiu Yn¡¯s half-naked shoulder. ¡°The doctor said you are not feelingfortable, so Ie to have a look. Are you afraid of summer?¡±

    ¡°Not really. I just feel a little dizzy after staying in the cool room for a long time.¡± Qiu Yn plucked her long hair and looked at him with a smile. ¡°Su He made such a fuss that she invited the doctor over... It¡¯s nothing.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sighed in relief, ¡°Then I¡¯m relieved.¡± He added, ¡°The pce is not repaired yet, so it¡¯s not ready for the summer. Unlike in the cool mountain, it¡¯s really too hot in the capital city.¡±

    Seeing Qiu Ynughing, he was a little surprised, ¡°Why are youughing?¡±

    ¡°I am wondering, if Miss Xue knew that her soon-to-be husband climbed over the wall to see me, what would she look like?¡± Qiu Yn smiled and said, ¡°I wondered why she did that to my cousin the other day. I knew it wasn¡¯t my cousin who took a fancy to her and wanted to marry her. It turned out that my cousin helped me out of trouble!¡±

    Hearing the words, Jiang Yashuang frowned and said, ¡°That¡¯s what my family mean, but I did not agree.¡±

    Qiu Yn felt at ease in her heart but said hypocritically, ¡°In fact, you don¡¯t have to be like this. I am not a stalker. Miss Xue is said to be the prime minister¡¯s beloved daughter. Now that she loves you, she will surely speak for your family before her father in the future. This is good for your family. I feel grateful for you this time for helping me get what my grandmother and mother left to me....¡±

    ¡°Are you jealous?¡± Jiang Yashuang caressed the smooth fur of Whitey. Probably because he had Nianxue, he knew how to get close to Persian cats. Within a short moment, Whitey became very intimate with him and was making a satisfied coquettish sound from time to time. It kept rubbing its head against his palm. Jiang Yashuang teased it andughed, ¡°You cannot deny it: if you don¡¯t mind this matter, howe you know miss Xue is Prime Minister Xue¡¯s favorite daughter? I remember you are not very familiar with girls!¡±

    Qiu Yn got up, put on her slippers, walked to the table and sat down. She poured herself a drink of dark plum, ¡°You think too much, but when I asked Miss He why Miss Xue had embarrassed my cousin, she mentioned that and I just remembered.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°Really? Remembered so casually?¡± The tone was very meaningful.

    ¡°I always have a good memory.¡± Qiu Yn said in a meaningful way. ¡°However, if I needed to have a bad memory, I could forget at any time.¡±

    ¡°You obviously mind the rumor about the marriage and want me to give you an exnation. This is understandable. Why are you beating around the bushes?¡± Jiang Yashuang said amusingly, ¡°I didn¡¯t say I won¡¯t tell you.¡±

    Qiu Yn tilted her head and thought for a while. She waved him to sit at the table and said with a sweet smile, ¡°Then tell me now?¡±

    ¡°The Xues have the intention and even named me.¡± Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t care about her posturing just now and said cheerfully, ¡°Now that I have already made an appointment with you, naturally I won¡¯t agree.¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at him and smiled, ¡°It seems that your grandfather really cares for you.¡±

    ¡°On the one hand, my grandmother spoke to me, and on the other hand, my grandfather didn¡¯t trust Prime Minister Xue very much.¡± Jiang Yashuang did not keep anything. ¡°Prime Minister Xue has kept the golden mean for many years. How could he give up his neutral attitude because of the dispute between the Dings and the Yangs? Although if the Dings fell, the neutral faction would inevitably suffer losses. However, with Prime Minister Xue, the loss is not uneptable. On the contrary, without Prime Minister Xue, the neutral faction would losepletely. So if it were really difficult for Prime Minister to get out this time, he would only give up the Dings instead of uniting my family by marriage. Grandfather thought Prime Minister Xue had other ns.¡±

    Qiu Yn rolled her eyes, ¡°What if that was not the case and your grandfather asked you to marry Miss Xue?¡±

    ¡°I am not a man who breaks his promise.¡± Jiang Yashang smiled. ¡°If you were uneasy, should I go to the pce tomorrow to beg my aunt?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m just kidding.¡± Qiu Yn kept her tears. To marry him or not? The question had not been well considered. How dare she to get engaged to Jiang Yashuang?

    Jiang Yashuang scratched Whitey down the chin and said, ¡°Neither my grandma nor I care about it, but there are so many people in the family. Grandma said it would be better to arrange our marriage when you are out of the mourning period in case of people gossip in the future... Of course, other people in the family may also talk about it. In a big family, there¡¯s nothing you can do about it.¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at Whitey, which was so happy in his arms, and said thoughtfully, ¡°It is really hard to be a wife in your family.¡±

    ¡°Not really.¡± Jiang Yashuangughed again. ¡°These talkers are all from other branches. We fourth branch¡ªmy father and mother are in the north. They haven¡¯t been back for many years. My grandma told me they are very kind. My sister-inw is taking care of the fourth branch. She is recognized as a virtuous person who is easy to get along with. As for my grandma, as you have seen, she is sensible and kind.

    He added, ¡°Grandma likes you very much.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked curiously, ¡°Why?¡± She met Madame Tao only once when she went to make aint with Jiang Yashuang!

    Jiang Yashuang looked at her and smiled for a while before saying, ¡°Grandma said you are good-looking, and she likes to see young and pretty girls.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you said?¡± Qiu Yn asked suspiciously. Even if elderly people like to see young and handsome juniors, shouldn¡¯t they consider family background, temperament, morality and the like first when choosing wives for their grandsons? In particr, Madame Tao was not his father¡¯s mother. If she chose her for her beauty, didn¡¯t it mean that she has nothing to praise besides her beauty?

    ¡°That¡¯s the truth.¡± Probably because of that incident in Yunyi Restaurant, Jiang Yashuang was not embarrassed at all this time and said calmly, ¡°Anyway, grandma likes you. Isn¡¯t it a good thing? You saw that day, grandma is very protective of the people she likes.¡±

    Qiu Yn half smiled, ¡°I think your grandma favors you most.¡±

    ¡°I was raised by my grandma and my sister-inw. They still care about my daily life now.¡± Jiang Yashuang did not deny, ¡°So my grandma is really more attentive to me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s really strange. Why did Jiang Qisheng dare hit you?¡± Qiu Yun asked naively and provocatively. ¡°I heard you were taught by your grandfather. I saw your cousin was not so spoiled as you by your grandmother. When she hit you, wasn¡¯t she afraid of making your grandfather and grandmother angry?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said casually, ¡°She¡¯s just like that, and I don¡¯t usually argue with others...¡± Speaking of this, he suddenly understood and looked at her awkwardly, ¡°Are you still angry with my cousin?¡±

    ¡°Even if she bullied me, am I not allowed to hold a grudge?¡± Being exposed, Qiu Yn did not blush but showed a look of grievance. ¡°I didn¡¯t goad her and she just treated me like that! If it were you, wouldn¡¯t you be aggrieved, angry and hold a grudge?¡±

    Before Jiang Yashuang could answer, she continued, ¡°Even if you don¡¯t feel aggrieved or angry, I¡¯m not you! Should I copy you? You practice martial arts every day, should I do the same? Anyway, I¡¯m just narrow-minded, and I just like to hold a grudge!¡±

    Seeing her in a huff, Jiang Yashuang smiled, without talking about Jiang Qisheng, but said, ¡°I really feel a headache for Miss Xue. My cousin said a few bad words about you in private. Although she intended to hit you, I stopped her in time. Back home, she was cursed by my grandma in front of you. The elders in the family also punished her afterwards. It has been a long time and you still hold the grudge... I wonder, what would you do to Miss Xue if you had a chance in future?¡±

    ¡°I feel you are not having a headache but a heartache.¡± ying with a strand of hair hanging down from her temple, Qiu Yn said jokingly but her face turned ugly. ¡°Now that you care so much about her, why not marry her? You can love her dearly after you get married! You love each other and care for each other! Why did you say that to me?¡±

    Not having expected that she would change so quickly, Jiang Yashuang was stunned for a while and exined, ¡°I was just kidding.¡±

    ¡°Kidding? Huh!¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t buy it at all, ¡°I think you are simply determined to marry the Prime Minister¡¯s daughter, but afraid I, who am cruel, will embarrass her, so you try to coax me so that your sweetheart will not be aggrieved!¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about? I have never seen Miss Xue!¡± Jiang Yashuang said awkwardly. ¡°Moreover, can you be called cruel? It¡¯s understandable that you just use some means for survival ¡ª You are still far from being really cruel!¡±

    Qiu Yn said with a sneer, ¡°What even if you have not seen her? She is the daughter of the Prime Minister! The Commandery Princess is but a nominal title! Even though my father was still alive, how could hepete with Prime Minister Xue in terms of power? When you have such a good father-inw....¡±

    ¡°Am I living on my father-inw?¡± Jiang Yashang sighed. ¡°All right, stop it. If I really cared for Miss Xue, why should Ie to see you?¡±

    ¡°Come to see me? You are obviously afraid that I will hate Miss Xue out of love...¡± Qiu Yn was unreasonably arrogant, but unexpectedly, Jiang Yashuang fixed his gaze on her and asked, ¡°You love me?¡±

    Qiu Yn was dumbfounded by herself, secretly scolding herself for being thoughtless. She quickly denied, ¡°No! How could I love you? I mean you doubt that I am not reconciled to your breach....¡±

    Her words were interrupted again, ¡°Are you worried that I will break my promise?¡±

    ¡°How is it possible?! You can marry whoever you like. It has nothing to do with me! I think you are here just for Miss Xue....¡±

    ¡°Do you care about the rumors between Miss Xue and me?¡± Jiang Yashuang interrupted her for a third time. The teasing and meaningful smile at the corners of his eyes could no longer be concealed. Qiu Yn was tongue-tied for a moment, knowing that the continuous misunderstanding caused by her blunder was hard to exin. Ordinary people would be ashamed and speechless. But she was no ordinary person!

    So her reaction was to beat the table in annoyance and shout, ¡°Anyway, I just don¡¯t love you! I¡¯m not afraid of your breach! I don¡¯t even care about that Miss Xue! I am telling you the truth! Believe it or not!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang grinned and was about to speak when Qiu Yn gave him a warning re, ¡°What do you want to say?¡±

    ¡°I mean... um... don¡¯t worry. Last time I said I thought of you as Yongfu. Actually it was just before, I still...¡± Jiang Yashuang looked at her face on which were written ¡°I would kill you if you dared say what you shouldn¡¯t say.¡± He was weighing his words very carefully, hoping not to irritate her. But with her IQ, she knew what he meant: it turned out thatst time you repeatedly asked me whether I proposed for responsibility or love because you loved me.

    ¡°I told you that I don¡¯t love you at all!¡± Seeing his expression which seemed to say, ¡°I understand, don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let you down¡±, Qiu Yn, who was exasperated, could no longer contain herself. She got up and pounced on him ferociously, ¡°You don¡¯t understand the humannguage, do you?¡±

 Chapter 121 - Guess What Im Gonna Do?

    <h4>Chapter 121 Guess What I¡¯m Gonna Do?</h4>

    Jiang Yashuang was holding Whitey. He was a cat person and didn¡¯t want to throw it away. In this case, he couldn¡¯t spare a hand to take Qiu Yn¡¯s attacks, so he just watched her dash to him and beat him. Although this little Commandery Princess studied some martial arts, she was still young. With her strength, he didn¡¯t feel hurt but felt fun seeing her face turned red with anger and her teeth gritted. Jiang Yashuang bent, put Whitey on the carpet, and kicked it gently to sign to it to go away. Then he stood up to grasp Qiu Yn¡¯s wrists.

    He was about to speak, but Qiu Yn had a good self-defense skill whichpensated her weak strength. Almost at the same time when he reached her wrists, she slipped from his hands and stepped on his boot hard, saying angrily, ¡°How dare you hit me back?¡±

    ¡°I....¡± Jiang Yashuang tried to exin but Qiu Yn wouldn¡¯t listen. She found he didn¡¯t care about her attacks and was angrier. She stepped on his boot again, ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me that you felt no pain! You liar!¡±

    This was pure nonsense. Should a man being beaten tell the attacker how to make him painful?

    Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t stop smiling bitterly, ¡°I¡¯m not treating you like Yongfu now!¡± He did feel something special to Qiu Yn, or else though he had a good temper, he would not tolerate her unreasonable and mischievous remarks again and again.

    Because of their unexpected first meeting, he had always thought that his feelings for this little Commandery Princess were pure guilt and pity. Since thest time they were caught by Ruan Qingyan, Jiang Yadan had persuaded Jiang Yashuang to win Qiu Yn¡¯s heart immediately after his injuries were healed in order to defend the Jiang Family men¡¯s ¡°dignity¡±. That was Jiang Yadan¡¯s logic of ¡°It¡¯s ridiculous that we Jiang Family men can¡¯t seize a girl from the hand of a petty Hanlin Academy official!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang knew that his brother¡¯s mind was filled 80% with women and 20% with how to fudge the senior family members¡¯ lectures, so he wouldn¡¯t mind his unreasonable talk. But as Jiang Yadan said too much to him, Jiang Yashuang sometimes agreed with one or two opinions and thought they made sense after consideration. Like Jiang Yadan said, if he really wanted to marry Qiu Yn only out of responsibility and sympathy, then why he didn¡¯t let her marry Ruan Qingyan?

    ¡°Everyone knows how much Ruan cares about Commandery Princess Ningyi!¡± Jiang Yadan¡¯s words seemed to be still going around his head. ¡°If I had my way, you should help her cancel the engagement with Deng Yi and let her marry Ruan Qingyan if you were really not into her and hoped her well!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang thought it made sense. Even so, when he thought of letting Ruan Qingyan have Qiu Yn, though he knew Ruan Qingyan would surely treat her well, he felt sad. Such feelings made him refuse the marriage with the Xue Family and choose not to tell Qiu Yn almost by instinct.

    At that time he hadn¡¯t known why he had done so, but now he understood, ¡°Maybe I was waiting for a chance like today?¡±

    Qiu Yn called the doctor at noon and Jiang Yashuang arrived in the afternoon. Although there was only a wall between the two families for him to pass, he also had her own business to do and wouldn¡¯t call a doctor for no reason. If he hadn¡¯t told his servants to report the news about Qiu Yn to him, how could he havee so soon?

    Now he heard Qiu Yn talking her ¡°heart¡± out unexpectedly, Jiang Yashuang felt, as a man, he should not flinch!

    Thus he said seriously, ¡°I did treat you as Yongfu in the past, but now I have considered it....¡±

    ¡°How dare you say that? You are dead!¡± His words made Qiu Yn who was angry by shame furious. She stepped on his feet seven or eight times and made his clean boots dirty but she still couldn¡¯t calm down. She found, with her current strength, if she didn¡¯t kick below the belt, she couldn¡¯t let Jiang Yashuang feel pain but her own fingers ached dully by his protecting internal force. So Qiu Yn turned punching into pinching and aimed specially to Jiang Yashuang¡¯s side and the backs of his arms!

    This was a female skillparable to ¡°crying, making troubles and hanging herself¡±. Although Jiang Yashuang was an expert in martial arts, he couldn¡¯t take it and wanted her to stop. He begged for a long time but she only added force on him. Jiang Yashuang sighed and suddenly put two fingers out. Qiu Yn saw it and thought he was going to be serious, so she tried to back at once in the hope of making a distance from him.

    But they were so close to each other like a couple in love and with her weak strength, how could she move so quickly?

    Thus, her left arm was attacked by Jiang Yashuang and she immediately felt weak and stumbled. By now, she was more upset with this attack. Her logic was that if she were unhappy, others couldn¡¯t smile! Especially when the other one was the person who made her unhappy!

    So Qiu Yn trampled on Jiang Yashuang¡¯s boots again, ¡°How dare you! How dare you!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was upset. All of a sudden, he pulled her into his arms. Qiu Yn was surprised and resisted, but she was too weak in front of Jiang Yashuang and was easily put on hisp with her arms held!

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so naughty. Let¡¯s have a good talk.¡± Jiang Yashuang¡¯s softened voice came from above her head. The difference in height between them led to the result that when Qiu Yn was sitting on hisp, the top of her head was braced right by his jaw. This position seemed to make chemistry but it only made Qiu Yn desperate. Her response to it was to turn around suddenly and bite Jiang Yashuang heavily on his shoulder!

    Jiang Yashuang, ¡°...¡±

    His expression changed several times from being shocked, but he didn¡¯t try to stop her. He just squinted and let her bite for a long time. After the extreme pain from the wound, a feeling of wetness spread gradually, and then came the warm liquid flowing down slowly... When Qiu Yn stopped biting with anger, he looked at her lips red with his blood and asked tly, ¡°Why not continue?¡±

    Qiu Yn struggled but failed to break out of him. She said angrily, ¡°I¡¯m tired!¡±

    ¡°Now it¡¯s my turn.¡± Jiang Yashuang bowed his head and looked down at her. They stared at each other as if they werepeting. They could see themselves in each other¡¯s eyes. He came closer to her till their eyshes could touch and said slowly, ¡°Guess what I¡¯m gonna do to you?¡±

    Sensing the obvious danger in his tone, Qiu Yn was not scared but wanted to hit back. Such a little wound for her was not a big deal, so she sneered, ¡°You....¡± She just opened her mouth and was about to speak when Jiang Yashuang lowered his head and kissed her!

    Qiu Yn was stunned!

    After a while, panting slightly, Jiang Yashuang let go of her. He curved the corner of his mouth which was tainted by blood and was just going to say something, but Qiu Yn pped him while wiping her lips in a fluster!

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t dodge but let her p him. Yet Qiu Yn became feeble by that abrupt kiss. She could feel that that p didn¡¯t hurt him and was about to p again when Jiang Yashuang said smilingly, ¡°My turn again?¡±

    Qiu Yn was wild with anger, ¡°Do you dare?¡±

    After she said it, Jiang Yashuang held her tight and then kissed her sweet lips again without hesitation or shyness!

    ¡°You... Are you Jiang Yashuang?¡± Qiu Yn was shocked once more! After a while, she struggled and screamed, ¡°Who are you?¡±

    How could that General Jiang who was shy when he was praised for being handsome did such an improper thing! Is he Jiang Yadan in disguise? Or are there also spirits that can change their appearance into anyone?

    She was still thinking when Jiang Yashuang let loose of her and said with a half-smile, ¡°Surely I am.¡±

    He didn¡¯t wait for Qiu Yn¡¯s response but put his jaw on her head again and rubbed against it, saying slowly, ¡°I also have a temper, but I don¡¯t like to lose temper.¡±

    Qiu Yn was speechless for a moment. She couldn¡¯t push him away and was shivering with anger, ¡°Fine! Then kill me! Or I won¡¯t let you get away unless I die!¡±

    ¡°You just like to say things contrary to your real thoughts.¡± Jiang Yashuangughed and looked at her with soft eyes smilingly, joking. ¡°You won¡¯t let me get away. In other words, it means...¡± He put his mouth close to her ear and his warm male breath touched her neck, ¡°You want to stay with me for the whole life?¡±

    Obviously, Qiu Yn¡¯s sessive affectations and that ¡°hate out of love¡± which sounded like a slip of her true heart got her into trouble. Her words now only made that impression deeper, ¡°Stay with you for life? I only hope you die at once!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t mind at all and said, ¡°The conflict between the Ding Family and the Yang Family is taken to the Imperial Court Assembly and my aunt has to deal with it. I guess she had no time for other things. When that thing is over, I will ask her to help you cancel the engagement with Deng Yi. At thetest, it will be the end of this year. Then we can be engaged as soon as your mourning period is over. You don¡¯t need to care about that Miss Xue. Even a princess in the pce can¡¯t marry me as she wants. Prime Minister Xue does have prestige in the court, but he is just an official. My family values him, but we don¡¯t need to spoil him!¡±

    ¡°I said I hope you die!¡±

    ¡°I think you have lost weight these days. For one thing, the weather is heated, for another, are you bothered by the rumors outside?¡± Jiang Yashuang went on saying. ¡°My grandmother also can¡¯t stand the heat. I remember her cook has some recipes for appetizing dishes for summer. I will have the recipes copied and send them to you. Just try them. If it didn¡¯t work, I would think of other ways.¡±

    ¡°Who wants to talk with you this rubbish?¡± Qiu Yn shouted as she was driven crazy. ¡°Did you hear me?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked down at her pink little face as a result of anger and struggle and smiled significantly. ¡°Sure. Go on.¡±

    ¡°You shameless man!¡± Poor Qiu Yn¡¯s umted vigor was depleted by his two distracting replies. Now Jiang Yashuang let her speak, but she only regained her energy and said through gritted teeth after quite a while of being speechless, ¡°Let go of me! You and I will have a duel!¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t win. And I won¡¯t duel with you.¡± Jiang Yashuang rubbed her face with his cheek with augh. ¡°Stop being naughty. I know you are upset. It¡¯s my fault. I should have told you about Miss Xue when I knew it. I promise that next time I will let you know such things and won¡¯t hide it from you. Is that OK?¡±

    He was apparently cajoling her like a husband cajoling his wife. Both his movements and tone were so intimate. Qiu Yn was more unhappy and felt helpless, ¡°Let me go! I¡¯m not your wife. How can you put your hand on me like this?¡±

    ¡°If you were eager to be my wife now, I could make it happen. As I said, my aunt has always liked me. Though she is busy now, if I begged her, which is once in a blue moon, she would agree.¡± Jiang Yashuang said and smiled. ¡°We will tell the outside that I like you and want to seize you from Deng Yi. Anyway, for one thing, my families don¡¯t care about such discussions; for another, some of my senior rtives love to see the Gu Family lose face.¡±

    Qiu Yn almost felt powerless, ¡°Are you and Jiang Yadan crazy? Why on earth do you think I¡¯m eager to marry you?¡±

    ¡°No, no. You are not eager. It¡¯s me who¡¯s eager.¡± his tone was like coaxing a child. ¡°So just nurse your appetite and wait for me to seize you into Jiang Family.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Somehow Qiu Yn thought of Whitey that had been in his arms just now. She was speechless for a moment and burst into tears suddenly. This time she was not pretending. She was really crying with anger!

 Chapter 122 - Missed the One-on-One

    <h4>Chapter 122 Missed the One-on-One</h4>

    Trying every means and agreeing to a lot of unfair terms, Jiang Yashuang finally managed to stop Qiu Yn from crying. It was already dark andte. It was no longer quiet outside. Maids and old maidservants were back. They all came to invite Qiu Yn to dinner.

    Qiu Yn who was still a bit angry asked Jiang Yashuang to leave angrily, ¡°Just go! Don¡¯te over anymore unless invited!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang took this as an invitation. He rubbed her long dark hair with a smile, ¡°I wille to see you as soon as I¡¯m free.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± Qiu Yn shouted in a low voice disgustedly, ¡°I saw you touching Whitey like this just now.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Okay. Okay. I promised.¡± while saying, Jiang Yashuang rubbed her again yfully. While she jumped up to beat him, he sneaked behind the screen like a fish and jumped out of the window.

    Leaving Qiu Yn behind, she pounded on the table angrily, ¡°I¡¯m going to practice martial arts. I have to practice martial arts! After I be a master of martial arts, I will challenge him to a duel and then kick his ass!¡±

    Inside Prime Minister Xue¡¯s Mansion, someone was also pounding on the table at the same time. It was just that Xue Fangmi didn¡¯t have a mixed feeling like Qiu Yn. What she felt was pure and iparable anger!

    ¡°Just the youngest son of Jiang Family¡¯s fourth branch! He can¡¯t inherit the title. And he doesn¡¯t have schrly honor or official rank!¡± after Xue Fangmi knew that Jiang Yashuang rejected the marriage and he rejected it decidedly leaving no alternatives, first she couldn¡¯t believe it and then she was so pissed off!

    She humiliated Ruan Qingyan in public which made it impossible for Xue Family and Ruan Family to form ties. Xue Chang was so furious because of it that he actually reproached her. Moreover, she offended her brother¡¯s family thoroughly because of it.

    So, when she was taking a walk in the garden on that day, she bumped into her sister-inw Xuesun. Xuesun called out to her promptly and said in a tepid tone, ¡°You¡¯d better not go out so often! Everyone is wondering since you are thedy of Prime Minister¡¯s family and everyone knows that father adores you deeply, why Jiang Yashuang rejected you so decidedly right when we brought you up? There must be something wrong with you. Of course, we watched you grow up. We know that there is nothing wrong with you. It¡¯s just that gossip is a fearful thing. For our family¡¯s reputation, you¡¯d better behave. Don¡¯t go out of your room unless it¡¯s necessary!¡±

    Xue Fangmi¡¯s mother was a concubine. But Xue Chang¡¯s wife was already dead. And he adored Nan deeply. Nan could be considered as thedy of the house. Even Xuesun didn¡¯t dare to offend her rashly. Xue Fangmi was spoiled since she was born. When did she get humiliated to her face like this?

    However, it was true that she was rejected. No matter how glib she was, facing Xuesun¡¯s sneer and warning, she could only go off in a huff ungracefully. After she went back to her room, she calmed down a little. But she couldn¡¯t put up with it anymore, ¡°If I didn¡¯t consider that he was said to be a pushover because of his good temper, and he was decent unlike the rest of the guys in Jiang Family. How could I like him?¡±

    The trusted maid Xi Zhiforted her with caution, ¡°Miss, don¡¯t hurt your hand!¡± seeing that Xue Fangmi wasn¡¯t mad at her, she nerved herself and said, ¡°I wonder is there something wrong? Otherwise, why did General Jiang refuse?¡±

    Xue Fangmi sneered, ¡°How would I know? No matter judging by talent or look, how am I not a good match for Jiang Yashuang? Even my mother is a concubine, my father only has two daughters. How many sons does his family have? And he is the youngest grandson of Marquess Qin. Even his family has loads of money, how much will be left when he grows up? It may not be as much as my dowry!¡±

    The more she thought about it the angrier she got, ¡°No matter the Empress or Empress Dowager, they both have wanted to win my father over for a long time! Every time we get invited to the pce, all the princesses andmandery princesses are polite and kind to me. Although Jiang Family is known as the family which controls half of our country, whenever they can¡¯t win the argument with Gu Family, my father speaks up for them. Now my father is okay with this, nut Jiang Yashuang is going crazy....¡±

    Xi Zhi muttered to herself, ¡°Could it be... General Jiang was alreadymitted to others?¡±

    ¡°Committed to others?¡± Xue Fangmi¡¯s look suddenly changed, ¡°Are you referring to the rumor about Commandery Princess Ningyi and Jiang Yashuang being alone in one room at Yunyi Restaurant?¡±

    ¡°Although Jiang Family rified that the one being alone with Commandery Princess Ningyi was Chunfu Princess in men¡¯s clothes, Commandery Princess Ningyi is engaged and in mourning. Even the one being alone with her was General Jiang, I think it¡¯s reasonable that Jiang Family uses Chunfu Princess as a shield to avoid the shame.¡± Xi Zhi whispered.

    Xue Fangmi¡¯s face was gloomy. She said after a long time, ¡°Send someone to do some digging! What¡¯s the rtionship between Commandery Princess Ningyi and Jiang Yashuang? Does she have something to do with Jiang Yashuang rejecting the marriage?¡±

    Xi Zhi wanted to say something but stopped on a second thought.

    Xue Fangmi noticed and asked frowning, ¡°What do you want to say?¡±

    ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi is Ruan Qingyan¡¯s cousin. It¡¯s said that he adores her deeply.¡± Xi Zhi said.

    ¡°Are you implying that Jiang Yashuang rejected the marriage so decidedly and totally ignoring my feelings is because she incited him to? And she did it because I humiliated Ruan Qingyan in publicst time?¡± Xue Fangmi was smart. She got what Xi Zhi implied at once.

    Xi Zhi nodded, ¡°Otherwise, General Jiang should at least be euphemistic for master¡¯s sake. Does he have to make a fuss about it so that everyone knows?¡±

    ¡°What a vicious b*tch!¡± Xue Fangmi tried every means to humiliate Ruan Qingyan in public back then. So, there was a rumour about Ruan Qingyan trying hard to y up to Xue Family. After that, Xue Chang invited Ruan Qingyan again and again, but he refused every time. Xue Fangmi didn¡¯t feel guilty about it at all. She was d that she made it impossible for her niece Xue Nongqing to marry Ruan Qingyan who had a simple family and was good-looking and talented. However, when the same thing happened to her, she couldn¡¯t bear it at all, ¡°This is an attempt to ruin my reputation and my future. If Commandery Princess Ningyi really did it, I would make her regret about it!¡±

    She thought for a second, ¡°The niece of Ding Family married into Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. She is Commandery Princess Ningyi¡¯s sister-inw. Go and ask her to make an arrangement. I want to meet with Commandery Princess Ningyi!¡±

    Xi Zhi said in a hurry, ¡°I¡¯m afraid it can¡¯t be arranged. Because she is in mourning. If she used this as an excuse, Miss Ding couldn¡¯t force her to go out. Master definitely won¡¯t let you go to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Because they have officially taken Empress Dowager¡¯s side.¡±

    Xue Fangmi felt awful. She said angrily, ¡°Go and give her a message! What if that little b*tch said yes?¡±

    Qiu Yn was hoping for this kind of one on one. But Xue Fangmi was lucky. Right after Zhenzhen delivered the message, General¡¯s Mansion delivered the message about General Ruan getting worse.

    Qiu Yn who just burnt the recipe Jiang Yashuang sent to her privately was in a hurry to visit her grandfather. She wanted to agree, but instead she said, ¡°Miss Xue is really unthoughtful! I¡¯m not her rtives or friends. I haven¡¯t even met her. Why does she want to see me out of the blue? Doesn¡¯t she know that I¡¯m in mourning and my grandfather is sick? Even my uncle and aunt avoid bothering me at this kind of moment. As a stranger, she wants to meet me. She is really full of herself!¡±

    Su He backed her up loudly, ¡°Maybe because she didn¡¯t know better and humiliated Cousin Ruan before. And now she wants to apologize through you?¡±

    ¡°Then she should apologize to cousin directly!¡± Qiu Yn said coldly, ¡°She humiliated cousin to his face before. Now when she realized she was wrong and wanted to apologize, she suddenly felt it¡¯s inappropriate for a man and a woman to meet in private? What an unreasonable person! Tell her I¡¯m busy! And ask her to leave me alone!¡±

    After she was done talking, she ignored Zhenzhen. She instructed maids to pack up her things and left.

    Zhenzhen told Ding Qinghong what she said. Ding Qinghong was livid, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi really is as cunning as the rumour.¡±

    ¡°Then what should we tell Miss Xue?¡± Zhenzhen asked with caution.

    ¡°Just say that General Ruan is getting worse. Commandery Princess Ningyi needs to take care of him. So, she can¡¯t go meet her.¡± Ding Qinghong said after a while with a gloomy face.

    Zhenzhen felt a little surprised. She checked to make sure there was no one outside. Then she whispered to Ding Qinghong¡¯s ear, ¡°If we told Miss Xue exactly what Commandery Princess Ningyi said, considering how she is, she definitely wouldn¡¯t let Commandery Princess Ningyi off the hook... Doesn¡¯t young master hate Commandery Princess Ningyi?¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± Ding Qinghong shook her head and said, ¡°Don¡¯t forget that Commandery Princess Ningyi is also not the one you want to mess with!¡± she lowered her voice, ¡°We are not safe here. Mother clearly considers my husband and me as thorns in her flesh. If we offend Commandery Princess Ningyi this time, we will have one more enemy! Why would I do that? When you reply to Miss Xue, choose your words carefully! It¡¯s better to make her forget about it!¡±

    Zhenzhen was enlightened, ¡°Yes, mydy!¡±

    Ding Qinghong wished it could be over. But Xue Fangmi didn¡¯t think so. She asked Zhenzhen with a sneer, ¡°General Ruan is getting worse? What a coincidence!¡±

    Hearing this, Zhenzhen was not happy. Because she sounded demanding. Even her status was higher than Ding Qinghong, she truly didn¡¯t take Ding Qinghong seriously. But Zhenzhen had to answer because her status was lower than Xue Fangmi¡¯s, ¡°General Ruan is sick sincest year. It¡¯s said that he got worse once before Ruan Qingyan took the exam. Now he is getting worse again. It shouldn¡¯t be a lie.¡±

    Xue Fangmi sneered, ¡°But he shall not get worse the moment you deliver the message. I think Commandery Princess Ningyi feels guilty and uses it as an excuse on purpose! What an unfilial thing!¡±

    Zhenzhen puckered her lips, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi has already gone to General¡¯s Mansion.¡± the implication was that if you wanted to seek revenge, went to the General¡¯s Mansion yourself. Don¡¯t count on us.

    ¡°General¡¯s Mansion?¡± Xue Fangmi thought for a while. There weren¡¯t many people left in Ruan Family in these years. Now they didn¡¯t have any womenfolk who was able to entertain guests. Now that Qiu Yn had gone to General¡¯s Mansion. It was difficult to ask her out or mess with her.

    Seeing that Xue Fangmi was frowning and silent, Xi Zhi knew she was in a pickle. So, she suggested, ¡°Ruan Family¡¯s firstdy¡¯s husband, the one whosest name is Fang, seems to work in the Institute of History after he got transferred back to Jing City?¡±

    Xue Fangmi was enlightened, ¡°So, he works for my uncle?¡± the director of the Institute of History Xue Tian was Xue Chang¡¯s distant cousin. They were not close and remotely rted. But since they both worked for the government, they kept in touch. Their family members were familiar with each other.

    Xue Fangmi decided immediately, ¡°Prepare the carriage. I¡¯m going to visit my aunt!¡±

 Chapter 123 - Got a Godmother as Your Backer?

    <h4>Chapter 123 Got a Godmother as Your Backer?</h4>

    In the General¡¯s Mansion, Qiu Yn was asking Dr. Qi when Xue Fangmi nned to use Fang Nongyan on Qiu Yn. ¡°No more methods?¡± asked Qiu Yn urgently.

    ¡°No, Your Grace.¡± replied Dr. Qi. He even did not give a prescription this time. ¡°He is in thete period. He is close to passing awayst time... In honest, for him, it¡¯s not easy. Plus, he must be miserable lying in bed now. It may be a relief for him to pass away now.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, doctor.¡± said Qiu Yn, being severe and speaking it after a while.

    ¡°You are wee.¡± said Dr. Qi. He was close to the Jiang Family. He vaguely knew that Jiang Yashuang liked her. Hence, he did not dare to say something serious. So, he responded only figuratively. After keeping silent for a while and asked finally, ¡°As you have been here. You must stay here for more days.¡±

    His words indeed imed that General Ruan would pass away in several days.

    Seeing Dr. Qi off, Qiu Yn shuffled into the inner chamber.

    Behind the curtain, Ruan Qingyan was wearing a ck gown and sitting beside the bed silently. His hand, long and slim, was holding the thin hand hiding in the quilt. The summer sunshine permeated through the south window reflecting on the floor, grandly illuminating the room. The men behind the curtain were just like a weathered painting. This moment was so silent that Qiu Yn didn¡¯t daree forward.

    Hesitating for a second at the ce she was standing, Qiu Yn noticed that Ruan Qingyan did not intend to greet her. She backed herself off the room.

    After walking out of the room, she saw Dongran and Qiuran waiting for her with red eyes. Qiu Yn gestured for them to go farther away. But when she stopped, she even didn¡¯t know what to say.

    Seeing nobody was talking, Dongran broke the ice and said, ¡°As Dr. Qi said so, no offense, Your Grace, I just want to ask what we will do after?¡±

    ¡°Go and get somebody purchasing everything we need.¡± said Qiu Yn. She knew little about the funeral, but she noticed that an borate funeral prevailed recently in the capital. The Ruan Family, although not wealthy, it was much better than ordinary families. In particr, Ruan Qingyan was an adopted child. He hadn¡¯t even served General Ruan for a few days before he had to run his funeral.

    As Dongran had talked the most important part, it was reasonable for them to discuss what¡¯s next. ¡°His clothes and coffin had been made many years ago. But the funeral feasts... There had been no feasts over the past decades and the Ming Hall was ramshackle. Now, we have no enough time to repair it now. How about guests and space....¡±

    ¡°Tear down some houses that are not used.¡± said Qiu Yn, musing for a while. ¡°Build a shelter on the empty space.¡±

    A servant walked forward as they were talking. ¡°Young Earl Ling is here, but young master is busy now....¡±

    ¡°Leave my cousin alone.¡± said Qiu Yn, shaking her head. ¡°You send him to the hall and serve him a cup of tea. I will go there and talk with him.¡±

    Unusually, Ling Zui did not take some beautiful maids with him this time. Qiu Yn saw he was holding a horsewhip when she entered the hall. Obviously, he hastened toe here when he got a message. Seeing Qiu Yn, he asked in a hurry, ¡°What happened to General Ruan?¡±

    ¡°Dr. Qi advised me not to go back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion recently.¡± said Qiu Yn, nodding sadly. Ling Zui sighed as well. The news was not an unexpected one. After all, everybody knew that it was just a matter of time.

    ¡°How about Chunjun?¡± asked Ling Zui after calming himself down. Chunjun was a new name for Ruan Qingyan after he got Jinshi. ording to the rules, a man could have a new name over 20. As Ruan Qingyan got the Jinshi in advance, people thought that he should get one now for convenience.

    Qiu Yn smiled bitterly, ¡°He is staying with my grandpa. We dare not to disturb him.¡±

    Walking back and forth in the hall, Ling Zui was anxious, ¡°I understand what he¡¯s feeling now. But the General¡¯s Mansion is relying on him in the future. He must take care of himself.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t agree with you more. But as we always say, it¡¯s easier to say than to do. You know, he is always a good boy.¡± said Qiu Yn sadly.

    They were intimate. They just have been with each other for a few days but now they had to part each other forever. He couldn¡¯t get out of the sadness now.

    Ling Zui said with a frown, ¡°Should I go and see him?¡± Seeing Qiu Yn hesitating, he continued, ¡°No need to worry. I just go there and see him at the door. If he didn¡¯t want to talk with me, I would leave him alone.¡±

    ¡°Okay, youe with me.¡± said Qiu Yn after thinking about it for a second. Although Ling Zui was a well-known yboy in the capital, he did not regard Ruan Qingyan as a fair-weather friend. He truly worried about him. Or he would not have been here as soon as he got a message about General Ruan.

    Ushered into the room, Ling Zui saw Ruan Qingyan holding General Ruan¡¯s hand and crying beside the bed. He sighed for him and decided to leave him alone. So, he stood in the corridor.

    Looking at Ruan Qingyan, Qiu Yn stood still for a moment. She always thought that her cousin was a canny boy with a hard-stone heart. What he did in the past demonstrated that he was sophisticated. He did not seem like a young man but a canny politician instead. But at this moment, looking at her brother who had always yed as a protector and a teacher in front of her, she suddenly realized that her cousin, in fact, was only eighteen years old.

    At the time, some eighteen-year-old boys were still under the wings of their parents or enjoying their reading only. However, Ruan Qingyan, at his eighteen, must assume responsibility to take care of his elders as well as his sister.

    Just thinking about it would make anyone feel sympathetic toward him due to heavy-duty and suffering.

    ¡°Your Grace, I¡¯m leaving now. You can stay here if you want.¡± whispered Ling Zui. Qiu Yn was out of mind thinking of her cousin and while her sleeve was tugged. ¡°I¡¯ll go and see if there is something I can help with... To entertain guests is not a work which is suitable for a little girl.¡±

    Ling Zui, in effect, had no close rtionship with General Ruan. He worried about his friend Ruan Qingyan. As the way Ruan Qingyan was now, he must be unable to deal with anything now. So, it was natural for Ling Zui to realize that Ruan Qingyan must be sad and unable to do anything if General Ruan passed away suddenly in the following two days.

    And Qiu Yn, though she could go out and entertain guests, was only thirteen years old. Ruan Qingyan held the funeral ceremony of Princess Ruan. So, at this critical time, Ling Zui realized that if he did not do her a favor, things would be messed up. Although knowing little about the rites, he, as the son of Princess and Earl, could deal with it in confidence.

    Qiu Yn did agree to him when he rmended himself. She sniffed and said in a low voice, ¡°Thank you so much.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that.¡± said Ling Zui. Looking at her red eyes and pitiful appearance, Ling Zui subconsciously wanted to make a joke, but the words came to his lips and he felt inappropriate, so he coughed and hurriedly adjusted his mood. ¡°You stay here with Chunjun and leave all things to me. I will go back and send some smart servants toe, providing help. You guys just take care of your grandpa.¡±

    When he left, another guest came soon. It was Qiu Nie.

    This was the second time Qiu Yn met Qiu Nie. Qiu Nie was the boy who got the Jinshi with Ruan Qingyan after passing the same exam. He looked exhausted when he got out of the examinationpound. But now, he was in a high spirit. He was surprised to see Qiu Yning out to greet him. ¡°How about Ruan Qingyan now?¡± asked he.

    ¡°He is staying with my grandpa now. Please forgive him that he can¡¯t greet you here. Sorry.¡± said Qiu Yn haggardly. Suddenly, she thought of an important thing. ¡°So, please help my cousin to tell his boss he can¡¯t go to work recently.¡±

    The position Qiu Nie got in the exam was lower than Ruan Qingyan¡¯s. As they were young, they were appointed to work in the Hanlin Academy. So, they were both ssmates and colleagues.

    Hearing Qiu Yn¡¯s words, Qiu Nie nodded slightly, demonstrating his agreement. ¡°Your Grace, don¡¯t worry. I think that everybody has known the news. Mr. Ding must have known too.¡±

    Qiu Nie and Ruan Qingyan were not close friends. Qiu Nie was not a boy like Ling Zui who always wanted to talk with girls, in particr, pretty girls. Qiu Nie had some empty talk with Qiu Yn and then left.

    Not long after he left, Ling Zui brought servants with him for help. Thanks for his help, the next visitor would not be Qiu Yn¡¯s business anymore.

    She tiptoed to General Ruan¡¯s room door, seeing what¡¯s going on inside. Noticing she wasing, Ruan Qingyan asked her to get in. ¡°Dr. Qi has told you everything about grandpa. Now, I need you to do something.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s it?¡± said Qiu Yn promptly.

    ¡°After my grandpa...¡± said Ruan Qingyan. He had adjusted his mood. It seemed as if he had never cried except his red eyes told it. He calmed down like nothing happened, saying, ¡°I will mourn for my grandpa for a long time.¡±

    This was the responsibility that everyone must take at that time. Rare people could escape from it. You¡¯d better do it even you had a chance to escape from it. Or after decadester, your foe might use it as a sword attacking you.

    Qiu Yn knew well about it. ¡°I know.¡± she said without surprise.

    ¡°But the ancestry of the Ruan Family was not the original people of the capital. Although Laizhou was not far from here but it took two or three days to go forth and back by horse.¡± said Ruan Qingyan. He continued, ¡°My grandpa has no sons or grandsons in the world. I am the adopted one, and at the same time, I am the only one left. I must mourn for him for three years. What concerns me the most is that I have to leave you alone in the capital.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s your n?¡± said Qiu Yn, giving him an unnatural smile. She thought to herself: Do you want to take me with you to Laizhou?

    ¡°I surely want to take you with me to Laizhou. But I realized that you must be there for three years and your family name is not Ruan. It¡¯s inappropriate.¡± proceeded Ruan Qingyan. He seemed tired when he said this. ¡°I should not marry a girl from an influential family. I should have married a girl from an ordinary family instead. So, I can find a reason and take you with me.¡±

    ¡°In fact, I can take care of myself.¡± said Qiu Yn, biting her lips.

    ¡°I was thinking of it.¡± continued Ruan Qingyan, ignoring her words. ¡°I have a decision. That is, I will find a backer for you.¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± said Qiu Yn with a shock.

    ¡°This is my n. I want Young Earl Ling¡¯s mother, Princess Royal Maode, to be your godmother.¡± said Ruan Qingyan, rubbing his temples. ¡°Young Earl Ling had given me this suggestion before. But I thought that as we both are in the capital and we can take care of ourselves. So, I don¡¯t want to bother his mother. But now....¡±

    ¡°I am still in my mourning period. Do you think I can have a godmother?¡± asked Qiu Yn.

    ¡°Princess Royal Maode is kind and loves her son Young Earl Ling very much.¡± said Ruan Qingyan. ¡°I will go and talk with Young Earl Ling. I don¡¯t think it will be a problem.¡±

    ¡°Princess Royal Maode and Earl of Jingchuan are taking Prime Minister Xue¡¯s side. Prime Minister Xue felt guilty about me because of the trouble caused by Miss Xue. So, if Princess Royal Maode became your godmother, I think Prime Minister Xue would protect you in all respects.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need their protection.¡± said Qiu Yn coldly. ¡°Miss Xue... Ooh!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t act on impulse.¡± advised Ruan Qingyan. She burst into a rage when she heard about the Xue family, while Ruan Qingyan, who was humiliated on that day, was calm as if nothing had happened. ¡°As you think that Miss Xue should feel sorry for me, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s inappropriate for us to ept the favors provided by Prime Minister Xue on behalf of his daughter.¡±

    Finally, Qiu Yn agreed with his advice. But she was still angry, ¡°Miss Xue is like a maniac. We all knew that you are innocent but she had been targeting you all the time! I was concerned that she would bully me in the future.¡±

    Her words worried Ruan Qingyan a lot. He mused for a second and said, ¡°You go outside as rarely as you can. Prime Minister Xue won¡¯t let her daughter go to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. If people in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe made trouble for you, you could send someone to report it to Princess Royal Maode. I think she will help you out.¡±

    Worrying that Qiu Yn might hesitate to ask for help, he told her frankly, ¡°I will give her a big sum of money or gifts on festivals or big days and I also a good friend of Ling Zui¡¯s. She must help you with everything. So, if you were in trouble, go and tell her.¡±

    ¡°I should share the cost with you. I also have money now...¡± said Qiu Yn.

    ¡°Your money is your dowry. Don¡¯t expect that the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe will give you much when you get married.¡± said Ruan Qingyan with a denial. ¡°The rich in the South are richer than you think. The cost is not a big deal for me. I could be reassured if you were safe. Ok, that¡¯s it!¡±

 Chapter 124 - General Ruan Passed Away

    <h4>Chapter 124 General Ruan Passed Away</h4>

    Qiu Yn walked out, thinking in confusion. She found Dongran following her after she walked a long distance. ¡°Anything report?¡± she stopped to ask.

    ¡°Lady Ciyi has note so far. Should we inform her?¡± asked Dongran lightly. ¡°Young Earl Ling has been here helping us now. But she is absent. This is....¡±

    ¡°Ruan Ciyi is not here?¡± asked Qiu Yn with a surprise. General Ruan was still alive by hisst breath, but he would pass away in any minute. Ruan Ciyi, the only grandchild rted by blood was not in a hurry to see him. ¡°Did you send somebody to invite her already?¡±

    Dongran nodded. ¡°The man came back and reported that she was a little busy now. She would be hereter. But now Young Earl Ling and Qiu Nie have been here. Lady Ciyi still doesn¡¯t show up. This is....¡±

    Qiu Yn stopped to answer her for a moment and said, ¡°Go and invite her again.¡± She paused and continued, ¡°Remember, if the thing she is busy with was not urgent, tell her to hurry up. Or she would be gossiped because of this.¡±

    A doorman came and reported that Ruan Ciyi and her family members came while they were talking. It was reported that three personsing here. Ruan Ciyi and her husband, and the other one was Fang Zijun whom Qiu Yn hated deeply.

    Hearing that this pretentious nephew was here, Qiu Yn felt disgusting.

    But, he was Ruan Ciyi¡¯s son and his great-grandpa would pass away soon. He must be here to see him. Thinking of this, Qiu Yn said to Qiuran, ¡°Keep an eye on Fang Zijun. Although he is young, he is wicked. Remember, the most important part is that he always has dirty minds.¡±

    Qiuran nodded and then she hurried to the front door for entertaining guests.

    Ruan Ciyi and her husband had taken off their bright colored clothes. They dared not to wear mourning dresses as General Ruan was still in hisst breath. They seemed to have a lot on their minds. Fang Zijun, their son, cared nothing instead. He looked around with a sense of wonder. After seeing Qiu Yn, he deliberately twisted his head to the side.

    Qiu Yn disliked him more after seeing his resentful behavior. For politeness, Qiu Yn called Ruan Ciyi and greeted her, and then she had an empty talk with Fang Nongyan for a second. ¡°You alsoe, huh?¡±

    Looking at Fang Nongyan¡¯s figure, he must be a handsome man ten years ago. Or he would not have been General Ruan¡¯s son-inw. At that time, General Ruan was a favorite man in the nation. After he was demoted and moved to Hezhou over ten years ago. He must have been busy in connections since then as he became canny from a sharp man. When he saw Qiu Yn at first nce, his eyes sold him out. In a second, he realized his status and turned his eyes away from her. He lowered his head and said politely, ¡°Sorry, we arete, Your Grace. How about grandpa now?¡±

    ¡°Dr. said... he is not well.¡± said Qiu Yn. That was thest word she wanted to talk with him. Then she turned to Ruan Ciyi and said, ¡°Ciyi, let¡¯s go in together.¡±

    ncing Fang Nongyan and Fang Zijun following them, she turned back, saying uncritically, ¡°Well, Fang Zijun is still a boy. He¡¯d better not get in. People inside are busy now. He may get hurt inside.¡±

    The boy was ignorant and had malicious intentions towards his mother, Ruan Ciyi! Qiu Yn did not trust him to get close to General Ruan, who¡¯s only got one breath left. At this moment, Ruan Qingyan was upset and ufortable. Anyway, she wasn¡¯t afraid to offend the Fang family.

    Hearing her words, Fang Nongyan was embarrassed. He thought to himself: it must be Fang Zijun¡¯s actionsst time that had ruthlessly offended this aunt. He was about to say a few words of reprieve, but unexpectedly, Fang Zijun shouted in a sharp voice, ¡±This is Uncle Ruan¡¯s home. It¡¯s none of your business. Are you trying to stop me from seeing my uncle?¡±

    A p!

    Qiu Yn was stunned first, and then, she looked at Fang Zijun coldly. Fang Nongyan hurriedly pped Fang Zijun in the face to stop him. He then shouted angrily, ¡°How can you talk to your aunt like that?¡± He apologized to Qiu Yn for his son, saying, ¡°Your Grace, don¡¯t be critical of him, it¡¯s our fault. Over the past years, we only have this child. We have spoiled him too much.¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at him emotionlessly and nced at Ruan Ciyi out of the corner of her eye. She was in embarrassment as well. Ruan Ciyi saw Qiu Yn being angry. She dared not speak. Qiu Yn said faintly, ¡±You¡¯d better stay here and look after Zi Jun. Nowadays, everyone here has something to do. Please don¡¯t take it personally. Zi Jun is still a child. It may not be possible to take good care of himself nor do the maids. So, why don¡¯t you look after him yourself here? I will go inside with Ciyi to see Grandpa. Do you think this arrangement is okay?¡±

    Fang Nongyan knew that she, as a Grace, was Ruan Qingyan¡¯s loved sister although she had lost her parents. And it¡¯s said that she could visit the emperor if necessary. So, he said yes promptly.

    After leaving Nongyan and his son behind, Ruan Ciyi said to Qiu Yn with a guilty, ¡°My son, he... was rude just now. Sorry that he offended you.¡±

    ¡°So, why are youte today?¡± asked Qiu Yn. She did not reply to her words.

    Ruan Ciyi¡¯s face froze for a moment and then she said, ¡°Someone in the family is sick. I¡¯ve dyed getting a doctor for her.¡±

    ¡°Oh? It seems that you and Nongyan are fine, it¡¯s Zijun? But he doesn¡¯t look like he was ufortable, either?¡± Qiu Yn guessed that this ¡°someone¡± must be a concubine of Fang Nongyan. She was furious, but she still deliberately asked so.

    Ruan Ciyi smiled bitterly and said, ¡°Not us, but others.¡± She paused for a while and continued, ¡°Somebody is pregnant.¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°Ciyi, we haven¡¯t met much before, and you are my elder sister. Reasonably speaking, it¡¯s inappropriate for me to say something about you. But there are no outsiders here now. So, no offense, I will speak it out frankly. Even though Nongyan has few children, and it is rare for his concubine to be pregnant. There is nothing wrong with being extra cautious. But on Grandfather¡¯s side, he is his wife¡¯s own grandfather, is he any less important than a concubine?¡±

    This was simply a deliberate attempt to disgrace Ruan Ciyi. It¡¯s unlike that the Fang family didn¡¯t have maids to take care of the pregnant concubine, so much so that the Fang Nongyan was dyed because of it!

    ¡°s....¡± Ruan Ciyi sighed but did not speak.

    Seeing her like this, Qiu Yn could no longer criticize her but only pondered what to do with this matter.

    Soon, the two arrived at General Ruan¡¯s room. Ruan Qingyan and Ruan An, who had been staying here all the time, saw theming and immediately got up to greet them. Seeing Ruan Ciyiing over alone, Ruan Qingyan was surprised and asked, ¡°Where are Nongyan and your son?¡±

    Qiu Yn interjected, ¡°I think Zijun is too young and we have no time to be distracted, so I asked Nongyan to take care of Zijun in the hall.¡±

    Hearing her words, Ruan Qingyan frowned imperceptibly and said, ¡°He is, after all, my grandfather¡¯s great-grandson. It¡¯s better to call him over and meet.¡±

    Ruan An was afraid that Qiu Yn would be embarrassed. He said promptly, ¡°Your Grace, your concern is also true, it is indeed messy here. But now that Qingyan has regained his energy, even if Zijun came over, I don¡¯t think it would be a big deal.¡±

    Although Qiu Yn was a bit upset in her heart, here was the Ruan family. She had asked Fang Nongyan and Fang Zijun not toe here before, which was also overstepping her authority. It was because Ruan Qingyan who took care of her and never cared that she was calling the shots in the General¡¯s office. So she pursed and didn¡¯t speak a word.

    After a while, Fang Nongyan and his son arrived. As soon as Fang Zijun entered the door, he ran up to Ruan Qingyan and said, ¡°Uncle Ruan, someone doesn¡¯t want me to see you!¡±

    Hearing these words, Qiu Yn immediately became severe. The couple rushed to stop him!

    Ruan Qingyan was in a good mood. He raised his hand to gesture for the couple not to speak, and then touched Fang Zijun¡¯s head and lovingly said, ¡°Zijun, keep your voice down, your great grandfather is sleeping.¡±

    Fang Zijun deliberately acted well before Ruan Qingyan. Upon hearing this, he immediately raised his hand to cover his mouth and blinked his big ck eyes as he whispered, ¡°Ah, is great grandfather here?¡± He looked left and right. He only found the person lying quietly in bed. He tiptoed over there and called the man. Of course, General Ruan would not answer him, so he ran back to Ruan Qingyan and said pitifully, ¡°Uncle Ruan, great-grandfather ignored me because I am bad?¡±

    If you were a good boy, then there would be no bad boys in the world!

    Qiu Yn thought with hatred in her heart, ¡°The more I look at this kid, the more I hate him.¡±

    ¡°Zijun has always been a good boy. Great-grandfather didn¡¯t mean to ignore you. It¡¯s just that he¡¯s so sleepy now that he can¡¯t even answer you... Don¡¯t be sad, look at this little frown in your face, it hurts uncle¡¯s heart.¡± Ruan Qingyan smiled softly and hugged him up. Seeing Ruan Qingyan loved his son so much, Fang Nongyan sighed in relief and passed an apologetic look towards Qiu Yn.

    He probably hadn¡¯t thought that Qiu Yn was sympathizing with Fang Zijun: ¡±Why did Qingyan still call him over to cause trouble at this critical moment even he knew that this kid was not a good boy? It turns out that he is now nning how to deal with them!¡±

    Although she still couldn¡¯t see what Ruan Qingyan was nning to do with them, judging from the fact that he immediately thought of her after he regained energy days ago, there was no way he didn¡¯t have a n for Ruan Ciyi.

    From what Qiu Yn knew of Ruan Qingyan, it was highly likely that this so-called n was involved in Fang Zijun.

    Ruan Qingyan yed with Fang Zijun for a second, and then whispered to the couple what Dr. Qi had said, Fang Nongyan hesitated for a moment, and then said, ¡°Since it¡¯s just these few days, why don¡¯t we stay here with the grandfather?¡±

    ¡°What about your work....¡± asked Ruan Qingyan inquisitively.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. No much workload there...¡± said Fang Nongyan. He smiled awkwardly when he realized that he let slip it. After all, it was Ruan Qingyan who helped him to get the position. Now he mentioned the work was a rxed one, it¡¯s inevitable to make others think that the position was not a good one.

    Realizing what¡¯s going on here, Qiu Yn thought to herself: Fang Nongyan was a smart man despite his one step back today for two steps forward tomorrow. But how a smart man like him taught a boy to be so naughty? Although he was six years old and not old enough to understand many things, he must be old enough to behave himself.

    When she stood still and fumed, Ruan Qingyan was telling them to live in General¡¯s Mansion from now on, and to stay around with General Ruan for hisst days.

    As the shared aim was to stay with General Ruan, they certainly had to live in any ce arranged for them. In fact, there were no extra rooms for so many people to live at the same time.

    They briefly decided to leave Qiu Yn to live in the Green Rose Garden where she used to live. The Fang Family would live in the Cuiwei Pavilion where Deng Yi used to live.

    To take care of General Ruan, Ruan Qingyan and Fang Nongyan would take turn. They would live in the study which was next to General Ruan¡¯s room.

    After their discussion, Qiu Yn went back to the Green Rose Garden for dress changing. Qiuran followed her and said, ¡°Young master said that you should not have any talk with Zijunter.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s his n?¡± asked Qiu Yn, plucking out a silver hairpin. She had asked Su He tob an ordinary hairstyle for her. ¡°I think Nongyan is a smart man but his son, Fang Zijun, is not like his father. They must not have taught him how to behave. I did not hear that he made big trouble for in Hezhou. Lucky them.¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t judge people by their appearances.¡± said Qiuran with a smile.

    This was a sentence withplicated meanings. Qiu Yn thought quickly, ¡°Fang Nongyan is a good man? No, he¡¯s not. Or how can he teach his son to be a boy I hate so much?¡±

    She sighed and said, ¡°Forget it. The most important thing currently is to take care of my grandpa.¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, you take a rest. Qingyan will stay with grandpa tonight. I would inform you as soon as possible if something happened.¡± said Qiuran.

    ¡°Okay.¡± replied Qiu Yn. She knew that Ruan Qingyan had everything arranged well. So, she went to see General Ruan at nightfall and then backed to her room for sleep. She thought when she was lying in bed: It was said that people who are dying would be spiritual suddenly for a while. Maybe, my grandpa would do this as well. If so, he would still have a chance to make some arrangements. She had taken him as an excuse for several times, but she never talked with him.

    At midnight of the day, she was woken up, ¡°Your Grace, General Ruan passed away!¡±

 Chapter 125 - The Funeral

    <h4>Chapter 125 The Funeral</h4>

    Beyond everyone¡¯s expectation, General Ruan passed away very quietly.

    He had been seriously ill and was unable to speak or move. Therefore, when Ruan Qingyan and others were around, they took his pulse every now and then to make sure that he was alive.

    In the middle of the night Ruan Qingyan found that the thin body lying in the brocade quilt was still warm, but the chest ttened.

    When Doctor Qi arrived, the body had already cooled down though it was summer.

    ¡°I feel sorry but please restrain your grief.¡± Doctor Qi knew it was just a routine when he came. Now that he was useless, heforted Ruan Qingyan and left.

    At this point, Ruan Ciyi could not help crying. She was the unlucky one. She had lived an easy and cosy life for nearly twenty years before getting married, just in time to meet her grandfather¡¯s defeat, which implicated her husband. Coming back to the capital city after more than ten years of demotion with the help of her brother, she was just in time for her grandfather¡¯sst farewell.

    When she burst out, Qiu Yn also began to weep. The two cousins sobbed as they knelt in front of the bed, telling General Ruan¡¯s kindness and their affection for him.

    Ruan Qingyan had been sitting there in silence since he realized that his grandfather had passed away. He was unable to say a single word.

    Fang Nongyan, who had been a district magistrate for more than ten years, immediately called people in to deal with the situation, and then sent someone to inform Ling Zui. Since General Ruan was bound to leave any time these days, it was not good to have outsiders at home. So Ling Zui helped make preparations in the daytime and went back at night.

    Ruan Qingyan was so sad that he couldn¡¯t do anything. Fang Nongyan was not familiar with the environment. On the other hand, being a grandson-inw, he could not make decisions. So the whole family was in chaos when Ling Zui hurried over.

    Ling Zui had no time to scold anyone. He found several housekeepers and told them to follow the arrangements of his people. He then rushed to the backyard.

    Seeing Ruan Qingyan and others who were desperate, heforted them even though he knew that it was useless at this point. He took over and began to work. He drove everyone out and arranged people to clean General Ruan¡¯s body and dress him in the shrouds that had been prepared many years ago. Finally, they ced him into the coffin....

    Brought up in a big family, he was a well-known dandy in the capital and had attended several weddings and funerals, so he knew the general process and scene of a funeral. Moreover, with the assistance of his own housekeepers, he had the mourning hall set up before dawn.

    By this time, people who were to send messages had almost been dispatched. Mourners began toe one after another when the gate opened in the early morning.

    Since the Ruans had been in decline for a long time and Ruan Qingyan wasn¡¯t married, most of the mourners were males. Qiu Hongzhi was newly married. Qiu Mengmin was General Ruan¡¯s junior but his rank was higher. So neither of them came in person. Princess Yang had to go there in person, but she had nothing to say to the Ruans or to Qiu Yn. She left after the ceremonial mourning. No one hadforted Ruan Ciyi and Qiu Yn until Qiu Nie came with his sisters. ¡°Please take care. The Old General in heaven would not like to see you two grieving like this.¡±

    ¡°So you are here?¡± Qiu Yn might not be as sad as Ruan Qingyan and Ruan Ciyi now, but she had a moreplex mood. The old man, who hadn¡¯t said a word until he died, had been a shelter for her, even if he was sick in bed. She had enjoyed this kind of care in her past life and present life, yet she had not been able to repay this kind of care....

    In the past life, for many a time she had wanted to cry, but the tide of corpses, the hard and bitter struggles... When there was time to cry, her heart had been honed to iron and stone.

    This almost instinctive self-control was even passed down to the present life.

    Tears were falling and she was haunted with sadness that was getting stronger and stronger.

    She exchanged greetings with Qiu Bo and Qiu Qian, without knowing what she was saying.

    Qiu Qian screamed suddenly. Turning around secondster, QiuYn saw Ruan Ciyi, handkerchief in hand, turning pale in Dongran¡¯s arms!

    ¡°She seems to have fainted from grief!¡± Dongran also looked sad. ¡°What can we do?¡±

    ¡°Help her inside to rest for a while and make a bowl of honey water for her!¡± Qiu Yn said, taking a deep breath.

    Dongran responded and called two old maidservants in to help her rest with Ruan Ciyi¡¯s maid Suxin. She told Qiu Yn, ¡°Your Grace, do take care of yourself!¡±

    ¡°I will.¡± QiuYn smiled miserably. ¡°Go and look after my cousin.¡±

    Dongran hesitated but said, ¡°Qiuran will do it soon.¡±

    It was known to all that although Ruan Qingyan should pay more attention to Ruan Ciyi in terms of blood rtionship, maybe because he got to know Qiu Yn first and Qiu Yn was younger than him, he had been giving more care to Qiu Yn. As Ruan Qingyan¡¯s confidant, Dongran, of course, was more concerned about Qiu Yn.Update by

    Naturally, no one would say that the servants of the Ruans were not as good to Miss Ruan as they were to Qiu Yn.

    After a moment of silence, Qiu Bo began tofort others again. Qiu Qian helped her elder sister. What the siblings said was no more than titudes but could distract them from their grief. At this time, there were footsteps from outside and the curtain was lifted. In came Fang Zijun. He looked around without greeting anyone and asked, ¡°Where is my mother?¡±

    Qiu Yn disliked him. Seeing his rudeness, she was more disgusted at the moment and just wiped her tears.

    Qiu Bo and Qiu Qian didn¡¯t know Fang Zijun, so they didn¡¯t know who he was asking about and kept silent. Dongran straightened a little and said to him, ¡°Your mother has gone home to change clothes.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Fang Zijun didn¡¯t seem to be willing to spend more time with Qiu Yn and he swung the curtain and ran away.

    After he left, Dongran exined, ¡°There are no enough hands in the family. When I came over just now, I saw that Master Fang was busy working with Lord Ling in the front and had no time to care for the young master. After all, he is a young boy. If he knew that his mother had grieved to faint, I¡¯m afraid he would be uneasy. So I lied to him that she had gone home.¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s mind was not at all on such matters, so she said, ¡°It¡¯s no big deal. It¡¯s good that he was sent away.¡±

    Qiu Bo and Qiu Qian understood what she meant. They just pretended that Fang Zijun had nevere and went on with theirforting words.

    After a while, there were other female guests.

    To everyone¡¯s surprise, the female guests this time were Madame Xuesun and her daughter Xue Nongqing.

    Qiu Yn did not like to see people from the Xue Family now, but since Ruan Qingyan was Xue Chang¡¯s disciple and Ruan Ciyi was sick in bed, she just had to greet them. Seeing that she was the only female heir there, Madame Xuesun asked where Ruan Ciyi had gone and sighed with a mourning speech. In the end she said, ¡°Before we came over, Nongqing¡¯s grandfather told us to ask what we can do to help you. After all, it¡¯s a big event for the family and you are all young. Don¡¯t hesitate to tell us if you need any help!¡±

    Xue Nongqing, the sixth granddaughter of the Xue Family, had a fair oval face, a pair of bright eyes like apricots, curved eyebrows and cherry lips. She was pretty and full of innocence. She looked at Qiu Yn sympathetically and took over her mother¡¯s speech, ¡°Yes, Grandpa also said that he would ask for a posthumous title for General Ruan...¡±

    She was stopped by a pull from her mother before she finished. Madame Xuesun was a bit awkward but she forced a smile and exined, ¡°Nongqing¡¯s grandfather has the intention. After all, General Ruan devoted his whole life to the country, even though... But it¡¯s not up to her grandfather. It¡¯s up to His Majesty... I hope you keep it secret now.¡±

    Qiu Yn and all the others agreed.

    Madame Xuesun took Xue Nongqing inside to see Ruan Ciyi and then left.

    After they left, seeing it was gettingte, Qiu Bo and Qiu Qian also left, as it was impossible for them to spend the night there. After all, it was only because Qiu Nie and Ruan Qingyan were friends that they came over.

    Ruan Ciyi recovered in the evening and her face was still a little pale, but she insisted oning over for the wake. As Qiu Yn was a young granddaughter, she was persuaded to go and have a rest.

    Later, Qiu Yn asked Dongran, ¡°Prime Minister Xue is going to ask for a posthumous title for grandfather. Do you think it¡¯s true?¡±

    Dongran is the most trusted and shrewdest maid among all of Ruan Qingyan¡¯s maids. She thought for a moment and said, ¡°It¡¯s amon practice for His Majesty to reward senior officials after their deaths. But, for General Ruan....¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu was furious at that year¡¯s crushing defeat! General Ruan had been neglected for so many years and had no merits or contributions to the country... How could he enjoy a posthumous title?

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s true.¡± Qiu Yn had a different view. ¡°The Dings and the Yangs have been fighting fiercely and Prime Minister Xue has also been implicated in the conflict. I guess the neutral party is eager to do something to draw the attention of the court so as to get a break.¡±

    ¡°You mean...?¡± said Dongran.

    ¡°My grandfather was punished by Empress Dowager Gu after his defeat.¡± Qiu Yn squinted her eyes. ¡°Empress Jiang has always been happy to y against Empress Dowager Gu. Prime Minister Xue needs to calm down the incident that Ding Qingyan seduced Yang Yishi but refused to be responsible for her, which led to Yang Yishi¡¯s suicide in Ding¡¯s residence. Moreover, my cousin is Prime Minister Xue¡¯s disciple. It¡¯s natural for the master to help his disciple. So there is the possibility that my grandfather will be conferred with a posthumous title.¡±

    Dongran thought about it and said, ¡°That sounds a good thing.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that my cousin will be dragged into Prime Minister Xue¡¯s trouble.¡± Qiu Yn naturally knew the meaning of her words. ¡°But no matter what Prime Minister Xue will make out of my grandfather¡¯s death, my cousin will go back to Laizhou for the mourning.¡± In this way, he would avoid the trouble.

    Dongran agreed.

    Returning to Lvqiang Court, Qiu Yn took a sleep and got up in the middle of the night. Although still very sleepy, she was afraid that Ruan Ciyi couldn¡¯t bear staying up all night long and climbed up to rece her.

    Seeing her sleepy eyes, Ruan Ciyi refused to go, ¡°I am supposed to stay up for the wake. You go on with your sleep.¡±

    ¡°You traveled a long way back home just a few days ago and fainted in the daytime. Let me do it for a while. There will be other female guestsing tomorrow and you¡¯ll have to meet them.¡± Qiu Yn asked Qiuran to drag her away to rest. Ruan Ciyi was in her prime, but after more than ten years of demotion and the deaths of three children in session, she was no match to the teenager Qiu Yn.

    However, after Qiu Yn sent Ruan Ciyi away, she did not hold for long herself and soon fell into Dongran¡¯s arms to make up for her sleep.

    She seemed to hear something in the middle of her sleep. When she woke up at dawn, she asked, ¡°Was someone talking outside?¡±

    ¡°The young master came to ask about his mother and the servants outside coaxed him away.¡± answered Dongran.

    Qiu Yn was a bit surprised, ¡°It was sote. Why was he still running about?¡±

    ¡°I guess Master Fang was tired and didn¡¯t go to see him. So he wanted to see his parents.¡± Dongran answered.

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t care much about this nominal nephew but still said, ¡°It¡¯s better to instruct his servants. Many ces in the yard are dpidated and not safe and there are several ponds, too. Don¡¯t let him run about in case of danger.¡±

    Dongran nodded, ¡°I will do itter.¡±

    Fang Zijun was okay in the General¡¯s Mansion. Instead, something happened unexpectedly in the Fangs¡¯ residence. After lunchtime the next day, Qiuran raised the curtain with a grey face and told Ruan Ciyi and Qiu Yn, ¡°The Fangs sent a servant to tell Master Fang and you that Mistress Yan had aborted. It¡¯s said that she ate the cake taken home by the young masterst night.¡±

    Ruan Ciyi was shocked, ¡°How could this be?¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned but not surprised at all, thinking, ¡°He was likely to do it. However, he looked so well-behaved in front of his uncle. How could he do it in such a straightforward manner?¡± Looking at Ruan Ciyi, who was shocked and angry, she couldn¡¯t help thinking, ¡°Was he trying to frame her?¡±

 Chapter 126 - You Have Taught A Good Son!

    <h4>Chapter 126 You Have Taught A Good Son!</h4>

    Fang Zijun, kneeling in the hall and sobbing, said timidly, ¡°My clothes got dirty yesterday afternoon. I thought that was unfilial to great grandfather, so I asked wet nurse to go back with me and change clothes for me. Mom¡¯s maid Suxin gave me some delicious pastries. I remembered Uncle Ruan said Mistress Yan was having a younger brother and I would have a mate in the future, so I didn¡¯t eat and gave them to Mistress Yan....¡±

    Fang Nongyan looked at the shocked Ruan Ciyi with aplex expression, ¡°Ma¡¯am?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Ruan Ciyi said hastily. ¡°Yesterday I...¡±

    ¡°Let him finish first.¡± Since Ruan Qingyan, the host of the funeral, could not leave the hall now and Fang Nongyan¡¯s son said that in public, when Fang Nongyan suggested investigating itter, Ruan Qingyan stopped him, saying, ¡°How can we allow the young ones to lose their virtue before my grandfather?¡± He insisted on a thorough investigation to find out whether Ruan Ciyi had done it or not.

    So now it was Ling Zui who was hosting the investigation. Several guests who happened to hear the news were invited to sit in. Fang Zijun and others were questioned first. Ling Zui said he did not mind going to the Fangs¡¯ house if it could not be determined here.

    Ling Zui interrupted Ruan Ciyi and said, ¡°Chunjun told me, for one thing, the Ruans have always had strict family principles. There is no such a woman who would kill the children of a concubine; for another, Master Fang has few children. They are treasured even if born of the concubines. So I must deal with it fairly. Madame Ruan, please take it easy and let him finish. You can exin afterwards.¡±

    As she was young and there were not many female guests, Qiu Yn, who was eavesdropping under the window, flicked the corner of her mouth, thinking, ¡°People who are not familiar with Ruan Qingyan will think that he intends to break with Ruan Ciyi for the reputation of his family!¡±

    But... with Ruan Qingyan¡¯s temperament, even if Ruan Ciyi had really done it, he could me it on others! When he saw her dating Jiang Yashuang, he firmly believed that Jiang Yashuang deliberately seduced her!

    ¡°Is he waiting for someone to be trapped?¡± Qiu Yn thought to herself. ¡°I wonder how he is going to deal with them?¡±

    Fang Nongyan also knew the importance and said, ¡°Chunjun is too serious. Zijun said it was Suxin, not Ma¡¯am. Besides, it was dark at night. There must be a mistake.¡± Then he scolded Fang Zijun, ¡°Was it really Suxin? Don¡¯t mistake others as your mother¡¯s maid. You may ruin your mother¡¯s reputation!¡±

    In the past ten years in Hezhou, he often thought he would be living in the backcountry all his life. It was only with the help of Ruan Qingyan that he was able to return to the capital. Even if he didn¡¯t remember this favor, he had more expectations on this brother-inw in the future! How could he offend the Ruans for a baby who had nevere to the world?

    It had not been found out yet. Even if it was found out that Ruan Ciyi had done it, Fang Nongyan would not break the rtionship with Ruan Qingyan. After all, he already had a son, and his desire for heirs was not nearly as great as his ambition for his own future.

    So now he wasining about the stupidity of his servants. They came to make such a fuss when the Ruans were holding the funeral, making everyone know it. Now it was impossible to cover it up. He also hoped that his son would be smart enough and stop his trick.

    Fang Zijun heard the hint in his words, and his tone softened, ¡°I...¡±

    Barely had he opened his mouth when Ling Zui gazed at him sharply and said seriously. ¡°What a joke? You said it was Suxin. But now you want to deny it. Do you think we enjoy being teased by you?¡± He turned back and told the one behind him, ¡°Since he first said it was Suxin and then he denied, it seems that he was deliberately ndering his mother. Send somebody to the court and sue him for murdering his mother... Punish him for being unfilial.¡±

    The one behind him understood what he meant and pretended to be uneasy, ¡°Lord, he will be cut into thousands of pieces for such an offence. He is still so young. Shall...?

    ¡°He is so cruel at such a young age. What will he do when he grows up?¡± Ling Zui sneered. He flicked his sleeve asked others, ¡°What are your ideas?¡±

    Those who were at the funeral were all betting on the future of Ruan Qingyan. Besides, Fang Nongyan had neither strong background nor outstanding talent. Even his post at the Institute of History was attained with the help of Ruan Qingyan. Of course, none of the guests favored the Fangs, though they knew that Ling Zui was frightening Fang Zijun, yet no one said anything about it. Some even nodded in cooperation.

    Fang Zijun was only six years old after all. However bad and evil he was, it was easy to hoax him. He was frightened when he heard it and was about to speak when Fang Nongyan quickly said to Ling Zui, ¡°Young Earl Ling, he...¡±

    What he wanted to say was that he was too young to be frightened. But Ling Zui did not give him the chance to remind Fang Zijun and interrupted him rudely, ¡°Being unfilial has nothing to do with ages. Can we say murdering the mother at sixteen is unfilial while at six is not?¡±

    He turned to Fang Zijun and shouted angrily, ¡°I¡¯ll give you ast chance for your father¡¯s sake....¡±

    ¡°It was Suxin!¡± Fang Zijun was startled and said hurriedly, so long as he wouldn¡¯t be cut into pieces, ¡°Mom doesn¡¯t like eating rice. She only likes to eat several kinds of pastries. So every time she goes back, the first thing is to ask Suxin to make pastries in the small kitchen. So Suxin never leaves Mom! Mom also went back yesterday....¡±

    Only now did Ling Zui ask Ruan Ciyi, ¡°Madame Ruan, how do you exin that?¡±

    Just as Ruan Ciyi, who had aplex expression, was about to speak, Suxin, who was standing behind her and was flushed with anger, said angrily, ¡°He was just talking nonsense! When did Madame go back yesterday? Madame never went back and how could I leave her and go back alone? Now that you said it was me, can you tell us how I gave you the pastries?¡±

    Everyone was stunned at the words!

    Fang Zijun also froze and immediately shouted, ¡°You are lying! I asked yesterday. Dongran said Mom had gone back!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know why Dongran said so, but yesterday, Madame cried and fainted because of excessive grief! The sisters of the Qius were both there at that time. They watched Madame been carried inside. Shey for a long time before she was able to get up!¡± Suxin paused for a while and then sneered, ¡°Many people in the backyard can prove it!¡±

    She suddenly thought of a more powerful witness, ¡°When the daughter-inw of Prime Minister Xue, Madame Sun and her daughter, heard Princess Ningyi said Madame had fainted, she even visited Madame in the room with her daughter. Madame woke up just then. She intended to salute Madame Sun but was pressed down by her. Miss Xue said Madame looked bad and she would send a copy of Madame Sun¡¯s prescription over afterwards!¡±

    ¡°She might have sneaked back!¡± Fang Zijun said desperately after being speechless for a moment, ¡°How could Dongran lie to me?¡±

    Ling Zui was not interested in his nonsense and he called Dongran over, ¡°Madame Ruan had fainted and been sent to rest. Why did you tell Young Master Fang that she has gone back home?¡±

    Dongran said, ¡°When he asked, Madame Ruan had just fainted and she looked very bad. I was afraid he would be worried about his mother, so I lied and told him Madame Ruan had gone back home. Young Earl Ling, does it have anything to do with Mistress Yan¡¯s miscarriage?¡±

    ¡°You may go now. There¡¯s no more things for you.¡± Sending the girl away, Ling Zui sneered and asked others again, ¡°What are your ideas on this matter?¡±

    Those people looked at one another for a moment. One of them sneered and gestured to Fang Nongyan, ¡°You¡¯ve taught a good son!¡±

    ¡°Live and learn! He¡¯s only a six-year-old kid....¡±

    ¡°The girl lied out of kindness but helped their own rtive. It¡¯s true that one good turn deserves another!¡±

    Hearing their discussion, Fang Nongyan knew that Mistress Yan¡¯s miscarriage was most likely designed by Fang Zijun and his own mother.

    This son was the only one left behind after he lost several children, and his mother was a beloved concubine, so he was inevitably over-spoiled. However, Fang Nongyan had never thought that the mother and son would be so bold as to murder the unborn child at the time of General Ruan¡¯s funeral and frame Ruan Ciyi!

    These two idiots! Ruan Ciyi was easy to bully, but Ruan Qingyan was deemed to have a promising future. What was more, Princess Ningyi, though she had no power, was a princess of junior level one. If it were not for the family rtionship, he, who was only a level-seven official, could not look up at her!

    Seeing Ling Zui¡¯s sardonic expression and the disdain and disgust of the audience who went out one after another, Fang Nongyan was feeling like being in an ice cer!

    He pped Fang Zijun heavily in the face with the back of his hand, ¡°Unfilial creature! How could you have been born?¡±

    ¡°Master Fang, you¡¯d better y this kind of trick when there is no one else around.¡± Ling Zui stood up, ¡°I¡¯m afraid no one here would like to see it. In my opinion, you¡¯d better go home first and exin the matter to your family so that they won¡¯t talk about Madame Ruan anymore and damage the reputation of the Ruans!¡±

    ¡°Ma¡¯am!¡± Reminded by him, Fang Nongyan knew that the only hope to save the situation was Ruan Ciyi and hurriedly stepped forward to help her up. ¡°Ma¡¯am, you know Zijun has always been naive. Maybe he was abetted by someone....¡±

    Ling Zui sneered again and said to Ruan Ciyi, ¡°Won¡¯t you go back to the front now, Madame Ruan? When there are guests but you are not there, Princess Ningyi might have to say you fainted again. And I think you¡¯d better tell Chunjun the whole story yourself.¡±

    Seeing Fang Nongyan wanted to hold Ruan Ciyi, Ling Zui struck the table impatiently, ¡°The two of you father and son, one is not strict in running the family, and the other is lunatic! General Ruan has just passed away and you couldn¡¯t wait to bully Madame Ruan. Do you think there¡¯s no one else in the family? Chunjun can¡¯t get away now, but I am free! If you can¡¯t give an exnation today, even if Chunjun lets you off, I will not agree!¡±

    He sent Ruan Ciyi away. Qiu Yn also quietly slipped back to her original position, thinking, ¡°Although Fang Zijun aimed at Suxin, he did not directly mention Cousin Ciyi. If there were someone else in the Fangs¡¯ family who looks like Suxin or has clothes simr to Suxin¡¯s, he might say that he mistook her for Suxin or was taught... It¡¯s possible for them the find excuses to back up the lie. Besides, he is so young. If Cousin Ciyi insists on arguing with him, people may say she is too mean... Now that Cousin Chunjun has already started to deal with the Fangs, how can he leave such a w?¡±

    ¡°But, in this case, even if there were no evidence, the Fangs would know that it was Cousin who was behind the scene. Then Madame Ruan will have a hard time in the Fang Family.¡± Qiu Yn thought to herself, ¡°If Cousin was still working at Hanlin Academy, he would have scruples. Now he will have a three-year mourning period. Who knows when he will be reinstated? Who knows whether Fang Nongyan will continue to bully Cousin Ciyi or not?¡±

    She thought about it for a moment and unfolded her eyebrows. She had guessed how Ruan Qingyan was going to wind up the matter.

 Chapter 127 - Make False Countercharges

    <h4>Chapter 127 Make False Countercharges</h4>

    Sure enough, after a few hours, Fang Zijun took advantage of his great-grandfather¡¯s death to murder the concubine of his father and try to frame his official mother, which had been spread all over the city.

    Fang Nongyan thought it over and over again. He finally felt that he could marry another favorite concubine, but his only son was important. So he had to clean up Fang Zijun¡¯s biological mother, Hua, in ordance with the crime of instigating Fang Zijun to nder thedy of the house. In order to press things down quickly, he sank Hua into a river overnight.

    But what he did not expect was that the day after Hua sunk the river, in the Jing City, there were rumors that Ruan Qingyan was dissatisfied with his demotion for more than a decade and lost all his spirit, and he got a chance to return to the Jing City on his own. He deliberately designed Fang Zijun to nder his official mother in order to take the opportunity to get rid of Hua and Yan, so as to make it convenient for Ruan Ciyi to control the backyard.

    ¡°It must be true!¡± Fang Zijun tugged at Fang Nongyan¡¯s sleeve and shouted reluctantly, ¡°I didn¡¯t hurt mistress Yan. Father, you must believe me.¡±

    He had always been strictly taught by Hua to target his official mother and mistress. His mind was far more mature than that of ordinary children. How could he not understand that his birth mother who gave him advice now was dead, and he was burdened with nder against his official mother? Even if he were instructed by his biological mother, he had a criminal record of directly attacking mistress Yan. He also knew that unless Fang Nongyan had only one son in his life, it would be difficult for him not to fall out of favor in the future.

    Now he heard the rumor as if he had caught a lifesaver. Relying on Fang Nongyan¡¯s previous favor and that at present he had only one son, Fang Zijun cried and made a scene, insisting that he had been fooled by the Ruan family, ¡°I¡¯ve been curious about that we are also rtives of the official mother. Why did the Commandery Princess Ningyi keep a straight face when I dropped a Persian cat? Uncle Ruan dotes on me so much. Now it seems that he is just trying to trick me. He pretends to be like that.¡±

    ¡°Father, think about it. The official mother clearly fainted at that time. Why did the maid, Dongran, tell me that the official mother returned home, and the others including the Commandery Princess Ningyi did not refute or remind me.¡± Fang Zijun cried so much that Fang Nongyan was covered with tears and snot, ¡°They set me up, father! It¡¯s all because I wasn¡¯t born to the official mother. I¡¯m sure my official mother hates that I am usually not respectful to her, so she colludes with her family to hurt me.¡±

    He continued to say, ¡°My official mother can hurt me. How can she not hurt mistress Yan? All the children born to my official mother are dead. I am the eldest son now. Mistress Yan is no more than a concubine. Even if she gave birth to a younger brother, he couldn¡¯tpete with me in terms of status. How could I hurt him?¡±

    When Fang Nongyan listened to her son¡¯s crying and analysis, his mind was also veryplicated. Although he was demoted to Hezhou for many years and could not be promoted, his heart was like dead ashes a few years ago. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have spoiled him like this. He looked smart, but he was stupid. But it was impossible for him not to know the character of these people in his family because he had the background of passing Metropolitan Exam.

    As a matter of fact, the possibility of Ruan Ciyi plotting to murder mistress Yan was not high. His first wife had had the act of being jealous in the early years. She was very opposed to his marrying a concubine. But since one son and two daughters died one after another, Ruan Ciyi was badly hit. She not only pined away, but also didn¡¯t want to take care of the things in the backyard. After that, when he married someone, Ruan Ciyi just agreed and didn¡¯t even ask him.

    On the contrary, Hua and his son caused a lot of trouble in the backyard because a mother had status because of his son, and his son had his mother¡¯s favor. Over the past two years, they had bullied Ruan Ciyi because there was no one in her family, and she had no children. They had long regarded Ruan Ciyi¡¯s rich dowry as their belongings. As for the Fang Family returning to the Jing City, Hua and his son were not only happy to be able to enter the prosperous imperial capital, but also resented that the Ruan Family had an heir son. This time, Yan¡¯s miscarriage framed Ruan Ciyi. In addition to the danger of the second son or eldest daughter falling to the ground topete with Fang Zijun for favor, it not only allowed the Ruan Family be med and gave them a chance to plunder the industry. No matter what he thought, it must be Hua who instigated his son to do it.

    The problem was that he just knew it. There was a saying that when the water was too clear, there were no fish. Xue Chang who was the Premier even tried to get his beloved concubine to live in harmony with his eldest son, but he failed, not to mention Fang Nongyan.

    He knew clearly that his wife was wronged, but he couldn¡¯t dislike Fang Zijun because of this.

    In any case, he was a spoiled son like a sweetheart. Especially he had the only one son now.

    Sinking Hua into the river, he had been heartbroken....

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about that.¡± After a long silence, Fang Nongyan felt that now that he had paid the price of his concubine¡¯s death, it was not worthwhile for him if he was estranged from the Ruan Family because of Fang Zijun¡¯s words.

    Even if his beloved concubine and son were all cheated by Ruan Qingyan, could he fight with Ruan Qingyan now? Even if both of them were on the same list of level seven, theption and revision of the Hanlin Academy, which all schrs in the world yearned for, couldn¡¯t bepared with the unprofitable Yamen like Institute of History.

    The former was the only way to be Premier, and thetter? Haha!

    So Fang Nongyan told his son, ¡°There are still many ces where I need to rely on your uncle Ruan. The identity of your aunt, Ningyi, was also extremely honorable. We have just returned to the Jing City. This is not a small county in Hezhou. The well-off people in the county don¡¯t dare to offend you. I am really nothing, and far less honorable than your uncle Ruan. So in the future, you should treat your official mother like your own mother, which is good for you.¡±

    Before he finished his words, Fang Zijun screamed with resentment on his face, ¡°She killed my own mother! You want me to treat her like my own mother?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Fang Zijun choked. He was not only pleased that he ordered Hua to sink into the river, but his son didn¡¯t hold a grudge. However, he had a headache that his son hated his wife so much. He would be targeted by the Ruan family sooner orter. He was in a moment of hesitation. The servant came in to announce, ¡°The imperial astronomer sent someone here. That person said that he wants to talk to you alone.¡±

    ¡°Pleasee in!¡± When the boss sent someone here, how dare Fang Nongyan to snub? Then he asked someone to take his son away and busily went in and changed his clothes and went out to entertain him.

    It was the third day before burial. Almost no one came to mourn the dead.

    After all, although Ruan Qingyan had a great future, he had been in Hanlin Academy for less than a year and had a shallow foundation. And because General Ruan died suddenly, he had to escort the dead on thest trip back to Laizhou. There was not enough time to pack up in three days, at least for seven days. In the evening, Qiu Yn saw that no one woulde after the afternoon. No one woulde when it was getting dark, so she opened the curtain to persuade Ruan Qingyan not to be too sad and go to lie down behind.

    As a result, Ruan Qingyan waved his hand and refused her proposal. Instead, he pulled her to kneel down together and whispered, ¡°I¡¯m leaving in two days. You have to be careful these two years. I have already made a deal with Young Earl Ling about your adoptive mother. It was impossible for Princess Royal Maode to mourn the dead in person, so she would wait a few days before she found a reason to recognize you.¡±

    Qiu Yn was really not interested in finding an adoptive mother, but she didn¡¯t dare to tell Ruan Qingyan that she was protected by Jiang Yashuang and let him not worry. So she obediently agreed.

    She also heard Ruan Qingyan exin, ¡°Fang Nongyan can be rich together, but it is impossible to share adversity together. He is not the best match for the older sister. The death of the three children born to the older sister has something to do with the backyard. He unexpectedly took it out on the older sister when he was implicated by his grandfather. The beloved concubines spoke ill of the older sister to her husband. Not only does he turn a blind eye to her, but he even med the older sister for not taking good care of the children. It¡¯s just that the older sister thinks about the love between them and doesn¡¯t want to divorce him. I am originally going to remind Fang Zijun and ask the doctor to recuperate the older sister¡¯s health so that she could have another son to rely on.¡±

    At this point, he sighed, ¡°It¡¯s just that our grandfather is suddenly dead now. I¡¯m leaving Laizhou, but you all need to stay here. There has been no one to take care of you in these two years. Not to mention that you will be wronged, in case something goes wrong when I return to work after the end of my mourning period. I am afraid that the older sister will continue to be snubbed by the Fang family. Now I can only deal with it quickly. Even if the older sister didn¡¯t want to divorce him, I couldn¡¯t let her continue to live with Fang!¡±

    He lowered his eyes and said seriously, ¡°After all, we are the only three blood rtives at this moment. The older sister is so haggard now. I don¡¯t want to mourn her when I return to the Jing City three yearster. So even if she didn¡¯t want to do it, I would do it for her.¡±

    Qiu Yn had long disliked Fang Nongyan because of Fang Zijun. At this time, he heard that Fang Nongyan was so angry with Ruan Ciyi that he didn¡¯t investigate responsibility even if his son and daughter died. She thought he was insane, ¡°I don¡¯t know this kind of thing before, otherwise even if my grandfather didn¡¯t die, I wouldn¡¯t like to see my eldest sister continue to be bullied by their family.¡±

    She continued to say, ¡°I don¡¯t think my older sister is really reluctant to leave Fang Nongyan. She may have been bullied like ashes over the years. She has just returned to the Jing City and is not familiar with us yet. She is afraid of causing you trouble.¡±

    Anyway, they had already started. Wasn¡¯t it easy to find a reason to feel at ease?

    ¡°I will try my best to let the older sister break the rtionship with Fang Family before leaving the Jing City. In this way, I can take her away from the Jing City to observe mourning. In the current situation of the older sister, let her go to live in Laizhou with me for two years so that I can rest assured.¡± Ruan Qingyan sighed and said solemnly, ¡°From now on, you will be alone in the Jing City, you must...¡±

    ¡°Cousin, you don¡¯t know how many times you¡¯ve said that.¡± Qiu Yn said in a coquettish manner, ¡°I know. I know. Your cousin is not your older sister. Am I such a bully?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan frowned and said, ¡°What¡¯s more, you are not allowed to have anything to do with Jiang Yashuang, which is also important.¡±

    Qiu Yn shrank her neck guiltily.

    Ruan Qingyan immediately noticed it. His face suddenly changed, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you are still in touch with him?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Qiu Yn said hurriedly, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen him since that night.¡±

    Then Ruan Qingyan calmed down and thought about it, ¡°I have to figure out a way to settle your engagement to Deng Yi after I leave. In addition, your marriage. I don¡¯t know if you can find a good partner in the past two years. Fortunately, you are only thirteen. Three yearster you will only be sixteen, so it is not toote to talk about your marriage.¡±

    Qiu Yn fooled him, wiped the cold sweat secretly, and thought to herself, ¡°Cousin, I didn¡¯t lie to you. I don¡¯t go to see Jiang Yashuang, but he came to see me... I just didn¡¯t say anything!¡±

    Then, Ruan Qingyan exined a lot of things at great length. His central idea was that he really didn¡¯t rest assured that she was alone in the Jing City, and what should she do if she was wronged and set up by others? In the face of this cousin, whose heart was almost broken, Qiu Yn used 18 kinds of martial arts to promise him, act coquettish, and act cute, which kept him from asking questions.

    Following Ruan Qingyan, it was gettingte. He waved her to have dinner and rest, ¡°No one wille here today. It is estimated that no one wille in the next four days. You are still young. You are also a granddaughter. You can go to rest when you are tired. Grandpa always loves you. He won¡¯t me you.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought the same way, ¡°Cousin, have a rest, too.¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡± Ruan Qingyan smiled at her tiredly. His eyes were very sad, ¡°I feel guilty. I need to kneel a little longer to make myself feel better.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought about what he said, but she still didn¡¯t dare to ask him, thinking secretly, ¡°Do these words admit that he is the blood of the Ruan Family? Does he feel guilty because he didn¡¯te back earlier to fulfill his filial piety? And why is that? Is it just for him to go to the Jing City after taking the Juren exam in the south? That¡¯s not possible, is it? With the talent of my cousin, he does not need to rely on imperial examination and immigrants to increase his chances of being on the list.¡±

    Early the next morning, people from Governor¡¯s office came, ¡°Ruan Qingyan, your brother-inw, Fang Jucheng, sued you for murdering the child of his beloved concubine and framing his eldest son. Of course, now that your grandfather has passed away, there is no one to take care of him except you. The dead are the most honorable. You can stay here and take care of him. However, your family must send two informed servants toe with me, right?¡±

    Listening to the polite and tough words of the government officer through the curtain, Qiu Yn breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°Everything is in my cousin¡¯s n. It seems that sister Ruan¡¯s freedom is just around the corner.¡±

    However, after the government officer left with Dongran and Ruan An, in the face of Qiu Yn¡¯s inquiry, Ruan Qingyan¡¯s face was as heavy as water, ¡°I didn¡¯t arrange to go to the Yamen!¡±

    Qiu Yn was shocked, ¡°Who is that? How could this be?¡±....

 Chapter 128 - The Person Behind the Scenes

    <h4>Chapter 128 The Person Behind the Scenes</h4>

    ¡°Is it the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe?¡± Qiu Yn thought quickly for a moment and blurted it out.

    Fang Nongyan must not have the courage to fall out with Ruan Qingyan. Someone must have instructed him. Although it was the youngdy of the Xue Family who shed with Ruan Qingyan recently, it was Ruan Qingyan who suffered that time. No matter how crazy Miss Xue was, it would not be endless, was it?

    She wondered for a moment whether Miss Xue would vent her anger on Ruan Qingyan again when Jiang Yashuang refused her marriage. But now Xue Chang was about to use the death of General Ruan as a cover to catch his breath. Was Miss Xue going to cheat her own father like this?

    So ording to normal logic, it was most likely to be the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, ¡°Although the Empress Dowager Gu is also hostile to cousin, they should be dealing with Xue Xiang now. However, in that case, why does Fang Nongyan who is an ungrateful person go to Governor¡¯s office?¡±

    Feng Rugui of the Governor¡¯s office belongs to Empress parties, and he was very influential. Didn¡¯t Qiu Mengmin suffer enoughst time?

    Ruan Qingyan raised his hand and rubbed his eyebrows. Although he didn¡¯t look good, his eyes were still calm. Obviously, this ident did not disturb him, ¡°I hired people from Tianya to keep an eye on the Fang family. Just now I have sent someone to inquire about the people who have been dealing with Fang Nongyan in the past few days. I think we will have a resultter.¡±

    Sure enough, after a while, a servant ran back in a sweat to report, ¡°It is said that the imperial astronomer sent someone to the Fang Family yesterday. Apart from that, no one else can have anything to do with it.¡±

    ¡°The imperial astronomer?¡± Qiu Yn was stunned, ¡°Hisst name seems to be Xue?¡±

    ¡°Xue Tian is the brother of Prime Minister Xue.¡± Ruan Qingyan¡¯s eyes were deep, ¡°It should not be what Prime Minister Xue meant. I guess Prime Minister Xue might not know about that. After all, I¡¯m his student.¡±

    At this time, the rtionship between master and apprentice in officialdom was the strongest. One side was rich and the other benefited. One side was tragic and the other was not going to stand idly by. ording to the default rules, even if there was no intimacy between master and apprentice like father and son. However, they could not take care of each other. If they didn¡¯t give each other face, they would be despised by the whole officialdom.

    So Xue Chang would never openly deal with Ruan Qingyan.

    Even if he didn¡¯t deal with him directly, he also needed to get rid of all the rtionships. How could he let his brother show up?

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid the Prime Minister Xue¡¯s beloved daughter made some troubles again.¡± Qiu Yn heard the words and guessed right, sneering and saying, ¡°That day, the eldest wife of the Xue family came over with the sixth Miss Sun. I originally thought the prime minister¡¯s daughter is so noble. It turns out that she was also a person who brought trouble to her father.¡±

    But she felt a little confused, ¡°Why is it so easy to find out? Is there anything else?¡± Was the IQ of the Premier¡¯s brother and daughter doing bad things so low? The victim knew it before she left the house.

    ¡°Easy?¡± Ruan Qingyan said lightly, ¡°This news is worth 5200 silver.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not easy.¡± Qiu Yn said sincerely, ¡°It¡¯s just a ck shop!¡±

    She asked, ¡°So now?¡±

    ¡°I asked Ruan Yi to go to the Prime Minister Xue¡¯s house and tell Prime Minister Xue what happened. Let him decide.¡± Knowing that Fang Nongyan told him that Miss Xue tampered with him behind his back, Ruan Qingyan was not worried, ¡°Anyway, I would be criticized which would be the biggest problem to Prime Minister Xue.¡±

    Qiu Yn hummed, ¡°Yeah. It is difficult for him to find a respite, but he is disturbed by his own daughter. But I hope Prime Minister Xue can clean up people more decisively. This kind of daughter had better be killed as soon as possible!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan did not take her angry words to heart, only saying, ¡°Prime Minister Xue knows how to discipline his family, so don¡¯t worry about it... It¡¯s toote for dinner. Go and have a meal. Don¡¯t be hungry.¡±

    ¡°Look at your gobbling look. People, who don¡¯t know it, will think that the Jiang Family is out of food.¡± At this moment, in the Zishen Pce, Empress Jiang was smiling and holding the tea bowl which had the green pattern of two carps ying in the lotus flower to make fun of her nephew who bowed his head to eat.

    Jiang Yashuang ate thest chopstick of rice, took the tea handed over by the maid and rinsed his mouth, and then exined, ¡°I want to finish all my homework for today before noon. I missed my meal before I knew it. I am afraid that another order to have lunch would make my grandmother worry, so I might as well go into the pce and have a meal with you.¡±

    Among the neen nieces and nephews of Empress Jiang, the twins, Jiang Qizheng and Jiang Yashuang, were the most spoiled and indulged. The main reason was that they were raised by Madame Tao and Little Tao, and she had always been close to them. This was also the reason why Jiang Qizheng, as the youngest granddaughter of the Jiang family, was named princess earlier than many sisters.

    As for Jiang Yashuang, he was almost seen as a son by the Empress who did not have a biological prince. Now hearing what he said, the Empress smiled and scolded, ¡°Since it¡¯s a day¡¯s homework, why do you have to finish it before noon?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang nced around. As soon as the Empress looked up, the people in the pce saluted together. In an instant, there were only a few confidants such as Nijin in the pce. Then the Empress was concerned and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°I heard that Prime Minister Xue handed a booklet yesterday and wanted to add a title to the deceased General Ruan senior.¡± Jiang Yashuang asked tteringly, ¡°This is just a matter of an imperial decree and some money. My aunt, why don¡¯t you agree?¡±

    Empress Jiang said with a faint smile, ¡°I am wondering what you are doing in the pce after you are in a hurry to finish your homework? So do you get orders from your sweetheart?¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡± Jiang Yashuang blurted it out, saying, ¡°When Yn received the bad news of General Ruan, she went to the General¡¯s Mansion. There is Ruan Qingyan watching over there. I can¡¯t even see her when I go to mourn the deceased. How can that be what she means? It¡¯s me...¡±

    Hearing this, Empress Jiang and her confidantsughed loudly. The Empress pointed at him, ¡°Listen to this. It is said that when a woman has someone she likes, she will inevitably speak for him. Is this better than Shuang defending her?¡±

    Nijin pursed his lips and said with a smile, ¡°The neenth youngdy is not married yet. Jiang Yashuang loves her so much... Hah!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang ignored her. He smiled and asked the Empress ¡°My aunt, do you agree with me?¡±

    The Empress Jiang put down the tea bowl and stroked her hair at the temples, saying with a smile, ¡°You guys go out, too. I¡¯ll talk to Shuang alone.¡±

    They waited for Nijin and others to leave. There were only two of them left in such arge side hall, but she reined in her smile and frowned, ¡°Have you made up your mind? Is it the Commandery Princess Ningyi?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was asked so bluntly by his elder. His face flushed slightly, but he still said, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Although she is the Commandery Princess, there is no elder to support her.¡± The Empress reminded.

    ¡°My aunt, what did you say? Since you love me, why should I consider the power of my wife¡¯s family?¡± Jiang Yashuang disagreed it. ¡°Besides, a man is born in the world and is supposed to be the support of his wife and children. What¡¯s the point of thinking about relying on others?¡±

    The Empress breathed a sigh of relief when she heard what he said was not meant for her. As the only biological daughter of Madame Tao, she certainly hoped that the Madame could get her wish, but Jiang Yashuang grew up like her own son, and the Empress really didn¡¯t want him to be wronged in marriage.

    Now Jiang Yashuang also took a fancy to Qiu Yn. It would be best for the Empress Jiang that she did not have to choose between his mother and his nephew.

    But the Empress thought for a moment and reminded him, ¡°I know you don¡¯t care about it. However, I heard that Commandery Princess Ningyi seems to be very close to her cousin, Ruan Qingyan.¡±

    ¡°After all, Duke of Xihe and his wife are very unkind to her.¡± Jiang Yashuang thought about this for a while before saying, ¡°Of all her rtives, this cousin is the only one she can rely on. I think Ruan Qingyan treats her as a sister. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have run to the mansion of Prime Minister Xue frequently before.¡±

    Empress Jiang smiled and said, ¡°Is that true? But in the future, it will be better for them to have less contact with each other. After all, they are just cousins. Ruan Qingyan has not married up to now. If they got in touch with each other too much, they would be talked about. Even if they are innocent, you will feel ashamed.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll remind themter... My aunt, what about the matter of conferring a posthumous title?¡± Jiang Yashuang got back to the point.

    Empress Jiang pretended to be angry, saying, ¡°What¡¯s the rush?¡± But she still told him, ¡°What your grandfather means is that since you have already turned down the Xue family once, you must win over Xue Chang again. However, the strength of our family is not so easy to borrow. If Xue Chang didn¡¯t give us some benefits, it¡¯ would be impossible to get something for nothing.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang hurriedly asked, ¡°How long will it take?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s up to Xue Chang.¡± Empress Jiang smiled and said, ¡°General Ruan used to be themander-in-chief of the western army in the town. Kuang Shihan was trained by him himself. You also know what happened when General Ruan and his son-inw were defeated. Although Xue Chang is not easily biased towards either side of Jiang and Gu, I would not help him if he did not teach Kuang Shihan a lesson this time.

    Seeing Jiang Yashuang looking longingly at her, Empress Jiang pointed him slightly. She thought it was funny and angry, saying, ¡°What¡¯s the look on your face? Can¡¯t you wait to protect her before you get married? Even if General Ruan gets the title, first of all, Ruan Qingyan will benefit. Who is Ruan Qingyan? He is Xue Chang¡¯s student! As for the Commandery Princess Ningyi, she is just a granddaughter and has the title of the Commandery Princess. It is dispensable to her at all.¡±

    ¡°Kuang Shihan¡¯s improperly gained military power. This man is an important arm of the Empress Dowager Gu against the Jiang family. Wouldn¡¯t it be nice to take this opportunity to clean him up?¡± Jiang Yashuang tteringly said, ¡°Why should we sit and watch the Prime Minister Xue act? Can¡¯t our family help them, too?¡±

    Empress Jiangughed and scolded him, ¡°You are really obsessed with that little girl. Can¡¯t you see such a simple truth? As soon as our family starts, the old man of the Hall of Taishi will suspiciously put aside Xue Chang to fight with our family. In this way, Xue Chang¡¯s embarrassment is easily solved. Do you think he will still speak for our family?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said bitterly, ¡°I thought you always love me, and you¡¯ll pretend to be confused and agree to my request.¡±

    ¡°Anyway, I won¡¯t let your sweetheart suffer.¡± The Empress Jiang¡¯s heart softened when she looked at her nephew¡¯s disappointment and promised, ¡°After all, even if I don¡¯t think about you, Ruan Qingyan¡¯s talent is worth cultivating. After entering Hanlin Academy, he is very close to Xue Chang. It is time for him to think about whether to follow his master or follow our Jiang family.¡±

    When it came to this, the Empress was also a little sorry, ¡°It is a pity that Xue Chang is not good at teaching his daughter, otherwise he is an excellent candidate for a son-inw because he is talented and handsome with simple family background. Let me see. Zheng¡¯er is sixteen years old....¡±

    ¡°It was the fifteenth sister in our family who we wanted him to marry before.¡± Jiang Yashuang reminded.

    ¡°Madame Dou who is an ignorant woman taught Qiyun to be narrow-minded. Marrying her to Ruan Qingyan is not ttering him, but torturing him.¡± Empress Jiang had made no secret of her dislike of Madame Dou, the wife of Jiang Tianao, because there was no one else in front of her now. Marquess Qin¡¯s original wife, Madame Dou senior, was Madame Dou¡¯s own aunt. After she died of illness, the Dou family wanted to remarry Madame Dou senior¡¯s cousin who was Madame Dou¡¯s little aunt to Marquess Qin in order to maintain the rtionship between the two families.

    As a result, Marquess Qin sessfully asked for the granddaughter of Tao Yinsong, the ¡°pir of the state¡±. Of course, he would no longer consider the Dou family¡¯s daughter. The Dou family dared not to fall out with Marquess Qin, so they vented their anger on Madame Tao. In particr, Madame Tao had been married for less than two years. Tao Yinsong passed away. The Tao family declined rapidly. Madame Dou won the favor and tolerance of the two uncles of Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei because of relying on her husband. She not only made trouble for her aunt every day, but also bullied Empress Jiang in the boudoir.

    Although Madame Dou was greatly troubled by Empress Jiang after she came to power, her dislike of Madame Dou had not changed. She disliked her, so she also disliked the children of the first branch in Jiang Family. They had always been the least popr in front of the Empress.

    In particr, Jiang Qiyun who almost hurt Empress¡¯s favorite niece, Jiang Qizheng. Empress Jiang waspletely disgusted with this niece, ¡°Before, I looked down on Ruan Qingyan, so I let the first branch choose him. Now I think he¡¯s good. If it weren¡¯t for the unruly person of the Xue Family who first said that she didn¡¯t like him, it would be difficult for the cheap maidservant¡¯s daughter who didn¡¯t like him, but our Zheng¡¯er liked him. I think it would be nice to lower Zheng¡¯er¡¯s status and marry him.¡±

    Jiang Yashang was not worried about her sister¡¯s marriage. In any case, the 15th cousin was not married yet. It was not Jiang Qizheng¡¯s turn to get married, not to mention that this sister had so many elders looking at her, she had nothing to lose. He was more concerned about, ¡°The Ruan Family ns to return to Laizhou after the coffin is temporarily parked for seven days. I wonder if the matter about title could be settled before Ruan Qingyan leaves.¡±

 Chapter 129 - Spoil the Concubine and Ruin the Wife

    <h4>Chapter 129 Spoil the Concubine and Ruin the Wife

    The mansion of Premier.</h4>

    Xue Chang¡¯s face was livid, ¡°Were it you who asked your uncle from the same n to instigate Fang Nongyan to sue Ruan Chunjun under my banner?¡±

    ¡°Dad, I... I didn¡¯t say that!¡± Although Xue Fangmi had been deeply loved by her father since childhood, she knew that in spite of Xue Chang¡¯s indulgence to her, it was impossible for him to let her make decisions on significant matters. Seeing that there was something wrong with his face at the moment, she immediately softened her tone and exined feebly, ¡°I just said a few words about my hate towards that guy when visiting my aunt!¡±

    She tried to behave like an obedient and pitiful girl, ¡°I guess... maybe my aunt and uncle misunderstood me?¡±

    ¡°How dare you still quibble about it?¡± Xue Chang had a very high prestige in court, even the Empress Dowager and the Empress had to show respect to him. However, he was very kind at home, especially to his daughters and granddaughters whom he indulged very much. This prestigious premier seemed to be very good to his family, which could be shown from the fact that he didn¡¯t strictly reprimand Madame Xue who had brought such a big trouble for him.

    But after all, the daughter was different from the elder sister. Apart from the gap in seniority, Madame Xue shouldn¡¯t be a person without a sense of propriety. The reason why she screwed things up this time was that she had misjudged Yang Yishi¡¯s determination. As for Xue Fangmi, the girl had caused one trouble after another in the matter of Ruan Qingyan!

    ¡°What did Ruan Chunjun do to make you pester him like this?¡± Looking at his daughter¡¯s little face, which was like petals, Xue Chang was unwilling to administer physical punishment in the end. But he still ordered her to kneel down and then exhorted earnestly, ¡°Do you really think that I don¡¯t know what¡¯s in your mind? You just don¡¯t want either yourself or Qing to be married to him! I have not quarreled with you about this matter anymore, and have persuaded your brother to forgive you. However, you are still against him! Do you really think he would like to be manipted arbitrarily by me just because he¡¯s my student?¡±

    On hearing this, Xue Fangmi knew that she had to tell the truth. ¡°I just feel angry about Jiang Yashuang¡¯s refusal to the marriage!¡± she replied while puckering her mouth.

    ¡°Does it have anything to do with Chunjun?¡± Xue Chang was dumbfounded by her daughter¡¯s reply. As a premier, he not only had to deal with a myriad of state affairs every day, but also had to guard against political enemies. Hence his attention to those things inside his mansion was certainly not as much as that of the youngdy Xue Fangmi, who led a care-free material life and had nothing to do all day. At this moment, he couldn¡¯t help wondering, ¡°Do you think Jiang Yashuang refused to marry you just because he couldn¡¯t tolerate Chunjun¡¯s humiliation caused by your insult in public? You brought this on yourself!¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yashuang had an affair with Commandery Princess Ningyi, Ruan Chunjun¡¯s cousin. In order to revenge for Ruan Chunjun, Commandery Princess Ningyi deliberately instigated Jiang Yashuang to refuse to marry me in public so as to humiliate me. Otherwise, with your prestige, my father, how could Jiang Yashuang disgrace our family like this?¡± Xue Fangmi said bitterly, ¡°Dad, your daughter is too embarrassed to go out now....¡±

    ¡°How could you still make mischief in your uncle¡¯s house, if you were really too embarrassed to go out?¡± Xue Chang sneered. ¡°Never treat me as a fool in spite of my indulgence to you! The news of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s refusal to get married with you was deliberately spread by the Gu family after spying them. Indeed, they did not mean to disgrace our family! Moreover, do you think Marquess Qin is dead? Will he allow a woman who has not yet married into their family to interfere with such a significant event involving the decency of both Xue family and Jiang family?¡±

    Xue Fangmi was stuck for words and pursed her lips, ¡°I admit my mistake!¡±

    Xue Chang stared at her for a moment and sighed sadly, ¡°I used to indulge you too much! If I continued to let everything move on like this, all of you would be ruined sooner orter!¡±

    At first, Xue Fangmi had felt her father¡¯s attitude was not fierce, though his face looked grim. Thus she had believed that she would be able to muddle through this time by acting like a spoiled child just as before, but at this moment, she recognized there would be something wrong and said in a hurry, ¡°Father...¡±

    But Xue Chang no longer bothered to listen to her further exnation. Instead, he ordered someone to call for Xuesun, his eldest daughter-inw, and asked, ¡°How are you these days?¡±

    Feeling confused, Xuesun answered cautiously, ¡°Father, everything goes well with me.¡±

    ¡°In that case, don¡¯t let your concubine mother work too hard on the housework inside the mansion.¡± Xue Chang said softly, ¡°Besides, your mother passed away too early. As the saying goes, ¡®The elder sister-inw is like a mother¡¯, you must pay more attention to the teaching of Mi from now on!¡±

    The unexpected surprise came so suddenly that Xuesun could not believe it. Trying to suppress her impulse to lean back andugh loudly, she looked at Xue Fangmi who was surprised and angry for a while, and said cautiously, ¡°My sister has always been intelligent and courteous...¡±

    Upon hearing this, Xue Chang knew that she was just afraid that Xue Fangmi, who was favored by him, would be unwilling to be disciplined by her. So he said at once, ¡°What kind of etiquette does she know? In terms of age, she is almost as old as Qing! Since you teach Qing so well, teach her in the same way from now on. Whenever she is disobedient, you should teach her a lesson following the same rules as Qing. As the eldest sister-inw is like a mother, it is only reasonable for a mother to beat and scold her daughter! Even if she was not mature now, she should be grateful to you one day.¡±

    Since she was married to this family years ago, Xuesun knew Xue Chang would always keep his word, although he often tried to mediate the differences between his families. Now that he said this, as long as she did not overdo anything from now on, he would not have a hand in her behavior even if she openly reprimanded Xue Fangmi. He wouldn¡¯t intervene in the family affairs, and also took Nan¡¯s rights back. What else would Xuesun be afraid of as the eldest son¡¯s legal daughter-inw?

    ¡°Father, thanks for your trust.¡± With no worries any more, Xuesun assured him in high and vigorous spirits, ¡°I will teach the sister well!¡±

    Heaven has eyes! Little bitch, you are in my hands in the end. I would give you a deadly lesson, you are a scorpion who destroyed your niece¡¯s marriage again and again!

    After disposing of the troublesome daughter quickly, Xue Chang calmed down and summoned Xue Nongying, the most beloved grandson, to discuss the way to deal with this matter, ¡°How should we pacify Chunjun now?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t keep Fang Nongyan alive.¡± Xue Nongying said without hesitation, ¡°The confrontation between master and apprentice is a taboo in official circles! Especially after my youngest aunt humiliated Ruan Chunjun in public, our family had already owed him in the eyes of outsiders. We must not admit that we instructed Fang Nongyan to sue Ruan Chunjun!¡± Speaking of this, he sighed, ¡°My uncle was really muddleheaded£¡How could he directly send his own families to pass on the message! If we didn¡¯t kill Fang Nongyan now, how couldn¡¯t other people me grandfather once they knew my uncle had sent someone to instigate him?¡±

    He didn¡¯t say thest words: Xue Chang was now implicated by the Ding family. It¡¯s uneasy for him to get the opportunity of General Ruan¡¯s death. If someone knew the fact that Fang Nongyan¡¯s suing Ruan Qingyan is rted with the Xue family, the situation Xue Chang is confronted with would be even worse!

    ¡°It¡¯s not up to our family to decide whether to kill him to keep his mouth shut.¡± But Xue Chang shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that your youngest aunt did this behind our back. If it hadn¡¯t been for Ruan Chunjun who sent someone here to tell us, we wouldn¡¯t have known anything about it!¡±

    This couldn¡¯t be entirely med on the males of the Xue family. In fact, it was inevitable for them to overlook their families for they had been really busy with the attack of the party of Empress Dowager these days. In addition, they did not expect that Xue Fangmi was so wayward and stupid that she turned a blind eye to the well-known rules of master and apprentice. How dare she really think that with Xue Chang as her father, she could be so domineering that she could even look down on a member of the Hanlin Academy appointed by the Emperor!

    So Xue Chang had to cope with the aftermath of his daughter¡¯s behavior, ¡°Go to Ruan Family, and ask Chunjun in private what he¡¯s going to do with Fang Nongyan. By the way, apologize for me. Indeed, it was caused by your youngest aunt, thus your father should have gone there, but I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s safe for you to go at present so as to avoid others¡¯ attention.¡±

    When Xue Nongying arrived at the General¡¯s Mansion as per instruction, he was very ashamed to exin that everything was caused by the fool Xue Fangmi, ¡°My grandfather thinks highly of you, and he often encourages us brothers to learn from you. How could he instigate someone to harm you?¡±

    Now that Ruan Qingyan had clearly told Xue Chang about the matter, he certainly didn¡¯t want to fall out with the Xue family. Thus he immediately expressed his forgiveness and understanding about this matter. Thereby the two families were reconciled to each other, and then they discussed the disposal of Fang Nongyan together. For such a small potato, which was like a mole ant in Xue Nongying¡¯s eyes, it didn¡¯t matter how Ruan Qingyan was going to cope with him!

    He had made preparations to deal with Fang Nongyan personally, considering it was not convenient for Ruan Qingyan to dispose of Fang Nongyan, who was his brother-inw.

    Unexpectedly, Ruan Qingyan burst into tears as soon as he heard this, and said, ¡°About this matter, I can¡¯t exin it clearly in a few words. I also just know about it from the little oral description of people around my elder sister. Now there are no seniors in the Ruan Family, and my cousin is too young, so I¡¯m afraid it would scare her. If possible, I would like to ask Mrs. Sun for help....¡±

    ¡°What does he want me to do?¡± said Xuesun in surprise who had just taken power inside the mansion and was in a good mood to get the opportunity to teach Xue Fangmi. She was bewildered to hear what her son said aftering back, ¡°What can I do for him as a woman? General Ruan had just passed away, he won¡¯t want me to be his matchmaker, will he?¡±

    Xue Nongying did not know whether to cry or tough, ¡°Mom, what are you thinking about? Ruan Chunjun just wants you to invite several madams to check their eldestdy¡¯s...¡± He felt awkward for a while before he said with a strange expression, ¡°body!¡±

    Xuesun was surprised, ¡°Why did he make such a request? Could it be that Fang Nongyan dared to beat his wife?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, maybe?¡± After all, it was not convenient for men to ask more questions about this topic. Xue Nongying guessed, ¡°From Ruan Chunjun¡¯s words, I don¡¯t think he knows much about it because he just spected on the basis that some information had been revealed by people closed to Miss Ruan. This time I also want to take the opportunity to ask mother to make a decision.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. No matter how much he cares about his sisters, he¡¯s going to get married after all, so he can¡¯t check it out by himself...¡± Xuesun rubbed her eyebrows and still felt a little confused. ¡°Even though General Ruan implicated Fang Nongyan, he had taken great care of him before that... As the saying goes, ¡®A day together as husband and wife means endless devotion the rest of your life¡¯, the eldestdy is his legal wife who also had given birth to children and done housework for him. Does Fang Nongyan go so far as to be so insane?¡±

    The next day, several noblewomen who were the supporters of the Xue Family gathered in the backyard of the General¡¯s Mansion. All of them tried every possible way to persuade Ruan Ciyi. Finally, she was unable to dissuade them and took off her mourning dress with tears in her eyes.

    As soon as she took off her mourning dress made with hemp, some of the noblewomen had already uttered an incredible cry of surprise, ¡°Ah!¡±

    ¡°What happened?¡±

    Because of the news revealed by her son, Xuesun had already been mentally prepared. Even so, after seeing the dense wounds on theplete back of Ruan Ciyi, with obvious both new and old wounds, she couldn¡¯t help but hold her handkerchief tightly!

    ¡°Poor child! You... you¡¯ve been abused by that beast for so many years?¡± Before Xuesun could utter a word, one of the noblewomen could not contain herself and stood up right away. She first put on a robe for Ruan Ciyi, then carefully hugged her and cried, ¡°How honorable were you when your father and mother were alive?! It¡¯s only been a decade or so, and you¡¯ve been maltreated like this!¡±

    Xuesun nced at the woman and suddenly realized, ¡°Yeah, I remember Sister Feng was on good terms with Lady Ruan¡¯s mother years ago, and you were going to unite your children in marriage. This decision was only given upter when both of your first children turned out to be girls.¡±

    Madam Feng wiped her tears and choked with sobs, ¡°I don¡¯t deserve to be a close friend of Sister Tan! When she was still alive, she had asked me to take care of this child. However, my husband was sent to be local officials the next year and I had to go there with him. When I came backst month, I was very happy to hear that the child had also returned to Jing City. But I was too busy with some trivial things at home to meet her. I didn¡¯t expect to see such a scene when I finallye here today. How can I exin it to Sister Tan in the future? How can I have the nerve to say that I am a close friend of Sister Tan?¡±

    She immediately begged everyone, ¡°You all know that Sister Tan and I had been as intimate as sisters in the past. Now her only daughter has been so maltreated that I must ask for justice for her, even if thewsuit was brought in front of Empress Dowager and Empress! Please testify for me!¡±

    These noblewomen who came here today were originally partial to the Ruan Family just as Xuesun had wished, and they had seen with their own eyes how terrible the wounds on Ruan Ciyi¡¯s back were. They were also women, who worried that their husband would abuse them after their parents¡¯ home went downhill. At that moment, there was no need for Xuesun to imply because everybody was gnashing their teeth at Fang Nongyan and wished to kill this brute under a human mask as soon as possible!

    There were so many noblewomen witnessing and spreading this matter, and the wounds on Ruan Ciyi¡¯s back were solid evidence. Even blind doctors could not deny that those wounds had been umted for at least five or six years!

    In such a situation, the case of Fang Nongyan¡¯s suing Ruan Qingyan had been directly linked to Fang Zijun¡¯s nder of his own mother, before Ruan Qingyan finished keeping vigil beside the coffin for seven days. He was sent to prison, being used of ruining his wife while spoiling his concubine.

    As for Ruan Qingyan, he submitted a letter written in his own blood to the emperor at the same time, asking for a breakdown with the Fang Family!

 Chapter 130 - Allow to Be Buried in Emperors Tomb

    <h4>Chapter 130 Allow to Be Buried in Emperor¡¯s Tomb</h4>

    At the time, a couple had two ways to get a divorce. One was a peaceful divorce; the other was not an amicable divorce. Literally, if couples got a divorce peacefully, they might still be friends in the future. The husband might write some blessings on the divorce letter. But if a couple got a divorce by thetter one, they probably would want to kill each other if they met again.

    So, for a couple, to get a divorce through the second way was not easy. The officials might not approve the couple to get a divorce in this way if they could not provide sufficient evidence or they insisted on this way regardless of public opinion.

    This was Ruan Qingyan¡¯s ultimate aim. Actually, he did not trust the Fang Family. Through Fang Zijun¡¯s manner, we could say that he was not just a naughty and canny boy but a man. The Fang Family must not be a good one. Or how could a couple teach their child to behave like Fang Zijun?

    If let Ruan Ciyi and Fang Nongyan adopt a peaceful divorce, the two Families would still have a connection. Nobody could ensure that the Fang Family would not use tricks to make trouble for the Ruan Family.

    There was an example just a few days ago. Ruan Qingyan spent a significant sum of money to help Fang Nongyan and his wife to transfer to the capital. And the head of the Astronomy and Calendar Bureau sent a man to inform Fang Nongyan of his job transfer. He told the man all, including Ruan Qingyan paid a lot of money for the job transfer.

    Ruan Qingyan certainly would not give this man any chance to be promoted through sacrificing the Ruan Family¡¯s interests.

    The parties involved agreed on the unpeaceful divorce between Fang Nongyan and Ruan Ciyi without heated discussion. Partly becausedies were shocked by the scars and bruises on Ruan Ciyi¡¯s body. The news was spread from one to ten to a hundred quickly. In the end, the rumor had be that Fang Nongyan wanted to kill his wife Ruan Ciyi for his one favorite concubine and tortured Ruan Ciyi to be a human-pig (A form of severe torture in ancient China).

    This heartless and vicious husband, even the Empress Dowager¡¯s followers would not forgave him.

    After all, everyone might have daughters, right? Even if someone did not have daughters, they must have nieces or granddaughters!

    Now many people were involved in partisan battles. In the event of losing in a partisan battle, future generations would be punished too. And byw, a woman who married would not be affected by her family¡¯s failure. But if one met an ungrateful and ruthless man just like Fang Nongyan, he would be mad at him.

    Therefore, about the divorce of Ruan Ciyi and Fang Nongyan, Ruan Qingyan did not need to submit his report. Xue Chang¡¯s proposal had written clearly that Fang Nongyan was a ruthless, unrighteous and shameless person. Only his death would appease public outrage. His proposal would be approved by the majority anyway.

    .

    This matter was disposed so quickly. It fully showed that once Xue Chang got serious, his efficiency was really high. Fang Nongyan was sentenced to be executed after the autumn, and the Fang family was confiscated... It all happened within seven days during the Ruan Family¡¯s funeral ceremony!

    ¡°Looks like it¡¯s impossible to get all of Ciyi¡¯s dowry back.¡± Thew of divorce currently was humane. It stipted that the dowry must be returned to the woman, regardless of the way of a divorce. The husband had to pay for three more years¡¯ worth of costs to the woman, but the dowry of Ruan Ciyi was sold off in the early years for the family¡¯s expenses when the couple was demoted. Moreover, Fang Nongyan came from a peasant family. He was not as much as Ruan Ciyi in terms of wealth and savings.

    Now, even if the entire property of the Fang Family were sold and returned to Ruan Ciyi, it would still be insufficient.

    But neither Ruan Qingyan nor Qiu Yn cared much about it. ¡°Fortunately, Ciyi is free, I can spare my property for herter. And, we also can help her marry a good manter after her mourning period is over.¡±

    Qiu Yn, sitting on the drum stool, put down the sheet in her hand and wobbled her feet as he spoke to Ruan Qingyan. After Qiu Mengmin took the Prince¡¯s Mansion estate to offset the dowry of Old Princess Lian and Princess Ruan, she also became one of the rich.

    ¡°Don¡¯t shake your leg!¡± Ruan Qingyan reprimanded her, ¡°You¡¯re ady. Behave yourself!¡±

    After Qiu Yn sat back down aggrievedly, he continued, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about this. The stuff belonging to you are for your use. About Ciyi, I¡¯ll make up to her.¡±

    ¡°How much do you have, anyway?¡± It¡¯s been a long time since Qiu Yn began to wonder about it. Why did he always act like ¡°A problem that can be solved by money is not a problem at all¡±. How much did his adoptive father really have?

    Ruan Qingyan sighed for a moment and said, ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about this. I¡¯ll make you all happy anyway!¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°You just don¡¯t want to tell me!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m leaving tomorrow, I will take Ciyi to Laizhou. About you...¡± Before Ruan Qingyan could finish his words, he saw Qiu Yn cover her ears with her hands and shout in pain, ¡°I beg you! Will you stop telling me to take care of myself? I really, really know!!!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan red at her, ¡±Then I¡¯ll say thest two warnings: take care of yourself! Don¡¯t meet Jiang Yashuang!¡±

    The next day, she waved her hand while she tears. Her behavior demonstrated what she was thinking now: ¡°I really, really don¡¯t want to be separated from you.¡±

    But as soon as the team was out of sight, she was immediately refreshed, stroked her chest. She sighed and said, ¡°Finally, you are gone!¡±

    Yesterday he said, ¡°Say thest two warnings.¡± But just a moment ago, Ruan Qingyan had at least admonished her countless times! What kind of person would behave like him?

    ¡°You want young master to leave so badly. If let him know about itter, he would definitely not spare you!¡± Su He pursed, ¡°Plus, after young master left, you will be alone here. You will have nobody to talk with when you are in trouble.¡±

    ¡°Who told you that?¡± Qiu Yn disagreed. ¡°You are the persons I will talk with!¡±

    Su He said, ¡°We are your maids, anyway. And, young master¡¯s insight is way beyond ours.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s gone anyway! I can be free for two or three years!¡± Qiu Yn ignored the maid¡¯s objections. She excitedly envisioned a better life with money and no one to supervise her. But God did not want her to be free like a bird. Just two days after Ruan¡¯s departure, a message startled Qiu Yn, who was sitting cross-legged on a stool eating a pear. She almost swallowed the kernel, ¡°The emperor posthumously named Grandfather ¡® A Warrior¡¯? And allowed him to be buried in the tomb of the former emperor? How is that possible?¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, it¡¯s not right to say that?¡± Mrs. Zhou, Su He and the others stopped her at the same time, ¡±This is a happy ending! How can you say that?¡±

    Mother Zhou, who had always been good-tempered and humble, couldn¡¯t help saying, ¡°Although he is your grandfather, you should be proud of him enjoying this glory! It¡¯s also your pride.¡±

    Qiu Yn threw the rest of the pear aside, saying impatiently, ¡°I don¡¯t mean that, but, you all know what Grandpa¡¯s family has been like all these years. I remember that the title ¡®Warrior¡¯ is not the highest rank among the military generals, but it¡¯s not low, either. Okay, put it aside, we all know it is an unusual grace to be buried with the former emperor. Why could my grandpa have it?¡±

    For the past two years, General Ruan had been reduced to selling his daughter¡¯s dowry for living. Even so, the emperor and his old friends did not do a favor. Now that he¡¯s dead. He got a title and could be buried with the former emperor... Even if the dead was the most important at a time, it was over-important, right?

    ¡°Previously, didn¡¯t Miss Liusun of the Xue Family say that Prime Minister Xue would help General Ruan get a title or something?¡± Su He reminded.

    Qiu Yn frowned, ¡±Even if ¡®A Warrior¡¯ was Prime Minister Xue¡¯s help, what about the grace? Grandfather was defeated in the battles. These were his stains in his life. Even now he was gone, I don¡¯t think that the officials would be sympathetic to him so much, right?¡±

    Neither could she understand, nor Ruan Qingyan. He was also stunned when he was caught up with by themissioner dering Empress Dowager¡¯s order. Fortunately, he had some clues, ¡°Back then, Empress Dowager Gu supported Kuang Shihan to take away the Western Army from his grandfather, fearing grandfather¡¯s prestige in the army was over him. Over the years, Empress Dowager Gu didn¡¯t give grandfather any chance to rise, and even his old friends were suppressed because of him... Could it be possible that my grandfather was dead and at the same time, I have been a civil official? As a result, the Ruan family could no longer affect Kuang Shihan¡¯s position in the army. So, Empress Dowager Gu turned to be kind and generous overnight?¡±

    ¡°But this proposal was put forward by Xue Xiang, not Kuang Shihan. It might make sense as well. ording to the schedule, if the news spread fast enough, Kuang Shihan might just learned of grandfather¡¯s death at this time. Surely, he wouldn¡¯t have time to apply.¡±

    An outsider would certainly not know what Empress Jiang had said to her nephew alone in the Beijue Hall. Therefore, many people think that the aim Xue Chang did his best to seek a title for General Ruan was topensate Ruan Qingyan, who was previously humiliated by Xue Fangmi. The humiliation, on the contrary, helped the Xue Family to save their reputation in the end.

    ¡°But how did the burying thinge?¡± Everyone knew that the emperor¡¯s name was not Xue. And it was not easy to apply for someone to be buried with the former emperor even if it was the Empress Dowager or the Empress. The former emperor had been dead for over thirty years. He was buried near the imperial tomb, it would have been thought to disturb the long sleep of the former emperor if to bury a man near himter. Thus, to get the grace was much harder than getting a title!

    With such doubts, Ruan Qingyan met themissioner from the Rites Ministry, who was responsible for guiding him to the ce where he could bury General Ruan. The official, whose name was Li Qianzhi, exined to him. He finally understood how this ¡°bury with the former emperor¡± thing came: ¡°The former emperor had promised grandfather.¡±

    ¡°That was almost forty years ago,¡± Li Qianzhi nodded andmented. ¡°It was Prime Minister Xue who remembered the promise and showed the records of the emperor¡¯s daily activities to prove...¡± He did not finish his words, but the words proved themselves.

    It dawned on Ruan Qingyan. Knowing it was Xue Chang¡¯s credit, he respected him more than ever. ¡°It is my mentor Xue Chang who helped us for this glory. I am so lucky to be his student and I sincerely thank him for what he did!¡±

    Forty years ago, Xue Chang may not yet be thirty years old. Just like Ruan Qingyan, this famous minister who had served two emperors gained Jinshi at a young age. He was known and appreciated by the former emperor at the time of the pce exam, and he had been promoted very quickly since then. For this reason, he might be able to easily develop a character ofcency and look down on his colleagues like most did. But he did not. A former emperor¡¯s promise, even nobody in the Ruan Family remembered, but he did and showed the evidence. With his memory and caring heart, it was no ident that this man became an important person!

    If it weren¡¯t for his memory, no one today would be able to get General Ruan to be buried in the former emperor¡¯s tomb!

    It could tell that Li Qianzhi was very envious of Ruan Qingyan, ¡°Qingyan, you¡¯re lucky to have such a mentor!¡±

    The words proved clearly that Xue Chang¡¯s approach this time had caused his mentor¡¯s fame to grow quite a bit. Of course, an uninformed outsider, who might not know Xue Chang¡¯s true intention, which was to use General Ruan¡¯s funeral to divert the focus of the battle in the court, would think that Xue Chang had done his best for his student!

    Anyway, Ruan Qingyan felt that it did not matter. After all, General Ruan got a title and was allowed to be buried in the former emperor¡¯s tomb. On the other hand, it was a glory for Ruan Qingyan himself as well.

    The most important part was that: he could stay in the capital instead of Laizhou.

    As we knew, bodyguards were guarding the emperor¡¯s tombs and no one could be there without permission. For this reason, Ruan Qingyan wouldn¡¯t be allowed to stay there and mourn for his grandpa for three years.

    As a result, his three-year-mourning period meant to stay in the capital and mourn in the General¡¯s Mansion....

    Well. This was why Qiu Yn almost swallowed the pear kernel....

 Chapter 131 - I Must Marry You!

    <h4>Chapter 131 I Must Marry You!</h4>

    Unlike what Qiu Yn had expected, Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t go straight to her and lecture her. Instead, after he came back to Jing City from burying General Ruan in the Emperor¡¯s tomb, he didn¡¯te to Qiu Yn in half a month!

    The reason is simple: he was so busy!

    He had to thank the emperor, receive the guests, especially General Ruan¡¯s old contacts who had rarely visited him when he had been alive, and follow the end of the conflicts between the Ding Family and the Yang Family. This result was a relief for Xue Chang. As he had expected, his insisting on posthumously awarding General Ruan led Empress Dowager¡¯s party to suspect he wanted to seize upon the defeat of General Ruan that year, so their attention to the Ding Family and the Yang Family was distracted to a more important thing, the militarymand of the Western Army.

    The final result of the conflicts between the Ding Family and the Yang Family was that Ding Yiming, the head of Hanlin Academy, was demoted from senior-level three Hanlin Academician Recipient of Edicts to junior level three Inspector of Shangzhou because of his nephew. Ding Qingyan was exiled to Lingnan for a year and he had to marry Yang Yishi¡¯s memorial tablet, which means his future wife would be his second wife. This would surely have an impact on his future marriage.

    Yet the Yang Family was no better. Yang Yishi was not forced by Ding Qingyan in this incident, so it was Yang Tao who hadn¡¯t taught her daughter well. He could no longer be an official in the capital and was demoted from senior-level four, upper Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel to junior level six, upper District Magistrate, thanks to the Empress Dowager¡¯s party¡¯s endeavor.

    Or else, ording to Chancellor Dou of the Directorate of Education, this man couldn¡¯t even teach her daughter well, so he should have no qualification to be an official! Well, as for Ding Yiming, he was only the uncle rather than the father. Everyone knew that Ding Qingyan was raised by his grandmother Madame Xue, who was already over 60 and could be exempted from such punishment!

    The conflict which hadsted for so long was resolved so quickly and it was because the Empress Dowager¡¯s party was alerted by General Ruan¡¯s death and the Western Army. Ruan Qingyan was the grandson of the formermander of the Western Army, General Ruan. Even though he was in the mourning period, he couldn¡¯t get himself out of it.

    Ruan Qingyan certainly needed much time and endeavor to think about how to take advantage of this situation, at least to make sure he would not get into trouble. So temporarily, he had no time to care about his naughty cousin but had to take as much time as possible to look after Ruan Ciyi!

    Qiu Yn was surprised when she heard it, ¡°Cousin Ciyi? Didn¡¯t she divorce Fang Nongyan? Why he has to take so much care of her?¡± Ruan Ciyi was now in General¡¯s Mansion. Well, it was now the Ruan Family Mansion and she was back to the good life where she was served by many servants before her marriage!

    It didn¡¯t mean that since he had given her such a good life, he could leave her alone, but.... ording to what Chunran heard from Qiuran and Dongran when she sent something there, Ruan Qingyan almost came to this elder sister several times a day and often asked the servants to talk deep with her with care, but he was still worried.... What was happening?

    ¡°Most of elder sister¡¯s scars were not given by Fang Nongyan, but by Suxin who did that under her own order.¡± after half a month, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help going to Ruan Qingyan and asking him and he told her. ¡°That was because after her own two daughters and a son were murdered by Hua and Yan, Fang Nongyan believed his concubines and med her for not taking good care of her children. You know she used to be adored by grandpa and would not ept such a result. So she took her close maids who followed her since she got married to question Hua and Yan, but this was known by Fang Nongyan and she was beaten by him... Those close maids were also sold by Fang Nongyan.¡±

    Saying this, he sighed, ¡°At that time, she had no rtives around her and could do nothing to him. If it were not because there was no other descendant in the Ruan Family and she didn¡¯t want her dowery to go to Hua and Yan, she would have killed herself. Maybe because she was too sad and med herself too much for her children¡¯s deaths, she asked Suxin to belt her to relieve her feelings of guilt.... Thus as time went... When they came back here, Suxin found a chance and told me about it. That¡¯s why I want her to separate from Fang Nongyan.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°Then why was she unwilling to part from Fang Nongyan at first?¡±

    ¡°She thought that was not enough.¡± Ruan Qingyan said tly. ¡°In my view, she has aplex feeling to Fang Nongyan. They were husband and wife and I heard from some servant that they used to love each other deeply. So when she saw me, she knew she had a brother to depend on and hoped Fang Nongyan could change his mind and punish Hua and Yan. She thought only in this way could she feel good again!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s really...¡± Qiu Yn opened her mouth and thought: Don¡¯t ruin yourself when taking revenge! What¡¯s good to stay with that scum? It¡¯s better to marry a better man with the help of your brother and show off to Fang Nongyan! Certainly, there is no need to show off now as he is soon going to die. Hua was sunk into the river. Yan and Fang Zijun lost Fang Nongyan as their prop. Even though the Ruan Family doesn¡¯t punish them, they won¡¯t end well. So Ruan Ciyi should stay healthy and prepare for her second marriage!

    But when she was considering whether such words would make her scolded by Ruan Qingyan, he suddenly changed into the lecturing mode. He said, ¡°You have seen what happened to her. In the past, grandpa was so good to Fang Nongyan because of her! He had got benefits from grandpa, so how could he feel unhappy when grandpa was defeated? The elder sister had been married to him for over a decade. Although she once felt jealous of his concubines, she still had children, did housework, and even sold almost half her dowery for him... But he never thought of these!¡±

    ¡°That Jiang Yashuang...¡±

    Qiu Yn groaned and felt powerless, ¡°I never went to him since you told me not to!¡± He came to me twice, but I ignored him! Of course, she didn¡¯t say it out....

    Ruan Qingyan took no notice of her resistance and gave her a lecture of ¡°How a woman ends in 99 sad ways if she doesn¡¯t have a good husband¡±. Not until Qiu Yn wanted to bump her head against the wall, did he let her go, ¡°OK. Go back and be careful on the way.¡± Then he regretted, ¡°Your Cousin Ciyi is still not well these days and I can¡¯t let you stay with her now. When she bes better, I will be reassured about you two living together here.¡±

    I will nevere! Qiu Yn thought as she cried in her mind, ¡°I onlye here once in a while and you lecture so much to me. If I really stayed here long, how could I live well?¡±

    Back to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, Qiu Yn heaved a long sigh of relief and felt safe.

    But at night, she found she heaved the sigh too early!

    She woke up at midnight hearing some noise from the rear window. She thought it was Jiang Yashuang. Thinking of the lecture given by Ruan Qingyan during the daytime, she felt unhappy and pulled away her covers. She went barefoot to the back of the screen and found the noise didn¡¯te from the inside, but the outside.

    She didn¡¯t think twice but opened the window, shouting, ¡°I have told you not toe, but you just won¡¯t listen! If my cousin knew it, he would... he would...¡± She didn¡¯t finish her angry words when she saw Qiu Feng lying on his arm on the persimmon tree and drinking spirits from the jar. She was shocked, ¡°You.... Why are you here?¡±

    It seemed that Qiu Feng was drinking to the moon. He put down the jar and smiled at her, ¡°Your cousin asked me to guard you as he was afraid that someone mighte and disturb you.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked discreetly, ¡°Then did you hear something?¡±

    ¡°I willplete what I was entrusted.¡± Qiu Feng¡¯s smile was pleasant and frank. But in Qiu Yn¡¯s eyes, it was annoying: ¡°You are doing a wrong thing! My cousin will surely beat me to death!¡±

    Qiu Feng took a sip of the spirits and smiled, ¡°He cares about you much, or he wouldn¡¯t let me guard you.¡± It implied that you shouldn¡¯t worry that he might beat you to death.

    Something came to Qiu Yn¡¯s mind, ¡°Are you a member of Tianya?¡±

    ¡°Tianya?¡± Qiu Feng was always free and easy, but when he heard this name, his face darkened. After silently taking another dozen of sips, he sighed, ¡°No, I¡¯m not.¡± He paused for a moment and said seriously, ¡°I never belong to it!¡±

    A hero was always a person with stories!

    Qiu Yn asked in curiosity, ¡°Then why do you listen to my cousin? Are you also hired by him?¡±

    Tell me how much money you need to keep your mouth shut! I¡¯m rich now!

    But she was proved to have underestimated Qiu Feng¡¯s integrity and IQ. Qiu Fengughed and shook his head, ¡°I do receive money from him, but I do this mainly to return his favor. Your Grace should not ask more. Now that I was entrusted with this task, I will tell him what I saw and heard.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t push me!¡± Qiu Yn was angry. She waved her fair little fist to him and growled, ¡°If you pushed me to the end, I would never let you get away with it!¡±

    Apparently, Qiu Feng didn¡¯t see it as a threat. He only said wryly, ¡°Your Grace is still young. It¡¯s good to listen to your cousin.¡±

    To Qiu Yn, his words sounded like ¡°little Yn, you should be a good girl and listen to your cousin so that you can have candies¡±. She got furious immediately, ¡°Are you looking down on me? Do you think I¡¯m too young? Do you dare battle me?¡±

    Qiu Feng took a sip of the spirits and guessed correctly, ¡°Do you mean if you win, I will not tell your cousin what I heard?¡±

    A famous man in the world of Jianghu was always sophisticated!

    As her provocation failed to work, Qiu Yn quickly turned to y the role of a feeble maiden. There were sparkling tears in her peach blossom eyes and she seemed so poor. She put her hand on the window ledge and stared at Qiu Feng sadly as if looking at a man who had cheated her for her whole life. It seemed that she would cry aloud in the next moment, but she said, ¡°If you don¡¯t give me a chance to save myself, I will tell my cousin that you covet my beauty...¡±

    Qiu Fengughed and interrupted her, ¡°He knows that I won¡¯t do anything improper to Your Grace. That¡¯s why he entrusted me.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiu Yn changed from a poor little girl to a vicious little monster and sneered with her hands on her hips, ¡°Then I will tell him that I like you! I must marry you! And then give you a hard life!¡±

    ¡°Ahem....¡± Qiu Feng, who had been light-hearted, fell from the tree together with his jar!

    He stood up embarrassedly and gazed at Qiu Yn with a strange eye for a long while before he said with his lips twitching, ¡°Your Grace, please don¡¯t be joking.¡±

    ¡°You think I can¡¯t make it happen?¡± Qiu Yn pped the window ledge and sneered. ¡°It was not the first time that I had seen Jiang Yashuang at midnight and my cousin has been considering my future marriage for a long time. He doesn¡¯t like Jiang Yashuang but he trusts you. You tell me, will he agree with me if I tell him I want to marry you?¡±

    Qiu Feng muttered, ¡°That¡¯s impossible....¡±

    Qiu Yn was confident, ¡°Oh? Then tomorrow I...¡±

    ¡°I promise you.¡± Qiu Feng wiped away his sweat and sighed. ¡°But only this time and don¡¯t y tricks, like you want to have apetition in sewing...¡±

    ¡°I know nothing about that either!¡± Qiu Yn admitted without hesitation that she was a disqualified noble girl. She ran to her bed to put on her shoes and then jumped out from the rear window. She walked slowly to Qiu Feng and gave a strange smile, ¡°In order to be fair, I decide topete with you in something you must also be good at!¡±

    Her slim finger pointed lightly to the jar in his hand, ¡°Spirits!¡±

    ¡°You mean who can drink more spirits?¡± Qiu Feng nced at this little girl who was lower than his shoulder and couldn¡¯t helpughing. Yet before he said his refusal, a light cough came from not far away. It was Jiang Yashuang in a green robeing from under a tree. He smiled, ¡°Yes, but, your rival is me!¡±

 Chapter 132 - As the Rumor Goes, Drunk After One Glass of Wine

    <h4>Chapter 132 As the Rumor Goes, Drunk After One ss of Wine</h4>

    Seeing Qiu Feng¡¯s thoughtful look, Qiu Yn raised her hand in a hurry trying to clear her name, ¡°I really don¡¯t know he is over there!¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiu Feng nodded and said to Jiang Yashuang tly, ¡°General Jiang, your kung fu is extraordinary. I always think I have quite good sight and hearing. But I wasn¡¯t aware of your existence at this short distance.¡±

    ¡°I have just arrived.¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled to him and said gently, ¡°Besides, you were clearly distracted by Yn. Otherwise, you would have detected.¡±

    ¡°And it¡¯s also because you know this ce well.¡± hearing Jiang Yashuang pointing out his identity frankly, his eyes contracted a little and then went back to normal. He looked at the bottom of his clothes and said, ¡°When I just got here, the dew on my clothes was as much as it was on yours. However, I¡¯m not looking down on you. I have been going through the rigors of living in the wilderness since I was a kid. I¡¯m used to walking in the dark. And I¡¯m quite experienced in stealth. But you have lived a carefree life. If you haven¡¯te here a lot, judging by the amount of dew in this season and these many grasses and trees in the yard, your clothes should have been all wet when you walked out.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang recognized Qiu Feng the minute he got there. And then Qiu Feng found another evidence of Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn meeting with each other frequently. Their first round was a tie.

    ¡°You really do interrupt us tonight.¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled gently, ¡°I heard that you were considerate and kind-hearted. Why don¡¯t you help us?¡±

    Qiu Feng said tly, ¡°First, I can¡¯t speak for Commandery Princess Ningyi. I¡¯m not qualified to help you guys. Second, do you think it¡¯s good for Commandery Princess Ningyi that you two meet with each other like this?¡±

    ¡°Since you knew that you couldn¡¯t help us.¡± Jiang Yashuang still smiled gently. But his look was getting fierce, ¡°Why meddling? How do you know that we can¡¯t have a happy ending?¡±

    ¡°Marriage is...¡± Jiang Yashuang interrupted impolitely when Qiu Feng was talking, ¡°How do you know that my family doesn¡¯t approve? They just think it is inappropriate to bring it up because Yn is in mourning.¡±

    Qiu Feng sneered, ¡°It turns out that you know Commandery Princess Ningyi is in mourning?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang paused for a while and then said, ¡°I owe Princess Ruan an apology for what I did. After Yn and I get married, I¡¯ll kneel before Princess Ruan¡¯s grave and apologize!¡±

    ¡°Then what do you think?¡± Qiu Feng turned to Qiu Yn who didn¡¯t have a chance to interrupt and asked in a serious voice, ¡°Princess Ruan was dead less than a year. And you have met with this guy a few times at night. Do you also think you can feel at ease after you guys go to Princess Ruan¡¯s grave and apologize someday? Oh! And the premise is that he keeps his promise and marries you!¡±

    Qiu Yn was frustrated. She gave Jiang Yashuang who was about to help her a ¡°shut up¡± look and said weakly, ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll tell you the truth. I don¡¯t dare to tell Qingyan this. After I got back from Mount Dizist year, the night that I was almost beaten to death by Aunt Qiu, when Princess Yongfu was holding his Persian cat...¡±

    Qiu Feng interrupted, ¡°I have heard this from Ruan Qingyan. You guys knew each other because of it? But...¡±

    ¡°That Persian cat went on my bed in the middle of night! And the naughty Princess Yongfu who was looking for the Persian cat tricked Jiang Yashuang who also came to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe to take her back. There happened to be a fire nearby that night. So Mrs. Zhou and Su He were nervous, and they drove him into corner...¡± Qiu Yn looked down and tried hard to put on a shy look, ¡°He hid in my bed.¡±

    Qiu Feng wasn¡¯t on the persimmon tree at that moment. Otherwise, judging by his look, he would fall again. He regained his sense after a long time, ¡°And then?¡±

    ¡°Then he felt very guilty...¡± Qiu Yn threw up her hands and said with frustration, ¡°It was only a few days after my mom was buried. I was... by him. He was worried. So, he came to check on me from time to time. He was afraid I might do something stupid.¡±

    Qiu Feng looked at her skeptically, ¡°You would do something stupid?¡±

    When he came here and kept watch at night for the first time, he heard the shocking speech ¡°I was born to be a beautiful but dangerous woman, okay?¡± Qiu Yn might do something stupid? Qiu Feng thought Ruan Qingyan was most likely to do something stupid after he heard about Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang being in one bed!

    ¡°He didn¡¯t know me so well back then.¡± Qiu Yn said confidently, ¡°Not just him. Even Qingyan sent you to keep an eye on me after the rumor of Yunyi Restaurant spread. He was also afraid that I might do things like hanging myself or swallowing gold.¡±

    Qiu Feng muttered to himself for a while and epted her exnation reluctantly. But he still said, ¡°Since you guys are afraid of telling Ruan Qingyan this, then I...¡±

    ¡°You promised you would give me a chance!¡± Qiu Yn got into a p, ¡°How can you break your promise? Aren¡¯t you a master?¡±

    Qiu Feng¡¯s look was awkward for a while. He obviously regretted promising to give her a chance rashly. Especially that he just found out about such a big secret, he should tell Ruan Qingyan this. Ruan Qingyan was determined to marry Commandery Princess Ningyi to Xun Yuxi. However, she and Jiang Yashuang had already been in one bed. As far as Qiu Feng was concerned, how could they not get married?

    ¡°I will keep my promise.¡± Qiu Feng hesitated for a long time. He was too noble to break his promise. Hearing this, Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°I knew you were a decent man who would always keep your promises the first time I saw you! You were born to be a master. You will be famous among other masters and be their leader someday... You definitely will be the next leader of master alliance!¡±

    ¡°How do you suggest we hold ourpetition?¡± Qiu Feng didn¡¯t ask her this. He totally ignored her sweet talks and asked Jiang Yashuang.

    Qiu Yn was stunned and then said, ¡°I¡¯m the one who want topete with you. Why are you asking him?¡±

    ¡°You?¡± Qiu Feng nced at her and smiled coolly, ¡°Although I don¡¯t want you guys to win, I don¡¯t want it to be just a formality after all that trouble!¡±

    Did he just look down on her overtly?

    Qiu Yn¡¯s feeling got hurt. Masters were said to be stupid but rich... Ah bah. their understanding was a lie! How could Qiu Feng be considered as an understanding man or a rich sucker? If Qiu Yn didn¡¯t manage to take advantage of his nobility which every master presented, she wouldn¡¯t hear the end of Ruan Qingyan¡¯s scolding the next day!

    Especially now that Ruan Qingyan wouldn¡¯t fall for her ultimate trick which was crying, making troubles and hanging oneself... She was horrified just thinking about it.

    While she wasining inwardly, Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Feng had settled rules of the drinkingpetition. The rules were simple. They drank simultaneously. The one who couldn¡¯t drink anymore lose.

    Qiu Feng only brought one jar of wine. And he had already drunk half of it. They couldn¡¯tpete at this ce.

    Jiang Yashuang suggested that they went to Jiang¡¯s residence to do it, ¡°I know where the key of the cer is. And that ce is remote.¡±

    She wasn¡¯t sure that Qiu Feng was too skilled to be afraid or he always thought the best of others because he was noble. He wasn¡¯t afraid that Jiang Yashuang might lure him there and beat him to death and then dump his body in the river. He agreed happily.

    Then they both looked at Qiu Yn who was very excited, ¡°You go to sleep.¡±

    ¡°I also want to go.¡± Were they kidding me? I tried so hard to trick Qiu Feng. Now that you guys went to have a drink. And you guys wanted me to go to bed? Could I fall asleep? Qiu Yn objected immediately. Seeing that Qiu Feng wanted to say something, she stared at Jiang Yashuang who was easier to be manipted fiercely, ¡°You dare not to take me with you!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was very obedient. He said immediately, ¡°Then... let¡¯s go together? That ce is remote anyway. Nobody goes there even during daylight.¡±

    So, after a while, while cupping her chin in her hands Qiu Yn leaned on the table with her elbows. She was rolling her eyes while watching Qiu Feng and Jiang Yashuang each holding one jar and beginning to drink.

    After one jar, Qiu Feng was absolutely normal. Jiang Yashuang looked normal too. However, a faint mist was rising around him. Qiu Yn¡¯s eyes were wide-open because of the anomaly.

    In the meantime, she heard Qiu Feng saying with a little discontent, ¡°General Jiang, since you are doing this, I think we may as well hold an inner powerpetition. The 30-year-old wine of your family...¡± he threw the empty jar to the corner. It crushed into pieces with a crackling sound. He sneered, ¡°No need to keep drinking! It¡¯s a waste of good wine!¡±

    ¡°You are cheating!¡± Qiu Yn was enlightened. She pounded on the table and said, ¡°How could you do that? Since you guys agreed to a drinkingpetition, then it should be a drinkingpetition. Why did you neutralize the wine with your inner power?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face was a little red. He said embarrassedly, ¡°Fine.¡± he opened another jar. But he didn¡¯t drink it. He looked at Qiu Feng and said, ¡°No matter what the result of ourpetition is, I¡¯ll take full responsibility of what happened tonight. If Ruan Qingyan wants to me, please ask him to set the time and ce. I¡¯ll go. Just don¡¯t me Yn.¡±

    Qiu Feng said solemnly, ¡°You are a decent man. For what you just said, when Ruan Qingyan goes after youter, if he asks me toe with him, I¡¯ll go easy on you. But I can¡¯t help you. To be honest, you can¡¯t imagine how much attention Ruan Qingyan pays to Commandery Princess Ningyi. Although your family is powerful, I don¡¯t suggest you keep seeing her.¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at him with doubt. She thought, ¡°You threaten a member of Jiang Family which is in power so bluntly. It¡¯s reasonable for me to suspect that you want to frame my cousin, okay?¡±

    ¡°Please!¡± Jiang Yashuang pretended that he didn¡¯t hear Qiu Feng¡¯s warning. He removed the luting of the jar and kept on drinking. However, this time Jiang Yashuang the youngest son of Great General of North who was known to be endowed with civil and martial virtues copsed after two sips!

    The jar in his hands fell into pieces. Wine sshed all over his body!

    ¡°The wine is poisoned?¡± Qiu Yn and Qiu Feng had the same thought at the same time. Qiu Feng threw his jar decidedly and went towards Jiang Yashuang at a trot.

    ¡°How is he? Can you save him?¡± Qiu Yn felt Jiang Yashuang¡¯s pulse with a pale face and asked Qiu Feng tensely.

    However, after feeling Jiang Yashuang¡¯s pulse for a while, Qiu Feng looked rxed and then surprised and then torn... Finally, he looked up and said to Qiu Yn, ¡°In my opinion, there is no need to save...¡±

    Hearing this, Qiu Yn almost cried. She clenched her fist so hard that her nails were in the flesh and managed to hold back her tears. When she was so lost that she didn¡¯t know what to say, Qiu Feng who deserved to be ughtered said slowly, ¡°He is just drunk after all!¡±

 Chapter 133 - You Are Inferior to Me

    <h4>Chapter 133 You Are Inferior to Me</h4>

    ¡°Third Young Master and Third Miss, the Master has waited for you in the flower hall, and Grand Miss and Miss Dou were also there.¡± Butler said with a smile. The whole family was waiting in the flower hall ahead of time, which expressed the significant attention of Qin Family on the return of Qin Yunuan. The big thing was their status and title: Qin Yunuan as the fifth-grade of rank, Infanta Ping, and Leng Changxi as the High General.

    Having given the tips to the gatekeeper, Qin Yunuan found that two lines of servants and maidservants had stood in the courtyard, respectively. It was a sunny day. Qin Yunuan wore a light-yellow soft-gauze-made long skirt, which showed her brightly beauty. She was adorned with a set of delicate and elegant jade-made hairpin and hair essories, which gave out a ringing sound. People here thought the Third Miss of Qin Family turned to be livelier with less maiden¡¯s tenderness after she got married. Her gestures expressed an enviable woman¡¯s lingering charm, which was not carnal but romantic.

    Concubine Chang had arrived at the Chuihua Gate with Baochuan to wee Qin Yunuan and Leng Changxi. She knew that Qin Yunuan cared most about his younger brother in Qin Family.

    ¡°Sister.¡± Qin Baochuan ran faster towards when he saw in the distance that Leng Changxi came with Qin Yunuan. Just a few dayster, Qin Yunuan felt the words and behaviors of Qin Baochuan became a little bit steadier and even with a different mood.

    ¡°Baochuan.¡± Qin Yunuan crouched and measured. She pinched the nose of Baochuan and said intimately, ¡°You are taller. Were you obedient to Concubine Chang? Did you focus on your study? Did your teachers in the family academy say something about you?¡±

    Qin Baochuan knew the temper of his sister. Although she always chattered about his academy and study, she cared really about him. He answered the questions of Qin Yunuan patiently and then gave a salute to Leng Changxi politely, ¡°Nice to meet you, my brother-inw.¡±

    Fine. This little boy thought much about Leng Changxi, the Grand General.

    Leng Changxi nodded to polite Qin Baochuan satisfactorily and then added, ¡°What¡¯s your final answer about the issue I dispatched people to tell you yesterday?¡± Right. Leng Changxi said to Qin Baochuan, an only six-year-old little boy. He regarded him as an adult and asked for his opinion.

    Qin Baochuan answered seriously, ¡°Thanks for your kindness, my brother-inw. Although it is a kind of hard challenge for me, it is also an opportunity. I will make my full effort and never disappoint you and my sister.¡±

    ¡°It is not a thing which may disappoint us,¡± Leng Changxi wearing a dark mask, said with his determined and trustful eyes. He knew that Qin Baochuan was not just an ordinary young man but would be an extraordinary talent in the future ording to his experience of identifying people, ¡°What you do is to make yourself know that how excellent you are.¡±

    Qin Baochuan bowed his fists. Someone in the flower hall came to urge them to get there soon. Leng Changxi and Qin Yunuan just greeted to others shortly. Because Qin Baochuan was just a son of a concubine, he had no right to visit Leng Changxi, so he would note with Leng Changxi to the flower hall. Leng Changxi said that he would discuss with Qin Baochuan in the courtyard of Concubine Chang when the feast in the flower hall ended.

    Having seen that Baochuan was taken away by Concubine Chang, Qin Yunuan asked her question, ¡°What is on earth the issue? Is there anything you and Baochuan conceal to me?¡±

    Leng Changxi tittered while walking, ¡°Brother and his brother-inw are intimate pals. It¡¯s the convention.¡±

    Qin Yunuan said in a low and flirting voice, ¡°Just tell me.¡±

    Leng Changxi did not n to conceal something, ¡°The issue is Baochuan entered the Imperial College. The other day, I sent an essay written by Baochuan to a professor at the Imperial College. He felt so satisfied with the essay and allowed Baochuan to attend the selection of the Imperial College in autumn.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Qin Yunnan felt so surprised. The Imperial College is the highest educational institution in Qi, and all the students studying there were the most excellent young men in Qi. Generally, the sons born of legal wives from big families would attend the selection of the Imperial College in autumn when they were 12 years old. The selection was a fierce campaign, but if they seeded in entering the college, they would like to be one member of the core power of the Imperial Court.

    The youngest man entering the Imperial College in history was Shangguan Yi who lived in the distant regions south of the River. He got exceptional admission due to an informal essay at 11 years old by the Imperial College. However, a six-year-old student at the Imperial College did not exist until now. Leng Changxi was so bold to rmend Qin Baochuan.

    ¡°What are you pondering?¡± Out of the flower hall, Leng Changxi seemed to feel the anxiety and attention of people inside the hall. He held Qin Yunuan, ¡°You need to believe Baochuan, and further, believe me.¡±

    Leng Changxi¡¯s words had a double meaning, and Qin Yunuan could catch it.

    ¡°Master, Third Miss and Third Son-inw.¡± The Butler Xie at the door reported ahead of time.

    Qin Zhi was sitting on the Zen chair and then straightened up after he heard the report. Suddenly he saw Leng Changxi held the hands of Qin Yunuan, walking into the hall. Yes, he held the hands of Qin Yunuan, in front of all people here. Leng Changxi never hid the love and care to Qin Yunuan.

    ¡°My father-inw.¡± Leng Changxi bowed his fists to Qin Zhi. Qin Zhi was the fourth man who could afford the salute from the High General in the imperial court, apart from Emperor, Empress and Queen Mother. It was such a rare glory that ordinary people could seldom have.

    ¡°Father.¡± Qin Yunuan curtsied slightly.

    There were no more people in the flower hall, but those critical roles were all here: Qin Zhi, Qin Linfeng and Qin Yunzhuang. Besides, at the corner, there was a delicate and tender girl who wore a simple flower-pattern dress with a simple coppery hairpin and a bronze lily flower. The two petals of the lily flower had a hole respectively and hung two string of rice-sized petunia-shaped pendants.

    When Qin Yunuan just entered the mansion, she heard Miss Dou from Butler Xie. She glimpsed at the girl and almost knew that was Miss Dou, who was homeless and then came here from Hangzhou when Dou Family copsed.

    Though she looked weak, she was definitely not a simple girl because she came from Hangzhou in such a sensitive period and managed to persuade Qin Zhi to let her stay in the mansion.

    As expected, after Qin Yunuan and Leng Changxi greeted to people one by one ording to the family generations, the girl, Dou Meishuang stepped forwards with a smile, and gave a salute to them, ¡°Are you my younger female cousin and her husband?¡±

    She wanted to improve her rtionship with the family clearly. Dou Meishuang was the daughter born of the legal wife of Dou Family, and she was the elder female cousin of Qin Yunzhuang and the younger female cousin of Qin Linfeng. Now she called Qin Yunuan ¡°younger female cousin¡±, and she just wanted to boost the blood ties with Qin Yunzhuang and Qin Yunuan, which was so distant and indifferent.

    But Dou Meishuang could act so normal and elegant, which was so simr to Dou Qing¡¯e.

    ¡°Younger female cousin?¡± Qin Yunuan raised her eyebrows and nced at Leng Changxi, ¡°I haven¡¯t heard that we have such an elder female cousin.¡± And then Qin Yunuan looked at Qin Zhi with a smile, ¡°Father, what do you think? Is she the distant rtive of our family? Why don¡¯t you dispatch someone to tell me? Or I will prepare another present.¡±

    Qin Zhi felt stunned. He knew that it was so inappropriate to let Dou Meishuang in, but hepromised because he heard that Dou Family had settled some properties and powers secretly in the Royal City. Now the imperial princes had already grown up, and the campaign of crown prince selection had been heated. Qin Zhi should n and prepare more assets for himself as many as possible. If he chose the wrong one, he would be impeached and punished when the new emperor ascended the throne.

    ¡°Cousin younger sister, you are telling a joke,¡± Dou Meishuang said with her thin and tendernceted eyebrows like a Crescent Moon. And her kind and watery eyes expressed an irresistible kindly charm, ¡°Yunzhuang is my cousin younger sister, and you and Yunzhuang are full sisters, so we are naturally family.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Qin Yunuan stepped forward Dou Meishuang and said with a smile, ¡°I have never heard that the girl who put the Hehuan Powder onto my red bridal veil at my wedding could be my full sister.¡± And then, Qin Yunuan could feel clearly that Qin Yunzhuang felt shuddered. Qin Zhi now turned to be serious.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about those dirty things since youe back to visit us.¡± Qin Zhi said without any reproaching mood. But he felt terrible that Qin Yunuan thought lightly of him after she was rewarded the title of Infanta Ping. And he knew well what Hehuan Powder was.

    ¡°I am sorry. My daughter has a hot temper. Don¡¯t be bothered by that.¡± Qin Zhi said and then apologized to Leng Changxi.

    ¡°It¡¯s OK,¡± Leng Changxi glimpsed at Qin Zhi with a poker face. He pulled the hands of Qin Yunuan gently and seemed to announce something, ¡°What Nuan said was my thoughts. I have not any objection.¡±

    Such words could really show his love for Qin Yunuan.

    Leng Changxi looked at Qin Yunuan with much soft affection. They knew each other well without any word.

    ¡°You twoe. Let¡¯s join the feast since the feast is ready.¡±

    Qin Linfeng now behaved himself. He never suffered a rough time and became so arrogant and aggressive as the son born of the legal wife of the mansion of Grand Commandant. He even tried to fight against Qin Yunuan after the death of Dou Qing¡¯e. The other day, he was beaten by people due to the usurious loan at the back of the gambling house. His family background did not stop the beat. Qin Linfeng knew that without the power and influence, nothing worked. But at that time, a man appeared and let those thugs keel and beg for mercy. For the first time, he knew the advantage of power and influence; for the first time, he also tasted the rough time; for the first time, he knew how to tolerate and umte his strength.

    Qin Linfeng smiled obsequiously, but Qin Yunuan did not buy the story of his good manner.

    ¡°Brother, why are you so hurried?¡± Qin Yunuan suddenlyughed and smiled at the nervous Qin Yunzhuang. Now Qin Yunzhuang seemed to recover the previous shining. She was definitely well-nourished, but now she was not as confident and bright as before.

    ¡°Grand sister, I just want to ask you why you put the hehuan Powder onto my red bridal veil, which was deadly enough?¡±

 Chapter 134 - My Mourning Period Is Over Finally

    <h4>Chapter 134 My Mourning Period Is Over Finally</h4>

    One afternoon in the first lunar month, the light snowing just stopped. Someone had swept the snow on the ground into a circle, and put grain on the ground for attracting birds. However, it did notst for a minute for the birds to enjoy their meal. A white sh rushed toward one of the birds. After getting one, the sh ran away quickly, which scared the rest of the birds who flew into the sky immediately!

    ¡°Go and get him!¡± said Qiu Yn, who was sitting near the window and practicing writing. She stopped writing andmanded her maid Su He who was helping her with rubbing an ink stick on an ink b. ¡°I think that the birds might not have enough food for the winter. So, I asked them to ssh grain on the ground. I did not mean to put the birds in danger as the food of this naughty cat!¡±

    Su He held back augh and walked out of the room. She called ¡°Whitey¡± in a clear voice. In a second, a snow-white with smooth fur Persian cat ran toward her. It licked the blood from the corner of its mouth with satisfaction and followed Su He into the room.

    Whitey was an adult cat now. It was big and its destruction desire increased with its size. It made trouble almost every day. However, its white fur and bright eyes were just like her owner. It begged forgiveness once it made trouble. Because of this, it was still favored among the people.

    The cat might notice that Su He, the one loved it the most, was there. It intentionally ignored Qiu Yn¡¯s anger by giving her a ¡°Meow¡± gently and then climbed to the short stool, and then tried to jump to the higher table. Qiu Yn looked at the stool it stepped furiously, ¡°Hey, did you wipe your feet with the new weaving carpet at the door? It is a new one we just put days ago!¡±

    We knew that cats loved being clean. If no one helped them with cleaning, they would clean themselves up... But when they were cleaning themselves, they would not consider where they were or what they were using. Seeing Qiu Yn being angry, Su He immediately begged her forgiveness for the cat, ¡°I think Whitey might be afraid that he would soil your stool...¡±

    ¡°Because you spoil him so much, you see what he did!¡± Qiu Yn said with anger. ¡°Now, go and get a maid to change the carpet. It¡¯s your responsibility!¡±

    Su He immediately realized that Qiu Yn had forgiven the cat. ¡°The meat soup cooked by Mrs. Li must be ready now. I¡¯ll go and get it for you, Your Grace?¡± said Su He with a smile.

    Hearing meat soup, Qiu Yn stopped writing. She couldn¡¯t help swallowing her mouth water before pretending to be serious, ¡°Well... I don¡¯t think it¡¯s okay. I just had a chicken soup half an hour ago...¡±

    ¡°You have been a vegetarian for thest three years when you were in your mourning period.¡±

    Su He¡¯s words worked. Qiu Yn felt weak in her heart suddenly. She smiled awkwardly, ¡°This was my duty... Well, you know, my duty...¡±

    ¡°Theing years are the critical time for body growing. Both Mrs. Li and my grandmother said that you must eat well.¡± Su He said. She knew that Qiu Yn was eager to bring the meat soup over so she could gobble it up. But she also wanted to save her face at the same time. So, Su He did not put her on the spot, ¡°It¡¯s the first lunar month, you are almost 15. And you will holding-of-age ceremony in autumn. If you didn¡¯t eat more, it would be bad because it might affect your health.¡±

    ¡°You do make sense!¡± said Qiu Yn seriously. ¡°Both Mrs. Zhou and Mrs. Li have been serving my mother for many years. I should follow what the seniors advise. Go and get the soup. By the way, bring a bottle of Zhuyeqing (an ancient Chinese traditional health wine)!¡±

    Su He angered, ¡°You mean wine? My grandmother and Mrs. Li said a girl should not drink wine...¡±

    Qiu Yn retorted immediately although she said she would follow the senior¡¯s advice just minutes ago, ¡°It¡¯s cold. I need wine to keep myself warm. You want me to feel cold?¡±

    Su He did not know what to say, looking at her. Qiu Yn, despite 15 years old, was pretty and charming:

    Her body was slender with at least half a head taller than the average girl of this age. Both Mrs. Zhou and Mrs. Li thought that she had a copy face of her father, Qiu Zhongyan; Eyes and faces were exquisite. Her hair on the temple sides demonstrated her personality as a Commandery Princess. Meanwhile, it diluted her charming manner, which always made her seem not to be flirty. She, despite soft and slender, was outgoing and charming.

    Her skin was so delicate and white that it gave off a vague sense of transparency. Two years ago, Qiu Yn was like a flower girl walking under a pear tree. Now she was like a fairy from the tales. Her beauty was not the point. The point was that she had a pure, dust-free, unadulterated aura.

    To the point, Su He had been serving her daily life. She had got used to it then.

    What she wanted to say was, ¡°Your Grace, you are in good health. You probably don¡¯t feel cold at all.¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s mourning period was over three days ago. She finally took off the mourning dress which she had worn for twenty-seven months. However, she did not wear a bright or colored dress today. She was wearing a narrow-sleeved, pine peony-printed jacket with an inch of water-colored bodice hem, a lotus-hued skirt, and a dark mauve-red brocade belt at the waist. She looked gorgeous even without makeup. Her better spirit fully demonstrated she was well... How could she say she was not well?

    Anyway, Su He was reluctant to say such words!

    Questioned by her maid, Qiu Yn gave a look at Whitey, ¡°His dinner...¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, you are mean to me! Why do you always bully Whitey?¡± pursed Su He, walking toward the kitchen. Since Qiu Yn realized that Su He treated Whitey better than her, she changed her threatening words from ¡°If you do it again, I will let you marry someone now¡± to ¡°If you do it again, Whitey won¡¯t have dinner tonight¡±!

    ¡°Looks like you¡¯re still very useful.¡± said Qiu Yn with a pleasant smile after seeing Su He going to the kitchen. The cat had lied on the table, looking down at everything in the room. ¡°Okay, you do your job, acting cute and bewitching them! I can bully them through threatening you!¡±

    Whitey did not realize at all that he had been a ¡°cat hostage¡± of his owner. The cat still wagged his fluffy tail at a leisurely pace. When Qiu Yn turned her head, looking at somewhere, the cat became alert suddenly and hiszy expression suddenly changed. It pricked up its ears to listen for a while and then loosened up again.

    Seeing the cat¡¯s action, Qiu Yn became alert. She put aside her pen, tiptoed into the inner chamber and walked cautiously towards the back of the screen.

    Surely enough, it was Jiang Yashuang standing behind the screen and dusting the snow off his coat. There were two bouquets of plum flowers in his hand. Over the past two years, he became taller and taller. His young age,bined with his muscr body, made himself a mature and stable man.

    Seeing she¡¯sing, he presented the plum flowers to her with a smile. The snow on the flowers was melting rapidly because of the heat in the house. The water was dropping down on the ground.

    Realizing it was not right to hand over a girl flowers with dropping water, Jiang Yashuang held the flowers back and said, ¡°I found them in the next yard. I think they are perfect for your yellow ze pot on your table.¡±

    ¡°What do you want this time?¡± asked Qiu Yn. She did not appreciate his courtesy. She rested her hands on her hips and shouted at him in a low voice, ¡°I have told you that don¡¯te here to bother me!¡± She waved her fist in front of her, ¡°If my brother knew that you are here, he would kick your ass!¡± said she.

    ¡°I have been fighting with him many times.¡± said Jiang Yashuang, bypassing her. He entered the inner chamber, picked up the pot freely, and got water from the hand-wash sink. After all things are done, he finally put the plum branches into the pot and got them charmed. He was satisfied with his work. Then he went to the closet, picking out a towel for washing his face up. ¡°See the bruises on my wrist. He did it four days ago.¡±

    ¡°My brother did not get hurt, right? The day you two fought was the day when my mourning period was over. He came over but did not say it.¡± said she promptly.

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s hand stopped moving in a second. He said jealously, ¡°You worry about him so much. I daren¡¯t hurt him. Over the past years, I was the one who got hurt every time. Did you see him getting hurt once?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because you are a loser.¡± said Qiu Yn. The fact proved that arguing with her was like abusing oneself. She continued promptly, ¡°My brother¡¯s Kung Fu is awesome. Do you know Master Qiu? He is well-known in his circle but he respected my brother. Definitely, you are a loser in Kung Fupetition with my brother!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang pissed off, but he smiled after hearing her words, ¡°I did not dare topete with your brother freely. But he used his full strengthbating me. He did not get hurt severely. In honest, he might get hurt if I used my full strength. I did not want to anger you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because you have a silk armor?¡± said Qiu Yn disdainfully. ¡°As you have it, you can pay scant attention to protecting your body from attacking. You think I don¡¯t know it?¡±

    ¡°This is a protector my father got in the Northern border. Only a few of them were left in the world. In my family, the fourth branch and Yadan are the only one who can have it. My brother given birth by a concubine doesn¡¯t have one. My brother has one because my grandfather thought that he is a troublemaker. He was afraid that my brother might be killed by others one day. As my brother got one. I, as the trueborn son of my father¡¯s, also got one. But it was damaged two years ago. The one I am wearing now is the one of my grandmother.¡± exined Jiang Yashuang apologetically. ¡°My grandfather and grandmother ordered us to wear it as underwear. We are not allowed to take it off unless we have a bath or something... If I had an extra one, I certainly would give it to your brother.¡±

    Qiu Yn said dismissively, ¡°Do you think I want to ask one from you?¡± She just wanted to argue with him for anything. ¡°So, what do you want this time?¡± asked she.

    ¡°My grandmother is cooking bear palm soup. Do you want some?¡± Jiang Yashuang noticed that she did not want to see him, but he was not angry. ¡°If you want some, I will order my cook to save some for you!¡±

    ¡°Bear palm soup!¡± questioned Qiu Yn. Hearing it was delicious, her eyes shed. She looked at Jiang Yashuang lovely and said in a soft voice, ¡°Yashuang, thank you. You are so kind to me!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang certainly would not miss the chance. He immediately pointed to his cheek.

    Qiu Yn gave him a big kiss. Then she asked, ¡°When can you bring it here?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s cooking now. It will be okay at dinner time. I will send it here myself.¡± said Jiang Yashuang in a good mood. He stroked her hair affectionately and said with a smile, ¡°You like it so much. I will save for you more.¡±

    ¡°More means how much?¡± Qiu Yn asked without stopping. ¡°Do you have ten bear palms?¡±

    Although Su He informed Jiang Yashuang that Qiu Yn loved meat dishes very much, but he did not expect she was greedy for it. He was stunned and said, ¡°Ten? You really want ten?¡± Even a man could not have ten in one meal.

    ¡°I just want them even I am full!¡± said Qiu Yn without stop. Her words shocked Jiang Yashuang again. It was as if he began to know her again. He sighed and kissed her on her forehead. ¡°Okay. I am going home now. I will ask them to cook more... You want ten, right?¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded happily. In a second, she said worriedly, ¡°You ask them to cook more suddenly. Will your grandmother doubt it?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked at her, ¡°Wow, you are concerned about my grandmother¡¯s reaction now? That year, Marquess Qin¡¯s backyard needed a renovation, which might have been done in half a year. It was my grandmother who required them to postpone the construction repeatedly. Because of this, she has been living in the side yard now. If she had moved back to her ce, I would certainly live here. But my grandmother is the cover for me meeting you frequently. Or, after we get married, we will be gossiped for the frequent meeting now.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn paused for a second and said, ¡°All right, you don¡¯t need to cook more for me. If your grandmother knew about it, it would be not good...¡±

    Jiang Yashuang lowered his head, pressing his head against hers. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will tell her I want to eat... My grandmother loves me always. She won¡¯t care about this!¡±

    Qiu Yn blinked her eyes and said happily, ¡°As you are my cover, I want twenty! It¡¯s cold now. The food won¡¯t go sour. I will go to visit my brother and his wife tomorrow. I want to take some for them!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Jiang Yashuang turned to be angry. ¡°You know what. Your brother hurt me days ago. You don¡¯t care about me. Even a little. No. You want me to cook bear palm soup for him? You hurt my feeling!¡± said he jokingly. This time, he pointed to his thin lips. What he wanted was obvious.

    Then Qiu Yn grabbed him by his ear, saying, ¡°Is it okay or not? Twenty!¡±

    ¡°No problem at all!¡± Jiang Yashuang was begging. ¡°I promise the number will be more not fewer! I will send it here as soon as it¡¯s done!¡±

    ¡°Ha, ha. You did not want to give me soup. Instead, you just want to harass me!¡± Qiu Yn let him go and continued, ¡°Don¡¯t think more. Go and get my bear palm soup!¡±

 Chapter 135 - How Can I Cancel My Engagement

    <h4>Chapter 135 How Can I Cancel My Engagement</h4>

    Jiang Yashuang had just left when Su He came in. She held a bowl of fragrant meat soup in her hands and said happily, ¡°I am back very quickly, right?¡±

    ¡°You are overhearing?¡± Qiu Yn realized the implications of her words, rolling her eyes.

    Su He stuck her tongue and said, ¡°I just saw that you did not finish your writing before you came into the inner chamber. So, I guessed!¡±

    ¡°He promised to send me bear palm soup. Did you tell him this?¡± asked Qiu Yn, sitting at the table. Su He ced the pot and picked a bowl and chopsticks for her. Then she said, ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. I never met anyone except you in this yard.¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn focusing on milky soup and floating meat in the soup, Su He said meticulously, ¡°I remember it was yesterday when Madam Shao said you looked well. I answered her that you loved meat dishes much recently.¡±

    Over the past two years, Shao Yuemei had been living and teaching in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. The number of students kept the same. One student left and a new one came in. In the early winter of two years ago, Mistress Bian gave birth to a boy named Qiu Maozhi. Because of this, she was installed as a senior concubine. Mistress Tian and her daughter, who protected her during her pregnancy period, also gained what they deserved. Qiu Mingzhu also married a good man with the suggestion of Mistress Tian to her husband. Qiu Mingzhu got married hurriedly because they were afraid that Princess Yang might make trouble for her.

    As Qiu Mingzhu had got married, she moved out of the school. The new one recing her was Wang Qingqian.

    Wang Qingqian was a naive but aggressive girl. She was not a girl who was good at rtionships. Fortunately, Sheng Shishui and Qiu Qian were not girls who were inclined to make trouble for others. The most important part was that Shao Yuemei was a good teacher. Thus, Qiu Yn thought that even if she were not in the school, the school would be running smoothly. She had a good impression of Wang Qingqian. After Qiu Mingzhu left, she tried to invite her toe to attend the school. To invite her, Qiu Yn had to criticize Qiu Mingzhu, ¡°Qiu Mingzhu, a girl who always makes trouble for others, left finally. It¡¯s the right time for you toe here.¡±

    As it¡¯s still in the first lunar month, the school had been close since thest breakst year.

    All students had gone home. Even Shao Yuemei, who was invited and went to live with Chunfu Princess for several days, just came back yesterday.

    So, hearing Su He¡¯s words, Qiu Yn said with a frown, ¡°Madam Shao just came back yesterday. And you hurried to sell me out to her?¡±

    Noticing she was angry, Su He felt nervous, ¡°Sorry, Your Grace!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t do it again!¡± said Qiu Yn. She knew that what Su He did was for her. Su He hoped she could be closer to Jiang Yashuang. However, everything about her was sold out by her confidant. It¡¯s inappropriate anyway. She was angry about it.

    Fortunately, it was Su He. If she were not Su He, Qiu Yn must have ordered to sell her to a brothel.

    After criticizing Su He and finishing her soup, she continued to finish her writing. It¡¯s getting dark while she was doing the above.

    After she enjoyed a big dinner, she drank tea while she was waiting for somebody.

    She did not wait for a long time, Jiang Yashuang and his two bodyguards showed. He came forward and said to her, ¡°Ten. You see.¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn being unhappy, he gave a dry cough, ¡°You told me you want to take some for your brother and sister. I have somebody sending it to them directly. So, you can go there carrying nothing tomorrow.¡±

    Hearing his words, Qiu Yn was happy, ¡°Yashuang, you are so nice to me!¡±

    ¡°You have known I am a good guy. That¡¯s the most important!¡± He did not ask for a kiss as his bodyguards standing behind him. He just looked at her red lips and said, ¡°I¡¯m leaving now. My grandmother is waiting for me to have dinner with her.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Okay,¡± said Qiu Yn. As the food had been here, Qiu Yn urged him to leave.

    When she put the bowl on the table and was ready to open it, Su He came in, saying in a low voice, ¡°Kang Lizhang¡¯s maid is here.¡±

    ¡°What is she doing here?¡± asked Qiu Yn, her hand stopped in the air for a second. ¡°Does she want toe back because she can¡¯t stand to live in the Duke of Huainan anymore?¡±

    Over the past two years, she had had happy days. The person she concerned the most must be Kang Lizhang because she was out of control since then. It was weird that after Qiu Maozhi was born, Kang Lizhang and her mother disappeared overnight from the Prince¡¯s Mansion. In the middle of thest year, she heard that Kang Lizhang was living in the Duke of Huainan already!

    She certainly became a concubine. But over the past half years, the Duke of Huainan had favored Kang Lizhang more than others. Even his princess had been criticized many times because of her. It¡¯s not a secret anymore in the capital. So, despite her previous status, she must have good days now.

    She must be in trouble now or she wouldn¡¯t have sent a maid here. Qiu Yn¡¯s days had been good recently. She did not want to be involved in any trouble rted to the Duke of Huainan. She decided to brush aside the maid. She said, ¡°Ask her to go back. Don¡¯t bother me!¡±

    However, Su He did not move. She said, ¡°The maid said it¡¯s rted to old Princess¡¯s stuff.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± said Qiu Yn with a frown. She had known that Kang Lizhang had the stuff belonging to Old Princess Lian. In the past, Kang Lizhang once said that she wanted to return those stuffs to Qiu Yn before she hid in the Duke of Huainan.

    At that time, the first reason that Qiu Yn did not receive them was that she had no ce to store them; the second reason was that she wanted to get a significant sum of money from Qiu Mengmin by taking this opportunity. As a result, the stuff was kept in Kang Lizhang¡¯s hands. However, unexpectedly, Kang Lizhang and her mother disappeared overnight. The stuff disappeared as well.

    True to Kang Lizhang¡¯s and her mother¡¯s nature, Kang Lizhang would never return the stuff to Qiu Yn. So, Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°The stuff belongs to me. If she wanted to trade for something else, she¡¯s wrong. Did she think that she is the Duke of Huainan¡¯s concubine now, she can be cocky in front of me? It doesn¡¯t work!¡±

    Su He exined, ¡°She told me they found an old picture in old Princess¡¯s stuff. They have no idea what to do. They thought that there might be many people visiting as the youngdy would give birth. So, they sent a maid toe and ask for your advice.¡±

    Qiu Yn paused for a second. She recalled in that time when Jiang Yashuang told her that the stuff belonging to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe disappeared suddenly.

    But, although Kang Lizhang provided the clue, she still was in doubt, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me the picture. Ask her to send it to me first!¡±

    Su He went out and told the maid what she said. After she came back, she hesitated whether she should ask one more question. Finally, she said, ¡°Your Grace, do you think it is what my grandmother said?¡±

    ¡°Said what?¡± Qiu Yn asked dismissively while she was having bear palm soup.

    ¡°After Prince oversees everything, the shops and manors recorded in Princess¡¯s dowry list disappeared. I guess they are hiding in old Princess¡¯s stuff.¡± said Su He.

    Qiu Yn pointed to the bowl, ¡°It tastes good. You must have a try. You take some to share with Mrs. Zhou and others. You all need to keep healthy too.¡±

    After speaking of this, she continued, ¡°I don¡¯t care about her. The Prince¡¯s Mansion had returned all my grandma¡¯s and my mother¡¯s stuff. I don¡¯t care what¡¯s in the picture. It means nothing to me!¡±

    Su He agreed with her but she concerned, ¡°You mean Kang Lizhang wants to grab the property? Those are the stuff of Princess! Even if the Prince¡¯s Mansion had made up, but the stuff was prepared by General Ruan, who must have picked them carefully.¡±

    ¡°Give it to her,¡± said Qiu Yn coldly. ¡°If she could get the stuff, do you think she woulde and ask for my advice? She must not know what to do. So, she came and asked for my idea.¡±

    Qiu Yn was not interested in the stuff much. At the bottom, she was not a material girl. And she had enough money for her whole life. The property grabbed by the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was worth at least millions but nowhere to find them out. She really didn¡¯t want to get to the bottom of this.

    Her immediate concern now was Deng Yi, ¡°Did you know where Deng Yi is now?¡±

    Deng Yi promised her that he would try everything to end the engagement between them. But two years past, he did nothing.

    Qiu Yn did want to talk about this with him. But three years ago, when Mrs. Gu ordered Deng Yi to go back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion, he rarely went out. Last year, his mother took him to go back to the hometown to worship his father, Ruan Qingyan had Qiu Feng stopped him on his way. At that time, Deng Yi promised, ¡°My mother did not agree. I will try to solve it after I am back to the capital.¡±

    Then what? Nothing happened!

    Thinking of this, Ruan Qingyan, Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang were all very angry.

    If Deng Yi had been living in his hometown, it would have been easy. What they needed to do was to go there and talk with him face to face. And they would not let him escape.

    But the problem was, Deng Yi disappeared after worship.

    People in the Gu Family might know where he was. But certainly, they would keep the secret.

    Deng Yi¡¯s mother, who came back to the hometown with him, disappeared too. So, both Deng Yi and his mother disappeared overnight. As a result, n A and n B made by Ruan Qingyan and Jiang Yashuang in the past two years could not be implemented.

    That¡¯s why she asked Su He. Su He had to answer her question meticulously, ¡°Not yet. Nobody said it to me so far.¡±

    If Deng Yi and his mother disappeared or died somewhere, it would be an easy job for them to cancel the engagement.

    But they had left a letter before they disappeared. In the letter, Deng Yi said he hoped to travel around the country in the next years but he could not leave his mother alone at home. Fortunately, Mrs. Gu also wanted to go with his son. So, they consented to travel along. In the letter, Deng Yi also said he hoped Qiu Yn could wait for two years until he came back. It was a clear break from his words.

    Now, Qiu Yn deeply regretted that she did not kill Deng Yi at Ganli Pce. At that time, Empress Jiang might still cover her for what she did!

    It was useless now. What she could do now was to pray to meet Deng Yi one day and cancel the engagement between them.

    After hearing Su He¡¯s words, Qiu Yn became more upset.

    Seeing she was in an angry mood, Su Heforted her, ¡°I heard that Young Master Ruan had invited you to his ce to discuss the thing. He may have a n.¡±

    Qiu Yn was listless, saying, ¡°He has been looking for him for a long time. In my opinion, Deng Yi and his mother dy it on purpose. It¡¯s not easy to find them with the cover of the Gu Family. We did not expect they would do this to us. We even did not have a n...¡±

    Or she would not be upset now!

    Anyway, the next day, Qiu Yn went to the Ruan Family listlessly. In the first ce, Ruan Qingyan intended to question her about the bear palm soup Jiang Yashuang sent to himst night. But she was in a bad mood, Ruan Qingyan stopped asking anything just said, ¡°I have a clue about the engagement thing between you and Deng Yi now. I will deal with it.¡±

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t believe that he had a n now. She said perfunctorily, ¡°I didn¡¯t worry about it. You shouldn¡¯t worry about it either.¡±

    ¡°As they don¡¯t want to show up, I will force them to.¡± said Ruan Qingyan, sipping tea. ¡°Jiang Yashuang had found a guy who looks just like Deng Yi. Soon, the guy will cancel the engagement between you two in the name of Deng Yi. After people know that you cancel the engagement, they will show up in front of us.¡±

    Qiu Yn did not get it in a second. She became joyful after she understood, ¡°Cousin, you are so smart!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan grunted, ¡°It¡¯s an easy n!¡± He did not want her to ask more. So, he turned to be serious and asked if she met Jiang Yashuang recently.

    Although he knew what he said would not defy his sister to meet the man, he still admonished her. Then he said, ¡°Go and see Ciyi. She¡¯s in her room.¡±

    ¡°Is she feeling better now?¡± asked Qiu Yn. Ruan Ciyi had been living like an unmarried girl now since divorced. She stopped trying to kill herself at the end of thest year. But since then, she began to miss her dead son and daughter since she became dreamy. She didn¡¯t feel good anyway.

    Her condition worried Ruan Qingyan and Qiu Yn much.

    Hearing Qiu Yn asking her condition, Ruan Qingyan answered in a tired voice, ¡°The same as usual. Let¡¯s go together. I will tell you.¡±

    A servant came to report while they were walking side by side, ¡°Young Earl Ling is here.¡±

    ¡°Qingyan, you go to meet Ling Zui. I will see Ciyi alone.¡± said Qiu Yn.

 Chapter 136 - Aunt Lian in Distress

    <h4>Chapter 136 Aunt Lian in Distress</h4>

    In the back hall, Ruan Ciyi, who had got the news, was waiting in neat clothes.

    Over the past two years, the hostility in her heart had gradually faded, and the gloom between her eyebrows was now gone, but the whole person was shrouded in sadness, and even when she smiled slightly, it seemed that she was crying. Qiu Yn saluted obediently and sat next to her, saying, ¡°You look good today.¡±

    She was clearly lying. Ruan Ciyi looked gray and tired against Qiu Yn, who was bright and cheerful.

    Although there was no mirror at hand, Ruan Ciyi still forced a smile from the corner of her mouth, ¡°I am just like this, but you look more gorgeous.¡±

    ¡°The two olddies have been advising me to take nourishing foods since I was out of the mourning.¡± Qiu Yn said shamelessly, ¡°That might be the reason. Though you are in the mourning period, I advise you to eat more nutritious foods in case you damage your health.¡±

    Ruan Ciyi was listless and said perfunctorily, ¡°You are right.¡±

    The two chatted for a while. The more they talked, the more boring it became. So Qiu Yn found a chance to leave.

    In fact, Ruan Ciyi was also bored. She just didn¡¯t want to see anyone now, nor did she want to say anything. So she let her go after the ceremonial request for her to stay.

    When Qiu Yn left, Ling Zui was still talking to Ruan Qingyan, so she didn¡¯t say goodbye.

    On the way back, Chunran remembered something, ¡°Now that you are out of the mourning, why not go and buy some cosmetics? Otherwise you¡¯ll look too in.¡±

    This reminded Xiaran, ¡°Those are not much of use. The princess was born gorgeous. Wearing cosmetics or not makes no difference to her. But it is necessary to buy some new hairpins and earrings. The old silver and white jade are no longer suitable now. It is time to add color stuff.¡±

    Both maids said so and Su He also joined in, so Qiu Yn told the driver to take them directly to a jewelry shop wheredies from noble families often went.

    Unexpectedly, they met an acquaintance, He Shuijin, as soon as they got off the cart.

    Both were surprised. After exchanging greetings, He Shuijin noticed that Qiu Yn was wearing a pink blouse and a crimson fairy skirt today and asked, ¡°Is Princess Ningyi out of the mourning?¡±

    ¡°Yes. The maids said I should buy some jewelry, so Ie to have a look.¡± Qiu Yn nodded.

    He Shuijinughed as soon as she heard it, ¡°No wonder! I have never seen you here.¡± She was leaving the shop, but now she took Qiu Yn by the arm and showed her inside, introducing the shop to her while walking, as if she had been very familiar. ¡°I dare not say it is the best shop in Jing City, but when ites to the freshness and delicacy of the style, I can assure you that none of those century-old brands can match it.¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled and said, ¡°I asked the driver to find a bigger shop. Hearing your introduction, I guess I am in the right ce.¡± She was now trying to catch up with the fashion of aristocratic girls, so the first choice was freshness and ingenuity. The antique hairpins and earrings were of no use for her. They were worn only when girls got married or were awarded with titles and were stowed away at the bottom of the chest on usual days.

    ¡°Come with me. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be satisfied!¡± Hearing what she said, He Shuijin smiled more joyously and led her inside,ing directly to the back without looking at the counters around.

    The woman in charge of the shop did not stop but instead paid a salute to them.

    Seeing that, Qiu Yn woke up, ¡°Are you the boss of this shop?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± He Shuijin said briskly, ¡°But don¡¯t worry that I¡¯ll rip you off. It¡¯s your first timeing here. I will give you a set of headwear. Come again next time if you like it. Anyway, it will never be more expensive than elsewhere.¡±

    Seeing her acting as a professional female shopkeeper, Qiu Yn felt a little awkward, ¡°You misunderstood me, I just asked idly.¡±

    Although she was well-known for chasing profits and also interested in business, she obviously had the demeanor of doing big business. She knew the principle of long-term profits. Though she received Qiu Yn in person, she did not overcharge her.

    She insisted on giving her a set of gold headwear.

    However, Qiu Yn bought tworge boxes of jewelry from her shop without bargaining. She would definitely make a profit even if she gave away that set of gold headwear as a gift.

    He Shuijin sent her out with great enthusiasm, saying that if there were something good in the future, she would remind her. Besides, Qiu Yn never cared about such small money. Yes, now she was eligible to say that the two big boxes of jewelry were only small money. She valued the rtionship with He Shuijin more, so she gave a positive response to He Shuijin¡¯s desire that she would buy more in future.

    This made He Shuijin happy and in return she told her some news, ¡°Are the Lians who live in Furong Lane in the west of the city your rtives? There is a young widoweddy in the family who is said to be charming. I wonder if there would be any trouble for her recently?¡±

    Hearing that, Qiu Yn stopped and wondered, ¡°You mean the one I call Aunt? But what trouble is she going to have?¡± It seemed she was coveted by someone.

    This surprised Qiu Yn. Lian Chen had already returned to his hometown. Now only Lian Jianhai¡¯s and Lian Jianhao¡¯s families were in the Jing City. Madame Lian also stayed. Although the brothers of the Lians had not been promoted these years, their rtionship with the Qius and the Jiangs was no secret in the Jing City. Madame Lian was charming, but not to the point of extreme beauty. Who would dare harass her?

    Was it the Gus?

    Qiu Yn immediately thought of Gu Yan, ¡°Is this for me? Or my cousin? Is it rted to the old picture that Kang Lizhang mentioned?¡±

    She thought of Gu Yan as the most suspicious, but the person He Shuijin was to mention was somebody else. ¡°This is no secret. But you are just out of the mourning and haven¡¯t been around, so you don¡¯t know it. But please don¡¯t tell others that I told you when you ask about it.¡±

    Qiu Yn promised at once. However, with the request of He Shuijin, she already knew it had something to do with the Jiangs.

    Sure enough, He Shuijin said, ¡°I heard it was the Eleventh of the Jiangs¡¯ first branch.¡±

    Qiu Yn was at a loss. ¡°Jiang the Eleventh?¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you asked about the ranks of the Jiangs?¡± He Shuijin was a little surprised, but immediately said, ¡°It was Jiang Yahong. His wife¡¯s younger sister is Jiang Yashuang¡¯s cousin. You saw her at Yunyi Restaurant that year. She is Zhuang Man, the youngest daughter of the Director of Studies.¡±

    How could I remember that after such a long time? That time, Qiu Yn avoided a trap without knowing it. She was not impressed by a girl who had been introduced to her and had not talked much to her before the conflict. She thought hard and remembered that Zhuang Man was a little girl with ck hair and fair skin and was the same age as her.

    Well, this was not the point now. The point was that Jiang Yahong, who was coveting Madame Lian, already had a wife. Of course, even if he was single, it was estimated that his family wouldn¡¯t allow him to marry Madame Lian. And Madame Lian was obviously not willing to be a concubine. Even if she were willing to be a concubine, the Lians wouldn¡¯t agree.

    Anyhow, the Lians were a noble family. If a girl of the family married someone as a concubine, it would be a shame for her brothers Lian Jianhai and Lian Jianhao. Any family with a bit of moral integrity, even if they were poor, would not marry their daughter as a concubine. Kang Lizhang was an exception. For one thing, she was afraid that she would get killed in the Prince¡¯s Mansion; for another, though she was a cousin of the family, her father was not so influential. Of course, ordinary people also cared about their reputation, but they did not feel as much pressure as the noble families even though they had to lose face.

    So now Qiu Yn had to solve this problem for Madame Lian. There was no other way. Wang Qingqian had been learning with her for nearly a year. Although this little cousin was not well-rounded enough, she was not bad except for being toopetitive. She called her sister all day long. How could Qiu Yn watch the widowed mother and her daughter get into trouble?

    Qiu Yn thanked He Shuijin for reminding her and went back home. She was wondering how to tell Jiang Yashuang about it when Wang Qingqian came.

    Qiu Yn felt a jump in her heart when she heard the news!

    ¡°Sister Lan!¡± Wang Qingqian came in, without making a salute, saying, ¡°My mom is gone!¡±

    ¡°How did it happen?¡± Qiu Yn asked calmly. She suspected it was Jiang Yahong who took her away by force. But she couldn¡¯t say that in front of Wang Qingqian in case the straight-tempered little girl would go to the Jiangs¡¯ residence to call names and get her mother back.

    Wang Qingqian said anxiously, ¡°This morning, when my mother went to visit my aunt who had a cold these days, my aunt remembered she owed some money to the cosmetics shop and asked her to pay the bills. As a result, my mother has note back yet!¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned and said, ¡°Second Aunt? Why didn¡¯t she send a servant to the shop? Why did she ask Aunt Lian to go there?¡±

    ¡°I asked too!¡± Wang Qingqian said hurriedly, ¡°Second Aunt said she had sent servants for the cosmetics. But she was afraid the servants would line their own pockets, so she asked mother to pay the bills!¡±

    This made sense. After all, the Lians were not as rich as before. They didn¡¯t have to cut down on food and clothing, but still did not dare to lead a wasteful life in the capital city. Naturally, they couldn¡¯t tolerate the graft of the servants. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t care so much about such little money now. She would never go and check the ounts with the shopkeepers for fear that the servants would cheat her.

    Qiu Yn pondered for a while and asked, ¡°Have you reported it to the government?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Wang Qingqian was obviously upset, ¡°I was going to, but First Aunt said people would talk about Mom if they knew about it. Mom hates the gossip most... But there are not enough people in the family to look for her. There¡¯s been no news so far. Sister Lan, do you have any idea?¡±

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t sit still. Something had to be done before it was toote!

    Except for Jiang Yashuang, Qiu Yn trusted nobody in his family!

    So she quickly sent Wang Qingqian away, called Su He in and solemnly told her to go next door, ¡°I remember there are pheasants from the farm in the kitchen. Take two to Princess Chunfu and tell her I thank her for her pastry.¡±

    In fact, the pastry was sent by Jiang Yashuang in the name of his elder sister.

    Now Qiu Yn said she would like to thank her for the pastry and, in return, sent the pheasants, which was homophonic to urgency.

    After all, it was daytime and Qiu Yn dared not climb over the wall to find Jiang Yashuang. She could only hope that he would understand the hint.

 Chapter 137 - Internal Strife of the Jiang Family

    <h4>Chapter 137 Internal Strife of the Jiang Family</h4>

    Fortunately, Jiang Yashuang came very soon. Qiu Yn had no time to flirt with him but said immediately, ¡°My aunt Madame Lian seems to have been kidnapped by your cousin Jiang Yahong!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was stunned. He knew his cousin very well. If he had really done it, it might be toote now. But it would be better if he went over sooner so that it could be settled sooner, so he said immediately, ¡°I¡¯ll go to the old residence now!¡±

    After he left, Qiu Yn began to think about how it could be settled. Madame Lian was still young and was favored in the Lian family. She had been refusing to remarry since widowed, which showed she loved her husband so much. Qiu Yn had met her several times these years and knew that she was staunch with moral integrity.

    Wang Qingqian also said just now that she hated being gossiped about. If she were insulted by Jiang Yahong, she would definitely die for her reputation!

    After all, the Lians were kind to her and her daughter. She would not have to worry about her daughter when she died.

    ¡°How do the Jiang Family discipline their children?¡± Qiu Yn got angrier as she thought about the matter. The Jiang Family should have known her rtion with Jiang Yashuang. Why should Jiang Yahong kidnap Madame Lian? This was intended to make her, no, the fourth branch of the Jiang Family awkward!

    ¡°It must be so.¡± Qiu Yn thought, ¡°Aunt Lian does not deserve to be kidnapped, and she doesn¡¯t go out very often. How could she get into such trouble if she were not spotted by someone?¡±

    Although she met with Jiang Yashuang frequently, she seldom asked about the internal affairs of his family. On the one hand, it would spoil the atmosphere; on the other hand, she didn¡¯t want to bother to worry about the Jiang Family¡¯ internal affairs before she was formally married into their family. Now she seemed to have got involved in the Jiang Family¡¯ internal affairs and could only guess everything.

    She did not know whether it was right or wrong, but it was not important for her. What was important was that Jiang Yahong had offended her. ¡°I¡¯ll find a chance to drive a wedge between the first and fourth branches! None of the Jiang Family are good except Jiang Yashuang!¡±

    She sat in the room with a gloomy face for more than an hour, figuring out how to be a bad daughter-inw in the future. Chen Shui entered and told her that County Princess Duanrou came to visit.

    Qiu Yn was thinking about the matter now, but County Princess Duanrou was from the royal family and it was impossible for her to avoid seeing her, so she had to wee her inside in person. She was about to talk to her when County Princess Duanrou asked, ¡°I heard Miss Wang is here. Howe I don¡¯t see her?¡±

    ¡°You came to see Cousin Wang?¡± said Qiu Yn in surprise. ¡°She was here just now, but she is gone now.¡±

    ¡°Did shee for Madame Lian?¡± Qiu Yn was dazed at County Princess Duanrou¡¯s question for a while. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    County Princess Duanrou said with a smile, ¡°You must all be scared and thinking there¡¯s something wrong with Madame Lian? Just now I sent Madame Lian back home on behalf of my mother and knew the whole family was in a mess! It was all because of the carelessness of my mother¡¯s maids. They forgot to go and tell them about it.¡±

    Qiu Yn was stupefied for a moment, thinking that Jiang Yashuang worked really fast and had invited County Princess Duanrou to cover it up. The rtionship between County Princess Duanrou and the Jiang Family was a long story. Her mother, Princess Qiyang, was Jiang Yashuang¡¯s cousin Jiang Qizhuan, the third child of the Jiang Family, and also the half-sister of Jiang Yahong, the trouble maker. Her father, Prince Qiyang, was the only blood of the abolished crown prince of the former emperor¡¯s reign.

    Yes, it was the one born with mental retardation.

    It was against themon sense that the daughter of the Jiang Family should marry a mentally-retarded man, even if he were a prince. There must be a story behind that.

    Although no one had ever talked to Qiu Yn about it, she could guess it. Most probably it had something to do with Empress Dowager Ye.

    When Qiu Yn went to the pce for the first time and was arranged to stay at Ganli Pce, the maid Nijin said that her room was the one where County Princess Duanrou used to live. Empress Dowager Ye had been squeezed into seclusion by the Empress Dowager Gu for a long time, yet she was still willing to arrange a special courtyard in her own pce for County Princess Duanrou. It could be seen that the rtionship between them was unusually special.

    Qiu Yn spected that Empress Dowager Ye had made a deal with Empress Jiang. In addition to asking the Jiang Family to protect her, she also asked Prince Qiyang to unite the Jiang Family by marriage. Although Prince Qiyang was not Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s own grandson, he was rted to her in blood. After all, the mother of the abolished crown prince was also from the Yes and she was empress of the former Emperor, and the first empress!

    Empress Dowager Ye was the one who, after the death of the empress, was chosen by the emperor as her sessor from the Yes¡¯ family for his gratitude to her.

    Jiang Qizhuan was the victim of the deal.

    With such a rtionship, it was not surprising that County Princess Duanrou stepped in now.

    The words of the princess seemed to confirm her conjecture. ¡°My mother went to some shops in the west of the city this morning. She didn¡¯t like to make it known, so she brought just a few people. On the way back, the horse stumbled and threw her out of the cart. Madame Lian helped mom and apanied her to a nearby hospital and sent her back home afterwards. But it took her so long as to cause a misunderstanding.¡±

    She also exined why she came here. ¡°I just sent Madame Lian back home. I heard Miss Wang had been out looking for her mother and not returned yet. I was afraid that Madame Lian would be worried, so I went out for her. I heard Miss Wang hade all the way here. I thought she must havee over to talk to you?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true, but she was so worried that she left without saying much.¡± Qiu Yn believed she was trying to vanish over the facts, so she said casually, ¡°I guess you crossed each other on the way.¡±

    ¡°I am relieved now that Miss Wang is OK.¡± County Princess Duanrou said with a smile. Then she said goodbye. Qiu Yn requested her to stay and then got up to see her off. She did not really want her to stay, for she was eager to know about the current situation of Aunt Lian!

    Unexpectedly, when County Princess Duanrou was getting on the carriage, she suddenly stopped and said to her in a very low voice, ¡°That uncle of mine is not a fool!¡±

    Qiu Yn was dazed, trying to figure out the meaning of her words. She was about to ask when County Princess Duanrou gathered up her skirt and got on the cart.

    ¡°Jiang Yahong is not stupid?¡± Coming back to her room, Qiu Yn was still pondering over County Princess Duanrou¡¯s words. ¡°Does it mean it was not he who took Aunt Lian away? Was he framed?¡±

    ¡°But it can also be inferred that Jiang Yahong almost kidnapped Aunt Lian before, and he was also trapped!¡± Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead. ¡°Who could have trapped him? County Princess Duanrou only gave her a hint and she was unwilling to exin in detail. It must be an internal strife of the Jiang Family!¡± If it was outsiders who were entrapping Jiang Yahong, why didn¡¯t County Princess Duanrou say it directly?

    After all, she was a member of the royal n and also a granddaughter of the Jiang Family.

    Qiu Yn just couldn¡¯t make it out!

    Fortunately, Jiang Yashuang came to exin to her that night. ¡°Aunt Lian was not taken away by my cousin, but recently someone instigated him to harm her. Luckily, he was alert and sent someone to check it out before taking action. So I asked my third cousin to find an excuse to call Aunt Lian out and ask her privately if their family had conflicts with others.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked hastily, ¡°With whom?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°Aunt Lian didn¡¯t know anything. In fact, neither of the uncles of the Lians could remember who they had offended recently.¡±

    ¡°I say, is it a fight between your family members?¡± Qiu Yn frowned for a while and finally uttered the words, ¡± County Princess Duanrou came to find Cousin Wang today and gave me a hint when she left. She said Jiang Yahong was not an idiot. She seemed to know who was framing him but felt embarrassed to say it.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was stunned and murmured, ¡°My eldest uncle¡¯s...¡± He obviously thought of something, but didn¡¯t want to say it. ¡°I¡¯ll go back and ask.¡± he said vaguely.

    Qiu Yn wondered, ¡°Tell me the truth. Is your cousin Tao involved again?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was awkward. ¡°What are you thinking about? She just came over to visit my grandma during the Spring Festival and left after lunch. I ate lunch in my own room that day. Besides, she is a girl. How could she reach out to Jiang Yahong? She is not very familiar with my uncle¡¯s children.¡±

    In fact, Qiu Yn did not think that Tao Peibin was capable of that, but she mentioned Tao Peibin with a purpose. ¡°How could Aunt Lian have been plotted against? Why do I feel it was because of me?¡±

    ¡°You think too much.¡± Jiang Yashuang reached out to touch her hair but was avoided by her with a heavy blow. He had to give up and said, ¡°I guess it was because of Aunt Lian¡¯s moral integrity that Jiang Yahong... If he really... she wouldmit suicide. In that case, he would inevitably get into trouble.¡±

    Qiu Yn was not easy to fool. She sneered, ¡°Yes, I wonder whether he would be scolded or punished symbolically in your family? That would be a big trouble and a great wrong done to him!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said awkwardly, ¡°Although it¡¯s the case most of the time, the elders feel it is too noisy in the family these years, and now the rules are tighter...¡±

    ¡°How?¡± Qiu Yn asked.

    Jiang Yashuang said with no confidence, ¡°If you had done do such a thing, at least you would have been scolded for two days.¡±

    ¡°But that unlucky woman is dead!¡± Qiu Yn sneered.

    Seeing that Jiang Yashuang was speechless with an ugly smile, she calmed herself down and said, ¡°Even if Aunt Lianmitted suicide for this, your cousin would only be scolded for two days. I¡¯m sure he wouldn¡¯t mind being scolded for two days. So what kind of trouble is that?¡±

    Madame Lian¡¯s life was only worth two days¡¯ scolding. Even if you didn¡¯t care about Madame Lian¡¯s life at all, there were no dirtier deals in the world.

    Jiang Yashuang said awkwardly, ¡°Well, the men who framed Jiang Yahong were probably my eldest and the second cousins.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked doubtfully, ¡°I remember they are also the sons of your eldest uncle, and they were both born of the legal mother? Why should they frame their half-brother?¡±

 Chapter 138 - Is It Pure Relationship Between Brother and Sister?

    <h4>Chapter 138 Is It Pure Rtionship Between Brother and Sister?</h4>

    Jiang Tianao had no title of nobility at that time, and it was impossible for him to inherit the position of premier. In terms of family property, Jiang Da and Jiang Er, with the identity of being the legitimate eldest son and second son of Jiang Family, couldn¡¯t be afraid of being unable topete with Jiang Eleven!

    Conversely, Jiang Eleven should have been the person who would secretly scheme against the two brothers, right?

    ¡°My eleventh brother and my third sister were born to the same mother.¡± Jiang Yashang sighed, ¡°My third brother-inw, Duanrou¡¯s father, as you know... At that time, my Forth Aunt agreed to marry a daughter from Jiang Family to my third brother-inw, but she didn¡¯t n to choose my third sister. Instead, she wanted to choose a poor girl from her ancestral family. As a result, my First Aunt... So both my First Uncle and my Forth Aunt feel a little guilty about my third sister.¡±

    Qiu Yn understood, ¡°In some ways, they make it up to your eleventh brother?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± Jiang Yashang rubbed his eyebrows for a while. ¡°Two days ago, when hearing that there was an important position vacant in the Northern Army, my father wrote a letter to ask if anyone in the family wanted to go there. It seems that First Uncle is going to choose my eleventh brother, but First Aunt seems to have the intention of rmending her nephew from her parental family.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯m confused.¡± Qiu Yn was surprised and said, ¡°In this way, if your eleventh brother made any trouble in the capital city, he would be just sent away, right? And to be honest, no matter how kind First Aunt¡¯s nephew is, he couldn¡¯t be as close as the member in Jiang Family.¡±

    As for the position in the Northern Army, even if Jiang Tianchi, Great General of North, wrote a letter to ask his family, neither Jiang Tianao nor Madame Dou could make the final decision because Marquess Qin and Jiang Tianchi themselves were the decision-makers!

    Let them choose, unless Jiang Yahong was the mud that could not hold the wall, and the guy from Dou family was a star that was dazzlingly bright, they would definitely choose the one from their own family!

    Jiang Yashuang sneered, ¡°The reason why that position is vacant is that the predecessor had a lust for women, so that he almost made a big trouble! So my father told my grandfather that they must choose a reliable person this time, and those lecherous guys are absolutely removed from the list.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn pondered for a moment and sighed, ¡°Anyway, Aunt Lian was really incriminated by me!¡±

    If Jiang Yahong really ravished Madame Lian, he not only vited Jiang Tianchi¡¯s advice of excluding ¡°lecherous guys¡±, but also directly offended Qiu Yn, a prospective sister-inw who had been acquiesced by Marquess Qin and his wife, and had been fervently supported by Jiang Yashang himself, which was equivalent to disgracing the fourth branch. In this way, could he still have a chance?

    Jiang Yashuang hurriedlyforted her, ¡°It¡¯s not all your fault.¡±

    However, hardly had her voice died away, she had been punched by Qiu Yn, who said angrily, ¡°You should be med more for it! If it weren¡¯t for you, I would have nothing to do with the internal fight in Jiang Family! And my Aunt couldn¡¯t be incriminated!¡±

    ¡°... You are getting fiercer and fiercer! Jiang Yashuang rubbed his sore andmented, ¡°It is said that your cousin has begun to teach you martial arts, right? He does have bad intentions to make you murder your own husband by ident!¡±

    ¡°Nonsense! My cousin once said it was meaningless for my husband to be defeated by me!¡± Qiu Yn sneered and waved her pink fist, ¡°And did you say I¡¯m a fierce girl? So you like gentle girls? Like Cousin Tao, or Xue Fangmi? Anyhow, we haven¡¯t got formally married yet, you can propose marriage to anyone you like! Did I stop you? Isn¡¯t it meaningless to murmur some mean words in front of me?¡±

    With his hair standing on end, Jiang Yashuang hastened to appease, ¡°I have forgotten the two persons you mentioned for a long time! And how can I like gentle girls? I only like girls like you!¡±

    ¡°You mean I¡¯m not gentle enough?¡± Qiu Yn stretched out her finger and grabbed his ear, with a faint smile on her face, ¡°Have I wronged you? Mistreated you? Do you feel unhappy?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang frost smile obsequiously, ¡°Why do you need to be a gentle girl? Anyway, I like you whether you are gentle or not! Isn¡¯t it enough?¡±

    ¡°So you still think I¡¯m not gentle!¡± Qiu Yn clenched her fists, with fierce light in her eyes!

    ¡°I can lose my conscience for a while, but!¡± Jiang Yashang didn¡¯t know whether to cry or tough, ¡°It¡¯s too hard for me to say you¡¯re gentle against my conscience!¡±

    Qiu Yn snapped in a delicate voice, ¡°You like to tell the truth so much, do you believe I really beat you to death?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t helpughing, ¡°So you know that I am telling the truth?¡±

    The two had a quarrel for a while, and then Qiu Yn let go.

    ¡°Did the bear paw taste good yesterday? If you like it, I¡¯ll send some to youter.¡± Jiang Yashuang secretly rubbed his red ear and asked her with a smile.

    Qiu Yn¡¯s eyes lit up and said, ¡°Delicious!¡± The short but powerful answer fully demonstrated her longing.

    ¡°What else do you like to eat?¡± asked Jiang Yashuang who was delighted at that time.

    ¡°Wait!¡± It was proved that Su He¡¯s word, ¡°Commandery Princess doesn¡¯t like to use her loaf when she hears delicious food these days¡± was false information. That was because Qiu Yn suddenly pulled a long face and unexpectedly directed the topic away from food. ¡°Although this time your eleventh brother did not hurt my Aunt Lian, your eldest brother and second brother have gone too far, haven¡¯t they? Aunt Lian didn¡¯t goad them at all, but just for framing up their illegitimate younger brother, they didn¡¯t care about Aunt Lian¡¯s chastity...¡±

    At this point, she suddenly burst into tears. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m the same person in their eyes.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang hurriedly coaxed her, ¡°How could it be possible? They won¡¯t dare to treat you in this way!¡± When it came to those disgraceful brothers, Jiang Yashuang also felt disgraced. ¡°In the early years, my family¡¯s social status was not as high as it is now. My grandfather and uncle were busy with political and military affairs, and my aunts inevitably doted on their children. By the time my grandfather and uncles wanted to set family rules, everything was toote. They didn¡¯t deal with this matter properly. I had just told my grandmother, and she said she would call Uncle Mengmin to talk about it in the side yard the day after tomorrow.¡±

    Qiu Yn knew that he was adroit, and if she kept holding on to the settlement of trouble caused by the first branch of Jiang family, she would inevitably be found to be sowing discord, so she stopped before going too far. Now she sobbed and said, ¡°Won¡¯t they dare to treat me like this? Who am I to deserve the considerate treatment of the eldest son and the second son of the Jiang family?¡±

    As expected, Jiang Yashuang guessed the formal rtionship between the two, saying, ¡°Deng Yi and his mother have never appeared yet. I¡¯m going to send someone to disguise as them and spread the word. Then I woulde back to the capital city to break off the engagement, forcing them to show up. I have discussed with your cousin about this n. Since they deliberately put off making reactions to us, they couldn¡¯t stand by when they heard the news. As long as theye out, they will certainly break off the engagement!¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned, ¡°Is this your idea?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°Yeah... You saw your cousin today. Didn¡¯t he tell you?¡± He muttered to himself, wondering whether Ruan Qingyan had taken all the credit. But he thought this future brother-inw had a sense of pride, it seemed that he wouldn¡¯t be that kind of person although he had been so fussy about him.

    But he didn¡¯t know what Qiu Yn thought in her mind, ¡°No wonder when I praised this idea thoughtlessly, my cousin immediately turned against me and said there was nothing good about such a simple idea. Now I understand that was because it hadn¡¯t been my cousin¡¯s idea, but Jiang Yashuang¡¯s.¡±

    Thinking of this, she burst intoughter and said to Jiang Yashuang who was confused at that time, ¡°Since you intend to force Deng Yi and his mother to appear, why don¡¯t you just let the person disguising as Deng Yi marry a wife? Why do you let them go back to the capital city? What if they n to kidnap the person secretly on the road and then leave a letter as a threat?¡±

    Jiang Yashang smiled and said, ¡°Then people would say that you were abandoned by him, wouldn¡¯t they? If so, how humiliating you would be!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the point of arguing about this kind of dignity?¡± Qiu Yn said. However, she was very d to see that he cared about her dignity so much. So she took the initiative to lean forward and kissed him on the cheek. At that moment, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s breath stopped for a short while. Then he squinted and suddenly held her in his arms. However, hardly had he lowered his head and smelled the fragrance in Qiu Yn¡¯s hair on her temples when thetter patted his arm slowly, ¡°I have already rewarded you, don¡¯t push your luck!¡±

    ¡°s! I must tell them to act quickly! Let¡¯s get married soon!¡± Jiang Yashuang said with regret. He knew that after she said those words, she would really fell out if he still did not let go.

    Qiu Yn smoothed her earlock, reorganized her skirt, and smirked after hearing his words, ¡°I am only fifteen, which is even a nominal age. Do you want to get married when I¡¯m so young? Wait for two more years!¡±

    Jiang Yashang was astonished and asked, ¡°Are you going to marry me at seventeen?¡±

    ¡°Actually, getting married at the age of seventeen is too early.¡± Qiu Yn twitched her lips. Seeing that he seemed to have an objection, she said, ¡°Don¡¯t mention this at present. If the engagement were not broken, there would be no point in talking about it.¡±

    ¡°One more month.¡± Jiang Yashuang made estimation about the efficiency after his urging, ¡°If this method didn¡¯t work by then, then we could only spread the rumors that your marriage with Deng Yi will be fated to mourn the rtives¡¯ death.¡±

    Qiu Yn was confused and said, ¡°The marriage certificate is in the hands of Mrs. Gu. If you didn¡¯t take it back, what could you do just by spreading rumors?¡±

    ¡°If several members were killed in both families, then there shoulde a reason to annul the marriage engagement!¡± Jiang Yashuang said without consideration and sighed again, ¡°But in this way, you would be pushed in the teeth of the storm.¡±

    As a matter of fact, this is why he was beaten recently. Ruan Qingyan, who always found fault with him, asked him seriously about what if it didn¡¯t work after listening to his disguising n.

    In order to show that he had been well prepared in front of his brother-inw in the future, Jiang Yashuang came up with this idea of repudiating the marriage contract. As a result, Ruan Qingyan burst into anger immediately, ¡°Several years ago, when the wicked old woman Lu was alive, she spread the rumor that my cousin was fated to mourn the death of her parents and elder brothers everywhere. It was not easy for this vicious rumor to stop in the past two years, but you still want to cause its spreading again by yourself? You¡¯re afraid my cousin won¡¯t be reproached, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Then, before Jiang Yashuang finished saying, ¡°Let me exin, please.¡± Ruan Qingyan had already drawn a sword towards him... What else could he do but pull out the soft sword in his sleeve to defend himself?

    Thinking of the brother-inw who was eager to protect his cousin, Jiang Yashuang still felt a little unsettled in his heart. Just as he was distracted, he happened to hear Qiu Yn¡¯s words, ¡°I don¡¯t care. I¡¯m only afraid my cousin will be worried when he knows about it.¡±

    He frowned and said tentatively, ¡°Just coax him for a while if he¡¯s worried. After all, it¡¯s your own business.¡±

    ¡°How can that work?¡± Qiu Yn immediately shook her head. ¡°Do you treat my cousin like you, who can be coaxed in a few words? If he doesn¡¯t agree, I dare not let you do this. Otherwise, I will definitely be punished by himter!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang squinted, ¡°I am so sad to hear your words. Does your Cousin Ruan is so much more important than me?¡±

    Qiu Yn disdainfully replied, ¡°He¡¯s my brother!¡±

    ¡°You might as well take him as your brother!¡± Knowing that she was not gentle and oversensitive, Jiang Yashuang was afraid of causing a quarrel with her. So he dared not speak out, but he thought to himself, ¡°But the cousin is not her physical brother anyway, she puts me behind him in everything... Is it likely that she treats true love as the attachment between brother and sister, just like I did at the beginning?¡±

    Although his heart was suddenly filled with a sense of crisis, he maintained hisposure, ¡°Well, I won¡¯t argue with you anymore. But don¡¯t bully me too much. After all, I am the one who will marry you in the future, right?¡±

    Qiu Yn casually said, ¡°That¡¯s not definite. If you don¡¯t treat me well enough, I won¡¯t marry you to be bullied. Anyway, now I have enough food and clothing with the dowry left by my grandmother and my mother, and I have my cousin to rely on!¡± The purpose of her remark was to imply that his brother had been too disgraceful, but the meaning wasplicated from the point of view of Jiang Yashuang!

    ¡°No, I must go to have a talk with Ruan Qingyan!¡± Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t even maintain his smile, ¡°He cares too much about his cousin Lan!¡±

    Now Qiu Yn would mention Ruan Qingyan whenever she spoke!

 Chapter 139 - I Let You Leave the Jing City Because of Yelan

    <h4>Chapter 139 I Let You Leave the Jing City Because of Yn</h4>

    The next day, Ruan Qingyan looked at the invitation sent by Jiang Yashuang. He was very surprised, ¡°I¡¯ve been bothering him for the past two years. I can¡¯t believe he asked me out one day.¡± He suspected, ¡°Can¡¯t he stand it any longer? Is he going to get even with me?¡±

    Dongran covered her mouth and smiled, ¡°I don¡¯t think General Jiang is such a stingy man. He has suffered a lot from you in the past two years, but he never cares about it. Last time he suffered a small loss. How could he be angry?¡±

    ¡°If he weren¡¯t magnanimous, he would not deserve to be my brother-inw!¡± Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t feel that he was bullying others, nor did he feel wronged Jiang Yashuang. He said naturally, ¡°In particr, Yn is not easy to talk about. If she married a person who is not open-minded enough, she would make trouble less than a month. I already have a sister to remarry. I don¡¯t want my younger sister to be tortured when she gets married.¡±

    Dongran thought that the Commandery Princess Ningyi was not Ruan Ciyi. It was hard to say who would suffer losses if she really quarreled with her husband in the future. However, she knew that in the eyes of Ruan Qingyan, Qiu Yn was always right, and even if she made a mistake, she could be forgiven. The fault was all the brother-inw¡¯s fault, and the credit was all his sister¡¯s. Ruan Qingyan¡¯s logic was so overbearing.

    So she pursed her lips and smiled, ¡°Do you have an idea about Deng Yi? Do they invite you to go to discuss it?¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s true, he must have run to take credit first. How could he have thought of telling me?¡± Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t believe it, but he was also happy to observe Jiang Yashuang, so he guessed a few words and got up, ¡°Bring the robes that I can go out.¡±

    When he arrived at the pub mentioned in the post, he saw Jiang Tan, the young servant of Jiang Yashuang, waiting at the door. Seeing Ruan Qingyaning, he hurriedly came up to greet him, ¡°The young master is waiting in the elegant room above.¡±

    ¡°What does he want with me today?¡± Ruan Qingyan asked as he went upstairs.

    Jiang Tan made amends and smiled, ¡°The young master didn¡¯t tell me.¡±

    When he went upstairs, it was Jiang Yashuang who opened the door himself. There was not much space in the elegant room. Ruan Qingyan took a casual look and found that there was only Jiang Yashuang inside. He obviously nned to let all the subordinates leave and have a secret talk with him.

    ¡°Is there any news from Deng Yi and his mother?¡± Ruan Qingyan was so happy that he let Ruan Yi stay outside and went in by himself.

    ¡°Brother Ruan, please.¡± Although Jiang Yashuang was determined to ask what it meant that Ruan Qingyan was far more concerned about his cousin than the normal cousin, he had not yet decided how to start, so after the guest sat down, he frowned and did not speak for a moment.

    Seeing this, Ruan Qingyan misunderstood and asked with a dignified look, ¡°What happened again?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Jiang Yashuang stayed in a daze before he realized that what Ruan Qingyan said should be the matter that they nned to force Deng Yi and his mother, ¡°That thing is still going on... I asked brother Ruan toe here has nothing to do with that.¡±

    ¡°Then what¡¯s the matter?¡± Ruan Qingyan looked at him suspiciously, ¡°Is this about my cousin?¡± The only intersection between the two people was Qiu Yn.

    Jiang Yashuang nodded seriously.

    Ruan Qingyan immediately became nervous, ¡°What happened to my cousin?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s fine.¡± Jiang Yashuang pondered, ¡°It¡¯s me... I have something to ask you.¡±

    As soon as he heard that nothing had happened to Qiu Yn, Ruan Qingyan was immediately relieved. His attitude becamezy, ¡°Oh?¡±

    ¡°Is brother Ruan¡¯s concern for Yn too much?¡± Jiang Yashuang thought about it again and again, but still worried about Qiu Yn¡¯s dependence and trust in her cousin, and dared not to fall out with him. He carefully said, ¡°After all, brother Ruan is only her cousin, and there is talk outside that...¡±

    As a result, before he had finished his words, Ruan Qingyan¡¯s face was gloomy, ¡°Outside talk? Why do those indecent people just say a few words and you suspect Yn? Now that she hasn¡¯t married you, you treat her like this. If she married you, would you divorce her after listening to a few words of gossip?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang hurriedly said, ¡°I don¡¯t mean it! It¡¯s just that she is not lonely anymore thatpared to what she used to be and she needed your protection. Now she¡¯s all right. After all, she is 15 years old this year, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    At first she had to rely on you, but now she had me, okay? And she was old enough. It was time for you to keep her distance.

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t socialize with her in private, do you think I would be willing to ask my cousin toe and teach her a lesson?¡± Ruan Qingyan recognized the meaning of his words and seemed to smile rather than smile, ¡°Don¡¯t say what I said was bad. If you were me, would you rest assured that you would let Yn interact with you without control because of Jiang¡¯s children¡¯s reputation?¡±

    His brothers did not cheer up. Jiang Yashuang was dragged down innocently, and his chest was stuffy, ¡°I¡¯m not like them...¡±

    ¡°Lies down with dogs must rise up with fleas.¡± Ruan Qingyan said disdainfully, ¡°I blocked you two years ago. I heard with my own ears what your brother taught you! Who knows whether you will bully my cousin one day?¡±

    ¡°If I had listened to my eighth brother¡¯s messy words, I would have been killed by Yn.¡± Jiang Yashuang was secretly dissatisfied and said, ¡°How can I dare to bully Yn? Yn has always been reserved, and we just talk when we meet.¡±

    Didn¡¯t treat me like a monster. The truth was that I had been bullied by you. Fortunately, Miss Ruan didn¡¯te out to see the guests at all, otherwise I would have to please one more person...

    Ruan Qingyan sneered and said, ¡°So is it polite for you to meet and talk like this?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang recognized his subtext that you two often saw each other in private. I was a legitimate cousin. Couldn¡¯t I always care about my cousin?

    ¡°But we are going to get married.¡± Jiang Yashuang simply made his words clear, ¡°Yn also promised to marry me. As soon as the engagement with the Deng Family is broken, we will determine her identity. And brother Ruan, you are not only the cousin of Yn, but also inherited in identity. Yn is old enough. You haven¡¯t kept your distance from Yn all the time. Even if you feel sorry for your little sister, you have to think about her, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan looked at him strangely for a moment and said, ¡°Do you suspect that I like Yn?¡±

    ¡°I heard that you treated her very well the first time you met Yn.¡± Jiang Yashuang did not deny that, ¡°Of course, you show great filial piety to General Ruan, so you will like her. But with all due respect, I can¡¯t see that your kindness to Miss Ruan is better than Yn.¡±

    This was the biggest reason why Jiang Yashuang suspected that Ruan Qingyan was his potential rival. All kinds of signs showed that Ruan Qingyan must be rted to the Ruan family, which could exin why he arranged the funeral for Princess Ruan and loved Qiu Yn very much.

    But Ruan Qingyan¡¯s older sister, Ruan Ciyi, finally came back from Hezhou and was forced to divorce the ruthless Fang Nongyan. Although Ruan Qingyan was also kind and respectful to her, as long as others paid a little attention to him, they could find that he was good to Ruan Ciyi, but he simply spared his heart out to Qiu Yn.

    ording to the blood rtionship, Ruan Ciyi was closer to him than Qiu Yn.

    If it was said that Ruan Qingyan resented Ruan Ciyi¡¯s mother, Mrs. Tan, who drove his suspected biological mother out of the house, why did he pay money to get the Fang family back to the Jing City at that time? Why did he design a forced divorce between Ruan Ciyi and the Fang family?

    In short, Ruan Qingyan¡¯s kindness to Qiu Yn was really too suspicious.

    Although Jiang Yashuang did not believe that Jiang Yadan thought that the brother Ruan and sister Qiu were trying to find an excuse to refuse marriage after they broke off their engagement. He mainly did not believe that Qiu Yn was such a person. As for whether Ruan Qingyan thought so, he was really not sure.

    Although it was said that with the power of the Jiang family, Jiang Yashuang was not afraid topete with Ruan Qingyan for her, but if Qiu Yn cared about her cousin, Jiang Yashuang would not know what to do.

    At this moment, as soon as he spoke bluntly, he was determined to look at Ruan Qingyan and wait for him to answer.

    Only to see Ruan Qingyan meditate for a moment, then he sneered and said, ¡°My older sister is so many years older than me. Many times, I have to ask her for advice. Is it possible that I, as a younger brother, should control the older sister like the younger sister?¡±

    ¡°Brother Ruan means that although you treat Yn better than an ordinary big brother.¡± Jiang Yashuang was not satisfied with this euphemism and raised his eyebrows, asking, ¡°But you just treat her like a sister. Don¡¯t you mean anything else?¡±

    ¡°Do you invite me here today because outsiders are talking about it, or because you have doubts in your heart?¡± Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t answer, but asking, ¡°If I had other meanings for Yn, what would you do with Yn?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang frowned and his voice was a little cold, ¡°I won¡¯t do anything with her, but I¡¯ll ask you to leave the Jing City and never see her again! After all, Yn just treats you like a brother, doesn¡¯t she? If she was interested in you, why should she promise to marry me?¡±

    ¡°What about the previous question?¡± Ruan Qingyan turned a deaf ear to his emphasis on her choice between them, and his eyes became sharp, ¡°Do you listen to other people, maybe your family? Do you feel ashamed by the remarks of those people? Or do you regret it?¡±

    ¡°Brother Ruan is thinking too much.¡± Jiang Yashuang sneered, ¡°If our Jiang family were afraid of the outsiders¡¯ discussion, we wouldn¡¯t be the Jiang family we are today. And now I only hate Dengyi and his mother for being shameless and dying Yn¡¯s youth. How could I give up my marriage?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan said silently, ¡°So you¡¯re just here for me? Does Yn know it?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang frowned imperceptibly, and then said with a little sarcasm, ¡°Brother Ruan, you will notin to Yn for the sake of a mere conversation, will you? After all, brother Ruan is old enough, and you are an official in the imperial court, so why are you ying children¡¯s games?¡±

    Aware of his provocative intention, Ruan Qingyan smiled abominably, ¡°Aint? No, no, no. I just let my cousin know that she was suspected.¡±

    ¡°I suspect you.¡± Jiang Yashuang did not expect that he could be so shameless, and immediately felt a lot of pressure. He was aware of Qiu Yn¡¯s temper, and it was not true for her to fight and y tricks in ordinary times. But if he pissed her off, just by looking at her attitude towards the Qiu Mengmin and his family. He could see that even if they were flesh and blood rtives, she was very determined to break with them.

    This was also the reason why Jiang Yashuang took advantage of her when she was in a good mood, but as soon as Qiu Yn stopped him, he dared not to continue. He knew that if he really infuriated Qiu Yn, the promises made between them were impossible.

    If Qiu Yn knew what he was doing today.

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t know what his sweetheart would do. It was okay to be beaten and scolded. He was afraid she would take it seriously.

    Now, while thinking about how to exin to her in the future, he tried to convince Ruan Qingyan, ¡°It has nothing to do with Yn. Yn¡¯s heart is tied to me. Don¡¯t I know it?¡±

    ¡°In that case, why do you invite me toe here?¡± Ruan Qingyan asked leisurely, ¡°She thinks about you. You think about her. Isn¡¯t there no room for a third person between you? In that case, no matter what I have in mind for Yn, it is futile. Why do you have to go to so much trouble to talk to me alone? I think you just don¡¯t know, do you?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang gritted his teeth a little bit, ¡°Who will be happy that his future wife is coveted by others?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan said indifferently, ¡°With the appearance of my cousin, there are many people who covet her in the future. Do you drive everyone out of the Jing City? You can make it?¡±

    ¡°I think you are Yn¡¯s cousin. I just send you out of the Jing City.¡± Jiang Yashuang felt that his words were tantamount to acquiescing in his interest in Qiu Yn, and his face was immediately cold, ¡°After all, Yn has always respected you as if you were his own brother. If you were someone else, I wouldn¡¯t bother to see him today.¡±

    He had a good temper. Did he really think he couldn¡¯t kill people?

 Chapter 140 - The Princess Yangs Request

    <h4>Chapter 140 The Princess Yang¡¯s Request</h4>

    When Jiang Yashuang invited Ruan Qingyan to negotiate, Qiu Yn was facing the invitation in her hand and tilted her lips, ¡°Go hiking? Can I not go hiking?¡±

    ¡°Chunfu Princess wants to introduce you to the noble girl of the Jing City.¡± Chunran reminded, ¡°Now, although you¡¯re not in mourning, the Princess Yang doesn¡¯t want to show you around. Even if she is willing to take you, we still have to prevent her from having a bad idea. Fortunately, Princess Chunfu invited you. How can you not go?¡±

    ¡°I also know that the personal connection needs to be managed, but think about it. Princess Chunfu invited me to Yunyi Building two years ago. She is also kind-hearted. But what happened?¡± Qiu Yn hummed, ¡°Thedies of the Jiang family all took part in the hiking organized by his Highness. Don¡¯t give me an ugly look at that time. Now my cousin won¡¯t marry Jiang¡¯s daughter again. I serve them impatiently.¡±

    Xiaran said with a smile, ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry. Think about it. The outing is going out of town. Arge area is not like an elegant room in Yunyi Building where it is difficult to hide when you meet a person who is difficult to get along with. Why don¡¯t you do her Highness a favor and go a little further after you go out? It¡¯s impossible for so many girls not to hit it off with you, is it?¡±

    Su He described it for her, ¡°You have never been out of the city for an outing. I have heard that in this season, the scenery outside the city is very beautiful. The water is clear and the sky is blue. The peach blossom and apricot blossom is in full bloom. The swallows in the south fly back to the north. The fish and shrimp jump in the water. It can be said that everywhere it is like a painting, and we can y with kites... How nice it is!¡±

    ¡°Birds, fish, shrimp...¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s eyes lit up. She thought of a series of dishes in an instant, such as fried sparrow, braised quail, crucian tofu, grilled prawns... For a moment, Jiang Qizheng¡¯s invitation had be an outing on the tip of her tongue, and she nodded solemnly, ¡°You¡¯re right. We have to go!¡±

    The maids were very happy and twittered out their ideas, ¡°It looks best to wear the newly made green and white coat with a gold skirt.¡±

    ¡°In this season, the mountains and rivers are green. How can you wear green again? It is better to wear red. The color of scarlet is too dazzling. I am afraid to steal the limelight of Princess Chunfu. The color of pink is just right, and it also looks pretty.¡±

    ¡°Although the pink color is good, if the princess enters the peach forest, the duck yellow is not afraid of being stolen from the limelight anywhere...¡±

    Qiu Yn waved her hand, ¡°These are little things! Listen to me. Take all the oil, salt, soy sauce and vinegar, and bring more woods at that time...¡±

    Chunran and others were stunned, ¡°We will prepare the food for the outing and take it there. What do you want to do with these? Do you want to cook there? There¡¯s no ce to find a stove.¡±

    ¡°Then bring a pot.¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s wild survival skills in previous lives were too high. At that time, she survived in the wild under the threat of zombies and mutant animals. Under this condition, she could hardly dream of it at that time. How could she miss it? ¡°Isn¡¯t it easy to have a stove? Build it temporarily.¡±

    Chunran and others were stunned again, ¡°But you are going for an outing.¡±

    At such an aristocratic and artistic moment, the maids and old women of the other family surrounded them who were gorgeously dressed. Some masters were noble and refined. Some masters were sad, and others were erogenous. Took a broad view. The scenes were pictures that could be named as ¡°Photo of Beauty¡± and ¡°Beautiful folded Flowers¡±. However, they squatted on a stove to cook food in a pan in the face of public disdain and ridicule. Was this really all right?

    ¡°Don¡¯t you say I can go a little further then?¡± Qiu Yn said straightforwardly, ¡°Besides, if you go for an outing, don¡¯t you just go to y? It¡¯s fun to have a pic.¡±

    Chunran and others looked at each other. For a long time, Su He stood up slowly and smiled reluctantly, ¡°I... I¡¯ll go to the kitchen and see if the bird¡¯s nest stew is ready for Your Grace.¡±

    Qiu Yn nced at her sideways, ¡°Are you going toin to Mrs. Zhou?¡±

    ¡°How could it be?¡± Su He was so perfunctory. When she went out the door, she went straight to Mrs. Zhou and told her what had happened. Finally she had a headache, ¡°Grandma, what does Your Grace mean? Even if she resents the grievances she suffered in Yunyi Restaurant, she should not humiliate Chunfu Princess in this way, right? Even if Chunfu Princess doesn¡¯t care it for the sake of General Jiang, but.... is it really good to offend her Highness?¡±

    Hearing what she said, Mrs. Zhou frowned immediately, but pondered for a moment and asked, ¡°Is Your Grace annoyed when she said she is going to take those things with her?¡±

    Su He said, ¡°No. I think Your Grace is the same as usual, but...¡±

    ¡°Then she may not want to be angry with Princess Chunfu.¡± Mrs. Zhou was older. Even if she didn¡¯t spend as much time with Qiu Yn as Su He, her grasp of Qiu Yn¡¯s temper was not under Su He. She said firmly, ¡°The Commandery Princess is not an emotional person. If she were really angry with Princess Chunfu because of the matter in the Yunyi Restaurant, she would probably not go this time. Since she¡¯s going there, she won¡¯t make trouble on purpose. The Commandery Princess is not one of those people who are confused and do things without thinking at all.¡±

    ¡°Then Commandery Princess...?¡±

    Mrs. Zhou thought it for a while, ¡°Maybe the princess dislikes that the food is brought in the food box, and even if she tries to eat it hot, it is not to her taste. She wants to cook it there. It doesn¡¯t matter. You just pick a hidden ce at that time. The ce for outing is so big. Are you afraid that you can¡¯t find a corner where there is no one? In addition, if you meet someone, you can borrow a stove. Just give them some money.¡±

    Su He was relieved when she said this, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s true. I¡¯m afraid the Commandery Princess is angry.¡±

    Su He returned to the house and winked at Chunran and Xiaran and told Qiu Yn that it would take a while for the bird¡¯s nest to be stewed. Qiu Yn asked her with a faint smile, ¡°What did Mrs. Zhou say?¡±

    ¡°Grandma said everything is up to you.¡± Su He had followed her over the past two years and had be thick-skinned. She answered with a smile, ¡°It is clever of Your Grace to guess that I ¡®happened¡¯ to meet my grandmother when I came back from the kitchen.¡±

    Qiu Yn snorted and didn¡¯t pursue it, only saying, ¡°Hurry up to prepare things.¡±

    ¡°Just talk to Mrs. Li.¡± Chunran reminded her to be serious, ¡°It is the dress and jewelry you wear when you go out that matters.¡±

    Qiu Yn only thought about eating at this time. She didn¡¯t have the idea of dressing up, so she shamelessly said, ¡°Everything looks good on me. I look beautiful no matter how I dress up. There¡¯s nothing to argue about. Just wear a new dress at that time.¡±

    Chunran and others couldn¡¯t help crying and smiling, ¡°Yes, yes, yes. Everything looks good on you, but if you dress up carefully, you will look better, won¡¯t you?¡±

    The master and her maids wereughing. The Princess Yang came here with her own daughter, Qiu Jinzhu.

    Qiu Yn was surprised. In the past two years, although they lived together in the Prince¡¯s Mansion, there was basically no contact between the two sides. They did not even eat New Year¡¯s Eve dinner together. What did Princess Yang mean this time?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s Aunt Yang doing here?¡± She asked lukewarmly after finishing her salute.

    Compared with her attitude, Princess Yang was much more enthusiastic at this time. She first cared and greeted her, and then apologized for what had happened before. Then she revealed her purpose, ¡°I heard you¡¯re going out in a couple of days?¡±

    Jiang Qizheng¡¯s post was cast on the door. It was not surprising that Princess Yang knew about this invitation.

    It was just that Qiu Yn wondered why she thought she would take Qiu Jinzhu with her. She said faintly, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Can you take Jinzhu with you?¡± Sure enough, Princess Yang asked for it.

    ¡°That¡¯s not good, is it? After all, Chunfu Princess only invited me.¡± Qiu Yn refused it immediately. Qiu Jinzhu pouted and looked at her injuredly.

    But Qiu Yn had already seen this vicious cousin. She didn¡¯t buy it at all, only quietly watching Princess Yang waiting for her to speak.

    Princess Yang smiled stiffly for a moment before she said, ¡°Chunfu Princess treats you like her own family. How can you not be able to bring Jinzhu? Anyway, you are sisters, not to mention the fact that you have to go out of town for an outing, and you can take care of each other, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought who dared to be taken care of by your daughter? She just said, ¡°Oh. Don¡¯t worry. I will bring more servants.¡±

    ¡°You see. You can bring a lot of servants. It¡¯s okay to bring Jinzhu, right?¡± This time, she didn¡¯t know what happened to Princess Yang who was particrly tolerant, and even took the initiative to equate Qiu Jinzhu with her subordinates, which made Qiu Jinzhu pinch her fists hard.

    But Princess Yang¡¯s sudden change in attitude made Qiu Yn suspicious, ¡°What do they want to do?¡± So she refused it even more.

    The two sides could not reach an agreement. Atst, the Princess Yang realized that her intention ofing seemed to be suspected. She sighed and simply said it bluntly, ¡°Since Jinzhu¡¯s First Uncle left the Jing City, the female rtives I associate with are not of a very rich family now, or they only have names like our family now. I just want Jinzhu to go out with you to broaden her horizons. I already told her. She will never cause you any trouble, let alone disobey you. Just do me a favor and help me this time, okay?¡±

    She continued to say, ¡°I really didn¡¯t take good care of you at the beginning, and I made you suffer a lot of grievances. But now, the old Princess and your mother¡¯s dowry have been returned to you. I have changed in the past two years. I haven¡¯t offended you, have I? At least we are a family. If you don¡¯t think about anything else, just think about your grandfather, after all, you and Jinzhu both have his blood.¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at her suspiciously, ¡°In any case, you are also a princess. How can you need to let the sixth sister go out with me?¡± A lean camel was bigger than a horse. The Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, a hereditary royal pce, was more enviable than the emperor¡¯s sons crowned princes. After all, as long as the hereditary power existed, even if the power was temporarily lost, there was always a chance to make aeback.

    The Princess Yang looked around and saw that Qiu Yn refused to dismiss her servants. She had no choice but to say, ¡°At that year, Yifu and Yishi... It¡¯s only been two years since this matter happened, and many people still remember it.¡±

    ¡°I see?¡± Qiu Yn was relieved. Yang Yifu and his cousins, Yang Yishi, had an affair with others and died one after another. In particr, the matter about Yang Yishi was particrly serious. The Princess Yang, as their own aunt, was finally affected. The influence also dragged Qiu Jinzhu. Those women from powerful families also had other families simr to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe to get along with, so they naturally didn¡¯t want to choose Yang Family¡¯s daughter and granddaughter, who had a bad reputation.

    So should she agree to their demands?

    Qiu Yn thought for a moment, but did not answer immediately.

    The Princess Yang and Qiu Jinzhu waited for a while. When they saw that she seemed to have no intention of promising, they were anxious and blurted it out, ¡°Lord Zhang¡¯s Young Prince Kuang Qingwu, will enter the Jing City in a few days to study in the Imperial College... It is said that he intends to mess with your cousin.¡±

    ¡°Where did you hear the news?¡± Qiu Yn frowned, asking questioningly. The Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was down and out now. Where could it be well-informed? Ruan Qingyan, even in the mourning period, was selected to enter the Hanlin Academy. His future was also optimistic by most people.

    ¡°Jinzhu¡¯s First Uncle happens to be demoted to the west.¡± The Princess Yang reminded, ¡°This news was sent by him quickly... It can¡¯t be wrong! And Kang Qingwu knows that your cousin is protected by the Prime Minister Xue, and he is in a period of mourning. He is afraid that your cousin will avoid it, but he is going to hide his name and enter the Jing City. He will reveal his identity after finding your cousin.¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Is there something wrong with him? Did my cousin ever offend him?¡±

    Kuang Shihan was personally trained by General Ruan. Even if he didn¡¯t formally offer tea to be a student, he was cultivated by General Ruan. Not to mention that he betrayed General Ruan and his son-inw because the General Ruan let the eldest princess as bait. Now his son still wanted to make further efforts to trouble the heirs of the Ruan family. Did he really regard the Ruan family as a soft family?

    The Princess Yang, hearing the anger in her tone, was relieved and said with a smile, ¡°In fact, this is a misunderstanding.¡±

    Seeing that Qiu Yn did not answer, she said slowly, ¡°If you are willing to carry Jinzhu, I am willing to write to Jinzhu¡¯s First Uncle to be a middleman to solve this misunderstanding.¡±

    Qiu Yn nced at her, saying in her mind, ¡°I think this misunderstanding is made by your Yang Family.¡± But she thought about it and said quietly, ¡°Then I¡¯ll take her this time. In the future, I don¡¯t know where I will go. It is impossible to take people with me every time, otherwise people will say that I will not go out alone.¡±

 Chapter 141 - All with Their Own Designs

    <h4>Chapter 141 All with Their Own Designs</h4>

    Princess Yang agreed and went back, but left Qiu Jinzhu here saying she wanted the girls to get close to each other and let Qiu Jinzhu ask Qiu Yn what to note during the trip, ¡°In case she may bother you.¡±

    ¡°Just pretend to be meek and lovely.¡± Qiu Yn was not so familiar with Chunfu Princess, so how could she know what Chunfu Princess preferred? Thus, she considered for a while with a cup of tea in her hands and told Qiu Jinzhu directly. ¡°You are good at that, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu nodded obediently which clearly showed that she was cautioned by Princess Yang beforeing and said in a slimy tone, ¡°I will follow every word of you, my dear cousin!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care who you will fawn over, but remember this: don¡¯t make any ns against me! If you dared, I could take you out, but I couldn¡¯t promise you cane back!¡± Qiu Yn took a sip of tea. She ignored theplex expression on Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s face and put the teacup on the table, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, go back and think how to dress on that day.¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu ventured, ¡°May I know what you will wear on that day?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business.¡± Qiu Yn saw she was pretending to be humble on purpose and said indifferently. ¡°Even if we wear something simr, do you think you could steal the show?¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu bit her lip immediately but soon forced a smile, ¡°You are right. I was being silly. You are so beautiful, and how can Ipare with you with whatever I wear?¡±

    Her forced smile only followed her out of the court gate where it disappeared at once!

    None of her maids dare to say anything and they all followed her carefully.

    Despite this, after a while, Qiu Jinzhu couldn¡¯t bear any more. She turned around and gave a p to each of the two close maids behind her, ¡°You stupid things! Are you stones? Why didn¡¯t any of you say something in daylight? Do you want to frighten me?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re so sorry!¡± The two maids felt wronged but they knew she wanted to vent her anger so they knelt down and begged for her mercy in panic.

    Qiu Jinzhu gave them some kicks and scolded them for petty things. Then she tucked her hair behind her ear and ordered like nothing had happened, ¡°Go to my mother.¡±

    When they entered Princess Yang¡¯s room, she saw the finger marks on the maids¡¯ faces and knew her daughter was angry. She sighed in her mind and winked to Xiuyan to take the two maids out andfort them. She called her daughter over, ¡°Why did you hit Tin and Tinhe again? I have told you that close maids are not like other servants. You should treat them with enough dignity so that they can do anything for you.¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu was upset now. Hearing the words, she wept, ¡°Qiu Yn didn¡¯t treat me as her cousin but her ve! She was even gentler to her maids than to me! It¡¯s just a pic! Even though it is Chunfu Princess who initiated it, she is not a real royal princess. She is from the Jiang Family and the girls she invites will all belong to Empress Jiang¡¯s party. Do you really think it¡¯s good for me to go?¡±

    Princess Yang gave a look at Xiu Rong and Xiu Rong hurried to drive all the other servants out of the room and then she guarded the door.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so reluctant. It¡¯s your father who wants you to go with Qiu Yn!¡± Princess Yang said in a low voice. ¡°Or who likes to speak to her? Your father rarely asks you to do something for him. If you don¡¯tplete his task well, how can he like you?¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu was stunned and asked in surprise, ¡°My father? Why?¡±

    Qiu Mengmin didn¡¯t care so much whether his children were borne by his wife or concubines. He only cared whether they were capable. Unluckily, both Qiu Jinzhu and Qiu Yinzhi who were borne by Princess Yang were mediocre, which disappointed Qiu Mengmin and let him prefer Qiu Hongzhi who was better inparison. Especially, after Qiu Hongzhi married Ding, they got along very well and Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s study was not dyed. He nned to take the imperial exam in autumn this year. While the 12-year-old Qiu Yinzhi was so naughty that his teacher alwaysined about him. Inparison, it became impossible that Qiu Yinzhi would inherit the title.

    Well, that was off the track. Qiu Jinzhu was surprised because Qiu Mengmin didn¡¯t expect too much from his daughters and he rarely met them, let alone asking them to do something. Thus, Qiu Jinzhu was amazed by what her mother said.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to know why. Just follow Qiu Yn to wherever she goes. Be tolerant and don¡¯t mind her harsh words. There will all be noble girls and she won¡¯t dare to beat you in front of them! If she went too far, just show that you feel wronged and never hit back. There will be one or two soft-hearteddies speaking for you!¡±

    Princess Yang knew her daughter was ruthless, but not sophisticated. Thus, she didn¡¯t dare to tell her that she and her husband suspected that Qiu Yn would discuss the missing industries of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe with Jiang Qizheng in this trip. If their silly daughter mentioned it by chance or by Qiu Yn¡¯s questioning, Qiu Yn would take precautions against them and they would surely lose those industries!

    Princess Yang didn¡¯t want to tell Qiu Jinzhu anything about the aim of this task. But now her daughter was reluctant, she feared that if she forced her to go, she wouldn¡¯t keep a close eye on Qiu Yn.

    Qiu Jinzhu was not happy now, ¡°She¡¯s a Commandery Princess, but I¡¯m also a Commandery Princess. Then why do I have to listen to her?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to help your younger brother?¡± Princess Yang was angry. ¡°Your sister-inw, Ding will soon give birth to her child and it has been known to be a boy. Your father has been so happy in thest months, and that b*st*rd of Bian uses every method to please your father... Your younger brother is my only son, but he is still not the Young Prince. At this point, if you don¡¯t help him, when Qiu Hongzhi or Qiu Maozhi takes control of this mansion- did you forget what life Qiu Yn led in those years?¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu shivered and asked in doubt, ¡°What exactly is this task about?¡± Howe it was relevant to her own younger brother and the title?

    ¡°Ask your father if you really want to know!¡± Princess Yang said unhappily. ¡°Just do as I tell you- watch Qiu Yn closely! Don¡¯t mind other things!¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiu Jinzhu knew she couldn¡¯t get it from her mother and agreed with her disappointedly.

    Yet the mother and daughter didn¡¯t know they were not the only people who had Qiu Yn as their target.

    In the back yard of the Mansion of Duke of Huainan, Mistress Kang just finished her make-up. Under her light pink translucent silk coat, her ga underwear showed off her fair skin like cream and jade. Since she became a concubine Duke of Huainan, she had been adored by her husband. Even Duchess of Huainan couldn¡¯tpare with her. Shey on Chu Xiao¡¯s shoulder and said coquettishly, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen my girlfriends since I came here. I hear that Chunfu Princess invited my cousin for a pic at Jinxiu Slope in the south of the city and I also want to hang out with them!¡±

    Duke of Huainan Chu Xiao was over 50 now. He had a dark red face, long eyebrows, phoenix eyes, and handsome beard. When he was 20 or 30 years younger, he was a very good-looking man. Both the Young Prince of Duke of Huainan, Chu Weixian and Commandery Princess Lihui, Chu Yitong inherited his good look and were famous for their beauty among the royal n.

    He was now feeding those colorful koi in the blue and white branch-patterned porcin fishbowl. Hearing her words, he smile and responded, ¡°You should go since you want to. Anyway, Jinxiu Slope is not far. You can go back in the evening to serve me.¡± Thest sentence of Chu Xiao was full of flirting.

    Kang Lizhang looked at him and could see from his face his handsome contours when he was young, but now it was ck and fleshy. When she came closer, she could also see the blotches on his face. Thinking that she was even half a year younger than Commandery Princess Lihui but she had to sleep with this old man every day, she felt her sorrow would storm right now. She resisted it with great effort and winked at Chu Xiao, ¡°I¡¯m just amon woman but my cousin is a Commandery Princess and the rest are all noble girls. If I went alone, I don¡¯t know whether I could have the chance to talk with my cousin.¡±

    Chu Xiaoughed, ¡°You don¡¯t have to talk to such a snobbish cousin. What about not going and staying with me? Or I can take you there on my day off.¡± He put aside the fish food and wiped his hand with a handkerchief. When he turned around, he pinched Kang Lizhang¡¯s cherry cheek and put his hand into her silk coat with lust.

    ¡°She is not snobbish.¡± Kang Lizhang gave a sweet cry and went on to talk coquettishly after pushed him lightly. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that others may have a problem with it and my cousin may be wronged.¡±

    Chu Xiao squinted, ¡°Then what do you want?¡±

    ¡°I heard the other day Commandery Princess Lihui begged her mother that she wanted to go out.¡± Kang Lizhang stared at him with an expectant face.

    It was not proper for a concubine to take a Commandery Princess out. Chu Xiao adored her in the rear yard, but he wouldn¡¯t let her do improper things outside and let othersugh at his family.

    So she added, ¡°I think Duchess may also feel bored in the mansion all day.¡±

    With Duchess of Huainan, both Chu Yitong and Kang Lizhang could go there justifiably. Also with Duchess of Huainan, Kang Lizhang didn¡¯t need to fear that she might be bullied. Even if she was bullied, she could run to Duchess of Huainan andin. With her status in front of Duke of Huainan, Duchess of Huainan had to help her hit back.

    Kang Lizhang didn¡¯t want back the memory when she was despised and joked among noble girls because of her status.

    After speaking out her request, she waited for Chu Xiao¡¯s answer nervously.

    Chu Xiao pawed her on her young and soft body for a long while and asked with a half-smile, ¡°If I agree, what reward will I get?¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± Kang Lizhang felt relieved and stretched her fair arms around his neck, saying sweetly. ¡°I¡¯m all yours... What else can I reward you?¡±

    Kang Lizhang only got in this Mansion of Duke of Huainan for about two years. However much she was loved by Duke of Huainan, she had fewer henchmen than Duchess of Huainan.

    So when she was ¡°rewarding¡± Chu Xiao, some servant had gone to report it to Duchess of Huainan. She was at the same age as Chu Xiao and had grandchildren now. She didn¡¯t care so much about her husband¡¯s concubines like she had been when she was young. But when she heard Kang Lizhang wanted to take them along in order to meet her cousin with dignity, she felt unhappy, ¡°Who does she think we are? She asks us to go and we should go?¡±

    She said to Chu Yitong who was right beside her, ¡°We just won¡¯t go! I will tell her that I feel sick on that day and I need you to take care of me! Let her do whatever she wants alone!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, mother.¡± Chu Yitong was the youngest official daughter. She also disliked Kang Lizhang who often made her mother lose face because his father liked her. Now she heard the servant¡¯s report, she thought and said, ¡°Mistress Kang is always crafty. She just wants to meet her cousin, but why does she need us along? In my opinion, she intends to take this chance and say something against you in front of my father!¡±

    Then she suggested, ¡°Now that she hopes us to go to Jinxiu Slope with her, we should go. If she offended someone there, you could help her out and let my father scold her when wee back!¡±

    Duchess of Huainan sighed, ¡°Stop these ns! Your father likes her, but he is not a fool. She is just a concubine. But if you made a n against her, when your father finds it, he would be angry!¡±

    ¡°If she made trouble on her own, how could my father me me?¡± Chu Yitong had always wanted to teach Kang Lizhang a lesson. At her age, she wouldn¡¯t give up this chance, so she kept persuading her mother, ¡°You say my father knows these. Then he must also know you are pretending to be sick at that time. We¡¯d better not irritate him because of it.¡±

    Duchess of Huainan realized that her daughter had made her decision and that even if she used the excuse of being sick on that day, Chu Yitong might also go out herself, which was worse than she taking her along and watching her. Thus she said helplessly, ¡°Then we should go.¡±

 Chapter 142 - Kept the Promise or Die!

    <h4>Chapter 142 Kept the Promise or Die!</h4>

    It was just past the Lantern Festival. And it was still a few days left till their spring outing day. So, they still had time to prepare.

    With the help of Chunran and Xiaran who were older and more sophisticated, Su He only needed to focus on serving Qiu Yn. While she was grinding the inkstone for Qiu Yn, they talked about Princess Yang¡¯s request, ¡°They always have evil agendas against you. They try so hard to make you take the sixth Commandery Princess with you this time. I think they may be up to no good!¡±

    Qiu Yn was looking at the ink. She nodded and said, ¡°The ink is enough.¡± Su He put down the grinding rod in a hurry and wiped her hand clean. And then she rolled up Qiu Yn¡¯s sleeves for her.

    Qiu Yn picked a purple calligraphy brush and started to write. And then she said, ¡°I hate them too. However, since they brought up Kuang Qingwu and got Marquess Zhang into this, if I still refused, even I didn¡¯t take Qiu Jinzhu with me, I still might not be able to avoid the trouble. I may as well follow through and see what they are really up to.¡±

    Su He was stunned, ¡°I really can¡¯t figure it out. Young Master Ruan has nothing to do with Marquess Zhang¡¯s son. How could he get into this kind of trouble?¡± although Su He¡¯s grandmother went to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe as a dowry of Ruan Family, she was just a maid after all. She knew nothing about the grudge between Kuang Shihan and General Ruan.

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want to exin it to her. She said while writing, ¡°So, it¡¯s useless to guess. We may as well follow their n.¡±

    ¡°Then please be careful.¡± Su He said seriously, ¡°Marquess Zhang is also emperor¡¯s son-inw. His son is the grandson of Empress Dowager.¡±

    ¡°What are you so scared of? Chunfu Princess is Empress¡¯s niece!¡± Qiu Yn squinted, ¡°Kuang Qingwu hasn¡¯t arrived in the city yet. Even if he did, as a man how could he go to our outing ce and pick on a little girl like me? If he could be so shameless, as the host Chunfu Princess would kick his ass no matter how good her temper was! I¡¯m more worried about my cousin.¡±

    While they were talking, Chen Shui came in to report with a happy face, ¡°Young Master Ruan sent someone to deliver a message. The message is that Deng Yi and his mother were seen at the foot of Pingshan. They were on the way to the city. Young Master Ruan has been assembling people to greet them!¡±

    All of Qiu Yn¡¯s servants and maids knew that she wanted to break off her engagement now. Everyone knew that Ruan Qingyan was looking for Deng Yi and his mother because he wanted to talk to them about breaking off the engagement. Chen Shui was being considerate to use the word ¡°greet¡±.

    Hearing this, Qiu Yn and Su He were both happy. Qiu Yn stopped writing and threw away the purple calligraphy brush. She asked, ¡°Is the information urate? It was said two years in the letter back then. How could it be so soon?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know either. But it¡¯s really them. It seems that Mrs. Gu fell over on Pingshan. So, they can¡¯t continue to travel. They have toe back to see a doctor!¡± Chen Shui said with a smile, ¡°I think even God doesn¡¯t want them to waste your youth on purpose!¡±

    Qiu Yn was very happy, ¡°It¡¯s true that one good turn deserves another! I told you guys that you guys should keep an eye on Whitey. So, the birds would feel safe when they ate cereals on the ground. See, the universe will repay you somehow, right?¡±

    Su He and Chen Shui looked at her gloating face which showed ¡°I knew I was a good person¡±. They didn¡¯t know they shouldugh or cry. They just echoed. Then Su He reminded, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask Young Master Ruan?¡±

    ¡°Of course I will!¡± Qiu Yn stroked her hair and instructed cheerfully, ¡°Bring Whitey with us. In case he bullies the birds while I¡¯m gone. Also, sweep the snow. Make some space for the birds!¡±

    Obviously, she really thought her feeding birds for a few times had something to do with the tide turning in her favor.

    Su He and Chen Shui were speechless. But they didn¡¯t want to argue with her about something so trivial. They tidied up and got in the carriage with her.

    In Ruan Family, not just Ruan Qingyan, even Ruan Ciyi who always paid no attention to affairs was disturbed.

    When Qiu Yn just walked in, she heard Ruan Ciyi saying in a happy tone, ¡°If... A talented girl like Yn deserves to marry someone nice.¡±

    ¡°You are right.¡± Ruan Qingyan answered with a smile. Seeing his cousining in, he waved at her and asked her to sit, ¡°I¡¯m talking to Ciyi about Deng Yi and his mother showing up. Since you are here, let¡¯s talk about it.¡±

    ¡°I heard that Mrs. Gu fell over on the mountain? Really?¡± Qiu Yn saluted and then sat beside Ruan Ciyi. She could hardly wait to ask.

    Ruan Qingyan said with a smile, ¡°They say so. True or fake... Not to matter, I just want right person.¡±

    ¡°I wonder whether they are willing to break off the engagement or not.¡± Ruan Ciyi raised her hand and touched Qiu Yn¡¯s hair. She thought about how beautiful her cousin was. No need to mention other aspects. Just her hair, her hair felt like silk and shined like a diamond. If she really married Deng Yi who was well known for liking men, everyone would consider it as a waste, ¡°However, Deng Family is not that rich. It should be negotiable if we promised them a lot of money, right?¡±

    Seeing his cousins¡¯ simultaneously anticipated looks, Ruan Qingyan said with a faint smile, ¡°The man I sent this time is very persuasive. I suppose it will be okay.¡±

    Only Ruan Ciyi would believe that. She lived in Hezhou for decades and didn¡¯t have information about Jing City after all. After she went back to the city, she had been recovering from her emotional wound in these two years. She didn¡¯t know the recent political situation at all.

    Qiu Yn knew very well that Gu Family wouldn¡¯t let Deng Yi agree to break off the engagement. Because she offended Empress Dowager Gu back then, and she became closer and closer to Empress Jiang¡¯s clique in these two years. Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t believe that Ruan Qingyan could be so sure of it, because the man he sent was some kind of senior negotiator.

    After a while, Ruan Ciyi¡¯s maid persuaded her to go back and have some nutritious soup. Seeing Ruan Ciyi walking away, Qiu Yn lifted the corner of her dress and jumped in front of Ruan Qingyan at the next minute. She pulled at Ruan Qingyan¡¯s sleeve and said fawningly, ¡°Who did you send? You sound so reassured.¡±

    ¡°Qiu Feng has already given him a chance. Since he didn¡¯t take it, I think it¡¯s better to let Tianya go this time.¡± as expected, Ruan Qingyan said tly, ¡°Women remarrying is not forbidden in Darui. Especially that you haven¡¯t married into Deng Family. I have thought about it. The securest way is for them to die!¡±

    Cousin was still awesome!

    Qiu Yn sighed with emotion. But she was worried, ¡°Yang told me earlier that Marquess Zhang¡¯s son the one in the Western Army seemed to have the intention to mess with you. It¡¯s said that Yang Tao got this information and sent it back at top speed. The minute this rumor spread Deng Yi and his mother came out of hiding. Do you think these two things are connected?¡±

    ¡°Kuang Qingwu?¡± Ruan Qingyan muttered to himself. Qiu Yn detected immediately that Ruan Qingyan had been paying attention to Kuang Shihan or paid attention to him.

    Otherwise, there were many powerful and rich people in Darui. Kuang Shihan wasn¡¯t in the city all year round. Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t just know his name but also his son¡¯s name. Ruan Qingyan must have paid special attention. Because Kuang Qingwu wasn¡¯t famous. Even if he were, he certainly weren¡¯t famous in Jing City. At least Qiu Yn never heard of him until Princess Yang mentioned him.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiu Yn was a little worried, ¡°I don¡¯t know what got into him. He wants to go against you!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan attentively thought for a while and then said with a faint smile, ¡°I suppose someone instigated him to do so. I never met him. I don¡¯t know why he wants to go against me. It¡¯s not a big deal. When I see him, I will talk to him and make it right.¡±

    ¡°You are lying to me again!¡± Qiu Yn might believe what he just said in the old days. But now she realized at once that he was beating around the bush. Qiu Yn knew that she couldn¡¯t make him tell her things which he didn¡¯t want to via fawning on him or throwing a tantrum. She sighed andined, ¡°I¡¯m not a kid anymore. Why do you keep everything from me?¡±

    Just like what she thought, hearing what she said, Ruan Qingyan just smiled, ¡°It¡¯s really nothing. Don¡¯t be paranoid.¡±

    Qiu Yn wanted to badger with him. But Ruan Qingyan asked her about the outing instead, ¡°You need to be careful if you are going to take Qiu Jinzhu with you. She is Qiu Mengmin¡¯s daughter. The apple doesn¡¯t fall far from the tree. Don¡¯t let her trick you! Or simply I just make her not be able to go out on that day.¡±

    ¡°I expect to find out what Qiu Mengmin is up to through her!¡± Qiu Yn objected, ¡°Besides she is just a little girl. How could I let her trick me?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan also knew that Qiu Jinzhu wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything to Qiu Yn by herself. So, he said, ¡°Anyway, just be careful.¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay, okay. I will. However, you, on the other hand, Kuang Qingwu...¡± Qiu Yn feared his nagging the most. She wanted to redirect the topic back to Marquess Zhang¡¯s son. However, Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t give her the chance. He pretended that he didn¡¯t hear her. He took a sip of his tea and asked about Jiang Yashaung instead, ¡°How is he?¡±

    Qiu Yn was alert at once. She said seriously, ¡°I don¡¯t know. I haven¡¯t seen him recently!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan sneered, ¡°Tell me the truth!¡±

    ¡°Just like that!¡± Qiu Yn said sulkily, ¡°Don¡¯t you agreest year?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan asked with a faint smile, ¡°He didn¡¯t speak ill of me, did he?¡±

    ¡°Spoke ill of you?¡± Qiu Yn asked in surprise, ¡°How is it possible? Speaking ill of you in front of me, does he have a death wish?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily true. You have beenining about me being too strict with you for a long time,¡± Ruan Qingyan took another sip of his tea. He said slowly, ¡°He catered to your pleasure. Speaking ill of me in front of you could be a good way.¡±

    Qiu Yn pledged her loyalty in a hurry, ¡°How dare he! You are strict to me for my own good. I was just kidding about you being strict with me. How can I let others judge you?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan squinted and looked at her, ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°As sure as fate!¡± Qiu Yn said with dignity and honor, ¡°Even he is my future husband, how could hepare to you? I can have another husband. But how can I find another cousin? He doesn¡¯t have a say in how you treat me!¡±

    Ruan Qingyan fixed his gaze on Qiu Yn for a while. There seemed to be tears in his eyes. After a long time, he sighed. He touched the top of her head and said in relief, ¡°After hearing what you said, I¡¯m willing to die for you!¡±

    Qiu Yn who was waiting for him to praise her for being loyal to her own family said with shock, ¡°Don¡¯t say that! We both need to be safe and sound. If not, what about Ciyi?¡±

    Why did it sound so ominous? Did Kuang Qingwu have super evil agendas? And Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t know how to deal with him at all?

    ¡°Even Kuang Family is less powerful than Jiang Family, they still have huge power in the army. Besides, Kuang Qingwu is the young prince...¡± getting out of Ruan Family, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t hide her worries, ¡°I need to ask Yashuang about this immediately!¡±

 Chapter 143 - Miserable princesses

    <h4>Chapter 143 Miserable princesses</h4>

    Qiu Yn was convinced that although she did not know who Kuang Qingwu was, Jiang Yashuang must do.

    Surely enough, after Su He informed Jiang Yashuang, he came into the room through the window, which demonstrated that he did it frequently. Qiu Yn, who was waiting for him urgently, had dismissed her maids already. They flirted with each other for minutes as usual. Finally, Qiu Yn pinched his arm and said, ¡°To be serious. Who is Kuang Qingwu? Why did he make trouble for my brother? I thought that the Kuang Family owes for the Ruan Family.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang did not hasten to answer her. Instead, he pointed the empty teacup on the table. Qiu Yn immediately served him tea. He picked the cup up and sipped. Then he said with satisfaction, ¡°There is an old saying, ¡®If someone else is in distress and you give them little help, he will be grateful. However, if too much help is given and it creates dependency, once the help is stopped, it will cause people to hate it.¡¯ That is how the Kuang Family thinks about the Ruan Family.¡±

    ¡°They should not do that to us.¡± Qiu Yn said. She felt unworthy of General Ruan as she was thinking about it. ¡°I am wondering how this man oversees the Western Army. He was so mean to his leader who even cultivated him. Are his followers afraid of being sold out by him?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang paused for a while. Then he said, ¡°I should make it clearst time. The thing is not like it looked. General Ruan¡¯s favor to Kuang Shihan was not as simple as cultivating him!¡± Last time, they talked briefly about Kuang Shihan before changing the topic to the enormous property that disappeared in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Then they fought for nothing. As a result, they had no chance to finish their talk.

    Thus, Qiu Yn did not fully understand what¡¯s going on between General Ruan and Kuang Shihan in the past. To dispel her doubt, Jiang Yashuang exined, ¡°Kuang Shihan¡¯s father was a colleague of General Ruan in the army. But he died in a battle when Kuang Shihan was six years old. The Kuang Family was not a wealthy one, indeed. Although Kuang Shihan¡¯s father fought to death in a battle, he had already been an influential figure in the army. The property he made in his life,bined with the government pensions, could ensure his wealth and prosperous life anyway...¡±

    ¡°Unfortunately, after one year of his father¡¯s death, his mother, who took all money, ran away with someone else, leaving him untended. Since then, she had disappeared in the world. His uncles counted the rest of the property and they realized the rest was not enough to raise him. They even had to pay more for raising him. So, they abandoned him too. Fortunately to him, General Ruan epted him and raised him as his son!¡±

    Qiu Yn was shocked, ¡°This was a big favor to him. Why did he want to kill all members of the Ruan Family?¡±

    She always thought that she was the most shameless person. But now, she knew that many were more brazen than her! If you really asked her to sell Ruan Qingyan, Su He or Mrs. Zhou, she certainly could not make her mind, let alone the favor General Ruan did to Kuang Shihan!

    ¡°He was brutal. He is an animal!¡± sighed Qiu Yn. The more Qiu Yn thinking about him, the more she hated him.

    Obviously, Jiang Yashuang disliked Kuang Shihan very much, ¡°Most of the Generals in the Western Army have a big picture in their minds. That year, General Ruan was framed and then defeated by the western savages. Thus, he was guarded back to the capital for trial. At that time, your father died in a battle. The only man who could oversee the Western Army was Kuang Shihan. The western savages might invade Darui if it were not Kuang Shihan as the leader of the army. My grandfather told me that at that time, many Generals in the Western Army were reluctant to follow Kuang Shihan¡¯smand, but they had to... After Kuang Shihan knew what they thought, he sent them to the most dangerous fronts...¡±

    He smiled disdainfully, ¡°That¡¯s why I said before that Kuang Shihan and Empress Dowager Gu did not trust the Western Army fully. Kuang Shihan wantonly murdered those who sympathized with General Ruan in order to seize power as soon as possible. Since then, many generals had be his followers for surviving. We can¡¯t tell who was sincere to him and who was not. Everybody wants to survive. It¡¯s normal.¡±

    ¡°... My poor grandfather had a wolf in his team!¡± sighed Qiu Yn. ¡°You mean Kuang Shihan intended to eliminate the Ruan Family to appease his ruthless heart?¡±

    Speaking of this, she demonstrated a cold tone.

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°To kill members? I don¡¯t think he could do it. Ruan Qingyan is also a wolf, but he was a kind one. Normally, he will not give him the chance to kill more members! I guess Kuang Shihan nned to ruin his political career. After all, he is in a weak position. Even Ruan Qingyan is a civil official and he will not seize power in the Western Army. However, he knows that he did too many bad deeds in the past to General Ruan. He must feel terrible when he thinks there is an official in the government whoes from the Ruan Family.¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled coldly, ¡°He did so many bad deeds in the past. Does he want peace in mind? He will be peaceful until the day when he dies!¡±

    ¡°Kill him if we have a chance!¡± said Jiang Yashuang with a smile. ¡°But he is a tough man now. Not easy to deal with.¡±

    ¡°So... You mean you will watch my brother and Kuang Shihan fight and do nothing?¡± asked Qiu Yn, rolling her eyes.

    Jiang Yashuang certainly would not let the opportunity slip away from him to court her. Although yesterday, he thought that it would be better if Ruan Qingyan left the capital and hid somewhere else to avoid fighting directly with Kuang Qingwu. But he had to demonstrate his resolve in front of Qiu Yn. He said firmly, ¡°How is that possible? I work in the Directorate of Education. If Kuang Qingwu became one of us, I would teach him how to be a man each day. He would be busy in that and leave Ruan Qingyan alone to do his mourning.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s said that he nned toe to the capital secretly... And he will go to the Directorate of Education after dealing with my brother.¡± said Qiu Yn. Apparently, she was not satisfied with what he said.

    Jiang Yashuang smiled when he heard it. ¡°Who told you this message? Kuang Qingwu cane secretly only if all members in the Kuang Family are dumbass. Let me tell you something. It might be God who also wants to punish Kuang Shihan as he did too many bad things in the past. Although he has many wives and concubines, he has few children. Kuang Qingwu is his only son. If he was killed on the way to the capital because he moves secretly... do you think Kuang Shihan could take it?¡±

    Qiu Yn got the implications from his words: If Kuang Qingwu dared toe to the capital secretly, the Jiang Family would kill him quietly!

    ¡°I think Yang deceived me!¡± she pursed. She was about to go on when another thing suddenly urred to her. ¡°How old is Kuang Qingwu?¡± asked she.

    Jiang Yashuang answered dismissively, ¡°Older than me... He must be over twenty but under thirty.¡±

    ¡°So, he is the son of Xingkang Grand Princess?¡± Qiu Yn asked shockingly, ¡°I remember that Xingkang Grand Princess is the former emperor¡¯s daughter. She was seventeen years old when she married Kuang Shihan. It was fifteen or sixteen years ago, at most.¡±

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Jiang Yashuang replied. ¡°Kuang Shihan is much older than Xingkang Grand Princess. Kuang Qingwu has been born when she married Kuang Shihan. At that time, Kuang Shihan did not have a wife. He sent his son somewhere. He even did not give his son a family name at that time. Then Kuang Shihan married Xingkang Grand Princess and got concubines then. But he did not have children. Thus, he fetched Kuang Qingwu from the foster family. For this reason, Kuang Qingwu has been angry at Kuang Shihan.¡±

    Qiu Yn grunted, ¡°Kuang Shihan can mistreat his benefactor. It¡¯s not weird he treated his son like that.¡±

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help snorting when she thought that what Empress Dowager Gu did caused all the trouble, ¡°Empress Dowager Gu is ruthless. She even consented to let her daughter, who was under eighteen, marry an old and rude man. What¡¯s more, her daughter became the step-mother when she got married. Xingkang Grand Princess is the daughter of the emperor but unfortunately, her mother is an aggressive woman. I am wondering how she is feeling to have such a mother!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled coldly, ¡°Do you think Xingkang Grand Princess is a poor girl? She is a princess anyway. But how about Changping Princess? She is also the daughter of Empress Dowager. After she married Tang Zimo¡¯s son, Tang Dan, she was even not a Grand Princess!¡±

    Qiu Yn was shocked, ¡°I even did not notice that Tang Dan¡¯s wife is a princess if you did not remind me. Why didn¡¯t she get a title?¡±

    ¡°It is Kuang Shihan who can¡¯t have children, which resulted in Xingkang Grand Princess¡¯s infertility. Changping Princess is fertile, but she gave birth to five daughters. The Tang Family wants a boy. So, they talked with her and wanted to force her to ept her husband to get a concubine... Think about it, Xingkang Grand Princess and Changping Princess, they both the daughters of Empress Dowager Gu, and they are Princesses. Certainly, they would not agree.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang stopped to pick up a cup of tea and sip a mouthful of water. Qiu Yn continued, ¡°I don¡¯t know Changping Princess very well, but Kuang Shihan got many concubines after he married Xingkang Grand Princess.¡±

    ¡°Kuang Shihan is the leader of the Western Army. He is Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s indispensable force to fight against my family. On the surface, Kuang Shihan might respect Xingkang Grand Princess, but that¡¯s not the true story.¡± said Jiang Yashuang coldly, ¡°And Empress Dowager Gu has no another force behind her back except him... True to Empress Dowager¡¯s nature, she would not allow a rife between them to arise because of concubines?¡±

    At the bottom, in Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s mind, her daughter¡¯s lives did not matter as much as her aggression.

    Anyway, it¡¯s not umon that she took her son as the essential condition for her regent. Fortunately, her rival, Empress Jiang and the Jiang Family were also brutal. Or the Jiang Family had been killed just like General Ruan.

    ¡°Well, Changping Princess?¡± said Qiu Yn in confusion, ¡°As Changping Princess did not allow her husband to get concubines and at the same time, Empress Dowager needs the Tang Family, so they deprived of her title as a ¡®grand¡¯?¡± Wasn¡¯t that out of ce? No royal majesty existed at all.

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°In private, Empress Dowager Gu had persuaded Changping Princess to ept her husband to get a concubine. She could get rid of the concubine after the concubine gives birth... But she did not agree to court the Tang Family like that. So, her ¡®grand¡¯ title was removed by my aunt.¡±

    Qiu Yn felt at ease after hearing it, ¡°Oh, I see!¡±

    Out of curiosity, she continued, ¡°I don¡¯t think that her ¡®grand¡¯ title was deprived just because she rejected her husband to get a concubine.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang exined, ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right. Unexpectedly, Changping Princess pushed her mother-inw by ident, which caused Tang Dan¡¯s mother to roll down from the stairs. Fortunately, her mother-inw didn¡¯t get hurt, but people began to think that she was a woman who did not respect the seniors.¡±

    Qiu Yn pursed, ¡°It might not be her. It might be somebody else who did it intentionally.¡± Changping Princess had given birth to five daughters. She must know her mother-inw¡¯s personality.

    They knew that Changping Princess would not ept her husband to get a concubine. Meanwhile, they had to respect her opinion as she was a Princess. Thus, they must have said something which angered her, and her mother-inw fell down the stairs intentionally. One thing led to the other, even if Empress Jiang did not deprive her title, Empress Dowager Gu would persuade her daughter to ept a concubine in order to appease the Tang Family.

    Poor Changping Princess. Her life was screwed up by her mother¡¯s family and mother-inw¡¯s family.

    ¡°Now only the Tang Family knew what¡¯s really going on that day.¡± said Jiang Yashuang. He realized that Qiu Yn must sympathize with Changping Princess. He said, ¡°At that time, Empress Dowager Gu sent many persons into my aunt¡¯s house... My aunt was also angry but she did nothing until she knew what¡¯s going on about Changping Princess. So, one thing leads to the other...¡±

    It turned out she was a vent of other¡¯s anger. Anyone who had such a self-mother would be living in misery!

    Qiu Yn asked with emotion, ¡°Well, how about Tang Dan now?¡±

    ¡°He has three sons but none of them was Changping Princess¡¯s child.¡± said Jiang Yashuang with a smile. ¡°But the children¡¯s mothers have been kicked out of the house. Changping Princess is responsible for raising them.¡±

    ¡°Being a woman sucks in today¡¯s world.¡± said Qiu Yn after a pause. She continued sarcastically, ¡°A girl before getting married has to be busy in chores, embroil and entertaining... Anyway, all things such as lyre-ying, writing, poem, cooking, all things, no matter elegant or vulgar, girls must know. And then, after getting married, she had to serve the whole family members carefully. She must be busy all day and do not allow to be angry. Even so, somebody in the family may be selective about her. The most important to a woman is what, you know, she must be fertile. Even all these she does, her husband may cheat on her! She couldn¡¯t be angry or she was not a virtuous woman if so. She must ept it and not be jealous...¡±

    Hearing her long speech, Jiang Yashuang said sarcastically, ¡°It seems like you have been through all of this. Okay, look at me. I have been tortured by your brother and you for many years. Even so, I am still here, serving you with my heart. If I did something bad, I might be a dead man already. What you described is my life. I am the one who suffered a lot but nobody would like to listen to.¡±

    ¡°Oh, who do you want to hear your story?¡± As expected, Qiu Yn turned to be serious. She grabbed his ear and asked angrily, ¡°Now, I see that you have a close female friend who is willing to listen to you? Tell me, who is she?¡±

 Chapter 144 - Took Our Cats. Lets Go!

    <h4>Chapter 144 Took Our Cats. Let¡¯s Go!</h4>

    Qiu Yn relieved after seeing Jiang Yashuang off, ¡°Jiang Yashuang will keep an eye on Kuang Qingwu. I don¡¯t think he will make big trouble then!¡± After all, Kuang Qingwu was new in the capital. He needed time to get used to the environment despite the support of his father, Kuang Shihan. What¡¯s more, the Jiang Family, in effect, was more influential in the capital than his.

    Her concern about Deng Yi was not urgent as she thought that Jiang Yashuang could cover for her and her brother.

    After arranging everything, she began to ask about the preparedness of the pic.

    After getting what she wanted to know, it dawned on her that Mrs. Li and Mrs. Zhou were considerable maids indeed. Qiu Yn asked them to prepare the stuff and food so that she could have a big meal during the pic. Unexpectedly, they prepared much more than she required in the carriage.

    The reason they prepared much was: ¡°You were invited to be there. Didn¡¯t you share your food with others?¡±

    That made sense. But Qiu Yn knew that this reason was not from ¡°We are good friends¡±. It must stem from ¡°If I lose face, so do you¡±!

    Anyway, as she did not need to worry about those trivial things and she was rich at the same time, she was pleased to leave them to maids.

    When the day came, she woke up earlier than usual for dressing up. They had discussed and concluded what hair type should be today. For this, Chunran even went to the Ruan Family for Ruan Ciyi¡¯s advice as she had been to many big asions for entertaining bigwigs. After thinking carefully, Ruan Ciyi said, ¡°Yn is pretty with beautiful eyes and elegancy... She is only fifteen years old and she will go out withdies who may not like her to be over-dressed. I rmend she dresses like a girl at her age, being cute.¡±

    Qiu Yn summarized her words, ¡°That means to be lovely and cute!¡±

    For this reason, shebed an old fashion hair type with two buns and wore a stylish hairpin brought from the He Shuijin jewelry shop. She wore a narrow-sleeved short jacket of cherry-grass ground darkly embroidered begonia leaves, a lotus-breasted skirt aligning with her chest, which was cut in twelve rags. The dress was rtively wide which could be fluttered easily in the wind, making her extraordinarily petite. Together with the pomegranate crepe in her arms, Mrs. Zhou and Chunran both thought it was perfect in the chorus.

    ¡°That¡¯s because I am pretty in nature!¡± said Qiu Yn, holding a mirror. ¡°I am pretty no matter what I am wearing!¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, you are the prettiest girl in the world.¡± said Mrs. Zhou, looking at her vigorous master. All of a sudden, she felt sad with tears in her eyes. She secretly wiped her eyes and said in a low voice, ¡°What a pity your mother is not here!¡±

    Qiu Yn did not hear what she said. She held up a hairpin and asked, ¡°You mean this one?¡±

    ¡°Yes, this one!¡± Su He and Chen Shui passed her the same hairpin and said to her in the chorus.

    ¡°Good!¡± Mrs. Zhou said, ncing at the hairpin. No time to think more about Princess Ruan, she came forward, ¡°In this season, green is not showy. Yn is young. Golden hairpins are not suitable for her age! The best should be ze and coral hairpins!¡±

    After a friendly discussion, the dress-up was over. She had a good dinner and left Mrs. Zhou as the gatekeeper, and then she, together with Qiu Jinzhu who had been waiting for her long ago, got on the carriage with Chunran, Xiaran, Su He and Chen Shui standing beside the carriage. She also took some old maidservants and guards with her.

    By then, in Jiang¡¯s residence next to hers, there was a line of carriages parked one by one. An old maidservant, looking at the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe expectantly, was waiting for theiring.

    Seeing a carriage escorted by many maids and old maidservantsing from the Prince¡¯s Mansion, she walked forward and said, ¡°Excuse me, is this Commandery Princess Ningyi? Ourdies will be here soon. Please wait here for a while!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay.¡± replied Qiu Yn. She did not know this old maidservant. She guessed it must be Jiang Qizheng who sent her waiting here. Then she raised the curtain and asked, ¡°My sister Qiu Jinzhu also wants to join us, but I hadn¡¯t had time to tell yourdy... Is it okay?¡±

    The old maidservant fully knew that Qiu Yn was the lover of Jiang Yashuang. Thus, Jiang Qizheng mustn¡¯t mind her decision. However, as a servant, she certainly could not decide on behalf of herdy. So, she replied, ¡°I will go and tell mydy about this. Please wait for a moment.¡±

    In a second, He Shuijin, wearing a veil hat, walked toward Qiu Yn with two maids. She said with a smile, ¡°It¡¯s totally okay to bring one. You are wee... Do you just take one? I thought that you would take all girls learning in the school?¡±

    ¡°My Aunt Yang required me to take her.¡± said Qiu Yn. Seeing the carriages parking outside the house, she realized that thedies from the Jiang Family would not leave soon. She invited He Shuijin to get on the carriage, sitting beside her, ¡°It¡¯s my first time to join such an asion. I am even afraid that I will do something rude. How can I take care of others?¡±

    After getting on the carriage, He Shuijin took off the veil hat. She had a falling-off-the-horse bun with a jeweled hairpin looked like a peacock. It¡¯s shining over her head, making her beautiful and vibrant. ¡°You are right...¡± said she after hearing Qiu Yn¡¯s words. ¡°But you should be rxed. We will go to a big ce. Jiang Qizheng nned to separate us into several groups. Girls who can get along with each other will walk together, or they can y by themselves. It will make all of usfortable. The Spring Festival just passed and this is the first time of this year we go out. We should be happy.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t agree with you more.¡± said Qiu Yn. What He Shuijin said was just like Su He advised her. ¡°You know what. I never had a pic before. Jinxiu Slope, good name. It must be a good ce too. I can¡¯t wait to go there.¡±

    ¡°There are many flowers and trees in the Jinxiu Slope. In particr, in these days.¡± said He Shuijin. As having been there at least twice, she was familiar with the ce. ¡°But now is not a full blossom period. It should be in March. The words from poems like ¡®The peach and apricot trees are in full blossom¡¯ were written especially for March!¡±

    Although Qiu Yn focused on pics, she was looking forward to the ce now after hearing her description, ¡°I surely will go there again in March.¡±

    ¡°When the timees, you treat us. Okay?¡± smiled He Shuijin. ¡°As usual, we have several pics in one year. We take turns to treat others from February. This time is Qizheng. How about you take the March turn?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful.¡± said Qiu Yn. She knew that He Shuijin did not intend to make trouble for her. She thought that she could make friends with thedies at the party. She said yes promptly.

    They realized that they were still waiting for somebody while they were talking. Out of curiosity, Qiu Yn asked, ¡°Whichdy are we waiting for now?¡±

    ¡°Everybody is here when I am out talking with you. It is Jiang Qiyun¡¯s Persian cat who ran away.¡± said He Shuijin in a low voice, looking outside. ¡°They are looking for it. Nobody knows when they can find that cat!¡±

    ¡°A Persian cat?¡± asked Qiu Yn in a shock. ¡°Take a cat for a pic?¡±

    ¡°You did not take yours?¡± asked He Shuijin in shock too. ¡°We all take our pets. To have a Persian cat prevails among girls in the capital. The cats also need a break. Qizheng nned to hold a Painting Competition by then. One of the topics is to draw a picture of Persian cats!¡±

    Hearing they would hold a paintingpetition, Qiu Yn got a headache immediately. She said promptly, ¡°I am not good at painting. I think it¡¯s not suitable for me.¡±

    ¡°You also can take your cat with you!¡± said He Shuijin. ¡°You know what, as we all have a cat in our hands but you hold nothing. Do you think it¡¯s appropriate?¡±

    ¡°Su He, you go home and get our Whitey.¡± said Qiu Yn after thinking her words. ¡°Go ande back quickly. We should not let them wait for us after the Persian cat is found.¡±

    He Shuijin smiled, ¡°No need to hurry. If you werete, I could go with you. My carriage driver knows that ce. It doesn¡¯t matter whether we can catch up with them.¡±

    ¡°Whitey is cute, but the name... is funny.¡± said she with a smile.

    ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t take it seriously when I gave a name.¡± said Qiu Yn. She understood that the cats thosedies had had elegant names. Some of them might have a cute name such as ¡°Litchi¡± or ¡°Pinky¡±. The name of ¡°Whitey¡± was a unique one at that time.

    Obviously, He Shuijin was a champion of the mainstream line. So, shemented on the cat¡¯s names. In a second, Su He came back with Whitey. At the same time, a message passed to them that Jiang Qiyun¡¯s cat had been found. They could leave soon.

    ¡°Then I will go to my carriage.¡± said He Shuijin after getting the message.

    Qiu Yn nodded with a smile, getting off the carriage and seeing her off.

    When she turned back to get on her carriage, she saw Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s maid, Tin, running out of her breath from the house with a Persian cat that looked like a Linqing Lion Cat in her arms. They nced at each other for a moment. Tin obviously was a little awkward.

    Qiu Yn thought for a while after meeting her. She asked while she was getting on her carriage, ¡°I think they are watching on us.¡±

    ¡°I was even stopped by them. They asked me where you are going. I told them about the pic as I afraid of making you wait.¡± said Su He. She also ran back and forth to get the cat. Thus, she was also out of health when she said so.

    ¡°If she wants to follow my suit, go ahead!¡± said Qiu Yn, covering her mouth after a pause.

    Moving slowly after the carriages of the Jiang Family, she also saw many other carriages on the road. As usual, the road looked like a wide one, but now it was crowded.

    ¡°Many people are going out today,¡± said Qiu Yn in a shock.

    ¡°Today is not a weekend. I thought there should be not many people outside,¡± said Su He, looking outside. Many carriages and horses were moving forward. ¡°There must be more people at the weekend.¡±

    They were talking about the crowd of people while an argument urred ahead. As they were far from the argument and noise around their carriage, they had no idea what¡¯s going on ahead except to wait for a long time before they could continue moving.

    An old maidservant got the reason for the argument until they were out of the town. She came forward to the carriage and said to Qiu Yn, ¡°At the street corner, our carriages met the Princess Shou¡¯an¡¯s ones, the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang. Both parties wanted to go first. So, they had an argument and the road was blocked.¡±

    Hearing she said the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang when she mentioned Princess Shou¡¯an, Qiu Yn realized that this princess must have a simr status with the Chunfu Princess, Jiang Qizheng. She must be not of royal blood. She got the title because she was favored.

    ¡°So, who won?¡± asked she. In the Jiang Family, Qiu Yn only knew Jiang Qizheng and He Shuijin. She just followed their carriage through the corner. As of it, she did not know who won finally.

    The old maidservant smiled, ¡°Of course, it is Chunfu Princess. Chunfu Princess¡¯s carriage driver is more skilled than Princess Shou¡¯an¡¯s. He ushered his horse to Princess Shou¡¯an¡¯sne. So, Princess Shou¡¯an¡¯s carriage has to follow us. The carriages in the back must be them.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± said Qiu Yn. Then she got a small mirror from Chunran. She reached out of the carriage and looked at the carriage behind from the mirror. Surely enough, there were many carriages behind. ¡°I guess after we arrived at the Jinxiu Slope, we will have things to address!¡± said she with a frown.

    In the past, Princess Shou¡¯an and Chunfu Princess only focused on the business of their houses respectively. But Chunfu Princess¡¯s driver took advantage of his driving skill and shadowed Princess Shou¡¯an¡¯s. Princess Shou¡¯an must revenge.

    Princess Shou¡¯an was right after Qiu Yn¡¯s carriage. She must be nning how to make trouble for them after arriving at the Jinxiu Slope!

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help rubbing her forehead, and said with a sigh, ¡°It will not be a peaceful day for this pic. What...?¡±

 Chapter 145 - The Trouble

    <h4>Chapter 145 The Trouble</h4>

    Qiu Yn was right. Barely had the team led by Jiang Qizheng arrived at the bottom of Jinxiu Slope, several men caught up. They were all riding horses of the same color. The riders in their distinctive armors looked noble and outstanding. Obviously, they were not from an ordinary rich family.

    They galloped all the way to Jiang Qizheng¡¯s carriage before reining.

    Qiu Yn was in the back of the troop. She was screened by horses and carts in the front and did not know how they negotiated. After a while, the riders returned to Princess Shou¡¯an, but the troop of the Jiang Family did not move a bit.

    After another moment, an old maid came to ask thedies to get off and go to the enclosure in the front, ¡°Princess Shou¡¯an is also going to Jinxiu Slope. In order to prevent overcrowding, she proposed a three-roundpetition with our princess. The winner will go to the slope and the loser will go somewhere else. The princess sent me to invite Your Grace for advice.¡±

    Naturally, Qiu Yn wouldn¡¯t refuse. She thought of something before getting off and said to Su He, ¡°Take Whitey.¡±

    Chunran reminded, ¡°Your Grace, this is a wild ce and there are so many people. What if Whitey runs away...¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve got anything to do with this kind of fight. I don¡¯t have any acquaintances except Princess Chunfu and Miss He. They may have to preside over the situation and have no time to be with me. It will be boring to stand there watching. So I can y with Whitey.¡± Qiu Yn thought she was an intern girl who had only been in ss for two years and would never have a chance to be in apetition. Other onlookers might havepanions but she had nothing to say with Qiu Jinzhu. She could release Whitey so that she could chase it and leave the spot in case no one would care about her!

    So she left Chunran and Xiaran to guard the carriage, put on the veil hat, took Su He and Chen Shui, joined Qiu Jinzhu that had been waiting by the cart and walked towards the enclosure together.

    Arriving at the enclosure, they found thick nkets covered on the grass, which served as seats, surrounded with charcoal pots to protect the nobledies from the chill.

    Jiang Qizheng and He Shuijin were sitting opposite to each other at the main seats. Obviously, the circle was in their charge.

    Severaldies were sitting or kneeling around, all of whom were gorgeous and dressed brightly. At the moment, all of them looked gloomy. It was not surprising. They came out in high spirits but were held up in the city. Anyone would feel unhappy in such a situation.

    ¡°Princess Ningyi and Princess Ningtai are here. Please sit down!¡± Seeing Qiu Yne in with Qiu Jinzhu, Jiang Qizheng smiled slightly, pointing to the seats not far from hers.

    Qiu Yn was about to nod when suddenly a young girl with a ck hair bun wearing a yellow shirt and a green skirt turned back and hummed, ¡°Is Princess Ningyi here? We are held up here all because of the trouble you caused. Now Shou¡¯an has proposed a three-roundpetition. What do you think we should do?¡±

    ¡°Cousin, it¡¯s unreasonable of you to say so.¡± Jiang Qizheng¡¯s gloomy face darkened when she heard that. ¡°Shou¡¯an has been fighting with us for a long time. But this is the first time Princess Ningyi has been invited to join us. It has nothing to do with her.¡±

    Hearing what Jiang Qizheng said, Qiu Yn remembered that the young girl with the ck hair bun was Jiang Qiyun, whom she had met only once. She felt very unhappy. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the girls of the Jiang Family? Of the three I have met so far, only Princess Chunfu is kind to me probably because of her brother Jiang Yashuang. The other two are so mean to me. Is it because I have no parents to protect me?¡±

    She kept that in mind and decided to instigate Jiang Yashuang when she went back!

    But that was one thing. In the current situation, Jiang Qiyun apparently did not want to let her off even though she was repressed by Jiang Qizheng, and still said lukewarmly, ¡°It is only the beginning of February. The snow on the northern slope has not yet melted. The date you set for this year¡¯s outing is so early. Gu E¡¯nuo has always been afraid of cold, and she usually goes hiking at the end of February or even early March. She came out so early this year. Who believes she is noting for Princess Ningyi?¡±

    ¡°I think that makes sense.¡± There was no need for Jiang Qizheng to remind this time. Qiu Yn remembered the one who took over the topic was Jiang Qisheng. She was wearing a blue spring blouse today. Her hair bun was falling on one side of her head. Her bright eyes were full of disdain and mockery, ¡°Everyone knows that Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s aunt broke her foot in Pingshan and is on her way back to Jing City day and night for medical treatment! Now Princess Ningyi is still in the mood toe out for an outing. Anyone who is a niece will catch up and demand a reason.¡±

    Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng¡¯s hostility towards Qiu Yn was so obvious that most of the girls in the enclosure who had nned to greet the newly arriveddies no longer had the intention to associate with them. Some were drinking tea while others were talking to the maids. A few of them cast a yful and contemptuous gaze towards Qiu Yn.

    A girl, who seemed to be Qiu Yn¡¯s age, sneered and said, ¡°That Lady Gu just broke her foot. She is not dead for the mourning. Why can¡¯t Princess Ningyie out?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng had sessively attacked Qiu Yn and felt satisfied when they saw everyone was affected. They were dumbfounded at the sudden question. The girl¡¯s tone and wording made them very disgraceful!

    Qiu Yn also felt very surprised. Before the girl spoke, even He Shuijin, the person she was the most familiar with in the enclosure, bowed her head. Obviously, she didn¡¯t want to get involved in it. Only Jiang Qizheng showed her intention to defend her. How could a girl whose name she didn¡¯t even knowe forward?

    She couldn¡¯t help but look carefully at her. She was beautiful and fair-skinned. Her eyebrows were like new moons and her lips red. She was wearing a tusk-colored narrow-sleeved blouse, with the patterns of twisted red peony blooms on the short sleeves, a dark purple fairy skirt and a crabapple red silk shawl. The dark eyes were especially smart, pretty and bright. The whole body was overflowing with the brilliance of the youth.

    ¡°She seems a little familiar...¡± Qiu Yn muttered to herself, ¡°But... I have no impression of her. Did I identally encounter her somewhere? But we are not friends. This is really strange. Who is she?¡±

    Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng had been so aggressive. She had nned to fight back, but the girl suddenly jumped out to take over. Qiu Yn stopped and sat down at her seat, wondering what was going to happen next.

    The girl asked in defiance, ¡°Am I wrong? What do you mean by looking at me like this? Want to bully others by taking advantage of therger number?¡±

    Jiang Qiyun said angrily, ¡°What are you crazy about, Zhuang Man? We are talking about Qiu Yn. Does it have anything to do with you? What do you mean?¡±

    Zhuang Man? Qiu Yn thought of it, and suddenly remembered the Director of Studies Zhuang Mo at the court that year. Sheter learned that the wife of the Great General of North, namely Jiang Yadan, Jiang Qizheng and Jiang Yashuang¡¯s mother, was also surnamed Zhuang. She was Zhuang Mo¡¯s sister.

    Could this be Jiang Yashuang¡¯s Cousin? Was it entrusted by Jiang Yashuang?

    ¡°You are happy to talk about others and I am happy to stand up. It¡¯s none of your business!¡± This Zhuang Man was nothing but the daughter of an official of junior level four, whose family background was much inferior to that of the Jiang Family. But, somehow, she had the courage and refused to give in at all!

    The girls of the Jiang Family, like the boys, had been used to domineering since childhood. How could they stand such provocation?

    Jiang Qiyun dropped the tea bowl and was about to break out when Jiang Qisheng looked at Qiu Yn and sneered, ¡°Can¡¯t you see it? They can¡¯t wait to be a family! I really don¡¯t know how the family educates their children. She is so eager to marry into our family for some unknown reason.¡±

    ¡°Madam Shao of our family school also taught you before.¡± Qiu Yn was not the one who would not fight back. She was mad at the cousins of the Jiang Family but found no chance as Jiang Qizheng and Zhuang Man had sessively shielded her. Now she really couldn¡¯t bear it and interrupted directly. ¡°Don¡¯t me the people who teach you if you can¡¯t learn well. The cleverest housewife can¡¯t cook a meal without rice. The bad material onlyins about the craftsmanship of the worker!¡±

    Everyone in the enclosure was stupefied at her cold words. Qiu Jinzhu even covered her own mouth and looked at her in disbelief. Although Qiu Yn was also distinguished here in terms of title and was only second to Jiang Qizheng, everybody knew that her uncle and aunt didn¡¯t care for her and she even had hatred for her only uncle in the family.

    How did she dare challenge the two who picked on her? Even a princess of the royal family would not dare to neglect them!

    So everyone sighed after the daze, thinking that this girl without the guidance of her elders did not know how to behave. She couldn¡¯t stand being med bydies of the Jiang Family and wanted to put on airs as a princess. But would they respect her?

    Sure enough, Jiang Qiyun couldn¡¯t contain her anger. She stood up and shouted, ¡°How dare you talk to us like this!¡±

    ¡°I forgot to say something just now.¡± Qiu Yn turned a blind eye to her fury and continued coldly. ¡°Although my family has declined in the past years, the backbone of the Qiu Family is still there. I can assure you here that I will never...¡±

    ¡°Jiang Qiyun!¡± Jiang Qizheng, who had nned to smooth things over, was so anxious that she got up, stood in front of Jiang Qiyun and red at her, ¡°You are not wee here. You go out! Go out now!¡±

    Even a fool could understand that if she did not interrupt Qiu Yn, she would swear in public that she wouldpletely break with the Jiang Family and never marry Jiang Yashuang! If Jiang Yashuang was like Jiang Yadan who only wanted your body but didn¡¯t care about your heart, Jiang Qizheng wouldn¡¯t act in such a hurry. But Jiang Yashuang loved Princess Ningyi sincerely. He, who had always been well-behaved, climbed over the wall to please his sweetheart once in a while for the past two years. Who in the family didn¡¯t know that?

    If Qiu Yn were forced by Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng to announce on the outing that she would have no contact with Jiang Yashuang in the future, Jiang Qizheng didn¡¯t know how to exin to his brother after returning!

    Now Jiang Qizheng just wanted to quickly get rid of the two cousins who were making trouble and pacify Qiu Yn!

    Although there was a rift between Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qizheng because of the disfigurement that year, the two still maintained a good rtion in front of others. Jiang Qiyun had never thought that Jiang Qizheng would suddenly break with her. She was stunned for a while, ¡°What did you call me?¡±

    ¡°Go out!¡± One was her brother and the other was her cousin who almost disfigured her. Jiang Qizheng certainly knew who was more important. Shepletely ignored all thedies in the enclosure and shouted with a pale face. ¡°Are you all deaf ?! Get her out of here!¡±

    Jiang Qisheng was dumbfounded, ¡°Cousin, why are you standing by an outsider? Even if she would be on good terms with you in the future...¡±

    ¡°You shut up, too!¡± Jiang Qizheng caught a glimpse of Qiu Yn with the corners of her eyes and found that she frowned, as if to speak again. She shouted at once in the name of an appointed princess, ¡°Believe it or not, if you two dared say one more word, I would notpete with Shou¡¯an today but go directly to the pce and ask for Aunt¡¯s decree!¡±

    ¡°Sister Qiu, you are generous. Don¡¯t bother about such trifles with them...¡± The anxious Jiang Qizheng didn¡¯t know that, at the moment, Qiu Yn, who was listening expressionlessly to He Shuijin¡¯s eagerfort, was thinking, ¡°Very well. Jiang Yashuang indeed has a much higher status in the eyes of Jiang Qizheng than her two psychopathic cousins. Now that Jiang Qizheng has broken with the two, she will definitely speak for me when she goes back to tell the elders what will happen next.

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t mind making things a little bigger, so she bid farewell!

 Chapter 146 - Sabotaged before the Competition

    <h4>Chapter 146 Sabotaged before the Competition</h4>

    How could Jiang Qizheng and He Shuijin let her go?

    Even if it was not for Jiang Yashuang¡¯s sake, now that they had invited her, how could they let her go without climbing Jinxiu Slope? Just now Jiang Qizheng repressed the two cousins with her authority as the princess mainly because she was afraid that they might ruin her brother¡¯s marriage, but she really hated them for not respecting her!

    The two tried every means to beg her to stay but Qiu Yn insisted on leaving.

    Seeing this, plus what was revealed by Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng, the other girls in the enclosure understood what was going on. ¡°She is in love with some young man of the Jiang Family and is recognized by the family.¡±

    It was not hard for them to guess who the young man was. Jiang Qizheng was the most favored of the Jiang Family¡¯s girls. Now she acted so humbly. Who else could it be except her brother Jiang Yashuang, who had the deepest affection with her?

    Because of Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng¡¯s obvious hostility, the girls had decided to keep distance from Qiu Yn even if they didn¡¯t join in the conflict. Seeing Jiang Qizheng¡¯s eagerness at the moment, they were still a little panicked. They had thought the Jiang Family had invited her just to make fun of her. Now they knew there were differences within the Jiang Family and the fourth branch was so sweet to her...

    Fortunately, they did not intervene just now, otherwise Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng would be pleased, but they would have offended Jiang Qizheng, the most favored niece of Empress Jiang. If sheined to the empress, their parents would be in trouble!

    The girls couldn¡¯t help mopping the perspiration from their foreheads.

    At this time, Qiu Yn had moved to the opening of the enclosure. She was wearing a tight face. The bright eyes were foggy now. The slightly trembling long eyshes were obviously unable to hold back her tears. It would be difficult to smooth things over if she really cried!

    Seeing Jiang Qizheng and He Shuijin¡¯s frowning faces, all the girls came forward to help cate Qiu Yn. Zhuang Man¡¯s reason was especially good. She pulled Qiu Yn by the sleeve and said, ¡°Neither Cousin Qizheng nor Sister He is being good. You were invited here but wronged. They deserve to be punished. It¡¯s really unreasonable that they want you to help them save face now. But will you do me a favor for what I said for you just now?¡±

    Zhuang Man indeed unequivocally protected Qiu Yn just now. Even if she was so aggrieved that she was almost about to cry, she still nodded slightly to her with tears in her eyes, ¡°Thank you!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s very kind of you to say that. My father has been praising you since he came back two years ago.¡± Seeing her relieved a bit, Zhuang Man went on, ¡°So I have been longing to see you for a long time. There was an opportunity at Yunyi Restaurant two years ago, but Cousin Qizheng was so mean that she wouldn¡¯t give me a chance!¡±

    While still looking aggrieved, Qiu Yn was studying Jiang Qizheng. Embarrassed by Zhuang Man, she was a bit awkward. But Zhuang Man remained the same. She thought to herself, ¡°So she wasn¡¯t pretending to talk to Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng that way just now. Is she always like this?¡±

    As she expected, Zhuang Man, finding her persuasion did not work, immediately lost her patience, arms akimbo, saying, ¡°I admire you very much thanks to my father¡¯s words! Why are you so disappointing? The two cousins were obviously making trouble on purpose. Now they have already been driven away but you still insist on leaving! It would be a shame for Cousin Qizheng if you left like this. What point is there in doing that? If you still had any brains, you should stay and watch us beat Shou¡¯an, and then climb Jinxiu Slope and have a good time together. And care about theints of Cousin Qizheng back home. Do you want to go or not?¡±

    Qiu Yn almostughed. Miss Zhuang, how do you know me so well? That¡¯s what I think!

    So she showed a touch of shame and hesitation. Jiang Qizheng and others struck while the iron was hot. They pulled her back to her seat. Although it was a chilly spring day, everyone was sweating. However, no one had time toin about this. Because of the incident just now, they had not yet discussed how to deal with thepetition put forward by Princess Shou¡¯an!

    ¡°The first round is the pitch-pot game, the second is painting and the third lyrics. The specific rules and so on will be discussedter.¡± As it was urgent, Jiang Qizheng asked directly, ¡°What do you think?¡±

    ¡°Thest two are weak points for both sides. It makes no difference even if we propose the content, so we don¡¯t have to waste time with them.¡± He Shuijin took over, ¡°As for the specific rules, we will naturally strive for what is good for us.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng went on, ¡°So the question now is, who is going to y?¡±

    Hearing that, everyone in the enclosure was at a loss. There was a deep grievance between the Empress Dowager¡¯s party and that of the Empress. In the circle of nobledies, there had been several fights between Princess Shou¡¯an¡¯s faction and that of Jiang Qizheng, so the old yers knew the strength of the enemy and their own.

    As He Shuijin said, neither side had powerful yers in painting and lyrics.

    Therefore, choosing the candidates was difficult. It was a chance to make a hit if you won. But if you lost, it was a shame for all. Besides, Jiang Qizheng¡¯s group first arrived at the foot of Jinxiu Slope today. If you surrendered the slope, how could the noble and arrogant girls bear it!

    ¡°On Shou¡¯an¡¯s side, Duan Wenji, the niece of Duan Qun, assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice, is good at riding and shooting. She will probably pitch the pot.¡± After a moment of silence, a fair-skinned petite girl said. ¡°No one on our side is as rough as she. I think we¡¯d better change this game.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng nced at Qiu Yn as soon as she finished. She knew that this would-be sister-inw had even killed. She was definitely stronger than Duan Wenji. Jiang Qizheng was just wondering how good she was at the pitch-pot game.

    ¡°It¡¯s not easy to change.¡± Seeing Jiang Qizheng didn¡¯t respond, He Shuijin answered. ¡°They mentioned the shootingpetition between Her Majesty and Concubine Gu that year and asked if there was anyone in the Jiang family now... We insisted on changing into the pot game!¡±

    The petite and slender girl sighed, ¡°The game will definitely be lost.¡±

    Qiu Yn noticed Jiang Qizheng¡¯s gaze. She didn¡¯t want to be driven elsewhere, so she didn¡¯t mind making a contribution. But she had just joined this circle. Besides, she insisted on leaving just now and it would be inappropriate if she suddenly became so enthusiastic. Seeing the disappointment of everyone at the moment, she thought it was an opportunity for self-rmendation, but Zhuang Man said, ¡°I will y the first game. Although I have not learned riding and shooting like Duan Wenji, I¡¯m used to whipping people with a whip. I am good in strength and uracy. If the distance was set a little closer, it¡¯s likely that I would win.¡±

    Gosh! The reason was so odd!

    Qiu Yn silently swallowed her words. As a neer, even if she thought she would definitely win Duan Wenji, it was not suitable for her to stand out now that Zhuang Man said she could win.

    Jiang Qizheng only heard of Qiu Yn¡¯s strength, but she was not sure. Seeing Qiu Yn said nothing after Zhuang Man offered to y, she nodded, ¡°Then the first game is for you. What about the second and the third?¡±

    ¡°I think we¡¯d better decideter.¡± After another moment of silence, the petite girl said again. ¡°We still don¡¯t know if the painting isndscapes or flowers and birds or figures; it¡¯s the same with the lyrics. All of us can do it, but no one stands out. I am better at flowers and birds than Sister He, and Sister He is better at paintingndscapes than me. We might as well first discuss the specific rules with Shou¡¯an and then decide on a person.¡±

    Everyone agreed.

    Jiang Qizheng nodded at the petite girl, ¡°That¡¯s a good idea.¡± After the discussion, she smiled and said, ¡°They picked the content of the contest, so I said we would decide on the spot. I decide topete here. Now that it¡¯s settled, tell them toe over.¡±

    Everyoneughed, ¡°It should be so. Tell the drivers not to make way for them so that they¡¯ll have to walk all the way in the dust!¡±

    ¡°They have veil hats so they may not have to eat the dust. But it is enough for them to walk all the way.¡± Zhuang Man said gloatingly.

    Both sides had inherited the hatred of their parents. The impression had been deeply rooted in their memory since childhood that the other side was bad guy. The girls of the Empress¡¯ party naturally enjoyed watching the misfortune of the other side.

    So Jiang Qizheng sent people to inform Princess Shou¡¯an toe over. People in the enclosure began to scoff at Princess Shou¡¯an and her entourage while they were drinking tea.

    However, the rxed atmosphere disappeared immediately after Princess Shou¡¯an and her entourage arrived.

    It wasn¡¯t that Gu E¡¯nuo, Princess Shou¡¯an, had suddenly got powerful aid. The regr battle of mockery between the two sides was still going on when two maids came into the enclosure with bitter smiles, saluted Jiang Qizheng and said, ¡°Your Highness, the madam has sent someone to ask Lady the fifteenth, Lady the eleventh of the Dou Family and Miss Chang to go back. There seems to be something important!¡±

    ¡°Your Highness, Lady the seventeenth sprained her ankle when getting on the cart just now. It¡¯s hurting badly. Mrs. Qian sent me to ask Lady He and Miss Cheng to go and keeppany with her.¡±

    The maids had sensed Jiang Qizheng¡¯s angry look in the instant, but they had to brace themselves and continue, ¡°And Miss...¡±

    ¡°Five people are gone now. Will Cousin Xin be called away, too?¡± Jiang Qizheng was so angry that sheughed!

    ¡°No...¡± The maid trembled. ¡°Lady the Fifteenth saw that Cousin Xin¡¯s cart didn¡¯t seem to be locked properly, and the Persian cat in it seemed to have run away.¡±

    ¡°Oops!¡± The girl with the surname Xin immediately got up and said anxiously, ¡°Cousin, I have to go and look for it. You know the cat is my cousin¡¯s treasure. So I didn¡¯t dare to leave it at home when I came out. I¡¯ll be back as soon as I find it!¡±

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°When you find it, thepetition will be over!¡± God knew where Jiang Qiyun had kept it!

    Seeing the twodies of the Dou Family hesitantly getting up behind them, He Shuijin also stood up with patience... The enclosure that seemed crowded when Gu E¡¯nuo and her entourage arrived was half empty now. Jiang Qizheng looked livid!

    Contrary to her bad mood at the moment, Gu E¡¯nuo and her people were so happy. They were prepared for the three rounds ofpetition, but had never expected that the Jiang Family¡¯s infighting was open today. The content of the contest had not been discussed, but the people who were most likely to y had been by called away by Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng. It was an obvious help to them!

    Gu E¡¯nuo smiled happily, ¡°Chunfu, do we need topete now? You¡¯d better also pack up and go to keeppany with your cousin. You can send for a doctor on the way back to deal with her foot injury so as to show your affection for her.¡±

    She deliberately stressed the word ¡°affection¡±, which served as another stab at Jiang Qizheng, who looked at the empty seats for a moment and gritted her teeth, ¡°No! They¡¯ve already had people with them... There¡¯s no need for me to join them!¡±

    ¡°Do you still want topete?¡± People on Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s side burst outughing. She pointed to the few people on Jiang Qizheng¡¯s side, ¡°Those who are best at painting and the most talented people on your side are gone. Even if you won the pot game, you would still have to surrender Jinxiu Slope to us.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng said coldly said, ¡°It¡¯s none of your business! In short, do youpete? If you don¡¯t, just get away. Don¡¯t spoil our mood for the outing!¡±

    ¡°Yes, let¡¯spete.¡± Gu E¡¯nuo stopped herughter and said leisurely, ¡°In fact, I know that since you have promised topete, even if you were alone, you would still keep your promise. But to be honest, although we are not on good terms, seeing the few people behind you, I am really...¡±

    ¡°You talk so much nonsense. Are you here to discuss the specific content or to tell stories?¡± Zhuang Man said impatiently. ¡°You are as talkative as an old gossip. Don¡¯t you have chances to talk at home?¡±

    Qiu Yn praised her silently in her heart, ¡°You sharp-tongued girl hit the point with every single word!¡±

 Chapter 147 - The Skill Is Not Enough. The Integrity Can Complete it.

    <h4>Chapter 147 The Skill Is Not Enough. The Integrity Can Complete it.</h4>

    ¡°Zhuang Man, you have to follow the rules.¡± Gu E¡¯nuo was at least the princess canonized by the Empress Dowager. Even without this extra grace, she was also a serious princess. How could she tolerate such a provocation from the daughter of the Fourth-tier official? She sneered and asked Jiang Qizheng, ¡°You need to take care of your cousin when we talk!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng was angry at this moment and said coldly when she heard her words, ¡°Did my cousin wrong? You¡¯ve been here for so long, but you don¡¯t discuss serious things. You talk endlessly here. Do you think we all have nothing to do and listen to your nonsense?¡±

    Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s face darkened and was about to say something. A young girl in magenta skirt behind her smiled and said, ¡°Her Highness Princess Chunfu is afraid that if we chat for a while, even these people will have to go. Will you take three games by yourself?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Gu E¡¯nuo was in a good mood and immediately ignored the impolite words made by Zhuang Man and Jiang Qizheng and said with a smile, ¡°I see. Although we used to talk impolitely when we met in the past, you didn¡¯t rush me as much as you do today. Is that what you¡¯re afraid of?¡±

    ¡°Do we have to call people together to deal with you native chickens and dogs?¡± Zhuang Man¡¯s knife-like mouth shone brightly. She sneered and said, ¡°I can call three people at random and let you back to where youe from. The eighteenth cousin is magnanimous. Considering that you also have a princess title, she takes a few people waiting for you.¡±

    Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s face was full of anger. She wanted to say something, but she was pulled by the previous girl in magenta skirt and said with a smile, ¡°Zhuang Man, you have a hard tongue. In that case, let¡¯s discuss how to start thepetition as soon as possible. Otherwise, how can we go for an outing? It¡¯s time to go home and say hello!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Gu E¡¯nuo woke up that even if she had a big quarrel with Zhuang Man for three hundred rounds, ording to her venomous tongue talent, even if there were more people on her side, she might not have the upper hand, so she might as well start abusing her directly. So she stopped arguing with Zhuang Man for the time being and said with a sneer, ¡°In the first game, we y the pitch-pot game. Wenji goes first on our side. You can set the rules. However, if you asked to put the pot hundreds of feet away, no one could throw it in. You would be shameless! How majestic was Her Majesty when shepared the bow and arrow to my aunt? At least you are the family of Her Majesty, so you can¡¯t y so despicably, do you?¡±

    Jiang Qizheng said expressionlessly, ¡°Ten steps away. Each person has five arrows. Whoever has more arrows in her pot will win.¡±

    ¡°Five Arrows? That¡¯s too little.¡± A girl in blue on Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s side heard what she said, she said with disdain, ¡°ording to etiquette, at least eight arrows are right.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng nced at her and said, ¡°Now it¡¯s up to us to make the rules. If you had to abide by ancient etiquette, you could go home and y by yourself.¡±

    The girl in blue sighed, ¡°I see. You are afraid that your people have insufficient wrist strength to shoot eight arrows. But do you think you can beat me with five arrows?¡±

    Qiu Yn who had been silent all the time took a look at her and thought that she was Duan Wenji. Her skin was a little darker than everyone else probably because she had learned to ride and shoot. Her facial features were pretty, but generally speaking, her beauty was on the low side among the people present at this moment.

    ¡°If I couldn¡¯t win you with five arrows, I would follow your surname.¡± Zhuang Man red at her and sneered, saying, ¡°Do you think you are good after learning to ride and shoot for a few days?¡±

    ¡°You?¡± Duan Wenji was obviously very confident in herself. She nced at Zhuang Man for a few nces. With a giggle, she looked away. The blind people could see her contemptuous look.

    Zhuang Man was furious and was about to say something, but was stopped by Jiang Qizheng¡¯s eyes, ¡°It¡¯s just a contest. Over the years, everyone has lost and won. Why are you so angry? Go and fetch pots and arrows!¡±

    ¡°Chunfu, do you feel sorry for your cousin?¡± Gu E¡¯nuo wouldn¡¯t allow her to break the deadlock like this and said impolitely, ¡°Zhuang Man is betting on herst name. Since she is so angry, what if we y with her?¡±

    Duan Wenji understood it in her mind, ¡°If I lost, I would follow your surname!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng¡¯s face suddenly darkened. Originally, she was not optimistic that Zhuang Man could win Duan Wenji. Duan Wenji learned to ride and shoot. Zhuang Man whipped the servants with a whip. Could they y the pitch-pot game at the same level?

    At first, she promised Zhuang Man to take over this game. Firstly, Zhuang Man asked for thepetition herself. Secondly, they were forced to take this game, and they really couldn¡¯t find a suitable candidate. Thirdly, it was because of Zhuang Man¡¯s temper. There was a good example that even if she lost, she could still scold her to win the momentum.

    As a result, Zhuang Man¡¯s ruthless temper got her into it.

    Jiang Qizheng quickly thought about the countermeasures, but Gu E¡¯nuo had a bad heart to put the situation to death. How did she break this game?

    A momentter, the servants hugged the pots for the pitch-pot game, asked the bodyguard for the arrows and dealt with them, and began to decorate the venue in the enclosure.

    While everyone was retreating and giving way to the middle position, Qiu Yn crept up to Zhuang Man and whispered in her ear.

    Zhuang Man was stunned for a moment, and then her eyes were bright. She turned around happily to say something to Qiu Yn, but was stopped by a gesture of her. She had to restrain her joy and said with a low smile, ¡°Thank youter.¡±

    ¡°Just now you said I was polite?¡± Qiu Yn pursed her lips and said, ¡°Who is an outsider now?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I am wrong.¡± Zhuang Man couldn¡¯t wait to say, ¡°Why isn¡¯t the venue set up yet? I can¡¯t wait to kick Duan Wenji¡¯s ass!¡±

    Her voice was slightly higher, which happened to be heard by Gu E¡¯nuo. A young girl in a goose yellow shirt sneered, ¡°We can¡¯t wait to see Zhuang Mo¡¯s daughter change her surname to Duan. It¡¯s a pity that the Spring Festival is over, or else you can go to the assistant minister Duan to get some lucky money.¡±

    ¡°You have bad intentions when you say that.¡± When it came to bickering, Zhuang Man was a fighter among the girls. She said directly, ¡°Are you indirectly asking Zhuang Wenji for lucky money?¡±

    ¡°We haven¡¯t have thepetition yet, but you¡¯re confident.¡± Hearing what she said, Duan Wenji came over and said slowly, ¡°When you be Duan Man, you can only talk hard for a while.¡±

    The reason why she was not angry was that she had absolute confidence in her own strength.

    Zhuang Man spoke harshly now. In her view, it was like a dying struggle. There was nothing to worry about.

    Qiu Yn looked at the magnanimous Miss Duan with a faint smile, she thought in her mind, ¡°I wonder if you could be so magnanimouster.¡±

    Obviously this was impossible!

    The venue was set up a momentter. Both sides had carefully checked the pots, arrows, and even the red beans in the pot. Zhuang Man volunteered to throw first. Out of trust in Duan Wenji, Gu E¡¯nuo agreed generously with the winner¡¯s unique tolerance for losers. Zhuang Man failed to disappoint them. Two of the five shots were made, and one of them almost rebounded and jumped twice at the mouth of the pot. It took luck to get in.

    Everyone only looked at the rxed face of Duan Wenji who came on the stageter, and knew that the result must have been a tragedy.

    Then, the moment Duan Wenji threw the arrow, Zhuang Man suddenly went over and gave her a big push.

    ¡°What do you mean? Can¡¯t you afford to lose?¡± Duan Wenji was caught off guard, and the arrow was naturally not thrown in. But in this case, Gu E¡¯nuo and others all stood up and red at Zhuang Man.

    ¡°Chunfu, aren¡¯t you going to give me an exnation?¡± Gu E¡¯nuo saw Zhuang Man as if nothing had happened, ring at her fiercely and ming Jiang Qizheng.

    Jiang Qizheng was actually shocked. But from her standpoint, she definitely wanted to protect Zhuang Man. She hadn¡¯te up with a reason yet. Zhuang Man asked leisurely, ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say we set the rules? Did my eighteenth cousin say not to disturb others when ying a pitch-pot game?¡±

    ¡°!!!¡± Not to mention Gu E¡¯nuo, even Jiang Qizheng, except for Zhuang Man and Qiu Yn, all had the impulse to vomit blood. That was right. Jiang Qizheng didn¡¯t say not to interfere with others, but was it need to say? If interference were allowed, it would be better to let the bodyguards fight together rather than ying a pitch-pot game.

    ¡°Do we have to talk about such rules?¡± Gu E¡¯nuo and his people were almost mad. The girl in the Magenta skirt, who had reminded Gu E¡¯nuo for twice and looked like very calm before, shouted with clenched teeth, ¡°Are you shameless?¡±

    Zhuang Mann calmly said, ¡°If you can¡¯t afford to lose, don¡¯t promise anything ¡®you can set the rules¡¯!¡±

    This sentence was no different from a fatal blow at this moment. Everyone on the other side of Gu E¡¯nuo was not good, ¡°You! You are despicable!¡±

    ¡°You are so shameless! You are really shameless! It¡¯s a pity that you are alldies of your families, and you are so shameless.¡±

    ¡°How can we still y this game? Just call the bodyguards for a fight!¡±

    Listening to Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s angry condemnation, Qiu Yn raised the corners of her mouth and smiled silently. Girls, did you think having a good yer was the guarantee of victory? You guys were so naive and young. Under the great unscrupulous strategy, all the opponents who had notpletely given up their integrity were rubbish.

    ¡°Of course, thanks to Miss Zhuang. Her moral integrity is not good either.¡± Qiu Yn looked at Zhuang Man, who was surrounded by the crowd. She lookedcent as if she had defeated herpletely by real strength. This was not right. It was as if she had crushed Duan Wenji. How could she feel a little bit guilty after messing around?

    ¡°She¡¯s a real talent.¡± Qiu Yn sighed heartily.

    It was Zhuang Man. For another person, even if Jiang Qizheng went on by herself, she would rather lose this game than lose face.

    Since Zhuang Man seized Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s sentence of ¡°you can set the rules¡±, even though Jiang Qizheng vomited blood for her ¡°wit¡±, she could not embarrass her own person with Gu E¡¯nuo, so she had to lose her integrity with her. So after quarreling for a long time, Gu E¡¯nuo had to admit that she had lost the game.

    ¡°No one can interfere with the next two games! No interference!¡± Gu E¡¯nuo stressed with a sullen face, ¡°And no more messing around!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng and others saw that she promised to throw in the towel, but she would continue topete. They were unhappy and worried, ¡°She is obviously sure of winning the next two games.¡±

    Sure enough, in the second game, theypeted in painting. Even if Jiang Qizheng chose thendscape that the youngdy Mi Yinyin was best at as a topic, she was still indisputably defeated by a grand ssh inkndscape created by the girl in magenta skirt that was bitten in the ear by Zhuang Man so that Qiu Yn knew that she was Tang Xinyao. Qiu Yn had told Jiang Yashuang about her two days ago, and she was the second daughter of the Changping Princess who was one of the unfortunate descendants of royal families.

    When it came to Mi Yinyin, she was also very tragic. In terms of the true level, she was actually simr to Tang Xinyao. The problem was that her psychological quality on the spot was too poor.

    A few words of surprise came out one after another from the opponent, which immediately messed her up. Even if Jiang Qizheng and others couldn¡¯t helpforting her, she still couldn¡¯t draw well, which made Jiang Qizheng feel a little regret that she didn¡¯t draw it in person. Although the level of her normal painting was not much higher than the one that Min Yinyin made a mistake.

    After losing this game, Mi Yinyin dared not to raise her head and kept whispering apologies. But Jiang Qizheng and others really did not me her. All the people including Empress¡¯s people here who hated Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng the most. In fact, the people who painted best on their side were actually He Shuijin and thedy, Xin Fubing.

    If Gu E¡¯nuo didn¡¯t see that the opponent was weak and deliberately hid their strength, any one of He Shuijin and Xin Fubing could easily win this game here. In that case, they no longer needed topete in the third game. The Jinxiu Slope must be Jiang Qizheng¡¯s side today.

    ¡°It¡¯s time for the third game.¡± Gu E¡¯nuo made aeback. Unlike the resentment on everyone¡¯s face just now, she was in the mood to smile, ¡°So...¡± Before she finished her words, a maid suddenly came in outside the enclosure and announced after the salute, ¡°The second youngdy of the Xue Family and Miss Nongqing are also going to Jinxiu Slope for an outing. Their carriage is blocked by our team. They are waiting to see you outside.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng was stupefied and said, ¡°Then tell our people to make way for them.¡± She didn¡¯t finish her words, but she found the yful expression of Gu E¡¯nuo and others. Her heart suddenly sank.

    In the third game, theypeted in filling in the words. No one on both sides was good at it, so even if Zhuang Man lost her integrity to win the first game, Jiang Qizheng didn¡¯t think there was no hope on her side in the third game. However, Xue Fangmi, the second youngdy of the Xue family, was known as the first talented woman in the Jing City.

 Chapter 148 - Win Aggressively

    <h4>Chapter 148 Win Aggressively</h4>

    Sure enough, Xue Fangmi and Xue Nongqing were invited here in a momentter. Xue Fangmi, who came in first, wore an ethereal crimson skirt with white silk on her arms, dressed up brightly, and smiled before saying words, ¡°I heard that you are having apetition here. I¡¯m curious and want to join the fun. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s all right.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Gu E¡¯nuo agreed before she finished her words, ¡°It¡¯s fun when there are many people.¡± She squinted at Jiang Qizheng, ¡°Chunfu, what do you think?¡±

    Jiang Qizheng said with a sullen face, ¡°Okay. When we finish the game, we will find two people topete with Miss Xue Fangmi.

    ¡°Chunfu, it¡¯s boring for you to say that.¡± Gu E¡¯nuo said leisurely, ¡°Wee out for an outing, not for apetition. You see that the sun has risen so high. We don¡¯t even go up the Jinxiu Slope. How long will the gamest? Why don¡¯t you just let Miss Xue Fangmi join us?¡±

    Zhuang Man sneered and said, ¡°No wonder you want topete in filling in the words, it turns out that you prepared Xue Fangmi as an external assistance a long time ago? When does the Prime Minister Xue get together with the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang? This is really...¡±

    ¡°Miss Zhuang, don¡¯t talk nonsense.¡± Xue Fangmi med, ¡°When we have apetition between womenfolks, why does it have anything to do with the elders? I never ask what happened imperial government. Does Miss Zhuang always care about the imperial government when you are at home?¡± Without waiting for Zhuang Man to answer, she turned her eyes to Qiu Yn, ¡°This youngdy is very strange. I don¡¯t know who she is.¡±

    Qiu Yn was worried about not having a chance to trouble her. After hearing her words, she immediately opened the domineering Commandery Princess mode and said indifferently, ¡°Who is the youngdy?¡±

    ¡°She is the Commandery Princess Ningyi of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe!¡± Zhuang Man sneered and said, ¡°Do you think she doesn¡¯t have a title like you?¡±

    Xue Fangmi frowned, and then smiled again, ¡°The Commandery Princess Ningyi, you have just finished your mourning period. Is it the first time toe out today? We haven¡¯t met before, so don¡¯t me...¡±

    ¡°Who is she?¡± She hadn¡¯t finished her exnation, Qiu Yn suddenly turned her head and asked Zhuang Man, ¡°Listen to what you meant. She¡¯s not a princess or a Commandery Princess. Why doesn¡¯t she salute me?¡±

    Zhuang Man told the truth, ¡°I think she looks down on you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡± Xue Nongqing hastened to salute Qiu Yn after hearing what she said, saying, ¡°How can we be disrespectful to Your Grace? It¡¯s really...¡± She hesitated for a while to find the right words, ¡°It is Your Grace who is so beautiful that we are so stunned, and we don¡¯te to our senses.¡±

    It was good for her not to say this. As soon as she said this, Xue Fangmi was angrier, ¡°Jiang Yashuang took a fancy to this face. Is that why he refused to get married?¡± Two yearster, she was still unmarried.

    Although this was because Xuesun resented her for ruining Xue Nongqing¡¯s marriage, and she refused to let her marry as her daughter did not find a suitable person. If it had not been for Qiu Yn, she might have been the 19th youngdy of the Jiang family.

    So she didn¡¯t want to salute Qiu Yn. She simply helped her forehead and said, ¡°Oops. Look at my body. I just walked a few more steps, but it turns out to be...¡±

    ¡°Aunt, are you okay?¡± The simple Xue Nongqing believed it and hurriedly helped her to sit down on the nearby nket. She asked with concern, ¡°Are you tired?¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered in her heart. She frowned and asked Xue Nongqing, ¡°Miss Nongqing, how is your aunt¡¯s journey?¡±

    Xue Nongqing said, ¡°Good, but now...¡±

    ¡°You can see that Miss Xue Fangmi, her cheeks are flushed. Her face is white, and she is short of breath. ording to the medical books, it seems to be a heart attack, right?¡± Qiu Yn said seriously, ¡°How could shee out for an outing if she had this kind of disease? This could lead to sudden death.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Xue Nongqing was startled and nervous, ¡°Auntie has always been fine. How could this happen?¡±

    Zhuang Man added, ¡°She¡¯s probably afraid you¡¯re worried. But Miss Xue, if you have a disease, you have to treat it. Are you afraid of treatment?¡±

    ¡°How can you do this, my little Aunt?¡± The simplicity of Xue Nongqing was that she didn¡¯t doubt people at all. Hearing what Qiu Yn and Zhuang Man said again and again as if it were true, her tears immediately fell, ¡°Let¡¯s hurry back to the Jing City. I¡¯ll get you the best doctor...¡±

    Xue Fangmi, who was pretending to be weak and expected her to cheat on her behalf, was almost angry to death. Fortunately, her real ally was Gu E¡¯nuo today. Duan Wenji came out at this time, saying, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi, you should be careful what you say. A woman¡¯s health involves marriage. You talk such nonsense. If the Xue family knew it, they would not forgive you easily.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense if you study less.¡± Qiu Yn sneered. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe it, go home and look through the medical books.¡±

    Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s face was gloomy, ¡°Today, everyone here has flushed cheeks and has snow-white skin. All the people put on rouge after putting on the powder. Commandery Princess Ningyi, don¡¯t you have eyes?¡±

    ¡°But the others don¡¯t say they are not feeling well.¡± Qiu Yn swept her hairs on the temples as if nothing had happened and smiled sweetly at her, ¡°As you heard it just now, Miss Xue Fangmi used to be in good health, but now she is suddenly not well... ording to reason, everyone just walked here, right? Is everybody tired? No! All of us are the rich and youngdies. Why is Miss Xue Fangmi¡¯s health so poor? Apparently she has a hidden disease! I am also afraid that if she kept it a secret for a long time, her illness would be more and more difficult to treat. In the end, it is the Xue family who will feel sorry for her.¡±

    ¡°My youngdy just got upte this morning, and she didn¡¯t have breakfast because she asked Miss Nongqing to go out with her.¡± At this moment, the maid, Xi Zhi, behind Xue Fangmi said, ¡°She has eaten a piece of cake and felt better at this time.¡±

    Xue Fangmi wiped the corners of her mouth with a veil and smiled apologetically at the people around her, ¡°It¡¯s my fault. I scared you.¡± She looked at Qiu Yn again, ¡°My body is not sick. I often ask the doctor to feel my pulse. As we all know, the medical profession is profound. The Commandery Princess Ningyi, how many medical books have you read? Isn¡¯t it unkind of you to scare my niece with such nonsense?¡±

    Qiu Yn slowly said, ¡°I am not familiar with you. How do I know your face is all made of powder? How do I know you don¡¯t care about seeing a doctor? I know that Miss Nongqing in your family is a kind person. In case you¡¯re sick and you don¡¯t tell her, if you had an ident here today and asked Miss Nongqing to worry for you, you would bully honest person too much, wouldn¡¯t you?¡±

    Her words were intended to annoy Xue Fangmi, but the servant Xuesun arranged for Xue Nongqing frowned, ¡°That is right. She is in good health and suddenly feels ufortable. Later, she might have to tell the master with Nan,ining that the eldestdy doesn¡¯t care about her!¡± When she thought about it, she kept it in mind and decided to go back to please Xuesun. Anyway, everyone knew that Xuesun hated her aunt. She wanted to have a reason to torture her.

    After hearing what she said, Xue Fangmi was angry for a while. She almost burst into abuse.

    It happened that Qiu Yn wasn¡¯t angry. She turned her head and said to Jiang Qizheng, ¡°Let¡¯s go up the Jinxiu Slope quickly? It¡¯s gettingte.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng thought of the countermeasure at this time and said, ¡°Since Shou¡¯an, you have invited Miss Xue Fangmi to help you, we are not without help.¡± She ordered, ¡°Go back to the Jing City and invite Madam Shao. Compared with a weak woman like Xue Fangmi who had a powerful family and a father to rely on, Shao Yuemei was really wise and talented.

    ¡°Go back to the Jing City to invite someone?¡± Gu E¡¯nuo frowned, ¡°Why don¡¯t we all go back? How long do we have to wait?¡±

    Qiu Yn suddenly said, ¡°In fact, you don¡¯t have to go back to the Jing City to invite her.¡± She smiled and dragged Jiang Qizheng to the corner to talk, ¡°Xue Fangmi enjoys undeserved fame. She is no big deal. In my eyes, she is just a country chicken or a dog. She has nothing to be afraid of. Only her identity gives me a headache.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng said in shock, ¡°You said Xue Fangmi has nothing to fear. Although her ranking as the most talented woman in the Jing City is a bit fake, she can also be regarded as one of the most talented women of our generation of noble girls.¡± Jiang Qizheng might not be sure of the rest of her, but her literary talent... She had been Shao Yuemei¡¯s apprentice for two years. Couldn¡¯t she see that? She was no big deal.

    ¡°It¡¯s useless for her to be the most talented woman in Darui.¡± Qiu Yn sneered. She was already familiar with the 300 Chinese Poems and Yuan verse. Only one or two talented women or men were rubbish.

    After confidently ensuring that she could win, she discussed with Jiang Qizheng, ¡°Ask Xue Nongqing toe to our sideter, okay?¡±

    ¡°Are you worried that if youpete directly with Xue Fangmi, it will affect your cousin?¡± Jiang Qizheng said clearly, ¡°It is no problem. I haven¡¯t heard that the Prime Minister Xue¡¯s position has changed recently. If Xue Fangmi did this today, I don¡¯t know if she would be beaten to death by the Prime Minister Xue when she goes back. Instead, if we asked Xue Nongqing toe to our side, the Prime Minister Xue would not be so embarrassed.¡±

    ¡°I guess Xue Fangmi thinks the same way, but we don¡¯t give her a chance to talk it first.¡± Qiu Yn winked at her, ¡°For the past two years, she has been disciplined by Mrs. Sun, the mother of Xue Nongqing. I can expect Mrs. Sun to owe me a favor.¡± Xue Chang gave his daughter to his wife for discipline before. Hepletely gave her power, but in this way, she still got into trouble. Xuesun must bear the responsibility for poor discipline.

    Qiu Yn first proposed to ask Xue Nongqing toe over, so that Gu E¡¯nuo and Jiang Qizheng had Xue Family¡¯s people on both sides. Xue Chang would not be suspected of being biased towards the Empress Dowager Party. Not only Mrs. Sun, but also Xue Chang himself should thank it.

    Jiang Qizheng understood, ¡°I guarantee that the Xue Family will know that you came up with this idea.¡± Anyway, the Xue Family would not be grateful to the Jiang Family. It would be better to give Qiu Yn a face and send a favor to Ruan Qingyan.

    After they had negotiated, Jiang Qizheng asked for business, ¡°Since you have to y this game, you are obviously prepared... But I don¡¯t know what you have prepared, so that I can tell them the rules.¡±

    Qiu Yn said with a smile, ¡°Anyway, we can win. Why don¡¯t we win aggressively?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Jiang Qizheng was stupefied.

    ¡°Let them choose the topic.¡± Qiu Yn said, ¡°Let¡¯s just have the rhyme with no word limit.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng was shocked. She looked behind her and said in her ear, ¡°Is it Ruan Chunjun who wrote some wonderful words for you to memorize?¡±

    Qiu Yn was speechless for a while, ¡°Am I that kind of person?¡± Jiang Qizheng suspected that her literary talent was not good just now, but she agreed to let her y the game without much opposition. She didn¡¯t think that she had been hiding her strength, but that she could rely on Ruan Qingyan.

    Jiang Qizheng had no time to apologize and asked, ¡°Then how do you win Xue Fangmi?¡±

    ¡°Can you win her?¡± Qiu Yn said without waiting for her answer, ¡°I don¡¯t have time to tell you the details at this time, so just trust me for once, okay? This is my first outing out of the Jing City. I definitely don¡¯t want to be driven back in frustration.¡± How did I win? Did I have to tell you that I have a good memory? I still remembered the words I memorized in my previous life, and then I had to rely on these memories to crush Xue Fangmi.

    Jiang Qizheng looked at her suspiciously for a while, saying, ¡°Okay. But it doesn¡¯t matter if you lose. Don¡¯t use the Ruan Chunjun¡¯s poems that have been spread to the outside.¡±

    So she still suspected that Qiu Yn¡¯s confidence in victory came from Ruan Qingyan, who was 18 years old when he passed the Metropolitan Exam.

    Qiu Yn spit blood secretly. She didn¡¯t bother to tell her more and said, ¡°I see. Go and tell them the rules. You can speak aggressively.¡±

    Although she told her again and again, it was a pity that Jiang Qizheng was worried that she would lose. Not only did she dere war so insipidly, but she even gave her enough dignity. It just sounded like ack of strength.

 Chapter 149 - The Immortal at Magpie Bridge Knocked the Door

    <h4>Chapter 149 The Immortal at Magpie Bridge Knocked the Door</h4>

    ¡°You want Qing to go to your side? Actually, that¡¯s what I had thought.¡± Listening to the words of Jiang Qizheng thinking about defeat before winning, Gu E¡¯nuoughed heartily together with the other people. Xue Fangmi nced at her niece and said lightly, ¡°In this case, Qing, go over there. Your literary talent is actually quite good. Do weigh your words carefully! If you could beat me, I would ask for something good for you in front of my father!¡±

    Xue Nongqing was stunned and said, ¡°Me?¡±

    Seeing Jiang Qizheng beckoning to ask her to go there, she was very nervous, ¡°I can¡¯tpose a poem to a given tune, which must be a piece of cake of my aunt...¡±

    ¡°Stay here and take it easy, we just asked you to cheer for us.¡± Zhuang Man patted her on the shoulder. ¡°Our trump card is Sister Qiu.¡±

    Since Qiu Yn taught her to use the tactics against moral integrity to defeat Duan Wenji, their rtionship had developed by leaps and bounds. And after discussing about the age, they had begun to call each other elder and younger sisters.

    Xue Nongqing let out a sigh of relief, but then she nervously reminded her, ¡°My aunt is very good atposing a poem to a given tune!¡±

    ¡°No matter how excellent she is, can she be as remarkable as my sister Qiu?¡± Zhuang Man was different from Jiang Qizheng. Her previous understanding of Qiu Yn entirely arose from the praise of her father Zhuang Mo after the two imperial court assemblies. Although Zhuang Mo did not say that Qiu Yn was a talented girl, Zhuang Man believed she must have true skill and genuine knowledge because she saw thepetitor colluding with Xue Fangmi, and Qiu Yn dared to guarantee that she would win.

    So what she should do at present was to fool Xue Nongqing, ¡°You should really be afraid that your youngest aunt can¡¯t afford to lose. If sheined to your grandfather, Ruan Chunjun would be incriminated by her!¡±

    Xue Nongqing remembered what had happened two years ago. Although she wasn¡¯t the one who did that thing, she blushed at the moment and said awkwardly, ¡°It... no, it¡¯s unlikely to happen.¡±

    Zhuang Man certainly wouldn¡¯t believe such kind of guarantee, but her words had been targeted for her maid instead of her, ¡°I¡¯ve always been straightforward, so I hope you won¡¯t mind if I speak bluntly. I think your youngest aunt was too mean for this matter today. It ismon for us to fight with Gu E¡¯nuo, but Xue family never got involved with our family affairs before. Now your aunt not only interfered with this matter herself, but also implicated you into it... If Prime Minister Xue didn¡¯t really n to go to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang for shelter, do you believe that you wouldn¡¯t escape the punishment of family rules when you go back home today?¡±

    Xue Nongqing thought her words were reasonable. But driven by her nature, she didn¡¯t want to speak ill of the seniors. So she didn¡¯t know how to reply, though she tried to open her mouth to say something.

    Fortunately, the maid behind her answered, ¡°Our lord has no contacts with Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang. Our youngdy has understood Miss Zhuang¡¯s reminder. After getting back home, she will definitely tell the truth to our lord and first madam.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not that kind.¡± Hinted by Jiang Qizheng, Zhuang Man smiled sluggishly at the moment and said, ¡°Miss Nongqing and I are not familiar with each other, so why should I say such thankless words to remind you? It was Sister Qiu who specifically begged me to tell you since she still remembered that Mrs. Sun took you to mourn her grandfather¡¯s death.¡±

    ¡°We maids will also tell the first madam about the kindness of Commandery Princess Ningyi.¡± The maid promised after understanding her meaning.

    Zhuang Min nodded with satisfaction, and she didn¡¯t say anything more after winking at Qiu Yn as a hint of ¡°OK¡±.

    By this time, Gu E¡¯nuo had chosen the topic, ¡°Let¡¯s take Double Seventh Festival (ancient Chinese Valentine¡¯s Day) as the topic!¡±

    ¡°Double Seventh Festival?¡± Jiang Qizheng was stunned. It was only early spring. Why was the topic directed to autumn abruptly?

    ¡°You¡¯re right, that¡¯s exactly Double Seventh Festival.¡± Seeing the surprise shown on their faces, all the members on Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s side smiled proudly, even if Ruan Qingyan had prepared all kinds of contextual words such as responding with a poem and ying a drinkers¡¯ wager game for her cousin¡¯s trip today, he would never expect that their topics were totally irrelevant to the current season, flowers, trees or environment....

    In addition, they also deliberately set this festival so as to prevent Qiu Yn from seeing Ruan Qingyan¡¯s old works about autumn love in private. There was also a reason for this: Ruan Qingyan has been in filial piety for the past two years, so he broke up with those prostitutes who had had an affair with him before.

    ording to the evaluation of Ruan Qingyan by Xue Chang and Duke of Guangyang, this guy was very cautious and would never ruin his entire life for restraining himself in only twenty-seven months. So during the period of observing mourning for his parent, even if he wrote something just for idleness, he would not write about the ancient Valentine¡¯s Day in order not to be impeached by his political opponents!

    As for what he had written before observing the mourning, they would have been sent out a long time ago with the amorous nature of Ruan Qingyan. If Qiu Yn dared to copy them, her reputation would be just ruined!

    However, Qiu Yn had picked up the writing brush just after Gu E¡¯nuo and her followers werecent for a short while, when the maids had just rubbed an ink stick on the b since Xue Fangmi, who had already known the topic in advance was still making a draft in mind at the table!

    ¡°Is she pretending to do that?¡± Seeing Xue Fangmi was still thinking, Gu E¡¯nuo and her followers sneered, ¡°Does she think she can write first if she holds the writing brush first?¡±

    ¡°Maybe she was going to wrote something messy?¡±

    ¡°At least, she¡¯s a Commandery Princess, does she know nothing about the type of ssical Chinese poetry?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily the case. As the saying goes, ¡°rotten wood cannot be carved¡±. If everyone could be a talent with a wise teacher, then there would have been too many talents in the world.¡±

    At first, Jiang Qizheng was worried that having a quarrel with them would disturb Qiu Yn¡¯s flow of thoughts in writing. Seeing that their mockery bing even more excessive, she was about to fight back. At this time, she saw Qiu Yn dip the writing brush with ink and write as fast as possible without even stopping to think!

    Seeing her writing speed, the expressions of Gu E¡¯nuo and her followers changed at once, among which the first few guys even stood up forgetting about, forgetting about their courtesy. The girls on Jiang Qizheng¡¯s side were also stunned, ¡°Even if she has an agile imagination. Isn¡¯t that too agile?¡±

    One can¡¯t write a poem as fast as she does even if he copies others¡¯ works! It must be a proficiency in memorization that equips her with this speed!

    ¡°It seems that she was frightened by our words.¡± It was natural for Gu E¡¯nuo and her followers to think that she couldn¡¯t write any good works so quickly. Thus they joyfully teased, ¡°So she deliberately wrote so quickly to frighten us.¡±

    ¡°It would really scare us if she was able topose a poem right now.¡± Tang Xinyao smiled faintly. ¡°It¡¯s a pity that there appears only one talent like that for so many years. Is it something that ordinary people can have?¡±

    After a short while, Qiu Yn threw the writing brush and left the table to make room for the audience to see ¡°her¡± poem.

    Clouds float like works of art, stars shoot with grief at heart. Across the Milky Way the Cowherd meets the Maid.

    When autumn¡¯s golden wind embraces Dew of Jade, all the love scenes on earth, however many, fade.

    This tender love flows like a stream, their happy date seems but a dream. How can they bear a separate homeward way?

    If love between both sides canst for ages, why need they stay together night and day?

    There was a dead silence in the enclosure. Qiu Yn admired the jaw-dropping look of these audiences with a big smile, ¡°The masterpiece of Qin Guan (a famous ancient Chinese poet) has been a ssic abusively quoted by innumerable posterity! Not to mention you, Xue Fangmi, even the top poets of Darui might be crushed if they just give y to their average level!¡±

    I¡¯m good at throwing away my moral integrity. Who¡¯s going to fight an intellectual battle with you?

    She looked at the distance in a leisurely manner, ¡°Miss Xue, I¡¯ve already finished writing. Why don¡¯t you start writing? Do you want us to wait for you here for ten days or a half month?¡±

    Meanwhile, Zhuang Man offered an ingenious assistance, ¡°Bravo! Bravo! How marvelous it is! Not only every word is a pearl of wisdom, but the epigraph of name is also closely linked to the title ¡°Immortals at the Magpie Bridge¡±! Using such a poem to deal with Xue Fangmi is absolutely breaking a fly on the wheel! From my perspective, it is enough to be spread forever, serving as a good story for theter generations. Ah, what a pity! In the future, when the posterity mentions this poem, they would certainly talk about today¡¯spetition so that Xue Fangmi would be remembered, too. What a pity! How can she match it with her level?¡±

    Xue Fangmi had just picked up the writing brush and wrote down the epigraph of name. Looking at the three words ¡°Green Jade Table¡± on the far right side of the rice paper, her face changed at once. Then she took a deep breath, dropped the writing brush, and force her way through the crowd with a livid face, ¡°I want to see how marvelous Commandery Princess Ningyi¡¯s poem is. Is it so wonderful that you guys can¡¯t wait to make a noise before I finish writing?¡±

    The silent teammates of Gu E¡¯nuo got out of the way one after another.

    Such a silent and frustrating scene made Xue Fangmi¡¯s heart sink down!

    It is likely that Gu E¡¯nuo and her followers could pick bones from eggs! Unless that was an impable work, it was impossible for them to be speechless!

    Holding down the fear in her heart forcefully, Xue Fangmi went to the front of the table. But her face changed as soon as she nced at it!

    She was known as the most talented woman in the capital city. Though she might not be matchless, her ability couldn¡¯t be denied. How couldn¡¯t she understand that this poem of ¡°Immortal at the Magpie Bridge¡± was actually something out of her reach?

    Even her father Xue Chang was unable to write such a poem, let alone her! After all, Xue Chang wasn¡¯t good at poetry, though he had passed the Metropolitan Exam in his early years!

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you aren¡¯t the author!¡± Xue Fangmi just regained her consciousness after staring at the table for quite a long time. Ignoring Zhuang Man¡¯s cynicism, she looked at Qiu Yn like a duck in a thunderstorm and said with a sneer, ¡°After two years of hard-working, Ruan Chunjun¡¯s poetry has just improved little by little. ¡±

    Before Xue Fang finished her words, Qiu Yn suddenly took a few steps, grabbed the ¡°Immortal at the Magpie Bridge¡± and pped her on the face heavily!

    ¡°You are such a fool, does your own mother know?¡± It¡¯s so rare to get such a chance to fight back. Qiu Yn gave full y to her strength and pped Xue Fangmi¡¯s face through the rice paper so heavily that it looked like a pig¡¯s head. Ignoring the dumbfounded expression of other people, including Jiang Qizheng, she said in a cold tone, ¡°Take this poem back to submit to Prime Minister Xue. He is my cousin¡¯s mentor who knows my cousin¡¯s ability best. Ask him whether it¡¯s my cousin¡¯s work!¡±

    Zhuang Man stopped Xue Nongqing, who wanted to go up to check Xue Fangmi¡¯s injury, and said with a sneer, ¡°Miss Nongqing, do you think your aunt has been wronged? Sister Qiu is helping your family!¡±

    Xue Nongqing¡¯s maid also held herdy¡¯s sleeve tightly and whispered to her, ¡°My youngdy, Miss Zhuang is right. Two years ago, your aunt once humiliated young master Ruan in public without any reason. As a result, our lord was busy rushing from one to another to deal with the trouble she brought! Even young master Sun had been running with her for a long time to put an end to that matter! Now she implicates young master Ruan into this matter again... That¡¯s the poem about Double Seventh Festival! Young master Ruan hasn¡¯t finished mourning for his parent¡¯s death yet!¡±

    Now the Xue families present who had just regain their consciousness, including Xue Fangmi¡¯s trusted subordinate, were all praying that this poem must be written by Qiu Yn!

    In that case, Xue Fangmi could be regarded as a narrow-minded girl at most. If it was proved that Ruan Qingyan was the real writer, then what should Xue Chang do in the official circle if his own daughter revealed his students wrote such an amorous poem during the mourning period, which was the taboo between master and apprentice!

    ¡°What a fool Xue Fangmi is! Even if you think so, do you need to say it yourself? It doesn¡¯t matter if we doubt it, but Ruan Chunjun is the student of your own father! If he really wrote something that he shouldn¡¯t have written during the mourning period, he should just be punished in private ording to the rules. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Xue had to cover up this matter for him in public to show the rtionship between master and apprentice!¡±

    After being beaten, Xue Fangmi¡¯s face showed only hatred and no fear. Seeing this, Gu E¡¯nuo couldn¡¯t help being disappointed. ¡°Now even if this poem was really written by Ruan Chunjun, Prime Minister Xue would have to try his best to prove that it was written by Qiu Yn!¡±

    To be used of not disciplining his teenage daughter well, or not holding on his political morality? Was it necessary for him to spare any time to think about which one was more important?

 Chapter 150 - Did You Know That Truth Should Be Brought Into Light.

    <h4>Chapter 150 Did You Know That Truth Should Be Brought Into Light.</h4>

    After keeping silent in the enclosure for a while, Gu E¡¯nuo was going to talk something. But Jiang Qizheng, whose face was livid, pounded the table and stood up, saying, ¡°Miss Xue, please behave yourself! After all, you are the daughter of Prime Minister Xue. Even if you don¡¯t care about your own dignity, you should leave some dignity for your father at least!¡±

    Chunfu Princess was really angry now!

    At first, when she saw Qiu Yn write the poem so quickly, she also thought that the majority of this poem had been written by Ruan Qingyan. However, when she saw thest sentence, ¡°If love between both sides canst for ages, why need they stay together night and day?¡± Jiang Qizheng suddenly understood, ¡°Isn¡¯t this a portrayal of the rtionship between her and Yashuang in the past two years?¡±

    Because she had still been observing the mourning, they couldn¡¯t contact each other openly, let alone building a formal rtionship. Even if Jiang Yashuang would climb over the wall secretly at night to have a date with her, he had to do his homework, serve the seniors, and interact with his peers... Even though he had some free time, Qiu Yn had to avoid the time when somebody else was there... Were there any passionate lovers who didn¡¯t expect to stay together all the time?

    But Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t have such a chance! So far, Qiu Yn had been bearing the name of Deng Family¡¯s expectant daughter-inw.

    ¡°After all, she and Yashuang love each other so deeply!¡± Jiang Qizheng felt that she had understood, ¡°Even if ¡®The beautiful dating is as short as a dream¡¯, they still firmly believed that their love couldst forever!¡±

    So Jiang Qizheng not only firmly believed that this poem was written by Qiu Yn, but also thought that Shao Yuemei had identified her talent mistakenly over the past two years, ¡°In fact, she is so good at poetry! Obviously, she has been keeping her literary thoughts in mind for a long time, but has rarely written them on the paper. If it hadn¡¯t been for the topic of Double Seventh Festival, which Shou¡¯an happened to choose, I guess I wouldn¡¯t have seen such a good poem! And it must be collected by Yashuang as a treasure so that nobody would know it!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng, who had made up a story in her mind, was eager to go up and p Xue Fangmi in the face, ¡°This poem was written by my expectant sister-inw for my younger brother for two years! How could you say such a meaningful poem was written by someone else!¡±

    Xue Fangmi covered her swollen face and said vaguely, ¡°Get that...¡±

    ¡°Although I¡¯ve been living in the capital city for so many years, I didn¡¯t know that such a talented woman has been hidden in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe!¡± Gu E¡¯nuo motioned to her to withdraw and apply something to her face. But she looked at Qiu Yn with a meaningful look, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for my ignorance!¡±

    Qiu Yn pretended to be virtuous, ¡°For a woman like me, the most important things are morality, appearance, needlework and demeanor. The so-called talent is just a pastime, which is no big deal at all.¡±

    She said these words just to avoid trouble. After all, no matter how many cheating channels she had, they would be used up one day. So they must be used in emergencies like today.

    But from the perspective of others, she was more sophisticated than modest.

    ¡°She was so clever that she firstly talked about morality, appearance, needlework and demeanor.¡± Gu E¡¯nuo frowns for some time. This kind of answer was so omnipotent that she was unable to get the goods on her. After all, even if the Empress Dowager Gu and the Empress Jiang, who had vited the doctrines on ancient books about women¡¯s virtues for too many times, would keep saying that women should give priority to ICBC, ¡°I had thought she was highly conceited for defeating Xue Fangmi, the so-called most talented woman in the capital city... But I didn¡¯t expect that she showed no weakness in public. No wonder my aunt insisted on taking her as the daughter-inw!¡±

    Not to mention Mrs. Gu, she herself began to cherish the talent now. Then she slowed down her tone and said, ¡°I¡¯ve heard from my aunt that you are a talented, beautiful, considerate and courteous person, and it turns out that¡¯s really the case today.¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned. And Jiang Qizheng also smelt a rat, so she interposed, ¡°If Miss Xue does not continue to write, then this game?¡±

    ¡°Miss Xue is not feeling well now, so she certainly can¡¯t write.¡± Gu E¡¯nuo said calmly, ¡°You win this game, we¡¯ll go right away!¡±

    ¡°Then I won¡¯t apany you guys to the door.¡± Jiang Qizheng went up and took Qiu Yn¡¯s arm, ¡°Sister Qiu,e on, let¡¯s have a chat over here!¡±

    ¡°Please wait a minute!¡± Gu E¡¯nuo stood up, looked at Qiu Yn sharply, and said, ¡°Although you haven¡¯t got married yet, your identity in this family has been decided a long time ago. Since it¡¯s not convenient for you toe out, we haven¡¯t seen each other before. Now that we meet unexpectedly today, why don¡¯t we have a talk?¡±

    Ignoring Jiang Qizheng¡¯s furious re, she just began to introduce herself, ¡°I am your eldest cousin in Gu Family, canonized as Princess Shou¡¯an, and my maiden name is E¡¯nuo; this is your second cousin, Jing¡¯an Commandery Princess, whose maiden name is Gu Pingting; and this is your second cousin from Tang Family, whose maiden name is Tang Xinyao...¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, I am very grateful to your kindness.¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want to be treated as her cousin¡¯s sister-inw, so she interrupted, ¡°But my family name is still Qiu.¡±

    Of course, Jiang Qizheng could not sit back to watch Gu E¡¯nuo and her followers discuss her sister-inw about her engagement. So she immediately said, ¡°Since you admit defeat, you¡¯d better leave quickly. Are you not convinced that Sister Qiu has won the external assistance you invited, or are you jealous of her opportunity to visit Jinxiu Slope?¡±

    Zhuang Man also seconded, ¡°I didn¡¯t see you guys so kind just now, but you now im to be her rtives?¡±

    Gu E¡¯nuo ignored them but still looked at Qiu Yn, ¡°If you want to visit Jinxiu Slope today, it doesn¡¯t matter if you don¡¯t go with us. Later, I...¡±

    ¡°Ah! Commandery Princess, there¡¯s something bad. Whitey ran out!¡± Suddenly Su He cried in a low voice, pointing to the corner of the enclosure. And all the people present just saw a snow-white Persian cat shed for a while. Qiu Yn took advantage of the opportunity to pretend to act as Xin Fubing, and said solemnly, ¡°You are so careless! Don¡¯t you know it is my sweetheart?¡±

    Then she raised her skirt and chased it out without saying goodbye to others!

    Su He and Chen Shui followed closely. When they go out from the enclosure, Su He smiled proudly, ¡°Is your maid well-behaved?¡±

    ¡°Good girl!¡± Qiu Yn tweaked her cheek and said with a smile, ¡°But where is Whitey? Don¡¯t really let it get lost! I don¡¯t care too much about it, but you¡¯re going to die of heartache, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Whitey is very clever! How could it get lost?¡± Su He said confidently, ¡°It must go back to our carriage and ask Sister Chunran for some food.¡±

    Hearing her words, Qiu Yn was relieved and walked behind the enclosure with two maids for a long time. Estimating that Gu E¡¯nuo must have been sent off, she walked on the road at ease.

    Jiang Qizheng was ordering her servants to pack up things. When she saw Qiu Yn hade back, she hurriedly came over and said, ¡°Gu E¡¯nuo and her followers have gone, and I have asked Sister Mi to send your sister, Commandery Princess Ningtai, back to the carriage. You could also go there, and we¡¯ll set off right away.¡±

    Then she asked with a smile, ¡°Is it a pleasure to give Xue Fangmi a hard blow with your own hands?¡±

    ¡°It will be a real pleasure when Prime Minister Xue and Mrs. Sun thank me for this.¡± Qiu Yn answered with a smile.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about this. I have asked Zhuang Man to use the excuse that Miss Nongqing of the Xue Family had joined us, she should have gone to the slope together with us now that we had won. In this way, I forced Miss Nongqing to stay, but sent one of her bodyguards back to deliver a message.¡± Jiang Qizheng said with a smile, ¡°Riding a horse is faster than taking a carriage. Besides, Xue Fangmi has been disciplined by Mrs. Sun for the past two years. I¡¯m sure Mrs. Sun will be happy to tell Prime Minister Xue what his beloved youngest daughter has done!¡±

    Qiu Yn understood, ¡°Miss Nongqing of Xue Family is so gentle and kind-hearted that she isn¡¯t like Xue Fangmi¡¯s niece at all.¡±

    ¡°She is a sensible person, but she is so soft-hearted that she is very worried about the wound on Xue Fangmi¡¯s face.¡± Jiang Qizheng said expressively, ¡°You¡¯ll have to persuade herter.¡± The girl who is so easy to fool is Mrs. Sun¡¯s own daughter. As long as she coaxes her to her own side, does she need to be afraid that no one in the Xue Family will help her exin to Xue Chang?

    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll go back to the carriage right now.¡± Qiu Yn said with a smile.

    Unexpectedly, just as she walked to her carriage, a woman with a veil hat suddenly got out of Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s carriage at the back. From her dress, it was Gu E¡¯nuo who had left before!

    ¡°Your Highness?¡± How could Qiu Yn not know that she was waiting for herself in Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s carriage? She could not help ring at Qiu Jinzhu, who followed her out of the carriage.

    But now Qiu Jinzhu was also wearing a veil hat, so she could not see her expression. And she just stood behind Gu E¡¯nuo silently with a little uneasiness.

    Gu E¡¯nuo smilingly looked at the Persian cat, who poked its head out of the carriage after hearing its owner¡¯s voice. She didn¡¯t say why she was waiting here, but said, ¡°I just heard that its name is Whitey?¡±

    Qiu Yn said lightly, ¡°Right!¡±

    ¡°I also have a Persian cat, whose whole body is white except the yellow tail. It should be about the same age as yours. I just didn¡¯t take it out of the carriage and had asked my servants to watch it there.¡± Gu E¡¯nuo curled up the corner of her mouth, ¡°At the beginning, it was really painstaking for me to give it a name. But I do not have any literary talent, so finally I casually came up with a name ¡°silver ingot¡± for it.

    Qiu Yn was confused about her intention, so she said perfunctorily, ¡°It¡¯s just a pet! It doesn¡¯t matter what you call it, as long as it can relieve your boredom.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m wondering why you name the Persian cat so casually. After all, you¡¯re able to write, ¡®When autumn¡¯s Golden Wind embraces Dew of Jade, all the love scenes on earth, however many, fade.¡¯ and ¡®If love between both sides canst for ages, why need they stay together night and day?¡¯ Why?¡± Gu E¡¯nuo said with a smile, ¡°Whitey... This name is really not like a name called by you!¡±

    ¡°What do you want to say is not that the Persian cat¡¯s name is not like the one called by me, but that the poem ¡®The Immortal at the Magpie Bridge¡¯ was not written by me, don¡¯t you?¡± Qiu Yn said bluntly, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter to tell you the truth, this Persian cat was given to me by Young Earl Ling, just shortly after I was asked by Her Majesty that my uncle disobeyed the old Princess¡¯s order and respected Lu as Madame. At that time, many people talked about my grandfather¡¯s unkindness and my mother¡¯s concealment of the truth. Moreover, they suspected that my mother and I had deliberately turned against my uncle. Thus I hoped the truth about the matter coulde to light, giving the justice back to my ancestors! Then I gave it this name. Guessing the truth from the perspective of literary talent, you would certainly think it was not elegant enough. But in my opinion, it stood for all kinds of helplessness and sorrow that I had at that time, and I will never forget it in this life!¡±

    ¡°Do you want to find faults with me from the details? Do you think it¡¯s the first day for me to talk nonsense when I¡¯m awake?¡± Qiu Yn thought.

    Gu E¡¯nuo really had nothing to say, so she forced a smile, ¡°You think too much, I was just a little curious.¡± After meditating for a moment, she said, ¡°We have a poem meeting in two days, can you...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not really interested in poetry.¡± Qiu Yn interrupted, ¡°Princess Shou¡¯an should have asked my cousin, right? Usually, I don¡¯t write poems.¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu bowed her head guiltily. It was obvious that she just hadn¡¯t told Gu E¡¯nuo anything about Qiu Yn.

    Gu E¡¯nuo paused for a while and said with a smile, ¡°Well, we seem to have some misunderstanding about each other today because of Xue Fangmi. Anyway, we are all in the capital city now, and you have finished your mourning, we¡¯ll have plenty of opportunities to contact with each other in the future.¡±

    ¡°Not necessarily. I don¡¯t have a good temper, so I don¡¯t have many friends.¡± Qiu Yn refused her impolitely.

    Gu E¡¯nuo replied, ¡°Why do you say so absolutely? Everything is unpredictable, isn¡¯t it?¡± She turned around and took a step forward. Seeing that Qiu Yn had stepped on the shaft of the carriage, she suddenly looked back and said, ¡°I¡¯ve known which Persian cat Ling Zui had given to you. As expected, it didn¡¯t die of illness, but was given to you, right?¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned and asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°The pure white Persian cat with the eyes of mandarin ducks is the rarest of all breeds. And there was only one in the several batches of Persian cats of the Tao Family that year.¡± Gu E¡¯nuo said with a faint smile, ¡°Originally, my cousin Princess Changping had already ordered this one, but a few dayster the Tao Family sent a message into the pce, telling her that it had died young. Therefore, she had to choose another cat, which has a white body, ck tail and a ck forehead. For the past two years, she has been wanting a pure white one, but this wish has never been realized.¡±

    ¡°No wonder when I casually asked for a white cat at that time, Ling Zui asked further if I wanted a pure white one. I remember that he seemed to hesitate for a moment.¡± Qiu Yn thought, ¡°Maybe he thought that I wanted a pure white with the eyes like mandarin ducks. So it seems that my cousin didn¡¯t make friends with him for nothing, he snatched the Persian cat that had been ordered by the princess for my sake, which is out of my expectation.¡±

    ¡°Princess Changping doesn¡¯t have a good temper, so you should be careful.¡± Leaving these words as half a threat and half a reminder, Gu E¡¯nuo just swaggered off.

    As the biological child of the emperor, Princess Changping was the real descendant of the royal family. And her biological mother was the favored concubine surnamed Gu, who was the cousin of Noble Consort. The point is that her biological mother had a difficultbor when she was born, so she was raised by Empress Dowager Gu. Thus she had been the only royal heir in the pce who dared topete with Princess Yongfu.

    ¡°So what?¡± Qiu Yn was not worried, ¡°No matter how she dares topete with Princess Yongfu, she can¡¯t do whatever she wants with Empress Jiang¡¯s presence. As long as she had a good reason, she was not afraid of not being able to deal with her!¡±

    However, she was more worried about Ling Zui now, ¡°I hope he won¡¯t be incriminated by me.¡± So she beckoned a housekeeper and ordered him to hurry back to the capital city to send a message to the Residence of Earl of Jingchuan.

    Unexpectedly, before the housekeeper had gotten on the horse, there had been someone riding towards them in the distance. Although his clothes were bright shining, he wasn¡¯t like a servant of the Gu Family. Perhaps he knew Qiu Yn was the master from her dress, when he came close to them, he greeted her clenched fist at the chest, eximing, ¡°Your Grace, I am a housekeeper of the Mansion of Duke of Huainan. Our Princess, Concubine and Commandery Princess want to visit Jinxiu Slope, but they heard the servants of Gu Family say that this ce only belongs to the Jiang Family today. So they want to know if that¡¯s really the case.¡±

 Chapter 151 - Scheme Emerging

    <h4>Chapter 151 Scheme Emerging</h4>

    Hearing the news, Jiang Qizheng exploded with anger, ¡°What a good Gu Family! They lost the game but they remember to make up things against us!¡±

    Because thepetition was over, He Shuijin finally got the chance toe back from Jiang Qisheng. Sheforted her, ¡°Luckily, Duchess of Huainan didn¡¯t believe it at once but sent a servant to check it with us.¡±

    ¡°Duchess of Huainan didn¡¯t believe it, but others may,¡± Jiang Qizheng frowned. ¡°Many people may be cheated and spread that we are peremptory when theye back.¡±

    Zhuang Man didn¡¯t care, ¡°Just rumors! You don¡¯t need to exin to those who like to believe rumors.¡±

    ¡°That makes sense.¡± The main reason why Jiang Qizheng was angry was that they were set up by Gu E¡¯nuo. As for Jiang Family¡¯s reputation of being peremptory, it was already well-known.

    He Shuijin smiled and said, ¡°Thanks to Yn, we can continue our outing!¡±

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t invite me, I must be boring at home.¡± Qiu Yn said politely. ¡°We have been down here for a while. What about going up the hill and chat?¡±

    Jinxiu Slope was not a mountain so it was not high. There were roads built and the carriages could go straight to the top. In He Shuijin¡¯s words, ¡°The road close to the top has the best view. We¡¯d better get off the carriage there and see it.¡±

    As a result, except for Jiang Qisheng who imed a foot injury, everybody got off the carriage and walked slowly.

    The road underfoot was built with bluestones and it wound like ripples. The stones were covered with green moss and looked quaint.

    On both sides of the road, there were peach, plum, pear and apricot trees. Though not in full bloom, some flowers fell with the wind, which proved He Shuijin¡¯s good rmendation.

    When the girls arrived at the top, they picked an open space with the most beautiful blossoms, started to set up an enclosure and roll out the mat, and then took out fruits and cakes, pen and ink, musical instruments like zheng(Chinese piano) and flutes.

    Qiu Yn walked around and found that although Jinxiu Slope was not high, the top of it was wide like an enormous tform. When the trees were in full bloom and thousands of people came here, it would not seem too crowded.

    In this age, thousands of people were a big sum.

    ¡°Yn, shall we go and see Duchess of Huainan?¡± Jiang Qizheng came when she walked to a peach tree. ¡°And ask her what the Gu Family told her by the way.¡±

    ¡°Has Duchess of Huainan reached the top?¡± Qiu Yn asked.

    ¡°They are arranging things now.¡± Jiang Qizheng pointed to a ce in a distance, but with the flower trees, one could hardly see anything. ¡°We are not familiar with Duke of Huainan¡¯s family, but Commandery Princess Lihui is lively and I¡¯ve met her on several asions and had some nice chat.

    Hearing the name of ¡°Commandery Princess Lihui¡±, Qiu Yn looked at Qiu Jinzhu who had been following her everywhere, ¡°I remember you also know Commandery Princess Lihui?¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu had no idea how Qiu Yn would do to her for the fact that she had hidden Gu E¡¯nuo and ratted, so she said carefully, ¡°Every year on her birthday I went to Mansion of Duke of Huainan to give my congrattions.¡± Then she added, ¡°I invited her too on my birthdays, butst year she didn¡¯te.¡±

    ¡°Kang Lizhang became her father¡¯s concubine. How could she be happy?¡± Qiu Yn sneered in her mind and didn¡¯t say it out in front of Jiang Qizheng. She just said, ¡°Then you can follow us.¡± Qiu Jinzhu feared she couldn¡¯t stay close to her, while she couldn¡¯t feel relieved to see Qiu Jinzhu out of her sight!

    So Jiang Qizheng called He Shuijin and left Zhuang Man here in charge. The four girls went to Duchess of Huainan.

    When they arrived, they saw the enclosure hadn¡¯t been set up but there were seats for Duchess of Huainan andpany to rest.

    ¡°Here you are.¡± Duchess of Huainan saw Jiang Qizheng and stood up as they were of the same rank. ¡°I just said that I would go and thank you with my daughter after a break.¡±

    After greeting each other, they took the seat. Jiang Qizheng smiled, ¡°No need to thank us. No one owns this Jinxiu Slope, but Shou¡¯an insisted onpeting with us and said the loser should leave. It had nothing to do with others. If you didn¡¯t send your servant to ask us, we wouldn¡¯t know she was such a sore loser.¡±

    Duke of Huainan¡¯s family also belonged to the neutral party. But in view of Duke of Huainan¡¯s special status, they were not so close to Xue Chang and didn¡¯t treat him as the party leader. Thus they were pretty carefree and didn¡¯t need to distance themselves from the Gu Family in front of Jiang Qizheng. Now Duchess of Huainan smiled and said, ¡°She¡¯s young and likely to have a temper. We don¡¯t oftene out so we wanted to know what exactly was going on before we went back with disappointment.¡±

    Senior concubine Mo said, ¡°We heard about Chunfu Princess¡¯s personality and know Your Grace is not that kind of peremptory girl.¡±

    After they chatted for a while, Chu Yitong, Commandery Princess Lihui, suddenly said, ¡°Thisdy is unfamiliar to me. Are you Commandery Princess Ningyi from Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe?¡±

    ¡°Yes, my name is Yn.¡± Qiu Yn nodded. ¡°Nice to see you, sister Lihui!¡±

    ¡°Nice to see you.¡± Chu Yitong smiled. ¡°My name is Yitong. I have heard from Mistress Kang that you are a beauty and as I see you today, I find she was being too modest on that.¡±

    Both Jiang Qizheng and He Shuijin didn¡¯t know Kang Lizhang became Duke of Huainan¡¯s concubine. After all, Kang Lizhang was not even an official¡¯s daughter, which meant she was not at the same level as them. Besides, she was just a concubine and there was no need to pay attention to a concubine.

    Hearing suddenly from Chu Yitong that a concubine praised Qiu Yn, they thought she was taunting her on purpose and both their face darkened.

    ¡°Why did a concubine mention me?¡± Qiu Yn smiled. ¡°My uncle...¡± She nced at the girl in a colorful dress standing behind Duchess of Huainan and shut up significantly.

    If a daughter from an ordinary family became a concubine, her family would feel shame, let alone a niece of Duke of Xihe?

    Especially two years ago, two girls from the Yang Family had sex before getting married. Even now Qiu Jinzhu was called the cousin of Yang Yishi and Yang Yifu. What¡¯s worse, after only less than one year, Kang Lizhang chose to be a concubine, which made Qiu Mengmin and his wife furious and they imed to disown this descending niece.

    That was whyst time Kang Lizhang had to sneak to tell Qiu Yn some clues of the missing industries of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. If the guard knew the servant was sent by Kang Lizhang, he wouldn¡¯t let the servant in.

    At the moment, Qiu Yn referred to this concubine thing, Duchess of Huainan coughed lightly and said, ¡°Yitong, watch your words.¡±

    Then she said, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi, don¡¯t mind her. She¡¯s spoiled by me and often says something without careful thought. She doesn¡¯t mean anything.¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°Never mind.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng and He Shuijin realized there was something behind, but it was not convenient to ask now, so they stood up and asked permission to leave.

    Duchess of Huainan and the senior concubine gave some insignificant words and then let Chu Yitong see them off on behalf of Duchess.

    As soon as she went out of the sight of Duchess of Huainan, Chu Yitong took Qiu Yn¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Don¡¯t mind me mentioning Mistress Kang. Do you know why my mother and I came to Jinxiu Slope on such a cold day, especially when my mother is old? It was because of Mistress Kang!¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned for a moment, ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°She said she wanted to meet you but was afraid that with the status gap, you wouldn¡¯t see her. So she asked us toe with her and cover for her.¡± Chu Yitong sneered. ¡°In my opinion, you should ignore her. She used to be the daughter of a good family, liked by Duke of Xihe, and grew up in his mansion, but she decided to be my father¡¯s concubine! It was right for you and your uncle to cut off the rtions with her!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng and He Shuijin was surprised, ¡°It turns out that Mistress Kang is your cousin Kang Lizhang? Howe she became a concubine?¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°I have no idea.¡± She lowered her voice, ¡°Actually I know, but it¡¯s not proper for me to tell.¡±

    Chu Yitong was thinking about ways against Kang Lizhang, so she would love to listen. She held her arm tight right away, ¡°Yn, I want to tell you something, but please don¡¯t be angry. I heard that Mistress Kang¡¯s mother, your aunt, once nearly beat you to death! You are a Commandery Princess, while what is Qiu Yuqing? As they say, like mother like daughter. How can my mother not be bothered by her in our mansion? You see how old my mother is, so could you help us, at least for the sake of my filial piety to my mother?¡±

    Hearing it, Qiu Yn looked at Qiu Jinzhu.

    Others saw it and it clicked. Chu Yitong said immediately, ¡°That¡¯s impossible. Princess Yang did dislike her, but would she force her to be a concubine?¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu was nervous and said, ¡°That¡¯s nonsense! At that time, she and her mother disappeared suddenly and my parents sent people to look for them. But finally, when we heard the news, she had already moved into your mansion!¡±

    She and Chu Yitong knew each other for years and she felt wronged now, ¡°I intended to exin it to you on my birthday, but you didn¡¯t show up.¡±

    Chu Yitong was stunned and sighed, ¡°You didn¡¯t know how hard my mother¡¯s life turned after Mistress Kang came....¡±

    ¡°My parents announced that they disowned her!¡± Qiu Jinzhu argued. ¡°If she said something about my family, then she would be making it up!¡± She couldn¡¯t helpining, ¡°How could your father agree to let you and your mothere here with her to see her cousin! Who is her cousin?¡±

    Chu Yitong said weakly, ¡°My father is old and old people are often willful... Well, never mind. She was so confident and I thought it was because you also wanted to meet her!¡±

    ¡°If we did, she shouldn¡¯t have feared that we would refuse to talk with her for her status.¡± Qiu Yn exposed her lie calmly.

    Chu Yitong was embarrassed, ¡°Alright, she said she feared the noble girls you hang out with would despise her. I guess she was afraid that the same thing happened again when she came to our mansion with Jinzhu and was scolded by my cousin from my father¡¯s side.¡±

    ¡°Now that it is clear, just let it go.¡± Jiang Qizheng concluded. ¡°The enclosure is almost done and Zhuang Man may be worried about us as we¡¯ve been here for so long.¡±

    ¡°OK.¡± Chu Yitong nodded and said sorry again. ¡°Please forgive me if I said something offensive.¡±

    ¡°Never mind.¡± Qiu Yn said offhandedly. She took Qiu Jinzhu together and said goodbye.

    After Chu Yitong was out of sight, Jiang Qizheng asked, ¡°What does Kang Lizhang want?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know either.¡± Qiu Yn thought it was abnormal for Kang Lizhang to do this. Then she thought Qiu Jinzhu was also up to something in this trip. Are they aiming at the same thing? It¡¯s very possible! Though she didn¡¯t care about the missing industries, Qiu Mengmin and Kang Lizhang did.

    ¡°Do both of them think I know where it is?¡± Qiu Yn sneered in her mind. ¡°If Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t tell me, I would still not know it. Let¡¯s see how you are going to find it!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng saw she was silent after a short response and deemed she didn¡¯t want to tell, so she stopped asking further. She said, ¡°If you don¡¯t want them to bother you so often, shall I ask my aunt to keep them off for you?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t bother Her Majesty for such a trivial thing!¡± Qiu Yn hurried to decline. If it involved Empress Jiang, a trivial thing would be a big one.

    As they chatted, they arrived at their ce and the enclosure was set up. All the carriages were parked in the shade and all was arranged well.

    Yet Zhuang Man and other girls were not resting in the enclosure or waiting for them at the outside, but quarreling with a bunch of people, ¡°Open your eyes and see. Do I need money aspensation? I won¡¯t let it go if that bastard is still alive!¡±

    ¡°Youngdy, your Persian cat is only frightened, but our mastiff is borrowed from my friend and it is valuable to him...¡± That was a man¡¯s voice neither too fast nor too slow which sounded like a spring in the mountain. He was interrupted by a man behind him, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi? Is she your friend? Can you exin it for us?¡±

    Qiu Yn felt that spring-voice man looked familiar. Then she looked to the man who was talking to her and found it was Qiu Feng dressed like a schr!

 Chapter 152 - Show the Culinary Talents for the First Time

    <h4>Chapter 152 Show the Culinary Talents for the First Time</h4>

    ¡°Mas...¡± before Qiu Yn could say the word ¡°master¡±, she saw Qiu Feng shaking his head towards her. She corrected herself knowingly, ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    Qiu Feng said vaguely, ¡°We are having an outing today. However, the mastiff we borrowed from Young Earl Ling ran wild identally. The mastiff got here and startled thedy¡¯s Persian cat. Then...¡±

    If Jiang Qizheng or He Shuijin were here, they would forgive them after they apologized. However, these two who had a good temper went to visit Duchess of Huainan. Zhuang Man who didn¡¯t even take Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng seriously was left here to be in charge. How could she forgive them so easily?

    However, although Zhuang Man was peremptory, she was nice to her own gang. Without Qiu Yn asking, she approached and said, ¡°Yn, you know them? Then never mind. Qizheng, Moxue was so scared of their mastiff that it went up a tree and refused toe down no matter what. The maids are trying to calm it down now.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng was stunned and then said, ¡°Just a cat. It will get better soon.¡±

    She didn¡¯t have time to care about her pet. She was more interested in Qiu Feng who was in front of her. He was neither refined nor elegant like Ruan Qingyan nor was he handsome or wless like Jiang Yashuang. But he was kind of good-looking. Especially as a famous master, he had this bold and uninhibited attitude. He couldn¡¯t hide it even he was dressed like a schr.

    ¡°We are all wearing veil hats right now. But he identified Qiu Yn immediately. What¡¯s their connection?¡± Jiang Qizheng felt that Qiu Feng could be considered as a threat to her brother judging by his look and bearing. She asked withposure, ¡°Yn, they are?¡±

    Qiu Yn sensed the suspicion in Jiang Qizheng¡¯s tone and then said, ¡°This is my cousin¡¯s close friend. As for the rest...¡± she remembered the handsome man with a mountain spring like clear voice was Xun Yuxi who Ruan Qingyan once selected to be her husband.

    However, she had met Xun Yuxi. But Xun Yuxi never met her. Of course, she couldn¡¯t admit that she knew him.

    Qiu Feng answered instead, ¡°I¡¯m He Feng. Ruan Qingyan and I are sworn brothers. This is Xun Yuxi and that is Li Xuan. We are having an outing today. However, our mastiff startled your pet because of our negligence...¡± he made a few apologies, Jiang Qizheng kept saying it was okay. Meanwhile, she med Zhuang Man for making a fuss. And then she let them go.

    Seeing this, Xun Yuxi who was negotiating nicely and Li Xuan who was silent were both relieved. No one wanted to offend Jiang Family for this kind of trivial matter.

    After Qiu Feng and the others left, Jiang Qizheng asked everyone to sit inside the enclosure. Meanwhile, she tipped He Shuijin with a wink. They grew up together. They could understand each other without talking.

    After a while, Jiang Qizheng was talking andughing with Zhuang Man and others. He Shuijin sat in front of Qiu Yn quietly. She talked about something else for a while and then asked with a smile, ¡°Will He Feng take the imperial examination in spring next year? Judging by his look, he is a schr?¡±

    Qiu Yn knew He Shuijin¡¯s purpose clearly. So, she said tly, ¡°I don¡¯t know his title or if he is interested in taking the exam.¡±

    He Shuijin didn¡¯t believe that she wasn¡¯t familiar with Qiu Feng. The veil of Qiu Yn¡¯s veil hat was down to her chest. And her clothes were obviously new. No one could identify her through her clothes. If they weren¡¯t familiar with each other, how could he identify her immediately?

    Of course, he could identify her through the maids who didn¡¯t wear veil hats. However, Qiu Feng looked at Qiu Yn directly. He didn¡¯t even look at Su He and Chen Shui!

    After some thoughts, He Shuijin said again, ¡°Really? I have a distant cousin. She is like your age. Her mother is too unwell to go out. So, she entrusted her daughter¡¯s marriage to me... He Feng is quite good-looking.¡±

    Qiu Yn knew that He Shuijin¡¯s real purpose was to learn more about Qiu Feng. So, she said tly, ¡°Oh.¡±

    He Shuijin frowned a bit and was about to say something. Zhuang Man and Xue Nongqing approached holding arms, ¡°Yn, it¡¯s your first time at Jinxiu Slope. You haven¡¯t seen the Liuhua Waterfall at the back, right? Come on. We¡¯ll take you!¡±

    Qiu Yn and He Shuijin were in a stalemate. Hearing that, she was happy that she could be off the hook, ¡°Really? That¡¯s so wonderful.¡±

    After Qiu Yn, Zhuang Man and Xue Nongqing putting on their veil hats and going out, Jiang Qizheng approached and exined to He Shuijin, ¡°I just found it suspicious. They may not know each other that well. Since she doesn¡¯t want to say anything, if we kept pushing her and it turns out there was nothing going on, it would be awkward.¡±

    He Shuijin nced at her, ¡°She has already got my implication. And she was not happy. I suppose there is nothing going on. Otherwise, she won¡¯t be so confident.¡±

    ¡°Eh. Let¡¯s tell Yashuang about it when we go back.¡± Jiang Qizheng was a little worried, ¡°It really is that birds of a feather flock together. My brothers always have something for me to worry about. Although the one Yashuang likes is a girl, she still makes me worry.¡±

    While they were worried, Zhuang Man, Xue Nongqing and Qiu Yn were enjoying the view.

    Zhuang Man and Xue Nongqing knew Jinxiu Slope very well. They took Qiu Yn to all the beautiful sites. After enjoying the views along the way, it was almost past lunchtime when they arrived at the waterfall with flowers floating on it which fell down from the hillock like a silver chain at the back of the slope.

    Zhuang Man asked her maids to take out the lunch box, ¡°The hot-water bottle is keeping it warm. Let me see if it¡¯s still warm. I hope so. Otherwise, it won¡¯t taste good.¡±

    She instructed her maids to put the dishes on the felt. When she turned around, she saw Qiu Yn standing near the waterfall. Qiu Yn was staring at the fishes in the water as if deep in thought.

    ¡°What do you think? The view is nice, right?¡± Zhuang Man asked with a smile, ¡°There aren¡¯t so many flowers at this moment. So, there aren¡¯t so many flowers floating on the waterfall. The water will be covered by floating flowers in March. If someone didn¡¯t know this, he might mistake it for flower bed and step in it. Of course, it will hardly happen. Because it will be crowded with people here by then.¡±

    Before her voice had died away, Qiu Yn raised her hand. Zhuang Man saw her holding two cobblestones which she picked up near the waterfall. Zhuang Man was wondering why she picked the cobblestones up. Then she saw Qiu Yn throwing them out. After sshing sounds, two unlucky fishes floated up with their bellies turning upside down. Other fishes scattered at once!

    Zhuang Man gawked at her and saw her bending over to pick up the fishes casually. She weighed the fishes in her hands expertly and then smiled at Zhuang Man, ¡°Sister Zhuang, Sister Xue, you guys have apanied me for a while. How about I treat you guys to some fishes?¡±

    Xue Nongqing covered her mouth in surprise, ¡°Yn... you are so awesome!¡±

    ¡°You are going to do it yourself?¡± Zhuang Man was about to marvel at Qiu Yn¡¯s fishing skill. However, seeing that Qiu Yn was asking her servants for a knife, it seemed that she wanted to kill the fishes herself. Zhuang Man couldn¡¯t help startling. She asked doubtfully.

    Zhuang Man had already begun to learn how to cook at her age. But all the ingredients were prepared by her maids when she was cooking. She just needed to cook them. Even so, she still found cooking very hard. Now seeing that Qiu Yn wanted to do it all by herself, she was scared, ¡°We are here to have fun. Let the servants do it, okay?¡±

    ¡°Rx. I¡¯m good at this.¡± Qiu Yn knew that Zhuang Man thought she couldn¡¯t cook. She didn¡¯t want to exin. She asked Su He to bring her the stuff, ¡°Pot, seasonings, firewood... everything that I asked you to bring.¡±

    After a while, Zhuang Man and Xue Nongqing both wiped their mouths with satisfaction. They kept gasping in admiration, ¡°Yn, to be honest, your cooking skill is better than our chef!¡±

    Qiu Yn kept a pot of fish soup and asked her servants to take it to Jiang Qizheng and others. She said with a smile, ¡°That¡¯s because you guys are used to your home food. It¡¯s the first time that you guys eat things I make. So, you guys find it especially delicious.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m also learning how to cook. But no one is willing to eat.¡± Zhuang Man sighed disconstely, ¡°Even my dog doesn¡¯t eat the dishes I cook!¡±

    Xue Nongqing couldn¡¯t helpughing out loud, ¡°Really?¡±

    Zhuang Man said, ¡°Do I look like someone who would improperly belittle myself like that? Yn, how long have you learned?¡±

    So, you tried to stop me from cooking because you were bad at it? Qiu Ynined inwardly. But she said, ¡°Not long... maybe because I like cooking. It¡¯s quite easy for me.¡± luckily Zhuang Man wasn¡¯t good at observing. She didn¡¯t notice that Su He and Chen Shui had expressed their surprise a few times. Chen Shui might not know her that well. But Su He knew exactly how she was!

    She never cooked...

    ¡°s, I think I¡¯m just stupid.¡± Zhuang Man wasn¡¯t suspicious, ¡°You are good atposing poems. No wonder you are also good at cooking.¡±

    Qiu Yn wondered what the connection between these two things is? For example, Ruan Qingyan got the Jinshi title at 18. But he didn¡¯t know how to cook at all, okay?

    She was also pleased with this meal. She decided to drag these two into changing this outing to a food journey. She couldn¡¯t let the cookout materials which Mrs. Li and Mrs. Zhou prepared go to waste!

    So, she said with a smile, ¡°Actually, there are a lot of delicious ingredients in this season. Fishes are just one of them. For example, wild vegetables, pheasants, hare and so on.¡±

    They were discussing in full swing. However, it became cloudy all the sudden!

    ¡°Oh, no. It¡¯s going to rain. Let¡¯s go back!¡± seeing this, Zhuang Manined constantly, ¡°Judging by the weather in the morning, it should be a sunny day. Why is it going to rain all the sudden?¡± herin wouldn¡¯t change the fact that it was going to rain. They put on their veil hats in a hurry and instructed their servants to pack up and leave.

    When they went back to the top of the slope and joined Jiang Qizheng and others who had already sent people to look for them, it began to rain!

    ¡°Hurry up. Get in the carriage!¡± when it was getting cloudy, the carriages which were parked at the back of the slope were relocated beside the enclosure. Now all the masters had already got in the carriage. They were waiting for their servants to pack up and leave together.

    They were familiar with each other because of the meal by the waterfall. Zhuang Man took Xue Nongqing with her and got in Qiu Yn¡¯s carriage. She wanted Qiu Yn to keep describing the wild food.

    ¡°It turns out that you do not just love sarcasm, you also love delicious food!¡± while Qiu Yn was judging Zhuang Man inwardly, she talked to them every now and then. People who survived in thest phase were all wilderness survival experts. Anymon sense back then would amaze Zhuang Man.

    However, to Qiu Yn¡¯s surprise, after talking to these two for so long, even Su He couldn¡¯t stay calm, they didn¡¯t even ask how she knew all those.

    ¡°Does it mean that they are both too na?ve?¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know whether she shouldugh or cry.

    The carriages had already gone down Jinxiu Slope. Without the shielding of the trees, the rain became heavier. Lifting the curtain up a little and looking outside, it was a vast expanse of whiteness. Nothing could be seen.

    ¡°We can¡¯t keep going like this. We have to take shelter from the rain by the road.¡± after a while, a bodyguard in coir raincoat passed on Jiang Qizheng¡¯s words carriage by carriage. Because one of their carriages was stuck in the mud and they couldn¡¯t get it out. ¡°There is a bower not far away. Her Highness wants to stay there and wait for the rain to slow down.¡±

    There was a distance between the bower and the road. The carriages couldn¡¯t go there. And there were no sedans. So, all thedies had to wear clogs and walk there by themselves.

    The rain was so heavy at that moment. Although they all had a few servants holding umbres for them, when they got to the bower, their clothes were all wet and they were all like drowned rats.

    ¡°I should not have put on makeup. I¡¯m like a drowned rat right now.¡± He Shuijin wiped her face with a handkerchief. Seeing the rouge on the handkerchief, she said embarrassedly.

    Jiang Qizheng said with a smile, ¡°We are all the same. Nobody else is here anyway.¡± they were used to be leaders. After tidying up, they instructed the maids to surround the bower with enclosure and hang curtains in the middle, ¡°You all brought fresh change of clothes here, right? If you didn¡¯t, send someone to get it. Go inside and change one by one to avoid catching a cold.¡±

    Qiu Yn remembered that she brought firewood at that moment. She instructed her servants to bring it here to start a fire in a hurry.

    So, although they couldn¡¯t go back to the city because of the rain, they were not panic. However, after they waited in the bower for more than 2 hours, it was still a heavy rain. They all got impatient, ¡°It won¡¯t keep raining until the evening, right?¡±

    While they were worried, they seemed to see people approaching. But it was so blurry that they couldn¡¯t see clearly. When those people were on the steps of the bower, Jiang Qizheng asked in surprise, ¡°Yadan, Yaheng, Yashuang, why are you guys here?¡±

 Chapter 153 - Good Boy, Yashuang!

    <strong>Chapter 153 Good Boy, Yashuang!</strong>

    It¡¯s the first time for Qiu Yn to meet He Shuijin¡¯s fianc¨¦ Jiang Yaheng. He looked like eighteen or neen, but he was tall and just like his brothers Jiang Yadan and Jiang Yashuang who were both handsome boys with bright eyes. After they entered the pavilion, Jiang Yaheng began to court He Shuijin before he took off his coir raincoat, ¡°Shuijin, I was so worried when I heard you are trapped here! I asked Yadan and Yashuang toe to help you out.¡±

    He Shuijin loved hearing his lovely words. She said with a smile, ¡°We are worried about how we can go back in this heavy raining day. Now as you are here, do you have any n?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t take the carriages because the road is flooded. We took a detour even on horse.¡± said he. Jiang Yashuang nced at Qiu Yn who was putting on her veil hat. He did note forward to say hello to her as too many people were around. He said, ¡°If the rain didn¡¯t stop, we might live here for three days before we can go back home.¡±

    ¡°Ah, what can we do now?¡± Jiang Qizheng asked in a shock. ¡°Do we have to live here for three more days?¡±

    ¡°My grandmother said that if the road was too dangerous to go, we could live in the farm nearby.¡± Jiang Yadan looked at Jiang Yaheng, who seemed to have something to say but he held it back. Then he added, ¡°I had inquired our housekeeper before we started off. There is a farm four miles away. I have asked my men to go there, fetching sedans for you.¡±

    Hearing his arrangement, girls relieved except Qiu Yn and Qiu Jinzhu who were worried something else a lot.

    Noticing they were concerned about something, He Shuijin asked Jiang Yaheng, ¡°Before you guys came here, did you tell what¡¯s going on here to our families?¡±

    Jiang Yaheng said promptly, ¡°Sorry, I forgot... I will send someone to go back for this.¡±

    ¡°Your man must go to each family, informing our parents and brothers about what¡¯s going on here.¡± said He Shuijin. Then she introduced girls to him. Although most of the girls were more or less a rtive of the Jiang Family, they were big girls now. And what¡¯s more, Jiang Yadan, the dissolute man was also here, looking around. The girls had put on their veil hats to cover their faces. He Shuijin just introduced them briefly with family names and titles.

    Hearing that the two Commandery Princesses from the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe were here, Jiang Yaheng nced at the veils of Qiu Yn and Qiu Jinzhu curiously. Then he twisted his eyes and ordered his man to inform their families immediately.

    After that, Jiang Yaheng began to flirt with He Shuijin. While Jiang Qizheng asked Jiang Yadan and Jiang Yashuang what¡¯s going on here on their way here, the rest kept silent... It¡¯s getting dark and the sedans finally came in sight.

    After arriving at the Jiang Family¡¯s farm four miles away, it¡¯s dark ultimately and continued raining like it was a few hours ago.

    Fortunately, the farm had all necessities for the girls. As they were unmarried girls who hadn¡¯t had many trivial things at home, they just sat around, chatting for a while. The subject was like the road was flooded andined about the weather, and looked forward to going home, etc. Jiang Qizheng managed to make everyonefortable. She asked everyone to take a bath, and then be ready for dinner.

    Qiu Yn went out of the bathroom with wet hair. The maids of the Jiang Family were waiting for her outside. Seeing her, one of the maids said, ¡°Your Grace, the dinner is ready at the Flower Hall. Allow us to usher you there.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡± The dinner time had passed when they arrived at the farm. Being afraid of having cold, Jiang Qizheng suggested taking a bath first. Thus, Qiu Yn was very hungry, although she had snacks along the way. Looking at her long-wet hair, she had no idea what to do. If she went to the Flower Hall after drying her hair, it would beter for dinner. But if she went there with wet hair, it would certainly be inappropriate.

    The maid might notice her hesitation. She said, ¡°Your Grace, you can go there with wet hair. I don¡¯t think ourdy has time to dry her hair either. Anyway, girls are the only ones in the Flower Hall. Young masters are in the front hall.¡±

    Hearing her exnation, Qiu Yn got reassured. She followed the maid to the hall and she did see Jiang Qizheng and others sitting in the hall with maids helping dry their hair.

    ¡°Yn, wee to join us. How are you?¡± Jiang Qizheng nodded to her. ¡°Mi Yinyin got a cough and I have asked my maid to cook ginger soup for her.¡±

    After hearing her words, Qiu Yn looked around. Mi Yinyin was absent. She shook head and said, ¡°I¡¯m Okay. Thanks!¡± Qiu Yn did not know Mi Yinyin a lot but she still gave her concern to her, ¡°Is she all right?¡±

    Jiang Qizheng sighed, ¡°Hope she is fine. She has been weak since her childhood. Unfortunately, no doctor over here. I have cooked the ginger soup for her. I hope she will be better after drinking it.¡±

    ¡°I think we should send a man to get a doctor for her no matter it is raining or not tomorrow morning!¡± said Zhuang Man. She looked full of energy. ¡°Her health status is just like her brother, the Duke of Puyang. I am afraid she may get severer over here...¡±

    ¡°Stop saying that!¡± He Shuijin interrupted, ¡°We will get a doctor tomorrow morning. Don¡¯t say more!¡±

    ¡°Oh, I mean, we should get a doctor!¡± Zhuang Man said.

    ¡°I will send a man to do it.¡± nodded Jiang Qizheng. Seeing her being tired, Qiu Yn realized that she, as the host, must worry about all aspects of the activity. After they arrived at the farm safely, Mi Yinyin got sick unexpectedly. Jiang Qizheng must be distraught now despite her good temper.

    She did not inquire more about Mi Yinyin as she did not know her well. So, she changed the subject, ¡°What you said reminded me of Duchess of Huainan. I am wondering if they have been home already?¡±

    ¡°I guess they have left earlier. I did not see them when we wereing down.¡± said He Shuijin. ¡°If they did not leave earlier, Duchess of Huainan and others must be in trouble in the heavy rain. I remember that Duke of Huainan doesn¡¯t have a house nearby.¡±

    ¡°Hope they had been home already.¡± said Qiu Yn.

    The girls gossiped about the subject for a while. Seeing all girls except Mi Yinyin were here waiting for dinner, Jiang Qizheng ordered her maids to serve dinner.

    After dinner, one maid ran into the hall while the girls were gargling, ¡°Our men met the bodyguards of Duke of Huainan when they were on patrol duty outside. The carriages of Duchess of Huainan, Commandery Princess Lihui and Concubine Mo were flooded away by the rain. They are looking for help everywhere!¡±

    ¡°How did that happen?¡± all girls shrieked in fright. ¡°Send as many as men to help them now!¡± said Jiang Qizheng promptly.

    ¡°Qizheng!¡± a man¡¯s sound passed into the hall. It was Jiang Yaheng. He seemed in a hurry and ran into the yard without notice in advance. He did not enter the hall, ¡°Duchess of Huainan, Concubine Mo and Commandery Princess Lihui are in water now. I¡¯m afraid they are in big trouble. We have discussed that Yadan and I will go there with our men, and Yashuang will stay here... So, you and your brother will be in charge of everything here.¡±

    He Shuijin was shocked and said, ¡°But it¡¯ste now...¡± She overturned the teacup by ident. Her maids immediately knelt, helping dust off water from her skirt.

    Jiang Qizheng asked promptly, ¡°Are you all right? Do you get burned?¡±

    ¡°No, thanks.¡± He Shuijin waved her hand and urged her, ¡°Send your men over there. How can they go there personally? You go and stop them!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng thought so too. She said in a low voice while she was walking in the corridor, ¡°Why are you go there personally? It¡¯s dark outside and it¡¯s raining heavily. Ask your men to search for them along the river. I don¡¯t think Duke of Huainan has a good rtionship with our family!¡±

    Jiang Yaheng echoed, ¡°We won¡¯t help. But Princess and Commandery Princess are in the water. Yadan said that if Princess and Commandery Princess lost their lives in the water and we did nothing, Chu Xiao might hate us because of the ident. Don¡¯t worry. We will stay far away from the water and our men will search.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng got reassured, ¡°As Princess and Commandery Princess aredies. I suggest you take some maids with you.¡±

    ¡°Yadan is rallying nannies.¡± said Jiang Yaheng seriously. His eyes went over her, looking around the hall quickly. He nced at Qiu Yn and said, ¡°I am here to say hi to you. I¡¯m leaving now.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng noticed that he looked around the hall. She thought he was looking for He Shuijin. ¡°You guys, be careful!¡± said she.

    ¡°Thanks. We will!¡± Jiang Yaheng went out of the yard with satisfaction. Jiang Yashuang stopped him immediately when he got out, ¡°You saw her? Are you happy now?¡±

    ¡°Err...¡± Jiang Yaheng smiled guiltily. ¡°Don¡¯t say that, bro. We will leave in a minute. I came here to say hi to Qizheng.¡±

    ¡°Why did you go there personally? You just wanted to say hi? If so, you could send your man there.¡± questioned Jiang Yashuang coldly.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t enter the Flower Hall.¡± said Jiang Yaheng, touching his nose awkwardly. ¡°Qizheng went out and talked with me.¡±

    ¡°There are lighted candles in the Flower Hall. And no screen there. You can see all of them when you were standing in the yard.¡± continued Jiang Yashuang coldly. ¡°Do you think I didn¡¯t know what you are thinking?¡±

    Jiang Yaheng felt helpless and said, ¡°Okay, bro. It¡¯s not like what you think. I am just curious as to what kind of girl has gotten to you!¡±

    ¡°What kind of girl she is it¡¯s none of your business!¡± said Jiang Yashuang seriously.

    ¡°You saw my girlfriend frequently also!¡± said Jiang Yaheng. He tried to get himself out of it. ¡°But I did notin!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang stared at him for a while and said coldly, ¡°Is it? I am wondering Shuijin¡¯s reaction if she heard what you said.¡±

    Jiang Yaheng¡¯s face turned to be pale, ¡°Bro, we are family members, bro!¡±

    ¡°You did not think we were family members when you peeped my girlfriend.¡± said Jiang Yashuang coldly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t take it seriously!¡± Jiang Yaheng felt awkward. ¡°I am not the man you are thinking. I never flirted with my brother¡¯s girlfriends before. I am just curious! All right. It¡¯s Jiang Qisheng who told me about her before I came here. I thought I must have a look at her as I am here.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng kicked Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng out of the enclosure. The reason Jiang Qiyun said was Madame Dou asked her to go home, and the reason Jiang Qisheng said was that she hurt her ankle. Thus, Jiang Qiyun had been to the town; On the other hand, Jiang Qisheng thought that after she kicked He Shuijin out, Jiang Qizheng must be defeated finally. If so, Jiang Qizheng would go home awkwardly. But unexpectedly, Qiu Yn suggested the ¡°Best of three¡± game. Jiang Qisheng felt insulted. So, she went home after Gu E¡¯nuo left.

    Hearing that Jiang Qisheng said something about Qiu Yn, Jiang Yashuang asked with a frown, ¡°What did she say?¡±

    ¡°You know her better than me. She has been a good friend of Cousin Tao since childhood. She doesn¡¯t like your girlfriend.¡± Although Jiang Yaheng and Jiang Qisheng are brother and sister, he could sell her sister out for helping him out of the trouble. He said, ¡°She told me that your girlfriend gains you by her beauty. You always take her side. Even Jiang Qizheng tters her and criticizes her sisters because of her... But you don¡¯t worry about her words as grandma and mother brushed aside them. Mother evenshed out at her, telling her to take care of family members more instead of Cousin Tao who now, seems to be more important than brothers.¡±

    ¡°Okay, noted.¡± said Jiang Yashuang seriously after a pause.

    Jiang Yaheng smiled at him, ¡°So... can I leave now? About the thing tonight... you forget it, okay?¡±

    ¡°Go.¡± said Jiang Yashuang, waving to him.

    Jiang Yaheng felt relieved, turning back and running off.

    After a minute, he thought there must be something wrong with Jiang Yashuang. He worried about him and went back to see what¡¯s going on.

    inly enough, he heard Jiang Yashuang¡¯s naive sound through the wall. He was talking with He Shuijin, ¡°Shuijin, can you, please, lend me some money?¡±

    He Shuijin replied curiously, ¡°What do you want to do with the money? I heard that you always borrow your money to your brothers, right?¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yaheng borrowed money from me. He told me that he wanted to buy a present for his friend¡¯s birthday. He borrowed all my money. You know, my grandmother¡¯s birthday is drawing near. I also want to buy a present for her. So...¡±

    ¡°Okay, I see!¡± From what Jiang Yaheng knew of He Shuijin, she, as his girlfriend and cousin, must be furious in her heart. ¡°His fair-weather friend needed so much money for a birthday? He must use it for courting another girl. Thank you, Yashuang. I know you are a good boy. Here are five hundred taels of silver note. You take it and no need to repay. I will give you more after we are home. Remember, as soon as Jiang Yaheng borrows money from you, you tell me! I will give you double he borrows from you!!!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sighed hypocritically, ¡°Actually, Jiang Yaheng loves you in his heart. But he always can¡¯t control himself...¡±

    ¡°I know he always can¡¯t control himself!¡± said He Shuijin angrily. ¡°So, I will be his controller! Yashuang, you are a good boy. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t sell you out when I teach him a lesson. I won¡¯t put you on the spot!¡±

    ¡°!!!¡± Jiang Yaheng froze for a while. Looking at the moss-covered courtyard wall in front of me, he suddenly had the urge to crash into it.

 Chapter 154 - Easy, Bro. She Wont Torture You to Death!

    <h4>Chapter 154 Easy, Bro. She Won¡¯t Torture You to Death!</h4>

    In the yard. After seeing He Shuijin go back to the Flower Hall, Jiang Yashuang smiled proudly. He put the silver notes into his pocket and walked out of the yard at ease.

    At the corner, he met Jiang Yaheng staring at him angrily. Jiang Yashuang greeted him with a good mood, ¡°Yaheng, you told me you are in a hurry to do something. Why are you still here?¡±

    ¡°Shame on you!¡± said Jiang Yaheng, dragging him to a quiet corner. ¡°You are an adult. Did youin to her about me? You go back and take back what you said now and exin it to her. Or I will kick your ass!¡±

    ¡°Are you kidding me? Yaheng. Your Kung Fu is even worse than Yadan. If we fought, you would be exhausted before I fight back. Right?¡±

    This was a question that might kill a man!

    Jiang Yaheng felt nervous, although he had felt nervous when hearing the dialogue. But now, he was more nervous, ¡°All right. I am sorry. I shouldn¡¯t havee here to see the girl who attracts you... But you should be anger with me instead of reporting me to my girlfriend. What¡¯s more, you borrowed money from her! How dare you insult me like that!¡±

    ¡°I did not tell her you borrowed money recently. I saidst time. You did borrow money from mest time.¡± reminded Jiang Yashuang. ¡°And the reason you told me was for your friend¡¯s birthday. Yadan told meter that your friend is from the ¡®Spring House¡¯ or ¡®Cuixiu House¡¯...¡±

    ¡°Okay, stop. Stop talking!¡± warned Jiang Yaheng. He lowered his head, begging, ¡°Please don¡¯t tell Shuijin about this. Please. She would kill me if she knew about it!¡±

    ¡°All right. Easy, bro. Shuijin always knows what she is doing. She won¡¯t kill you!¡± Jiang Yashuang tried to fort¡¯.

    ¡°I am your brother!¡± said Jiang Yaheng, jumping. ¡°You really hate me so much?¡±

    ¡°You already heard what Shuijin would do.¡± said Jiang Yashuang. Jiang Yashuang was always a hard worker and a good student. He was the best among his peers in terms of Kung Fu. Jiang Yashuang had known in the first ce that Jiang Yaheng went back, overhearing what he said to He Shuijin despite being dark outside. He continued, ¡°If you were me, what would you do?¡±

    ¡°I would... how could that be possible!¡± said Jiang Yaheng with a heavy sigh. He continued desperately, ¡°I heard before that she has been in charge of the ount book of our family since long ago. To others, it¡¯s okay, but to me, it¡¯s bad, very bad. Now, fair enough, in order to control me, she used our money to bribe our men! Five hundred taels of silver notes! Do you know how much a pretty girl in the brothel?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled dismissively, ¡°So, you must be alert in the future. I remember that you once told me, ¡®Don¡¯t fight against money.¡¯ Right?¡±

    Hearing his words, Jiang Yaheng was furious but he could do nothing, ¡°Now, tell me. What do you want? I just peeped her for a second. Won¡¯t you let me go forever? When ites to flirtation, I think Yadan is flirtier than me. In our family, everyone has lovers except you!¡±

    ¡°Yadan isn¡¯t afraid of his wife, but you are.¡± said Jiang Yashuang firmly.

    His words were like a sword stabbing into Jiang Yaheng¡¯s chest, ¡°Who told you I am afraid of her? I... I just respect her!¡±

    ¡°Then respect her forever.¡± said Jiang Yashuang dismissively. ¡°Anyway, you have respected her since childhood, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Our eldest brother is also afraid of his wife!¡± said Jiang Yaheng. Then he lowered voice, ¡°Bro, you should be fair!¡±

    ¡°But our eldest brother¡¯s wife is not as generous as He Shuijin!¡± Jiang Yashuang said firmly, ¡°And our eldest brother did not anger me!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Jiang Yaheng turned to be serious in a second, saying, ¡°You must spare me a little from the five hundred taels of silver note. That is the money I borrow from you, okay?¡±

    Looking at him, Jiang Yashuang said, managing to force a smile, ¡°Really? How much do you want?¡±

    ¡°Three hundred... No, four hundred!¡± begged Jiang Yaheng. ¡°I will repay you within ten days, I promise. And I will give you an extra fifty as interest!¡±

    ¡°No need! Here you are.¡± Jiang Yashuang gave him four hundred slowly. ¡°You repay it when you have enough money. Don¡¯t borrow money from your men. If grandfather or my aunt knew what you are doing, they would punish you... And, one more thing, stay away from my girlfriend...¡±

    Taking the notes from Jiang Yashuang, Jiang Yaheng murmured, ¡°Even when you are holding the wedding ceremony, I promise I won¡¯t peep her as she serves me tea!¡±

    After Jiang Yaheng left, Jiang Tan came forward, holding an umbre and walking Jiang Yashuang to his room. ¡°Young master, why did you borrow money to him?¡±

    From what he knew of Jiang Yashuang, he would not let Jiang Yaheng go so smoothly.

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°Do you think what he will use with the money? I bet he will send someone to go back to the town to buy expensive jewelry for He Shuijin. If He Shuijin asked him about the money, he could say he borrow money to buy a surprise present for her. He can say that he is afraid that I would tell He Shuijin his secret present, so he lied to borrow money for a friend¡¯s birthday!¡±

    Jiang Tan got it, ¡°Young master, I understand now. Although he did something terrible, you couldn¡¯t stand if he and the youngdy couldn¡¯t get along well because of money. So, you borrowed him the money you just got from He Shuijin. You want to give him a chance to make up his mistake...¡±

    ¡°He Shuijin is a clever girl. All the silver notes she handed out have special marks. And, she is the boss of many shops selling antiques and precious jewelry, or she has a business rtionship with the rest.¡± said Jiang Yashuang. He looked at him with a smile and continued, ¡°If she wanted to know where Jiang Yaheng bought the present, she might also know Yaheng used the money he got from me today... By then, Yaheng, not only cheated on her but also deceived him...¡±

    Jiang Tan swallowed his mouth water and gave his respectful look to Jiang Yashuang. Then he changed the subject, ¡°I guess Commandery Princess Ningyi has been in her room. Do you want to visit her?¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t. She must be tired today.¡± said Jiang Yashuang after a pause. ¡°Let her sleep. We will live here for at least three days. I will meet her tomorrow if possible.¡±

    Although Jiang Yashuang was a considerable man and left Qiu Yn to sleep, she did not have a good sleep at all. At 3 AM, all girls woke up except sick Mi Yinyin and the youngest Qiu Jinzhu. ¡°They found Duchess of Huainan!¡±

    Actually, on this matter alone, Jiang Qizheng and He Shuijin could deal with it. It¡¯s unnecessary to wake up all girls.

    However, ¡°In order to save Commandery Princess Lihui, Princess sacrificed herself. Commandery Princess Lihui is mad now. Your Highness and Young Lady He can¡¯t appease her. They said they hope all girls to go there helpingfort Commandery Princess Lihui.¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned. She immediately asked Chunran to dress her up while she grabbed a hairpin to fix her long hair. ¡°How did that happen?¡±

    ¡°It was said that after Princess and Commandery Princess Lihui fell into the water, they saw a floating wood but it could only load one person. Princess pushed Commandery Princess Lihui up the wood and she loosened her hand. She was washed away by the water.¡± the maid who came to send words said with a sigh. ¡°Commandery Princess Lihui hoped that Princess could grab another floating wood... But when we found her, she already...¡±

    Speaking of this, the maid paused for a second and then said in a low voice, ¡°Concubine Mo is still missing and Mistress Kang is fine. She has been here. Your Grace... Do you want to see herter?¡±

    ¡°Go to see Commandery Princess Lihui first.¡± said Qiu Yn. She asked her maid to give her a tower full of cold water. She washed her face with cold water hard. Feeling awake, she stood up and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Before they arrived at Commandery Princess Lihui¡¯s ce, they heard hysterical cries from afar!

    Qiu Yn quickened her steps. After she entered the room, she saw a big mess in the originally magnificently furnished room.

    The hairpins on Jiang Qizheng¡¯s and He Shuijin¡¯s heads were in disarray, and they were trying to stop Chu Yitong, who was getting up from the bed again and again to dash towards the door. They wereforting her, ¡°Lihui, you must calm down. You¡¯ve been in the water for so long. If you don¡¯t take care of yourself, you may be sick, and you may have a lingering illness. If so, Princess won¡¯t pardon you on heaven.¡±

    ¡°We understand that you are sad. But you should also know that what Princess did was for you to survive. Lie down now... Your hand feels like ice now. Now, go and lie down!¡±

    Qiu Yn, who had been in the room, immediately asked Chunran to close the door. She rushed to Chu Yitong and held her, ¡°Do you need tranquilizer soup?¡±

    Hearing her words, Jiang Qizheng, who was busy stopping Chu Yitong to rush out, suddenly realized something. She gathered up the long hair that had fallen wholly loose and shouted at the door, ¡°Go, and cook tranquilizer soup!¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know what happened. When Mistress Kang invited us to the Jinxiu Slope, my mother did not want to go. She nned to call in sick, not going there!¡± Jiang Qizheng¡¯s and He Shuijin¡¯s strength and skill in subduing a person were notparable to that of Qiu Yn¡¯s. No matter how hard Chu Yitong struggled, she couldn¡¯t get up, so she could only wail and cry out, ¡°It was me who pestered my mother toe! It was me who killed my mother and Concubine Mo. It¡¯s all my fault.¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not true. We all did not expect it would rain cats and dogs before we set out.¡± said He Shuijin. ¡°We are also trapped over here because of the heavy rain? We are sorry to hear what¡¯s going on about Princess. Really sorry. But it has nothing to do with you! It is the river bank. It copsed suddenly. We should ask the government to investigate who built the bank and hold the man ountable!¡±

    Her words astonished Qiu Yn. She thought to herself, ¡°I wonder what Kang Lizhang wanted to talk with me. She did not have a chance to talk with me at the Jinxiu Slope. But, unfortunately, the flood killed Duchess of Huainan!¡±

    As she was thinking about Kang Lizhang, Chu Yitong saw her with tears in her eyes. She struggled to get up, ¡°It¡¯s you! Your sister, Kang Lizhang. She tried to prevail on my father to ask us toe here! My mother is dead now. Concubine Mo is missing. Are you and your sister happy now?¡±

    ¡°Commandery Princess Lihui, Don¡¯t say like that. My uncle already told me we did not have a niece being a concubine.¡± said Qiu Yn. She fully understood what Commandery Princess Lihui was feeling now. She was not angry about her words and said calmly, ¡°And, Mistress Kang said she wanted to meet me at the Jinxiu Slope. But it was Commandery Princess who told me this message. I surely did not know why Mistress Kang wanted to meet me here.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng and He Shuijin echoed, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi has nothing to do with the Mansion of Duke of Huainan all along. She mustn¡¯t conspire with Mistress Kang to hurt you. And we can prove that in the Jinxiu Slope, Commandery Princess Ningyi has been with us all the time. She did not meet Mistress Kang.¡±

    Chu Yitong was furious, ¡°You are a team. You all stand on her side. Kang Lizhang thought that my father favored her. She definitely isn¡¯t willing to be a concubine! She must have bribed others to trap us. Why could bodyguards on their horses go through safely, but we couldn¡¯t. When we were going through that part, the bank slid suddenly? Why? She must have plotted the whole thing. She wanted to kill Concubine Mo, and my mother always was on her way...¡±

    After finishing her long speech, she was suddenly unconscious!

    Qiu Yn withdrew her hand and said calmly, ¡°If she continues being angry like this, she won¡¯t stop until she loses consciousness. She will definitely be very sick in the future even she has good health... We should let her sleep now.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng and He Shuijin nodded, ¡°You guard over here. And don¡¯t let the tranquilizer soup get cold. Ask her to drink it when she wakes up... I am afraid that she may hurt herself due to sadness!¡±

    After arranging everything, they asked all girls to get out, ¡°We were here helping her, but things are getting worse... We need a n.¡±

 Chapter 155 - I Did Beat Her!

    <h4>Chapter 155 I Did Beat Her!</h4>

    At the time, it didn¡¯t dawn yet, but everyone was awake. They walked to the Flower Hall, sitting down for a cup of tea served by maids. Jiang Qizheng drank her tea and intended to say something before something else urred to her. She asked Qiu Yn, ¡°Mistress Kang just said she wanted to meet you.¡±

    ¡°Let her alone.¡± said Qiu Yn with a frown. ¡°Commandery Princess Lihui just said that she and I conspired to hurt Duchess of Huainan and Concubine Mo. Although I understood Lihui is very sad now, and she might not realize what she was talking about. But my uncle told me he had no rtionship with Kang Lizhang. If I met her now, I wouldn¡¯t know how to exin our meeting to my uncleter. What¡¯s more, at this critical time, if I met her, Commandery Princess Lihui might be suspicious of my intention. I don¡¯t want to trap myself in more trouble.¡±

    In the first ce, it was Kang Lizhang who wanted to meet Qiu Yn. On the contrary, Qiu Yn did not intend to meet her. So, Qiu Yn did not hurry to meet her. Maybe something would ur itself because Qiu Yn did not meet her now.

    The most significant trouble was that Commandery Princess Lihui wouldn¡¯t let go of the ident quickly.

    ¡°Yes, you are right.¡± said Jiang Qizheng. She also did not want Qiu Yn to meet Kang Lizhang at this critical time. Qiu Yn actually was the girlfriend of her younger brother. It was degrading to meet a concubine frequently.

    Seeing Qiu Yn refuse to meet her, Jiang Qizheng felt relieved. She calmed herself down and said, ¡°We must send a man to inform Mansion of Duke of Huainan after dawn. As the road is blocked, we can¡¯t transport Princess¡¯s body to her house soon. That means we all have to stay here with the body.¡±

    Hearing they had to stay here with a dead body, Qiu Yn felt nothing, but He Shuijin and Zhuang Man felt nervous. They were scared although it was Duchess of Huainan whom they knew before.

    ¡°The west room is empty. Let¡¯s put the body over there.¡± said Jiang Qizheng, feeling tired. This farm, as it was not far away from the Jinxiu Slope, was used as a hotel for them during their vocation frequently. Even the Jiang Family did not hold a funeral in the farm, but now they had to hold one for an outsider. Although the rtionship between the Mansion of Duke of Huainan and the Jiang Family was not good, they were on the same level. It¡¯s inappropriate to put her body outside in the rain.

    He Shuijin rubbed her forehead and said, ¡°We nned to get a doctor tomorrow in the town. We should do two things at the same time. If you are scared, ask your maids to sleep beside you or two of you live in the same room, Okay?¡±

    Just as she finished her suggestion, Zhuang Man and Xue Nongqing said in the chorus, ¡°We want to live with Yn.¡±

    Qiu Yn said promptly, ¡°I am not scared.¡±

    ¡°But we are!¡± said Zhuang Man promptly.

    Jiang Qizheng smiled after hearing her prompt answer despite facing a lot of trouble. ¡°She is younger than you. She is not scared, but you are?¡±

    ¡°She is younger but she has more guts than us.¡± said Xue Nongqing. ¡°You remember that when we were in the Liuhua Waterfall, she even dared kill fish...¡±

    The mention of fish reminded Jiang Qizheng of the fish soup, ¡°She did surprise us. She can cook and the dishes she cooked tasted so good. I even had no time to say thanks to you because of the rain.¡±

    ¡°You are wee.¡± said Qiu Yn. In honest, she was reluctant to live with others. She got used to living alone. Even her maids slept out of her room. What¡¯s more, she guessed that Kang Lizhang mighte and see her. It would be inconvenient to have outsiders around. Finally, she had to ept their suggestion as Zhuang Man and Xue Nongqing had mentioned it. ¡°So, you two will live in my room or I go to yours?¡±

    ¡°We go to your room.¡± said Xue Nongqing thankfully. ¡°It¡¯s inappropriate to ask you to move because of us.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng and He Shuijin discussed something in a low voice, saying, ¡°As there are no important things here, let¡¯s call it a day.¡±

    All girls and maids stood up, going back to their own rooms.

    Qiu Yn began to walk back to her room. When she arrived at her door, she saw Qiu Jinzhu in her next room leaning on the window. She asked timidly, ¡°Yn, where have you been?¡±

    ¡°They found Duchess of Huainan and Commandery Princess Lihui.¡± said Qiu Yn lightly. ¡°In order to save Commandery Princess Lihui¡¯s life, Duchess of Huainan died. I just went there tofort Commandery Princess Lihui... As you are the youngest one, we did not wake you up.¡±

    ¡°Duchess of Huainan?¡± asked Qiu Jinzhu. ¡°Is Lihui okay now?¡±

    ¡°Certainly not.¡± said Qiu Yn. ¡°She said a lot and then I knocked her out before she calmed down.¡±

    Hearing her words, Qiu Jinzhu bit her lips.

    ¡°Mistress Kang is fine. But now, Commandery Princess Lihui thought Kang Lizhang killed her mother. So, it¡¯s up to you to meet her or not.¡± said Qiu Yn with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯m exhausted. Don¡¯t bother me then.¡±

    Shortly after entering the house, Zhuang Man and Xue Nongqing came over with a group of maids. Because it was raining, it didn¡¯t dawn yet. There werenterns under the porch every few steps, but the two of them still asked their maids to carry severalnterns to shine everything.

    After weing them in and said some empty words, Qiu Yn let them sleep on the bed that she slept. She cleaned the low bed near the window for herself.

    Certainly, Zhuang Man and Xue Nongqing would say words like it¡¯s inappropriate. However, Qiu Yn said she wasn¡¯t used to sharing the bed with others, so they had no choice but to agree.

    Because everyone was tired the day before and had just dealt with Lihui for a few hours, the three of them undressed and slept again without more words.

    Qiu Yn slept until noon the next day, and no one disturbed her. When she woke up, she found the embroidery tent hanging low outside of her window. Zhuang Man and Xue Nongqing were not awake, so she tiptoed outside and whispered to Su He to freshen herself up.

    Seeing that Zhuang Man¡¯s maid was about to enter the room, she said, ¡°They were all exhausted yesterday. If there¡¯s nothing important, leave them to sleep a little longer.¡±

    The maid hesitated and said, ¡°Your Grace, yes.¡± And she stood back again.

    After Qiu Yn finished washing up, she asked, ¡°Are the people of the Mansion of Duke of Huainan arriving?¡±

    ¡°Not yet.¡± said Su He, shaking her head.

    ¡°I guess the road is not good.¡± Qiu Yn said. ¡°They might not be here until afternoon.¡±

    After a while, Chunran brought some food from the kitchen. After lunch, a Jiang Qizheng¡¯s maid came over, ¡°Your Grace, mydy invites you to her room discussing something important in private.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Qiu Yn surprised. She wondered if Jiang Qizheng suspected that she really had something to do with the death of Duchess of Huainan. Or there might not be anything worthy of discussing in private? With a clear conscience, she said, ¡°Wait here, I¡¯lle over.¡±

    When she arrived at Jiang Qizheng¡¯s room, she saw that the maids had been dismissed.

    Looking around her room, Qiu Yn felt that she had guessed correctly.

    Unexpectedly, Jiang Qizheng said, ¡°About one hour ago, a man behind our farm said he wanted to meet you. After he heard that you were tired and sleeping. He said he could wait until you got up. So, I did not bother you... Now you are up. He said he wanted to talk with you in private.¡±

    Qiu Yn was confused and was about to ask, but Jiang Qizheng continued, ¡°Oh, I forgot to tell you. That person is the one you introduced to me yesterday in the Jinxiu Slope. It¡¯s young master He.¡±

    ¡°Him?¡± Qiu Yn surprised. ¡°My cousin?¡± Otherwise did Qiu Feng have anything else to talk with her?

    Jiang Qizheng looked at her, ¡°I am not sure if it rted to your brother. But...¡± she stopped. ¡°Although he is your brother¡¯s sworn brother, but a man is a man. He is going to meet you at my farm. In case somebody knows that you meet a man over here, it¡¯s not good for you. So, I think I should send a man going there with you? What do you think?¡±

    Qiu Yn was thinking the intention Qiu Feng was here, meeting her, ¡°So, who will you send?¡± asked she.

    ¡°It must be Yashuang.¡± said Jiang Qizheng lightly. ¡°It should be me, but Young master He has nothing to do with my family. And to me, he is a man I don¡¯t know. It was fine for me to bump into him by chance, but this was a bit inappropriate to meet him specifically... So, I rmend Yashuang.¡±

    Qiu Yn nced at her and knew that she didn¡¯t trust her to meet with Qiu Feng alone. Thus, she rmended Jiang Yashuang to spy on her. But now, she could only rest assured if she saw Qiu Feng and asked him his intention here, so she didn¡¯t have the time to care about Jiang Qizheng¡¯s real intention. She got up and said, ¡°Where is he now?¡±

    ¡°I have asked him to wait for you outside. He will go with you to meet Young master He.¡± said Jiang Qizheng, pointing to the east.

    She walked out of the room toward the direction she pointed. inly enough, she saw Jiang Yashuang waiting there with a silk umbre. When he saw Qiu Yn came out, he came over to cover her up, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve just gone to meet Qiu Feng, he said it had nothing to do with your brother.¡±

    Qiu Yn was relieved and looked at him approvingly, ¡°That¡¯s good, good. So, what is it?¡±

    ¡°He said he¡¯d only speak to you privately.¡± Jiang Yashuang said with a bit embarrassment, ¡°Yesterday Qizheng told me that you had met Qiu Feng at the Jinxiu Slope. I have exined to her, but she¡¯s still a little worried about you meeting a man alone. So, she asked me to apany you.¡±

    Qiu Yn looked askance at him, ¡°Only she suspected me? Okay, you tell me where Qiu Feng is, and I¡¯ll go by myself. You go back.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°I don¡¯t suspect you. I just want to be your side.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re ridiculous!¡± Qiu Yn said. ¡°After your two sisters got home yesterday, they didn¡¯t stopining about me, did they?

    Jiang Yashuang said absently, ¡°I was nning to go back and discuss this with my grandmother about the thing you mentioned.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡±

    ¡°You know nothing, Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng have reached an age of marriage. They must get married as soon as possible.¡± said Jiang Yashuang, lowering his voice. ¡°Even if Aunt Yang and Third aunt love their daughters much, they are girls who are deemed to get married and be a family member of her husband.¡±

    Qiu Yn grunted, ¡°Then Aunt Yang and Third aunt will hate me more, I guess.¡±

    ¡°Look at what they did. Put Jiang Qizheng on the spot in front of the Gu Family. Jiang Qiyun might avoid punishment, but Jiang Qisheng, I am sure, she will be...¡± said Jiang Yashuang coldly. ¡°She will be punished as per our Family Rules! Even I say nothing. I think my grandfather has nned to marry her far away!¡±

    ¡°As you mentioned it, I have a question: Your sisters are not stupid girls.¡± said Qiu Yn in doubt. ¡°As we usually say, ¡®Family troubles are not a thing to be talked about in public¡¯. But look at them. They pointed the finger at each other. I don¡¯t think any parents would be tolerant of it in a family.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°They have been spoiled. They will do whatever they want when they are impulsive. My grandmother has forecasted that they would make trouble for the family. You see, her prediction came true.¡±

    Qiu Yn narrowed her eyes. She thought to herself: Over the past years, many people told her that the rtionship between the girls Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng and Madame Tao was not okay.

    Jiang Qiyun had an influential grandfather named Kui Xiannan, who lived in Jiang¡¯s hometown. Even Marquess Qin treated and respected him as his own father. Although Madame Tao was Jiang Qiyun¡¯s aunt, she could do nothing to her except let her go. On the other side, Jiang Qisheng was not lucky to have an influential grandfather. Over the past two years, Madame Tao always warned her about what she did. Now, Madame Tao knew what she did something wrong. She would punish her severely.

    For a family like the Jiang Family, the elders got used to dealing with trouble made by their offspring. But hurting each other and pointing a finger at each other was a big taboo!

    ¡°I even don¡¯t want toment on them.¡± said Qiu Yn, fueling the conflict. ¡°I have a sister who fought with me years ago. We punched each other. But we never put the other on the spot in front of outsiders.¡±

    ¡°You have a sister who hit you before?¡± asked Jiang Yashuang with a frown.

    ¡°I did beat her!¡± said Qiu Yn, pursing. ¡°You think she could beat me?¡±

    ¡°I love your no-lose personality!¡± said Jiang Yashuang with a happy smile, reaching out his hand to pinch her face.

    Before Qiu Yn stopped his hand, they heard a cough behind the artificial hill. Qiu Feng walked toward them slowly with a frown. He did notment on their flirtation. Instead, he got to the point, ¡°Last night, I saw the person who killed Concubine Mo!¡±

 Chapter 156 - The Murder

    <h4>Chapter 156 The Murder</h4>

    Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang were both taken aback, ¡°Who did it?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯te to you if I know.¡± Qiu Feng frowned. ¡°I was on the other bank at that time and the river was flooding. By the time I managed to get to the other side, the person had left and Concubine Mo was dying... I pulled her ashore. It seemed that she wanted to say something but... Now the body is not far away from the farm.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang frowned, ¡°Was it an idental attack or murder?¡± Concubine Mo came out with the Duchess of Huainan. She must have been specially dressed, with silk and jewelry all over. It was possible that they caught the eyes of robbers.

    ¡°I think it was thetter.¡± Qiu Feng pondered, ¡°Because the person was so quick at action. After I rescued Concubine Mo, I went to chase him, but he disappearedpletely!¡±

    Qiu Yn wondered, ¡°Could it be a bandit?¡±

    ¡°A bandit would only want money. In that case, he would knock out Concubine Mo and take away the jewelry. There was no need to kill the person.¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°After all, Concubine Mo was dressed as a noblewoman, and the bandit would also be afraid of being wanted... So Master Qiu is right. It was more likely a murder.¡±

    ¡°Do you suspect Mistress Kang?¡± Qiu Yn asked in a deep voice.

    Qiu Feng nced at her, ¡°Mistress Kang? Who is she?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know Mistress Kang?¡± said Qiu Yn in surprise. ¡°Then why did youe to me?¡±

    Qiu Feng frowned, ¡°I was not able to catch the murderer and Concubine Mo died. I remembered you were also on the Jinxiu Slope and was afraid the murderer would harm you, too, so I went to find you. When I knew you were here and the servants of the Jiangs¡¯ were still looking for Concubine Mo, I wanted to tell them through you where Concubine Mo was and remind you of the danger by the way.¡±

    ¡°Thank you very much.¡± said Qiu Yn.

    Jiang Yashuang suddenly asked, ¡°Did you know Concubine Mo?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiu Feng said briskly. ¡°Actually, I didn¡¯t know who she was when I saved her. When I was looking for Princess Ningyi yesterday, I met your servants and heard them talk about the person they were looking for and thought the woman should be Concubine Mo.¡±

    ¡°If Concubine Mo was murdered, then the Duchess of Huainan...¡± Qiu Yn felt a headache. ¡°Was it Kang Lizhang who did it? But it was too obvious! And where did she get help?¡±

    She suddenly thought of Tianya who handled affairs for money.

    ¡°People in this organization are eligible to be praised by Qiu Feng.¡± Qiu Yn thought for a while and asked, ¡°Could it be Tianya?¡±

    Qiu Feng frowned at the words and made no answer.

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°It was possible. In this case, Mistress Kang is the most suspected. She was born of a good family and had the blood of your family. The reason why she is only a mistress is that there can only be one princess, two senior concubines and three concubines. There was no vacancy for her. Now the princess and one senior concubine are gone. If she was clear of suspicion, she might have the opportunity to fill up the vacancy of a senior concubine.¡±

    ¡°But who introduced her to Tianya?¡± Qiu Yn murmured.

    ¡°It might be that Tianya had found her!¡± Qiu Feng suddenly sneered. ¡°It seemed that Madame Lu had saved a lot of private savings for this granddaughter at that time. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have been chosen!¡±

    Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang were both dumbfounded, ¡°Tianya found her?¡± What a killer organization! They did door-to-door selling! There was none of the mysterious indifference that killers should have!

    ¡°They have rules. They don¡¯t kill, rob or steal out of the task.¡± Qiu Feng said, ¡°So when they can¡¯t get what they want, they will try their best to make it be a part of the task!¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned, ¡°Is there such a thing?¡±

    Qiu Feng exhaled with a bit of sorrow in his eyes, ¡°When I was a green hand, I knew nothing about Tianya and was tricked into the organization. I had thought they were eliminating the bad and the evil. Later, I found that they had been helping the evil... Even my best friend was murdered by them! I have been looking for their leader since then... I got to know a little about Tianya during those years. They often look for those who are rich but have made enemies with others for various reasons. Then they give them a bluestone token and tempt them to go to Tianya for help... You said Mistress Kang?¡±

    ¡°She does have some private savings.¡± said Qiu Yn thoughtfully. ¡°Two years ago, the mother and daughter suddenly disappeared from our sight. Now the whereabouts of my aunt is still unknown. I was wondering how she could do it herself. Now it seems that it may have been done by Tianya!¡±

    She mused, ¡°The news should be told to Her Highness first...¡± She looked at Jiang Yashuang.

    Jiang Yashuang understood, ¡°Master Qiu does not want to take credit. I will exin it to my sister.¡±

    Qiu Yn suddenly thought of something, ¡°Where are Childe Xun and Childe Li?¡±

    ¡°They went back to the city after saying goodbye yesterday.¡± said Qiu Feng. ¡°I like the scenery of the Jinxiu Slope, so I stayed.¡±

    After he left, Jiang Yashuang pulled Qiu Yn by the hand and said, ¡°Let me see you off. I¡¯ll tell my sister about the matter so that Master Qiu will not get involved.¡±

    ¡°Well, the outing has turned into a mess now!¡± Qiu Yn fretted. ¡°It turned out that Gu E¡¯nuo and her people were blessed by the misfortune. Otherwise they are having the headache now!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°It seems like there was so much trouble. But what does it have to do with us? We¡¯ll just stay here for a couple of days because of the heavy rain.¡±

    He added, ¡°It is the Duke¡¯s family that is in trouble.¡±

    ¡°But I hope I won¡¯t be rted to Mistress Kang.¡± Qiu Yn rubbed her eyebrows. ¡°I really don¡¯t know what she wanted me to do. The Duke of Huainan was really too indiscreet. He should believe a mistress and allow her to take the princess, the concubines and others for the outing! Who is the realdy and who is the mistress?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s probably old and confused.¡± said Jiang Yashuang. ¡°But if it hadn¡¯t been for Master Qiu, who would have thought Mistress Kang had hired Tianya?¡±

    ¡°Fortunately, Commandery Princess Lihui was knocked out by me. If she were conscious and knew it, she would faint!¡± Qiu Yn shook her head. ¡°A man at such an age is still fond of women! It¡¯s hard for him not to have trouble! What a sad story it is for the Duchess of Huainan and Concubine Mo! If it had not been for her mother, Commandery Princess Lihui might also have been killed this time!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°Well, I remember what you said. You don¡¯t like me to have concubines. Don¡¯t worry! I will have you as my only wife!¡±

    ¡°Who worries?!¡± Qiu Yn gave him a blow angrily. ¡°I¡¯m talking about the Duke of Huainan! Why do you keep talking about yourself?¡±

    Jiang Yashuangughed, ¡°I often reflect on myself. Isn¡¯t it good?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s as if I love you so much!¡± Qiu Yn looked up, ¡°As if I think of you whatever I hear or see!¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you like this?¡±Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°If so, I didn¡¯t take it wrong; if not, I¡¯d like to take you as such, so long as I¡¯m happy.¡±

    Qiu Ynughed angrily, ¡°I don¡¯t love you! You think I love you, but I really don¡¯t love you!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not the first time you have yed the game.¡± Jiang Yashuang was not hit at all and said dly, ¡°I know I have to read the opposite of what you say.¡±

    ¡°You fool!¡± Qiu Yn stepped on him and hummed, ¡°Here we are. Zhuang Man and Xue Nongqing stay with me! See you!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang had to stop and regretted, ¡°Why did you call them over? Isn¡¯t that inconvenience to you?¡±

    ¡°The corpse of Princess Huainan wasid in the farmhouse. They are afraid.¡± Qiu Yn curled the corner of her mouth. ¡°I caught two fish and cooked for them at Liuhua Waterfall. They thought I was bold, so they moved over...¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Jiang Yashuang was surprised. ¡°You can cook?¡±

    ¡°Of course, I am a nice cook! Leave me in the valley of this season with a bag of salt and I¡¯ll make a feast!¡± Qiu Yn said proudly. ¡°Do you think I am aszy and ignorant as you?¡±

    ¡°What a joke!¡± Jiang Yashuang said jealously. ¡°I don¡¯t know Zhuang Man and others have eaten... How could it be?¡±

    ¡°How about anatomizing them?¡± Qiu Yn made a face at him, ¡°But it¡¯s still no use. They have eaten up every single bit!¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Jiang Yashuang grabbed her by the sleeve and said discontentedly, ¡°When will you cook a meal for me? I don¡¯t want fish. They¡¯ve all eaten. Cook something else. Whatever!¡±

    Qiu Yn hummed, ¡°No way! Do you think I¡¯m a kitchen maid?¡±

    ¡°Is there such a beautiful kitchen maid?¡± Jiang Yashuang was so annoying and amusing. ¡°I beg you... even it¡¯s vegetable and tofu! I haven¡¯t tasted your cooking!¡± When this did not work, he changed his strategy and began to goad her. ¡°Well, I guess what you cooked was hard to swallow and you didn¡¯t want me to suffer, so you gave it to Zhuang Man and others. I know you care about me!¡±

    ¡°Bah!¡± Qiu Yn said, ¡°Your sister praised my cooking! You think I am Zhuang Man? Dogs wouldn¡¯t eat her cooking!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was going crazy. ¡°What? My sister also tasted? They all tasted your cooking yesterday at Jinxiu Slope? I even didn¡¯t see it. How could it be? You are too bad!¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± said Qiu Yn triumphantly. ¡°I just like it! Let go. I am going back!¡±

    Hearing what she said, Jiang Yashuang narrowed his eyes and suddenly took her into his arms. Forehead against forehead, he said with a faint smile, ¡°Don¡¯t you know... what would happen if you were bad?¡±

    Qiu Yn exploded immediately, holding him on the waist and warned, ¡°Dare you do anything, believe it or not, I¡¯ll strangle you!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang took a bite on her earlobe without hesitation!

    ¡°You want to die!¡± Qiu Yn became so angry that she pinched hard below his ribs. However, it was as hard as steel!

    ¡°Did you forget that I am wearing the silk armor?¡± Jiang Yashuangughed, ¡°Will you be a good girl?¡±

    Qiu Yn stamped on his foot, raising her hand and grabbing at his cheeks, ¡°How can you protect here!¡± She was just about to apply force when suddenly she heard someone say embarrassedly behind her, ¡°Cousin... what are you...¡±

    She quickly put down her hand and looked back. Qiu Jinzhu and her maids, Tin and Tinhe were staring at them in a daze at the moon gate!

    ¡°Thank you very much, General Jiang. I¡¯ve arrived.¡± Qiu Yn coughed, quickly straightened her clothes and turned around as if nothing had happened. ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu stared at Jiang Yashuang for a while. Seeing that there was some displeasure in her eyes, she blushed and whispered, ¡°I feel a little bored and want to take a walk. I didn¡¯t mean to...¡±

    ¡°All right. There you go.¡± Qiu Yn said that just for a shift of the atmosphere. She was not interested in her exnation. The more she heard, the more awkward she would be. She waved her hand and said, ¡°I¡¯m going back to the room.¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu didn¡¯t expect that she wouldn¡¯t even blush. She froze for a while. Seeing her passing her with no guilty conscience, she herself felt dizzy for no reason and said, ¡°Yes!¡±

    But she stood still until Qiu Yn disappeared behind the moon gate and the young man with an umbre left swiftly like an immortal. Qiu Jinzhu was a little lost and randomly chose a direction to walk. A thought kept lingering in her mind, ¡°That¡¯s General Jiang? He¡¯s so handsome!¡± Then she panicked, ¡°He and cousin?¡±

 Chapter 157 - Cousins Crisis

    <h4>Chapter 157 Cousin¡¯s Crisis</h4>

    Qiu Yn returned to the room, but Zhuang Man and Xue Nongqing were not there.

    Chunran exined, ¡°Miss Zhuang and Miss Xue got up and found you were not there. They said the room was not bright enough and they felt uneasy to stay there, so they went to find Princess Chunfu.¡±

    ¡°Are they so timid? There are so many people here.¡± Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t helpughing.

    Su He came forward with Whitey in her arms and asked, ¡°Your Grace, why did Her Highness call you?¡±

    ¡°Qiu Feng came over and told me something.¡± Qiu Yn sent Chen Shui out to keep watch and told them what had happened. ¡°Be cautious not to be dragged down by Kang Lizhang!¡±

    The three maids were shocked, ¡°Kang Lizhang hired someone from Tianya?¡±

    ¡°Are you going to tell it to Princess Chunfu?¡± Chunran nced at Xiaran and asked anxiously.

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°Yes... But I¡¯m not going. Jiang Yashuang will do it. Qiu Feng seemed unwilling to let people know his identity. Didn¡¯t he call himself He Feng on Jinxiu Slope?¡±

    ¡°Oh, no!¡± Chunran and Xiaran cried out in one voice, ¡°Your Grace, can you stop General Jiang and tell him not to say that?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Qiu Yn froze.

    Chunran got up so anxiously that she pushed her out regardless of her dignity. ¡°It¡¯s toote to exin! Could you go back to General Jiang first? This is very important!¡±

    Fearing that she would continue to ask, Xiaran said, ¡°It has a lot to do with Young master!¡±

    Qiu Yn was immediately shocked. ¡°Yes, Duke of Huainan might investigate Tianya. In case they find out that my cousin has hired them several times...¡±

    She hurried out without the umbre and rushed to catch up with Jiang Yashuang!

    Fortunately, Jiang Yashuang left only after she was out of sight and the trail in the farm vige was tortuous. Qiu Yn managed to stop him just outside Jiang Qizheng¡¯s yard. ¡°Hey! You halt!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was very surprised to see her catching up in the rain. Hurriedly leaning the umbre over, he took a handkerchief out of his sleeve and wiped the raindrops off her face for her, saying with concern, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Why didn¡¯t you take an umbre? You may catch a cold!¡±

    Seeing there was no one around, Qiu Yn pulled him behind the rockery. ¡°Don¡¯t tell Princess Chunfu about Tianya! And don¡¯t tell the people of the Mansion of Duke of Huainan!¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Jiang Yashuang asked in surprise. ¡°Did someone catch somebody around you and threaten...¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiu Yn was so eager to go back and question Chunran that she did not want to exin in detail, so she put her arms around his neck, tiptoed and kissed him on his cheek, ¡°Just don¡¯t say it!¡±

    Indeed, Jiang Yashuang no longer asked the reason. He smiled, ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t say it!¡± But he held her and said, ¡°Keep kissing! I¡¯ll make up a reason to put her off!¡±

    ¡°Make it reasonable so that she won¡¯t find out!¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t bother to bargain with him. She kissed him on the lips and broke away from his arms. ¡°Remember! Don¡¯t talk nonsense! Don¡¯t tell anyone about it!¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°Take the umbre! It¡¯s my sister¡¯s. Zhuang Man and others won¡¯t think much about you when they see it.¡±

    When Qiu Yn returned to the room, she found Xiaran was not there, so she asked in surprise, ¡°Where is Xiaran?¡±

    ¡°She has gone to tell the guards about something.¡± Chunran was a little restless, asking, ¡°Did you catch up with General Jiang?¡±

    ¡°Yes. He promised to find a reason to fob off Princess Chunfu.¡± This time, Qiu Yn sent both Su He and Chen Shui out. She frowned, ¡°My cousin and Tianya?¡±

    ¡°Did you forget the matter about Deng Yi?¡± Chunran lowered her voice, ¡°Young master bought the blood card of Tianya and they promised to bring back the heads of Dengyi and his mother! If Tianya were tracked down at this time, Deng Yi and his mother would escape and what would you do with your marriage?¡±

    Qiu Yn wiped the cold sweat off her face. ¡°That¡¯s not important. What I¡¯m most afraid of is that my cousin¡¯s deal will be found out. Then he¡¯s finished!¡±

    Chunran said, ¡°So you should not let anyone focus on Tianya!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Qiu Yn nodded. ¡°Is Xiaran sending the message to my cousin so that he is prepared and won¡¯t be caught?¡±

    Chunran said, ¡°Yes. It was lucky you blocked General Jiang. Otherwise, there will be trouble!¡±

    Qiu Yn suddenly remembered something. ¡°I am so curious. Qiu Feng knew my cousin had found someone from Tianya to meet Deng Yi and his mother. Why did he want me to tell Princess Chunfu about it?¡± Wasn¡¯t it to frame up Ruan Qingyan?¡±

    Chunran said in a low voice, ¡°Maybe Master Qiu was not thoughtful?¡±

    ¡°Maybe...¡± Qiu Yn would believe this if she hadn¡¯t seen Qiu Feng. After all, anyone might make mistakes. She herself had not found the tracking down of Tianya had anything to do with her before.

    But after years of contact, Qiu Yn felt that people who had been steeled in the jungle were different. Qiu Feng was straightforward, but he was also extremely meticulous. That made sense. There were all kinds of tricks in the jungle. Being a loner, if he had not been smart enough, he would have been murdered even if he was a master warrior!

    In particr, he fought the bad and evil and helped the poor, which would offend his enemies, who would use every means to get rid of him. Now that he was able to live to the present and enjoy a great reputation, he must be very alert and resourceful£¡

    How could he make such a mistake?

    ¡°Did he do it on purpose?¡± Somehow, Qiu Yn felt that Qiu Feng wanted to take advantage of her trust... If it were not he who came to tell her the message, Qiu Yn would definitely think it over. But since he was Qiu Feng, when he said he wanted to pass the message to the Duke of Huainan, Qiu Yn agreed habitually....

    The question was, ¡°Why does he want to frame cousin? Aren¡¯t they good friends? He has given lots of help to Cousin over the years.¡±

    If he had broken with Ruan Qingyan and wanted to get him into trouble, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better to hold me? What is he trying to do?¡±

    A thought suddenly shed through Qiu Yn¡¯s mind. ¡°Maybe he didn¡¯t want cousin to get into trouble but wanted me to remind him? Jiang Qizheng would not let me see him alone but asked Jiang Yashuang to be with me. Although Qiu Feng had seen Jiang Yashuang, he might not trust him. So, on the surface, he wanted us to tell the Duke of Huainan that there was an inside story behind the death of Concubine Mo; in fact, he was telling me to remind cousin as soon as possible in case he was dragged down by Tianya!¡±

    ¡°Fortunately, Chunran and Xiaran were alert! Otherwise, I would be the murderer of my Cousin!¡± She couldn¡¯t help sweating at the thought!

    At this moment, Su He and Chen Shui¡¯s loud greetings were heard from outside. Zhuang Man and Xue Nongqing returned.

    Qiu Yn rushed to get up and greet them. Zhuang Man and Xue Nongqing were each holding some peach blossoms. Entering the room, they began to find suitable porcin vases for the flowers. They said to her while arranging the flowers, ¡°The Young Prince of Huainan hase. He is crying to death in the mourning hall... How poor he is!¡±

    ¡°What a pity for Duchess of Huainan!¡± Qiu Yn sighed. She met her only once on Jinxiu Slope yesterday and had no affection for her. But after knowing that she saved her daughter at the cost of her own life, she couldn¡¯t help thinking of her own past. She was partial to her now. ¡°What are they going to do? The floods have not yet subsided?¡±

    The rain had been going on, though not as heavy as yesterday. It was unlikely that the water would retreat!

    Zhuang Man shook her head, ¡°The Young Prince came down a trail after receiving the message. He brought a group of strong servants. After crying just now, he discussed with Cousin Jiang the eighth and wanted to buy part of the farm property for the mourning. But cousin refused, saying that it was family property, and that he had no right to sell it without the permission of the elders. But he told him to stay at ease. Now that the body is here, it makes no difference to keep it a bit longer.¡±

    Xue Nongqing sighed, ¡°s! The rain came in such a sudden that it has caused so much trouble!¡±

    Qiu Yn said nothing, thinking it was wrong to me the rain. If Qiu Feng did not lie about the matter, there might also be a problem with the death of Duchess of Huainan. Although it might be impossible for the Duke of Huainan to find out Kang Lizhang¡¯s role in the incident, the two would not havee to Jinxiu Slope if Kang Lizhang had not made the proposal and would not have met with the disaster and lost their lives. Just because of this, she couldn¡¯t get away with the deaths of the two!¡±

    ¡°Commandery Princess Lihui is so hysteric that when she is a little better she will... But there is no need now since there are peopleing from home. The Jiang Family does not have to bear all the responsibilities and Commandery Princess Lihui will not be restricted anymore. I wonder how she is going to retaliate.¡±

    Seeing that she was silent, Zhuang Man and Xue Nongqing looked at each other andforted, ¡°It was Mistress Kang who wanted to see you, but you didn¡¯t ask her. The Duke of Xihe had disowned her... It doesn¡¯t make sense to force this on you. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    ¡°Huh.¡± Qiu Yn, after a few moments of silence, asked, ¡°Did the Young Prince went to Mistress Kang?¡±

    ¡°Not yet. The Young Prince is still grieving. My cousin and others areforting him... He will definitely visit Commandery Princess Lihui first before thinking of Mistress Kang.¡± said Zhuang Man. ¡°But Mistress Kang doesn¡¯t seem to have a decent family background? How could she do such a big deal? It was mostly an ident.¡±

    Qiu Yn suddenly asked, ¡°Wasn¡¯t Mistress Kang¡¯s cart swept away?¡± A total of four womenfolk came out, but only she was safe. It was impossible no to be suspected. Was Kang Lizhang so stupid?

    ¡°Yes. But she was lucky. She caught something in the water and got out and was found by the guards at once.¡± said Zhuang Man. ¡°But the Duchess, Concubine Mo and Lihui were washed away. The guards searched until dark but were not able to find them, so they sent people for help from nearby and came to the farm vige.¡±

    Xue Nongqing sighed, ¡°Concubine Mo hasn¡¯t been found yet. I hope she¡¯s okay. I remember Concubine Mo¡¯s daughter Princess Lixian is about to deliver. What if she got the bad news at the moment?¡±

    Xiaran came in before she finished. ¡°Your Grace, young master is here. He is now waiting outside the farm!¡±

    ¡°Cousin?¡± Qiu Yn was startled and stood up, ¡°So fast? Didn¡¯t you go and send someone to report to him? The person might not have left yet.¡±

    Xiaran exined, ¡°You didn¡¯t go back yesterday and your cousin was informed of that. The gate was closed at that time, so your cousin set off this morning. He is waiting for you outside.¡±

    Zhuang Man said enviously, ¡°Sister Qiu, your cousin is so kind to you! It¡¯s not easy toe over from the city at this time!¡±

    Xue Nongqing understood how Ruan Qingyan felt. ¡°My brother might have been stopped by my grandfather. Otherwise, he would havee over to pick me up even if he had known I was good.¡±

    ¡°My cousin is in the mourning so it¡¯s not convenient for him toe into the vige. I have to go out to see him now.¡± Qiu Yn did not want to keep Ruan Qingyan waiting for long, so she hurried away.

 Chapter 158 - Do You Suspect Me of Having an Affair with My Cousin?

    <h4>Chapter 158 Do You Suspect Me of Having an Affair with My Cousin?</h4>

    When she arrived outside the farm, she saw Ruan Qingyan with Ruan Yi and several servants standing under thatched eaves to take shelter from the rain. His coir raincoat and bamboo hat had been untied and leaned against the earthen wall to dry. His mourning dress was covered with a white open-fronted robe because he was going out. His open-fronted robe was wet a few pieces, but he didn¡¯t look embarrassed. However, he had a kind of aboveboard and unruly demeanor.

    ¡°Cousin, what are you doing here?¡± Seeing Qiu Yning out, Ruan Yi and others hurriedly held up their umbres and took refuge outside the eaves.

    Ruan Qingyan looked at her look and said, ¡°I heard that the heavy rain has cut off the way back to the city. You have to stay here for a few days. I can¡¯t rest assured. So Ie and have a look.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Don¡¯t worry.¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s heart warmed up and said with a smile, ¡°But cousin, why do youe here in person? You have to make a detour in such a heavy rain.¡±

    ¡°If I didn¡¯te here myself, that man over there would be happy.¡± Ruan Qingyan suddenly looked behind her and said lightly.

    Qiu Yn was stunned. She turned her head and saw that Jiang Yashuang in dark purple robe stepped out the door happily. He went up to him and greeted him with a smile, ¡°Brother Ruan, I haven¡¯t seen you for a long time. I really miss you. Since you havee to visit your sister today, why don¡¯t you go to the farm and have a talk?¡±

    The door of the farm was guarded by a servant. Although it would be some distance away, some words were not appropriate to say. Ruan Qingyan said faintly, ¡°I am still in the period of mourning, so it is inconvenient to enter. I will say a few words to my cousin and then go.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang chuckled and said, ¡°It might have been a little fastidious in the past. But now, the mourning hall of the Duchess of Huainan has been set up in it. Chu Weixian, of course, they have not yet put on their mourning dress. Our family members have changed into in and clean color robes to show respect for the Duchess of Huainan... It is okay if you don¡¯t go to the hall.¡±

    He added, ¡°It¡¯s not easy to walk back and forth to the city in these two days. You can go in and take a bath. Change your clothes. You can rx when you go back. Otherwise, it will be bad for your health to take a long way around in wet clothes.¡±

    Qiu Yn did not know that Jiang Yashuang took Ruan Qingyan as a romantic rival and asked him out to fight one-on-one, thinking that they were still one to please the other. She looked at the mud-stained cloak of Ruan Qingyan, and she found it hard to wear it back like this, saying, ¡°Cousin, what he said...¡±

    ¡°General Jiang, I have something to ask my cousin alone. Would you please excuse me for a moment?¡± Ruan Qingyan red at him, unceremoniously rejected Jiang Yashuang¡¯s proposal and signaled Qiu Yn to follow him towards the wastnd.

    Qiu Yn hurriedly followed him obediently. She walked a few steps but saw that Jiang Yashuang also wanted to follow. She was afraid that Ruan Qingyan would be angry and hurriedly said, ¡°You go back first.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang seldom did not listen to her, but he still followed her leisurely, ¡°My sister said that the road is slippery on a rainy day. She is afraid it will be bad for you to go out of the manor alone. Let mee and watch it.¡±

    ¡°I can take care of my cousin.¡± Ruan Qingyan stood still and said with a straight face, ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about it.¡±

    ¡°Now the Commandery Princess Ningyi is visiting our family¡¯s farm. We should keep an eye on her.¡± Jiang Yashuang was still smiling, but his eyes were sharp, ¡°Moreover, it may not be safe in the wastnd. Lan, don¡¯t you think so?¡±

    At this time, the three people walked a few steps away from the door of the farm. It was estimated that the servants could not hear them. Jiang Yashuang immediately changed his name.

    Ruan Qingyan¡¯s face also darkened, ¡°Don¡¯t get in the way. I don¡¯t have time to mess with you today.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang lightly smiled, ¡°So Brother Ruan, are you in trouble? Why don¡¯t you say it and we study it together? Maybe I can help you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡± Ruan Qingyan said coldly, ¡°Are you leaving? If you don¡¯t leave, don¡¯t think I can¡¯t fight with you in front of your family¡¯s farm.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang squinted his eyes and said, ¡°I have met you more than once or twice in private. When have I ever relied on my family?¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned. It was only now that she woke up from a dream. She was shocked and said, ¡°What¡¯s the matter with you?¡±

    She knew that Ruan Qingyan¡¯s attitude towards Jiang Yashuang had never been very good, but Jiang Yashuang¡¯s attitude towards Ruan Qingyan was very restrained. He asionally said a few words of jealousy, which was also a time of teasing. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t take it seriously at all.

    Now the two people quarreled in front of her. Qiu Yn suddenly felt unprepared.

    ¡°Send him back to the farm. Don¡¯t get in the way of our conversation!¡± Ruan Qingyan ordered in a cold voice.

    Without waiting for Qiu Yn to do so, Jiang Yashuang also looked at her with a faint smile, ¡°Lan, are you sure you don¡¯t want me to be with you? Master Qiu said... Right? Although your cousin is good, the enemy is in the light and I am in the dark. If I were here, you could rest assured to talk, right?¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at him suspiciously, ¡°Why do you do this to my cousin today?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang choked. I used to amodate him because I regarded him as my brother-inw, but now I regarded him as a rival in love. How could I continue to amodate him? In particr, Ruan Qingyan knew clearly that you were living on my farm, but he came here in the rain, which made it clear that he deliberately ttered you... If I still let him do whatever he wanted, what would it be?

    But he couldn¡¯t say this directly to Qiu Yn, so he had to say, ¡°I¡¯m worried about you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk to my cousin like that.¡± She had a twitch at the corner of her mouth. She always felt that he was now very hostile to Ruan Qingyan, which had never been seen before. She was about to persuade him to make amends for Ruan Qingyan. She did not expect that Ruan Qingyan frowned and asked, ¡°Have you met Qiu Feng?¡±

    ¡°Yes, he said just now that he saw the Concubine Mo been murdered with his own eyesst night.¡± Qiu Yn deliberately lowered her voice, because she was so worried that many people were around, but she still didn¡¯t dare to mention Tianya, ¡°Xiaran is going to send someone to the city to tell you.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan mused, ¡°How did he know you were here?¡±

    ¡°I met him on Jinxiu Slope yesterday.¡± Qiu Yn said, ¡°Last night, many people from the farm were sent to the Mansion of Duke of Huainan to look for someone. Maybe he heard what the servant said...¡±

    Ruan Qingyan said suspiciously, ¡°Yesterday? Jinxiu Slope? How did you meet?¡±

    At this time a gust of wind blowing with cold rain, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help shuddering.

    Jiang Yashuang said with a sullen face, ¡°Go into the farm and talk. Even if you don¡¯t feel ufortable wearing wet clothes, you have to think about that Lan might catch a cold.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan nced at him and waved to Ruan Yi. He shook a cloak from the burden on his back and was about to put it over Qiu Yn¡¯s shoulder. Seeing this, Jiang Yashuang who had been strong enough to endure couldn¡¯t help being furious. He stepped forward and stopped him, asking with a livid face, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°This cloak belongs to my big sister.¡± Ruan Qingyan frowned and said, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°I should tie it for her.¡± Jiang Yashuang¡¯s eyes were cold, ¡°I know Lan treats you like a brother, but after all you are just cousins. All the people on the farm behind us looked at us. If you tie her cloak for her in front of me. What do you want others to think?¡± He gritted his teeth, ¡°I¡¯ve made concessions to you again and again, so don¡¯t go too far.¡±

    ¡°Do you suspect me of having an affair with my cousin?¡± Qiu Yn wondered why he stopped him before. How could she not understand after hearing these words? She couldn¡¯t help turning white with anger, ¡°You guys are really brother and sister. Yesterday on the Jinxiu Slope, Qiu Feng identally offended Zhuang Man. I just called ¡®Brother¡¯ and asked Zhuang Man for a favor. Your sister then instructed He Shuijin to set me up. I put up with it. I can¡¯t believe that even you can¡¯t tolerate my cousin. We¡¯re not married yet, and you¡¯re getting paranoid. Can we still get along after that?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was shocked, ¡°My sister asked sister He to set you up?¡± He could not helpining secretly. Jiang Qizheng only reminded him that Qiu Yn knew a person named ¡°He Feng¡± before, but did not tell him that she had asked He Shuijin to set Qiu Yn up.

    Well, he was suspected yesterday. He was suspected again today. With his knowledge of Qiu Yn, it would be strange if she didn¡¯t get angry.

    He hadn¡¯t had time to apologize. Ruan Qingyan¡¯s face hadpletely sunk, ¡°How rascal you are! At that time, I didn¡¯t know who climbed over the wall to seduce my cousin. Why do you dislike her now? What do you take my cousin for? Do you think she has no parents to support and easy to bully?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t have time to get angry with him at this time and hurriedly exined, ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened on the Jinxiu Slope.¡±

    ¡°In short, in the eyes of your family, I don¡¯t obey the rules and the way of a woman!¡± Qiu Yn sneered and said, ¡°I finally understand why my cousin has always asked me to be courteous and well-behaved.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to doubt you. I just think he¡¯s too kind to you.¡± Jiang Yashuang had no choice but to tell the truth, ¡°He is not like your cousin. I just think he¡¯s hitting on you.¡±

    Qiu Yn said coldly, ¡°I know how good he is to me! Besides, if he were hitting on me, I don¡¯t know how many times I would be tricked. Do you still need to doubt it?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang also wanted to exin, but Ruan Qingyan was already telling Su He who followed Qiu Yn, ¡°Go in and ask Chunran and others to pack up the Commandery Princess¡¯s things. Tell Chunfu Princess that I bought a yard in a vige three miles away. Now I want to take the Commandery Princess to live there, so as not to continue to disturb the Jiang family... And also tell Chunfu Princess that I can discipline my own cousin. Whether she knows Qiu Feng or He Feng, I don¡¯t think there is any need for her Highness to worry about it.¡±

    He looked at Jiang Yashuang who was turning pale, ¡°After all, you¡¯re not married yet, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Jiang Yashuang just opened his mouth but was interrupted by Qiu Yn, ¡°That¡¯s enough! I don¡¯t want to hear anything now!¡±

    Knowing that she was angry now, Jiang Yashuang was silent and forced to restrain his irritable mood, ¡°Then I¡¯ll see you off.¡±

    After a while, he watched Ruan Qingyan and his party entering the vige, but he was stopped outside. His eyes changed for a while, and then turned away in silence.

    On the way back to the farm, Jiang Tan wanted to say a few words of relief, but he said nothing because his face was too gloomy.

    Just as they were approaching the farm¡¯s gate, behind a big willow tree by the side of the road suddenly appeared a man in brocade robe who was about the same age as Jiang Yashuang.

    This young man had long eyebrows and bright eyes. Hisplexion was clear as jade. His ck hair was loosely draped down, and he only wore a gold ring at the back of his head. His skirt was half-loose and looked dissolute. He had neither an umbre nor a hat, just let rainwater wet his robe with two pots of wine in his hand. As soon as he came out, he immediately threw one of the pots of wine at Jiang Yashuang and said with a smile, ¡°As soon as Ie here, I see that you are out of your mind... Don¡¯t tell me the reason. Drink it first.¡±

    When Jiang Yashuang saw the young man, his eased a little. He caught the kettle and weighed it, but said with a wry smile, ¡°What else can I say after drying this pot of wine?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. You are a terrible drinker.¡± The young man in brocade robe opened his pot of wine. He took a big sip of wine and said, ¡°Your eighth brother¡¯s specialty is to get others drunk and cook raw rice to ripe rice. It seems that you can only rely on your nephew to inherit it. It¡¯s hopeless to count on you.¡±

    ¡°Bicheng, when did youe here?¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed and did not answer the teasing remark, saying, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you had to take part in the provincial examination before you came back?¡±

    The young man was Ou Bicheng in brocade robe, saying, ¡°I think so, but the ce in the Beijiang is so boring that there is nothing to talk about except hunting... My father¡¯s subordinates sent several beauties to him at the end ofst year. You know my mother¡¯s temper. There is a lot of hustle and bustle in the backyard all day long... How can I go on with my studies? I just took advantage of my aunt¡¯s birthday toe back and rx!¡±

    He looked at the Jiang Tan who stood behind Jiang Yashuang and did not stop moving his mouth. He came forward and took Jiang Yashuang by the shoulder, ¡°I just came back, but I heard that you had been bullied? Tell me. What¡¯s going on? Do you need me to save face for you?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang squinted his eyes. With a flick of his finger, an invisible breath opened his hand. He seemed to be smiling, ¡°You only went to the Beijiang. Have you learned to act as a hero? Do you forget who always stood out for you when you were a kid? How dare you pretend to be my older brother?¡±

    ¡°Ha-ha... Don¡¯t care about these details.¡± Ou Bicheng smiled and tried to muddle through, ¡°Seriously, I have to go back to take the provincial examination in July at thetest. Aunt Zhuang gave me the errands this time. Let me take her ce and see what kind of beauty your sweetheart looks like. She can fascinate you so much that more than half of the words you praised her in the letter you wrote to them.¡±

    Before he had finished his words, he saw Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face which was a little better before became expressionless again.

 Chapter 159 - An Unexpected Betrayal!

    <h4>Chapter 159 An Unexpected Betrayal!</h4>

    Qiu Yn followed Ruan Qingyan into the newly purchased courtyard. The courtyard with three courtyards looked old. In the second courtyard there was a tall ebony tree, which covered most of the sky with luxuriant branches and darkened the main house.

    The bodyguard who was arranged to clean up first was very capable. Not to mention that the original owner had moved away in such a short time, and they had cleaned up almost inside and outside.

    ¡°What happened when you saw Qiu Feng twice?¡± They sat down in the hall. Ruan Yi hurriedly directed people to make tea.

    Ruan Qingyan took a sip of tea and asked.

    Qiu Yn just fell out with Jiang Yashuang. Her heart was in a mess at this moment. She was not in high spirits, saying, ¡°Yesterday, it was he, Xun Yuxi, and Li Xuan who borrowed the mastiff dog from Ling Zui. He did not expect when the mastiff escaped the reins, it scared Chunfu Princess¡¯s Persian cat. This matter was constantly criticized by Zhuang Man. I happened to see them when I went back, and I helped them solve the problem. However, today he came over to say that he saw with his own eyes that someone had murdered the Concubine Mo of the Mansion of Duke of Huainan, and suspected that it was my cousin Kang who hired the Tianya¡¯s person.¡±

    ¡°How is that possible?¡± Ruan Qingyan frowned and blurted it out.

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°I suspected it at first. How can Kang Lizhang know about ¡®Tianya¡¯? But Qiu Feng said that maybe ¡®Tianya¡¯ knew that she has a lot of private savings, and they deliberately found her. She was the concubine of the Duke of Huainan, and she was also forced by Qiu Mengmin and his wife. ording to her temper, she has a chance to be a senior concubine. How can she let it go?¡±

    She sighed, ¡°But this time she promised toe out to see me.¡±

    Ruan Qingyan didn¡¯t look very well. He was silent for a long time before he said, ¡°She wants to see you rather than you want to see her. Anyway, you are not the one who should be med...¡± When he said this, his eyes were in a trance and said, ¡°I suddenly remembered something. I have to go back to the city right away. You can stay here tonight. I left someone to protect you. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised and said, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Ruan Qingyan said perfunctorily, and immediately got up and went out.

    Qiu Yn chased to the door, but saw that his horse had been brought out. He was calling two bodyguards to speak. When he saw hering out, he hurriedly said, ¡°Secure the door and don¡¯t let anyone disturb Commandery Princess.¡±

    He scolded Qiu Yn lightly, ¡°What are you doing out here? Go back and have a rest.¡±

    ¡°When you go back to the city at this time, how can you get there before dark?¡± Qiu Yn said anxiously, ¡°What if you fell into the water when the road is slippery on a rainy day? By the way, what is your hurry?¡±

    Ruan Qingyan did not answer, but said, ¡°Go back.¡± With that, he got on his horse, took only Ruan Yi and a few others. Braving the rain, he urged the horse to leave.

    ¡°What on earth is so urgent? ¡± Qiu Yn was confused and asked the bodyguard next to her.

    The bodyguards said they didn¡¯t know.

    Qiu Yn frowned and went back to the main room. Chen Shui came over and said, ¡°Does Your Grace have a look at the house? The quilts are all new, as if they were brought by the young master from the city.¡±

    ¡°Just stay outside for two or three days. I can¡¯t believe he bought a yard.¡± Qiu Ynmented that Ruan Qingyan spent a lot of money, ¡°He even brought out the quilts... Sure enough, my cousin is a real local tycoon. I never thought of spending money like this.¡±

    Chen Shui smiled and said, ¡°The young master dotes on you... You suddenly moved out of the Jiang Family¡¯s farm. Will it upset her Highness Chunfu Princess?¡±

    Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead distractedly, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter so much. Didn¡¯t you see my cousin¡¯s face just now? Besides, the Jiang Family has suspected me again and again. I¡¯ve had enough.¡±

    At this time, Su He and others also came here. Along with them came Mengtao, a maid of Jiang Qizheng, ¡°Her Highness said that you just bought this yard. She is afraid that youck a lot of things, so she asked me to send some over.¡±

    Qiu Yn nced at it. She saw that they were all brand-new appliances. She thought about it and refused, ¡°Thank her Highness for her kindness, but my cousin brought them all when he came from the city.¡±

    Mengtao didn¡¯t insist on it. She said goodbye after a few pleasantries.

    She went back to the farm and told it to Jiang Qizheng. Jiang Qizheng gritted her teeth for a while and said, ¡°She really thinks she¡¯s something! Earlier, she teamed up with Ruan Chunjun to embarrass Jiang Yashuang in front of the farm. She still puts on airs in front of me at this time.¡± As a beloved daughter of the Jiang family, she thought she was considerate, protective and tolerant to this prospective sister-inw.

    Just now she sent Mengtao to send something, which was also to make up for testing her on Jinxiu Slope. As a result, Qiu Yn refused it so simply. Didn¡¯t it embarrass her?

    He Shuijin persuade her, ¡°That one has always been spoiled by Ruan Chunjun. Jiang Yashuang also gives her everything. She must have some temper. It¡¯s my fault. It was too obvious for me to test her indirectly before, which made her feel resentful in her heart. Let¡¯s coax herter.¡±

    ¡°Are you kidding?¡± Jiang Qizheng sneered, ¡°I don¡¯t believe it. She¡¯s just a Commandery Princess. How dare shepete with me?¡± She said a domineering word and bowed her head in frustration, ¡°Let someone send her some more refreshments tomorrow... Why does Jiang Yashuang like her?¡± She had only one younger brother, Jiang Yashuang. She couldn¡¯t bear to see him sad. Even if she couldn¡¯t stand her sister-inw any longer, for her brother¡¯s sake, she could only put up with it all over again.

    He Shuijin smiled bitterly and nodded.

    Qiu Yn in the vige did not know that she had offended Jiang Qizheng miserably. At this moment, she was summoning Chunran and Xiaran to ask what was the emergency in the city.

    But Chunran and Xiaran did not know it, ¡°We haven¡¯t had any contact with the young master since we served you. How could we know? Maybe there¡¯s something wrong with the shops in the city? Or is he afraid that Lady Ciyi will be worried?¡±

    ¡°It must have something to do with Qiu Feng.¡± Qiu Yn frowned and said, ¡°Although my cousin didn¡¯t say anything, I think he just sensed something after I said that I saw Qiu Feng twice... You really don¡¯t know? You asked me to stop Jiang Yashuang before. Are you really afraid of dragging down my cousin? Is there other reason?¡±

    ¡°We really don¡¯t know why he¡¯s in such a hurry to get back to the city.¡± Chunran and Xiaran spoke with one voice firmly.

    Qiu Yn looked at them suspiciously for a moment. Because she did not know whether Ruan Qingyan¡¯s eagerness to return to the city was good or bad, and Chunran and Xiaran had served her very attentively in these two years. Even if she suspects them, she can¡¯t punish them. So after she indirectly questioned them in vain, she had to let them go.

    There was nothing to do from this day to night, but in the middle of the night, Qiu Yn was woken up, ¡°Miss Qiu Qian ising with Miss Qiu Bo, and they are in the front hall. They are in the front hall. They said they had something important to tell you.¡±

    ¡°Why are they here?¡± Qiu Yn asked in surprise.

    Su He said, ¡°I don¡¯t know either... Looking at the appearance of Miss Qiu Bo, she is very anxious. She holds a box in her arms and drenched herself, but she protects the box well. I don¡¯t know if the box has anything to do with it.¡±

    ¡°Box?¡± Qiu Yn was confused. She got up and muttered to herself, ¡°I can¡¯t remember what I told her about the box.¡±

    She hurriedly packed up and rushed to the front hall. Sure enough, Qiu Bo and Qiu Qian, they were drenched and stood under the hall. Their lips were ck and blue with cold.

    Seeing Qiu Yn, Qiu Bo didn¡¯t even have time to salute. She immediately said, ¡°Your Grace, I am lucky to receive some of the things you mentioned. I know it is important. I bring it to you at night.¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned. Only to see Qiu Qian moved her mouth at her, it was ¡°the poison Youmianxiang¡±. She could not help shaking and looked at the box in her arms, ¡°Is this the box?¡±

    ¡°Can we talk inside?¡± Qiu Bo asked anxiously.

    Qiu Yn nodded, ¡°Come on in... Su He, go and get my dress. You guys go inside and talk while changing your clothes!¡±

    When she entered the inner chamber, Qiu Bo wiped her face and didn¡¯t know if it was rainwater or sweat. She let Qiu Qian take the box to the table and opened it, saying, ¡°The kind of incense you mentioned doesn¡¯t matter if it doesn¡¯t burn, so you can take it in your hand and see it.¡±

    While she was talking, Qiu Yn had seen a piece of incense lying quietly in the box like an inkstone, which was ck and bright in color. People who didn¡¯t understand wouldn¡¯t think it was spice.

    Although Qiu Bo could hold it directly in her hand, she dared not to touch it. She bowed her head and looked at it carefully, saying, ¡°Is that so? So is it this faint orchid fragrance when it is not ignited? I don¡¯t know what a long fragrance it will be when it is ignited.¡±

    Suddenly Qiu Bo giggled, ¡°You are not right. Your Grace. I¡¯m talking about the kind of incense you mentioned. Is it this kind of orchid fragrance? It doesn¡¯t need to burn to work... Your Grace, don¡¯t you feel dizzy and tired?¡±

    When Qiu Yn heard this, there was something wrong with it. She quickly reached out to catch Qiu Qian closest to her. However, Qiu Qian slipped away cleverly before Qiu Boughed out loud. She stood side by side with Qiu Bo and chuckled, ¡°Your Grace, don¡¯t worry. This orchid incense can¡¯t kill you. After all, we expect to trade you with Ruan Qingyan for my brother¡¯s future and life.¡±

    ¡°Qiu Nie?!¡± Qiu Yn only felt that her strength had faded like a tide. She couldn¡¯t even stand after a few words. Su He eximed. She wanted to help her, but was knocked unconscious after being caught by Qiu Qian. They wouldn¡¯t let her rm the outsiders. When Qiu Bo saw this, she told Qiu Qian, ¡°You go out and exin it. Try to hide it for a while.¡±

    She followed Qiu Qian out and told everyone, ¡°Sister Lan is going to have a long talk with my sister all night. She let you all leave. Tell us when the young master Ruanes back. Please put off everything. Sister Lan will not be in the mood to care about anything else.¡±

    When she came back, she saw that Qiu Yn had fallen powerlessly on the nket. She was sane, but she was paralyzed as mud. She asked Qiu Bo, ¡°Help her to bed?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll talk about itter.¡± Qiu Bofortably sat on the drum stool. She poured herself a bowl of hot tea and said with a smile, ¡°You forget your brother said that Her Grace is very good at kung fu. Although the orchid incense is domineering, she can hold on for a while, and she will be ruthless when we get close.¡±

    Qiu Qianpletely lost the quiet and elegant in the boudoir study of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Sheughed presumptuously, ¡°How good are you? Have you ever killed anyone? Can you be as good as me?¡± When she was speaking, she pulled a dagger out of her sleeve and yed with it, ¡°I like her beautiful face better. I used to think we were top beauties, but she surpassed us in the end.¡±

    At this time, Qiu Yn¡¯s hands and feet were sore and weak. She could not speak. She could only look at her coldly with a pair of eyes. She took a sip of tea and said with a smile, ¡°Don¡¯t you want your brother to die? We could negotiate terms with Ruan Qingyan only if she was intact. Don¡¯t you know that person¡¯s style of doing things? Qiu Feng has worked for him for so many years. He keeps a secret from him... She is his only weakness. You¡¯d better put her to bedter and don¡¯t even touch her, or you¡¯ll drive Ruan Qingyan to a dead end, and we¡¯ll all be finished.¡±

    Qiu Qian angrily put away the dagger, ¡°I see. I see. I only frighten her... She has got a lot of nerve and dares to stare at me. If we hadn¡¯t let you threaten Ruan Qingyan, I would have gouged out your eyes if you stared at me again!¡±

    ¡°She has always been nice to you. Why are you so mean to her?¡± Qiu Bo asked in surprise.

    ¡°What do you know?¡± Qiu Qian spat, ¡°The girl school of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe is driving me crazy. She reminds me of Madam Shao.¡±

    Qiu Bo smiled, ¡°You¡¯re used to killing people with a knife. It¡¯s a real headache for you to learn what the youngdy has learned. Especially Madam Shao is talented and thoughtful. It¡¯s really painful for you not to make mistakes in front of her... But you¡¯d better not mess with her. Don¡¯t forget that she is not only taken as a treasure by Ruan Qingyan, but also by the General Jiang who lives on the farm three miles away. He spoiled her very much. It would be very bad if we were targeted by Jiang Yashuang who is very favored in front of the Empress.¡±

    ¡°What are you afraid of?¡± Qiu Qian said nonchntly, ¡°In any case, my brother is on the side of the Empress Dowager. No matter whether he offends the Jiang family or not, he will always be a mortal enemy with the Jiang family in the future!¡±

    When she was speaking, suddenly there was a sound of footsteps outside the door, ¡°Your Grace, be careful. Thedies of the Qiu Family...¡±

    The door was pushed open with a ng. Chunran came in with Ruan Yi who was covered in rainwater and muddy water. They were shocked and saw them standing on each side of her with a dagger on each side of Qiu Yn¡¯s throat. They threw a yful smile at them, ¡°It¡¯s toote!¡±

 Chapter 160 - Leave My Sister Alone. Or You Would Die!

    <h4>Chapter 160 Leave My Sister Alone. Or You Would Die!</h4>

    When Ruan Qingyan went back to the little yard, it was still raining and began to dawn.

    After a day and night ordeal, his face was now pale and his eyes were bloodshot even though he was in the prime of his life. But his eyes were still bright and gleaming. mes burned in his eyes from the bottom.

    He walked into the front hall as he untied his coir raincoat. Two guards behind him were dragging a man who was bleeding. He wasn¡¯t even wearing a coir raincoat. The rainwater mixed with blood, making the floor from the threshold to the hall red.

    ¡°Hand over Yn to me safely, and I¡¯ll let you three leave the capital safely!¡± When he reached the inner room, he took the handkerchief handed over timidly by Chunran. He wiped his face when he said coldly.

    Just a few minutes ago, Qiu Bo, who gossiped Ruan Qingyan with Qiu Qian, now suddenly stood up and saluted to Ruan Qingyan, ¡°Young master, we will remember your mercy on us forever! But you know that Qiu Nie has been learning with you for many years, and he tried hard to pass that examination...¡±

    ¡°Toote.¡± Ruan Qingyan said coldly. ¡°Raise Qiu Nie¡¯s head!¡±

    Hearing his words, one of the bodyguards holding Qiu Nie grabbed his hair, forcing him to raise his head.

    Qiu Bo and Qiu Qian shrieked in the chorus after seeing his face.

    On Qiu Nie¡¯s face, several de marks were crisscrossing his face! The deepest one of them, the cheekbones could be seen! As they had only applied a little bit of medicine on the wounds along the way, the wounds were already white from the rain, making his face more frightening!

    ¡°Are you expecting me to give her so many cuts too?!¡± Qiu Qian said. Qiu Nie¡¯s face had already broken very severely, surely he couldn¡¯t be an official anymore?! Qiu Bo fell desperately. Qiu Qian gritted his teeth and held a dagger to Qiu Yn¡¯s cheek, shouting angrily!

    Ruan Qingyan stared at her for a while, then suddenly reached out and pulled out the long knife at the bodyguard¡¯s waist, pointed obliquely at Qiu Nie¡¯s crotch. He said slowly, ¡°I remember that he is the only boy in your family. Your family counts on him to carry on.¡±

    Qiu Qian¡¯s face turned pale with anger, ¡°Don¡¯t forget that you and we...¡±

    ¡°Trade or not?!¡± Ruan Qingyan snapped, ¡°Think carefully. He won¡¯t die because of one cut!¡±

    Qiu Qian took a deep breath, ¡°If I cut her in the face, I don¡¯t think she wouldn¡¯t die either!¡±

    The two of them looked at each other furiously for a moment. Qiu Bo coughed, ¡°Qiu Qian, don¡¯t be rude.¡± She bowed to Ruan Qingyan again, ¡°Young master, Qiu Nie, Qiu Qian and I are sorry for what we did. But, the ¡®Tianya¡¯ is owned by the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, not by you alone, right?¡±

    As soon as she finished speaking, the haggard Qiu Yn looked up abruptly! If Qiu Bo hadn¡¯t been quick enough to pull down on Qiu Qian¡¯s wrist, her skin would have been cut by the dagger!

    But Qiu Yn didn¡¯t even care if there was a risk of injury, she just looked at Ruan Qingyan in dismay!

    Ruan Qingyan¡¯s appearance wasplicated for a moment, and then he gathered his wits and became indifferent, ¡°If you wanted to leave safely, you should have told me your n. Why did you drag Yn into this? What do you just want to say, Qiu Qian? Have you forgotten that we¡¯re both from the same bloodline? Did you ever think of it when you kidnapped your sister?¡±

    Qiu Yn felt very surprised now! She turned her head to look at Qiu Qian who was near her. At the same time, the sweet girl, Qiu Qian turned to look at her, smiling, ¡°Now, I think I should reintroduce myself... My silly sister! My name is Qiu Qian. I am from Qiu Family, the Duke of Xihe. My father, whom you should call uncle, has died anyway.¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn turn to look at Qiu Bo again, Qiu Qian pursed, ¡°She¡¯s not our family member!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Mei Xue. I served young master. I oversaw the ¡®Tianya¡¯ on behalf of young master. In order to conceal my real identity, I changed my name to Qiu Bo, andter entered the capital with young master as a Qiu Nie¡¯s sister.¡± After saying so, Qiu Bo, no, it¡¯s Mei Xue now, saluted towards her respectfully, ¡°Previously, young master did not allow me to exin my real identity, so I concealed it to you!¡±

    ¡°Cousin... no, my dear brother, you¡¯re killing me now!¡± Hearing this, no longer knowing who Ruan Qingyan was, Qiu Yn would be the stupidest girl in the world. She wailed in her heart, ¡°You have known that you are my biological brother and you treat me so nicely? Why do you hide it from me? If you¡¯ve already told me who Qiu Bo and Qiu Qian are, I might not have been trapped in trouble. What now?¡±

    Qiu Qian growled, ¡°Fortunately, he felt ashamed and didn¡¯t tell you the truth! Otherwise, my brother, Mei Xue and I would probably be dead persons?!¡±

    Qiu Qian looked askance at the expressionless Ruan Qingyan. He was now Qiu Jinn, the Young Prince of Duke of Xihe who had taken refuge in a fraudulent death thirteen years ago. He said, ¡°If we want to escape from it, we can just tell you directly... That¡¯s not the story I heard! My brother and I grew up in the ¡®Tianya¡¯. We know very well about the ¡®Tianya¡¯. Mei Xue, as the Left Dharma Protector, was taught by the former Left Dharma Protector, must know better! Over the past years, you were busy with Kung Fu, books and Examinations for bing an official in the government. She is the real one overseeing the ¡®Tianya¡¯. If we three left, can you be reassured that you would not kill us?¡±

    She continued, ¡°Qiu Feng is a good friend of the former Left Dharma Protector. He became one of us for his good friend. As he excels at Kung Fu and is famous in the Jianghu. After the former Left Dharma Protector died because of illness, you concealed the truth and lied to him, asking him to serve you and not telling him the truth of the former Left Dharma Protector¡¯s death. You can promise that when we say we want to leave the ¡®Tianya¡¯, you will not kill us?¡±

    Qiu Jinn looked at her coldly, ¡°Either the former Left Dharma Protector died because of illness or being murdered by Qiu Nie, the Right Dharma Protector, the result is Mei Xue must be the one overseeing everything... About this, you swear you don¡¯t know?¡±

    Qiu Qian was stunned, and then smirked, ¡°Oh? You know clearly about it. However, you haven¡¯t told Qiu Feng either! Actually, it¡¯s because you didn¡¯t notice Mei Xue¡¯s betrayal. You can still exploit the three of us. No matter how much Qiu Feng has done for you, you wouldn¡¯t tell him who killed his best friend! I think the former Left Dharma Protector was so wronged. He was loyal to you when he was alive, but you didn¡¯t avenge his death. You even used his best friend for you when he tried to avenge for him. What¡¯s more, you get the man who killed the protector promoted... Fortunately, the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe controlled the ¡®Tianya¡¯, or we won¡¯t get away from you even you had no time to take care of everything in the ¡®Tianya¡¯. You could not run the ¡®Tianya¡¯ at all?!¡±

    ¡°I did not n to oversee the ¡®Tianya¡¯,¡± said Qiu Jinn. ¡°Before the foundation of Darui, the organization was formerly known as an intelligence agency for the Qiu Family when the family followed Chu ancestors to conquer the world. But afterward, it became useless. The family kept it as a fallback... But none of the offspring of the Qiu Family, as the Duke of Xihe, had put a tremendous amount of effort into it. The organization¡¯s value is to support the Duke of Xihe. However, the Duke of Xihe does not put effort into running it!¡±

    Qiu Qian said, ¡°That¡¯s why you handed it over to Mei Xue without hesitation... Well, wait a moment. Why do you mention the history of the ¡®Tianya¡¯? You are stalling for time?!¡± She realized something suddenly and then grabbed Qiu Yn¡¯s throat and snapped, ¡°Don¡¯t y tricks! You let us go or not?!¡±

    Qiu Jinn replied coldly, ¡°Let Yn go, then you are free!¡±

    Qiu Qian smiled coldly, ¡°She is your only sister. She¡¯s only worth three of us?! As you don¡¯t cherish the ¡®Tianya¡¯. You give it to us. Compared to the safety of your sister, we¡¯re not asking too much, are we?¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Mei Xue said suddenly, ¡°We shouldn¡¯t take the ¡®Tianya¡¯!¡±

    Qiu Qian was stunned, ¡°Why can¡¯t we?¡±

    ¡°Look at your brother!¡± Mei Xue looked at the dying Qiu Nie in distress. ¡°You still don¡¯t understand? Although young master did not manage the ¡®Tianya¡¯, he could but he did not want to put too much effort into it! Young master has known the w of the organization, and the order to clean up betrayals must be spread to every corner. Do you really want the ¡®Tianya¡¯ like this?! I guess you want him to kill us now!¡±

    Qiu Qian bit her lip and then said, ¡°How about our money! Thousands of taels of silver in the ount of the ¡®Tianya¡¯. At least half of them are ours!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think about it!¡± Mei Xue stopped her before Qiu Jinn said. She continued in a deep voice, ¡°Qiu Qian, you¡¯re too desperate for money. Without the ¡®Tianya¡¯ as our cover, and what¡¯s more, Qiu Nie¡¯s face is ruined and he cannot be an official anymore. How can we suppose to protect such a big sum of money even we are under the wings of Empress Dowager Gu?!¡±

    Qiu Qian growled, ¡°Idiot! We can use the money to bribe Empress Dowager!¡±

    ¡°That would indeed gain the Empress Dowager¡¯s favor.¡± Mei Xue calmly said. ¡°But have you thought about it? We¡¯re not the only ones to please Empress Dowager. What will those who can¡¯te up with five million taels of silver for her? What will they think and do?!¡±

    Qiu Qian froze.

    Qiu Jinn said, ¡°Idiot! Do you know why Mei Xue oversees the ¡®Tianya¡¯ for me? And you, you don¡¯t even have my permission to work for her? In terms of thoughtfulness, you¡¯re not even close to her!¡±

    ¡°Mei Xue, you tell us. What are we doing now?!¡± Qiu Qian¡¯s eyes shed with resentment and coldness!

    Mei Xue took a deep breath, ¡°We only take one hundred thousand taels of silver. Qiu Nie and Qiu Qian, they are your second uncle¡¯s children. Your second uncle can¡¯t stay at the Prince¡¯s Mansion to recover from illness. I don¡¯t think this number is not much.¡±

    ¡°Any more do you want?¡± Qiu Jinn asked withoutment.

    ¡°You must swear on the safety of Commandery Princess Ningyi, not to harm us in any way! Let us bepletely free!¡± Mei Xue was shaking slightly after saying this. Clearly, she was nervous when she said so!

    The reasons that Qiu Qian dared yell at Qiu Jinn were: First, she was Qiu Jinn¡¯s cousin, and second, her understanding of Qiu Jinn was far less than Mei Xue¡¯s! As the saying went, the ignorant man was fearless... Mei Xue knew Qiu Jinn¡¯s tactics and ruthlessness. Although she had nned for this day for many years, she couldn¡¯t help trembling when it came true!

    After a short time, Qiu Jinn began tough. He said coldly, ¡°So, after you are free, you are also free to retaliate against me?¡±

    ¡°We swear we won¡¯t do that!¡± Mei Xue said promptly.

    Qiu Jinn said morosely, ¡°Back then, you also swore to be loyal to me forever!¡±

    ¡°Then you swear on the safety of the Commandery Princess Ningyi to let us safely enter the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang!¡± Mei Xue sighed in her heart. The most desired oue Mei Xue hoped was that Qiu Jinn would be distracted because of Qiu Yn and agreed to the swear she said just minutes ago. Although Qiu Jinn did care about Qiu Yn, he was calmer than she thought. So, she had to seek for the second one.

    This time, Qiu Jinn immediately replied, ¡°Okay!¡±

    Mei Xue became more alert. She said, ¡°Then please swear!¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Only after Qiu Jinn said a single word, two ck lights suddenly shot out from the brick wall behind Mei Xue and Qiu Qian!

    ¡°Watch out.¡± Qiu Nie, who was already down to hisst breath, did his best to voice out a warning. But it¡¯ste, Mei Xue and Qiu Qian had been shot and flung themselves to the ground!

    Anyway, Qiu Qian was a tough-minded girl. Although the tip of the arrow was already showing through her chest, she was still trying to get to the dagger to continue grabbing Qiu Yn. As she reached forward, her slender five fingers were indeed stepped on by Qiu Jinn!

    ¡°Take them down. Don¡¯t let them die!¡± With a slight push, a crisp bone-cracking sound immediately came from the sole of his boot, Qiu Qian shrieked and fainted from the pain!

 Chapter 161 - She Was Fooled Because She Trusted Me!

    <h4>Chapter 161 She Was Fooled Because She Trusted Me!</h4>

    After taking the pills that Qiu Jinn brought, Qiu Yn could talk, but she still felt tired.

    Chen Shui put two cushions behind her back to make her feel morefortable. When she was about to leave, Qiu Jinn asked her, ¡°Did Mei Xue and Qiu Qian wake up?¡±

    Chen Shui answered with fear, ¡°The guy who tortured them struck hard. They probably won¡¯t wake up today.¡±

    Qiu Jinn looked angry. Before he about to say anything, Qiu Yn pulled herself together and mediated, ¡°You were so angry just now. They won¡¯t slight you. Just wait for a day then. Didn¡¯t you say orchid incense was not fatal?¡± Mei Xue and the other two had the mind of betrayal for a long time. Qiu Jinn¡¯s focus was always on the official circles which gave them an opportunity.

    Even this time, because of Qiu Feng¡¯s idental intervention, they fell short of sess. But Qiu Nie did ask Qiu Qian to have a back-up n. The orchid incense used to contain Qiu Yn was not fatal, but she wouldn¡¯t be able to stand up if she didn¡¯t take the antidote.

    And the antidote of orchid incense was the residue of the incense each time it was made.

    Therefore, the antidote to every orchid incense was different.

    The residue was not with Mei Xue and the other two. They could only find out when they woke up.

    ¡°It¡¯s just bad for your health.¡± Hearing her words, Qiu Jinn was less angry. He waved his hand and sent Chen Shui away. He touched her forehead to check the temperature, ¡°No fever. It¡¯s fortunate that you are of good health these years.¡±

    Qiu Yn was not in the mood to care for her health. Seeing that they were the only two left in the inner chamber, she couldn¡¯t wait but asked, ¡°Why did you lie to me?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Jinn had aplicated look on his face. After a while, heughed bitterly, ¡°How can I have the face to see you again?¡±

    ¡°It sounds like you wronged me.¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s lips twitched, ¡°You were seven when you left. Did you take my rattle-drum away?¡±

    She wanted to ease the tension with a joke, yet Qiu Jinn actually nodded, ¡°Grandma made you a rattle-drum especially. I took it when I left...¡±

    Qiu Yn was dazed. He continued, ¡°The bodyguard found it on the way. They took it and threw it into a pond. Later I heard the news from the Prince¡¯s Mansion that I drowned. I guess grandma just counterplotted.¡±

    While speaking, he looked at his hands self-mockingly, ¡°Grandma was so afraid to leave any trail behind, so she didn¡¯t let me take anything! I changed all my clothes into a servant¡¯s. But I thought I need to take something. If I couldn¡¯te back one day, I need something to remind me of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, grandma, mother, and you. So when I got on the carriage, I forced the bodyguard to pick a flower from the residence that you and mother lived in. Yet grandma was still worried. Sheter asked people to get rid of all those flowers. So you¡¯ve never seen this dowry of our mother.¡±

    Qiu Yn was silent for a while. She then asked, ¡°Was she afraid of Empress Dowager Gu and Kuang Shihan?¡±

    Qiu Jinn nodded heavily. She was confused, ¡°But howe we were safe and sound, since Qiu Mengmin took the title of nobility? Did Empress Dowager Gu and Kuang Shihan choose him? That¡¯s not right. Empress Dowager Gu wanted to support Kuang Shihan. But since she killed our father and other families, why did she leave Qiu Mengmin? They were all in the city at that time. They would be much easier to kill than father!¡±

    Qiu Jinn said coldly, ¡°Even though Empress Dowager Gu and Kuang Shihan didn¡¯t know Tianya was ours, they knew we still had other cards. If they didn¡¯t find them and eliminate them, they wouldn¡¯t rest assured. Therefore, they kept Qiu Mengmin as a bait.¡±

    Speaking of this, he suddenly cried, ¡°To make them believe it was me who died, grandma took poison after I left. She was still in her thirties! She said she would watch me grow up and be Number One Schr. She said she would pick a good wife for me and a good husband for you. She called me Little Jingzi and you Little Yezi. She said we were the oldest and we needed to look after the younger brothers and sisters. But the sad news came, we would never have sisters or brothers anymore. Just because she wanted people to think our family had no off-springs anymore. She died of desperation. She...¡±

    He raised up his sleeves and covered his face. He choked with sobs and couldn¡¯t speak anymore. Qiu Yn felt bitter. She raised up her hand and grabbed his robe with difficulty, ¡°It had all past. That was all because of Empress Dowager Gu and Kuang Shihan. It¡¯s not your fault, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°You could have left too!¡± Qiu Jinn put down his sleeves. His face was covered with tears. He avoided his sister¡¯s look and mumbled, ¡°But grandma was worried that if we all had an ident, people would suspect. So she decided to leave you behind. Do you know? It seemed that Qiu Qian was from the street, but it was her choice. When she was in Tianya, she was more honorable than a lot of royal youngdies. If you hade with me, how would you suffer for all these years? Qiu Yuqing, huh, when grandma was alive, she was less than a dog in our family. How dare she beat you up?¡±

    ¡°I only survived because grandma sacrificed herself and left you and mother in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. All these were just to make Empress Dowager Gu and Kuang Shihan not suspicious. Even in the past years, you and mother were treated unfairly by Qiu Mengmin. It could be Empress Dowager Gu and Kuang Shihan behind it, trying to drive me or Tianya out!¡±

    He pressed on Qiu Yn¡¯s shoulders. He was pale and his tears fell down like rain, yet his eyes were hollow and empty. He said word by word, ¡°So how is it not my fault? If it weren¡¯t for me, you would grow up with grandma and mother¡¯s care without any worry, just like Xue Nongqing and Chunfu Princess. If grandma were still alive, even if Qiu Mengmin took the title of nobility, how dare he not respect you?! Mother¡¯s and your suffering was all because of me. How can I have the face to see you again?¡±

    Qiu Yn never met Old Princess Lian. She even never met Princess Ruan. She respected them more than she loved them as family. But she spent these two years with Qiu Jinn and they did have a bond as brother and sister. Now listening to Qiu Jinn talking about the old days, she felt sad mostly because she felt sorry for her brother, ¡°But I¡¯m fine now. Even though grandma and mother passed away, if they knew we¡¯re doing fine now, they would be satisfied. If they saw how sorrowful you are, they would feel sorry and worried!¡±

    ¡°I know they wouldn¡¯t me me and you won¡¯t me me either.¡± Qiu Jinn said quietly, ¡°But I me myself.¡±

    ¡°You were in the Hanlin Academy when you were eighteen that showed how hard you studied these years!¡± Qiu Yn leaned on the cushion and sighed, ¡°You also need to worry about Tianya. How old are you now? You took care of these all by yourself without the help of elders. You are doing pretty well! I still me Empress Dowager Gu and Kuang Shi...¡±

    Before she could finish the sentence, she felt dizzy. She wanted to say something but she couldn¡¯t. She struggled for a while and eventually had a ckout. She fell in the arms of Qiu Jinn who noticed something was wrong and went over to hold her.

    When she woke up again, she felt like someone was feeding her medicines. She opened her eyes and saw Qiu Jinn¡¯s face be paler. His eyes were bloodshot, yet they were extremely gentle. He cuddled her on his shoulder. He was holding a bowl of medicine. He cooled it down and fed it to her.

    Seeing she was awake, he obviously rxed. At the same time, in the near distance, a weak and familiar voiceughed coldly, ¡°See? She woke up. You now know the antidote is true. Can you give us our antidote and let us leave as you promised?¡±

    Qiu Yn recognized it was Qiu Qian¡¯s voice. She looked at Qiu Qian and her pupils shrank. Qiu Qian was no longer arrogant as when she was holding Qiu Yn a hostage. She looked like Qiu Nie who was brought here by Qiu Jinn. Besides her face was intact, her whole body was badly mutted. She was held by two bodyguards and kneeled in front of the door. Blood kept dripping from her clothes. Yet she still held her head high. Her look was disdainful and unruly.

    Noticing Qiu Yn¡¯s look, she spat on the ground, ¡°We used your life to exchange the three of us leaving here safely, and another 200 thousand taels of silver note. That was a legitimate daughter¡¯s worth! a legitimate daughter worth this much!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not because I am a legitimate daughter. It¡¯s because I worth a lot to my brother.¡± Qiu Yn really thought she treated her well, yet she almost fell into this cute and innocent Qiu Qian¡¯s hand. So she wouldn¡¯t talk to her nicely. She mocked, ¡°If there were anyone to me, it would be your useless brother! He couldn¡¯t save you but need you to save him!¡±

    Qiu Qian and Qiu Nie had a great bond. Hearing this, she was outraged, ¡°Your brother is useful? He entered the Hanlin Academy when he was eighteen. How much older was my brother? If it weren¡¯t to wait for him, my brother could do the same when he was eighteen! In the end, you two canugh right now, just because you¡¯re legitimate!¡±

    Sheughed coldly and looked at Qiu Jinn, ¡°Isn¡¯t it? One is in the Qiu Family. The other is taking refuge in Tianya. Our father is an elder! But why when you came, you became the master. And our father, who entered the headquarter when he was young and worked hard for all these years, is just the Right Dharma Protector?! His boss is not only you but also a former Left Dharma Protector who is not even from the Qiu Family! If you were me, would you just take it?¡±

    Qiu Jinn didn¡¯t respond. He fed thest bit of medicine to Qiu Yn and picked a preserved plum from the silver te that Chunran was holding to help her get rid of the medicine taste in her mouth. He then said quietly, ¡°So you won¡¯t work for me. But you¡¯re willing to work for Empress Dowager Gu who killed your uncle?!¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager Gu is an outsider. She killed your father not out father!¡± Qiu Qian said coldly, ¡°We are families, yet you became our master! How many contributions did our father make to Tianya? Yet, in the end, it became your organization. Empress Dowager Gu promised us that if we killed you secretly, Tianya would be ours and we would have Gu Family as a patron. In the future, Mei Xue will be in charge of Tianya and my brother will be an official in the government. Why don¡¯t we do it?¡±

    Qiu Jinn felt speechless, ¡°You are just like your dead father. Wanting too much yet doesn¡¯t have enough ability to get it. My sister is still tired. I don¡¯t want to say a lot to you. I¡¯ll only ask you this, your father entered Tianya decades before me, Qiu Mengmin didn¡¯t know about Tianya, and our father never asked about Tianya. Why do you think I became the master when I was taken to the headquarter at seven years old?¡±

    ¡°Because you are legitimate...¡± Qiu Qian¡¯s words were interrupted by him, ¡°Because he was not capable! He couldn¡¯t take power for decades. If he were not the Right Dharma Protector, but the master, Tianya would no longer exist!¡±

    He looked at Qiu Qian disdainfully, ¡°That¡¯s why you asked to enter Tianya several times and I never granted it. Do you think I was taking precautions against you? I was worried that you¡¯re too stupid and would hurt Tianya!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not clever, but your baby sister is even more stupid!¡± Qiu Qian always thought herself as clever and decisive. Now she was continuously scorned by Qiu Jinn. She felt angry. She gritted her teeth for a while and suddenlyughed coldly, ¡°She didn¡¯t even suspect anything before she weed us in. She even moved close to the orchid incense that I gave her to smell. I don¡¯t know why a person as cunning as you would have such a dumb sister!¡±

    Qiu Yn was about to rebut her, but she heard Qiu Jinn saying calmly, ¡°She trusted you not because you were clever or good at acting, but because she trusted me. Because I introduced you three to her! This was not dumb! She only trusted me!¡±

    Qiu Yn immediately passed acent look to Qiu Qian. Before she could say anything, she suddenly heard someone talking calmly outside the window, ¡°Nice speech. Ren also trusted you deeply without holding anything back. If it weren¡¯t for Ren, even though the line of Duke of Xihe left all sorts of ways to contain Tianya, how could you be a master smoothly and sessfully? I never expected the loyal Ren to die because of your internal fight. You knew everything, yet you did nothing! You even used his death to lie to me and made me work for you for years!¡±

    Hearing this, everyone in the room was shocked!

    ¡°Is that Qiu Feng?¡± Qiu Yn grabbed Qiu Jinn¡¯s arm, ¡°He?!¡±

    The bodyguards just held on to their swords, yet Qiu Jinn raised his hand and stopped them. He patted on the back of Qiu Yn¡¯s hands as a constion. He calmly looked outside the window and said, ¡°Since you¡¯re here, why don¡¯t we talk in the study?¡±

    ¡°Study?!¡± Qiu Feng didn¡¯t open the window, but people could feel his killing intent from his words that were almost solidified, even with the window in between. In the rain, he seemed to beughing wildly, ¡°I didn¡¯t go into the room and kill you right now because Commandery Princess Ningyi is innocent. She is ill and shouldn¡¯t catch a cold because of the wind! Now, do you still want to lie to me with all your fancy words? Come out! Let¡¯s fight to the death! If you win, I didn¡¯t revenge my friend¡¯s death, and then I die without regret! If you lose, you can use your life to pay for Ren¡¯s loyalty!¡±

 Chapter 162 - Told Sister I Won!

    <h4>Chapter 162 Told Sister I Won!</h4>

    It was raining cats and dogs.

    Although they were shaded by a lush Chinese tallow tree, Qiu Jinn and Qiu Feng got wet through after they confronted each other in the yard for a short while.

    If at ordinary times, they wouldn¡¯t be in such a difficult position.

    But they both knew that they were facing the vigorous opponent of their lives at that moment. A small negligence could cost their lives. Of course they didn¡¯t have time to take shelter from the rain using their inner power.

    ¡°You have been busy running about in these two days. And you are exhausted trying to save Commandery Princess Ningyi. Challenging you to a duel at this moment brings me no honor to the victor!¡± Qiu Feng took out the long sword from behind slowly and said word by word, ¡°But I¡¯m not doing it for exchanging experience. I¡¯m doing it for revenge... Come on!¡±

    ¡°sh!¡±

    Through the window, Qiu Yn could hear the swords banging noises which were too loud to be covered up by the sound of the rain and wind. She could imagine how fierce the battle outside was.

    However, although she had taken the cure for the poison of orchid incense, she still wasn¡¯t able to get up. Even if she could, there was nothing she could do to this battle. There were people guarding against the door to the window to prevent any more idents and also her from meddling.

    So, all she could do was to pray for Qiu Jinn to win!

    However, Qiu Jinn who was already too exhausted was no match for Qiu Feng.

    Just after a short while, Qiu Jinn¡¯s shoulder, subcostal and left arm all got stabbed. And that was the result after he tried so hard to dodge.

    At the very moment which Qiu Feng was about to stab the long sword into his throat, like what happened in the inner chamber, a dark light struck the sword with a cracking sound in the rain and broke the long sword into two pieces!

    Then, before Qiu Feng who was furious could make another move, a lot of people in ck holding crossbows suddenly emerged in the yard which was empty just a moment ago. They made their weapons ready and surrounded him!

    ¡°Qiu Jinn, master of ¡®Tianya¡¯!¡± Qiu Feng knew that he couldn¡¯t get revenge for his close friend. The look he gave Qiu Jinn was full of distain. He spat on the ground and turned around the broken sword to his own throat, ¡°I have been frank and forthright my whole life. Even I have fallen in your trap, you can¡¯t kill me!¡±

    ¡°Stop him!¡± Qiu Jinn ignored Dongran who was attending to his wound in a hurry. He gave the order calmly, ¡°Tie him up and take him to the study!¡±

    Then he instructed, ¡°Go tell my sister that I won. I¡¯m safe and sound. Tell her not to worry.¡±

    Qiu Yn who didn¡¯t know what actually went down in the battle or Qiu Jinn was hurt was relieved after hearing the news.

    ¡°Your Grace, drink the medicine please. Then get some sleep... we will be able to go back to Jing City by then.¡± Chunran handed the medicine carefully. Qiu Yn took it over and drank it happily.

    When she woke up again, except for a little weakness, she was able to walk around like she used to.

    The sun came out at that moment. Su He who was waiting by the bed told her, ¡°The bodyguard went to check in the morning. The water has subsided. But the ground is still wet. They are afraid of the carriage getting stuck in the mud. So, they want to wait for the ground to dry and then depart.¡±

    She lowered her voice, ¡°Young Prince... no, Young Master Ruan said that we should call him like before to avoid revealing his identity.¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded, ¡°That¡¯s the right thing to do. Empress Dowager Gu still has power over the regime. And Kuang Shihan has taken over the Western Army officially. Now what do we have? If we revealed my brother¡¯s identity now, instead of clearing grandfather¡¯s and father¡¯s names, we would be found guilty by revealing our connections with ¡®Tianya¡¯. So, it¡¯s safer that my brother keeps using the identity of Ruan Family¡¯s heir!¡±

    Thinking of which, she asked, ¡°Since Qiu Feng has lost. What will my brother do with him?¡±

    Su He¡¯s look was weird. She thought, ¡°Iron Master Qiu didn¡¯t lose. He just got tricked by our Young Prince!¡±

    But she didn¡¯t dare to reveal what Qiu Jinn forbade to say. So, she made it simple and said, ¡°Young Master Ruan asked others to stop him from killing himself and invited him to have a chat in the study... and then let him go. When he left, he said he mighte for Young Master Ruan again... But it looked like that Young Master Ruan didn¡¯t care at all.¡±

    Qiu Yn believed her and sighed, ¡°Although brother lied to Qiu Feng about the former Left Dharma Protector for all these years, now the truth came out, he even knew about my brother¡¯s identity. My brother was still willing to let him go which proved that my brother wasn¡¯t ruthless. Qiu Nie said that they revolted because they didn¡¯t want to be ced under others. But it was just an excuse for failing at taking over the power... I just wish they wouldn¡¯t regret of taking Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s side. Especially Mei Xue and Qiu Qian, Gu Yan was ruthless enough to go after his own cousin, let alone them?¡±

    Su He forced a smile, ¡°You are right.¡±

    Why did I feel that Young Prince tricked Qiu Feng again?

    But Qiu Jinn wanted to keep his positive image in front of his sister. Su He didn¡¯t dare to undercut him. She changed the topic in a hurry, ¡°In thest two days of your lethargy, General Jiang, Chunfu Princess, Miss Zhuang, Miss Nongqing of Xue Family all sent people to see you or came to see you personally. But Young Master Ruan stopped them all using the excuse of you catching a cold.¡±

    ¡°I slept for two days? Invite Zhuang Man and Xue Nongqing after we get back.¡± her brother got out of trouble for now. Qiu Yn thought of her own trouble all of the sudden. She was unhappy thinking of the siblings of Jiang Family suspecting her by all means. Especially the cousin who she treated like her own brother turned out to be her real brother. She felt so innocent and was more disgusted with Jiang Yashuang and Jiang Qizheng¡¯s suspicion.

    She didn¡¯t want to talk about these people and things. So, she asked, ¡°Did Qiu Nie and the other two leave? What did brother promise them?¡±

    Su He said, ¡°They left yesterday. Young Master Ruan abrogated their kung fu. They were poisoned before... But Young Master Ruan gave them the cure when they left. I don¡¯t know what Young Master Ruan promised them. I just know that Young Master Ruan gave them 200 thousand taels of silver. They vowed that they wouldn¡¯t reveal Young Master Ruan¡¯s identity. And Young Master Ruan won¡¯t go after them from now on.¡±

    ¡°Can they be trusted?¡± the corner of Qiu Yn¡¯s mouth twitched, ¡°Just like brother said it was not like they hadn¡¯t vowed before!¡±

    Su He said, ¡°If they kept their promise, Young Master Ruan wouldn¡¯t go after them. If they revealed it, Young Master Ruan would go after them immediately. Empress Dowager Gu can¡¯t protect them forever... Speaking of which, I don¡¯t know what to say about those three. They betrayed Young Master Ruan. But they chose to believe him!¡±

    ¡°Losers... Believing or not is not up to them!¡± Qiu Yn thought those three were said to be gone. Who knew where they had gone to? Hell?

    But it turned out that she underestimated Qiu Jinn¡¯s moral integrity. Because when she went back to the city the next day, not long after she went to the city, she saw Mei Xue all dressed up on the side of the road. Although Mei Xue was alone, judging by her behavior and look, Qiu Nie and Qiu Qian should be fine. Besides, Mei Xue also saw Qiu Jinn riding a horse in front of the carriage. She saluted to him through the crowd.

    ¡°Could it be that Mue Xue had been working for my brother the whole time? She was undercover at Qiu Nie and Qiu Qian¡¯s?¡± looking at intact Mei Xue, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help thinking, ¡°Qiu Nie and Qiu Qian have gone through hell. Why does she seem okay?¡±

    She didn¡¯t know that when Mei Xue turned around after the salute her respectful look turned into a malicious one at once. Her nails deeply stuck into the flesh, ¡°What a vicious man Qiu Jinn is! He abrogated our kung fu. And he only gave us 200 thousand taels of silver note because of Commandery Princess Ningyi. He still didn¡¯t let us off the hook! He deliberately tortured Nie and Qian¡¯er. But he didn¡¯ty a finger on me. He said considering that I had worked for him and helped him a lot... He was trying to trick us into killing each other. Since you are unkind, then don¡¯t me me for being perfidious!¡±

    On a second thought, Mei Xue glimpsed Qiu Jinn and his crowd disappearing at the corner of the street. She waved at her maid Hong and whispered something to her. They went into a bookshop nearby.

    This shop¡¯s decoration was elegant which made normal people shrink back at the sight of it. So, there were few customers in the shop.

    A group of bodyguards in nice clothes were guarding at the door at that moment. They all looked serious and vignt. A few customers in fine clothes didn¡¯t dare to go in because of their stares. However, Mei Xue wasn¡¯t scared of this kind of scene. She went in without even looking at those bodyguards. When she went in, other than her and her maid, there was a schr in a gorgeous robe selecting books with a few servants.

    The man in a gorgeous robe had a broad forehead. His skin was a little dark. He looked charming.

    After ncing at him, Mei Xue went towards the shelf of ancient books. However, just by that nce, she noticed that there was a mole on his left earlobe. She was relieved, ¡°It¡¯s lucky that Qiu Jinn asked me to pay attention to Kuang Qingwu¡¯s appearance and his arrival date... Otherwise, I just went back to the city two days earlier than them. And I have to take care of Nie and Qian¡¯er. It¡¯s hard for me to track this Young Prince.¡±

    After confirming this schr in a gorgeous robe was Marquess Zhang¡¯s son, Kuang Qingwu, she didn¡¯t go and say hi. She didn¡¯t even take another look at him. Instead, she went straight to the shelf of ancient books with Hong and started to select.

    ¡°Miss, why are you selecting ancient books again? Hasn¡¯t young master already got in the Hanlin Academy?¡± after she was in position, Hong began to mutter ording to their n, ¡°These books are so expensive! It¡¯s enough to make a few clothes for you and the third Miss!¡±

    ¡°These are not for my young brother. These are for Commandery Princess Ningyi.¡± Mei Xue whispered while checking out those expensive books ¡°absorbedly¡±, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi is about to start girls¡¯ school at the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. How can I not give her a gift? She is in a high position. And she is so beautiful. Besides, she has a cousin who adores her so much. I can¡¯t give her low-quality cloth or jewelries. I have thought about it over and over. It will cost me less buying her a few books.¡±

    Hong nced at the shelf and said, ¡°But Ruan Qingyan just escorted Commandery Princess Ningyi back to the city. We saw them before getting in here. They seemed to head back to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe... If we go give her the gift now, won¡¯t it be too hasty?¡±

    ¡°Who said to give her today?¡± Mei Xue said, ¡°I just want to get the gift ready while I¡¯m out... I¡¯ll ask Qian¡¯er to give it to her himself. She is old enough to learn the concept of courtesy demands reciprocity... I¡¯ll take these two.¡± thest two sentences were said to the staff of the bookshop.

    After they paid for the books and left, as if deep in thought, Kuang Qingwu asked the shop owner who was entertaining him passionately, ¡°Do you know who those two womenfolk are?¡±

    ¡°That is Qiu Nie¡¯s elder sister.¡± Kuang Qingwu only brought the books he often read with him because it was a long journey. He was in the bookshop to buy the rest. The shop owner was willing to y up to a big customer like him even if he weren¡¯t a Young Prince, ¡°It¡¯s said that she put behind her marriage in order to let Qiu Nie focus on studying. She is used to bustle about. It¡¯s normal that she goes out...¡±

    The shop owner thought this Young Prince might wonder why the womenfolk of an officer¡¯s family didn¡¯t cover her face when she went out? However, Kuang Qingwu squinted and thought, ¡°Qiu Nie? I heard that he was close to Ruan Qingyan... Haha. Ruan Qingyan, I wonder when he will admit that he is Qiu Jinn?¡±

    After thinking for a while, he put down the book in his hand and said to the shop owner, ¡°Send all these to Marquess Zhang¡¯s Mansion. You will be paid then... I¡¯lle again if I need other books.¡±

    The shop owner thanked him again and again. And heplimented him that he would be talented enough to be the number one schr because he was so eager to learn. Kuang Qingwu ignored him and went out with his servants directly. He instructed, ¡°To somewhere near the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe!¡±

 Chapter 163 - How Do I Call You?

    <h4>Chapter 163 How Do I Call You?</h4>

    But now, Qiu Yn and her brother, unaware that Mei Xue had given them trouble, were discussing about going to the Xue Family, ¡°In fact, if we go to the Xue Family with the excuse for pleading for Xue Fangmi, and if we go there as soon as we return to the city, we surely demonstrate our sincerity.¡±

    ¡°I will tell people that you caught a cold while you were in that vige, and that you would go there tomorrow. Then I will tell them that you weren¡¯t well today, so you dare not go over right away. That¡¯s it,¡± said Qiu Jinn gently while he took control of his horse and walked alongside the carriage. ¡°You¡¯ve only been relieved of the poison, anding back to the city. You¡¯d better have a rest for a day. We arete, anyway! Why don¡¯t we have one more day off...¡±

    Before he finished speaking, the sound of hoofbeats suddenly came from behind. One man shouted, ¡°Ruan Qingyan. Please wait up!¡±

    Upon hearing this voice, Qiu Jinn felt very surprised. He reined in the horse rope and raised his hand to stop the carriages. Then, he turned his horse around to greet the man, ¡°Young master Xue?¡±

    It was Xue Nongying. He pulled his horse rope as he was approaching close to Qiu Jinn. He pulled his horse so hard that the horse¡¯s front hooves were off the ground andnded heavily after a long neigh. He hurriedly said, ¡°Ruan Qingyan, my grandfather wanted to see you. Pleasee with me now!¡±

    Qiu Jinn was surprised and asked, ¡°Going to the Prime Minister¡¯s residence? But I¡¯m still wearing mourning clothes.¡±

    ¡°No. It¡¯s at a teahouse next to the residence, which is also my family¡¯s property.¡± Xue Nongying said. ¡°It¡¯s urgent... grandfather said that you muste with me!¡±

    It was his teacher summoning him. Qiu Jinn had no excuses for not going. So, he said, ¡°Excuse me. Let me inform my sister!¡±

    Hearing Commandery Princess Ningyi being in the carriage, Xue Nongying said promptly, ¡°Is Commandery Princess Ningyi in the carriage? Qingyan, please say thanks to her on behalf of my grandfather. My little aunt made a mistake at the Jinxiu Slope. It was Commandery Princess Ningyi who stopped her from making a big mistake... As our hands are tied in the family. My mother and my sister are busy too. So, they did not get a chance to visit Commandery Princess personally and say thanks to her face to face. Hope Commandery Princess won¡¯t mind.¡±

    Hearing the words, Qiu Yn, sitting in the carriage, said some words to Su He immediately.

    Su He understood what she meant. She lifted the curtain and went out to the handlebars, and then curtsied to Xue Nongying. She said, ¡°Commandery Princess said that you are so thoughtful. Because of the emergency on that day, Commandery Princess felt upset for injuring your sister. She is nning toe to your home tomorrow to ask for forgiveness.¡±

    Xue Nongying made a return salute and said, ¡°Your Grace, don¡¯t say so. My grandfather is a rational man, and what Commandery Princess did was for her good. How could my grandfather me you?¡±

    At this time, Qiu Jinn approached the carriage. He said lightly, ¡°I will go to visit my teacher. You have to go back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe alone, okay?¡±

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°You do your business. It¡¯s only several blocks away. It¡¯s in the day and I have bodyguards protecting me. You must be assured. I am concerned that what¡¯s going on there as Prime Minister Xue wanted to see you so urgent.¡±

    Qiu Jinn said while he was thinking, ¡°I have no clue now... but ording to my judgment from young master Xue¡¯s tone, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a bad thing.¡±

    Then, he followed Xue Nongying to the teahouse and went upstairs. But he saw that the entire second floor had been booked by the Xue Family. In thergest and most secluded elegant room, Xue Chang was sitting there alone. Seeing him enter, he waved his hand, and Xue Nongying, who was leading the way, immediately retreated!

    ¡°Teacher Xue!¡± Qiu Jinn said with a salute.

    Rarely, Xue Chang did not ask him immediately and graciously to forgo formalities and allow him to sit down. Today, he stared at him for a moment before sighing lightly and saying, ¡°I wonder if I should now call you Chunjun, or, the Young Prince of the former Duke of Xihe?!¡±

    While Qiu Jinn was forcibly calming herself down, Qiu Yn also ran into trouble, in a secluded road only three blocks away from the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, several soldiers who lined up in a row blocked the road fully!

    Before she said something, a guard had already stepped forward and snapped, ¡°Who are you? How dare you block Commandery Princess¡¯s path?!¡±

    ¡°Commandery Princess?¡± The two horsemen in the middlemost parted, revealing the brocade robed gentleman on the green buckskin horse at the back. Kuang Qingwu rode towards the front with a seeming smile, frivolously saying, ¡°I haven¡¯t met many noble girls since I came to the capital, but today I¡¯m catching a thief and I bump into a Commandery Princess? Don¡¯t you dare scare me!¡±

    The horsemen around himughed in the time and said in the chorus, ¡°Young Prince, you are right. Commandery Princess is noble. How could she steal our horse?¡±

    ¡°How? Nobler than Empress Dowager? Young Prince was invited to meet Empress Dowager as soon as he arrived in the capital!¡±

    ¡°Who knows? No matter noble or not, as she stole the stuff from the Western Army, she must answer for it!¡±

    In the carriage, Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead and sneered, ¡°The Western Army! I thought it was someone else. It¡¯s the only son of that old thief, Kuang Shihan! He got to the capital safely. I wonder how many men were assigned to protect him along the road so that he didn¡¯t die on the way here.¡±

    Chunran said worriedly, ¡°He¡¯s deliberately trying to trouble you, what should we do now?¡±

    Qiu Yn felt tricky. In terms of status, she, as the junior level one Commandery Princess, was nobler than Kuang Qingwu, the son of a Duke of the state. But now, Kuang Qingwu was clearly trying to y a trick. He doubted her identity and framed a charge of horse stealing. In terms of Kung Fu, she was sure that she could defeat him. The critical part of this was that he had crack forces from the Western Army helping him. He, of course, would not fight against her alone. Only a fool would do that!

    ¡°Bullsh*t!¡± Although the problem was tricky, Qiu Yn was not the kind to sit around and wait for death. Seeing her own guard have already been pushed and shoved by them and suffered some because he was the closest one to them, shemanded the driver to call him back. She put on her veil hat, lifted the curtain and said, ¡°Kuang Qingwu, your father, Kuang Shihan, was raised and nurtured by my grandfather, the General of ¡®Warrior¡¯. As his son, you did not pay your respects at my grandfather¡¯s grave as soon as you arrived in the capital. However, you are blocking my way for no reason. You are simply ungrateful! Morbid!¡±

    Before Kuang Qingwu replied, she raised her voice and scolded those bodyguards from the Western Army, ¡°My grandfather, the General of ¡®Warrior¡¯, and my father, the former Duke of Xihe, they were your predecessors andrades in arms! You unruly creatures! Is this how you treat the children of the seniors of the Western Army? God is watching you and he will repay unfailingly on you all. Today you bully me as you know I have lost my parents and I am young. But the other day, your family or your children will be bullied by others too. How could you ensure if they would be taken care of at that time?¡±

    Hearing her words, Kuang Qingwu frowned, pondering how to reply. The guards from the Western Army was selected by Kuang Shihan himself for protecting his only son. They must be the loyalists of the Kuang Family. Hence, they couldn¡¯t hold back and said, ¡°The General of ¡®Warrior¡¯? If he hadn¡¯t made a mistake back then, how could the Western Army have suffered such a significant loss at the battle with the Western savages?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. If it weren¡¯t Duke of the state, we all have been killed...¡±

    ¡°General of ¡®Warrior¡¯ was given posthumously by the imperial court when my grandfather passed away two years ago!¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°This title was suggested by Prime Minister Xue and agreed upon by the Empress Dowager and Her Majesty! It seems that the Western Army is displeased with the court¡¯s orders?!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu snorted lightly and said, ¡°Hey, you little girl, don¡¯t talk nonsense! I have great respect for the General of ¡®Warrior¡¯. But what rtionship do you have with General of ¡®Warrior¡¯? You must prove it!¡±

    ¡°Oh? You honor my grandfather?¡± Qiu Yn said icily. She added, ¡°As you have been in the capital, have you gone to the Ruan Family to pay your condolences? Have you paid your respects before my grandfather¡¯s grave? Have you checked if he has children or grandchildren? If you¡¯d asked around, you would have recognized me! It¡¯s no wonder that Kuang Shihan¡¯s mother and her uncles didn¡¯t want to raise him. When I heard this story in the first ce, I thought they were cold and heartless. Yet, it turns out that they had the foresight and knew that you and your father were ungrateful people!¡±

    Although Kuang Qingwu had always harbored resentment against the Kuang Shihan because of his early childhood encounter. But he was also depressed when his father was scolded in public. He snapped, ¡°How dare you! How can my father¡¯s name be called directly by you, a little girl!¡±

    ¡°Unruly bastard! Do you know who you are talking with?!¡± Qiu Yn was furious. She added, ¡°A Marquess is only a second-rank, but I am junior level one, which allows me to call his name. Anything wrong! If you have a problem with that, why don¡¯t you ask the Darui and the imperial court to make the Marquess be the level one? In my opinion, you¡¯re all trying to rebel! Soldiers are questioning the court¡¯s posthumous title. You doubt ranks! Could it be that the imperial court is your Kuang Family¡¯s?¡±

    She sneered again, ¡°And, what is Kuang Shihan? He¡¯s not worthy of being my elder! My grandfather raised and nurtured him, but did he ever get anything in return for all these years? If my grandfather had known to raise such a person, he might as well have had a dog in the first ce!¡±

    The veins on the forehead of Kuang Qingwu were bruised. He was furious now, ¡°Go, go there and drag her down!!!¡±

    His father was called a dog in public, so what was he?

    ¡°Young Prince, that¡¯s Commandery Princess...¡± Before, the soldiers were very arrogant, but now that they heard him give the order, they were a bit worried in the end, mainly because they were in the capital instead of in the west where the Western Army was afraid of nothing. If they were in the west, they wouldn¡¯t have anything to worry about.

    Kuang Qingwu said furiously, ¡°I will be responsible for anything that happened here!¡± He had got the information in the past two days and he knew that Qiu Yn was close to the Jiang Family ¨C But he had backers too. As long as he didn¡¯t kill Qiu Yn, Empress Dowager Gu and Kuang Shihan would handle the trouble for him!

    Besides, the Jiang Family was a wealthy family with a lot to deal with. How could they do much for a junior¡¯s sweetheart?!

    Anyway, he must make Qiu Yn suffer a lot today!

    However, what Kuang Qingwu did not know was that after witnessing the Western Army soldiers hesitating and then crowding towards her, Qiu Yn, under the curtain hat, smiled lightly. With the cover of the veil aligning with her chest, she quietly took an antidote. At the same time, she put her hand behind her back and opened a small porcin vase ¨C this porcin vase was given to her by Qiu Jinn when she was in that vige. It was mainly becausest time she was careless and fell for Mei Xue and Qiu Qian¡¯s tricks. Qiu Jinn was afraid of a repeat of the incident and gave her two bottles of extremely knockout drugs.

    It¡¯s just that although these knockout drops were quick and effective, it didn¡¯t have wide side effects. After all, it¡¯s only used to protect against close attacks!

    Especially it was for outdoor use... Qiu Yn had just used harsh words to anger Kuang Qingwu and let those cid Western Army soldiers approach herself. Seeing her own guards had gathered around intending to protect her, she pressed the bottle mouth with her thumb, scolding angrily, ¡°All of you, stand down! I don¡¯t believe that a Young Prince of a Marquess with a few soldiers would darey a hand on me! You all stand down. They dare note within three paces of me!¡±

    Unexpectedly, after she tossed out the words and before the guards took orders, an angry voice suddenly came from behind the carriage, ¡°You¡¯re right! I also want to see which bastard, in the day, dares to disrespect Commandery Princess openly!¡±

    Hearing this voice, Qiu Yn was stunned. She turned her head, and she saw Ling Zui. He dressed in fresh clothes, rode a horse and led arge number of guards, rushing over menacingly!

    He was far away and didn¡¯t realize that the two sides were facing each other. He thought they were catching up on old times, so he didn¡¯t gallop. Hence, neither Qiu Yn, who was bent over infuriating Kuang Qingwu, nor Kuang Qingwu, who was furious by her words, noticed his arrival.

    Then Ling Zui arrived nearby, and he happened to see the scene where the Western Army soldiers rushed towards Qiu Yn, as Qiu Jinn¡¯s best friend, how could he not be angry?

    He was the son of the Grand princess and a son of a rich family who was used to fear nothing in the capital. After rushing in, he first crossed the horse in front of Qiu Yn, and then pointed to Kuang Qingwu, saying, ¡°Upon your ent, you, a ck dude must not be a native. I don¡¯t care how you¡¯re doing in your own ce, but you¡¯re here and want to do what you used to do in your ce?! Do you think all my people are dead? I¡¯ll pluck out your eyes as they don¡¯t know what to see. Then you kneel and p yourself thirty times, and then cross my crotch. I¡¯ll be generous for once today and let you go, you little brat!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu was just so angry with Qiu Yn. Hearing the younger Ling Zui call himself ¡°little brat¡±, he truly wanted to draw his sword to kill him. Heughed in anger, ¡°From the way you talk, you¡¯re the boss in this capital? And yet, I don¡¯t know who you are. I am wondering who indeed dared speak to me like this?!¡±

    Ling Zui said promptly, ¡°As you know I¡¯m your boss, why don¡¯t you roll over and kowtow quickly? You don¡¯t even know who your boss is? How dare you forget your ancestors? I don¡¯t even know why I should leave you living in this world now.¡±

    Qiu Yn teasingly looked at Kuang Qingwu whose face turned pale and red in a moment. She thought: you, as a student rushing to the capital for the exams, had to fight against a professional fighter with dirty words in the street? You must not know that the numbers of fights Ling Zui did in the past must be more than the numbers of the books you read!

    ¡°Go, kill him!!!¡± Kuang Qingwu screamed. He was so angry that he felt dizzy, almost falling from the horse.

    At this instant, he didn¡¯t even care about Qiu Yn. What he wanted to do was to kill Ling Zui!

 Chapter 164 - Daddy and Soldiers

    <h4>Chapter 164 Daddy and Soldiers</h4>

    Ling Zui had been causing trouble for so many years and was born and raised in the capital, how could he be defeated by a Young Prince who just entered the capital? With a contemptuous wave of his hand, the guards behind him immediately offered the concealed weapons for the scuffle, such as lime powder, firecrackers, blowing arrows, and small crossbows. All stuff they could get at hand. Even some of them who took whatever they could fetch. They tore off their sleeves to wrap up the horse dung from the street and smash it into the crowd of Western Army soldiers.

    In terms of strength, Kuang Qingwu¡¯s men were definitely better than Ling Zui¡¯s. The problem was that although the street was quite abroad, Qiu Yn¡¯s carriages, Ling Zui and his men and Kuang Qingwu and his men were standing on the street face to face, which blocked the street. The Western Army soldiers couldn¡¯t gallop in such a street with so many people!

    The cavalry couldn¡¯t gallop. Meanwhile, they were sprinkled with lime powder. Firecrackers rang out and horses were frightened, the tempo of this battle immediately went into the kind of street fighting that Ling Zui and his men were good at!

    Skills practiced in the cramped confines of the brothels made Ling Zui and his men more than capable of navigating through the chaos, hemanded his men to spread lime, at the same time, he ordered a man to secretly inform Qiu Yn and otherdies to get out of the carriage and take shelter in the back. Then, his men began to throw firecrackers, stabbing them in the back, dumping horse dung... Neither Kuang Qingwu nor Western Army soldiers who were used to the regr battlefield simply had a clue what to do!

    But an army was an army in the end. They were wretched for a while. After severely wounding a few men, although they had abandoned some horses, formed a formation with the order of a Decurion quickly. They began to get back in the battle!

    Seeing this, Ling Zui cursed andmanded, ¡°You all back-off. Watch me use the poisonous smoke to kill these little brats!¡±

    Hearing his order, his men threw out the rest of the lime powder and other things in their hands, and ran into every direction!

    In the scuffle, the Western Army soldiers had witnessed his shamelessness. This time, when they heard the word ¡°poisonous smoke¡±, they turned pale with fear. Someone shouted, ¡°This is the Marquess Zhang¡¯s son, the grandson of the Empress Dowager! Do not miscalcte!¡±

    ¡°Bullshit!¡± Ling Zui pulled out a big bag of things from his pocket. He prepared to throw it to Kuang Qingwu. He scolded, ¡°I am also the grandson of the Empress Dowager. Why didn¡¯t I know he is my brat brother?! ¡±

    He had thrown the thing with all his might before they answered!

    The package fell to the ground and burned up. It med with odors. The Western Army soldiers were going crazy. They hurriedly surrounded Kuang Qingwu, running back. Meanwhile, a wildugh from Ling Zui across the smoke was heard, ¡°Little brats, are you scared? A little smoke and you are all gone. Now, let¡¯s take this opportunity to retreat!¡±

    What he did was a trick for his retreating.

    What he did also drove Kuang Qingwu and his men crazy!

    Before Kuang Qingwu ordered to chase, there was a sudden sound of gallop in the exact direction they were retreating!

    Soon, a young man in a shy suit with a stain of ink on his sleeve, leading a dozen horse riders, rushed into the street!

    Seeing Kuang Qingwu and others blocking the street, the boy was about to turn his horse to pass from their side. However, a horse rider behind him suddenly said in a low voice, ¡°Huh! Young master, they are the Western Army!¡±

    ¡°Get them!¡± The young man said two words. He didn¡¯t rein in the horse. Instead, he elerated. His red horse with ck tail ran up, jumped over Kuang Qingwu who was crawling on the ground to avoid heavy smoke!

    ¡°Shit!¡± Kuang Qingwu, who was honored as a prince in the west, never suffered so many losses. He was about tosh out and scold them, but unexpectedly the boy led several horse riders to rush towards the smoke. The rest of themughed heedlessly, drew their long swords and surrounded them!

    At this time, Qiu Yn had already exited the street and was having tea in a teahouse around the corner.

    Ling Zui led his men back to the entrance of the teahouse. He saw Chen Shui waving at him. He dusted himself down as he was walking over. He asked with a smile, ¡°Is Commandery Princess okay? Did she get hurt?¡±

    Chen Shui smiled, ¡°Commandery Princess is fine. She¡¯s inside having tea! She asked me to keep an eye on what¡¯s going on here, and ask me to invite you when you show up.¡±

    Ling Zui dly entered. After he entered the elegant room, Qiu Yn served him a cup of tea and smiled, ¡°Thanks for your help today, brother Ling, otherwise I really don¡¯t know what to do.¡± In the past two years, because of Qiu Jinn, she had gotten to know Ling Zui well, and called him brother when there were no outsiders. What Ling Zui had done today was worthy of her respect.

    Ling Zui was d to hear what she said. He caught the tea and drank, saying, ¡°Your brother and I are brothers. His sister is also my sister. Please don¡¯t say so. It¡¯s my honor to do it.¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t say that... brother Ling, why are you here today?¡± This area was a high-ss residential area. There weren¡¯t many ces for entertainment. It¡¯s not a ce where he would hang out often. Of course, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t suspect him for thinking so, but she was just curious.

    Ling Zui pped the table, being disappointed and annoyed, ¡°me that little brat. I forgot about my business just focusing on dealing with him.¡± He continued to ask, ¡°Where is your brother? You have not returned from your trip for several days, and Miss Ruan is so anxious that she has fallen ill at home. The maids of the Ruan Family are at their wit¡¯s end, so they begged me this morning. I said I¡¯de to check. I just got my mother¡¯s permission to leave the city, and then I received word that you were back. I guess your brother will send you to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe before hees home. I counted the time. And I rushed here to tell him. But as soon as I arrived, I saw that little brat. Who is he anyway?!¡±

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°Didn¡¯t he just introduce himself? And you also answered him?¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Ling Zui thought for a while, ¡°I didn¡¯t hear it clearly. I just answered without thinking. I don¡¯t remember what he said then.¡±

    ¡°... ¡± Qiu Yn kept silent for a while and said slowly, ¡°He is Kuang Qingwu, Young Prince of Marquess Zhang.¡±

    Ling Zui was in a mess when he heard it, ¡°He is the son in name only of XingKang Aunt?¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded slowly, ¡°It¡¯s him!¡±

    ¡°Ah, oh...¡± Ling Zui sighed heavily. He added, ¡°It¡¯s over, it¡¯s over. Why is he! I¡¯m sure I¡¯m going to get beaten up when I go back now!¡±

    Qiu Yn was feeling ufortable in her heart and was about to say something tofort him. Surprisingly, Ling Zui soon became arrogant again, ¡°Okay, it¡¯s him, it¡¯s not a big deal! He dared bully my sister in front of me. I¡¯ll take care of him even if he¡¯s Marquess Zhang!¡± He took the chance to be more intimate with her in the call...

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but be in a mess. Before she said a word, Ling Zui had stood up suddenly and solemnly said, ¡°Well, about the message of Miss Ruan, you pass it to your brother for me. I¡¯d better go to the vige outside the city to stay for a couple of days, my mother misses me so much... after ten days and half a month, I... I¡¯ll be fine and then I wille back again!¡±

    ¡°Oh, that sounds good!¡± Seeing that he looked as if he was afraid of being called back for beating up by Earl of Jingchuan and Princess Royal Maode, Qiu Yn stood up, ¡°I¡¯ll see you off, brother Ling.¡±

    As the two of them walked out of the teahouse, several people on horses came towards them. These horsemen stopped in front of the teahouse, and the one in the lead was Jiang Yashuang. He jumped down when he stopped the horse. He threw the reins backward, took a few steps to Qiu Yn and asked urgently, ¡°Lan, are you alright?¡±

    Although Ling Zui was in a hurry to leave, he couldn¡¯t help but be dissatisfied at this moment, ¡°The ce where Kuang Qingwu stopped Yn is not far from the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe and your residence. It¡¯s only three blocks away. I mean, why are you sote? If I hadn¡¯te looking for Chunjun, Yn would¡¯ve been in big trouble today! I have heard that brat said to the Western Army soldiers to use violence on Yn!¡±

    ¡°Really?!¡± Jiang Yashuang was so furious that he wants to kill them all. He twisted his head andmanded, ¡°Except Kuang Qingwu, the others from the Western Army must be dead now!¡± A horseman nodded and turned his horse right back to pass on his order!

    Then he exined, ¡°I was just practicing my handwriting. The maids were going to wait to report to me until I had finished practicing! It was Jiang Qizheng who found out the news and rushed to my room to tell me what¡¯s going on!¡±

    Ling Zui interjected again, ¡°Why are you still keeping such a maid who doesn¡¯t know what to do? Just kill her too!¡± Then he asked Qiu Yn, ¡°Don¡¯t you think so, Yn?¡±

    ¡°When I get back, I won¡¯t spare her!¡± Jiang Yashuang bowed to him again and said gratefully, ¡°Thank you, Young Earl Ling, for today! I will thank you handsomely in a day!¡±

    Ling Zui waved his hand, ¡°No need to thank me. Yn has been calling me brother for two years at least. I¡¯ve been protecting my sister. So, I don¡¯t need your thanks.¡±

    Then a servant brought him a horse. He rolled upon it. He leaned over and instructed Qiu Yn, ¡°After you return to the residence, try not to go out. It¡¯s a good thing he didn¡¯t see your face when I arrived. God knows what he would do. By the way, General Jiang, since you received the news that Kuang Qingwu was making things difficult for Yn, why didn¡¯t you bring more people with you? That guy¡¯s men are really tough. My men are no match for them. Your bodyguards from the Northern Army may be able to fight them...¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said promptly, ¡°I¡¯ve brought people with me. Kuang Qingwu¡¯s men have been taken down, didn¡¯t I just order my men to kill all those Western Army soldiers?¡±

    Ling Zui energized. He asked, ¡°Did you get all the people?¡±

    ¡°Sure enough.¡± Considering that Ling Zui had helped Qiu Yn, Jiang Yashuang ttered him, ¡°Speaking of which, thanks to you messing up their formation. Otherwise, my men may not be able to get everyone.¡±

    ¡°That means, my father and mother won¡¯t know about this for a while,¡± Ling Zui said to himself. He jumped down from his horse, adding, ¡°Then get the men over here and ask him why he¡¯s making trouble for Yn? Even if there were any grudges, a man in his twenties bullying a young girl who¡¯s not yet 15 years old, the family members of the Kuang Family are so shameless?!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was also urgent to deal with Kuang Qingwu for his beloved girl. He nodded and said, ¡°Bring him over!¡±

    A few momentster, several horse riders dragged over Kuang Qingwu who was tied up and lying across the horse. Now, Kuang Qingwu looked like a mess. His bouquet of hair and jade crown were nowhere to be found. There were holes and blood on his royal robe. There were also a few bruises on his cheeks. Apparently, the Jiang Family guards had definitely beaten him up, though they dared not to kill him.

    Kuang Qingwu was deliberately thrown heavily to the ground by the horsemen and fell with a muffled grunt, after which Jiang Yashuang cut off the ropes that tied Kuang Qingwu up. Then Kuang Qingwu staggered to get up. He actually looked very calm. He looked at Jiang Yashuang and said, ¡°Do you want to ask me why I¡¯m having trouble with Commandery Princess Ningyi? In fact, my priority when I came to the capital was to take part in next year¡¯s examination instead of settling some old grudges... the reason I did this, I just abided by some people¡¯s will. Now that you¡¯ve caught me, all the guards I brought this time have also been killed by you. This time, I don¡¯t have anything more to say. if you guys have any tricks, feel free to try them out, I¡¯ll just bear it!¡±

    With him saying that, Ling Zui¡¯s prepared words of mockery were useless. Jiang Yashuang, on the other hand,ughed with an icy smile, ¡°You¡¯re certain that as you¡¯re the only son of Kuang Shihan, we can¡¯t do anything about you, right?!¡±

    ¡°The Kung Fu called muscle division and bone dislocation in the Northern Army can make people beg for life and die without hurting their bodies, I¡¯ve heard of this.¡± Kuang Qingwu said with an indifferent attitude. ¡°But I have a piece of information here. Maybe I can use it to exchange my freedom.¡±

    Ling Zui shouted, ¡°Let¡¯s hear it first, you bastard... if your information is useful and can make us happy, we may let you go!¡± Apparently, he expected to get beaten up for what¡¯s going on here. He knew it¡¯s unavoidable, so he epted it and pretended to be a boss anyway.

    ¡°Deng Yi and his mother are safe and sound, and will soon arrive in the capital!¡± Kuang Qingwu calmly said. ¡°And after that, they will immediately request Commandery Princess Ningyi to marry Deng Yi... Don¡¯t expect the Duke of Xihe to help you. The Duke of Xihe and his wife now regard that Ruan Qingyan as a great danger to them and want to kill him, I think Commandery Princess Ningyi knows the reasons. It doesn¡¯t matter if she doesn¡¯t know. She could ask her brother for the reasons!¡±

    He asked slowly, ¡°This is the news for today¡¯s scuffle. And the scuffle ends now. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°Not enough!¡± Jiang Yashuang narrowed his eyes. ¡°You must tell us the exact whereabouts of Deng Yi and his mother!¡±

    ¡°No more, I don¡¯t know more.¡± Kuang Qingwu grunted. ¡°I was just casually hearing it...¡± Before he finished his words, Jiang Yashuang has raised his hands on his shoulders. In a brief time, Kuang Qingwu let out a miserable howl! Then he dislocated his arm, which was hanging freely, Jiang Yashuang indifferently said, ¡°Then after I avenge for Commandery Princess Ningyi, you can go... Yn, you go inside, I¡¯ll send you back when I¡¯m done dealing with him.¡±

    Qiu Yn brushed him aside. She asked Kuang Qingwu in a deep voice, ¡°My aunt and uncle? You must tell me more!¡± She was not surprised that Deng Yi and his mother were safe and sound. After all, Mei Xue was in charge of the ¡°Tianya¡± before. Since Mei Xue wanted to betray Qiu Jinn to Empress Dowager Gu, Mei Xue wouldn¡¯t harm Deng Yi and his mother.

    But... Kuang Qingwu¡¯s words implied that Qiu Mengmin and his wife already knew Qiu Jinn¡¯s identity?!

    Could it be that Qiu Nie had nned it out entirely before, so he had informed all the relevant people! Thinking of this, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but sweat!

    ¡°If Qiu Feng hadn¡¯t been tracking Ren Ziyong¡¯s death and discovered Qiu Nie¡¯s and the others¡¯ conspiracy by ident. my brother and I would be in misery!¡±

    Although Qiu Nie and the other two had been dealt with, Empress Dowager Gu definitely had known about his identity. Based on the tone of Kuang Qingwu, he should have known as well. Qiu Mengmin and his wife should have also known... Qiu Yn suddenly felt dizzy, ¡°Oh no! Is this why Prime Minister Xue suddenly summoned my brother?!¡±

 Chapter 165 - That was All He could Do

    <h4>Chapter 165 That was All He could Do</h4>

    At this time, Qiu Jinn was exining, ¡°After I passed the provincial exam, I had hoped to study hard for several years and then go to the capital to take the imperial exam when I was sure of winning the first rank. At the same time, I could find an opportunity to be reunited with my family. However, my mother, who had not contacted me for eleven years, suddenly managed to send a message to me, asking me to go to Mount Dizi to pick up my sister. I was worried that something would happen to my mother, so I arranged people to go to Mount Dizi. I packed up and went to the capital ahead of time. In this way, I happened to be your disciple.¡±

    Xue Chang asked suspiciously, ¡°Princess Ningyi came down the mountain by herself after the avnche and was picked up by people of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe? ording to what you said, the people you sent should have arrived at Mount Dizi ahead of time. Why hadn¡¯t they met her?¡±

    Qiu Jinn said bitterly, ¡°In fact, I don¡¯t know why. Those people all died in the avnche.¡±

    In fact, he felt that it was most likely done by Mei Xue and Qiu Nie. He seldom cared about the affairs of Tianya. He was taking part in the local examination at that time, so he left the matter to Mei Xue.

    Later, Mei Xue told him that maybe those people worried that the strong wind and heavy snow would be dangerous when they went down the mountain with Qiu Yn. As a result, they all died when waiting for the snow to stop. But fortunately, Qiu Yn was fine. This exnation was reasonable and Qiu Jinn himself was anxious to rush to the capital, hoping to save thest three rtives, so he just had no time to suspect Mei Xue.

    Xue Chang was silent for a while, showing a trace ofpassion, and said, ¡°Fortunately, Princess Ningyi is okay and now she has grown up. Her engagement to Deng Yi was inappropriate. If you broke the engagement and found a good family for her, you would feel at ease as a brother.¡±

    Before Qiu Jinn could say anything, he said, ¡°I can see that you treat Princess Ningyi like the apple of your eye, so I think you should also understand my difficulties. Although I have many children and grandchildren, if I lost power one day, they might not be better than you and your sister. After all, we do not have a ¡®Tianya¡¯ to help the family.¡±

    Qiu Jinn understood what he meant and sighed, ¡°Yes, you are so kind to me and I would never trouble you anymore. As for Tianya, please rest assured. When I left that year, my grandmother repeatedly told me to concentrate on my studies and not to handle the matter of Tianya in person. Therefore, no one knows that I am the master except the two Dharma Protectors. Now the former Dharma Protectors are both dead. Although the current protectors betrayed me, they have no solid evidence.¡±

    Xue Chang stroked his beard and said, ¡°I am relieved that your family is prepared. But Old Princess Lian was afraid that you might be found out about your fake death and concealed it too much. Now if you want to take back the title of the Duke of Xihe, how can you prove it?¡±

    Even if Qiu Jinn could prove his identity as the son of the former Duke of Xihe, Empress Dowager Gu might stop him, so he might not be able to get back the title. But with his reputation of entering Hanlin Academy at the age of 18 and being an expert at both literature and martial art, there should be some people in the Western Army who remembered their rtionship with General Ruan and Qiu Zhongyan.

    With the protection of these people, Empress Dowager Gu and Kuang Shihan would not easily do anything to Qiu Jinn. After all, the Northern Army has long been the Jiang Family¡¯s army.

    Once Empress Dowager Gu lost the Western Army, an armed remonstrance was likely happened no matter how good she was at politics. It was a pity that Old Princess Lian only hoped that her only grandson could escape being killed and was afraid that the traces would not be wiped clean enough. She never thought of leaving any evidence for Qiu Jinn to be recognized again.

    ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± Qiu Jinn nodded. ¡°But now I really have no intention of getting back the title. I only wish my sister a safe life. If I could avenge my parents, I would have no regret even if I died.¡±

    ¡°The problem is that both the Empress Dowager and the present Duke of Xihe know about you now.¡± Xue Chang squinted his eyes. ¡°I got to know that from what the Empress Dowager said. Of course, her purpose was to tell me not to protect you anymore. To be honest, I have students all over the country, but among the many students, I have the highest expectations of you. I think you also know that. But you know that I have always been in the middle. It¡¯s impossible to change for you alone, even if you are the disciple I have spent the most effort on. So now, although I don¡¯t want to get even with you as the Empress Dowager wants, I have to get out of it.¡±

    Qiu Jinn had made this n before Xue Chang revealed his story. In fact, Qiu Jinn was relieved that Xue Chang did not scold him for deceiving him or even question his intention to be his own student. Now he was paying homage again and again.

    ¡°But you are still my pupil.¡± Xue Chang did not immediately leave in a huff, but sighed, ¡°The marriage between Deng Yi and the Princess Ningyi... If you have any ns, go ahead and do it. I¡¯ll give you a hand. Think of it as myst job as a teacher to help you. I won¡¯t teach you in future. If you¡¯re still fine when you are out of the mourning, I¡¯ll arrange a local post for you. Then I won¡¯t interfere in anything with you again, but I hope you don¡¯t me me for being ruthless!¡±

    Qiu Jinn wept and said, ¡°I concealed so much from you and you still protect me. What else can I say? If I can be of any help to you one day, I am willing to sacrifice my life for you!¡±

    ¡°Well!¡± Xue Chang shook his head wearily andughed at himself, ¡°I am not as capable as Prime Minister Tao. If you were his disciple, as long as you could prove the wrongs done to your family and the Ruan Family, he could do you justice easily!¡±

    ¡°I am lucky to have met you!¡± Of course, Qiu Jinn knew that the Prime Minister Tao that Xue Chang was talking about was the grandfather of Madame Tao, the prime minister of the former emperor¡¯s reign, Tao Yinsong, who was known as the ¡°pir stone of the country. Xue Chang was now very well treated by Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang, and it was not too much to say that he was in real power. But he was no match to Tao Yinsong, who even several times scolded the former emperor, who was never a coward. The most terrible thing was that he had done so and ended well!

    The Tao Family declined after him, but they hadn¡¯t received any retaliation so far. On the contrary, anybody in the court would mention him as the pir stone of the country and a famous prime minister.

    But Qiu Jinn had no envy. He knew that it was better to rely on himself than on others. Now, although Xue Chang clearly told him that he was going to make a clean break with him, he didn¡¯t feel sorry at all. Instead, he felt he had earned a lot.

    Xue Chang got into the wagon from the back door of the teahouse. Xue Nongying had been waiting in the wagon. He helped him sit down on the cushion and asked softly when the wagon began to move, ¡°Now that you had decided to break with Ruan Qingyuan. No, Qiu Jinn, why did you talk to him for a long time? You can¡¯t conceal today¡¯s meeting from the Empress Dowager.¡±

    Xue Chang smiled, and now he no longer had the helplessness in front of Qiu Jinn and regained his usualposure. ¡°It¡¯s no secret that he was the student I had high hopes for. Even if I weighed the situation and gave up on him, what was wrong with saying a few more words before giving up? Humans are creatures with emotions. This is the universal truth. And...¡±

    The old man squinted his eyes. ¡°Did you forget the rtionship between his sister Princess Ningyi and the Jiang Family? As long as her engagement to Deng Yi is broken, she will be a woman of the Jiang Family. Therefore, though Qiu Jinn now seems to have a weak influence, he still has the hope of revenge. After all, being his master, why should I make him hateful when I could make him grateful?¡±

    ¡°This is also what I left you!¡± Xue Chang added silently in his heart. He thought of Tao Yinsong¡¯s good ending and the Tao Family¡¯s decline without any sufferings, and thought that he had Xue Nongying, a capable grandson, and that the Xue Family might still have the hope of having another prime minister in the future. Tao Yinsong had be a recognized ¡°pir-stone¡± minister only on the basis of the umtion of the two generations of his family.

    Although Qiu Jinn was about to lose his backer, the breakup was unexpectedly easy. Qiu Yn¡¯s interrogation was deadlocked. Kuang Qingwu was unexpectedly a hard nut. Jiang Yashuang used the special muscle and bone breaking technique for executing for three times in session, which was seldom used in the Northern Army. He was tortured to the ground like a puddle of mud. His clothes were wet through with sweat, but he still kept silent!

    Even Ling Zui admired him a bit, ¡°He deserves to be one of the Western Army.¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn¡¯s gloomy and irritable face, he quickly added, ¡°They are all single-minded idiots!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang frowned and stopped. He said to Qiu Yn, ¡°I¡¯m afraid he won¡¯t make it if I do it again.¡±

    Qiu Yn knew that even Marquess Qin could not kill Kuang Qingwu. Today Jiang Yashuang tortured him repeatedly for her sake. She guessed that there might be trouble for him. Although she was not willing to ept it, she sighed, ¡°That¡¯s it.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang wiped his hands with the towel handed over by the guard and said, ¡°Let me send you back.¡±

    Qiu Yn was about to answer when suddenly an old servant in his sixties came into the teahouse. From his clothing, he was obviously a decent servant. When he came in, he saluted and sighed, ¡°My young master is young and ignorant. He has learned enough lessons today. He will study hard at home and care for nothing in the world. I beg you to be merciful and let him off.¡±

    He took out a stack of silver drafts topensate Qiu Yn.

    Kuang Qingwu could not be killed anyway and Jiang Yashuang was going to send him back. It was good that someone came to pick him up. Ling Zui took over the silver notes and counted instantly. ¡°Ten thousand taels? I suddenly want to beat him again.¡±

    At this time, the old servant was supporting Kuang Qingwu to walk out slowly. Kuang Qingwu was pale and sweating, but he still had the mood to turn around and smile at him, ¡°If you really want to beat me, you can¡¯t do it now.¡±

    Ling Zui admired his temper, but the two had made enemies. So Ling Zui shrugged his shoulders and handed the silver notes to Qiu Yn, ¡°This is yours.¡±

    Qiu Yn waved her hand and said, ¡°I don¡¯t...¡± Before she had finished, Su He suddenly let out a scream and knocked off her veil hat.

    Everyone was stunned, but Su He said, ¡°A bee flew into the screen just now!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a bee. Don¡¯t make such a fuss!¡± Qiu Ynined.

    Jiang Yashuang was very attentive and hurriedly bowed to check whether the bee was covered in the hat on the ground. ¡°It¡¯s better to be careful in case you get stung.¡±

    He looked for a moment and found that the bee was wrapped in the veil. He killed it with a flick of his fingers, picked up the hat and pped it for a while. He was about to put it on Qiu Yn¡¯s head when he suddenly saw that one of Kuang Qingwu¡¯s feet was inside the door and the other outside. He twisted his head and was gazing at Qiu Yn. The look was an amazed andplicated one. The old servant pulled him several times without sess.

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face suddenly sank!

    He was about to lose his temper when the old servant saw that and hurriedly grabbed Kuang Qingwu by the arm and dragged him outward. ¡°Young Master, you are badly hurt. Even if you want to apologize, let¡¯s do it another day!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu hadn¡¯tpletely lost his head. He sensed the murderous look of Jiang Yashuang, pursed his mouth, arched his hands at him, and left quickly with the old servant.

    Ling Zui also saw the scene and snorted, ¡°Now you know you have offended a beauty? But it¡¯s toote!¡±

 Chapter 166 - Bad Karma in Elders

    <h4>Chapter 166 Bad Karma in Elders</h4>

    Kuang Qingwu went out of the teahouse and was helped by his old servant to get in the carriage waiting outside.

    Before he got in, he couldn¡¯t help but be stunned. He controlled himself not to say the name that was on the tip of his tongue. It was after the carriage left the teahouse for a little while that he whispered, ¡°Sorry for troubling you again, my teacher.¡±

    The man in a green shirt who got in the carriage before he was a middle-aged schr. He was elegant with three wisps of long whiskers on his jaws, and he looked particrly impressive.

    But he held a cavalier attitude towards Kuang Qingwu, Marquess Zhang¡¯s Young Prince, who even Jiang Yashuang dared not to kill. Since Kuang Qingwu got in the carriage, the man didn¡¯t even look at him. Instead, he was preupied with his chess in front of him. Even for now, he was still staring at it without raising his head, ¡°I told you that I would teach you for a while for your breast-mother¡¯s sake, but you shouldn¡¯t address me as your teacher. I have vowed not to ept pupils.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu took the old servant¡¯s handkerchief to wipe his face, and then said respectfully, ¡°My teacher, I owe you a lot. Even if I¡¯m not good enough to be your pupil, I should address you politely as my teacher.¡±

    The middle-aged schr said indifferently, ¡°Well, you can keep addressing me like this. At most, I¡¯ll just go away as I can¡¯t bear with it.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu looked pale after hearing it. He quickly said with a smile, ¡°Since you don¡¯t like it, my tea... How dare I force you to ept it? I just don¡¯t know how to call you in the future.¡±

    ¡°I call myself Leshan. Just call me Leshan like everyone else.¡± The middle-aged schr said indifferently.

    Kuang Qingwu sighed.

    Leshan¡¯s knowledge was unfathomable. What was more, he was resourceful and decisive, since Kuang Shihan ran into him when he was looking for his rtive in the west a number of years ago, and he tried really hard in a crazy manner hoping to take him in.

    Unfortunately, it didn¡¯t work for him. Leshan was all alone, proud and nk. Kuang Shihan tried all means but failed. In the end, Kuang Qingwu was luckier, as his breast-mother who took care of him before he grew up had been the neighbor of Leshan¡¯s rtive, who he was looking for.

    Although his rtive was dead, Leshan got to know about it and still decided to return to favor. The breast-mother certainly obeyed her master and asked Leshan to teach Kuang Qingwu. The Kuang Family had their own n. Although they couldn¡¯t take him in for now, they brought up this request hoping that one day Leshan would listen to them.

    Originally, Kuang Qingwu was not happy with his father¡¯s arrangement. After all, he had always resented Kuang Shihan. However, after Leshan showed his ability for a little bit, he was impressed already. Also, Leshan¡¯s unintentional words seemed to have enlightened Kuang Qingwu, making him realize that Xingkang Grand Princess was secretly manipting him. From then on, hepletely epted this teacher and wanted to follow him.

    It was a pity that he wanted Leshan to be him a teacher, but Leshan still refused to ept him as a pupil.

    Judging from the fact that he would go away this time, he seriously meant it, and he was definitely not doing so to promote himself.

    ¡°Being rebuffed here today, you¡¯ll use the need to stay at home to recover as an excuse so as not to go out until next year¡¯s metropolitan exam.¡± Leshan said while ying chess, ¡°What about Empress Dowager Gu? Do you need me to teach you what to say to her?¡±

    Kuang Qingwu replied immediately, ¡°I remembered what you told mest time. I didn¡¯t dare to forget it.¡± Then he hesitated and asked again, ¡°It¡¯s just that I lost a lot today. It is inevitable for Empress Dowager and others to take advantage of it in the future. Even if I want to cool it down, I am afraid that they won¡¯t just let it go easily. This...?¡±

    Mr. Leshan said indifferently, ¡°So I let Zheng take you out humbly.¡±

    And then, he said nothing after saying this. Kuang Qingwu knew it was about the school entrance examination. He pondered for a while, and then hesitantly asked, ¡°So you want me to pretend to be a coward who got scared after Jiang Family hit me.¡±

    ¡°Your father let youe to Jing City to take the metropolitan exam. He didn¡¯t let you stay as a hostage.¡± Leshan said calmly, ¡°For your safety, he even made a promise to princess Changping. So you must nail the metropolitan exam this time, otherwise Empress Dowager will definitely keep you in Jing City for three years to prepare for the next one. You know the consequences.¡±

    Because of the auspices of Empress Dowager Gu, Xingkang Grand Princess focused her attention on the Western Army.

    Although the position ofmander of the Western Army couldn¡¯t be inherited, there were natural advantages for sons due to the unspoken rule set in Darui in the military. Ruan Family and Duke of Xihe could be taken as examples.

    Kuang Shihan had spent all his time in the Western Army. Of course he hoped to pass it to Kuang Qingwu instead of princess, his wife and Empress Dowager, his mother-inw.

    However, Empress Dowager Gu could force his own son into a puppet, not to mention Kuang Qingwu, her grandson in name only.

    Kuang Qingwu suddenly got an anxious and grave look. He said softly, ¡°Please be assured. I¡¯ll try my best in the examination!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need to be assured.¡± Leshan said indifferently, ¡°It¡¯s your future and not mine. Why would I worry?¡±

    Although his words were sharp, Kuang Qingwu was not angry at all. He smiled as he thought, ¡°If Leshan wasn¡¯t worried about me, why would he bother to point it out to me deliberately? Also, he came personally to pick me up with Zheng this time.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu always thought that Leshan only seemed to be arrogant, but in fact he had a very good heart.

    After getting back to Marquess Zhang¡¯s mansion, Leshan went into the yard. Zheng parked the carriage in the backyard and took the wound medicine to apply it to Kuang Qingwu.

    Seeing that Kuang Qingwu was covered with bruises after undressing, Zheng felt awful as he watched him grow up and always loved him as a junior in his heart. At this moment, he said, ¡°Jiang Family used really vicious means!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu didn¡¯t take it seriously, ¡°It¡¯s just superficial wound. Jiang Yashuang¡¯s men knew how to control their strength. This can be good, too. When people from the pcee again, I have excuses to stay at home.¡±

    Zheng sighed and said nothing.

    After applying the medicine, Zheng packed up the medicine bottle and was about to leave, but Kuang Qingwu suddenly stopped him, ¡°Zheng, could you talk with me for a while?¡±

    ¡°What does Young Prince want to say?¡± Zheng froze.

    Before Leshan came to his family, Zheng was the most trusted person of Kuang Qingwu, far exceeding Marquess Zhang and Kuang Shihan. At that time, Kuang Qingwu often secretly confided his troubles and sorrows to him. Although Zheng only listened and said nothing every time, it also a relief of pain for young Kuang Qingwu.

    Since Mr. Leshan came, Kuang Qingwu hadn¡¯t confided these troubles to Zheng for a long time.

    ¡°Today you also saw the appearance of Commandery Princess Ningyi. Don¡¯t you think she looks like a person?¡± Kuang Qingwu looked at him, ¡°When I was taken back to the Kuang Family, I once ran into that person¡¯s study to look for things, and I found a painting. Although there were minor differences, the outline was at least 90% simr, right?¡±

    Lao Zheng sighed, ¡°That was a long time ago. You are the master¡¯s most favorite one now. Why did you mention it again?¡± Kuang Qingwu was rarely willing to call Kuang Shihan ¡°father¡±, so he generally called him ¡°that person¡±. It showed how deep the gap between the father and the son was.

    ¡°Is that really Princess Ruan?¡± Kuang Qingwu muttered, ¡°That person was alone and helpless when he was young. He became the man today because General Ruan adopted and cultivated him. He and Princess Ruan spent their time together in their childhood, so he had feelings for her gradually. But General Ruan looked down on him due to his birth, so he made Princess Ruan marry Qiu Zhongyan. That person was not reconciled. He colluded with Empress Dowager to harm General Ruan¡¯s off-springs, and killed Qiu Zhongyan himself. I remember that when I was seven years old, a man executed by him said it before he died.¡±

    He looked at Zheng, ¡°But why did he want Qiu Zhongyan dead? I went to Jing City to inquire about Princess Ruan and her daughter, and I heard they had a very difficult time. It was not until Qiu Jinn, who got a pseudonym as Ruan Qingyan, came to Jing City three years ago that their conditions got better. But Princess Ruan died before she reunited with her son. Since that person loved Princess Ruan so much that he made me live outside until Princess Ruan got married and even killed her husband, why didn¡¯t he do anything and let Princess Ruan pass away? Does he have a heart?¡±

    Zheng was silent for a while, and said, ¡°After Qiu Zhongyan¡¯s death, the master sent someone to Princess Ruan to convey his marriage proposal. But Princess Ruan said she would always be Qiu Zhongyan¡¯s wife, no matter dead or alive. And she also said if something happened to Commandery Princess Ningyi, she would kill herself. In fact, this is also the reason why Commandery Princess Ningyi lives to the present despite being harshly treated. Otherwise, since Qiu Mengmin and her son hate the bloodline of Old Princess Lian so much, how can Lu tolerate it even though Commandery Princess Ningyi is just a woman?¡±

    Kuang Qingwu sneered, ¡°She sounded like a person of integrity. Why did she look down on that person back then?¡± He was born because that person had one night stand with his biological mother, who wanted to marry that person so she gave birth to him without telling Kuang Shihan. Kuang Shihan, who only wanted to marry Princess Ruan, was furious and cut her head off by himself.

    Even his biological mother¡¯s family was implicated. Several uncles and cousins were killed in the battlefield with the deliberate arrangement of Kuang Shihan.

    Kuang Qingwu hated Princess Ruan from his heart. He felt that this woman was indecisive and jealous. That was why he had lived outside for so many years, and his biological mother as well as her family members was treated by Kuang Shihan like that.

    However, Zheng¡¯s eyes showed sadness, ¡°Qiu Zhongyan and Princess Ruan were also very close friends at a young age.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Kuang Qingwu froze and thought for a long time before he said, ¡°You mean, what that person had was one-way love?¡± He always thought that although General Ruan raised Kuang Shihan, he didn¡¯t think Kuang Shihan was good enough to be his son-inw.

    ¡°I had persuaded the master back then, but he was deeply in love with Princess Ruan. Although he knew that Princess Ruan and Qiu Zhongyan had already promised to marry each other, it was always difficult for him to let it go.¡± Zheng took a deep sigh, ¡°The master has never returned to Jing City these years. It¡¯s also because he didn¡¯t dare to see Princess Ruan again... In fact, he regretted killing Qiu Zhongyan only a few years after the killing. Now the master is still alive because of you. If you weren¡¯t there, the master... he wouldn¡¯t want to live any longer.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu didn¡¯t appreciate it. He sneered, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want to live any longer? Right, Princess Ruan died three years ago!¡±

    Zheng said softly, ¡°The master failed you back then, but now you¡¯re all he has.¡±

    After some hesitation, he said, ¡°If the master were here, he wouldn¡¯t agree to let you go through this today. Although this idea was given by Leshan who is the most respectful person of master!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu said lightly, ¡°You have been with me all the time. Don¡¯t you know what Xingkang Grand Princess has done to me? If I was not the only child, she might have killed me already. Has that person ever mentioned it to me?¡± Before getting Zheng¡¯s answer, he sneered again, ¡°If I was not the only child, I¡¯m afraid I couldn¡¯t have thest name as Kuang now.¡±

    ¡°s!¡± Zheng sighed and said, ¡°The master didn¡¯t say it because he wanted to make you tough. Moreover, Xingkang Grand Princess¡¯s moves were under the control of the master. He knew she wouldn¡¯t kill you. I always heard the master say that he would have done things differently if he knew the results. I don¡¯t want the same happen to you.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu sneered, ¡°He has done too many bad things in his life. Does he think that he can be redeemed by just saying things like that?¡±

    Zheng knew that his grievances against Kuang Shihan came from the grievances of wandering outside in his childhood, and the scars of not being valued and bullied after his first return to the Kuang Family. These feelings were deeply rooted. Persuasion was useless at this moment, and he didn¡¯t really feel disappointed. He stood up slowly, ¡°Young Prince, if you don¡¯t have anything else to say, I¡¯ll leave for now.¡±

    ¡°Find a few reliable ones and keep an eye on the whereabouts of Commandery Princess Ningyi.¡± Kuang Qingwu was silent for a while, and when he walked to the door, he suddenly ordered Zheng to do this.

    Seeing Zheng looking at him in surprise, he coughed deliberately, ¡°Don¡¯t let Leshan know, lest he misunderstands me... addicted to women....¡±

    Zheng said in surprise, ¡°But why would you pay attention to her?¡±

    Kuang Qingwu didn¡¯t say anything. Zheng looked at him for a long time and sighed, ¡°All right. Yes, Young Prince.¡±

 Chapter 167 - Didnt You Say Im Your Beloved One?

    <h4>Chapter 167 Didn¡¯t You Say I¡¯m Your Beloved One?</h4>

    When Kuang Qingwu was still pondering the enchanting glimpse, Qiu Yn was reassuring Ruan Ciyi in the Ruan Family, ¡°My cousin is really fine. It¡¯s just that he was called by Prime Minister Xue soon after entering the city. Is it because of matters concerning his study? Isn¡¯t he often called by Prime Minister Xue?¡±

    Half lying in bed, Ruan Ciyi looked sullen, and said, ¡°What about you? I heard you caught a cold outside. How are you now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve fully recovered.¡± Qiu Yn was making an apology, ¡°I¡¯m the one to be med. It was because of me that my cousin¡¯s date of return was dyed. Sorry for making you worried.¡±

    ¡°No need to apologize. We¡¯re a family.¡± Ruan Ciyi smiled, but then frowned, ¡°I need to ask you something while Chunjun is not here. You have to tell me the truth!¡±

    Qiu Yn was shocked, but forced herself to calm down and said, ¡°Shoot.¡±

    She was wondering whether she should tell the truth or not. Then she thought, ¡°I didn¡¯t agree to tell you the truth. It depends on what you ask.¡±

    Ruan Ciyi didn¡¯t force her to promise. She looked down and said, ¡°Though I¡¯m worried about you this time, I didn¡¯t have to bother Young Earl Ling originally. It¡¯s just that I wanted to send someone to go out and find you, but they said that Chunjun had ordered everyone to stay and guard the house. Is it because he is afraid that sending people out of the city might put me in danger?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought about it for a while and said, ¡°I haven¡¯t heard of this, but my cousin seeded in the imperial examination when he was young, and was selected to enter the Hanlin Academy by the emperor. There are always a lot of jealous people.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Ruan Ciyi thought deeply. ¡°Well, did you run into any trouble outside the city?¡±

    ¡°During my outing, the two youngdies from Jiang Family deliberately tried to give me a hard time because someone abetted them to do so.¡± Qiu Yn said calmly, ¡°Fortunately, Chunfu Princess helped me get the justice. The two were really lucky to avoid the tumult, as they went back to the city directly after being scolded severely by Chunfu Princess.¡±

    The news of Duchess of Huainan¡¯s idental death was known to everyone at this time in Jing City. Ruan Ciyi sighed, ¡°When I was living in Jing City, I also knew Princess Qin. She was a very kind person. Unexpectedly, she just died like this.¡±

    When Qiu Yn found the topic was switched smoothly, she was relieved, ¡°It turns out that Qin was Duchess of Huainan¡¯s surname. I didn¡¯t know that. When we met on Jinxiu Slope before, I only heard Chunfu Princess and Young Lady He call her Princess.¡±

    Ruan Ciyi said, ¡°At that time, she was the only Princess, and it seemed to be more intimate to call her without her surname. Speaking of the Qin Family, they¡¯ve withered so badly these years, and I don¡¯t know if anything bad might happen to Puyang old Princess if she knows the news. After all, the health condition of the Duke of Puyang already makes her worried, and now her niece died at such a young age again, s...¡±

    ¡°Puyang old Princess?¡± Although Shao Yuemei trained her these years, Qiu Yn was still not a qualifieddy. This was because she still couldn¡¯t figure out the engagements thedies had since their childhood. Not to mention others, the Jiang Family¡¯s rtives alone were enough to make her dazed.

    At this moment, she tried really hard and only remembered that the Duke of Puyang seemed to be the Special Prince inherited since the founding of the country. But this family was far less prominent than Duke of Xihe¡¯s family, mainly because they had no outstanding off-springs for generations. They basically kept their title and lived an ordinary life. But because of this state of being unable to cause troubles, the title had been passed along smoothly.

    She recalled that the Duke of Puyang was very young.

    As expected, Ruan Ciyi found that Qiu Yn still didn¡¯t quite understand, so she introduced, ¡°She is Qin old Princess, Duchess of Huainan¡¯s aunt. She was the matchmaker for Duke of Huainan and Qin Princess.¡±

    ¡°Was the Qin Family very prominent earlier?¡± Qiu Yn asked curiously, ¡°The aunt and the niece became princesses one after another.¡±

    ¡°Not really.¡± Ruan Ciyi shook her head, ¡°In the Jing City, the dignitaries consider them to be medium. But Qin old Princess is well-known for her virtue, so her nieces are generally married well. At that time, Duke of Huainan wanted to marry a princess. The pce asked him what kind ofdy he wanted, and he said that he wanted a virtuous princess. So, Qin¡¯s daughter was chosen.¡±

    Speak of which, she sighed, ¡°My grandmother, your First Aunt¡¯s mother, also has Qin as her surname, though it is not the same lineage as Qin Princess and Qin old Princess.¡±

    Qiu Yn remembered that her First Aunt mentioned thedy had a suttee. She quickly switched the topic, ¡°I used to live on the Jiang Family¡¯s farm, and heard the youngdy in the family mention the Duke of Puyang once. She seemed to say that he had a bad health condition.¡±

    ¡°It is said there was a congenital deficiency in the fetus.¡± Ruan Ciyi nodded, ¡°He was probably two or three years old when I left Jing City, but had already been taking medicines a lot. He has been asionally mentioned by others these years, and I heard he was still as unhealthy as before. However, he was very smart, so the hearts of his grandmother and mother, the old Princesses, broke because of him.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought it was already distressful that the son in their family had a bad health condition. And the fact that he was extremely outstanding made it even worse.

    ¡°Well, is he only fifteen or sixteen years old?¡± Qiu Yn did the math, ¡°Then the old Princesses are also not very old.¡±

    Ruan Ciyi smiled bitterly, ¡°They¡¯re a grandmother and a mother. What¡¯s the point of not being young? They can only enjoy their life if their off-springs have a good life!¡±

    Qiu Yn took a sigh in her heart, knowing that she must have remembered her deceased child again, and was about tofort her. Then a servant from outside came in to report that Qiu Jinn was back.

    ¡°My... my cousin, he¡¯s back?¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t have time to care about Ruan Ciyi. She stood up, ran out and asked, ¡°What did Prime Minister Xue tell him?¡±

    ¡°Why are you so careless? Behave yourself.¡± Before the servant answered, Qiu Jinn, who had just step onto the corridor, reprimanded her. He turned a blind eye to Qiu Yn¡¯s gestures to urge him to get the answer. Instead, he walked inside slowly, paid his respect to Ruan Ciyi and showedfort. Then he asked for leave and exited. At this time, Qiu Yn was already eager to grab his shirt. She asked again, ¡°What did Prime Minister Xue tell you?¡±

    Qiu Jinn reprimanded again, ¡°You have to stay calm. You¡¯ll get to know the answer for sure when we arrive at the study room. No hurry.¡±

    As a result, it drove Qiu Yn crazy on the spot, ¡°Kuang Qingwu took the Western Army to stop me just now.¡±

    ¡°He even took the Western Army to trouble you?¡± Qiu Jinn¡¯s face turned pale, and grabbed her arm, ¡°Are you all right?¡±

    ¡°Stay calm. When you get to the study, you will certainly...¡± Qiu Yn paid back narrow-mindedly.

    Before she even finished speaking, she lowered her head because of Qiu Jinn¡¯s stern nce, ¡°Young Earl Ling happened to be looking for you and he helped me. Later, Yashuang got there, killed all his helpers and tortured him with muscle division and bone dislocation. It was not until his servants came over, apologized humbly, and gave me another 10,000 taels of silver note that this matter was over.¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yashuang actually arrivedter than Ling Zui?¡± Qiu Jinn habitually picked her future brother-inw¡¯s fault, and sneered, ¡°What was he doing before that?¡±

    ¡°His servant didn¡¯t report it to him as he saw he was practicing the calligraphy. Well, the servant is going to have a hard time for sure.¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t give much thought to Jinn¡¯s words, ¡°Forget about it. Does Prime Minister Xue know your birth?¡±

    Qiu Jinn frowned, ¡°Did Kuang Qingwu also tell Jiang Yashuang and Ling Zui?¡±

    ¡°Not really.¡± Qiu Yn said, ¡°He didn¡¯t say it directly, but he meant it. However, I don¡¯t think that Yashuang and Ling Zui got it.¡± Then she thought about it again, ¡°Sure enough, Prime Minister Xue knew it. Did Empress Dowager tell him?¡±

    Qiu Jinn replied, ¡°In fact, this isn¡¯t unexpected. Everyone has a tacit understanding. Fortunately, although I have never trusted Mei Xue and the other two, they don¡¯t have any evidence against me if they want to make my birth public. As long as I refuse to acknowledge it, it is impossible for Empress Dowager to nt ¡®Tianya¡¯ on me like this.¡±

    So, only the Empress Dowager party was detrimental to him. In order to prevent the Western Army¡¯s feeling of insecurity, Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s side must hope to kill him quietly, ¡°quietly¡± meant that Empress Dowager would try to have him killed in secret.

    ¡°But even if Empress Dowager Gu still has a lot of constraints when dealing with you, after all, she shouldn¡¯t be underestimated.¡± Qiu Yn frowned and asked, ¡°Well, what did Prime Minister Xue say? Was he angry?¡±

    Qiu Jinn said, ¡°No, but he didn¡¯t want to get into it. He has already told me that clearly.¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°What are you going to do now? Mei Xue and the others are gone. Who will take care of ¡®Tianya¡¯ for you now? If you were caught by Empress Dowager... You don¡¯t have to show up, the family members of those that were killed by ¡®Tianya¡¯...¡±

    ¡°I have this in mind.¡± Qiu Jinn vaguely said, ¡°It¡¯s your business that is urgent for now. Because of Mei Xue, Deng Yi and his mother are still alive. What¡¯s more, even people sent by Jiang Yashuang were blocked. After saying goodbye to Prime Minister Xue just now, I went to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe!¡±

    Qiu Yn was confused somehow, ¡°Why did you go there?¡±

    ¡°I found out that although they knew my birth from Empress Dowager, they had no idea that I didn¡¯t have any evidence to restore the surname of Qiu.¡± Qiu Jinn said indifferently, ¡°Of course, even Empress Dowager can¡¯t figure out whether I can be recognized by my family or not. Anyway, they really fear that I¡¯ll take the title of Duke of Xihe if my identity is restored. So, I made a deal with them that if they help you cancel the engagement between you and Deng Yi, I¡¯ll never inherit Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe!¡±

    Qiu Yn stunned, ¡°Why did you do this? Don¡¯t you know these two? They¡¯re very cowardly. Deng Yi has support from Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang and Empress Dowager Gu. How dare they help me to break the engagement?¡±

    ¡°Even if they don¡¯t have the courage to do that, at least they are given hopes to keep the title.¡± Qiu Jinn said calmly, ¡°Lest they panic and do something against you. That would not be good for you.¡±

    ¡°Actually, even if I live in Prince¡¯s Mansion, I won¡¯t necessarily be afraid of them. Have they lived peacefully all these years?¡± Qiu Yn said curling her lips, ¡°Anyway, if you¡¯re really worried, I can live with Ciyi here.¡±

    Qiu Jinn nced at her, ¡°She doesn¡¯t really want you toe. Haven¡¯t you noticed it? It¡¯s not that she doesn¡¯t like you, but that she doesn¡¯t like to be disturbed by others due to her mood.¡±

    Qiu Yn was about to nod, and suddenly she got an idea, saying, ¡°You wanted me to move in before. Howe you¡¯re driving me away now? Did you know that the Ruan Family is not safe now? So you don¡¯t want me toe?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re overthinking about it.¡± Qiu Jinn frowned, ¡°I have ¡®Tianya¡¯. How is it possible that I won¡¯t be able to guard against secret attacks?¡±

    ¡°Really? Then it would be fine if I lived here.¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t believe his words and said in an instant, ¡°If Ciyi doesn¡¯t like to be disturbed by others, I won¡¯t appear in front of her. Anyway, the Ruan Family is so big. It doesn¡¯tck a yard to amodate me.¡±

    Qiu Jinn got a serious look, ¡°Nonsense! Go back to your ce now.¡±

    ¡°Sure enough, you don¡¯t feel secure in your heart. Otherwise, why won¡¯t you let me stay?¡± Qiu Yn said firmly, ¡°I won¡¯t leave, I¡¯ll stay here to help you!¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t leave?¡± Qiu Jinn sneered and began to roll up his sleeves, ¡°Did you think the fighting skills I taught you make you strong enough to disobey me? Believe it or not, I will just throw you out!¡±

    Qiu Yn threw herself to him, held his arm and shook it violently, shouting, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that I¡¯m your beloved one?¡±

    ¡°An elder brother is like a father!¡± Qiu Jinn¡¯s words made her silent for quite some time, ¡°How did Madam Shao teach you the way to behave? Now you don¡¯t listen to me, and it makes sense?¡±

 Chapter 168 - Dont Ruin My Cousin!

    <h4>Chapter 168 Don¡¯t Ruin My Cousin!</h4>

    Qiu Yn failed to stay in the Ruan Family, as Qiu Jinn personally forced her to get in the carriage and sent her away.

    She felt depressed, rolled up the curtain of the carriage and looked back at the door of the Ruan Family. However, she saw Qiu Jinn standing there in his ordinary coat and silver hairband. He was quietly watching her. Theplexity and unhappiness in his eyes gave her an ominous feeling.

    Just when she was about to put down the curtain, she suddenly saw Jiang Yashuang, who had sent her over,ing from the side alley on his horse. He gave her a wink, and then followed her carriage with an indifferent look.

    Returning to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t go to greet Qiu Mengmin and his wife as usual, but sent Su He for Princess Yang, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, and I¡¯m also tired. I¡¯m afraid that if I greet her now, I may disturb her. Ask her if it¡¯s OK for me to go tomorrow?¡±

    Su He smiled and said, ¡°Princess Yang must say that you won¡¯t need to go tomorrow either.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it nice for all of us to save some troubles?¡± Qiu Yn snorted. Princess Yang hadn¡¯t always been so kind, as Qiu Yn had been asked to be trained to be ady every day before sunrise. Qiu Yn had broken a few pieces of the ancient porcin of the former dynasty¡¯s famous kiln, and identally dropped the zed screen every now and then. She had also ¡°hit¡± Qiu Jinzhu every so often without saying much.

    Princess Yang was tormented by her to a great extent. Then she finally got it and excused her to concentrate on the mourning period instead of greeting her anymore.

    Mrs. Zhou and others left in the yard had prepared hot soup and dishes. When she came back, they exchanged some pleasantries, and then the others waited for her to bathe and change her clothes. The table in Flower Hall was full of her favorite dishes.

    Soon after picking up the tooth duster, Su He came back to report. What she said was expected, ¡°Princess Yang said that she knew the whole thing wasplicated this time, and you must be very tired. She wanted you to rest well and not to worry about greeting.¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded, thinking it was over, but it was actually not, ¡°It¡¯s weird that Princess Yang invited Aunt Qiu back today, who is now serving over there. ording to the maid, Aunt Qiu was still like that, but Princess Yang tolerated her a lot, and smiled at her. And it was almost the same as when Lu was alive.¡±

    ¡°If she treated Aunt Qiu so well, she must be nning something in secret.¡± Qiu Yn pouted, ¡°But I don¡¯t know what they n to do with Aunt Qiu. Well, is it that Kang Lizhang is really going to be a concubine? But even so, it¡¯s not like she is going to be a Princess. Even if she is, they are not supposed to be so subservient. Seeing this situation, others may think that Kang Lizhang is going to be Empress or even Empress Dowager!¡±

    She thought about it for a while and then said, ¡°Tell the servants to keep an eye on them and see what they are really nning to do.¡±

    When she came into the house tonight, it was already veryte. Jiang Yashuang ran over. Without a word, he kissed her and said with a smile, ¡°You are finally back. I went to the gate of the city personally to see if you were these days. Now you are back!¡±

    Qiu Yn pushed him away and hummed, ¡°Personally? Who was sote to save me that day? If it wasn¡¯t for Brother Ling, I don¡¯t know what Kuang Qingwu would do to me!¡± Since Kuang Qingwu was their enemy, of course, she had to work hard to bring hatred to the enemy.

    Not surprisingly, Jiang Yashuang immediately promised, ¡°I¡¯m determined that I won¡¯t spare that man!¡± Then he exined, ¡°The homework assigned by my grandfather is a lot. This year I¡¯m going back to Kuixian to participate in a provincial examination, so he will not allow me to take a good rest easily for now... I could only go to look for you for a little while every day, but I just didn¡¯t see you. Then I was dyed by that stupid servant who was beaten to death and dragged out!¡±

    Speaking of which, he still gritted his teeth and it was clear that he was pretty angry with the servant.

    Qiu Yn used to see a lot of deaths in her past life, so she didn¡¯t really feel much about deaths. And of course, she wouldn¡¯t care much about the death of an unfamiliar servant. She said, ¡°Forget about it now. I want to ask you something about Deng Yi. Do you have any idea? I just heard Qiu Jinn say that Deng Yi and his mother are all good now!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang frowned after hearing it, ¡°It¡¯s really weird. Originally, your cousin and I all sent people there. I don¡¯t know about your cousin¡¯s men, but my men were all blocked by another group of men. It seems that the Gu Family deliberately did it to use them as a bait.¡±

    ¡°The one who stopped you... do you really have no idea who he is?¡± Qiu Yn asked suspiciously, ¡°Is it because the men you sent were not good enough?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t know how to react, ¡°Would I use unreliable men for such an important matter?¡±

    Qiu Yn was relieved when she saw that he seemed to be telling the truth, ¡°It seems that the rtionship between my cousin and ¡®Tianya¡¯ is indeed very secret. Even you didn¡¯t notice!¡±

    She was about to speak when Jiang Yashuang said again, ¡°I borrowed the men from my grandfather. And they were sent because my grandmother helped me.¡±

    Known as ¡°Defender of the State¡±, the men who followed Marquess Qin were certainly the elite of the elite.

    ¡°Even men like them were stopped?¡± Qiu Yn had a new thought, ¡°Were they stopped by Western Army¡¯s elite?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°Not really. Some suspect that they are masters from the underworld. As for who they are, we are still investigating it.¡±

    ¡°...¡± As Qiu Yn was hoping that Qiu Jinn would not be implicated by this, Jiang Yashuang changed the subject again, ¡°Jiang Qiyun is going to marry someone soon. And she won¡¯te here in the future. Even if she was invited by Jiang Qizheng again, I don¡¯t think she woulde.¡±

    Qiu Yn was not very interested in Jiang Qiyun and asked indifferently, ¡°Well, who is she going to marry?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°Prince Qi.¡±

    Prince Qi was the eldest son of the Emperor. He got twenty years old the year before. However, the birth of his mother was humble. And there was no legitimate son. Therefore, being the eldest son, he had always been low-key in the royal family.

    Qiu Yn unexpectedly said, ¡°Your aunt, I mean Her Majesty, has she decided?¡±

    The meaning was pretty clear. Empress Jiang didn¡¯t have any biological sons, nor did she raise any princes. Even though it was all right before, now the Emperor and Empress were over forty years old, it was time to consider the candidate of the Crown Prince. Empress Dowager Gu had two grandsons, Prince of Yan and Prince of Zhou, to choose from. How could Empress not find a good-looking prince to support?

    Empress Jiang showed her intention by marrying Jiang Qiyun to Prince Qi.

    Qiu Yn had almost no impression of Prince Qi. When Qiu Jinn or anyone else mentioned the royal family to her, Prince Qi was always briefly introduced in one sentence, ¡°He is the Emperor¡¯s eldest son, whose birth mother was humble. He is very mediocre.¡±

    But Empress Jiang certainly didn¡¯t care. She and Empress Dowager Gu didn¡¯t want a capable Crown Prince. What they want was just a puppet.

    Jiang Yashuang replied, ¡°It¡¯s almost decided. Empress Dowager Gu is also going to choose Princesses for Prince of Yan and Prince of Zhou.¡±

    Qiu Yn rolled her eyes and smiled, ¡°Who is she going to choose as the Crown Prince? As for Princesses for Prince of Yan and Prince of Zhou, I think Princess Shou¡¯an, Commandery Princess Jing¡¯an and the Tang Family youngdy are most likely to be chosen, right?¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager wants to pick the youngdy Xue Er, but Prime Minister Xue will definitely not agree.¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°If Kuang Shihan had a daughter, she would definitely be one.¡±

    Qiu Yn felt a nerve in her heart all of a sudden, ¡°Normally, Prime Minister Xue would not agree to marry his daughter into the royal family, but what if he was forced by Empress Dowager?¡± For example, one of his disciples changed the name and origin after the fraudulent death, and he had an obvious oversight without knowing...

    Seeing Qiu Yn frowning, Jiang Yashuang reached out for her face, smiled and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°The outing tumult this time hasn¡¯t subsided yet. When I came back, I heard about the fighting for the Crown Prince again. I just felt very surprised.¡± Qiu Yn perfunctorily said, ¡°What about Jiang Qisheng? Has she entered the pce?¡±

    ¡°Not yet. It¡¯s not fully decided.¡± Jiang Yashuang hesitated and said in the end, ¡°My Third Uncle likes your cousin better.¡±

    Unsurprisingly, Qiu Yn changed her look before he even finished speaking, ¡°What do you mean? It¡¯s not enough for you to bully me all the time. Now you want to trap my cousin for a lifetime?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang embarrassedly said, ¡°That¡¯s just what my Third Uncle wants. My Third Aunt listened to Jiang Qisheng, and she didn¡¯t think the same way. I don¡¯t think it is going to work out.¡±

    ¡°It should never work out!¡± Qiu Yn said firmly. ¡°No matter what method you use, even if you have to roll around in front of your grandparents, be sure to stop it from happening! Or I¡¯ll make you pay.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang grieved and said, ¡°It¡¯s not like I want to marry Jiang Qisheng to your cousin!¡±

    ¡°Whatever!¡± Qiu Yn said angrily, ¡°Do I look like I¡¯m reasoning with you?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang saw her being unreasonable, pointing at her lips for a moment, ¡°What can I get out of it?¡±

    ¡°You can get...¡± Qiu Yn got a fake smile, and a cold look, ¡°Do you think I have really forgotten what had happened outside your farm that day?¡±

    ¡°I will get it done for you!¡± Jiang Yashuang hurriedly said, ¡°But Lan, since I¡¯m behaving so well, do you want to...?¡± Then he pointed to his lips.

    Qiu Yn narrowed her eyes, ¡°Go get it done first.¡±

    In fact, she didn¡¯t need to worry about it at all.

    Because even if Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t go to beg Madame Tao to stop the marriage in his cute way, Jiang Qisheng couldn¡¯t marry Qiu Jinn anyway.

    The reason was simple. Empress Jiang wouldn¡¯t want it.

    She wouldn¡¯t want such a talented man who entered Hanlin Academy at eighteen being ruined by her niece.

    The word ¡°ruin¡± was the original word used by Empress.

    In this regard, the attendant could only make a smile, ¡°Jiang Qisheng, the youngdy... she is just a little bit rash.¡±

    ¡°She is little better than Jiang Qiyun.¡± Empress Jiang looked disdainful. ¡°At least, she doesn¡¯t grit her teeth and try to hurt others just because they are prettier. Does she really think that her beauty is everything? Even girls in the brothel are better than her. But since she dared to offend my mother in this pce for Tao Peibin, repeatedly had trouble with the neenth, and went against Commandery Princess Ningyi, I knew that she is not a smart girl. She is not worth cultivating!¡±

    Compared with the word ¡°brothel¡±, the words ¡°not worth cultivating¡± was the most important. It meant that if there was no ident, Jiang Qisheng would not be able to have a future depending on Empress!

    The people around didn¡¯t dare to say anything even though they heard the words, and they only put on a smiling face.

    Instead, Princess Yongfu, who was listening to her mother¡¯s lecture, asked curiously, ¡°Since you don¡¯t like Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng, why do you want them to marry Prince Qi? I think Qizheng is good!¡±

    ¡°Little fool!¡± Empress¡¯s tone softened at once when speaking to her biological daughter, and saidpassionately, ¡°Do you think I want Qiyun to be a Princess because I like her? Think about your brothers. Who knows whether your eldest brother is capable of doing things or not? Would he be hurt by your grandmother? If I let Qiyun marry him, it shows my attitude to support him. But if something goes wrong, I won¡¯t be distressed... I really like your eighteenth cousin. How can I decide for her life before the situation is clear?¡±

    Princess Yongfu suddenly got it, ¡°Now it makes sense. I was confused as you never liked the First Uncle¡¯s family, but you chose his daughters to marry the elder brother.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say it to others.¡± Empress Jiang made a mute gesture towards her. ¡°In addition, I chose your fifteenth cousin for another important reason. She is stupid and easy to manipte. If things went well in the future, she wouldn¡¯t get out of my control.¡±

    As she was saying, someone from the pce hurried in and said, ¡°The Empress Dowagerdy asked Your Majesty to go to the Hall of Taishi.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Empress Jiang straightened up immediately, restoring the noble coolness as the firstdy in the nation.

    ¡°I heard that General Jiang killed Young Prince of Marquess Zhang¡¯s servants, and beat him up pretty badly. That¡¯s why Empress Dowager asked you toe.¡± The eunuch bowed his head carefully and said it.

    Empress Jiang didn¡¯t receive the news, but she didn¡¯t care. She snorted, got up and told her daughter, ¡°Go practice your calligraphy for today. I¡¯ll see it when Ie back.¡±

    Then, she sorted her clothes for a little bit, and said proudly, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Wasn¡¯t it just a battle of words? Did Empress Dowager really expect her to agree to punish her nephew by asking her to be there?

 Chapter 169 - Are You Telling A Story?!

    <h4>Chapter 169 Are You Telling A Story?!</h4>

    When Empress Jiang arrived at the Hall of Taishi, she saw Empress Dowager Gu sitting in her seat, looking green with anger. She scolded at Empress Jiang, ¡°Look at your rtives! He beat up Xingkang¡¯s child without even asking! Even kids in our royal family aren¡¯t this rude and malicious! Does your family think they are more important than the royal family?¡±

    If anyone else had been here, they would have kneeled on the ground and asked for her forgiveness. Yet Empress Jiang didn¡¯t even take it seriously. She saluted carelessly and asked with a smile, ¡°Mother, you just threw words at me without exining anything. I¡¯m so confused! What happened?¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu had been fighting with her for years. They all knew each other too well. Empress Dowager Gu didn¡¯t want to spend more time arguing with her, so she just pointed down, ¡°Changping, tell her!¡±

    Princess Changping who was sitting underneath stood up after hearing Empress Dowager Gu. She just turned 15 this January. She took after the look of her mother, who was beautiful yet had a tragic life. Princess Changping had an oval face, long and slim eyebrows. Her face was white as snow and her eyes were clear like water. She wore a green dress with golden weaving and peony pattern. She tied some of her hair up to a bun on the top and the rest of her hair fell naturally on the back. The two emerald hairpins waved in the air with her move, yet they didn¡¯t sh together. This showed how proper was her behavior.

    After she stood up, she said with a clear voice, ¡°Mother, the thing is, Kuang Qingwu met Commandery Princess Ningyi on the way...¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu wouldn¡¯t say that Kuang Qingwu was going after Qiu Yn, so in her version, they identally met. Commandery Princess Ningyi was too arrogant and insulted the Kuang Family. She even said Kuang Shihan was ¡°worse than a dog¡±. She scolded Kuang Shihan in front of his son. Anyone would be mad at that situation.

    Then Ling Zui and Jiang Yashuang came. They didn¡¯t ask what happened and just stood by Qiu Yn¡¯s side. They killed Kuang Qingwu¡¯s servants and tortured him. In the end, an elder servantpensated them with 10 thousand taels of silver and loads of good words before he took Kuang Qingwu home to see the doctor.

    Empress Jiang looked fascinated, ¡°Good story. Got any more?¡±

    Princess Changping said respectfully, ¡°Mother, these are all true.¡±

    ¡°Even if they were, would it be a big deal if Commandery Princess Ningyi said some bad words about the Kuang Family?¡± Empress Jiang always defended her family. Three years ago, on the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve, Jiang Yashuang beat up Gu Yan, the Duke of Guangyang¡¯s Young Prince, outside the Hall of Taishi. At then, she could me Gu Yan for being weak. Now, why would she protect a Marquess¡¯s Young Prince?

    She had already seen Qiu Yn as her nephew¡¯s wife. Now her nephew and his wife were in trouble, the Empress immediately started defending them, ¡°General Ruan raised up Kuang Shihan. Just looking at that generosity, the Kuang Family should do everything to repay the Ruan Family. Now, would it be a big deal if General Ruan¡¯s granddaughter scolded them? Kuang Qingwu really doesn¡¯t know any better and has no conscience!¡±

    Even though Princess Changping was usually with Empress Dowager Gu and had seen how unreasonable the Empress was, she was still dazed at the moment. After a while, she said, ¡°But uncle-inw is a Marquess. And he is elder than Commandery Princess Ningyi!¡±

    ¡°The rank of Marquess is lower than Commandery Princess!¡± Empress Jiang said impatiently, ¡°Since they were on the street, it¡¯s right to follow the national order! And what about you? Do you respect all the elders? Fine, then if I ever heard you being disrespectful to any of the elder in the royal n from now on, don¡¯t me me for punishing you!¡±

    Princess Changping went pale. She knew the Empress was not joking. Darui had about a hundred years of history and the royal n had so many people who didn¡¯t always live in the Pce. How could Princess Changping recognize them all? Besides, she was a favored princess. Just thinking about how she needed to salute to an abject royal, she felt like she couldn¡¯t bear it anymore. She immediately passed a look to Empress Dowager Gu, asking for help.

    Empress Dowager Gu kept a clouded face, ¡°We¡¯re talking about Xingkang¡¯s son. Why are you scaring Changping?¡±

    Empress Jiang twitched her mouth, ¡°If he were actually Xingkang¡¯s kid, I would feel sorry for him as his aunt. But Kuang Qingwu is a lowly maid¡¯s kid and illegitimate! He doesn¡¯t deserve your care. If it¡¯s up to me, I say we let this pass. He just came to Jing City and already caused trouble. He¡¯s definitely not a decent person! Just consider this as a lesson for him so he won¡¯t keep being overweening and causing trouble!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu knew she was implicating that her daughter, Xingkang Grand Princess, didn¡¯t have any kid. This was her biggest regret. If Xingkang had had a son, Kuang Qingwu could have died any day. Even though the kid would still be a puppet, he would have been their blood and easy to control.

    Empress Dowager darkened her face and scolded, ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? Speaking of a child, I need to ask you! You¡¯ve been in control of the harem for so long and you only have one daughter, Yongfu. Where is my grandson that I¡¯ve been waiting for so long?!¡±

    ¡°Even though you don¡¯t have a legitimate grandson, King Qi and the others all respect you and love you.¡± A hint of resentment was hidden in Empress Jiang¡¯s eyes, but she acted like it was nothing, ¡°But I¡¯ve heard that this Kuang Qingwu really doesn¡¯t know any better and is not respectful or caring to Xingkang!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu was not only disrespectful and careless to Xingkang Grand Princess. He was even worse to Kuang Shihan. Empress Dowager Gu did know that, but Kuang Shihan only had one son, so he tolerated Kuang Qingwu. For the Western Army and for contending against the Jiang Family, Xingkang Grand Princess could only let him do whatever he wanted.

    Now after hearing what Empress Jiang said, Empress Dowager Gu thought that this nominal grandson was really unreasonable. But she then suddenly realized that Empress Jiang was turning them against each other. Kuang Shihan only had this one precious son. If anyone had touched Kuang Qingwu, even if it had been his mother-inw, he would have fought against her.

    No matter how much Empress Dowager Gu and her daughter disliked Kuang Qingwu, they still needed to treat him well and win him over.

    Empress Dowager Gu abandoned all other thoughts. She said coldly, ¡°They¡¯re fine! You¡¯re an Empress. Why are you always listening to the rumor? Don¡¯t bring shame to our royal family!¡±

    She didn¡¯t want to continue arguing with Empress Jiang, so she went straight to business, ¡°This time you nephew openly beat up Kuang Qingwu and killed all his servants. No matter how hard you try to defend him, he has to be punished!¡±

    ¡°Then Kuang Qingwu needs to be punished even harder!¡± Empress Jiang smiled coldly, ¡°He didn¡¯te to Jing City today. Did he never meet anyone in the past two days? Howe when he met other people, nothing happened? He definitely coveted Commandery Princess Ningyi¡¯s beauty. He thought since she didn¡¯t have the protection of her mother and father, he could do whatever he wanted. That¡¯s why my nephew beat him. Speaking of which, Kuang Qingwu and his father are really brutal and cold-blooded. General Ruan treated Kuang Shihan like his own son. For all these years, Ruan Family was on the decline. Yet he never even asked about them! I feel like they don¡¯t even deserve to live. Why don¡¯t we...¡±

    Empress Dowager Guughed coldly, ¡°Do you think you are telling a story?¡±

    Empress Jiang said, ¡°Yes. But you started it. My nephew is not the kind that would seek trouble. Don¡¯t you know that?¡±

    ¡°Changping, you can leave.¡± Empress Dowager Gu looked at her granddaughter and said.

    Princess Changping badly wanted to stay away from the fierce Empress Jiang. After hearing Empress Dowager Gu, she immediately said yes and left.

    After she left, Empress Dowager Gu also sent the maids away. Seeing this, Empress Jiang knew the game was on, so she sent her servants away too. The Empress was from a family of general. She could ride and shoot like men. She was not afraid to be alone with Empress Dowager Gu.

    After others all left, there were only two of them in the room. Empress Dowager Gu said directly, ¡°It¡¯s not possible not to punish your nephew. Even if Kuang Shihan and his son wouldn¡¯t say anything, the Western Army couldn¡¯t be disgraced!¡±

    Empress Jiang smiled coldly, ¡°So the Northern Army can be disgraced? If they were capable, just let the Western Armye to Jing City and ask the Jiang Family!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu ignored her provoking speech and said, ¡°There¡¯s no use if you keep importuning. If you asked the government officials to judge this, they wouldn¡¯t favor the Jiang Family either. Believe it or not, even if it were Xue Chang here, they would still say he needs to be punished!¡±

    Hearing she mentioning Xue Chang, Empress Jiang frowned. She then said, ¡°Then expose what Kuang Shihan and his son owe General Ruan and let the government officials also judge about that!¡±

    ¡°I heard that your niece was engaged to King Qi.¡± Empress Dowager Gu smiled coldly, ¡°The Emperor hasn¡¯t decided who will be the Crown Prince. And you want to control the Western Army now? Do you really think the government is controlled by you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not in control, but neither are you.¡± Empress Jiang also smiled coldly, ¡°You should now that Jiang Yashuang is my favorite nephew, way more than Prince of Yan or Prince of Zhou! I would never agree to let him get punished!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu said coldly, ¡°Really? You like him that much? But will Marquess Qin say the same?¡±

    Empress Jiang felt speechless. She knew her own father. He used to be a soldier in the army and fought to build the foundation of the Jiang Family. Even though Marquess Qin had the title of ¡°Defender of the State¡±, he was not arrogant or stubborn. This time since Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t lose the fight, Marquess Qin wouldn¡¯t care to givepensation to Kuang Qingwu and apologize.

    Even if the government had decided to punish him, as long as it was not too outrageous, Marquess Qin wouldn¡¯t care.

    Especially since the one getting punished was Jiang Yashuang. The eldest legitimate son of the fourth branch, Jiang Yadan, was too spoiled to take any responsibility for the fourth branch. Marquess Qin personally taught Jiang Yashuang, the younger legitimate son, because he wanted Jiang Yashuang to support the fourth branch. He didn¡¯t want to spoil Jiang Yashuang. Yet the Jiang Family was powerful and prestigious now. Even though Jiang Yashuang was taught strictly, he never had much of a setback.

    Maybe Marquess Qin would want his grandson to take this hit!

    Seeing the Empress fall silent, Empress Dowager Gu softened her tone, ¡°Of course, we can discuss how to punish him. After all, Qingwu only had some flesh wounds. Your nephew did have some measure.¡±

    Empress Jiang questioned, ¡°What do you want?¡± She wouldn¡¯t think Empress Dowager Gu just suddenly became kind. She definitely wanted something in exchange!

    ¡°I want to marry Changping to Kuang Qingwu.¡± Empress Dowager Gu immediately said, ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t want to prepare their wedding. Just don¡¯t make any trouble!¡±

    Princess Changping was raised up by Empress Dowager Gu and Kuang Shihan had agreed with this marriage. The Empress should have nothing to say. But Empress Dowager Gu knew the Empress would fight even if she didn¡¯t have an argument. Empress Jiang didn¡¯t like Princess Changping or Western Army. If there were nothing to hold her back, she wouldn¡¯t agree to marry Princess Changping easily!

    After all, Empress Jiang was the official mother of Princess Changping. She was the one to decide the princess¡¯s marriage. Empress Dowager could only ask about it.

    Even if Empress Dowager Gu gave a decree to let Changping marry Kuang Qingwu, Empress Jiang just needed to meddle with it to make this wedding awkward and difficult. Empress Dowager Gu had so many grandsons and granddaughters, but Changping was the only one whom she raised up by herself. She didn¡¯t want Changping to be wronged. Besides, the Kuang Family wouldn¡¯t want to be disgraced!

    Empress Dowager Gu was going to get some dirt on the Empress¡¯s Party to make her agree. Jiang Yashuang walked right in and saved her a lot of time.

    Hearing this, the Empress looked down and thought for a while. She then said, ¡°Sure. But I need one more thing.¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu frowned, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°That Deng Yi doesn¡¯t like women. Why should he waste Commandery Princess Ningyi¡¯s youth?¡± Empress Jiang said, ¡°Ask him to break off the engagement with Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Then I¡¯ll take care of the marriage of Changping. I¡¯ll give her a beautiful and unforgettable wedding. What do you say?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Empress Dowager Gu rejected it without even thinking. She was supervising the Kuang Family to eliminate thest threats. Qiu Jinn controlled the organization Tianya that existed before Darui. How could it be eliminated if not using official power? Qiu Jinn¡¯s biggest weakness was Commandery Princess Ningyi, so Empress Dowager Gu wouldn¡¯t let it go. Besides, once Commandery Princess Ningyi married into the Jiang Family, Qiu Jinn would have a patron. He could just show his identity and persuade the elders in the Western Army. The consequence was unthinkable!

    Hearing this, Empress Jiang darkened her face, ¡°Then I¡¯m definitely going to meddle with Changping¡¯s marriage!¡± Empress Jiang thought that if Empress Dowager Gu wouldn¡¯t let her nephew have a good marriage, then she would mess with Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s favorite granddaughter¡¯s marriage!

 Chapter 170 - She Must Be Having an Affair!

    <h4>Chapter 170 She Must Be Having an Affair!</h4>

    Empress Jiang meant what she said. She spread the rumor about going to select a husband for Princess Changping the next day. She also imed that Princess Changping was Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s beloved one. She and Empress Dowager both didn¡¯t want her to leave Jing City. So, they would only select from the porphyrogenites in Jing City. The empress had given much thought to this. How could Kuang Shihan who determined to hand over the Western Army to his son be okay with Kuang Qingwu staying in Jing City permanently?

    After hearing the news, Empress Dowager Gu gnashed her teeth with hatred. She instructed people in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang overnight, ¡°Tell Deng Yi and his mother toe back as soon as possible! He should marry Commandery Princess Ningyi at once!¡±

    She also sent a eunuch to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe to deliver a message, ¡°Keep a close look at Commandery Princess Ningyi in these few days. Once Deng Familyes to negotiate the marriage, set the date as soon as possible!¡±

    Qiu Mengmin and his wife sent away the eunuch with a smile. They looked at each other after getting back to the room, ¡°Empress Dowager wants her to get married. That little bastard wants to break off the engagement. What shall we do?¡±

    Princess Yang said hesitantly, ¡°How could that little bastard bepared with Empress Dowager?¡±

    ¡°But he was right on the other day. As long as we have a legit reason to break off the engagement, even Empress Dowager wants to punish us, she can¡¯t do anything to our hereditary Duke title!¡± Qiu Mengmin sighed tiredly, ¡°He, on the other hand, once he reveals his identity, he was officially granted as the Young Prince back then!¡±

    ¡°But you have been the Duke of Xihe for years!¡± Princess Yang was so scared of disobeying Empress Dowager. She objected, ¡°With Empress Dowager backing us up, we may have a chance!¡±

    Qiu Mengmin said with a bitter smile, ¡°Are you muddled? Why do you think as a fine Young Prince, he faked his death and left? Of course, he did it to avoid getting harmed by Empress Dowager... However, do you believe he will tell the truth now? He can¡¯t confront Empress Dowager now! What if he says he hid because we wanted to harm him? He even can me us for the old Princess Lian¡¯s death! We have already been found guilty of ¡®disrespect¡¯ two years ago. What are our chances of keeping our Duke title? Otherwise, why did I agree with him?¡±

    He lowered his voice, ¡°Besides, he left for these many years after he faked his death. He has been spending money like water after he got back to Jing City... It¡¯s clear that he took away therge missing properties of the Prince¡¯s Mansion! Those properties have been umted since our country was founded! To say it bluntly, he has enough money to make our whole family disappear!¡±

    Princess Yang couldn¡¯t help feeling scared, ¡°Then, what about the Empress Dowager?¡±

    ¡°Do it stealthily! Don¡¯t let Empress Dowager catches us!¡± Qiu Mengmin sighed, ¡°That¡¯s why I asked you to put up with it and take Yuqing back.¡±

    ¡°But if something happens to her, how could Empress Dowager not suspect us of doing it on purpose?¡± Princess Yang was so worried.

    Qiu Mengmin said, ¡°Then we insist that we were afraid of her being used outside. However, we still can¡¯t prevent it from happening after we got her back. It¡¯s not that we don¡¯t want to work for Empress Dowager. It¡¯s just that we are not capable!¡±

    Princess Yang sighed, ¡°We have been worrying about the missing properties of the Prince¡¯s Mansion for two years! We looked through almost all of the old Princess¡¯s stuff. And we have been keeping a close look at Qiu Yn without any negligence. However, she has already given it to her grandson!¡±

    Qiu Mengmin was also gloomy. He said after a while, ¡°Since those properties are in Qiu Jinn¡¯s hand, how could we get our hands on them? But if we lost the Duke title, we would lose what we have now.¡±

    ¡°Um. We ignore what the eunuch told us today?¡± Princess Yang asked with hesitation.

    Qiu Mengmin wanted to nod. But he hesitated at the very moment, ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see. Deng Yi and his mother still haven¡¯te back yet, right?¡±

    They went to bed with lots of thoughts.

    The next morning, Qiu Mengmin woke up. When he was about to get up, he seemed to catch a glimpse of something by his pillow. He didn¡¯t remember seeing that before he went to bed. He couldn¡¯t help drawing a cold breath after taking a look at it!

    It was a sharp knife. It didn¡¯t just pierce through the quilt but also stuck deeply into the bed!

    Princess Yang who got up next couldn¡¯t help letting out an abnormal scream!

    ¡°Get out!¡± Qiu Mengmin took in a deep breath and reproached the servants who came in because of the scream. He said in a shivery voice, ¡°Just do as we nned... This definitely wasn¡¯t done by Empress Dowager¡¯s people!¡± Empress Dowager Gu didn¡¯t need to threaten them so barely in her position. There was no need for him to guess where the knife came from.

    Princess Yang stared at the knife with a pale face and nodded ceaselessly!

    That day was very unpleasant for them. But it was also not pleasant for Qiu Yn. After all, she knew Qiu Jinn would be in danger. But she couldn¡¯t do anything about it. How could she be at ease?

    Her spirits weren¡¯t lifted even when Jiang Yashuang took a chance toe over to im credit, ¡°Jiang Qisheng won¡¯t marry my cousin? Oh, that¡¯s nice. I got it. You can go now.¡±

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you in the mood today?¡± Jiang Yashuang noticed and touched her forehead out of concern, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Qiu Yn flicked away his hand with frustration, ¡°Just feel nothing is interesting.¡±

    She had thought about asking the Jiang Family for help. It was her brother¡¯s life at stake after all. Her moral integrityparing to that was nothing. But Qiu Jinn admonished her seriously right after she brought it up. After all, Qiu Jinn was worried that she already had few people from her maiden family to back her up but she still asked the Jiang Family for help repeatedly. How could the Jiang Family take her seriously if she kept doing this?

    After spending these few years with her, Qiu Jinn knew that she had a habit of going behind his back. So, he told her directly, ¡°If you dared go ask Jiang Family for help for my affair, I would kill myself at once!¡±

    Qiu Yn was so scared that she kept saying she would obey. After all, when Qiu Jinn said those words, his tone was as calm as if he were talking about the weather which indicated that he wasn¡¯t threatening but making a statement!

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know what to do at that moment. Of course, she was spiritless.

    Jiang Yashuang tried to guess what was bothering her. Seeing that she didn¡¯t want to talk about it, he felt more suspicious and said, ¡°Tell me what¡¯s wrong. Even if I can¡¯t help you, we still have my aunt and grandmother. Even if they can¡¯t help you, they can at least give you some advice?¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed with her head on the table and said sulkily, ¡°Nothing, nothing. Leave me alone. Just go back and do your homework!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang thought for a while and said, ¡°Okay. I¡¯m leaving. If you want to talk about it, send people to find me at any time.¡±

    After getting back home, Jiang Yashuang went directly to Madame Tao Junior¡¯s room and asked her if Jiang Yadan woulde. Hearing that Jiang Yadan wouldn¡¯te, he begged Madame Tao Junior to deliver a message, ¡°I have something to ask Yadan.¡±

    So, Jiang Yadan came over right after work at dusk. After greeting Madame Tao, they found an excuse to leave Madame Tao¡¯s courtyard. Seeing that there was no one else around, Jiang Yadan said with a faint smile, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi suddenly ignores you?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said in surprise, ¡°Not exactly but almost... How do you know? I didn¡¯t reveal anything to your wife!¡±

    ¡°Do I need her to tip me off?¡± Jiang Yadan said proudly, ¡°Have you ever called on me? What else can it be except for your lover?¡± When they got to Jiang Yadan¡¯s courtyard, after sending the servants away, Jiang Yadan asked directly, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said shyly, ¡°We don¡¯t have a falling-out. We were talking andughingst time when we saw each other. When I went there today, I don¡¯t know why she was sulky. It looked like she was troubled. But she refused to tell me no matter how I asked. Didn¡¯t you say that you knew all about girls¡¯ thoughts? Tell me what is going on.¡±

    ¡°It looks like you have a rival in love!¡± After thinking for a while, Jiang Yadan said seriously, ¡°And that man is important to your lover! Maybe more important than you. They must have a falling-out. How could she tell you something like that?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was shocked, ¡°It can¡¯t be true, can it? I go to her ce every now and then. I never found her seeing others!¡±

    Jiang Yadan said with a sneer, ¡°If she yed her cards well, how could a beginner in love like you notice?¡±

    ¡°I still think it¡¯s not possible,¡± Jiang Yashuang said frowning, ¡°Is there any other possibilities?¡±

    Jiang Yadan said, ¡°What else could it be? Think about it, what can¡¯t we do for her? And you are willing to do anything for her. What can¡¯t she talk to you other than that she is having an affair?¡±

    Speaking of which, he snorted, ¡°You really have a bad judgement of people!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said distractedly, ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous, okay? Be serious!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m serious!¡± Jiang Yadan was very confident about his judgement. He said discontentedly, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, we can test her. Write a letter with your left hand and send it to her. Say that you are in trouble and can¡¯t write with your right hand. Tell her to meet somewhere and we will see whether she would go or not. Then we will know if she is having an affair!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d better go ask grandmother for advice!¡± Jiang Yashuang nced at him disappointedly, ¡°If I did like you suggested, no matter it¡¯s real or not, there would be no hope for us anymore.¡± When they were at the farm outside the city the other day, he just expressed his doubt a little. And Qiu Yn abandoned him at once and left with Ruan Qingyan!

    If he tricked her, after she knew about it, she would cut all ties with him and never see him again!

    Hearing this, Jiang Yadan said frowning, ¡°Grandmother is old. What does she know?¡± Seeing Jiang Yashuang standing up, he had to say, ¡°Fine. You just don¡¯t want to believe this. Then there is another possibility. Did you tell her that Deng Yi and his mother were safe and sound?¡±

    Hearing this, Jiang Yashuang was enlightened, ¡°Right. That must be it... She was too embarrassed to ask me for help again. But she was worried about it. That¡¯s why she ignored me?¡±

    ¡°She might think that you are so useless that you couldn¡¯t get this little thing done!¡± Jiang Yadan threw cold water on him with disdain, ¡°Don¡¯t always assume people are good. You will regret it when you get tricked!¡±

    ¡°Do you think she is like the mistresses of yours?¡± It was obvious that Jiang Yashuang was going to abandon Jiang Yadan after used. He snorted and said, ¡°Doesn¡¯t your wife treat you nicely enough? When did she ever trick you?¡±

    Jiang Yadan was stunned for a moment. He was about to say something. But he saw his brother ignoring him and walking towards outside, who said in the meantime, ¡°I didn¡¯t seedst time when I borrowed men from grandfather. I¡¯d better be more careful this time... While it¡¯s still early, I¡¯m going to give grandmother a shoulder massage. Then I will go to the ancestral home to give grandfather a leg massage. Um, how many men should I borrow this time.¡±

    Jiang Yadan was about to chase after his brother and scolded him for being ungrateful. A servant ran in and reported, ¡°Young Masters, someone is here to announce the Empress Dowager¡¯s decree. He demanded Young Master Yashuang to receive it!¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager¡¯s decree?¡± Jiang Yadan asked in surprise, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was stunned for a moment and then regained his sense, ¡°Maybe because I kicked Kuang Qingwu¡¯s assst time. With our aunt backing me back, I assume it¡¯s just a small punishment. It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll go to receive it.¡±

    ¡°Can our aunt bear to let Empress Dowager punish you?¡± Jiang Yadan muttered with doubt, ¡°She was able to prevent you from getting punished when you hit Gu Yanst time!¡±

    He felt it was not that simple, ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll keep youpany!¡±

 Chapter 171 - The Fiances Met Each Other Again

    <h4>Chapter 171 The Fiances Met Each Other Again</h4>

    To the surprise of the Jiang brothers, Empress Dowager Gu didn¡¯t even mention the punishment of Jiang Yashuang in the Empress Dowager¡¯s decree, and only said that he was summoned to enter the pce.

    To the Jiang Family, it was not unusual to specte Empress Dowager Gu of doing the greatest vicious things. So, after hearing this, they did not refuse to go immediately. Instead, they forcibly detained the eunuch who wasing to read the empress¡¯s decree. The people in the side yard entered Madame Tao¡¯s yard to deliberate, ¡°Does my aunt know about the Empress Dowager¡¯s decree?¡±

    ¡°She definitely doesn¡¯t know.¡± For Empress Jiang¡¯s character, Madame Tao was the most knowledgeable. She frowned when hearing the news, ¡°She justmanded Yashuang to the pce. Why did she use the Empress Dowager¡¯s decree? She could have asked your aunt to send someone over here informing the notice if she wanted.¡±

    ¡°So what now?¡± asked Jiang Yadan.

    Madame Tao lifted her chin towards the house where the eunuch was ced, ¡°Let him be in no hurry for now. You quickly go into the pce to meet Empress Jiang. I¡¯ll let Yashuang go with the eunuch after we receive your message.¡±

    As for whether or not this round trip would make Empress Dowager Gu get tired of waiting... the Jiang Family didn¡¯t care.

    However, before Jiang Yadan left the house, Empress Jiang got the news and sent someone over, ¡°Is Yashuang going to the pce? Don¡¯t worry. Her Majesty has already known, and she is waiting for him in the Hall of Taishi right now!¡±

    Madame Tao then asked, ¡°Do you know what Empress Dowager wants?¡±

    ¡°The Empress Dowager wants to remove Yashuang¡¯s title of Xiucai. But neither Chancellor Dou nor Director of Studies Zhuang agreed to do so. This moment they are gathering the relevant people to discuss the matter in the Hall of Taishi.¡± At this moment, a maid came to report, ¡°Her Majesty said that there¡¯s no need to worry about it. It will be fine. Just send Jiang Yashuang there to go through the motions.¡±

    ¡°Go through the motions? Why did they insist on asking Yashuang to go there?¡± asked Madame Tao with a frown.

    The maid smiled and said, ¡°Madame Tao, I don¡¯t know the reason, but this is what Her Majestymanded.¡±

    ¡°Yashuang, go over there and be careful!¡± After thinking over and over again, Madame Tao felt sure that her daughter wouldn¡¯t harm her grandson, so she beckoned Jiang Yashuang to the side and tidied up the jade pendant for him. She instructed, ¡°If you encounter anything, find your aunt and let her fix it for you.¡±

    At the same time, in Marquess Zhang¡¯s residence, Mr. Leshan was also instructing Kuang Qingwu. He said, ¡°Empress Dowager Gu seemingly tried to seek justice for you, but in fact, she¡¯sing for you!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu asked for advice, ¡°Please, teacher, tell me more!¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yashuang killed your men in the street and tortured you, Young Prince of Marquess. He certainly deserves a serious charge.¡± Mr. Leshan said indifferently. ¡°But he is a son of the Jiang Family. Feng Rugui from the Governor¡¯s office is also a follower of the Jiang Family. Therefore, from the very beginning, he had found an excuse for his charge. The excuse was that his men killed your people as bandits mistakenly. Then, he would say that the wounds on your body were done privately by horsemen of the Jiang Family when Jiang Yashuang was not present. The two queens have always been evenly matched. Normally, the end of the ident will be that the Jiang Family will hand over scapegoats and then give you a gift aspensation, which will save Marquess Zhang¡¯s and Western Army¡¯s faces at the same time. As for you, you should act to be kind and generous and let the past conflict go. Then that¡¯s it.¡±

    ¡°But now Empress Dowager Gu not only refuses to let it go but also wants to deprive Jiang Yashuang of his title... Do you know that Jiang Yashuang is the grandson whom Marquess Qin paid close attention to. Although his father, Jiang Tianchi, was the second son of Marquess Qin, but he inherited the position of Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei. In terms of the Jiang Family status, it is far above his brother, Jiang Tianqi, the Ministry of War¡¯s assistant minister!¡±

    Mr. Leshan continued, ¡°If nothing special happens, Jiang Tianchi will inherit the Marquess Qin¡¯s family from now on. Among the three sons of Jiang Tianchi, obviously, the one with high expectations is Jiang Yashuang, who returned to Kui Countyst year to take part in the county examination and won first ce! It was said that he would return to Kui County this year to take the provincial examination! You count the days, now is the end of February. He¡¯ll be leaving in June or July due to the distance between the capital and Kui County! Now the Empress Dowager wants to deprive him of his title. Let¡¯s not talk about the fact that his repeated summons to the pce has dyed him from studying. The threat that he has to face, of course, will distract him from his study.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu definitely understood what the implication of his words was now.

    ¡°Empress Dowager Gu makes Jiang Yashuang be saddled with running from pir to post. On the contrary, the Jiang Family won¡¯t let go of me. I also must prepare for the exam, right?¡± He frowned, ¡°Once I fail the exam, the result will satisfy both Empress Dowager¡¯s and XingKang¡¯s intention as they wish that I will stay in the capital but also being able to me the Jiang Family for the result...¡±

    Mr. Leshan said, ¡°Another point is that, recently, I heard that Jiang Qiyun from the Jiang Family would soon marry King Qi, His Highness. Jiang Qiyun is the daughter of the first branch of the Jiang Family. Yet, Jiang Yashuang is the son of the fourth branch. As Empress Dowager Gu is focusing on making trouble for Jiang Yashuang at this time, Empress Jiang is bound to protect Jiang Yashuang, her nephew. In this way, she would definitely neglect her niece¡¯s wedding. This will inevitably cause conflicts between the Jiang family¡¯s first branch and fourth branch!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu was surprised and said, ¡°Is the Jiang Family¡¯s first branch so irrational?¡± Even if Empress Jiang didn¡¯t personally take care of the King Qi¡¯s wedding ceremony, the ceremony would not be a shabby one as the bride was the first son of the emperor. In contrast, Jiang Yashuang, who was threatened to be deprived of his title by the Empress Dowager, was in a more critical situation.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that they¡¯re irrational, it¡¯s about interest!¡± Mr. Leshan said, ¡°If the Jiang Family won in thepetition for the crown prince, Empress Jiang would be the regent in the future actually. Would Empress Jiang give up this power just because King Qi¡¯s wife is her niece?! And now the Queen of Qi has been chosen by herself. This niece is not the only one for Empress Jiang¡¯s option. Against this background, the brother she prefers would be more important. In particr, Jiang Tianao is only the Empress¡¯s cousin. Although Jiang Tianchi and the Empress have different mothers, they have the same father. A brother with the same father has a much closer rtionship than those who are cousins, right?¡±

    It suddenly dawned on Qingwu, ¡°In short, Empress Dowager Gu is determined to take me this time as a disguise or expedient measure for her deception!¡±

    He continued with a frown, ¡°Teacher, do you have any good way out of this? I really don¡¯t want to be manipted like this by the Empress Dowager!¡±

    ¡°Naturally, what we need to do is to seek peace.¡± Mr. Leshan said heedlessly. ¡°The Jiang Family is rted to officials of the government by marriages. Your father is far in the west. The Empress Dowager is pushing for it. To fight them in this capital, even if I were God, I couldn¡¯t turn the situation around... What we can do is to reconcile with them.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu said, ¡°I excused myself from entering the pce today by saying that I was not feeling well. Now that I think the Empress Dowager is definitely not happy. If I don¡¯t tell Empress Dowager and reconcile with the Jiang Family... What if the Jiang Family doesn¡¯t agree, or if they do agree and then send the news to the Empress Dowager, what should I do?¡±

    Mr. Leshan said, ¡°So, we have toe up with a way.¡± He said after a pause. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that among the unmarried daughters of the Jiang Family, apart from Jiang Qiyun who has been designated to marry King Qi, there are two or three other youngdies. They¡¯re all beautiful.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu was surprised, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°March is drawing near, and Her Majesty¡¯s birthday is on the day of The Shangsi Festival. So, the pce will have a banquet to celebrate it,¡± Mr. Leshan calmly said. ¡°You will go there at that time to express your congrattions. Then you look for an opportunity to meet the unmarrieddies from the Jiang Family and pretend that you fall in love with one of thedies at first sight... Using this as an excuse to reconcile with the Jiang Family. This is a good reason for what you do.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu said slowly, ¡°In that case, the Empress Dowager will definitely think that I¡¯m easily bewitched by beauty and that I am not someone who can take on a great responsibility.¡±

    Mr. Leshan said, ¡°You are right! Now, actually, the Empress Dowager is mainly interested in winning over you and your father. In her eyes, you are young and ignorant. She will never do anything to you if you do something foolish as you are young. Instead, she will coax you to change your mind while pointing the finger at the Jiang Family at the same time, so that even if the Jiang Family is still making trouble for you, I am afraid the Empress Dowager will not allow you to keep in touch with the Jiang Family.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu cautiously nodded, ¡°Thank you for your guidance, teacher!¡±

    None of these things were known to Qiu Yn. Instead, she was now receiving a visitor who had startled her, Deng Yi.

    Nominally, Deng Yi wasing to visit Qiu Mengmin. Only after the meeting, he said that he wanted to meet with Qiu Yn in private. After sending someone to ask Qiu Yn for her approval and she agreed, Qiu Mengmin said nothing but agreed.

    The atmosphere at this meeting between the not-yet-married couple was far from the amicable it had once been, Deng Yi asked directly, ¡°Did you send the man to kill my mother and me?!¡±

    ¡°When ites to breaking promises, you and your mother did it first!¡± Qiu Yn said coldly. ¡°So, now, are you feeling wronged?¡±

    Deng Yi growled, ¡°At most, we¡¯ll just let you marry me. Instead, the first thing you want to do is to take our lives. How vicious you are!¡±

    Qiu Yn mocked, ¡°You get used to the days you have, but what makes you think others can get used to it too?!¡±

    ¡°I will participate in the imperial exam in autumn of this year, and if nothing else happens unexpectedly, next year, I will participate in the metropolitan exam... Once I pass the exams, I will request to be stationed abroad and leave the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang.¡± Deng Yi was distraught. ¡°This is what Empress Dowager herself promised me, and I¡¯ve only had one chance to do this for so many years. Just don¡¯t cause any more trouble for me, okay? At most, after you and I get married, we don¡¯t live together. We¡¯ll divorce peacefully in a few years. By then, you can marry whoever you like. Do you really think I really want to be hard upon you?¡±

    Qiu Yn was startled, and then she came to her senses, ¡°Did Gu Yan force you to marry me? What¡¯s going on here is disturbing you so much that you can¡¯t study quietly, right?¡± She frowned at the thought, ¡°Why are you so silly? There was nowhere to find you before. Why don¡¯t you stay in hiding until the fall? You could simply go back to your hometown and take the autumn exam. Then, youe to the capital slowly upon time, and you will arrive in the capital exactly before the day of the spring exams. That would be a perfect n, right?¡±

    Deng Yi sneered, ¡°What happened to me is just because of you! Originally, what you said was also my n. In case he made things difficult for my mother, I even persuaded her to leave with me. After only a few days of hiding in Pingshan, the people you sent found our hiding ce... If we hadn¡¯t returned to the capital, we might have lost our lives, let alone leaving the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang!¡±

    ¡°You me me for that?¡± Although Qiu Yn sent neither group, she didn¡¯t care to admit it. ¡°In the first ce, I sent someone to ask your idea about our engagement. I wanted to know what you were going to do. You disappeared without an answer. Who knows if you¡¯ve been ordered by the Gu Family to keep me waiting? Why don¡¯t you tell me about this first that you¡¯re not hiding from me, but from Gu Yan? How do I know you¡¯re noting for me if you don¡¯t tell me!¡±

    Deng Yi gloomily said, ¡°Do you think I were you? Do you think I was able to secretly send out a group of ouws ¨C though I know you borrowed the power of the next-door Jiang Yashuang? But, no matter what, he¡¯s also a force you can use. Other than a book boy, I¡¯m surrounded by people I can¡¯t trust, even my mother.¡±

    He looked glum and sighed, ¡°Anyway, I originally thought that after learning some martial arts from you, I could go and wander the world. After the attack, I realized that my talent for learning martial arts is really... Right now, my only chance is to pass the examinations as soon as possible. If you must hold me back, don¡¯t me me for following what the Empress Dowager told me.¡±

    ¡°Is it useful for you to follow the Empress Dowager?¡± Qiu Yn asked. ¡°Do you think she did not know about your situation all these years? But did she help you? You think she¡¯ll pay attention to you just because you passed the exams? Think about it. Jinshi is glorious to ordinary people, but it means nothing to the Empress Dowager!¡±

    Deng Yi said dismissively, ¡°So I should just listen to you, get discouraged and thenmit a suicide?!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn was speechless for a moment and was about to say something. Someone in the inner chamber suddenly interjected, ¡°You want to focus on reviewing your books? What¡¯s the difficulty? As soon as you publicly announce that you¡¯re breaking off your engagement to Lan, I¡¯ll arrange for you to live in my side yard. I¡¯ll make sure that Gu Yan won¡¯t disturb you even he tries all means!¡±

    It was Jiang Yashuang who just happened toe over.

 Chapter 172 - Stop Flirting with Each Other in front of Me!

    <h4>Chapter 172 Stop Flirting with Each Other in front of Me!</h4>

    After hearing his words, Deng Yi was surprised. His gaze wasplicated as he looked at Qiu Yn, ¡°Surely you two...¡± Although he didn¡¯t like girls at all, even Qiu Yn was his fianc¨¦e and stunningly beautiful, he didn¡¯t like her at all. They were engaged at this moment, but Jiang Yashuang appeared in Qiu Yn¡¯s room. It was obvious that he knew the ce well upon the way he went into the room. Seeing him and what he did, Deng Yi felt very unhappy anyway.

    ¡°You really do treat me like I¡¯m dead!¡± Deng Yi snorted and mocked, ¡°In the past, I said I would let you go after I marry somebody else. I didn¡¯t expect that I hadn¡¯t begun to see anyone yet, but you have seen him first?¡±

    For Qiu Yn, this kind of mockery wasn¡¯t even a deal. She was calmed and straightforward, ¡°What? You¡¯re allowed to like young and white-skinned boys, but not me?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Deng Yi was furious!

    Jiang Yashuang, who originally wanted to speak out for his beloved, was now in a good mood. He smiled, ¡°So you always think that I am a handsome and white-skinned boy?¡±

    ¡°Surely do.¡± said Qiu Yn proudly. ¡°Do you think I am the one who would fall in love with the ugly?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°I recalled someone once said she did not like me at all. But she is saying she likes me truly now...¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯te to see you flirting!¡± Deng Yi couldn¡¯t stand it any longer and pped the table, shouting in a low but angry voice, ¡°Shall we get down to business?!¡±

    Only then did Jiang Yashuang looked at him and said, ¡°Didn¡¯t I just talk about the business? As long as you¡¯re willing to break off the engagement, the premise is negotiable with us. If you want servants, I¡¯ll give you servants; if you want money, I¡¯ll give you money... just say your price!¡±

    Deng Yi was so displeased with his overbearing gesture. Why did he have to study so hard all these years and why did he have to go through so many robust experiences before he had a chance for his examination. In the sharp contrast, Jiang Yashuang, who was the same age as him, could pose as a rich man effortlessly?

    With envy and hatred, Deng Yi said indifferently, ¡°Can you agree to the condition of having Her Majesty to give up her power, live in the Imperial Harem and return the power to the Empress Dowager?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°You do not want to negotiate at all.¡± His smile was cold.

    Deng Yi wasn¡¯t afraid of him, because firstly, they were in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, and secondly, they were in Qiu Yn¡¯s room. His visit today was a very formal one. If Jiang Yashuang kicked him right here in Qiu Yn¡¯s room, Qiu Yn¡¯s reputation would definitely be bruised. A Commandery Princess colluded with her paramour to harm her fianc¨¦. This charge would definitely cause public outrage and be big news!

    After sensing his killing intent, Deng Yi still sneered, ¡°Negotiate? How to negotiate? I grew up in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang, and the blood of the Gu Family runs in my veins. If I joined your family, would the Gu Family let me go? And your family would defend me with all your heart? The most you would do is to protect me until the end of the metropolitan exam, after that, any servant sent by the Gu Family could kill me!¡±

    ¡°What you said as if we don¡¯t have servants in the Jiang Family!¡± Jiang Yashuang said without hiding his killing intention.

    Deng Yi coldly said, ¡°If servants sent by your family wanted to kill me, they would have to deal with the Gu Family first. As long as the Gu Family doesn¡¯t fall in my life, you can do nothing about me! But could your family protect me forever?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang acrimoniously said, ¡°The Gu Family is willing to protect you for the rest of your life? Do you want Gu Yan to protect you by holding you in his arms? If you were in our family, whoever dared to treat their cousins like what you have been going through would have been killed by my grandfather already!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because he is your cousin!¡± Deng Yi¡¯s face paled for a moment. He clenched his fists and said word for word, ¡°But I¡¯m not your cousin!¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°Stop arguing for now!¡± She asked Deng Yi, ¡°You came here today to persuade me to marry you? You didn¡¯t think I¡¯d say yes just because you said so, did you? Where are your final cards? Just take them straight out, don¡¯t waste our time!¡±

    Deng Yi snorted. He gave Jiang Yashuang a meaningful look, ¡°It has something to do with Ruan Qingyan, do you really want him here to listen?¡±

    Qiu Yn was rmed and immediately said, ¡°Yashuang, you go back first.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang frowned, ¡°Is Brother Ruan in trouble? I think I can help.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s in trouble just because of your help!¡± Deng Yi said coldly at Qiu Yn, ¡°Now you should understand what I mean, right? Even if we break off the engagement and you marry him. Do you really not care about Ruan Qingyan anymore?!¡±

    Reminded by him, Qiu Yn suddenly understood, ¡°The Empress Dowager has known my brother¡¯s identity. If I marry Yashuang, in their opinion, the Jiang Family will be my brother¡¯s supporter... The Empress Dowager definitely won¡¯t allow it to happen!¡±

    This was like forcing the Empress Dowager and her followers to mess everything up and leave no stone unturned to kill Qiu Jinn!

    Qiu Yn was angry and gritted her teeth, ¡°You are so cruel!¡±

    Deng Yi sneered, ¡°I¡¯m just a messenger. When you deal with things, you must know who is primarily responsible for it. Don¡¯te to me for everything!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang asked with a nk expression, ¡°Lan, what is it? Can you tell me?¡±

    ¡°No, I can¡¯t!¡± Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead and said to him. She turned to Deng Yi and continued, ¡°So, I have to marry you?¡±

    Dang Yi said, ¡°Unless you don¡¯t care about Ruan Qingyan at all. But I know that¡¯s impossible, right?¡±

    Upon hearing that, Jiang Yashuang immediately looked at Qiu Yn.

    Qiu Yn was silent for a long time before saying, ¡°The engagement can remain in abeyance, but let¡¯s not mention the wedding date.¡±

    Deng Yi said, ¡°You think I can make the decision? To tell you the truth, I¡¯ve been worried about the provincial examination and metropolitan exam. I¡¯d rather not mention the ¡°engagement¡±. I am tired of it!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t stand it any longer. However, he was afraid of getting angry at Qiu Yn, so he said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter about the wedding date if you die.¡±

    ¡°If I die, Ruan Qingyan won¡¯t live either!¡± Deng Yiughed heedlessly and stood up, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi, think about it!¡±

    After that, he ignored them and left!

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s gaze was furious. He hesitated for a moment. He didn¡¯t say or do anything. Instead, he looked at Qiu Yn who had a confused look on her face before saying, ¡°What did he mean? Why does his death have something to do with Qingyan¡¯s life? Has Qingyan done something which was found by them?¡±

    ¡°No, I have nothing to say,¡± Qiu Yn bit her lip. Only after a long time did she say, ¡°I promised my brother not to tell anyone about this. You should go back. I need to think about it... ¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?!¡± Jiang Yashuang took a deep breath and tried to make his tone gentle as usual, ¡°You¡¯ve always been smart. If it wasn¡¯t challenging, why would you be so hesitant? We¡¯ll be family in one day, and so I am willing to share your difficulties.¡±

    Qiu Yn was distraught and said, ¡°Well, you go home anyway!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked at her steadily for a moment before saying in a deep voice, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll go!¡±

    She could tell that he was talking angrily. However, Qiu Yn was distracted right now, and she wasn¡¯t in the mood for talking with him. After seeing him off, she started thinking about how to solve the problem ¨C The key issue was that Qiu Jinn¡¯s life was in Empress Dowager¡¯s hands ¨C It was noted that although Qiu Jinn had the ¡°Tianya¡±, if the Empress Dowager wanted to kill him without thinking the consequences, he would be dead definitely!

    Otherwise, why would Qiu Jinn hide her name?

    ¡°My brother must live, and I don¡¯t want to marry, it seemed that only the Empress Dowager¡¯s death is the only way to solve the problem. But how can she die as she is well now!¡± For several days, Qiu Yn did not get a way out of this.

    Everything normally went over the past few days in the capital. She sent servants to the Ruan Family for fetching the new messages, but nothing abnormal was reported.

    It was only after Su He asionally asked about that Jiang Yashuang hadn¡¯te over for a few days that Qiu Yn noticed something unusual in the past these days. After thinking for a while, she insisted on not meeting him ¨C she wouldn¡¯t know how to exin after meeting him, so she determined to avoid the meeting... As for the consequence... She did not have time to consider it. The crucial problem she had to consider now was how to save her brother and her lives.

    Qiu Yn irresponsibly chose to deal with the problem without Jiang Yashuang. But she might not realize that after Jiang Yashuang left with anger, he had been waiting for her all the time. However, she did not show up. Instead, Jiang Yadan started mocking him, ¡°I¡¯ve told you that the little Commandery Princess is cheating on you. It must be Ruan Qingyan, but you chose not to believe me!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang gloomily said, ¡°We had a quarrel. Don¡¯t talk nonsense, Yadan!¡±

    ¡°Still lie to me?¡± Jiang Yadan sneered, ¡°If there really was a quarrel, you two fought because she is cheating on you, right? Otherwise, true to your nature, you¡¯d have gone to apologize to her long ago instead of staying at home reading books.¡±

    Realizing that he had made a key point, Jiang Yashuang could only sigh, ¡°It¡¯s rted to Ruan Qingyan indeed, but I don¡¯t think there must be something happened between them or she would cover it up in front of me. She is not that stupid, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    ¡°There is a saying in the Art of War: It¡¯s hard to tell what¡¯s real and what¡¯s not... Who knows if she deliberately deceived you in order to keep you from doubting, or she tried this to defend herself?¡± Jiang Yadan advised, ¡°In my opinion, why do you torture yourself like this? Don¡¯t put all your efforts into girls... Actually, it¡¯s because you haven¡¯t got her yet, or you won¡¯t do like this!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk with you anymore!¡± Jiang Yashuang also began to suspect Qiu Yn¡¯s rtionship with Ruan Qingyan ¨C and it was a deep suspicion. His original intention in talking to Jiang Yadan was to expect that his brother would deny his suspicions and say something to make him feel better. But in the end, Jiang Yadan increased his suspicions! Now the more he talked, the more depressed and angrier he became. He simply punched the table hard and strode out the door, ¡°I¡¯m going to go to practice Kung Fu with Ou Bicheng!¡±

    Jiang Yadan said, ¡°You¡¯d better not use your full strength during the practice. That kid is stronger than a weak man, but not that strong. By the way, if you are upset and want to find someone to vent your anger, you should find someone stronger, at least better than me! Don¡¯t hurt him. You know he¡¯s going back to the north for the provincial examination in July at thetest!¡±

    But he was worried about Ou Bicheng for nothing. After Jiang Yashuang rushed to the Ou Mansion and asked where Ou Bicheng was, he failed to say ¡°practice Kung Fu¡± to him. Before he said so, a girl in red was one step ahead of him and asked for a match, ¡°My brother is simply useless. He said he wouldn¡¯t practice with me after taking a dozen moves from me! Yashuang, as you are here, let¡¯s practice.¡±

    This young girl was no more than fifteen or sixteen years old. She was pretty and had snowy skin. She had a pair of phoenix eyes beneath curved eyebrows. Her dark hair was not wrapped in a bun, but tied into a ponytail at the back of her head. She wore a fiery red costume, and a soft golden whip was tied around her waist. The dress with a pair of small boots made her valiant, and her name was Ou Qinn, Ou Bicheng¡¯s twin sister.

    She had known Jiang Yashuang since her childhood. They had been practicing Kung Fu with each other all along. But this time, Jiang Yashuang rejected her request, ¡°You¡¯re back too? I have something to talk with your brother. Can we practice on another day?¡± He was not in the mood for a contest right now. It would be fine if it were Ou Bicheng, as the two were ymates since they were young. Even if they asionally beat each other up, it wouldn¡¯t be a big deal. But now it¡¯s Ou Qinn... although she was also an acquaintance, she was a girl after all. What if he really injured thisdy during the practice? Who knew what kind of trouble it was after that?

    Ou Bicheng, who had been tormented by his sister for a long while and couldn¡¯t wait to get out of here to heal his tired heart, was relieved and passed him a grateful look, ¡°Let¡¯s go and talk in the study!¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Ou Qinn asked curiously. ¡°By the way, I heard you have a sweetheart, living next door to your side yard. And she looks fairly beautiful. Will you take me to see her? When I came over, Aunt Zhuang asked me to take a look at her. First of all, if she is not nice, I¡¯m not going to help you put in a good word with Aunt Zhuang!¡±

    In regr times, if she asked about Qiu Yn, Jiang Yashuang would definitely brag for a while. After all, not to mention other things, she was the prettiest girl in Yashuang¡¯s eyes. But now? Her words were like a dagger stabbing him where it had a scar already. Jiang Yashuang tried to restrain himself and said faintly, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about itter. I want to talk to your brother now.¡±

    Ou Qinn was very disappointed upon hearing his words. After Jiang Yashuang left with his brother Ou Bicheng, a maid came up, ¡°Don¡¯t worry,dy. There is a chance to meet Commandery Princess soon. Her Majesty¡¯s birthday ising, and you probably will meet her over there.¡±

    ¡°Good point!¡± Ou Qinn¡¯s eyes lit up. She pped her hands and smiled, ¡°I hope she¡¯s a good one... Aunt Zhuang has repeatedly told me that if she¡¯s not a good girl, whom Yashuang is obsessed with without following others¡¯ advice, I have to do everything I can to break them up!¡±

    The maid could notment on this. She had to change the topic, ¡°Two masters had gone. Are you still going to practice your Kung Fu or not?¡±

    ¡°No. I want to go to my room and see what jewelry I have. I¡¯vee back in a hurry this time, and I did not bring many costume items.¡± Ou Qinn shook her head. ¡°There¡¯s a chance that I will be walking alongside Yashuang¡¯s sweetheart. I¡¯ll think about what to dress so I don¡¯t lose in front of her. Or I may weaken my image!¡±

 Chapter 173 - Are You Sure Youre Worth so Much?

    <h4>Chapter 173 Are You Sure You¡¯re Worth so Much?</h4>

    Ou Bicheng took Jiang Yashuang to his own room and let his servants go out. Then he wiped the cold sweat off his forehead andmented, ¡°How can I live such a life? In the north, my mother quarreled with my father all day long for several girls and often asked me to help her. Could I beat my father and his women? It was not easy for me to find an excuse toe back and stay for a few months, but Xing insisted oning with me. I agreed. But it¡¯s only a few days and she felt bored. She has been trying her martial skills on me all day and never saves face for me. Does she think it¡¯s an honor for her that I am beaten in public?¡±

    Xing is the pet name of Ou Qinn.

    Though Jiang Yashuang was full of worries, he couldn¡¯t helpughing. ¡°It¡¯s all your own fault. You were the least diligent when we were learning martial arts under the same master. Now if you don¡¯t suffer, who will?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t say that.¡± Ou Bicheng said angrily. ¡°I would take it if it were you, but Xing is a girl. She is so fierce. Who dares marry her in the future? But if she couldn¡¯t get married all her life, who would raise her except me? It¡¯s okay to raise her, but if she beat me every now and then, how would I face others in the future?¡±

    ¡°As a matter of fact, I also want to have a practice with you today. If Xing hadn¡¯t mentioned it first, you would have been beaten by me after you had lost to her.¡± Jiang Yashuang coughed and said.

    Ou Bicheng almost vomited blood on the spot. ¡°Even if I am the weakest of your ymates, you are recognized as a master! Do you have to bully me! You are so shameless!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°I just thought about it when I came. Now I¡¯ve changed my mind.¡±

    Ou Bicheng was scared and said, ¡°You won¡¯t beat me twice, will you? Xing always does it!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was a little speechless about the youngdy of the Ou Family. He paused and said, ¡°Are you used to being bullied? I just want to ask you to have a drink with me.¡±

    Ou Bicheng was pleased, ¡°Good brother! So you knew Xing had gone too far and came over to deliberately lose to me so as to make me feel better?¡±

    Then he asked, ¡°In this case, you don¡¯t need to use your internal force to change alcohol.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang rubbed his forehead, ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense! Bring me the wine!¡±

    So, the wine was served. Within an hour, before Ou Bicheng counted to ten, Jiang Yashuang, who didn¡¯t drink much, fell down!

    ¡°Hey, you juste here to get some sleep, don¡¯t you?¡± Ou Bicheng shook his head helplessly, kicked him aside and shouted to his servants, ¡°Drag him to my study and then send someone to his home and inform his grandma in case she worries!¡±

    His grandmother, who was also surnamed Tao, was Madame Tao¡¯s cousin.

    In the next few days, Jiang Yashuang simply stayed in the Ous¡¯ residence and sent his homework to Marquess Qin for checking every day.

    The Qianqiu Festival wasing and he was not sure whether to go to the pce or not. Ou Bicheng got to know why he had suddenlye to stay, so he sneered and said, ¡°If you don¡¯t care about your sweetheart, you should at least care about your aunt. There is only one Qianqiu Festival a year, and you, who are loved by her as her own son, are not there!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°You are right. Whether I want to see her or not, I will definitely go to the pce.¡±

    He washed up with aplex and perturbed mood. Qiu Yn, too, had no mood to dress up.

    However, she had been out of the mourning. Being a princess, it was impossible for her not to go to the pce to congratte the Empress on the Qianqiu Festival.

    Of course, she had to wear a full dress on this formal asion. She was only fifteen years old, but when she was neatly dressed in her official costume, she looked more like ady.

    Before she went out, Qiu Yn touched the hairpins behind the temples and said, ¡°They are so heavy!¡±

    ¡°Today, alldies with titles have to dress up like this. Your Grace, please bear with it.¡± Chunran said.

    Qiu Yn forced a smile and said nothing.

    She went out with Princess Yang and Qiu Jinzhu. Ding Qinghong also had a title, but now that she was about to give birth, and Princess Yang, at Qiu Mengmin¡¯s intention, had to ask for permission in advance that she did not have to go to the pce.

    The party went to the Beijue Hall of the Zishen Pce. Soon they were called in by Empress Jiang. After they saluted to Empress Jiang, the Empress smiled, greeted them and asked them to sit down.

    Not long after Qiu Yn sat down, she felt a maid tugging at her sleeve. She saw that Empress Jiang was talking to the nearestdies and not paying attention to her, so she asked softly, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Princess Yongfu is outside and wants to talk to you.¡± the maid whispered.

    ¡°But I am...¡± Qiu Yn looked at the Empress and felt embarrassed.

    The maid understood her and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The Empress won¡¯t mind since it is Princess Yongfu who asked you out.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought about it and felt that it was in the Beijue Hall, under the nose of Empress Jiang, and the Empress Dowager¡¯s party would not see her. So he got up and left the hall with the maid quietly, followed by Chunran and Su He.

    Princess Yongfu, dressed in light yellow spring clothes, was standing under the porch teasing the parrot with her hands behind her back.

    When she was reminded that Qiu Yn hade out, she abandoned the parrot to meet her andined, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you call me thest time you went to Jinxiu Slope? Aren¡¯t I your friend?¡±

    Knowing her childish temper, Qiu Yn smiled and coaxed, ¡°I hadn¡¯t been there either and didn¡¯t know how it was. So I decided to go first and tell youter if it was fun. Otherwise, if we invited you but found that it was not worthwhile, wouldn¡¯t it spoil your interest?¡±

    Princess Yongfu thought it was reasonable, ¡°I have actually been to that ce. The best time is a few dayster. You didn¡¯t see many flowers when you went.¡±

    ¡°You are right.¡± said Qiu Yn. ¡°We were caught in a heavy rain and met with an ident.¡±

    Princess Yongfu certainly knew about the death of the Duchess of Huainan, but because the Duke of Huainan had always been neutral and Princess Yongfu was not familiar with the family, she did not care to talk about the kindness of the Duchess of Huainan and just said, ¡°Come with me!¡±

    Qiu Yn asked curiously, ¡°Where are we going?¡±

    ¡°To sell you!¡± Princess Yongfu pulled her sleeve and waved her fist to frighten her. ¡°Then I¡¯ll buy candies with the money for me!¡±

    ¡°Then you can only eat candies for the rest of your life!¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s another hand immediately pressed down on her chest and made a frightened look, ¡°Won¡¯t you be tired of eating candies?¡±

    Princess Yongfuughed and said merrily, ¡°Are you sure you are worth so much?¡± The followers and servants alsoughed. It was not the first time Princess Yongfu had used the word ¡°sell¡± to frighten someone. Those who heard it for the first time reacted differently, but Qiu Yn was the first one to be so yful.

    For a moment, everyone felt Princess Ningyi was very interesting.

    ¡°It¡¯s not necessarily that I¡¯m worth a lot, but the candies are cheap!¡± Qiu Yn smiled.

    ¡°It can take a lifetime for me to eat. That must be arge sum!¡± Princess Yongfu said with a smile. ¡°So I¡¯ll have to think carefully that who I should sell you to.¡±

    Qiu Yn offered, ¡°To Her Majesty, of course!¡±

    Princess Yongfu was surprised and said, ¡°Why should my mother buy you with so much money?¡±

    ¡°But Her Majesty loves you!¡± Qiu Yn said reasonably. ¡°You are selling a living person to her. Even if you sold her a straw, she would be willing to trade for it with a gold mountain!¡±

    Princess Yongfu tilted her head for a moment andughed, ¡°You¡¯re really a brilliant conversationalist! No wonder my cousin loves you.¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s face darkened when she heard that. It was not because she remembered the cold war between them these days, but because ¡°ording to what you said, it seemed that I hooked your cousin with my eloquence.¡± It was your cousin who had been pursuing me!

    At this time, a group of people suddenly came through the porch of the hall. The leader was wearing a magnificent purple robe, a golden crown and a jade belt. Looking cautious, he bowed his head slightly for fear of bumping into something as he walked.

    ¡°Brother, are you going to see mom?¡± Princess Yongfu also saw them and asked curiously.

    Qiu Yn could not help looking at the man in the purple robe and guessed that he was Prince Qi.

    Prince Qi was only in his early twenties, with a handsome appearance and fair skin, but there was twilight between his eyebrows, showing that though he was the eldest son of the royal family, life had not been easy for him over the years.

    Seeing Princess Yongfu, he also stopped. He smiled awkwardly, ¡°The Duke of Puyang is with me. He suddenly began to cough. Ie to ask maid Ming to call a doctor.¡±

    Being the eldest son with the title of Prince Qi, he had to go to the Empress¡¯s Pce to ask a maid to call a doctor. It showed how strictly Empress Jiang controlled over the people in the harem.

    However, Princess Yongfu would not care about this. What she cared about was, ¡°Why is Xiao Su coughing again? Can he attend this year¡¯s banquet?¡±

    ¡°Well, I think he can.¡± Prince Qi was also uncertain.

    When the brother and sister said goodbye and Prince Qi was out of sight, Qiu Yn asked Princess Yongfu, ¡°Is the Duke of Puyang in such a bad condition?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s never been good!¡± Princess Yongfu sighed with a headache. ¡°But I hope it won¡¯t be the same as that year. He came to the pce to offer congrattions but got serious sick when he went back.¡±

    Qiu Yn listened silently, thinking that this was really a ss-like person. Ever since she heard of him, he had been linked to a sick body.

    Princess Yongfu told the maid, ¡°Go and send some of the purple ginseng given to me by my mother during the Lantern Festival to my eldest brother¡¯s yard to Xiao Su. He promised to write me a piece of calligraphy the other day. Who knows how long I have to wait if he is ill again.¡±

    Then she exined to Qiu Yn, ¡°Xiao Su¡¯s calligraphy is excellent. People say that he will be able to catch up with the two ancient Wangs in a few years!¡±

    Qiu Yn was not very interested in calligraphy, so she casually echoed a few words and changed the topic for fear of making Princess Yongfu disappointed. ¡°Has Chunfu Princesse yet?¡±

    ¡°I knew you would ask!¡± Barely had she spoken when Princess Yongfu smiled proudly and dragged her for a few steps. They entered a secluded yard and turned around the rockery and nts and Princess Yongfu shouted into the half-screened window, ¡°Cousin, look, who¡¯s here!¡±

    Qiu Yn was so shocked that she went up and covered her mouth without thinking. ¡°Are you kidding me?¡± It would be a matter of shyness in the past. But now Qiu Jinn¡¯s life was hanging there!

    However, it was alreadyte. The screen was raised, and Jiang Yashuang and Ou Bicheng, who were drinking by the window, looked out!

 Chapter 174 - Is Your Brother Married?

    <h4>Chapter 174 Is Your Brother Married?</h4>

    ¡°What are you doing here, Ou Bicheng?¡± Before Qiu Yn thought of a reason to turn around and leave, Princess Yongfu got angry, pointed at Ou Bicheng with one hand on her hip and shouted, ¡°Will you be smart and go with me at once? Or I¡¯ll tell your sister Xing and you definitely will be beaten up and look for your teeth all over the floor!¡±

    Ou Bicheng, who was quietly looking at Qiu Yn, was embarrassed. He dropped the wine cup furiously, saying, ¡°Do you really think I¡¯m afraid of Xing? I tell you! I am going to get even with her now!¡±

    Then he got up and ran away at once. Princess Yongfu nodded with satisfaction. ¡°That¡¯s right!¡±

    Qiu Yn suddenly realized that Ou Bicheng was not going to get even with Xing. He did run away.

    At this time, Princess Yongfu was also withdrawing with the maids. She said with a smile, ¡°You can rest assured that the yard is guarded by my people and no one dares toe in!¡±

    Damn you!

    Qiu Yn chased her up and pulled her by the sleeve, ¡°Well, Your Highness, I suddenly remember that I have something very important...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay now!¡± Princess Yongfu shook off her hand brutally and said gently, ¡°Just leave it to my cousin!¡±

    Princess Yongfu did not shake it off for some time and she got annoyed, ¡°This is what my mother means! How dare you disobey her decree!¡±

    Empress Jiang really meant it. The reason was that she didn¡¯t agree with Empress Dowager Gu about the terms in the negotiation. In a rage, she decided to take the would-be daughter-inw of the Deng Family! So she made up her mind to take advantage of the Qianqiu Festival to humiliate the Gu Family and told her daughter to give Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn more opportunities to get along alone.

    But of course, Qiu Yn sensed that Empress Jiang had already known the story of Qiu Jinn and wanted to bring him into the Empress¡¯ Party, so the Empress, who had never directly interfered in the marriage of the younger generation before, wanted to take advantage of this Qianqiu Festival to announce her rtionship with Jiang Yashuang!

    ¡°Did you send people to my cousin¡¯s house?¡± She immediately changed her face. This was tantamount to baking Qiu Jinn over the fire!

    For the Empress Dowager¡¯s party, those in the Western Army who did not really pay allegiance to the party would be sad and resentful afterwards, but the consequences would not be so bad as having a living heir of their former master for them to miss. If the Empress¡¯ Party was only making use of Qiu Jinn, he was safe at least. The most terrible thing was that what if the Empress¡¯ Party intended to use Qiu Jinn¡¯s life to provoke the Western Army?

    This was not impossible!

    Thirteen years ago, when Empress Dowager Gu made Kuang Shihan frame the Qiu Family and Ruan Family and controlled the Western Army, Qiu Yn did not believe that the Jiang Family would just sit by and watch! Although they failed to stop the Western Army from falling into the hands of the Empress Dowager¡¯s Party, it was certain that they had arrangements in the Western Army.

    Qiu Yn was not so naive as to think that because of her rtionship with Jiang Yashuang, the Empress¡¯ Party would not hurt Qiu Jinn. As Jiang Yashuang had said before, if she could bring down the Jiang Family or let the Jiang Family suffer, Empress Dowager Gu would not mind at all that the Gu Family would lose several of their children! It was the same with the Jiang Family! As long as there were enough benefits, even Jiang Yashuang could be abandoned, let alone Qiu Jinn!

    Princess Yongfu was stunned and said, ¡°Your cousin? Isn¡¯t he still in the mourning? Why should I send people to him?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got to have a look!¡± Seeing she was confused, Qiu Yn thought that the Empress might not have told her daughter about such a big matter at all. How could she stay now? She immediately released Princess Yongfu and began to rush out.

    Princess Yongfu was surprised and said, ¡°Where are you going? The Ruans¡¯ residence? My mother¡¯s banquet hasn¡¯t started yet!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡± Jiang Yashuang hade over without being noticed. He looked at Qiu Yn with aplicated look and said to Princess Yongfu, ¡°Will you go to the banquet and apologize to aunt for us?¡±

    ¡°Are you leaving?¡± Princess Yongfu was confused and asked. ¡°Are you going to the Ruans¡¯ residence? Why must you go now?¡±

    Qiu Yn was so anxious. She was about to say something when she heard the sound of footsteps outside the yard. A mboyant girl in red surrounded by several maids came in. She took a nce and eximed, ¡°What a beauty! You¡¯ve got good taste!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang and Princess Yongfu both recognized that it was Ou Qinn. Maybe Ou Bicheng happened to run into her. Knowing that Qiu Yn was here, Ou Qinn hurriedly ran over for fun.

    It was no big deal at other times. Now neither of them was in the mood to talk to her, so they just nodded slightly and said to Princess Yongfu, ¡°Anyway, we¡¯ll go first!¡±

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Ou Qinn also asked doubtfully.

    No one had the mood to exin to her now. Jiang Yashuang dropped a sentence impatiently, ¡°Xing, please don¡¯t bother. Go back to my aunt!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need to go back to my hometown in July to sit for the local exam. I will stay for long this time.¡± Ou Qinn was brisk and neat and was not angry at his words. She rolled her eyes and closely followed the two out of the pce. ¡°There will be opportunities to please Her Majesty in the future... Where exactly are you going? Can I go with you?¡±

    Seeing this, Princess Yongfu also shouted, ¡°I¡¯m going, too!¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Qiu Yn was concerned about the safety of Qiu Jinn. She had no time to be wordy and just hurried toward the gate. It was not allowed to run in the pce, otherwise she would have been running! And Jiang Yashuang, who was upset, said angrily, ¡°Can¡¯t you leave us alone?¡±

    Princess Yongfu said, ¡°Then tell me, why do you want to go to the Ruans¡¯ residence?¡±

    Ou Qinn said, ¡°Are you going to the Ruans¡¯ residence? Why can¡¯t we go?¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t leave, I¡¯ll beat you!¡± Jiang Yashuang said angrily! He was already in a mess, but these two cousins were still pestering him. He was really annoyed!

    ¡°Come on!¡± Ou Qinn hummed. ¡°You refused to yst time!¡±

    Princess Yongfu shouted crossly, ¡°Did you forget who tirelessly passed the letters for you in those years and spared no effort to help you! Now that you¡¯re reconciled, am I useless? If you dare hit me, I¡¯ll tell my mother, my grandmother, my grandfather, my uncles, my aunts...¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was fed up, so he just followed Qiu Yn and walked without saying a word. It was just good. Ou Qinn was able to keep up with him and Qiu Yn. But the spoiled Princess Yongfu was miserable and was soon left behind.

    ¡°Wait for me!¡± The Princess was mad.

    But no one paid any attention to her. The three raced out of the pce, went straight to the wagons and mounts and rushed to the gate of the Ruans¡¯ residence house all the way. Seeing the yard as quiet as usual, Qiu Yn sighed with relief.

    The gatekeeper was very surprised to see her driver shouting at the door. ¡°Hasn¡¯t Your Grace been to the pce to congratte Her Majesty on the Qianqiu Festival?¡±

    The driver did not know why his mistress ran out again soon after he entered the pce and said vaguely, ¡°Anyway, Your Grace is here.¡±

    The gatekeeper opened the gate. When he saw Jiang Yashuang get off the horse indifferently and throw the rein into his hand, he was shocked. ¡°General Jiang?¡±

    As Qiu Jinn¡¯s confidant, after the incident of Mei Xue, all the servants had been changed by Qiu Jinn, so the gatekeeper knew the rtionship between Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn, he was naturally shocked when he saw them. He hurriedly looked around, ¡°Why are you here with Your Grace?¡±

    Before Jiang Yashuang answered, Ou Qinn¡¯s wagon had arrived. Miss Ou jumped down neatly before the wagon stopped. She went up and asked, ¡°Is this the Ruans¡¯ residence? It¡¯s so quiet... Oh, it¡¯s the mourning period? No wonder.¡±

    Although the servant did not know her, he knew that she was a noble girl from her costume and manner, so he turned to Qiu Yn for help. ¡°Who¡¯s she, Your Grace?¡± Was she General Jiang¡¯s secret lover, or the fiancee that his family had arranged for him, who took advantage of the Qianqiu Festival to make trouble for the Commandery Princess? The Commandery Princess could not resist it and came to our master for help, and the two followed her here?

    Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°I don¡¯t know her either. Did anyonee here today?¡±

    The servant responded instantly, ¡°No!¡±

    ¡°Is my brother... cousin okay today? Have you seen him?¡± Qiu Yn asked as she entered the gate.

    The servant followed her and said, ¡°Everything is fine with him. But he didn¡¯t go out today, so I didn¡¯t see him.¡±

    Then it was not necessarily good!

    At present, the most likely method adopted by the Empress Dowager¡¯s party was assassination. In such arge ce like the Ruans¡¯ residence, even if there was a stream of blood inside, the gatekeeper might not find it.

    Qiu Yn quickened her pace. In a moon gate, she almost bumped into Qiu Jinn, who hurriedly came to meet them.

    Qiu Jinn hurriedly held her by the shoulder and scolded, ¡°What are you doing in such haste? There¡¯s none of a girl¡¯s manner...¡± Seeing Jiang Yashuang was looking at him impassively not far away, he frowned, ¡°Why are you here, General Jiang?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang did not answer but stared at his hands on Qiu Yn¡¯s shoulders until he took them away. ¡°Lan had barely entered the pce when she suddenly wanted toe out to find you. I do not know what is going on. I was afraid she wouldn¡¯t get out of the pce alone, so I sent her over.¡±

    Qiu Jinn looked doubtfully at Qiu Yn. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Are you all right?¡± Seeing that he seemed to know nothing, Qiu Yn felt nervous and asked embarrassedly.

    Qiu Jinn was baffled. ¡°What¡¯s the matter with me?¡±

    Although he was shrewd, he was confused at the moment. Seeing a strange girl in red looking straight at him not far behind Jiang Yashuang, he frowned and stretched out his hand to greet the guests. ¡°All are my guests. Pleasee in and talk inside.¡±

    Although Jiang Yashuang was in a bad mood now, he did not lose his etiquette. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the General¡¯s memorial tablet to pay homage first.¡±

    ¡°This way, please!¡± Of course, Qiu Jinn would not stop them, but he looked at the girl in red with peculiar eyes. It was too incongruous to go to the memorial hall in red....

    Ou Qinn stared at him without blinking. She didn¡¯t regain her consciousness until pushed by a maid. She smiled and echoed Jiang Yashuang, ¡°Yes, we should!¡±

    Qiu Jinn, who didn¡¯t know her, winked at his sister for her to introduce the girl, but Qiu Yn was wearing a frowning face and didn¡¯t see his wink at all. Jiang Yashuang noticed the wink and introduced, ¡°This is Miss Ou of my grand aunt¡¯s family. Her grandmother and my grandmother are cousins.¡±

    ¡°Nice to meet you, Miss Ou.¡± Qiu Jinn searched his mind and knew that it was the family of Marquess Jibei¡¯s father-inw. They had a rtionship with Marquess Qin, that was, the two olddies were cousins. ¡°Miss Ou came here unexpectedly. I wonder what advice I can get.¡±

    ¡°I came with your sister.¡± Ou Qinn¡¯s face blushed when she was asked and she didn¡¯t know where to put her hands and feet. She came forward in a hurry and held on to Qiu Yn, who didn¡¯t even know her name. ¡°It was urgent and I just had no time to change clothes. I hope you won¡¯t mind.¡±

    Hearing her gentle tone, Jiang Yashuang, who was full of worries, looked back and nced at her seriously, confirming that she was Ou Qinn. She had been so violent since childhood that Ou Bicheng was often mocked that the sons of the Ou Family were like sheep and the daughters like wolves. Who would have thought that Miss Ou had such tenderness?

    Not only he but also Qiu Yn was stunned. She did not expose her on the spot in case she was embarrassed. Only when Qiu Jinn and Jiang Yashuang were walking in front of them was she able to have a chance to whisper, ¡°Miss Ou, what do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Princess Ningyi... Oh, no... Princess Qiu... Oh, no... Sister Qiu. Oh, no... Sister Lan. Yes, I¡¯ll call you that from now on!¡± Ou Qinn tugged at her arm enthusiastically and evolved the addressing directly from that of the first meeting to that of a best friend for many years. Then she nervously asked the question she was most concerned about at present, ¡°Sister Lan, is your brother... married or not?¡±

 Chapter 175 - Dont You Think You Need A Sister-in-Law?

    <h4>Chapter 175 Don¡¯t You Think You Need A Sister-in-Law?</h4>

    Qiu Yn looked at Ou Qinn surprisingly for a moment and tried to ask, ¡°Zombie?¡±

    Ou Qinn lowered her voice, ¡°I know that the funeral (sounds like ¡°zombie¡± in Chinese) of Ruan Family is not over. That¡¯s why I¡¯m asking you in secret. Please don¡¯t tell young master Ruan! I¡¯ll return the favor, OK?¡±

    ¡°Color TV?¡± Qiu Yn thought that this girl couldn¡¯t have transmigrated during the same period as she had. Would it be possible that she had got here earlier? Ou Qinn lowered her voice even more, ¡°It... it¡¯s not like we¡¯re here to case (sounds like ¡°color TV¡± in Chinese) it, right? I don¡¯t have any wicked ns.¡±

    She couldn¡¯t have transmigrated. Even if she was, she couldn¡¯t have been from modern society. Well, who said that ancient girls couldn¡¯t be open? The elopement ofdy Hongfu even became a well-known story.

    Qiu Yn twitched her lips and said, ¡°My cousin hasn¡¯t married yet.¡±

    ¡°Well, don¡¯t you think you need a sister-inw?¡± Ou Qinn heard it with her rounded eyes, pulling her sleeves and asked in a low voice, ¡°Considering his age, he is supposed to get married!¡±

    ¡°But my cousin is still in the mourning period.¡± Qiu Yn had no choice but to remind her. ¡°You just said that you know the Ruan Family¡¯s funeral hasn¡¯t finished.¡± Yn thought.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. I¡¯m willing to wait for him.¡± As Ou Qinn¡¯s words came out, it was hard for Qiu Yn to feign ignorance. She just felt that an invisible thunder from the clear sky suddenly hit her. Then she could only fake herugh, ¡°Hahah...¡± She thought, ¡°What else could I say? Thank you for your patience or wish you a happy life in the future?¡±

    After saying it, Ou Qinn also felt that she went too far and was slightly embarrassed. But when she saw Qiu Jinn¡¯s tall figure not far away, and recalled his extraordinarily handsome face, she simply couldn¡¯t care that much and whispered, ¡°Right. I¡¯m just into your cousin and I want to marry him. You wouldn¡¯t object it, right?¡±

    Such a straightforward girl. What could Qiu Yn do other than continue to fakeughing? Living in this era, Qiu Jinn could decide her marriage whereas she couldn¡¯t decide Qiu Jinn¡¯s marriage.

    Just as she was still thinking hard about how to end this topic, Ou Qinn had begun to seriously introduce her ancestors for several generations, ¡°My great great grandfather was born as a horse thief, andter became an official after being recruited by the court. My great grandfather has conferred the title, Marquis Jing, because of his outstanding military service. My grandfather also made great achievements, so now my father¡¯s title is still Earl Jing. He has only two children, my brother, Ou Bicheng and I, who are both legitimately born. I¡¯m sixteen years old, and was born in July. My dowry is probably...¡±

    Qiu Yn was horrified and said, ¡°Miss Ou!¡± She thought, ¡°Stop dreaming! You have a long way to go to be my sister-inw.¡±

    ¡°Call me Sister Lan!¡± Ou Qinn corrected immediately, ¡°My dowry is probably...¡±

    ¡°My surname is Qiu!¡± Qiu Yn was almost driven crazy by her, thus, she reminded her that the person she fell in love with at first sight was nominally from a different family.

    But Ou Qinn started shaking Qiu Yn¡¯s arm and begged her, ¡°Help me tell him. Do you want me to go tell him by myself? How can I still be ady?¡±

    ¡°So, you still know how to be ady.¡± Qiu Yn thought.

    Qiu Yn was too embarrassed to tell Ou Qinn. She thought, ¡°With my cousin¡¯s good eyesight and hearing, he can hear it clearly even if you whisper, since we are just a few steps away. Didn¡¯t you see that he almost tripped himself over because of what you said just now?¡±

    Qiu Jinn, who obviously had rich experience with women, was also shocked this time.

    Seeing Qiu Yn remaining silent, Ou Qinn thought for a while, and suddenly became alert, ¡°Is it that you actually like your cousin, but pretend to like Jiang Yashuang?¡±

    ¡°What nonsense are you talking about?¡± Qiu Yn said angrily, ¡°Why are you all so suspicious? Do you want me to stop contacting him in the future?¡±

    Ou Qinn said immediately, ¡°Hey, hey, don¡¯t be like this. You have a special taste of men. I like the fact that you are not into your cousin!¡±

    Qiu Yn wanted to beat her up, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m wrong. I mean, since the first time I saw you, I thought you were a perfect match with Jiang Yashuang!¡± Ou Qinn said sincerely, ¡°You see how much he loves you. It¡¯s Her Majesty¡¯s birthday today, but he still apanied you on this trip!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn resisted the urge to beat her. She said without emotion, ¡°We¡¯re here!¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Ou Qinn was stunned. She didn¡¯t realize that they were already at the mourning hall until she raised her head, so she had to stop speaking. Putting on a docile air, she entered the hall to mourn.

    After finishing it, she went out and continued to persuade Qiu Yn, ¡°You don¡¯t like your cousin anyway, but your cousin will eventually get married. Your cousin and I can make a perfect couple as I¡¯m good looking, talented and rich, not to mention that I really like him. So why won¡¯t you help me?¡±

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t get rid of her, so she slowed her down a little and said, ¡°I need to tell you something first. Two years ago, Prime Minister Xue wanted my cousin to be his son-inw.¡±

    Ou Qinn¡¯splexion suddenly became bad, ¡°The Xue Family¡¯s daughter, who can fall down as soon as the wind blows, is so weak and fragile. How can she be a match to a strong and handsome man like your cousin?¡±

    Qiu Yn was toozy to answer her or tell her that Qiu Jinn had nothing to do with brilliance and grandeur. She said, ¡°And there were disagreements within Xue Family. Xue Fangmi publicly said that she would marry anyone but Qiu Jinn. So, Miss Nongqing couldn¡¯t marry my cousin, either. As a result, those who intended to marry to my cousin had to back off as he was the one that Xue Fangmi disliked.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s them, not me!¡± Ou Qinn turned amused, ¡°Who dares to say this to me? Xue Fangmi? Do you mean Xue Fangmi? She wouldn¡¯t dare to say this to me or I¡¯ll p her in the face.¡±

    ¡°For this kind of important thing, I think you should discuss it with your parents before you talk about it.¡± Qiu Yn shook her head and sighed, ¡°Don¡¯t beg me. It¡¯s useless. You¡¯ve seen brothers have their sisters married. But have you ever seen a sister who has her brother married?¡±

    Ou Qinn was about to speak, but Qiu Jinn and Jiang Yashuang were stopped by their servants who hurriedly announced, ¡°Princess Yongfu is here! Now the Princess¡¯s carriage is outside the door!¡±

    Qiu Jinn nced at Qiu Yn sullenly and said confusedly, ¡°Outside our door?¡±

    The servant said ¡°yes¡± with cold sweat. How could they not be nervous? Everyone knew that it was Her Majesty¡¯s birthday today. Empress¡¯s only biological daughter did not stay in the pce to honor her mother, but went to the Ruan Family who was in the mourning period. Empress Jiang wouldn¡¯t want to punish her own daughter, so Ruan Family would probably have to ept the punishment for the princess.

    Qiu Jinn also felt tricky, but now he could only go wee the princess first. However, Princess Yongfu had no patience to wait. Just as he was about to walk to the door, the princess had already asked a servant to lead the way and came in.

    She didn¡¯t pay much attention to Qiu Jinn, but looked at Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn first. Then she walked towards Ou Qinn and stomped in front of her, ¡°What do you want? You all left so soon and no one waited for me!¡±

    Ou Qinn thought, ¡°Thank God we didn¡¯t wait for you. If I knew Ruan Qingyan was like this, who would have time to go to the pce?¡± But she still coaxed up Princess Yongfu, ¡°Well, we are already here today, but you are Her Majesty¡¯s daughter! And you also came here in spite of her birthday party. Won¡¯t she feel sad? The Ruan Family is also embarrassed. So, you shouldn¡¯t be here.¡±

    The Princess Yongfu was not very unreasonable. She felt a bit embarrassed after hearing it. So, she coughed a few times and said, ¡°Well, it¡¯s Her Majesty¡¯s birthday today, but you slipped out of the pce. It¡¯s ridiculous. I¡¯m here to get you back.¡±

    Ou Qinn could only see Qiu Jinn now, and she refused to leave immediately, so she soon changed her tone, ¡°Well, Sister Lan, you suddenly wanted to visit young master Ruan just now. Is anyone going to hurt young master Ruan?¡±

    She somehow made the right guess. Qiu Yn¡¯s face turned pale. Qiu Jinn and Jiang Yashuang both saw it, and asked together, ¡°Who is going to hurt me?¡±

    ¡°Who is going to hurt Brother Ruan?¡±

    Ou Qinn looked at Qiu Yn innocently.

    At this time, Qiu Yn had actually guessed that she had made a mistake. If Empress Jiang knew Qiu Jinn¡¯s real identity, Princess Yongfu would never be allowed to go to the Ruan Family and be together with Qiu Jinn. Empress loved her only daughter too much. How would she allow her to be in such a dangerous ce?

    So, she was very embarrassed, ¡°It¡¯s a long story. It¡¯s Her Majesty¡¯s birthday today. Let¡¯s talk about it another day.¡±

    Qiu Jinn frowned and stared at her for a while. He didn¡¯t ask more about it because there were so many people. He nodded, ¡°Go back now. Don¡¯t forget to change your clothes before entering the pce!¡± After all, they just went to mourn General Ruan. If they went to the birthday feast dressing like that, they would make Empress Jiang lose her face.

    Only Ou Qinn wanted to stay here for a little longer. She turned her eyes, and said, ¡°So, Yn, do you mean that although it¡¯s a long story, there are people who really want to hurt young master Ruan? In that case, why don¡¯t you say it so as to let Young master Ruan take measures to protect himself?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang also felt very surprised. Compared to Ou Qinn who didn¡¯t know the causes and consequences and was simply stalling, he certainly had more clues. He asked, ¡°Is it Kuang Qingwu? He lostst time. Does he want to revenge Brother Ruan now?¡±

    Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead annoyedly. As soon as she proposed to leave, she realized she had made another mistake. She tantly led Jiang Yashuang, Ou Qinn, and Princess Yongfu here today. Even if Empress Jiang didn¡¯t know Qiu Jinn¡¯s birth, or she didn¡¯t do anything about it after knowing, how would the Empress Dowager¡¯s Party believe that Qiu Jinn was not supported by the Empress party after this?

    Maybe the Empress Dowager¡¯s Party would think that the Empress party was using this visit to show that they would have Qiu Jinn¡¯s protection in the future.

    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ve just endangered my cousin!¡± Qiu Yn was so annoyed that she just wanted to hit the wall. Seeing those onlookers¡¯ eyes full of doubts and keen for knowledge, she gritted her teeth and said to Qiu Jinn, ¡°Let¡¯s talk in private!¡±

    After today, Qiu Jinn would have little hope of surviving unless he had protection from the Jiang Family.

    However, Qiu Jinn had made threats like ¡°if you dare to talk to the Jiang Family, I¡¯d rather die¡±. Qiu Yn had to exin the ins and outs of this matter to him first. If she did it without his consent, with his usual ¡°parent¡± style, she didn¡¯t know what he would do to maintain his ¡°elder brother as a father¡± dignity.

    The problem was that Jiang Yashuang was also here.

    He asked indifferently, ¡°Can I listen to it?¡±

    He alone was not a big problem, but Qiu Yn and Qiu Jinn still refused as usual, ¡°No!¡±

    However, Jiang Yashuang also had his sister here. Princess Yongfu was annoyed, ¡°What do you mean? Ning Yi, aren¡¯t you with my cousin Yashuang? Why are you following the Ruan guy now? Aren¡¯t you serious about my cousin? I have to warn you. If you dared to do this, I would tell it to my mother so as to punish you!¡±

    Ou Qinn, the new admirer of Qiu Jinn helped on purpose, ¡°How would young master Ruan like Sister Lan? This must be a misunderstanding!¡±

    Qiu Yn, who was innocent, was almost driven crazy, ¡°It¡¯s not what it looks like!¡± She looked at Jiang Yashuang and sighed, ¡°I just need to say something to my cousin, and then I¡¯lle out and exin it to you all, OK?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked steadily at her for a moment, and his face was full of reluctance. But in the end, he lowered his head and said, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Since hepromised, Princess Yongfu didn¡¯t continue to say anything despite that she pouted and was unhappy. Meanwhile, Ou Qinn couldn¡¯t find a chance to speak. She felt very depressed, watching them walk away.

 Chapter 176 - Assassination!

    <h4>Chapter 176 Assassination!</h4>

    ¡°What the heck is going on?¡± Seeing that Jiang Yashuang and the others were far away from them and couldn¡¯t hear them talking, Qiu Jinn¡¯s face suddenly turned gloomy, ¡°It¡¯s Her Majesty¡¯s birthday today, but you unexpectedly took these people to my ce. Do you want to make trouble?¡±

    Qiu Yn replied instantly, ¡°Brother, let¡¯s not talk about these now. We are in great trouble!¡±

    Qiu Jinn wasn¡¯t surprised when he heard the words. He sneered, ¡°Even if there was no trouble, now you¡¯ve made trouble by bringing these people here with you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Qiu Yn was at a loss for words for a moment, but then said, ¡°I misunderstood Princess Yongfu¡¯s words. I thought that Empress Jiang knew your birth and wanted to take advantage of it. As I was worried about your safety, I ran out of the pce directly. But these people insisted on following me. I was too worried at that time to stop them. After getting here and seeing what happened, I realized that I had got it wrong!¡±

    She said frustratedly, ¡°So, we have to tell them now!¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s gloomy look melted Qiu Jinn¡¯s heart, who changed his tone and said softly, ¡°Since this is the case, let¡¯s tell them.¡±

    He frowned, looked at Jiang Yashuang, who was staring at him from afar, and sneered, ¡°But I hope you didn¡¯t trick me into doing it because you are afraid that Jiang Yashuang might misunderstand.¡±

    ¡°No way.¡± Qiu Yn immediately acted girly, shook Qiu Jinn¡¯s sleeve and said softly, ¡°You are the only one that matters to me.¡±

    Qiu Jinnughed and scolded, ¡°You little liar. Anyway, I won¡¯t argue with you. Are you going to make it clear to him now? I can see that he already can¡¯t wait to cut me up.¡±

    ¡°How dare he!¡± Though Qiu Yn said so, she couldn¡¯t help turning her head to look at Jiang Yashuang, who was staring at them right now. Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t see his expression clearly from afar, but it wouldn¡¯t be good anyway.

    Qiu Jinn retorted, ¡°Really?¡±

    Qiu Yn embarrassedly retorted, ¡°Do you have to get to the bottom of it? Well, okay, he is still a bit important, but how can he bepared with you?¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± Qiu Jinn was very satisfied with his sister¡¯s obedience, and thought about it, ¡°If you want toe clean with him now, I think I¡¯d better invite him to talk in the study. Otherwise, it¡¯s not good to be with him in private now at the Ruan Family. However, if you enter the pce, you may not have the chance to talk with him. What¡¯s more, someone might eavesdrop.¡±

    Then he frowned and continued to ask, ¡°Who is that Miss Ou?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t she say it in detail just now?¡± Qiu Yn immediately took the chance to tease back.

    Qiu Jinn red at her, ¡°You brought her here!¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t bring her. She followed me on her own!¡± Qiu Yn pouted, ¡°I still don¡¯t know what her full name is!¡±

    Qiu Jinn frowned, ¡°Really? Don¡¯t give her any chance toe here again in the future. I¡¯m too busy and have no time for her.¡±

    Qiu Yn promised certainly, ¡°I also met her for the first time. I¡¯ll evade her in the future.¡± She was not surprised that Qiu Jinn did not want to respond to Ou Qinn¡¯s enthusiasm. After all, Qiu Jinn was still mourning now. He couldn¡¯t respond either for moral reasons.

    What was more, there were too many beautiful women pursuing Qiu Jinn. Although Ou Qinn might be the noblest one, Qiu Jinn never took women seriously except for his cousin. Take Hua Shenshen, who had made great efforts to make contacts with nobles in Jing City for him, for example. Not long after she introduced Ling Zui to Qiu Jinn, Qiu Jinn made her help Peni Yue in Courtesan Competition.

    Now that Ou Qinn, a straightforward youngdy, adored him, she might have to suffer a lot in the future.

    ¡°Then you have to more careful!¡± Qiu Jinn reminded, ¡°She is not so easy to evade. She might beg you a lot, but you need to ignore her!¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Qiu Yn proudly said, ¡°I¡¯m not soft-hearted! Besides, you are such a good brother, who has been nice to me, but only for a few years. Now, someone already wants to take you away from me. No way. She should be thankful that I didn¡¯t beat her up.¡±

    Qiu Jinn liked what she said and then responded with a smile, ¡°Rx, now that the big sister is here, it will be more convenient for you toe over. I won¡¯t get married before you, and will never let you down because of my marriage.¡±

    ¡°Jinn, you¡¯re so nice!¡± Qiu Yn got a radiant smile on her face, but thought bitterly in private, ¡°I wish you could get married early. Now half of your focus is on the current situation, and the other half is on me.¡±

    The two talked a bit more about how things wenttely, and then ended their private conversation. They started to walk towards Jiang Yashuang and the others.

    As soon as they came near, Jiang Yashuang stared closely at Qiu Yn and said in a deep voice, ¡°Lan?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you. Come with me!¡± Qiu Jinn said briefly, turned and walked away. The reason why he suddenly became so arrogant was, of course, because of his identity as Yashuang¡¯s future brother-inw. He had to put on air for Qiu Yn. Let alone his natural hostility towards his brother-inw, the Jiang Family was a big force now. As Qiu Yn¡¯s brother, his attitude had been too modest. He would be considered to be under the power of the Jiang Family, and thus let Qiu Yn lose face.

    However, Qiu Jinn only took Jiang Yashuang into consideration, but not Princess Yongfu, who had long been unbearable and hadn¡¯t lost her temper only because of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s appeasement. She immediately sneered, ¡°How dare you talk to my cousin like this? Do you think you can treat my cousin as a servant just because he likes Yn?¡±

    Qiu Yn was shocked and hurried to help, ¡°Your Highness, please don¡¯t take it wrong.¡±

    ¡°Take it wrong?¡± Princess Yongfu said angrily, ¡°We saw with our eyes that you kept on pawing each other in broad daylight. Did you treat my cousin as a dead person? My cousin can tolerate you, but I can¡¯t!¡±

    Ou Qinn saw that both Qiu Jinn and Qiu Yn could not find a way out, so she stepped forward to hold the arm of Princess Yongfu who was going away, ¡°Your Highness, please calm down. Young master Ruan looks like a very smart person. How could he do such an unwise thing in front of us? I think they might be like close to each other like real brothers and sisters. Anyway, didn¡¯t they say that there will be an exnation? How about listening to this exnation first?¡±

    Princess Yongfu had always been indulgent. How could she be willing to listen? She took her arm back with force, ¡°Shut up! Ruan Qingyan, exin to me. What is your rtionship with Commandery Princess Ningyi? If you can¡¯t exin it clearly, I¡¯ll...¡±

    ¡°Yongfu!¡± When it was about to get out of control, Jiang Yashuang closed his eyes and groaned, ¡°I¡¯ve already waited for a long time. There¡¯s no harm to go with him. Just stop talking.¡±

    Princess Yongfu did not have any real brothers. She only had cousins from Empress Jiang¡¯s maternal rtives. Jiang Yashuang was one of them, but she treated him like her real brother. Although she was still angry, she bit her lips and stopped talking with annoyance, still staring at Qiu Jinn and Qiu Yn with an unfriendly look.

    However, Qiu Yn liked the way she had protected Jiang Yashuang, and cast an appreciative nce at her. Then he said to Jiang Yashuang, ¡°Let¡¯s go to the study and talk.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang nodded nkly.

    Unexpectedly, when the two were about to go to the study, another servant came over with cold sweat on his back to report, ¡°There are two eunuchs at the back door. They said they wanted to find General Jiang and Princess Yongfu for urgent matters!¡±

    ¡°Find us? Why?¡± Princess Yongfu asked in surprise.

    Jiang Yashuang immediately got it, ¡°The pce must have known that we suddenly came to Ruan Family. Since they are at the back door, it¡¯s very likely they were sent by my aunt, who wants to help us.¡± He immediately stopped going to the study, and said in a low voice, ¡°Let theme in and ask what is going on!¡±

    After hearing it, the crowd temporarily put aside what Qiu Jinn was going to say, and hurriedly greeted the two servants, whose robes were messy. They must have run all their way here. And one of them was still holding a golden box in his arms.

    When he saw Jiang Yashuang and Princess Yongfu, he didn¡¯t even have time to salute. He directly raised his hand, handed the golden box over, and gave a series of exnations, ¡°You came to the Ruan Family to get this. After young master Ruan got this for Commandery Princess Ningyi, he was worried that she was young and might break it identally, so he kept it for her. However, he forgot to give it to her before she entered the pce. After going to the pce today, Commandery Prince remembered it, so she hurried back to get it. As for the rest of you, you were just curious and wanted to check it out early. That¡¯s why you all came together.¡±

    Another eunuch said, ¡°Remember, you have never entered the front door of the Ruan Family. You have only waited at the back door. Now all your carriages and horse are at the back door, and the doormen at the front and back doors have been warned that you have never entered the door today!¡±

    Everyone quickly nodded together. Then, Princess Yongfu asked, ¡°What about the pce?¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager is furious!¡± The eunuch wiped his sweat. ¡°I have no time to borate. Let¡¯s go back first. If someone asks why it took you so long to get it, tell... just say that the key to the warehouse couldn¡¯t be found for a while! ¡±

    Princess Yongfu repeated the saying for several times, ¡°Remember it. Let¡¯s all say that... don¡¯t get imposed in front of my grandmother!¡± Then she looked at the two eunuchs again, ¡°You don¡¯t look familiar, so you can¡¯t be eunuchs in the inner pce. You have rendered a good service this time, so I will definitely give you a good word after going back!¡±

    The two eunuchs were overjoyed. At a bang sound they knelt down to the ground, showing their gratitude towards Princess Youngfu.

    ¡°OK, OK, let¡¯s go back quickly in case my grandmother finds fault with my mother¡¯s birthday!¡± Princess Yongfu, who was upset, waved to urge them. At this time, Qiu Yn was anxious, ¡°But my brother...¡± It was possible that Empress Dowager Gu would send someone to kill Qiu Jinn after they left.

    Even the reasons for the killing were readily avable now: The Gu Family suspected that Qiu Jinn had seduced Deng Yi¡¯s fiancee.

    ¡°Go back for...¡± Before Qiu Jinn finished speaking, the two eunuchs, who kneeled not far away from him and were about to stand up, suddenly moved as quickly as a rabbit!

    One of them got out an borate crossbow from his back, and there was a touch of turquoise color on the arrow. Even a blind man could tell that the arrow was highly toxic!

    The other one put both of his hands into the opposite sleeves and pressed hard. Suddenly thick pink fog was sprayed from the sleeves.

    This change was so abrupt. After all, everyone was now thinking about how to deal with the questioning of Empress Dowager Gu after returning to the pce. In addition, no one doubted the two eunuchs, so that they coulde really close. When the crowd found out there was something wrong, the pink fog had spread over more than ten meters in an instant, almost covering Qiu Yn, the rest of them as well as their servants.

    After she identally inhaled a little bit, Qiu Yn suddenly felt dizzy.

    Of the people who were plotted against, Qiu Jinn and Jiang Yashuang had the highest fighting skills.

    They were also the fastest to react as they almost stopped breathing in an instant. At that time, there was absolutely no problem for them to withdraw from the poisonous fog with their flying kung fu skill.

    But the assassin had obviously taken everything into consideration: Qiu Jinn wouldn¡¯t leave Qiu Yn behind!

    It was also impossible for Jiang Yashuang to leave Qiu Yn, Princess Yongfu and Ou Qinn behind!

    So they were unable to retreat at all! And there was no way for them to fight back because they had to save people first.

    ording to their memories before the spread of poisonous fog, Qiu Jinn and Jiang Yashuang made their first cooperation. Qiu Yn and Princess Yongfu were almost simultaneously thrown to the rear where the poisonous fog was out of reach!

    The difference was that Princess Yongfu was supported by a gentle force when shended. She stumbled and stood firm, but Qiu Yn, who was rescued by Qiu Jinn and Jiang Yashuang at the same time,nded badly due to the two internal forces. She fell to the ground hard and couldn¡¯t get up for quite a while.

    Finally, it was Ou Qinn. She had lost consciousness when she was thrown out.

    ¡°My grandmother, she...¡± Princess Yongfu was furious, clutching her sleeves and looking into the fog on her tiptoe. The princess had no kung fu at all, so she couldn¡¯t help now.

    ¡°The Empress Dowager Party is indeed ruthless!¡± Princess Yongfu only knew that her grandmother, Empress Dowager, could not bear it, and took the lead to fight against the Empress party. But Qiu Yn knew that the assassination was targeted at Qiu Jinn!

    This happened only a short timeter after she went to the Ruan Family due to the misunderstanding. The Empress Dowager party actuallyunched an assassination in the name of Empress Jiang. It is conceivable that if the assassination were sessful, Empress Dowager Gu would me the Empress Party for the murder of Young Prince of the former Duke of Xihe. Even the tragedy that had happened to Ruan and Qiu families thirteen years ago would also be nted on the Empress party.

    Qiu Yn stood up with her trembling lips, looking at the poisonous fog where booming sounds came over from time to time. But she dared not go in. She was not afraid of death. She was just afraid of bing a burden.

    After all, ny percent of her force was based on the subtlety of her skill. In an environment that required internal force to resist the poison fog, she was no different from an ordinary people.

    Qiu Jinn and Jiang Yashuang hadn¡¯t got out of the poisonous fog yet. She also got it: now they were on the path in the garden, and the poisonous fog just happened to be a barrier. Those two were worried that once they got out of the poison fog, the assassins would follow them out. By that time, Qiu Yn, Princess Yongfu and Ou Qinn would all be directly exposed to the attacks!

    So they would rather keep the attackers in the poisonous fog.

    ¡°Your Princess, drag Miss Ou over there to hide for a while, and then you also hide there. I will go get someone!¡± Qiu Yn took a deep breath, forced herself to calm down, and told Princess Yongfu. Then she just ran towards the ce where she recalled that there were lots of people, without time to care about if Princess Youngfu would actually do what she had told her to do.

 Chapter 177 - That Is My Brother! My Sibling!

    <h4>Chapter 177 That Is My Brother! My Sibling!</h4>

    She only ran for a couple of feet and someone who sensed that something was wrong already starteding this way.

    But they were all covered up by the poisonous fog, so when the back-up came, they couldn¡¯t surround the assassins and kill them. They could only go into the fog to search.

    After a while, Jiang Yashuang whose one sleeve was covered by blood supported the dying Qiu Jinn out of the fog that was starting to get thinner.

    Qiu Yn, who was waiting anxiously felt like all her blood had rushed into her head when she saw the two bolts in Qiu Jinn¡¯s chest.

    She didn¡¯t know how she walked to them and helped Jiang Yashuang hold Qiu Jinn. She could only hear her voice asking, ¡°Will he die?¡±

    She was surprised by how steady her voice was. It was calm and collected.

    Jiang Yashuang looked at her and frowned lightly. He thought for a while and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know. Only the doctor can...¡±

    ¡°Yashuang, are you hurt too?!¡± Princess Yongfu had been squatting in front of Ou Qinn, trying to wake her up. No one knew when she came over. She pointed at his sleeve surprisingly, ¡°How bad is it? Were you poisoned? Are you ok?¡±

    The princess asked a string of questions at once. Jiang Yashuang could only reply, ¡°I¡¯m fine. I just got scraped by a bolt.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s poison on that bolt!¡± Princess Yongfu¡¯s expression immediately changed after hearing Jiang Yashuang. She scolded angrily, ¡°You idiots! Go find the imperial doctor! Go find some Detoxication Pills! Why are you all just standing there?!¡±

    ¡°Carry him into the room!¡± At the same time, Qiu Yn wiped away her tears that were justing out. She choked with sobs while ordering the servants, ¡°Go get the doctor. And is there any Detoxication Pill that can be used? Get it here...¡±

    Jiang Yashuang watched her losing her calm. Since they came out of the fog, Qiu Yn¡¯s sole attention was on Qiu Jinn. She didn¡¯t even notice Jiang Yashuang¡¯s bloody sleeve. He didn¡¯t know how to feel.

    But he didn¡¯t say anything. He put Qiu Jinn on the door nk that the Ruan Family¡¯s servants carried over. He just stood up when he saw Qiu Yn staggering. He immediately held her, ¡°Watch out!¡±

    When he grabbed her hand, he was startled. Her palm was wet and slippery. He didn¡¯t even need to see it to know that was blood. And he knew it was probably not Qiu Jinn¡¯s blood.

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t say anything and just took over her hand to look. Qiu Yn¡¯s palm indeed had four pinch marks like crescent moons and blood was gushing out of it.

    ¡°You...¡± No matter how tolerant Jiang Yashuang was, he finally got angry after seeing this. He quickly tore off a piece of his clothes and wrapped her hand. He looked serious and wanted to say something, but Qiu Yn tried to break off to follow Qiu Jinn. When she couldn¡¯t, she finally realized Jiang Yashuang was grabbing her. She didn¡¯t realize he was taking care of her wounds. She just thought he was jealous that she cared for Qiu Jinn more. Qiu Yn turned her head back fiercely. She stared at him for a second and said word by word, ¡°That is my brother. Former Young Prince of the Duke of Xihe, Qiu Jinn. Do you know that?!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Jiang Yashuang was dazed.

    He was surprised but he didn¡¯t let go. Qiu Yn still couldn¡¯t go. She thought he didn¡¯t believe it. With all the emotions raging in her heart, she finally couldn¡¯t hold it any longer and started screaming, ¡°That¡¯s my brother! We have the same father and mother! Do you understand?! Let me go!!!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang let go of her at a loss. He watched her unsteadily chasing after Qiu Jinn. After a while, he mumbled, ¡°Brother?¡±

    ¡°Former Young Prince of the Duke of Xihe?¡± Princess Yongfu was startled. She said surprisingly, ¡°He faked his death?¡±

    ¡°No wonder he was nice to Lan...¡± Jiang Yashuang felt so embarrassed at this moment, ¡°No wonder Lan listens to him. He is not an illegitimate grandson of General Ruan that was lost! It¡¯s just a cover-up! He is the brother of Lan! I was just blind! Howe I didn¡¯t see something this obvious!¡±

    He was wondering why Qiu Yn had known him for this long, yet she always defended Qiu Jinn. They were siblings!

    How couldn¡¯t she be partial to her sibling?!

    Thinking about how he treated Qiu Jinn as apetitor, negotiated with him, and threatened to make him leave the city, Jiang Yashuang was so embarrassed that he felt likemitting suicide right now.

    Princess Yongfu looked weirdly. She reminded him, ¡°You don¡¯t have time for all this! Go find the imperial doctor now!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right!¡± Jiang Yashuang immediately walked out, ¡°I need to get the imperial doctor here now. I hope he can still save Ruan... No, Lan¡¯s brother!¡±

    ¡°I was saying that your arm is also injured!¡± Princess Yongfu felt speechless. She was surprised by Qiu Jinn¡¯s identity, but she was only a bit angry that Qiu Yn was too close to Qiu Jinn. When it came to Qiu Jinn and Jiang Yashuang¡¯s safety, she naturally only cared about theter, ¡°Go finds an imperial doctor to take care of you!¡±

    But Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t have the mind to take care of himself now. He didn¡¯t feel like there was a poison acting up, so he just left the Ruan¡¯s Mansion to find an imperial doctor to save Qiu Jinn. Just looking at how Qiu Jinn adored Qiu Yn, if he died, Qiu Yn probably wouldn¡¯t be able to take it!

    Things like this happened in the Ruan¡¯s Mansion. Words naturally came to the Pce very soon.

    Empress Jiang, who was arguing with Empress Dowager Gu changed her countenance for fear after hearing the news. She immediately jumped up and ordered, ¡°Send the Imperial Army there! Make sure to bring back Yongfu and Yashuang safe and sound!!!¡±

    The Empress grabbed the golden vessel that was filled with fine wine and crashed it on the brick in front of Empress Dowager Gu. She said furiously, ¡°If anything happened to my child, I would kill all the killer¡¯s children and grandchildren as a sacrifice!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu, who came specifically to question why Princess Yongfu and others left the Pce now looked calm, ¡°Yongfu is a lucky girl. You gave her the title of ¡®Yongfu (Forever Luck)¡¯, didn¡¯t you? Just sit down and wait for the news. I don¡¯t think anything will happen to her. You¡¯re an Empress. Be more patient!¡±

    Empress Jiang looked at her eerily, ¡°I hope it is as you said. Otherwise...¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu knew she was trying her best to contain herself, so she didn¡¯t want to keep provoking the Empress. She then turned her head around and started talking with Princess Changping. The hall was full of people. Except for the Empress Dowager, everyone else was terrified.

    The royal princes and princesses were especially frightened. No matter how much they envied Princess Yongfu, they all hoped that she would be fine at this moment. Except for Empress Dowager Gu, who dared attack the only precious daughter of Empress Jiang?

    Empress Jiang said that she would kill the killer¡¯s children and grandchildren. That was talking about them!

    All of a sudden, the hall that was loud and lively fell deadly silent.

    When people in Beijue Hall were waiting anxiously for the update, Jiang Yashuang finally brought Dr. Qi into Qiu Jinn¡¯s inner chamber.

    Ruan Ciyi, who came after hearing the news had passed out twice. She had fallen ill during thest engagement. In the past two years, she couldn¡¯t eat any meat during her recovery, so she was still very weak. Hearing that her only dependence might die, she was dazed.

    The talk that was going all over the Mansion, saying that the young master was not the General¡¯s blood but his nephew, who was actually the sibling of Commandery Princess Ningyi was ignored by her. She just waited by Qiu Jinn¡¯s bedside, grabbing his hand tightly and wouldn¡¯t let go.

    ¡°Ciyi, please step aside. Let the imperial doctor see him!¡± Qiu Yn was actually no better than her, but at least she kept a sense of rity. Seeing Jiang Yashuang leading Qi Shuluo in, she immediately came over and pulled Ruan Ciyi away.

    Qi Shuluo knew this was urgent. He didn¡¯t care for small talks. He calmed himself down by taking some heavy breaths. Then he started diagnosing.

    Qiu Yn and the others didn¡¯t even dare to breathe!

    It was like a million yearster when Qi Shuluo finally stood up.

    ¡°Dr. Qi?¡± Qiu Yn and Ruan Ciyi asked simultaneously. They couldn¡¯t hide their trembling voice.

    ¡°Luckily, the poison will not kill him.¡± Qi Shuluo contemted for a while and gave a piece of good news.

    The whole room rxed.

    ¡°But...¡± The whole room was intense again after this single word!

    Qi Shuluo looked serious, ¡°One bolt scratched the side of his heart. I suspect that it could have shot his heart. But young master Ruan contracted his heart after sensing the danger, so he barely avoided the bolt. So... I can¡¯t be a hundred percent sure!¡±

    ¡°How sure are you?¡± Qiu Yn asked with a sobbing tone.

    Qi Shuluo thought for a while and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± He opened his kit, ¡°First, let¡¯s take off the bolt.¡±

    The young servant who came with him asked all women to leave, so they could take off Qiu Jinn¡¯s clothes.

    Qiu Yn staggered out of the door. Sheforted Ruan Ciyi who was on the edge of a breakdown for a while before she realized that Jiang Yashuang was standing behind her. He was still wearing the clothes he wore when they were attacked. The bloodstain on the sleeve had turned ck.

    Looking at his pale face and the sweat on his forehead, Qiu Yn was also startled, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you patch up your wounds?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang barely smiled, ¡°It¡¯s okay. When I went to find Dr. Qi, he saw it. He said the poison was not strong. People that are strong like me can just hold through it.¡±

    Even though Qiu Yn was worrying about Qiu Jinn, she dazed for a second. She asked, ¡°This poison... Is it from the bolt?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Jiang Yashuang knew why she was surprised. He said, ¡°I found it odd too. Those two assassins were clearly Men of Sacrifice. They were ready to risk everything to kill Ruan... your brother. And they¡¯ve been on his tail for some days. Otherwise, they couldn¡¯t get this opportunity. Under this situation, the poisonous fog they prepared and the poison they put on the bolt were knockout incense and mildly poisonous. It feels like someone swapped their poisons!¡±

    Qiu Yn mumbled, ¡°Yeah. What¡¯s going on?!¡±

    She guessed a shadow man of Tianya swapped the poison. Because the fact that the fog was not poisonous could be exined as considerations that killing Princess Yongfu and Jiang Yashuang by ident may lead to Empress Jiang and the Jiang Family¡¯s rage. As for the bolt that went after Qiu Jinn, it should have some highly toxic poison that would kill him instantly!

    But the question was since the shadow man swapped the poison into unharmful ones, why couldn¡¯t he alert Qiu Jinn to avoid this crisis?

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I came to the Ruan Family all of a sudden. I didn¡¯t notify anyone. The servant who pretended to be Empress Jiang¡¯s man took this chance to help us. He was also improvising!¡± Qiu Yn suddenly figured it out, ¡°So the shadow man didn¡¯t have time to notify us. He could only swap the poison to buy brother a chance. Will the shadow man be exposed after doing this?!¡±

    In this second, her remorse was ineffable, ¡°Why am I so stupid?! I came to brother so recklessly just for one sentence said by Princess Yongfu. I not only forced brother to expose his identity to the Jiang Family but also pushed him into this near-death situation. Now his life is at risk and it¡¯s all my fault!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was waiting for her analysis. Suddenly he saw her bing sluggish. Then tears fell down her cheeks. He panicked, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Qi Shuluo is quite good. Your brother is also strong. He would be fine... Don¡¯t cry... Don¡¯t cry!¡±

    When he wasforting her, Qiu Yn suddenly wobbled and fell right on the ground!

 Chapter 178 - When Was I Ever Arrogant to You Guys?

    <h4>Chapter 178 When Was I Ever Arrogant to You Guys?</h4>

    When she woke up, it was already evening. She realized that she was on Ruan Ciyi¡¯s bed when she saw the color of the bed canopy.

    Ruan Ciyi fell asleep with her clothes on by the bed. There were tears at the corner of her eyes.

    Seeing this, Qiu Yn was surprised. She pushed Ruan Ciyi to wake her up regardless of how tired Ruan Ciyi was, ¡°Ciyi, how is my brother?¡±

    Ruan Ciyi said in a hurry without opening her eyes, ¡°The arrows have been taken out. Now he is having a fever...General Jiang is taking care of him in person. And the Jiang Family has sent people over to guard us.¡±

    Knowing what Qiu Yn was worried about, Ruan Ciyi exined the situation within one breath. And then she asked with care, ¡°How are you feeling right now? Dr. Qi said that you and Miss Ou both inhaled toxic smog. Although it was not lethal, you guys¡¯ health...¡±

    Qiu Yn still felt a little dizzy. But she didn¡¯t have time to care. She interrupted, ¡°My brother is having a fever? Did they take any measure to dissipate heat?¡±

    ¡°Dr. Qi has prescribed medicine. General Jiang went back home just now and brought two old soldiers of the Northern Army here. It¡¯s said that they have a lot of experience in taking care of people with traumatic injuries.¡± A look of gratitude shed through Ruan Ciyi¡¯s pale face, ¡°General Jiang even took his homework here. He said he would stay here until Jinn was no longer in danger!¡±

    ¡°Thank god!¡± Qiu Yn pressed her chest and exhaled. She said, ¡°I¡¯m going over there to check on him!¡±

    Ruan Ciyi stopped her in a hurry, ¡°Dr. Qi said that you needed to stay in bed to rest for one or two days...¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t rest unless I go to see him,¡± Qiu Yn insisted.

    Ruan Ciyi couldn¡¯t talk her out of it. She had to go out and call a sedan over to take Qiu Yn there. Ruan Ciyi was also exhausted to the core at that moment. She wasn¡¯t able to walk straight. So, Qiu Yn refused to let her go along and asked the maid to drag her to sleep.

    It was alreadyte in the night. The Ruan Family which was uproarious in the morning was quiet right now. Only when people were focused, were they able to find the shadows lurking in the corners of the walls. The quiet courtyard was giving out a depressive and stern vibe.

    There was no light in Qiu Jinn¡¯s room. But there was light in the outer room.

    Qiu Yn went in and saw Jiang Yashuang drinking strong tea while reading an article by themp. Hearing that the door was opened, he turned around. He was startled, ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°Where is my brother?¡± Qiu Yn looked towards the inner chamber.

    ¡°There are people looking after him by his bed,¡± Jiang Yashuang exined in a hurry, ¡°I nned to look after him myself. But I¡¯m not as experienced as Mr. Li and Mr. Xu in looking after people... So, I just wait out here.¡±

    Qiu Yn knew that he was trying to make amends. She said with a sigh, ¡°You need to prepare for the provincial examination. You don¡¯t need toe in person. What time is it? You are still doing homework.¡±

    ¡°... someone¡¯s article. Grandfather borrowed it for me to study.¡± Noticing the concern in her words, Jiang Yashuang was happy. He said, ¡°I n to go to sleep after finishing this article. Oh, one hour ago, Ruan... They just cleaned your brother¡¯s body. Mr. Xu said that he would be fine if he got through these days.¡±

    Qiu Yn hesitated, ¡°Can I go in and see him?¡±

    ¡°Um...¡± Jiang Yashuang was thinking how to say it, ¡°Your brother is having a fever now... The quilt and his clothes...¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± obviously, Qiu Jinn was probably disheveled at that moment. It was inconvenient for the womenfolk to check on him up close. Qiu Yn frowned a while and said, ¡°Then I¡¯m going to leave. You also should go to bed. Don¡¯t make yourself too tired!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang stood up, ¡°I¡¯ll walk you out.¡±

    They went out together. The sedan was in the courtyard. But one of the bearers was missing. The one remained exined in a hurry, ¡°He just said he had a stomachache. He thought you were about to stay in there for a while. So...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Qiu Yn waved her hand and said to Jiang Yashuang, ¡°I¡¯ll go back to Ciyi¡¯s ce after the beareres back. You can go inside now. In my opinion, you don¡¯t need to live here. Mr. Li and Mr. Xu are here anyway. They can already take good care of my brother. Being here will only affect your studies and make your family worry.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled embarrassedly, ¡°I... just do what I can! Do what I can!¡± He thought about what he did when he mistook his brother-inw as the rival in love... Now his brother-inw was in trouble. How could he let go of the chance to bond and bury the hatchet? Tired? Only being tired could show his sincerity, okay?

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know that he was feeling guilty. She was deeply moved. She held his hand voluntarily and said, ¡°I remember your arm was also hurt... How is your arm?¡±

    ¡°Just a scratch. I¡¯m fine,¡± Jiang Yashuang looked so casual like he didn¡¯t care it at all. However, he intentionally let the wind blow open his sleeve. The thick bandages inside were revealed.

    As expected, Qiu Yn was drawn to it. She pulled up his sleeve in a hurry and looked carefully. Then she said in a hurry, ¡°It¡¯s bandaged like this... Why are you still here? Go back tomorrow! The wound will heal faster with the servants taking care of you at your home. There is nothing for you to do in person anyway. Why do you insist on staying? Thank god it¡¯s your left arm getting hurt. If it were your right arm, you wouldn¡¯t be able to hold an ink brush!¡±

    Hearing her desultoryint, Jiang Yashuang was very happy. He smiled and whispered in her ear, ¡°Seeing you makes me feel I¡¯m healed. How can getting taken care of by the servantspare to this?¡±

    ¡°Glib-tongued!¡± Qiu Yn gave him a stare. Another gust of wind blew on their faces at that moment. The wind was soft and cool which made her feel soberer. She suddenly realized that she only asked about Qiu Jinn after she woke up. She said frowning at that moment, ¡°Right. What about the things that just happened?¡±

    ¡°Those two assassins were men of sacrifice. As for their backgrounds, we are looking into it... However, Empress Dowager Gu and her clique must be behind it,¡± Jiang Yashuang muttered to himself for a while. Seeing that she was silent, he couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±

    Qiu Yn puckered her lips, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Why pretend?¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°He is your brother... If you told me early... At the farm outside the city back then, how could I talk to him like that?¡±

    ¡°He asked me to,¡± Qiu Yn bit her lip and whispered, ¡°because he didn¡¯t want to trouble you.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang thought for a moment and then understood what Qiu Yn meant. He said with frustration, ¡°I can¡¯t think of a time when I was arrogant to you guys. Never mind. Enough of this. That bearer came back. You go get some rest. We¡¯ll talkter.¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Qiu Yn asked, ¡°How about Miss Ou who has fainted?¡±

    ¡°She is fine,¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°Yongfu is also okay. They both went back home. Oh, Madame Lian and Miss Wang came to visit at dusk. You and Miss Ruan were not well back then. So, I went to see them and asked them toe back in a few days. It¡¯s okay, right?¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled bitterly, ¡°It¡¯s okay. Only they came?¡±

    ¡°The Xue Family also sent people here. But they were just servants. They said that people of the Xue Family were busy with their business.¡± Since Jiang Yashuang knew Ruan Qingyan was actually Qiu Jinn now, he understood why the Xue Family was suddenly aloof. So, he said tly, ¡°Some of your brother¡¯s ssmates and colleagues also came... Oh, as for Qiu Nie who bumped into a scoundrel, got his face damaged, and asked for an early retirement, his sister was too busy looking after him toe. But she sent her servants to drop off some gifts.¡±

    He paused and then said, ¡°Your first cousin also came.¡±

    Qiu Yn listened quietly and sighed atst, ¡°I got it. My brother. I don¡¯t know. I need to ask him how he wants to return the favor after he wakes up.¡±

    Jiang Yashuangforted her, ¡°You may be able to ask him in two or three days.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Qiu Yn nodded with frustration and went in the sedan.

    The next day morning, when she was cleaning up, Chunran went in and reported, ¡°The Jiang Family¡¯s servant is here to ask General Jiang to go back.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the right thing to do,¡± Qiu Yn knew that it was impossible for Jiang Yashaung to look after Qiu Jinn until he recovered. Let alone others, Marquess Qin who counted on him to get the first ce in the exam wouldn¡¯t allow. How could his precious grandson whom he carefully cultivated waste his time in looking after others before the exam?

    Even the one he looked after being his future wife¡¯s brother!

    Besides, a silver-spoon kid like Jiang Yashuang looked after others. Qiu Yn felt that even she could do better than him.

    So, she finished cleaning up hastily and went over in a hurry to help the Jiang Family¡¯s butler persuade him. She pushed Jiang Yashuang who was unwilling to go out by force.

    The butler looked at her in a strange way. She didn¡¯t know if he got some instructions from anyone of the Jiang Family. He was obviously sizing her up.

    Considering that she and her brother were going to count on the Jiang Family to protect them in the future, Qiu Yn pretended not to notice at that moment. She walked Jiang Yashuang to the front door and watched him get on the horse and then instructed the servants to close the door. Unexpectedly, just after they closed the door, there was a rapid knock on the door!

    She thought Jiang Yashuang forgot something and wondered why he was in such a hurry?

    Unexpectedly, just when the door was opened a little, Ling Zui squeezed in with a horsewhip in his hand. Seeing Qiu Yn behind the door, he asked directly, ¡°Where is Chunjun? How is he?¡±

    Qiu Yn answered in a hurry, ¡°In the inner chamber. Still having a fever.¡±

    Hearing this, Ling Zui went towards the back without further ado. He and Qiu Jinn were friends for years. He surely didn¡¯t need others to lead him to Qiu Jinn¡¯s room.

    Seeing this, Qiu Yn was about to follow. She suddenly heard a quarrel outside the door!

    ¡°Why are you stopping me? This is not your home!¡± It was a familiar voice. But Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t think of whose voice it was.

    And then she heard Jiang Yashuang¡¯s unhappy reproach, ¡°Don¡¯t mess around here! Didn¡¯t you know that people of the Ruan Family were busy recently? They don¡¯t have time to entertain you!¡±

    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you stop Ling Zui?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was obviously annoyed, ¡°He is here to visit the patient!¡±

    However, the one quarreling with him also sounded angry, ¡°I¡¯m also here to visit the patient! And I need to thank Young Master Ruan for saving my life!¡±

    Saving her life?

    Qiu Yn was stunned. Outside the door, Jiang Yashuang was also astonished, ¡°Saving your life?¡±

    ¡°If Young Master Ruan didn¡¯t throw me out of the poisoned smog yesterday...¡±

    Jiang Yashuang interrupted her in surprise, ¡°Wait! It was me who threw you out!¡±

    ¡°Bullshit!¡± At this point, Qiu Yn finally remembered that the one outside was Miss Ou from yesterday who was trying to be her sister-inw. Miss Ou refuted angrily, ¡°I felt it clearly! It was definitely Young Master Ruan. I know you well! You definitely would take care of your lover and Princess Yongfu first. How could you think of me?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said furiously, ¡°I didn¡¯t want to save you either. But I didn¡¯t how to exin to Bicheng afterwards!¡±

    ¡°No need to exin. He is no match for you anyway!¡±

    Sensing that they might keep on quarreling outside, Qiu Yn had to go out, ¡°Miss Ou, why are you here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here to say thank you.¡± Ou Qinn was happy when she saw Qiu Yn. She went around Jiang Yashuang and ran towards Qiu Yn. She grabbed Qiu Yn¡¯s hand and asked enthusiastically, ¡°Are you okay? You must be scared yesterday, right? Don¡¯t worry. Those two assassins were dead. Everyone is working on it...¡±

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t take it and took back her hand. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Miss Ou...¡±

    ¡°Why are you treating me like a stranger?¡± Ou Qinn said like they were friends, ¡°I said just call me Qinn!¡±

    ¡°Miss Ou, you...¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk inside. You were scared yesterday. Don¡¯t stand in the draught!¡± Hearing that Qiu Yn didn¡¯t change the way she addressed her, Ou Qinn had another idea. She pushed Qiu Yn towards the inside with her great strength while talking and followed in. She instructed the servants happily, ¡°Hurry! Close the door. Don¡¯t let the irrelevant persone in and interrupt us!¡±

 Chapter 179 - Unexpectable Road Ahead after Rivals in Love Met

    <h4>Chapter 179 Unexpectable Road Ahead after Rivals in Love Met</h4>

    The maids hesitantly closed the door. In the meantime, Qiu Yn shook off Ou Qinn¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Miss Ou, my brother is not well now. Could you please go back first? I am not in a mood entertaining you!¡±

    If Qiu Jinn were fine now, she wouldn¡¯t have minded having a few words with thisdy who was determined to be her sister-inw. But now that Qiu Jinn was still in danger, Qiu Yn felt upset. She was really not in a mood to talk with her!

    Ou Qinn realized her displeasure and said, ¡°I just... just want to know how is your brother... no offense!¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not well.¡± Qiu Yn emphasized again. ¡°We¡¯re all worried about him right now, so we really are not in the mood for entertainment.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s going on with him now?¡± Ou Qinn wanted to know more. ¡°I was so stressed out yesterday. I actually fainted! I have been at home when I woke up... I just heard that your brother was badly hurt! I... I¡¯ve worried about all night...¡±

    How could Qiu Yn be in the mood to tell her everything? So, she just said, ¡°Anyway, you go home now! Let¡¯s talk about this in a few days, okay?¡±

    Ou Qinn was stunned for a moment before understanding that if she continued to ask questions like this, she would probably offend her. She said disappointedly, ¡°Fine!¡±

    It was destined to be a day when something was going to happen ¨C Ou Qinn agreed to leave, and although Qiu Yn was impatient, she had to send her out.

    When they both stepped over the threshold, the two carriages stopped on the road downstairs of the stone steps at the same time!

    Then, almost at the same time, two prettydies jumped out of the carriages. As soon as they got out, they were pointing and shouting at each other...

    One of them said, ¡°You are such a jinx! You¡¯ve been showing your stern face all day. It must be your fault so that something happened to Qingyan this time! You still have the nerve toe!¡±

    The other said, ¡°Are you deaf? Did you hear the news spread everywhere? The fact that Ruan was assassinated this time must have been ordered by the mastermind behind you. It must be you, the vixen. You are not happy that Ruan didn¡¯t want you anymore and you deliberately made this!¡±

    The former began to rage, ¡°Bitch! I wouldn¡¯t hurt Ruan! And why do you say he doesn¡¯t want me anymore? He hasn¡¯t spoken to me since his mourning period, but he hasn¡¯t spoken to you either!¡±

    Thetter sneered, ¡°Since you know that I haven¡¯t seen Qingyan for some days, how is that my fault!¡±

    Fighting for a while, they finally noticed Qiu Yn and Ou Qinn on the steps, who were saying goodbye to each other. Immediately, one began tob her hair and the other began to adjust her skirt. Then the two of them came up to pay their respects: ¡°Your Grace, nice to see you!¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at the two, Hua Shenshen and Peni Yue. After two years, they are more and more delicate but colder. Then, she looked at the suspicious-looking Ou Qinn. She felt so upset, ¡°Stand up. What are you doing over here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that Ruan was assassinated and wounded quite badly! I haven¡¯t slept all night and I¡¯m really worried!¡± Hua Shenshen clutched her handkerchief. Her tears flew out all of a sudden and she looked poor, ¡°So, I summoned up the courage toe over and inquire about his situation...¡±

    While Peni Yue was cold, Hua Shenshen was outgoing, who couldugh and cry whenever she wanted to. At this time, Peni Yue also frowned, showing her anxiety.

    After seeing this, if Ou Qinn didn¡¯t know that these two were her rivals, she wouldn¡¯t be a straight person but a fool. Her face immediately changed. She snapped, ¡°Who are you two? What is your rtionship with young master Ruan?!¡±

    After hearing her words, Hua Shenshen and Peni Yue froze for a while and looked at her oddly ¨C by the way she was dressed and her demeanor, they thought that she must a daughter of a decent family. Because she wore in clothes, they couldn¡¯t judge her title from the clothes, but... even if she did have a title, these two were the stars of the top brothels in the capital. They also have their own pride. In particr, although Ou Qinn¡¯s words were full of jealousy, when she said ¡°young master Ruan¡±, it demonstrated that she was not so close to the one who was assassinated!

    She¡¯s not as close as they were. They could call him ¡°Ruan¡±.

    So, Hua Shenshen and Peni Yue both ignored her in a rare unanimous manner. They continued to beg Qiu Yn, ¡°Please tell us something about Ruan...¡±

    Ou Qinn couldn¡¯t help but be furious!

    She had even beaten her own brother since he was a child, not to mention these two women who were not decent people at the first sight.

    She immediately untied the whip at her waist andshed it down at the two, ¡°How dare you! You turned a deaf ear to my question!¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned and raised her hand to hold her wrist. Thanks to her, Hua Shenshen and Peni Yue avoided the danger of the sudden disfigurement on their faces, ¡°Miss Ou, we are at the gate of the Ruan Family!¡± Although she didn¡¯t like the twoing over at this time, they had good intentions. If they were disfigured on the spot by jealous Ou Qinn, the Ruan Family would inevitably be gossiped in the future!

    Ou Qinn bit her lip and apologized to her. Then she red at those two and sneered, ¡°For the sake of Yn, I¡¯ll spare you this time! Next time you dare to defy me, I will kill you two!¡±

    Both Hua Shenshen and Peni Yue had resentment in their eyes. It was just that their identity and Kung Fu were lower than hers, and they had to be humble, ¡°Yes,dy!¡±

    ¡°Get out of here!¡± Ou Qinn snapped, ¡°Don¡¯t you know that the Ruan Family¡¯s mourning period hasn¡¯t been over yet? You guys are running over here at this time because you¡¯re afraid that you won¡¯t cause trouble for Mr. Ruan?!¡±

    Seeing that these two were still hesitant to leave, Qiu Yn sighed quietly and said, ¡°My brother is not very well nowadays, but I think he will be fine in several days.¡±

    Girls like Hua Shenshen and Peni Yue, who lived in a brothel, were very good at guessing what people were thinking. As soon as they heard it, they knew that the next two days were the most crucial two days for Ruan. Upon hearing that, their faces fell. One of them said, ¡°Ruan is a good man. He¡¯ll be fine!¡±

    The other one said, ¡°When I go back, I will hand out food for those who are homeless. Pray for Ruan!¡±

    After the two left while thanking Ou Yn for informing them, Ou Qinn asked Qiu Yn in a low voice, ¡°Who are they?¡±

    Because she had acted viciously before, Qiu Yn¡¯s impression of her was even worse. So, she said indifferently, ¡°Oh, just two of the many people my brother knew before.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Ou Qinn was startled, ¡°Does such a person... He knows many?¡±

    Qiu Yn guessed that Qiu Jinn once told her that he had no interest in Ou Qinn. So, she wasn¡¯t afraid to tell her the truth, ¡°My brother has always been familiar with people like them, but it¡¯s only in these two years that he has been in his mourning period, so he did not contact them frequently as usual.¡±

    As expected, previously energetic Ou Qinn was suddenly dumbfounded, and her originally bright eyes dimmed, ¡°That¡¯s the case? ¡±

    Ou Qinn pursed her lips, ¡°So, my brother is actually not as good as you think.¡±

    Ou Qinn was silent for a moment and said, ¡°I¡¯m going back.¡±

    ¡°Take care.¡± Naturally, Ou Qinn would not ask her to stay one more minute.

    Surprisingly, Ou Qinn took a few steps and then suddenly turned back, ¡°I¡¯ll go back and think. I might stille.¡±

    It took Qiu Jinn a moment to understand what she meant. Although she was disappointed, she wasn¡¯t going to give up on Qiu Jinn yet ¨C She was so stubborn that Qiu Jinn didn¡¯t even know what to say.

    Ou Qinn, however, had no intention of asking her to answer. After saying this, she turned around and sullenly got on her carriage and left.

    After seeing her off, Qiu Jinn returned to the backyard where she met Ling Zui. He exited the house with a frown where Qiu Jinn was lying.

    ¡°How¡¯s my brother?¡± She asked promptly. ¡°I can¡¯t go in there as I am a girl.¡±

    ¡°He still has a fever, and his body feels hot,¡± Ling Zui sighed. ¡°But I can see that the two old soldiers are extremely experienced. They take care of him well. So, I was just standing aside and watching.¡±

    Qiu Jinn said nothing. She knew the implications of Ling Zui¡¯s words ¨C with this kind of care, if Qiu Jinn couldn¡¯t get through it, there was really nothing else they could do.

    ¡°You also take care of yourself,¡± Ling Zui was also silent for a while and said softly, ¡°Your brother can¡¯t take care of you right now. Keep an eye on yourself, otherwise you will be sick while he is healing. By then, he¡¯ll have to worry about you again even if he¡¯s not healed.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Qiu Jinn lowered her head.

    Ling Zui said after exhaling, ¡°I¡¯ll go home and ask my mother if there¡¯s anything we can help now!¡±

    ¡°The thing about Kuang Qingwu?¡± Qiu Yn reminded.

    Ling Zui sneered, ¡°Nobody now cares about such a trivial matter nowadays... Well, by the way, once your brother is recovered, I¡¯ll have to ask him what I¡¯ve done wrong to him after we¡¯ve been friends for so long! He hid it from everybody including me! Is it in his eyes that I¡¯m the kind of person who sells friends for glory, or that I¡¯m someone who can¡¯t keep secrets?!¡±

    Ou Qinn was stunned, ¡°You¡¯ve... have known it?!¡± Just now, Ou Qinn still called ¡°young master Ruan¡±, and Hua Shenshen and Peni Yue also called her ¡°Ruan¡±. She thought that the brother-sister rtionship she shouted out in anger yesterday hadn¡¯t even been spread!

    Ling Zui sniffed and gave her a nk look, ¡°Jiang Yashuang sent me the news. So, you don¡¯t want me to know either? Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t even follow your intention. That¡¯s interesting!¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s Jiang Yashuang,¡± Qiu Yn understood. She shook her head and said, ¡°No, I was just a little surprised. I thought nobody else knew it.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care if somebody else knows,¡± Ling Zui sneered. He continued, ¡°Anyway, when your brother gets better, I¡¯m not done with him until he gives me an exnation!¡±

    Qiu Yn forced a smile, ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll make sure to have him apologize to youter... as long as he gets better!¡±

    Hearing this, Ling Zui suddenly felt sad and said, ¡°He¡¯ll get better, otherwise how can he repay me?¡±

    Both of them were preupied, and after a few brief words, Ling Zui took his leave.

    Since he was no stranger to the Ruan Family, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t send him off and went inside.

    In the meantime, Ruan Ciyi was already outside the room, staring dumbly at the pottedndscape not far away, unaware of her arrival.

    She woke up only when Qiu Yn went up and called her, ¡°Cousin Qiu? You¡¯re back? Has General Jiang gone?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s gone,¡± Qiu Yn responded and suddenly noticed that she didn¡¯t look quite right. Qiu Yn immediately went up to test her forehead temperature. She said in surprise, ¡°Ciyi, are you sick?¡±

    Ruan Ciyi¡¯s lips were white, but her cheeks were as red as fire. When she heard her words, Ruan Ciyi touched her forehead and said, ¡°Ah, not serious.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s serious. You¡¯ve got a high fever!¡± Qiu Yn had a headache but she couldn¡¯t say anything ¨C her brother was still struggling for his life, but her cousin got a high fever too!

    She immediately ordered her maid to help Ruan Ciyi back to her own room, and thenmanded, ¡°Go to the Cuiwei Pavilion and get Dr. Qi!¡±

    ¡°No need to get Dr. Qi,¡± Ruan Ciyi didn¡¯t have much strength at this point, but she insisted, ¡°He was busy until midnight for Qingyan yesterday, and he¡¯s only been asleep for a short while. He¡¯s old ¨C don¡¯t tire him out. Or, he won¡¯t be able to treat Qingyan!¡±

    ¡°Then go out and get a doctor!¡± Qiu Yn said after thinking about it ¨C not to mention that everything took priority over Qiu Jinn, but if Qi Shuluo was not in good spirits, he might make mistakes when treating Qiu Jinn.

    The maid said yes and left. But then something happened ¨C A young servant ran into the room and reported, ¡°Young Prince of Marquess Zhang came to see the young master!¡±

 Chapter 180 - One More Vicious Stab

    <h4>Chapter 180 One More Vicious Stab</h4>

    ¡°How dare hees?¡± Qiu Yn was furious when she heard that.

    Although it was unlikely that the two assassins were from Kuang Qingwu, who had just arrived in Jing City, it was absolutely provocation that he, a member of the Empress Dowager¡¯s party who had a conflict with her not long ago, came to visit at this time.

    Hearing this, Ruan Ciyi asked in astonishment, ¡°Did he do it?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiu Yn knew that her cousin had thought too much, but she couldn¡¯t help her. She didn¡¯t want to put any more pressure on her, so she said, ¡°I had a quarrel with him not long ago. This man had no contact with our family. Why is heing now? I guess he¡¯s up to no good!¡±

    Ruan Ciyi sighed, ¡°Things are changing. He should have visited us first when he came to Jing City.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s an ungrateful and vicious person. I¡¯d rather he didn¡¯te.¡± Qiu Yn knew that Ruan Ciyi had seen Kuang Shihan at home when she was a child. When she heard of the Kuang Family, she couldn¡¯t help but sigh with emotion, but this was no time for emotions. Qiu Yn urged the maids, ¡°Send my cousin back to her room. Who is going to fetch the doctor? Why are you still here?¡±

    Qiu Yn sent Ruan Ciyi back to her room because she didn¡¯t like the Kuang Family. She waited until the doctor came to diagnose and prescribed. Then she made the medicine and took care of Ruan Ciyi until she fell asleep. She asked, ¡°Is Kuang Qingwu gone?¡±

    Chunran answered helplessly, ¡°No! I sent someone to check. Someone in the front hall said that the son of Marquess Zhang was a little restless at first. Then Mr. Leshan, who came with him, said something to him and he made up his mind to wait. It was dinner time just now. When he saw that there was no dinner for them, he asked whether there was a restaurant nearby. As a result, the servants had to bring them food and found an excuse to say that everyone was too busy. Nobody had the intention of neglecting them.¡±

    Qiu Yean frowned. ¡°Who is Mr. Leshan?¡±

    ¡°He looks like a middle-aged schr. He should be an aide to the Kuang Family.¡± Chunran said, ¡°I never heard of this man either!¡±

    ¡°Since they don¡¯t leave, I¡¯ll go over and have a look now.¡± Qiu Yn said helplessly.

    Entering the front hall, she saw that Kuang Qingwu was sitting opposite to a gentle and elegant schr. They were ying chess. When they saw hering, they stopped the chess game and rose to greet her.

    ¡°You are too polite. Please have a seat.¡± Waving her hand, Qiu Yn sat down and asked, ¡°Do you have anything urgent today?¡± The implication, of course, was ¡°Don¡¯t disturb me if there¡¯s nothing urgent!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu took aplicated look at her and said, ¡°My father was an old acquaintance of your family. I heard your brother had been assassinated, so I came over to visit him.¡±

    ¡°My brother is seriously injured and now it is inconvenient for outsiders to visit.¡± Qiu Yn said bluntly, ¡°Thank you for your kindness on his behalf. I will let you know when he gets better.¡±

    Then she signaled for them to leave.

    Kuang Qingwu smiled, ¡°So your brother is badly hurt? I heard Dr. Qi may have magic skills.¡±

    This sounded an ironic remark to Qiu Yn. She sank her face. ¡°What do you want to say?¡±

    ¡°This medicine may be useful for your brother¡¯s injury.¡± Kuang Qingwu took out a small exquisite jade box from his sleeve and put it on the table when he saw that Qiu Yn had no intention of sending someone to pick it up. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you can show it to Dr. Qi. If he is not sure, you might as well try it on someone. There are two pills in this case. You¡¯ll know the effect!¡±

    How could Qiu Yn believe him? She said coldly, ¡°Thank you for your kindness, but we are not short of medicine!¡±

    ¡°This medicine... is hard to get with money! You may regret itter if you don¡¯t believe me.¡± Kuang Qingwu smiled meaningfully. He did not mind her attitude and stood up. ¡°Good-bye!¡±

    Leaving the Ruans¡¯ residence, Mr. Leshan frowned and asked, ¡°Your father seemed to have given you only two pills of this medicine?¡±

    Kuang Qingwu nodded, ¡°Yes, they are in that jade box.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you keep one for yourself?¡± Mr. Leshan, who had always been cold and calm, rarely had a fluctuating tone.

    Kuang Qingwu smiled, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that Empress Dowager Gu was the most suspected person when Qiu Jinn was assassinated this time? But she will never give the Jiang Family and Qiu Jinn a chance to question her. Instead, she will lead the suspicion to my family. So, in order to avoid being a scapegoat, we must find an excuse for ourselves in case we have to rely on Empress Dowager Gu for protection and are further controlled by her. We must show goodwill to Qiu Jinn, even if it is just superficial, so that we¡¯ll have a reason to exin away for ourselves without the help of Empress Dowager Gu.¡±

    Mr. Leshan said, ¡°You are right. But... the medicine?¡±

    ¡°Now that we want to show goodwill, we¡¯d better do it thoroughly.¡± Kuang Qingwu said calmly. ¡°I give him a hand now. If he survives on the medicine I gave him, who will suspect that I wanted to kill him? Although this is actually the truth!¡±

    Mr. Leshan stopped stroking his beard and looked at him in shock.

    Kuang Qingwu smiled apologetically at him. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to keep it from you. It happened all of a sudden. You were not there at that time, so...¡±

    ¡°That was all your father¡¯s achievements in the Ruans¡¯ family.¡± Mr. Leshan was extraordinarily calm. He was startled for a moment and then regained his indifference, with only a slight fluctuation in his tone. ¡°Otherwise, how could you seize the fleeting opportunity yesterday as soon as you arrived in Jing City?¡±

    Qiu Jinn held ¡°Tianya¡± in his hand and knew that he had been exposed, so how could he not be prepared?

    He wouldn¡¯t see anyone whom he was not familiar with. Even if he had to see him, he would be on guard. It was a pure coincidence yesterday. His sister suddenly came over with a group of people. It happened to be the Qianqiu Festival. And among those who came were Empress Jiang¡¯s beloved daughter and nephew. It happened that everyone knew that the Empress and the Empress Dowager were at odds with each other, so it was natural that Empress Dowager Gu seized this opportunity to embarrass Princess Yongfu and Jiang Yashuang and Empress Jiang sent someone to inform them while she was with Empress Dowager Gu.

    Such an opportunity was rarely met£¡

    ¡°No. The message was from Empress Dowager Gu.¡± Kuang Qingwu exined. ¡°The assassins were secret guards who came to Jing City with me. But they are indeed internal servants.¡±

    ¡°Are they Princess Xingkang¡¯s servants?¡± They were internal servants who came from the west. Mr. Leshan figured that they should be Princess Xingkang¡¯s men. He just wondered whether they were dowry of the princess or were recruited over the years. He said ndly, ¡°It happened all of a sudden yesterday. Empress Jiang and Empress Dowager Gu were both in the pce. If Empress Dowager Gu sent her people, it might be noticed by Empress Jiang. But you had just arrived and nobody knew about you, so you could be easily ignored.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu regretted, ¡°it¡¯s a pity that we failed.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s said that Qiu Jinn¡¯s life is at stake.¡± Mr. Leshan had regained his calmness and said, ¡°Princess Ningyi¡¯s look showed that the rumors are not necessarily false. If you don¡¯t give him the medicine, maybe he won¡¯t make it.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu shook his head and said, ¡°You don¡¯t know that the medicine belonged to Qiu Zhongyan. When he ¡®died¡¯ on the battlefield that year, that man who collected his corpse got the jade box from him. I guess since he was Old Princess Lian¡¯s only son, she had prepared it for him in case he was wounded in battle. So, Qiu Jinn may also have the medicine. I¡¯m afraid his confidant had already given him the medicine before we got to the Ruan¡¯s house. Therefore, I can no longer interfere with his life this time whether I gave the medicine or not. So, it would be better for me to y a good guy!¡±

    Mr. Leshan hummed ¡°Can¡¯t you interfere? The medicine and jade box belonged to Qiu Zhongyan. Princess Ningyi was young at that time, so she did not recognize them. But Qiu Jinn was the only son of Qiu Zhongyan. When Old Princess Lian feigned his death, she had made up her mind to die. How could she not exin everything to him clearly? Even though Qiu Jinn could survive, when he saw the jade box, how could he not think of his father? He¡¯s already seriously injured. Now I am afraid he won¡¯t survive it when he is irritated.¡±

    ¡°You are discerning!¡± Kuang Qingwu did not hide his purpose. He said solemnly, ¡°Qiu Jinn is a serious problem for my family. He must die! Since the assassination failed, I have to give away the two pills to make up for it! I hope he is satisfied and dies as wished so that nobody has to worry about it!¡±

    Mr. Leshan said ndly, ¡°Speaking of it, I feel sorry for you and your father. The medicine is so precious and there isn¡¯t much in the world. When I met your father that year, he gave me one pill... It was a pity that my servant was so idle that he lost it.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it! I know there should be more of it with that man. I¡¯ll get one for youter.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need!¡± Mr. Leshan said calmly. ¡°Life is destined. I said this medicine was useless to me. But you, in order to irritate Qiu Jinn, have given away both pills. You should think more about your current situation. There are so many open measures and covert tricks against you every day. You should have kept one for yourself.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu sensed the concern in his cold words. He felt warm in his heart and said with a smile, ¡°With you by my side, I am not afraid of those monsters!¡±

    Hearing this, Mr. Leshan did not respond immediately, but pondered for a moment before saying, ¡°Whether Qiu Jinn dies or not, Princess Yongfu and Jiang Yashuang were involved in this assassination. There is also that Miss Ou... Empress Jiang will never give up this time. I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll be busy next!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu sighed, ¡°There is just no choice this time! When Qiu Nie and others betrayed Qiu Jinn, he would have been destroyed forever in a few days. But Iron Master Qiu intervened unexpectedly. It was said that he reminded him of only one sentence and he went back to the city that very night and changed everything! I won¡¯t spare him even if I failed the metropolitan exam next year!¡±

    Mr. Leshan hummed, ¡°But if Qiu Jinn dies, isn¡¯t it good for Empress Dowager Gu? Wouldn¡¯t it be unfair if you were the only one to worry next?¡±

    He said ndly, ¡°Because of the assassination yesterday, the Qianqiu banquet was ruined and you did not see thedies of the Jiang Family... There will be opportunities in the future. Don¡¯t let Empress Dowager Gu think you managed smoothly on Princess Changping lest she uses it to test your bottom line! It is all reserved for you by your father in times of real crisis, not for Empress Dowager Gu to try to figure out how to deal with you!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu hesitated for a moment. He seemed to see the cold, impatient but gorgeous face of Qiu Yn just now in the front hall of the Ruan¡¯s... He was in a trance before he suppressed his thoughts and nodded in agreement.

    Mr. Leshan wanted to say something else when suddenly the wagon came to a stop!

    The two were almost thrown out of the wagon!

    Kuang Qingwu was quick enough and grabbed Mr. Leshan to avoid a disaster. Before he got furious, the driver had already shouted angrily, ¡°Who¡¯s bold enough to stop our wagon?¡±

    A young man shouted coldly, ¡°Kuang Qingwu! What did you do at the Ruan¡¯s just now?¡±

    ¡°The young man is really courteous...¡± Hearing that it was Jiang Yashuang, Kuang Qingwu frowned, rubbed his forehead, and raised the curtain helplessly to respond...

 Chapter 181 - What Sincerity Was It by Just Working Hard for You as Cattle and Horses?

    <h4>Chapter 181 What Sincerity Was It by Just Working Hard for You as Cattle and Horses?</h4>

    After sending away Kuang Qingwu and Mr. Leshan, Qiu Yn gave the jade box to Qiuran and asked her to put it in a storeroom that she rarely used. Then she returned to her room and took a nap. But soon she was told that Jiang Yashuang was here again. She was shocked suddenly, ¡°Did anything go wrong?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Su He shook her head, ¡°It seems that he heard that Marquess Zhang¡¯s son had been here, so he came over to ask about it.¡±

    Qiu Yn felt warm in her heart and hurriedly got up,ining, ¡°Even so, he could¡¯ve just sent someone toe. Why does hee in person?¡±

    Su He saw that there was no one in the inner room, so she boldly teased Yn, ¡°Perhaps he won¡¯t feel tired anymore if he sees you.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiu Yn patted on Su He¡¯s forehead, ¡°Whitey¡¯s supper and midnight snack.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t do it again.¡± Su He suddenly got a look of regret and said sorrowfully.

    The two went out and hurried to the front hall. They saw Jiang Yashuang rolling up his sleeves and pacing in the hall. He looked really anxious.

    ¡°Why are you here again?¡± Qiu Yn yelled as she stepped in, ¡°Am I so easy to be bullied? Besides, Kuang Qingwu is not a fool. Last time, he could say he didn¡¯t know me on the road. But we are at the Ruan Family now. He wouldn¡¯t dare to make troubles here.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang greeted her, ¡°Those people just poisoned your brother yesterday. Who knows if there will be a poisoning n today? How can I be assured that you won¡¯t be hurt if I don¡¯te over to see you?¡±

    Qiu Yn nced at his hair, which was bundled up carelessly and was notpletely dry. She saw that the cor of the undershirt inside his shirt was also wet, so she could not help frowning, ¡°Did youe out right after bathing? Your hair is still wet. You may get a headache after getting blown by the wind!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m in good health. It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Jiang Yashuang said indifferently, ¡°Right, what did that Kuang guy say to you after getting here? Did he say anything offensive?¡±

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°No, he knew how to behave this time, and left without much entanglement. Well, he also left two pills which seemed very precious, but how would I give his family¡¯s pills to my brother? I¡¯ve told the servant to throw them in the corner.¡±

    But Jiang Yashuang frowned after he heard her words, ¡°Did you touch the pills that they gave you? What if they wanted to use the pills to poison you? After all, they should know that you wouldn¡¯t give the pills to your brother!¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± Qiu Yn and Su He changed their look at the same time. Qiu Yn said, ¡°I didn¡¯t touch them, but Qiuran...¡±

    Qiuran was not here now, so Qiu Yn hurriedly asked someone to find her.

    ¡°They aren¡¯t necessarily poisonous. I just feel that you¡¯d better protect yourself from those kinds of tricks. Ask Qi Shuluo to take a look at those pillster, OK?¡± Jiang Yashuang saw her frightened look and hurried to calm her down.

    ¡°Dr. Qi should be awake at this moment. Wrap the jade box with something and go ask him to check it now. Let Qiuran go with you and ask Dr. Qi to check up on her.¡± After hearing it, Qiu Yn said to Su He immediately.

    In order to treat Qiu Jinn conveniently, Qi Shuluo was now living in the Ruan Family.

    She turned her head and said to Jiang Yashuang, ¡°Well, there is nothing else going on. Go back now. Wait, no,e with me.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang, who was confused, was led into a room not far away. Just as he was wondering what Qiu Yn wanted to do, he saw that she asked a maid to get some clean towels. After taking one, she walked to him and said, ¡°Pull out your hairpins!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it myself!¡± Only then did he realize that she wanted to help him dry his hair before he left. Jiang Yashuang could not help being ttered, and hurriedly tried to take the towel in her hand.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired enough toe here and then go back?¡± Qiu Yn red at him. ¡°Take advantage of it, close your eyes, and take a nap. Aren¡¯t you gonna go to your grandfather to ask for adviceter?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said softly, ¡°I don¡¯t feel tired when I see you.¡±

    It was exactly the same as Su He¡¯s words before!

    Even though Su He was not here now, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help smiling.

    Jiang Yashuang was baffled and emphasized, ¡°I¡¯m serious!¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, I know!¡± Qiu Yn sighed and tiptoed to pull out the round hairpin in his hair. Pointing to the drum stool next to him, she said, ¡°Pretend that I¡¯m particrly virtuous today and want to serve you once. Thinking about how many opportunities like this you can have in your life. Don¡¯t you want it?¡±

    ¡°Of course, I want it!¡± Jiang Yashuang saw that she insisted, so he no longer shied away. He sat down with a smile, and asked her to dry his hair, smiling slightly, ¡°I don¡¯t have anything worthy to return your favor. I can only give myself to you and be your husband forever!¡±

    While drying his hair, Qiu Yn was wondering, ¡°Don¡¯t you usually return the favor by working hard as cattle and horses?¡±

    ¡°Those people are not sincere!¡± Jiang Yashuang said in earnest, ¡°How much is a cow or a horse? What can you do with that money? How can it bepared with my sincerity of being a husband? Let¡¯s just talk about this life. Would I only be worth a few horses and cattle in the future?¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed and wanted to say something, but she couldn¡¯t be relieved thinking about Qiu Jinn, who was still lying in bed. The words turned into a long sigh, ¡°If only my brother were fine!¡±

    ¡°He will be fine.¡± The atmosphere changed suddenly, and Jiang Yashuang was also disappointed. However, he immediately concealed this emotion andforted her softly.

    Then, the two didn¡¯t speak anymore. After Jiang Yashuang¡¯s long hair had been dried, Qiu Yn failed to do his hair. So, she simply gave the hairpin to him and brought him a bronze mirror to let him do his hair.

    After Jiang Yashuang got his hair done by using the mirror, he found that there was only Chen Shui helping in the room. He said, ¡°I can¡¯t stand it anymore. When I visit my grandfather today, I must ask him to help us!¡±

    Qiu Yn did not get it. She handed the bronze mirror back to Chen Shui and asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°There is no proper cause for me to be here.¡± Jiang Yashuang looked a little bit gloomy, ¡°I just met Kuang Qingwu when I was on my way toe here, so I stopped him. He asked me what my rtionship with you and the Ruan Family is. He said that who I am to question him if he had seen you or what he had done. And I didn¡¯t know what to say.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn was silent for a moment, and then she said, ¡°Your family already knows about my brother¡¯s birth. I don¡¯t care about Deng Yi¡¯s threatst time. But I¡¯m not in the mood to deal with this right now.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang got it, ¡°Take care of the Ruan Family now, and wait for your brother to recover. I¡¯ll deal with this. And it should be me to deal with it.¡±

    ¡°Go back now and be careful on your way back.¡± Qiu Yn exhaled and nodded.

    Jiang Yashuang decided to deal with it now. After leaving the Ruan Family, he didn¡¯t return to the courtyard where Madame Tao lived, but went straight to Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion.

    While Jiang Yashuang was going to seek help from Marquess Qin, Qiu Mengmin and his wife were gloating at the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, ¡°That little bastard is finally getting what he deserved! I hope he would just die. Without that bastard, the little b*tch wouldn¡¯t be able to threaten us anymore.¡±

    ¡°In this case, Qiu Yuqing doesn¡¯t have to stay in the Prince¡¯s Mansion anymore, right?¡± Princess Yang frowned immediately after she let out a sigh of relief. ¡°It¡¯s not that I can¡¯t stand her, but look at what she has done since he entered the Mansion. She acts like she is the Princess instead of me. And that¡¯s not the worst. Commandery Princess Lihui, the daughter of Duchess of Huainan, hit Kang Lizhang several times. So what? After all, what Commandery Princess said is right. If Kang Lizhang hadn¡¯t always suggested that they go to Jinxiu Slope, would Duchess of Huainan and Concubine Mo have been dead? What¡¯s more, after hearing the bad news, County Princess Lixian got too sick to get out of her bed. She suffered so much just after giving birth. Her whole life might be...¡±

    Qiu Mengmin got a headache hearing it and said, ¡°Well, well. That¡¯s enough. Don¡¯t you just want her to leave the Prince¡¯s Mansion? Find a reason to send her away with some money. Do you have to keep whining like an ignorant marketce woman?¡±

    Princess Yangined, ¡°It¡¯s not that I keep whining, but your sister has kepting to the Mansion of Duke of Huainan to force me to seek justice for Kang Lizhang. Didn¡¯t she realize that we have all broken up with her daughter? Why would we seek justice for her?¡±

    Then she started to say, ¡°After treating her so well with good wine and food all these days, does she still want to get some money when she leaves? How much money? Now we don¡¯t have much money in the Mansion!¡±

    ¡°Just give her some money. In short, don¡¯t let her cause troubles after she leaves. It¡¯s not like you don¡¯t know her temper.¡± Qiu Mengmin stood up and frowned, ¡°Just handle it. I¡¯ll go and check on Mao Zhi. Bian said that he was coughing these days.¡±

    ¡°If only he would die because of coughing!¡± Princess Yang said bitterly after he left. ¡°All the difficult and offensive tasks are given to me. He definitely knows how to pretend to be a good person! He wants to care for the bastard even in front of me. Has he ever cared so much for Yinzhi and Jinzhu all these years when they were sick?¡±

    Xiuyanforted, ¡°Why bother to care about this? Bian concubine is always using different methods to win his favor. Would Young Master Qiu Hongzhi allow her to get all the attention? His wife is about to give birth. As for children, of course, the younger they are, the more attention they get. In the future, there will be lots of fights between them and Bian concubine. You can just sit back, waiting for them to hurt each other!¡±

    Princess Yang felt better after hearing this and was about to say something. But the door was suddenly pushed open. It was Qiu Mengmin who came back with an angry look!

    ¡°Prince!¡± Xiuyan couldn¡¯t help but get horrified.

    Princess Yang saw his angry look and felt trembling. She quickly exined, ¡°Prince, I didn¡¯t mean that. That¡¯s what Xiuyan said. I was about to reprimand her!¡±

    Xiuyan was desperate when she heard the words. But Qiu Mengmin didn¡¯t even mention Xiuyan¡¯s words. He just came up, grabbed Princess Yang¡¯s hand, almost dragged her into the inner chamber, and mmed the door forcefully.

    ¡°Prince, please listen to me! Listen to me!¡± Princess Yang only knew that he always loved Bian and her son. She thought that he was going to hit her because of them. She shouted as she was terrified and angry, ¡°I did not even want to listen to Xiuyan. Anyway, I...¡±

    ¡°Yuqing...¡± Unexpectedly, Qiu Mengmin grabbed her, and they sat on the bed. After gasping for a moment, he whispered anxiously, ¡°You... do as we nned before quickly. Have it done!¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Princess Yang froze.

    Qiu Mengmin was so anxious to see her act like this. He pulled his shirt to reveal his chest, and there was an inconspicuous red mark on it, which was as wide as a finger. His skin was clearly scratched, but no blood oozed out.

    Princess Yang was confused, ¡°This was... identally scratched?¡±

    ¡°Look at my robe!¡± Qiu Mengmin gritted his teeth and said, ¡°I was halfway there, and suddenly felt a pain when I took a look at it, a willow leaf was inserted into the skin where my heart is through my three robes. I immediately summoned the nearby Dark Guard to ask, but no one noticed it! It was only said that the attacker had reached a high level of martial arts. He was not someone that these guards could fight against!¡±

    Princess Yang¡¯s eyes rounded in shock, ¡°Do you mean...¡±

    ¡°That man is so skilled at martial arts. How easy will it be for him to take our lives?¡± Qiu Mengmin looked terrified. ¡°The reason why he only warned me instead of killing me is clear. Why else could it be? Only then we hoped that little b... that person... would...¡± Fearing the master with an unknown trace, Qiu Mengmin now dared not to mention Qiu Jinn and Qiu Yn with swear words, ¡°But now it seems that instead of seeing bad things happen to them, we might die first if we still ignore what he said before.¡±

    Princess Yang took a breath, shocked and almost paralyzed to the ground but soon she calmed herself down, ¡°We have actually made arrangements already. It¡¯s almost done. I originally nned to do it recently. Fortunately, I haven¡¯t spoken to Yuqing yet. So what about now?¡±

    ¡°Do it now! The sooner, the better!¡± Qiu Mengmin wiped the cold sweat that couldn¡¯t stop seeping from his forehead, trembling with his voice, ¡°I just hope that little... that person can keep his promise. Even if he is not in good condition, I hope his confidants who are keeping an eye on us... can stop!¡±

    The elite secret guards he carefully recruited were so vulnerable in front of the hidden forces of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe.

    After facing the recent death threats, Qiu Mengmin had nowpletely lost his interest inpeting with Qiu Jinn.

    Title, wealth, power... no matter how good these things were, what was the point of getting them if he lost his life?

    ¡°Make arrangements now!¡± He grabbed Princess Yang¡¯s arm and hissed, ¡°We must have it done sessfully this time!¡±

 Chapter 182 - The Leftover Value of Aunt Qiu

    <h4>Chapter 182 The Leftover Value of Aunt Qiu</h4>

    A few dayster, Qiu Hongzhi, the eldest son of Qiu Mengmin, was instructed by his father to invite Deng Yi to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, ¡°I heard that you are going to take part in the provincial examination this fall as I am, so I took the liberty to invite you here to help each other with the study. We can be more confidentter.¡±

    Deng Yi was actually willing to leave the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang, so he was not displeased with his invitation. He nodded, ¡°I agree. But I¡¯m not good at it. I hope you won¡¯tugh at me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re being too humble. Who doesn¡¯t know that you¡¯re talented? If it¡¯s not for the first ce, I¡¯m afraid you might have passed the examination two years ago.¡± Qiu Hongzhi thought his father wanted him to get close to his future brother-inw, so he was very rxed and invited him to enter his study with a big smile.

    The two were all Xiucais who were preparing for the examination. Although they would be tested at different locations and by different chief examiners whose preferences were not necessarily the same, they still shared somemon interest.

    In particr, Deng Yi¡¯s talent was obviously above Qiu Hongzhi. At first, Qiu Hongzhi still had the thought of making a good rtionship. After some deep discussions, he began to respect him and seriously asked for advice.

    So, they kept on talking with each other until the evening. Deng Yi left after Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s repeated requests for him to stay.

    Later, Qiu Hongzhi often invited Deng Yi toe to the Mansion. At this time, the Jiang Family almost turned Jing City over in order to track down the assassins who attacked Qiu Jinn, but the assassins had prepared for it, so no clues could be found. The Dowager Party surely refused to admit it.

    The Empress Party couldn¡¯t find any evidence but they wouldn¡¯t give up, so they started to look into matters in the past.

    But the Empress Dowager party could also do that. So, they were fighting against each other again, and the chaos followed. The Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang, as Empress Dowager¡¯s maternal side, was surely very busy. Knowing that Deng Yi went to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, they inquired about it a few times and found that the two really didn¡¯t discuss anything besides the autumn test, so they put it aside.

    After three or five times, Deng Yi was already familiar with the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe.

    One day, he wrote an article and brought it to analyze it with Qiu Hongzhi specifically. Unexpectedly, in the middle of the analysis, a maid hurried in and reported, ¡°Young Master Qiu Hongzhi, it seems that the youngdy is about to give birth!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Qiu Hongzhi stood up suddenly and didn¡¯t even have time to wear his shoes. After running for a few steps, he remembered to exin to Deng Yi, ¡°I...¡±

    ¡°Just go! I hope that the mother and the baby are both safe!¡± Deng Yi had been here a few times. He knew that Qiu Hongzhi¡¯s wife was about to give birth, but didn¡¯t expect it to happen while he was here. He also knew that Qiu Hongzhi was about to be a father for the first time, so he certainly wouldn¡¯t me him for neglecting himself now. He was about to quit and wanted to pack up a gift when he went back, but Qiu Hongzhi turned his head away after saying a sentence and didn¡¯t give him a chance to speak!

    Deng Yi, who was left alone, was a little embarrassed to see this. Just as he was wondering if he was going to stay or leave, an old maid came in and smiled apologetically, ¡°Ourdy has already entered the delivery room. It¡¯s not far away from here and I¡¯m afraid the noise might disturb you.¡±

    Deng Yi said instantly, ¡°I¡¯m nning to say goodbye and go back to prepare a gift for thedy.¡±

    The old maid hurried to say with another salute, ¡°Young master, please don¡¯t get me wrong. The Princess just wants to invite you to have tea in the study in the front yard.¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Deng Yi thought Qiu Hongzhi just became a father for the first time. How could he have time to greet him today? He wouldn¡¯t have time to discuss itter. There was no point for him to stay, so he was about to leave.

    Seeing it, the old maid said that Qiu Mengmin and Qiu Yinzhi were not in the Mansion. ¡°The Eighth young master is young, and he is coughing again these days. He can¡¯t see you off. I hope you won¡¯t be offended!¡± said the maid.

    Deng Yi replied indifferently, ¡°You¡¯re being too polite. Just ask a servant to send me out.¡±

    The old maid summoned a young servant toe in and told him to send Deng Yi to the door.

    The young servant led Deng Yi out of the study room obediently, and then they heard loud noises not far away. After they went out of the courtyard of Qiu Hongzhi, the young servant turned around, and took Deng Yi to walk on an unfamiliar path.

    Deng Yi couldn¡¯t help but wonder, ¡°I remember we need to go that way to leave the Mansion.¡±

    The young servant exined, ¡°Because the youngdy is giving birth today, the Princess made servants set up a sacrificial stage on the road over there. It was not convenient to go there. So, please walk a few more steps to go around the garden.¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± Deng Yi nodded inexplicably. He only knew that it was a dangerous thing for women to give birth, especially the first child. That was why he didn¡¯t feel anything wrong about the sacrifice ceremony nned by the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. He followed the young servant to walk through the trees and grasses.

    After he took a few steps, he suddenly felt a wind behind his head. With the little kung fu he learned from Qiu Jinn, he surely felt an alert in his heart, but he was already hit by someone and got unconscious on the spot.

    Nobody knew how long it took Deng Yi to wake up dizzily. He didn¡¯t remember what happened. Not far away, there were hysterical screamsing again and again!

    A few momentster, the swarming servants were stunned to see Deng Yi holding a dagger nkly, and at the foot of him was Lady Yuqing of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. She was in the pool of blood.

    Thetter¡¯s chest was pierced by a dagger. There was still blood gurgling, and it was clear that she was stabbed to death at a nce!

    The news that Deng Yi had stabbed his aunt-inw spread throughout Jing City in the shortest time!

    ¡°What an asshole!¡± Empress Dowager Gu shivered with rage after hearing the news, and immediately called Qiu Mengmin and his wife into the pce to swear, ¡°How dare you to smear my nephew?¡±

    Qiu Mengmin and his wife were terrified. Before the Empress Dowager finished speaking, they fell to their knees and cried innocently, ¡°We would never dare to do that! We have no idea what actually happened to young master Deng.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you understand what happened in your Mansion?¡± Empress Dowager Gu sneered angrily.

    Princess Yang cried, ¡°There¡¯s something you don¡¯t know. Our eldest daughter-inw is about to give birth today, and the people in the Mansion were rmed and all gathered in her yard to wait for news. At that time, someone was asked to send Deng young master out of the Mansion. The news that Yuqing died because of young master Deng was delivered by the servantter. Before that, we didn¡¯t know anything. I immediately told the servants to shut up. We didn¡¯t know the news was already out. We are really wronged.¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu sneered, ¡°Are you treating me as a three-year-old child? Would I believe in your nonsense? Did you forget why Yi went to your Mansion? Because Qiu Hongzhi often asks him to go. He is so simple and naive. Do you really think I don¡¯t know what you are nning, you wolfish and ambitious people? The Jiang Family or Qiu Jinn must have promised you benefits, right?¡±

    ¡°My Empress Dowager, let alone our family has never thought of betraying you, our eldest son invited young master Deng only for the fall examination!¡± Qiu Mengmin mmed his head, and the blood soon rushed to his forehead. He kept talking and exined earnestly, ¡°What¡¯s more, I¡¯m not a fool. If I wanted to hurt young master Deng, why would I let my eldest son invite him? My Empress Dowager is so wise and must know I have three sons, of whom my eldest son has been ced great hopes! I would never do anything to endanger him, my Empress Dowager!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a nice way of putting it. Who knows if you did it on purpose, and nowe to mourn and pretend to be pitiful?¡± Empress Dowager Gu rebuked angrily.

    However, Qiu Mengmin and his wife made sure that they didn¡¯t know anything. It was definitely someone who snuck into the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe and deliberately tried to put them in danger!

    And they even proposed a very reasonable suspect, Qiu Jinn!

    ¡°That man has been dissatisfied with his niece¡¯s marriage for a long time. He must have done it!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu suppressed her anger and asked, ¡°What about the evidence?¡±

    Qiu Mengmin couple was mumbling and couldn¡¯t answer. The maid near the Empress Dowager coughed to remind them, ¡°Young master Deng has no grudge against Lady Yuqing in the Mansion. Why would he kill her? The killer must be someone else and he framed young master Deng. Since this happened in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, how can you not seek justice for young master Deng?¡±

    This was to imply that Qiu Mengmin and his wife should quickly find some evidence and get Deng Yi out of this! Otherwise, ording to thew at that time: as for husband and wife, including unmarried couples, if one of them kills the other¡¯s elders, they will be judged by the official Mansion to get a divorce without their consent.

    Based on how Deng Yi was framed this time, it was easy to find out that the person who nned this were targeting at the engagement. Otherwise, there were so many people in the Qiu Family. Why Qiu Yuqing was the one ¡°killed¡± by Deng Yi? Let alone that the engagement was one of the most useful means to control Qiu Jinn, when had the Empress Dowager suffered such a loss? Now that she found this couple were not too foolish and also suspected Qiu Jinn, she surely wanted these two, whose side were on where was known by no one, to give her an exnation.

    ¡°We do have the evidence. The knife that was inserted on the pillow, the willow leaves, and the broken robe of the previous days... are all physical evidence.¡± Qiu Mengmin and his wife bowed their heads, smiled bitterly in their hearts, and thought, ¡°But, if we take them out, we will be dead before the Empress Dowager kills Qiu Jinn!¡±

    They thought about today when they took Qiu Yuqing home. There weren¡¯t many people in the Qiu Family, and Qiu Yn¡¯s elders were only three. Qiu Mengmin and Princess Yang were definitely not willing to sacrifice themselves. Fortunately, there was Qiu Yuqing.

    A married aunt was not as close as an uncle. After all, strictly speaking, a married aunt was from another family, but she was still her elder by blood.

    What was more, Jiang Yashuang had an aunt Empress who could reason without any reason. Would she let this opportunity go? So, the two only kept kowtowing at the moment, saying, ¡°My ipetence!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu saw that these two were ying hard to get. She surely knew they were either threatened by Qiu Jinn or made a deal with Qiu Jinn. She was furious, patted on the table hard, and was about to lose her temper. A report came from outside, ¡°Her Majesty is here!¡±

    ¡°What is she doing here? Let her go back!¡± Empress Dowager Gu was angrier.

    It was just that before the report was finished, Empress Jiang came in by herself. She stepped into the Hall over the threshold with her head held high, heard the words, smiled and said, ¡°What are you talking about? The Duke of Xihe was a hero of Darui. The former Duke of Xihe died for the national war! Now that his only sister has been killed by your nephew, how can you not give the Qiu Family an ount? I think that the Qiu family and the Deng family not only have to cancel the engagement, but Deng Yi must also be severely punished. I¡¯m worried that you might be too mad at your unworthy nephew. As your daughter-inw, I¡¯m here tofort you especially.¡±

    Now there was chaos again in the Hall of Taishi. Meanwhile, the Ruan Family¡¯s atmosphere was also intense.

    Because Qiu Jinn¡¯s condition was finally stabilized.

    That was right. This was good news.

    So, after Jiang Yashuang heard the news, he hurried over to apologize to his future brother-inw, in spite of the big ¡°nephew-inw killing the aunt case¡±.

    He bowed with hands held in front of him, served tea, said lots of sweet words, all of which came from his heart. However, Qiu Jinn, who was leaning on the bed, closed his eyes to rx, as if he hadn¡¯t seen or heard anything.

    Seeing this, Jiang Yashuang got a bitter look and cast a help-seeking look towards Qiu Yn, who was standing in front of the bed.

    Qiu Yn discreetly persuaded, ¡°He helped youe out that day, andter helped you get back here. Then he invited Dr. Qi toe and stayed up all night on the first day to look after you in spite of his own injuries.¡±

    ¡°All right!¡± After his dear sister helped Jiang Yashuang, Qiu Jinn no longer pretended to sleep. He opened his eyes, and impatiently shouted at Yn, ¡°You are not married yet. Do you have to be so partial?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all my fault!¡± Jiang Yashuang hurriedly apologized again.

    Qiu Jinn looked at him and said, ¡°I¡¯m not a narrow-minded person. You did what you did before because you didn¡¯t know that we¡¯re siblings. There¡¯s nothing to me. Now Yn and I are in a bad situation, but your family is prosperous. To be honest, I¡¯m kind of upset to let her marry you.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was surely busy making promises to ensure that Qiu Yn would never feel wronged.

    Qiu Jinn said lightly, ¡°Based on your words, which I heard these years, I can see that you are somewhat sincere to my sister. But what about your family?¡±

    Thinking of the rtives at home, Jiang Yashuang felt annoyed, so he had to say, ¡°Brother, please be assured that although I have never argued with my family, I would never sit back and watch Lan being bullied.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang took the advantage and started to call Qiu Jinn ¡°brother¡±. But Qiu Jinn didn¡¯t care much about it. He said lightly, ¡°Let¡¯s finish the Deng Family¡¯s affairs first and then talk about yours.¡±

    In this way, Jiang Yashuang was sent away. Qiu Jinn thought for a while, and ordered someone to get him a jade box, ¡°From now on, take this with you all the time!¡±

    Qiu Yn took a look at the jade box and was surprised, ¡°Isn¡¯t this the one that Kuang Qingwu brought here that day?¡±

 Chapter 183 - Empress Jiangs Worries

    <h4>Chapter 183 Empress Jiang¡¯s Worries</h4>

    Qiu Jinn grunted, ¡°That¡¯s the one.¡±

    ¡°It is the Kuang Family¡¯s stuff. Why do you ask me to take it meticulously?¡± asked Qiu Jinn in a confusion.

    ¡°It was sent by Kuang Qingwu, but it¡¯s not something from the Kuang Family.¡± Qiu Jinn shook his head and looked indifferently, ¡°It¡¯s from our father!¡±

    Qiu Jinn was startled.

    ¡°The same goes for the medicine inside. I used one this time and there¡¯s one more, you bring it with you just in case,¡± Qiu Jinn instructed.

    ¡°Did Kuang Shihan grab it from our father?¡± Qiu Yn immediately guessed what¡¯s going on.

    Qiu Jinn avoided answering, only saying, ¡°I asked someone to make a small golden lock for the top of this jade box, so it¡¯s perfect to wear a ne and hang it up.¡±

    ¡°And don¡¯t tell me again!¡± Qiu Ynined, ¡°I have several nes in the makeup box. I¡¯ll go and find er.¡±

    ¡°Young master, it¡¯s time to have the medicine.¡± At this time, Dongran came in with acquer tray made of ebony.

    Dongran promptly stood up and took it, ¡°I¡¯ll do it!¡±

    She served Qiu Jinn with the medicine. When she saw that her brother being tired, she got up and said, ¡°Brother, you rest, I¡¯ll leave.¡±

    ¡°Well, go ahead, see if Ciyi is better, and tell me what¡¯s going onter,¡± Qiu Jinn nodded.

    As soon as Qiu Yn went out, he was immediately energized. He asked Dongran who was covering up the door, ¡°Deng Yi killed his aunt?¡±

    ¡°I heard the news when I was boiling the medicine,¡± Dongran reported in a low voice. ¡°Empress Jiang stopped Mr. and Mrs. Qiu Mengmin at the Hall of Taishi. They are having a big fight with Empress Dowager Gu, saying that they must charge Deng Yi!¡±

    Then she added, ¡°After General Jiang left our house, it seems that he also went directly to the pce.¡±

    Qiu Jinn nodded her head without saying a word, thinking, ¡°My teacher promised to help in this matter, plus, the Jiang Family determined to let Yn marry Jiang Yashuang! Hence, regardless of what happens to that Deng Yi, there should be no problem to break off the engagement.¡± Whether Deng Yi died or not, Qiu Jinn wasn¡¯t too concerned about it as long as he was out of his sister¡¯s way.

    He was pondering on this matter whether the Empress Dowager and her followers had the chance to change the situation. Suddenly, there was a surge of blood in the chest. Before he asked Dongran to hand over a handkerchief, a mouthful of blood vomited on his clothes!

    ¡°Young master!¡± Dongran was shocked. She quickly came up to help him, stroked his back, and passed the tea over to let him rinse his mouth. A long whileter, Qiu Jinn, whose face had visibly paled a bit,id down again. He sighed and didn¡¯t say anything.

    He didn¡¯t say anything, but Dongran couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Young master, are you still thinking about that jade box?¡±

    ¡°I picked that jade box in that year. The medicine inside was also filled in one by one by me when I was holding onto my sister¡¯s hand before my father left for war,¡± Qiu Jinn closed her eyes and said indifferently. ¡°Grandmother said that my sister and I are one boy and one girl. It¡¯s really perfect. We packed my father¡¯s things for him, and we were sure to bless him with a safe return. In the end, not only did my father not return, the jade box even took so many years to get back to our hands!¡±

    ¡°Young master, don¡¯t be emotional again!¡± Dongran anxiously knelt beside his bed, worriedly persuaded. ¡°If you do not think for yourself, think of the revenge of Prince, Princess, and old Princess! Think of your sister!¡±

    Qiu Jinn whispered, ¡°I know. That¡¯s why when I woke up that day when Qi Shuluo praised the good medicine sent by Kuang Qingwu, although I vaguely guessed what kind of medicine it was, I didn¡¯t ask much. Instead, I changed the topic. Because I was waiting until I felt better before I sent someone to bring the medicine over to verify it. Anyway, I must be alive before my sister marries a good man!¡±

    Dongran was relieved and made up her mind. She was going to remind Qiu Yn of keeping the jade box carefully and not letting Qiu Jinn see it again in the future.

    This jade box, which meant so much to the siblings, was a great stimulus to Qiu Jinn. This jade box reminded him of how his originally wonderful and smooth life as a prince had entered a nightmare from which he still felt pains!

    Thankfully, he was tough enough and missed his sister. Otherwise, he would have been dead from the stimulus just like Kuang Qingwu hoped!

    ¡°Young Earl Ling has beening over every day these days. Two days ago, he knew you were awake, but he didn¡¯t dare to see you, saying that he was afraid that you might be upset,¡± said Dongran. She was afraid that Qiu Jinn still kept thinking about the box although he did not say it out. So, she hurriedly changed the topic, ¡°Since I saw General Jiang today, tomorrow is it possible?¡±

    Qiu Jinn pondered and said, ¡°If hees early tomorrow, ask him to wait for me until after noon. I can talk with him when I¡¯m refreshed!¡±

    Dongran nodded, ¡°Yes, young master!¡±

    At this time in the pce, Empress Jiang was returning to the Beijue Hall.

    She had just had a heated argument with Empress Dowager Gu. Even though Empress was still in her prime, she felt a little tired. So, when she returned to her hall, she immediately took off her phoenix crown and Diyi, loosened her bun, put on her regr clothes, and called out for someone to massage her.

    However, she had only called out to a little maid to massage her shoulders and pound her legs before her nephew took the job.

    The one who was so attentive was certainly, Jiang Yashang. He started to smile sweetly before pounding her legs, ¡°Aunt, about that thing?¡±

    Empress Jiang red at him, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you were going to give me a massage?!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang immediately began massaging, ¡°I¡¯m doing it! I dare not cheat my aunt!¡±

    ¡°There should be no problem breaking the engagement, but Deng Yi will probably get off the charge,¡± said Empress Jian. Empress Jiang deliberately let him massage for a while before telling him slowly.

    ¡°Really?!¡± Jiang Yashuang was so overjoyed that he barely jumped!

    Empress immediately red at him, ¡°You said that you will massage my legs?!¡±

    ¡°I am doing it, doing it!¡± Jiang Yashuang hurriedly half-kneeled down again to continue serving her aunt. The corners of his mouth couldn¡¯t stop curling, ¡°You¡¯re so good, aunt!¡±

    Empress Jiang snorted, ¡°Sweet talk!¡±

    ¡°I can also give a massage.¡± Jiang Yashuang sweetly said, quickly speeding up the leg massage.

    The Empress giggled, picked up the Horsetail Whisk at her hand, and gently hit him, gleefully saying, ¡°You can say sweet words now! You must have learned it from Yadan, the naughty one!¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t learn this from him.¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled wryly, ¡°What I said is the words from my heart!¡±

    Empress Jiang had a small talk with him for a while. Suddenly she became serious. She dismissed the maids and servants and whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t be too happy early about your beloved one is free again! Let me tell you something. Deng Yi and Qiu Yuqing had no grudges in the past, why did he poison her? A lot of people know that. That¡¯s why I¡¯m afraid Commandery Princess Ningyi will have a reputation as a snob. People might think that she thinks Deng Yi isn¡¯t as good as you and she is deliberately trying to persuade you to hurt him!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was stunned for a moment and said, ¡°Aunt, thank you for the mention. I will figure it out.¡±

    ¡°In the first ce, I would have liked to help you out of itpletely.¡± Empress Jiang said with a bit regretful, ¡°However, your grandfather had told me before, saying that I shouldn¡¯t protect you too much and should leave something for you to deal with.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°It should have been like this. This was supposed to be my business. Now I¡¯ve bothered Aunt and Grandfather for so many days. I¡¯ve already felt guilty.¡±

    Empress Jiang leaned backfortably, ¡°No need to feel guilty. I¡¯ve watched you grow up. If I don¡¯t love you, who do I love?¡± She paused for a while and continued, ¡°By the way, you¡¯re busy around for your sweetheart these days, but don¡¯t dy your own business. How about your preparations for the provincial examination?¡±

    ¡°If I win first ce, what will aunt reward me with?¡± Jiang Yashuang immediately asked.

    ¡°So sure?¡± The Empress lost her smile, ¡°This is fine you say so in front of me, but if you dare to say it in front of your grandfather, it¡¯s fine if you win first ce. If not, let¡¯s see how you exin!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°I have you to support me. If I don¡¯t get first ce, I¡¯ll run here for help. No matter how strict grandfather is, it is certain that he won¡¯t punish me because of you.¡±

    Empress Jiangughed and scolded, ¡°Well, I thought that you want to be first on the list for the three degrees in session! Now, you are going to just say something nice to make us happy! I certainly know that you have learned this attitude from Yadan. You used to be so honest that you couldn¡¯t lie, and now you¡¯ve even learned to say big words. Down to business, those are no big deal you used to make us happy. But, if you¡¯re like Yadan and just waste your time on eating, drinking, having fun, and nning to live off the protection of the Jiang Family. I will let your grandfather teach you a good lesson, and when thates, don¡¯t me me for not protecting you!¡±

    In thest few sentences, the Empress sat up straightly and said seriously!

    Seeing this, Jiang Yashuang also restrained his smile and said, ¡°I will remember Aunt¡¯s words! I won¡¯t let down my grandfather and aunt¡¯s care on me over the past ten years!¡±

    The Empress just eased her look, saying seriously, ¡°Don¡¯t me us for being tough on you. As you are an adult and only when we two are staying alone, I will talk with your heart to heart. Yadan is actually as smart as you when he was young. He grew up just like you with your grandfather and grandmother in the capital. Speaking of this, your mother even taught him for two years before she went to the north! Why is he acting like this. You might not think about the reason when you were a child, and I think you have the answer by now. Your parents have three sons, and your sixteenth brother is no less of a fool than Yadan. All the people in the fourth branch will be counting on you!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was about to say something, but the Empress stopped him. She continued, ¡°I¡¯m sure your grandfather has told you about Tao Yinsong who used many tricks when he was alive? But after his death, his family can only be safe and sound depending on what he did, and nothing else. The problem was that Tao Yinsong never sent a girl to marry the royal family while he was alive. He also had nothing to do with the fight for the status of Crown Prince! But the Jiang Family is different. Ever since I entered the pce, our fate has been doomed. If one day, I don¡¯t live in the Hall of Taishi, I don¡¯t say that the Jiang Family will disappear forever, but the best result will be going down!¡±

    ¡°Although you have many brothers, few will have a promising future. So, for the obedient and sensible ones like you, we must double down on them!¡± The Empress sighed, ¡°Although I often feel sorry for children like you, for the sake of the entire Jiang family.¡±

    ¡°Aunt, we are family,¡± said Jiang Yashuang. He got up to a table not far away. He served a cup of tea and handed it over to the Empress by both hands, earnestly said, ¡°If there is no grandfather and aunt, our family would not have days like today then. As the saying goes, ¡°If you love me deeply, you will me me deeply.¡± How can it be that grandfather and aunt have wronged us? I just hate that my nephew is so young and still hasn¡¯t taken the rural exams, so I can¡¯t immediately share my aunt¡¯s worries!¡±

    Jiang Empress gratefully took the tea, ¡°Good boy, you go back to study. You will stay upte to make up the time you are dying over here! As for my concerns, I can deal with them in the two years!¡± This was tantamount to an explicit promise that as long as Jiang Yashang could win first ce, the Empress would immediately pave a path to a bright future for him!

    Jiang Yashuang took his leave and walked out of the Beijue Hall. After leaving the Hall, Jiang Yashuang, however, did not return to the Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion or the side yard where Madame Tao lived, but rode to the Governor¡¯s office.

    Feng Rugui, the governor of the capital, when heard that Jiang Yashuang of the Jiang Family came, did not dare to give him the cold shoulder, and hurried to wee him at the door. Although the saying goes, ¡°It was a misfortune to have your boss sitting in your office, In particr, he was sitting there watching you closely.¡± It demonstrated that the position being a governor of the capital was not an easy job. Fortunately, with the back of the Jiang Family, he determined to be a qualified follower of the Empress. Feng Rugui¡¯s days in the capital were not very difficult.

    As for the fact that people had bad attitude to him... Anyway, Feng Rugui didn¡¯t expect that he would be written into history.

    Therefore, as soon as Jiang Yashuang asked to see Deng Yi, who was detained here, he immediately understood and said, ¡°I have some men who are good at torture. Young master, do you want?¡± said him. And he stressed, ¡°I promised that no bruises or injury can be seen after torture. The Empress Dowager can¡¯t find any proof of what we did!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°I meet him first.¡±

    Feng Rugui smiled. While he personally apanied Jiang Yashuang to the cell where Deng Yi was being held, he gestured for someone to call those torture men over. Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t refuse him to do so, which meant that he acquiesced to what he did. As a nobleman, you always have to act generously. But behind the generosity, it was Feng Rugui¡¯s thoughtfulness.

    Jiang Yashuang, who was upset at the moment, did not realize that Feng Rugui was nning to tter him. When he arrived at the ce, he saw that Deng Yi was alone in a cell with no one was around. Jiang Yashuang nodded and gestured the man to open the door. And then he turned to Feng Rugui and said, ¡°You don¡¯t need to be here with me. I know you are busy. I¡¯ll just have a word with him and leave.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t worry, young master, the men are on their way. Err?¡± It dawned on him suddenly when he said half of the sentence. He realized that this young master did not mean to torture Deng Yi. He stood there still for a while and said, ¡°Then I will take my leave first. If you need anything, my men are here serving you at any time.¡±

    ¡°Go and do your business.¡± Jiang Yashuang waved his hand. ¡°Don¡¯t bother us!¡±

 Chapter 184 - Thats Great. Im Single Too!

    <h4>Chapter 184 That¡¯s Great. I¡¯m Single Too!</h4>

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± After Feng Rugui left, Jiang Yashuang pushed open the door of the cell and went in. Deng Yi, who was sitting against the wall, asked mockingly, ¡°Aren¡¯t you satisfied with my divorce? Must you kill me?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked at him with the onlymp in the cell. Although in chains, he was neatly dressed. He could not have suffered much since he had been taken to prison.

    That made sense. Even if Feng Rugui attached himself to the Jiang Family, being mayor of the capital, he dared not offend Empress Dowager Gu. He had no grudge against Deng Yi, so there was no need for him to be tough on him without clear instructions of the Jiang Family.

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t let Lan join us, how could this happen?¡± Although the ¡°extra treat¡± for the Empress Dowager Party was only a pair of shackles, Deng Yi, who had worn the heavy shackles for a day and night, was so weak that he could hardly sit without leaning against the wall.

    Jiang Yashuang could see that he was forcing himself at the moment. If there had been nobody else, he would have fallen on the hay.

    ¡°You took away my woman by force and ndered me. How could you be so grubby?¡± Deng Yi mocked. ¡°Everyone says you are the most honest person in your family. But I say you are actually the most shameless one.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said ndly, ¡°Do you love Lan?¡±

    ¡°But she¡¯s my legal fianc¨¦e!¡± Deng Yi sneered. ¡°I know why you came here. You are afraid that your sweetheart will be discussed by people so you want me to help her out? I¡¯ve been set up by you and I have to help you? It¡¯s impossible!¡±

    ¡°I ensure that you can participate in the imperial examination and will be appointed to a local post immediately after you pass the exam so that you can get out of the control of Gu Yan!¡± Jiang Yashuang said calmly. ¡°You should know there are not many opportunities like this. Only we can help you get out of the hands of Gu Yan! And with your position in the Gu Family...¡±

    ¡°I know this is a rare opportunity!¡± Deng Yi interrupted him with a wildugh. ¡°But why should I say yes? I had wanted to get out of the hands of Gu Yan, but I understand now that even if I leave Gu Yan, there are others in the world who want to harm and can harm me! It has nothing to do with him that I am in prison now! So why do I have to leave him? At least he treated me well!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang darkened his face, saying, ¡°Is that true?¡±

    ¡°I know the mayor is a man of your family. He knows how to deal with me!¡± Deng Yi stoppedughing and said contemptuously, ¡°I am not good at martial arts and even worse at enduring punishment. But you can kill me now if you want Qiu Yn to bear the charge of conspiring with you to frame me and murdering me in order to break the engagement!¡±

    He suddenlyughed again. ¡°In fact, if you really love her, why do you have toe to me? You can take all the me on yourself, can¡¯t you? You don¡¯t want to risk yourself. That¡¯s all your love for Qiu Yn. She tried every means to divorce me. I wonder what will happen to her if she marries you?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked at him quietly for a moment and then smiled, ¡°You are right! Why should I force you? I¡¯ll go and take all the me on myself!¡± He waved his sleeves and was about to leave!

    Deng Yi was in a daze. But when he saw Jiang Yashuang stopped after a few steps, he sneered, ¡°How¡¯s that? This is a critical time. Will you...¡±

    ¡°I forgot to tell you that Lan will have a good life with me.¡± Jiang Yashuang turned his head and said ndly. ¡°I promised her that I would never take a concubine and she would never suffer any grievance... All in all, she will feel that it is the right thing for her to break with you and marry me in her life.¡±

    When he was out of sight, Deng Yi yelled, lowered his head and looked at the scattered hay on the ground. There was no sarcasm or jealousy on his face, but he was full of thoughts.

    He spent a few more days in the prison. The news of the trial finally came.

    Early in the morning, someone came to tell him what to say after he went to court. That was the agreement made between Empress Jiang and Empress Dowager Gu.

    Qiu Yuqing was killed by Deng Yi. This was the premise of the divorce between Qiu Yn and Deng Yi, and it was impossible for Empress Jiang to make any concession to it. But the reason for the kill was that Qiu Yuqing bore the grudge that the Qiu Family had broken off with her daughter Kang Lizhang, and because of the death of Duchess of Huainan and Concubine Mo, everybody in the family was obstructive to Kang Lizhang. Qiu Yuqing asked the Duke of Xihe and his wife several times to intervene but to no avail, so she wanted to assassinate Deng Yi when Ding Qinghong was inbor and get the whole Qiu family into trouble.

    Then, although Deng Yi was attacked all of a sudden, he killed Qiu Yuqing, who wanted to kill him.

    Therefore, the divorce was unavoidable.

    But Deng Yi did not have to take the me.

    After this formality, Feng Rugui said a few words of officialdom and announced that he was released on the spot.

    Deng Yi thanked him carelessly, turned around and saw Gu Yan standing in the hall, who looked at him pitifully. ¡°You were wronged. Let¡¯s go home!¡±

    Meeting his eyes, Deng Yi smiled, ¡°Alright!¡±

    He followed Gu Yan out of the Governor¡¯s office and they got on the same wagon. He ignored the arm around his waist but asked calmly, ¡°How did Jiang Yashuang do it?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Gu Yan was surprised at what he said.

    ¡°He hasn¡¯t done anything these days?¡± Deng Yi was stunned.

    Having asked what had happened, Gu Yan sneered, ¡°Since he returned from the prison, he seems to have been studying at home. Even Ou Bicheng wasn¡¯t able to see him... Even if he is willing to take the me on himself, his grandfather may not approve of his marrying the woman!¡±

    Seeing Deng Yi¡¯s subtle expression, heforted him at once, ¡°That woman is changeable and won¡¯t make a good wife! There¡¯s no pity in it. I¡¯ll find a better one for you.¡±

    ¡°You think too much. I¡¯m just thinking that this unexpected disaster has dyed my study.¡± Deng Yi said ndly.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Anyway, you have a good foundation. After you go back and study hard for a while, you will certainly be able to make up for it.¡± Gu Yan pondered for a moment and said.

    Hearing this, Deng Yi heaved a sigh of relief.

    The two cousins did not expect that Jiang Yashuang had been calm and seemed to have forgotten what he had said in front of Deng Yi. But on April 16, the grandson of the Duke of Xihe was one month old and a banquet was held in the mansion to celebrate this. Many guests were present. Jiang Yashuang suddenly arrived uninvited with a group of servants.

    Hearing the news, Qiu Mengmin told his eldest son Qiu Hongzhi to wee him in person to the main table.

    After Jiang Yashuang sat down, he looked at the newly born baby symbolically for a while and presented a pair of white jade pieces. At this time, the father and son breathed a sigh of relief. The banquet that got quiet because of his unexpected arrival was about to restore its atmosphere when Jiang Yashuang suddenly asked, ¡°Your niece has broken off with Deng Yi. Is she engaged to someone else?¡±

    Qiu Mengmin had long been ready for the Jiang Family to send a matchmaker over for the proposal, but he never thought it was Jiang Yashuang himself. He was stupefied for a moment, then forced a smile and said no.

    ¡°That¡¯s good. I¡¯m not married either. I¡¯ve admired your niece for a long time. May I use this hairpin as a keepsake today?¡± Jiang Yashuang nodded, took out a colorful jade hairpin and asked directly!

    Everyone in the hall was dumbfounded and looked at Qiu Mengmin, who was also frozen. There was only one thought in his mind. ¡°Marquess Qin and others in the family do not allow him to marry that little bitch, so hees to do it in person without their permission?¡±

    He immediately felt that it was an awkward situation for him. If Marquess Qin did not want his grandson to marry Qiu Yn, Qiu Mengmin did not think that Jiang Yashuang¡¯s proposal in public could make him change his mind. Therefore, if he epted the proposal but it didn¡¯t work out in the end, it would be the worst for Qiu Yn.

    The problem was that Qiu Yn was not the only girl of the family. Qiu Mengmin also had to think about his daughter¡¯s future!

    But if he refused... Jiang Yashuang wouldn¡¯t give up easily.

    Although the status of the guy was far inferior to that of a hereditary prince, what behind him were the unreasonable Empress Jiang and Marquess Qin, the backbone of the country!

    Qiu Mengmin regretted not pretending to be drunk when he heard that he came.

    ¡°Am I not worthy of your family or your niece?¡± Seeing that he hesitated, Jiang Yashuang immediately urged.

    ¡°You must be joking.¡± Qiu Mengmin tried to be vague.

    But how could Jiang Yashuang give him such a chance?

    He insisted that he give a clear answer. Qiu Mengmin did not want to offend him, nor did he dare to offend Marquess Qin. In the end, Jiang Yashuang put the hairpin on the table and left. ¡°The keepsake is here. Please keep it for your niece. An official matchmaker wille soon to discuss the wedding date!¡±

    Saying that, he walked away, leaving all the guests at a loss!

    The matter was not over yet. When people in Jing City were talking about it enthusiastically, there were countless rumors everywhere.

    ¡°Do you know what happened to Princess Ningyi and General Jiang?¡±

    ¡°They have affairs for a long time ago. They even put the Princess¡¯s fiance in prison. Fortunately, that one also had a background. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have known how he died!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the old story made up by idlers! Listen to me. The truth is this. When General Jiang¡¯s sisters were in contact with Princess Ningyi, the people around them said that the Princess was gorgeous beyond the reach of ordinary beauties. When General Jiang heard that, he fell in love with her. The guy of the Deng Family refused to give up even though he obviously didn¡¯t like her. Then...¡±

    ¡°How do you exin what happened at the banquet?¡±

    ¡°It was said that the Princess was so pure and noble that she had been ignoring the young General. The young General had asked her sisters to pass on his messages several times, but it didn¡¯t work. So, he got upset and went in person. Who dares to propose marriage to the Princess in future whether the Duke of Xihe agrees or not? That would be challenging General Jiang.

    ¡°But that¡¯s a Princess. No one stopped him?¡±

    ¡°Why should anyone stop him? Among the children of the Jiang Family, the young General is considered good. He has only tried to win the affection of a princess over the years. If he were to be restrained, wouldn¡¯t all the other children of the Jiang Family have to be beheaded?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Princess Ningyi is really poor. She lost her parents and brother in her early years. It is said that she suffered a lot from her uncle, and was engaged to Deng Yi. Who would have thought that she was found by the Jiang Family? I wonder how she will survive in the future!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang took advantage of the banquet to draw the attention of people in Jing City so that the rumor was spread out. In just a few days, the public opinion that had been ming Qiu Yn had turned into sympathy.

    It was Jiang Yashuang who had reced her as the center of me, and many children of the Jiang Family were also criticized...

    Before many of the young men in the family had time to get even with Jiang Yashuang, Jiang Qianchuan, the Marquess Qin, told a servant, ¡°Go and get him for me!¡±

 Chapter 185 - Unfilial Grandson! Unworthy of My Love!

    <h4>Chapter 185 Unfilial Grandson! Unworthy of My Love!</h4>

    After a while, Jiang Yashuang, who had changed into a blue summer dress, returned to the Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion. He fixed his robes outside the study, bowed respectfully after entering, and greeted respectfully, ¡°Grandfather!¡±

    Marquess Qin caressed his long beard andzilymanded, ¡°Get up,e and talk to me. What were you doing at the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe the other day? All of your brothers were scolded because of you. Even your aunt and I were said to have not disciplined you well.¡±

    The old Marquess was over 60 years old, but his face was ruddy and he was hale and hearty. Now, he could still practice the long halberd that weighed dozens of pounds really quickly that even water couldn¡¯t be poured onto him. When he was wearing a half-old Confucian shirt and sitting behind his desk, he looked gentle, not like a military general but like a civil servant. In fact, Jiang Qianchuan was more talented than ordinary civil servants. Otherwise, he couldn¡¯t teach his grandson by himself.

    Jiang Yashuang had begun to report his studies to this grandfather face-to-face as soon as he started to trace Chinese characters. There was no gap between the grandfather and grandson. At this moment, Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t feel nervous after being used. He walked up to him and said seriously, ¡°I¡¯m about to apologize to you, grandfather!¡±

    ¡°So, after it¡¯s done here, you n to go into the pce to apologize to your aunt and then apologize to your brothers. And this matter would be over?¡± Marquess Qin squinted at him, ¡°Would it be so easy to get over it?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang got an innocent face, ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything about my brothers when they got me into trouble in the past.¡±

    ¡°What about your aunt and me?¡± Marquess Qin snorted.

    ¡°Grandfather and my aunt have always loved me...¡± He was interrupted by Marquess Qin before he finished speaking. ¡°Knowing that we love you, you still got us into trouble? What did I say before? We had taken care of the big stuff for you, and you could practice your ability by finishing the rest! How about the result? You still left it to us, didn¡¯t you? It was easy to bully the ones who love you, wasn¡¯t it? You didn¡¯t want your beloved to be scolded, so you pushed your grandfather and aunt out to be scolded. You unfilial grandson, you don¡¯t worth my love!¡±

    After being nagged at by his grandfather, Jiang Yashuangughed instead, ¡°You said back then that you let me finish the rest and you wouldn¡¯t care the result.¡±

    ¡°You shameless boy!¡± Marquess Qin scolded, ¡°Is there anyone who schemes against the elders in this way?¡±

    Having said that, Marquess Qin didn¡¯t take it seriously, and said, ¡°Let¡¯s leave it at that. If you¡¯re unfilial like this in the future, I will deal with you!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled and asked, ¡°Grandfather, you didn¡¯t call me here today just for this, did you?¡±

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Marquess Qin said carelessly, ¡°Those disappointing ones in our family... If everyone needs to be called here and scolded by me for causing trouble, I won¡¯t have time to deal with other things.¡± He took a letter out of his sleeve, ¡°There is a letter from Beijiang. Read it.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was delighted at the news, ¡°Is it from my father?¡± He took a look at it but froze, ¡°It is from granduncle.¡±

    Sir Jibei was the younger brother of the District Baron of Kui County and Marquess Qin. It was not umon for him to have correspondence with Marquess Qin. However, the correspondence between their elder brothers was rarely shown to the younger generation.

    Jiang Yashuang was Marquess Qin¡¯s closest grandson, but it was the first time he saw the letter from his granduncle directly. After reading the letter, he returned it to Marquess Qin with both of his hands and then he asked surprisingly, ¡°Does granduncle want to retire?¡±

    ¡°When he suffered an old injury three years ago, I wanted to call him back to Jing City to take care of him!¡± Marquess Qin sighed as he stroked his thigh, ¡°He was cut here by a Hu Nu (someone from a nation to the west or north of ancient China) and the entire leg was almost... Although it was said that he was brought back by the Chinese soldiers to the main army and saved, he was left with problems. His leg would be incredibly painful in the rainy days! It was hard to see the sun on the north side all year round! However, he was worried that your father could not control the troublemakers in the Northern Army, so he insisted to stay there for a few more years!¡±

    Speaking of which, the old man sighed, ¡°Now that your father has got stable there and your granduncle can¡¯t endure the pain anymore... He is finally willing toe to Jing City!¡± It rained in the Jiang Family¡¯s hometown Kui County all year round, so it was not suitable for Sir Jibei to live in his old age. Therefore, after this Earl resigned from his official duties, the most suitable ce to live was still in Jing City where the sun always shone.

    Jiang Yashuang said in a deep voice, ¡°My granduncle battled on horses all his life and resigned for now due to his injury. The court has to reward him. However, my granduncle is already an Earl. Our Jiang Family has three Earls, and this has been a serious threat to many people. Empress Dowager Gu will never agree to give him a rise in rank again! Prime Minister Xue will not agree either because of the bnce, but the money reward alone is not enough to show the granduncle¡¯s credit. This...¡±

    Marquess Qin nodded, ¡°This is a problem. If the reward is too much, neither the Empress Dowager nor Xue Chang will agree! Although our family is known as ¡®Jiang Banchao¡¯ (half the court), we won¡¯t be able to contend with both of the parties! However, if the reward is not enough, we can¡¯t allow it for the sake of our family¡¯s face even if your granduncle doesn¡¯t care.¡±

    This wasn¡¯t just a battle of will, but more importantly, it meant how powerful the Jiang family was. If the retirement of the Duke of Qin¡¯s own brother and the Empress¡¯s own uncle was low key, where would the future of the Empress¡¯s Party lie?

    In order to keep the Empress¡¯s Party united, the Jiang Family had to force the court to give Sir Jibei a decent reward!

    ¡°And Jiang Qiyun has just been betrothed to Prince of Qi by my aunt.¡± Jiang Yashuang frowned, ¡°If my granduncle returns to Jing City at this time, the Empress Dowager will doubt that this move is deliberately made by our family so as to use the power of the Northern Army to help Prince of Qi be Crown Prince!¡±

    Marquess Qin said, ¡°Of course. But this is not bad. Prince of Qi is really not as good as Prince of Yan and Prince of Zhou. He has only two advantages for us, one is the humble birth of his mother and the other one is being the eldest son. How can we help him get into the East Pce if we don¡¯t make good ns?¡±

    Obviously, Marquess Qin intended to take advantage of Sir Jibei¡¯s retirement this time to help Prince of Qi, whom his daughter supported to be Crown Prince.

    ¡°The wedding of Prince of Qi and Jiang Qiyun will be held after the summer vacation.¡± Jiang Yashuang counted the days, ¡°My granduncle also ns to return at that time. I heard my aunt say that the Empress Dowager ns to marry Princess Changping to Kuang Qingwu. In this way, the Northern Army and the Western Army each chooses a side and who can be Crown Prince will still depend on thepetition between the two parties in the court!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that the old fox, Xue Chang, is going to stand by again!¡± Marquess Qin shook his head slightly and said, ¡°He doesn¡¯t intervene. Our family fights with the Empress Dowager. If there is no ident, it¡¯s hard to say how it will end.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang pondered for a while and said, ¡°It¡¯s different now. In the past, he did not take sides not only because he was former emperor¡¯s trusted minister, who is also clever and powerful, but also because he had His Majesty as an excuse and could refuse entreaties from my aunt and the Empress Dowager. But now... Forgive me for being direct, grandfather. If Crown Prince is chosen, no matter which side wins, I am afraid His Majesty... Even Prime Minister Xue doesn¡¯t care about being criticized by the history book. The so-called loyal minister sits back and watches His Majesty in peril, he also has to consider that without His Majesty as an excuse, how he can continue to maintain his neutrality.¡±

    If the Jiang Family won in thepetition for Crown Prince, Emperor¡¯s life would definitely be in danger. After all, Empress Dowager Gu was able to regent because her son was the Emperor. The Jiang Family, who had resented Empress Dowager Gu for a long time, would definitely make Prince of Qi ascend to the throne as soon as possible and took advantage of the credit for supporting him to get rid of the Gu Family in the name of the new ruler.

    Even if Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s candidate became Crown Prince, the Emperor would not be any better! Though Empress Dowager Gu would not kill her own son, she would not mind letting her son abdicate as Emperor Emeritus or even abolishing him. As the husband¡¯s and the wife¡¯s fates were connected, Empress Jiang would surely not end well!

    In short, Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang, mother-inw and daughter-inw, had based their power on the Emperor being their son or husband. Once the current Emperor was no longer the Emperor and the new ruler was not chosen by them, there was no chance for them to continue holding the rein of power.

    Under such circumstances, the Neutral Party, which had been relying on the excuse of being loyal to the Emperor to keep away from the other two parties, would have to wait for the punishment by the winning party if it still didn¡¯t get involved in thepetition for Crown Prince.

    Marquess Qin didn¡¯tment, ¡°ording to you, Xue Chang is more likely to choose the Empress Dowager¡¯s side. At least the Empress Dowager would not kill His Majesty.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang shook his head and said, ¡°Not necessarily! After all, Prince of Qi chosen by my aunt is the eldest son! When Prime Minister Xue used His Majesty as an excuse to refuse my aunt and the Empress Dowager¡¯s entreaties, he referred to the ancient system, which ims that Crown Prince should be the legitimate son or the eldest son.¡±

    In fact, Xue Chang was also forced too much by the lobbyists sent by two parties in turn, so he made up his mind and said, ¡°I¡¯m a supporter of the ancient system since ancient times. As courtiers in the court, we should be loyal to the Emperor, not the Empress Dowager or Empress. That¡¯s right. I, Xue Chang, am a member of the Emperor¡¯s Party! So, don¡¯t try to recruit me. If I¡¯m alive, I¡¯ll serve the Emperor. If I die, I¡¯ll still serve him as a ghost!¡±

    If it were a different Emperor, he would probably have been killed by the Empress Dowager or the Empress Party. But His Majesty was so cowardly that he was a threat to nobody. So both the Empress Dowager and Empress Jiangughed off the Emperor¡¯s party and considered them all as neutral. Since the Emperor was useless, what could Emperor Party do?

    Back to the main topic, although Xue Chang¡¯s words were said under duress, there were quite a few people who knew about it. The problem then arose. If he wanted to take the side of the Empress Dowager in thepetition for Crown Prince, it would mean that he denied his previous im to ¡°conform to the ancient system¡±.

    Although it wasmon that the politicians made irresponsible remarks, Xue Chang¡¯s im to ¡°conform to the ancient system¡± defined himself as a supporter of the Emperor Party. If he denied this im, it would mean indirectly denying his loyalty to the Emperor.

    Xue Chang had fame and fortune, as well as fine offspring. What he would consider now was no longer power and status, but the way forward and the evaluation of history.

    ¡°With Xue Chang¡¯s personality, it is indeed not easy to get over this hurdle.¡± Marquess Qin pondered for a moment and nodded, ¡°But he is not a pedantic person, so it¡¯s not easy to say what will happen until then.¡± After hesitating for a while, he said, ¡°This matter can¡¯t be rushed now, so let¡¯s leave it at that. Have you brought your homework today? Let me take a look.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang had already prepared for it, took out arge roll of rice paper from his sleeve, and presented it.

    Marquess Qin took it, spread it on the desk, and read it carefully. He showed a trace of satisfaction and called him to the side, pointing out a few ces that could be modified. But in the end, he sighed, ¡°In your generation, in terms of talent, Yadan is actually not inferior to you. When I taught him how to trace Chinese characters, he learned much faster than you did.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled helplessly, ¡°My brother just got a short temper and can¡¯t sit still.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s just spoiled!¡± Sure enough, Marquess Qin¡¯s face soon turned cold, ¡°I me your mother for that! She was not the only one who was separated from her husband for years, but she was the only one who refused to suffer. She went to reunite with your father in Beijiang! Not only did she go there, she also spoiled Yadan and couldn¡¯t bear to see him go to that bitter cold ce. I said at the time that he should be raised by your grandmother. First, it was taken for granted for your grandmother to take care of her grandchildren. Second, although she was not the biological grandmother, she was the legitimate granddaughter of thete Prime Minister Tao!

    ¡°Even though the Tao Family has unfilial sons and grandsons, they have the honor of being ¡®a family of seven sessful candidates of Metropolitan Exam and three prime ministers among the father and sons¡¯. Not to mention the present and former dynasties, how many families can bepared to the Tao Family throughout our history? So, their family¡¯s tutge, no matter how bad it is, is better than the full court!¡±

    ¡°However, your mother is so muddleheaded! After listening to Aunt Yang¡¯s instigation, she thought your grandmother was a very strict person, so she entrusted Yadan to the first branch! It turned out that the first house really wasn¡¯t strict at all, and spoiled a potential schr into a loser who is sexually promiscuous!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang listened quietly to his grandfather¡¯sints and then whispered, ¡°Actually, Uncle Mengmin has been overthinking. Grandpa, you love him much more than Third Uncle, my father, Seventh Uncle, and Eighth Uncle.¡±

    Marquess Qin was stunned and smiled bitterly for a while before he waved his hands weakly, ¡°I¡¯m tired. Go, remember not to ck off.¡±

    The grandfather and grandson knew clearly that although Marquess Qin used Madame Zhuang, what he really wanted to scold was his nephew, Jiang Tianao. But remembering the kindness of Jiang Qianshan, the District Baron of Kui County, who was the father of Jiang Tianao, Marquess Qin could not scold this nephew. So, he could only me his daughter-inw, who was bewitched by the Jiang Tianao couple.

    When Jiang Yashuang walked to the door, Marquess Qin shouted at him again, ¡°Talk to your grandmother about going to the Qiu Family to bring up the proposal formally. Let her arrange it for you. When this matter is settled, you can concentrate on your study. Stop being distracted!¡±

    ¡°OK!¡± Jiang Yashuang busily promised, ¡°I¡¯ll study hard to prepare for the exam and will not let you down, grandfather!¡±

    ¡°Go!¡± Looking at his face, which still contained childishness in its handsomeness, Marquess Qin sighed in a lonely way.

 Chapter 186 - Really Want to Punch This Brother-in-Law!

    <h4>Chapter 186 Really Want to Punch This Brother-in-Law!</h4>

    After getting out of Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion, Jiang Yashuang went to Madame Tao¡¯s residence and told her what Marquess Qin said. He looked at Madame Tao with hope in the end, ¡°Grandmother, the grandfather said that this thing is depended on you!¡±

    ¡°I know you are eager to get engaged. I¡¯ll send the official matchmaker tomorrow, okay?¡± Madame Tao tapped his forehead with her finger and scolded him with a smile, ¡°I watched you grow up. But I never saw you so eager! She is not your wife yet. When she is, I wonder if I¡¯m going to be cast aside?¡±

    ¡°Lan will be very nice to you...¡± Jiang Yashuang coaxed her in a hurry.

    Madame Tao said with a smile, ¡°Okay, okay, okay. I trust your judgement!¡± she patted his arm, ¡°Why do you keep looking outside? Can¡¯t stay any longer? Eager to go to the Ruan Family to tell them the good news? Just go. While it¡¯s still early, hurry back. You haven¡¯t done your homework today, right?¡±

    Jiang Yashaung was thrilled. He said sweetly, ¡°I know you adore me the most!¡±

    He went out after that. Watching his back as he hurried away, Madame Tao shook her head and said with a smile, ¡°This naughty kid!¡±

    Mom Hu approached with drinks. Madame Tao took it over and took a sip. She stopped smiling and asked in a low voice, ¡°Qisheng still hasn¡¯t decided yet?¡±

    Mom Hu had a frustrated look on her face, ¡°Old Master Tianqi and Madame have different opinions. And they also need to consider Young Lady Qisheng¡¯s opinion. So, they haven¡¯t been able to decide yet.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that they can¡¯t decide!¡± Madame Tao put down the coloured ze cup and dabbed the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief. She said with a sneer, ¡°They just feel it¡¯s unfair that Chaohai wants Qisheng to marry someone faraway. But Jiang Tianao¡¯s daughter got to be a princess after she and Qisheng did the same thing. So, they drag their feet on purpose!¡±

    Mom Hu sighed, ¡°Old Master Tianqi is Marquess Qin¡¯s wife¡¯s eldest son after all. But Marquess Qin restrains him on everything to prevent him from surpassing Old Master Tianao. Old Master Tianqi¡¯s children also get implicated. It¡¯s inevitable that the third branch holds a grudge.¡±

    Madame Tao shook her head, ¡°What¡¯s inevitable? Jiang Tianqi has grandiose aims but puny abilities! I gave him advice back then that since Jiang Tianao chose to be an officer in the government. If he didn¡¯t want to be suppressed by Jiang Tianao, he¡¯d better join the army. In that case, it wouldn¡¯t put Chaohai in a difficult position. He also could have a better future... But he refused to listen because he didn¡¯t want to leave the easy life in Jing City behind! Now what? He is just Assistant Minister of War. Not even a Minister... He should know that Chaohai and Kunlun respect their eldest brother so much that as long as they are here no one in our family canpete with Jiang Tianao!¡±

    Kunlun was Earl of Jibei Jiang Qianqiu¡¯s name after he became an adult.

    Speaking of which, Madame Tao suddenly smiled, ¡°Jiang Tianchi on the other hand is smart. He knew that with Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi working in the government he couldn¡¯t surpass them no matter how capable he was. He pestered Kunlun to take him to the army. It has been hard in the army for decades. But Kunlun is about toe back to the city. He will have the Northern Army! Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi both won¡¯t dare to trifle with him in the future!¡±

    Mom Hu said with a smile, ¡°That¡¯s why Princess Yongfu and Young Master Yashuang are the most blessed ones among all children in our family. Young Master Yashuang doesn¡¯t just have a smart father. He also got to be raised by you. If you didn¡¯t cultivate him, Old Master Tianchi is capable, but he still needs someone to teach his children. Otherwise...¡±

    She hesitated at that point. And then she still asked, ¡°It¡¯s just... Since you value the fourth branch, when the first branch spoiled Young Master Yadan, why did you... If you helped back then, even Madame Zhuang didn¡¯t know better, Old Master Tianchi would. How could he not be grateful?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily true!¡± Madame Tao sneered, ¡°Don¡¯t you forget that Yadan was praised for his genius ever since he was a kid! How many times has Jiang Tianchi seen him when he was growing up? To set Jiang Tianchi¡¯s mind at ease in the army, the family letters were always telling the good news which always gave his eldest son an overly gushing praise! Especially before Madame Zhuang left, Yadan was at the cleverest and cutest age. If I intervened and got him back on track, how naive were you to think that the fourth branch would thank me? They probably would have thought that their kid was born to be a talent who could do something great without much effort. I should consider myself lucky that they didn¡¯t me me for meddling!¡±

    Speaking of which, she lowered her voice, ¡°Besides, if it weren¡¯t for Yadan, why do you think Chaohai so decidedly let me raise Qizheng and Yashuang right after they got sent back? Kids who are raised by myself are the most reliable!¡±

    Mom Hu was enlightened and said with admiration, ¡°You are right. Especially now that Young Master Yashuang is versed in both polite letters and martial arts. And he is filial and sensible. With Young Master Yadan as theparison, when Old Master Tianchi and his wife see them someday, they will so regret that they didn¡¯t let you raise Young Master Yadan back then!¡±

    ¡°Jiang Tianchi is a calcting and sophisticated man. Among all the children in the Jiang Family, only he has the stamina to build a career in the army,¡± Madame Tao squinted and said tly, ¡°Madame Zhuang is not smart. But she is very vixenish! Chaohai has been taking that one in Kui County into consideration for these years and he knew that Yadan was a lost cause. So, he acquiesced that the first branch stopped others from telling Madame Zhuang about Yadan... Otherwise, considering her bad temper, she would havee back to the city and made a scene in the first branch a long time ago! However, they can¡¯t hide it forever. Just wait and see. Their clever eldest son turns into a loser because the first branch spoiled him too much. There is no way that the fourth branch will suck it up!¡±

    Jiang Tianao had a smooth career because he had his two uncles¡¯ full support. And Marquess Qin¡¯s and Sir Jibei¡¯s confidence came from the Northern Army. Jiang Tianchi would be the next one to take charge of the Northern Army after them. His eldest son Jiang Yadan was considered as a talent at an early age... People could imagine that if Jiang Yadan were good at study and capable, how could Jiang Tianchi not help his son to be the Premier? When that time came, let alone help Jiang Tianao, it would be nice that he didn¡¯t me Jiang Tianao for getting in the way!

    Besides Jiang Tianchi had more than one son. When that time came, he would help his eldest son to be the Premier and the second son or the youngest son to join the army. In that case, he could control the court in both military and civil. Even the fourth branch couldn¡¯t inherit the title of Marquess Qin, she could also take all the good stuff and leave the Jiang Family¡¯s other members with scratches!

    To avoid his cousin threatening his career, when Madame Zhuang went to Beijiang to be with her husband all by herself and entrusted Jiang Yadan to her husband¡¯s family, Jiang Tianao and his wife took the chance and turned their clever cousin into a yboy without hesitation!

    However, what Madame Tao hated the most was not just that Jiang Tianao and his wife ruined Jiang Yadan. To be honest, she didn¡¯t feel so sorry for this grandson who was neither rted to her nor spending a long time with her. What she hated was that Jiang Tianao¡¯s wife Madame Dou med her for Madame Dou¡¯s aunt failing to be Marquess Qin¡¯s second wife. So, while they were raising Jiang Yadan, they incited him to be hostile to the entire Tao Family!

    ¡°Qianbin is so virtuous. She never stopped Yadan from taking concubines. If that bitch Madame Dou didn¡¯t incite Yadan all the year around, even he didn¡¯t like Qianbin¡¯s appearance, Yadan couldn¡¯t have gone so far as to humiliate her again and again which made her suffer in silence!¡±

    Every time Madame Tao thought of her beloved grandniece, she felt a rush of anger, ¡°They have been married for ten years. The number of Yadan staying in Qianbin¡¯s room is few. How can Qianbin get pregnant? And Madame Dou always uses this against Qianbin... Chaohai always takes Jiang Qianshan into consideration and refuses to criticize the first branch which makes those two more and more out of control. However, Qiyun is married to Prince of Qi now, which means that she is at Tianluan¡¯s mercy from now on. If Madame Dou dares to bully Qianbin again, I will ask Tianluan to make her daughter pay! Our Family is a big family anyway. There is no shortage of women who can be Prince of Qi¡¯s second wife!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t know his grandmother¡¯s mixed feelings at that moment. He rushed to the Ruan Family excitedly. Qiu Jinn was able to sit in the yard for a while with others¡¯ help at that moment. Ruan Ciyi and Qiu Yn let the servants make a soft bed under the peach tree and pile up a few cushions on the bed for him to lean on.

    It waste April at that moment. The peach blossoms had fallen off, leaving the yard with all leaves.

    However, several pots of peony flowers were still in bloom down the stairs. They were contending in beauty and fascination which attracted relentless bees and butterflies.

    Hearing that Jiang Yashuang was here, Ruan Ciyi looked at Qiu Yn with a smile at once, ¡°I wonder what he brings this time?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang came to please Qiu Yn every now and then before. Qiu Jinn rebuked him a lot, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to take the imperial exam in autumn back at your hometown? Why do you keeping here?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang had thought that his future brother-inw was concerned about his study at first. And he was moving. However, Qiu Jinn continued, ¡°If you fail at the exam because you are not good enough, your family will me my sister! When youe here for no reason next time, Dongran will kick the doorman out who dares to open the door for you and we will never hire the doorman again!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang who was heartbroken got kicked out of the Ruan Family like that. So, whenever he went to the Ruan Family after that, he always needed to find a reason to avoid being shut out.

    So, Ruan Ciyi assumed that Jiang Yashuang was missing Qiu Yn again. She didn¡¯t bother about Qiu Jinn¡¯s identity for long. After all, no matter he was her half-brother or her cousin, it was good enough for her to have a brother. To be honest, she was more familiar with Qing Jinn. She held him once when he was a kid.

    Besides, Qiu Jinn nearly died this time. Ruan Ciyi was so worried about him. She would do anything as long as he could get better... Focusing on that made her forget about the pain in herst marriage!

    Qiu Jinn was getting better. And Ruan Ciyi was regaining her girlhood temperament. She began to talk andugh with her cousins.

    Qiu Yn was ying with a peony at that moment. Hearing what Ruan Ciyi said, she patted her and pretended to be angry, ¡°Don¡¯t tease me!¡±

    ¡°Who is teasing you?¡± Ruan Ciyi smiled, ¡°Isn¡¯t it the truth?¡±

    Seeing that Qiu Jinn was smiling and silent, Ruan Ciyi gave Qiu Yn a sidelong nce. And then she said to Qiu Jinn, ¡°He looks sincere to me. If you want to send him back to study, don¡¯t be too mean. He looks pathetic getting rebuked by you!¡±

    Hearing that, Qiu Jinn smiled, ¡°Ciyi, don¡¯t feel sorry for him. We can¡¯t take this lightly. He may be reasonable. But his family may not! We can¡¯t let Yn take the me before they get married!¡±

    Ruan Ciyi sighed, ¡°Big family indeed has a lot of gossips.¡± Speaking of which, she looked at Qiu Yn, ¡°Listen to your brother more to avoid getting tricked by others after you get married!¡±

    Qiu Yn whined, ¡°Aren¡¯t you guys sick of saying the same thing serval times a day?¡±

    ¡°If you weren¡¯t my sister, I wouldn¡¯t bother saying that to you!¡± Qiu Jinn said tly.

    ¡°You also say that serval times a day...¡± Qiu Yn muttered to herselfnguidly.

    Jiang Yashuang was led in at that moment. Seeing that he went in empty-handed and the young servant behind him also didn¡¯t bring anything, they all felt surprised.

    ¡°Hello, Ms. Ruan,¡± after Jiang Yashuang went in, he greeted Ruan Ciyi and Qiu Jinn in a hurry, ¡°Jinn, how is your wound?¡± And then he looked towards Qiu Yn with love, ¡°Do you like the preserved fruit I sent you before? If you don¡¯t like it, I¡¯ll send you another.¡±

    Qiu Yn sensibly put on a reserved look in front of Qiu Jinn and nodded coldly, ¡°It¡¯s fine!¡±

    ¡°Why are you here again?¡± Although Ruan Ciyi became more outgoing, she was much quieter in front of outsiders. Qiu Jinn waited for a while and she was still quiet. He frowned and asked tly, ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to stay at home and study? You shoulde here less. In case my sister gets the me when you fail at the exam.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said with a smile, ¡°I¡¯m here to tell you guys the good news.¡± After saying that, he paused on purpose. However, Ruan Ciyi was silent. She didn¡¯t ask even she was curious. Qiu Jinn needed to put on airs. He didn¡¯t say anything on purpose. Qiu Yn wanted to ask. But her brother¡¯s stare made her silent.

    Jiang Yashuang wasn¡¯t able to keep them in suspense. He said embarrassedly, ¡°My grandmother will send the official matchmaker to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe to negotiate the marriage tomorrow!¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Hearing that Qiu Jinn was relieved. Although Qiu Yn was no longer engaged when she and Deng Yi were sentenced to pulsory divorce¡±, she and Jiang Yashuang had been together for years, there was no future for her if she didn¡¯t marry him. Without the Jiang Family proposing a marriage, although Qiu Jinn didn¡¯t mention it, he was always afraid that there might be idents.

    Now after getting the confirmation, Qiu Jinn was finally relieved!

    Seeing that, Jiang Yashuang took the chance to ask, ¡°Jinn, I haven¡¯t seen Lan for a few days. Can I talk to her?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± However, Qiu Jinn whose look was just getting better shook his head without thinking, ¡°You guys aren¡¯t married yet and just made the decision. How can you guys spend time in private? Besides, if you don¡¯t have anything else to say, go back and study. Just like I used to say. There will be ample time. Don¡¯t implicate my sister!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Jiang Yashuang looked towards Qiu Yn ruefully. And she gave him a ¡°nothing I could do¡± look. They both sighed inwardly. Jiang Yashuang put on a fake smile, ¡°You are right. Then... I¡¯m leaving!¡±

    ¡°What should I do? I really want to punch this brother-inw.¡±

 Chapter 187 - You Know Nothing about Mens Relationship! You Little Girl!

    <h4>Chapter 187 You Know Nothing about Men¡¯s Rtionship! You Little Girl!</h4>

    The next day, Madame Tao did invite an official matchmaker to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe.

    Although Qiu Mengmin and his wife were unhappy that Qiu Yn married into such a good family, they had to exchange the household registered card they got from the Deng Family with the official matchmaker.

    Since there were still a few siblings older than Jiang Yashang who had not gotten married, the two families decided to be engaged for now and the date for the wedding ceremony had yet to be discussed.

    After being busy for most of the day and sending off the official matchmaker, both Qiu Mengmin and Princess Yang felt that the future was bleak, ¡°We have done a lot of mean things to the little bitch. And she¡¯s the kind of person who holds a grudge. Now that she marries into an influential family. She will definitely take revenge on us in the future.¡±

    ¡°I know!¡±

    The couple sat opposite each other, full of sorrow.

    However, they weren¡¯t the only ones who were distracted by the engagement between Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang.

    In the Hall of Taishi of the pce, Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s face fell, ¡°Jiang Yashuang of the Jiang Family and Qiu Yn are engaged, which means that Qiu Jinn finds a backer for himself! Up until now, Qiu Jinn¡¯s real identity hasn¡¯t been revealed. It seems the Jiang Family is nning to use this card in the battle for the status of Crown Prince. In addition to the reward from the retired Sir Jibei who will return to the capital after the autumn, the Jiang Family, before the proposal of the Crown Prince is formally brought up for discussion in the court, has already had two cards!¡±

    Speaking of this, Empress Dowager Gu sighed, ¡°The people that XingKang trained are really useless. He even did not seize such a good opportunity toplete the mission satisfactorily. How was it possible that someone could switch off the poison on the de? So much so that they lost it at thest minute! If Qiu Jinn had died, I would have not worried about the Western Army as the Western Army could do nothing to me then!¡±

    The maid promptly suggested, ¡°My Empress Dowager, please don¡¯t worry! Prince of Qi is mediocre and cowardly and far less intelligent than Prince of Yan and Prince of Zhou, who are polite and smart! The confirmation of Crown Prince is a matter which should be discussed in the court. Even if the Empress¡¯s people are good at distorting the truth, Prime Minister Xue and his people are known as ¡®loyal rulers¡¯. They are impartial between you and Empress. As such, of course, they will choose whoever is the most outstanding from two princes... If that¡¯s the case, there is no need topare them! It¡¯s obvious who will win.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that simple. Anyway, Prince of Qi is my first grandson!¡± Empress Dowager Gu shook her head, but her face softened a bit in the end, ¡°However, the good news is that Prince of Qi is indeed cowardly, and those ministers who are unhappy with the female regent, would never select him. Prince of Yan and Prince of Zhou are much smarter than him... It¡¯s fortunate that we started our n early, otherwise, depending on Jiang¡¯s arrogance today, if she had given birth to the trueborn, I would have nowhere to hide in the pce!¡±

    The maid smiled, ¡°Yes, I agree. The Empress is certainly domineering, yet you are the master of the pce!¡±

    ¡°And you shouldn¡¯t treat her with a careless attitude. She has the backing of the Northern Army!¡± Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s lips were slightly curved: she chose Jiang Tianluan to be the Empress because the emperor was so young and the people were so restless that they needed Marquess Qin, the ¡°defender of national sovereignty¡± to secure the throne of his son.

    When Jiang Tianluan entered the pce in the first ce, she was not as domineering and arrogant as she was now. As her family had three dukes, Empress Dowager Gu must keep an eye on her! Young Empress Jiang, although often slept with the emperor, but could not have children. Instead, the concubines gave birth to children for the emperor from time to time... If Empress Dowager Ye, who had been secluded and dormant for years, hadn¡¯t made a desperate move to get the promise from the Jiang Family to protect her and Prince Qiyang and his children. Empress Jiang wouldn¡¯t even have Princess Yongfu!

    Despite that, the Empress never had another child after giving birth to Princess Yongfu!

    Several years ago, Empress Jiang¡¯s focus had been on seizing power, which was clear that she no longer had any hope about whether she would have a son or not...

    ¡°Fortunately, I was prepared as early as possible. I made my move when she had just entered the pce...¡± Empress Dowager Gu felt pleasure when she thought of the silly Empress back then. After a moment, she asked, ¡°Do you have a chance to speak to the Empress about Changpingtely?¡±

    The maid was a bit helpless, ¡°No, although the sons and daughters of the Jiang Family keptmitting bad deeds, they did nothing except what they had done in the past. Nothing new.¡± She said again hesitantly, ¡°Rather, Jiang Yashang, the one who showed up at the banquet for 30 days¡¯ baby in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, could have been charged with a crime like forcing a grace to engage with him. But the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe said nothing about it... Now she¡¯s even engaged with a member of the Jiang Family, this can¡¯t be considered evidence of guilt.¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu frowned and hated, ¡°Qiu Mengmin, the old thief! I even tried to keep his position for him back then!¡±

    Then she sighed, ¡°We must get Changping married soon! Kuang Shihan didn¡¯t have the ability to get his wife pregnant, and XingKang has been married to him for so many years. I even had given her prescriptions for pregnancy, but she never got pregnant. If a son were delivered by her, he would be my firstborn grandson. And then I don¡¯t need to try everything to get Kuang Qingwu to stand on my side...¡±

    The maid reminded, ¡°Your Majesty, among the princes, only Prince of Qi is engaged.¡±

    ¡°I will think about who the princesses should be for King of Yan and the King of Zhou. As for the others who are older than Changping, just find men for them. Anyway, no matter who marries whom, the royal family will give them a big sum of money!¡± Empress Dowager Gu waved her hand, apparently not taking most of her grandchildren¡¯s marriages seriously.

    Empress Dowager was now rather hesitant, ¡°Among Changping¡¯s daughter and the girls from the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang... How should I choose?¡±

    Because among the military representatives of the Empress Dowager¡¯s side, Kuang Shihan did not have a single female rtive who was valued. Empress Dowager Gu had thought of choosing one out of Kuang Shihan¡¯s subordinates. This would at least strengthen the ties with the Western Army. The problem was that in those years, Kuang Shihan was the one who pitted his benefactor and old leaders as well as his colleagues to take power, and now if seeing that Empress Dowager Gu be the rtive of one of his subordinates by marriage, Kuang Shihan might think he was targeted.

    So, princesses of Prince of Yan and Prince of Zhou would be chosen from the daughters of the officials in the court.

    ording to the proximity and prominence of power, the first choice for the Empress Dowager was the Tang Family and the Gu Family.

    ¡°Exactly two girls?¡± The maid suggested, ¡°I think that the second daughter of the Tang Family and Princess Shou¡¯an are both extremely intelligent girls.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s trouble to have many Princesses. Have you forgotten that there is only one Crown Prince?¡± Empress Dowager Gu frowned, ¡°I have chosen one for Prince of Yan. And in the future, Prince of Zhou and his princess, they will assist Prince of Yan and his princess... Xinyao and Shou¡¯an are the best daughters of their respective families. If both be princesses, neither wants to be the worse one?!¡±

    One of them was the Empress Dowager¡¯s granddaughter and was still a princess even though her mother had her title deprived once; the other was Empress Dowager¡¯s grandniece, who was not of royal blood but had been named a princess... When facing Jiang Qizheng and the others, although Tang Xinyao and Princess Shou¡¯an were able to unify their thoughts and be on the same page, they must have fought against each other in private as well!

    The maid realized that she had said something wrong and she hurried to ask for forgiveness.

    Empress Dowager Gu was not in a mood to punish her. She frowned in deep thought for a long time before finally deciding, ¡°Let Prince of Yan pick his own princess. And through this, I, at least, can know his ability.¡± She also wanted to use this to see his ambition and to judge whether he was easy to be controlled or not. Even if he was her own grandson, and his biological mother was her own niece, Empress Dowager Gu didn¡¯t want to treat him lightly!

    Otherwise, if she finally got rid of Empress Jiang, she could have been forced to live in the Imperial Harem, doing nothing, or even worse, ¡°die out of an incident¡± in the pce... That was not what she hoped for... it would be too tragic!

    The maid asked for instructions, ¡°My Empress Dowager, do you need me to summon Prince of Yan now?¡±

    ¡°No need,¡± Empress Dowager Gu said. ¡°Don¡¯t tell him yet. May ising up soon. We will go to Mount Dizi for the summer vacation. At that time, I¡¯ll tell him that there will be plenty of opportunities for young men and women to meet, so let him take a good look before he decides. After all, he hasn¡¯t had many chances to meet with the cousins of these two families before.¡±

    While Prince of Yan met his cousins and chose from them, the Empress Dowager would use this opportunity to investigate her grandson, which was really a ¡°One stone, two birds¡± situation.

    And there was such a buffer of time, maybe the Empress Dowager herself would have chosen someone...

    The issue of the battle for the status of Crown Prince due to the age of the empress brought the conflicts between the two Queens that had been stressed up over the years to the table. Empress Dowager, Empress and their followers and the neutral ones, all felt the undercurrents in the imperial court were intensifying as the day grew hotter.

    All parties were gearing up and not making any moves yet, so on the surface, it looked like this May of the year was quiet as usual. Nothing particrly serious happened. As in previous years, the emperor and his ministers would move together to the Mount Dizi before it heated up in the capital.

    For the summer vacation, Qiu yn and Ruan Ciyi were a little worried, mainly because they were afraid that the wounds that Qiu Jinn had only just healed. They might split again due to the bumps along the road.

    Originally, as per the suggestion of Qi Shuluo, Qiu Jinn should not go there with the others. Especially since the Mount Dizi was several days away from the capital, it would be even slower as they had to follow the fleets.

    The problem was that the Empress Dowager hoped to kill Qiu Jinn as early as possible. And along the road to the Mount Dizi, it was a perfect time to do something big and then denied it afterward. In that case, it was impossible for Qiu Jinn to only rely on the ¡°Tianya¡± to save his life.

    Usually, as the Jiang Family was in the capital, they could assign people to protect him if anything bad happened. But now... The Jiang Family was going with the Emperor and Empress to the Mount Dizi, and most of their men would be taken with themselves, which would leave fewer men for Qiu Jinn. Once they were attacked, it would not be so convenient for the Jiang Family to send enough men for him!

    So, for safety, Jiang Yashuang strongly suggested that they went to the Mount Dizi together, ¡°We can pad more soft and gentle mats in your carriage. And we don¡¯t need to hurry as the Royal Guard is slow anyway. The Guard doesn¡¯t move fast. If you stay in the capital, nobody can guarantee your safety. Although you are not scared, please think for your sister Ciyi and Lan¡¯s safety!¡±

    Qiu Jinn nodded after contemting with his authoritarian personality, Ruan Ciyi and Qiu Yn could only obey what he nodded at, even though they didn¡¯t feel at ease.

    So, the sisters had literally gone to great lengths to pack the carriage for this summer vacation!

    On the day of departure, Jiang Yashuang and Ling Zui coincidentally ran over to help. After seeing the carriage parked in the courtyard for Qiu Jinn, they were both stunned: ¡°How many nkets are these? Ten? Twenty?¡±

    ¡°Not that many? Just seven!¡± Qiu Yn walked along from the porch with wooden clogs and sniffed, ¡°Twenty... That¡¯s all piled up to the top. There might be no room for a person if it¡¯s twenty.¡±

    ¡°Good thing is that you know this is for a person!¡± Ling Zui said, ¡°Yn, I have to say that you know it is very hot outside. With so many nkets, it¡¯s soft enough, but it will make Chunjun hot. ¡±

    Ling Zui was also a funny person. A few days ago, after Qiu Jinn was assassinated, he knew that Qiu Jinn was hiding his real identity from him. He menacingly stated that after Qiu Jinn got better, he needed an exnation from Qiu Jinn. Unexpectedly,ter on, after Qiu Jinn was getting better, he talked to him alone behind closed doors for less than half an hour... And then Ling Zui opened the door and walked out of the room as if nothing had happened!

    Out of curiosity, Qiu Yn ran to ask what they were talking about in the room. Hearing her questions, Ling Zui was happy then, and touched her head dismissively. He righteously said, ¡°It¡¯s about the rtionship between men. You, as a little girl, won¡¯t understand what¡¯s going on.¡±

    Now, it was a good chance for narrow-minded Qiu Yn to attack him with his word with a few words changed. She rested her hands on her hips and said, ¡°It¡¯s about taking care of people. You, as a bit of a boor, won¡¯t understand what¡¯s going on?!¡± With a wave of her hand, the servants brought up white steaming ice, ¡°I also arranged two maids to fan my brother. With so many people serving, how can my brother be ufortable?!¡±

    Ling Zui touched his nose in embarrassment, ¡°Why are you so fierce today? You used to talk to me softly.¡± And then he twisted to Jiang Yashuang and squinted at him, ¡°You are a mean man!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang, who was innocent in the conversation, was in a desperate state. He thought about it and simply admitted it, ¡°I just call her Lan, but you call her Yn? From now on, you just call her Sister Qiu, Okay? And more, I don¡¯t think Brother Lin is an appropriate address. Lan, you just call him brother. I think it¡¯s enough.¡±

    ¡°Believe it or not, I¡¯m going toin you to your brother!¡± Ling Zui immediately threatened!

    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!!!¡± Before Jiang Yashuang could say anything, Qiu Yn shouted first, ¡°If you go to tell on him, my brother definitely will criticize me. If you really go, I won¡¯t let you go easily!

    Jiang Yashuang was filled with sweetness, looking at Ling Zui proudly, ¡°Lan said you are not allowed to go. Don¡¯t me me for kicking your ass if you dare to go!¡±

    ¡°I know girls always take her boyfriend¡¯s side,¡± Ling Zui grumbled, despondently turned around and asked Dongran, who was standing not far away, ¡°But something is not right. Chunjun once told me that she always followed his words. I am also his brother. Why doesn¡¯t she follow me? It¡¯s just because I am not fierce to her?¡±

    Dongran tried hard to hold back herughter and whispered, ¡°It¡¯s because the young master would never admit that Your Grace didn¡¯t listen to him...¡±

 Chapter 188 - Dating after Dusk

    <h4>Chapter 188 Dating after Dusk</h4>

    Qiu Yn and Ruan Ciyi worried all the way, so Jiang Yashuang specially arranged Qi Shuluo¡¯s wagon to go alongside the Ruan Family¡¯s team.

    But as he said, with the royal family and noble families going to Mount Dizi together, the guard of honor, the scale and road conditions all led to the slowness of the journey.

    So Qiu Jinn had been safe before they arrived at the residence. Qiu Yn and others were relieved.

    The three brothers and sisters lived in Ruan¡¯s residence. It was not the old one that General Ruan had bought. At that time, they had no other property except the General¡¯s Mansion.

    This one was bought by Qiu Jinn himself during the summer vacationst year. Because he was still a proud student with high hope of Xue Chang at that time, it was very close to the vi of the Xue Family.

    And Xue Chang, as an important minister, lived not far from the pce. In the same way, the manors of the Jiang Family, the Gu Family and so on were all around here.

    However, although Qiu Yn was called to ¡°apany cousin Ruan¡± during the summer vacationst year, Qiu Jinn kept a close watch for fear that his sister would be taken advantage of, so Jiang Yashuang had no chance toe in. This was the first time he had set foot in this ¡°Green Vi¡±.

    The vi was far smaller than the Jiang Family, but the former owner also took a lot of effort to build it. A stream was brought in to form ake. Evergreen trees and vines were nted all over the bank to match the name ¡°Green¡±.

    ¡°This vi is quiet and lovely. Although there are few flowers, it is full of green and has a unique charm.¡± Jiang Yashuang looked around and praised.

    Ling Zui did not need to please his brother-inw, so he said ¡°It is none of his credit. This vi has never been worked on since he bought it. It was said that the previous owner had a family who could not see flowers, and if she saw them, she would have rashes. That¡¯s why there are only nts but no flowers here. By the way, didn¡¯t you say you wanted to nt some flowers? Why haven¡¯t you done it yet?¡±

    Qiu Jinn said helplessly, ¡°How can I manage such a trifle now since I am like this?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was about to take over the matter when Ruan Ciyi said, ¡°Let my cousin does it!¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Qiu Yn was winking at Jiang Yashuang, thinking that this was his opportunity to show off. Hearing what Ruan Ciyi said, Qiu Jinn and Ling Zui were stunned and looked at her.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea.¡± Qiu Jinn muttered and nodded unexpectedly, ¡°It is thoughtful of you!¡± Then he exined to her, ¡°The summer vacation has just begun and you have nothing to do anyway. You should walk around and get to know more people! Now all the people in the mountain have flowers and nts in their courtyards, and it is not a problem to get a few from them. Besides, we won¡¯t get for free.¡±

    This was one more reason for her to go out and socialize with people. Ruan Ciyi was a genuine noble girl and experienced in the growth and cultivation of noble girls. Neither Qiu Jinn nor Jiang Yashuang was as thoughtful as her in this respect.

    Jiang Yashuang was even more delighted and frequently looked at Ruan Ciyi gratefully. Just because of his huge team of cousins, when Qiu Yn began her ¡°nobledy diplomacy¡±, he was not afraid that he could not find chances to be with her alone.

    As long as a small number of his cousins learned from Princess Yongfu, this summer vacation would never be sweeter!

    However, after Qiu Yn began to move about, Jiang Yashuang found that it was too early to be happy!

    At first, everybody was willing to help. They took turns to ask Qiu Yn out, then called him over, found an excuse and left. Everyone was so understanding and full of the spirit of fraternity between brothers and sisters!

    Then one day it was Zhuang Man¡¯s turn. Being a true disciple of the barbecue circle with a good memory, she dragged Qiu Yn out for a pic. In Qiu Yn¡¯s words, Mount Dizi was full of delicious food in summer!

    Zhuang Man was satisfied with this trip. Of course, she showed off to others. So next, all the people who asked Qiu Yn ignored Jiang Yashuang. Instead, they called out arge group ofdies to join in ¡°A Bite of Mount Dizi¡± initiated by Zhuang Man and Qiu Yn.

    Of course, they would not let Qiu Yn cook alone for them. After all, not everyone was good at the barbecue and Qiu Yn didn¡¯t like being ordered about by anyone. But they all felt excited to cook in the wild with local materials and to listen to Qiu Yn teaching them how to survive in the wild.

    The moms and grandmas of the girls felt good when they knew about it. ¡°They are all girls from decent families and it is a good thing for them to get together often and exchange cooking skills with each other. After all, it¡¯s something that girls should learn. Just tell the maids be careful not to let them get burnt.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang ran to his sister-inw Madame Zhuang Junior, Zhuang Man¡¯s sister, and said angrily, ¡°It¡¯s all because of Zhuang Man! Please help me! She¡¯s the leader and is with Lan outside all day in such hot weather. Can Lan stand it?¡±

    Madame Zhuang Junior giggled and said, ¡°I¡¯ve heard that this would-be sister-inw is a heroine. When she saw a hare more than thirty yards away, she pulled out a hairpin and made them a course. Is she weak?¡± Then she said, ¡°Don¡¯t you know about Zhuang Man? I can¡¯t control her. She might obey my aunt if she is here.¡±

    The aunt she was talking about was Jiang Yashuang¡¯s mother, Madame Zhuang.

    Madame Zhuang was known for her shrewdness and jealousy. When she heard that Jiang Tianchi had taken a mistress in the north, she left young Jiang Yadan without hesitation, cried and insisted on ¡°taking care of her husband¡± before her parents-inw. Then she gave the mistress away as soon as she arrived in the north. About six monthster, the mistress found Jiang Tianchi with a baby boy in her arms. After a lot of trouble, the baby boy was epted into the family. That was Jiang Yazhu, the sixteenth young master of the Jiang Family.

    But the mistress was driven back to the family she had originally been given by Madame Zhuang.

    After that, Madame Zhuang was even stricter against Jiang Tianchi. Later she gave birth to the twins Jiang Qizheng and Jiang Yashuang in the north. Because the sister and brother were not used to the climate in the north and were often sick, Jiang Tianchi advised her to take the children back to Jing City. She refused, let her servants take the babies to Jing City and gave it to her parents-inw so that she could stay there and keep an eye on her husband.

    How could such a jealous aunte back to discipline his niece?

    Jiang Yashuang said gloomily, ¡°You are kidding me!¡±

    Madame Zhuang Junior, who was both his sister-inw and cousin, softened when she saw that he was unhappy and said with a smile, ¡°Well, I¡¯ll call Man over and talk to herter. But I can do nothing if she doesn¡¯t ept my advice.¡± Then she joked, ¡°I say, Yn is your fiancee now. What¡¯s your hurry? After the summer vacation, you¡¯ll have to go back to your hometown to take the exam. If you don¡¯t concentrate on your study but constantly go to find your fiancee, your elders will scold you!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve almost reviewed all of my lessons.¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°And it¡¯s dangerous for girls to go outside on such a hot day.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not hot in the mountain. There are so many trees and so many cool ces. How could they ruin themselves?¡± Madame Zhuang Junior said ironically, ¡°You are thinking about your fiancee but you wouldn¡¯t admit it!¡±

    Although Madame Zhuang Junior teased Jiang Yashuang, she was reliable. The next day she called Zhuang Man over. ¡°You know how much Yashuang cares for Qiu Yn. They are not married yet and it¡¯s inconvenient for them to date in the city. Now people live far away from one another in the mountain without the disturbance of the neighbors. It¡¯s a good time for them to date. Why do you y gooseberry?¡±

    Hearing the words, Zhuang Man felt wronged. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to get in their way, but Sister Qiu also had a good time with us! If she told me she wanted to meet him, I wouldn¡¯t go out with her.¡±

    ¡°She is timid!¡± Madame Zhuang Junior nced at her and said, ¡°You are his cousin. Even if she wants, it would be embarrassing for her to tell you.¡±

    Zhuang Mam rolled her eyes, ¡°So it¡¯s Yashuang who wants to see her, she may not...¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you want to offend him?¡± Madame Zhuang Junior half-smiled and said, ¡°Did you forget what Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng didst time under Jinxiu Slope? What¡¯s the ending of them now? I heard only yesterday that Jiang Qisheng¡¯s father had betrothed her to Ou Bikong, a cousin of Ou Bicheng, who is serving in the north. That¡¯s okay. But don¡¯t you know about our aunt? When Jiang Qisheng arrives in the north, if aunt knows that she had a problem with her son and would-be daughter-inw, she is sure to upset her!¡±

    ¡°Cousin Jiang is not like a dreadful monster. But those two have no brains of their own!¡± Zhuang Man disapproved. ¡°However, Jiang Qiyun is lucky. She was betrothed to Prince Qi thanks to her grandfather. When I see her again in autumn, I have to salute her! She is always domineering, and I wonder if she will be cockier after bing a princess!¡±

    Madame Zhuang Junior shook her head, showing a trace of bitterness on her face. ¡°Cousin Jiang won¡¯t upset you with your marriage. But you are both grown up. You can no longer do things as freely as you did when you were a child. Anyway, he is your cousin. You don¡¯t have to involve Qiu Yn in anything. Why should you offend him? As for Jiang Qiyun, you are too naive. Do you think she will be on top of the world when she bes the princess? Her would-be mother-inw is the Empress, who favors Cousin Jiang most!¡±

    She and Jiang Yahong were rtives who had seen each other a lot since childhood. She had believed that after they got married, they would be dear to each other. But what was the result? Although Jiang Yahong was good to her, he brought several mistresses home. She thought that they were childhood sweethearts and she was his legal wife and quarreled with him several times, but Jiang Yahong ignored her.

    Now there was nothing wrong with the husband and wife, but there were gaps in their hearts. Although Jiang Yashuang had made an engagement with Qiu Yn and it was impossible for him to marry Zhuang Man, Madame Zhuang Junior deeply realized that childhood friendship was not necessarily reliable when people grew up, so she was naturally afraid that her sister would make the same mistake.

    Zhuang Man did not like what she said. ¡°Well, I know what you mean. I won¡¯t go to Yn in the future without any reason. But I can¡¯t stop other people.¡±

    She couldn¡¯t do it, but Jiang Qizheng could. Or rather, she was not stopping them. At her brother¡¯s request, she had to hold poetry meetings and salons with He Shuijin over and again and find reasons not to invite Qiu Yn. With the help of the two, Jiang Yashuang got what he wanted and was able to meet Qiu Yn alone.

    As soon as they met, Qiu Yn forced a smile and said, ¡°I made an appointment with Cousin Xin the day before yesterday to see lotus in her vi tomorrow. If I like, I will dig a few and nt in the Green Vi. The date was set, but the appointment was ruined by Princess Chunfu. What punishment shall I give you?¡±

    ¡°You want to see lotus? It¡¯s so easy.¡± Jiang Yashuang looked at her with a smile. ¡°There is a bigke in the valley south of Mount Dizi. There are quantities of lotuses at this time of the year. The lotus in her vi was also dug there! How can the flowers in their pond bepared to those in the valley? Come on, I¡¯ll take you there to pick!¡±

 Chapter 189 - Slip and Hug Again

    <h4>Chapter 189 Slip and Hug Again</h4>

    They arrived at the ce Jiang Yashuang talked about. Lotus leaves were all closely next to each other, weaving a tight nket. In the middle bloomed white and red flowers. There were also lotus seedpods, singing birds, and croaking frogs. On the bank, there were tall willows and exuberant aspens. The cicada chirped without stopping. It was the most typical summer scenery.

    Qiu Yn rode the horse here with him. Even though Jiang Yashuang chose to ride in shadows and the wind was cool, she had sweated after riding this far. Now standing on the bank, looking at the clearke water that was hidden in between the flowers and leaves, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but mumbled, ¡°I really want to go swimming...¡±

    ¡°There are too many people here. Let¡¯s find a ce with fewer people and I¡¯ll watch out for you?¡± Hearing her, Jiang Yashuang immediately came close and said viciously by her ears.

    ¡°Then you will take my clothes away and use this to force me to be with you?¡± Qiu Yn squinted at him and smiled coldly, ¡°You think I would fall for that? You¡¯re too despicable!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was dazed after failing to joke about her. He then said surprisingly, ¡°No way? Who do you think I am?¡±

    Qiu Yn put on a straight face, ¡°They said you can¡¯t judge a book by its cover. How do I know who you are?¡±

    ¡°Not that kind of person!¡± Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry, ¡°We¡¯re engaged. Why would I force you? Isn¡¯t this something that would happen anyway?¡±

    Qiu Yn rolled her eyes, ¡°So I¡¯m not that attractive to you?¡±

    ¡°No. You¡¯re very...¡± Jiang Yashuang denied subconsciously. Before he could finish the sentence, Qiu Yn grabbed his ear, ¡°I know you didn¡¯t mean well when you asked me out! See! I got you! You¡¯re lucky that my brother isn¡¯t here. Otherwise, humph, you¡¯ll be in huge trouble!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang felt depressed. He grabbed her hands and held them tightly. He asked annoyingly, ¡°Are you ying me?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re dumb!¡± Qiu Ynughed wickedly. She pulled her hands out, lifted her dress, and started running. While running, she kept annoying him, ¡°And so what if I¡¯m ying you? Are you going to hit me?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang chased after her. He felt funny and annoyed, ¡°I don¡¯t want to hit you. But some small punishments... Slow down! Watch the road!¡±

    Hearing how he emphasized the word ¡°punishment¡±, Qiu Yn turned her head back and said contemptuously, ¡°How dare you!¡±

    But because of that, she tripped herself. Her feet stepped on her dress. She didn¡¯t have time to say anything before she fell into theke.

    ¡°Watch out!¡± Seeing this, Jiang Yashuang jumped over, trying to catch her. To avoid both falling into the water, he carried Qiu Yn in the air and then jumped with full strength. Then they rolled down the other side of the bank into the lush grass.

    They went out today on a secret date. The servants they brought were the ones that knew how to keep a secret and how to behave. Now the servants were all far behind them. Seeing this, the servants all ran towards them crazily. The servants were worried that they were hurt.

    But in fact, they didn¡¯t even have a scratch. The grass in this season was as thick as a nket. The two of them just felt like they were lying on something softer than a quilt after rolling down. They were both relieved.

    Qiu Yn was on top of Jiang Yashuang at this moment. She tried to stand up whileughing, ¡°Didn¡¯t you said you were good at Kungfu? Yet you just rolled like a stone. It¡¯s a good thing that all the servants were far away. Otherwise, you¡¯ll be ashamed!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang held her waist to help her stand up. Hearing this, he alsoughed, ¡°If I wasn¡¯t worried that you might fell into theke, I wouldn¡¯t be like this. If someone actually saw it, who do you think will be more ashamed?¡±

    ¡°I said it¡¯s you!¡± Qiu Yn pushed against the bush underneath him. Yet as she was pushing, the bush copsed. She fell right back into Jiang Yashuang¡¯s arm, ¡°This grass is too thick!¡±

    It was summer. Her clothes were thin. Jiang Yashuang was a youth of hot blood. Their skins were touching each other when they fell down. He already felt thirsty. He only suppressed his eagerness because Qiu Yn was calm.

    Seeing she stood up, he was disappointed and also relieved. Now she fell into his arms again. Her face was so close to his. There was a bit of sweat on her face. And because of the season, she was blushing. She looked so gorgeous!

    Out of nowhere, Jiang Yashuang moved his arm up from her waist. He held her long neck, raised his head up, and kissed her!

    Qiu Yn was caught off guard. She wanted to say something, yet he had upied her mouth. She then tried to push him. Jiang Yashuang simply turned over and pressed on her body. After a while, he released her with heavy breathing. Seeing how Qiu Yn stared at him with a straight face, he was embarrassed. He then said with some confidence, ¡°We... We are engaged!¡±

    ¡°So, you can do whatever you want?¡± Qiu Yn stared at him coldly, ¡°Who do you think I am?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said carefully, ¡°I just thought... You were so beautiful... So I...¡±

    ¡°So, I was beautiful just now, and not at other times?¡± He was hoping anxiously that Qiu Yn was not serious. Yet Qiu Yn who looked so indifferent and ready to break up with himst minute suddenly smiled. She held his face and said charmingly, ¡°You want to try that again?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was dazed. He secretly rxed. He held her waist excitedly and smiled, ¡°Yeah. I was wrong. You are always so beautiful.¡±

    ¡°I am. But you still can¡¯t do whatever you want!¡± Qiu Yn changed her attitude as fast as turning a book page. She suddenly pinched his ears and said angrily, ¡°Do you dare do this next time?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Jiang Yashuang squinted his eyes. He gently pressed on her waist. Qiu Yn just felt like she lost all her strength. She couldn¡¯t help but fell down. She looked at Jiang Yashuang catching her. He smiled, ¡°I know you¡¯re not that easy to talk to. But you tried to fight with me? Ha, silly girl. Do you think you are your brother? Even if you were him, you would be close to my level. If he wants to win me, it¡¯s really still up to me.¡±

    Qiu Yn struggled, but she still couldn¡¯t use any strength. She suddenly cried, ¡°You¡¯d rather let my brother win and not me! Fine! Fine! I know now. You actually like my brother, not me, don¡¯t you? You engaged with me so you can see my brother more often, right? You liar! I hate you!!!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Jiang Yashuang thought he wouldn¡¯t be afraid of any challenge anymore after listening to her bold words in these two years. But now looking at the tearful Qiu Yn, he still felt small and helpless, ¡°What are you saying?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t I correct? You said it yourself. You let my bother beat you up and you never fought back!¡± Qiu Yn said sadly, ¡°I only wanted to twist your ears. And you... I was fooled! What¡¯s the meaning of life!¡±

    She was acting full-heartedly and was having fun. But God probably couldn¡¯t see it anymore. They heard the servants calling them, ¡°Young master, Your Grace, where are you?¡±

    ¡°We are here!¡± Even though what she said almost destroyed Jiang Yashuang¡¯s mind, but he wasn¡¯t tortured for nothing in these years. Before the servants finished calling, he rolled his eyes and suddenly carried her up. He said loudly, ¡°She identally twisted her ankle.¡±

    Qiu Yn who was about to pinch him saw the bodyguarde out of the woods, so she gave it up disappointedly. But then she said while gritting her teeth, ¡°That¡¯s right! So I can¡¯t enjoy theke anymore! I need to go back! In case my brother worries!

    She intentionally emphasized the word ¡°brother¡±!

    Jiang Yashuang felt like being stabbed. He carried her up the bank and asked quietly, ¡°Are we really going back? You haven¡¯t picked the lotus flower.¡±

    ¡°The flowers all look the same. We can just pick some random ones. Besides, you are the one who said I twisted my ankle. It¡¯s logical to go back.¡± When no one was looking, Qiu Yn pinched a few more times on his chest. Jiang Yashuang painfully hissed. He warned her, ¡°If you bully me again, I¡¯ll roll down the bank again after we get up. I promise it would be just like this time!¡±

    His ill-intentioned look passed through her lips.

    Qiu Yn gritted her teeth, ¡°How dare you?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang suddenly slightly let go of his hands. Qiu Yn who stayed vignt immediately screamed. She held his neck with all her strength. It scared everyone around them!

    Then she immediately realized that she was yed!

    Because he just weighed her. He didn¡¯t even stop walking. Only now did Qiu Yn realize that they hadn¡¯t even got on the bank!

    ¡°You think this is fun?!¡± Qiu Yn breathed deeply again and again. She pulled his clothes and said word by word, ¡°From today, when we get back, till the end of this summer, I¡¯m not going out with you again!¡±

    ¡°I was wrong!¡± Hearing this, Jiang Yashuang twitched his mouth and lowered his head helplessly.

    ¡°Toote!¡± Qiu Yn smiled coldly, ¡°From now on, you just study. You¡¯ll never see me again! I won¡¯te even if your sister asks!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang begged, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. Do you want to keep pitching?¡±

    ¡°Bah, who wants to pinch you!¡± Qiu Yn turned her head around and smiled coldly, ¡°Don¡¯t you like taking advantage of me? Twisted my ankle... You just want to hold me! I¡¯ll never see you again. Let¡¯s see how you can take my advantage!¡±

    ¡°What? No.¡± Jiang Yashuang looked righteous, ¡°I¡¯m holding you because I don¡¯t want you to walk in such a hot day.¡±

    ¡°You know it¡¯s hot and you¡¯re still holding me?!¡± Qiu Yn said angrily, ¡°Don¡¯t you know it¡¯s hotter!¡±

    They argued all the way and finally got on the bank.

    The wind blew from theke. Feeling refreshed, Qiu Yn was about to continue, but she suddenly saw some bodyguards surrounding a man in green clothes walking towards them. She frowned. She didn¡¯t have time to fight with Jiang Yashuang and just asked, ¡°Why is he here?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was looking at Kuang Qingwu who was walking towards them. He was also confused. Before Kuang Qingwu went to them, he quietly asked his servants, ¡°When did hee?¡±

    ¡°When you and Your Grace fell, we called you and chased after you. Then we saw himing out of the lotus leaves in a boat. He asked what happened and said he would help.¡± The servants quickly exined.

    ¡°Put me now. This doesn¡¯t look good!¡± Qiu Yn patted on Jiang Yashuang¡¯s shoulder. She said quietly, ¡°I want to punch him when I see him. Just make him go away!¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Jiang Yashuang put her down. But to cover up the lie he said about her twisted ankle, he still held her and had her leaning on him. He said quietly, ¡°I¡¯ll punch him for you if we have a chanceter.¡±

 Chapter 190 - The Brother-in-Law Who Had a Sister Complex Was Terrifying

    <h4>Chapter 190 The Brother-in-Law Who Had a Sister Complex Was Terrifying</h4>

    Kuang Qingwu came over and nced at the intimate posture of the two yfully. He did a fist and palm salute and said, ¡°Since you are safe, I can rest assured.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t like him. But Kuang Qingwu had taken the initiative to help before, Jiang Yashuang had to say a few polite words. He held on to Qiu Yn and reluctantly returned the salute, ¡°Thanks for Young Prince¡¯s generous help just now.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t manage to help.¡± Kuang Qingwu smiled, ¡± Did Commandery Princess Ningyi hurt her foot? I have some medicine for the injury here. If you need it...¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve also brought it with us, so there is no need to borrow yours.¡± Qiu Yn immediately refused.

    Kuang Qingwu smiled and said, ¡°If this is the case, I won¡¯t disturb you anymore. Goodbye!¡±

    He walked away so fast, which confused the two who were wondering how to get rid of him.

    Watching his little boat disappeared among the lotus leaves, Qiu Yn suspiciously asked, ¡°Did he just... Just came to say hello?¡±

    ¡°That should be it.¡± Jiang Yashuang intoned, but he was a little hesitant in his heart, ¡°There¡¯s something odd about the way that Kuang Qingwu looked at Lan...¡± He noticed that when Kuang Qingwu came over, the first thing he noticed was Qiu Yn and then it was him. If Jiang Yashuang hadn¡¯t happened to see it, he wouldn¡¯t have even been able to notice the slightest difference between his switching gaze. The way Kuang Qingwu looked at Qiu Yn seemed to be neither love nor hatred. Instead, it wasplicated and hard to exin.

    But he was definitely scheming...

    ¡°It seems that after sending Lan back to Green Vi in a while, I have to talk to her brother alone!¡± Jiang Yashuang frowned secretly and thought.

    If Kuang Qingwu was scheming against Qiu Yn, he was more likely to target at Qiu Jinn.

    After they returned to Green Vi, they were, as they had expected, severely scolded by Qiu Jinn. Jiang Yashuang was the main target.

    Qiu Jinn, who was his future brother-inw, was already hard to please. Now that his sister had been taken out by Jiang Yashuang, who had failed to take her back safely. How could he not be angry?

    Qiu Yn was led to the back by Ruan Ciyi. She took a shower, changed her clothes, made her knee-length hair dry, and drank a bowl of ck plum drink before she returned to the front. However, Qiu Jinn was still rambling on about Jiang Yashuang¡¯s poor care.

    Seeing Jiang Yashuang¡¯s bitter smile and helpless expression, Qiu Yn slid in front of Qiu Jinn and said tteringly, ¡°Jinn, I¡¯m actually okay!¡±

    ¡°I know you¡¯re okay!¡± Qiu Jinn waved off the servants with a cold smile, ¡°He¡¯s the one who said you twisted your foot, right?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang, who was standing on the right, was shocked. Qiu Yn was also embarrassed and said angrily, ¡°We just went out for a while in the middle of the day. Why did you send people to follow us?¡±

    ¡°Do I need others to tell me about such a trivial thing?¡± Qiu Jinn nced at them disdainfully and said with a sneer, ¡°You are perfectly well, but he said that you twisted your ankle and couldn¡¯t walk well. Do you really think I don¡¯t know what you were nning? When I was in the South, I saw a lot of...¡±

    Qiu Jinn coughed again to cover up his slip of the tongue, but looking at the strange and flirting look of Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn, he simply stopped coughing, and said indifferently, ¡°In short, I have seen lots of these little tricks. If you want to hide it from me next time, try harder to think of something new, then I may need to think about it. You are engaged now and if you want to see each other asionally, I can allow it. But...¡±

    He suddenly got a very serious look, ¡°Never do the things that shouldn¡¯t be done! Otherwise...¡± He red at Jiang Yashuang fiercely, ¡°Don¡¯t me me for being ruthless!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang hurriedly nodded and said yes, he felt bitter in his heart. What was more terrifying than having a brother-inw who had a sisterplex was not that there were two or three such brothers-inw, but having a brother-inw who had seen endless women without having intimate rtionships with them. Not only did he know all Jiang Yashuang¡¯s skills to flirt with a girl, but he also disdained them.

    After sending Jiang Yashuang away, Qiu Jinn started to talk with Qiu Yn, who had failed to escape. He gave her a four-hour lecture on ¡°99 sad ways for a woman to end up with if she doesn¡¯t have enough self-respect¡±. Then Qiu Jinn waved to let her go till he was tired, ¡°Go rest for a while. It¡¯s almost time for dinner.¡±

    Qiu Yn ran back to the small courtyard where she and Ruan Ciyi lived, and threw herself into the arms of her cousin, crying andining, ¡°Don¡¯t you love me now? I was there for a really long time, but you didn¡¯t send anyone to get me! ¡±

    Ruan Ciyi was hugging and rubbing Whitey. She said with a grin, ¡°It¡¯s not convenient for your brother to go out now. It¡¯s boring for him to stay at home all day long. Just pretend that you were keeping himpany.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn looked at her cousin, who seemed to be naughty after she was cheerful again, and was speechless for a while. Then she said angrily, ¡°I want to spend time with him, but he just wants to scold me, OK? He¡¯s not tired of talking but I¡¯m tired of listening.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. We¡¯ll have dinner soon. If you¡¯re tired, just go to sleep after dinner!¡± Ruan Ciyi said in a rxed way. Seeing Yn¡¯s speechless face, she turned her eyes, ¡°Oh, someone you wouldn¡¯t expect came to the vi today. I wonder if we¡¯re gonna have dinner togetherter. Guess who?¡±

    Qiu Yn huffed, ¡°I don¡¯t want to guess!¡±

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t guess then.¡± Ruan Ciyi said cheerfully.

    ¡°Is it the Duke of Puyang you were talking about before?¡± Qiu Yn gave her a hateful look, and after a while, she couldn¡¯t help but ask.

    She remembered that among the people she had mentioned to Ruan Ciyi in their casual talks, this one was the most unexpected. But what was he doing here?

    ¡°Wrong!¡± Ruan Ciyi said immediately, ¡°Why would that onee over? Even if something really happened, the old Princess wouldn¡¯t let hime here. His health condition...¡±

    ¡°Is it Qiu Nie and the others?¡± Qiu Yn pondered for a while and asked.

    Ruan Ciyi shook her head, ¡°How is it possible?¡±

    ¡°Xue Nongying?¡±

    ¡°Of course not!¡±

    ¡°Prince of Yan or Prince of Zhou?¡±

    ¡°If they were here, would your brother have time to scold you for so long?¡±

    ¡°Is it Prince Qiyang?¡± Qiu Yn was already taking wild guesses.

    Ruan Ciyiughed, ¡°The more you guess, the further you are from the right answer. None of your guesses is right!¡±

    ¡°Who is it then? Is the person rted to us?¡± Qiu Yn had be curious because of her.

    Ruan Ciyi smiled and said, ¡°Of course the person is rted to us. Otherwise, why did I let you guess? Haha, but it seems that you can¡¯t guess it!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it!¡± Qiu Yn rolled up her sleeves and shouted, ¡°Pang Hu!¡±

    ¡°Who is he? I have never heard of him!¡±

    ¡°Mei Xue!¡±

    ¡°I told you it was not her!¡±

    ¡°Prince of Qi!¡±

    ¡°Like what I said before, would your brother put a prince aside to scold you and Jiang Yashuang?¡±

    ¡°Xun Yuxi!¡±

    ¡°He didn¡¯te to Mount Dizi at all, did he?¡±

    ¡°Li Xuan!¡±

    ¡°This one is here, but not him!¡±

    Soon it was dinner time, but Qiu Yn still didn¡¯t figure out who it was. Ruan Ciyi, who was naughty, refused to tell her who it was. Qiu Yn was so curious that she waited anxiously for the dinner.

    As soon as the servant came to ask them to have dinner, Qiu Yn stood up all of a sudden, eagerly saying, ¡°Go, go, go! Let¡¯s check it out!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the rush? I¡¯ve told you that the person may not eat with us.¡± Ruan Ciyi put down Whitey with good grace and smiled proudly.

    ¡°Can¡¯t I ask my brother?¡± Qiu Yn curled her lips.

    In the end, there was no need to ask Qiu Jinn. As soon as she entered the Flower Hall, she saw her acquaintance, Qiu Feng, already sitting on the right with a cup of tea!

    At the first sight of him, Qiu Yn was shocked instead of happy and rushed to Qiu Jinn, who was also holding a cup of tea sitting on the left. She asked nervously, ¡°Jinn, how are you doing? ¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Seeing it, Qiu Jinn felt warm in his heart. He smiled and patted her hand, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Qiu Feng is not here to fight me desperately this time.¡±

    Qiu Yn breathed a sigh of relief, and it was only then she had the mood to look at Qiu Feng. After more than three months, Master Qiu was thinner, but the whole person appeared more vigorous. In particr, there was asionally a sh of light in his eyes, like purple lightning sweeping the sky in the darkness of the night, and when she made eye contact with him, she would feel a bit nervous.

    However, although he looked like he had made great progress in his kung fu skills, his temperament seemed to have changed.

    Although the former Qiu Feng was not talkative, he was not a silent person. He used to be yful andughing freely. But now, Qiu Feng was only drinking tea in silence from the moment Qiu Yn came in. Hepletely turned a blind eye to her.

    After thinking for a while, Qiu Yn felt that she hadn¡¯t offended him. She asked her brother in a low voice, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡±

    ¡°He has got something to worry about.¡± Qiu Jinn waved his hand at her, implying her not to mention it again. After all, the Flower Hall is not very big. No matter how low Qiu Yn¡¯s voice was, for a master at Qiu Feng¡¯s level, it would be no different from just saying it out loud.

    Qiu Yn stopped talking obediently, but kept staring at Qiu Feng.

    But she saw that when Ruan Ciyi, who was behind her, came in and dinner started, Qiu Feng still turned a deaf ear.

    Qiu Jinn specially prepared a small pot of wine for Qiu Feng over dinner, ¡°This is your favorite 30-year-old Zhuyeqing.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Qiu Feng, who had been silent all night, finally spoke. After saying this, he opened the pot seal, lifted it, and drank it in one breath. After a few more mouthfuls of vegetables, he put the chopsticks down, ¡°I am finished. Enjoy your meal. ¡±

    Before the wordspleted, he had already left the ce!

    Ruan Ciyi seldom saw people who knew martial arts and gave a light cry at the sight of it.

    Qiu Jinn and Qiu Yn were very calm about this kind of flying kung fu skill. They calmed Ruan Ciyi together, lest she suspected that the person who just dined with them was a ghost. Then Qiu Yn looked at Qiu Jinn eagerly.

    Thetter immediately warned, ¡°No alcohol!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want alcohol!¡± The corner of Qiu Yn¡¯s mouth twitched and she said, ¡°I just wanted to know whether he just get dumped by a female hero or not?¡±

    Qiu Jinn didn¡¯t know whether to cry orugh, ¡°Do you think he is you? Thinking about love all the time?¡±

    ¡°Then why did hee to you?¡± Qiu Yn looked suspicious, ¡°He wanted to kill you before, and now he doesn¡¯t even mention it, and he is willing to eat your food and drink your wine. This is not like him. Didn¡¯t someone break up with him? So, he came to an experienced person for guidance. I was wrong!¡±

    Before she finished speaking, Qiu Jinn knocked her with a chestnut, ¡°Stop talking nonsense!¡±

    Ruan Ciyi hurriedly helped her, ¡°Perhaps it was a misunderstanding before and it has been solved now.¡±

    ¡°Ciyi, you haven¡¯t seen him a lot before, so you don¡¯t know. That person was not as boring as he is today. He used to be very articte. Suddenly his temperament changed drastically. There is no way the misunderstanding has been solved. It must have been worse!¡± Qiu Yn sneaked to a ce far away from Qiu Jinn, and then said calmly, ¡°And the way he looked just now seemed to tell us that he has been dumped!¡±

    Qiu Jinn narrowed his eyes, ¡°I called him back to keep an eye on you. Now I¡¯m wounded and can¡¯t watch over you. I want him to stop you from running around and making trouble!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn suddenly couldn¡¯t stand it, and shouted in grief, ¡°Really? I¡¯m not that easy to be fooled.¡±

 Chapter 191 - An Episode before the Emperors Birthday

    <h4>Chapter 191 An Episode before the Emperor¡¯s Birthday</h4>

    Qiu Yn ignored Jiang Yashuang¡¯s invites in the next few days. Instead, she asked Zhuang Man to go out for a few days.

    There was no sign of Qiu Feng during those days. One day, she talked about it with Ruan Ciyi. Ruan Ciyi roared withughter at once, ¡°You really believed your brother? Haven¡¯t you been out these two days? Qiu Feng drank all day long since the early morning lying in the tree. He only got down to have meals when the servants called him. I could see him daily through my window upstairs... How could he go to follow you?¡±

    Qiu Yn was enlightened. She said grinding her teeth, ¡°I know my brother doesn¡¯t adore me anymore! How could he lie to me like this!¡±

    ¡°You were just not smart enough!¡± Ruan Ciyi patted her with a silk fan and said leisurely, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say it yourself? When Qiu Feng came here this time, he had a great change in temperament. Your brother told you that there was something on Qiu Feng¡¯s mind... Under this circumstance, how could he be in the mood to do your brother¡¯s bidding? I think he came here to drive away his cares!¡±

    ¡°Anyhow, my brother is so annoying!¡± Qiu Yn was angry, ¡°I¡¯m going to talk to him!¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Seeing that she was about to run away, Ruan Ciyi grabbed her in a hurry and said grumpily, ¡°The day after tomorrow is the Emperor¡¯s birthday. But you still haven¡¯t picked out your dress and jewelry yet. Don¡¯t think about leaving. Sit down! Listen to me carefully!¡±

    Qiu Yn sat back with a bitter face andined, ¡°Ciyi, don¡¯t you feel that you are bing more and more like my brother? Both so stern.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you brother said so,¡± Ruan Ciyi said casually while asking servants to bring Qiu Yn¡¯s new dress, jewel box and other stuff, ¡°He said that you only responded to strength and reasoning with you was useless, and you wouldn¡¯t listen unless we used a little force!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn was so frustrated, ¡°I¡¯m definitely not his real sister!¡± No one would do this to one¡¯s real sister!

    Ruan Ciyi shoveled one dress and serval pieces of jewelry into her arm and stared at her, ¡°Even if you were adopted, go in and put those on right now!¡±

    Until the dusk before the Emperor¡¯s birthday, except eating, sleeping and other necessary matters, Qiu Yn kept trying on clothes and jewelry and adjusting makeup under Ruan Ciyi¡¯s supervision... Ruan Ciyi even brought in the tailor to adjust Qiu Yn¡¯s new clothes in order to make her unique among all thedies.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think these are trifles!¡± They finally decided on the outfit for the Emperor¡¯s birthday and the backup one. Ruan Ciyi saw Qiu Yn lying face down on the bed recklessly and refused to get up. She said sincerely, ¡°People will only know how to properly eat and dress after being officers for three generations! Judging people by their appearance and clothes is superficial. But most of the people are like that! Dressing up nicely will spare you a lot of criticisms and you will be more worry-free.¡±

    Qiu Yn said spiritlessly, ¡°How worry-free can I be? Let alone others, people from the Gu Family must be eager for going after me!¡±

    ¡°There is nothing to be scared of!¡± Ruan Ciyi disapproved, ¡°You are a Commandery Princess. Among all thedies who will be on the scene, only a Princess¡¯s level is higher than you. And Her Majesty controls all the legit Princesses! Her Majesty adores Jiang Yashuang the most among all her nephews. Whichdy will be stupid enough to offend you? As for Princess Shou¡¯an from the Gu Family, doesn¡¯t the Jiang Family also have Chunfu Princess? You just need to follow her closely!¡±

    Qiu Yn got up, ¡°I¡¯m not scared. I just feel that people will mess with me anyway. Why do I bother going through all the trouble to dress up?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by going through all the trouble?¡± The seniordy was angry, ¡°Do you think the Emperor¡¯s birthday is ordinary people¡¯s family dinner? It will be your second big celebration after your mourning period was over. Her Majesty¡¯s birthday was ruinedst time. It will be your first appearance in a celebration. Especially, you are the Jiang Family¡¯s future daughter-inw! I didn¡¯t dress you up for people from the Gu Family. It¡¯s for your future sisters-inw! Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± Seeing that Ruan Ciyi was about to give her a proper lecture, Qiu Yn admitted her fault decidedly!

    She was lucky that Ruan Ciyi was tired after teaching her two days about how to be ady. Ruan Ciyi waved her hand and asked the servants to put away the clothes and jewelry they selected, ¡°Take these to your ce. The begonia red one is for tomorrow morning. The others are backups in case of idents... Do you remember everything I said?¡±

    ¡°Yes, all in my mind!¡± Qiu Yn said in a hurry.

    Ruan Ciyi asked her to take those to her ce. Ruan Ciyi didn¡¯t mean the ce which was one corridor apart from her room. She meant the Fangfei Pavilion of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. The Ruan Family was still in mourning after all. Nobody cared that Qiu Yn lived there in the normal days. But she was about to go to the Emperor¡¯s birthday party. If she lived in the family which was in mourning the day before the birthday and someone exposed this, it would cause trouble.

    Besides, as an unmarried woman, she needed someone to lead her to the pce unless she was summoned to go alone. No one in the Ruan Family could lead her at that moment. If she didn¡¯t go back to Fangfei Pavilion, she couldn¡¯t go with the Jiang Family, could she? It was so frivolous!

    Qiu Yuqing was dead in March. Normally, Qiu Yn and others should be in mourning for her for nine months. However, she was dead because she tried to kill Deng Yi in order to frame her maiden family. So, after the case was adjudicated, Qiu Mengmin naturally cast her out of the Qiu family and denied her as his sister!

    In that case, Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe didn¡¯t need to be in mourning...

    Enough about those. When Qiu Yn went into the vi at dusk, Qiu Jinzhu had already been waiting for her behind the door for a while.

    Qiu Jinzhu approached in a hurry and saluted after seeing her, ¡°Yn!¡±

    ¡°Do you need anything?¡± Qiu Yn had stayed in the Ruan Family ever since Qiu Jinn was attacked. She hadn¡¯t seen this cousin during that period. When Qiu Yn looked at her at that moment, Qiu Yn felt that she seemed to grow taller and prettier. It was just that her obedient look still couldn¡¯t hide the grievance in her eyes. So, Qiu Yn asked coldly.

    Qiu Jinzhu said in a soft voice, ¡°I just haven¡¯t seen you for a while. I heard that you woulde back today. So, I¡¯m here to greet you on purpose.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± seeing that Qiu Jinzhu was trying to please her and didn¡¯t cut to the chase, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t ask her again. She said tly and then asked, ¡°Has my room been cleaned?¡±

    ¡°It has been cleaned a long time ago,¡± Qiu Jinzhu said in a hurry.

    But when they got to her room, Qiu Yn frowned. It was not that Qiu Jinzhu lied to her. ¡°Didn¡¯t I live in the courtyard at the northeastern cornerst year? Why do you lead me to your room?¡±

    ¡°This ce was getting repaired back then. So, we arranged for you to stay over there. Now this ce is ready. Of course, you should live here,¡± Qiu Jinzhu said guiltily.

    When they spent the summer therest year, Princess Yang made an excuse saying that a lot of the empty courtyards in Fangfei Pavilion needed to repair which were uninhabitable. She arranged Qiu Yn to live in the damp and stuff courtyard at the northeastern corner on purpose. And she let Qiu Jinzhu live exclusively in a courtyard which was big enough for a few princesses. Qiu Jinn bought Green Vi at once because of it.

    Before that, he and Ruan Ciyi were invited by the Xue Family to stay in one of the Xue Family¡¯s unupied vis.

    However, this year was different fromst year. Both Qiu Jinn¡¯s origin and the Jiang Family¡¯s endorsement made Qiu Mengmin and his wife lose the courage to give Qiu Yn a hard time. Qiu Jinzhu was obviously trying to makepensations. It was not just her. Ding Qinghong approached while they were standing outside the courtyard. She said to Qiu Yn with enthusiasm, ¡°Yn, here you are. I just asked the servants to water the flower bed outside your door. Those crape myrtle flowers are newly nted. I don¡¯t know if you like them?¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu frowned after seeing that, ¡°Qinghong, why are you here? I have been living here. I¡¯ll show Yn around.¡±

    ¡°Since my mother took Feng from me to raise him by her side, I don¡¯t have much to do. So, I¡¯m just walking around,¡± Ding Qinghong was smiling. But when she mentioned Feng, her look was weird. Obviously, she was not willing to let Princess Yang raise Qiu Feng like she appeared to be.

    Qiu Jinzhu sensed it and sneered, ¡°Mother put you in charge of our family business. You need to manage the whole back yard. How can you find time to take good care of Feng? Mother did it for your own good!¡±

    ¡°I think so too!¡± Ding Qinghong smiled faintly, ¡°You sound like I med our mother. I can¡¯t bear that usation... Don¡¯t keep Yn at the door. Let¡¯s go in!¡±

    Qiu Jinn wasn¡¯t fully recovered yet. The Emperor¡¯s birthday on the next day definitely wouldn¡¯t be smooth. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t have time to care for the infighting in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. She followed Ding Qinghong into the yard. She checked her room and found nothing was wrong. After making a few conventional remarks, she saw them out.

    Ding Qinghong seemed to have something to say to Qiu Yn during that period. But she didn¡¯t have the chance. So, she had to leave with regret.

    The next day morning, Su He woke Qiu Yn up while it was still dark. Following the procedure that Ruan Ciyi instructed early, she took a bath first and then got dressed. After getting ready, she had some cakes. Princess Yang also sent people over, ¡°The Princess, Madame Ding and sixth Commandery Princess are ready. They wanted to know if you were ready?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m ready too,¡± Qiu Yn stood up. Chunran and others took the backup clothes and jewelry in a hurry and followed her to the Flower Hall where Princess Yang and others were waiting.

    Other than the people who were mentioned by the servant, Senior Concubine Bian who the servant didn¡¯t mention on purpose was also there. She was all dolled up. She looked nice which indicated that she had a great life in these two years.

    ¡°Yn is also ready? Then let¡¯s go,¡± seeing Qiu Yn came in, Princess Yang gave back the Persian cat on herp to Qiu Jinzhu. She stood up and said.

    ¡°Mother, could you let Yn be in the same carriage with me?¡± Just after everyone agreed, Ding Qinghong suddenly spoke in a hurry, ¡°It¡¯s the first time Yn attends the Emperor¡¯s birthday. There may be something she doesn¡¯t know. I can exin those to her.¡±

    Princess Yang frowned after hearing that and said, ¡°Lady Ruan was a regr in the pce. Why should you bother?¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, that¡¯s not true,¡± Ding Qinghong was really embarrassed because of Princess Yang¡¯s words. Senior Concubine Bian blinked her eyes and suddenly said with a smile, ¡°Lady Ruan is an outsider after all. Although she gave advice to Yn, our family couldn¡¯t let it be, could we? Besides, Lady Ruan hasn¡¯t been in the city for a few years. As for the people at the banquet, how could she know more about them than Madame Ding, right?¡±

    Princess Yang didn¡¯t know how to answer. She just gave her a dirty look and walked away, ¡°Suit yourselves!¡±

    Ding Qinghong gave Senior Concubine Bian a grateful look. She approached and pulled Qiu Yn who had a faint smile. She whispered in her ear, ¡°Yn, I¡¯m asking you for a favor. Please help me!¡±

    ¡°Feng?¡± Qiu Yn was correct at her first guess.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Ding Qinghong bit her lips and then begged, ¡°I heard that my mother often treated him poorly in private. I¡¯m really worried! Please speak up for me. So that I can raise him by myself!¡±

    Knowing that Qiu Hongzhi didn¡¯t get along with her and they even quarreled with each other, Ding Qinghong didn¡¯t talk vaguely, ¡°As long as you help me with this, if you need anything in the future, I¡¯ll be at your service!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk after today,¡± Qiu Yn focused on Qiu Jinn¡¯s recovery in these few months. She didn¡¯t know the current situation of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Of course, she wouldn¡¯t agree to help her so easily.

    Ding Qinghong sighed inwardly after seeing this. She had to say, ¡°Then let me tell you about the Emperor¡¯s birthday...¡±

 Chapter 192 - A Gift Battle in the Birthday Ceremony

    <h4>Chapter 192 A Gift Battle in the Birthday Ceremony</h4>

    The Emperor¡¯s birthday, as its name showed, was the festival to celebrate the birthday of the Emperor. As usual, people would have three-days off for this festival. On the exact day of the Emperor¡¯s birthday, the celebrations were livelier. In an important sense, the ceremony for the Emperor¡¯s birthday was more important than the ones for the Empress Dowager¡¯s birthday and the Empress¡¯s birthday.

    However, the Emperor was tired of superficial things. The more he stayed on the throne, the less he liked to show his face in public. What was more, the Emperor and others were living in Mount Dizi for the summer vacation now. The ce over here was smaller than the pce in the capital, which meant that there might not be enough room for various activities. Hence, every year, the Emperor would decree an order to go through the motions, showing his ¡°care¡± for his people.

    However, it was not his call.

    This year was his 40th birthday, and more importantly, the ceremony was a stage for the future Crown Prince. For this reason, his ¡°care¡± for his people would not be realized.

    It was known for a long time that Prince of Qi and Prince of Yan have been preparing their birthday gifts. It¡¯s the time to show their care and love for the Emperor. They definitely would not let the ceremony be shabby.

    For this reason, the ceremony for the Emperor¡¯s birthday was bigger than the previous onesbined.

    As soon as they leaving the Fangfei Pavilion, the crowd could feel the mountain breeze hitting on the face and smell the strong scent of jasmine.

    Once inside the Summer Pce, it was even more like stepping into a sea of flowers. In addition to countless seasonal flowers, there were also a wide variety of rich vessels, royal ceremonies and decorations. Without the pce maids guiding the way, this pce would have been like a maze to people who used to be able to walk around here with their eyes closed.

    Princess Yang led the crowd into the main hall where the banquet was being held today. A number of people had already arrived first.

    Because it was a celebration at the pce, everyone was dressed in gorgeous, bright and colorful clothes. As far as the eye could see, it was so colorful!

    After sitting down, Qiu Yn took a look around and immediately noticed several very unfriendly lines of sight. It was Princess Shou¡¯an and others. She shrugged her shoulders, waited, and waited... Princess Yang had already greeted a few noblewomen nearby. Yet, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t see the Gu Familying over to make trouble. When she looked again, she noticed that Gu E¡¯nuo and the others were already talking to themselves.

    With a little thought, she knew that they wanted toe over her, making trouble for her. Yet, they hadn¡¯t done this because they must be afraid of Empress Jiang.

    ¡°A strong backer is key to leisure!¡± Qiu Yn secretlymented. She finally understood why Jiang Yadan could speak freely in the court back then.

    Only when she thought of Jiang Yadan, she saw Jiang Qizheng apanying a woman in green towards her. Princess Yang reminded her promptly, ¡°That one in green is the eighth youngdy of the Jiang Family, Tao Qianbin. They must be here for you.¡±

    This is the first daughter-inw of the Jiang Family¡¯s fourth branch, and Qiu Yn dared not to give her a cold shoulder. When noticing that they reached a short distance away and confirming they wereing for her, she got up to wee them, ¡°Your Highness, are you here for me? And this is?¡±

    ¡°This is our eighth sister-inw,¡± Jiang Qizheng smiled. ¡°She hasn¡¯t seen you before. She asked me to apany her to meet you before our auntmands us at any minute!¡±

    Qiu Yn bowed her head slightly to show her shyness. She remembered Qiu Jinn and Ruan Ciyi¡¯s advice. They advised her against changing the calls before she got married. Therefore, she only smiled and called her ¡°Sister Tao¡± before inviting them to sit down. After that, she poured tea and served snacks with a sweet look on her face. Her action and attitude surprised Madame Tao Junior, who thought to herself, ¡°I was told she is a tough girl. She even made Yashuang jump to his feet out of anger. But now, she doesn¡¯t look like a girl they told me.¡±

    Princess Yang cursed under her breath, ¡°The little bitch is so good at pretending!¡± But on the surface, she had to say something to liven up the atmosphere, ¡°It has been a few days since I¡¯ve seen you, Tao. How are you? You look good!¡±

    Tao Qianbin smiled slightly, ¡°Thanks for asking. I am fine. The cook recently made a new green bean and lily soup that is very appetizing. Perhaps because I drink this often.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. Green beans and lily soup are both good for clearing heat and calming the mind. Drinking this in the middle of summer is the best for our health...¡±

    Both of them were senior noblewomen and were very familiar and skilled with the conversation. After a few moments, the atmosphere was very lively.

    Taking this opportunity, Jiang Qizheng pulled Qiu Yn aside, ¡°Didn¡¯t you ask who has beautiful flowers these days and want to exchange them for a few to nt in the Green Vi? There are various flowers in the pce today! Once everyone is free to walk around during the feast, you follow my maid, Mengtao, and ask her to take you to choose two pots. When we leave, we carry the flower pots directly to the carriage!¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned, ¡°Can we?!¡±

    ¡°Anyway, if you don¡¯t take some, the maids and servants will take them down the mountainster anyway,¡± Jiang Qizheng said dismissively. ¡°It¡¯s not easy to walk with so many flowers around! Don¡¯t worry, we have reported to my aunt. And you¡¯re not the only one taking it. It is normal that some of the pots are damaged when they move them down the mountains.¡±

    It was only a few pots of flowers that were worth nothing. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t think it was fine to do so...

    Qiu Yn was tempted to refuse but when she looked at Jiang Qizheng¡¯s face, which showed, ¡°Look, I remember your business and I care about you,¡± she hesitated and nodded, ¡°Thank you, Your Highness.¡±

    ¡°Not a big deal,¡± said Jiang Qizheng. She walked back and stood beside Tao Qianbin. Seeing Jiang Qizheng had done her talk, Tao Qianbin ended her talk with Princess Yang with some empty words. And then they took their leave.

    Princess Yang and the others looked at Qiu Yn. The Jiang Family had obviouslye over to speak to her in private. But, as for what exactly they said, they were eager to know. Yet, just considering Qiu Yn¡¯s personality and seeing that she didn¡¯t have the intention to say anything, they kept silent.

    Not long after, a maid came in to tell the crowd that the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Empress would being soon. People promptly checked each other¡¯s clothes, stopped gossiping and were ready to wee.

    A few momentster, a eunuch spoke in a lengthened tone to announce the arrival of the Emperor, the Empress and the Empress Dowager. Everyone stood up to bow down in unison and kowtowed to wee and greet them. When the three were seated, the Emperor instructed everyone to stand up. The crowd stood up and then kneeled again. The kowtow for the second time was for the Emperor¡¯s birthday. In the end, the crowd kowtowed for thirty-three times, which made Qiu Yn very depressed.

    Finally, the Emperor once again spoke out to let the crowd stand up. And then, on behalf of the crowd, Premier Xue Chang served the Emperor with a wine cup, wishing the Emperor a long life. The Emperor gave him a cup of tea... After these ceremonies were done, the crowd was allowed to return to their tables.

    It was only then that Qiu Yn noticed that not only the Emperor, the Empress and the Empress Dowager were present in the pce today, but also several concubines were present.

    But there were not many concubines presenting. The first one next to the Empress resembled Princess Shou¡¯an Gu E¡¯nuo, but she was older. She wore traditional Chinese clothes. Based on her clothes and appearance, she must be a Noble Consort from the Gu Family. Princess Shou¡¯an was a pretty girl. So did this Noble Consort. Since she had been living in the pce for many years, she nurtured a gesture of noblewoman. Although Empress Jiang got a powerful presence in the hall, the Noble Consort was sitting next to her gently and quietly, making her a qualified Noble Consort.

    But the crowd might notice that Noble Consort Gu was not in the mood for this asion, which inevitably seemed a little off-putting for today¡¯s ceremony.

    ¡°Empress Jiang might bully her ofte.¡± Empress Dowager Gu could do nothing about Empress Jiang, let alone the concubines. The concubines were behaving like white obedient rabbits in front of the Empress. Thinking about the uing battle for the status of Crown Prince, Qiu Yn thought for herself, ¡°As the Empress can do nothing about Prince of Yan¡¯s supporters, Empress Dowager Gu will definitely vent her anger on Prince of Yan¡¯s birth mother, Noble Consort Gu...¡±

    The woman next to Noble Consort Gu was a 16 or 17-year-old girl with a goose-egg face and a topknot. She had a pretty face and limpid eyes. In terms of beauty, she was above Empress Jiang and Noble Consort Gu and as pretty as Qiu Yn.

    Qiu Yn knew this one too. She was Fair Concubine who was appointed not long ago. That was right, the previous Fair Concubine, the one the coward Emperor had begged the Empress for four months, had an affair with Jiang Yadan. Although Empress Jiang helped cover the whole story for his niece, the Empress Dowager knew the whole thing... So, the Fair Concubine ¡°died out of something¡± two years ago suddenly.

    Because of this, the Emperor grieved for a long time. In the end, Empress Jiang got impatient and had someone find Yin. As expected, Yin, whose beauty was not inferior to the previous Fair Concubine, quicklyforted the Emperor and was promoted to the position of the Fourth Concubine in less than two years.

    Apart from these two, there were three other concubines present. Qiu Yn spected that if the Empress was bringing them out based on their positions, they must be Virtuous Concubine and Worthy Concubine, as well as Lady Zhen.

    But none of them were saluted by the crowd, she was not sure if her guess was right.

    At this time, Empress Dowager Gu, as a royal representative, had greeted Xue Chang, the representative of the crowd. It was time for presenting gifts. The gifts the Empress Dowager and the Empress gave to the Emperor were simr to the ones in the previous years. Anyway, they did not need to please the Emperor. What they needed to do was just go through the motions.

    It might be the Empress Dowager or the Empress¡¯s idea that the part for concubine offering gifts was passed and went directly to the part that princes and princesses offering gifts. And the first one, Prince of Qi!

    The atmosphere turned serious immediately.

    Even Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s attention was drawn by the gift list.

    ¡°The gifts presented by Prince of Qi include thirty-three crystal mirrors, thirty-three bronze mirrors, three pairs of white deer, a pair of seven-foot coral and jade trees with iid beads, two pairs of emerald caskets, ten pairs of dangling cranes...¡± The eunuch who was responsible for reading out the gift list recited aloud. In the first ce, the crowd listened to the list quietly. But after he read the list for a long time, the crowd began to whisper...

    ¡°Prince of Qi is so generous!¡±

    ¡°After all, he is the favorite one of Her Majesty... Can¡¯t believe he can get three pairs of auspicious white deer... ¡±

    ¡°The most generous one must be Prince of Qi this year!¡±

    ¡°Shh, the next one is Prince of Yan. Don¡¯t jump to conclusions too soon!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re probably right... This gift list has been reading for a long time, hasn¡¯t it? I wonder when the reading will be finished?¡±

    ¡°I wonder what Prince of Yan will offer?¡±

    ¡°Must be no less than Prince of Qi. Look at him. He is serious but not showing anxiety.¡±

    With the whispers, the eunuch finally finished the reading of the list. He obviously lost his voice when he read thest items.

    A new eunuch had toe up when it was Prince of Yan¡¯s turn. As expected, although Prince of Qi was generous, Prince of Yan was not less generous than him. Apart from the usual items, something new such as fire cicada cotton, meditation silk, a curtain to protect against wind chill that surprised the crowd were read out loudly.

    Qiu Yn listened to the gossip for a while. There were different opinions on which one was better, Prince of Qi or Prince of Yan. She thought it was more or less the same. Or how could there be a battle between them?

    After the two princes, the rest princes¡¯ gifts were moderate. Everybody knew that the Emperor¡¯s birthday was the beginning of the fight for the status of Crown Prince. No one intended to steal the future Crown Prince¡¯s thunder.

    After the presentation of the gifts and empty speeches. The Kabuki girls came in for dancing. This marked the beginning of the feast. With the disguise of singing and dancing, the atmosphere was rxed, and everyone spoke a little more boldly.

    Qiu Jinzhu then whispered and asked Princess Yang, ¡°The congrattory gifts of the two princes... Will the Emperor¡¯s warehouse big enough for them?¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Princess Yang smiled. ¡°What a shadow girl! You think that the Emperor has no room for so few things?¡±

    Qiu Yn had little interest in the gifts. She interrupted, ¡°Aunt, why did all concubine...?¡±

    ¡°Her Majesty doesn¡¯t like people to mention them when she is present,¡± said Princess Yang in a low voice. ¡°When Her Majesty is present, you should treat concubines as decorations. Don¡¯t talk with anyone of them!¡±

    ¡°What she does deserves the position of the Master of the Imperial Harem!¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s mouth twitched, ¡°If the Jiang Family fails the battle, the family must be tortured to death definitely!¡± They were just like concubines bought for a few taels of silver by an ordinary family rather than concubines who lived in the pce!

    As for the Jiang Family, there was only one option. That was to do what they were doing now. Anyway, Qiu Yn did not care about the result. As the saying went, ¡°If you want to be rich, you must undertake risks.¡± There was no such thing as getting something for nothing.

    Seeing Qiu Yn was obsessed with something, Princess Yang tried to take this opportunity to establish a good rtionship with her. Unexpectedly, a maid in pink rushed over here and tugged lightly on Qiu Yn, ¡°Your Grace!¡±

    Qiu Yn turned around and saw that it was Jiang Qizheng¡¯s maid, Mengtao. She was stunned and asked, ¡°The feast has begun already?¡±

    She had barely been to feasts before. But she knew a feast could be called a good one after some dishes had been removed. But now, she just picked up her chopsticks!

 Chapter 193 - Why Do I Have to Avoid Them?

    <h4>Chapter 193 Why Do I Have to Avoid Them?</h4>

    Mengtao hurriedly said, ¡°No. I have something to tell you.¡± She bent down and whispered to her, ¡°Her Majesty asked if you could write another one simr to the one written at Jinxiu Slope back then.¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s look suddenly changed, ¡°About the Emperor¡¯s birthday?¡±

    ¡°Not necessarily.¡± Mengtao¡¯s voice was lower, ¡°As long as it is auspicious and beautiful, it will do!¡±

    Qiu Yn recalled the guidance of Ruan Ciyi, the nobledy. As the future daughter-inw of the Jiang Family, she must not be low-key when she should be in the limelight. Otherwise, she would be underestimated by her sisters-inw, and even by the elders of the Jiang Family. And then her life here wouldn¡¯t be easy in the future.

    She nodded thoughtfully, ¡°I¡¯ll think about it. It should be easy!¡± Then she asked, ¡°When is it needed? Before the middle of the banquet?¡±

    ¡°Before the end of the banquet.¡± Mengtao whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the flower. It¡¯s just that...¡±

    Qiu Yn asked in surprise, ¡°Just what?¡±

    ¡°Could you give your poem to someone else?¡± Mengtao¡¯s lips almost touched her earlobe and she whispered in secret.

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn was stunned for a while before she realized that she was asked to be a ghostwriter. She thought about it and suddenly guessed, ¡°Is it for Prince of Qi?¡±

    Mengtao pursed her lips, ¡°Exactly.¡±

    Obviously, Prince of Qi, who was supported by the Empress, failed to win Prince of Yan on the birthday gift. This was a n to let him be in the limelight in another way.

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t care so much. Anyway, hers was copied. To be honest, she felt somewhat guilty by putting her name on it. If it was given to Prince of Qi, not only the Empress would be pleased, but it would also help the Jiang Family in the court. So, she nodded without hesitation, ¡°Then I won¡¯t write anything down. Please try to memorize it!¡±

    Last time at Jinxiu Slope, Mengtao followed Jiang Qizheng there and saw how ¡°talented¡± she was. At this moment, she was not surprised when she heard that. She said with a light smile, ¡°I will leave for now and wille backter in case others get suspicious.¡±

    ¡°Go now. I have to think about it for a while.¡± Qiu Yn nodded. She thought, ¡°Which one should I copy? This is a problem.¡±

    And then she kept thinking and almost knocked over the wine cup several times. Qiu Jinzhu nced at her out of the corner of her eyes for a long time, and couldn¡¯t help but courageously ask in a low voice, ¡°Qiu Yn, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing.¡± Qiu Yn calmed down after hearing the words and said nonchntly.

    Qiu Jinzhu lowered her head to withdraw her gaze and said, ¡°Yn, there are many flowers in the pce today. Let¡¯s go out and have a lookter.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, I can¡¯t go with you. I already have an appointment.¡± Qiu Yn shook her head.

    ¡°All right.¡± Qiu Jinzhu seemed disappointed.

    Qiu Yn ignored her. She was having wine and food while choosing good poems from her memory. After finishing a few dishes, she looked towards the Jiang Family and saw Mengtao. She winked at her.

    After a while, Mengtao came over secretly and asked in surprise, ¡°Have you got one?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiu Yn whispered the poem for her to recite. Mengtao gasped after listening to her, and admired, ¡°Commandery Princess, you...¡± She didn¡¯t seem to be able to find a suitable word for a while. She praised sincerely, ¡°You are really a talent!¡±

    ¡°Some of the poems were written earlier. I just finished the rest just now. But I promise no one knows, including my close maid.¡± Qiu Yn coughed, ¡°Okay, you can go now!¡±

    Mengtao recited the poem repeatedly for a while and made sure that she got it right. And then she made sure of the homophones in the poem and then left.

    At this time, several rounds of singing and dancing performance were finished. The atmosphere of the Hall gradually became lively, and the bold ones started to walk around.

    Zhuang Man came over to Qiu Yn first and asked with a grin, ¡°I saw Mengtaoe for you several times. What¡¯s the matter? Is it that Jiang Yashuang wants to find you? Has he asked Mengtao to help?¡±

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Qiu Yn said with a smile, ¡°It¡¯s Chunfu Princess. As it¡¯s the first time for me to attend this kind of banquet, she has provided me with some guidance.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Zhuang Man didn¡¯t buy it. ¡°You were trained by Madam Shao anyway. Besides, your aunt is nearby. Do you need her guidance? Also, the banquet is not extraordinary.¡±

    Before Qiu Yn said anything, Xin Fubing came over, ¡°Zhuang Man, you were fast. Yn, Jiang Yashuang got the lotus for you from theke. Is it that you don¡¯t need it anymore? ¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m about to talk to you about this.¡± Qiu Yn said apologetically, ¡°Now the vi has nted...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay!¡± Xin Fubing waved her hand, ¡°Actually, the ones in my family were also dug from there. Oh, I¡¯m here to ask you if you want some carps. It¡¯s nice to have them in the lotus pool. There are many in mine.¡±

    Before she could finish her words, Mengtao came over again, smiled apologetically at Zhuang Man and Xin Fubing. Then she leaned over and told Qiu Yn, ¡°The Empress said if you want some flowers, just go get them as there are many people here now. There is someone from the pce waiting to show you the way.¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned for a moment, looked up in the Hall, and saw that Empress Jiang was turning around to talk to her maid. Qiu Yn guessed that Empress Jiang was nning to let Prince of Qi show the poem to the crowd. Probably the Empress was afraid that others might associate the poem with her, so Empress hoped that she could avoid it.

    ¡°I¡¯m going now.¡± She gave out the poem, and didn¡¯t care about being more generous. She got up immediately.

    Seeing this situation, both Zhuang Man and Xin Fubingughed teasingly, ¡°Going out?¡±

    ¡°What are you thinking about? Her Majesty wants to reward me with a few pots of flowers. As there are not many people outside, she lets me take the chance to go out and pick some.¡± Qiu Yn yelled.

    ¡°Why are you exining if you are not thinking about anything?¡± Her two friends smiled with their mouths covered by their hands, ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of being found out?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to argue with you!¡± Qiu Yn took the silk fan handed by Su He and pretended to m them down. She turned around to ask for Princess Yang¡¯s consent, and then went away.

    As she left the table, Zhuang Man and Xin Fubing who hade over for her would surely not stay here anymore. Xin Fubing asked while they were going back to their seat, ¡°Do you want some carps, Zhuang Man?¡±

    ¡°There are some in the vi of my family!¡± Zhuang Man was confused, ¡°It¡¯s not like you can¡¯t afford it. Why do you want to give them away in such a hurry?¡±

    ¡°There are too many. I¡¯m afraid the pond is a bit small.¡± Xin Fubing exined, ¡°When I went out this morning, I saw arge group of carps jumping there, which frightened the parrots hanging by theke. Every parrot was so hysterical! So, I figured that I could ask the servants to get out someter.¡±

    When she said this, a girl, who was not far away and was about twelve or thirteen years old in a light-yellow summer dress, heard it, raised her head and interrupted her, ¡°So, something strange has happened in your vi today. The rabbit of mine was also crazy. I originally thought that perhaps a servant who got punished deliberately disturbed it!¡±

    ¡°Hush!¡± Before Xin Fubing and Zhuang Man said anything, an older youngdy next to the girl had already rebuked her in a low voice, ¡°Guoxi, what are you talking about? Isn¡¯t it just about a rabbit creating a disturbance? What¡¯s special about it?¡±

    Looking at Xin Fubing and Zhuang Man again, she calmed down a little, ¡°Am I right? You know, today it¡¯s the Emperor¡¯s birthday!¡±

    Xin Fubing and Zhuang Man were more mature, so they immediately got it, ¡°You¡¯re right. We were being reckless.¡± After saying that, they bowed to her and walked away quickly.

    After they left, the girl named ¡°Guoxi¡± said with some dissatisfaction, ¡°Something strange is happening. When we came over, we saw mice moving on the mountain road.¡±

    ¡°All right!¡± Thedy, who persuaded her, sighed, grabbed her arm, pulled her to her side, and lowered her voice, ¡°Today is the Emperor¡¯s birthday. If it were something auspicious, it would be nice to say it. But we only saw rabbits and mice. Those are not auspicious signs. If you talk about it, it will make the Emperor unhappy. What benefit can our family get from it?¡±

    Then she lowered her voice even more, ¡°Also, the two you saw just now both side with the Empress. One is the niece of Madame Zhuang from the Jiang Family, the other is Mingzhu, the daughter of the fifth sister of the old master of the Jiang Family, and the beloved daughter of the Inspector of Guanzhou. Perhaps they know that you just entered Jing City, so they deliberately got you to talk about it. Remember, our father has always sided with Prime Minister Xue. Don¡¯t be like Xue Fangmi, Prime Minister Xue¡¯s young daughter. She always makes trouble for her family.¡±

    The corner of Cheng Guoxi¡¯s mouth twitched, ¡°I just think... There¡¯s something wrong.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not your turn to worry about those things.¡± Thedy who persuaded her frowned, ¡°Our father finally got this chance to be transferred back to Jing City. Prime Minister Xue promised to give him the position of Ding Hanlin. For now, we need to be low-key and stay out of trouble. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Cheng Guoxi replied absently and muttered softly, ¡°But I still feel something is wrong.¡±

    Meanwhile, Qiu Yn had been led by a maid to walk around for a long time after leaving the Hall. They never stopped and passed many flowers. Qiu Yn felt something was wrong, so she asked, ¡°Where are you nning to take me? I see that the flowers around here are pretty good.¡±

    If Mengtao hadn¡¯t handed her over to this maid, Qiu Yn would have doubted that the maid wanted to hurt her.

    Fortunately, the maid hurriedly exined, ¡°Jiang Yashuang is waiting for you in front...¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn was speechless for a while and said, ¡°Okay.¡± She thought she was asked to be away for a while due to Prince of Qi. But Zhuang Man had guessed it correctly.

    After a while, she saw Jiang Yashuang, who had been waiting on an artificial hill. Today, because of the banquet, he was in a crimson robe made of brocade and was wearing a jade belt with beautiful jade. His long ck hair was made into a square bun on top of his head. The bamboo hairpin decorated by nice jade was inserted in his hair. His hand with slender fingers was holding a dazzling rose. He looked really handsome and was as bright as a precious pearl.

    After the maid left, Su He and Chen Shui also walked away wittily and turned around to admire the surrounding scenery.

    Jiang Yashuang inserted the rose into Qiu Yn¡¯s hair and said with a smile, ¡°You look so good today!¡±

    ¡°Enough of you!¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t appreciate it, knocking on his shoulder with a fan and shouted, ¡°Even though I haven¡¯t seen you for a few days, do you need to be so anxious? It is the Emperor¡¯s birthday banquet today. Mengtao asked me to leave with her in front of Zhuang Man and Xin Fubing. Zhuang Manughed at me at the time. I told her that I came out to pick some flowers and it had nothing to do with you. They¡¯re going tough at meter!¡±

    ¡°They were joking. I¡¯ll help you if someoneughs at you!¡± Jiang Yashuang took her hand and coaxed, ¡°Though we haven¡¯t seen each other for only several days, I¡¯ve missed you so much.¡±

    Qiu Yn snorted, ¡°I don¡¯t want to listen to this!¡± She wanted to go back, ¡± If others see us, who knows what they will say! Even if I don¡¯t care what they say, I have to think about how my brother would punish me if he knows.¡±

    Seeing this, Jiang Yashuang hurriedly lowered his voice and said, ¡°You¡¯re here for a reason!¡±

    ¡°Prince of Qi?¡± Qiu Yn said suspiciously, ¡°You know how to use excuses.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was stunned when he heard the words, ¡°What¡¯s the matter with Prince of Qi?¡±

    ¡°Then why did you get me here?¡± Qiu Yn was surprised.

    Jiang Yashuang looked around and then pointed to his cheek.

    Qiu Yn lifted her dress and stepped on his foot without saying anything!

    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll tell you. But don¡¯t be angry after you hear it.¡± He failed to get her to kiss him but instead got punishment. Jiang Yashuang said depressed, ¡°My sister, Jiang Qisheng, is getting married soon. My Cousin Tao will soon leave Jing City with her husband. So, my third aunt asked my grandmother if she could let you be away in the banquet. My grandmother had to agree.¡±

    Qiu Yn was startled for a while and couldn¡¯t help being furious, ¡°Just because Jiang Qisheng and Tao Peibin don¡¯t want to see me, I have to be away. Why do I have to avoid them?¡±

 Chapter 194 - Happened to Find out an Affair

    <h4>Chapter 194 Happened to Find out an Affair</h4>

    ¡°I found out about it just now.¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled bitterly, ¡°Earlier, a servant said that my aunt heard that I hadn¡¯t seen you for a few days, so she especially gave us a chance. But when I was on the way, I felt that something was wrong. The servant didn¡¯t tell me about it until I forced him.¡±

    He apologized, ¡°How about I apany you back? This is Jiang Qisheng and Cousin Tao¡¯s fault. They shouldn¡¯t make you leave just because they don¡¯t want to see you.¡±

    ¡°You are also the one to me!¡± Qiu Yn angrily said, ¡°With the news, I¡¯m being polite not to beat you. But you wanted me to kiss you.¡±

    ¡°I know that you might beat me after I have said it, so I wanted you to kiss me before I told you.¡± Jiang Yashuang coughed with embarrassment, ¡°So what now? Shall we go back?¡±

    Qiu Yn kept her face sullen for a long time before saying, ¡°Most of your family want me to leave, right?¡±

    To be the ghostwriter of Prince of Qi should have been arranged suddenly. Then she was asked to pick flowers in the middle of the banquet. But this was arranged by Jiang Qizheng. At that time, it was Madame Tao Junior who helped hold Princess Yang so that Jiang Qizheng could deliver the word. Obviously, they wanted to make her go away so as not to irritate Jiang Qisheng and Tao Peibin!

    Jiang Yashuang sighed, rubbed her temples, and said gently, ¡°They are not standing by Jiang Qisheng and Cousin Tao. They just think that Jiang Qisheng and Cousin Tao will leave Jing City anyway, so they don¡¯t want to make itplicated. They are definitely not targeting at you. Especially for Jiang Qizheng, you are her sister-inw, how could she not be standing by you?¡±

    Qiu Yn looked sullen for a long time before snorting and walking towards somewhere.

    Jiang Yashuang hurriedly caught up with her, ¡°The Hall is that way!¡±

    ¡°Your family is working together to make me leave. They even made youe here to lie to me. Why should I go back!¡± Qiu Yn turned her head and shouted angrily, ¡°I won¡¯t go back! I¡¯ll go to Green Vi!¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t be able to open the door you walked through when you came here.¡± Jiang Yashuang knew that she was furious now. He stretched out his arm to put his hand on her waist and whispered, ¡°Come on, I will take you through the side door.¡±

    Qiu Yn tried to get rid of his hand with a sullen face, but Jiang Yashuang was so strong that he coaxed and pulled her to an inconspicuous side door on the pce wall. The gatekeeper apparently knew him, so he paid a salute from a distance and came closer with a smile, ¡°Are you going out?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Jiang Yashuang said to him while pulling Qiu Yn, ¡°Send someone to tell my eighth brotherter.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll let him know!¡± The gatekeeper said, letting his men open the door.

    After leaving the Summer Pce, Qiu Yn¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change much. Jiang Yashuang led the way and they walked on a winding mountain path, ¡°We¡¯ll be here soon.¡±

    The scenery outside this door looked very unfamiliar to Qiu Yn. But she was so angry that she didn¡¯t pay attention to it. Finally, Jiang Yashuang stopped and said that they arrived. Qiu Yn took a look, ¡°This is not around Green Vi! Why do you bring me here?¡±

    ¡°Cousin Zhuang and Cousin Xin have been talking to you all the time at the table. I¡¯m afraid you haven¡¯t had time to eat.¡± Jiang Yashuang pulled her into the pavilion shaded by a por tree not far away, ¡°Get in and have a seat. Someone will bring food here soon.¡±

    Qiu Yn said angrily, ¡°I don¡¯t want to sit here with you. I want to go back!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the Emperor¡¯s Birthday Festival,¡± Jiang Yashuang dragged her to stop her from leaving and persuaded, ¡°Don¡¯t let your good mood be ruined by others. Why bother to go back with anger? There will be tons of Pce banquets in the future. By the way, there were so many people and it was noisy. Isn¡¯t it good to be here with just the two of us?¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°You are not the one who was deceived and coaxed out!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you an exnation for this matter!¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head and said, ¡°I won¡¯t let you be deceived for nothing, but if you run back now, your brother and sister will ask. At that time, they will also be angry. I¡¯m not afraid that they will scold me. It¡¯s just that you are disappointed on such a good day. How can I not feel bad?¡±

    While he was coaxing Qiu Yn with sweet words, the banquet in the Summer Pce became more casual.

    Empress Dowager Gu was aged, so she went back after a few drinks. The Emperor and the Empress were still there, but there were fewer people here. Someone went to change clothes, some were grooming, some were doing makeup, some were chatting at the moment, and some were even enjoying the flowers outside as they drank too much and wanted to sober up...

    Xue Nongying leftte. He was mainly worried about his grandfather Xue Chang.

    After all, Xue Chang was aged but had a high status. In the Emperor¡¯s birthday feast, besides representing other officials to drink at the beginning, he also got up and proposed toasts to the Empress Dowager and the Empress. Then he drank with two vice ministers and a few loyal subordinates. He was not good at drinking. Up to now, he had gone to toilet twice and had taken ¡°stay sober¡± pills, but still had sweat on his forehead.

    ¡°Go out and talk a walk.¡± Xue Chang wiped his face with his handkerchief. He was about to take a sip of tea when he saw that his grandson had already held the cup in his hands. He was pleased to take a sip and said softly, ¡°The youngest daughter in the Cheng family, who named Guo Xi, just went out. She came with her sister-inw today and was wearing a light-yellow dress. But I don¡¯t know if she has changed it just now. However, her sister-inw had a red mole on the corner of her mouth. It was easy to recognize.¡±

    Xue Nongying blushed and whispered, ¡°This matter... It¡¯s all up to you, grandfather!¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not sure yet. I just think that as Cheng Jin is a gentleman, his daughter must have been taught well.¡± Xue Chang smiled and patted the back of his hand, ¡°Go and take a look first. If you like her, I¡¯ll go visit them. If you don¡¯t like her, pick another girl. It¡¯s okay for a man to get marriedte. I¡¯m still tough and I can wait!¡±

    Hearing what his grandfather said, Xue Nongying, who was curious about his future wife, hesitated for a while, and finally nodded, ¡°OK, I¡¯ll go out and take a walk.¡±

    ¡°Go!¡± Xue Chang watched his usually smart grandson quit with a little shyness, and couldn¡¯t help but smile, ¡°A young man!¡±

    Suddenly he remembered another young man who was not here at this moment. The cheerful mood was gone, ¡°Qiu Jinn... Chunjun... It¡¯s a pity that the situation is like this in the court, otherwise, he and Ying¡¯er could support each other. How many people would be able topete with him in the Darui court if it weren¡¯t for the incident?¡±

    He let out a sigh. Then Xue Chang focused his attention on singing and dancing and stopped thinking about those bothering things.

    Meanwhile, Xue Nongying came out of the Hall. When he looked around, he saw some figures in the sea of flowers near and far. But none of them was wearing light-yellow clothes and he didn¡¯t see anybody with a mole on the corner of the mouth.

    He was too embarrassed to ask others and stare at the womenfolk, so he continued walking while searching, pretending to admire the flowers.

    After walking for a while, he saw a figure, who was in a light-yellow dress, in the distance. His spirit suddenly lifted.

    He quickly tidied up his clothes and straightened his chest. Xue Nongying pretended to look at the flowers and followed the woman quietly. Xue Chang told him that he was considering the youngest daughter in the Cheng Family, Cheng Guoxi, before entering the pce today. However, the male and female seats were not in the same ce during the feast. Xue Nongying followed his grandfather, and their seats were the most respected among the hundred officials. Every move of them was watched by the crowd. It was not convenient for Xue Nongying to pay attention to womenfolk. So, he had never seen what Cheng Guoxi looked like.

    Now he followed just to find out more about her.

    But he followed her further and further into a bamboo forest!

    ¡°What is the youngdy of the Cheng family doing in this ce?¡± Xue Nongying was suspicious, and then remembered that the figure in the light-yellow dress seemed to be alone. He didn¡¯t see her sister-inw and maid who led her into the pce, whom his grandfather Xue Chang had mentioned. So, he doubted, ¡°Have I followed the wrong person?¡±

    Thinking of it, he stopped.

    But at this time, a depressed cry suddenly came from the bamboo forest.

    ¡°Has she been wronged? So, she got away from her sister-inw and maid, crying here.¡± Xue Nongying immediately thought of this possibility. He hesitated but then tiptoed into the bamboo forest out of concern and curiosity about his potential fianc¨¦e.

    After he entered the forest, the weeping sound became clearer. It seemed to be filled with endless grievances.

    Xue Nongying subconsciously walked a few steps quickly, and soon, he saw the person weeping. The moment he saw her, Xue Nongying felt so regretful that he even wanted tomit suicide!

    The woman in the light-yellow dress that he followed all the way here was indeed not far away. She was packing up a small medicine bottle. But she was not the one who was crying. The person crying was Noble Consort Gu, who was in a gorgeous dress and a jade crown.

    If he just saw Noble Consort Gu crying, it would be okay and it would be at most embarrassing.

    The problem was that Noble Consort Gu was now crying in the arms of a man. And this man was not the Emperor.

    He was not Prince of Yan, Prince of Zhou, or a man from the Gu Family. Anyway, he was not anyone who could hold the crying Noble Consort Gu in his arms without being punished.

    Xue Nongying vaguely remembered seeing the man in the Hall just now. It seemed that hisst name was Qiu, and his first name was Shen. He was deployed elsewhere and went back to Jing Cityst month. He hadn¡¯t officially taken a position yet. Also, he seemed to be the nephew of Censor-in-chief Qiu Dian.

    Seeing this scene, he dared not to stay here anymore. He turned around quietly and was about to leave.

    However, due to his rush, his jade pendant around his waist snagged on a bamboo nearby after he took a few steps.

    His jade pendant struck the bamboo and made a clear sound. Xue Nongying was shocked. Before he could hide, Qiu Shen¡¯s angry voice came from behind, ¡°Someone is nearby!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Noble Consort Gu¡¯s cry stopped abruptly!

    Although Xue Nongying learned some kung fu skill from his bodyguard, he was not very talented. Besides, his mind was not on it. So, his kung fu skill was not good. However, having been taught by Xue Chang, he could tell whose kung fu skill was good. Noble Consort Gu was crying as if she was broken-hearted just now, and Qiu Shen was obviously upset. In this case, he could still hear the sound made by his jade pendant and the bamboo. It was obvious that Qiu Shen¡¯s kung fu skill was really good.

    He couldn¡¯t escape anyway. Then he thought that the Neutral Party never took the initiative to make trouble and he was Xue Chang¡¯s most favorite grandson. If he was really found, they might not dare to do anything. Thinking of this, Xue Nongying simply stopped and turned to the person who was chasing behind him, ¡°I...¡±

    Unfortunately, he had no time to finish his words. Qiu Shen took advantage of the Emperor¡¯s birthday to meet Noble Consort Gu in private. What a rebellious thing it was! Once it was discovered, not only would they be finished, but also the Qiu Family, the Gu Family, including Empress Dowager Party, Prince of Yan, Prince of Zhou... It was not sure how many people would be affected.

    Therefore, even though Qiu Shen embraced Noble Consort Gu, he was keeping an eye on the surroundings vigntly.

    Not unexpectedly, he noticed someone peeping at the moment. Xue Nongying was frightened when he saw them, but Qiu Shen felt much worse when he discovered that the affair was exposed.

    So, he let go of Noble Consort Gu and chased into the forest. After seeing Xue Nongying running away, without much thinking, he cut off a bamboo about the size of a man¡¯s arm and almost exhausted all his energy to throw it at Xue Nongying, ¡°Want to escape? Go hell!¡±

    ¡°Whoosh!¡±

    With a dull sound, the green bamboo thrown by Qiu Shen with all his strength pierced through Xue Nongying easily as if it was cutting through tofu! If it weren¡¯t for Xue Nongying¡¯s instinct to avoid it at the critical moment, his heart would¡¯ve been pierced.

    However, he was carried away by the strength of bamboo and was nailed to the ground, spitting blood.

    ¡°Was he sent by the Empress?¡± With tears on her face, Noble Consort Gu hurriedly came over from behind. Qiu Zhen, who was about to kill Xue Nongying, hurried to hold her, ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I have already stopped... ¡±

    Before he finished speaking, Xue Nongying struggled and turned his head to look at them, and happened to make eye contact with Noble Consort Gu. Noble Consort Gu suddenly felt dizzy. She grabbed Qiu Shen¡¯s arm with great strength. All of a sudden, she skinned his arm, ¡°Oh my! It¡¯s Xue Nongying! Prime Minister Xue¡¯s favorite grandson!¡±

    Qiu Shen, who just breathed a sigh of relief for sessfully preventing the peeper from escaping, almost felt his heart stopped beating, ¡°What?¡±

    Everyone knew that although Xue Chang had several descendants, his most favorite one was Xue Nongying. If the other descendants of the Xue Family were dead, Xue Chang would be sad but he might still let it go. But if Xue Nongying died, Xue Chang would definitely find out what had happened by all means!

    For someone of Xue Chang¡¯s age, there was nothing more important than having a sessor.

    ¡°What should I do now?¡± Noble Consort Gu and Qiu Shen, who were sweating heavily all of a sudden, looked at Xue Nongying not far away and were caught in a dilemma that they had never faced before.

 Chapter 195 - Earthquake! Live or Die Together!

    <h4>Chapter 195 Earthquake! Live or Die Together!</h4>

    Even though Xue Nongying hadn¡¯t died, looking at the blood he puked out and the blood that gushed out from his chest which covered the ground in red, they knew that if they didn¡¯t save him, he would die.

    But the question was what would happen after they saved him?

    With Xue Chang¡¯s political stand, he would probably look the other way on the secret affair between Noble Consort Gu and Qiu Shen. In a normal situation, Xue Nongying would do the same.

    But Qiu Shen didn¡¯t realize that the person in the woods was Xue Nongying, so he aimed to kill. Now, this had already happened, would Xue Nongying still hide for them and not expose them?

    Besides, this was the scenario of sessfully saving him. What if they couldn¡¯t?

    Even though they were in a remote corner of the Summer Pce, Empress Jiang controlled the government and the Imperial Harem. All of the concubines were like mistresses that didn¡¯t have any status. If Noble Consort Gu had wanted to ask for an imperial doctor, she would need to go through Empress Jiang.

    Even if she had faked her illness, how could she do it here?

    If she had wanted to carry Xue Nongying to her Residential Hall. How could she hide this from the Empress?!

    Thinking about the means that Empress Jiang used to discipline her, Noble Consort Gu wanted to die right now. ¡°He can¡¯t be alive! Otherwise, not only will we be miserable, but our family will alsoe to an end! And Weize and Weizhou... He can¡¯t be alive at this point!¡±

    Noble Consort Gu grabbed Qiu Shen¡¯s arm. She said with a pale face, ¡°Hurry up! Kill me!¡±

    Qiu Shen was startled, ¡°Are you mad?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the only way.¡± Even though Noble Consort Gu trod as if on thin ice these years because of Empress Jiang, she did survive. She was able toe up with an idea at this curial moment. ¡°Kill me. And disguise it like Xue Nongying was assassinated here and I ran across it, so I was killed too. Only in this way can we hide it!¡±

    Speaking of which, she looked at the maid in yellow clothes with regret. She was the one whom Xue Nongying mistook. ¡°Liuer, I¡¯m so sorry! If I didn¡¯t get too excited when I saw Shen, you don¡¯t need to bring me my medicine. You would have gone back. There would be no need for you to step into this mess. But now since you are here, if you don¡¯t die with me...¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, it¡¯s my luck to continue serving you!¡± Liuer said decidedly.

    Noble Consort Gu sighed heavily. She looked at Qiu Shen with tears, ¡°Shen, do it! I¡¯ll see you in my next life!¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Qiu Shen had a straight face. He held her face and said deeply, ¡°I¡¯d rather die thany my finger on you. I would never kill you!¡±

    Noble Consort Gu said hurriedly, ¡°Shen. There¡¯s no time for this!¡±

    ¡°The banquet is not over. We still have some time!¡± Qiu Shen interrupted her, ¡°Go with Liuer. I¡¯ll find a quiet ce and bury him. Then I¡¯ll clean up the blood. I think we can hide it!¡±

    ¡°How?! The Summer Pce is not big enough. If they bring a dog, it can smell it!¡± Noble Consort Gu rebutted, ¡°Use my way! Kill me!¡±

    Qiu Shen took a deep breath, ¡°Listen to me. Before I was sent out, I used to be a guard in the Summer Pce. That¡¯s how we met, right? I know the canal in the Summer Pce leads outside. It¡¯s full of lotus flowers and leaves and water nts in this season. I¡¯ll carry him and swim outside. Then, if the dog finds him, it would be outside the Pce. You don¡¯t know any martial art. With his wounds, there¡¯s no way they¡¯ll suspect you. So just go! Leave this to me!¡±

    Noble Consort Gu was dazed, ¡°The canal can lead outside, but it has blocking the way!¡± Otherwise, if assassins had chosen to enter from the canal, it would have been chaos!

    ¡°I know all the mechanisms there! I can find my way out!¡± Qiu Shen shouted, ¡°Trust me! How would I risk your future and safety?!¡±

    Noble Consort Gu was startled by his shout!

    They looked at each other for a while. Noble Consort Gu retreated in the end. She left while turning to look back repeatedly at every step.

    Qiu Shen took a deep breath and started cleaning quickly. He used some old fallen leaves to cover the blood. He looked at Xue Nongying who was still twitching and said quietly, ¡°Don¡¯t me me. Nothing actually happened between Noble Consort Gu and me! Before she entered the harem, because of Empress Dowager Gu, she often came to the Pce. And I was in charge of guarding the ce which she always passed by. After some time, we fell for each other. I wanted to beg my uncle to propose our marriage to the Gu Family. Yet before I could ask my uncle, the Empress Dowager ordered her to enter the harem.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I was asked to leave the city for many years. I thought I¡¯d forget about her. But it turns out that I just miss her more. So, I came back to Jing City. This time I only want to ask her about how she was because I saw that she didn¡¯t look well. But we didn¡¯t expect that you could see it!¡±

    ¡°If I knew it was you, I wouldn¡¯t hurt you. But now if I save you, you won¡¯t necessarily make it. And you would be our burden. So, I¡¯m sorry. Just die! I owe you in this life. In my next life, you can revenge at your discretion!¡±

    He covered the blood with leaves. Then he cut down the two ends of the bamboo that was sticking in Xue Nongying¡¯s body with his hand. He grabbed some dirt and fallen leaves to cover the wound. He took off his robe and covered Xue Nongying. Following theyout of the Summer Pce in his memory, he quickly found the nearest canal. Seeing nobody was around, he carried Xue Nongying and jumped into the water. He quickly hid behind the lush lotus leaves.

    At this moment, in the pavilion outside the Summer Pce, Jiang Yashuang told sweet words and gags. Finally, Qiu Yn was no longer angry and smiled, ¡°You think I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re thinking? You¡¯re just worried that if I tell my brother, he would punish you!¡±

    Even though she still sounded like she wasining, but she said it with a smile. Jiang Yashuang knew her personality. This meant that she had forgiven him. He was relieved. So, he was bolder. He stroked her face with a smile, ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of your brother! Because you always care about me!¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t!¡± Qiu Yn rolled her eyes at him, ¡°I¡¯d rather you get your ass kicked by my brother!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled and said, ¡°You don¡¯t care about me? Last time when your brother scolded me, who was the one that came back to defend me, even if she was sent to Ruan Ciyi?¡±

    ¡°I was just getting bored with waiting, so I went to see my brother.¡± Qiu Yn pouted, ¡°Then I saw someone annoying was still there, who upied my brother and wouldn¡¯t give us a chance to talk alone. So, I thought that I¡¯d better say something nice and send you away!¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Jiang Yashuang pinched her face, ¡°You naughty! You never admit it!¡±

    Qiu Yn grimaced, ¡°What I¡¯m saying is true!¡±

    When they were talking, Su He and others who were guarding outside the pavilion suddenly shouted, ¡°Your Grace! Young master! Look!¡±

    Following their shouts, they looked up with surprise. Yet underneath the clear sky, in a ce that looked close yet far away, they saw the earth suddenly projected a gorgeous glow!

    The glow was magnificent and splendid. It was like a pir or a belt. When it was cruising, a gust of wind and fog rolled with it!

    Everyone was dazed by this strange view!

    Su He who noticed it first was excited, ¡°I¡¯ve heard of an auspicious sign before. This is the first time I see it. The Emperor¡¯s birthday is indeed...¡±

    ¡°Auspicious?¡± Before she could finish her sentence, Qiu Yn stood up. The expression on her face changed sharply. At the same time, Jiang Yashuang also turned pale. They all went to grab each other. They quickly walked out of the pavilion and shouted, ¡°This is earthlight! It¡¯s the sign of an earthquake! Hurry up! Find somewhere open to hide!!¡±

    Servants who were still in the exciting mood of seeing the ¡°auspicious sign¡± of the Emperor¡¯s birthday all changed their expression after hearing this, ¡°Earthquake?¡±

    People in this era didn¡¯t really know the pre-disaster signs well. Let alone this time, even in her past life, Qiu Yn learned about earthquake knowledge in primary school, but how many people could distinguish it before an earthquake?

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t bother to exin to them in detail. The pavilion was built on a small hill. To better see the view, they also built a lot of stone hills around. On top of it was an exuberant willow. If the earthquake was big, they would be crushed into a pie in a second!

    She was led by Jiang Yashuang with him holding one of her hands. She grabbed Su He with the other hand, ¡°Go!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang also shouted, ¡°Go somewhere open and t! Hurry up!¡± He grew up with high hopes and his family was wealthy and powerful, so he had ess to all kinds of books. He recognized the earthlight almost at the same time as Qiu Yn. And he knew, when the earthlight showed up, it meant that in hours or very short minutes, the earthquake would happen!

    And where were they now? Up in a mountain!!!

    And near the Summer Pce!

    They could see a different view with every step they took. At the usual time, this would be beautiful. But when there was an earthquake, this ce that had tall trees, mountains, stones, and a windingndscape would kill them!

    If Qiu Yn hadn¡¯t grabbed Su He, he would have carried her and found a safe ce with his Qinggong!

    Under the guidance of some panicking bodyguards, they ran to the nearest open ce. It was a small valley. It had wildflowers and grasses all over the ce, but without any tall trees. Usually, nobody woulde here, since there were no trees to create shades, but now it was the best ce to stay safe!

    The only problem was that there was a stream running through the valley. In the stream and beside the stream, there were a lot of stones. Even though most of them were mellow because of the wash of the stream, but if they hit it during the earthquake, they would get hurt.

    ¡°Stay away from the stream. Watch out and hold on to the flowers and grass underneath you...¡± Before Jiang Yashuang finished his sentence, they all felt the earth shook. The earthquake had begun!!!

    At this moment, the sky was twirling and the earth was shaking. No one could stand still. They all rolled onto the ground!

    Dirt and stones erupted from the nearby mountain. At the direction of the Summer Pce, they heard the sound of buildings copsing and people screaming. The earth underneath them was shaking and rolling as if a beast that had been waiting for too long wanted to get up and break free!

    Jiang Yashuang was a master at martial arts, yet he couldn¡¯t use any of that.

    He tried his best, yet all he could do was holding Qiu Yn tightly during the unstoppable earthquake.

    In the noise that seemed endless, the sound of their heartbeats was so clear as if it could fill the whole space between the earth and sky!

    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared! Don¡¯t be scared!¡± He shouted with all his strength. Was he consoling everyone or just Qiu Yn?

    It was endless as if years had passed. The frequency of the shaking finally decreased. Slowly, the scenery of flying dirt and stones disappeared. The stream was running again. The earth that like a malicious beast a while ago was back in peace.

    Looking at the sky that was covered by smoke and dust, Jiang Yashuang was exhausted. He rolled over and sat up. He anxiously asked Qiu Yn who was in his arms, ¡°Are you ok? Are you hurt?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Just a bit nauseous.¡± Qiu Yn sat up with a pale face. She was wobbling. Just when she sat up, she fell back into his arms, ¡°How about you?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang checked her pulse and was relieved. He didn¡¯t even think about himself, ¡°I¡¯m fine too!¡±

    Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead, ¡°And other... Your hand?¡± She suddenly saw arge part of the skin that was scraped off the back of his hand. The blood was running out!

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t even look at his wound. He raised his hand that was intact to stroke her back to ease her nauseous feeling. His voice was trembling, ¡°Do we count as having lived and almost died together?¡±

    Qiu Yn tore off a piece from her clothes painstakingly. She used her unstable fingers to slowly patch up for him. She smiled subconsciously after hearing this, ¡°Of course. Why do you...?

    ¡°Then promise me. No matter what news we hear from now on, don¡¯t get too sad!¡± He grabbed on her shoulders and stared into her eyes. He said word by word, ¡°Promise me! OK?¡±

    ¡°Brother!!!¡± Qiu Yn immediately realized what he was talking about. Since they were fine, the people they worried most now would be their family. Qiu Jinn couldn¡¯te to the Emperor¡¯s birthday because he was mourning. Now he must be in the Green Vi! And theyout of the Green Vi was very delicate. In another word, there were not many open spaces!

    Besides, he was hurt and he couldn¡¯t move easily...

    Qiu Yn¡¯s mind went nk!

 Chapter 196 - Turmoil!

    <h4>Chapter 196 Turmoil!</h4>

    What Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know was that at this moment, Qiu Jinn was also nervous with worry in Green Vi!

    Regardless of the wound that had just split open again during the earthquake, he used his blood-stained hand to hand an inconspicuous but close-fitting porcin bottle to Qiu Feng, ¡°Go and find my sister and bring her back! If she is injured, feed this to her! Hurry up!¡±

    Qiu Feng¡¯s head and body were covered with dust and his wrist was wrapped by a handkerchief because he got injured when he saved a servant. He took the porcin bottle without saying anything, turned around, and then left, disappearing from the sight of the people of Green Vi after a few steps!

    Ling Zui was surprised, who was getting a breathing space aside, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you¡¯ve lied to him for several years, so he must want something from you since he came to you this time? Why doesn¡¯t he take the opportunity to set some conditions? Are people in Jianghu so stupid?¡±

    Ling Zui was here at this moment for some reason. When he was wandering around in Mount Dizi two days ago, he saw an eye-catchingdy galloping alone on a horse, so he chased up to molest her. While atst, he got a bruised nose and a swollen face as the beautiful girl hit him, and she said that she would hit him whenever she saw him. The bruise had not gone away to this day, and he was afraid that someone would ask him about it on the banquet, so he found an excuse to refuse it.

    While the other people in the Mansion of Princess Royal Maode all went to the Summer Pce, he felt bored, so he came for Jinn. It was really a good thing that he was with him. When the earthquake happened before, Qiu Feng was not with Qiu Jinn, but he was talking to Qiu Jinn at that time. When he found something was wrong, he quickly carried Qiu Jinn out of the house!

    Although the house where Qiu Jinn was hadn¡¯t copsed, the furnishings in the house had fallen down, and it could be devastating if those fell on him.

    ¡°He is not an ordinary person in Jianghu.¡± Qiu Jinn looked at Qiu Feng¡¯s departure direction with aplicated look and said lightly, ¡°He is a knight-errant.¡±

    Ling Zui looked disapproving, ¡°Will you be merciful just because he is a knight-errant? I bet that since he missed this opportunity to force you to make a promise, after Yn is rescued, you will bargain with him when he wants to make a requirement!¡±

    ¡°You are right!¡± Qiu Jinn said calmly, ¡°Because I am not a knight-errant!¡±

    Seeing that Ling Zui was at a loss, he exined, ¡°Qiu Feng wanted to kill me before, but I was feeding my sister with medicine at that moment, and it was raining outside. He would rather wait for me out in the yard instead of rushing into the house or shing the window to force me out. The reason was just that the person he wanted to kill was me, and my sister was in poor health at the time and she could not be exposed to wind. How could such a person make terms with me when I beg him to rescue someone? Even if I hadn¡¯t begged him, he would never sit back and watch as long as he sees her!¡±

    His eyes wandered over a servant who was sweeping thend. The servant was almost killed by the fallen rockery just now. At the crucial moment, Qiu Feng jumped out to rescue him, and his wrist was injured by the rock.

    Ling Zui said thoughtfully, ¡°He is a good person. No wonder he has been deceived by you for a few years. He knew that you cherished Yn so much, but he didn¡¯t take her hostage to threaten you. How stupid!¡±

    Qiu Jinn smiled lightly, ¡°He is different from us.¡±

    ¡°But I have a question.¡± Ling Zui suddenly said with a solemn expression, ¡°He is good at martial arts, he is kind, he can be trusted, and you gave him a life-saving elixir. Ordinarily, he is the best bet to save Yn, but are you sure he will only save your sister in the whole way?¡±

    Qiu Jinn paused, and his face suddenly changed, ¡°You are right. I really lost my mind! I remember his credibility, but forget his temperament! You guys go out and find Your Grace!¡±

    Dongran, who was taking care of Ruan Ciyi who was stunned during the earthquake, came over in surprise and asked, ¡°Young master, didn¡¯t Master Qiu leave for there? Our vi is so close to the Summer Pce, so it¡¯s enough for him to go alone. If we send too many people to the Summer Pce, it will bring us big trouble after it is known by others. Only Master Qiu is not one of us, and he is so good at martial arts.¡±

    ¡°You have forgotten Qiu Feng¡¯s temperament either?¡± Qiu Jinn interrupted in a cold voice, ¡°You think that I ask him to save my sister, so he will only save my sister? Since he has left, ignoring those with flesh wounds, believe it or not, he would definitely stop and help those who are seriously injured or trapped. Maybe he will feed the elixir to someone that is dying as long as he sees that!¡±

    Speaking of this, heshed out angrily no matter how shrewd he was. ¡°Just say that I cared about the safety of the Empress Dowager, His Majesty, the Empress, other nobles and my teacher, so as soon as the earth movement stopped, I took the liberty to send people there to help.¡±

    ¡°But what if the Empress Dowager sends someone to assassinate you again after they leave?¡± Dongran said anxiously.

    ¡°Life and death are fateful. The earthquake happened so suddenly, so I am afraid that the Empress Dowager is busy with her own work now!¡± Qiu Jinn said sternly, ¡°If something happened to my sister, how could I exin to my parents after I die!¡±

    Dongran dared not answer.

    Ling Zui stood up suddenly, ¡°Send some people there. The pce must be busy saving people now, so it¡¯s useless to send too many people there. I will take them in and say that I worry about the elders so I borrow some people from you! After all, my parents are also in the pce!¡±

    At this time, the pce was in turmoil.

    The emperor had a cowardly character and had never handled affairs. It was conceivable that he would not be able to maintain the dignity of the imperial throne after the earthquake happened.

    The dignified emperor was in full view, holding his head and retracting under the throne. His dreary cries almost suppressed the screams of the womenfolk!

    On the contrary, although Empress Jiang was also pale with fright out of the trembling hall, she still did not forget tomand everyone to avoid the falling objects while helping each other to withdraw towards the square outside the hall!

    The Empress even dragged the emperor out of the Hall!

    At the end, when the people in the Hall withdrew to the square, the earthquake hadn¡¯t stopped. This day, all the officials were there. The young and strong officials recovered from the Empress¡¯s stern reprimand, struggling to maintain order and calm people.

    In this way, when the earthquake ended, ignoring the broken objects, there were not many casualties.

    When everyone breathed a sigh of relief, they looked at the emperor, who was still shrinking in the arms of Fair Concubine, who was younger than several princesses, forfort, and then Empress Jiang, who was smashed by a pce ornament on her shoulders, still wasmanding the rescue of the aftermath. Everybody, including Xue Chang, sighed silently!

    Such an emperor was much inferior to the Empress.

    However, Empress Jiang, who became greater in the hearts of the ministers after this incident, was not happy at all at this moment!

    There were two reasons. First, her three most beloved juniors, Princess Yongfu, Jiang Yashuang, and Jiang Qizheng, were all absent!

    Although Marquess Qin and Madame Tao were only slightly injured, the three juniors who were missing made the Empress on tenterhooks.

    Second, Prince of Qi and Prince of Yan were both here, and their behavior... Prince of Qi was just like the emperor, holding the hands of his confidant in a frightened face, and his eyes were dull and trembling, while Prince of Yan was just like the Empress. At this moment, not only had he calmed down, but he wasforting his brothers and sisters one by one.

    Empress Jiang ignored her injuries and directed all the people. On the one hand, she wanted to clean up the mess, and on the other hand, she hoped to attract everyone¡¯s attention to herself, so that Prince of Qi¡¯s futility would not be discovered!

    ¡°Damn it! Weixiong is so useless! It has been so long. My throat is almost hoarse, but he hasn¡¯t awakened yet!¡± Empress Jiang cursed the futile eldest son, ¡°As long as he returns to normal, talking to someone casually like Weize, I can cover up for him then!¡±

    Before she stopped worrying about Prince of Qi, a bodyguard ran over with a frightened face, saying, ¡°When Chunfu Princess was overlooking the sea of flowers on the cliff behind the pce, the earthquake happened and then she fell into the imperial moat. She is missing!¡±

    ¡°What!¡± Madame Tao Junior, who was using her veil to wipe the dirt off Madame Tao, turned pale with fright. She said without paying attention to the rules, ¡°Then why don¡¯t you go look for her!¡±

    Empress Jiang¡¯s face also turned sullen, ¡°Although the imperial moat is connected to mountains and streams, the ces where you enter and leave the Summer Pce have been blocked, and sometimes there are fences in the middle... Have you searched these ces?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, that¡¯s the problem.¡± The bodyguard said with sweat streaming down his back, ¡°Those fences, because of the earthquake, either broke or floated away... I¡¯ve led people to look for her along the stream, but I haven¡¯t found her in the Summer Pce. It is possible that the princess was carried away from the Summer Pce by the current!¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go out and look for her? Right now!¡± The Empress was so angry!

    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty!¡± The bodyguard kowtowed and hurried away!

    Madame Tao walked to the Empress at this time, held her slightly-trembling hand, and said slowly in a calm voice, ¡°Your shoulder is hurt. You can let the ministers handle the affairs. Please go to the sturdy side hall and apply some unguent on it.¡± She continued in a low voice, ¡°Chunfu and Yongfu are blessed children. Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s not that easy for our children to be at risk... Calm down! Go and apply some unguent first, and then we can think about it further!¡±

    Empress Jiang could be sad when something happened to Jiang Qizheng, but she could still withstand her grief. As for Princess Yongfu... Empress Jiang, who was harmed by the Empress Dowager Gu in her early years, would hardly have a second child. So, she regarded her daughter, Princess Yongfu, as more important than her own life!

    A mother could always understand her daughter. Madame Tao could tell at a nce that the Empress associated Jiang Qizheng¡¯s event with her own daughter. The Empress, who was calm and could dispatch people just now, had a messed heart at this moment.

    If Madame Tao did not cover up for her, Empress Jiang would not be able to maintain the demeanor that the regent Empress should have!

    However, the terrified Madame Tao Junior found that although Madame Taoforted the Empress calmly, her own eyes were full of anxiety. Princess Yongfu was her granddaughter, and Jiang Qizheng and Jiang Yashuang were raised by her from the cradle. At this moment, they were equally fearful and anxious.

    Xue Chang had the same anxious look and sight.

    He was getting older and was pulled out by the people around him when leaving the Hall. He was shaken severely when he went outside out of the earthquake, so he even didn¡¯t have the energy to stand up at this moment. The old man who fell on the ground couldn¡¯t help praying: ¡°Ying¡¯er, please be safe. God bless you!¡±

    At this time, in the small valley near Summer Pce, Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn counted their servants. After finding that apart from a few people who had twisted their feet, there were no more casualties. They did not breathe a sigh of relief while screened out all those who were intact and strong, ¡°Follow us to save people!¡±

    ¡°Remember what you promised me!¡± Jiang Yashuang held Qiu Yn¡¯s hand with guilt and worry and urged in a deep voice. Their rtives were not in the same ce, so they could not go together at this moment. Jiang Yashuang could not leave his grandfather, grandmother, brother, sister and other rtives to follow Qiu Yn to save Qiu Jinn; and Qiu Yn was not in a mood to care about the rtives of her husband before confirming that her brother was well.

    So, they could only break up here.

    ¡°Take care of yourself!¡± Qiu Yn took a deep breath and held his hand, ¡°Take care of yourself, too!¡± Although there was no one that had trouble with their legs in the Jiang Family, Marquess Qin and Madame Tao were so old. Jiang Yashuang had so many rtives there, and some of them were unavoidable to be unlucky...

    Compared to him, Qiu Yn only needed to worry about Qiu Jinn and Ruan Ciyi. Jiang Yashuang felt more pressure than her at this moment.

 Chapter 197 - Can He Make It or Not?!

    <h4>Chapter 197 Can He Make It or Not?!</h4>

    It was not the moment for a long talk, so they exhorted each other to be careful and took different roads.

    Qiu Yn found some falling stones blocking the road after she walked a few steps. The road was cloggedpletely.

    ¡°Is there a shortcut nearby?¡± She asked urgently to the bodyguard sent by Jiang Yashuang.

    The bodyguard thought for a while and said, ¡°Your Grace, there¡¯s no other way, unless we dribble up the stream from below and take a short detour after we get to the other side,¡± He was a little worried. ¡°Usually the stream isn¡¯t as deep as up to our knees, but now...¡±

    Qiu Yn was not in the mood to listen more. She interrupted, ¡°Let¡¯s go and check!¡±

    The bodyguard said immediately, ¡°Your Grace, please follow me!¡±

    After following him for some distance from the almostpletely copsed mountain, she did see a muddy stream with yellow water that overflowed its banks. The bodyguard turned pale at the sight, ¡°My God, I¡¯m afraid this water is as deep as up to our waist!¡±

    ¡°Even if the water floods over my head, I will go anyway!¡± Qiu Yn said determinedly, ¡°I can swim... What about you?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t, but I can ask someone to help me.¡± Originally, Su He was so scared that her face turned pale. After hearing that Qiu Yn would cross it anyway, she said promptly.

    The guiding bodyguard was a little hesitant: ¡°This water is too fast...¡± He was Jiang Yadan¡¯s confidant. He was responsible for the safety of Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn. He must be in big trouble in case that the Jiang Family¡¯s prospective daughter-inw was swept away by the water.

    ¡°Stop chattering and get in the water if you can and are willing to!¡± Qiu Yn was not in the mood to hesitant. Without saying a word, she grabbed her skirt and headed for the stream!

    ¡°Your Grace, please hold on!¡± The bodyguard had no choice but to follow her. But when Qiu Yn was about to jump into the stream, the bodyguard caught a glimpse of a piece of driftwood floating upstream and hurriedly called out to her, ¡°Wait until the floating log passes before you wade into the water! Otherwise, it¡¯s not good if you get hit!¡±

    Although Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t wait to be able to grow wings and fly back to the Green Vi, she knew he had a point. She had to stop and wait for the driftwood to float by.

    But when the driftwood got closer, there was a man lying on top, not moving. Was he alive or dead? Nobody knew!

    ¡°Get him out of the water!¡± Qiu Ynmanded. ¡°He might be alive!¡±

    The bodyguards said yes. The lead one asked his twopanions to jump into the water. When the driftwood reached them, they stopped it together and pushed it to the shore. The people on the shore took a hand to drag the driftwood and the man to the ground. Only then did they find that the man was tied to the driftwood by his own waist belt. One of them grabbed him by the hair to check who he is. Qiu Yn glimpsed the face. She screamed when she saw his face. ¡°Isn¡¯t it Xue Nongying?¡±

    ¡°He is the fourth grandson of the Xue Family!¡± Because Xue Nongying was valued by Xue Chang, he was often brought in and out of various asions by his grandfather. Hence, most of the people standing on the shore knew him. At this moment, they hurriedly cut his waist belt and dragged him to the grass for rescuing.

    In the process of dragging him, they discovered that he clearly had a piece of green bamboo in his chest!

    ¡°How did he get so unlucky? he was pierced through the chest with bamboo during the earthquake. What¡¯s worse, he fell into the water!¡± Su He and the other maids were so frightened by this scene that their hands and feet went cold, ¡°Is he... Is he dead?!¡±

    Qiu Yn wasn¡¯t afraid of this kind of scene. She took a closer look and immediately noticed the green bamboo. It had clearly been cut off at the front and back. She couldn¡¯t help but turn pale, ¡°Stop talking... See if he¡¯s still alive?¡±

    A bodyguard stepped forward, pressed his pulse and leaned over to listen to his heart. He got up and reported, ¡°Still breathing! But... I¡¯m afraid he may be dead when we arrive at the Green Vi or the Summer Pce!¡±

    ¡°....¡± Qiu Yn stared at Xue Nongying¡¯s bloodless face. Her mind was filled with mixed emotions. In the end, she gritted her teeth and thought to herself, ¡°After all, your grandfather was good to my brother!¡± She quickly pulled out the jade box hidden inside her clothes and opened it. Then she took out a grey pill and said in a deep voice, ¡°Su He, go and bring some water and feed this to him!¡±

    The others didn¡¯t know how precious and rare this pill was, but Su He had asked when Qiu Yn hung up this jade box. She hurriedly said, ¡°Your Grace!¡± This pill was worth a life!

    Su He also wanted to save Xue Nongying. But the problem was, ¡°We haven¡¯t returned to the Green Vi yet!¡± What if your brother needs it too? Last time Kuang Qingwu only gave two pills! Qiu Jinn had already used one. As Qiu Jinn loved his sister very much, he didn¡¯t hesitate to give Qiu Yn the other one for any emergency. Now she wanted to give thest pill to Xue Nongying. If there was a need for this pill in the future, what could she do!

    Qiu Yn held the pill and hesitated for a moment. She finally leaned down and put the pill into Xue Nongying¡¯s cold mouth. She whispered, ¡°We¡¯re going to take a detour anyway... Maybe one good turn deserves another and my brother will be safe because of what I did. The Green Vi is full of medicinal herbs. Even if something happens to my brother, I think they would have plenty of methods to save him... This man... He¡¯s dead without using this pill!¡±

    Hearing the dialogue between Qiu Yn and her maid, everyone knew that the pill that Qiu Yn took out was very important. Everyone remained silent¨Cno one knew what would happen based on the decision made by Qiu Yn. So, it was early to take sides. This involved the lives of Qiu Jinn and Xue Nongying and they wouldn¡¯t dare get involved.

    Qiu Yn actually didn¡¯t know whether it was right or wrong for her to do so. Xue Chang was kind and righteous to Qiu Jinn, and even more so in the pulsory divorce¡± between the Qiu and Deng families. If not, Empress Jiang may not be able to make Empress Dowager Gu agree with it readily. But to trade Qiu Jinn¡¯s life for Xue Nongying¡¯s life because of this, Qiu Yn would definitely not agree!

    What made her save Xue Nongying now was that she realized they wouldn¡¯t go back to the Green Vi in a moment.

    Even if she had a pill that could save a life and Qiu Jinn had been injured in the earthquake and needed this medicine, she wouldn¡¯t be able to make it right now, so she might as well save Xue Nongying¡¯s life!

    ¡°Hope my brother is safe. Otherwise, even if the Xue Family owes me this favor, it¡¯s of no use to me.¡± Qiu Yn had already thought about it before. But after Xue Nongying took the pill, she was worried. She squeezed the handkerchief to chill herself out. She said, ¡°You guys go and cut a bit of the branch over there and pull some vines to build a stretcher to carry him... This ce is not safe either. Bring him with us.¡±

    There were plenty of trees and vines around here, especially after the earthquake. Many of the smashed trees fell to the ground. The bodyguards quickly got a simple stretcher over. They lifted Xue Nongying on the stretcher. A bodyguard took off his coat to cover him. The crowd hurried down to drip across the stream. After arriving on the opposite side, they couldn¡¯t care about their appearance. They just wrung out their dress and headed towards the Green Vi!

    Along the way, Qiu Yn was anxious. She was afraid that something bad had happened to Qiu Jinn. And she was more afraid that his brother might need that pill which had been taking by Xue Nongying. Luckily, when they finally saw the Green Vi, the damage to the Green Vi didn¡¯t seem to be too severe judging from the appearance. Only a few trees fell.

    After reaching closer, they found the door was wide open. Two gatekeepers outside the door were overjoyed to see theming. One said to the other, ¡°Go quickly! Go and report to the young master!¡± And then he walked forward and weed them, ¡°Your Grace, are you okay? The young master worried about you so much!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine! How about my brother?¡± Qiu Yn was just relieved when she heard ¡°Report to the young prince¡±¨Capparently even if Qiu Jinn was injured, he shouldn¡¯t be in a severe condition as he could still deal with family matters. But she just didn¡¯t feel relieved before she could personally hear the gatekeeper tell her that he was fine. So, she asked promptly, ¡°The space of the vi is not big. How is my brother now?¡±

    ¡°Young Earl Ling happened toe to visit. He saved the young master during the earthquake.¡± The gatekeeper knew she was worried about his brother. He continued to say, ¡°The youngdy was knocked unconscious by the cab, but the young master had felt her pulse and he said she is fine... Because he is worrying that there will be another earthquake, the young master has headed to an empty space behind the vi with the others. He is waiting for Young Earl Ling and Master Qiu to bring back your news!¡±

    Only then did Qiu Yn realize that the gatekeeper who was going to report to Qiu Jinn before did not run into the vi, he ran towards outside the wall. She breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°My brother is fine. I¡¯m relieved! In order to prevent damages from aftershocks, it is the right thing to do it. Now take me to see my brother and my sister!¡±

    A few momentster, she arrived at the empty space behind the vi. They asked about each other and found out that they both were fine. They felt relieved finally.

    Only then did Qiu Yn remember Xue Nongying. She immediately asked the servants to bring him over here. She said, ¡°We got him out of the stream when we wereing back. And as for the pill you gave to me, I gave it to him... ¡± Speaking of this, she nces at Qiu Jinn, feeling guilty.

    After seeing Xue Nongying, Qiu Jinn¡¯s face turned pale. He leaned down before she finished her sentence, grasping Xue Nongying wrist to feel his pulse. He felt nervous andmanded Dongran, ¡°Go and get a bowl of my ginseng soup over here.¡±

    Looking at the green bamboo in Xue Nongying¡¯s chest, Qiuran felt scared, ¡°The young master, why not get the bamboo out of his chest quickly?

    ¡°No, we can¡¯t do it now!¡± Qiu Yn and Qiu Jinn stopped her in unison. Qiu Jinn nced at his sister and continued to say, ¡°Feed him the ginseng soup to save his life. And then we will try to get the bamboo out of his chest. If we get it out now, he will be a dead man definitely!¡±

    Fortunately, because of Qiu Jinn¡¯s injury, the Green Vi had a lot of medicinal herbs and utensils to boil medicine. Although the exquisiteyout of the estate was not suitable for escaping during an earthquake, it did not have manyrge span rooms. As a result, the rooms were basically intact. So, after the earthquake stopped, Qiu Jinnmanded the people to evacuate the Green Vi to take shelter outside with all medicinal materials and stoves...

    While waiting for Qiu Yn¡¯s arrival, Qiu Jinn had ordered the servant to cook the ginseng soup. He also had himself changed the medicine and re-bandaged the open wound on his body. He then changed into clean clothes, which made Qiu Yn think that he was fine.

    Dongran went over to fetch the ginseng soup. A momentter, she served a bowl of ginseng soup over. She fed it bit by bit to Xue Nongying to finish it. Xue Nongying, who was just barely died, was obviously better then!

    Qiu Jinn knew that his improving condition didn¡¯t mean that he would survive. He ordered with a serious voice, ¡°Is there any hot water? You two, carry him carefully to lie down behind the screen. Wipe him, get dry clothes for him, and then wrap him up in a nket... And more!¡±

    He lifted his head and looked at the people who had returned with Qiu Yn, ¡°Now that the earthquake has ended recently, people are in a state of panic. I don¡¯t know if Prime Minister Xue and the rest of the Xue Family are okay or not. If the news of the Xue Family¡¯s fourth grandson being seriously injured is spread, I¡¯m afraid that it will be used by the people who hold ulterior motives... So please keep the news to yourselves for now. I suggest that after we find out where the Xue Family is, we send someone secretly to the Xue Family, telling them the news. Okay?¡±

    The crowd, who were still immersed in the joy of saving Xue Chang¡¯s grandson, all looked solemn after hearing what he said, ¡°The young master, what you said is totally reasonable. We will follow!¡±

    Hearing Qiu Jinn¡¯s words reminded the people a fact¨CXue Chang was old. It was not clear whether he was injured or not during the earthquake. It was lucky if he was fine. But if he heard the news that his most valued junior was on the verge of death, nobody could expect what would happen to him. Just like what Qiu Jinn said, if someone who held ulterior motives used this ident and intimate the Xue Family, things would go worse...

    Therefore, even if Xue Nongying was saved, how much would Qiu Jinn get in return? The news has to be kept hidden. It was necessary to let Xue Chang prepare himself mentally before telling him the news!

    After sending Su He to take care of the still unconscious Ruan Ciyi and the mostpetent Dongran to take care of Xue Nongying, Qiu Jinn called her sister aside and asked in a low voice, ¡°How exactly did you find him?¡±

 Chapter 198 - You B*st*rd! What Have You Done to Me?

    <h4>Chapter 198 You B*st*rd! What Have You Done to Me?</h4>

    ¡°That¡¯s what I just said. We pulled him out of the stream.¡± Of course, Qiu Yn knew why he wanted everyone to keep it a secret, ¡°I actually was confused too. It looked like that the bamboo in his chest wasn¡¯t identally pierced during the earthquake. It was like that someone did it on purpose... When I found him, I looked upstream, but I saw nothing! What¡¯s more, he was tied to the driftwood by his own belt.¡±

    Qiu Jinn became very serious, ¡°With my teacher Xue¡¯s personality, how could his grandson be subjected to such a vicious act?¡± From the point of Xue Chang¡¯s treatment to him, a disciple who concealed his real identity, it could be seen that although this famous prime minister of the dynasty was in a high position of power, he was not impersonal, but amiable.

    In principle, with the help of such an elder, it was safer for Xue Nongying to go out than Gu Yan and Jiang Yashuang! But as far as they knew, nothing had happened to Gu Yan and Jiang Yashuang. Instead, Xue Nongying was on the edge of death!

    ¡°It might be Xue Nongying himself who offended someone.¡± As Qiu Yn did not know the Xue Family very well, she was giving her guess. ¡°I heard that Xue Fangmi had done something very bad before.¡±

    ¡°Xue Nongying is not that kind of man!¡± Qiu Jinn said, shaking his head. ¡°My teacher paid more attention to him than Marquess Qin to Jiang Yashuang! After all, Marquess Qin has more children and grandchildren than my teacher does. As far as I am concerned, my teacher expected that the Xue Family will follow the Tao family¡¯s example to have three Dukes... But it¡¯s a pity that my teacher¡¯s children can¡¯t be counted on to be Dukes. As my teacher himself is a Duke, the hope for having the second Duke in the Xue Family lies on Xue Nongying.¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned and said, ¡°Is it someone from the Xue Family who did it?¡± Jealousy was one of the seven deadly sins!

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say,¡± Qiu Jinn shook his head, ¡°Anyway, Xue Nongying is alive now. He is so lucky. You happened to take the pill and saved his life. If not, even the administrative assistant from the Imperial Academy of Medicine could do nothing about him!¡±

    He paused for a while and continued, ¡°As for the pill... I¡¯ll see if I have any left-overter. If yes, I¡¯ll give you a new one then.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°You have more?¡±

    ¡°Kuang Qingwu definitely has more,¡± Qiu Jinn said with a frown. ¡°By the way, did you see Qiu Feng and Ling Zui? Both of them are out searching for you.¡±

    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. I left the Summer Pce in the middle of the feast,¡± said Qiu Yn, shaking her head.

    Hearing her words, Qiu Jinn felt anxious. He thought, ¡°Hope that Qiu Feng did not give the pill to someone not important... s, it turns out there is no such thing as having it both ways! This man is righteous in his promises and trustworthy. It¡¯s even lucky to have him as an enemy. But hispassionate heart is also prone to missteps...¡±

    He didn¡¯t know that righteous and upright Qiu Feng had just been pped in the face!

    In addition, Jiang Qizheng was yelling at him hysterically, ¡°You b*st*rd! What have you done to me?!¡±

    But there was no reason to me the ever-so-quiet and noble Chunfu Princess for freaking out...

    When the earthquake struck, before the tragic Jiang Qizheng could react at all, she plunged headlong off the cliff! When the bodyguards reported to Empress Jiang, they said that she fell into the imperial moat. In fact, she didn¡¯t fall directly into the imperial moat, but fell on the flowers next to the moat and passed out before rolling down into the imperial moat!

    But that was lucky for her because she couldn¡¯t swim at all! She had fallen into the water unconsciously, and God could have saved her life as she sank and floated in the water with the current. If she had been conscious, she could have struggled in the water... If so, even God could not know what would happen to her!

    Anyway, it was not the time to think about it.

    In short, What Jiang Qizheng remembered was that the earthquake happened, which made her fall off the cliff, and she got passed out and woke up.

    When she woke up, the first thing she saw was a vaguely impressionable man kissing her!!!!

    Chunfu Princess, who was still a little confused in the first ce, waspletely awake immediately!

    And then she became aware that her outer robe was unbuttoned to her waist. Her upper body was currently only covered by her underwear, and her body was wet... Even worse, she was held by a man!

    For any decent girl, if she had a knife in her hand in such a situation, she would certainly not hesitate to stab the man, or herself, to death!

    The problem was that Jiang Qizheng didn¡¯t have a knife in her hand... So she could only raise her hand and p Qiu Feng, attempting to get him off her!

    ¡°You¡¯re drowning and out of breath,¡± said Qiu Feng with a frown. He was not angry despite being pped. Instead, he took his robe that he put aside to cover her body. And then he stepped back a little and continued, ¡°I was trying to save you. I did not mean to molest you.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng didn¡¯t want his clothes in the first ce, but she realized that she was wearing underwear only. With no choice but to ept the fact, she gritted her teeth and said, ¡°Then why are you taking off... Taking off my clothes!¡±

    ¡°Your dress is too tight, which is not conducive to the rescuing work,¡± Qiu Feng calmly said. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask the Imperial Doctorter.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Feng had a clear conscience. Jiang Qizheng twisted her head, looking at the virginity mark (a way to tell if a girl was a virgin) on her arm. It was intact. She felt relieved. Her previous shock turned into a skeptical feeling, ¡°You really did it to save me? By the way, where am I now? You... Why didn¡¯t you go and ask my maids or female doctor to help me?¡±

    Qiu Feng said indifferently, ¡°We are not in the Summer Pce. I am a man hanging around in the woods. Now as there is chaos in the pce... I don¡¯t know who I can find to save you. Moreover, even if I had gone there to find someone as fast as I can ande back here, I think you must have been dead already.¡±

    ¡°Outside the Summer Pce?!¡± Jiang Qizheng was shocked, ¡°How?! But I... I fell down in the Pce!¡±

    ¡°You were probably washed out along the imperial moat,¡± Qiu Feng lowered his head to untie a leather pouch from his waist and tossed it to Jiang Qizheng.

    Jiang Qizheng was stunned, asking, ¡°What is this?¡±

    ¡°Some solid food I take with me when I am outside. You take it and walk back to the Summer Pce yourself. You walk along with the upstream and you will be there,¡± said Qiu Feng.

    Jiang Qizheng was shocked. She shouted at him, trying to stop him, ¡°Where are you going then?¡±

    ¡°I was asked toe here, looking for Commandery Princess Ningyi. But I haven¡¯t found her yet. So, I will continue my work,¡± said Qiu Feng dismissively, looking at her.

    ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi?¡± Said Jiang Qizheng. A man shed in her mind. ¡°Are you He Feng? Why do you call yourself Qiu?¡±

    Qiu Feng ignored her, walking away. Seeing him walking further and further, she raised her voice, ¡°She is not in the Summer Pce. She is staying with my cousin, Yashuang!¡±

    Realizing she knew where Qiu Yn was, Qiu Feng returned. ¡°Where are they then?!¡± He asked. He had been to the Summer Pce, looking for Qiu Yn. But she was not there. He even stayed there for a moment, rescuing several maids and bodyguards. From the people he rescued, he knew Qiu Yn was not in the Summer Pce. He then left the Summer Pce and continued looking for her. When he was hanging around and looking for her, he happened to rescue Jiang Qizheng.

    Now he realized Jiang Qizheng might know where Qiu Yn was. He, of course, would not let it go.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know where Yashuang took her!¡± Said Jiang Qizheng. Her words disappointed him. ¡°Anyway, she is not in the Summer Pce!¡±

    ¡°I am wondering if Ling Zui has found her yet... ¡± Hearing her words, Qiu Feng was more anxious. In his view, Commandery Princess Ningyi knew a little Kung Fu, but her inner strength was weak. He needed to find her as soon as possible. Plus, a girl in her teenage experienced the earthquake in her first time, even if she was not injured, she must be frightened to death.

    He had searched the Summer Pcepletely, but he found nothing. He also had searched a wide range away from the Summer Pce and found nothing either. He felt more and more anxious. ¡°I might have walked into the wrong direction. Hope she met a man who can help her!¡±

    Yet, hope could not save her life. On Ling Zui¡¯s side, he also searched the Summer Pcepletely, but found nothing either. What was worse for him was that he met a girl who stopped him!

    ¡°It¡¯s you?¡± A girl in red walked toward him. She recognized it was Ling Zui at her first nce. She sneered, ¡°I¡¯m getting angry. Hey, luckily, herees my vent.¡±

    Hearing that a girl was talking to him, Ling Zui raised his head. His face became pale, ¡°Miss Ou, I know that I offended youst time. I have been taught a lesson. I am quite busy now. I don¡¯t have free time for you. Please let me go!¡±

    Ou Qinn ignored him. She untied a long whip which she always took with her from her waist. She shook out the long whip and said in a high voice, ¡°Stop your nonsense! I should have hung you up and whipped youst time. But you escaped... This time, I will whip you to yourst breath!¡±

    ¡°I am searching for Commandery Princess Ningyi. If you dy my work, and she, unfortunately, is in trouble, I think your brother¡¯s best friend, Jiang Yashuang, would kill you!¡± The bruises on Ling Zui¡¯s body did not recover. However, he could not get rid of the woman right now. So, he intimidated her, ¡°Think about it. Do you want to be the one who creates a misunderstanding between your brother and Jiang Yashuang? You know, Jiang Yashuang has been your brother¡¯s friend since his boyhood! It is well known in the capital that Jiang Yashuangvishes most of his attention on his fianc¨¦e.¡±

    Ou Qinn paused for a while, showing aplicated expression on her face. She continued to say weirdly, ¡°Save your time. She has been back to the Green Vi... She is safe!¡±

    Her words surprised Ling Zui, ¡°Really?!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare doubt me!¡± Said Ou Qinn. She was angry and furious when he doubted her. She raised her hand to whip him on the shoulder!

    Ling Zui couldn¡¯t care less about crying out in pain. He asked promptly, ¡°How did you know?!¡±

    ¡°I just got back from the Green Vi!¡± Ou Qinn was furious, ¡°She¡¯s fine! Ruan Qingyan... When he kicked me out of the Green Vi, she even spoke up for him! Why are you still searching for her? Go and stay with your parents and brothers!¡±

    ¡°You know Yn? You went to see her in the first ce?¡± Ling Zui asked doubtfully. ¡°I¡¯ve never even heard of it... Something is wrong! Why did Chunjun kick you out? He loves his sister more than anyone. If you were her friend, why would he kick you out? Could it be... You¡¯re going to see Chunjun?!¡±

    Ou Qinn¡¯s nose turned sour, and her eyes turned red. She stomped her foot, ¡°I did go there and see him, so what?! I was just worried about him, okay! I know what you¡¯re thinking, it¡¯s nothing more than that I¡¯m not reserved enough... But it¡¯s none of your business whether I¡¯m reserved or not!¡±

    Ling Zui knew girls very well. He could see that this sassy youngdy was already deeply in love with Qiu Jinn. It had been a short time since the earthquake stopped. Although Ou Qinn¡¯s parents were in the north, her brother, grandparents, many of her cousins were in Mount Dizi for the summer vacation. She ignored her rtives and went directly to see Qiu Jinn...

    ¡°I just visited my mom. Although she knew I was helping Chunjun search for his sister, she scolded me for being unfilial. Haha. This young girl is much more unfilial than me! At least, when I entered the Summer Pce to search for Qiu Yn, I was also searching for my family members too!¡± Thought Ling Zui. He dared not say it to Ou Qinn. He got an idea, saying with a sincere tone, ¡°Don¡¯t think too much. I think it was Chunjun¡¯s fault. Although he is in the mourning period and not appropriate to meet girls, he must know that what you did is from your heart... ¡±

    Ou Qinn interrupted him, ¡°He kicked me out because he is in the mourning period?¡± She asked with anxiety and happiness.

    Ling Zui became speechless. He assumed that what he said to the girl would make her think Chunjun was not a good guy. ¡°It was me, Ling Zui who knew girls...¡± But, what on earth was the meaning of your question, huh!

    Being fearful of Ou Qinn¡¯s personality and strength, he said in a low voice, ¡°Maybe your guess is right... In fact, Chunjun was not a sociable person... ¡±

    ¡°So, Hua Shenshen, Peni Yue and other girls like them are man-chasers?¡± Unexpectedly, in the first ce, Ling Zui wanted to nder Qiu Jinn. But his nder ended up being a support.

    Ling Zui¡¯s exnation gave Ou Qinn hope again. Her eyes turned bright. She became spirited shortly. She clenched a fist and waved her fist in the air, saying joyfully, ¡°I know it. Those girls don¡¯t deserve him! Now I see that Commandery Princess Ningyi doesn¡¯t care about him. Or how could she misunderstand those girls being fond of him too?!¡±

    Before Ling Zui understood what Ou Qinn said, she had run away quickly. She said while she was running, ¡°Since you told me the truth, I decided to let you go without being punished. If I see you flirt with girls next time, I will hang you up and whip you for three days!¡±

    ¡°I... !!!¡± Seeing her running away joyfully, Ling Zui was both angry and frustrated...

 Chapter 199 - Are You Familiar with Him?

    <h4>Chapter 199 Are You Familiar with Him?</h4>

    It was not until the next day that most of the families were reunited.

    Empress Jiang was relieved that Princess Yongfu was arguing with Ou Bicheng in the garden when the earthquake urred. Although Ou Bicheng was not very good at martial arts, his alertness and reaction speed were far beyond that of ordinary people since he had stayed in the north and received training from the surprise attacks by the enemy in recent years!

    Immediately after the earthquake happened, he hugged Princess Yongfu and rolled into the flowerbed!

    ording to the description of the surviving servants and maids, almost at the same time when Princess Yongfu was screaming and trying to push Ou Bicheng away, a rockery smashed into the ce where they stood before!

    Jiang Yashuang returned to the pce with people before the news of Princess Yongfu¡¯s safety was reported to the Empress. After learning about the injuries of his own family, he was immediately ordered by the Empress, who was worried about Princess Yongfu and had no time to do anything else, to take charge of part of the rescue.

    The Empress and Madame Tao felt relieved after Princess Yongfu was sent back by Ou Bicheng. The only one they were worried about now was Jiang Qizheng.

    Butte that night, Princess Chunfu was also sent back to the residence of the Jiang Family by Qiu Yn. ¡°My maid happened to see her falling into the water, so I helped her out. As it was close to the Green Vi, I asked her to go to the vi and change clothes. I had asked her to stay there for one night, but she was concerned about all of you, so I sent her over.¡±

    Since Madame Tao was staying in the pce to apany Empress Jiang, Madame Dou was in charge of the family at the moment.

    She sent Qiu Yn away gratefully, took Jiang Qizheng in her arms,forted her while entering the house, and called the maids toe and help. When they walked into the courtyard, she saw that Jiang Qizheng was holding a leather bag in her hand. It was roughly made, not like something from a rich family. Moreover, it was embroidered with the word ¡°Feng¡±.

    Madame Dou was stunned for a moment and asked subconsciously, ¡°Zheng¡¯er, what¡¯s this...?

    Jiang Qizheng was rescued by Qiu Feng, but he left her behind.

    Until the evening, realizing that he had been searching in the wrong direction, Qiu Feng turned back and found that she had only moved a few steps. She was still squatting in the woods, crying. He stopped to ask, only to learn that the princess was afraid of insects, snakes, spiders and mosquitoes. She didn¡¯t know the way back... Anyway, if she had been left to go back to the pce alone, it might take her a whole month!

    Qiu Feng, who was dumbfounded, had to take her with him. Then they came near the pce and the Jiang Family¡¯s residence. Jiang Qizheng looked at the mess of her clothes and didn¡¯t have the courage to go back like this. She had fallen into the water in front of others and everyone knew that she couldn¡¯t swim. She had to find an exnation for her return.

    Seeing this, Qiu Feng simply took her to the Green Vi and found Qiu Jinn and Qiu Yn. The credit was offered to the brother and sister.

    Jiang Qizheng didn¡¯t even realize that the leather bag that Qiu Feng had given her was still in her hand!

    She even hid it secretly while bathing and changing clothes in the Green Vi...

    Now it was found by Madame Dou. Jiang Qizheng was startled and said hurriedly, ¡°I grabbed it at the Green Vi... I didn¡¯t realize I took it home. I¡¯ll send it back tomorrow.¡±

    Madame Dou was relieved. ¡°Poor girl, you were frightened... Now you are home and there¡¯s nothing to be afraid.¡± She stretched out her hand to get it. ¡°I¡¯ll keep it for you and send it back by the way when I send someone to say thanks tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Jiang Qizheng pulled back subconsciously. She was embarrassed to see Madame Dou¡¯s hands freeze there and said hurriedly, ¡°I think... I want to go to the Green Vi tomorrow to give thanks and return it by myself.¡±

    Madame Dou didn¡¯t think much about it because the girl had always been well-behaved. She narrowly escaped death this time and it was understandable that she acted a bit strange. She agreed and said, ¡°I will prepare the gift for you. Just have a good sleep.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, auntie!¡± Jiang Qizheng breathed a sigh of relief. She held the bag tightly but felt a little hot behind her ears...

    The next morning, when Jiang Qizheng got up, the maid came to tell her that she was asked to go into the pce to see the Empress and Madame Tao. So, after grooming, she went to the pce. She was pulled into the arms and almost touched from head to feet by the aunt and grandmother. Having confirmed that everything was fine, both the Empress and Madame Tao shed tears. ¡°It¡¯s lucky that you are okay. Or what is to be of us!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng was so moved when she saw this. She knelt down and cried, ¡°I am not filial to make you worry about me like this!¡±

    ¡°No one had expected the earthquake. How could we me you?¡± Empress Jiang stretched out her hand to help her get up and sighed, ¡°What were the people at the Royal Observatory doing? Before the banquet yesterday, Fubing and the girl from the Cheng Family had found something unusual. But the two girls didn¡¯t know what was happening and were afraid that they would ruin the Emperor¡¯s birthday, so they didn¡¯t tell it to anybody. They didn¡¯t understand. Didn¡¯t the people at the Royal Observatory know what was to happen? They are good for nothing...¡±

    Madame Tao wiped her eyes and said, ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this. Some people are not found yet. And those who were injured... Especially the old Princess of Puyang, who was so old, had her leg broken this time. She needs to be sent down the mountain for treatment. But who knows whether the earthquake wille again or not? It would be terrible if it happens on the way.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng asked in surprise, ¡°The old Princess of Puyang had her leg broken? But she didn¡¯te to the banquet.¡±

    ¡°It was because she hadn¡¯te to the pce that she was injured! The main hall of the pce is okay! The old Princess is thrifty. For so many years, there had never been an earthquake in Mount Dizi. The main house of the Xiao Family had not been repaired for several years. It copsed this time.¡± Madame Tao sighed, ¡°Xiao Su and Princess Puyang were also buried inside, and the three of them were only rescued when Xiao Mu rushed back with others and dug them out of the rubble!¡±

    Xiao Mu was Xiao Su¡¯s half-brother. Unlike Xiao Su, who was delicate in health, Xiao Mu was physically strong and liked to y with weapons since he was a child. He wanted to go to the frontier when he was young. But his father, the former Duke of Puyang, died young, leaving only two sons. The new Duke of Puyang was sick and weak. The family could only count on Xiao Mu. How could old Princess Qin and old Princess Chu let him go to the army?

    Who could have thought this would save the whole family? If it had not been for Xiao Mu this time, the three members of the family who had been buried under the rubble would have been killed as the servants were like headless flies. Now only the old Princess was in a critical condition. It was not the worst.

    Old Princess Qin had a good reputation and was popr among the nobledies in Jing City. Empress Jiang, who had a good impression of her, sighed, ¡°The old Princess is senior in age. I¡¯m afraid that even if she is sent back to Jing City now, it might be...¡±

    She frowned and cursed lightly, ¡°Who could have thought old Princess Qin would have such a misfortune! Why is that one okay? It was said that the whole rosewood screen was smashed down yesterday, but she only fainted for a while and then woke up. The doctor said there was nothing serious... If I had known it, I should have reced the screen with a whole piece of marble for her!¡±

    Old Madame Tao smiled bitterly and said, ¡°What are you saying in front of the child?¡± Of course, the one whom the Empress cursed was Empress Dowager Gu.

    Empress Jiang was a little awkward when she was reminded by her mother. At this time Jiang Qizheng said goodbye to them. ¡°I was rescued by Princess Ningyi yesterday, so I should go to the Green Vi today to give thanks.¡±

    ¡°Take care on the road. Try to stay in an open ce.¡± Empress Jiang warned, ¡°Although nothing else has happened since the earthquake yesterday, no one can tell it. So be careful.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng said yes and left.

    When she came to the backyard of the Green Vi where the brother and sister temporarily lived, she found that severalrge and small tents had been set up there. Obviously, they had spent the night in tents.

    Seeing hering, the servant hurried in to report.

    After a while, Qiu Yn came out to greet her. ¡°Why are youing in person?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Thank you for your help yesterday...¡± Jiang Qizheng said. She looked around the tents. There was disappointment in her eyes.

    Qiu Yn understood and whispered, ¡°Master Qiu is in the tent on the southeast corner.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng¡¯s cheeks flushed involuntarily. She forced herself to calm down and pulled her to one side, saying, ¡°It¡¯s not convenient for me to see him. Please convey my gratitude.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiu Yn promised dly andughed again, ¡°Actually, he doesn¡¯t care.¡±

    ¡°Are you familiar with him?¡± Jiang Qizheng couldn¡¯t help asking.

    ¡°My brother is familiar with him. But I¡¯ve seen him a few times.¡± Qiu Yn would not admit that she was familiar with an unrted adult man in front of her would-be sister. She said calmly, ¡°My brother said he was a real knight-errant, and I heard from Brother Ling that he saved several people yesterday.¡±

    Hearing this, Jiang Qizheng secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and thenughed, ¡°What am I nervous about? I was saved by him... Although he was trying to save me, he also took advantage of me!¡±

    After hesitating, she took out the leather bag. ¡°He... He gave it to me yesterday. Please return it to him for me.¡±

    Qiu Yn epted it and asked about the safety of her family. Jiang Qizheng said, ¡°Grandfather and grandmother have some minor injuries, but there¡¯s nothing serious. Fortunately, no one else was injured... I was just called over to the pce by my aunt. I heard that not many people were injured this time, but the old Princess of Puyang had her leg broken, and it is serious.¡±

    ¡°This is too...¡± Qiu Yn had never met the olddy. She just made some remarks of cliches when she heard the news. Jiang Qizheng said goodbye and left when they had no more topic to talk about.

    She nced at the southeast corner again as she was leaving. She couldn¡¯t help but sigh again when she saw nobody...

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t take notice of her mind. Even if she did, she would pretend not to have noticed it. After all, there was a big gap between Qiu Feng and Jiang Qizheng. It was impossible for them to marry each other except for some special reason. Qiu Yn would not ask for such trouble.

    After sending away Jiang Qizheng, she returned to the tent and continued tofort Xue Nongqing. Xue Nongying was badly injured and soaked in water for a long time. Although he was still alive, God knew whether he could recover or not. Qiu Jinn notified his family as soon as possible.

    However, because Xue Nongying was obviously assassinated before or during the earthquake, his family was shocked when they learned the news. After an urgent discussion, they decided to hide Xue Nongying for the moment so that he would not be murdered again.

    After all, the whole mountain was in a panic because of the earthquake, and they did not have any particrly powerful guards, so they were not sure that they could protect Xue Nongying.

    Moreover, there was no doctor in the Xue Family now, so they simply left Xue Nongying with Qiu Jinn, who could ask Qi Shuluo to make prescriptions. Of course, he didn¡¯t tell Qi Shuluo the truth. Who knew whether it was the Jiang Family that nned the assassination?

    The Xue Family believed that they were friendly and kind to others and were neutral in politics. However, their most valued junior was assassinated and dying. The family had directly turned from ¡°What enemies can we have¡± to ¡°No one in the court is trustworthy¡±. Now they could only trust Qiu Jinn.

    ¡°Sister Qiu, will my brother be okay?¡± Xue Nongying was temporarily ced here. The rest of the family dared note over for fear of revealing the secret. The young girl Xue Nongqing, who was well-known for being naive in the noble circle, was put to use. She was called over to visit her brother and pass on messages.

    However, Miss Nongqing fainted when she saw the injury in her brother¡¯s chest. After being revived, she held Qiu Yn in her arms and cried until now!

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t feel annoyed by her. She knew how she felt now. If it were Qiu Jinn who had been assassinated, she wouldn¡¯t be much better. Xue Nongying and Xue Nongqing were affectionate to each other. It was normal for one to forget him/herself when the other was met with a misfortune.

    So even though Xue Nongqing had asked the same question dozens of times, she immediately said in a firm tone, ¡°Don¡¯t worry! He will definitely get better!¡±

    Unexpectedly, Dongran hurried in and said with a solemn expression, ¡°Your Grace, Miss Xue, Mr. Xue has vomited blood! The master has sent for Dr. Qi. But it is best to go down the mountain immediately, for the herbs here are notplete, and now we can¡¯t live in the house. It¡¯s really bad if things remain to be like this!¡±

    Xue Nongqing was stunned and fell down toward Qiu Yn.

 Chapter 200 - Added Insult to Injury

    <strong>Chapter 200 Added Insult to Injury</strong>

    Xue Nongqing just fell in a faint, while Qiu Jinn and Qiu Yn ran around for her. Qiu Jinn was busy asking Qi Shuluo to diagnose and treat Xue Nongying, but he had to prevent him from ying tricks and tipping off at the same time; and Qiu Yn, on the other hand, sent Xue Nongqing back to the Xue Family under the name of ¡°Miss Nongqing seemed to be frightened, so she fainted just now while speaking¡±, and by the way told the Xue Family that Xue Nongying¡¯s injury had worsened.

    The Xue Family was naturally shocked when they heard the news. As the prime minister, Xue Chang was shocked, but he was still calm. He agreed decisively, ¡°Go downhill! Even if Qi Shuluo wouldn¡¯t plot to murder Ying¡¯er, the herbs on the mountain are even not avable. They even can¡¯t live in a house after being injured. Even if Chunjun takes good care of him, how will he recover in such a bad environment?¡±

    Qiu Yn secretly thought that Xue Chang was indeed a sensible person. He seemed to repeat what Dongran had told him before simply, but it was tantamount to implying that Xue Nongying¡¯s deterioration was caused by objective conditions, and even if something went wrong, it would be nothing to do with Qiu Jinn or others.

    Xue Chang said to her again as expected, ¡°No words can express my thanks to your great kindness. Your Grace, Chunjun, I¡¯m sorry to trouble you about going downhill. I¡¯d like to allocate some bodyguards for you, but I am afraid that we have to rely on the Green Vi more!¡±

    The Xue Family is not involved in military affairs. Although Xue Chang had some fantastic bodyguards in his hands, they were really inferior to the master reserves in the famous ¡°Tianya¡±.

    The person who stabbed Xue Nongying had not been found yet, so Xue Chang naturally worried that the person was hiding in secret.

    Qiu Yn nodded, ¡°You¡¯re wee. It is what we should do.¡±

    ¡°Let Qing¡¯er go with you. Just say that because she is not in good health, I want to send her down the mountain and my family sends some people to apany her.¡± Xue Chang said again, ¡°Others will continue to search for Ying¡¯er on the mountain as bait. I hope that action can attract the attention of the person in the dark and let you go down the mountain in peace!¡±

    ¡°What you are saying is right. My brother intends to leave under the name of his recurrence, so that he can cover it up as he is carried by others even if someone sees him from a distance.¡± Qiu Yn stood up, ¡°No time to lose in doing it, so let¡¯s go right now.¡±

    Xuesun, who was weeping by the side, hurriedly asked, ¡°Can I go together?¡±

    ¡°But you can only stay with Qing¡¯er!¡± Xue Chang knew that this daughter-inw only had one son and one daughter. Now that the life and death of her son were unpredictable, she must be worried. He sighed in his heart and said, ¡°Don¡¯t get close to Ying¡¯er before settling down. It would have hurt him if you were caught out.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, father!¡± Xuesun agreed quickly.

    At the moment, Qiu Yn returned to the Green Vi to prepare, while the Xue Family began to pack things and order staff.

    Both sides were vigorous and resolute at the moment, and they gathered behind the Green Vi after a short while. At this time, Qi Shuluo was also demanded in both hard and soft tactics, ¡°The situation of young master Xue is really bad. Now we¡¯ll send him down the mountain, so we hope that you can show your kindness and go with us.¡±

    Based on Qi Shuluo¡¯s experience, he understood after thinking about it simply. Anyway, he was ordered by the Jiang Family to take charge of Qiu Jinn¡¯s safety during this period, so he didn¡¯t ask anything else and agreed immediately.

    They walked down the mountain in a hurry, but on the way, they met another group of people who were venturing back to Jing City. It was just the Xiao Family of the Duke of Puyang.

    ¡°It seems that the old Princess Qin is in a bad situation.¡± Qiu Yn held the veil hat and looked at the opposite side. Everyone looked anxious. In the middle was a young man in a brocade robe who looked like her age with narrow arms and a bee waist. He was tall and walked tightly next to the only sedan in the team. She could guess without asking, he must be Xiao Mu, the strong brother of the Duke of Puyang.

    And the person in the sedan must be old Princess Qin!

    For those who were on the mountain, the aftershocks after the earthquake were a big problem. This was also the reason that neither the emperor nor the empress had the intention to leave after the first earthquake stopped for a day. What if they went down the mountain and then aftershocks happened on the rugged mountain road?

    It must be a must for them to leave the mountain at this moment. They even ignored the risks on the way!

    ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi!¡± As Qiu Yn was looking at Xiao Mu, Xiao Mu suddenly came over, bowed his hand, and then asked, ¡°Do you apany your brother down the mountain for medical treatment? How about your brother¡¯s injury?¡±

    When Qiu Yn heard this, she understood what he meant, ¡°It is okay if your family wants to walk ahead. But the speed....¡±

    Xiao Mu was overjoyed and bowed solemnly, ¡°I will urge them to descend the mountain quickly!¡± After saying a few words of gratitude, he returned to the team tomand. Because of the construction of the Summer Pce, the mountain road of Mount Dizi was originally wide enough for two teams to walk side by side.

    However, the earthquake had destroyed many ces, so it was difficult for two teams to walk side by side at this time.

    In this case, when two teams met, the question of who should go first came up. Old Princess Qin¡¯s team should go ahead out of both her age and status. Even if it was Xue Nongying who was in urgent need of going down the mountain for medical treatment, things would not change still. So, it was better to let them go first to avoid dys instead of bargaining with Xiao Mu. Anyway, the Xiao Family had sent the only intact grandson Xiao Mu to escort the old Princess down the mountain, so they would notpromise absolutely.

    After the people in the Xiao Family left, Qiu Yn did not feel that their way was blocked when they set foot on the mountain road as expected.

    Besides worrying about the safety of the old Princess, the servants were fear of another earthquake. Once it urred again, they would probably be stuck on the mountain road and lose their lives. Thus, the servants did not dare to stay here and they tried their best to take the old Princess to leave. Fortunately, no aftershocks happened on their way to the t ground!

    Upon experiencing this, both the Xiao Family and Qiu Yn wiped their cold sweat and ordered with their hearts still fluttering with fear, ¡°Hurry up. Return to Jing City!¡±

    The official road back to Jing City had also been destroyed partly. Fortunately, the problem was not serious and they made a detour to leave there.

    Finally, the city wall was in sight, and everyone was relieved. However, as soon as they got relieved, the galloping carriage suddenly crooked to the side!

    ¡°Has the horse stumbled? Or something happened on the road?¡± After the ideas crossed her mind, she saw that the surrounding scenery was trembling. The aftershocks happened!

    ¡°Brother!¡± Qiu Yn was shocked, got up from the ground and rushed into Qiu Jinn¡¯s carriage!

    Madam Sun, who came here in the name of apanying her daughter, was scared out of wits. She had no time to care about whether she would expose her identity but just rushed over to check on her son who was staying with Qiu Jinn!

    Fortunately, the aftershock was not strong. It stopped after a while.

    It was just that the team that was speeding up was in a panic at the moment. Qiu Yn and Madam Sun were injured and bruised, and some of the unlucky servants were crushed by the mounts. Fortunately, Qiu Jinn and Xue Nongying were fine, which should be attributed to Qiu Feng. They asked him to ride with them to guard against the assassins originally, but when the aftershock happened, he quickly grabbed they two with sharp eyes and agile hands so that the two wounded had not been thrown out of the carriage!

    But the Xiao Family, who was on the official road with them, was not so lucky. Although Xiao Mu personally apanied old Princess Qin in the car and he had been practicing martial arts since he was a child, he was distinguished, and he hardly had real fights with others. So how could his experience and reaction bepared with Qiu Feng, who had been making a living in Jianghu for so many years and had been ustomed to killing and fighting?

    Old Princess Qin was thrown out of the carriage and fell on the official road badly out of oversight.

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Xiao Mu was terrified. He stumbled over to pick up old Princess Qin, only to see that she, who was dying before, was even more fragile at the moment. She was gonna die!

    Seeing this, Qiu Yn hurriedly let her team set out quickly, and she led Qi Shuluo over, ¡°Young master Xiao, don¡¯t move the old Princess. Let Dr. Qi checks her!¡±

    Xiao Mu was so anxious and in a state of stupefaction, so he was about to cry when hearing her words, ¡°Thank you!¡± He didn¡¯t say anything more then and gave Qi Shuluo his ce for diagnosis.

    But Qi Shuluo sighed inwardly when he nced at the old Princess¡¯s face. After taking her pulse, he was more certain. Therefore, he even did not open his medicine pouch but said in a low voice, ¡°Anyway, send the old Princess back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion! ¡±

    Xiao Mu was stunned when he heard the words, ¡°You mean...?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not because of the fall just now. It¡¯s just the old Princess is... Even if she didn¡¯t fall down just now, she won¡¯t survive more than a few days after returning to Jing City....¡± Qi Shuluo knew how he felt at this time, so heforted him. Then he took out a jade box for personal storage from his arms, took out half of the old ginseng, and then cut two slices from it with a small silver knife around his waist. Then he fed old Princess Qin with them, sighing, ¡°let¡¯s go!¡±

    The implication was that old Princess Qin would die on the road if they didn¡¯t set out at this time.

    ¡°Young Master Xiao, calm down!¡± Seeing that Xiao Mu looked so pale as soon as he heard the bad news, Qiu Yn was sympathetic to him, so she said softly, ¡°Think about Princess Puyang and the Duke of Puyang on Mount Dizi. And since the old Princess ising back now, maybe she still has something to tell you then?¡±

    Seeing Xiao Mu leading old Princess Qin towards Jing City dully, Qiu Yn sighed and turned to ask Qi Shuluo, ¡°So how about young master Nongying?¡±

    Speaking of Xue Nongying, Qi Shuluo got a little more rxed than just now, ¡°He is different from old Princess Qin. Although he is injured more severely than the old Princess, he is just a teenager who is full of energy, and he has a strong desire to survive! Besides, the medicine you fed him before was not ordinary... From my perspective, there is a fifty-fifty chance that he will recover!¡±

    ¡°....¡± Qiu Yn frowned, feeling that this possibility was still not big enough. But thinking about the severity of Xue Nongying¡¯s injury, she thought that it was fortunate for him to have a fifty-fifty chance to survive.

    ¡°I hope he will live a little bit longer. I hope he can survive!¡± Qiu Yn muttered in her heart, ¡°Otherwise, I don¡¯t know what Xue Chang will do.¡±

    How could losing a grandson be easy to withstand for an old man? Especially he ced great hopes on this grandson.

    At that moment she was not in the mood to speak then, hurrying on silently.

    She arrived at Jing Cityter than Qiu Jinn and his group. They saw many houses copsed before entering the city gate. Bodyguards were seen on the streets, and some people even wore the costumes of the Imperial Army.

    It was not surprising actually. Feng Rugui supported the Empress firmly, and many of the Jiang Family were serving in the Imperial Army. After the earthquake, to prevent rumors and riots, Feng Rugui asked the remaining guards in the Imperial Army toe forward to help suppress the situation, so as to facilitate peace. Even if something went wrong, the Imperial Army could handle that.

    They had reached a consensus with the Xue Family that Xue Nongying would be ced in the Ruan Family. In this way, they could ask the doctor here in the name of injured Qiu Jinn, so as to give the Xue Family more time to find out who attacked Xue Nongying.

    Therefore, Qiu Yn went straight to the Ruan¡¯s Mansion after entering the city. Although the Ruan¡¯s Mansion had not beenpletely repaired due to the defeat in the past ten years, it was the General¡¯s Mansion before, which was really a good thing.

    The martial-arts field was indispensable in the mansion of a military officer.

    Out of the former glory of the Ruan Family, there was not only one martial-arts field here.

    So even if it was uncertain whether the earthquake would happen again, there was no need to hide outside the city.

    When they arrived at the Ruan Family, the aroma of medicine was already floating in the mansion at this time. It was the prescription that Qi Shuluo prescribed before. As soon as they returned to Jing City, someone was asked to get the herbs and brew them.

    Qiu Yn took Qi Shuluo to the backyard, and saw Qiu Jinn sitting on the soft couch on the peach blossom tree and sipping tea. Seeing theming over, Qiu Jinn got up to greet them, ¡°How is old Princess Qin? Is she okay?¡±

    ¡°Not really. Maybe she can¡¯t survive tonight.¡± There were no people who were close to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang, so Qi Shuluo said bluntly, ¡°She was on herst breath when she fell down... It was the blessing of Xiao Mu that she didn¡¯t die on the spot.¡±

    If old Princess Qin died on the spot, besides his self-me, Xiao Mu would be condemned badly by public opinion.

    After all, he escorted the old Princess alone and he was even in the carriage when the incident happened on the way returning to Jing City for treatment!

    ¡°Old Princess Qin has nothing to do with our family.¡± Qiu Yn worried more about young master Xue, ¡°How is young master Xue now?¡±

 Chapter 201 - Rumors, Intended for the East Palace, Were Everywhere

    <strong>Chapter 201 Rumors, Intended for the East Pce, Were Everywhere</strong>

    As they were talking, Qi Shuluo had already walked towards the inner chamber. Qiu Yn saw that Qiu Jinn hadn¡¯t moved, so she asked, ¡°Won¡¯t we go in?¡±

    ¡°Madam Sun and Miss Nongqing in the Xue Family are both inside, apanied by the big sister.¡± Qiu Jinn said, ¡°You may go in but I won¡¯t.¡± Although he was Xue Chang¡¯s pupil once, it was inappropriate for him to be inside with three womenfolk.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take a look.¡± Qiu Yn thought for a while, and felt that since she was here, she had to go in and ask, or it might seem like that she didn¡¯t care enough.

    She walked inter than Qi Shuluo. As soon as she entered, Qi Shuluo had already finished the diagnosis. He was talking to Madam Sun and Xue Nongqing, who had tears on their faces, ¡°After he finishes taking the medicine, I will examine young master Xue again to see if it is necessary to change the medicine.¡±

    Xue Nongqing asked worriedly, ¡°Then when will my brother get better?¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± Qi Shuluo pondered.

    Ruan Ciyi was afraid that he would say something bad to increase the pressure on the mother and daughter of the Xue Family. So, she hurriedly said, ¡°Anyway, he¡¯s back to Jing City now. All the medicinal materials can be prepared and there¡¯s a house to live in. It¡¯s definitely better than being on the mountain, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Qi Shuluo nodded andmented on what she said, ¡°You¡¯re right, Lady Ruan.¡±

    Madam Sun was also afraid of hearing the bad news. She pulled her daughter¡¯s sleeves to prevent her from asking and forced herself to bear up to greet Qi Shuluo, ¡°We¡¯ll have to trouble you a lot in the future, Dr. Qi.¡±

    ¡°No problem, Madam Sun. I¡¯ll stay with the Ruan Family for a few days anyway.¡± Qi Shuluo said politely, ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal. Besides, it¡¯s my job.¡±

    ¡°Speaking of which, my son¡¯s life has been saved by your family this time.¡± Madam Sun hurriedly thanked Ruan Ciyi and suddenly saw Qiu Yn standing at the doorway. She wiped the tears on her face and was about toe over to bow to her, ¡°I just have one son. Saving his life is like saving mine. It was inconvenient to give you a salute before, but now, please receive my salute, Commandery Princess!¡±

    Qiu Yn quickly grabbed her and refused to ept the salute, ¡°Don¡¯t mention it, Mrs. Sun. How will we calcte the cultivation of Prime Minister Xue to my brother? Besides, a good man is always blessed. Young master Xue was being lucky himself and I just happened to run into him. That¡¯s it. I dare not to take credit for saving him.¡±

    Madam Sun was about to say something again but Qi Shuluo coughed to remind her, ¡°It¡¯s better to let young master Xue rest at this moment!¡±

    ¡°Right, right. I¡¯m being ridiculous.¡± Madam Sun was at a loss. All her hope fell on Qi Shuluo. Surely, she would listen to Qi Shuluo. After hearing his words, she hurriedly pulled Xue Nongqing, and everyone came out of the room quietly. Qiu Jinn had left the peach tree and was waiting outside. He asked about the situation when they came out.

    Without full certainty, Qi Shuluo couldn¡¯t make any promises. He said a few words vaguely, and then excused himself to go to see the medicine he was making. Seeing it, the others stopped talking about Xue Nongying and discussed where to live.

    It was not difficult to arrange. Madam Sun nned to make her bed on the floor next to Xue Nongying¡¯s bed and to stay with her son until his condition was stable. Xue Nongqing was asked to stay with Ruan Ciyi in her courtyard.

    Qiu Yn would live in her own ce. Xue Nongqing wanted to live with her, but both Ruan Ciyi and Qiu Jinn knew that Qiu Yn didn¡¯t like being disturbed, so they pretended to not know and deliberately let Ruan Ciyi pulled her away. The girl was not sophisticated. She was too embarrassed to refuse, so she had to agree to the arrangement.

    In the following days, Xue Nongying¡¯s condition was very unstable, not to mention Madam Sun, but even Qi Shuluo had to keep an eye on him all night.

    During the time, aftershocks urred twice, but each time it got fainter, and thest time it just shook a ripple out of the water on the table and stopped.

    In this case, Empress Dowager Gu finally decided to return to Jing City after discussing with Empress Jiang.

    In fact, the relevant officials had long gone back to Jing City to control the situation. However, there were still rumors in Jing City that Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang¡¯s Regent was detrimental to the country, and that the earthquake that urred in Emperor¡¯s birthday was a warning to the Emperor from heaven.

    However, Qiu Yn felt that this kind of rumors couldn¡¯t be a threat to the Empress Dowager and the Empress. Let alone that there was arge army behind both of them, as far as the character of the Emperor was concerned, it could be seen from the earthquake that this guy was hopeless.

    If the Empress Dowager and the Empress gave back the political power to him, instead of being happy, he would probably feel bad.

    ¡°It¡¯s not sure whether this rumor was spread by someone or it just happened asionally. But the people who talked about it will definitely be unlucky.¡± Qiu Yn told Qiu Jinn privately, ¡°I think Prince of Qi and Prince of Yan are more vulnerable to this earthquake incident.¡±

    Qiu Jinn said, ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard thetest words on the street? One kind of rumor says that Prince of Yan celebrated the Emperor¡¯s birthday with too many precious and unique objects, which backfired and aroused the wrath in heaven; another is about that Prince of Qi is not worthy of being Crown Prince at all, so after he revealed the intention to fight for the status of the crown prince, heaven immediately showed signs; there is another, that both Prince of Qi and Prince of Yan are not worthy of being Crown Prince...¡±

    He sighed, ¡°The source of these rumors has not been verified yet!¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°So, the previous rumors that used the Empress Dowager and the Empress of causing earthquake were to pave the way for these?¡± Everybody knew that the two of them had been in politics for so many years, and if an earthquake rumor could get rid of them, they would return to Imperial Harem a long time ago to fight against with other women and there wouldn¡¯t be a ce for them in the court.

    However, regarding the current words about Prince of Qi and Prince of Yan, if these rumors were from the same person, then, from the beginning, they were not targeting the Empress Dowager and the Empress, but targeting the two candidates for Crown Prince.

    After all, the earthquake had appeared. The court had to find someone to me at this time.

    The Empress Dowager and the Empress would never admit that they had anything to do with the earthquake. So, they needed a scapegoat. However, it was not like a random person who could be med for an earthquake! The first choice was the Regents, Emperor, and Crown Prince. At least, it had to be someone important in court. If it was less important than that, it would be obviously fooling people.

    Prince of Qi and Prince of Yan, who had just fought against each other on the Emperor¡¯s birthday and had shown obvious intention to fight for Crown Prince, were perfect choices. The two miserable brothers had just shown themselves once and were caught up with this disaster. Now they were framed for being unable to be Crown Prince.

    As for Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang, although they had chosen Prince of Qi and Prince of Yan at present, it didn¡¯t mean that they couldn¡¯t make other choices.

    Empress Dowager Gu had Prince of Zhou, who was her grandson; Empress Jiang... For the Empress, all the concubines¡¯ sons who were not close to the Empress Dowager and were well-controlled could be cultivated!

    ¡°Anyway, it is getting more and moreplicated!¡± Qiu Jinn said intently, ¡°I don¡¯t know which prince did this or who did this for which prince, but the Emperor and the Empress are about to return. The Empress Dowager and the Empress would thoroughly investigate it!¡±

    He nced at his sister, ¡°But I think Prince of Qi and Prince of Yan may have no chance anymore.¡±

    ¡°What does it have to do with us?¡± Qiu Yn said disapprovingly, ¡°As long as Empress Jiang wins, it doesn¡¯t matter who the Crown Prince is. Anyway, he¡¯s a puppet.¡±

    ¡°Have you forgotten that Jiang Qiyun in the Jiang Family is engaged to Prince of Qi?¡± Qiu Jinn frowned, ¡°Even if Prince of Qi has no hope of being the Crown Prince and he can¡¯t keep the title of Prince, he is always a member of the royal family! Not to mention the engagement was arranged by the Empress. So, unless Jiang Qiyun is dead, she¡¯ll have to marry him. How can the first branch of the Jiang Family not resent?¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned, ¡°But what does it have to do with me? Will she vent her anger on me just because her daughter can¡¯t be the Crown Princess?¡± Do I get a full set of taunting skills? Will I attract so much hatred?

    Qiu Jinn said, ¡°It¡¯s not entirely impossible! Didn¡¯t you say that you have never offended Jiang Qiyun but she always messes with you? In the past, she was expected to be the Crown Princess. She was proud and satisfied at that time, so she might be more open-minded. But now she has be a joke. Who knows if she will make others¡¯ life hard because she can¡¯t have a good one herself?¡±

    ¡°But she can¡¯t possibly juste at me, right?¡± Qiu Yn thought for a while and said, ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯m someone who can be bullied easily.¡±

    ¡°Anyway, be careful.¡± Qiu Jinn warned, ¡°You have to keep an eye on those who have evil intentions, no matter they are proud of themselves or frustrated.¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed and agreed.

    As for the Xue Family¡¯s return to Jing City, because they had to ¡°look for¡± Xue Nongying, they came back rtivelyte. For this reason, Xue Chang specifically reported to the Empress Dowager and the Empress.

    Meanwhile, Madam Sun sent someone she trusted to guard the Xue Family, and said that her son was missing and her daughter was in poor health, so that she was crying all day long and taking care of her daughter without receiving any guests.

    But after most of the officials followed the royal family back to Jing City, Madam Sun had to temporarily leave her son and secretly returned to the Mansion with her daughter.

    Because the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang sent out the obituary.

    Old Princess Qin had died in less than half an hour after returning to Prince¡¯s Mansion.

    Xiao Mu felt both guilty and sad for old Princess Qin¡¯s death. There was no use in crying and screaming. The stewards among the servants persuaded him together, and began to discuss the funeral, but they could not reach an agreement. Xiao Mu was both a concubine¡¯s son and was young. Neither his official mother, old Princess Chu, nor his official brother, the Duke of Puyang, was there. How could he bury old Princess Qin alone?

    Therefore, he could only have the old Princess¡¯s body preserved with ice and have a mourning hall built, waiting for old Princess Chu and Xiao Su to return to Jing City to host.

    Now that the two of them hade back to host the formal mourning. With old Princess Qin¡¯s poprity, almost all the noble families in Jing City had received the invitation, including the Ruan Family. After all, Ruan Ciyi¡¯s grandmother and old Princess Qin were sisters, so they were considered as rtives.

    The Xue Family had surely been invited. Madam Sun had to leave her son with the Ruan Family and went back to arrange the mourning in person.

    As for the Ruan Family, they were still in the mourning period. ording to the custom, they wouldn¡¯t go to the mourning of other families at this time. So, they just needed to send someone there to offer some condolence money.

    Qiu Yn needed to go back to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe and go with Princess Yang to mourn. After all, she had a title as Commandery Princess, not to mention she had been engaged to Jiang Yashuang. She was not the kind of person who could be ignored. Besides, the old Princess had a different surname from the Emperor, so she, the Commandery Princess, had to stop by and mourn. Also, she gave Xiao Mu a hand when she went down the mountain before. It wouldn¡¯t be good if she didn¡¯t go to mourn at this moment.

    Anyway, when she returned to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, where she had not lived for several months, she saw that her yard had copsed in half.

    Fortunately, the inner chamber was intact, so she could still live here.

    When she was about to send someone to clean up, she heard some noise from the school. She went over and was very surprised, ¡°Is Madam Shao still teaching?¡±

    Then she found something that was even more surprising, ¡°Miss Sheng, Qianqian, are you still attending the ss?¡±

    It might be easier to exin why Wang Qingqian and Shao Yuemei were here. The uncles of the former had not yet reached the level of traveling with the royal family to avoid the heat, and she was unwilling to go with Qiu Yn; thetter did not like staying on mountains, so she stayed in Jing City every year during the time.

    But Sheng Shishui had followed the Lu Family to Mount Dizi. She must¡¯ve just gotten back. And she was already in a ss. Did she want to excel in the study?

    ¡°It is messy at home now and I can¡¯t help. So, I came over to have a look. I happened to see that Madam Shao was giving Qianqian a lecture, so I joined her.¡± Sheng Shishui was very thoughtful and knew her doubts when she heard it.

    Shao Yuemei said, ¡°The house is still very solid, not to mention the spacious yard outside. If there is any movement of the ground, we can just run out.¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at Wang Qingqian, she stuck out her tongue, ¡°I have nothing to do at home, so I often run over to talk to Madam Shao. After the earthquake, sses were suspended. But we can¡¯t just sit around all the time.

    ¡°You guys are really hard-working!¡± Qiu Yn said, ¡°But I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t attend the ss for now. I¡¯m going to mourn old Princess Qin tomorrow. And I haven¡¯t stayed in this yard for a long time, so I have to clean it up before I can live in it. I¡¯m not attending the ss. Please forgive me, Madam Shao!¡±

    Shao Yuemei had no problem with it, ¡°Just feel free to do as you please, Commandery Princess.¡±

    When Qiu Yn left the school, she saw that Chunran had ordered some servants to clean up the courtyard. So, she walked to the stone table under the pear tree and rested. Soon, it was almost noon. Suddenly Xiuyan walked in and saw her in the courtyard. She hurried up to greet, ¡°Your ce has copsed. The Princess asked if you would like to go over and stay with her.¡±

    ¡°No. It¡¯s all right. It¡¯s easy to clean up.¡± Qiu Yn shook her head. Although Princess Yang wouldn¡¯t dare to make a move against herself at the moment, there was no harm in being careful.

    Xiuyan hesitated a bit when hearing this.

    ¡°Why are you still here?¡± Qiu Yn waited for a while and asked in surprise. It had been two or three years. Didn¡¯t the servants in Prince¡¯s Mansion know her temper? If she said she wouldn¡¯t go, then she wouldn¡¯t go.

    Then, Xiuyan said cautiously, ¡°Princess also invited... Invited Miss Sheng and, of course, Miss Wang to have dinner together.¡±

    Qiu Yn narrowed her eyes and thought to herself, ¡°Obviously, Wang Qingqian was invited in passing, but Sheng Shishui...¡±

 Chapter 202 - The Duke of Puyang Returns a Favour

    <h4>Chapter 202 The Duke of Puyang Returns a Favour</h4>

    Two years ago, Princess Yang arranged Sheng Shishui to study in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. She wanted Sheng Shishui to go against Qiu Yn. But before Sheng Shishui could do anything, the Yang Family had the incident first. Then Qiu Mengmin and his wife were also caught. Under that situation, using a small school to make some trouble did not worth it anymore.

    Since Princess Yang was no longer expecting Sheng Shishui to do anything, she didn¡¯t care much for this rtive who didn¡¯t have a clean background.

    This was not all because Princess Yang preferred the rich over the poor, but mostly because the incident of Yang Yishi and Yang Yifu had already implicated Princess Yang and her daughter. The background of Sheng Shishui was too embarrassing to talk about, so Princess Yang naturally avoided Sheng Shishui to show her innocence.

    But Sheng Shishui did study well with Shao Yuemei for two years. Qiu Yn remembered clearly that Princess Yang never came for her in these two years. Now she was asking Sheng Shishui over for dinner, who would believe that she had no other reason?

    ¡°Sheng Shishui came here because of Princess Yang. If she wanted to ask Sheng Shishui for dinner, she just needed to tell her privately. Why would I bump into it?¡± Qiu Yn contemted on this, ¡°Was she intended to tell me? But how does this concern me?¡±

    Something more confusing was that after a while, Xiuyan came out of school. Seeing Qiu Yn was still under the pear tree, she came over and saluted embarrassedly.

    Looking at her disappointed face, Qiu Yn asked, ¡°Will Miss Sheng go overter?¡±

    ¡°No. Miss Sheng said she would apany Madame Lu to pay their condolence at the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang tomorrow. She needed to go back after the ss.¡± Xiuyan didn¡¯t want to answer, but she didn¡¯t dare.

    ¡°Oh, what about Wang Qingqian?¡± Qiu Yn asked again.

    Xiuyan was more awkward, ¡°Miss Wang asked whether you were going. She heard that you¡¯re not, so she said she would have dinner with you.¡±

    ¡°She really makes herself at home.¡± Qiu Yn smiled and suddenly asked, ¡°Why does Princess Yang want to ask Miss Sheng over for dinner?¡±

    Xiuyan was dazed. She hesitated for a while and said, ¡°The Princess hasn¡¯t seen Miss Sheng for a while...¡±

    ¡°Are you really not going to tell me?¡± Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°Do you believe that I will go to tell Princess Yang that I think you¡¯re good at serving and want you to serve me?¡±

    ¡°Surely not!¡± Xiuyan was startled. Qiu Yn was now the fiance of the Jiang Family. If Qiu Yn had gone to Princess Yang and told her this, Princess Yang would have thought that Xiuyan wanted to climb thedder of sess. Besides that, she was Princess Yang¡¯s trusted subordinate, so she knew well about Princess Yang¡¯s ins and outs. If she were to leave Princess Yang, whether it was voluntary or not, Princess Yang would have made sure that she wouldn¡¯t talk!

    So, she exined immediately, ¡°When we were in Mount Dizi, the Princess heard that thedy of Marquess Qin talked to Madame Lu. After that, Madame Lu found a reason to introduce Miss Sheng to thedy of Marquess Qin. It is said that afterward, Madame Lu was both happy and worried. She talked with Miss Sheng for a long time.¡±

    ¡°So, they¡¯re nning Sheng Shishui¡¯s marriage?¡± Qiu Yn immediately understood the purpose of Princess Yang after hearing this. She was slightly surprised, ¡°Who was it?¡±

    She quickly thought about it: there were four men in total who hadn¡¯t gotten married in the Jiang Family. From the oldest to the youngest: Jiang Yn of Sir Jibei¡¯s line, Jiang Yaheng of Marquess Qin¡¯s line, Jiang Yazhu, and Jiang Yashuang.

    Among them, Jiang Yaheng was engaged to He Shuijin. Jiang Yashuang was engaged to Qiu Yn. There were only Jiang Yn and Jiang Yazhu left.

    Since Sir Jibei¡¯s wife, Ou was from the north, so she was with him in Beijiang. Their only child Jiang Tiancan was working in Jing City, so he lived with Marquess Qin. The grandchildren all lived with Marquess Qin and his wife. So, if Madame Tao had found Madame Lu to marry Sheng Shishui into the Jiang Family, she would have probably asked for Jiang Yazhu of her line or Jiang Yn for Sir Jibei.

    The problem was that even though Sheng Shishui was beautiful and smart, her background was a big problem.

    With the wealth and power of the Jiang Family, they didn¡¯t need their daughter-inw toe from a prestigious family anymore, but an illegitimate daughter...

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t think it would be possible. As Madame Tao had married Marquess Qin, she had some say over her father¡¯s declined family. Maybe she was looking for a wife for her nephew?

    Xiuyan nced at the school and said quietly, ¡°It could be Jiang Yazhu of the Jiang Family!¡±

    ¡°Him?¡± Qiu Yn was surprised. Jiang Yazhu was from the fourth branch of the Jiang Family. He was Jiang Yashuang¡¯s brother. The one that was kicked out by Madame Zhuang twice. He went through some great trouble getting into the Jiang Family. Only after Sir Jibei defended him was he sent back to the Jing City. But still, he was from the Jiang Family. He could easily find a beautiful and talented young woman from an eminent family.

    ¡°Is it possible that Jiang Yazhu picked Sheng Shishui himself?¡± Not only did Qiu Yn think that, but Xiuyan also said, ¡°I¡¯ve heard that Jiang Yazhu met Sheng Shishui in Mount Dizi. Shortly after that, thedy of Marquess Qin went to find Madame Lu!¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s questions were answered, so she didn¡¯t care much about this anymore. She waved her hand, ¡°Off you go.¡±

    When she sent away Xiuyan, the room was also cleaned.

    When the school was over, Wang Qingqian indeed came over for dinner as if she had been home. When they were waiting for the food, she said something that she found interesting. Qiu Yn listened halfheartedly. She only responded a couple of times. Wang Qingqian didn¡¯t realize she was not interested. Wang Qingqian was having fun. In the end, she said, ¡°Yn, is Qiu Qian¡¯s brother well? I saw her on the street the other day. I greeted her, but she just ignored me and left. Was it because her brother was still ill, so she was not in a good mood?¡±

    ¡°Um...¡± Qiu Yn thought this was difficult to answer since she couldn¡¯t expose Qiu Qian¡¯s real identity. Qiu Qian did y the ¡°cute and innocent¡± persona really well. If Qiu Yn said she was not a good person... Judging by Wang Qingqian¡¯s personality, if Qiu Yn didn¡¯t give her any fact, she would not believe it.

    Maybe she would think Qiu Yn didn¡¯t like Qiu Qian, so she kicked her out intentionally!

    She thought about it and said, ¡°I¡¯ve heard that her brother is recovered. She ignored you maybe because she thought the promising future of her brother was destroyed, yet you¡¯re still well, so she didn¡¯t feelfortable. Otherwise, even if her brother was still ill, she wouldn¡¯t treat you like this.¡±

    Wang Qingqian sighed, ¡°I can¡¯t me her. It¡¯s a pity for her brother. The one who did it was vicious and...¡±

    ¡°Right, where did you see her?¡± Qiu Yn quickly interrupted her, so she wouldn¡¯t continue cursing. After all, Qiu Jinn was the one who did it!

    Wang Qingqian didn¡¯t suspect it. She said honestly, ¡°On the street over there.¡± She pointed at the direction, ¡°She just came out of the market then. I think she was going to buy something.¡±

    ¡°Market?¡± Qiu Yn suddenly thought about those rumors that looked like talking about the two Empresses, but actually referring to Prince of Yan and Prince of Qi. ¡°Did they spread it? After all, offering timely support is better than offering it when people don¡¯t need it. Empress Dowager Gu has chosen Prince of Yan. The three of them have no future in the government after they lost Tianya. They could only find other ways to get ahead. Even though there are many princes, the one who is the closest man to the Empress Dowager is definitely Prince of Yan and Prince of Zhou. Since they are targeting Prince of Yan, it looks like she wants to support Prince of Zhou. But they cannot reach Prince of Zhou directly, so there¡¯s definitely someone behind them!¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn fall silent, Wang Qingqian felt strange, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m thinking about what to say when we go to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang tomorrow.¡± Qiu Yn was perfunctory, ¡°Old Princess Qin was so nice...¡±

    Even though Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know how nice she was when she was alive, but looking at how many people mourned her, Qiu Yn could see how popr she was.

    The Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang was the same as the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. They were the title that passed down since the establishment of this country.

    But unlike the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang had declined for a long time ago. The father and grandfather of the current Duke of Puyang were just sitting around and waiting to die. Besides taking the title, they did nothing else. They were also masters on how to waste their money. As for Xiao Su and Xiao Mu, one was good at liberal arts and another was excelled at martial arts. They all had good reputations. The problem was that one was too sick that every time he went to a banquet, he needed to rest for half a month; the other was too young.

    Under this circumstance, after old Princess Qin passed away, all the nobles in Jing City were surprised. Those who came were also the masters of each family. It showed how much they respected the old Princess. Even if Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe had not declined, they would not have gotten this kind of treatment if they had hosted a memorial.

    But no matter how well people treated them now, after old Princess Qin passed away, people would leave too. If the Xiao Family had not been able to re-prosper their family, they would have been forgotten soon.

    Qiu Yn was not the only one who thought that. A lot of people who came to pay their condolence were whispering, ¡°What a pity! When old Princess Qin was young, her husband and son were all useless. Now when she finally got two grandchildren who were willing to study, one is sick and the other doesn¡¯t like literature...¡±

    ¡°I heard Xiao Mu¡¯s martial arts were quite good.¡±

    ¡°If he is good, he wouldn¡¯t let old Princess Qin fell on the road! Besides, what if he¡¯s a master? The Northern Army is controlled by the Jiang Family and the Ou Family. As for the Western Army, Kuang Shihan only has one son. But he¡¯s from the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang. There¡¯s no way Kuang Shihan will let him get anything...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true. What will the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang be like in the future?¡±

    Because there were too many people and Qiu Yn really wasn¡¯t close to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang, so she went to console the old Princess Chu with Princess Yang for a while and then found an excuse toe outside.

    There were only some servants here. No one was from the Xiao Family. Some gossipers were being very blunt. Princess Yang was still consoling old Princess Chu inside. She couldn¡¯t leave for a moment, so Qiu Yn started listening to these gossips with others.

    When those two women were happy gossiping, a cough came from the near distance. They looked up and immediately felt embarrassed, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Prince, Xiao Mu!¡±

    Qiu Yn turned back and saw Xiao Mu apanying a teenager that looked fifteen or sixteen years old, walking towards her.

    The teenager had ck eyes. He was delicate and of fine features. He looked like a schr. But his face was as pale as paper. His lips were also pale. Clearly, he was not well. A gust of wind blew and the white mourning dress waved in the wind. It looked as if he was going to fly with the wind. People couldn¡¯t help feeling sorry for him.

    ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi!¡± They came to Qiu Yn. Before they saluted seriously to her, they saluted to the people around them and made some small talks. Qiu Yn naturally avoided it and said that she couldn¡¯t take it.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t return the favor that you let us take the road when we came down the mountain. Later on, you even came with Dr. Qi to treat our grandmother...¡± The Duke of Puyang, Xiao Su expressed his gratitude genuinely. Qiu Yn had heard that he was quite weak before. Indeed, he stopped quite a few times during this short speech. Xiao Mu had to cover for him, letting him breathe a while before he continued.

    Qiu Yn was worried about him. She interrupted before he could finish, ¡°That¡¯s nothing. If you two have to be this polite, I don¡¯t even dare stay!¡±

    ¡°If you insist, I won¡¯t continue.¡± Seeing this, Xiao Su pulled up a gaunt and exhausted smile. He said, ¡°We received a fleece-flower root that has formed shape some days ago. We prepared it for grandmother, but now...¡± He choked with sobs, ¡°This root can nourish the essences. Please give it to your cousin!¡±

    If he had offered anything else, Qiu Yn would have refused it. But the fleece-flower root was what Qiu Jinn and Xue Nongying needed right now.

    So after courteously rejecting, she agreed.

    But Xiao Su and Xiao Mu came empty-handed. Now that she agreed, they realized it. Xiao Su said apologetically, ¡°I came in a hurry and forgot to bring it. Can you send your servant to pick it up with my brother?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought that he was a Prince. It shouldn¡¯t be because he didn¡¯t want to give it to her, so she let Su He go. After a while, she came back with a red brocade box. Su He reported back to Qiu Yn by her ear when no one was noticing, ¡°Xiao Mu said that some servants in the Xiao Family saw the Young Prince of Marquess Zhang was with sixth Commandery Princess in Mount Dizi, who talked about you...¡±

 Chapter 203 - Just Pretend to Have Amnesia

    <h4>Chapter 203 Just Pretend to Have Amnesia</h4>

    ¡°Kuang Qingwu and Qiu Jinzhu?¡± Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°How did they get together?¡±

    Su He said, ¡°I don¡¯t know either. Xiao Mu said that his servant bumped into them once. But the servant didn¡¯t think much of it. However, you helped them when they sent old Princess Qin back to Jing City. So, his servant told him about it. But his servant didn¡¯t pay attention back then and forgot what they said... He is just afraid that they may try to harm you. So, he wants to warn you!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s really one good turn deserves another,¡± Qiu Yn thought for a while and then nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll take precautions... Qiu Jinzhu? I¡¯ll ask her what she said to Kuang Qingwu after I go back!¡±

    Before Su He could say anything, she changed her mind, ¡°In that case, she and Kuang Qingwu will know that the Xiao Family told me. It¡¯ll give the Xiao Family trouble. I¡¯d better wait. I¡¯ll ask her in a few days!¡±

    Before she could confront Qiu Jinzhu, Sheng Shishui¡¯s matter was confirmed. Princess Yang¡¯s information was urate. It was Jiang Yazhu who was engaged with her.

    ¡°I heard that Yong Master Yazhu was also a yboy. I didn¡¯t expect him to be infatuated with anyone.¡±

    After offering her condolences to old Princess Qin, Qiu Yn moved back to the Ruan Family again while waiting for people to clean up the copsed courtyard in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Before she went to the Ruan Family, she remembered that the silver hairpins on Ruan Ciyi¡¯s head hadn¡¯t been changed for a long time. So, she went to Ling Jewelry Store which belonged to He Shuijin. She wanted to buy some new silver ornaments for her cousin.

    He Shuijin happened to be there. When they talked about it, Qiu Yn said, ¡°I¡¯ve heard that the trip to Mount Dizi makes a few new couples every year. I thought that there was no hope this year because of the earthquake. However, there is still one.¡±

    Unexpectedly, He Shuijin smiled and said, ¡°Jiang Yazhu did see Miss Sheng once on the Mountain. And he did say that Miss Sheng was beautiful... But it¡¯s not true that he wants to marry her because of it. When he heard that he was engaged to Miss Sheng, he made a fuss in his courtyard and smashed a lot of things.¡±

    Qiu Yn said in surprise, ¡°Really? Then why were they engaged?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t sell me out if I tell you.¡± He Shuijin puckered her lips, ¡°It has a lot to do with your future mother-inw.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought for a while and then said in surprise, ¡°I didn¡¯t hear that she came back.¡±

    ¡°How could shee back without your father-inw?¡± He Shuijin said, ¡°You know about Jiang Yazhu¡¯s origin. It¡¯s fair to say that he is a thorn in your future mother-inw¡¯s flesh! And he doesn¡¯t do very well himself... No one in the family is willing to speak up for him. Your future mother-inw didn¡¯t want him to marry someone good. And everyone in the family acquiesced.¡±

    ¡°I think he must have regrettedplimenting Sheng Shishui back then,¡± Qiu Yn sighed.

    He Shuijin said with a smile, ¡°You are really na?ve! You really thought that Madame Tao was so eager to be their matchmaker because heplimented her? To be honest, besides Marquess Qin, Madame Tao only pays so much attention to one person in the entire Jiang Family. And that person is Yashuang! Yazhu got sent back before Chunfu and Yashuang. But he was still not able to be raised by Madame Tao. He was raised by Madame Tao Junior.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked in surprise, ¡°Then why chose Sheng Shishui?¡± Before He Shuijin could answer, she figured it out herself, ¡°Madam Shao?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± He Shuijin said, ¡°Madam Shao rmended. Although Marquess Qin and Madame Tao didn¡¯t n to get Yazhu a wife who was from a powerful family in consideration of your future mother-inw, they didn¡¯t want to treat him unfairly. So, they nned to find him a woman who was from a less powerful family but had a good personality. By lucky coincidence, Madam Shao has taught Sheng Shishui for two years. She felt Sheng Shishui was good and rmended her. Otherwise, let¡¯s be honest. Considering Yazhu¡¯s reputation, how could a smart girl like Sheng Shishui let him see her face so easily?¡±

    ¡°Those plots are reallyplicated!¡± Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°Thank you. If you didn¡¯t tell me, I would think of it as a beautiful love story!¡±

    He Shuijin smiled lightly, ¡°How can there be so many beautiful love stories? You and Yashuang already have one. If others in the Jiang Family want to be so lucky... Too hard!¡±

    ¡°I heard that Yaheng was obedient to everything you say,¡± Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°Doesn¡¯t that count?¡±

    Speaking of Jiang Yaheng, He Shuijin¡¯s look became ferocious at once. She sneered after a while, ¡°He needs discipline. He needs way more attention than Yashuang.¡±

    They chatted for a while and then Qiu Yn left with the silver ornaments she bought.

    When she arrived at the Ruan Family, she went directly to the backyard like always. She didn¡¯t expect to see Xue Chang and a man who looked like Xue Nongying standing in the hallway when she arrived at the courtyard. They were both in casual clothes and looked worried.

    ¡°Prime Minister Xue and Master Xue!¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t expect that Xue Chang woulde here in person. Judging by the age of the man who looked like Xue Nongying, she thought that he should be Xue Fangchao. It was inappropriate to avoid him at that moment. So, she greeted them.

    ¡°Your Grace, you are here.¡± Seeing her, they smiled reluctantly. They approached and thanked her, ¡°If Your Grace weren¡¯t so generous...¡±

    Qiu Yn had been tired of hearing Madam Sun and Xue Nongqing¡¯s grateful words in these days. She heard it one more time when she went to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang to offer her condolences. She interrupted at that moment, ¡°Why treats me like a stranger? You guys are here. How about Young Master Xue?¡±

    She thought that Xue Nongying was dying. However, Xue Chang and his son looked less worried after hearing the question, ¡°Thanks for asking. Ying¡¯er revived just now and talked to us for a while. Although he is still having a fever, Dr. Qi said that he was most likely going to survive.¡±

    Qiu Yn said in surprise, ¡°In that case, why do you guys look so worried?¡± Didn¡¯t they trust Qi Shuluo¡¯s medical skills? Shouldn¡¯t be like that. Qi Shuluo¡¯s medical skill was not the best in Darui. But he was one of the best doctors in the Imperial Academy of Medicine. Otherwise, Jiang Yashuang wouldn¡¯t rmend him when Qiu Jinn was attacked back then. He was good at treating traumas and nursing people.

    As expected, Xue Chang smiled bitterly, ¡°Because Ying¡¯er told us who did that to him and why.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Qiu Yn was about to ask who the killer was. But she heard a cough behind her at that moment. Qiu Jinn went in with Ruan Yi. He interrupted her, ¡°Prime Minister Xue and Master Xue, you guys just came back from Mount Dizi. How about having some tea in the study?¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Xue Chang nodded. He and Xue Fangchao said goodbye to Qiu Yn and left with Qiu Jinn.

    ¡°It looks like there is something wrong with the reason!¡± Qiu Yn realized that Qiu Jinn coughed to stop her from asking the question. Besides, Xue Chang and his son just heard about the killer from Xue Nongying who just revived. But Qiu Jinn wasn¡¯t there. He obviously avoided that on purpose, ¡°Or does my brother not want to get himself into this? It¡¯s reasonable. Considering Xue Chang¡¯s status and behavior, those people still wanted Xue Nongying dead. Who knows their backgrounds?¡±

    She went to check on Madam Sun and Xue Nongqing. And then she stealthily asked Ruan Ciyi who was keeping thempany out, ¡°I bought silver hairpins and some other stuff. I don¡¯t know what you like. So, I bought a few of everything.¡±

    Ruan Ciyi was a bit surprised and said, ¡°Why did you suddenly buy me all these?¡±

    Although she couldn¡¯t dress herself up in the mourning period, it was women¡¯s nature to love beauty. Although she said like that, she still went with Qiu Yn to see the new jewelry excitedly.

    They tried all the jewelry. When they saw it was gettingte, they sent people to ask about the situation. The person said that Xue Chang and his son had left and Qiu Jinn was in his study.

    Ruan Ciyi said, ¡°I¡¯ll go ask Madam Sun and Miss Xue about dinner.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯m going to see my brother!¡± Qiu Yn also stood up.

    They went in different ways. Qiu Yn asked the moment she went into the study, ¡°Who hurt Xue Nongying?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t even imagine it.¡± Qiu Jinn put down the book in his hand and then said, ¡°He caught Noble Consort Gu and Qiu Dian¡¯s nephew Qiu Shen having an affair. So, Qiu Shen wanted to kill him!¡±

    Qiu Yn said in surprise, ¡°The Empress is so fierce. How could this kind of thing happen in the Imperial Harem?¡± Jiang Yadan¡¯s situation was different. He was able to get a job in the Imperial Army because of his father and aunt. He went in and out of the pce every day. He had the geographical advantage and the Empress wasn¡¯t on guard against her nephew. So, he was able to hook up with that Fair Concubine.

    However, although she hadn¡¯t heard of Qiu Shen, she knew that he wasn¡¯t on the Empress¡¯s side when she found out he was Qiu Dian¡¯s nephew.

    Especially, Noble Consort Gu was different from the former Fair Concubine. The former Fair Concubine gained favor because of her beauty. The Empress who concerned about the whole country didn¡¯t take her seriously at all. Even Jiang Yadan considered her as a ything... As for Noble Consort Gu, just because she was Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s niece, the Empress would never neglect her.

    Qiu Shen was able to hook up with her even so. And they hadn¡¯t been caught by the Empress until now?

    Qiu Jinn nced at her and said, ¡°Qiu Shen was dispatched to another ce since Noble Consort Gu went to the pce. He came back recently. Xue Nongying was not in the best of spirits. He talked fitfully. I wonder if he was more specific when he talked about it with my teacher... I assumed that there was something going on with them before. Empress Jiang just went into the pce back then. And she hadn¡¯t got well established which gave them an advantage. And they rekindled lost love on the Emperor¡¯s birthday.¡±

    ¡°Xue Nongying told you about the killer in advance?¡± Qiu Yn was stunned. And then she was enlightened, ¡°That makes sense. He still may not survive. Of course, he needs to tell people about it right when he revives. How could he wait for Prime Minister Xue and others... Speaking of which, aren¡¯t they still searching on Mount Dizi? Why did theye?¡±

    Qiu Jinn said with a smile, ¡°First, there are a lot of rumors because of the earthquake. Something is simmering inside the government. Considering Prime Minister Xue¡¯s position, he surely can¡¯t stay outside for long. Second, Xue Nongying was dying two days ago. So, I took the liberty of sending them a message... After all, we hide the fact that he was healing his wound here mostly because we don¡¯t want him to be attacked again. But if he is dying, it¡¯s pointless for them to keep staying on Mount Dizi as a cover-up.¡±

    ¡°Then what do they want to do now?¡± Qiu Yn thought for a while and asked excitedly, ¡°It¡¯s good for the Jiang Family. Prime Minister Xue values Xue Nongying so much. He definitely won¡¯t let Noble Consort Gu and her gang off the hook, right?¡±

    Qiu Jinn sneered, ¡°You are too na?ve thinking like that! First, it was Qiu Shen who made the move. It wasn¡¯t even Noble Consort Gu. Empress Dowager Gu definitely didn¡¯t know about it if the Gu Family chose not to tell her! Otherwise, even Empress Dowager Gu wants the Emperor to be a puppet, she definitely won¡¯t allow her niece to have an affair! So, the Xue Family will get even with Qiu Shen first and then the Noble Consort! Second, Xue Nongying is alive until now. And he probably is going to survive. Prime Minister Xue doesn¡¯t have to put up a desperate fight for him!¡±

    He exhaled, ¡°Do you think it¡¯s easy to go after Empress Dowager Gu? It¡¯s such a big deal which puts his whole family at risk... Even Prime Minister Xue needs to think it over.¡±

    ¡°No wonder I saw their woebegone faces when I went in,¡± Qiu Yn wasn¡¯t disappointed, ¡°But his most beloved junior suffered so much after all. Even he won¡¯t put up a desperate fight with Empress Dowager Gu right now. He only needs to speak up in the future at the crucial moment...¡±

    ¡°The problem is that it¡¯ll be over if Xue Nongying is dead. But if he survives,¡± Qiu Jinn reminded her calmly, ¡°will Noble Consort Gu tell Empress Dowager Gu in a moment of desperation? Will Empress Dowager Gu strike first because she worries that she may not be able to appease Prime Minister Xue?¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned and then said, ¡°They were worried about that? Isn¡¯t it simple? Just ask Xue Nongying to pretend to have amnesia. Since Noble Consort Gu and her gang chose to kill him, how dare them tell the Empress Dowager that they cheated on her son unless absolutelypelled?¡±

    Qiu Jinn mused.

 Chapter 204 - Noble Man is Easy to Impress

    <h4>Chapter 204 Noble Man is Easy to Impress</h4>

    After proposing the idea of ¡°having amnesia¡±, Qiu Yn went back to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe before Qiu Jinn could tell her whether the Xue Family epted it. Mi Yinyin whom she befriended this year was getting married. She needed to prepare the gift and went to her Mansion to congratte her.

    Mi Yinyin was also marrying into the Jiang Family. She was marrying the grandchild of Sir Jibei, Jiang Yn. Like Jiang Yaheng and He Shuijin, Mi Yinyin and Jiang Yn were also cousins. They cemented the old ties between their families through their marriage.

    However, when Qiu Yn packed up her things and arrived at Mi¡¯s home, she saw that Mi Yinyin was hosting her friends with a reluctant smile. She didn¡¯t look like she was happy but rather nervous.

    Qiu Yn felt strange. She pulled He Shuijin outside and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Doesn¡¯t she want this marriage?¡±

    ¡°She should want it. She liked tagging along with Jiang Yn since she was young.¡± He Shuijin frowned and said, ¡°He also treated her differently before, but since Xin Fubing came to Jing City a couple of years ago, Jiang Yn seemed to have paid some attention to her.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°Are you saying he no longer likes Mi Yinyin but fell for Xin Fubing? But if so, why did he engage with Mi Yinyin?¡± One was his maternal cousin and the other was his paternal cousin. Marrying either could cement the family tie. Under this situation, it would be up to Jiang Yn. Let alone the Mi Family relied on the Jiang Family to prosper. The Mi Family would be a bit lessparing to the Xin Family.

    He Shuijin said, ¡°It¡¯s quiteplicated. Do you rememberst time at Jinxiu Slope, how Jiang Qiyun tricked Xin Fubing to leave? She was so nervous because the Persian cat was given to her by Ou Qinn when Ou Qinn went back to Beijiang. Honestly, Ou Qinn didn¡¯t treat that Persian cat as seriously as her.¡±

    ¡°She likes Ou Qinn?!¡± Qiu Yn was shocked!

    ¡°She likes the brother of Ou Qinn, Ou Bicheng!¡± He Shuijin said impatiently, ¡°What are you thinking?!¡±

    Qiu Ynughed awkwardly, ¡°I see. That¡¯s why Mi Yinyin was not happy today.¡±

    ¡°She always thinks too much!¡± He Shuijin pressed her forehead and sighed, ¡°Xin Fubing has no feeling for Jiang Yn. All her mind is on how to butter Ou Qinn up and get close to Ou Bicheng. Besides, Jiang Yn has waited for Xin Fubing for some years, but in the end, he did engage with Yinyin. If she treats him nicely, he will forget about Xin Fubing. But even you who are not familiar with Yinyin saw that she was unhappy today. What will the Jiang Family think when they hear about it?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought about it and felt she didn¡¯t really know how to answer that. So, she just changed the topic, ¡°Speaking of which, I should also congratte you. Your big day is close too.¡±

    Hearing this, He Shuijin smiled, ¡°Mine is close, and yours is also close. Jiang Qisheng will get married by the end of the year. Jiang Yazhu¡¯s marriage is also settled. Then after Chunfu¡¯s, it will be yours.¡±

    ¡°Jiang Qisheng¡¯s marriage is by the end of the year. Jiang Yazhu¡¯s will be before her. But Chunfu Princess hasn¡¯t decided yet.¡± Qiu Yn smiled but secretly thought, ¡°Chunfu Princess is not like Jiang Yazhu. The Jiang Family can¡¯t just pick a random husband for her. There still isn¡¯t any news about whom she would marry. She may dy it for one or two years.¡±

    But Qiu Yn was not in a hurry to get married, she didn¡¯t think about it too much.

    After finishing lunch at the Mi Family, Qiu Yn was about to leave. But a servant from the Mi Family came up to her and said by her ear, ¡°Thedy of Marquess Qin just sent the word. She asked you to go to the tea house that has a green g on East Street to have a chat on your way back.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°Do you know why?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. My master also doesn¡¯t know.¡± The servant answered honestly, ¡°I¡¯m just passing the word.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Seeing she didn¡¯t get an answer, Qiu Yn nodded and went on the carriage. She kept thinking in her mind. At the age and status of Madame Tao, she just needed to wait for others to go to her ce when she needed to see anyone. This time she specifically went to a tea house outside. What did she want to say, and why did she act so mysteriously?

    She kept thinking. When she arrived at the tea house, she had a thought, ¡°Was the truth of who saved Jiang Qizheng exposed?¡±

    It was just like that. She entered the box that Madame Tao booked. Besides Madame Tao, there was only Mom Hu who was serving. She closed the door and was suggested by Madame Tao that she didn¡¯t need to salute. Madame Tao had a straight face. She asked directly, ¡°Who saved Zheng¡¯er? From where?¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know how much Madame Tao knew. She asked tentatively, ¡°Jiang Qizheng...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m meeting you here, so you should know I kept this secret to her.¡± Madame Tao said calmly, ¡°Besides, you already tried to fool me. Clearly, your secrets are leaked out since I came out to find you specifically. You don¡¯t need to pry how much I knew. If I didn¡¯t have much certainty, I wouldn¡¯t sneak out to see you at my age. Besides, you and your brother take that child back home. Now there¡¯s a problem. If you say it now, maybe I can save it. If you don¡¯t, when it gets serious, you two couldn¡¯t get away, right?¡±

    She showed the carrot and the stick both in this talk. It also made sense. Qiu Yn frowned and said, ¡°It wasn¡¯t my maid who saved Jiang Qizheng, but Qiu Feng. Because he is a man and the ce where he saved Jiang Qizheng was far from the Summer Pce, we were afraid that it would damage Jiang Qizheng¡¯s reputation, so we took the credit.¡±

    Madame Tao was sulkier after hearing this, ¡°Qiu Feng? His family name is Qiu. Is he your family servant?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiu Yn shook her head, ¡°He is from the Jianghu. And he is a quite famous swordsman in the Jianghu. For some reason, he had a history with my brother. Before the earthquake, he lived in the Green Vi. When the earthquake happened, my brother was worried about me. So, he asked Qiu Feng to find me, but instead, he found Jiang Qizheng.¡±

    Qiu Yn paused and said, ¡°With all due respect, he is of low born, but he is noble. He would never offense Jiang Qizheng!¡±

    Madame Tao gave her a deep look, ¡°Noble? I¡¯m afraid he is easy to impress because he is noble.¡±

    Qiu Yn was dazed.

    After a while, she left the tea house. Su He and others who were waiting for her on the carriage saw she was frowning. Su He asked worriedly, ¡°Your Grace, what was that for?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Go to the Ruan Family.¡± Qiu Yn shook her head, ¡°I need to discuss this with my brother.¡±

    Qiu Jinn who was busy with the Xue Family¡¯s matter suddenly heard that Jiang Qizheng may fall in love with Qiu Feng and Madame Tao may have found out. He frowned, ¡°This earthquake is such trouble!¡±

    He thought about it and asked,¡± What¡¯s Madame Tao¡¯s idea?¡±

    ¡°She didn¡¯t say and I couldn¡¯t guess.¡± Qiu Yn supported her chin with her hand, ¡°But she¡¯s not Jiang Qizheng¡¯s legitimate grandmother. Young Lady He told me that Madame Zhuang was a feisty person. Jiang Qizheng is her only daughter and she is a princess. The difference between their status...¡±

    ¡°More importantly, Qiu Feng may not want to marry Jiang Qizheng.¡± Qiu Jinn smiled and said, ¡°He¡¯s used to being alone. How would he want to settle down? Let alone marrying a princess.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked, ¡°Then what?¡±

    ¡°Just let it be.¡± Qiu Jinn said, ¡°We still need to take care of the Xue Family¡¯s business.¡±

    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Qiu Yn asked, ¡°He can¡¯t always hide here.¡±

    Qiu Jinn nced at her, ¡°I¡¯m going with your way. Just say that Xue Nongying fell in the river and was washed off. He was saved by a farmer. But he lost his memory and couldn¡¯t remember anything, so he stayed in that farmer¡¯s house. The farmer saw Xue Nongying was wearing expensive clothes, so he asked around intentionally. He heard that the Xue Family lost a young master during the earthquake, so he tried to find the Xue Family. Xue Nongying was then finally home.¡±

    ¡°Maybe Qiu Shen and Noble Consort Gu will send someone to visit him. He better acts it well.¡± Qiu Yn warned.

    ¡°I know.¡± Qiu Jinn said calmly, ¡°When he¡¯s better, I¡¯ll send him to a farmer¡¯s house that I picked. I¡¯m not really worried about him. He is taught by Prime Minister Xue after all. I think Xue Nongqing is more unreliable. It¡¯s a good thing that the teacher thought about it. He is going to ground her, saying that she is ill. In case she shows her hostility towards the Gu Family and the Qiu Family.¡±

    Qiu Yn rolled her eyes, ¡°Then what¡¯s Prime Minister Xue¡¯s attitude?¡±

    ¡°Neutral.¡± Qiu Jinn smiled faintly, ¡°Rest assured. The teacher will repay us.¡±

    ¡°Who wants that?¡± Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°I heard you say that he treated you well. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t have given him the pill!¡±

    Speaking of which, Qiu Jinn asked Dongran immediately, ¡°Go get the pill that Qiu Feng returned!¡±

    ¡°Why is there one left?¡± Hearing this, Qiu Yn was shocked.

    ¡°It¡¯s from before.¡± Qiu Jinn said calmly, ¡°You take it. There is not much of it. I can¡¯t give you more.¡±

    He sounded like he had more than one. Qiu Yn took it from Dongran and put it back in the jade box.

    After some days, the news that the Xue Family found their grandchild spread. But not many cared about it, because there was a bigger piece of news that attracted people¡¯s attention: Prince of Qi and Prince of Yan both lost their chance to be the Crown Prince!

    The reason was that they needed a scapegoat for the cause of the earthquake.

    For Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang, it was a bit regretful. After all, they made their entrance on the Emperor¡¯s birthday, but their investment started way earlier. Moreover, the Prince of Qi was the eldest son. Prince of Yan was the second son and his mother was more prestigious and he was favored by the officials because of his appearance.

    But they were just a bit regretful. It didn¡¯t hurt them deeply. It was just the gift on the Emperor¡¯s birthday that wasted some money. If they had needed to feel sorry for that, they wouldn¡¯t have gotten their position.

    But as for Prince of Qi and Prince of Yan and those who put their money on them, such as Jiang Qiyun, Princess of Qi and Tang Xinyao, Princess of Yan, it was a nightmare.

    Jiang Yashuang went back home to take the imperial examination. He didn¡¯t forget to advise Qiu Yn when he went to the Ruan Family to say goodbye, ¡°You should just stay at the Ruan Family and don¡¯t go back to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. And find some excuses for the parties. Jiang Qiyun is really in a bad mood recently. She took it on us as well. You know because of my granduncle, we¡¯re more tolerant of her and her branch. I won¡¯t be in Jing City recently. I don¡¯t want you to take a beating.¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll avoid her.¡±

    She asked curiously, ¡°Do you know which prince the Empress will pick next? And who will be his wife?¡±

    ¡°Maybe Prince of Lu.¡± Jiang Yashuang said carelessly, ¡°As for his wife, Jiang Qisheng is promised to the Ou Family. Jiang Qizheng is not likely. Maybe she¡¯ll pick from my cousins.¡±

    Prince of Lu didn¡¯t really have a sense of presence. His personality, birth mother, and ability were all roughly like Prince of Qi. It showed that the Empress¡¯s standard was to pick someone she could control.

    ¡°Be aware of Princess Shou¡¯an too.¡±

    Qiu Yn was thinking about after Jiang Qiyun, who was most likely to be Princess Lu among the cousins. After hearing Jiang Yashuang, she was surprised, ¡°Gu E¡¯nuo? Why?¡±

    ¡°This time Prince of Qi and Prince of Yan lost the chance to be the Crown Prince. My aunt suspects she did it.¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°Because Prince of Yan picked Tang Xinyao not her.¡±

    ¡°So, she will definitely be the Princess of Zhou?¡± Qiu Yn thought about it and said, ¡°Can Changping Princess tolerate that?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled faintly, ¡°Changping Princess doesn¡¯t just have one daughter. Besides, do you think the Empress Dowager can be relived if Princess Shou¡¯an does this?¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu surely didn¡¯t want a grand-daughter-inw who was good at scheming. Having a daughter-inw like Empress Jiang was trouble enough for her.

    Qiu Yn stopped asking about who would be Princess Zhou. She started telling him to be careful on the road.

    Several dayster, Jiang Yashuang went on the trip. he didn¡¯t wait for five days to attend Jiang Yn¡¯s wedding. But ording to Zhuang Man, it wouldn¡¯t be fun even if he had stayed. Because after taking off the veil, Mi Yinyin¡¯s sweet and shy look changed into a shocked and nervous look when she saw Xin Fubing was in the crowd.

 Chapter 205 - Master Qius Unexpected Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 205 Master Qiu¡¯s Unexpected Marriage</h4>

    Seeing this, Jiang Qizheng and the others found an excuse and called Xin Fubing away.

    The wedding had passed for a few days. When Zhuang Man talked with Qiu Yn about this, she was still feeling angry for Xin Fubing, ¡°She¡¯s too petty! Jiang Yn did take care of Xin Fubing, but so what? So, Mi Yinyin can be adored by her cousin, but Xin Fubing can¡¯t? Technically, Xin Fubing is closer to Jiang Yn than Mi Yinyin! Besides, Xin Fubing is busy trying to y up to the Ou Family. When does she have the time to get to Jiang Yn? On such a big day, Mi Yinyin just gave her such an awful look. Xin Fubing left in tears in the end. She has been wanting to go back to her parents in Guanzhou these days, so she doesn¡¯t need to stay here and be an eye-sore!¡±

    Hearing this, Qiu Yn was curious, so she asked, ¡°So Fubing¡¯s parents are not in Jing City? But then why is she here?¡±

    Zhuang Man sneered, ¡°You silly. Her parents are not in Jing City, but her grandmother is! Even though Guanzhou is a wealthy ce, it¡¯s still not Jing City. Her parents wanted her to find a good husband, so they sent her here. However, she was targeted by Mi Yinyin as soon as she came back!¡±

    Qiu Yn vaguely felt that these two cousins of Jiang Yn took different sides. He Shuijin was with Mi Yinyin and Zhuang Man was with Xin Fubing.

    But to Qiu Yn, Xin Fubing and Mi Yinyin were the same. She didn¡¯t have a preference. So, she gossiped for a while and changed the topic, ¡°Shuijin¡¯s big day is close too. I¡¯m thinking about what to give her. What are you thinking?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to give her either. I¡¯m nning to ask my sister tomorrow.¡± Zhuang Man said, ¡°But Shuijin is generous anyway. Even if she didn¡¯t like the present, she wouldn¡¯t get angry.¡±

    Speaking of which, she suddenly smiled, ¡°You¡¯re not in the same branch as Shuijin. You don¡¯t need to worry that if you give her something that she doesn¡¯t like, she will then intentionally find trouble with you. But the soon-to-be wife of Jiang Yazhu will be awkward.¡±

    Qiu Yn said carelessly, ¡°There¡¯s nothing awkward. Just do what they want to.¡±

    Zhuang Man nodded, ¡°Yeah. Besides, Tao Peibin is quite easy-going. It¡¯s lucky that Miss Sheng is marrying into the fourth branch. If it were any other, she wouldn¡¯t have an easy time.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought that what was the use of having an easy-going sister-inw? If Jiang Yazhu had been angry with his wife, even if Madame Tao Junior had treated Sheng Shishui like her own daughter, how would she have an easy life?

    But she naturally didn¡¯t say this out. She just said, ¡°I heard that Madame Tao is a good person too.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s too good. I heard that the wives of her husband¡¯s brothers always bully her.¡± Zhuang Man warned, ¡°My aunt and uncle are usually not in Jing City. Tao Peibin is a soft person. When you are married, you need to find a way to establish your prestige, in case the other branch stab you in the back!¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°How so? I didn¡¯t do anything to them.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because of the first branch of the Jiang Family.¡± Zhuang Man sneered and said, ¡°Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei remembered the gratitude of the District Baron of Kui County raising and cultivating them, so they supported the first branch. In the generation of my uncle, except my uncle, all of them are liberal officials. Because of their support, none of them is better than the first branch. Now it looked like the one who took all the advantages was my uncle. He was alone in the army and enjoying all the benefits. So, they are all jealous.¡±

    Hearing this, Qiu Yn understood, ¡°Who asked you to tell me this?¡±

    ¡°How do you know?¡± Zhuang Man asked surprisingly.

    ¡°When you usuallye over, you just want me to be your cook.¡± Qiu Yn snorted, ¡°When have you even especiallye over to talk about this kind of thing?¡±

    ¡°Fine. I said I¡¯m not the right person for this. But my sister made me do it. See, you saw me through quickly.¡± Hearing her words, Zhuang Man sighed.

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°Your sister? Do you mean Jiang Yahong¡¯s wife?¡±

    ¡°I only have one sister. Of course, it¡¯s her.¡± Zhuang Man said, ¡°But it¡¯s not all about her. My brother-inw also wants to tell you this. My brother-inw is not a legitimate son. Honestly, they¡¯re not having an easy life in the first branch. My brother-inw had a chance to join the Western Army, but Madame Dou ruined it. They didn¡¯t mean anything else. They just want you to talk to Jiang Yashuang and ask him to get a job for my brother-inw outside of Jing City, so he doesn¡¯t need to stay under Madame Dou.¡±

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°I can¡¯t guarantee this. You know the affair in the army is not something we girls can decide.¡± She thought that if he had only wanted to leave Jing City and get away from Madame Dou, then since Madame Zhuang Junior was Madame Zhuang¡¯s niece, they could have just asked Jiang Yadan or written to Madame Zhuang.

    Yet they had to go in a circle ande to sweet-talk her. They were not aiming to leave, but aiming for Jiang Yashuang!

    With the current situation, the Jiang Family had the sessor in the government in all generations. In the future, even if the Jiang Family had continued prospering, they would have fought with each other trying to share this cake. Except for the Western Army, it was just the fourth branch. Wouldn¡¯t Jiang Tianchi prioritize his son?

    Among his three sons, the eldest son Jiang Yadan and the second son Jiang Yazhu were basically useless. If without the Jiang Family, they would have been kicked off the position. Only Jiang Yashuang was hopeful. But Jiang Yashuang was young, even if he had had the help of his seniors, he would need a long time to control the Western Army!

    Besides, he couldn¡¯t control the Western Army himself. Jiang Tianchi even had Sir Jibei and the help of the Ou Family to help him secure the position of themander of the Western Army. Jiang Yahong probably saw that and wanted to get an important position in the Western Army in advance.

    Since Qiu Yn had been able to see their intention, the elders in the Jiang Family could have seen it too. Jiang Yashuang himself couldn¡¯t even decide this kind of matter that involved the future of the first branch. No matter how much he listened to Qiu Yn, she couldn¡¯t guarantee this.

    Luckily, Zhuang Man wasn¡¯t a professional persuader. She just said it and started to eat and drink. She didn¡¯t mean to pursue it.

    After Jiang Yaheng and He Shuijin got married, Jiang Qiyun was married and became Princess Qi. Then Jiang Yazhu married Sheng Shishui and Jiang Qisheng married and went to Beijiang. In a couple of months, the Jiang Family had five weddings in a roll. They created much noise and joy in Jing City. They also picked the new candidate of the Crown Prince of the Empress¡¯s party during this time in which they constantly visited their rtives.

    Unlike what Jiang Yashuang said before, it wasn¡¯t Prince of Lu, but the seventh prince who hadn¡¯t been given a title.

    He was not like Prince of Qi or Prince of Lu. His birth mother was a consort from a low-rank official¡¯s family. He was not unruly, but he also wasn¡¯t the kind that would allow anyone to step on him. The point was he was very clever. It wasn¡¯t just the propaganda made by the Empress¡¯s party. His reputation had long been spread by the teachers of princes.

    Even though they onlyplimented him as being a clever student, considering he was only fourteen, it gave people confidence about his future.

    When Qiu Yn first heard about this news, she knew something must have happened and the Jiang Family kept it a secret. Otherwise, with Jiang Yashuang¡¯s status in the Jiang Family, the choice of the person he knew wouldn¡¯t be wrong. Judging by Empress Jiang¡¯s personality, she would prefer to choose a prince like Prince of Lu that had the word ¡°puppet¡± all over his face.

    ¡°So, Prince of Zhou is more mediocre than Prince of Yan. Is it because the Empress couldn¡¯t find any other prince that has advantages on ranking? So, she found a prince with the reputation of being smart to get the support of the officials?¡± The temperature had dropped. Qiu Yn put on a coat. She walked Whitey in the yard while thinking about what made the Empress choose the seventh prince.

    She only made some hypotheses before a servant came up and said someone gave her a note and instructed to have her open herself.

    ¡°Who delivered it?¡± Qiu Yn took over the note but hadn¡¯t looked at it. Qiu Jinn who came for the news took over the note and carefully examined it. He then gave it back to her and asked the servant.

    The servant said, ¡°I¡¯ve never seen him before. I don¡¯t know where he is from.¡±

    When they were talking, Qiu Yn had already opened the note. She raised her eyebrows, ¡°It¡¯s right that he doesn¡¯t know. Because it¡¯s from Madame Tao.¡±

    Qiu Jinn and she all thought about that matter with Qiu Feng, ¡°Is Chunfu Princess still pursuing this?¡±

    ¡°This time Madame Tao is more direct than thest time.¡± Qiu Yn handed the note over to him, ¡°She asked me to go over with Qiu Feng! I don¡¯t think I can get him to do that. What do you think?¡±

    Qiu Jinn took over the note and looked for a while. He smiled, ¡°It¡¯s easy. Just tell him the fact that he saved Chunfu Princess was discovered. Now her elders are asking for an exnation. Otherwise, they¡¯ll make things difficult for you. He¡¯ll go with you without asking.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really experienced in selling him!¡± Qiu Yn said. Qiu Jinn then softly pat on her head, ¡°What are you saying?¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t take it seriously, ¡°Then I¡¯ll go get himter? But is it appropriate to bring him there? You said before that he didn¡¯t like to be tied up. Besides, will the Jiang Family kill him to silent this?¡±

    ¡°If they want to kill him, why would they want to see him?¡± Qiu Jinn frowned, ¡°It is said that Madame Tao raised Jiang Yashuang. Just try to fulfill her request as much as possible, in case she doesn¡¯t like you and makes your life difficult after you¡¯re married.¡±

    So, for me, you¡¯re selling Qiu Feng out again without any hesitation?

    Qiu Yn felt speechless. After a while, she said, ¡°I¡¯m afraid that Chunfu Princess really wants to marry him, but he doesn¡¯t want to marry her...¡±

    ¡°Impossible!¡± The next day, in a covert tea house in Jing City, Qiu Yn arrived with Qiu Feng. She found out that this time Madame Tao asked for two private rooms. One was for her to chat with Qiu Feng. The other was for Madame Tao Junior to chat with Qiu Yn.

    Before Madame Tao Junior came, Madame Tao should have already advised her. When Qiu Yn just sat down, she said straightforwardly, ¡°It¡¯s not that grandmother doesn¡¯t like Master Qiu, nor grandfather... It¡¯s just that father and mother are always in Beijiang. They trusted all of us to grandmother and grandfather. Yet the grandmother is not my father¡¯s birth mother. For a lot of things, even if you mean well, you need to think about what would people say. With Qiu Feng¡¯s background, if she marries Jiang Qizheng to him, everyone will say that she didn¡¯t treat Jiang Qizheng well. Just because of that, she can¡¯t agree to the marriage!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought for a while and said, ¡°Then, what should I do?¡± She already made this so clearly. They were obviously going to give her a task.

 Chapter 206 - Young Master Ruan is Such a Great Man that Every Girl Wants Him!

    <h4>Chapter 206 Young Master Ruan is Such a Great Man that Every Girl Wants Him!</h4>

    Madame Tao Junior smiled bitterly, ¡°it¡¯s a bit unfair to Master Qiu actually when speaking of this. Although Jiang Qizheng hasn¡¯t spoken to grandmother yet, she has rejected everyone we rmended to her, and she even inquire about the news of Master Qiu in private. So, my grandmother means that Master Qiu should have a family at his age now.¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned and said, ¡°I really can¡¯t help with this. I am not very familiar with Master Qiu and I¡¯m still younger than him, so how can I care about his marriage?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s said that your brother has a great rtionship with Master Qiu.¡± Since Madame Tao Junior was ordered toe and ask her for help, she was naturally well-prepared, so she immediately said, ¡°Since your brother loves you so much, as long as you talk to him about this, he will certainly help you.¡±

    Her words annoyed Qiu Yn slightly, ¡°Are you bossing me and my brother around?¡±

    She continued in a slight tone then, ¡°It¡¯s hard to say actually. After all, Master Qiu is a close friend of my brother, not a subordinate of my family. What¡¯s more, he was very kind to save Chunfu Princess, but now you want to force him to marry a wife. He hasn¡¯t got anyone in love yet. If he gets married to the princess casually now, what if he meets someone he really loves in the future?¡±

    Madame Tao Junior noticed her displeasure, so she was slightly stiff. After thinking for a while, she said, ¡°We have no other choice. Jiang Qizheng looks docile, but she is actually stubborn. However, the gap between Master Qiu and her is really big.¡±

    Qiu Yn said lightly, ¡°I think Master Qiu must be very aware of this, otherwise, how could he insist on putting the credit for saving the princess on my brother and me? It is not a bad thing to save the princess, right?¡±

    The two future sisters-inw had argued for a long time but couldn¡¯t reach an agreement. Madame Tao Junior was always a good-natured woman. Thus, she was worried about Madame Tao in her heart, but she didn¡¯t say anything serious to Qiu Yn.

    When Madame Tao and Qiu Feng¡¯s conversation was over, Qiu Feng looked so sullen when he left, and he didn¡¯t even greet Qiu Yn, which showed that their conversation was not going well. So, after Qiu Yn left, Madame Tao Junior helped Madame Tao get into the carriage and said anxiously, ¡°Neither of them agreed. What should we do?¡±

    ¡°Do you really think it will annoy me?¡± After getting into the sedan, Madame Tao didn¡¯t look worried any longer. She patted the back of her hand, and said lightly, ¡°The child I care about most in the Jiang Family is still Jiang Yashuang and we have to rely on him in the future. As for Jiang Qizheng, since the Jiang Family is so prominent anyway, who will dare to treat her wrongly after she gets married?¡±

    Madame Tao Junior was surprised, ¡°But father and mother....¡±

    ¡°Write a letter to them. Tell them the story and let them make the decision.¡± Madame Tao said indifferently, ¡°It¡¯s not that I want to treat their daughter badly. It¡¯s just that Jiang Qizheng fell in love with Qiu Feng. That boy doesn¡¯t have a powerful background, but he is really a gentleman. If Jiang Qizheng were my biological granddaughter, I would not object to her marrying him!¡±

    Madame Tao Junior was a little worried, ¡°What if my father and mother don¡¯t agree and Jiang Qizheng makes trouble again?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If they don¡¯t agree and Jiang Qizheng makes trouble, I will send her to Beijiang to talk to her parents!¡± Madame Tao said calmly, ¡°Then it¡¯s up to them to dissuade her. If they two can¡¯t stop her, how can they me me then?¡±

    Madame Tao Junior listened to her determined words, feeling sour in her heart. She thought in her heart, ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be so troublesome if she were the biological offspring. Grandmother still has the empress and the princess, but I....¡±

    When she was in a trance, Qiu Yn was chasing Qiu Feng into the Ruan Family, keeping asking, ¡°Did Madame Tao threaten you? Or did she scare you? Don¡¯t be silent! What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    She was driven away halfway by Qiu Jinn then. ¡°Less nonsense. Go for your elder cousin. I¡¯ll talk to him!¡±

    ¡°He has ever entrapped you but I have never done that before! Moreover, I was almost entrapped by you! But you should have gone with him! I hope that you won¡¯t be entrapped by him again!¡± Seeing that Qiu Feng was taken away by Qiu Jinn, Qiu Yn murmured with her hands against her hips, and then walked away angrily.

    In the evening, thinking that Qiu Jinn had almost got what Madame Tao had talked with Qiu Feng, Qiu Yn grabbed the teacups from the maid and pretended to go to the study to make sure that they were fine. Seeing her, Qiu Jinn smiled and said, ¡°Madame Tao just tried to draw the secret out from Qiu Feng, and she intended to find him a bride. So, what did Madame Tao Junior talk with you?¡±

    ¡°She also hoped that Qiu Feng could get married as soon as possible, so that Chunfu Princess wouldn¡¯t think about him anymore.¡± Since Qiu Yn¡¯s purpose was seen through, she said bluntly, ¡°I didn¡¯t agree.¡±

    Qiu Jinn scolded her lightly, ¡°You should agree to it, and theny the me on me. Though it is said that Madame Tao Junior has a good temperament, who knows the truth? She is the eldest sister-inw of the four branches. Why did you offend her?¡±

    ¡°She gave me an idea. She let me ask you for help!¡± Qiu Yn said disapprovingly, ¡°ording to her, Madame Tao doesn¡¯t object to Princess Chunfu¡¯s marrying Qiu Feng. However, she is not her biological grandmother, so she is afraid that her stepson and daughter-inw will me her for treating her granddaughter badly. So, she tries to stop Chunfu Princess! Even Madame Tao doesn¡¯t dare to deal with that, how can I get involved in such a mess? So, it¡¯s better to refuse her at the beginning!¡±

    Qiu Jinn sighed, ¡°Forget about it now. Fortunately, the provincial examination is over, so Jiang Yashuang will be back soon. After hees back, we can ask him for help. Qiu Feng can¡¯t leave Jing City now, and he doesn¡¯t want to follow Madame Tao¡¯s words as well.¡±

    ¡°So Qiu Feng really doesn¡¯t have the will?¡± Qiu Yn asked curiously, ¡°Princess Chunfu is so beautiful, and she has a good temperament. She is such a gorgeous bride to marry!¡±

    Qiu Jinn sneered, ¡°Do you think that Qiu Feng looks like he wants to start a family? If it weren¡¯t for saving her life, he would stay as far away from her as he could as usual to avoid petnt girls like her!¡±

    ¡°This is not necessarily true. The pampered princesses and the silly boys in Jianghu are often wonderful matches!¡± Qiu Yn muttered in her heart, and then just said, ¡°I heard that Princess Chunfu hasn¡¯t made a statement yet, so we can forget it for the moment.¡±

    Qiu Jinn thought so, so he no longer cared about it but talked to her about other topics.

    However, the two didn¡¯t expect that Jiang Qizheng wanted to marry Qiu Feng badly though she didn¡¯t make it clear. So, she rejected all the men Empress Jiang and Madame Tao arranged for her. After the news spread, other people just thought that Your Highness was naturally high-minded, while Ou Qinn was so anxious when she knew that, ¡°Since she rejected all the men, doesn¡¯t it mean that she also has a thing for Ruan Qingyan?¡±

    Her confidant maid hesitated and said, ¡°The news I heard before was that the Jiang Family wanted to marry Jiang Qiyun to young master Ruan, but it didn¡¯t happenter, and many people in the Jiang Family knew about it. Now Jiang Qiyun has married Prince of Qi, how can they continue to marry Chunfu Princess to young master Ruan?¡±

    ¡°Young master Ruan is such a great man. Every girl except fools wants him!¡± Ou Qinn said in annoyance, ¡°Jiang Qiyun is just one of those fools, but Chunfu is not stupid. There were only few men in Jing City who were qualified to marry her, but she was critical of all of them. If it weren¡¯t for young master Ruan¡¯s observing mourning now, she would have gone for thedy of Marquess Qin to show her crush on him!¡±

    The maid was also anxious for her, ¡°If she really did that, thedy of Marquess Qin would definitely promise her! At that time, it will be equal to the empress¡¯s promise. What should you do then!¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t allow that!¡± Ou Qinn stood up suddenly, clenched her fists and gritted her teeth, ¡°Although Chunfu has a good rtionship with me, I won¡¯t yield her young master Ruan. I have to think of a way to prevent her from grabbing him.¡±

    Ou Qinn was a hot-bloodeddy who always did what she said, so she went to Jiang¡¯s residence at once!

    In terms of friendship, the friendship between Ou Qinn and Jiang Qizheng was not as good as that between He Shuijin and Jiang Qizheng. However, she came at the right time. Jiang Qizheng was full of thoughts and needed a listener, while He Shuijin had just got married and she was with her husband all the time, so how would she have time to care about Jiang Qizheng?

    Therefore, Ou Qinn came to the Jiang Family, pestering Jiang Qizheng for two days, and finally found that she had really fallen in love with someone whom she didn¡¯t want to make clear.

    ¡°It must be the young master Ruan!¡± Ou Qinn felt that the maid was right. ¡°Young master Ruan is observing mourning and he almost became the fianc¨¦ of Jiang Qiyun, so it was not surprising that Chunfu Princess felt embarrassed to make it clear!¡±

    ¡°She is embarrassed to talk about it publicly. But after young master Ruan finishes observing mourning, she will go for thedy of Marquess Qin on the sly. Since thedy of Marquess Qin loves her so much, she will ede to all her demands!¡± As for the background, Ou Qinn knew that she couldn¡¯tpare with the niece of the Empress. She could just grit her teeth, ¡°how can I let her desist?¡±

    She had thought for a long time but didn¡¯t find a way out. So, she said bluntly to Jiang Qizheng at night, ¡°I have made up my mind that I won¡¯t marry anyone except Ruan Qingyan! What do you think of that, Chunfu?¡±

    Jiang Qizheng was stunned, ¡°Ruan Qingyan?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Ou Qinn could pester her cousin to ask for a match, so naturally, she did notck the courage to show her hand to her ¡°rival in love¡±. She said sternly, ¡°I know you admire him too, but....¡±

    ¡°Wait! Who tell you I admire him?¡± Jiang Qizheng was shocked! She had nothing to do with Ruan Qingyan at all! And he was the brother of her future sister-inw. Noble families like the Jiang Family would not allow exchanging marriage!

    Ou Qinn paused, ¡°You don¡¯t like him. So, who do you like?¡±

    Since Jiang Qizheng didn¡¯t answer her, she rolled her eyes, ¡°I told you my secret, but you don¡¯t tell me yours. You can¡¯t do that!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng couldn¡¯t stand her pestering, and she was curious about how Ou Qinn would like Ruan Qingyan, so she told her about the experience of getting acquainted with Qiu Feng bashfully, ¡°I just heard from Qiu Yn that he was born in a grassroots family. My elders won¡¯t agree on it definitely.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter!¡± Ou Qinn felt energetic after hearing what she said, and directed her experiencedly, ¡°You should talk with your grandmother first. If she doesn¡¯t agree, don¡¯t cry or make trouble but go on a hunger strike. Your grandmother cherishes you so much, so I promise she will immediately agree to everything you say just after one day! Even if she doesn¡¯t agree, she will give you an idea!¡±

    Just like Jiang Yashuang, Jiang Qizheng was used to being docile. She had never been rebellious, so she hesitated after hearing that, ¡°Isn¡¯t it too petnt?¡±

    ¡°You have to be petnt when you should be!¡± Although Jiang Qizheng made it clear that she was not her love rival, Ou Qinn still felt that the earlier she got married, the better it would be since she was such a strongpetitor. What if the Jiang Family did not allow her to marry Qiu Feng but wanted her to marry Ruan Qingyan?

    Therefore, she persuaded her unscrupulously, ¡°Think about it clearly. Qiu Feng was not born in a noble family, so he definitely dares not take the initiative to chase you! If you don¡¯t use some means, you will miss him in this life! Do you want that to happen?¡±

    She continued, ¡°Moreover, the Jiang Family doesn¡¯t ask you to marry someone. I remember your grandmother said that you are in charge of your marriage. It¡¯s hard to meet someone you really like. Are you sure you can really let it go? ¡±

    Jiang Qizheng was in love with Qiu Feng and other men were not up to her taste. After Ou Qinn¡¯s instigation, her heart started racing immediately!

    So next, Chunfu Princess, who was known for her gentleness and demureness, started a hunger strike. Madame Tao didn¡¯t know what Ou Qinn did. She could just sigh that the girl, who had been docile all the time, became rebellious for a man. She felt disappointed and sad, but couldn¡¯t leave it alone.

    While coaxing her to eat, she said what she prepared to say before, ¡°If you two were matched for marriage, I would agree at once! But there is such a big gap between you. I dare not decide your life without asking your parents. So, I will write a letter to Beijiang. We¡¯ll see what your parents say then!¡±

 Chapter 207 - The Plots of Prime Minister Xue

    <h4>Chapter 207 The Plots of Prime Minister Xue</h4>

    Beijiang was so far from them. As soon as Madame Tao¡¯s letter was sent away, Jiang Yashuang came back.

    He was still the brightest and best this time. As he said to Empress Jiang before, he returned to Jing City with the title of Jieyuan, the first ce in the provincial imperial examination.

    Marquess Qin was very happy about it. He was afraid that Jiang Yashuang would be proud so he didn¡¯t host a banquet for him, but he praised him greatly in private.

    Jiang Yashuang left Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion, and then went to meet his grandmother, Madame Tao. She asked him about his journey and then sent him to see Jiang Qianyue and the others, ¡°You were not here when your grand uncle and aunt came back, so you should greet them. If they want you to stay for dinner, then have dinner there.¡±

    ¡°Yes, grandma!¡± Jiang Yashuang went for Sir Jibei and his wife non-stop. As the youngest grandson of the Jiang Family, he had a good temperament and academic sess. Naturally, he was very popr with all the elders.

    Sir Jibei and his wife not only asked him to stay for dinner but also chatted with him for a long time after the meal before he left.

    It was gettingte at this time, so Jiang Yashuang had to order someone to send a message to the Ruan Family, and then he went directly to his house for resettlement.

    In the Ruan Family, Qiu Jinn and Qiu Yn were relieved when they received the good news, ¡°Jieyuan? That¡¯s great!¡±

    Although Qiu Jinn had already won the title of Jinshi at the age of Jiang Yashuang, he had never won the title of Jieyuan. He had not even won first ce in the Apprentice Exam. At this time, his future brother-inw had got the first ce twice, so Qiu Jinn was naturally happy for her sister. After thinking about it, he said to Qiu Yn, ¡°He is doing so well academically, so you have to study harder! Or you will have nothing inmon and he may fall in love with someone else!¡±

    Qiu Yn wailed in her heart, thinking that her brother was too considerate!

    She pretended not to hear his words, and said, ¡°Shall we tell him about Qiu Feng tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll ask him about his journey and the provincial examination first!¡± Qiu Jinn red at her, ¡°He just returned to Jing City from a great distance, so you have to say some heart-warming words!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn was speechless, ¡°Who was so vicious to him before?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t pretend to be innocent and use me of not being gentle enough. You¡¯re a hundred times worse than I am!¡± Qiu Yn thought in her heart.

    Qiu Jinn said calmly, ¡°If I hadn¡¯t treated him bad, how would I have known whether he really loved you?¡±

    Well, you were always the one with a point!

    Qiu Yn decisively changed the subject, ¡°Yesterday, Whitey...¡±

    Although Qiu Yn muddled through before Qiu Jinn, she was dragged up early the next day!

    Because she also had a cousin Ruan Ciyi!

    Ruan Ciyi had always had a good impression of Jiang Yashuang. At this time, hearing that he had won the title of Jieyuan, she had a greater impression of him! While at the same time, she also felt crisis-ridden for Qiu Yn, ¡°He has a good family, good academic performance, and good temper! Everybody wants such a talent! You may be robbed of him if you don¡¯t tighten your grasp on him! Even if nobody can shake your position as a wife, a concubine is enough for you to have a headache!¡±

    So, ¡°Come on,e on! Try these dresses! When you¡¯re done, go to the small kitchen and make two dishes you are best at! When he has lunch here then, ask your brother to tell him that you¡¯ve made two dishes specially for him.¡±

    She continued, ¡°I told your brother to leave some time for you to speak alone after they finish talking. Remember to ask him how hard he felt in the journey and the provincial examination. Pretend to be considerate and demure!¡±

    In the afternoon of this day, Qiu Jinn was called away by Ruan Ciyi, and then Qiu Yn told Jiang Yashuang everything Ruan Ciyi told her before, saying with grief, ¡°Don¡¯te here anymore, otherwise my cousin will definitely force me to make dishes every time youe!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang burst intoughter upon hearing the words, ¡°So faith can really move mountains! It turns out that sister Ruan cares about me so much! I must send her a generous gift!¡±

    He continued happily, ¡°I finally have a taste of your cuisine! The food you make is even more delicious than the cooks!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you that I am good at cooking.¡± Qiu Yn said triumphantly, ¡°Zhuang Manes to me time and again just to eat the food I cook.¡±

    Before she finished speaking, Jiang Yashuang held her into his arms. He gritted his teeth and said, ¡°Well, I was so moved when I just heard your brother say that you made those dishes for me when you got up early! But it turns out that you cooked for Zhuang Man every time she came here! What about me?¡±

    ¡°She is your cousin! How can you be so stingy!¡± Qiu Yn poked his chest with a finger smilingly, ¡°It was just because you were not here at that time, or I would cook for you as well!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sneered and said, ¡°No need to exin. I just want to know what you will do every time Ie here in the future.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll cook for you every time youe here!¡± Qiu Yn felt speechless, ¡°Well, let¡¯s stop talking about it. Did my brother tell you about Qiu Feng?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°He mentioned it. But I¡¯m still not sure. So, I¡¯ll ask my grandmother and sister about that first after I go back.¡±

    ¡°And what¡¯s going on with the Seven Prince?¡± Qiu Yn had been guessing for a long time about the inside story about the Crown Prince of the Empress¡¯s Party. She had been wondering for a long time. Since Jiang Yashuang returned, she could not wait to ask him about that.

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°Originally, my aunt nned to choose Prince of Lu, but when they were about to make a decision, Xue Chang submitted a memorial, saying that the Crown Prince had to be smart and courageous. Prince of Qi behaved badly thest time when the ground movement happened, who was far less calm than Prince of Yan. While unlucky Prince of Yan had no such fortune to be the Crown Prince.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised when she heard that, ¡°Prime Minister Xue really said that?¡± It turned out that he spoke for the Empress Dowager!

    ¡°If it weren¡¯t for the conflict between parties, it would be in the interest of the country to choose a noble-minded and talented one as the Crown Prince.¡± Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°It is not surprising for Xue Chang to say those words. To be honest, during the earthquake, I also thought that Prince of Qi was not favorable.¡±

    ¡°But he said that after Xue Nongying almost died!¡± Qiu Yn muttered in her heart, ¡°Even if Xue Nongying didn¡¯t die so he didn¡¯t quarrel with Empress Dowager Gu, he couldn¡¯t trample on the Jiang Family under the pretext of earthquake for the sake of me, the future daughter-inw of the Jiang Family!¡±

    She thought for a while and asked, ¡°Do you know the truth about Xue Nongying¡¯s injury?¡±

    ¡°Your idea of amnesia is very good. I heard from your brother that Noble Consort Gu and Qiu Shen sent people to visit the Xue Family separately. Empress Dowager Gu might have no idea about that yet.¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled and said, ¡°Even an ant clings to life. Your plot justes to the point!¡±

    ¡°Then why did Prime Minister Xue speak like that?¡± Qiu Yn was stunned.

    Jiang Yashuangughed, stretched out his hands and rubbed her face vigorously, ¡°Silly girl, Xue Chang is just entrapping Empress Dowager Gu! Anyway, neither Prince of Lu nor the Seven Prince can escape my aunt! So, it won¡¯t matter to change the candidate of the Crown Prince. Think about it. If my aunt chooses Prince of Lu, once Xue Chang is partial to him, even if Noble Consort Gu does not confess, the Empress Dowager can still tell Xue Chang¡¯s partiality!¡±

    ¡°But now the Seven Prince is recognized as the most intelligent among the princes. Not to mention Prince of Zhou who is inferior to Prince of Yan, even Prince of Yan is less reputable than him. So, it is not surprising at all that Xue Chang is partial to him in thepetition for the position of the Crown Prince. The empress doesn¡¯t have a son, and the eldest prince was proved to miss out all the fortune in the earthquake... Isn¡¯t it the right time to appoint a virtuous prince as the Crown Prince?¡±

    Qiu Yn was enlightened suddenly and said, ¡°So Prime Minister Xue didn¡¯t intend to take revenge, but nned to endure silently first to pave the way for the Jiang Family?¡±

    ¡°You deserve this credit!¡± Jiang Yashuang lowered his head and kissed her on the forehead, smiling, ¡°If you didn¡¯t save Xue Nongying, how could there be such a good thing?¡±

    ¡°This is because Prime Minister Xue is a kind person and he treats my brother well. Otherwise, how would I use such a precious pill to save Xue Nongying¡¯s life since I didn¡¯t know him at all if it weren¡¯t for Prime Minister Xue¡¯s sake?¡± Qiu Yn said in a low voice, ¡°So Prime Minister Xue intends to secretly join forces with your family while nothing will change ostensibly?¡±

    As expected, those who take high positions were all sophisticated! Xue Chang was trying to retaliate against a personal enemy under the banner of justice and selflessness for the country and the people!

    It was no wonder that Empress Jiang reced the mediocre and ipetent Prince of Lu with the Seven Prince who was known for his intelligence.

    However, although what Xue Chang did was a good thing for the Empress¡¯s Party, it was an eye-catcher to some other individuals. That evening, Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei gathered their sons, nephews and staff in the study room to discuss the fight for the status of the crown prince.

    Jiang Tianao said as soon as he got there, ¡°Xue Chang expressed his position so bluntly. Will there be any cheating involved?¡±

    Jiang Tianqi had always been at odds with Jiang Tianao, his cousin, so at this moment he said lukewarmly, ¡°My brother, you are too suspicious. Everyone knows that Prime Minister Xue regards Xue Nongying as his sessor. Even if he wants to y the trick of injuring himself to gain the enemy¡¯s confidence, it is impossible for him to risk Xue Nongying¡¯s life! Xue Nongying is treated by Qi Shuluo who has always been a member of our family. Do you suspect that we instigate Qi Shuluo to deceive you?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mean that. I just think that although Xue Nongying almost died, he is alive now.¡± Jiang Tianao said lightly, ¡°Xue Chang might be able to afford such a loss! But now he intends to form an alliance with our family. Shouldn¡¯t it be treated with caution?¡±

    ¡°If it were you, my eldest brother, who drew him over to our side, you might not doubt it now, right?¡± Jiang Tianqi said with a mocking expression, ¡°Though our fourth younger brother has been in Beijiang for many years, can¡¯t he take the limelight even once?¡±

    Marquess Qin frowned slightly, ¡°Take out the regtions of the fight for the status of the crown prince first. Xue Chang has said that he will cooperate with us. We¡¯ll see whether he fulfills his promise or not at that time, and then we can know he is sincere or not.¡±

    Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi knew that their words had annoyed the elder, so they shut up at once.

    ¡°Marquess, I think that since the Seven Princes is recognized as the smartest one among the princes, we might as well help him depress Prince of Zhou straightforwardly and get the position of the crown prince! The officials can¡¯t raise any objection to that and it can help cover Xue Xiang¡¯s statement. What¡¯s more, it will make the empress look wise and perspicacious, not like Empress Dowager Gu who always practice nepotism!¡± One of the staff members pondered for a while and came out, ¡°Marquess, what do you think about that?¡±

    Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei looked at each other, and slightly nodded, ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± This was also their n. Since they had an advantage, they must use it certainly.

    ¡°But no matter how smart the Seven Prince is, he is only fourteen years old now.¡± Most people affirmed this idea, but some other people raised concerns in detail. ¡°Maybe he is really excellent in his studies and it¡¯s why people all think that he is smart. But, after all, he is not as good as Prince of Zhou, who is several years older than him, in the way he conducts himself, right?¡±

    ¡°Besides, the prince has reached the age of living alone in a pce, so it is not advisable for him to live with the empress anymore.¡± Someone said calmly, ¡°In this way, it seems that we should hire a teacher for the prince to instruct him to suppress Prince of Zhou and show his reputation and talent.¡±

    Jiang Tianqi nced at the person who said this. Seeing that he was a close assistant of Jiang Tianao, he sneered in his heart and asked indifferently, ¡°Then who should be the teacher?¡±

    ¡°Prime Minister Xue is old, and he still has to care about his grandson now. What¡¯s more, he is not a member of the Jiang Family after all.¡± The assistant turned his eyes to Jiang Tianao as expected. But before he finished his following words, Jiang Yashuang, who had been standing behind Marquess Qin silently, suddenly said, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we discuss this matter with my aunt first?¡±

    ¡°...¡± There was an awkward pause after his words. Then Sir Jibei coughed to break the silence, ¡°That¡¯s right. Even if the empress agrees to hire a teacher for the Seven Prince, the empress should be the one who chooses the teacher for him... Let¡¯s stop talking about this for now. Let¡¯s talk about the recent movements of the Gu Family first!¡±

    After people dispersed that evening, Marquess Qin called Jiang Yashuang back again, ¡°You don¡¯t seem to want your eldest uncle to be the teacher of the Seven Prince?¡±

    ¡°Even though you and my grand uncle were there just now, my third uncle still grasped every chance to argue with my eldest uncle, which showed that they two really had a deep grievance.¡± Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°The first thing we should do now is to deal with the Empress Dowager and the Gu Family. My grandfather once said we needed to do our best no matter whether our opponents were strong or weak. While at this time, Seven Prince has not be the crown prince yet, but the two uncles start making trouble for each other. Is that a good thing for the Jiang Family? That was why I made a speech boldly.¡±

    Marquess Qin looked at him, ¡°Did you really do that for the Jiang Family¡¯s consideration but not because you still bear grudges against your eldest uncle because of your brother?¡±

    ¡°My father and mother are the ones who can have a say in that matter. How can I intervene in that?¡± Jiang Yashuang asked back.

    ¡°Then what is your father going to do about that?¡± Marquess Qin asked calmly, ¡°Ou Bicheng suddenly came back in the first half of the year and privately brought you the volume of military techniques which was secretly copied from Jiang Yayue by your father seemingly, right? It seems that Jiang Yayue finally gives the show away after keeping a low profile before your father for so many years. So how will your father deal with him? Will he just destroy him just like what your eldest uncle did to your eighth brother or just wipe out him lest he should get in your way?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s pupils suddenly shrank!

    ¡°I can¡¯t hide anything from you, grandpa!¡± His face changed drastically, and then he sighed, ¡°Ou Bicheng was indeed entrusted by my father when he came back that time. However, my father did not mention how to deal with Jiang Yayue, but only encouraged the three of our brothers to work hard to keep pace with him!¡±

 Chapter 208 - My Brother Has Been Ruined. It Was Impossible To Take the Northern Army!

    <strong>Chapter 208 My Brother Has Been Ruined. It Was Impossible To Take the Northern Army!</strong>

    Marquess Qin said coldly, ¡°What if you guys are outmatched by Jiang Yayue? He and the others have been to the north for several years. The promotion is not as good as the ordinary soldiers who joined the army at the same time. Your father kept saying that he was afraid of them being young and impetuous and that they need to improve themselves. But they have been assigned to insignificant ces. They are not even as valued as Ou Bikong in the Ou family. Do you really think I don¡¯t know?¡±

    The person they were talking about was Jiang Tianao¡¯s second legitimate son, Jiang Yayue.

    It was a few years after Jiang Tianchi had joined the army that Jiang Tianqi and the others realized their previous mistakes. Out of coveting the prosperity of Jing City and a sense of superiority in the imperial court, they had been fighting hard for the support of their father and uncle in the court. Meanwhile, Jiang Tianchi had taken over the resources of the army without a word! They couldn¡¯t ept it.

    However, Jiang Tianchi was so ambitious. Though he was noble, he had started as a soldier and got to where he was now.

    With such a role model as him, those who came after him would be hard to convince the soldiers if they didn¡¯t follow his example; those who followed his example would have to submit to him because they did it after him. Therefore, Jiang Tianqi and the others, who could neither lose their face nor let go of the position they already held in the court, had to send their sons to the army to connect with the Northern Army, lest it was all taken away.

    Now the first branch, the third branch, and the sixth branch all had their sons in the Northern Army, and they all started as soldiers. The one with the highest rank so far was only in charge of thousands of soldiers who were not elite.

    Being asked by Marquess Qin in this way, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s look changed, and then said in a t tone, ¡°Grandfather, of course, you know everything. But since you haven¡¯t mentioned it for so many years, you must¡¯ve been considering the fourth branch.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think you can bargain with me because of what happened to your eighth brother!¡± Marquess Qin looked at him, his gaze suddenly sharpened, and said in a deep voice, ¡°Although your uncle and aunt didn¡¯t have good intentions when they raised him in the first ce, it was your mother who handed him over to the first branch. Besides, if you insist that Jiang Yadan was ruined by your uncle and aunt, then how do you exin the fact that Jiang Yazhu also bes useless? Your sister-inw didn¡¯t deliberately raise him up to be so useless.¡±

    Madame Tao Junior did not deliberately raise Jiang Yazhu up to be like this. The problem was that Madame Tao Junior, who had a weak temperament, couldn¡¯t bear or dared not to say a heavy word to discipline him. In the foppish atmosphere of the Jiang Family, she didn¡¯t have a high status among her peers. It was not strange that Jiang Yazhu didn¡¯t listen to her and got bad influences from others.

    Jiang Yashuang sneered in his heart and said lightly, ¡°Grandfather, you got me wrong. Aren¡¯t you protecting me by tacitly allowing Jiang Yayue to work for my father?¡±

    ¡°What? Do you think your father is swapping hostages with your uncle by getting Jiang Yayue to work for him?¡± Marquess Qin raised his voice, ¡°Bastard! You¡¯re rted by blood after all, not enemies who want to kill each other. How dare you think of it in this way?¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yayue has been in the army for quite a few years, and he has always been mediocre. However, the military stratagem he wrote this time was very outstanding. My father said that his work was as good as yours back then!¡± Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°But he didn¡¯t n to show the stratagem to my father. Instead, he nned to quietly ask someone to bring it back to Jing City and ask Uncle Mengmin to deliver it to you and my granduncle! You¡¯re a wise man, grandfather. Don¡¯t you understand the intention of Uncle Mengmin and Jiang Yayue?¡±

    Marquess Qin sneered, ¡°You suspect that your uncle intends to kill you. So, your father won¡¯t have an heir and will have to let his nephew take over the Northern Army. To put you aside, just for the sake of your eighth brother, your father won¡¯t choose the sons of the first branch. It¡¯s just that if the sons of the first branch are outstanding, your granduncle and I will pressure your father to cultivate Jiang Yayue as long as we are still alive. Are you thinking this way?¡±

    Marquess Qin was obviously angry. He said coldly, ¡°Do you think I¡¯m dead? Won¡¯t I be able to protect you from your uncle?¡±

    ¡°Grandfather, Jiang Yayue has such a talent. Why did he hide it for so many years?¡± Jiang Yashuang asked indifferently, ¡°Isn¡¯t it because Uncle Mengmin has plotted against my brother? So, he was worried that Jiang Yayue would be plotted against by my father in a simr way. That¡¯s why he asked Jiang Yayue to pretend to be mediocre and only to show his talent at the most critical moment.¡±

    He raised his head, and his eyes, which were as bright as the stars, were filled with the sharpness and perseverance of a young man, ¡°Now Jiang Yayue finally intends to make a blockbuster. Grandfather, please be fair, isn¡¯t it a sign that Uncle Mengmin wants to plot against me? My third uncle and my sixth uncle had once fought with him for the position in the court. But my father went to Beijiang at the age of twenty and he has never blocked his way. During the holidays, my father has always paid his respect to him and has never said anything bad about him. But what did my father get in return?¡±

    With Marquess Qin¡¯s prestige, being questioned by Jiang Yashuang, he couldn¡¯t help but be silent.

    Jiang Yashuang was right. Although Jiang Tianchi deliberately suppressed his nephews, he never fought with Jiang Tianao for anything.

    Marquess Qin knew very well that the reason why his second son didn¡¯t fight was not that he didn¡¯t want to fight, but he knew clearly that it was useless to fight. Marquess Qin¡¯s eldest legitimate son, Jiang Tianqi, and Sir Jibei¡¯s only son, Jiang Tiancan, were examples. It would be better to avoid fighting and gain a good reputation.

    But it was a fact that he never fought for anything. In terms of obeying his father¡¯s orders and tolerating his cousins, Jiang Tianchi was the best among his brothers!

    Under this circumstance, Jiang Tianao still plotted against his eldest son. No matter how partial Marquess Qin was to Jiang Tianao because of his gratitude to his elder brother, he didn¡¯t know what to say at the moment.

    ¡°Of course, I believe you will be able to protect me, grandfather.¡± Jiang Yashuang calmed down and said, ¡°But, the fight for the Crown Prince ising soon. After getting rid of the Gu Family, my aunt will be the Empress Dowager and will have all the power. How will the power in the court be divided at that time? There are so many things waiting for you to decide. How can I bear to see you worry about my safety and be sad about my uncle¡¯s behavior? So, I need to solve some problems on my own.¡±

    Marquess Qinughed, but there was nofort in theughter. After he finishedughing, he looked at his grandson coldly and contemptuously said, ¡°You were taught by me, and you use this to coax me. If you really didn¡¯t want me to worry too much, you shouldn¡¯t target your uncle at this critical moment.¡±

    ¡°Then Uncle Mengmin will be more and more emboldened and will plot against me more vigorously.¡± Jiang Yashuang asked, ¡°Jiang Yayue is still working for my father in Beijiang, but Uncle Mengmin dares to plot against me. Isn¡¯t it because he managed to do it before? After he hurt my brother, nobody said anything about it, so he thinks it¡¯s okay to hurt the sons of the fourth branch.¡±

    ¡°Are you ming me for not backing up the fourth branch?¡± Marquess Qin said, ¡°Why do you make it sound reasonable to plot against the elders?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said indifferently, ¡°Of course, I dare not to me you, grandfather. I just don¡¯t like to see that Uncle Mengmin ys dirty tricks on us instead of the Gu Family. You saw it just now. Although the sixth uncle didn¡¯t say anything, the third uncle revealed his hatred towards the first uncle. Do you think the Jiang Family will not fight with each other in the long run?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you fighting in the family now?¡± Marquess Qin asked coldly.

    ¡°Uncle Mengmin started it.¡± Jiang Yashuang was expressionless, ¡°You have worked so hard to teach me for so many years. Do I have to be like my brother and Jiang Yazhu, who have no threat to Uncle Mengmin but no use for the Jiang Family, just to make him happy?¡±

    ¡°Is it that I¡¯m wrong to teach you?¡± Marquess Qin said coldly, ¡°I have so many grandchildren but I¡¯ve spent the most efforts on you. I¡¯ve trained you so that you can assist your elders and support your elder brother! Not for you to target your own family members so soon!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked at him quietly for a moment, and suddenly said, ¡°If my aunt knows Uncle Mengmin asked someone to propose to find a teacher for the Seven Prince today, and he even nned to be the teacher himself...¡± How could Empress Jiang possibly agree to such an unbelievably obvious act of decentralization?

    Especially, the rtionship between Jiang Tianao and Empress Jiang was not good. If the Empress knew that Jiang Tianao was up to such an idea, she would deal with this cousin of hers or prevent him from getting more chances.

    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± Marquess Qin sneered, ¡°Do you n to join forces with your aunt to plot against Uncle Mengmin? You are indeed trained by me. When your grandmother died back then, I married your current grandmother without frowning. Later, as soon as your grandmother¡¯s grandfather, Tao Yinsong, passed away, I said nothing and did everything I could to get the power of the Tao Family. That¡¯s how our family got the name ¡®Jiang Banchao¡¯£¨Jiang family possessed great power to control half of the Dynasty£©.¡±

    He looked intently at Jiang Yashuang, ¡°I¡¯ve been indeed hical with my wife¡¯s family and I have done worse things to others in order to make the Jiang Family more powerful. But I¡¯ve never hurt my own family members. You¡¯re better than me.¡¯¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you about my ns.¡± Jiang Yashuang turned a blind eye to his sharp, de-like gaze, and still said indifferently, ¡°If you don¡¯t agree, I will carry it on as I¡¯ve made up my mind. If you really don¡¯t like it, you are free to dispose of me as you wish, and I have noints whatsoever!¡±

    Marquess Qinughed so hard that tears came out of his eyes. He said sternly, ¡°You must be sure that I can¡¯t bear to hit you hard.¡±

    Looking at the old man¡¯s heartbroken appearance, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s eyes shed a sense of weakness for a moment, but then he regained hisposure, ¡°I don¡¯t think you will hit me hard. You have always loved me the most apart from Uncle Mengmin.¡±

    His parents were far away in Beijiang while Uncle Mengmin was plotting against him. What was more, he was not even old enough to be ready.

    In this fight within the family, the only thing he could rely on was the love of Marquess Qin.

    ¡°Perhaps my grandfather¡¯s love to me for being my teacher cannot bepared to his gratitude to the granduncle,¡± He stood with his eyes drooping in front of Marquess Qin, awaiting the punishment of the old man, who had taken arge breath to calm himself down, and thought indifferently, ¡°But after all, he¡¯s not willing to kill me. As long as my grandfather doesn¡¯tpletely side with Uncle Mengmin, my father should be able to pass the exam this time with the assistance of my aunt.¡±

    In the first half of the year, Ou Bicheng returned to Jing City in the name of celebrating Madame Tao¡¯s birthday and avoiding the disputes of his father¡¯s backyard. The real purpose was to bring the military stratagem for Jiang Tianchi to remind his son.

    What even Marquess Qin didn¡¯t know was that with the military stratagem, a family letter was sent at the same time. There was no warm and tender concern and no persuasive suggestions, but only a few indifferent words. It didn¡¯t look like a letter from the father to the son but was more like an official letter. It was Jiang Tianchi¡¯s test for his son. He would not provide anything except the military stratagem. But he had secretly asked someone to observe how Jiang Yashuang would deal with it.

    If he could deal with it properly, Jiang Tianchi would consider leaving the Northern Army to him.

    If the result disappointed Jiang Tianchi, the Northern Army would have nothing to do with him, just as what Jiang Tianchi had made clear earlier.

    In Jiang Tianchi¡¯s words, even if he was his son, Jiang Tianchi would not waste his time and energy to train him if he was not worth it. He could just be a dandy.

    With Jiang Yashuang¡¯s talent in the study, he could have a bright future by being an official in the court. He didn¡¯t necessarily have to be in the army.

    But...

    ¡°My brother was ruined by the first branch. Now Jiang Yayue wants to take the Northern Army from me? No way!¡±

    As he said to Qiu Yn before that he had a good temper, but it didn¡¯t mean he would never lose his temper.

    Jiang Yadan waspletely raised as a loser by Jiang Tianao and his wife. Even now, he didn¡¯t realize that he had fallen into the trap of Uncle Mengmin. Jiang Yashuang was raised by Madame Tao, but he always protected himself from and held a grudge against the first branch.

    Now Jiang Tianao wanted to destroy his future. How could Jiang Yashuang stand it any longer?

    He didn¡¯t study hard for so many years to prove how Jiang Tianao was favored by the uncles.

    ¡°Get out!¡± After a long silence, Marquess Qin finally spoke. The old man looked indifferent and said it without any emotion!

    Jiang Yashuang bowed calmly, ¡°Okay.¡± With his knowledge of Marquess Qin, he certainly knew that it was hard for his grandfather to make up his mind.

    ¡°At least he doesn¡¯t side with Uncle Mengmin. It¡¯s better this way.¡± He went out of the room with this thought. Sir Jibei appeared from behind the screen and sighed, ¡°Even Jiang Yashuang you raised yourself is dissatisfied with the first branch. If the conflict between the children is suppressed again, something big might happen.¡±

 Chapter 209 - The First Branch is to Blame. What Does It Have to Do with Me?

    <h4>Chapter 209 The First Branch is to me. What Does It Have to Do with Me?</h4>

    Marquess Qin immediately regained his calmness, and said lightly, ¡°If I don¡¯t press it down, it would be what Jiang Yashuang said just now: Even if Xue Chang sides with us, the Gu Family hasn¡¯t been destroyed yet and who will be Crown Prince is still unknown. We don¡¯t know who will be the new Emperor at all! If I allow them to fight with each other in the family now, will there be hope for the Jiang Family?¡±

    ¡°You already have an idea in your mind, so I won¡¯t talk about it anymore.¡± Sir Jibei was startled when he heard the words, and said, ¡°But Tianao has done a lot of bad things these years. I¡¯m afraid that the feud between him and Tianchi is not very easy to get rid of.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s get rid of the Gu Family first.¡± Marquess Qin said lightly, ¡°No matter how difficult it is, they are rted by blood. Yadan has just been raised to be a loser. He is still alive. We will still be around for a few years. There is always a way to solve their problem. After so many years of fighting, we have destroyed so many strong enemies. Won¡¯t we be able to deal with the children we raised?¡±

    Sir Jibei retorted, ¡°You are not in a hurry, but Jiang Yashuang is involved now, and he will take the exam in the spring!¡±

    ¡°He should know what is more important and what he can do. If he can¡¯t figure it out and needs me to tell him, then it means I¡¯ve wasted my time to teach him all these years.¡± Marquess Qin was not worried at all, ¡°He¡¯ll have to go through this kind of thing one day. Who doesn¡¯t plot in such a big family? Since he is willing to tell me the truth without concealing it, it can be seen that he knows how far he can go. Just let him do it now. Anyway, it¡¯s our life to clean up the mess of our children.¡±

    Marquess Qinined to Sir Jibei that the children and grandchildren were not virtuous. He had to worry about sibling rivalry at such an old age. Meanwhile, Jiang Yashuang, who just returned to his yard, was attentively listening to Ou Bicheng talking about what he had seen and heard in the Northern Army when he had been home for the exam, ¡°My cousin has been promoted half a rank because he married Jiang Qisheng, and is now eligible to participate in the discussion in the Army¡¯s tent. However, your cousins are well protected by your father. They don¡¯t have much to do. Speaking of which, your father is doing it for you. He deliberately prevents your cousins from going to the battlefield. In this way, when you go to the north after you pass the exam next year, they will have no advantages when confronting the enemies from the north as they know nothing except somemon-sense knowledge.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°I want to stay in Hanlin Academy for two years before joining the army.¡±

    Ou Bicheng was confused and then said, ¡°Do you want to be the premier? Is that why you want to go to Hanlin Academy?¡±

    ¡°Indeed!¡± Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t hide his ambition, ¡°I want to be someone who can be a general in the battlefield or a premier in the court. Since there is an opportunity, I¡¯ll take it. Anyway, my father is still middle-aged. He can wait for another two or three years.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t the position of Premier supposed to be what I am pursuing?¡± Ou Bicheng chuckled, ¡°You will be the general and I¡¯ll be the premier and we will control the world. This is what we have agreed upon since childhood. Why are you nning to be both now?¡±

    Thinking the scene of their childhood, Jiang Yashuang smiled slightly, showing the expression of reminiscence, and then he retorted, ¡°You? Pass the provincial examination first!¡±

    ¡°I told you not to mention it. Do you want me to end our friendship?¡± Ou Bichengined, but there wasn¡¯t any annoyance in his tone. Obviously, he didn¡¯t take the provincial examination very seriously. After all, the previous generations of the Ou Family were horse thieves and the titles and official positions were all based on military merit. Some of the elders in the family didn¡¯t even recognize their names. Ou Bicheng, who was a Xiucai at such a young age, had already made the Ou Family proud.

    So, he pretended toin for a while and then continued, ¡°In this case, you won¡¯t be able to join the army for at least another three years. We won¡¯t know if anything will happen during the three years. Maybe you can stay for a shorter time in Hanlin Academy, like a year and a half. Anyway, Darui¡¯s rules only require the premier to have experience in the Hanlin Academy, but they don¡¯t specify for how long.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to just get experience in Hanlin Academy.¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head and said, ¡°I want to take advantage of being with my granduncle these years to inquire about the Northern Army in detail. I can learn all the rules in advance. When I join the armyter, it will be much easier for me.¡±

    Ou Bicheng nodded, ¡°That¡¯s true! Now it seems that your father has no intention to pave the way for you. Even if you go to work for him, he probably won¡¯t exin it to you clearly. It¡¯s better to be in the Hanlin Academy to get the experience and get Sir Jibei to tell you the rules.¡±

    At this moment, he was a little sleepy and yawned, ¡°There is nothing else to tell you. I¡¯m going to the guest room!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang opened the book at hand, ¡°Go ahead. I have some unfinished homework today. When I¡¯m done with it, I¡¯ll also go back to my room.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t get too tired. There is room for a weak person in the Northern Army.¡± Ou Bicheng rubbed his eyes and walked out. But he stopped halfway and said, ¡°By the way, when you go to greet your grandmother tomorrow, tell Xing toe back. I heard from my grandmother yesterday that she hasn¡¯t been home for a long time. She is not a little girl anymore and others may gossip about her if she always stays outside.¡±

    In order to revenge that Jiang Yashuang had justughed at him for not passing the provincial examination, he continued, ¡°Especially about you and your brother¡¯s reputation!¡±

    ¡°I see. I will definitely tell her what you said when I¡¯m there tomorrow. You can leave now.¡± Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯tugh anymore and called Jiang Tan to prepare some ink.

    However, he felt a weird atmosphere, which was not as usual, as soon as he got into the courtyard of Madame Tao the next day.

    After walking a few steps forward, he was stopped by four maids with serious looks, ¡°Jiang Yashuang, the Madame is asking about things inside. Please go to your yard and have a rest. When the Madame finishes asking questions, I¡¯lle to get you!¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go to see Jiang Qizheng.¡± Jiang Yashuang nced suspiciously at the tightly closed doors and windows, lowered his voice, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°You should go back to your yard. Her Highness is inside!¡± The maid knew that Madame Tao liked him, so she secretly revealed, ¡°It seems that Her Highness has spread some rumors that shouldn¡¯t be spread. The Madame is very angry. She is asking her about it right now.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang felt a little worried when he heard this, and said, ¡°Then I will wait here.¡±

    The Maid asked him to go back to take a rest for several times, but he only said that he was not tired. After standing there for more than an hour, he saw that the door opened, and Jiang Qizheng and Ou Qinn staggered slightly with their eyes red. They must¡¯ve knelt for a long time in the room. Being supported by the maids, they came out in a daze.

    ¡°Qizheng! Xing! What happened?¡± Jiang Yashuang hurriedly asked.

    ¡°Go to ask your grandmother!¡± Jiang Qizheng saw him and she felt more like to cry. Then she lowered her head silently. Ou Qinn wanted to say something, but shook her head, and took Jiang Qizheng¡¯s arm, ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡±

    When Jiang Yashuang saw this, he hurried into the room and asked Madame Tao, who had just left her seat and was about to go to the inner chamber to rx, ¡°Grandma, what were Jiang Qizheng and Xing here for?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m about to send someone to tell your grandfather! Since you are here, I¡¯ll tell you. Then you can tell your grandfather.¡± Madame Tao looked upset and got rid of the servants who had juste in with a gloomy look. She said, ¡°Qizheng was rescued by Qiu Feng in the earthquake. At that time, she drowned and could not breathe. In order to save her, Qiu Feng had touched... Touched her. So,ter he gave the credit to your wife and her brother, lest Qizheng¡¯s reputation is ruined!

    Speaking of which, Madame Tao secretly gritted her teeth, ¡°Qizheng said she had only told two people about this matter. One was Xing and the other was me. But it was heard by someone. In short, now everyone is talking about her and Qiu Feng in the mansion.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s look changed, ¡°A servant won¡¯t be so bold. Someone must be targeting Jiang Qizheng!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll decide whether to tell your grandfather or not depending on the timing. This may be done by the first branch again!¡± Madame Tao said angrily, ¡°When Prince of Qi was no longer a candidate for Crown Prince, your Aunt Yang and Jiang Qiyun were furious. They even wanted to cancel the engagement once. You know, because your sister was entitled as Princess by Tianluan, many people were jealous of her in the family. Those losers now know that she was touched by a person of low social status and they will surely gloat!¡±

    ¡°The first branch has gone too far!¡± Jiang Yashuang showed a stern look and gritted his teeth, ¡°This is something that might affect my sister for a lifetime. Although Qiu Feng has a very good character, we don¡¯t know if he likes my sister or not. However, they dared to...¡±

    ¡°Calm down!¡± Madame Tao patted his hand hurriedly and reminded, ¡°Your grandfather has always been very fond of the first branch. Even if you show him the evidence, your grandfather will let them frame some servants for their crime, not to mention this is merely my spection. Now your father and mother are not in Jing City and he is always your elder. Don¡¯t do anything irrational and let him get to you!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang took a deep breath and said, ¡°I understand what you said, grandmother. It¡¯s just that my sister has got hurt. I can¡¯t just stand by and do nothing.¡±

    ¡°Who told you to do nothing?¡± Madame Tao sneered, ¡°Madame Dou thought that her youngest daughter was married, and her granddaughters were still young, so it would not affect her much if she made the reputation of the Jiang Family¡¯s daughter bad. Did she forget who Jiang Qiyun¡¯s mother-inw is?¡±

    Taking a look at her grandson, she said, ¡°I just asked Mom Hu to go into the pce to ask your aunt to teach Jiang Qiyun a lesson! Anyway, there are many inws in our family. Even if Prince of Qi can¡¯t be Crown Prince, he is still a prince. Many girls are satisfied with being an ordinary Princess instead of being the Crown Princess or the Empress. There¡¯s no need to worry too much about the niece!¡±

    ¡°Grandma, even if you retaliate against the first branch this way, how can my sister¡¯s reputation be restored?¡± Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t feel like these wordsforting. Compared with the first branch, he was more concerned about Jiang Qizheng¡¯s marriage in the future, ¡°Although the reputation of our family is a bit undisciplined, the rumors are all about boys.¡±

    The daughters of the Jiang Family had a reputation for being domineering, but they never had a bad reputation in terms of their innocence.

    This was mainly because mothers weren¡¯t confused enough to let their daughters mess around as their sons.

    The Jiang Family¡¯s daughter could marry anyone she wanted as long as the elder agreed. But if a man was forced to get married against his will, how would they live a happy life together?

    The corner of Madame Tao¡¯s mouth twitched, ¡°I have ordered someone to thoroughly investigate the source of the rumors. I hope it hasn¡¯t been spread outside the mansion!¡±

    When Jiang Yashuang retreated and left, Mom Hu helped Madame Tao into the inner chamber andy down. Half of the bed-curtain was put down. Seeing Madame closed her eyes, Mom Hu was about to tiptoe out. Madame suddenly asked softly, ¡°Have those rumors been spread out?¡±

    ¡°Yes, they have. However, because our family has a powerful background and Her Highness is the Empress¡¯s favorite Princess, I¡¯m afraid that it will take a few days for the rumors to be discussed in the streets.¡± Hearing the Madame¡¯s question, Mom Hu hurriedly got back to the bed, half-kneeled, and whispered on the side of the bed.

    Madame Tao said, ¡°They arepeting for Crown Prince at the time. It is not a good thing for the Jiang Family¡¯s girl to have a bad reputation. Chaohai will surely find out about Qiu Feng¡¯s character. Then he¡¯ll have Zheng¡¯er married to him in order to quickly settle the matter, not to give the Empress Dowager a chance to make a move!¡±

    Mom Hu hesitated: ¡°Your letter will soon reach Beijiang. What if Old Master Tianchi and Madame Zhuang object?¡±

    ¡°What does it have to do with me? I treat their daughter as a treasure. I even met Qiu Feng personally and asked Qianbin to ask her future daughter-inw. I did everything that I could, but their daughter was unlucky and got into the first branch¡¯s trap. How can they me it on me?¡± Madame Tao opened her eyes, and her usually kind face was full of coldness and contempt at this moment, ¡°If they want to me, they should me the first branch, who not only ruined their legitimate eldest son but also their legitimate daughter.¡±

    After letting a sigh of relief, Madame Tao nced at the speechless Mom Hu, and slowed down, ¡°Do you think I¡¯m cruel to sacrifice the girl that I raised just to make the fourth branch hate the first branch more, regardless of her future happiness?¡±

    Mom Hu¡¯s look changed, ¡°I dare not to think that way!¡±

    ¡°Tianluan does not have a son, so she can only support a concubine¡¯s son to get the throne.¡± Madame Tao looked at the top of the tent and said lightly, ¡°Even if she bes the Empress Dowager, she is still a woman who lives in the pce. She¡¯ll need to rely on the Jiang Family in the court and in the army. Jiang Tianchi has not returned from Beijiang for many years. Tianluan and the elder brother have basically never been together. Even though she treats his children well, will Jiang Tianchi definitely help her with everything? As for Jiang Tianqi and the others, Tianluan doesn¡¯t get along with them well because they don¡¯t have the same mother and they have the age difference. Moreover, Tianluan always talks to Chaohai directly when discussing court affairs. She rarely meets with her brothers and cousins.¡±

    ¡°When Chaohai dies in the future, she¡¯ll need the help of them. But nobody knows if they will be reliable at that time. Especially ording to Chaohai¡¯s way of dealing with things. When Crown Prince is settled, he will definitely try to solve the problems among the children and the grandchildren.¡± Madame Tao sneered, ¡°When the descendants of the Jiang Family are united, who will care about Tianluan in the future?¡±

    ¡°Thinking about it, I figured I should make the hatred between them deeper, so deep that Chaohai can¡¯t resolve it at all!¡± Madame Tao squinted and said lightly, ¡°In this way, they will keep fighting with each other and Tianluan will mediate. She can live up to her name as a regent. My daughter has been in the pce for many years for the family. She was hurt by Empress Dowager Gu and almost died giving birth to Yongfu. I won¡¯t let her be a puppet for the Jiang Family again. No way!¡±

    Mom Hu lowered her head and didn¡¯t dare to say anything.

 Chapter 210 - Two Happy Events at Once

    <strong>Chapter 210 Two Happy Events at Once</strong>

    Madame Tao guessed correctly. After hearing his grandson¡¯s words, Marquess Qin thought for a while and asked, ¡°What¡¯s this Qiu Feng¡¯s background? How is his personality? Does Zheng¡¯er like him?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s heart sank. He said intentionally, ¡°He¡¯s just a normal guy from Jianghu with some small reputation. I¡¯ve never really met him, so I don¡¯t know his personality. As for Jiang Qizheng, she is grateful for his saving her life.¡±

    Marquess Qin nced at him and said, ¡°Then ask your brother to ask around. If he is from a decent family and has a good personality and not bad-looking, he can marry Zheng¡¯er!¡±

    ¡°Grandfather, his background is too different from Jiang Qizheng!¡± Jiang Yashuang looked down and said quietly, ¡°If you marry Jiang Qizheng to him, when she meets other sisters in the future, she will hear a lot of talks!¡±

    Marquess Qin said calmly, ¡°That¡¯s nothing. Aren¡¯t you going to see your aunt in the Pce? Just ask her to find an excuse and elevate that Qiu Feng¡¯s status. Since he has a reputation in Jianghu, he must have done something good. There are materials to use then. If you date back to our family, what background did we have? This is not an important thing!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t say anything. Seeing this, he knew Jiang Yashuang was not happy about it, so he softened his tone and said in earnest, ¡°Now the most important thing is fighting for the status of the Crown Prince. If Xue Chang is on our side, we need to take the win and root out the Empress Dowager and the Gu Family! We shouldn¡¯t give the Empress Dowager a chance to pester with some personal matter! If Qiu Feng is really not a good match, when the situation settles, we can get Zheng¡¯er to divorce him and marry a good match!¡±

    ¡°I was wondering why you came here looking all troubled. You areining for Zheng¡¯er?¡± After a while, in the Beijue Hall, Empress Jiang held the teacup. She had a faint smile, ¡°Really, there¡¯s nothing to be sad about. Think about Jiang Qizhuan, who can be more miserable than her? Besides, you said it yourself. Zheng¡¯er is willing to marry Qiu Feng. Maybe right now, she¡¯s thanking your grandfather for helping her! Why should you be sulky?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang thought for a while and said, ¡°Maybe because this is likely to have done by my uncle. With grandfather¡¯s intelligence, he should already know. Grandmother runs a tight family. Jiang Qizheng is not the kind that would babble about things. In this situation, the words still spread out. There¡¯s definitely a mole in the family. Yet grandfather didn¡¯t say a word about looking into it. He just wanted Jiang Qizheng to marry Qiu Feng quickly to finish this...¡±

    ¡°He has been biased towards the first branch for some days. Haven¡¯t you gotten used to it?¡± The Empress smiled faintly, ¡°Besides, if you don¡¯t look into it, all is fine. If you do and find out it is indeed the first branch, so what then?¡±

    Seeing Jiang Yashuang frowned, Empress said softly, ¡°Doesn¡¯t Qiu Feng live with Qiu Jinn all along? If you¡¯re not assured, you can go to ask Qiu Jinn. For his sister, he wouldn¡¯t lie to you.¡±

    ¡°Then excuse me.¡± Jiang Yashuang thought for a while. He stood up and said.

    The Empress smiled, ¡°Go!¡±

    Soon, he arrived at the Ruan Family. Hearing the news, Qiu Jinn and Qiu Yn were all surprised, ¡°How does it suddenly be like this?¡±

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but look at Qiu Jinn, ¡°Didn¡¯t you sayst time that Qiu Feng didn¡¯t want to marry her? Now her elders have made the decision for him! What¡¯s all this mess!¡±

    ¡°Why would your family agree to a marriage of the two who have such extremely different backgrounds?¡± Qiu Jinn was surprised too, ¡°I heard that Chunfu Princess is very favored in your family.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was not in a good mood. He said quietly, ¡°Can¡¯t exin that. Anyway, I just hope he can treat Jiang Qizheng well!¡±

    ¡°With his personality, that won¡¯t be a problem.¡± Qiu Jinn looked at him for a while and also said quietly. ¡°But he may be surprised by this news. I¡¯ll ask someone to take you to see him, so you can talk with him.¡±

    When the servant led Jiang Yashuang to the residence of Qiu Feng, Qiu Yn grabbed Qiu Jinn¡¯s sleeve anxiously and asked, ¡°Is he willing to marry her?¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you known about his personality? If he really had some inappropriate contacts with Chunfu Princess, even if it was to save her, he wouldn¡¯t deny it... If the Jiang Family uses this as an excuse, he won¡¯t fight with it!¡± Qiu Jinn changed into a cold look. It wasn¡¯t because Qiu Yn¡¯s question was inappropriate but, ¡°If Qiu Feng bes the Jiang Family¡¯s son-inw, I will lose a great help!¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at him strangely, ¡°I forgot to ask you. Didn¡¯t he want to kill you before? How did you trick him back to work for you?¡±

    ¡°Why are you asking this?¡± Qiu Jinn nced at her, ¡°Have you finished your homework today? Did you practice boxing? The marriage rtionship of the royalties in Jing City that Ruan Ciyi wrote for you, do you remember it?¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at him bitterly, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to answer, just let it go. Why are you doing this to me...¡±

    ¡°Go find Ruan Ciyi and tell her about Qiu Feng and Chunfu Princess. Qiu Feng now lives at our ce. He won¡¯t care about it. But once the marriage is set, we need to worry about it for him.¡± Qiu Jinn ignored her and said, ¡°Ruan Ciyi is the best at this. Tell her sooner so she can start nning sooner.¡±

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t win him, so she gave up asking how Qiu Feng changed his mind. She sullenly went to find Ruan Ciyi.

    Marquess Qin was really still in charge of the Jiang Family. After he said it, when people were stillughing at the absurd news that Jiang Qizheng who was adored by the Jiang Family and the Empress was going to marry a guy from Jianghu, the Empress¡¯s decree that praised Qiu Feng and gave him the title of a duke already came to the Ruan Family!

    Actually, Qiu Feng was of low born. Even if the Empress had wanted to elevate his status intentionally, he wouldn¡¯t have gotten a title of duke. But he did too much good before, the beneficiaries also included some government officials. So, when the Empress sent someone to look into him, she found that regardless of his background and status, he did do many good deeds that deserved praising and awarding!

    Empress Jiang was biased towards Jiang Qizheng, so she just raised the title to the rank of duke.

    After giving him the title and the mansion, when he received the decree to marry the princess, it wouldn¡¯t embarrass Jiang Qizheng too much.

    At the moment, everyone in Jing City was discussing the luck of Qiu Feng. Let alone the people in Jianghu, they all envied him. But Qiu Yn knew that even though Qiu Feng took the title and engaged with the princess, he actually wasn¡¯t fond of any of it.

    Especially to Jiang Qizheng. After the Empress¡¯s decree of their marriage came, she came to find Qiu Feng once with joy, yet Qiu Feng was very polite to her. He was so polite that he was distancing her, which disappointed Jiang Qizheng.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you like the princess?¡± After hearing it, when encountering Qiu Feng again, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Then why don¡¯t you just leave? The Jiang Family can¡¯t put out a wanted poster and catch you back.¡±

    Qiu Feng was drinking sulkily. He took his time to say, ¡°Even though I was saving her, but I did offend her. I am an honest person. I won¡¯t shift the responsibility that I need to take!¡±

    That was exactly what Qiu Jinn said before!

    Qiu Yn looked at him sympathetically: Qiu Jinn really knew him in and out! No wonder he was yelling to kill Qiu Jinn before, yet now he came to live with Qiu Jinn after half a year.

    ¡°Besides, you looked all troubled since I met you in Mount Dizi. What¡¯s worrying you?¡± He answered and went back to drinking. Seeing that, Qiu Yn rolled her eyes and asked tentatively.

    She couldn¡¯t get the word out from Qiu Jinn no matter what she did or said. She wondered that since Qiu Feng was so noble that anyone who knew his pattern could take advantage of him, maybe he would tell her because he was honest and couldn¡¯t keep a secret.

    But she was disappointed. Qiu Feng dropped the gon and said quietly, ¡°Your brother said that I couldn¡¯t tell you a word about it!¡±

    ¡°You already knew it but I still don¡¯t!¡± Qiu Yn gritted her teeth, ¡°Was I an adopted kid that he randomly picked on the street?¡±

    But no matter how hard she badgered, Qiu Feng ignored her. In the end, when he was annoyed, he took the gon and jumped over the wall. In a moment, he was gone!

    ¡°Why did I choose boxing? I should have told my brother that I wanted to practice slingshot!¡± Watching him go away, Qiu Yn stamped her feet angrily!

    She still had the time trying to pry the word out of Qiu Feng, yet the fight of Crown Prince in the government had heated up. Almost every day, someone would impeach Prince of Zhou and the Seven Prince. Almost every day, there were officials from each side getting punished or dismissed. The Empress and the Empress Dowager were fighting fiercely. Yet Xue Chang was still staying neutral and didn¡¯t give out his opinion easily.

    Seeing this, the officials of the Empress¡¯s party were anxious, ¡°I thought we agreed that if we chose the Seven Prince, he would help us. So far so many of us have been taken down by the Empress Dowager¡¯s party. Why is he still standing by?¡±

    Marquess Qin was not anxious, ¡°Thepetition just began. If Xue Changes to our side now, he will spook the enemy. He won¡¯t be able to attack them surprisingly. Don¡¯t forget, now it¡¯s just the imperial censors battling. Tang Zimo hasn¡¯te to y and Western Army also hasn¡¯t said anything.¡±

    This fight over the Crown Prince, for the two Empresses, was a blow-up of the grudges that umted over the years! It was a dead or alive situation. Both sides wouldn¡¯t hold anything behind. They would y all of their cards. How could anyone expect it to finish soon?

    But the Empress¡¯s party was thinking that they would definitely win with the surprising ally of Xue Chang. With this in mind, they all hoped to win today and change the Emperor tomorrow. Then they could divide the Gu Family¡¯s cake! But they didn¡¯t see the cake, instead, a bunch of their allies was taken down by the Empress Dowager. They naturally got anxious.

    After being consoled by Marquess Qin, this kind of anxious attitude eased. They no longer dared to hold the attitude that since Xue Chang woulde to their side anyway, the Crown Prince would be the Seven Prince¡¯s. They started preparing for the fight seriously!

    The fight between the two Empresses went from the end of the year to the start of next year. When the metropolitan exam started in February, they were still tied. The situation had be fiercer!

    Jiang Yashuang who took the exam now was unsurprisingly implicated. From the ranking of the metropolitan exam to the pce exam, the two Empresses fought from the Imperial Harem to the government. It was so fierce that they almost went physical!

    Then the chief examiner Xue Chang made the decision and gave Jiang Yashuang the third ce both in the metropolitan exam and the pce exam. He was titled Tanhua!

    The third ce of the first rank was a glorious result in any household.

    Yet Qiu Yn who knew what went on was twitching her mouth after hearing it, ¡°So Prime Minister Xue is taking the ¡®fair and honest¡¯ attitude towards the end!¡± Shameless! Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang only fought over the first and second ce! Yet he decided to give Jiang Yashuang the third ce!

    He said that Jiang Yashuang¡¯s work was ¡°beautiful yet slightly blemished¡±. It was basically saying ¡°I don¡¯t want you to get the first ce¡±!

    It was clear that Xue Chang persuaded the Jiang Family with the excuse of lowering Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s guard down and then took the chance to amplify his reputation of ¡°fair and strict, fearless to the power, and the best of the state¡± to the public!

    ¡°Poor you. You didn¡¯t get the reputation of winning three first ces in a roll. And that Xue Chang used you to build his reputation.¡± Qiu Yn was mumbling angrily. Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t really care about it. They were holding hands and wandering on the Jinxiu Slope. The flower bloomed like a piece of brocade. The green grass was like a nket. They walked under the flowers and trees. It was like a painting.

    Jiang Yashuang scratched her nose tip. He said with a smile, ¡°As long as I can get into the Hanlin Academy, it¡¯s fine. It¡¯s all the same as long as I enter the government.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. With Her Majesty supporting you, I guess the first and second ce are also envious of you!¡± Thinking about his powerful background, Qiu Yn was satisfied.

    Hearing this, Jiang Yashuang nced at her with a faint smile, ¡°Don¡¯t get used to calling her Her Majesty. If you can¡¯t change it next month, that would be awkward!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not awkward!¡± Qiu Yn clutched her fist and beat him. She said, ¡°I¡¯m not wrong calling her this!¡±

    In the past Spring Holiday, Qiu Feng couldn¡¯t stand the endless visitors. He told the Jiang Family that he would leave Jing City for a while. The Jiang Family knew him. A person who was used to wandering around in Jianghu would be hard to get used to how royalties socialize. With the prestige of the Jiang Family, there would be endless people who wanted to y up to the soon-to-be son-inw.

    So, the Jiang Family thought about it and decided to hold their wedding in February. The stuff for Jiang Qizheng¡¯s wedding was already prepared anyway.

    So, with Jiang Qizheng holding off people for Qiu Feng, he finally found some peace.

    Jiang Qizheng who ranked the eighteenth was married, so the elders in the Jiang Family naturally thought about Jiang Yashuang who engaged earlier than Jiang Qizheng. He just received a good result in the examination, so they thought they could arrange his wedding and gave him two happy events at once!

    Therefore, right after the wedding of Jiang Qizheng, Madame Tao sent someone to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe to discuss the wedding date of Qiu Yn. It would be next month!

 Chapter 211 - Got Married

    <h4>Chapter 211 Got Married</h4>

    April 15th.

    It was a good day that Madame Tao and the Empress asked Royal Observatory to pick. However, it was gloomy since early morning and began to rain after noon.

    It was kind of a buzzkill.

    Especially, in Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion, Madame Dou said with regret, ¡°Everything is good today expect the rain...¡±

    How could Madame Tao and Madame Ou who sat at the head of the room not understand the gloat in her tone? Their faces went dark immediately!

    Luckily, He Shuijin was there. She mediated in a hurry, ¡°First, aunt, did you forget? Our family name Jiang and Yashuang¡¯s wife¡¯s given namen both have the meaning of water. They are getting married today. The rain is the blessing from god. Doesn¡¯t the rain turn into water after falling down? Besides, it¡¯s said that the rain in spring is as precious as oil. It¡¯s a sign meaning they are a heaven-made match which has many blessings. They will surely have a life as sweet as honey, won¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°Jin¡¯er is right. In my opinion, it¡¯s more like a drizzle which moisturizes everything!¡± The third Madame of the Jiang Family, He Shuijin¡¯s aunt and mother-inw Madame He agreed with her at once. Jiang Tianqi hated Jiang Tianao the most. Of course, their wives didn¡¯t get along either. Madame Dou wanted to imply that Jiang Yashuang picked a bad day to get married. How could Madame He let her have what she wanted?

    Madame Dou wasn¡¯t that easy to be defeated. She wanted to say something. Madame Tao turned her head suddenly and said to Madame Ou casually, ¡°Speaking of these kinds of important days, you need to let an expert pick. Today, for example,ymen consider it as a bad day. But it¡¯s very good for them! We should have let this expert pick the days for those kids who got married before. In this case, Qiyun and Qisheng should have been pregnant by now!¡±

    ¡°They just got married in the second half ofst year. It hasn¡¯t been one year until now!¡± Madame Dou didn¡¯t have time to mind being ridiculed as ayman by Madame Tao. She defended her daughter in a hurry, ¡°Second Aunt, you are too impatient!¡±

    Madame Tao said tly, ¡°It just crossed my mind. I didn¡¯t mean anything... Why are you so upset? Is there really something wrong with them which causes their infertility? Listen to me. I have been there. If there is really something wrong with them, it¡¯s better not to conceal their faults for fear of criticism. Today is Yashuang¡¯s bid day. I¡¯ll say no more. Anyway, health is more important than reputation. That¡¯s all I have to say!¡±

    Then she ignored Madame Dou and went on talking with Madame Ou. Madame Dou was stupefied for a moment. She gnashed her teeth in anger, ¡°This old bitch! She questioned Yun¡¯s health without proof... Was she threatening me?¡±

    However, she didn¡¯t dare to say it out loud. Empress Jiang vented her anger on Jiang Qiyun a lot recently!

    ¡°I¡¯ll bite my tongue for now! I¡¯ll have my chance to seek revenge!¡± Madame Dou thought furiously!

    After she got quiet, people wereughing and talking again in the Flower Hall. Everyone was saying auspicious words knowingly and waiting for the bride. Meanwhile, in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, Qiu Yn just finished doing her makeup.

    As usual, Ruan Ciyi pre-approved her look.

    Her makeup should be morning glow style.

    Her skin which was nourished by rose water mixed with ewe¡¯s milk more than a month was tender and silky like a baby. A faint blush ran across her snow-like cheeks like the morning glow which set off the luster of her peach blossom like eyes. There was an inseparable king bird-shaped gold foil sticker between her eyebrows. Although she was inside a room on a drizzling day, the sticker was still shining from time to time which drew people¡¯s attention.

    Her dark hair was made into a simple but decent chignon. The jade earrings on her ears were glittering and translucent which almost made her whole neck look green.

    After putting on the cor which was made of countless gold and gems by famous craftsmen hired by the Jiang Family and wearing the wedding dress embroidered flower and bird patterns using gold and silver thread which weighed dozens of catties, Qiu Yn looked at herself in the mirror. The 16 years old girl still had a childish look. However, with the gorgeous clothes and heavy makeup, there was a certain stateliness in her stunning beauty. The vibe of a noblewoman began to show.

    ¡°Just like the Princess!¡± Mrs. Zhou scrutinized her for a while and couldn¡¯t help crying, ¡°It¡¯s a pity that the Princess couldn¡¯t see this!¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Zhou, why are you crying? It¡¯s Yn¡¯s big day...¡± Zhuang Man who arrived in the early morning yed with her silk fan and said with a smile, ¡°If Princess Ruan was here, seeing that my cousin treats Yn so nice, she should be happy to see her get married, right?¡±

    ¡°Miss Zhuang is right. Mrs. Zhou is just so happy for Yn.¡± Out of awe of the Jiang Family, not just Qiu Baozhu, Qiu Mingzhu and Qiu Jinzhu came early to keep Qiu Ynpany, Princess Yang also came to make sure everything was under control right after noon. She mediated at that moment, ¡°However, seeing this flower-like niece, even I¡¯m not willing to let her go!¡±

    Princess Yang lowered her head and tapped the corner of her eyes as if her emotion was real while saying.

    Xin Fubing was also there at that moment. Actually, those two cousins of the Jiang Family came to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe mainly because Xin Fubing wasn¡¯t happy to be with Mi Yinyin. She made an excuse that they were close to Qiu Yn. She was more willing to attend the wedding ceremony as the bride¡¯s guests. Seeing that Zhuang Man didn¡¯t pay attention to what Princess Yang said, she picked up the topic and said with a smile, ¡°Princess Yang, it¡¯s toote. Yn definitely is going to get married today. Even if you send people to build a wall behind the door, it won¡¯t be able to stop people from the Jiang Family!¡±

    ¡°People from the Jiang Family sound like robbers!¡± Hearing that, Zhuang Man turned around and said.

    ¡°With Yn¡¯s beauty and talent, who wouldn¡¯t want to snatch her?¡± Xin Fubing asked a rhetorical question.

    Everyoneughed, ¡°If there were more people like her, I¡¯m afraid that there would be more robbers in our country.¡±

    Qiu Yn remained shy and silent as a bride should be. She lowered her head a little and let the strings of beads on the cor fall down to cover the look in her eyes. She wouldn¡¯t miss Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. And she didn¡¯t take Princess Yang¡¯s sweet talks seriously. Her only regret was that her wedding date was too early for Qiu Jinn and Ruan Ciyi to attend because they were still in mourning.

    Considering her physical growth and Qiu Jinn and Ruan Ciyi were still in mourning, she didn¡¯t agree to be married so early. However, Jiang Yashuang listened to everything she said except this. Without him stopping Madame Tao, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t tell the Jiang Family¡¯s elders herself that she didn¡¯t want to get married now and asked them to have the wedding ceremony in two years, could she?

    ¡°I¡¯ll punish himter!¡± Thinking of how much Qiu Jinn adored her, but he couldn¡¯t even see her get married... Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help grinding her teeth.

    Towards evening, although Princess Yang wanted to keep pleasing Qiu Yn, the guests were streaming to her house. Ding Qinghong couldn¡¯t handle it alone. She sent people to ask her for help frequently. Princess Yang had to take the two married daughters Qiu Baozhu and Qiu Mingzhu with her and went to entertain the guests.

    ¡°Mother, let me stay here. I¡¯m not familiar with those people.¡± Qiu Baozhu said. Her mother was Qiu Mengmin¡¯s former wife. Her mother was forced to die. So, she was not close to her mother¡¯s family. Of course, Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe didn¡¯t treat her well either. Before Qiu Hongzhi got married back then, Princess Yang found a random excuse and married her to a regr family of public officials.

    And when Qiu Hongzhi and Qiu Mingzhu held their wedding ceremonies, she didn¡¯t evene back.

    So, it was the first time Qiu Yn saw her. Qiu Baozhu had a normal look. Although her outfit was new, the condition and material were not the best kind. It was clear that her husband¡¯s family was not that rich.

    However, she didn¡¯t look self-abased or scared. When she rejected Princess Yang, she looked slightly annoyed.

    As the second wife, Princess Yang naturally hated the first wife¡¯s daughter. But she couldn¡¯t reproach Qiu Baozhu in front of Qiu Yn, Zhuang Man and Xin Fubing. She simpered, ¡°Then you stay. Keep your cousinpany!¡± She winked at Qiu Jinzhu while leaving to remind her to be smart and don¡¯t let Qiu Baozhu have the chance to y up to Qiu Yn.

    However, Qiu Baozhu didn¡¯t mean it. Nobody talked to her afterward. And she was in total silence. It looked like she just didn¡¯t want to go out and engage in social activities. So, she cked off in Qiu Yn¡¯s room.

    ¡°I don¡¯t remember being on good terms with her. If she doesn¡¯t want something from me, why does shee to my wedding deliberately?¡± Seeing this, Qiu Yn also felt strange, ¡°Coming back to this home is not easy for her. Let alone those mocking words, Princess Yang took her as the punching bag almost every time... So, she came back at first after she was married. And then she stopped!¡±

    Since Qiu Baozhu didn¡¯t talk, it was inappropriate for Qiu Yn to ask if she came to the wedding to ask her a favor. She didn¡¯t observe Qiu Baozhu for a long time. People from the Jiang Family arrived.

    Back then, it was popr to y tricks on the groom. Especially, Jiang Yashuang was the Empress¡¯s nephew and thetest Tanhua. If they missed that day, they would probably never have the chance to y tricks on him aboveboard!

    So, a lot of people were participating. Laughter was everywhere. Even the thunder couldn¡¯t drown theughter. It came from the front door like waves. Listening to that, Qiu Jinzhu yearned, ¡°I wonder if I have a wedding dress like you when I get married? And if it will be this jolly?¡±

    She suddenly thought of someone and felt both sad and happy... She couldn¡¯t help smiling. But she peeked around at once rmedly. Seeing that no one noticed her, she was relieved.

    Actually, she was over-thinking it. Qiu Yn surely was the most important one on that day. Who would care about her abnormality?

    Although a great many people were ying tricks on the groom, they wouldn¡¯t dare to miss the propitious time. Jiang Yashuang finally arrived in the yard after a while. After the rituals, maids inside the inner chamber checked Qiu Yn for thest time in a hurry. Then they covered her head with a red bridal veil and walked her out.

    She said goodbye to her rtives in the Prince¡¯s Mansion and then went out to get in the sedan. When she went into Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion, even Qiu Yn imed to be calm, she was stunned for a moment, ¡°I¡¯m a member of the Jiang Family now?¡±

    Marquess¡¯s Mansion had been filled with guests at that time. Because Jiang Tianchi and his wife weren¡¯t there. Like Jiang Yadan¡¯s and Jiang Yazhu¡¯s weddings, Marquess Qin and his wife acknowledged greetings from his grandson and granddaughter-inw on behalf of his son and his daughter-inw.

    After the wedding ceremony and sending the bride to the bridal chamber, Marquess Qin and his wife stood up and invited the guests to have dinner. Dinner was served. Singing and dancing people ran through hundreds of tables. The whole city could hear the noise in Marquess¡¯s Mansion!

    Beneath the din, Jiang Yashuang lifted Qiu Yn¡¯s veil with a jade Ruyi. They looked at each other in the eyes and smiled. Tenderness and love were exuding through their eyes which made people in the room burst intoughter.

    After drinking the wedlock wine, Madame Dou Junior asked Jiang Yashuang to leave with a smile, ¡°Yashuang, you need to go to entertain the guests now. Let us take care of Yn!¡±

    ¡°Remember to ask Jiang Tan to change your wine to water or tea. Don¡¯t toast with actual wine!¡± He Shuijin added, ¡°Be sure to keep in mind!¡±

    Ladies who knew how bad Jiang Yashaung was at drinking allughed!

    After Jiang Yashuang left embarrassedly, Madame Dou Junior looked at her sisters-inw and then looked at Qiu Yn. A meaningful smile appeared on her face, ¡°I heard that you were very beautiful a long time ago. Seeing you today makes me understand why you have such a great reputation. No wonder Yashuang keeps thinking about you. He couldn¡¯t wait to marry you right after getting the Tanhua title!¡±

    Those words were fine.

    However, she continued, ¡°It began to rain since this morning. Shuijin said it was because you and Yashuang¡¯s names both had the meaning of water. It was a sign of your blessing... You are so blessed. Even god favors you guys. I assume you guys will have a boy and make our family prosperous within this year!¡±

    He Shuijin¡¯s face suddenly froze!

 Chapter 212 - Wedding Night

    <h4>Chapter 212 Wedding Night</h4>

    It looked like Madame Dou Junior was joking, but actually what she said was rather mean.

    Having a boy in a year meant that she needed to get pregnant months after she was married. Who could be sure of this kind of thing?

    Even if she had gotten pregnant, what if it was a girl?

    She was clearly telling that to Qiu Yn to make her feel miserable. She was talking about the child when Qiu Yn hadn¡¯t even had consummation. If it had indeed been a new bride who was just sixteen, she would have been panicking.

    ¡°Want to prevail over me from the very first encounter?¡± Qiu Yn snorted coldly in her heart. She curled up her lips and put on a coy and soft smile, ¡± This sister-inw, how can I take that? No matter Jiang Yashuang or I, we are still young, what honor do we have to let God give us such luck?¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying He Shuijin was lying?¡± Madame Dou Junior blinked her eyes. She looked at He Shuijin with a faint smile, ¡°Then you¡¯re breaking your sister-inw¡¯s heart. And the heart of uncle and aunt...¡±

    I knew you would say that!

    Qiu Yn deepened her smile. She said slowly, ¡°I didn¡¯t finish what I said. Don¡¯t you think the rain today is that God is looking after the Jiang Family? Jiang Yashuang and I are just benefiting from the luck of our family.¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡± He Shuijin just smoothed things over for Madame Tao before. She didn¡¯t think that the first branch would just use it to stir up their rtionship. It was not only the womenfolk of the Jiang Family in the Flower Hall. There were a lot of rtives. They could all be counted as family, but there were too many of them. Some of them would babble.

    On the big day of the grandchild of the Jiang Family, He Shuijin publicly disgraced the Empress... Even if it had not been the time of the Crown Prince fight, it wouldn¡¯t have sounded nice if the word had gotten out.

    Let alone He Shuijin had a special status among the daughters-inw in the Jiang Family. Before she was married, she took charge of the ledger of Marquess Qin¡¯s branch. Even though she wasn¡¯t going to despise other people, she didn¡¯t have a sense of fear for Madame Dou Junior! She didn¡¯t show her emotions on her face, but she was furious in her heart. Seeing the opportunity, she immediately took over, ¡°The child she will give birth is still the Jiang Family¡¯s bloodline. In the end, it¡¯s all the blessing on the Jiang Family! Like you, after you married into the family, you had Xu¡¯er in the first year. It was indeed blessed by our ancestors!¡±

    Qiu Yn squinted at Madame Dou Junior. She thought that no wonder Madame Dou Junior used the having-a-boy matter as a raft. She had a boy when she was married. Because she didn¡¯t know Madame Dou Junior very well and she was just married today, so she didn¡¯t want to seem too aggressive. She only changed the topic of Madame Dou Junior.

    But He Shuijin didn¡¯t have these concerns, ¡°Besides Xu¡¯er, you only had two daughters. Zhi¡¯er, Hao¡¯er, and Yi are all not your children. Are you saying those mistresses are more blessed than you? So, we can see, this is really not about the luck of us. It¡¯s the luck of the Jiang Family!¡±

    Seeing how Madame Dou Junior instantly straightened her face, she smiled shiningly, ¡°Right?¡±

    ¡°We are talking too much and forgetting to introduce everyone to Yn.¡± Seeing the atmosphere getting intense in the room, Madame Tao Junior sighed inside her heart and came forward to smooth the situation, ¡°Yn still called our big sister-inw ¡®this sister-inw¡¯! Come, I¡¯ll tell you about the wives, sisters, and nieces...¡±

    There weren¡¯t many daughters-inw here. Because even though they had Madame Tao and Madame Ou leading the wife of Jiang Tianqi with the guests, they still needed some younger daughters-inw to run some errands.

    Madame Tao Junior introduced everyone who was there ording to their age. Besides Sheng Shishui, Qiu Yn only knew Madame Zhuang Junior. She was Zhuang Man¡¯s sister and Jiang Yahong¡¯s wife.

    As for the sisters, Jiang Qizheng was naturally there. She was frowning and looking at Madame Dou Junior with an unhappy look.

    This was the first time Qiu Yn met the others. After being mentioned by Madame Tao Junior, they greeted Qiu Yn with different attitudes. Some were close and some felt distant. To Qiu Yn¡¯s surprise, she thought the fourth branch only had four children, three legitimate and one illegitimate. But there was Jiang Qi who ranked the ninth. She had gorgeous clothes and essories and she looked elegant and graceful. Standing with Jiang Qizheng, she didn¡¯t look like an illegitimate daughter, especially not of the fourth branch!

    ¡°That¡¯s odd. Jiang Yashuang never mentioned her to me.¡± Qiu Yn thought in her heart, ¡°ording to He Shuijin, my mother-inw Madame Zhuang was easy to get jealous. Even though she and Jiang Yazhu are far apart, she still made his life difficult. This Jiang Qi doesn¡¯t look like she was suppressed. Is it because she is a girl?¡±

    After introducing the whole room with wittynguage, Madame Tao Junior did smooth the air. At the same time, Madame Tao also heard the news that Madame Dou Junior made things difficult for Qiu Yn, so she quickly sent someone over, ¡°The Mesdames said that there were too many peopleing to congratte Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn. They don¡¯t have enough people there to help. They need more people there!¡±

    She then said, ¡°The Mesdames understand and sympathize with thedies. They have asked the kitchen to make some dishes that you like. They also asked Miss Sun to apany you to attend the dinner!¡±

    Madame Dou Junior frowned. As the eldest daughter-inw in the grandchild generation, she needed to help. But He Shuijin¡¯s words really made her furious. She was not satisfied to leave now. So, she hinted at her daughter Jiang Huizhi.

    Jiang Huizhi was already fifteen years old. She could understand what her mother meant. She said, ¡°If we all leave, then aren¡¯t we leaving sister-inw alone here?¡±

    ¡°That would be better. Give her some time to rx.¡± He Shuijin said calmly, ¡°Didn¡¯t you see she is already sweating because of all the jewelry on her head? If we stay here, she can¡¯t even tidy herself up!¡±

    After saying that, she held Jiang Qizheng¡¯s arm and walked outside, ¡°Let¡¯s go. We¡¯re staying here and they are all busy outside! Now they are sending someone to call us. If we arete, maybe they¡¯ll say we are loafing!¡±

    When she left, most of the people followed. Seeing Madame Dou Junior was still looking angry, Madame Zhuang Junior went over to her and said quietly, ¡°Today is their big day after all. Why do you have to make this difficult? Huizhi is no longer a kid. She¡¯s about to get married. What if Qiu Yn remembers this and gets back at you?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Madame Dou Junior swallowed the anger. She said while biting her lips.

    After everyone left, Qiu Yn found out that this room was very spacious. No wonder with dozens of them and their servants in the room, it wasn¡¯t too crowded.

    She looked at the furniture in the room. With Jiang Yashuang¡¯s status in the Jiang Family, the room for his wedding was magnificent. It had carved beams and painted rafters, and was decorated with resplendent jewelry.

    ¡°I wonder what the yard looks like?¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s face was covered by the veil when she came in. She had grabbed a piece of silk and followed the lead. She didn¡¯t know where she had been through. Now seeing everyone is gone, she was only with her maid, so she stood up and wanted to look outside the window to see where she was going to leave from now on. Yet she just stood up, the maids who saw her asked her nervously what she wanted.

    Knowing that she just wanted to see the yard, Su He and others all felt funny, ¡°The yard was well decorated. It¡¯s delicate. But now it¡¯s toote. You can¡¯t see it clearly even with light. You can see it tomorrow. Please just sit tight and wait for the young master toe!¡±

    She couldn¡¯t persuade them, so Qiu Yn just sat on the bed wearing all the heavy clothes. When she was about to fall asleep, Jiang Yashuang finally came back. When he entered the door, a strong smell of alcohol came with him.

    ¡°They all kept me busy at the dinner table. So, Jiang Yadan just poured some wine on me. I pretended to be drunk so I got out!¡± He closed the door when he came in. He exined quietly, ¡°I¡¯ll go take a bath and change the clothes. If you¡¯re tired, just take off the crown and other things. No one will show up from now on!¡±

    Qiu Yn exhaled a long breath. When he went to the bathroom, she said hurriedly, ¡°Take this off me! My neck is going to break!¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t say such things today!¡± Chunran and Xiaran stopped her simultaneously. They removed her make-up, took off her crown, and put her in usual clothes, ¡°Should we ask someone to get some water, so you can take a bath behind the screen? Otherwise, it would be toote if you go to the bathroom after the young master!¡±

    Qiu Yn rubbed on her sore neck, shoulders, and arms. She nodded hurriedly.

    They finished almost at the same time. Qiu Yn strapped up her bellyband with Su He¡¯s help. She was torn looking at the coat that was as thin as the wing of a cicada. Then the door was pushed open. Jiang Yashuang who was wearing a robe with wide sleeves came in. His dark hair was let loose.

    ¡°You can go.¡± His pupils shrank and he ordered quietly, after seeing her. Under the red curtain, Qiu Yn leaned on the bed. Her skin was like white snow and her ck hair was like a cascade. She was blushing after taking a hot bath. Her face was gorgeous like a begonia.

    Su He and the others took the order. Su He tucked the thin robe in Qiu Yn¡¯s hand. They left quickly.

    They were the only two left in the room. Even though they were used to being alone, but when it came to the wedding day, they strangely felt surreal.

    After dazing for a while, Jiang Yashuang coughed lightly and broke the silence, ¡°Are you hungry?¡±

    ¡°I had some dim sum before bath.¡± Qiu Yn puckered her lips. She said a bit awkwardly holding the robe. She naturally felt ufortable in this scene.

    ¡°Are you nervous?¡± Jiang Yashuang hardly ever heard her talking in such a small volume. He smiled. He walked behind the curtains and took down the hook. He took over the robe she was holding. ¡°We have been alone before. I¡¯ll put this on the shelf for you!¡±

    Qiu Yn wanted to say something, but she couldn¡¯t find the right topic. She subconsciously held on to the robe, ¡°Wait!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was dazed, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Qiu Yn tried her best to find a topic, ¡°When Madame Tao Junior was introducing everyone to me. She mentioned that Jiang Qi was also in our branch. Why haven¡¯t you mention it before?¡±

    ¡°She was married when I was young. I never really know her. We¡¯re not familiar.¡± Jiang Yashuang exined, ¡°And we never mentioned her. So, I didn¡¯t talk about it specifically.¡±

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°Oh, I see. She looked really elegant. Who is her husband?¡±

    ¡°Her husband works in the Ministry of Revenue. But her father-inw is the Minister of the Ministry of War. He is the direct boss of our third uncle.¡± Jiang Yashuang pulled the robe again. Seeing her holding it tightly, he felt funny, ¡°We¡¯re about to go to bed. Why are you still holding the robe?¡±

    ¡°I feel cold...¡± Feeling like he didn¡¯t want to continue the topic of Jiang Qi, Qiu Yn continued, ¡°I¡¯ll put that on. By the way, your sister is a couple of years older than you. Does she have children?¡± While talking, she took up the coat shakingly and decided to wear it. She then saw Jiang Yashuang dazing. His smile deepened. In the end, he couldn¡¯t hold it but startughing, ¡°You¡¯re so feisty in normal days. Now you¡¯re scared?¡±

    She froze halfway. She acted nonchntly and said, ¡°No. I¡¯m just... Um, I want to know about your family. So tomorrow when we go serve the tea, I won¡¯t say anything wrong.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang wasughing so hard that he almost fell, ¡°We¡¯re serving tea to our own family tomorrow. I¡¯m the youngest grandchildren. All of my sisters are married. Why will they be here tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn fell silent. She then said, ¡°The girl who was wearing a pink dress that had red flower embroidery was quite cute. I think she¡¯s your niece? How old is she? Is she engaged? What does she like?¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯re going to ask me about everyone you saw and go straight to serve the tea when it¡¯s dawn?¡± Jiang Yashuang pointed on her pink cheeks. His fingers went down and stopped on her cor bone. He said with a smile, ¡°Tonight is important for us. Do you think I have the mood to introduce my family to you?¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s cheeks went red. She tried to stay calm and said, ¡°I just think we need to talk first...¡±

    ¡°We can talk whenever we want during the daytime!¡± Jiang Yashuang grabbed her hands that were trying to push him away with a faint smile, ¡°And you have already wasted some time talking...¡±

    ¡°Um!¡± Qiu Yn wanted to stall for more time, but Jiang Yashuang had already kissed her eagerly. After a while, Qiu Yn who lost all her strength was pressed on the red quilt behind her.

    The sound of the banquet and drizzle outside the window made the room seem even quieter.

    On the long table with carvings and gilding, a pair of wedding candles were burning. The light cast the shadows of the two people which tangled behind the red curtain.

 Chapter 213 - The Troublesome Phoenix Hairpin

    <h4>Chapter 213 The Troublesome Phoenix Hairpin</h4>

    Early the next morning, in the main hall of the Marquess¡¯s Mansion, all the people, including Marquess Qin and even the servants, dressed neatly, gathered together and waited for the newlyweds toe to offer tea.

    It was still rainy on that day, so a row of candles had to be lit in the wide main hall so that it would not be dim.

    But with Marquess Qin presented, no one dared to say anything bad.

    Especially the moment when Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn stepped in, a handsome man and a gorgeous beauty made everyone¡¯s eyes light up, and they couldn¡¯t help feeling that they were so well-matched!

    Marquess Qin also smiled slightly. He liked smart and capable juniors the most. Two years ago, Qiu Yn¡¯s performance at the Imperial Court Assembly left a good impression on him. What was more, Madame Tao and Jiang Yashuang had spared no effort to praise her. At this time, seeing such a beautiful granddaughter-inw with his own eyes, Marquess Qin was so satisfied. After receiving their respectful greetings, he told them to stand up kindly before Madame Tao said anything.

    Then he asked someone to take over the first-meeting gift. It was a wonderful gift for Jiang Yashuang¡¯s sake originally, and because of Marquess Qin¡¯s love for his granddaughter-inw, he temporarily ordered a servant to take over another phoenix hairpin, ¡°The hairpin is gorgeous. It is suitable for a bride.¡±

    Qiu Yn took a closer look at it. The hairpin, which was carefully ced on the brocade in the ebonycquer te, was based on the gold leaf which was as ethereal as the wing of a cicada. The silk-like gold thread was woven into the shape of a phoenix with wings spreading out that were ornamented with jade, agate, gems, pearls and corals, which embodied the brilliance and beauty of the king of birds. There were also three hanging ss beads in the phoenix¡¯s beak, which refracted great brilliance under the shining lights of the surroundings. It was so resplendent!

    ¡°Grandfather, thank you so much for the generous gift!¡± She knelt down and thanked him again.

    Jiang Yashuang was very pleased to see that his wife was approved by his grandfather. The newlyweds who bowed their heads to thank Marquess Qin did not realize that after the phoenix hairpin was taken out, Madame Tao was slightly startled and looked at Jiang Tianao¡¯s family, showing a hint of sneer and pleasure!

    Jiang Tianao looked no different, while Madame Dou and Madame Dou Junior both showed an expression of surprise and unnaturalness at the same time!

    While after Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn stood up again, the three of them had concealed their abnormality and returned to normal.

    ¡°Your grandfather added a phoenix hairpin, and I have a pair of peony beads here.¡± When it was Madame Tao¡¯s turn to give the first-meeting gift, she smiled and added another pair of peony beads made of precious stones, putting them on Qiu Yn¡¯s hair with her own hands.

    ¡°Thank you so much for the gift, grandma!¡± The newlyweds knelt down to thank her again.

    Since they both added another gift, Jiang Tianao and others had to add one or two more gifts to the ones they had originally prepared. Because Jiang Tianjiao, Madame Tao¡¯s son, ranking seven in the big family, died early in his life and did not get married, the Seventh Small Family existed in name only. The Second Small Family and the Fifth Small Family stayed in their hometowns to serve Kui Xiannan, and Sir Jibei¡¯s family had another mansion. So, at this moment, the people Jiang Yashuang needed to greet were just his eldest uncle Jiang Tianao, third uncle Jiang Tianqi, eighth uncle Jiang Tianxiao and their wives.

    As for his peers, since Jiang Yashuang, the youngest grandson, had got married, the others had either joined the officialdom or joined the army, and many of them were not in Jing City. At this moment, only young master Jiang Yayun, young master Jiang Yayi, young master Jiang Yadan, young master Jiang Yahong, young master Jiang Yaheng, and young master Jiang Yazhu were there.

    After these people finished their tea, it was the turn of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s nephews and nieces toe up to greet their neenth uncle and their new aunt.

    The Jiang Family¡¯s men were famous for their love affairs. Jiang Yadan alone had five children born of his concubines. After the others were arranged in rows ording to their age, there seemed to be more than twenty kids there!

    Qiu Yn looked at these nephews and nieces, the eldest of whom was fifteenth or sixteenth and the youngest of whom was still held in the arms of the wet nurses, and the corners of her mouth twitched slightly, ¡°When will I be able to recognize so many people?¡±

    She could remember the older ones, like Jiang Huizhi, who could kowtow in-person to introduce herself. While she could only remember the color of their swaddling clothes as for those who were held by the wet nurses.

    After thest nephew was carried by his wet nurse to kowtow, it was already near noon.

    Marquess Qin looked at the sky, and said, ¡°Since you have seen all the people here, go to your grand uncle then!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Ynplied with his words together. Since they had left, other people would not stay there anymore. After Madame Tao praised the daughters-inw and grand-daughters-inw who organized the wedding, Marquess Qin told people to leave.

    As soon as arriving at where they lived, Madame Dou shouted at Jiang Tianao angrily, ¡°That phoenix hairpin...¡±

    ¡°Talk about it in the room!¡± Jiang Tianao looked gloomy, but he didn¡¯t forget to look around. Because his father Kui Xiannan was not in Jing City, in order to maintain a close rtionship with Marquess Qin and supervise Jiang Tianqi and others nearby, he had been living in the Marquess¡¯s Mansion under the name of showing filial obedience to his uncle.

    Although they had lived here for so many years and the servants around them were carefully selected and inspected, there might still be undercover men in the dark who might spread out what should not be spread out.

    He stopped Madame Dou, entered the room and closed the door, and then coldly snorted, ¡°It¡¯s just a hairpin, isn¡¯t it? Anyway, Zhi¡¯s husband has not yet been chosen. You can send people to stare at the market. Can¡¯t we find a few pieces of invaluable jewelry in such a big Jing City?¡±

    ¡°Honey! It¡¯s not about the hairpin!¡± Madame Dou gritted her teeth. ¡°For so many years, the second uncle and third uncle always give good things to us first. They always send things over before we mention it! But this phoenix hairpin... I personally went to talk to the damn Madame Tao, and I showed that I wanted it as a dowry in the future for Zhi! But the second uncle already gave it to Qiu Yn....¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Jiang Tianao¡¯s eyes turned cold, and he scolded in a low voice, ¡°Second uncle and third uncle have treated us so well for so many years! Even the third branch and the sixth branch can¡¯t bepared with us. You also remember that the two uncles have given us so many good things these years... Now he just gave the neenth granddaughter-inw a phoenix hairpin, how can you make such a scene?¡±

    Then he slowed down a bit, ¡°Qiu Yn is born noble and looks good, and she and Jiang Yashuang are such a perfect match. Not to mention that the second uncle likes her, even I feel she is great... Another gift doesn¡¯t matter at all! It is the second uncle who can decide whom his gift belongs to, not you! You have been the eldest daughter-inw in the Jiang Family for so many years, but why you are so shallow still!¡±

    Madame Dou said angrily, ¡°I won¡¯t mind other things, but I¡¯ve shown that I wanted this phoenix hairpin! Why did the second uncle have to reward it to Qiu Yn even if he wanted to show her how much the Jiang Family cared about her? He was running us down!¡±

    Although she was arrogant, she was not stupid, so she reminded, ¡°Although the fight for the Crown Prince has not ended yet, Xue Chang will take actions after the Empress Dowager shows her other several cards! Jiang Tianqi has a closer rtionship with them now, and it is said that they have quietly sent people to the north to try to draw Jiang Tianchi over to their side... The Empress and Madame Tao have always had no good intentions for us! In such a big family, without the two uncles, especially the second uncle, we would have been killed by Jiang Tianqi and the Empress already! But now the second uncle... Do you want me and our daughter to die with you since you don¡¯t try to do anything about it at this moment?¡±

    When Jiang Tianao was silent with a gloomy face, Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn had just finished greeting Sir Jibei and his wife in the Mansion of Sir Jibei.

    Sir Jibei¡¯s heirs were the least of the three brothers. He had only one son Jiang Tiancan and two daughters, and only Xin Fubing¡¯s mother Jiang Tianhe was still alive.

    And Jiang Tiancan didn¡¯t have many children as well. He had only two sons and one daughter, namely young master Jiang Yabi, youngdy Jiang Qijia, and young master Jiang Yn.

    Among them, Jiang Yabi served in the Northern Army, and his family members were also there; Jiang Qijia was out of town with her husband, and she did not return specifically this time. Therefore, as for their peers, they only had to greet their brother Jiang Yn and sister-inw Mi Yinyin.

    ¡°I just said that the alcohol on you yesterday was deliberately spilled by your brother! You didn¡¯t admit it at the time!¡±

    After the ceremony, because it was already noon, Sir Jibei and his wife kept their grand-nephew and grans-niece for a meal. Sir Jibei was a warrior throughout his life. But apart from his dark skin, his appearance was very gentle, and he was very kind when talking with younger generations. Probably for this reason, Jiang Tiancan and his son were not very restrained in front of him. Although there were fewer people than the time when they were serving tea at the Mansion of Marquess Qin, the atmosphere was much livelier.

    As soon as Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn agreed to stay there for the meal, Jiang Yn winked at them and teased, ¡°If you really drink much, you think you can stand upright then?¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°Can¡¯t I dissolve the alcohol in my body?¡±

    ¡°So, you practice your internal force so hard just to dissolve the alcohol?¡± Jiang Yn immediately said to Sir Jibei, ¡°Grandpa, do you hear that? I can¡¯t help it if I¡¯m not good at martial arts! Because I can drink like a fish!¡±

    Sir Jibei stroked his long beard, smiled and asked Madame Ou, ¡°Did you hear that?¡±

    Madame Ou was not an ordinarydy. Her grandfather was the one who sessfully transformed the Ou Family from horse thieves to officials in the imperial court. She was very aggressive since she was a child as she was influenced by her grandpa. She once went into battle when Sir Jibei was seriously injured in the battle against Beihu. She killed a leader of Beihu to avenge her husband. Even Marquess Qin did not dare to underestimate this sister-inw.

    She was such a ferocious olddy, but all her descendants were mediocre. So how could she not regret it? At this moment, although she heard the ridicule in Sir Jibei¡¯s words, she still bluntly reprimanded her grandson, ¡°Won¡¯t you feel ashamed? All you did were eat and drink!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a good drinker, but I don¡¯t eat too much. You can say I always drink, but you can¡¯t say I did nothing but eat!¡± Jiang Yn was publicly scolded by his grandmother, but he was not embarrassed and said with a grin.

    Qiu Yn nced at him when she heard the words, thinking that he was really open-minded. Even if he was used to being scolded, wouldn¡¯t he feel ufortable when he was scolded in front of his new sister-inw?

    But Jiang Yn acted as if nothing had happened.

    But Madame Ou didn¡¯t intend to let him go. She said with a cold face, ¡°How dare you say that!¡±

    ¡°Well, since you have been granted the title of Hanlin Academy, how long will you stay at home this time?¡± Seeing that his wife had got angry and she didn¡¯t intend to stop that, Sir Jibei hurriedly changed the topic.

    Jiang Yashuang knew what he was thinking, so he answered, ¡°Granduncle, I can rest at home for five days.¡±

    ¡°Speaking of today¡¯s Hanlin Academy...¡± Sir Jibei casually found a topic and began to ¡°seriously¡± discuss it with Jiang Yashuang.

    Afternoon, the newlyweds returned to their yard.

    Qiu Yn was so tired that she didn¡¯t even have the strength to take a second look when she walked through the courtyard. After entering the house, shey down on the bed and refused to get up again, ¡°We don¡¯t need to get up early tomorrow, right?¡±

    ¡°No, we don¡¯t need.¡± Although Jiang Yashuang also felt tired, he was much better than her. At this moment, he still had the energy to take over the wrung-out veil from Su He and wipe her face. ¡°Father and mother are not in Jing City. Grandfather only acknowledges greetings during the Spring Festival and other festivals. We only need to greet grandma after she takes a nap in the afternoon... And since we just get married, grandmother will definitely send someone to tell us that we don¡¯t have to greet her these days. She did this when Jiang Yazhu and Jiang Yaheng got married, so it must be the same to you!¡±

    Qiu Yn drank half a cup of rose water, feeling a little better, and then she asked, ¡°So we have nothing to do now?¡±

    ¡°You can do anything you want!¡± Jiang Yashuang said immediately. The maids who were waiting in the room blushed. They put down the things in their hands simultaneously and silently retreated.

    Seeing this, Qiu Yn hit him, ¡°I¡¯m serious. What are you thinking about?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m serious too!¡± Jiang Yashuang said in surprise, ¡°Although our family has not been separated yet, you have to take care of my yard in the future. So, I must let the servantse to greet you!¡±

    ¡°You are talking about this?¡± Qiu Yn said nkly.

    Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°Of course. But if you are too tired, it can be put off. Well, why do you think that what I said is not serious? What are you thinking about?¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at him speechlessly. When she was about to say something, the door was knocked, followed by Su He¡¯s somewhat embarrassing tone, ¡°Young master Jiang Yadan¡¯s wife has sent someone over. She wants to talk with Commandery Princess... I mean our young Lady.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s strange. My eighth sister-inw has always been considerate. Why does she send people over to bother us?¡± Jiang Yashuang whispered suspiciously to Qiu Yn when he heard the words, ¡°Ask her carefully then. Maybe my brother has made some trouble again!¡±

 Chapter 214 - Our Family is More Complicated than You Think!

    <h4>Chapter 214 Our Family is More Complicated than You Think!</h4>

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s guess was right. Qiu Yn sorted her dress and walked outside. She summoned Madame Tao Junior¡¯s servant in, and figured the whole thing out after asking a few questions. Jiang Yadan raped He Shuijin¡¯s confidant, Wan, during the chaosst night.

    Then, Wan ran out of the Mansion of Marquess Qin and hanged herself in a small forest two streets away.

    After hearing it, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t speak for a long time. Then she asked, ¡°What about now?¡±

    ¡°Wan is important to the Fourteenth Young Lady. She found out that Wan had gone missing this morning and became very worried. She even sent someone to the Mansion of Earl of Jingchuan to borrow the mastiffs to look for Wan. Then Wan was founded.¡± The servant smiled bitterly, ¡°So she knew that it was the eighth young master who... After that, she went to the Madame and cried and asked for help.¡±

    ¡°Our youngdy has been asking for her forgiveness for half a day, but the Fourteenth Young Lady just refuses to let go of it. As you have a good rtionship with her...¡± At this point, Qiu Yn got a bitter smile on her face, ¡°No matter how good our rtionship is, we¡¯ve only known each other for a few years. However, your youngdy has always been familiar with her. If she can¡¯t persuade her, how will I be able to do it?¡±

    Though Qiu Yn said so, she couldn¡¯t just ignore it since her eldest sister-inw from the same branch had sent the servant to ask for help. So, she said, ¡°I remember your youngdy always treats Jiang Yashuang as her real younger brother. How about you go back first? I¡¯ll change my clothes and ask Jiang Yashuang if he wants to go with me to greet his grandmother.¡±

    She just got married and started to live here yesterday. She hadn¡¯t walked around in her yard yet. How would she know where the Madame¡¯s yard was?

    After she sent Madame Tao Junior¡¯s servant back, Qiu Yn went inside to talk to Jiang Yashuang, who was also speechless. He said, ¡°There are so many maids in the family. Why did he have to rape the maid of Fourteenth Young Lady? I remember that her close maids are also her business helpers. An official who was young and had no children asked the Mayor to be the matchmaker, but she refused. I can¡¯t imagine how angry she is now!¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°Otherwise, my sister-inw would not send someone here to ask for our help. It seemed to be known by the grandmother when we were in the granduncle¡¯s Mansion. Grandmother tried to calm them down. However, the problem still remained unsolved.¡±

    As Jiang Yashuang said, Wan was not just a maid, but also He Shuijin¡¯s business helper. It took time, effort, and even luck to find and cultivate this kind of talent. However, such a good helpermitted suicide because of Jiang Yadan. The Fourteenth Young Lady would definitely be mad at him even if she just considered the business, not to mention her rtionship with Wan.

    ¡°But if we go there, she should take the opportunity to make peace.¡± Jiang Yashuang stood up with a gloomy face, ¡°After all, a maid can¡¯t bepared with my brother. She was sad and asked for justice for a long time. She won¡¯t keep doing it all night at my grandmother¡¯s ce. The problem is that even if she gives us face and epts the apology this time, it¡¯s hard to know what she will think about my brotherter.¡±

    He Shuijin was not easy to be dealt with. Although she couldn¡¯t do anything to threaten Jiang Yadan¡¯s life to revenge her maid, she could make various troubles for Jiang Yadan frequently.

    Especially she was in charge of the internal affairs of their family now. She could think of plenty of ways to make Jiang Yadan pay. Maybe then even Madame Tao Junior and the entire fourth branch would get into trouble.

    ¡°We have to go there anyway. Let¡¯s deal with this first. As for the grievances of the Fourteenth Young Lady, we can deal with thatter!¡± Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead and said unhappily.

    The two of them went to the main room where Madame Tao lived. As soon as they entered, they heard someone sobbing.

    After they got inside, they saw Madame Tao sitting upright. She tried hard to stay focused.

    Both He Shuijin and Madame Tao Junior were in a mess. They knelt in front of her, one on the left and the other on the right. The former told her about her maid¡¯s innocence and tragic death, while thetter was so ashamed of the husband and was apologizing. Qiu Yn looked around, but she did not see Jiang Yadan.

    ¡°You¡¯re finally here.¡± Madame Tao was obviously relieved when she saw theme in. She hurriedly gave a wink over, ¡°Hurry up. Come and persuade them. They¡¯ve been sad for the whole afternoon. Though the poor maid died, you also have to take care of yourself!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn stepped forward together, coaxing and persuading. Qiu Yn dragged the twodies up and made them sit on the chairs. In short, as Jiang Yashuang had expected, after some persuasion, He Shuijin stopped sobbing gradually. She talked about Wan¡¯s merits and then said to Madame Tao and Madame Tao Junior, ¡°I know what Jiang Yadan is like. I was too busyst night to notice when Wan was disappeared. Although the maid has served me since I was a kid and she was like a sister to me. She was a servant after all and couldn¡¯t bepared with Jiang Yadan. Of course, I dare not threaten his life for the maid.¡±

    She sniffed, and said angrily, ¡°I just want to ask him in person. There are so many maids in his backyard and he is familiar with the brothels outside. Why does he have to rape my maid? It¡¯s been a long time now. How many servants have you and Madame Tao Junior sent to find him, grandmother? But nobody found him. I know that you and Madame Tao Junior would not lie to me. It¡¯s clear that Jiang Yadan is hiding on purpose. How can I bear it?¡±

    Madame Tao Junior didn¡¯t know what to say. She repeatedly apologized and promisedpensation and help with Wan¡¯s funeral. She even said that Wan could be buried in the name of Jiang Yadan¡¯s concubine. He Shuijin let out a sigh and shook her head, ¡°I¡¯ll thank you for your kindness on behalf of Wan, Madame Tao Junior. However, since she hanged herself, it¡¯s clear that she wouldn¡¯t want to be Jiang Yadan¡¯s concubine. So, let¡¯s bury her under her real name!¡±

    Qiu Yn agreed to it in her heart. Wan killed herself because of the rape. Surely, she didn¡¯t want to be Jiang Yadan¡¯s concubine.

    Madame Tao sighed, ¡°This time, Jiang Yadan should apologize to you and your maid. Your grandfather and I should also be med. We failed to teach him well.¡±

    ¡°Grandma, what are you talking about? Of course, I wouldn¡¯t dare to me you.¡± He Shuijin said hurriedly.

    At this point, this matter was almost over.

    The crowdforted He Shuijin for a little while. Then, He Shuijin epted Madame Tao Junior¡¯s apology on behalf of Jiang Yadan, ¡°What else can I say now? Wan was unlucky herself! I promised her to let her go home after two years so that she could marry her cousin who had waited for her for five years. But now, well, everyone has their fates. So, let¡¯s not mention this anymore.¡±

    She didn¡¯t reject Madame Tao Junior¡¯spensation, ¡°Wan¡¯s family is very poor. That¡¯s why she was sold to be my maid. After all, she used to be my maid. I will pay to bury her and you don¡¯t need to pay anything, Madame Tao Junior. However, I¡¯ll ept thepensation that you give on behalf of her and send it to her familyter.¡±

    Although it was obvious that she still had grievances in her heart, she epted the apology. Madame Tao saw that it waste already, so she offered to have dinner together politely. After being rejected by the four juniors, she didn¡¯t insist, ¡°It¡¯s raining. Be careful when you go back.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    After they went out of Madame¡¯s yard, Madame Tao Junior asked He Shuijin, ¡°Shuijin, do you want me to send you back?¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary.¡± He Shuijin shook her head, ¡°My yard is just behind yours. You must be very tired today, right?¡±

    Madame Tao Junior smiled awkwardly. She was not sure whether He Shuijin was being sarcastic on purpose or not. So, she could only be silent.

    In Marquess¡¯s Mansion, the family members¡¯ yards were arranged ording to the generations. So, the four of them lived near each other and would go together for a long time.

    However, they were all exhausted after such a long day. So, they just walked in silence.

    When they arrived at an empty ce, He Shuijin suddenly stopped and ordered her servants to retreat and keep a distance.

    Madame Tao Junior, Jiang Yashuang, and Qiu Yn were slightly surprised. After hesitating for a while, they also ordered their servants to do the same. Then they asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Yn, the phoenix hairpin that grandfather gave you today was desired by the first branch who wanted to use it as a dowry for Huizhi.¡± He Shuijin was in a bad mood, and it was gettingte now. She didn¡¯t want to say too much, so she was straightforward, ¡°But grandmother didn¡¯t like Madame Dou¡¯s tone at the time, so she didn¡¯t tell grandfather about it. However, grandfather gave it to you today. You and the people close to you had better be careful in the future.¡±

    When Qiu Yn was about to say something, He Shuijin continued, ¡°Don¡¯t be like me this time. As I wasn¡¯t being careful, Wan was hurt by someone and hanged herself. What¡¯s more, Jiang Yadan has to take the me!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Madame Tao Junior almost eximed. Jiang Yashuang also asked unexpectedly, ¡°Shuijin, do you mean that my brother didn¡¯t rape Wan?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s him who did it,¡± He Shuijin said with a stern face and sneered, ¡°but it definitely has something to do with Madame Dou!¡±

    Although she was from the third branch and was not close to the first branch, she usually called her ¡°Aunt Yang¡±. But now she called her ¡°Madame Dou¡±. At this moment, she really hated her.

    ¡°I was so busyst night and there were so many people. So, they probably thought that I mustn¡¯t have noticed when Wan walked away from me and was called away.¡± He Shuijin gritted her teeth, ¡°Those losers have underestimated me. I was in charge of the Jiang Family¡¯s ount book before I got married. Why? Because I¡¯m better than all the managersbined. Wan left twicest night. And she didn¡¯te back the second time. I also remember the time that she left! Not to mention the servant who took her away.

    ¡°At that time, Madame Dou Junior hugged the grandson of Marquess Zhao and made him cry. A group of womenfolk surrounded them. I didn¡¯t think they could make him stop crying, so I went to help. There were ten people around, including the servants there. However, with the corner of my eyes, I still saw a servant from the first branch who said something to Wan and then Wan followed him to go outside.¡±

    At this point, she shed tears again and sobbed, ¡°I¡¯ve trained Wan, so I know her. Even if she wanted to kill herself for this kind of thing, she would definitely leave a letter to exin what had happened. She would nevermit suicide without letting me know. Besides, Marquess¡¯s Mansion is so big. Wouldn¡¯t she find a remote corner here to end her life? Why did she go outside? Especially it was sote back then. Wouldn¡¯t she worry about running into others again?¡±

    ¡°So, you mean that Wan didn¡¯t kill herself at all. She was murdered.¡± Qiu Yn said seriously.

    ¡°Right!¡± He Shuijin wiped the tears on her face and gritted her teeth, ¡°Why did she hang herself outside Marquess¡¯s Mansion instead of inside? It was your wedding day yesterday. If she had died in this Mansion, grandfather and grandmother would have been furious, and would definitely investigate it thoroughly. Then, the fact that the first branch had framed Jiang Yadan would be exposed. But she died outside. Although grandfather and grandmother would be unhappy, they wouldn¡¯t investigate it so as not to spoil the joyful atmosphere in the family.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I was saying that I wanted to talk to Jiang Yadan face to face!¡± He Shuijin looked at Madame Tao Junior who was pale and said in a low voice, ¡°On the one hand, I did it, so the first branch could see. On the other hand, I really wanted to ask Jiang Yadan. I know that he was drunk yesterday as he drank some wine for Jiang Yashuang. If the servants didn¡¯t find Wan¡¯s underwear in his hands, he probably would not admit it. But if he thinks about it carefully, he might remember something.¡±

    Madame Tao Junior¡¯s lips trembled and then she said bitterly, ¡°I¡¯ll tell him thatter.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t do that!¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°Since my brother¡¯s childhood, the eldest uncle and Aunt Yang have always protected him from getting punished whenever he gets into trouble. So, he always thinks that they are very good to him. Madame Tao Junior, you can only try to make him talk about it to you. You mustn¡¯t tell him about Shuijin¡¯s suspicions.¡±

    ¡°Sorry for making you feel bad today, Madam Tao Junior.¡± He Shuijin calmed down and said apologetically, ¡°Although I think Jiang Yadan was possibly framed, there was no evidence. So, I just went with the y in front of my grandfather. It¡¯s just that I didn¡¯t have time to tell you in advance. You had to listen to me talk about those things for a long time.¡±

    After looking at Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn, she said, ¡°Sorry for troubling you to get here.¡±

    ¡°If we hadn¡¯t got here, we wouldn¡¯t know that as soon as we entered the room, we offended others.¡± Qiu Yn thought to herself. But she said, ¡°It¡¯s all right.¡±

    ¡°In short, it is clear that the first branch deliberately tried to use it to provoke the rtionship between our two branches. Everybody knows how nicely grandfather has treated the first branch for all these years. Howe they are so ungrateful?¡± He Shuijin let out a sigh and said sternly, ¡°We are all grandfather¡¯s offspring. I won¡¯t say much about it. It¡¯s just that my rtionship with Wan and my hard work in nurturing her won¡¯t allow me to let go of the first branch. Madame Junior Tao, Yashuang, and Yn, keep an eye on this kind of thing in the future. Since the first branch intends to provoke our rtionship, I¡¯m afraid they won¡¯t stop with the killing of Wan!¡±

    When they returned to the yard where they lived, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s former maid Caiqi came up to greet him, ¡°I¡¯ve taken the initiative to set the dinner table in the pavilion on the rockery. It¡¯s so stuffy inside. You¡¯ll feel better with the wind outside which can make you feel cool.¡±

    Both Yn and Yashuang agreed. When they sat down in the pavilion, they felt reallyfortable with the wind and the cool drizzle which seemed toe into the pavilion.

    ¡°Things areplicated in the mansion.¡± Qiu Yn yed with the small porcin cup and watched the huge Marquess Mansion¡¯s endless flowers and trees in the rain lit up by thenterns. She couldn¡¯t help but sigh.

    Jiang Yashuang knew that she was referring to what He Shuijin had just said about the murder of Wan. After thinking about it, he asked the servants to retreat to the foot of the rockery after serving the dishes, and said lightly, ¡°Moreplicated than you think. You just got married, so there are a lot of things you don¡¯t know in the mansion. Besides, you must be tired today. Maybe that¡¯s why you didn¡¯t notice that what Shuijin said just now is without evidence. She has got nothing to prove it except her words.¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know what to say. She stopped ying with the porcin cup in her hand and looked at him in surprise.

    Jiang Yashuang looked at the raindrops outside. He frowned and said, ¡°It¡¯s possible that Wan was killed by my brother or the first branch. It¡¯s even possible that He Shuijin made her sacrifice herself so that she could tell us what she said today!¡±

    Qiu Yn suddenly figured it out, ¡°Because... Because of our father¡¯s Northern Army?¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡± Jiang Yashuang said lightly, ¡°Because of my grandfather¡¯s attitude towards the first branch, the eldest uncle has always been more powerful than the third uncle, who wants to change the situation. That¡¯s why the third uncle really hopes that our father can be on his side. But my father only wants to manage the Northern Army well and doesn¡¯t want to be involved in it. So, no matter what the first branch or the third branch will say in the future, don¡¯t believe it too much. Never promise them anything.¡±

    ¡°I got it.¡± Qiu Yn nced at the surroundings in the dark night again. The exuberant willows and flowers, as well as the golden towers in the daytime looked like endless mountains from a distance. They wereplex and deep with evil hidden in them on this rainy night.

    The drizzle resembled silver threads in ces that were lit up, and the light made the drizzle look really pretty. Those vague halos at night were just like the hearts of the people in the mansion which wasplicated and unpredictable.

 Chapter 215 - Teach the First Branch a Lesson

    <h4>Chapter 215 Teach the First Branch a Lesson</h4>

    They got married on April fifteenth. After three days, they returned to see Qiu Yn¡¯s family. Then Jiang Yashuang spent two days with Qiu Yn at home. After that, he went to the Hanlin Academy.

    They were just married, so when he was home, they were always together. Therefore, after he went to work, Qiu Yn had the time to n the marital life.

    The time for her to adjust was shorter than she expected.

    It was mainly because Jiang Yashuang was not only a grandchild but the youngest grandson.

    The third branch had He Shuijin. Even though Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion was big and the amount of work could be described as a pile, He Shuijin took care of all of them orderly. Shepletely eradicated any chance of others¡¯ taking her power.

    Now the power distribution in the Mansion was like this: the center was He Shuijin. And the substitutions were other mesdames from the third branch, which were the sixth Madame, the seventh Madame, and the eighth Madame who was slightly older than them. When all of them couldn¡¯t hold up, Madame He and Madame Tao woulde out to save the day.

    If they had really needed the help of the fourth branch, there would have been Madame Tao Junior and Sheng Shishui before Qiu Yn.

    So, the thing she could be in charge of, like what Jiang Yashuang said before, was the residence they lived in.

    The residence was the standard for the Jiang Family¡¯s grandchild. The whole residence could be divided into three smaller residences. In the back, there was a vast empty space. They built a pond and made it a garden.

    The first residence was where the kitchen was. Young male servants also lived there. The second residence was for hosting guests. Some bedrooms were made into guest rooms. The rest part of the second residence was for the maids. The third residence was where Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn lived. It was the one that was built with most thoughts. The floral-pendant door for entering the residence had delicate carvings. Even the stone threshold was fully carved with auspicious patterns.

    The yard inside was full of exquisite sceneries. Walking down the hallway, people could see a mixed scene of artificial hills, climbing figs, flowers, and grass. It looked colorful and splendid this season. It was like a painting.

    The furniture in the main room was all ording to the family rules. After being taught by Shao Yuemei and Ruan Ciyi for two years, Qiu Yn realized that the Jiang Family was indeed wealthy. In a residence for a grandchild, they had many things that Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe didn¡¯t have.

    She walked around in the room, recognizing ces like study and bathroom. Then Qiu Yn asked Caiqi to show her the back garden. This garden was not small. It was as big as the three residencesbined. There were three ways to enter the garden. One was through the small door on the back wall of the main room. One was the back door of the study. And thest one was the back door of this residence.

    Qiu Yn was leading arge group of maids and old maidservants. She was afraid to break something had they went out through the study, so she went into the garden from the door on the wall. When she entered, she saw a stone path. On the sides stood flowers, trees, and artificial hills.

    She walked on the serpentine path. After a while, she saw an artificial hill as tall as a person. There were caves that could allow people to hide or walk through. On one side of the hill was a narrow staircase. On top of it was a pavilion. It was the ce that Caiqi came to persuade them to eat on the second day of their wedding.

    ¡°It was raining and it was dark. Everything was just ck. I didn¡¯t see any view. Now it looks really good.¡± Qiu Yn held her dress and climbed up. She couldn¡¯t help but praise, ¡°There¡¯s even a red-crowned crane!¡±

    On the other side of the hill was a pond. Along the pond, there were lotuses being nted. Now several of them had bloomed.

    On the sides of the pond stood willows. In between them came the chirp of the yellow warbler. She looked carefully and saw more than one nest. The red-crowned crane she talked about was standing underneath the tree. It was preening its feathers calmly. Not only the red-crowned crane, Qiu Yn watched for a while and she found three pairs of mandarin ducks that were swimming in between the lotus leaves. While she was standing on the artificial hill, the koi fish in the pond probably thought she was going to feed them. They swarmed to the hill. They were not afraid of the red-crowned crane who was gazing them in the near distance. In a short while, the water under the hill became all red. It was as if a giant Mand bloomed on the water.

    ¡°This is really like heaven!¡± Qiu Yn asked a servant to get some fish food. She scattered them on the water. The fish fought even more fiercely. Some fish even jumped out of the water now and then.

    Caiqi smiled, ¡°I¡¯m d you like it!¡±

    After seeing the residence, her next task was to recognize everyone. On April sixteenth, Jiang Yashuang had asked everyone toe in and saluted to Qiu Yn.

    Because he was raised by Marquess Qin, Marquess Qin was afraid that he would be spoiled. Therefore, before he was married, he had less than ten servants. Now that he was married, Marquess Qin asked He Shuijin to get him enough servants based on the standard.

    So, Jiang Yashuang was also unfamiliar with these people, let alone assigning them to do things. He left all these to Qiu Yn.

    She spent half a day touring the residence and half a day familiarizing the servants and asking the things that needed to be arranged. At night, she ignored Jiang Yashuang and wrote a personal scheduling n painstakingly. Remembering what Ruan Ciyi taught her, the next day after Jiang Yashuang left, she asked the servants to prepare some dim sum. She then went to find Madame Tao Junior, ¡°Jiang Yashuang said we needed to take charge of the things in our residence. I don¡¯t know what rules do we have. Could you please teach me?¡±

    Because Madame Tao Junior didn¡¯t have a child and she wasn¡¯t favored by her husband, she was despised among the wives. So, Madame Tao tried her best to n the wedding of Jiang Yazhu and Jiang Yashuang. Madame Tao was afraid that Madame Tao Junior would be despised by her brother¡¯s wives too.

    No matter Sheng Shishui or Qiu Yn, after they started to take charge of their residence when they were married, the first thing they did was toe to ask her. This made her very happy.

    She modestly declined a while and said, ¡°We don¡¯t have many rules in the family. I¡¯ll tell you about itter.¡± She then said, ¡°You can juste. You don¡¯t have to bring anything.¡±

    ¡°My maid made it. I just want you to have a try!¡± Qiu Yn exined hurriedly.

    Her trip wasn¡¯t a waste of time. Madame Tao Junior carefully read her n. She then changed everything about it with a euphemistic tone. After all, Tao Qianbin came from the most prestigious family in the country. The Tao Family had seven Jinshis and three Premiers. Even the Jiang Family that upied half of the government could never catch up.

    Shao Yuemei and Ruan Ciyi who taught Qiu Yn were nothing in front of her.

    Especially she had been the daughter-inw of the Jiang Family for ten years. She knew everything about the Jiang Family¡¯s rules, personal preference, and taboos. She didn¡¯t have much hesitation when talking about them.

    After being taught by her for half a day, Qiu Yn felt like she benefited a lot. So, she came to ask her every afternoon with dim sum and fruits.

    Because she came too often, she also met Sheng Shishui. Sheng Shishui who got married a couple of months earlier than she looked the same as when she was in the school of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. If she hadn¡¯t changed into a married woman¡¯s clothes, people would have wondered if she hadn¡¯t been married.

    Seeing Qiu Yn, she smiled in a distance and greeted her, ¡°Are you going to find the sister-inw?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you too?¡± Qiu Yn saw her natural attitude and she was impressed in the heart. They had been ssmates for two years. But who would have thought that Sheng Shishui who had such a background could one day be her sister-inw?

    Even though Jiang Yazhu¡¯s status in the Jiang Family was not like Jiang Yashuang, but the gap was wider between him and Sheng Shishui. From what Qiu Yn heard from Zhuang Man, Sheng Shishui didn¡¯t have an easy time in the Jiang Family. Her background was not prestigious and even problematic. Her husband was marginalized and he always med her...

    Besides Madame Tao Junior, in the whole family, only Madame Tao was nice to her. But Madame Tao treated everyone nicely, including the servants, unless someone offended her.

    Under this circumstance, Sheng Shishui still kept an out-going and graceful attitude like what she had before she was married. Even if she had been trying her best to hold it up, it would have been quite impressive.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go together.¡± Hearing that, Sheng Shishui nodded to her with a smile. She was like a normal rtive, not self-abased or obsequious. It was just the right closeness.

    Qiu Yn smiled and agreed. They used to have some hostility, but they had never done anything to each other in these years. Now they were in the same branch, the grudge Qiu Yn had with her was now fading and almost gone.

    Seeing theme together, Madame Tao Junior smiled, ¡°I thought you would meet.¡± She exempted their greetings and asked them to sit down.

    After sitting down, Sheng Shishui asked, ¡°Who is it this time?¡±

    ¡°The seventh sister-inw.¡± Madame Tao Junior answered first and then exined to Qiu Yn who was confused, ¡°I forgot to tell you yesterday. We have a rule off the record. The wives will get together and have a party once every season. We pick a straw to decide who will host it. It was supposed to be in early spring. But because of your marriage, we decided to hold it when youe.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked curiously, ¡°What kind of party?¡±

    ¡°Just get some food and drink and hang out together.¡± Madame Tao Junior bit her bottom lip and continued, ¡°Of course, when we were in our family school, we all learned some talents. So asionally, we would perform it.¡±

    When she was speaking, she looked awkward. Qiu Yn felt strange in her heart. If it had only been apetition of the talents, with Madame Tao Junior¡¯s background, even if she hadn¡¯t been able toe out on top, she wouldn¡¯t be embarrassed. But looking at her expression, she seemed to have taken a beating on this kind of party. And with her personality, it must be hard for her because she couldn¡¯t hide her expression.

    Therefore, after leaving Madame Tao Junior¡¯s ce, she especially asked to go with Sheng Shishui. On the road, she asked, ¡°Is there any problem with this party? When Madame Tao Junior was talking about it, she didn¡¯t look right.¡±

    She asked straightforwardly, so Sheng Shishui answered directly, ¡°Last year, they probably wanted to teach me a lesson. So, some of them colluded and urged me to y qin. I¡¯m not good at it. The sister-inw saw it and performed it for me. She was wless. They couldn¡¯t judge her performance, so they said that she practiced qin often because she didn¡¯t have a child to nurture and that was why she was good at it.¡±

    She nced at Qiu Yn, ¡°You¡¯re newly married too. Maybe the sister-inw was worried something like that would happen again. But I think she is thinking too much. I married high. So high that my grandmother never even dreamed of it. But you¡¯re different. No one canpare to your background among the wives. It¡¯s unlikely that they will gang up and target you.¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°Maybe. But you didn¡¯t know. On the day that I served the tea, grandfather gave me a phoenix hairpin. It is said that the first branch wanted it to be Jiang Huizhi¡¯s dowry.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Sheng Shishui was surprised for a while. She then quickly changed back to a normal expression and said, ¡°Then the first branch would probably target you. I don¡¯t think Madame Dou Junior is a generous person. Be careful. The sister-inw is a soft person. She doesn¡¯t argue with others. With my background, I can¡¯t really say anything for you. It¡¯s all on you.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± After knowing why Madame Tao Junior changed her expression when mentioning this party, Qiu Yn nodded at Sheng Shishui. They split up on the road and went back to their residence.

    Jiang Yashuang came back early today. When Qiu Yn went into the inner chamber, he was already lying on the bed under the window and reading a book.

    Seeing she came back, he put the book on the table. He stood up and smiled, ¡°Did you juste back from Madame Tao Junior? Jiang Yadan told me that you went there more often than him.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never met him once. So, he¡¯s talking nonsense.¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t have a good impression on Jiang Yadan. Hearing this, she pouted, ¡°I don¡¯t understand why is he not satisfied with such a good person like the sister-inw.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was surprised when hearing this, ¡°Probably just because she is a good person, so he doesn¡¯t care. Because he knows that she won¡¯t fuss about it.¡±

    Qiu Yn dazed for a while and said, ¡°Yeah. You¡¯re right.¡±

    ¡°I remember it¡¯s soon going to be the party of wives?¡± Jiang Yashuang looked as if deep in thought. He suddenly asked.

    ¡°I just heard it from the sister-inw. Why?¡± Qiu Yn looked at him doubtfully.

    Jiang Yashuang nodded, ¡°It¡¯s about that phoenix hairpin. If they make it difficult for you because of that, don¡¯t hold back! Just argue with them. I¡¯ll take the me in front of my grandmother and grandfather!¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled and said, ¡°Rest assured. I won¡¯t disgrace our fourth branch! I just heard Sheng Shishui saying that they kept bullying sister-inw because she is nice. She taught me a lot these days. I¡¯m thinking about repaying her!¡±

    Hearing that, Jiang Yashuang raised his eyebrows. He asked with a faint smile, ¡°She taught you something and you want to repay her? Then I not only taught you but will also take the me for you... Why didn¡¯t you repay me?¡±

 Chapter 216 - Just Wanted to Show Off in Front of Them!

    <h4>Chapter 216 Just Wanted to Show Off in Front of Them!</h4>

    Hearing that, Qiu Yn burst into augh. She leered at him and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t it your duty to do those things?¡±

    ¡°The servants whom we bought with irrevocable title deeds are also obliged to work. But we still have to pay them!¡± Jiang Yashuangined, ¡°So, why can¡¯t I get a reward for doing what I¡¯m supposed to do?¡±

    Qiu Yn was about to say something. He suddenly lowered his voice and said cantankerously, ¡°Will you obey me or not? If you won¡¯t... Believe it or not, I can make sure that you won¡¯t be able to get out of bed tomorrow!¡±

    ¡°Even since we get married, you be more and more disobedient!¡± Qiu Yn his chest and scolded him with a smile, ¡°What? Finally, show your true colors after marrying me?¡± Although she said so, she was really afraid of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s intemperance at night. So, she reached out and put her arms around his neck. And then she leaned on his chest and kissed him lightly.

    Jiang Yashuang kissed her back passionately... They kissed for a while and then let go of each other. He was a little out of breath and said with a smile, ¡°You are right. Now you have already married into my family. You are mine now. If you won¡¯t behave yourself in the future, wait and see how I¡¯ll punish you!¡±

    When he said the word ¡°punish¡±, he obviously looked towards the bed with a suggestive expression.

    ¡°Are you capable of anything else besides this?¡± Qiu Yn rolled her eyes at him and said.

    ¡°Of course!¡± Jiang Yashuang asked confidently, ¡°What kind do you like? Just tell me. Your satisfaction is guaranteed! It¡¯s a husband¡¯s duty... How about we try something new tonight?¡±

    ¡°Your moral integrity!¡± Qiu Yn freed herself from his arms with frustration, ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s talk about business. I haven¡¯t been to the sisters-inw get-together. It seems that Madame Tao Junior was humiliated by themst year. So, she wasn¡¯t in the mood to talk to me about it today. And Shishui just reminded me of a few things on the way back... What¡¯s it like exactly? Tell me.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang approached and tapped her nose. He smiled, ¡°You said it was a sisters-inw get-together. How could I have been to? I just know our sisters-inw have this get-together!¡±

    ¡°Then tell me how our sisters-inw¡¯s talents are,¡± Qiu Yn was a little worried, ¡°My talent... You know!¡± She had only been an aristocraticdy for a few years. And her gift was just mediocre. How could shepare with those who had learned various talents since childhood?

    ¡°There is nothing to be scared of!¡± Although she was worried, Jiang Yashuang had full confidence in her. He pounded on the table and shouted, ¡°I don¡¯t believe they can beat you in talent. Talking about your forte, if you im to be the number two, who dares im to be the number one?¡±

    Although Qiu Yn knew beauty was the eyes of the beholder, she was still very happy. She gave him a big kiss without hesitation. And then she sighed, ¡°However, you think so. But they may not!¡±

    ¡°How could it be?¡± Jiang Yashuang leered at her and said with a wicked smile, ¡°Your forte is... Being unreasonable! I have experienced it many times. I can guarantee that you are so good at it which makes you invincible... Even I don¡¯t know what to do with you. Let alone our sisters-inw. You just do what you do best. I can guarantee that even if they were reincarnations of famous writers or singers, they will all get defeated by you. And they won¡¯t dare to deny your talent for the rest of their lives...¡±

    ¡°Give me back my kiss! Give me back my affection!¡± Qiu Yn was furious. She lifted her dress and chased her husband who became more and more dominant after getting married around the room, ¡°Bastard! I¡¯ll never believe you!¡±

    Qiu Yn got tricked by Jiang Yashuang and wasn¡¯t able to beat him after all the chase. Instead, Jiang Yashuang exploited an advantage. He pressed Qiu Yn on the bed and kissed her. So, out of anger, on the morning of the sisters-inw get-together, after Qiu Yn had breakfast with Jiang Yashuang and walked him to the gate of the yard, she went back to the inner chamber and instructed with a murderous look, ¡°Take out the phoenix hairpin that grandfather gave and the peony bead flower from my grandmother! I¡¯ll wear those two!¡±

    Su He and others were sent far away on that day. She didn¡¯t hear what He Shuijin revealed about the phoenix hairpin.

    But she still disapproved of her wearing those two, ¡°Aren¡¯t those too showy? How about wearing one of those and adding something else?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be afraid of! Who would dare to rob it in broad daylight?¡±

    ¡°Not robbery. I¡¯m just afraid that other madams will not be happy seeing it,¡± Su He had a close rtionship with Qiu Yn. She always spoke directly. Chunran winked at her at that moment. So, she said, ¡°You just married into this family. Should you...¡±

    Qiu Yn said with a smile, ¡°Why should I bother with those petty people?¡±

    ¡°Your Grace wants to find out which of the madams are worth making friends with via this?¡± Su He was enlightened. Other maids were also enlightened. Only Xiaran said with hesitation, ¡°In public... they won¡¯t say anything, right?¡± She implied that this test wouldn¡¯t...

    ¡°Anyway, just dress me up like this... Also, my makeup should be gorgeous...¡± Qiu Yn waved her hand and insisted, ¡°Take out the bracelet Her Majesty gave and the ne grandmother gave as a greeting gift. And my clothes should be the ones with the best fabric... Anyway, my outfit today should match this hairpin!¡±

    Wasn¡¯t the first branch bossy? They didn¡¯t get the hairpin. And they went after the one who got it the next minute. Then she just wanted to wear it in front of them and make them jealous!

    After a while, in the eighth branch, Madame Tao Junior and Sheng Shishui gawked at Qiu Yn who was gorgeously dressed, ¡°Your... Your outfit is gorgeous enough to attend the ceremony in the pce!¡±

    She was wearing all the best things she had, okay?

    Everyone dressed up for the sisters-inw get-together. But... Judging by Madame Tao Junior¡¯s and Sheng Shishui¡¯s outfits, it was regr style after all. They just wore new clothes and added a few ornaments. It was just a family get-together after all!

    ¡°It¡¯s my first time to attend such an event. I¡¯m afraid that I don¡¯t respect you guys enough for dressing too simple,¡± Qiu Yn said calmly, ¡°So, it took me a long time. Sorry to keep you guys waiting.¡±

    Sheng Shuishui let it go after hearing her exnation. But the corner of Madame Tao Junior¡¯s mouth was twitching looking at the stunning phoenix hairpin on her head, ¡°Others are fine. This hairpin... How about changing it to a simr one of mine which is rewarded by Her Majesty? I promise that one is also gorgeous. It definitely can match your outfit.¡±

    Seeing Sheng Shishui¡¯s puzzled look, she dissimted in a hurry, ¡°Grandfather gave it to you after all. We¡¯ll drink and y games today. If it gets scratched or falls into the grass, it¡¯ll be bad.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for your concern,¡± Qiu Yn convinced her maids to put on this hairpin for her deliberately. How could she change it? So, she rejected with a smile at that moment, ¡°I¡¯ll be careful.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Madame Tao Junior had a good temper. But she wasn¡¯t stupid. How could she not know that Qiu Yn did it on purpose? She couldn¡¯t help worrying, ¡°We¡¯ll hang out today. You... You really can¡¯t change it to another hairpin?¡±

    At this point, Sheng Shishui realized that there was something about that phoenix hairpin at once. However, she thought about it. But she didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid other sisters-inw may think I¡¯m putting on airs if we arete!¡± Qiu Yn stepped forward and took Madame Tao Junior¡¯s arm. She smiled, ¡°Let¡¯s just go. I assume my sisters-inw are all generous. They won¡¯t me me for overly dressing up.¡±

    ¡°But...¡± Madame Tao Junior wanted to persuade again.

    ¡°Just go along with me!¡± Qiu Yn pulled her towards outside via her strength. Madame Tao Junior was always a pushover. Although she was afraid that Qiu Yn wearing this hairpin might piss off Madame Dou Junior, she couldn¡¯t force Qiu Yn to obey using her stateliness as the oldest sister-inw of the fourth branch. She got dragged out by Qiu Yn with fear and worry!

    They arrived at the seventh branch. Madame Zhang went out to greet them. When she saw them, she checked Qiu Yn out and then smiled, ¡°Yn, you look so bright. I should have worn my new dress. Nowparing to you, I look dim!¡±

    ¡°I heard from Shishui that you guys moved the get-together from this spring to today because of me. How could I not take it seriously?¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know her well. She wasn¡¯t sure what she said was sarcastic or sincere. But she didn¡¯t care. She said with a bright smile.

    Hearing that, Madame Zhang said with a smile, ¡°You must be tired spending so much effort in dressing up. Lucky for us, we can glut our eyes without doing anything.¡±

    They were going in while talking. Theyout of the ces of the grandkids born of concubines was the same as the ces of the grandkids born of legal wives. Their ces all had three yards. Only the decoration and scale were reduced. This kind of reduction was the most obvious in the garden. Even the pond was smaller.

    ¡°You guys came? Want it?¡± Madame Shi, Jiang Yn¡¯s wife Mi Yinyin and Jiang Yaheng¡¯s wife He Shuijin were already there. They were feeding the koi fish at the pond with the fish food in their hands.

    Seeing people from the fourth branch, He Shuijin greeted them in a hurry and handed them the fish food.

    ¡°Oh, there are two more fish with golden fins and red bellies?¡± Madame Tao Junior took over the fish food with a smile and let Sheng Shishui and Qiu Yn each grab a few. She also grabbed a few and sprinkled over the pond which made colorful shoals of fish gather together. She looked around while sprinkling the fish food, ¡°Madame Dou Junior and others still haven¡¯te?¡±

    ¡°They are always thest toe unless they are the hosts!¡± He Shuijin pped the crumbs off her hands and wiped her hands with a handkerchief. Looking at the phoenix hairpin and peony bead flower on Qiu Yn¡¯s head, her smile got bigger, ¡°Yn is so beautiful. Especially this hairpin... This gift from grandfather really sets off your look!¡±

    Hearing what He Shuijin said, Madame Tao Junior looked worried. She wanted to say something. But Sheng Shishui pulled her sleeve stealthily. So, she stopped doubtfully.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t noticed it until you mentioned. I just feel Yn is stunning today,¡± Hearing that, Madame Zhang took a good look and then said with a smile, ¡°Wear all the good stuff grandfather and grandmother gave? Are you trying to make us who don¡¯t have those things jealous?¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at her suspiciously and then looked at He Shuijin. She thought, ¡°Judging by her tone, she doesn¡¯t seem to know that the first branch has asked for this phoenix hairpin?¡±

    Not just her, Madame Shi and Mi Yinyin obviously didn¡¯t know either. They both teased with Madame Zhang.

    ¡°It makes sense. He Shuijin was in charge of the Jiang Family¡¯s ounts before she gets married. It¡¯s because she is capable, and the third branch is the eldest one of Marquess Qin¡¯s branch. But she isn¡¯t the eldest daughter-inw of the third branch! Although Madame Shi and Madame Zhang are not capable, they are still older than her. Even if they aren¡¯t greedy for power, considering people¡¯s gossip about them being inferior to He Shuijin, they may not be so close to her as they seem to be...¡± Qiu Yn thought it through, ¡°So, He Shuijin surely won¡¯t tell them all the news she has heard...¡±

    As for why Madame Zhang and Madame Shi who married into the Jiang Family a few years before He Shuijin didn¡¯t hear the news before her... She remembered that He Shuijin was very close to Madame Tao before she got married. When Madame Tao lived in the vi, He Shuijin often spent the night there.

    Even it had a lot to do with Jiang Qizheng living there, wasn¡¯t Jiang Qizheng close to Madame Tao?

    ¡°Firste. First served!¡± Qiu Yn decided, ¡°I need to please Madame Tao more in the future!¡±

    ¡°How can it be?¡± Qiu Yn was thinking about something with her head down. Madame Tao Junior was worried and spoke for her, ¡°Ynes here for the first time. She was worried that you guys might feel slighted if she didn¡¯t dress up nicely!¡±

    ¡°Yn, you are overthinking it. We are a family. Nobody will pick on you for such a small thing!¡± Madame Shi smiled. She was about to invite them to sit under the flower stand. There were already footsteps on the flower path. And then they heard their voices before seeing them, ¡°Oh. You guys are already here? We thought we were kind of early!¡±

    Hardly had their voices faded away, Madame Dou Junior, a woman in a light yellow dress and Madame Zhuang Junior came out of the flowers.

    ¡°Big sister-inw, second sister-inw, eleventh sister-inw, you guys came.¡± Madame Zhang as the host went forward and greeted them in a hurry. They were about to answer. And then they saw the phoenix hairpin on Qiu Yn¡¯s head. Their looks changed at once!

 Chapter 217 - Who Cares about Your Family Rules?

    <h4>Chapter 217 Who Cares about Your Family Rules?</h4>

    ¡°Yeah, on the way, we...¡± Madame Dou Junior only said half of the sentence before she fell silent. She stared at the phoenix hairpin for a moment. Seeing Madame Zhang looking confused, Sheng Shishui looked down without saying anything. Madame Tao Junior was blushing. She pulled Qiu Yn¡¯s sleeve with strength. Yet Qiu Yn didn¡¯t do or say anything. She calmly smiled at Madame Dou Junior, ¡°Isn¡¯t this hairpin beautiful, big sister-inw? Grandfather gave it to me. I have been looking at it for the past two days. I couldn¡¯t help but put it on today.¡±

    It looked like the only thing missing showing her attitude was the word ¡°provoke¡± on her face. Madame Dou Junior clearly understood it.

    Let alone Madame Dou Junior, even Madame Miao, the wife of Jiang Yayue, who was wearing a yellow skirt, straightened her face. But they looked at each other and didn¡¯t answer Qiu Yn. Instead, they looked at Madame Tao Junior who was in much stress and said coldly, ¡°We didn¡¯t think thoroughly and came too early. Are we disturbing you? Should we go outside and wait?¡±

    Madame Tao Junior said surprisingly, ¡°No. Disturb us from what?¡±

    ¡°Shuijin¡¯s maid, Wan.¡± Madame Miao said with a weird tone, ¡°We thought you came early today to apologize to Shuijin again!¡±

    ¡°Speaking of which, He Shuijin, you didn¡¯t do this right. It isn¡¯t the first time Jiang Yadan made a mistake with women.¡± Madame Dou Junior immediately picked up the topic. She posed the condescending attitude as the oldest sister-inw and scolded, ¡°After all, Madame Dou Junior is not like you. You keep a tight leash on Jiang Yaheng. Which man doesn¡¯t have an affair? Madame Dou Junior is so virtuous. She will give a title to Wan. Yet Wan is a mess. Shemitted suicide on the big day of Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn! At least, she did think for you and killed herself outside! For this kind of naive maid, you went to speak for her...¡±

    When He Shuijin heard Madame Miao speaking, her smile disappeared. Now her face went all green!

    Madame Tao Junior wished she could find a ce to escape. She looked down and didn¡¯t know what to say!

    Qiu Yn sighed in her heart. She thought Madame Tao Junior was a good person. She wouldn¡¯t bully anyone. But she was too nice! Anyone could bully her as they wanted!

    She knew with the background of Sheng Shishui and the status of Jiang Yazhu in the Jiang Family, even if Sheng Shishui had spoken out, it would have been useless. So, she touched her phoenix hairpin. Without question, she gained a hateful look from Madame Dou Junior. She then said, ¡°Your information is too outdated. Grandfather cleared out the matter with Wan on the evening I went to serve the tea. At then, everyone said they would forget this. Don¡¯t you know?¡±

    Madame Dou Junior nced at her without any expression, ¡°Really? We didn¡¯t know. After all, no one told us. We just heard the servants saying that He Shuijin cried for a whole afternoon. Now, this is...¡±

    ¡°No wonder.¡± Qiu Yn interrupted her calmly, ¡°After all, this is Marquess¡¯s Mansion¡¯s matter. It¡¯s not something that needs to be promoted. Why should we tell you intentionally?¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Madame Miao looked angry. Qiu Yn was implying that they had exceeded their duties and meddled in other¡¯s affairs.

    Madame Dou Junior¡¯s eyes went cold, ¡°We can¡¯t take that! We heard that He Shuijin made a huge fuss the other day. We are worried that it will hurt the rtionship of our wives in the Jiang Family. So, we mentioned it! If you think we are meddling with your business. Then we don¡¯t dare to say another thing to your side!¡±

    She emphasized the word ¡°Jiang Family¡±, reminding Qiu Yn that she was the oldest sister-inw in this generation of the Jiang Family! There was nothing wrong with her scolding a younger brother¡¯s wife.

    ¡°Even the second uncle¡¯s wife, when we or our mother are present, she will ask us about it!¡± Madame Miaoughed coldly. She talked to Madame Zhuang Junior with a low voice and said, ¡°Qiu Yn is really imposing!¡±

    ¡°Looks like you need to discipline your servants!¡± Qiu Yn said calmly, ¡°He Shuijin did go to the grandmother that day. But who said she made a huge fuss? She served grandmother for half a day. Howe the servants in the first branch said she cried for a whole afternoon? That was really ill-intentioned! It was implying that Shuijin didn¡¯t care about the grandmother! This kind of servants will truly hurt our rtionship if they¡¯re not disciplined because they¡¯ll just get bolder!¡±

    She looked at He Shuijin and said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell us what happened that day?¡±

    He Shuijin naturally went along with her, ¡°Just like what you said. I did go to see the grandmother for Wan¡¯s matter. But it finished quite quickly. Then I chatted with grandmother and Madame Tao Junior. Howe I was crying? You guys should know me by now. I like to chat andugh since I was little. I¡¯ve only cried a few times in my life!¡±

    ¡°Then why did Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yne over in the evening?¡± Seeing them distorting the fact together, Madame Miao said angrily!

    ¡°Funny that you said that!¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t even raise her eyes, ¡°Can¡¯t we go to see grandmother when Madame Tao Junior and He Shuijin are there? Or do you have this rule in the Miao Family that when your sisters-inw are with the elders, the younger brothers and their wives can¡¯t go to serve the elders?¡±

    Madame Miao was furious, ¡°You don¡¯t get to talk about my family rules!¡±

    ¡°Who cares about your family rules?!¡± Qiu Yn immediately raised her volume to be higher than Madame Miao¡¯s, ¡°But since the Jiang Family doesn¡¯t have this kind of rule, I¡¯m not wrong! Your family has this kind of rule. Don¡¯t put in on the Jiang Family! My husband is Jiang Yashuang, not Miao Yashuang. You¡¯re my sister-inw but that doesn¡¯t mean you can be unreasonable!¡±

    Before Madame Dou Junior could say anything, she used theining card first, ¡°That¡¯s just too much! I need to go to see grandmother and ask her to judge this! I also need to ask Aunt Yang that whether it is reasonable for the sister-inw to use her family¡¯s rules to restrain her younger brother¡¯s wife. If I didn¡¯t know any better, I would think Jiang Yayue married into the Miao Family! Wait, that still doesn¡¯t mean I need to follow your rules! You¡¯re really over the line!¡±

    ¡°...!!!¡±

    A moment ago, they were still just arguing. Now after a few sentences, Qiu Yn was walking outside. Madame Zhang immediately went to grab her, ¡°Calm down. I don¡¯t think Madame Miao is this inappropriate.¡± The third branch didn¡¯t have a good rtionship with the first branch. So, she would take every opportunity to belittle them, ¡°She must have said the wrong thing because she is short-tempered!¡±

    Madame Shi immediately echoed, ¡°Exactly!¡± She then said to Madame Miao, ¡°Just exin to Yn. She is the daughter-inw of the Jiang Family. She will never follow the rules of your Miao Family, right?¡±

    He Shuijin said calmly, ¡°Don¡¯t get angry, Yn. Madame Miao is a straightforward person. She says whatever she doubts.¡± She then turned to Madame Miao and sighed, ¡°You¡¯d rather trust what the servants overheard than believing me and Yn. This... This really hurts our rtionship!¡±

    ¡°You...!¡± Madame Miao could clearly see that the third branch looked like they were smoothing things over but actually they were being sarcastic. She was so furious that she started shaking. Madame Dou Junior gripped her hand with strength. She said with a deep voice, ¡°Yn, you¡¯re being too dramatic. We¡¯re waiting for you specially to have this party. When did Madame Miao say that you need to follow her family rules? You¡¯re intentionally twisting her meanings. Do you have some misunderstanding with Madame Miao? No matter what, we¡¯re all part of the Jiang Family now. Even if we used to have some problems, thinking about the bloodline of our husbands, I think we better solve it rather than holding the grudge. What do you think?¡±

    Qiu Ynined in her heart. Madame Dou Junior was indeed the oldest daughter-inw in the generation of grandchildren. She turned the situation their way with a couple of sentences and even med it on Qiu Yn.

    Looking at her kind look, which posed as the elders in the family and not wanted them to have any problems, Qiu Yn cursed her and thought her ¡°y dumb¡± in the heart and then said, ¡°I¡¯m so confused by what you said. I met Madame Miao on the day that I served the tea. What kind of misunderstanding can I have? Why did you just assume that we have a misunderstanding? Do you want us to have one? Otherwise, why would you say something ominous?¡±

    ¡°If you think this way, then we really don¡¯t dare to visit you anymore!¡± Madame Dou Junior looked angry. She then shook her head and said, ¡°I just said some normal things. Yet you doubt me like this. How can we talk with you?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all just a misunderstanding. We¡¯re gathered here to have some fun.¡± Madame Tao Junior didn¡¯t find her courage until now. She looked pleadingly at the two parties and said, ¡°Why don¡¯t we just forget this and sit down?¡±

    Madame Zhang actually hoped that Qiu Yn and Madame Dou Junior would continue. The bigger their grudges the better.

    But since Madame Tao Junior said that, they couldn¡¯t just continue watching. If this had gotten big and the words had gotten out, when Marquess Qin learned that the daughters-inw in the third branch just stood by, he wouldn¡¯t have been happy.

    Even though Marquess Qin wouldn¡¯t just say someone was not good, but if this had implicated the third branch, Madame He wouldn¡¯t have forgiven them.

    So, she sighed regrettably in her heart and said, ¡°Right, right! We¡¯re all family. Even if we have some small quarrel, after a couple of drinks, we¡¯ll all forget it. How can we take that seriously?¡±

    She took the lead and Madame Shi, He Shuijin, and Mi Yinyin echoed. They persuaded and coaxed, pulled and grabbed. Finally, they put Qiu Yn and the three from the first branch on the seats. Madame Zhang urged the servants to bring in the food and drink to cover up the conflict.

    ¡°You just came to the family, Yn, I¡¯ll toast you!¡± When the drinks arrived, before Qiu Yn toasted the sisters-inw, Madame Zhuang Junior helplessly picked up the drink under the hint of Madame Dou Junior.

    ¡°I should toast you guys. How can I take your toast?¡± Qiu Yn drank up and turned the cup upside down to show the empty cup to everyone.

    Seeing how outright she was, Madame Dou Junior and Madame Miao¡¯s eyes blinked. They all held up the drink with a faint smile, ¡°We¡¯re all family. There are not many rules of etiquette. You¡¯re just married. We should toast you. Wish you and Jiang Yashuang get old together and have a son soon!¡±

    They then emptied the cup.

    Qiu Yn immediately followed.

    Then Madame Miao said to propose another toast to Qiu Yn. Qiu Yn continued to empty it.

    Madame Zhuang Junior who received the hint again held up the cup with a bitter smile, ¡°You¡¯re really good at drinking. Another one?¡±

    ¡°How can I refuse you?¡± Qiu Yn showed the empty cup cheerfully.

    The three from the first branch toasted two rounds. Madame Dou Junior felt like she was already dizzy. But Qiu Yn was still refreshing. She immediately knew that Qiu Yn could drink like a fish.

    ¡°Can¡¯t I take her down here?¡± Madame Dou Junior gritted her teeth secretly, ¡°This bitch is so arrogant! How can I take it if I don¡¯t teach her a lesson today?¡±

    She thought quickly and pretended to be really drunk when she was just feeling tipsy. She stood up and staggered in front of Qiu Yn with hazy eyes, ¡°Ye... Yn. I¡¯ll toast you another...¡±

    Before she could finish, she fell on Qiu Yn while holding the cup!

 Chapter 218 - It Was So Nice to Have a Husband Backed Up

    <h4>Chapter 218 It Was So Nice to Have a Husband Backed Up</h4>

    Madame Miao took the hint as early as when Madame Dou Junior left the table. They not only lived in the same family, but they had been sisters-inw for more than ten years, so they knew exactly how much each other could drink!

    Upon seeing this, she immediately eximed, ¡°Qiu Yn, please help your sister-inw!¡±

    ording to the tacit understanding of themselves, even if Qiu Yn was agile enough to jump away at this time, she was too embarrassed to dodge after Madame Miao eximed. Otherwise, if Madame Dou Junior had a fall or even got hurt, how was she supposed to tell others?

    As for helping... Qiu Yn looked young and beautiful, and she was still sitting on the table at this moment while Madame Dou Junior was in the prime of life. So, it seemed that Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help her as she fell down from high. Since she couldn¡¯t help her, they would fall on the couch together!

    When Madame Dou Junior got up, she hid a hairpin in her sleeve. So, then she could take the opportunity to do something...

    She was not afraid of Qiu Yn shouting out in pain. After all, everyone had seen that she was drunk! She identally fell on her younger sister-inw, and the hairpin stabbed her and then fell on the couch... She didn¡¯t want this to happen as well! Since it happened, she could only make an apology to Qiu Yn... It was the only thing she could do for such a careless mistake!

    Madame Miao looked at the silver light on the bottom of Madame Dou Junior¡¯s sleeve quietly, and then she smiled slightly, revealing a touch of pleasure!

    While before she broke into a delighted smile, Madame Dou Junior actually let out a scream!

    ¡°Sister-inw!¡± Hearing her scream, Madame Miao poured half a cup of residual wine to her side and stood up!

    At the same time, Qiu Yn stood up nervously, holding Madame Dou Junior¡¯s arm firmly with one hand and pressing her waist with the other hand so that she could not move. Then she asked with concern, ¡°My sister-inw, what¡¯s wrong? Are you having a stomachache?¡±

    Madame Zhang and others could have seen that Madame Dou Junior went up to Qiu Yn with uneasy kindness, but they earnestly wished that the conflict between the two families could deepen. So not only did they not remind Qiu Yn, they even deliberately chatted with Madame Tao Junior all the time to draw her attention so that she could not take care of her younger sister-inw, ¡°Qiu Yn just got married with Jiang Yashuang, so if she is wronged, she willin with Jiang Yashuang even if there is no evidence! Since Jiang Yashuang is so favored, so at that time....¡±

    While finally, when they were expecting Qiu Yn to cry, Madame Dou Junior cried out first!

    Everyone looked at them with surprise, only to see Madame Dou Junior¡¯s pale face. She waspletely ignorant of pretending to be drunk, and her hands which pressed on her lower abdomen could not help shaking. She stared at Qiu Yn, as if her eyes were about to burst out the fire!

    ¡°Sister-inw, what¡¯s the matter with you? Don¡¯t scare me!¡± Qiu Yn seemed to be worried about her. She pressed her tightly to prevent her from removing the hand that was pressing her lower abdomen. She looked so worried and spoke in a soft voice, looking like someone who was very concerned about her sister-inw, ¡°Say something!¡±

    ¡°Sister-inw!¡± Madame Miao could see it was not that Madame Dou Junior didn¡¯t want to speak, but she couldn¡¯t speak at all!

    She changed her color, rushed forward, and pushed Qiu Yn away forcefully. Qiu Yn screamed out of her movement without saying anything else, and rolled over the couch to steady herself along the edge. She almost fell down! Madame Tao Junior was so scared that she got up too fast, tripped on the skirt and almost fell over it. She staggered and rushed to pick her up, ¡°Be careful!¡±

    With the support of Madame Tao Junior, Qiu Yn got up slowly, put on an aggrieved expression, and watched Madame Miao help Madame Dou Junior to sit down slowly. At this time, Madame Tao Junior was still asking if she had got hurt, and Sheng Shishui also left the table to ask whether she was alright. Suddenly, Madame Miao gasped and screamed, ¡°Qiu Yn, you are so poisonous!¡±

    Madame Tao Junior was puzzled. When she was about to argue for Qiu Yn, Madame Miao already strode over, raised her hand and pped Qiu Yn¡¯s face. She gritted her teeth and said, ¡°You¡¯re such a vicious bitch! How dare you do such a nasty thing in our family! You think big of yourself because you¡¯re a Commandery Princess? You think I dare not teach you a lesson?¡±

    ¡°Madame Miao, what do you mean by this? Qiu Yn just helped the sister-inw because she was sick. How can you me her?¡± Although Madame Tao Junior was cowardly, but watching her younger sister-inw being bullied, she couldn¡¯t sit back and watch. She stood in front of Qiu Yn quickly, ¡°You...¡±

    Before she finished her words, Madame Miao pped her face heavily!

    In the garden, there was no sound in an instant!

    Not only Madame Tao Junior was stunned, but even Madame Miao was stunned for a while. She pped Qui Yn for some reason, but she didn¡¯t n to p Madame Tao Junior! She just wanted to scare her, but how could she have really pped her?

    In the silence, Qiu Yn suddenly pushed away Madame Tao Junior without saying a word. She grabbed Madame Miao¡¯s outstretched wrist so fast and shouted sharply, ¡°As a sister-inw, you dare to p the eldest daughter-inw of our fourth branch? Why do you bully us? Is it because our fathers and mothers are not in Jing City? Or do you think Madame Tao Junior has such a good temper? Or do you think my brother is so magnanimous that he won¡¯t handle you even if you bully his wife?¡±

    Madame Miao was a little panicked by her repeated questions, and she instinctively argued, ¡°I... I don¡¯t....¡±

    Qiu Yn pped her face heavily then, which made her can¡¯t stand her feet after turning around. She staggered back a few steps, and fell down on Sheng Shishui¡¯s table, being crushed by drinks and dishes!

    ¡°Qiu Yn!¡± Everyone was stunned and stood up to persuade her. Although everyone knew that the banquet would not be peaceful before they entered the table, they did not expect that it would develop into a fight!

    ¡°Well, Madame Miao can insult my sister-inw while we are not allowed to do anything to her?¡± Qiu Yn nced at them contemptuously, took Madame Tao Junior¡¯s arm, and said sternly, ¡°let¡¯s go find the grandmother. If they don¡¯t give us an exnation for it today, we won¡¯t let them go!¡±

    ¡°Qiu Yn, don¡¯t be like this...¡± Madame Zhang and others pretended to stop her.

    ¡°Sister, you needn¡¯t do it...¡± Madame Tao Junior burst into tears. It was not the first time that she had been bullied by her sisters-inw. She was almost used to it, but just as Qiu Yn said, the elders of her inws and her maiden family, and even Jiang Yadan, who had repeatedly broken her heart, had never pped her!

    But out of her temperament, she was afraid of making things big.

    Just as she was trying to persuade Qiu Yn to calm down, a weak voice sounded, ¡°Well, we also want to go to the second uncle and ask what kind of exnation you will give me for my injury, Qiu Yn.¡±

    Everyone followed her voice and looked at her then. They were blocked by Madame Miao and the servants before, so not until this moment, did they see the clear bloodstains on her fresh-color dress!

    ¡°When I helped you, my hands were empty. You know clearly in your heart how you got injured!¡± Qiu Yn took Madame Tao Junior¡¯s arm and looked at her sternly without any emotion in her eyes, which made Madame Dou Junior¡¯s heart couldn¡¯t help feeling chilly!

    ¡°Or you¡¯ve got injured already before you came to the party, and then you made the wound opened up by yourself. That¡¯s because you don¡¯t cherish yourself. I am not your parent, so how will I cherish you more than yourself?¡± Qiu Yn said coldly and then took Madame Tao away in strides! Sheng Shishui followed them silently.

    After they left for a while, Madame Miao finally came to her sense. She pounded the table and shouted hysterically, ¡°She... She... That bitch! How dare she hit me!¡±

    ¡°Madame Miao, you have pped the eldest daughter-inw of the fourth branch in front of the public for no reason first, and then Qiu Yn pped you for her sister-inw because she felt sorry for her. It seems against the rule,¡± He Shuijin said, ¡°but it¡¯s human nature!¡± Then she whispered, ¡°It¡¯s lucky that Madame Zhuang is not in Jing City now. Tell you the truth, ording to her temper, you are causing a lot of trouble for Aunt Yang!¡±

    Madame Zhuang was so arrogant. For some trivial matters, she had led some servants into the house of the first branch and dragged Madame Dou¡¯s dowry ve to the yard, beating him to death! That time, Marquess Qin, who never asked about the harem, was trembling with anger. However, she gave birth to Jiang Yadan, who was so clever and had a very good visual memory as a child. For the future of this grandson, Marquess Qin couldn¡¯t let his son divorce her!

    Jiang Yadan was no longer brilliant at this time, but Jiang Yashuang was recognized as the most promising among the Jiang Family! It was conceivable that after Madame Zhuang returned to Jing City, she would still run wild with her youngest son!

    ¡°Qiu Yn... Madame Zhuang never kept the mother in the eye in those days as she was backed by her son!¡± Hearing these words, the resentment and guard in Madame Dou Junior¡¯s and Madame Miao¡¯s hearts grew like summer grass. ¡°Jiang Yashuang is extremely valued by the second uncle now. If Qiu Yn had an heir then, judging by her behavior today, wouldn¡¯t she be another Madame Zhuang? No! She is even more arrogant than Madame Zhuang! Madame Zhuang just killed my mother¡¯s dowry ve with my mother present, and that time Jiang Yadan had already shown talent and intelligence! While Qiu Yn has just got married! She dares hit Madame Miao now!¡±

    Madame Zhuang Junior silently nced at He Shuijin who had an unpredictable smile, and sighed in her heart, ¡°Qiu Yn, you¡¯ve offended our first branch so badly!¡± She began to consider whether to remind Qiu Yn that He Shuijin incited Madame Dou Junior and Madame Miao to guard against the fourth branch for fear that there would be another Madame Zhuang, ¡°He Shuijin is familiar with Qiu Yn, but I¡¯m not close with her. If I told her about this rashly while she was persuaded by He Shuijin finally, she would think that I did this to make mischief. And, what will I gain by doing so?¡±

    The sisters-inw left here had their own thoughts.

    The three women of the fourth branch who were going to Madame Tao also talked in a low voice. Sheng Shihui said, ¡°Qiu Yn, you are kind enough to do that, but Madame Miao is our sister-inw after all! I¡¯m afraid it will be difficult to exin it to the elders for that!¡±

    Sheng Shishui said anxiously, ¡°As for grandfather¡¯s attitude towards the first branch, I think you¡¯ve known more or less about that since you¡¯ve been married for a few days.¡±

    ¡°So, it¡¯s all up to you then, sister-inw.¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s words made Madame Tao Junior stunned, who was utterly confused and relied on her to move mechanically.

    Sheng Shishui was stunned, ¡°Me? What can I do?¡±

    ¡°Madame Dou Junior¡¯s injury is not caused by me. So many people have seen that I helped her with empty hands. Her injury was definitely caused by a sharp object such as a hairpin. Let¡¯s just ignore her threat!¡± Qiu Yn said solemnly, ¡°So there was no reason for Madame Miao to beat me! She dared p Madame Tao Junior finally! I would p her unless I¡¯m not a member of the fourth branch!¡±

    Madame Tao Junior¡¯s long eyshes blinked. She shook off a drop of tears, and whispered, ¡°I am very happy you stand by me, but... You really shouldn¡¯t p her! We can just ask the grandmother to handle that for us!¡±

    ¡°No matter how grandmother punishes her, she wouldn¡¯t give her a p in the face! Then how can I vent my anger? ¡°Qiu Yn held Madame Tao Junior¡¯s hand and said with a sneer, ¡°If you hadn¡¯t stood in front of me to protect me, you wouldn¡¯t have suffered this humiliation! It¡¯s alright now. No matter how she sues me, she can¡¯te and hit me! Isn¡¯t it just about apologizing? I have made so many apologies. I¡¯m not afraid of that!¡±

    She continued to say to Sheng Shishui, ¡°However, this incident was caused by Madame Dou Junior¡¯s toasting me after she got ¡®drunk¡¯. She offered me so much wine! So, I did that not only to protect Madame Tao but also because I drank so much!¡±

    Sheng Shishui¡¯s eyes shed and then she smiled, ¡°The reason that you drank so much was that they kept toasting you. They suffered from their own actions, so how can they me you?¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded with satisfaction, ¡°I know you¡¯re smart! So, I will leave it to you then!¡± People who are drunk should look drunk, right?

    Madame Tao Junior smiled bitterly after hearing that, ¡°You don¡¯t understand the family... To be fair, Yn really doesn¡¯t need to bear too much responsibility because of the reason you just talked about. But, whether Qiu Yn should be responsible, to be honest, it depends on grandfather!¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yashuang will talk to grandpa.¡± Qiu Yn pursed her lips, ¡°When I came here, he told me that I didn¡¯t have to wrong myself! He will handle whatever happened!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great! Grandfather really cherishes Jiang Yashuang. Since he will stand by us, then it won¡¯t be a big problem then!¡± Madame Tao Junior¡¯s and Sheng Shishui¡¯s eyes shed with admire.

    It was so nice to have a husband backed up!

 Chapter 219 - Dont be Busy Crying

    <h4>Chapter 219 Don¡¯t be Busy Crying</h4>

    The Jiang family¡¯s long-established sister-inw meeting went awry. Before Qiu Yn and the two others arrived at the main room, Madame Tao got the news about it first and instead of being anxious. She was delighted, ¡°It¡¯s really happening! I was afraid they¡¯d be too calm to make a fuss after this!¡±

    Mom Hu smiled and said, ¡°When have they ever been calm?¡±

    ¡°Well, after being spoiled by the Chaohai for so many years, even if they used to be calm, it¡¯s hard not to get carried away!¡± Madame Tao sneered¨Cthe day after Qiu Yn toasted the tea, she told Marquess Qin that the first branch had asked for the phoenix hairpin, ¡°It happened to be at the time for the wedding of Zheng¡¯er and we just discussed Jiang Yashuang¡¯s wedding date. I was too old and so busy that I forgot to tell you. But you gave it to Qiu Yn today. It¡¯s very likely that the first branch thought we deliberately refused to give it to them. They must really hate us!¡±

    After Marquess Qin was stunned, he helped the first branch as usual, ¡°What are you talking about? Isn¡¯t it just a hairpin? Zhi¡¯s husband has not been decided yet. There is still some time. I¡¯ll just find a better one and send it there. The first branch is not so ungenerous. They wouldn¡¯t hate us because of this.¡±

    Madame Tao told him at once, ¡°I think so, too. But I¡¯m afraid that the first branch will me Qiu Yn for this. She doesn¡¯t know anything. If she is bullied by the first branch for this reason, it will be so unfair!¡±

    ¡°How can there be such a thing?¡± Marquess Qin said irritably at the time, ¡°Our family chooses daughters-inw based on their virtuousness. For so many years, among the younger daughters-inw, only Madame Zhuang is not very sensible. The others all respect their elders and treat the younger generation well. I know that when you first got married here, your eldest nephew¡¯s wife was not so nice to you. But now, after so many years, she is not as disrespectful to you now as she used to, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    Madame Tao just smiled, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, there¡¯s nothing I can do. But Jiang Yashuang was raised by me. Jiang Yadan and Jiang Yazhu are not up to the standard. The fourth branch¡¯s hope is on Jiang Yashuang. How old is he? He has to worry about so many things and still has a lot to learn. I don¡¯t want him to worry about his wife being bullied at home while he is busy outside. If the first branch really takes it out on Jiang Yashuang¡¯s wife, I will seek justice for Jiang Yashuang and his wife!¡±

    At this time, Marquess Qin frowned and opened the document. It meant that he was impatient to talk to his wife again.

    Recalling the scene of that day, Madame Tao couldn¡¯t help but say again, ¡°I heard that Qiu Yn wore the phoenix hairpin to go out in the morning. What a considerate girl. I really like her!¡± Even if the first branch didn¡¯t n to make trouble soon, they wouldn¡¯t be able to control themselves after seeing that hairpin.

    If it was not for fear that Marquess Qin would be able to find out what she was nning for the future, Madame Tao would like to send someone to tell Qiu Yn to wear it to attend the party. However, before she did anything, Qiu Yn wore it herself. How could Madame Tao not be happy?

    When the three of them entered the door, they cried and bowed in front of her, ¡°Grandma, please help us.¡±

    Madame Tao didn¡¯t rush to show her kindness immediately as usual, but squinted her eyes and asked, ¡°Go and see if Madame Dou Junior and the others areing.¡±

    ¡°I have paid attention on the way. They haven¡¯te.¡± Sheng Shishui hurriedly said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be busy crying for now. Mom Hu, lead someone to the doorway to guard, and stop whoeveres!¡± Madame Tao finished her instructions slowly, turned to her three grandchildren, and said straightforwardly, ¡°Qianbin is my grandniece. Jiang Yazhu was raised by Qianbin, and Jiang Yashuang was raised by me. There are so many branches in the Jiang Family. But you¡¯re the closest to me. So, just skip the crying and wording, tell me directly what happened. So, I can teach you what to say to your grandfatherter!¡±

    Hearing it, everyone, including Madame Tao Junior, was stunned for a moment. Madame Tao was amused when she saw their reaction, ¡°To be fair in the public is for others to see. But there are so many people in the family, of course, I¡¯ll distinguish between close and distant rtives. Tell me about it quickly. Perhaps they are discussing how to deal with you. Don¡¯t you want to win?¡±

    ¡°Here¡¯s the thing...¡± Since Madame said so, Qiu Yn and others had to dry their tears, stand up, and exin the whole thing, ¡°Please tell us what to do, grandma!¡±

    After hearing it, Madame Tao asked Qiu Yn with great interest, ¡°How did you make Madame Dou Junior get injured instead of hurting you?¡±

    ¡°She was not left-handed before. When she pretended to be drunk and approached me, she held the cup with her left hand, with her right hand hidden in her sleeve. I felt that she must¡¯ve been plotting something!¡± Qiu Yn answered truthfully, ¡°So when she fell towards me, I quickly grabbed her wrist and made the thing she had hidden in her right sleeve face her. And then I pressed her to stop her from moving. After that...¡±

    She felt that it was obvious to see that there had been a problem with Madame Dou Junior, but Madame Tao Junior and Sheng Shishui both looked surprised, ¡°There were so many people just now, and you drank so much alcohol. But you still...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not that easy to get drunk.¡± Qiu Yn smiled modestly.

    ¡°I see!¡± Madame Tao said, ¡°Do you have anything else to tell me?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought for a while, ¡°When my sister-inw saw the phoenix hairpin, she looked as if she wanted to eat me alive! But then they didn¡¯t mention this hairpin and talked about Wan instead. At that moment, Shuijin tried to help me by saying that she and Madame Tao Junior were just visiting you on the day. But the first branch may say that I caused the trouble. I don¡¯t know if it may implicate Yadan.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about this,¡± Madame Tao said nonchntly, ¡°He always gets into trouble. We¡¯ve long been used to it! We always punish him once. Otherwise, we won¡¯t have time to do anything else if we keep punishing him for one matter. Besides, the first branch will never specifically trouble him. You just got married, so you may not be very clear. You will know more about it if you ask Madame Tao Junior to tell you more.¡±

    Madame Tao Junior showed a bitter smile and nodded slightly at Qiu Yn, saying that it was unlikely that Jiang Yadan would be implicated by this incident.

    So, making troubles topletely disappoint the family did have a benefit. Before Jiang Yadan got afraid of being punished, the elders were afraid of punishing him!

    ¡°But you just mentioned Shuijin. I suddenly remembered that she is always the smartest. How did it happen while she was there today?¡± Madame Tao asked suddenly, ¡°Could it be that she was not there in the first ce and only came hereter?¡±

    Sure enough, she targeted at He Shuijin!

    Qiu Yn thought, ¡°Just now, Madame said that she only regarded the fourth branch as her close family members. But she treated He Shuijin like her grandchild before Shuijin got married. And she was married to the third branch. I pretended to worry about Jiang Yadan to mention her and Madame immediately began to show her attitude. It seems that Madame really values the fourth branch very much.¡±

    This is good news, but with the good news came the bad news.

    ¡°Grandma, are you saying that He Shuijin...¡± Although Madame Tao Junior was weak, she understood the meaning of Madame¡¯s words immediately. After all, she had been a daughter-inw of the family for so many years. She said surprisingly, ¡°But she has been close to us since she was a child. How could she deliberately plot against us?¡±

    ¡°It is obvious that she deliberately lets the situation develop to where it is now. With her exquisite way of dealing with things, unless Madame Dou Junior was doing it the hard way from the beginning, she could manage to mediate a more troublesome matter. Why didn¡¯t it work today?¡± Madame Tao looked at her and asked faintly, ¡°I¡¯m afraid she has been driving a wedge between you. However, because she has an intimate rtionship with us, you are unwilling to doubt her even if you are aware of it. Your kindness may hurt you.¡±

    Madame Tao Junior bit her lower lip, ¡°She has her problems.¡±

    Sheng Shishui was confused when she heard these words, but Qiu Yn knew what Madame Tao Junior meant. She referred to the words He Shuijin told them on the way back that day. She had already lost her innocent Wan by her side and things like this might happen again, so she wanted to try to prevent it from happening again. That was why He Shuijin hoped to get more helpers to fight against the first branch. Even if she used some means, Madame Tao Junior thought it was understandable.

    But Madame Tao didn¡¯t think so, she said faintly, ¡°Everybody has problems.¡±

    This was a thoughtful sentence, but the Madame said it coldly.

    ¡°Now Yn hit Madame Miao in person. Shuijin felt good when she saw it! But no matter how we elders deal with this matter, Jiang Yashuang and Jiang Yayue would hate each other for it. You understand Shuijin. But when Shuijin plotted against your branch, did she think about how Yn would get through this time? Yn just got into our family and then hit her sister-inw. If words get out in this way, people who know the matter will say she cares for her sister-inw; but people who don¡¯t know about it will say she is so domineering and unruly. If this isn¡¯t handled well, how will she go out in the future? Even if she stays at her own home, will she have a good life?¡±

    Madame Tao Junior was speechless and nced at Qiu Yn guiltily. Qiu Yn was a bit helpless and thought to herself, ¡°Sister-inw, don¡¯t be coaxed so easily. Evaluations such as domineering and unruly are surely terrifying to other people¡¯s daughters-inw, but not to the Jiang Family. Our mother-inw Madame Zhuang¡¯s reputation for being domineering and unruly is well-known and I have heard about it before I got in the family, okay? Madame Zhuang is happily living in Beijiang, being the only wife of the Great General of North.¡±

    With her mother-inw as a role model and her husband¡¯s promise to deal with these matters, Qiu Yn was not worried about her future.

    Sure enough, after making Madame Tao Junior worried, Madame Tao turned to Qiu Yn and said, ¡°To be fair, the responsibility lies with the first branch being unruly and the third branch doing nothing but making it worse and you being too reckless. You don¡¯t know how to cover things up! It¡¯s hard to say that you have nothing to do with it now!¡±

    Qiu Yn hurriedly promised, ¡°I know that I was wrong. Next time I¡¯ll...¡±

    ¡°What? Do you still want to hit Madame Miao?¡± Madame Tao sneered. She interrupted her and said in a deep voice, ¡°If you are in this kind of situation in the future, remember to use your servants! Don¡¯t just rely on yourself. It doesn¡¯t fit your identity and embarrasses us!¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your instructions, grandmother! I¡¯ll remember them.¡± Qiu Yn replied obediently.

    ¡°Well, by saying ¡®to use your servants¡¯, I mean that you can send someone to tell me in time so that I can give you a hand.¡± Madame Tao narrowed her eyes and said, ¡°Don¡¯t send someone foolishly to hit them! Our family has strict rules and it is not allowed. Maybe the servant will be beaten to death! When the timees, you will inevitably be scolded. Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t remind you!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought, ¡°When you said this, didn¡¯t you just mean that I could try to let the servants do the job?¡±

    If it was a servant who hit them, the servant would be destroyed. As for her, she just would be scolded! This was what the Madame really meant!

    But even though she respectfully agreed this time, she didn¡¯t intend to listen to her. Just like He Shuijin felt sorry for Wan, Qiu Yn also felt that it was not easy to cultivate a few confidants at her age, not to mention she actually felt for them. She wouldn¡¯t just sacrifice them.

    ¡°Fortunately, Madame Miao was the first to attack and it was Madame Tao Junior who suffered first. Otherwise your grandfather might regret rewarding you this phoenix hairpin!¡± Madame Tao narrowed her eyes and said, ¡°Okay, now I will tell you one by one how to talk to others about the incident this time. And when your grandfather asks you about itter, remember to make sure the people you brought to Madame Zhang today know what to say. Don¡¯t get exposed identally!¡±

    Madame Tao Junior, Sheng Shishui, and Qiu Yn respectfully responded in a hurry, ¡°Yes!¡±

 Chapter 220 - If You dont Fight It, How Do You Know?

    <h4>Chapter 220 If You don¡¯t Fight It, How Do You Know?</h4>

    This evening, Jiang Yazhu was found by a servant in the brothel, ¡°Please go back! Today the wives of the family had a gathering and had some conflict. Madame Miao and Madame Tao Junior were hit. Madame Dou Junior even bled. Madame Sheng was also caught up in the conflict!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Even though Jiang Yazhu used to go to the brothel before marriage, but he didn¡¯t have many nights of getting drunk and not going home. It was mainly because he was an illegitimate son. And his official mother even told everyone to not spoil him, so he didn¡¯t have much money to spend. If it hadn¡¯t been because he had a good rtionship with Jiang Yadan, so he earned some money from him, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to visit the brothel very often.

    But after he was married, he became worse. He didn¡¯t have money, so he pawned the things that the family arranged for him when he was married!

    It showed how much he was unsatisfied with his wife, Sheng Shishui!

    So, he was bummed out when he first saw the servanting to get him. But now hearing such a serious thing happened in the family, he couldn¡¯t sit tight any longer. No matter how unsatisfied he was, he had to admit that his position was even lower than some servants in the management level. So, it was not a big deal that he was not sessful or he offended other people because the Jiang Family was quite prestigious right now. No matter what, they would still defend him for the Jiang Family¡¯s grace!

    The ones that he couldn¡¯t offend were the people in the Jiang Family!

    ¡°How are you behaving as a daughter-inw?!¡± Jiang Yazhu rushed back to his residence. He found Sheng Shishui in the garden. She was feeding a red-crowned crane rxingly. Jiang Yazhu had a bad look. He walked over and yelled directly, ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to respect your elder sisters-inw? And be modest to your younger sisters-inw? You already offended someone days after you¡¯re married? Who do you think I am? Jiang Qizheng or Jiang Yashuang? Do you think I am adored by my grandmother and grandfather and the whole family doesn¡¯t dare to offend me?! Let me tell you! You can mess with anyone outside the family. The Jiang Family will take care of it! But in the family...¡±

    Sheng Shishui listened quietly to his scolding. After a while, she said, ¡°It¡¯s none of our business. Second sister-inw hit eighth sister-inw. Qiu Yn hit Second sister-inw!¡±

    ¡°Qiu Yn dared to hit Second sister-inw?¡± Jiang Yazhu who was gushing out words to scold her was dazed, ¡°She is too bold! Aren¡¯t she afraid of getting cast off and sent home before she¡¯s married for a month?!¡±

    Sheng Shishui looked at the water and smiled, ¡°How¡¯s that possible? Grandmother asked me and eighth sister-inw to get our story straight and me everything on the third branch and the first branch. Especially eighth sister-inw, she was asked to go to her room, lie on her bed, and yell that she had a headache. She is not going to get up until this thing is over! Grandfather just asked about this. It is said that after he heard it, he didn¡¯t say anything to Qiu Yn. He instead called Jiang Yashuang who just came home and said a few words. He also told Jiang Yashuang toe back earlier these days and teach Qiu Yn the rules of the family. In case she was tricked by some ill-intentioned people since she was just married!¡±

    Jiang Yazhu immediately smiled coldly, ¡°So you¡¯re jealous of Qiu Yn? Do you think I¡¯m useless? Not as good as Jiang Yashuang?!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re thinking too much.¡± Sheng Shishui said calmly, ¡°She only got off easily because of Jiang Yashuang this time. It¡¯s not because of her ability. Why would I be jealous of her?¡±

    Jiang Yazhu said sarcastically, ¡°Because of her ability? You sound like you have such integrity! But let me tell you, in this family, it¡¯s not because of ability! It¡¯s all fate! Jiang Yadan is legitimate and the eldest son. So even though he is disappointing and constantly gets into trouble, the elders would get him an official job and clean up after him each time! Jiang Yashuang is legitimate, so when he and Jiang Qizheng were sent back to Jing City, grandmother immediately abandoned me and focused on taking care of them. Then eighth sister-inw married into our family. Grandmother was so relieved that she basically couldn¡¯t wait to throw me to eighth sister-inw to raise...¡±

    His face went purple because he was too emotional, ¡°Now grandmother says every day that ¡®Jiang Qizheng and Jiang Yashuang are raised by me¡¯. Clearly, she had forgotten herself that before Jiang Qizheng and Jiang Yashuang were back, the one who served her to keep her entertained was me!!! I was so sweet and docile at then. I saw her as my real grandmother. I massaged her every day. What nice things did she say? ¡®The luckiest thing that happened to me is you. You have to be here for me forever!¡¯ Then Jiang Qizheng and Jiang Yashuang were sent back because they couldn¡¯t get used to Beijiang. Before they came, when they were still on the way, grandmother started nning and discussing with Mom Hu, hoping to raise them by herself!¡±

    ¡°For that, she even coaxed me to tell grandfather that I was lonely and wanted to grow up with a brother and a sister!¡± Jiang Yazhu¡¯s smile was cold and desperate, ¡°She promised that she would never abandon me even if she had Jiang Qizheng and Jiang Yashuang. She said, ¡®Of course, you¡¯re my favorite. It¡¯s for you that I want to raise Jiang Qizheng and Jiang Yashuang. Otherwise, you won¡¯t have anyone to y with you, right?¡¯ Then...¡±

    He started choking with sobs, ¡°Then Jiang Qizheng and Jiang Yashuang, they were only taken under grandmother for a couple of days before I was thrown to the wet nurse. She then said, ¡®You¡¯re the elder brother. You need to be tolerant of your sister and brother¡¯. Then it was, ¡®This is your eighth sister-inw. She is the eldest in your branch. They say that the eldest sister-inw is like your mother. From now on, you can just live with your sister-inw. Is that ok? You see, I¡¯m quite old. How can I take care of you three? You go with your sister-inw. She will adore you¡¯. She did! But she¡¯s a sister-inw who was bullied by other wives. Comparing to the wife of Marquess, who is more prestigious is way too obvious!¡±

    ¡°If I were like Jiang Yashuang and have the care of grandmother and grandfather, I would be Tanhua, haha!¡± Jiang Yazhu vented for a while and finally calmed down. He looked at Sheng Shishui angrily. He gritted his teeth and said, ¡°So don¡¯t talk about ability! The Jiang Family is not a ce where you can be on top if you have the ability!¡±

    ¡°If so, how did grandfather start up his career?¡± Sheng Shishui looked at him and asked calmly.

    Jiang Yazhu was dazed. When he was about to say something, Sheng Shishui said again, ¡°You know well about my background. When I was in the Lu Family, only my grandmother thought I was innocent and took care of me. The others, none of them wanted me alive, especially the one from the Yang Family, the one whomitted suicide in the Ding Family two years ago, Yang Yishi. She pushed me into a pond once! When I came out alive, she told everyone that it was a shame that a bastard like me wasn¡¯t drowned!¡±

    Her tone was t without any up and down. This kind of narrative tone was so nd that it could be called bored. But Jiang Yazhu followed subconsciously, ¡°And this is just the niece of the Lu Family! The ones in the Lu Family, because of my grandmother, they all acted politely to me on the surface. But what do they think in their deep heart? I¡¯ve heard the servants. People headed by my aunt wish to marry me to an old rich man. Using their words, raising a prostitute in the brothel costs the same as raising me. How can they not take back the cost?¡±

    ¡°But Yang Yishi who they thought came from a prestigious family and had a boundless futuremitted suicide! And I married into the Jiang Family. Who would have thought that?¡± Sheng Shishui looked at him indifferently, ¡°I know you don¡¯t like me! And you think low of my background. But even so, my cousins are still envying me! They all said I had a good life. But Madam Shao didn¡¯t just have me as her only student in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Why didn¡¯t she rmend anyone else? Even that Wang Qingqian has a better background than me. It¡¯s because I was the best. If I didn¡¯t study well, how can I get picked by Madam Shao?!¡±

    Jiang Yazhu smiled coldly, ¡°So you think you became my wife because of your ability? Let me tell you. No! It¡¯s because of my official mother...¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so clever. You should know whether it is true.¡± Sheng Shishui said calmly, ¡°No matter how your family ignores you, I¡¯ve never heard of any elders who don¡¯t want their kids to be sessful! Even me, who have brought shame to the Lu Family and the Sheng Family for years. Since we were engaged, these two families couldn¡¯t wait to tell others about their kid who married into the Jiang Family! Let alone you¡¯re the blood of the Jiang Family!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Jiang Yazhu fell silent. Madame Zhuang didn¡¯t want to let him marry someone who came from a prestigious family. Madame Tao didn¡¯t want to offend her daughter-inw. So, she picked Sheng Shishui who had a problematic background but was quitepetent. Before the marriage, Madame Tao specially called him over. She cried and apologized for abandoning him after Jiang Qizheng and Jiang Yashuang came. She then specially exined this marriage.

    ¡°I know you hate me. And I didn¡¯t treat you well enough! But I was thinking about you for not raising you! Don¡¯t you know your official mother? If I raised you up like Jiang Qizheng and Jiang Yashuang, your official mother will try all the ways to hurt you! She had three kids, Jiang Yadan, Jiang Qizheng, and Jiang Yashuang. Even if she did something to you, for their future, do you really think the family would do anything to her? Kid, it¡¯s not your fault that you¡¯re illegitimate, but this is your destiny!¡±

    At then, Madame Tao cried and said, ¡°Your official mother barely tolerated you because you¡¯re ignored by the family these years! Do you think I¡¯m not hurt when I see you being ignored? How many times I wanted to hug you and tell you this when you were watching on the side! But... But you were so young. If you slip out, I can get med, but what will you do?¡±

    ¡°Then you grew up. Thinking about how you were wrongly treated when you were young, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to tell you. Now that you¡¯re going to get married, I¡¯m afraid that you misunderstand your wife, so I want to make it clear for you!¡±

    ¡°You think I was three years old? When you cry and say something nice, I¡¯ll believe you with joy?¡± Jiang Yazhu cried with her back then. But his heart was cold, after all.

    Now after Sheng Shishui asked him, he was lost for a while. Then he said tauntingly, ¡°You think my official mother would tolerate me being sessful?¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yashuang is not twenty this year. And he is in the Hanlin Academy.¡± Sheng Shishui stared at him closely and asked, ¡°Even if you get Number One Schr next time, he will have already finished getting experience in Hanlin Academy and gone out. Maybe he¡¯ll go to the Northern Army and goes on the road that his father chose for him! In a short time, how can you be more sessful than him?¡±

    Seeing Jiang Yazhu keeping silent, Sheng Shishui again said, ¡°All I know is that since I was born, many people hated me, med me, and looked down on me. I sometimes feel that even though I¡¯m not bad-looking and have some talent, I would never be better than them because of my background! I¡¯ll getughed at for my whole life. No one from the official family would marry me. But if I just give up because of all these, I won¡¯t take it! I already have a bad background. If I don¡¯t learn things well, then my chance of marrying into a prestigious family is even lower!¡±

    She smiled at Jiang Yazhu. Her smile was gentle and hopeful that Jiang Yazhu had never seen before, ¡°How do you know that if you start studying now, one day you won¡¯t be better than Jiang Yashuang? When grandfather was just starting up, the Tao Family was the most prestigious family. But now if the Tao Family doesn¡¯t rely on the Jiang Family, they can¡¯t even be called prestigious. If you don¡¯t fight for things, how do you know you¡¯re not destined to be something?!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Jiang Yazhu kept silent. At this moment, a lot passed through his mind. In his foggy memory, he clearly remembered his official mother¡¯s cold look, the warmth of being raised by Madame Tao, the desperateness after being abandoned, and his brother who could get everyone¡¯s attention no matter where he went...

    These scenes passed through quickly. In the end, it was his wife¡¯s hopeful face.

    He had been married for some months, but the family still didn¡¯t arrange any job or management work for him.

    He didn¡¯t need to think to know this was his official mother¡¯s idea or the elders were too busy. Anyway, one way or another, he had been forgotten again.

    No matter whether he was moved by Sheng Shishui today or how much he was moved, he had to admit one thing: besides his wife, his decadence would not scare anyone but would be weed by many.

    Now his parents had not returned, even if his official mother had written back to ask them to continue suppressing him, he would have had more chanceparing to directly being under her. He should just take the chance and do something. When his official mother came back, even if he had wanted to, he wouldn¡¯t have had any chance!

    After a while, he suddenly smiled. He pretended it was nothing and said, ¡°Since you advised me in earnest. I¡¯ll try it!¡±

    Sheng Shishui was relived. She said in her heart, ¡°At least he¡¯s savable!¡± She showed a surprised expression on her face, ¡°Sweetheart! That¡¯s wonderful!¡± And she fell into his arms.

    While Sheng Shishui was trying her best to advise her husband, Qiu Yn was busy in the small kitchen.

    Jiang Yashuang who just came back from Marquess Qin¡¯s ce changed into casual clothes and insisted on helping her.

    But since he came in, his eyes never left this pot in front of him. The green leaves were floating in the red soup. Some white slices of fish came up once a while. Qiu Yn imed that she was good at cooking. It was not a lie. Just looking at this pot of improved boiled fish would make people feel hungry. The delicious smell was pervaded. Let alone him who was standing by the pot, even Su He who was standing in the near distance was swallowing her saliva!

    Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t help it but looked back and asked the maid for a spoon. When Qiu Yn was not looking, he scooped up a spoonful of soup and a slice of fish meat. He couldn¡¯t wait but put it in his mouth!

 Chapter 221 - I Knew My Wife Was Smart!

    <h4>Chapter 221 I Knew My Wife Was Smart!</h4>

    ¡°Yummy!¡± It was so hot that he kept exhaling. But he couldn¡¯t helpplimenting.

    Then he looked at his wife guiltily. Qiu Yn who was busy cooking on another stove didn¡¯t look back, ¡°Got burned? It¡¯s your punishment for stealing food! Just this one more dish to be served. But you still couldn¡¯t wait! Drink some cold water!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because your cooking is so good!¡± Jiang Yashuang took the cold water from Su He and drank a mouthful. He felt his tongue was getting better. So, he approached Qiu Yn and yed up to her, ¡°I¡¯m here to help...¡±

    Qiu Yn was staring at the pot with rapt attention. Hearing that, she said, ¡°Good. Pass me the salt!¡±

    ¡°Here!¡± Jiang Yashuang picked up a porcin bowl without hesitation and handed it to her. Qiu Yn took it over and was about to put things inside into the pot. Su He shouted, ¡°Wait!¡±

    Her voice was high and out of the blue. They were both scared and turned around at the same time.

    ¡°That¡¯s alum!¡± Su He reminded with caution, ¡°The second one on the left of alum is salt!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Jiang Yashuang was frustrated. He handed the real salt in a hurry.

    Qiu Yn gave him a teasing look. She opened the salt bowl and sprinkled some salt in the pot. And then stirred the dish with a spat. Jiang Yashuang gesticted vigorously with his hand behind his back. Su He endured to smile and handed him a pair of long chopsticks.

    Right when Qiu Yn stopped stirring, Jiang Yashuang stuck the chopsticks into the pot without hesitation. And he volunteered, ¡°Let me try it for you!¡±

    ¡°Be careful. It¡¯s hot!¡± Qiu Yn was frustrated. Thest dish was done. The servants would serve it. She took off the smock and went outside, ¡°Do you have to be like this? When the dishes are servedter, you can have as many as you want! Couldn¡¯t you wait for just a little while?¡±

    ¡°You go first. I¡¯ll urge them to serve the dishes!¡± Like when she was cooking, Jiang Yashuang was staring at the pot with rapt attention. He said without turning around. Qiu Yn went to the inner chamber to fresh up. After washing away the cooking smell, when she came out again, she saw all the dishes were on the table. But the portions of each dish were smaller. And then she saw the oil stain at the corner of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s mouth which he didn¡¯t have time to wipe it out. She was frustrated for a while and then asked, ¡°Can you still eat?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said proudly, ¡°I can¡¯t get enough of your cooking!¡±

    ¡°I suddenly regret having promised to cook for you by myself...¡± Qiu Yn sat downining and sighed, ¡°You are so greedy now. Will you get fat? And then you won¡¯t be as good looking as now!¡±

    Chunran and others all coughed. Jiang Yashuang looked at her for a while and smiled weirdly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let myself be ugly no matter how much I eat!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s more like it!¡± Qiu Yn was joking. And then she heard Jiang Yashuang muttering, ¡°Don¡¯t think that I don¡¯t know! Did you agree to cook for me because of my good looking? If I be less attractive... Will you continue cooking for me? Don¡¯t think about cking off!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t act like a foodie all the sudden!¡± Qiu Yn was frustrated. After they finished eating, the servants offered them tea to rinse their mouths. And then the servants offered them tea to drink. She took over the teacup and yed with it. Then she looked up and asked, ¡°How about the thing this time?¡±

    After she was off the hook, she heard that Marquess Qin summoned Jiang Yashuang right after he was off work. So, she went directly to the kitchen to cook in order to reward her husband. They hadn¡¯t shared their experiences yet.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t my grandmother have everything arranged?¡± Jiang Yashuang took a sip of his tea and said with a faint smile, ¡°Anyway, grandfather thought that you were young and spirited. He asked me to guide you properly. In case someone takes advantage of you and you don¡¯t even know...¡±

    ¡°Just like this?¡± Qiu Yn asked, ¡°So, the grandfather thought the third branch was the one to me?¡±

    ¡°Grandfather does feel disappointed about the third branch now... But he can¡¯t warn them in public. So, you are still the one to be punished. First, you need to invite Madame Miao to dinner to apologize to her in a few days.¡± Jiang Yashuang said cynically, ¡°Of course, second sister-inw also needs to apologize to eighth sister-inw... Oh. Grandfather said that I was not strict enough with you. So, I need to go to apologize with you.¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t care, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll apologize. Right, Yayue isn¡¯t in the city. Only Madame Miao will go to apologize to Madame Tao Junior. Will Madame Tao Junior get otherpensations? In fact, she is the most innocent one today.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll be disappointed.¡± Thinking of Jiang Yayue, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s look got moreplicated. He said tly, ¡°Grandfather didn¡¯t ask Madame Miao to treat.¡±

    ¡°Howe!¡± Qiu Yn was stunned and then angry, ¡°Madame Tao Junior is the eldest sister-inw of our branch! Madame Miao is nothingpared with her. This is outrageous!¡±

    She liked Madame Tao Junior before because Madame Tao Junior was gentle and kind, who guided her the new daughter-inw of the Jiang Family carefully. However, when Madame Miao wanted to hit her today, Madame Tao Junior stood in front of her. Although Qiu Yn wasn¡¯t afraid of Madame Miao even without Madame Tao Junior shielding her and Madame Tao Junior might be sure that Madame Miao didn¡¯t dare to hit her, how could she bear to let this kind of sister-inw keep being bullied?

    She threw a tantrum for a while. Seeing that Jiang Yashuang was just smiling, she sent away the servants and approached him, ¡°Madame Tao Junior suffered great humiliation for me today. Are you going to let it go just like that?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang took a sip of tea and nced at her, ¡°Knowing that Madame Tao Junior did that for you and I also will do something for you... What should you do?¡±

    Qiu Yn leaned against his shoulder and put her arms around his neck. Then she kissed him on each cheek.

    ¡°Not... Very sincere!¡± Jiang Yashuang wasn¡¯t satisfied and leered at her, ¡°This time is tricky... Right?¡±

    Qiu Yn hit his hand grumpily and shouted, ¡°I¡¯m serious!¡±

    ¡°Put on your best behavior tonight. And I¡¯ll tell you tomorrow!¡± Jiang Yashuang wasn¡¯t swayed and demanded calmly, ¡°Don¡¯t y fox and don¡¯t fight back! It¡¯s non-negotiable!¡±

    ¡°You are over the line!¡± Qiu Yn shook his arm with frustration and fawned, ¡°Tell me... You never kept things from me before. Have you really gone bad?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang turned sideways and kissed her neck for a while. Then he said with a smile, ¡°Who¡¯s going to keep this from you? As long as you behave, I¡¯ll tell you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°You never asked me for anything before...¡±

    ¡°Was I such a gentleman?¡± Jiang Yashuang leered at her, ¡°I remembered I have asked you for things many times...¡±

    Qiu Yn squinted, ¡°Then you¡¯d better think it through! Do you want benefits like this in the future or not?¡±

    ¡°You are married anyway,¡± Jiang Yashuang obviously nned to show his true colors. He touched her cheeks and smiled, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to give me the benefit, I¡¯ll take it myself... So, you have to behave, understand?¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay. Anything you need...¡± Qiu Yn struggled for a bit and couldn¡¯t break free. She had an idea and nestled into his arms suddenly. She said prettily, ¡°Please just tell me!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said with a smile, ¡°No. I¡¯ll tell you tomorrow. Don¡¯t think of me as a fool. You agree so easily right now. But after I tell you, you definitely will deny!¡±

    She clearly didn¡¯t have enough credit after all the bad things she had done.

    Qiu Yn was so depressed. She was about to say something. Jiang Yashuang rubbed against her cheeks and asked first, ¡°Right. Did you mention He Shuijin to grandmother on purpose today?¡±

    ¡°Oh. Grandmother saw through me?¡± Qiu Yn said so. But she didn¡¯t look like she cared, ¡°We agreed to go after the first branch together. We can¡¯t do all the heavy lifting and get punished by the elders, and let the third branch profit from our conflict, can we?¡±

    She continued, ¡°I bet that Shuijin wille to me in a few days. And she will tell me that Madame Shi and Madame Zhang told her to sow discord today. As the youngest daughter-inw of the third branch, she had to listen to them... She will expect that I¡¯d better hate every one of the third branch except her!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang reminded her before that He Shuijin was very scheming. And she would have been so stupid if she hadn¡¯t guarded against her at Madame Zhang¡¯s ce today!

    Although Qiu Yn meant to humiliate the first branch, it didn¡¯t mean that she was happy to be yed by He Shuijin.

    She pretended to be worrying about Jiang Yadan just now. She didn¡¯t mean to hide it from Madame Tao. Anyway, since everyone participated in the fighting of the sisters-inw get-together, no one could escape unscathed!

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°I thought you were close to her before. So, you would go easy on her and wouldn¡¯t expose her.¡±

    ¡°She wants to be the good daughter-inw of the third branch. Then I should think for our branch, should I?¡± Qiu Yn puckered her lips and said tly, ¡°Otherwise, the elders will probably think that I¡¯m block-headed. Didn¡¯t grandfather ask me not to be used by others?¡±

    Jiang Qizheng invited her to go hiking at Jinxiu Slope at the beginning ofst year. It was her first time to go there. Before they departed, He Shuijin got on her carriage and tried to be friends with her. But at the bottom of the Jinxiu Slope, Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng gave Qiu Yn a hard time. Among all thepanions, she was only familiar with Jiang Qizheng and He Shuijin.

    But only Jiang Qizheng kept trying to help her.

    He Shuijin kept her head down and pretended not to see or hear.

    Instead, Zhuang Man stood up for her.

    So, Qiu Yn always considered Zhuang Man as her best friend.

    He Shuijin surely had her own difficulties. As Jiang Qisheng¡¯s future sister-inw back then, she couldn¡¯t humiliate her... However, Qiu Yn also had her own difficulties in exposing her in front of Madame Tao. As the new daughter-inw of the Jiang Family whose husband was the most valued offspring, if she didn¡¯t show her shrewdness, how disappointed the elders should be?

    Especially, He Shuijin was good at managing the family and the money. As the youngest daughter-inw of the third branch, she got to supervise the household instead of her two sisters-inw right after she got married. As the daughters-inw, Madame Tao Junior of the fourth branch was weak. And Sheng Shishui¡¯s origin was awkward. Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t count on either of them. If she wasn¡¯t fierce, how could her branch keep a foothold among others?

    She didn¡¯t think ofpeting with He Shuijin for supervising the household. First, it wasn¡¯t realistic. Second, she wasn¡¯t interested. However, she exposed He Shuijin¡¯s little scheme euphemistically which would let the elders know that she figured it out but didn¡¯t expose it to the public. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t feel guilty doing so.

    ¡°I¡¯m not ming you. I just have those feelings. You know that she treated me like her own brother before. In the twinkling of an eye, although we aren¡¯t enemies, we begin to scheme against each other. I feel so sorry about this kind of change.¡± Jiang Yashuang exhaled. Qiu Yn just spent time with He Shuijin for two years. She didn¡¯t feel pressure because they spent time with each other courteously but without sincerity. Comparing to that, Jiang Yashuang who called her sister during his childhood felt no less affection for her than for Jiang Qizheng.

    But he wasn¡¯t a sentimental person after all. Besides, they were just scheming against He Shuijin. They didn¡¯t have a conflict in nature. So, he was gloomy for a while. Then he moved on and smiled, ¡°I knew you were too smart to suffer losses!¡±

    They were in it together. And Qiu Yn was thinking for their branch. Although Jiang Yashuang felt sorry for the alienation and estrangement between him and He Shuijin, he couldn¡¯t me his wife. They were on the same side after all.

    ¡°Grandmother went to grandfather¡¯s ce to talk about this just now? I wonder what those three of the third branch will say next time they meet in private.¡± Qiu Yn knew that he wasn¡¯t the silly type. She asked with care, ¡°I don¡¯t mind. I¡¯m just worried about Madame Tao Junior and Shishui getting implicated.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°Grandmother just revealed it to me. How could she reveal it to the third branch? Trust me. Even if the third branch finds out that when grandmother talked to grandfather, she described them as the worst one, they still may not suspect you... After all, my grandfather favors the first branch more and my grandmother favors us more, which is a tacit truth in our family. Grandmother will make the third branch the scapegoat voluntarily without you telling her the truth!¡±

    Qiu Yn leaned against him and sighed with gging interest, ¡°s. I really have a lot to worry about as your wife!¡±

    ¡°What can you do about it?¡± Jiang Yashuang answered calmly, ¡°Who let you covet my beauty? How could others not envy you for hogging such a handsome man like me? It¡¯s called a man¡¯s wealth is his own ruin... Who else should be worried but you?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn turned around and bit his Adam¡¯s apple gently. She said angrily, ¡°I won¡¯t be worried anymore! You will be worried about things yourself. I quit!¡±

 Chapter 222 - You Deserved! You Spoiled Him!

    <h4>Chapter 222 You Deserved! You Spoiled Him!</h4>

    In the morning of the next day, the couple said sweet words to each other after getting up. And then, Jiang Yashuang said to Qiu Yn, ¡°I have required Yadan to get an exnation from Uncle Mengmin. In my opinion, if Uncle Mengmin begs grandfather for Madame Miao, my grandfather may forgive Madame Miao, or she must be punished seriously.¡±

    Qiu Yn was a little stunned when hearing his words, ¡°So, Yadan can do this? Impressive!¡±

    ¡°You know what, Yadan was raised in the first branch!¡± Jiang Yashuang said with a cold smile. As the maids did not enter the room, he continued, ¡°You know, Yadan was very smart in his childhood. His intelligence was well-known in the capital. How could he be a person who only focuses on women?¡±

    ¡°... About this, did anyone exin what was going on about him?¡± Qiu Yn paused for a while. There were only three males in the fourth branch. And Jiang Yadan was the first child in the first branch! How could he be raised to be a useless man? It was not strange if Yadan¡¯s parents killed the first branch because of this!

    Jiang Yashuang mocked, ¡°Grandfather has been protecting the first branch. There was nothing my father could do about it. He had to pretend to be a blind man.¡±

    ¡°What about your mother?¡± Although she got married not long ago, Qiu Yn had heard some news about her mother-inw, Madame Zhuang. She was more of an aggressive woman. Zhuang Man, it was said, was just like her aunt, Madame Zhuang. Butpared to Madame Zhuang back then, Zhuang Man, who was shrewd and unruly in the eyes of others, was simply a good girl!

    Even if Jiang Tianchi was willing to take the consequences, she wouldn¡¯t be, would she?

    ¡°My mother did not know about it.¡± Said Jiang Yashuang with a serious face. ¡°My father was afraid that my mother might make big trouble due to this... So, he ordered all of us to hide it from her. Even now, she always thinks that the smart Yadan bes today¡¯s Yadan because he changed his focus from books to Kungfu, and the reason he serves in the Imperial Army instead of the Northern Army was that grandfather liked him very much. And the other reason was that Empress Jiang wants an insider in the pce... ¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see now!¡± Sighed Qiu Yn. ¡°But, do you think that it was good to ask Yadan to go to the first branch? Yadan must hate the first branch deeply. As you know... ¡±

    ¡°Not at all,¡± said Jiang Yashuang, shaking his head, ¡°he has been raised to be a useless man by the first branch. Anyway, he always thinks that our family is a prominent family with an ocean of wealth. He thinks it is okay to be supported by the family, looking for girls and ying with them. And you know what, even now, the first branch still spoils him very much. He always seeks help from the first branch after making trouble.¡±

    Qiu Yn said with a cold smile, ¡°He is not even thinking of improving himself. So, it is natural that he does not think the people who spoil him are hateful! But there is one thing I don¡¯t understand. Does the first branch really want to save his ass? ording to my observation, Madame Dou Junior and others do not like Madame Tao Junior at all!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said with a cold smile, ¡°The first branch attempts to destroy a talent by overpraising him. Yadan could have got and done what he wanted since his childhood, but without any punishment for the trouble he made. When he was old enough, they took him out, ying, drinking and looking for girls. Long story, in short, they tried hard to spoil him. Have you ever seen anyone who has been spoiled could be sent away without meeting his demands?!¡±

    Of course not!

    Caiqi rushed to Qiu Yn, whispering to her with her shirt in her hand not long after Jiang Yashuang went to work, ¡°The young master Yadan is arguing something with the first branch! The Madame just sent a maid over here, instructing you to pretend to be ill andying down in bed in the inner chamber, and no matter who will invite you, don¡¯t answer. Just lie in bed. We will deal with theers!¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Qiu Yn nodded with a sh in her eyes. She immediately entered into the inner chamber, taking off her clothes and lying down in bed. And then shemanded Caiqi to her bed, ¡°Do you know what¡¯s going on about Yadan?¡±

    Caiqi asked Caiying to the front door to deal with theers. And then she sat cross-legged, smiling, ¡°It is just a farce. He has a few tricks which he had used many times... You may not understand what¡¯s going on about him as you got married not long ago. I can guess out what¡¯s going on even I am not there.¡±

    ¡°Let me tell you what he will do. First, he gives his requirements. If they are unmet, he will smash ornaments, hit people, and then curse them with their ancestors¡¯ names, saying they did not do good deeds in the old days... ¡± Caiqi said with a cough, adding, ¡°I guess after today, the first branch has to rece a lot of ornaments.¡±

    Qiu Yn was shocked, ¡°He... Usually smashes a lot?¡± Depending on the decorations in the inner chamber, it was easy to tell that the Jiang Family had a wealthy life. Jiang Tianao was a generation older than Jiang Yashuang, and he was a vice premier. But the most important was that he was one of the nieces of Marquess Qin who liked him very much. So, the decorations and ornaments in the first branch¡¯s rooms must be worth a lot!

    ¡°What a loser. He must feel lucky that he was born and raised in the wealthy Jiang Family. If he was born and raised in amon one, he must have been dead one hundred times already!¡±

    Caiqi began to whisper to her when she was immersed in her thought, ¡°In fact, smashing some ornaments is okay. I remember that long ago, there was a time when the young master was arguing with Old Master Tianao. Old Master Tianao did not think that his requirements were reasonable and told him that he wanted some time to think about it... Back then, Old Master Tianao had a concubine. He liked her very much. Because Old Master Tianao liked her much, this concubine overvalued herself. She came in and said something harsh. Guess what happened next. The young master became outraged. He grabbed her hair to the middle of the hall, drowning her in the pool. He even hit Old Master Tianao with his fist twice... ¡±

    ¡°...¡± Hearing the story, Qiu Yn felt speechless. ¡°I have met Yadan before. I don¡¯t think he was... Like the man you said.¡±

    Even though she did not like him from their first meeting... Anyway, as a man who could say, ¡°You said you like the Persian cat? In my opinion, Fair Concubine is just like the cat you like. After I get sick of her, you can go and tell them the secret,¡± it was not strange that he was such ruthless...

    No wonder why Madame Tao said that the first branch would not deal with Jiang Yadan on purpose. What Madame Tao said was too vague. Jiang Yadan must be thest man the first branch wanted to see.

    ¡°You are our young master¡¯s wife. Your status is much higher than outsiders,¡± said Caiqi with a smile. ¡°Although the young master Yadan has been looked down by many people, he is good to the young master Yazhu, Chunfu Princess and our young master.¡±

    So, when Jiang Yashuang held me in his arm, walking into the yard, Jiang Yadan restrained himself, doing a favor for his brother?!

    Qiu Yn was speechless, ¡°All right. I have known much! Let me lie down... Tell me if anything new happens!¡±

    What was happening was like Madame Tao expected. One by one, maids came to invite Qiu Yn. They needed her to go to the first branch, exining to Jiang Yadan. But not surprisingly, all of them were persuaded to go back by Caiying.

    Among them, an old maidservant said that she must see Qiu Yn. As she insisted, Caiying let her enter into the inner chamber. The old maidservant just saw a vague human shape behind the bed-curtain and heard several coughs. She even wanted to open the bed-curtain on the pretext of greeting to make sure it was Qiu Yn lying in the bed and being ill. Realizing what she wanted to try, Caiqi asked some servants to get her out of the chamber. ¡°You cheap old maid! Your presence in the inner chamber has tainted our woven carpet! You even dare to get closer to ourdy?! Do you think we, the fourth branch, is amb or something else?¡±

    Caiying quietly entered into the bed-curtain while Caiqi was yelling at the old maid, ¡°About the old maid, we throw her out or...?¡±

    ¡°Tie her up and send her to He Shuijin in the third branch!¡± Qiu Ynmanded. She had preserves while lying on the cushion without raising her head. She continued, ¡°As He Shuijin is in charge of the house, we should send the maid to her. Let¡¯s not take it upon ourselves to punish her, lest she thinks we want to do something bad.¡±

    No need to say, the impatient and bold maid must be from the first branch.

    In the first ce, the third branch was determined to stand aside, watching the fourth branch fighting with the first branch and cashing in on the fight... Now, the fourth branch was fighting with the first branch. Qiu Yn reasoned that if she needed help, it would be fine to bother them.

    No one came over until noon, which marked that Jiang Yadan had ended his farce.

    Surely, before the noon, Caiqi went back, reporting, ¡°In the morning, the young master Yadan went to the first branch, standing on Old Master Tianao¡¯s way to the office. He mentioned that his wife was insulted. After hearing his words, Old Master Tianao immediately said that Madame Miao should offer a banquet to make amends to Madame Tao Junior. But the young master Yadan did not agree with his idea. He argued that Madame Miao was so rude. She deserved to be punished by a divorce. He thought that only in this way, the Jiang Family could save its face in the capital!¡±

    Speaking of this, Caiqi bit her lips. Seeing her behavior, Qiu Yn smiled and encouraged her, ¡°Go on!¡± To hear Jiang Yadan wanted to protect the Jiang Family¡¯s reputation from being tainted was weird!

    ¡°Of course, Old Master Tianao would not say yes to him. And then, the young master Yadan began to smash ornaments and hit the servants... What he did stopped Old Master Tianao from going to the office! And then, his mother stood out, advising him to give up. Not seeded. It¡¯s almost noon, the young master Yadan became impatient. He wanted to argue with Madame Miao in person. The first branch failed to stop him. So, they rushed to the second branch and asked Madame Miao to hide in her mother¡¯s house, the Miao Family.¡±

    Caiqi continued with a smile, ¡°I guess, the young master Yadan has walked out of the first branch. He must go to the Miao Familyter to find Madame Miao!¡±

    ¡°He is so... ¡± Qiu Yn mulled over, bursting into augh. ¡°They deserve it! They spoiled him on purpose in the past. Now, it is the time they pay for what they did. They deserve it!¡±

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but sigh, ¡°People always say that Yadan is not good for Madame Tao Junior. But depending on what he did today, he surely respects Madame Tao Junior! It is reasonable as they are a young couple.¡±

    Hearing her words, Caiqi felt weird. She stood up, saying, ¡°About this, it may be... Probably...?¡±

    ¡°Why are you stammering?¡± Qiu Yn asked surprisingly. ¡°Not true?¡±

    ¡°The young master Yadan is not at home recently. The servant sent letters to him, asking him to go home. But he did not take it seriously. It was our young master Yashuang who sent a servant to ask him to go home.¡± Caiqi said bitterly. ¡°Why did he argue with the first branch today? It was because our young master has argued with him in private. He promised our young master because he couldn¡¯t say no.¡±

    So, the foolproof back-up that Jiang Yashuang mysteriously said yesterday was to argue with his brother, Jiang Yadan, and forced his brother to argue with the first branch?!

    Qiu Yn felt emotional. She said with hands on her forehead, ¡°Anyway, the first branch will suffer a lot this time!¡±

    No need to say that although Jiang Yadan had been spoiled since his childhood, the first branch would not admit they spoiled him. They must admit in their heart: This was what the first branch owed Jiang Yadan!

    And, as far as Jiang Yadan was concerned, he had nothing to worry about. His only hobby was to look for girls. There was nothing else he was interested in. As a saying went, a man who had no desire would be firm. He was a child of the Jiang Family. If he did not do something very serious such as killing parents or brothers or sisters, his farce would be forgiven by the seniors in the Jiang Family although the seniors might be furious about him. But the seniors could do nothing about him, given the Jiang Tianchi¡¯s status in the family!

    It was known that there was no one else who was capable of leading the Northern Army except Jiang Tianchi in the family.

    Jiang Yayue is not reliable. Even if he had not been suppressed by Jiang Tianchi for so many years, his qualifications, ability and experience could not support him to be installed as the leader of the Northern Army.

    So, even now Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei could control Jiang Tianchi, they would be reluctant to be at odds with him!

    That was because once Jiang Tianchi failed, the base established by Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei over the past decades in the Northern Army would copse. It would be a disaster. It wasn¡¯t a false statement, considering the Ruan Family and the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. They ran the Western Army longer than the Jiang Family ran the Northern Army!

    But what happened to them atst? Kuang Shihan betrayed them. Now in the Western Army, there was no single man named after Ruan or Qiu.

    The Ruan Family and the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe were not arrogant and didn¡¯t have many political enemies back then. But what happened to them? One had lost his heirs, and the other one waspletely gutted... If the Jiang Family were in their shoes, the whole family would be dead, given the public anger they caused in the past!

    Hence, Jiang Yadan had nothing to worry about. He could make trouble without concerning anything. His wife did nothing wrong but was insulted. He argued and fought on behalf of his wife. It was very logical!

    On the other hand, could the first branch follow his example, arguing with Qiu Yn? Even if Jiang Yayue considered it was fine without thinking of his reputation, the first thing he should do was toe back from the Beijiang!

    ¡°You are so right,¡± smiled Caiqi. ¡°This month ising to an end. I guess the young master Yadan must need money. If the Miao Family wants to solve the problem, they surely will sacrifice much this time!¡±

    ... So, Jiang Yadan argued so hard because he needed money?

    Thinking of this, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but sigh. As a neer of the Jiang Family, she had a lot to learn and worry about. The people in this family were so cunning.

    ¡°I was thinking that Madame Tao Junior has suffered a lot because of me this time. I must send some gifts and money to her tofort her... But now, I think it will be better to send her some medicine. After Yadan knows what I have sent, he can ask more from the Miao Family,¡± said Qiu Yn seriously.

    Thinking for seconds, Caiqi suggested discreetly, ¡°You¡¯d better decoct the herb and then send a maid to there with the finished herb. Her house is not far away from here. If you send the raw herb to her, it may be intercepted by someone. She probably can¡¯t even get them.¡±

    ¡°The concubines of Yadan are so unruly?¡± Qiu Yn frowned. She intended to ask more while Chen Shui lifted the curtain, reporting, ¡°Mydy, He Shuijin is here!¡±

    ¡°Sure enough, shees,¡± said Qiu Yn, stopping asking more questions about the concubines of Yadan. She stood up and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go and meet her.¡±

 Chapter 223 - I Know You Have Your Difficulties

    <h4>Chapter 223 I Know You Have Your Difficulties</h4>

    ¡°Yn, I am sorry about what happened yesterday!¡± He Shuijin said, saying sorry to her when walking into the Flower Hall.

    Qiu Yn hurried to hold her arm, saying, ¡°Shuijin, don¡¯t mention it! It¡¯s none of your business. It was Madame Dou Junior and Madame Miao who don¡¯t like me.¡±

    ¡°What you said hurts my feelings!¡± He Shuijin said with red eyes. She was almost crying. ¡°I knew that Madame Dou Junior and Madame Miao don¡¯t like you. However, they did not mention the phoenix hairpin. It was obvious that they did not want to look into it! Actually, it was us who did not hold it very well, which made the conflict severer. We even did not attempt to help you out. But we fueled it! If Madame Shi, Madame Zhang and I had tried to appease it, Madame Tao Junior would not have been wronged. We know, you just got married. If we had handled it well, you would not have been scolded by parents.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought that you were pretending to be a good girl and it was because the whole third branch who should be med for the conflict. You wanted to remind me that I should not hate you if I wanted to.

    She said dismissively, ¡°I know you have the difficulties that you don¡¯t want to mention. But, Madame Shi, Madame Zhang and you are in the same branch. You must have made them angry about you when you began to be in charge of the house over them. They started the fight yesterday. If you had not echoed them, you might have offended them.¡±

    He Shuijin paused. Obviously, her prepared words had been spoken out by Qiu Yn. Hence, all of a sudden, she had nothing to say.

    Thanked her quick response, she got an idea when she was wiping her tears. She said, ¡°Yn, thanks for your consideration. What you said dwarfed me! But I believe that this thing is not over. If we only had to deal with Madame Shi and Madame Zhang, I would not have put you on the spot. We have a good and deep rtionship and I am not a girl who is afraid of trouble haunting over me!¡±

    Hearing her words, Qiu Yn showed her surprise, ¡°Oh? Shuijin, what do you mean? Is there anything I don¡¯t know?¡±

    ¡°You are right!¡± He Shuijin was pleased to see her surprise. This meant that the initiative of the talking between them was back to her hand again. Hence, she became calmer and continued to say, ¡°Over the past months, as for the biggest thing in the court, I think you have known it, right?¡±

    ¡°The biggest thing... Is it the fight for the status of the crown prince?¡± Qiu Yn said, squinting. She almost had known what He Shuijin wanted to say.

    Surely, He Shuijin nodded, saying, ¡°That is the exact thing I am talking about!¡±

    ¡°But it is a thing in the court. I don¡¯t think it has something rted to the battle in the Imperial Harem?¡± Qiu Yn asked.

    ¡°Yashuang did not tell you what¡¯s going on?¡± He Shuijin asked for confirmation. Seeing her shaking her head, she said with relief, ¡°I guess he thought that you couple got married not long ago. He did not want to bother you with those things...¡± After all, Jiang Yashuang was born and raised in her family. She also knew that Qiu Yn was not a gentle girl. So, she found a good reason for Jiang Yashuang, trying to get him not to be med by Qiu Ynter. She continued, ¡°As a matter of fact, I don¡¯t know much about the thing. I just heard a little from my mother. Yashuang might have done something great in the fight for the status of the crown prince!¡±

    ¡°Thanks to his contribution, we all think that the status of the Jiang Family will be stable! I think you two will be rewarded a lion share for his contribution.¡± He Shuijin sighed. ¡°But there have been many seniors in the court. If the government creates one more senior position, it may devalue the positions. Hence, when one gets a big one, the others, of course, will get less. Against this background, many people hope Yashuang and you make mistakes! So, they can find a reason to grab your rewards!¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°I don¡¯t know this!¡± She thought for a second and asked, ¡°Shuijin, so, about what happened yesterday, you, Madame Shi and Madame Zhang were intentionally to let me fight with the first branch... Is it because, I guess, our third aunt asked you to do it? So, you did not defy her, right?¡±

    ¡°... I don¡¯t dare agree with what you guessed,¡± said He Shuijin, pausing for a while. ¡°Anyway, I have noticed that there is a rumor circting in our family. That is: the fourth branch, Yadan and Yazhu, they all... Among them, only Yashuang can win credits for the Jiang Family! He is young but gets the lion share of the rewards... It... shames other branches...¡±

    ¡°Wow, very impressive. You are truly a girl who could be in charge of the Marquess Qin¡¯s family before getting married! You even dare betray your mother-inw and your aunt!¡± Qiu Yn thought, frowning. However, she did not show her anxiety to her. She continued to think, ¡°If I believe what you said, I will be in your trap. I must think that there will be no good person in the family at all?!¡±

    After hearing He Shuijin¡¯s words, she confirmed that she had known what He Shuijin nned. As she just got married and knew the Jiang Family not well, He Shuijin must have nned to seize the chance to frighten her to death and make Qiu Yn seek help from her. And atst, He Shuijin could get Qiu Yn to stand at the side of her.

    ¡°She might also have nned that I could be her helper someday and teach somebody a lesson. After I kick somebody¡¯s ass, she could stand out, scolding me for what I did. And she also must have nned that I would thank for her favor...¡± Qiu Yn was guessing what He Shuijin had nned. ¡°A girl under 20s is so shrewd. No wonder she could arrange everything in the family in order. Even Madame Shi and Madame Zhang are not convinced, they can do nothing about her!¡±

    ¡°But Shuijin, you calcted everything but left one. The big reward Yashuang got from the fight for the status of the crown prince is attributed to... Okay, it was because I saved Xue Nongying¡¯s life, which made Xue Chang stand firmly on the opposite of Empress Dowager Gu with the disguise of the neutral party,¡± thought Qiu Yn, squinting. ¡°But, whatever, it is a big secret. The people from the Jiang Family who could attend the court meeting or involved in the fight must have known it. They would be unlikely to tell this secret to their indoor wives!¡±

    She mulled over for a second and said slowly, ¡°Oh, I see. That means uncles and brothers of the family. They are unhappy about Yashuang?¡±

    He Shuijin sighed, ¡°The Jiang Family is so big. You know, there are many things out of our control... Take me as an example, why could I be in charge of the Marquess¡¯s Mansion¡¯s ount before getting married? At that time, it was my mother who was in charge of it. But the brothers squandered a big sum of money every year, which made a big hole in the ount. My mother was afraid that the seniors would m her. So, she secretly sold her dowry to fill the hole. Unfortunately, in less than two years, she could not afford it any longer... My mother was so worried that she rushed back to the He Family, crying about the ount to my grandma. I identally overheard what she said and gave her ideas. She followed my ideas, and finally, she turned losses into profit. And then, I was engaged to Jiang Yaheng!¡±

    ¡°They urged me to check the ount all the time... And then, my mother was ill. Because of this, she told my grandmother that I was capable of being in charge of the ount!¡± He Shuijin said, biting her lip. ¡°Since then, Madame Shi and Madame Zhang have been unhappy about me! But I dared not offend them. If they could be in charge of the ount, it would be a relief for me. You know, I have my business to run!¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded without saying a word, showing that she understood her feelings. But she thought, ¡°If somebody, for example, it was Jiang Yadan in the Jiang Family, who squandered a lot of money, why did your mother use her own dowry to fill the hole? Part of the money must be squandered by her husband and son. They must have squandered the most! Madame He must be afraid that Marquess Qin would use her of her failure in the ount. So, she had to burden all sufferings and used her dowry to fill the hole. Andter, she found that you, He Shuijin, knew much about how to run business. She, of course, would not be stupid to let you go as she was caught in the hot pot!¡±

    Actually, He Shuijin was a pathetic girl in the family. She gave her aunt good ideas, but she finally became the daughter-inw of her own aunt. Fortunately, Jiang Yaheng treated her nicely. Or her marriage could be assumed as a tragedy.

    ¡°So, Yn, you and Yashuang must take care of yourselves!¡± He Shuijin said, pursing her lips. She continued to say, ¡°Not long ago, about what happened to Wan, I thought only the first branch would argue with you about the phoenix hairpin. Recently, I heard that all family members are unhappy about you two... Please, promise me, you won¡¯t spread what I told you today. Even some words you leak to others will kill me!¡±

    ¡°Mum¡¯s the word! Shuijin. I won¡¯t say a word to others!¡± Qiu Yn said promptly. ¡°You have done much for us. If I betray you, I must be an animal.¡±

    He Shuijin smiled, ¡°I¡¯ve been watching Yashuang growing up. I treat him like my brother! As for you, although our first meeting was two or three years ago, I already treated you like a mind-like person.¡± She sighed and continued, ¡°And, to be honest, although my mother asked me to be in charge of the ount, she always feels sorry to Madame Shi and Madame Zhang... I am living in the third branch, but I do not have a soulmate there! I used to talk with Qizheng before she got married. Now, she left, and I... I have nowhere to go but your ce. I am hoping that you won¡¯t kick me out of your room.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. I wee you toe here. You know what, you can be my mentor, teaching me how to live in the family.¡± Qiu Yn said, adding, ¡°As you mentioned the attitude of the family, in my opinion, I think they are unduly impatient!¡±

    He Shuijin was surprised, ¡°You mean?¡±

    ¡°The rewards for contribution in the fight for the status of the crown prince, in principle, will be determined by grandfather and Her Majesty. But the other family members have already nned to suppress us. Do you think grandfather and Her Majesty did not know their n?¡± Qiu Yn said dismissively. ¡°Maybe, grandfather and Her Majesty willfort us with a reward atst because what they did to us! If I had known their n earlier, I would have pushed away Madame Tao Junior and got that p myself!¡±

    ¡°If you got that p, Yashuang must be heartbroken,¡± He Shuijin said with a sh in her eyes. She added with a smile, ¡°It¡¯ste now. I have something else to deal with in my home... See you around!¡±

    ¡°See you then!¡± Qiu Yn walked her to the gate. They continued some small words until she got into her sedan. Qiu Yn then went back slowly with a happy face.

    Su He, who was standing beside them and serving tea, asked promptly when Qiu Yn walked into the room, ¡°About the thing Mrs. He said...¡±

    ¡°I have said it. They are too impatient!¡± Qiu Yn grunted. She sat on the bed, taking Fufang tea handed by Su He and sipping it. She whispered, ¡°Now I see that what happened to Wan is a disguise! The first branch started the trouble explicitly and the third branch fueled it implicitly. Their goal is nothing but to force us, the fourth branch to make mistakes. So, they can gain good reasons to cut the share of our rewards. You think about it. Although He Shuijin and I know each other well, we are not that well! I actually do not know her personality. Seeing I pped Madame Miao without hesitation, she might realize I am not a person who should be provoked!¡±

    He Shuijin¡¯s deduction was not an arbitrary one. Anyone who could hold back the provocation would not go there, begging to be pped in the face intentionally in the knowledge that the first branch grudged about the phoenix hairpin rewarded by Marquess Qin.

    What was more, in the sisters-inw¡¯s party, Qiu Yn did p Madame Miao in the face.

    ¡°I think, it will be better I offend everyone in the family after knowing that they all are unhappy about my husband!¡± Qiu Yn said dismissively, adding, ¡°Even though I can¡¯t offend them all at once, I will do it gradually...¡±

    Su He was stunned after hearing her words, ¡°But you said before that the third branch wanted to win us over?¡±

    ¡°After we offend as many as they wished and our rewards share is cut off, the third branch will stand out, trying to be nice to us. That¡¯s what they nned to do! What¡¯s more, the third aunt doesn¡¯t know what¡¯s going on. So does the third uncle? Why did they say nothing and let them be trapped? That is because what they nned is also the third uncle nned!¡± Qiu Yn said, pushing away Whitey who jumped and rested on her thighs. ¡°It¡¯s so hot. Go away, you cat!¡±

    Su He, after holding the Persian cat, expressed her dissatisfaction, ¡°I remembered in winter, you did not say so. At that time, you wanted to keep him on your thighs all the time!¡±

    ¡°Sure. But now it is summer. He is useless now!¡± Qiu Yn said, pushing away Nianxue who also wanted to rest on her thighs. ¡°Send them to me when it bes cold!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Su He was speechless. She stroked Whitey¡¯s head, deciding to talk about something else. ¡°Anyway, although Shuijin is a calcting girl, what she talked about was true? Is it real that each branch is unhappy about us now?¡±

    Not taking it seriously, Qiu Yn replied, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s true. So what? What I told her is also true. As long as grandfather and Her Majesty control the family, nothing else is important.¡± She squinted, adding, ¡°What¡¯s more, we don¡¯t know who the winner will be in the battle. Nobody can guess out the result until thest minute.¡±

    Meanwhile, in the third branch¡¯s room, Madame He was instructing He Shuijin, ¡°... It is not the best way to win Qiu Yn over. The key to the problem is how to win your grandfather!¡±

 Chapter 224 - Hard to Be A Daughter-in-law

    <h4>Chapter 224 Hard to Be A Daughter-inw</h4>

    He Shuijin sighed, ¡°But how could I get to talk in front of the grandfather?¡±

    She continued, ¡°Grandfather favors the first branch the most and then Yashuang. So, if we can win Madame Qiu over, it will benefit our branch a lot. In order to do so, you instructed me deliberately that I needed to get Madame Qiu to trust me even I had to speak ill of you and two sisters-inw! Now Madame Qiu has already...¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. But don¡¯t let it show,¡± Madame He reminded, ¡°Madame Qiu can¡¯t figure it out herself. Your grandfather is too busy to mind minor matters. Her Majesty is in the pce. But don¡¯t forget that there is the grandmother in your family! She has staked her life on the fourth branch! If you are too close to Madame Qiu and make her feel threatened, she will never tolerate it! She has Her Majesty to depend on!¡±

    He Shuijin was startled, ¡°I¡¯m such a fool! Thank you for reminding me!¡±

    Madame He smiled with satisfaction and said, ¡°You have done pretty well. You need to manage the whole family¡¯s expenses after all. Even I feel those old-timers among the butlers difficult to be dealt with. Let alone you. Even though, you still have to find time to win over Madame Qiu... s, your sisters-inw don¡¯t know her. It¡¯s better for you to do it! You have so many things to do. It¡¯s inevitable to make mistakes!¡±

    She didn¡¯t know that He Shuijin was polite and obedient on the surface. He Shuijin thought, ¡°It¡¯s true that being a daughter-inw is hard! When my aunt just consulted back then, she wanted me to do it for her. So, she didn¡¯t need to worry about anything! But when I became the Jiang Family¡¯s future daughter-inw and took over the finance, I handled everything impably. My aunt was not happy about it! I thought I wasn¡¯t good enough. Thank my mother for reminding me. I knew that my problem was being too good! Comparing to me, my aunt was nothing. How could she like me? So, I made mistakes deliberately every now and then after that. And then she was happy!¡±

    Of course, she showed her slip deliberately this time. So that Madame He could teach her in order to make her, the aunt and mother-inw, feel useful.

    So, after Madame He was satisfied, she went out and asked her maids, ¡°Will the bamboo flute from the former emperor¡¯s reign arrive in the city tomorrow?¡±

    The oldest maid Xian said in a hurry, ¡°It should be no problem!¡±

    ¡°If it can¡¯t arrive tomorrow, it must arrive the day after tomorrow!¡± A fierce look shed through He Shuijin¡¯s eyes. She said in a low voice, ¡°Deliver a message that they need to deliver it to me before the day after tomorrow regardless of the method. And they can¡¯t make a fuss about it!¡±

    Xian said yes and hurried to arrange it.

    Another maid Juan asked curiously, ¡°Why do you care about that bamboo flute so much? Although it¡¯s from the former emperor¡¯s region... There are a few flutes which are better than it in our storage!¡±

    ¡°You know nothing!¡± Although there was no one around, He Shuijin still lowered her voice. She said tly, ¡°That bamboo flute is called ¡®resentment of a beautiful soul¡¯. It¡¯s said that a famous bamboo flute maker from the former emperor¡¯s region who was a concubine in the pce made it with her hands without any tools out of bamboo in the cold pce after she got ndered and sent to the cold pce. She worked her heart out for more than a decade and made it from scratch... After she made it, she yed one of her favorite tunes on it. And then she died... So, it¡¯s called ¡®resentment of a beautiful soul¡¯.¡±

    Juan was confused, ¡°But you usually don¡¯t care about these kinds of things?¡±

    He Shuijin was cool and calcting. She despised sad love stories. She thought it was just a waste of time.

    ¡°But Uncle Tianjiao was very interested in it!¡± He Shuijin squinted, ¡°It¡¯s said that after he heard the story back then, he wanted to have people look for it... But he was ill not long after that. And then...¡±

    ¡°You want to give it to Madame Tao as a gift?¡± Juan was enlightened.

    Old Master Jiang Tianjiao was Madame Tao¡¯s only son and also Empress Jiang¡¯s brother. Judging by his name ¡°Tianjiao¡±, which meant the God¡¯s favored one, you could tell how much Marquess Qin adored him.

    Jiang Tianjiao lived up to his father¡¯s expectations. Under the guidance of Madame Tao, he grew up with people calling him a child prodigy. He was so brilliant, and yet he was humble, gentle and easy-going!

    He was in full swing back then. Qiu Jinn who got in the Hanlin Academy at 18 and Jiang Yashuang who got in the Hanlin Academy at 19bined was no match for him!

    Of course, before Jiang Tianjiao was going to take the imperial examination in spring as Jieyuan when he was 16, he suddenly was badly ill. And he died after a few months. Marquess Qin who was deeply grieved thought it was because he was showing his ability to the full extent. Something bad would happen if one was too showy. When it came to Jiang Yashuang, Marquess Qin forbade him to have a reputation abroad. So, other than the Empress Dowager¡¯s clique who always kept an eye on the Jiang Family, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s talent was well-known after the county exam.

    Besides, if Jiang Yashuang hadn¡¯t been so brilliant that he got the ability to get the first rank before 20 and he might bezy over time, Marquess Qin even wanted him to take the examter. Might be when he was 30. It was better than ending up like Jiang Tianjiao!

    Madame Tao was devastated because of Jiang Tianjiao¡¯s death that she almost died. Madame Dou and Madame He didn¡¯t pay much attention to Jiang Tianjiao¡¯s funeral. They even gloated in private. Other than Empress Jiang, among the juniors, only Madame Tao Junior was truly sad about her uncle¡¯s death. And she took care of Madame Tao almost 24 hours a day during that period which gave Madame Tao somefort. And Madame Tao gradually recovered because of it.

    So, since then, although Madame Tao didn¡¯t say it out loud, she hated Madame Dou¡¯s and other¡¯s guts! And she treated her grandniece and granddaughter-inw Madame Tao Junior like her own granddaughter. She looked out for her in every possible way.

    Madame Dou, Madame He and others had their reasons for being so unwise back then. Empress Jiang just went to the pce back then and she didn¡¯t have political influence yet. So, her influence in the Jiang Family hadn¡¯t increased much since she got married. The emperor was such a puppet after all.

    So, Jiang Tianjiao was the biggest threat to Madame Dou and others in the Jiang Family.

    With Jiang Tianjiao¡¯s death, their husbands and sons didn¡¯t need to worry that their resources got taken by him. Of course, they were happy.

    However, the Empress had political influenceter. Although Marquess Qin was still in charge of the Jiang Family, Empress Jiang had more influence than her brothers. She was the most important leader after Marquess Qin in the Empress¡¯s clique. It was toote for Madame Dou, Madame He and others to regret.

    He Shuijin sent people to find the bamboo flute which Jiang Tianjiao wanted. Because she wanted to use this dead uncle to y up to Madame Tao and Empress Jiang.

    ¡°A bamboo flute can please grandmother and Her Majesty. What a great deal!¡± He Shuijin smiled faintly, ¡°Uncle Tianjiao¡¯s death anniversary is in three days. It has to arrive on time!¡±

    ¡°Does Madame He... This bamboo flute?¡± Juan whispered.

    ¡°It¡¯s said that mother behaved inappropriately on uncle Tianjiao¡¯s funeral which was seen by my grandmother¡¯s maids,¡± He Shuijin had a strange look, ¡°So, it¡¯s better not tell mother. In case her going there reminds grandmother of the unhappy past... It¡¯s better I go to talk to my grandmother alone.¡±

    Juan said knowingly, ¡°I promise that there will be something which Madame He will ask you to consult with Madame Tao on that day!¡±

    He Shuijin nodded with satisfaction.

    Right after she finished pleasing Qiu Yn, she nned to please Madame Tao and the Empress. She really had a deliberate n. But she didn¡¯t know that Empress Jiang was looking at a few secret letters with a sneer, ¡°Oh? It turns out that Yaheng¡¯s wife bought that bamboo flute. And it¡¯s on the way to the city at top speed? Interesting!¡±

    The maid gave a fair assessment, ¡°Although Madame Shuijin has an agenda, she is still thoughtful.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Empress Jiang nodded, ¡°Getting her son to marry her niece was probably the best thing Madame He did in her life!¡±

    ¡°Then let Madame Shuijin give Madame Tao the bamboo flute?¡± the maid asked.

    ¡°Considering that she made so much effort, let¡¯s do her a favor,¡± Empress Jiang said casually, ¡°Especially, she wants to keep it from Madame He and tell her afterwards... I wonder how Madame He will react after finding out about it?¡±

    The maid puckered her lips, ¡°If you want to encourage Madame Shishui to continue working for you and Madame Tao, it¡¯s better not to expose her.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just saying,¡± the Empress saidzily, ¡°Right. How does Yashuang¡¯s wife do these days? The Jiang Family has a lot going on right now. If she isn¡¯t smart enough, then Yashuang has to take care of her!¡±

    The maid thought for a while and then said, ¡°Can¡¯t tell for now. However, she doesn¡¯t seem like a person who is willing to suffer losses.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good that she isn¡¯t willing to suffer losses!¡± Empress Jiang sneered, ¡°I¡¯m not afraid that she acts like Madame Zhuang. Madame Zhuang is fine until now anyway, right? No one among the daughters-inw of the Jiang Family lives morefortable than her! I¡¯m afraid that she acts like Qianbin! That¡¯ll be bad! As long as Ningyi thinks for Yashuang sincerely and is good to my mother, so what she is a little aggressive? I¡¯ll speak up for her! However, if she is like Qianbin whom everyonepliments... How does it work out on Qianbin? Although she is the lineal daughter-inw, the servants are able to bully her.¡±

    The maid didn¡¯t say anything. She didn¡¯t agree with her evaluation of Madame Tao Junior, ¡°Madame Zhuang and Commandery Princess Ningyi both have their husbands to depend on. Madame Zhuang even has a son... What does Madame Tao Junior have? It¡¯s true that Madame Tao and Her Majesty both take pity on her. But Her Majesty is able to have political influence because of her maiden family. So, how do Her Majesty and Madame Tao dare to be too bias? Otherwise, other branches of the Jiang Family won¡¯t be obedient... Marquess Qin also won¡¯t agree!¡±

    ¡°Especially, even if she is aggressive, Young Master Yadan still won¡¯t be obedient. Hasn¡¯t he abandoned or even beaten a few concubines to death out of anger who he adored the minute before over the years? Having a husband like this, what else could Madame Tao Junior do except swallowing her pride?¡±

    When the maid was absent-minded, she heard a eunuch reporting, ¡°Your Majesty, the Seventh Prince is here!¡±

    ¡°Weisang?¡± Empress Jiang gave the secret letters to the maid and instructed her to store these properly. She straightened her clothing and then instructed, ¡°Ask him toe in!¡±

    After a while, the Seventh Prince Chu Weisang in prince clothes who wasn¡¯t tall enough but already had an imposing appearance came in alone. He bowed, ¡°Greetings, mother!¡±

    ¡°No need for the formalities!¡± Empress Jiang was very indifferent to those princes and princesses who weren¡¯t hers including Chu Weisang, the one in front of her, who was known as the smartest prince.

    However, since she took Xue Chang¡¯s advice and chose Chu Weisang to fight for the throne, she didn¡¯t mind acting a little more passionately. After she asked him to skip the formality, she asked him to sit in front of her, ¡°How is your day?¡±

    Chu Weisang expressed gratitude one more time before sitting down and then said, ¡°Thank you, mother. I¡¯m all well today.¡± He continued, ¡°I met Weizhou just now. We argued about some words of the sage. Weizhou couldn¡¯t justify himself and stormed out!¡±

    ¡°Everyone in the government knows that you are smart. How could that cheap Noble Consort Gu¡¯s sonpare to you?¡± Although Empress Jiang didn¡¯t like the puppet Emperor much, it didn¡¯t mean that she could tolerate a concubine to have an affair. Didn¡¯t that fair concubine die suddenly? It¡¯s hard to go after her own nephew. Otherwise, as long as he wasn¡¯t a member of the Jiang Family, the Empress definitely wouldn¡¯t let him off the hook!

    So, the Empress already hated Noble Consort Gu. After she knew that she had another man outside the pce, she hated her even more. However, Xue Chang was more valuable than an unfaithful concubine. The Empress had to tolerate her for now. She only addressed her with insulting words, ¡°Your gift is way better than Chu Weize. And you work harder than him. When they discuss the heir to throne someday, who else could they pick but you?¡±

    Chu Weisang said respectfully, ¡°How could I have the honor to be picked by the officials? I¡¯ll only be able to do that with your help!¡±

    ¡°Prepare for the exam well. In case people from Empress Dowager¡¯s clique harbor hostile intentions and make you fail,¡± Empress Jiang was pleased with his attitude and urged him not to ck.

    With Xue Chang¡¯s promise, the Empress was reassured. She just needed to urge Chu Weisang to put up a good show. Comparing to her, Empress Dowager Gu was intense, ¡°You got defeated again when you met Weisang just now? I did ask you not to answer his questions with your poor knowledge reserve! Or you can ask one of your talented staff to answer... It¡¯s not your first time losing to him. Why do you have to humiliate yourself?¡±

    Prince of Zhou was too scared to talk under the red stairs.

    The maid mediated, ¡°It¡¯s because the Seventh Prince was so mean that Prince of Zhou couldn¡¯t bear it at that moment... However, the Seventh Prince only dares topete in studying. When ites to general affairs, how could hepare with Prince of Zhou?¡±

    ¡°But he is still young. Jiang keeps him away from general affairs on the pretext of his needing to study...¡± Speaking of which, the Empress Dowager mused, ¡°She is probably making efforts to teach him to handle general affairs in the meantime. I can¡¯t let him keep studying. How many times has he shown his talent by defeating Weizhou recently?¡±

 Chapter 225 - The Candidate for the Crown Princess

    <h4>Chapter 225 The Candidate for the Crown Princess</h4>

    Empress Dowager Gu thought about it for a while, and then ordered, ¡°As for this year¡¯s holiday for preventing sunstroke... Weizhou, you will take charge of it!¡±

    Prince of Zhou was stunned, ¡°I...¡± Since it had been a custom to spend a holiday at a summer resort for the royal family and everyone was familiar with it, so ording tomon sense, it could be arranged ording to the old routine, which was not difficult.

    However, he could imagine that the Empress would not let him pass the test by just following suit! Besides the days for preparation, the journey to Mount Dizi would take a few days, so it couldn¡¯t be aplished in an action. It involved a wide range of manpower, departments and ware. It was not easy to do that!

    Seeing his hesitation, Empress Dowager Gu yelled angrily, ¡°What are you afraid of? Since the Empress hears that you are going to take charge of the summer holiday, she will let the Seventh Prince show up! You think you¡¯re the only one to be sabotaged?¡±

    The maid mediated, ¡°Your Highness, you don¡¯t have to worry. Although you are the one in charge, the Empress Dowager will send people familiar with this matter to assist you.¡±

    Hearing this, Prince of Zhou felt calm, ¡°As you say, grandma!¡±

    The Empress Dowager gave some advice to him, and then waved her hand to make him retreat with gging interest, ¡°Go and discuss with your staff. The day of the summer holiday ising. People in the pce have already been preparing for it. You can take it over now and get the fruits of others, but you have to do something by yourself to convince the officials.¡±

    After Prince of Zhou left, Empress Dowager Gu sighed in disappointment, ¡°The third prince is too far worse than the second prince. He is a few years older than the Seventh Prince, but he loses to him again and again! s! In the past few months, although the officials have not made a clear statement, I think and know that Xue Chang¡¯s group must be biased towards the Seventh Prince!¡±

    The maid said in a low voice, ¡°The Prince of Zhou is obedient to you and he is so filial. While the Seventh Prince...¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Empress Dowager Gu pondered for a while and said with a sneer, ¡°The Seventh Prince¡¯s mother¡¯s family is not brilliant. The emperor has so many sons and daughters, but only he gets the title as the smartest prince. No matter how great he is in the study, the teachers of them are not fools, so how will they spill the beans? It can be seen that he is not an easy man as he is so scheming. Jiang supports the Seventh Prince now, while she may be entrapped by him in the future before I handle her!¡±

    Every prince and princess grew up in the pce. Even if you didn¡¯t pay much attention to their disposition before, you could know well about that after asking the servants.

    Chu Weisang might not be the smartest among the princes, but he must be the boldest!

    When the court and themonalty knew that neither the Empress Dowager nor the Empress would allow the emperor¡¯s heirs to show up with great talents, he actually dared to ask his teacher to spread his smartness for him, and he seeded finally. If he had not been chosen by the Empress, what would have happened to him?

    Even if he was useful at this time, he might make a false countercharge in the future as he was such a bold person!

    So, Empress Dowager Gu definitely didn¡¯t want to use this grandson. Among her younger generations, she had had enough of Empress Jiang!

    Since Chu Weisang had no military strength, it was easy to control him no matter how scheming he was. But what would happen in the future was uncertain. After all, the world was of the Chu Family.

    After thinking about it for a moment, the Empress Dowager raised her head and said to the maid, ¡°What do you think the Princess of the third prince?¡±

    Last fall, Prince of Qi, the eldest prince, married Jiang Qiyun. At the end of the year, Prince of Yan also married Tang Xinyao, the daughter of Changping Princess and the granddaughter of Tang Zimo, the deputy prime minister.

    At this time, it was time to arrange the marriage for Prince of Zhou. After Prince of Yan chose Tang Xinyao as his princess, Princess Shou¡¯an was the guaranteed Princess Zhou. But Gu E¡¯nuo had instructed Qiu Nie and others to spread rumors on the pretext of the earthquake, forcing the Empress Dowager and the Empress to abandon their original candidates for the Crown Prince because she hated Prince of Yan for not choosing her, which made the Empress Dowager had a bad impression of her.

    So, their marriage was dyed then tacitly.

    Since the Empress Dowager asked this again, the maid knew that she had changed her views. Otherwise, since the engagement was not announced, it would be okay to change a Princess for Prince of Zhou. The Gu Family was different from the Jiang Family. The Gu Family relied on the Empress Dowager to be prominent, but Empress Jiang dared to fight for power with Empress Dowager relying on the Jiang Family.

    Gu E¡¯nuo was recognized as Princess Shou¡¯an, while Empress Dowager still could handle her whatever she liked!

    ¡°Princess Shou¡¯an is smart and alert, while Miss Tang is gentle and obedient.¡± The maid thought for a while and said cautiously.

    ¡°The children of the Tang Family are all obedient. But they are too obedient to be flexible.¡± The Empress Dowager thoughtfully said, ¡°Shou¡¯an... I thought she was wild before! But now, look at Weizhou. Nobody by his side can make the decision for him...¡±

    Prince of Zhou had been repeatedly beaten by the Seventh Prince in the past few months, which had annoyed Empress Dowager Gu obviously.

    In terms of staff and backstage, the Empress Dowager thought that what she gave Prince of Zhou was as good as what the Empress gave the Seventh Prince.

    But in the direct contests between them, Prince of Zhou had been losing more and winning less. If it just had happened once or twice, they could have muddled it through. But now... The crowds who didn¡¯t know the truth outside the pce could be fooled, but those who had a say in the selection of the Crown Prince could not be fooled so easily!

    However, the Empress Dowager didn¡¯t intend to change her candidate, because it could mean that all she had done for Prince of Zhou would be in vain, and it was also equivalent to admit that Prince of Zhou was inferior to the Seven Prince. Wasn¡¯t that mean that she didn¡¯t have a sharp eye in choosing people? That couldn¡¯t happen absolutely.

    So, in this case, it might be a remedy to let him marry ady who was scheming.

    What was more, Gu E¡¯nuo was different from Empress Jiang. She was a member of the Gu Family which relied on the Empress Dowager to be noble, so Empress Dowager Gu herself was Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s biggest backer. Gu E¡¯nuo could entrap Prince of Yan and Tang Xinyao, but she dared not set up the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager thought that it was impossible for Gu E¡¯nuo to be the second Empress Jiang. After all, Duke of Guangyang did not control the army.

    In terms of government affairs, the influence of the Duke of Guangyang was not as good as Xue Chang!

    ¡°We¡¯ll choose Shou¡¯an then.¡± The Empress Dowager finally made up her mind, ¡°As for Changping... Let Xinqiong be a concubine of Weizhou, and before Xinqiong gives birth to her eldest son, Shou¡¯an...¡±

    It would not onlyfort her biological daughter Changping Princess and knock down the restless granddaughter Princess Shou¡¯an, but also caused the son of the concubine to be born before the one of the Princess. They would get something more from Gu E¡¯nuo then in the future.

    The maid was sincerely convinced, ¡°As you say!¡±

    Knowing that Empress Dowager Gu was going to make Prince of Zhou get married, Empress Jiang also began to consider choosing an official wife for the Seventh Prince.

    ¡°The nieces are all married. In the younger generation, only Zhi of the first branch is the right age. But even if we don¡¯t care about seniority, it is not a good idea as well.¡± Empress Jiang said when she discussed the candidate with Marquess Qin, ¡°Especially, Jiang Qiyun is just Princess Qi. So, let¡¯s pick from the inws?¡±

    Marquess Qin knew that his daughter said so because she tried to take down the first branch.

    But he didn¡¯t intend to expose her. After all, no matter how partial he was to Jiang Tianao, he couldn¡¯tpletely ignore the feelings of his other children.

    So, he asked, ¡°Almost all girls entered the pce to greet you. Who do you think is suitable?¡±

    ¡°What do you think of the daughter of Cousin Yn?¡± Empress Jiang said bluntly, ¡°Zhuang Mo¡¯s youngest daughter is also good. But I¡¯ve asked the servants and they said that she was a bit like Madame Zhuang...¡±

    ¡°Then she is not suitable for the pce!¡± When Marquess Qin heard that Zhuang Man¡¯s personality was just like Madame Zhuang, he immediately rejected, ¡°She will only put you in trouble!¡± Marquess Qin didn¡¯t like his second daughter-inw not just because of Jiang Yadan but more because of Madame Zhuang¡¯s domineering and arrogant disposition. Well, to be honest, it was natural for such a daughter-inw not to please her parent-inw.

    Empress Jiang also knew this, so she mentioned Zhuang Man just to make aparison, ¡°The girl of the Ou Family is beautiful, but she is even more shrewish than Zhuang Man! Those two daughters of Chancellor Dou are so honest, but they are too gentle to be a Crown Princess. What¡¯s more, neither of Princess Yan and Princess Zhou is easy to handle. While Fubing is generous, thoughtful and flexible. So, I think she is suitable for this position.¡±

    Anyway, she didn¡¯t want anyone from the first branch, whether her surname was Jiang or Dou!

    Marquess Qin understood what his daughter meant then. Xin Fubing, Sir Jibei¡¯s granddaughter, was very close to the Jiang Family, and she was indeed a good girl, so he nodded, ¡°The prince¡¯s marriage is in your charge. It¡¯s up to you.¡±

    The Empress breathed a sigh of relief and secretly thought, ¡°Sir Jibei does not have many heirs, so he cherishes the boys and girls so much. Although Xin Fubing is only his granddaughter, she has always been regarded as a pearl in the palm by Sir Jibei and his wife. After she marries Weisang, we can have a closer rtionship with Sir Jibei then.¡±

    The younger generation could also influence Marquess Qin, butpared to his brothers of the same generation, his inferiors couldn¡¯t influence him so much.

    Although Sir Jibei always followed Marquess Qin¡¯s words, while Marquess Qin also had to consider Sir Jibei¡¯s words carefully at critical moments.

    Empress Jiang was well aware that Jiang Tianao, the eldest son of Kui Xiannan, held a high ce in her father¡¯s heart. She didn¡¯t expect him to fall out of favor all of a sudden, but she had been trying to make him to be in disgrace with her father. Choosing Xin Fubing this time was just one of the ways.

    After the Empress and Marquess Qin made the decision, Marquess Qin went out of the pce and went to the Mansion of Sir Jibei in person to tell his brother about it.

    Sir Jibei was not very in favor of the decision, ¡°I will let my daughter-inw ask her about her feelings. Anyway, there are so many inws in our family, so we have to pick a girl who is willing to marry into the pce. If she felt unhappy after marrying into the pce, we would also feel sorry for that.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡± Marquess Qin knew that he had only one granddaughter and he didn¡¯t want to upset her, so he said, ¡°I have discussed this matter with the Empress only, so nobody else knows it. If Fubing is not willing, we¡¯ll pick another girl then. The Seventh Prince is just 15, so it¡¯s not urgent.¡±

    Sir Jibei nodded and entrusted the matter to his daughter-inw Mi then. In fact, he should have let Madame Ou do that, while Madame Ou had always been so strict with the younger generations, so everyone in the Mansion of Sir Jibei was afraid of Madame Ou more than Sir Jibei. Sir Jibei also knew about this. He was worried that his wife would frighten his granddaughter, so he felt that it was more appropriate for his daughter-inw to do that.

    It should be alright, but Sir Jibei didn¡¯t know the conflict between Mi Yinyin and Xin Fubing about Jiang Yn.

    After all, he and Madame Ou had been in the north before. They just came back in the autumn ofst year. After they came back, they caught up with the fight for the status of the crown prince. He had so many important matters rted to the rise and fall of the Jiang Family to worry about, so how could he have the time to care about the trivia among his grandchildren?

    While Mi knew about that certainly.

    She had no grudge against Xin Fubing, and she knew that her son had an unrequited crush on Xin Fubing. But Mi Yinyin couldn¡¯t help worrying about that, and Jiang Yn was not a fool, so how could he not notice that? He had been so regretful that he could not marry Xin Fubing who he liked, and Mi Yinyin, who he thought gentle and considerate, was so narrow-minded. Jiang Yn was disappointed.

    So, within a few months of their marriage, Jiang Yn married two concubines and rarely spent the night with Mi Yinyin. So how could Mi, who deliberately married her niece to her son, hoping to further strengthen the rtionship between her natal family and her husband¡¯s family, not be anxious?

    ¡°It¡¯s a good chance.¡± After receiving the task from her father-inw, Mi felt excited, ¡°Hope Xin Fubing can get married quickly! After that, Yinyin can get rxed, and maybe she can be reconciled to Yn then.¡±

 Chapter 226 - Fear the Nagging of Giving Birth to a Boy Once and for All

    <h4>Chapter 226 Fear the Nagging of ¡°Giving Birth to a Boy Once and for All¡±</h4>

    Although the Xin Family didn¡¯t hold the same high social rank as the Jiang Family, Xin Fubing¡¯s mother Jiang Tianhe was Sir Jibei¡¯s own daughter, the only one who survived into adulthood. So, she was the apple of Sir Jibei and his wife¡¯s eyes.

    At present, she was in Guanzhou with her husband who took office there. However, what if she was reunited with her daughter one day and began to have some doubts about...

    Madame Mi thought it over for two days but she still could not make her decision. Considering the deadline set by her father-inw wasing, she then seized a chance to go back to her parents¡¯ home and ask her mother for help.

    ¡°Why do you fear? When your Madame Zhuang was in Jing City, she once even dared to beat Madame Dou¡¯sdy¡¯s maid to death in front of her,¡± Old Madame of the Mi Family said at once after hearing her granddaughter¡¯s worry because she sympathized with her and meanwhile wanted to build a close rtionship with the Jiang Family, ¡°However, what did Marquess Qin do with her? Nowadays you have two sons and even grandsons. The Seventh Prince is outstanding among the princes and now he is preferred by Her Majesty. His wife will be Crown Princess and even the Empress in the future. What a fate beyond imagination! So, you¡¯re giving her a good offer! Will the Xin Family dare to punish you after they know it? As long as you insist in front of your parents-inw that you just don¡¯t want her to waste her prime on the Ou Family¡¯s child, that¡¯s why you choose to lie!¡±

    Madame Mi said with worry, ¡°Although Xin Fubing is more docile than the Zhuang Family¡¯s and the Ou Family¡¯s daughters, she may tell the truth to her families... What if she says out her reluctance? Will our secret be disclosed?¡±

    Madame of the Mi Family squinted, ¡°If Ou Bicheng had a crush on her, they would have been engaged depending on that Madame Ou was Ou Bicheng¡¯s rtive! So, it means that it¡¯s only wishful thinking that she has for Ou Bicheng and Lan¡¯er has for her... Xin Fubing would never be given the chance to be the Empress if she was not born as the granddaughter of the Jiang Family! Since her parents are absent and her grandmother is too weak, no one can assist to provide advice to her now. Can¡¯t you even deal with a familiar girl with your experienced craft?¡±

    Seeing her daughter was still hesitant, Madame heaved a sigh, ¡°Silly child, do you think I persuade you only for Yinyin¡¯s sake? Don¡¯t you know that your father-inw just stayed home those days? But Marquess Qin paid a visit! See? Matching Xin Fubing with the Seventh Prince has been agreed by Her Majesty and Marquess Qin, except your father-inw! If you can get it done, you can not only help Yinyin get rid of onepetitor but also satisfy Her Majesty and Marquess Qin¡¯s wish... You just can¡¯t miss the chance of killing two birds with one stone!¡±

    Finally, Madame Mi was carried away by this speech. After she was back in the Jiang Family, she immediately sent for Xin Fubing and began to persuade her with patience!

    Qiu Yn had no idea about these things. At that moment, she was confused, ¡°Why did Jiang Yadan marry those mistresses? If I hadn¡¯t seen with my own eyes, I would never believe that they would treat Madame Tao Junior in such a way! Oh! It¡¯s them, the two sons of mistresses! I don¡¯t remember their names. How arrogant they were! If they were in my hands, I would have...¡±

    ¡°Mydy, the weather is too hot. Please drink some plum juice to cool down!¡± Mrs. Zhou interrupted her, presenting her with a zed cup.

    ¡°It¡¯s sweet and sour. You drink some, too.¡± Qiu Yn realized that Caiqi and Caiying were still in the room with her. Although they were Jiang Yashuang¡¯s close maid, she was not sure whether they would keep secrets for her. If they started the rumor that she was fed up with her nephews so soon after she married into this family and wanted to interfere with Jiang Yadan¡¯s backyard affairs...

    Qiu Yn took the chance of plum juice to drop the topic. She mused a while, knocked the zed cup with her finger, and said, ¡°You leave us alone. I want to talk with Mrs. Zhou.¡±

    After Su He and the maids left, Mrs. Zhou indeed started to point out her improper remark, ¡°Given your status now, you are not supposed to straightforwardly express your dislike for young masters born by the Eighth Young Master¡¯s mistresses.¡±

    ¡°s! I feel sympathy for Madame Tao Junior!¡± Qiu Yn said with a frown, ¡°She is a finedy of a venerable family. Although the Tao Family is on the decline, they once provided great support...¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not supposed to say that!¡± Mrs. Zhou wore a bitter smile and gestured her to watch her tongue.

    ¡°Well, anyway, although Madame Tao Junior is not a beauty, who else can be so womanly virtuous like her? In front of me, mistresses in ritually improper clothing came to ask her for things awarded by Her Majesty and Madame. Are they worthy to use? Under such a circumstance, Madame Tao Junior put on a smile to satisfy them without a trace of impatience!¡± Qiu Yn snorted, ¡°Especially the two... the nephews. They wanted the bracelets on Madame Tao Junior¡¯s wrists and they dared to rob it off! Madame Tao Junior didn¡¯t expect this and she was in pain due to their rudeness. But they wouldn¡¯t stop. How cruel! People who don¡¯t know them will definitely regard them as robbers!¡±

    She rubbed her forehead because of a headache, ¡°I once thought Jiang Yadan is not reliable. But I didn¡¯t expect his backyard could be in such chaos!¡±

    Mrs. Zhou was about to say something when Qiu Yn got mad again. She patted the table and said angrily, ¡°Madame Tao Junior is too weak! I mourn for her unfortunate but I¡¯m angry at her cowardice!¡±

    ¡°You wrong Madame Tao Junior.¡± Mrs. Zhou knew she could be willful sometimes, but in general, she was willing to take advice. So, she heaved a sigh and said straightforwardly, ¡°You know well that the Tao Family cannot be Madame Tao Junior¡¯s back-up now. Reversely, that family now depends on Madame and Madame Tao Junior speaking for them to support their descendants! That¡¯s why Madame Tao Junior feels inferior in front of the Eighth Young Master. What¡¯s more, do you think being tough can tame his nature?¡±

    Qiu Yn recalled that once she was cornered by Qiu Jinn who used a fake name ¡°Ruan Qingyan¡±. She has a twitch on the corner of her mouth, ¡°That person...¡± She felt great pressure to deal with him although she didn¡¯t give a thought to morals. As for expecting the mild Madame Tao Junior to tame him, she confessed it was impossible.

    ¡°So, Madame Tao Junior can do nothing but endure.¡± Mrs. Zhou pursed her lips, ¡°Since there is no other person here, please forgive me to say that given the glory of the Jiang Family today and the Eighth Young Master¡¯s temper, will the Jiang Family punish him severely even if he punches Madame Tao Junior in a rage?¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°At the time ofst year or so, Jiang Yashuang told me that the Jiang Family tightened its rules. Descendants could no longer be let off after a reprimand. Then I asked him how to tighten. He answered ¡®at least two reprimands¡¯!¡±

    ¡°That exins!¡± Mrs. Zhou sighed, ¡°Madame Tao Junior is at least the daughter of the Tao Family and the daughter-inw of our family¡¯s fourth branch. It¡¯s impossible for her to be bullied easily. Only because she can¡¯t handle the Eighth Young Master! Those mistresses then rely on him to be arrogant...¡±

    Sighing for Madame Tao Junior was not Mrs. Zhou¡¯s purpose. She now got down to business, ¡°So you must seize Jiang Yashuang¡¯s heart! I still remember the prescription from Madame of the Ruan Family when the Princess got married. But it can only be used in the second half of the year. At that time, I will teach you how... To ensure you give birth to a boy once and for all!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t expect utterly that a second before the topic was sighing for Madame Tao Junior¡¯s misfortune andter it turned to ¡°giving birth to a boy once and for all¡±. She was dumbfounded for a while and then she said with embarrassment, ¡°Mrs. Zhou, isn¡¯t it too early to say this?¡±

    It was the body of a 16-year-old woman, OK? To be more biologically exact, it was 15... Thinking about giving birth now...

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you realized now why Madame Tao Juniores to such a pass and the ultimate reason behind?¡± Mrs. Zhou said solemnly, ¡°It¡¯s not because she¡¯s not beautiful enough, neither she receives no affection from her husband... The ultimate reason is she has no son!¡±

    Before Qiu Yn could reply, Mrs. Zhou began her long speech, ¡°We once made some inquiries and learned why your mother-inw, Madame Zhuang was so arrogant and bossy in the past but still keeps her position as Madame Zhuang? She even sold Jiang Yazhu¡¯s mother! That¡¯s because she gave birth to two boys and a girl. For the sake of descendants, the Old Master had to tolerate her!¡±

    ¡°As for the Madame, she is excellent in family status and birth and she is Her Majesty¡¯s mother. But the Seventh Old Master passed away too early. Although she brings up Jiang Yashuang, who is too young now, the Madame doesn¡¯t have a say in important issues. As a result, the Madame can¡¯t help Madame Tao Junior too much even if she wants to!¡±

    ¡°If Her Majesty can have a son apart from one princess, will there be apetition for Crown Prince? A trueborn prince is endowed to live in the East Pce!¡±

    ¡°As for Empress Dowager Gu, she received much affection but if she hadn¡¯t given birth to the Emperor, the position of the Empress Dowager could be a reverie to her regardless of the affection she received...¡±

    Qiu Yn circled her head and shouted in pain, ¡°Got it! Got it! Got it!¡±

    ¡°In conclusion, the most important thing for you now is not to sigh for Madame Tao Junior, but to take lessons from her and give birth to a clever and healthy young master as soon as possible!¡± Wearing a serious look, Mrs. Zhou persuaded in a sophisticated way, ¡°Only when you have your own child, and if he can inherit the intelligence from Yashuang and your brother... At that time, all families have to endure you even if you lord over others if only you¡¯re not going to cross the red line!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s discuss itter. Now let¡¯s focus on Madame Tao Junior!¡± Qiu Yn said, who was copsed on the table, ¡°ording to what you said, if only Madame Tao Junior could have a son, she would not be in such a dilemma now?¡±

    Although Mrs. Zhou was not satisfied that she cared only about Madame Tao Junior and neglected her own situation, she still remarked, ¡°That¡¯s true! The Jiang Family has so many descendants but a trueborn is a trueborn. If Madame Tao Junior had had her own son, would other mistresses dare to bully her? A non-trueborn son is even not worth mentioning. Otherwise, if the trueborn son seeds, he will have iting to him.¡±

    ¡°I wonder if it is because Madame Tao Junior¡¯s health problem or Jiang Yadan apanies her too few times at night.¡± Qiu Yn said to herself and then Mrs. Zhou interrupted her, ¡°Young Madame! You are not supposed to say that. It¡¯s forbidden for a sister-inw to interfere with her brother-inw¡¯s backyard affairs. And it¡¯s even worse to interfere with eldest uncle¡¯s backyard affairs! Even though you deeply sympathize with Madame Tao Junior, you can never lend a hand to her in such things... You can at most send her some prescriptions for her health!¡±

    ¡°Madame Tao Junior is not too poor to send for a doctor. The prescription... Do I really need to send her?¡± Qiu Yn rolled up her eyes and said, ¡°Mrs. Zhou, don¡¯t think I like to interfere with others¡¯ business. Don¡¯t you know that grandmother adores Madame Tao Junior? My grandmother is Her Majesty¡¯s mother. Isn¡¯t it important to win her affection?¡±

    Mrs. Zhou didn¡¯t think so, ¡°Her Majesty also needs to listen to Old Master. Jiang Yashuang is his favorite grandson. If you can soon give birth to a son...¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to talk to you!¡± Qiu Yn had no choice but to change the topic, ¡°Right, has the wrapper for Grandmother¡¯s bamboo flute from He Shuijin been finished?¡±

    She admired what He Shuijin did. He Shuijin spent money and efforts looking for the bamboo flute to win Madame Tao¡¯s affection but she didn¡¯t prepare the essories for the bamboo flute when it was used to y or be kept. Deliberately, she divided the tasks among sisters-inw when presenting that bamboo flute. So Qiu Yn got the task to make a wrapper for the bamboo flute as a matter of convenience.

    In this way, she won the spotlight as well as let sisters-inw join in so they wouldn¡¯t envy her.

    ¡°Almost,¡± Mrs. Zhou said in a hurry, ¡°I get to know that Old Master¡¯s favorite pattern isplicated and I need to make it more delicate so it won¡¯t be finished before tomorrow afternoon.¡±

    ¡°Take it to me after it is finished.¡± Qiu Yn gave a nod, ¡°I guess Sheng Shishui has finished her task but I hear she hasn¡¯t brought that to Grandmother. Is she waiting for me?¡±

    Mrs. Zhou twitched the corner of her mouth, ¡°Her task is only making a string bag, at most with a jade decoration. How simple! It can¡¯t be the equivalency of ours.¡±

    ¡°Simple as her task is, He Shuijin is not a simple person by giving us the two tasks!¡± Qiu Yn said calmly, ¡°We all know Sheng Shishui is from a humble family. Although she marries up and the Lu Family, as well as the Sheng Family, prepare as much dowry as they can, her dowry still cannot bepared with others¡¯. So, He Shuijin gives the simplest and cost-saving task to her while the mostplicated one to me because Old Princess and Mother gave me bountiful dowry, not to mention even my brother gave me silver notes worthy of four hundred thousand taels.¡±

    ¡°No matter she is simple or not, you are the one the Madame wants to give her preference.¡± Mrs. Zhou squinted, ¡°So you have to work hard to give birth to a trueborn son as soon as possible!¡±

    ¡°...!¡± Qiu Yn swallowed her helplessness and said with no expression, ¡°Jiang Yashuang ising back soon. I go to the kitchen to add another cuisine for him!¡±

 Chapter 227 - A Messy Arranged Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 227 A Messy Arranged Marriage</h4>

    Fortunately, they cooked one more dish that day. Before the sea cucumber with minced meat which was due to avoiding Mrs. Zhou¡¯s nagging was served onto the te, Jiang Yashuang showed himself at the door. He did not change into regr clothes and sneak into the kitchen for tasting the food as usual. Instead, he sent a servant with a word, ¡°I invited Ou Bicheng. He missed his lunch today. Can we begin having lunch now?¡±

    ¡°Food is ready, but not enough.¡± Jiang Yashuang got used to the food prepared by Qiu Yn before they got married. After they got married, he often asked her to cook for him. As Qiu Yn had nothing to do, she agreed with him. As usual, she only cooked one or two dishes for themselves as she did not want to make herself too tired. But now, there was a friend to entertain. Even he had been a friend of Jiang Yashuang since his childhood, it would be too low to serve one or two dishes for a friend.

    Luckily, Mrs. Li was also a good cook like her. As a saying went, beauty was in the eye of the beholder. Loving Qiu Yn deeply made Jiang Yashuang think that her food was better than Mrs. Li¡¯s. As a result, Mrs. Li, who had been trusted by Old Princess Lian for her culinary skills since her young age, could only cook for the servants now.

    ¡°Go to the big kitchen and select some clean food,¡±manded Qiu Yn. ¡°And then serve Yashuang and his friend with dishes I cooked and the selected ones... By the way, ask Yashuang secretly if it is enough. If it is not enough, I will cook more for them.¡±

    The maid epted her order and went away. She came back after a while, reporting, ¡°The young master said it is enough. He asked us to take some bottles of wine for them.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was not much of a drinker. So, the wine was for his friend, Ou Bicheng.

    The words surprised Qiu Yn, ¡°What happened to Ou Bicheng? Why does he want so much wine?¡± Even if Ou Bicheng was much of a drinker, he must have food first as Jiang Yashuang urged food for him when he just arrived. Under this circumstance, he should have some food first. Why did he want to drink wine before dinner?

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, mydy. But our young master¡¯s and Mr. Ou¡¯s faces are looking not good. I guess something happened,¡± said the maid, bowing her head.

    ¡°What on earth happened?¡± Murmured Qiu Yn, ¡°Wondering if it is rted to us.¡±

    As Ou Bicheng was having dinner with Jiang Yashuang, the couple had dinner separately.

    After having dinner cooked only for her by Mrs. Li, Qiu Yn had a shower and read several pages. Seeing Jiang Yashuang noting back, she began to confuse. As she nned to send a maid to ask him to go home, Jiang Yashuang showed himself at the door. He looked tired. After entering the room, he asked the maids to exit the door. He hugged and said sweet words to Qiu Yn before having a shower.

    He looked better after having a shower and changing the regr clothes. Before Qiu Yn asked him, he held her up, rushing to the bed.

    After they had done their business, Qiu Yn got a minute to ask what was going on about Ou Bicheng, ¡°He required us to send several bottles of wine. And the maid told me that he looked not good. You know, I was so worried about you guys... What happened on earth?¡±

    ¡°It is Ou Bicheng¡¯s own business. He came over here just for his business.¡± Jiang Yashuang held her fingers in his hands, ying with them. He continued to say slowly, ¡°Empress Jiang and grandfather wanted to betroth Cousin Xin to the Seventh Prince. However, Cousin Xin is crazy about Ou Bicheng... She suddenly went to see Ou Bicheng, begging for his idea. Her sudden presence frightened Ou Bicheng who fled over the wall, running to the Hanlin Academy for me. But we both had no idea what to do next. So, he got himself drunk.¡±

    Qiu Yn paused for a while, ¡°Where is Cousin Xin now?¡±

    ¡°Xing walked her home,¡± sighed Jiang Yashuang. ¡°Actually, Ou Bicheng does not want to marry Cousin Xin. But he also feels sorry for Cousin Xin to marry the Seventh Prince. He came here for my idea. How should I know what to do then?¡±

    Speaking of this, he changed the subject suddenly, ¡°By the way, the mourning period of your brother is almosting to an end...¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± His words angered Qiu Yn. She punched him lightly, ¡°You do know that she likes Ou Bicheng. But you want to let her marry my brother?! Do you think my brother is not wanted?!¡±

    Realizing she was angry, Jiang Yashuang replied promptly, ¡°How do you get that? Why do I let Cousin Xin marry your brother? I am just thinking there are some changes in the Hanlin Academy. I just want to n a future for your brother! That¡¯s all.¡±

    Knowing his purpose, Qiu Yn became pleased. She kissed him as a sign of encouragement and reparation. And then she said sweetly, ¡°So, what¡¯s your n for my brother? I won¡¯t forgive you if it is not a lucrative job!¡±

    ¡°There is no lucrative job in the Hanlin Academy. You know that. Noble reputation is far more important than a lucrative job,¡± said Jiang Yashuang, leaving him at a loss of more words. He lowered his head, biting lightly on her cheek and continued, ¡°I have got some good news. The new Hanlin academician Cheng Jin is a follower of Prime Minister Xue. He won¡¯t do bad things to your brother.¡±

    They talked about Qiu Jinn would face in the future after the mourning period. The subject was turned back to Ou Bicheng and Xin Fubing again, ¡°So, Xin Fubing does not want to marry the Seventh Prince. She wants Ou Bicheng to help her out of the unwanted marriage?¡±

    Anyway, Qiu Yn felt something wrong in the whole thing.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t she tell her idea to the seniors by herself?¡±

    ¡°She is a girl named after Xin,¡± Jiang Yashuang felt helpless. ¡°Although my uncle did not agree with the marriage, my grandmother has nodded. And I guess her parents will agree with the marriage after receiving the news. She must be frustrated. Or true to her nature, she wouldn¡¯t go and talk with Ou Bicheng directly.¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°It is really a big trouble... But I think you can do her a favor if it is merely about marrying the Seventh Prince. I heard that Her Majesty loves you much.¡± She had a good impression of Xin Fubing. In particr, before she got married, Xin Fubing went to her home with Zhuang Man for her marriage preparation. It was natural she would help her out a little bit.

    ¡°That was why Ou Bicheng came here and met me,¡± said Jiang Yashuang. ¡°It is a difficult thing to deal with because, I know, Empress Jiang has no other options but Cousin Xin. There are many girls in the Jiang Family who are older enough to get married. But there are few who are qualified to marry the Seventh Prince, in particr, given age, talent and appearance. A girl who would marry the Seventh Prince should not be dwarfed by the second youngdy of the Tang Family and Princess Shou¡¯an. To simply put, if the girl were not Cousin Xin, she might be a girl from the Dou Family, which was not an option Empress Jiang liked to face.¡±

    He paused for a while and continued, ¡°And I have asked for leave for half a day to meet Cousin Xin. She told me that if Ou Bicheng was not willing to marry her after she begged, she had no choice but to marry the Seventh Prince.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn asked, ¡°And then why did Ou Bichenge over here, getting himself drunk?¡± She had let him go off, right?

    ¡°The problem is that when she said this to Ou Bicheng, she looked pale. He worried about her much,¡± Jiang Yashuang said with a bitter smile. ¡°To be honest, I am also afraid that she maymit suicide because of this.¡±

    The key problem of the marriage was that each of them had their own lovers in their deep heart. But it was about marriage. Obviously, Ou Bicheng did not love Xin Fubing. Even when Xin Fubing went there, begging him without regarding the girl¡¯s face, he escaped. Ou Bicheng couldn¡¯t be forced to marry Xin Fubing merely for Xin Fubing¡¯s happiness. If so, Ou Bicheng might kill himself in the end...

    What a mess. Qiu Yn thought it for a while. She had no idea except a headache. ¡°Forget it. Sleep now!¡±

    To think about it tomorrow!

    Jiang Yashuang kissed her and they fell asleep in each other¡¯s arms.

    As the trouble had been at the door, it wouldn¡¯t go away itself. The next day, when Jiang Yashuang got up for work, Ou Bicheng had to get up in the guest room, going to work with him.

    Before noon, Ou Qinn showed herself at the door with pale-faced Xin Fubing, ¡°I heard that my brother was here yesterday. Is he okay?¡±

    ¡°He went to work with Yashuang in the morning,¡± said Qiu Yn, looking at poor Xin Fubing who had been thinner in several days. After telling them where Ou Bicheng was, she invited them to the room, ¡°What happened on earth?¡±

    After being seated, Qiu Yn noticed that usually gorgeous Ou Qinn did not look much good today. She realized Ou Qinn must have been staying with Xin Fubing the whole night. Hence, she did not ask more about it. She just said to Xin Fubing, ¡°Yashuang have told me the trouble you are facing. Don¡¯t be frustrated. I am also thinking of ways to help you out. But I haven¡¯t got a good idea yet.¡±

    Xin Fubing smiled bitterly, ¡°Why should I be frustrated? I have done a thing many girls won¡¯t do. There is nothing I am afraid of now.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± Ou Qinn whispered, adding, ¡°Not everyone has a stone heart like my brother... Right?¡±

    Qiu Yn paused for a while, realizing the word ¡°right¡± was for her. Suddenly, it dawned on her that Ou Qinn¡¯s haggardness was not necessarily a result of caring too much about Xin Fubingst night, but rather an association with herself from Xin Fubing¡¯s begging for a man¡¯s marriage.

    But my brother had a colder heart than your brother¡¯s!

    Qiu Yn lost her words shortly. She had no clue for an answer Ou Qinn hoped. She said ambiguously, ¡°Anyway, we should figure out how we can stop you from being married and living in the pce. As for Ou Bicheng... He just said he was reluctant to... It might... Have a turning point...¡±

    ¡°Forget it!¡± said Ou Qinn, realizing her answer was not the one she hoped. She paused for a while, and then raised her head, ¡°I know my brother well. If he did not have his dreamed girl, he would never have refused Cousin Xin¡¯s request under this circumstance! Not to mention escaping over the wall!¡±

    Not expecting that she would say so, Qiu Yn was stunned. She immediately turned to Xin Fubing. She had known that Ou Qinn was a straightforward girl. But she said too frankly which might hurt Xin Fubing¡¯s feelings.

    Xin Fubing¡¯s long eyshes trembled, and the hand that was squeezing the handkerchief clenched for an instant, so tightly that the veins on the back of it were shown!

    But a little whileter, she rxed and said quietly, ¡°I know I am not the one for him. At most, he sees me as a distant cousin.¡±

    ¡°This... Might be the thing we called fate, maybe?¡± As being seen through by Ou Qinn, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know what to say suddenly. But she must say something tofort her, ¡°The rtionship between people... It is... ¡±

    She was racking her brain for words when Shen Shui quietly came in to report, ¡°The youngdy He Shuijin is here.¡±

    ¡°He Shuijin is here? What a relief!¡± Before Qiu Yn got rxedpletely, Xin Fubing suddenly stood up when she heard ¡°the youngdy He Shuijin.¡± ¡°As you have a visitor. I think I am leaving now. Xing, follow me!¡±

    Ou Qinn grunted too, standing up and saying goodbye.

    Qiu Yn was surprised when she noticed Xin Fubing¡¯s obvious hostility towards He Shuijin. He Shuijin was shrewd, but veryposed, which made it hard to turn the tables on her even if you saw through what she was doing. For example, Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang both saw her recent improper moves, but they couldn¡¯t go and fight with her because of her moves.

    And more importantly, there was nothing He Shuijin could get from Xin Fubing.

    Was it possible that it was He Shuijin¡¯s idea to let her marry the Seventh Prince?

    But He Shuijin did not go to the pce recently! She was merely a grandson¡¯s wife. It was unlikely that she had the chance to advise Marquess Qin who Sir Jibei¡¯s granddaughter should marry.

    ¡°I see that you two don¡¯t look good. How about having a rest over here?¡± asked Qiu Yn, holding them in their arms. ¡°I have set a bed in my study. How about you go to my study, having a rest there. I will go outside, talking with He Shuijin. I promise I won¡¯t let you meet her!¡±

    Xin Fubing felt relief after hearing that she did not need to meet He Shuijin. She thought for a while before saying, ¡°So, thank you, Yn.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t say that,¡± said Qiu Yn, holding her hand tightly. She continued to say seriously, ¡°No matter what will happen, your health is the top priority. I have cooked the bird nest soup in my private kitchen. I think it is ready now. You go to my study and I will ask my maid to serve it for you. After that, you take a break!¡±

    After sending them to her study, Qiu Yn changed her dress which was for meeting guests before she went to the garden. In the ce where she lived, if one wanted to enter into the master¡¯s hall, she must go through two rows of houses. However, if she took the garden, she could reach there only by going through the garden. In this way, the sisters-inw of the Jiang Family usually used the back door of the garden to visit each other.

    At this moment, He Shuijin had picked off a branch of moonflower, ying with a pair of dangling cranes while Qiu Yn saw her. She promptly threw the branch into the pool, raising her body and whispering to Qiu Yn directly, ¡°Is Cousin Xin angry about me?¡±

 Chapter 228 - Helplessly Compromise

    <h4>Chapter 228 Helplessly Compromise</h4>

    ¡°What is all this about?¡± Qiu Yn asked confusedly, ¡°I don¡¯t know whether she¡¯s angry with you or not. But it¡¯s true that she doesn¡¯t want to see you now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve guessed so!¡± He Shuijin had a bitter smile on her face, ¡°But what can I do? My grandmother and mother all asked me and the sixth aunt to persuade her to marry the Seventh Prince. The elders have asked, how can I refuse? Even her own grandmother agreed. After all, the Xin Family has never even had a concubine. Let alone the honor of bing the one in charge of the imperial harem. So, I persuaded her with the sixth aunt and she hates me right now!¡±

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°There¡¯s no other good choice besides her?¡±

    ¡°There are two daughters of our second aunt. The tenthdy and the eleventhdy of the Dou Family.¡± He Shuijin puckered, ¡°They¡¯re ok. But the problem is, my grandmother and the Empress don¡¯t like people from the Dou Family!¡±

    The wife of the Seventh Prince was unlike the wife of Prince Qi.

    Because when the Empress was supporting thetter, her chance of winning Empress Dowager Gu was only fifty percent. Even the Empress herself thought the situation might change. So, she picked the niece she liked the least, Jiang Qiyun. In this way, she answered to her maiden family and if the situation had had went wrong, she wouldn¡¯t have felt sorry.

    Later, Prince of Qi indeed lost the chance of fighting for the Crown Prince. Jiang Qiyun¡¯s dream of bing the Empress was broken. She would be a Princess for her life. And a Princess whose husband couldn¡¯t do anything.

    But the Seventh Prince had the promise of Xue Chang. Therefore, his chance of winning was really high. His wife would first be the Crown Princess and then the Empress.

    Empress Jiang had long hated Madame Dou. How would she give any glory to Madame Dou¡¯s family?

    Even though this Crown Princess or the Empress would be under Empress Jiang, but thinking about how she would sit on the throne that Empress Jiang once seated and get respect from everyone, Empress Jiang felt it was intolerable!

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn fell silent. Not because she didn¡¯t want to help Xin Fubing, but Empress Jiang had set her mind. Even Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t change it. How could she?

    ¡°Besides, Ou Bicheng came to your ce yesterday. You should know that he really doesn¡¯t have a feeling for Fubing!¡± He Shuijin rubbed her forehead. She had always been decisive and capable of dealing with everything, but she couldn¡¯t be decisive right now. She felt like she had a headache, ¡°Even if she doesn¡¯t marry the Seventh Prince, she will marry someone else in the future. If she just can¡¯t forget Ou Bicheng, if I may say this, what difference will it make if she marries another? The Seventh Prince is good-looking and smart. And the Empress is Fubing¡¯s aunt. She won¡¯t treat her badly...¡±

    Qiu Yn suddenly interrupted her, ¡°Do the elders know about Ou Bicheng?¡±

    ¡°They didn¡¯t before. But yesterday she ran to the Ou Family. It would be hard for them to not know now.¡± He Shuijin said with a disturbed look, ¡°The reason why Ie now is that my mother just called me over and scolded me. She said if I knew this, why didn¡¯t I say it before. If the feeling is mutual, I would say it earlier and ask the elders to marry them. But... I didn¡¯t expect Fubing to have such a temper! Now, after this mess, I don¡¯t even know what the elders would do to her!¡±

    Even though she said she didn¡¯t know what the elders would do to Xin Fubing, but Qiu Yn did. Either she married the Seventh Prince willingly, or she would be married far away quickly. After all, what she did was too embarrassing in this era.

    If Ou Bicheng had said yes, it would have been a nice story.

    Yet he didn¡¯t.

    ¡°I just heard Ou Qinn said that Ou Bicheng has a crush. Do you know who is it?¡± Qiu Yn dazed off for a while and asked.

    ¡°Ah?¡± He Shuijin was dazed too. She then shook her head, ¡°You¡¯d better ask Jiang Yashuang. We didn¡¯t see each other much since we grew up. After all, we¡¯re of a different gender. How would I know?¡±

    They fell silent for some time. Qiu Yn asked, ¡°So, Fubing definitely can¡¯t marry Ou Bicheng?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± He Shuijin exhaled and smiled bitterly, ¡°We all grow up together. If I can help, I would.¡±

    She looked at Qiu Yn, ¡°I know she doesn¡¯t want to see me now. But this is really not the time for getting in a rage. She went to the Ou Family yesterday. After a night, they all should know. After all, the Ou Family knows that she was chosen by the Empress and grandfather. They would try to separate them from this incident. Otherwise, Ou Bicheng could just refuse, why would he climb over a wall, acting so dramatically?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go to talk to her.¡± Qiu Yn bit her lips for a while and said quietly.

    She liked Xin Fubing. If she could, she really wanted to help her.

    But for now, no matter the entanglement of the rtionship or theplication of the situation, she couldn¡¯t solve any.

    ¡°I¡¯m not the one in charge. I don¡¯t have much to do, but I also can¡¯t help much!¡± She mocked herself in her heart. She asked, ¡°The third aunt scolded you for Ou Bicheng¡¯s matter. But what are the elders¡¯ attitudes towards Fubing?¡±

    He Shuijin smiled bitterly, ¡°I don¡¯t know. But Fubing is fifth aunt¡¯s daughter. We¡¯re not her direct family after all. I don¡¯t think the elders in our family would say anything. I just don¡¯t know what would the Madame in the Xin Family do when she knew. That Madame... What can I say? She usually adores Fubing. But this time she is not happy with Fubing after she refused the marriage.¡±

    She paused and said in a lower voice, ¡°After all, seeing how prestigious the Empress is now, how can the Madame of the Xin Family not want it?¡±

    Empress Jiang¡¯s domineering was not just dependent on the position of the Empress, but her maiden family.

    Qiu Yn humphed in her heart and said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll go. Please, make yourself at home!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll just wait here for your news.¡± He Shuijin sighed and discussed with her, ¡°My mother sent me to continue persuading her. But she doesn¡¯t want to see me now...¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how long it will take. And I don¡¯t know how it will end up. Besides, I just persuaded her to rest with Ou Qinn.¡±

    Seeing He Shuijin¡¯s hesitance, Qiu Yn said again, ¡°Or maybe I can send you a message afterward?¡±

    ¡°That would be great.¡± He Shuijin said hurriedly.

    Her bitter look made Qiu Yn woeful as well. He Shuijin usually yed nicely, especially among her peers. Now she suddenly became a bad person. No wonder she was so ufortable. This was the tragedy of being a daughter-inw. When your mother-inw asked, you had to do it even if you didn¡¯t want to. Otherwise, you would be hated and targeted by your mother-inw till death or you¡¯d better end your life soon!

    After sending off He Shuijin, Qiu Yn went back to the residence. The door of the study was closed and not a single sound came out of it. Seeing this, Qiu Yn asked the maid in the hallway quietly, ¡°How about Ou Qinn and Xin Fubing?¡±

    ¡°They all fell asleep.¡± The maid answered quickly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t disturb them. Let them sleep!¡± Qiu Yn nodded.

    They probably didn¡¯t sleep wellst night. They got up in the afternoon. When they finished tidying up and came to see Qiu Yn in the main room, seeing their faces back to be rubicund, Qiu Yn was relived. She ordered the servants to bring on the food, ¡°Are you hungry? The kitchen has been warming the food for you.¡±

    ¡°I really troubled you today.¡± Xin Fubing was about to salute. Qiu Yn came over hurriedly and pulled her up, ¡°You¡¯re not treating me as a family if you¡¯re this polite.¡±

    Ou Qinn was not this polite. After seeing Qiu Yn, she immediately sat down. But she kept a serious face. It looked like she was not in a good mood. Qiu Yn knew it was probably because her rejection gave Ou Qinn pressure. But she couldn¡¯t just promise this kind of thing easily. Xin Fubing who was in this awkward situation now was a good example.

    ¡°Did He Shuijine over to ask you to persuade me?¡± Xin Fubing smiled faintly and asked after Qiu Yn supported her to sit down.

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t think she would mention He Shuijin herself as she was so reluctant to see He Shuijin before. Qiu Yn dazed for a second and said, ¡°No. She just wanted to exin it to you. The reason why she came to persuade you was that she couldn¡¯t disobey the elders¡¯ order.¡±

    Xin Fubingughed self-mockingly, ¡°Then forget about her. I want to ask you for a favor!¡¯

    Qiu Yn felt like she was a different person since she woke up. Qiu Yn said hurriedly, ¡°Just tell me!¡±

    ¡°Can you tell Madame Tao that I agree to the marriage with the Seventh Prince.¡± Xin Fubing looked indifferent, ¡°But I made a mistake and went to the Ou Family yesterday. Please ask Madame Tao to cover up for me. Otherwise, I can¡¯t live with it!¡±

    Qiu Yn was dazed after hearing this. She subconsciously looked at Ou Qinn, only to see Ou Qinn sitting there and looking at the vase in near distance without any expression. She looked like she didn¡¯t hear anything.

    ¡°Why...?¡± After thinking for a second, Qiu Yn felt like she should ask why Xin Fubing changed her mind.

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t want me. You think I can badger him forever?¡± Xin Fubing said calmly, ¡°The Seventh Prince is prestigious, good-looking, and talented. He Shuijin was right. If forth aunt doesn¡¯t adore me, this marriage won¡¯t even be mine. I¡¯ve disappointed many elders yesterday. But I hope I have the chance to remedy it.¡±

    She suddenly became reasonable, saying all the things that others had said to persuade her. Qiu Yn fell silent for a while and said, ¡°You really made up your mind?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Xin Fubing smiled bitterly, ¡°I should go to see Madame Tao myself and ask for her forgiveness. But I feel ill at ease now. I¡¯m afraid I may make some mistakes in front of Madame Tao. So, that¡¯s why I want to ask you to go for me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go now.¡± Qiu Yn stood up and said. Xin Fubing looked apathetic as if her heart had died. Seeing her, Qiu Yn sighed in secret.

    After a while, Madame Tao heard what Qiu Yn said. She nodded, ¡°It¡¯s the best that shees to senses. As for the matter with the Ou Family, tell her not to worry. The Ou Family knows what they should do. They didn¡¯t let the word out. Even in our family, not many people know. When she is married to the Seventh Prince, no one will mention this.¡±

    Qiu Yn felt like she didn¡¯t have anything else to say. When she was about to leave, Madame Tao said, ¡°Right, Jiang Yazhu¡¯s wife sent a servant to announce good news just now. She¡¯s pregnant. I just packed up some things. Why don¡¯t you bring it to her for me?¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Qiu Yn dazed. She covered up her surprise and said.

    She was not jealous of Sheng Shishui. After all, she was only married for a month. But she was also impressed by Sheng Shishui¡¯s luck. Sheng Shishui had been married only for a year and she was pregnant. No matter it was a boy or a girl, for her and Jiang Yazhu, it would be a good thing.

    ¡°You¡¯re just married. No rush.¡± Madame Tao still noticed her surprise. She consoled Qiu Yn, ¡°It¡¯s lucky to have children. They¡¯lle eventually.¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know what to think. She said a few words perfunctorily and then left.

 Chapter 229 - The Hatred Went Deeper!

    <h4>Chapter 229 The Hatred Went Deeper!</h4>

    ording to Madame Tao¡¯s order, she asked Su He to return to her room to tell Xin Fubing what the Madame said, while she led other people holding the rewards into the yard of Sheng Shishui.

    At this time, Madame Tao Junior was already inquiring after Sheng Shishui¡¯s health. Seeing her, she smiled and said, ¡°The servants went to your yard to announce the good news just now, but you were not there. Did you hear the good news from the grandmother?¡± Then she nced at the servants who were holding the gifts, feeling surprised, ¡°You prepared the gifts in such a short time? I¡¯ve thought I was fast enough!¡±

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Qiu Yn grinned and looked at Sheng Shishui who was forced to lie on the bed, ¡°It was grandma who did that. I went for her just now, and then I helped her take the gifts here!¡±

    ¡°Oh! I see.¡± Madame Tao Junior took a tumble.

    At this time, Sheng Shishui thanked Qiu Yn for her help and asked people to take over the gifts.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s not a far walk. And even if I didn¡¯t bring the gifts here for grandmother, I have toe to visit you as well.¡± Qiu Yn asked curiously, ¡°How many months are you pregnant?¡±

    Madame Tao Junior couldn¡¯t helpughing out when she heard her childish question, ¡°You see that she is just the same as usual. Naturally, she hasn¡¯t been pregnant for long.¡±

    Sheng Shishui blushed, and then smiled, ¡°Less than two months. My period is irregr, and this time...¡±

    Before she could finish her words, her face became even redder, so she just stopped talking.

    When Qiu Yn was about to tease her, someone came to report, ¡°Madame Shi, Madame Zhang, and Madame He areing.¡±

    ¡°Invite them in!¡± Sheng Shishui hurriedly said, getting up to wee them.

    Madame Tao Junior held her quickly, ¡°Be careful!¡± Looking at Madame Tao Junior¡¯s cautious expression, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help smiling.

    After going out, Madame Tao Junior asked Sheng Shishui to walk slowly.

    So, they didn¡¯t walk out of Chuihua door after a long time, and Madame Shi and others came in first.

    Seeing Sheng Shishui surrounded by others just like a moon that was surrounded by stars, they said in surprise, ¡°Why youe out in person? Go in and sit down!¡±

    Then a group of people surrounded Sheng Shishui to enter the room again. After the guests and the host were seated, the sisters-inw asked her about her situation with concern naturally. Both Madame Shi and Madame Zhang had children, so they passed on their wisdom to her as they had been there before. The concubines from the first branch and the sixth branch also came over when they were talking.

    However, in the first branch, only Madame Dou Junior and Madame Zhuang Junior came here.

    They both said the same thing about Madame Miao, ¡°She has a cold these days. She is afraid of infecting you, so she doesn¡¯t daree then. But she let us bring her gifts here.¡±

    Of course, nobody believed what they said. Anyway, everyone here knew the real situation. Jiang Yadan was persuaded to leave the first branch that day, then he went straight to the Miao Family to ¡°seek justice¡± for his wife, and then the Miao Family suffered. The objects that Jiang Yadan smashed during the attack and thepensation fee that they sold half of their property to collect didn¡¯t matter much. What really mattered was that after Jiang Yadan made such a mess, everyone knew that the Miao Family had an arrogant daughter who pped her sister-inw for no reason, especially the one who was beaten by her was the daughter of the famous Tao Family of the dynasty and was universally acknowledged as virtuous and gentle by the court and the public!

    Even if Jiang Yadan had a bad reputation, Madame Tao Junior had a great one. This time his ckmail didn¡¯t leave him cursed but made him more impressed. For example, Empress Jiang said openly, ¡°I used to think that Jiang Yadan was thoughtless, but now he seems to know that husband and wife are no longer two, but one.¡±

    The future of the Miao Family was foreseeable then since the Empress said so.

    Therefore, the Miao Family was so angry that if it hadn¡¯t been for Madame Dou¡¯s persuading, they would have driven Madame Miao out of their family!

    Till then, Madame Miao had shown herself and her family up rather badly, so she was ashamed toe out! Marquess Qin had ordered Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang to hold a banquet to apologize to her before, but she refused. The good news of this day was about the fourth branch, and she knew that Madame Tao Junior who was beaten by her, and Qiu Yn who beat her would definitely be there. If she hade over as well, how embarrassed she would have been!

    ¡°Qiu Yn.¡± While the women were surrounding Sheng Shishui and chatting with her, Mi Yinyin suddenly walked to Qiu Yn, pulled her sleeves, and asked her in the corner, ¡°Is Cousin Xin at your ce?¡±

    ¡°Yes. What¡¯s the matter?¡± Qiu Yn looked at herplicated expression, guessing what she meant by asking such a question.

    Mi Yinyin bit her lip with her teeth and asked again after a while, ¡°Did youfort her? What did she say?¡±

    ¡°I just received the good news of Sheng Shishui, and I haven¡¯t figured out how to talk with her when I go back.¡± Although Qiu Yn was not as close to Mi Yinyin as to Xin Fubing before, she had no grudge against Mi Yinyin, but she knew that Jiang Yn had an unrequited crush on Xin Fubing before. Xin Fubing¡¯s situation was pitiful at this time, while Mi Yinyin still asked about it deliberately. She felt a little annoying, so she deliberately asked, ¡°Well, do you want tofort her with me together?¡±

    Mi Yinyin noticed her displeasure, and she pursed her lips, ¡°No. It¡¯s just when I came over, my mom heard that Cousin Xin was with you, so she let me ask you about that. After all, her parents are not in Jing City now. We are also very worried about her.¡±

    ¡°Ou Qinn has been following her closely these days.¡± Qiu Yn heard her insincere words and answered indifferently.

    Feeling her displeasure, Mi Yinyin frowned. She thought for a while, and then said in a low voice, ¡°Do you think we are against her? You¡¯ve wronged us. It¡¯s not from the higher-up...¡±

    ¡°You think too much. I didn¡¯t think anything.¡± Qiu Yn interrupted her unceremoniously, ¡°As for the higher-up you said, I am not very clear as well. You can talk with Cousin Xin about it in person. You don¡¯t have to talk about it with me!¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about here?¡± He Shuijin came over andughed when the atmosphere was awkward, ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell me what you are whispering?¡±

    ¡°We said that you were stingy. Here is an azalea pot, but why we don¡¯t have one in our houses?¡± Qiu Yn joked nonchntly.

    He Shuijin followed her eyes, and there was indeed a pot of vigorous azalea. She couldn¡¯t helpughing, ¡°You really wrong me! That is the dowry of Sheng Shishui. It¡¯s not from our family!¡±

    She then scolded Qiu Yn with a smile, ¡°If it were really distributed by our family, would I not give you one? It¡¯s just a flower pot!¡±

    ¡°Just kidding! My dear sister. You love me so much, so how can you forget me when you have something great?¡± Qiu Yn begged for mercy smilingly.

    When they were talking andughing, Mi Yinyin walked away.

    Seeing this, He Shuijin said in a low voice, ¡°Did shee over to ask about Cousin Xin?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, what else could she ask about?¡± Qiu Yn did not hide her displeasure, ¡°Cousin Xin never had a thing for Jiang Yn from beginning to end. Why does she watch out for Cousin Xin all the time as if she is a thief? She doesn¡¯t care how sad Cousin Xin is at this time, and she just hopes that Cousin Xin can get married as soon as possible so that she can get relieved... By the way, Cousin Xin has consented to the marriage. Just now she asked me to see the grandmother, and I forgot to send someone to tell you that.¡±

    ¡°Really? That¡¯s great! But,¡± He Shuijin shook her head and whispered softly, ¡°Mi Yinyin came to you to ask about that not just because of Cousin Xin. Except for the sisters-inw who got married a long time ago, only you don¡¯t feel stressed now. After all, you have only been here for a month. But Mi Yinyin and I, we are so stressed!¡±

    Qiu Yn was confused. Seeing that He Shuijin was looking at Sheng Shishui in the crowd, she was enlightened suddenly. After thinking for a while, she said what Madame Tao said before, ¡°Whether people will have children is destined. They wille if they are doomed toe.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, but you know as daughters-inw, we have to have children!¡± He Shuijin sighed, ¡°Those who have got boys or girls are more confident when they talk to the elders! Mi Yinyin, Sheng Shishui and I got married almost at the same time. Sheng Shishui is pregnant now, but Mi Yinyin and I...¡±

    Qiu Yn finally understood why Madame Taoforted her just now when she was just slightly surprised. Being a daughter-inw at this time had so much pressure to bear children.

    Even He Shuijin, who started managing the ounts without marrying into the Jiang Family, felt depressed out of Sheng Shishui¡¯s pregnancy.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay for others to say this, but you?¡± Qiu Yn intended to rx the atmosphere, so she smiled deliberately, ¡°Aren¡¯t you dignified enough before the elders?¡±

    He Shuijin smiled ostensibly, ¡°All of our elders are kind enough and think highly of us.¡± While she smiled bitterly in her heart, ¡°If I were really so dignified, how would I have schemed against you as soon as you got married and tried to please grandmother and the Empress secretly?¡±

    Madame He had been picking on her more and more frequentlytely in private, and she had mentioned the children a few times as well, which broke her heart mostly.

    He Shuijin knew the reason actually. She had been busy arranging the wedding for Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn since the beginning of the year, so she neglected Jiang Yaheng at that time. Thus, Jiang Yaheng kept a mistress outside, which she naturally couldn¡¯t tolerate. However, she still followed the rules. She told Madame He about that first, asking her to handle that.

    Madame He was very angry at first. She called Jiang Yaheng over and scolded him badly, ordering him to immediately break off the contact with the mistress and apologize to He Shuijin.

    While Jiang Yaheng followed her words so obediently because he really loved He Shuijin. He kept the mistress just because he was used to ying the field with his elder brothers since he was young and he couldn¡¯t change the habit for a while. What was more, he had always been a little bit afraid of He Shuijin, so after that happened, he felt guilty when facing his wife. Thus, he became so meek and subservient in front of He Shuijin.

    He Shuijin wasforted after her husband did so, but Madame He couldn¡¯t bear that. She had said, ¡°Jiang Yaheng is so spineless in front of He Shuijin. He must have suffered a lot from her in private! He is an honorable young master of the Jiang Family, but he is so afraid of his wife! He really disgraces me! I know He Shuijin is smart, but how can she use all her wisdom at controlling her husband?¡±

    When He Shuijin heard these words, she was so furious, ¡°At the beginning, you couldn¡¯t manage the ounts and then you went back and cried for that. I gave you advice then to help you get out of trouble. After that, you let me marry your son since you thought I was capable. And then, I started working so hard for your Jiang Family! Being a niece or a daughter-inw, I¡¯ve never been sorry to you!¡±

    Damn aunt! The mother-inw who had no rtionship with the daughter-inw wouldn¡¯t be so difficult to serve like her!

    Therefore, He Shuijin had decisively formted a countermeasure. That was to act a double part! Anyway, Madame He had to rely on her to manage the Jiang Family, so she wouldn¡¯t punish her severely unless she made big mistakes! In private, she tried to please Madame Tao and her daughter, as well as the fourth branch. She intended to rece her aunt and truly be the master of the family!

    After all, she had to manage the ounts of the Mansion of Marquess Qin, so she couldn¡¯t leave Jing City. Therefore, she couldn¡¯t persuade her husband to leave here to avoid the conflicts between her and her mother-inw.

    ¡°So, I can only try to get more power as soon as possible to overwhelm my aunt!¡± He Shuijin lowered her eyes to conceal the sharp light in them. Not until this day, did she hear the news from someone close to Madame He that she was very dissatisfied with her sending the ¡°resentment of a beautiful soul¡± to Madame Tao, and she even nned to let Jiang Yn marry two beautiful concubines as a warning for her.

    ¡°As a stepmother, my grandma seldom interfered with the matters of the third branch and the fourth branch. No matter how hard I try to please her, I can¡¯t expect her to interfere with my aunt¡¯s attitude towards me.¡± He Shuijin narrowed her eyes and looked at Qiu Yn calmly, ¡°While Qiu Yn is different. The fourth uncle has a special status in the family, and Jiang Yashuang, her husband, is greatly cherished by grandpa. If I can make her stand by me and use her properly, she can solve a lot of problems for me ording to her speaking for Cousin Xin just now, even if I can¡¯t rely on her to influence Jiang Yashuang, the fourth uncle and grandpa.¡±

    Thinking of this, she became more and more determined to win over Qiu Yn, ¡°Since my aunt is unkind to me, I won¡¯t follow her words anymore! You want me to work hard for you, while you also want your son to listen to you and be surrounded by concubines to warn me! How can there be such a good thing in this world?! Your ipetence in managing the ounts means that you are a good-for-nothing. You¡¯re just jealous of me!¡±

 Chapter 230 - Offer Advice

    <h4>Chapter 230 Offer Advice</h4>

    After all, Qiu Yn had just married into the Jiang Family for a short time, so she had a shallow foundation here. She didn¡¯t know anything about the turbulent conflicts between the mother-inw and daughter-inw of the third branch, and she didn¡¯t know that He Shuijin, who was considered a duck to water after marrying into the Jiang Family, hated her aunt and mother-inw so badly!

    After congratting Sheng Shishui, she had to think about on the way back to her yard how tofort Xin Fubingter.

    While after she went back, Xin Fubing and Ou Qinn had already left and they just asked the maid to tell her that.

    Su He exined, ¡°The Madame sent someone to pick them up.¡±

    ¡°I got it.¡± Qiu Yn nodded and thought to herself, ¡°Grandma asked me to bring the gifts to Sheng Shishui just to send me away and call them two over?¡±

    After thinking about it, she knew that Madame Tao did not have any bad intentions. After all, Xin Fubing and Ou Qinn were in her room, and it would be a little bit impolite if she didn¡¯t apany them when Madame Tao called them over, while if she apanied them... The thing was in a total mess. Even if Xin Fubing suddenly changed her attitude and was willing to marry the seventh Prince, it wasn¡¯t a happy thing as well, and it would be embarrassing for her to be there.

    Madame Tao sent her to Sheng Shishui on the pretext of sending the gifts, which could keep her out of the matter.

    ¡°Ask someone to categorize the things for congratting people¡¯s marriages in the storeroom. Maybe they will be needed some timeter.¡± Qiu Yn ordered. Thinking of Xin Fubing¡¯s pale face, she couldn¡¯t help sighing.

    Su He responded, and asked, ¡°We also have to pack up the things for the summer holiday, right? We have to leave in a few days.¡±

    ¡°Of course, but I don¡¯t know what Jiang Yashuang will need. You let Caiqi and the others pack his luggage.¡± Qiu Yn said, ¡°When hees back, I will ask him if he has anything special to bring.¡±

    When Jiang Yashuang came back in the evening and Qiu Yn mentioned the summer holiday, he said, ¡°Nothing special to bring. There is everything there.¡± He continued, ¡°The summer holiday is a bit interesting this year. Empress Dowager Gu ordered Prince of Zhou to take charge of it, while my aunt is thinking about whether to arrange some work for the Seventh Prince, but she is afraid that he cannot do it since he is young.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked curiously, ¡°Doesn¡¯t he have assistants?¡±

    ¡°Even if there are assistants behind the scene to offer advice, themander must go into battle by himself.¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°The Empress Dowager will try to counteract his efforts certainly. If he manages the general affairs rashly without ability, his reputation for intelligence will be destroyed. I guess that¡¯s what the Empress Dowager wants.¡±

    The Seventh Prince was fifteen years old. Since he wanted to fight for the status of the Crown Prince, it didn¡¯t make sense if he did no work by himself. But he had always had the upper hand in the direct contests with Prince of Zhou. If he did a bad job this time, it was inevitable that the Empress Dowager would hit him badly on the pretext of it, thus he would lose his advantages that had been umted for a long time.

    ¡°¡®Where there is nothing to lose, there is nothing to fear.¡¯ The saying really fits Prince of Zhou. Anyway, he never performed as well as the Seventh Prince before, so it doesn¡¯t matter for him to lose again.¡± Qiu Yn thought about it andughed, ¡°The Seventh Prince is really stressful to defeat him again!¡±

    She pondered for a while, and said, ¡°As for finding something suitable for the Seventh Prince to do, I have an idea.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang kissed her on her cheek and smiled, ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Last time you said that the Empress Dowager wanted to marry Princess Changping, who was raised up by herself, to Kuang Qingwu, but she was stopped by your aunt, right?¡± Qiu Yn reminded, ¡°The Empress Dowager wants to do it to win over the Western Army, so she will not give up the idea just because your aunt tries to stop that. What¡¯s more, Kuang Qingwu has seeded in the government examination now, and he is the only son in the Kuang Family. How can Kuang Shihan not expect him to get married as soon as possible to have children then? So, the Empress Dowager will definitely mention this again. The princes¡¯ and princesses¡¯ marriages are always arranged by the Empress, so why doesn¡¯t your aunt leave it to the Seventh Prince to arrange? Then even if the Empress Dowager tries to pull away a prop...¡±

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s eyes lit up, and he couldn¡¯t help kissing her again, smiling happily, ¡°You are so clever! How did youe up with this idea? I¡¯ve thought about several ideas for my aunt today, but I never thought of this! ¡±

    ¡°Because I was thinking about Cousin Xin all the time, so when you said that the Seventh Prince had no suitable work to do, I thought of Princess Changping then.¡± Qiu Yn beat him and sighed, ¡°Cousin Xin... I don¡¯t know what will happen to her in the future?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang also felt sorry for her, ¡°We can do nothing about that. Ou Bicheng does not have a thing for her. It is not about other things but marriage. If he helped her out this time, he would have to marry her then.¡±

    Qiu Yn said in frustration, ¡°I know, and that¡¯s why I feel frustrated. I don¡¯t even have the right reason to scold Ou Bicheng for Cousin Xin!¡±

    ¡°Ou Bicheng is really wronged. He has never been close to Cousin Xin!¡± Although Jiang Yashuang and Xin Fubing were cousins from different branches, Ou Bicheng, his best friend who grew up with him since childhood, held a high ce in his heart obviously, so at this moment he exined for Ou Bicheng, ¡°Love and marriage can¡¯t be forced.¡±

    ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t talk about it again. Sleep!¡± Qiu Yn pulled up the quilt and covered her head.

    Jiang Yashuang felt both angry and funny, ¡°We haven¡¯t....¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother me!¡± Qiu Yn hit his hand in the quilt unhappily, ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood today!¡±

    Seeing that she was really not in high spirits, Jiang Yashuang reluctantly stopped, ¡°We are newly married!¡±

    After a while, seeing Qiu Yn was still in silence, he said in a soft voice, ¡°How about you go to the Pce tomorrow, okay?¡±

    ¡°For what?¡± It seemed that he was talking about something serious, Qiu Yn put down the quilt in confusion.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have to tell my aunt about your idea?¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°Because of the fight for the ranking of the imperial examination in spring at the beginning of the year, the Empress Dowager had no time to care about Princess Changping¡¯s marriage. While she may be free now. Of course, my aunt has to prepare as soon as possible. After all, the Seventh Prince is too young and has no previous experience in general affairs. It is inappropriate not to arrange some work for him earlier.¡±

    Qiu Yn was reluctant, because it was inevitable that she would be asked about Xin Fubing by the Empress when she entered the Pce, so she said, ¡°Can¡¯t you go and tell her that?¡±

    ¡°I am an official now, and tomorrow is not a day for rest.¡± Jiang Yashuangughed, ¡°Furthermore, you haven¡¯t greeted my aunt since you got married with me. You haven¡¯t received her gifts yet... Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s a loss?¡±

    ¡°Your aunt treats you so well, but you just think about her gifts. If she knows that, she will beat you!¡± Qiu Yn said speechlessly.

    Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°There is no other people here. As long as you and I don¡¯t mention that, then you go to the Pce just to greet my aunt and I don¡¯t have to be beaten as well.¡±

    ¡°I want to tell her!¡± Qiu Yn hummed, ¡°You are such a bad nephew!¡±

    Speaking of this, they couldn¡¯t helpughing, and the atmosphere suddenly became rxed. Jiang Yashuang took the opportunity to hold her in his arms.

    The next day, Qiu Yn freshened up, sent her husband away, and then went to the main house to greet Madame Tao. The olddy kindly spared her the ceremony and let her sit, ¡°You don¡¯t have to greet me today. You just came here yesterday. Is anything wrong?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Grandma.¡± Qiu Yn smiled and looked around, and then Madame Tao asked all the servants out.

    ¡°Yesterday, I heard from Jiang Yashuang that his aunt was considering arranging some work for the Seventh Prince. What happened to Cousin Xin yesterday made me think that Princess Changping hasn¡¯t got married yet...¡±

    Madame Tao understood what she meant immediately, and said with a smile, ¡°You are really a clever child!¡±

    Then before Qiu Yn mentioned it herself, the olddy directly found a reason for her to go to the Pce, ¡°Sheng Shishui is just pregnant. This is a happy event. So, we should tell the Pce about that and ask for something for the child... Since she is your sister-inw, you go to the Pce for her.¡±

    With the order of Madame Tao, Qiu Yn went back to her room, changed into a more formal dress, and went straight to the Pce. With the noble status of the Jiang Family, the women in the Jiang Family didn¡¯t need to go through any procedures to enter the Pce. They should only go directly to the Pce gate and ask the coachman to report. People like Madame Dou, who had a bad rtionship with the Empress, might have to wait for some time, while people from the fourth branch who were close to the Empress, coulde in after a hasty check.

    After entering the Pce gate, all the way was clear. When arriving at Beijue Hall, she was hinted by a servant to stop and wait for the summon. After a short while, when Qiu Yn just tidied up her dress, the servant came out and told her that the Empress let her in.

    After Qiu Yn came into the hall, she greeted the Empress first as the Commandery Princess and then a niece-inw. After that, Empress Jiang smiled and asked her to get up, ¡°Sit down. You are now my niece-inw, so you don¡¯t have to be restrained... I¡¯ve thought that after you got married, Jiang Yashuang would lead you to me and take your gifts away by the way. But that boy apanied you when he was free and worked so hard when he was at work. He totally forgot me!¡±

    ¡°Aunt, please forgive him...¡± Although Qiu Yn knew that Empress Jiang didn¡¯t really me Jiang Yashuang, she made an apology to her on behalf of her husband immediately.

    The Empress then waved her hand indifferently as expected, ¡°I was just kidding... So why do youe here alone today?¡±

    Qiu Yn told her what Madame Tao taught her to say before, and the Empress was a little surprised, but she also looked happy, ¡°Really? It seems that Sheng Shishui is a lucky girl. It has only been more than half a year, right? Just hope it¡¯s a male heir.¡±

    ¡°It will be a boy because of your lucky words, aunt.¡± Qiu Yn said so, but in her heart, she thought that she wouldn¡¯t tell Sheng Shishui about what the Empress said just now, because if it were a girl, Sheng Shishui would be so stressed!

    After chatting for another while, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t intend to leave still. Seeing that, the Empress knew that she had something else to say, ¡°So, let¡¯s talk alone!¡±

    The Empress asked the servants to leave, and then Qiu Yn repeated it again that the Seventh Princes could take charge of Princess Changping¡¯s marriage, and then it would be difficult for the Empress Dowager to make trouble for him, so that the Seventh Prince would still hold the reputation for intelligence.

    Both Jiang Yashuang and Madame Tao thought it was a good idea, but the Empress frowned after hearing it.

    Seeing this, Qiu Yn was a little bit afraid. After a long while, the Empress said, ¡°In this case, I don¡¯t have to worry about Weisang then. But doesn¡¯t that mean that Changping¡¯s wedding will be so lively?¡±

    Qiu Yn paused, and then she realized that the Empress did not want Princess Changping to have a great wedding.

    ¡°No matter how lively Princess Changping¡¯s wedding is, it will do good to the reputation of the Seventh Prince. As long as the Seventh Prince is recognized as a smart and capable person, my aunt, you will be recognized as the one with foresight.¡± Qiu Yn thought for a moment, saying in a suitable tone.

    She wanted Princess Changping to have a poor wedding while found some work suitable for the Seventh Prince that the Empress Dowager didn¡¯t dare to make trouble with... How could there be such a best of both worlds in the world?

    What was more, the Empress Dowager was not an easy enemy. Before Xue Chang had an effect, she was an opponent the Empress could only tie with after she made all her efforts.

    Empress Jiang naturally knew that as well. She frowned before just because she thought about Princess Changping¡¯s wedding. After fighting with Empress Dowager Gu for so long, she finally had to give Changping a decent wedding... Even if it was her who got more benefits, she didn¡¯t feel so happy.

    But the Empress was not addled. After thinking about it for a while, she nodded and said, ¡°You are right. Changping is really lucky!¡±

    When the matter was agreed, the Empress changed the topic as expected and asked about Xin Fubing, ¡°Did shee to your house yesterday? How is she now?¡±

    ¡°She said she would listen to the elders, and yesterday she asked me to make an apology to my grandmother on her behalf.¡± Qiu Yn thought about it before saying, ¡°Cousin Xin... She did that just because she was in a bad mood before...¡±

    ¡°Since it is over, don¡¯t mention it again!¡± The Empress interrupted her exnation and said lightly, ¡°Let her just take care of her health and wait for the wedding... She doesn¡¯t have to worry about anything else!¡±

    When Qiu Yn was about to respond, the servant outside coughed. The Empress raised her head and asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    A maid came in lightly and said respectfully, ¡°Your Majesty, Princess Changping wants to see you!¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised. Speak of the devil and he just appeared! Did Princess Chang Ping get the news so fast?

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t go to the Hall of Taishi butes here for what?¡± Empress Jiang was somewhat suspicious. She raised her eyebrows and snorted coldly, ¡°Let her in!¡±

 Chapter 231 - Something Bad Happened at Home!

    <h4>Chapter 231 Something Bad Happened at Home!</h4>

    After a while, Princess Changping walked in gracefully, and then bowed down, ¡°Your Majesty!¡±

    Qiu Yn saw her from a distance at the Emperor¡¯s birthdayst year, but didn¡¯t pay much attention to her at that time. When she looked closely at her this time, she found that her eyebrows were like turquoise feathers and her face was as beautiful as hibiscus. She had a double-ringed hairpin and a crown of flowers on her head, wearing an apricot red upper skirt with narrow sleeves, a bellyband with goose yellow embroidered begonia flowers on the chest, a brocade on the arm, a colored tape on the waist, a skirt in green and white, and a golden bell at the corners of the skirt. When she walked, the small bell rang, which revealed her dainty and vivaciousness as a girl.

    ¡°She deserves to be cultivated by Empress Dowager Gu.¡± In terms of appearance, Changping was not as beautiful as Yongfu, but in terms of temperament, the elegant and graceful Princess Changping was more in line with the royal style ording to ordinary people than Princess Yongfu who was so lively. Qiu Yn retracted her gaze and thought, ¡°Of course, this is also because the reason Empress Dowager Gu raises her is that she hopes that she can be useful. So naturally, the Empress Dowager didn¡¯t pamper her as much as Empress Jiang pampered Princess Yongfu. Princess Yongfu can do whatever she likes.¡±

    Then the Empress asked indifferently, ¡°Why do youe here?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, I came here to tell you the good news at themand of my grandmother!¡± Princess Changping said respectfully. Her words surprised the Empress and Qiu Yn so much. ¡°When the second sister-inw was bowing to grandmother, something seemed wrong with her, so grandmother called in imperial doctors, who said that she was pregnant for more than a month!¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± After hearing these words, Empress Jiang¡¯s face became gloomy!

    It had been so silent in Beijue Hall for a while. Qiu Yn, who was sitting at the end, kept calm and silent. From the corner of her eyes, she caught a glimpse of Princess Changping¡¯s forehead, which was breaking out in a cold sweat. It could be seen that the princess who seemed calm was in fear at this moment.

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know very well that Empress Jiang had been harmed by Empress Dowager Gu when she was a teenager, so it was difficult for her to have a baby. Thus, she hated the fact so much that Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s people were pregnant. Qiu Yn thought Empress Jiang looked bad just because as soon as she promised to give Princess Changping a decent wedding for the Seventh Prince to continue to overwhelm Prince of Zhou, Princess Changping immediately came here to tell her that Princess Yan, Tang Xinyao was pregnant. The Empress¡¯s niece Jiang Qiyun got married before Tang Xinyao got married, but she was not pregnant yet!

    ¡°Whether she did it intentionally or unintentionally, it¡¯s really a p in the face.¡± Qiu Yn muttered in her heart, ¡°Will the Empress be so angry and teach her a lesson, leaving the Seventh Prince behind? But no matter how overbearing the Empress is, she shouldn¡¯t be willful in this kind of business, right?¡±

    She waited for the Empress to restore her peace quietly like a quail, but Princess Changping knew that the Empress was not only feeling ufortable or irritated. She knew that she might have reminded the Empress of her deepest regrets in her heart, so she lowered her head so obediently.

    After a long time, Empress Jiang said nkly, ¡°Just follow the rules.¡± After speaking, she nced at the little maid at the entrance of the Hall, ¡°Go and tell Lin.¡±

    Lin was the most trusted maid of Empress Jiang, and she managed the harem on behalf of the Empress.

    Princess Changping cautiously thanked the Empress on behalf of Tang Xinyao, and then the Empress said calmly, ¡°Get up and talk.¡±

    Princess Changping, who was kneeling with her legs a little numb, still didn¡¯t dare to take it lightly. She kowtowed before she got up, trying to maintain her demeanor without revealing the numbness of her legs, ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty!¡±

    ¡°Changping, it¡¯s about time you got married.¡± Empress Jiang¡¯s seemingly inattentive words made Princess Changping¡¯s expression suddenly change, ¡°There are so many civil and military officials, as well as Jinshi in the court. Is there anyone you like?¡±

    Princess Changping forced a smile and said, ¡°Thank you for your care, Your Majesty! But I was nurtured and cultivated by my grandmother, and I can¡¯t bear to leave her now, so...¡±

    ¡°Your younger brothers and sisters have also reached the age of marriage. Are you going to block their marriages by refusing to get married?¡± The Empress interrupted her coldly.

    Princess Changping was so anxious as she couldn¡¯t skirt around the subject any more for this reason, so she had to say, ¡°I¡¯m really at a loss now, Your Majesty. I beg you to give me a few days to think carefully!¡±

    In normal circumstances, she should have said, ¡°Everything is up to you and I¡¯ll follow your words, Your Majesty,¡± which not only conformed to the main idea of ¡°marriage is up to the parents¡± in this era, but also showed her reserved manner. But if she had really said that, Empress Jiang, her official mother, might have married her to someone terrible or dispensable quickly.

    Therefore, after thinking about that, the princess didn¡¯t even care about beingughed at by others after it was spread out, and she said bluntly, ¡°Your Majesty, since you give me the opportunity to choose, then I have to think carefully and choose a good one.¡±

    ¡°It makes sense. You¡¯ve been raised by mom, so you should go back and discuss it with her.¡± Empress Jiang narrowed her eyes and looked at her yfully, ¡°Then you go back and tell me your decision in two days.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty!¡± Princess Changping didn¡¯t expect the Empress to let go of her so easily, so she couldn¡¯t help feeling overjoyed and kowtowed to thank her.

    When Princess Changping left, Qiu Yn also proposed to leave.

    Empress Jiang looked gloomy after she heard that Tang Xinyao was pregnant, so she didn¡¯t keep her but just said, ¡°I¡¯ve already prepared the gifts for you after you married into the Jiang Family. As for Sheng Shishui, I will let someone take some tonics from the warehouse, and you bring them back to her for me.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty!¡± Qiu Yn responded. Seeing that the Empress had nothing else to say, she bowed and followed the servant out.

    When she went outside, seeing the Empress¡¯ gifts, all jewelry and silk and satin, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry, ¡°I just took a carriage here today...¡± Even if I was willing to walk back, the carriage couldn¡¯t hold so many things!

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve sent someone to the Imperial Army for the eighth young master Jiang. He will find another carriage and a few more servants to send you home.¡± A familiar maid called Nijin said, ¡°We used to do it when Her Majesty awarded a lot.¡±

    Qiu Yn thanked her immediately and picked up a jade bracelet as a gift for her. She was now Jiang Yashuang¡¯s wife, and everyone in the court knew that the Empress treated Jiang Yashuang, her nephew, so much. Nijin refused to ept it, ¡°I used to take many benefits from you, Madame. How can I ept such a precious gift from you? I just sent someone to run an errand.¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t ept it, you regard me as an outsider. I brought this bracelet into the Pce especially for you today. It fits you so well!¡± Qiu Yn pretended to be unhappy. Nijin then epted it happily as she saw that she really wanted to give it to her, and then she said to her in a low voice in return, ¡°Although every madame will be rewarded when theye to greet Her Majesty after they marry into the Jiang Family, no one can get as much and good as you. It shows how much Her Majesty likes you!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because Her Majesty likes Jiang Yashuang!¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t take this seriously. The Empress liked Princess Yongfu the most, then Jiang Yashuang, and then Chunfu Princess. In addition, she had so many nephews and nieces who were of the same blood as her, while she was just the wife of her nephew! She knew she got the glory at this moment just because of her husband.

    However, as the youngest niece-inw, the awards she got had overshadowed all other sisters-inw. Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help wondering if Empress Jiang did this on purpose.

    ¡°Even the Empress hopes that the contradiction between our branch and other branches can be more acute?¡± They were all nieces-inw, while the youngest one got the most generous gifts. In normal families, Qiu Yn would be the first one to arouse jealousy and dissatisfaction of her sisters-inw.

    But...

    While it was not just the branches that would be affected by it at this time!

    Empress Jiang was already the Empress Dowager-to-be in the eyes of some people in the Jiang Family, so how important her attitude towards the people in the Jiang Family was!

    The first branch, who had enjoyed the priority supply of resources from the Jiang Family, the third branch, who believed that the eldest son should not be subordinate to his cousin, and the sixth branch and eighth branch, who had not revealed their ambitions clearly but were still hard to handle...

    Would they be willing to see that Empress Jiang still favored Jiang Yashuang and the fourth branch as before after she became the Empress Dowager?

    ¡°Well, it will show how important the Empress¡¯ support is after being attacked by a group.¡± Qiu Yn mocked lightly in her heart, ¡°It seems that everyone wants to send us charcoal in snowy weather!¡±

    So, they intended to send us heavy snow first?

    Nijin didn¡¯t know what had crossed her mind, and she smiled and said, ¡°Her Majesty likes Jiang Yashuang indeed, but she also likes you very much.¡±

    After a few words, seeing that they were far away from others, she lowered her voice, ¡°We didn¡¯t expect Princess Yan to be pregnant first. Now Princess Qi must be so embarrassed.¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled and said, ¡°It is fated. Maybe there will be good news about Jiang Qiyun tomorrow!¡±

    ¡°You are right.¡± Nijin thought thoughtfully, ¡°But... I¡¯ve heard a piece of news.¡±

    ¡°Can you tell me?¡± Qiu Yn asked, although she knew that Nijin would tell her certainly as she said so.

    Nijin said in a lower voice as expected, ¡°You can never tell other people! Otherwise, Her Majesty will punish me badly after she knows it!¡±

    ¡°Of course, I won¡¯t. How can I harm you?¡± Qiu Yn said lightly.

    ¡°I heard that Princess Qi thought that Prince of Qi was cowardly and ipetent. Since getting married, Prince of Qi has rarely been allowed to enter the inner chamber. He always sleeps in the study.¡± Nijin said in a low voice, ¡°Even when there were no other people around, she hit and scolded Prince of Qi! Her Majesty knew it two days ago and summoned her to reprimand her! But from her expression when she left, I don¡¯t think she will listen to Her Majesty.¡±

    Qiu Yn looked surprised, ¡°She... She treated Prince of Qi so badly! He is her husband after all!¡± While she was not surprised at all in her heart, ¡°Jiang Qiyun is so arrogant and domineering, and she even can¡¯t bear that her cousin is more beautiful than her, so how could she bear that her dream to be the Empress in the future was broken? Prince of Qi is cowardly and mediocre, and his biological mother is also humble, so how can they not bear her anger and be bullied by her?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± It could be seen that Nijin was very sympathetic to Prince of Qi, ¡°Prince of Qi is loyal and honest, and he dares not say anything even if he is wronged. I heard that he always cried secretly in the garden in the middle of the night. It is... It¡¯s too pitiful... He is a prince after all!¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s lips twitched, ¡°The eldest prince in his twenties has been reduced to such aedown! Jiang Qiyun really just cares about herself when doing things! But if there is something wrong with the prince out of her, will it be good for her? What a fool!¡±

    It was definitely not suitable to say so, so she could only say, ¡°Fortunately, Her Majesty is just and strict. Jiang Qiyun should be more restrained in the future since Her Majesty cherishes Prince of Qi.¡±

    When Nijin was about to speak, a servant came over and told them, ¡°The carriage and staff are ready. Madame, are you going back now?¡±

    Qiu Yn would like to go back certainly. Although she still wanted to see if Nijin had any other news to tell her, the Empress hadn¡¯t asked her to stay for dinner, so it would be improper if she stayed here for a long time.

    As usual, Nijin sent her to the gate of the Pce, and they two exchanged greetings before bidding farewell. The carriage left the square in front of the Pce and turned into the street. Qiu Yn felt a little hot, asking Su He to lift the corner of the curtain to feel the wind. When she was pressing the veil on her forehead, a rush of hooves sounded!

    Su He suddenly eximed, and Chen Shui in the same carriage teased her, ¡°You¡¯re afraid of the sound of hooves?¡±

    ¡°The one who passed by just now seems to be eighth childe Jiang Yadan!¡± Su He, who had always been clever-toothed, didn¡¯t bother to quarrel with her, and hurriedly pulled Qiu Yn¡¯s sleeves. ¡°He is still wearing the costumes of the Imperial Army. It seemed he was running towards Marquess¡¯s Mansion!¡±

    ¡°Something happened at home?¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s heart sank, and she ordered the coachman in a deep voice, ¡°Quickly! Don¡¯t mind the things in the carriage behind. Go back quickly!¡±

 Chapter 232 - The Insidious Tao Family

    <h4>Chapter 232 The Insidious Tao Family</h4>

    Qiu Yn hurried back to Marquess¡¯s Mansion. As expected, when she got out of the carriage, she heard the bad news, ¡°A child of Jiang Yadan died!¡±

    No wonder Jiang Yadan was so rushed on the road!

    ¡°How can that happen? When I went to the eighth sister-inw two days ago, the children were still lively!¡± She walked toward the backyard and asked Xiaran, who was waiting at the drop-off point. At that time, those two kids were so lively as to snatch the jade bracelet from their official mother¡¯s wrist! Would one of them be the one who had the ident at this time?

    ¡°They fell into the water.¡± Xiaran lowered her head behind her, whispering quickly, ¡°Sheng Shishui was found pregnant yesterday, so the old Madame told Madame Tao Junior to take more care of her. So, she got up early this morning and went to the house of Sheng Shishui... The servants in Madame Tao Junior¡¯s yard just reported that Jiang Yahong and Jiang Yahu got into a fight while ying on the rockery, and they identally fell into theke together!¡±

    Qiu Yn stopped and asked in surprise, ¡°They both fell into theke? Are both of them...?¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yahu is dead but Jiang Yahong has been rescued.¡± Xiaran hesitated, ¡°But...¡±

    ¡°But what?¡± Qiu Yn calmed down and asked, continuing to walk.

    Xiaran looked around and said, ¡°I heard that when the servant came to save them, he was closer to Jiang Yahu, who was a boy, so he intended to save him first. But, Luan, Jiang Yahong¡¯s biological mother, came to theke first. She forced the servant to save Jiang Yahong first... Jiang Yahu¡¯s biological mother, Madame Feng, came to theketer. But when Jiang Yahu was pulled out of the water, he has been...¡±

    ¡°How about Luan and Madame Feng?¡± Qiu Yn frowned, thinking that Madame Tao Junior might be in trouble. A concubine¡¯s child died, and the concubines made such a mess. Madame Tao Junior would be used of managing the concubines poorly.

    This was the sorrow of women at this time. The concubines and their children must be controlled by the official wife, while the official wife had to bear the responsibility of ineffective supervision and management if anything was wrong with them.

    To be honest, it was not wrong for the official wife to be involved if she really owned the right to manage them. While Madame Tao Junior, who couldn¡¯t manage the concubines at all but couldn¡¯t escape being held ountable when something went wrong, was really wronged!

    Xiaran smiled bitterly, ¡°As soon as the old Madame knew it, she ordered people to poison Luan and send her to the mass grave. But Madame Feng, god knows if she is mad! She was crying on the bed at that time, and Madame Tao Junior and the others wereforting her, but as soon as Jiang Yadan was back, she suddenly got her strength and jumped up to hug Jiang Yadan, saying that she and Luan were both concubines, so the servant couldn¡¯t dare to save the girl first while leaving the boy behind. She said that two days ago, Jiang Yahu snatched the bracelet on Madame Tao Junior¡¯s wrist when he was there, so she bore a grudge against Jiang Yahu and privately asked the servant to listen to Luan... The old Madame is going crazy now!¡±

    Qiu Yn looked gloomy and sneered, ¡°I¡¯m going mad too. With such a biological mother, it¡¯s no wonder that Jiang Yahu is so unruly!¡± She had thought it was pitiful for such a small child to die out of the concubine of his father before. But at this time, she didn¡¯t feel it at all. With what Madame Feng did this time, if the kid had grown up safely, Madame Feng and the kid might have driven Madame Tao Junior to death in the future!

    She calmed down and asked, ¡°Did my brother believe her words or not?¡±

    Xiaran sighed, ¡°Even though Jiang Yadan didn¡¯t believe Madame Feng¡¯s words, he stillined that Madame Tao Junior didn¡¯t take care of the child... After Sheng Shishui knew that, she asked someone to call Jiang Yazhu, nning to apologize to Jiang Yadan with him together!¡±

    ¡°Although he is cold, he is not foolish!¡± If Jiang Yadan had really believed in Madame Feng¡¯s words, Qiu Yn thought that he could go die then.

    She had thought that since Jiang Yadan did not believe in Madame Feng, Madame Tao Junior would just bear the responsibility for poor management. While when she came to Madame Tao who was dealing with the matter, she did realize that Madame Tao Junior was in a more severe situation than she thought!

    ¡°Madame, it was really Madame Tao Junior who forced us to do that! Otherwise, how dare we plot against the little master anddy?¡± Seven or eight decently-dressed servants were down on their knees, crying about being wronged, ¡°Madame Tao Junior holds our ve contracts... How dare we not listen to her?¡±

    At this time, Madame Tao Junior looked so pale and her lips were trembling. If she hadn¡¯t been helped by others, she would have been unable to stand!

    But she just couldn¡¯t fall down, because Jiang Yadan, who was sitting at the end, was looking at her expressionlessly! Obviously, he would never give up if he didn¡¯t make things clear!

    After listening in for a while, Qiu Yn pulled Sheng Shishui¡¯s sleeve secretly. Sheng Shishui frowned and lightly pressed her lower abdomen knowingly. So Qiu Yn took the opportunity to say to Madame Tao, ¡°Grandma, the sixteenth sister-inw seems to be a little tired. Can I help her to leave and have a rest?¡±

    Madame Tao, with an iron face, was eager to excuse Madame Tao Junior, so she did not look up when she heard the words, ¡°Go. I¡¯ve said before that Shishui needn¡¯t be here since she is pregnant!¡±

    ¡°Thanks, grandmother!¡± The two sisters-inw got away and went back to the courtyard of Sheng Shishui together.

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t Madame Feng talking nonsense? Why they are talking about the eighth sister-inw¡¯s murdering the kids seriously?¡± After asking the servants to leave, Qiu Yn asked eagerly, ¡°Those servants?¡±

    Sheng Shishui also had a solemn expression, ¡°The eighth sister-inw was set up. Even if Madame Feng said that, brother did not believe her, and Mom Hu in front of grandmother also said that Madame Feng was talking nonsense... However, before grandmother handled Madame Feng, Madame Feng said that she had evidence! Then, the servant who saved the kid at that time actually confessed that the eighth sister-inw had told them that she did not like Jingheng and Jinghu!¡±

    Jiang Jingheng and Jiang Jinghu were the kids of concubines who had snatched the bracelet from Madame Tao Junior¡¯s wrist together before, and it was Jiang Jinghu who died this time.

    ¡°Luan¡¯s servants also ran out after they knew about it, screaming that Luan might have been forced by the eighth sister-inw to save Jiang Yahong first! Their words didn¡¯t matter much, but even Mistress Lu said the same!¡±

    Qiu Yn hurriedly asked, ¡°Who is Mistress Lu? Why do her words matter?¡±

    ¡°Mistress Lu was the maid of the eighth sister-inw, called Lvzhan.¡± Sheng Shishui sighed. ¡°She is the daughter of the one who manages the dowry industry of the eighth sister-inw. She matters!¡±

    Qiu Yn kept silent for a while, and asked lightly, ¡°I just get married and I can¡¯t recognize all the rtives... Do you know whether the Tao Family has unmarried daughters now? Especially the pretty one.¡±

    Sheng Shishui gave her a deep look, ¡°Tao Peibin, you know, she is already married. But she has a sister who looks pretty. The girl is only fourteen this year, and she hasn¡¯t been married. She had been taken here by the Tao Family for a few times at the Spring Festival before. At that time, she acted like a pampered child and said to the eighth sister-inw that she wanted to stay at the Jiang Family for a few days. But before the eighth sister-inw spoke, she was stopped by grandmother...¡±

    After a pause, she frowned, ¡°It is true that the Tao Family is the most suspicious as Lvzhan imed that the eighth sister-inw murdered the kids judging from her birth. After all, it¡¯s really a good thing for the concubines to have such a generous and great wife for their husbands. Lvzhan can¡¯t be the official wife, so it can¡¯t do her any good to frame the eighth sister-inw! She is a concubine of Jiang Yadan. She never interacts with outsiders, and her parents are the caretaker of the eighth sister-inw, enjoying the Tao Family¡¯s protection. Except for the Tao Family, who can threaten her? However, if the eighth sister-inw got the reputation of murdering the children of concubines, wouldn¡¯t all the people from the Tao Family be shameless? In order to change a wife for Jiang Yadan, they abandoned the reputation of a whole family. It...?¡±

    ¡°Have you forgotten grandmother?¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°How can such words spread out with grandmother here? Even if it spreads out, once the eighth sister-inw¡¯s conviction is confirmed, how can she still be alive then? After the eighth sister-inw dies, they will reverse the verdict and restore her reputation, and the Jiang Family will also agree to let Tao Yibin be the official wife of Jiang Yadan. Tao Peibin is not so beautiful, while Jiang Yadan has so many beautiful concubines, so how can he take a fancy to Tao Yibin who is not even as pretty as Tao Peibin?¡±

    Sheng Shishui¡¯s face changed, ¡°So what about the eighth sister-inw now?¡±

    ¡°Fortunately, grandmother really cherishes the eighth sister-inw. She has been thinking about excusing her all the time.¡± Qiu Yn thought for a while and said, ¡°But you said that Tao Yibin wanted to live here before and was stopped by grandmother. I¡¯m afraid that at that time, the Tao Family had already discussed the recement with grandmother, but grandmother did not agree, and she did not even allow Tao Yibin to live here... So, if the Tao Family really designed it this time, I¡¯m afraid they wouldn¡¯t ignore grandmother¡¯s objection... If it is made a well-documented case this time...¡±

    ¡°Now so many people insist that. Before you came back, grandmother killed Luan¡¯s closest maid in public, but no one changed their words even so...¡± Sheng Shishui looked serious, ¡°I think your guess is right. But for the eighth sister-inw, it¡¯s....¡±

    If it were other people who set up Madame Tao Junior, she still had her natal family to support her. But if it were exactly her natal family? Even if Madame Tao Junior could be cleared of murdering the kids, it was hard to say whether she could get through the trauma in her heart!

    ¡°If it was really the Tao Family who did that, there is only one way to save the eighth sister-inw.¡± Qiu Yn pondered for a moment, ¡°Let the Tao Family know that even if the eighth sister-inw dies, the position of Jiang Yadan¡¯s wife has nothing to do with their family!¡±

    Sheng Shishui hesitated for a while before she said, ¡°To be honest, if the Tao Family really did that, no matter how grandma loves the eighth sister-inw, I¡¯m afraid she will ept that.¡±

    Madame Tao¡¯s surname was also Tao after all. She would do anything to get Madame Tao Junior off, except exposing the Tao Family!

    And once Madame Tao Junior was forced to death, Madame Tao would not only no longer oppose Tao Yibin¡¯s marrying into the Jiang Family, but would even help Tao Yibin to secure her position as Jiang Yadan¡¯s wife. After all, Madame Tao was also a daughter of the Tao Family!

    ¡°I know. I won¡¯t embarrass grandmother about it.¡± Qiu Yn stood up, ¡°I know there is someone who happens to do this kind of thing!¡±

    Sheng Shishui asked in surprise, ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°The fourteenth sister-inw!¡± Qiu Yn narrowed her eyes, ¡°I remember she does this kind of business as well!¡±

    Didn¡¯t the Yang Family beg her to marry their daughter Yang Yinian to Ding Lingyi after his wife died?

    Had it not been for Yang Yishi¡¯s being cheated by Ding Lingyi¡¯s nephew Ding Qingyan, the marriage should have been done.

    Since He Shuijin could act as the matchmaker for the Yang Family and the Ding Family, it shouldn¡¯t be difficult for her to find a good wife for Jiang Yadan, right?

    As expected, when she came to He Shuijin, told her about her intentions, and took out a few pieces of paper money from her sleeve, He Shuijin, who held a tea bowl and indicated that she needed to think about it, became zealous immediately, ¡°You might guess right. Since there is no one else here, let me tell you the truth. Do you know why the eighth sister-inw is so good-tempered? She is forced to be so! But the one who forces her most is not the Jiang Family but the Tao Family!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard people say that her biological mother once said that she was useless, because she couldn¡¯t win the heart of Jiang Yadan, and she couldn¡¯t have a baby as well! And she couldn¡¯t even get a concubine¡¯s child to raise by herself! Her mother needled her and then came to grandma toin about her, who was scolded by grandma badly! But, think about that. How would the eighth sister-inw feel when she heard what her mom said? Would she still have any spirit to fight for anything? ¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Sure enough! I was just skeptical before, but fortunately, I came to you, my sister-inw.¡± Pointing to the paper money, Qiu Yn said, ¡°I don¡¯t know your rules, sister-inw, so please don¡¯t be offended if it¡¯s not enough. It¡¯s just the deposit. I will have a big gift for you in the future. Anyway, as long as she is eager for the position of Jiang Yadan¡¯s wife, if she knows he will marry an irrelevant woman, she wille out definitely!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so kind. So, I won¡¯t beat around the bush with you. Business is business. You¡¯ll give me half of this amount after the thing is done.¡± He Shuijin smiled slightly, ¡°I promise to find someone who can be Jiang Yadan¡¯s wife while has nothing to do with what happened today!¡±

    Kidding? There were Madame Zhuang of the fourth branch in Beijiang and Qiu Yn who dared to beat her sister-inw in less than a month after marrying into the Jiang Family. If the good-tempered Madame Tao Junior was reced by a domineering one, how could other branches live their life?

    She had to find a way to intervene in it even if she could get no money!

 Chapter 233 - Madame Tao Juniors Crisis!

    <h4>Chapter 233 Madame Tao Junior¡¯s Crisis!</h4>

    After asking He Shuijin to help, Qiu Yn was still worried. After getting back to her courtyard, she sent people to find out how the thing went.

    Chunran was on this errand. She came back and told her, ¡°Madame Tao was tired. She kept those people in custody and asked Madame Tao Junior and Young Master Yadan to go back... She¡¯ll deal with it when people from the Tao Family get here tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Did grandfather ask about it?¡± Qiu Yn asked.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t heard. I assume Old Master doesn¡¯t want to say anything because the situation is unclear,¡± Chunran guessed.

    Qiu Yn felt a force on her waist while thinking. She got pulled into someone¡¯s arms by surprise! Then Chunran who was in front of her bowed, ¡°Young Master, you are back!¡±

    ¡°I got it. You are back. Chunran is still here. You!¡± Qiu Yn pinched Jiang Yashuang¡¯s arm with aint. She watched Chunran going away rapidly and then turned around, ¡°Why did youe back so early?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t grandfather ask me toe back early to teach you family rules?¡± Jiang Yashuang kissed her on the neck and then went around to sit beside her. He held her waist and asked with a smile, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why do you look so worried?¡±

    Looking at his smiling face, Qiu Yn was a little surprised, ¡°Don¡¯t you know? Yadan¡¯s son Jinghu is dead!¡±

    As expected, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s smile disappeared at once, ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°He and his ninth sister were ying on the artificial hill and they fell into the water together. It¡¯s said that he was close to the shore. But Luan got there first, she forced the servant to save his sister first and then him. He died because of it,¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t remember the ninth granddaughter¡¯s name. After she said all that, Jiang Yashuang stood up suddenly and hurried towards outside. She went after him in a hurry, ¡°Wait! I haven¡¯t finished yet. Now Jinghu¡¯s mother Madame Feng, Mistress Lu who used to be Madame Tao Junior¡¯s maid and others all used Madame Tao Junior of killing Jinghu. It¡¯s such a mess. They said that they would talk about it when the Tao Family came tomorrow!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang stopped suddenly. He turned around and asked, ¡°Where was Madame Tao Junior when Jinghu fell into the water?¡±

    ¡°She was taking care of Shishui under grandmother¡¯smand.¡± Just when Qiu Yn stopped talking, Jiang Yashuang sneered, ¡°I knew it!¡±

    He thought for a moment, ¡°You seemed to haveined that Jingheng and Jinghu were disrespectful to Madame Tao Junior?¡±

    ¡°Caiqi and others told you?¡± Qiu Yn frowned and then said, ¡°Yes. I was visiting Madame Tao Junior the other day. Their mothers and they went in to ask for things. And they had their eyes on Madame Tao Junior¡¯s bracelet. They snatched it without saying anything. Madame Tao Junior¡¯s wrist was pinched red!¡±

    After saying that, she mused, ¡°They began to scheme against Madame Tao Junior since then?¡±

    ¡°They haven¡¯t done that in front of others before!¡± Jiang Yashuang went ck in the face. He said angrily, ¡°I reminded Madame Tao Junior a long time ago that she should be strict when she needed to. Otherwise, others would only get greedier! She... s! Come with me tofort Madame Tao Junior. I¡¯ll talk to Yadan!¡±

    Qiu Yn puckered her lips, ¡°You need to talk some sense into Yadan. The way he looked at Madame Tao Junior today was not good!¡±

    ¡°Jinghu is dead. You can¡¯t me him for having a bad mood. He may not really doubt Madame Tao Junior.¡± Jiang Yashuang walked towards outside holding her hand, ¡°Although Yadan isscivious, he should know better than this!¡±

    Jiang Yadan didn¡¯t do well in life. But he wasn¡¯t stupid! Madame Tao Junior wasn¡¯t favored and didn¡¯t have kids. What was the use of her killing Jiang Jinghu? If she wanted to vent her anger, as the lineal daughter of the Tao Family, how could she not have an escape n while doing this kind of murderous thing and get exposed in an instant? The Tao Family taught her to be ady not a silly girl!

    However, Jiang Yashuang knew Jiang Yadan didn¡¯t have much love for Madame Tao Junior. Even he knew his wife was probably wronged, with irond evidence, he wouldn¡¯t mind remarrying a young and beautiful wife via this chance.

    So, he needed to go and persuade his brother who had low moral integrity as soon as possible.

    But just when they walked out of the door, they bumped into Madame Tao¡¯s maid, ¡°Madame Yn, Madame Tao asks you toe over!¡±

    ¡°She probably wants to ask me about my visit to the pce today,¡± Qiu Yn realized it at once and said to Jiang Yashuang, ¡°Go find Yadan yourself. I¡¯m going to talk to my grandmother.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Jiang Yashuang nodded. They went separate ways.

    When she was in front of Madame Tao, Madame Tao looked very different from usual. She was very gloomy. As expected, she asked without hesitation, ¡°What did the Empress say?¡±

    ¡°Aunt agreed.¡± Qiu Yn said with respect, ¡°Aunt gave me gifts and asked me to bring back her gifts for Shishui.¡± Speaking of which, she didn¡¯t expect this. She thought the carriage of gifts she brought back should draw most of the attention in Marquess¡¯s Mansion on this day. She was psychologically prepared to deal with her sisters-inw. However, Jiang Jinghu died, and no one had time to care for those gifts. Almost everyone was focus on this thing!

    Even Sheng Shishui probably wasn¡¯t in the mood to check the gifts from the Empress. Her maiden family wasn¡¯t illustrious. Her origin was awkward. And her husband was a concubine¡¯s son whom his official mother hated. She was only doing all right after getting married because she had Madame Tao Junior this kind of kind sister-inw.

    If a fierce woman became her sister-inw, even she already had a son by then, considering Jiang Yazhu¡¯s status in the Jiang Family, Jiang Yadan¡¯s new wife could bully her if she wanted to!

    All in all, all sisters-inw including Madame Dou Junior and her gang didn¡¯t want Madame Tao Junior to be reced!

    Unless it was their sister who was going to rece Madame Tao Junior. But as long as Madame Tao and Empress Jiang were here, it was nearly impossible for Jiang Yadan to remarry the daughter of the Dou Family or the Miao Family. They couldn¡¯t make the decision for Jiang Yadan. But they had many ways to undermine it!

    ¡°The one who wants to rece Madame Tao Junior is probably from outside. But the funny thing is that the outsider is most likely from Madame Tao¡¯s family...¡± Qiu Yealn thought. Madame Tao nodded while saying, ¡°Did she say anything else?¡±

    She pulled herself together and said, ¡°No. Because Princess Changping came to report that Princess Yan was pregnant. I left after her.¡±

    ¡°Princess Yan is pregnant?¡± Hearing this news, Madame Tao¡¯s look became gloomier. She knew exactly how much the Empress had suffered back then. Now she heard that Empress Dowager Gu was about to have a great-grandchild. She felt sorry for her daughter even more. But she couldn¡¯t scold Tang Xinyao who was a junior in her status. She had to take it out on her own family, ¡°Qiyun is really useless! She married before Tang. But she is still not pregnant!¡±

    Judging by her tone, she didn¡¯t seem to know that Jiang Qiyun had humiliated Prince of Qi. Qiu Yn thought for a while and said nothing. Qiu Yn justforted, ¡°Prince of Yan will just be a prince for his whole life. There is no need to care about him.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Madame Tao squinted, ¡°I bet Empress Dowager Gu is regretting it now, right? Her maiden family has raised such a good daughter!¡± If it wasn¡¯t for Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s mistake, Prince of Yan was better than Prince of Qi and now Princess Yan got pregnant first which would have given the Empress Dowager¡¯s clique the upper hand in the battle for Crown Prince!

    Not like now, Prince of Zhou didn¡¯t want to confront the Seventh Prince so much that he tried so hard to avoid him. But he still slipped into the Seventh Prince¡¯s traps. His clumsiness always brought out his brother¡¯s cleverness.

    Madame Tao pictured Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s remorseful and angry look after hearing the news. She felt a little better and asked while leaning her head, ¡°Okay. Since the Empress didn¡¯t say anything else, let¡¯s talk about our family business!¡±

    Qiu Yn said with respect, ¡°I¡¯m all ears!¡±

    ¡°Your sister-inw is wronged,¡± Madame Tao sighed, ¡°If she were willing to harm others, frankly speaking, with Yadan sleeping at his mistress¡¯s ce almost every day and my help at home, Yadan wouldn¡¯t be able to have so many children!¡±

    ¡°You are right. If Madame Tao Junior didn¡¯t protect me the other day, I would be the one getting beaten!¡± Qiu Yn said in a hurry, ¡°She suffered a lot because of me. But she had noint against me which showed her generosity! I haven¡¯t married into our family for long. Let alone Jinghu whom she watched growing up.¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s criterion was, ¡°A good person was someone who treated me well. A bad person was someone who treated me badly. The rest were strangers.¡±.

    Madame Tao Junior protected her before. So, whether Madame Tao Junior harmed others or not, Madame Tao Junior was a good person to her.

    Besides, considering how arrogant and imperious Jiang Yadan¡¯s concubines and their children were, Qiu Yn felt even Madame Tao Junior did terrible things to them, they deserved it. Only you guys could humiliate the wife because you guys were favored. The wife was not allowed to fight back?

    She said that from the bottom of her heart.

    Madame Tao felt it. She felt both relieved and dejected, ¡°However, there are too many people trying to harm her this time... I don¡¯t know if I can get her off the hook!¡±

    ¡°Grandmother, who is behind the scheme against Madame Tao Junior?¡± Qiu Yn surely couldn¡¯t ask Madame Tao directly if her maiden family was behind it. She had to make a roundabout attempt, ¡°Madame Tao Junior is so nice. I wonder who would want to harm her?¡±

    Madame Tao¡¯s face was contorted. After a long while, she said, ¡°Some people are just insatiable!¡±

    So, was it really the Tao Family?

    Otherwise, considering that Madame Tao was friendly to Qiu Yn on purpose for thest few days and she didn¡¯t even hide her hate towards the first branch, if it wasn¡¯t that she really couldn¡¯t say, how could she not tell Qiu Yn?

    Qiu Yn thought about how to answer it. Before she could say anything, Madame Tao said, ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m not in the mood of telling you the details... Let¡¯s wait to see the result when the Tao Familyes tomorrow.¡±

    She asked, ¡°Is Yashuang back? Tell him to persuade Yadan and speak up for Madame Tao Junior. Don¡¯t let others fool Yadan!¡±

    ¡°When I came over just now, Yashuang has already gone to Yadan,¡± Qiu Yn said in a hurry.

    Madame Tao sighed, ¡°Hope he could talk some sense into Yadan!¡±

    ¡°Talk sense into Yadan?¡± After a while, Qiu Yn went back to her courtyard. Jiang Yashuang was already back. He sat in the room sulkily with a livid face. She was a little surprised. She was about to ask him. But he asked her about her meeting with Madame Tao first. After hearing what she said, he sneered, ¡°Yadan doesn¡¯t need people to talk sense into him. He knew exactly what happened!¡±

    Qiu Yn said in surprise, ¡°Then what¡¯s he going to do with Madame Tao Junior?¡±

    ¡°He has been seeing the young daughter of the An Family for a few years. She is over 20 and hasn¡¯t married yet. She doesn¡¯t want to hear the gossip. So, she lives on a farm outside the city. She ims that she is recovering from her illness,¡± Jiang Yashuang kept sneering, ¡°He wants to marry her via this chance!¡±

    ¡°Then she is behind the scheme this time?¡± Qiu Yn was surprised.

    Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°How could the An Family meddle with our family business? But judging by Yadan¡¯s attitude, Madame Tao Junior is really in a tight spot.¡±

    He frowned tightly and exhaled, ¡°Go talk to Shuijin tomorrow. She is experienced in this kind of thing. s. I just happen to be busy. Otherwise, I¡¯ll get to the bottom of it myself!¡±

    ¡°I have already talked to her,¡± Qiu Yn puckered her lips and said with doubt, ¡°You are busy? Didn¡¯t youe back early today?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not kidding!¡± Jiang Yashuang obviously wasn¡¯t in the mood of teasing her because his nephew was dead, and his sister-inw was being condemned. He said tly, ¡°I came back early to write a constitution of the princess¡¯s wedding ceremony for the Seventh Prince!¡±

    Qiu Yn said in surprise, ¡°Aunt took action so fast? But the wedding ceremony... Isn¡¯t the Ministry of Rites supposed to do that?¡±

    ¡°The Seventh Prince asked aunt to let me help him,¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled. This prince was indeed smart. Jiang Yashuang who was the most beloved nephew of the Empress was his first choice. He showed that he wanted to be close to the Jiang Family. And also, he could use Jiang Yashuang¡¯s influence in the Jiang Family. If anything went wrong, Jiang Yashaung could take some of the pressure off him in front of the Empress.

    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ll be busy from now on. You need to pay more attention to the family business,¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°Not just Madame Tao Junior, Yazhu¡¯s harem is also a mess. Shishui just got pregnant. You watch out for her. Don¡¯t let those malicious people harm her!¡±

    What he said turned out to be a prophecy. The next day morning, just after Qiu Yn walking him out, she heard the news, ¡°There seems to be something wrong with the rose cake Madame Shishui ate this morning. They are sending people to find the doctor. Madame Tao asked you to go there and keep an eye on!¡±

 Chapter 234 - You Cheap Concubine, You Are So Malicious!

    <h4>Chapter 234 You Cheap Concubine, You Are So Malicious!</h4>

    ¡°Is she okay?¡± Asked Qiu Yn. She hurried to Sheng Shishui even without changing her dress. The doctor hadn¡¯te yet. A flock of old maidservants and maids were standing in the corridor, being at a loss. A few concubines dressed gorgeously were standing in front of the group, whispering to each other withplicated expressions. Qiu Yn ignored them, walking into the room directly. Sheng Shishui was lying in bed with a frown. Two dowry maids were serving beside the bed nervously. She rushed to inquire about her situation.

    ¡°Yn, thanks foring.¡± Greeted Sheng Shishui, attempting to sit up.

    Qiu Yn promptly grabbed her hand, saying, ¡°Lie down! Don¡¯t move... How about you now?¡± Before Sheng Shishui answered her question, she urged, ¡°Where is the doctor? Did you send someone to ask for a doctor? When will he arrive?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous!¡± Smiled Sheng Shishui with relief. She held her hand, saying, ¡°I have sent a servant to ask for a doctor. He will arrive at any minute.¡±

    ¡°Where is the rose cake?¡± Qiu Yn asked, looking at her face. She looked not bad. What a relief!

    Sheng Shishui pursed her lips and raised her chin toward the table, ¡°Look, only a little was left. We will see what¡¯s going on after the doctor is here.¡±

    ¡°Is it...?¡± Qiu Yn was not familiar with drugs. Her words prompted her to nce at the cake, which had been bit a small mouth. There was nothing wrong with its appearance. She again looked at Sheng Shishui¡¯s belly and asked implicitly.

    ¡°I have no clue at all. When I bit it, I thought it tasted different from the ones I bit before,¡± said Sheng Shishui, pursing her lips. ¡°And then I put it down... It wasn¡¯t before long I felt a little short of breath.¡±

    When they were talking about the cake, they heard a noise outside saying, ¡°The doctor is here. The doctor is here!¡±

    ¡°Ourdy is in her room. Please check what¡¯s going on about her!¡±

    ¡°Doctor, please! Please save her life...¡±

    Noticing Sheng Shishui and Qiu Yn were unhappy about the noise, Xiaran pulled the sleeve of Sheng Shishui¡¯s maid, saying, ¡°Too much noise outside. You should go outside and warn them to be quiet. Don¡¯t disturb yourdy!¡±

    Not knowing the people outside said it intentionally or unintentionally, they even dared beg the doctor to save her life brazenly. What they said was to curse Sheng Shishui to die as soon as possible.

    The maid looked at Sheng Shishui with a dumb expression. Sheng Shishui managed to force a smile, ¡°Forget it!¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned after noticing she was unmoved, ¡°I will go and ask them to be quiet!¡±

    She hurried to go outside, seeing a grey hair old man with a toddler walking slowly toward her. Judging from Qiu Yn¡¯s gorgeous dress, they promptly saluted her.

    ¡°Sheng Shishui is inside. Pleasee in!¡± said Qiu Yn with a smile. She opened the door for them, beckoning them to get in. She just stood at the door, looking at the noisy people outside with a fake smile.

    Being stared by her, the people started to be quiet.

    In a moment, the people realized that Qiu Yn continued staring at them, not intending to return to the room. They kept quietpletely. Even the sound of cicadas¡¯ chirping seemed to lower much.

    ¡°We all know that she just got pregnant. I also know you are kind to care about her. But, with so many people talking over here, I don¡¯t think they can hear the doctor clearly inside,¡± said Qiu Yn. Seeing the people flinch, she did notsh out at them as they imagined. Instead, she said softly, ¡°So, my sister let me tell you, you all go home first.¡±

    ¡°Yes, mydy!¡± The people answered discreetly. Realizing Qiu Yn did not n to make things difficult for them, they had a sigh of relief. They hurried to walk away after paying a salute to her. Surely, they should be scared. They all knew that Qiu Yn pped her sister-inw not long ago. And what was more, she was not punished after the p! Let alone the maids and concubines. So, it was better to go away when she was gentle.

    Seeing them going away, Qiu Yn returned to the room. The doctor had finished his diagnosis and was writing a prescription by the window.

    The room was so quiet that the atmosphere was almost stagnant.

    Depending on the sight in the room, it was easy to tell that her illness was not light.

    Qiu Yn thought for a while, deciding to leave the doctor to finish his work. She walked to Sheng Shishui and asked softly, ¡°Shishui, what did the doctor say about you?¡±

    Sheng Shishui looked frustrated. She said, ¡°I¡¯m afraid that you have to tell grandmother...¡±

    She took a deep breath and subconsciously stroked her belly, saying with a trembling voice, ¡°The doctor told me that the rose cake contained the gelsemium elegan powder, which can kill people. Luckily, I did not eat much. The doctor said that I am okay... But the baby I am carrying...¡± Speaking of this, although she was always calm, she couldn¡¯t help the tears falling from her eyes!

    Qiu Yn felt very depressed! Although she had expected something that would happen to Sheng Shishui, she still felt frustrated when she heard in person¨Cthere were only three sisters-inw in the fourth branch. Two of them had suffered a lot within less than one month since her living in the family! She knew that the rumor about her would be spread in days. It must be like Qiu Yn was a jinx. idents happened often after she got married and lived in the family.

    ¡°Luckily, Yashuang does not have concubines. Or I would kill them for my safety after seeing the loss Madame Tao Junior and Sheng Shishui suffered!¡± She tried to hold back her emotions tofort Sheng Shishui with a serious face. She talked with the doctor about her situation in detail, got a copy of the prescription, and then said goodbye to Sheng Shishui. She was in a hurry to meet Madame Tao.

    In the first ce, she did not expect that she could meet Madame Tao shortly. Jiang Yazhu¡¯s status was inferior to Jiang Yadan and Sheng Shishui was not in a severe condition. What was more, as the people from the Tao Family had been here, Jiang Yadan and his wife, their servants and maids had been waiting in the room for being interrogated by the Madame. Unexpectedly, after Qiu Yn arrived, a maid said to her that Madame Tao asked her to wait for her in the Flower Hall, ¡°Madame will meet you after she has a cup of tea.¡±

    She was stunned, asking in a low voice, ¡°How about Madame Tao Junior?¡±

    ¡°They were talking nonsense. What they said made Madame outraged!¡± The maid knew that Madame Tao liked her much, so she continued to whisper, ¡°At the moment, she heard that the youngdy Shishui was almost murdered. Madame rushed here, leaving them behind. She wants to ask you about her condition!¡±

    As they were talking, Madame Tao walked into the door with the help of Mom Hu.

    ¡°Grandmother!¡± Greeted Qiu Yn, paying her salute.

    ¡°Be seated. Tell me everything. How about Sheng Shishui now?¡± Asked Madame Tao seriously. She walked directly to the top seat and settled herself down. And then she pointed to the lower seat and asked.

    Qiu Yn realized that she was really furious about what was happening in the family. She pursed her lips and told her everything she knew. She stressed the noise made by the concubines and maids when the doctor wasing and the words which, on the surface, seemed to care about Sheng Shishui, but in essence, cursed her. ¡°... To simply put, Shishui is very scared. She is afraid that the baby may dead... The doctor did not give us a specific result. So, Shishui asked me toe here, telling grandmother what has happened to her. Grandmother, please help her!¡±

    ¡°Boom!¡± Madame Tao smacked her hand down on to the table. Shemanded Mom Hu, ¡°Go to Shishui¡¯s house, get all her servants, maids and housekeepers over here... Now!¡±

    Madame was already in a bad mood. But now, the ident happened in Jiang Yazhu¡¯s house. The servants, maids and housekeepers served as a vent to her anger.

    Unexpectedly, after all the people serving in Jiang Yazhu¡¯s house arrived, Madame just ordered a whipping for everyone without even asking a question in the first ce. She then chose two concubines and one housekeeper to interrogate after they were whipped badly.

    As Jiang Yazhu hadn¡¯t had a high status in the Jiang Family, and what was more, Madame showed her ruthlessness in the first ce, the interrogation went smoothly. Within half an hour, the whole story was clear: Yanniang, a maid-turned-concubine got pregnant. She was about to tell the news to everyone when she heard that thedy of the house also got pregnant. In order to get care and attention, Yanniang used her aunt who was serving in the kitchen. She pretended to visit her aunt and took a chance to mix the gelsemium elegan powder into the ingredients of the rose cake that was prepared for Sheng Shishui.

    ¡°Get Yanniang out and drown her in the river,¡± Madame Taomanded seriously after hearing their confession. ¡°Anyone who is rted to her, no matter he or she was involved in this case, must be sent out of the house! And what¡¯s more, is Jiang Yazhu at home now? If he is at home, get him over here!!!¡±

    Mom Hu coughed, ¡°Madame, Yanniang, she is carrying... The young master¡¯s baby...¡±

    ¡°Sheng Shishui is also pregnant,¡± said Madame Tao coldly. ¡°It proves that Yazhu may have many children in the future. Who will care a child given birth by a cheap concubine! Go, drown her today. Make it as a warning for others!¡±

    Mom Hu stopped talking immediately.

    ¡°You go and bring some gifts to see Shishui in the name of me,¡± said Madame tiredly. She continued to say with a sigh, ¡°Tell Yn what¡¯s going on here, and ask her to do Shuijin a favor, to carry out a rectification movement. We need to avoid any more of this kind of ident, which has made wives live as if they were walking on thin ice!¡±

    Madame nced at the hall seriously when she said thest words!

    Mom Hu epted her order, rushing to the Sheng Shishui¡¯s house. She delivered Madame Tao¡¯s care and told her the punishment result. Sheng Shishui was good at reading people because of her living experience. After hearing the delivered words, she expressed her appreciation. However, she began to be hesitant after that.

    Realizing she wanted to say something, Mom Hu asked promptly, ¡°Mydy, do you have difficulties? Please don¡¯t hesitate to tell me! Madame has instructed me before I came over. She told me that as you suffered a lot, if you have any difficulties, just tell her and she would help you!¡±

    Seeing Sheng Shishui wanted to say something but not opened her mouth, Qiu Yn, who had reported the case to Madame Tao a moment ago and returned to Sheng Shishui¡¯s roomter, was stunned. The punishment Madame Tao did was partial much to Sheng Shishui. She helped her get rid of her opponents in the house. And what was more, when Madame Tao got rid of Yanniang, she also killed the baby that Yanniang was carrying. Against this backdrop, if Sheng Shuijin required more, she must overreact.

    Surely, Sheng Shishui would not make such a stupid mistake.

    It was as expected, she hesitated for seconds, and then she opened her mouth, ¡°As grandmother cared me so much, I have no difficulty at all... But... Despite the fact that Yanniang is a malicious woman, the baby she is carrying is my husband¡¯s baby. I think... No matter what... Don¡¯t kill the baby?¡±

    Her words surprised everyone in the room. Sheng Shishui¡¯s dowry maid felt so unfair that she plucked ¡°Mydy¡± out of air. Sheng Shishui stared at her, which made her stop talking immediately.

    After a short awkward silence, Sheng Shishui began to hold back her tears, whispering, ¡°I just think that we are not sure what will happen to the baby I am carrying. If... I mean in case of... Yanniang¡¯s baby. They can support each other in the future, right?¡±

    Looking at her sister-inw who tried to pretend to be nice, Qiu Yn thought for a while with aplicated sight in her eyes. But she said nothing in the end.

    Mom Hu paused for a while and said, ¡°As you said so. I will go back and report to Madame... But Madame is very angry about the case. Whether she would agree or not, I am not sure. After all, Yanniang is a concubine and she did a very bad thing. No matter a boy or a girl she will give birth to, her baby is definitely inferior to your baby.¡±

    After Mom Hu went back, Sheng Shishui rubbed her face, smiling to Qiu Yn tiredly, ¡°Sorry, make you see this.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. Yanniang is lucky to have you, thedy of the house,¡± Qiu Yn smiled. She stood up and said, ¡°It¡¯ste now. I must go home and cook... What do you want to have, Shishui?¡±

    ¡°You have been here, staying with me for a whole day. And you also helped me to report to grandmother. How can I dare ask you to cook for me? Just ask Mrs. Li to cook one or two dishes for me. I am not a picky eater,¡± said Sheng Shishui promptly.

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°That¡¯s all right. Anyway, I will cook for Yashuang. I will cook dishes for you at the same time.¡±

    Qiu Yn was so generous that Sheng Shishui couldn¡¯t refuse. She chose some dishes which were easy to cook. Qiu Yn wrote them down and said goodbye. After arriving at her yard, Su He couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Mydy, why did the youngdy Shishui want to save Yanniang¡¯s baby? What if that child is raised with hatred?¡±

 Chapter 235 - I Wanted to Kill Jiang Yadan More and More!

    <h4>Chapter 235 I Wanted to Kill Jiang Yadan More and More!</h4>

    Su He¡¯s concern made sense. Rationally speaking, if Madame Tao allowed Yanniang to give birth to the baby and then she died after giving birth to the baby, everyone would say that the baby was saved by Sheng Shishui. But no need to say, the baby would suffer a lot during his or her development.

    Or it might be that the baby would use his or her official mother of what he or she suffered.

    After all, most people in the world were always strict with others and lenient with themselves.

    However, after hearing the words, Qiu Yn smiled coldly, ¡°Do you really think Sheng Shishui wanted to save the baby? It is Madame who wants to save the baby!¡±

    Su He was surprised, ¡°But Mom Hu said...¡±

    ¡°If Madame did not want to save the baby, she might have done the exact thing she did to Luan, to kill her and then inform Sheng Shishui of her death!¡± Qiu Yn said coldly. ¡°But now, although Madame said Yazhu and his wife would have many children and there was no need to keep the baby given birth by a guilty concubine, she first sent Mom Hu to Sheng Shishui, telling her that she would kill Yanniang and her baby... After all, the baby is not given birth and he or she is innocent! If Sheng Shishui did not beg for the baby, she might be happy now, but she will be condemned for her stone heart without begging for the baby¡¯s life. Sheng Shishui is cunning. She will not let that happen to her.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see!¡± Su He understood. ¡°I think, the youngdy Shishui got back at Yang Yishi severely. She will not let Yanniang go easily!¡± Sighed Su He. ¡°The youngdy Shishui is lucky. A concubine hurt her but they found the troublemaker on the same day! I wonder when they can find who nned to hurt Madame Tao Junior.¡±

    Su He changed Qiu Yn¡¯s principles into hers. That was: Anyone who was kind to Commandery Princess must be a nice person. On the other hand, he or she must be a bad one! Apart from these two kinds of persons, the rest were strangers...

    So, back then, after Madame Tao Junior blocked a p for Qiu Yn, Su He immediately thought that she was a good person and stood firmly on her side!

    Qiu Yn nced at her, saying dismissively, ¡°It was trouble. But now, I think it will be solved soon.¡±

    Su He was surprised, ¡°Really?¡± Back then, Mom Hu did not mention what was going on about Madame Tao Junior.

    ¡°Madame Tao Junior was in trouble yesterday, and Sheng Shishui was in trouble today. A coincidence?¡± They had been in the inner chamber while they were talking. The left-behind Chen Shui served Qiu Yn with mint tea. She took it and sipped. And then she ordered Chunran to go and take her dress for cooking. Before she changed her clothes, she enlightened her confidant, ¡°Think about it. The trouble Madame Tao Junior and Sheng Shishui suffered is the same. Surely, their concubines did it!¡±

    ¡°You mean?¡± Su He asked, feeling that the answer was looming. But she was still too confused to see what the answer was.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see. I guess, grandmother will refuse Sheng Shishui¡¯s plea!¡± said Qiu Yn dismissively.

    Su He was confused, so was Chen Shui, ¡°Mydy, you just said that Madame also wanted to save Yanniang¡¯s baby.¡±

    ¡°Of course, ¡°said Qiu Yn, looking at them and managing to force a smile. ¡°But you think about it. For Madame, even Jiang Yazhu is not important, let alone the baby!¡±

    Seeing they did not see it through, Qiu Yn told them more, ¡°For Madame, whether the baby is given birth or not is not important. The important part is that Yanniang must be eager to give birth to the baby! Think about it, even if she doesn¡¯t care about the baby, she must want to live for longer, right? Although Sheng Shishui begged for her life, Madame refused. Think about it. If you were in her shoes, what would you do next?¡±

    ¡°Begging?¡± Chen Shui thought for a while and said, giving an uncertain reply.

    It dawned on Su He suddenly, ¡°She must atone her crime by kind acts! We all know that Sheng Shishui has begged for her. The crucial part now is to persuade Madame to give up her decision.¡±

    ¡°So, what do you think she will do to atone her crime?¡± asked Qiu Yn, giving her an appreciated nce and guiding them to think.

    ¡°You just said that there was only one day away between the trouble of two youngdies. It is a coincidence! You mean what Yanniang will do has a rtionship with Madame Tao Junior¡¯s?¡± reasoned Su He. She, atst, grasped the critical part of the story. As she was on the way to an answer, she continued to reason, ¡°Yanniang is a maid-turned-concubine. She became a concubine after the youngdy married the young master Yazhu. That meant Yanniang was raised in the Jiang Family! She must have a rtionship with the concubines of the young master Yadan. So, she may know the clue why others attacked madame Tao Junior?!¡±

    Her analysis surprised Chen Shui a lot, ¡°But, mydy, you just said it was a coincidence, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    When Sheng Shishui noticed something wrong with the rose cake in the morning, she found out who did it at the noon¨Cbut on Madame Tao Junior¡¯s side, the people were interrogated until night but nothing worth was found. And today, they ordered all people in the Tao Family to be here, but still, nothing had been found yet. Compared to the trouble Madame Tao Junior faced, the trouble Yanniang made was like a child¡¯s game.

    If you thought about it once more, you would notice that the reason that Yanniang made the trouble for thedy of the house was ridiculous because they both were pregnant at the same time. She was a maid-turned-concubine. She should feel lucky if she could give birth to her baby sessfully. How dare she fight for her baby¡¯s status? As for the gelsemium elegan powder in the rose cake, it was also lousy. Even Sheng Shishui, who did not know medicine, could notice the cake tasted different...

    To simply put, in the entire farce, Yanniang, the killer, was such a simple...

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see,¡± said Qiu Yn dismissively. ¡°I think before tonight, we will know who made the trouble for Madame Tao Junior!¡±

    As expected, before Jiang Yashuang went back, the news spread from the Madame¡¯s side that Yanniang, who was trying to save her baby, had disclosed that she saw in person Jiang Yadan¡¯s concubine, Madame Feng had an affair with an outsider!

    ¡°Madame... ns far ahead!¡± Hearing the news, Qiu Yn, who was cooking in her kitchen, confirmed that the trouble made by Yanniang for Sheng Shishui, was merely a plot designed by Madame Tao who attempted to atone Madame Tao Junior. Yanniang was born in the Jiang Family. Madame had married and had been living in the Jiang Family before she was born. So, it was not strange that Madame Tao bribed her.

    ¡°She used Jiang Yazhu¡¯s concubine to expose Jiang Yadan¡¯s concubine. It was one stone, two birds¡¯ thing. Madame Tao Junior was spared punishment. At the same time, nobody will realize that the Tao Family is the real murderer,¡± said Qiu Yn while she was cooking and reasoning Madame Tao¡¯s intentions. ¡°The most interesting part of the story is that Yanniang exposed Madame Feng, telling that she has an affair with an outsider, not other scandals... Whether it is real or not, Madame has been running this family for many years and it is easy for her to force a pregnant woman to be a Woman of Sacrifice and find evidence to prove a concubine having an affair.¡±

    In particr, as Jiang Yadan was a yboy and always stayed outside, leaving Madame Feng at home alone, against this backdrop, it was reasonable that Madame Feng had an affair with others. It turned to be the evidence used by Madame Tao! Because of this, Jiang Jinghu¡¯s offspring was questioned. By doing so, Madame Tao could not only undermine the credibility of Madame Feng¡¯s testimony using Madame Tao Junior of not being able to tolerate concubine¡¯s children, but also decrease the sympathy people gave to her because of her son¡¯s death.

    ¡°In this way, it would be logical to demand Madame Tao Junior to truly be in charge of the house on the ground of preventing something like this from happening again!¡±

    ¡°And what¡¯s more, although Jiang Yadan is a yboy, he might not be tolerant of being cheated! I guess that there is no need for him to be mentioned by Madame. He will ask for Madame Tao Junior to be strict with the women in the family!¡±

    To simply put, by sacrificing Yanniang and Sheng Shishui, Madame Tao, basically, could protect Madame Tao Junior without exposing the Tao Family.

    The crucial part of the entire plot was...

    ¡°How badly on earth does Jiang Yadan want to rece Madame Tao Junior with the girl from the An Family!?¡±

    Qiu Yn knew Yadan well. She knew he was a loser. If Jiang Yadan made his decision to rece his wife, he could divorce his wife in an excuse that she did not manage the house well even though Madame Tao showed him human and physical evidence.

    If this happened, to Madame Tao Junior, nothing changed.

    ¡°As Madame has almost broken the game set up by the Tao Family, I¡¯d better go to see He Shuijin, changing my consignment so that she can go and put an end to An¡¯s delusion,¡± Qiu Yn thought, deciding to send a maid to the third branchter.

    After she finished cooking, she asked the maids to bring out those dishes cooked for Sheng Shishui and put them into the food container¨Cwhen they were about to go there, He Shuijin showed herself at the door.

    ¡°Shuijin, do you have any news to tell me?¡± Seeing hering, Qiu Ynmanded Su He to send the dishes to Sheng Shishui and she stayed in the room, entertaining He Shuijin.

    He Shuijin went to the topic straightly instead of starting with empty words. She said, ¡°As for the thing you asked me to do, I have arranged people to do it. But now, Yanniang has exposed Madame Feng. I am afraid that you don¡¯t need me to do it, right?¡±

    Qiu Ynuded her quick response in her heart. She nodded, ¡°Yes, you are right. But I have another thing and I need your favor!¡±

    ¡°What you want to say is An Zhenshang, the Director of temple etiquette¡¯s youngest daughter, right?¡± He Shuijin was worthy of the child raised in the Jiang Family. She knew well about Jiang Yadan¡¯s love stories. Hence, she continued, ¡°She is a tough girl. She has been with Yadan since fourteen. It has been six or seven years until now. Although Yadan has many other lovers during the past years, he must go to the city¡¯s outskirts, staying with her for days in every month. And she is the only one who can stay with Yadan for so long!¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°Yes, I just want to say it. Yashuang told me yesterday that Yadan wanted to rece his wife by her!¡±

    ¡°What can we do?¡± said He Shuijin, pausing for a while, adding, ¡°About An Zhenshang, she once said that she was willing to be Yadan¡¯s mistress in her whole life! As for her family members, every one of them is snobbish and loves money. In public, they said they wanted nothing. Their real thought is that they wish she could stay with Yadan as long as possible! Back then, An Zhenshang¡¯s father and elder brother arranged for them to meet each other... So, unless Yadan did not want to rece his wife by An Zhenshang, otherwise, the An Family will seize the opportunity with all their might! And the most challenging part is that although the farm where An Zhenshang is living, nominally, belongs to the An Family, the servants and maids in the farm are arranged by Yadan. Nothing will happen in the farm without Yadan¡¯s knowledge.

    ¡°Yadan thinks so highly of her?¡± Qiu Yn asked in surprise. She felt the thing went moreplicated. This kind of mistress, whopletely disregarded shame, was a bomb in the family. She thought that if the trouble Madame Tao Junior was facing could be solved, the trouble the Tao Family made would be solved too. But now, depending on what was happening, the Tao Family yed a minor role. The lead role in the y was watching what was going on in the sky!

    ¡°So, it boils down to the fact that Jiang Yadan is a crap!!!¡± Qiu Yn cursed Yadan, ¡°What should we do next? I really want to kill him more and more!¡±

    He Shuijin said, ¡°Anyway, there is only one solution.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°What solution?¡± She thought that He Shuijin was at her loss too. Unexpectedly, she got a solution.

    ¡°An Zhenshang has been living in a humble fashion under the protection of Yadan. It¡¯s not easy to make trouble for her as she never goes outside,¡± said He Shuijin, a severe sh appeared in her eyes. ¡°But we know her parents are living in the capital without Yadan¡¯s protection... Even if An Zhenshang is a shameless girl, she must follow morality. Even if she doesn¡¯t care about morality, the Jiang Family won¡¯t let her break the rules!¡±

    She looked at Qiu Yn, suggesting, ¡°An Zhenshang¡¯s parents are alive. If one of them dies, An Zhenshang must mourn for three years... Even if An Zhenshang continues to stay with Yadan, nobody can ensure Yadan won¡¯t get a wife during the three years.¡±

    An Zhenshang would give up her n to be Yadan¡¯s wife as she was not entirely sure she would be sessful. After all, as the Jiang Family was prominent in the capital, many parents or grandparents would arrange their daughters or granddaughters to meet Yadan or even marry him despite that Yadan was a yboy. Among the girls, there must be one from an official family who was qualified to be his wife.

    For An Zhenshang, it would be better to let the ordinary looking, childless and unpopr Madame Tao Junior continues upying thedy¡¯s position. It would be a better option for her than letting other girls who might be beautiful take the position. More importantly, the girl¡¯s status and intelligence might be superior to her to rece Madame Tao Junior during her three years of mourning. As for three years from now... It was a long time. We had to wait and see if An Zhenshang could still stay with Yadan.

    Qiu Yn looked at He Shuijin for a long time, which made He Shuijin shy. She sighed, ¡°I finally understand why you can be in charge of the house ount before getting married now!¡±

    She was quick-witted and decisive. If she had been a man, she would have been another Tao Yinsong!

 Chapter 236 - Your Brother Wants Who to Replace Me?

    <h4>Chapter 236 Your Brother Wants Who to Rece Me?</h4>

    Even though He Shuijin took such a drastic measure, Qiu Yn had no intention to take action.

    After all, it was just their spection that Jiang Yadan would force Madame Tao Junior to give way to An Zhenshang, and things hadn¡¯te to such a pass yet. What was more, if they really struck the An Family, it would be hard to wind this matter up. Feng Rugui was a staunch supporter of the Jiang Family!

    Once Jiang Yadan knew it, it would be hard for them to exin it to him as sisters-inw, as well as his two younger brothers Jiang Yaheng and Jiang Yashuang.

    Qiu Yn had a good impression of Madame Tao Junior indeed, but she couldn¡¯t risk everything for her.

    So, after careful thinking, she decided to wait and see the changes, ¡°If not, just reveal this idea to Madame Tao and let her handle that!¡±

    After Jiang Yashuang came back that day, he asked how things were going on with Madame Tao Junior. When he heard that Sheng Shishui had a narrow escape, his frowning brows became even tighter, ¡°It happened after I left? Such a coincidence?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Qiu Yn said nonchntly, ¡°However, it¡¯s fortunate that Yanniang is a wisenheimer. She thought because of what happened to the eighth sister-inw yesterday, Madame Tao Junior was the focus of the whole family then and we didn¡¯t have time to care about the sixteenth sister-inw, so she could muddle through with what she did... But it was exposed that very day, and grandmother was so angry that she didn¡¯t even listen to the pleas of the sixteenth sister-inw and intended to drown her in the river that very day. In order to survive, she yelled that she had seen Madame Feng had trysts with a strange man, which gave the eighth sister-inw time to breathe. She was so pressed!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang kept silent for a while, and asked thoughtfully, ¡°How is the eighth sister-inw now?¡±

    ¡°Grandma tortured Madame Feng¡¯s close maids. Someone said that Madame Feng did go out several times at night when the brother was not at home. The reason was that she was bored in the house and wanted to take a walk in the big garden.¡± Qiu Yn talked about what she got just now inly, ¡°But Madame Feng insisted that the servant was talking nonsense.¡±

    In addition to the garden in their own courtyard where they lived, there was also a big public garden in Marquess¡¯s Mansion which was located on the northeast corner of Marquess¡¯s Mansion. It covered a vast area and theke in it could amodate more than a dozen boats to float on it. When people in the mansion were tired of enjoying the small garden in their yards, they often went to the big garden indeed. But as a concubine, it was impossible to act as freely as an official wife.

    And even if she had been an official wife, if she went into the garden in the middle of the night when her husband was not home, everyone would suspect her!

    Seeing Jiang Yashuang was still frowning, Qiu Yn continued, ¡°Grandmother asked brother what to do with this matter just now as it was not early. Brother said he had never heard of such a thing before, so he took the eighth sister-inw and Madame Feng home to ask them carefully, and he would reply to grandma tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°You will go to brother with me in a while.¡± Jiang Yashuang rubbed his eyebrows and said lightly, ¡°After we go over, we¡¯ll talk separately. You need tofort the eighth sister-inw!¡±

    When Qiu Yn was about to agree, Jiang Yashuang said in a low voice, ¡°Find an opportunity to order her servants to pay attention to her these days, and don¡¯t make anything bad happen!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid it will be inconvenient for me to talk to the eighth sister-inw¡¯s servants. I will talk to Su Heter and let her remind them.¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s heart sank. She had been thinking about how to help Madame Tao Junior out of crime, and if it wasn¡¯t for Jiang Yashuang¡¯s reminding, she almost forgot that it was not only the outsiders who could destroy Madame Tao Junior, but also herself!

    Her natal family¡¯s setting her up, which was no longer a threat, could let her heart die. That was the family that gave birth to her and raised her!

    If Jiang Yadan revealed that he didn¡¯t want her anymore, after being abandoned by both her natal family and her husband, how could she hold on then?

    What was more, Madame Tao Junior always resigned herself to adversity!

    At the moment, Qiu Yn hurriedly called Su He to wait for her to enter the inner chamber to change clothes immediately, and took the opportunity to tell her what to say in a while, ¡°Remember to talk to the maid who didn¡¯t set up the eighth sister-inw this time.¡±

    ¡°Madame, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll remember that! Madame Tao Junior¡¯s maid Cuizhan is lowly though, this time she tried her best to argue for Madam Tao Junior. Sister Xiaran and others told me that when they came back from several inquiries.¡± Su He promised, ¡°I¡¯ll ask her to follow Madame Tao Junior closely!¡±

    When going out, Jiang Yashuang had also changed his official uniforms into homely robes. The couple went to Jiang Yadan¡¯s yard together. It was so quiet there. After a long while, seeing Jiang Jingheng and Jiang Huiwan who were ying in the yard, they sensed some liveliness.

    ¡°Uncle! Aunt!¡± Seeing Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn, the servants who were waiting for the two children hurriedly reminded them.

    The two little siblings hit each other for fun while walking over to greet them. Qiu Yn estimated that their biological mothers were not Luan or Madame Feng, but someone else. A brother who was as old as them died yesterday, while they could have fun at this time. Even if the children were forgetful, it showed the deep contradictions among Jiang Yadan¡¯s concubines.

    Jiang Yashuang looked at his nephew and niece who were grinning, looking somewhat gloomy. The reason why children at this age could be indifferent to the death of their half-brother was that the people who raised them didn¡¯t teach them well, and it was improper to me the kids. Therefore, though his lips moved slightly, he refrained finally but asked, ¡°Are your father and mother in it?¡±

    He nced at the main room while speaking.

    Jiang Jingheng and Jiang Huiwan looked at each other and replied together, ¡°Father is with the twentieth sister, and mother is inside.¡±

    ¡°Go and let my brother talk with me in the study.¡± Jiang Yashuang ordered a servant in the porch, and then said to his wife, ¡°Aren¡¯t you looking for the eighth sister-inw? She happened to be inside.¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded in ordance with his words, ¡°I will go in.¡±

    ¡°Our mother is crying inside. I¡¯ll report to her, aunt!¡± When she finished speaking, Jiang Jingheng and Jiang Huiwan suddenly showed a strange expression on their faces, and both shouted. Without waiting for Qiu Yn to agree, they ran towards the main room!

    ¡°Follow up quickly and don¡¯t let them fall!¡± Jiang Yashuang shouted at the servants who were looking after them immediately when seeing that. While the two children did not fall, but when they ran to the porch outside the room, they didn¡¯t mean to enter the door at all but slipped under the window, then jumped up and pounded the closed window hard, yelling at the same time, ¡°Mom! The neenth aunt wants to see you!¡±

    Before they finished their words, there was the sound of broken porcin from the inner chamber. The people inside must have been frightened by the sudden shouting and pounding!

    Jiang Yashuang turned livid at that moment.

    Qiu Yn sneered in her heart, looked at her husband, and said in a low voice, ¡°Last time you said that Jingheng and Jinghu have never been naughty in front of you, right?¡± That must be because you were stared at by Marquess Qin to focus on your study most of the time and rarely saw these nephews and nieces!

    ¡°You go tofort the eighth sister-inw.¡± Jiang Yashuang looked at his triumphant nephew and niece who sessfully frightened their official mother in the room with obvious anger, ¡°Let their nurses take them away. It¡¯ste and they should go back to rest. Why they still run around in the courtyard?¡±

    Qiu Yn knew that he would definitely tell Jiang Yadan about it in a while, so she didn¡¯t mention it anymore, but nodded and led Su He into the room.

    Before she asked someone to report, Madame Tao Junior, who looked so haggard, hade out with Cuizhan by her side. A soaked veil was tied to her forehead, and her voice was very weak, ¡°Neenth sister-inw, I¡¯m so tired so I didn¡¯t go out to meet you. I¡¯m sorry about that.¡±

    ¡°Sister-inw, just lie down. You needn¡¯t get up for me!¡± Qiu Yn hurried up to support her.

    Cuizhan said angrily, ¡°Madame was about to fall asleep just now, but she almost fell to the ground because they frightened her just now!¡±

    ¡°Su He, didn¡¯t you hear what Jiang Yashuang said just now? Go and ask their nurses to take them away!¡± Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°Eighth sister-inw, you are so kind that you pampered them so much!¡±

    Cuizhan said, ¡°It¡¯s not because of our madame...¡±

    ¡°Stop that!¡± Madame Tao Junior interrupted her wearily. She had been helped into the inner chamber at this time andy back with the help of her sister-inw and the confidant maid. She wanted to say something, but couldn¡¯t help shedding tears.

    Seeing this, Qiu Yn felt a little bit sour. When she was thinking about changing the subject, Madame Tao Junior wiped her face hastily and then forced a smile to ask, ¡°Jiang Yashuang is here too? Why didn¡¯t hee in? I watched him grow up. You are here too, so he needn¡¯t be so shy.¡±

    ¡°He went to the study to wait for his brother.¡± Qiu Yn pursed her lips, ¡°Ie here to chat with you.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Madame Tao Junior smiled self-deprecatingly, and said after a while, ¡°Thank you so much.¡± She then bit her lower lip hard, ¡°Oh! I forgot to make you some tea. Cuizhan, why didn¡¯t you remind me?¡±

    Cuizhan hurriedly confessed her ignorance and intended to make tea. But when she was about to leave, Madame Tao Junior ordered, ¡°Make a cup of tea which I usually drink for the neenth sister-inw first, and then go to the storeroom to get the good tea which Her Majesty awarded usst year!¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s heart throbbed when she heard the words. It was clear that she intended to send Cuizhan away to talk to her secretly.

    After Cuizhan left, hearing no movement outside, Madame Tao Junior then said in a low voice as expected, ¡°Neenth sister-inw, tell me honestly. Your brother wants who to take over my position?¡±

    Qiu Yn never expected her to be so clear and blunt. She was shocked. Pausing for a while, she forced a smile, ¡°No! Why do you think this way, eighth sister-inw? You are fine now, so how can anyone else take over your position?¡±

    ¡°Are you still hiding it from me now?¡± Madame Tao Junior smiled bitterly and said, ¡°Yanniang made a confession about Madame Feng to survive. With grandmother there, this time, the trouble caused by our branch would be over then no matter who was behind the scene. Jiang Yashuang and you are newly-married, and he works as an official now. I¡¯m afraid he doesn¡¯t even have enough time to apany you after work. So why do youe here sote? You talk to me just to let Su He take the opportunity to talk to Cuizhan. You¡¯re afraid that I will take my own life. While Jiang Yashuang goes to talk to your brother to speak up for me, right?¡±

    Without waiting for Qiu Yn¡¯s answer, she sighed and continued, ¡°Actually, in the evening, when grandmother asked about your brother¡¯s opinions about Madame Feng and he said that he would ask me about that, I knew that he was not satisfied with the result! I¡¯ve thought that he always loves Madame Feng, but when he came back, he asked people to lock her in the firewood room, ignored her crying, and went directly to the room of Yan... Since he wasn¡¯t dissatisfied with grandma¡¯s disposal for Madame Feng, what else can it be? He just wants me to give way!¡±

    She was so clear that Qiu Yn found it extremely difficult to brush her off. After a hard thought, she bit the bullet to lie, ¡°We heard that brother did not deal with Madame Feng immediately, and we were afraid that he would be coaxed by her sweet words!¡±

    ¡°When you came, you must have seen what Jingheng and Huiwan did outside, right?¡± Madame Tao Junior looked at her deeply and sighed, ¡°It was sote, but the two children were still ying outside my room. Someone let them do that deliberately to bother me... Although they always ignored me before, when people came here, they would restrain themselves. They know there will be a new hostess soon, so they are against me deliberately to im credit from the new hostess then.¡±

    Her voice was choking, ¡°Even they have known that. Aren¡¯t you going to tell me yet?¡±

 Chapter 237 - Hoist with Their Own Petards!

    <h4>Chapter 237 Hoist with Their Own Petards!</h4>

    At this point, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t bear to keep it from her. She sighed, ¡°The youngest daughter of Director of temple etiquette from the An Family. But that woman sounds like a shameless one. How could the elders of our family let her marry into our family? So, don¡¯t worry too much. Yashuang is looking for Yadan for something else today.¡±

    ¡°The elders won¡¯t allow. Yadan is willing to... I don¡¯t have a child...¡± Madame Tao Junior said with a smile. But tears kept falling down, ¡°I met An Zhenshang once. She is way more beautiful than me. Besides, she is almost ten years younger than me. If she really doesn¡¯t have a chance to marry into our family, how could you guys be so worried about me?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn bit her lips, ¡°We are afraid that Yadan may have a thoughtless moment and put the elders in an embarrassing position. So, we are here to find out. But just think about it...¡±

    Madame Tao Junior waved her hand and choked with sobs, ¡°Thanks for your concern! But changing Yadan¡¯s mind is not easy. I¡¯ve married him for years. Don¡¯t I know if he loves me? I can only me myself for not being able to win my husband¡¯s heart. And my body is weak. I don¡¯t have any child until now. One of the seven rules of repudiating one¡¯s wife is infertility. Now he wants to change his wife. I don¡¯t have a good reason to stop him. I¡¯m just afraid that grandmother will be sad. I hope you couldfort her more in the future!¡±

    Qiu Yn walked out of the door with a livid face. Madame Tao Junior¡¯s sound of weeping had died down, but her despairing look still seemed to haunt Qiu Yn.

    Jiang Yashuang had walked out of the study and was waiting for her outside the Chuihua door at that moment. Judging by each other¡¯s look, they knew that neither of their conversations went well.

    ¡°What did Yadan say?¡±

    ¡°What did the eighth sister-inw say?¡±

    After getting back to their yard, they asked at the same time.

    ¡°What could she say? The eighth sister-inw is nice. But she isn¡¯t stupid! She figured it out before I said anything!¡± Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead and said with a cold face, ¡°She asked all the key questions. There was no way for me to slight over or lie! In the end, she asked me to spend more time with grandmother in the future and don¡¯t let her be too sad...¡±

    At this point, she couldn¡¯t hold back her anger. Her voice went higher, ¡°She is clearly preparing for the worst! She isn¡¯t that kind of person who will go back to one¡¯s maiden family after getting repudiated!¡±

    Let alone that her maiden family was like a wolf¡¯s den!

    Qiu Yn took the cup of tea which Jiang Yashuang handed to her and took a sip. She asked with a dark face, ¡°Right. How about your side?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep talking to Yadan.¡± Jiang Yashuang said tly which meant that Jiang Yadan really wanted to rece Madame Tao Junior with An Zhenshang. And he was very determined. Even Jiang Yashuang¡¯s repeated attempts at persuasion were in vain.

    ¡°I really hope father and mother were here!¡± Qiu Yn was so frustrated that she couldn¡¯t help missing her father and mother-inw whom she never met.

    Hearing that, Jiang Yashuang looked disappointed. He said after a long time, ¡°They won¡¯t be back for a while... Let me talk to grandfather tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°How sure are you?¡± Qiu Yn was enlightened and asked in a hurry. Madame Tao couldn¡¯t handle Jiang Yadan. But Marquess Qin could, couldn¡¯t he?

    Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°If grandfather wants to take care of it, he can. I¡¯m just afraid that he doesn¡¯t have the time. You know that the fight for the Crown Prince nowadays...¡± With his knowledge of Marquess Qin, if he bothered Marquess Qin with this matter, instead of settling the matter, he would be scolded. Jiang Qizheng was Marquess Qin¡¯s granddaughter. But Marquess Qin handled her matter carelessly without hesitation to avoid influencing the fight for the Crown Prince back then.

    Madame Tao Junior... Marquess Qin probably didn¡¯t even want to hear about it!

    He was just hoping against hope.

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s eyes grew dim, ¡°I got it.¡±

    The one who could take care of it didn¡¯t want to. The one who wanted to take care of it couldn¡¯t. She suddenly sneered out loud, ¡°I wonder what the Tao Family will think after hearing this news?¡±

    Detested Madame Tao Junior for being incapable? Wanted to rece her with a younger and more beautiful daughter?

    But how did it go? Not only did they fail to rece their eldest daughter with the youngest one, but the eldest daughter¡¯s position was threatened! Instead, they did An Zhenshang a favor. When Madame Tao was gone one day, what would be left between the Tao Family and the Jiang Family?

    The Empress was connected to the Tao Family. But her family name was Jiang after all!

    What the Tao Family did this time absolutely was a textbook example of hoisting with their own petards!

    ¡°Reveal He Shuijin¡¯s idea to themter. Let them think it over!¡± Qiu Yn thought ruthlessly, ¡°Judging by the current situation, if they don¡¯t secure the eighth sister-inw¡¯s position by fair means or foul, then after Madame Tao dies, the Tao Family and the Jiang Family will be strangers!¡±

    They both felt blue over Jiang Yadan and Madame Tao Junior¡¯s matter. They talked about some family business and then went to bed sullenly.

    As expected, Jiang Yadan dealt with Madame Feng the next day. But he didn¡¯t clear Madame Tao Junior¡¯s name. Instead, he demanded to investigate Jiang Jinghu¡¯s death himself. It was obvious that he was going after Madame Tao Junior.

    He followed Madame Tao¡¯s inclination in dealing with Madame Feng which showed respect to Madame Tao. However, Madame Tao deliberately implied that his harem wasck of discipline and he should let his wife teach his concubines and their children some manners. He left such a benefit to his future wife.

    He was such a terrible man. Let alone others, even the first branch which they just quarreled with felt sorry for Madame Tao Junior.

    When they met outside Madame Tao¡¯s yard, Madame Dou Junior greeted Qiu Yn rarely and asked her to take good care of Madame Tao Junior. ¡°Although Yadan is going to investigate it himself, he is rarely at home. How could he know more about his harem than Madame Tao? I¡¯m afraid that he may be misled by others and let the eighth sister-inw be wronged! It¡¯s a pity that we are not in the same branch. It¡¯s inconvenient to take care of her. Shishui just got pregnant. She is busy enough with her own affairs... You have to step up!¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t give her a dirty look this time. She thanked her on behalf of Madame Tao Junior and promised that she would take good care of the sisters-inw of her own branch.

    But the only thing she could do is taking care of them. As the new sister-inw, she couldn¡¯t interfere with Jiang Yadan¡¯s investigating his son¡¯s death. Only Madame Tao tried her best to defend Madame Tao Junior. She vetoed every evidence and usation Jiang Yadan had against Madame Tao Junior.

    Qiu Yn visited Madame Tao and pried into information every day which allowed her to learn Madame Tao¡¯s tricks. In order to marry An Zhenshang, Jiang Yadan was ruthless to his wife. He used her of almost everything except having an affair that would make him look bad and Madame Tao would never ept. And he even had witnesses and evidence every time!

    But he couldn¡¯t pin a definite charge on Madame Tao Junior until summer holiday!

    However, Madame Tao could bear it and gave no reason to Jiang Yadan to repudiate his wife. Madame Tao Junior... She was about to break down.

    If it weren¡¯t for Madame Tao¡¯s prescience, she should take Madame Tao Junior to her yard to attend to her illness using her poor health as an excuse. Jiang Yadan might not need to try every means to pin charges on her. He could have pressured her into killing herself directly!

    Madame Tao Junior couldn¡¯t know what Jiang Yadan did under Madame Tao¡¯s protection. But as a smart woman, she could have guessed. So, she got ill the next day when she got taken to Madame Tao¡¯s ce.

    When the summer holiday came, she was too ill to get up. So, she demanded, ¡°I¡¯d better stay.¡±

    ¡°Mount Dizi is not far. Ask the servants to put more cushions in the carriage. You just sleep for two days and we¡¯ll get there.¡± Madame Tao disagreed. She couldn¡¯t stay because her granddaughter-inw was ill. Even if she could, it would be bad for Madame Tao Junior if the words got out. However, if she left and left Madame Tao Junior behind, how could she be at ease?

    Madame Tao Junior begged for many times and still didn¡¯t get permission. Although she tried really hard, she still cried, ¡°My husband has already got the idea of repudiating me. I can¡¯t hide in your ce forever, can I?¡±

    ¡°He is bewildered by An. Don¡¯t worry. An can¡¯t gloat for long!¡± A murderous look shed through Madame Tao¡¯s eyes. She said with a cold face, ¡°Our family is illustrious now and your father-inw is in an important position. Yadan is the eldest son of your branch. Surely there are many people trying every means to impress him. When he changes his mind in a few days, he¡¯lle and apologize to you!¡±

    Madame Tao Junior caught the implication of her words. She was stunned. She wasn¡¯t happy. Instead, she was truly sad, ¡°My husband has a lot of mistresses outside. Who knows if there will be Yang, Zhao, Wang...? After killing An, can we kill all of them? Even if we can, my husband isn¡¯t stupid, how could he not know? Then... He will hate me even more!¡±

    But she wouldn¡¯t say it out loud. Because she didn¡¯t want to hurt Madame Tao¡¯s feelings who considered her with undivided attention.

    But she was sadder, ¡°I got married when I was 16. Since I married my husband, I have behaved myself night and day. I never broke the rules! Even when I was so sad that I wetted so many handkerchiefs with tears, I never spoke ill of him! If he has to me me for being less beautiful than others, I was born this way. Don¡¯t I wish to have Yn¡¯s stunning look? Other than not having a child, what¡¯s my fault? Even that, my husband barely slept with me for all these years, I couldn¡¯t take all the me. We have been married for so many years! Now he is determined to drive to me to have my back to the wall for a mistress!¡±

    Thinking of which, Madame Tao Junior felt more and more disheartened.

    So, after departure, Qiu Yn went to visit her. She saw a maid was holding Madame Tao Junior in the carriage whose look was super dim. She was startled, ¡°It has only been a few days. How did you get so ill?¡±

    ¡°Maybe I just have bad luck?¡± Madame Tao Junior lost the will of living. But her tone was gentle like before. She still didn¡¯t speak ill of anyone. She just said, ¡°Yn, just go. In case I infect you.¡±

    She was afraid that Qiu Yn refused to go. She made an excuse on purpose, ¡°You need to take care of grandmother and Shishui after all. It¡¯s inappropriate to visit them after spending a long time with me.¡±

    A few of her maids were arranged by Madame Tao. Qiu Yn had to agree.

    Leaving her carriage with a heavy heart, Qiu Yn wasn¡¯t in the mood to go back to her carriage or visit Madame Tao or Sheng Shishui. She went to He Shuijin¡¯s carriage, ¡°Shuijin? I¡¯m here to talk to you.¡±

    ¡°Toe early is not as good as toe in time. Grab some to eat!¡± He Shuijin was cracking walnuts with two maids. There was a heap of walnuts in the little silver dish. Seeing her, He Shuijin pushed it towards her and lowered her voice, ¡°The eighth sister-inw is not well?¡±

    ¡°Why do Ie to bother you if she is?¡± Qiu Yn puckered her lips. She wasn¡¯t in the mood to eat the walnuts. She whispered, ¡°She looks as white as a sheet to me. What do you think we should do?¡±

    He Shuijin stopped cracking the walnuts and handed her maid the little golden hammer. She thought for a while and said, ¡°Unless Yadan changes his mind, what else can we do?¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s not easy for Yadan to change his mind,¡± Jiang Yashuang found time to talk to him every day during that period. But he failed every time. And he was the brother who said to have the most influence on him among their generations! Besides, even his only sister Jiang Qizheng got asked toe back to advise him. But both of them failed!

    Qiu Yn lost her bearings.

    ¡°s!¡± He Shuijin didn¡¯t know what to do either. She knew how terrible Jiang Yadan was more than Qiu Yn. So, she had little hope of making Jiang Yadan change his mind. There were a lot of women who were abandoned by Jiang Yadan hoped that he could change his mind. Who had been sessful?

    Even An Zhenshang who was able to keep Jiang Yadan around her, but once Jiang Yadan forgot about her and she wanted him to remember her again... She might not dare to make the bet!

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t find a solution from He Shuijin. After staying for a while, she grabbed some walnuts and went back to her carriage.

    Just when she came back, Chunran who stayed in the carriage whispered in her ear, ¡°Young Master sent people to deliver a message just now. He asked you to meet him when you arrive at Mount Dizi!¡±

    ¡°My brother?¡± Qiu Yn was a little surprised, ¡°Do you know what it is about?¡± Because Qiu Jinn was still in mourning. To avoid jinx, he asked not to see her until he was no longer in mourning one month before her wedding unless it was something important!

    Was there something wrong with Qiu Jinn?

 Chapter 238 - The Tao Familys Great Regret

    <h4>Chapter 238 The Tao Family¡¯s Great Regret</h4>

    Her own brother was, after all, more important than her sister-inw in Qiu Yn¡¯s heart. So, she left aside the matter of Madame Tao Junior to send someone to ask Qiu Jinn. After her servant came back, she was informed that Qiu Jinn was not among the Emperor¡¯s summer-tour procession. But a servant from Earl of Jingchuan¡¯s Mansion came to report, ¡°Due tock of official position, Young Master Ruan and my young master have gone to Mount Dizi¡¯s residence in advance before the barricade of the main road.¡±

    Qiu Yn tried to inquire of the person whether there was any trouble Qiu Jinn had recently.

    But the servant looked confused, ¡°Everything is OK with Young Master Ruan and Lady Ruan. I didn¡¯t hear they did anything wrong.¡± And he added, ¡°Our young master is with Young Master Ruan all day. If there is any trouble, he will absolutely report it to Your Highness and the Earl. Since he didn¡¯t mention anything, I guess everything goes smoothly. Please rest assured!¡±

    ¡°Thank you very much.¡± Qiu Yn let someone give him a reward before he left. Wearing a frown, she then began consulting with her people, ¡°Since everything goes well, why does my brother send someone to make an appointment with me? I once said to him that I didn¡¯t care about the mourning period but he wouldn¡¯t listen to me!¡±

    Su He said in jest, ¡°Perhaps young master misses you?¡±

    ¡°If so, he should have waited for me and set off together, instead of going over first!¡± Qiu Yn said with annoyance, ¡°I¡¯m serious!¡±

    ¡°Since young master set off to Green Vi with Young Earl Ling without waiting for you, it meant the situation wasn¡¯t either urgent or bad,¡± Xiaran was prudent, ¡°so the servant from Earl of Jingchuan¡¯s Mansion is right. You don¡¯t have to panic. When you get there, you will know what happened.¡±

    It sounded usible but Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t rest assured when she had no way to know the exact news.

    Since she was moving with the Jiang Family¡¯s procession, she had no way of leaving alone to head for Mount Dizi. So, she had to subdue her anxiety. When they camped in the evening, Jiang Yashuang who apanied the Seventh Prince in the day came back and got to know what she was worrying. He was amused, ¡°You can send someone to Jiang Yadan, asking him to make his men leave the procession first with the excuse of patrolling. Then you can inquire about them.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you do that!¡± Qiu Yn gave him a stare, ¡°I won¡¯t go for him!¡±

    ¡°Jiang Tan, you get it done.¡± Jiang Yashuang entrusted the young servant and then came to hug her, ¡°I know you sympathize Madame Tao Junior so you don¡¯t like Jiang Yadan... But he¡¯s family after all. Why should you be willful when you need his help? If you had asked for his help earlier when you got the news, you might have got the information!¡±

    Qiu Yn snorted, ¡°What if he ignored my request? Wouldn¡¯t he know I was on Madame Tao Junior¡¯s side?¡±

    ¡°No one would pay attention to such trifles. You think little of Jiang Yadan!¡± Jiang Yashuang rubbed his face against her neck andughed, ¡°If he indeed ignores you, you can ask someone to tell me and I¡¯ll give him a lecture!¡±

    ¡°Stop mentioning him! It disturbs my mind! I saw Madame Tao Junior today. She looked...¡± Qiu Yn leaned against his chest and sighed with fatigue, ¡°I¡¯m worried about how Madame Tao Junior will get it throughter.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang heaved a sigh, too, ¡°Anyway, we should try our best. If Madame Tao Junior is... I will arrange for her, not to let her go back to the Tao Family to suffer gossips, neither to let her be homeless!¡±

    ¡°Madame Tao Junior is the Tao Family¡¯s trueborn daughter, after all. She can live a wealthy life depending on her own dowry!¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Does she need to be given a ce?¡±

    Seeing Jiang Yashuang frown, she knew he was in a dilemma because Jiang Yadan was his brother after all. He couldn¡¯t force his brother to his will. After thinking for a while, Qiu Yn said with frustration, ¡°What a pity! Madame Tao Junior doesn¡¯t have a child. Otherwise, she won¡¯t feel so heart-broken!¡±

    ¡°Later, let¡¯s see whether there is any possibility to let her adopt a child...¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°Last time, I talked with grandfather and he said that though he had no time to persuade Jiang Yadan, he promised me that he might regard Madame Tao Junior as our family¡¯s foster daughter if she couldn¡¯t be our big sister-inw... Anyway, he wouldn¡¯t let her be deserted.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought it over and appreciated that it was the best way to keep Madame Tao Junior¡¯s decency in case Jiang Yadan wouldn¡¯t change his mind.

    ¡°If that day is due toe, then An Zhenshang will marry into... Hah!¡± Qiu Yn sneered in her heart, ¡°Wish she could get by Madame¡¯s tactics!¡± Whether it was out of their affection for Madame Tao Junior or maintaining the affinity between the Jiang Family and the Tao Family, Madame Tao would definitely use all means to corner her if An was to marry into the Jiang Family.

    Perhaps, her death would be exined as infidelity!

    ¡°Let¡¯s stop talking about Madame Tao Junior. Why does the brother want to see you?¡± Jiang Yashuang changed the topic, ¡°Have you ever met him since you married into this family?¡±

    ¡°He said that he is in the mourning period and asked me not to bother him if there is nothing urgent until the period is over.¡± Qiu Yn heaved a sigh and said mncholy, ¡°Now he takes the initiative in contacting me, which makes me feel worried!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang leaned his head to kiss her cheek andforted, ¡°Brother can alwayse up with a solution. Hardly can he have any trouble. Perhaps, it is he who misses you after your long departure.¡±

    Qiu Yn lifted the corner of her mouth with some doubt.

    Fortunately, the next day Jiang Yadan¡¯s man came over to report to her that Qiu Jinn was fine and she didn¡¯t have to worry about him, ¡°When I entered the vi, I saw Young Master Ruan and Young Earl Ling fishing near the pond and they looked vigorous. Young Master Ruan even sent his fish to the kitchen to award us a cuisine.¡±

    ¡°Then why did he want to see me?¡± Qiu Yn felt relieved and asked.

    That man replied respectably, ¡°Young Master Ruan said it was not urgent. He will tell you after you get to Mount Dizi.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see. Thank you very much.¡± Qiu Yn let Su He award him.

    After that man saw himself out with the award, Su He smiled while pursing her lips, ¡°As I said, young master is missing you!¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yadan¡¯s man is only trust-worthy to himself,¡± Qiu Yn released a bit her knitted eyebrows but notpletely, ¡°if there is something which is hard for them to convey...¡±

    ¡°However, Jing City was peaceful earlier. What might the young mastere across?¡± Su He asked.

    Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°Peaceful?¡± It might be true for the grassroots but for the officials. The Empress Dowager party and the Empress party were in a fight in the past months!

    Qiu Jinn¡¯s birth identity was rted to the stability of the Western Army.

    During the vie for the position of Crown Prince, wouldn¡¯t Empress Dowager Gu take that into consideration? Especially when she, the person Qiu Jinn cared about most, married into the Jiang Family!

    With these worries, in the following days, she felt like she wanted to fly to Mount Dizi!

    When she got by those days and arrived at that ce, she skipped the part of checking the yard for her and Jiang Yashuang and went to Madame Tao for a quick greeting ritual before heading for Green Vi. Her sudden arrival was unexpected to the servants there. She rushed in and came across Qiu Jinn who was chatting happily with Ling Zui and Qiu Feng. They all looked light-hearted, which made Qiu Yn finally feel relieved. She put her clothes in order and came up to greet them.

    ¡°You are supposed to just arrive at the mountain. How surprisingly youe here!¡± Qiu Jinn smiled when seeing her and then frowned, ¡°And I said it was not urgent and we could select a ce to meet. Why should youe here? Don¡¯t you see the decorations for the funeral are still on the gate? You, a newly-married woman,e here...¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Ling Zui saw Qiu Yn¡¯s wronged looking, so he dispelled the embarrassment in jest, ¡°I¡¯ve lived here with you many times in the past two or three years. And Qiu Feng can also be regarded as newly-married like Sister Qiu. Why don¡¯t you have any opinion on him? Why do you mind taboos only in front of your sister? Do you look down upon us or you dislike your sister? So, you want to vent your anger?¡±

    Qiu Feng teased, too, ¡°I¡¯m surprised today to know that you like nagging!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because you don¡¯t meet him frequently enough. I know long ago that when this guy meets his sister, he will be unbearably nagging!¡± Ling Zui teased, ¡°Even a worldly old woman is not as capable as him... Sister Qiu, don¡¯t mind. Let me tell you. Sister Ruan is in the back. Go and find her. She will probably give you a big, warm hug. You have such a nice sister so you don¡¯t need this grumpy brother, right?¡±

    ¡°Enough, you two!¡± Qiu Jinn retorted with a smile, ¡°I just gave my sister some kind advice. Why do you keep nagging?¡± He added, ¡°You stay here. I¡¯ll have a word with my sister.¡±

    Qiu Feng didn¡¯t say anything but Ling Zui curled his lips and said, ¡°Have a word alone? What for? I¡¯ve known it... That Jiang Yadan of the Jiang Family wants to turn an outsider as his wife?¡±

    Before Qiu Jinn could answer him, Qiu Yn said with surprise, ¡°You all know that!¡±

    ¡°Why can¡¯t I know?¡± Ling Zui looked gleeful, ¡°The Tao Family must have regretted it deeply! Their fifth branch made great efforts to persuade the first branch to let their daughter take the ce of the first branch¡¯s daughter¡¯s, namely the position of your sister-inw, which annoyed Madame Tao. Literally, if the n came true, Madame Tao would ept it since they were all daughters of the Tao Family. However, now Tao Yibin has beenpletely marginalized and Madame Tao Junior is going to lose her position! I couldn¡¯t understand why the venerable ¡°pir of the country¡± has such a foolish descendant?¡±

    Qiu Yn was astonished, ¡°You even know the Tao Family. Has it been spread all over the city?¡± But on the way to Mount Dizi... It couldn¡¯t be true?

    ¡°He¡¯s exaggerating. Don¡¯t listen to him!¡± Qiu Jinn snorted, ¡°The Tao Family sent someone to ask me for help. So, I let someone make an investigation and get to know that!¡±

    After hearing this, Qiu Feng said indifferently, ¡°Make an investigation? You were coaxing words from me!¡±

    Qiu Feng was coaxed by Qiu Jinn, which was not a surprise. Qiu Yn was not in the mood to care about this but to keep heckling, ¡°What did they ask you to do?¡±

    ¡°What a silly girl!¡± Ling Zuiughed. Even Qiu Feng jeered, ¡°Certainly they are satisfied with Chunjun¡¯s specialty and want to murder the outsider! But in fact, we think it is also possible for Chunjun to seduce that outsider!¡±

    Qiu Jinn didn¡¯t pay attention to their sarcasm. He slightly jeered, ¡°They were looking for ¡®Tianya¡¯.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn was speechless. Therefore, what He Shuijin plotted unexpectedly made my brother get involved?

    She rubbed her forehead, ¡°Then, what are you nning to do?¡±

    ¡°A true knight won¡¯t deign to inquire about the domestic affairs of a family.¡± Qiu Jinn cast a look at Qiu Feng and jeered back, ¡°If Chunfu Princess hadn¡¯tined to him because she felt disturbed, I wouldn¡¯t have had a chance to coax words, I guess... I don¡¯t know all the details. What if you rte the whole story to us?¡±

    Qiu Feng sneered, ¡°You really think that I didn¡¯t know you were coaxing words from me? I just thought that Jiang Yadan is callous while his wife is renowned for her virtue. So, I thought it might be better to leave such a person at your disposal. That¡¯s why I pretended to know nothing about it...¡±

    ¡°Then, why wouldn¡¯t you listen to me when I advised you to go back and ask Chunfu Princess for the whole details?¡± Qiu Jinn asked with disdain, ¡°Aren¡¯t you sympathized with Madame Tao Junior? Isn¡¯t it true that you don¡¯t like your brother-inw? So, why not give him a lesson by yourself? Or at least do me some favor? Now considering Jiang Yadan is your brother-inw, you want to shelter him secretly?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Feng felt a little embarrassed. When he was about to say something, Qiu Jinn sneered, ¡°Don¡¯t think of excuses! You have been evading Chunfu Princess since your wedding. You have no right to judge Jiang Yadan. As a husband, don¡¯t you feel sorry for her?¡±

    Qiu Feng felt annoyed, ¡°I just feel I have no topic to talk with the princess so I go out for a walk. I¡¯m not flirting with other women!¡±

    ¡°You usually dislike people of my sort. Now you would rather eat lunch here than go back to the princess. Do you think she will be happy?¡± Qiu Jinn kept sneering, ¡°What¡¯s more, Princess is how we address her. Don¡¯t tell me that you still address her as Princess instead of ¡®my wife¡¯!¡±

    Ling Zui subdued his waves ofughter and reminded Qiu Feng, ¡°You¡¯d better go back. This time youe here alone but your princess is with the procession of Madame Tao... If you should stay here to have lunch, not only your princess but also Madame Tao and Her Majesty will inquire you. At that time, you will suffer a lot!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Seeing Qiu Feng leaving with guilt, Qiu Yn asked with a disturbing mind, ¡°How¡¯s it going on, he and Chunfu Princess?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about Jiang Yadan first!¡± Qiu Jinn waved his hand to interrupt Ling Zui¡¯s exnation which meant he was going to deal with the matters ording to the degree of rtivity to his sister.

 Chapter 239 - Immoral Maiden Family and Unhappy Husband

    <h4>Chapter 239 Immoral Maiden Family and Unhappy Husband</h4>

    After hearing Qiu Yn describing the whole course of Madame Tao Junior¡¯s incident, Qiu Jinn and Ling Zui all fell into thinking. After a while, Qiu Jinn said, ¡°This is not easy to handle.¡±

    Ling Zui took over and said, ¡°Why? I think you¡¯d better give the deposit back to the Tao Family. An Zhenshang is not easy to be dealt with. Killing her means starting a feud with Jiang Yadan. For Madame Tao Junior, that¡¯s really unnecessary! As for the An Family, do you really think Feng Rugui is dead? You will still be an enemy of Jiang Yadan and make the Jiang Family unhappy!¡±

    Qiu Yn asked carefully, ¡°What do you think? In the current situation, is there any way to bring Jiang Yadan¡¯s heart back?

    ¡°He no longer cares about your sister-inw¡¯s life. How can you expect him toe around?¡± Qiu Jinn sneered, ¡°This Madame Tao Junior really had a tough life. Her husband is not kind and her maiden family is unjust. If she can¡¯t see through it, then she¡¯ll go the wrong way!¡±

    Ling Zui said, ¡°So, Yn, you really don¡¯t need to bother. Just go back and talk to your sister-inw. Bring her to her senses. She is not very old now and shees from a prestigious family. Just ask some money from the Jiang Family and re-marry another honest and sincere person. Maybe she¡¯ll have some children to rely on when she gets old.¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at Qiu Jinn, ¡°Do you think so too, brother? I don¡¯t think it¡¯s that bad! I think you¡¯ll definitely have some good ideas! After all, speaking of romance, I think you¡¯re better than Jiang Yadan. He relies on his family, yet you have real ability. Won¡¯t it be easy for you to guess his mind? Can you teach me a good... Ouch!¡±

    Qiu Jinn couldn¡¯t bear it and knocked her in her head. He said without expression, ¡°Stop talking nonsense!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn turned to Ling Zui aggrievedly. Ling Zui rolled his eyes, ¡°I can go get some aphrodisiac. You go to give it to your sister-inw. Then ask her to get Jiang Yadan drunk. If they have a child, maybe...¡±

    ¡°You shut up too!¡± Qiu Jinn impatiently called his wild friend to stop, ¡°Is it appropriate to say such a thing in front of her? Don¡¯t mess around!¡±

    Ling Zui didn¡¯t know whether tough or not, ¡°Did you forget that your baby sister has already married? Besides, aren¡¯t we thinking for her sister-inw?¡±

    Seeing Qiu Jinn¡¯s cold look, he knew Qiu Jinn was really angry. He didn¡¯t dare to make fun. So, Ling Zui just shrugged at Qiu Yn, showing how helpless he was, ¡°I don¡¯t have anything else. The only one to me is your sister-inw. Why is she not your brother¡¯s older sister?¡±

    Qiu Jinn was not the kind that would be sympathetic to everyone. No matter how poor Madame Tao Junior was, it wasn¡¯t his business.

    He only said a few things because his sister cared. Otherwise, even if it had happened next door to him, he would have ignored it. After all, speaking of abandoning someone or cutting someone off, he also had done such things.

    It was just that he was clever, not as direct as Jiang Yadan who would be hated by others.

    Now Ling Zui exposed his attitude. He didn¡¯t hide it. He just asked calmly, ¡°Will it impact you if your eighth sister-inw is changed?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s mouth twitched, ¡°Jiang Yadan is the legitimate eldest son of the fourth branch. No matter how useless he is, his wife will be in charge of this branch! The current eighth sister-inw is nice. She never picked on me and actually taught me many things. If it changes into one that makes a lot of trouble, how will that be good?¡±

    She thought now he should care about it more and figure a way out for Madame Tao Junior.

    Indeed, hearing changing a sister-inw might be a disadvantage to his sister, Qiu Jinn became serious. But he thought for a while and said, ¡°Ling Zui,st time you heard someone wanted to marry her daughter to a prestigious official in Jing City. Who was it? How does his daughter look like and what¡¯s her personality?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn secretlyined at heart. She grabbed his sleeve and shook, ¡°I want this one! Do you have any idea? Tell me, tell me!¡±

    ¡°If I were her younger brother, we could fight this and make the Jiang Family unable to mistreat her from now on!¡± Qiu Jinn couldn¡¯t resist her beg. He smiled coldly and said, ¡°But I¡¯m not rted to her at all. The Tao Family doesn¡¯t have this kind of courage. What can I do?¡±

    Qiu Yn asked surprisingly, ¡°No way. Tell me. What is this way that can be used only if you are her maiden family?¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Qiu Jinn said coldly, ¡°If I were her brother, I would go argue with them if they mistreat my sister because they¡¯re a prestigious family. I would go ask the elders in the Jiang Family to get it straight! Not mentioning Marquess Qin relied on the Tao Family to develop the Jiang Family, even if without this gratitude, your sister-inw did nothing wrong. Even though she doesn¡¯t have a child, she is not 50 this year. On what ground can they divorce her?! Besides...¡±

    He lowered his voice, ¡°Now the fight of Crown Prince is going on. Even though the Tao Family declined, they still have the name of ¡°one family three prime ministers¡±. If they push too hard, I¡¯ll just threaten to go to the Empress Dowager¡¯s side! Let¡¯s see whether the Jiang Family dares to gamble their reputation and whether other families will see this as a fresh lesson!¡±

    Qiu Yn dazed for a while and said, ¡°The Tao Family really can¡¯t do this. It has been this long and they didn¡¯t talk to the elders of the Jiang Family. They don¡¯t even dare to talk to Jiang Yadan. If it weren¡¯t for Madame Tao, who tried her best to protect the eighth sister-inw...¡±

    ¡°Because their daughter is not adored and has no child, they want to rece her with another daughter. This kind of maiden family can never be tough!¡± Qiu Jinn said disdainfully, ¡°The Jiang Family is so prestigious now. They can¡¯t y up to them enough. How would they have the courage to go fight for their daughter? They can¡¯t prosper the family on their won, so they rely it all on the marriage. They are doomed to decline! Things in the world go up and down. Back then, there were three prime ministers in the Tao Family. No others are more prestigious than them. Now the Tao Family declined so fast. It was not strange.¡±

    Speaking of which, he narrowed his eyes and said calmly, ¡°Besides, why do you think Marquess Qin didn¡¯t take care of this and just watched Jiang Yadan abandon Madame Tao Junior? He is using this chance to see how much is left of the Tao Family.¡±

    ¡°What you are saying is that the Tao Family is afraid of getting suppressed by the Jiang Family so they are intentionally being weak?¡± Qiu Yn blurted out!

    ¡°How¡¯s that possible?¡± Qiu Jinn humphed, ¡°All the attention of the Jiang Family is now on the fight of the Crown Prince. They wish their allies are more capable. As long as they¡¯re not better than the Jiang Family! This time the performance of the Tao Family, no matter it was intentional or not, would look useless in the Jiang Family¡¯s eyes. Therefore, when the Jiang Family wins, they can give nothing to the Tao Family! Judging by this matter, even if the Tao Family is not satisfied, they don¡¯t dare say anything!¡±

    Qiu Yn understood, ¡°If Madame Tao Junior was cast off, it will be a reason for the Jiang Family to cast off the Tao Family, right?¡±

    ¡°If Madame Tao should still be alive, Marquess Qin would probably show some respect. He won¡¯t actually let Jiang Yadan cast-off Madame Tao Junior now.¡± Qiu Jinn said calmly, ¡°But I don¡¯t know what they¡¯ll exchange in private with this!¡±

    ¡°Then what if they are exchanging the benefits that were supposed to give to the Tao Family after the victory? Madame Tao probably won¡¯t agree to that.¡± Qiu Yn understood what he was implying. She straightened her face, ¡°People now always see family as more important than some of the younger generation, right?¡±

    Qiu Jinn was dazed. He said carefully, ¡°Sometimes, you can¡¯t do anything else. It¡¯s not like you don¡¯t care about them...¡±

    ¡°I am worried that Madame Tao will ignore the eighth sister-inw because of her family¡¯s benefits.¡± Qiu Yn thought for a while and understood that Qiu Jinn misunderstood her. He thought she was angry at Old Princess Lian as she chose to fake his death but left her daughter-inw and granddaughter in the Prince¡¯s Mansion. She didn¡¯t know whether tough or not. She exined and continued, ¡°Besides, even if Madame Tao gives up Madame Tao Junior and gets the Jiang Family to continue supporting the Tao Family after the victory, she won¡¯t let the Tao Family have a daughter that is cast off. It¡¯ll still hurt Madame Tao Junior. I really don¡¯t want her to have that!¡±

    ¡°She can¡¯t rely on her maiden family or her husband. If she wants to have a good ending, the only way...¡± Qiu Jinn fell silent for a while and said, ¡°It¡¯s like want Ling Zui said. She needs to have a child, a son. If she has a child, even Marquess Qin will say something to keep her status. As far as I know, Marquess Qin really values the bloodline of the Jiang Family, especially legitimate ones.¡±

    He didn¡¯t need to tell her that. She has Madame Zhuang as an example. Qiu Yn knew that if Madame Tao Junior had had a son, unless she did something unforgivable, such as cheating or murdering her husband, Marquess Qin would have kept her status. But the problem was that Madame Tao Junior didn¡¯t have a son or a daughter!

    ¡°How is giving birth that quick?¡± She said disappointedly, ¡°It¡¯s still up in the air. Besides, Jiang Yadan wants to kick her out right now. Where can she find a child?¡±

    Ling Zui who had been listening on the side leaned over, ¡°That aphrodisiac...¡±

    ¡°Stop it!¡± Qiu Jinn was speechless, ¡°You want to give this kind of brothel-used things to my sister and ask her to bring back to the Jiang Family. And she¡¯ll give to her sister-inw to use on her brother-inw... Are you kidding me? If this goes out, it¡¯ll ruin my sister¡¯s reputation!¡±

    Ling Zui spoke usibly, ¡°If you don¡¯t drug Jiang Yadan and Madame Tao Junoir is not liked by Jiang Yadan, how can they get a child?¡± He said carelessly, ¡°Besides, Jiang Yadan used this quite often on others. He deserved it!¡±

    ¡°But it still can¡¯t be us!¡± Qiu Jinn straightened his face. He was warning Ling Zui and also Qiu Yn, ¡°As for this kind of inappropriate thing, you can at most suggest it and you can¡¯t leave any evidence! As for doing it, never!¡±

    Qiu Yn said sulkily, ¡°With Madame Tao Junior¡¯s health, I don¡¯t think it will work even if I have it!¡±

    ¡°Then there¡¯s nothing I can do!¡± Ling Zui sighed, ¡°Your sister-inw is too honest. Actually, even though she didn¡¯t have a maiden family to rely on, she can still go ask Marquess Qin¡¯s favor to let her die in the Jiang Family. It looks like she¡¯s retreating, but she¡¯s advancing. She¡¯ll force Marquess Qin to say something to protect her. But she didn¡¯t do it.¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn¡¯s eyes lit up, he immediately dissuaded her, ¡°It¡¯s fine to do so at the beginning. But now it has been toote. The oue is not guaranteed! Besides, you should never go to advise such things. Otherwise, if they find out that you suggest it, you¡¯ll have trouble in the Jiang Family!¡±

    Qiu Jinn narrowed his eye and said, ¡°You go back to clean your room. This is not a hurry. Let us think about it.¡±

    ¡°Fine!¡± Qiu Yn sighed and walked back, ¡°I¡¯ll go to see Ruan Ciyi!¡±

    No matter Qiu Jinn or Ling Zui, they were good at romance. To some extent, they were quite like Jiang Yadan. They should know him the best. Maybe they could think of something to get Jiang Yadan in line.

    Now Qiu Yn could only think like that...

 Chapter 240 - The One with a Child Rules the Backyard

    <h4>Chapter 240 The One with a Child Rules the Backyard</h4>

    The process to meet Ruan Ciyi was not as nice as Ling Zui described. After seeing Qiu Yn, Ruan Ciyi only had a few words before asked all the servants to leave. She held the hand of Qiu Yn and started teaching her ways to control her husband. That was fine, but her central idea was exactly like Mrs. Zhou¡¯s: the one with child rules the backyard!

    She not only advised her but also prepared everything: a secret prescription to get a boy, things that are beneficial to have children, a list of food that would make her easy to get pregnant... She even taught some secret tips to get pregnant to her set aside shyness.

    Qiu Yn desperately changed the topic, ¡°I was just married. It¡¯s no hurry. I¡¯ve heard from my brother and Ling Zui said that after Qiu Feng was married, he was not happy?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s used to being a free man and couldn¡¯t see eye to eye with Chunfu Princess!¡± Ruan Ciyi took the silk fan and fanned themselves. She said carelessly, ¡°This time he didn¡¯t want to greet the royalties during the trip. The Princess said she was going to go with him first. But he found so many excuses and left the Princess in Jing City. He came here alone. I told your brother that he should kick Qiu Feng out two days ago. Otherwise, Chunfu Princess may hate us all under her rage.¡±

    She then sighed, ¡°I was joking. But the princess is really pitiful. She could never have thought that Qiu Feng didn¡¯t want to marry her at all.¡±

    Even though Jiang Qizheng was not a real royal princess, but her background was more prestigious than most of the real ones. She was of high born, beautiful, and not too arrogant. So, there were a lot of people courting her!

    To Jiang Qizheng, there were two types of men. One was the people who loved her but weren¡¯t qualified to court her. The other was the people who were qualified to court her, but she didn¡¯t like them. So, when she fell in love with Qiu Feng, she took it for granted and thought the only problem was that her elders might not agree to it!

    If she had not married Qiu Feng, it would have been fine to remember this regret.

    But coincidentally, she got what she wanted!

    But this marriage she fought so hard to get was not as happy as she imagined. Qiu Yn thought that no wonder thest time when she asked Jiang Qizheng to go back to the Jiang Family to persuade Jiang Yadan, she came in a hurry and left in a hurry. She was afraid that her family would ask about her life. If she had said it was not fine, she would have been ashamed. And with her pride, she probably couldn¡¯t lie and say that it was fine. So, she could only hide from her family.

    ¡°Then what are they doing now? They can¡¯t always be like this.¡± Qiu Yn felt like she had a headache. Are they going to be strangers for life?¡±

    Ruan Ciyi said, ¡°She is of high born and he is of low-born. How can they see eye to eye this quickly? But luckily Qiu Feng is not an indecent person. Even though he was hiding from the Princess, he didn¡¯t go out and seek other women.¡±

    ¡°Therefore, if they have a child, they won¡¯t be strangers. They¡¯ll be close to each other! So, I mean, women need to have a child! If you have a child...¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn looked sorrowfully at the pir in the near distance. She had the urge of bumping against it...

    Luckily, she was married. Without the permission of the elders, she couldn¡¯t stay overnight outside.

    So, when it was about the evening, Qiu Jinn sent her back to Jiang¡¯s residence, ¡°You just arrived at the Mount Dizi today. You probably need to dine as a family. Go back now. Don¡¯t bete. It will make the elders unhappy.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯lle back to see you and sister!¡± Qiu Yn said goodbye to them sweetly, but what she was thinking was, ¡°I¡¯m noting again unless necessary!¡± Ruan Ciyi could direct every topic to the child now. Even though Qiu Yn knew she meant well, she still felt creeped out by her nagging!

    She rushed back to her residence and saw He Shuijin who wasing out. He Shuijin saw her and stopped, ¡°Did you go out? I was going to ask someone to find you!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Qiu Yn asked surprisingly.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to dine as a family tonight. If you hadn¡¯te back, you wouldn¡¯t have time to change clothes and tidy up yourself.¡± He Shuijin said, ¡°Alright, go back to your room and clean yourself up!¡±

    Qiu Yn said yes and thanked her. Then she saw He Shuijin was still walking outside. She again said surprisingly, ¡°I am back.¡±

    He Shuijin hadn¡¯t walked far. Hearing this, she looked back and smiled at Qiu Yn, ¡°Grandma said she hadn¡¯t seen Chunxiao for some time. She asked me to invite Chunxiao here.¡±

    ¡°I see. Then go. Don¡¯t let me dy you.¡± Qiu Yn said goodbye to her and thought in her heart, ¡°In these two years, County Princess Duanrou didn¡¯te to the Jiang Family often. It is said that Prince Qiyang is not well and she needs to serve him. Now Grandma specifically asked He Shuijin to invite her over. It¡¯s probably for something else.¡±

    County Princess Duanrou was the same age as her. At her age, when girls got invited, it was almost always about their marriage.

    ¡°County Princess is the peer of the great-grandchildren generation of the Jiang Family. There are two great-grandchildren who are about to get to the age of marriage. Is it for this?¡± Qiu Yn thought for a while, ¡°But the mother of County Princess Duanrou, Jiang Qizhuan, only married Prince Qiyang because of Madame Dou¡¯s plot. Now the two people who are suited to marry County Princess are the grandsons of Madame Dou. Will Princess Qiyang let her daughter marry one of them?¡±

    ¡°Besides, it was Madame Tao who asked He Shuijin to invite... Madame Tao never liked the first branch. So, it¡¯s probably for something else?¡±

    She never had much acquaintance with County Princess Duanrou, so she couldn¡¯t figure it out. While she was thinking, she went back to her residence. Jiang Yashuang who was wearing a green robe came out from under the grape trellis, ¡°Did you go to see your brother? How is he?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s fine.¡± Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°You didn¡¯t go to the Seventh Prince? Isn¡¯t there a banquet in the Pce tonight?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a family banquet. We just arrived today and we¡¯re all tired. The official Pce banquet will be held tomorrow, so the Seventh Prince let me go.¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°I heard that you went to your brother and I wanted to go too. But Ou Bicheng came. I just sent him off.¡±

    Hearing that, Qiu Yn asked, ¡°Why is he here?¡±

    ¡°He heard from Xing that Xin Fubing was not looking well. He was worried and he didn¡¯t dare to ask, so he came to ask me secretly. How would I know? I haven¡¯t seen her for some time.¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°I don¡¯t know whether Xin Fubing wille out for the dinner tonight. If she does, can you say something for him?¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°How interesting it is! What can he do even if he knows that Fubing is not doing well? Marry her? I think not! Then he shouldn¡¯t ask, in case Fubing gets another thought after she has just let him go.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sighed again, ¡°Yes, but even though he doesn¡¯t have that kind of feeling for her, they did grow up together. He wants her to go well.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go to Fubing¡¯s ce a couple of timester.¡± Qiu Yn saidzily, ¡°We have a family dinner tonight. I¡¯ll go take a bath and change my clothes!¡±

    So many things had happened that day. At the dinner, even though Xin Fubing was pale and had no expression, she still came with Madame Ou. Many people in the Jiang Family knew why she looked so awful, so they didn¡¯t mention it. The problem was that Jiang Yn didn¡¯t know. Madame Mi and Mi Yinyin kept it a secret from him.

    After some drinking, the elders started to talk and the younger ones also became lively. So, he turned and asked Mi Yinyin, ¡°Is Fubing sick? Why does she look so weak? Go ask her. If she couldn¡¯t hold on, she doesn¡¯t have to. It¡¯s just a family dinner.¡±

    Frankly, even though he liked Xin Fubing before, he wasn¡¯t out of line for saying this. They were cousins and Xin Fubing¡¯s parents were not in Jing City. It was reasonable for Jiang Yn to care for her. He even especially asked Mi Yinyin to go.

    For Jiang Yn, this concern was above board.

    But Mi Yinyin didn¡¯t think so. She answered Jiang Yn while holding back her tears. When she walked up to Xin Fubing, what she said besides Xin Fubing¡¯s ears was, ¡°Jiang Yn said you looked sick. There¡¯s nothing urgent today. You should go back and rest, in case you behave inappropriatelyter and make the elders worry!¡±

    It was easy to imagine how Xin Fubing, who was just rejected by Ou Bicheng and forced to marry the Seventh Prince whom she didn¡¯t like, would feel after hearing this!

    Her face went green. She tossed her wine cup on the table hard. Even Madame Tao who was listening to Madame Ou was startled. She turned around and asked surprisingly, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?!¡±

    Xin Fubing who was usually polite said coldly, ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m not feeling well. I¡¯ll go back now!¡± After saying that, she stood up and ignored Mi Yinyin¡¯s fake detainment.

    ¡°This girl...¡± Madame Ou was a tough person. She was always strict with her children. But Xin Fubing had taken several hits these days. Even Madame Ou felt sorry for her. So, she didn¡¯t care about her impoliteness and just sighed. She said to Madame Tao, ¡°I didn¡¯t know she still feels so unhappy after days...¡±

    Seeing Madame Ou believed that Xin Fubing did this because she was angry about what happened before and didn¡¯t suspect her, Mi Yinyin wascent. She left secretly. But only she thought she was covert. Mi Yinyin didn¡¯t know Sheng Shishui and Qiu Yn who were in the near distance saw everything.

    ¡°We just joked about He Shuijin, saying that she still needs to host this event. When everyone else is eating and having fun, she¡¯s still so busy. She¡¯s not as easy and rxed as us.¡± Sheng Shishui saw Mi Yinyin had gone back to her seat and was saying something to Jiang Yn aggrievedly. They didn¡¯t need to hear it to know she was describing Xin Fubing¡¯s angry leave as her dissatisfaction with Jiang Yn¡¯s concern. Sheng Shishui took the round fan on the table and covered half of her face. She said to Qiu Yn quietly, ¡°Who knows we could see such a drama?¡±

    ¡°Fubing had taken several hits these days.¡± Qiu Yn drank up the peppermint drink in her cup and said quietly, ¡°Please cover up for me. I¡¯ll go after her in case anything happens!¡±

    Sheng Shishui nodded, ¡°Go! She¡¯s always proud. She may not think straight when she¡¯s angry.¡±

    Qiu Yn turned back and told Jiang Yashuang again. Then she lifted her dress and secretly went to the door. She started chasing after Xin Fubing!

    When she got to the garden, she didn¡¯t find Xin Fubing, but heard the cry of Jiang Qizheng behind an artificial hill in the near distance, ¡°I¡¯m not a person who will badger someone. I¡¯ll go tell the elders that we¡¯ll just divorce!¡±

    Qiu Yn almost tripped over!

 Chapter 241 - A Huge Variation of the Fight for the Crown Prince!

    <h4>Chapter 241 A Huge Variation of the Fight for the Crown Prince!</h4>

    No need to think about it. She bumped into Jiang Qizheng confronting Qiu Feng!

    Although she didn¡¯t know why they didn¡¯t have that kind of conversation in their vi, instead they snuck out of the Jiang Family¡¯s family dinner to talk about it, it was not the point. The point was that Qiu Yn nned to sneak away. But Qiu Feng had good sight and hearing. He shouted which exposed her, ¡°Who is there?¡±

    ¡°... I¡¯m here to look for Cousin Xin,¡± under that circumstance, she had to turn around and pretended that she just arrived. She asked Qiu Feng embarrassedly who walked out of the artificial hill slowly, ¡°Did you guys see where she went?¡±

    ¡°She should be going back to her room. Her room is over there.¡± Maybe Jiang Qizheng was crying just now. So, she didn¡¯t show herself. She just raised her voice and told Qiu Yn, ¡°Follow this road to the end. When you see a Chuihua door, go in and ask any servant.¡±

    Qiu Yn thanked them and left in a hurry. Following Jiang Qizheng¡¯s instruction, she asked a servant after entering the Chuihua door. She arrived at the vi Xin Fubing lived. As expected, she heard her crying and the maidsforting her in a low voice before she went in.

    ¡°Cousin Xin?¡± She thought for a while and then tried to call her. The sound of weeping inside stopped at once. After a while, a maid came out and said, ¡°Madame Yn, ourdy doesn¡¯t want to see anyone right now. Can you...?¡±

    ¡°Deliver a message for me. Tell her that what happened at dinner wasn¡¯t like what she heard. Shishui and I saw it clearly within a short distance. I¡¯m afraid that she might misunderstand. So, Ie to tell her.¡± Qiu Yn knew how Xin Fubing felt at that moment. She was already sad because her maiden family made her marry someone she didn¡¯t like. And now she got chased away from her maiden family¡¯s family dinner.

    Only smashing a wine ss showed that she had the whole picture in mind. If it were Jiang Qiyun or Jiang Qisheng, they might turn over the table and make a scene!

    Of course, Mi Yinyin might expect Xin Fubing would react this way. So, she dared to misrepresent Jiang Yn¡¯s concern on purpose.

    If Xin Fubing were like Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng who made a scene at the slightest provocation, Mi Yinyin wouldn¡¯t dare to lie to her undisguisedly!

    At that moment, since Xin Fubing didn¡¯t n to make a scene, after hearing the message from Qiu Yn, she smiled sadly and said, ¡°Go tell Yn that I have figured out the truth after hearing what she said. But what difference can it make even I expose it? Mi Yinyin is my aunt¡¯s niece and Yn¡¯s wife. Will he repudiate her because of our quarrel? Exposing her will only spoil the mood and offend my aunt! Just let it go. I¡¯m not in the mood to see Yn. Thank her for her concern. I hope she could forgive my negligence!¡±

    The maid took themand and walked out of the door. She told Qiu Yn exactly what Xin Fubing said and then apologized again and again.

    ¡°Since Cousin Xin is in a bad mood, then I¡¯ll leave her be. You guys take good care of her and don¡¯t let her get more upset,¡± Qiu Yn sighed after hearing that. She gave some directions and then left.

    She was afraid that Qiu Feng and Jiang Qizheng were still at the artificial hill when she went back, and it would be awkward bumping into them again. So, she chose another path deliberately.

    When she got back to the main hall, she was surprised to find that people almost left within such a short time. A few servants were cleaning up. The hosts who were still there were He Shuijin who must stay to give orders, Jiang Yaheng who was waiting for He Shuijin and Jiang Yashaung who was waiting for Qiu Yn.

    Those two brothers were talking under the porch. And they both looked worried.

    Seeing Qiu Yning, Jiang Yaheng said, ¡°Yn is here. You guys should go back too.¡±

    ¡°Trouble you guys for handling the rest of things here!¡± Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn said some polite words and then left.

    When they went far, Qiu Yn asked with doubt, ¡°Why did everyone leave so soon?¡±

    ¡°Grandfather suddenly fainted!¡± Even the dim light couldn¡¯t hide Jiang Yashaung¡¯s awful look, ¡°The family dinner surely couldn¡¯t go on!¡±

    Qiu Yn was startled, ¡°Howe? What did the doctor say?¡±

    ¡°The doctor hasn¡¯te out since he goes in.¡± Jiang Yashuang exhaled and lowered his voice, ¡°We don¡¯t know how serious it is. So, it¡¯s better that we don¡¯t let the words get out. Grandmother has asked the first aunt and the third aunt to forbid the servants to tell anyone. As for us, we should all go back to our rooms, in case we all wait there for news and let the spy in our mansion find a w.¡±

    ¡°I got it!¡± Qiu Yn puckered her lips, ¡°Then only grandmother is taking care of grandfather?¡±

    ¡°The eldest Uncle and the Third Uncle both thought that since we didn¡¯t want others to know, none of us who worked in the government should ask for leave.¡± Jiang Yashuang said tly, ¡°Thank god that Yazhu and Jingxu don¡¯t work in the government. They can switch shifts with grandmother.¡±

    Jiang Jingxu was the eldest great-grandchild of the Jiang Family whose mother was Madame Dou Junior. He was one year older than Jiang Huizhi, who was 15. Because he was determined to take the exam, he gave the inherited official position to his brother. He had no title at that moment which allowed him to have a free hand.

    As for Jiang Yazhu, he didn¡¯t work in the government because no one helped him.

    ¡°Then you are going to work for the Seventh Prince tomorrow?¡± Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help frowning. Not to mention that Marquess Qin¡¯s importance to the Empress¡¯s clique. Just considering that he raised and taught Jiang Yashuang himself and now he was in aa and no one knew what would happen to him, how could Jiang Yashuang fall asleep that night?

    He couldn¡¯t get a nice sleep. And he needed to help the Seventh Prince with the ceremony the next day. He also needed to withhold the information... Even he was in good health and could hold for a few days, what if Marquess Qin never recovered...

    She heard Jiang Yashuang said while she was thinking, ¡°I¡¯ll talk to grandmother tomorrow and ask her to let you and Cousin Xin go to the Summer Pce. You guys can stay there for a few days.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°Go to the Summer Pce?¡± My husband¡¯s grandfather was ill. As the granddaughter-inw, even it was inconvenient for me to take care of him in the inner chamber, but how inappropriate it was for me to go and stay in the Summer Pce? Even though the Jiang Family kept a tight lid on the news now, the Jiang Family was a big family within which had enough gossip.

    Although she wasn¡¯t afraid of being gossiped by others, there was no point in giving others this kind of subject to ridicule her.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t go to the pce, how can we tell aunt about this?¡± Jiang Yashuang said in a low voice, ¡°Of course, our family has our way to deliver the message. My aunt should know it by now. But they can only give her a short note. Someone needs to give aunt details. In case aunt gets worried and others take advantage of it! How can we trust others with this? It¡¯s better that you go.¡±

    Qiu Yn hesitated, ¡°Then I just need to go to the Summer Pce. Why do I have to stay there?¡± It was not that she really wanted to stay in the vi to care for Marquess Qin nearby. It was just that no matter how much Empress Jiang indulged the members of her maiden family, the Summer Pce was a royal ce after all. She wouldn¡¯t be as free as living in her own yard.

    ¡°We don¡¯t know when grandfather will wake up this time. And we don¡¯t know how he will be after waking up either. With you staying in the Summer Pce, we have good reasons to deliver things to you. And we can deliver messages via that. Also, it¡¯s reasonable for you to greet aunt every day. We won¡¯t raise doubts by sending people to meet aunt again and again!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang exined in a soft voice, ¡°Grandfather fainted so suddenly tonight. Everyone saw it. Although grandmother arranged people to control the situation at once, as you know, it was a family dinner today. There were many servants. And we are in the vi not the Marquess¡¯s Mansion! We may not be able to keep it a secret. Once the words get out... It can be a great blow for us! So, we must be prepared!¡±

    Qiu Yn caught a hint of what he meant, ¡°Do you mean that we are going to give outsiders a hint that we all have our own ns and even about to have internal strife? So, it will make them hesitate?¡± If outsiders knew that Marquess Qin was ill, as Marquess Qin¡¯s favorite grandson¡¯s wife, she went to the Summer Pce the next day via excuses and kept staying there. It was inevitable for the outsiders to assume that Jiang Yashuang was eager to win over the Empress to contend with his uncles since his grandfather was ill.

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Jiang Yashuang nodded, ¡°Grandfather is the rock of our family. Even aunt can¡¯t contend with Empress Dowager Gu without grandfather¡¯s help! So, if something happens to grandfather, we¡¯ll be leaderless. And Empress Dowager¡¯s clique will strike while the iron is hot! However, since our family is known as ¡°Half Regime Jiang¡±, we have built up a foundation over the years! If they really drive us to the wall, let alone others, our father still has the Northern Army!¡±

    ¡°In order not to be the cannon fodder of the Jiang Family¡¯s struggle after they losing Marquess Qin, indeed most of the people will choose to sit on top of the mountain to watch the tigers fight... But!¡± Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°I¡¯m afraid that the Empress Dowager won¡¯t hesitate, will she?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked at her, ¡°It¡¯s a big deal. As long as the Empress Dowager has no urate information, she won¡¯t dare to go off the deep end!¡±

    That was true!

    The key figures of the fight between two Empresses were Empress Dowager Gu and Marquess Qin. Those two became allies through marriage in the early days. They worked together to suppress the regime. In the end, one of them secured her son¡¯s position as the emperor and had the chance to act as regent for more than 30 years. The other one developed and grew via it which changed his image from ¡°son-inw of the Tao Family¡± to ¡°Defender of the State¡± and ¡°Half Regime Jiang¡±. It could be described as pleasant cooperation and each taking what one wanted.

    And then they had a falling-out and began to go after each other. They won and they lost. No one could keep getting the upper hand... Having an opponent like that, how could Empress Dowager Gu easily believe that he was ill all the sudden and let her win so easily?

    Besides, Marquess Qin had always been in good health. If the Empress Dowager got the information, her first reaction wouldn¡¯t be happy. She would consider it a trap!

    ¡°Stalling tactics... However, it¡¯s the only thing we can do now!¡± Qiu Yn nodded silently and sighed inwardly, ¡°It¡¯s true that people shouldn¡¯t count their chickens before they are hatched. They thought Xue Nongying¡¯s matter would be their ace in the hole. They are sure to win the fight for the status of the crown prince! Unexpectedly, Marquess Qin fainted at the crucial moment. Considering how crafty Xue Chang is, if the Empress¡¯s clique has a tendency to fail, he definitely won¡¯t stand up and save the day. He probably will break his promise directly!¡±

    She was really worried that they might fail at the fight for the status of crown prince because of Marquess Qin¡¯s condition. Not just because of Marquess Qin¡¯s leading position in the Empress¡¯s clique. It was also because his illness had no sign which totally caught the Empress¡¯s clique off guard!

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be cannon fodder... What should I do now?¡± Qiu Yn pondered rapidly for a solution. This variation was the most unexpected and the one she feared the most since she traveled through time. The fight for the Crown Prince was always a life-or-death struggle. If they failed, the most decent way for Qiu Yn to die is hanging!

    ¡°And also, if aunt has some free time, talk to her about the eighth sister-inw¡¯s matter to see if she could find time to persuade Yadan. I talked to aunt about it early. But Prince of Zhou was in charge of the summer holiday arrangements. Aunt was afraid that he was under the Empress Dowager¡¯smand and would tamper with things while he had a chance. Plus, she needed to advise the Seventh Prince. She was so busy that she didn¡¯t have time to care for other things.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang rubbed between his eyes. His sigh interrupted her thoughts, ¡°Yadan is a little afraid of aunt!¡±

    Qiu Yn pulled herself together and nodded, ¡°How could I forget about the eighth sister-inw¡¯s matter? Anything else?¡±

    ¡°Ease Cousin Xin¡¯s anxiety if you have the chance. If you guys meet the Seventh Prince, try to find a way to give them some time alone. And put in good words for the Seventh Prince afterward. They will spend the rest of their lives together... It¡¯s not okay for them to be seemingly in harmony but actually at variance...¡± Jiang Yashuang mused for a while and continued, ¡°Also, if people on the Empress Dowager¡¯s side try to probe, remind Cousin Xin and don¡¯t let them draw the secret out of her!¡±

    ¡°Wait! Is there a reason for me and Cousin Xin to stay in the pce?¡± Qiu Yn was about to nod and suddenly thought of it. She asked in a hurry.

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°That¡¯s easy. Aunt wanting to find a wife for the Seventh Prince is not a secret. She has her eye on Cousin Xin. So, she asks Cousin Xin to stay in the pce for a while in order to observe her. Also, she can see if they are a match by letting Cousin Xin spend some time with the Seventh Prince... Cousin Xin is shy. So, she drags you with her... Any excuse like this will do.¡±

    His look was deep, ¡°Anyway, just make the outsiders confused and uncertain!¡±

    Only in that way could they buy more time and opportunities which allowed the Jiang Family and Empress¡¯s clique to adjust strategy and n. So, they were able to face the situation without Marquess Qin!

    Of course, the best result was that Marquess Qin¡¯s illness was nothing serious.

    The question was... Would he faint in public if it was just a minor illness?

 Chapter 242 - An Undercurrent Arising from Whitey

    <h4>Chapter 242 An Undercurrent Arising from Whitey</h4>

    At night, Jiang Yashuang had a shower before having sex with Qiu Yn as usual. After this, he could not fall asleep. He tried to listen carefully to the sound outside and expected somebody woulde and report the diagnostic result.

    However, he waited until the middle of the night with no one to report it, and his heart grew heavier and heavier.

    The inkiest ck light before dawn, Jiang Yashuang heard a faint rustle outside the window, which was drizzle hitting the banana leaves. The sound was dense but light and soft. In the past, it made him rxed when listened to it. But now, the sound unnerved him more and more.

    He pushed lightly away the sleeping Qiu Yn in his arm, crept up to get dressed, and ran to the Marquess Qin¡¯s yard in the night to find out the news himself.

    It was dark at this time of night, and the porch kerosenemps were lit, but all did not shine far, seeming dim and heavy.

    With the heavy heart as themps, Jiang Yashuang greeted Madame Tao who wasing to greet him. Jiang Yashuang tried to hold back his emotions and ask for Marquess Qin¡¯s condition. Luckily, the first sentence Madame Tao said was, ¡°It¡¯s not life-threatening and he will be fine in a few days.¡±

    But it was too early to get relief, because, ¡°The imperial doctor said that he is fine today does not indicate that he will be fine tomorrow. What will happen to him is not sure. We have to wait and see after he takes drugs for two days and re-check him.¡±

    ¡°What a relief to hear that he is fine!¡± Jiang Yashuang felt relieved. And then he mentioned that Xin Fubing would live in the Summer Pce with Qiu Yn for a short time.

    Madame Tao said yes without thinking too much. She even sent Mom Hu to the summer retreat of the Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion to tell Madame Ou about their leaving.

    Madame Ou, actually, disagreed Xin Fubing and Qiu Yn to go to the Summer Pce at the critical time, let alone live for a short time there.

    Although she was strict with the young girls, she respected her sister-inw very much. In order not to spoil her sister-inw¡¯s mood, she agreed in the end.

    Xin Fubing¡¯s grandmother was reluctant to move anywhere, even in the summer or deep winter. She would stay in the old house in the capital. However, sheuded to let Xin Fubing have a summer vacation in the Summer Pce. The reason she had given was that she cared much about her granddaughter. In her deep heart, she was hoping that Xin Fubing could contact the members of the Jiang Family as the Jiang Family was prominent in the capital. In this way, even her daughter-inw was not living in the capital, she could get help from her granddaughter who could seek help from the Jiang Family.

    Over the past years, Xin Fubing had been to the Mount Dizi with her aunt Madame Mi. This year, as Mi Yinyin squeezed her out many times, she would be reluctant to stay with Madame Mi again. She chose to stay with Madame Ou this year. So, it was natural that she must follow Madame Ou.

    Now, Madame Ou agreed to let her live in the Summer Pce for a short time. No matter Xin Fubing was pleased or not, she had to pack and go there.

    Qiu Yn, after receiving the confirmed message sent by Jiang Yashuang, visited Madame Tao Junior and Sheng Shishui. And then she went visiting He Shuijin with a set of jewelry, asking her to take care of her two sisters-inw. After she arranged all in the house, she began to get the package she prepared earlier, and went to the Summer Pce with Xin Fubing.

    Just like entering their own house in the capital, womenfolk of the Jiang Family entered the Summer Pce smoothly.

    Before they met the Empress, Jiang Yashuang had informed the Empress of theiring. Hence, Empress Jiang exempted them from the ceremony, telling them where they would live. As Xin Fubing looked terrible, the Empress ordered the maids to help them unpack their packages but Qiu Yn was ordered to stay. The most urgent topic the Empress wanted to ask was about Marquess Qin¡¯s illness, ¡°I was reported that he passed outst night. Why? How about him now?¡±

    Qiu Yn knew in her heart that, on the surface, the Empress seemed calm, but in her heart, she must be nervous. So, Qiu Yn told her every word that Jiang Yashuang told her.

    After hearing her words, Empress Jiang paused for a while, saying, ¡°So, today¡¯s diagnostic result is not a final one? We have to wait two more days?¡±

    ¡°As per grandmother said to Yashuang, we do,¡± replied Qiu Yn respectfully.

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s leave this aside now.¡± Empress Jiang was an open-mind woman. She changed the topic, ¡°About Fubing, what¡¯s going on about her? Didn¡¯t I tell you before to let her off the hook? With so many days passed, why does she look worse and more haggard?¡±

    ¡°At the banquetst night, Mi Yinyin angered her. She rushed back to her room, crying badly!¡± said Qiu Yn, showing that nothing she could do. ¡°I chased after her, andforted her for a long time, but I was refused to enter her room... I guessed she might be sad for an entire night, and she did not recover before meeting you.¡±

    Xin Fubing¡¯s condition gave a headache to the Empress, ¡°In the past, I thought she was a girl with a big picture in her head. I don¡¯t think she was weak! How can she be a girl who can be beaten down by Mi Yinyin¡¯s one sentence?¡±

    Qiu Yn defended Xin Fubing, ¡°As you know, Mi Yinyin is one of the nieces of the sixth aunt. At the banquet ofst night, all seniors are present. Cousin Xin did not want to be a buzzkill. Hence, she had to hold her horse before being mad...¡±

    ¡°What a mess!¡± The Empress grunted, adding after shaking her head, ¡°Although Weisang is one of the princes, he must have a bright future! His wife must be a tough girl. Look at Princess Yan and prospective Princess Zhou, they are tough. I have an eye on her because I think she is a nice girl. In the following days, you need to focus on her and needn¡¯t do anything else, teaching her how to live in the pce. Don¡¯t weaken our family because of her.¡±

    Qiu Yn said yes and added, ¡°Yashuang suggested that as Cousin Xin is living in the pce, it may be good for her to meet the Seventh Prince from time to time...¡±

    ¡°I will arrange it!¡± nodded Empress Jiang. While she was about to say something else, Princess Yongfu walked in hurriedly. She greeted the Empress with ¡°Mother¡± and then looked at Qiu Yn, smiling, ¡°Yn, as you are here, I need your advice. I don¡¯t like the flowers in my yard. I want to change some but I am not sure which flowers I should nt. Can youe with me and give me some suggestions?¡±

    Empress Jiang had been pampering her daughter. After hearing her words, she let Qiu Yn go immediately, ¡°As you have things to do, Yn, you and Yongfu go to do your business!¡±

    After retreating, Qiu Yn asked Princess Yongfu, ¡°Your Highness, which flowers do you want?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care about it at all. I just found an excuse to get you out of there,¡± said Princess Yongfu, making face. She continued with a smile, ¡°I have something else to tell you. You know that my grandmother wants to betroth Princess Changping to Kuang Qingwu, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Qiu Yn was confused, ¡°Yes, I know. But what does this have to do with me?¡± She must have known this, or why did she suggest the Seventh Prince hold the marriage? Did anything go wrong with this?

    Princess Yongfu looked askance at her, ¡°But your sister is still hooking up with Kuang Qingwu... Although I know your sister and you are not close, I guess you don¡¯t know their affair. But you think about it. If my grandmother and Princess Changping notice their rtionship, they may turn their anger on you. So, I think you should talk with your sister. She has no chance to win Princess Changping, who my grandmother supports. In terms of status, Princess Changping is a Commandery Princess. You can¡¯t let her be a concubine, can¡¯t you? Let me take a step back. Even if your sister is willing to marry Kuang Qingwu to be a concubine, do you think my grandmother and Commandery Princess will be tolerant letting them live under the same roof?¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned, ¡°I don¡¯t know Ningtai still seeing Kuang Qingwu?!¡± She suddenly realized that the Empress did not mention this and she did not seem to ask about it. So, she continued to ask, ¡°Princess Yongfu, how do you know this?¡±

    ¡°Xiao Su told mest night when I went to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang,¡± said Princess Yongfu, pursing her lips. ¡°His side yard is just across a stream of Kung Qingwu¡¯s side yard. A maid saw that Kuang Qingwu walked Commandery Princess Ningtai out of his side yard at dusk. It was getting dark. You know, Xiao Su is an honest man. He never lies. So, I think it was real.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t suspect you and the Duke of Puyang. Never.¡± Qiu Yn said nervously. She began to regret that she was busy with her own business when she condoled old Princess Qin. She did not take the chance to make it clear to Qiu Jinzhu, asking her what her rtionship with Kuang Qingwu was all about. Since she was busy back then, she forgot to ask her about it. Until now, she realized they had been seeing each other for a year.

    ¡°It does not matter Empress Dowager Gu turns her anger on me. Anyway, as I am a daughter-inw of the Jiang Family, it is difficult for Empress Dowager Gu to like me,¡± thought Qiu Yn. She felt overwhelmed. ¡°What I am afraid of is that they turn their anger on my brother. The battle for the status of the Crown Prince hassted for a year. While the battle did not turn to be an open conflict, the battle is getting more heated by the day! Unfortunately, Qiu Jinn is in his mourning period. Hence, he had neither a title nor a chance to hide behind Prime Minister Xue...¡±

    After finishing the topic, Princess Yongfu had no intent to leave. Instead, she tugged on her sleeve and asked, wide-eyed, ¡°I heard that the dishes you cooked for my brother Yashuang were exquisite...¡±

    ¡°If you like it, I can make some for you. Okay?¡± Cook was an easy task for Qiu Yn. And what was more, Princess Yongfu just told her an important message. Qiu Yn was pleased to make her happy. In this way, she said yes to her promptly.

    ¡°I know you won¡¯t let me down!¡± Princess Yongfu was so excited that she pushed Qiu Yn to run toward her house. Shemanded her maids while they were running, ¡°Go and invite Chunxiao, I like more people around!¡±

    Half a day passed, Qiu Yn left Princess Yongfu¡¯s house, intending to go back to the house arranged for Xin Fubing and her. Suddenly, Chu Chunxiao, County Princess Duanrou, ran after her and shouted, ¡°Yn, please wait up!¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised and stopped. Chu Chunxiao came over and asked shyly, ¡°As for the dishes you cooked today, I think my parents might like them. Could you teach me how to cook?¡±

    ¡°Okay, my pleasure,¡± Qiu Yn thought she might have something else to ask. After hearing her question, she smiled, ¡°If you are free now, how about we talk about it while we are walking home?¡±

    Chu Chunxiao was so pleased that she said thanks many times... While Qiu Yn was teaching her how to cook, she asked how Prince Qiyang was going recently. Speaking of Prince Qiyang, Chu Chunxiao¡¯s bright face turned sad. She sighed, ¡°My father is not good recently, and my mother worries about him much. We always have the imperial doctors over our house, but nothing goes better... ¡±

    Qiu Yn knew that Prince Qiyang had a congenital disease. The doctor could do nothing for him. However, she had tofort her while they were walking. Not before long they almost arrived at the house arranged for Qiu Yn and Xin Fubing, they saw Xin Fubing holding Whitey in her arms with Nianxue lying at her feet and talking with a pretty girl before they entered the yard.

    Looking closely, they noticed that the girl was Princess Changping.

    ¡°What brings her here?¡± Seeing this, both Qiu Yn and Chu Chunxiao were stunned a little.

    What surprised Qiu Yn even more, though, was that, ¡°Cousin Xin is in a terrible mood. She even did not want to greet Empress... It was unlikely for her to be out, and more surprisingly, to talk with Princess Changping.¡±

    While they were confused, Princess Changping and Xin Fubing saw they areing too. Princess Changping twisted her head, greeting, ¡°Commandery Princess Qiu, Chunxiao, you are finally back home.¡±

    Qiu Yn was rewarded with a title of Commandery Princess. In principle, after she married Jiang Yashuang, Jiang Yashuang should be called as a husband of a princess. However, we all knew that the Jiang Family was prominent in the capital. And more, the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was not backing for Qiu Yn. So, Qiu Jinn, Ruan Ciyi, Mrs. Zhou and others from the maiden family thought that the titles weren¡¯t worth fighting. It would be better to be called following the rules in the Jiang Family such as Qiu Yn was called the youngdy and Jiang Yashuang the young master. The seniors in the Jiang Family might be happier about this.

    But, how did outsiders call them? It was beyond their control, and they could not force them either.

    At this moment, needless to say, Qiu Yn would not request Princess Changping to call her Madame Qiu. Hence, she answered while walking toward them with Chu Chunxiao. After paying salute, she intended to converse with them by empty words at the beginning. However, she noticed that Princess Changping was sizing up Whitey and saying with a fake smile, ¡°Whitey looks like the same age as my cat ¡®Pinger¡¯. Back then, I also wanted to have a cat with fur around its heterochromia eyes. But unfortunately, the one I booked in the Tao Family died before making out of the nest. So, I had to choose the second-best and get a different one... Commandery Princess Qiu, I wonder where you got this one?¡±

 Chapter 243 - Invitations? It Was More of a Declaration of War

    <h4>Chapter 243 Invitations? It Was More of a Deration of War</h4>

    At the beginning ofst year, Qiu Yn had been invited by Jiang Qizheng to the Jinxiu Slope for an outing. At that time, she knew from Gu E¡¯nuo, the Princess Shou¡¯an, that her Persian cat Whitey was a problem because of its origin. It was grabbed by Ling Zui, who always courted his best friend¡¯s pretty sister, from the Tao Family...

    Coincidentally, it was Princess Changping¡¯s cat in the first ce.

    Over the past year, Qiu Yn had met Princess Changping several times. But the ces they met were usually at a banquet or in the pce with the Empress. They even had not had a chance to talk more, let alone about the cat. Since then, Qiu Yn gradually forgot the cat¡¯s origin. Unluckily, Princess Changping finally came to her house for it. However, she was not afraid of it as the Empress was standing behind her back. Thinking of this, she managed to force a smile and said, ¡°A friend sent it to me as a gift. I did not know where it came from.¡±

    Before Princess Changping asked her questions, she promptly changed the topic, asking Xin Fubing curiously, ¡°Fubing, how did the cats get here?¡± They did not take Nianxue and Whitey with them when they came to the Summer Pce. How could they appear over here?

    Xin Fubing neither knew the story behind Whitey¡¯s origin, nor did she understand the annoyance behind Princess Changping¡¯s question. She said honestly, ¡°Yashuang just asked a servant to send them here. He said that as you were not in the side yard and he couldn¡¯te here every day, he is afraid that the maids may neglect them, leading to something terrible happens to them. So, he decided to send them here.¡±

    Her words reminded Qiu Yn that Jiang Yashuang must have some messages for her under the guise of the cats. She did not want to dy her business. She began to figure how to send Princess Changping home as early as possible so that she could ask the servant who sent the cats if Jiang Yashuang left any messages for her.

    While she was thinking about how to say, Princess Changping looked at the excellent-looking Persian cats. She said implicitly, ¡°They are excellent cats. You must take good care of them. It is unlikely to get another one if something terrible happens to them.¡±

    Her words, in Qiu Yn¡¯s opinion, were a warning or curse. She just wanted to get Princess Changping out of her house, hoping she would leave because of anger. Qiu Yn smiled and said to her with a little bit rude, ¡°Your Highness, thanks for your kindness. But I think, in the Summer Pce, with the protection of the Emperor and the Empress, I think nothing would happen to them.¡±

    If you, Princess Changping, wanted to turn your anger on the cats with tricks, you must think twice whether you could bear what your official mother would do to you!

    ¡°As the Empress Dowager is omniscient, I am sure everything will be all right in the Summer Pce,¡± said Princess Changping, realizing Qiu Yn wanted to use the Empress to scare her. She continued with a frown, saying, ¡°Commandery Princess Qiu, do you agree?¡± I had the Empress Dowager standing behind my back!

    It was a tricky question. If Qiu Yn denied, it meant that she disrespected the Empress Dowager. Even she had Empress Jiang to defend her, a dispute would be unavoidable. In particr, the Empress herself was facing difficulties. It was lucky she wasposed in handling troubles. She definitely was not in the mood to help her daughter-inw out of trouble.

    On the other side, if she agreed with what Princess Changping said, it meant that she admitted the Empress Dowager was the person who protected the Summer Pce. It definitely weakened the Empress. If the Empress knew about it, she would be furious.

    The third option is not to answer her question. It meant Qiu Yn was defeated.

    Qiu Yn thought about how to answer quickly. She replied dismissively, ¡°The Emperor¡¯s ce is much superior to the ordinary ones. So, you are raised smart, pretty and noble in the Pce, right?¡±

    Princess Changping believed that her answer was an irrelevant answer. It was an answer leading to no disputes. But on the other hand, it showed Qiu Yn¡¯s weakness. Princess Changping was about to look her down while Qiu Yn continued, ¡°I am sure, Her Majesty guides and manages us well. As a saying goes, an inch of grass can¡¯t repay the sunshine of a thousand sunsets... Your Highness, do you agree?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Princess Changping was trying to hold back her anger. The people in the capital knew that she was raised by her grandmother. How dare you, Qiu Yn, credited it to Empress Jiang?!

    Just like Qiu Yn could not say that Empress Dowager Gu was the protector of the Summer Pce, Princess Changfu did not dare say that her beauty and talent had nothing to do with Empress Jiang...

    It was a fact that the Empress was her official mother!

    Even her official mother never ever cared about her, to Princess Changping, she had to admit that her excellence had something to do with her official mother. As usual, in amon family, if a son of a concubine had a promising future and was rewarded with the title of nobility, the title would be given to the official mother first and then the biological mother. Even the official mother never ever raised him, but she was eligible for the title. The biological mother¡¯s status was inferior to the official mother! This was a rule observed by the people including all princesses. In particr, Princess Changping had been dreading Empress Jiang much!

    ¡°I felt so sad about my brothers and sisters and me!¡± At this moment, the mock and injustice from Empress Jiang since her childhood shed in Princess Changping¡¯s mind. She felt depressed and overwhelmed. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal to be born into an imperial family, but it is a tragedy to have such a domineering and cruel mother! I don¡¯t see daughters of a concubine inmon families dread their official mother so much. God bless Prince of Yan. I hope he can defeat Prince of Qi. If Prince of Qi inherits the throne, the Empress will treat us more harshly than usual, we, excluding Yongfu and Prince of Qi, would have no choice but to die.¡±

    Princess Changfu thought hatefully, but managed to force a smile, ¡°My mother is the model of the people. It is my honor to be raised by her!¡±

    Speaking of this, she suddenly said ¡°Oops¡± and pped hands. And then she said to Xin Fubing, seeming regretful, ¡°I almost forgot when I came over. These two cats are so adorable, which made me forget what I should do. I came here to give you invitations.¡±

    Although unknowing that there was a grudge between Qiu Yn and Princess Changfu because of Whitey, Xin Fubing understood they did not like each other after hearing their talk. Xin Fubing was the Empress¡¯s niece. She was born to be on the side of the Empress and be against Princess Changping. She asked alertly, ¡°What invitations? To be honest, Your Highness. We are here because our parents allowed us to be filial to Her Majesty. It is not appropriate to wander around in the Summer Pce.¡±

    ¡°Several dayster, it will be Princess Shou¡¯an¡¯s birthday. She nned to hold a party with sisters and sisters-inw in her house.¡± Princess Changping smiled, adding, ¡°But, by coincidence, my grandmother misses her very much. She also asked Princess Shou¡¯an and cousin Tang to the Summer Pce. As we are in the Summer Pce, Princess Shou¡¯an can¡¯t invite those who are not invited to be here because of her birthday. You know, if there were only Princess Shou¡¯an, cousin Tang and I to celebrate her birthday, the party would be lousy. As she heard you are here too, she hoped that all of you could go to her birthday party. Coincidently, I have nothing to do. So, I did her a favor,ing to send you invitations.¡±

    ¡°Invitations? It is a deration of war!¡± Thought Xin Fubing after hearing her exnation. She understood now that rather than Gu E¡¯nuo wanted to invite them to a party, it was a battle between the two prospective Crown Princesses before the result of the battle for the status of the crown prince.

    Although she was not very energetic about anything at the moment, she did know that as she agreed to marry the Seventh Prince, she could not flinch from facing up to difficulties. So, she nodded, ¡°As you said so, I will be there on time. About Yn...¡±

    Qiu Yn gave a slow smile, ¡°If I have nothing else to do at that time, I will go with Fubing.¡±

    Princess Changping took out two invitations from her sleeve. And then she left after a small talk.

    After Princess Changfu left, Xin Fubing stooped down to put Whitey down, leaving the cat to y with Nianxue. She rubbed her numb arm and asked in confusion, ¡°What does Whitey have to do with her?

    ¡°Something unhappy,¡± said Qiu Yn. It was not a secret that should be kept in the heart. Therefore, she told Xin Fubing the story in detail. After hearing the story, Xin Fubing understood and said, ¡°You guess why I hold Whitey in my arms for so long? I nned to y with them in the first ce, not wanted to hold one. But after Princess Changping was here, she held Whitey in her arm while she was talking with me. It did not take long that she pinched Whitey ¡®by ident¡¯, and then scratched Whitey heavily... She put Whitey down before Whitey attacked her each time. And then, she yed with Whitey with a smile... I thought there must be something wrong with her but I could say nothing. So, I took a chance to hold Whitey in my arms after she put it down. Since then, I have talked with her with Whitey in my arms.

    Princess Changfu¡¯s behaviors pissed Qiu Yn off, who shouted, ¡°She, as a princess, did such disgusting acts! To bully a cat!¡± Although she did not care Whitey much as her treasure, she couldn¡¯t stand others to bully it. Back then, Fang Zijun was a spoiled child. When he tried to kill Whitey, she did not save face for him£¡

    At the time, Princess Changping was an adult. She must be sensible but she bullied a cat. Qiu Yn gripped her teeth and thought, ¡°Okay. It¡¯s going to be Gu E¡¯nuo birthday party. As you dare invite me, I will go and teach you a lesson!¡±

    ... The conflict that happened between them, in a short time, was spread to every corner without missing a word.

    After Empress Jiang knew that her girls did not lose out in the conflict, she relieved, ¡°Good job, girls. You did not let the wench taught by that old woman had the upper hand!¡±

    And then she went on doing her business.

    Compared to the Empress¡¯s calmness owing to the secret support she had from Xue Chang, Empress Dowager Gu felt distracted, ¡°How could you leave like that? You are a princess. A daughter of the Emperor. But you went there, sending invitations to them in person? If there were no conflict, that¡¯s fine. But there was one, you lost it in a short time... You forgot all tactics I taught you before, right?¡±

    At the bottom of the red steps, Princess Changping was too timid to answer.

    Changping Princess, who was in the Summer Pce visiting Empress Dowager Gu, interceded for Princess Changping, ¡°Empress Jiang is a domineering and cruel woman. Changping is afraid that Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t afford to lose. She might cry to Empress Jiang. Empress Jiang is a protective woman. She muste here, requesting a punishment, which would be a trouble for you.¡±

    ¡°I prefer to help her deal with it!¡± Empress Dowager Gu did not want to admit that Princess Changping dreaded the Empress. She dreaded the Empress because she had something on the Empress, the marriage. As long as this matter was not resolved, Princess Changping would not dare offend the Empress even if she had the Empress Dowager standing behind her.

    After all, Princess Changping knew well that even if Empress Jiang had to ept the boy selected by the Empress Dowager for her, she had the power to dy the marriage. Princess Yongfu and the Seventh Prince did not marry yet. Those were the reasons on the table for the Empress to dy her marriage as they were older than her but unmarried. With her knowledge of her official mother, she knew the Empress would do it! The Empress, as one of the Jiang Family, would only seriously consider her fame when she had nothing to do just like the rest of the Jiang Family. Usually, this family just took advantage of it at their discretion!

    If the assumption hade true, not only her youth would be dyed, but Kuang Qingwu would not wait for her as he was not a person to mess with. What was more, the current situation in the court determined that Empress Dowager Gu was also fearful to offend her nominal grandson, Kuang Qingwu. On Kuang Qingwu¡¯s side, he definitely would not wait for marrying Princess Changping. On Princess Changping¡¯s side, she also did not want to be a step-mother when she got married. Considering the above reasons, she had to sumb to the Empress.

    The Empress Dowager condemned Princess Changping, expressing her disappointment to her until Changping Princess persuaded her. She beckoned Changping to leave. After Changping left, Changping Princess continued to say, ¡°Changping and Kuang Qingwu¡¯s marriage should not be dyed any longer. You have taught her much. I believe that she could defeat Qiu Yn with what you taught her. She must be afraid that the Empress makes trouble for her in her marriage. I think after she gets married, the Empress won¡¯t be able to do anything about her!¡±

    ¡°The Empress will make trouble for her marriage. I am sure about it,¡± said Empress Dowager Gu, looking at her. ¡°So, let¡¯s put it aside. We need to hurry Weizhou¡¯s marriage!¡±

    Changping Princess immediately said after hearing her decision, ¡°How about letting Xinqiong get married first? I knew that you have allowed Xinqiong to have children first. We need Xinqiong to get married as early as possible tobat Shou¡¯an, just in case...¡±

 Chapter 244 - Take Measures Accordingly. Only They Smart?

    <h4>Chapter 244 Take Measures ordingly. Only They Smart?</h4>

    While Changping Princess was badgering Empress Dowager Gu to ask for a benefit for her daughter, Princess Changping went back to her pce and got her clothes changed. Just when she sat in front of the dresser, a maid came in to report, ¡°Princess Shou¡¯an is here.¡±

    ¡°Invite her to have a cup of tea in the side pce hall. Tell her that I just came back and would be there after cleaning up,¡± Princess Changping wasn¡¯t surprised.

    She instructed. She cleaned herself up and arrived in the side pce hall. She saw Gu E¡¯nuo sitting on the right side. There was a cat with a glossy coat on herp. The cat¡¯s water blue eyes were big, round and bright. It lovinglyid there and looked around quietly. It looked so adorable.

    ¡°Oh. What makes you bring ¡°Yuan Bao¡± here?¡± Princess Changping knew that Gu E¡¯nuo loved the Persian cat very much. She even did the cat¡¯s daily grooming herself. Because the Persian cat was afraid of strangers. It was very wary of and estranged from people expect Gu E¡¯nuo. To avoid scaring it, Gu E¡¯nuo didn¡¯t let others see it easily. There weren¡¯t so many servants in the side pce hall of Changping¡¯s ce. But with the servants Gu E¡¯nuo brought herself, there were at least dozens of people there. ¡°Yuan Bao¡± was already clinging to its owner¡¯s dress and refused to let go.

    Gu E¡¯nuo said while gently rubbing the cat to make it rx, ¡°I spent two days outside when I went for an outing. It didn¡¯t see me at home and got so worried that it refused to eat and drink. When I went back, it looked much thinner! So, I don¡¯t dare to leave it at home this time Ie to the pce. I got the Empress Dowager¡¯s permission to bring it here... It¡¯s a strange ce for it. It won¡¯t be at ease unless it stays with me.¡±

    After sitting down on the main seat on the left side, Princess Changping chuckled, ¡°My ¡®Pinger¡¯ is naughty. I don¡¯t know where it is now. After it gets back, let it y with ¡®Yuan Bao¡¯. ¡®Yuan Bao¡¯ maybe not so scared.¡±

    ¡°That may work.¡± Gu E¡¯nuo nodded, ¡°¡®Yuan Bao¡¯ is all good except that it¡¯s too scared of strangers... You went to deliver the invitation. How did it go?¡±

    ¡°I happened to see that Persian cat. It¡¯s really the same age as ¡®Pinger¡¯. Its name is Whitey. Really tacky! It deserves a better name!¡± Princess Changping sneered, ¡°Qiu wanted to cover for Ling Zui. She said that it was a gift from others. And then she hurried to talk to Xin Fubing to keep me from asking more questions...¡±

    Gu E¡¯nuo saidzily, ¡°I still suggest you not to go after Ling Zui. Although he is not a Young Prince, he is Aunt Maode¡¯s sweetheart. If you mess with him, Aunt Maode will hold a grudge against you! She and her husband are always neutral. At this crucial moment, we should win them over instead of offending them. It¡¯s better to tell her what happened. She will find a way topensate you in exchange for your letting Ling Zui off the hook!¡±

    ¡°I also nned to do so. But Qiu is really detestable.¡± Prince Changping said with a sneer, ¡°I tried to probe just now. She talked back to me without holding back... If I hadn¡¯t been afraid of the Empress, I¡¯d have kicked her ass!¡±

    ¡°When you marry Kuang Qingwu, the Empress will have nothing over you. You¡¯ll have your chance to seek revenge.¡± Gu E¡¯nuoforted, ¡°You know all about the Kuang Family. I guarantee that Kuang Qingwu will agree to go after her... Especially her brother, the one who still calls himself Ruan Qingyan!¡±

    Princess Changping sighed, ¡°You and the third brother haven¡¯t had you guys¡¯ wedding ceremony yet. I don¡¯t know when my turn will be... Enough about me. Let¡¯s talk about Xin Fubing. She looks terrible. But she doesn¡¯t look sick. If she were sick, she couldn¡¯te into the pce! And she seems distracted. I wonder what¡¯s wrong with her?¡±

    Gu E¡¯nuo was also surprised, ¡°It¡¯s said that she is the wife the Empress chooses for the Seventh Prince. Considering her origin, now she is about to have such a bright future. She should be very reserved, if not beaming with joy... How could she look terrible?¡± On second thought, she thought, ¡°It¡¯s either that she isn¡¯t happy about this marriage, or she is not optimistic about the Seventh Prince¡¯s future?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there the news this morning saying that something happened to Marquess Qin during their family dinner yesterday?¡± Princess Changping was enlightened. Her voice trembled slightly, ¡°Is it? Otherwise, the Seventh Prince seemed quite certain that he would be the Crown Prince!¡±

    The Empress Dowager¡¯s clique and the Empress¡¯s clique were always neck and neck. However, the Empress¡¯s clique had the upper hand in the fight for the Crown Prince for months. Because the Seventh Prince was better than Prince of Zhou.

    Although Prince of Zhou made great arrangements for the summer holiday this time, the summer holiday just began. The ghost-writers of the Empress Dowager¡¯s clique hadn¡¯t had time to build a glorious image of Prince of Zhou. So, the Empress¡¯s clique still had the upper hand so far.

    However, as the candidate for the future Crown Princess, Xin Fubing wasn¡¯t happy about her bright future. Instead, she looked terrible... Who would believe that nothing was going on?

    If she hadn¡¯t heard the news about something happening to Marquess Qinst night, Gu E¡¯nuo would figure out the truth immediately. But the timing of the news was so coincidental. Gu E¡¯nuo couldn¡¯t help wondering, ¡°Marquess Qin isn¡¯t just the rock of the Jiang Family. He is also the reason for the Empress¡¯s bossiness! Although Jiang Tianchi still has the Northern Army, his influence and prestige are nothingpared to Marquess Qin¡¯s! Especially, Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei have been focusing on helping their nephew Jiang Tianao for all these years in consideration of their older brother. They have been willing to suppress their own sons! Their behavior caused a lot of conflict among their children.¡±

    ¡°Marquess Qin can handle this kind of conflict when he is around. If something happens to him, Sir Jibei may not be able to handle it all by himself. First, Sir Jibei had been in Beijing for a long time. His influence in Jing City is nothingpared to Marquess Qin¡¯s. Second, Sir Jibei¡¯s perspective and shrewdness are also nothingpared to Marquess Qin¡¯s. He has been following Marquess Qin¡¯s instructions for all these years...¡±

    ¡°Anyway, once something happens to Marquess Qin, even the tide is in the Seventh Prince¡¯s favor now, the future situation is unpredictable! If the Empress can¡¯t pacify her clique who are panic because of Marquess Qin¡¯s condition, the Empress Dowager¡¯s clique will conquer without a fight!¡±

    ¡°If it is true, then it¡¯s not strange that Xin Fubing pined overnight after hearing the news. Didn¡¯t Jiang Qiyun lose herposure and burst into tears in public when she heard that Prince of Qi was disqualified frompeting for the Crown Prince? She and her mother made a scene in front of the Empress and tried to break off the engagement.¡±

    ¡°However, even Changping heard the news, the Empress Dowager must have heard it before her! But when I visited the Empress Dowager just now, she didn¡¯t seem to take this news seriously. She didn¡¯t even mention it... Is it false? Or Marquess Qin¡¯s illness is nothing serious which won¡¯t affect the current situation?¡±

    ¡°No, no... It¡¯s such a big deal. The Empress Dowager won¡¯t believe it so easily. But suspicion crept into her mind... She didn¡¯t mention it because she wanted to wait and see if she could get more evidences! Otherwise, why did she summon me, Tang Xinqiong and even Aunt Changping to the pce in the early morning? The person who was sent to our two families to deliver the Empress Dowager¡¯s decree must have sent another message to my father and Tang Zimo!¡±

    ¡°The important thing is that Xin Fubing is just a girl in her teens. She may be able to pretend to cry or to be vulnerable. How is it possible to make her pine so quickly if she isn¡¯t so worried? So, it may be true. Or even she gets fooled?¡±

    One thought after another floated through Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s mind. The more she spected, the more she felt that Marquess Qin might be sick for real. And his condition must be bad.

    However, instead of feeling surprised and happy, she was so scared, ¡°I disqualified Prince of Qi and Prince of Yan frompeting for the Crown Prince by using the earthquake¡¯s matter. Not only had I greatly offended Aunt Changping, but I had made the Empress Dowager wary of me... Thank god that things are under control. Prince of Zhou is incapable. The Empress Dowager allowed me to be his wife after consideration! But it was because Prince of Zhou couldn¡¯t get the upper hand in thepetition between him and the Seventh Prince!¡±

    However, if Marquess Qin was dying, the Empress¡¯s clique would be leaderless and in disarray. Then Prince of Zhou didn¡¯t need a shrewd wife to help him be the Crown Prince. In that case, how was she qualified to be the future Crown Princess?

    ¡°Aunt Changping is meeting with the Empress Dowager right now!¡± Cold sweats ran down Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s forehead at once!

    She was well aware of Changping Princess¡¯s influence over the Empress Dowager. Prince of Yan chose Tang Xinyao over her back then. Because he valued Changping Princess as the mother-inw.

    Although Gu E¡¯nuo tricked Prince of Yan and had the chance to be Empress, Empress Dowager Gu promised to let Changping Princess¡¯s another daughter Tang Xinqiong be the senior concubine and demanded her to have her own children after Tang Xinqiong gave birth to Prince of Zhou¡¯s first son... It was obvious that whether from the perspective of check and bnce or from the perspective of pacifying Changping Princess, Empress Dowager Gu loved her own daughter and granddaughter more than her!

    ¡°If I can¡¯t be the princess... No! Even if I be the princess, as long as the Empress Dowager doesn¡¯t need me and I haven¡¯t built my own force before that, it¡¯s so easy for Aunt Changping to seek revenge! I have to find a way to protect myself!¡± Gu E¡¯nuo bit her lips tightly and made up her mind immediately!

    While she was so nervous, Princess Changping was more and more excited, ¡°I hope Marquess Qin is really dying! Let¡¯s see how the Empress fights grandmother without him! After the third brother takes over the throne, the Empress... Ha!¡±

    One of those two princesses was happy, and the other was sad. Qiu Yn sent away Chu Chunxiao and asked the servant who took the Persian cat into the pce. When she found out that there was no important message, she was worried, ¡°Princess Shou¡¯an suddenly sent me an invitation. She must be up to something!¡±

    ¡°She just wants to give me a hard time,¡± Xin Fubing said with a pale face. ¡°I wonder what she is thinking? She is not married yet and is already so eager to do this kind of thing. Qiyun and Tang Xinyao weren¡¯t like this when they just got married!¡±

    Qiu Yn reminded, ¡°Since they could get Princess Changping to send the invitation, I¡¯m afraid that they are sure they can give you a hard time! You must be prepared!¡±

    ¡°Just need to take measures ordingly. They are not the only ones who use their brains!¡± Xin Fubing sneered and threw the invitation away, ¡°I just happen to be in a bad mood recently. Even if they didn¡¯te looking for trouble, I will pick a fight when I¡¯m feeling better. So, it¡¯s just what I wanted!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought she was indeed the granddaughter of the Jiang Family. Even she was traumatized from love, she was still bellicose. She was too sad to see Qiu Yn yesterday. Now that Princess Changping sent an invitation, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t need to encourage her. She was already about to return to her best form!

    But it was very good. It was inevitable for Xin Fubing to marry into the royal family. Rather than feeling depressed over hopeless unrequited love, Qiu Yn would rather see her fight with full energy. So, she encouraged with a smile, ¡°Then you¡¯d better take the time to take care of your body. You¡¯ve lost a lot of weight these days. You look too thin.¡±

    ¡°s!¡± Xin Fubing touched her cheek subconsciously. Didn¡¯t know if she was thinking of Ou Bicheng. She sighed with frustration. After a while, she pulled herself together and said, ¡°I do need to take care of my body... I don¡¯t want to be like Mi Yinyin who is always sick!¡±

    It was the first time recently that she had openly expressed her dislike for Mi Yinyin which indicated that she had moved on. Qiu Yn was much relieved and said with a smile, ¡°People are born with a physical condition. You are always in good health. Your body won¡¯t be weak unless you torment yourself in every possible way!¡±

    Qiu Yn was about to tell her the food which was better for her health. A servant suddenly went in and reported nervously, ¡°Lady Qiyun is here!¡±

    ¡°She?¡± They both stopped smiling. Jiang Qiyun, why was she here?

    ¡°Does shee for me?¡± After a brief moment of surprise, Xin Fubing¡¯s look changed. She knew more about her cousin¡¯s temper than Qiu Yn. How could Jiang Qiyun watch her be the Empress and do nothing about it after Jiang Qiyun¡¯s dream of being the Empress was shattered?

    It was only because Xin Fubing and she were not in the same branch. And they didn¡¯t even have the same grandfather. As a married daughter, Jiang Qiyun didn¡¯t dare to make a scene in Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion. Otherwise, she would go after Xin Fubing right after she heard the news!

    Otherwise, Jiang Qiyun didn¡¯te to the pce very often. Why was she here right after Xin Fubing arrived?

 Chapter 245 - Wanted to Get Out? Got Out with Scars!

    <h4>Chapter 245 Wanted to Get Out? Got Out with Scars!</h4>

    Since Jiang Qiyun was already there, Xin Fubing and Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t avoid seeing her. They went to the Flower Hall together. Just when they went in, Jiang Qiyun said with sarcasm, ¡°Oh. You guys were nowhere to be seen for such a long time. I thought you guys were not going toe!¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t think much of her anyway. Now that she had married into the Jiang Family. She didn¡¯t need to be concerned about Jiang Qiyun¡¯s status as the Jiang Family¡¯s daughter like before. So, she said tly, ¡°You are here without notice. We didn¡¯t expect you. And we were afraid that we would be neglecting youing out untidily. We had to tidy up. Are you unhappy because of it?¡±

    Jiang Qiyun looked at her stunning face. Her face went dark, ¡°You have be ornerier after being the daughter-inw of our family! Can¡¯t I even tease a bit? Who do you think you are? Are you so precious?¡±

    ¡°What you said is inappropriate!¡± As Jiang Qiyun scolded her directly, Qiu Yn surely didn¡¯t have nice things to say to her. She smiled slightly and showed contempt, ¡°As the saying goes, married daughters are like spilled water. How can you count yourself as a member of our family now? Since you are not our family member, how can you call me ¡®daughter-inw of our family¡¯? Do you still think of yourself as our family member instead of the royal family member? It¡¯s inappropriate. Even if Prince of Qi doesn¡¯t mind it because of his good temper, others will ridicule our family¡¯s daughters if the words get out!¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Jiang Qiyun didn¡¯t expect that she would dare to talk back to her directly. She was so furious. Out of rage, she lifted up her dress and grabbed a bottle beside her. She was about to hit Qiu Yn, ¡°You ignorant b*itch! How dare you talk to me like that!¡±

    Seeing this mess, Xin Fubing asked people to stop her in a hurry, ¡°Qiyun, calm down! We are a family. We hardly get to see each other. Why do you have to do this? Can¡¯t we just talk nicely?¡±

    She was about to persuade Qiu Yn to apologize to avoid them really getting into a fight. However, Jiang Qiyun pointed the bottle at her all the sudden and rebuked, ¡°You are no better! Why didn¡¯t you say something when Qiu was rude to me? You are mediating now when I¡¯m about to hit her? It¡¯s obvious that you guys are in it together. Why? Aunt picked you to be the Seventh Prince¡¯s wife and you are about to be the future Crown Princess. You think you are such a big deal now and despise me?¡±

    ¡°How dare I despise you?¡± Xin Fubing had been in a bad mood during those days. Besides, marrying the Seventh Prince was apromise. She didn¡¯t want others to mention it. Not only did Jiang Qiyun mention it, but she also acted like ¡°you only dare to despise me because you are about to marry the Seventh Prince¡±. It was like stabbing her in the heart with a knife!

    How could Xin Fubing not get angry? She sat back down directly and said with a sneer, ¡°Fine. Since you think I shouldn¡¯t meddle, then I won¡¯t stop you. Go on... But don¡¯t me me for telling the truth when the elders ask!¡±

    Idiot! I asked you not tomit an outrage for your sake! If you weren¡¯t the daughter of the Jiang Family¡¯s first branch, I promised you that Yn¡¯s killing you was as easy as winking!

    Because of Zhuang Man, Xin Fubing and Qiu Yn also became close friends. They had some idea of each other¡¯s personality and strong suit. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t hide her fighting capacity on purpose in front of them. How could Xin Fubing not know that if Jiang Qiyun went to hit Qiu Yn, she would be the one who suffered?

    So, she asked people to stop Jiang Qiyun. Although she was afraid that it would be hard for Qiu Yn to deal with the consequence if the situation escted, she also thought of Jiang Qiyun. However, Jiang Qiyun didn¡¯t appreciate it and she even vented her anger on her!

    ¡°Go and hit her! You should consider yourself lucky that Yn doesn¡¯t beat you to death!¡± Xin Fubing thought with a poker face, ¡°When the elders ask about it, I¡¯ll speak up for Yn anyway! It¡¯s true that youe to us today. If something happens, you will be the one to me! Besides, the elders want me to marry the Seventh Prince. As long as it¡¯s not a big deal, they¡¯ll take my opinion into ount! Let¡¯s see who loses out in the end!¡±

    Jiang Qiyun was always arrogant and imperious. How could she stand the provocation? She held the bottle up high without further ado and was about to smash it on Qiu Yn¡¯s head. Out of rage, she was about to hit Qiu Yn without mercy. She didn¡¯t think about the consequence at all. The servants who followed her there were scared out of their wits!

    ¡°Princess, please don¡¯t!¡± The senior maid was so scared that she dropped to her knees before Jiang Qiyun. She held Jiang Qiyun¡¯s legs tightly to stop her from going forward, ¡°Madame Qiu is Young Master Yashuang¡¯s wife. You can¡¯t hit her!¡±

    What Qiu Yn said was mean. But it was the truth. Jiang Qiyun who was married was an outsider now. Qiu Yn on the other hand was a real member of the Jiang Family after marrying into the Jiang Family. So, if Jiang Qiyun hit Qiu Yn, it equaled to humiliating the Jiang Family! A married woman being mean to one¡¯s maiden family was a great taboo. It was burning her boat!

    Besides, Qiu Yn¡¯s husband Jiang Yashuang wasn¡¯t that kind of person who would let his wife suffer losses. How old was he when Jiang Qiyun trying to kill Jiang Qizheng? He was able to make Jiang Qiyun not able to stay in the Jiang Family. Jiang Qiyun had to hide in the Dou Family. He only let it go after a lot of eldersforting him. So, how could she hit Madame Yn of the Jiang Family?

    While the senior maid was crying and yelling, a clever servant had already taken the bottle away. They all persuaded Jiang Qiyun while crying.

    However, no matter how they winked and gesticted, Qiu Yn and Xin Fubing who were nearby were drinking tea leisurely. They had no intention of giving her a way out of this.

    Were you kidding me? You were the one who came to look for trouble. You were the one who picked the fight. And you also the one who made a scene. Now you wanted us to help you out of the mess? You really thought the whole world was the mud under your feet except yourself. And you could step on it any way you wanted?

    ¡°We¡¯ll do nothing and say nothing. Let¡¯s see how you can get yourself out of this,¡± Qiu Yn and Xin Fubing exchanged a knowing look. They both ignored the plea and hinting from the servants of Prince of Qi¡¯s Mansion.

    Jiang Qiyun wouldn¡¯t quit while she was ahead because of her temper. Provoking by their attitudes, she was hopping mad! She lifted her dress up and kicked the senior maid who stopped her from approaching Qiu Yn away. She screamed, ¡°She is the wife, so what? There will always be virtuousdies who are willing to marry sons of the Jiang Family! Qiu Yn, you b*tch. Now that you and Xin Fubing are friends. So, you think you can treat me slightly? Even I¡¯m married, I¡¯m still the Jiang Family¡¯s kid. You can be arrogant to outsiders with your identity as the daughter-inw of the Jiang Family. But it¡¯s useless to me.¡±

    ¡°There are so many the Jiang Family¡¯s kids. You are not so rare!¡± It was mean. Qiu Yn and Xin Fubing put down their teacups together. They were about to talk back. A clear and familiar voice came from the door all the sudden, which kept scolding, ¡°As the wife of a prince, Tang Xinyao is gentle and virtuous. And she is pregnant. You are not gentle or virtuous. And you don¡¯t have children. Moreover, you always mess with your own family! You really bring shame on Her Majesty! Fubing, don¡¯t learn from her. Otherwise, the Empress Dowager¡¯s clique willugh their heads off!¡±

    Of course, it was Zhuang Man who could say so unbridled and mean words. Qiu Yn and Xin Fubing didn¡¯t have time to mind Jiang Qiyun who was hopping mad at that moment, ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°My family ask me not to bother you because you are just married. But I heard that you were staying in the Summer Pce which meant that you were not with Yashuang. So, it¡¯s okay for me to visit you,¡± Zhuang Man grinned, ¡°Besides, I haven¡¯t seen Cousin Xin for a while. Cousin, why do you look so terrible?¡±

    Zhuang Man stopped smiling after she got a clear look at Xin Fubing¡¯s face. She turned to Jiang Qiyun at once, ¡°How dare you piss Cousin Xin off like this! If you were so awesome, go pick a fight with Princess Yan or Shou¡¯an. You only can bully your own family. Aren¡¯t you a loser?¡±

    ¡°Shut up! B*tch!¡± If Jiang Qiyun hadn¡¯t been dragged by her servants, she would surely have rushed forward and died with them!

    However, Zhuang Man didn¡¯te alone. She and the Empress weren¡¯t directly rted. And she wasn¡¯t qualified to walk round in the Summer Pce alone. Nijin led her there. Seeing that the situation was unfavorable, Nijin made a prompt decision. She approached and said, ¡°Princess Qi, you are here? Her Majesty was looking for you just now. Could you follow me?¡±

    Jiang Qiyun was in a fit of anger. How could she obey?

    But her maids were longing for a chance to get out of the mess. They didn¡¯t care if it was true and agreed on her behalf in a hurry. They held Jiang Qiyun in their arms and pushed her towards outside, ¡°Princess, you just visited Her Majesty. And Her Majesty wanted to see you again. I¡¯m afraid it might be something important... Princess, you¡¯d better hurry to avoid keeping Her Majesty waiting!¡±

    After Jiang Qiyun got dragged out by a concerted effort, Zhuang Man stamped her feet and said angrily, ¡°We just let her go like that?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t beat her to death, can we?¡± Qiu Yn poured a cup of tea for her and waved a circr fan. She said with a smile, ¡°We were ignoring her and wanted to see how she could get herself out of the mess. Youring here gave her a ready-made opportunity.¡±

    If Zhuang Man hadn¡¯te, Nijin wouldn¡¯t havee either. Without Empress Jiang¡¯s close maid interfering, how could Jiang Qiyun get dragged away so easily considering how mad she was? With her personality, she surely wouldn¡¯t leave in disgrace... But she was not on the right side of the conflict. And she wouldn¡¯t get the upper hand during the fight either. If she wanted to get herself out of the mess then, she would get out with scars.

    However, Zhuang Man came, and Nijin dragged her away on the pretext that the Empress summoned her. Even if she would be scolded by the Empress, it would be in private.

    ¡°I see,¡± Zhuang Man was enlightened after hearing what happened and she regretted it so much, ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have let Nijin walk me in. I should have sent her away at the door.¡±

    ¡°How much do you want to see Jiang Qiyun make a fool of herself?¡± Qiu Ynughed out loud, ¡°Enough about her. Let¡¯s talk about business. The Empress Dowager also invited Gu E¡¯nuo and others to live here. Princess Changping just left. She sent us an invitation. She invited us to go to Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s birthday party in a few days. Who knows what they¡¯ve got in store for Cousin Xin?¡±

    Zhuang Man demanded eagerly, ¡°Can Ie? I want to help Cousin Xin!¡±

    Xin Fubing watched Jiang Qiyun making a scene with a gloomy face, but she couldn¡¯t help bursting intoughter at that moment and said, ¡°They didn¡¯t invite you. If I take you there, I¡¯m afraid you will be the first one getting ridiculed. I wonder who will need help then?¡±

    ¡°What does that matter? I¡¯ll ask them for an invitationter,¡± Zhuang Man objected, ¡°Besides, the Summer Pce doesn¡¯t belong to Gu E¡¯nuo. I got Her Majesty¡¯s permission toe here... Who give her the right not to entertain me?¡±

    ¡°You can ask. But will they give you?¡± Xin Fubing said with a smile, ¡°Never mind. We¡¯ll go together. We are going to have a fight anyway. Why care so much?¡±

    Zhuang Man said, ¡°Why can¡¯t I get the invitation? If they refuse to give me, I¡¯ll say that you and Yn won¡¯t go unless Ie along. It¡¯ll work, right?¡±

    ¡°Your moral integrity really is...¡± Qiu Yn was frustrated. She was about to judge her. Zhuang Man suddenly said, ¡°Right. Why is Jiang Qiyun here? I went to visit Her Majesty just now. But I didn¡¯t get to see her. A maid came out and consented me toe here. She said that the Seventh Prince and Yashuang just asked to meet the Empress. So, the Empress sent Jiang Qiyun who she was meeting with away and summoned them in. Normally, Jiang Qiyun should wait outside the hall and see if the Empress would see her again after she has done the meeting with Yashuang. Why did shee here?¡±

    Qiu Yn was a little surprised, ¡°I don¡¯t know! She was mean the minute she got here. That¡¯s why we had a fight.¡±

    Xin Fubing sneered, ¡°I think she must have been scolded by the Empress. She came to us to vent her anger!¡±

    Zhuang Man mused, ¡°I¡¯m afraid not. Jiang Qiyun is afraid of Her Majesty after all. If she struggled as possible as she could just now, those servants might not be able to drag her out. It¡¯s clear that she acted like she refused to leave. But she was afraid that beingte would make Her Majesty unhappy... How could she dare to sneak out ande here to make a scene while the Empress was meeting with others?¡±

    That was true. Jiang Qiyun was already afraid of the Empress. After bing Princess Qi, Empress Jiang made her life miserable with all the disciplines. Now she was almost as well behaved as Princess Changping in front of the Empress.

    She got summoned to the pce by the Empress. Halfway through their meeting, the Empress sent her away because the Empress needed to meet others. How could she dare to sneak away?

    ¡°In that case, although aunt sent her away when she heard that Yashuang asked to meet her, she also has finished talking to Jiang Qiyun?¡± Qiu Yn spected, ¡°However, what they said might have something to do with us. So, she came to us looking for trouble?¡±

    ¡°But how could Her Majesty cause you guys trouble?¡± Zhuang Man was confused.

 Chapter 246 - Sound Her Out

    <h4>Chapter 246 Sound Her Out</h4>

    The three people were all confused by Jiang Qiyun¡¯s visit. But in theter afternoon, the Empress made Nijine over to see if they needed any help. Nijin implied, ¡°The Empress convened Princess Qi earlier out of two purposes. One was that she heard Princess Qi embarrassed Prince of Qi in public because of some trivial matters. So, the Empress wanted to admonish her against doing this again! The other was that the Empress heard Princess Changping sent the invitation letter to you two so she let Princess Qimunicate with Miss Xin and then apany Miss Xin there. However, upon the arrival of Princess Qi, she...¡±

    ¡°That exins she came here in a rage!¡± Xin Fubing snorted, ¡°As if I robbed her of something!¡±

    When she had hardly finished her speaking, her maid behind her hurried to remind her by drawing her sleeve that Nijin was present!

    But Xin Fubing ignored her and continued, ¡°From my point of view, Jiang Qiyun should not go to Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s birthday banquet! We¡¯ve had a quarrel here today. If it is spread out, we will surely feel embarrassed. Could the Empress be spared the embarrassment if we have another quarrel in front of Gu E¡¯nuo? So, I¡¯d rather we three go there. The other side has four people. Gu E¡¯nuo, Tang Xinqiong, Princess Changping, and if Tang Xinyao, the pregnant one, is added. There are altogether four of them and only one more than us! Is it hard for us three to deal with them?¡±

    That she overtly expressed her dislike for Jiang Qiyun panicked her servants behind her, who feared these words, if the Empress was to be informed, would upset her.

    However, Qiu Yn and Zhuang Man were calm enough. Thetter thought what Xin Fubing said was also what she was going to say while the former had heard from Jiang Yashuang that Empress Jiang disliked her niece Jiang Qiyun so much that she might even make trouble for her niece. So, she wouldn¡¯t get angry if Xin Fubing hated Jiang Qiyun.

    ¡°Simply speaking, the Empress will prefer Xin Fubing to Jiang Qiyun, let alone Prince of Qi has lost hope while the Seventh Prince is supported by the Empress. At present, Xin Fubing overtly expresses her dislike for Jiang Qiyun, which will not annoy the Empress. Reversely, the Empress will feel satisfied with her frankness. Nijin is the Empress¡¯s person. She will report what Xin Fubing says to her.¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered in her heart, ¡°And the Empress knows well about Jiang Qiyun¡¯s temper, who will never subdue her jealousy to tutor Xin Fubing patiently. Additionally, I am here and have a grudge against Jiang Qiyun. It will be impossible for us not to quarrel! So, the Empress probably wants to sound Xin Fubing out by Jiang Qiyun.¡±

    Xin Fubing was newly hurt in a rtionship and yielded to a reluctant marriage under pressure so her mood was unstable. Under such circumstances, when Jiang Qiyun, who was self-centered, bullied and insulted her, Xin Fubing would probably expose her true feelings.

    The Empress could take this opportunity to learn about her future daughter-inw¡¯s nature.

    Considering the Xin Family¡¯s power and social status, the Empress didn¡¯t have to fear that her power would be deprived of by her future daughter-inw. But as the Seventh Prince¡¯s wife, Xin Fubing¡¯s position would be improved significantly. Although she was the Empress¡¯s trueborn niece, she didn¡¯t meet the Empress frequently. If she was to be entrusted with something important, the Empress had to know more about her personally.

    ¡°But Jiang Qiyun vented her anger mostly to me just now and Zhuang Man came to interfere. Did the Empress reach her goal atst?¡± Qiu Yn recalled. Although Xin Fubing got angry apparently just now, she finally controlled herself and didn¡¯t misbehave. In such a degree, would Empress Jiang feel satisfied with it?

    But on second thought, she changed her mind, ¡°Anyway this is the Empress¡¯s affair. Why should I worry about it?¡±

    While she was pondering, Nijin indeed didn¡¯t put on a cold look after hearing Xin Fubing¡¯s dislike for Jiang Qiyun. Instead, sheforted with a smile, ¡°The Empress knows that Youngdy and Madam Qiu have been wronged. Just now, Princess Qi was summoned by the Empress and she probably had been scolded. Let me tell you secretly. When Princess left, she stumbled along and wore tears on her cheeks... I guess the Empress was in a rage!¡±

    Nijin, the maid of the Empress, overtly described Jiang Qiyun¡¯s embarrassment, which indicated her undisguised preference. People present all recognized it and smiled, thinking that Jiang Qiyun¡¯s temper was so bad that even Her Majesty¡¯s maid disliked her and only the coward Prince of Qi, husband of Jiang Qiyun, would tolerate her. If another more self-esteemed prince was in his shoes, he would have fought with her fiercely!

    Xin Fubing got the satisfying reply so she wore a faint smile. But soon she put on some mncholy, ¡°Was the Empress in a rage today? Rage does harm to health. Is she well now?¡±

    Qiu Yn thumbed up for her flexible expressions in her heart, ¡°Whether or not Cousin Xin is worried about Ou Bicheng, she obviously begins to act like a daughter-inw of the royal family!¡±

    She thought so in her heart while expressing her care, ¡°The Empress is always busy but she has to worry about us. It¡¯s our fault!¡±

    Zhuang Man was always outspoken, ¡°Jiang Qiyun always messes up. She keeps making trouble for the Empress after her marriage. She hasn¡¯t done anything praiseworthy! I think she should be confined in the Mansion of Prince of Qi. Otherwise, she may cause more trouble!¡±

    Nijin was about to reply Xin Fubing and Qiu Yn when Zhuang Man said out her opinion suddenly, which made Nijin surprised with a rigid smile. Finally, she said, ¡°If I have a chance, I will convey your opinion to Her Majesty...¡±

    Did you think the Empress wanted to see Jiang Qiyun? Apart from Marquess Qin¡¯s principle of giving priority to the first branch, thepetition between the Empress and the Empress Dowager was rather fierce. Princess Yan got pregnant after marrying into the family in a year and earned the fame of womanly virtue. What about Princess Qi? She got neither! She even bullied Prince of Qi... If she was to be confined, would it be possible for Empress Jiang to mention ¡°daughter-inw¡± in front of Empress Dowager Gu?

    Fearing Zhuang Man would utter more embarrassing words out of control, Nijin decided to leave at once, ¡°If young madame and youngdies have no other tasks for me, I¡¯ll see myself out and go back to the Empress.¡±

    After she left, Zhuang Man asked Qiu Yn, ¡°I heard that in the family banquet yesterday, Marquess Qin was drunken but people thought he fainted away?¡±

    Qiu Yn was a little astonished, ¡°You didn¡¯t mention this after Jiang Qiyun left. I had thought the outsiders didn¡¯t know it!¡±

    ¡°Howe!¡± Zhuang Man smiled, ¡°Don¡¯t you know that many people keep an eye on Marquess Qin? Even his coughing will make them feel curious about the reason behind it! Let alone he fainted away in public!¡±

    Xin Fubing felt more astonished than Qiu Yn, ¡°Really? What about the second grand uncle now?¡±

    Zhuang Man was amazed, ¡°Why should you don¡¯t know? Didn¡¯t you join the family banquet yesterday?¡±

    ¡°She was back home halfway so she didn¡¯t see that.¡± Qiu Yn exined, ¡°I was told by Jiang Yashuang, too. I don¡¯t know the details. We came to the Summer Pce early this morning.¡±

    ¡°Is the second grand uncle okay?¡± Xin Fubing asked with concern. Marquess Qin and Empress Jiang were significant to the party of the Empress. If either of them had a problem, it would bring great damage to the whole party.

    Zhuang Man felt indifferent, ¡°He¡¯s just drunken. Perhaps, he has a hangover now. If he is indeed not well, you two won¡¯t be able to live in the Summer Pce. What¡¯s more, Her Majesty is even in the mood to summon Jiang Qiyun today.¡±

    Xin Fubing agreed so she felt relieved a bit, ¡°The second grand uncle must stay healthy.¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t do anything to help in this regard.¡± Zhuang Man was not interested in what she couldn¡¯t interfere. She also thought Marquess Qin was not ill so she changed the topic, ¡°I heard some rumors these days, which was seemingly rted to Madame Tao Junior?¡±

    Upon mentioning this, Qiu Yn looked gloomy at once, ¡°These nasty people will have iting to them!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true?¡± Zhuang Man kept asking, ¡°What on earth happened? I heard Madame Tao Junior was ill?¡±

    Although Xin Fubing frequently visited the Mansion of Sir Jibei these days, she was busy with her own affairs, having no time to care about others. So, she also asked, ¡°Madame Tao Junior is ill? When? I didn¡¯t know that!¡±

    ¡°She was ill a few more days ago. Luckily, Grandmother was so kind that she took her to her courtyard. Otherwise, no one would know what those people of Jiang Yadan would do to bully her!¡± Qiu Yn took a gulp of tea to appease her anger in her heart, ¡°Even so, Jiang Yadan won¡¯t let her off!¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yadan weighs appearance over virtue. Madame Tao Junior is perfect except her appearance!¡± Zhuang Man heaved a sigh, ¡°I guess one of his lovers caused the trouble... Didn¡¯t Jiang Yashuang persuade him?¡±

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°Your words are pungent and that¡¯s true! Jiang Yashuang persuaded him a couple of times but he refused to listen. After all, Jiang Yadan is his brother. Jiang Yashuang can¡¯t beat him!¡±

    ¡°What a pity that my aunt is not in Jing City,¡± Zhuang Man expressed her sympathy. ¡°My aunt hates concubines and mistresses. If she were in Jing City and Jiang Yadan dared to bully his wife, my aunt would give him a hard lesson!¡±

    Xin Fubing added, ¡°The fourth aunt indeed hates mistresses. Unluckily, she had to take care of the fourth uncle in Beijiang so she had no time toe here.¡± The fourth aunt was the one who chased away Jiang Yazhu¡¯s mother twice.

    A slow remedy couldn¡¯t meet an emergency. Qiu Yn was now not in the mood to think about it. She just said faintly, ¡°I only wish Madame Tao Junior can recover soon. We can¡¯t do anything else to help.¡±

    ¡°What a pity that Madame Tao Junior is ill. Otherwise, we can invite her to stay with us in the Summer Pce and tell her misery to Her Majesty.¡± Zhuang Man heaved a sigh. A patient could not enter the pce. Although Empress Jiang could invite some womenfolk from her family to stay over a few days without informing others, she had better not break the rules.

    ¡°What¡¯s the use of telling the Empress?! Her Majesty must have known this. And it is impossible for her to be so busy that she has no time to inquire of that, as what Jiang Yashuang said,¡± Qiu Yn smiled but she didn¡¯t think so in her heart. ¡°I assume, considering the fight for the status of the crown prince is fierce now, the Empress doesn¡¯t want to have any mess in her family, which may let the Empress Dowager have the goods on her. So, she pretends to be ignorant of it in case it may be aggravated. After all, Madame Tao Junior is long renowned for virtues and from a venerable family. If she is deserted out of no reason, the party of the Empress Dowager will make a fuss of it. What¡¯s more, Jiang Yadan is very willful. If the Empress interferes personally, he may be more willful, which might give the party of the Empress Dowager a big chance.¡±

    ¡°This is one of the reasons. The other one is that not only Madame Tao but also Empress Jiang attaches much importance to Jiang Tianchi, who has the military power. So, they don¡¯t want to provoke his trueborn son!¡±

    She remembered clearly that Madame Tao Junior, entrusted by Madame Tao, went to persuade Qiu Feng to get married soon so that Jiang Qizheng could feel hopeless. But she said Madame Tao didn¡¯t think it was unsuitable to have Qiu Feng as her grandson-inw just because Jiang Qizheng was not her trueborn granddaughter. She interfered, fearing her daughter-inw might be provoked. It was only a matter of granddaughter, let alone when it was rted to her grandson!

    Jiang Yadan thought highly of good-looks. If he selected his wife on his own, he would never choose Madame Tao Junior. So, his marriage must have been arranged by his family, which probably was rted to Madame Tao. After all, Madame Tao Junior¡¯s marrying into the Jiang Family meant a second marriage between the Jiang Family and the Tao Family.

    Now Jiang Yadan decided to desert his wife and marry an outsider. If those opponents were the family members who forced him to marry Madame Tao Junior, Jiang Yadan would probably feel enraged instead of a sense of guilt, ¡°You forced me to marry a woman I don¡¯t love but now you ask me to be responsible. No way!¡±

    ording to Qiu Yn¡¯s knowledge of her eldest uncle, he certainly thought it in that logic.

    ¡°Jiang Yashuang is preferred by the Empress among the descendants of the Jiang Family, so he is reluctant to say something which may affect the Empress¡¯s influence. That¡¯s why he made up an excuse that Empress was too busy,¡± Qiu Yn sneered in her heart. ¡°But, this stuff, given a deep thought... How to solve Madame Tao Junior¡¯s trouble should rely on Brother and Ling Zui rather than the Empress!¡±

    No matter how worried she felt about Madame Tao Junior, she was now in the Summer Pce. So, she could only deal with the things at present. Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s birthday was approaching.

 Chapter 247 - The War between Women

    <h4>Chapter 247 The War between Women</h4>

    That morning, Qiu Yn and the two others got up early and asked the maids to wait on them.

    ¡°Since it¡¯s just a small banquet for people of the same generation, we shouldn¡¯t be rigged out in our best. It will make us look dull and show that we take them so seriously!¡± Zhuang Man thought hard in front of the bronze mirror, ¡°But if we just go there casually, we won¡¯t be impressive. We have to tread carefully.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s only we two who have to tread carefully.¡± Xin Fubing said while concentrating on selecting beads from the jewel case, ¡°The neenth cousin will be impressive enough even though she wears a thorn hairpin and a coarse skirt. She can dress up anyway!¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t n to dress up actually because Xin Fubing was the main story this day and she had no intention of stealing the show. She smiled, ¡°Are you afraid that I won¡¯t help you then so you keep ttering me before we go out?¡±

    ¡°It had better be that sister-inw handles them alone then, and we just have to go there for a meal.¡± Zhuang Man smiled, ¡°Well, how good will it be if they let us go there for a fight? Even a dozen people or more are no match for sister-inw.¡±

    ¡°A dozen or more people like Gu E¡¯nuo?¡± Xin Fubing handed a selected bead flower to the maid and yed with her thick and beautiful hair, ¡°You really underestimate sister-inw! I think even hundreds of them are no match for her!¡±

    Qiu Yn interrupted them and said, ¡°Hundreds of princesses¡¯ pulling out their hairpins and throwing them on me can be enough for me!¡±

    Xin Fubing and Zhuang Man imagined the scene where countless hairpins were thrown on her,ughing together.

    Amidst theughter, they got ready, had breakfast together, and then went to greet the Empress. However, they met the Emperor on the way for the Empress.

    They were slightly taken aback. It was not a secret in the court and themonalty that the emperor and the Empress were not in harmony. After all, Empress Jiang was strong and pungent, so it was hard to imagine that she would love the weak emperor in her heart. The emperor who was under the control of the Empress Dowager and dared not even speak loudly would probably not be able to appreciate the Empress¡¯s domineering disposition. So, the emperor always stayed with his concubines unless there was something serious or they were stipted to stay together by ancestral rules.

    These two days were not the days on which the rules said they must stay together. So, there must be something important since the emperor was going for the Empress.

    Although the emperor was just a puppet in this dynasty, they still had to abide by the etiquette. So, they knelt to the side of the road when they saw the emperor.

    After a while, the Emperor¡¯s chariot passed by. The Emperor said a few words to a eunuch in the chariot and then a eunuch who looked like a director stopped and let them get up in a kind voice, ¡°Your Majesty has something to discuss with the Empress. If there is nothing urgent, please have a rest in the side hall first.¡±

    ¡°We have nothing urgent.¡± Qiu Yn said with a smile, ¡°Thank you for reminding us. We will go to the side hall now.¡±

    In the previous dynasty, even the Empress and the crown prince did not dare to look down upon the eunuch director, but the emperor of this dynasty was a puppet, so he did not dare to be arrogant anymore. He chatted with them for a while smilingly, and then tossed his Horsetail Whisk to go after the emperor chariot which had stopped in front of the door of the Hall.

    They reached the door behind the chariot, and a guard of the Hall led them to sit and wait in the side hall. After entering the side hall, Zhuang Man couldn¡¯t help guessing in a low voice, ¡°How will the emperore here? Does he have another beloved concubine and want to get her elevated again?¡±

    ¡°It can be difficult.¡± Xin Fubing looked around. Seeing the guards were far away and only their close maids were here, she whispered, ¡°Although the Empress doesn¡¯t care about the emperor¡¯s obsession with his concubines, she doesn¡¯t like it when he wants to elevate them.¡±

    Empress Jiang didn¡¯t usually take care of the Imperial Harem personally, but handed it over to Maid Lin. However, when it came to things like elevating or lowering the concubines, it had to be approved by her, while she hardly approved that. There had been four senior concubines already, namely the Noble Consort, Fair Concubine, Worthy Concubine and Virtuous Concubine. While except for Noble Consort Gu, the other three concubines always rode the Empress¡¯s coattails.

    ording to what Xin Fubing whispered, the concubines who rode the Empress¡¯s coattails were easy to be elevated. Empress Jiang aimed at the court, and she didn¡¯t take the position in the Imperial Harem so seriously, so she was willing to elevate the concubines when she was happy. That was how Worthy Concubine and Virtuous Concubine got entitled.

    ¡°In other words, the concubines on the Empress¡¯s side don¡¯t have to go for the emperor when they want to be elevated?¡± Qiu Yn understood. ¡°While those who need the emperor¡¯s help are either truly beloved by the emperor or have something to do with the Empress Dowager, the Empress won¡¯t agree with that easily.¡±

    She thought of Fair Conbunie who hooked up with Jiang Yadan back then, ¡°It is said that she got the title of Fair Concubine because the emperor begged the Empress for four months, but she hooked up with Jiang Yadan then... What¡¯s her background?¡±

    Because of Xin Fubing¡¯s exnation, Qiu Yn thought of the deceased, but Zhuang Man was thinking of the present one, ¡°If the emperor really came to ask for a title for a concubine, who would that be? I haven¡¯t heard of any girling into the Pce recently.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t the summer holiday just begin?¡± Qiu Yn reminded her, ¡°The summer holiday this year is arranged by Prince of Zhou. Can¡¯t he arrange a few beautiful girls in the Pce for the emperor to see identally?¡±

    ¡°The people arranged by Prince of Zhou? How will the Empress agree to entitle them? It¡¯s impossible!¡± Zhuang Man felt funny, ¡°But why did Prince of Zhou do that? The emperor can¡¯t persuade the Empress.¡±

    Their guess was really correct. After a while, there was a loud noise outside. Since the guards didn¡¯t stop them, some clever maids went to the door and watched for a while, and then they came back to report, ¡°Several girls in the colorful dress have been brought into the Hall. They all look young and beautiful.¡±

    ¡°Maybe it will be difficult for us to greet the Empress. It¡¯s almost time for the banquet. It won¡¯t end soon in the Hall.¡± Qiu Yn looked at the copper funnel in the corner and stood up.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see if Maid Lin is outside. Tell her that we are leaving if she is there.¡± Zhuang Man also stood up and said.

    ¡°Maid Lin takes care of the Imperial Harem on behalf of the Empress. How could she be idle outside?¡± Xin Fubing teased.

    Qiu Yn beckoned a maid toe over, and told her to tell the Empress on behalf of them that they were leaving. Then she said, ¡°It¡¯s almost the time. Let¡¯s go to the garden, alright?¡±

    Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s birthday banquet would be held in the garden. Although she got the title of princess, she was not a real descendant of the royal family. She lived in the Pce asionally and celebrated her birthday there. If the banquet was held too formally, it would be overstepping.

    Because it was a luncheon, when Qiu Yn and the others arrived, the people on Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s side were all there. Princess Changping and Tang Xinqiong of the three had been expected to be there, while the third one was not Tang Xinyao who had be Princess Yan but the icy-faced Tang, the Young Princess of the Duke of Guangyang.

    Tang was almost stripped and beaten by Qiu Yn in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe before, so she was reluctant to meet Qiu Yn in the past two years. This time they didn¡¯t know why she reced Princess Yan to appear here, while there was something wrong with the way she looked at Qiu Yn.

    Even if the two parties had shown their feign courtesy, Tang¡¯s expression remained terrible.

    But since she didn¡¯t bring it up, Qiu Yn would pretend that she couldn¡¯t see it. Anyway, she was not the one who suffered the loss... If Tang hadn¡¯t made a stink face this time, she would have forgotten what had happened before.

    After the host and guests took their seats, Gu E¡¯nuo, the host, opened her mouth first and said, ¡°Thank you for being here. Please excuse me for the poor reception.¡±

    As for Qiu Yn¡¯s side, Qiu Yn was older than the others, so she should be the one to speak.

    But everyone knew that the main stories of the birthday banquet this day were Gu E¡¯nuo and Xin Fubing, so she just smiled and said nothing.

    Xin Fubing opened her mouth knowingly, ¡°It¡¯s okay. Anyway, we are not here to eat.¡±

    Her words were pungent, but Gu E¡¯nuo just smiled calmly, ¡°Thank you so much foring to my birthday party. It¡¯s not a big deal...¡± She said, turning embarrassment into gratitude.

    ¡°Wee here to congratte you, but what you said is wrong. How can your birthday not be a big deal? Even if you don¡¯t care about yourself, you have to remember how your mother suffered in the past, right?¡± Seeing that she tried to show her grace and generosity, Xin Fubing immediately put on a mellow expression on her face, she talked eloquently, ¡°Nothing about parents is trivial, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Miss Xin, I really admire your filial piety. You really put me to shame...¡± Gu E¡¯nuo said with a smile, ¡°But it is said that your grand uncle Marquess Qin is sick these two days? I have thought that you and Madam Qiu would not have time toe here!¡±

    Seeing that the subject had been turned to Marquess Qin, Qiu Yn said, ¡°Our grandfather just got drunk at the family dinner and then passed out. When he woke up, he told us to do things as usual. We naturally listened to him.¡± Marquess Qin¡¯s safety was such a big deal. She was in the Summer Pce for the past two days, but she kept asking about it.

    ording to thetest news sent by Jiang Yashuangst night, although Marquess Qin was still unable to get up, he waspletely awake, and he would be able to act as usual after ten days or a half month of recuperation, so the Jiang Family insisted that he was just drunk.

    After all, based on the extent of Marquess Qin¡¯s current impact on the situation, the news of his illness, regardless of the severity, was not a good thing for the Empress¡¯s party.

    Naturally, as long as they could deny that, they would.

    Therefore, after Qiu Yn denied it, she didn¡¯t forget to taunt her, ¡°I see that the Young Princess of Duke of Guangyang doesn¡¯t look well. Are you sick? If so, don¡¯t hold out then. You¡¯d better go for a doctor and have a rest!¡±

    Tang was expressionless and said, ¡°Thank you for your concern, Your Grace. I am fine. But Miss Xin, you have such a pale face. Are you sick?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a birthday banquet. But you either mentioned that the elder of the guests was not in good health, or put on a stink face, or even said that the face of the guest was pale.¡± Zhuang Man looked surprised, ¡°Are you trying to make yourselves embarrassed?¡±

    Knowing that she always spoke bluntly and her words were always unscrupulous, Gu E¡¯nuo and the others exchanged nces, ignored her, and still said to Qiu Yn and Xin Fubing, ¡°We don¡¯t intend to offend. But thest time when I saw Miss Xin, she was as beautiful as a flower. Why do you be so haggard after a few days? If you have something on your mind, you should talk to your family even if you don¡¯t want to talk to us. It will be a pity if you, such a beautifuldy, get sick.¡±

    Her words were bitterly sarcastic, so the people on Qiu Yn¡¯s side thought that they just wanted to have a fight with them on this day. So, Xin Fubing sneered and said immediately, ¡°Gu E¡¯nuo, don¡¯t wee here to celebrate your birthday today? Why do you talk about me now? I was really not well in the past two days because I was ill, but now I have recovered, otherwise how dared I enter the Pce? Are you suspect that I am here to infect you?¡±

    Zhuang Man then exaggerated embellishment to stir up trouble, ¡°I see that the Young Princess doesn¡¯t look well as well. You suspect Cousin Xin, but we suspect the Young Princess! Did you invite us here to quarrel with you?¡±

    She began to roll up her sleeves then, saying enthusiastically, ¡°We won¡¯t be afraid of a quarrel!¡±

    ¡°We feel sorry to offend you, but we are really surprised. After all, we have seen Miss Xin before and we know that she is in good health, so we are so surprised to see your pale face that we said the wrong thing.¡± Gu E¡¯nuo and Princess Changping looked at each other, smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s our fault. Well, I will make amends by drinking the wine... How about that?¡±

    After that, Gu E¡¯nuo poured herself a ss of wine, drank it all, and showed the bottom of the cup towards Xin Fubing.

    She suddenly made a concession, which made Qiu Yn and the others more vignt. Obviously, they didn¡¯t want to quarrel with them but tried to keep them staying there.

    ¡°But what can you do in broad daylight?¡± They were vignt but not worried, ¡°We¡¯ll see what you are going to do on earth!¡±

 Chapter 248 - The Fight for the Position of Crown Prince Should Be Accelerated!

    <h4>Chapter 248 The Fight for the Position of Crown Prince Should Be elerated!</h4>

    When the womenfolk in the garden were intriguing each other, a low fence of a thatched cottage in the corner of Summer Pce was covered with vines and red and white flowers, which attracted so many bees and butterflies. A waterwheel was erected on the ditch not far away, and it was washed by the water of the ditch at an appropriate speed. The water was tumbling, and the mountain breeze blew by, bringing coolness to the thatched cottage.

    Outside the thatched cottage, beside the low fence, Jiang Yashuang was wearing a crimson summer shirt, a golden crown and a jade belt, standing under arge locust tree with lush branches.

    The scorching summer sun cast mottled spots of light from the thick branches and leaves, illuminating his face like a beautiful jade. The smile at the corner of his mouth was like a spring breeze, and the piercing gleam in his eyes when he looked around made his eyes darker and brighter, showing his heroic spirit.

    While after he stood under the locust tree for a long while, his gentle smile became stiffer, and finally, he couldn¡¯t help raising his head to ask, ¡°You really won¡¯t get down?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely!¡± A voice full of resentment sounded from the tree, and a corner of a verdant robe could be seen, which was extremely inconspicuous among the green leaves of midsummer. Even so, a white palm stretched out, quickly dragged the corner of the shirt up, and hid it between the branches and leaves, saying decisively, ¡°If you tell anybody I am here, we¡¯re done then. You have your priorities, so please behave yourself!¡±

    ¡°You just fought with Yongfu for a few times. Why do you put on such a face of bitter and deep hatred?¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°You have been beaten by Xing since childhood, so haven¡¯t you been used to it? When Yongfu learned martial arts, my aunt was afraid that she would hurt herself, so she only allowed her to learn some simple skills. She was not allowed to learn swords and guns at all. So, her beating you ten times is not as serious as Xing¡¯s beating you once, right?¡±

    ¡°You know nothing!¡± Ou Bicheng hurriedly pulled out the branches and leaves, lowered his voice, and yelled at him, ¡°She is not my opponent at all. Every time I won, she asked me to continue to fight with her until she won. I gave up because I got bored with that. I thought she would justugh at me, but I didn¡¯t expect her to let me acknowledge her as a teacher! What a joke! Even if she is a princess, how can she bully me like that! I can¡¯t defeat you and Xing, but I am not so weak as to acknowledge her as a teacher!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang tried not tough and said, ¡°Then you just need to ignore her! Don¡¯t go to the Summer Pce so that she can¡¯t find you!¡±

    He and Princess Yongfu were childhood sweethearts, and they were so close to each other just like siblings, so he naturally knew her capacity. He taught her most of the simple skills by himself! Princess Yongfu was not very talented in this aspect, and she was so spoiled that she could not afford to suffer, so how could she learn very well? Her martial arts were just showy but not practical.

    Although Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t think Ou Bicheng¡¯s martial arts great, he was the son of a militarymander at all, so it was easy for him to defeat Yongfu.

    While Yongfu had a special status, so how could Ou Bicheng dare to fight against her? Even if he won, he tried his best to show her enough respect. However, in order to please the princess, the guards of Yongfu praised her for her talents and strength against their conscience and said that she was a world-ss martial arts wizard.

    Yongfu didn¡¯t fully believe that, but she still had a great misunderstanding of her true capacity because of the admiration of the unscrupulous guards. She pondered, ¡°My cousin and Xing must be better than me, but Ou Bicheng...¡±

    Anyway, the princess had so much spare time, so she pestered Ou Bicheng for being his teacher. But how could Ou Bicheng sacrifice so much for a whim of the princess?

    He started practicing martial arts with Jiang Yashuang and his own sister Ou Qinn together, but in the end, even his sister could beat him to the ground easily! It was embarrassing! If he acknowledged a princess who couldn¡¯t even do a standard martial-art squat as a teacher, it would be so shameful! Even if he really dared to abandon his identity and integrity, he still had to consider whether the elders in his family would throw him out of the family!

    Hearing Jiang Yashuang¡¯s suggestion, Ou Bicheng said with great anger, ¡°It¡¯s not as easy as you say! She can¡¯t find me but she can find Xing! Since what happened to Cousin Xin, I rubbed Xing up the wrong way then, and she has been trying to get me in trouble... I didn¡¯t do anything wrong! Marriage can¡¯t be forced! I have always regarded Cousin Xin as my sister. It was not that I abandoned her!¡±

    ¡°She always has a good rtionship with Cousin Xin, so she must feel sorry for her haggardness these days. It¡¯smon that girls sometimes are unreasonable. Don¡¯t think about it too much.¡± Jiang Yashuang frowned slightly,forting him, ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Yongfu for you... Let her not make so much trouble for you then.¡±

    Ou Bicheng breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°She always listens to you, so you have to talk to her seriously!¡±

    ¡°Then can youe down and talk?¡±

    ¡°No! In case someone sees me and tells her, she wille here and pester me. After you talk to her, we won¡¯t have time to get down to business then.¡± Ou Bicheng thought for a while and shook his head, saying, ¡°Although there is water sound here, it¡¯s not difficult for us to talk like this with your sharp ears. So why bother to let me go down?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said helplessly, ¡°It¡¯s nothing difficult for me, but you can¡¯t hear me if I don¡¯t raise my voice. What we¡¯ll talk about next...¡±

    Ou Bicheng said with a sad face, ¡°Then you call the servants here. Isn¡¯t Commandery Princess Qiu in the Pce? Ask her to pester Yongfu so that I can feel at ease, okay?¡±

    ¡°She has another appointment today. I will send Yongfu away if shees here. You know she always listens to me.¡± Jiang Yashuang tried to persuade Ou Bicheng to go down the tree, and then they sat down beside the stone table under the tree. Because they feared that they would not have time to talk after Princess Yongfu came to disturb them, they both spoke bluntly. ¡°Is Marquess Qin¡¯s illness serious? If it is not good, we must inform the Major General in the fastest way!¡±

    Speaking of business, Ou Bicheng turned serious immediately, no longer looking helpless and willful as when he talked about Princess Yongfu on the tree.

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s eyes also became deeper, ¡°He is sick. That¡¯s true. With my grandfather¡¯s self-discipline, since it was not a victory banquet for the overall situation, how could he get drunk? However, the imperial doctor guaranteed that he could work as usual in eight or nine days, and half a month at most.¡±

    Ou Bicheng breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°So, it¡¯s not serious, right? Then there is no need to inform the Major General at all costs.¡±

    ¡°But it can just halt the progression of the disease!¡± Jiang Yashuang said with a touch ofplexity on his face, ¡°My grandmother told me secretly that this time my grandfather rpsed into the old disease that he had suffered from when he was ready for battle. If he wants to be curedpletely, he has to ignore everything and be carefully nursed for a year or a half!¡±

    ¡°How long does it take to rpse? What will happen when it rpses?¡± Ou Bicheng¡¯s face suddenly changed upon hearing this!

    Jiang Yashuang was expressionless, ¡°If it is suppressed this time, it is estimated that he will be safe for three to five years. What will happen if he rpses again is hard to say.¡±

    Different from his care for his grandfather in his indifferent tone, Ou Bicheng¡¯s consideration of Marquess Qin¡¯s illness was entirely based on the situation. He breathed a sigh of relief when he heard the words, and nodded, ¡°Then the time is enough for the fight for the position of Crown Prince.¡±

    ¡°But I want to make a quick fight and let the overall situation settle as soon as possible so that my grandfather can start recuperating in advance.¡± Jiang Yashuang said in a deep voice, ¡°After all, you know, although my grandfather is physically strong, he is old!¡±

    Observing the faint anxiety in his heart, Ou Bicheng said with a serious face, ¡°Everyone expects to settle it as soon as possible. But it¡¯s just a big deal. More haste, less speed. We¡¯d better do it in a safe way!¡±

    Ou Bicheng knew that Jiang Yashuang was brought up by Marquess Qin and they loved each other so much, so he softened his tone for fear that Jiang Yashuang would not listen to him, ¡°Regarding to the more and more intense actions on both sides, the fight won¡¯tst for three or five years, and it may not be dyed to the time when Marquess Qin rpses. He can recuperate in advance certainly. If we fall short because of your eagerness, we will waste all the efforts of him!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang nced at him, ¡°I¡¯m telling you the truth. You know the card in our hands. It can¡¯t be used whenever it is possible. It must be used in a critical moment. If it can¡¯t achieve an immediate effect after it is used, it is equivalent to a big waste! Compared to the most critical thing, three to five years... It¡¯s hard to say!¡±

    Ou Bicheng understood him then, ¡°The Western Army... Although there should still be old people who are thinking of General Ruan and General Qiu, Kuang Shihan is the one in charge now.¡±

    This was the fundamental reason why Xue Chang refused to expose it in advance but only promised to help the Empress at the critical moment even if he was determined to cooperate with her. It was not only because this famous prime minister wanted to take his personal revenge while keeping his reputation, but more because he was worried about the Western Army!

    As for political power, Xue Chang and the Empress¡¯s party could surely win the Empress Dowager¡¯s Party after joining hands.

    The problem was that the military card of the Empress Dowager¡¯s party Kuang Shihan bore an unshakable hatred of killing his father towards Qiu Yn, the Jiang Family¡¯s daughter-inw! Therefore, even if the Empress Dowager¡¯s party fell into an absolute disadvantage, he would still be on their side.

    In case he ignored the western savages and led his troops back for a desperate fight... With his biting the hand of General Ruan who fed him, the Empress¡¯s party all agreed that he could definitely do this kind of crazy thing after discussion.

    The Western Army was an elite force, so only the Northern Army could resist it!

    When Kuang Shihan came to Jing City and gained the initiative, the Jiang Family would definitely not allow the Northern Army to keep still. But if the Northern Army took action, what about Beihu then?

    Even if these two alien races didn¡¯t fish in troubled waters, after the Western Army and the Northern Army, the two elite forces, got great loss out of the civil war, who else could defend the country and protect the people then?

    At that time, even if the Empress¡¯s party helped the Seventh Princes to ascend the throne, Darui would definitely turn from prosperity to decline or even breakdown. It was definitely not the result the Empress¡¯s party wanted!

    ¡°It¡¯s not time for the Western Army to take action now. After all, my brother is still in the period of mourning!¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°The day when the mourning period ends is at the end of the year, and people had better not go west in that season! And I¡¯m still hesitating whether to let my brother go for the Western Army after the mourning period or not. After all, he is the only son of my father-inw... If something happens, I don¡¯t know how to face my wife then!¡±

    Using Qiu Jinn to handle Kuang Shihan was the strategy that the Jiang Family decided after knowing Qiu Jinn¡¯s birth. Nobody was more suitable than him. As the son of the former Duke of Xihe, the grandson of General Ruan and the heir of the Ruan Family, he could awaken the roots of the Ruan Family and the Qiu Family in the Western Army to the biggest extent. He was talented, capable and handsome, so he was the best candidate as the young master for all the old officials, old ves, and old ministers in the world.

    The most important thing was that it was also Qiu Jinn¡¯s own goal. So, he would try his best.

    The Jiang Family used him to handle Kuang Shihuang to directly shake the foundation of the Empress Dowager¡¯s party, and it could yield twice the result with half the effort. He also wanted to avenge himself and regain what belonged to him. With the help of the Jiang Family, it could also yield twice the result with half the effort. It was win-win cooperation, especially on the basis of the marriage of Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang.

    Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Jinn had discussed several times in private about going for the Western Army. Of course, they kept it from Qiu Yn each time.

    However, after Qiu Jinn set out, Qiu Yn would know it sooner orter.

    She had only one brother, and they had a hard time recognizing each other. Based on Jiang Yashuang¡¯s understanding of his wife, Qiu Yn would rather give up taking revenge than let her brother take the risk!

    So, he hesitated, ¡°Our manpower over there....¡±

    ¡°Nobody is useful!¡± Ou Bicheng immediately shook his head, ¡°They can just inquire about news and convey it. Even the best one of them is just the deputy general of Kuang Shihan. How can they get involved in the military power of the Western Army? No one can do it except Qiu Jinn, even you! And how did your father-inw die? How can he not take revenge for the death of his father? Maybe some people won¡¯t do that, but Qiu Jinn... By the way, you described him like that, and you think which kind of person he is?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t speak. His brother-inw, under the guise of his brilliant talent and gentleness, was unimaginably cruel and deep. How could such a person give up revenge?

    ¡°I will think about it again.¡± He knew that, but thinking of Qiu Yn¡¯s terrible appearance after Qiu Jinn was assassinated, Jiang Yashuang still felt upset. ¡°He won¡¯t leave for the Western Army until at least next year... As for now, my grandfather¡¯s disease can be controlled for the time being, so there shouldn¡¯t be any trouble in the overall situation.¡±

    ¡°However, the fight is just between Prince of Zhou and the Seventh Prince now and they seem to be just ying house... It¡¯s time to change!¡±

 Chapter 249 - Killing Two Birds with One Stone?

    <h4>Chapter 249 Killing Two Birds with One Stone?</h4>

    When Jiang Yashuang was negotiating with Ou Bicheng to push the fight for the position of Crown Prince into a fiercer situation, in the empty and spacious hall, Empress Dowager Gu was ordering, ¡°Let Qiu Dian immediately organize people to impeach the Jiang Family! Write down everything we got on them in the memorials, no matter big or small, true or uncertain. Anyway, if I don¡¯t ask you to stop, you can¡¯t stop!¡±

    ¡°And, the emperor wants to entitle some maids as concubines today? Tell him that he has to go to the Empress for an hour every day before he is allowed to leave. If the Empress agrees, then find a few more maids to entitle them as concubines! Anyway, try to distract the Empress and never allow her to concentrate on handling affairs!¡±

    ¡°Draw up the decree about Changping¡¯s marrying Kuang Qingwu and stamp it. Call for someone of Xingkang around Kuang Qingwu who can take charge of things toe to see me. It¡¯s time to do it. We don¡¯t need to wait then!¡±

    The maid was a little worried, ¡°Your Majesty, I was ordered by you to visit Jiang¡¯s residence two days ago. Although Marquess Qin was still lying on the bed, he was still in good spirits. There were not many of his children serving him in front of the bed. He didn¡¯t look seriously ill.¡±

    ¡°So what even if he isn¡¯t seriously ill?¡± Empress Dowager Gu sneered, ¡°This old bastard has fought in Beijiang for half his life. Even though he is lucky that he has not been seriously injured like Sir Jibei, he has lived such a military life, and hees from a poor background and climbs up step by step, so how can he have no unmentionable disease? This time he must have had a rpse. So, I definitely can¡¯t give him a chance to recuperate!¡±

    Marquess Qin was old. As long as he was overworked, he would get sick easily. What was more, he already had an indisposition.

    Empress Dowager Gu would naturally follow up a victory with hot pursuit!

    The maid said that she was wise quickly and reminded, ¡°I heard the Imperial Army reported Jiang Yadan¡¯s desertion a few days ago in Jing City because a son of his concubine died in the pool behind the house. It was said that it caused a lot of trouble in his family, and even thedy of Marquess Qin was caught in it! Your Majesty, if we want to get Marquess Qin in trouble, can we make a fuss about this?¡±

    After all, ¡°The Tao Family is the Empress¡¯s mother¡¯s family, and because of the legacy of Sir Tao in the previous dynasty, the Tao Family is not low among the many inws of the Jiang Family! If the Tao Family can be used by you, Your Majesty, not to mention Marquess Qin, even the Empress will.¡± The Empress would be furious at that!

    Jiang Yadan had azy attitude at work, an improper style, and a chaotic harem. He did such kind of things so many times, and it wasn¡¯t fresh at all. If there was no special reason, Empress Dowager Gu would not bother to talk about it. While at this time, hearing what the maid said, she asked about that carefully. In the end, the Empress Dowager pondered, ¡°The Tao Family started to decline since Tao Yinsong. What happened this time is extremely stupid! It will do no good for us to win over such a good-for-nothing! But you are right. Think of the Jiang Family¡¯s embarrassment after the Tao Family betrays them. It is worth our thought.¡±

    She said, ¡°Contact them secretly. Tell them Jiang Qianchuan is going to die and Darui is destined to be beyond the reach of the Jiang Family. For Tao Yinsong¡¯s sake, I can give them a chance. If they are tactful enough, I can reward their family with a hereditary title of marquis!¡±

    The maid smiled and said, ¡°The rank of nobility Tao Yinsong earned for his family has now been reduced to the lowest. In the past 30 years, the Tao Family has made no contribution to the country, and there is not even a Jinshi in the Tao Family! The District Baron of Pingle is old now. Once he dies, the Tao Family willpletely fall out of the ranks of nobles. Your Majesty, if you promise them a hereditary title of marquis, they will definitely be loyal to you!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu said indifferently, ¡°They should figure out a way to keep a male heir alive first in the anger of the Jiang Family, otherwise my reward will just be a piece of meaningless paper!¡± Anyway, she would get something for nothing.

    The maid smiled knowingly, ¡°The Tao Family has been mediocre for generations. It will be a great honor for them if they can still get that piece of paper!¡±

    ¡°By the way, after it was reported that Jiang Qianchuan got into aa at the family banquet, the reporter seemed to have met Princess Changping on the road, right?¡± Empress Dowager Gu changed her mind and said, ¡°Changping has been with Shou¡¯an these days. So Shou¡¯an should have known about this as well, right?¡±

    The maid did not dare to answer those questions casually. After thinking about it, she cautiously said, ¡°The two princesses do have frequent contacts these days, but whether they are aware of this... The Jiang Family dered that Marquess Qin just got drunk in the banquet as he was so happy.¡±

    ¡°Hey! Alcohol can hurt the body. That old bastard cherishes his life so much, so how could he be so intemperate?¡± Empress Dowager Gu said disdainfully, ¡°It can only fool those ignorant people!¡± She narrowed her eyes slightly, ¡°Find a chance to let Shou¡¯an know unintentionally that I want to win over the Tao Family to deal with the Jiang Family. Be fast. When the Tao Family agrees with that, you will do it immediately!¡±

    The maid was slightly taken aback, ¡°Your Majesty?¡± If Marquess Qin was really seriously ill, it was estimated that the position of Princess of Zhou would be reced by the concubine Tang Xinqiong. The maid also knew that.

    Princess Shou¡¯an Gu E¡¯nuo took a risk to entrap Prince of Yanst year for this position! Would she be willing to lose everything because of Marquess Qin¡¯s sudden illness? If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that Gu E¡¯nuo was the grandniece of the Empress Dowager, the maid would have persuaded the Empress Dowager to keep everything from Gu E¡¯nuo from now on.

    However, the Empress Dowager should have asked her to take the initiative to reveal it to her!

    Empress Dowager Gu nced at her, ¡°What are you afraid of! Think about those good-for-nothings in the Tao Family. They have no ambition at all! Even if we win over them, what can they do for us? It is better to win over them and sell them to the Jiang Family. We can save one or two of them then, making them our human testimonies. Isn¡¯t it more useful to get the evidence that the Jiang Family murder their inws?¡±

    It turned out that she allowed Princess Shou¡¯an to convey the message deliberately.

    In this way, on the one hand, they could entrap the Jiang Family. On the other hand, they could use this excuse afterward to change Prince of Zhou¡¯s wife, and people in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang had nothing to say then! It was just killing two birds with one stone!

    The maid immediately realized the Empress Dowager¡¯s intentions. She felt at ease then and said respectfully, ¡°Your Majesty, you are so resourceful. I¡¯m sorry for my ignorance... I will do that immediately!¡±

    And Gu E¡¯nuo, who had been designed by the Empress Dowager to lose the position of Princess of Zhou as a traitor in the future, was seeing off the guests with a smile.

    ¡°Cousin Shou¡¯an, you¡¯re so kind today. Didn¡¯t we have a deal that we would teach Xin a lesson today lest she is afraid of nothing and still like Jiang Qiyun after being the daughter-inw of the emperor since she has been pampered for so long a time at home?¡±

    Watching the three guests leaving with the maids behind them, Tang Xinqiong, the third daughter of Changping Princess, picked a rose, put it under her nose, and sniffed it slowly. While carefully pulling out the thorns, she said faintly, ¡°When did you change your idea? Why didn¡¯t you tell us? Even if you wanted us to be the evil persons and you the good one, if you had talked with us about that in advance, it would have been more convenient for you to achieve your goal, my cousin, right?¡±

    The youngdies of the Tang Family grew up with Gu E¡¯nuo together, and Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s sister-inw, Tang, was also the aunt of the youngdies in the Tang Family. They two were so close before, but they have held great grudges against each other sincest year. What¡¯s more, Tang Xinqiong served Gu E¡¯nuo as thedy of the house at this time, so she couldn¡¯t get close to her then naturally.

    Gu E¡¯nuo didn¡¯t care about the ridicule and questioning in her tone. She smiled lightly and said, ¡°Cousin Tang, have you forgotten the ¡°drunken affair¡± of Marquess Qin that has been circting outside these two days?¡±

    ¡°So, you talked so kindly just now and cared about Marquess Qin¡¯s health in every sentence?¡± Tang Xinqiong snorted, ¡°Xin and the others are not fools. After you asked and smiled at them for so long, have you got anything certain? I don¡¯t think you have got anything from them. Cousin, you are a princess, but you were so humble when you talked to them, the noblest one of whom was just a Commandery Princess. It¡¯s a shame if it¡¯s spread out, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Gu E¡¯nuo smiled and said, ¡°My cousin, don¡¯t be so impatient! Let me tell you. Well, whether Marquess Qin is drunken or sick, it¡¯s not convenient for him to take charge of things these few days. It¡¯s a good time for us to handle the Seventh Prince. At this point, if we have a quarrel with Xin and the others, will the Empress let go of the chance to mess around? She is the best at messing around. We are bound to suffer a lot without the Empress Dowager¡¯s protection when she messes around... In this way, we will dy the business of the Empress Dowager! It¡¯s just because the invitation cards were sent out in advance, otherwise, I don¡¯t want to entertain them today.¡±

    Tang Xinqiong sneered and said, ¡°You always make sense. I don¡¯t want to bother you. You¡¯ll exin it to grandma then. Anyway, you are the one who proposed to invite them before but said that you regretted it at this time!¡± After saying that, she stuffed the plucked roses into her sleeves and brushed her clothes, ¡°Mom should have been awake from a nap. I¡¯ll wait for her to freshen up!¡±

    Then she left.

    Upon seeing this, Tang followed a step subconsciously and wanted to call her, but after thinking about that, she finally sighed and turned her head to ask Gu E¡¯nuo, ¡°What is going on?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just what I said just now. Cousin Tang doesn¡¯t believe me. Sister-inw, don¡¯t you believe me as well?¡± Gu E¡¯nuo looked at her innocently.

    It was a bit unclear about the rtionship between Tang, Gu E¡¯nuo and Tang Xinqiong and others actually. Tang was the daughter of the deputy prime minister Tang Zimo and the sister-inw of Princess Changping, the cousin of Duke of Guangyang, but she married Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s brother... After Changping Princess and her husband¡¯s family had a falling-out and the original Princess Royal was reduced to a princess by Empress Jiang, Empress Dowager Gu got they two together deliberately to make up for the rtionship between the Gu Family and the Tang Family.

    As the daughter of the Gu Family and the wife of the Tang Family, Tang was naturally particrly embarrassed when dealing with the estrangement between her sister-inw and nieces. She looked at Gu E¡¯nuo for a while but didn¡¯t find anything wrong. While Tang also knew that this sister-inw was good at pretending. It was unreliable to judge the authenticity by her expression. Anyway, she couldn¡¯t find a reason to suspect her so she had to believe that. She reminded her in a deep voice, ¡°You should have told Xinqiong about that in advance! She was confused in the middle as you didn¡¯t tell her anything. You told her that in the end, so how could she not be angry?¡±

    Gu E¡¯nuo was grieved, ¡°I have gone for her before and I wanted to tell her that, but she refused to see me... Sister-inw, if you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask Cousin Changping!¡±

    Princess Changping nodded slightly, ¡°Yesterday, E¡¯nuo asked me to apany her to find Xinqiong and the second sister-inw, but the second sister-inw said that she was tired and didn¡¯t want to see E¡¯nuo while Xinqiong asked the maid to tell her that she was not there.¡±

    ¡°Although you have offended both Xinyao and Xinqiong, if you had told the maid who conveyed the message that it had something to do with today¡¯s countermeasures, they would havee out to see you.¡± Hearing her exnation, Tang didn¡¯t feel relieved but frowned, ¡°You must have made them think you had nothing serious to say. Then they didn¡¯t want to see you certainly!¡±

    Since the two princesses had said so, it was not good for Tang to continue to scold her since she had no evidence. After a short while of chatting, she left tofort Tang Xinqiong. By this time, the face of Princess Changping who had just spoken for Gu E¡¯nuo turned sullen, ¡°Why did you do that today?¡±

 Chapter 250 - Who Would Be Willing to Be A Pawn If He Could Be the Master?

    <h4>Chapter 250 Who Would Be Willing to Be A Pawn If He Could Be the Master?</h4>

    ¡°If Marquess Qin was really seriously ill, it would be a foregone conclusion that Prince of Zhou would be the crown prince. But what about us?¡± Gu E¡¯nuo waved their entourages back a long way, looking straight into the eyes of Princess Changping, and asked in a deep voice, ¡°I have badly offended Aunt Changping, so what will happen to me is clear then. And you... Kuang Shihan owes what he has to the Empress Dowager, but even if the Empress Dowager married Aunt Xingkang to him, he has never been amenable to her these years.¡±

    What Kuang Shihan returned did not satisfy Empress Dowager Gu, but for the sake of the overall situation, the Empress Dowager not only overlooked it, but even intended to marry Princess Changping, who she had personally raised up, to his only son, Kuang Qingwu. However, when she didn¡¯t need Kuang Shihan anymore for the overall situation, she would get even with him certainly!

    By then, Princess Changping, as a daughter-inw of the Kuang Family, would not get a great ending even if she remarried and the Empress Dowager let her go as her husband died then. Besides, it was hard to say what kind of person she would remarry!

    However, it was impossible to make Princess Changping listen to Gu E¡¯nuo for what she said. Princess Changping frowned and said unhappily, ¡°The third brother will be the crown prince sooner orter. Are you making mischief deliberately? Grandmother raised me, and I should repay her!¡±

    Gu E¡¯nuo sighed, ¡°Sooner orter? Will it be the same for ¡®sooner¡¯ and ter¡¯?¡±

    Changping and Gu E¡¯nuo were both slick-minded people. Naturally, she understood what she meant. After Empress Dowager Gu took over the power, she would definitely not allow the Kuang Family to reign supreme. If it happened early and Princess Changping just got married at that time, she wouldn¡¯t have time to get familiar with her husband¡¯s family, let alone cultivating her own power. If the Empress Dowager wanted to wipe out the Kuang Family, she would have to thank her for her not handling her!

    If it happenedte and Princess Changping had got some power and could help the Empress Dowager, she would have the confidence to have a say in the affairs of her remarriage or the distribution of power.

    Princess Changping kept silent for a long time, and whispered, ¡°You really want to die for holding back at this time?¡±

    Although she said so, Gu E¡¯nuo knew that she had weakened. Descendants of royal families like them who were talented, beautiful, pretentious, and noble would not willing to be just a pawn if they could be the masters.

    Being a pawn was at risk of being abandoned at any time!

    How could they be willing?

    ¡°Of course, we won¡¯t do that tantly!¡± After Changping was tentatively persuaded, Gu E¡¯nuo sighed in relief, swept her hair on the temples, and whispered in a low voice, ¡°Anyway, only the stalemate will do good to us!¡±

    ¡°The Empress Dowager hates people living on her while helping others secretly most. Are you sure we two can fool her?¡± Changping said in a deep voice, ¡°In case of being discovered, then...¡±

    ¡°Howe there are only two of us?¡± Gu E¡¯nuo sneered, ¡°Although my brother respects my sister-inw, he isn¡¯t so respectful of her that he will give the position of the Empress in the future to the Tang Family!¡±

    The position of the Empress! How did the Gu Family get developed? Because they had Empress Dowager Gu!

    Empress Dowager Gu was about to be a great-grandmother, so how could the Gu Family not n for their rich and noble lives in the future? If there could be another Empress in their family, how would they give the chance to the Tang Family?

    Princess Changping¡¯splexion eased slightly, ¡°With the support of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang, it deserves consideration... But it should be in moderation. If we gave the Empress the chance to bring about an upswing after doing that, it would be a joke!¡± The reasons why she was on Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s side were that Gu E¡¯nuo was so scheming that they could help each other and Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang was powerful.

    Since Gu E¡¯nuo weighed both things up, Princess Changping convinced more.

    ¡°What we should do now is to confirm how serious Marquess Qin¡¯s illness really is.¡± In the midsummer, even though the mountain wind was blowing, Gu E¡¯nuo still felt sweat-drenched after standing in the shade of flowers to talk to Changping. She took her handkerchief from her sleeves to wipe the sweat and whispered, ¡°If he is fine, then we don¡¯t have to worry about it for the time being! I¡¯m just afraid he is really sick, and the Empress can hardly support it alone then...¡±

    Gu E¡¯nuo was born on the Empress Dowager¡¯s side, and she never had thought that one day she would worry about the health of her biggest political enemy. But she didn¡¯t know that her thoughts were exined to Xin Fubing and Zhuang Man by Qiu Yn at this time, ¡°What the Empress Dowager¡¯s party can get is not the most important thing for Gu E¡¯nuo. The most important thing for her is what she can get personally! Since she could entrap Prince of Yan and Princess of Yanst year, how could she not consider for herself this time?¡±

    Zhuang Man asked happily, ¡°So, Gu E¡¯nuo will work for us then?¡±

    ¡°How is it possible? She just wants to use us to keep her future!¡± Xin Fubing sneered, ¡°Although her future is just the moon in the water and the flower in the mirror!¡±

    Qiu Yn pushed Whitey which was close to her skirt towards Xin Fubing, and said nonchntly, ¡°Cousin Xin is right. What Gu E¡¯nuo hopes most is that we can survive for some time even if we lose. It¡¯s better if we can impose some pressure on Empress Dowager Gu in the middle so that she would not dare to change the wife of Prince of Zhou... After all, Tang Xinqiong is backed by Princess Changping, and Gu E¡¯nuo is also protected by Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang! If we don¡¯t show any obvious signs of failure, how could Empress Dowager Gu back and fill and offend Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang?¡±

    Zhuang Man curled her lips and said, ¡°In her dreams!¡± She rolled her eyes, ¡°Why don¡¯t we expose her to Empress Dowager Gu when shees here to help us? In this way, no matter whether she deals with her...¡±

    ¡°She will be handled certainly!¡± Xin Fubing did not avoid the Persian cat¡¯s rich fur but hugged Whitey happily, gently stroking its back, and said to Zhuang Man, ¡°You forget that Gu E¡¯nuo is not the only daughter in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang? Gu Pingting, namely Commandery Princess Jing¡¯an, her younger sister, is qualified to be Princess Zhou as well although she is not as great as Gu E¡¯nuo! If Gu E¡¯nuo misbehaved, why doesn¡¯t the Gu Family change a daughter to be Princess Zhou?¡±

    Thest sentence was a mockery of the Tao Family.

    ¡°Yes. Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang got developed with the help of Empress Dowager Gu, so they don¡¯t dare to offend her openly!¡± While Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want to turn the topic to the Tao Family or Madame Tao Junior, she just considered it as it stood, ¡°Of course, the Empress Dowager does not want to fall out with her natal family, so although Gu E¡¯nuo will think for herself, she does not dare to be caught out by the Empress Dowager so as not to be abandoned by the Prince¡¯s Mansion! As for the rumors, they were bruited after the earthquakest year because it needed a scapegoat, and Prince of Qi and Prince of Yan were the most suitable candidates. Even if Gu E¡¯nuo hadn¡¯t entrapped them, I thought they would have been wronged as well even after the court discussion. She just tried to act first and report afterward rather than killing her teammates.¡±

    Zhuang Man asked anxiously, ¡°That is to say that exposing Gu E¡¯nuo is of no use to the overall situation?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Qiu Yn took the pomegranate that Su He brought up and peeled off a corner, saying, ¡°You don¡¯t have to think too much about the overall situation. Now it is time for the elders to strategize, and we... It isn¡¯t the time for us to be the masters of the family now. We can help them, but we are not the ones to determine the result.¡±

    Her words were actually half true. After all, things were unpredictable in the world, and maybe a small potato could turn things around. While considering the rarity of that and Zhuang Man¡¯s precipitance, Qiu Yn thought it was better to dampen her enthusiasm. Otherwise, if Cousin Zhuang was so excited and did a disservice, it would be bad.

    After hearing what she said, Zhuang Man was really disappointed, ¡°We really can¡¯t help with that? A small favor will be fine too!¡±

    ¡°I want to ask for your help!¡± Xin Fubing said hurriedly, ¡°I want to practice calligraphy these two days, but I forgot to bring the copybooks from home. Will you go and ask Princess Yongfu for a few copybooks? I want those written by the Duke of Puyang recently... Since the death of old Princess Qin, the Duke of Puyang has always been sick, and there has been no new handwriting for a long time. But as long as he writes, they will definitely be picked by the princesses first!¡±

    Zhuang Man red at her, ¡°You can find a maid to do that!¡±

    ¡°The copybooks written by the Duke of Puyang, especially thetest ones, are so valuable. How can a maid get them?¡± Xin Fubing pursed her mouth, ¡°I want to go by myself, but I really felt sick these two days. The sun makes me dizzy. I am afraid that if I had something wrong on the way, you would get hurt because of me!¡±

    Qiu Yn hurriedly said, ¡°I¡¯ll go and get it for you. What kind of handwriting do you want?¡±

    ¡°Well, sister-inw, just sit down. I¡¯ll just get some great things from the princess passingly.¡± Zhuang Man was active, and she refused Xin Fubing before just to bicker with her. Seeing that Qiu Yn was about to go, she stood up first, ¡°She hasn¡¯t been here in the past two days. Does she find some interesting things?¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled upon seeing this, ¡°You will know after you go to find her. Bring some for us if there are really some interesting things!¡±

    After she left, Xin Fubing picked up Whitey and put it on the bed. She ordered all the servants to go out, turned around to pulled Qiu Yn¡¯s sleeves, and asked in a trembling tone, ¡°Sister-inw, tell me the truth. How is the second granduncle now?¡±

    ¡°He can take care of things in a few days!¡± Qiu Yn knew that she would ask about this since she deliberately sent Zhuang Man away, so she said without hesitation, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you can wait and see!¡±

    Xin Fubing¡¯s long fan-like eyshes trembled for a moment. Then she pressed her hands on her chest, exhaled for a long time, and smiled bitterly, ¡°How could I suspect you lied to me?¡±

    ¡°To be honest, if grandfather were really sick, how could I apany you into the Pce?¡± Qiu Yn put her hand on her shoulders, walked over to the bed, and sat down with her, saying sincerely, ¡°Since we have such a grudge against the Empress Dowager¡¯s party, either her party or we will die in the end! This time grandfather rpsed. Fortunately, it was not serious. But to prevent grandfather¡¯s health from worsening out of overwork, some things may be canceled or backed down then. But it is just temporary, so don¡¯t worry!¡±

    ¡°It is not a big deal. What I¡¯m afraid is that if the second granduncle were really sick, then the Jiang Family and its inws would be over then!¡± Xin Fubing said with a pale face, ¡°As long as the second granduncle is well, how will I mind being wronged momentarily?¡±

    Her admiring Marquess Qin so much made Qiu Yn stunned slightly. She always thought that although the core of the Empress¡¯s party was Marquess Qin, without Empress Jiang, there would be no pretense for Marquess Qin to reign. As for political qualifications and prestige, Xue Chang was greater in the court!

    So even if Marquess Qin couldn¡¯t take care of things, Empress Jiang couldn¡¯t control the entire party and guarantee most of the fighting power and was at a disadvantage, they could still make the Empress Dowager¡¯s party helpless in a short time. He was only the party chieftain after all!

    However, Xin Fubing seemed to think that if Marquess Qin couldn¡¯t handle things then, the Empress¡¯s party would lose certainly!

    ¡°I hope this is just your personal opinion. If all the people in the Empress¡¯s party think so, even if Marquess Qin could temporarily suppress his illness to break the rumors and handle things, the people in the Empress¡¯ party would be demoralized.¡± Looking at the worried look of her former cousin, Qiu Yn had a bad feeling.

 Chapter 251 - Hurry, Check Useless Teammate!

    <h4>Chapter 251 Hurry, Check Useless Teammate!</h4>

    Qiu Yn¡¯s presentiment became real. Jiang Family insisted that Marquess Qin was drunk, not in aa. But he couldn¡¯t be disturbed during those few days while they were hiding the truth of his illness. So, other than the maid who was sent by Empress Dowager Gu to spy on the name of visiting saw Marquess Qin who was lying in bed, other visitors including key members of the Empress¡¯s party didn¡¯t get to go into the inner chamber.

    Of course, those key members of the Empress¡¯s party were informed that Marquess Qin would be able to recover in a few days. And they all said the same thing to others after they left. That they left after chatting with Marquess Qin for a while. Marquess was absolutely in good health!

    However, the ghost-writers of Empress Dowager¡¯s party also did their job!

    So, although the Empress¡¯s party was so eager to prove that Marquess was in good health, Empress Dowager¡¯s party still managed to spread the rumor that Marquess Qin was dying!

    It was not that the ghost-writers of Empress¡¯s party weren¡¯t capable. It was because Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s maid reported that Marquess Qin looked fine after getting back to the pce. But Empress Dowager Gu who decided to swoop in deliberately gave them a lot of life-saving medicine to add fuel to the fire. Marquess Qin didn¡¯t show himself in public at every moment and refute the rumor with his action. No wonder others had doubts.

    After all, everyone knew that they wouldn¡¯t admit it even Marquess Qin was sick for real!

    ¡°This won¡¯t work. Grandfather still needs five or six days to recover. And it¡¯s ording to what the imperial doctor said. If grandfather doesn¡¯t recover then, his health will be our most concern after all,¡± seeing this situation, Qiu Yn surely couldn¡¯t sit tight. She found a way to meet Jiang Yashuang in the Summer Pce, ¡°Now the rumor has spread all over the ce that grandfather¡¯s illness is severe. It¡¯s said that they need to carry the memorials which suggest impeaching our family and our inws with arge bamboo basket every day? If this goes on, something might happen in these few days!¡±

    Empress Dowager¡¯s party requested to make Prince of Zhou the Crown Prince on yesterday¡¯s Imperial Court Assembly in the Summer Pce. It hadn¡¯t been settled yet. But the Empress¡¯s party¡¯s depression contrasted sharply with Empress Dowager¡¯s party¡¯s high spirits which made Empress Jiang throw a fit after getting back to her pce. She had to admit that the advantages she built up in the earlier stage through boration and propagandizing how intelligent and sensible the Seventh Prince was almost disappeared due to Marquess Qin¡¯s illness!

    Jiang Yashuang also knew that. He reached out and touched his wife¡¯s hair. He said in a soft voice, ¡°I know. I have already begun to make arrangements!¡±

    Hearing that, Qiu Yn was stunned. She didn¡¯t ask him about his arrangements. Instead, she said, ¡°I have an idea!¡±

    ¡°Um?¡±

    ¡°The rumor is that the grandfather is seriously ill. Because he hasn¡¯t been seen recently, right?¡± Qiu Yn nestled into his arms voluntarily. She tapped on his chest coquettishly and said in a soft voice, ¡°Then find a proper reason! For example, family business?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang lifted his eyebrows and put his arms around her waist. He said with a faint smile, ¡°Yadan already has a bad reputation outside. Do you still not want to let him off the hook?¡±

    As smart as him, he knew Qiu Yn¡¯s agenda the moment he heard the words ¡°family business¡±. Her n was to tie the mess of Jiang Yadan¡¯s harem to Marquess Qin¡¯s absence. Jiang Tianchi and his wife weren¡¯t in the city. Madame Tao was a step-grandmother. It was inconvenient for her to force her grandson. However, Jiang Yadan¡¯s wife who he detested was Madame Tao¡¯s grandniece!

    It was said that an honest official could hardly judge a family affair. Even Marquess Qin was very scheming, he still needed a few days to think about it considering that he was caught between his wife and his grandson. Qiu Yn¡¯s train of thought wasn¡¯t hard to guess. Her purpose was obvious that she wanted to secure Madame Tao Junior¡¯s position.

    After all, Madame Tao Junior had a good reputation and was born in a famous family. Although now few people dared to mention that Tao Yinsong promoted Marquess Qin back then, it didn¡¯t mean that others didn¡¯t remember it. If this thing didn¡¯t be a big deal, then it was okay. But if it did and Madame Tao Junior had no specific charges, Marquess Qin would protect her for sure! After all, it was not a difficult thing for Marquess Qin to do!

    ¡°Just because he has a bad reputation. What does it matter if it¡¯s a little worse? Expose this thing and let the world know what Jiang Yadan and An are like. We may be able to eliminate future trouble once and for all!¡±

    Qiu Yn criticized inwardly. But she said with a coquettish voice, ¡°I don¡¯t have a problem with Yadan! But just think about it. If doing so can take some pressure off aunt and eldest uncle while they are in the Imperial Court, isn¡¯t it a good thing? I heard from aunt¡¯s maid that aunt hasn¡¯t been able to sleep for four hours a day recently. She lost a lot of weight because of it. And she gave His Majesty who went to her to ask rankings for concubines a good scolding today because she was upset. Maid Lin could hardly persuade her. It¡¯s said that His Majesty had tears on his face when he left. It¡¯s really...¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was used to her aunt being bossy and doughty. But he still felt troubled after hearing that she scolded His Majesty until he cried, ¡°Other than having a weak temperament, His Majesty is well behaved. Aunt really went too far by doing that. Moreover, when the officials hear about it, even if they don¡¯t say anything, they will like aunt less because of it!¡±

    It was said that all beings grieved for their fellow beings. This was an age of male superiority after all. Empress and Empress Dowager fighting for power already made a lot of officials feel that women usurped men¡¯s power. And the emperor was being bullied like a doormat. How could the male officials have a good impression of Empress when they found out about it? Even the core members of Empress¡¯s party, including Jiang Yashuang, wanted Empress to have power over Emperor from a political point of view. But they really didn¡¯t want to see Emperor suffer in Empress¡¯s hand personally.

    ¡°Then did you go and persuade aunt?¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed and asked.

    ¡°The maid asked me not to go in when I went there. She said aunt was still angry,¡± Qiu Yn thought you were way more important to the Empress than me. Why would I get myself into the mess when the Empress was angry? But it was too pitiless telling Jiang Yashuang like that. She changed her way of speaking, ¡°I was afraid that I might make aunt angrier if I didn¡¯t listen to the maid. So, I went to find Yongfu. I thought that aunt would listen to Princess Yongfu no matter how angry she was... But I didn¡¯t find her. So, I was worried and came to see you.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang lowered his head and kissed her on her forehead. He said with a bitter smile, ¡°Yongfu... that silly girl never cares much about the current political situation. Who knows where she is now!¡±

    Feeling that they were away from the topic, Qiu Yn brought up the topic again, ¡°About grandfather¡¯s absence recently?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s inappropriate,¡± just when Jiang Yashuang shook his head, Qiu Yn hit him violently, ¡°You only care for Yadan. Don¡¯t you care for eighth sister-inw? You told me before that she helped grandmother raise you when you were a kid!¡±

    ¡°How could I not help eighth sister-inw?¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°But have you ever considered it? It seems reasonable. But it doesn¡¯t bear scrutiny. What kind of person grandfather is? The rumor has been spread so widely recently. If he is really fine, how could he not show himself just because he is caught between Yadan and grandmother?¡±

    Qiu Yn wasn¡¯t willing to give up, ¡°We can let Tao Family pretend toe to our family for an exnation. Badgering with grandfather or something like that?¡±

    ¡°It also won¡¯t work. Not everyone in our family knows about grandfather¡¯s real condition!¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°Tao Family... what if they reveal that grandfather really has been ill abed recently?¡±

    He lowered his voice, ¡°You know that Tao Family has been on the wane for all these years. Especially, the rank of nobility in Tao Family has reached thest level. But their family has never had a brilliant son! Even they agree to help this time, they may make some demands which grandfather is less willing to grant. For example, the prestige in the Imperial Court. And Jingxu hasn¡¯t married yet!¡±

    ¡°They really consider their daughters as goods. They don¡¯t care for them at all?¡± Qiu Yn was angry, ¡°They messed with eighth sister-inw first. And then they couldn¡¯t marry their daughter into our family. Now they start to think about marrying their granddaughter into our family? They should know that first aunt is always disrespectful to her grandmother. How could she let her grandson marry Tao Family¡¯s daughter? Even if she let it happen, considering how first aunt is, how could she treat her nicely?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°So, your way is impossible.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s hear yours,¡± Qiu Yn leaned her head on his shoulder with frustration and said in a low voice, ¡°We must help eighth sister-inw no matter what!¡±

    ¡°You will have to do it,¡± Jiang Yashuang pinched her cheek and pretended not to hear herst sentence. He said in a soft voice, ¡°If you hadn¡¯te to see me, I would find a way to see you in two hours.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°Me?¡±

    ¡°Your cousin Commandery Princess Ningtai has been seeing Kuang Qingwu in private for a year. Yongfu said that she told you this the day you arrived here?¡± Jiang Yashuang asked in a gentle tone.

    Qiu Yn was enlightened, ¡°That¡¯s right. But then I met Princess Changping and quarreled with her. So, I forgot...¡± because Qiu Yn was estranged from Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe now. And she didn¡¯t care about Ningtai. So, she didn¡¯t keep it in mind. She remembered it when Jiang Yashuang reminded her, ¡°Kuang Qingwu seduces Ningtai. We do need to ask for an exnation about it!¡±

    But on a second thought, ¡°In order to patch things with Tang Family, after Changping Princess married Tang Zimo, Empress Dowager Gu married Tang Zimo¡¯s sister to Gu Yan. She could marry two people of different generations. If she knows Kuang Qingwu is seeing Ningtai, she will kill Ningtai and make Princess Changping marry him, right?¡±

    Even word got out that Kuang Qingwu was seeing Ningtai, Empress Dowager Gu definitely wouldn¡¯t care considering that she let her daughter¡¯s sister-inw be her grandnephew¡¯s wife!

    Xingkang Grand Princess marrying Kuang Shihan who had a secret crush on Princess Ruan and had a bastard son Kuang Qingwu was an example!

    So, ¡°You want me to expose it and take Ningtai to Jiang Family to stay for a while?¡± otherwise she wouldn¡¯t live long staying in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe!

    Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°Empress Dowager Gu won¡¯t care too much about it. After all, Commandery Princess Ningtai will just be a member of Kuang Family after marrying Kuang Qingwu! Although Kuang Qingwu is Kuang Shihan¡¯s only son, he is not qualified to be in charge of the Western Army!¡±

    He lifted Qiu Yn¡¯s chin up with his fingers gently. They looked into each other¡¯s eyes. Qiu Yn just felt that his look was deep. He seemed to have another agenda, ¡°Kuang Shihan¡¯s biggest worry is not his only son marrying the wrong person. It¡¯s... your brother!¡±

    ¡°You want to expose my brother¡¯s origin? How could you!¡± Qiu Yn was greatly frightened. She pped his hand away and said in a serious tone, ¡°I would never agree!¡±

    ¡°Brother asked me to find a nice guy for Cousin Ruanst year. He ns to let Cousin Ruan marry again after their mourning periods are over at the end of this year!¡± Jiang Yashuang looked at her and said quietly, ¡°After the spring festival, brother will find a job in the Western Army and go to the west...¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s face went pale instantly, ¡°Is he crazy?¡± she grabbed his sleeve tightly, ¡°What about you? Didn¡¯t you try to stop him?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know brother¡¯s temper?¡± Jiang Yashuang exhaled, ¡°If there is anyone who could stop him from doing it, it has to be you. Not me. So, I said that you had to do it!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought about it, ¡°So what you said doesn¡¯t mean that I should seek justice for Ningtai? Then if I convince my brother not to reveal his origin, what do you n to do about grandfather¡¯s situation?¡±

    ¡°The Duke of Puyang Xiao Su is sure of ying the martyr. And it can be traced back to Duke of Guangyang¡¯s son Gu Yan. Of course, the reason is that the Duke of Puyang¡¯s vi is close to Marquess Zhang¡¯s vi. His servant identally found out that Commandery Princess Ningtai was seeing Kuang Qingwu!¡¯ Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°Trying to kill a prince with a different surname. This kind of charge should make Empress Dowager¡¯s party worry for a while... It should give grandfather enough time!¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded slightly, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen Princess Yongfu these few days. It turns out she...¡±

    ¡°Xiao Su demanded it himself,¡± Jiang Yashuang took a look at her, ¡°You have met Xiao Su before. Did you forget that he was handsome and although he was a man, he had a vulnerable vibe because of his illness?¡±

    ¡°Do you mean that Gu Yan did something to him?¡± Qiu Yn was stupefied!

    Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°Duanrou happened to pass by with others at that moment. So, he didn¡¯t suffer heavy losses. But he was frightened... Then old Princess Qin asked for aunt¡¯s permission. Aunt allowed him to bring a few people with him and never leave his side even inside the pce. However, Xiao Su never forgot the humiliation!¡±

    Of course. As a man, it was frustrated enough getting molested by another man. Let alone Xiao Su was a hereditary Prince. Although Gu Yan was a Young Prince, the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang who got their title after Empress Dowager Gu gained power was like a nouveau riche in the eyes of the old families which got their titles since the founding!

    For a straight guy, the only thing that would be worse than getting molested by another man might be getting molested by a man who he despised.

    ¡°Gu Yan really has a death wish!¡± Qiu Yn sighed with emotion. But then her hair stood on end. She grabbed Jiang Yashuang¡¯s sleeve and said seriously, ¡°I think it¡¯s necessary for you to find out what those people who were offended by Yadan are doing now!¡±

    Duke of Guangyang¡¯s son was bad. But there were more people dragging our feet in our family!

 Chapter 252 - Where to Find A Five-star Brother?

    <h4>Chapter 252 Where to Find A Five-star Brother?</h4>

    After talking with Jiang Yashuang, Qiu Yn temporarily set aside the defensive work of the Empress¡¯s party, and hurriedly went for Empress Jiang to ask for leaving the Pce. She didn¡¯t even have the time to return to Jiang¡¯s residence and went straight to Green Vi.

    Qiu Jinn interrupted her persuasion unreservedly as expected, ¡°the person who killed my father is my sworn foe. I have to avenge my father¡¯s murder!¡±

    The reason was awe-inspiring enough to gag all opponents, while Qiu Yn ignored that and continued to persuade him. However, the result was that he repeated his idea.

    ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll go with you together!¡± Atst, Qiu Yn was annoyed and pped the table, ¡°he is also my father, and I am also responsible. I want to go to the west with you!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t make a scene!¡± Qiu Jinn immediately put on a sullen face and reprimanded, ¡°You¡¯ve got married already...¡±

    ¡°Am I not my father¡¯s daughter anymore after I got married?¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Am I not your sister anymore after I got married? Is it easy to bully me after I got married?¡±

    Qiu Jinn knew that she was going to be unreasonable immediately. If it were Jiang Yashuang here, he would definitely think about how tofort his wife even if he knew that the more heforted her, the more unreasonable she would be. While as her brother and a typical feudal patriarch, Qiu Jinn just ignored that and flicked his sleeves, ¡°it doesn¡¯t matter if you really want to go with me. Anyway, you are Jiang Yashuang¡¯s wife now, so he will agree and will arrange for some people to escort you. I don¡¯t need to worry about that!¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Qiu Yn stamped her foot in anger. How could Jiang Yashuang agree! If she went to tell him that, he would arrange for some people to supervise her!

    ¡°Brother, do you really have the heart to leave me alone?¡± Since her persuasion was fruitless, Qiu Yn immediately changed the n and started to act. She blinked with her long feather-like eyshes slightly shaking, and her bright eyes suddenly became foggy. She burst into tears in a moment, painfully held Qiu Jinn who wanted to leave, and said in a sad tone, ¡°grandmother died, grandfather died, and father and mother died as well. I only have you now, but even you want to leave me now?¡±

    Even though Qiu Jinn knew she was pretending, he couldn¡¯t help stopping his steps as expected. A distinct pain shed across his face, and he suppressed his emotions before he could speak, ¡°you have grown up and got married. I can barely look after you in the future... If I missed the opportunity this time, I don¡¯t know how long it would take to get another chance to avenge my father¡¯s death then.¡±

    ¡°Marquess Qin¡¯s illness will be healed in a few days!¡± Qiu Yn hurriedly said, ¡°Really! And Prime Minister Xue has promised... As long as the Empress Dowager falls, Jiang Family won¡¯t stop us from taking revenge on Kuang Family then!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too naive!¡± Qiu Jinn shook his head and smiled bitterly. He motioned her to let go of his sleeve, turned back and sat down in the hall, letting Qiu Yn sit on the opposite side. He then said lightly, ¡°if Marquess Qin was really seriously ill, I might have to consider whether to go west, so as not to lose my life in vain! But now that Marquess Qin is expected to recover and he can take charge at court on behalf of Jiang Family, isn¡¯t it the best time for me to win over father¡¯s and grandfather¡¯s former subordinates in Western Army?¡±

    Before Qiu Yn spoke, he asked slowly, ¡°the Seventh Prince wants to ascend the throne. Do you think it is possible if the matter of the Western Army is not solved? As you just said, you are also the daughter of our father, and our father was killed by Kuang Shihan. Do you think he will really trust and rely on Jiang Family? A life and death struggle... How can there be such a good thing for him?¡±

    Qiu Yn had nothing to say then. Actually, whether the hatred between the former Duke of Xihe and them existed or not, the Western Army must be settled if the Empress¡¯ party wanted to be in power! Before she married Jiang Yashuang, Kuang Shihan might still surrender to Jiang Family. But the Commandery Princess whose whole family had been killed by him had be the wife of Marquess Qin¡¯s grandson who he raised personally, so how dare Kuang Shihan rely on Jiang Family then?

    In this case, if the Empress¡¯s party wanted to seize power without losing vitality badly, they had to kill Kuang Shihan!

    However, how could Qiu Jinn, whose family broke up out of Kuang Shihan, give up the opportunity to kill his enemy personally?

    ¡°Even if Marquess Qin is alright, if Jiang Family could really be in its element in Western Army, why should you take risks then?¡± After she thought for a while, she insisted, ¡°If Jiang Family had no say in Western Army, how could they help you then?¡±

    Qiu Jinn smiled, and his eyes softened, ¡°Silly girl, you think I rely on Jiang Family for everything?¡± He narrowed his eyes slightly and reminded softly, ¡°How did I leave the Mansion by feigning death?¡±

    Qiu Yn paused, ¡°Tianya... But after so many years, even if you had a foundation there at the beginning, it must have been shaken after Kuang Shihan held power.¡±

    In fact, there was still one word remaining unsaid. If ¡°Tianya¡± had been really all-pervasive, how could their father have been assassinated before? It could be seen that when the former Duke of Xihe was there, Tianya was not as powerful in the Western Army as they thought.

    ¡°Our ancestors founded ¡®Tianya¡¯ because they feared that Tian Family cast us aside when they were served their purposes, but they didn¡¯t do that. Our ancestors had thought about disbanding ¡®Tianya¡¯, but they formed it secretly before, so they feared that the mergence of the Mansions would be dyed when it was disbanded and Tian Family knew that.¡± Qiu Jinglian caught the meaning of her words, hesitated for a while, and then talked about ¡°Tianya¡± in detail with her for the first time, ¡°so they told the inferiors not to treat ¡®Tianya¡¯ as an important industry but to concentrate on the bright ones, so that after a long time, we could gradually break away from it.¡±

    ¡°Actually, from the founding of the country until our father¡¯s death on the battlefield, Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe didn¡¯t need ¡®Tianya¡¯ to do anything. And the money there was not necessary for the Prince¡¯s Mansion as well.¡±

    ¡°So before I was taken to ¡®Tianya¡¯, I just took people¡¯s money and helped them out of trouble, and never took the initiative to assist Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe.¡±

    Hearing his words, Qiu Yn understood the whole ins and outs then. The organization set up in order to seize state power started out by spying and assassinating, but the person who founded it failed to be the emperor but just got the title of Prince. In order to prevent the emperor from turning against him ruthlessly, he left something for himself secretly.

    However, the emperor was never ruthless. So the existence of the organization was a hot potato then. Holding it in his hand would do no good to him, and if it was found by others, the emperor might suspect him.

    The ancestors of Qiu Family, who had no way to back down, reduced their business then and adjusted it to a profit-oriented organization of killers in Jianghu. Judging from the reputation of ¡®Tianya¡¯ at this time, the transformation was obviously sessful.

    Even so, the ancestors of Qiu Family were still worried that their hereditary title of nobility would be affected. Therefore, Qiu Jinn clearly told Qiu Qian before that there had never been a Duke of Xihe who had spent a lot of time on ¡°Tianya¡± and they even deliberately ignored it.

    In this way, even if it were exposed one day, they would still have room to pass the buck.

    In other words, before the death of Qiu Zhongyan, the main use of ¡°Tianya¡± was making money rather than assisting Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe.

    ¡°No wonder that Kuang Shihan was able to murder my father before. I wondered before why such a high-profile killer organization was not even able to protect the proprietor behind the scenes since ¡®Tianya¡¯ was doing business so well. Jiang Yashuang rmended me to look for them when he didn¡¯t know it before. And when Tao Family wanted to kill An Zhenshang, they also asked them for help.¡± Qiu Yn was enlightened suddenly, but she was not happy. Because it meant she had lost another reason to persuade Qiu Jinn.

    It gave Qiu Jinn one more reason to persuade her in turn, ¡°since our father died, the former Left Dharma Protector immediatelyunched ayout for the Western Army. Do you remember that when Mei Xue and Qiu Qian hijacked you before, they said there were tens of millions of tael in Tianya¡¯s ount?¡±

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°Yes. You intend to take them all to pave the way in the Western Army?¡±

    ¡°You should know that when I feigned death and left the Mansion, grandmother and mother almost gave me all the property to take away. Even their dowries were secretly sold out!¡± Qiu Jinn said in a mncholy tone, ¡°Outsiders count the property of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe and think it can total tens of millions... But outsiders don¡¯t know about ¡®Tianya¡¯!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought for a while and said in surprise, ¡°you mean the savings of ¡®Tianya¡¯ over the years...¡± Tens of million was just the property of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe in the open. ¡°Tianya¡± was an organization that took people¡¯s money and helped them out of trouble, so how could its benefits be small since the dynasty began!

    It was even more profitable than Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe!

    After all, Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe did not want people to know the rtionship between ¡°Tianya¡± and itself. Although some ie would be saved into Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Because not all of the ie. On the one hand, such arge number was easy to be suspicious. On the other hand, Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe never had a problem with its ount, so this channel of money was dispensable to it.

    While at this time Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe had already been an empty building, and ¡°Tianya¡± only had tens of millions on its ount... So?

    ¡°Take it all to pave the way for revenge!¡± Qiu Jinn¡¯s eyes shed with a cold light. Then he said lightly, ¡°otherwise, why did I know that my teacher was exactly the chief examiner three years ago? Why did I ignore all other yboys but just get close to Ling Zui who was kind-hearted and able to help me after I arrived at Jing City? And why did I hobnob and then recall Sister Ruan¡¯s family immediately?¡±

    He looked at his younger sister and said, ¡°My preparation and foundation in the court and the Western Army are much deeper than you think. As for how deep they are, it¡¯s sort of a long story. What¡¯s more, you shouldn¡¯t bear that...¡±

    ¡°So I can¡¯t do anything?¡± Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t think of anything else that could convince him, so she said soullessly.

    Seeing this, Qiu Jinnforted her, ¡°how would you have nothing to do? I will find a way to get Sister Ruan married after the mourning period, so that I can go to the west without additional worries. Although I will try my best to choose a good man for her, you will have to help her if the man doesn¡¯t treat her well. As the old saying goes, you may know a person¡¯s face but not his mind.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Qiu Yn said listlessly, ¡°but I still don¡¯t want you to go to the west. I still think it¡¯s too dangerous... Kuang Shihan is not concerned about face-saving. No matter how much money you spend there and no matter how deep your foundation is, it is in the dark after all. What if he sends picked troops to attack you shamelessly?¡±

    Qiu Jinn sneered and said, ¡°I know how shameless he is, and I have my own countermeasures. Remember, besides taking good care of your big sister in the future, you have to take care of yourself!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Qiu Yn was at a loss.

    ¡°Even Jiang Yadan, such a dandy, is liked by girls and they are trying their best to grab the position of your eighth sister-inw.¡± Qiu Jinn said solemnly, ¡°let alone your husband Jiang Yashuang, who is handsome, good-tempered and adept with both the pen and the sword.¡±

    Qiu Yn had chest tightness then, ¡°Jiang Yashuang is different from Jiang Yadan!¡± If he were the same as Jiang Yadan, I couldn¡¯t help killing him!

    Qiu Jinn sneered, ¡°If he dared to follow Jiang Yadan¡¯s example, I would naturally find a way to change my brother-inw! However, the trees may prefer calm, but the wind will not subside. Given Jiang Family¡¯s prominence and Jiang Yashuang¡¯s status in Jiang Family, even if he just wants you, I¡¯m afraid there are still many girls who want to get him shamelessly! I can keep an eye on him for you when I am in Jing City, but after I leave.¡±

    So, if your brother-inw was not good, your solution was not to persuade him to correct his evils and try to maintain the integrity of your sister¡¯s family, but to rece him directly?

    At this moment, Qiu Yn thought of a distant memory, ¡°Honey, the products sold in our store will be reced with new ones if there is a quality problem! No need to repair! Rece directly!¡±

    Qiu Jinn¡¯s worries were not over yet. ¡°I¡¯ll ask Ling Zui to take care of you on my behalf. If someone shameless disturbs you and Jiang Yashuang, just tell him! If he can¡¯t solve it, he will send someone to the west to tell me.¡±

    So Qiu Yn thought of another sentence then. ¡°Honey, our store is worry-free after sales. If you are not satisfied, we will serve you until you are satisfied!¡±

    He was such a five-star brother! Qiu Jinn, who felt that he had basically convinced his younger sister, was surprised to see her suddenly burst into tears then. She threw herself on him, clinging to him and crying, ¡°I just don¡¯t want you to take risks anyway!¡±

 Chapter 253 - I Was Doing What My Role Model Did

    <h4>Chapter 253 I Was Doing What My Role Model Did</h4>

    Qiu Yn had been crying and screaming in the Green Vi for a long time, but she was not getting anywhere.

    She went back to the Jiang¡¯s residence, seeing Jiang Yashuang waiting for her. Jiang Yashuang, who had recognized that Qiu Jinn had made his decision before he persuaded his wife to go there,forted her with sympathy, ¡°You know that you have no choice to change his mind. And, he said before that he had everything in control. Or, neither our grandfather nor Prime Minister Xue would agree that he took this risk.¡±

    It was true. If Qiu Jinn were only smart, both Xue Chang and Marquess Qin might not stop him to be a Men of Sacrifice. Ultimately, to them, it was worth risking their grandsons¡¯ lives to get the power in the Western Army as long as they were not the ones cultivated with hearts!

    However, Qiu Jinn was smart and resourceful. He was an invaluable young man in the rtionship of senior and junior.

    Xue Chang, as his teacher, must be reluctant to his going. In particr, Xue Nongying was almost killedst year. He was pretending to lose his memory. Nobody could guarantee nothing would not happen to him after he re-enter the official career! Xue Chang was getting old. He had not time to wait. As he did not have enough time to train his grandsons, he definitely would pave a path for his favorite student. In this way, he not only developed his force in the government, but also prepared a backer for his grandson, Xue Nongying for future.

    To Marquess Qin, his granddaughter-inw was Qiu Jinn¡¯s sister who treated her as a treasure. For the reason, no matter whose student Qiu Jinn was, he was tied to the fate of the Jiang Family!

    Such a young, talented, resourceful man trained by a good teacher was a natural ally. Marquess Qin, who even did not need to take time to cultivate him, definitely would not let him go easily.

    As they agreed to let Qiu Jinn risk his life in the west, they must have evaluated the whole n to guarantee nothing dangerous would happen to him. Or, despite the fact that Qiu Jinn was the head of the Tianya, it was not likely for him to escape to the west under two powerful and influential men¡¯s noses.

    What was more, Qiu Jinn was not stupid to think that he could kill the current Commander-in-Chief of the Western Army alone without the support of the two influential officials. If so, he was naive.

    ¡°I know they have well nned. But the west is always the territory that Kuang Shihan has been operating for years,¡± Qiu Yn said, sitting down listlessly, adding, ¡°You know, he is going to face many soldiers... ¡±

    ¡°So, they intentionally reveal your brother¡¯s true identity to the people in the court. So, on the surface, Kuang Shihan can do nothing serious to your brother,¡± said Jiang Yashuang, sitting beside her. He then served her a cup of tea, adding slowly, ¡°We know that, your brother is not a man who can be bullied. Grandfather promised he would send some confidants and crack men there, helping him with the task.¡±

    Qiu Yn pursed her lips, ¡°When will he send the men?¡± The Tianya was an assassination organization before. But now it turned to be a bodyguard organization. It was unlikely something fatal would happen in normal circumstances except the extreme case that she took Princess Yongfu and others to the Ruans¡¯ residence on Her Majesty¡¯s birthday happened again.

    In particr, the Jiang Family promised to send crack troops to assist him. The crack troops owned by the Jiang Family were not inferior to the Kuang Shihan¡¯s. In the light of the history, Kuang Shihan¡¯s force was much inferior to the Jiang Family¡¯s.

    If we thought deeper, Qiu Jinn had a glimmer of hope to survive in the west. As for his task he was trying to do, Qiu Yn was not in the mood to think about. It was a fact that an alive person was much more important than a dead man.

    ¡°I think we will have confirmed news in thete afternoon,¡± said Jiang Yashuang.

    Qiu Yn was stunned a little, ¡°So fast?¡± The light dawned on her after she spoke it. Marquess Qin might die in days. If they did not start doing now, it would be a waste of time nning it days ago!

    ¡°Empress Jiang, Uncle Mengmin, Third Uncle and Sixth Uncle may not be able to hold on any longer,¡± sighed Jiang Yashuang. ¡°If I were not concerned about your brother, I would have done the thing before you went there persuading your brother.¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned, ¡°I heard that the Duke of Guangyang is a mediocre person without particr great deeds. He is even not smart as his son. Concerning the official affairs, Empress Dowager Gu always relies on Tang Zimo and Qiu Dian. On our side, Empress Jiang is the Empress. We even have three uncles serving in the administration, saying nothing of rtionship arising from marriages!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°You may not realize that due to the marriages, we are suppressed by the Empress Dowager! Many rtives-inws are having panic as grandfather did not show himself recently. Uncle Mengmin and others have to find ways to appease them... ¡±

    ¡°The Empress¡¯s base is so... ¡°Qiu Yn said but stopped in the middle. She felt frustrated. ¡°Marquess Qin has been in a bad condition since he got ill... How can he have energy tobat with Empress Dowager over the past years without being defeated?!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not their fault for the confusion,¡± thought of Qiu Yn. Although she did not speak it out, she knew that Jiang Yashuang must realize what she wanted to say. She exined, ¡°It is grandfather who created and developed the Jiang Family to today¡¯s position. In the light of prestige, no one can be closed to him!¡±

    She continued in a low voice, ¡°Empress Jiang is the next to grandfather! And then it should be grand uncle, Uncle Mengmin, Third Uncle and Sixth Uncle... But except grandfather, it may be unlike to select a head among the rest. The rtives-inw and old friends definitely are concerned about who will be the head and how to take sides.¡±

    To simply put, the majority of the Empress side were concerning not only Marquess Qin¡¯s condition because of his illness, but also how tobat the Empress Dowager without the support of Marquess Qin. What was more, they must conclude a deal to select a head among them as their status were in almost the same level... If a head could not be selected shortly, the followers must be worried how to take a side.

    If so, the followers must be in a slothful condition.

    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing grandpa will be better in a few days,¡± sighed Qiu Yn. ¡°As we can get confirmed news in thete afternoon, do I need to change my dress and be about to go to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang waved hand, ¡°No need to hurry. As Commandery Princess Ningtai¡¯s parents and brothers are there, you should wait until theye here and invite you!¡±

    Frustrated by her brother¡¯s decision to go to the west. Qiu Yn was in a loss. She understood upon hearing her husband¡¯s word. ¡°Yes, you are so right. I am a married girl. It is not reasonable for me to deal with it.¡± Plus, it would be a better option to wait and maintain a position of strength until the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe came to invite her.

    She had the least concerns that the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe would note to invite her. Back then, the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was the most prominent different surname of the king among the kings help found the country. However, that family was held in its birth sons.

    Qiu Mengmin and his mother were evicted from the Prince¡¯s Mansion, wandering in the streets at that time. After he came back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion, he mustply with the rules, mourning for his official mother for three years, which ruled that the mourner should not take social activities. Worse, as Qiu Zhongyan fought to death in a battle, neither Old Princess Lian nor Princess Ruan would assign Qiu Mengmin as the head of the Prince¡¯s Mansion. For the reasons, Qiu Mengmin did not have many backers back then.

    What was more, Old Princess Lian and Princess Ruan had sold all property as they could get in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. And Qiu Jinn even took their dowries with him. So, today¡¯s Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was only an empty shell.

    However, although the house was an empty shell, Qiu Jinzhu, as a Commandery Princess born in the house, had hooked up with Kuang Qingwu for over one year... The Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe must give an exnation to the people! Politically, Kuang Qingwu was superior to Qiu Jinzhu, but in terms of status, Kuang Qingwu was a new Jinshi, how dare he date a Commandery Princess!?

    If this was known by the people, it would be a big shame on the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe!

    Now, the only hope the empty shell Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe could rely on for Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s justice was Qiu Yn. About this, it had been deemed a fate for Qiu Yn when Qiu Jinzhu and Kuang Qingwu began to date.

    ¡°Qiu Jinzhu...¡± Qiu Yn shook her head. Qiu Jinzhu was once a mean and aggressive girl but changed into a girl full of sympathy and guilty to Chu Yitong, Commandery Princess Lihui after Duchess of Huainan¡¯s death. ¡°I wonder how Yang taught her to be like this. I heard that Yang had kept a close eye on her after the previous ident with Yang Yifu. How could this happen?¡±

    Little did she know that Princess Yang who just received the news went bananas too, ¡°It is a girl¡¯s top priority to maintain her reputation. You leant nothing from the lessons of your two sisters?¡±

    Princess Yang felt furious and painful in her deep heart. Her family had been taken advantage of simr idents multiple times.

    ¡°Although Yifu was a concubine¡¯s daughter, she must have a chance to marry a boy from the official family. But unexpectedly, she lost her life because of the rumor that she had an affair! And Yishi, her fate was worse than her sister Yifu. She was the favorite of your First Uncle and also, she was the most beloved one of your First Unclepared with your brothers. Unfortunately, she was seduced by Ding Qingyan as she did not control well her feelings. What happened to her atst. She killed herself in the residence of the Ding Family. And your First Uncle was removed from his position. Your Third Uncle moved outside. Back then, although your mother¡¯s house was not a prominent one in the capital, it was a wealthy one. However, because of your two sisters and what they did to the Family, your First Uncle lost everything he strived in the past years. He is not transferred back to the capital until now!¡±

    Princess Yang howled while she recalled. ¡°Although your Third Uncle moved out, separating from your First Uncle and Second Uncle, his daughters like Yinian and Yimian, they are not married until now... Those painful lessons teach you nothing. And I have taught and warn you many times. How can you still do such a thing?¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu covered her left face which was pped by Princess Yang minutes ago, saying, ¡°Mother, I¡¯m sorry!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s useless to say sorry now. People have known that you have an affair with Kuang Qingwu, and started dating fromst year!¡± Her daughter drove Princess Yang crazy. ¡°After Qiu Yn got married, no girls who are older than you are not married. If you want to get married, you tell me. I will arrange everything for you. From the beginning of this year, I have been looking for a suitable boy for you! But what did you tell me? You said you want to stay with me for more years, serving me. But you then dated Kuang Qingwu immediately after saying that to me... Do you want me to die now, right?¡±

    It was the first time for Qiu Jinzhu to see her mother was so hysterical. Despite ruthlessness and viciousness since her childhood, she grew to be prudent after seeing and getting through many. She replied her mother timidly, ¡°Kuang Qingwu said that his father wanted him to marry Princess Changping. But he does not like Princess Changping at all. He just wants to marry me. He withholds our rtionship because he is afraid after Empress Dowager and Princess Changping know our rtionship, they may do vicious things to our family... ¡±

    p!

    Princess Yang, who had been caring for her daughter much, could not help p her in her face now, ¡°You are such an idiot! You have known that he would marry Princess Changping. You knew it but you still trust him? Nothing in your brain, nothing!!!¡±

    ¡°Mother. We have true love!¡± Princess Yang used her full strength to p her daughter due to anger. Qiu Jinzhu felt dizzy, slumping on the floor. She recovered after a few minutes, defending herself, ¡°He... ¡±

    ¡°Back then, when Ding Qingyan was seducing your sister, Yishi. I am sure he also said he was true to her. I told over and over again. Don¡¯t believe one sentence said in private before engagement. Why did you listen to me? If Kuang Qingwu really cares about you, why does not he engage with you first? Why did he say nothing about the engagement even you two have dated for over one year? How stupid you are!!!¡±

    Princess Yang stood there, staring at her daughter with a trembling body. She was thinking that she must have done countless malicious things over the past. God wanted to punish her by giving her a daughter like Qiu Jinzhu who was still unrepentant. Princess Yang was in a mess. She even did not know how to teach her daughter now. At this moment, she even wanted to kill her to relieve her sullenness.

    On the other side of the story, Qiu Jinzhu had her own reasons although the example of Yang Yishi was so painful, ¡°Last year, when we went out for summer vacation in the Jinxiu Slope. In the heavy raining day, we took a rest in the Jiang Family¡¯s farm. I saw that Jiang Yashuang held Yn in his arms! They were not engaged at that time either. I remembered that Qiu Yn¡¯s mourning period was just closed but they hugged each other outside. I think they must have dated during her mourning period. I also heard that Prime Minister Xue¡¯s granddaughter would marry Jiang Yashuang! But what happened then? Jiang Yashuang married Qiu Yn atst!¡±

    For this reason, to date the beloved one before the engagement was not a big deal at all. Qiu Yn was a good example in this point. After getting married, she even got Marquess Qin¡¯s extra award, a phoenix-shaped hairpin as a gift showing his satisfaction to the granddaughter-inw. Since then, she had happy days with her husband in the side yard. What envy!

    Qiu Jinzhu thought grudgingly that despite the fact that she was not as beautiful as Qiu Yn, Kuang Qingwu was not as handsome as Jiang Yashuang either. Why couldn¡¯t she do the same as Qiu Yn did?

 Chapter 254 - We Have to Rely on Qiu Yelan!

    <h4>Chapter 254 We Have to Rely on Qiu Yn!</h4>

    After hearing her exnation, Princess Yang stood still for a while. A few minutester, she slumped on the floor regardless of bearings as a Princess. She cried whileughing, ¡°You... You are such an idiot! Qiu Yn is way shrewd than you. Think about it. You must have known about how Jiang Yashuang defended Qiu Yn before they got married. In the Hall of Taishi, they met for the first time. But Jiang Yadan beat Duke of Guangyang¡¯s Young Prince ck and blue. If you think it was not a big deal, think about the dowry. He even invited his brother Jiang Yadan to be here, putting pressure on your father for more dowries. They even said they would kill all family if we did not meet their requirements!¡±

    ¡°Even after people gossiped her engagement cancetion with Deng Yi, Jiang Yashuang tried to take all the me on himself on the Feng¡¯s month-old party. Kuang Qingwu did nothing like the things Jiang Yashuang did for Qiu Yn before they got married. Even he did one for you, I wouldn¡¯t have punished you like this! Think, think. You have been dating him for over one year, did Kuang Qingwu do anything caring about you?¡±

    Looking at the crying mother, Qiu Jinzhu felt frustrated. She tried to sh in her brain what Kuang Qingwu and she did in the past year, showing a perplexed look.

    ¡°Did not understand my meaning, right? He is ying with you!¡± Princess Yang cried loudly. ¡°So, he won¡¯t care about you. You idiot. You just saw that Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang were hugging each other before engagement and finally got married. But you did not realize what Jiang Yashuang did for Qiu Yn. How much he cared about her and what mes he took for her before they got married. In the light of the status of Jiang Yashuang, he made his decision to marry Qiu Yn which encouraged him to do so much for her. This was much more reliable than any vows. For this reason, of course, they could hug each other when no one was around. It was not a big deal! She just used this method to have him to the dead-set. That¡¯s all!¡±

    ¡°If Kuang Qingwu could treat you as half as Jiang Yashuang to Qiu Yn, I would pivot around, saying nothing even you two hug each other before me. I might criticize you lightly for what your bearingster. No more...¡±

    Princess Yang felt depressed, seeing her daughter was still in the muddle. It was a simple question. Qiu Jinzhu was fourteen years old this year. It was the age of blind-matching and marriage. But that year, Qiu Yn, who came back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe from the Mount Dizi, seeking a living space prudently by bncing Princess Yang and Aunt Qiu, was only twelve!

    What was more, Qiu Yn¡¯s mother died when she was young. She had been ill for many years when she was alive. She could not teach Qiu Yn in her ill health!

    You were both girls and at the same time, you were Commandery Princesses. Why did you two differ so much?

    ¡°It must be because Prince and I treated the Ruans too bad. God sent Qiu Jinzhu to us as a punishment. Princess Yang felt guilty in her depression. ¡°Lu had died years ago. Kang Lizhang¡¯s mother has died. Kang Jinzhang died in the Mount Dizi, Kang Lizhang died because of ¡®dystocia¡¯... Those who treated them badly have died one by one over the past years. It¡¯s our turn now?¡±

    She was immersed in her thought while Qiu Jinzhu kneed before her, not raising her head. They kept silent for a minute, weighing on their own minds. But those who were standing outside could not wait any longer. They broke the silence.

    Not long after senior concubine Bian and the first daughter-inw Ding Qinghong dictated to kidnap Princess Yang¡¯s housekeepers, they broke into the house with their confidants!

    Seeing Princess Yang sitting on the floor haggardly and trying to stand up, Bian and Ding Qinghong took a kind of dark pleasure in their heart. There was a grudge between Princess Yang and them. It was a good chance to muddle the water!

    Bian paid a salute perfunctorily to Princess Yang. She questioned her before Princess Yang stood up, ¡°Princess, Your Grace hasn¡¯t solved her problem yet? Now, families in Mount Dizi have known her affair already. What¡¯s your n for this? You must give us your n! Although Prince went fishing in a covert ce, he would know about it anyway in one day. We all know Prince pays great attention to family conducts. What Your Grace did must anger Prince. He may hurt her badly as he is furious. For your good, you¡¯d better tell your mother everything so that she can help you out of the trouble!¡±

    Actually, before Princes went back home, the senior concubine had sent a servant to inform him of the trouble Qiu Jinzhu made for the family. Having a daughter who made such big trouble for the family, Princess Yang will lose her face to be in charge of the house in the future even if Prince does not abandon her.

    Bian felt like it was her critical time now: she was born in a small family. She was coaxed to be a concubine in the Prince¡¯s Mansion because her sister was bing older and fading. She had been living in the family, reading Princess Yang prudently. She used to be remorseful for her fate. But shortly, she gave birth to a boy who could enable her to be promoted as a senior concubine. Lucky her, she got another chance to take ce the princess in two or three years!

    Even if her chances to be a princess of the family was slim, she must have the chance to grab the power as the neer Qiu Mengmin would marry must be a young and simple girl and more importantly, she gave birth to a boy, a boy was adder for his mother to be honored. She definitely would jump at the chance presenting before her.

    ¡°Yes!¡± said Ding Qinghong coldly, showing no respect she used to. She added, ¡°People in the court know tacitly that Kuang Qingwu would marry Princess Changping and she was raised by Empress Dowager. They must have married if not Her Majesty¡¯s disapproval! However, Jinzhu has been dating Kuang Qingwu for one year... Kuang Qingwu is just a Marquess¡¯s son. Does he wishful think that Jinzhu as his one concubine?!¡±

    Ding Qinghong, raised and taught by her father who was a former Hanlin Academy academician, in nature, was not a woman with malicious thinking. She might not stand aside with Bian if Princess Yang was a mother-inw who just only looked down her husband Qiu Hongzhi because he was a son of a concubine. She would note with Bian to rub salt into the wound of Qiu Jinzhu who might be killed because of her affair.

    But Princess Yang took her first son Qiu Feng by force in order to raise him in her room.

    If Princess Yang had taken good care of her son, Qiu Feng, Ding Qinghong would have not been so angry although she might miss her so much.

    But the news she obtained was that Princess Yang always tortured Qiu Feng when no one was around. As a mother, she could not stand it any longer.

    In particr, Ding Qinghong had no second child since then. She must miss Qiu Feng very much as he was her only child. For this reason, after hearing Qiu Jinzhu dating Kung Qingwu before engagement in private, she was pleased. She jumped at the chance in attempt to grab her son back!

    Bian, as a senior concubine and Ding Qinghong, as the first daughter-inw, had the same aim despite having different starting points. That was, to topple Princess Yang. As they shared the same aim, they naturally would work together closely. Bian immediately shouted in surprise in the second when Ding Qinghong finished her words, ¡°To be a concubine? Are you kidding me? Back then, Prince was pissed off and broke off rtions with Kang Lizhang, Princess¡¯s granddaughter, just because she became a concubine! She was the only granddaughter Princess has! And who did she marry? It was the Duke of Huainan! Although the Duke of Huainan was a little old, he was a Prince and he was in the position of being in charge of the Imperial n Court! Kuang Qingwu is nobody at all. I even did not hear about this man until he was entangled in the affair!¡±

    Princess Yang felt embarrassed when they were talking. She used to be strict with the concubines and their daughters and sons. She even took draconian measures to Qiu Baozhu, Qiu Mengmin and his wife¡¯s daughter, to say nothing of the daughters and sons given birth by the concubines.

    In the past, as Princess Yang was born in an official family and gave birth to a daughter and a son, Qiu Mengmin could do nothing about her although he knew she often went too far.

    Bian¡¯s family background determined that it was her lucky to be a senior concubine in her husband¡¯s family. She had no chance to be a wife. Ding Qinghong¡¯s family was superior to Princess Yang but she was much younger than Princess Yang.

    For this reason, both had to yield to the pressure from Princess Yang.

    But now, Princess Yang¡¯s daughter made a big mistake. Princess Yang angered at Bian¡¯s mockery, but she could say nothing. Although Princess Yang had nothing to talk back, her daughter, the troublemaker Qiu Jinzhu, could not help butsh out at Bian, ¡°Don¡¯t be so cynical here! Why did you break into while my mother and I were talking? We could have done our talk if you had not broken into!¡±

    Bian and Ding Qinghong looked at her weirdly while she was talking. They thought: You must miscalcte the situation. You are the troublemaker. How dare yoush out at a senior concubine?!

    But then she thought, ¡°She must have known that she made a big mistake and would be punished severely. She might do anything without thinking about the consequences!¡± As she thought of this, she reasoned that it was not the time tobat with Qiu Jinzhu now. Her future was bleak. Her life was in danger. She was likely to do anything without thinking about the consequences. Bian nned to take the advantage of her mistake, toppled Princess Yang and had good days as a senior concubine being in charge of the family. In case that Qiu Jinzhu did something terrible because of her mean words and fought with her to death, it would be a disaster.

    Ding Qinghong also believed that Qiu Jinzhu must have put her life and death out of her mind. Honestly, Ding Qinghong had sympathy for Qiu Jinzhu, ¡°Qiu Jinzhu used to be raised in the house without going outside much. Although she was in anger often before, she, actually, is a young girl without much social experience. It is not strange she made mistakes. But Kung Qingwu is more than ten years old than Qiu Jinzhu and he is a new Jinshi. How can he not know it would bring tremendous damage to a girl? Although the affair is exposed now, Kuang Qingwu is the only son of Marquess Zhang¡¯s. He must be exempt from severe punishment. And he may marry Princess Changpin in the end. To Qiu Jinzhu... ¡±

    But her sympathy disappeared when she thought of her son, Qiu Feng, ¡°Princess Yang even can¡¯t teach her own daughter to be a righteous girl. How can I expect her to teach my boy well? Even if she would like to teach him well, no one could guarantee what man he would be in the future! I must get my boy this time!¡±

    She continued thinking, ¡°You are a trouble-maker in the family. You must confess it. Don¡¯t me me that I did not help you out of the trouble or I take the opportunity to make trouble for you. I must win back my son!¡±

    Seeing Bian did not say a word, Ding Qinghong said dismissively, ¡°Jinzhu, you might not notice that people gossip you. Some people even fueled it and added extra details. It was too dirty to say! We have asked the housekeepers multiple times when you would finish your talk. They replied nothing useful. You know what, many people came to our house, requiring about what¡¯s going on about you. We do not how to reply to them without your approval. We don¡¯t know what to do next. So, we had to break into for further instructions!¡±

    And then she said to Princess Yang, ¡°We just wanted Mother to be informed that our old friends have sent men here, asking for thetest news at the back door. They wanted to make sure whether the news spread from the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang was true or false.¡±

    The news that Kuang Qingwu, Marquess Zhang¡¯s son and Qiu Jinzhu, Commandery Princess Ningtai had been dating for over one year was exposed by the Xiao Family without intending to cover it at all.

    The family¡¯s feud had started from the time when Gu Yan attempted to insult Xiao Su.

    Just like Qiu Jinn insisted on going to the west, Xiao Su, who was always in ill health but with a strong personality, never thought to give it up or let it go although he was not really hurt in the conflict. What he wanted to do was to topple Empress Dowager and revenge on her!

    If he could not topple Empress Dowager, he must be a dead man considering what he did. As Xiao Su never covered or defended what he did, the young prince was determined to burn his boats.

    If he won, he would take revenge on her sessfully; if he failed, he would lose all standing and reputation.

    But it was understandable for what he did considering what Gu Yan attempted to do on him. It was Chu Chunxiao, the County Princess Duanrou, happened to pass by which frightened Gu Yan who then ran away... After that, old Princess Qin and Xiao Su were strictly on guard and defend to thest. For this reason, Gu Yan did not have a chance to torture him again.

    But if Empress Dowager won the battle atst, and Gu Yan was reminded of what he did to Xiao Su, Xiao Su could do nothing at that time even he had the Duke of Puyang as his backer.

    He¡¯d rather try his best to settle this matter than live on!

    As the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang used to be in a low profile and thanked to old Princess Qin¡¯s good reputation obtained in the past, people who received the news spread by the Xiao Family was convinced that it was true.

    As Ding Qinghong said of this, naturally, she wanted to insult Princess Yang severely. At the same time, she wanted to remind Princess Yang of their trouble. It was a big trouble!

    ¡°Ignore them!¡± Princess Yang said. As she had been in charge of the family for many years, she surely knew how to manage the onlookers. Although she was used to be suppressed by Lu and fought for power with Aunt Qiu over the past years, she was born in an official family and was a princess anyway.

    Bian and Ding Qinghong¡¯s pressure made her calm down instead. She raised her hand andbed his messy hair. And then she said, ¡°I will exin to Princess myself. Jinzhu, stand up and go to pack. I send you to Jiang¡¯s residence, living with Qiu Yn!¡± It was shameless Qiu Yn who began to date Jiang Yashuang before their engagement which taught a bad lesson to Qiu Jinzhu. If Qiu Jinzhu did not see them hugging, she would not follow her suit.

    Princess Yang really wanted to shout at Qiu Yn, ¡°It is you setting a bad example! You must be responsible for what you did to my daughter!¡±

    But that was what she was thinking. She could not tell her daughter what she thought. So, she said instead, ¡°We have to rely on Qiu Yn helping us out of the trouble now. You have to solicit her to see you after you arrive at her ce. After meeting her, put your dignity aside, asking her to do you a favor consistently until she says yes!¡±

 Chapter 255 - How They Met

    <h4>Chapter 255 How They Met</h4>

    Momentster, in Jiang¡¯s residence.

    Qiu Jinzhu walked into Qiu Yn¡¯s residence with fear.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Qiu Yn wore casual clothes and held an ivory silk fan in her hand. She pointed at the nearest seat, hinting Qiu Jinzhu to sit down. She then asked directly, ¡°Now the rumor is running wild. Why are you here to see me, not trying to find a solution with your parents?¡±

    ¡°You heard that too?¡± Even though Qiu Jinzhu learned from her and saw Kuang Qingwu in private, but Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang became a married couple and she was despised by everyone. Now speaking of it, she still felt like her face was burning. Qiu Jinzhu dazed for a while and said, ¡°Please save me, sister!¡±

    After she said that, Xiuyan who was standing behind her pulled her secretly. Qiu Jinzhu then remembered to kneel, but she was in such a hurry that she almost fell. So she supported on the ground with her hands. Xiuyan who was sent over by Princess Yang looked at how Qiu Jinzhu behaved. Xiuyan sighed secretly and kneeled down with her, ¡°Please help sixth Commandery Princess giving your blood rtion! Princess Yang is willing to do everything for you...¡±

    ¡°There¡¯re many who would do everything for me. Why would I need her?¡± Qiu Yn sneered mockingly. She patted on Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s shoulder with the fan, ¡°Stand up and talk. The rumor is going wild. In such a short time, everyone on Mount Dizi knew. If you waste more time, Empress Dowager probably will send someone for you. Hurry up and tell me what happened, so I can give you some advice!¡±

    Hearing her tone, Qiu Jinzhu knew Qiu Yn would help her. Qiu Jinzhu and Xiuyan were very happy yet surprised. Commandery Princess Ningyi was never easy to talk up to before! Let alone such a big trouble, even some small ones, because they had some grudges before, Qiu Yn would always take all her chances to torment them before promising anything!

    There was definitely a reason. Qiu Jinzhu and Xiuyan subconsciously thought the rumor had gone wildly so fast, even though Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang wasn¡¯t hiding anything on the surface, yet both Prince¡¯s Mansions never had any grudges before. Xiao Family, since old Princess Qin, had all left people with a decent impression. They had never done anything mean. Yet this time, they directly pointed out Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s identity. They were looking to start a feud with Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe at all costs!

    Was it possible that...?

    ¡°It would be fine if you were tricked by another, but Kuang Qingwu¡¯s father Kuang Shihan is difficult to deal with. Back then, no one in the Kuang Family wanted to raise him. My grandfather raised him up like he was my grandfather¡¯s own blood. Yet in the end, he set my grandfather¡¯s whole family up, even my father...¡±

    She knew they would doubt her because she agreed to help them too quickly. But there was no other way. The Empress¡¯ party now needed something to fight back. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t have the time to dawdle with them. She thought quickly and suddenly sneered. She stared at the fan in her hand and said slowly, ¡°They say like father like son. How can you believe such a person?! I don¡¯t know why you are so stupid!¡±

    That was more like it! In Qiu Yn¡¯s mind, her maiden family was Ruan Family. When had she ever treated the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe as her family?

    After her sneer and mockery, Qiu Jinzhu and Xiuyan stopped doubting her. They were relived in secret: they almost forgot that she had an absolutely irreconcble feud with Kuang Family!

    ¡°My uncle and Kuang Shihan? He?¡± This was the first time Qiu Jinzhu heard this news. She blurted out, ¡°Didn¡¯t they say he died on the battlefield?¡±

    ¡°Even though my father only ranked the third in the Western Army, but in terms of his title, even my grandfather who controlled the Western Army was lower than him. How can you underestimate my father¡¯s guards?¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Then even my grandfather came back alive. Had it not for Kuang Shihan, how could my father die in a battle?!¡±

    She squinted at Qiu Jinzhu and looked thoughtful, ¡°No wonder you would be with him then. After all, they are my biggest enemies, but your biggest benefactors! Otherwise, how can Lu and her sone back to the Mansion? If not, your father¡¯s first wife probably won¡¯t ¡°die of an illness¡±, and your mother won¡¯t get married into Qiu Family. There won¡¯t be you then!¡±

    ¡°Please stop joking.¡± Seeing Qiu Jinzhu blushing and being speechless, Xiuyan tried to smooth things over hurriedly, ¡°Sixth Commandery Princess was lied to by that Kuang Qingwu! Now everything is exposed. The Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang is even leading it. Princess Yang doesn¡¯t know what to do. She thought for so long and you¡¯re the only one that could help! Please!¡±

    With Xiuyan¡¯s status in front of Princess Yang, this was quite obsequious.

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t n to waste more time with them. She thought what she did should have dispelled their misgivings. She then sat up straight, ¡°Then why are you still saying all these? Tell me what happened so I could help you!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s like this...¡± Qiu Jinzhu knew how serious this was. Not only her, her mother Princess Yang, and her brother Qiu Yinzhi¡¯s future were all in the hands of Qiu Yn. Even though she felt it was hard to say, she did quickly talk about the whole story.

    It was actually quite simple. On thest Emperor¡¯s birthday, there was an earthquake. Because everyone was worried about aftershock, they stayed for a while and went back to Jing Cityter in session. During this time, because they were afraid of the summer residence like the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang¡¯s that crushed and hurt old Princess Qin, even if a residence was newly built, the owner didn¡¯t dare to stay. They all put up temporary tents on a wide and open ground.

    Things were obviously messy at then.

    After all, the reason why Mount Dizi was chosen as the location for the royal Summer Pce was that it had a good view.

    Since it was a mountain, then no matter it was strange, dangerous, deep or steep, elegant, perilous, it wouldn¡¯t be t. Therefore, there wasn¡¯t much open space on Mount Dizi. So the tents were all close to each other.

    That was how Qiu Jinzhu met Kuang Qingwu.

    She wasn¡¯t paying much attention, but somehow, she kept running into him, so she started remembering him.

    Then one day Kuang Qingwu greeted her. She stopped and talked with him. ¡°I didn¡¯t think too much. But I heard him saying he was the Young Prince of Marquess Zhang. I thought since Marquess Zhang was married to a Princess and was a general guarding the border, I shouldn¡¯t slight his only son.¡±

    After the start, everything else happened smoothly. Later, if Qiu Jinzhu had gone out, she would have met Kuang Qingwu. They talked to each other quite often. In front of the servants, they didn¡¯t do anything inappropriate. Yet after some time, even a simple greeting had a dubious taste in it.

    Finally one day, he asked Qiu Jinzhu to send her maids away as he wanted to say something to her. Since they were meeting up quite frequently, Qiu Jinzhu had a presentiment. After some hesitation, she asked the maids to go away into a distance with a frightened yet cheerful mood.

    Just like she predicted, Kuang Qingwu took the chance and expressed his adoration enthusiastically!

    Kuang Qingwu was of course not as handsome as Jiang Yashuang or graceful as Deng Yi. He alsocked the yboy¡¯s intrinsically charm that attracted women like Qiu Jinn. Butpared to these three who would be remembered by history just by their looks, in normal people¡¯s eyes, he was handsome enough.

    Especially his background, he was the only son of Marquess Zhang. His official mother Xingkang Grand Princess didn¡¯t have any child. He was also the nominal grandson of Regent Empress Dowager. In terms of his rank, let alone Jiang Yashuang, even Jiang Tianchi who was the Great General of North was only the same as him.

    This kind of man would be qualified to marry a Princess, yet he fell in love with Qiu Jinzhu. Qiu Jinzhu was only thirteen then and was first in love. How could she not feel satisfied?

    ¡°Qiu Yn has Jiang Yashuang and I have Qingwu!¡± She was flipped. Even though she refused it in a restrained manner, but Kuang Qingwu pursed her more and Qiu Jinzhu agreed to him while pretending to refuse. Then Kuang Qingwu¡¯s young servantined, ¡°Master, you came to Jing City this time to participate in the imperial examination in spring. Now you fell for Commandery Princess Ningtai. You¡¯re matched and Marquess Zhang will like her. But you only thought about meeting Commandery Princess. How far behind are you with your study? Mr. Leshan just scolded you two days ago. If you fail the imperial examination in spring... Marquess will hate Commandery Princess! If you¡¯re not thinking for yourself, think for Commandery Princess!¡±

    Of course, Kuang Qingwu scolded that young servant harshly. He then consoled Qiu Jinzhu, ¡°Don¡¯t listen to him. I know what I¡¯m doing. I won¡¯t give my father a chance to be angry at you!¡±

    When saying that, he looked soulful. His persistent look melted Qiu Jinzhu into a warm spring pond.

    But after a few days, the young servant came to find her in secret. He cried when seeing her, ¡°Young Prince can¡¯t bear to not see you. But he¡¯s afraid to get Marquess Zhang angry if he fails and it leads to you. So hees to see you in the day and goes home to study at night. How can he hold on like that? This morning he fainted! He¡¯s not awake till now!¡±

    Hearing that, Qiu Yn said quietly, ¡°You then went to see him without caring anything. When you arrived, you found him unconscious and looking withered. He had no one to look after him. So you found a way to stay and look after him. During then, you probably heard him mumbling. Either your name or how he loves you or that he¡¯ll die if he leaves you. Am I right?¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu was immersed in her past memories. Tears came out of her eyes now and then. Hearing this, she was dazed, ¡°How do you know?¡±

    ¡°If you had a brother who frequently gave you hours of lectures on ¡®The 999 Miserable Ends When Being in Love with the Wrong Guy¡¯ or ¡®The Common Methods Used by yboys¡¯, and every time he drew on many examples and each example was different...¡± Qiu Yn thought in her heart, ¡°I would guarantee that even if you¡¯re a girl born in this time who was still young and naive, Kuang Qingwu would never be able to get to you before he became a real master!¡±

    But she wouldn¡¯t tell Qiu Jinzhu this kind of speech that would damage Qiu Jinn¡¯s reputation. She just said quietly, ¡°Kuang Shihan has a wild ambition. He bites the hands that feed him. How could his son not know how to pretend? Besides, with Kuang Qingwu¡¯s status, he definitely didn¡¯t buy his young servant from someone yesterday with ten tael. How could his servant not know any rule? He dares to say all that to you when his master is meeting you. Clearly, Kuang Qingwu taught him. They were acting together to coax you!¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu couldn¡¯t help but said, ¡°Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang spread the words out. I don¡¯t know when I offended them. Actually Qingwu was nice...¡±

    ¡°If he really likes you, why didn¡¯t he say anything, now the rumor is running wild?¡± Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s heart froze because of what Qiu Yn said, ¡°You can¡¯t count on him. Now, why don¡¯t you think about what you need to do?¡±

    Seeing Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s tears dropping, Qiu Yn asked Su He to give her a handkerchief. She said calmly, ¡°Now to save you, we need to get Kuang Qingwu to marry you! But you probably don¡¯t know, Empress Dowager Gu is eager to win Kuang Shihan over, so she promised Kuang Shihanst year to marry Princess Changping to Kuang Qingwu! Even though your rumor got out, just thinking about the Western Army, Empress Dowager won¡¯t mind it. Of course, won¡¯t mind him. I don¡¯t think Empress Dowager will go easy on you!¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu didn¡¯t know what to say at this moment. Thankfully, Xiuyan came together. She smiled obsequiously and asked, ¡°Could you please teach sixth Commandery Princess?¡±

 Chapter 256 - A Plan of Empress Dowagerâ€™s party

    <h4>Chapter 256 A n of Empress Dowager¡¯s party</h4>

    Qiu Yn took a sip of tea. And she hinted with a wink that Su He herself should go out and lead others to guard the door. Then she asked cautiously, ¡°Tell me the truth. You have been seeing Kuang Qingwu for a year. What¡¯s the state of your rtionship?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Hearing that, Qin Jinzhu lowered her head at once and said nothing.

    She was dillydallying. But Qiu Yn didn¡¯t have time for that and was about to urge her. Xiuyan answered for her with huge embarrassment, ¡°Sixth Commandery Princess is really young and naive...And Kuang Qingwu wheedled her into thinking that he was sincere...¡±

    So, what should have happened and shouldn¡¯t have happened both happened?

    Just like what Qiu Yn expected, but she still sighed, ¡°He took everything he could and didn¡¯t even mention about marrying her. Even so, she still wants to defend Kuang Qingwu...How did Yang teach her daughter?¡± even Qiu Jinzhu was just 14. But people got married at an early age in that era. 14 was the age that people should get married. She should have known better!

    Qiu Yn shook her head and then asked, ¡°Then...one more question, are you pregnant?¡±

    That was a straight question. Let alone that Qiu Jinzhu and Xiuyan felt too ashamed. Even Xiaran who stayed to wait on them blushed. After a moment¡¯s deadlock, Qiu Jinzhu whispered, ¡°I...I don¡¯t think so!¡±

    ¡°Do you know what pregnancy is?¡± Qiu Yn was still worried.

    ¡°Princess asked an old maidservant to feel her pulse just now,¡± Xiuyan was too ashamed to look up and said cautiously.

    Qiu Yn nodded, ¡°In that case, it¡¯s okay for you to be tired when we argue over this,¡± the strategy of the Empress¡¯s party in response to the mad attacks of Empress Dowager¡¯s party was a chain of stratagems. Exposing Kuang Qingwu and Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s affair was just their first move.

    They made their first move using that matter because it could directly lead to Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s top concern which was the military power of the Western Army. And also because things like men¡¯s and women¡¯s affairs drew the most attention and were the easiest way to create a buzz. In that case, not only was there less rumour about Marquess Qin¡¯s illness, but it could also make the Empress Dowager¡¯s party think of Qiu Jinn¡¯s origin which could distract them. It could fundamentally reduce the pressure which came from other¡¯s spection about Marquess Qin¡¯s illness!

    As for Qiu Jinzhu who got involved involuntarily, frankly speaking, since the day she started to see Kuang Qingwu, she was destined to get dragged into this mess. Even if Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t trick her, Empress Dowager would kill her sooner orter to clear the way for Princess Changping! Now it became a big deal. She had a chance instead!

    Besides, Qiu Yn was sure that Kuang Qingwu seduced her cousin on purpose. His purpose was by no means pure. Not just ying with Qiu Jinzhu, she was afraid that he had a deeper purpose. However, Qiu Jinzhu indulged in a lie of having found a good husband. She hadn¡¯t noticed it at all!

    ¡°The next move will be seeking justice for this silly girl using this as an excuse,¡± Qiu Yn thought, ¡°I hope shees to her senses soon. Otherwise, Kuang Qingwu may coax her into changing her mind after I have tried to stand up for her. How can I keep this show going after that?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of being tired!¡± Qiu Jinzhu said timidly.

    ¡°One more thing. After I teach you how to do, you must listen to me. Don¡¯t let Kuang Qingwu coax you into changing your mind and put me in harm¡¯s way instead!¡± Qiu Yn took a look at her and put on a serious face. She said, ¡°We have to agree on this. If you don¡¯t listen to me, I¡¯ll leave you to fend for yourself!¡±

    As expected, hardly had her voice faded away, Qiu Jinzhu looked torn and hesitated to agree!

    Seeing that Qiu Jinzhu was actually hesitating, Xiuyan was so frustrated, ¡°Sixth Commandery Princess, did you forget what Princess told you before you came here? Judging by the time, Prince should have been called back by Senior Concubine Bian and Madame Ding. I¡¯m not sure how Princess is going to exin to Prince. Do you care if Princess dies? She is your mother!¡±

    Then she cried out loud, ¡°What Commandery Princess Ningyi said is absolutely right! If Kuang Qingwu truly loved you, how could he note out and give you an exnation considering it hase to this? He has been lying to you for a year. And he has ruined your life. Do you want to forsake your mother and brother for him?¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu had been seeing Kuang Qingwu in private for a year. And he was her first love. Even she knew that he lied to her, she still couldn¡¯t break up with him immediately. After all, it was hard for girls to cut the knots when it came to rtionships. She was panic due to all the tears and confrontationing from Xiuyan. But she was numb and didn¡¯t promise not to see Kuang Qingwu in the future.

    Seeing that, Xiuyan felt like pping her to make her regain her senses!

    However, before she who was grinding her teeth could continue to push Qiu Jinzhu, Su He who was outside the door reported loudly, ¡°Someone from the Summer Pce is here. He said that Empress Dowager summoned Commandery Princess Ningtai to go to the pce!¡±

    ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi, sixth Commandery Princess is not herself right now. You have to save her! I¡¯m begging you!¡± Hearing that, Xiuyan was greatly frightened. She didn¡¯t know what to do. She only could keep kowtowing to Qiu Yn desperately. She was Princess Yang¡¯s trusted maid. They rose and fell together. If Princess Yang was harmed because of Qin Jinzhu, she would suffer too!

    So, she was very sincere when she kowtowed. After a few times, blood ran from her smooth forehead!

    ¡°I¡¯ll be on her side!¡± Qiu Yn stood up and asked Xiaran to stop Xiuyan. She sneered, ¡°Now I have a chance to mess with Kuang Qingwu. How could I let it go? So, there is no need for you to beg me. You¡¯d better save your strength and follow sixth Commandery Princess closelyter. When she is going to say something that she shouldn¡¯t say, you¡¯d better force her to shut up!¡±

    After saying all that, Qiu Yn instructed Su He, ¡°Tell him that we will be there after changing!¡±

    Then she shouted, ¡°Where is Yashuang? Go and find him. Ask him to go and ask aunt for help!¡±

    Hearing that Qiu Yn was going to ask Empress for help, Xiuyan finally believed that she was really going to stand up for Qiu Jinzhu. Considering how powerful Jiang Family was, even there were rumors saying Marquess Qin was dying, but since he was still alive, he should be able to hang in there until the big trouble of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was solved, right?

    Qiu Yn asked Xiaran to call the maids in to wait on Qiu Jinzhu and Xiuyan. She went into the inner chamber and changed into the Commandery Princess¡¯s formal dress. After them all tidying up, she walked out with her cousin.

    The eunuch who was sent there by Empress Dowager waited anxiously in the Flower Hall. When he finally saw them, his tone surly was not nice, ¡°Two Commandery Princess of Qiu, you guys are finally here! I thought you guys went away through the back door. I was wondering how to reply to Empress Dowager!¡±

    He was obviously satirizing Qiu Jinzhu for doing something shameful. Besides, he called them ¡°two Commandery Princess of Qiu¡± which also insinuated Qiu Yn.

    Hearing that, Qiu Yn looked at Su He. Su He figured out what she meant immediately. She replied immediately with a sarcastic and cold tone, ¡°Oh! You have quite a temper! However, what an important person Empress Dowager is! Madame Yn and Commandery Princess Ningtai tidied themselves up before going to see her which shows their respect for her. Do you mean that we don¡¯t need to respect Empress Dowager so much?¡±

    The eunuch didn¡¯t expect that not only did Qiu Yn not take his anger seriously, she even hinted a maid to talk back to him. He was stunned for a moment. Then a murderous look shed through his fair face. He said insidiously, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi, do you agree with her? Although I wasn¡¯t lucky enough to see you all the time, I knew that you didn¡¯t dress so formal meeting with the Empress when you stayed in the Summer Pce a few days ago. Do you respect Empress Dowager but not Empress? In that case, I¡¯ll definitely tell Empress Dowager about it. I won¡¯t let your efforts go in vain!¡±

    Hearing that, Su He was astonished. She focused on picking on the eunuch. But she didn¡¯t realize that there was a huge loophole in her words! She was trying to figure out what to do. She heard Qiu Yn saying tly, ¡°How can today be the same as usual? My cousin is fooled by that immoral bastard Kuang Qingwu. Even if Empress Dowager doesn¡¯t summon us, I¡¯m going to take my cousin to the pce to ask Empress to uphold justice! How could I wear casual clothes on such an asion?¡±

    The eunuch didn¡¯t have better things to say, ¡°Empress Dowager is dealing with this matter now. You can let me lead Commandery Princess Ningtai to Empress Dowager. And you can go to Empress yourself!¡±

    ¡°Ridiculous! Who do you think you are? You are not qualified to speak on Empress Dowager¡¯s behalf!¡± Su He finally found a chance to make up for her mistake. She rebuked loudly, ¡°Besides, how honorable Empress is! You think you can send Her Grace to see the Empress just by saying so. I wonder if you could see Empress anytime you want! What? Do you dare tomand the Empress?¡±

    ¡°Carriage is outside. Please follow me!¡± the eunuch¡¯s look changed a few times. He was indeed Empress Dowager¡¯s trusted servant. He knew that he wouldn¡¯t necessarily lose a quarrel to Su He. But he was outnumbered at that moment. If he kept quarreling with her, he would only be humiliated more. There was no point in doing that. He pretended not to hear what Su He said at that moment. But he thought viciously, ¡°Wait until we meet the Empress Dowager. I¡¯ll make you b*tch pay!¡±

    The eunuch waved his horsetail whisk with a poker face and walked out of the door before them!

    Seeing that, Su He looked at Qiu Yn with gloat. Qiu Yn also gave her an approving look. After praising her trusted maid, Qiu Yn¡¯s smile fainted, ¡°Qiu Jinzhu is such a silly girl. She is wavering in her attitude. I need to prevent her from changing her sideter. Also, Empress Dowager must have summoned Kuang Qingwu to the pce to question him about the matter. Now she is summoning Qiu Jinzhu. I¡¯m afraid that she already has a solution. I can¡¯t let them have what they want!¡±

    She was wrong about that. Of course, Empress Dowager¡¯s party discussed what to do right after hearing the news. However, the solution...

    They were still arguing up to that moment!

    In Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s perspective, a Commandery Princess of a declining Prince Family wanted to steal the future husband of my granddaughter who I raised myself? She could have died sooner! So, Empress Dowager suggested, ¡°I remember Commandery Princess Ningtai. You guys also know how her two cousins who were the two girls of the Yang Family died and how Yang Tao got implicated and relegated by those unfilial juniors. It¡¯s said that birds of a feather flock together. Her cousins werecking in virtue. It¡¯s normal that she learns from them. She seduces others at such a young age. How will Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe face others if she doesn¡¯t die?¡±

    She meant that they needed to me Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe for not being strict with her and me her for being a slut.

    But Qiu Dian who arrived in a hurry disagreed, ¡°Your Majesty, although Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe is not like what it used to be, its ancestry has a deep connection with the Western Army! Two generations of the Western Army all know that Kuang Shihan owes General Ruan a debt. If Kuang Qingwu is seeing girls from other families, it will be okay. Since it¡¯s Commandery Princess Ningyi, it¡¯s better to pacify to avoid disappointing those people in the Western Army who still remember their oldmander!¡±

    Of course, those people had already been disappointed when Qiu Zhongyan died and General Ruan got condemned. Qiu Dian thought like that at that moment mostly because, ¡°After all, Jiang Family still doesn¡¯t let others see that one in Green Vi. How could we be sure it¡¯s not about this?¡±

    The old-timers of the Western Army already remembered that Kuang Shihan requited General Ruan¡¯s kindness with enmity. Now Kuang Qingwu wanted to forsake Commandery Princess Ningtai after having dallied with. If Qiu Jinn came forward after all that with his true identity and yed the victim... Although there were people who held the candle for the devil, most of the people had the right moral standards, okay?

    It would not only shake the morale of the army, but also make Empress Dowager¡¯s party unpopr!

    Empress Dowager Gu and Qiu Dian argued for a while but couldn¡¯t agree with each other. They both looked at Tang Zimo who arrived before Qiu Dian and kept silent, ¡°Prime Minister Tang?¡±

    ¡°Kuang Qingwu is much older than Commandery Princess Ningtai. If words get out, people will spurn Commandery Princess Ningtai for sure, but they will more likely to believe that Kuang Qingwu seduced Commandery Princess Ningtai... Besides, Qiu Jinn is definitely behind this!¡± Tang Zimo was a key member who Empress Dowager Gu was willing to mend fences with even she needed to arrange a marriage between two people of different generations. His suggestion was better, ¡°Why don¡¯t we beat them at their own game? First, we ask Kuang Qingwu to admit that he has been seeing Commandery Princess Ningtai in private. Then, we expose that Commandery Princess Ningtai is under Qiu Jinn¡¯smand. She is willing to seduce Kuang Qingwu in order to usurp the Western Army¡¯s military power through him. Or even plot to murder important officials!¡±

 Chapter 257 - The Remaining Problem? Your Teacher Would Help You!

    <h4>Chapter 257 The Remaining Problem? Your Teacher Would Help You!</h4>

    Tang Zimo¡¯s solution resembled Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s. They both attempted to make Kuang Qingwu innocent and me Commandery Princess Ningtai for all. However, Commandery Princess Ningtai¡¯s life was not a big deal to Tang Zimo. What he really desired to do was to target Qiu Jinn with Commandery Princess Ningtai as the bail.

    ¡°In this sense, Kuang Qingwu became the victim as he was cheated in the case. Instead, Qiu Jinn bes the ruthless one that he asked his younger female cousin aged thirteen to sleep with others!¡± said Empress Dowager Gu with a smile. ¡°Surely, we know that Qiu Jinn was a Young Prince. Today¡¯s Duke of Xihe is Ningtai¡¯s father, Qiu Mengmin. We can say that in order to save his title, Qiu Mengmin sacrificed his daughter because Qiu Jinn coerced him... What a mean family it is!¡±

    Hearing Empress Dowager said her n briefly, Qiu Dian doubted, ¡°But the news Kuang Qingwu dated Commandery Princess Ningtai was exposed by the Xiao Family. It must be because over the past days, Marquess Qin has been in ill health and bes more serious as time passes. The Jiang Family must be afraid that they could not handle it perfectly, so, they are trying to muddle the waters... If it were true, what we would do might be the exact thing Jiang Family wishes.¡±

    Ultimately, the biggest threat Empress Dowager faced was from the Empress instead of Duke of Xihe¡¯s princess who yed fake death games before the people.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± said Empress Dowager Gu with a frown. Tang Zimo stroked his long beard, saying lightly, ¡°As Marquess Qin is not in serious condition, he must be well in days... Today¡¯s trouble is serious. It is impossible to handle it perfectly in days. At least, the Qiu Family has been having the hereditary title since the foundation of the country. Plus, the evidence that Qiu Jinn coerced Qiu Mengmin to sacrifice his daughter as a bail, we need time to get it prepared. The Jiang Family won¡¯t copse even if we continue to keep tabs on it. I suggest that we strike first, and God may stand with us before Marquess Qin gets well. We take care of Qiu Jinn and remove the unstable factors in the Western Army first!¡±

    Qiu Dian was surprised, ¡°Premier Tang, are you sure Marquess Qin will be getting better in days?¡±

    In fact, although Empress Dowager had hired men to spread the news that Marquess Qin was close to dying, the core members in her party such as Empress Dowager Gu, Tang Zimo, Qiu Dian and others knew well that Marquess Qin was not in a critical period.

    The reason was simple. Empress Jiang, Jiang Tianao and others cooperated closely, notpeting for manpower after they heard Marquess Qin was ill.

    If they were not certain that Marquess Qin would be better and he, surely, would be in charge of the family after his recovery, they must havepeted and fought with each other severely considering their long-term feud. They might not follow the Marquess Qin¡¯s will even if he had one atst.

    Although they knew that Marquess Qin would not die in days, it was uncertain for Empress Dowager and others how long he would be in ill condition.

    After all, considering the close rtionship between Marquess Qin and the Empress¡¯s party, it was impossible for Empress Dowager and her men to spot the concrete news during the critical period, or the Empress¡¯s party couldn¡¯t protect the news from being spread, it revealed that the party had no capability topete and fight with Empress Dowager in the court.

    Concerning about the news that the Empress¡¯s party imed Marquess Qin would be well in days, the men hired by the Empress Dowager sneered at it again and again about its vague wording. Neither Empress Dowager¡¯s party was certain about his health, nor was the Empress¡¯s party!

    Back to the conversation, Tang Zimo seemed certain Marquess Qin would be well in two or three days, which shocked Empress Dowager, let alone Qiu Dian. ¡°Sidao, why are you so certain about it?¡± Sidao was the courtesy name of Tang Zimo.

    ¡°As no Marquess Qin¡¯s support, Qiu Jinn even can¡¯t prove who he is!¡± Tang Zimo said dismissively. He added, ¡°Back then, the news about Qiu Zhongyan¡¯s only child early death was big news at that time in the city. And he held a solemn funeral for him. What¡¯s more, years ago, when Commandery Princess Ningyi, his sister, disclosed the fact that today¡¯s Duke of Xihe disrespected his official mother, Qiu Mengmin killed almost all maids and servants serving Old Princess Lian in an attempt to not let people tell right from wrong. The ones who were survived were bribed by him or serving Commandery Princess Ningyi now. Given the rtionship between Commandery Princess Ningyi and Qiu Mengmin, the maids or servants might not dare testify about the plot. That is to say, Qiu Jinn did not have a reliable witness helping him revert to his real identity. At least, he did not have a witness we know, to say nothing that he resembled the people of the Ruan Family instead of his real family, the Qiu Family! About the physical evidence he may show, we can say he steals or grabs it from somewhere.¡±

    ¡°Or maybe someone from the ¡®Tianya¡¯ may testify that he yed fake death in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe back then. I believe that the Jiang Family doesn¡¯t hope that the real identity of the son of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe and the top killer organization leader, is exposed, let alone Qiu Jinn himself. Over the past years, the ¡®Tianya¡¯ has killed many people and has feuded with many too. As a government official, and at the same time, the head of the organization like ¡®Tianya¡¯ from the very first day of the foundation of the country, he is deemed as a traitor.¡±

    Tang Zimo resumed, ¡°If he wants to disassociate himself from the ¡®Tianya¡¯ and testify his identity at the same time, he must rely on Marquess Qin instead of Empress or Jiang Tianao as thetter can¡¯t hold others down. Currently, they let the Xiao Family expose Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s affair to muddle the waters. And they also want to give Qiu Jinn an opportunity to prove himself as the very day when Marquess Qin is well.¡±

    He grinned and continued to reason, ¡°We know that Qiu Jinn has been back to the capital for many years. Why did not they reveal his identity before? There must be a reason. I guess Qiu Jinn was loath to have a battle for the title with his Uncle Mengmin, meanwhile, he regretted that the Ruan Family did not have a son. For the reasons, he took the heavy responsibility to carry on the Ruan Family as an heir. On the other hand, he could take care of Ruan Ciyi and Qiu Yn under the guise of the family name Ruan. But now, he can¡¯t stand that Kuang Qingwu cheated on his younger sister, Qiu Jinzhu. He then decided to reveal his real identity to the people. This is a good and reasonable excuse, and it proves that he is a righteous and filial man as well... And, why I am sure that Marquess Qin would be well in days because it was the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang who exposed the news about the love affair between Kuang Qingwu and Commandery Princess Ningtai to the public!¡±

    To the Empress¡¯s party, Kuang Qingwu and Commandery Princess Ningtai were outsiders. They did not care about their future, even their lives were not their concerns! However, they could not say they did not care about the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang as the family held the title still while the Xiao Family had been declining. What¡¯s more, Xiao Su, the Duke of Puyang was the calligraphy teacher of Yongfu and Chunfu princesses. He had a close rtionship with Princess Yongfu and was respected by some of the young princes of the Jiang Family.

    For the reason mentioned above, the Xiao Family¡¯s position in the Empress¡¯s party couldn¡¯t be considered pivotal, but it wasn¡¯t an outcast to be thrown out either.

    With the Xiao Family taking the lead this time, it was clear that the Empress¡¯s party was about to y the game seriously.

    As they were going to y the game seriously, they must have confidence in controlling the situation. Against the current backdrop, the Empress¡¯s party might be split into pieces if Marquess Qin could not be well and be in charge of the overall situation, let alone start a fight with the enemy!

    In Tang Zimo¡¯s opinion, even Kuang Qingwu really loved Commandery Princess Ningtai and would like to marry her only in his life, it would not turn the tables on Ningtai. He was not the head of the Western Army! Even though he was the only child of Kuang Shihan¡¯s, Kuang Shihan would not be silly to sacrifice himself for his son¡¯s marriage! It would be so naive if the Empress¡¯s party wanted to use the nder to smack the Empress Dowager¡¯s party!

    Hence, ¡°An affair between a man and a woman would have been the most controversial. Although the fact that Empress Dowager wants Princess Changping to marry Kuang Qingwu was not disclosed to the public, the public has known it already. Within two or three days, at most, three days, the news would be spread to every corner, even be spread back to the capital immediately! And then, the recovered Marquess Qin would be out of his room, being in charge of everything. Subsequently, Marquess Qin will reveal Qiu Jinn¡¯s real identity. Compared with the inferior Commandery Princess Ningtai, Qiu Jinn would be the pain in the Western Army¡¯s ass!¡±

    ¡°Jiang Qianchuan, you bastard... ¡°Empress Dowager Gu mulled over Tang Zimo¡¯s conjecture, sighed, ¡°If he dies because of his illness, I may let Qiu Jinn be alive longer!¡±

    This was not because Empress Dowager loved the talented young man with a warm heart, ¡°Back then, in order to bnce the Jiang Family¡¯s influence in the Northern Army, we supported Kuang Shihan in a hurry. However, Kuang Shihan is not a lucky man. His only child was not given birth by XingKang! Despite the fact that he did nothing seriously viting the rules, he, ultimately, serving the country in the west far away from the capital, might do something bad without the strict rules constraining him... Qiu Jinn is a perfect option to bnce Kuang Shihan. Ah, Kuang Shihan might be another pain in my back after we get rid of the Jiang Family in the future.¡±

    At present, as Marquess Qin would be well in days, and more importantly, Empress Dowager¡¯s party was uncertain if they could win without Kuang Shihan as an ally. For this reason, they had to support Kuang Shihan to avoid that the Empress¡¯s party won him over from the Western Army.

    ¡°We do as what Sidao suggested!¡± said Empress Dowager Gu regretfully. Although she felt regretful, the threat posed by the Empress¡¯s party was imminent and Kuang Shihan was tied with her in a group. What was more, Kuang Shihan¡¯s only son was serving Empress Dowager now... So, she decided without much thinking to get rid of Qiu Jinn for Kuang Shihan to stabilize Kuang Shihan¡¯s power in the army.

    Qiu Dian seized the opportunity, saying, ¡°Marquess Qin will be well in days, but I guess he will be indoor for his good during these days. If not, why were the Empress and her men at a loss in the past days? The Empress and her men must have taken days to figure out a n, which Premier Tang guessed out easily. I wonder if Marquess Qin can hold the situation after he is well as the situation has been changed thoroughly.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for yourpliment, Censor Qiu,¡± said Tang Zimo dismissively. He added, ¡°Although I have known what they will do next, there is still one thing I am concerned about.¡±

    ¡°I know what you are talking about,¡± said Empress Dowager Gu promptly. Working together for many years enabled Empress Dowager Gu to know him well, ¡°You mean... Xue Chang?¡±

    ¡°He has disassociated his rtionship with Qiu Jinn after Empress Dowager talked with him about Qiu Jinn¡¯s birth,¡± said Tang Zimo, squinting. ¡°Over the past one year, he truly did not contact Qiu Jinn except for the matter of Commandery Princess Ningyi¡¯s disengagement. He did it just because he is Qiu Jinn¡¯s teacher. But I think, as for the earthquakest year, his grandson Xue Nongying he has high hopes was hurt badly. The Xue Family may have no appropriate heirs due to his injury. So, for the future of Xue Nongying, Xue Chang must re-think how to instruct young Qiu Jinn! If Xue Chang chooses to stand with Qiu Jinn and work with Marquess Qin, the thing will go against us... ¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu thought for a while and said, ¡°I don¡¯t think this would happen. I know that Xue Chang used to choose no side. And, he even tried by every means to transfer Cheng Jin back to work in the capital, recing Ding Lingyi as the Hanlin academician. The past year witnessed that he rack his brains to instruct Cheng Jin... I even heard Xue Chang wanted to arrange the youngest daughter of the Cheng Family as Xue Nongying¡¯s wife!¡±

    ¡°It will be awesome if this is true!¡± said Tang Zimo. Realizing that Xue Chang would not be involved in the battle, Tang Zimo, as a shrewd man, was feeling relieved. His relief proved that a no-side Xue Chang was a big figure that both parties wanted to have!

    This, on the sharp contrast, meant that Xue Chang had known what Tang Zimo was nning!

    While they drafted their n, Xue Chang was sitting in a quiet ce in the Xue Family, talking with a smile to Qiu Jinn who came here by disguising himself. ¡°... Jiang Yashuang¡¯s suggestion, although it can solve the pending crisis, it will give rise to big trouble in the future. Tang Zimo may take advantage of the holes in his suggestion against us! Do you have better ideas?¡±

    His words convinced Qiu Jinn that Xue Chang thought highly of Jiang Yashuang. If not so, in the light of Xue Chang¡¯s position and status, he would not mention an incapable man even if he was Marquess Qin¡¯s grandson and was raised by Marquess Qin. His inquiry also hinted Qiu Jinn, ¡°I think Jiang Yashuang is a talented man. You should contact him often and invest in him.¡±

    Qiu Jinn felt pleased as his younger sister¡¯s husband was appreciated by a prestigious senior. Hearing Xue Chang¡¯s question, Qiu Jinn turned weird. He even could not hold back his broad smile.

    Xue Chang noticed his emotion, asking curiously, ¡°Why are you holding your smile? I am part of your n? You tell me. I won¡¯t be angry even I have to sacrifice some. Don¡¯t you think I will argue with you, young generation?¡±

    ¡°Yuxiang dare not say so,¡± said Jiang Yashuang. Yuxiang was Jiang Yashuang¡¯s courtesy name. Qiu Jinn had multiple dry coughs, feeling awkward and trying to hold back his smile, ¡°He said this might sacrifice my reputation, even my life. He believes that you won¡¯t stand by... So, he feels relieved!¡± Qiu Jinn said to Xue Chang.

    Qiu Jinn¡¯s words suggested that Jiang Yashuang himself had known that there were holes in his n. Considering Qiu Jinn had Xue Chang as his backer, he felt relieved and would not take time to consider his safety in his n. He knew Xue Chang would protect him!

    Ultimately, we all knew that Xue Chang would not stand by and watched Qiu Jinn being in danger!

    His words stunned Xue Chang although he had been through many. He paused for a while and said with a smile, ¡°Jiang Yashuang, you know your grandfather is in ill health. You are trying to put your burden on me, right?¡±

    And then he stared at Qiu Jinn with a broad smile, ¡°You knew he is trying to use me, but you did nothing, huh?¡±

    Definitely, Qiu Jinn would not say that Jiang Yashuang original intention was more of a test. He said as the prepared answer, ¡°I thought that Yuxiang is a young man, but the thing is too big. We need your advice and protection anyway!¡±

    Xue Chang, actually, knew well what the young men were nning to do. He, as an official in the government, racked his brain to bnce himself amid the battle of two Queens. He must have learnt a lot from it! But Qiu Jinn and Jiang Yashuang were neers. Although they were smarter than most of their peers and worked hard, they, ultimately, were young men without much experience.

    To Xue Chang who had been through much in his life, he knew well how to treat the youth. He joked with Qiu Jinn and then promised, ¡°As you two have a good n, I will help you... But no idea what¡¯s going on about your sister in the Summer Pce now. I remember that she has a sharp tongue!¡±

 Chapter 258 - Wrangle in Summer Palace

    <h4>Chapter 258 Wrangle in Summer Pce</h4>

    Xue Chang guessed correctly. Qiu Yn was going all the way nasty at the moment. In front of Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang, she condemned Kuang Qingwu harshly, saying he was less than a pig and he could die without anyone missing him. Kuang Qingwu also arrived at that moment, even though he expected that things woulde out since the day he seduced Qiu Jinzhu intentionally, but he never imagined Qiu Yn was so good with words. He wanted to interrupt her for a few times, but he couldn¡¯t find a moment. His face went red and then pale. He was extremely embarrassed.

    Finally, Qiu Yn came to an end, ¡°Please make a justice decision for my cousin, Your Graces! Kill this pervert and clear her name!¡±

    Before Kuang Qingwu said anything, Qiu Jinzhu called out first!

    Stupid teammate!

    Even though Qiu Yn was prepared, she sighed in her heart at this moment!

    Empress Dowager Gu indeed took the chance, ¡°Ningtai, do you want to say something? Did Ningyi say something wrong?¡±

    Xiuyan pinched Qiu Jinzhu hard. Qiu Jinzhu didn¡¯t dare to publicly rebut Qiu Yn. She held back her tears and said, ¡°Your Grace, what she said were all true...¡±

    ¡°Think carefully!¡± Empress Dowager interrupted her with a faint smile, ¡°ording to Ningyi, she wanted to kill Young Prince of Marquess Zhang. Do you think what she said is right?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s expression changed. She subconsciously looked at her lover in the near distance. And she caught the sad nce of Kuang Qingwu. He then looked back, saluted at two Empresses, ¡°Your Graces, I did betray Commandery Princess Ningtai. Now if she wants me dead, I won¡¯t say another word!¡±

    He looked like he was retreating, but in fact, he was advancing. His intention was clear to Qiu Yn. Yet it disturbed the mind of Qiu Jinzhu at once, ¡°Why is this happening? Didn¡¯t Qiu Yn say she would save me? Why does she want to kill Qingwu?¡±

    She thought about Qiu Yn mentioning before that Qiu Zhongyan was killed by Kuang Shihan, ¡°Now she¡¯s using the chance to kill Qingwu to revenge for uncle?¡±

    ¡°What should I do?! If I go along with Qiu Yn, Qingwu will... If I don¡¯t, she won¡¯t forgive me afterward for her personality!¡±

    ¡°Mother and Qiu Yn all told me that Qingwu lied to me, but now he¡¯s willing to die... If he wanted to lie to me, why would he admit he betrayed me? Does he have some difficulties?¡±

    She was dazing, but others didn¡¯t have time to wait.

    Empress Dowager Gu sneered, ¡°Ningtai, did you hear what Young Prince said? This is a huge matter. How can you not say anything and let your cousin speak for you?!¡±

    Empress Jiang who usually loved to argue with Empress Dowager didn¡¯t say anything, even though she dide in time to support Qiu Yn. She looked at Qiu Yn meaningfully while holding the teacup. It looked like she wanted to test Qiu Yn with this.

    Without the Empress stopping Empress Dowager Gu from coaxing Qiu Jinzhu, Qiu Yn had to do it herself, ¡°Your Grace, that¡¯s not true. My cousin is still not married. How could she say this publicly? Therefore, I have to speak for her. What the Young Prince just said is clearly a confession! Since then, Your Grace, why are you still taxing my cousin? You should announce the punishment and bring justice to my cousin and my maiden family!¡±

    Even though Empress Jiang didn¡¯t say anything, but she was a support to Qiu Yn just by sitting here.

    For example, Qiu Yn could be arrogant. Because even though the Empress was testing her, she wouldn¡¯t just watch Qiu Yn being dragged down and got beaten by Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s man.

    A killing intent passed through Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s eyes quickly. She nced at the Empress who was sitting under her and held back the urge to call someone to drag Qiu Yn out and beat her to death. With Empress Jiang here, this order would never be executed. It would only be a waste of time.

    Empress Dowager Gu wanted to deal with the Empress¡¯s party while Marquess Qin was sick, so she had racked her brain recently. She was a great-grandmother now. Her energy was very precious. So Empress Dowager Gu didn¡¯t want to waste it.

    Therefore, she only nced at her trusted maid.

    The maid understood. She said coldly, ¡°How dare you Commandery Princess Ningyi! Empress Dowager has asked a question. You¡¯re in no position to doubt it! Besides, why can¡¯t Commandery Princess Ningtai say it herself? She already did all that shameful things yet she¡¯s afraid to say it now?!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous.¡± Empress Jiang who was watching saw Empress Dowager¡¯s maid talking. She frowned and looked at Maid Lin standing by her side. Maid Lin immediately spoke, ¡°Why can¡¯t Commandery Princess Ningyi say that? Kuang Qingwu is the Young Prince of a Marquess, yet he is shameless, seducing a young Commandery Princess. He should have learned better at school! Commandery Princess Ningyi is the legitimate cousin of Commandery Princess Ningtai. They are close. It¡¯s normal that she would want to see Kuang Qingwu punished! Why can¡¯t she say it?¡±

    Empress Jiang was drinking the tea calmly and looking at Empress Dowager Gu provokingly. A maid would always be a maid in front of royals. Of course, the royal family¡¯s maids were not like others, but there was still a rank. So when Maid Zheng scolded Qiu Yn, Su He and others couldn¡¯t talk back. If Empress Jiang had not asked Maid Lin to pick up the conversation, Qiu Yn would have had to do it herself.

    ¡°Using a maid to humiliate my nephew¡¯s wife? Nice try!¡± Empress Jiang sneered in her mind, ¡°You think I¡¯m dead?¡±

    ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi is already married. Even if she hasn¡¯t, Commandery Princess Ningtai¡¯s parents are all alive. Such a serious thing happened, and they didn¡¯te over to say anything. How can Commandery Princess Ningyi take care of it?¡± Maid Zheng and Maid Lin were old rivals. Hearing Maid Lin, she frowned and said coldly, ¡°Besides, Commandery Princess Ningyi once exposed Duke of Xihe not respecting his official mother, regardless of their blood rtion. So it shows they are not close at all! Now Duke of Xihe and his wife haven¡¯t arrived. We can¡¯t believe Commandery Princess Ningyi¡¯s word!¡±

    Honestly speaking, Qiu Yn felt like the situation was a mess. When she and Qiu Jinzhu came over, Tang Zimo and Qiu Dian were all here. They were sent away by Empress Jiang. She arrivedter and said, ¡°It¡¯s family business. No one can interfere before it¡¯s clear¡±.

    Empress Jiang did that because she received a piece of information on the way, saying that Qiu Jinzhu still had feelings for Kuang Qingwu. She was worried that if Tang Zimo and others had stayed and they hadn¡¯t controlled the situation well, Qiu Jinzhu would have protected Kuang Qingwu and it would have been a mess.

    The problem was that even though Empress Jiang sent many people away to control the situation and only allowed a few to stay, but Qiu Mengmin and his wife should havee. Yet they still hadn¡¯t shown up now!

    Now Maid Zheng mentioned them. Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang started to feel something was wrong. They asked the servant by the door, ¡°Did Duke of Xihe and his wifee?¡±

    ¡°No, Your Graces.¡± The servant went outside and asked around beforeing back hurriedly, ¡°They haven¡¯t evene to the Pce!¡±

    Hearing that, everyone was surprised, ¡°Is Qiu Mengmin just going to abandon his daughter? But even so, he still needs to announce that in the Pce.¡±

    ¡°Ask someone to go to the Qiu Family residence!¡± Empress Dowager Gu thought for a while and ordered decisively.

    Qiu Mengmin and his wife hadn¡¯t arrived, but the ones in the Hall would not just sit and wait.

    At this moment, Empress Dowager Gu seized on the grudges Qiu Yn had with her eldest uncle, doubting why she would argue for Qiu Jinzhu this time. Of course, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t back off. She asserted that no matter how they fought, they were still families, ¡°Don¡¯t you think I need to fight for my cousin? Do you think I should just hit her when she¡¯s in trouble?¡±

    Empress Jiang smiled rxedly beside her, ¡°Mother, no one would hold grudges with their family for that long. Besides, wasn¡¯t Duke of Xihe tricked by some mean servants to disobey his official mother¡¯s order? Commandery Princess Ningyi is generous enough to forgive them. We should award her not doubt her.¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu was not angry at this moment. She said calmly, ¡°I can¡¯t just believe her words. Let¡¯s discuss it when Qiu Mengmin and his wifee.¡± Empress Dowager Gu thought in her heart, ¡°You really think I don¡¯t know Jiang Family is trying to stall? But I want to stall it till tomorrow too. After all, we need time to collect the evidence of Qiu Jinn instigating Commandery Princess Ningtai to seduce my nominal grandson Kuang Qingwu...¡±

    Therefore, the ones in the Hall argued with each other for a while, and finally, the servant who went to get Qiu Mengmin and his wife came back. But the result was surprising: they knew they shoulde, but they couldn¡¯t.

    At least for now.

    The reason why they couldn¡¯te was simple: Qiu Mengmin heard that his daughter did such a shameful thing. He was furious. Concubine Bian and Ding Qinghong added more fuel to the fire. So when he got back to the residence, because he didn¡¯t find Qiu Jinzhu who already went to see Qiu Yn at Jiang¡¯s residence, he rushed over to scold Princess Yang!

    Princess Yang was furious too. Her daughter was hurt, and the rumor went wild. She didn¡¯t know whom she could tell all her grievance to! At this point, Qiu Mengmin said things like ¡°how did you raise your daughter, b*tch¡±, ¡°I know people from Yang Family are all dissolute¡±. Princess Yang couldn¡¯t bear it anymore, so she went on and fought with Qiu Mengmin!

    She was a woman. Even though she scratched Qiu Mengmin at first, she was then pressed on the ground and beaten up by Qiu Mengmin. Princess Yang was of course battered. Shen was now unconscious. She wouldn¡¯t be able toe to the Pce in a short time.

    And Qiu Mengmin, he was almost stripped by Princess Yang¡¯s long nail. He was now busy to apply medicine to his wounds. So he couldn¡¯te either.

    ¡°Why is Qiu Family such a mess?!¡± Hearing that, Empress Dowager Gu looked at Qiu Yn somberly. She smiled coldly and said to Empress Jiang, ¡°It¡¯s no surprise that they raise an inappropriate daughter!¡±

    Empress Jiang wouldn¡¯t let her win, ¡°Kuang Family is not so good too. I remember Kuang Shihan¡¯s birth mother took the money and eloped after her husband just died. How can this dissolute woman¡¯s blood know how to behave?¡±

    ¡°They say that it takes two to make a quarrel. If Ningtai is chaste, how can he seduce her?¡± Empress Dowager Gu smiled coldly, ¡°She is flippant after all!¡±

    Hearing that, Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s heart froze: Empress Dowager said she was flippant. Could she still survive? Even if she was lucky to live, what would be her future? Thinking about that, she couldn¡¯t help but look at Kuang Qingwu. This time he wasn¡¯t looking at her but watching the two Empresses fight indifferently.

    Qiu Yn who was standing in front of her spoke calmly, ¡°Your Grace, if my cousin was flippant, Kuang Qingwu would be treacherous and deserve to die. Besides, my cousin is not even 15. Who was not young and innocent once?

    Empress Dowager Gu nced at her disgustedly and said coldly, ¡°What? You want to teach me how to handle this?!¡±

 Chapter 259 - Seduction Under Admiration? How Was It Possible!

    <h4>Chapter 259 Seduction Under Admiration? How Was It Possible!</h4>

    In front of Empress Jiang, this murderous question of the Empress Dowager naturally did not scare Qiu Yn. She said with a rxed expression, ¡°How dare I? However, although Kuang Qingwu is your grandson, my cousin is also a Commandery Princess registered by the imperial court, and her grade is higher than Kuang Qingwu. Now you just question my cousin without questioning Kuang Qingwu, so I really feel wronged for my cousin!¡±

    Empress Jiang said with a smile, ¡°That¡¯s right. Mom, you love your grandson, but I also love my niece-inw! If you are partial, I won¡¯t agree!¡±

    From her tone, it seemed that the rtionship between the mother-inw and the daughter-inw was so good and the daughter-inw was just acting like a pampered child. However, everyone knew that the Empress was just warning Empress Dowager Gu. If Empress Dowager Gu still aimed at Commandery Princess Ningtai but ignored Kuang Qingwu, she would make trouble for him then!

    However, to Empress Jiang¡¯s surprise, Empress Dowager Gu sneered a few times after hearing this and said, ¡°Since you are so worried, then you¡¯ll question Qingwu!¡±

    The Empress was stunned. But before she questioned Kuang Qingwu, he had already stepped forward and fell on his knees to exin the process of his rtionship with Qiu Jinzhu. What he said was basically the same as what Qiu Jinzhu said. However, he said that he fell in love with Qiu Jinzhu at first sight, so he often wandered around the tent where Qiu Family lived to meet her identally.

    As for why he refused to let people know about that since he really loved Qiu Jinzhu, Kuang Qingwu exined, ¡°I heard that my father had a grudge against Ruan Family and Qiu Family, and I had conflicts with Commandery Princess Ningyi when I came to Jing City before. I was afraid that the Duke of Xihe would not agree to marry her daughter to me, so I nned to win a position in the imperial examination in spring...¡±

    ¡°The imperial examination in spring has been over already, right?¡± Empress Jiang, who stood high on the red steps, could easily see the people below. When Kuang Qingwu was telling it, Qiu Jinzhu, who was originally terrified and dejected, became more and more surprised. And finally, she even tried to hold back her tears with sleeves covering her mouth. If Qiu Yn hadn¡¯t moved quietly topletely block her, maybe everyone in the whole Hall would have seen that scene.

    The Empress felt frustrated in her heart and interrupted, ¡°Even if you want to report back to Kuang Shihan first, isn¡¯t it long enough for the messenger toe and go back from the imperial examination in spring till now?¡± You wouldn¡¯t have the guts to say that you didn¡¯t like Princess Changping in front of Empress Dowager Gu!

    What was more, it was only tacitly disclosed in private, and it had never been brought out in the open. If Kuang Qingwu dared to do so, Empress Dowager Gu would immediately use him of ndering the princess before the Empress scolded him. Kuang Shihan would not have allowed him to go to Jing City if he had been so stupid.

    Kuang Qingwu said with shame, ¡°It¡¯s just because my father didn¡¯t allow it.¡±

    ¡°Oh? Kuang Shihan didn¡¯t agree to this marriage? Why? In terms of family status, your Kuang Family is not better than Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Does he look down on Commandery Princess Ningtai?¡± Empress Jiang narrowed her eyes and asked.

    Although Qiu Jinzhu was deliberately blocked by Qiu Yn, the hem of her sleeve that was exposed also shrank obviously.

    ¡°Her Majesty, how can my father be like this?¡± Kuang Qingwu smiled bitterly, ¡°It¡¯s just my father and mother have made a private marriage for me, and they nned to tell me that after the imperial examination in spring. I didn¡¯t know before... ¡±

    ¡°Then what are you going to do now?¡± Empress Jiang was toozy to listen to him. When he told the reason, she asked straightforward, ¡°Although it is said that the parents are in charge of their child¡¯s marriage, since you deliberately seduced Commandery Princess Ningtai, you can¡¯t just forget that just because you¡¯re betrothed.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu kowtowed, and said bluntly, ¡°Your Majesty, you are right. Therefore, I¡¯ll send a letter to my parents immediately and choose a day to marry Commandery Princess Ningtai then!¡±

    Except for Empress Dowager Gu, everyone was startled in the Hall after he said that!

    It was not over. Kuang Qingwu then kowtowed to Empress Dowager Gu and begged, ¡°Grandma, I can¡¯t help associating with Commandery Princess Ningtai without the permission of the Duke of Xihe, and now Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe is being talked about because of me. I have no face to meet Duke of Xihe and the Princess and beg for their forgiveness. So Grandma, please exin and convey it on my behalf, so that I can get the opportunity to offer a bumble apology!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu said expressionlessly, ¡°I will send Zheng to Qiu Family. Think about how to exin it to your father and mother!¡±

    Speaking of this, Empress Dowager Gu turned her head to look at Empress Jiang, ¡°Do you have anything else to ask about?¡±

    Empress Jiang¡¯s face looked extremely bad!

    If a young man anddy of equal status, both unmarried, had an affair, as long as the man was willing to marry thedy, the matter would be over then.

    Of course, if things like this were exposed and got a lot of trouble, both the man and thedy would still be punished. After all, they brought about bad social morals.

    However, with Kuang Qingwu¡¯s status, the punishment would not be serious certainly.

    Just like when Empress Jiang was here, Empress Dowager Gu couldn¡¯t handle Qiu Yn no matter how impolite she was, Empress Jiang couldn¡¯t handle Kuang Qingwu as well even if she had something on him as Empress Dowager Gu was here. As for Qiu Jinzhu, such a small role, punishing her or not had no effect on the overall situation. The Empress was toozy to deal with her. What was more, Qiu Yn was standing up for her cousin, so the Empress had to take care of the sake of her niece-inw.

    In other words, the storm should end then in the open.

    ¡°Since you have the intention to take responsibility, I wanna know when you n to marry Commandery Princess Ningtai.¡± Empress Jiang thought for a while, ignored Empress Dowager Gu, and continued to question Kuang Qingwu.

    ¡°I¡¯ve just sent someone back to the west to report to my father... ¡±

    His words were interrupted by the Empress again, ¡°It means that you¡¯ll marry her after getting the letter in reply of Kuang Shihan, right? It can be done this year, right?¡±

    Kuang Qingwu lowered his head, ¡°If there is no ident, I think it is the case.¡±

    ¡°I have nothing to ask about them.¡± Empress Jiang smiled towards Empress Dowager Gu. ¡°Congrattions, mom. You can have such a beautiful granddaughter-inw then! You were served only by Changping before, but soon Ningtai can help to serve you, and they two can apany each other. That is great!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu looked insipid without showing her mood, ¡°Since you have nothing to ask for, let¡¯s end this matter.¡±

    ¡°Wait a minute!¡± Empress Jiang stopped Empress Dowager Gu who intended to disperse the crowd, staring at her, and asked with a smile, ¡°Mom, even if you have a granddaughter-inw then, you can¡¯t leave Changping alone. It is time for her to get married. I don¡¯t know... ¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the familymitments in private!¡± Being satirized by her again and again, Empress Dowager Gu put on a gloomy face. She gave her a warning nce, ¡°Yongfu and Changping are about the same age. When I am free, I will discuss children¡¯s marriages with you carefully!¡±

    Since Princess Yongfu was mentioned, Empress Jiang snorted and stopped the topic.

    After a long while, Qiu Yn stopped on the way out of the Pce. Seeing nobody around, she asked Qiu Jinzhu, who couldn¡¯t help biting her lip behind her to hold back the happy smile. ¡°Do you really think the result today is great? ¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu was stunned, and then hurriedly smiled, ¡°Thank you so much today... I will never forget your great kindness in my life!¡± She said so sincerely, and Qiu Yn could see that her words really came from the bottom of her heart, which showed how much she hoped for an uprightbination with Kuang Qingwu.

    Therefore, Qiu Yn¡¯s eyes were even morepassionate, ¡°Although Kuang Qingwu didn¡¯t make the marriage he talked about clear, you should guess that he was talking about Princess Changping. The princess is raised by Empress Dowager Gu personally, while Kuang Qingwu is just Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s grandson in name. If he were not the only son of Kuang Shihan, Empress Dowager Gu might not be willing to marry Princess Changping to him! Now Kuang Qingwu abandoned the princess to marry you, while Empress Dowager Gu didn¡¯t care about that much but agreed to his request instead and sent someone to persuade your father to agree to the marriage... Haven¡¯t you felt anything wrong?¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu lowered her head, concealing the impatience passing by on her face, saying in a docile manner, ¡°Her Majesty spoke up for me today just for your sake... ¡± She said thankful words while she felt deprecating, thinking in her heart, ¡± Even if Kuang Qingwu¡¯s father killed your father, it was not Kuang Qingwu who did that! You can go to trouble Kuang Qingwu¡¯s father if you are powerful enough! Why you keep staring at Kuang Qingwu? Since Kuang Qingwu has promised to marry me, you really think I will be so stupid to hurt my husband for you, my cousin?¡±

    In fact, not only Qiu Jinzhu thought so, even Xiuyan also felt that Qiu Yn stopped here just to kill Kuang Qingwu but not to help Qiu Jinzhu. She couldn¡¯t help crying secretly, ¡°I¡¯ve thought that the sixth Commandery Princess would be done this time, but the bad thing just turned into a good thing! If I had known that Kuang Qingwu was willing to take responsibility, I shouldn¡¯t have gone for Commandery Princess Ningyi! How should I exin to her now?¡±

    Qiu Yn could see through the thoughts of the two of them certainly. Knowing that it would be useless to persuade them, she shook her head, ¡°Let¡¯s go then.¡±

    Since Kuang Qingwu promised to marry her in front of Empress Dowager Gu and the Empress, in Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s and Xiuyan¡¯s eyes, he was a responsible and sincere man. But from Qiu Yn and Empress Jiang¡¯s opinion, who were discerning, Qiu Jinzhu would be done then since Kuang Qingwu made the promise!

    After all, there were major political interests in Princess Changping and Kuang Qingwu¡¯s marriage. What was more, since the husband chosen by the dignified Empress Dowager for her personally-raised princess was robbed by the Commandery Princess of a declining Prince¡¯s Mansion, how could the Empress Dowager bear it? How could the princess bear it?

    Even if they two could bear that, Kuang Shihan couldn¡¯t!

    He had only a son, and all the possessions he had saved all his life would be inherited by this son. He was abandoned by his rtives in his early years, so he could not count on those people after he developed. In this case, he had to find a powerful father-inw for his weak son certainly!

    Qiu Mengmin and Duke of Xihe were noble enough in terms of their rank. While as for power and strength, they couldn¡¯t even rejuvenate the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, let alone support their son-inw in the future! How could Kuang Shihan ept such a daughter-inw who couldn¡¯t bring much help to his son but might need Kuang Family¡¯s help in turn?

    Therefore, even if Kuang Qingwu promised to marry Qiu Jinzhu, and Empress Dowager Gu and Princess Changping agreed to that, it was impossible for Kuang Shihan to really let his son marry Qiu Jinzhu!

    But at the moment, Qiu Jinzhu and Xiuyan were both confused by the bright turning point. They couldn¡¯t see and didn¡¯t want to see that. With Qiu Yn¡¯s rtionship with them, she was afraid that they would think she just wanted to use her position to get even with Kuang Qingwu for their private grudge firmly no matter how she persuaded them!

    Since so, Qiu Yn was reluctant to make effort then. Hope Qiu Mengmin and her husband could be smart about it!

    She still had a lot of things to worry about, so she didn¡¯t have much time and energy to waste on this cousin who had been overwhelmed by feelings.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Qiu Jinzhu and Xiuyan replied respectfully and looked at each other behind her with happiness in their eyes.

    After getting out of the Pce, the two sisters naturally parted immediately.

    Qiu Yn returned to Jiang¡¯s residence and Jiang Yashuang was already there, waiting for her to tell him what happened on this day. After listening to her, his eyes narrowed slightly, ¡°Kuang Qingwu seems to have a master beside him!¡±

    ¡°Why you think so?¡± Qiu Yn was startled.

    Jiang Yashuang poured her a cup of plum juice and asked slowly, ¡°Do you think Kuang Qingwu seduced Commandery Princess Ningtai really because he liked her?¡±

 Chapter 260 - Killing Three Birds with One Stone. A Good Strategy!

    <h4>Chapter 260 Killing Three Birds with One Stone. A Good Strategy!</h4>

    Of course not!

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t believe that Kuang Qingwu really loved Qiu Jinzhu!

    If he really loved her, how would he wait until their affair was exposed before he promised to marry her? Not to mention that Qiu Jinzhu herself had confessed that she had given everything to him. Knowing that his father and the Empress Dowager had decided on his marriage, he still did this, which meant Qiu Jinzhu had no way out then. It could be seen that he had never considered for Qiu Jinzhu!

    Jiang Yashuang also thought so, ¡°Although Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe declined after your father died, but with Commandery Princess Ningtai¡¯s status, Kuang Qingwu couldn¡¯t y with her emotions. Therefore, since he did not really like Commandery Princess Ningtai but still had sex with her, it can be seen that what he really wants is not Commandery Princess Ningtai but something else.¡±

    Kuang Family probably didn¡¯t know that before, but since Qiu Nie turned to Empress Dowager Gu, how could they not know that there was only an empty shell left in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe? Given Kuang Shihan¡¯s current power, his only son would turn his nose up at Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe certainly.

    Since his aim was not Commandery Princess Ningtai nor Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe...

    Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°You mean, brother?¡±

    It was only Qiu Jinn who could get a rtionship with Ningtai and let Kuang Qingwu seduce her in person.

    However, ¡°My brother is tired of them. Since they returned the dowry of my grandmother and mother to me, my brother never paid attention to them then, let alone met with Qiu Jinzhu. Even if Kuang Qingwu seduced Qiu Jinzhu, what could she do to my brother?¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu hadn¡¯t even stepped through the gate of Ruan Family.

    ¡°She needn¡¯t do anything to brother. Her identity is useful!¡± Jiang Yashuang narrowed his eyes, ¡°She is the only daughter of the legal wife of the Duke of Xihe. Although you said that the Duke of Xihe actually didn¡¯t take her daughter seriously, but her mother, Princess Yang is the legal wife of the Duke of Xihe, so Commandery Princess Ningtai may know many secrets of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. This makes sense!¡±

    Qiu Yn pondered for a while, and said, ¡°Then Kuang Family intends to use my silly cousin to ¡®discover¡¯ what kind of secrets?¡±

    ¡°For example, your father was not killed by Kuang Shihan but Duke of Xihe as he wanted to get the position of Duke?¡± Jiang Yashuang looked at her, ¡°There was a conflict between you and Duke of Xihe before. When the news spread to the Western Army, even if the former subordinates who inclined to Grandfather Ruan and your father did not fully believe that, they would be doubtful, right?¡±

    In this way, Qiu Zhongyan¡¯s death was an internal fight in Qiu Family, and it had nothing to do with Kuang Shihan then.

    Of course, Kuang Shihan¡¯s betrayal of General Ruan who helped him before was beyond excuse, so even if he was cleared of his murder of Qiu Zhongyan, it was impossible for the former subordinates of Ruan Family and Qiu Family to bepletelymitted to him.

    In fact, Jiang Yashuang preferred another spection, ¡°And the rtionship between ¡®Tianya¡¯ and brother.¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s face changed at once!

    ¡°Tianya¡± was a killer organization that had existed since the founding of the country. Once it was exposed that it was actually owned by a Prince who got the title when the country was founded, the consequences would be disastrous!

    If Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s party could prove the rtionship between Qiu Jinn and ¡°Tianya¡±, then even if Marquess Qin and Xue Chang joined forces, they would not be able to protect him!

    It was the recognized No.1 killer organization in Darui!

    How many people had been killed by this killer organization since the founding of the country? How many enemies it had? How many secrets did it get? It was estimated that even Qiu Jinn couldn¡¯t even know that!

    Even Ren Ziyong, the former Left Dharma Protector who had a pivotal position in ¡°Tianya¡± before and took away Qiu Jinn and raised him secretly at Old Princess Lian¡¯smand after Qiu Zhongyan¡¯s death, might not be clear about that!

    And once this secret was proved, it was hard to say whether Xue Chang and Marquess Qin would stand on Qiu Jinn¡¯s side still.

    After all, they had to consider the overall situation.

    The huge number of avengers, the secretive people who were eager to kill someone, and the normal people who were generally afraid and disgusted of killer organizations... These problems had involved the ordinary people and were able to influence the imperial court. Neither Xue Chang nor Marquess Qin would take such a big risk for a junior who they valued.

    At that time, what would happen to Qiu Jinn? It would be lucky for him to have a whole dead body!

    ¡°Qiu Nie and the others turned to the Empress Dowager before, but they have not used ¡®Tianya¡¯ to attack my brother yet. I had thought they could not make a fuss on this... ¡± Qiu Yn frowned tightly.

    It was hard to prove the rtionship between Qiu Jinn and ¡°Tianya¡± obviously, otherwise the Empress Dowager¡¯s party would not remain silent in this regard. And even Kuang Qingwu used the sex-trap personally. After all, Duke of Xihe¡¯s party tried to wash their hands of the organization in the early years.

    They had been trying that for generations. At themand of his predecessors, even though Qiu Jinn grew up in this organization, he always kept a distance from it. While the Empress Dowager¡¯s party learned this secret just at the beginning ofst year, so how could it be so easy to get something on them?

    This was also the reason why Qiu Jinn dared to let Qiu Nie and the others leave. Because the Empress Dowager had no evidence to prove it!

    But this time, it seemed that although the Empress Dowager¡¯s party had no evidence, they could create evidence by themselves!

    ¡°If they im that my brother has something to do with ¡®Tianya¡¯ without foundation, people will be suspicious even if they show evidence! It¡¯s hard to convince the public!¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s face was gloomy, ¡°But if they find out some secret in the name of the future son-inw of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe...¡±

    It was just like even if Madame Feng and others ndered Madame Tao Junior before, they couldn¡¯t shake her status. After all, concubines like Madame Feng had bullied grandmother before with their husbands¡¯ love and indulgence. But after Madame Tao Junior¡¯s maids like Lvzhan betrayed her, she immediately got into big trouble!

    Outsiders always believed a little bit more what people¡¯s close guys said.

    Therefore, the news that the lover of the Commandery Princess in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe received by chance would be more urate than the news that the Young Prince of Marquess Zhang got, who had a blood feud with Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe.

    ¡°But it was still a little weird since Kuang Qingwu did that by himself.¡± Qiu Yn pondered that since Kuang Qingwu deliberately approached Qiu Jinzhu with such thoughts, then where did he get ready to go? How much of a threat was he to Qiu Jinn? Then she heard Jiang Yashuang say again, ¡°From your description, Commandery Princess Ningtai is young and ignorant, not someone hard to get close to, so Kuang Qingwu didn¡¯t actually need to do that in person. What¡¯s more, there is an engagement between him and Princess Changping, but he dated Commandery Princess Ningtai without the permission of Empress Dowager Gu and Princess Changping and even promised to marry Commandery Princess Ningtai today in public, which really brought shame on Empress Dowager Gu and Princess Changping! Although Empress Dowager Gu is now very dependent on the Western Army controlled by Kuang Family, it is impossible for her to tolerate them despising the dignity of the imperial family!¡±

    Therefore, ¡°I think Kuang Qingwu seduced Qiu Jinzhu by himself because he was worried about being cast aside in the future. On the one hand, he colluded with Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s courtiers with this matter. On the other hand, he made Empress Dowager Gu suspicious of her subordinates. Then Empress Dowager Gu won¡¯t dare to handle Kuang Family easily!¡±

    As the only military card of Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s party and the currentmander of the Western Army, Kuang Family seemed to have a high position, and even Jiang Family needed to treat them cautiously. However, it had a shallow foundation in fact.

    The reason for its shallow foundation was mainly that Kuang Shihan built up a fortune in a short time and he a bad reputation. What was more, Kuang Family only had Kuang Shihan and Kuang Qingwu at this time, and Kuang Qingwu became an official this year!

    While the fight for the position of Crown Prince had been on sincest year, and it was entering a fierce period at this time!

    If the Empress Dowager¡¯s party fails, then Kuang Family will have nothing to say. From ancient times to the present, the fate of the losers in the party struggle have always been the same; but if they seed... Because Jiang Family managed so many troops, Empress Dowager Gu have been enduring Empress Jiang for decades. So how could Empress Dowager Gu forget such a big lesson?

    Then they would be charged with some crime, and there would be so many people who wanted to be loyal to the courting out to handle them!

    Therefore, when Empress Dowager Gu still needed them and had a high tolerance for them, Kuang Family demonstrated their schemes calmly, ¡°Empress Dowager Gu definitely didn¡¯t know that Kuang Qingwu had dated Commandery Princess Ningtai before! Otherwise she would never allow other women to affect the influence of Princess Changping on Kuang Qingwu! Since Kuang Qingwu was in Jing City, who was the only son of Kuang Shihan and not the biological son of Xingkang Grand Princess, how could Empress Dowager Gu not send people to watch him no matter for surveince or protection?¡±

    Jing City was just under the Empress Dowager¡¯s nose, but she even failed to watch the son of her trusted subordinate. He had an affair with someone for a whole year and she knew the news from others in the end! Qiu Yn was sure that what drove Empress Dowager Gu crazy was not that Kuang Qingwu had an affair which brought shame on them but the fact that she had never known about it!

    No matter how declining the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was, they still had the position of Duke, and Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s status in the nobledy circle of Jing City was not low! She was not the maid of the Mansion of Marquess Zhang, so how could Kuang Qingwu really avoided everyone¡¯s eyes to date her? Maybe Qiu Mengmin and his husband didn¡¯t find that because they didn¡¯t pay enough attention to their daughter, but how could Empress Dowager Gu be so careless about Kuang Qingwu?

    So although the Empress Dowager seemed to be calm at this time, she would investigate her own people carefully!

    But no matter how she investigated them, maybe Empress Dowager Gu would always be suspicious in her heart, ¡°Is it because Kuang Family bought over these people or these people colluded with them privately because theymanded so many troops? Have they all been found out and eliminated?¡±

    As long as Empress Dowager Gu kept suspicious, even if the Empress¡¯s party could not threaten them anymore, Empress Dowager Gu was going to handle Kuang Family, she wouldn¡¯t do that unscrupulously! She might use soft means instead of intense methods!

    Therefore, Jiang Yashuang was very interested in the people around Kuang Qingwu, ¡°They just got the bad reputation of immorality and there was still room for them to whitewash that. But they provoked Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s suspicion of her subordinates, relieved the pressure on Kuang Family in the future, and pointed to brother then! It was really killing three birds with one stone!¡±

    Belligerent mes flickered in his bright eyes, ¡°It is especially surprising how this person helped Kuang Qingwu to keep his dating Qiu Jinzhu from Empress Dowager Gu.¡±

    When the old Princess Qin passed awayst year, Xiao Su, the Duke of Puyang, had secretly told Qiu Yn that. Two days ago, Xiao Su mentioned it again through Princess Yongfu. The Empress¡¯s party knew about it a year ago, while the Empress Dowager¡¯s party didn¡¯t know it until it was exposed! It could show the wisdom of this person!

    Qiu Yn knew less about the people around Kuang Qingwu than him, so she asked casually, ¡°Could he havee up with the idea by himself?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°If he had been so scheming, he would havee out top in the imperial examination in spring before, and he would have even got the first rank. How could he fall to the second rank?¡±

    After pondering for a while, he said cautiously, ¡°I suspect it¡¯s Mr. Leshan!¡±

 Chapter 261 - Keep the Wealth, Overtly Agree but Covertly Oppose

    <h4>Chapter 261 Keep the Wealth, Overtly Agree but Covertly Oppose</h4>

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s conjecture was absolutely right. Mr. Leshan suggested Kuang Qingwu to seduce Qiu Jinzhu.

    At that moment, Kuang Qingwu who just arrived in the vi was pouring tea for Mr. Leshan, ¡°Thank you for all you have done in these few days!¡±

    ¡°How did it go?¡± Mr. Leshan unconcernedly took a sip of the tea and asked.

    Kuang Qingwu was used to his indifference and arrogance. He wasn¡¯t offended at that moment. He described his experience in the Summer Pce with a smile and then said, ¡°Empress Dowager deliberately sent a maid to wait for me on the road before I went out of the pce. She urged me repeatedly not to forget my promise to Empress Dowager before Empress arrived.¡±

    Mr. Leshan didn¡¯t need Kuang Qingwu to tell him. He knew what Kuang Qingwu promised Empress Dowager Gu. It was nothing but the real choice between Princess Changping and Commandery Princess Ningtai. Kuang Qingwu went to the pce to confess to Empress Dowager Gu in advance. He asked Empress Dowager for forgiveness and protection. It was Mr. Leshan¡¯s idea in the first ce.

    After musing for a moment, Mr. Leshan said, ¡°We can¡¯t go too far in offending Empress Dowager. So, we need to deal with Commandery Princess Ningtai¡¯s matter now. What do you n to do?¡±

    A fierce look shed through Kuang Qingwu¡¯s eyes, ¡°She is just a Commandery Princess. After drawing out Qiu Jinn, considering the security state of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, just need to send a man...¡±

    ¡°What about your reputation if you do that?¡± Mr. Leshan snorted and interrupted, ¡°She gets killed right after you promised to marry her. Do you really think everyone is stupid? Even if everyone is stupid, the Empress¡¯ party will lead public opinion, don¡¯t you think so? Doing so will give Qiu Jinn a cause for gossip! What¡¯s the point of drawing him out then?¡±

    Getting showered with rebuke, Kuang Qingwu was embarrassed. But he didn¡¯t dare to talk back. He said with a smile, ¡°Please give me some advice!¡±

    ¡°Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe hasn¡¯t yet appointed a Young Prince. Although Princess Yang is Commandery Princess Ningtai¡¯s mother, she also has a son!¡± Mr. Leshan said with a sneer, ¡°That¡¯s all I have to say. If you still can¡¯t figure it out, don¡¯te and ask me for advice again!¡±

    ¡°Make Princess Yang do it herself. Trade Qiu Jinzhu for Qiu Yinzhi¡¯s Young Prince position?¡± Kuang Qingwu wasn¡¯t stupid. He just wasn¡¯t experienced enough. He was far less experienced than Mr. Leshan was. But he still figured it out after being advised. He was enlightened. Indeed, not only could it solve his problem, it was also more covert and trouble-free!

    After all, who would think that Princess Yang would go after her own daughter?

    Kuang Qingwu wasn¡¯t afraid of Princess Yang rejecting. Without this deal, Qiu Yinzhi basically had no hope in being the Young Prince. Considering Princess Yang¡¯s rtionship with those sons of concubines, if her own son couldn¡¯t be Duke of Xihe, one could imagine what would happen to her and her son!

    By sacrificing a daughter who brought her big trouble and would get married sooner orter, she could get wealth for the rest of her and her son¡¯s lives. Kuang Qingwu believed that Princess Yang knew how to choose.

    He praised, ¡°Mr. Leshan, you are way smarter than me!¡±

    Mr. Leshan was indifferent to hispliment. He said tly, ¡°Remember to only let Zheng handle the payment you promised to Princess Shou¡¯an. He may be the most reliable person among your servants. If Empress Dowager knows that Princess Shou¡¯an helps you hide the truth of you seeing Qiu Jinzhu, it¡¯s not a big deal that Princess Shou¡¯an gets implicated. But it¡¯s not easy for you to form another ally in the city besides Empress Dowager. If you lose her because of it, it will be such a shame.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu agreed with respect. After musing for a moment, he finally asked, ¡°You suggested me to ask Princess Shou¡¯an for help before I started to date Qiu Jinzhu. But Princess Shou¡¯an is just Empress Dowager¡¯s grandniece. How was she able to hide it from Empress Dowager?¡±

    ¡°She wasn¡¯t. But Duke of Guangyang and his son were able,¡± Mr. Leshan said, ¡°Although Duke of Guangyang is Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s brother, his ability at work is rather mediocre. So, he is inferior to Qiu Dian in the government. Young Prince of Guangyang is more capable than his father. But he has a bad reputation and he doesn¡¯t have the Jinshi title. He isn¡¯t qualified to be granted a high position. Only with his Young Prince identity, it¡¯s inevitable that he participates in government affairs with his hands tied.¡±

    They got in touch with Princess Shou¡¯an. But she wasn¡¯t the only one who took action. Kuang Qingwu knew that. But he was curious why Mr. Leshan was so sure that Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang dared to hide it from Empress Dowager Gu?

    After all, Empress Dowager Gu gave them their title and power.

    They should be loyal to Empress Dowager the most!

    ¡°People are greedy,¡± Mr. Leshan squinted and said tly, ¡°After wealth falling in theirps, they aren¡¯t satisfied. Instead, they think about how to keep their wealth. It¡¯s true that Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang owes it all to Empress Dowager Gu. But Empress Dowager Gu is old. How could they not think about their options?¡±

    He nced at Kuang Qingwu, ¡°In the government, Gu Family and Tang Family are rted by marriage. However, since Princess Shou¡¯an convinced her father and brother to take down Prince of Yan using the earthquakest year, there are bound to be problems between the two families! Now Princess Shou¡¯an is about to be Princess Zhou. She may be Crown Princess or Empress in the future. Do you think Tang Family will let it go?¡±

    Tang Zimo¡¯s position in Empress Dowager¡¯s party was like Empress Jiang¡¯s position in the Empress¡¯ party. Even he wasn¡¯t the leader, he was indispensable. In order to keep their family¡¯s wealth, Gu Family tricked Tang Family. How could they not guard against their revenge?

    In Empress Dowager¡¯s party, only Kuang Family which had the military power was almost as equal as Tang Zimo.

    ¡°My family also needs support in the government which is provided by others in private besides Empress Dowager. In case no one defends us in the government after we served our purpose!¡± Kuang Qingwu was enlightened, ¡°Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang is indeed the most suitable ally for my family!¡±

    He mused for a moment, ¡°However, Empress Dowager Gu will definitely get to the bottom of this matter. I wonder Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang...¡±

    ¡°Gu Family finally has a chance to have a future Crown Princess in their family. They will never admit that they helped you on this matter!¡± Mr. Leshan said tly, ¡°Even if you confess, they still won¡¯t admit. So, I asked you to say that you were just dating Qiu Jinzhu when you confessed to Empress Dowager. As for people who helped you hide it, you must say that you didn¡¯t know. Empress Dowager couldn¡¯t do anything to you anyway. Besides, don¡¯t underestimate Gu Family. Duke of Guangyang may be mediocre. But his son and daughter are quite capable. Do you think they weren¡¯t sure of it since they dared to promise you?¡±

    ¡°Just think about it. It¡¯s said that Princess Shou¡¯an and Princess Changping are very close since they were kids. Princess Shou¡¯an tricking Prince of Yan made Empress Dowager furious. Princess Changping mediating again and again finally poured oil on the waters! Princess Shou¡¯an was about to be Princess Zhou not long after that. But Changping Princess also convinced Empress Dowager Gu to let her daughter marry Prince of Zhou first as the senior concubine. It means that Princess Shou¡¯an needs Empress Dowager and Princess Changping¡¯s support right now! How could others suspect that she and her family dare to disobey Empress Dowager¡¯s order at the crucial moment?¡±

    ¡°Actually, in Empress Dowager¡¯s party Tang Zimo is most likely to see through this! The problem is that he already holds a grudge against Gu Family. Pointing it out now will make others suspect that he wants to seek revenge. The true mingles with the false. Without hard evidence, who dares to suspect Gu Family at the risk of being charged with sowing discord between Empress Dowager Gu and her maiden Family?¡±

    ¡°So, you don¡¯t need to worry that Gu Family can¡¯t get through this at all. They surely know Empress Dowager Gu better than us! Worst case scenario, they will give up a rook to save the king if Empress Dowager really gets to the bottom of it!¡±

    ¡°I hope that those people who Xingkang Grand Princess asked me to bring would be handled by their real master!¡± Kuang Qingwu saluted Mr. Leshan while saying, ¡°I¡¯m so lucky to have you with me!¡±

    Mr. Leshan epted his salute deservedly and then reminded, ¡°You¡¯d better inform Empress Dowager Gu about the deal which you are going to make with Princess Yang! After all, she must be very unhappy right now. She will know about it even if you don¡¯t tell her. You may as well please her in order to smooth her anger.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu agreed. Seeing that Mr. Leshan was about to get up and leave, he said in a hurry, ¡°Mr. Leshan, please wait!¡±

    He went into the inner chamber in a hurry and came out with a brocade box. He handed it over with both hands, ¡°My father heard that you lost the pill which he gave you in the early years. He deliberately sent this with the letterst time.¡±

    Mr. Leshan nced at him, ¡°It¡¯s so precious. Just keep it for yourself!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m surrounded by spies. How could Empress Dowager not know about your talent? My father did this. Because he is worried that you get implicated by me!¡± Kuang Qingwu said sincerely, ¡°Please ept it!¡±

    ¡°...¡± after hearing that, Mr. Leshan took over the brocade box without hesitation and then left. Zheng walked in from outside the moment Mr. Leshan left. He was a little dissatisfied, ¡°Young master, you and old master treat him so well. But he is always so arrogant. He didn¡¯t even thank you!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu didn¡¯t care, ¡°Unique people have unique behaviors. Considering how capable Mr. Leshan is, it¡¯s okay for him to be a little rude.¡±

    Zheng was a little embarrassed, ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have said all that.¡±

    ¡°You just care about me. You always think that others don¡¯t treat me well enough,¡± Kuang Qingwu smiled. Zheng had been looking after him before he was epted by Kuang Family. They were very close. Kuang Qingwu never hid his feelings in front of him. He persuaded at that moment, ¡°Mr. Leshan doesn¡¯t stick to trifles. But he actually cares about me very much. He totally ignored my father when he asked him to give advice! But he helped us a lot since we arrived in the city.¡±

    ¡°I just feel that you show so much respect to Mr. Leshan. He should at least be kind to you,¡± after thinking about it, Zheng felt Kuang Qingwu was right. He was more embarrassed. He changed the topic in a hurry, ¡°Should I go and deliver the gift to Princess Shou¡¯an now?¡±

    ¡°Wait until dark! In case anyone sees you,¡± Kuang Qingwu said. He thought of Mr. Leshan mentioning that Gu E¡¯nuo and Princess Changping were close since they were kids. And then he had an idea, ¡°It¡¯s okay to deliver the gift now! Other than the gift we promised Princess Shou¡¯an, prepare another one and ask her to give it to Princess Changping. If someone asks, you just say that I¡¯m afraid that Empress Dowager is still mad at me. So, I want to ask Princess Shou¡¯an and Princess Changping to mediate for me. That¡¯s why I send them gifts!¡±

    Mr. Leshan¡¯s advice was so subtle. Thank god I figured it out this time.

    Kuang Qingwu thought with relief.

    He had already made up his mind that he would use the Yong Prince position as bait to get Princess Yang to kill her daughter. It was a pity that Qiu Jinzhu knew nothing about it. She announced joyfully to her parents, ¡°He said it in front of Empress Dowager and Empress. How could he lie?¡±

    Qiu Mengmin whose face and body were still wrapped with bandages and Princess Yang were still worried after hearing what she and Xiuyan said, ¡°Princess Changping didn¡¯t say anything in the process? She didn¡¯t confront you guys after you guys left? ¡±

    Although Princess Changping wasn¡¯t known for being cunning and barbarous, a girl from a normal family would confront them after getting humiliated like that let alone a Princess. She should at least stop them on the road and look for trouble.

    ¡°Empress was there to back up Yn in person. Even Empress Dowager couldn¡¯t do anything, let alone Princess Changping,¡± Qiu Jinzhu felt that the sky was so blue, the water was so clean, and the world was so wonderful at that moment. Of course, she thought everything was good, ¡°When we went out of the pce, Yn was with us. I think that Princess Changping was also afraid that it would be bad for her if the matter became significant.¡±

    Qiu Mengmin and his wife knew very well how fierce and tough Qiu Yn could be.

    However, even so, she wasn¡¯t so fierce and tough enough to make a Princess not dare to fight back after losing her future husband! Even the candidate of her future husband was just tacit not official!

    Qiu Mengmin and his wife looked at each other. They felt more and more insecure, ¡°Did Yn say anything to you when you went out of the pce?¡± Since Qiu Yn was willing to take care of this matter, no matter what her agenda was...She wouldn¡¯t drop it after going to the pce with her cousin, would she?

    After they said that, Qiu Jinzhu and Xiuyan looked unhappy and as if they had had something to hide, ¡°What could Yn say? I might as well not have asked her for help if I had known it would end up like this!¡±

    ¡°Tell us exactly what she said!¡± seeing this, how could Qiu Mengmin and his wife not know that Qiu Yn really did instruct her? They didn¡¯t care if it was something Qiu Jinzhu wanted to hear. They urged her at once to speak up for their reference.

 Chapter 262 - You, Vicious Woman, What a Bad Daughter You Gave Birth!

    <h4>Chapter 262 You, Vicious Woman, What a Bad Daughter You Gave Birth!</h4>

    ... After hearing the words reported by Qiu Jinzhu reluctantly, Qiu Mengmin and Princess Yang looked at each other, puzzled.

    After a moment, Qiu Mengmin turned to his daughter, looking at her with aplicated expression, ¡°Did Kuang Qingwu ever ask about our family when you were dating him?¡±

    ¡°He asked once or twice, but he did not ask about details...¡± Qiu Jinzhu felt dismal, ¡°I must have been angry about him if he kept asking about it.¡±

    Princess Yang said coldly, ¡°With your brain, you might not realize it even if he was doing it!¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu said, ¡°Mother, why do you believe Qiu Yn but not your daughter? She just wants to revenge on us, not helps us at all.¡±

    ¡°You retreat!¡± Qiu Mengmin beckoned to stop Princess Yang who just wanted to continue saying something. He became serious and cottoned on to the fact that his daughter had been overwhelmed by the words Qing Qingwu said to her. He said to her something like he would be responsible for her future. She would argue with anyone who railed against Kuang Qingwu!

    Against the backdrop, even if Qiu Jinzhu stayed here for answering questions, she would not tell the truth but for speaking for her lover.

    Hence, Qiu Mengmin might as well send her out. And then he turned to Princess Yang, saying coldly, ¡°You stay with her in the next days. As long as what she requires isn¡¯t too much, you oblige her. After all, she is our daughter!¡±

    Princess Yang suddenly understood that the implication of Qiu Mengmin¡¯s words. It implicated that Qiu Jinzhu was facing severe trouble. Actually, she was thinking the same as him. But the trouble was caused by her daughter. As a mother, she could not sit by and watch her die. She replied coldly, ¡°Do you think that her death could appease Empress Dowager?¡±

    She had married Qiu Mengmin for a couple of years. She knew him very well. In nature, Qiu Mengmin valued boys over girls. And her daughter now made such severe trouble for the family. Fortunately, she asked Qiu Jinzhu to go out before Qiu Mengmin entered the room. If he had saw her, he might have killed her identally!

    Presumably, they knew Qiu Jinzhu would die because of the trouble. The grief in Qiu Mengmin¡¯s heart was probably not as much as the annoyance of being implicated by her daughter!

    So, Princess Yang did not mention the father-daughter bond. Instead, she reminded, ¡°Kuang Qingwu and Jinzhu have been dating for one year. Do you think that Empress Dowager will believe we don¡¯t know about it?¡±

    Qiu Mengmin¡¯s face fell, gritting, ¡°What a daughter you gave to me! Huh?¡±

    He felt furious, ¡°Jinzhu is so shameless, causing us all in trouble! Yinzhi, a bullying, rude and shallow boy! The reason I married you was that I thought you were born and raised in an official family. In terms of teaching kids, you must be better than ordinary women! But finally, you see, Hongzhi and Maozhi, both are better than Yinzhi in learning. In my opinion, you should give Feng to Ding Qinghong, preventing him from being taught like Yinzhi or Jinzhu. It is okay whether or not they have big ambition. But at least, they should not make trouble for the family!¡±

    Princess Yang was bing furious immediately after hearing her husband¡¯s words. She said in a husky whisper, ¡°Now you are regretting who you married? Back then, when two families were discussing our marriage, you promised my brother that you would treat me like an angel. And my son would be the Young Prince. But now, Yinzhi is 12 years old. You tell me, when do you n to grant him as the Young Prince of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe? You med me for their misconduct. You should look at yourself. You always spent most of your time with bitch Bian. You care little about our two kids.¡±

    She was feeling sad for her two kids. As trueborn offspring, Qiu Jinzhu and Qiu Yinzhi did not enjoy any privileges than their half-brothers and sisters. They even were denounced from time to time for their misconduct! One thing led to another. It was reasonable for Princess Yang to speak for her two kids.

    Her tolerance for her kids became an obstacle for her to discipline them. She did not discipline them, but, in sharp contrast, shevished most of her attention on the kids. The spoiled kids were the oue of her past tolerance!

    Princess Yang felt regretful now too. But in terms of disciplining kids, she reckoned that Qiu Mengmin was the first one who should be med, ¡°Long ago when Qiu Hongzhi got the title of Xiucai, you were so happy about it that you thought that he was a talented boy given by God! But when Yinzhi began to learn, you were disappointed as he just behaved like an ordinary boy. Hence, you put all your efforts and hope on Qiu Hongzhi! But now, you see, until now, he is just a Xiucai. No more. If you were patient with Yinzhi, teaching him with your heart, and not condemning or judging him from time to time, he would put his heart in books. But your actions frightened him so much that he was scared of books finally.¡±

    Qiu Mengmin gave her a cold smile, ¡°Why did I put my efforts into Hongzhi? Why? That was because of you. Because you were jealous. You were jealous of Baozhu, my first wife¡¯s daughter, let alone a concubine¡¯s son. I just worried that you might kill her because of nothing. So, I put most of my efforts into him to protect him from you. That was the reason why I did not have much time for Yinzhi!¡±

    Hiseback was true. When Qiu Hongzhi got the title of Xiucai, he was young. At that time, he was perceived to have a promising future. But Qiu Mengmin also paid close attention to his trueborn son¡¯s first lesson. He invited a prestigious teacher and nned to teach and monitor the son in person. But before Qiu Yinzhi met his teacher, Qiu Hongzhi had some idents, such as he fell into water or his head was hit by a falling tilt, which distracted his attention. There were idents in a matter of days. Qiu Mengmin knew well that they were the idents Princess Yang made intentionally, aiming to pave the way for his son, Qiu Yinzhi.

    At that time, the Yang Family was yet not in trouble. Qiu Mengmin, although he was the Duke of Xihe, he did not have rights or an official title. He needed the help of the Yang Family in many respects. Considering the reasons, he was afraid that he might put Qiu Hongzhi in a worse condition if he had a contradiction with her openly.

    With limited energy, Qiu Mengmin had to tackle countless tricks yed by Princess Yang on Qiu Hongzhi. He, atst, had little effort to manage and take care of Qiu Yinzhi. Hence, he asked the teacher to take care of Qiu Yinzhi in all respects!

    As the old story had been revealed, Princess Yang was stunned but without guilt. She said coldly, ¡°You believed what the cheap woman said entirely. Think. Am I so stupid to make a couple of idents on the same person in a short time frequently? Even two or three idents in one day? Anyone who is not stupid would understand what was going on! As his official mother, I have plenty of means to deal with that cheap woman and her son. Why did I do such stupid idents, which were obvious evidence for you? It was that cheap woman who knew that Yinzhi began to go to school. She used her brain and make trouble for you. So you can spare no effort to take care of her son! What she did was kill two birds with one stone. She got your love and ruined Yinzhi¡¯s future at the same time!¡±

    Seeing she was trying to defend herself with sophistry, Qiu Mengmin was furious that he jumped up and kicked her. Her head immediately hit a corner of the table not far away. The stopped nosebleed began to flow down again. ¡°You are so vicious! At that time, Hongzhi was just a child. You even bribed his maids to poison him! He must have died hundreds of times if I did not stand in the way and arranged the maids for him in person. But now, you med her and her son? About Yinzhi, I have invited a good teacher for him. But look at you and your son. He did not study hard. Whose fault was it? Why are you so shameless to me Hongzhi!¡±

    Princess Yang felt light-headed. She tried to stand up. Noticing the blood on her clothes, she jumped at Qiu Mengmin hysterically, ¡°You have beaten me in front of Bian and daughters-inw to embarrass me! Now you beat me again. Are you nning to beat me to death and let Bian bitch rece me? Right? You are wrong. All wrong. Although my brother was delegated outside of the capital, you still have no chance to treat me like your first wife...¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Qiu Mengmin hated this step-wife the hell now. In terms of softness and obedience, she was much worse than his first wife although she was born and raised in an ordinary family. His first wife¡¯s daughter Qiu Baozhu, despite the fact she must hate him deeply, she never made trouble for the family! But this wife¡¯s daughter, Qiu Jinzhu, made such big trouble for the family, but she still thought she would be Kuang Qingwu¡¯s wife.

    However, Princess Yang was not in the mood to hear his rebuke. She cried, shouted, scratched and waved her fist, ¡°How can I live longer like this? We are not over unless you beat me to death today.¡±

    ... Atst, the servants outside heard the noise in the room. They took their nerve and opened the door to see what was going on inside. Finding out that the couple was wrestling with each other, they separated them and took them into different rooms. The yard became quiet then.

    After knowing the fight, Senior Concubine Bian and Qiu Hongzhi, of course, would rush tofort Qiu Mengmin.

    Ding Qinghong seized the chance, taking Qiu Feng to Qiu Mengmin and saying, ¡°Father, I think mother would be busy in Jinzhu¡¯s business recently. If we leave Feng to Mother, she may have no time and extra efforts to take care of him. So, I want...¡±

    ¡°Do what you want. Take him home and raise him yourself!¡± Qiu Mengmin was still angry. He replied to her with a serious face. ¡°From now on, you take care of him. Don¡¯t give back him to her! Look at what kinds of kids she raised!¡±

    ¡°Father, thank you!¡± said Ding Qinghong, happily. She even kneed on the floor, kowtowing to him. And then she held Feng tightly in her arms. She might be afraid that Qiu Mengmin would break his words in the next second. Seeing what was going on, Senior Concubine Bian knew that Qiu Mengmin and Prince Yang had be foes since then. She was so hrious that she almostughed loudly in front of Qiu Mengmin!

    It was a good chance to rub salt on the wounds. Senior Concubine Bian would not let it go. Gesturing with her eyes for Ding Qinghong and his husband to leave, she walked closer to Qiu Mengmin andforted him softly, trying to fuel the hatred mes Qiu Mengmin had for Princess Yang...

    On Qiu Mengmin¡¯s side, he was hugged andforted by his senior concubine. At the same time, his son and daughters-inw were standing beside him. In sharp contrast, Princess Yang got nothing but her maids Xiuyan and Xiu Rong. They were applying herbs on her wounds with tearing in their eyes. Princess Yang was lying on the bed, groaning slightly due to hurt. They wereforting her discreetly, ¡°Princess, do you want us to invite the sixth Commandery Princess and Young Master Qiu Yinzhi over here?¡±

    ¡°No need!¡± said Princess Yang with closed eyes. She shook her head with tears falling along her cheeks. ¡°Jinzhu must be exhausted as she just arrived at the Summer Pce. Yinzhi is still a kid. He can do nothing helpful now. You two stay here with me. That¡¯s enough!¡±

    She knew her kids well. If Qiu Jinzhu came over and saw her wounds, she would go and fight with Qiu Mengmin. It could help nothing but to make Qiu Mengmin hate her more. Qiu Yinzhi was fearful of his father. Even he saw her wounds. He would say nothing!

    Kids could not assist. What was worse, the mother¡¯s family was far away from here. Princess Yang felt dismal. She was tired but she still said a few words to win her maids. And then she fell asleep...

    When the love affair between Kuang Qingwu and Qiu Jinzhu was exposed, their side yards were naturally in the spotlight.

    The news concerning Qiu Mengmin and Prince Yang¡¯s fight in the Duke of Xihe due to their troublemaking daughter was spread to every corner of the city before the next morning.

    Qiu Yn was reported the news by Su He while she was washing up. She frowned, ¡°Princess Yang was beaten to bed? What about Qiu Jinzhu?¡±

    ¡°I did not hear that Commandery Princess Ningtai was beaten,¡± said Su He. She added after a while, ¡°We know that Kuang Qingwu once said he would marry her. I think as Commandery Princess Ningtai had been dating Kuang Qingwu since long ago, Prince might not dare do something severe to her.¡±

    ¡°He may not do things severe, but he still can do things to her!¡± said Qiu Yn. Back then, Qiu Mengmin even sacrificed his mother to save his title of the Prince, let alone a daughter.

    Jiang Yashuang, standing on her back, had been dressed. He was ying with Nianxue and Whitey with dried fish in his hand. He said after hearing their dialogue, ¡°Kuang Qingwu has sufficient confidence to enable the couple to kill their daughter as Yang was long coveting the position of old Princess and Qiu Mengmin for the power.¡±

    Hence, the marriage promise that Kuang Qingwu made to Qiu Jinzhu was a lie from the very beginning. Only Qiu Jinzhu believed his promise and immersed herself in the illusory happiness, without doubts or unwillingness to doubt it.

    ¡°We just sit by and watch the fire?¡± asked Qiu Yn, looking in the brazen mirror and turning her head. Xiaran was putting thest pearl hairpin into her hair.

    Noticing she had dressed up already, Jiang Yashuang threw the dried fish out of the window. The two Persian cats immediately jumped out of the window after the food. Jiang Yashuang pped his hands and smiled, ¡°Of course not!¡±

 Chapter 263 - I Merely Want to Have a Kid of My Own

    <h4>Chapter 263 I Merely Want to Have a Kid of My Own</h4>

    Qiu Yn was curious, ¡°We need to figure out aprehensive n. One reason is that Qiu Jinzhu will not doubt her parents as she even does not doubt what Kuang Qingwu said to her. The second reason is that she depends on her parents in every respect, including her expenses and foods, which gives the couple a good chance to kill her without costing much effort. Even she dies, the public, to some extent, will suspect of Kuang Qingwu instead of her parents!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°Your reasons sound right. However, Qiu Mengmin and Princess Yang are not on the same page at all.¡± A maid rushed in with a smile while they were reasoning the situation. She even did not salute before she said, ¡°Young master, young madame! Old master has woken up! The imperial doctor said you could go and see him. Madame asked me toe here, asking young master to go there immediately!¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn looked at each other for seconds. They both looked surprised but with happy faces: It was two days earlier than expected!

    The maid seemed to remember that she forgot to salute. She saluted and said, ¡°How dare me to lie to young master and young madame!¡±

    ¡°You go there now. Don¡¯t let grandfather wait too long!¡± said Qiu Yn, pushing Jiang Yashuang out of the room. They now had no time to discuss what was going on in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. ¡°Su He, you go and get me some refreshment. You eat while walking there... To see grandfather is the first!¡±

    Seeing off Jiang Yashuang, Qiu Yn sighed for Marquess Qin¡¯s importance to the Jiang Family after feeling an air of happiness in the house. Even her maids such as Su He and others beamed with joy after they heard old master was much better now. It seemed that the dark clouds overhead were shattered.

    ¡°But anyway, it is a good piece of news!¡± thought Qiu Yn after a sigh. Her lips curved in a smile. ¡°As grandfather wakes up, he can decide on the big events. Both the Empress and Jiang Tianao will feel relieved...¡±

    The Empress and Jiang Tianao had their backbones now. Qiu Yn, as a grandson¡¯s wife, had to stand aside and watched what was going on. Although she could not voice her ideas about the national business, she had the chance to voice concern about the family business. ¡°You go and pack some nutritious herbs. We go and visit Madame Tao Junior in Madame¡¯s house and then go to see Sheng Shishui after we finish our breakfast!¡±

    They were not only her sisters-inw!

    ¡°And ask the chef to make some unique and delicious cookies. If we cane back early after seeing Sheng Shishui, we need to go to see Jiang Qizheng¡ª¡± On the night when Marquess Qin felt sick, she eavesdropped the news when she chased after Xin Fubing, which was also serious! It had been days now, but no further news was heard. She was not reported that Jiang Qizheng mentioned a divorce to the seniors. The divorce must be dyed because of Marquess Qin¡¯s sudden illness. Qiu Yn wondered what was going on about Jiang Qizheng and Qiu Feng now.

    Qiu Yn had a quick breakfast and asked Su He and Chen Shui to go out with her. They went out after checking the herbs Chunran prepared for them.

    When they arrived at Madame Tao¡¯s house, it was just then Madame Dou Junior led Jiang Huizhi to go out. They used to have spats, but they seemed to stand on the same side now due to the misfortune Madame Tao Junior encountered. Hence, Qiu Yn walked forward and saluted to them, ¡°Sister, youe and see grandmother?¡±

    Madame Dou Junior smiled, said yes and thanked her. And then she asked Jiang Huizhi to greet Qiu Yn. After the empty words, she said, ¡°I got time today. So I came here to visit Madame Dou Junior... But Madame Tao is busy now. So we did not bother her. Please tell her we have been here if you have a chance to meet herter.¡±

    ¡°I alsoe to see Madame Tao Junior,¡± said Qiu Yn. Qiu Yn knew that the revived Marquess Qin wanted to meet family members. It must be Madame Tao who was concerned about Marquess Qin¡¯s health, so she stayed there in person, taking care of him. Hence, she was busy, leaving no time to meet Madame Dou Junior and her daughter ¡ª Qiu Yn knew Madame Tao must also have no time for her, either. So, she said, ¡°As grandmother is busy now. I dare not meet her if I am not summoned.¡±

    Although Madame Dou Junior came to see Madame Tao on purpose but failed. Actually, she did not take it seriously. The first branch did more and severer deeds than this before. In particr, she took daughter to see Madame Tao Junior, Madame Tao¡¯s favorite. Madame Tao, naturally, would not care about her impoliteness.

    Hearing Qiu Yn¡¯s words, she put aside the impoliteness that she disrespected Madame Tao because she did not greet her. She said instead, ¡°Madame Dou Junior is more haggard now. I am so concerned about her!¡±

    ¡°Me too!¡± sighed Qiu Yn. To marry Jiang Yadan, a ruthless and inactive husband, was a disaster. Anyone who even could deal with family interpersonal rtionships skillfully could do nothing about him.

    They were standing in front of the Madame¡¯s house, talking for a while. After a short time, they both realized that it was inappropriate to stand there for a long time. Hence, after some words, Madame Dou Junior mentioned that Madame Dou asked her to do something. So she said good-bye to Qiu Yn and walked away with her daughter Jiang Huizhi.

    After saying good-bye to her, Qiu Yn walked into the room where Madame Tao Junior was living. She heard coughs when she was walking into the house. She took a deep breath, running into the room!

    Madame Tao Junior looked haggard when she got sick in the capital. She looked more tired now in the Mount Dizi. Over the past ten days or so, Qiu Yn shuttled between the Summer Pce and the side yard because of Marquess Qin¡¯s illness. She was so busy that she had no time to see Madame Tao Junior. But now, Madame Tao Junior was almost reduced to a skeleton!

    Looking at the skinny sister-inw, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but fall tears although she used to be a tough girl, ¡°Madame Tao Junior, how can you be this? You have a grandmother. You have Yashuang. Even if you have a divorce with Yadan, we will be on your side and support you.¡±

    Although Madame Tao Junior was skinny, she was full of energy weirdly. She smiled at her, ¡°I have crept out of the divorce thing, but I am falling sick now. Maybe, this is my fate!¡±

    Qiu Yn had no clue how to answer her. She cried beside the bed for a while and asked, ¡°You really want to bow your head to your fate like this?¡±

    ¡°Anything else I can do?¡± asked Madame Tao Junior, sighed slightly. She began tofort Qiu Yn instead, ¡°Don¡¯t cry for me. I feel sad when you are crying! I know mydays are numbered. I have no other requests but I want everyone toe here, talking with me for a while happily... That¡¯s it. So, please, don¡¯t cry. Please.¡±

    Qiu Yn wiped her face quickly but tears fell again. She wiped again. She did it several times. Atst, she twisted her head, not showing her face with tears in front of Madame Tao Junior. Madame Tao Junior knew her meaning, though she could not see her face. She sighed, ¡°I used to worry that I can¡¯t get along with you and Shishui. Now I know that I am a shallow girl who mistreated you two. It¡¯s a pity that we did not meet each other earlier... If I could turn time back, I would have met you and Shishui the day when grandmother moved to the next door of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe!¡±

    As a matter of fact, what she said was not totally what she was thinking at that time. Back then, Madame Tao Junior did not know so much. It was Madame Tao who worried about it actually.

    With the way Madame Tao Junior bore herself, she would not drive a wedge between Qiu Yn and the seniors even she was in herst breath. Hence, she took the me for it all on herself.

    Although Qiu Yn did not know the inside story, she did not have misgivings about what she said, which, at least, seemed reasonable on the surface at the moment. All that she was thinking about was the sister-inw lying on the bed now. She was soft and tolerant but she suffered a lot in the past. She tried to exercise restraints and protect the family... Only because she was not pretty, she was driven to die in her thirties. Thinking of this, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but cry again.

    Seeing Qiu Yn was indulging in deep sadness, Madame Tao Junior tried to say something else to distract her, ¡°Just a moment ago, Madame Dou Junior came with her daughter to see me. I know we have quarrels with them, but she came here in person with her daughter Zhi. We are a family, indeed.¡±

    Qiu Yn tried to hold her tears from falling. She was afraid that when she spoke, she might burst into loud sobs. Hence, she just nodded silently.

    ¡°Zhi is much more beautiful than thest time I saw her,¡± said Madame Tao Junior. ¡°The day when I got married, she was a baby held in arms. At that time, she was like a ball of white meat. Shortly, look at her, a big girl now. Time flies!¡±

    Qiu Yn still knew that she must let her finish her sentence. So, Madame Tao Junior continued, ¡°As I don¡¯t have kids, my dowry will be returned to the Tao Family after I die. There is a pair of phoenix-shaped hairpins in the box. They are the most important things in my dowry. I nned to send them to Zhi as a gift when she marries... If she thinks that they are ominous gifts, it¡¯s okay for her to refuse. There are two bracelets in my box too. I want to give them to you and Shishui as souvenirs. I will ask Cuizhan to tell grandmother my will. The reason I tell you this now is that I want you to be the witness if there is unexpected trouble urring in the future...¡±

    Her words made Qiu Yn cry heavier. She knew that the reason Madame Tao Junior said this to her was not for being a witness or something else. The things Madame Tao Junior left for her husband¡¯s family were a pair of phoenix-shaped hairpins, two bracelets, which were even not added up to a makeup box. If Madame Tao managed the things she left behind, the Tao Family would not be so stupid to try to get them back. Qiu Yn did not need to be a witness at all.

    What she wanted to underscore was the phoenix-shaped hairpins ¡ª Qiu Yn had a big fight with the first branch when she just got married. The reason for the fight was the phoenix-shaped hairpins awarded by Marquess Qin. Now Madame Tao Junior wanted to give a pair of phoenix-shaped hairpins to Jiang Huizhi as a gift. She worried that her move might provoke Qiu Yn. So she told her about it in advance.

    ¡°I understand. Madame Tao Junior. You just want to ease the tensions between the first branch and the fourth branch. The phoenix-shaped hairpins are the gift the first branch wanted, but it was awarded to me by Marquess Qin and you know that I will not give them to the first branch. You want to give the most important things in your dowry, the hairpins, to Jiang Huizhi to ease the tensions. To be sure, even Madame Dou, if she is here now, cannot bear to say no to you considering your situation,¡± thought Qiu Yn, biting her lip tightly. Madame Tao Junior was on the verge of the cliff, but she still tried to ease the tensions between the family members...

    Qiu Yn heard Madame Tao Junior saying something while she was in deep grief, ¡°What a pity. I have no chance to see Shishui¡¯s kids. I have many regrets in my life, of which the most regretful one is that I don¡¯t have kids of my own. I just wish I have one, growing up safely, no matter it is a girl or a boy... But this is my fate... Fortunately, you and Shishui are lucky girls. I will pray for you in heaven every day after I die. Beg God to give you and Shishui many kids and prevent you two from trouble!¡±

    Fingernails unknowingly pinched into the palm. Qiu Yn turned her head suddenly, asking Cuizhan, Su He, and Chen Shui to wait outside. And then she whispered to Madame Tao Junior, ¡°Madame Tao Junior, you... really want to have a kid of your own?¡±

    Seeing all maids being out of the room, Madame Tao Junior realized that Qiu Yn must have something big to say to her. But her words shocked her anyway. She mocked herself, ¡°Yes, definitely. I am not joking. Over the past years, I have been thinking about it, even in my dreams... But, what can I do?¡±

    ¡°I have a prescription. You will be pregnant after you have it once. I promise,¡± said Qiu Yn, taking a deep breath. She tried to look believable, ¡°As long as you take care of yourself from now on and after you recover, I promise...¡±

    Madame Tao Junior looked at her, smiling, ¡°Yn, I know you want me to live longer. But, I really...¡±

    ¡°Sister-inw, you don¡¯t believe me?¡± Qiu Yn looked at her softly. The soft eyesight had diminishing effects on Qiu Jinn but it still worked for Madame Tao Junior. Madame Tao Junior sighed, ¡°I know you are good to me. I just told you that I¡¯ve been thinking about the kids like crazy. As a woman, I definitely want to have my own kids. If you have the prescription, you must have told me at the moment when you entered the room. That is your personality.¡±

 Chapter 264 - Try the Best to Save This Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 264 Try the Best to Save This Marriage</h4>

    ¡°This prescription has one w!¡± Qiu Yn felt stronger that her sister-inw was smart and elegant. If it weren¡¯t because her look was normal and her husband only loved beauty, she should have a better reputation outside.

    Luckily, Qiu Yn fought a lot with Qiu Jinn. Now even though she underestimated Madame Tao Junior¡¯s intelligence, she still quickly found an excuse, ¡°You¡¯ll only get a daughter after using this prescription! Besides, it would really hurt the mother. You won¡¯t have kids easily in the future! I thought you are still young, so you will be able to have a trueborn in the future! How would I rmend you this kind of prescription that may help you get pregnant but also make you infertile?¡±

    Seeing how surprised Madame Tao Junior was, she immediately added, ¡°Not until I just heard you saying that as long as you have a child, it doesn¡¯t matter whether it was a girl or a boy, did I decide to tell you. My brother said that this prescription was actually used to harm others. And you can¡¯t regret it after using it, so he never let me tell others! You¡¯re the first to know!¡±

    A flush ran on Madame Tao Junior¡¯s sallow face, ¡°Her Majesty...¡± The reason why Empress Jiang only had one daughter, Princess Yongfu, was that she was hurt by Empress Dowager Gu. Madame Tao Junior knew that, but she didn¡¯t know the detail.

    Qiu Yn lied but she unintentionally made Madame Tao Junior remember this!

    Madame Tao Junior thought Qiu Yn was just trying to find a goal to live for her, but now thinking about this, she had some hope. But after she blurted out, she remembered this was a big deal and Madame Tao told everyone not to tell others, so she immediately went quiet.

    But what she blurted out gave enough hints to Qiu Yn. She was used to judging others by herself, so she was worried that Madame Tao Junior would intentionally probe. She didn¡¯t confirm it, ¡°I don¡¯t know if this happened to the Her Majesty or not. But there is such a prescription. I¡¯m not afraid to tell you. My brother gave me this prescription, in case Jiang Yashuang changes his heart someday!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine it would hurt the mother. What about the child?¡± Madame Tao Junior never met Qiu Jinn. She didn¡¯t know that his solution to this loyalty problem was to change a brother-inw, not hurting the mistresses in secret. Now after Qiu Yn said that, Madame Tao Junior believed her. Her breathe went heavy, ¡°Will it hurt the child? Please, if not, give me the prescription!¡±

    Seeing life bursting out of her eyes, Qiu Yn was relieved. Madame Tao Junior¡¯s illness was not really an illness, but rather theck of will to live. Now this will came back. It meant she was still savable!

    As for the prescription that Madame Tao Junior wanted... Qiu Yn guaranteed her solemnly, ¡°I¡¯ll go to Green Vi now and have my brother ask someone to get the medicine... But please keep a secret about the origin of this prescription. Otherwise, if Jiang Yashuang knew, he would not like it!¡±

    When she arrived at the Green Vi, Ling Zui was also there. Seeing her, he smiled and called her. Before he could finish, she stopped him, ¡°The aphrodisiac you saidst time or something simr, get me some!!!¡±

    Ling Zui nearly spurted out the tea in his mouth, ¡°What?!¡±

    Then he felt Qiu Jinn looking at him with killing intent. He immediately raised his hands while coughing to show his innocence, ¡°I definitely didn¡¯t tell her about aphrodisiac in private. By the way, why do you need it? Jiang Yashuang looks young and strong. I don¡¯t think he needs that now...¡±

    ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Qiu Yn blushed because of his shameless guess. She stomped her feet and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this your proposalst time? Why would you think it¡¯s for Jiang Yashuang? It¡¯s for my eighth sister-inw!¡±

    ¡°You see! I said I wasn¡¯t a negative influence!¡± Hearing this, Ling Zui was relieved. He emphasized it to Qiu Jinn again and then asked Qiu Yn, ¡°Your sister-inw wants to use this to get her husband back? Don¡¯t guarantee anything. It depends on people who use it. She has an average look, but her husband loves beauty. If she uses it and still can¡¯t keep him, don¡¯t let her me you!¡±

    Qiu Jinn had a straight face. He said coldly by the side, ¡°Jiang Yadan spends a lot of time in the brothel. He won¡¯t be unfamiliar with aphrodisiac. You two are just messing around! One gives bad ideas and the other believes anything!¡±

    Qiu Yn said angrily, ¡°What can I do?! She¡¯s about to die. I just cried with her for a long time. Now I finally learned that the thing she regretted most was that she didn¡¯t have a child. I have to give her some hope to live on...¡±

    After she said that, both Qiu Jinn and Ling Zui had a funny look on their faces. Ling Zui touched his nose and had a hollowugh. He said cautiously, ¡°Don¡¯t get angry, Yn. Butst time I was just joking. The aphrodisiac is just to entertain. It has nothing to do with children! Generally speaking, after using it, Jiang Yadan is likely to stay at your sister-inw¡¯s ce. But whether she can get pregnant really depends on fate.¡±

    Qiu Yn pouted, ¡°I know. I¡¯m just coaxing her.¡±

    She only wanted to give Madame Tao Junior something to look for, ¡°I told her that she needed to get better to use it. With her current condition, she needs a year or at least a half to get healthy again! After using that, she needs to get Jiang Yadan on her bed. She also needs one or two months to confirm the pregnancy. So maybe at then, An Zhenshang is already out of favor. I just need to find a medicine that my sister-inw won¡¯t recognize!¡±

    Ling Zui nodded, ¡°I see. That¡¯s a good idea.¡± After thinking, he shrugged, ¡°But I really can¡¯t help with that. Your sister-inw may be unfamiliar with aphrodisiac, but Jiang Yadan won¡¯t. Since she wants to have a child, she needs to get Jiang Yadan on her bed. But Jiang Yadan doesn¡¯t like her. If he notices the aphrodisiac, he may get angry...¡±

    He said that but secretly pointed at Qiu Jinn with his mouth. Qiu Yn understood. She said sweetly, ¡°Brother, would you help me...?¡±

    ¡°Just give her some random medicine that won¡¯t kill her.¡± Qiu Jinn was still angry at her rushing in and yelling, ¡°Give me aphrodisiac.¡± He was shocked, so now he gave her the look. He snorted, ¡°You rushed here for such a small thing. You¡¯re not behaving like a youngdy from a prestigious household!¡±

    Seeing that her sweet talk was useless, Qiu Yn again turned to Ling Zui helplessly. Ling Zui sighed and helped her, ¡°Chunjun, you should really help her. If she does it herself and Madame Tao has a whim and asks a doctor to look at it, ¡®Huh? Isn¡¯t this for cold?¡¯, then Madame Tao would just get angrier and worse. It would all be Yn¡¯s fault!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have someone to think about it!¡± Qiu Jinn wouldn¡¯t really ignore her. Since Ling Zui said it, he went with it. He softened his tone and said, ¡°It can¡¯t harm people and can¡¯t be recognizable. The doctor may need some days.¡±

    Ling Zui said, ¡°She¡¯s not taking it immediately. Yn, just tell her we can¡¯t find all the herbs, so it got dyed.¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded repeatedly. She then stood up and was about to leave. Qiu Jinn called her up, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to see sister?¡±

    ¡°Tell her I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯lle to see her the next time!¡± Qiu Yn sighed and said helplessly, ¡°I¡¯m really busy. My eighth sister-inw is fine for now. But I haven¡¯t visited my sixteenth sister-lnw who is pregnant for days. The most painful thing is that something has happened between Qiu Feng and Chunfu Princess. At the night of the family banquet, I overheard Chunfu Princess crying behind the artificial hill and saying she would divorce him!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Ling Zui and Qiu Jinn were shocked to hear that. They looked at each other and asked with a deep voice, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Qiu Yn quickly said what she heard and sighed, ¡°I was in a rush to chase after Xin Fubing. Then I heard Marquess Qin fell ill when I came back. So I didn¡¯t have time for it! Now that Marquess Qin could manage things, I have to go to ask. Speaking of which, I didn¡¯t dare to mention this to Jiang Yashuang. After all, it sounds like Qiu Feng is not happy with this marriage and Chunfu Princess said divorce because she is helpless. If Jiang Yashuang knows that she is unhappy after she gets married, there may be trouble!¡±

    Even though technically, Jiang Family asked Qiu Feng to marry Jiang Qizheng. But as Jiang Qizheng¡¯s brother, Jiang Yashuang would never be just. It was like Qiu Jinn¡¯s theory of ¡°all the credits belong to my sister and all the mistakes belong to her husband¡±. All the brothers in the world were protective in the same way.

    Qiu Yn also had her own reason. Jiang Qizheng was indeed her sister-inw, but Qiu Feng was also an acquaintance. If this had been fixable, Qiu Yn also wouldn¡¯t have wanted Qiu Feng to suffer.

    After saying her own opinion, she asked, ¡°You guys have seen Qiu Feng more often. Do you know about this?¡±

    She then saw Ling Zui pointing at Qiu Jinn speechlessly, ¡°He saw all thising. When they were first married, your brother said the Princess may not be able to tolerate him for long...¡±

    Qiu Jinn rubbed in-between his eyebrows. He said without any expression, ¡°I gave him advice on how to manage a marriage. He just didn¡¯t listen. What can I do?!¡±

    He then turned to Qiu Yn and said, ¡°Qiu Feng is of low born while Chunfu Princess is of high born. If they want to be together, they have to tolerate each other. Either someonepromises, or they break up. It won¡¯t be easy for an outsider to get them back together!¡±

    Qiu Yn wanted to say something and Qiu Jinn said it first, ¡°Anyway I¡¯ll try my best. Hope they can work this out!¡±

    Qiu Yn wanted to ask him to mediate in the first ce. After all, Qiu Yn was not familiar with Qiu Feng or Chunfu Princess. Yet Qiu Jinn really knew how to handle Qiu Feng.

    Thinking back, when Qiu Feng was about to get married, Qiu Jinn sighed about how he lost his right arm. Now Qiu Feng seemed to have broken up with Chunfu Princess. Qiu Jinn was highly likely to take the chance and coax Qiu Feng into getting back to being single and then continuing to serve him. She was prepared to sweet talk and even roll on the ground, throwing a tantrum, after Ling Zui left. Now Qiu Jinn volunteered without her asking. She immediately over-thought, ¡°If you go to the west, you have to take Qiu Feng with you. His status may also help you...¡±

    Qiu Jinn nced at her, ¡°Who said I would take him to the west?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Qiu Yn asked surprisingly, ¡°Why not?¡±

    This didn¡¯t fit with how he usually used Qiu Feng!

    Qiu Jinn snorted, ¡°I have my reasons. No need to ask. Anyway, I won¡¯t sabotage his marriage. Go to the back and talk to sister. Then go back to see Sheng Shishui. I¡¯ll take care of Qiu Feng and his wife. No need to worry!¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at Ling Zui again. This time Ling Zui gave her a helpless look and hinted, ¡°You should just listen. I really can¡¯t help now!¡±

 Chapter 265 - Threatened Abortion

    <h4>Chapter 265 Threatened Abortion</h4>

    After listening to Ruan Ciyi¡¯s teachings that the women who gave birth to babies would have a say in the harem, Qiu Yn finally found a reason to leave, and she didn¡¯t even meet Qiu Jinn but went straight back to Jiang¡¯s residence.

    By this time it was over lunch, but Mrs. Li would never forget to leave her some food.

    After eating the food hastily, Qiu Yn looked at the copper funnel in the corner of the house, ¡°People always feel sleepy at this time, especially the sixteenth sister-inw who is pregnant now. So I will go to visit herter.¡± But what if Sheng Shishui was not sleeping? So she ordered Chunran, ¡°Send a little maid to the sixteenth sister-inw. Ask when is the right time to visit her.¡±

    It was really lucky that they had sent someone to go there as the little maid who ran errands came back soon and reported, ¡°The sixteenth madame said that if you are not sleepy, you can go and talk with her!¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled and stood up, ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±

    When she arrived in the room of Sheng Shishui, she saw that the room was simply furnished, many decorations were removed, and the room even looked a little humble.

    ¡°I often walked around the room, and I was afraid that there were too many things to bump into, so I ordered people to put them away.¡± Sheng Shishui exined, ¡°Fortunately, on this mountain, no one elsees here except you. So I don¡¯t have to be afraid of being impolite.¡± It meant that she never took Qiu Yn as an outsider, so she didn¡¯t think it was a snub to her to remove most of the decorations when she came here.

    Qiu Yn smiled and said, ¡°That¡¯s okay if it was you who did that.¡± What she saw at Madame Tao Junior¡¯s house before was really an eye-opener. From then on, she knew that the men in Jiang Family were domineering and even their concubines and mistresses were ambitious. So she had thought it was Jiang Yazhu¡¯s concubine who swept her house!

    Sheng Shishui knew what she meant and said with a smile, ¡°I have to thank grandmother. The time when I was almost killed before, grandmother gave my yard a big sweep. Now almost all the servants here are chosen by myself.¡± Her voice turned low then, ¡°A few maids in the house of Jiang Yazhu were not allowed toe here for this summer vacation. When setting off, she ordered the housekeeper in Marquess¡¯s Mansion to find someone to sell them...¡±

    In fact, this was Madame Tao¡¯s reward to her. Madame Tao Junior was ndered before, so in order to exonerate her granddaughter, Madame Tao used her pawn Yanniang who was ced in the yard of Jiang Yazhu. Not only did she take Sheng Shishui down with them, but she also made her take a small amount of gelsemium elegan powder... Although Sheng Shishui could see that, she didn¡¯t say anything about that.

    Since she was judicious, Madame Tao had to do something as well.

    She cleaned out Jiang Yazhu¡¯s yard, gave herplete rights, and dismissed all Jiang Yazhu¡¯s mistress-maids... If Sheng Shishui¡¯s baby was not affected by the small amount of gelsemium elegan powder, it would really be goodpensation.

    After all, those things were really easy to do for Madame Tao. If Sheng Shishui did that by herself, it would take a long time for her to n, and it would be difficult to achieve the absolute advantage like this.

    At the moment, Sheng Shishui¡¯s smile was full of satisfaction and gratitude, ¡°I feel at ease in this yard now!¡±

    If it weren¡¯t for the fact that her hand that subconsciously touched her lower abdomen trembled when she said this, Qiu Yn would suspect that she had forgotten the pastry containing gelsemium elegan powder.

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know if Sheng Shishui had any resentment against Madame Tao or if it just depended on the situation after her baby was born. She felt emotional that it was really difficult to be the wife of a son of a concubine in a big family. She had to keep smiling after being framed as a pregnant woman and dare not show any resentment... Sheng Shishui had a special life experience. She was shrewd and deep because she was used to being bullied since she was a child. Nobody else could bear it except for her!

    Whether Sheng Shishui¡¯s baby was healthy or not in the future, she looked nice and had a good appetite at this time. Qiu Yn was more concerned about Madame Tao Junior and Jiang Qizheng. So, seeing that there was nothing she could do for her, she left after talking with her for a while.

    When she walked to the door, she happened to meet Jiang Yazhu. Both of them were shocked when they saw each other. Qiu Yn hurriedly saluted him, ¡°Brother!¡±

    ¡°Did youe to see Shishui?¡± Jiang Yazhu¡¯s face was haggard, but he seemed to be in a good mood, and smiled at her, ¡°Is she okay? I haven¡¯te back in these two days.¡±

    ¡°She is good but just misses you all the time. Just now she said that since grandfather has recovered now, she has to order someone to make you some nourishing food to make up for your hard work these days.¡± Qiu Yn said with a smile. She had a good rtionship with Sheng Shishui at this time, so she didn¡¯t mind helping her if she had the opportunity.

    After Jiang Yazhu heard this, his smile became deeper as expected. He nced at the room subconsciously, ¡°Then I will go to see her. I won¡¯t see you off then!¡±

    ¡°Just go, brother! It¡¯s in my own home. You don¡¯t have to see me off.¡± And it was improper to see off his sister-inw. Qiu Yn smiled as she watched him walking towards the yard in a hurry, thinking, ¡°I¡¯ve heard that Jiang Yazhu is also an ignoramus dude like Jiang Yadan. But he seems to care about Sheng Shishui so much... Maybe because he hasn¡¯tpletely deteriorated as he is at a young age, and Sheng Shishui, his beautiful wife, is pregnant, right?¡±

    She sighed then, ¡°If Madame Tao Junior had given birth to a child early, would Jiang Yadan have treated her better?¡±

    Everyone had his own fate.

    She shook her head and returned to her yard. Before entering the room, Chunran greeted her, ¡°Just now the third branch sent someone here to report that the fourteenth madame is pregnant.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiu Yn was startled, saying then, ¡°This is a good thing... Are the gifts prepared? Show me the gift list.¡±

    Xiaran who followed Chunran out leaned forward and said, ¡°The gifts were prepared ording to the list when the sixteenth madame was pregnant, and only a few of the gifts were changed into some other colors that were more suitable for the official daughter-inw. However, in addition to the good news, the person of the third branch said something else as well.¡±

    While talking, Qiu Yn had already entered the room. She took a seat, taking a sip of the tea that Su He had made, and asked, ¡°What is that?¡±

    ¡°The person said that the fourteenth madame¡¯s baby is not in a good condition due to the dailybor of family affairs. The doctor advised her to stay in bed for some days to avoid risks.¡± Xiaran said gently, ¡°And the sixth Madame and the seventh madame are not very good at housekeeping. Now that she is pregnant, she would like to ask you to help her.¡±

    If Qiu Yn heard this before, she would not doubt it.

    But she had heard from He Shuijin that Madame He had even lost some of her dowries when she was in charge. Qiu Yn would only get involved in it if she were stupid! So she said without hesitation, ¡°I¡¯m so young, and there are so many sisters-inw of the same generation. So, how can I take my turn to be in charge? And since Madame Tao Junior and the sixteenth sister-inw are like this now, how can I have the mind to take care of other things?¡±

    Regarding the ability of housekeeping and money managing, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t think that she couldpare with a natural economic expert like He Shuijin after the time-travel. Once she coveted the rights of housekeeping and agreed, she would be so busy and be overshadowed by He Shuijin then.

    And Qiu Yn knew clearly why Madame He invited herself to do this. It was just because Jiang Yadan was in the fourth branch.

    He was just a prodigal, and only the money-making talents like He Shuijin would not care about the prodigals in Jiang Family who spent money like water. At this time she had to have a rest to take care of the unborn baby. What if she had to rest until her baby was born or even her baby was one month old? If so, even if the sessor followed her rulespletely in the course for almost a year, it was hard to guarantee that there wouldn¡¯t be any surprises. Especially the fight for the position of Crown Prince turned fierce at this time. It not only indicated that the possibility of idents would increase, but also meant that the expenses of the Empress¡¯ party would be even higher...

    At this critical moment, who would dare to take over He Shuijin¡¯s work?

    ¡°She wants to get me involved with the rights of the housekeeper, and then I will have no way to back down. If there is a problem with the ounts, for the sake of my fame, I will have to use my own dowry to make up for it just like you, Madame He... That¡¯s ridiculous.¡± Qiu Yn sneered in her heart. ¡°The fourth branch is not the eldest, and Jiang Yashuang is not the eldest son of the fourth branch. In the future, when the family property is shared, it is hard to say how much we can get. Why do I bother to worry about that so much?¡±

    With her dowry, it was true that she didn¡¯t care how much property Jiang Yashuang could get in the future.

    Besides, Jiang Yashuang had a bright future, and there was no need for him to stare at the family property. So even if He Shuijin hadn¡¯t inadvertently reminded her before, Qiu Yn would not agree to take over the position of the housekeeper, either.

    Therefore, when she rushed to the third branch to congratte He Shuijin after ordering the gift list and was invited to the main hall by Madame He to talk about the housekeeping, she refused extremely bluntly, ¡°The eighth sister-inw is ill, and the sixteenth sister-inw is pregnant, so I really have no time to take care of other things. And I am so young, so I don¡¯t know much about these things... I can¡¯t even act as an assistant. Third auntie, I really can¡¯t do it. Please don¡¯t give me a hard time.¡±

    She refused her on the grounds of Madame Tao Junior and Sheng Shishui. Madame Zhuang was not in Jing City, so as a daughter-inw of the fourth branch, she should give priority to her sisters-inw. In this way, she seemed to value family affection more than power by refusing the position of housekeeper. Madame He had nothing to say then. She forced a smile and praised her for her kindness, and then let her leave.

    After Qiu Yn left, Madame He put on a sulky face, ¡°I¡¯ve thought she will agree with that since she is young, and she seemed verypetitive in the conflict with the first branch before. But she doesn¡¯t want to show off now... What should I do now?¡±

    Her closest old maidservant also felt troublesome, ¡°Among the youngdies, nobody can bepared with the fourteenth madame in terms of housekeeping. However, she had a threatened abortion, so she can¡¯t overwork herself...¡±

    ¡°She looks steady always. Why she even didn¡¯t find she was pregnant this time?¡± Madame He was agitated. Since Marquess Qin reappeared to preside over the overall situation, which raised the morale of the Empress¡¯ party and also meant the fight for the position of Crown Prince turned white-hot, it was just time for He Shuijin and the third branch to show themselves when money was flowing like water.

    However, He Shuijin just got pregnant at the moment, and she didn¡¯t even find it out until she had a stomachache due to days of fatigue! The doctor sternly told her not to worry about anything, and she couldn¡¯t even read the ount books. Jiang Family without He Shuijin was just like the Empress¡¯ party without Marquess Qin!

    It was imaginable how big a blow it was!

    ¡°The old master got ill so suddenly. These days, our family has been under great pressure. Since the fourteenth madame is in charge of the family affairs, her pressure is...¡± Madame He had always been jealous of her niece. He Shuijin was pregnant this time, so Madame He¡¯s words were really heartbreaking. Thus, even her closest old maidservant couldn¡¯t help speaking for He Shuijin. Of course, therge amount of money He Shuijin usually gave her in private was also an important reason.

    Madame He frowned after hearing what the old maidservant said, and finally she softened her tone and said, ¡°I am just worried about her!¡±

    After all, the baby in He Shuijin¡¯s belly was her official grandson, so her words were also sincere.

    However, in addition to her sincere worry for He Shuijin, she thought, ¡°Shuijin and Heng¡¯er are still young, and they two have always been in good health. In fact, they don¡¯t have to bear a child so early... How good would it be for them to have a child after this critical period?¡±

    After that, she couldn¡¯t help thinking about it more deeply, ¡°The first branch has always been favored by father. The fourth branch has made great contributions before. The sixth branch has the only son of the youngest uncle, so even if they do nothing, father won¡¯t forget them if there is anything great... It¡¯s a rare opportunity for our third branch to show ourselves in front of father. Will we just miss it? The child... With the trueborn son and his official wife here, I will have an official grandson sooner orter... Besides, there are always little children who die young in families, let alone those who haven¡¯t been born...¡±

    Madame He felt her heart beating faster and faster. She knew that this kind of thinking was too cruel, and it also vited morality. But thinking about her official grandsons who were given birth to by Madame Shi and Madame Zhang, she didn¡¯t seem to beck of grandsons... While as for the internal strife in Jiang Family, as the eldest son of Marquess Qin, the master of the third branch had a tendency to be suppressed by his brothers...

    If they missed such a major event at this time, would they have a chance to grab the limelight again in the future?

    ¡°The baby in her belly is young, and if she had an abortion, she could get up after resting for ten days or a half month. But if she gave birth to the baby, it would take at least one year. Then the overall situation may have been settled by then...¡± Madame He bit her lip. It was a sensitive thing, so she couldn¡¯t even discuss it with her closest old maidservant. After all, the old maidservant came here with her from her natal family. If she identally revealed it to He Family one dayter, not only He Shuijin but also the whole He Family would not let her go!

    ¡°I have to think about it... I have to think about it carefully!¡±

 Chapter 266 - Its Way Over the Line!

    <h4>Chapter 266 It¡¯s Way Over the Line!</h4>

    Madame He became evil because Qiu Yn refused to manage the house during He Shuijin¡¯s miscarriage prevention period. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know anything about it. Madame Tao summoned her on her way back to her yard after she left the third branch.

    Actually, Qiu Yn hadn¡¯t seen her for a while. Seeing Madame Tao at that moment, she noticed that Madame Tao had lost a lot of weight. But she was in good spirits. Her eyes were bright and piercing. It was reasonable. Jiang Family didn¡¯t admit that Marquess Qin was ill abed. They only let Madame Tao and a grandson who didn¡¯t work in the government take care of him. It was hard work. But giving personal care to someone was the easiest way to bond.

    Either Jiang Yazhu who she bumped into earlier or Madame Tao at that moment could hide their delight even though they looked tired. It was obvious that their hard work these days paid off very well.

    ¡°You guys must be very worried in these few days,¡± Madame Tao asked about their current situations with a smile for a while. Especially, she asked about Madame Tao Junior¡¯s situation. Although Madame Tao Junior lived in the same yard, Marquess Qin was so important that Madame Tao didn¡¯t have time to check upon her in the process. Qiu Yn considered herself lucky at that moment. Madame Tao was busy. And so was she. Thank god she went to check upon Madame Tao Junior that morning. Otherwise, she didn¡¯t know how to answer.

    After asking about the situation of the people she cared, Madame Tao cut to the chase, ¡°Shuijin is pregnant. And I heard that she almost miscarried? She surely can¡¯t keep managing the house now. It¡¯s your third aunt¡¯s business. You just went to congratte Shuijin. Did your third aunt say anything to you?¡±

    Qiu Yn said in a hurry, ¡°She asked me to help sixth sister-inw and seventh sister-inw manage the house. But I thought that eighth sister-inw hadn¡¯t been well recently and Shishui was pregnant. I¡¯m too busy taking care of sisters-inw of my own branch. How could I have time to manage the house? Let alone that I¡¯m the youngest and ranked lowest among all the granddaughters-inw. We are such a big family. I may not be able to handle it even they assign me with small matters. So, I refused third aunt.¡±

    Hearing that, Madame Tao smiled slightly, ¡°I¡¯m relieved that you refused. I¡¯m afraid that your third aunt talked you into it because you are too young to know better. Then it¡¯ll be troublesome!¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your concern!¡± Qiu Yn epted her kindness willingly. She sweet-talked Madame Tao for a while. Madame Tao said suddenly while smiling, ¡°I was afraid that you would agree with your third aunt. So, I found you something to do. So, you could use it as an excuse to refuse to manage the house! But to think about it now, you are the only one who can do it!¡±

    Qiu Yn said curiously, ¡°Grandmother, please do tell.¡±

    ¡°Yongfu is old enough to get married,¡± Madame Tao¡¯s words made Qiu Yn serious. Princess Yongfu was Empress¡¯s only kid and Madame Tao¡¯s only direct grand-kid. Her marriage was a big deal!

    But why was she the only one who could do it? Was Qiu Jinn Madame Tao and Empress¡¯s choice for Yongfu¡¯s husband?

    She heard Madame Tao whispering while woolgathering, ¡°Tianluan chooses Ou Bicheng to be her husband!¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned. It wasn¡¯t because they didn¡¯t choose Qiu Jinn. It was because, ¡°But, grandmother, Cousin Xin loved Ou Bicheng...¡±

    Even Xin Fubing was about to move on before she went out of the pce.

    However, Xin Fubing was forced to marry the Seventh Prince who she didn¡¯t love by Empress and others. And then Empress wanted to marry her daughter to the one Xin Fubing loved. Even Xin Fubing had already known that since Ou Bicheng didn¡¯t love her, it was pointless to keep thinking about him, she would definitely be shocked after hearing that.

    ¡°I know!¡± Madame Tao looked frustrated and sighed, ¡°But there is no better way. You should know that after going to the pce for a few times. Tianluan treats Yongfu like a treasure. Tianluan will give Yongfu whatever she asks! But Yongfu¡¯s husband will affect her whole life. Tianluan doesn¡¯t have a better solution!¡±

    Seeing that Qiu Yn was at a loss, Madame Tao smiled bitterly, ¡°The one who Yongfu cares the most in these few years is the Duke of Puyang Xiao Su! You tell me... How is it possible?¡±

    Qiu Yn was enlightened. Empress Jiang valued Xiao Su for sure. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t hire him to teach Princess Yongfu and Princess Chunfu calligraphy.

    The problem was that no matter how impressed Empress was by Xiao Su¡¯s talent, she wouldn¡¯t agree to marry Princess Yongfu to him!

    The reason was simple. Xiao Su¡¯s health was too poor!

    Judging by Empress¡¯s position and her love towards Princess Yongfu, Princess Yongfu¡¯s husband coulde from a normal family, have no talents, have bad look, have no ability, have no money, have no power...He could have nothing. As long as Princess Yongfu liked him! There was only one thing that no parents who loved their kids could ept. That was poor health!

    What kind of parents could ept that their daughters needed to prepare to be a widow since the day she was married?

    Even Yongfu could remarry, how about her broken heart? How could Empress bear to let her suffer?

    So, even the Duke of Puyang was qualified to be a Princess¡¯s husband judging by his family, talent, age and personality, his poor health was enough to obliterate the possibility for him to be a Princess¡¯s husband especially Princess Yongfu¡¯s husband!

    ¡°Other than Xiao Su, Ou Bicheng is the one who Yongfu often mentions!¡± Madame Tao sighed, ¡°He doesn¡¯t even have a Juren title. And his Kungfu is mediocre. Butpared to normal people, he is strong and healthy. And he saved Yongfu in the earthquakest year.¡±

    It meant that Madame Tao and Empress Jiang didn¡¯t have a better solution. Princess Yongfu was their only direct bloodline. They didn¡¯t bear to disobey her. However, she who was at the marriageable age was close to a vulnerable Prince whose family was waiting for him to die at a young age!

    Madame Tao and Empress Jiang were afraid that Princess Yongfu really wanted to marry Xiao Su. They had to hold on to the man who was the second closest to her!

    Qiu Yn felt so frustrated, ¡°I wonder if Ou Bicheng is willing to?¡±

    But Madame Tao asked her to do it in person. As the granddaughter-inw, she couldn¡¯t reject. She said reluctantly, ¡°I see. I¡¯ll talk to Yashuang when he gets back...¡±

    However, Madame Tao interrupted her, ¡°How could I ask you to talk to Ou Bicheng?¡±

    ¡°Then what do you want me to do?¡± Qiu Yn was stunned. Did she want me to persuade Princess Yongfu? I wasn¡¯t that close to her, was I? Even Jiang Yashuang was closer to her than I was!

    ¡°The thing is that Yongfu is spoiled by Tianluan. We haven¡¯t talked to her directly about the candidate of her husband until now,¡± Madame Tao sighed, ¡°We have sounded her out for a few times. It seems that she likes Xiao Su...He is the one who has been teaching her calligraphy since she was a kid after all. s!¡±

    Madame Tao shook her head for a bit. Then she braced herself up and said, ¡°Besides, Xiao Su is also at a marriageable age. Of course, he is still in the mourning period. It¡¯s inappropriate to talk about this kind of stuff.¡±

    Madame Tao seemed to hesitate. But she finally said, ¡°After discussing with Empress, we want to find Xiao Su a wife in order to make Yongfu stop thinking about him.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn felt frustrated. The scheme which was meant for Qiu Feng was used against the Duke of Puyang now.

    Qiu Yn pondered on her rtion to that matter until that moment. It seemed it had nothing to do with her.

    Was it possible that Madame Tao and Empress Jiang want Xiao Su to marry Ruan Ciyi or Wang Qingqian? Ruan Ciyi was old enough to be Xiao Su¡¯s mother. And Wang Qingqian¡¯s status was clearly inferior to Xiao Su¡¯s!

    Other than that, what did Madame Tao need me for?

    Then she heard Madame Tao saying, ¡°When Yongfu has made up her mind about something, it¡¯s hard to persuade her. But there is one thing about her that she treats her friends very well. She always protects her friends even she has to suffer losses!¡±

    Qiu Yn weighed what Madame Tao said. And she thought about those people who Princess Yongfu was close to. Her look changed a little!

    As expected, Madame Tao whispered, ¡°She doesn¡¯t have siblings. Tianluan is worried about other Princes and Princesses getting close to her because of Empress Dowager Gu. Her closest friend since she was a kid is her niece who is also your niece...¡±

    County Princess Duanrou, Chu Chunxiao!

    ¡°It¡¯s way over the line!¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t show her feelings on her face. But she was very frustrated, ¡°Chu Chunxiao¡¯s father Prince Qiyang is the only offspring of the Crown Prince of the former emperor¡¯s reign. He is duly suppressed in this reign. And he was born stupid! Princess Qiyang is a concubine¡¯s daughter of Jiang Family who was tricked to be Prince Qiyang¡¯s wife by her official mother. Chu Chunxiao doesn¡¯t have siblings. A family like this is busy enough with their own affairs. They want her to marry ailing Xiao Su under this circumstance. They really don¡¯t want them to get on with their lives!¡±

    Madame Tao either didn¡¯t sense or pretended not to sense that Qiu Yn didn¡¯t approve. She kept talking, ¡°Yongfu is closest to Duanrou among the girls of their age. Let Duanrou tell her about it before she could express her feelings towards Xiao Su. Judging by Yongfu¡¯s personality, even she has feelings for Xiao Su, she won¡¯t bring it up anymore if Duanrou says first. She wouldn¡¯t do it for anyone else. However, as for Duanrou...we wanted to talk to her about it during the family dinnerst time. But your grandfather happened to be sick on that day. We sent her back before we could mention it. Now we need to invite her toe again.¡±

    Madame Tao looked towards Qiu Yn, ¡°Shuijin went to pick her upst time. Now she is pregnant. You go and pick her up. Talk to her about it if you have a chance on the way!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn felt angry at once. She was silent for a moment and then said faintly, ¡°Grandmother, County Princess Duanrou and Princess Yongfu are very close. Asking County Princess Duanrou to tell Princess Yongfu that she likes the Duke of Puyang sure can make Princess Yongfu give up her love... But their friendship will... It seems to hurt Princess Yongfu too?¡±

    Madame Tao said frowning, ¡°It¡¯s okay. Yongfu and Duanrou are two generations anyway. It¡¯s not a big deal that they grow apart from each other in the future. Besides, Yongfu can spend time with you guys in the future, right?¡±

    ¡°But Her Highness grew up with County Princess¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want to give up and tried to speak up for Chu Chunxiao.

    Madame Tao sneered, ¡°It¡¯s okay that you don¡¯t want to talk to Duanrou about it on the way! I just ask you to pick her up. Are you not willing to?¡±

    Since Madame Tao said that, if Qiu Yn still refused, she would be offended.

    ¡°...Grandmother, you misunderstood me. Should I go now?¡± after thinking for a moment, Qiu Yn resisted her impulse after all. She stood up and asked bitterly.

    Seeing that she agreed, Madame Tao softened her tone, ¡°No need to rush. Go at dusk. Pick her up to have dinner here. And then she can spend a night.¡±

    Qiu Yn was frustrated. Madame Tao obviously knew that County Princess Duanrou wasn¡¯t so stupid. She couldn¡¯t be persuaded so easily about her marriage. It would take Madame Tao a night to persuade her... Or Madame Tao might need to ask her to stay the next day.

    ¡°What a bad day!¡± Qiu Yn went out of Madame Tao¡¯s yard distractedly. She stamped her feet as she walked, ¡°I¡¯m so annoyed just by hearing it. And she wanted me to do it. I don¡¯t want to go! Don¡¯t want to! Don¡¯t want to!¡±

    She bumped into a group of people while she was angry. The woman in the front was just above 20. She had delicate eyebrows and nted eyes. Her skin was white like litchi and her lips were red like cheery. She wore a peach top with narrow sleeves and a pink skirt with lotus patterns. She looked so beautiful. She was Madame Huang.

    ¡°Eighth aunt!¡± Qiu Yn was in a bad mood. But she still braced herself up and saluted when she saw her approaching. She greeted, ¡°Eighth aunt, are you going to visit grandmother?¡±

    ¡°I went to congratte Shuijin just now. Your third aunt told me that Shuijin needed to prevent miscarriage. So, she shouldn¡¯t be worried about those things which she used to manage,¡± although Huang was Jiang Family¡¯s daughter-inw, she was younger than a few granddaughters-inw. And her husband Jiang Tianxiao was a concubine¡¯s son. So, she couldn¡¯t act like an elder. She smiled kindly at that moment, ¡°She talked me into it. I promised to help during Shuijin¡¯s miscarriage prevention period... But I never managed anything before. So, Ie to ask mother for advice!¡±

    ¡°Hurry up and take over my errand! I couldn¡¯t stop it and I didn¡¯t want to be a part of it!¡± Hope filled Qiu Yn at once. She decided not to go back and wait there!

 Chapter 267 - Scum, You Have No Bottom Line

    <h4>Chapter 267 Scum, You Have No Bottom Line</h4>

    Qiu Yn waited for almost two hours. Huang was still out of sight.

    It was time Jiang Yashuang was off work. She felt frustrated, ¡°That¡¯s it. As the eighth branch is not a trueborn, Madame Tao won¡¯t tell Huang to stay away from the trouble. She may tell Huang only about how and what to do as a housekeeper. In this way, Madame Tao won¡¯t provoke Madame He, and meanwhile, Huang will appreciate her instruction!¡±

    Hence, Qiu Yn was the one perceived to pick up Chu Chunxiao!

    Qiu Yn went back to her house listlessly. While she was walking into the room, she saw Jiang Yashuang, who had changed into a light green dress, strolling in the yard with his hands in sleeves. Nianxue and Whitey were chasing the tail of his robe, ying with it. Qiu Yn remembered that the dress was a new one and this was his second time to wear it. However, the tail of the robe had been scratched by the two Persian cats.

    It seemed that he was not bothered by the cats at all. He wasn¡¯t annoyed, though, and smiled down at them, watching them ying at his heels.

    ¡°You went to see He Shuijin?¡± asked Jiang Yashuang. Seeing his wifeing back home, he stopped circling. When he stopped, Nianxue and Whitey seized the chance to grab the tail of his robe, trying to climb up. It was not unexpected that the light and soft robe was reeled off raw silk by them.

    ¡°You are too nice to them. Look at your robe. It is a new one but it was scratched by them. How can you dress it to meet people next time?¡± said Qiu Yn. She walked forward to drive the cats away. And then she resumed, ¡°After seeing He Shuijin, I also met grandmother.¡±

    She continued walking inside while talking with him, ¡°Grandmother asked me to run an errand for her. I need to go out now.¡±

    ¡°Oh? Go where? Need me to go with you?¡± asked Jiang Yashuang, following her steps. He quickly took out his hands hidden in the sleeves and suddenly put a thing into her hair.

    Qiu Yn felt his move. She raised her hand and touched it, ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡°Perfect, I know this one is perfect for your color of skin!¡± Jiang Yashuang hailed. ¡°When I reported the business to Empress Jiang this afternoon, I saw some new hairpins offered by Sibao (A title for a person who was responsible for distributing gold, jades and coins in the imperial pce). I thought that as I saw them, I must get one. So, I asked for Empress Jiang to give me one.¡±

    At the moment, Qiu Yn pulled the thing out of her hair. It was a hairpin with a red diamond. The thumb-sized diamond was bright and transparent. It was allforting to look at it. The tulle Mand-shaped hairpin had three strands of red-gold silk tassels underneath. It was a delicate, elegant and beautiful hairpin. It was worth the name as a treasure to be offered to the Empress.

    Qiu Yn was satisfied with it. She asked Jiang Yashuang to put it back into her hair. And then she smiled, ¡°Among the gifts offered by Sibao to Empress Jiang, if it is not the best one, it must be the second-best. Thanks to the love of the Empress to you, you got the chance and nerve to take it away from her.¡±

    ¡°I know my aunt loves me. But I love you!¡± Jiang Yashuang stretched his finger, touching her cheeks. ¡°You need to think carefully how to repay me,¡± he smiled.

    Qiu Yn pursed her lips, ¡°I am going to Prince Qiyang¡¯s house to pick up Duanrou. She is supposed to have dinner with grandmother tonight... As an award for the hairpin, you don¡¯t need to escort me for the job!¡± County Princess Duanrou was a girl from the same family but she was in the younger generation. Hence, in terms of generation, she was the niece of Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang; in terms of ranks, she was lower than Qiu Yn because she was a Commandery Princess. Madame Tao and Empress Jiang wanted her to marry Xiao Su. Qiu Yn, as an older generation with a higher rank, had to be polite to her. So, she needed to invite her in person.

    Let alone Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn went there together. Qiu Yn was about the same age as County Princess Duanrou¡¯s. Qiu Yn¡¯s presence over there could be exined that the new married one needed to contact the rtives frequently; If Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang went there together to pick up County Princess Duanrou. Prince Qiyang must be astonished. She might guess something big urred and they must go and help deal with it. Or why Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang showed at their gate at the same time?

    The fact that Qiu Yn needed to invite Duanrou shocked Jiang Yashuang, ¡°Duanrou? Send a maid to go and inform her if grandmother wants to have dinner with her. Why you?¡±

    ¡°She is the girl grandmother want,¡± said Qiu Yn. They had been in the inner chamber. Qiu Yn took out the dress she used to wear for meeting people, walked to the other side of the screen and changed her dress. ¡°Grandmother and Empress Jiang intended to let her marry Xiao Su,¡± said Qiu Yn at the other side of the screen. She added, ¡°Honestly, I am unwilling to go there but grandmother was angry just now!¡±

    She told the truth to her husband. ¡°County Princess Duanrou is the only child of the Prince Qiyang. I heard that her parents, Prince Qiyang and Princess, are not in good health recently. They depend on her care. Not long ago, I lived in the Summer Pce. Yongfu asked me to teach her how to cook. Duanrou was there too. She even chased after me, asking me to teach her how to cook too. She said she wanted to cook some delicious dishes for her parents. So, if she marries Xiao Su, she must have to shuttle between the two families. The families are in the capital, but she will be exhausted, I think... If so, it will be troublesome for both families. Poor Duanrou!¡±

    Her analysis stirred Jiang Yashuang¡¯s feelings. He frowned, ¡°Their marriage will be good for no one. Is there an inside story?¡±

    ¡°Grandmother and Empress Jiang are concerned that Yongfu may want to marry Xiao Su!¡± said Qiu Yn lightly while she wascing up her shirt.

    Jiang Yashuang paused for a while before he said, ¡°How sure?¡±

    ¡°You know how much grandmother and Empress Jiang love Yongfu. They can¡¯t tell her the truth. In case that Yongfu admits it, what can they do next? If Yongfu insists on it, the thing will go out of control!¡± Qiu Yn adjusted her dress tail, walking out from the other side of the screen. She walked to the mirror to see if there was still something wrong with her makeup. She said slightly, ¡°Judging from grandmother¡¯s implication, it is not a groundless fear ¡ª By the way, because Yongfu and Ou Bicheng have been seeing each other frequently over the past days, Empress Jiang told me that she intended to let her marry Ou Bicheng... Do you know the message?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang did not give her a reply immediately. He circled the room once and stopped, ¡°Yongfu now is a little bit naive. She saw Xiao Su and Ou Bicheng frequently because they are her only male friends who are not from her family... Xiao Su is a delicate man who naturally needs more care of Ou Bicheng. No evidence shows that Yongfu likes Xiao Su. Strictly speaking, Xiao Su is her teacher!¡±

    Qiu Yn wasbing her hair in front of the mirror. She smiled but said nothing. She thought, ¡°In the imperial court since ancient times, plenty of people from the older generation marry the younger ones. It is not a big deal at all to marry a calligraphy teacher.¡±

    ¡°It is not a business that can be done in one or two days. You go and pick up Duanrou first,¡± said Jiang Yashuang after thinking for seconds. He added, ¡°I will talk with grandmother and Empress Jiang in days. And then we will see what¡¯s going on.¡±

    He sighed, ¡°Duanrou has suffered a lot over the past years!¡±

    Qiu Yn felt relieved, thinking, ¡°Madame Tao and the Empress loved Yashuang very much. Even Princess Yongfu trusts him much. If he goes there and talks with them, he may have a chance to make a change!¡±

    As Jiang Yashuang promised her to talk with them, Qiu Yn felt frustrated about the job.

    However, less frustration did not mean smoothness. After she arrived at the side yard where Prince Qiyang was living in the Summer Pce, she was informed of the absence of Chu Chunxiao.

    ¡°So, could you tell me where Duanrou is now?¡± asked Qiu Yn. She did not meet Duanrou, but she felt thrilled. Considering she must reply to Madame Tao, she had to ask Princess Qiyang, who wasing out to entertain her, about Duanrou¡¯s whereabouts.

    Jiang Qizhuan, as the princess of Qiyang, did not know what was going on. She said apologetically, ¡°Empress Dowager Ye is sick recently. Chunxiao went to the Summer Pce to take care of her. She will stay there for some days, I think.¡±

    Empress Dowager Ye, the Empress of the former Emperor and the sitting Emperor¡¯s official mother, was not a significant figure in the court as she was suppressed much by Empress Dowager Gu. Qiu Yn once lived in her Ganli Pce for days but she did not remember her from time to time.

    Her words shocked Qiu Yn. She asked, ¡°Empress Dowager Ye is here for summer vacation too?¡±

    ¡°Her Majesty takes Empress Dowager Ye every time,¡± said Jiang Qizhuan. Jiang Qizhuan understood that Qiu Yn just got married not long ago. She must not be informed of the things that were well-known by everyone in the Jiang Family. She continued to exin, ¡°Empress Dowager Ye is prone to live in quiet ces. But the pce is too hot in the summer to live there for people.¡±

    Her tone for herst words seemed weird. Qiu Yn replied, ¡°Thanks for your exnation. I see now... I never have a chance to meet her. I have thought that Empress Dowager Ye lives in seclusion in the Ganli Pce.¡±

    Thanks to her living capacity, which enabled her to survive in the pce, and the protection of Empress Jiang, Empress Dowager Ye did not be stormed out of the pce and killed.

    For avoiding being killed by Empress Dowager Gu during the summer vacation, Empress Jiang had to take the former Empress with her to Mount Dizi ¡ª Although the former Empress did not have her own kids, she was the official aunt of the former crown prince who was abolishedter. In terms of the family blood rtionship, she was the official grandmother and nominal grandmother of Chu Chunxiao. Now she was in bad health. Chu Chunxiao, as her only rtive in the younger generation, was obliged to take care of her.

    Generally speaking, the sick elderly people would lie on the bed and rest for days before recovery.

    ¡°Sure enough, County Princess Duanrou was a lucky girl!¡± thought Qiu Yn. The time Empress Dowager Ye got ill was perfect. Qiu Yn would not hurry Jiang Qizhuan up. Instead, she spoke highly of her for her filial piety. She then told Jiang Qizhuan that Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s health was the top priority. As for the meeting of Madame Tao and Chu Chunxiao, they were family members. It was fine that Madame Tao would understand her absence!

    She said good-bye to Jiang Qizhuan and went back to the Jiang¡¯s residence, reporting to Madame Tao. But she reported what she thought was useful. After hearing her report, Madame Tao frowned with aplicated expression. She said after a while, ¡°Okay, I have known it. That¡¯s okay. You retreat!¡±

    ¡°Yes, Madame!¡± replied Qiu Yn, walking out of the hall happily.

    Her happiness stopped when she happened to meet a man on her way home ¡ª Jiang Yadan. He had not realized he was not weed yet and took the initiative to greet her warmly, ¡°Yn, are you way home? What a coincidence! As your sister-inw is sick and nobody in my branch is in charge now. My man sent me two boxes of lychees. They were from the south days ago. I am thinking of sending Yashuang and you a box just now. Okay?¡±

    Qiu Yn was angry at him because of the sufferings of Madame Tao Junior. She would not smile at him for a box of lychees. Before she mocked him, Jiang Yadan resumed, ¡°Oh, I almost forget. I also need to give some to the ninth sister and Qizheng. All right, anyway, I wouldn¡¯t say I like lychees. Give you one box and you share with Yazhu and Shishui. And I will give the other box to the ninth sister and Qizheng!¡±

    ¡°What about others?¡± asked she, after hearing his distribution n promptly and shockingly.

    ¡°Putting aside your dislike of lychees and your concubines, sons and daughters of your concubines, you did not take Marquess Qin and Madame Tao into consideration? What about uncles, aunts, sisters and brothers?¡±

    ¡°If you asked me to have some in private, it would be fine. But you asked me to get some in public. Did you ever think about how the rest branches think after hearing what you asked me to do?¡±

    Sure enough, Jiang Yadan did not care what others thought. He waved, ¡°If they want some, they should get it by themselves!¡±

    His words shocked Qiu Yn. She said nothing but watched him off in the distance. She immediately told Jiang Yashuang what he said to her after arriving at her house, ¡°Although I know two boxes of lychees are not enough to share with so many people in the Family, he should have told me in private, right? Yadan said to me loudly in the corridor. I think everyone has known about what we were talking about already!¡±

    Her description did not shock Jiang Yashuang, ¡°It¡¯s okay. He has been like this all the time... But one box for us? That¡¯s too many. And the lychees can¡¯t be kept for a long time. So, tell the man who goes there to give some from our box to nieces and nephews. The rest will be divided as Yadan said.¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn being in the puzzle, he had a dry cough and continued, ¡°Since his childhood, he would like to share things with the members of our branch. He seldom thinks the rest...¡±

    ¡°What about the seniors?¡± asked Qiu Yn before she thought: Jiang Yadan was always a troublemaker in the family. The seniors would feel relieved and happy if he did not make trouble for the family. So, the seniors would not fret with him for the small things like food sharing.

    But there were stories, ¡°In the old days, Yadan offered grandfather a basket of autumn pears which cost grandfather eight thousand taels of silvers atst; He then offered a basket of cherries to our eldest brother, which cost him three thousand taels of silver. Since then, the seniors told him that if he had something special, kept it for himself. No need to offer to them!¡±

    A basket of autumn pearls cost eight thousand taels of silver and a basket of cherries was worth three thousand taels of silver!

    Even He Shuijin, who was responsible for the ount book of the family, could not stand the frequent ckmail like this. No wonder that the seniors in the Jiang Family did not dare ept Jiang Yadan¡¯s offer! Maybe after they heard how to distribute the lychees, they felt lucky that they did not receive his lychees!

    Qiu Yn simply could not understand Yadan now, ¡°How about nieces and nephews? Not give some to them either?¡±

    This guy could not be as far as a scum who, on the one hand, did not give his kids the fruit, but on the other hand, wanted to confiscate his kids¡¯ allowance. Right?

 Chapter 268 - Hung Himself Because of Her Oppression!

    <h4>Chapter 268 Hung Himself Because of Her Oppression!</h4>

    Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°I think you have known a little about the battle between Yadan¡¯s wife and concubines. When Madame Tao Junior is in good health, she would be in charge of distributing those things. If any concubines or kids felt unfair, they could argue with Madame Tao Junior, which did not bother Yadan at all. But now, Madame Tao Junior got ill...¡±

    Qiu Yn felt even worse about Jiang Yadan after she understood the situation, ¡°He did not want them to bother him because of unfair distribution. So, he decided to leave nothing to them? You just said we should save some for his kids when we take the lychees. But, how to distribute?¡±

    ¡°His concubines are not in our distribution range. Ask the maids to save the same amounts and pick the same size of lychees for each niece and nephew,¡± said Jiang Yashuang coldly. He added, ¡°And don¡¯t forget to tell the kids if they fight for more behind us, we will tell their father. He will punish them!¡±

    ¡°Su He, you are in charge of this!¡± nodded Qiu Yn, beckoning Su He. Among the maids serving her, Su He was her favorite. She was fierce and reckless. She was the perfect one to manage the demons and monsters in Jiang Yadan¡¯s house.

    Lychees distribution was a small thing for Su He. She could handle it well. Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang did not want to waste much time on it. While chatting about what was going on about themselves in a day for a while, they were served dinner.

    When they finished their dinner, Su He returned with a half basket of lychees, reporting that she had already sent some lychees to Jiang Yazhu.

    ¡°In fact, we should have given more to Sheng Shishui as she is pregnant. She must want some fresh fruit. But lychees are a kind of fruit that you would feel hot and dry if you had too much,¡± said Qiu Yn, adding, ¡°When you distribute the lychees, is there any fight among Jiang Yadan¡¯s kids?¡±

    Su He replied, ¡°Princess Shishui said we should have saved more for ourselves! She told me that she had a bad appetite. Lychees tend to go bad over time, and if the lychees are not eaten, they¡¯re wasted.¡± She stopped for a second and added, ¡°Nothing special happened. When I gave the lychees to the twentieth youngdy, one mistress said she can¡¯t eat them as she is still a baby. The lychees will be eaten by mistresses finally!¡±

    ¡°What did you tell her?¡± asked Qiu Yn, having a nce at Jiang Yashuang. He was frowning.

    Su He pursed her lips, ¡°I told her that our prince made the distribution n. If she had something to say, go and talk with our prince!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t help butugh, ¡°Whoa! You really know how to pass the buck!¡±

    ¡°She is Prince Yadan¡¯s concubine. I, as a maid, dare not say she is wrong!¡± Su He reasoned.

    Jiang Yashuang shook his head while he was smiling, not bothering by her answer. It was getting darker. He asked the maids to retreat. Only the couple was in the inner chamber now. It was a perfect time to have a private talk while peeling off the lychees. ¡°The lychees are still frozen. Which one of Yadan¡¯s men sent this to him? He must have a wide rtionship.¡±

    In effect, the Jiang Family had distributed the lychees twice this year. For the first time, the lychees were offered by a man with a higher rank. He could send the lychees directly to Marquess Qin. Everyone in the Jiang Family got some as he sent a big amount. Andter, He Shuijin asked some servants to pick and buy some for the Family. The amount was even much more than the first time.

    The lychees Jiang Yadan sent to them were extra dessert.

    Jiang Yadan was a fifth-ranked military officer. His man must be lower than his rank. The man must have a broad and solid rtionship to offer two big boxes of lychees to Jiang Yadan.

    Jiang Yashuang thought for a while, saying, ¡°I¡¯m not really sure... The man seems to have a rtive who is an officer and serves in the south or something.¡±

    It was not a big deal anyway. They talked simply with each other about it.

    Qiu Yn then mentioned Qiu Jinn, her brother, ¡°My brother¡¯s job? Is it in two days or longer?¡±

    ¡°In two or three days,¡± nodded Jiang Yashuang. He peeled a lychee off and fed it to her mouth. He said with a smile after watching her eat it, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about him... Grandfather is getting better in advance. He has sent a message to Prime Minister Xue to discuss it. With the help of two seniors, your brother will be fine.¡±

    ¡°But it is a n, right? I won¡¯t worry about him until I know he is safe,¡± said Qiu Yn, spitting out the lychee pit. She rolled her eyes to him and said, ¡°What about his schedule? Has it been decided yet? Is it the beginning of next year?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang replied, ¡°It will be yes if nothing unexpected urs... But, I heard that your brother said he would feel at ease for the job if Ciyi got married before he left.¡±

    ¡°Given Ciyi¡¯s age... She should not dy the time for her marriage any longer,¡± said Qiu Yn, frowning. ¡°I wonder what kind of people my brother would choose for her.¡±

    ¡°No need to worry about that, either,¡± consoled Jiang Yashuang. ¡°He would pick a perfect man for her, given his insight on people. And we also can help him to choose the man. We should do what we can do to help her not suffer from the marriage again!¡± said Jiang Yashuang. He had a good impression of Ruan Ciyi because she helped him out of trouble when Qiu Jinn asked him to run from pir to post before he married Qiu Yn.

    She was, both nominally and practically, the elder sister of Qiu Jinn. As the younger ones must respect the elder brothers and sisters, Qiu Jinn could denounce Qiu Yn severely without saving her face but he must respect his elder sister, Ruan Ciyi... Hence, even if Qiu Jinn were making things difficult for Jiang Yashuang, once Ruan Ciyi stood out, speaking for Jiang Yashuang, Qiu Jinn would stop what he was doing promptly.

    As she helped him a lot in the past, Jiang Yashuang knew he should payback for her now. What was more, given the Jiang Family¡¯s influence, it would cost nothing of the Family to protect Ruan Ciyi from domestic violence by her future husband.

    ¡°As I have married and if Ciyi gets marriedter, she and I can have leisure days to enjoy in the capital. But my brother, he has to do the revenge alone...¡± said Qiu Yn, lying on the bed unhappily. ¡°I should do something!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang thought that as there was a male in her family. It was natural for the male to take responsibility for revenge. If he were Qiu Jinn, he wouldn¡¯t let Jiang Qi or Jiang Qizheng take the responsibility. That was what he thought, but the thought might provoke his wife. He did not say it loud. Instead, he said, ¡°If you two have good lives, your brother can deal with Kuang Shihan without worrying about you two. What¡¯s more, he will go to the west alone. If there is something wrong, he can leave or stay in a safe ce without burdens.¡±

    It was midnight. He was afraid that the more they talked about her brother, the more upset Qiu Jinn would be. He decided to change the topic, ¡°The hairpin, the maid told me it was made to match with Empress Jiang¡¯s dark reddish Diyi (a kind of gown for the highest-ranking women in the pce). But I found it perfect for you no matter what clothes you wear!¡±

    ¡°You are so...¡± Qiu Yn said sweetly. Sure enough, her attention to her brother was distracted. She resumed, ¡°You dare take away the hairpin made for Empress Jiang. But I dare not wear it to meet people!¡±

    ¡°Empress Jiang doesn¡¯t care about this at all,¡± smiled Jiang Yashuang, ¡°Think about it. She would not give it to me if she cared about this stuff.¡±

    As the tense talk eased, Jiang Yashuang began to flirt with her. Qiu Yn pretended to refuse but epted it anyway. They went to bed together...

    The next morning, Qiu Yn saw her husband off for work, and then she went to see Madame Tao Junior again.

    As a saying said, ¡°When you were upset, the good news was the best medicine for it.¡± Madame Tao Junior looked like a dying woman yesterday. But only one night, she lifted her energy though she was still skinny.

    Seeing Qiu Yning to see her, she could not wait to enquire about the prescription which could get her pregnant.

    Qiu Yn had sent her maid to tell her more about the prescription yesterday after returning from the Green Vi. Madame Tao Junior used not to be a flip-flopper. Her impatience justified she took this prescription very seriously. Her life depended on the prescription. Qiu Yn exined to her with patience after seeing her impatience, ¡°Some integration in the prescription is rare. They could not be found in the mountains. It is unlikely we can get from ordinary drugstores. But fortunately, we stored some in the Ruan Family when we cook the herbs. Hence, I have sent a servant to fetch it at the Ruan Family... It will take days toe back. So, don¡¯t be nervous. I have told you everything about it. I promise I will give it to you.¡±

    Madame Tao Junior felt relieved after hearing her promise. She said apologetically, ¡°I did not mean that you wouldn¡¯t help me... But I just... I just can¡¯t believe it that my wish cane true one day!¡±

    ¡°Heaven helps those who help themselves,¡± smiled Qiu Yn. ¡°If you were somebody else, I wouldn¡¯t tell her a word. The prescription, actually, has a side effect on health. If Yashuang or the seniors know about it, I will be punished severely, I am sure!¡±

    ¡°I promise I won¡¯t tell anyone a word about it!¡± said Madame Tao Junior immediately. ¡°You are my savior as you give me the prescription. I won¡¯t sell you out. If I do so, I go to hell. I swear to heaven that if one day, the prescription is exposed. It¡¯s all me to be med. You are certainly innocent!¡±

    Qiu Yn was exaggerating to make herself believable. She said promptly after hearing her words, ¡°I did not mean that. Don¡¯t overthink it!¡±

    Madame Tao Junior thanked her for her kindness again. Although she was recovering from illness, she has been hurt severely by the sickness. It would take a long time to recover. Hence, she felt tired shortly.

    Realizing her tiredness, Qiu Yn said good-bye to her. She then went to see Sheng Shishui as what she did yesterday.

    She once said to Madame He that she did not have time to manage the family business because she must tend to care for two ill sisters-inw. She had to pretend to be busy.

    As she did not need to go to the Green Vi and it was still morning when she came out of Madame Tao¡¯s house, she went directly to see Sheng Shishui. After she arrived at Sheng Shishui¡¯s house, she saw Sheng Shishui lolling in a rocking chair for cooling herself under the corridor. She was needling something leisurely.

    Sheng Shishui put down her needles and smiled at Qiu Yn, ¡°I know you wille!¡±

    ¡°I would have stayed with Madame Tao Junior longer, but she is tired. So I aming here, asking for a cup of tea!¡± smiled Qiu Yn. A clever maid had put a chair opposite Sheng Shishui when Qiu Yn was crossing the corridor.

    Qiu Yn sat down on the chair, and Sheng Shishui asked a maid to serve her a cup of tea. She began to ask about the situation of Madame Tao Junior. Hearing Madame Tao Junior was getting better, she demonstrated aplicated expression. Sheng Shishui was aplex woman. She did not ask more after realizing Qiu Yn did not intend to say more. She said, ¡°It is good news to hear that she is getting better now... As you mention her, I haven¡¯t been to see her for many days. Back then, in the Summer Pce, I visited her frequently. But grandmother and Madame Tao Junior said that I need not visit her often as I am pregnant. So, I have to ask my maid to do it for me.¡±

    ¡°Now, I am back. I wille and tell you her situation after I see her, which will spare you the worry,¡± smiled Qiu Yn. She asked, ¡°How are you doing now? Feel good?¡±

    ¡°Nothing toin,¡± replied Sheng Shishui. ¡°Oh, I remembered, Yadan gave me too many lycheesst night. Yazhu doesn¡¯t like it. It¡¯s too many for me. I am thinking of delivering some to your ce.¡±

    Qiu Yn said promptly, ¡°We have many too. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°I should have asked Su He to distribute more to nieces and nephews. It is inappropriate to deliver it to them now.¡± thought Sheng Shishui. A maid suddenly rushed toward them while she intended to say something. The maid seemed hot with sweat falling from her head. It looked like something big urred. She stopped before them, giving them a quick salutation and saying hurriedly, ¡°Princess Yn, please hurry to go to see Madame. She is about to go to the pce!¡±

    Qiu Yn and Sheng Shishui were shocked, ¡°Something happened in the pce?¡±

    Could it be that it was something about Yongfu and Xiao Su?

    While they were thinking about what was going on, the maid continued, ¡°I heard that Jiang Qiyun bullied Prince of Qi and Prince of Qi hung himself. Now his life is unknown¡ª¡±

    ¡°...!!!¡± Qiu Yn and Sheng Shishui looked at each other, puzzled. They felt frustrated: What kinds of kids the Jiang Family raised? Jiang Yadan, bullied his wife to death for a concubine! Jiang Qiyun, intimidated the eldest prince of the Emperor into hanging himself because of her anger!

    Did they think the Jiang Family had too long good days?

 Chapter 269 - Helping the Evil

    <h4>Chapter 269 Helping the Evil</h4>

    Prince of Qi may be helpless or a piece of waste orpletely neglected, but he was royal blood and the eldest. He tried to kill himself because of his Princess. No matter he could be saved or not, this would never end well!

    So Qiu Yn didn¡¯t even change her clothes. She rushed into Madame Tao¡¯s residence directly!

    Madame Tao just walked over the threshold. Seeing her, Madame Tao didn¡¯t say much. She only said, ¡°Hurry up!¡±

    Jiang¡¯s residence was close to the Summer Pce. Basically, they could see the gate of the Pce on the sedan.

    They sessfully went to where the Empress was. Before they went in, they heard a drastic crying from inside. Madame Tao frowned. She looked at the maid standing outside when walking up the stairs. Empress Jiang¡¯s mother was indeed different. The maid immediately told her quietly, ¡°That¡¯s Prince of Qi¡¯s mother, Concubine Tong. She already passed out twice from crying in front of the Empress!¡±

    No one could me Concubine Tong. Prince of Qi marriedst year. Concubine Tong must have already known that she was old and no longer had the favor of the Emperor. Her future counted on her son! Now her son killed himself before he had any child. If he really passed away, how would Concubine Tong live?

    Madame Tao sighed deeply. She stood outside for a while and then went into the Hall.

    Upon entering, she saw Empress Jiang¡¯s face was also green. The blue veins on the back of her hands popped out because she was grasping the armrest of her seat so tightly!

    Empress was talking without any expression to the woman who was holding the corner of her dress and crying, ¡°I know Weixiong¡¯s personality. I will bring justice to you and your son. Just calm down!¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn supporting Madame Tao and walking in, the Empress wanted to stand up to greet. When she just straightened her back, she found Concubine Tong grasping her dress tightly. She could only say, ¡°Mother, you¡¯re here. Take a seat. Qiu Yn, no need to salute. Nijin, go and get some tea!¡±

    Madame Tao called the Empress by her name in public and in private. It showed how close they were. Now Madame Tao didn¡¯t regard herself as an outsider. After sitting down, she looked around and asked, ¡°Where is Qiyun?¡±

    ¡°After knowing Weixiong killed himself, she disappeared!¡± Empress Jiang smiled coldly and said, ¡°I have sent someone to find her. I guess she either went back to Jiang Family or Dou Family!¡±

    When they were talking, a maid came to report, ¡°Madame Dou had Princess Qi tied up and is asking toe in in front of the gate!¡±

    ¡°Take that vile spawn up here!¡± Empress Jiang pped the armrest and yelled!

    The Empress really hated this niece!

    Yesterday Marquess Qin just recovered. The Empress¡¯s party was reinvigorated and had a win. Then today Jiang Qiyun forced Prince of Qi to kill himself. Was she not afraid that her maiden family would go down?

    If she could, Empress Jiang would have really wanted to kill her niece!

    But Jiang Qiyun was the beloved youngest legitimate daughter of Jiang Tianao and his wife. And they couldn¡¯t have a charge of Jiang Family¡¯s girl forcing her own husband to kill himself. Thinking about all these, Empress Jiang needed to clear her name and tie up the loose end for her!

    Qiu Yn was peeping at the Empress¡¯s almost distorted look. She really felt like no normal person could be the elders of the Jiang Family. Having kids like Jiang Yadan and Jiang Qiyun in a normal family would probably kill the elders.

    After a while, Madame Dou who looked frightened dragged her daughter, Jiang Qiyun, who was tied up by silk, into the Hall. As soon as they came in, Madame Dou kneeled on the ground and cried, ¡°I¡¯m guilty! I didn¡¯t discipline my daughter well. And she...¡±

    Madame Dou had never had such a soft attitude before. This time she knew her daughter made a big mistake. If she hadn¡¯t admitted it, she would have been seeking her own death.

    But when she caved in, Concubine Tong was angry, ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know the Empress favors her maiden family? Even though Madame Dou doesn¡¯t have a good rtionship with the Empress, they are family. Is she going to cry and plead guilty? Then the Empress would just go easy on her and let this pass?¡±

    How would Concubine Tong let this pass?

    That was her son! It wasmon for a husband to change his heart and hound his wife to death. But no one had ever heard of a wife being too feisty and hounded her husband to death! Especially since Prince of Qi was a royal prince! What a disgrace this was! It could easily be imagined that even if Prince of Qi made through, he would never be able to stand straight in front of others!

    If it hadn¡¯t been because her status was not so high as theirs, Concubine Tong would have wanted to eat Jiang Qiyun alive!

    So she immediately started crying out loud. While crying, she changed her direction and started kowtowing to Madame Dou, ¡°I knew Prince of Qi is ordinary and he didn¡¯t deserve Princess Qi! But no matter what, he is royal blood! Princess Qi, if you have any problem, pleasee to me. Leave Prince of Qi alone... I¡¯m begging you! Please! Please! Please!¡±

    Madame Dou was really counting on them showing a nice attitude so that Empress Jiang could smooth the water and help them. But now Concubine Tong kneeled down to them and cried. Madame Dou¡¯s face immediately went blushing, ¡°Please, don¡¯t do this. How can my daughter and I take this?¡±

    Just looking at the ranks, Concubine Tong was actually lower than her title of nobility. But she was not a royal peeress. How could shepare to Concubine Tong? Concubine Tong was, after all, the Emperor¡¯s woman!

    ¡°As long as you can leave Prince of Qi alone, I¡¯m willing to do anything!¡± Concubine Tong had set her mind on asking for justice. At her age, without her child, what would she have in the future? Comparing to living through her days in misery, she would prefer to fight!

    Empress Jiang looked at all this mess. Her face went even darker. She steadied her breath and stopped Concubine Tong and Madame Dou who were kotowing to each other. She asked Jiang Qiyun to answer with a cold voice, ¡°Do you know you¡¯re guilty?¡±

    Jiang Qiyun was not stupid. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have gone to her maiden family to ask for help after Prince of Qimitted suicide.

    Now she said nervously, ¡°I do!¡±

    ¡°What are you guilty of?¡± Empress Jiang suppressed her anger and continued.

    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t listen to the servants and doubt that the Prince wanted to kill me!¡± What she said was clearly what her maiden family taught her to say. Hearing this, Concubine Tong was unsatisfied. She yelled agitatedly, ¡°Your Majesty! That¡¯s not true! That¡¯s wrong! Prince of Qi grew up in front of your eyes. I don¡¯t dare to say other things, but I could say he¡¯s benevolent and honest! He doesn¡¯t even yell at or beat his servants. How would he kill the Princess?¡±

    Let alone Concubine Tong, even Qiu Yn felt like Jiang Family was shameless, hearing Jiang Qiyun¡¯s excuse! It was Jiang Qiyun who abused Prince of Qi for a long time. Now suddenly it became Prince of Qi wanting to kill his wife?

    ¡°So shameless...¡± Qiu Yn thought desperately, ¡°Won¡¯t this family get karma in the future?¡±

    From Madame Tao Junior to Qiu Feng to Chu Chunxiao, now to Prince of Qi, the wrongs they did couldn¡¯t even be counted for!

    Empress Jiang clearly was shocked by her niece¡¯s brainless answer. If Prince of Qi had actually wanted to kill his wife and Jiang Qiyun had overreacted, which led to the suicide of Prince of Qi, and then it would have been fine. But the problem was, everyone knew that Prince of Qi was cowardly! He didn¡¯t even have the courage to kill a chicken! So much for killing his wife! Especially this wife who intimidated him! Did she really think everyone was her mother and would just believe anything she fabricated?

    Having such a brainless niece and whoever gave her this brainless idea, Empress Jiang didn¡¯t know how to respond!

    Yet she had no time to smooth things over because Empress Dowager Gu sent someone over!

    Her legitimate grandson was hounded to hang himself on a beam by his wife. Empress Dowager had every right to ask about this.

    Besides, Jiang Qiyun was the niece of Empress Jiang. The servant Empress Dowager Gu sent over directly said, ¡°Empress Dowager knew that for you, they were all families. Now you must be torn and feel hard to deal with this. So Empress Dowager asked to take everyone over and she will question this herself!¡±

    She had every right to ask Empress to excuse herself.

    Empress Jiang was going mad in her heart. Yet Empress Dowager got hold of her. She had to give up. Empress Jiang stood up and said, ¡°I¡¯ll take them over.¡±

    Seeing this, Madame Tao also stood up and said with a deep voice, ¡°Since Empress Dowager is taking over this, Your Majesty, why don¡¯t you go to visit Prince of Qi?¡±

    This reminded Empress Jiang. Now, this had gone big. It was impossible for Jiang Qiyun to clear her name. And what she did would also influence Jiang Family. Now the only thing to do was to save Prince of Qi, not finding her a good excuse!

    If Prince of Qi had survived, then her responsibility would have been much lighter. Besides, if Prince of Qi had exined for her, it would have been more useful than a hundred excuses that Jiang Qiyun found!

    At this moment, even though there were people whom the Empress sent over when Prince of Qi moved to this mansion, now taking care of him. But if Empress Dowager Gu had done something while trailing Jiang Qiyun... It would be more reliable for the Empress to see it herself!

    ¡°You¡¯re right, mother!¡± Empress Jiang took a deep breath and decided to bet everything on the livelihood of Prince of Qi. She decided to leave her niece alone. Ignoring Madame Dou¡¯s begging look, she directly asked a servant to take them to see Empress Dowager Gu. She then asked Concubine Tong who didn¡¯t know what to do, ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°...I want to go see Prince of Qi too!¡± Concubine Tong thought for a while and made up her mind. Not only because she was worried about her son, but also that when she was in front of Empress Dowager Gu, without Empress Jiang, she wouldn¡¯t be able to refuse anything the Empress Dowager forced her to do! And who knew how Empress Jiang would revenge her after she did it?

    Besides, the Prince of Qi may die. If he hadn¡¯t been able to make it, she would have wanted to see him before he was gone.

    Empress Jiang nodded and said to Madame Tao, ¡°Mother, I¡¯ll take Concubine Tong over. You can go back to Residence!¡±

    Madame Tao was old and she moved slowly. She was not suitable to go with Empress Jiang. And when the Empress arrived at Prince of Qi¡¯s Annexe, she would be able to hold the scene. She didn¡¯t need Madame Tao to help her.

    Madame Tao slightly nodded, ¡°Go. I have Qiu Yn to escort me out.¡±

    Empress Jiang left hurriedly with Concubine Tong. Looking at the empty Hall, Madame Tao sighed, ¡°What do you think about this?¡±

    Qiu Yn dazed for a second and said respectfully, ¡°I¡¯m still young. How would my thoughts be worthy for you to listen to?¡±

    ¡°Everyone used to be young.¡± Madame Tao let Qiu Yn support her. Walking towards outside, she said quietly, ¡°Talk. You always have some good ideas.¡±

    ¡°This is too coincidental.¡± Qiu Yn thought, ¡°Yesterday grandfather was well. And today, Prince of Qi... Yet everyone knew Jiang Qiyun was tough to Prince of Qi...¡±

    Madame Tao squinted her eyes and said quietly, ¡°Yes. That moron! How many times have I told her that only Prince of Qi would tolerate her temperament! If it were anyone else, for example, your brother, she would die in a day! Jiang Yashuang has the best temperament in our family, yet even he couldn¡¯t tolerate her sometimes! She just... Why was she born in the first branch?¡±

    Till the end, there was killing intend showing by the tone of Madame Tao!

    No wonder, Madame Tao hated the first branch. Now Jiang Qiyun gave Jiang Family such big trouble... If she could, Madame Tao would have supported Concubine Tong to kill this dead weight!

    ¡°When we get out of the Pce, you go to the Prince of Qi too.¡± Madame Tao calmed down and said, while patting the back of Qiu Yn¡¯s hand, ¡°Tianluan wants to see Prince of Qi, in case anyone does anything. You can go over there and ask everyone to see if there is anything suspicious!¡±

    She was asking Qiu Yn to investigate who was using Jiang Qiyun¡¯s harshness on Prince of Qi to create this shocking event of ¡°Jiang Qiyun hounding her husband to death¡±.

    Qiu Yn sighed in her heart and said helplessly, ¡°Yes!¡±

    She felt like she was helping the evil again. Why was her day so miserable...?

 Chapter 270 - Suffering a Big Loss

    <h4>Chapter 270 Suffering a Big Loss</h4>

    Her husband¡¯s grandmother had said so, and the matter involved the interests of the family.

    No matter how reluctant Qiu Yn was, she had to send Madame Tao into the sedan. After the sedan left, she led people to the Annexe of Prince of Qi.

    When she arrived, Empress Jiang and Concubine Tong, who arrived before her, had ordered people to guard the Annexe.

    Even if it was Qiu Yn, the wife of Empress¡¯s nephew, who came here, the gatekeeper still stopped her. He went inside to report. Only when Nijin came out and verified her identity, he let her in. Qiu Yn always went to the Summer Pce without a hitch, so this ce was more heavily guarded than the Summer Pce!

    ¡°How is Your Highness? Grandma was worried about him, so she sent me here to check on him.¡± Qiu Yn asked Nijin softly as they walked in.

    ¡°He just took the medicine. Even the imperial doctor was uncertain.¡± Nijin showed sympathy for Prince of Qi when she gave reports to Qiu Yn before, and this time she got more sympathetic to him, ¡°His Highness is a noble prince after all, but this time the Princess... s! I just hope that Your Highness will be alright!¡±

    Qiu Yn narrowed her eyes. When she was about to answer, Nijin said again, ¡°Concubine Tong is with His Highness now, and Her Majesty is questioning her.¡±

    ¡°So Madame Tao sent me here not to investigate the matter, but to observe how Her Majesty works?¡± Qiu Yn was slightly startled when she heard her words. Nijin continued, ¡°But the Empress is just asking casually. Those who are really important have been sent to the Empress Dowager.¡±

    Then her voice turned low, ¡°Her Majesty is in a bad mood. Since you are here, you canfort her!¡±

    Qiu Yn gave a hollowugh, ¡°On the understanding of Her Majesty, how can Ipare to you since I seldom meet her? I don¡¯t know what I should say when I meet her then.¡±

    Nijin smiled, ¡°There is noparison. You are her junior, but we are just servants...¡±

    While they were talking, a light cough sounded not far away. They two looked up, only to see Maid Lin standing at the end of the corridor, tipping them the wink.

    The Empress¡¯s voice sounded from the room behind Maid Lin, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Her Majesty, neenth young madame is here.¡± Maid Lin hurriedly turned around and reported softly.

    ¡°Come in.¡± Empress Jiang said in a faint tone. After Qiu Yn entered the room to greet her, she looked at her quietly and found that her face was sullen and her eyebrows were furrowed. She knew that the Empress was definitely so depressed at this time, but she couldn¡¯t think of anyforting words for a moment. While she was racking her brains, the Empress turned to nce at her, ¡°You¡¯vee just at the right moment.¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t understand what she meant, but she had to put on a solemn expression and get ready to ept what the Empress would say next with her hands down.

    However, the Empress did not continue then, but ordered the servants to leave.

    When they were alone in the room, the Empress beckoned her toe to her, turned her gaze on her white neck, and whispered, ¡°There is something hidden in the pendant of the gold chain you wear, right?¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned. She understood why Madame Tao sent her here suddenly!

    She subconsciously grabbed the jade box in her clothes, ¡°Yes...¡±

    ¡°I know they¡¯re what your father left, and you had a hard time getting them.¡± Empress Jiang sighed, ¡°Your brother loves you so much. Otherwise, how would he give you two of them! They are so precious. I also know that Qiyun treated you badly since the first time you met each other. To be honest, although she is my niece, I don¡¯t like her either! But now, the girl in Jiang Family can¡¯t be charged with murdering the emperor¡¯s heir! Prince of Qi ... I just asked the imperial doctor in private, and he said he was in a bad condition!¡±

    ¡°Auntie, I understand what you said.¡± Qiu Yn lowered her head, concealing her terrible expression, ¡°But my brother will go west next year in spring...¡±

    If she asked for other things, such as invaluable treasures or manuscripts of poems, Qiu Yn would give them to her without hesitation! But Qiu Jinn¡¯s journey could be so treacherous this time, so Qiu Yn would like to leave him with this life-saving pill! Even if he had one in his hands, who could guarantee that he would only be in danger once? Nobody would hate having too many life-saving pills!

    She was willing to save Xue Nongying with one pill before because Xue Chang was kind to Qiu Jinn. Qiu Yn believed that she had the obligation to pay back the favor of her elder brother. But she and Qiu Jinn didn¡¯t owe Prince of Qi anything!

    Prince of Qi was really pitiful, but her brother was more important to her!

    So even if she knew that Empress Jiang would definitely not dismiss the thoughts easily since she had shown her intention, Qiu Yn still tactfully expressed her refusal. If Prince of Qi really died, Jiang Family would be in a passive state. But that was all that would happen to them! Qiu Yn didn¡¯t believe that Half Regime Jiang would be unable to resist even such little trouble! After all, they were in the fight for the position of Crown Prince!

    ¡°Green Vi is not very far from here.¡± Empress Jiang looked at her for a while, took a sip of the cold tea, and said lightly, ¡°If I send someone to find Qiu Jinn, he won¡¯t refuse me as long as he has one in his hand. If he doesn¡¯t have... Do you think he will take the pill from you when he leaves? If so, he wouldn¡¯t have given them to you before. You just knew he would go west in the next spring not long ago, but he himself had nned it for a long time!¡±

    The Empress asked indifferently, ¡°Do you think you can change his mind?¡±

    Qiu Yn pressed her lips tightly and kept silent. What the Empress said was true. Although Qiu Jinn pampered her so much, he regarded himself as her elder. Qiu Yn had to follow everything he determined!

    After all, Qiu Yn was the wife of her most valued nephew, so Empress Jiang softened her tone then, ¡°You took out one to save Xue Nongying before, which made great contributions to our family! But in the situation now, what you did before can be in vain at any time! Xue Family knows to repay your kindness, and we Jiang Family would not be stingy as well! What happened this time is all caused by Qiyun, while you have to take out such a precious thing to cope with the aftermath of it. So, if the first branch doesn¡¯t pay enough topensate you, both your grandfather and I will definitely not sit back!¡±

    It was true.

    Jiang Family was so prominent and everyone in the family was conceited, but they had to rely on the help of Qiu Yn again and again... No matter how partial Marquess Qin was to the first branch, he wouldn¡¯t make Qiu Yn suffer such a big loss. After all, Qiu Jinn gave the life-saving pills to her younger sister not for helping Jiang Family!

    At this point, Qiu Yn knew that she would definitely not be able to keep the pill then. Empress Jiang was determined to get it obviously, and Madame Tao tricked her intoing here. The yard was full of the Empress¡¯s men. If the Empress ordered the bodyguards to rob it, she would not be the opponent of so many people. What was more, she would offend the Empress badly if so.

    She really didn¡¯t expect to pay such a big price to apany Madame Tao into the Pce!

    Even if the Empress promised to let the first branchpensate her... How would theypensate her? They would just give her treasures or money or something else. While Qiu Yn would never beck of these things since she had such arge dowry!

    She would suffer such a big loss!

    Seeing her taking off the golden chain expressionlessly, Empress Jiang felt a little guilty and somewhat unhappy, thinking, ¡°Anyway, you don¡¯t have to use it now. Since you could save Xue Nongying before, why you can¡¯t save Prince of Qi this time to help Jiang Family out of trouble? Is your husband¡¯s family less important than your brother¡¯s friend in your heart?¡±

    The Empress thought that she was off-key, and she decided to tell Madame Tao and Jiang Yashuang in the future not to spoil Qiu Yn so much! Since she married into Jiang Family, she was a member of Jiang Family then. Prince of Qi was dying at this time. In the Empress¡¯s opinion, she should have taken the initiative to offer the pill if she had been really virtuous!

    While Qiu Yn even refused the elder after the elder made the request. She was really ignorant, inconsiderate, and stingy!

    ¡°Princess Ruan had been ill for many years and she died early after all. The girl who is not raised by her mother will inevitably beck of decency!¡± Empress Jiang thought so. She took the pill, keeping lukewarm.

    She was disgruntled, while Qiu Yn was so aggrieved. She took back the empty jade box and hung it back on the chain, and then asked for leaving on the excuse of worrying about her two sisters-inw who were sick and pregnant. Since Empress Jiang¡¯s goal was achieved and she was tired of her, she agreed with that immediately.

    She came back to Jiang¡¯s residence, and her expression could be imagined!

    But no matter how angry she was, she still had to go to Madame Tao to report.

    When Madame Tao looked at Qiu Yn, she knew that she was angry. Madame had a different style of doing things from the Empress. She was always gentle and affable, so sheforted her in a soft way for a long time... Finally, she took out a pair of jade pillows for her, ¡°I saw them when searching for something several days ago. The pattern above is the frost of autumn, and it matches with the names of you and Jiang Yashuang so well. I¡¯d like to give them to you!¡±

    ¡°Thanks, grandmother.¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want them at all. But people had to be humble when they were trapped in an inferior situation, so she had to endure the anger and thanked her. After another perfunctory chatting, she found a chance to leave.

    After leaving the room, Su He asked cautiously, ¡°Madam, you...¡± When Qiu Yn came out of the Annexe of Prince of Qi, the servants all wondered if the Empress had scolded her in private.

    But Madame Tao just talked with her with care and found reasons to send her gifts. So it didn¡¯t look as if she had just been scolded.

    The other servants didn¡¯t dare toe over when Qiu Yn was angry except Su He, who tentatively talked to her because of their close rtionship.

    Qiu Yn ignored her. She returned to her room, went into the inner chamber, and sat down. Without any words, she picked up a pot of herbal tea prepared on the table and drank half of the pot in one breath. Chunran and the others stopped her then hurriedly, ¡°You just came back from under the big sun. You can¡¯t drink so much!¡±

    ¡°Madam, if you are thirsty, I¡¯ll get a pot of warm water for you! You can¡¯t drink the cold water like this!¡± Chen Shui then walked out.

    ¡°I can¡¯t get through without drinking cold water!¡± Qiu Yn said with a sneer. She looked around, sighed, and then waved her hand, ¡°Su He stays. You all go out!¡±

    The origin of the pill in the jade box hanging under the gold chain she wore was clearest from Su He, so it was most appropriate to talk to Su He about this.

    After talking about what happened angrily, Qiu Yn gritted her teeth, ¡°They always knew that Jiang Qiyun bullied Prince of Qi and despised the dignity of the imperial family! But what have they done about this? Her parents never cared about that as if they had been dead, and the Empress... The Empress, her mother-inw, never really punished her about this either! These people witnessed Jiang Qiyun¡¯s growing up, and they all knew how arrogant and unreasonable she was! No matter how wimpish Prince of Qi was, he had a temper! They connived in everything she did, but this time they fooled me there to pay the price for what she did! I must have done so many evil things in my previous life. Otherwise, I would not have married into such a family! I wouldn¡¯t have married Jiang Yashuang if I had known this earlier...¡±

    Su He was shocked by her words and covered her mouth immediately, ¡°I know you are angry now, but there are some words that you can never say!¡±

    Qiu Yn pushed her hand away angrily, ¡°I¡¯ve nned to stuff the pill into my brother¡¯s bag quietly when he leaves, but now the Empress is going to save Prince of Qi with that!¡± Her eyes turned red suddenly, ¡°If anything happens to my brother in his westward journey next year... There will be no point even if I kill Jiang Qiyun!¡±

    ¡°He hasn¡¯t left yet. How can you say something like this?¡± Su He was also worried about Qiu Jinn, but she had tofort Qiu Yn first, ¡°And, maybe the young master still has some with himself, right?¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°Even if my brother still has some, he can¡¯t have many. Maybe only one or two left! I was too careless. When Grandmother sent me to the Annexe of Prince of Qi, I didn¡¯t even think about it but just went there...¡±

    ¡°Even if you knew the intention of Old Madame, You still had to obey her orders, right?¡± Su He whispered, ¡°It can never be helped.¡±

    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have worn this chain.¡± Qiu Yn regretted it so much, ¡°I never told people that my brother gave me another pill. How could the Empress have guessed that if I hadn¡¯t worn it?¡±

    Su He smiled bitterly, ¡°If you didn¡¯t wear it, the young master would scold you then!¡±

    Why did Qiu Jinn give his sister the pills? It was just because he was afraid that something might happen to her! If Qiu Yn didn¡¯t wear the chain with her, Qiu Jinn would reprimand her if he knew that. So it was inevitable for the pill to be taken away by the Empress this day!

    Unless Prince of Qi had notmitted suicide!

    ¡°It¡¯s all the first branch¡¯s fault for not bringing up their daughter properly!¡± Qiu Yn became more and more furious. She gritted her teeth, ¡°The Empress ignored what Jiang Qiyun did not only because Prince of Qi was not her natural son but also because she was afraid of the first branch... This time I wanna see how they willpensate me!¡±

    But before the first branch came to thank her, an unexpected visitor came first.

    ¡°Commandery Princess Ningxin?¡± Qiu Yn was very surprised, ¡°Why would shee to me? Is she in trouble?¡±

 Chapter 271 - The Truth About the Death of Princess Ruan

    <h4>Chapter 271 The Truth About the Death of Princess Ruan</h4>

    Qiu Baozhu, the Commandery Princess Ningxin, was the only biological child of Li who was the first wife of Qiu Mengmin.

    Qiu Mengmin and his biological mother Lu were expelled from home by Old Princess Lian and tramped the streets before. At the age of getting married, he couldn¡¯t expect to marry a rich youngdy, so he married Li then, an ordinary woman.

    At that time, although Qiu Mengmin and his mother hadn¡¯t expected that one day they would return to the Prince¡¯s Mansion and be the masters there, they felt very disappointed that the son of the old Duke of Xihe would be reduced to marrying a poor girl as his official wife! In this case, Li even hadn¡¯t given birth to a baby for a few years after they got married. It was conceivable that how her husband and mother-inw disliked her!

    Then Qiu Mengmin took a concubine under Lu¡¯smand, and his eldest son was just Qiu Hongzhi. Later, Li finally got pregnant and gave birth to Qiu Baozhu, who was a girl. Therefore, after Qiu Mengmin got his luck and inherited the title of Prince, he quickly let Li ¡°die of an illness¡±. After asking the official matchmaker for help, he finally got his wish and married Princess Yang, who was from an official family.

    Qiu Yn was not clear how many people knew about this because time had passed and no one mentioned it specifically.

    But in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, everyone knew something about it. After all, Qiu Mengmin and his mother did it only when they returned to the Prince¡¯s Mansion that year. Their foundation was still shallow, and they couldn¡¯t conceal itpletely.

    Qiu Baozhu knew it as well certainly.

    Her cousin was really ill-fated. Her mother died so unjustly, and she herself suffered so much from her stepmother. As the legitimate Commandery Princess, her marriage was even inferior to Qiu Mingzhu¡¯s, who was the daughter of a concubine.

    ¡°Second sister!¡± Qiu Yn recalled about Qiu Baozhu, stepping out the threshold to greet her.

    Qiu Baozhu had a beautiful appearance and a gentle temperament. But maybe she was used to standing in a decent way in front of her stepmother, she looked expressionless. There was an air of mncholy about her. Facing the cousin who came out in person to greet her, she didn¡¯t greet her with formality but just said straightforwardly, ¡°I have something to talk with you!¡±

    Hearing her tone, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t think that she came here for help, so then she thought about Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe...Did she also notice the current undercurrents in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe and want to seize this great opportunity to avenge her mother? But her husband¡¯s family was really not prominent. Even if Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe declined, her husband¡¯s family couldn¡¯t meddle in their affairs. What if she ced her hope on her? But they two had never associated with each other before. So Qiu Yn wondered how she would mention it.

    She invited Qiu Baozhu into the room to sit down, and asked the servants to leave except Su He. Then she smiled and said, ¡°Second sister, you can speak as you like now!¡±

    ¡°At the time, Aunt Ruan died not because of the disease, but because of the poison Youmianxiang!¡± Qiu Baozhu showed her intention directly, ¡°Or have you ever heard of it?¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s face suddenly stiffened. Before she spoke, Su He identally overturned the crystal te containing the fruit with a noise.

    ¡°Madame...¡± This crystal te was more than a foot in diameter, which was crystal clear and carved with extremely fine patterns. It was an ornament Jiang Family gave to their grandsons born of their legal daughters-inw, and the grandsons born of the concubines couldn¡¯t possess that. It was very valuable. Even if Su He has always been favored by Qiu Yn, she knelt down in fright at this moment, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for that. It¡¯s all my fault!¡±

    ¡°Get up and don¡¯t knock on the fragments!¡± No matter how precious the crystal te was, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t care at this moment. She waved her hand, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about itter. Second sister, please be more detailed!¡±

    The poison Youmianxiang which poisoned Princess Ruan and General Ruan had always been a mystery for Qiu Yn.

    The person who did that must be Lu.

    The problem was that Lu was cheated to death by her own son, and she didn¡¯t even have time to leave ast word, let alone mention the person who gave her the poison Youmianxiang behind the scenes. Although Qiu Yn herself had various guesses, there was no evidence. Guesses were not facts after all.

    Now that Qiu Baozhu seemed to know the truth, Qiu Yn¡¯s expression suddenly became serious.

    Qiu Baozhu nced at Su He who stood up tremblingly, and said lightly, ¡°The one who did that died three years ago with a sad end. However, to be honest, she was not the real murderer! The one who put Aunt Ruan to death is thousands of miles away!¡±

    After hearing this, Qiu Yn thought for a while, ¡°It should be Lu who had a sad end three years ago. This is also in line with Princess Ruan¡¯s warnings to her before her death... But who is thousands of miles away?¡±

    She pondered and asked, ¡°Second sister, are you talking about Kuang Shihan?¡±

    She deemed that the one who was far away and had an antagonism with Princess Ruan should be him after thinking carefully. Since he could kill Qiu Zhongyan, it was not surprising that he didn¡¯t let Qiu Zhongyan¡¯s wife and daughter go.

    However, Qiu Baozhu looked at her, shook her head slowly, and said calmly, ¡°If it weren¡¯t for him, Aunt Ruan would have died earlier, and even you might not be able to live to this day!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn was really shocked this time, ¡°Second sister?¡±

    ¡°In this world, how many women can tolerate their husbands loving another woman even if that woman has already got married and been a mother?¡± Qiu Baozhu didn¡¯t want to chat, but said straightforwardly and directly.

    Qiu Yn was stunned for a long time before asking uncertainly, ¡°Xing... Xingkang Grand Princess?¡±

    So, Princess Ruan was the one Kuang Shihan really loved? He loved her so much that his wife got jealous and intended to kill her rival in love even if she was thousands of miles away? Judging from the rtionship between the poison Youmianxiang and Empress Dowager Gu, it was not impossible.

    But the problem was, ¡°How did you know about it, second sister?¡±

    This thing was a great shock to Qiu Yn, while Qiu Baozhu¡¯s answer made her more stunned, ¡°Except Aunt Ruan, who else could tell me such a secret thing?¡±

    She didn¡¯t intend to whet her appetite but exined directly, ¡°Although Aunt Ruan never had a thing for Kuang Shihan, and she even wanted to kill him in person to avenge uncle if she could, she felt embarrassed to tell you that.¡±

    She nced at Su He again, ¡°She told me that instead of the people around her not because she didn¡¯t trust them, but because they were not free. She was afraid that if they knew about this, they would do something inappropriate when in danger!¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s face changed, and then she said in a deep voice, ¡°Second sister, please tell me more carefully!¡±

    She didn¡¯t remember that Princess Ruan had associated with Qiu Baozhu before, so why did she tell her such a secret thing which even her closest maid didn¡¯t know?

    No matter how she thought about it, it seemed weird.

    However, Qiu Baozhu¡¯s exnation made sense, ¡°Not long after Aunt Ruan discovered she was poisoned, she guessed the murderer. But you also know that... Even now, it¡¯s not that easy for you to avenge your mother! And Aunt Ruan was very worried that you would also be murdered. At that time, I just got married.¡±

    Although Qiu Baozhu was Qiu Mengmin¡¯s biological daughter and the only legitimate daughter, Qiu Mengmin and Lu always preferred boys to girls. So obviously it was difficult for her to be close to her biological father and grandmother. Her mother, Li, died under the persecution of Qiu Mengmin and Lu, and she herself was bullied by Princess Yang all the time.

    It could be said that although she was the Commandery Princess in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, she was also a potential enemy of the Prince¡¯s Mansion.

    However, because she was suppressed by Princess Yang, she had no chance to marry into a noble family, and her husband¡¯s family was so mediocre. She would be relieved if she was not troubled by Princess Yang, so how could she intend to take revenge?

    While Princess Ruan noticed her experience, ¡°Before I got married, Aunt Ruan found an opportunity to meet me and told me about it. She gave me a bracelet as a token.¡±

    ¡°The token is used for what?¡± Qiu Yn squinted.

    Qiu Baozhu said calmly, ¡°Once you encounter something you can¡¯t handle, I will ask someone to send it to the west to find Kuang Shihan.¡±

    She continued after pausing for a while, ¡°That bracelet was not Aunt Ruan¡¯s. After uncle died, Kuang Shihan gave it to Aunt Ruan secretly. He promised that if she had trouble, she could send someone to find him with the bracelet. Aunt Ruan didn¡¯t want it at first, but she kept it finally for you. Four years ago, during the avnche of Mount Dizi, I sold a few pieces of jewellery for money. If you had been back two dayster, it would have been sent away.¡±

    Hearing this, Su He finally understood Qiu Baozhu¡¯s words that Princess Ruan told her, a niece she didn¡¯t know very well, about this instead of her close maids not because she didn¡¯t trust them.

    She was just worried that the servants would rush to contact Kuang Shihan after they knew it... Even if after Princess Ruan died, Xingkang Grand Princess did not care about the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe anymore, it could still be found out by the informers of Lu, Aunt Qiu, and Princess Yang.

    What would be Qiu Yn¡¯s end then? Kuang Shihan was paramount and powerful, but Xingkang Grand Princess, the biological daughter of Empress Dowager Gu, deserved the ingratiation more.

    While Qiu Baozhu.

    If she hadn¡¯te here toy the cards on the table, who could have imagined that Princess Ruan had left a way out? After all, no matter how she was suppressed by Princess Yang, she was the Commandery Princess. What was more, she had been married and be the master in her own house, so it was easy for her to get a loyal follower or send a letter.

    She could not only do that but also do that safely.

    ¡°Princess Ruan...¡± Qiu Yn suddenly thought of Madame Tao Junior. These two women were both smart and ill-fated, and they were both victimized by the third woman. Was it that too smart people always had bad endings?

    Seeing her in a daze, Su He, who had already burst into tears, thought she was too sad. Su He sniffed and pulled her sleeves cautiously, ¡°Madame? Madame?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Qiu Yn just felt so upset suddenly. After being pulled by Su He twice, she recovered. She settled and continued to talk with Qiu Baozhu, ¡°Second sister, you¡¯ve nevere to me in so many years. Since you suddenlye to me today, is there any other reason?¡±

    Qiu Baozhu nodded, ¡°Because when Aunt Ruan gave this bracelet to me...¡± she took out a purple jade bracelet from her sleeve and said lightly, ¡°She also promised that when my people find Kuang Shihan, I can do a thing I want to do in the name of her!¡±

    ¡°A dutiful daughter is obliged to pay her mother¡¯s debts, right?¡± Qiu Yn nodded, ¡°I understand. I¡¯m not Kuang Shihan, but since you told me who killed my mother, I will do anything you want me to do as long as I can.¡±

    ¡°My husband is honest and I¡¯ve already had a boy and a girl. This is just my life. I don¡¯t have anything to do for myself.¡± Qiu Baozhu¡¯s indifferent expression finally changed. She smiled sadly and put the purple jade bracelet on the table beside the hand of Qiu Yn, saying lightly, ¡°But I can¡¯t forget the love and care from my mother!¡±

 Chapter 272 - Ive Already Known She Could Not Tolerate Yelan

    <h4>Chapter 272 I¡¯ve Already Known She Could Not Tolerate Yn</h4>

    Jiang Yashuang came backte this day mainly because he apanied the Seventh Prince to visit Prince of Qi. Empress Jiang hadn¡¯t returned to Summer Pce at the time, so naturally she would not miss the opportunity to remind her nephew not to spoil his wife.

    His aunt always treated him as her own son, while he loved his wife so much. Even if Jiang Yashuang had been a master offorting elders since he was a child, he made great effort tofort the Empress.

    When he returned to his yard with a tired look, he was shocked to hear that Qiu Yn fell ill before the evening!

    Jiang Yashuang was so anxious to send for a doctor and brew medicine, and he didn¡¯t get to sleep until the middle of the night. Shortly before Jiang Yashuang came back, Madame Tao also got the news that Qiu Yn was sick. Even if Madame Tao always showed kindness to others, she put on a sulky face after hearing the news!

    Mom Hu even scolded unhappily, ¡°Didn¡¯t she remember the time when she relied on our family status before she got married? Now she is a member of Jiang Family. It was unfilial for her not toe out to share the worries for the elders since something happened in the family, and Madame, you even took out the precious item of your dowry tofort her...What does she want on earth? She wanna take all the benefits but escape from all the trouble in the family? How could she have the face to get sick?¡±

    No wonder they thought that after Qiu Yn went back, she still felt angry and malingered then. After all, the timing of Qiu Baozhu¡¯s visit was too coincidental, and Qiu Yn hadn¡¯t even told them about it. How could Jiang Family, who had been used to sending away poor rtives for a long time, think that Qiu Baozhu didn¡¯te here to gain some advantages but to say some big secret?

    Especially it was said that the crystal te in Qiu Yn¡¯s yard that was given to the legitimate grandsons was also broken by a maid, ¡°Only our family and the legitimate grandsons in our family can possess that. No matter how the young masters and young mesdames born by the concubines want one, they can only take a look at the room of a legitimate young master! Which maid dared to be so careless? Why it hasn¡¯t been broken before but just today? It must be the neenth young madame who broke it out of anger. The maid is just a scapegoat. It¡¯s really ridiculous! After marrying into her husband¡¯s family, even she herself belongs to her husband¡¯s family then. How could she care about such a small thing? I¡¯ve never heard of such a grumpy daughter-inw before! It¡¯s fortunate that Old Princess Lian and Princess Ruan died early, or they would feel ashamed of her!¡±

    Madame Tao looked gloomy for a long time, and then she said to Mom Hu, ¡°Since she is sick, we can¡¯t ignore that. You let someone send some medicinal materials there and ask the doctor when she will recover!¡±

    She asked Mom Hu to let someone do that instead of letting Mom Hu do that in person, which was an expression of her dissatisfaction.

    Mom Hu was extremely arrogant, ¡°She is in good health while she is in the bed. The doctor must know that she is pretending sick, but he doesn¡¯t dare to expose that!¡±

    ¡°No way out. She is the legitimate granddaughter-inw, so we have to go through the motions.¡± Madame Tao said, ¡°What¡¯s more, she has not been married long, so she hasn¡¯t let down all her temper when she was a girl... It¡¯s not strange for a child to make a scene like this!¡±

    ¡°Who in Jing City doesn¡¯t know the situation in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe?¡± Mom Hu sneered, ¡°She has never been a beloved daughter there. Only Qiu Jinn cared about her. How could she be so delicate in such a short time? After marrying into Jiang Family, she even takes up the air of being a beloved daughter! Obviously, she just bullies you and the neenth young master because you both have a good temper!¡±

    Madame Tao was also angry. She was always provoked by the juniors and her daughters-inw in her early years because of her identity as the second wife.

    Since the first branch had a special status, the grandchildren always snubbed her. Therefore, Madame Tao would not have been so angry about the disrespect of the juniors. The problem was that it was she who tried her best to bring Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang together!

    She had thought that since she lived a pitiful life in her natal family, after getting married, she would be docile certainly. However, it turned out that she was more aggressive than her mother-inw, Madame Zhuang!

    Madame Tao would be happy if she was aggressive towards others, and she didn¡¯t mind cleaning up after her... But she even dared to put on the airs in front of her. Madame Tao felt that she was offended. She thought she misjudged her and she was cheated by her!

    Since she was not happy, Madame Tao didn¡¯t stop Mom Hu from cursing.

    And the servant who was sent by Mom Hu to visit Qiu Yn had the same attitude as her naturally.

    Thus, the next morning, the attitude of the servant who was sent to visit Qiu Yn waspletely different from that before!

    Everyone in the Madame¡¯s yard should not be underestimated. For example, the old maidservant, Wang, had a smile on her face and a gentle tone from beginning to end, but her words just made people annoyed!

    And you even couldn¡¯t find anything wrong with her words!

    However, Qiu Yn¡¯s maids were not stupid. They could see that although the old maidservant Wang came here in the name of visiting, she came here to annoy them especially in fact!

    ¡°Su He, take a trip to Green Vi, and tell the young master and Lady Ciyi about what happened yesterday and today!¡± As soon as the old maidservant Wang left, Mrs. Zhou¡¯s expression turned sulky. She called her granddaughter into the corner and said, ¡°Of course, the matter about the Princess... Don¡¯t talk about that, lest the young master will be sad while worrying about the young madame! After the young madame recovers, let she tell him by herself!¡±

    Su He was embarrassed, ¡°How dare the old maidservant Wang visit the young madame like this? It must be the old madame... If I go to Green Vi now...¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we tell the young madame¡¯s family since she is sick?¡± Mrs. Zhou sneered disdainfully. In terms of power, even the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe before declining was iparable with Jiang Family, while in terms of foundation, Mrs. Zhou really looked down on Jiang Family, which had only been in existence for decades!

    Back then, she was serving the Princess, and she had seen so many hereditary princes. While in Jiang Family, the highest position was just the Marquess which was not justifiable at all! Mrs. Zhou was best at going through the motions! After Old Princess Lian died, Mrs. Zhou had been living a cautious life for more than ten years. But at this time, there was someone at Qiu Yn¡¯s back, so she wouldn¡¯t continue to be cowardly then!

    Su He¡¯s heart settled down after hearing her words. She immediately changed her clothes and went to Green Vi. She told Qiu Jinn everything, including that Qiu Yn¡¯s life-saving pill was taken away, she fell ill and was offended by the maidservant who the old madame sent there this morning, which made Qiu Jinn¡¯s face turn blue with anger. He asked with a cold voice, ¡°Where is Jiang Yashuang? Is he dead?¡±

    Green Vi was regarded as Qiu Yn¡¯s natal family, and Su He had been in the Prince¡¯s Mansion all the time before Qiu Yn got married. So she used the appetions as before since there was no outsider here, ¡°It was not the neenth young master¡¯s fault. Commandery Princess took the medicine and fell asleep before he came backst night and she didn¡¯t wake up when he left for business this morning. Commandery Princess was still in sleep when I came here. Fortunately, the fever broke.¡±

    It was true. Jiang Yashuang looked very tired when he went back yesterday, but he still asked about his wife¡¯s illness, refused to move to the study temporarily at night as the servants suggested, and still slept in the inner chamber. Last night, it was Chunran and Xiaran who served Qiu Yn. In the morning, Su He heard from them that Jiang Yashuang got up to check his wife several times in the evening. So he was a nice husband.

    After she exined it, Qiu Jinn softened his tone and asked, ¡°So, my sister got sick because her pill was taken away and she was so angry?¡±

    ¡°It should be like this.¡± Su He was with a guilty conscience. In her opinion, Qiu Yn fell ill because Qiu Baozhu told her the real cause of the death of Princess Ruan and she was greatly stimted. Of course, the pot of herbal tea she drank in one gulp after taking the pair of jade pillows back from Madame Tao yesterday was probably another reason.

    But her grandmother Mrs. Zhou told her not to tell Qiu Jinn about this, so Su He did not dare to mention it naturally.

    However, Qiu Jinn had met countless people, especially girls. Su He thought that she didn¡¯t even mention Qiu Baozhu¡¯s visit, so she would never reveal anything. However, she didn¡¯t know that Qiu Jinn found that she was hiding something important after just taking a nce at her. His face sank, ¡°So? You even wanna hide it from me? You think you are the maid favored by my sister, so I can¡¯t punish you then?¡±

    How could Su He be his opponent? Su He couldn¡¯t resist his hard and soft tactics, sobbing and telling him the truth, ¡°Commandery Princess has been with the Princess all the time, and she fell ill after sending away the second Commandery Princess! My grandmother said I couldn¡¯t let you know it, otherwise...¡±

    In fact, Qiu Jinn was not listening to her then. The moment Su He said that Xingkang Grand Princess¡¯s jealousy led to the death of Princess Ruan, Qiu Jinn only felt a bang in his head. Then he could hear nothing.

    ¡°So that¡¯s it? So that¡¯s it!¡± At this moment, Qiu Jinn¡¯s mood was indescribable. He had always thought that Kuang Shihan rebelled against his adoptive father, General Ruan, just because he was greedy for power.

    But judging from what Qiu Baozhu said, he did that just because he coveted his mother!

    He even killed his father and destroyed his grandfather¡¯s family for this reason!

    Although he failed to achieve his wish in the end, his wife ordered someone to poison his mother from far away!

    ¡°How dare he!¡± At this time, it was more shameful for a mother to be coveted than to be killed!

    Qiu Jinn was furious, ¡°If that person hadn¡¯t had such a mind, my father, mother and grandmother would still have been alive now. I wouldn¡¯t have to leave home to conceal my identity, and my younger sister wouldn¡¯t have to suffer so much.¡±

    ¡°If that person had hidden his mind well, at least my mother could still have been alive. Even if we had to be separated for many years, I would always have the opportunity to be filial to her! If my mother were still alive, my sister would be protected, and she wouldn¡¯t have escaped death narrowly for so many times. Especially in Mount Dizi!¡±

    He woke up from nightmares at so many nights, and the dreams were so clear.

    It was the unwillingness and struggle of his father, Qiu Zhongyan, who looked at the direction of Jing City when he died in a bloody battle.

    It was the sorrow and sadness of his grandmother Old Princess Lian who drank the poison after asking someone to take him away with tears.

    It was thest breath of his lonely and solicitous mother, whoy on the bed alone and thought about her daughter in Mount Dizi and her son who couldn¡¯t be mentioned.

    What made him feel most painful was that the young and weak Qiu Yn was instantly submerged by the sudden flow of snow in the roaring avnche!

    Even Qiu Yn had been married at this time, he still couldn¡¯t imagine how his sister survived that time. Maybe the ancestors of Qiu Family really blessed them in heaven or it was God¡¯s mercy.

    ¡°I only have my younger sister now!¡± Qiu Jinn thought sadly, ¡°I didn¡¯t approve of her marrying Jiang Yashuang before. No matter how outstanding he is and how flourishing Jiang Family is, I am not powerful enough to support her. So how could she not get into trouble?¡±

    His eyes gradually cooled, ¡°But if Madame Tao thought that she could bully my sister at will, she was wrong!¡±

    With a change of thought, he stretched out his hand slowly to cover his chest, and his body shook. Su He was lowering her head andforting him cautiously, not noticing it. While Dongran was standing behind him with fear, and her hair almost stood on the end! She bit her lip hard to resist eximing, and stepped forward to support his body, ¡°Call the doctor!¡±

    Mrs. Zhou sent Su He over to report the news. Considering Madame Tao¡¯s increasingly worse attitude, Qiu Yn would have a tough life in the future. So she wanted Su He to ask Qiu Jinn for some advice. While Su He failed to stand up to Qiu Jinn¡¯s interrogation, and it turned out that Qiu Jinn himself also got into aa because of anger just like his sister. Ruan Ciyi, who had been living a carefree life these two years just like when she had not been married because she had a capable cousin, naturally knew that then.

    Fortunately, the doctor had repeatedly assured them that there was nothing serious, ¡°He was just too excited just now. Anger could hurt his body... After taking the medicine and resting in bed, he will wake up tonight. After that, take another two sets of herbal medicines. The young master is still young after all! Please don¡¯t worry about it so much, madame!¡±

    Ruan Ciyi wiped off the cold sweat. The doctor was given twice the fee and then left with a smile. Ruan Ciyi then turned around and questioned the servants sternly, ¡°Who made Qiu Jinn so angry?¡±

    All the people looked at Su He. Su He stood out tremblingly and replied, ¡°It¡¯s me, madame...¡±

    ¡°Su He?¡± Ruan Ciyi¡¯s attention was fixed on Qiu Jinn all the time before, and she didn¡¯t pay attention to any other people around her. Only then did she notice Su He. She was shocked, ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    Qiu Jinn was such a shrewd man. What could stimte him and make him faint on the spot after hearing that?

    Ruan Ciyi felt dizzy for a while, ¡°Is anything wrong with Yn?¡±

    ¡°The Commandery Princess just had an indisposition!¡± Su He¡¯s words had already made Qiu Jinn faint. For fear that Ruan Ciyi would also follow in his steps and there would be no one in charge of Green Vi then, Su He told her about Qiu Yn¡¯s current situation quickly, ¡°The doctor hade to see her, and the neenth young master also cared about her so much.¡±

    ¡°How could he faint by anger just because of this reason?¡± Ruan Ciyi raised her voice, ¡°You don¡¯t wanna tell me? Can you bear the responsibility if something bad happens?¡±

    Su He would not dare to mention Princess Ruan again for the life of her. Even though Princess Ruan was just Ruan Ciyi¡¯s aunt, not her mother, they were still rtives. So she didn¡¯t go into details but insisted that Qiu Yn got sick out of anger because her pill was taken away, ¡°Yesterday the doctor said that she would recover after taking two sets of herbal medicines, and we didn¡¯t intend to disturb you and the young master. But this morning, the old madame got the news that Commandery Princess was sick and she sent someone to visit. The person talked as if the old madame had been annoyed at Commandery Princess...¡±

    Ruan Ciyi was not as shrewd as Qiu Jinn, and Su He replied with her head lowering. She couldn¡¯t see her expression and eyes, so she didn¡¯t suspect her words. She put on a sulky face, ¡°I¡¯ve already known that old woman will not tolerate Yn sooner orter!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Su He was stunned.

 Chapter 273 - Truth Hard to Explain

    <h4>Chapter 273 Truth Hard to Exin</h4>

    ¡°To the standpoint of paternal and maternal grandmothers, the majority of them would not like to see that their grandsons are closer to their wives than themselves!¡±

    Qiu Yn had woken up when Su He went back to Jiang¡¯s residence. She was reclining to the bed listlessly and having porridge with the help of Chunran. She immediately asked Su He to report to her after she knew Su He was back. Su He went into the inner chamber and began to report what she met on her way to the Green Vi before Qiu Yn said a word.

    In Su He¡¯s words, she did not mention Qiu Jinn was in aa.

    This was what Ruan Ciyi required her to do. In fact, even if she did not instruct her to do so, Su He dared not to say it to Qiu Jinn, given the bad health of Qiu Jinn now. The affection between them was so strong that Qiu Jinn would be heartbroken if she heard the news.

    Against the backdrop, Su He began to report what Ruan Ciyi told her, ¡°Old Madame raised our young master. Old Master passed away earlier, and our young master would definitely take the responsibility to take care of old madame! But our young master loves you so much that he has a bias towards you even before you two got married. From your view, do you think old madame will be happy about his bias? I guess that old madame hasn¡¯t made trouble for you so far because she thought that you were a good girl and you got married not long ago! She has got a chance to suppress you. She won¡¯t let it slip away. I think her anger at you this morning is the beginning! When our young masteres home, she will insult you before him, I think.¡±

    Mrs. Zhou and others had reported to Qiu Yn what old maidservant Wang said. Qiu Yn was unhappy about the people from her husband¡¯s family who used her important stuff to deal with the problem arising from the first branch. And then she was reported that Madame Tao made trouble for her out of nothing. Given the situation, Qiu Yn felt dismal even if she had realized that Madame Tao might misunderstand her.

    After hearing Su He¡¯s report, Qiu Yn smiled coldly, ¡°I am a puppet in her design. Now, I crossed the red line that she drew for me. She was unhappy about it!¡± Qiu Yn used to think that she would get along well with Madame Tao. But only because of the little trouble, Madame Tao warned her. She should have been a good cat. But, it was Yashuang who loved Qiu Yn the most, not Madame Tao. ¡°Did you think I was a sheep just because I only have a brother and a sister in my mother¡¯s family?¡± thought Qiu Yn.

    ¡°Did Lady Ciyi tell you what we should do next?¡± Xiaran asked. Seeing Qiu Yn was in a lousy mood and woke up minutes ago, Xiaran was concerned about her health and diverted the topic.

    Su He said, ¡°Lady Ciyi told me that you got married not long ago and you are a junior. No need to be concerned about these things. The most important thing now is to recover and get pregnant as early as possible!¡± Su He was shy to say pregnancy as she was not married yet. She paused and hesitated for a while and then resumed, ¡°Take our Madame as an example. As long as you get pregnant, Old Master won¡¯t make trouble for you, let alone Old Madame!¡±

    Qiu Yn tried to hold her emotions, thinking desperately, ¡°I know she would say so. The ultimate point she would say is to get a child and then you will be somebody in the backyard!¡±

    Seeing her looking up at the top of the mosquito and saying nothing, maids around her took a nce at each other, feeling lost. Chunran was concerned and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You and our young master are always in good health. I believe you two will have kids one day... Now you have a slight illness and your fever faded yesterday. You are recovering now. I believe you will be okay before tomorrow!¡±

    What Qiu Baozhu said yesterday to them was known only by three in the Jiang Family: Qiu Yn, Su He and Mrs. Zhou. Princess Ruan epted the bracelet, although she did so for her daughter. But this bracelet might ruin her reputation if the public knew it. Trouble might hover over her head if Empress Dowager Gu knew what she did. So, Qiu Yn instructed Su He not to tell others except Mrs. Zhou, who was a confidant of Princess Ruan when she was alive. If she was asked, what she needed to say was to tell them that it was about Qiu Baozhu, who wanted to help her husband get a better position.

    The people in the Jiang Family get used to being asked to do favors. All wives had done one or two favors to her mother¡¯s family. And the low official position of Qiu Baozhu¡¯s husband had no threat to their interests even if he was promoted by three levels. Given the reason, no one in the family cared about what Qiu Baozhu did for her husband.

    Chunran and Xiaran thought the same as Ruan Ciyi. They believed that Qiu Yn was sick with anger.

    ¡°I am okay. You have been here with me for a long time. You must be tired too. Retreat and have a rest,¡± said Qiu Yn. She had been tired of hearing the word ¡°kids¡± in the past year. Now, Chunran and Ruan Ciyi took their turn to antagonize her with this word. She had a headache. She waved her hand, ¡°I am feeling tired. I want to sleep!¡±

    Hearing her words, maids immediately served her to lie down on the bed.

    Qiu Yn did not wake up until the afternoon. She felt better then. In effect, she knew why she got sick this time. Neither the pill was taken away from her nor the truth about Princess Ruan¡¯s death caused her sickness. It was because of the iced herbal tea!

    It was summertime. Although the temperature in the mountain was cool, it was burning hot outside. Qiu Yn had been in the sun for a long time that day. What was more, she felt anxious at that time. She drank half a bottle of iced herb tea. Iced tea was not good for health. And minutester, she heard what happened to Princess Ruan from Qiu Baozhu. Even if Qiu Yn did not pass out at that moment, she could hardly stand firmly.

    Because of the rising deficiency-fire and iced herb tea, she finally got sick.

    But when she got sick, it was so coincidental that even though she told people why she got sick, nobody believed it.

    She stared at the top of the for a while. She was about to summon a maid to get in and serve her when she heard footsteps out of the room. It was Jiang Yashuang who raised the curtain and entered the room.

    ¡°You are back earlier today,¡± Qiu Yn said, noticing that Jiang Yashuang was wearing loungewear. She realized that he had been home for a while. Judging from the light in the room, she guessed it was before 3 o¡¯clock. Usually, Jiang Yashuang got home after 5 o¡¯clock. Hence, Qiu Yn asked the reason why he got home earlier.

    Seeing she woke up, Jiang Yashuang felt relieved. He rushed to her and touched her forehead, testing her temperature. He smiled, ¡°I was concerned about your illness. So, I asked for half a day off from the Seventh Prince.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang felt relieved after he checked the temperature on her forehead. It was warm, not a fever. He took out his handkerchief to wipe the sweat appearing on her forehead during her sleep. ¡°I saw you are sweating while you sleep. I thought that you had a fever again.¡±

    He then raised his voice to summon a maid, ordering her to fetch porridge and vegetables suitable for patients to eat.

    While waiting for her food, he helped her sit up. Su He and others were serving her to wash up andb. They spoke with her softly, showing their concerns to her. Up to now from yesterday, it was the first time for Qiu Yn to enjoy her husband¡¯s care after she got sober. Thanks to his care, her anger faded a lot. She walked out of the inner room with the help of him. Jiang Yashuang had prepared in person a cup of honey water for her to moisten her throat.

    Qiu Yn felt much better after having dinner. She was gargling with the tea passed to her while she spoke to Jiang Yashuang. ¡°Do you know what¡¯s going on about the Prince of Qi now? Don¡¯t tell me that he died after taking the pill.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s alive, but he hasn¡¯t woken up yet,¡± replied Jiang Yashuang, who did not expect that she would ask him this question. He gripped the teacup with a slight force, then released it and said softly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about this. No big problem.¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded. As long as the Prince of Qi was alive and could talk, the Jiang Family would not be in big trouble. If Jiang Yashuang was willing to help Jiang Qiyun, and tell the Empress Dowager it was a misunderstanding between the couple, the Empress Dowager would do nothing to the family.

    As for whether the Prince of Qi would stand out and testify that he was intimidated almost to death... To Empress Jiang, his testimony would be a severe insult, Qiu Yn believed!

    ¡°No big problem for our family. But, what can Qiyun do after this?¡± asked Qiu Yn, putting down her teacup.

    Needless to say, after this, Jiang Qiyun¡¯s title, Princess, would be deprived even if she would be willing to swear to God that she would not do it again. Empress Jiang and Marquess Qin would not give her another chance!

    To the Empress and Marquess Qin, whether the Prince of Qi was alive or not was not important. But if the matter became an excuse for the Empress Dowager to me the Jiang Family, that would be thest thing the Empress and Marquess Qin wanted to see. Even Jiang Tianao himself could not stand it, let alone the Empress and Marquess Qin.

    Plus, either of them took Jiang Qiyun¡¯s credit and favorable impression seriously.

    But now, to the Jiang Family, they could not afford to be ashamed of having their daughter reprieved. On the other side of the coin, they had to keep tabs on Jiang Qiyun from intimidating the Prince of Qi... The Prince of Qi was alive, but Jiang Qiyun might ultimately be punished to death as a Princess.

    Qiu Yn heard the soft sound of her husband while she was thinking, ¡°She will receive her due penalty... Leave those small things behind. I just want to know how you feel. I noticed that you are looking better.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiu Yn rubbed her face. She was usually in good health. She was attacked by the bad news and iced herb tea yesterday. Thanks to the doctor who came to see her quickly, she took medicine and slept all night and half a day. She now felt much better. Not intending to pretend to be ill any longer, Qiu Yn said, ¡°I think so, too.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang forced a smile at her, ¡°Good to hear that.¡±

    Qiu Yn noticed that he wanted to say something. She wondered, ¡°I am feeling better now. Why did he give me a forced smile? Is he hoping that I am in bad health longer?¡±

    But she thought it another way, ¡°Sure enough, Ciyi is right. Madame Tao must have set her up in front of Yashuang already!¡± Madame Tao must have told Yashuang that she was pretending to be ill because she got ill yesterday, but she felt better today. She recovered too quickly!

    Thinking of this, she felt dismal. She pursed her lips and said nothing.

    Because she said nothing, nobody in the room opened their mouths, leading to an awkward air in the room.

    ¡°...¡± After a while, Qiu Yn was about to send Jiang Yashuang to his study to deal with his official documents. A maid standing outside entered and said, ¡°Mom Hu is here!¡±

    Her arrival made Qiu Yn frown. Jiang Yashuang noticed her unhappiness. He said promptly, ¡°As she is here, let her in.¡± And then he said, ¡°You go and tell her. Don¡¯t talk with madame for too long though she feels better now.¡±

    Although he tried to say sweet words to express his care for Qiu Yn, she gave no response, not showing happiness or anger. Noticing the awkward air in the room, the maids who wanted to break the ice held back their words. The silence in the room took hold.

    It did not take long for Mom Hu to show up. She kowtowed frequently before saying a word. Her action astonished Qiu Yn. Qiu Yn immediately asked a maid to get her up, ¡°Mom Hu, why are you doing so?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all my fault!¡± Mom Hu knelt on the floor, not attempting to stand up. She begged for their pardon with a guilty face. ¡°Old maidservant Wang is a broad who didn¡¯t know what she was talking about! Because she is one of my rtives. I begged old madame to keep her around, serving old madame. But this morning, she came here to see you in the name of madame, but what she said over here was so mean! For my own reasons, I have caused young madame to suffer from your illness. So, I aming here, begging for your pardon!¡±

    A cold smile hovered in Qiu Yn¡¯s heart, but she said nothing to her. She looked at Jiang Yashuang and had some thoughts. Jiang Yashuang used to be considerable and smart. He must understand what Qiu Baozhu said over here. So, he behaved discreetly before me!

    It must be Mrs. Zhou and Su He who told him. Qiu Yn intended to tell him herself and report Madame Tao in her words. But Jiang Yashuang knew the whole thing before she woke up. What was more, he must have told the thing to Madame Tao. That was the reason why Madame Tao sent Mom Hu over here, begging for pardon.

    ¡°Mom Hu. Don¡¯t say so. I was in aa when old maidservant Wang was here. My maids did not tell me that she said insulting words,¡± said Qiu Yn, looking around. ¡°What did she say over here?¡±

    Su He replied promptly, ¡°Old maidservant Wang came here and asked about your condition. We did not hear her say any bad words.¡±

    ¡°Mom Hu, there must be a misunderstanding,¡± said Qiu Yn, looking at Mom Hu, who was still kneeling on the floor. ¡°Your kowtow confused me!¡±

    ¡°Mom Hu, you go back first. Lan did not recover fully. She was not in a good spirit. I will tell her what happenedter,¡± said Jiang Yashuang with a dry cough softly.

    Hearing her words, Mom Hu immediately kowtowed again submissively, retreating with a smile.

    After she left, Qiu Yn asked dismissively, ¡°What are you going to say to me?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang beckoned the maids out with a wave. The sympathy showed in his soft eyes. He hesitated for a while and said after a sigh, ¡°I understand that you are sad now. But you should realize that your mother has passed away several years ago. As for her revenge, I think we will have a chance to do it for her... What do you think?¡±

    Qiu Yn was loath to talk with him about it. After all, she was not the original body. If she were, she must have cried loudly, hugged Jiang Yashuang forfort, and told him how she and her mother depended on each other in the old days and now her mother left her alone in the world. And then, she could have epted Jiang Yashuang¡¯s few words of constion.

    But she was not the original body. To Princess Ruan, she sympathized with her and respected her but with little family affection. And more importantly, she did not want to waste her energy to pretend to be the one. So, she said dismissively, ¡°I agree.¡±

    Her answer was out of expectation, which made Jiang Yashuang hang in the air for a while, ¡°Anyway, because of the trouble made by Kuang Qingwu and Commandery Princess Ningtai, Princess Changping¡¯s marriage will be dyed. If they decide to get the marriage preparedness started now, I have drafted a procedure for the Seventh Prince... So, I have time recently. How about I take you for a walk?¡±

    His suggestion indicated that he was still concerned if she could ept the fact of her mother¡¯s death.

    Qiu Ynughed at herself. She felt frustrated but without crying miserably, which shocked Jiang Yashuang. Was he worried that she got sick again because of umted depression?

    Generally speaking, even if it were a misunderstanding, she would have no excuse to give up a chance to increase their affection.

    However, she did not have time for a walk proposed by her husband. The thing Qiu Baozhu came to the house and asked her to do had to be done as soon as possible, or the opportunity to deal with it would be passed up.

 Chapter 274 - Misunderstanding Coming up

    <h4>Chapter 274 Misunderstanding Coming up</h4>

    Jiang Yashuang wanted to ask for days off to stay with Qiu Yn, hanging out. But Qiu Yn vetoed his proposal. Madame Tao was informed of this at that night without dy.

    Recalling that Qiu Yn refused to ept Mom Hu¡¯s apology, Madame Tao was getting more solemn, ¡°Yashuang has been very agreeable to her. What does she want?¡±

    Mom Hu answered discreetly, ¡°Luckily, young master has been here and exined the reason why Qiu Baozhu went to his house. For this point, I think young master respects you much!¡±

    ¡°I sacrificed a lot to raise him and his sister. For this, Yazhu has a disagreement with me because he was in my house earlier!¡± said Madame Tao coldly. ¡°If they have a conscience, it¡¯s only right that they obey me. Few men in the world would do it like Kuang Shihan!¡±

    She sighed after smiling emotionlessly, ¡°Until now, Yashuang has been following my order, but he also protects her. What he did for the Seventh Prince waspleted. And there is no urgent business he needs to manage in the Hanlin Academy. However, Chaohaimanded him to follow his oldest uncle and third uncle to learn how to take care of official business.¡±

    Something cold and sinister appeared on Mom Hu¡¯s face, ¡°So, Old Master will know who she is! Old Master pays great attention to young master. He will not allow a vicious woman to affect young master! I believe Old Master, one day, will punish her and kick her out of the family!¡±

    ¡°Do you really think so?¡± Madame Tao squinted and said, ¡°You must have forgotten that when she got married, I spoke for her in front of Chaohai. You think about it. The Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe is an empty shell, and Qiu Jinn has no impact on the court. But on the other hand, Chaohai has great hope for his youngest grandson. If I had not spoken for her, Chaohai would not have allowed her to marry Yashuang as her mother¡¯s family can help Yashuang with nothing!¡±

    She continued coldly, ¡°Chaohai is getting older and older. As long as he is alive, the Jiang Family can care little about the power of the girl¡¯s mother¡¯s family. But, if he dies one day and the branches separate from each other, living independently, the power of the girl¡¯s mother¡¯s family will y a big role... In particr, in the fourth branch, the oldest grandson¡¯s wife is Qianbin, from the Tao Family... Well! Jiang Yazhu is not destined to marry a girl from a noble family due to his background! But, Yashuang will be the head of the fourth branch. He should marry a girl from a noble family and the girl¡¯s father should be powerful enough to help him with his business.¡±

    In the first ce, Madame Tao tried hard to persuade Marquess Qin to allow Jiang Yashuang to marry Qiu Yn. But unexpectedly, in half a year, Qiu Yn began to cause offence... Marquess Qin would me Madame Tao because she once spoke for the wrong girl.

    For this reason, not only could Madame Tao not say bad words about her, but she would also have to speak for her if someone said bad words about her in front of Marquess Qin.

    To think of this made her furious.

    ¡°Young madame Yn is crafty! She dared to fight with the first branch not long after she got married. I thought that she was an aggressive girl. But she is so straightforward that she is inclined to fight with anyone who stands taller than her!¡± said Mom Hu. Realizing Madame Tao tried to hold her feelings because of Qiu Yn, Mom Hu hated Qiu Yn more. She even cursed, ¡°She was actually faking it! As she has known the truth about her mother¡¯s death and it was still light outside when Commandery Princess Ningxin left her house, she could havee here and told us about it. It was not far away from her room. We live in the same yard. Not a thousand miles away! Why didn¡¯t she send a maid here to exin it to us? Let¡¯s see what she did. She got sick. What was worse, she intentionally broke the crystal tes to misguide... I think if you knew what Commandery Princess Ningxin said to her in the first ce, you would have stood along with her andforted her.¡±

    After the long speech, she began to examine herself, ¡°It¡¯s all my fault. I did not arrange it well. Old maidservant Wang is so stupid...¡±

    In fact, Qiu Yn did not n to set Madame Tao up, although she did not report timely to her what Qiu Baozhu told her. She just thought that it was not the right time to deal with Xingkang Grand Princess. And what Qiu Baozhu told her was rted to the reputation of Princess Ruan. She simply thought that it was not necessary to tell it to her husband¡¯s family members. Anyway, she would finally kill the person, no matter who it was, either Xingkang Grand Princess or Kuang Shihan.

    She did not realize if the coincidence would cause a misunderstanding between Madame Tao and her. At that time, she was furious and she did not think of Madame Tao. Among the maids, only Su He, who was standing by, heard what they were talking about. Su He grew up before Princess Ruan¡¯s eyes. When she heard the hidden news out of nowhere, she was so immersed in sadness that she forgot to remind Qiu Yn of reporting to Madame Tao!

    Both Madame Tao and her maidservant grew up in a big official family. Madame Tao¡¯s husband¡¯s family, the Jiang Family, was also a prominent one in the capital. They have been used to overthinking in the face of trouble. Due to this, the misunderstanding between Madame Tao and Qiu Yn deepened.

    ¡°Old maidservant Wang used to hold Yashuang in arms several times when Yashuang was a baby,¡± said Madame Tao dismissively. ¡°When she went to see Qiu Yn, Yashuang was not at home! Yashuang believed that I made trouble for his wife because somebody in his yard must have told him this... So, don¡¯t me old maidservant Wang. Well, actually, we underestimate the influence Qiu Yn has on Yashuang! He is even willing to believe what her maids tell him!¡±

    Mom Hu sighed, ¡°And, what¡¯s worse is that she bears a grudge on us now... What should we do now?¡±

    ¡°She saved Xue Nongying¡¯s life in the old days, which was the reason why Xue Chang stood on our side, framing Empress Dowager Gu to death. Xue Chang wanted to thank us for what she did!¡± said Madame Tao, squinting and examining the decorative pattern of her dress. She continued, ¡°Her brother, Qiu Jinn, we depend on him to deal with the Western Army... So, we should stay put now. Even Chaohai won¡¯t cause trouble for her in theing years if he knows who she is. Well, we¡¯d better stay put and do nothing. What we only need to do is to care about her as usual. Time is on our side.¡±

    Mom Hu couldn¡¯t reconcile herself to giving up, but considering the current situation, she... If they fueled the me because of what Qiu Yn did. Xue Chang and Qiu Jinn might estrange each other. At that time, Marquess Qin would investigate the entire thing and punish them. So, Madame Tao had to continue to pretend to be kind and nice. Mom Hu felt frustrated, ¡°She couldn¡¯t even have a chance to get married to Yashuang if you did not speak for her. How hateful!¡±

    ¡°As Yashuang intends to ask for a leave for days, we should also do something,¡± said Madame Tao dismissively. She added, ¡°I will lie down on the bed tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. You go and speak with Yashuang in private, telling him that I don¡¯t feel well. And tell him I didn¡¯t want to tell him it in the first ce because there are other sick people or pregnant people who need more attention in the family... But I have to tell him because lying on the bed for a long time makes me ufortable and I want him here to talk with me. After hees, I will tell him what I want to say!¡±

    Mom Hu took the hint, ¡°I will exin to young master without missing a word. I know you fall sick not because you are angry at young Madame!¡±

    It was easy for a person to pretend to be sick. Qiu Yn, you were a junior. Did you think only you knew how to pretend to be sick? Even if youy down on the bed before I arrived, so what? Did you think your health was more important than that of a senior?

    When they were plotting how to deal with Qiu Yn, Qiu Yn got an excuse to send Jiang Yashuang away, and then she summoned Su He, asking, ¡°Who allowed you to tell Yashuang about my mother? After you told him, he immediately went to tell old Madame about it. It is not a big deal to ruin my n. But you think about it. My mother epted the bracelet for my good. But she would be gossiped by the public because of this. Are you out of your mind when you did this?¡±

    Su He exined immediately, ¡°Madame, I have to do so! Mom Hu was here just at the moment when young master came home. She kept saying old Madame worried about you and old Madame sent maids and servants toe here for news. She pretended to be very concerned about you in front of young master. But she implied that you got sick because you were angry about Her Majesty. Young master did not say a word at that time, but I could tell that he believed what she said, judging from his facial expression... So, I...¡±

    She resumed, ¡°I am not that stupid to tell young master all about Princess. I just told young master that Xingkang Grand Princess took offense at Princess because she failed to win people over in the Western Army. So Xingkang Grand Princess murdered Princess! And Prince and Princess Yang of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe were both involved in it!¡±

    What she said to him was wed. Princess Ruan was a woman. She had never been to the Western Army, and she had no influence in the Western Army. Xingkang Grand Princess was resisted by the men of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe when she tried to win people over in the Western Army. But it was logical if she took anger at Qiu Mengmin because he seeded in the title of the Prince, but not Princess Ruan, who was alive at that time.

    Fortunately, she knew to hide the secret that Kuang Shihan coveted Princess Ruan.

    Qiu Yn¡¯s face softened a bit, ¡°It¡¯s okay if Yashuang misunderstood you and me for days. Don¡¯t ever do anything like this again without my permission! Use your brain. Mom Hu provoked you to tell Yashuang. And then she came over and kowtowed to me, saying that it was her fault. It¡¯s not over! I have to go to see Madame for her forgiveness after I am okay. Mom Hu is Madame¡¯s confidant. Even Yashuang has to save face for her. You saw it. She came over and kept kowtowing to me and said it was her fault... Do you think it¡¯s over? I have to do something to save her faceter.¡±

    She lowered her voice, ¡°If I don¡¯t do it as soon as possible... You guess what will happen. Madame will me me for everything. At that time, if we tell Yashuang everything, he must stand more firmly on our side. Think about it!¡±

    Su He listened carefully, feeling regretful, ¡°I am so naive!¡±

    ¡°Ask your grandmother¡¯s advice first before you have to cope with something. Don¡¯t be stupid again.¡± grunted Qiu Yn. Her words were not a stern warning. After this, she asked, ¡°Do you know what was going on around when I fell into a trance in the past two days?¡±

    Su He tried to calm herself, replying, ¡°Nothing special happened in our house. Knowing you are sick, each branch sent maids to see you. They did not tell Madame Tao Junior about your sickness. Mom Hu exined to young master, saying that Madame Tao Junior was in bad health. She might be getting worse if she knew about your situation... So, they did not tell her.¡±

    ¡°How about the response outside of the house? In particr, the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe,¡± asked Qiu Yn.

    ¡°About them?¡± Su He understood why she mentioned the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. She stood along when Qiu Yn agreed to meet the requirements of Qiu Baozhu. Su He stopped for a while and said, ¡°Nothing new about them.¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at her, saying, ¡°Go and send a man to keep an eye on them... If we don¡¯t have the right man to do this, go to Green Vi to get one. Remember to get a good reason before you go there!¡±

    Actually, young master knew it already! He might not wake up now!

    But Su He dared not to say it out. She smiled, ¡°Yes, Madame... I will do itter.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang went back before she left. Seeing only Su He in the room, serving his wife, he asked, ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°We are talking about my Uncle Mengmin,¡± Qiu Yn answered. ¡°I must do it as I promised Qiu Baozhu. I can use the time to do it because I guess that Kuang Qingwu is figuring out his n during the time. It will save my face if I do it now!¡±

    As Su He had added Qiu Mengmin, Princess Yang, deceased Lu, Aunt Qiu and others, who were suspected of murdering Princess Ruan, on the list, Jiang Yashuang thought that it was sensible for his wife to take revenge on them for her mother. And more, what his wife did was fair and should not be gossiped about. And more, it was not the right time to expose the truth about Princess Ruan¡¯s death. So, now was a perfect chance to use Kuang Qingwu.

    Jiang Yashuang was figuring out what to do tofort his wife, who ¡°got sick after knowing the truth about her mother¡¯s death, and was too sad to cry out.¡± Hearing her words, he said right away, ¡°Let me do it. Su He is a maid. She can do nothing like this. What¡¯s more, she should stay here serving you.¡±

    Qiu Yn did not realize that he was busy in recent days being a probationary politician trained by Marquess Qin. She thought his job was to stay with the Seventh Prince. So, she said, ¡°Okay... By the way, as you go there, can you help my second brother-inw¡¯s job transfer? I don¡¯t expect he can be prompted to a very high position. As my second sister has been here, asking for a favor. We need to give her an exnation.¡±

    ¡°So easy,¡± said Jiang Yashuang. ¡°I will ask Jiang Tan to do it with a card tomorrow. He will be prompted the day after tomorrow!¡±

    As Jiang Yashuang promised to watch Qiu Mengmin and others personally, he would use all he could to get thetest news about Qiu Mengmin.

    It did not take a long time. The next day, before the dust, he got a message, ¡°Princess Yang got summoned in the afternoon. She went to the pce, and it was said that her aim was to discuss Commandery Princess Ningtai¡¯s marriage thing. But she refused to meet Commandery Princess Ningtai after she came back from the pce. She locked herself in the room, refusing to see anyone, including her husband, the Duke of Xihe.¡±

    ¡°I guess Kuang Qingwu asked Empress Dowager Gu to give her a hint. They wanted to see whether the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe can protect Qiu Jinzhu, including Princess Yang and his son, Qiu Yinzhi,¡± said Qiu Yn. A maid had reported to Qiu Yn on the other side of the screen. Qiu Yn smiled aloofly after hearing the report. She said to Jiang Yashuang, who was blowing the hot soup for her, ¡°She has only one way to go. She can sacrifice her daughter for her and her son¡¯s promising future! But Qiu Jinzhu is her daughter. As a mother, Princess Yang has to pretend to be heartbroken!¡±

    ¡°I have sent a man to coordinate. The man is going to meet her tonight. Don¡¯t worry. The second sister deserves a clear exnation!¡± said Jiang Yashuang, who tested the temperature of the medicine and walked toward the bed. He then sat by the bed and said, ¡°Time to take medicine!¡±

 Chapter 275 - Cant Save Your Daughter And Want to Lose Your Son Too?

    <h4>Chapter 275 Can¡¯t Save Your Daughter And Want to Lose Your Son Too?</h4>

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± the dull yellow candlelight could hardly hide Princess Yang¡¯s weary look. She surely wasn¡¯t in the mood to talk to Madame Wei who she hadn¡¯t talked to for three years. She said tly, ¡°Haven¡¯t you guys already separated from us and lived apart? Haven¡¯t you guys already broken up with your first and second brother and be a stranger? How do you have time to visit me? Aren¡¯t you afraid of me who raised a useless daughter implicating your kids?¡±

    Madame Wei was the third master of Yang Family, Yang Yong¡¯s wife. There were sessive rumors about the daughter of Yang Family¡¯s second branch Yang Yifu and the daughter of Yang Family¡¯s first branch Yang Yishi having an affair back then. Not only did Yang Tao get banished from Jing City, but the third branch also got into big trouble. Madame Wei and Yang Yong surely weren¡¯t willing to suffer in silence. They made a fuss about it and then separated from the family. Since then they hadn¡¯t only broken contact with the first and second branch, but also with Princess Yang.

    She came to visit suddenly this time. Princess Yang surely wasn¡¯t kind to her.

    ¡°Are you still angry with me at this kind of moment?¡± seeing this, Madame Wei frowned and said impolitely, ¡°You already can¡¯t save your daughter. Do you want to lose your son too?¡±

    Princess Yang was shocked, ¡°Did Empress Dowager send you here?¡± Actually, Princess Yang thought so when Madame Wei who she hadn¡¯t talked to for three years suddenly came to visit at night. However, she still had a little hope before Madame Wei talked. She was totally in despair at that moment. She smiled sadly, ¡°They even sent you. What could I say? She is my daughter after all! She¡¯s not even 15. Even Qiu Yn said in front of Empress Dowager that who hadn¡¯t been young and ignorant? I¡¯m not asking for anything else. Just let her live as a civilian. I won¡¯t see her for the rest of my life. And I¡¯ll never let her bother others anyone...¡±

    Madame Wei listened indifferently. She didn¡¯t deny that she was there on Empress Dowager¡¯smand. She just said, ¡°Empress Dowager has made up her mind. No one can make her change her mind. So, stop spending your time making ns for Jinzhu. How can you stop Empress Dowager? In my opinion, since it has alreadye to this, you¡¯d better make ns for you and your son! You¡¯re already going to lose a daughter. You can¡¯t abandon your only son, can you?¡±

    Seeing that Princess Yang was just crying in silence, Madame Wei raised her voice slightly, ¡°Do you really believe that you can be at ease when Yinzhi bes the Young Prince?¡±

    She sneered, ¡°Don¡¯t me me for stating the truth! Although Kuang Qingwu seduced Jinzhu this time, he is of high status. As long as Kuang Shihan has power over the Western Army, Empress Dowager won¡¯t punish him for real! Princess Changping will marry him eventually! So, as far as Empress Dowager and Princess are concerned, Jinzhu is a thorn in their flesh! Now they don¡¯t want Kuang Qingwu to have a bad reputation and they don¡¯t want others to use Princess Changping of fighting over a man with a Commandery Princess. So, they offer you the Young Prince position in exchange! Otherwise, can Empress Dowager easily make your whole family suffer in private?¡±

    ¡°From another point of view, Jinzhu lives in the mansion. You aren¡¯t the only one who can make her disappear without others knowing about it! Prince always favors boys over girls. He definitely is more decisive than you. Empress Dowager came to you first. Because you¡¯ll do it as long as she offers you the Young Prince position. But Prince already has the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. If they want Prince to kill his daughter, they have to offer him something else!¡±

    ¡°So, it doesn¡¯t matter that you aren¡¯t willing to. You aren¡¯t young. You can¡¯t be wilful like an unmarried girl and refuse to hear the truth, can you? Although the truth is painful!¡±

    Princess Yang looked at her dully, ¡°Since you said so, I imagine that you must have a n? Do you want to keep me guessing when it hase to this?¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager just said that once you did it, Yinzhi would be the Young Prince. But she didn¡¯t promise that Yinzhi would own Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe in the future! Prince is in the prime of his life. Others all notice that he has been treating Qiu Hongzhi and Qiu Maozhi better than Yinzhi recently! If Yinzhi gets framed by others in the future, which lets them have something on him and they want to depose him, how will you guys spend the rest of your lives? Jinzhu will be dead for nothing!¡± hearing that, Madame Wei said directly, ¡°ording to my discussion with your third brother, you may as well take this chance...¡±

    Her eyes sparkled. But her look was cold. She whispered, ¡°Eliminate the harempletely to avoid any future trouble!¡±

    Princess Yang was stunned for a moment. Then she smiled coldly, ¡°Are you dreaming? Empress Dowager summoned me to the Summer Pce today. Judging by her tone, I have no room for bargaining!¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager¡¯s aim is nothing more than to make Jinzhu disappear. So, she won¡¯t be in the way of Kuang Qingwu being the princess¡¯s husband!¡± Madame Wei said tly, ¡°As for Prince¡¯s life or death, or even the next Prince of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe... do you think Empress Dowager will care? Besides, we both know that no royal family is happy to see a Prince¡¯s family prosperous. Especially, a prince with a different family name! Although Prince doesn¡¯t have real power, he is in the prime of his life. And Yinzhi is still young! If you put yourself in Empress Dowager¡¯s position, she may be very happy that Yinzhi bes Duke of Xihe!¡±

    ¡°Do you think me as a fool?¡± Princess Yang was quiet for a moment and then she sneered, ¡°Empress Dowager will be happy if Yinzhi bes the Duke of Xihe. But will she be happier that Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe doesn¡¯t exist anymore instead of a useless person bing the future prince? If I do as you suggested, Empress Dowager will find out about the truthter and kill me and my son, won¡¯t she? Then she¡¯ll use the Prince ofx management of his family and abolish his title, won¡¯t she?¡±

    There was hatred in her looks, ¡°I don¡¯t know what Empress Dowager promised you. Or it¡¯s your idea because you guys want to impress her. Anyway, there¡¯s no way I¡¯ll let you guys get what you want by using us as the stepping-stone!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it!¡± seeing this, Madame Wei lifted her eyebrows, ¡°You didn¡¯t pay attention to what I said. All Empress Dowager wants is to make Jinzhu get out of the way! That¡¯s also the reason she came to you! But if Jinzhu dies at this crucial moment, even if you tell the Prince that it was an ident... There may still be rumors, right? In that case, it doesn¡¯t count that you did what Empress Dowager told you!¡±

    She gestured towards the east and west yards, ¡°Jinzhu is about to marry Kuang Qingwu and Yinzhi is about to be the Young Prince because of it. Those two concubine¡¯s sons are worried and jealous. It¡¯s said that a cornered beast will do something desperate...¡±

    Princess Yang¡¯s hands shook a bit and then she mumbled, ¡°You guys really thought of everything! But that¡¯s my daughter for god¡¯s sake!¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager doesn¡¯t have much patience!¡± Madame Wei sneered, ¡°Besides, for the sake of Kuang Qingwu¡¯s reputation, he can¡¯t get engaged with others the moment Jinzhu dies, can he? He has to be sad for a while. If you keep stalling, Empress Dowager¡¯s patience will run out. She may go to the Prince! When that timees... Let me tell you something. Empress Dowager and Empress have been quarrelling every day recently because of Princess Qi. They both aren¡¯t in a good mood!¡±

    Then she softened her tone, ¡°Even the daughter of a normal family who does such a shameless thing will be drowned in the moat! It¡¯s not that you don¡¯t adore her. It¡¯s her own fault. And she implicates you and Yinzhi! In the final analysis, she asked for this, didn¡¯t she? If she wants to me, she should me Kuang Qingwu and herself for herck of self-respect!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Princess Yang was sad and worried. She didn¡¯t know what to say at that moment. She just kept wiping her tears and then whispered, ¡°Since there is still time, let me think about it for tonight. Is this okay?¡±

    Madame Wei frowned. She was very dissatisfied with her refusal to give an urate answer. However, judging by Princess Yang¡¯s look, they might get into a fight if she kept forcing her. So, she stood up and said, ¡°I¡¯m not forcing you. I¡¯ll wait for your answer tomorrow morning. If you haven¡¯t decided by then, it¡¯s really hard to tell how the thing will go!¡±

    Of course, Princess Yang didn¡¯t sleep that night.

    She was still struggling until dawn and couldn¡¯t make up her mind. She knew that ording to the worldly rules Qiu Jinzhu surely deserved to die! But few mothers in the world had the heart to kill their daughters!

    She hoped that day would never end.

    However, before that day was over, something determined her mind!

    ¡°Say it again. Who did this?¡± Princess Yang with a pale face stood in front of Qiu Yinzhi¡¯s bed and asked in disbelief.

    Qiu Yinzhi had been spoiled by his mother since he was a kid. He was always rude and bossy. But at that moment, he was lying unconsciously on the bed. His childish face still bore traces of fright and sadness. Even the thick bandage on his head couldn¡¯t cover the faint bloodstain. A twelve-year-old boy could almost be considered as an adult. But he was still short and thin. Therge bed made him seem even younger and more vulnerable.

    Hey still. He was so quiet. It seemed that he would never wake up again. Princess Yang¡¯s heart was broken seeing him like that!

    Her hands and feet were cold, and she was shaking. But she heard Qiu Yinzhi¡¯s servant answering with tears clearly, ¡°Prince did this!¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Prince said that Young Master Qiu Yinzhi bullied Young Master Qiu Maozhi... But I swear on my life that Young Master Qiu Yinzhi only rebuked Young Master Qiu Maozhi because Young Master Qiu Maozhi got dirt on his clothes! Senior Concubine Bian ran to Young Master Qiu Maozhi immediately and took him to Prince toin. Prince didn¡¯t even ask Young Master Qiu Yinzhi. He kicked him at once which made him bump his head on the pir...¡±

    Princess Yang looked at her son nkly. She couldn¡¯t say a word!

    Qiu Jinzhu arrived after hearing the news. She examined Qiu Yinzhi¡¯s injuries and pulled Princess Yang¡¯s sleeve. She said crying, ¡°Mother, that b*tch Bian is way over the line! She dared to hoodwink father into treating Yinzhi like this. Let¡¯s go and settle scores with that b*tch!¡±

    ¡°...Jinzhu!¡± Princess Yang was dragged two steps by her daughter. She looked down and saw the hand pulling her sleeve. She called her in a soft voice all of a sudden, ¡°Do you want to seek justice for your brother?¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu said in surprise, ¡°Of course! How dare she! She is just a concubine. Even she has be the senior concubine, she is still a concubine. How dare she incite father into beating the trueborn! Since she has a death wish, why don¡¯t we grant her wish?¡±

    Princess Yang looked at her daughter with tears. Her daughter was really naive. Even if she put her mind into teaching her daughter, she only made her daughter vixenish and arbitrary. She had never made much progress in being scheming! At that very moment, Qiu Jinzhu was still naive enough to believe that even her father who she had always been afraid of couldn¡¯t do anything to her because Kuang Qingwu promised to marry her. Then Bian wasn¡¯t even a concern!

    Qiu Jinzhu hadn¡¯t expected it at all that how could Senior Concubine Bian framed Qiu Yinzhi rashly considering how scheming she was? Besides, Qiu Jinzhu was Kuang Family¡¯s future daughter-inw at that moment. Even Qiu Mengmin gave her special treatment. Let alone that her brother didn¡¯t do anything to Qiu Maozhi, even if he did... So what?

    Madame Wei reminded herst night that she couldn¡¯t bear to kill her daughter as the mother, but Qiu Mengmin as the father could!

    Madame Wei said that she had a day to think about it when she left. Judging by the current situation, either Empress Dowager Gu didn¡¯t want to wait a day, or Qiu Mengmin decided to do it himself first to avoid Empress Dowager and Princess Changping being mad at the entire Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe!

    ¡°This is your destiny!¡± Princess Yang turned around. The tears coursed down her cheeks. Qiu Jinzhu was confused by what she said, ¡°It¡¯s my fault. If I had known it woulde to this, I would never have let you do what you want... I would rather teach you to be an obedient kid. You may not dare to...¡±

    Qiu Jinzhu was confused. She asked suspiciously, ¡°Mother? What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m tired. I want to be with your brother. You... you go and find Bian yourself,¡± Princess Yang lowered her head and wiped her tears. She patted the back of her hand choking up, ¡°Your father won¡¯t punish you at present. Give Bian what she deserves to avenge your brother!¡±

    ¡°Mother, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll punish that b*tch well!¡± Qiu Jinzhu promised confidently. She didn¡¯t know that the moment she walked out of the door Princess Yang copsed like she didn¡¯t have any bone in her body!

    ¡°Princess!¡± the maids cried out in rm and rushed to hold her up. Princess Yang stopped them in a weak voice to avoid rming her daughter who hadn¡¯t gone far. She mumbled in a voice only she could hear, ¡°Now... Bian has the reason to kill Jinzhu...¡±

 Chapter 276 - You Are So... So Ruthless!

    <h4>Chapter 276 You Are So... So Ruthless!</h4>

    At dusk of that day, Commandery Princess Ningtai was poisoned to death after drinking the nutritious soup which was served by Princess Yang.

    Everyone in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe knew how much Princess Yang adored her daughter. And Commandery Princess Ningtai had been in a good mood waiting to get married. So, she couldn¡¯t havemitted suicide.

    Besides, a dozen of servants who were there at that moment could swear on their lives that Commandery Princess Ningtai was talking andughing with Princess Yang right before she was dead. She definitely didn¡¯t look like she wanted tomit suicide!

    So, Commandery Princess was surely murdered.

    And the murderer...Princess Yang ordered a nanny to carry her daughter whose body was still warm and brought almost everyone in her yard with her. She rushed into Senior Concubine Bian¡¯s yard and dragged defenseless Senior Concubine Bian out of her bed to the yard. She kicked her in the chest, ¡°Vicious b*tch! You incited Prince into hurting my son. Jinzhu took pity on her brother and went to you to demand an exnation. Even it was rude, it was reasonable! But you dare to murder her. I must kill you for my poor daughter today!¡±

    Princess Yang took action after making a n. She arranged some people to guard the door when she went into the yard. Senior Concubine Bian¡¯s people couldn¡¯t go and report to Qiu Mengmin. And she instructed her maids in private. They didn¡¯t even listen to Senior Concubine Bian¡¯s plea. A crowd of nannies rushed forward holding cudgels. They gave her a flurry of blows. Senior Concubine Bian came from an ordinary family. But after being the senior concubine for these two years, she had been spoiled. How could she stand this kind of blows? Her cries grew fainter after a short while!

    ¡°Don¡¯t beat her to death just yet!¡± Princess Yang stood on the winding corridor and coldly looked at the floor tiles which were stained red with Senior Concubine Bian¡¯s blood. Some smart maids got her implication. As long as she was still breathing, breaking her legs or feet was okay, right?

    With two screams of anguishing from Senior Concubine Bian, a tender cry came from the inner chamber behind Princess Yang, ¡°Mother! Mo...¡±

    The voice stopped abruptly!

    ¡°Your Highness! Your highness! I¡¯m sorry! Please show mercy on Mao...¡± Senior Concubine Bian was at herst gasp. Hearing the voice, she was scared out of her wits. She struggled crazily trying to beg for her son. But the answer she got was a blow on her heading from a grim-faced old maidservant, ¡°B*tch! You¡¯ll reunite with your son soon!¡±

    When Mistress Tian brought Qiu Mengmin there, he saw Senior Concubine Bian lying in a pool of blood and his wife sitting on the corridor holding Qiu Jinzhu¡¯s body in silence.

    Qiu Mengmin knew what happened just by the look of it. His body began to shake violently, ¡°You...you dare to!¡±

    Princess Yang said slowly without looking at him, ¡°Prince, this vicious b*tch murdered our daughter. Our only daughter! Are you here to give me an exnation?¡±

    Mistress Tian was so frightened seeing her cousin looking like that. She stumbled to Senior Concubine Bian holding her up and felt her breath. She was still breathing. Mistress Tian couldn¡¯t help being happy. She fell heavily on her knees and was about to burst into a rage of tears. But she felt that her cousin was pulling her sleeve. She whispered near Senior Concubine Bian¡¯s ear while crying, ¡°Prince is here. Hang in there! Prince will seek justice for you!¡±

    ¡°Mao...Maozhi!¡± Senior Concubine Bian was dying. She said those two words with almost all her strength. Then her head slumped to the side and her breathing dwindled rapidly!

    ¡°Prince!¡± Mistress Tian was stunned for a moment. She felt her pulse and barely felt anything. She was horrified and angry. But she just let out one scream. Two old maidservants behind Princess Yang rushed towards her. They both pped her with their cattail-leaf-fan-like hands, ¡°So noisy!¡±

    ¡°Drag her out!¡± Princess Yang ordered tly.

    Mistress Tian looked at her in disbelief. Since her cousin became a senior concubine, Princess Yang had never treated them like that, let alone treat them like that in front of Qiu Mengmin!

    Thinking of Qiu Mengmin, it suddenly struck her that why he who had been growing impatient with Princess for these years and even hit her in public remained silent all along?

    Qiu Mengmin didn¡¯t have time to care for his two concubines at that moment. Even if he really did like Senior Concubine Bian, he didn¡¯t even have time to ask if Qiu Maozhi was alive!

    He let Princess Yang¡¯s maids drag Mistress Tian out. Then he sent all the servants away with a fierce tone. Step by step, he trod on Senior Concubine Bian¡¯s blood and reached the foot of the steps. He stared steadily at his daughter whom his wife was holding in her arms. After a long time, he smiled sadly, ¡°You...you...you are so ruthless!¡±

    ¡°You forced me!¡± Princess Yang still didn¡¯t look at him. She just stared at her daughter in her arms dully. Qiu Jinzhu was not as stunning as her cousin Qiu Yn. But she still could be counted as pretty. Although her body was getting stiff and the color of her skin was changing, the childish look was still on her face.

    That was her only daughter. She gave birth to her after ten months¡¯ pregnancy. Qiu Jinzhu in her swaddling clothes seemed to be visible before the eyes. In the twinkling of an eye, she was already a dead girl.

    The body in Princess Yang¡¯s arms grew colder little by little just like her heart. She said indifferently, ¡°Everyone can say that I am ruthless but you... You don¡¯t deserve to!¡±

    Her words struck Qiu Mengmin like lightning!

    Princess Yang didn¡¯t know that her words made her husband wrongly believe that she knew about the truth of Lu¡¯s death. Instead, she thought, ¡°If you weren¡¯t obedient to your mother and let that b*tch Qiupete with me for power, and then you adored b*tches like Bian and Liu, which made my life miserable in the harem, and even my daughter was criticized a lot, how could I teach my daughter to be vixenish and audacious? If she weren¡¯t audacious, how could she dare to see Kuang Qingwu in private? If you were good and we had a happy life, how could I not teach my daughter to be tender and well-behaved? If so, how could such a catastrophe happen?¡±

    ¡°If so, how could I have to bury my own daughter? And it was me who...¡±

    It was your fault!

    ¡°Bian ended up like this. I assume that Maozhi is dead too, right?¡± After a violent mood swing, Qiu Mengmin looked at her with hatred, ¡°Do you want to drag Hongzhi into this too? Are you insane? You made such a mess. Our family...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s your family!¡± Princess Yang finally looked up. She looked at him with a poker face. They looked at each other. There was no emotion in either of their looks, ¡°Since the day I married into your family, I have been the hostess in name only. But actually, how many days have I been in charge of this family? First, it was those two b*tches, Lu and Qiu! And then Bian and her cousin! What did those b*tches do for you? What about my family? My brother betrayed Prime Minister Xue because of you! If not, even Yishi and Yifu misbehaved, my brother has been demoted for so many years, how could Prime Minister Xue not get him back?¡±

    Qiu Mengmin sneered, ¡°Don¡¯t you force me to favour others more? If you were generous and virtuous, I would be happy to let you manage the harem! Baozhu is my first wife¡¯s daughter. What threat could a girl pose to you? Besides, her mother died so that you could be my wife! But you still tried every means to torture her. So, you tell me, how could I not help your enemies?¡±

    ¡°You and your mother murdered Li. It happened before I married into your family. How could you me me?¡± Princess Yang smiled out of anger, ¡°Besides, it was fine that you guys did it. But you guys couldn¡¯t hide it from Qiu Baozhu. I have to be your firstborn son and daughter¡¯s mother since I married you. She looks at me with hatred every day. Why shouldn¡¯t I punish her?¡±

    ¡°Now it hase to this. It¡¯s pointless to argue whose fault it is!¡± Qiu Mengmin took a deep breath and took a few steps forward. He lowered his voice and rebuked coldly, ¡°Be honest, what do you want?¡±

    Princess Yang gave him a contemptible look, ¡°What do I want? My daughter was murdered. Of course, I want to look into it and find out who is the murderer! She was not just the Commandery Princess of the Prince¡¯s Mansion. She was also the future daughter-inw of Marquess Zhang! How could I let it go so easily?¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Qiu Mengmin looked at her furiously, ¡°Look into it? Isn¡¯t what you¡¯ve done enough?¡±

    At that moment, he finally looked towards where Senior Concubine Bian was lying. It was already dusk by that time. Thenterns on the corridor were dim. Although the curvy body which he loved was in a pool of blood, the body posture showed that she was trying to crawl to the room. But Qiu Mengmin just looked at her in silence for a while. Then he turned around and asked Princess Yang, ¡°Who do you want to look into? Me? Do you want to be the old Princess?¡±

    ¡°Old Princess? I can¡¯t be that,¡± Princess Yang said tly, ¡°Do you think me as a fool? Empress Dowager wishes Jinzhu¡¯s death could cause a big fuss which would let everyone know that she died because of the in-fighting in the Prince¡¯s Mansion. And her death has nothing to do with Kuang Qingwu! But if it makes too much of a fuss... Princess Qi just made Prince of Qi hang himself a few days ago. Empress has been busy dealing with it. How happy will she be if I give her this chance to obscure her issue?¡±

    She said in a cold tone, ¡°So, Jinzhu¡¯s death only has something to do with your harem. And we need to deal with it rapidly, decisively, and cleanly!¡±

    ¡°What do you think about it?¡±

    Qiu Mengmin stared at her for a moment and then flipped his sleeve, ¡°She is already dead. Who cares what she¡¯s used of?¡±

    He almost said that calmly. After walking out of the door, his calm face turned at once, ¡°Vicious b*tch! She could kill her own daughter. How hard could it be for her to kill her husband? If I don¡¯t get rid of her, she will be my doom some day!¡±

    At the same time, Princess Yang touched her daughter¡¯s cold cheeks gently. She looked at the door which was half open squinting her eyes. Her look was serious, ¡°No matter who sent Wei here, she was right about one thing. Will Yinzhi inherit the Prince¡¯s Mansion for sure if he bes the Young Prince? How much did you adore Bian back then? Just a few hours ago, you nearly beat Yinzhi to death because of her and Qiu Maozhi¡¯sint and you didn¡¯t even go check on Yinzhi! You¡¯re such a ruthless thing. My family didn¡¯t know your true colors when they married me to you back then!¡±

    ¡°So, what¡¯s the use of getting rid of Bian and others? You¡¯re still in the prime of your life. You¡¯re living a great life and you don¡¯t have any diseases or idents. Who knows how long you¡¯ll live? Bing the old Princess is the only reliable way!¡±

    She lowered her head and rubbed her cheek against her daughter¡¯s. She whispered, ¡°Jinzhu, I¡¯m sorry... Butpared with your father who is worse than a beast, I¡¯ve racked my brain for you. If you could hear me in heaven, please bless your brother to take over the Prince¡¯s Mansion safely. This is what your father owes you guys!¡±

    Duke of Xihe couple fell outpletely and had already been in a life-or-death struggle. This kind of news surely couldn¡¯t be hidden from the snoopers who pried day and night.

    ¡°Qiu Mengmin is the Prince after all. Even if his mistakes need to be dealt with, the procedure won¡¯t be finished in one day or two. A long dy may cause trouble. No need to take the risk,¡± in the study, Jiang Yashuang said gently after hearing the report, ¡°Qiu Yinzhi is young and ignorant. Yang Family is now in decline...¡±

    The subordinate got his implication, ¡°I¡¯ll stop Duke of Xihe from killing Princess Yang and her son!¡±

    ¡°His eldest son¡¯s wife is Ding Family¡¯s daughter. Ding Yiming is dignified and magnanimous. He adores his kids very much,¡± Jiang Yashuang instructed after nodding, ¡°You don¡¯t need to take care of Miss Ding¡¯s husband and son. But if she needs help, do help her.¡±

    This subordinate didn¡¯t know the treaty of alliance between Xue Chang and the Jiang Family. But he still went away at themand.

    Jiang Yashuang did it for fear that the neutral party might discover somethingter. And when they needed them in the future, it might cause unnecessary enmity.

    Of course, if he wanted to give them a big favour, he should protect Qiu Feng as well. However, in consideration of his brother-inw¡¯s origin, Jiang Yashuang thought it would be better that there was no male heir left in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Otherwise, when Qiu Jinn wanted to restore his identity in the future, people might think that the Jiang Family supported their rtive to take over other¡¯s titles.

    Empress Dowager¡¯s party didn¡¯t need to bring shame on them. Because one of Jiang Family¡¯s rtives really did so before!

 Chapter 277 - I Want Her to Be Safe and Sou

    <h4>Chapter 277 I Want Her to Be Safe and Sound</h4>

    ¡°Yang is good at taking advantage!¡± Empress Dowager Gu, of course, would be concerned about Commandery Princess Ningtai¡¯s death because Commandery Princess Ningtai was her to-be granddaughter-inw. Looking at the report sent to her, Empress Dowager Gu couldn¡¯t help but give a cold smile, ¡°I only promised her to promote her son to be a Young Prince. But unexpectedly, she died, leaving her husband alone in the world!¡±

    Maid Zheng asked discreetly, ¡°Empress Dowager, do you approve?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I approve!¡± Empress Dowager Gu said. She added, ¡°Why did I not approve? Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe is an empty shell today. We just need to spend a little silver to support it. I am okay with anyone but Qiu Jinn to be the Duke of Xihe. It costs me nothing. Now, Qiu Mengmin was convicted of disrespecting the official mother. But I haven¡¯t heard anything bad about his son, Qiu Yinzhi. If Qiu Jinn dares to say that he is the Young Prince of the former Duke of Xihe, I will use him of coveting the title of Prince!¡±

    After all, Princess Yang intended to catch all the people in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe in one try, except herself and her son. That was to say, if Qiu Yinzhi got the title of Prince, his father, brothers, sisters, aunts and nieces would die in the end. What a tragic story! He was younger than Qiu Jinn but he had to face wolves, who wanted to steal his stuff. In particr, the stealer was a rtive of the Jiang Family. For this reason, it was logical to suspect the Jiang Family of coveting others¡¯ titles.

    Empress Dowager Gu thought that the yboys in the Jiang Family finally did a favor for her. ¡°Don¡¯t waste time. You go and send maids and servants there, helping them with their business. Don¡¯t dy. Or Empress Jiang may ruin our n!¡±

    She might not realize that the idea of a quick win she hammered out was exactly what Empress Jiang wanted, ¡°Father, don¡¯t worry about it. Yashuang intervened in the matter for his wife. But Gu, the b*tch, is the mastermind behind it! I will keep an eye on her. I reasoned as I keep an eye on her, she must want to make it quick and finalize it! The traces made by Yashuang will be covered up!¡±

    Marquess Qin was not very happy after hearing her statement, ¡°He set the decent business aside but did this or that for his wife all the time... He has no priorities.¡±

    Empress Jiang thought so, too. But it was her mother who proposed strongly to let Qiu Yn marry Jiang Yashuang. Considering this, she had to say, ¡°As we know, Princess Ruan is Yashuang¡¯s mother-inw and Yashuang is usually a good boy. Even if he did not meet his parents-inw personally, I think he respects them in his heart. My father raised Yashuang personally. I believe that you know him very well, right?¡±

    He could respect his parents-inw even if he didn¡¯t meet them. For this reason, he could treat his own family membersvery well. Marquess Qin hoped that his descendants could get along well most of all. The Empress¡¯s words softened him, ¡°But it depends on the time. I think now is the time for him to learn, but he did not care about his learning. What does he want to do? And more, I don¡¯t think this is a matter that whether he should do it personally. Although Qiu Jinn got sick after hearing the news, it is not a business that needs him to deal with personally. Can¡¯t he manage his business in bed? The news is rted to Qiu Jinn¡¯s mother. It is his responsibility to cope with it.¡±

    He said what he wanted to say, but Empress Jiang knew that Marquess Qin wouldn¡¯t let it go. She smiled, ¡°As father said, Qiu Jinn and Qiu Yn got sick after hearing the news. I don¡¯t think they can manage the business well in their bad health. If there is anything wrong, it will be us who help them handle it. Right, father?¡±

    Marquess Qin nodded withoutining about Jiang Yashuang. He then focused on their business, ¡°As you know, the Prince of Qi said that somebody set him up to pretend to be dead. Qiyun is innocent now. But in the long run, we can¡¯t guarantee that she can remain unchanged. To prevent it from happening again, I think we should figure out a n. We¡¯d better separate them.¡±

    Empress Jiang pretended to hesitate, ¡°But the eldest brother and his wife always care much about Qiyun...¡±

    ¡°What I just said is the words your eldest brother told me,¡± said Marquess Qin, looking at her, ¡°So, don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    ¡°How about telling Qiyun to pretend to get sick and move to live on a farm in the suburb. Is this okay?¡± suggested the Empress. Actually, she got the n earlier. She resumed, ¡°If my eldest brother and his wife miss their daughter, they can go there without causing trouble.¡±

    Marquess Qin nodded, ¡°Do it as quickly as you can. We have many businesses to deal with in hand. So, we can spare our time to deal with other more important things.¡±

    ¡°But we can¡¯t let her pretend to be sick for a long time, or rumors may spread. How about letting her get a minor hurt?¡± asked Empress Jiang. She added, ¡°Let her fall from a high ce. Anyway, she is young and she can recover quickly. If she pretends to get hurt, I don¡¯t think it will be painful for her.¡±

    She continued, ¡°After she leaves the Prince of Qi, living on the farm, the Prince of Qi will be alone. We have to arrange another girl for him or Empress Dowager Gu may me me for my negligence of duty.¡±

    ¡°You are in charge of this,¡± said Marquess Qin, not paying much attention to it. ¡°About Qiu Jinn...¡±

    At that moment, Qiu Jinn was sending Jiang Yashuang, who came to visit him, out of the house. He leaned on the cushion, saying to Ruan Ciyi, ¡°He is a good friend.¡±

    ¡°Yn is a girl with ideas. The man she married, of course, is not bad.¡± Ruan Ciyi said. What Ruan Ciyi did was not like what Qiu Jinn did to Jiang Yashuang before. Before Jiang Yashuang married Qiu Yn, Qiu Jinn treated Jiang Yashuang poorly, even purposely making difficulties for Jiang Yashuang. On the other hand, she had thought that Jiang Yashuang was a good brother-inw. Ruan Ciyi smiled lightly and said, ¡°What a miracle. You said he was a good man.¡±

    ¡°If his wife were not my sister, I would have said so long ago,¡± said Qiu Jinn. He was a little awkward because of Ruan Ciyi¡¯s words. He continued, ¡°Among the men in the Jiang Family, he seems to be a man not of the same n. If I were him, I might not behave as well as him. But now, as he is our brother-inw, his family background is the first. As long as I consider where he was raised, I can¡¯t get a rest.¡±

    Ruan Ciyi smiled, ¡°He is a man of understanding, though his grandmother is not a good one. It was not easy for a man like him,ing over here and exining to us after calming down Yn.¡±

    The reasons why Jiang Yashuang came over to visit Qiu Jinn were those: first, after Su He reported the news to him in private, he wanted to see Qiu Jinn; second, he wanted to apologize for Empress Jiang taking away Qiu Yn¡¯s pill; and third, he tried to indicate that Qiu Yn was a sensible girl who knew what she did. They did not need to be concerned about her life in the Jiang Family.

    His attitude made Qiu Jinn and Ruan Ciyi stop ming him, although they were still angry with his other family members.

    Dongran carried the medicine to the room when they were talking. Ruan Ciyi was about to get it. Qiu Jinn took a nce at it and said, ¡°Go and pour it out. No need to take more.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Ruan Ciyi frowned, ¡°If you think it is too bitter, I will get you some preserves!¡±

    ¡°I am not a child. I will take it even if it is bitter. But I don¡¯t want to,¡± said Qiu Jinn. ¡°In fact, I don¡¯t need to lie down on the bed at all. The reason why I did so is that I am afraid the Jiang Family may cause trouble for my sister. I just pretend to be ill for days. That¡¯s all.¡± As the same woman gave birth to Qiu Jinn and Qiu Yn, the brother, who used to be healthier, fell sick after hearing the news. It was logical for the younger sister to lie down on the bed after knowing the news.

    So, even if Madame Tao forcefully said Qiu Yn was not a good girl, Qiu Jinn had set an example for her, which gave her a good reason to refute.

    Ruan Ciyi understood what he was thinking. She thought, ¡°For his sister, Chunjun did what he could do.¡±

    In the Jiang Family, Qiu Yn, the one Qiu Jinn and Ruan Ciyi were concerned about, was now worried about her brother, ¡°My brother¡¯s identity will be exposed the day after tomorrow? Is it a good time considering the mess in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°It was none of their business.¡±

    ¡°None of their business?¡± Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°It has no rtions with them,¡± said Jiang Yashuang. He added, ¡°Prime Minister Xue once said that the maternal grandfather of the Ruan Family and my grandfather-inw were the father-inw and his son-inw. They were a family. As it said, the maternal grandfather of the Ruan Family was a general in the Army. His rank in the Army was higher than that of my grandfather-inw! And more, the Ruan Family has no titles or money which are coveted by others. The only witness is Sister Ruan. Against the backdrop, I think your brother had better admit that he is the son of the Ruan Family!¡±

    His words surprised Qiu Yn a lot, ¡°So what?¡±

    ¡°In fact, I realized that your brother had prepared for this when he went to the capital. What he said even hid it from my family. Right?¡± said Jiang Yashuang. ¡°So, the secret, in fact, is not a secret now. If he uses the secret, he doesn¡¯t need to spend extra time or energy in dealing with it. And the public will not gossip him about intending to seize the title of the Duke of Xihe.¡±

    ¡°What about the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe then?¡±

    ¡°Only Princess Yang and her son will be left after this. Prime Minister Xue will figure out how to deal with them as the Yang Family betrayed Prime Minister Xue in the past!¡± said Jiang Yashuang dismissively. ¡°Princess Yang just has the title for the time being.¡±

    A maid came in when they were talking, ¡°Her Majesty sent a man over here, summoning young master to go to the Summer Pce.¡±

    ¡°Did he say what it is about?¡± the couple was shocked, standing up together.

    The maid shook her head, ¡°The man just asked me to hurry up. He told me nothing more. But judging from his facial expression, I guess it is not a bad thing.¡±

    ¡°Retreat,¡± said Qiu Yn.

    After Jiang Yashuang left, she was bored and walked around the room. As she was in good health now, she was going to see Sheng Shishui.

    Sheng Shishui was feeling bored after she got pregnant. She weed her arrival, ¡°You are here finally. Happy to see you. I am so happy to jump if I am allowed.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t make this joke,¡± said Qiu Yn, happily.

    Sheng Shishui said, ¡°That is exactly what I think. Look at me. Carrying a baby is too inconvenient to walk around. The people who still remember to see me are you and the maids of grandmother,¡± she said. ¡°The maids of my grandmother are very nice. But I can¡¯t talk with them leisurely as they are on behalf of grandmother. However, I can talk with you about anything I want. Unfortunately, you got sick days ago. I am very concerned about you after hearing the news.¡±

    One of Sheng Shishui¡¯s maids smiled and said, ¡°Our madame prays for you every day, hoping you get better and be here as early as possible!¡±

    ¡°Shishui, you miss me so much. Yazhu may be jealous of me!¡±ughed Qiu Yn. ¡°I should be careful. Yazhu may beat me up one day for this!¡± said Qiu Yn. She felt regretful after she quickly said this. Jiang Yazhu was a yboy. Sheng Shishui might feel awkward if he did not treat her very well.

    Luckily, Sheng Shishui smiled after hearing her words, ¡°He has been busy recently. Grandfather assigned work for him. He is on the go all day until the night.¡±

    Seeing herin about him but seem to be happy, Qiu Yn understood suddenly the reason why Jiang Yazhu began to be busy. Jiang Yazhu served grandfather all the time while grandfather was sick.

    To a child of a big family, the scariest thing was to have nothing to do. A downright yboy was out of this range, in particr, a family like the Jiang Family, which had been dubbed the Half Regime Jiang. A powerful family like the Jiang Family was easy to arrange a good position for the children even though the family had plenty of children. If the child, who came from the Jiang Family, had nothing to do, it meant that the child was useless or had no influence in the family.

    In the past, Jiang Yazhu was the one who had nothing to do. But now, whether he would be the one who influenced the family depended on how he could deal with the business grandfather asked him to do.

    Judging from Sheng Shishui¡¯s words, Jiang Yazhu would not be marginalized any longer though he could not be sensational overnight.

    Qiu Yn was happy to see him seed. She thought, ¡°There are countless businesses in the court recently, which made Yazhu busy. Shishui must feel lonely. I should be here more frequently.¡± Jiang Yazhu was not a threat to Jiang Yashuang because Jiang Yazhu was toote to get involved in the official businesses and his disadvantages were the blocks on his way, too. Jiang Yadan, the eldest son of the fourth branch, was useless. If Jiang Yazhu, a concubine¡¯s son, could get a promising future and help Jiang Yashuang in the future, it might be good for Jiang Yashuang.

    They talked andughed for half a day. Qiu Yn began to say goodbye before the dust.

    She was feeling happy when she came back. She had been smiling as she stepped over the threshold. In minutes, her smile would freeze after she heard what Jiang Tan said, ¡°Madame! Young master was framed in the Summer Pce, using him of breaking into Princess Lexin¡¯s room. Young master was summoned to defend himself in front of Empress Dowager Gu now.¡±

 Chapter 278 - Guessed It Wrong!

    <h4>Chapter 278 Guessed It Wrong!</h4>

    ¡°How is that possible?!¡± called Qiu Yn in surprise and shock. ¡°Yashuang is more familiar with the Summer Pce than me. How can he break into a Princess¡¯s room?!¡±

    Jiang Tan smiled bitterly, ¡°I think so, too. But the maid serving Princess Lexin told me the news. She even showed the perfume bag left in her room by our young master. Empress Dowager Gu finally got a reason...¡±

    Qiu Yn interrupted him with doubt, ¡°I thought that you had been following him all the time. You think so, too? You must be very clear if he entered Princess Lexin¡¯s room?¡±

    ¡°Her Majesty said she wanted to speak with young master privately. I have to wait outside,¡± said Jiang Tan innocently. ¡°And then, not long after, young master got out of the Hall and was blocked by Empress Dowager¡¯s servants who told him to meet the Empress Dowager,¡± said Jiang Tan. Considering Qiu Yn might be very concerned, he continued promptly, ¡°Her Majesty rushed there after getting the news. I think the Empress Dowager will not hurt our young master considering Her Majesty¡¯s presence!¡±

    ¡°Did you tell my grandmother about this?¡± said Qiu Yn after a few seconds.

    Jiang Tan replied discreetly, ¡°I have been there. Old madame asked me to tell madame not to worry about it very much. Our young master is not a person who covets the Princess. It must be a trap set up by the Empress Dowager. Her Majesty will help him get out of trouble!¡±

    Old madame¡¯s words implicated that she did not n to ask Qiu Yn to the pce or not want to take Qiu Yn with her.

    Qiu Yn thought for a while and said dismissively, ¡°Where is grandmother now?¡±

    ¡°Old madame hasn¡¯t gone to the pce yet,¡± said Jiang Tan immediately, ¡°Old madame said we should wait for Her Majesty¡¯s news. Old madame also said that this is a scandal. It should not be spread.¡±

    ¡°You retreat,¡± said Qiu Yn with a frown.

    Su He and others saw that Qiu Yn wasden with anxiety when she came into the room. They looked at each other, walking forward andforting her, ¡°Madame, no need to worry about him. Our young master is a good man. We all know it. We guess it might be the Princess who covets our young master and gets our young master¡¯s perfume bag. She wants to marry our young master. So, she set him up!¡±

    ¡°She is having a daydream. We all know our young master loves our madame very much.¡±

    ¡°Yes, you are right! Madame, let¡¯s wait and see. Her Majesty always cares much about our young master and you. Her Majesty will punish that Princess seriously this time!¡±

    They were trying tofort Qiu Yn. In contrast, their words annoyed her. Qiu Yn felt restless. She beckoned, ¡°You all retreat!¡±

    ¡°Go. Get out now,¡± said Mrs. Zhou. She went in at the moment with a bowl of the essence of peppermint in her hands. She gave a wink to the anxious maids, suggesting them retreating. And then she said in a low voice, ¡°Madame, do you really believe that our young master went into the Princess¡¯s room?¡±

    ¡°Not much. But I am a little bit confused,¡± said Qiu Yn. Though Mrs. Zhou did not stay with Qiu Yn all the time like Su He did. However, Mrs. Zhou was the bride¡¯s wet nurse. This status was respectable for both Qiu Jinn and Qiu Yn. This time, after she drove away the others, she stayed behind. Qiu Yn dared not to ask her to leave with others. She said to her, ¡°No matter whether it is the pce or the Summer Pce, Yashuang is very familiar with them. He is also an alert man. And more importantly, Her Majesty is taking care of him in the pce. Mrs. Zhou, how could he be caught breaking into a Princess¡¯s room?¡±

    Mrs. Zhou said, ¡°I don¡¯t think our young master has been there. I guess it was Princess Lexin¡¯s maids who said so because the Empress Dowager ordered them to do it. As for the perfume bag, they might pick it somewhere or steal it from our young master.¡±

    ¡°I saw Caiqi and others putting on the perfume bag in his clothes in the morning when they were serving him for dressing up,¡± said Qiu Yn, shaking her head. She resumed, ¡°The perfume bag is made of snowy green silk thread, which is contributed to the court. It mixes with white and dark green threads. Furthermore, although the Ruyi knot is tied in a beautiful way, it is also strong. Unless you untie it properly, it will not untie itself at all.¡±

    ¡°Forget it. The roads he went through were all clean and neat. He is followed by Jiang Tan, too. If he lost something, Jiang Tan would notice it. He met with the Empress in private. If he lost it at that time, the maids in the Hall would also tell him. You said somebody stole it. But he is good at Kungfu. It is not easy to steal something from him. If the man were spotted, I don¡¯t think the Empress would let the man go.¡±

    ¡°What confuses me the most is that Jiang Tan just said Yashuang met the Empress privately. And Yashuang was blocked by Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s servants not long after he left the Hall. I wonder if he just talked with the Empress for a few minutes and then sneaked off to Princess Lexin¡¯s room? How is that possible?¡±

    She exhaled, looking at Mrs. Zhou, ¡°You go and pick some stuff suitable for He Shuijin. Before everything is finalized, Mrs. Zhou goes there with the cakes, meets Shuijin, and asks for her advice. Let her tell us who Princess Lexin is? Why does she have a rtionship with Yashuang all of a sudden?¡±

    The Emperor was a puppet, and he did not even have the right to decide which concubine should be prompted in the Imperial Harem. But Empress Dowager Gu or Empress Jiang did not control how many girls the Emperor could have. Furthermore, the Emperor had no chance to deal with the national business. He would rather stay with his concubines in the Imperial Harem. That was the reason why the Emperor had plenty of descendants.

    Speaking of this, after Qiu Yn realized how powerful the Jiang Family was and how forceful the Empress was, she even wondered why those Princesses were still alive safe and sound...

    It was a long story. Anyway, among all the princes and princesses, except Princess Yongfu who was born by the Emperor, Princess Changping who was raised by the Empress Dowager, and some princes who were fighting for the position of the Crown Prince, the rest of them were so low-key that the public almost forgot their existence. Hence, it was natural that Qiu Yn did not know the troublemaker, Princess Lexin. She had to ask somebody for her information.

    Mrs. Zhou left in a hurry and returned in a hurry. She reported without drinking water after saluting, ¡°Princess Lexin is Qu Baolin¡¯s daughter. She is one month younger than Princess Changping. She is always careful about what she says and what she does and never gets involved in right and wrong. The fourteenth madame recalled it for a long time. She then told me that Princess Lexin cares about his brother, who is five years younger than her. The fourteenth madame has nothing more about her. She also believed that Princess Lexin must have been instigated by the Emperor Dowager this time to nder our young master!¡±

    Qu Baolin¡¯s status was not very high, and Qiu Yn thought that Qu Baolin was either rted to the Empress Dowager or not very good at pleasing the Empress. In which case, she might stand on the side of the Empress Dowager more firmly.

    ¡°It is doomed to fail only depending on the words of some maids and a perfume bag to frame Yashuang in the presence of the Emperor,¡± thinking of Qiu Yn. ¡°But what I am concerned about the most is that Princess Lexin will do what the Prince of Qi did before, testifying her words by trying to kill herself... That will be a big problem! Could it be that the Empress Dowager learned a lesson from what the Prince of Qi did and wanted to do exactly the same? Princess Lexin is the bail the Empress Dowager got this time. Princess Lexin will not help Yashuang! What was worse, who can tell right or wrong in a scandal?¡±

    She continued thinking, ¡°The Empress has been through much trouble in the past. She must have had an idea...Well, what an uneasy summer vacation this year!¡±

    The next morning, Jiang Yashuang still did not show up. But Nijin showed up, ¡°Her Majesty thought that as young master Yashuang did note back, madame must be concerned about him. Her Majesty ordered me to tell madame that young master is staying with Her Majesty now. Please don¡¯t worry about young master.¡±

    Hearing her words, Qiu Yn beckoned her maids out of the room and held Nijin¡¯s hand, ¡°Can you tell me what was going on? Why did my husband enter Princess Lexin¡¯s room?¡±

    Nijin lowered her voice, ¡°Young master definitely did not do this. The Empress Dowager set him up!¡±

    ¡°The Empress Dowager?¡± Her answer was the most likely answer, but Qiu Yn still thought something was wrong when she heard the answer. She said with a frown, ¡°So, what is the Empress Dowager¡¯s next step?¡±

    ¡°Madame, don¡¯t worry. Her Majesty has figured out a n. They are doomed to fail. The only evidence provided by some maids and a perfume baging from nowhere cannot prove anything,¡± Nijin said firmly.

    Suddenly, Qiu Yn asked, ¡°As you said, the perfume bag belongs to Yashuang?¡±

    ¡°Err...¡±Nijin paused and then said, ¡°I did not see it. I just heard that the perfume bag looks like that one. I am not sure if it is the one.¡±

    ¡°So, Yashuang¡¯s perfume bag is missing, right? Or how did she not know if it was real or not?¡±

    Nijin replied, ¡°Her Majesty ordered me to check all the ces in the pcest night.¡± What she said implicated that there might be informants who were designated by the Empress Dowager to steal Jiang Yashuang¡¯s perfume bag without being noticed?

    Qiu Yn thought with a doubt, ¡°Yashuang is so careless?¡±

    ¡°So, when can Yashuange back?¡± asked Qiu Yn. Seeing Nijin did not intend to say more, she sighed.

    Nijin replied respectfully, ¡°Her Majesty wants to talk with young master for more minutes. I think young master can be home this afternoon.¡±

    The scandal happenedst evening but Jiang Yashuang was allowed to be home this afternoon. It seemed that it was not a big scandal. Empress Dowager Gu sacrificed her granddaughter¡¯s reputation for this. Was she willing to give up so easily?

    Qiu Yn had more doubts while she thought deeper. Sending Nijin off, she was alone, thinking for minutes. And then she ordered a maid to tell Mrs. Li, ¡°I want to have some mung bean cakes. You ask her to make them. I want to spare some with grandmother, Yadan, and Yazhu.¡±

    This season was hot. People required cooling down. Hence, there were enough mung beans in the kitchen. The mung bean cake was not difficult to make. Mrs. Li, with the help of two cooks, quickly made enough cakes.

    ording to Qiu Yn¡¯s instructions, the steaming mung bean cakes were packed into food boxes and were sent to three ces.

    Among them, Qiu Yn especially asked Xiaran who was sedate to deliver the piece for Jiang Yadan.

    A short whileter, Su He returned from Sheng Shishui¡¯s ce with tworge bunches of grapes in return; Caiqi also brought back a few pomegranates from Madame Tao. Only Xiaran came back thetest and didn¡¯t bring anything. This did not surprise anyone. Jiang Yadan¡¯s wife, Madame Tao Junior, was still sick and moved into Madame Tao¡¯s courtyard to stay there. Jiang Yadan had many concubines in his room, but none of them were capable of taking charge. Therefore, no one prepared for a return gift.

    At this moment, Qiu Yn had no leisure to care about other things. After dismissing the maids, she asked Xiaran in a low voice, ¡°How was it? Did Yadan note back yesterday either?¡±

    Xiaran whispered, ¡°Sorry, madame. The people there seemed to know that I would go there to find out the whereabouts of young master Yadan. They all kept their mouths shut tightly.¡±

    ¡°That means I guessed right.¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Old madame is sly. She had sent someone overst night to lecture them in case I would go there to ask about the whereabouts of Yadan. But if Yadan¡¯s whereabouts are okay, why should she be afraid of me knowing about it?¡±

    Xiaran asked cautiously, ¡°Are you suspecting that the fact that our young master didn¡¯te backst night has something to do with young master Yadan?¡±

    ¡°Otherwise, why would his perfume bag be missing? And then, Princess Lexin¡¯s maids had one just like the one of Yashuang?¡± Qiu Yn gnashed her teeth. She added, ¡°I¡¯m afraid that Yadan might have done something to the Princess. With his reputation, even if this hadn¡¯t happened, there would have been a few rumors. But in the family, Yashuang is recognized as a good and clean boy. So, when the rumor came to him, Her Majesty could justifiably say that the Empress Dowager and the Princess ndered Yashuang. How did I end up marrying into such a family?!¡±

    Xiaran did not dare to make a sound.

    Qiu Yn was furious, but she guessed wrong this time!

 Chapter 279 - Being Schemed Against by That Old Woman!

    <h4>Chapter 279 Being Schemed Against by That Old Woman!</h4>

    In the waterside pavilion of the back hall in Summer Pce, Empress Jiang looked sulky, ¡°You really didn¡¯t do it?¡±

    Jiang Yadan felt wronged, ¡°My aunt, although I never have a good reputation outside, I¡¯ve never lied to you!¡±

    ¡°Then where were youst night?¡± Empress Jiang felt tight in her chest, ¡°You were in Summer Pce all nightst night! Tell me what you did!¡±

    ¡°There was a so pretty maid in Huanyue Pce, and I couldn¡¯t help...¡± Before Jiang Yadan finished his speaking, the furious Empress Jiang had already picked up the horsetail whisk next to her hand to hit him, ¡°You couldn¡¯t help it? You couldn¡¯t help it? Can¡¯t you just tell me when you have a thing for a maid? To be fair, for so many years, I will give anything or anybody you want in and out of the Imperial Pce to you. I¡¯ve told you so many times that the maids belong to your uncle-inw and before they are given to you, you can¡¯t do anything to them. You always have girls around you, so why do you have to break the rules and make trouble? You just wanna piss me off, right?¡±

    Although Jiang Yadan was stubborn and obstreperous, he was still a little afraid of her aunt, the empress. He was beaten up by her, but he didn¡¯t dare to run away. Since the Empress didn¡¯t intend to stop seemingly, he couldn¡¯t help shouting at his younger brother who was not far away, ¡°Jiang Yashuang! You just wanna look at it?¡±

    ¡°Aunt, please give him a few more hits to vent your anger, lest you get angry!¡± Jiang Yashuang, who always spoke for him in front of the elders before, not only watched him being beaten coldly, but also said indifferently this time, ¡°Although brother has been womanizing over the years, he is still in the prime of life. Aunt, you just hit him with the horsetail whisk, so he will be fine even if you hit him for one or two hours.¡±

    Jiang Yadan was speechless, thinking that he hadn¡¯t offended this younger brother recently! He wanted to scold Jiang Yashuang, but he was afraid that he would say, ¡°Aunt, don¡¯t hit him with the horsetail whisk. Let me get you a cane!¡± So he had to hold his head angrily to bear hersh.

    The Empress was very angry this time obviously. She didn¡¯t throw the whisk under her feet until her arm turned sore. Then she shouted sternly, ¡°Go back and ground yourself! You are not allowed to step out of your yard until the summer vacation is over! Otherwise, I will break your leg by myself!¡±

    Jiang Yadan lowered his arm and said in frustration, ¡°I¡¯ll obey yourmand, aunt!¡± He didn¡¯t believe that Empress Jiang would really break his leg, but she wouldsh him like this time! Jiang Yadan had been ustomed to enjoyment since he was a child, and he couldn¡¯t endure hardship. So, he was still a little afraid of the Empress¡¯ threat.

    So he had to leave in dismay.

    Watching him out of the waterside pavilion, Empress Jiang copsed on the chair and sighed, ¡°Why I have such a nephew?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said expressionlessly, ¡°Aunt, it¡¯s not the right time to talk about this.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wronged this time.¡± After hearing his words, Empress Jiang held the back of the chair to sit up slowly and said with emotion, ¡°Yesterday you reminded me that Jiang Yadan didn¡¯t always stay in the Pce some time ago, it might not be him who did it. And maybe the old woman Gu did that deliberately. But I was still worried and insisted on your taking the me! I was so useless that you had to suffer this loss.¡±

    ¡°Aunt, you¡¯re so serious.¡± There was still no expression on Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face after he heard this, but his tone eased, ¡°The matter about the fifteenth sister was just over. My eighth brother has always been like that, and we just couldn¡¯t find himst night. So you had to act cautiously, aunt.¡±

    Actually, the Empress was schemed against by Empress Dowager Gu this time. The cause of the incident was simr to Qiu Yn¡¯s guess. The maid of Princess Lexin took a sachet to Empress Dowager Gu and insisted that it was Jiang Yadan who was rude to the princess.

    While Empress Dowager Gu was still checking and looking for more evidence, Empress Jiang had got the news.

    Naturally, the Empress couldn¡¯t just wait for her nephew to be convicted. The problem was that Jiang Yadan had ever molested Fair Concubine. So after hearing the report of the servant, even the Empress immediately believed that it was he who did it, let alone others!

    Therefore, under the emergency, Empress Jiang called Jiang Yashuang, who was the only one owning a great reputation in Jiang Family, into the Pce. She asked him to put away the sachet and pretend that the sachet was his! In this way, when Empress Jiang came to Empress Dowager Gu, she could say, ¡°It is true that many of my nephews are ignorant and ipetent, but Jiang Yashuang is an exception! Since he got married, he hasn¡¯t even got a mistress-maid, which shows that he is not concupiscent at all! What¡¯s more, his wife is so beautiful. Although Lexin is pretty, she can¡¯tpare with his wife! So how could Jiang Yashuang have a thing for Lexin?¡±

    Even outsiders thought so. Jiang Yashuang had never had many love affairs!

    So he must have been involved because of the fight between the Empress and Empress Dowager Gu.

    While Jiang Yashuang, who was called to the Pce in a hurry, asked about what happened, he did not agree with the Empress because he felt that the Empress just got the news at such a coincidental time, ¡°Even if Empress Dowager Gu doesn¡¯t know that you already know she is questioning Princess Lexin, you can¡¯t hide the truth that you call me here from her. She will be suspicious certainly and then try to stop it. Empress Dowager Gu always took actions in haste when she got something on us before.¡±

    But Jiang Yadan just couldn¡¯t be found everywhere, who was dating a maid of Huanyue Pce in a silent ce at that time. Out of her serious distrust of his morality, Empress Jiang didn¡¯t dare to take any risks. And she thought that with Jiang Yashuang¡¯s good reputation, he could get a whitewashing quickly even if he took the me for Jiang Yadan. So, she asked him to admit that the sachet was his.

    Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t convince his aunt, so he had to follow her orders. He was asked toe to Empress Dowager Gu, who just let him go easily after giving him a hard time... It was then that Empress Jiang suddenly took a tumble, ¡°We are really schemed against by that old woman!¡±

    No wonder that the news was so timely this time!

    But she had already let Jiang Yashuang take the me, so it was toote to regret it.

    Even though she hadshed Jiang Yadan, the culprit who caused her to be deceived, with Jiang Yashuang present, she was still a little guilty, ¡°Jiang Yadan can no longer be a guard in the Pce anymore. The thing is not over, and it may cause rumors among people. After returning to Jing City, let him change his job as soon as possible.¡±

    He simply regarded the beauties in the Imperial Harem as his! Sooner orter, he would spell disaster!

    ¡°I just heard from Maid Lin that Princess Lexin¡¯s birth mother, Qu Baolin, was not promoted by Empress Dowager Gu or you, but uncle himself picked her out of the maids.¡± Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t digress but got down to business, ¡°For this reason, Qu Baolin has always been cautious. She never argued with others, and she never got close to either the Empress Dowager or you. She just lived her life with her children. Princess Lexin and the tenth prince have the same temperament as their mother. I think that there must be something hidden for Princess Lexin¡¯s ndering brother this time.¡±

    ¡°How could there be something hidden?¡± Empress Jiang sighed. ¡°The old woman Gu was happy that I agreed to end this thing quickly. Obviously, it was done by her junior. And it must be Gu Yan who did that.¡±

    Although Gu Yan, the Young Prince of Duke of Guangyang, didn¡¯t have a job in the Pce like Jiang Yadan, which could make it convenient for him to hook up with the women in the Imperial Harem. He could enter the Pce so easily just like the Jiang Family. Therefore, there were many opportunities for him to have an affair with the women in the Imperial Harem. This person was as concupiscent as Jiang Yadan, and he was bisexual.

    In this regard, after confirming that Jiang Yadan did not have an affair with Princess Lexin, Empress Jiang and Jiang Yashuang thought of him almost at the same time.

    ¡°Aunt, have you sent someone to check whether Princess Lexin...¡± Jiang Yashuang paused before saying, ¡°Is she still a virgin?¡±

    Empress Jiang said, ¡°Yes. Otherwise, even if the old woman Gu schemed against me deliberately, she wouldn¡¯t end this thing so quickly. If it weren¡¯t for that she changed her attitude so quickly, I would have really thought it was Jiang Yadan who did that and Lexin made a scene just because she worried she would suffer a big loss.¡±

    Of course, Empress Dowager Gu had to agree quickly. Empress Jiang insisted on Jiang Yashuang¡¯s iming that sachet simply because Jiang Yadan was not found. If they had found him, they would have known that Jiang Yadan had nothing to do with that. At that time, the Empress would insist on a thorough investigation seriously to prove that her nephew was innocent.

    ¡°I remember that the tenth prince has a handsome appearance.¡± Jiang Yashuang kept silent for a while, and then said lightly.

    The Empress was startled. Thinking of Deng Yi, she showed a touch of disgust on her face knowingly, and said suspiciously, ¡°If Gu Yan had been on the catch of Weiyong, since Lexin always loved her younger brother, how could she have ndered Jiang Yadan? She should have turned to me!¡±

    ¡°Aunt, now the matter of Princess Lexin has calmed down. It is announced that Princess Lexin¡¯s maid stole my sachet and she feared that the princess would punish her, so she told a lie that I broke into Empress Lexin¡¯s room when she was not there and lost my sachet which was found by others then.¡± Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°So that the princess believed it, and took the maid and the sachet to Empress Dowager Gu then. But now we¡¯ve known that this matter has nothing to do with us. So, what do you n to do next?¡±

    Empress Jiang said, ¡°The matter has been a foregone conclusion, and the old woman Gu must have eliminated the evidence of Gu Yan¡¯s whereabouts. I got you involved in it as well. It won¡¯t do us any good to bring the matter out again, and it might even do harm to you. We can only ept it. However, this kind of thing can¡¯t happen again. And in the future, when getting into and out of the Pce, all the men have to...¡±

    Empress Jiang frowned slightly and stopped speaking when speaking of this.

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°So, you will forbid Gu Yan froming into and going out of the Pce as you are angry about our taking the me for him. At the same time, if it weren¡¯t for the usual behavior of brother, you wouldn¡¯t have been cheated. So after this thing, you won¡¯t allow brother to work in the Pce anymore. And you just said that you want to change brother¡¯s job. Aunt, to be honest, for Princess Lexin, for the tenth prince, and for many people in the Pce, it¡¯s a good thing that brother and Gu Yan cannot see them at will.¡±

    ¡°If Lexin exposed Gu Yan directly and turned to me, although I would drive Gu Yan away for her, I might not drive Jiang Yadan away for her.¡± Empress Jiang narrowed her eyes and sneered, ¡°So she ndered Jiang Yadan then. Although it might offend me, Gu would be satisfied... It seems that I have paid too much attention to the affairs in the court in the past few years, so I have not found that the little children have be so talented!¡±

    If Maid Lin, who took care of the Imperial Harem for her, was here, she would definitely kneel down and apologize immediately after hearing this.

    But Maid Lin was not here at this time. Jiang Yashuang said lightly, ¡°Aunt, how you n to deal with Princess Lexin?¡±

 Chapter 280 - Shiftless Jiang Yadan

    <h4>Chapter 280 Shiftless Jiang Yadan</h4>

    Empress Jiang hadn¡¯t figured out how to deal with Princess Lexin while Princess Lexin hade to make amends.

    Jiang Yashuang then asked for leaving, ¡°I didn¡¯t go back all night. I¡¯m afraid my family is worried about me.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Empress Jiang was guilty and she nodded, ¡°Bring some fresh steamed rose dew to your wife. Tell her the ins and outs of the matter. Don¡¯t hurt your feelings because of this!¡±

    ¡°Aunt, don¡¯t worry. Yn is not narrow-minded.¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled, pretending not to hear her fomenting dissension.

    When he left, he happened to see Princess Lexin who was waiting outside the Hall. This princess had a beautiful appearance. After all, Qu Baolin had no background. She could be a concubine from a maid just because she had a beautiful appearance. As her daughter, Princess Lexin looked pretty as well naturally.

    But at this moment the princess looked haggard, and she looked a bit worried. Seeing Jiang Yashuang, she quickly bowed, ¡°Hanlin Jiang, I...¡±

    ¡°Your Highness!¡± Jiang Yashuang dodged her salute and said lightly, ¡°Your Highness, how can I deserve your bowing!¡±

    ¡°I was confused by my maid before. Please forgive me for involving your brother!¡± Princess Lexin sighed in her heart. The title of princess was nothing at this time. All girls in Jiang Family lived a better life than this princess. If the former emperor were still alive, how should she be so humble before Jiang Yashuang?

    Moreover, he might not appreciate her humbleness at all. After saying polite forms in a hurry, Jiang Yashuang cupped one hand in the other before his chest and left without waiting for her to speak on the pretext that he had something important to do outside the Pce.

    ¡°Although he was cold, at least he didn¡¯t get a sulky look... It is said that Jiang Yashuang has a good temper. It seems that is true.¡± Princess Lexin nced at his back, thinking about how to calm Empress Jiang after she went in. ¡°Fortunately, Jiang Yadan has been sent out of the Pce. Otherwise, in order to avoid him, I don¡¯t know when toe over. The Empress may be angrier if Ie sote!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t care about Princess Lexin¡¯s thoughts at all. After he left Summer Pce, his calm expression became a little gloomy.

    Returning back home, he went to greet Madame Tao at first as usual.

    Madame Taoforted him as expected after seeing him, and then said, ¡°Your wife is so worried about you. I was afraid that she would me Jiang Yadan when she knew the truth, so I didn¡¯t tell her the truth. I heard that she tried to draw something out of the servants of Jiang Yadan just now on the pretext of sending mung bean cakes. I don¡¯t know whether she has got anything. I¡¯m afraid she is still in a sulk in the room. Go back tofort her. Don¡¯t make her sad!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled and said, ¡°Grandma, you don¡¯t have to worry. This matter has nothing to do with brother. It is the Empress Dowager who is to me. How will Yn get angry with brother? She always respects brother. Last time when brother met her, he even let her get some lychees.¡±

    Madame Tao¡¯s face became slightly stiff when she heard this, and then she smiled kindly, ¡°Anyway, I can be relieved as long as you are fine.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang talked with her for another moment. Knowing that Madame Tao Junior was in good spirits recently and recovered quickly, he then left.

    After leaving the old Madame¡¯s yard, he thought for a while before returning to his yard.

    While he went back, he found that Qiu Yn was out.

    ¡°Did she go to visit the sixteenth sister-inw?¡± Jiang Yashuang asked. He came back from Madame Tao just now. If Qiu Yn had gone to visit Madame Tao Junior, Madame Tao would have mentioned it. And Qiu Yn had been hanging around these two sisters-inw recently.

    However, the maid shook her head, ¡°The Fourteenth Madame has no appetite recently, and she likes the cold dishes which madame makes. Just now she sent Wan over and invited madame to go over.¡±

    She was pregnant, so it was reasonable for her to ask the sister-inw to make some food for her. Jiang Yashuang had nothing to say. He sighed inwardly and said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll go to brother. Tell Yn that after shees back!¡±

    After the maid replied, Jiang Yashuang went to Jiang Yadan¡¯s yard. Since Jiang Yadan didn¡¯te back long, Jiang Yashuang thought he could meet him immediately. While the maid poured a cup of tea for him and let him wait for a moment embarrassingly.

    Jiang Yashuang was clear about the reason why he had to wait for a moment. He must be with some mistress at this time.

    He was both sad and angry, but he couldn¡¯t rush over to drag Jiang Yadan out. So, he had to suppress his temper and wait.

    After waiting for a long time, Jiang Yadan, whose long hair was half-wet, walked in while fastening his clothes and asked, ¡°Why are you here? Did aunt have any orders?¡±

    ¡°No. I just wanna talk to you.¡± Jiang Yashuang nced at the dark circles under his eyes and frowned, ¡°Brother, you should be more abstinent. You should look in the mirror and look at your face. If it weren¡¯t for that you were still in the prime of life, your health would have broken down already!¡±

    Jiang Yadan said indifferently, ¡°I¡¯ve really been on the loose these two days. Aunt let me stay in this yard until the end of the summer vacation. Even if I don¡¯t want to be abstinent, I have to be because the same girls will make me cloy.¡± Then he frowned, ¡°Why you acted like that when aunt hit me today? I haven¡¯t cheated you recently, nor have I borrowed money from you, right? You didn¡¯t speak for me at all and you even let aunt hit me harder!¡±

    ¡°Why not think about how angry aunt was this time because of you?¡± Jiang Yashuang snorted coldly, ¡°If I had spoken for you, aunt would have been even more annoyed. She wouldn¡¯t hit you anymore, but she wouldn¡¯t care about you anymore as well. Do you think that is a good thing?¡±

    ¡°How would aunt not care about me?¡± Jiang Yadan smiled, ¡°Even if she doesn¡¯t want to care about me anymore, she has to consider for you. I am your brother. So if anything was wrong with me, you would be dragged down in the future. Aunt always likes you the most, so how will she let that happen?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was speechless about this brother. He sighed and was about to say something, but Jiang Yadan continued, ¡°But even you also said that I made aunt so angry this time. Not to mention the past, but the matter this time has nothing to do with me! I was too wronged! I was beaten by aunt in Summer Pce without reason, and even you said that to me just now!¡±

    ¡°If it weren¡¯t for the things you did before, how could aunt have been fooled?¡± Jiang Yashuang nced at him. How could he say that he was wronged! Aunt was always on their side, but this time shecked in self-confidence just because of his behaviour before!

    Jiang Yadan was still unconvinced, ¡°This time is different from the past! I didn¡¯t do anything this time!¡±

    ¡°When the thing happened yesterday, aunt immediately sent someone to look for you. You should be working at that time.¡± Jiang Yashuang sneered, ¡°But we just can¡¯t find you anyway!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Jiang Yadan thought about what he was doing at the time, turning embarrassed, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect it to be so coincidental.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sneered, ¡°How can there be so many coincidences? But it¡¯s just so easy to lead you off. Even a pretty maid can make it!¡±

    Jiang Yadan justughed and didn¡¯t answer. Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°Brother, I don¡¯t mind your making merry in the past. But now even your children have started to receive education. You have been so old, but the elders still have to worry about you.¡± Weren¡¯t you afraid that your sons and daughters would learn from you and be wastrels in the future?¡±

    Since he was his elder brother, Jiang Yashuang could only say that to himself, hoping that Jiang Yadan could get the implication by himself.

    However, Jiang Yadan said indifferently, ¡°Yashuang, don¡¯t you know me? I have no ambitions in my life, and I just wanna make merry. You will take charge of the fourth branch in the future certainly. If you want a helper, I heard that Jiang Yazhu has be sensible recently, so you can find him for help. If you want more helpers, just find your nephews! Be strict with them, and you don¡¯t have to be so kind. If their mothers are unhappy about that, I will talk to them... Why you require me with your standards?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang turned blue in the face with anger and said coldly, ¡°But brother, you are the eldest son in our branch!¡±

    ¡°Not every eldest son in a family ispetent!¡± Jiang Yadan was at ease, ¡°In our family, great uncle is not aspetent as our grandfather! Look at our third uncle. He is not as good as the eldest uncle in the court, and he even didn¡¯t choose good wives as our father did. So why must I be better than you?¡±

    If he were not his younger brother but his elder brother, Jiang Yashuang would have kicked him on the spot!

    He suppressed his anger and asked, ¡°So, brother, the thing this time didn¡¯t influence you at all, right?¡±

    Jiang Yadan said in surprise, ¡°Why I should be influenced? You all know that I was wronged this time. Isn¡¯t it good that I don¡¯t care about it?¡±

    ¡°Aunt doesn¡¯t want you to serve in the Imperial Army again. So, where you n to go then, brother?¡± Jiang Yashuang looked at him withplicated eyes and asked.

    Jiang Yadan said, ¡°If I could choose, I would choose an easy and lucrative job. But aunt sent me back because she was afraid that I would cause trouble for her again. So I am afraid that the elders will give me a casual job which will not affect the overall situation, lest they worry about me again.¡±

    It was great that he was clear about that! Jiang Yashuang then said indifferently, ¡°Brother, since you want a satisfactory job, why not clean up your act during this time?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about itter.¡± Jiang Yadan didn¡¯t want to y games with him anymore, so he directly showed him the door, ¡°Do you have something else to do? If not, just leave. I¡¯ll go back.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Jiang Yashuang stood up and left with anger. He gritted his teeth at the door, ¡°Brother, I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    He still looked sulky even when he had been out of the yard. Seeing nobody around, Jiang Tanforted him cautiously, ¡°The eighth young master is just like this, and he just can¡¯t change after so many years. You don¡¯t have to be angry. Her Majesty, old master and old madame will worry about you, and young madame will be more worried.¡±

    ¡°Go to my grandfather and ask if I can go to visit him tonight.¡± Jiang Yashuang ignored hisfort and walked for a while before giving the order.

    Jiang Tan left with his order.

    Jiang Yashuang returned to his yard alone. Seeing that Chen Shui was feeding Whitey and Nianxue in the courtyard, he asked, ¡°Is young madame back?¡±

    Chen Shui hurriedly put the basket with cat food in it on the chair, and said after bowing, ¡°Yes. The young madame seems to be a little tired. She is talking to Su He inside.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang frowned when he heard the words, thinking that although He Shuijin was pregnant, it would be too much to regard her sister-inw as a servant. Even Sheng Shishui had never acted like this before.

    He felt a little unhappy and walked gently into the room, seeing that Qiu Yn had put on her regr clothes under the western window. The green blouse with narrow sleeves, the white skirt with pink flowers on it, and her hanging hair made her look refreshed and pretty.

    While she was sitting on the couch and discussing something with Su He, she frowned at this moment.

    Realizing that Jiang Yashuang came in, their faces changed. Without asking anything, Qiu Yn raised her voice and yelled at Chen Shui, ¡°Why not tell me that the young master is back? What are you doing outside?¡±

    ¡°She said that you were tired, so I thought you might be taking a nap.¡± Jiang Yashuang said hurriedly, ¡°So I let her keep quiet... What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Qiu Yn said in a weird tone. She stood up and walked towards him, ¡°You¡¯re back! I didn¡¯t sleep wellst night... How did things go?¡±

    From her tone, he could feel that she didn¡¯t doubt he had anything to do with Princess Lexin at all. Jiang Yashuang felt a bit relieved. But when he was about to answer her question with a smile... He was a head taller than Qiu Yn. Even though Qiu Yn deliberately came up to him, he inadvertently saw Su He hiding a small piece of oil paper which was ced on the edge of the couch into her sleeve secretly.

    Then she stood up and asked for leaving as if nothing had happened, ¡°I¡¯ll go to the kitchen to have a look.¡±

    ¡°Lan, are you hiding something from me?¡± Jiang Yashuang was suspicious in his heart, ¡°What exactly is in the oiled paper?¡±

 Chapter 281 - Dont Disrespect a Prince!

    <h4>Chapter 281 Don¡¯t Disrespect a Prince!</h4>

    Even though Jiang Yashuang was dubious, he quickly thought about it and decided not to expose her. After all, Qiu Yn came to distract him herself, blocking his view to let Su He hide the paper bag. Clearly, his wife didn¡¯t want him to know about it. If he exposed her on sight, she may get angry. In the end, no matter whether he learned the truth or not, he would hurt their rtionship.

    So he pretended not to notice what Su He did. He allowed her to leave and sat back on the bed holding Qiu Yn¡¯s hand. Jiang Yashuang smiled and said, ¡°Nothing. My aunt was yed by Empress Dowager. She thought Jiang Yadan went into the Princess¡¯s bedroom. She called me over hurriedly to discuss how to deal with it. Yet in the end, she helped Gu Yan.¡±

    Qiu Yn nced at him, ¡°If it was Gu Yan, howe Jiang Tan said it was your perfume bag that the maids of the Princess picked up?¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager Gu made my aunt believe it was Jiang Yadan who did it. Jiang Qiyun¡¯s incident was huge trouble for our family, even you were implicated.¡± Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t want his wife to have grudges with the elders. He sweet-talked for Qiu Yn in front of the Empress and Madame Tao. Now he also wouldn¡¯t give her the chance to me the elders, so he said, ¡°My aunt thought for a long time and couldn¡¯te up with a nice n. So I said she could just say it was my perfume bag. It doesn¡¯t have a name on it anyway. With your look, no one will think I covet the Princess.¡±

    ¡°What was the result then?¡± Qiu Yn was dubious and asked, ¡°Everything was solved?¡±

    ¡°The maids of Princess Lexin were killed. So this has passed.¡± Jiang Yashuang sneered, ¡°After all, it¡¯s not something appropriate. No one is gaining anything if nobody lets it go. I¡¯m a man so I have certain advantages. As long as you don¡¯t doubt me, they can say everything they want outside. Who can do anything to me?¡±

    Qiu Yn snorted, ¡°I will doubt you. Tell me now, what bad things have you done since you went to the Pce?¡±

    Jiang Yashuangughed. He held her in his arms and said, ¡°I beat up Gu Yan for you! Do you still remember?¡±

    ¡°So what you did for me is a bad thing?¡± Qiu Yn pushed him and alsoughed, ¡°Are you trying to get beat up yourself?¡±

    After joking around, the atmosphere lightened up in the room.

    They were being a happy couple here, yet in the Green Vi, Qiu Jinn and Ruan Ciyi were frowning at the paper bag that Su He just delivered. The bag was opened. What was inside was normal, just a piece of lotus root starch osmanthus sugar cake.

    ¡°Since He Shuijin was pregnant, Madame He has been sending her this osmanthus cake?¡± Qiu Jinn looked carefully at the cake for a while and asked Su He.

    Su He had her hands down and said, ¡°Not only osmanthus cake. The fourteenth madame told the Commandery Princess that since she was found pregnant, Madame He brought her cakes every day. She changed the type frequently. For example, the day before yesterday, she had almond tofu; before that was red-date cakes... Madame Shi and Madame Zhang are all quite jealous. But these days, the fourteenth madame had not been feeling well. She even checked the kitchen thoroughly for this but found nothing. The only thing she could think of was these cakes from Madame He that she can¡¯t check.¡±

    Su He paused, seeing Qiu Jinn and Ruan Ciyi being silent, she continued, ¡°The Commandery Princess thought that someone is using Madame He to hurt the fourteenth madame. But it seems that the fourteenth madame is actually suspecting Madame He. This is unbelievable!¡±

    Indeed, Madame He was not only the mother-inw of He Shuijin but her own aunt. He Shuijin¡¯s husband, Jiang Yaheng, was also the son of Madame He. No one would suspect that Madame He was plotting to hurt her own daughter-inw and grandchild.

    ¡°She can easily do it just because of that.¡± But Qiu Jinn was worldly and Ruan Ciyi had seen many dirty things in the backyard. They were not surprised, ¡°Even if she is caught, she can just me it on some servant and get away with it!¡±

    ¡°I guess the fourteenth madame tried her best to hide this piece of cake.¡± Ruan Ciyi sneered, ¡°There¡¯s definitely something wrong with this cake!¡±

    Qiu Jinn thought for a while and asked Su He, ¡°Did my sister say anything when she asked you to bring this cake over?¡±

    ¡°Commandery Princess didn¡¯t want to handle this, but the fourteenth madame was begging her. And she thought if Madame He actually wanted to hurt her own niece, daughter-inw, and the grandchild in her mother¡¯s belly, then she is too scary. Commandery Princess wanted to take care of Madame He before something happens to her!¡± Su He said honestly, ¡°So she wanted young master and Lady Ciyi to help and have someone look into this in secret. Please hide this from the Jiang Family!¡±

    Ruan Ciyi looked at Qiu Jinn, ¡°This fourteenth madame is clever. She and Madame He have the same maiden family, so she can¡¯t ask them to look into this. If Madame He finds out, she will be in trouble! If she is still taking care of the family matters, she may have other means. But now she is just resting and bearing the child. She can¡¯t even go in or out easily. It¡¯s not so easy for her to find someone trustworthy to help.¡±

    ¡°She asked my sister for help because we don¡¯t have any grudges with He Family and the third branch of Jiang Family. If we find out there¡¯s something wrong with this cake, we won¡¯t go public, risking bing enemies with He Family and Jiang Family. We will only tell her to let her handle it. I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s what she wants.¡± Qiu Jinn sneered, ¡°Otherwise, Madame Tao will be willing to help her with that. But then she won¡¯t be able to control it.¡±

    Ruan Ciyi snorted, ¡°If this kind of treacherous act is discovered, let alone Madame He, He Family will be disgraced! But then, why would Madame He do this to her own daughter-inw? She is an elder, even if there¡¯s something wrong with He Shuijin, it¡¯s not hard to discipline her! And I don¡¯t think the fourteenth madame will offend Madame He. She is clever. Why will she make this kind of mistake?¡±

    Qiu Jinn said, ¡°Yn didn¡¯t even figure this out. How will we know?¡±

    He frowned and said, ¡°But this Madame He is vicious. Her own niece and grandchild couldn¡¯t stop her. This kind of person should be eliminated sooner thanter!¡±

    He then asked Ruan Yi to take the cake to someone trustworthy.

    While the losers of Jiang Family were fighting to drag their family down, Empress Dowager Gu was also having a hard time.

    ¡°Gu Yan, are you crazy?!¡± Empress Dowager had a straight face and was scolding Gu Yan who was kneeling underneath, ¡°You like beautiful young men and boys. I looked the other way for that. Now you want a Prince! That¡¯s my grandchild! Do you think my Princes and Princesses are just yours because I can¡¯t live without your Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang?¡±

    Empress Dowager got more furious while talking. She took the fruit bowl by her hand and smashed it on Gu Yan¡¯s face!

    ¡°Please calm down!¡± Even though this hall was spacious and there was some distance between Empress Dowager¡¯s seat and Gu Yan, and Empress Dowager Gu was also old and losing strength and aim, when a bowl of fruit went down, Gu Yan was still hit hard. He wanted to avoid it but he didn¡¯t dare to. He could only beg, ¡°I didn¡¯t think straight!¡±

    He then said in injured tones, ¡°How dare I offend a Prince? It was the Tenth Prince... He approached me...¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Empress Dowager Gu was furious. She stood up quickly, pointing at him, and said coldly, ¡°You insulted a lot of good boys outside, even your cousin Yi! I¡¯ve turned a blind eye all these years and now you dare to nder a Prince?! Do you think I don¡¯t know what you are?! How old is the Tenth Prince this year? And he knows how to seduce you?! Do you think I live in a Pce or a brothel?¡±

    Empress Dowager wanted to puke blood. The Tenth Prince and Princess Lexin were not Empress Jiang¡¯s children. The things she would consider were not to implicate herself and not to lose the dignity of Tian Family, which may make her seem useless.

    But for Empress Dowager Gu, they were all her blood!

    Even though Empress Dowager Gu forced her son to be a puppet, she still treated her grandchildren well. Who could tolerate her children to be yed with, even if they were the children she didn¡¯t pay much attention to?!

    If she were not remembering how her brother begged her to look after his children before he died, Empress Dowager Gu would kill Gu Yan, ¡°I treat Gu Family well. But don¡¯t forget, I get to be in charge, not because of Gu Family, but the Emperor! I took his power but that doesn¡¯t mean you get to humiliate his bloodline! Do you understand that? If you don¡¯t...¡±

    Gu Yan was scared by Empress Dowager¡¯s look. He kowtowed with all his strength, ¡°I know I¡¯m wrong now! I won¡¯t do it again!¡±

    ¡°Get lost!¡± Empress Dowager Gu shouted angrily, ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to enter the Pce unless there¡¯s an emergency!!¡±

    After kicking Gu Yan out, Empress Dowager was still angry. She then called Maid Zheng in, ¡°Go to the gate of the Pce and tell them Gu Yan is not allowed to enter unless summoned! If he dares to sneak in and I find out who let him in, I will kill all his family!!¡±

    Maid Zheng answered, trembling with fear. Empress Dowager Gu was still furious and said, ¡°Have someone look into Boshi¡¯s other children. Even though Gu Yan is the eldest legitimate son, his brothers are still Boshi¡¯s blood!¡±

    Boshi was Duke of Guangyang, Gu Shuo¡¯s courtesy name. Hearing that, Maid Zheng knew Empress Dowager was going to change the Young Prince of Duke of Guangyang. She knew Empress Dowager was angry right now and it wouldn¡¯t look good to say something nice for Gu Yan. But she had to say it, ¡°I know you feel sorry for Princess Lexin and the Tenth Prince. I shouldn¡¯t say anything, but deposing the Young Prince needs to go through the government. What will be the excuse?¡±

    Empress Dowager finally used Jiang Yadan to plot against Empress Jiang. It would be wise to cover this up! Why would she bring this up again when things had quietened down?

    Even if she didn¡¯t use this excuse, the charge that could depose a Young Prince who had been titled for many years would give Empress Jiang a chance for more drama.

    Empress Dowager Gu had been in power for many years. Hearing this, she went silent for a while and sighed, ¡°Just let him go this time...¡±

    She paused and said, ¡°Next time when Shou¡¯anes, tell her I hate Gu Yan and wants to change a Young Prince.¡±

    This would be a warning to let the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang know that they still couldn¡¯t see Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s children as nothing even though they were well-treated!

    Maid Zheng answered respectfully. She was happy, ¡°Even if Princess Shou¡¯an guesses that Empress Dowager is just warning them but hasn¡¯t made the decision, she won¡¯t dare to slight! Then she¡¯ll treat me better! This would be a great chance to get more money!¡±

    At this moment, a servant came in and said, ¡°The reason why Commandery Princess Ningtai died has been found out!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu snorted and said, ¡°Say it!¡±

 Chapter 282 - Unanimously to Kill Her

    <h4>Chapter 282 Unanimously to Kill Her</h4>

    ¡°Have Qiu Hongzhi and Senior Concubine Bian made a concerted effort to kill Qiu Jinzhu?¡± Even though Qiu Yn alienated the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was her mother¡¯s family. She had to go there to see what happened on earth.

    Qiu Baozhu and Qiu Mingzhu went there along with her.

    Qiu Mingzhu, as a daughter of a concubine, was not a Commandery Princess but she seemed more sessful than Qiu Baozhu, the second Commandery Princess. The reason for her sess was that she had a senior concubine as her supporter. But now, Senior Concubine Bian and her son were in the shadow of a huge misfortune. Even her father was involved in the misfortune, too. Princess Yang would take charge of the house in theing days. Qiu Mingzhu felt frustrated and dismal. Although she arrived at the house at the same time as Qiu Baozhu and Qiu Yn, she did not have time to say hello to them. Instead, she rushed to Qiu Mengmin for details about the misfortune.

    However, Qiu Baozhu and Qiu Yn did not care who would be alive in the house. Hence, they could take their time, following Qiu Mingzhu and exchanging information. In the past, the position of Qiu Baozhu¡¯s husband in the court was so low that the couple could note to the pce with the Emperor. She took a special trip toe over thest time; she coulde so quickly because Jiang Yashuang helped her husband get prompted not long ago. Jiang Yashuang also instructed some responsible people to get the couple to stay in the Summer Pce.

    She knew little about the misfortune even though she was older. Noticing that only Qiu Baozhu and Qiu Yn followed her, she stopped, waiting and inquiring about the misfortune in a low voice.

    After hearing Qiu Yn roughly say a few words, Qiu Baozhu couldn¡¯t help but be surprised, ¡°How is that possible?¡±

    She was not surprised that Qiu Hongzhi and Senior Concubine Bian hurt Qiu Jinzhu, but rather, ¡°How could these two be so careless when they live under the suppression of my official mother?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s your official mother¡¯s tactics!¡± Qiu Yn said, ¡°It is said that the soup which poisoned Qiu Jinzhu to death was mixed with two poisons ¨C It so happened that one kind of poison covered the trace of the other. So, your official mother went to Senior Concubine Bian first and she beat her almost to death! And then, your father showed up and he did not believe what had happened. He wanted to examine the ingredients of the soup. He asked an imperial doctor to examine the soup. After examining, they found that there was the other poison being mixed in the soup! They found more details about itter. They found Qiu Hongzhi linked to this case!¡±

    Although Qiu Baozhu could not get much information, she found something in the case, ¡°As you said, my father is now in...?¡± They heard that Qiu Mengmin was so angry at his senior concubine and his son that he vomited blood and had to rest in bed. His health was in severe condition.

    ¡°Second sister, you have a son and a daughter. You could live by yourself without the help of the house. You have nothing to be afraid of,¡± said Qiu Yn dismissively. ¡°I think that it should be Fourth sister who cries for her fate. She hasn¡¯t had a child so far. She will have to observe her mourning for one year in theing days. If so, many girls will show in her house during that period.¡±

    Qiu Yn had already straightforwardly said about mourning. It was inferred that Qiu Mengmin¡¯s days were numbered.

    Qiu Baozhu¡¯s expression changed for a long time before she said with a mixture of sadness and joy in a hateful voice, ¡°That¡¯s what he deserves!¡±

    But the result did not make her very satisfied, ¡°As we agreed before... Is the next Duke of Xihe our seventh brother?¡±

    What she asked for was just a reason that could make her mother rest in peace. The fact was that Lu and Qiu Mengmin hounded Li to death and Princess Yang was not married to Qiu Mengmin at that time. Hence, she was not a direct murderer. But she had the indirect responsibility. The Yang Family knew that Qiu Mengmin had a wife before Princess Yang married Qiu Mengmin. But the Yang Family coveted the title of Princess and agreed privately with their marriage. If not, Lu and Qiu Mengmin would not have killed Li.

    Surely enough, the title of Princess was a temptation. But if the Yang Family did not get it, it would be given to others. As Princess Yang had gotten it, it was reasonable for her to bear the wrath of Li¡¯s daughter. As a saying went: Only in the dream, there was such a thing as a gain without paying a price!

    Not to mention that Princess Yang did not stop torturing Qiu Baozhu in the past!

    Qiu Baozhu even said, ¡°That¡¯s what he deserves¡± to her dying father. She definitely would not think the fact that her stepmother killed her father for the title of old Princess could console her dead mother.

    Qiu Yn realized the dissatisfaction in her tone and smiled, ¡°Second sister, what else does the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe have nowadays besides titles?¡±

    ¡°We have to wait and see,¡± Qiu Baozhu thought for a while and said. Indeed, her mother¡¯s family was getting worse and worse. Her brother, Qiu Yinzhi, had no ambition but to be brutal and ipetent. He would not have a future at all. Even Princess Yang, the dainty girl born and raised in an official family and gaining the title of Princess by hounding her mother to death, had to face her own mother¡¯s family¡¯s degradation. Princess Yang and her son were alive but they were walking zombies.

    Qiu Baozhu knew that Qiu Jinzhu was involved in the case because she became an obstacle on the way for Empress Dowager Gu and Kuang Shihan¡¯s nned marriage.

    If nobody were left alive in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, people would suspect Empress Dowager Gu and Kuang Shihan killed all of the family.

    ¡°Shortly, after Kuang Qingwu marries Princess Changping, the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe will be forgotten...¡± They had arrived at the door of the back hall while they were talking. Qiu Baozhu looked into the distance of the back hall, a moment of resentment overflew along her body.

    But by the time Xiuyan came out to wee her, she had returned to her usual indifferent demeanor.

    ¡°Is Aunt Yang in? We heard that something happened at home and came back to take a look,¡± said Qiu Yn. She saw Qiu Baozhu standing there without emotion, so she said to Xiuyan.

    Xiuyan replied respectfully and invited them in.

    When they arrived at the hall, they saw Princess Yang sitting haggardly at the top, asking them not to salute with a hoarse voice, and then she asked them to sit.

    The two had a bad rtionship with Princess Yang. And they had been informed by each other about what happened in the house while they were walking here. Facing Princess Yang, the saddest person nominally but the beneficiary of the case actually, they had no interest in talking with her.

    They said a few polite words. Then they mentioned Qiu Mengmin. Sensibly, they both had to offer to visit and serve the sick. The desperate and haggard Princess Yang¡¯s sad expression became a bit soft after hearing their offer, ¡°I know you are good girls. And I should not forbid you two to visit Prince. But you two might not know that Prince was so angry with them that he vomited blood. After we sent him into the inner room, he held the edge of the bed and vomited tworge bowls of blood...¡±

    Speaking of which, she took a handkerchief and wiped at the corners of her eyes, ¡°For the past two days, he has taken some tranquilizers, but he still can¡¯t sleep! It was not until this morning that he fell asleep ¨C and I wish he could have had a good sleep.¡±

    Out of politeness, Qiu Yn swam with the current, asking, ¡°As you said so, I definitely should not bother my uncle now.¡±

    Princess Yang was about to answer when she suddenly heard Qiu Baozhu whisper in mock surprise, ¡°We should not bother Father now? But I heard that Fourth Sister was going to see Father when we entered the house.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Princess Yang frowned, looking at Xiuyan, ¡°You don¡¯t know about this?¡±

    Xiuyan was also amazed, ¡°I haven¡¯t heard that!¡±

    ¡°Go and take a look!¡± Princess Yang¡¯s face was annoyed, ¡°She needed to follow some rules even though she wanted to show her care to her father. We definitely should not bother Prince now.¡±

    Qiu Yn turned the bracelet on her wrist without saying a word. But she saw out of the corner of her eye a momentary sh of pleasure showing on Qiu Baozhu¡¯s face ¨C Princess Yang would be a widow in theing days. She would take charge of the house. Surely enough, she pretended that she did not know Qiu Mingzhu went to her father¡¯s room.

    Princess Yang and her maid pretended to be surprised. They must have a n like, ¡°Princess Yang just lost her daughter and the murderer is an insider. She was so sad and frustrated that she did not have the energy to manage her maids. Young Master Qiu Yinzhi is young... What is more, they did not expect that Mingzhu was so inconsiderate to the Prince. The Prince has been hurt severely in the first ce and managed to sleep for days. But Mingzhu came and bothered her father... Prince¡¯s health became more severe.¡±

    ¡°Poor Qiu Mingzhu!¡± Qiu Yn sneered in her heart, ¡°She¡¯s so desperate. She doesn¡¯t even think that Qiu Mengmin has three sons, and the only one who can inherit the title is Qiu Yinzhi! She ran to see Qiu Mengmin without Princess Yang¡¯s permission. So it¡¯s okay if she doesn¡¯t see him, but if she does, she will fall into a trap!¡±

    And Qiu Baozhu deliberately brought up this topic. She wanted to take advantage of the topic and push Qiu Mingzhu to fall into the trap. However, Qiu Mingzhu, as the first daughter of the first wife of Qiu Mengmin, lived the worst life among the daughters. As the eldest sister, none of her younger sisters respected her! Now the situation had changed, and it was her turn to teach her sisters a lesson!

    A few momentster, Xiuyan really led someone to grab Qiu Mingzhu. As soon as she entered the door, Xiuyan knelt down and apologized, ¡°Miss Mingzhu did enter the door before the Second and Fifth Commandery Princesses and went directly to see Prince! But I did not know anything about this. It is really my fault...¡±

    Princess Yang didn¡¯t have the patience to hear her out and asked directly, ¡°How is the Prince now?¡±

    ¡°Princess, Prince had fallen asleep earlier, but Miss Mingzhu went over and said that you had ordered her to go inside to visit, I...¡±

    ¡°Liar!¡± Princess Yang angrily shouted and interrupted the old maidservant, ¡°I didn¡¯t even know she was back. How could she be allowed to visit Prince? What did I tell you in the first ce? Prince is sleeping. Don¡¯t disturb him! Are you far away from me? You don¡¯t know toe over here and check it with me?¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± At the same time, they heard Qiu Mingzhu¡¯s scream, ¡°I didn¡¯t even pretend to im the order of the Princess! When I arrived at Father¡¯s room, they let me in without saying a word. I didn¡¯t even know that Father, he had -¡±

    Qiu Yn put the lid on the untouched teacup, and then looked at Qiu Baozhu for a second. Qiu Baozhu gave her a back look. They both knew that this was where the entire thing would be settled.

    In the evening of the day, Qiu Mengmin, the Duke of Xihe, passed away.

    Senior Concubine Bian, who poisoned and killed Commandery Princess Ningtai, died before the Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s decree arrived. Her title, a senior concubine, was stripped. As her title was stripped, she was buried with concubine rites.

    Qiu Hongzhi, the man who was almost killed by Princess Yang and was carrying the charge of murdering his sister and provoking his father to be angry to death, had only one way to go ¨C death.

    Qiu Mingzhu¡¯s end was not good either. In the beginning, her husband¡¯s family agreed to let her enter the house because her aunt was a much-loved senior concubine. Now, her backer was gone and she had fallen for the crime of negligence that caused her own father to death. These reasons were good excuses to divorce her!

    Senior Concubine Bian¡¯s son, the Eighth young master, Qiu Maozhi, died without a clear date. The reason for his death was unclear either. But people who knew about it had a tacit agreement. They all tacitly agreed not to mention it. They just sighed with emotion about the tragedy of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe and the bitter fate of Qiu Yinzhi, the newly appointed Duke of Xihe.

    The promise Jinzhu Kuang Qingwu made to marry Qiu in the pce in front of Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang was also forgotten as if it never happened.

    The news about the tragedy that happened at the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe didn¡¯tst long. Theing events that the Prince of Zhou was about to get married and that the Seventh Prince would be bestowed Prince¡¯s title turned it into old news.

    When the summer vacation was over and when all were on the way back to the capital, people¡¯s concern would focus on the two uing royal weddings.

 Chapter 283 - How and Why Did Miscarriage Happen?

    <h4>Chapter 283 How and Why Did Miscarriage Happen?</h4>

    For ordinary people, the news about who and who got married in the royal family was a new topic; but for those who had long known the news, they were little interested in it.

    To Qiu Yn, in particr, she did not care about it. After returning to the capital, there was a concern waiting for her: Qiu Jinn and Ruan Ciyi¡¯s mourning period was over.

    With Xue Chang and the Jiang Family as supporters of Qiu Jinn, he did not need to worry about his position.

    But for his insistence on a west trip, Qiu Yn and Ruan Ciyi were worried a lot.

    ¡°About this, I have already made up my mind. You don¡¯t need to stop me anymore!¡± Qiu Jinn lightly interrupted them, who were trying to stop him from travelling west. He put a roster on the table and said, ¡°Those are the families I picked for Ciyi. I have already explored the background of the families. They are all good families... You take a look. If you are interested in some one, go and meet him personally.¡±

    Ruan Ciyi, who had just pulled out her handkerchief and was ready to cry, said in surprise, ¡°Are you kidding? I¡¯m old...¡±

    A thirtysomething was really old on this day ¨C most people already had grandchildren.

    But Qiu Jinn had his thoughts, ¡°Although you are no longer young, you are still in your prime. I can¡¯t let you live your life alone like this.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Ruan Ciyi said unhappily, ¡°I have you and Yn! You don¡¯t like me at home anymore?¡±

    ¡°Of course not...¡±

    Ruan Ciyi unceremoniously interrupted his words, ¡°In that case, if you do not mind me living in your house, I can take care of your house when you are not at home. That will be perfect! After you get married, I will enjoy even more happiness! In the future, after you have children and grandchildren, I can also give you a hand! Why do you give me this roster?¡±

    ¡°Ciyi, you don¡¯t want to have your own children?¡± Qiu Jinn pointed to the roster, ¡°There are many men who have no children. And they are healthy, honest, and generous...¡±

    ¡°Anyway, I don¡¯t want to get married!¡± Ruan Ciyi¡¯s face became gloomy. ¡°You go and get married if you think he is good!¡±

    Qiu Jinn listened to her huffed words. He was at a loss. He wanted to say something but he was afraid that his words might provoke Ruan Ciyi again. So, he made a wink to Qiu Yn and excused himself, ¡°Ling Zui is on his way here. I go to the front hall, waiting for him.¡±

    After he left, Qiu Yn cautiously said, ¡°Ciyi, Jinn did not mean to hurt you. He cares about you...¡±

    ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t know what he means well?¡± Ruan Ciyi looked at her with aplicated expression. She added, ¡°What I said that he dislikes me and others, I did not mean it, either! But did you ever think that he is so eager to get me married just because he is afraid that I will be alone in the future?¡±

    She dismissed the crowd and said in a low voice, ¡°I am worried that he is not sure about his west trip, but he can¡¯t let go of his aunt and uncle¡¯s revenge and has to make such a trip ¨C He is afraid that if he fails to return, I won¡¯t be able to manage the house. So, he hurried to find me a man!¡±

    In the first ce, Qiu Yn was very worried about Qiu Jinn¡¯s trip to the west. After hearing Ruan Ciyi¡¯s words, she felt more worried about him.

    However, Qiu Jinn was a typical paternalistic man. He wouldn¡¯t allow his two sisters to defy his order. Seeing that Ruan Ciyi always refused to get married, Qiu Yn always ran over to persuade him not to travel west, and even said to force Jiang Yashuang to stop him. He was angry. He decided to choose a man for Ruan Ciyi himself and make her get married as soon as possible.

    He even said ¡°If you dare to forget the feud between the two families, I will break off the brother-sister rtionship with you¡± to Qiu Yn, which made her obediently shut up!

    Qiu Yn, who did not dare to persuade her brother again after hearing his words, fought her way back to her house. Just the moment she entered, Xiaran greeted her with a gloomy face, reporting, ¡°Madame, fourteenth madame... She has a miscarriage!¡±

    ¡°How is that possible?!¡± Qiu Yn was shocked. Seeing that there were no others around, she asked in a low voice, ¡°Didn¡¯t I ask you to tell her about the cakesst time? How did that happen?¡±

    Xiaran gave a bitter smile, ¡°It is said that because of the twelfth young master in grandsons. He is naughty. He hid a snake in his sleeve, ran to meet the fourteenth madame, and let the fourteenth madame guess what he was carrying in his sleeve... Although they have pulled the snake¡¯s teeth, the fourteenth madame was scared to death when she touched it...¡±

    Jiang Jingzhui, the twelfth young master in grandsons, was the son of Jiang Yaqing, the sixth young master. Although he was only six years and he could defend himself by saying he was young and naive, there was a saying, ¡°Father is to me for his son¡¯s faults.¡± Thus, the feud between the family of He Shuijin and the family of Jiang Yaqing began!

    ¡°I didn¡¯t hear that Madame Shi and Madame Zhang defied their mother-inw before. He Shuijin is both shrewd and delicate. She is less likely to cause trouble for her aunt. Is Madame He out of her mind?¡± Qiu Yn believed that Jiang Jingzhui must be instigated and guided by someone else. As a six-year-old child, even in ancient times, he was old enough to be sensible. Not to mention the generation where boys and girls had different tables at the age of seven. A twelve-or-thirteen-year-old child should be deemed as an adult. How could he be so undisciplined?

    And if Jiang Jingzhui was being used, Madame He, who had tried to cause trouble for her daughter-inw in the past, was undoubtedly the most likely culprit behind it!

    Qiu Yn frowned tightly for a moment before saying, ¡°Go and get prepared. I¡¯ll go and check it out!¡±

    Xiaran said, ¡°I have packed something... Not sure if it is enough.¡±

    ¡°Even if we give Shuijin a treasure bowl now, I¡¯m afraid she does not care about it. It is just a demonstration of how much we care about her,¡± Qiu Yn pursed her lips. He Shuijin was so scared of the snake that she had a miscarriage, which was much more serious than a miscarriage caused by eating a cake. This could lead to He Shuijin¡¯s death! If this was really Madame He¡¯s intention, she was a demon. Even if she did not care about her daughter-inw or her own niece, she must know that the one He Shuijin was carrying was her own grandchild!

    When she arrived at He Shuijin¡¯s yard, Madame Dou and Madame Dou Junior had arrived earlier than her. Madame Shi and Madame Zhang, needless to say, were serving around ¨C Madame Shi¡¯s eyes were red and swollen from crying. She looked upset. There was dust on the top of her skirt at the knee, and there were bruises on her forehead, which obviously demonstrated that she apologized and kowtowed just now.

    The two generations of sisters-inw crowded the spacious inner room. Qiu Yn arrivedter than them. She had to stand outside the crowd.

    Although there was a room of visitors, He Shuijin did not say hello to any of them. She was lying in the half-open mosquito, giving her back to the crowd. No matter who came, she had no response.

    Everyone knew she must be in a very bad mood at the moment. So, they could understand what she did. They spoke to her warmly and softly forfort.

    Qiu Yn stood in the crowd for a while, seeing no opportunity to talk to He Shuijin alone. So, she quietly retreated. She wanted to find if any confidant maids were not serving inside so that she could ask about the situation privately.

    When she went outside on the corridor, she saw anxious and guilty-looking Madame He, who was apanying Madame Tao. Madame He said sincerely as she was walking, ¡°It¡¯s all my fault. An overly tolerant mother will lead to spoiling her children! Usually, it doesn¡¯t matter if I spoil Jingzhui. However, I spoiled him so much that he did such a heartless thing! I really don¡¯t know how I can exin to you and the He Family now!¡±

    Madame Tao¡¯s face was grave and cold. She said dismissively, ¡°Since this is your son¡¯s trouble, I¡¯ll leave it up to you to use your discretion! I came here just for Shuijin. What a poor girl she is. Before she was married, she had done a lot of work for the family. But now she is in such a situation! It¡¯s unbelievable!¡±

    With a twinkle in her eye, Madame He bowed his head and said, ¡°Yes!¡±

    Qiu Yn had a cold smile in her heart. Madame He could sacrifice everything it took for her end. Jiang Jingzhui was Madame Shi¡¯s grandson. After he did such a thing, his grandmother criticized him for being ¡°unbelievable¡±, which meant that his future was bleak!

    At this time, Madame Tao and her followers also arrived close to Qiu Yn. Qiu Yn bowed: ¡°Grandmother, Madame He!¡±

    Madame Tao was concerned about He Shuijin. She was not in the mood to say back. After nodding, she crossed the threshold and went into the room. But Madame He did not follow her immediately. She paused and said softly to Qiu Yn like ¡°We are family. No need to salute. Have you seen Shuijin yet?¡±

    Seeing Madame Tao going into the room without greeting but Madame He stopped to say hello to her, Qiu Yn was surer that He Shuijin¡¯s miscarriage had something to do with Madame He, ¡°The affection Madame Tao to He Shuijin is growing as the time goes. They have no blood rtionship. However, Madame Tao hurried to see He Shuijin as she cared for her so much. As He Shuijin¡¯s aunt, Madame He did not go into the room directly instead of stopping to inquire from me. She must have a guilty conscience and dared not face He Shuijin.¡±

    But, the tragic part was that He Shuijin was Madame He¡¯s niece. If the two of them had not married into the same family, with the character of He Shuijin, she would have reported what she did to her after knowing that there was something wrong with the cakes.

    If Madame He were revealed to have poisoned her own daughter-inw, the entire reputation of the He Family would have been tarnished. In that case, it would be not good for He Shuijin herself and it would be an oue she did not want to see.

    ¡°I guess it is He Shuijin who kept silent after she knew that Madame He did something bad, which caused Madame He dared to do something much worse. Or, Madame He also knew that even after He Shuijin found out about her poisoning, she wouldn¡¯t reveal it.¡± Qiu Yn thought to herself and sighed. ¡°What a tragedy to have such a rtive.¡±

    Madame He stopped and spoke to her after a few words, and then they heard Madame Tao¡¯s trembling voiceing from inside, ¡°Shuijin? Shuijin? Good girl. Don¡¯t do this. You are young. You still have a future! Will you say anything? Or turn around and let Grandma look at you, okay?¡±

    Immediately afterward, Madame Dou and the others followed tofort, speaking at the same time. Although what they said was trying tofort He Shuijin, Madame Tao got annoyed andshed out at them, ¡°Stop it! All get out!¡±

    Since Qiu Yn got married, this was the first time for her to see Madame Tao lose her temper with family members rather than her maids and concubines. She was startled, ¡°It seems that Madame Tao has a high regard for He Shuijin.¡±

    Although she was startled, Madame He was heartened. She took the opportunity to go in and mediate, ¡°Mother wants to talk to Shuijin alone for a while. Sisters-inw, why don¡¯t we wait outside?¡± She also called her nieces and daughters-inw, ¡°Come out and wait at the door. If Mother needs something, she will call us.¡±

    So, mesdames and young mesdames excused themselves and all stood at the door ¡ª All of them crowded together in the corridor. It was only the beginning of autumn, not hot or cold. As they were afraid of disturbing Madame Tao and He Shuijin inside, they couldn¡¯t talk with each other. So, they were standing face to face and feeling awkward.

    Seeing this, Madame He regretted that what she had just said was unthoughtful and led to this cold scene. She was trying to ease the atmosphere when she heard intermittent cryinging from inside. Madame Tao must whisper something to He Shuijin, which touched He Shuijin who had been silent.

    Madame Dou exchanged a nce with Huang and Madame Mi. At the same time, they revealed a relieved look. They whispered, ¡°Mother is a mother. She can finally persuade Shuijin to talk... That¡¯s so great!¡±

    Madame He took the opportunity to say, ¡°Then let¡¯s leave them alone and go home first. Let the maids stand here and wait for orders.¡±

    Madame He was the host. She led the way in front and led everyone to the Flower Hall for tea. Qiu Yn followed the crowd. Suddenly Madame Dou Junior slowed herself down,ing to her and saying softly, ¡°Yn, let¡¯s go togetherter?¡±

 Chapter 284 - Give My Brother More Suits of Silk Armor

    <h4>Chapter 284 Give My Brother More Suits of Silk Armor</h4>

    It would be fine if Madame Dou Junior did note to Qiu Yn to talk. However, she dide and talk with her, which reminded Qiu Yn of the pill ¨C Empress Jiang swore that the first branch would definitelypensate her for the pill. She also promised that if thepensation were not good enough, Marquess Qin and the Empress herself would not let go of the first branch ¨C But nothing had happened so far.

    Afterward, the first branch just sent a pile of gold and silver jewelry to her. But in Qiu Yn¡¯s dowry, there were many valuable objects, which filled several boxes. Qiu Yn was not interested in the gift they sent. She brushed away the gift list and told the maids to put it in the warehouse without seeing them.

    However, the first branch acted as if nothing had happened since then. They did not even mention it when they met Qiu Yn.

    If it weren¡¯t for the fact that Jiang Yashuang was so busy that he had lost weight, Qiu Yn would have argued with them in the first ce!

    Atst, she gave up the idea to argue with them, which didn¡¯t mean she wouldn¡¯t argue with them in the future. She had already remembered this firmly ¨C and now Madame Dou Junior was talking about going with her. Who knew if she wanted something from her again?!

    Qiu Yn thought, if there were not so many people around, she would have rolled up her sleeves and pped her. You people from the first branch were shameless.

    Although she didn¡¯t p her, her face that instantly grimaced up still made Madame Dou Junior understand that she was furious at the moment. Madame Dou Junior immediately exined, ¡°I have something important to tell you!¡±

    Qiu Yn definitely would not believe her words anymore. The sudden trap given to her by Madame Tao and Empress Jiang had made her feel that there were no kind people in her husband¡¯s entire family!

    So she sneered. Ignoring Madame Dou Junior, she walked straight and faster to Mi Yinyin.

    Nevertheless, when everyone left, Madame Dou Junior insisted on walking with her ¨C among the three sisters-inw of the fourth branch, Madame Tao Junior was sick, and she could note to visit He Shuijin. Now Sheng Shishui was past the third month of pregnancy. Although she was allowed to walk around and she wanted to visit He Shuijin, she was stopped by the elders, including Madame He. Because they believed that to meet a woman who had a miscarriage was not a good thing for another pregnant woman.

    In this manner, the only one who coulde to see He Shuijin from the fourth branch was Qiu Yn. She now had no one to apany her back and could not walk beside the others like before to avoid Madame Dou Junior.

    However, being followed by Madame Dou Junior, Qiu Yn was not happy either. After walking to a secluded corner, she stopped suddenly, turning around and barking, ¡°What the hell do you want to do? Do you really think I¡¯m a little sheep, don¡¯t you?!¡±

    Madame Dou Junior was also unhappy: I knew you were unhappy, but I was also unhappy, okay? It was my sister-inw¡¯s fault, which had nothing to do with me from the beginning!

    Madame Dou, who was afraid that Qiu Yn would not save her face, sent Madame Dou Junior to talk with Qiu Yn. Madame Dou Junior, as a daughter-inw, had to take the me. She forced a smile, ¡°Yn, you really wronged me this time. My intentions are good ¨C Your brother, he will go west next year, right?¡±

    Seeing her mention Qiu Jinn, Qiu Yn became even warier. Her eyes were full of defensiveness. Madame Dou Junior felt helpless. She hurried to make a long story short, ¡°I apologize to you for what happened before. The gift list we gave you at Mount Dizi was not worth much. It was just a token of appreciation. Our real gift is the silk armor!¡±

    Filled with anger, Qiu Yn calmed down at once after hearing her words, ¡°Silk armor?¡±

    ¡°The silk armor can resist swords and arrows. It is soft and light, looking like an article of regr clothes. You can wear it like underwear, being close to your body to prevent hidden weapons from a base person!¡± Madame Dou Junior thought Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know what the silk armor was. She exined further, ¡°Yashuang should also have one. It looks simr to ordinary underwear. I guess you did not notice it at all.¡±

    After hearing her words, Qiu Yn felt a little better. She knew what the silk armor was. Back then, Qiu Jinn would have killed Jiang Yadan if Jiang Yadan hadn¡¯t been wearing a suit of silk armor. As Madame Dou Junior said, even in the Jiang Family, it was also very precious. The silk armor was not enough for each family member in the Jiang Family. The Jiang Family, of course, would not give it to outsiders. Jiang Yashuang once said he could not get one for Qiu Jinn even with his position in the Jiang Family and the love he enjoyed in the seniors.

    Now, the first branch gave it to Qiu Yn inpensation. Qiu Yn finally smiled. However, they should give it to her earlier. The first branch did not take it out earlier because they did not want to do it in the first ce. They were forced to add it to the list under the pressure of Marquess Qin.

    Thinking of this, Qiu Yn again felt hatred. She asked, ¡°Then how many suits do you give to my brother?¡±

    ¡°How many suits?¡± Madame Dou Junior froze, ¡°It... Even Yazhu doesn¡¯t have one suit.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care how the Jiang family distributes the silk armor. And it is not something I should ask about,¡± said Qiu Yn calmly. She continued, ¡°But you also know very well how dangerous my brother¡¯s trip west is! The silk armor can protect against the base people. Since it is a suit of armor, it can only protect the body¡¯s vital part. But how about the other parts? Also, Kuang Shihan is ruthless, and he has many strong men. As my brother won¡¯t fight with him alone, how about the safety of my brother¡¯s confidants?¡±

    Madame Dou Junior indignantly ryed what Qiu Yn said to Jiang Tianao and Madame Dou. Madame Dou¡¯s face was blue with anger after hearing it. She pped the table and shouted, ¡°Qiu Yn is obviously delusional! Although her pill is precious, the silk armor is also a rare thing. Moreover, she just gave us one pill. After we ate it, it was gone. But the armor can always be used for body protection in life! If Marquess Qin did not press us to give it to her, we wouldn¡¯t offer it to her at all. Even our family¡¯s children do not have one for each of them.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t overreact. Even though we did not have the trouble made by unfilial Jiang Qiyun to deal with, Marquess Qin would ask us to give it to her as he had decided to find a reason to do it to protect Qiu Jinn.¡± Jiang Tianao lightly said. He added, ¡°After all, we have to count on him to deal with the Western Army. Qiu Yn must be safe before Kuang Shihan steps down. He must seed! Now, we are just returning the favor with what Marquess Qin decided to give him a long time ago. You don¡¯t need to be angry.¡±

    Madame Dou said angrily, ¡°Tianao! You have heard our daughter-inw¡¯s words. Qiu Yn is greedy and wants to extort us! If we satisfy her this time, who knows if she will ask more from us? We can¡¯t let her go on like this.¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have a choice anyway. Add it. It¡¯s not a big deal,¡± Jiang Tianao gave a coldugh. He continued, ¡°Don¡¯t forget that even if Qiu Jinn can take back the Western Army from Kuang Shihan, he has no ability to manage it as he has no supporters and he is too young.¡±

    Madame Dou was startled. Jiang Tianao continued, ¡°Tianchi manages the Northern Army very well. The Northern Army is like an airtight bag now. Our family members who work in the Western Army are in high positions but they can do nothing important! On the contrary, the members of the Ou Family are put in important positions! I am thinking of getting in touch with Qiu Jinn to control the Western Army in the future. Don¡¯t lose the main goal because of small gains. As Qiu Yn thought that one suit was not enough, and our first son was always escorted by a crowd when he was out, we give his armor to her. Give her two suits. And, don¡¯t forget the one Father gave us in private before. Take that one, too. I think three suits are enough for her! Oh, by the way, you go and get the poison bead I asked you to get in the warehouse days ago. Give it to her, too!¡±

    The Jiang Family had limited suits of silk armor. Therefore, the Jiang Family could only consider giving it to the children of wives. However, Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei were friendly to their eldest brother. Therefore, even if Kui Xiannan stayed in his hometown, doing nothing, they insisted on giving him two suits of silk armor, just in case. The children of the second and fifth branches were not included.

    Kui Xiannan loved his grandson very much. After hearing that his eleventh grandson Jiang Yahong, a concubine son, did not have the silk armor, he decided to give one to Jiang Yahong without the others¡¯ knowledge. However, the person who was sent over gave the silk armor to Madame Dou ¨C Jiang Yahong¡¯s official mother ¨C along with the letter. She was a woman who had caused trouble for the concubines¡¯ children for thirty years. Surely enough, she would not give the silk armor to Jiang Yahong. Therefore, she found herself an excuse and withheld the silk armor.

    About what Madame Dou did, although Jiang Tianao did not say it publicly, he was aware of it.

    After hearing his words, Madame Dou¡¯s face changed instantly. Out of selfishness, she withheld the silk armor to suppress Jiang Yahong and intended to leave it for her maternal brothers or nephews. However, she did not do so because there were many children in her maternal family. She did not know whom she should give. And the second reason was Marquess Qin repeatedly affirmed that no outsiders were allowed to have it unless the Jiang Family children had one for each. In case her action was revealed... And others knew that she withheld the silk armor her father-inw gave to his grandson, she would provoke Kui Xiannan for sure. At that time, even her husband, Jiang Tianao, could not protect her!

    It was for fear of provoking Marquess Qin that she kept it in her private warehouse.

    But unexpectedly, Qiu Yn required more suits. It turned out that she kept it for Qiu Jinn!

    Madame Dou was reluctant, ¡°For a long time, Qiu Yn has had a bad rtionship with us. She had quarreled with Qijun and beat up our daughter-inw. Qiu Jinn has always been very concerned about Qiu Yn. Even if we deliberately want to be friendly to him now, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s impossible. We may suffer a double loss in the end!¡±

    Jiang Tianao red at her and scolded, ¡°You woman know nothing! If Qiu Jinn is so petty, how does Marquess Qin expect him to fight with Kuang Shihan? Besides, the conflicts between Qiu Yn and our children are just small conflicts. It¡¯s not a feud at all! How can¡¯t it be resolved?¡±

    He warned her again, ¡°This time is a good opportunity for us to intervene in military affairs. We missed the opportunityst time, and the fourth branch took advantage of it! If we miss it again this time, Darui won¡¯t have a third elite division for us! If you dare to ruin my n because of your own anger, don¡¯t me me for being unkind to you!¡±

    He didn¡¯t care if his reprimand would put Madame Dou on the spot. He continued in a stern voice to Madame Dou Junior, ¡°You, too! Got it!?¡±

    Madame Dou Junior didn¡¯t dare to raise her head. She carefully said, ¡°Yes, Father!¡±

    Madame Dou took orders and went to pack the things. However, she just hid the pigeon egg-sized poison bead in her sleeve. Then she went to find Qiu Yn and said, ¡°The reason why I didn¡¯t tell you about the silk armor until I returned to the capital is that I was afraid others would know about it. If that happens, the armor will not have much meaning for self-defense. So for the sake of the silk armor, you need to go to the Ruan Family to find your brother, exin to him about it and ask him to send a reliable man to fetch it somewhere.¡±

    She told her the name of the ce. Then she took out a brocade box from her sleeve, ¡°This bead doesn¡¯t take up much space. So I take it with me.¡±

    She exined that anyone, who held it in the mouth, could be invulnerable to all poisons.

    Qiu Yn curiously looked at the poison bead. It was gray and hazy, nothing unusual. She thought to herself, ¡°I don¡¯t believe in the integrity of the first branch. I¡¯d better let Jinn try this bead before using it.¡±

    After receiving three suits of silk armor, a poison bead and an exnation of why thispensation came sote, Qiu Yn finally feltforted. Instantly she felt thrilled. She then kept saying sweet words. She changed from arrogance to humility so quickly that Madame Dou Junior felt embarrassed. Seeing that she had said everything she needed to say, she hurriedly excused herself!

    After she left, Qiu Yn held the poison bead in her hand and immediately became stern. She coldly snorted, ¡°You think I don¡¯t know your game? To be nice to me all of a sudden, you must covet the Western Army. Do you want to sit idle and enjoy the fruits that my brother risks his life to attain on a trip west with only those gifts? What a pipe-dream!¡±

    Su He was about to answer when Chen Shui, who had previously been sent by Qiu Yn to deliver pears to Sheng Shishui, returned. She said that everything was fine with Sheng Shishui. And then she said, ¡°I saw Miss Qizhuan on my way back. She didn¡¯t look well. Her nursemaid helped her to walk and she kept crying... Mom Hu followed her. Her face looked bad, too. She kept saying to Miss Qizhuan, asking her not to cry. No more words. I have no idea what happened.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s face was expressionless for a long time before she said, ¡°Okay! I will talk with Yashuangter about it!¡±

    Madame Tao showed her hand to Jiang Qizhuan ultimately!

 Chapter 285 - Urgent Military Situation!

    <h4>Chapter 285 Urgent Military Situation!</h4>

    Jiang Yashuang came back at dusk. Qiu Yn told him with a gloomy face that Jiang Qizhuan was sent away while crying. After hearing that, he didn¡¯t even have time to take a sip of tea and went to Madame Tao in a hurry.

    But he was dismissed after a short while. Madame Tao totally evaded the matter and told Jiang Yashuang to talk to Empress Jiang when he went to the pce the next day.

    ¡°In my opinion, you going to the pce tomorrow and talking to the Empress won¡¯t make a difference!¡± After hearing that, Qiu Yn kept sneering, ¡°Her Majesty has made up her mind. Will she change her mind so easily?¡± Of course, there was still one way to let Empress Jiang and Madame Tao¡¯s n fall through. That was to let Princess Yongfu know about it and let her make a fuss about it... They couldn¡¯t do anything to Yongfu no matter how angry and resentful they were.

    However, doing so would offend the Empress and Madame Tao deeply and also open up rifts between her and Jiang Yashuang. After all, Jiang Yashuang disapproved of Chu Chunxiao marrying Xiao Su. But he didn¡¯t want Yongfu to marry Xiao Su either.

    If he had to choose between Chu Chunxiao and Yongfu, she believed that he would choose Yongfu.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk tomorrow!¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed. He knew that his wife told the truth. His look was gloomier.

    However, when he went to the pce to see the Empress the next day, he was stopped outside of Beique Hall, ¡°Empress Dowager Ye is here and talking to Her Majesty. Young Master Yashuang, please wait!¡±

    Hearing that, Jiang Yashuang knew that Empress Dowager Ye was there for Chu Chunxiao. She was protected by the Jiang Family. She always stayed in and paid no attention to the affairs of human life. She kept a really low profile. At least, Jiang Yashuang never heard of her being in Beique Hall. Who else could make here here other than the bloodline of the crown prince of the former emperor¡¯s reign, Chu Chunxiao?

    As expected, he waited outside for a while. A stooped old woman stumbled out after the door was opened. Empress Dowager Ye wasn¡¯t much older than Empress Dowager Gu. She was the second wife of the former emperor not the first one after all. However, Empress Dowager Gu looked in her prime. Empress Dowager Ye looked like her elder.

    The maid who was holding her looked old, too. Their faces were both covered with tears. And they both looked numb. Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t need to look at their faces. Just judging by their heavy footsteps, he knew that they didn¡¯t get what they asked for.

    Jiang Yashuang sighed inwardly and stepped aside to bow. But Empress Dowager Ye was absent-minded at that moment and didn¡¯t notice him. She just stumbled away.

    Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s entreaty was fruitless. Jiang Yashuang¡¯s plea was unsessful either.

    Empress Jiang who was so afraid that Princess Yongfu would insist on marrying Xiao Su refused topromise in spite of her nephew¡¯s obstinacy, ¡°I would never let Xiao Su leave the city. Xiao Su has been ill since he was born. He can¡¯t stand a long journey! If I dispatch him to somece far away, it will kill him. How could Yongfu let me off the hook if I do so? If I dispatch him to somece nearby, Yongfu will be able to find him. Since I can¡¯t separate them, what else do you think I can do other than marrying Chunxiao to Xiao Su which will make Yongfu forget about himpletely?¡±

    ¡°But you just suspect it. You didn¡¯t even talk to Yongfu. Perhaps, Yongfu just respects Xiao Su? You will ruin Chunxiao¡¯s life just because of suspicion. The third cousin only has this one daughter...¡±

    ¡°I also only have this one daughter!¡± Empress Jiang shouted angrily, ¡°You adore your cousin. Can you also adore me? She marries Chu Weishang who is a fool. I marry the Emperor who is also brainless. He is no better than Chu Weishang! She has had a hard time these years. But do you think I have had an easy time being the head of the harem?¡±

    At this point, Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t say anything more. He was silent for a while and then said slightly, ¡°Your goal is to make Yongfu forget about Xiao Su, not to marry Chunxiao to Xiao Su. Xiao Su still has to be in mourning for more than one year. Let Chunxiao engage with him but postpone the wedding. If Yongfu marries Bicheng during this period and they have a good time, then we break their engagement. How about this?¡±

    Empress Jiang choked back her anger and said, ¡°Unless Yongfu is pregnant before they get married!¡±

    ¡°Then how about postponing the wedding a little more, like three years?¡±

    When the Empress was about to answer, Nijin went in a hurry. She said in a serious look, ¡°Your Majesty, an urgent report came from the Western Army. Her Majesty asked you to go to Hall of Taishi to discuss it!¡±

    Hearing that, they were both shocked. They stood up together, ¡°How urgent is it? Do you know what it is about?¡±

    ¡°Three hundred kilometers express!¡± Nijin said in a low voice, ¡°It should be about the attack of the western savages!¡± Messages delivered at that time were divided into four levels ording to the urgent level and importance of the message. The four levels were traveling one hundred and fifty kilometers a day, traveling two hundred kilometers a day, traveling three hundred kilometers a day and traveling four hundred kilometers a day. Four hundred kilometers express was the fastest and most urgent one. Three hundred kilometers express was already important enough to hold a meeting for.

    However, Empress Jiang wasn¡¯t nervous after hearing that. Instead, she sneered and said to Jiang Yashuang, ¡°Qiu Jinn¡¯s mourning period is over. The Kuang Family can¡¯t sit tight as expected!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said tly, ¡°Guilty of the crime!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s obvious that although the Ruan Family and the Qiu Family are in decline, they still have a huge impact on the Western Army. Because no capable offspring of these two families went to the Western Army back then, Kuang Shihan is able to be the leader until now!¡± Empress Jiang sneered, ¡°Otherwise, Kuang Shihan won¡¯t send an urgent message to the city right after the rumor of Qiu Jinn¡¯s appointmenting out! He¡¯s obviously afraid of Qiu Jinn going there!¡±

    Beique Hall and Hall of Taishi were all inside the imperial pce. But they were located in two different areas and were far away from each other.

    So, all the important officials who were alerted by the three hundred kilometers express arrived before the Empress. Premier and Chief Imperial Secretary Xue Chang, Schr of the Hanlin Academy Cheng Jin, Duke of Huainan and Minister of the Ministry of Revenue Earl of Jingchuan were from the neutral party. Deputy Premier and Privy Counselor Tang Zimo, Censor-in-chief Qiu Dian, Assistant Minister of Ministry of Justice Duan Qun and Minister of the Ministry of War Yin Ming were from the Empress Dowager¡¯s party. Marquess Qin, Deputy Premier and Head of the Secretariat Jiang Tianao, Assistant Minister of War Jiang Tianqi, Imperial Edict Editor of the Central Secretariat Jiang Tiancan and Chancellor Dou were from the Empress¡¯s party... Hall of Taishi was full of high-level officials. The servants guarding the hall were silent.

    Just when the Empress and Jiang Yashuang went through the door, they heard Assistant Minister of Ministry of Justice Duan Qun saying vehemently, ¡°Shazhou is where the main camp of the Western Army is. And it has been a military stronghold since ancient times! If we lose that ce, the western savages will be able to attack the maind! When that timees, the people will be plunged into an abyss of misery. Who can afford such a fault? Ruan Qingyan is just twenty. Even if he is brilliant, how could he handle a real military matter?¡±

    Qiu Jinn took up an appointment as the Chief of Staff of Shazhou.

    ording to the official hierarchy of Darui, the Chief of Staff was the assistant of the Prefectural Governor who was a local military governor taking charge of the prefectural military.

    Of course, the Western Army was located outside of Shazhou city and Xingkang Grand Princess¡¯s Mansion was even built inside the city. But the military force which the Chief of Staff of Shazhou was in charge of wasn¡¯t the Western Army. On the contrary, it could be counted as the Western Army¡¯s enemy. They didn¡¯t need to worry about the savages¡¯ invasion because the Western Army was there. They worried if the Western Army would rebel.

    In simple terms, they were the means of how the government prevented the border army from insurrection.

    This army was certainly no match for the Western Army in a real fight. But since the government put them in such a position, they surely gave them the means to restrain the Western Army. For example, when the army provisions of the Western Army arrived at Shazhou, the provisions were all stored inside the city on the ground of insecurity outside of the city. If the Western Army wanted to take the provisions, they needed to get the permission from both the Prefectural Governor of Shazhou and the Chief of Staff of Shazhou. And they weren¡¯t allowed to take arge amount if there was no war!

    Of all the restrictions, the biggest problem of the Empress Dowager¡¯s party was that the Western Army wasn¡¯t allowed to go into the city. But the soldiers of Shazhou were allowed as long as they had the warrant from the Prefectural Governor or the Chief of Staff!

    In that case, as long as Qiu Jinn arrived at Shazhou city safely, Empress Dowager¡¯s party would start to worry about Kuang Shihan¡¯s safety. After all, Xingkang Grand Princess was inside the city. Kuang Shihan couldn¡¯t keep staying away from the city, could he?

    At that moment, Duan Qun hoped to stop Qiu Jinn from going there taking advantage of the urgent military situation.

    However, just when he finished speaking, Imperial Edict Editor of the Central Secretariat Jiang Tiancan contradicted at once, ¡°The saying goes that man¡¯s will doesn¡¯t depend on the number of his age. Ruan Qingyan got the Jinshi title at eighteen. He was recruited to Hanlin Academy by the Emperor. His ability is evident! Why can¡¯t he be the Chief of Staff of Shazhou? Do you think that what you couldn¡¯t do when you were young couldn¡¯t be done by others?¡±

    The Empress went in when they were about to start mocking each other. Duan Qun had to shut up sullenly and greeted the Empress with others.

    Empress Jiang was happy that she arrived in time that everyone was there. But the war hadn¡¯t begun yet. She asked them to stand up nicely and then greeted Empress Dowager Gu casually. She went up the red stairs and instructed others to arrange her seat.

    And Jiang Yashuang walked towards Marquess Qin gently and stood behind him.

    He was the only junior there. He couldn¡¯t help attracting attention.

    Especially Jiang Tianao and the other two, they looked calm. But they all felt some remorse, ¡°We should have gotten along with Tianluan if we had known she would have such power. The Fourth brother and his wife aren¡¯t in the city. Just because Yashuang is raised by the second aunt, he gets to participate in all the big events because of Tianluan¡¯s support! He¡¯s already brilliant. And Tianluan adores him. Our kids will be suppressed by him in the future!¡±

    Empress Jiang¡¯s power was suppressed by Empress Dowager Gu now. And Marquess Qin was the real leader of the Empress¡¯s party. She couldn¡¯t do whatever she wanted. But Jiang Yashuang had already taken a lot of advantages because of her favor. When the Empress became Empress Dowager, how bright his future would be?

    But that moment wasn¡¯t the time to bother about it. Regret and envy passed quickly through their minds. Then they focused on the current matter. The Empress was there. She hadn¡¯t read the report yet. Of course, the discussion couldn¡¯t continue until she had finished reading.

    Empress Jiang took over the memorial from Maid Zheng and looked through it. She frowned a bit, ¡°This report really makes it sound like a big deal. It¡¯s said that there were wildfires on a few main pastures of the western savages inte spring, which led to severely short of food and grass for the livestock!¡±

    If that was all, they could arrange the trade caravan to exchange winter supplies for the cattle and sheep that they couldn¡¯t keep alive in order to stop the war.

    But Kuang Shihan mentioned another problem, ¡°Brothers and nephews of the current chief of the western savages rebelled years ago. And he killed them all. Maybe he was cursed by his rtives before they died. His sons and grandsons all died young. Now he only has a daughter. Let alone how beautiful Princess Asemu is in the savages¡¯ eyes, marrying her will have a chance to be the chief. Just this one reason is worth of all the leaders of the western savages striving to be the first in pursuing her!¡±

    But there was only one princess. All those people wanted to marry her. Most of them were in the same status. If they wanted the chief and the princess to pick them, it was inevitable for them to pick a fight with Darui since they believed in bravery and strength all along.

    Especially, now they had a good reason!

    ¡°If what he said is true, wars will definitely break out in Xijiang this winter!¡± Empress Jiang didn¡¯t know what to do. Although she was born in a family of generals and she could fire an arrow and tame a horse, she knew a little about how to fight a battle. Judging by the military report, it was concrete and logical. She was in a pickle, ¡°We must take over the Western Army. And Xijiang can¡¯t be in chaos... If Kuang Shihan gets what he wants this time, what if he increases his military power year after year?¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu asked tly, ¡°Empress, since you¡¯ve finished reading, you were born in a family of generals. Now you administer affairs of state. I wonder if you have any good idea.¡±

 Chapter 286 - He Was Born to Be It!

    <h4>Chapter 286 He Was Born to Be It!</h4>

    Surely enough, Empress Jiang did not have good countermeasures. She even wanted her ministers to offer her one!

    However, she had been in this stage of politics for several years. Therefore, she was not so frightened by the Empress Dowager¡¯s moves. She gracefully put down the military report. Instead of answering the question, she asked, ¡°Mother, when I entered the hall just now, I seemed to hear Duan Qun saying that it was inappropriate for Ruan Qingyan to be the Chief of Staff of Shazhou? This is really absurd!¡±

    ¡°Why is it absurd?¡± Empress Dowager Gu gave a cold smile. Although she was nearly 60 years old, she still had unfailingly charming phoenix eyes, smilingly looking at the Empress¡¯s face, ¡°Nowadays, Ruan Qingyan is only in his early twenties. In terms of seniority, he worked in the Hanlin Academy for a few months. And his mourning period was over just days ago ¨C I think that it is okay if he is installed as the Prefect of a District Magistrate. But now, he will be the Chief of Staff of a State. And more importantly, Shazhou is critical to our country now! If there were no warsing to us, it would be fine to take time to grow. But, now that there is an impending war on the western border, we don¡¯t have time for him to grow.¡±

    Empress Jiang hummed, ¡°Mother, you mentioned that Ruan Qingyan is young. Why don¡¯t you say that he is the youngest Jinshi in our times? He was born in the family of an officer. The children of ordinary families are far inferior to him.¡±

    ¡°That only means he has potential ¨C but potential takes time!¡± Empress Dowager Gu said indifferently, ¡°He grew up in the south and just stayed in the capital for a few years. He has never been to the west before. Nor has he ever been a Chief of Staff, much less been exposed to military affairs! You have to know that even for an officer who has been in the line for many years, it will take him at least a few months to get familiar with his new post! Not to mention that when they have a heavy work schedule! Let me ask you. Now we have received an emergency letter from Xijiang. Do we have time now for him to get familiar with business and take time to think about what he has to do?!¡±

    Tang Zimo and others echoed, ¡°This is very important. And today, all posts in Shazhou are critical. We can¡¯t take this lightly! Although Ruan Qingyan is very talented, he is too young. The appointment is not suitable!¡±

    The Empress¡¯s party members also wanted to show supports to the Empress, ¡°There are rules for the selection of officers in Darui. It does not say that an officer¡¯s selection should take his age into consideration! Ruan Qingyan has been working at Hanlin Academy. When he was in the Ministry of Civil Service, he took the appearance, speech, culture and logic examinations and passed the examinations. He then was given the post of Chief of Staff of Shazhou after the imperial examination, and the procedures were open. There is no favouritism! Now, you want to cancel his appointment just because of a military report. It¡¯s unfair. You defy the rules of the selection of officers of Darui.¡±

    ¡°That he passed the selection examinations doesn¡¯t mean he can¡¯t be reassigned to another post,¡± Qiu Dian said slowly and methodically, ¡°Does it mean that the officer granted by the Ministry of Civil Service after the exams can¡¯t be reassigned in this lifetime? We are neither saying that Ruan Qingyan can¡¯t be an officer, nor that there are problems with the selection assessment. We think that he is not suitable for the post of Chief of Staff of Shazhou!¡±

    They had always been hostile to each other. The Empress¡¯s party deliberately misinterpreted the facts, and both knew it very well. Therefore, Qiu Dian immediately refuted it.

    Jiang Tianqi sneered, ¡°Qiu Dian, you just said you do not think there is something wrong with the procedures of the exams and assessments. But did you listen to my brother¡¯s words? Ruan Qingyan was assigned to the post after the exams!¡±

    Since the Ministry of Civil Service appointed Ruan Qingyan to be the Chief of Staff of Shazhou, they obviously believed he was qualified! However, you insisted that Ruan Qingyan was ineligible for the post. You deliberately wanted to offend the Ministry.

    Jiang Tianqi waved his hand at Xue Chang before Qiu Dian spoke. He forced a smile, ¡°What do you think, Prime Minister Xue?¡±

    Xue Chang was the Chief Imperial Secretary. He was in charge of the six Ministries. Jiang Tianqi asked his opinion on this matter. It was clear that he was forcing him to make a choice.

    Seeing this, Empress Dowager Gu grew solemn. The air in the Hall of Taishi was growing solemn, too.

    After seeing around, Xue Chang calmly and peacefully made a salute to Empress Dowager Gu and the Empress, ¡°Your Graces, today we gathered for the military letter, which was sent here as an emergency letter. But now, we still did not begin to...¡±

    ¡°Prime Minister Xue, I don¡¯t agree with what you said!¡± Tang Zimo and Jiang Tianao spoke in unison and then frowned at the same time after they finished speaking.

    Xue Chang didn¡¯t turn around to look at them after hearing the words. He said bluntly, ¡°Zimo, Tianao, do you think that Ruan Qingyan¡¯s appointment will affect the impending war on the western frontier? I think there is no need to worry!¡±

    While Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s pupils shrank slightly, Tang Zimo said in a deep voice, ¡°Tell us in detail!¡±

    ¡°The duties of the Chief of Staff of Shazhou are to manage the Shazhou army and to defend Shazhou city, as well as to take charge of the Western Army¡¯s warehouse together with Prefectural Governor,¡± Xue Chang ndly said. He added, ¡°The war on the western frontier is supposed to be the duty of the Western Army, and there is no need for the Shazhou army to participate in the war. In case the Western Army loses the war, and the western savages reach outside Shazhou city, it won¡¯t help at that time if we change the Chief of Staff. So whether the western border is in wartime or in peace time has little impact on his duties. Nor will his talent after taking the post have a great impact on the war situation.¡±

    Tang Zimo frowned, ¡°As Prime Minister Xue said so, if Ruan Qingyan agrees to give up the right to be in charge of the warehouse, I will agree to have him take the post!¡±

    ¡°Since he is the Chief of Staff of Shazhou, why does Zimo want to take away his authority?¡± Jiang Tianao said. He, of course, did not want it to happen. This would be important evidence for Qiu Jinn to deal with Kuang Shihan. How could it be taken away?

    ¡°The army¡¯s warehouse is very, very important. Ruan Qingyan is too young and has little experience. In case there is a dy in sending the equipment and food to the army and something goes wrong because of him, it will be big trouble...¡± Tang Zimo¡¯s words were interrupted by Jiang Yashuang who was silent until now, ¡°Minister Tang, my wife¡¯s brother is the grandson of General Ruan. Many of General Ruan¡¯s colleagues are still serving in the Western Army. How could Ruan Qingyan do detrimental things to the Western Army? Not to mention that after Ruan Qingyan left the capital for his post, he would be in Shazhou. Once the western savages attack our border, the country¡¯s safety depends on the Western Army. When the timees, I believe that he will sincerely hope that the army can immediately destroy the enemy. Because of this, I am sure he will do his best to fulfil his duties.¡±

    Tang Zimo felt very unhappy because of Jiang Yashuang. A group of high-ranked ministers were discussing state affairs. The lowest officer position was the Imperial Edict Editor of the Central Secretariat among them. But Jiang Yashuang, as a junior, was an editor ranked at level seven, dared stand up, interrupted them, and expressed himself.

    There was a group of people from the Jiang Family here. Tang Zimo knew very well that Empress Jiang was aggressive and shrewd. He dared not directly reprimand Jiang Yashuang. So, he said coldly, ¡°You should know that it is easy to know it but difficult to do it. Trying to do your best doesn¡¯t mean you can get things done!¡±

    ¡°But what makes Minister Tang think Ruan Qingyan can¡¯t fulfil his mission?¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°Now Ruan Qingyan is not here. If you have doubts, why don¡¯t you summon Ruan Qingyan over for a meeting and test him personally?¡±

    After hearing these words, all people of Empress Dowager¡¯s party frowned, ¡°Test personally... It will be okay if he fails. But, if he passes the test, he will have one more reason to take the post.¡±

    In fact, after Qiu Jinn¡¯s mourning period was over, he went to the Ministry of Civil Service to take the tests ¨C How could these things be hidden from the ears of the Empress Dowager¡¯s party?

    If there were hidden stories behind the selection procedures, there would be no need for Empress Dowager Gu to deal with it now!

    It was easy for Jiang Yashuang to say the suggestion. If the Empress Dowager party wanted to test Qiu Jinn, the Empress party definitely would stand aside, monitoring the whole test. With Qiu Jinn¡¯s talent, he could easily deal with themon questions. But if he was questioned with tooplicated questions, the people from the Empress¡¯s party would stand up and object!

    So, the Empress Dowager¡¯s party was definitely unwilling to take the risk as they were pondering how to answer. Xue Chang approved the idea suddenly, ¡°It is often said that true gold can survive in fire. We all know there will be a war on the western border. The appointment of an officer there should indeed be more cautious!¡± He also requested that he would not attend the test for the sake of fairness to avoid arousing suspicion when Ruan Qingyan took the test.

    Empress Dowager Gu thought to herself, Xue Chang must have seen that her own people were apprehensive about testing Qiu Jinn again. Yet, he still suggested doing it. It seemed that he had deep feelings for this student.

    ¡°Since Prime Minister Xue said so, summon Ruan Qingyan!¡± Empress Dowager Gu pondered for a moment and said indifferently.

    Qiu Jinn was soon summoned, along with the Ministry of Civil Service officers.

    With the Empress¡¯s party and the Neutral Party standing aside, the Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s party had no chance to ask tough questions to test him. He passed with ease.

    The exam went on for about two hours or so. Qiu Jinn always answered the questions correctly. Tang Zimo, who was in charge of this re-examination, saw that no new questions could be raised, so he had to dryly cough and say it was over.

    With both sides standing along, Qiu Jinn¡¯s performance left the Empress Dowager¡¯s party speechless and they had to agree to his appointment.

    But they didn¡¯t exactly losepletely. Although Tang Zimo would no longer oppose Qiu Jinn¡¯s posting, Empress Dowager Gu immediately said, ¡°In that case, Ruan Qingyan, you quickly go to Shazhou. Then follow the unexpired Chief of Staff to observe and learn to avoid being rusty after taking office next spring and causing big trouble!¡±

    Hearing her words, the Empress¡¯s party was slightly shocked!

    The original date of Ruan Qingyan¡¯s appointment was the middle of spring in the following year. This was aprehensive result considering the term of the current Chief of Staff of Shazhou, the marriage Ruan Qingyan had to manage for his sister after his mourning period, and the arrangement of everything he had to do in the capital before moving to serve... Therefore, both the Empress¡¯s party¡¯s support for him and his own ns were arranged based on this schedule.

    The trip had to start now, which was months ahead of what had been scheduled all along!

    This meant a lot of preparation had yet to be done!

    It also meant that the risks on the way to Qiu Jinn¡¯s appointment would be greatly increased!

    But the Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s words were reasonable, which the Empress¡¯s party could not refuse. They could say nothing, just watching Qiu Jinn promise to pack immediately after returning home.

    This temporary small Imperial Court Assembly was finally over. Being out of the pce, Marquess Qin said to Qiu Jinn, ¡°You are about to travel far. I have some words for you.¡± Hence, it was logical to invite Qiu Jinn to Marquess¡¯s Mansion.

    The spacious study was once again filled with people discussing the emergency letter¡¯s impact from the border.

    Jiang Tianao looked serious, ¡°It seems that the Empress Dowager had nned earlier to force Chunjun to move ahead of schedule. This will catch us off guard!¡±

    This was not aplicated game they couldn¡¯t understand. But the problem was that Qiu Jinn was young and was a green hand in state affairs. This was the severest problem. The war wasing soon, and it was reasonable to doubt his ability ¨C As his supporters, the Empress¡¯s party could do nothing else except desperately prove his ability.

    At this time, the Empress Dowager asked Qiu Jinn to move as early as possible. They could not refuse!

    ¡°Then is it toote to start making arrangements now?¡± Sir Jibei asked. He had only retained his title after his retirement. After hearing a brief description of what happened, he raised the question.

    ¡°We must figure it out!¡± Marquess Qin shook his head. He continued, ¡°With Chunjun¡¯s status, he can¡¯t bring arge number of people along with him. If so, it would be easy to cause denunciation and would also be easily grasped by Kuang Shihan!¡± After all, even if Qiu Jinn brought many men with him, it would be not possible the number amounted to that of the Western Army. If Kuang Shihan got his trip schedule, Jinn would have to face endless murderers before arriving in Shazhou!

    In their original n, the Jiang Family would send men along his trip to protect him. Now that his trip was months earlier, many of the men had not yet arrived at the intended location and some had not even finished their current errands!

    ¡°The Empress Dowager said to go there quickly. That means he must leave within two days or three days, at most. Or he may be punished!¡± Jiang Yashuang added it for his grandfather.

    ¡°Kuang Qingwu is still in the capital!¡± Jiang Tianqi suddenly said. He continued, ¡°Can we also find a way to get him out of the capital, such as sending him to the south?¡±

    Marquess Qin still shook his head, ¡°He is now working under Tang Zimo. Tang Zimo won¡¯t give us a chance to send him out. It is just a waste of time to do it!¡±

    The study was silent for a while. Everyone was thinking hard about how to end the impasse.

    A short whileter, Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°If we can¡¯t get Kuang Qingwu to another ce, how about we find a way to make Kuang Shihan return to Shazhou?¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Marquess Qin frowned, ¡°Tell me about it!¡±

    ¡°Kuang Shihan is eager to let Kuang Qingwu take over his ce in the Western Army. Therefore, he must have prepared it for him in advance. Kuang Qingwu is young. Although he got the title of the Jinshi in this year¡¯s imperial examination, in the army, the title means nothing.¡± Jiang Yashuang calmly said, ¡°If he wants to let Kuang Qingwu establish prestige in the Western Army, the following days are a good opportunity to achieve it!¡±

    War! With war, he could gain a military medal. With the military medal, the soldiers in the army could be convinced to follow him!

    If this n worked, Kuang Shihan would indeed make Kuang Qingwu return to Shazhou to participate in the war, taking the chance to gain a military medal ¨C The emergency letter had been sent to the pce. Whether the western savages really had a n to attack or not, this war was unavoidable. Otherwise, how could Kuang Shihan exin to the court?

    The risks Kuang Qingwu went back certainly would not be smaller than Qiu Jinn¡¯s trip to the west. In terms of fighting face to face, the ¡°Tianya¡± was much weaker than the Western Army. However, in terms of assassination, the ¡°Tianya¡± was a recognized expert!

    If Kuang Shihan wanted to protect his son along his trip, he had to draw some of his men who were originally sent to hunt down Qiu Jinn!

    This was indeed a strategy that could weaken the enemy¡¯s n, but Marquess Qin was not quite satisfied with it, ¡°The n you said is based on the condition that Kuang Qingwu and Chunjun start their trips on the same day. But the Prince of Zhou¡¯s wedding is not until next month. The news of Princess Changping¡¯s wedding has note out until now. But Chunjun has to leave in a few days!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu¡¯s purpose of staying in the capitalst year was to attend the imperial examinations and hold a wedding. These two things were not finished. Hence, he was not going to leave, and he could not leave, either.

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°The Empress Dowager only ordered him to leave as early as possible. She did not say that Chunjun must hurry on with his journey day and night to Shazhou. The distance from here to Shazhou is thousands of miles. It is reasonable for him to dy some days during his trip!¡±

    As long as he left the capital, he was not against Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s order. He could find a ce, hiding over there and waiting for the day when Kuang Qingwu left.

 Chapter 287 - He Beat His Own Son to Death?

    <h4>Chapter 287 He Beat His Own Son to Death?</h4>

    ¡°Please keep this a secret from my sister.¡± When the meeting in the study of Marquess¡¯s Mansion finished, Qiu Jinn asked seriously, ¡°After I leave the city...¡±

    ¡°Remind everybody of that when you go back!¡± This was nothing difficult. Before he could finish, Marquess Qin nodded and ordered people to not mention anything to Qiu Yn. He then voluntarily guaranteed, ¡°And I will take care of Lady Ruan¡¯s marriage. Rest assured!¡±

    Because of his status in the family, what he asked was carried out meticulously.

    Therefore, everyone knew an expedited message came from the west, yet Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know anything. This day when Jiang Yashuang went back, what she cared about was, ¡°What did aunt say about Duanrou¡¯s matter?¡±

    ¡°They will engage first. After a few years, when Yongfu has a child, she will then marry.¡± Jiang Yashuang rubbed in between his eyebrows, ¡°Luckily, she and Xiao Su are not too old now.¡±

    Qiu Yn remembered Chu Chunxiao was the same age as her, so she didn¡¯t agree with that, ¡°After a couple of years, Duanrou will be 20. Will there still be anyone suitable then?¡±

    ¡°My aunt is really worried about her now. Maybe after Yongfu is married, she won¡¯t care about it this much.¡± Jiang Yashuang said gently, ¡°Then we can persuade her. I tried my best to talk to her but this is what I got today.¡±

    ¡°Did you talk to sister?¡± Hearing that, Qiu Yn knew this was the best Empress Jiang would do. She sighed and asked, ¡°She cried home yesterday. She must feel terrible now. If we tell her now, things may get better...¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked embarrassed, ¡°I forgot!¡±

    Before they could deal with Duanrou¡¯s matter, they received the expedited message. He followed Marquess Qin back when they left the Pce. He couldn¡¯t find any time to give a message to Prince Qiyang¡¯s Mansion.

    Qiu Ynined, ¡°How can you not tell her? Can you imagine what¡¯s going on in Prince Qiyang¡¯s Mansion? Sister puts up with everything for so many years and all she has is Duanrou. What if she didn¡¯t think straight?¡±

    Whileining, she called Chunran and Su He and asked them to send the message.

    They just left and Chen Shui came in hurriedly, ¡°Young master, Madame, Jiang Jingzhui died!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn were dazed for a while before they asked unbelievably, ¡°Who did you say died?¡±

    ¡°The twelfth grand young master of the third branch, the eldest trueborn son of the sixth young master.¡± Chen Shui had her head down and said carefully, ¡°Just now.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face went pale in a second and then turned into an abnormal red. He felt his blood was rushing through his body. He took some time to calm down. Finally, he asked, withholding his anger, ¡°How did this happen?¡±

    Not so long ago, his nephew died. Days ago, one child was miscarried. Now another nephew died. All three of them were Jiang Yashuang¡¯s blood rtives. Even if he was usually a peaceful man, he couldn¡¯t hold his temper and felt blood rushing into his brain!

    Chen Shui noticed his tone was not normal. She was so terrified that she started trembling, ¡°I, I don¡¯t know! They didn¡¯t say anything! A servant just gave me the message and left!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the third branch!¡± Qiu Yn stood up, but what she was thinking was, ¡°Did Madame He kill him?!¡± That was her own grandson! It wasn¡¯t like the one who was miscarried and didn¡¯t get to bond with her. This was her grandson who grew in front of her for six years. How could she do that?! Was she still human?

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t know this. He noticed that her fingers were trembling when he was holding her hand. He thought she was sad that Jiang Jingzhui died so little. He grabbed her hand with some strength and said with a quiet voice, ¡°Zhui is gone. Don¡¯t get too upset and hurt yourself!¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled bitterly and didn¡¯t exin anything.

    They didn¡¯t have time to change their clothes and rushed to the third branch. Before they entered, they heard Madame He cry loudly!

    ¡°Is she caught?¡± Qiu Yn felt cheerful. But on second thought, she didn¡¯t feel right, ¡°If she is caught, the third branch won¡¯t let us in and they would have gagged her.¡± What Madame He did was something that neither the He Family nor the Jiang Family would want to let out. They would choose to eliminate this threat. If she were caught, they wouldn¡¯t give her any chance to speak.

    Now even though Madame He was crying fiercely, she was not restrained. Clearly, she was not exposed.

    Indeed, when walking into the yard through the front door, they saw Jiang Tianqi whose official robe was all messed up. He was holding a nk in his hand. His eyes were red and he breathed heavily. Jiang Yayi and Jiang Yaheng kneeled by his side, holding him tightly so he couldn¡¯t move!

    Not so far away from Jiang Tianqi, another trembling figure was also kneeling. The blue silk shirt he was wearing now was stained by ck marks. Looking closely, they found that was all bloodstain!

    Madame He was holding him in her arms and crying loudly, ¡°Beat! Beat! Beat some more! Just beat your eldest trueborn son to death! Are you happy now? Qing didn¡¯t mean it yet you meant to kill him! How dare you beat him?! You should just beat me to death as well!¡±

    Jiang Yayi and Jiang Yaheng tried to calm him down while crying, ¡°Calm down! m down! Brother didn¡¯t mean it! It is your grandson who died but that is also his son! If you¡¯re still angry, please just take it on us!¡±

    ¡°Father, it¡¯s all my fault! I shouldn¡¯t have given them attitude when Madame Shi and brother came with Zhui to apologize. Otherwise, why would brother hit Zhui? It is me that should be beaten to death!¡±

    Qiu Yn stood in the moon gate. Her mouth was twitching, looking at this family, ¡°Jiang Yaqing just came back to the Jing City yesterday because of his job. He came back to stay while the document was under review. And today he beats his own son to death?¡±

    She remembered when she was chatting with Madame Shi, Jiang Yaqing went to the Northern Army when his eldest son was still a baby. He never spent much time with Jiang Jingzhui. Now when they finally had some time together, he beat his own son to death. It sounded like he was angry because when he took his son to apologize to his brother and sister-inw, Jiang Yaheng said something.

    ¡°Now they will surely be archenemies!¡± Qiu Yn looked at Madame He who almost went crazy. She felt chills running down her spine, ¡°The child He Shuijin miscarried was still a fetus. Jiang Jingzhui was young and He Shuijin understood Madame He was the one to me. So that was still resolvable. Yet Jiang Jingzhui was already six years old and was about to go to school! How can parents forget that?!¡±

    Even though Jiang Jingzhui was beaten to death by Jiang Yaqing and Jiang Yaheng was apologizing, the wrong had been done. Even if they wouldn¡¯t seek revenge on each other, they wouldn¡¯t want to see each other ever again. For them, the best ending would be drifting apart.

    And who would have thought that it was their mother, Madame He, who caused all these?!

    She stood there dazedly and couldn¡¯t move. Jiang Yashuang also stopped in shock. They stood in the moon gate like statues for a while until they heard the angry scolding of Marquess Qining from behind. They finally woke up and moved out of the way.

    ¡°Go back! It¡¯s none of your business!¡± Marquess Qin who had a straight face threw them out of the yard. Until then, they finally realized their palms were all covered with cold sweats.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± They didn¡¯t want to say anything but held on to each other¡¯s hand and went back to their own residence with their minds totally lost.

    After they went back, they didn¡¯t have much peace. Because besides the third branch, all others of their generation sent someone to ask how Jiang Jingzhui died.

    Only until then did they know they went early and everyone who wentter was sent back by Marquess Qin halfway. No wonder they stood in the moon gate for quite some time, yet only Marquess Qin came.

    ¡°What can we say? Besides, grandfather doesn¡¯t want us to be there. Clearly, he wants to keep this quiet.¡± Qiu Yn told Chen Shui wearily, ¡°Just go tell them that we don¡¯t know!¡±

    Even though Marquess Qin wanted to keep this quiet, after Jiang Tianqi knew his son was the reason why his grandson died, he was so furious that he nearly beat Jiang Yaqing to death. Madame He and his other two sons tried so hard to drag and persuade Jiang Tianqi and finally kept Jiang Yaqing alive. It was so much noisy that it couldn¡¯t be contained.

    Therefore, on the next day, everyone knew.

    Then Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn finally found out that what happened was not what they had thought. Jiang Jingzhui wasn¡¯t beaten to death by Jiang Yaqing. Jiang Yaqing did beat him up but he knew what he was doing. He didn¡¯t hurt Jiang Jingzhui, let alone kill him.

    Yet Jiang Yaqing went to the army before Jiang Jingzhui was a year old. In these years, even though Sir Jibei and Jiang Tianchi allowed their nephews to go home and be with their families when they needed to file documents. But it was not too often. It was imaginable how much Jiang Jingzhui wanted his father¡¯s love!

    This time he used a snake and scared his aunt into a miscarriage. He was already punished by Madame He and Madame Shi. When his father came back, he was about to tell him and hoped his father wouldfort him. Yet what he got was a beat-up. As the eldest trueborn grandson of the third branch, Jiang Jingzhui was spoiled since birth. He was also still very young. How could he take all these punishments?

    After the beat-up, he told the servants he didn¡¯t need anyone to be with him for the night. The servants thought he was in a bad mood and persuaded him a little. Yet he started smashing things, so the servants all shut up. Then, at midnight, this kid tied a jade pendant once and threw it over the beam. Then hanged himself on it!

    But the incident that the Jiang Family¡¯s great-grandson killed himself did not bring a heated discussion in Jing City.

    Because in the next noon, the Empress had a decree and married Young Prince of Jingbo, Ou Bicheng, to Princess Yongfu!

    This alone was not enough to trump what happened in the Jiang Family. However, another piece of news came out at the same time. The marriages of Prince of Lu, Prince of Cai, Prince of Wei, Princess Changping, and Princess Lexin were not decided. This immediately drew all the attention!

    The Princes and Princesses were not as powerful as those during the former emperor¡¯s reign, but the title of Prince and Princess¡¯s spouse was attractive anyway.

    After all, not everyone had the same ambition. Some people knew they weren¡¯t lucky enough to be the Emperor¡¯s father-inw, so they thought it was also glorious to marry a daughter to a Prince. Even in those prestigious families, a Princess¡¯s husband could at least get those children who didn¡¯t have much ability or title to get a job.

    For a moment, the prices of make-up, jewelry, and clothes in Jing City were all raised. The enthusiasm of marrying into the royal family easily won over Jiang Jingzhui¡¯s incident.

    Even Jiang Jingzhui¡¯s mother Madame Shi, under the pressure of her maiden family, had to wipe her tears, dress up, put on make-up and go to the Pce to greet Empress Jiang and to tell Empress Jiang that she had a cousin who was not married and she would be a good match for Prince of Lu.

    Then Qiu Yn was hated by this sister-inw. For no reason!

 Chapter 288 - A Surprising Choice for the Expectant Princess

    <h4>Chapter 288 A Surprising Choice for the Expectant Princess</h4>

    This was also a coincidence. Since Empress Jiang tried carrot and stick approaches to get that pill from Qiu Yn in Mount Dizi, Qiu Yn had never seen her again.

    Empress Jiang was annoyed and thought Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know how to behave, so Empress Jiang never called her again.

    But now Madame Zhuang Junior came personally, ¡°I heard the Pce is looking for wives for the Princes. Zhuang Man is just the right age. You know her. Even though she is a bit short-tempered, her look and her bearing are all great among the youngdies. We are a family so I¡¯ll cut to the chase. I¡¯ve heard that Prince of Lu is kind and gentle. I bet he can tolerate her little temper!¡±

    Because not so long ago, Prince of Qi was nearly forced to kill himself, she then guaranteed, ¡°Zhuang Man knows what she should and shouldn¡¯t do. She also wants to find a tolerant husband to live afortable life!¡±

    She was the sister of Jiang Yashuang and his sister-inw. Now that she asked, even though Qiu Yn suspected that if she went to ask the Empress, Zhuang Man might just get knocked out directly. Qiu Yn had to agree to ask. She couldn¡¯t tell Madame Zhuang Junior, ¡°You are the daughter-inw of the first branch and are distant by the Empress, so you don¡¯t dare to ask the Empress yourself. But I have talked back to the Empress and shown her a long face!¡±

    The next morning she went into the Pce. Empress Jiang didn¡¯t put a long face but told her calmly, ¡°The day before yesterday, Madame Shi came. She came for her maiden cousin and said she was also kind and nice. You guys are making this difficult for me!¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know whether Madame Shi came or not and didn¡¯t know whether what the Empress said was true or not. But since she said so, Qiu Yn could only stand up and apologize.

    When she came back with nothing, Madame Zhuang Junior was already waiting in her residence.

    Hearing Qiu Yn say that this couldn¡¯t work, Madame Zhuang Junior felt sorry about it and she naturally asked why. When she heard that Madame Shi went earlier and rmended her maiden cousin, Madame Zhuang Junior thought Zhuang Man wouldn¡¯t be chosen either. After all, Madame Shi¡¯s son just died. People would naturally pity her.

    However, out of everyone¡¯s surprise, the wife of Prince of Lu was not Madame Shi Junior!

    It was Tao Yibin!

    ¡°I guess Madame sent someone to talk to Her Majesty.¡± Hearing this news, Madame Shi was disappointed, ¡°After all, she is Her Majesty¡¯s rtive. Even though the Tao Family is declining these years, as long as Madame is still alive, they will get all the good!¡±

    Before she entered the Pce, she thought the Empress would surely grant her ask.

    The Shi Family had been in the government for four generations. Even though they didn¡¯t have a high-ranking official, they did have some level four and five officials. Her cousin was a legitimate daughter with a good look and personality. Even though she would marry a Prince who was destined to be in the background, she was still a possible match.

    Besides, Jiang Jingzhui just died. Everyone in the Jiang Family had been extra careful with her these days.

    Empress Jiang was kind to her then but she didn¡¯t say for sure. ording to her tone, Madame Shi thought she agreed. Now it turned out it wasn¡¯t her cousin. She didn¡¯t dare to say anything to me the Empress, but she couldn¡¯t help having some feelings inside.

    The servants persuaded her, ¡°There are three Princes who are marrying this time! Prince of Lu is marrying a youngdy from the Tao Family, but there still are Prince of Cai and Prince of Wei! Prince of Cai¡¯s mother is a maid of Noble Consort Gu. Maybe Her Majesty couldn¡¯t decide for her. But Prince of Wei¡¯s mother is a maid who has always been serving Her Majesty!¡±

    Madame Shi agreed. The Shi Family wanted the glory of having a Princess. They didn¡¯t care whom their daughter married. It didn¡¯t have to be Prince of Lu. The only reason why they aimed for Prince of Lu was that he was the eldest and the best-looking.

    ¡°Princess of Wei is also fine!¡± Madame Shi was in a better mood, ¡°Prince of Wei¡¯s mother, Zhaoyi Miao, has a higher rank than Prince of Lu and Prince of Cai¡¯s mothers! Even though Prince of Wei is younger than Prince of Lu and Prince of Cai, he is more prestigious than both of them!¡±

    However, she was hit again a couple of dayster!

    First of all, because of Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s interference, Princess of Cai was decided to marry Duan Qun¡¯s niece, Duan Wenji.

    Then finally, the new Princess of Wei was the niece of the new Chief Minister Lian Jianhai, Wang Qingqian!

    ¡°How is that happening?!¡± Madame Shi couldn¡¯t sit still after hearing this news. She immediately sent someone to ask around, ¡°Not Princess of Cai, fine. Now Princess of Wei is Madame Wang who no one has heard of? Chief Minister is lower level five and he just took this position! If the niece is from his father¡¯s side, it¡¯s fine. It¡¯s from his mother¡¯s side?! They only mentioned this Madame Wang¡¯s uncle not her father. I guess her father is not even an official. How can someone like this marry into the royal family?!¡±

    After asking around, she suspected Qiu Yn, ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of this Wang Qingqian. I wonder how aunt learned about her. Turns out it was Qiu Yn!!! Wang Qingqian is the daughter of a Juren from Lanxi! And that Juren died before they announced it! The fourth branch is impressive! They managed to give someone like her to a Prince!!!¡±

    The servant said carefully, ¡°I¡¯ve asked around in Beijue Hall. They said when the neenth madame came that day, she did mention the choice of Princess of Lu to Her Majesty, but she mentioned Miss Zhuang.¡±

    Qiu Yn was acquainted with Nijin. Madame Shi who had married into the Jiang Family way earlier than her also had her own eyes around the Empress.

    But at the moment, she didn¡¯t believe what this person said, ¡°Who is Princess of Lu now? Is it Zhuang Man?!¡±

    The servant didn¡¯t know what to say.

    ¡°If we talk about age, I¡¯m her sister-inw! If seniority, I married into this family ten years earlier than her!¡± Madame Shi got more furious when thinking about it more, ¡°I¡¯ve never offended her. Yet she humiliated me like this!¡±

    If Madame Shi rmended her cousin to the Empress after Qiu Yn, it would be fine. Yet Qiu Yn went into the Pce after her. How could Madame Shi not suspect that Qiu Yn took her cousin¡¯s chance, relying on her husband as he was favored by the Empress?

    She was not happy because her son died. Now thinking about this matter, Madame Shi was angry and hated Qiu Yn. She fell ill on that day!

    However, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know this. When she heard Madame Shi was ill, she naturally went to visit.

    Madame Shi was angry just by looking at her. But she also couldn¡¯t debate about such a matter. She could only go around and be sarcastic, ¡°I heard your cousin is the Princess of Wei now? What a surprise! I¡¯ve never heard you have such a cousin. I guess she is really a perfect person. Otherwise, how can aunt choose her? Howe you hide her and never let us meet her?¡±

    When the choice of Princess came out, Madame Shi fell ill. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t think her illness was tied to this choice.

    She just thought Madame Shi went into the Pce to ask the Empress to make her cousin Princess of Lu. Now Princess of Lu was Tao Yibin, so Madame Shi should hate the Tao Family and there was nothing to do with her.

    Yet she didn¡¯t think in Madame Shi¡¯s logic, she was the one to me. So she didn¡¯t think twice about what Madame Shi said, ¡°I¡¯m surprised about it, too! My cousin is from my grandmother¡¯s maiden family. She used to study with me and Sheng Shishui in Madam Shao¡¯s school. She is very cute. My uncle is looking for a marriage for her. Yet we never thought we¡¯d be so lucky!¡±

    Madame Shi saw Qiu Yn in a good mood. Of course, she was. Her cousin married high unexpectedly. Her husband was of a noble-born yet didn¡¯t have a temper. It was said that Zhaoyi Miao pushed this marriage. As Wang Qingqian¡¯s elder cousin, she was naturally happy.

    But in Madame Shi¡¯s eyes, she was clearly showing off. Therefore, when Qiu Yn left, she gritted her teeth, punching the bed and swearing, ¡°There¡¯s no way I¡¯ll let your cousin marry Prince of Wei! Not over my dead body!¡±

    Madame Shi was actually not the only one who suspected that Qiu Yn said she was rmending Zhuang Man but went into the Pce to sell her cousin, Wang Qingqian. For example, the Zhuang Family.

    After all, Madame Zhuang Junior went to see Qiu Yn in person, yet in the end, Zhuang Man didn¡¯t get to marry any Prince. This Wang Qingqian whom no one had heard of became the Princess of Wei!

    Luckily, after hearing the news, Jiang Yashuang went to his uncle¡¯s home and exined it, ¡°Yn didn¡¯t know this before. She was surprised when she heard it too!¡±

    If he only said that, the Zhuang Family might say they believed him but actually didn¡¯t.

    So Jiang Yashuang directly told them the main point, ¡°It¡¯s not strange if you think about it. This time, Zhaoyi Miao begged my aunt for the choice of Princess of Wei. It¡¯s really because of the Jiang Family¡¯s scandal. What happened with Prince of Qi really scared Zhaoyi Miao!¡±

    Zhuang Mo was clever. After hearing that, he immediately understood, ¡°Zhuang Man is known for being quite perky. With what happened to Prince of Qi before, no wonder Zhaoyi Miao didn¡¯t dare to choose her. The Shi Family¡¯s girl is said to be nice and kind, yet she is a youngdy raised by a prestigious household after all. She is also the cousin of Marquess Qin¡¯s eldest legitimate grandson¡¯s wife. If she¡¯s only pretending to be kind, then it will hurt Prince of Wei. Miss Wang is the best choice!¡±

    His wife Madame Ai didn¡¯t quite understand it. She asked anxiously, ¡°I know why Zhuang Man and Miss Shi didn¡¯t get chosen. But why Miss Wang is the best? We¡¯ve never heard of this person before.¡± There were tons of nieces of level five officials in Jing City. There were also many who were rtives of the Jiang Family. Why Wang Qingqian?

    ¡°You are...¡± Hearing that, Zhuang Mo was speechless. He shook his head and said, ¡°Just think about it. Miss Wang is an only child with no siblings. Her father was made Juren after he died. With this background, any normal people will be on their tiptoes every day. Let alone a Prince. Most importantly, her father died early. She grew up with her mother in her maiden family. Even if Lian Jianhai felt sorry for them and saw her as his own child, she still lived in someone else¡¯s home! With this experience, how will she have any temper? Will Zhaoyi Miao still worry that Prince of Wei will be bullied by his wife?¡±

    He then said, ¡°Besides, who¡¯s Miss Wang¡¯s cousin? Qiu Yn! Miss Wang is of low born, but she can use Qiu Yn¡¯s power! There¡¯s no outsider here, so I can say this honestly. From the point of the Jiang Family, Miss Shi is the cousin of Marquess Qin¡¯s eldest legitimate son¡¯s wife. This is higher than Qiu Yn¡¯s status. But in front of Her Majesty, how can Jiang Yaqingpare to Jiang Yashuang? And Jiang Yashuang is known for loving his wife. Zhaoyi Miao asked Miss Wang to be the wife of Prince of Wei. Besides the fact that she is of low born, but actually, she didn¡¯t take any fewer advantages!¡±

    Madame Ai finally understood. She was angry with Jiang Qiyun, ¡°It¡¯s all her...¡± Before she could finish the sentence, she saw Jiang Yashuang was still here, so she stopped because of him. She just sighed and said disappointedly, ¡°Since Zhuang Man is not lucky enough to be a Princess, we¡¯ll find her someone else then!¡±

    When the Zhuang Family and the Shi Family were so disappointed, the Lian Family was torn by this surprise. When the Lian Family had a Minister, which was the most prestigious time for them, they never had anyone who married into the royal family. Old Princess Lian only married a Prince who had a different surname from the Emperor.

    Wang Qingqian now had such a good chance. Even though she was not from the Lian Family, they did watch her grow up and she was more emotionally inclined to the Lian Family than the Wang Family. The Lian Family was genuinely happy for her.

    But aside from that, they had a very realistic problem: the dowry!

 Chapter 289 - Good Intention yet Bad Result

    <h4>Chapter 289 Good Intention yet Bad Result</h4>

    In the current age, if a woman wanted to be respected in her husband¡¯s family, what she needed was not a good look or ability, but prestigious family background and dowry. Especially when shecked the former, then she had to have arge number of dowries. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t be able to hold her head up when she got married.

    As for the other wives of the Princes, the ones that were chosen were a legitimate youngdy and a legitimate granddaughter from the prestigious Jiang Family; the granddaughter of Deputy Premier Tang, who was also Empress Dowager¡¯s granddaughter; the legitimate daughter of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang who was titled as a Princess; a youngdy from the most famous family, Tao Family; and the niece of the assistant minister of Ministry of Justice.

    With all these womening from prestigious families,pared to them, Wang Qingqian was nothing. If she didn¡¯t have enough dowries, how could she live from then on?

    Therefore, when Qiu Yn prepared a heavy gift and went to congratte, after chatting with Lian Jianhai and his wife, Madame Lian asked Qiu Yn toe to her residence. Before they sat down, Madame Lian asked anxiously, ¡°Yn, do you think Qianqian can refuse to be the Princess?¡±

    Seeing how surprised Qiu Yn was, Madame Lian smiled bitterly and exined, ¡°The Wang Family only had some low-rank officials in the past. Technically they were just some country gentlemen. We don¡¯t have much property. How can we prepare enough dowries to marry her to a Prince? Even the Lian Family, after my grandfather died, has declined. We don¡¯t have much left after all these years. With Prince of Wei¡¯s status, even if we sell everything we have, we won¡¯t be able to get a decent dowry. And if we do so, what will the people in the Wang Family and the Lian Family live on? The Wang Family never mistreated us and the Lian Family treated us even better. How can I just lead them to a dead end just for Qianqian¡¯s future?¡±

    Hearing this, Qiu Yn also felt like this marriage was just looking glorious for the Lian Family and the Wang Family, but actually, it was a disaster. However, not only was Wang Qingqian chosen by Zhaoyi Miao personally, but the Empress¡¯s decree also came. How could Wang Qingqian not marry? Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°OK. I¡¯ll prepare her dowry. Half of my dowries are grandmother¡¯s dowries, so technically they came from the Lian Family. Now it¡¯s just right.¡±

    ¡°No, you shouldn¡¯t!¡± Madame Lian immediately shook her head, ¡°The dowry always passes on to people¡¯s kids. Those are your children¡¯s things. How can Qianqian take it? Even her surname is not Lian! Even though you are in charge of your dowry, you and Qianqian are really distant cousins. If you prepare the dowry for her, how will your husband¡¯s family not have a problem with that? What will other rtives think?¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t socialize with her aunt much these past few years, but she never stopped contacting them. She knew how stubborn her aunt was. If she said she didn¡¯t want it, she wouldn¡¯t take it. Just relying on the Wang Family and the Lian Family to get Wang Qingqian a decent dowry was basically impossible. She rolled her eyes, ¡°Then I¡¯ll go to the Pce to talk to Zhaoyi Miao. Qingqian is the wife she wanted. She wouldn¡¯t just watch her get in trouble. This is also about Prince of Wei, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Um...¡± Madame Lian was hesitating. Even though Zhaoyi Miao had chosen Wang Qingqian and Zhaoyi Miao should have known that the Lian Family and the Wang Family wouldn¡¯t have enough dowries. But if she asked the future mother-inw of her daughter directly, even if Zhaoyi Miao helped and Wang Qingqian got to marry in grace, she wouldn¡¯t be able to look up in front of her mother-inw from then on.

    But Madame Lian thenughed, ¡°Even if Qianqian could get arge number of dowries without Zhaoyi Miao¡¯s help, she still can¡¯t just ignore Zhaoyi Miao.¡±

    She even suspected that the awkwardness of the Lian Family and the Wang Family was something that Zhaoyi Miao wanted to see. If Wang Qingqian married with her help, she would never be disrespectful to her and the Prince of Wei.

    ¡°That would be great. Thank you!¡± Madame Lian who thought this through exhaled a long breath and trusted all these to Qiu Yn, holdingplicated feelings.

    Yet she didn¡¯t know Qiu Yn was just finding an excuse. When she left the Lian Family, she directly went to Ruan¡¯s Mansion to ask Ruan Ciyi which of her dowry was suitable for Wang Qingqian and could be prepared in the name of Zhaoyi Miao.

    Yet when Ruan Ciyi came out, she swallowed her original question. She was surprised, ¡°Are you not feeling well?¡±

    ¡°A little.¡± Ruan Ciyi knew that Qiu Jinn had left and was forced to leave. She was preparing for her own marriage and worrying about this brother. She couldn¡¯t feel well even if she wanted to. However, Qiu Jinn asked her to keep this a secret from Qiu Yn as long as possible, so she didn¡¯t tell the truth, ¡°A couple of days ago, I forgot to close the window when sleeping. I slept with the cold wind blowing for half of the night. And then I had a headache!¡±

    Qiu Yn told her she was not being careful and then asked why the servants didn¡¯t notice.

    ¡°They thought I wanted to open it!¡± Ruan Ciyi didn¡¯t want to talk more about herself in case Qiu Yn noticed, so she asked, ¡°Why are you here? Didn¡¯t I say that you¡¯re married now and if you go out too often, the elders won¡¯t like it?¡±

    ¡°Zhaoyi Miao picked Qingqian to be the Princess of Wei. But you know, with what the Lian Family and the Wang Family have, they couldn¡¯t prepare a decent dowry.¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t suspect anything and said what she was here for, ¡°Aunt Lian was so anxious. When I went to congratte her just now, she asked me could Qingqian not marry Prince of Wei!¡±

    Ruan Ciyi frowned. She had a very distant rtionship with the Lian Family. So she only heard about Wang Qingqian being chosen as Princess of Wei. But thinking about Qiu Yn and her brother, she did ask the servants to bring a gift. Now Qiu Yn came to talk about this specifically, so she asked, ¡°Do you want to prepare the dowry for her yourself?¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn nodding, Ruan Ciyi squinted her eyes. She thought for a while and then said, ¡°With Prince of Wei¡¯s status, his wife needs at least a dowry of a million taels. It¡¯s even not so decent. You only have three million taels of dowries. If you give half to her, what will your husband¡¯s family think about it? If your children learn about this in the future, will they be okay with it? Besides, if I¡¯m being honest, she is your cousin, but quite distant, not so close. When your niece and nephew get married in the future, what will you do then?¡±

    After hearing that, Qiu Yn remembered that Ruan Ciyi was about to get remarried soon. She said she was going to give half of her money to Wang Qingqian in front of Ruan Ciyi, yet she didn¡¯t say she was going to give her anything. Qiu Yn felt awkward. When she was about to talk, Ruan Ciyi said, ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯m being jealous of her. We have a rtionship that she can¡¯tpare. And I know you¡¯re doing this because you think you have a lot of dowries and you have nowhere to spend it. It¡¯s fine to help her out. But you¡¯re being naive. You think it¡¯s nothing, but will other people think so? Inequality rather than want is the cause of troubles. You can¡¯t do this! Otherwise, you¡¯ll offend a lot of people that you can¡¯t imagine!¡±

    ¡°But Qingqian¡¯s marriage...¡± After hearing that, Qiu Yn calmed down and thought this was difficult, too. She asked awkwardly, ¡°Should I really go to find Zhaoyi Miao? If so, Qingqian really can¡¯t hold her head up after she¡¯s married.¡±

    Ruan Ciyiughed coldly and said, ¡°If I am being bald, her father was barely a Juren, not even a Jinshi. Even if she could have a golden mountain as her dowry, do you really think she can hold her head up in front of the Zhaoyi who is ranked the first of all nine and the Empress?!¡±

    Qiu Yn awkwardly stayed silent.

    ¡°Let your brother prepare her dowry. You know, he really doesn¡¯t care about this much money. Just consider it as the payment that the Lian Family stood up for you before... Don¡¯t fight with me. I¡¯m not paying it! And you should know that even I¡¯m not agreeing with you paying. If you really do, your brother won¡¯t let it go! He has a lot to worry about! If you really want to ease his burden, don¡¯t do it!¡± Ruan Ciyi sneered, ¡°Oh, he went to the capital a couple of days ago to see something. He¡¯lle back soon. Anyway, Prince of Wei is ranked below Prince of Lu, Prince of Cai, and Princess Changping. His wedding will be in the next year. We can dy for a couple of days.¡±

    When Qiu Yn came and heard that Qiu Jinn was not here, she thought Ling Zui asked him out. Hearing this, she asked surprisingly, ¡°To see what?¡±

    ¡°When you were married, he went to every corner of the world to find you something precious. Now I¡¯m getting remarried, can¡¯t he go to the capital to find me some good things?¡± Ruan Ciyi red at Qiu Yn. Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°No, I just didn¡¯t know...¡±

    Ruan Ciyi acted for a while. She was scared and thought she finally fooled Qiu Yn. She acted well, but other people didn¡¯t. Speaking of which, Xin Fubing was wronged. She actually meant well. Empress Jiang lived with her for two months during the summer and she got more into the role of Crown Princess.

    It was just that Empress Jiang decided to marry Princess Yongfu to Ou Bicheng not so long ago. People were worried that she might get upset again. Qiu Yn who was already married didn¡¯t have time, so Zhuang Man and Ou Qinn went tofort her. However, Xin Fubing knew Ou Bicheng only ever considered her as his sister. The Empress didn¡¯t take the one she liked for her daughter, so she epted it.

    Not only that, but she also had time to ask about Zhuang Man and Ou Qinn¡¯s marriage. Zhuang Man said that after she missed the chance of being a Princess, her family didn¡¯t find anyone suitable. She could stay at home for a while. Ou Qinn was not happy. Xin Fubing and Zhuang Man asked and it turned out that the one Ou Qinn liked just finished mourning, yet he immediately left Jing City!

    ¡°He left and I don¡¯t know when he¡¯ll be back. I¡¯m willing to wait for him, but will he do the same for me? Others are not blind or dumb. With his talent, every family with a daughter or granddaughter will fight over him.¡± Ou Qinn poured her mind while crying, ¡°I really want to follow him to Shazhou!¡±

    ¡°If you elope, all you can get is to be his concubine!¡± Hearing that, Xin Fubing and Zhuang Man immediately persuaded her, ¡°You can throw a tantrum or whatever. But you can never elope!¡±

    ¡°Then tell me, what can I count on since he left?¡± Ou Qinn said sadly, ¡°I don¡¯t even know what he thinks about me. I¡¯ve only met this one person I like. Am I going to miss him?¡±

    Seeing her like this, Xin Fubing and Zhuang Man decided to help her. Since Qiu Jinn already left and they didn¡¯t know Ruan Ciyi very well, they went to find Qiu Yn.

    Qiu Yn who didn¡¯t know anything was then surprised by what Xin Fubing said, ¡°You know Xing likes your Cousin Ruan. Since he was still mourning, she decided to wait for him. Now he went to Shazhou and didn¡¯t say anything. Xing is...¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s smile froze. She was shocked and almost jumped off her chair, ¡°Shazhou? He isn¡¯t supposed to leave till next spring! Why is he leaving now?¡±

    Hearing that, Xin Fubing was dazed. She was the one chosen by the Empress to be Crown Princess and was taught by the Empress herself. Seeing Qiu Yn, she knew she made a mistake. She immediately changed her sentence, ¡°He didn¡¯t go? That¡¯s what I thought! He must be hiding from Xing and lied!¡±

    But Qiu Yn was not a child. She wouldn¡¯t believe it. She slighted over Xin Fubing and changed into the clothes for going out. Qiu Yn decided to ask what was going on in Ruan¡¯s Mansion!

    When she just walked out the door, she bumped into Jiang Yashuang who just got off work. He thought his wife came out to wee him. He greeted her with a big smile, yet only to see that she was not looking happy. He held his arm out and stopped her, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°My brother left and you didn¡¯t tell me?!¡± Seeing him, Qiu Yn changed her mind and tricked him, ¡°Ciyi is getting married in November. Now my brother left. No one is here to n it for her. Whose idea it was?¡±

    ¡°We didn¡¯t want you to worry...¡± Jiang Yashuang indeed fell for her trick. He immediately exined, ¡°Rest assured with Sister Ruan. Grandfather and grandmother talked it through. They will get my third aunt to help out. They will make sure that Sister Ruan will be married gracefully!¡±

    Then Qiu Yn angrily grabbed him by his ear. She gritted her teeth and said, ¡°He did leave?! For quite some time, isn¡¯t it? Thest time I went to see sister, she got thinner. I bet it was because of this! Don¡¯t want me to worry? Did you think you can lie to me forever? If you can¡¯t, I will worry about it anyway! If I knew earlier, I could say goodbye!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was used to her being spicy. He was about to say something nice tofort her, yet Su He and others were about to go crazy. They thought, ¡°You are in the residence! Didn¡¯t you see Caiqi and others¡¯ jaws are dropping?! If they tell Marquess Qin and his wife, do you think they will still have a good impression on you?¡±

    Luckily, after yelling all these while grabbing her husband¡¯s ear, Qiu Yn realized that, too. She let go of him awkwardly and tidied up his hair and cor. She coughed, ¡°It¡¯s getting cold. Look at you. Your ears are cold. I had to hold it for so long to warm it up... You need to wear more clothes tomorrow!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang tried his best to hold theughter, ¡°Sure. Tomorrow I will!¡±

 Chapter 290 - Something Wrong with the Dowry

    <h4>Chapter 290 Something Wrong with the Dowry</h4>

    Qiu Jinn already left. No matter how worried and how angry Qiu Yn was about being lied to for so long, she couldn¡¯t do anything.

    Thus, after she entered the room andined to Jiang Yashuang for a while, she could only let it go. But she was worried about Ruan Ciyi¡¯s wedding, ¡°Now that brother left, she is the only one here. She can¡¯t go everywhere by herself to n it. I want to stay there for a couple of days.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t support her idea. He had noticed that since the fight with that pill, Madame Tao and Empress Jiang treated him the same, but they were dissatisfied with Qiu Yn. Now that Marquess Qin had already promised Qiu Jinn to send his daughter-inw over to help Ruan Ciyi before her wedding, yet Qiu Yn still wanted to live at the Ruan Family. This would surely make Madame Tao unhappy. Who would like to see their daughter-inw or granddaughter-inw staying outside all the time and noting home?

    And it would also offend Madame He. It was clearly showing that she wasn¡¯t relieved with Madame He being in charge.

    But he knew if he had said that directly, Qiu Yn would just have a problem with Madame Tao and Madame He. He thought for a while and said politely, ¡°It¡¯s not appropriate for you to go over. After all, your surname is Qiu, not Ruan. You can treat yourself like you¡¯re a family member at other times. But when ites to a wedding, you going out and hosting it is really not suitable. It may not bring honor to Sister Ruan. People may even gossip.¡±

    Technically, Ruan Ciyi was old enough to be Qiu Yn¡¯s mother and Qiu Yn was already married. Now she going to the Ruan Family to n Ruan Ciyi¡¯s wedding looked ridiculous.

    Qiu Yn frowned and said, ¡°I know that. But it¡¯s better than sister nning it herself!¡±

    ¡°You really underestimated your brother!¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°Even though he left in a hurry. He did n her wedding. He already prepared the trousseau. As for everything else that wasn¡¯t prepared, he already made a list. The third aunt only needs to take some people there to get ready when the dayes. Otherwise, she will go there way more often. Grandfather asked her to do this!¡±

    Indeed, no one dared to slight what Marquess Qin ordered besides Jiang Yadan.

    Qiu Yn barely rested her mind. After some days, she sent Su He to give Ruan Ciyi some in-season fruit. She then received another piece of news, ¡°Madame Feng took some people and went to the Ruan Family to help Lady Ciyi with her wedding!¡±

    ¡°Is she the one who held sister in her arms and cried when sister had thepulsory divorce with Fang Zijun? She was asked by Madam Sun to witness it, right?¡± Qiu Yn immediately asked.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Su He nodded, ¡°She was the best friend of Madame Tan when she was still alive. Sister Ruan is supposed to call her aunt Feng.¡±

    This Madame Feng was the same age as Madame Tan, Ruan Ciyi¡¯s mother. She already had a grandson. No one was above her to regte her and she gave all the household business to her daughter-inw. She was quite free. With her there, Qiu Yn finally rested assured.

    Several days passed after Madame Feng arrived at Ruan¡¯s Mansion. It was Prince of Zhou¡¯s wedding. Because Prince of Zhou was the candidate of Crown Prince of Empress Dowager¡¯s party, this wedding was very grand. The dowries of Princess Shou¡¯an, Gu E¡¯nuo, were amazingly heavy. Some people suspected that it was about two million tales. It was way higher than the 1.5 million tales of Princess Qi, Jiang Qiyun.

    Neither of them had more than Qiu Yn, because Qiu Yn had special circumstances. Two Princesses¡¯ dowries all went to her. She also took extra dowries for Commandery Princess and her guilty brother also gave her some. Thus, she had three million tales.

    While Gu E¡¯nuo and Jiang Qiyun didn¡¯t get all their grandmothers and mothers¡¯ dowries, what they received from their maiden families alone was impressive.

    But no matter how grand the wedding was and how heavy the dowries were, the senior concubine, Tang Xinqiong, who married to Prince of Zhou earlier, had quite a deep rtionship with Prince of Zhou. So Prince of Zhou was quite bored on the wedding.

    After Prince of Zhou was Prince of Lu. Yet Tao Yibin¡¯s dowry was not as much as Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s. After all, Tao Yinsong had been dead for some decades. The Tao Family also had some wastrels, so the Tao Family¡¯s wealth was not as heavy as before.

    Her dowries were estimated to be around 500 thousand tales. ording to Ling Zui¡¯s estimation, Madame Tao and Empress Jiang even had to give some to them in secret, ¡°Did you remember the Persian cat trend a couple of years ago? That was the Tao Family crying about how poor they were in front of Madame Tao and Madame Tao asked He Shuijin for advice. She couldn¡¯t decline and made some proposals. Selling Persian cats was one of them. He Shuijin also made it a popr trend. So there¡¯s no way the Tao Family could have 500 thousand tales.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought it was nice, ¡°Then if Qingqian can have a million tales as dowry, she can hold her head up after she¡¯s married!¡±

    She hoped that the Princess following had fewer dowries!

    But Duan Wenji¡¯s dowries were more than Tao Yibin by 50 thousand tales. Clearly, it was to shame the Tao Family.

    Prince of Lu¡¯s and Prince of Cai¡¯s weddings were less grand than Prince of Zhou¡¯s. It was just following the convention. They were not mistreated. Because they needed to show some respect to their Princesses¡¯ maiden families. Yet they also weren¡¯t treated extra well because they really didn¡¯t matter. Anyway, these were normal weddings.

    It was the end of October. Everyone thought that Prince of Wei¡¯s wedding would be in the next year. It was indeed next February. Yet Princess Changping married Kuang Qingwu urgently in November!

    Qiu Jinzhu just died in July. Four monthster, Kuang Qingwu married another Princess. Even though everything that happened in between already washed off the tragedy of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, but after this marriage, Commandery Princess Ningtai who died so young was mentioned again. Princess Changping naturally felt disgraced.

    The public didn¡¯t know, yet people in higher positions all knew, ¡°Kuang Shihan¡¯s emergent message was plotting against Qiu Jinn, but also thinking for his son.¡±

    The war was happening in Xijiang!

    Kuang Shihan wanted Kuang Qingwu to take this chance and build his prestige, so he naturally hurried Princess Changping to marry.

    Now Empress Dowager¡¯s party needed Kuang Shihan a lot, so Princess Changping could only tolerate a hurried wedding.

    After the wedding, Kuang Qingwu was given a position in the army. He left Jing City in a hurry and went back to Shazhou. Because he couldn¡¯t find Qiu Jinn and Princess Changping guessed he would be plotting on his way, so she didn¡¯t follow him to save him trouble.

    When Kuang Qingwu left, Qiu Jinn finally started to go to Shazhou. The Jiang Family sent someone to help him. Let¡¯s talk about what happened in the government.

    The war in Xijiang was not very intense. The safety of Darui was not on the line. Therefore, no matter Empress Dowager or the Empress¡¯s party was putting all their energy into plotting and backstabbing.

    Before November was over, quite a few officials on two sides were taken down. The level of all the plotting was getting higher and higher. It quickly implicated the important ones.

    In thest Imperial Court Assembly in November, the Jiang Family attacked first. They questioned the assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice, Duan Jin, about Princess of Cai¡¯s dowry, ¡°Your family has been farmers for a lot of generations. Your father had no more than a thousand acres of fields at then. Howe in a decade, you get five hundred and fifty thousand tales to be Princess of Cai¡¯s dowry?¡±

    Duan Jin would never admit that the money was not clean, ¡°Prince of Cai is prestigious. My niece is lucky to marry him. We feel so grateful, so we tried our best to prepare this wedding. That money was all my savings since I entered the government, plus the loan I took in private. None of them is dirty money! Please, Your Grace, believe me!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu naturally supported him, ¡°When Princess Qi married, she had about two million tales. Why didn¡¯t you say so then? Do you think Princess of Cai is someone you can pick on?!¡±

    This was the time when He Shuijin really shone. The Empress¡¯s party said in confidence that the Jiang Family absolutely could give Princess Qi a heavy dowry because her sister-inw, the family business holder these years, He Shuijin, was known for making money. If they didn¡¯t believe it, they could go ask around!

    Not only asking around. At then, He Shuijin could stand up and walk around. So when Jiang Tianao was fiercely arguing with others, he directly asked He Shuijin toe and exin how clean the Jiang Family¡¯s money was.

    Even Empress Dowager Gu who lived in the Pce heard of He Shuijin. She knew He Shuijin was born with a talent for finance. Her ounting skill was even better than some old officials in the Ministry of Revenue. Talking to her about the ledger was useless. Empress Dowager Gu wouldn¡¯t let Jiang Tianao direct her. She had embarrassed herself enough with Qiu Jinn!

    So Empress Dowager ordered directly, ¡°If Head of the Secretariat thinks that Duan Jin is suspicious, then you should hand in evidence of him being corrupted. Otherwise, even if you are the Deputy Premier, it¡¯s still a major crime to wrong other government officials.¡±

    The Empress¡¯s party came prepared. They indeed had evidence. A Censor came out of the line and showed the little pamphlet they already prepared. He started counting Duan Jin¡¯s wealth from his grandfather, all the way until the recent wedding. In the end, he concluded, ¡°With what the Duan Family had over the years and assistant minister¡¯s sry, it¡¯s impossible for him to get five hundred and fifty thousand tales!¡±

    What they implied was that Duan Jin absolutely was corrupted!

    ¡°Then what about borrowing money for the wedding?¡± Someone in the Empress¡¯s party asked intentionally.

    ¡°That¡¯s also impossible.¡± That Censor said seriously, ¡°I¡¯ve counted that assistant minister should only have some thousands of tales. Who will loan someone more than he owns? Aren¡¯t they afraid that he can¡¯t pay back?¡±

    That was not borrowing money. That was giving out money as a gift!

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying, even if assistant minister borrowed this money, it¡¯s under a special circumstance?¡± Jiang Tianqiughed coldly and looked at Duan Jin, ¡°So where did you borrow this money? Can you get the receipt for this loan and show us?¡±

    Duan Jin didn¡¯t even see thising. Where could he find a receipt?

    But he reacted quickly, ¡°If you want to see it, sure. As long as the Empresses allow, I will send my servant to get it!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu supported his idea. Empress Jiang was surprised that he prepared a receipt. But if she stopped him now, it would look guilty.

    With their permission, not so long after, the servant of the Pce presented the receipt that the Duan Family¡¯s servant brought. It was given to Empress Dowager and Empress first. After one nce, Empress Jiang was furious, ¡°This is not even your handwriting!¡±

    Hearing that, Duan Jin was relieved. He saluted and said with a smile, ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, Your Grace. I didn¡¯t write this receipt!¡±

    When he just finished the sentence, everyone in the Hall was surprised. He didn¡¯t write it? Then was he ying the Empress?

 Chapter 291 - How About a Thorough Investigation?

    <h4>Chapter 291 How About a Thorough Investigation?</h4>

    Empress Jiang became nervous. She quickly looked at the ce where the IOU was signed with handprints. Her face instantly changed, ¡°Duan Xicheng? I remember he is your eldest son. He did not even have a position because he said something he shouldn¡¯t have said, right? How can a man like him have the chance to borrow half a million taels of silver? It¡¯s ridiculous!¡±

    ¡°Since assistant minister Duan sent someone over with the IOU, he must have a n. Be easy,¡± Empress Dowager Gu spoke out idly. She added, ¡°Let¡¯s go on to listen.¡±

    A cold smile appeared at the corner of Duan Jin¡¯s mouth, but he respectfully said, ¡°Your Graces, there is indeed a reason why my son Duan Xicheng was able to borrow this huge sum of money. To say the least, this huge sum of money was originally a thank you gift that Qingfeng Ji insisted on giving to Duan Xicheng! It was Duan Xicheng who didn¡¯t think about asking for others¡¯ returns after doing a good deed. He epted it because the Gu Family begged him so hard to do so, and Princess Qi¡¯s dowry was there. If Princess of Cai¡¯s dowry was too small, he was afraid it would be an insult to the royal family. So, he wrote the IOU.¡±

    While the Empress¡¯s party all frowned, the Empress Dowager¡¯s party had already understood the situation. At that moment, someone deliberately asked, ¡°I wonder what kind of great kindness your son has done to Qingfeng Ji?¡±

    ¡°You may not know. Let me tell you. Not long ago, when Gu Zonghao, the current owner of Qingfeng Ji, was outside the city, he identally fell off his horse. He got tangled up in the reins. On the officer road, the horse dragged him a few miles. At that moment, my son saw him. He went after him and cut the rope to save his life,¡± Duan Jin said calmly. He added, ¡°The world knows that Gu Zonghao is a flirtatious young man. He doesn¡¯t get married and has no children. He is the only male child in the Gu Family. If he dies, he will leave a group of women in the Gu Family in the air. So, his grandmother even used a long kneeling to force my son to ept the thank you gift... Although my son could not refuse her thank you gift, he also did not want to take advantage of the Gu Family. So he insisted on writing an IOU!¡±

    The maid apanying his servant to fetch the IOU bent down and confirmed, ¡°The IOU was indeed taken from Gu Zonghao, the owner of Qingfeng Ji.¡± Sure enough, Empress Dowager Gu sent the maid.

    ¡°So it is!¡± The Empress Dowager¡¯s party immediately stood in solidarity with their allies, ¡°The world knows that the Gu Family is very rich. Since it is a life-saving thank you gift, it is not unusual to be rewarded with half a million taels of silver.¡±

    ¡°My son just did what he should do at that time. To say the least, I feel ashamed. If Princess Qi¡¯s dowry was not too generous, I also thought that in terms of dowry, Princess of Cai would certainly not dare to exceed her eldest sister-inw¡¯s. But, since both Prince of Cai and Prince of Qi are sons of the royal family, we really dare not prepare only mere tens of thousands of taels of silver as our niece¡¯s dowry. In any case, my family would not dare to ept this generous gift!¡± Duan Jin made a bow with hands folded in front, showing a helpless face, ¡°My family¡¯s ancestors were humble and my family is not a prestigious one. Thanks to the Emperor, we became rich today!¡±

    ¡°This old man has shamelessness!¡± The Empress¡¯s party cursed in their hearts, ¡°Does he think that we don¡¯t know how Qingfeng Ji¡¯s business is done? The reason why Qingfeng Ji can do good business and do business all over Darui is based on your rtionship. Tang Zimo¡¯s annual dividends from the Gu Family were more than half a million taels of silver ¨C The Gu Family was simply the cash cow of the Empress Dowager¡¯s party!!!¡±

    But his son saved a life, hence, any gift could not be enough for a life!

    Duan Jin saw that the people of the Empress¡¯s party had serious faces. He was pleased in his heart and added, ¡°Gentlemen, if you don¡¯t believe what I said, you can summon Gu Zonghao of Qingfeng Ji to be here!¡± Then, he made a bow with hands folded in front toward the Graces and was impassioned, ¡°If I have lied, Your Graces, please punish me. I ept it all!¡±

    In the first ce, Empress Dowager Gu didn¡¯t summon He Shuijin. Surely enough, the Empress¡¯s party did not want to summon Gu Zonghao either.

    And, in the final analysis, the purpose of the Empress¡¯s party was the Empress Dowager¡¯s party, not a businessman. Therefore, Empress Jiang ignored his words, but said slowly, ¡°Just now, the Censor said that your property would not exceed 70,000 taels of silver if you had not embezzled. You admit this, right?¡±

    Duan Jin dryly admitted, ¡°My property, taking everything into ount, is indeed only a little more than 60,000 taels of silver.¡±

    He wasn¡¯t worried at all that Empress Jiang would investigate his property. It wasn¡¯t because Duan Jin was really clean, or he had hidden his property ounts long ago. Rather, it was because he knew that if Empress Jiang wanted to investigate him thoroughly along the way, Empress Dowager Gu would also ask to investigate all the officers of simr rank to him!

    The Jiang Family had He Shuijin in charge of the property and ounts. To the Jiang Family, it wasn¡¯t unusual to earn as much as the family wanted. But what about the others? There were others at the Empress¡¯s party beside one of the Jiang Family. Other families did not have a daughter-inw who was as capable as He Shuijin in the Jiang Family! How were these people¡¯s huge fortunesing from?

    If it really came to check each other¡¯s property, the Empress¡¯s party and the Empress Dowager¡¯s party would have to face a lose-lose situation! In the end, only the neutral party would benefit!

    Duan Jin believed that Empress Jiang would never do that.

    The Empress also really did not intend to investigate his words, but asked, ¡°Then how do you n to pay back Qingfeng Ji¡¯s half a million taels of silver? Or that Duan Xicheng wrote the IOU is just a show?¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, the IOU is certainly true,¡± Duan Jin¡¯s face changed slightly as he smiled and thought of something. But for the sake of his son¡¯s reputation and for the sake of the Duan Family¡¯s reputation, he could only brace himself and state, ¡°I have long nned to scrimp and save to repay him!¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Empress Jiang looked at him yfully, ¡°But you have been in office for so many years, plus the umtion of several generations of your grandchildren, you only have saved less than 70,000 taels of silver in the property. As for a debt of half a million taels, even if your children and grandchildren have been officers for generations, it seems that you won¡¯t be able to repay it in a few generations! And that¡¯s not including the interest! Do you intend to continue to repay it for generations?¡±

    Duan Jin¡¯s cold sweat seeped out of his forehead. He had already guessed what the Empress would say and do next, but things hade to a head. He could not deny.

    Sure enough, Empress Jiang continued, ¡°If so, I¡¯ll wait to see how you pay your debt!?¡±

    Her implication was that if Duan Jin and his family had a luxurious life in the future, he¡¯d better not let her catch it!

    So although the Empress did not say to investigate Duan Jin¡¯s property, she denied letting his family have good food and clothing. What was worse, perhaps she would not let his family have a good life well... With the means the Jiang Family used to torture people, one could imagine how miserable it would be for the Duan Family, who got used to a luxurious life, in the years going forward.

    It was only now that Duan Jin came to his senses. He knew he had fallen into her trap, ¡°In the past, when Jiang Tianqi asked for the IOU, I thought after I gave it to him, the Empress Dowager would remind my young servant and would send information to Gu Zonghao even though the Empress would send servants to follow my young servant to monitor what he was doing. In this way, I could easily exin the number of my niece¡¯s dowries! Now it seemed that the Jiang Family simply colluded and deliberately led me to do so!¡±

    If he had known that Empress Jiang was personally watching him repay the debt, he would not have acknowledged the IOU. He should have just said he couldn¡¯t refuse the IOU, and then gave the silver to his niece as a dowry. If so, everything would be in control.

    But now, unexpectedly, he was caught by the Empress in such a way!

    ¡°Now...¡± Duan Jin was upset in his heart. He nced at Tang Zimo with the corner of his eyes. He now had to count on the Deputy Premier, the vice-minister, to save the day.

    And Tang Zimo did not disappoint his secret prayers. He stood out, ¡°Your Grace, this is not a good idea! The Gu Family is willing to ept the IOU because they are worried that the Duan Family will not ept the thank you gift! Otherwise, why would assistant minister Duan, who brought two servants over, be able to get the IOU? Even Gu Zonghao himself did not wait at the pce gate for summoning? It is clear that he can¡¯t wait for the IOU to be taken away by the Duan Family!¡±

    Jiang Tianao smiled coldly, ¡°Privy Counselor Tang, don¡¯t forget it is Your Graces¡¯ order to go and get the IOU. And the servants went there with Your Graces¡¯ verbal instructions!¡±

    ¡°What the Head of the Secretariat said is very true!¡± Tang Zimo smiled and turned his words around, ¡°Just... Gu Zonghao is just a businessman. How can he recognize the servants serving in the pce? The verbal instructions are not material evidence! Even if the one who brought the servants is the servant of assistant minister Duan, the amount of the IOU is half a million taels! This is a sum of money that even a minister would have to save for many generations! What I want to ask you is, if Gu Zonghao cared a little about the IOU, would he have given it to a servant so easily? Wouldn¡¯t he be afraid that the servant hid the money from his master and deceived him by bringing two fake servants?¡±

    Seeing Jiang Tianao tightly frowning and saying nothing, Tang Zimo turned to Your Graces, saying in a loud voice, ¡°So, if the Empress forces the Duan Family to scrimp and save in order to repay the debt because of this IOU, then the order will make the Gu Family, who only wanted to pay a debt of gratitude, stand in an unjust position. I think this move will tarnish Your Grace¡¯s reputation.¡±

    ¡°But an officer, who borrowed a huge sum of money that would be difficult to pay back for generations, wouldn¡¯t hurt the court¡¯s decency?!¡± Empress Jiangughed coldly. She continued, ¡°And it was Duan Jin who said ¡®scrimp and save¡¯. I didn¡¯t force him to say it! I just hope he won¡¯t cheat me! How can you say I forced him to do so?!¡±

    Duan Jin smiled bitterly, ¡°I...would not dare to deceive Your Grace.¡±

    ¡°So what¡¯s so difficult, Privy Counselor Duan?¡± Empress Jiang rightfully said. She continued, ¡°As long as Duan Jin does what he says he will do, I definitely will leave him alone.¡±

    Tang Zimo said ndly, ¡°Your Grace, do you not think about the reason why assistant minister Duan would ¡®borrow¡¯ such a huge sum of money? It is because Princess Qi¡¯s dowry was too generous back then and she was afraid of humiliating Prince of Cai.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because the Jiang Family is rich. Since the Duan Family is not as rich as the Jiang Family, why do they want to follow the Jiang Family?¡± Empress Jiangughed coldly. She continued, ¡°Could it be that once Princess Qi¡¯s dowry is generous, all the women in the world should be like her? Duan Jin is obviously confused himself! Why do you want to me Princess Qi?¡±

    Jiang Tianao immediately stepped forward, ¡°Your Grace, Princess Qi is my youngest daughter. Therefore, it is inevitable that she might be spoiled. She was also often taken care of by my second uncle and second aunt. So when she got married, my second uncle and second aunt gave her a dowry. That¡¯s why her dowry was extraordinarily generous!¡±

    Jiang Tianqi immediately exined on behalf of Marquess Qin, ¡°My youngest daughter-inw, He Shuijin, was born with great intelligence. She is good at managing ounts. Before she married into my family, she had been already managing the Jiang Family ounts. Over the years, the Jiang Family has made a lot of profits. My father, my brothers, my sons, my nephews and I, were busy with political affairs, so we seldom checked the ounts. If Minister Tang or anyone else has questions about Princess Qi¡¯s dowry, He Shuijin can be summoned to verify the ounts!¡±

    The Empress Dowager¡¯s party didn¡¯t want to verify the ounts with He Shuijin. When He Shuijin began to manage the ounts, many people thought she was a dainty youngdy managing the ounts. So, they all fell into her trap. This made her fame in the line. It was said that the servants working for the Jiang Family even dared not to embezzle a penny ¨C because everyone knew that it could not be hidden from her!

    What was more, the Jiang Family brought up the matter today. He Shuijin might have already prepared a well-done ount book and prepared herself for teaching the Empress Dowager¡¯s party and the neutral party a good lesson on ¡°How the Jiang Family Be a Wealthy and Prosperous Family¡±!

    Tang Zimo only pretended not to hear them, ¡°I can¡¯t agree with the Empress. It is said that after a woman is married, she should obey her husband. Prince of Cai and Prince of Qi are sons of the Emperor. In the past, Princess Qi¡¯s dowry was very generous. The Duan Family does not dare to make the dowry of Princess of Cai too shabby. Isn¡¯t this amon human¡¯s feeling? I heard that the Tao Family was not well-off in the early years. But not long ago, Princess of Lu¡¯s dowries were not much fewer than Princess Cai¡¯s! Your Grace, what do you think about this?¡±

    ¡°The Tao Family is my maternal grandfather¡¯s family. Tao Yinsong, the senior of the family, was rewarded by the former emperors. Although the Tao Family did have a difficult time for a while, what the Tao Familycked was just cash. As for the treasures and the good wood, the Tao Family had a lot!¡± Empress Jiang said coldly. She continued, ¡°This time, when Princess of Lu got married, my mother also gave her a lot of dowries. What is so strange about Princess of Lu¡¯s generous dowry? And you said that both Prince of Cai and Prince of Qi are sons of the Emperor. Princess Qi¡¯s dowry is generous, so Princess of Cai¡¯s dowry cannot be too shabby ¨C I want to know why the dowry of Princess of Cai can be more than that of Princess of Lu? They are indeed both the Emperor¡¯s sons, but do you forget the rule of respecting seniority?!¡±

    Tang Zimo sneered, ¡°Your Grace¡¯s words are not convincing. The former Emperor has been dead for more than 30 years. Sir Tao died even before the former Emperor! After the death of Sir Tao, we all witnessed the Tao Family declined. After decades of absence, the Tao Family has not risen again. Over the years, we have found many treasured items pawned by the Tao Family in the market! This showed that the Tao Family is short of more than just cash! Even if there was a dowry from Princess of Lu¡¯s dowries, I remember that when Tao Junior of the Jiang Family got married, the dowries didn¡¯t seem to be more than Princess of Lu¡¯s today. Tao Junior of the Jiang Family is also the niece of Marquess Qin¡¯sdy, and she is the eldest niece! Under the rules of respecting seniority, Marquess Qin¡¯sdy should have given more dowries to Tao Junior than that of Princess of Lu! But I am wondering now why the dowry of Princess of Lu is much more than her older sisters¡¯?¡±

    Tang Zimo, as expected of vice-minister, immediately remembered the cousin of Princess of Lu, Tao Junior. He caught evidence of the Empress viting the rule of respecting seniority when the Empress just pointed out that the dowry of Princess of Cai was more than that of Princess of Lu.

    Empress Jiang became stern, and for a while, she had no idea what to say. After a short silence, Chancellor Dou suddenly stood out, ¡°How about thoroughly investigating the Tao Family and the Duan Family. Let¡¯s see which family is right and which one is wrong!¡±

    When this suggestion was made, the neutral party felt indifferent. They, with Xue Chang as their leader, just stood aside, watching them fighting against each other. But the people of the Empress and Empress Dowager Gu all felt abrupt and surprised. The calmness was seen by Empress Dowager Gu, Tang Zimo and others. They thought for a moment, and all became grim!

 Chapter 292 - The First BranChapter Seems Too Idle, Make Them Busy!

    <h4>Chapter 292 The First Branch Seems Too Idle, Make Them Busy!</h4>

    Before they could speak, Empress Jiang began tough, ¡°Then do as you say! Don¡¯t say I¡¯m harbouring people from my own family. Qiu Dian is in charge of investigating the Tao Family. As for the Duan Family, Dalisi will investigate!¡±

    After she finished, she looked provocatively at Empress Dowager Gu, ¡°What do you think, Mother? If Duan Jin is innocent, he definitely won¡¯t miss this opportunity to prove his innocence, right?¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu was full of bitterness. Empress Jiang sacrificed her own family for the battle. What else could she say? If she opposed the investigation, it would give the Empress¡¯s party another good reason to screw Duan Jin to death! But if she agreed to investigate, Duan Jin was innocent or not... Everyone knew he was certainly not innocent!

    Duan Jin was a dead man already!

    Empress Dowager Gu had to nod and agreed to the suggestion. After Duan Jin saw it, he sat limply on the ground as if his bones had been taken out ¨C Seeing him like this, anyone would know how the investigation had turned out.

    The assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice was investigated and imprisoned. And the Empress¡¯s party sacrificed the Tao Family but won the battle. However, they had no time to celebrate. After the court was dismissed, they gathered again in the Marquess¡¯s Mansion study to discuss what to do next!

    ¡°Yashuang¡¯s suggestion sounds good. Yashuang, how did youe up with the idea to start with the dowries of the Princess?¡± Although Jiang Yashuang was not even qualified to participate in today¡¯s court discussion, the people in the study praised his good suggestion, especially Sir Jibei, who had spent most of his life in the military and just returned to the capital as an officerst year. His only son, Jiang Tiancan, had remained in the capital as an officer. Jiang Tiancan spent a lot of time with his nephew Jiang Tianchi. So the bond between them was intimate.

    As the saying went, ¡°love me, love my dog.¡± Therefore, for Jiang Tianchi¡¯s son Jiang Yashuang, Sir Jibei felt closer. Jiang Yashuang was young, but he could make a n to make the Empress Dowager¡¯s party suffer a big loss. Sir Jibei began to praise him, ¡°This year, the royal family has several weddings. Everyone is just watching. However, only you proposed this good idea. In this way, you also incidentally cleaned up the Tao Family who helped the outsiders secretly! You are worthy of being the grandson of Marquess Qin...¡±

    ¡°Well, Sir Jibei, stop praising him. He just proposed a n. That¡¯s all.¡± Marquess Qin said. He was also pleased in his heart. However, he was worried that Jiang Yashuang would be proud of himself because of it. At the same time, he was also worried that Jiang Tianao and the others would feel awkward. Therefore, he hurriedly interrupted Sir Jibei, ¡°You should know that there are many people who really use their brains to make it possible. Don¡¯t give all the credit to him alone!¡±

    The always smiling Jiang Yashuang took the opportunity to say, ¡°Yes, grandfather. It is coincidental. I thought that Zhaoyi Miao favoured Ningyi¡¯s sister and intended to make her as Princess of Wei? But the prospective Princess of Wei¡¯s family and her uncle¡¯s family are not well-off, so they can¡¯te up with a rich dowry. They were worried like ants on a hot pot. After Ningyi knew about it, she was also very anxious about them. She even wanted to contribute a part of the dowry for Princess of Wei. However, her idea was firmly rejected by the mother of the prospective Princess of Wei...¡±

    ¡°Stop speaking! Do you think we don¡¯t know what you are thinking about?¡± Marquess Qin interrupted him without good grace. He continued, ¡°The Empress ordered Dalisi to investigate the Duan Family. You feel happy now?¡±

    Yuan Wenhong, the Secretary of the Dalisi, was not a member of the Empress¡¯s party but a member of the neutral party ¨C So he would never get involved in this mess! He would be ¡°sick¡± soon, as Marquess Qin and others knew him. He would be so sick that he would have to leave things to his men. But he would get better until his men finished the job.

    The officer who was one level below the Secretary of the Dalisi was the Chief Minister ¨C Lian Jianhai was the newly promoted Chief Minister. As long as he was not stupid, after investigating the Duan Family¡¯s property, he would know Wang Qingqian¡¯s dowry would be on his table!

    Lian Jianhai might also make Lian Ding¡¯s reputation better with a little luck.

    This was why Empress Jiang assigned Dalisi to investigate the Duan Family ¨C When offering the n, Jiang Yashuang stressed again and again that his wife Qiu Yn was concerned about the dowry of his cousin Wang Qingqian! Considering her anxiety, he came up with the n!

    His n killed two birds with one stone. He dealt with his public and private affairs once in all. After the business was done, he pestered Marquess Qin to cash in on his private business reward. This gave grandfather a headache. If Marquess Qin lectured Jiang Yashuang, he felt that Jiang Yashuang had just made merit. His merit was because of the private matter that came to mind. Therefore, it could be seen that he had not reversed his priorities; if Marquess Qin did not lecture Jiang Yashuang, Marquess Qin felt that Jiang Yashuang was always thinking of doing something for his wife. As a man, his mind always focused on pleasing his wife, which made the elders who had high hopes for him worried. They, of course, would worry that sweet words might ruin him!

    Marquess Qin began to talk about the main topic when hemented that each of his sons and grandsons was a cause for concern. ¡°Today¡¯s incident happened very suddenly. Duan Jin certainly did not have time to destroy many ount books. Next, we have to take advantage of his rtionship with Qingfeng Ji and then investigate others through Qingfeng Ji ¨C especially Tang Zimo!¡±

    Although Jiang Tianxiao was Jiang Yashuang¡¯s uncle, he was not much older than Jiang Yashuang. Because he was the son of a concubine and his talent was not particrly outstanding, Marquess Qin didn¡¯t take the time to train him. Although he was qualified to sit here, he could only understand a little bit of what they said. He asked, ¡°Father, Duan Jin¡¯s rtionship with Tang Zimo is much closer. Why do we have to go through Qingfeng Ji to investigate him instead of investigating him directly? Anyway, he must have embezzlement. And, he will definitely go to jail. After he goes to jail, we definitely have ways to make him confess as well.¡±

    ¡°Confess?¡± Marquess Qin sneered, ¡°I believe that within two hours, there will be news that he is dead.¡±

    ¡°Tianxiao, think about it. Duan Jin is the assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice. He must know very well what will happen to him after he is imprisoned.¡± Jiang Tianao exined to him, ¡°He has a veryid-back life. It¡¯s unlikely that he can carry the life as a prisoner. Nor could he necessarily bear the humiliation of going from the minister of a country to a prisoner. Such a blow would make him think of death. In that case, Empress Dowager Gu and Tang Zimo could find a reason to pardon his family. Therefore, there is no hope for us to start with him. We can only start with Qingfeng Ji!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Jiang Tianqi, who originally also wanted to exin to Jiang Tianxiao, looked at him coldly. Jiang Tianxiao was his own brother!

    Jiang Tianao pretended not to see him. Although he was a cousin, he was the oldest of his generation. What was wrong with him helping his brother say a few words?

    Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei ignored the little spat between the brothers. Anyway, there had been a contradiction between Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi for a long time. The contradiction couldn¡¯t be reconciled even though they spoke it out now. It was better to deal with the Empress Dowager¡¯s party first and thene back to reconcile them.

    ¡°The people of Qingfeng Ji, such as Gu Zonghao, may be silenced.¡± Marquess Qin said in a slow voice, ¡°Of course, Qingfeng Ji is, after all, a long-established store throughout our country. To take care of such a big business, it can¡¯t be done by a few dozen people! It is impossible to kill so many people in a short period of time. This time is our chance! Before the court meeting, they have sent people out to do this. Now, I guess all the people who should be arrested have been arrested. The next step is to interrogate and send them to the capital alive. Remember to be alert on this.¡±

    When the opportunity came, one must also be able to seize it. So Marquess Qin simply exined the approach and direction, and then he adjourned the meeting. He wanted everyone to hurry up and get to work!

    Once he turned around, he saw Jiang Yashuang standing in ce without moving. He frowned, ¡°Are you sure you want me to write you a letter before you dare to go back and exin to your wife?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant. Ningyi doesn¡¯t even know that I came up with this idea!¡± Jiang Yashuang curtly came up to him, squeezing his shoulders and pounding his back. Heughed, ¡°I just want to talk about Tao Junior!¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Marquess Qin askedzily, ¡°She¡¯s almost well enough. She should have moved back into her house. What¡¯s wrong with her again?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang had always been straightforward in front of him, ¡°Duan Jin is finished. The Tao Family is also going to be finished. Although this is their own fault, Tao Junior did not get involved in their affairs! In the past years, since she got married, she has been very virtuous. You know it. Since ancient times, there have been three not-to-divorce rules...¡±

    Here, the marriagew of the time should be exined again ¨C Unless it waspulsory divorce, there were three cases in which a husband was not allowed to discard a wife. One, the girl¡¯s parents were alive when she married, and at the time of divorce, there was no one left in her mother¡¯s family; two, the wife had been in a mourning period for her father-inw or mother-inw for three years; three, the husband was poor when she married him, andter became rich. These rules were thew on protecting women¡¯s rights at that time, although only three rules...

    As the Tao Family declined, Madame Tao Junior met the first one. That was ¡°the girl¡¯s parents were alive when she married, and at the time of divorce, there was no one left in her mother¡¯s family¡±. The Tao Family was now gone. If Madame Tao Junior was divorced, she had no ce to go.

    Marquess Qin understood Jiang Yashuang¡¯s meaning and nodded, ¡°Tao Junior is indeed very virtuous, but Jiang Yadan has always been unruly! Before the Tao Family declined, he had already bullied her wife many times. Now that the Tao Family is in trouble, if I don¡¯t stand up for Tao Junior, Tao Junior¡¯s future will be challenging indeed.¡±

    This kind of thing, for Marquess Qin, cost nothing. What he would do could appease Madame Tao and Empress Jiang and do a favour for Jiang Yashuang. So Marquess Qin quickly called someone over, ¡°You go to my private treasury to pick a set of the best headdress jewellery, take a few good herbs and clothing, and send them to Tao Junior. Then, you tell her not to think too much. Since she is a member of our family, everything that happens outside has nothing to do with her!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sighed with relief ¨C After Marquess Qin took a stand, Madame Tao Junior¡¯s position was considered solid as a mountain in the family.

    ¡°I hope Qiu Yn¡¯s deceptive words to her wille true. No matter whether it is a boy or a girl, it would be good for Madame Tao Junior to have her own child!¡± He prayed this in his heart and smiled as he excused himself.

    On this day, they figured out how to get the dowry for Wang Qingqian and solidified Madame Tao Junior¡¯s position ¨C Jiang Yashuang happily returned to the courtyard to take credit with his wife. Unexpectedly, Qiu Yn was not there. Qiu Yn asked Chen Shui to leave a message for him, ¡°I¡¯m going to see Sheng Shishui and her daughter. I will have dinner there today and not return until evening.¡±

    Sheng Shishui gave birth to a daughter in the middle of October. But at that time, He Shuijin¡¯s miscarriage and Jiang Jingzhui¡¯smitting suicide happened. The Jiang Family was in a mess because of these. Although she gave birth to a daughter, the Jiang Family did not have a big banquet. Hence, her new-born baby did not attract too much attention. In the Jiang Family¡¯s great-grandchildren generation, Sheng Shishui¡¯s daughter was the twenty-first child, which proved there were many children in the family before her daughter. Besides, Jiang Yazhu was not very important to the family. So, others just followed the rules to send gifts for the new-born baby. The ceremony was very uneventful.

    Qiu Yn was the only one who often went over to visit her.

    But...

    Jiang Yashuang looked at the sky and frowned, ¡°Why will you note back until evening? Won¡¯t Jiang Yazhue back for dinner today?¡±

    ¡°I think Prince Yazhu just went out. He¡¯s going out of town on a business trip, and won¡¯t be back until a few dayster,¡± Chen Shui exined promptly.

    Jiang Yazhu probably went to deal with those Qingfeng Ji¡¯s top brass outside the capital ¨C Jiang Yashuang sighed and said listlessly, ¡°Well, make tea for me!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Chen Shui respectfully said. While she was about to go to make tea, Caiqi suddenly came in to report, ¡°Prince, Young Prince Ou is here!¡±

    ¡°Ou Bicheng?¡± Jiang Yashuang was a little surprised. He immediately stood up, being about to wee him. Ou Bicheng had already rushed into it. If Jiang Yashuang did not dodge quickly, the two almost collided!

    When Jiang Yashuang saw him, he quickly asked Chen Shui to serve tea. Then he dismissed the maids, leaving two alone in the hall. He asked in a low voice, ¡°What¡¯s so urgent?¡±

    ¡°A pigeon letter hase from the north!¡± When Ou Bicheng saw that all the maids had left, his face turned serious, ¡°Jiang Yayue was slightly injured and had to go back to the capital to recuperate!¡±

    If it were just like this, it would not be worth Jiang Tianchi arranging his men to send such an urgent message, and Ou Bicheng wouldn¡¯t be in such a hurry toe over to report the news ¨C Jiang Yashuang understood as soon as he heard it, ¡°Can¡¯t get along in the Northern Army? Want to hold the Western Army then? There was no war in the north, and Jiang Yayue was not an important person in the northern army. How could he be injured and need to return to the capital to recuperate?

    ¡°Hey, his idea may reallye true!¡± Ou Bicheng reminded him with a cold smile, ¡°He is in the Northern Army. Although he has Major General to take care of him, he has no real power. But he must have learned a little bit from Major General as he stayed with him all the time! He may not have the ability to lead an army, but, we can¡¯t underestimate him! He is now back in the capital, recovering from his injuries. When Qiu Jinn has finished dealing with the father and son of the Kuang Family, the Western Army will have no leader. He will then ask Marquess to send him there, helping manage the army ¨C Marquess has always taken better care of the people in the first branch. And at the same time, Marquess would not allow the Western Army to fall into Qiu Jin¡¯s hands. Hence, Marquess definitely would agree with his proposal?!¡±

    The Jiang Family was willing to send men to protect Qiu Jinn along his westward trip with the power of the entire family because they wanted to wipe out the Empress Dowager¡¯s party and seize the military power of the Western Army. There were no odds that the Jiang Family would do this just because of Qiu Yn, a grandson¡¯s wife.

    Therefore, when Qiu Jinn seeded in revenge, the Jiang Family also began to reap the rewards ¨C Both the Jiang Family and Qiu Jinn himself knew it very well. They were using each other. Without the Jiang Family¡¯s help, it would be impossible for Qiu Jinn to take revenge; and the Jiang Family could not give every care for Qiu Jinn just because his sister married one of the grandsons of the Jiang Family.

    But, the harvest of the Jiang Family was not equal to the harvest of all Jiang Family members!

    Among them, only Jiang Yashuang worried the most about this. He was the closest to Qiu Jinn. How could he possibly tolerate Jiang Yayue sitting on his hands on behalf of the first branch?

    ¡°It seems that the eldest uncle¡¯s family has been too idletely. They even have time to covet the Western Army.¡± Jiang Yashuang sneered, ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll find something for them to do!¡±

    <h4>Comment (0)</h4>

    FIRST COMMENT<h4>Chapter 293 Still Suffered From Old Illness, One Disaster After Another!</h4>

    Jiang Yashuang just walked Ou Bicheng out when Qiu Yn came back. They bumped into each other at the door. She was frowning and upset. Seeing that, Jiang Yashuang was suspicious. He held her hand and asked softly, ¡°How are Shishui and the twenty-first niece?¡±

    ¡°Our niece is so adorable and causes others no trouble,¡± Qiu Yn nodded. She took him a few steps towards the yard and then whispered, ¡°Did the eighth sister-inwe or send anyone here?¡±

    ¡°No wonder you stayed at Shishui¡¯s ce until now,¡± Jiang Yashuang was stunned. He didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry, ¡°It turns out that you were afraid that eighth sister-inw woulde to plead with you.¡±

    Qiu Yn was frustrated, ¡°The eighth sister-inw is the most ill-treated person in the Tao Family. But considering how the eighth sister-inw is, do you think she¡¯ll sit by and watch her family suffer in distress? On one hand, I don¡¯t want to plead for her. On the other hand, I¡¯m not in the position to plead. I can¡¯t bear watching her being sad. I just have to hide! I thought even if she knew that I went to Shishui¡¯s ce and followed me there, she wouldn¡¯t have a chance to talk about it with Shishui and the twenty-first niece interrupting!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang also knew how Madame Tao Junior was. The Tao Family wanted to kill her before. Now that the Tao Family was going down, let alone gloat, she couldn¡¯t even sit by and watch!

    He smiled and said, ¡°Then you should cook for me tomorrow! I deliberately asked grandfather to grant the eighth sister-inw a reward after everyone left. She¡¯s always smart. I think she could get grandfather¡¯s implication!¡±

    Marquess Qin granted his granddaughter-inw a reward and asked her not to worry about the misfortune in her maiden family. It was afort and also a reminder. It reminded her that she was already a member of the Jiang Family and she didn¡¯t need to worry about the Tao Family!

    Even if Madame Tao Junior still didn¡¯t want to give up, she would have to plead with Marquess Qin. Because Marquess Qin said that himself. Who else dared to defy Marquess Qin?

    However, speaking of the Tao Family¡¯s misfortune, they asked for it themselves. While those outsiders in the Empress¡¯s party were waiting and seeing, the Tao Family, as the most important inw to the rise of the Jiang Family, changed their side before others! Now that the Jiang Family freed their hands, who else would they go after in order to set an example other than the Tao Family?

    Besides, the Tao Family was really stupid to betray the Jiang Family. Considering their connection with the Empress¡¯s party, if the Empress¡¯s party won, the worst case scenario would be that they wouldn¡¯t be able to benefit from it as long as they didn¡¯t mess up like what they did at that moment. But their safety could be guaranteed. If the Empress Dowager¡¯s party won, would Empress Dowager Gu who hated Empress Jiang¡¯s guts and wanted to eat her alive let the Tao Family off the hook because they changed their side?

    It was an important choice which concerned their lives and the survival of their family! The Tao Family actually chose Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s side in a rush of thought when Marquess Qin¡¯s condition wasn¡¯t clear.

    The Jiang Family didn¡¯t do anything to them until now, because they wanted to benefit from their lives. Everyone in the Jiang Family was satisfied with taking down Duan Jin as a bonus at that moment including the daughter of the Tao Family, Madame Tao!

    If Madame Tao weren¡¯t Empress Jiang¡¯s mother or she weren¡¯t capable, with what happened in the Tao Family, she even didn¡¯t need to iste herself. How would she face the juniors? Other than their kids, people at her age valued their prestige the most!

    So, after Jiang Yashuang told Qiu Yn that Marquess Qin hadforted Madame Tao Junior himself, they stopped talking about what would happen to the Tao Family. They began to talk about something they cared about more.

    Jiang Yashuang surely continued to take credit for his achievements. Hearing that the Empress and Marquess Qin both agreed to let Lian Jianhai investigate the Duan Family¡¯s property in order to get enough money for Wang Qingqian¡¯s dowry, Qiu Yn was beyond happy. Not only would it save Qiu Jinn money, but also because she only mentioned it once in front of Jiang Yashuang and he remembered it. Having a husband who cared so much, how could a wife not be happy?

    So, after they went into the room, Qiu Yn kissed him without hesitation. They fooled around for a while and then got up to tidy themselves panting for more.

    While they were flirting and cleaning up the next morning, He Shuijin¡¯s maid Xian came.

    They were both surprised, ¡°What does Shuijin want from us this early morning?¡±

    They got dressed in a hurry and summoned Xian in to ask her. They found out that the ount books which Qingfeng Ji didn¡¯t have time to destroy had been delivered to Marquess¡¯s Mansion stealthily sincest night. He Shuijin was the best person who could find out the connection between Qingfeng Ji and Empress Dowager¡¯s party and benefit from it!

    But He Shuijin couldn¡¯t look through all the ount books herself. And the Jiang Family couldn¡¯t announce that all the ount books of Qingfeng Ji were delivered to their mansion. After all, Dalisi was the department investigating Duan Jin for corruption and the culpability of others. So, they couldn¡¯t bring in a lot of people from outside. They only had a few ountants at home. Even they had already hired some help, how could those few people look through all the ount books of such argemercial house which had been open for decades?

    So, He Shuijin had been sending people out looking for help since the early morning, ¡°Madame Yn, please do help. Otherwise, Madame Shuijin will be up to her ears in work!¡±

    It was a matter of victory or defeat in two Empresses¡¯ fight. Qiu Yn surely wouldn¡¯t reject, ¡°Okay. Shall I go now?¡± She turned around and asked the servants to bring her some desserts from the kitchen. She nned to eat those on the way to the third branch.

    Hearing that, Jiang Yashuang said in a hurry, ¡°No need to be in such a rush! Go after having breakfast!¡±

    Xian smiled and bent her knees, ¡°Young Master Yashuang really adores Madame Yn... Madame Yn, you don¡¯t need to be in such a rush. Madame Shuijin is already sorry for sending me to bother you so early in the morning. How could she let you go there without having breakfast? Please have a proper breakfast and then go there. Otherwise, Madame Shuijin will punish me after I go back!¡±

    ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten either, have you?¡± Qiu Yn instructed Su He, ¡°Go to the kitchen and pack some fresh desserts for Xian. Don¡¯t starve yourself running around with an empty stomach!¡±

    Xian didn¡¯t refuse. She thanked Qiu Yn with a smile and then left.

    While instructing the servants to serve breakfast, Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°We¡¯ve already hired dozens of ountants in advance and kept them in a quiet corner of the front yard. They are waiting to look through the ount books of Qingfeng Ji. But Shuijin is still so busy that she has to look for help in the early morning. It looks like we didn¡¯t hire enough people!¡±

    ¡°We couldn¡¯t hire more. Our family is a big family and we draw a lot of attention. Hiring dozens of ountants could get past Empress Dowager¡¯s informants. But if we hire hundreds of them, not to mention the business of those shops without ountants, how could Empress Dowager¡¯s party not notice?¡± Qiu Yn took over a hot cup of tea and took a sip. She said, ¡°If they find out we are going to go after Qingfeng Ji through Duan Jin and get prepared, it¡¯ll be a huge loss for us!¡±

    ¡°It can¡¯t be done in a short time. Don¡¯t get too tired when you are there,¡± Jiang Yashuang told her to take care of herself and not to worry too much, ¡°Those ountants are hired to do their jobs. You are only there to help. Don¡¯t exhaust yourself. Shuijin knows her stuff well. Leave everything to her. You...¡±

    All his nagging could be summarized into one sentence: You didn¡¯t need to actually do something!

    Qiu Yn felt warm at heart. But she teased him, ¡°I know, I know. Judging by my skill at keeping ounts, I can¡¯t give much help even if I want to! But I think it¡¯s a good opportunity to learn from Shuijin. My properties are managed by the people my brother hired. I don¡¯t know whether those are good or not.¡±

    ¡°Brother adores you so much. The people he hired surely are reliable.¡± Breakfast was served. Jiang Yashuang peeled a salted duck egg. He put the egg yolk dripping with oil in his wife¡¯s bowl and left the egg white in his porridge. He said with a smile, ¡°Eat your porridge in case it¡¯s getting cold in this cold weather!¡±

    Qiu Yn finished her breakfast under the care of her husband and arrived at the third branch happily. She felt the atmosphere was weird before she reached the door. When she reached the door, she saw guards everywhere. The patrolmen¡¯s eyes were sharp, and their hands were on the hilts. It looked like they were going to root out the spies whenever and wherever they were!

    Qiu Yn was a little stunned by what she saw. Then she realized that the Empress¡¯s party was going to take down Empress Dowager¡¯s party once and for all via Duan Jin! So, they arranged these doughty bodyguards to guard the third branch in case the words got out or any ident happened!

    Not just these people, two of the butlers of the third branch were at the door. Their jobs were to identify people, ¡°This is Madame Yn of the fourth branch who Madame Shuijin sent Xian to invite this morning.¡±

    Not just Qiu Yn, her maids also needed to identify themselves. Those who were not henchmen or able to help with ount checking were all sent back to their yards. And they were ordered to keep it a secret!

    In the end, Qiu Yn only went in with Chunran and Xiaran. Within a few steps, she could feel the work they were doing inside was in full swing. They were shocked when they went into the first Ming Hall!

    The Ming Hall was huge enough for a horseman to show his skills. At that moment, the screen, the bed, the antiques... were all moved away! Only a row of chairs and tables was below the west window. Boxes of ount books were piled high in the vacant space. Most of the piles were as high as a person. There was a man-high censer burning incense in each corner of the hall which was tended by servants. Even so, it still couldn¡¯t dilute the musty smell!

    A few ountants wearing the clothes of the man of letters sat behind the tables below the west window. They were focussing on checking the ounts. When Qiu Yn went in, they didn¡¯t even have time to look up, let alone rise to salute!

    ¡°So many ount books?¡± Qiu Yn knew there must be a huge number of ount books of Qingfeng Ji. But what she saw was still beyond her imagination. At that moment, she wanted to throw in the towel on the heavy work ahead. The maid who was leading the way answered with a bitter smile, ¡°These are the ones which Madame Shuijin categorized as not so important. So, only a few people are here... The major part is at back!¡±

    Hearing that, Qiu Yn was about to copse. Instead, Chunran and Xiaran obviously had seen simr scenes with Qiu Jinn before. They held her calmly and said, ¡°In this case, Madame Yn, we¡¯d better hurry and go find Madame Shuijin now!¡±

    The task would be done sooner orter. There was no point in dying!

    Qiu Yn went to the back and found He Shuijin with a bitter face. In fact, He Shuijin wasn¡¯t destined to have an easy life. It had been over a month since she miscarried. But she miscarried because of fear. So, she was physically damaged. And she knew that someone did it to her. But she couldn¡¯t say anything because that person was from her maiden Family. She suffered both mentally and physically. She had been ill on and off since she miscarried. She almost recovered two days ago.

    Now she was about to embark on her busy and trivial duty. Seeing He Shuijin¡¯s pale face and the tight belt on her head which was meant to ease her migraine, Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°Shuijin, I know you are busy. But you should take...¡±

    He Shuijin shoved a pile of ount books into Qiu Yn¡¯s hand before she could say the word ¡°care¡±, ¡°Yn, I¡¯m so busy. So, I¡¯ll make it short. I heard that you were not good at checking ounts. So, these have already been checked. You just need to see if the calction is right!¡±

    Then she pointed to the seat next to Madame Dou Junior. Four treasures of study, abacus, and tea had been prepared. And a maid from the third branch was serving. Before Qiu Yn turned around, He Shuijin dragged Chunran and Xiaran, ¡°Since you guys are here, I assume you know how to check ounts? Stop looking at Yn. There¡¯s someone serving her. I also prepared ces for you guys. Go check these ount books!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn held the brush pen and looked around. She noticed that none of the maids serving Madame Dou Junior and others who arrived before her were their original maids. Their maids were all busy calcting. She couldn¡¯t helpughing at herself, ¡°It¡¯s not my help that she wants. She obviously has her eyes on Chunran and Xiaran!¡±

    He Shuijin really lived up to her reputation. She got help from the masters and the maids. It relieved some of the pressure causing by theck of ountants.

    However, the ount books of Qingfeng Ji were way too many. Even if the whole harem of the Jiang Family was mobilized, it was only a drop in the bucket. Worst of all, He Shuijin hadn¡¯t fully recovered. And it¡¯s said that she had been up all nightst night and just took a nap in the morning. She continued to be in charge at that moment. Shested to the afternoon. When she was instructing a few ountants in a hurry, she suddenly closed her eyes and fell back!

    Thanks to Juan¡¯s quick response, she held her at once to keep her from hitting the ground! The startled crowd gathered around her. They pinched her at the philtrum, shook her, and called out her name. She slowly woke up after a long time. She continued to instruct the ountants without opening her eyes. Then her head tilted, and she fainted again!

 Chapter 293 - Still Suffered From Old Illness, One Disaster After Another!

    <h4>Chapter 293 Still Suffered From Old Illness, One Disaster After Another!</h4>

    Jiang Yashuang just walked Ou Bicheng out when Qiu Yn came back. They bumped into each other at the door. She was frowning and upset. Seeing that, Jiang Yashuang was suspicious. He held her hand and asked softly, ¡°How are Shishui and the twenty-first niece?¡±

    ¡°Our niece is so adorable and causes others no trouble,¡± Qiu Yn nodded. She took him a few steps towards the yard and then whispered, ¡°Did the eighth sister-inwe or send anyone here?¡±

    ¡°No wonder you stayed at Shishui¡¯s ce until now,¡± Jiang Yashuang was stunned. He didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry, ¡°It turns out that you were afraid that eighth sister-inw woulde to plead with you.¡±

    Qiu Yn was frustrated, ¡°The eighth sister-inw is the most ill-treated person in the Tao Family. But considering how the eighth sister-inw is, do you think she¡¯ll sit by and watch her family suffer in distress? On one hand, I don¡¯t want to plead for her. On the other hand, I¡¯m not in the position to plead. I can¡¯t bear watching her being sad. I just have to hide! I thought even if she knew that I went to Shishui¡¯s ce and followed me there, she wouldn¡¯t have a chance to talk about it with Shishui and the twenty-first niece interrupting!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang also knew how Madame Tao Junior was. The Tao Family wanted to kill her before. Now that the Tao Family was going down, let alone gloat, she couldn¡¯t even sit by and watch!

    He smiled and said, ¡°Then you should cook for me tomorrow! I deliberately asked grandfather to grant the eighth sister-inw a reward after everyone left. She¡¯s always smart. I think she could get grandfather¡¯s implication!¡±

    Marquess Qin granted his granddaughter-inw a reward and asked her not to worry about the misfortune in her maiden family. It was afort and also a reminder. It reminded her that she was already a member of the Jiang Family and she didn¡¯t need to worry about the Tao Family!

    Even if Madame Tao Junior still didn¡¯t want to give up, she would have to plead with Marquess Qin. Because Marquess Qin said that himself. Who else dared to defy Marquess Qin?

    However, speaking of the Tao Family¡¯s misfortune, they asked for it themselves. While those outsiders in the Empress¡¯s party were waiting and seeing, the Tao Family, as the most important inw to the rise of the Jiang Family, changed their side before others! Now that the Jiang Family freed their hands, who else would they go after in order to set an example other than the Tao Family?

    Besides, the Tao Family was really stupid to betray the Jiang Family. Considering their connection with the Empress¡¯s party, if the Empress¡¯s party won, the worst case scenario would be that they wouldn¡¯t be able to benefit from it as long as they didn¡¯t mess up like what they did at that moment. But their safety could be guaranteed. If the Empress Dowager¡¯s party won, would Empress Dowager Gu who hated Empress Jiang¡¯s guts and wanted to eat her alive let the Tao Family off the hook because they changed their side?

    It was an important choice which concerned their lives and the survival of their family! The Tao Family actually chose Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s side in a rush of thought when Marquess Qin¡¯s condition wasn¡¯t clear.

    The Jiang Family didn¡¯t do anything to them until now, because they wanted to benefit from their lives. Everyone in the Jiang Family was satisfied with taking down Duan Jin as a bonus at that moment including the daughter of the Tao Family, Madame Tao!

    If Madame Tao weren¡¯t Empress Jiang¡¯s mother or she weren¡¯t capable, with what happened in the Tao Family, she even didn¡¯t need to iste herself. How would she face the juniors? Other than their kids, people at her age valued their prestige the most!

    So, after Jiang Yashuang told Qiu Yn that Marquess Qin hadforted Madame Tao Junior himself, they stopped talking about what would happen to the Tao Family. They began to talk about something they cared about more.

    Jiang Yashuang surely continued to take credit for his achievements. Hearing that the Empress and Marquess Qin both agreed to let Lian Jianhai investigate the Duan Family¡¯s property in order to get enough money for Wang Qingqian¡¯s dowry, Qiu Yn was beyond happy. Not only would it save Qiu Jinn money, but also because she only mentioned it once in front of Jiang Yashuang and he remembered it. Having a husband who cared so much, how could a wife not be happy?

    So, after they went into the room, Qiu Yn kissed him without hesitation. They fooled around for a while and then got up to tidy themselves panting for more.

    While they were flirting and cleaning up the next morning, He Shuijin¡¯s maid Xian came.

    They were both surprised, ¡°What does Shuijin want from us this early morning?¡±

    They got dressed in a hurry and summoned Xian in to ask her. They found out that the ount books which Qingfeng Ji didn¡¯t have time to destroy had been delivered to Marquess¡¯s Mansion stealthily sincest night. He Shuijin was the best person who could find out the connection between Qingfeng Ji and Empress Dowager¡¯s party and benefit from it!

    But He Shuijin couldn¡¯t look through all the ount books herself. And the Jiang Family couldn¡¯t announce that all the ount books of Qingfeng Ji were delivered to their mansion. After all, Dalisi was the department investigating Duan Jin for corruption and the culpability of others. So, they couldn¡¯t bring in a lot of people from outside. They only had a few ountants at home. Even they had already hired some help, how could those few people look through all the ount books of such argemercial house which had been open for decades?

    So, He Shuijin had been sending people out looking for help since the early morning, ¡°Madame Yn, please do help. Otherwise, Madame Shuijin will be up to her ears in work!¡±

    It was a matter of victory or defeat in two Empresses¡¯ fight. Qiu Yn surely wouldn¡¯t reject, ¡°Okay. Shall I go now?¡± She turned around and asked the servants to bring her some desserts from the kitchen. She nned to eat those on the way to the third branch.

    Hearing that, Jiang Yashuang said in a hurry, ¡°No need to be in such a rush! Go after having breakfast!¡±

    Xian smiled and bent her knees, ¡°Young Master Yashuang really adores Madame Yn... Madame Yn, you don¡¯t need to be in such a rush. Madame Shuijin is already sorry for sending me to bother you so early in the morning. How could she let you go there without having breakfast? Please have a proper breakfast and then go there. Otherwise, Madame Shuijin will punish me after I go back!¡±

    ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten either, have you?¡± Qiu Yn instructed Su He, ¡°Go to the kitchen and pack some fresh desserts for Xian. Don¡¯t starve yourself running around with an empty stomach!¡±

    Xian didn¡¯t refuse. She thanked Qiu Yn with a smile and then left.

    While instructing the servants to serve breakfast, Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°We¡¯ve already hired dozens of ountants in advance and kept them in a quiet corner of the front yard. They are waiting to look through the ount books of Qingfeng Ji. But Shuijin is still so busy that she has to look for help in the early morning. It looks like we didn¡¯t hire enough people!¡±

    ¡°We couldn¡¯t hire more. Our family is a big family and we draw a lot of attention. Hiring dozens of ountants could get past Empress Dowager¡¯s informants. But if we hire hundreds of them, not to mention the business of those shops without ountants, how could Empress Dowager¡¯s party not notice?¡± Qiu Yn took over a hot cup of tea and took a sip. She said, ¡°If they find out we are going to go after Qingfeng Ji through Duan Jin and get prepared, it¡¯ll be a huge loss for us!¡±

    ¡°It can¡¯t be done in a short time. Don¡¯t get too tired when you are there,¡± Jiang Yashuang told her to take care of herself and not to worry too much, ¡°Those ountants are hired to do their jobs. You are only there to help. Don¡¯t exhaust yourself. Shuijin knows her stuff well. Leave everything to her. You...¡±

    All his nagging could be summarized into one sentence: You didn¡¯t need to actually do something!

    Qiu Yn felt warm at heart. But she teased him, ¡°I know, I know. Judging by my skill at keeping ounts, I can¡¯t give much help even if I want to! But I think it¡¯s a good opportunity to learn from Shuijin. My properties are managed by the people my brother hired. I don¡¯t know whether those are good or not.¡±

    ¡°Brother adores you so much. The people he hired surely are reliable.¡± Breakfast was served. Jiang Yashuang peeled a salted duck egg. He put the egg yolk dripping with oil in his wife¡¯s bowl and left the egg white in his porridge. He said with a smile, ¡°Eat your porridge in case it¡¯s getting cold in this cold weather!¡±

    Qiu Yn finished her breakfast under the care of her husband and arrived at the third branch happily. She felt the atmosphere was weird before she reached the door. When she reached the door, she saw guards everywhere. The patrolmen¡¯s eyes were sharp, and their hands were on the hilts. It looked like they were going to root out the spies whenever and wherever they were!

    Qiu Yn was a little stunned by what she saw. Then she realized that the Empress¡¯s party was going to take down Empress Dowager¡¯s party once and for all via Duan Jin! So, they arranged these doughty bodyguards to guard the third branch in case the words got out or any ident happened!

    Not just these people, two of the butlers of the third branch were at the door. Their jobs were to identify people, ¡°This is Madame Yn of the fourth branch who Madame Shuijin sent Xian to invite this morning.¡±

    Not just Qiu Yn, her maids also needed to identify themselves. Those who were not henchmen or able to help with ount checking were all sent back to their yards. And they were ordered to keep it a secret!

    In the end, Qiu Yn only went in with Chunran and Xiaran. Within a few steps, she could feel the work they were doing inside was in full swing. They were shocked when they went into the first Ming Hall!

    The Ming Hall was huge enough for a horseman to show his skills. At that moment, the screen, the bed, the antiques... were all moved away! Only a row of chairs and tables was below the west window. Boxes of ount books were piled high in the vacant space. Most of the piles were as high as a person. There was a man-high censer burning incense in each corner of the hall which was tended by servants. Even so, it still couldn¡¯t dilute the musty smell!

    A few ountants wearing the clothes of the man of letters sat behind the tables below the west window. They were focussing on checking the ounts. When Qiu Yn went in, they didn¡¯t even have time to look up, let alone rise to salute!

    ¡°So many ount books?¡± Qiu Yn knew there must be a huge number of ount books of Qingfeng Ji. But what she saw was still beyond her imagination. At that moment, she wanted to throw in the towel on the heavy work ahead. The maid who was leading the way answered with a bitter smile, ¡°These are the ones which Madame Shuijin categorized as not so important. So, only a few people are here... The major part is at back!¡±

    Hearing that, Qiu Yn was about to copse. Instead, Chunran and Xiaran obviously had seen simr scenes with Qiu Jinn before. They held her calmly and said, ¡°In this case, Madame Yn, we¡¯d better hurry and go find Madame Shuijin now!¡±

    The task would be done sooner orter. There was no point in dying!

    Qiu Yn went to the back and found He Shuijin with a bitter face. In fact, He Shuijin wasn¡¯t destined to have an easy life. It had been over a month since she miscarried. But she miscarried because of fear. So, she was physically damaged. And she knew that someone did it to her. But she couldn¡¯t say anything because that person was from her maiden Family. She suffered both mentally and physically. She had been ill on and off since she miscarried. She almost recovered two days ago.

    Now she was about to embark on her busy and trivial duty. Seeing He Shuijin¡¯s pale face and the tight belt on her head which was meant to ease her migraine, Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°Shuijin, I know you are busy. But you should take...¡±

    He Shuijin shoved a pile of ount books into Qiu Yn¡¯s hand before she could say the word ¡°care¡±, ¡°Yn, I¡¯m so busy. So, I¡¯ll make it short. I heard that you were not good at checking ounts. So, these have already been checked. You just need to see if the calction is right!¡±

    Then she pointed to the seat next to Madame Dou Junior. Four treasures of study, abacus, and tea had been prepared. And a maid from the third branch was serving. Before Qiu Yn turned around, He Shuijin dragged Chunran and Xiaran, ¡°Since you guys are here, I assume you know how to check ounts? Stop looking at Yn. There¡¯s someone serving her. I also prepared ces for you guys. Go check these ount books!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn held the brush pen and looked around. She noticed that none of the maids serving Madame Dou Junior and others who arrived before her were their original maids. Their maids were all busy calcting. She couldn¡¯t helpughing at herself, ¡°It¡¯s not my help that she wants. She obviously has her eyes on Chunran and Xiaran!¡±

    He Shuijin really lived up to her reputation. She got help from the masters and the maids. It relieved some of the pressure causing by theck of ountants.

    However, the ount books of Qingfeng Ji were way too many. Even if the whole harem of the Jiang Family was mobilized, it was only a drop in the bucket. Worst of all, He Shuijin hadn¡¯t fully recovered. And it¡¯s said that she had been up all nightst night and just took a nap in the morning. She continued to be in charge at that moment. Shested to the afternoon. When she was instructing a few ountants in a hurry, she suddenly closed her eyes and fell back!

    Thanks to Juan¡¯s quick response, she held her at once to keep her from hitting the ground! The startled crowd gathered around her. They pinched her at the philtrum, shook her, and called out her name. She slowly woke up after a long time. She continued to instruct the ountants without opening her eyes. Then her head tilted, and she fainted again!

 Chapter 294 - How Could I Let You Guys Lead Me by the Nose?

    <h4>Chapter 294 How Could I Let You Guys Lead Me by the Nose?</h4>

    It was the time that He Shuijin was needed the most. Her health surely couldn¡¯t be neglected. Dr. Lin who was Marquess Qin¡¯s private doctor and his assistant arrived in a hurry almost at the same time when He Shuijin was carried back to her room!

    The crowd wasn¡¯t in the mood of checking the ount books. They all waited at the door nervously.

    Dr. Lin went out after a while. He wiped his sweat as he walked. Seeing that, Madame Dou Junior who stood in the front of the crowd was about to ask. Dr. Lin waved his sleeves and bowed. He said with a serious face, ¡°Marquess is waiting for me. Everyone, please make way!¡±

    Since he mentioned Marquess Qin, everyone had to make way. They all asked Madame He who went in with the doctor, ¡°Third aunt, how is Shuijin?¡±

    ¡°She hasn¡¯t fully recovered. Now she¡¯s too tired!¡± Madame He looked terrible. She was responsible for He Shuijin¡¯s miscarriage. And she lost the first-born grandson because of it. Why did she do that? Because she was afraid that He Shuijin would miss the opportunity!

    However, He Shuijin had only been checking the ount books for a night and half a day before she fell ill. Dr. Lin wasn¡¯t in the mood of saying more when they were inside. But judging by his look, she knew it was serious. Could He Shuijin continue to work?

    The fourth branch just nned to go after Empress Dowager¡¯s party via Princess of Cai¡¯s dowry. The first branch and the sixth branch wouldn¡¯t be treated poorly as long as Marquess Qin was in charge. The kids of the eighth branch were young and mediocre. But they had a mother who had always been Marquess¡¯s favourite. Thinking of those, Madame He felt so upset!

    She was stunned for a moment. Madame Dou Junior¡¯s and other¡¯s questions made her more upset. She fought back her impatience and waved her hand, ¡°Just go do your things as Shuijin just instructed now!¡±

    Madame He felt that she needed to be alone. She needed to think about what she should do in order to earn enough points and benefits for the third branch if He Shuijin really couldn¡¯t continue to work.

    She didn¡¯t know that in the room behind her, He Shuijin who was weak and weary opened her eyes after she and Dr. Lin left and only her close maid remained. He Shuijin¡¯s look was calm. She was quite sober. She didn¡¯t look like she was dying.

    ¡°Madame!¡± Juan opened her mouth and formed the word without making a sound. She gave her a cup of hot rose water.

    ¡°I really haven¡¯t fully recovered!¡± He Shuijin took a few sips of rose water. She felt much better. She gave Juan back the cup and heard what Madame He told the crowd. She smiled. Her smile was both triumphant and sarcastic, ¡°Although I pretended to faint, I really felt so tired after Iy down...¡±

    Juan was peeling an orange for her, sitting on the footrest in front of the bed. Hearing that Madame He had gone far, she whispered, ¡°You haven¡¯t fully recovered. And you¡¯ve stayed up all night... Frankly speaking, even if you didn¡¯t pretend to faint, you wouldn¡¯t be able tost through tonight!¡±

    Juan sighed, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you take those medicines? If you do, you¡¯ll almost recover!¡±

    ¡°Dr. Lin is a great doctor. I¡¯m in the prime of life. If I almost recover from the miscarriage and then faint after working for a night and half a day, do you think we can fool him?¡± He Shuijin said calmly, ¡°Old Master is a generation away from me. And he is a man. Even if he knows that I¡¯m good at managing the house, he has seen all kinds of people in his life. How could he pay attention to a woman like me who is his junior? If I don¡¯t draw his attention at this very moment, the third branch will im all the credits after I work my heart out finishing the job! I¡¯ll only get a little praise at most... Why do I have to endure this?¡±

    Her calm look became gloomy, ¡°Besides, even if I take all those medicines and almost recover, you saw the amount of the ount books. And those are just the ount books of Qingfeng Ji in Jing City. There are many moreing from other ces. You tell me how long I canst working day and night even if I hadn¡¯t miscarried? A lot of elders are focusing on this matter. If I don¡¯t work day and night, my aunt surely will have something to say! She has been waiting for me to get sick so that she can find my husband a concubine or another wife, hasn¡¯t she?¡±

    She looked down, ¡°Now I¡¯m sick. And those many people saw that I still worried about my work after I came out of aa... Dr. Lin also diagnosed me as weak. Don¡¯t you think that Old Master will ask me to slow down? With Old Master saying so and my fainting ident, who can me me for being slow since I¡¯m working in spite of illness?¡±

    Juan couldn¡¯t help crying, ¡°Madame, you¡¯ve suffered! You haven¡¯t offended anyone. And you put your heart and soul into the third branch. Why do you...¡± Why did she have to have this kind of mother-inw? And she was her aunt!

    ¡°Too much water drowned the miller. I never thought much of it before. Now I know how wise our ancestors are!¡± He Shuijin cried a bit. But she wiped her tears right away. She whispered, ¡°If I were as mediocre as those normaldies, how could I annoy my aunt? But luckily I¡¯m alive. I¡¯ll seek justice for me and my poor kid one day!¡±

    She opened her eyes suddenly. There were no tears and weakness in her eyes. She instructed coldly, ¡°Ask Xian to invite Yn here stealthily... I need her help with something!¡±

    About the same time, Dr. Lin arrived at Marquess Qin¡¯s study in a hurry. He reported He Shuijin¡¯s condition cautiously, ¡°Madame Shuijin¡¯s body was damaged due to the miscarriage. And she was too sad in the one month¡¯s convalescence. She can¡¯t afford to strain herself these months. But she has been workingst night and this morning. So...¡±

    Marquess Qin said frowning, ¡°If she can¡¯t work anymore, how about others?¡±

    He didn¡¯t ask Dr. Lin. He asked the old servant standing behind him. The old servant answered obediently, ¡°Others can do it. But they may not be as good as Madame Shuijin. After all, Qingfeng Ji works for Empress Dowager. How could they not have a precaution? They have a huge amount of ount books. Because they have a sessful business and they have real ount books and false ones. We need to identify the ount books and then look for clues!¡±

    ¡°But Shuijin isn¡¯t well. Let her rest for now,¡± Marquess Qin was silent for a while and then said tly. He looked at Dr. Lin, ¡°You go and stay in the third branch for a few days.¡±

    When the words reached the third branch, Jiang Tianqi and Madame He both got the implication, ¡°If father doesn¡¯t want Shuijin to continue to work, why did he send Dr. Lin here? However, Shuijin fainted in front of all those people. If father asks her to set store by overall interests now, it¡¯ll make him look unkind! We have to be the bad person.¡±

    Madame He longed for He Shuijin to bring honour to the third branch. She promised at once, ¡°I¡¯ll talk to her right away!¡±

    ¡°Choose your words carefully. Don¡¯t make her hold a grudge!¡± Jiang Tianqi said, ¡°The ountants of our family are really useless. None of them is as good as her! The current situation is so urgent that she has to endure!¡± Then he said, ¡°Tell Heng¡¯er not to go out these few days, especially not to go to the brothels. In case Shuijin needs to worry about him even though she¡¯s tired!¡±

    Hearing that, Madame He felt jealous in her heart, ¡°When I just married to you and began to manage the house, I was also up to my neck in work, wasn¡¯t I? But you still went to the brothels every other day or so. Wasn¡¯t I sad? Now your son did the same thing. You were actually worried about your daughter-inw!¡±

    But Madame He knew that Jiang Tianqi had always liked He Shuijin who was capable and sophisticated. He even said in private that if his son were half as smart as He Shuijin, he wouldn¡¯t be worried about him for the rest of his life. They needed to rely on He Shuijin at that moment. She had to suppress her jealousy and said, ¡°I know. She¡¯s smart. I think she¡¯ll get my implication. It¡¯s not that we don¡¯t adore her. It¡¯s for their own future!¡±

    While they were talking, a servant came in to report, ¡°Madame Shuijin¡¯s maid, Juan is here!¡±

    Jiang Tianqi said in a hurry, ¡°Send her in. Did Shuijin wake up?¡±

    After going in, Juan saluted. Indeed, she told them that He Shuijin was awake, ¡°Madame Shuijin is too weak to get up. But she still worries about her work. So, she sent me here to discuss with you guys. Is it okay to set up a screen in the inner chamber and let the butlers report behind the screen?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s already too weak to get up. Why does she still worry about the ount matter?¡± Jiang Tainqi was so pleased that his daughter-inw was so sensible. He had to make a feignedint, ¡°Tell her to rest and not to worry. Getting better is more important!¡±

    Juan scolded them for their hypocrisy and shamefulness inwardly. But she said politely, ¡°Madame Shuijin said that she couldn¡¯t rest at ease thinking that everyone was busy! She just hopes you guys could forgive her for being impolite!¡±

    ¡°How is she impolite? We should be flexible when things are urgent!¡± As expected, Jiang Tianqi just pretended to refuse at first and then agreed at the next moment. He instructed to take a few antiques and medicinal materials from his storage and rewarded those to He Shuijin. He always liked He Shuijin. Her being so sensible at that moment made Jiang Tianqi so pleased. Then he decided, ¡°Where is Heng¡¯er today? Get him back! I assume Shuijin is too weak to write now. Tell him to keep his wifepany in the room. In this case, it¡¯s okay for the butlers toe and go. If she needs to write, she can ask Heng¡¯er to do it!¡±

    Hearing that, Juan was thrilled, ¡°Master, I thank you on behalf of Madame Shuijin!¡±

    When the Jiang Family was working hard to find evidence of the crime of Empress Dowager¡¯s party, Empress Dowager¡¯s party surely wouldn¡¯t helplessly wait for death!

    ¡°Duan Jin has alreadymitted suicide. However, he was proved guilty of corruption and bribery. Now we can only try to save his family!¡± Empress Dowager Gu on the chair had a serious look, ¡°I¡¯ve already asked Gu Yan to handle it... The Jiang Family found evidence of Duan Jin dealing with Qingfeng Ji in his house. They shut down Qingfeng Ji in order to check the ounts via this chance. Now they must be so eager to go after us at one fling! They may not have time to care about Duan Jin¡¯s family. It should be easy for us to save them!¡±

    ¡°ount books of Qingfeng Ji in Jing City have been delivered to Marquess¡¯s Mansion. There¡¯s nothing we can do,¡± Qiu Dian suggested, ¡°But we can never let them have the ount books of other ces! Otherwise, there¡¯s no way we can exin ourselves when those werepared correctly with the general ledger!¡±

    Political struggle required a lot of money. This was also the reason why He Shuijin managed the Jiang Family¡¯s ount before she got married. If she managed the ount after she got married, the Empress¡¯s party would make a lot less money in those years! Compared to the benefits she could bring, rules weren¡¯t worth mentioning!

    For Empress Dowager¡¯s party, Qingfeng Ji was their biggest financial support!

    Now that the Jiang Family shut down Qingfeng Ji, they would not only be tracked down, but their interests would also be greatly affected!

    A party with no money couldn¡¯t survive and develop unless most of its members had a noble ideal and could give without expecting anything in return. Apparently, people in Empress Dowager¡¯s party were not like that! The closure of Qingfeng Ji hit them harder than Duan Jin¡¯s downfall!

    So, they stopped discussing Duan Jin¡¯s family after Empress Dowager Gu told them the result. They were more interested in what would happen to Qingfeng Ji at that moment.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that it¡¯s toote for us to save the ount books of other ces either!¡± Tang Zimo mused for a while and then shook his head, ¡°The Jiang Family has clearly nned it for a long time. How could they not have people wait in other ces? Once theyunch an attack sessfully in the meeting and get Qingfeng Ji in Jing City shut down, they will act immediately. Even if we send them messages using pigeons, it¡¯ll be toote!¡±

    Hearing that, Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s look changed suddenly!

    But Empress Dowager had been acted as regent for decades. She wasn¡¯t that easy to beat. After musing for a while, Empress Dowager Gu decided, ¡°Is Duan Jin the only one who was corrupted? The Jiang Family¡¯s adherents are no better! We¡¯ve lost the upper hand in the matter of Qingfeng Ji. There¡¯s nothing we can do! In this case, let¡¯s just let it go! We¡¯ll go after the Jiang Family and their adherents. They can impeach our people. We also can oust those rebels and traitors!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think that Qingfeng Ji could mess me up and I would be led by the nose by you guys!¡±

 Chapter 295 - A Deal

    <h4>Chapter 295 A Deal</h4>

    Empress Dowager¡¯s party and the Empress¡¯s party had been fighting for many years. Even if they didn¡¯t know everything about each other, they at least knew some.

    Since Empress Dowager Gu set the strategy of attacking instead of defending, her party members all went on the move. They tried all they could to dig up the dirt of the Empress¡¯s party.

    Even though the Empress¡¯s party had foreseen this before they attacked. Yet because they were worried to leak the information, other than the important ones, everyone else was warned after the tragedy of Qingfeng Ji. Those who were usually cautious or upright were fine. The ones who were bossy and swanking naturally became the targets!

    After Duan Jinmitted suicide and Qingfeng Ji was closed, a dozen of middle- and high-level officials of the Empress¡¯s party were also taken down. At the moment, both Empresses all took a huge hit. In this intense fight, even the neutral ones felt they couldn¡¯t take it. Besides the ones like Xue Chang who needed to deal with the governmental affairs, and other people all took a sick day if they could. If not, some even resigned as they were afraid to be implicated.

    So when Qiu Yn heard Ruan Ciyi came and said Ling Zui was taken to the Ling Family¡¯s hometown because Earl of Jingchuan and Princess Royal Maode found some small mistake of his, she was not surprised, ¡°Ling Zui has been friend with my brother for many years. If he didn¡¯t have the name of being foppery and Earl of Jingchuan and his wife both stayed neutral, Empress Dowager Gu may have already gone after him. Now it¡¯s good that he left. If he can¡¯t avoid being implicated by Empress Dowager Gu, he will be hurt!¡±

    Ruan Ciyi got married inte November. Even though Qiu Jinn was not there, with what he nned before and the help of Madame Feng and Madame He, the wedding was still very grand. But it was a shame that there were a lot of royal weddings in the second half of the year. Hers was grand but she was just an official¡¯s daughter. So besides the ones relevant, no one noticed it.

    But the charm of her wedding was just transitory, Qiu Yn cared more about her married life. Speaking of which, it was quite a coincidence that her husband was Li Qianzhi. Li Qianzhi was sent by the Ministry of Rites to chase after Qiu Jinn when she went back to Laizhou after General Ruan died and Xue Chang asked the government to give him a title.

    ording to the husband standard that Qiu Jinn overheard at the Xue Family, this Li Qianzhi was not only good-looking but also had a great personality. He also didn¡¯t have any parents or siblings or children that needed to raise or spend a lot of time with. He was four years older than Ruan Ciyi. One of his sons died and his two daughters all got married. He wanted to find someone to spend the rest of his life with.

    So after Ruan Ciyi was married, her life was simr to the life when she was at the Ruan Family. She was quite free. When she received the news that Ling Zui was sent back to his hometown, she came over personally to tell Qiu Yn. Now hearing what Qiu Yn said, she smiled and said, ¡°That¡¯s what I thought. I was afraid that when Chunjun knows, he¡¯d be worried about us. I think we should keep this a secret from him!¡±

    Qiu Yn understood, ¡°I¡¯ll tell Jiang Yashuang when hees back. I¡¯ll ask him to hide it from brother.¡±

    After talking about business, they normally would chat for a bit. Yet the Jiang Family was busy checking the ledger. Qiu Yn asked Ruan Ciyi and found out she had nothing else to say, so she apologized and said she needed to go to the third branch to help.

    Ruan Ciyi didn¡¯t know about the consequence of Duan Jin¡¯s fall, but she knew the Jiang Family was busy. She didn¡¯t want to keep her from doing something important, so she nodded, ¡°Go. We all live in Jing City. We can see each other whenever you¡¯re free!¡±

    Qiu Yn insisted on walking Ruan Ciyi out of the gate and watched her ride off. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t have time to go back to her residence. Luckily she didn¡¯t change her clothes when she apologized and left the third branch to greet Ruan Ciyi. She went back directly to the third branch. When she just walked past an artificial hill, Xian walked out of it. Seeing no one was around, she quietly called Qiu Yn, ¡°Neenth Madame! Please, wait!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Qiu Yn stopped surprisedly and asked, ¡°Is it something about sister?¡±

    ¡°Madame wants you to go over for a chat!¡± Xian saluted at her, ¡°In secret!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought, ¡°Did Madame He make He Shuijin faint either? What did He Shuijin do to her own aunt that she¡¯s now hurting He Shuijin however she can? But it seems that there¡¯s really something wrong with Madame He.¡± She then said, ¡°Lead on!¡±

    Xian walked around with her and then entered He Shuijin¡¯s room in secret. Jiang Yaheng was not there. He Shuijin probably found a way to send him off.

    ¡°You finallye!¡± He Shuijin who was leaning on the bed and reading the ledger was happy to see Qiu Yn. She asked Qiu Yn to sit down, ¡°Xian, get some tea. Use the one grandfather gave me a couple of days ago!¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at her and smiled, ¡°No wonder grandfather uses Dr. Lin. Just after a couple of days, you look way better.¡±

    He Shuijin said directly, ¡°I washed the powder off to see you. Otherwise, I¡¯ll pretend that I¡¯m sick!¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t think that she didn¡¯t even make any small talk and went straight to the topic. After a daze, she understood, ¡°Your health is really what matters!¡±

    ¡°You know me, so I¡¯ll cut the chase!¡± He Shuijin sighed, ¡°I¡¯m not afraid to work for this family. What¡¯s making me sad is that I risked my life to help, yet someone here wants me dead!¡± Speaking of this, her tone became cold!

    Qiu Yn really admired that after the miscarriage she could still tolerate it. Even though mostly she was doing it for the He Family, it really showed her shrewdness. But regardless, she was still hurt!

    Now hearing her sigh, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know how tofort her. While she was thinking about what to say, He Shuijin already continued, ¡°Let¡¯s not mention all those, now we¡¯re busy. I asked Xian to take you over secretly because I want to make you a deal!¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°A deal?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± He Shuijin nodded, ¡°I was in bed as I was sick and I got bored. Then I found something interesting and made it a pamphlet.¡± Speaking of which, she took out a thread-bound book and put it in Qiu Yn¡¯s hand. She said meaningfully, ¡°I think, you guys, the fourth branch, need it!¡±

    Seeing she didn¡¯t stop her, Qiu Yn cautiously opened the book. She saw there were ounts written with decent handwriting.

    She went over a few pages and felt confused. She closed the book and asked, ¡°Sister, what¡¯s this for?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the Dou Family¡¯s ount.¡± He Shuijin smiled and said, ¡°It may not be all urate. After all, I¡¯m not in charge of their business! I just predicted it ording to the information I got. It¡¯s just a part. But it should be enough!¡±

    Qiu Yn understood what she meant by ¡°enough¡± was that if this ledger went into someone who was the Dou Family¡¯s enemy, it would be enough.

    She thought for a while and asked, ¡°But what does the first branch want to do to the Western Army?¡± He Shuijin said this ledger was useful for the fourth branch. The fourth branch didn¡¯t have any conflict with the Dou Family. If they were targeting the Dou Family, it could only be because of the first branch. And the only reason why they would fight against each other would be for the army control.

    Jiang Tianchi was in the Northern Army. Qiu Yn believed that her father-inw who was a young master yet went into the army would never give the first branch any chance to sabotage the Northern Army.

    Besides, the first branch took her trick well. Without doubts, the first branch wanted to do something about army control. It was definitely the Western Army!

    He Shuijin looked impressed. She pped her hands and said, ¡°Exactly! I don¡¯t know much but I am sure that since the ledger of Qingfeng Ji is now being checked by the third branch, the first branch is not worried about how many leads we will find. But how to take the Western Army after your brother takes his revenge?¡±

    Qiu Yn knew what she said was true. The third branch had such a bad rtionship with the first branch. They couldn¡¯t even pretend. If the third branch found any lead in the ledger, they would never tell the first branch.

    How would the first branch tolerate being cast outside? They didn¡¯t have anyone to rece He Shuijin, so they had to see the third branch taking on such an important role.

    So they decided to think about the oue after Qiu Jinn sessfully took his revenge on them. It was really thinking outside the box.

    ¡°So what do you want?¡± Qiu Yn understood that since He Shuijin dared to take out this ledger to make her a deal, she wouldn¡¯t be tricking Qiu Yn. With this ledger, she had enough to take down the first branch¡¯s rtion by marriage, the Dou Family. Even if she didn¡¯t, she would keep the first branch busy for a while. So they wouldn¡¯t have time to deal with the Western Army.

    But she didn¡¯t take it at once. She put the ledger back to He Shuijin¡¯s hand and asked the price seriously.

    ¡°This ledger is nothing for me. So my demand is also quite simple!¡± He Shuijin smiled and slid over a note, ¡°Help me get this person into Jing City and let my father-inw meet her!¡±

    Qiu Yn raised her eyebrows, ¡°This person?¡±

    ¡°A guest wanted to seek a job and gave her to my father-inw two years ago. He wanted to give her a title then. I actually advised my good aunt and sent her away. Yet with this trouble gone, she¡¯s now my trouble!¡± He Shuijin stroked her belly and had a bitter smile, ¡°After the matter about those pastries in Mount Dizi, I wanted to get her back. But when she was halfway, I... I was sick afterward and couldn¡¯t take care of this. Now with so many people staring at me, I can¡¯t n it myself. I have to trust it to you!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn thought for a while and said, ¡°Getting her here is fine. But letting the third uncle see her... I can¡¯t guarantee.¡± She didn¡¯t know Jiang Tianqi. He was the eldest legitimate son of Marquess Qin. Someone would be around to protect him. If they found out, she wouldn¡¯t know how to exin. She couldn¡¯t risk it.

    He Shuijin was confident, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about this. I was going to do this myself, so I was prepared. I already told her the usual route my father-inw takes. When you get her here, just buy or rent a house ording to her words. She will get my father-inw to see her!¡±

    ¡°If so, no problem!¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t feel any stress plotting against Madame He. Seeing what He Shuijin said was actually not difficult, she smiled and took the ledger in her hand.

    ¡°You can give this ledger to Jiang Yashuang for his opinion.¡± Seeing they made a deal, He Shuijin was also happy. She blinked her eyes, ¡°But don¡¯t tell him about our deal. You just think about something else! We had a deal!¡±

    They had a deal that what Madame He did was only to be known by Qiu Jinn and Qiu Yn. No one else should know, especially the ones from the Jiang Family!

    Qiu Yn knew that He Shuijin did this to protect the He Family and also to im justice from Madame He herself. She smiled, ¡°Rx. Someone like her in our family, honestly, creeps me out, too!¡±

    She gave this ledger to Jiang Yashuang at night and only talked about the Dou Family. Before she could say the reasons, Jiang Yashuang went through it and asked with a faint smile, ¡°Who dare to offend He Shuijin? It¡¯s definitely not the first branch. Tell me, what did you promise her?¡±

 Chapter 296 - The Level of a Woman Who Has Been a Mistress for Thirty Years

    <h4>Chapter 296 The Level of a Woman Who Has Been a Mistress for Thirty Years</h4>

    Of course, Qiu Yn was startled, but she was quick. She immediately set up a straight face and said, ¡°What nonsense! The third uncle and Uncle Mengmin were never good to each other. You knew that! Although He Shuijin privately gave this ount to me to make us the fourth branch do this, personally she just wants us to own her a personal note!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang tucked the ount into his sleeve, gave her a gentle pinch on the cheek, and smiled, ¡°Are you lying to me now? Let me tell you what¡¯s wrong with that. It¡¯s true that the contradiction between us and the first branch is an issue of interest, but we, the fourth branch, are not the ones who hate the Dou Family most! So if He Shuijin showed this ount because of the contradiction between the third branch and the first branch, she had given this to our grandmother rather than you.¡±

    He squinted slightly and said, ¡°Especially now something happened to the Tao family. Although grandmother thought it served them right, it¡¯s her family after all. She must be very unhappy. If our grandmother gets this ount, I don¡¯t know how happy she will be! How clever He Shuijin is! Why would she give this to you without noticing our grandmother? It¡¯s not what she would do.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn gave a thought for a moment, beat him shyly out of anger, and said, ¡°Believe it or not! That¡¯s the reason!¡±

    Jiang Yashuangughed and said, ¡°It¡¯s not decided by my will. He Shuijin hasn¡¯t managed the ount of the Dou Family, so the ledger could only have been inferred by her searching for information of the Dou Family. Of course, with her skill, even if it is a spection, it should be pretty close. So the value of this ount book is equal to that of the key ount copied from the Dou family. But it¡¯s just...¡±

    He became serious and said, ¡°Even if He Shuijin is so talented in this field, it¡¯s so hard and tedious to make this ount book only based on spection. It¡¯s impossible to finish this within one or two days! And He Shuijin was in charge of the general ledger of our family before she got married. Since then, she began to think about the family¡¯s livelihood and barely had rested! After she got married, the only time when she could make this ledger was the days after her abortion. At that time, she was supposed to be immersed in the sadness of losing her child, and she even had the leisure to do this. You can tell how important this matter is to her. However, she gave this ledger to you rather than grandmother. Are you gonna still tell me that she doesn¡¯t have any conditions at all, or that the conditions are just for us to help Jiang Yaheng in the future?¡±

    Qiu Yn was struck dumb, because the words she discussed with He Shuijin were that He Shuijin wanted the fourth branch to give Jiang Yaheng a hand in the future...

    Now Qiu Yn¡¯s husband brought the n out into the open, and she still couldn¡¯t think of a new reason anyway. She just pulled up the quilt, covered her head, and joked, ¡°Anyway, I gave it to you. Use it or not, it¡¯s your choice!¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s impossible for He Shuijin to know what happened in the army this fast.¡± Jiang Yashuang said. Seeing this, he didn¡¯t push but smiled, ¡°She should only specte that there must be a plot in the first branch through her brother¡¯s westward journey, so she prepared this ount... What a coincidence! But what does she want from you?¡±

    Listening to his steady tone, Qiu Yn secretly prayed that he would never guess that right! She uncovered the quilt a little and slightly rebutted, ¡°Can¡¯t it be that He Shuijin is afraid to give the ount book directly to our grandmother and afraid that our grandfather is unhappy to know, so she wants us to deliver this?¡±

    ¡°If grandma can¡¯t even cover up, it¡¯s useless for her to take this ount.¡± Jiang Yashuang muttered to himself. Then he said, ¡°You¡¯re afraid I¡¯ll guess the truth? It seems that the truth is not something good. Let me think twice, it should be...¡±

    ¡°Stop guessing!¡± Qiu Yn was frightened by his reasonable analysis. Seeing him getting closer and closer, she made up her mind. She threw the quilt,y in his arms, put one hand around his neck, slided the other hand into his clothes, and said slightly, ¡°It¡¯ste at night. Shall we sleep together, Dear?¡±

    The sound of ¡°Dear¡± distracted Jiang Yashuang. Although he knew what she wanted to do, he couldn¡¯t control himself. He turned over and pushed her down...

    The next day, Jiang Yashuang went out with happiness. However, after Qiu Yn got up, she repeatedly rubbed her waist. Su He and other maids didn¡¯t say anything, but Mrs. Zhou and others who were married knew clearly what had happened. They snickered secretly with ambiguous smiles on their faces.

    Seeing this, Qiu Yn beat the dressing table with hatred, but she startled Chunran who was making up for her. Chunran said, ¡°Did I do anything wrong, madame?¡±

    ¡°Send something to my cousinter.¡± Qiu Yn said. She was going to ask someone to pick up a person at the address given by He Shuijin this morning, but she had a second thought. Jiang Yashuang was suspicious yesterday. Although she distracted him in that way, who knew if this guy would send someone to watch her action today?

    In order to keep her promise to He Shuijin, she decided to postpone and walked around in circles to confuse potential watchers. She thought, ¡°I will try to stay more at my cousin¡¯s house to see whether the new brother-inw is good to her.¡±

    Chunran didn¡¯t know what she meant. She just obeyed.

    So after a few days, Qiu Yn saw Jiang Yashuang still did not move and just got relieved. She ordered two bodyguards who were sent by Qiu Jinn to quietly pick up the person outside the city.

    The two bodyguards went for two days and two nights. On the third day, they came back to report that they had ced that person in a house near a certain street. They said, ¡°We left five taels of silver for the master and servant, and the rest is here.¡± And then they handed in some silver tickets and some silver coins.

    Qiu Yn was shocked and said, ¡°How can you only give her five taels of silver? That¡¯s too little.¡±

    The bodyguards looked at each other and said, ¡°We would like to give more, but that...¡± After thinking, they decided how to address that person and said, ¡°Lady Chi said that she didn¡¯t need too much, because too much money would make people suspicious. Just leave her some money to buy food, and she won¡¯t live there long.¡±

    She was really confident, Qiu Yn thought. She couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°What¡¯s the girl like?¡± Even if she used to be Jiang Tianqi¡¯s love, they hadn¡¯t seen each other for two or three years. Jiang Tianqi had high status. There was nock of beauty¡¯s attention in his daily life. How could this girl be so confident that she could hold Jiang Tianqi¡¯s heart again when she showed up again?

    ¡°Uh, so beautiful? And she¡¯s quiet.¡± The two bodyguards were trained by Qiu Jinn herself. They were now in their twenties, and they were single. At this moment, they all blushed after hearing these words. They didn¡¯t know whether they felt embarrassed because Qiu Yn asked too directly or they thought of Lady Chi¡¯s behavior.

    Hearing the bodyguards¡¯ words, Lady Chi should be a girl from a respectable family. But could this kind of girl be so confident about seducing a man?

    It was quite possible that she was a virgin! If Jiang Tianqi liked these kinds of girls, Madame He could have a good y! Qiu Yn mocked and let Su He get the reward.

    The bodyguards took the reward money and went out. What a coincidence! They met Jiang Yashuanging back earlier than usual. Jiang Yashuang went into the room and asked suspiciously, ¡°Anything happened? Why did you call in the bodyguards?¡±

    Qiu Yn was cautious. She made a wink to him meaning to shut up and found an excuse to let others out. Then she med, ¡°Why are you yelling? It¡¯s so hard for me to make an excuse to call them in and let them meet with our maids. If you yelled, they would understand what I meant!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was suddenly enlightened andughed, ¡°Who was introduced? Su He or Chunran? Uh, Caiqi and Caiying are old enough to get married. They two have served me for many years and have always been devoted. How about finding a good husband for each of them by the way?¡±

    ¡°I know!¡± Qiu Yn was happy that her husband believed her this time. She said, ¡°We all know that! Just do not interfere!¡±

    It turned out that Lady Chi was really qualified to be confident. After the bodyguards went back, Jiang Tianqi formally married Lady Chi within ten days!

    Qiu Yn was so surprised that she praised that girl when she secretly met He Shuijin again. She said, ¡°I really don¡¯t know how she did it!¡±

    ¡°Why is that hard?¡± He Shuijin was calm and sneered, ¡°As long as he is not a gentleman like Jiang Yashuang, how many people can hold it when seduced by a beautiful woman?¡± Her words were jealous. Obviously, it was because Jiang Yaheng couldn¡¯t hold it.

    ¡°As you said, they just cannot hold it. Men in the families like ours are easy to be seduced, but it¡¯s hard to marry with these men!¡± What Qiu Yn said was not baseless. Misbehaved men like Jiang Yadan, they had numerous lovers outside the family. Even many of the lovers were from decent families. But they cannot be the legal wife?!

    Even if Lady Chi met Jiang Tianqi as soon as the bodyguards left, it had only been ten days. She could make Jiang Tianqi return to her and marry her. And now it was the critical moment when the whole Jiang family was busy checking ounts!

    This was the thing that could be achieved by a woman who had been a mistress for thirty years!

    He Shuijin smiled and said, ¡°You don¡¯t understand. Now our family is busy. It¡¯s not safe for my father-inw to spend the night outside. Lady Chi is just a girl. No matter what background she has, she is just a mistress in Marquess¡¯s Mansion. We just need to watch her cautiously. Will she blow here up?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought that was right and said, ¡°You are so shrewd. You can analyze this thoroughly!¡±

    ¡°I was pushed!¡± He Shuijin said. She didn¡¯t think it was a good thing to be thoughtful. She gave a bitter smile and said, ¡°Now Lady Chi will watch my aunt. I can relieve a little... Oh, did Jiang Yashuang doubt about the Dou Family¡¯s ount?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Qiu Yn felt upset when she thought of that. She said, ¡°But don¡¯t worry, I didn¡¯t tell him the truth. I think it¡¯s hard to guess things like that. And he has been busy, he doesn¡¯t have time to infer this all the time.¡±

    He Shuijin rxed and said, ¡°It¡¯s good for him not to know the truth. Although my aunt was cruel to me, the rest of the He Family were innocent. I can¡¯t bear to make my family ashamed because of her. I hope you can help me. Don¡¯t let anyone know!¡±

    Of course, Qiu Yn gave a promise to protect the secret.

    It was already in the twelfth lunar month. This year¡¯s twelfth lunar month was especially bad for Madame He. First of all, He Shuijin, the most capable daughter-inw, fell ill at the critical moment. Even if she insisted on working with illness, her work efficiency was low.

    Although the Jiang Family verified the ount records, Spring Festival wasing. However, He Shuijin worked in illness. The preparation of Marquess¡¯s Mansion for the lunar new year was naturally attributed to Madame He, the wife of Marquess¡¯s firstborn son. Because He Shuijin was too capable, she was used to enjoying. It was understandable that she made mistakes frequently when she suddenly got busy.

    Unfortunately, Madame Tao was angry about what happened in the Tao Family. She was less tolerant to daughters-inw. Therefore she was med for many times, even in the face of servants.

    Madame He was so busy and was med by Madame, and her husband married his old lover. But for He Shuijin¡¯s help, Madame He would almost divorce with her husband because of Lady Chi. This time it even went too far. Jiang Tianqi had made his decision to marry Lady Chi rather than talk it over with Madame He.

    Lady Chi had a delicate face. And she dared to give Jiang Tianqi a charming expression with affectionate eyes in front of Madame He. With all of these, Madame He even wanted to kill her.

    However, under the pressure of her husband, she had to smile and manage the wedding ceremony.

    So many sad things made Madame He more and more gloomy, so that she barely had the energy to prepare for the Chinese lunar new year. Although it seemed that Marquess¡¯s Mansion was as lively as before, the atmosphere had lingering coldness.

    Although this month was not happy enough, there was a piece of good news at the family dinner near Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve: Madame Tao Junior was pregnant!

    Marquess Qin and Madame Tao were not happy when they saw that Madame Tao Junior had no time to greet and immediately rushed out of the house to vomit. Then the doctor came and made a diagnose, confirming that Madame Tao Junior was pregnant. The old couple became happy and the atmosphere of the family dinner became alive.

    Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn were especially relieved and said, ¡°They really believed!¡±

    With Marquess Qin¡¯s state, there was no need to worry about the status of Madame Tao Junior. Now that she had a child, she realized the biggest dream of her life. Even if Jiang Yadan still misbehaved, she could live a good life.

    But in such a festive atmosphere, servants rushed in to report, ¡°The mansion of the Dou Family is surrounded by the Imperial Army! It is said that it was because of the impeachment of Censor Qiu!¡±

 Chapter 297 - Get Pregnant Now!

    <h4>Chapter 297 Get Pregnant Now!</h4>

    The Imperial Army was an army for protecting the Emperor. By definition, it only served the Emperor and followed his order. But as the Emperor was a puppet, the Imperial Army was carved up separately by Empress Jiang and Empress Dowager Gu actually. Jiang Yadan, who had been picking up the concubines of the Emperor frequently, was using his position in the Imperial Army to do whatever he wanted.

    Empress Jiang had the power to arrange for her nephew to get a position in the Imperial Army, and Empress Dowager Gu could follow her suit.

    Today, the Imperial Army that surrounded the Dou Mansion must be controlled by the Empress Dowager.

    But even if Empress Jiang and Empress Dowager Gu had power in the army, they did not dare to appropriate the army without permission if there was no evidence or good reasons. After all, the two Empresses had the border armies as their backers respectively. If the situation went bad, there would be turmoil! At that time, the western savages would have the opportunity to invade, and some ambitious people in the government would fan the me. The country would be in a mess.

    Therefore, after hearing the words, Marquess Qin also could not help but have a cold gaze, ¡°What has the Dou Family done? Is it so severe that they need to call the Imperial Army?!¡±

    ¡°It is said that Censor Qiu found out that the Dou Family...¡± The servant felt ufortable because of the stares of Jiang Tianao and others, but he had to say, ¡°The Dou Family has secretmunication with the western savages!¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Madame Dou couldn¡¯t help but scream, ¡°How could my father do such a thing?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Marquess Qin did not give her a stern look, but his faint nce had made the angry Madame Dou instantly silent. He flicked his sleeve, ¡°Dinner is over. All males,e with me!¡±

    Qiu Yn had long known that the Dou Family would get into trouble. In front of Marquess Qin, she pretended to be surprised just like the rest and then left the trouble behind. And then Qiu Yn concerned about Madame Tao Junior who was pregnant.

    Madame Tao Junior did not realize that the prescription for having a girl was a white lie, so she was grateful to Qiu Yn. Qiu Yn and Sheng Shishui said goodbye to Madame Tao and saw her out. Madame Tao Junior sent Sheng Shishui away then. And then she wanted to kneel down and kowtow three times to express her gratitude to Qiu Yn. Qiu Yn steadily stopped her. Qiu Yn told her what she could do and not do as a pregnant woman. She had memorized this knowledge while taking care of Sheng Shishui. She then sighed, ¡°These are not big deals. You were not well before, and now your first child has grown up. To be honest, you must take good care of yourself. You should be ruthless about the people and messy things in your family. You must not be soft! You know what, thest time Jiang Yashuang and I came to see you, nieces and nephews made a lot of noise in your yard. That must not happen again!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry! I am pregnant now. Even if I have to sacrifice my life, I will keep her alive!¡± Madame Tao Junior nodded solemnly. Her always weak expression had a vague sense of determination emerging, ¡°And I have something that grandfather rewarded me some days ago. Because of this, the yard is much quieter now!¡±

    Qiu Yn breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°I¡¯m relieved to hear that!¡± Madame Tao Junior was already thirty years old, but it was her first pregnancy. ording to the medical level at that time, the risk she faced was not small. And what was worse, Jiang Yadan¡¯s concubines were notoriously restless people! Qiu Yn was really worried that if she was forbearing as she had been, she would be tortured to have a miscarriage after she got pregnant.

    Now that seeing that Madame Tao Junior really had a tendency to be a strong mother, she was relieved to say goodbye.

    A few minutester, she realized that her previous worries were in vain. Because Madame Tao had sent four of her confidants, including Mom Hu, to take close care of Madame Tao Junior!

    She did so for the reason that, ¡°Madame thought that it is the first time for Madame Tao Junior to get pregnant. And you are a little old for pregnancy. Your mother is not in the capital, either. Madame worries that there will be nobody in the capital who can take care of you during your pregnancy period. So, she ordered us to be here, doing a favor for you!¡±

    Because Mrs. Zhuang was not in the capital, it was natural for Madame Tao to take special care of the grand daughters-inw of the fourth branch, which would not lead to jealousy from the third and eighth branches.

    Up to now, Qiu Yn had not been pregnant. But when Sheng Shishui was pregnant and gave birth to a daughter, although Madame Tao rewarded her with arge number of treasures, she did not arrange for her confidants to serve her. Even if one was the grandson-inw and one was the grandson-inw given birth by a concubine, her reason was that Madame Tao Junior was older than Sheng Shishui. In order to prevent misunderstanding between the sisters-inw of the fourth branch, Madame Tao needed to pacify them.

    Qiu Yn got a pair of jade Ruyi costing nothing, ¡°Madame said that after you got married, you had taken care of Madame Tao Junior and Madame Sheng Shishui. Madame thinks that you deserve the rewards!¡±

    Sheng Shishui, as the main target of Madame Tao¡¯sfort, got a Jade Ruyi and a bunch of exquisite objects, which were given to the Twenty-first granddaughter in particr.

    Although Madame Tao did considerately, what she did not know was that Sheng Shishui actually did not want her to do the same to her as what she did to Madame Tao Junior. ¡°Madame Tao Junior is ate member of Madame¡¯s maternal family. She has also been married for many years. Madame has always liked her very much. There is a friendly rtion between her and Mom Hu. After Mom Hu brings people over, Mom Hu can both help her suppress the restless people among the concubines and take care of her as a parent. None of these matters! What family background do I have? My husband¡¯s position in the Jiang Family doesn¡¯t matter either. If Madame really sends Mom Hu and the others over to take care of me, I don¡¯t think they are taking care of me. Maybe they are forcing me to find ways to please them every day. Even so, in the future, I will still have to thank Madame for her thoughtfulness!¡±

    After hearing this, her confidant maidughed, ¡°But Madame still sends gifts to you, as well as a gift for the Twenty-first granddaughter!¡±

    ¡°Do you think Madame wants to show respect to me?¡± Sheng Shishui smiled faintly, ¡°Because my husband has behaved well recently, Madame began to pay attention to us! Otherwise, even if Madame gave treasures, I¡¯m afraid it is because of Qiu Yn.¡±

    Seeing that the maid did not understand, she pursed her lips, ¡°Although Madame doesn¡¯t like my husband, my husband is the son of her husband! Up to now, Father has not had many offspring. Although Jiang Yadan is old enough, he still abandons himself to girls outside. He had no chance to do a big business. Unless my husband never learns useful skills, otherwise, even if Madame doesn¡¯t like him and sets a handicap on his way, Father still will ask him to do business. If not for this reason, with Madame¡¯s status, do you think she will care whether I am aggrieved or not?¡±

    The maid did not dare to criticize Madame Tao, but onlyughed, ¡°This is also because you are virtuous, and you make our young master better and better!¡±

    ¡°Thanks to God. He gives me a chance!¡± Sheng Shishui smiled, ¡°Otherwise, if he does not listen to me, how can I have the ability to make him better and better?¡± She looked at the cradle not far away and felt slightly regretful, ¡°Unfortunately, my first child is a girl. If it were a son... However, in any case, I have a child. As long as I can make my husband better and better, I believe I will have a son in theing day!¡±

    After imagining her bright days in the future, she confidently ordered, ¡°You go and pick out the boys¡¯ sets of clothes and shoes that were made earlier. Choose the best ones, pack them, and send them to Madame Tao Junior!¡±

    Although it was too early to know if it was a boy or a girl carried by Madame Tao Junior, boys were first in people¡¯s minds at that time, anyway.

    Despite the Dou Family being in big trouble, it was one of the Jiang Family¡¯s inws, and the Jiang Family was still prominent. So, after the news of the Jiang Family¡¯s first grandson-inw¡¯s pregnancy spread, rtives had sent gifts to congratte her. In addition to her own job, Madame He had to take care of the visitors, too. During the days before New Year¡¯s Eve, she was busy!

    So, when she saw Ruan Ciyiing to congratte in person, Madame He immediately called Qiu Yn over to entertain Ruan Ciyi to share her workload.

    This was a good arrangement for Ruan Ciyi and Qiu Yn.

    ¡°Rainbowes after storm. Madame Tao Junior will live a better life!¡± Qiu Yn took Ruan Ciyi to see Madame Tao Junior before. Because Madame Tao Junior had seen too many rtives in the past two days, everyone was afraid that she would get tired. Hence, they said a few words of congrattions and went back to Qiu Yn¡¯s house. Ruan Ciyi took a sip of tea handed over by Su He and smiled, ¡°It seems that your white lie in the first ce really worked!¡±

    ¡°God is on her side, too. I didn¡¯t expect that she would get pregnant so soon!¡± Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°It has only been a few months since she was so sick and dying. I thought she wouldn¡¯t be pregnant until at least next year!¡± She even nned to solicit Ling Zui to find a colorless and tasteless aphrodisiac!

    Ruan Ciyi had heard about Madame Tao Junior¡¯s suffering and had always felt deep sympathy for her. Today, although she came to congratte Madame Tao Junior on her pregnancy, she seemed to have something on her mind. Qiu Yn talked to her for a while and noticed it. She was surprised and asked, ¡°Why do you feel unhappy? Is it because of Li Qianzhi? He is not treating you well?¡±

    ¡°Nonsense?¡± Ruan Ciyi red at her, ¡°He¡¯s an honest man. He wouldn¡¯t dare to treat me badly! And, you should call him brother-inw! If you¡¯re so unruly again, I¡¯ll report to Chunjun what you did to me when hees back!¡±

    ¡°Well, it seems that he is really good to you.¡± Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°It¡¯s only been a few days but you are willing to criticize me for him! Since he is good to you, what are you worried about? Are you afraid that he will be a not-that-good man in the future and stop treating you well? Don¡¯t worry, brother-inw is a civil official. We don¡¯t even need my brother to kick his ass. If he dares to treat you badly, youe and tell me. I promise I can make him tame with one hand!¡±

    Ruan Ciyi twisted her cheek, ¡°You still have the mood to joke about it? Do you know why I am worried? It is because of you.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Nominally, Sheng Shishui got married a year before you did. In reality, we all know it was only a few months earlier. Now her daughter is one month old.¡± Ruan Ciyi frowned, ¡°Madame Tao Junior, although she hasn¡¯t had a child for many years, she is now pregnant. You are the only one in the fourth branch who is not yet pregnant. I¡¯m worried that the elders of the Jiang Family will be angry at you.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°Why are they angry at me? Mi Yinyin, who was married before me, was not pregnant, either. He Shuijin was pregnant before, but she had a miscarriage. Moreover, you also said that Madame Tao Junior only conceived after so many years, and I have not even been married for a year yet. Do they intend to threaten me with divorce because I do not have a child yet!?¡±

    Ruan Ciyi sneered, ¡°I¡¯m not worried about your position of being a wife! But have you thought about it? Madame Tao Junior has been married for more than ten years. She is pregnant now. We all know that her husband, Jiang Yadan, has many concubines and girls outside. But among his children, how many of them have grown up safely?!¡±

    She continued, ¡°About Mi Yinyin, I remember she is your sixth aunt¡¯s niece? They are family. She will certainly take extra care of her. And He Shuijin, she is not only the niece of your third aunt but also the daughter-inw of the Jiang Family who is in charge of the ounts book of the family. Most importantly, their mother-inw is in the capital. And as long as they coax their mother-inw, I don¡¯t think Marquess Qin and Marquess will ask about their private lives without consulting their mother-inw in the first ce! But in your branch, your parents-inw are not in the capital, so Marquess will definitely have to interfere with the management of your branch! Believe it or not, after the Spring Festival, if you are still not pregnant, they will advise Jiang Yashuang to take a concubine!¡±

    Seeing Qiu Yn frowning and suspecting, Ruan Ciyi sighed, ¡°You listen to me. If there is really such a hint, do not get angry. You must not get into trouble with them on the spot! However, you should not agree with them right away either. Just make a few perfunctory remarks, and then find Jiang Yashuang to talk to them! Let me tell you, if Jiang Yashuang finally has to take a concubine, you must not ept the person arranged by the elders until thest minute. If the person is good, it¡¯s okay for you. If the person covets your position, even if she doesn¡¯t seed in taking your ce in the end, considering her background, she will make you like an ant on a hot pot! So, you¡¯d better buy a girl for Jiang Yashuang and hold her body contract in your hands. In this way, you¡¯ll have the upper hand. Do you understand?¡±

    Qiu Yn narrowed her eyes and then sent her out perfunctorily and carelessly. After sending her out the door and turning around, she became hideous, ¡°Let me go buy a concubine for Jiang Yashuang? Do you take me as a fool?! If anyone dares to y me in this matter, I will spend my life taking revenge!!!¡±

 Chapter 298 - I Will Be the One Who Benefits the Most!

    <h4>Chapter 298 I Will Be the One Who Benefits the Most!</h4>

    Qiu Yn prepared herself angrily that others would persuade her to be generous. She wasn¡¯t in the mood to ask about the Dou Family¡¯s matter. Jiang Yashuang told her voluntarily when he had the chance, ¡°The Dou Family was found to trade with tribes of the western savages stealthily. The amount is huge, and they have been trading weapons. They are definitely ruined this time. They may end up worse than the Tao Family!¡±

    The Tao Family ended up like the Duan Family. The main members of their family were beheaded in public. Others were exiled far away. Empress Dowager Gu sent her grandnephew to help the Duan Family as a reward for Duan Jin¡¯s loyalty since he killed himself to keep the secret. However, the Tao Family was ruined because they betrayed the Jiang Family. No one dared to help them, including Madame Tao. Few of those spoileddies might be able to arrive at their exiling destination alive!

    Jiang Yashuang said that the Dou Family might end up worse than the Tao Family at that moment. Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help being surprised, ¡°Will their whole family be beheaded?¡±

    ¡°And their family members and servants who aren¡¯t old enough to be beheaded can¡¯t be redeemed!¡± Jiang Yashuang said tly with a poker face, ¡°If you run into people from the first branch in our branch these days, don¡¯t talk too much in case getting in trouble!¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned for a while and then said, ¡°Colluding with the western savages... How did they be used of this?¡±

    She couldn¡¯t fully understand the ount book He Shuijin gave her. But ording to He Shuijin, those were just records of the Dou Family¡¯s corruption, bribery, and ckmail! How could the Dou Family be used of colluding with the western savages? This kind of usation could easily implicate the Jiang Family. Then it would be a big problem!

    After all, the Jiang Family had been controlling the Northern Army for decades. If the Jiang Family also colluded with alien nations, then Darui¡¯s line of defence...

    ¡°Did Qiu Dian find something when you made a fuss about the ount book? Did he frame the Dou Family because of it?¡± Qiu Yn spected, ¡°But how didn¡¯t grandfather and others refute?¡± And they actually let the Empress Dowager¡¯s party convict the Dou Family! It was not something importunate Empress Jiang would do!

    Jiang Yashuang smiled. His smile was apathetic and ironic, ¡°It¡¯s the truth. How could it be a false usation?¡±

    Seeing that Qiu Yn was shocked, he exined calmly, ¡°Empress Dowager Gu colluded with Kuang Shihan to frame your father and the Ruan Family. Empress Dowager has been controlling the Western Army ever since. We couldn¡¯t stop it back then. So, we thought we should let the western savages mess with Kuang Shihan! However, we were afraid that we might have taken a crocodile as a pet. So, we didn¡¯t give them many weapons. The western savages weren¡¯t fools. They weren¡¯t willing to attack aggressively unless they were absolutely sure. We began to trade salt, cloth, tea, and other things with them afterwards. I heard the profit was high.¡±

    ¡°You guys... you guys let the Dou Family do business with the western savages in order to go after Empress Dowager Gu. And you guys sold them weapons!¡± Qiu Yn was too shocked to speak fluently!

    As the hordes, the western savages and Beihu both needed Darui¡¯s sophisticated technologies and rich natural resources in their lives and in wars. Darui opened border markets in order to restrain them and profit from them. But rules of the border markets were very strict. In short, the price was high, and the variety was small! Besides, arms export was strictly forbidden!

    Under this circumstance, it gave rise to smugglers who would die for money.

    But the official was involved. And as the ¡°Defender of the State¡± who made his name by fighting the invasion, he was the mastermind. It gave Qiu Yn a new perspective of things again.

    But then Qiu Yn¡¯s perspective of things got changed again. Jiang Yashuang smirked, ¡°No... Our father suggested it in the first ce. He wanted the third uncle and the sixth uncle to do it. And we would get ten percent of the profit. However, the eldest uncle found out about it. He managed to get grandfather and granduncle¡¯s support. They gave it all to him! He and his sons surely didn¡¯t have time to do it themselves. The eldest aunt didn¡¯t know how to do it. And she didn¡¯t want us to do it. So, she asked her maiden family for help... humph!¡±

    Smuggling business was surely very profitable, especially with an important official backing it up. How could Jiang Tianao who was used to having a special treatment in the Jiang Family let this kind of profitable business go?

    But he would never think that his hogging all the benefit would be Jiang Yashuang¡¯s advantage when Jiang Yashuang went after him. After Empress Dowager¡¯s party found out that the Dou Family had been selling weapons to the western savages, Marquess Qin chose to cast the Dou Family aside without hesitation in order to let his nephew off the hook!

    Besides, only the Dou Family was ruined at that time. None of the Jiang Family¡¯s members was involved. Even if Marquess Qin found out that Jiang Yashuang was behind it, he wouldn¡¯t do anything to Jiang Yashuang! After all, Marquess Qin could value his nephew more than his sons and grandsons. But he couldn¡¯t value his nephew¡¯s inw more than his grandson!

    Qiu Yn thought for a moment and then said, ¡°With this kind of catastrophe in the Dou Family, even the first branch could get out of it, they would suffer a great blow. However, everyone knows that the Dou Family is one of the most important inws of our family. They are used of colluding with the western savages. Our family will be implicated, won¡¯t we? The target of Empress Dowager¡¯s party is never the Dou Family. It¡¯s us! Weren¡¯t you afraid of getting burnt while ying with fire? When it came to political struggle, the result was never known until the end!¡±

    Especially, Empress Dowager¡¯s party and Empress¡¯s party had drawn all these years. Clearly, they were about equal!

    Jiang Yashuang said tly, ¡°Have you ever thought about what will happen after Jinn kills Kuang Shihan and his son?¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned by his sudden change of topic. She pondered and then said, ¡°How could I know? He should have made a deal with you guys before he left, right? But he told me nothing. How could I know?¡±

    ¡°Like our father, the eldest uncle has three sons. But his eldest son is much older than Yadan. And our eldest nephew is just a few years younger than me. He is already 15.¡± Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°Our cousins of the first branch and our eldest nephew don¡¯t seem so talented. They even seem a little mediocre. But they are actually very sophisticated! Especially Yayue!¡±

    ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°So, the first branch will definitely have a finger in the pie if our father doesn¡¯t have such deep root in the Northern Army. Since they can¡¯t take advantage of our father, how could they let the fruits of our brother¡¯s victory slide?¡± Jiang Yashuang looked at her, ¡°Our brother put his life at risk in order to seed. Of course, our family helped him. But it was our whole family¡¯s effort and the first branch didn¡¯t contribute the most. It¡¯s unreasonable for us to help the first branch to get what they want again, right?¡±

    Qiu Yn muttered, ¡°You don¡¯t want the first branch to seize the fruits of our victory. Then who do you think should have it? There is no one capable in our branch, is there? You will definitely go to the Northern Army, not Yadan. I heard that Yazhu had been working hard recently. But he is too young and still has a lot to learn in order to lead an army...¡±

    Jiang Yashuang interrupted her calmly, ¡°Your brother of course!¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± It was what Qiu Yn had hoped for. The Ruan Family and the Qiu Family had been taking turns to lead the Western Army since the founding. As the heir of both the Qiu and the Ruan Families, Qiu Jinn was the right person to lead the army. But epting Marquess Qin and Xue Chang¡¯s help meant that Qiu Jinn needed to hand over the Western Army.

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t believe what Jiang Yashuang said. She chuckled, ¡°You sound like you can control it. Don¡¯t worry. Although my brother is sophisticated, he is a man of his words. Besides, I¡¯m married to you. You should know how much he adores me. He will keep his promise just for my sake.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°Do you think I¡¯m testing you? How could I do this to you?¡±

    He said with a smile, ¡°It¡¯s true that I don¡¯t have the authority to give the Western Army to our brother. But now, the Dou Family has been dered guilty of colluding with the western savages. With Empress Dowager Gu in the picture, how could she not take advantage of this? Not only will she take advantage of this, she will also stick to it! So, Our Family can¡¯t dip our fingers in the Western Army when Kuang Shihan and his son die. In this case, who else is better than our brother in taking over the Western Army? It¡¯s worth taking a little risk with a reward like this. There is no such thing as something for nothing!¡±

    ording to what he said, it was really possible for Qiu Jinn to take over the Western Army. But Qiu Yn was still worried, ¡°But my brother is too young.¡± Being a man in his early twenties, Qiu Jinn was suspected that he got the Prefectural Governor position through connections, let alone be themander.

    Besides, the western savages would be the fair judge of the ability of the Western Army¡¯smander. They would test themander¡¯spetence via war!

    Qiu Yn had faith in Qiu Jinn¡¯s talent and shrewdness. However, a capable politician wasn¡¯t necessarily a capable strategist!

    ¡°Grandfather will take care of it. Prime Minister Xue surely will help, too!¡± Jiang Yashuang seemed rxed. He didn¡¯t feel guilty for tricking those two powerful officials stealthily. He looked at his wife with a faint smile, ¡°So, have you got the picture? Families like us seem wealthy. But once we lose our power, we¡¯ll end up hundreds of or even thousands of times worse than those ordinary families. Sometimes, a trifle will lead to a catastrophe! For example, when the Duan Family prepared for Princess of Cai¡¯s wedding, they definitely only thought of giving her a glorious wedding. It would be even better if her wedding was more glorious than Princess of Lu¡¯s. They didn¡¯t think that others would use it against them! Also, the Dou Family profited tremendously selling weapons to the western savages. Now they are found guilty. Even women and babies in their family can¡¯t survive. Aren¡¯t you really going to tell me the deal you made with Shuijin?¡±

    So, that was why he said all those. He still wanted to know He Shuijin¡¯s request!

    Qiu Yn frowned tightly. She said after a long while, ¡°It has nothing to do with the politics. Since I¡¯ve already promised Shuijin, I¡¯ll keep my promise. I can only tell you that it¡¯s personal and Shuijin¡¯s privacy.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang wasn¡¯t quite satisfied with that answer, ¡°Shuijin has always been nice to people. With her status, how could it be personal? Besides, she controls a team of our secret guards. They can do things for her. Why does she need your help?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn was silent.

    Sensing that he couldn¡¯t get her to talk, Jiang Yashuang let it go after some thinking. He just asked, ¡°Are you sure it won¡¯t affect the affairs of state? That¡¯s not something to be joked with!¡±

    ¡°Even I don¡¯t know politics. But it¡¯s an undeniable fact that Shuijin is shrewd, right?¡± Qiu Yn puckered her lips, ¡°Do you think she is that kind of person who puts personal grudge above family interests? She¡¯ll be the first one preventing things that will harm our family!¡±

    ¡°In that case, fine, I won¡¯t ask you anymore,¡± actually, Jiang Yashuang still didn¡¯t quite believe what Qiu Yn said. In his opinion, any trifle at that moment might change the situation. It only depended on whether it was noticed or by whom it was noticed. For example, although he was responsible for the Dou Family¡¯s catastrophe, He Shuijin providing the ount book without doubt elerated the event and made it a big deal.

    So, no matter what deal Qiu Yn made with He Shuijin, just the ount book itself had already affected the overall situation.

    ¡°Lan and I have just got married. She knows little about the politics because she was kept in the backyard. She doesn¡¯t know better!¡± He let it go because he was thinking, ¡°I still have a few cards in my hand. We should be safe even if idents ur. It will be nice if this teaches her a lesson.¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know that her husband let it go so easily because he wanted to teach her a lesson via her possible failure. She thought he had moved on. She was relieved. And she was happy and worried thinking of his promise to give the Western Army to Qiu Jinn. After thinking for a while, she couldn¡¯t help grabbing his sleeve and confirming, ¡°Will my brother really be in charge of the Western Army? Then he is going to stay in Shazhou, isn¡¯t he?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Although you guys will be separated, it will be good for him,¡± Jiang Yashuang had been waiting to educate her about politics. He reminded her immediately, ¡°The Kuang Family and Empress Dowager Gu are threatened by Jinn¡¯s origin. Just think about it. If Jinn doesn¡¯t take over the Western Army, others will. Won¡¯t they be threatened as well?¡±

    He sneered, ¡°Especially, Jinn is my brother-inw!¡±

    So, the first branch mustn¡¯t take over the Western Army. Otherwise, they would kill Qiu Jinn in order to avoid problems in the future!

    Qiu Yn mused for a moment. She suddenly asked, ¡°But my brother is Prime Minister Xue¡¯s favourite student. You know how much Prime Minister Xue values him! If Jinn controls the Western Army, with Prime Minister Xue¡¯s support, aren¡¯t you afraid that he will be out of your family¡¯s control or even stand up to you guys as an equal?¡±

    ¡°Why should I be afraid?¡± Jiang Yashuang was stunned and thenughed out loud. He hugged her and gave her a big kiss, ¡°His precious sister is my wife. And I¡¯ve been faithful to you. When Jinn is full-fledged, he will only help me for your sake. How could he harm me?¡±

    He said gloatingly, ¡°When the timees, I¡¯ll be the one who benefits the most!¡±

 Chapter 299 - Hidden Tide Rising Before the Lunar New Years Eve Dinner

    <h4>Chapter 299 Hidden Tide Rising Before the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve Dinner</h4>

    One day after Jiang Yashuang had a long talk with Qiu Yn, the charge of the Dou Family was decided. It was like what Jiang Yashuang said. The whole family would be executed. Those who were below sixteen could be exempted byw, but they would be sold and could not be redeemed.

    Days ago, they were still arrogant nobles. But the next day, this happened. Thinking about what her husband said, Qiu Yn felt guilty.

    When she went to the third branch to help, she found an opportunity to talk to He Shuijin alone. She said, ¡°Even though Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t guess the truth, he has been suspicious. Yesterday he hinted at me again. This time he suspected the government. What do you say?¡±

    He Shuijin understood what she meant. She said cautiously, ¡°Rest assured. I understand we may all be implicated! If I were a careless person, I wouldn¡¯t have asked you to keep this a secret when we were in Mount Dizi! This will always be a secret kept here in the backyard of the third branch!¡±

    Qiu Yn exhaled a long breath, ¡°Don¡¯t me me for being too careful. It¡¯s just the Tao Family, the Dou Family, and the Duan Family fell so suddenly. Even though I¡¯m just watching, I feel unsafe!¡±

    ¡°Me, too.¡± He Shuijin sighed. She understood what Qiu Yn meant, ¡°High position makes an easy target. That¡¯s why we all need to take care!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I should say to you.¡± Qiu Yn looked at her pale face. Even though she knew it was partially because of the powder, her ck circles were not drawn by charcoal. Her ck circles were caused by days of fatigue, ¡°It¡¯s the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve dinner the day after tomorrow. Do you want to take a day off?¡±

    With the Jiang Family¡¯s status now, everyone could go to the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve Dinner as long as they wanted to.

    Even though as the Empress¡¯s family, they didn¡¯t need to be on their toes at the dinner. Wearing a full dress to participate in such a dreary ceremony would consume both time and energy.

    With the responsibility He Shuijin had and her health status, she really shouldn¡¯t go.

    Luckily, she wasn¡¯t going to force herself. She shook her head and said, ¡°I already sent someone to tell the elders that I¡¯m not going. After all, I have tons of things to do and my health condition really doesn¡¯t allow me to go through too much trouble.¡± If she could go to the dinner, everyone would know she still had extra strength. How could she rx a bit from now on? If she couldn¡¯t rx, her body would copse. Then what if she had to watch someone else give birth to children for her husband? Or it may be even worse that she passed away and had to give her position to the next person!

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know she was thinking about these questions in her mind furiously. Qiu Yn was relieved for her, ¡°That¡¯s better. You really should have some rest now.¡±

    ¡°If you meet Fubing in the Pce, spend some time with her!¡± He Shuijin suddenly said.

    ¡°Are you still worried that she couldn¡¯t see this through? Last time Zhuang Man and Xing went to see her. Later, when Zhuang Man came to see me, she said Fubing sincerely wished Xing¡¯s brother to live happily ever after with Yongfu!¡± Qiu Yn smiled and said, ¡°Oh, are you afraid that she would hate you? She wouldn¡¯t. Fubing was not actually angry with you. She was just angry at the situation.¡±

    He Shuijin shook her head, ¡°Fubing had some temper, but she did know better. Otherwise, my aunt won¡¯t choose her. I¡¯m not worried about other things. But just think about the current situation, Fubing is the fiancee of the Seventh Prince. Who knows whether she will be targeted at the dinner or not?¡±

    She lowered her voice, ¡°Not only Empress Dowager¡¯s people but also people on our side want to be the future Crown Princess! That¡¯s why I asked you to spend more time with her. If anyone wants to hurt her, I imagine you can help her!¡±

    Qiu Yn understood. She realized she was still inexperienced. She still couldn¡¯t think as thoroughly as He Shuijin, so she immediately asked humbly, ¡°Then is there anything else or anyone else I need to worry about?¡±

    ¡°Jiang Qiyun has been living outside the city on the excuse of being sick and needing to rest since she came back from Mount Dizi. She probably won¡¯te back this time.¡± He Shuijin didn¡¯t hide her wisdom. She told Qiu Yn honestly, ¡°She¡¯s not here. So we lose one to fight with Princess Yan and Princess Zhou. But you know she is not only fierce towards outsiders but also the same as the family! So it¡¯s good that she¡¯s noting back! But with what happened to the Dou Family, Aunt Yang will be having a bad time! We don¡¯t need to fight with her now. Remember to report to our grandfather in case someone says we¡¯re insulting her! So watch what you say. Don¡¯t provoke Aunt Yang or the biggest sister-inw!¡±

    She then said, ¡°I don¡¯t know whether the Princess of Lu ising this time or not. But if she¡¯s clever, she shoulde! After all, her marriage is thest decency Empress Jiang gave to the Tao Family because of grandmother! If she ims to be sick this time, she will not only irritate Empress Jiang but also miss the chance Empress Jiang gave her. She is the Princess of Lu. If she doesn¡¯t do anything wrong in front of everyone, Empress Jiang will give her some acknowledgment. So if shees, don¡¯t mention anything that will make her ufortable.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought secretly, ¡°Thest decency to the Tao Family? I think it¡¯s just using an unimportant Prince to fool the Tao Family! No matter Empress Dowager¡¯s party or the Tao Family, they surely thought Empress and Madame Tao still think about the Tao Family, seeing them abandoning Zhuang Man and Miss Shi and choosing Tao Yibin to be the Princess of Lu. How would they see that the Jiang Family already decided to dump the Tao Family?¡±

    Luckily like Prince of Qi, Prince of Lu was also honest and weak. Otherwise, Tao Yibin wouldn¡¯t have an easy life!

    He Shuijin also told her what she shouldn¡¯t and should do as a daughter-inw on this kind of asion. In the end, she said with a smile, ¡°I don¡¯t know if Madame Tao Junior is going. If she is, just follow her. She won¡¯t do anything wrong!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. But she finally got pregnant and it hasn¡¯t been three months. I¡¯m afraid for the sake of the child, grandmother would let her stay at home!¡± Qiu Yn smiled and said.

    She guessed correctly. The next day, Madame Tao announced people who were going to the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve Dinner. Madame Tao Junior, Madame Shi, He Shuijin, and Sheng Shishui were not included.

    Everybody knew why He Shuijin was absent. Madame Tao Junior was absent because she was finally pregnant and Madame Tao was afraid something might go wrong. So she decided for Madame Tao Junior to not attend. Sheng Shishui didn¡¯t go because of two reasons. First, her daughter was still young. She couldn¡¯t leave. Second, Madame Tao was afraid that Jiang Yadan¡¯s concubines might make trouble when everyone else would be at the dinner, so she left a granddaughter-inw to be in charge.

    Madame Shi¡¯s reason was moreplicated. She imed to be sick since He Shuijin asked the wives to help her with the ountant business. She would get better when He Shuijin no longer required help. Everybody knew that and they couldn¡¯t really me Madame Shi. After all, nobody wanted to see someone who had been involved in her son¡¯s suicide after it happened.

    And Madame Shi didn¡¯t fight with He Shuijin. She just didn¡¯t want to see He Shuijin, so that she wouldn¡¯t get sad.

    So the elders just pretended they didn¡¯t know. Madame Tao just understood it as her being sick so she couldn¡¯t go.

    Everyone who would be going started preparing. Their clothes were actually already ready. Now the list was settled. They just rechecked it.

    The next evening, womenfolk who had dressed all fancy waited for Madame Tao in the back Hall. When it was about time, they went into the Pce with Madame Tao.

    Madame Dou and Madame Dou Junior forced themselves toe. Qiu Yn looked at them. They couldn¡¯t walk without their maids supporting them. Qiu Yn guessed they didn¡¯t call in sick and insisted to go because they wanted to ask Empress Jiang for her mercy to spare the rest of the Dou Family.

    But Marquess Qin had decided to abandon the Dou Family in exchange for Jiang Tianao¡¯s exoneration. They probably would be disappointed this time.

    Everyone noticed their abjection which was so different from their usual arrogant persona, but no one said anything. They were not dumb. The Dou Family went down, but Madame Dou and Madame Dou Junior married into the Jiang Family a long time ago. They both had sons. Marquess Qin always valued the bloodline of the Jiang Family. They wouldn¡¯t be abandoned just because the Dou Family went down.

    Now if they publicly insulted them, Marquess Qin would get angry. It would just make the first branch look more pitiful.

    Unlike the usual noise and chatting, the Jiang Family¡¯s womenfolk went into the Pce in utter silence.

    The advantage of going with Madame Tao was that they didn¡¯t need to wait. They could directly go rest in the warm halls and watch Empress Jiang weing peeresses. Of course, as granddaughters-inw, they were all standing.

    As the only granddaughter-inw whose mother-inw was not here, Qiu Yn naturally stood behind Madame Tao. Looking around, she was surprised, ¡°Chunfu Princess didn¡¯te? Now Empress and Madame Tao will surely ask. Qiu Feng you are doomed!¡±

    Indeed, Empress had to talk with peeresses. She looked at the seat prepared for Jiang Qizheng several times yet she couldn¡¯t say anything. Madame Tao was just quietly chatting with the ones nearby, so she easily found the time. She turned around and asked Qiu Yn, ¡°Why is Zheng¡¯er still not here? Go ask if she is stuck on the road because of the heavy snow.¡±

    If only that! Qiu Yn was afraid she fell ill because of Qiu Feng and she didn¡¯t want toe!

    Qiu Yn smiled bitterly in her heart. Yet she had to take this.

    Luckily when she went out and asked, a servant said, ¡°A message just came from the gate. Chunfu Princess¡¯s Chief of Staff is asking toe in at the gate. He said Chunfu Princess twisted her ankle when she was about to leave, so she couldn¡¯te. She also said her husband was worried and couldn¡¯t leave her alone, so he¡¯s noting either.¡±

    Qiu Yn thanked the servant. She went back and repeated this to Madame Tao near her ears. Madame Tao was surprised after hearing it, ¡°Then was it bad?¡±

    ¡°The servant said it was not. She just couldn¡¯t walk for two or three days.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that should be fine.¡± Madame was relieved. She smiled, ¡°As long as she¡¯s ok, she doesn¡¯t need toe. It¡¯s no big deal. Seeing her husband caring for her so much, I¡¯m quite relieved.¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled stiffly, ¡°Of course!¡± She couldn¡¯t imagine when the truth came out, how outrageous the Jiang Family would be.

    ¡°I should have persuaded brother to take Qiu Feng with him!¡± She thought painfully, ¡°With Qiu Feng gone, Chunfu can better act alone. With Qiu Feng staying around irritating her, no wonder she hides from her maiden family all the time! This won¡¯t end well if it continues!¡±

    This shouldn¡¯t continue!

    Qiu Jinn said he was going to handle it before. But for so long, she didn¡¯t see Jiang Qizhenging back merrily. Either he failed or he had to leave early so things didn¡¯t work out. Anyway, Qiu Yn decided to find Jiang Qizheng and Qiu Feng in the first lunar month to get this straight!

    When she was thinking about how to persuade them, a clear voice sounded suddenly, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi?¡±

    Qiu Yn turned around. She saw a beautiful woman dressed in royal clothes. She came near and greeted Qiu Yn. She had a full figure and looked healthy. She was Princess Yan, Tang Xinqiong!

    Clearly, she didn¡¯te friendly!

    After greeting each other, Tang Xinqiong smiled and said, ¡°I heard your cousin Ruan Qingyan is still on his way to Shazhou to be the Chief of Staff? You really need to talk some sense into him, so he won¡¯t follow others...¡± She nced at Madame Dou and Madame Dou Junior in the near distance and said meaningfully, ¡°Chief of Staff is allowed to enter the storage of Western Army. I hope you can warn him not to do anything wrong to himself or to the country!¡±

 Chapter 300 - Cant Let the Fourth BranChapter Continue Being Arrogant!

    <h4>Chapter 300 Can¡¯t Let the Fourth Branch Continue Being Arrogant!</h4>

    What Tang Xinqiong meant was quite clear. The Jiang Family could have one rtion that colluded with the western savages by marriage. Who knew the Jiang Family wouldn¡¯t have another person who sold out the Western Army?

    Even though this Princess Yan was speaking to Qiu Yn, her real target was Madame Dou and her niece next to Madame Tao. After she just finished the sentence, Madame Dou and Madame Dou Junior all turned to her. On their gaunt faces were unconceble hatred and anger, ¡°Princess Yan, are you trying to teach the Jiang Family¡¯s daughter-inw a lesson in front of all of us?¡±

    Madame Dou had always been arrogant, but she did learn something from being the eldest daughter-inw in the Jiang Family for a decade. She immediately used Tang Xinqiong of overstepping!

    Madame Dou Junior immediately followed up, ¡°You are a Princess. If we look at the title, only the second aunt is at your level. Qiu Yn is just a Commandery Princess, which is half a rank lower than you. You can of course teach her something. It¡¯s just that Her Majesty is here today. Did youe following her order? If it is, Qiu Yn should go and thank Her Majesty for her lesson. If not, then what? Her Majesty is still here and you can¡¯t wait to admonish the peeresses?¡±

    Admonishing peeresses was not the power that normal royal women could have. The only ones who could do it were Empress Dowager and Empress. Tang Xinqiong naturally didn¡¯t dare to take this charge. But she came here with support, ¡°You only know Her Majesty, yet didn¡¯t you consider Empress Dowager who is above Her Majesty? I¡¯m here by her order to lesson Commandery Princess Ningyi. This is because Empress Dowager thought Ruan Qingyan won the first ce at such a young age and she values his talent!¡±

    After saying that, she looked at Qiu Yn with a faint smile. Clearly, she was waiting for her to thank Empress Dowager on Ruan Qingyan¡¯s behalf.

    But Qiu Yn wouldn¡¯t just give her what she wanted. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t even look at her. She bent over and said to Madame Tao with a smile, ¡°Grandma, I saw Cousin Xin!¡±

    ¡°I know you think of her. Go. I don¡¯t need you to serve here.¡± Madame Tao looked loving. She smiled, ¡°You have been busy. Finally, you have a chance to talk to your sisters. I will surely allow it!¡±

    ¡°I know you¡¯re the best!¡± Qiu Yn smiled sweetly. She looked at Madame Tao, Madame Dou, and her niece and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to talk to Cousin Xin!¡±

    Tang Xinqiong knew she was hard to deal with. Yet she didn¡¯t think after she mentioned Empress Dowager Gu, Qiu Yn still treated her like nothing!

    This was beyond her being angry. She had to ask Qiu Yn for an exnation! Otherwise, if this were to be heard by Empress Dowager Gu, even if she was the granddaughter and granddaughter-inw of Empress Dowager Gu, she would not be happy!

    ¡°Ningyi! What do you mean?¡± Tang Xinqiong held her anger. She raised her voice and said, ¡°Empress Dowager cared for your cousin. Why didn¡¯t you express your gratitude on his behalf?!¡±

    Qiu Yn turned around and smiled at her, ¡°Are you an idiot? It¡¯s full of the Jiang Family members here. You juste here with a little maid asking for trouble. Aren¡¯t you afraid that we all say the same thing and shame you?¡±

    Her words made Tang Xinqiong blush. She was speechless. Seeing this, Qiu Yn deepened her smile, ¡°I know. You came here because Princess Zhou provoked you, didn¡¯t you? Even though Changping Princess let your sister marry into Prince of Zhou¡¯s Mansion first, now it seems both of you aren¡¯t as good as Princess Zhou. How can you deal with that? You are fine, but your sister is under Princess Zhou. She really has to be careful!¡±

    ¡°Stop sowing discord!¡± Tang Xinqiong gritted her teeth.

    Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°You know well whether I¡¯m the one sowing discord. I told grandma that I would go find Cousin Xin because I¡¯m giving you a way out! Otherwise, do you think you can leave in one piece just because you came with Empress Dowager¡¯s order? Princess Changping who was raised by Empress Dowager didn¡¯te. Honestly, if you can¡¯t win Princess Zhou, maybe just try to speak less. Or at least ask Changping Princess about it. I don¡¯t want you to fool yourself here because I don¡¯t want Princess Zhou to feel too proud of herself. Understood?¡±

    After saying that, she ignored Tang Xinqiong and left!

    After she left, Tang Xinqiong was dazed for a while. Then she stomped her feet angrily and left, too!

    Madame Tao just quietly watched this fight between the younger ones. When Tang Xinqiong left, she said to Madame Dou who was sitting underneath her, ¡°Qiu Yn has sharp eyes. She immediately noticed that Princess Yan came out of the blue because Princess Zhou plotted against her. Speaking of which, Princess Zhou is young but she is quite something! Even though Qiu Yn just pointed out to Princess Yan that Princess Zhou stabbed her in the back, she wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything when she gets back. If they really go to Empress Dowager Gu, she may even give credit to Princess Zhou!¡±

    She paused, ¡°No wonder Empress Dowager Gu still wanted her to be her granddaughter-inw, even though she offended Changping Princess!¡±

    Madame Tao meant something more. Madame Dou understood. She looked at the teacup next to her without any expression and said quietly, ¡°Rest assured. I understand she came to say that just to provoke! How will I be so dumb that I can¡¯t see through such a crappy plot? Princess Zhou is young. She won¡¯t be able to use me to get credit!¡±

    Even though she said so, her fingers all crawled up underneath her sleeves. The Dou Family didn¡¯t know that it was Jiang Yashuang who did this to them. After all, he did this because the first branch¡¯s ambition was too much of a trouble and he couldn¡¯t bear it. But Madame Dou still couldn¡¯t act like nothing under Tang Xinqiong¡¯s provocation, ¡°We betrayed the Tao Family in secret in exchange of the Duan Family on Empress Dowager¡¯s side. Now, this happened to my family. Clearly, it was Empress Dowager¡¯s payback! But why? The Jiang Family has so many rtions by marriage. Why the Dou Family?¡±

    She couldn¡¯t reconcile with this. What Tang Xinqiong mentioned about Qiu Jinn going to Shazhou also hurt her feelings, ¡°Yue ising back to Jing City. Originally, he was to rest and heal his wounds in Jing City for half a year. My husband could also teach him something. When Qiu Jinn finishes the Kuang Family off, Yue could go to the Western Army!¡±

    Now everybody of the Jiang Family could go to the Western Army, but the first branch couldn¡¯t!

    Because her maiden family colluded with the western savages!

    ¡°Yue is even more talented than his brother. He gave up the imperial examination just to enter the army. Yet Jiang Tianchi tried all he could to suppress him. The Western Army would have been a great chance!¡± Madame Dou looked down and bit her shaking lips with all her strength, ¡°Now everything is gone! He may not even get the chance to go back to the Northern Army! If he goes to the civil service, he has already abandoned the imperial examination. Even if he starts from the beginning, Jiang Tianchi¡¯s son is already in Hanlin Academy!¡±

    For all these years, the first branch had been used to look down upon their cousins and nephews. The gratitude from Kui Xiannan and thepromises made by their uncles, again and again, all made Madame Dou bepetitive in nature!

    Now the Dou Family was finished off. Madame Dou was sad and lost, but at the same time, the jealousy and hatred were growing wild in her heart.

    Tang Xinqiong¡¯s provocation was simple and rough. Madame Dou did know what she meant and what Madame Tao meant. Madame Tao saw how angry she was and wanted to warn her. But it was too hard to keep calm.

    ¡°Madame Zhuang is a b*tch. She relied on how smart Jiang Yadan was when he was young and humiliated me publicly so many times!¡± Especially because Tang Xinqiong picked Qiu Yn to start the fight and she was of the fourth branch. Madame Dou suddenly remembered Madame Zhuang, ¡°Now the Dou Family ended up like this. When shees back, she¡¯ll step me under the ground! And her daughter-inw is also no good. She¡¯s even more arrogant!¡±

    ¡°Even if I can¡¯t find a silver lining for the Dou Family¡¯s nieces and nephews this time, I cannot let the fourth branch be this arrogant anymore!¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know even though Madame Tao helped her talk some sense into Madame Dou, she still hated her. She was happily describing the first daughter of Sheng Shishui to Xin Fubing, ¡°When she was just born and was taken to grandma, I went to have a look, too. She was all red and crumpled. It really scared me! After some days, she grew and finally became lighter. Now she¡¯s more and more adorable!¡±

    Xin Fubing never saw a newborn before, she was intrigued, ¡°Really? Howe crumpled? That¡¯s scary!¡±

    ¡°Theyter told me that when kids are just born...¡± Before she could finish, someoneughed from behind, ¡°You guys are hiding here talking about kids on New Year¡¯s Eve. Are you worried that you¡¯re pregnant, Ningyi?¡±

    Hearing that, Qiu Yn and Xin Fubing all straightened their faces. Turning around, they all frowned. Theer was difficult to deal with.

    It was Xue Fangmi.

    Thinking about Xue Chang, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want to be too hard on her. But she had such a bad impression on her, so she felt like Xue Fangmi was being sarcastic and saying she still hadn¡¯t gotten pregnant since she was married. So she thought for a while and said, ¡°That¡¯s not it. I just thought my niece was very cute so I told Cousin Xin secretly. Who knew you would hear it?!¡±

    This was actually using Xue Fangmi of eavesdropping. How couldn¡¯t she understand? Her smile immediately froze. She said coldly, ¡°I came here and just randomly heard this, so I asked. If I knew this would irritate you, I wouldn¡¯t have said it. I guess sorry!¡±

    She then went about saluting.

    Qiu Yn naturally wouldn¡¯t take this. She went a step forward and held her arms. She said with a smile, ¡°Miss Xue, long time no see and you¡¯ve got estranged. I was just kidding!¡±

    Xue Fangmi tried and couldn¡¯t break her. She couldn¡¯t move with Qiu Yn holding her. Xue Fangmi was scared and was about to scold, yet Xuesun and Xue Nongqing came. They pretended not to see her situation and greeted Qiu Yn and Xin Fubing first. After some small chat, they said, ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi, do you want to talk with Fangmi? Bad timing. We have to go over and sit!¡±

    She lowered her voice, ¡°We arranged to talk to Madame Li!¡±

    ¡°Then I shouldn¡¯t bother her!¡± The Li Family was Xue Fangmi¡¯s fianc¨¦¡¯s family. Hearing that, Qiu Yn immediately let her go. Xue Fangmi¡¯s arm was hurting. She didn¡¯t have to have a look but she knew Qiu Yn used some strength. She looked at Xuesun aggrievedly, ¡°Sister! Aren¡¯t you helping the wrong person?!¡±

    Xuesun gave her a sharp look to warn her. After Qiu Yn and Xin Fubing left and went away, she said coldly, ¡°How many times have I told you? Stop getting father into more trouble! Are you ever going to listen?! Do you understand the situation now?! Father even wants to resign if he could! What did I tell you before we leave? When are you going to grow up?¡±

    ¡°But it wasn¡¯t my fault!¡± Xue Fangmi was angry. She said quietly with a shaking voice, ¡°I just passed by and overheard them. I asked randomly and that Ningyi suspected me!¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that because of what you did before?!¡± Xuesun was even angrier seeing her like this. Xue Chang told her to discipline Xue Fangmi like her daughter, so she put on a cold face and scolded harshly in a low voice, ¡°If you didn¡¯t offend her before, would she act like this?! Let me tell you, since December, the Duan Family, the Tao Family, and the Dou Family have all fallen! Even we may not be safe! If you just behave like this and don¡¯t care about all your families¡¯ lives, I¡¯ll send you back right now. Till you¡¯re married, you¡¯re never allowed to leave your room!¡±

    Xue Fangmi was so angry that her body started shaking. Everyone nearby looked over. Even though they didn¡¯t hear what Xuesun said, they could guess it by looking at how Qiu Yn and Xin Fubing were just talking and they suddenly left when Xue Fangmi came. Many people were discussing and pointing fingers at them, and Xue Fangmi especially looked embarrassed.

    Xue Nongqing couldn¡¯t just stand. She grabbed the sleeves of Xuesun and said quietly, ¡°Mother, my aunt knows what to do. Maybe Commandery Princess Ningyi really misunderstood her!¡±

    ¡°What does she know?!¡± In Xuesun¡¯s eyes, Xue Fangmi was trouble. Now she ignored what her daughter said and just stared at Xue Fangmi coldly, ¡°Don¡¯t you think you can just leave the Xue Family to hang now that you¡¯re about to marry into the Li Family? From now on, during this dinner, you¡¯re not allowed to leave me! Even if you need to change your clothes, my maid has to go with you! Do you understand? If you can¡¯t do it, go home!¡±

    Looking around, she forced a smile, ¡°The kid didn¡¯t behave. Sorry for seeing this.¡±

    No one was stupid and woulde to ask why. They all showed their understanding. Xuesun pulled herself together and chatted with them. Then she led Xue Fangmi and Xue Nongqing to their seats.

    By then, she and Xue Fangmi both calmed down.

 Chapter 301 - How Did She Get Brainwashed?!

    <h4>Chapter 301 How Did She Get Brainwashed?!</h4>

    ¡°ordingly, Prime Minister Xue gave Xue Fangmi to this Madame Sun two years ago and forbade her mother Madame Nan from interfering. Howe Madame Sun is helping you today?¡± After changing a corner and having a maid look around the corner, Xin Fubing asked surprisingly, ¡°Even if she doesn¡¯t like Xue Fangmi, isn¡¯t she afraid to make Prime Minister Xue angry on this kind of asion for supporting an outsider? After all, Xue Fangmi didn¡¯t actually say anything outrageous today.¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°But what I said was also not outrageous. Why Xue Fangmi got mad so quickly? She is a petty person, but she also knows how to act. Don¡¯t you think she purposely came after me?¡±

    Xin Fubing didn¡¯t waste the recent teaching on how to be a Crown Princess. She immediately understood, ¡°They were both intentional? But why? Is it because of your cousin Ruan¡¯s appointment? They picked a fight with you to show the Xue Family¡¯s stand?¡±

    ¡°I would say so. Do you know why I cane to talk to you right after I saw you?¡± Qiu Yn squinted her eyes, ¡°Because Princess Yan, Tang Xinqiong, came over to sow discord. Right in front of Aunt Yang and my sister-inw, she asked me to warn my cousin not to follow what the Dou Family did when he arrives at Shazhou. Then grandmother agreed to let mee over and left Tang Xinqiong there!¡±

    Xin Fubing said with a smile, ¡°Why is Tang Xinqiong always like this? I stayed at the Summer Pce before for a while and heard that this Princess Yan doesn¡¯t have many ideas but loves to use others¡¯ ideas to get credit. Princess Zhou, Gu E¡¯nuo, used this to entrap her every now and then. Every time Tang Xinqiong makes the effort and Gu E¡¯nuo gets the credit! I don¡¯t even know how Deputy Premier Tang and Changping Princess taught her. Luckily she is the granddaughter of Empress Dowager Gu. Even though she always takes a beating, Empress Dowager still adores her.¡±

    Hearing that, Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s why Empress Dowager Gu adores her, not because she is her granddaughter?¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Xin Fubing was dazed. After thinking for a while, she said, ¡°Empress Dowager Gu does like younger people who are more innocent.¡±

    Innocence was just a euphemism. What she really meant was easy to control.

    When Qiu Yn was about to say something, Xin Fubing suddenly grabbed her hand and said quietly, ¡°Thank you! Sister-inw! This way...¡± She paused and continued, ¡°I know not everyone who sees it is willing to tell me!¡±

    Qiu Yn was dazed. Then she realized after a while that Xin Fubing thought too much. Qiu Yn told her suspicion towards Tang Xinqiong just to warn Xin Fubing not to underestimate her future sister-inw just because Tang Xinqiong always got set up by Gu E¡¯nuo. She wouldn¡¯t take a beating in the future.

    But clearly, Xin Fubing understood it as Qiu Yn warned her that no matter Empress Dowager Gu or Empress Jiang, they both wanted someone who they could control. If she were too smart, like Gu E¡¯nuo, even if she became the choice of Crown Princess for Empress Dowager¡¯s party, she might still be ditched if necessary!

    ¡°How did Empress Jiang and the maid she sent to Xin¡¯s Mansion brainwash her?¡± Qiu Yn looked at Xin Fubing. She was making the face of ¡°No more words. I understood it all¡±. Qiu Yn¡¯s mouth was twitching, ¡°She thinks everything is a plot... Indeed, not everyone could be a royal wife!¡±

    She knew that since Xin Fubing already thanked her, there was no use exining. It would just make things awkward. Luckily she didn¡¯t think more and assumed that Qiu Yn was here to test her loyalty towards the Empress. She thought Empress Jiang was not that reliable, so it might be good for Xin Fubing to keep an eye out. She would be directly under Empress Jiang. Thus, Qiu Yn acquiesced in it and changed the topic, ¡°I thought we would be only preparing for the New Year when we entered December. But this is an eventful year. The Tao Family, the Duan Family, and the Dou Family all fell in this month! Will there be any more events happening at the dinner tonight?¡±

    Xin Fubing hadn¡¯t recovered from what she over-thought. Her face was a bit pale. She said, ¡°Since aunt started going over the governmental affairs, they fought at every past dinner. But this year is destined to be quite turbulent. Oh, will the First Aunt and sister-inw go after you because of Tang Xinqiong? I can go ask grandmother and let you sit with me, away from them! She should grant my ask.¡±

    After all, she was the daughter-inw that Empress Jiang handpicked. Madame Tao would surely grant such a small ask.

    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be necessary.¡± Qiu Yn shook her head, ¡°They should be able to see through this! And you didn¡¯t see them. It¡¯s quite something for them to be able toe. I think maybe they are thinking about using this chance. When the party starts, they will go ask aunt to release those of the Dou Family who are below sixteen. They shouldn¡¯t have time to go against me.¡±

    Even though saying that, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t wear her guard down against the first branch. She knew it was her husband who got them at this position!

    Xin Fubing sighed, ¡°Of course. My marriage is already decided. If you go too near to me, you may actually get into someone¡¯s eyes! These days...¡±

    ¡°She really can¡¯t stop overthinking!¡± Qiu Yn thought, not knowing whether tough or not, ¡°Have you forgotten that you are still very far away from being in charge? What¡¯s really making the fourth branch a target is Empress¡¯s attitude!¡±

    But if she said that, even though they were good friends, it would hurt Xin Fubing¡¯s self-esteem. So Qiu Yn again acquiesced and said, ¡°When the dinner just begins, we can¡¯t talk. After a while, when we can walk freely, we can sit together. Who doesn¡¯t know that Zhuang Man, you, and I are close? If we get estranged, that¡¯s weird!¡±

    Xin Fubing naturally took that as constion. But when Qiu Yn mentioned Zhuang Man, sheughed, ¡°It¡¯s rare for her to have a moment of being embarrassed to meet people.¡±

    The reason why Zhuang Man didn¡¯te this year was quite simple. The news that she was nominated to be the Princess of Lu and she failed went out. Meeting Princess of Lu and Tao Yibin after this would be quite awkward. Being pointed at and judged would be even more awkward, so the Zhuang Family left her at home.

    Zhuang Man didn¡¯t have any title, so she was not required toe to this dinner. If Empress Jiang didn¡¯t ask, the Zhuang Family wouldn¡¯t even need to find an excuse for her.

    But Qiu Yn thought, ¡°I think it¡¯s the Zhuang Family that is feeling embarrassed. I think if Man were here, nobody would dare to make fun of her with this business. It would only embarrass themselves!¡± Zhuang Man was at the same level as her. How would she feel awkward for some discussion and judgement? She was always good at making other people feel awkward!

    Even Princess Qi, Jiang Qiyun, who was quite cunning, lost to her. How would Zhuang Man be afraid toe to this dinner? It showed that the Zhuang Family was quite decent. Yet they raised Zhuang Man who was pretty shameless. It clearly proved that being noble or not was destined.

    ¡°So my shamelessness is also destined!¡± Said Qiu Yn.

    Hearing that, Xin Fubing agreed, ¡°True. But this way we don¡¯t need to worry about her. I heard that Miss Shi is noting because she¡¯s really sick.¡±

    ¡°Why can¡¯t she get past it?¡± Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°I hope Madame Shi won¡¯t be angry with me!¡±

    ¡°Right, the future Princess of Wei, your cousin, did shee? I haven¡¯t met her before. Why don¡¯t you introduce her to me?¡± Xin Fubing remembered it and asked, ¡°I heard she also learned from Madam Shao? Then we are all schoolmates. Introduce us. When she¡¯s married, we can help each other.¡± She lowered her voice, ¡°I just wish the fifteenth cousin won¡¯t drag me down. So I¡¯m counting on your cousin!¡±

    Being reminded, Qiu Yn said, ¡°I¡¯ve been so busy these days that I forgot to ask!¡¯ She knew Xin Fubing was actually being nice. With Wang Qingqian¡¯s shrewdness and family background, how much could she help Xin Fubing when she became Princess of Wei? Xin Fubing was going to look after Wang Qingqian because of Qiu Yn!

    But Wang Qingqian did need this kind of kindness. Qiu Yn naturally wouldn¡¯t reject, ¡°I don¡¯t know where she is seated. Let¡¯s go find her?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Xin Fubing smiled and went arm in arm with Qiu Yn.

    They went to find her at where the families of level five officials were seated. Even though they found Lian Jianhai¡¯s wife, Madame Fang, they were told that Wang Qingqian and her mother didn¡¯te. In front of Xin Fubing, Madame Fang said with a smile, ¡°We¡¯re not a prestigious household. Such grace was given to us so suddenly. We¡¯re in a bit of a hectic. Wang Qingqian is filial. She serves us morning and night and cares for us. Yet she caught a cold. At this kind of festival, we can¡¯t let here. In case she would spoil all the fun.¡±

    After poking around, Qiu Yn and Xin Fubing got the truth out of Madame Fang. Wang Qingqian was raised as a girl from a just decent household, but now she was suddenly a Princess. She needed to change the way she talked and acted. Her clothes and jewelry needed to be remade. They couldn¡¯t get everything done in such a short time! They were worried that she may be disgraced on such a solemn asion. After discussing, the Lian Family decided to let her show upter since they didn¡¯t think she could get the approval of the royals tonight. It might be better.

    That was understandable. Qiu Yn and Xin Fubing said something tofort Madame Fang and left smilingly.

    After leaving the seating area, Qiu Yn exhaled a long breath, ¡°It¡¯s good that she didn¡¯te today. It¡¯s not going to be a joyful dinner tonight!¡±

    Xin Fubing smiled, ¡°So why a lot of people aren¡¯t satisfied with her bing the Princess of Wei? I say this is just right. It¡¯s her luck!¡±

    Qiu Yn was actually unsure about Wang Qingqian marrying Prince of Wei. After all, she came from a small household and she was raised in her uncle¡¯s house. She actually had more of a temper than those girls growing up in their own home. After all, the Lian Family didn¡¯t have any girl in her generation. They treated this niece like a daughter. She was more favored than Lian Ding and his brothers.

    She was not certain that Zhaoyi Miao and Prince of Wei would be satisfied having this naive and willful girl to be the Princess.

    But what Xin Fubing said really relieved her, ¡°Ture. Her luck is what matters the most!¡±

    The one with luck wouldn¡¯t need to worry much!

    They didn¡¯t have anything important to say, so they just leaned on the handrails outside the hall and chatted while watching the snow falling. They didn¡¯t need maids to stay alert, so they all came up and chatted, too. Suddenly, Qiu Yn felt there were some movements behind the tree. It rustled in the wind and snow.

    She looked back. At the same time, a shining piece dropped into the shadow underneath the tree. In the near distance, in the corner of the corridor, a corner of dark clothing rose up and fell. The person around the corner already left.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Qiu Yn felt strange. She looked at the ce where the shining thingnded. Su He noticed that. She asked with a smile, ¡°Madame, what are you looking at?¡±

    ¡°Is there something there?¡± It was night. Lights were hung in the corridor. The outside world was all shining under the reflection. Qiu Yn wasn¡¯t sure whether something was thrown there. So she asked others quietly, especially Xin Fubing who stood across her.

    Xin Fubing just took a peak and smiled, ¡°I guess it¡¯s just the light reflecting on the snow. It looked like shining jewelry.¡±

    Qiu Yn was about to say she heard some sound and a person leaving from the corner, but a servant came, ¡°Mesdames, the dinner is about to start. If you don¡¯t have anything urgent, please go inside and prepare for the Emperor to arrive!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Hearing that, they thanked the servant hurriedly. They tidied up their dresses and went inside.

    After the Emperor arrived, Qiu Yn was still thinking about what happened outside. But soon, she no longer had the mood. After the procedure before the dinner was finished, the chiming sound was reced by the sound of musical instruments. Dances and singing started and dishes came onto all the tables. The atmosphere was just getting livelier and someone from Empress Dowager¡¯s party stood up and rmended to award Jiang Yashuang, ¡°The Dou Family was brought to justice all because of Jiang Hanlin. He ced righteousness above family loyalty. I think he should be rewarded!¡±

    Before he finished the sentence, the music went off the beat. The musician tried to cover it up, yet the sound of cups and dishes falling on the ground rang in the hall. They were from the Dou Family¡¯s women, including Madame Dou and Madame Dou Junior. They all looked ashen!

    Then, venomous looks shot towards the person who was standing near the emotionless Marquess Qin!

    ¡°Jiang Yashuang!¡± Even though the Dou Family¡¯s women wished they could tear Jiang Yashuang apart, in fear of the Jiang Family¡¯s power and thinking about how the Dou Family was already convicted, they didn¡¯t dare to do anything. It was Jiang Tianao who shouted that.

 Chapter 302 - The Emperor Was Poisoned!

    <h4>Chapter 302 The Emperor Was Poisoned!</h4>

    There was a brief exnation of the New Year¡¯s Eve Dinner.

    It was not just this dinner. ording to the rules that Darui had since they established the dynasty, a royal dinner was divided into a front one and a back one. The front one would be the Emperor hosting the governmental officials. The back one would be the Empress hosting the peeresses.

    But the two Empresses were fighting power. Neither of them was willing to stay in the back to host peeresses and let the other go with the Emperor to get greeted and respected by the officials.

    Therefore, after several battles, they decided topromise and let everybody have dinner together!

    Of course, the men and women were still divided. Looking down from the top, men were on the left and women were on the right.

    At this moment, Qiu Yn was not beside her husband. She could only look at him through the crowd while feeling anxious secretly.

    Facing the ask of Empress Dowager¡¯s party, the hatred of the Dou Family¡¯s women, and Jiang Tianao¡¯s angry query, Jiang Yashuang remained calm. He stood up, saluted to the top, and said, ¡°I¡¯m not rted to this. How can I get rewarded?¡±

    When he was saying that, Marquess Qin calmly looked at Jiang Tianao. Thetter¡¯s face was all green. But after thinking for a while, he slowly sat back down.

    ¡°Hanlin Jiang is a noble and modest person. He won¡¯t take the credit. We all respect that.¡± It was a Censor under Qiu Dian who came up and proposed the reward. He came prepared, so he wouldn¡¯t be easily sent away. At this moment, he said with a smile, ¡°But Hanlin Jiang is a Hanlin, you should understand how essential it is to the society that you get rewarded for the good deed you had done. Why should you go against that? Even not for yourself, you should think about the future society, shouldn¡¯t you?¡±

    What he said was the concept that good people should get rewarded. By doing so, people would do more good deeds to get the rewards. With that, society would be more harmonious. If people were advocated to do good things without rewards, then people would be less active. And it would surely take a long way to enter a harmonious society.

    The Censor said so, clearly hinting that if Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t get rewarded for exposing the Dou Family, then no one woulde to expose these traitors in the future!

    What a high-sounding speech!

    Qiu Yn gnashed and stared at that person, hoping Jiang Yashuang could get through this!

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I want to go against this. This reward just came out of nowhere for me. How can I be so shameless and just take it?¡± Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°What you said really confused me. I don¡¯t even know where to begin.¡±

    That Censor was about to speak. Before that, Empress Jiang who looked quite awful coldly interrupted, ¡°The government is already closed this year. Now it¡¯s the New Year¡¯s Eve Dinner. We are all having fun, yet you suddenly came out to talk about the Dou Family. What do you want to do?¡±

    The government being closed meant they were on vacation. During the vacation, expect military affairs or idents that might shake the reign, everything would be on hold until the vacation was over.

    No matter Jiang Yashuang was the one who exposed the Dou Family or not, the Dou Family was already convicted. It was clearly inappropriate to disturb everyone on this asion. After all, this dinner was held annually.

    That Censor who was named Dai Cong didn¡¯t panic after being scolded by the Empress. He smiled and saluted, ¡°Your Majesty, apologies. I just didn¡¯t want him to go on unrewarded! The reason why I said this now is that the only one who can prove it may not survive the night! Hanlin Jiang is so noble. Without this witness, how will he take the reward?¡±

    After saying that, except Marquess Qin and Jiang Yashuang, everyone of the Jiang Family changed their expressions. Dai Cong dared to say such a thing on this asion. He ignored the fact that this was a festival for the celebration and said something ominous. Clearly, he had enough evidence to prove that Jiang Yashuang was behind the fall of the Dou Family!

    Even Jiang Tianqi who wished something bad would happen to Jiang Tianao looked at this nephew differently. After all, if Jiang Yashuang could hurt Jiang Tianao¡¯s wife¡¯s family, he could also hurt him.

    Jiang Yashuang noticed his look but didn¡¯t care about it. He just smiled coldly and said, ¡°Then, Your Majesty, could you please send some righteous officials and go check with that person? I am not such a noble person, but I sure won¡¯t take false credit!¡¯

    Empress Jiang¡¯s expression changed multiple times. She didn¡¯t know the truth behind the fall of the Dou Family. She thought Empress Dowager¡¯s party had a set-up waiting for Jiang Yashuang, so they could turn the Jiang Family against each other. But the Empress also felt tough to deal with this. If she allowed it, it was clearly a set-up! Even if Jiang Yashuang was innocent, they wouldn¡¯t challenge him if they weren¡¯t certain.

    If she didn¡¯t allow it, then Jiang Tianao and others¡¯ suspicion wouldn¡¯t go away so easily.

    After all, the Dou Family fell so suddenly!

    If like the Tao Family and the Duan Family, they were just being corrupted, it would be fine. The Dou Family did take a lot of money relying on the Jiang Family¡¯s power. But selling weapons to the western savages was a huge charge. The Dou Family wasn¡¯t stupid. They should have covered it up.

    Even if they slipped, Empress Dowager¡¯s party shouldn¡¯t be able to find all the evidence in such a short time, leading to the whole family being abandoned.

    So the Dou Family was actually sold by the Empress¡¯ party. And it was very likely to be someone who didn¡¯t see eye to eye with the first branch of the Jiang Family. Now with this suspicion, they couldn¡¯t trust many people.

    Jiang Tianao and his wife didn¡¯t say anything, but they had been suspecting it for a long time. They just didn¡¯t find it out. Jiang Yashuang actually was not on their list. He was too young! Even though Dai Cong was targeting him and Jiang Tianao seemed to be angry, he believed that Jiang Tianchi who was in the far north sent a secret message and guided his son to do this!

    Anyway, after hesitating for a while, the Empress still couldn¡¯t make up her mind. Empress Dowager Gu was tired of waiting, ¡°Since the joy is already killed. Then send someone to go check. Where is this witness, Dai Cong? It¡¯s a festival today, watch it!¡±

    Dai Cong said hurriedly, ¡°Your Majesty, I had him located in a residence not so far away from the gate of the Pce. I bought that residence some time ago and redecorated it. It is not an inappropriate ce for Hanlin Jiang to go now!¡± During the festival, the Empress¡¯s party would never agree to get the most prestigious Hanlin and the grandson of the Jiang Family to a jail or other ominous ce!

    Now that Dai Cong said he was ced in a residence, they couldn¡¯t use this reason to refuse.

    Empress Dowager Gu asked Marquess Qin in a casual tone, ¡°What do you think?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all up to you!¡± Marquess Qin smiled gently. Jiang Tianao hesitated for a while and asked, ¡°Uncle, can we let Yun go with Jiang Yashuang?¡± He asked to have his firstborn apany Jiang Yashuang. Clearly, he already somewhat believed what Dai Cong said.

    Marquess Qin was still smiling, ¡°Your Majesty?¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu didn¡¯t have any issue with that. This whole show was targeting the first branch of the Jiang Family. Now they wanted to hear the statement themselves, and Empress Dowager Gu naturally wouldn¡¯t stop them.

    But out of everyone¡¯s surprise, not so long after Jiang Yayun apanied Jiang Yashuang and other officials to the residence, a surprising incident happened at the dinner, which was clearly quieter after they left.

    It was indeed a major incident. The Emperor, who was ying a background scene, suddenly puked out ck blood and fainted with his lips purple.

    The imperial doctor was basically carried here by the Imperial Army. He didn¡¯t even have time to salute. He quickly went to the Emperor. He took just one look to confirm, ¡°His Majesty is poisoned! It¡¯s highly toxic!¡±

    ¡°Then do something!¡± Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang shouted that almost at the same time!

    But underneath, Qiu Yn and Xin Fubing looked at each other across some distance. They both understood what they wanted to ask was, ¡°Can he be saved?¡±

    No one in the hall could remain calm. Even Marquess Qin who always kept calm was keeping a dark face at this moment. He couldn¡¯t help it. Even though the two Empresses had been fighting and losing, they hadn¡¯t used their biggest cards. Qiu Jinn still hadn¡¯t arrived at Shazhou!

    If the Emperor died today, they would need to find a sessor. This would mean forcing the two Empresses to fight till death right now.

    But Qiu Jinn¡¯s early departure to the west already disturbed the Empress¡¯s party¡¯s n to some extent. If the Emperor died now, it would be an even bigger disturbance. What Marquess Qin was worried about the most was whether this poison was rted to Empress Dowager¡¯s party!

    After all, they plotted Qiu Jinn¡¯s trip to the west. If they poisoned the Emperor too, that would mean, even though the Jiang Family didn¡¯t find out, Empress Dowager¡¯s party was ready for the final battle!

    To have the unprepared Empress¡¯s party go against the prepared Empress Dowager¡¯s party would be a risk. Even if they had Xue Chang, but who knew whether the Empress Dowager¡¯s party didn¡¯t already see iting?

    Then the end of the Empress¡¯s party would be clear.

    In this intense atmosphere, the imperial doctor worked for more than two hours before he gave a conclusion while wiping the sweat from his forehead, ¡°This poison is highly toxic. But luckily, it wasn¡¯t much. His Majesty will be fine.¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang were both relieved.

    The problem was the imperial doctor continued, ¡°But...¡±

    The two most prestigious women in this world immediately shot him a harsh look. He almost didn¡¯t dare to speak again, but he had to. Even if he could get past now, he wouldn¡¯t be in the future, ¡°This poison is very toxic. His Majesty¡¯s health, in the future, might be...¡±

    The Emperor was not that healthy originally. After all, people couldn¡¯t wish a person who spent all his days in the Imperial Harem to have a strong body.

    This poison almost killed him. His health would surely be damaged. The imperial doctor was afraid that Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang would find out that even though the Emperor lived, his body became weaker. They would ask him for an exnation. So he wanted to say that now and repeatedly stressed this poison was very very very toxic!!!

    It was not because they were bad doctors, but the one who did this was vicious! It was lucky enough that the Emperor could survive. They couldn¡¯t help that his health was damaged!

    Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang understood what the imperial doctor meant. They looked at each other. Empress Jiang said in a deep voice, ¡°Mother, we need to investigate this thoroughly!!!¡±

    It was rare that Empress Dowager didn¡¯t respond her coldly. She nodded with a straight face, ¡°Absolutely! We must investigate everything!!!¡±

    It was no joke. Under everyone¡¯s eyes, the Emperor was nearly poisoned to death. Then what about them? Could they still live safely if they didn¡¯t investigate this?

    Maid Zheng and Maid Lin quickly went underneath and announced the decree agreed by both Empresses. Everyone in the hall would be contained as suspects. They would be checked one by one to see if they were involved in poisoning the Emperor!

    After hearing that, the hall was filled with discussions!

 Chapter 303 - Investigate Regardless of Ones Status. No One Is Innocent!

    <h4>Chapter 303 Investigate Regardless of One¡¯s Status. No One Is Innocent!</h4>

    Although many important officials and peeresses felt that it was too much to regard all people in the Hall as suspects, if all the officials wanted to kill the emperor, the Chu Family couldn¡¯t still sit in the imperial chair!

    In particr, the two empresses also asked men and women to take off their clothes and get checked in the side hall or behind the screen. That was total humiliation!

    But Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang took the lead in asking several respecteddies to go to the side hall to watch the pce servants undress them and check whether there were any poison things and traces. After that, people had nothing to say, because there was no special treatment for the Emperor¡¯s mother and wife, not to mention the courtiers.

    Naturally, this was because the Empress Dowager¡¯s party and the Empress¡¯s party did not trust each other.

    The Empress¡¯s party suspected that this was arranged by the Empress Dowager¡¯s party, and the Empress Dowager¡¯s party suspected that this was premeditated by the Empress¡¯s party for a long time.

    They were not only afraid of this being made by the other party, but also afraid that they would be cheated. At the same time, they also wanted to catch the real thief. So Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang had to check together. While proving their innocence, they kept an eye on each other, so as not to be fooled!

    Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang were not suspected, and their followers were also proved innocent. So the officials went to the side hall behind the screen of the main hall, and the womenfolk went to the side hall. Everyone, including the servants and children, received a close inspection in full view of the public.

    It was not over after the check. The two empresses began to check the whereabouts of all the people since they stepped into the pce gate. They even had to send people to check which sections of the railing, which pirs, and which seats they were leaning against.

    It was OK that the two empresses didn¡¯t mention the railings. When they mentioned the railings, Qiu Yn suddenly thought of something and said, ¡°Just now, Cousin Xin and I were talking outside near the railings. I heard someone throw something under the tree at the corner outside the railing. At that time, Cousin Xin thought that it was snow reflecting light. Was it rted to the assassination of the Emperor?¡±

    Wasn¡¯t that to say that she and Xin Fubing were trapped?

    At this moment, Qiu Yn, with her subtlety, was frightened of being dizzy!

    Even if the Emperor were a puppet, even his mother, Empress Dowager Gu, could not bear the charge of regicide. The Emperor was not dead. But if there was something wrong under the flower tree, Qiu Yn and Xin Fubing could not make it clear. Both of them would be doomed.

    Not only they but also their rtives and friends, even the prominent Jiang Family, may not be able to survive.

    ¡°What should I do?¡± Qiu Yn thought. She forced herself to calm down and thought, ¡°Now I can¡¯t tell Cousin Xin that. First, we can¡¯t find a safe chance right now. Second, if someone wants to frame the Empress¡¯s party for regicide through us, her reaction will be more natural if she doesn¡¯t know anything. We can¡¯t tell in advance that there may be something rted to the murder of the Emperor under the flower tree. The flowering tree is too close to the ce where we are talking. Empress Dowager¡¯s party will surely say that it was only under pressure that we voluntarily confessed.¡±

    The only choice was not to admit it when something was found out and they were questioned.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t I wake up just now? When I saw the corner of that coat, I heard the sound of footsteps and throwing things. Why didn¡¯t I catch up?¡± Qiu Yn was so regretted and thought, ¡°Even though I was suspicious and I was already talking to Cousin Xin, I was interrupted by the little servant who urged me to enter the Hall. Now it seems that the little servant is not normal. Although it was true that soon after we entered the Hall, the Emperor and the Empress arrived. Who knows if he is there to watch us and draw our attention away in time to make us not suspect?¡±

    But now it was toote to regret it. The pce servants had gone to search the railing.

    ording to the practice that Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang distrusted each other and had to prove each other¡¯s innocence at the moment, it was natural that the pce servants of both sides had participated in the investigation. Qiu Yn estimated that to appear more natural, Empress Dowager¡¯s party should pretend to find something under the flowers and trees when passing by. Therefore, their search time should be longer.

    But to her surprise, the group of pce people came back soon and reported, ¡°The railing has been searched, and the outside of the railing has also been checked. There is nothing wrong with it.¡±

    This reply didn¡¯t make the two empresses feel anything wrong because they didn¡¯t suspect Qiu Yn and Xin Fubing. However, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know the two empresses both didn¡¯t know who the real murderer was. Seeing this, she confused a while and said, ¡°What? That scene has nothing to do with the Emperor¡¯s poisoning? Or was it not done by the Empress Dowager?¡±

    It was not the Empress Dowager. Then it should be the Empress. Qiu Yn knew that her husband¡¯s family had Xue Chang¡¯s promise, but she didn¡¯t know the specific progress. So, she easily made a deduction, ¡°Did the Empress¡¯s party decide to start ahead of time? The reason why they chose to throw things under the flower tree near Xin Fubing and I was to use our voice of joking to cover up?¡±

    She was still worried about that, ¡°What did the man throw? They didn¡¯t find it this time. Maybe it¡¯s hard to find. But something must have been thrown. I would never hear that strange sound in the snow mistakenly.¡± It was hard for Qiu Yn not to feel sad. She thought, ¡°I madeints about Cousin Xin thinking too much. Now, it seems that she is the sensible one. Even if they want to use our joking voice to cover up that sound, even if it is difficult to find, what if it is found? Then Cousin Xin and I are ready-made scapegoats.¡±

    She knew that Empress Jiang and Madame Tao had grudge against her, so she had to be suspicious, ¡°When sacrifice is needed, am I the first one to be pushed out?¡±

    The more she thought about it, the angrier she was. Suddenly, she felt that her sleeve was pulled a few times. Qiu Yn was shocked and came back to reality. She heard Su He whispering behind her, ¡°The Madame just turned back and called you twice.¡±

    ¡°Grandma, I¡¯ve just been a little bit absent-minded. I hope you¡¯ll forgive me.¡± Hearing this, Qiu Yn apologized to Madame Tao immediately.

    Madame Tao said calmly, ¡°You¡¯ve never seen such an asion, and it¡¯s no surprise to be scared. Don¡¯t worry. It has nothing to do with us. Calm down and keep our dignity.¡±

    Although the tone was calm, the meaning was very strict.

    Qiu Yn felt unpleasant but had to ept and said, ¡°I was wrong.¡±

    However, although her abnormality was discovered even by Madame Tao sitting in front of her, it did not cause any doubt from others. It was because a lot of peeresses and youngdies looked no better than her.

    It was too big. Even if they all had a clear conscience and didn¡¯t need to worry about getting involved like Qiu Yn. However, as long as they thought about the consequences tonight, they were shivering.

    Surprisingly, until dawn, all the people were checked, but nothing was found!

    Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang took the lead in checking and exining what they had done since they entered the pce. But these two people, who lived in the pce city, couldn¡¯t be regarded as an example. They couldn¡¯t leave all the officials and their families in the pce until they found out the murderer.

    So on the morning of the first day of the first lunar month, one of the pce gates, which was suddenly closed and heavily guarded against midnight, finally opened.

    The people who left the pce in long lines were really tired, but they couldn¡¯t take a rest immediately when they got home.

    Because people who had been waiting all night were so anxious, they had to exin and appease their families. Madame Tao especially praised Sheng Shishui for her good work on this point and said, ¡°Madame Tao Junior is pregnant. It¡¯s inappropriate to tell her about it.¡±

    Last night, all the people of the Jiang Family didn¡¯te back after they went for the banquet. Even the servants who were sent to inquire about the news were blocked outside the pce. In the current court situation, Sheng Shishui almost thought that the Empress Dowager¡¯s party revealed their intention and left all the Jiang family members in the pce on purpose.

    But she still pretended to be nonchnt in front of Madame Tao Junior as if nothing had happened. She said, ¡°Grandmother and men were all tired. Before they came back, they said that they would be resettled immediately. There is no need to greet. My brother has drunk too much and vomited so much that he was afraid ofing back to disturb you. So my grandfather asked him to stay in the front courtyard for one night. You can have a rest.¡±

    Up to now, Madame Tao Junior was still sleeping soundly.

    Madame Tao had always attached great importance to Madame Tao Junior, and she was certainly satisfied with Sheng Shishui¡¯s practice.

    However, she didn¡¯t have the time to praise her, because she had to arrange for someone to admonish the younger generation and servants. She didn¡¯t allow them to talk about the poisoning of the Emperor at the New Year¡¯s Eve banquet, so as not to cause trouble. Even if they nned to take advantage of this, they had to wait for Marquess Qin toe up with some ideas.

    But Qiu Yn now had no mood to listen to these. She put her mind on one thing. She said, ¡°Where is Jiang Yashuang? Grandma,st night Jiang Yashuang said that he went to confront Dai Cong and others, butter His Majesty was poisoned. The Pce gate was closed, and no one could enter the pce. I don¡¯t know if he came back until now.¡±

    Madame Tao was also very concerned about the answer to this question, and she immediately sent someone to inquire about it.

    Fortunately, they soon got the answer, ¡°Last night, Jiang Yashuang and Young Master Qiu Hongzhi wanted to go back to the pce after the confrontation with Dai Cong¡¯s witness, but the Pce door was closed because the two empresses forbade everyone from going in and out. Then he went to the courtyard nearby the pce gate to have a rest. Now he hase back and the Old Master called him to offer sacrifices to ancestors.¡±

    Madame Tao and Qiu Yn were relieved at the same time. Madame Tao looked around and said, ¡°Well, you all go and get some sleep. When they have finished sacrificing our ancestors, we will be busy.¡±

    On the way Qiu Yn went back to the fourth branch, Sheng Shishui caught up and asked what happenedst night. When she knew, she was shocked and said, ¡°How could this happen? This is in full view of the public.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s stranger is that the Empress Dowager and Empress Jiang almost turned over the Hall,¡± Qiu Yn whispered, ¡°Even the title of nobility of the highest rank epted the investigation with only their underwear. That¡¯s it. Even the poison hasn¡¯t been found, not to mention the person who did it. How weird it is!¡±

    Sheng Shishui was surprised and said, ¡°No poison? Is His Majesty poisoned out of thin air?¡±

    ¡°Only the wine His Majesty drank was poisonous, but a little servant had tasted it just a few seconds before His Majesty drank.¡± Qiu Yn sighed and said, ¡°Nothing happened to the servant.¡±

    Sheng Shishui¡¯s eyebrows were locked tightly. When she found that she had arrived at the yard of Qiu Yn, she stopped and said,¡± You go back and have a rest first. It should have been a good day.¡±

    ¡°Grandmother said it had nothing to do with our family. Don¡¯t worry too much.¡± Qiu Ynforted her. Although Sheng Shishui stayed at home and didn¡¯t personally experience the scene of the Emperor¡¯s poisoning, she was more frightened. After all, Qiu Yn and others at the banquet knew what had happened, but Sheng Shishui didn¡¯t know anything. No one would know how many terrible possibilities she thought of that night.

    However, something was about to happen, and they didn¡¯t have time to talk more. After a few words, Qiu Yn went back to the house to get some rest.

    She was really tired, but she couldn¡¯t sleep on the bed. She was afraid that she would continue to be busy, so she had to sleep reluctantly. Half asleep and half awake, she suddenly felt that the tent had been swept up by a strong wind and a man followed in stride. This man came in with fierce momentum. But when he got to the edge of the bed, he suddenly stopped as if he had restrained himself.

    Qiu Yn was surprised. She opened her eyes and saw that Jiang Yashuang was bending down and reaching for her face.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Qiu Yn asked. She saw the excitement in his eyes, which she did not understand.

 Chapter 304 - A Must-have Poison for Every Situation!

    <h4>Chapter 304 A Must-have Poison for Every Situation!</h4>

    Seeing that she woke up, Jiang Yashuang simply bent down and hugged her. After a while, he whispered, ¡°Fortunately you are OK.¡±

    Qiu Yn noticed that his voice was a little hoarse, and she knew that he must have been very anxious and was shut out of the pce that night. She immediately moved and let him sit down on the bed. ¡°It¡¯s OK. Don¡¯t worry about it!¡± She said softly, leaning on his shoulder.

    The couple hugged each other for a while, and their emotions finally calmed down. Then Qiu Yn asked, ¡°What did Dai Cong mean about the witness?¡±

    ¡°I arranged the witness.¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed wearily, ¡°I wanted to frame Empress Dowager Gu and prove my innocence by the way. As a result, such a big thing happenedst night. Who could take care of such twists and turns?¡±

    That was true. Compared with the incident that the Emperor was almost poisoned to death in front of the civil and military officials and concubines of Imperial Harem, it was no big deal that a Hanlin Academy was ndered.

    Qiu Yn breathed out, ¡°Even if other people don¡¯t care, the first branch and the Dou Family will keep thinking about it. Just make it clear. Otherwise, even if we are not afraid of them, it will be difficult for grandfather to do it.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang kissed her on the face and said, ¡°Yes.¡±

    After a while, Qiu Yn asked in a low voice, ¡°Is there no one outside now?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Jiang Yashuang was stunned.

    ¡°I have something very important to tell you! This can not be heard by anyone, even Su He,¡± Qiu Yn said. Even Su He couldn¡¯t know it. Jiang Yashuang knew that it must be something important. He ordered people outside the house to go away and let Su He and others stay far away and not allow anyone to stay near the inner room.

    Several maids were not nervous when they heard it. Instead, they covered their mouths and snickered. Obviously, they thought too much.

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t care how they spected about his order. After returning to the house, he listened carefully for a moment and confirmed that there was no one around. Then he sat back beside the bed and said, ¡°You can say it!¡±

    Qiu Yn whispered, ¡°Before the banquet, Cousin Xin and I were talking near a railing outside the Hall. We heard someone throwing things under the nearest flower tree in the wind and snow. Looking back, I found that someone left in a hurry at the corner of the corridor in front of the Hall. Then I just said one word to Cousin Xin, but a little servant came to urge us to enter the Hall to wee the Emperor...¡± Jiang Yashuang became serious and said, ¡°You mean what happened at the banquet?¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed in distress, ¡°I don¡¯t know! In the middle of the banquet, the Empress Dowager and my aunt asked me when Cousin Xin and I came out of the Hall and which section of the railing we were leaning on. And then they called the servants to check. It suddenly urred to me what happened. I was really scared at that time! I thought that I had been trapped. As a result, the servants sent by the Empress Dowager went to see it and said they didn¡¯t find anything, but I definitely heard that sound!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang frowned and thought for a while, and then he asked in detail about the sound she heard at that time, the ce where the things fell, and the height of the corner of her clothes. Finally, he pondered, ¡°This is really an important clue, but now I¡¯m afraid that Empress Jiang and the Empress Dowager are still checking the pce people together. Wait until the evening to report the news and ask Empress Jiang to arrange someone to check it.¡±

    ¡°Be careful! I wonder if it has anything to do with His Majesty¡¯s poisoning. If it was the Empress Dowager¡¯s people who did it, why didn¡¯t they find anythingst night? Is it because Cousin Xin and I took arge group of servants with usst night? If we said that we didn¡¯t throw anything, we couldn¡¯t be convicted by force. But if now my aunt¡¯s people were caught quietly looking for things, there would be no way to make it clear.¡± Jiang Yashuang said. Qiu Yn understood from his tone that the Emperor¡¯s poisoning had nothing to do with the Empress¡¯ party. She was very afraid and said, ¡°Fortunately, His Majesty was saved this time. Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable. Although my brother hasn¡¯t arrived in the city of Shazhou, he must have entered the realm of Shazhou.¡±

    If the Emperor died at the critical moment, Kuang Shihan would probably kill Qiu Jinn first to ensure the stability of the Western Army. After all, the country couldn¡¯t exist without a monarch for a day. If the Emperor died, it would mean that the Crown Prince had to be decided in the shortest time. If it were the Prince of Zhou, then there would be no need to worry about Kuang Shihan¡¯s problem. If it were the Seventh Prince, then Kuang Shihan would be desperate anyway and do anything possible!

    In other words, as soon as the Emperor died, Kuang Shihan would be desperate and even lead a part of the Western Army to kill Qiu Jinn. At that time, unless Qiu Jinn could withdraw from Shazhou and rush back to Jing City in time, he would die.

    Jiang Yashuang patted his wife on the shoulder and said, ¡°His Majesty¡¯s body is not good, but it should be OK. You can rest assured. Last night, I sent someone out of the city to inform my elder brother. After knowing the reason this morning, I wrote another letter in my handwriting. He knows what to do.¡±

    ¡°But all the people in the Hall didn¡¯t carry poisonst night. All the utensils in the Hall, including the porch pirs and floor tiles, were examined by imperial doctors and the Imperial Army in full view of the public. I don¡¯t know how His Majesty got poisoned.¡± Qiu Yn said. She put her finger around her long hair and said with confusion, ¡°What is the poison in His Majesty? I was thinking about what the man had thrown under the flower tree, and I missed your words.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang pondered, ¡°It¡¯s Hedinghong Poison. Strangely, no poison can be found everywhere.¡±

    Qiu Yn knew Hedinghong Poison was a good name for arsenic. As the most famous poison in ancient times, it had always been a must-have to kill meritorious officials, to eliminate dissidents, to make plots among wives, to murder for money, to murder one¡¯s husband, to revenge, and to solve suspect cases. However, it was not difficult to find out the trace because it was used too often. People could find it through a silver needle.

    However, when the two empresses ordered a thorough investigation of the whole Hall and the people in it, all the people and objects in the Hall were thoroughly tested by countless silver needles. No one found any needle turned ck, except the white wine which the Emperor drank.

    ¡°In a word, no matter who did it, since he dared to do such a thing, there must be a plot.¡± Jiang Yashuang said. Jiang Yashuang thought for a while, and a sense of obliteration shed in his eyes. He said slowly, ¡°If the Empress Dowager Gu had done such rebellious things, our family would have prepared for this.¡± He looked at his wife and said, ¡°But in case of idents, don¡¯t go out these days. Send some servants to greet Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, the Ruan Family, and the Li Family. It¡¯s no big deal to be rude at a special moment.¡±

    Qiu Yn agreed.

    Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, the Ruan Family, and the Li Family could either neglect or exin the situation without going there in person. But the Zhuang Family was different. At this time, the rule was that the uncle on the mother¡¯s side was important. Therefore, Jiang Yadan and his brothers must go to pay New Year¡¯s greetings together to the Zhuang Family every year. Especially it was the first lunar month Qiu Yn stayed in her husband¡¯s home. It was important to greet their uncle.

    Even if something serious happened in the Pce, since it was not the worst, they had to greet their rtives.

    In fact, the only daughter-inw of the Jiang Family who could really stay at home this year was Tao Qianbin, because Madame Tao refused all rtives to make her concentrate on the pregnancy.

    Therefore, on the third day of the first lunar month, after a night¡¯s rest, Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang got up early and dressed up. They went to the room to kowtow to Marquess Qin and Madame Tao, exining where they were going. Then they went to the Zhuang¡¯s Mansion to pay a New Year¡¯s visit with Jiang Yadan and Jiang Yazhu couples.

    The Jiang Family and the Zhuang Family were both in Jing City. They usually had a lot of contacts. So they were not very serious today. However, it was Zhuang Man¡¯s elder brother Zhuang Rong who led his eldest son Zhuang Nanfeng to meet them outside the gate. Entering the second gate, Zhuang Man and her sister-inw, Feng, weed Sheng Shishui and Qiu Yn.

    After a friendly exchange, Zhuang Mo¡¯s wife, Wen, dropped her daughter-inw, Feng, a hint. Feng understood and proposed to take her two cousins to her yard. She said, ¡°The pots of plum blossoms I bought the other day are now open. Would you like to have a look at them?¡±

    This was obviously to get the women to avoid. Sheng Shishui and Qiu Yn both knew that, and they went out after hearing the words.

    Wen made an excuse that she took Zhuang Man to the kitchen to have a look at the preparations for the lunch so that her husband and nephews could talk in the Ming Hall.

    As soon as the mother and daughter left, Zhuang Mo lost the mood of chatting and immediately asked Jiang Yashuang, ¡°What happened after Dai Cong took you out of the Pce on New Year¡¯s Eve?¡±

    ¡°I have exined clearly with my elder brother.¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled and said. Then he said, ¡°The witness he arranged was stubborn. I made him unable to justify himself. He just insisted that it was I who had instructed him to give the Dou Family¡¯s criminal evidence to Qiu Dian. Although I¡¯m not smart, I still have a few obedient people around me. I can make money to buy other people to do things, and I¡¯m not that stupid to hand over the evidence to a strange roadside beggar. I¡¯m afraid he¡¯ll spend his money and throw the evidence into the ditch.¡±

    The people he arranged, of course, would leave a clear w so that he could clear the suspicion.

    Dai Congter came to realize that he was framed. But the ¡°beggar witness¡± was the Men of Sacrifice Jiang Yashuang arranged. As Dai Cong said, he could not survive that night. On the first day of the first lunar month, the man died. And there was no proof. Dai Cong would have no one to turn to. However, he just fortunately met the time when the Emperor was poisoned. No one would punish him for framing a Hanlin Academy. Even if it was raked up in the future, he would be temporarily hidden and safe for now.

    Zhuang Mo was relieved to hear that he had exined clearly that he had not killed Uncle Mengmin¡¯s rtives by marriage. He cautioned, ¡°Over the years, the Dou Family has gone too far by relying on your Uncle Mengmin¡¯s unusual position in front of your grandfather. But no matter how bad they are, they are still your elder¡¯s family inw. No matter how unhappy you are, the worst you can do is to be silent when others do that. But there is no way that you do it by yourself. Even if we bring them down, we will get the reputation of disrespect for our elders! It¡¯s not worth it!¡±

    Jiang Yadan and his brothers all nodded to say yes, but none of them put these words seriously. Jiang Yadan and Jiang Yazhu had not known the meaning of reputation for a long time, while Jiang Yashuang smiled and said, ¡°Those who achieve great things do not pay attention to trivial matters. Uncle Mengmin is getting more and more aggressive. If we are still afraid of mere words and do nothing, we will see the fall of our family soon. And we may even live under Uncle Mengmin¡¯s power. Although uncle¡¯s words are out of love for us, they are not suitable for the current situation of the fourth branch!¡±

    The three brothers didn¡¯t want to spoil Zhuang Mo¡¯s good mood at the Spring Festival, so they were very nice about what he said. Seeing this, Zhuang Mo knew that the three nephews had no intention and didn¡¯t listen to him at all.

    It was just something that their grandfather, Marquess Qin, could not do. Zhuang Mo didn¡¯t expect to coax them into obedience and sighed in secret. And Zhuang Mo stopped the words of exhortation. He brought up today¡¯s hottest topic, ¡°Is there any clue to the murderer of the Emperor?¡±

    Now it was the period of closing the Yamen. Although the poisoning of the Emperor led to the emergency work of criminal investigation and military departments, Zhuang Mo, an official of the education department, continued to be on the vocation at the Spring Festival. When people were at home, the news was rtively closed. The Zhuang Family had no contacts in the pce, so he could only ask for thetest news through his nephews.

    However, to his disappointment, the Jiang brothers did not bring any valuable inside information. They said, ¡°It is said that people in the Pce are still investigating. Many pce servants have been killed in the past two days. But they only have found out a lot about the mess. No clue about the serious business was found.¡±

    In fact, in the past two days, a lot of dirty questions were forced out by the high pressure. Before that, any one of them was enough to cause heated discussion between the government and the public. However, in the face of the terrible incident in which the Emperor almost died, they all became nothing.

    Zhuang Mo listened to the nephews, frowned, thought for a while, and became worried. He said, ¡°Affairs like these were found out, but the business of murdering the Emperor has not progressed yet. I¡¯m worried if it can¡¯t be found out all the time, or if it has nothing to do with the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager will bring up these dirty things again and make trouble to Her Majesty in the name of ipetence in ruling the pce.¡±

    When Empress Jiang got married to the Emperor, Empress Dowager Gu and the Jiang Family were still very close. Also, Empress Dowager herself was in charge of the government. She was very generous and gave the Empress imperial power on her first day in the Pce after the greeting ceremony.

    After that, Empress Jiang was not satisfied with her power and began to intervene in the government. However, her power didn¡¯t increase. So she went close to Maid Lin and trusted her deeply. Therefore, if there was a mess in the Pce, the Empress would havepelling leadership responsibility.

    Regardless of hatred or position, Empress Dowager¡¯s party had no reason to let go of this opportunity to bring the Empress down.

 Chapter 305 - Look After Your Sister-in-law for Me!

    <h4>Chapter 305 Look After Your Sister-inw for Me!</h4>

    Jiang Yashuang understood why Zhuang Mo said all that. It was true that he was worried about Empress Jiang¡¯s future. But the thing he really wanted to know was whether the Empress¡¯ party nned to frame Empress Dowager¡¯s party by poisoning the Emperor.

    Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t add ¡°If Empress Dowager¡¯s party isn¡¯t found guilty, she¡¯ll bring it up again¡±.

    ¡°Now my aunt and Empress Dowager are investigating it together. I think the one behind it will soon give himself away!¡± Jiang Yashuang said with a smile.

    Zhuang Mo realized it meant that the Jiang Family wasn¡¯t nning to do so at that moment. That was what he anticipated. After all, finding the culprit at that time wasn¡¯t just for a political reason. It was also because Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang were worried about themselves. Under this circumstance, even if they were going to smear each other, they would do it after they found the real culprit.

    Otherwise, if the culprit wasn¡¯t in any of their parties and they both suffered losses by going after each other, they would be screwed by the real culprit, wouldn¡¯t they?

    But Zhuang Mo also knew that two empresses had been spying on each other and they had been running a very thorough investigation until that moment. They didn¡¯t have a single clue, let alone the real culprit. It would be more and more impossible for them to have a big break. They might have to find a few scapegoats in the end to keep the royal family¡¯s dignity.

    Zhuang Mo couldn¡¯t say it out loud. He nodded slightly, ¡°I hope the culprit would be caught soon!¡±

    Then Zhuang Mo and Jiang Yashuang began to talk about their household affairs. They were finally in a festive mood atst.

    When lunch was served, womenfolk¡¯s banter finally livened up the mood in the room.

    Zhuang Mo and Madame Wen loved this kind of lively scene. They both had big smiles on their faces.

    However, everyone thought although they talked about the current situation for a while, they could still have a nice time for the rest of that day. Unexpectedly, only a few dishes were served. Everyone didn¡¯t even begin to eat. A servant rushed in, ¡°Her Majesty¡¯s decree! It says that Young Master Yadan must resume his post to guard the pce right now!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Everyone was talking andughing before they heard the decree. They were all shocked at that moment, ¡°What¡¯s the situation in the Pce?¡±

    Jiang Yadan who was always reckless was used by Empress Dowager Gu during the summer vacationst year. Empress Jiang and Jiang Yashuang were nearly implicated because of him. So, Empress was so furious that she decided to discharge Jiang Yadan from the Imperial Army. In case he made irretrievable mistakes because of his job which gave him esses to the royal pce!

    So, he was sent home by the Empress and ordered to ponder over his mistakes during the summer vacation. And he had been out of job ever since.

    He should be transferred to another post after the Emperor was back to Jing City. However, Madame Tao had her own selfish motives. During the summer vacation, Madame Tao Junior, who was dying and lost her will to live, raised her hope again because of Qiu Yn¡¯s white lie. She wasn¡¯t fully recovered when she was back to Jing City. But Madame Tao thought Jiang Yadan was under the house arrest so that she could watch over him. It would give her more chances to patch things between him and Madame Tao Junior which might give them a chance to have a kid.

    She implied what she thought to Empress Jiang and Marquess Qin.

    Empress surely would do her mother this little favour. Marquess Qin agreed to it after considering everything. He thought about two things. First, he could never have too many trueborn grandsons. Second, the Jiang Family was so thoughtful for Madame Tao Junior. When the Tao Family knew about it, they definitely wouldn¡¯t doubt that the Jiang Family had known about their betrayal.

    That was the main reason why Madame Tao Junior got pregnant.

    Madame Tao Junior was found to be pregnant in December. There was a lot going on at the end of the year. Nobody had time to make arrangements for Jiang Yadan. And Jiang Yadan wasn¡¯t worried. His family was in the ascendant. There would be plenty of great jobs for him after the New Year.

    However, it was only the third day of the first lunar month. The Empress sent people to the Zhuang Family to ask him to resume his post in such a hurry. It was obvious that something serious had happened to the security of the royal pce which made the Empress have no time to care about his moral standard!

    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± The messenger from the Jiang Family didn¡¯t take off his hat. But the steam had alreadye out of his body. He urged, ¡°Young Master Yadan, please depart immediately! Don¡¯t treat Her Majesty¡¯s decree slightly!¡±

    Jiang Yadan had a low moral standard. But he wasn¡¯t stupid. He knew that one mistake could lead to the ruin of his whole family. He had already sent the servant to get his fur coat when the messenger urged him. He said goodbye to Zhuang Mo and his wife while putting on the coat, ¡°I must leave now. I¡¯lle and make it up to you for another day!¡±

    Zhuang Mo and his wife weren¡¯t in the mood of listening to his polite words. They urged at the same time, ¡°Be careful on the road! And be even more careful in the Pce!¡±

    ¡°Yadan, shall I go with you?¡± Jiang Yashuang also stood up. Jiang Tan handed over the fur coat at once. However, Jiang Yadan refused without hesitation, ¡°Aunt only asked me. Why are you going? These are extraordinary times. Don¡¯t go to the Pce as you please. Not only will you cause her trouble, but you will also give others chances to use you!¡±

    He was fully dressed while talking. He said, ¡°Enjoy your lunch!¡± And then left in a hurry!

    When he went out of the room, he suddenly stopped. He said without turning around, ¡°Look after your sister-inw for me!¡±

    Everyone was silent for a while. Then Zhuang Mo said with hesitation, ¡°Our lunch?¡± The lunch was already served. However, were they still in the mood of having lunch here?

    Even Zhuang Mo himself was eager to go out and ask for information, let alone his nephews!¡±

    ¡°Yadan had to leave. But we¡¯ll be here keeping you and auntpany!¡± Jiang Yazhu and Jiang Yashuang looked at each other. Jiang Yazhu smiled reluctantly and picked up the chopsticks. Jiang Yadan refused to let Jiang Yashuang go with him. Judging by this and what he just said, he was clearly entrusting his wife and his unborn son or daughter to his brothers and sisters-inw if something happened to him in the Pce. Even he, who was a yboy, made such an entrustment, let alone others.

    ¡°The worst is yet toe. Otherwise, the Empress won¡¯t just ask Jiang Yadan to resume his post. She will ask Marquess Qin for help...¡± Qiu Yn bit her lips, ¡°But it won¡¯t be any better. Lasciviousness is Jiang Yadan¡¯s second nature. This weakness isn¡¯t a secret and it¡¯s easy for others to use it against him. Judging from the current situation, people like him aren¡¯t suitable for important positions. But the Empress still asked him to do it. Clearly, she can¡¯t trust anyone else with the pce security but her rtives!¡±

    She was absentminded until Jiang Yashuang touched her hand stealthily. She picked up the wine cup in an attempt to mask her feelings in a hurry.

    ¡°Rx. Although it was an urgent decree, only Yadan was summoned and no one asked us to go home. Obviously, there is nothing to worry about!¡± Jiang Yashuang raised his wine cup as well. He put it near his lips without drinking. Instead, he whispered, ¡°It¡¯s already a bummer. Don¡¯t embarrass uncle and aunt any further.¡±

    Qiu Yn pulled herself together in a hurry and began to talk to Zhuang Man.

    The banter of young girls livened the mood a bit. But everyone unconsciously moved faster and faster. Everyone finished eating and tidying up within a much shorter time than usual. Then Zhuang Mo and his wife made a random excuse. Jiang Yazhu took the chance and said goodbye.

    They went out of the Zhuang Family¡¯s house in a hurry and rushed back to theirs.

    Of course, they would ask different persons respectively for information. Jiang Yazhu and Jiang Yashuang went to ask Marquess Qin. Sheng Shishui and Qiu Yn went to visit Madame Tao.

    As smart as Madame Tao, she knew what they wanted to know when she saw them rushing in. After greetings, she said voluntarily without them asking, ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious. The culprit hasn¡¯t been found yet. So, Empress Dowager gets worried and mobilizes some of the royal army. Your aunt feels she must do something as well since Empress Dowager has made her move. If she doesn¡¯t do anything, when the words get out, others will say that she doesn¡¯t care about the Emperor.¡±

    Smart people should be able to understand others¡¯ implications. As sophisticated as Sheng Shishui and Qiu Yn, they got the implication after some thinking: It was obvious that Empress Dowager Gu started to mobilize the royal army using the excuse that the royal pce was unsafe while the culprit was still out there. Empress Jiang thought the Pce would only be unsafe with Empress Dowager mobilizing the army. Since Empress Dowager had made her move, Empress Jiang must, too! Otherwise, how could she rest assured? That was why she gave Jiang Yadan his job back!

    After all, no matter how raffish Jiang Yadan was, he had worked for a long time. He hid in the corner to fool around every now and then and it was normal for him to neglect his duty. But the biggest mistake he made on the job was nearly getting caught when he was stealthily meeting with the former Fair Concubine. Judging from that, he was capable of his work. He was talented after all. He learned things unconsciously and grew up in a powerful family.

    Besides, Empress was worried about his moral standard. But his origin reassured her.

    However, Sheng Shishui and Qiu Yn weren¡¯t satisfied with knowing so little. Madame Tao spoke in such a vague way. She didn¡¯t tell them how many soldiers two empresses mobilized, what happened next, and what the impact was. It seemed that she wanted to send them away without giving them more information.

    Sheng Shishui didn¡¯t dare to ask because of her origin and her husband¡¯s status. Qiu Yn had fewer scruples than she had. She asked, ¡°Grandmother, what is the royal army doing now?¡±

    ¡°What can they do? Guard the royal pce, of course!¡± Madame Tao said tly, ¡°I know that you are worried. But it¡¯s really nothing serious... Okay. You can leave now. Don¡¯t tell your eighth sister-inw, understand?¡±

    It put Sheng Shishui in a pickle, ¡°But Yadan has been living at home these days. And it¡¯s the first lunar month... How should I tell the eighth sister-inw about it?¡±

    It was no problem saying that Jiang Yadan stayed in the guest room in the front yardst night. It was the Chinese New Year Festival and he was with the elders after all. Madame Tao Junior wouldn¡¯t suspect that he went to his mistress¡¯s ce. But now it was different. Jiang Yadan went to the pce. Clearly, he wouldn¡¯te back in a few days. Judging by how he used to be, how couldn¡¯t Madame Tao Junior suspect that he went to see his mistresses, especially An Zhenshang?

    Madame Tao Junior was used to it in the old days. Because Jiang Yadan was grounded at home these few months, Madame Tao patched things up between them and set Jiang Yadan off against his concubines and the kids of the concubines. They became much closer than before. This could be seen from Madame Tao Junior¡¯s pregnancy and Jiang Yadan asking his brothers to look after his wife before he went to the Pce.

    So, if Madame Tao Junior thought that Jiang Yadan betrayed her again, even if she could see iting, she must be devastated... Then her pregnancy... She was already an elderly parturient woman.

    There were three sons in the fourth branch hence three daughters-inw. Sheng Shishui was Qiu Yn¡¯s older sister-inw. They both took care of their eldest sister-inw. Of course, Sheng Shishui bore more responsibility than Qiu Yn. How couldn¡¯t Sheng Shishui get an answer from Madame Tao?

    With what she mentioned, Madame Tao also felt it was a tough call. She thought for a while and then said, ¡°Do like this. Bring Huan with you when you go talk to her. Let her y with Huan and then tell her that Yadan needs to go on a business trip.¡±

    That was choosing to let Madame Tao Junior suspect that Jiang Yadan went to his mistress¡¯s ce. Otherwise, why did he need to go on a business trip during the holiday? Especially, as an offspring of a powerful family, he didn¡¯t need to go even if there was an emergency. However, Sheng Shishui and Qiu Yn would make the same choice if they had to make the decision. If Madame Tao Junior found out about the truth, considering how she was, she definitely would be worried about Jiang Yadan¡¯s safety, Empress¡¯s safety, and the Jiang Family¡¯s safety. She would be worried and sick!

    It was better to make her believe that it was hard to change Jiang Yadan¡¯s nature! She was used to grieving over such things!

    Sheng Shishui was relieved after getting an answer from Madame Tao. She stood up and said goodbye, ¡°Then I¡¯ll go back to my yard and bring Huan with me!¡±

    Huan was her daughter. ording to the rank of Huan¡¯s generation in the Jiang Family, boys should have the word ¡°Jing¡± in their given names, and girls should have ¡°Hui¡±. And the fourth branch had an additional rule about names. Kids of Huan¡¯s generation all must have the letters ¡°an¡± in their names. So, she was named Jiang Huihuan.

    Sheng Shishui was leaving. Qiu Yn surely didn¡¯t want to stay either. She stood up as well. But before she could say goodbye, Madame Tao said, ¡°Yn, you stay. You got your answer. Now it¡¯s my turn!¡±

 Chapter 306 - You Arent Lucky!

    <h4>Chapter 306 You Aren¡¯t Lucky!</h4>

    Hearing that, Qiu Yn was dazed and said hurriedly, ¡°I¡¯m all ears.¡±

    ¡°Sit down!¡± Madame Tao looked around and every servant left.

    Seeing this, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but think, ¡°Do you want me to do something like persuading County Princess Duanrou to marry the Duke of Puyang again?¡±

    The Jiang Family had done enough bad things!

    When she was thinking, she suddenly heard Madame Tao asking, ¡°Before the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve Dinner, you saw someone tossing something underneath the flower tree near you and Fubing. Do you still remember what it looked like?¡±

    Did she want to ask this?

    Qiu Yn was relieved. She said, ¡°I don¡¯t really remember that. Because I heard the sound first and looked back. At that time, it was already underneath the tree. It was snowy, windy, and dark. I didn¡¯t see it.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Fubing say you didn¡¯t see it clearly and it was a reflection of the snow?¡± Madame Tao thought for a while and said, ¡°Could it be some kind of jewelry?¡±

    How could jewelry be rted to the poisoning of the Emperor? Qiu Yn thought for a while and said, ¡°I think Cousin Xin probably didn¡¯t see anything. Even though she could see that thing being tossed under the tree from where she was standing, she wasughing and talking with me. She probably didn¡¯t even look at anywhere else!¡±

    Madame Tao understood what she meant. Xin Fubing was just a normal girl, unlike Qiu Yn who knew martial art and could hear and see better than normal people. So she might not notice what Qiu Yn noticed.

    Madame Tao fell silent for a long time. Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Grandma, can we get near to that tree now?¡±

    She thought since Madame Tao was asking her what that person tossed under the tree, the Empress party clearly knew this but they couldn¡¯t get it. Thus, they needed to ask her to make sure what that was to deduce whether it was rted to the Emperor being poisoned and what happened.

    ¡°We could get near it,¡± out of surprise, Madame Tao shook her head, ¡°But we sent people and searched it for three times. Yet nothing was found!¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°How so?¡± She shouldn¡¯t hear it wrong, especially that piece of clothes which she saw with her own eyes. She was definitely not wrong!

    Madame Tao didn¡¯t question her and said, ¡°But we are basically sure who threw that thing!¡±

    Qiu Yn asked hurriedly, ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°It was Emperor¡¯s servant, Liang Xiaogeng. After investigation, we found out he was the only one who had time to throw something there.¡± Madame Tao wasn¡¯t happy because of this progress, ¡°But on the first day of the lunar month, when your aunt and Empress Dowager were questioning the servants, he killed himself after some torture!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn was speechless.

    Madame Tao sighed. She rubbed her forehead with her fingers, ¡°After he died, everyone knew something was wrong with him! But we checked him up and got nothing! If it wasn¡¯t Empress Dowager being crazy, we don¡¯t know who could do something like this! You should know that even though Maid Lin is not that smart, she never made any big mistake during these years of taking charge of the Imperial Harem on behalf of Tianluan!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought for a while and didn¡¯t find anything to say, so she kept silent.

    Seeing that, Madame Tao waved her head disappointedly, ¡°I have no more questions. You can go!¡±

    When she came back to her residence, Jiang Yashuang was still at the front. It was quite cold. The hallway where the maids usually loved to gather in was now empty. The spacious yard now looked a bit deste.

    Qiu Yn dazed for a while in front of the window and suddenly thought, ¡°Did Jiang Qizhenge back yesterday?¡± The second day of the first lunar month was usually the time when a married woman woulde home with her husband.

    ¡°Did you forget that at the dinner the Princess rushed toe and twisted her foot?¡± Su He reminded her with a clear voice, ¡°But her husband came yesterday. It¡¯s just he didn¡¯t stay for long.¡±

    ¡°Qiu Feng?¡± Qiu Yn frowned. She thought that since Qiu Feng was married, he only came to the Jiang Family once. He couldn¡¯t see eye to eye with most of the people in the Jiang Family and the people with which the Jiang Family was associated. This time he came on his own with presents... Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know whether he was forced by Jiang Qizheng or they got better.

    She hoped it was thetter. But it was hard to tell.

    Thinking about it for a while, she called Su He, ¡°Prepare a gift for Jiang Qizheng. I¡¯ll ask grandma tomorrow if I can go to visit her.¡±

    Su He answered and went on. Looking at her jumping around, Qiu Yn thought, ¡°Last time I called in the guards to ask them questions and Jiang Yashuang saw it. I pretended it was to set him up with Su He. But now, they are at the age to get married. What should I do?¡±

    She was going to get married after she was eighteen, but Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t agree, so she was married at sixteen.

    Su He was the same age as her. Now she was also sixteen. For a maid, even if she was not married at this age, she should already have found marriage. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t get a good one. Qiu Yn suddenly felt so torn, ¡°Biologically speaking, I should keep her around for some years. But the convention now...¡± If Qiu Yn kept her around, it would actually be bad for her.

    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it after the first lunar month!¡± Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t make her mind, so she just decided to forget about it now. She leaned on the bed, watching the snowfall outside the window. Her thoughts drifted, ¡°I wonder how far away brother is from Shazhou?¡±

    A thousand miles away on a sandhill, Qiu Jinn who pretended to be a fur dealer looked through the snow at the lonely city not far away, which was underneath the mountain.

    In the roaring wind and snow, there were some dimed and blinking lights. They helped him identify the vague silhouette within his eyesight. It was indeed his destination.

    Shazhou was the biggest city in Xijiang, Darui.

    Going down from the sandhill and walking on the road along the mountain, a person would only take half a day to get to the gate of Shazhou if there was no snow or wind.

    But Qiu Jinn knew if he really went down this hill, he would never get to Shazhou in his life.

    Ruan Yi who was in full armor stood behind him carefully. He stayed vignt, standing and guarding on enemies that could show up anytime.

    ¡°The former Left Dharma Protector told me to look to the west on the sandhill when it is the best day in springtime, and the farthest ce I could see is where my father died in the battle.¡± Even though snow and wind were roaring, Qiu Jinn¡¯s voice was still clearly heard by Ruan Yi. He listened seriously.

    ¡°Thatnd is soaked with my uncles¡¯ and cousins¡¯ blood. Even though I couldn¡¯t see it clearly now with the snow, I know it¡¯s not far away from Shazhou. At least you can see Shazhou from there.¡± He sounded indifferent as if he didn¡¯t care, but there wasn¡¯t any emotion on his face or in his eyes, ¡°The former Left Dharma Protector made me swear that even if I couldn¡¯t revenge for them, I woulde here to pay my respect...¡±

    After saying that, he curled up his lips, ¡°Now I can only pay my respect in distance!¡±

    Ruan Yi was about to talk, yet he suddenly heard a cold voice, ¡°I know it wasn¡¯t easy for you toe here. You lost most of your men on the road. With what you have now, you¡¯re just dreaming of getting into Shazhou! So I¡¯ll show you some pity. Let you pay your respect here... Then if you let me take your head easily, maybe I¡¯ll give you a grave if I feel happy!¡±

    ¡°Come out!¡± Hearing this voice, Ruan Yi who was on guard suddenly changed his expression!

    But when he shot some arrows around, he could only hear them rushing through the wind and falling on the snowy ground. Clearly, he didn¡¯t hit anyone!

    ¡°You want to fight me? What a joke!¡± This gloomy person couldn¡¯t stopughing. Suddenly Qiu Jinn pushed Ruan Yi away with his hand. A stream of sharp light passed through the ce where Ruan Yi just stood!

    Ruan Yi fell on the snow, looked at that stream of light, and said in a scared voice, ¡°If young master hadn¡¯t saved me, I would have already been dead!¡±

    ¡°You are indeed the blood of General Ruan and former Duke of Xihe! Interesting!¡± Seeing Qiu Jinn saving Ruan Yi, that person justughed more, ¡°It¡¯s not easy for you to get here at such a young age. Too bad. you aren¡¯t lucky enough! This is as far as you could get!¡±

    When it was a life and death moment on the sandhill, in the military camps which were located in the direction that Qiu Jinn was looking at, Kuang Qingwu was holding a steaming teacup, dressed all casually. He asked Zheng peacefully, ¡°Were they XingKang¡¯s people who went?¡±

    In this tent, everyone only knew the Kuang Family, not the royal family. But Zheng still sighed, ¡°You¡¯d better call her mother since we are here!¡±

    He knew Kuang Qingwu probably wouldn¡¯t listen, so he just said that and didn¡¯t ask for anything more. He answered the question, ¡°The team is led by one of the eunuchs who is with Xingkang Grand Princess. ordingly, they are the best talents of Empress Dowager Gu. If Princess Royal didn¡¯t marry here, Empress Dowager wouldn¡¯t give her them.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing that the whole team, especially that leading eunuch, is all for that person?¡± Kuang Qingwuughed coldly. When saying ¡°that person¡±, he looked at the main tent with disgust, ¡°So will Qiu Jinn surely die today?¡±

    Zheng was about to speak, yet Mr. Leshan who was leaning on the small table in the near distance and ying Chinese chess against himself suddenly looked up and said, ¡°We¡¯re sure he¡¯s on the hill. It¡¯s not a big hill, but also not small. Now the snow is so heavy. It¡¯s easy to lose him... Why did we only send out Xingkang Grand Princess¡¯s people?¡±

    ¡°Maybe he feels guilty!¡± Kuang Qingwuughed coldly, talking about his father in a mean tone.

    The muscle on Zheng¡¯s face jumped. He said quietly, ¡°Master once swore to that person that he wouldn¡¯t hurt her blood. Qiu Jinn came all the way here. The people who ambushed him were all not sent by Master. Besides Xingkang Grand Princess and Empress Dowager Gu, most people are the ones who want to tter Master.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu fell silent for a while. When he heard Zheng saying ¡°that person¡±, he knew it was Princess Ruan.

    What time was it now? Was he still thinking about that woman?

    If he liked her so much, why did he do all this?

    Vicious words were about to jump out of his mouth, but Kuang Qingwu thought for a while. He looked up and asked Mr. Leshan, ¡°Do you mean we should go, too?¡± Comparing to making fun of his father, he valued understanding what Mr. Leshan meant more.

    ¡°It¡¯s quite dangerous. You¡¯re not strong enough. If you go, you¡¯re a liability. I don¡¯t have any ability to fight. If I go out in this weather, I¡¯ll also be a burden.¡± Mr. Leshan didn¡¯t look up, ¡°I just think we need to get everyone we can use now to make sure Qiu Jinn will die. That¡¯s the most important thing!¡±

    During this whole year in Jing City, Kuang Qingwu was used to hearing all his advice. Now thinking for a while, he stood up and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go and ask!¡±

    He was going to force Kuang Shihan to send his men out in case that Xingkang Grand Princess¡¯s people failed.

    Zheng opened his mouth. He knew mentioning Princess Ruan in front of Kuang Shihan was taboo. Even someone like him didn¡¯t dare to.

    But if Kuang Qingwu went, he would surely mention it!

    Not only mentioning, but he might also want to see Kuang Shihan¡¯s painful face when being busted, judging by how quickly he agreed with what Mr. Leshan said!

    ¡°But at least Young Prince will speak to Master.¡± Zheng wanted to stop him, but he gave up after thinking, ¡°Master has been feeling sorry for so many years. Now Young Prince is the one he counts on. After all, he¡¯s more important than that one. Maybe it¡¯s better for them to clear things up after some fight.¡±

    But he didn¡¯t notice that after Kuang Qingwu went to find Kuang Shihan, Mr. Leshan suddenly went against the rules of Chinese chess and used the pawn to take out the chief by directly going over the line!

 Chapter 307 - This Is a Punishment!

    <h4>Chapter 307 This Is a Punishment!</h4>

    In the central tent, after Kuang Shihan listened to the Imperial Guard¡¯s report that his only son asked to see him outside, deep fatigue shed between his eyebrows.

    Kuang Qingwu had been foster for several years, but he was the only son of Kuang Shihan. Even though Kuang Qingwu had been resentful since he was recognized as a child, Kuang Shihan had never neglected to care about him. How could he not understand his son¡¯s mind?

    He could guess Kuang Qingwu¡¯s intention without asking.

    ¡°This is a punishment for me!¡± Themander-in-chief of Western Army thought to himself, ¡°In my early years, I didn¡¯t care about my adoptive father¡¯s kindness. I killed his son-inw and harmed his descendants. Now my only son even wants me to die. It¡¯s just that I robbed my adoptive father¡¯s ce after I hurt his family. If this rebellious son annoys me to death, what does he think will happen to him?¡±

    Kuang Shihan couldn¡¯t help looking at the map not far away. The war startedst winter. He told the Darui court that the war started because the barbarians were short of food and grass this winter, and they wanted to marry Princess Asemu because of their military contributions. However, it was he who sent people to sneak in and burn those pastures.

    He did so in order to have a reason to fight after Qiu Jinn¡¯s filial piety.

    ¡°Although my son hates me deeply, he still has some talent and attracts Mr. Leshan as a think tank. No wonder he often doesn¡¯t take my advice. But he didn¡¯t think about that Qiu Jinn went to Hanlin Academy at the age of eighteen and held Tianya in his hand. He was deeply loved by Xue Chang. He also promised his younger sister to Jiang Yashuang, the most outstanding son of the Jiang Family, as his wife, so as to win over the Jiang family as an ally. In terms of ability and background, Qiu Jinn is not worse than him.¡±

    Kuang Shihan recalled his original n and sighed, ¡°It¡¯s not just Qiu Jinn! How many people are staring at the position ofmander-in-chief of the Western Army? The reason why Empress Dowager Gu built Xingkang Grand Princess¡¯s Mansion in Shazhou at the beginning was that she hoped XingKang could overhead me. If I didn¡¯t have the ability, I would have been the puppet of the mother and the daughter. The Princess Changping was raised by Empress Dowager Gu herself. How could she not have the same idea as her aunt?¡±

    So he arranged this war. The original purpose was not to stop Qiu Jinn from going west. In Kuang Shihan¡¯s view, it was definitely not a good time for Qiu Jinn to go west, let alone a good time for him to revenge. If he were Qiu Jinn, he would choose to continue to endure. After all, Qiu Jinn had the advantage of going to Hanlin Academy at the age of 18 and had the background of Half Regime Jiang, as well as the identity of a student of the famous official. He could settle down to run the imperial power, slowly wait for the enemy¡¯s aging, and thenunch the revenge.

    Kuang Shihan thought this would be a wise choice.

    However, although Qiu Jinn¡¯s eagerness to go west surprised him, he didn¡¯t think it was a threat. The Ruan and Qiu Family took turns to control the Western Army since the founding of the state. These two families¡¯ authority was deep-rooted in the Western Army, but he made it to take their ce and became themander-in-chief of the Western Army.

    Now it was just Qiu Jinn. He wanted to make things difficult for him only by contacting a few generals who were allegiant to General Ruan and Qiu Zhongyan. Kuang Shihan thought that Qiu Jinn¡¯s literary talent was really excellent, and he also had a brilliant mind. But after all, he was young and full of vigor and thought too much of himself.

    Maybe Kuang Qingwu¡¯s loss in Jing City made him feel that Marquess Zhang¡¯s Mansion was just like this?

    ¡°After killing this man, we can take the opportunity to clear up the Western Army. Do you really think I don¡¯t know who in the army is still thinking of the kindness of the Ruan and Qiu Family? The reason why I keep you still is to build up my son¡¯s reputation and prestige.¡±

    Kuang Shihan had been thinking about how to help his son umte military achievements and prestige while he was on the position. Kuang Qingwu should grow up when he was too old to protect him.

    But now...

    The others wereing ording to his n, except for his son. After the Commandery Princess Ningtai issue, would he start to toss again?

    After a long hesitation, Kuang Shihan didn¡¯t say a word.

    He didn¡¯t speak, and the Imperial Guards didn¡¯t dare to urge him.

    Kuang Qingwu didn¡¯t have patience. He neither didn¡¯t see the Imperial Guardse out nor heard a word in the tent. So he just rushed in!

    ¡°Young Prince!¡± Another Imperial Guard at the door was shocked and wanted to stop him, but Kuang Qingwu had already stepped into the tent. He asked coldly regardless of his father¡¯s anger, ¡°Why don¡¯t you send someone to help people in Xiaosha Mountain?! If you let that person go to Shazhou, once they seed, do you want me to pay your debts for you?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Kuang Shihan broke his pen angrily. He didn¡¯t answer his question about Xiaosha Mountain but said with anger, ¡°Drag this man out and deal with him by militaryw!¡±

    There was aw in the army. Even the general next to themander couldn¡¯t enter themander¡¯s barrack without permission. He must get the permission of themander before he could enter the barracks! Anyone who broke this rule would get killed.

    Kuang Shihan¡¯s orders were simple, but the Imperial Guards all knew that many generals killed their children to frighten the whole army and make them obey the rules. However, Kuang Shihan was not included.

    They didn¡¯t dare to tie Kuang Qingwu out to find the judge and pleaded immediately, ¡°Young Prince just joined the army for a short time. He doesn¡¯t know the rules. General, please forgive him!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s also my duty. I didn¡¯t stop Young Prince in time!¡±

    They also cleverly said, ¡°Now, there is a lot of snow outside the tent. No one else sees that Young Prince came in except for us.¡±

    Sure enough, Kuang Shihan was furious for a moment, and then he forgave his son as the Imperial Guards¡¯s words were done. He announced that Kuang Qingwu would be fined three months¡¯ sry. He didn¡¯t mention dragging him out anymore. He waved his hand to let the two Imperial Guards go out to keep the door.

    Finally, with a gloomy face, he asked his son, who was always looking on with a sneer, ¡°Do you know that if it¡¯s not because it is snowy today and people couldn¡¯t see far away and these two Imperial Guards are my confidants and won¡¯t talk about the scene just now, you will be killed because you broke in if someone reported it to the court?¡±

    Kuang Qingwu changed his docility in front of Mr. Leshan and his sadness in front of Zheng, and he sneered, ¡°So what? Don¡¯t you have solved the problem?¡±

    Kuang Shihan was choked by him and even wanted to vomit blood. He said, ¡°You have married the princess. You can¡¯t be a child in your twenties. Why do you still y such a child¡¯s temper today? I can deal with the aftermath for you once or twice, but you can¡¯t keep doing this. Do you really think I can do anything? Or do you think you don¡¯t have enough enemies?¡±

    ¡°No matter how many enemies there are, you are the one who provoked them!¡± Kuang Qingwu said contemptuously, ¡°If you hadn¡¯t coveted Princess Ruan and betrayed them in your early years, how could you have so many enemies now, even if you were not a general in the Western Army? Even if there are still people who are nning to trap the Western army, General Ruan and Qiu Zhongyan will deal with it. You could have lived a good life, but you have to toss about it. Now you are ming me. Please tell me among those people who are malicious to me now, which one is caused by me except for the Ningtai issue?¡±

    Kuang Shihan felt that all the blood poured into his brain at this moment!

    ¡°Even if I did something wrong in those years, it was not you that I was the most sorry for! Over the years, the only person I¡¯ve tried to make up for is you. What do you want?¡± The Major General of the Western Army suddenly burst into tears, ¡°Do you really want to annoy me or force me to death? You are so stupid that you never think about it. If I die, what will you live on?¡±

    The general was running out of tears, but Kuang Qingwu was not infected at all. He looked at his father coldly, thinking, ¡°When you killed my mother and my family, they cried and begged. Did you let them go? You are good to me just because I am your son. Otherwise, if I were your daughter, I would be afraid I wouldn¡¯t be as important as I am today.¡±

    Kuang Shihan wailed bitterly for a long time before he asked coldly, ¡°Are you going to send some people to Xiaosha Mountain or not? Since Qiu Jinn went to the west, Empress Dowager Gu and XingKang had sent people to kill him many times. But he still arrived outside Shazhou peacefully. Are you sure those two women can really kill him?¡±

    ¡°You even said that I wanted you to pay off for me. What else could I say?¡± Kuang Shihan said sadly, ¡°If you want to add more people, then I will add more people. I have said that I might have cared about Ruan more than anyone else at that time, and I didn¡¯t care about your mother and her family. Today, for me, no one is more important than you! Why don¡¯t you believe it? I didn¡¯t intend to vite what I promised to Ruan. But if you mean it, I don¡¯t care about destroying my promise. My son, why don¡¯t you understand? For me now, besides you, what else can I care about?¡±

    After a long time, Kuang Qingwu left his sad father and went back to his tent with a smile. He told Mr. Leshan that Kuang Shihan would add people. He said, ¡°We will surely bring back the head of Qiu Jinn!¡±

    When he was talking confidently, numbers of strong riders rushed out and disappeared in the vast snow.

    It was just different from Kuang Qingwu¡¯s ease. As Zheng saw themander dispatched his confidants to Xiaosha Mountain to take part in the killing of Qiu Jinn and the area near themander became empty, he frowned.

    In Jing City, Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang were gnashing their teeth in anger and asked, ¡°Dead again? Ask again!¡±

    The head of the servant who was in charge of questioning fell on the ground and was frightened. He said, ¡°Your majesty, servant Lv is thest one who was alive.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang both said nothing with a serious face.

    Today was the sixth day of the first lunar month. If New Year¡¯s Eve was counted, it was seven days!

    The Emperor had been able to wake up for a long time and eat liquid food, but there was still no clue about the real murderer under the two empresses¡¯ personal trial. Not to mention that more and more ministers began to ask, there was also gossip in the royal n. They said that the two empresses¡¯ personal trial made them suspect that it was not the other party that did it. So who was the third party? What did they want to do? Did they also want to kill the two empresses? In a word, it was hard for either Empress Dowager Gu or Empress Jiang to stay calm now.

    As a result, thest suspect was tortured to death. What should they do next?

    ¡°Convene the great court.¡± Empress Dowager Gu said in the silence of the two empresses. The servant had soaked the thick carpet on the ground with sweat. Just before he almost fainted, he finally heard Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s unwilling sigh, ¡°Ask the ministers if they have an idea.¡±

    If they didn¡¯t take the initiative to hand over the matter to the ministers, they would ask the two empresses whether they could investigate the case. If not, why not hand it over to the Ministry of Justice earlier?

 Chapter 308 - If I Have to Die, No One Will Live!

    <h4>Chapter 308 If I Have to Die, No One Will Live!</h4>

    It was still in the first lunar month that all the officials were on leave.

    However, the matter was very serious, and the two empresses both agreed. Therefore, the great court was held as scheduled.

    The problem was that although the two empresses were not professional criminal investigators, they were above the ordinary level after all these years of experience in the former emperor¡¯s reign and Imperial Harem. What was more, the pce was their home. But they even found nothing till now. How could the courtiers dare to take over easily?

    Now all the pce servants who served the emperor that night were beaten to death! Even if there was any clue, it would be broken. If this was an ordinary case, the ministers would like to help the two empresses. After all, they presided over it at the first ce. They couldn¡¯t make any progress, so the ministers would not be med for theirck of progress.

    But this was a search for regicides. If the ministers had made any mistake, they would be the scapegoat for the two empresses¡¯ futility!

    Therefore, Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang used the unique euphemism owned by the royals. They said, ¡°The Empress and I now have tried everything we can think of, and we got nothing. However, this daredevil and d*mned regicide must be found out! Now we are counting on you.¡± After this, there was nothing but silence in the court.

    Liao Shuyu, Minister of the Ministry of Justice, had an expression that he would like to be killed by the red steps in front of the Hall. At the moment, he regretted that he didn¡¯t learn from Yuan Wenhong, the Minister of Dalisi, to take a sick leave. No, more exactly, if he had known that this issue was so hard, he would rather resign like some of his colleagues.

    But now it was toote to regret. When the two empresses saw that all the ministers were silent, they all turned their eyes on him and asked, ¡°What do you think, Minister Liao?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here!¡± Liao Shuyu had no choice but to step out, hold his Yuhu (jade tablet held by a high official to attend the imperial early-morning court session), and reply.

    ¡°How long will you find out the murder if I hand over this to you?¡± Empress Dowager Gu asked. It was easy for her to ask, but Liao Shuyu was frightened and kneeled down immediately. He said, ¡°I¡¯m ipetent! I really dare not to undertake such a heavy task alone.¡±

    D*mn!

    At this moment, all the officials thought that this guy was the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, and he had to get involved. Therefore, he wanted everyone here to be involved so that he wouldn¡¯t be the only one who might die of this.

    Unfortunately, Empress Dowager Gu asked, ¡°Who do you think is going to share the responsibility with you?¡±

    ¡°I think...¡± Liao Shuyu¡¯s general position should belong to the neutral party, but in fact, he was not very close to Xue Chang, the leader of the neutral party. To put it another way, this guy was lucky. He hadn¡¯t been forced to make a clear choice by any party since he took office, and he hadn¡¯t joined any party. So, he could do his job safely until now. He thought he had a lot of good fortune, so he could stay out of trouble until the day of retirement. But he overestimated his fortune and now he had to make a choice.

    Up to now, he didn¡¯t think much about it and made a choice. He said, ¡°This matter is of great importance and involves the future of the country. It should be presided over by the ministers of all ministries. I am only the Minister of the Ministry of Justice. I do not dare to handle it by myself.¡±

    Well, what he said involved Xue Chang, Tang Zimo, and Jiang Tianao.

    Although he didn¡¯t get much credit in case of finding out the truth, in case he couldn¡¯t find out, at least these three people were of higher status. Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang couldn¡¯t kill them all. In this case, he would be safe.

    Liao Shuyu thought in case the three could not find out and put him as a scapegoat, so he continued, ¡°All staff of the Ministry of Justice should participate, and so do the staff of Dalisi, the Imperial Academy of Medicine, and the Ministry of War...¡±

    After thest Minister of the Ministry of War retired, a new one had not been chosen because of the battle between the two empresses. Now the Ministry of War was in the charge of two assistant ministers. Jiang Tianqi, one of the assistant ministers, was annoyed and said, ¡°Dalisi is responsible for the case because the emperor was poisoned. It is eptable that you rmend Dalisi and the Imperial Academy of Medicine, but does this case have anything to do with the Ministry of War?¡±

    Jiang Tianqiined about Liao Shuyu in his heart, ¡°You know nothing about the murderer. Why do you want the Ministry of War involved? Do you even know under what circumstance the Ministry of War can be used? It is the duty of the Ministry of Justice to arrest the murderer!¡±

    However, Liao Shuyu said confidently, ¡°If the murderer is from another nation, don¡¯t you have to use the Ministry of War?¡±

    Jiang Tianqi thought he knew that he was talking nonsense. What if the murderer was really rted to the alien nation in the end? He was defeated by his broad thinking and held back his anger.

    Then Liao Shuyu gave full y to his unconstrained ideas and rmended all the people who might have something to do with this case. Then he stopped contentedly.

    Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang looked at each other. They clearly knew what Liao Shuyu thought of. Actually, although Empress Dowager Gu just asked him, she didn¡¯t expect him to solve this case by himself. If the two empresses thought he was useful to them, they wouldn¡¯t allow him to be neutral till now.

    Now Liao Shuyu mentioned these people, and it settled to their mutual satisfaction to some extent.

    But he got too many people involved. Sometimes too many people might not be efficient because there must be too many opinions.

    Now that the emperor survived, it might spread bad rumors if the investigation was too public.

    So the two empresses discussed in a low voice and decided to listen to Liao Shuyu¡¯s advice selectively. They said, ¡°In this case, the matter will be handed over to the three Premiers, and we will listen to the specific needs of the Premiers.¡±

    The other two Premiers and Xue Chang didn¡¯t feel that they were forced to get involved like Jiang Tianqi because it was impossible for them, as prime ministers, to stay out of such a big matter. Their depressed mood now actually came from the fact that Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang had no way so that they asked them for help. Why didn¡¯t they seek help earlier? They should have handed over this to them after the first day of the first lunar month.

    The reason why Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang did this was that they were forced by the unworthy younger generation. Gu Yan, the grandson of the Empress Dowager, and Jiang Yadan, the nephew of the Empress, both had done shameful things in the Imperial Harem that couldn¡¯t be known by others. Although the two empresses had dealt with these things, these were only what had been discovered. What about those that hadn¡¯t been discovered? Would there be anything more serious?

    What if these things were found out by ident in this matter? What should the two empresses do? They couldn¡¯t kill their rtives. If not, they would vite thew.

    So they could only excuse that the case happened in the pce, and it was inconvenient for the officials to handle this. It would be better if they could investigate by themselves.

    If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that the two empresses couldn¡¯t find out the murderer and that there might be a mysterious third party, they would never hand over this to the officials.

    Now they had made a decision to let the three Premiers handle this, and they would have another secret meeting with the three Premiers after the court to transfer the records of their investigation to the Premiers and to hint them implicitly that they should ignore those irrted things and only focus on this case.

    Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang warned each other¡¯s Deputy Premier in particr. There were a lot of secrets in the pce. Didn¡¯t ever think you were the only one who knew something about the others. If you did not want to waste your time, you just focused on the murderer and ignored the other things.

    However, things didn¡¯t go very smoothly even the three Premiers investigated together.

    This afternoon, Qiu Yn put her head on her husband¡¯s knees in the sunshine after snow. She suddenly remembered this thing and asked, ¡°What are you talking about when your grandfather calls you to the study these two days? How¡¯s the emperor poisoning going? I didn¡¯t hear servants talk about this.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was reading a book. Hearing this, he put the book aside, smiled, and touched her head. He said, ¡°They haven¡¯t found the murder yet. There¡¯s nothing to talk about.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised and got up. She asked, ¡°Haven¡¯t found the result yet? It¡¯s nearly the Lantern Festival. Howe? It was a big matter that the emperor was poisoned. It has been half a month, and the murderer hasn¡¯t been found yet? Are they waiting for the day the court re-opens?¡±

    ording to the unspoken rules, the speed of solving such major and vicious political assassination cases must be as quick as possible. Even if the case couldn¡¯t be solved for a while, they should find a scapegoat to announce the end of the case so as to show that the royal guard was confident and capable of protecting the leadership of Darui. They should announce that the assassination of His Majesty was only an ident, and there would never be another one. Then they kept on the investigation secretly.

    Even if the king of a country was assassinated, no murderer could be found for a half months, let alone ordinary people. How could the people rest assured that such a group of ipetents were in charge of the country?

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°How can it be so easy to close a case? All the people around Your Majesty were killed. The rest were rted to either my aunt or the Empress Dowager Gu. How can they get them to take the me?¡±

    Even if it was agreed that the servant did it by himself and it had nothing to do with the master behind, the Empress Dowager¡¯s party and the Empress¡¯ party would worry that the other party may refuse to admit the result and make this a weakness of the other party.

    Jiang Yashuang sighed and said, ¡°Liao Shuyu raised in the court that it might have been done by an alien nation. If they made a final decision ording to his conjecture, it would have relieved the doubts between my aunt and Empress Dowager Gu. The problem is that it¡¯s easy to frame an alien race, but it¡¯s hard to win a war.¡±

    War was not a joke. Although Kuang Shihan started the war with the western savagesst winter because of selfish and political considerations, he did his preparations ahead of time and he also managed to control the scale of the war.

    But if they framed the western savages or Beihu for assassinating the emperor of Darui, the revenge must be an all-out war.

    It was not that Darui couldn¡¯t fight a full-scale war now. The problem was that it would be hard to say how things would go on after a full-scale war.

    From a political point of view, should they frame the western savages or Beihu? Darui had already in war with the western savages, and Qiu Jinn was nning to begin the war with Kuang Shihan. Now the scale of the war was under control. If the war was expanded, Kuang Shihan must make his full effort. What if Qiu Jinn began the war at that time? Kuang Shihan stole the military power of the Western Army in those years. He took advantage of the fact that after the defeat of General Ruan, the western savages pressed really hard and the army of Ruan and Qiu had no time to fight with him.

    If they framed Beihu, it meant that Darui would have war with two alien nations at the same in two different ces. Even if Darui was rich now, it would be too risky.

    Once they imed war to Beihu, the status of the Northern Army would be higher. Then the Jiang Family would have more discourse power. How could Empress Dowager Gu agree that?

    Empress Dowager¡¯s party didn¡¯t want the alien nation to get involved, neither did the Empress¡¯ party.

    Empress Dowager¡¯s party was afraid that if the war with the western savages was expanded, this would give Qiu Jinn more opportunities. And the Empress¡¯ party was afraid that it would be hard to kill Kuang Shihan if the war with the western savages became hard. After all, Qiu Jinn was too young and had never been in the army. They didn¡¯t expect him to continue to bear the responsibility of Kuang Shihan after he trapped him. The Empress¡¯ party hadn¡¯t nned this far yet.

    If Qiu Jinn killed Kuang Shihan, he was a great help.

    But would the Empress¡¯ party be happy this way? No. At present, except for Jiang Yashuang¡¯s n to hand over the Western Army to his elder brother-inw to ensure that his own house would upy the majority of interests, the general view of the Jiang Family was that the Northern Army was theirs and the Western Army should also be theirs.

    As for iming war to Beihu, the Jiang Family wouldn¡¯t agree. It was easy to say began a war in the court. If the war began, the Northern Army must be the main force. Such a sudden war was the revenge for the monarch, but they didn¡¯t have time to prepare for this. Beihu¡¯s army was quick and fierce. If Darui began the war in a hurry, it would be so hard to win, which meant the power of the Jiang Family would be weakened.

    Qiu Yn sighed after heard Jiang Yashuang¡¯s exnation. She said, ¡°No wonder things go like this. But it can¡¯t be dyed all the time. If there is no exnation after the Lantern Festival, how can they exin it to people?¡±

 Chapter 309 - Tell You a Joke

    <h4>Chapter 309 Tell You a Joke</h4>

    After all, it was not Qiu Yn¡¯s duty to find out the regicide. She talked with Jiang Yashuang for a while and went to the third branch to help when it was the time. Before finding the criminal of poisoning the emperor, it was really inappropriate to take the ount of ¡°Qingfeng Ji¡± to find trouble with the Empress Dowager¡¯s party.

    But precautions averted perils. There would be a time when people used it. Anyway, finding out the king killer didn¡¯t need the whole Jiang family.

    Therefore, most of the daughters-inw and granddaughters-inw of the Jiang Family had to continue to do business in the first lunar month apart from visiting friends and rtives.

    On the way to the third branch, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t helpining to her maids. She said, ¡°I read the ounts everyday, and I feel like I¡¯m going to throw up. I went to have a look yesterday, and there was still a room of ounts to check. When will it end?¡± It was true that this was boring. If it only needed a few days, it was OK. But Qiu Yn had toe everyday for a long time, and she couldn¡¯t lie that she was ill and call a sick leave. Therefore, it was painful.

    Chunran joked and said, ¡°If you vomited, you would be relieved.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d rather be sick.¡± Qiu Yn was interrupted by Xiaran. Xiaran said, ¡°Madame, Chunran doesn¡¯t dare to say that you are ill. She wants to congratte.¡±

    Qiu Yn stopped for a moment, and then she realized that Chunran meant that her vomit was pregnant vomit. She said, ¡°If so, Sheng Shishui should be crazy.¡±

    Sheng Shishui had to take care of both the pregnant Madame Tao Junior and the young Jiang Huihuan. When she got free, she had to help the third branch. She was so busy that she even hoped she could manage the magic of copying herself. If Qiu Yn was pregnant and needed her to take care of, Sheng Shishui may not smile anymore. She was always smiling at others since she got married.

    Chunran and Xiaran thought of the busy Sheng Shishui andughed. They said, ¡°Madame of Jiang Yazhu will be happy for you even if she is too busy.¡±

    ¡°Are you pregnant?¡± They heard a voice behind after the two maidsughed. She asked, ¡°Am I lucky enough to share your fortune?¡±

    Qiu Yn and her maids stopped and turned around. Qiu Yn greeted, ¡°Sister.¡±

    It was Madame Zhuang Junior, the madame of Jiang Yahong. She was on the way to help the third branch, and they met by ident.

    Because of Zhuang Man, Madame Zhuang Junior was always close to Qiu Yn among daughters-inw of the first branch. She took her arm and said she was too polite, ¡°We are in the same home and we see each other several times a day. Why are you so polite?¡±

    Qiu Yn stood straight when she took her arm and said with a smile, ¡°What a coincidence. We meet here. If you didn¡¯t speak, I wouldn¡¯t know you were behind me. I am sorry.¡±

    ¡°I told you not to be polite like this. If you say that again, I¡¯ll be angry.¡± Madame Zhuang Junior asked curiously, ¡°I heard that you said Jiang Yazhu will be happy for you. What for?¡±

    Qiu Yn was a little embarrassed and said, ¡°Nothing. Chunran and Xiaran were joking.¡±

    ¡°Oh, what did they say?¡± Madame Zhuang Junior saw from their faces that it was no big deal, so she asked more, ¡°Would you mind telling me?¡±

    Qiu Yn was not as familiar with her as Zhuang Man. If it were Zhuang Man, she would say that I didn¡¯t want to tell you, and they would y for a while. No one would be angry. But Qiu Yn was polite to Madame Zhuang Junior. If she said something like this, it would be weird.

    So she had to say, ¡°Chunran was joking on me that I was pregnant. Although Sheng Shishui is busy now, she will be happy for me if she knows. If you didn¡¯t speak, I might beat her.¡±

    She said and stared at Chunran, and Chunran made a face to her.

    Madame Zhuang Juniorughed and said, ¡°She was right. Although Sheng Shishui is busy, she will be happy if you are pregnant. Not only her but the whole family will also be happy for you. Are you...?¡± She looked at her lower abdomen when she talked.

    Qiu Yn was embarrassed and said, ¡°She was joking. I am not pregnant.¡±

    ¡°Maybe she was right.¡± Madame Zhuang Junior thought that it had been a year since Qiu Yn got married. She was not pregnant. Although Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t me her and people talked about the emperor¡¯s poisoning recently, Madame Tao wouldn¡¯t forget the issue of her grandchildren. When she noticed that Qiu Yn knew nothing about what might happen andughed happily, she thought of the experience of herself after she got married. She was sad. She reminded Qiu Yn in a low voice, ¡°Now it¡¯s time to visit rtives in the first lunar month. If you have a problem, go to your cousin Ruan¡¯s house. Let her invite a doctor and give you a diagnosis secretly.¡±

    Qiu Yn stopped for a while and asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you understand?¡± Madame Zhuang Junior sighed and pointed at Qiu Yn¡¯s lower abdomen. She said with a meaningful expression, ¡°This will be easy for Jiang Yashuang. Like Sheng Shishui, even you are pregnant at first and then get married, it¡¯s your own baby.¡±

    She emphasized ¡°your own¡± on purpose. And her intention was clear.

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t expect that she had not been pregnant after a year of married life, and her sister-inw reminded her to go to the doctor for examination. She was speechless. However, Madame Zhuang Junior meant no harm, and she couldn¡¯t say much. So she had to pretend to be shy to stop this topic.

    Soon, they arrived. They stepped in. A maid had been waiting to convey the words of He Shuijin, ¡°This is what you esteemed madames were asked to do this afternoon.¡±

    Looking at the ount books that had been put on the case, they looked at each other, and sighed, ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡±

    After these days, He Shuijin already knew the efficiency of everyone. The assigned tasks were not too many or too few. They could leave by the time it got dark.

    People finished their work almost at the same time, which showed the calction ability of He Shuijin.

    The servant of the third branch had taken hot tea and snacks to serve them.

    Due to the ident of the Dou Family, Madame Dou and Madame Dou Junior forced their way into the pce to beg for mercy at the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve banquet. But they had no chance to speak because of the emperor¡¯s poisoning. At present, the emperor¡¯s poisoning was not solved. Even if Empress Jiang was willing to promise them, she certainly had no time to deal with it. But in the past few days, some members of the Dou Family were beautiful and provocative. Even if they were not so beautiful, the title of family members of Chief, the rtives of Half Regime Jiang, and the nieces and nephews of the Deputy Premier the country could make many people willingly exchange a lot of money for a night.

    The Empress¡¯s party didn¡¯t dare to get involved, and either did the neutral party. However, Empress Dowager¡¯s party was not afraid. Many people went there to enjoy the first lunar month during the vacation and then talked about this.

    After the aunt and the nephew knew about it, they were greatly hurt. On the second day of the first month, when they went back to their mother¡¯s home, they both fell ill.

    They were thedies of the house and elder sisters-inw of the first branch. Even if their mother¡¯s family was gone and they had children, others didn¡¯t dare to look down upon them. Therefore, the second madame, Lu, stayed in the first branch to serve the ill, and the only one who could go out to the third branch was Madame Zhuang Junior.

    Because of the chat on the road when they came here before, the rtionship between Madame Zhuang Junior and Qiu Yn was a little closer. At this moment, Sheng Shishui went back to see her daughter earlier, and she asked her maid to take some tea to Qiu Yn, ¡°After eating, I¡¯ll go back. It¡¯s cold and far away. Thanks to the care of He Shuijin, so we can warm up before we go. Otherwise, I can¡¯t stand it on the road. What about you?¡±

    Because the first branch was not the son of Marquess Qin, they didn¡¯t live in the same yard. It was actually mainly because that the rtion between Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi was so bad that they couldn¡¯t bear each other. They quarreled a lot when they lived together. Marquess Qin was annoyed, so he separated them to avoid a quarrel.

    The third branch, fourth branch, and eighth branch were next to each other. It was more convenient and faster for them tomunicate than the first branch.

    Qiu Yn swallowed a small tea snack and said, ¡°I will go, too. I went to see He Shuijin because I was worried about her. But I just asked them and was told that she is in a good mood today, and Jiang Yaheng is in the room with her. I don¡¯t want to disturb them.¡±

    These two peopleughed. Mi Yinyin, who was chatting with Madame Zhang, looked at them curiously for a while. Seeing that they didn¡¯t mean to greet, she didn¡¯t pay any attention and continued to talk with Madame Zhang.

    Madame Zhuang Junior was aware of Mi Yinyin¡¯s gaze and told Qiu Yn with a smile, ¡°What does she want me to do? If she is alone, it¡¯s all right, but Madame Zhang is there. Does she want me to talk to them?¡±

    The rtionship between the first branch and the third branch was so bad. If Madame Zhuang Junior talked with Madame Zhang, Madame Zhang would ignore her. And if her mother-inw and father-inw knew that, they would be unhappy. The Dou Family just had an ident. Maybe Jiang Tianao and Madame Dou even suspected that she thought the first branch had lost a close rtive by marriage, and the first branch was not as good as the third branch, so she ttered the third branch.

    Qiu Yn knew clear about these things. She just smiled and said, ¡°The two of them are talking noisily. Why should we disturb them?¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡± Madame Zhuang Junior mocked herself and said, ¡°It¡¯s lucky that you¡¯re here, or I¡¯ll be bored after I finish everything everyday.¡±

    He Shuijin was ill, and she basicallyy in the inner room. Sheng Shishui was so busy that she had no time to stay in the third branch for the tea. Mi Yinyin had always had a good rtionship with Madame Zhang. At present, the only one who could apany her here was Qiu Yn.

    However, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t feel that Madame Zhuang Junior was so miserable. She didn¡¯te here two days ago. She was drinking tea and eating snacks alone. After that, she said goodbye. She lookedfortable. How could the first daughter of the Zhuang Family not bear this coldness? Even if she was far less shrewd than her aunt and sister, her mind could not be so fragile.

    So Qiu Yn just smiled and changed the topic, ¡°How¡¯s Aunt Yang going?¡±

    ¡°Not very well.¡± Madame Zhuang Junior said. When it came to this topic, Madame Zhuang Junior frowned slightly, but she looked a little rxed. ¡°Madame Miao took good care of her, but she and sister-inw were sad and often did not want to eat. Yesterday, it was Xu¡¯er whoforted them, and they just ate a little.¡±

    Xu¡¯er was Jiang Jingxu, the eldest grand-grandson of the Jiang family, and also the flesh and blood of Madame Dou Junior.

    Qiu Yn guessed that she looked rxed because Madame Dou and Madame Dou Junior now were sick. Lu was busy serving them, so no one had the time to find her trouble. Although she had to work in the third branch everyday, she was morefortable.

    Qiu Yn was not very concerned about Madame Dou and her nephew¡¯s mood. Since she asked, she just continued asking, ¡°How could that be? They are already ill. If they don¡¯t eat, how can they recover? Even if they don¡¯t think about themselves, they should think about Uncle Mengmin, eldest brother, and Xu¡¯er.¡±

    Madame Zhuang Junior sighed and said, ¡°My father is very busy these days. A few days ago, my father had a headache and couldn¡¯t rest. My elder brother and my husband didn¡¯t dare to leave for fear that my father would be too tired. Now Xu¡¯er has to take care of both sides, which also makes him tired.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised and said, ¡°The first branch is so busy. Then you have to advise Brother Jiang Yahong to take care of them. Xu¡¯er is so young that you should pay attention to his health.¡±

    ¡°Yes. But it¡¯s not finished. There¡¯s no time to rest at all.¡± Madame Zhuang Junior was really worried. She said, ¡°The murderer is really strange. We can¡¯t find any ws that can be traced. My father counted out all the different things in the Imperial Harem before Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve and checked them one by one, but he didn¡¯t have a clue.¡±

    She said in a low voice, ¡°Let me tell you a joke: Empress Dowager Ye, do you know Empress Dowager Ye?¡± When she saw Qiu Yn nodded, she continued, ¡°Empress Dowager Ye asked for an extra basket of eggs in the twelfth lunar month. They even sent someone to ask. Eggs are good for people and don¡¯t hurt people¡¯s teeth. Empress dowager Ye is old, and she can¡¯t digest meat. What¡¯s wrong with eating more eggs? They even need to make this clear.¡±

    Qiu Yn could tell that Madame Zhuang Junior thought it was no big deal. She even thought that the Premiers were in a hurry and had no other ideas. Therefore, they investigated everything that was different from that in the past years. But Qiu Yn was stunned when she heard this.

 Chapter 310 - That Was Not A Simple Joke!

    <h4>Chapter 310 That Was Not A Simple Joke!</h4>

    As usual, Madame Zhang walked all the wives out on behalf of the third branch.

    When she opened the door, she saw Jiang Yashuang waiting under the stairs like that from a couple of days ago.

    Because it was snowing, he had an umbre. He didn¡¯t ask Jiang Tan to hold it but held it by himself. Jiang Tan stood in the near distance, wearing a raincoat. Both of them were tall men. In the snow, the way they stood reminded people of all the fine and elegant trees described in the books.

    It was already dark. Thenterns that hanged in front of the door of the third branch looked vague in the snow and wind. Under the dim light, Jiang Yashuang who heard the noise turned around. His face was like fine jade. His eyebrows were dark like ink and his eyes were shining like stars. When he smiled, his face lit up and made the red plum blossoming in the near distance look dark.

    Such a handsome husband was also so considerate.

    Madame Zhang and others were envious and jealous. Theyined in a somewhat joking tone, ¡°You¡¯re here to pick up again? Are you afraid that we¡¯re going to hurt Qiu Yn?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang greeted the sisters-inw with a smile and then supported his wife who was hurrying down the stairs. He then said with a smile, ¡°Of course not. Grandfather just called me in. I passed here whening back. I guessed you guys had finished your work, so I waited here for a while.¡±

    None of them believed him, ¡°Youe here every day. Do you think we don¡¯t know? No need to find excuses! We¡¯re fine with you picking her up!¡±

    Madame Zhuang Junior made fun of him, ¡°They are embarrassed. That¡¯s why they find the excuses!¡±

    ¡°Grandfather really called me in. If you don¡¯t believe it, ask the guards!¡± Jiang Yashuang pointed at the guards standing by the sides. They didn¡¯t look at him and all kept a straight face. None of them attempted to corroborate his story. Madame Zhang and othersughed louder, ¡°We see you here every day anyway!¡±

    ¡°Youe here, rain or shine. Who canpare to you?¡±

    ¡°He uses grandfather as excuses? We shouldn¡¯t make fun of him anymore. In case he really gets angry. Haha!¡±

    Qiu Yn felt sweet. With her personality, if she was not pretending, she really didn¡¯t care about this kind of joke. She didn¡¯t think she needed to be shy, so she wasn¡¯t even blushing. She stood by the side and listened to Jiang Yashuang exining. Soon he realized even though he was good at words, it was very unwise to fight with a group of sisters-inw.

    So he quickly decided to give up, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Let¡¯s not waste more of their time to go back!¡±

    And then he saluted, dragged Qiu Yn with him, and left!

    After some distance, they could still hear theughter in front of the door of the third branch. Seeing her husband walking quickly, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help butugh, ¡°If you¡¯re afraid of them to make fun of you, you don¡¯t need toe. We¡¯re at home. It¡¯s just a short walk!¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it because of you?¡± Jiang Yashuang squeezed her hand and said, ¡°You won¡¯t take the sedan and must walk. It¡¯s snowing and windy. Even though there are hallways in most of the ces, but there are also some dirt roads. When youe in the morning, the sun is up. It¡¯s fine. But when you are back, it¡¯s already dark. Thentern is not bright enough. If I don¡¯te to get you, what if you fall?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m home all day long and can¡¯t go anywhere. If I take the sedan to the third branch, my bones would get rusty!¡± Qiu Yn smiled and leaned a bit on him, ¡°Ok, ok, I know you¡¯re worried about me! I¡¯ll cook some dishes for you when we get back. What do you want to eat?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked at her gently. He thought for a while and shook his head, ¡°You¡¯re so busy recently. You should get some rest when you go back. Don¡¯t get too tired. We can talk about that after these busy days.¡±

    They went back to their residence sweetly and had dinner sweetly. When they finished washing up and got back to the inner chamber, they also did some sweet things after getting into bed. Afterward, Qiu Yn lied in her husband¡¯s armszily and begged to stop. Jiang Yashuang then let her go reluctantly.

    They were young and energetic. After doing it, they were not tired. They naturally started to talk.

    After flirting for a while, Qiu Yn remembered the joke Madame Zhuang Junior told. She was still uneased. Thinking about it, she tried to mention it to her husband, ¡°I heard the eleventh sister-inw mentioning that three Premiers are trying to find the real criminal and they are checking everything. They even asked why Empress Dowager Ye asked for an extra basket of eggsst December.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Jiang Yashuang was a man after all and the one who had all the attention of Marquess Qin and Empress Jiang. He knew more than Madame Zhuang Junior. It was not something that he couldn¡¯t tell his wife. Since Jiang Yahong told Madame Zhuang Junior and now Qiu Yn asked, he didn¡¯t hide anything and said all about it, ¡°Empress Dowager Ye is really having a very tough life these years. Even though Empress Dowager Gu doesn¡¯t really want to kill her now, she¡¯s still remaining careful just in case. For the things she gets, she takes what my aunt gives her and never asks for more. I remember some years ago, the servants were corrupted and did something shady in secret. She didn¡¯t eat for a few days and she didn¡¯t say anything. The ones who served her couldn¡¯t stand it anymore and told my aunt in Beique Hall, so she knew about that. This time she suddenly asked for something. This is the first time. It¡¯s a special time, so the Premiers naturally asked.¡±

    Seeing her wife biting her lips as if she had been thinking hard, he was surprised and asked, ¡°What? You think there¡¯s something wrong with this?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Qiu Yn immediately denied, ¡°I just remembered the eleventh sister-inw saying that Empress Dowager Ye was old and it was not strange that she wanted to eat something soft. Yet the three Premiers asked her like this. As you said, she doesn¡¯t like to bother others. Now she probably doesn¡¯t even dare to ask for eggs. She was the second Empress of the former Emperor. She used to be in charge of the harem. Empress Dowager Gu needed to salute her when seeing her. Now, this is what she ends up with... It¡¯s just...¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s life.¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled faintly. He looked down and kissed her forehead, ¡°Now our family is rich and powerful. Once we lose it, the Dou Family will be our example. So, no matter using what means, I will help the elders to keep this power so that the things and people I love will not be stepped on by others!¡±

    Qiu Yn leaned on his chest and smiled, ¡°Keep fighting!¡±

    She slighted over Jiang Yashuang this night. The next morning, Jiang Yashuang left early as usual. He went to serve Marquess Qin in the study. He was also there to listen to how Marquess Qin dealt with affairs and people.

    After tidying up, Qiu Yn saw there was still some time left before going to the third branch. She dazed for a while and asked Su He who was looking at her worriedly, ¡°Ask Mrs. Li to make red date cakes at noon. Make some more and give them to all the branches and families.¡±

    Su He counted and was surprised, ¡°That¡¯s a lot!¡± She reconfirmed, ¡°All branches are fine. But all families... Which families?¡±

    ¡°Cousin Ruan and uncle Zhuang. Also Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion.¡± Qiu Yn rubbed in between her eyebrows, ¡°Also Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe... Then Xin Family, Chunfu Princess¡¯s Mansion, and Prince Qiyang¡¯s Mansion. Oh, also uncle Lian!¡±

    She didn¡¯t care about the maiden families of her sisters-inw. Her target was Prince Qiyang¡¯s Mansion anyway.

    Therefore, after Su He went to ask Mrs. Li to prepare the cakes, she called Xiaran and told her quietly, ¡°Prince Qiyang and his wife are not very healthy. Duanrou is very filial. She used to ask me how to cook in the Summer Pce. I was busy and didn¡¯t have time to teach her. This time you go to give the cakes to Prince Qiyang¡¯s Mansion. Tell her I know how to cook some in-season dishes that are good for health. Try to get her toe! As soon as possible!¡±

    Xiaran nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll make sure of that!¡±

    This was Xiaran¡¯s merit. She knew what to ask and what not to. If it was Su He, she would ask everything. Su He was originally also very obedient. Qiu Yn spoiled her. Now if she wanted to do something that she didn¡¯t want to exin, she had to send Su He away.

    ¡°Maybe I should help her find a husband and get married!¡± Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but think, but, ¡°I feel so reluctant... She¡¯s so pretty and cute. She has been with me for so long. Now someone else will get her... I finally understand how people feel when marrying their daughters!¡±

    Thinking about marrying daughters, she thought about Jiang Qizheng. She wanted to visit Chunfu Princess¡¯s Mansion the other day, yet Madame Tao stopped her.

    Madame Tao exined, ¡°There are only Zheng¡¯er and her husband in the mansion. You¡¯re a woman. He will not wee you when you go. He has to avoid you. Zheng¡¯er has just hurt her foot and she still has to host you. You¡¯re not visiting. You¡¯re causing trouble. I have already sent people over for visit and showed our attitude. You don¡¯t need to worry about this!¡±

    Qiu Yn hoped that the person Madame Tao sent over didn¡¯t notice anything wrong, and she med herself for not thinking through it. She had to excuse herself embarrassedly...

    ¡°So much trouble!¡± She shook her head and lied on the desk weakly, ¡°Ok, so what to do with this? Empress Dowager Ye... Eggs... Three Premiers... How can they not have any instincts if they could get to this position? It looks ridiculous but they may be right! But... maybe they don¡¯t know thismon knowledge?¡±

    Even though Qiu Yn suspected that she had hit the sweet spot of the poisoning story, she didn¡¯t feel like telling Jiang Yashuang or anyone in the Jiang Family. Because in her mind Empress Dowager Ye would be relevant!

    She never met Empress Dowager Ye. But since knowing the incident of poison Youmianxiang, she felt that this bloodline had it rough. Empress Dowager Ye, Prince Qiyang and his wife, Chu Chunxiao... They were such a miserable family!

    If Empress Dowager Ye was involved in killing the Emperor, the Jiang Family would get rid of her in secret to prevent Empress Dowager¡¯s party from ming it on the Jiang Family instead of handing her over. No matter how many years she was protected by the Jiang Family. In case that she would target Empress Jiang someday!

    ¡°Chu Chunxiao should be fine. After all, Empress Jiang needs her to marry Xiao Su...¡± Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead annoyingly, ¡°But it¡¯s harder to tell for Prince Qiyang and his wife. Prince Qiyang is dumb, but the Jiang Family had done too many bad things. They won¡¯t spare him just because he¡¯s dumb. Even though Princess Qiyang is from the Jiang Family, the Jiang Family did marry her to Prince Qiyang. Even though it was the plot of Madame Dou, they did marry her over. So the Jiang Family really doesn¡¯t care about this daughter! Empress Dowager Ye had been hanging on for so many years. She must have some n. But as for poisoning the Emperor this time, it looks like she did this because she was backed into a corner because of Chu Chunxiao¡¯s marriage!¡±

    Thus, personally speaking, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want to expose this Empress Dowager.

    But she had to think for herself. What did Empress Dowager Ye want to do? Did she have any other n? What kind of damage would she do to the Jiang Family and the Empress¡¯s party?

    It was impossible for Qiu Yn to be the next Dou Family just because she pitied Empress Dowager Ye. That was why she wanted Xiaran to get Chu Chunxiao over. She didn¡¯t have time to visit Prince Qiyang¡¯s Mansion. She could only wait for Chu Chunxiao toe. She was the only one who could see Empress Dowager Ye quite often

 Chapter 311 - Destiny

    <h4>Chapter 311 Destiny</h4>

    Even though Xiaran was one of the mostpetent maids Qiu Yn had, she didn¡¯t do this job well.

    It was not all her fault. She did manage to intrigue Chu Chunxiao. She was about to visit and ask for advice with Xiaran on the same day. But she was stopped by Princess Qiyang before leaving, ¡°Marquess¡¯s Mansion is quite busy these days. I heard that Qiu Yn is not very free. How can Chunxiao bother her at such a time? She can wait till Qiu Yn is less busy!¡±

    Xiaran came back and wasn¡¯t sure how she should feel. She told Qiu Yn everything and said in the end, ¡°Princess Qiyang is really grateful that young master helped with County Princess Duanrou¡¯s marriage. She said a lot of words of thanks. I think the reason why she stopped County Princess was that she really didn¡¯t want her to bring you any more trouble!¡±

    After all, the whole Marquess¡¯s Mansion was currently busy. If Chu Chunxiao came and slowed the process, Qiu Yn would perhaps be med.

    The problem was...

    Qiu Yn smiled bitterly and shook her head, ¡°That¡¯s destiny!¡±

    She originally wanted to have Chu Chunxiao pass the word and confirm with Empress Dowager Ye so that she could see if there would be any way to solve this problem without alerting the Jiang Family. So she wouldn¡¯t hurt the bloodline of Chu Chunxiao.

    But the goodwill of Princess Qiyang blocked the only way ofmunication between Qiu Yn and Empress Dowager Ye.

    She couldn¡¯t postpone this for a long time and she also didn¡¯t know whether Empress Dowager Ye had other backup ns. Anyway, since Chu Chunxiao couldn¡¯te these days, Qiu Yn could only tell her husband.

    After having some quality time that night, Qiu Yn again led the topic to the poisoning of the Emperor, ¡°I once heard something. I don¡¯t know whether it¡¯s true or not.¡±

    In the past couple of days, she kept bringing this thing up. Jiang Yashuang was already wondering. Now seeing that she finally decided to talk, he paid extra attention. But he pretended to be careless and asked, ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Eggs.¡± Qiu Yn said deeply, ¡°Sometimes if you eat the raw eggs, it can save your life!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang immediately remembered that basket of eggs Empress Dowager Ye asked for. Up until this point, they had exhausted every resource to investigate. Even the ancestors of a servant that was remotely rted were checked from head to toe. But they still hadn¡¯t found anything! Even though Xue Chang had an agreement with the two Empresses that they would pick a killer before the Lantern Festival and then continue to check secretly. But Marquess Qin thought that if they couldn¡¯t find it now on the board, they wouldn¡¯t be able to find itter in secret.

    Now what Qiu Yn was saying seemed to be pointing at something. He felt respectful, ¡°How to save someone?¡±

    ¡°First eat some raw eggs and then take the poison. Most of the poisons won¡¯t be able to kill people this way.¡± Qiu Yn pursed her lips, ¡°Of course, the interval can¡¯t be too long. Otherwise, it¡¯s still useless.¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager Ye?¡± Jiang Yashuang was startled. He murmured, ¡°Prime Minister Xue¡¯s suspicion was right...¡± He looked at his wife, ¡°Who told you this?¡±

    Qiu Yn was speechless, ¡°I didn¡¯t go out these days. Do you think when the family members learned something like this, they would choose to tell me or you?¡±

    ¡°Then...?¡±

    ¡°I said I heard it somewhere before!¡± Qiu Yn frowned. Jiang Yashuang still looked dubious after hearing that. Qiu Yn thought for a while and realized, ¡°Using protein to absorb the toxin is justmon knowledge in my previous life. But now, no one knows it. Even those government officials who are quite erudite don¡¯t know it. Yet I just mentioned it so casually. No wonder Jiang Yashuang thought someone told me.¡±

    But it was not hard to find a reasonable excuse! She rolled her eyes and quickly went into a missing mode. She said sentimentally, ¡°My mother used to worry that Lu and my uncle would hurt me. So she had the rule that everything I eat needs to be tested by other people or herself. Even so, my mother was still worried. She constantly sought things or ways to detox. Just to be careful! And then...¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was indeed moved. He reached out and held her tightly in his arms. His chin was rubbing the top of her head. He said with a hoarse voice, ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡±

    He paused for a while andforted her gently, ¡°Don¡¯t be sad. Your mother would have wished you to be happy and healthy...¡±

    Qiu Yn took the chance and asked, ¡°This is just my spection. Empress Dowager Ye is not necessarily relevant! Even if she is, she¡¯s targeting the Emperor. She doesn¡¯t have any intention to hurt Empress Jiang. Empress Dowager Ye and Prince Qiyang¡¯s Mansion are just too pitiful...¡±

    ¡°Rest assured. I will try to persuade grandfather and my aunt!¡± Jiang Yashuangforted Qiu Yn softly. But she couldn¡¯t see that when he was saying that, despite gently stroking her hair, his eyes went cold. He didn¡¯t have the same opinion as Qiu Yn did on this matter.

    Qiu Yn thought Empress Dowager Ye and her bloodline were too pitiful. It was understandable that they did something in a rage.

    But Jiang Yashuang was looking at this matter from the Jiang Family¡¯s position. He could understand it, but he couldn¡¯t pity them.

    After all, Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s tragedy originated from her failure to Empress Dowager Gu. Even though the Jiang Family helped Empress Dowager Gu and her son to secure their position, they didn¡¯t directly plot against Empress Dowager Ye. Therefore, she couldn¡¯t me her for falling on the Jiang Family.

    Empress Dowager Ye did help Empress Jiang to see through Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s scheme and helped Empress Jiang to give birth to Princess Yongfu. But in these years, the Jiang Family had protected Empress Dowager Ye and looked after Prince Qiyang. They were even!

    Of course, as for Chu Chunxiao¡¯s marriage, the Jiang Family owed Prince Qiyang and Empress Dowager Ye.

    But Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s fightback had exceeded the tolerance of Jiang Yashuang. Empress Dowager Ye didn¡¯t kill Empress Jiang, but who was the person she targeted? The Emperor!

    She could survive till this day. Who was the person she relied on? The Jiang Family!

    Once she failed, how could a powerless Empress Dowager take the charge of killing the Emperor? Empress Dowager Gu just needed to simply say, ¡°Ye has been avoiding the world for a long time. How could she reach my son?¡± Just this simple sentence could drag Empress Jiang and the whole Jiang Family down!

    Luckily, it was Qiu Yn, one of the Jiang Family, who learned that it could detox the poison after eating the raw eggs! If it were anyone else, even if it were another from the Empress¡¯ party, it would be a ticking bomb!

    Jiang Yashuang was having a strong killing intent, ¡°We can no longer save Empress Dowager Ye! She has been hiding in Ganli Pce for thirty years. Yet she could still ce a Men of Sacrifice besides the Emperor. And she has such a stealthy move... This time, the Emperor was lucky and avoided this. What about next time? Besides, if she really did it and she didn¡¯t die, when Empress Dowager Gu knows it, how can the Jiang Family clear our name?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang knew the cruelty of the fight in the government. The Dou Family was an example!

    He was willing topromise and help others when it came to private things. For example, for Chu Chunxiao¡¯s marriage, he knew it would irritate Empress Jiang, but he kept persuading.

    But when it came to business, especially the things that might threaten the existence of the Jiang Family, he could be crueler than anyone!

    At this moment, he keptforting his wife gently, but he already made the decision in his heart, ¡°Lan is young and she¡¯s a girl. She can¡¯t help to pity. I¡¯ll keep this a secret from her. At best, I¡¯ll help to save the third sister and Chunxiao! Of course, as long as they¡¯re irrelevant to this!¡±

    The only reason why this whole investigation was stuck was that the servant who tried the drink for the Emperor was fine, but the Emperor was poisoned immediately after drinking it.

    Now with the secret recipe Qiu Yn provided and the power of the Jiang Family, it was not hard to use some inmates on death roll or Men of Sacrifice to test it.

    When they found out Qiu Yn was not lying, Marquess Qin and Jiang Tianao were all relieved.

    Jiang Tianqi couldn¡¯t see his cousin getting all the prizes. He then said tepidly, ¡°Now we can confirm Empress Dowager Ye poisoned the Emperor. It was for the County Princess Duanrou¡¯s marriage. She was angry about it... But how can we tell others this result? It¡¯s still hard to end this case!¡±

    Marquess Qin looked at him, ¡°Who said so?¡±

    ¡°Father?¡± Jiang Tianqi stared at Jiang Tianao and said in low spirits, ¡°I¡¯m stupid. Could you please tell me?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s tell Xue Chang this secretly. Afterward, it¡¯s not our business. No matter what he says, you just agree with him!¡± Marquess Qin said carelessly, ¡°And say that Qiu Yn heard Madame Zhuang Junior mentioning that Empress Dowager Ye asked for two extra baskets of eggs. Then she remembered it. She had a tough life. When she was in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, she was plotted against multiple times. Princess Ruan also died of posion. That was why she learned this... Both of them made contributions. I¡¯ll get Madame Tao to look into this. As for Madame Zhuang Junior...¡±

    Jiang Tianao said hurriedly, ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Madame Dou. Even though she¡¯s sick now, she has the strength to tell the servants.¡±

    He knew that Marquess Qin didn¡¯t care about the business in the backyards. He mentioned the two granddaughters-inw, actually meaning to say about the two grandsons. He then guaranteed, ¡°Hong is an obedient kid. I¡¯ll teach him well and won¡¯t waste him!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good then!¡± Marquess Qin nodded. He actually never asked much about these grand-nephews. He was actually warning Jiang Tianao by mentioning Madame Zhuang Junior. From this, they could see that Madame Zhuang Junior was close to Qiu Yn. Otherwise, what Jiang Yahong told Madame Zhuang Junior in private wouldn¡¯t get to Qiu Yn. If he really wanted to get into the army, it might be worthwhile to have Jiang Yayi try going through the backyards. After all, the fourth branch didn¡¯t have many people. Jiang Yashuang would need some help nevertheless!

    But the rules in the Jiang Family were that there was a difference between legitimate and illegitimate sons. The two legitimate sons of Jiang Tianao were all outstanding. Jiang Yahong, as an illegitimate son, had abilities, but he couldn¡¯t trump the other legitimate sons. With Madame Dou making trouble in between, Jiang Tianao was not close to him.

    ¡°I need to be nicer to this little son when I go back!¡± Jiang Tianao thought in his mind.

    When Jiang Tianqi went back, he called Madame He in and shouted at her for allowing the first branch to win the fourth branch over in the third branch! ¡°What were you doing as thedy of the house?! Did you know how to be in charge?! You behaved so differently when you were a daughter-inw!¡±

    How useless!!!

 Chapter 312 - Show Everyone How Useless She Is!

    <h4>Chapter 312 Show Everyone How Useless She Is!</h4>

    These days Madame He was back in charge of the family. She was already busy enough. However, Jiang Tianqi¡¯s marriage with Chi made her rather sad. Now she was scolded by her husband, because of which she was so angry. After all, Madame He was a mother-inw. She was not afraid that she couldn¡¯t find someone to release her anger. Although He Shuijin shouldered heavy responsibilities and Madame Shi was badly ill, there was Madame Zhang.

    Hence, Madame He bore the anger to see off her husband and immediately called Madame Zhang to her and scolded her, ¡°How did you do it?! I told you to guard against the first branch! But you let them collude with Qiu Yn of the fourth branch here. This time, they showed their ability with the help of Qiu Yn. Even Jiang Yahong, the b*tch who gave birth to a son, was promoted by your grandfather. How could you be stupid like this? I think everything for you. You¡¯re a fine one. You work ahead of them but like a dead person. You know nothing at all.¡±

    Then she sighed, ¡°Why did I let you blockhead be my daughter-inw? Qiu Yn has made contributions to the fourth branch since she was married. Even if you can¡¯t be like her, at least you shouldn¡¯t always help other branches and ignore us.¡±

    Releasing her pent-up emotions, Madame He felt better.

    However, Madame Zhang cried sadly and was sent back to her room.

    Her son was not old enough to get married, so Madame Zhang didn¡¯t have a daughter-inw to release her anger. Besides, her husband, Jiang Yayi, was a typical yboy. His wives were all shrewd, and so Madame Zhang had no one to turn to. She had to hide in the room and wept out her grief to the nursing mother.

    These days young masters in big families spent more time with their nursing mothers than with their biological mothers, so they had very close rtionships. Although Ge was Madame Zhang¡¯s nursing mother, she loved Madame Zhang like a mother did. When knowing the whole story from soup to nuts, she felt so heartrending. Therefore, she suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t you make things go big? If not, your mother-inw will do this to you again and again.¡±

    Madame Zhang was afraid. She said, ¡°She treated me like that when I didn¡¯t do anything. If I do as you said, she will treat me much worse.¡±

    ¡°Oh, my dear kid. I think you are too kind to protect yourself.¡± Although Ge was a servant, she had a clear mind. Ge reminded Madame Zhang, ¡°There are only three wives in the third branch. Madame Shi lost her kid at the end ofst year. She is still ill now. If your mother-inw did this to her, it would be bad for herself. If she pushes so hard that Madame Shimits suicide, and if the Shi Family knows it was her and tells this to Old Master and Madame, Madame won¡¯t help her because she doesn¡¯t like her all the time. As for the fourteenth madame, she is the niece of your mother-inw, and she ispetent. Your mother-inw won¡¯t treat her like that. So, think about who will be the unlucky person when she¡¯s mad?¡±

    Madame Zhang suddenly understood and said, ¡°Both of them won¡¯t change in a short period.¡±

    ¡°So if you don¡¯t make this big, she will take her anger out on no one else but you.¡± Ge said. Then Ge said in a low voice, ¡°This twelfth lunar month, young master¡¯s subordinate sent two young twin sisters to him. Young master hasn¡¯t been here for one night since the first day of the first lunar month. Servants here are all snobbish. If your mother-inw always scolds you, you will lose your dignity, and those b*stards won¡¯t respect you anymore.¡±

    Ge said sincerely, ¡°Think about the eighth madame in the fourth branch. Madame loves her more than other mesdames. Now she is finally pregnant. Madame sends her best maids to her and still feels worried. And Madame let the sixteenth madame keep an eye on her every day. Think about it. Even if she gave birth to a young master, would it be easy for her to bring up her son? Do you want your children to live that kind of life in the future?¡±

    Madame Zhangpared herself with Madame Tao Junior. She found that she was too kind to be a daughter-inw of the Jiang Family. Then her eyes became indifferent and said, ¡°We should think very carefully about the way we let things go big. Now the court is in a mess. If we deter my mother-inw but irritate my father-inw and even the Old Master, my children will have no future.¡±

    After all, Madame Zhang¡¯s children were ordinary people. Their talent was far from beingplimented and protected by the elders in the family and promoting their own family. There were too many great grandchildren in the Jiang Family. People of Marquess Qin¡¯s age might not know all of them when they got older. However, Jiang Yayi was ipetent and he was not the firstborn. If Madame Zhang wanted to do what Madame Zhuang did, she needed to think it twice.

    Ge also couldn¡¯t figure out the optimal choice. She thought for a while and was suddenly enlightened, ¡°As long as we let your mother-inw have scruples and dare not bully you at will. If you¡¯re afraid that the master and the Old Master will not like it, you don¡¯t have to make trouble. Just find the right person.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°The master now likes Mistress Chi more than his wife. And Mistress Chi has a better temper. The day before yesterday, my little granddaughter identally bumped into her in the garden. She was so scared that she immediately knelt down and pleaded guilty. However, Mistress Chi helped her up, took fruit and cakes, and made my little granddaughterugh. Then she called someone to send her back.¡± Ge squinted and said, ¡°Although she is suspected of deliberately winning over the masses, she is the master¡¯s mistress. What she ns to do goes to thedy, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    Madame Zhang thought about it and asked Ge, ¡°Since she has such a rtionship with us, you can take a set of hair ornaments from my room tomorrow and visit her!¡±

    Chi was taken into the Jiang Family by He Shuijin, just to deal with Madame He. Now another daughter-inw of Madame He bribed her for help, which was exactly what she wanted. That night, sheined in the arms of Jiang Tianqi, ¡°Today Madame Zhang gave me a set of hair ornaments. I think that set of hair ornaments is excellent. I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s the most valuable one in Madame Zhang¡¯s dowry! I can¡¯t ept it. After listening to the people who sent it, I¡¯m afraid they will be worried if I don¡¯t ept it.¡±

    Jiang Tianqi was very surprised and asked, ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Yesterday Madame called Madame Zhang over and scolded her for no reason!¡± Chi said with an innocent face, her eyes wide open, ¡°It¡¯s said that she even spoke that she regretted that she chose Madame Zhang as her daughter-inw. Madame Zhang was scolded so much that she felt disgusted with herself. Going back to the room, Madame Zhang called the nursing mother to take care of her children and wanted tomit suicide.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Jiang Tianqi asked and frowned. He had a good impression of his daughters-inw. Although he thought that He Shuijin was the best, Madame Zhang gave birth to children since she got married. She never made any trouble and treated the elders with respect and filial piety. And she also got along with other concubines and their children properly. As a father-inw, he thought that Madame Zhang was a good daughter-inw.

    Now he heard that she was scolded by Madame He and wanted tomit suicide, so he was a little angry. He asked, ¡°Is she OK? Have her familiese andfort her?¡±

    ¡°No, fortunately, she was stopped by her nursing mother!¡± Chi twisted her handkerchief, worried, and said, ¡°It¡¯s just that Madame Zhang¡¯s worry is reasonable. Since Madame He said she regretted choosing her as her daughter-inw, how could she have the face to stay in the Jiang Family? If she asks her family to pick her up, the Zhang Family will be ashamed. What about other daughters of the Zhang Family? More importantly, what about her children? So the only way for her is to die so that Madame He can choose a daughter-inw she likes. The Zhang Family will not be ashamed, and her children can also be taken care of by their stepmother. She called her nursing mother to send her hair ornaments. She wanted me to ask you one thing. That is to tell others that she died of a serious illness, leaving the final dignity for Zhang and her children.¡±

    Speaking of this, she quickly wore a delicate and touching look, ¡°Master, I don¡¯t know what mistake Madame Zhang made but I can¡¯t bear it when seeing the pathetic sight of her nursing mother. If Madame He does not want to be her daughter-inw, can you leave her thest dignity?¡±

    Jiang Tianqi was so angry and said, ¡°F**k that d*mn b*tch!¡± Then he got up and went to Madame He¡¯s room.

    After her husband fell asleep, He Shuijin went to the study. Xian had been waiting here. He Shuijin whispered the story of the incident, ¡°Chi said that in order to make others believe, she has suggested that Madame Zhang pretended to hang herself. Of course, the premise is that she must be saved in time.¡±

    ¡°There are three daughters-inw, two of whom hate her!¡± He Shuijin said and sneered, ¡°Madame Shi doesn¡¯t know the secret! When I get the evidence to show her, Madame Shi will hate her more than Madame Zhang. Even if she is a mother-inw, the three daughters-inw would like her to die. If she died, no one would know what will happen to her.¡±

    Xian said with a smile, ¡°Now she won¡¯t feel good. Just now, the master went to her room and scolded her. ording to Mistress Chi, the master asked her to return the hair ornaments sent by Madame Zhang. Then he took two sets of jewelry from his private bank. One set was given to Mistress Chi, and he forced Madame He to take the other tofort Madame Zhang by herself. He also said that if something happened to Madame Zhang, the master would punish her.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a small part. After all, I¡¯m ill and the ounts haven¡¯t been settled yet.¡± He Shuijin shook her head. ¡°The third branch is the chief of Marquess¡¯s Mansion, and she is an important role. Now Madame Shi is badly ill. No matter how much my father-inw dislikes her, she won¡¯t really get down now.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± Xian asked with a little disappointment.

    He Shuijin sneered and said, ¡°She thinks I¡¯m too capable and will affect her. Then I will let her know that she¡¯s a waste that affects my father-inw.¡± She said, ¡°Give her all the things that can be dealt withter and postponed. No stopping from morning till night. If she doesn¡¯t feel tired, she¡¯ll be bothered endlessly.¡±

    Xian said anxiously, ¡°In case she really falls ill, who else in the third branch will shoulder her responsibility?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± He Shuijin said coldly, ¡°If the third branch can¡¯t manage, there is the fourth branch and the eighth branch. If all of them couldn¡¯t, there would be Madame. If we let others take charge of the family, the worst result is that they take some advantages. I do notck money. Even if I lost my money, I can earn it again. But there is only one chance to let my father-inw see clearly how useless my dear aunt is. Just once.¡±

    At other times, if Madame He was not able to do it, she could give it to her niece and daughter-inw. When He Shuijin finished, Madame He took the result to Jiang Tianqi, and that would be her credit. But now, He Shuijin had more important things to deal with, and she was already sick. Who else could Madame He ask?

    Jiang Tianqi and Marquess Qin hated the useless and valued the talent most. Why did Marquess Qin tolerate Madame Zhuang? Because he valued Jiang Yadan. Why did he immediately send his doctor to He Shuijin when she got sick this time? Because he valued thepetence of He Shuijin. Madame Shi, who was also his own granddaughter-inw, lost her own son and had been ill for so long. Marquess Qin had never given her such treatment.

    He Shuijin said with fierce eyes, ¡°When you be a worthless waste in the eyes of the elders and also block the way for the younger generation to make progress...¡±

    Because the work of ounting was not finished, Qiu Yn heard a little about what happened in the third branch. When she saw Madame Zhang became haggard after one night, she couldn¡¯t help sympathizing with the daughters-inw of the third branch. She thought that having such a mother-inw as Madame He was...

    However, this incident not only implicated Empress Dowager Ye as the real murderer of the emperor but also was the internal contradiction of the third branch. She couldn¡¯tfort Madame Zhang, so she could only pretend that Madame Zhang was haggard because of hard work and said, ¡°Please take care of yourself, Madame Zhang. Although there are many things, we will finish them together.¡±

    It was not good for Madame Zhang toin with her, so she nodded and smiled bitterly. That was the end.

    Qiu Yn thought that since she had told her husband the emperor¡¯s poisoning and her husband also promised to try to be lenient, and then there was nothing to do with her.

    However, as soon as she left, she was invited to the back hall. There was only Qiu Yn and Madame Tao. Seeing hering in, Madame Tao said solemnly, ¡°Empress Dowager Ye wants to see you before she will confess... Tianluan has promised her. These are the things I have prepared for Yongfu. Please send them to Yongfu for me.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised. ¡°See me? Why?¡±

    Madame Tao frowned and said, ¡± How should I know? Just go.¡±

 Chapter 313 - Someone Has Planned to Marry Your Husband for a Long Time.

    <h4>Chapter 313 Someone Has nned to Marry Your Husband for a Long Time.</h4>

    Qiu Yn was really confused. She went to Beique Hall with the things that Madame Tao gave her niece.

    Empress Jiang called on Princess Yongfu toe here and receive the things in person. After that, she sent the princess away and then cleared the hall. Maybe Qiu Yn had helped a lot this time. Now it seemed that Empress wanted to be friendly and warm like before. She waved and asked Qiu Yn to sit down near her. She said with a smile, ¡°Thanks to you this time. Otherwise, that old woman did this so secretly that even people like Xue Chang could think of no way. She almost got away with it.¡±

    Speaking of thest sentence, Empress gritted her teeth and looked ferocious.

    This made Qiu Yn nervous. Her heart sank, ¡°Jiang Yashuang said they would be as lenient as possible to Empress Dowager Ye. Why does Empress...?¡±

    She said tentatively, ¡°Empress Dowager Ye was humiliated by Empress Dowager Gu in the past. After so many years, it was no wonder that she was briefly furious...¡±

    ¡°s! You kind kid, you are good all over but too soft-hearted!¡± Empress Jiang was not so surprised that Qiu Yn wanted to plead for mercy for Empress Dowager Ye. Jiang Yashuang had already reminded her. Empress Jiang was very dissatisfied with this thought of Qiu Yn. She thought, ¡°Are you one of the Jiang Family? You haven¡¯t even met Empress Dowager Ye.¡±

    However, Marquess Qin helped contain her anger, ¡°It¡¯smon for young women to be merciful. If they really kill people at this age with no mercy, can you rest assured that she is Jiang Yashuang¡¯s wife? Besides, if it weren¡¯t for this child, Your Majesty¡¯s poisoning would only be a pending case. Give them some time and let Jiang Yashuang teach her slowly. Everyone has ever been young.¡±

    Empress Jiang agreed and gave up her mind of rebuking Qiu Yn.

    In addition, Marquess Qin asked her to be a kind aunt, ¡°If you have done a good job, you should be rewarded. If you do something wrong, you will be punished. This is the way to use people. Qiu Yn just made a contribution. If you scolded her, how would you feel if you were her? Next time, unless it¡¯s time for the survival of our Jiang Family, will she still contribute? Besides, no one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. It¡¯s not something that has to be corrected. I can pretend that I don¡¯t know what she means. Can¡¯t you do that?¡±

    At the moment, although Empress could not help to rebuke Qiu Yn, her tone was really gentle, ¡°This time, I forgive her because of you. Next time, if there are any more such people, you shouldn¡¯t ask for mercy. You¡¯re young. You don¡¯t know it. If it weren¡¯t you but another person who found the murderer, we all would be trapped. This is not for fun.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought, ¡°Am I that kind of people who can¡¯t bear the wicked anymore? It¡¯s because that you force me into death just for a false worry. Who else won¡¯t take risks to survive? Besides, Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s branch has never offended the Jiang Family before. Well, it¡¯s a joke to tell the overbearing Jiang Family that if people don¡¯t offend me, I won¡¯t offend them.¡±

    Knowing that Empress¡¯s words had already given her face, Qiu Yn also expressed her guilt, ¡°Because of Yongfu, I have met Duanrou several times. She is the only child of the third sister and her husband. It is said that she has always been close to Empress Dowager Ye, so I am...¡±

    ¡°Duanrou is good. It¡¯s hard for your third sister these years.¡± Empress Jiang smiled, ¡°But you haven¡¯t met Empress Dowager Ye ever. You are my niece. I¡¯ll tell you the truth: Empress Dowager Gu doesn¡¯t like Empress Dowager Ye, but she can still live to the present. Do you think she is an ordinary person? I can understand you sympathize with Duanrou and your third sister. If you sympathize with her...¡±

    Empress shook her head. ¡°In a word, don¡¯t believe all her words.¡± The middle-ageddy who was still graceful and pretty frowned slightly and her voice was a little misty, ¡°How could there be someone really poor in this pce?¡±

    She turned and looked at Qiu Yn, ¡°She asked to talk to you alone, which Jiang Yashuang was not in favor of. It¡¯s just that the olddy¡¯s time is running out. She just refuses to say why, and it¡¯s not good to force her. I can only call you without telling Jiang Yashuang. Fortunately, all the things in Ganli Pce have been checked and nothing can harm you. As for her, I don¡¯t think you need to worry too much.¡±

    Qiu Yn cleverly said, ¡°Empress Dowager Ye is old and weak. How can she do harm to me? It¡¯s just that I have never seen thisdy. I don¡¯t know why she has to see me. I¡¯ll ask Your Majesty for advice when I get back!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought, ¡°Don¡¯t you want me to tell you honestly what Empress Dowager Ye will say to me after I meet her?¡±

    Sure enough, Empress Jiang was very satisfied with her cleverness and said, ¡°Just go over after tea, ande back to me before evening.¡±

    This time, as usual, Nijin sent her. It seemed that Nijin who had always been steady had something on her mind this day. She lost her mind several times when they were talking. Naturally, Qiu Yn noticed it and asked her on the way, ¡°What¡¯s the matter with you? Can you tell me?¡±

    ¡°Thank you for asking. It¡¯s just little things on my mind.¡± Nijin was intended to show it to her. After hearing that, she hesitated for a few seconds. And then she came closer and almost whispered, ¡°Princess Qi has not been well since she returned to Jing City in the summer. She moved to the farm outside the city to recuperate. And she hasn¡¯t been back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion till now. There was no one in charge of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Qi, so Concubine Tong asked Her Majesty to send someone to look after Princess Qi and thus to share burdens with Prince of Qi. Her Majesty hasn¡¯t thought of a good candidate. Seeing that, I have been worried about Her Royal Highness¡¯s body since she has to deal with so many things these days.¡±

    ¡°You are not worried about Her Royal Highness¡¯s body. You want to enter Prince¡¯s Mansion of Qi.¡± Qiu Yn thought with a depressed mood, ¡°If I knew you had this idea, I would pretend I didn¡¯t see that you have something on your mind. You are the powerful maid of Empress. Now you are less than 20 years old. It¡¯s time to show your capability. Empress won¡¯t grant you to Prince of Qi unless she attaches great importance to him. Otherwise, how can she let you out of the pce?¡±

    In fact, this was also the reason why Nijin asked her for help. Since Prince of Qi lost his qualification as a crown prince, Empress Jiang had no interest in him. If he hadn¡¯t tried tomit suicide before and Princess Qi had rebuked him hard, Empress Jiang would have admonished Princess Qi just a few words when she came to visit. The admonishment, ording to Nijin, was just because the Empress didn¡¯t like Princess Qi and her mother Madame Dou, and deliberately made excuses to rebuke.

    The Prince of Qi¡¯s birth mother, Concubine Tong, knew this very well. When she asked someone from Empress to be her daughter-inw, she said that as long as the girl was good and not treacherous, she would be grateful to Empress. How dare she thought of such a close servant as Nijin? But she didn¡¯t know that Nijin was really willing to be a concubine for Prince of Qi.

    ¡°Really? I have to tell Jiang Yashuang and ask him to advise my aunt. After all, His Highness Prince of Qi has always been pure filial piety. If he knows my aunt worries about his affairs, he will certainly be very scared!¡± Although Qiu Yn was regretful, the words had been asked out. She had to say something. Although Nijin took advantage of her before, she tried her best to deliver messages. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t notice she was framed. She just felt it troublesome. She reminded her after promised, ¡°My aunt is the elder. We can only give suggestions.¡±

    Qiu Yn whispered in her own mind, ¡°That means I will help you, but I can¡¯t guarantee the result. Your master is the elder of us.¡±

    However, Nijin had been overjoyed. She was clear about Jiang Yashuang¡¯s position in Empress¡¯s mind. If the madame of Jiang Yashuang could let him talk about it, it would work.

    Nijin was happy when she thought she didn¡¯t need to waste her precious youth in the pce and could enter the Prince¡¯s Mansion, even being a concubine. What was more, she thought about the current situation of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Qi. Princess Qi was exiled. She had herst dignity only for the sake of the Jiang Family¡¯s fame. Prince of Qi was very weak, and Nijin never wanted to bully him. With the means of being the chief maid Empress Jiang trusted most, it wouldn¡¯t be too difficult for her to take charge of the family after she married Prince of Qi.

    Also, Prince of Qi¡¯s birth mother, Concubine Tong who was really afraid of Empress, didn¡¯t dare to turn hostile to Empress, when her only son almost died before. How could she embarrass Empress¡¯s chief maid?

    As long as she had a son in the future, it would be very possible for the child to be a Young Prince.

    Nijin was overjoyed as if she had seen the throne of the old Princess. She was a little afraid that Qiu Yn would not do her best, so she tried to be friendly, ¡°I want to say something necessary to you. Please, be careful of Niguang.¡±

    It could be known as soon as the name of Niguang was heard that she was also a close maid of Empress like Nijin. Qiu Yn knew this girl. Of course, Qiu Yn was not so familiar with her as Nijin. However, every time Qiu Yn went to Beique Hall, she saw Niguang¡¯s purse many times.

    Now hearing Nijin¡¯s words, Qiu Yn was surprised and asked, ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°She respected Maid Lin as her adoptive mother in her early years, so Maid Lin asionally spoke for her in front of Her Royal Highness.¡± Nijin pulled Qiu Yn and whispered in a lower voice than that just now, ¡°Please allow me to say something disrespectful. You¡¯ve married for almost a year, and there are still no children. There are no new people in the backyard of Jiang Yashuang. Two days ago, Maid Lin talked about it with Her Royal Highness. And she rmended Niguang.¡±

    Qiu Yn suddenly stopped and became disappointed immediately.

    Seeing this, Nijin was not worried but happy. She thought she found the right person for help.

    ¡°You mean, it¡¯s Niguang¡¯s idea?¡± Qiu Yn asked lightly after she stopped for a few seconds and then continued to walk towards Ganli Pce.

    Since Nijin revealed the news, it was natural that she told everything. She said, ¡°When Jiang Yashuang came, Niguang always rushed to serve tea. However, Jiang Yashuang did not notice her at all.¡± It was not strange that she ttered Qiu Yn. ¡°With such a talent like you, mydy, will Jiang Yashuang like other people? It¡¯s just Niguang¡¯s delusion.¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered. She met Niguang before. She was not as good as herself in appearance, but she was also a pretty and lovely girl. She was the most suitable for the role of submissive and considerate concubine. However, she hardly met Empress with Jiang Yashuang. When she came to Beique Hall alone, it was Nijin who served her. If it were not for Nijin, she wouldn¡¯t know that every time she went to the pce, the person whom she brought some benefits to was already thinking about her husband.

    ¡°Thank you for your kindness.¡± Qiu Yn was d that she didn¡¯t refuse Nijin or was offhand with Nijin after knowing that she wanted to enter Prince¡¯s Mansion of Qi. Otherwise, since Nijin said that Niguang wanted to marry Jiang Yashuang for a long time, why did she say it now?

    Nijin smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s kind of you not to me me that I didn¡¯t tell you earlier.¡±

    ¡°In fact, Prince of Qi has no concubine yet.¡± Qiu Yn was not happy. She had a good rtionship with Nijin, but she didn¡¯t forget to give Nijin benefits because they were close. Didn¡¯t Nijin know thatpared with Princess Qi¡¯s beating Prince of Qi to tears, Niguang¡¯s thinking of Jiang Yashuang was more important? But she didn¡¯t tell until now. If she told Qiu Yn earlier, she would also get benefits.

    Although she was Empress¡¯s close maid, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t do anything to her openly. However, in private... Hearing Qiu Yn¡¯s words, Nijin immediately opened her eyes widely and asked directly, ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know this?¡± Qiu Yn said calmly, ¡°ording to the system, Prince of Qi can have two concubines.¡± Seeing Nijin was overjoyed, she continued, ¡°Princess cannot live in Prince¡¯s Mansion because of her serious illness. In fact, it is more decent if the side princess presides over the affairs.¡±

    ¡°If you can really help me...¡± after that, Nijin was in the mood of sudden joy and worry until they entered Ganli Pce and arrived at the Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s bedroom Hall. Just as Qiu Yn was about to enter the Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s bedroom Hall, she finally made up her mind. She pulled Qiu Yn¡¯s sleeve and said, ¡°I promise to solve the Niguang problem for you.¡± She looked solemn, ¡°Once and for all. No trouble will appear.¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at her with a little surprise. ording to her observation, Nijin and Niguang had the same status and importance in Beique Hall. Niguang even had the adoptive mother, Maid Lin. It seemed that Niguang was better than Nijin. Now how could Nijin be sure to solve her once and for all?

    Aware of her distrust, Nijin was a little anxious, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you¡¯ll see it in three days... However, Her Royal Highness probably will send someone to serve Your Highness Prince of Qi recently, because she couldn¡¯t bear Concubine Tong¡¯s begging anymore.¡±

    ¡°Can it be the concubine?¡± Qiu Yn thought that since the price Nijin gave was so high, it may be better to try to squeeze it again. So she smiled and left these words. Then she went into the Hall slowly. The expressionless imperial guards opened the heavy red door. After passing through the heavy gauze, Qiu Yn finally saw Empress Dowager Ye for the first time in the deepest part of the bedroom, under the dim candle fire.

    The old woman seemed to be dying. Her delicate and smooth silk quilt reflected her withered face. Her only eyes were deep, bright, and sharp.

    ¡°So you are the one who saw through my scheme.¡± Qiu Yn just walked in. Before she thought of a good prologue, Empress Dowager Ye said first, ¡°You are so young... It seems that you have suffered a lot.¡±

 Chapter 314 - No One in the Palace is Simple

    <h4>Chapter 314 No One in the Pce is Simple</h4>

    Qiu Yn was slightly surprised about the scene that Empress Dowager Ye spoke first and talked in such a way. She thought about it and then answered, ¡°I did suffer a lot, but I don¡¯t know why you think so?¡±

    At first, she wanted to make sure that the Jiang Family would deal with Empress Dowager Ye leniently. But now when she saw the old woman, she gave up. Everyone could see that even if the Jiang Family didn¡¯t do it, Empress Dowager Ye would not live long.

    Maybe she could live so long after she became the so-called Empress Dowager who lived in seclusion from a supreme step-Empress, just by the belief of waiting for an opportunity. After she made an action, her belief was gone and then she became weak.

    ¡°Because this method was learned by chance from a poor man.¡± Empress Dowager Ye stared at Qiu Yn. Her eyes were filled with mixed emotions, both sad and resentful, but more dispirited. ¡°In his early years, Liang Xiaogeng had to steal to support himself because his family was poor. He once stole several eggs from a farmer but was caught. The child was very hungry. After being caught, he didn¡¯t forget to put the raw eggs into his mouth, which annoyed his master. In a rage, the master poured some arsenic which was used to poison the mice into his mouth and then threw him in the wild to die. Unexpectedly, he was safe and sound!¡±

    It seemed that she was a little tired after saying this. She closed her eyes and continued, ¡°Later, he really couldn¡¯t get along and had to be a servant in the pce... When I just entered the pce, I was very depressed. I often went to the ce where he was in charge of sweeping. Therefore, I got familiar with him. He wanted to relieve me, so he said this story. In his opinion, it was his fate. But I was curious... I took two maids who should have been killed by the staff to try in private. Sure enough... ¡±

    Speaking of this, Empress Dowager Ye stopped talking. Qiu Yn pondered for a while and said, ¡°I know this method. My mother knew it when she was afraid that I would be harmed by others and asked about the method of dispelling poison.¡± She thought no wonder that Empress Dowager Ye was so down and couldmand Liang Xiaogeng, the emperor¡¯s close servant. It turned out that the two had been friends for a long time. How long had it been since Empress Dowager Ye entered the pce? Forty years? Fifty years?

    ording to the tone of Empress Dowager Ye, they were not directly superior and subordinate at the beginning. Otherwise, neither Empress Dowager Gu nor Empress Jiang would let Liang Xiaogeng serve the emperor personally. It was Liang Xiaogeng who became an intimate friend of Empress Dowager Ye since her girlhood because of cleaning the ce. Even if this kind of rtionship of spiritualmunication was not a tonic love, they could be confidants.

    Otherwise, how could ordinary friendship make the other work hard after one¡¯s more than 30 years of depression?

    ¡°Although I have been here for many years, Duanrou often came to visit. I could still hear about things outside... You had a good mother.¡± Empress Dowager Ye breathed, then opened her eyes, and looked at her sorrowfully. ¡°It¡¯s a pity that I am uselesspared with your mother. In those days, I couldn¡¯t protect my sister¡¯s children. I watched the prince¡¯s family die and there was only Qiyang left... Now I want to revenge for Duanrou, but I did harm to her.¡±

    Qiu Yn pursed her mouth and she couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°Your Royal Highness, I do not understand why you did this? Even if you had seeded and the emperor had been dead, would County Princess Duanrou and her families have lived well no matter whether Empress Dowager Gu or Her Majesty took the power?¡±

    The most important thing was that, ¡°My husband got Her Majesty¡¯s promise on Duanrou¡¯s marriage. If Your Highness of Princess Yongfu and Young Prince Ou could have children by the time Xiao Su finished his filial piety, the promise would be ignored. Therefore, there was still a possibility for dealing with this matter.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just your idea or maybe your wish. Who knows it will be like this in the future?¡± Empress Dowager Ye gave her a cold smile for her confusion and said, ¡°Maybe Princess Yongfu can¡¯t forget Xiao Su all the time... At that time, the Empress might think Duanrou was in her way. The most important thing is that Duanrou has followed my advice for so many years and she has been following Princess Yongfu and ttering her in everything. I don¡¯t want anything else, just hoping that they can give the child a loyal husband in the consideration of her clever and sensible nature and Princess Qiyang¡¯scency. But what did they do?¡±

    Empress Dowager Ye closed her eyes. When she opened them again, her eyes were as sharp as a knife!

    She growled low, just like a wounded mother beast, ¡°They still take Duanrou for granted. Yongfu is a treasure that even can¡¯t bear the blow of a little wind. Duanrou also belongs to the royal n. If it weren¡¯t for the cunt of Gu who schemed against her grandfather with despicable means, and even if I didn¡¯t talk about the past, how could they take Duanrou¡¯s marriage as an excuse to prevent Yongfu¡¯s possible grievances?¡±

    ¡°But if Empress Dowager Gu is powerful, I don¡¯t think she will treat Duanrou well.¡± Qiu Yn frowned slightly, ¡°Will she?¡± Empress Dowager Gu got her position because she killed the crown prince and his families of the former dynasty. And Prince Qiyang survived because of his brain problems. Although County Princess Duanrou was a girl, Empress Dowager Gu wouldn¡¯t let her go because she had been close to the Jiang Family over the years.

    ¡°Of course, I know that it¡¯s not a good thing for Duanrou that either the b*tch Gu or the cold Jiang Tianluan is in power.¡± Empress Dowager Ye sneered and said, ¡°Why do you think my purpose was just to help one of them? It seems that it was just a coincidence that you saw through the way I poisoned the emperor before.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised and she thought her words for seconds. Her facial expression subtly changed and said, ¡°Which prince did Your Royal Highness connect? Or any royal rtives?¡±

    Since the purpose of Empress Dowager Ye was not to defeat Empress Dowager Gu or Empress Jiang, it could only be to beat both sides at the same time. In fact, it was exactly the case. If the emperor were killed before both sides were ready for the final showdown, it would be a tragic victory for either party that was forced to start the war in advance.

    In this case, it was a good time for those ambitious and courageous royal families to rise. After all, there was a group in the court that even the two empresses dared not to threaten too much. That was the neutral party.

    The neutral party had no grudge against the County Princess Duanrou or her family. Neither did the royal rtives. Even if the grandfather of the County Princess Duanrou died and no one knew the truth, the County Princess was just a woman who couldn¡¯t inherit after so many years. As long as the new emperor was normal, he wouldn¡¯t embarrass the family.

    Qiu Yn gave a bitter smile and thought, ¡°Sure enough, no one in the pce is simple. I thought Empress Dowager Ye did this out of anger. Now it turns out that she has prepared for the future of the young generation.¡±

    To be honest, Qiu Yn agreed with Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s idea very much. The Empress¡¯ party could take County Princess Duanrou¡¯s marriage for nothing at the first time, and they might kill her next time. County Princess Duanrou must rece the backer with a reliable one.

    If Qiu Yn were Empress Dowager Ye, she would try to kill the two empresses secretly in exchange for the new emperor¡¯s promise that he would protect Duanrou and her family.

    However, Empress Dowager Ye had bad luck. Firstly, the Emperor didn¡¯t die. Secondly, her method of poisoning was found.

    ¡°I have no idea. I am the daughter-inw of the Jiang Family.¡± Qiu Yn felt very painful. In terms of personal feelings, she agreed with Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s approach. But in the overall situation, she had to take the Jiang Family¡¯s side. After all, if Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s n seeded, the Jiang Family would nevere to a good end.

    Qiu Yn hadplex feelings at that moment. Suddenly, she heard Empress Dowager Ye¡¯sughter and her words, ¡°Do you think I will tell you?¡±

    ¡°You said that you will tell the truth after seeing me.¡± As soon as Qiu Yn heard from Empress Dowager Ye, she knew that she didn¡¯t intend to fulfill her promise. Empress Dowager Ye did the same. She said casually, ¡°I didn¡¯t take those words seriously. I just want to know who beat me in the end. I always thought that even if this n didn¡¯t seed, I would be OK.¡±

    A little sadness appeared in her eyes and she said, ¡°It¡¯s a pity that Liang Xiaogeng...¡±

    ¡°Are you deliberately leaving the seed of confusion in the heart of the Jiang Family?¡± Qiu Yn pondered for a minute and said, ¡°The Jiang Family is not sure who in the royal family did this, so they can only suspect all the royal princes.¡±

    As for how the Jiang Family dealt with things, they would rather kill the wrong person than let anyone go. However, Empress Jiang had no son, so she couldn¡¯t be a queen. It was impossible to take power without supporting Chu people to ascend the throne. So she must keep some people alive no matter how many she killed. The problem was that although there were many royal family members, they couldn¡¯t kill them as they wanted just by Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s hint. If so, how could they make people believe?

    In a word, Empress Dowager Ye openly stated her intention to poison the emperor, which directly aroused mutual suspicion between the Jiang Family and the royal family. The Jiang Family suspected that people in the royal family was plotting to kill them with the help of Empress Dowager Ye and to be the next emperor. The royal members suspected that the Jiang Family nned to do harm to them and that they just found an excuse to kill the Chu Family.

    Now even if Empress Dowager Ye told which prince she intended to support, no one would believe it.

    Because no one knew if Empress Dowager Ye intentionally pulled in an irrelevant person in order to protect her real ally or not.

    Empress Dowager Ye looked at her with a smile and said, ¡°Why do you think I have allies? It may also be that I know every move of mine is under surveince. It¡¯s hard for me to send messages to Liang Xiaogeng. I don¡¯t want to and don¡¯t have the ability to make an alliance with any prince or n. I just want to poison the emperor and stir up a fierce conflict between you and the Gu b*tch. I¡¯m d that either of you will fall down. The truth is here. Do you believe it?¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t say a word.

    No matter whether she believed it or not, the Empress¡¯s party wouldn¡¯t.

    The reason was very simple. Empress Dowager Ye was the step queen of the former emperor. As Empress Jiang said, when Empress Dowager Gu won the pce fight, she almost wiped out the former crown prince and all rtives of the Ye family. Empress Dowager Ye, the mother of the former crown prince and her aunt, had survived till at this time. And she put Liang Xiaogeng beside the emperor. It was a joke that she said she couldn¡¯t collude with the prince.

    Maybe members of the royal n were involved.

    ¡°The emperor is not dead. At present, the situation is still that the two empresses contend for power.¡± Qiu Yn frowned. ¡°It¡¯s not a good thing to be suspicious of the whole royal family at this time. Although the female leader has been in power and the royal family has declined over the years, no matter how weak the royal was, the Empress Dowager¡¯s party and the Empress¡¯ party dared not to ignore the emperor. The neutral party was steady because they said they were only loyal to the emperor.¡±

    Of course, Qiu Yn was very confident that the Empress¡¯s party would kill the Empress Dowager¡¯s party, but she also knew that ¡°Once the Empress Dowager¡¯s party failed and the Empress¡¯s party was in charge, they would turn their suspicions into actions.¡±

    Thinking about the domineering arrogance of the Jiang Family as they were still ¡°Half Regime Jiang¡±, Qiu Yn could imagine what kind of life the royal family would live when the ¡°Half Regime Jiang¡± became the ¡°Jiang Dynasty¡±.

    It would be easy for the Jiang Family to turn suspicions into actions.

    They had been used to bullying for a long time.

    After losing the restriction of the Empress Dowager¡¯s party, many of them might act more recklessly and cared for nobody.

    No matter Marquess Qin or Empress Jiang, both seniors of the Empress¡¯s party had been lenient to their people.

    The key point was that it was no problem to treat one or two royal family members badly. If they treated too many of them badly, even if the Jiang Family didn¡¯t rebel, they would be regarded as rebels.

    No matter what Empress Dowager Ye nned when she poisoned the emperor, at least for now, her goal of making the Jiang Family feel bad was to be achieved.

    ¡°s! My husband...¡±Qiu Yn forced a smile. She thought, ¡°His family is in a mess, but it is no big deal. This won¡¯t affect her overall ns. She has done a lot of evil outside, so this is the end of her life. Is it easy to bully County Princess Duanrou? Is it easy to bully the couple of Prince Qiyang? Is it easy to bully Empress Dowager Ye? If you push a rabbit hard, it will bite, not to mention the person who used to be a queen.¡±

    She looked at the smiling Empress Dowager Ye and thought that it was unnecessary to stay more because she had known her purpose to meet. She was curious and unwilling to be a loser.

    As for her plots and the so-called purpose, Qiu Yn believed that Empress Dowager Ye was very willing to let the Empress¡¯s party think of it and could find no way out. No matter whether she came or not, she would say.

    If she stayed, she would be fooled. She thought she had better leave it to Empress Jiang.

    Qiu Yn stood up and said, ¡°I will take your words to Her Majesty. Duanrou is a good child. I always like her very much. If I can, I will try my best to save her. But I¡¯m just a granddaughter-inw of the Jiang Family. That¡¯s all I can do. If you don¡¯t have anything else, may I leave now?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t use Duanrou to threaten me. Can I trust your Jiang Family?¡± Empress Dowager Ye replied indifferently.

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t say more, ¡°Then I will leave.¡±

    She walked to the door without hesitation. Empress Dowager Ye suddenly said, ¡°Stop!¡±

 Chapter 315 - Young Master Is Always on Your Side

    <h4>Chapter 315 Young Master Is Always on Your Side</h4>

    When Qiu Yn returned to Beique Hall, it was already dusk. Empress Jiang offered a family dinner. Shortly after the dinner started, only Maid Lin was kept in the hall to serve wines. Qiu Yn took the moment and said everything that Empress Dowager Ye had just told.

    After hearing it, Empress¡¯s expression changed abruptly, ¡°ording to what she said, all the royalties are suspects, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    Qiu Yn replied respectfully, ¡°I¡¯m not wise enough to make any judgment.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s ok. Since Empress Dowager Ye told you this, you should know her demeanor. Tell me, what do you think of what she said?¡± Empress Jiang contemted and said, ¡°Is it true or not?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never met Empress Dowager Ye before. How can I judge the truth of her speech so arrogantly?¡± Qiu Yn rified that she was unfamiliar to Empress Dowager Ye, and then she continued, ¡°But I think what Empress Dowager Ye did was for Duanrou. Duanrou is the only child of the third sister. Both grandfather and Your Majesty are very pitiful towards the third sister and her child. That¡¯s why when Empress Dowager Ye is alive, what she did is of her own responsibility. We shouldn¡¯t me the family of the third sister. But if Empress Dowager Ye were gone and had some backup ns, when it causes trouble, even if Your Majesty and grandfather are kind, other people of our family may hold grudges against the third sister¡¯s family. I think this is not something Empress Dowager Ye want to see.¡±

    Empress Jiang didn¡¯t agree or disagree, ¡°It makes sense.¡±

    The Empress then asked for some more details and drank up her wine, ¡°Lin, keep serving Yn. I¡¯ll go to change my clothes.¡±

    Qiu Yn knew the Empress was off to seriously consider the matter of Empress Dowager Ye. So she stood up and saw her off respectfully.

    ¡°How can I trouble Maid Lin?¡± When the Empress left, Qiu Yn stopped Maid Lin from pouring her wine with a smile, ¡°I had enough. I should go.¡±

    ¡°I was ordered by Her Majesty to serve you. If you leave now and Her Majesty finds outter, she will be angry at me for not being wee enough and making you lose your appetite.¡± Maid Lin calmly insisted, ¡°Please have some more, madame!¡±

    Maid Lin kept inviting but Qiu Yn still turned her down. In the end, Maid Linpromised, ¡°Then I¡¯ll have someone else to serve you?¡±

    When Qiu Yn heard that, a hint of anger crossed through her eyes. But she masked it quickly. She smiled and said, ¡°Since you have already said that, how can I refuse?¡±

    Maid Lin indeed stepped outside and called Niguang in.

    Clearly, Niguang had spent time dressing herself up. She was wearing a light pink top with narrow sleeves and crossed cor. A small edge of her inner clothes was shown along the cor. She tied a colorful silk belt around her waist and wore a dress dyed in light yellow and emerald green. Her hair was tied up into a bun and two jade pins were on each side of her bun. She had some light makeup, which made her look pretty and cute.

    When she came close to Qiu Yn, she was very attentive. She persuaded Qiu Yn to have more drinks and food. She was thoughtful and obedient.

    Qiu Yn watched her performance with cold eyes. She only threw in some lightpliments. When the Empress left, she wanted to go back quickly to think about what Empress Dowager Ye said to her when she called her up. But first came Maid Lin, and then Niguang. Her appetite grew thinner and thinner. She held up for a while and finally sessfully left under the excuse that the Pce would be closed soon.

    When she returned to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion, Madame Tao naturally called her in and asked her again.

    After dealing with that, Qiu Yn went back to her own residence. Her face went dark as soon as she walked through the door. ¡°I¡¯m tired after a day in the Pce. I want to take a nap. No need to bother me when Jiang Yashuanges back!¡±

    She then closed the door of her room and got in her bed.

    A short timeter, Jiang Yashuang came back from the front study, hearing that his wife was tired. He looked inside the bed canopy quietly, only to see Qiu Yn holding the cushion and leaning on the bed dazedly. She was crying!

    He was surprised and asked her hurriedly, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    He asked multiple times, yet Qiu Yn ignored him.

    Jiang Yashuang had to guess himself, ¡°Are you feeling pity for Empress Dowager Ye? Then I¡¯ll talk to my grandfather and my aunt. We can have her live as she did before, can¡¯t we?¡± Anyway, Empress Dowager Ye wouldn¡¯t live long!

    Qiu Yn kept ignoring him. Seeing that, he guessed again, ¡°Are you worried about Duanrou? Rest assured. She and the third sister are our family members. They didn¡¯t know this matter. They won¡¯t be wronged.¡±

    ¡°Are you missing your brother? The message from there said he was fine recently...¡±

    He kept guessing, yet none moved his wife. Jiang Yashuang felt annoyed. He set on the bed and held her in his arms. He said helplessly, ¡°Fine. Maybe you can tell me when you feel better?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve married you for almost a year now, right?¡± Hearing that, Qiu Yn reached out her arm and wiped her face with the sleeve. She suddenly asked with a choking voice.

    Jiang Yashuang felt lost. He answered cautiously, ¡°Yes... What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m still not pregnant. Should I start preparing someone for you?¡± Qiu Yn stared at him coldly, ¡°What kind of women do you want? Maybe someone pretty, soft, and obedient? Like the one Maid Lin showed me today?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang finally understood why she was crying. He frowned, ¡°Maid Lin? Who is she to be in charge of my backyard?¡± He pressed down his anger, ¡°Did you forget what I had promised you? Don¡¯t worry about these things. I think my aunt relies on Maid Lin too much these years and she lost her caution!¡±

    Qiu Yn actually didn¡¯t hate Maid Lin most at this moment. Nijin was pretty clear that it was Empress Jiang who wanted to have someone for Jiang Yashuang and Maid Lin took the chance to rmend her adopted daughter, Niguang. In the end, the problem came from the elders of Jiang Yashuang!

    But she couldn¡¯t talk behind Empress Jiang¡¯s back. She could only take it on Maid Lin. After all, a trusted subordinate of the elder who wanted to n a life for her adopted daughter was plotting against her. That made her very insecure!

    She just said quietly, ¡°I¡¯ve met her. She looks good and obedient... If you like her, I¡¯ll get her for you.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face suddenly went cold, ¡°Then are you going to ask me for a divorce? Do you think I have no idea of your personality as your husband?! When I discussed the marriage with you, you said you couldn¡¯t bear for me to have mistresses. Yet in two years, you suddenly be generous? Are you going to divorce me for such a small matter? Do you lose your mind?!¡±

    He couldn¡¯t understand this logic. He said angrily, ¡°Maid Lin is just a maid of my aunt! She rmended some random people whom I¡¯ve never met and you decided to go this far! Am I that unworthy? You just give me up whenever someonees along?!¡±

    ¡°After seeing Empress Dowager Ye today...¡± Qiu Yn also responded coldly. But before she could finish the sentence, Jiang Yashuang abruptly changed his expression, ¡°Empress Dowager Ye? Didn¡¯t I say you can¡¯t go meet her? Why did my aunt send you anyway?¡±

    Qiu Yn said with a cold smile, ¡°If I didn¡¯t go see her alone, how will she confess? If she didn¡¯t confess, how will the Jiang Family rest assure?! Even though your family is probably more worried after she confessed!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face was dark as the night sky. He said coldly, ¡°Next time you go to the Pce, you tell me! I¡¯ve said before since Empress Dowager Ye could poison the Emperor in a way that the three Premiers couldn¡¯t find out, who knows what kind of things she¡¯s holding back?! This time she was exposed by you. Who knows she didn¡¯t mean to do you any harm when calling you there?! That¡¯s why I told you not to meet her. If they have to make her confess, can¡¯t they use a substitute? She¡¯s never seen you!¡±

    He exhaled a heavy breath, ¡°I¡¯ll ask grandfather and my aunt tomorrow! Who changed their mind?!¡±

    ¡°Then your grandmother wille to talk to me, asking me to be more virtuous and magnanimous. Don¡¯t always try to separate you from your family!¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t appreciate his words. She said coldly, ¡°She would either persuade me to get you a dozen mistresses or swallow her grievance down like Madame Tao Junior. Or she may just tell me that I¡¯m not virtuous enough to be your wife and I should leave.¡±

    ¡°Grandmother is old enough. She just says things!¡± Jiang Yashuang frowned his eyebrows even tighter, ¡°As for whether we would get someone into our residence, that¡¯s our decision. I said that I wouldn¡¯t wrong you, so I definitely won¡¯t put you in a tough spot...¡±

    ¡°When I came out of the Ganli Pce, I went to Beique Hall.¡± Qiu Yn smiled coldly, ¡°After telling aunt what happened, she left to change her clothes and left Maid Lin with me. How can I let your aunt¡¯s trusted subordinate serve me? I exchanged some pleasantry with her. Then she said she would find someone who could serve me well. She brought that nicely dressed maid to me. Then what she was hinting was...¡±

    Jiang Yashuang kept a cold face, ¡°I¡¯ll enter the Pce and talk to my aunt tomorrow! Maid Lin is highly valued by my aunt, but she is not indispensable!¡±

    ¡°Maid Lin served aunt for so many years. Do you think she¡¯s someone who would go behind aunt¡¯s back and act on her own?!¡± Qiu Yn said slowly. Her simple question made Jiang Yashuang fall silent. After a while, he said quietly, ¡°Why do you have to be like this? My aunt has ideas, but I¡¯m not the one who would blindly listen to anyone else. I promised you and I¡¯ll honor that! Can¡¯t we talk nicely?¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at him for a while. And then she dragged up the duvet and said quietly, ¡°I don¡¯t feel too well. I don¡¯t think I can help the third branch. You should ask someone to tell He Shuijinter!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°Ok.¡±

    After he left, Su He came in and said quietly and anxiously, ¡°Madame, don¡¯t be sad. Young master is always on your side...¡±

    ¡°You eavesdropped again!¡± Before she could finish, Qiu Yn lifted the duvet up and grabbed her by the ear. She said angrily, ¡°You really don¡¯t know how to behave yourself now, do you?!¡±

    Su He said aggrievedly, ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. Young master found me when he left and asked me to talk to you. He said he remembered what he had promised you and asked you to stop overthinking!¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered. Su He did eavesdrop on that conversation. Qiu Yn sat up with a straight face, ¡°What do you know? He is an honest man, but his whole family is persuading him. Who knows what he will think about?¡±

    ¡°But young master hasn¡¯t done anything wrong until now. If you throw a tantrum at this moment, he would be more unhappy, wouldn¡¯t he?¡± Su He pouted.

    ¡°I just exposed Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s scheme and solved a big mess for the Jiang Family. Yet the Empress still asked Maid Lin to hint me that I should get a mistress for Jiang Yashuang!¡± Qiu Yn gritted her teeth, ¡°Empress Dowager Ye was right. This whole family, besides Jiang Yashuang, are all ungrateful! What they did to the Tao Family was an example! If I don¡¯t make a fuss when Jiang Yashuang thinks I actually have a reason to be, should I always let him believe that his good grandfather, aunt, and grandmother would treat me like him?!¡±

    Empress Dowager Yeined for County Princess Duanrou. She felt that Duanrou had spent so many years with Princess Yongfu. She should at least get some credit for it. But Qiu Yn thought about herself and felt she had it worse than Duanrou!

    She saved Xue Nongying and exposed Empress Dowager Ye. Just these two things helped the political fight of the Empress¡¯s party greatly! She could even say that she rescued them!

    And the medicine to save Xue Nongying was from her maiden brother. She used her own knowledge to expose Empress Dowager Ye. They had nothing to do with the Jiang Family!

    She didn¡¯t ask her husband¡¯s family to value her too much. The problem was that she had just helped them, yet they immediately wanted her to find a mistress for her husband. The fourth branch had Madame Tao Junior. Did they think every daughter-inw would be obedient like her?

    Qiu Yn finally understood why so many wives would separate their husbands from their families. Some were the wives¡¯ mistakes, but some of them were definitely forced!

    ¡°These are all elders of the young master. If they are not happy...¡± Su He reminded her worriedly, ¡°What if you overreach yourself?!¡±

    ¡°I just want to see whose side he is on!¡± Qiu Yn was emotionless on the surface. She thought in her heart angrily, ¡°If he tries to smooth things over or takes the elders¡¯ side, then I really need to think about a way out. I don¡¯t need to waste my time in the Jiang Family!¡±

    At around the same time, Jiang Yashuang entered the study of Marquess Qin with a straight face.

 Chapter 316 - Help Him!

    <h4>Chapter 316 Help Him!</h4>

    Marquess Qin only took one look at him and then waved his hand to let the servants withdraw. After that, Marquess Qin stroked his beard, smiled, and asked, ¡°Has your daughter-inw been wronged in the pce?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was not surprised that his grandfather was right. After saluting him, Jiang Yashuang replied faintly, ¡°I know that both my grandmother and my aunt love me, but the things in the backyard are like drinking water that one knows hot and cold. If too many people care about it, it will be easy to get into trouble. Grandfather, please help me.¡±

    ¡°Love you?¡± Marquess Qin saidzily, ¡°Just a little... They care more about themselves, don¡¯t they?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t say anything.

    Marquess Qin said with a smile, ¡°I won¡¯t take care of this. Cultivate your mind, take family responsibilities, learn how to govern the country, and preserve peace and order. You know how much I hope for you. If I have to deal with such a small matter for you, then what you have learned from me for these years?¡±

    Seeing that Jiang Yashuang was still silent, he continued, ¡°Why? You don¡¯t want to make your grandmother and your aunt sad, and you also don¡¯t want your wife to be sad, do you? You¡¯ll meet dilemmas more difficult than this in the future. You can¡¯t make up your mind about such a family affair... Do you really want to let me down?¡±

    ¡°Please allow me to leave!¡± Jiang Yashuang failed to ask for help. With a long sigh, he had to leave.

    After he left, Sir Jibei came out of thepartment and said, ¡°Why do you embarrass him with this? The child was brought up by Madame Miao. The Empress loves him the most among her nephews. He has a generous character. So, it¡¯s hard for him to say something bad about these two. Madame Qiu is the first wife he married even if he polluted his reputation. The young couple has always loved each other, and he can¡¯t bear to let her be wronged... You can tell Madame Miao and Empress that they¡¯d better not find another wife for Jiang Yashuang so that Jiang Yashuang can concentrate on his work, right? ¡±

    ¡°Concentrate on the job?¡± However, Marquess Qin shook his head. ¡°How could we concentrate on doing good things bad in those years? How much can women understand no matter they are in our backyard or the pce? They can help, but in the final analysis, it¡¯s still the head of a family who makes decisions. The head of a family means that, regardless of the inside and outside, you have to take charge of everything, and you must have time. If I indulge him that he can only deal with official business, I will hurt him.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to solve all the problems for him, but the conflict between filial piety and love between husband and wife...¡±

    Marquess Qin disagreed, ¡°Brother, you see things too shallow. Don¡¯t you understand what I have said to Jiang Yashuang?¡±

    Sir Jibei was stunned. Looking back, he was surprised and said, ¡°Do you mean that Madame Miao and Empress do this not just out of concern about Jiang Yashuang?¡±

    ¡°In your eyes, the dilemma is just the conflict between filial piety and the love between husband and wife.¡± Marquess Qin said calmly, ¡°What I care about is whether Jiang Yashuang will be manipted by either of them.¡±

    Sir Jibei was stunned again, ¡°How could this be possible?¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Marquess Qin said calmly, ¡°The daughter-inw of our fourth brother is not virtuous. In order to prevent her husband from marrying a mistress, she even can leave her own child. After the eldest brother abandoned the eighth child, Jiang Yashuang and his sister were sent back. I can only give them to Madame Miao. However, is Madame Miao devoted to raising him?¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yashuang is much better than the eighth child.¡± Sir Jibei couldn¡¯t help saying, ¡°The way the granddaughter of Sir Tao raises children is much better than that of Madame Dou. In the past years, the seventh child...¡± He sighed,¡± It was such a pity.¡±

    When it came to the outstanding but unlucky young son who died early, Marquess Qin¡¯s eyes also showed a touch of sadness, but it was just like that. In a sh, he recovered his equilibrium, ¡°Children raised by Madame Miao wholeheartedly are good, but remember that she also raised Jiang Yazhu.¡±

    He sneered, ¡°How long has she raised Jiang Yazhu? As soon as Jiang Yashuang and his sister were sent back, she immediately left to raise them. Why is that?¡±

    Sir Jibei always had great respect for Madame Tao. This respect came from his respect for Tao Yinsong and Madame Tao¡¯s performance since she was married. At this moment, he couldn¡¯t help saying for his sister-inw, ¡°The direct grandson is really more important than themon grandson.¡±

    ¡°But there was no problem with her energy to raise two grandchildren at the same time if it was just the way that an ordinary grandmother taught her grandchildren.¡± Marquess Qin sighed, ¡°The reason why she abandoned Jiang Yazhu and raised Jiang Yashuang was that she was not satisfied with teaching Jiang Yashuang, and she wanted to make Jiang Yashuang only listen to her. She has to take care of what she does to avoid that I can¡¯t bear it and won¡¯t let her raise the neenth grandson. Therefore, she needs to devote herself to Jiang Yashuang and thus she can¡¯t take care of Jiang Yazhu. You see the hostility of Jiang Yashuang to the first branch. Do you think it¡¯s just that the first branch has gone too far? Your second sister-inw, Madame Miao, has been imperceptibly influenced all these years.¡±

    Sir Jibei was shocked, ¡°Brother, since you know, why do you let her do it?¡± No matter how much he respected his sister-inw, he couldn¡¯t just sit by and watch her stir up trouble among children of the Jiang Family, which was the bottom line of men of the Jiang Family.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a challenge for Jiang Yashuang?¡± Marquess Qin said faintly, ¡°He¡¯s grown up. He should know what¡¯s right and what¡¯s wrong and how to choose under the dilemma... He should have his own idea.¡±

    ¡°But over the years, if Madame Miao has been driving a wedge between him and the first branch, would it be easy to reverse it?¡± Sir Jibei disagreed with Marquess Qin¡¯s method of teaching his grandson, ¡°And if he always thinks that Madame Miao¡¯s words are reasonable, what will he do?¡±

    Marquess Qin said lightly, ¡°So I¡¯ll let him handle this matter by himself! I don¡¯t care whether he¡¯s on Madame Miao¡¯s side, Empress¡¯s side, or his wife¡¯s side. The important thing is that when he deals with this, he can think about his future road carefully.¡±

    His eyes shed sternly and said, ¡°Madame Miao and Empress are of one mind. The seventh child passed away at a young age. They hope that the Jiang Family will have someone who can stand on their side so that they will not be weak and controlled by the Jiang Family after I die. I can understand their feelings. It¡¯s just that they can¡¯t choose Jiang Yashuang. I¡¯ve cultivated him by myself for more than ten years. Is it to cultivate a pawn for them? The grandson I want is the pir of the family in the future, not the ve who will only listen to one or several people.¡±

    In the mind of Marquess Qin, he didn¡¯t pay much attention to the filial piety and conscience of his descendants. What he cared about was the family, the family made up of descendants. Therefore, it didn¡¯t matter whether Jiang Yashuang chose to care for the love of Madame Tao and Empress Jiang for many years, or his wife.

    The key point was that his disposal should be based on his own n, starting from Jiang Yashuang himself, rather than on the encouragement and instigation of the standpoint of others.

    Whether it was family or love, Jiang Yashuang must upy a dominant position in it, not a subordinate. No matter how outstanding and capable Jiang Yashuang was, it was not what Marquess Qin wanted if he didn¡¯t take the dominant position.

    Because in the eyes of Marquess Qin, although people like the old wife, daughters, and granddaughters-inw could also be called members of the Jiang Family, and their daughters even had the blood of the Jiang Family, they couldn¡¯tpletely stand in the position of the Jiang Family.

    Only the Jiang Family¡¯s male heirs took considerations from the perspective of the Jiang Family.

    Therefore, in the eyes of Marquess Qin, although Madame Tao and Empress Jiang had been caring for Jiang Yashuang since childhood, they were trying to shackle this grandson with family affection, trying to capture, control, and use him with this affection. Finally, when Jiang Yashuang became a chess piece, they could use him as they pleased. How could Marquess Qin agree to it?

    ¡°I stand by now because Madame Miao and Empress coerced him by family affection, and Qiu Yn coerced him by the love between them. It¡¯s a kind of training for Jiang Yashuang, and it helps him to think clearly about some things.¡± Marquess Qin sneered, ¡°If he can see it clearly and step over, it¡¯s best.¡±

    Sir Jibei frowned and said, ¡°What if he can¡¯t make it?¡± Was it easy for young people to break away from family and love? After breaking free, what else could Jiang Yashuang value? Did people who didn¡¯t value anything have the intention to live? Sir Jibei felt that what his second brother did actually didn¡¯t make sense.

    It was easy to harm the most outstanding heirs of the Jiang Family.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s help him get there!¡± Marquess Qin nced indifferently at the direction of the imperial pce. Although Empress Jiang was his own daughter, in the eyes of Marquess Qin, the growth and development of the male heirs of the Jiang Family were far more important than that of the daughter. There were two reasons. One was that the married daughter was like the water thrown out of the door; the second was that although Empress Jiang was fierce and unruly, she was not smart in the eyes of Marquess Qin. She had no son and most of the time she thought about things from the perspective of her mother¡¯s family. However, Marquess Qin always thought that even if she were a son, it would not be enough to lead the Jiang Family to go far. Therefore, Jiang Yashuang deserved more focus.

    Marquess Qin thought that although he had no unmarried daughter or niece if Empress Jiang went wrong, it might be more convenient to support his subordinates¡¯ daughter or niece to be the step empress and control her. At least that kind of Empress would not dare to do some tricks without telling him because she was his own blood, and would not want to control her grandson that she had high hopes for.

    Qiu Yn would be very happy if she knew Marquess Qin¡¯s ideas. Empress Jiang and Madame Tao were afraid that Jiang Yashuang would be attracted by her wife and listen to her. But they didn¡¯t know that in the eyes of the real master of the Jiang Family, they were the ones who had bad intentions and should be prevented. Even Marquess Qin had made a decision to sacrifice them to ¡°help¡± his grandchildren.

    But at this time, Qiu Yn did not know her grandfather¡¯s n. She was surprised to receive the suddenly returned Chunfu Princess Jiang Qizheng. She said, ¡°Jiang Qizheng, why do youe back?¡±

    ¡°I came back to see grandma. I heard you were ill. So Ie and have a look.¡± Jiang Qizheng was much thinner than when she got married, and her clothes were much simpler, but the powder on her face was a little thickerpared with the simple clothes. For seniordies like her, she would never make such a mistake in dressing. Qiu Yn thought that she should use this method to cover up her bad looks.

    Thinking of this, Qiu Yn felt hard to talk with her. She was frightened in the next greetings and tried to avoid mentioning Qiu Feng, but she still identally mentioned, ¡°Your bracelet color is beautiful!¡±

    ¡°Is it?¡± Jiang Qizheng made aplex smile, ¡°My husband gave it to me.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn was stunned. She thought, ¡°Did brother really persuade them to make up? Then why doesn¡¯t the look on the princess¡¯s face mean that?¡±

    But now she had to say, ¡°Your husband is very nice to you.¡± With these words, looking at Jiang Qizheng¡¯s tears in her eyes, Qiu Yn had the impulse to take the words back immediately.

    ¡°He...¡± Jiang Qizheng had tears in her eyes but did not cry out. She just lowered her head, stiffed for a while, and said, ¡°He is really good to me.¡±

    Qiu Ynpletely didn¡¯t know how to answer. When she just wanted to change the topic abruptly, she heard a sign from Jiang Qizheng. Jiang Qizheng said disappointedly, ¡°It¡¯s just I don¡¯t want that kind of good treatment.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°He respects me very much and talks to me very kindly... He doesn¡¯t object to anything I do. He will do whatever I want him to do as long as he can do it.¡± Tears finally appeared in Jiang Qizheng¡¯s eyes. Fortunately, Qiu Yn had been prepared and had already made an excuse to talk to her alone. Now she quickly handed her handkerchief and secretly prayed that she would not cry and disturb her servants.

    Jiang Qizheng took the handkerchief, but she didn¡¯t wipe her face. She let her tears flow down her face. ¡°He never looks at the beautiful maidservants in the mansion, and he doesn¡¯t go out to make affairs. He really did well as a husband, and I have nothing toin about, but I¡¯m really sad in my heart.¡±

    Of course she was.

    What she wanted was a husband who could flirt with, instead of friends who treated her politely.

    Qiu Yn persuaded, ¡°I heard from my elder brother that Master Qiu... No, your husband is decent, and he is not interested in women. Before you get married, you never met each other. Maybe, em...¡±

    Fine. It had been a year after Jiang Qizheng got married. It was improper to say Qiu Feng was unfamiliar with her.

    ¡°I know why.¡± Jiang Qizheng sniffed and choked, ¡°I misunderstood him at the beginning. I thought he couldn¡¯t dislike me, and I liked him. And so I insisted on marrying him. But it turned out that he really didn¡¯t mean anything to me. It was because he couldn¡¯t make it to my family and had to marry me. How could he be happy? It¡¯s just that he doesn¡¯t want to quarrel because he is kind. Even if he gets married reluctantly, he can¡¯t raise his interest. After all, it is my fault. I think too much of myself.¡±

    Qiu Yn had always thought so. But now listening to Jiang Qizheng¡¯s words, she sympathized with her a lot and said, ¡°I think your idea may be wrong. It is more likely that your husband was born reckless, and so he can¡¯t get used to today¡¯s life.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s of no use to say that now.¡± Jiang Qizheng said with a sad smile, ¡°It¡¯s just that since I¡¯ve been sorry for him once, how can I let him stay in danger in order to avoid me?¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised and was about to ask, but Jiang Qizheng continued, ¡°You know more about the situation in Shazhou than I do. Your brother¡¯s people sent a letter to my husband, saying that your brother used his body as bait to lead Empress Dowager Gu and Kuang Shihan¡¯s men to go around in the desert. As a result, he has been seriously injured, and his life is in danger. I hope my husband cane to help. It¡¯s reasonable that since my husband has an old friendship with your brother, he really should do it. But Shazhou is too far. Not to mention whether there¡¯s enough time for my husband to get there. Your brother and the Jiang Family have arranged things in Shazhou. If it cannot be done by that many people, how can my husband do it alone?¡±

    Before Jiang Qizheng finished speaking, Qiu Yn had already jumped up and ran out. She ran and said loudly, ¡°Hurry up! Go and get Jiang Yashuang back.¡±

 Chapter 317 - He Was Forced Too Much.

    <h4>Chapter 317 He Was Forced Too Much.</h4>

    Jiang Yashuang, who was called back in a hurry, looked at his weeping sister and roaring wife. It took him a long time to find the opportunity to speak, ¡°Brother¡¯s injury is not so bad. This is the news sent the day before yesterday. It¡¯s absolutely true.¡±

    ¡°It was delivered the day before yesterday.¡± If it weren¡¯t for Jiang Qizheng, Qiu Yn really wanted to kick him. She said, ¡°If I didn¡¯t know that my brother almost lost his life, you wouldn¡¯t tell me until my brother came back.¡±

    Originally, they had been in a cold war over the matter of Niguang these days. Now because Jiang Yashuang concealed such important news about Qiu Jinn¡¯s life and death, Qiu Yn was going crazy.

    ¡°I was afraid you would be like this if you knew it.¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°Shazhou is so far away. Even if you knew your brother was in danger, you should just be worried. When my brother left, he repeatedly told me that I must not tell you anything bad, lest you worry about him. If you don¡¯t believe me, ask him when hees back.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was so depressed. Every time he hid something about Qiu Jinn, there would always be sudden destruction by someone. Every time it was the person who he couldn¡¯t punish. Last time, it was Xin Fubing who was not only a cousin but also a princess to him, and this time it was his sister.

    This made Jiang Yashuang full of grievances, but he couldn¡¯t speak out. At the moment, he could only pull out his brother-inw¡¯s request as a shield and hoped his wife would listen to it.

    But Qiu Yn obviously couldn¡¯t listen. She not only couldn¡¯t listen but also became unreasonable. She said angrily, ¡°I don¡¯t care how you promised. It¡¯s not right to hide it from me anyway.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang knew it was not a proper time to say no or admit that he was wrong, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I do this for you.¡±

    ¡°You mean well for me, but how do you know?¡± Qiu Yn spoke in a high voice, ¡°How do you know...¡±

    ¡°Stop arguing!¡± Jiang Qizheng stopped crying, wiped her face, and held down Qiu Yn. She said with a bitter smile, ¡°It¡¯s my fault! I didn¡¯t know that my sister-inw heard nothing about that.¡±

    She stopped Qiu Yn, ¡°I didn¡¯t show partiality to my brother. What Jiang Yashuang said was right. Your brother is far away from us in Shazhou now. What can you do if you know that he is in a bad situation? How can we in Jing City help him in Shazhou? Not only the Jiang Family but all that can help your brother certainly will do everything. Jiang Yashuang hid it from you because he doesn¡¯t want you to be worried. Actually, your brother is not good. As your husband, he is also worried about your brother.¡±

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t treat her sister-inw as fiercely as treating her husband. She had to say, ¡°You are right, but you think about it for me. I only have one brother in all, and my husband hid his news from me. Now I know. I am so sad.¡±

    ¡°I know you have a hard time!¡± Jiang Qizheng threw down her handkerchief, hugged her, and cried, ¡°My husband went to Shazhou, but hasn¡¯t arrived yet. I¡¯m already in fear.¡± They couldn¡¯t help crying.

    Jiang Yashuang calmed down his elder sister and his wife. He only felt exhausted and feebly asked, ¡°When did my brother-inw leave? Is he out of the capital now? I¡¯ve just sent someone to chase him. He should still in the capital. He wille back.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng said sadly, ¡°It¡¯s been three or five days. How can he not go out of the capital?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Not only Jiang Yashuang was shocked, but Qiu Yn was also surprised and asked, ¡°Why don¡¯t youe earlier?¡±

    ¡°If he told me that he was going to Shazhou, how could I let him go?¡± Jiang Qizheng sobbed, ¡°he said that he would go to the suburb farm to stay for two days together with Li Xuan, Xun Yuxi, and other friends. Just now someone brought me with a letter and told me that he had left before.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang and his wife felt very speechless: ¡°As expected, people who get married change. Qiu Feng can cheat people now.¡±

    And he cheated his wife...

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll send someone to chase himter if possible.¡± Jiang Yashuang understood why his sister who had not returned after she got married came today. Visiting Madame Tao was just an excuse. The real purpose was to ask for help to chase her husband back.

    However, Jiang Yashuang calcted the distance and thought that no matter how many people were sent, it was impossible to catch up with his brother-inw.

    After all, Qiu Feng was a swordsman from rivers andkes, and what he was good at was traveling alone. Not to mention Jiang Yashuang¡¯s men, even those from Marquess Qin, might not be able topare with him in this respect. How could a great swordsman not be proficient in a hard journey?

    ¡°I just want to keep my brother safe. Now that my brother-inw has gone, I can¡¯t make my sister a widow.¡± Looking at the two women, Jiang Yashuang took a deep breath and suppressed the upset. He said, ¡°Brother-inw has good martial arts and has been famous in the world for a long time. No matter what situation he encounters, he is able to protect himself. And brother-inw is not an impulsive person. He has his way since he dares to go to Shazhou.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked at Qiu Yn. Thetter said, ¡°Yes, sister. You do not know that. Brother-inw is very famous all over the rivers andkes. Although it is said that he has won the reputation by doing good things, there are too many evil people. If brother-inw is not qualified in martial arts, how could he do so many good things?¡±

    The husband and wife coaxed Jiang Qizheng away. After that, they both felt tired physically and mentally. After sitting for a long time, Qiu Yn asked, ¡°Really, we can¡¯t help at all?¡±

    Although there was no reason for this, Jiang Yashuang knew it was about Qiu Jinn. He signed, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you the truth. The Western Army is still under Kuang Shihan¡¯s control. If we can exchange a less important son of the Jiang Family for brother¡¯s safety now, no matter our grandfather or uncle, they won¡¯t hesitate.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn said nothing. This truth was more convincing than the promise that the Jiang Family would spare no effort to protect Qiu Jinn.

    The Jiang Family coveted the Western Army and had paid a lot for it. However, it was impossible to control the Western Army without Qiu Jinn. Even if Kuang Shihan died, the Western Army and the Northern Army were with equal power. Without the help of people who were the heirs of General Ruan, why should they care about the Jiang Family?

    Therefore, before the Jiang Family controlled the Western Army, they would do their best.

    But even so, Qiu Jinn was seriously injured.

    ¡°My brother¡¯s emissary has secretly contacted several former subordinates of grandfather Ruan, preparing tounch an attack.¡± Seeing that his wife was silent, Jiang Yashuang thought about it and said in a slow voice, ¡°It¡¯s just that Kuang Shihan is treacherous. Although Kuang Qingwu asked him to send some of his confidants to take part in the pursuit of our brother, he always left enough people to defend his camp. For the time being, there was no chance to do it, but it won¡¯t take long.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked calmly, ¡°How?¡±

    ¡°One of the powerful tribes in the western savages, the second-biggest tribe after the big Khan¡¯s legitimate tribe, decided to take the risk to attack themander-in-chief of the Western Army to marry the princess Asemu.¡± Jiang Yashuang was silent for a long time before he said the news.

    Qiu Yn was stunned and understood immediately. She said, ¡°That tribe really dares to take this risk? Aren¡¯t they afraid of being cheated, surrounded by the army, and ughtered in exchange for Darui¡¯s military exploits?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face was expressionless. He said, ¡°There is a way to win their trust.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn took a breath. She thought that his idea was too crazy. They should collude with the western savages to attack themselves. No matter whether Kuang Shihan was killed by the western savages or by his own mending sword, Darui¡¯s battle against the western savages would definitely be a ¡°big defeat¡±. If the western savages should take advantage of the situation to invade... The soldiers were like fire. There had been many people ying with fire but hurting themselves since ancient times.

    If the news spread, it would be more serious than the Dou Family selling weapons to the western savages. If the Empress Dowager¡¯s party got the evidence, it would be well enough to kill all of the Empress¡¯s party.

    But now Qiu Yn had no mind to think about how mean and dangerous this practice was. Her face was livid and she asked, ¡°Are they forced to this point?¡±

    Although the Jiang Family ordered the Dou Family to sell weapons to the western savages before and they were leading the collusion with the western savages, it didn¡¯t mean that the Jiang Family had a friendly attitude towards the alien races. The Jiang Family started by killing alien races. Although no one from the Jiang Family had died on the battlefield so far, many people with Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei were killed.

    Although Sir Jibei didn¡¯t die, he also suffered from the old disease of his battle life.

    The wars presided over by the Jiang Family were all against the northern barbarian tribes. When the Jiang Family sold weapons to the western savages for the purpose of attacking Empress Dowager Gu, they still controlled the scale to avoid the defeat of the Western Army and the situation that Xijiang could not be cleaned up. It could be seen the attitude of the Jiang Family towards the western savages was that even if they were used to deal with political enemies, there was still a bottom line.

    At this time, the Jiang Family colluded with the western savages. Obviously, there was no way out.

    And what was the Jiang Family¡¯s desperate situation? Naturally, Qiu Jinn¡¯ life. Qiu Jinn nearly diedst time, which made the Jiang Family choose to take risks in desperation.

    ¡°My grandfather was very worried when brother got injuredst time.¡± Indeed, Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°So he decided to end the matter with the western savages as soon as possible.¡±

    In fact, Marquess Qin was furious. He smashed his favorite inkstone. The safety of Qiu Jinn was directly rted to the point that whether the Jiang Family could get in touch with the Western Army. And that was the only chance. And this young man was an important link between the Jiang Family and Xue Chang.

    In order to ensure the safety of his journey to the west, the Jiang Family invested a lot of manpower and materials, and even many of the elite soldiers who had been cultivated for many years were sent to protect Qiu Jinn. Marquess Qin had never been so generous to children of the Jiang Family. Why did he do this? To avoid failure!

    As a result, Qiu Jinn almost died.

    When Marquess Qin received the news, he called all the people together. He didn¡¯t mention the word ¡°discussion¡± at all. He ordered to contact the western savages to kill Kuang Shihan. He said, ¡°Since Kuang Shihan is shameless and takes the elite to pursue Chunjun openly, I don¡¯t care to let him take advantage and give him a reputation of dying for this country.¡±

    After listening to Jiang Yashuang¡¯s description, Qiu Yn was silent for a long time and said, ¡°Then I have nothing to say.¡±

    The Jiang family was already carrying the risk of traitors to save Qiu Jinn. As Jiang Yashuang said, even for the safety of the Jiang Family¡¯s children, Marquess Qin would not let the family take such a risk. What else could she say?

    All people tried their best to help.

    ¡°But just like this, my brother is still very dangerous. He was injured recently and almost died. Even if he is alive now, I can imagine the situation. Kuang Shihan has been in charge of the Western Army for more than ten years. Even if Marquess Qin personally presided over the collusion with the western savages, he was in Jing City. In case it fails, I have to do something. ¡± Qiu Yn bit her lips and gradually clenched her hands in the sleeves, ¡°At the beginning, I feel that what Empress Dowager Ye did was superfluous. I didn¡¯t expect to use that so soon.¡±

    She sent Jiang Yashuang away and called Su He toe to her alone. She said, ¡°There¡¯s something that concerns our lives, and even we can¡¯t have a good reputation after death. I need you to do it.¡±

    Su He was stunned at first and then she said seriously, ¡°Mydy, please tell me. I¡¯ll never admit that it¡¯s your order.¡±

 Chapter 318 - A Crazy Change!

    <h4>Chapter 318 A Crazy Change!</h4>

    ording to the contact information that Empress Dowager Ye provided, Qiu Yn soon got in touch with Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s, or maybe the Ye Family¡¯s, even the former crown prince¡¯s only group of secret pawns left in Jing City.

    Emperor had taken the crown for more than thirty years. Even the youngest pawn was old enough to be a grandfather. Some of them already died of old age. Prince Qiyang was mentally challenged. Princess Qiyang was from the Jiang Family. County Princess was too young and didn¡¯t know much about scheming and plotting. The only person who could use them was Empress Dowager Ye who was basically locked up for thirty years. Even so, they were still willing to do her bidding. This truly showed their loyalty!

    Empress Dowager Ye gave them to Qiu Yn in exchange for her taking care of County Princess Duanrou as well as she could, ¡°This is why I insist on seeing you. I have forced the Empress to swear on Princess Yongfu¡¯s life that she wouldn¡¯t find a substitute or an eavesdrop. Curious? Unreconciled? No, no. I¡¯ve lost all hope. I really don¡¯t have time for that!¡±

    ¡°Why me? You don¡¯t trust people from the Jiang Family, yet I¡¯m also married into the Jiang Family.¡±

    ¡°Because Duanrou has told me, in the entire Jiang Family, only you and your husband fought for her marriage!¡± Empress Dowager Ye said quietly, ¡°Even though she respects all her uncles and aunts equally, when ites to her marriage, only you two who are just a few years older than her helped her! So since then, I have decided that when I¡¯m about to die, I¡¯ll give my men to you!¡±

    Qiu Yn remembered Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s meaningful look at that moment, ¡°Remember! To you two, or even just you! Not the Jiang Family!¡±

    ¡°You two are the ones who will truly think for Duanrou. Yet in the end, you still can¡¯t persuade the Empress. It¡¯s because you are too young. You don¡¯t have enough power or status. What I leave may not help you reach sess by one step, but they will be very useful!¡± Empress Dowager Ye said, ¡°When you¡¯re in a steady high position, you can better protect Duanrou!¡±

    As for reasons why her style of talking was so different from before, Empress Dowager Ye calmly exined, ¡°You have to have something to report back to the Empress!¡±

    Frankly speaking, when Qiu Yn recited the contact information Empress Dowager Ye gave her, she was very confused. She had never managed such men before.

    And following Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s request that these men shall never be given to the Jiang Family, she couldn¡¯t reveal them to Jiang Yashuang.

    She was going to ask Qiu Jinn when he came back, but it turned out that Qiu Jinn would be the first one to use these men.

    Even though she made sure that these men and Empress Dowager Ye who was still alive didn¡¯t have any reason to sell her out, she missed one thing. Because Empress Dowager Ye was still alive, when these men received her order, they sent the news to Ganli Pce and informed Empress Dowager Ye as they were making preparations.

    Empress Dowager Ye pulled herself to listen to Qiu Yn¡¯s n. She then asked some questions and immediately understood her thoughts and aims. Yet she shook her head with a smile, ¡°She¡¯s indeed young! She thought this much. Why can¡¯t she make it better?!¡±

    Empress Dowager Ye who was on the blink looked at the dim lights andughed willfully, ¡°I¡¯m about to die. I¡¯ll help you onest time. It¡¯s sad that in the end, I¡¯m still helping the Jiang Family. But in order to protect Duanrou, I¡¯ll let the Jiang Family take this one! As long as she¡¯s well¡­¡±

    Again she gave orders to her trusted servant quietly, ¡°Do it as I said!¡±

    Even the servant who had followed her for a decade was so frightened after hearing this n. Trembling with fear, he reminded Empress Dowager Ye, ¡°Your Majesty, what if that young Madame can¡¯t understand your thoughts?¡±

    ¡°Then she¡¯ll me me!¡± Empress Dowager Ye said assuredly, ¡°She pities Duanrou. She won¡¯t me it on her. Then what else should I be afraid of?! I don¡¯t even know whether I would still be alive by then!¡±

    ¡°But¡­¡±

    ¡°Just do it!¡± Empress Dowager Ye insisted, ¡°I have already failed. Now Duanrou can only count on the protection of the Jiang Family. So, the Jiang Family must win this fight between two empresses! And this Madame Qiu must win the fight within the Jiang Family!¡±

    Her dimed eyes shone brightly, ¡°Madame Qiu only has this one brother and he¡¯s very important and talented. We must keep him safe! This way, Madame Qiu will have her real brother to support her, and so her position in the Jiang Family will be more secured. This will in turn benefit their future. My Duanrou can then gain solid support!¡±

    Her trusted servant didn¡¯t dare to persuade her again. He kneeled on the ground and saluted. When he stood up, he felt his legs were still limp. He staggered out and left.

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know that her n was changed totally by Empress Dowager Ye without informing her. The problem was that not only Empress Dowager Ye drew up a new n, but this n was also just crazy!

    Two dayster, in the evening, a frightened servant ran up to Qiu Yn and told her that the tomb of General of Warrior was dug open and only one of the thieves was killed. Upon hearing the news, Qiu Yn thought she misheard or the servant misspoke, ¡°Whose tomb? My grandfather? How¡¯s that possible?!¡±

    She had arranged for someone to do this to the Kuang Family¡¯s cemetery! She asked them to leave something or pull out some grass to make it look like thieves hade by, and so it would force Kuang Shihan or Kuang Qingwu toe back to fix the tomb and investigate this crime. Kuang Shihan wouldn¡¯t be able to leave, but Kuang Qingwu could and he had to!

    It was because this was about filial duty. If he didn¡¯t carry this duty, no matter how high he would rise in the future, he wouldn¡¯t be able to clear this bad name! Even after he was dead, his sons and grandsons would be condemned by others!

    Kuang Shihan would never let such a fatal stain be on his son¡¯s record.

    Just like Kuang Qingwu¡¯s journey to Shazhou, it would not be very peaceful on his way back because Qiu Jinn was almost killed. Once Kuang Qingwu stepped outside Shazhou and missed the protection of the Western Army, Marquess Qin would definitely kill him!

    And then Kuang Qingwu would need to send many men to protect his son. Yet he needed to send out his trusted men to kill Qiu Jinn or protect Kuang Qingwu. Impossibly, he couldn¡¯t make the entire Western Army his trusted men, and so he wouldn¡¯t have enough men for Qiu Jinn. Besides, the battle with the western savages was still ongoing. Anyway, once something happened to the Kuang Family¡¯s cemetery, Qiu Jinn¡¯s pressure would be lessened greatly!

    This plot that the Jiang Family designed with the western savages targeting Kuang Shihan would be more likely to seed!

    Even though Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want to touch the cemetery of the Kuang Family, but if words got out, she would be reproved for several generations. Her own people probably wouldn¡¯t even be able to ept it, so she didn¡¯t even inform Jiang Yashuang, using Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s men secretly.

    After all, Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s men were professionals. For them, there was no moral integrity, no shame, no good or evil, no right or wrong. They were just to be loyal!

    But what was wrong? Why was it the Ruan Family¡¯s tomb? And it was General Ruan, General of Warrior, who was buried with Emperor.

    Qiu Yn had real bad feelings.

    But Empress Dowager¡¯s party felt worse. General of Warrior¡¯s tomb was dug up and the treasures inside were stolen. This was already quite serious. What was worse was that this general was buried with Emperor, which meant the Emperor¡¯s mausoleum was right next to it! No one should touch anything in Emperor¡¯s mausoleum!

    Even though the news came to Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion in the evening, at night, all the government officials went into the Pce and had an Imperial Court Assembly!

    On the Imperial Court Assembly, the general who was in charge of the protection of Emperor¡¯s mausoleum came back to Jing City to admit his error and ask for punishment. He said frightenedly that they were tracking the identity of that thief. After two hours, the result came back, which almost made Empress Dowager Gu puke blood. It was the bodyguard of Marquess Zhang¡¯s Mansion!

    ¡°Is it true?!¡± Empress Dowager Gu looked at all the government officials and tried hard to swallow the word ¡°nonsense¡± down her stomach!

    The person who went checking was not an idiot and the result was reported in front of everyone. How could it not be true? Besides, with the body here, there was no chance to deny it! She could only say, ¡°Someone! Get the housekeeper of Marquess Zhang¡¯s Mansion here! Ask him how he takes charge of Marquess Zhang¡¯s Mansion! Marquess Zhang has been stationing at the border for a decade. He never even stayed in the Marquess¡¯s Mansion after it was built! Is he acting wildly because his master is rarely in Jing City?¡±

    Empress Dowager was trying to take Kuang Shihan out of this incident. Even though the Empress¡¯s party was confused about why something so good would happen, they were more surprised. They would never let go of such a great chance!

    At the moment, Jiang Tianao stood out of the line without hesitance, ¡°Your Majesty, that¡¯s not true! General of Warrior¡¯s tomb is beside Emperor¡¯s mausoleum! There is an army guarding and the deterrence of the former Emperor frightens the thieves! Even if someone craves for the treasures, he doesn¡¯t dare toe near! Now that the tomb is dug up, is it really for the treasures? I think it¡¯s probably for vengeance!¡±

    ¡°But I think it¡¯s just for the treasures. After all, the General of Warrior raised up Marquess Zhang. The Ruan Family was a wealthy family since the establishment of our country. After years of umtion, even if the Ruan Family has seen some bitter days, they would still have some valuable things! How would Marquess Zhang not know this?¡± Zhuang Mo followed up, ¡°General of Warrior¡¯s heir, Ruan Qingyan, was a student of a very wealthy man in the south. It is said that when he came to Jing City, he had tons of money. He was a filial person. The treasures he buried with General of Warrior would be adequate!¡±

    ¡°Then Marquess Zhang is targeting those valuable things that the Ruan Family used to have?¡± Even though Jiang Tianqi didn¡¯t like to see Jiang Tianao getting all the credit, he wouldn¡¯t be so stupid and hinder him when they were fighting against others. So, he stood out and said, ¡°General of Warrior viewed him as his own son! Even if it¡¯s for vengeance, this is just too heinous! This person¡­ No, it doesn¡¯t even deserve to be a person!¡±

    When the King of Chu killed Wu Ziyu¡¯s family, Wu Ziyu wasn¡¯t able to revenge while the King of Chu was alive. He dug up the King of Chu¡¯s grave and shed the corpse, which was condemned by people until now. Let alone Kuang Shihan owed a great debt of gratitude to General Ruan!

    The Empress¡¯s party focused on the fact that General Ruan¡¯s tomb was dug and that the bodyguard of Kuang Shihan¡¯s Mansion died on the tomb. They caught Empress Dowager¡¯s party off guard!

    But even so, Empress Dowager¡¯s party was not useless. They were dazed for a while and they quickly assembled a strike back, ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous! Only one person died on the grave, yet you think they must have done it? Can¡¯t you recognize such a simple frame-up?!¡±

    ¡°A frame-up?¡± Jiang Tianao smiled coldly, ¡°Deputy Premier Tang, please don¡¯t forget that Cao Zizhong, who guards the tomb just has said that the thief was found digging General of Warrior¡¯s tomb. He then fled in fear. That bodyguard was killed on the run! Do you call that a frame-up?¡±

    ¡°If Marquess Zhang had his eyes on the belongings of General of Warrior, then why didn¡¯t he go ask the Ruan Family for them when they declined?¡± Tang Zimo rebutted coldly, ¡°Why didn¡¯t he mention it when General of Warrior was buried? Why did he send someone to dig it up now, knowing that the tomb is beside Emperor¡¯s mausoleum? If he was caught, his whole family would be punished. Yet he did it without figuring out the routine of the patrols. If Marquess Zhang was indeed this stupid, why haven¡¯t we lost Xijiang for decades?¡±

    Qiu Dian snorted and continued to rebut, ¡°Everyone knows that Marquess Zhang is close to General of Warrior. Maybe this was an inside job of the guard, yet he was caught by the bodyguard who went to pay his tribute to General of Warrior under the order of Marquess Zhang. That¡¯s why the guard killed the bodyguard and nted the evidence!¡±

    After he said that, Cao Zizhong and others who were kneeling underneath waiting for their punishment were half dead with fright. They yelled out loud that they were wronged!

    ¡°If you really were loyal to your job,¡± Qiu Dian was merciless. He widened his eyes and shouted, ¡°Then why did this bodyguard enter Emperor¡¯s mausoleum? When can a bodyguard just casually walk into Emperor¡¯s mausoleum? This shows how you do your job on normal days!¡±

    Empress Dowager¡¯s party felt revived. They nced at the Empress¡¯s party aggressively. They thought, ¡°Your frame-up was quite heartless. The heir of General Ruan was still fighting in Shazhou and his granddaughter was married into the Jiang Family, yet you dared to dig his grave! Now how are you going to deal with this w of the guards?¡±

 Chapter 319 - Choose the Right Side to Save Life in the Key Moment

    <h4>Chapter 319 Choose the Right Side to Save Life in the Key Moment</h4>

    Just when Empress Dowager¡¯s party finally had a win, Marquess Qin who was resting his eyes quietly said, ¡°Everyone knows Western Army is an elite troop. You can¡¯t me it all on the guards of the mausoleum!¡±

    Cao Zizhong and others weren¡¯t so bright. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t be sent to guard the mausoleum. But when it came to their lives and their families, people would be brighter than usual. Hearing this, they immediately admitted, ¡°Marquess Qin really knows better! The Western Army was indeed brave and strong. We¡¯re no match to its soldiers!¡±

    After he said that, the whole room burst into an uproar.

    Qiu Dian¡¯s face turned red. For a job like guarding the mausoleum, if they did well, they wouldn¡¯t get rewarded. But if idents happened, like this one, they wouldn¡¯t end well. Therefore, anyone with some connections or backgrounds would try their best to avoid this job. Those who had to do this were without either backgrounds or abilities. Even if they had abilities, they surely offended those whom they shouldn¡¯t.

    Since Cao Zizhong was in this position, he was easy to be bullied by Qiu Dian, an important member of Empress Dowager¡¯s party.

    Qiu Dian needed to clear the name of the Kuang Family and use it against the Empress¡¯s party. He didn¡¯t care about sacrificing this insignificant person. Yet Marquess Qin took the chance and coaxed Cao Zizhong into his side with one sentence!

    To survive, Cao Zizhong and others were heavily reliant upon Marquess Qin. Under the stimulus of the will to live, his ideas flowed like a river, ¡°Marquess Qin is indeed brilliant! In fact, what I just said was not true. The truth is thatst time when the Western Army escorted the Young Prince of Marquess Zhang to Jing City, they left some men behind to raid Emperor¡¯s mausoleum at night and dig the tomb of General of Warrior!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu wanted to walk down and choke him to death, ¡°How dare you! ndering Marquess beneath the gaze of so many eyes! I think you¡¯re bought off by the western savages to frame the Kuang Family and the Western Army so that you can sway soldiers fighting in the front lines! How crazy such a man is! Why couldn¡¯t we kill him to calm the anger of the public? Someone! Get him...¡±

    ¡°Why are you in such a hurry, mother?¡± Empress Jiang surely needed to appear to stop her. Sheughed coldly and interrupted Empress Dowager Gu. She nced around at the officials and spoke loudly, ¡°I think Cao Zizhong is an honest man! He¡¯s the guard of the mausoleum and takes responsibility for it. There are still some days before the day of sacrifice. If he were a treacherous man, he could just hide this incident and secretly fix the tomb. After all, when Ruan Qingyanes back, he surely won¡¯t open the tomb to check what¡¯s missing. Maybe he¡¯ll be grateful to see a new tomb!¡±

    ¡°But now he has noticed something wrong, hees back to Jing City and confesses. He¡¯s clearly an honest man and he won¡¯t lie!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu stared at Empress Jiang with anger, ¡°Then didn¡¯t he just say he had caught some thieves? Howe they turned into soldiers of the Western Army raiding the tomb? He changed his story so willfully, but you should still say he¡¯s honest!¡± Empress Dowager Gu thought, ¡°You¡¯re just shameless!¡±

    Empress Jiang wasn¡¯t afraid, ¡°We¡¯re fighting at the western border and Western Army is the main force there. Thinking about the bigger picture, Cao Zizhong had to cover up it for them, in case someone might use this to sway the army! Maybe he nned to report this when there were fewer people! Yet you wanted to execute him without getting the story straight. If anything happens to him and he¡¯s dragged down, he won¡¯t get the chance to tell the truth. This would be a huge disaster for our country! That¡¯s why he must tell us the truth! How can you say his speech is willful nonsense? This is surely to adapt to the changing circumstances!¡±

    Since the Empress started this, the Empress¡¯s party naturally followed up. They had a lively discussion, praising the honesty and loyalty of Cao Zizhong while also ndering the Kuang Family again and again. It was clear that they wanted to pin this on the Kuang Family!

    How would Empress Dowager Gu admit that? On the one hand, she used Cao Zizhong of lying and Empress Jiang of not knowing what was going on. On the other hand, she tried to let Xue Chang help her with the war against the western savages. But after a long conversation, before the two parties were about to hit each other, Xue Chang finally stood out, ¡°What we have heard alles from Cao Zizhong alone. We can send someone to the Emperor¡¯s mausoleum to investigate. We need to understand what really happened before reaching a conclusion!¡±

    He also reminded, ¡°General of Warrior was buried with the Emperor. If something happened to his tomb, what about the Emperor¡¯s mausoleum?¡±

    ¡°What Prime Minister Xue has said makes great sense!¡± Empress Dowager Gu kept a straight face and immediately asked to send someone to Emperor¡¯s mausoleum. Empress Jiang surely didn¡¯t agree to just send one person out. The key point was that people sent out couldn¡¯t belong to Empress Dowager¡¯s party only! And then after another long argument, they each picked two people. Xue Chang said that since he was the Premier, he couldn¡¯t just stand by and do nothing about such a big matter, so he rmended Cheng Jin from Hanlin Academy to go with them!

    After they finally decided on the people who went to investigate, it was alright midnight. But when the Empress¡¯s party went back to the study of Marquess Qin, they were still very energetic. Jiang Tianqi and Jiang Tiancan who had weaker willpower almost burst intoughter. Xue Chang was a great help! Once the Jiang Family received the news that General Ruan¡¯s tomb was dug, they would send someone out to set it up.

    It was even before the servants from the Pce came to call them in!

    Empress Dowager Gu received the news roughly the same time as the Jiang Family, but the Jiang Family didn¡¯t think Empress Dowager Gu could win them on this because Cao Zizhong was on their side!

    ¡°Send enough men to protect him!¡± Marquess Qin ordered, ¡°Empress Dowager will never admit that the soldiers from Western Army have entered Emperor¡¯s mausoleum to dig the tomb. We can rely on him then!¡±

    Jiang Tianao reassured him with a smile, ¡°I had someone on that before we entered the Mansion!¡±

    Jiang Tianqi loved to put a damper on him, so he immediately continued, ¡°You need to teach him what to say as well. Our stories need to match!¡±

    ¡°Yes, of course. But he could take the chance that our second uncle gave him. He surely has a quick wit.¡± Speaking of intelligence or plotting, Jiang Tianao was at the same level as Tang Zimo. They were both beneath Xue Chang, but Jiang Tianao was smarter than his cousin Jiang Tianqi. Jiang Tianao said calmly at this moment, ¡°This is about his family¡¯s lives and future. He¡¯ll care about it more than us! Please rest assured. There won¡¯t be a problem!¡±

    ¡°I hope so!¡± Jiang Tianqi failed to pick on him and actually gave him a chance to show how considerate he was. Unhappily, he turned his head away.

    Sir Jibei nced at Marquess Qin helplessly. Thetter frowned and changed his expression back to normal presently as if he didn¡¯t hear their dispute. He said slowly, ¡°Alright, back to business. Did you guys dig up the tomb of General of Warrior?¡±

    Upon hearing his question, everyone in the study looked at each other, speechlessly for a moment. And then they all shook their head, ¡°Absolutely not!¡±

    ¡°This is such a heinous move. We¡¯re all above that.¡±

    ¡°Right. We also start out as a family of martial arts. Even though we didn¡¯t really know General Ruan, we never had any grudges. Last year, we became rtives by marriage. Qiu Jinn is still using the name of Ruan Qingyan and fighting in Shazhou. How would we disturb the peace of his elders?!¡±

    The Empress¡¯s party was arrogant, but digging up someone¡¯s tomb was not just a simple matter. They would be enemies for generations! Besides, it was the tomb of their ally. Even if it was a ruse, no one would go that crazy. This would mean bing enemies of the three younger generations of the Ruan Family!

    There were only three young people in the Ruan Family. Ruan Ciyi could be ignored to some extent. But those siblings who were actually the Qiu Family¡¯s blood were ferocious. Not to mention the brother, not only did the Jiang Family value him more than their own children, but his teacher Xue Chang was also his great support! Besides, with his talent and shrewdness, as long as he survived, he would be a powerful official who would be of great importance!

    The sister was a woman, yet she could force her uncle¡¯s mother who took the title of Princess to death and didn¡¯t bury her in the family cemetery. Even her uncle and aunt had been ashamed for several days. Could she be seen as a normal woman?

    Let alone how well she was married, she was the wife of the grandson that Marquess Qin liked and valued most! She would be thedy of the house for the Northern Army! And no one didn¡¯t know that Jiang Yashuang adored her so much that he didn¡¯t even have a mistress-maid?

    As long as the Empress¡¯s party hadn¡¯t all gone crazy, they wouldn¡¯t think about touching the tomb of General Ruan! They would rather have their own fathers target the sedans or carriages of Empress Dowager¡¯s party to cause small idents than offend the tomb of General Ruan!

    Marquess Qin knew that these people wouldn¡¯t go that far. But the question was that if not them, who? It couldn¡¯t really be the thieves who craved the treasures buried with General Ruan. Firstly, these people wouldn¡¯t dare to go to Emperor¡¯s mausoleum. Secondly, that person who was killed by the guards was actually the bodyguard of Marquess Zhang¡¯s Mansion!

    The person liked to gamble. Because Kuang Shihan and his son weren¡¯t in Jing City and the Kuang Family¡¯s wives and Princess Changping all had their own mansions. There was no master in Marquess Zhang¡¯s Mansion, so the rule was quitex among servants. It was said that this person often went out to gamble for days and then came back to his duty.

    Thus, when this incident happened, Marquess Zhang¡¯s Mansion didn¡¯t know anything. They just thought he went somewhere to gamble again!

    So this definitely had something to do with the Kuang Family. It was clear that the Kuang Family was targeted!

    Marquess Qin frowned. He left this topic aside and made some arrangements about this sudden incident. Afterward, he sent everyone out except for Jiang Yashuang. He asked Jiang Yashuang seriously, ¡°Did you do this?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang almost puked blood, ¡°Grandpa, I know we can¡¯t be too soft. But I do know...¡±

    ¡°Then did your wife do it?¡± Marquess Qin calmly followed up, not in a mood to listen up.

    ¡°How¡¯s that possible?!¡± Jiang Yashuang felt unbelievable, ¡°When my father-inw died, Ningyi was still a baby! Then her brother faked his death and left. It was my mother-inw and her grandfather who took care of her. Even if she wanted to release the burden of her brother, she wouldn¡¯t be so disrespectful to her grandfather!¡±

    In fact, Marquess Qin also felt that this was not very likely. But ording to the universal rule, Qiu Yn was the most suspicious, ¡°The thief that was killed by the guard was indeed the bodyguard of Marquess Zhang¡¯s Mansion. This is clearly a set-up for the Kuang Family! Besides us, it is your wife and her brother who hold the biggest grudge against the Kuang Family. You have seen it just now. None of our people admitted to doing this. I do believe that! After all, we hold grudges against the Kuang Family because of serious business. We wouldn¡¯t go so far! But your wife and her brother have more personal grudges, which can¡¯t be easily resolved. Now that Qiu Jinn is not in Jing City and he can barely cope with what¡¯s happening in Shazhou, it won¡¯t be him. The youngdy of the Ruan Family is a normal woman. She can¡¯t do something like this, so she¡¯s been ruled out! Then, it¡¯s only your wife!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang frowned, ¡°Your spection seems possible, but did you forget that Qiu Jinn has Tianya, yet Ningyi was not involved? Even if Ningyi was involved privately, now Tianya is no longer doing business. Focusing all power in Shazhou, how could they get enough men for Ningyi to do this? Besides, with the rtionship between Ningyi and her grandfather, do you think anyone in Tianya will take this order? Even if they are taking Ningyi¡¯s order temporarily, they are basically loyal to Qiu Jinn. How dare they do such a treacherous thing without his permission? How could Ningyi get so many people to do this? No matter how weak the guards in the mausoleum are, they are an imperial army. She couldn¡¯t just find some random men to do this!¡±

    Marquess Qin fell silent for a while and said, ¡°Right. Your wife seems possible to do so, but actually she can¡¯t. Yet the reality is that the tomb is opened and one person died!¡±

    ¡°Could it be some old followers of the Ruan Family?¡± Jiang Yashuang thought for a while and said, ¡°General Ruan did run a tight ship in the army, but he also was merciful and grateful. Because of Empress Dowager Gu, no one talked about General Ruan after Kuang Shihan took the position. However, there may still be people missing him. Now seeing Qiu Jinn in Shazhou, they are worried that something might happen to him, so they made a desperate move.¡±

    Marquess Qin thought for a long time and nodded, ¡°If they don¡¯t mean any harm to us, then we¡¯ll just leave it at that. But...¡± He paused for a while, ¡°Go home and exin this to your wife properly! We don¡¯t know who did this. We can¡¯t let our guard down!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said respectfully, ¡°Yes!¡±

    But when he came back home, he didn¡¯t find his wife. Qiu Yn wasn¡¯t even at home. After she received the news, she went to the Li Family to check on Ruan Ciyi!

 Chapter 320 - Revenge! Dont Let the Kuang Family Go!

    <h4>Chapter 320 Revenge! Don¡¯t Let the Kuang Family Go!</h4>

    Ruan Ciyi passed out and then woke up, which happened repeatedly for multiple times. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know any medicine. But looking at the serious expression on the face of the doctor who was hurriedly brought here, she knew the situation was dire. Luckily, after Ruan Ciyi got divorced, Qiu Jinn kept her around and nourished her body for a couple of years. At least, she was not too weak.

    If this had happened when she just came back to Jing City, she probably wouldn¡¯t be able to survive!

    This showed the very strong feelings she had on the matter that the family cemetery was dug!

    In fact, Qiu Yn was going crazy in her mind. She didn¡¯t think about Empress Dowager Ye at first. But when she received the news on her way to the Li Family that the thief, who was killed by the guard, was a bodyguard of Marquess Zhang¡¯s Mansion, she immediately realized it was Empress Dowager Ye! If she couldn¡¯t realize it, she wouldn¡¯t survive in the Jiang Family!

    If it weren¡¯t because she still had some sense, she would storm into Ganli Pce, hold that old woman by the neck, and ask her whether she had gone crazy. Or she was too kind and trustworthy in Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s eyes. How couldn¡¯t she get mad at her great-grandson, Chu Chunxiao, after her own grandfather¡¯s grave was dug?

    ¡°She¡¯s awake!¡± The maid shouted with a shaking voice again. Hearing that, Qiu Yn immediately went in.

    Once more Ruan Ciyi slowly woke up and her face was pale like snow. She didn¡¯t care about others when she woke up. She called Qiu Yn quietly and held her wrist with shaking hands. After some struggle, she spitted out some words, ¡°Revenge! You can¡¯t let the Kuang Family go!¡± Her head tilted and then she lost consciousness again.

    Li Qianzhi was an honest and tolerant man, which Qiu Jinn verified in person. But he was still angry as his face turned green. Since Qiu Yn arrived, he was walking in circles in the yard until Jiang Yashuang came. It was about dawn, and he was still walking there. He just couldn¡¯t sit! His anger kept rising!

    As the grandson-inw of General Ruan, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s expression wasn¡¯t also very pretty, and he asked Li Qianzhi where Qiu Yn and Ruan Ciyi were. Li Qianzhi told him they were in the inner chamber, so he stopped at the front hall and sent an old maidservant in to tell them.

    After a while, Qiu Yn who just watched the doctor checking Ruan Ciyi¡¯s pulse came out, ¡°You came?¡±

    ¡°How can I note after such a huge incident?¡± Jiang Yashuang asked, ¡°How¡¯s the older sister now?¡±

    ¡°She passed out again!¡± Qiu Yn kept a dark face, ¡°The doctor said she was too sad and suggested using some sleeping medicine and not having her waken up now!¡±

    Because Jiang Yashuang came, Li Qianzhi also came into the hall to host him. Upon hearing this, he was about to walk inside, ¡°Then I¡¯ll go to check the prescription. There¡¯s some medicine that she doesn¡¯t like!¡±

    An honest man didn¡¯t mean a stupid man. He clearly knew that Jiang Yashuang came here when it was about dawn because he needed to say something to his wife. Also, he was worried about Ruan Ciyi. But since Qiu Yn came, she stayed in the inner chamber, and he couldn¡¯te in.

    ¡°I¡¯ll ask Jiang Tan to get an imperial doctor to see her!¡± Jiang Yashuang said after thinking for a while. He looked serious but relieved. He couldn¡¯t wait for the daying and rushed here because he was so worried that after Qiu Yn met Ruan Ciyi, they would cry together and both get too sad. That was what had happened to Jiang Qizheng and Qiu Yn before.

    Ruan Ciyi was already half-dead, yet Qiu Yn could still act as normal even though she didn¡¯t look so well. Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t doubt Qiu Yn¡¯s feelings for her grandfather because he knew how hard her life was in those early years. He just thought that Qiu Yn had to tough herself up because Ruan Ciyi was too weak. Thinking about this, he felt even sorrier for Qiu Yn. He didn¡¯t know what to say tofort her.

    After falling silent for a while, Jiang Yashuang tried to persuade her toe back, ¡°There are not many people here. No elders, older brothers, or older sisters. You have stood beside your sister for a whole night, yet your sister¡¯s husband couldn¡¯te in because of the taboo. When I came, I sawyers of snow on his shoulders and he didn¡¯t even realize that! Why don¡¯t you go back and let him take care of sister?¡±

    After being reminded by him, Qiu Yn suddenly realized it, ¡°I was not thinking straight! I kept brother out here for so long!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not the one to me. Such an incident happened...¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°Let¡¯s go back. You need to get some rest after such a long night!¡±

    ¡°Rest?¡± Qiu Yn was sleepy. After all, she received such shocking newsst evening, and then she watched Ruan Ciyi for a night. But what Ruan Ciyi just said reminded her. No matter what to say, the grave of General Ruan was already dug. And the Kuang Family was implicated!

    Now being angry was useless. She needed to finish her n. Who knew how long Qiu Jinn could hold on in Shazhou?

    Qiu Yn stroked her hair and said with a cold smile, ¡°Lend me some men. I need those who could do anything and are not afraid to be condemned! If you don¡¯t have such men, I¡¯ll ask Jiang Yadan. He must do!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was dazed for a while. But with his intelligence, he immediately understood, ¡°The Kuang Family?¡±

    ¡°Sister just struggled to wake up and asked me to revenge!¡± Qiu Yn was emotionless. She didn¡¯t actually think about digging the family cemetery of the Kuang Family. It was too wicked. Even though she wanted Kuang Shihan and Kuang Qingwu to die, she didn¡¯t want to go that far.

    But after what Empress Dowager Ye did and what Ruan Ciyi said, she had to do it!

    The Ruan Family was humiliated, yet she couldn¡¯t expose Empress Dowager Ye who really did it. For public and private matters, she had to target the Kuang Family. If she didn¡¯t do the same to the family cemetery of the Kuang Family, the children of the Ruan Family would never be able to hold their heads high!

    Just for Qiu Jinn, Qiu Yn could do anything!

    ¡°Since my grandfather¡¯s grave was disturbed, why can¡¯t I touch the graves of the Kuang Family that my grandfather helped to repair?¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s emotion wasplicated. She said coldly, ¡°If you find it inconvenient, then I¡¯ll have someone to pick these men from my farm.¡±

    ¡°What are you saying?¡± Jiang Yashuang was unhappy, ¡°We¡¯re a couple. I call him grandfather, too! I¡¯m not the kind who¡¯s afraid of doing things! I¡¯m worried that you didn¡¯t eat or drink anything for a whole night. How can you hold on all the way? If you get too emotional there...¡±

    Kuang Shihan¡¯s ancestral home was the capital. It was not far from Jing City. But in such cold weather, womenfolk could only take the carriage to go out. It wasn¡¯t very convenient.

    ¡°Do I have the time to wait?¡± Qiu Yn puckered and asked him with a pale face.

    In the government, Empress Dowager¡¯s party would do everything to prove that the Kuang Family was innocent. But leaving this aside, did Qiu Jinn have the time to wait?

    Qiu Yn decided to go dirty because she wanted to help Qiu Jinn. Now General Ruan¡¯s tomb was dug. If this didn¡¯t help Qiu Jinn, it would all be in vain!

    Looking at her insisting stare, Jiang Yashuang had to say, ¡°Then sit here for a while and ask the cook of the Li Family to make some soup for you to warm up. I¡¯ll go back and arrange this!¡±

    He rushed back to Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion. Besides the men, he really brought Jiang Yadan to help.

    Qiu Yn was troubled by this tomb-digging thing, yet she couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Why are you here, brother? Aren¡¯t you needed in the Pce?¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager Gu has sent many people to Emperor¡¯s mausoleum. My aunt can rest for a while now.¡± Jiang Yadan smiled cynically, ¡°Grandfather thought it had better let me help you with what you need to do, so he sent me here!¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at him speechlessly. Marquess Qin really knew how to make the best out of everyone. Jiang Yadan was not suitable for serious business, yet he excelled at dirty work.

    But Marquess Qin was too careful. Just looking at the titles and ranks, Kuang Shihan wasn¡¯t beneath Marquess Qin. Yet he was abandoned by his uncles in his early years. So when he seeded, he only suppressed his rtives and never promoted them. The Kuang family he was born of was just a normal country family. After what he did, they were probably worse!

    With this grudge here, his rtives might even want to participate in digging Kuang Shihan¡¯s family cemetery. Now Kuang Shihan and Kuang Qingwu were both in Shazhou, and the Jiang Family was so prestigious. Who would stop them from digging the grave?

    The person who would surely impede this would be the one in the Pce. Why did they need Jiang Yadan toe with them?

    When they arrived, they finally understood what Jiang Yadan came for. He went out ahead of others and gathered people of the Kuang Family around the family cemetery of the Kuang Family, no matter they were men or women, young or old. And then he started cursing, beating, kicking, and hitting these people under the pretext that Kuang Shihan and Kuang Qingwu betrayed his trust and dug the grave of his sister-inw¡¯s grandfather, who was also the foster father of Kuang Shihan, General Ruan. He also took some advantage of those young and beautiful women.

    Anyway, he went over and tortured the Kuang Family with ease. When Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn arrived, they were crying and yelling. Jiang Yashuang asked Qiu Yn to stay on the carriage and he went over to persuade Jiang Yadan. Qiu Yn immediately understood what Marquess Qin wanted to do. Jiang Yadan was here to y bad cop.

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°Brother, why are you doing this? Kuang Shihan and his son did this. Even though these people are his rtives, they are just countrymen. How could they attack the guards or disturb the former Emperor?¡±

    Jiang Yadan had been saying things like, ¡°You, reckless things! How dare you disturb Emperor¡¯s mausoleum? Are you bored of living? Then I¡¯ll help you. With such a crime, executing your whole family or selling your wives and children is just an easy punishment.¡± People of the Kuang Family were terrified by what Jiang Yadan was saying. Now hearing what Jiang Yashuang said, they were smart enough to take this chance.

    Some elders immediately walked out with others¡¯ support and kneeled on the ground, ¡°Young masters! We really didn¡¯t do it. Marquess Zhang is our rtive, but we haven¡¯t been in contact for a long time. When Marquess Zhang was in distress, we didn¡¯t treat him well because we weren¡¯t very rich either. Marquess Zhang never helped uster, let alone ask us to do things! If you don¡¯t believe me, you can have someone investigate this. Everything I have said is true!¡±

    With the elders leading on, some braver people started to talk about how awfully Kuang Shihan treated his rtives. They figured out that the Jiang Family came because of Kuang Shihan, so they specifically said what they liked to hear!

    Actually, because they had indeed been treated badly by Kuang Shihan, they didn¡¯t have any good impression of him. Of course, if the Jiang Family asked them directly, they wouldn¡¯t have said it because they were afraid of Kuang Shihan¡¯s power.

    Now the Jiang Family acted like they wanted them to pay for what Kuang Shihan and his son did. They were terrified. Kuang Shihan and his son were hard to deal with, but they weren¡¯t here. This eighth young master Jiang had a real reputation. They knew he would kill them!

    Besides, he had already stared at some unmarried girls in the crowd for some time!

    The families of these girls were especially terrified. They were very fluent in talking badly about Kuang Shihan and his son. They led on and told the truth honestly, and they started to make it more dramatic. They couldn¡¯t make Kuang Shihan and his son¡¯s images any worse. Finally, the Jiang Family thought that was enough. Jiang Yashuang then started acting and tried to persuade Jiang Yadan to stop. He then gave out rewards to the Kuang Family. They were all relieved. They felt that they had avoided a big disaster and went home, feeling fortunate.

    As for whether they would allow the Jiang Family to dig the family cemetery of Kuang Shihan for revenge, it was not known?

    As long as the Jiang Family didn¡¯t touch their family cemetery, they were totally fine with it. Some of the men who maybe had been targeted by Kuang Shihan specifically even pointed out the family cemetery of Kuang Shihan very warmly.

    Some people might say that they didn¡¯t have loyalty or dignity.

    But they thought, ¡°Stop kidding! My whole family almost died because of them! Jiang Yadan is known for disregarding human lives. If it weren¡¯t because Jiang Yashuang and his wife were sensible, my whole family, no, my whole n would die today!¡±

    ¡°And most importantly, did Kuang Shihan and his son ever do any good to us? No! They treated us awfully! Why should we take our lives to guard their family cemetery?¡±

 Chapter 321 - An Attack with Hatred Caused a Dying Struggle

    <h4>Chapter 321 An Attack with Hatred Caused a Dying Struggle</h4>

    The family cemetery of Kuang Shihan and his father was dug up and the Empress Dowager¡¯s party won¡¯t ignore such a big thing. However, the Jiang Family deliberately obstructed them, so they werete. When Princess Changping arrived with empress¡¯s decree against wind and snow, the coffin was already exposed in the sun.

    Seeing all this, Princess Changping almost got mad. She said, ¡°You people! How dare you do this? It¡¯s going tost forever, isn¡¯t it? ¡±

    To be honest, Princess Changping had no deep feelings for her husband¡¯s family, let alone her husband Kuang Qingwu. After all, her marriage was not only a political creation. Her husband, Kuang Qingwu, had ever promised a marriage with Commandery Princess Ningtai. Even if Kuang Qingwuter ruined that Commandery Princess to show his determination, no intelligent woman would trust this kind of a husband.

    Besides her feelings, she had her own position to stick to. Afterall, the princess was the daughter-inw of the Kuang Family, the wife of the first born.

    Now Kuang Shihan and his father were not in Jing City. She was the only person of this family who was in charge. How could she not be angry when she saw what happened!

    ¡°Your highness, you misunderstood our intention.¡± No one of the Jiang Family took Princess Changping¡¯s anger seriously. Jiang Yashuang was busyforting his wife and he even didn¡¯t want to reply the princess.

    Only Jiang Yadan, who nevercked the mood to talk to a beautiful girl, came up to the princess with a yful smile and said, ¡°The Kuang Family disturbed my younger sister-inw¡¯s grandfather, and then why can¡¯t my younger sister-inw take revenge on them to show her filial piety? You are being unreasonable!¡±

    Princess Changping screamed, ¡°Things have not been found out clearly. How can you be sure that it was my father-inw and my husband who did that? Now the war in Xijiang is very intense and the country relies on my father-inw to resist the invasion of the western savages. Do you want to destroy the defense by doing this?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be kidding, Your Highness!¡± Jiang Yadan looked at her from head to toe for a while, his eyes especially settling on her chest. He smiled and said, ¡°The defender of the State is my grandfather. Kuang Shihan was not qualified for this title. And how did the war with the western savages start? Do you think all the officials of the court are dead? ¡±

    Hearing this, Princess Changping¡¯s heart sank. She was not surprised that Jiang Yadan knew that the war with the western savages was deliberately initiated by Kuang Shihan to pave the way for her son. But Jiang Yadan said this directly! It meant clearly that they would not pretend to be friendly.

    ¡°Why is the Jiang Family so determined that Qiu Jinn, who is only in his early twenties, can keep the war in the west under control?¡± No matter how small the war was, it was a war indeed. And the western savages were such a fierce race. They even had made up their minds about the rich Darui for a long time.

    Although the scale of the war was small now, it was because the western savages did not see enough benefits.

    If they found an opportunity, Xijiang would fall into an all-out war at any time. After all, the nomadic people were all soldiers and they were all cavalry. In the term of the time needed to prepare for war, they were rather faster than Darui.

    Of course, it was a good time to invade Darui when the family cemetery of Kuang Shihan, themander of the Western Army, was dug up.

    What Jiang Yadan said and did meant that he didn¡¯t take Kuang Shihan and his father seriously and also the war in Xijiang. Princess Changping couldn¡¯t imagine why the Jiang Family was so confident.

    ¡°If it¡¯s impossible to rely on Qiu Jinn, then it is the old part of the Jiang Family.¡± Like Jiang Yashuang, the princess sent the suspicion of digging up the grave of General Ruan to the old part of the Ruan Family. ¡°These people are sure to defend the invasion of the western savages and take advantage of the opportunity. How many of them are there? What are their positions? Although Kuang Shihan seems to be in a high position these years, has his power already been overhead? Otherwise, how dare those people dig Kuang¡¯s family cemetery at this time? ¡±

    Princess Changping was frightened at the thought that these people should be able to give up General Ruan¡¯s grave to realize their purpose.

    It was just not the time to be scared. As the daughter-inw of the first born of the Kuang Family, how could she make peace with the Jiang Family after the family cemetery was insulted so much.

    ¡°Empress¡¯s decree!¡± The princess¡¯s stern voice rang out, which suppressed the wind and snow for a moment.

    It was just that Princess Changping relied on Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s decree to force the Jiang Family to make amends, restore the tombs to the original state, and then return to Jing City to get the punishment. Of course, the Jiang Family couldn¡¯t agree. Not long after the deadlock between the two families, the Empress¡¯ party¡¯s support also arrived. ¡°Her Majesty¡¯s decree!¡±

    In this way, there were decrees and bodyguards on both sides. However, Princess Changping came here alone in a hurry. She thought that most of the losses would be her own. So she had no choice but to ept Jiang Yashuang¡¯s suggestion to settle this in Jing City.

    The reason why Jiang Yashuang was willing to deal with this was that he worried about the health condition of Qiu Yn.

    After returning to Jing City, he apanied his wife back to Marquess¡¯s Mansion. As for the fight with Princess Changping, there was Jiang Yadan.

    Qiu Yn was really tired after all these things. She went back to the room and fell asleep.

    She woke up after a day and night¡¯s sleep. Su He, who was at the bedside, had blood in her eyes. However, when seeing her wake up, she was very excited. She waited on her to clean up and called for Chen Shui to carry cubilose for Qiu Yn to eat at the same time.

    Before Qiu Yn ate up, Su He happily told her, ¡°Youngdy, the murderer of your Majesty has been found! Guess who? ¡±

    ¡°Is it from Empress Dowager Gu?¡± Qiu Yn asked.

    Su He immediately tooted her mouth and said, ¡°It¡¯s so boring that you hit the mark when you guess.¡± When she said that she was trampled on by Chen Shui, and then she remembered that General Ruan¡¯s grave was dug two days ago. Even if it was good news, she shouldn¡¯t have acted so relieved.

    She then said seriously, ¡°It was Your Highness Prince of Zhou.¡±

    ¡°Son kills father? Interesting. What¡¯s going on? ¡± Qiu Yn knew that Xue Chang would absolutely not give up this chance to frame Empress Dowager Gu, when the two empresses left this matter to the three premiers.

    After all, Xue Chang himself could join hands with Jiang Tianao to win Tang Zimo, and the whole Empress¡¯ party was on his side. If he couldn¡¯t frame Empress Dowager Gu, it would be a big failure for him to be the leader of the neutral party for so many years.

    But Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know what Xue chang would do. Now she heard that he chose Prince of Zhou, so she asked Su He to be more detailed.

    ¡°It is said that His Royal Highness Prince of Zhou has been dissatisfied with His Majesty¡¯s intention to appoint the seventh prince as the crown prince!¡± A clear voice came from outside the door. Su He and Chen Shui quickly got up and greeted ¡°Young Master.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was a little tired. He waved his hands to make them leave and sat on the side of the bed. He touched Qiu Yn¡¯s head and stopped worrying. He asked, ¡± How do you feel now?¡±

    ¡°Good. Did I have a fever at that time?¡± Qiu Yn asked surprisedly.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m just worried that you¡¯re too tired to know when you¡¯re sick.¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°Eat some cubilose or it will get cold.¡±

    Qiu Yn scooped a silver spoon to her lips and urged: ¡°Why did Prince of Zhou murder Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°He not only nned to kill His Majesty, but also wanted to be the next emperor. For example, he imitated the predecessors to put the treasure of the world into the fish belly and got it for Prince of Zhou in the public eyes, and some of his men thought that a rare pearl of the night was good in the things that Grandpa Ruan was buried with.¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled softly and said, ¡°Princess Zhou and Princess Changping have always been good friends. Princess Changping is the daughter-inw of the Kuang Family. This is the whole story. Prime Minister Xue has already done this as a clear case.¡±

    ¡°So what about Empress Dowager Gu now?¡± Qiu Yn ate the cubilose and asked with a little frown.

    Jiang Yashuang stroked her long hair on her shoulder and said, ¡°It¡¯s just a dying struggle.¡±

    Xue Chang waited and bore for such a long time tounch an attack. How could he give Empress Dowager Gu any chance to make aeback?

    In fact, both Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang suspected that Prince of Zhou was not the scapegoat Xue Chang had originally prepared. Because of the fact that the tomb of General Ruan was dug, Xue Chang chose him as the breakthrough to take the two affairs together.

    Now, Prince of Zhou wanted to murder the emperor with aims to be the next emperor; the Kuang Family dug the grave to help him. That meant the Kuang Family not only dug up the tomb of his foster father, but also participated in the murder of Emperor.

    Now any Darui people could kill the two in the Kuang Family and got a reward from the imperial court. The premise was that they didn¡¯t run to the wrong ce or the Empress Dowager¡¯s party.

    But it was not enough just to have a big name. Qiu Yn said seriously, ¡°How about Shazhou?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a few days. The news hasn¡¯t been delivered. ording to thetest news over there, brother is safe.¡± Jiang Yashuang frowned at this and said, ¡°But the eighteenth brother-inw...¡±

    ¡°What happened to him?¡± The most important thing for Qiu Yn at present was the safety of Qiu Jinn, but she also concerned about the safety of Qiu Feng. Hearing something wrong from Jiang Yashuang¡¯s tone, she asked immediately.

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face was not very good. He said, ¡°Jiang Qizheng said that she had received the news from brother¡¯s subordinates. In order to rescue him, they cheated Jiang Qizheng and went to Shazhou. But this morning, my men sent a message saying that after chasing for these days, there was no trace of Qiu Feng¡¯s westward journey. I suspect he went to the south!¡±

    Qiu Yn was astonished and asked, ¡°Howe?¡±

    ¡°And when I heard the news, I went to Ruan¡¯s Mansion and asked Mr. Ruan.¡± Jiang Yashuang frowned. ¡°Mr. Ruan was shocked when he heard that. He convened his men in front of me and finally confirmed that no one had ever gone to see the eighteenth brother-inw.¡±

    He pondered, ¡°I didn¡¯t see Mr. Ruan too often, but I didn¡¯t think he was lying to me. Apart from other things, when brother was in Jing City, he had a close rtionship with Jiang Qizheng and helped a lot. However, when he went west, Qiu Feng asked to go with him, but he was refused. In this case, how could brother let his subordinates go to Qiu Feng for help?¡±

    He hid a word because he knew that Qiu Yn and Qiu Feng were old friends. Although Qiu Feng was a great swordsman in the world and his martial arts were really very good, considering the situation in Shazhou, it wouldn¡¯t work if he went there alone.

    But it might knock him back. After all, he was the son-inw of the Jiang Family. Therefore, he would be a distraction for protecting Qiu Jinn.

    This was not to belittle Qiu Feng. The war in Shazhou was not about the force of one or two people. In the final analysis, it was about intelligence and nning.

    Qiu Feng was not stupid, but his character was not suitable for schemes.

    Qiu Yn thought about his words for a long time and murmured, ¡°What does he mean?¡±

    She knew more about Qiu Feng than Jiang Yashuang. Now Jiang Yashuang reminded that Qiu Feng didn¡¯t go to the west, but to the South. Although Qiu Feng always followed Qiu Jinn before, he didn¡¯t like him. Qiu Yn still didn¡¯t know how Qiu Jinn keep Qiu Feng around him, but Qiu Feng would not worry about Qiu Jinn¡¯s life and death this much, unless Qiu Jinn left something behind to limit Qiu Feng.

    Emotionally, Qiu Feng wouldn¡¯t cheat his wife to help Qiu Jinn because he was in danger.

    In addition, Qiu Feng going to Shazhou might be a distraction. And it didn¡¯t need a profound mind to figure this out. Qiu Yn thought Qiu Feng could understand this without anyone¡¯s persuasion or reminding and Qiu Feng knew the big picture. Even if he really wanted to help Qiu Jinn, how could he make such amon-sense mistake?

    But it was impossible that he deliberately harmed Qiu Jinn. This man was aboveboard and disdained to conspire.

    Thinking about it carefully, she assured herself that it was impossible for Qiu Feng to go to the West.

    ¡°Does he really want to avoid Jiang Qizheng?¡± Qiu Yn suspected and bit her lips. She knew that before Qiu Feng got married, he tried to avoid Jiang Qizheng. The reason was that he didn¡¯t know how to get along with the princess wife and the gap of the growing environment of the two made Qiu Feng ufortable about his marriage life.

    ¡°But is it necessary to lie, mislead and leave?¡± Qiu Yn sighed and leaned on her husband¡¯s shoulder, and then she said, ¡°Qiu Feng, why do you be so bad after you get married?¡±

 Chapter 322 - You Dont Trust Me, And I Dont Trust You Either.

    <h4>Chapter 322 You Don¡¯t Trust Me, And I Don¡¯t Trust You Either.</h4>

    When Qiu Yn and her husband racked their brains to think about what Qiu Feng was thinking about, in the Imperial City, Ganli Pce...

    Suddenly, the door of the hall opened, as the wind rolled snow in, blowing the curtain away and showing the deepest luxuriant tent.

    Empress Dowager Ye opened her eyes and was not surprised to see that Maid Lin came in slowly with an ebonycquer te. She said, ¡°It¡¯s time for you to put a stop to your life.¡±

    ¡°Finally, will it end?¡± Empress Dowager Ye patted the hand of the only old pcedy beside her. Unlike the old pcedy with a pale face, the Empress Dowager was very calm at the moment. She motioned the old pcedy to help her sit up. She took the poisoned wine from the te held high by Maid Lin who knelt down to her and looked at it. She was ready to drink it without hesitation. But when her lips touched the wine, she suddenly stopped and smiled at Maid Lin who was frowning, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve long wanted to be free. I won¡¯t toss you.¡±

    Maid Lin thought that you¡¯d better do this. Otherwise, she would call the bodyguards in and let them force you to drink. It would be embarrassing and some bodyguards trained by the Jiang Family might be killed in consequence. It was really a waste.

    She didn¡¯t want to have more idents, so she asked respectfully, ¡°What else can I do for you, madam? Don¡¯t worry, County Princess Duanrou doesn¡¯t know anything. Her Majesty will still regard her as her daughter.¡±

    This was not only to reassure Empress Dowager Ye, but also to remind her that your daughter¡¯s good life in the future depends on the Jiang Family. Now the Jiang Family wanted you to die, didn¡¯t you dare to live?

    Empress Dowager Ye looked at her for a while and said, ¡°I just want to ask you a question. After the grave of General Ruan was dug up... Did the Jiang Family ever seize the opportunity to kick Gu bitch¡¯s ass?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Maid Lin was greatly shocked and immediately stood up, and even the ebonycquer te fell on the thick felt. She raised her hand and knocked the poisoned wine flying, shouting to the guard. ¡°You must keep her under control. I have something important to tell Her Majesty.¡±

    Since Empress Dowager Ye failed to murder Emperor, Empress Jiang ordered that anything happened in the outside world shall not be known by her, especially the matter that the tomb of General Ruan was dug up. For now, no one had ever visited Empress Dowager Ye.

    After a long time, Empress Jiang, with a solemn look, arrived in person and waved back the bodyguard. She stared at Empress Dowager Ye with bright eyes and said, ¡°It was you? How did you do that?¡±

    ¡°I only have a few loyal people in my hand. Will I tell you?¡± Empress Dowager Ye looked at her indifferently and sneered, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. It¡¯s been years since I was punished. If those people really could do anything, they would have done it long ago. Can they still wait until today? Moreover, what happened to the tomb of General Ruan was made for your family. You know I have nothing to ask for, just hope Duanrou can live a better life and suffer less grievances!¡±

    Empress Jiang¡¯s chest heaved violently and said, ¡°Do you think we can rest assured if you say so?¡±

    Empress Dowager Ye said with a smile, ¡°What if you don¡¯t feel at ease? I am going to die anyway.¡±

    ¡°Duanrou.¡± Empress Jiang looked at her coldly and said, ¡°Do you really think I can¡¯t do it?¡±

    ¡°I will not tell you because of her!¡± Empress Dowager Ye did not give in and looked at her. ¡°Duanrou doesn¡¯t know anything. The people and things about me have nothing to do with her! So, keep her and be kind to her. There is nothing in the way of you! Of course, it¡¯s not difficult for you to pain her and kill her... You don¡¯t know what I can do. So maybe you are afraid of me and keep Duanrou safe. If you know, her safety will be under your control. You don¡¯t trust me and I don¡¯t trust you, either.¡±

    Even the unreasonable Empress Jiang, at this moment, couldn¡¯t say a word and then she said, ¡°Well, we will talk about thister. How did you think of doing this? Did Qiu Yn offend you that day or something else?¡±

    ¡°That youngdy is virtuous. In order to set me up, she did not hesitate to tell her life experience in an attempt to arouse the sympathy of me.¡± Empress Dowager Ye sneered, ¡°It¡¯s just... She¡¯s young after all. Does she think that I am so easy to be sympathized so that I can say everything? ¡±

    Empress Jiang frowned and said, ¡°And then?¡±

    ¡°I was very impatient to hear that and wanted to send her away!¡± Empress Dowager Ye yawnedzily, ¡°but she probably misunderstood that my unhappy face was because she thought her experience was just like this. And so she told the story that General Ruan was avenged by Kuang Shihan. I heard that and found that this was a ready-made opportunity to atone for my exploits and give a hand to your Jiang Family.¡±

    ¡°So, I sent people to catch a man who had a lot to do with the Kuang Family. They dragged him to the grave of General Ruan, dug up the grave and cut him to death there.¡±

    Empress Dowager Ye looked at Empress Jiang with a smile and said, ¡°How about it? This is a great help to you, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Empress Jiang was always been domineering and arrogant and her love for her niece-inw was far less than her love for her nephew. But at the moment, she also felt a heavy sense of guilt for Qiu Yn, ¡°Damn it! This old woman has been dormant for decades. Once she did something, she almost killed Emperor and dug the grave. How can I exin to the Jiang Yashuang couples? ¡±

    If it were just Qiu Yn who was wronged and even got hurt, Empress Jiang wouldn¡¯t feel anything. She would think nothing but that she was the daughter-inw of the Jiang Family, it was her duty to make some sacrifices for the Jiang Family.

    But now this sacrifice was the tomb of the elders. Was there a bigger hatred or a bigger shame than this?

    Empress Jiang imagined the reaction of the niece-inw, who was not very good tempered in her impression, after she knew the truth. She felt embarrassed and said, ¡°At that time, Jiang Yashuang was very opposed to let here to see this old woman! But I was eager to ask questions. I was coerced by the old woman and thus swore by Yongfu. I didn¡¯t dare to vite my promise. And so I called Qiu Yn toe without telling Jiang Yashuang. Now if Qiu Yn knew the truth, I don¡¯t know what would happen. I¡¯m sure Jiang Yashuang will me me.¡±

    Empress was not afraid of Jiang Yashuang, but she was with him since his childhood. He was the one she attached the most importance to. However, if they med each other because of Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s trap, it would not be worthy.

    However, she couldn¡¯t refute what Empress Dowager Ye said. The tomb of General Ruan was dug and the Jiang Family would be the biggest beneficiary of this.

    With Xue Chang¡¯s right assists, it was aplete sess.

    ¡°It¡¯s true that Gu has fallen into a bad situation, but it¡¯s still a few days before her reputation is ruined!¡± Empress Jiang thought for a long time. The more she thought about it, the more she felt angry and hated. Finally, she brushed her sleeve and gritted her teeth. She said, ¡°You want to know this, right? I have already told you, are you ready to die? ¡±

    She knew that Empress Dowager Ye deliberately revealed the truth of the excavation of the tomb of General Ruan before drinking poison and wine. She just wanted to see Gu¡¯s fall before she died.

    However, Empress Jiang didn¡¯t give her the chance.

    You vited my order, and so you wouldn¡¯t get what you want.

    Looking at Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s regretful drinking of the poisoned wine, Empress Jiang finally felt that her hatred was relived, but then this gave her a headache...

    Empress Jiang had no face to talk to Qiu Yn or even Jiang Yashuang. She had to send someone to call Marquess Qin to Beique Hall. She held back all servants and told the whole story in shame. She asked Marquess Qin to help her.

    After hearing this, Marquess Qin¡¯s face turned ck and asked, ¡°Is Empress Dowager Ye dead now?¡±

    ¡°The old woman is so insidious! I have made her dead.¡± Mentioning Empress Dowager Ye, Empress Jiang still felt angry and said, ¡°After doing such a thing, she still wants to see Gu fall in person...¡±

    ¡°Stupid!¡± The courteous Marquess Qin rarely lost his manners. He not only scolded the Empress, her daughter, but also pped his hands on the tea set and nearly threw them down. He knew it for a long time that her daughter was not as smart as outsiders thought, but he did not expect that she would be so stupid. ¡°How can you kill Empress Dowager Ye since you are worried that Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn will me you because of her?¡±

    Marquess Qin didn¡¯t understand why Empress Jiang couldn¡¯t figure out such a simple truth. He asked, ¡°If you leave Empress Dowager Ye for them to deal with, how much do you think they can me you?¡±

    In the final analysis, Empress Dowager Ye was the mastermind and nner of digging the grave of General Ruan. With her, Jiang Yashuang and his wife, Qiu Jinn, Ruan Ciyi and his wife, as well as those old soldiers in Western Army, would only me her.

    In this way, Empress Jiang would have nothing to do with this.

    But what did Empress Jiang do? She killed Empress Dowager Ye in anger.

    Now, without Empress Dowager Ye as the first target of hatred, the younger generation of General Ruan and his old subordinates would turn their hatred to the next one. Empress Jiang who disobeyed Jiang Yashuang¡¯s request, sent Qiu Yn to see Empress Dowager Ye, and consequently led to all this would be the second target of hatred.

    Marquess Qin could imagine that if these people knew the whole story, they would even suspect that the Jiang Family was the leader. Empress dowager Ye was not only a scapegoat, but also killed by Empress Jiang.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know that you are so stupid that you can¡¯t be taught! Over the years, our family has been at its best, so you don¡¯t need to be too smart. As long as you are rude, you can be domineering in this pce. You are used to following your own mind when things happen.¡±

    Since Empress Jiang got married, it was the first time that she heard such strict words from Marquess Qin. The dignity of the empress made her instinctively want to maintain her own dignity, and so she said, ¡°Father, now it¡¯s useless to say these. She is dead. The key is to deal with the aftermath.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of dealing with the aftermath?¡± Marquess Qin sneered, ¡°This can¡¯t be spread out. You can¡¯t even tell Qiu Yn. Otherwise, it is not important that she hates you and so does Qiu Jinn. But that the Western Army hates you is the big problem.¡±

    That the Jiang Family took control of the Western Army depended on people in the Western Army who respected General Ruan.

    If they suspected that the Jiang Family has dug up the grave of General Ruan, it could be imagined that the current investment of the Jiang Family wouldpletely be wasted. And no one would remember contributions of the Jiang Family.

    Hearing these words of Marquess Qin, Empress Jiang felt that she had caused a lot of trouble. She bit her lip and said, ¡°Father, I will listen to your decisions!¡±

    ¡°Treat Duanrou well in the future and never hurt her again!¡± Marquess Qin said coldly, ¡°Don¡¯t mention her marriage to Xiao Su.¡±

    Empress Jiang was surprised and asked, ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Marquess Qin looked at his daughter without expression. He didn¡¯t know whether he should be angry or p her on the face. He answered, ¡°Don¡¯t you forgot that Empress Dowager Ye didn¡¯t disclose the person she sent to dig the grave until she died?

    If these people could dig the grave, why couldn¡¯t they spread the news that the Jiang Family was the real nner?

    ¡°...¡± Empress Jiang¡¯s face turned red all of a sudden. She would have thought of this. Today, after she heard her father¡¯s words, her mind was in a mess, which led to her negligence.

    Seeing that the Empress was silent, Marquess Qin said with a gloomy face, ¡°Qiu Yn has been wronged too much this time. Even if Jiang Yashuang doesn¡¯t tell her, we should have a clear idea... Don¡¯t talk about adding new wife to Jiang Yashuang anymore. Treat her better andpensate her! After all, the reason why Empress Dowager Ye had this idea was that Qiu Yn wanted to help our family so much that Empress Dowager Ye seized the opportunity.¡±

    Those people of Empress Dowager Ye were hidden so well that they couldn¡¯t find out and kill thempletely. So Marquess Qin thought that it might be possible to be exposed because of idents in the future. In this case, he had to be very kind to Qiu Yn and Qiu Jinn.

    So as to avoid letting it out one day, which could lead the Ruan Family¡¯s people to regard the Jiang Family as one of their enemies forever, they had to do that. If it happened, there would be no mediators at that time. They should be very friendly to Qiu Yn and Qiu Jinn, and Ruan Ciyi and his wife, at least before the Jiang Family took full control of the Western Army.

 Chapter 323 - Someone Must Be Responsible for It.

    <h4>Chapter 323 Someone Must Be Responsible for It.</h4>

    For an elder, treating young people well was nothing more than rewarding and praising them for being good.

    Compared with Qiu Yn¡¯s dowry, Empress and Marquess Qin could hardly give a gift for her kindness because of which she would be grateful to them.

    After all, both the Ruan Family and the Qiu Family got rich in the same period as Darui Royal Family.

    Qiu Jinn was also very good to his young sister for fear that she hardly had so many things, and most crucially, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t love property and treasures at all.

    If they wanted topliment her on her obedience... However, Qiu Yn hid in the room these two days, giving the excuse that she needed to rest because of the extreme anger in her heart, so as to avoid going to help the third branch check the ounts.

    As the elders, they couldn¡¯t get into her inner room, let alone praise her. Even if they could really ignore their own identities and authorities, they still had to think about whether this obvious ttery would arouse her suspicion or not.

    So this kind of care could only be expressed through Jiang Yashuang and they should also make it clear to him.

    However, after hearing this, Jiang Yashuang went crazy immediately, ¡± At the beginning, I told you not to let Ningyi go. Grandfather, you and my aunt promised. But you...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s no use talking about it now!¡± Marquess Qin calmly copied Empress Jiang¡¯s previous lines, ¡°Fortunately, Empress Dowager Ye is dead and this is also med on the Kuang Family. You¡¯d better think about how to settle this.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sneered, ¡°Outsiders think the Kuang Family did this, but actually they didn¡¯t. Don¡¯t we know it? Do you think Ningyi won¡¯t know this? ¡±

    ¡°In a word, we can¡¯t make Qiu Jinn and her, as well as the old subordinates of the Ruan Family, be suspicious of us.¡± Marquess Qin frowned and said, ¡°But now we are actually the most suspicious one, and once Qiu Jinn rebels, you know the consequences.¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager Ye has gone. How could you stop my brother suspecting us?¡± Jiang Yashuang thought about it and knew that his aunt had made a big mistake. Sandwiched between the family interests and the guilt for his wife and brother-inw, he just felt that he had never been so angry. Gritting his teeth, he said, ¡°I can¡¯t help it! Grandfather, please make decisions with my aunt. ¡±

    Marquess Qin and Empress Jiang were always the elders he sincerely respected, but at this moment Jiang Yashuang had the feeling of ¡°how could I have such elders¡±. He was in a disturbed state of mind. ¡°How can I put an end to it when you have killed her? The dead cannot give witness. If you don¡¯t want the evidence, that will be good, but you just need it to prove your innocence, and then her death meant that you take all the matter on yourselves.¡±

    After all, if someone wanted to know who did this, he or she wouldn¡¯t make a mistake by finding out who would get the most benefit after the event.

    Therefore, after the grave of General Ruan was dug up, the Empress¡¯ party benefited the most, which of course made them be the prime suspect.

    Jiang Yashuang thought that his brother-inw was intelligent and had a very suspicious mind, and it would be basically impossible to make him believe that this had nothing to do with the Jiang Family without Empress Dowager Ye. Because it was not a matter of difficulty.

    Marquess Qin didn¡¯t take his refusal seriously. He said lightly, ¡°If Qiu Jinn turned against our family and your wife helped her brother, what would you do? Would you help your wife and break up with us, or continue to be my good grandson and kill your wife?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Jiang Yashuang suddenly lost his words. No matter what others thought of the Jiang Family and no matter how many immoral things the Jiang family had done, he was always the most valued and beloved one in the Jiang Family and was also the most unqualified one to dislike and betray the Jiang Family.

    Even if Qiu Yn¡¯s position in his mind couldn¡¯t be reced, he couldn¡¯t kill his rtives and rebel against his parents. Jiang Yashuang felt that he would rather stab himself if it came to this.

    ¡°So we mustn¡¯t let them know the truth.¡± Marquess Qin said calmly, ¡°Your wife and her brother are smart, but smart people think too much, especially that Empress Dowager Ye has been sheltered by our family these years. Even if she was still alive, it would also be difficult to exin.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang stayed silent for a long time. He said, ¡°Someone muste out to take this responsibility.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s like the usation of the Kuang Family now. People who know the inside story can see at a nce that they have been framed.¡± When Marquess Qin called him, he had thought about it, ¡°As soon as this happened, we are the biggest beneficiary. So why can¡¯t it be that we are framed? You know we are truly innocent this time.¡±

    ¡°First of all, it can¡¯t be the Gu Family.¡± Jiang Yashuang was upset in his heart, but he had to restrain it and follow the ideas of Marquess Qin to deal with the aftermath. After all, he really didn¡¯t want to see the fierce conflict between his wife¡¯s family and his own family.

    ¡°The Gu Family has been almost defeated. Although Prime Minister Xue framed Prince of Zhou for His Majesty¡¯s poisoning, he gave the reason why Prince of Zhou wanted to kill His Majesty. It is because that His Majesty prefers the Seventh Prince to be the Crown Prince, which is to pave the way for us.¡± He said with no expression on his face, ¡°The reason for the failure of the Gu Family is that the tomb of grandfather Ruan was dug up, and so it can¡¯t be them.¡±

    ¡°It can¡¯t be other people of the Empress Dowager¡¯s party, too. Their performance in the matter of the excavation of grandfather Ruan¡¯s tomb definitely showed that they didn¡¯t know¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager Ye, the real nner, has been dead.¡±

    ¡°It needs not only courage, but also ability and power to dig grandfather Ruan¡¯s tomb and frame us. Of course, we need more reasons.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked at his grandfather and said, ¡°I can¡¯t think of anyone else who can be the scapegoat except the Dou Family. The premise is that my brother believes that the Dou Family is capable of doing this.¡±

    Marquess Qin pondered and then said, ¡°He should believe it. First of all, the Dou Family is your Aunt Yang¡¯s family. Over these years, they have always been the best in daughters-inws of our family. If they could connect with the western savages, it wouldn¡¯t be difficult to bribe a few people from the Emperor¡¯s mausoleum.¡±

    The Imperial Guard of the Emperor¡¯s mausoleum was respected by no one. Before the copse of the Dou Family, if a person in charge had the least amount of power in the mansion, he was worth Cao Zizhong¡¯s ttery.

    Here was a reason for tomb diggers to sneak into the Emperor¡¯s mausoleum.

    ¡°Second, the fact that the Dou Family came to such a tragic end was because they were the scapegoat of our family. I think your wife should have known it for a long time. So they have reason to take revenge on our family.¡±

    ¡°Third, our family is now prestigious. It¡¯s just an arrogant fantasy for the Dou family to think of other ways to retaliate and only tricks like instigation can work.¡±

    Hearing this, Jiang Yashuang reminded, ¡°If it were the Dou Family, why didn¡¯t they just gang up with Empress Dowager Gu? In this way, when the news came, Empress Dowager Gu would not be caught unprepared, be framed from the beginning, and consequently be defeated step by step.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know, or don¡¯t you notice?¡± Marquess Qin didn¡¯t think so. ¡°The men of the Dou Family were all killed before the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve and the women were sent to the Jiaofang, an institution to train musicians and singers. Empress Dowager Gu knew that your Aunt Yang and sister-inw would keep pleading for them. Just because something big happened at the banquet on Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve, they didn¡¯t have the chance to say that. So in the first lunar month, young men of Gu, Tang, Qiu, Yin and other families rushed to Jiaofang to...¡±

    Marquess Qin didn¡¯t care much about young men¡¯s sex with prostitutes, as long as they didn¡¯t indulge in it. But as an elder, it was improper for him to say it out when talking about business.

    Although he didn¡¯t finish uttering them, Jiang Yashuang could still know what he meant. Women of the Dou Family were teased, humiliated, or even tortured by the Empress Dowager¡¯s party after they were sent to Jiaofang.

    Therefore, even if the Dou Family wanted to revenge on the Jiang Family, they would not join hands with Empress Dowager Gu.

    In this way, they found out the way to deal with the aftermath. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know the painstaking efforts of the grandfather and grandchildren. She was now worried about the death of Empress Dowager Ye, ¡°Jiang Yashuang told me that they would let her live on her own. Last time I saw her, she was not far away from death, but she could stillst for a few months. How could she die suddenly? Especially now...¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu was about to fall. Even if Empress Dowager Ye was near death, she should live until Empress Dowager Gu waspletely defeated. Only when she saw that could she die without regret.

    But She was dead!

    ¡°If it was the Jiang Family, why?¡± She didn¡¯t know that after Empress Jiang coaxed her nephew, she continued to let Empress Dowager Ye die as soon as possible ording to her n. She didn¡¯t intend to tolerate Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s life at all. When Empress Dowager Ye ordered her men to dig General Ruan¡¯s grave, she made up her mind to take advantage of her decaying body to pave the way for Qiu Yn. Before she died, she fooled Empress Jiang, which made Qiu Yn feel guilty at the moment. ¡°Have they found out what Empress Dowager Ye did? Will they suspect me? God, don¡¯t doubt that it was I who wanted to dig up the Ruan Family¡¯s tomb... If so, how could I live in the Jiang Family in the future? How could I exin to my brother when he came back?¡±

    Others didn¡¯t know what she was thinking. Looking at her worried face, they only said that it was because of the bad experience of General Ruan. They went in and out gently and all people in the yard were cautious.

    Until Zhuang Man, Xin Fubing and Ou Qinn, the three youngdies dressing up nice and pretty, came, their caution was alleviated.

    They came tofort Qiu Yn because of what happened to General Ruan¡¯s tomb.

    However, thest thing Qiu Yn wanted to hear at the moment was someone mentioning it, so as soon as they came, she took the initiative to ask questions and didn¡¯t give them a chance to say anyforting words.

    Zhuang Man and others realized that, so they had to follow her meaning and discuss all kinds of family topics, which seemed to be amon visit.

    In the middle, Ou Qinn was about to talk for several times. Qiu Yn was just pretending. She knew that Ou Qinn wanted to ask her about Qiu Jinn. To be honest, Qiu Yn always didn¡¯t agree with Ou Qinn on being her sister-inw, because Qiu Jinn¡¯s attitude towards Ou Qinn remained lukewarm. He had clearly said that he was not interested in Ou Qinn and didn¡¯t want to be entangled by her.

    Looking back at women who had close contact with Qiu Jinn in the past like Hua Shenshen and Peni Yue, they were charming, elegant, and obedient to Qiu Jinn.

    Even so, Qiu Jinn abandoned them when he didn¡¯t like them at all.

    Qiu Yn thought that with her brother¡¯s desire for control and the feudal style, Ou Qinn, who looked beautiful, fierce, and passionate, might not be his type.

    But after experiencing these frightening days, Ou Qinn¡¯s sincere concern also made Qiu Yn feel warm, so she asked, ¡°Xing, what do you want to say?¡± This was the first time that she called Ou Qinn¡¯s nickname ¡°Xing¡±, which could be regarded as showing goodwill.

    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m thinking about your brother.¡± Ou Qinn was surprised and ttered, but Zhuang Man spoke first before she could answer, elongating the word. ¡°How¡¯s your brother recently? Tell her quickly. I¡¯ll tell you. She talked about this these days when she saw me. I can¡¯t stand it anymore. After all, who can I ask about your brother¡¯s recent situation?¡±

    ¡°Keep your voice down.¡± Xin Fubing was dumbfounding, throwing the chestnuts against her, and said, ¡°Although there are no outsiders, can you say it casually? Xing is generous, but you shouldn¡¯t be too careless. You should avoid spreading rumors to harm her.¡±

    Ou Qinn didn¡¯t care about this. She said, ¡°It¡¯s OK, I can¡¯t hear thements behind, too. If anyone dare to talk about this in front of me, I will p him or her in the face.¡±

    She said this calmly. Zhuang Man listened quietly to her, taking out a chestnut slowly and peeling. She said, ¡°That¡¯s right. Just rumors. Punish those who talk about rumors strictly, and then no one will talk about that.¡±

    ¡°Preventing people¡¯s words is more important than preventing floods.¡± Xin Fubing touched her forehead. Her friends were crueller than another one. As the fianc¨¦e of the crown prince, she felt the big pressure. She had thought of the days when she begged mercy for her friends.

    ¡°Take it easy. There must be someone wishing to be with you.¡± Ou Qinn and Zhuang Man said this as if they were experienced, and then they turned to Qiu Yn and asked, ¡°So can you talk about this?¡±

 Chapter 324 - Rebelling at War

    <h4>Chapter 324 Rebelling at War</h4>

    When girls in Jing City asked about the situation in Shazhou...

    Shazhou...

    The base camp of the Western Army...

    In the wild snow, Kuang Qingwu carefully opened the curtain and immediately heard a suppressed cough.

    He couldn¡¯t help frowning, quickly turned back to close the door, and strode into the screen. Mr. Leshan, who had always been indifferent and reserved,y pale in the brocade tent, and the bookboy in front of the bed was carefully blowing the bowl of medicine soup in his hands.

    ¡°Let me serve him.¡± Kuang Qingwu stepped forward and said.

    Mr. Leshan suddenly fell ill.

    Since arriving here, he had almost stayed in the camp and barely been out. Sometimes he went to the camp of the general or that of Kuang Qingwu to chat with them. The charcoal fire was burning in these camps day and night. It was warm as spring. When they went out, they had all kinds of fox fur and mink hat on, but just walked nearby.

    With this kind of treatment, how could he be frozen to sickness? Soldiers on guard in the army were far inferior to him in food, shelter, and clothing, but few of them were taken ill.

    However, the icy and snowy climate in Xijiang was not suitable for living. Mr. Leshan was resourceful, but he was just a weak schr.

    It had been three days since he fell ill. In the past three days, Kuang Shihan invited the best doctor in Shazhou and took out a batch of valuable medicinal materials he had collected. He did his best. However, Mr. Leshan hadn¡¯t been able to recover from it, and now he seemingly got worse.

    Kuang Qingwu was very worried.

    The bookboy looked at Mr. Leshan when hearing his request. Seeing that the master neither agree nor refuse, he handed out the medicine bowl without saying a word and got up to stand aside.

    ¡°It seems that Mr. Leshan¡¯s cough is more severe than yesterday.¡± After Mr. Leshan had drank the medicine, Kuang Qingwu still frowned, ¡°The base camp is not a proper ce to recuperate.¡±

    He pondered and finally put forward his suggestion, ¡°Sir, how about sending you to my mansion in Shazhou for recuperation?¡±

    Both Mr. Leshan and he enjoyed the best in the base camp of the Western Army. Some things Mr. Leshan had were better than Kuang Shihan had. However, this was the base camp of the army which could not be asfortable and livable as their houses.

    In the past, Mr. Leshan was ever ill, but soon he recovered after drinking the medicine soup.

    This time, it was getting worse and worse. Kuang Qingwu thought it was because he didn¡¯t live in a good environment.

    ¡°It is true that living in Shazhou will make me get better soon.¡± Mr. Leshan looked very weak, his hoarse voice revealing his tiredness, ¡°but you can¡¯t go. If the army can¡¯t enter the city, it will be too dangerous for you to take only bodyguards.¡±

    Kuang Qingwu was pleased and said with a smile, ¡°Sir, I can go secretly and dress up as a bodyguard. Anyway, in this season, everyone dresses themselves up thickly. Who can recognize me?¡±

    ¡°Then I won¡¯t go.¡± Mr. Leshan¡¯s way of persuading Kuang Qingwu was always so simple and crude, but the effect was often surprisingly good. Kuang Qingwu had been well-prepared to argue, but for once, his voice had left him, and then he gave in helplessly, ¡°Then I¡¯ll prepare bodyguards for you.¡±

    ¡°Not too well-picked, not too many.¡± Mr. Leshan gave amand calmly, ¡°or it will cause a disaster for me and also waste your father¡¯s men... Just arrange a few soldiers to take my luggage for my bookboy and coachman. I¡¯m a schr. No one will care about me. ¡±

    Kuang Qingwu knew his temper, so he forced a smile and said, ¡°Yes, Sir!¡±

    After going out, he went to see Zheng, the one who could talk to as will Naturally, he could speak straightly, ¡°Mr. Leshan doesn¡¯t want me to take risks, but he won¡¯t be very well if he doesn¡¯t go to the city any more... After all, he is also at this age. I¡¯m going to send my bodyguards, but I¡¯m afraid that he won¡¯t like it. ¡±

    Zheng pondered, ¡°Young Prince, what Mr. Leshan said is very reasonable. If you only send ordinary soldiers, others won¡¯t think that he is an important person and they won¡¯t embarrass Mr. Leshan. If it¡¯s your bodyguards that escort him, everyone knows that it must be someone you attach great importance to. I¡¯m afraid those bad guys will choose Mr. Wang as their target!¡±

    He knew Kuang Qingwu¡¯s affection for Mr. Leshan and his dependence on him, so he hid some words. Kuang Shihan was forced by his son to separate some of his confidants to kill Qiu Jinn. However, in the battle of Xiaoshashan mountain, although he killed Qiu Jinn¡¯s subordinates and the Jiang Family¡¯s men, Qiu Jinn escaped atst.

    As long as Qiu Jinn was alive, those people couldn¡¯te back and Kuang Shihan had less people to use.

    These days, the Jiang Family and Qiu Jinn¡¯s subordinates kept in frequent contact with the old subordinates of the Ruan Family and Qiu Family in the Western Army. Although Kuang Shihan had made preparations for this, he couldn¡¯t rx.

    The current situation was that Kuang Shihan had to monitor and watch out for these subordinates, and meanwhile he was collecting evidence in order to settle down the conflicts once and for all. But he was short of manpower. If he sent many elites to escort Mr. Leshan to Shazhou for recuperation, he wouldn¡¯t afford it.

    So Zheng thought that if Mr. Leshan wanted to go to Shazhou to recuperate, it would be bad to send too many people for him.

    Kuang Qingwu hesitated, ¡°When Mr. Leshan had just arrived in Shazhou, that man was very polite to him. It¡¯s not a secret. ¡±

    ¡°It was many years ago. How many people remember it now?¡± Zheng advised, ¡°and if we don¡¯t send a few people to deliver him now, others will think that although the master valued him very much in those days, it was just so-so at the critical moment... After all, if you do ording to his words, he may be safe, but if you don¡¯t do what he said, he would surely attract the attention of all parties. At that time, without the protection of an army, it won¡¯t be something that one or two elite teams can deal with.¡±

    Seeing Kuang Qingwu still frowning, Zheng offered his trump card, ¡°This is also the intention of Mr. Leshan. Do you want to make him unhappy?¡±

    ¡°Then do as he said.¡± Kuang Qingwu hesitated for a long time and sighed. He was afraid most of offending Mr. Leshan.

    But he didn¡¯t know something at all. In the afternoon, a horse-drawn carriage set out for Shazhou city in the snow. In the carriage, Mr. Leshan wasn¡¯t sick at all. He asked the bookboy who was ¡°taking care of¡± him, ¡°Are there just a few people outside?¡±

    ¡°Just a few people outside.¡± In front of Kuang Qingwu, the boy who had always been silent, timid, and so dull, pulled out a short sword with cold light from his sleeve nimbly and asked, ¡°Shall I kill them now?¡±

    ¡°No need!¡± Mr. Leshan said indifferently, ¡°let them apany us to the city. They are just somemon soldiers and no one in the city will be alerted when we send them away. If they were killed on the road and found by the soldiers of the army or other people passing by, it would be bad. Moreover, ording to Kuang¡¯s strategy, he must have arranged his men in the guards of Shazhou and the mansion in the city. If these people found out that these people were missing and told Kuang, it would cause trouble. Now it is the time. We should be more careful not to fail. ¡±

    The bookboy immediately put away the sword and said with a smile, ¡°Yes, I will obey you, my master.¡±

    ¡°It is not safe to ask too much in the camp. We should avoid causing suspicion of Kuang.¡± When referring to the father and son of the Kuang Family who had great respect for him, Mr. Leshan showed a disgust and ordered the bookboy in a low voice, ¡°after entering the city, I will immediately record theyout, arrangement and the distribution of troops of Kuang and the whole assessment of him. When you get to the ce, ask them how is the young master these days.¡±

    He took out a porcin vase from his sleeve and his eyes were deep. He said, ¡°This is the pill Kuang Qingwu gave me. If the young master is not good over there, let them send someone who can be trusted to deliver this medicine as soon as possible.¡±

    When Mr. Leshan ordered the bookboy like so, two rows of giant candles of tallow lighted the temporary tent in the hills hundreds of miles away from Shazhou.

    On the left, Qiu Jinn wore armor and held his sword, his face pale and his wound still hurting. His eyes, as sharp as the de, swept over the ten people on the right. He said, ¡°Haven¡¯t you finished your thoughts about it up to now?¡±

    ¡°Young master.¡± More than a dozen messengers looked at each other and the one sitting on the seat of the first guest stood up and answered, ¡°it¡¯s not that we don¡¯t believe you, or that we are frightened. It¡¯s really that the Kuang is not a problem. We should worry about those who in the Royal Court.¡±

    ¡°If you are talking about Empress Dowager Gu, you can rest assured.¡± Before Qiu Jinn answered, the man in armor standing behind him said loudly, ¡°Now, Emperor has his grandsons. However, the Regent of the Empress Dowager has not stopped yet. Empress Dowager Gu has vited the unfulfilled will of the gone Emperor and was ashamed of herself when facing Chu¡¯s ancestors. If it were not for Kuang who was revenged on General of Warrior, usurped the power of the Western Army, and offered it to the Gu family, which made our Marquess surrender to Empress Dowager Gu for the country, Marquess would have been taking the lead in inviting His Majesty toe to power and give Darui fairness and justice. What you are doing is a great feat of killing bad people who impose negative effect on Emperor and make the country sink into chaos. Marquess won¡¯t let you be punished by Empress Dowager Gu.¡±

    This man was the person who was sent by the Jiang Family to protect and assist Qiu Jinn in Shazhou.

    Just after hearing his words, the messengers of the Western Army generals hesitated for a while and looked at Qiu Jinn.

    ¡°Marquess Qin is a trustworthy man.¡± Qiu Jinn said calmly. Then these people were rxed and saluted to that man, ¡°General Wang, please don¡¯t me us, this matter is vital, if we don¡¯t ask clearly, we won¡¯t be able to answer when we return and thus will be punished.¡±

    General Wang felt a little worried, ¡°These days, we have been following Qiu Jinn and meeting with these people. We have given private benefits to them constantly and they also epted, but I didn¡¯t expect that they only believe Qiu Jinn at the critical moment. No wonder Marquess ordered that when we helped Qiu Jinn, we should not underestimate him just because of the help of the Jiang Family.¡±

    However, he replied calmly, ¡°You are wee. That¡¯s my duty.¡±

    At the moment, he gushed out the promise that Marquess Qin had personally taught him before he left. The content was nothing but to let these old subordinates of the Ruan Family and the Qiu Family rest assured and follow Qiu Jinn boldly. He also emphasized the friendship between the Jiang Family and Qiu Jinn. Of course, the marriage between Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang must be mentioned. Anyway, it meant that you fought and the Jiang Family dealt with the aftermath.

    From time to time, Qiu Jinn also helped to exin and praise the generosity and righteousness of the Jiang Family. In a word, the tense atmosphere at the beginning of the meeting became rxing and friendly atst.

    Although the messengers said that they could not make decisions on behalf of their masters, they all revealed that most of their masters would promise. Of course, the Jiang family would also benefit them because of this. After all, the masters of these messengers could note here in person for the meeting. Their choices were based on the reports of the messengers.

    The Jiang Family had nned for years. They couldn¡¯t fail at this point.

    Qiu Jinn calmly looked at General Wang who was suggesting his subordinates to reward the messengers in front of him. He was not angry, but Ruan Yi, who served him alone and removed his armor, was in anger, ¡°Young master, why don¡¯t you do anything? ¡±

 Chapter 325 - You Have to Prepare for Potential Failure

    <h4>Chapter 325 You Have to Prepare for Potential Failure</h4>

    ¡°What else can I do?¡± Qiu Jinn asked calmly, ¡°Should I ask General Wang not to reward them? Or should I give them a bigger one? Our men...¡±He became silent for a few seconds then kept saying, ¡°We are short on soldiers. How can we carry our belongings? If we want to reward, what do we have now?¡±

    Ruan Yi became angry and said, ¡°It¡¯s all the Jiang Family¡¯s intention. In Xiaosha mountain, if they had arrived earlier, how could many of our men die? All the way, they also...¡±

    ¡°The Jiang Family isn¡¯t a charity hall. Although they have said that they will negotiate the payment in advance, how could they not do such a big thing?¡± Qiu Jinn was not very angry. He said in an extremely indifferent tone, ¡°Our manpower is limited. The influence is inferior to the Jiang Family, and we can¡¯t n. How could it be possible for us not to suffer a loss?¡±

    ¡°But now it¡¯s obvious that General Wang wants to win over those generals, and then they won¡¯t need you anymore.¡± Ruan Yi reminded in a deep voice, ¡°Will they still support you in the court as promised before? Even though you still have Prime Minister Xue to rely on, would Prime Minister Xue¡¯s status be as important as before if the Empress Dowager Gu fell?¡±

    Qiu Jinn squinted and looked at the confidants who had grown up together since childhood. He asked, ¡°Do you think that Wang can get all the ten generals by giving them some benefits?¡±

    Ruan Yi said, ¡°There must be those who are loyal to the old general and also to you, but the Jiang Family is more powerful...¡±

    ¡°You forget that when I guaranteed the Jiang Family just now, the messengers didn¡¯t say a word?¡± Qiu Jinn¡¯s armour had been unloaded. He nced at the blood stained on the snow-white tunic and walked to the case where the medicine was ced while undressing. He said, ¡°There are more than one or two smart people among them and these smart people have convinced others. So at least for now, there¡¯s no need to worry. No matter how much benefit the Jiang Family gives, it¡¯s impossible for them to win those people over. ¡±

    ¡°...?¡± Ruan Yi followed to change the medicine for him. He didn¡¯t say anything but confused.

    Qiu Jinn calmly exined, ¡°The Jiang Family intends to take over the Western Army. This is the reason why they have been investing so much for my revenge. Those generals are willing to serve as internal agents because, apart from the kindness of my grandfather and father, Kuang Shihan have been pushing them out all these years. It is because they had means and willingness to deal with Kuang Shihan. The most important reason is that Kuang Shihan cannot control the Western Army alone without them... In a word, they also have made a choice after consideration. They ask for something, but not care about nothing. They just want to avenge my grandfather and my father. ¡±

    Because of the stimtion of the powder, he frowned slightly. A cold sweat gradually seeped from his ck hair. After the pain, he continued to say, ¡°The problem is that the Jiang Family is not an ordinary family. They started with martial arts in the past and now most of their subordinates are in the army. Although they run the Northern Army like a solid bucket, they may not be able to find enough people to change all the generals of the Western Army. At that time, what will these generals going to do? ¡±

    Ruan Yi stopped and said happily, ¡°I understand! These generals will stay close to you no matter how the Jiang Family bribe them, in order not to let the Jiang Family rece them with their men.¡±

    ¡°You still think too well!¡± Qiu Jinn sneered, ¡°I¡¯m very young! These generals, not to mention their age, can be my elders. They have been in Xijiang for so many years. They have been living in the wind and snow for most of their lives. Only by fighting hard can they get their status today! If they were to be taken out, they would be convinced by my grandfather and father who had been friends with them. As for me, they can take care of me, have mercy on me, and support me, but how can I convince them? Although I became Jinshi and entered the Hanlin Academy when I was 18 years old, can I kill more people than their soldiers in the war?¡±

    Ruan Yi said, ¡°They just asked you to speak for the Jiang family...¡±

    ¡°It was just for the Jiang Family!¡± Qiu Jinn disdained and said, ¡°The Jiang Family needs me as a cover to control the Western Army. And these generals of the Western Army also need me to refuse the Jiang Family, or to wait for the price to sell.¡±

    After taking a breath, Qiu Jinn squinted and said coldly,¡± So you see, after this is finished, today those who sent messengers toe over certainly will desperately ask for honor for me. Even if it is impossible to win the position of Major General of the Western Army for me directly, they will try to ask for a high position in the army. In this way, when the Jiang Family wants to rece them, I can speak for them, and then they have to speak for me, too. Otherwise, without their support, even if I continue to stay in the army, I will have no power. ¡±

    Ruan Yi didn¡¯t speak for a while, and then he said, ¡°So both sides don¡¯t mean well to you...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not unkind, but that they have their own positions.¡± Qiu Jinn said casually, ¡°Originally, after my grandfather was defeated and my father was killed in the war, these old subordinates didn¡¯t even give private greetings, although there was pressure from the Empress Dowager Gu. Of course, the most loyal ones were also killed. How loyal do you think I would expect them to be? Now they are willing to do this. I¡¯m afraid they don¡¯t care much about the old rtionship. It¡¯s just for the sake of interests. ¡±

    Ruan Yi said with a bitter smile, ¡°Well, they want to make you a puppet, but how can the Jiang family agree? At that time, you will be dangerous...¡±

    ¡°How can I be unprepared, since I have expected the ns of both sides?¡± Qiu Jinn said, ¡°General Wang was sent by Marquess Qin. Naturally, he was thinking about the whole Jiang Family. But Marquess Qin is old and there are many contradictions between the branches of the Jiang Family. Once he dies, the Jiang family will be separated. A single branch of the Jiang Family may not as ambitious as Marquess Qin.¡±

    ¡°You mean?¡±

    ¡°The fourth branch is lucky.¡± Qiu Jinn said, ¡°It¡¯s only because my only sister married the fourth branch. When Kuang Shihan and his son are killed, I will arrange for someone to contact with Jiang Yashuang... Jiang Yashuang is the only one in the fourth branch who can be used and he is supposed to take over the Northern Army. His cousin Zhuang Rong, a civil servant, will lose half his life if hees to Shazhou to serve, not to mention taking charge of the Western Army. Although his intimate friend Ou Bicheng is tactful and loyal to him, he is not as good as me in terms of age and ability. It is impossible for him to be a Prefectural Governor of Shazhou. And so there are only several people he can trust. Therefore, who else can he seek for if he doesn¡¯t support me? Does he want to depend on his capable but ambitious uncles and cousins? ¡±

    Ruan Yi hesitated and said, ¡°But he isn¡¯t in charge of the fourth branch of the Jiang Family, is he?¡± Jiang Tianchi and his wife were still alive.

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t have the talent to be in charge of the Western Army, but Jiang Tianchi might have.

    ¡°Think about it from the perspective of the Jiang Family¡¯s fourth branch.¡± Qiu Jinn sneered, ¡°If there were no support from the Empress Dowager Gu, even Kuang Shihan have done harm to my father and the whole Ruan Family, he wouldn¡¯t sit in the position of the Major General of the Western Army. In order to win him over, Empress Dowager Gu let her youngest daughter, Xingkang Grand Princess, marry Kuang Qingwu, regardless of his bastard. But in the past ten years, Kuang Qingwu had an affair with Commandery Princess Ningtai when he knew he had to marry a Princess. Empress Dowager Gu again ignored that and still let Princess Changping marry Kuang Qingwu. If it is not humble, it is true that she¡¯s being forbearing and conciliatory.¡±

    He squinted and said, ¡°No matter how loyal the subordinates of the fourth branch of the Jiang Family are, once they have mastered the Western Army, how can they not have the intention to take their ce side by side with the Jiang Family or even fight at that time? Even if these people don¡¯t think so, will their confidants and families not encourage them to do so? People¡¯s ideas will always change with their status and power. No matter how great the kindness was, they can¡¯t prevent such changes. Oh, time and distance also can turn the loyal subordinates into ambitious opponents. ¡±

    Ruan Yi was in silent.

    ¡°Therefore, as for the control over the Western Army, the first consideration of the Jiang Family is their own children, followed by nephews and other children, and the third one is the children-inw... The confidants will never be sent here.¡± Qiu Jinn said calmly, ¡°after all, the more intimate he is, the more secrets he knows, and the more he understands the old master. The reason why Kuang Shihan seeded in murdering my grandfather¡¯s family and my father was that they treated him like a parent-child and he knew too much about the Ruan Family and the Qiu Family.¡±

    If the fourth branch of the Jiang Family didn¡¯t n to send their men in the army to take over the shift, Qiu Jinn was the only one who could be chosen. After all, the family of Jiang Tianchi¡¯s wife was a schrly family and never considered giving up writing to join the army. His two sisters had no sons. The rtionship between the cousins and him was even further. It was not as close as Qiu Jinn.

    At least everyone knew that Qiu Jinn regarded his younger sister Qiu Yn as a treasure. As long as the Jiang family didn¡¯t treat her badly, Qiu Jinn wouldn¡¯t show disrespect to the Jiang Family when he thought about her younger sister¡¯s situation in the Jiang Family.

    Ruan Yi frowned and said, ¡°But Marquess Qin is still here. Will he let the fourth branch take the Western Army? After all, the fourth branch has taken the Northern Army.¡± If the fourth branch was too strong, what about other branches?

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there a court?¡± Qiu Jinn didn¡¯t think so. ¡°Jiang Tianao is the Deputy Premier. In the eyes of ordinary people, he is much richer than Jiang Tianchi, the Great General of North. Moreover, it¡¯s useless for Marquess Qin to oppose it. First of all, the generals who just sent messengers can¡¯t be reced in a short time. Otherwise, the generals in Western Army will be worried and even regard the Jiang Family as an enemy. Secondly, with their support, it is not difficult for me to gain a firm foothold in the Western Army. Thirdly, when I get a firm foothold and Jiang Yashuang supports me secretly... Do you think it¡¯s so easy for Marquess Qin, who is far away in Jing City, to rece me?¡±

    He sneered, ¡°On the aspect of shrewdness, my mentor Prime Minister Xue is not worse than Marquess Qin. Do you think that my mentor won¡¯t work hard to help me when the Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s party doesn¡¯t hold the Jiang Family back? And won¡¯t the Jiang Family cross the river and tear down the bridge? After all, Jiang Tianao has been jealous of my mentor for a long time.¡±

    Ruan Yi thought about his words carefully and relieved, ¡°It is good for you to have a preparation. I¡¯m afraid that the Jiang Family is so prominent that they will do harm to you.¡±

    Qiujinn was about to answer as a subordinate rushed in to report, ¡°Young master, news from Shazhou! Mr. Leshan has entered the city. Kuang only sent a few soldiers to see him off. Kuang and his father and their guards are not among them.¡±

    ¡°Good!¡± Qiu Jinn was overjoyed. He suddenly stood up and broke the wound that Ruan Yi had wrapped up for him again. He pped his hands and shouted, ¡°Order! Everyone immediately packs up, ignores the pursuit, and returns to Shazhou.¡±

    His words contained endless anger and joy. ¡°Within three days, I will offer sacrifices with Kuang¡¯s bodies in the ce where my father, uncle and cousin died in battle!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m willing to serve young master and swear to the death to take the heart of the Kuang¡¯s and offer sacrifices to the old Prince and the Ruan Family.¡± That man knew that this was Qiu Jinn¡¯s long cherished wish for many years, so he immediately bowed down and asked for a fight.

    Ruan Yi then said, ¡°I¡¯m willing to serve young master and take the heart of the Kuang¡¯s and offer sacrifices to the old Prince and the Ruan Family.¡± The voice came out again and again, shaking the snow Valley.

    ¡°Fortunately, the surrounding mountains are not high, otherwise there will be big trouble...¡± General Wang and his several subordinates stood in the distance, squinting at the ¡°Tianya¡± people methodically packing things, ready to kill back to Shazhou. He murmured, ¡°It¡¯s just an assassin organization and it has such a momentum... Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe is worthy of the name of the founding noble.¡±

    One of his subordinates said with a smile, ¡°They do this for our Jiang Family. What kind of soldiers are they? Qiu Jinn is the soldier of the Marquess!¡±

    ¡°Watch your tongue!¡± General Wang¡¯s face was gloomy, ¡°At present, we still need him, especially in the next period of time. Have you forgotten what the Marquess ordered you to do? ¡±

    That man was astonished and apologized,

    ¡°Let¡¯s help them. Remember that Qiu Jinn¡¯s request is for this war. For the honor, especially Kuang and his son, he can deal with them.¡± General Wang stood up, tightened his cape on his shoulder, and said slowly, ¡°He wants to offer sacrifices to his ancestors and we should cooperate... When he¡¯s busy, find out the details of the Western Army. Don¡¯t mess up with Marquess¡¯s great n.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± All of them agreed in unison and then they went to the busy people in ¡°Tianya¡±.

 Chapter 326 - A Big Defeat, Another New Way

    <h4>Chapter 326 A Big Defeat, Another New Way</h4>

    When Shazhou was ready to fight in cooperation and thoroughly eradicate Kuang Shihan and his son, something in Imperial Pce, Jing City, happened.

    In Hall of Taishi, Pce of Ganquan, everyone was frightened.

    ¡°Xue Chang! The Jiang Family!¡± Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s face was ferocious. She hysterically swept all the furnishings from the table in front of her. Her favorite curiosities crashed in an instant, which also could not calm her down. ¡°Are you all rubbish? You don¡¯t know when Xue Chang joined the Jiang Family and even let them cooperate in front of me.¡±

    Tang Zimo and others of the Empress Dowager¡¯s party were silent and didn¡¯t dare to speak.

    Usually, even if other people didn¡¯t dare to speak, Tang Zimo was sure to persuade Empress Dowager Gu. But at present, he was also among the people that Empress Dowager Gu scolded, and even specifically he was scolded by her. After all, besides Empress Dowager Gu in the Empress Dowager¡¯s party, the most important member was him.

    He usually took the advantage first. But now when something went wrong, he was responsible.

    It took Empress Dowager Gu who was so mad an hour to stop. Seeing that she was exhausted, Maid Zheng immediately served a cup of tea to her.

    After drinking some tea and moistening her throat, Empress Dowager Gu lifted her eyelids and looked at the crowd fiercely, ¡°Now what will you do? Say something.¡±

    There was amotion in the crowd. After a very careful meeting, Tang Zimo stood up and saluted, ¡°As for Your Highness, Prince of Zhou... I¡¯m afraid you have to give him up.¡±

    To be honest, he also felt very sad when he said this. Although Princess Zhou was Gu E¡¯nuo, the Princess Shou¡¯an, who he hated, his granddaughter Tang Xinqiong was the concubine of Prince of Zhou.

    He had failed to invest in Tang Xinyao, Princess Yan. But even if Prince of Yan was not expected to inherit the crown, it was still a great honor that his granddaughter was a Princess. Prince of Zhou¡¯s current affair was regicide, also patricide. If he couldmit suicide by imperial oder, it would be the kindness of Emperor. As for family members, they would be reduced tomon people at least. If it was more serious, they should die.

    But Tang Zimo¡¯s heartbreaking proposal only made Empress Dowager Gu sneer, ¡°Give up? Prince of Yan has been given up, and now it is Prince of Zhou. Even if I have many grandchildren, do you think the prince is worthless? ¡±

    Tang Zimo deliberated for a while and then said cautiously, ¡°Your Highness, it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to speak for His Royal Highness Prince of Zhou. It¡¯s because that Xue Chang has taken out the evidence about His Majesty¡¯s poisoning. We have been deliberating these days, but we have no idea. Moreover, Xue Chang has a very high reputation in themunity and we are not equal to him. Now that he has announced evidence, we are afraid that the public won¡¯t believe our exnation for Your Highness Prince of Zhou.¡±

    He knew that abandoning Prince of Zhou would bring a great blow to the Empress Dowager¡¯s party. The Crown Prince they supported was a person who killed Emperor and rebelled against his family. In addition, Xue Chang was also ruthless and defined that Prince of Zhou was fighting for the status of crown prince. As long as the Empress Dowager¡¯s party admitted or acquiesced the crime of Prince of Zhou, it was to admit the crown prince of the Seventh Prince.

    This meant that Empress Dowager¡¯s party failedpletely.

    But Tang Zimo did not admit defeat. He continued to analyze, ¡°His Majesty was poisoned and the tomb of General of Warrior was dug. The two things happened in a short period. They were connected and were done by the same person in Xue Chang¡¯s view. We think that Xue Chang had already cooperated with the Jiang Family. He just pretended to mediate before.¡±

    ¡°So?¡± Empress Dowager Gu asked indifferently with a gloomy face.

    ¡°So since Xue Chang dares to attack his Royal Highness Prince of Zhou, we think that even if we try our best to protect his Highness Prince of Zhou, our efforts may be expected by Xue Chang and the Jiang Family.¡± Tang Zimo said in a silent voice, ¡°At that time, they will be ready to defend, but we will be in a hurry. The end will be just like this time. We will possibly lose.¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu said angrily, ¡°Enough! My ears are not deaf. You don¡¯t need to keep saying that you want to give up Prince of Zhou. I¡¯m asking you what to do after giving him up. Should I quit and then wait for the bitch Jiang Tianluan to give me a cup of poisoned wine and kill me?¡±

    ¡°Your Highness, we are sorry.¡± Hearing this, Tang Zimo and others all kneeled down to plead guilty.

    After Empress Dowager Gu calmed down, Tang Zimo continued to say, ¡°Your Highness, it¡¯s only Prince of Zhou and several pce people who are responsible for the regicide. It has nothing to do with you. You are the birth mother of Your Majesty. Will you do harm to your children? You are a mother. No matter how well Xue Chang¡¯s reputation is in the public, he dares not nder you like this. Otherwise, with his ambition, how could he only aim at His Royal Highness Prince of Zhou? ¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu sneered, ¡°So what? Without Prince of Zhou, even if I support Prince of Cai or others, ording to the current situation, can we fight against the bitch Jiang? Xue Chang kept saying that he supports the Seventh Prince as the crown prince.¡±

    Tang zime said, ¡°Your Highness, even if the Seventh Prince bes the owner of the East Pce, he will respect his grandmother, won¡¯t he?¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu frowned and thought of something. She murmured,

    ¡°The world knows that the Seventh Prince is smart, so he is appreciated by Empress.¡± Tang Zimo squinted and said, ¡°Your Highness, please think more. Since the prince is such a man with wisdom, how can he be willing to be a puppet of the Jiang Family? What¡¯s more, everyone knows that the Jiang Family is irascible, and Empress is tricky and cruel. She doesn¡¯t have the tolerance that Empress should have. And Your Highness holds the government yourself. You are close to His Majesty and the Seventh Prince after all.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean to win over the Seventh Prince?¡± Empress Dowager Gu hesitated, ¡°But Empress watches him so cautiously that my people can¡¯t see him at all.¡±

    Tang Zimo heard that Empress Dowager Gu had already moved. She just thought it was not so easy to poach from the Jiang Family, so he offered his advice and said, ¡°Empress may be able to stop the people sent by Your Highness and the Seventh Prince may be afraid of Empress and don¡¯t dare to see them. But what if Your Highness goes to see your grandson yourself? Can Her Majesty stop you? And the Seventh Prince doesn¡¯t dare to refuse to see you.¡±

    ¡°And now there¡¯s a good chance. That is Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s death. Although officials in the court don¡¯t remember her, Empress seems to have the intention to bury her ording to the Empress Dowager¡¯s system. In this way, the Crown Prince, all princes and princesses, including Your Majesty and Empress, wille to the memorial ceremony. It¡¯s reasonable that Your Highness goes there in person, and then you will be able to contact the Seventh Prince.¡±

    Although Empress Dowager Ye was only the step queen of the former emperor, Empress Dowager Gu was only the former emperor¡¯s concubine. It was right for concubines to go to mourn queens.

    It was just that Empress Dowager Gu never respected the former queen after her son became the emperor. If it was not that Empress Dowager Ye had some means, she would have been dead for a long time, let alone keeping her position as Empress Dowager. Moreover, it was Empress Dowager Ye who instructed Empress Jiang to have Princess Yongfu at that time. Fortunately, she was only a princess. If she was a prince, Empress Dowager Gu would have fallen behind. After all, most people would support the idea of making the first-born Prince the Crown Prince. ording to the character of those people in the Jiang Family, if they had a first-born prince in the pce, they would never allow other princes to live.

    So when Empress Dowager Gu thought about this old enemy, she felt angry.

    ¡°The Seventh Prince was not born by the Empress. The Empress was not kind to the concubines and princesses. The reason why she supported him was that she just wanted to make use of him. There was no love between them.¡± Tang Zimo also knew that Empress Dowager Gu had despised Empress Dowager Ye for a long time, and this time she fell into a bad situation, so she could not walk out for a while, or could not put down her face, so he continued, ¡°as long as Your Highness meets the Seventh Prince every once in a while, and shows him love and support, even if the Seventh Prince does not dare to say or do anything, the Jiang Family will be suspicious. At that time, forgive me, if the Seventh Prince wants to survive, he can rely on no one but Your Highness.¡±

    Finally, Empress Dowager Gu was talked into it, ¡°Then I¡¯ll go to his pceter.¡±

    Compared with the fate of death after theplete failure, it would be nothing for a grandmother to get close to her grandson and lose her face.

    But when Empress Dowager Gu nned to give up Prince of Zhou and win the Seventh Prince of the Empress¡¯ party under the persuasion of Tang Zimo, Princess Gu E¡¯nuo, Princess Zhou, was in a hurry, ¡°Damn Xue Chang! Damn the Jiang Family! The most damned thing is... ¡± She bit her lip to stop blurting out a few names,¡± Damn it. They can¡¯t even hear a word about such a big thing ahead of time. ¡±

    Concubine Tang Xinqiong was used to listening to her before they both got married. Although they became a rival after they got married, she still instinctively asked, ¡°What should we do now? Sister, do something please.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking. Don¡¯t make any noise.¡± Gu E¡¯nuo nced at her in disgust, biting her lips and pondering bitterly, ¡°Xue Chang is shrewd. Since he dared to say that Prince attempted to kill Emperor, he must be well prepared. If Prince got such usation, people of this Mansion would be in danger. No, no, servants might still have the chance to escape or survive. I would possibly die with Prince. I can¡¯t allow this to happen. ¡±

    But now Prince of Zhou¡¯s day was gone, and even Tang Zimo, his father-inw, had taken the lead in advising Empress Dowager Gu to give up her grandson. Even if Gu E¡¯nuo was very scheming, there was nothing she could do under this circumstance.

    However, three dayster, Duke of Huainan, the Minister of Zongzhengshi, brought a decree jointly issued by the two empresses. It was expected that he dered Prince of Zhou guilty of regicide. Because Emperor was safe now and he spoke for him, and also Prince of Zhou was a member of the royal family, he shouldmit suicide...

    As for the family members, the wife and the concubine shall die together.

    Before Empress¡¯s decree was finished, Tang Xinqiong, the concubine, fell to the ground. She couldn¡¯t ept the result that she was going to die with her husband in less than a year. She just passed out.

    At this time, Prince of Zhou was out of his mind and couldn¡¯t take care of her. Gu E¡¯nuo looked at her husband, trembled for a while, moved to the side of the Duke of Huainan, and asked miserably, ¡°Prince, I don¡¯t know if my grandmother and mother will let you return to the pce immediately? If not, may I serve my husband to take a bath and change his clothes before we ept Empress¡¯s decree?¡±

    Duke of Huainan was a member of the neutral party. Although Xue Chang suddenly joined hands with the Jiang Family this time and the position of the neutral party seemed not so neutral, the Duke of Huainan was not willing to choose side. He had a generous name in the royal n. At the moment, Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s request was proper, so he nodded and said, ¡°It should be OK for me to go back to the pce before evening.¡±

    It was morning and so she still had a few hours.

    Gu E¡¯nuo was relieved. She kowtowed to him as a thank-you. She went back to the back hall and summoned her confidants in a hurry, ¡°Do as I have told you.¡±

    When Princess Zhou left her husband and the concubine to save herself, Madame Tao was happy and held Jiang Qizheng¡¯s hands in the Mansion of Marquess Qin. She said, ¡°Two months? You even don¡¯t know how to cherish yourself at all and you only find out now. ¡±

    Today, Jiang Qizheng went back her mother¡¯s home as usual to ask about Qiu Feng¡¯s information. As a result, her husband was not found. When her brother and sister-inw kept her to have a meal, she ate a few mouthfuls of fish and vomited. Qiu Yn was frightened and asked a doctor to diagnose. It turned out that she was pregnant. It was known by Madame Tao and she rushed to see her.

    Although Madame Tao didn¡¯t pay as much attention to Jiang Qizheng as she did to Jiang Yashuang, Jiang Qizheng was also her child, so she was d to hear that she was pregnant.

    She was happy for Jiang Qizheng and felt regret and displeased for Qiufeng¡¯s leaving at the same time, ¡°Your husband shouldn¡¯t have left. There is chaos in Shazhou. It is useless for him to go alone. It would be better to stay at home with you than to cause trouble to the people over there.¡±

    At this time, Jiang Yashuang was called away by Marquess Qin again. Madame Tao asked Qiu Yn, who was sitting beside her, ¡°Have you found her husband? Call him back! There is no elder in the princess¡¯s Mansion. As soon as he left, Zheng¡¯er now has to take charge of all affairs in the mansion. What if she is tired? It¡¯s not good for the baby.¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled bitterly. Jiang Qizheng cared about her love for her husband. Except for Qiu Yn, she even refused to say about her awkward rtionship with her husband in front of Jiang Yashuang. The reason why she didn¡¯t often go back her mother¡¯s home was not that she was in love with her husband and reluctant to go out. This time, Qiu Feng left without saying goodbye. The whole Jiang Family thought that he was faithful and went to Shazhou to help his ¡°good friend¡± Qiu Jinn.

    The problem was that although they found tracks of Qiu Feng going south, no one noticed yet. How would she answer Madame Tao?

    Fortunately, Jiang Qizheng took over the topic in time, ¡°Grandma, don¡¯t me him. It¡¯s my fault. I asked him before about justice when he was in the Jianghu. He mistakenly thought that I wanted him to go to Shazhou.¡±

    Qiu Yn was relieved and quickly changed the topic, ¡°Grandma, since Jiang Qizheng¡¯s husband is not in Jing City and sister is pregnant now, it¡¯s hard for her to live alone in her mansion. Why don¡¯t we leave sister at home for days? And then everyone can rest assured.¡±

 Chapter 327 - Why Did Princess Zhou Have Contacts with My Brother?

    <h4>Chapter 327 Why Did Princess Zhou Have Contacts with My Brother?</h4>

    Madame Tao agreed with Qiu Yn¡¯s suggestion. As expected, she didn¡¯t inquire about Qiu Feng. She nodded and said, ¡°If you don¡¯t mention it, I¡¯m going to do the same. Qizheng is young and never has such experience. I¡¯ll call them both toe back and live here together when my son-inw is here, not to mention that he is absent. This is birth and breeding. It¡¯s the easiest to fall ill without the advice and instruction from the elders!¡±

    She continued, ¡°Anyway, Qizheng, the yard you lived in before you got married is still there and people clean it every day. I thought you would oftene back to see me after you get married. Although you didn¡¯t, you can live now.¡±

    Even though Jiang Qizheng was worried about her husband, she had to apologize embarrassingly, ¡°It is my fault to neglect you, grandmother.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. We are families. I am just always thinking about you. If you have a good life, I will be very happy.¡± Madame Tao was so gentle and considerate, like a breeze in spring. Jiang Qizheng was born in love and wealth. The biggest setback in her life was that she had a cousin like Jiang Qiyun with whom she grew up. Naturally, she was not shrewd. Jiang Qizheng was so moved when she thought of her grandmother¡¯s saying, ¡°You¡¯re living well¡±. She was also so sad that she almost burst into tears.

    Seeing that the situation was not good, Qiu Yn quickly interrupted, ¡°Grandmother, although sister Jiang Qizheng¡¯s yard has been kept and someone has been cleaning it up, I thought, my sister is pregnant now, and I¡¯m afraid the things in it are notplete enough. Should I tell my third aunt to add something and change what should be changed?¡±

    Madame Tao thought for seconds and nodded, ¡°You¡¯re right... I¡¯ll leave it to you.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng said hurriedly, ¡°Thank you, Qiu Yn.¡± In fact, she was not willing to live in her mother¡¯s home. After all, when she lived there, she had to get in touch with her sisters-inw, younger sisters and brothers, and also some elders she should meet from time to time. Those elders would often mention Qiu Feng. But it was the first time she got pregnant, she did need the guidance and care from her elders, and so her mood was veryplicated at the moment.

    ¡°Sister, do you treat yourself as a guest?¡± Qiu Yn asked with a smile. She got up to leave and saluted to Madame Tao. After she went out, she headed to the third branch.

    Entering the third branch, she told Madame He about Jiang Qizheng¡¯s pregnancy and said, ¡°Because Qiu Feng was not in Jing City, there is only Jiang Qizheng alone in Princess Mansion. Grandmother is not at ease, so she ns to let Jiang Qizheng live in the yard where she used to live and sends me to tell you about it.¡±

    Madame He said surprisedly, ¡°Is Qizheng pregnant? It¡¯s a great joy.¡± She ordered her servants to prepare some gifts.

    Madame He, who had always been envious of the fourth branch, didn¡¯t have any opposite opinions about changing things for Jiang Qizheng. Although Madame Tao meant to take public ounts, Madame He was the daughter of the count and she was tolerant. After all, most of the things that needed to be changed were utensils and Jiang Qizheng couldn¡¯t take them away. This niece was not the one who didn¡¯t care about things. It was nothing more than sending someone to take them out from the storage and take them back when she left.

    As for Jiang Qizheng¡¯s expenses during her stay in her mother¡¯s house... Not to mention Madame He, the servant girls around her had no face to quibble about this. If any dandy in any branch stopped ying outside for two days, it would be enough for Jiang Qizheng to eat and drink in her mother¡¯s house until her parturition.

    So Madame He agreed easily without hesitation. She called her daughter-inw, Madame Zhang, to her. She gave Madame Zhang the key and ordered her to take Qiu Yn to pick up things.

    Madame Zhang was also very happy to know that Jiang Qizheng was pregnant. Jiang Qizheng was loved by the elders in her mother¡¯s home and had a very good rtionship with most of her peers. Madame Zhang was one of them.

    ¡°Jiang Qizheng who married a person with lower status is pregnant, but you...¡± Madame Zhang was happy for Jiang Qizheng and looked at Qiu Yn who was different from her usual look. She was secretly worried about her, ¡°I wonder if my grandmother reminds her today. I hope my grandmother is patient... Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang love each other so much. How can they bear a third person between them?¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know that Madame Zhang was thinking about her. In fact, Madame Zhang¡¯s thought was in vain. Because of Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s misleading, in the eyes of the Jiang Family, the fact that general Ruan¡¯s tomb was dug was that Empress Jiang¡¯s decision implicated Qiu Yn. Marquess Qin personally ordered to be good to the daughter-inw. How could Madame Tao make Qiu Yn unhappy at this time?

    However, because this was hidden from Qiu Yn, not only Madame Zhang was anxious for her, but people around her, such as Mrs. Zhou, were even more anxious.

    On this day, Qiu Yn helped Jiang Qizheng settle down, dragged her tired body back to her room, and then sat down. Mrs. Zhou brought her tea. She told Su He to keep the door outside in advance and began to earnestly persuade her to take the secret medicine for giving birth, which was said to be handed down from the Ruan Family.

    Mrs. Zhou had already rmended this medicine to Qiu Yn before. It was said that Princess Ruan gave birth to Qiu Jinn by it. It was just that Qiu Yn always felt that she was only 16. It was too early for her to have a baby. It was not good for her and her children, and so she refused.

    Now hearing her mentioning it again, she refused again. However, she felt annoyed and gave in, ¡°Give me several months. You see, there are so many things at home. I¡¯m so busy and tired every day... It¡¯s not a good time to have children, right?¡±

    After Mrs. Zhou left, Qiu Yn began to look forward to her husband¡¯s return.

    In the evening, Jiang Yashuang was finally released by Marquess Qin. Qiu Yn rushed to ask about the situation in Shazhou.

    ¡°Brother¡¯s injury is better. He can ride alone.¡± Jiang Yashuang knew what she was most concerned about, so he emphasized this first. Sure enough, Qiu Yn immediately rxed after hearing this and sat back to her original position, indicating that he could speak slowly.

    ¡°The western savages has already got in touch and old subordinates of the Ruan and Qiu Family have already made an appointment.¡± Jiang Yashuang said with a smile, ¡°Now we are waiting for an opportunity and we can seed at one stroke.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s very dangerous.¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s interest in sess was far less than her concern for Qiu Jinn¡¯s safety.

    Jiang Yashuangforted her with a smile, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, no one can put brother in danger. My grandfather told early in the morning that we must ensure brother¡¯s safety at any time. What¡¯s more, brother is also a man with sense of propriety. If he is not sure, how can he attack the enemy in person? ¡±

    ¡°s, it¡¯s thousand miles away...¡± Qiu Yn frowned and was about to say some words to show her worries. Suddenly, Chen Shui came in and her face was a little dignified: ¡°Young master, madame! Jiang Tan asks for a meeting outside. He says that there is something important from Marquess.¡±

    Both the husband and wife were stunned. Jiang Yashuang just came back from Marquess Qin. It was just a moment ago. Why did he give orders again?

    They happened to think of thetest news of Shazhou, and so Qiu Yn hastened to urge her husband to go.

    As a result, Jiang Yashuang left in a hurry and came back in a hurry. When he came back, he didn¡¯t look nervous, but he was full of embarrassment and bitterness, and even a little angry.

    Qiu Yn asked nervously after waiting impatiently, ¡°What? What¡¯s the news?¡±

    ¡°It has nothing to do with Shazhou!¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head and sighed, ¡°it¡¯s (my) brother again...¡± He thought for a moment and then thought of the wording, ¡°He made another trouble.¡±

    ¡°Well?¡± Qiu Yn lost her interest immediately when knowing that it was not news from Shazhou but Jiang Yadan who was in trouble again. She said listlessly, ¡°What¡¯s the trouble with him? Did he rob another woman in the street?¡±

    ¡°He did make another lover.¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°but it¡¯s no one else. It¡¯s one of the people who my aunt and Empress Dowager Gu decided to kill this morning... It¡¯s Princess Zhou.¡±

    ¡°Gu E¡¯nuo?¡± Qiu Yn suddenly widened her eyes and asked, ¡°How can it be her? When did she go out with Jiang Yadan?¡±

    What a surprise! Two days ago, the two families were still political enemies. They had already married. In this way, they could hook up with each other... Well, Jiang Yadan only knew beauty and ugliness and he didn¡¯t care about which side he belonged to. Anyway, he was the one who took advantage.

    But as for Gu E¡¯nuo, Qiu Yn felt that with this princess¡¯s shrewdness, if she wanted to find someone to hook up with, it wouldn¡¯t be Jiang Yadan who was unfaithful and shameless. A woman with a brain would rather keep a man who would rely on her.

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face was very gloomy, ¡°They didn¡¯t have contacts with each other before this morning. The Duke of Huainan went to the Mansion of Prince of Zhou to read Empress¡¯s decree. Princess Zhou asked to give her a few hours to dress up and receive the Empress¡¯s decree decently. The Duke of Huainan was so soft-hearted that he agreed to dy until dusk for her. As a result, Princess Zhou disguised herself and ordered her servants to go out and find Jiang Yadan to send a message to him...¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Qiu Yn surprisedly said, ¡°Princess Zhou sent someone out of the house and Duke of Huainan didn¡¯t ask!¡± It was said that when the whole family would be killed, no matter whether the family resisted or not, troops should have encircled the mansion first, so as to prevent the important people from escaping or disobeying orders.

    How did Gu E¡¯nuo send people to go out of the Prince¡¯s Mansion?

    ¡°The Duke of Huainan thought that she sent people out to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang to say goodbye to her mother¡¯s family, or to invite her mother¡¯s family to go to the Mansion to say goodbye.¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°Because he allowed Princess Zhou to live until dusk before, so he acquiesced. As a result, that servant actually looked for Jiang Yadan.¡±

    ¡°And then?¡± Qiu Yn asked, but she had already guessed the result.

    Sure enough, Jiang Yashuang grinned bitterly, ¡°(My) brother followed the servants to the Mansion of Prince of Zhou and just scolded the back door guards to go inside. Had Princess Zhou been ready to bathe and dress up. In a word, he now decided to take Princess Zhou as his concubine and let her maid be buried with Prince of Zhou instead of her... I don¡¯t know what to say about him.¡±

    ¡°Grandfather should agree?¡± Qiu Yn looked at him with strange eyes. His brother was always like this. Even Qiu Yn was used to it. Why did he look so worried?

    Although Jiang Yadan was seduced by Gu E¡¯nuo, were the rest of the Jiang Family so easy to be coaxed? Especially Marquess Qin, even if his grandson slept with the Princess Zhou, she could die after serving him. Jiang Yadan had no resistance to women¡¯s sexuality for many times, but he was not the person who would be responsible for taking advantage of it. The whole Jiang Family didn¡¯t bother to me him for a long time.

    Now Jiang Yashuang was worried about this. Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help wondering if Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s method was so clever that she could make Jiang Yadan protect her regardless of the situation. However, Marquess Qin wouldn¡¯t allow that because of his grandson¡¯s temper, especially this grandson who ranked the top loser of the Jiang Family... Marquess Qin wanted to kill Gu E¡¯nuo and then it was impossible to keep her alive.

    Jiang Yashuang looked at her and said, ¡°Since Princess Zhou wanted to use the opportunity given by Duke of Huainan to seduce (my) brother, how could she not think of her grandfather¡¯s opinion?¡± He breathed and continued, ¡°She asked (my) brother to tell my grandfather. Although she was a younger generation and she often gave advice to Empress Dowager Gu and others, she knew a lot about the staff and secrets of Empress Dowager¡¯s party. As long as my grandfather was willing to spare her life, let her be a concubine of (my) brother, and let her have a child to rely on in the future, she would be willing to do her best for the Jiang Family.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn pursed her lips. She knew that Marquess Qin would agree to the deal. After all, no matter how shrewd Gu E¡¯nuo was, she was no more than a woman and she didn¡¯t want a title or even living in the Jiang Family. Marquess Qin would not care to save her life.

    ¡°The problem is that such a person, even if he is just an outsider, will be a very difficult opponent for Madame Tao Junior.¡± Qiu Yn understood why her husband was worried, ¡°before that, An Zhenshang is hard enough to deal with. Now there is Gu E¡¯nuo... This is...¡±

    What should Madame Tao Junior, who had lived happily only for several days, do in the future?

 Chapter 328 - Revenge After a Long Time.

    <h4>Chapter 328 Revenge After a Long Time.</h4>

    Fortunately, Madame Tao Junior now had a son and she didn¡¯t need to worry about anything. After hearing the news, she became sad for a while, but when she gently stroked her belly, she perked up, ¡°since she doesn¡¯t enter the Mansion, I don¡¯t have to do the etiquette. It¡¯s nothing as long as my husband is happy.¡±

    Her words were passed from Madame Tao to Marquess Qin. Marquess Qin was very satisfied with his granddaughter-inw due to her generosity and her good sense of the big picture. He granted Madame Tao Junior with something which was both afort and a reward. In the Jiang Family, apart from Qiu Yn¡¯s privateint to her husband, it didn¡¯t cause much disturbance, because it was followed by Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s funeral.

    Empress Dowager Ye lived in Ganli Pce for more than 30 years. No matter in the former emperor¡¯s reign or the Imperial Harem, many young people were surprised to realize that there were two empresses in Darui¡¯s dynasty when the news of her death came out.

    Everyone knew it clearly. If Empress Jiang had respected Empress Dowager Ye, she wouldn¡¯t have kept her in Ganli Pce for so many years. She just let County Princess Duanrou meet her asionally. Now, she made the funeral so grand. There must be some secrets.

    It was not hard to guess that the Empress¡¯ party dealt a terrible blow to the Empress Dowager¡¯s party with Xue Chang. They made full use of the two matters that Emperor was poisoned and the tomb of General Ruan was dug up. At this juncture, the purpose of holding the funeral for Empress Dowager Ye was just to open a new battlefield to further attack the Empress Dowager¡¯s party.

    Sure enough, on the first day of mourning, Empress Jiang cried in front of all the ministers. She said, ¡°You ever said that Weisang was filial and wise, had the appearance of the former Emperor, and could be trustedto take over Darui. What a poor child. Now he hasn¡¯t been officially canonized, but he has lost his direct grandmother... Mother, you... You are so cruel!¡±

    Empress Jiang¡¯s crying almost made her purpose clear. People of the Empress¡¯ party knew her meaning and came forward to answer, ¡°Your Majesty, please forgive me! Since Empress Dowager Ye wanted his Royal Highness the Seventh Prince to inherit the crown during her lifetime, and his majesty also approved the Seventh Prince to be the crown prince earlier. Why don¡¯t you make the seventh Prince the crown prince before memorial tablets and tell the country, so that Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s soul in heaven can be safeguarded? ¡±

    One person started, and everyone agreed with him. Xue Chang had also talked about some confidants of the neutral party to help, such as Cheng Jin.

    They thought that although most of the ministers expressed their views, the Empress Dowager¡¯s party also wanted to oppose it. However, after hearing this, Empress Dowager Gu said unhurriedly, ¡°That¡¯s a good thing! I also think that the Seventh Prince is rich in fortune and capable. He is the talent of the Crown Prince.¡±

    The Empress Dowager¡¯s words made the whole hall stunned for a long time. Even Xue Chang and Marquess Qin were both stunned. After a long time, Empress Jiang asked tentatively with a tone of uncertainty, ¡°Should I send someone to make an order?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Empress Dowager Gu waved her hand and calmly asked her servant to hold out an empress¡¯s decree, ¡°I have already made it.¡±

    ¡°Mother, I would like to have a look at it first, may I?¡± Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s attitude changed so quickly, which surprised and upset the Empress¡¯ party. Empress Jiang even blurted out in a hurry.

    Empress Dowager Gu looked at her with a smile, but more than a smile, ¡°Do you think that I am so confused that I don¡¯t even know how to draw up the empress¡¯s decree of the crown prince?¡± She also reminded, ¡°the prince is Crown Prince. The decree of confirmation of Crown Prince is not valid without a jade seal on it.¡±

    This made the whole Empress¡¯ party look a little nervous except for a few people. Empress Dowager Gu had been regent for her son since Emperor was a child. Of course, the jade seal had always been in her hands. Later, Empress Jiang rose, but she only used the Phoenix seal and the emperor¡¯s private seal.

    In other words, although the Empress¡¯s decree and the Empress Dowager¡¯s decree were both called empress¡¯s decree. Strictly speaking, the Empress Dowager¡¯s decree was the orthodox one.

    However, the Jiang Family was very powerful. People knew that the Empress¡¯s decree was often overstepped, and they dare not disobey it.

    Now Empress Dowager Gu said this. Empress Jiang stopped talking for a moment, but she was still worried that Empress Dowager Gu pretended to agree. Even if she couldn¡¯t seed, it would destroy the atmosphere of her crying just now, so she thought for a few seconds and said, ¡°Thank you, mother. It¡¯s a great event of confirmation of Crown Prince. How about asking Prime Minister Xue to read the empress¡¯s decree? ¡±

    She believed that with Xue Chang¡¯s ability, if there was something wrong with the empress¡¯s decree, he would certainly be able to achieve the goal of preventing Empress Dowager Gu, even in full view of the public.

    Empress Dowager Gu nced at her and agreed with her with a sneer and so the empress¡¯s decree was handed over to Xue Chang to read out. Chu Weisang, the 16-year-old seventh prince, passed his six elder brothers and received the empress¡¯s decree before Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s memorial tablet. He became the crown prince of Darui Dynasty. After Empress Dowager Ye¡¯s funeral ended, he could move into the East Pce immediately.

    The empress¡¯s decree prepared in advance by Empress Dowager Gu not only exaggerated Chu Weisang and explicitly confirmed him as the crown prince, but also proposed to follow the example of the former emperor¡¯s reign and gave Chu Weisang the right to set up the East Pce team after he moved to the East Pce.

    If the Empress¡¯ party and Xue Chang still couldn¡¯t understand why Empress Dowager Gu was so abnormal today, after listening to this, they could know that Empress Dowager Gu wanted to win over the Seventh Prince after she failed to cultivate the two princes in session.

    Chu Weisang has been built as a crown prince by the Empress¡¯ party with the help of the emperor and Empress Dowager Ye. In a short time, it was impossible for the queen party to support other princes. In this case, Empress Dowager Gu gave him the power to set up his own team and instigated him to take the opportunity to support her.

    Since Chu Weisang chose a different way from his brothers and tried to show his intelligence, it was known to all that he was not willing to be mediocre to the end.

    Would this kind of person be willing to let go of the chance of not being a puppet but a real monarch?

    However, Chu Weisang did not have the ability to stand on his own. If he wanted to be independent, he could only make a bnce between the Empress Dowager¡¯s party and the Empress¡¯ party, just like Xue Chang did at the beginning. He wanted bnce. The Empress¡¯ party supported him to the throne, but didn¡¯t get the benefits as expected. The Empress Dowager¡¯s party thus got the chance to survive.

    ¡°What a nice try.¡± Empress Jiang was furious.

    However, Empress Dowager Gu fixed eyes on Chu Weisang with love as if no one else was there. Looking at the Empress Dowager Gu, Empress had to endure it, ¡°I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s the olddy¡¯s intention to make me angry at this time, and I will also let Weisang leave us. The old woman looked down upon us. You have lost, but also delusion to use Weisang to make aeback? Do you think we Jiang Family is dead?¡±

    Facts have proved that Empress Jiang¡¯s confidence was reasonable. That night, Chu Weisang found an opportunity to cry to Empress Jiang, ¡°What Grandma Gu did is to attack me deliberately today. Please help me, mother.¡±

    Seeing the terrified and clever son of a concubine prostrate at the foot of the steps, Empress Jiang was in a better mood, but her face was still gloomy, ¡°Her decree also reminded me. It¡¯s true that after you live in the East Pce, you should have your own team. ¡±

    ¡°What Grand Gu said is not right. I am young and ignorant. Now I have a team, it¡¯s also a waste of resources. It will be better for me to serve you.¡± Chu Weisang was more and more frightened when he heard this, and he asked with a trembling tone, ¡°Please don¡¯t abandon me and let me be filial.¡±

    Empress Jiang thought about it for a while and concluded that the son of a concubine was already the crown prince who was to be the emperor in the future. If she pushed him too hard, he would be suspicious. And so she called him up in a gentle tone and said with a smile, ¡°Don¡¯t say that. I¡¯m a woman in my pce. I can¡¯t teach you more about how to deal with the national events. The affairs of the team are given to you by your Grandmother Gu. How can you not ept? ¡±

    Chu Weisang understood that the Empress asked him to set up a team, and immediately asked without hesitation, ¡°all my ministers depend on mother¡¯s gift, and please be the master of the team¡¯s affairs.¡±

    Seeing that he presented the power given by Empress Dowager Gu without hesitation, Empress Jiang was in apletely good mood. She asked with a smile, ¡°Since it¡¯s your team, you can¡¯t let me choose all of them. Choose some people by yourself.¡±

    ¡°I think Hanlin Jiang is very good. He ever helped me to draw up the instrument for the princess to descend, But Hanlin Jiang is in the Hanlin Academy. I don¡¯t know if he will...¡± Chu Weisang only said one person.

    Empress Jiangughed but didn¡¯t answer. She asked, ¡°Is there anyone else?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m stupid. I¡¯m only familiar with Hanlin Jiang.¡± Chu Weisang felt that the atmosphere in the hall had rxedpletely, so heughed shyly and said, ¡°As for other people, I don¡¯t know.¡±

    What he meant by this was obviously that he was very good ¨C except for Jiang Yashuang, whom Empress Jiang sent to him as an assistant, he didn¡¯t have any confidants.

    Empress Jiang said with a smile, ¡°I know. You can go now. You have to deal with your Grandmother Ye¡¯s funeral these two days. You should pay attention to your health. After your Grandmother Ye and your grandfather are buried together, let¡¯s talk about it again.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Chu Weisang obediently answered and left after saluting.

    Out of the Beique Hall, he looked at the snow outside the hall, and then he dared to raise his hand to wipe the cold sweat all over his head.

    A gust of north wind came, and Chu Weisang could not help shivering ¨C but he did not walk a few steps. There was snow on the branches in the snow, but the light under the corridor was green.

    Although the ice and snow has not gone away, it was already spring.

    Before long, the wind and snow would fade away.

    The spring, when all things wake up and flowers bloom, hase quietly.

    Chu Wei Sang¡¯s eyesight gently swept the shoots on the branches, but he said nothing, just tightened the cape, quietly disappeared in the towering pce.

    It was at that night and thousands of miles away in Shazhou.

    Mr. Leshan held the wall and looked at the mes that lit up the sky at the end of his sight indifferently. At such a distance, the fire almost lit up half of the sky. Even if there was no lighting at the end of the city, his face and several people behind him were clearly illuminated.

    The cry of killing like the tide was so loud that it shook the sand on the city.

    In Shazhou city behind, if there was not a team of armoured soldiers cruising in the streets and alleys, forced curfew, it must be in frightening chaos.

    Ignoring the disturbance and uneasiness behind them, they all silently looked at the base camp of the Western Army in the distance.

    In the middle of the night, the mes roared and the battle cries were still loud. But Mr. Leshan was keen to hear some changes, which made his calm face excited.

    Soon, from the direction of the barracks, galloping out of the number of riding, they ran toward Shazhou.

    ¡°The western savages attacked the general camp at night, but the Major General of the Western Army was caught. From far to near, the sound of horse¡¯s hooves was as dense as a drum. Everyone in the city held his breath and did not dare to rx.

    Until the messenger announced the news of the battle did people on the city wall be very happy.

    Although Mr. Leshan was indifferent, he couldn¡¯t help it. He raised his arm and grabbed hardly. After a long pause, he suppressed his excitement. He asked in a fierce voice: ¡°How about the western savages now?¡±

    ¡°General Han and General Zhao arrived in time and drove the western savages out of the camp, but it was hard to find any trace of the general in the dark, I¡¯m afraid...¡±

    It was good if he couldn¡¯t be found, and it was normal.

    The young master hated the Kuang Family because they killed his father and so did the Ruan Family¡¯s children. How could they be satisfied with the revenge to Kuang? Mr. Leshan sneered in his heart and thought to himself, ¡°If the western savages were to catch Kuang, they would not give him to the young master. It should be that the young master sent someone to fight in the name of western savages. Hey!¡± He cleared his throat and said, ¡°Go back first. After daybreak, we¡¯ll be out of town at once. ¡±

    How could he not go to revenge for the young master at this time? His revenge would be the cruelest and the most painful one.

 Chapter 329 - Your Son Was Going to Die.

    <h4>Chapter 329 Your Son Was Going to Die.</h4>

    ¡°Crash!¡±

    After a bowl of ice water was pouring on Kuang Shihan, he woke up slowly.

    In front of him was not the western savages Kuang Shihan encountered before he sank into aa, but a young man with a gentle and light robe and a beautiful appearance. The familiar feeling between his eyebrows and eyes made Kuang Shihan shocked and he blurted out, ¡°Qiu Jinn?¡±

    Qiu Jinn was not surprised that Kuang Shihan could recognize him. He said with a faint smile, ¡°Long time no see, General of the Western Army!¡± He enunciated each word as he smiled in a frightening manner.

    ¡°I have nothing to say when I was caught by you.¡± Kuang Shihan looked around, only saw many soldiers in armor, and he knew that it was time for debt repayment, and he just said, ¡°You can punish me as you wish.¡±

    ¡°No hurry.¡± When Qiu Jinn saw this, he was not disappointed or resentful. He said with a smile, ¡°When Kuang Qingwues, it¡¯s not toote to kill you together with him. You are the only son. How can I not let you see him and then die together? Is that right?¡±

    When Kuang Shihan heard the name of the only son, it was impossible for him to keep calm. His eyelid twitched slightly, but he said with a smile, ¡°You are a littlete. I have had Qingwu set up elsewhere when I found Han Jishan and Zhao Bin were nning something bad to me and peeped into my camp. Now my men should have taken him away. The army was defeated by the western savages and Shazhou was covered with snow. You have many means and get Jiang Family¡¯s help, but to frame me, I am afraid that you have to concentrate all your forces here. It¡¯s hard for my son to save me now. Is it hard for him to avoid you? ¡±

    ¡°It took me a long time to caught you.¡± Hearing his words, Qiu Jinn thought it was funny. He said, ¡°However, are you sure Kuang Qingwu will hide from me? I¡¯m waiting for him to knock on my door.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Kuang Shihan frowned when he heard that, but immediately rxed and said with a smile, ¡°although he is my only son, he has always hated me. How can he spare his life to save me?¡± Speaking of this, he became a little disappointed andughed at himself, ¡°this is probably the retribution of my early sin.¡±

    Qiu Jinn¡¯s smile gradually changed. He said, ¡°Of course, he won¡¯t spare his life toe back to save you, but it doesn¡¯t mean he won¡¯t spare his life to save other people. Sir, pleasee out.¡±

    Speaking of this, he pped his hands slowly.

    A man showed up with the ps.

    The man in simple clothes looked reserved and indifferent. This look was familiar to Kuang Shihan, but made him, who was like ¡°What can you do to me?¡±, ferocious immediately. Kuang Shihan¡¯s eyes almost split in a moment and he said, ¡°You... You... It¡¯s you! No wonder I had made the arrangement and the western savages still broke in so fast. I thought it was Han and Zhao who destroyed my n, but it was you... That¡¯s right. Although you tried to avoid suspicion by not participating in the generals¡¯ discussion, with your talent, as long as you watched carefully afterwards, you could guess from the changes around the generals¡¯ tents. In particr, Qingwu, the unworthy son, was obedient to you. It was easy for you to get information from him.¡±

    Mr. Leshan didn¡¯t even look at him. He respectfully said to Qiu Jinn, ¡°Young master, Kuang Qingwu has escaped nearly a hundred miles, but after our people brought him the news that I am trapped in your hands and will be executed together with the old thief, he coerced this man¡¯s confidants with his life and turned back to rescue me.¡±

    If it hurt Kuang Shihan a lot by finding that Mr. Leshan was an undercover agent, it would be very cruel, but then Mr. Leshan¡¯s words took a bigger hit on Kuang Shihan. His only son, who was protected by his life and was about to be safe, risked his life to save someone, and it was not him.

    Not only it was someone else, but the one who has harmed them. As you can imagine, since Qiu Jinn knew Kuang Qingwu¡¯s track and used Mr. Leshan to lead him back, how could he not be ready to deal with him?

    Then why did this person say to kill father and son together, and still waited for Kuang Qingwu himself hit the door?

    Kuang Shihan suddenly sobbed andughed bitterly. He cried hysterically for a long time, but gradually calmed down, ¡°Mr. Leshan... I was curious before. How could such a talent not be known? Or you were a hermit in the mountains and didn¡¯t want to be an official... Are you one of the members of ¡°Tianya¡±? I wonder which Dharma protector you are, or you are the master of the altar? ¡±

    Kuang Shihan had a blood feud with Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. After Qiu Nie and his two men went to Empress Dowager Gu, of course, he had to seriously know about ¡°Tianya¡±, the highest position in which was the master of the altar that had the Right Dharma Protector and the Left Dharma Protector under it. The left Dharma protectors were superior and then the master of each sub altar.

    However, the general master of the altar has been in vain for many years. In recent years, all the affairs of ¡°Tianya¡± have been presided over by the Left Dharma Protector. This was because the general master of the altar could only be the capable one in Qiu¡¯s blood. The Qiu Family was eager to get rid of ¡°Tianya¡±. When leaving, of course, they wouldn¡¯t let their offsprings be the general master of the altar. Therefore, the reason why Qiu Nie and Qiu Qian¡¯s father could only be the Right Dharma Protector, a lower position than the Left Dharma Protector. This was not that the Qiu Family suppressed sons of a concubine, but that how they have made a clear rtionship with ¡°Tianya¡± over the years.

    With Mr. Leshan¡¯s talent, if he was from ¡°Tianya¡±, he would never be in the position lower than the master of the altar.

    But Kuang Shihan couldn¡¯t figure it out. In the information from Qiu Nie, who could match him?

    Mr. Leshan said with a smile, ¡°My real name has not been used for a long time, but Old Princess Lian once gave me a surname as Ren... Later, I took a name myself, named Ren Ziyong.¡±

    ¡°The former Left Dharma Protector, Ren Ziyong?¡± Kuang Shihan was so shocked, ¡°Qiu Nie said that you had been dead long ago, otherwise Mei Xue couldn¡¯t have been the Left Dharma Protector ¨C you!¡±

    ¡°Qiu Nie, Mei Xue, and Qiu Qian, including me, were all taught and brought up by Mr. Leshan. How could Mei Xue and Qiu Nie possibly harm him?¡± Qiu Jinn sneered, ¡°It was just that sir needed to change an identity at that time, then he borrowed their hands to leave.¡±

    ¡°You and your son repaid General Ruan¡¯s kindness with hatred. If it was ordinary revenge, wouldn¡¯t those innocent people in the past be wronged?¡± Mr. Leshan, Ren Ziyong, said slowly, ¡°I was ordered by Old Princess Lian to pave the way for the young master¡¯s revenge. Seeing that all the skills of the young master have been on the right track, I don¡¯t have to worry about it. I think that I should treat you in the same way. Only in this way can I live up to Old Princess Lian¡¯s former kindness andfort the spirits of the Qiu and Ruan Family.¡±

    At that time when Kuang Shihan¡¯s father died early and his mother remarried, his uncles and rtives regarded him as a burden, so it was difficult for him to survive. It was General Ruan who took him to the Ruan Family and treated him as his son. At that time, General Ruan had his son-inw, Qiu Zhongyan, who was a king, and two sons and several grandchildren. However, Kuang Shihan was only second to General Ruan in the Western Army.

    Although he had his talent, it showed that General Ruan didn¡¯t treat him as an outsider at all. Even if he treated Kuang Shihan whole-heartedly, he did not change his surname and still let him glory the Kuang Family.

    But General Ruan, even the whole Ruan Family¡¯s tolerance and kindness only won the cruelest and the most shameless betrayal of them.

    How could such hatred and blood debt bepensated by the cruel punishment? That would be a mercy for them.

    Only by abusing their body and mind could revenge the Qiu and Ruan Family.

    More than ten years of forbearance and nning, heartache and separation, and waiting and brewing, at this moment, Qiu Jinn finally achieved his wish. In his heart, there were tens of millions of feelings struggling and roaring, anxious to vent, but he tried to endure, maintain the most peaceful smile, and carefully looked at Kuang Shihan¡¯s every desperate look. Did he feel painful or angry? Do you feel aggrieved? Is that incredible? Feel wronged? Are you sorry?

    The person who you treated sincerely was the one who destroyed you resolutely.

    If you didn¡¯t experience the same betrayal and pain, how could they face those ancestors who died here innocently more than ten years ago?

    Seeing Kuang Shihan fall down after he spitted blood, Qiu Jinn indifferently ordered, ¡°Cut ginseng for him and don¡¯t let him die now!¡±

    ¡°Get it from my bookboy.¡± Ren Ziyong said with a smile, ¡°the ginseng was given to me by him to mend my body. I knew he will use it. When I came over, asked my man to take it with me.¡±

    After he said these words, his face became gloomy. He raised his hand and pped Qiu Jinn¡¯s back. And then Qiu Jinn unexpectedly spitted out a mouthful of blood.

    ¡°Watch your body!¡± Ren Ziyong looked at Qiu Jinn who became better after spitting out the blood. He frowned and reminded him, ¡°You can revenge now, but it¡¯s not over. You can¡¯t be sick! You shouldn¡¯t have been so bearable just now. His peace at first was to make you not attack and be blocked by the blood in your chest. Don¡¯t tell me you can¡¯t even know this. ¡±

    Qiu Jinn took the water bag delivered by Ruan Yi and gargled. He managed a smile on his pale face. He said, ¡°I just think it¡¯s hard to feel relieved anyway.¡±

    Of course, he knew the purpose of Kuang Shihan was to calm down at the beginning. Although Kuang Shihan did have the magnanimity of being the Major General of the Western Army, he did it on purpose. He wanted to bet. He knew Qiu Jinn was young and full of vigor. Seeing that he didn¡¯t cry for mercy, Qiu Jinn didn¡¯t want to go hysterical. But Qiu Jinn had to endure for many years and once he realized his wish, his mood was so agitated. It was obvious that he would also be exhausted.

    For Kuang Shihan, who knew he was going to die, he wanted to hurt him as much as possible.

    If it were not for Ren Ziyong¡¯s pping, Qiu Jinn would be seriously ill in a few days.

    Just as Kuang Shihan expected: Qiu Jinn saw that he was calm and self-contained. He would rather hold on than release his hatred to lose his manner. He was the winner. He didn¡¯t need to use his moment of weakness to fulfil Kuang Shihan¡¯s wish to die with dignity.

    ¡°The past is gone!¡± Ren Ziyong frowned, ¡°Don¡¯t forget, you still have Her Grace to take care of.¡±

    When mentioning his sister in Jing City, Qiu Jinn took a breath and said, ¡°OK.¡±

    People who had someone to be concerned about didn¡¯t have the qualification of willfulness and pride.

    He sighed in his heart, but he didn¡¯t feel dragged down.

    After all, if it wasn¡¯t for this sister, he really didn¡¯t know where to go after the revenge with his life experience.

    ¡°When Kuang Qingwues to knock on the door and the father and son are killed, I must take Western Army.¡± Qiu Jinn silently nned, ¡°at that time, even if the Jiang Family is powerful and no one can resist them, I think they dare not treat my sister badly.¡±

    A brother with enough power, ability, and also treasuring his sister was an important guarantee for a married woman to live a prosperous life.

    ¡°Sister, I¡¯ll make it up to you for all your miserable years. I will let your whole life be free from grievances and dangers.¡± Qiu Jinn looked in the direction of Jing City and calmly said, ¡°Where are General Han and General Zhao? Tell me when you find them.¡±

    Han Jishan and Zhao Bin were the leaders of the old subordinates of the Ruan and Qiu Family, and also the key figures of Qiu Jinn¡¯s plot for the Western Army.

 Chapter 330 - The Heir Was Important.

    <h4>Chapter 330 The Heir Was Important.</h4>

    After the funeral of Empress Dowager Ye, the East Pce of Darui, which had been vacant for more than 30 years, finally weed its new owner.

    Although the host hade, the hostess wouldn¡¯t appear in the Pce soon. After all, the Crown Prince¡¯s grandmother died. Not only the marriage of the prince, but also the wedding of Princess of Wei was dyed to the second half of the year.

    Prince of Wei was older than Princess Yongfu, so the wedding of Princess Yongfu was also dyed.

    If so, the crown prince, who was one year younger than Princess Yongfu, would get married at the end of the year at the earliest.

    However, the Empress¡¯ party didn¡¯t have time to deal with these children¡¯s marriage, but the new crown prince¡¯s team aroused their concern.

    With Empress Jiang¡¯s respect and preference for Jiang Yashuang, and Chu Weisang only asked for this person, so Jiang Yashuang would be one of the East Pce¡¯s team.

    Of course, other candidates were also selected from the Empress¡¯ party, but in order to show respect for Xue Chang, several ces were reserved for Xue Chang¡¯s group.

    As for the Empress Dowager¡¯s party that proposed to let the crown prince move to the East Pce and form his own team, they obtained nothing£¡

    What was more, when Empress Dowager Gu got off her high horse several times to see her grandson, Empress Jiang would stop her on the halfway andinvite her to drink tea or visit flowers. Empress Dowager Gu couldn¡¯t bear it, so she said directly that she missed Chu Weisang. Empress Jiang didn¡¯t quarrel with her. She called other princes and princesses to apany her to relieve her boredom. After that, she exined that the crown prince was just confirmed and because that he was young, he was busy learning now. As a kind grandmother who would think of him a lot, Empress Dowager Gu must be reluctant to disturb him.

    Empress Dowager Gu was now in a weak position. It was hard for her to say no and she had to bear it.

    She had been regent for more than 30 years and had never been treated like this. Even though Tang Zimoforted her to be patient in private, she couldn¡¯t bear it after several times. She yelled, ¡°How long should I bear that? If I continue to bear it, Jiang will surpass me.¡±

    But at this time, she knew that Gu E¡¯nuo was alive, and in order to survive, she helped the Jiang Family and didn¡¯t hesitate tomit herself to Jiang Yadan.

    Empress Dowager Gu almost went crazy.

    She quickly called for Gu Shuo, Duke of Guangyang, and Gu Yan, Young Prince of Duke of Guangyang to her pce.

    ¡°You bastards!¡± overtaken by a series of reverses, Empress Dowager Gupletely failed to keep the grace and the shrewdness that an Empress Dowager should have. She smashed the tea set on the case as soon as she saw her nephew and his son. She shouted hysterically, ¡°if it were not me, could you Gu Family have today¡¯s power? I didn¡¯t expect that you betray me for a daughter. I have helped you for these years. How could you?¡±

    Gu Shuo and Gu Yan didn¡¯t know what Gu E¡¯nuo had done at all. When they were scolded, they were confused. Seeing that Empress Dowager was irritated, they didn¡¯t dare to refute. They knelt down and pleaded guilty. After she released her anger for a long time, they asked why.

    The reason why Empress Dowager Gu was willing to call them was that on the day when Duke of Huainan went to pass the edict, though Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s confidant had been out of the Mansion of Prince of Zhou, she had never been to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang. Instead, she went directly to Jiang Yadan. She guessed that it was Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s idea. However, she was the daughter of Gu Shuo and Gu Yan¡¯s sister. She did it, so her father and brother had to take the responsibility.

    Thus, Empress Dowager didn¡¯t feel that she was scolding the wrong person. She told the whole story of Gu E¡¯nuo to survive with a sneer and finally said coldly, ¡°I don¡¯t know how you teach her. What a shameless thing.¡±

    Naturally, Gu Shuo and his son had to kowtow to beg for mercy. When Empress Dowager calmed down again, Gu Yan saw that his father waspletely at a loss, so he had to say on behalf of his father, ¡°Please rest assured, your majesty. My father and I didn¡¯t know about this before. Now that we know it, we will deal with her immediately. I hereby beg for your majesty¡¯s mercy, please give us this opportunity.¡±

    ¡°For your grandfather¡¯s sake, I¡¯ll grant you this time! If she did this next time, you wouldn¡¯t need to see me. ¡± Empress Dowager Gu sneered and said, ¡°Go.¡±

    Although her attitude was indifferent, Gu Yan knew that she agreed to forgive them as long as the Gu Family killed Gu E¡¯nuo.

    After leaving the Pce with Gu Shuo, Gu Yan began to think about how to do it.

    But now the Empress¡¯ party was flourishing and Empress Dowager¡¯s party was declining. And there were many people who see which way the wind blew.

    The things that Gu Shuo and Gu Yan went to the Pce to meet with Empress Dowager and that Empress Dowager Gu became angry was reported to the Beique Hall before they left the Pce.

    Empress Jiang was not in a hurry when she heard the news. On the contrary, she said with a smile, ¡°It seems that Gu E¡¯nuo does hold many secrets of the old woman, otherwise she would not be in such a hurry to find the two people to enter the Pce.¡±

    Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s defection to the Jiang Family was revealed to Empress Dowager Gu by the Empress¡¯ party on purpose.

    After all, the emperor was still alive. Even without the emperor, the crown prince was also the grandson of Empress Dowager Gu. At present, the Empress Dowager¡¯s party had only fallen behind and still had a chance to fight, while the Empress¡¯ party had almost shown all its cards. If the Empress Dowager¡¯s party kept on fighting and was careful not to give the Empress¡¯ party the chance to expand their achievements, it would be hard for the Empress¡¯ party to deal with, even if they had controlled the Western Army.

    The main reason was that the situation was different and their vision and goal have also changed. In the past, when the two parties were well-matched, the Empress¡¯ party thought that one day they would gain the upper hand, then they would kill all the Empress Dowager¡¯s party first.

    But now that the Empress¡¯ party grasped the advantage, they began to consider the image in the history books and the reputation in the public, and so on.

    This was not surprising. People were like this. They only thought about how to win when they didn¡¯t. When they could win, they also wanted a perfect victory.

    Except that Empress Dowager Gu didn¡¯t take any advantage of the crown prince¡¯s team and she scolded Tang Zimo and others in private, she didn¡¯t do anything else. Therefore, the Empress¡¯ party was impatient. Here¡¯s the news. Your granddaughter betrayed you and she became my nephew¡¯s concubine shamelessly. She even didn¡¯t have any reputation. And you still did nothing. Were you dead?

    Sure enough, Empress Dowager Gu couldn¡¯t help and would do something.

    Empress Jiang was very excited, ¡°Has the staff over there been arranged for Gu E¡¯nuo?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Don¡¯t worry, your majesty.¡± Maid Lin chuckled, ¡°even if Empress Dowager doesn¡¯t break in this time, the Gu Family will definitely fall.¡±

    When the Empress and her confidant were ted, in the backyard of the Mansion of Marquess Qin, Qiu Yn was frowning at Mrs. Li¡¯s request, ¡°Why do you think of them?¡±

    Since Mrs. Li came, she didn¡¯t ask Qiu Yn for anything. This time, she gave her a problem. Mrs. Li didn¡¯t ask for anything for herself, but for others.

    It was not difficult for Qiu Yn to help those people who she pled for get out. But the problem was that Qiu Yn was a little ufortable, because these people were Qiu Nie, Qiu Qian, and Mei Xue.

    In the past years, they harmed her deeply.

    These people got along well with Qiu Yn because they concealed their life experience and identity. Later, after the rtionship broke down, in order to prevent her subordinates from being unknown and being trapped by them, Qiu Yn had to give an ount. Then Mrs. Li knew that Qiu Nie and Qiu Qian were also Qiu¡¯s blood.

    Then, as mentioned before, Mrs. Li was the special cook and confidant of Old Princess Lian.

    Therefore, although she was loyal to Qiu Yn now, she often thought about problems under the influence of Old Princess Lian.

    For example, this plea. She said, ¡°Madame, I don¡¯t think I have the face to say that. But the Young Prince was Prince¡¯s only son, and he was son of the Ruan Family, even Marquess Qin and Prime Minister Xue have personally confirmed it, how can hee back again? Now Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe only had Prince as the only heir after the incident of Commandery Princess Ningtaist year. I¡¯m not cursing them, but it¡¯s hard to say whether Prince will grow up in the future because of the evil done by Lu and her son. Otherwise, how can Young Master Qiu Hongzhi and Commandery Princess Ningtai be trapped one by one? Even if he grew up, would his son be passed on to thete Prince and thete Princess? Even if he were passed, would he sacrifice seriously? The ancestral hall of thete Prince and thete Princess must be taken care of.¡±

    Qiu Yn bit her lips, feeling very difficult to handle. Mrs. Li was right. Since Marquess Qin and Xue Chang admitted that Qiu Jinn was the blood of Ruan Family, Qiu Jinn couldn¡¯te back to the Qiu Family any more. After all, with Marquess Qin and Xue Chang¡¯s position, it was impossible for them to go back on their words.

    Besides, only the old Princess Yang and Qiu Yinzhi, Duke of Xihe depend on each other in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Even if Qiu Jinn proved his life experience with hard evidence, he would be regarded as bullying them by relying on the power of the Jiang Family. On the Ruan Family¡¯s side, there was also the suspicion of abandoning him when he was used up. At that time, you could imagine the public opinion.

    Qiu Jinn didn¡¯t care about the public opinion, but he had to prevent the enemy from seizing the public opinion. After all, he still wanted the Western Army, so he had to be cautious.

    In this case, the issue of session was in front of us: Qiu Jinn couldn¡¯t recognize his parents. The Ruan Family had an heir, but what about the heir of Qiu Zhongyan and his wife?

    Qiu Yn never thought about this problem, but in this era, it was very serious and significant.

    In a sense, it was also an obstacle that couldn¡¯t be avoided if you wanted to be aprehensive and filial younger generation.

    Because of this consideration, Mrs. Li would ask for forgiveness and rescue on the premise that she knew that Qiu Yn had been cheated by Qiu Nie and his sister. She said, ¡°The Qiu Family has few heirs. Even if Qiu Nie was bad, he is Madame Qiu¡¯s blood and the nephew of thete Prince and thete Princess. If you want to raise an heir for them from another ce, they will not be rted. Please forgive them and save their lives for the sake of your ancestors.¡±

    It would be troublesome to ask someone else to be the heir of Qiu Zhongyan and his wife.

    Of course, by means of Qiu Jinn, he could send a subordinate to solve this problem.

    It was clear that he, the flesh and blood of Qiu Zhongyan and his wife, was still alive, but he had to send his subordinates to rece him. Maybe Qiu Jinn also felt very ufortable. The heir must call Qiu Zhongyan and his wife his parents. Although they were dead and he didn¡¯t have to call them so often, when they were worshipped and mentioned asionally, there should be no mistakes. How embarrassed it would be!

    ¡°I guess my brother will be worried when he considers this problem.¡± Qiu Yn had never met or thought about such a thing before. She couldn¡¯t answer for a moment, so she had to think silently, ¡°In this case, Qiu Nie is the most suitable. After all, he was a nephew.¡±

    She suddenly frowned, ¡°If Qiu Nie were passed to father and mother, what about my uncle?¡±

    ¡°Madame!¡± Mrs. Li heard that her tone became rxed. She was very happy and said, ¡°I don¡¯t mean to let Qiu Nie be the heir of thete Prince and thete Princess. After all, his appearance has been damaged. He is not worthy of being your brother and he can¡¯t be a great master. But it¡¯s time for him to get married, isn¡¯t it? You can help hime out and find a wife. After two years, they will have an heir and then you can confirm an heir for thete Prince and thete Princess. It has been some years since the death of the former Princess. It¡¯s not urgent, so I didn¡¯t tell you before. But now the Gu Family will fall. I¡¯m afraid they will be implicated by the Gu Family, so I dare to...¡±

    ¡°So?¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know well about the session. Hearing her words, she said with hesitation, ¡°My brother is also old enough to get married. When he has children, he can pass one of his children to father and mother. ¡±

    Mrs. Li was surprised. She said, ¡°But the Young Prince now is surnamed Ruan. You can only call him your cousin.¡±

    ¡°Forget it. Let¡¯s get the people out first and then discuss the session when my brotheres back.¡± Qiu Yn was at a loss for a moment. She waved her hand and said, ¡°Su He, go and find my husband.¡±

 Chapter 331 - Young Prince Asked You to Kill the King

    <h4>Chapter 331 Young Prince Asked You to Kill the King</h4>

    After Jiang Yashuang was called back, he listened to Qiu Yn and assured her, ¡°I will send someone to do it now!¡±

    ¡°The Gu family hasn¡¯t copsed yet!¡± Qiu Yn reminded him not to take it lightly, ¡°And I don¡¯t know what they are going to do. After all, Qiu Qian kidnapped me in the past. Maybe they will think we have bad intentions!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled and said, ¡°Everybody knows that the Gu Family won¡¯t regain its prosperity ording to the current situation. Unless they are determined to die, they will surely have a try even if they suspect that our family has bad intentions. Besides, if you want to kill them, why do you even bother with them?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought about his words and said, ¡°I¡¯ll be expecting to hear from you then. Give me a solution about how to arrange them. I don¡¯t understand the matter of setting up an heir. I want to wait for my brother toe back and let him make the decision.¡±

    ¡°Find a remote courtyard for them.¡± It was easy for Jiang Yashuang. ¡°Send a few people to look after them. Anyway, they are very weak now, so a few bodyguards are enough.¡±

    The young couple settled the matter easily, but Empress Jiang, who was waiting for Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang toe into the trap, caught Mei Xue and Qiu Qian on the spot!

    Jiang Yashuang knew the news from Empress Jiang quickly. In the Jiang family,nobody could do better than him in terms of information collection except for Marquess Qin. He hurried to the Pce to intercede for them after hearing the news!

    Empress Jiang would not agree in the past. Although Mei Xue and Qiu Qian were not from the Gu family, they had been in the Gu family for so long. She was not afraid that the Gu family would not care for them! How could she think of the face of her nephew¡¯s wife in such a big battle?

    However, the excavation of General Ruan¡¯s tomb made Empress always feel guilty. In addition, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s statement made sense, ¡°Gu Yan didn¡¯t order the men of the Gu family to do it because he knew it was a trap. These two women were also victims and in the same group as Qiu Nie. Now Qiu Nie didn¡¯t appear because he was taken hostage by Gu Yan. It was said that Mei Xue was in love with Qiu Nie and Qiu Qian was always respectful to him. At the beginning, Qiu Qian clearly knew that it would irritate his cousin Qiu Jinn, but she still kidnapped Ning Yi to save Qiu Nie¡¯s life! Aunt, what answers could you get from these two girls? They would rather choose to die!¡±

    ¡°Let it go. If these two women are unimportant, I will give them to you. You can take them back to your wife!¡± Empress Jiang rubbed her forehead. She managed to set such a trap, but now it was in vain. Naturally, she felt a little bit anguished. But she said, ¡°Since Qiu Nie has been detained by Gu Yan, I am afraid that it will be difficult to save Qiu Zhongyan¡¯s son. He has to choose another heir. I will ask somebody to take care of Qiu Nie. Try to save him afterwards.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled and said, ¡°I know that you love us, my dear aunt!¡±

    ¡°I know that you love your wife the most!¡± Empress Jiang took a candied fruit from the fruit te to beat him, ¡°Go back and tell your wife!¡± If they had an heir for the Qiu family, there would be no hatred. Even if Qiu Yn and his sister suspected that it was the Jiang family that manipted the digging of the General Ruan¡¯s tomb, they couldn¡¯t do anything but just be unpleasant. After all, it was an important event about the heir!

    Empress watched as her nephewughed, took the candied fruit, and left. She thought in her mind.

    Jiang Yashuang went out of the Pce and asked Jiang Tan to make arrangements for Mei Xue and Qiu Qian. These two were both young and beautiful and it was inconvenient for him to meet them. He returned to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion to report to his wife.

    After listening, Qiu Yn was relieved but frowned, ¡°Gu Yan is so vicious! He holds Qiu Nie! This is a trouble!¡± Qiu Nie was the key point for setting the heir!

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. My aunt has agreed to help us in the future. If she finds out him, she will rescue him immediately,¡± Jiang Yashuang said andforted her. ¡°Furthermore, Gu Yan doesn¡¯t have the energy to do anything now. Mei Xue and Qiu Qian failed and were caught. He is too busy to deal with Empress Dowager Gu. He always makes the decisions for the whole Gu Family. Now, he must think about the future for the whole Gu Family. How could he have the time to get Qiu Nie into trouble?¡±

    What he said was right. Gu Yan was shocked in a cold sweat when he knew that Mei Xue and Qiu Qian were caught as soon as they entered Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s yard. ¡°Sure enough!¡±

    He was deep andplex and did many private affairs for Empress Dowager Gu over the years, which couldn¡¯t go public with. People would be suspicious if they did too much private and vicious matters. His news wasgging behind because of the ban on entering the Pce for the past six months, so he didn¡¯t know that the fake death Gu E¡¯nuo was leaked deliberately by the Empress¡¯ party. He instinctively sent two women first, whose rtionship with the Gu family was not so deep, to have a test.

    Now it seemed that he held back a trick, otherwise, Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang might have been surrounded by the Imperial Army!

    Gu Yan was fortunate but he became worried now. His father, Gu Shuo, who was waiting for news from him, was always ipetent. Gu Shuo listened to others in his whole life. At this moment, he asked Gu Yan, ¡°Yan, what should we do now?¡±

    ¡°What Empress Dowager Gu has asked must be done, otherwise she would be angry. She helped us to handle all the things in our family before! Empress wouldn¡¯t attack Empress Dowager Gu for a while, so she must fight against our family first!¡± Gu Yan was confused and worried when he thought of this, but he knew that Gu Shuo was timid. If he was panicked and was seen by Gu Shuo, Gu Shuo would be scared to die. Therefore, he pretended to be calm and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I have an idea. I¡¯ll ask people to do it, so it will be fine afterwards!¡±

    Gu Shuo asked with worries, ¡°What¡¯s your idea?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve roughed out a few ideas. I have to discuss it with other people to make a decision,¡± Gu Yan coaxed. ¡°Father, don¡¯t you believe in me? I¡¯ve settled lots of trouble over the years.¡±

    The ordinary Gu Shuo never understood what Gu Yan thought. He was in a daze and said, ¡°Well, you do it. Tell me when everything¡¯s done!¡±

    ¡°Father, I can assure you!¡± Gu Yan got up and sent his father away respectfully. When Gu Shuo left, he became vicious, ¡°Go and find Qiu Nie!¡± He had no other way but used the biggest strength.

    After Qiu Nie was brought over, he knew that something was wrong when he saw Gu Yan. He asked, ¡°How are Mei Xue and Qian¡¯er?¡±

    ¡°They were in trap!¡± Gu Yan looked at him viciously and said, ¡°They were caught by the subordinates of Empress on the spot! It is said that Jiang Yashuang has taken them away. I wonder that they were not in trap but just took the opportunity to escape. Otherwise, how could Jiang Yashuang take them away? His wife is Ningyi who is very beautiful. Is she your cousin?¡±

    ¡°If she hadn¡¯t had a good brother, she would have been killed by Qian¡¯er!¡± Qiu Nie frowned. ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi and Qiu Jinn are not generous people! We offended them in the past. How could it be possible to let us go? I am afraid that Ning Yi wants to revenge on us when she heard that Mei Xue and Qian¡¯er were arrested by Empress. And thus she asked Jiang Yashuang to arrest them as a revenge!¡±

    Gu Yan squinted his eyes and said, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, what can you do for us?¡±

    Qiu Nie was nervous. ¡°In the past few years, we did a lot for the Gu family.¡±

    ¡°Yes, you did something!¡± Gu Yan sneered. ¡°But we sheltered you, right? Otherwise, Qiu Jinn would have killed you all easily!¡±

    ¡°The protection for us was promised by Empress Dowager Gu when we went to the Gu family!¡± Qiu Nie¡¯s scarred face twisted. ¡°We did a lot for the Gu family these years.¡±

    ¡°We will protect you but not support you! That doesn¡¯t mean we will pay for your meals and clothing these years,¡± Gu Yan nced at him and said mockingly.

    He made it clear that he dropped him as soon as his help was not required. How could he say it with justice? Qiu Nie knew that talking was useless, so he could only sigh, ¡°I am willing to do my best as long as you need!¡±

    ¡°What can you do for the current situation?¡± Gu Yan asked with a sneer. ¡°You were a waste after you were defeated by Qiu Jinn. Now you are less useful than Mei Xue and Qiu Qian. They are beauties at least!¡±

    Listening to his harsh words, Qiu Nie calmed down, ¡°If I were really useless, why do you talk with me?¡± He would be killed by Gu Yan at once as Qiu Nie thought.

    Gu Yan didn¡¯t get angry butughed. He even nced at him appreciatively, ¡°The Right Dharma Protector of Tianya, you are good. I do have something for you to do, but now Mei Xue and Qiu Qian were caught by the Jiang family. I am worried that let you do it alone. What should I do?¡±

    Qiu Nie smiled indifferently, ¡°Since you have asked me toe here, obviously you have a n. I will do whatever you ask me to do!¡±

    ¡°In the past, you betrayed Qiu Jinn and threatened Ning Yi. Although you didn¡¯t seed, your grudge with them was made,¡± Gu Yan drank a sip of tea. ¡°You will be fine as the Gu Family is fine. You won¡¯t be driven out. But if the Gu Family failed, you would be miserable. Mei Xue and Qiu Qian today are an example!¡±

    Obviously, he also thought that Mei Xue and Qiu Qian were taken away by Jiang Yashuang and wouldn¡¯t end well.

    Qiu Nie said calmly, ¡°If it is about reversing the situation, I will do my best!¡±

    ¡°Very good!¡± Gu Yan brushed his sleeves and sent others off before saying. ¡°I want you to do one thing!¡±

    ¡°A big thing!¡±

    ¡°Kill Emperor!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± As soon as Gu Yan said, Qiu Nie, who was preparing to show his determination, raised his head in shock!

    Gu Yan looked at him nkly, ¡°Why? Didn¡¯t you just say that you are willing to do everything?¡±

    ¡°But is there anything rted with the current situation?¡± Qiu Nie looked at the madman.

    ¡°The current situation is not something that people like you can think about!¡± Gu Yan sneered and said, ¡°You just do what I have ordered!¡±

    Qiu Nie said in despair, ¡°How is this possible?! Even if I didn¡¯t lose my ability, I couldn¡¯t sneak into the pce and assassinate the king as expected, not to mention I am a useless person now!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about entering the Pce!¡± Gu Yan said indifferently. ¡°Although Empress Dowager Gu has failed this time, it is not a problem for me to take you into the Pce especially when Chu Weisang is selected as the Crown Prince. Empress has no time to take care of Emperor. It¡¯s the right time for you to do it!¡±

    Qiu Nie took a deep breath, ¡°If this is the case, why do you ask me to do it?¡± Was the Gu family short of the manpower in the Pce?

    ¡°I have my own n!¡± Gu Yan¡¯s eyes were sharp, ¡°Say! Do you want to do this or not?¡±

    ¡°Is it because I am from the Qiu family?¡± Qiu Nie thought for a while and asked quietly. ¡°After I kill Emperor, you can dere that I am ordered by Qiu Jinn or the Jiang family to pretend to defect. In fact, they intentionally kill Emperor and frame the Gu Family when the crown prince is determined. But you or Empress Dowager Gu found out the n?¡±

    Gu Yan was shocked but calmed down at once, ¡°In fact, I only ask Mei Xue and another maid to do that task.¡±

    Qiu Nie was shocked.

    Gu Yan continued, ¡°Your sister, Qiu Qian, has been sent to another ce by me.¡±

    ¡°May I ask you when you will take me into the Pce?¡± Qin Nie fell silent for a while and asked calmly.

 Chapter 332 - Son, Donâ€™t Blame Me!

    <h4>Chapter 332 Son, Don¡¯t me Me!</h4>

    Although Gu Yan said that he could take Qiu Nie into the Pce, he had to tell Empress Dowager Gu first. Because when he took a male outside into the Pce, it was impossible for him not to inform Empress Dowager Gu, even if he didn¡¯t need to tell Empress Jiang.

    And he told her his purpose for taking Qiu Nie into the Pce. Empress Dowager Gu asked everybody to leave at the beginning, but she was raged when she heard his purpose. She fought against Gu Yan cruelly with the ornaments in the Pce and said, ¡°You are so bad and crazy! Over the years, Emperor was good to the Gu family. How could you let me kill my son? I take his power, but he is my only son!¡±

    In the past, Gu Yan wanted to kill Princess Lexin and her brother. Empress Dowager Gu refused his request, though they were her two ordinary grandchildren. This time he wanted to kill her only son. She became the Empress Dowager because of her emperor son.

    Gu Yan had served her for many years. If he didn¡¯t know her, how dare hee over and discuss with her about killing her son together?

    He didn¡¯t take action but just let Empress Dowager Gu hit her head, and he asked in a deep voice, ¡°Do you think about your future life? Now the crown prince is not close to you and the Jiang family is aggressive. Xue Chang¡¯s party has made a choice. What will we do in the future? Where is our future?¡±

    ¡°Even if I have no power, I am still the Empress Dowager Gu!¡± she stubbornly said. ¡°You b*st*rd is crazy! How dare you! Why don¡¯t you kill Gu Shuo and be the Duke of Guangyang? Ahh?¡±

    Gu Yan said, ¡°Why do you deceive yourself, your Grace? the Jiang family is aggressive. Once they gain power, how can they let you continue to be Empress Dowager. You will only be another Empress Dowager Ye! Except for the crown prince, think about your other kids. Can they have the prosperity today like County Princess Duanrou? Haven¡¯t you thought about it?¡±

    This time, without waiting for Queen Mother Gu to answer, he said in one breath, ¡°Now we are weak. If we do note up with a strategy, we will not be able to win in such a situation! Do you think the Jiang family would tolerate Emperor when there is a crown prince who listens to them?¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu gave a gasp of astonishment and was speechless for a while!

    As early as the beginning of deciding the crown prince, she knew that if she failed, Emperor would be miserable. However, Empress Dowager Gu was full of confidence and didn¡¯t think she would lose at all!

    Now when she and her son were about to die, Empress Dowager Gu felt panic from the bottom of her heart. Even an ant was greedy for life, let alone a person like her. She didn¡¯t want to die at all!

    She never wanted to be as miserable as Empress Dowager Ye who had the title but lived alone in the Pce for all her rest life like a miserable rat. She could have her funeral thanks to the Pce intrigue.

    Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s hesitation couldn¡¯t be concealed from Gu Yan¡¯s eyes. He slowed down his tone and persuasively said, ¡°Your Grace, it¡¯s good that you can protect yourself now. You can¡¯t take care of Emperor at all! We can¡¯t let the Jiang family kill Emperor and you. You¡¯d better do it first! If Emperor knows, he will definitely not be med. After all, he is your only son. How can he be willing to let you suffer?¡±

    If these words were heard by the Empress¡¯ Party, they would scold him for being shameless. Empress Dowager Gu knew that Gu Yan wanted that she could have a long-shot gamble and win the power back!

    If this n was sessful, she could regain her power and prestige and look down upon the Jiang family!

    Empress Dowager Gu hesitated!

    Gu Yan saw this and stopped persuading. He respectfully kowtowed and said, ¡°Please think about it, you Grace! Excuse me for a moment!¡±

    He came out of the Pce with blood on his head and scared the pce staff.

    Gu Yan, who always cherished his body, had no time caring about it. He wiped the head casually and turned away.

    He was in a hurry though. he understood that Empress Dowager Gu only had one son. Emperor, as her only son, was so weak that he never dared to fight for power with her. Empress Dowager Gu looked down on him, but she valued him. This was the first time that he asked Empress Dowager Gu to kill her son, so it was lucky that she did not kill him but seriously considered it. It was a good start.

    If he kept talking, he might overreach himself.

    ¡°How is it?¡± Gu Yan left the Pce with a poke face. When he got into the carriage, Deng Yi was sitting inside and warmed himself at the fire, sipping a small pot of wine. The flush was on his mellow and wless skin. He looked morous with a feeling of getting drunk. He asked first.

    Gu Yan smiled and shook his hand. He sat down beside him and told the coachman to return to the Guangyang Pce. After that, he answered with a smile, ¡°No problem!¡±

    ¡°Look at the injury on your head. I¡¯m afraid Empress Dowager Gu is furious, right?¡± Deng Yi ignored his restless hands after sitting down and asked indifferently, ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Are you caring about me?¡± Gu Yan narrowed his eyes and put forth his hand¡¯s strength until Deng Yi frowned and snorted. He loosened his hands and hugged Deng Yi with a smile, ¡°Empress Dowager Gu is not someone who doesn¡¯t care for her children, but she cherishes herself more. Today, I talk everything with her, but I can still leave the Hall of Taishi alive. I promise she will agree!¡±

    Deng Yi was thoughtful, ¡°It¡¯s undecided. She is old.¡± Many people had a heart of stone when they were young, but began to soften when they were old.

    ¡°She will agree,¡± Gu Yan nced out of the carriage and said darkly, ¡°Since the Jiang family is so aggressive and dares to kill Emperor and dug the General Ruan¡¯s tomb, they must make a deal with the Western Army. I think the news from the west will arrive in two days. If she hasn¡¯t decided by then, it is lucky for her to be another Empress Dowager Ye. The Jiang family may torture her worse!¡±

    Empress Dowager¡¯s party never knew who poisoned Emperor. Since Xue Chang had framed Prince of Zhou, Empress Dowager¡¯s party believed that it was the Empress¡¯ party or Xue Chang who did it. Anyway, they were now in the same group. It was understandable to say that the Jiang family did it.

    Deng Yi frowned and thought gloomily. The young man was as beautiful as a dream.

    Gu Yan looked at him for a moment and suddenly asked, ¡°I never asked you how you came up with this idea.¡±

    He doubted Deng Yi because he was silent and indifferent and paid no attention to affairs in the Pce. This time he suddenly asked about Empress Dowager¡¯s party falling into a disadvantage. As a member of the Empress Dowager¡¯s party, he should care about the Party and his future. But his idea of killing Emperorpletely shocked Gu Yan!

    However, Deng Yi was calm when he heard this. He asked, ¡°The Jiang family is evil. Why can¡¯t we fight back? Although Emperor is my cousin, I haven¡¯t seen him much. Why do you feel bad?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it,¡± Gu Yan pondered for a while and felt that there was nothing wrong with his words. The blood rtionship determined that Deng Yi¡¯s decision to join the Empress¡¯ party would not be a good choice. He was ever the fianc¨¦ of Qiu Yn who was Jiang Yashuang¡¯s wife. Deng Yi had no way for betrayal.

    ¡°Perhaps he is also afraid of being bullied by the Jiang family. I restrain him but treat him well. Those in the Jiang family won¡¯t treat him as good as me because of his beauty!¡± Thinking about this, Gu Yan forgot his doubt and began to seriously think about the n to reverse the situation.

    Three dayster...

    Urgent reports from Xijiang...

    Kuang Shihan, the general of the Western Army, indulged his only son Kuang Qingwu and allowed him to lead his own soldiers to go out for hunting, which made the military discipline rxed and resulted in the shortage of soldiers. The Western Army waspletely defeated by the western savages. Kuang Qingwu was defeated and captured, but got lost because of the dark night. Hundreds of baggage were lost. This bad news that most courtiers had already guessed was sent to the Pce urgently!

    Along with this bad news, the Shazhou Prefectural Governor¡¯s memorial for Han Jishan, Zhao Bin, Ruan Qingyan and others was presented.

    All the guilt was attributed to the Kuang family as the credit was attributed to a group of people represented by Ruan Qingyan. Empress Dowager Gu held the military reports and the memorials in her hands. She was lost for a long time and was shaken by the Maid Zheng twice before she could force herself up. She went back to Hall of Taishi with the excuse of being unwell!

    She knew that she couldn¡¯t go! If Kuang¡¯s father and son were convicted of neglecting the duty and viting the militaryws, everything would be over!

    After the Kuang family were dead, Empress Dowager¡¯s party had no military power. They would be fish on the chopping block of the Empress¡¯ party because of disadvantages on military and weakness in the Pce.

    But she felt so tired that she had no energy to fight at all.

    Back to the Hall of Taishi, she didn¡¯t want Maid Zheng to apany andfort her. She locked herself in the dormitory for two hours and then called in Maid Zheng with her red and swollen eyes, ¡°Go and tell Gu Yan to prepare!¡±

    Maid Zheng answered in tears. She didn¡¯t know what Gu Yan said two days ago. She thought that Empress Dowager felt that she would lose everything and hoped that Gu Yan could try his best to protect blood of the Gu family from being destroyed by the Jiang family.

    ¡°The Jiang family is so vicious. How could it be possible to give Gu Yan a chance to leave?¡± On the way to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang, Maid Zheng thought desperately.

    She didn¡¯t know that Empress Dowager Gu was lying on the bed of the hall in pain, screaming silently!

    ¡°You can¡¯t me me. Gu Yan is right! The Jiang family is so aggressive and sets up the crown prince. How can they let Emperor, my son, live? Even if I didn¡¯t do it, my son wouldn¡¯t escape the end!¡± Tears rolled down and she desperatelyforted herself, ¡°If it weren¡¯t the Jiang family, how could I be forced to do this? The Jiang family is the culprit! This time, I must reverse the situation and kill the Jiang family! I will revenge for you, my son!¡±

    Those old memories were like the sediments deposited in the bottom of the water. During the long and peaceful years of her regency, she thought she had forgotten all the past but recalled in these stormy days.

    When she was a girl with talents and beautiful appearance, she had to go to the Pce and be the old Emperor¡¯s harem.

    At the beginning when she entered the Pce, she was quite favored but was also terrified because she was envied by the imperial harem and suppressed by Empress Dowager Ye. She couldn¡¯t reconcile herself to it.

    When she defeated Empress Dowager Ye for the first time, she felt proud and ted and got her ambitions.

    Finally, she was pregnant. She was shocked and excited for the words that her father and brother secretly told her when her mother and sister-inw visited her.

    After her son was born, relying on the love of the old Emperor and the help of her family, she became hopeful and pleased because of killing the former crown prince.

    Her youngest son took the throne. The former crown prince¡¯s party was still in the Pce and the n and ministers were all ambiguous. Because the Gu family was too weak at that time, she decided to let Emperor who was less than ten years old to marry the daughter of Marquess Qin. Therefore, they received the support of the most prestigious ¡°Defender of the State¡± and her power gradually became stable.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t have this ambition in the early years. At first, I was just afraid that my son¡¯s throne would be robbed. Later, I thought that my son was too young and ignorant to be an emperor. I never thought of keeping my regency!¡± Lying on the thick carpet and staring in a daze at the beautiful temple pirs, she thought sadly. ¡°But Empress is so prudent and domineering and my son is so honest. If I didn¡¯t do that for my son, the Jiang Family would take the throne at any time.¡±

    She murmured that she didn¡¯t know if she should believe her words. ¡°We can only have the Jiang Family to me, whose ambition is too big! I thought that after marrying the daughter of Marquess Qin, we could use Marquess Qin¡¯s power, but he used us! Everything is their fault!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t me me for being cruel! It¡¯s you who are too honest. If something happened to me, who could protect you? We might be killed by the Jiang family with infamy! You can go to see the old emperor first. I will revenge for your death!¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu was ruthless in her mind. She got up and sternly ordered, ¡°Come here! I need to take shower and change clothes!¡±

    Now that she decided to abandon her son, she couldn¡¯t let her son die in vain!

 Chapter 333 - Provocation? Why Couldnt We Do It?

    <h4>Chapter 333 Provocation? Why Couldn¡¯t We Do It?</h4>

    The bad news from Xijiang was good news for Qiu Yn because Qiu Jinn¡¯s injury was cured and he could go to battle. The life of the Kuang family wasing to an end. She was rxed, so she was overjoyed for several days. She was so happy that she gave all the people in her yard an extra month¡¯s payment.

    But Jiang Yashuang reminded that, ¡°Do you forget that your brother is not only for revenge.¡± She realized suddenly, ¡°Do you mean the Western Army?¡±

    ¡°Although brother¡¯s revenge is quite dangerous this time, the whole n is going very well,¡± Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t look good. He seldom had a poke face in front of his wife. Now this situation was difficult. ¡°What Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi said in front of grandfather was that the Qiu family and the Ruan family have profound backgrounds. But if we don¡¯t take any action to get rid of your brother, the Western Arm will not be able to be tamed!¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Qiu Yn almost jumped up with anger!

    Jiang Yashuang quickly grabbed her with his hand and yelled, ¡°Quiet! Others who are close to Jiang Tianao told me this privately. Now my grandfather hasn¡¯t agreed yet, but if they know you know it, my grandfather will have to do it.¡±

    If Qiu Jinn knew that Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi suggested that it was better to kill him, he wouldn¡¯t retaliate against them, would he? At that time, Marquess Qin had to kill him first for the safety of his nephew and son!

    ¡°You could know the news because Jiang Tianao failed to persuade Marquess Qin and told you on purpose. He wanted to let me know and then let my brother know, so your grandfather would kill my brother, right?¡± Qiu Yn thought for a moment and understood. The anger in her heart was indescribable and she asked coldly, ¡°What are you going to do? You have said that my brother is in charge of the Western Arm, which is best for the fourth branch and us! The purpose of Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi was to prevent us from bing too powerful!¡±

    Provocation? Why Couldn¡¯t We Do It?

    Although she knew that Jiang Yashuang was unhappy about Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi, she didn¡¯t mind wrecking their rtionship again. Qiu Yn said with a sneer, ¡°In the past few years, all of them stared at our fourth branch with jealousy and thought we took the biggest advantage of the Northern Army! These bad people deserve it! Although our father is the Great General of North, it is so hard for him! He suffered for many years. He took that position because he defended the frontier for decades and went through trials and hardships!¡±

    ¡°We even need to bear the pain of family separation over the years. Since I married you, I haven¡¯t met Aunt Weng yet. Besides, none of Jiang Yadan¡¯s daughters and sons have met grandfather and grandmother. Except for Jiang Yadan, Jiang Yazhu, Jiang Qizheng and you, who else remembered the appearance of father and mother? Jiang Yadan may have a little bit of memory, but is it all blurred?¡±

    Qiu Yn gritted her teeth and said, ¡°No fruit will be reaped without hard work! Those people are daydreaming. They need them to endure hardships, but they stay in Jing City to enjoy the prosperity! When they want to gain the power, they yearn for that in other people¡¯s hands. Ahh! Do we owe them?¡±

    ¡°Father and mother understand it!¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head and signaled his wife to be calm. ¡°Grandfather is old and my uncles are at odds with each other. It is inevitable that they have their own ns! Although we have the Northern Army, it is also the disadvantage for us because father is in charge of the Northern Army outside Jing City. Mother went outside with father. My brother doesn¡¯t care about power and my grandfather doesn¡¯t think highly of Jiang Yazhu. We need to take responsibility!¡±

    Seeing him calm down, Qiu Yn also calmed down and said, ¡°In that case, I want to visit Madame Sun of the Xue Family tomorrow. Can you ask grandmother to let me go?¡±

    Did Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi think that they could decide Qiu Jinn¡¯s life because of the Jiang family¡¯s help this time? His biggest support wasn¡¯t from the Jiang family but the chancellor Xue Chang!

    Although Xue Chang had no army, the Empress¡¯ party wouldn¡¯t dare to be impolite towards him. It could be seen from this political selection in the East Pce. Xue Chang¡¯s grandson, Xue Nongying, was seriously injured two years ago. He was a Xiucai, one who passed the imperial examination at the county level at that time. He had to take the provincial examination, imperial examination in spring, and the Pce examination one after another before he officially entered the official career!

    Although Xue Chang was physically strong, he could shelter his grandson for many years after he formally became an official. If he wanted to shelter his grandson, in addition to finding a good father-inw for Xue Nongying, he needed to cultivate more students to help Xue Nongying in the future!

    Qiu Jinn was Xue Chang¡¯s most proud student.

    If anyone wanted to destroy Qiu Jinn, Xue Chang wouldn¡¯t be willing to let it go! Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi were no exception.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that it was because Marquess Qin took Xue Chang into consideration that he rejected Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi¡¯s proposal!¡± Qiu Yn gritted her teeth and decided to take all measures to gain the favor of the Xue family!

    Jiang Yashuang agreed with her that they could use Xue Chang to put pressure on Marquess Qin and keep Qiu Jinn safe, ¡°If you don¡¯t say, I will still remind you of it. At that time, we wanted to deceive Empress Dowager Gu, so we didn¡¯t often visit them in the past. Now you don¡¯t have to think too much and you should visit the Xue family more frequently on behalf of your brother!¡±

    It was an implicit reminder. ¡°After all, your brother hasn¡¯t married yet, so he can only rely on you to mediate the rtionship between the family members.¡±

    ¡°Who is Xue Nongqing? Although Xue Fangmi messed up everything, the situation changed. It doesn¡¯t matter to marry Xue Nongqing now,¡± Qiu Yn knew what her husband meant and pondered. ¡°Xue Nongqing is high in favor with her parents and elder brothers. If my brother marries her, the Xue family will work hard. The background of Xue family is really good. The problem is that Xue Nongqing is too kind and has a good temper!¡±

    Even with the support of the Jiang family¡¯s fourth branch and Xue Chang, the pressure that Qiu Jinn would face in the struggle of taking charge of the Western Army was dangerous. Girls like Xue Nongqing who was too kind and gentle were not suitable for this.

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t think so. He said, ¡°Your brother is doubtful. If our sister-inw has a deep mind in the future, won¡¯t your brother be worried?¡±

    That was true. After all, he grew up in an organization of ¡°Tianya¡±, which was a killer organization. It would be destroyed soon without the help of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. ording to this, Qiu Jinn¡¯s wife really couldn¡¯t be too smart, otherwise, he would be suspicious even if she was his wife.

    ¡°Xue Nongqing was absolutely not smart but kind. My brother sought revenge for the smallest grievance though, he would fight back unless there was a greater advantage to endure it. However, Xue Nongqing would repay your grievances with virtue. Are they suitable?¡±

    Based on Qiu Yn¡¯s understanding of her brother, he wouldn¡¯t be touched by a pure and innocent heart. He wouldn¡¯t start a true love because of the kind and beautiful character. He would only be d that there was no such a foolish sister in his family to make him angry.

    ¡°Xue Nongqing was not suitable for my brother. Ou Qinn may be better!¡±

    Qiu Dn frowned and said, ¡°Let my brother decide this matter by himself. I¡¯ll be close with the Xue family first.¡±

    Anyway, she was the one who saved Xue Nongying. Even if Qiu Jinn didn¡¯t marry Xue Nongqing, the Xue family would not refuse her visit.

    The next day she sent the visiting letter to the Xue Mansion. When she went there on the third day, Madam Sun took her daughter to wee her at the entrance with great enthusiasm, ¡°I have heard that the Jiang family is busy these days, so I don¡¯t bother you, Your Grace. I wanted to ask Qing¡¯er to visit you after New Year, your Grace!¡±

    ¡°You are so polite. I even won¡¯t dare toe again.¡± Qiu Yn came close to her, so she refused to let Madam Sun use the polite words and hurriedly stopped her, ¡°You can treat me as a junior. I am no older than Miss Nongqing. You needn¡¯t to be so polite to me!¡±

    Madam Sun had Xue Nongying, her only son, so she was good to his son¡¯s savior. Now she smiled deeper because of Qiu Yn¡¯s words, ¡°Let me call you Miss Yn. You be more beautiful over these days. Your visiting makes our garden more brilliant!¡±

    Qiu Yn was very satisfied that she called herself ¡°Your Grace¡± instead of Mrs. Jiang at first. This showed that she was Qiu Jinn¡¯s younger sister, which was more important than the title of grandson¡¯s wife of the Jiang family.

    The Xue family was shocked about her sudden visit. They guessed her visit was for the Jiang family, so they used this title to give a hint Qiu Yn¡¯s brother and their family were close. Don¡¯t harm them because of her husband!

    They exchanged greetings and entered the room. Xue Nongying willingly came over to thank her after hearing the news. He was in aa after being injured. When he woke up, he had been in the Xue family. At that time, Xue Chang¡¯s rtionship with the Empress¡¯ party and Qiu Jinn was a secret. Therefore, he couldn¡¯t thank Qiu Yn for his life-saving grace in person, but this time he could take the chance to make up for it.

    Naturally, Qiu Yn refused to ept his full courtesy. After a long while, she reluctantly epted it and returned him half courtesy as a peer. After this set of etiquette, she asked something about Xue Nongying¡¯s health. Madam Sun smiled and said with a bit insincere, ¡°He is good now. I only have a son, so I spoil him. Let him continue to have a rest. He is still too young for the imperial examinations. Take his time by himself.¡±

    After having lunch at the Xue family, Xue Nongqing volunteered to take Qiu Yn to visit the garden. She said secretly, ¡°My brother can act as usual. However, his injury is too bad, so he gets tired so easily! We send him to study, but he became dizzy after studying for two days, so he rests at home!¡±

    ¡°Take care!¡± Qiu Yn said with concern. ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much. After all, your brother is young. He will be betterter!¡± She was a little bit happy. If Xue Nongying didn¡¯t get better, Xue Chang would be more concentrated on Qiu Jinn in terms of political cultivation, which was beneficial to Qiu Jinn.

    Afterforting Xue Nongqing and spending a while with her in the garden, Qiu Yn turned down Madam Sun¡¯s detainment and insisted to leave because it waste. Although she was eager to have more contacts with the Xue family now, it was the first time she visited the Xue Mansion, so she could not stay here toote.

    Before leaving, she didn¡¯t forget to invite Xue Nongqing to y with her in her spare time, ¡°I was busy before, but now I am free. I really hope that you can visit me more frequently!¡± Although she didn¡¯t finish sorting out the ount of Qingfeng Ji, it was not in a hurry since the Empress¡¯ party took the advantage. Anyway, if there was no time to sort it out, she could fake it!

    He Shuijin would help her to fake it. She had the witnesses from the Empress¡¯ party. It was enough to defeat the Empress Dowager¡¯s party at the right time!

    Considering that there were no peer girls in the Jiang family who had not been married and Nongqing would be embarrassed, Qiu Yn mentioned that Zhuang Man and Xin Fubing often went to y with her and implied that Xue Nongqing could go with them, so that she would not be embarrassed to visit her.

    After this visit, on the way back to Marquess¡¯s Mansion, Qiu Yn thought, ¡°Although I didn¡¯t mention my brother, Xue Chang should know that she was for her brother this time. She suddenly became enthusiastic about the Xue family because her brother came into the trouble that needed him to help. Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi would not be good! Hey!¡±

 Chapter 334 - Just Need a Goddaughter

    <h4>Chapter 334 Just Need a Goddaughter</h4>

    Qiu Yn¡¯s sudden visit not only made Xue Chang realize Qiu Jinn¡¯s crisis, but also tipped Marquess Qin off.

    He summoned Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi to his study that night, ¡°Do you know that Qiu Yn went to see Xue Chang?¡±

    They looked at each other, ¡°Yes, we do.¡±

    ¡°Xue Chang shouldn¡¯t be messed with,¡± Marquess Qin said calmly. ¡°It is because not only he is powerful, but also our country will be in chaos without him!¡±

    Seeing that his nephew and his eldest son didn¡¯t agree with him, he squinted his eyes, ¡°Do you know why they call Tao Yinsong the Pir of the State, but just call me the Defender of the State after I spend my whole life defending our country?¡±

    ¡°Because I¡¯m skilled at military operations. But when ites to run the country, let alone Tao Yinsong, even you, Tianao, are better than me!¡± Marquess Qin said tly, ¡°Our country is still prosperous even if we¡¯ve been fighting with Empress Dowager Gu for power for several years. It¡¯s true that the two sides know when to stop. But mostly it¡¯s because of Xue Chang! If it hadn¡¯t been him who led the centrists to meditate and focus on running our country, our country would have been ruined a long time ago! So, even though Empress Dowager Gu lost the fight, we shouldn¡¯t go after Xue Chang!¡±

    He paused, ¡°So don¡¯t be hostile to Qiu Jinn anymore! Xue Chang wants him to be his sessor. He almost lost one of his favorite sessors, Xue Nongying. If something happens to Qiu Jinn, he definitely won¡¯t let us off the hook! You have seen what he did to Prince of Zhou. Don¡¯t underestimate him just because he doesn¡¯t have an army. If he were to put up a desperate fight with our family... Although we aren¡¯t afraid of him, it doesn¡¯t need toe to that!¡±

    Jiang Tianao couldn¡¯t help saying, ¡°Uncle, you¡¯re so talented, but you aren¡¯t involved in the administration of the country. Don¡¯t you decline it out of modesty? You always give me advice when I don¡¯t know what to do.¡± He always thought that his uncle was the most capable man. How could he find it difficult?

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that I couldn¡¯t!¡± Marquess Qin frowned, ¡°I¡¯m just not better than Xue Chang! I only gave you advice on the overall situation. You figured out all the details. You would have gained much more if Xue Chang had given you advice!¡± He made his fortune from nothing. Besides his military exploits and urate political views, he knew himself.

    He was nothingpared to Xue Chang when it came to the administration. Xue Chang managed to mediate between Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang who were both unreasonable for years and they both wanted to win him over. Also, Darui was prosperous because of him. He was so talented that even if Tao Yinsong were alive, he would only be superior to him in military talent.

    Besides, Xue Chang nevermanded an army before. Who could know whether he was as good as Tao Yinsong if he went to war?

    Marquess Qin didn¡¯t want to lose a talent like him even though he wasn¡¯t totally on his side.

    After all, he hadn¡¯t found anyone more capable than Xue Chang in running the country. Why didn¡¯t the two empresses cross the line in their years of struggle? Because they were afraid that they might get a failing country which they needed to save before they could enjoy their victory even if they won by desperate means.

    So Marquess Qin was very patient with Xue Chang as long as he didn¡¯t trick the Jiang Family. Xue Chang¡¯s talent deserved his patience. So, he was willing to put some thought into Qiu Jinn¡¯s arrangement for Xue Chang. Besides, Qiu Jinn was also a rare talent. Why should they kill him if he could be used for the Jiang Family? What a waste of him!

    Frankly speaking, Marquess Qin was disappointed in his nephew and son, ¡°Killing everyone in their way is a reckless move! Why couldn¡¯t they consider winning Qiu Jinn over?¡± They would rather figure out the cost of killing him than make effort to gain him. Qiu Jinn was Qiu Yn¡¯s brother. He adored her which meant that he was definitely on the fourth branch¡¯s side. Even so, they shouldn¡¯t give up without trying. Marquess Qin was frustrated about their EQ and behavior. They surely couldn¡¯t achieve greatness like that!

    ¡°Father, in this case, we¡¯ll follow your lead!¡± They didn¡¯t know what Marquess Qin thought. Jiang Tianqi said after pondering, ¡°However, Tianchi already has the Northern Army. It¡¯s inappropriate to hand over the Western Army to Yashuang¡¯s brother-inw, isn¡¯t it? Besides, it isn¡¯t good for him to stay in the army since Xue Chang wants him to be his sessor!¡±

    Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi had no grudge against Qiu Jinn. They wanted to kill him partly because they wanted to weaken the fourth branch¡¯s power. But mostly because they wanted the Western Army. After Marquess Qin emphasized Xue Chang¡¯s importance and the consequence of falling out with him, they immediately thought that Xue Chang worked with their family stealthily to trick Empress Dowager Gu for his grandson. Who could know if he would work with Jiang Tianchi to trick them for Qiu Jinn?

    That thought made them listen to Marquess Qin and give up killing Qiu Jinn. They thought they should go for the Western Army directly! After all, the fourth branch that had total control over the Northern Army was now in total control of the lifeblood of their Family. When Marquess Qin died, they could abandon them and rule over the country with Xue Chang¡¯s help!

    They might as well go for the Western Army directly! Marquess Qin approved it at least.

    As expected, Marquess Qin nodded after hearing what his son said, ¡°We must have the Western Army. But we can¡¯t transfer Qiu Jinn back now. Ruan Qiu¡¯s old subordinates aren¡¯t stupid. We have promised we won¡¯t burn bridges when we asked for their help! If we were to transfer Qiu Jinn back and send one of our men there right after the Kuangs fell from power, how could they rest assured? They have been in the army for a long time and are deeply rooted. It will be troublesome if they work together to squeeze us out because of fear!¡±

    Jiang Tianqi said, frowning, ¡± Qiu Jinn would get a chance to follow in his father¡¯s footsteps if we should leave him there, wouldn¡¯t he?¡± Commander Wang told him that those men all needed Qiu Jinn¡¯s approval when it came to business even though they all got money from the Jiang Family. So, how could he trust Qiu Jinn to stay there?

    Qiu Yn was the daughter-inw of the fourth branch and Jiang Yashuang wasn¡¯t easy to be manipted. Otherwise, he would have asked Madame He to force Qiu Yn to call her brother back.

    Marquess Qin said tly, ¡°It¡¯s okay. We just let him stay there for a few years. With him being the intermediary, our men won¡¯t easily antagonize the old subordinates of the Western Army. You don¡¯t need to worry about him following in his father¡¯s footsteps. He¡¯s too young. Do you think Ruan Qiu¡¯s old subordinates will hand over the military power to him just because he got epted to the Hanlin Academy when he was 18 years old? Without the military power, he only acts as the intermediary. What are you afraid of?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re still worried, have you forgotten that he¡¯s not married?¡± Marquess Qin nced at them and smiled, ¡°Find a smartdy for him to keep an eye on him. We can ask him toe back by using his wife¡¯s family as an excuse after our men gain a firm foothold in the Western Army.¡±

    Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi were happy to hear that at first. But then they felt bitter, ¡°Ady... It¡¯s hard to find a girl of his age and backgroundtely!¡± Their daughters were married. So, they couldn¡¯t be Qiu Jinn¡¯s father-inw. Jiang Tianao resented his wife and daughter inwardly while thinking that. He originally nned to marry Jiang Qiyun to Qiu Jinn. He even asked Jiang Yashuang to sound him out! However, Jiang Qiyun had a fallout with Qiu Yn before she could meet Qiu Jinn. She came back home and spoke ill of him in front of Madame Dou. She refused to marry him no matter what it would be! Jiang Tianao wasn¡¯t so eager to fulfill his n after hearing his wife and daughter bad-mouthing Qiu Jinn. And then he gave up his n after hearing that the Xue Family also wanted to marry their daughter to Qiu Jinn.

    He wouldn¡¯t be so worried if he had married Jiang Qiyun to Qiu Jinn! His daughter was a princess. But she was ¡°recovering from an illness¡± on a farm outside the city. She would be there for the rest of her life as nned! And his son-inw was too useless to aplish anything!

    His eldest granddaughter was good. She was talented and beautiful who was worthy of a good husband. But Jiang Yashuang married Qiu Yn. He couldn¡¯t marry his granddaughter to the brother of his nephew¡¯s wife, could he? Unlike the royal family, they really couldn¡¯t approve the marriages of close rtives.

    Other than his daughter and granddaughter, his niece belonged to another branch. Jiang Tianao definitely wouldn¡¯t consider her. And then there were only his sister¡¯s daughter and the nieces in his wife¡¯s family. But his sister¡¯s daughter didn¡¯t live in Jing City. They were basically strangers. It was so easy for a yboy like Qiu Jinn to win a girl¡¯s heart. Jiang Tianao wasn¡¯t willing to marry his sister¡¯s daughter who he ever never saw to Qiu Jinn!

    His wife¡¯s family, the Dou Family, just fell from power. The Dou Family¡¯s juniors were all being trained in the Jiaofang! He also never met his wife¡¯s sister¡¯s daughter before. He couldn¡¯t trust her either!

    He should stop thinking. The more he thought about it, the more frustrated he would get!

    Jiang Tianao was full of regret. And Jiang Tianqi was frustrated, too. Empress Jiang was Marquess Qin¡¯s only daughter who was alive. And she only had one daughter, Princess Yongfu. His wife¡¯s family was powerful enough. But they only had one daughter of the right age, He Shuijin, who was his son¡¯s wife. Otherwise, He Shuijin might be smart enough to win over Qiu Jinn.

    Marquess Qin knew what troubled them. So, he advised, ¡°Your subordinates should have marriageable daughters, shouldn¡¯t they? Find an obedient, smart, and good-looking girl. Take her as your goddaughter and let your wife train her. It¡¯s not the right time for Qiu Jinn to get married since they are still at war. I think she should be close with our family when they get married.¡±

    Obedient girls valued their families. As long as they had her family, they would have a hold on her even if she fell for Qiu Jinn. She needed to be smart enough to keep an eye on Qiu Jinn! And she needed to be beautiful considering Qiu Jinn¡¯s taste. He wasn¡¯t like Jiang Yashuang. Judging by those two courtesans, he wouldn¡¯t beck beautiful women. If his wife wasn¡¯t beautiful, she might end up like Madame Tao Junior who was a wife but more like his husband¡¯s housekeeper!

    They didn¡¯t need her to be close with their family. They couldn¡¯t raise her for too long before they married her to Qiu Jinn. They were at the marriageable ages. So, they only got a few months or a little more than a year. How could they bond with each other over such a short time? They had to control her via her family.

    ¡°That¡¯s the only way!¡± They couldn¡¯t think of any better idea and decided to carry out that n.

    Their attitude towards Qiu Jinn totally changed after Marquess Qin¡¯s persuasion, from killing him to winning him over by marriage. However, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know!

    ¡°Allying with the Xue Family isn¡¯t enough!¡± The life of Qiu Yn¡¯s brother was at stake. She couldn¡¯t treat it lightly! While wooing the Xue Family, she also thought, ¡°The Jiang Family is too arrogant! Jiang Yadan and Jiang Qiyun are both capable of anything! Although Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi are afraid of Prime Minister Xue, who knows if they will kill my brother impulsively? I need multiple insurances!¡±

    So, she thought of Empress Jiang, ¡°Yashuang told me that she hated the first branch and didn¡¯t like the third branch. She supports our branch! Then she should be happy to see us gaining power instead of the first branch and the third branch!¡± No one on Empress Jiang¡¯s side wanted the Western Army anyway!

    Also, ¡°Empress Jiang is the second important one in the Empress¡¯ party. She should be able to keep an eye on Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi even if she couldn¡¯t stop them, shouldn¡¯t she? She¡¯s Yashuang¡¯s aunt after all!¡±

    With such an idea, she began to woo Empress Jiang. She went to visit her when she didn¡¯t need to go to the Xue Family. And she brought various gifts with her on her visit. She didn¡¯t mind the cost since she had plenty of dowries.

    Empress Jiang didn¡¯t know what she was up to at first. She was happy to see her nephew¡¯s wife who had a bad temper be obedient. Especially that she felt guilty about Qiu Yn. So, when Qiu Yn treated her well, she grew fonder of her quickly.

    She was disappointed when she figured out her purpose. But on the second thought, ¡°I want the fourth branch to gain power even she doesn¡¯t try to woo me, don¡¯t I? Why should I me her?¡± So, she gave Qiu Yn what she wanted by revealing Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi¡¯s moves.

    So, Qiu Yn knew that they took two goddaughters shortly after her visit.

    Since they tried to kill Qiu Jinn before, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t think that those two girls were used to win over Qiu Jinn. She thought, ¡°They want those two girls to kill my brother!¡±

    So, she begged Empress Jiang to summon those two girls to the Pce for her to meet!

    She wanted to see if she could kill those two girls in Empress Jiang¡¯s ce.

 Chapter 335 - Win the Beautiful Spy Over

    <h4>Chapter 335 Win the Beautiful Spy Over</h4>

    Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi each took a goddaughter. One¡¯s family name was Chen, and the other one¡¯s was Lai. Now they both changed their family names to Jiang. Honestly speaking, those fifteen-year-old girls were both beautiful. They both had round eyes and rosy cheeks. Their skins were smooth and white. Their temperament was very pleasing as well. They were gentle and generous, which made them perfectly suitable for being amiable hostesses.

    However, Qiu Yn mistakenly saw them as spies. So, she hated them very much, no matter how she thought.

    Despite those two girls treated her with great respect and addressed her as their sister-inw, she still decided to kill them as nned!

    However, ...

    She didn¡¯t find a chance to do it. It wasn¡¯t because Empress Jiang didn¡¯t want to take the me for her. Empress Jiang was capable of doing so. Those two girls were just the daughters of the Jiang Family¡¯s subordinates. She could kill Empress Dowager Ye without hesitation, let alone those two girls. It was mainly because Madame Dou, Madame He, and Madame Dou Junior apanied them to the Pce.

    Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi didn¡¯t find out Qiu Yn¡¯s n. In fact, those two girls didn¡¯t have titles, and they weren¡¯t Empress Jiang¡¯s biological nieces. Thus, they weren¡¯t qualified to meet Empress Jiang alone. So, the madams of the Jiang Family needed to bring them along.

    Madame Dou and Madame Dou Junior were worried about their families in the Jiaofang. They surely didn¡¯t want to waste such a good chance to plead with Empress Jiang.

    When Madame He heard that they were going toe, she was afraid that her husband would scold her if something bad happened. So, she had to put aside her household chores ande with them. After all, one of those two girls belonged to her branch.

    So, the Beique Hall was quite lively. After the formality, Madame Dou and Madame Dou Junior began to badger Empress Jiang about their families. Madame He felt embarrassed because she couldn¡¯t join their conversation. So, she began to talk to Qiu Yn.

    They kept talking until they left together. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t find a chance to kill those two girls in the meantime.

    And they even badgered with her on their way back.

    ¡°The men in my family made mistakes. But the women are innocent. Yn, You¡¯re always kind. You often spend time with Her Majesty. Please speak up for us while you have the chance!¡± said Madame Dou.

    ¡°Why did Her Majesty suddenly want to see those two girls? Did she have a n? You¡¯ve been spending a lot of time with Her Majestytely. Don¡¯t hide it from me if you have any news!¡± said Madame He.

    ¡°Yn, please forgive me for offending you before. My cousins are so pitiful,¡± said Madame Dou Junior.

    And those two girls took a hint from their godmothers. They also tried to woo her, ¡°Yn, you¡¯re so beautiful. We heard it back at home... Now we see... Yashuang is so thoughtful... You¡¯re so lucky... From now on... Please give most concern...¡±

    Qiu Yn talked to them reluctantly and asked for a pot of tea after getting back. She was so frustrated!

    Jiang Yashuangughed so hard after knowing what happened and reminded her, ¡°I don¡¯t think those two girls are Men of Sacrifice. I¡¯ve asked around. They¡¯re indeed daughters of the Chen Family and Lai Family. They raise them to bedies. Have you ever seen anyone at their age whoe frommon families be trained as Men of Sacrifice?¡±

    He thought his wife was paranoid. There were female Men of Sacrifice in their families. How could they let twodies do it? Everyone knew that they took them in as goddaughters. They should consider how the Western Army would react even if they didn¡¯t care about Qiu Yn¡¯s feelings!

    ¡°People from the first and the third branch all mean my brother no good!¡± said Qiu Yn with absolute certainty. ¡°Our family has a lot of daughters. They took those two girls in suddenly. How couldn¡¯t it be about my brother? I need to kill them for precaution!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said with a smile, ¡°But you shouldn¡¯t do it yourself. Even if our aunt can cover for you when you kill them in the Pce, do you think you can hide anything from our grandfather? If our grandfather is mad at you, I don¡¯t know what he will do to you. What if he takes it out on our brother?¡±

    ¡°Eh, you have a point!¡± Qiu Yn pondered for a while and pounded the table, ¡°You! Go to see Yadan!¡±

    ¡°Our eldest uncle and third uncle took them in officially. They even have changed their family names!¡± Jiang Yashuang was frustrated. ¡°It¡¯s fornication if Yadan sleeps with them!¡± Jiang Yashuang murmured in his heart, couldn¡¯t Yn always think of their eldest brother whenever she wanted to do bad things? Yadan was already reckless enough. How would he be if Yn kept inciting him?

    ¡°He seduced his uncle¡¯s concubine before! That¡¯s even worse, okay?¡± Qiu Yn grumbled inwardly and then said pitifully, ¡°Can you give me any advice?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang replied with a smile, ¡°They actually want to give those two girls to your brother. And those two girls definitely won¡¯t harm your brother. Why do you insist on killing them? They¡¯re just our family¡¯s goddaughters. Honestly speaking, our uncles won¡¯t be sad if they¡¯re dead. They can take another two girls in. Judging by the numbers of their trusted subordinates, a few dead goddaughters don¡¯t matter.¡±

    He smiled meaningfully, ¡°Why don¡¯t you win them over?¡±

    ¡°If so, I need to ask our aunt for help!¡± Qiu Yn pondered for a while and then looked up. ¡°Our eldest aunt and third aunt always keep an eye on them at home. I can¡¯t go to talk to them very often. If I go to see them too often, they¡¯ll find an excuse to stop me. And then what can I do? I just have to ask our aunt to summon them to the Pce. Our eldest and third aunt are bothdies of the house. They can¡¯t go with them all the time! Even if they let our eldest and seventh sister-inw tag along, no one dares to disobey our aunt when shemands.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said smilingly, ¡°Shishui is taking care of our eighth sister-inw now. And our grandmother doesn¡¯t restrain you. You¡¯re closer to our aunt than me. Just do what you need to do.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked Empress Jiang for help as expected. They summoned those two girls to the Pce every now and then. Madame Dou and Madame He couldn¡¯t stop them. They could onlyin to their husbands. Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi couldn¡¯t do anything but inform Empress Jiang. They reported it to Marquess Qin, ¡°She is deliberately giving us a hard time!¡±

    Marquess Qin was a little impatient, ¡°Do you want me to help with such a minor matter?¡± It was true that Marquess Qin adored the two. But they were so useless, weren¡¯t they?

    Jiang Tianqi¡¯s face became red at once. He was the eldest son after all. He valued his image in his father¡¯s mind. Jiang Tianao had fewer scruples because he was spoiled. He had the cheek to say, ¡°Second uncle, we have ideas. But we¡¯re just afraid that Tianluan misunderstands us!¡±

    ¡°How could she misunderstand you since we¡¯re a family?¡± Marquess Qin looked up. ¡°Don¡¯te to me with every trifle. What¡¯s the use of your subordinates?¡± They both had grandkids. Unlike his grandson Jiang Yashuang, he was still young and needed to be cultivated. So, Marquess Qin concerned himself with everything rted to Jiang Yashuang.

    Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi had grown up. Marquess Qin thought they shouldn¡¯t bother him with trifles. He had a few grand grandkids. How long could he keep helping them? He would turn over in his grave since they still depended on him so much!

    The two persons, sent away by Marquess Qin, were on the same page about taking over the Western Army. But they hadn¡¯t decided whose goddaughter would be Qiu Jinn¡¯s wife. So, they didn¡¯t discuss but tried to find their own way instead.

    Jiang Tianqi instructed Madame He after getting back, ¡°From now on, you need to try every means to badger with Qiu Yn and keep her at home. If you can¡¯t, let Shuijin do it!¡±

    Madame He was unhappy when hearing that, ¡°If you want me to keep Qiu Yn at home, just say it. Don¡¯t use the word ¡®badger¡¯. I¡¯m her senior after all. Besides, why do you say that you will ask Shuijin to do it if I can¡¯t? You clearly mean that I¡¯m less capable than her!¡±

    However, Jiang Tianqi had been staying with Madame Chitely. He treated his wife more and more coldly. Madame He didn¡¯t dare to make him mad. She had to swallow her anger and only agreed.

    Since Jiang Tianao¡¯s wife and daughter-inw both didn¡¯t get along well with the fourth branch, he imed that his goddaughter was sick and afraid to infect others in the Pce and turned down the Empress¡¯s summon.

    But it was toote. Those two girls were selected because of their smartness. With their formal visits to the Pce, Madame Dou and Madame He couldn¡¯t win them over, ¡°Our fathers and brothers work for Deputy Premier Jiang and Assistant Minister Jiang. But they both need to bow to Her Majesty first and then skip the formality when Her Majesty allows. We can offend neither side. We¡¯d better leave ourselves an alternative. Who knows who will be in charge in the future?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Besides, Madame Dou and Madame He keep implying that our families will be held as hostages. As both sides were trying to use us, they all should have scruples. They won¡¯t kill our families rashly. Let¡¯s do it from now on!¡±

    They decided after discussion and pretended to be meek and submissive to cope with Madame Dou and Madame He¡¯s training. They didn¡¯t talk about what was truly hidden in their minds.

    Madame He and He Shuijin badgered with Qiu Yn for a few days, which made her annoyed. And she thought that those two girls must have taken her advice. So, she implied that she wouldn¡¯t put Empress up to summon them to the Pce anymore. She reassured Madame He and He Shuijin like that. Since she was very warm towards Empress Jiang, it would be inappropriate to be aloof suddenly. So, she kept visiting Empress Jiang.

    Naturally, Empress Jiang would ask why she hadn¡¯te to visit her for a few days when they met.

    ¡°The third aunt and Shuijin have been keeping me busytely, so I didn¡¯te to visit you!¡± Qiu Yn exined.

    ¡°I knew they would hinder you!¡± Empress Jiang sneered, ¡°What do you want to do now? Badgering with you won¡¯t work. If you still want to get those two girls here, I¡¯ve plenty of ways to make them send those two girls here willingly!¡±

    Qiu Yn said smilingly, ¡°I think uncles selected them because they¡¯re smart. They must have listened to reason.¡±

    She didn¡¯t need to inculcate them again and again. It all depended on if they agreed with her or not. So, she didn¡¯t have to see them very often as long as they truly listened. Empress Jiang nodded, ¡°That would be good!¡±

    While they were talking, Princess Yongfu rushed in, ¡°Mother!¡± She saluted casually and smiled at Qiu Yn, ¡°I know Yn is here!¡±

    Empress Jiang was truly happy whenever she saw her daughter. She asked with love, ¡°Look at you all sweaty! You¡¯re old enough not to be so reckless... Come over. Let me wipe the sweats for you.¡±

    And she scolded her maids for being useless since they didn¡¯t stop her when she was all sweaty. It was cold. What if she caught a cold? Princess Yongfu nestled in her arms smilingly. Empress Jiang wiped her face and hands. And then she touched her inner clothes which were dry. It looked like that she only sweated on her forehead after running too fast. Empress was relieved and let her go, ¡°What is it you want to see Yn this time?¡±

    ¡°My father has been spiritlesstely. Food made by the royal kitchen can¡¯t whet his appetite!¡± Princess Yongfu said, ¡°I thought that Yn¡¯s cooking was unique. I¡¯m wondering if Yn could cook for my father. Just need a few dishes!¡±

    Empress Jiang didn¡¯t love Emperor. It was difficult for a vixenish woman like her to love such a timid man. But they were a couple after all. Emperor had always been weak in front of her. So, she should at least feel sorry for him. And considering the downfall of the Empress Dowager¡¯s party, Emperor¡¯s future was uncertain. So, she sighed after hearing what her daughter said. She praised Princess Yongfu for being a filial kid while touching her hair. And then she looked towards Qiu Yn.

    Qiu Yn could only say, ¡°It¡¯s an honor to cook for His Majesty. I¡¯m just afraid that my skill isn¡¯t good enough.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty doesn¡¯t have an appetite. Just give your best shot,¡± Empress Jiang interrupted, ¡°How could we me you since the royal cooks fail to make things he likes?¡±

    But no one in the Beique Hall knew what was happening in the Hall of Taishi in the meantime. When Empress Dowager Gu heard from the servant that Princess Yongfu asked Qiu Yn to cook for Emperor as expected, her dim eyes lit up at once. She instructed solemnly, ¡°Do you remember what you should say and do?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, please don¡¯t worry. All is ready,¡± Maid Zheng moved forward with her knees in a tremble and reported with a low voice, ¡°Just wait for Jiang¡¯s people!¡±

 Chapter 336 - Kill Two and Release One. Who Will You Choose?

    <h4>Chapter 336 Kill Two and Release One. Who Will You Choose?</h4>

    Qiu Yn wasn¡¯t eager to cook for Emperor. She wasn¡¯t afraid that Emperor would refuse to eat things she worked hard to cook. Instead, she was afraid that her cooking would give Emperor a good appetite. In that case, Princess Yongfu would ask her to cook for Emperor every day!

    However, Empress Jiang had been very helpful to Qiu Yn these days and she adored Princess Yongfu. So, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t refuse. She agreed but thought, ¡°I¡¯ll just make a few ordinary dishes. Yongfu doesn¡¯t know how good my cooking skill is anyway. I don¡¯t want toe to the Pce to cook every now and then!¡± Although she wasn¡¯t in charge of her branch, she still needed to deal with the trifles in her yard.

    To say the least, she could make Empress Jiang like her more by spending time with her when she didn¡¯t have much to do at home. But cooking for Emperor would not only be hardly beneficial but also make her reek of the odour of cooking oil. She wasn¡¯t so kind like that!

    Emperor moved to the Fu Ning Pce after getting poisoned. Not only did he move away from his concubines, but Empress Dowager Gu and Empress Jiang also forbade his concubines and most of his offspring from visiting. And they insisted that he couldn¡¯t leave the Fu Ning Pce untilplete recovery. It was the reason why he didn¡¯t have an appetite, wasn¡¯t it?

    ¡°Ask your mother to send his favorite concubines to his ce. I guarantee he¡¯ll be full of vim and vigour instantly!¡± Qiu Yn talked to Princess Yongfu and followed her to the kitchen in the Zishen Pce. She criticized inwardly, ¡°Emperor is frustrated enough since he has a tiger mom and a fierce wife who control the level changes of his concubines. Now he¡¯s robbed of his only pleasure to spend time with his concubines. He is almost like a prisoner. No wonder he can¡¯t eat! You ask me to cook for him, but it won¡¯t make a difference! The right thing to do is to find a few young and beautiful concubines to y with him!¡±

    Princess Yongfu didn¡¯t know what was in Qiu Yn¡¯s mind. Considering the environment where she was raised, it was too difficult for her to learn to be perceptive. She babbled on and on about Emperor while Qiu Yn was cooking, ¡°My father asked a servant to bring his ¡®Fen Baolin¡¯ to show me yesterday when I went to visit him. I wondered if ¡®Fen Baolin¡¯ could walk? Why did she need to be carried in? And didn¡¯t my grandmother and mother order my father¡¯s concubines not to bother him? Why was there a Baolin in the Fu Ning Pce? I found out it was a ¡®Fen Zhuanglou¡¯ which was also called ¡®Yu Linglong¡¯ when the servant brought it to me. You don¡¯t know what it is, do you? It¡¯s a kind of Chinese rose! My father said that he nted it himselfst autumn. Now it has a few buds. He said he would give it to me when he recovered.¡±

    Qiu Yn was annoyed at first, but then she felt sorry for Princess Yongfu as she talked about those trifles with excitement. Qiu Yn thought, ¡°She must have had very little time with her father. That¡¯s why she keeps talking about those trifles so excitedly.¡±

    It was just a pot of Chinese rose.

    Qiu Yn¡¯s heart melted. She wasn¡¯t going to cook properly at first. She nned to cook dishes that only look good. But she tried her best atst.

    She regretted it when she went out of the Pce, ¡°Emperor won¡¯t like my cooking, will he? Princess Yongfu won¡¯t drag me to the Pce to cook all the time, will she?¡±

    While she was worried, the drama in Shazhou was ringing down the curtain.

    ¡°You¡¯re finally here,¡± Qiu Jinn was dressed in in clothes with sackcloth on his head and linen shoes on his feet. It was what a person in mourning should wear. Standing in the fiercely cold wind, he calmly watched Kuang Qingwu who was in chains walking up to the high tform under the escort of soldiers.

    The high tform was built day and night as ordered by Qiu Jinn right after the western savages retreated.

    Although the tform was high, there were just a few things on it. Just three pirs each with a man tied were on it. And an incense table for sacrifice was at the center.

    Besides those three tied to the pirs, only a few soldiers were on the tform. But they were light on their feet and had a fierce vibe. They were all Kungfu masters who remained in Tianya.

    One of those three tied to the pir hung his head with messy hair covering his face. The another two were forced to show their faces. One was Kuang Shihan, the other one was spiritless but still elegant. If officials of Shazhou were there, they would definitely recognize her that she was the daughter of Empress Dowager Gu, the Xingkang Grand Princess!

    While waiting for Kuang Qingwu to walk into the trap, Qiu Jinn surely wouldn¡¯t let people who killed his parents have an easy time. He tortured Kuang Shihan and his wife every now and then. So, the Xingkang Grand Princess couldn¡¯t even stay awake at that moment. And the Major General of the Western Army was shivering in the cold wind since he was only in his underclothes which were covered with blood.

    Kuang Shihan began to tremble spontaneously instead of shivering when he saw Kuang Qingwu. Actually, Kuang Qingwu¡¯s condition was no better than his. He was dragged there the moment he got caught and didn¡¯t get tortured on the way. But his face was pale and his eyes were bloodshot which indicated that he hadn¡¯t been able to sleeptely.

    Kuang Shihan stared at his only son. His heart was like dead ashes, utterly dissipated. General Ruan might feel the same as him when he heard his son and grandson died at war.

    However, General Ruan could wail back then. But Kuang Shihan whose mouth was gagged couldn¡¯t make a sound at that moment! He could only hint at his son with his eyes... But what kind of a hint should he give to his son who was at Qiu Jinn¡¯s mercy?

    ¡°It¡¯s karma!¡± Kuang Shihan copsed. The ropes on him and the pir behind his back kept him in his original kneeling position. He was kneeling towards the direction where Qiu Zhongyan died! As he was forced to bring back the memories in such a position, he just wanted a quick death at that moment.

    ¡°It would be nice if I could die before Qingwu. However, Qiu Jinn has devoted himself to torturing me. How could he let it happen?¡± Kuang Shihan felt despairing and he thought, ¡°I killed Qiu Zhongyan and the western savages killed the offspring of the Ruan Family back then. But General Ruan and the others of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe didn¡¯t see it! So, would Qiu Jinn be relieved from his anger after killing my son in front of me? If so, please don¡¯t torture Qingwu and give him a quick death!¡±

    However, it went more cruelly than he thought.

    Qiu Jinn had no intention of torturing or humiliating Kuang Qingwu when Kuang Qingwu stood in front of him. He looked at him calmly and then drew out his sword. He threw the sword in front of Kuang Qingwu, ¡°There are three people. I need two of their hearts as sacrifices. Kill two of them. I¡¯ll release thest one!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu was ready to die, but he was stunned by the sudden change.

    Kuang Shihan who was tied up figured it out instantly. He began to struggle violently. Bodyguards behind him kept smashing him fiercely with the hilt until he couldn¡¯t struggle anymore!

    Qiu Jinn neglected the fuss he made and looked at Kuang Qingwu with a faint smile, ¡°What¡¯s your decision? I can release thest one. And I can release you as well if you do so!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu stared at him with caution. He could grasp Qiu Jinn¡¯s evil intention without Kuang Shihan¡¯s reminder.

    He nced at those three and croaked, ¡°Where¡¯s Mr. Leshan? It¡¯s the custom for a son to pay his father¡¯s debts. But is Mr. Leshan innocent?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s among them!¡± Qiu Jinn gave a sign and someone pushed back a man¡¯s hair that covered his face, revealing Mr. Leshan¡¯s pale face. Kuang Qingwu was shocked by the sight of the dying man, ¡°What did you do to him?¡±

    ¡°I heard that he knew you well. So, I hoped that he could tell me what you nned to do. Or I could ask him to write to you to tell you to be somece,¡± Qiu Jinn said casually, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that he didn¡¯t say a word after all the torture even though he was sick. I was afraid that he might end up dead. So, I took him here for you to choose!¡±

    ¡°Liar! Liar!¡± Kuang Shihan screamed inwardly, ¡°Qingwu, don¡¯t listen to him. Leshan is the one who has framed us! Qiu Jinn, Ren Ziyong, d*mn you two. Go to hell! How dare you pull such a dirty trick! Qingwu came back to save Ren Ziyong! How dare you do this to him! My poor son, it¡¯s all my fault. If I hadn¡¯t been so blind as to rmend Ren Ziyong to you... God! How could you punish my innocent son like this for my sins!¡±

    However, he couldn¡¯t spit out the cloth in his mouth no matter how hard he tried. He could only watch Kuang Qingwu picking up Qiu Jinn¡¯s sword after his expression changed for a few times. Kuang Qingwu asked in a low voice, ¡°Do you mean it?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Qiu Jinn stared at him, ¡°Kill two and release one. And you also get to live... How¡¯s that sound?¡±

    Kuang Qingwu held the sword and walked to Xingkang Grand Princess. He pierced through her chest without even a blink!

    ¡°Ah!¡± The distinguished princess was still in aa after the torture. She only managed to let out a short scream and stopped moving after twitching rapidly for a while. She was dead!

    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting to do this for a long time!¡± Kuang Qingwu looked at her corpse, showing no respect for his official mother. Instead, he was delighted, ¡°I hate your hypocrisy and you were even eager for me to die early!¡±

    Qiu Jinn wasn¡¯t surprised that he killed the Xingkang Grand Princess without hesitation. Kuang Qingwu¡¯s hatred of his official mother stemmed from the miserable memory of his biological father killing his biological mother. Especially, Xingkang Grand Princess had been trying to take over the Western Army under Empress Dowager Gu¡¯smand. So, she tried every means to control Kuang Shihan¡¯s only sessor. Mr. Leshan tried his best to discredit her which made Kuang Qingwu think the worst of his official mother.

    If he weren¡¯t afraid of Empress Dowager Gu and the Xingkang Grand Princess¡¯s identity, he would have killed her a long time ago. When he had a chance at that moment, as expected, he killed her first without hesitation.

    ¡°The second one is the highlight. I hope you won¡¯t disappoint me!¡± Qiu Jinn smiled at Kuang Qingwu and watched him turning around after shaking the blood off the sword. Who would he go to?

 Chapter 337 - If You Are Hurt, I Am Ashamed!

    <h4>Chapter 337 If You Are Hurt, I Am Ashamed!</h4>

    ¡°He is....¡± When Kuang Qingwu turned around, the soldier standing next to Kuang Shihan suddenly took out the cloth from his mouth. Kuang Shihan eagerly wanted to remind his son. But when he uttered two words, he was stopped by the soldier!

    However, his uttering attracted Kuang Qingwu. Kuang Qingwu looked at him with indifferent eyes, which becameplicated after a short while.

    Holding Qiu Jinn¡¯s sword, Kuang Qingwu was still unable to decide to kill the next one.

    One was his father who once abandoned him, but the other one was the man who loved him for so many years.

    Qiu Jinn smiled without urging and waited not far away, being full of dislike.

    The north wind blew across the high tform. The wind was as strong as a knife. Kuang Qingwu¡¯s forehead gradually had some cold sweat as his eyes were wandering between Kuang Shihan and Ren Ziyong. Finally, he slowly walked towards Ren Ziyong!

    ¡°After all, he is my son!¡± Kuang Shihan sighed in relief. He knew that even if his son chose this way, Qiu Jinn wouldn¡¯t let them go, nor would he allow Kuang Qingwu to kill Ren Ziyong. But it was better than that Kuang Qingwu chose to kill him, who was his father, but to let Ren Ziyong go, right?

    His gaze followed Kuang Qingwu closely, but he saw him walking slowly to Ren Ziyong and stared at him for a long time. He was silent and motionless.

    ¡°I was blind to find Ren Ziyong¡¯s ambition in the past. I thought he could assist my son. Well, my son must be very sad now!¡± Kuang Qingwu stared at Ren Ziyong and suddenly he knelt down and knocked his head to Ren Ziyong three times seriously. Kuang Shihan felt quite ufortable, ¡°Ren Ziyong is such a vicious and treacherous person. Why are you doing this for him? You are too kind, my son!¡±

    And then he felt sad again, ¡°Does he treat me as his father at this moment?¡±

    But this was not the saddest thing for him. Kuang Qingwu got up after kowtowing, but he didn¡¯t want to kill Ren Ziyong. Instead, he looked at Ren Ziyong again and turned around resolutely, holding the sword and walking towards Kuang Shihan!

    ¡°How dare you!¡± Kuang Shihan looked at his son who looked indifferent. He was so scared and thought, ¡°Why do you hate me so much that you want to kill me for a traitor. Even if you don¡¯t know that he is a traitor now, I am the one who raises you up!¡±

    Qiu Jinn mocked. Until Kuang Qingwu closed his eyes and pierced Kuang Shihan¡¯s chest with the sword did Kuang Shihan cough. The soldier took away the cloth in his mouth again!

    Kuang Shihan opened his mouth and blood poured out, dripping down his beard. It quickly stained his clothes in the cold wind, but he didn¡¯t say anything.

    Kuang Qingwu had made a choice. If he let him know the true face of Ren Ziyong... Kuang Shihan thought sadly, ¡°You¡¯d better know nothing at all. I feel better in my mind. Let me love youst time!¡±

    ¡°A dutiful son is obliged to pay his father¡¯s debts!¡± Kuang Qingwu¡¯s face was pale and he said in a dumb voice as he seemed to perceive the immense resentment behind Kuang Shihan¡¯s silence. ¡°Qiu Jinn will never let you go, no matter how good he says. Mr. Leshan is innocent. Since you and I must die, why let Mr. Leshan die with us?¡±

    He thought that this exnation might make his father feel better. He still remembered that Kuang Shihan was his father and he didn¡¯t hate him like that. He just didn¡¯t want to let Mr. Leshan die with them. But Kuang Shihan felt sadder in his heart when he listened to these words!

    Ren Ziyong¡¯s identity was about to be revealed!

    Kuang Qingwu could bear it now, so Qiu Jinn would not give up another long-simmering blow!

    ¡°Get the hot soup. Mr. Leshan stayed in the wind for so long. Don¡¯t let him catch a cold!¡± looking at Kuang Qingwu, Qiu Jinn said with a smile. His tone was of concern. ¡°You are really hard these years, Mr. Leshan. Today, I¡¯m sorry to let you stay here for so long.¡±

    ¡°He abandoned his martial arts in order to deceive Kuang Shihan, so his body is not as good as before, but he enjoyed living in affluence these years. Therefore, he is strong enough.¡± Kuang Qingwu gave Kuang Shihan a fatal blow, so Ren Ziyong no longer pretended to be in aa, letting Qiu Jinn untie the ropes for himself. He got up, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. You don¡¯t have to worry about me!¡±

    When Kuang Shihan was dying, he closed his eyes with a sorrowful smile. He would be sad to see his son being crazy after the truth was revealed at this moment.

    On the high tform, the wind howled.

    Kuang Qingwu turned his head in horror and looked at the so-called ¡°Mr. Leshan¡± who was held by Qiu Jinn! Ren Ziyong ignored him but looked at Qiu Jinn with a gentle and indulgent gaze and said in a good tone, ¡°You have been working hard these days. Remember to keep yourself rx. Don¡¯t get too tired of this. When Old Princess Lian handed you over to me, she told me to take good care of you. If you get hurt, I will be ashamed to see her in the future!¡±

    His expression and words were showing favor from the elders. He said these words with boundless expectations and care. Kuang Qingwu never thought that Mr. Leshan who he regarded as his father and teacher would be so amiable!

    At this moment, his world was changed in an instant!

    When Qiu Jinn revenged, there was something happened in Jing City, which was the imperial pce.

    In a small kitchen of Beique Hall in Zishen Pce, Qiu Yn was cooking helplessly, ¡°I shouldn¡¯t be soft-hearted at the beginning!¡±

    She didn¡¯t know if her cooking was really so good that made Emperor have a good appetite. Or it might be that Princess Yongfu really liked it. Or it might be that Emperor wanted to save the face of the Empress¡¯s rtive who did the cooking. This was the fifth time that Princess Yongfu called her to cook in the Pce!

    ¡°I¡¯d better let Jiang Yashuang tell Empress. Let her arrange few concubines for Emperor. If so, he might not be so picky about food.¡± The dishes were done and Qiu Yn rubbed her sour arm, letting the pce maids take out these dishes. She walked towards the side hall where she could take bath and change clothes. She thought angrily, ¡°Princess Yongfu is so unlovable! Chunxiao would learn from me and cooked for her parents. She knows that she needs to learn cooking from me instead of calling me over to make it!¡±

    She was ready to say goodbye to Empress Jiang. When she dressed up in the side hall and opened the door, Nijin ran over in a panic and took her arm. ¡°Madame,e with me!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Nijin pulled her abruptly. Qiu Yn was unprepared and she almost fell. She hurriedly stood firm and asked in surprise.

    ¡°Your Majesty is not well!¡± Nijin gritted her teeth and said in a low voice, ¡°It is said that he ate the food you cooked. Your Grace asked you to go over immediately!¡±

    Qiu Yn was shocked and became furious. She said, ¡°It must be done by Empress Dowager Gu! I want to see what they did!¡±

    Although there was a kitchen in the Fu Ning Pce where Emperor ever lived, Qiu Yn used the small kitchen in the Empress¡¯s Pce to cook for him to avoid suspicion. Inspections, food delivery, food tasting were all handled by the Empress¡¯s maids. She didn¡¯t care about anything except cooking. Empress Jiang¡¯s impression of her was getting better and better during this period. Even if her impression was not good, Empress would not be so stupid to let anyone nt the crime of killing Emperor on her rtive. Was there any difference from that the Jiang family was killing Emperor?

    It was obvious that this was a thief shouting to catch a thief!

    Qiu Yn followed Nijin to the outside of Beique Hall and saw the carriage was prepared.

    After entering the hall, Empress Jiang also thought that this was done by Empress Dowager Gu. ¡°That old woman is like a cornered beast that will do something desperate! Don¡¯t worry. I will seek justice for you!¡±

    Empress looked cold and cruel. Although she had all kinds of resentment towards Empress Dowager Gu, she did not expect that Empress Dowager Gu would be cruel to kill her son!

    Although Empress Jiang was very cruel to enemies and always treat enemies bad, she also valued her daughter Princess Yongfu very much! For people like Empress Jiang who regarded their children as their treasures, they hated Empress Dowager Gu, who sacrificed her own son for her own prosperity and wealth! They could go to the hell!

    ¡°What¡¯s going on in Fu Ning Pce now? What¡¯s Your Majesty¡¯s health?¡± Although Qiu Yn had a clear conscience, she dared not take it lightly. After all, this was obviously the final struggle of the Empress Dowager¡¯s party. What couldn¡¯t the Empress Dowager¡¯s party do? So even though Empress Jiang gave her a guarantee, she hoped to know the specific information and thought about countermeasures for herself. ¡°I remember that Yongfu is there, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    Empress Jiang asked Maid Lin to wear the crown for herself and said with a sneer, ¡°It was Yongfu who managed to send the news! The old woman has blocked the news and she will not be willing to call us until all the civil and military officials arrive at Fu Ning Pce. I hope that the old woman will not be so stupid to do anything bad to Yongfu, otherwise, I won¡¯t be happy with her even in the presence of the civil and military officials!¡±

    Following the Empress¡¯s carriage, Qiu Yn arrived at Fun Ning Pce. Most of the officials had arrived outside the Pce, listening to Jiang Tianqi¡¯s angry question, ¡°Since Your Majesty ate the dishes prepared by Empress Jiang¡¯s rtive, why don¡¯t they who made meals in the Empress¡¯s Pce show up? Empress Dowager, the noble concubines and we arrived first. Where are Empress and her rtive?¡±

    ¡°Humph!¡± Empress Dowager Gu was obviously older, but she still said coldly in her majestic voice, ¡°What are you in a hurry for? Empress and Madame Qiu are in the Pce now. It doesn¡¯t take much time to call them! The Jiang Family is powerful. If I don¡¯t gather all the officials, nobody will know what happened to Your Majesty today.¡±

    ¡°This is really a big joke, mother!¡± Empress Jiang, who left the carriage just now, immediately started to fight when she raised her head and stepped into the hall. She said at the beginning, ¡°If the Jiang family is so prominent that it can prevent the news from spreading, why did Iete? If your words are right, why do you and the Gu familye here so quickly?¡±

    She nced at Concubine Gu, who kept silent, standing beside the Empress Dowager Gu, and asked coldly, ¡°You hardlye to Fu Ning Pce. Today, what a coincidence?¡±

 Chapter 338 - Emperor Died. Was It Empress Dowagers Final Card?

    <h4>Chapter 338 Emperor Died. Was It Empress Dowager¡¯s Final Card?</h4>

    When Empress Dowager Gu saw Empress Jianging in, the light of hatred suddenly lit up under her drooping eyelids. She said word by word, ¡°If it weren¡¯t the Noble Consort who hadn¡¯t identally learned that you ordered Madame Qiu to murder Emperor and privately reported to me, I couldn¡¯t have happened to see this today.¡±

    Although Empress Dowager Gu informed that Emperor had been poisoned again, the ministers already knew.

    But now Empress Dowager Gu pointed out in front of everyone that Empress Jiang was the culprit of regicide, all the ministers in the hall were surprised.

    Naturally, the Empress¡¯ party couldn¡¯t sit back and watch Empress be stigmatized.

    ¡°Empress Dowager¡¯s words are so unreasonable!¡± Because the Empress Dowager¡¯s party had fallen, many people in the Empress¡¯ party, such as Jiang Tianao, spoke in a less respectful tone. ¡°Her Majesty is the prime wife of His Majesty. They are one. Over the years, they have been in harmony. When it was time to confirm the crown prince, His Majesty¡¯s preference for the Seventh Prince raised by Her Majesty showed his trust in her. I dare ask Your Majesty, why should Her Majesty kill Emperor?¡±

    At this point, he changed his words, ¡°It¡¯s Noble Consort Gu. She had two sons, Prince of Yan and Prince of Zhou. When you wanted to make Prince of Yan be the crown prince, God warned. And then this matter was stopped. And next you wanted to make Prince of Zhou the crown price. As a result, His Majesty didn¡¯t like Prince of Zhou, but he had the idea of killing Emperor. Maybe His Majesty¡¯s bad condition today is caused by Consort Gu who is mad at His Majesty because of her second son, and thus she nned to kill His Majesty and frame Her Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Noble Consort Gu didn¡¯t expect herself to be involved so quickly. She entered the Pce under the pressure of Empress Dowager Gu. Although she had two sons, she didn¡¯t love Emperor. Her sons were born by her after all. Prince of Zhou and his family were gone, but there was Prince of Yan. If Jiang Tianao confirmed that she had the crime of regicide, would Prince of Yan and his son still be safe?

    Therefore, Noble Consort Gu was also angry and said in a cold voice, ¡°Deputy Premier Jiang kept saying that I murdered Emperor and med Empress. Don¡¯t you know this Fu Ning Pce? Since His Majesty was poisoned on New Year¡¯s Eve, the Empress Dowager and the Empress have told the Imperial Harem not to disturb in order to let His Majesty rest at ease. Princes, princesses, and the crown prince are all forbidden to visit, but only Princesses Changping and Yongfu can visit. How can I murder His Majesty if I can¡¯t even enter the Pce for such a long time? And how can I me Empress? ¡±

    The Empress¡¯ party¡¯s impression of Noble Consort Gu had always been that she was a submissive and honest person. Unexpectedly, she was forced to be urgent and her words were so sharp. Jiang Tianao was stunned for a while and then asked, ¡°Since you can¡¯t enter Fu Ning Pce, how did you know that Empress ordered her niece-inw to murder His Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Naturally, I overheard the private words of the pce servants in Fu Ning Pce in the imperial garden!¡± Noble Consort Gu said coldly, ¡°I originally thought it was a viin that ndered Her Majesty, but it was rted to His Majesty¡¯s safety and shouldn¡¯t be ignored! That was why I went to the Hall of Taishi and asked the Empress Dowager to bring me to visit His Majesty, but I didn¡¯t expect... When I came here, I saw His Majesty... His Majesty got poisoned after eating the dishes made by Madame Qiu...¡±

    ¡°Where is the pce man?¡± Empress Jiang sneered and looked around, ¡°Since there is such a witness, why don¡¯t you call him and confront me?¡± Her face became gloomy. ¡°Moreover, Yongfu is in the Pce here today. Where is she?¡±

    ¡°Yongfu loves her father and stays inside.¡± Empress Dowager Gu said coldly, ¡°I just call her out, but she didn¡¯t want to... Speaking of this, I feel very strange. The child didn¡¯t get close to her father before. Why did shee frequently these days?¡±

    She obviously suspected that Empress Jiang was going to kill Emperor and deliberately sent her daughter to get close to Emperor. As mentioned earlier, what Empress Jiang hated most was to make her daughter involved. When she heard the speech, she became angry, ¡°Why? Yongfu is His Majesty¡¯s daughter. Is it wrong to be filial to His Majesty? And didn¡¯t you hear Gu¡¯s words just now, mother? In order to make His Majesty rest at ease, the only prince and princess who can visit His Majesty in Fu Ning Pce these days are the crown prince, Changping, and Yongfu! The crown prince is the prince of the country and needs to go to school. It is difficult for him to go there often. Although Chang Ping is married, she is actually idle. She has no filial piety. Yongfu has to make up for the filial piety of her brothers and sisters. Is anything wrong?¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu said coldly, ¡°Don¡¯t change the topic! I said that Yongfu was not so sensible before. Now she is suddenly attentive. I don¡¯t know if you have taught her.¡±

    ¡°Then Changping went to see His Majesty once and it was taught by mother?¡± Empress Jiang said, ¡°Why did mother let Changping go to Fu Ning Pce less? I¡¯m afraid you knew today long ago, right? ¡±

    Just after the quarrel, Xue Chang coughed, ¡°Empress Dowager, Your Majesty, the witness mentioned by Noble Consort is here.¡±

    Two empresses looked at each other fiercely and looked down together. Sure enough, a trembling servant was kneeling down.

    Empress Jiang saw the servant¡¯s face and was stiff. Qiu Yn sighed in her heart, ¡°It seems that the little servant was the Empress¡¯s man before?¡± At least it seemed so.

    Sure enough, the Empress scolded, ¡°Xu Changhe! I thought you were diligent before. I sent you to Fu Ning Pce to serve His Majesty. How dare you nder me? Do you want to die?¡±

    ¡°Why do you threaten him?¡± Empress Dowager Gu then angrily scolded the Empress, ¡°The truth is the truth. The person you threaten is loyal to Emperor, and how dare you to say the word ¡®nder¡¯?¡±

    ¡°Since Empress Dowager Gu pushed the servant out to prove it, it is obvious that this is a Man of Sacrifice. He will insist that Empress ordered me to harm Emperor while cooking!¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t bother to listen to the quarrel between the two empresses. When she didn¡¯t need to speak now, she frowned and thought about the process. ¡°Generally speaking, after I finished the dishes, the Empress¡¯s people would serve them to Fu Ning Pce, and then the people who served Emperor here would try to eat and make sure it is non-toxic. After that, Emperor would eat. Emperor shouldn¡¯t have got poisoned. Was this poisoning from somewhere else? I was just a scapegoat, or did the taster used the trick of Empress Dowager Ye?¡±

    At this time, the two empresses also thought about the story of Emperor¡¯s Murder, ¡°The servant who tasted food for His Majesty served in Pce of Ganquan. This time, His Majesty was only poisoned, just like the story of Chu Weizhou again! They even had the face to nder me and my niece-inw.¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu was expressionless and she said, ¡°If you really cared about Emperor, you would know that since Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve, all the servants that taste food for Emperor must have an empty stomach for two hours in full view of the public before they can taste.¡±

    Four hours meant that no matter how many raw eggs were eaten, they would be digested. Naturally, they couldn¡¯t neutralize the toxin.

    ¡°The poison wouldn¡¯t be in the dish, too. The dish was sent by the Empress¡¯s man and had been watched all the time. It was not easy to poison that. It should be in other ces in the bedroom hall, but I haven¡¯t heard of anyone dead except Emperor. How did they get it?¡± Qiu Yn thought hard, ¡°I couldn¡¯t have a clue. I wish I could go into the bedroom to have a look... s, Emperor was unlucky to have a mother like Empress Dowager Gu. Empress Dowager Ye attacked him before because of the evil done by Empress Dowager Gu that implicated Emperor. Now the Empress Dowager Gu did it herself...¡±

    When she thought of this, suddenly someone rushed out of the back of the hall and fell into the arms of Empress Jiang and cried loudly, ¡°My father, he...¡±

    It was Princess Yongfu who stayed beside the bed.

    Emperor couldn¡¯t go through this time. He was dead.

    The sound of the death knell shocked the whole Jing City and caused a stir among the people in the government and the public for a while. But the investigation of the real murderer in Fu Ning Pce didn¡¯t end, but became more and more intense.

    Empress Dowager Gu burst into tears and said, ¡°Now, I have to spread out my words. I depend on my son to have today¡¯s position. What¡¯s the advantage for me if Emperor died? Jiang, how dare you to say that I killed Emperor? Is there a mother in the world so cruel to her child?¡±

    ¡°Mother, you have acted as regent for more than 30 years, but never thought about returning the power. How could a mother do this to her son?¡± Empress Jiang now was determined that Empress Dowager Gu did it. Her anger and contempt were hard to describe. What she hated more was that Empress Dowager Gu took the opportunity of Princess Yongfu¡¯s filial piety to Emperor to let the princess witness the death of Emperor. The empress herself was not very touched by the death of Emperor, but Yongfu, she was Emperor¡¯s daughter.

    And Yongfu had always been carefree. She was suddenly stimted by such a big matter. How could she live in the future?

    Empress Jiang held Yongfu¡¯s body tightly and felt her grief. Her heart was almost broken.

    Now, they finally thought of Qiu Yn.

    Qiu Yn would never admit that Empressmand her to kill Emperor and that she poisoned Emperor while cooking. She said, ¡°Dishes made by me were sent to Fu Ning Pce by Her Majesty¡¯s servant. Emperor was apanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Yongfu when he ate the dishes. Now Her Royal Highness Princess Yongfu is well, so there was no poison in my dishes. His Majesty died because he was killed elsewhere.¡±

    ¡°Sophistry!¡± The Empress Dowager shouted, ¡°The imperial doctor found poison in the dishes¡±

    ¡°When His Majesty got poisoned, the hall must be in chaos. Who knew if His Majesty was poisonedter?¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°The servant tasting the food and Princess Yongfu were fine, but you insist that there is something wrong with the dishes. Are you looking forward to having a problem with the dishes?¡±

    Empress Jiang noticed the reminder in her words, gave Princess Yongfu to Maid Lin behind her, stood up, and said, ¡°Investigate now. Immediately ask the Imperial Academy of Medicine to check all the utensils and personnel in His Majesty¡¯s bedroom hall and find out where the poison is.¡±

    Qiu Yn was relieved when she heard the speech. She thought, ¡°At present, the Empress¡¯ party was in the limelight. People who followed the trend must support the Empress¡¯ party... Empress dowager Gu was really dizzy when she wanted to kill her son to reverse the situation. When Kuang Shihan fell down and lost the court fight, even if she knew the Jiang Family murdered Emperor, she would die more quickly. It wasn¡¯t thest year of the former Emperor when she nted a crime of killing the monarch to the crown prince, she could continue to be her Regent.¡±

    But when she turned around, she saw that Empress Dowager Gu was full of confidence instead of decadence when hearing Empress Jiang saying that she wanted to thoroughly investigate Emperor¡¯s bedroom.

    ¡°Strange, does the Empress Dowager¡¯s party still have another n?¡± Qiu Yn thought in confusion, ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± It seemed that Empress Dowager Gu didn¡¯t have enough cards to y.

 Chapter 339 - They Surely Came at Me

    <h4>Chapter 339 They Surely Came at Me</h4>

    The Imperial Academy of Medicine investigated quickly.

    It involved the cause of death of the Emperor, and now the former emperor. It was also supervised by the two empresses and other officials. They dared not dy.

    However, the results of the investigation made the Imperial Academy of Medicine want to hang themselves collectively. The administrative assistant of the Imperial Academy of Medicine, who was responsible for reporting the results, shivered and threw himself to the ground. He didn¡¯t dare to look up and said, ¡°Although His Majesty washed his hands after eating, because of the fierce toxicity, we can still find poison at the part of the hand between the thumb and the index finger. It is the position where His Majesty holds chopsticks.¡±

    ¡°Moreover, after the chopsticks were inspected by people of the Imperial Pce Bureau, an insignificant mechanism was found on the position where the gem was iid on the chopsticks. These chopsticks are hollow and contain poison powder. As long as the person holds them inadvertently and presses the gem, the dark hole will be opened so that the poison powder will exude gradually.¡±

    What made the administrative assistant frightened was what he was going to report, ¡°Those chopsticks were brought by Her Royal Highness, Princess Yongfu.¡±

    ¡°Ridiculous!¡± All the people were stunned at that time. Empress Jiang¡¯s face was gloomy and stared at the administrative assistant. She could hardly wait to go down and kick him to death. She said, ¡°How could the princess offer such a thing to His Majesty?¡±

    ¡°What are you panicking about!¡± Empress Dowager Gu lifted her eyelids and said, ¡°Continue, administrative assistant Gu. Now all the civil and military officials are here. This is rted to the death of my son. How can we ignore it?¡±

    The administrative assistant Gu was very grieved, but he had to reply, ¡°However, when Her Royal Highness offered the chopsticks, we checked it, and no mechanisms were found. Now the chopsticks just look the same as those offered by Her Royal Highness, and we can¡¯t find the second pair. And I don¡¯t dare to say whether they are the ones offered by Her Royal Highness.¡±

    He just hoped Empress Jiang wouldn¡¯t be too cruel to himter when he tried his best. It was not easy to do things in full view of the public. His hint was clear.

    Empress Jiang of course wouldn¡¯t waste the opportunity he gave, and immediately said, ¡°It seems that someone deliberately took advantage of Yongfu¡¯s filial piety to His Majesty! I know Yongfu¡¯s chopsticks. They are solid and have no mechanism. They must have been reced!¡±

    ¡°If someone changed them, how can he/she deceive all the people close to His Majesty?¡± Empress Dowager Gu said coldly, ¡°Those are smart people! They are best at detecting subtle changes! I¡¯m afraid there were two sets of chopsticks when they were forged, one solid and the other hollow. And when Yongfu enters Fu Ning Pce, she will not be checked for what she carries! How much space can a pair of chopsticks upy?¡±

    Empress Jiang was furious, ¡°What do you mean, mother? You just said that you as a mother will not be bad for His Majesty. How do you think Yongfu, His Majesty¡¯s daughter, will be bad for him? At the beginning, Chu Weizhou did that to fight for the status of the crown prince. Can Yongfu, a girl, be the Crown Princess?¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu sneered, ¡°She can¡¯t be the Crown Princess, but she can be Princess Royal.¡± After the crown prince ascended the throne, the system would grant his sister the title of Princess Royal.

    The meaning of Empress Dowager¡¯s words was obvious.

    ¡°Mother, you are framing!¡± Empress Jiang gnashed her teeth and looked around the crowd. Her sharp eyes made many people in Empress Dowager¡¯s party subconsciously avoid her. She said, ¡°Even if Yongfu is only an imperial daughter rather than an imperial sister, can¡¯t I do it if she wants to be Princess Royal? Does she need to kill the emperor? Mother, you are so old and confused that you can say such words!¡±

    The Empress was going to break up with Empress Dowager.

    However, Empress Dowager Gu looked at her and said, ¡°Your words make sense. I don¡¯t think Yongfu can kill her father.¡±

    What?

    All the Empress¡¯ party was surprised.

    Qiu Yn¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. Sure enough, Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s eyes like de swept down, ¡°Qiu, I remember your cousin Ruan Qingyan. He always thought that the death of the children of your grandfather, General of Warrior, had a lot to do with Kuang Shihan?¡±

    ¡°Kuang Shihan is my son-inw. His son, Kuang Qingwu, is my grandson-inw. I will not allow you and your cousin to frame the reputation of the Kuang Family.¡±

    ¡°However, the crown prince is young. He has never met his uncle Kuang Shihan. He only meets his brother-inw Kuang Qingwu asionally. And so, he may not protect them as I do!¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t understand what Your Royal Highness said!¡± Qiu Yn sneered in her heart. She thought: Sure enough, she came to me. Did she still want to involve the Western Army this time? But now the overall situation had been decided. She really didn¡¯t know where Empress Dowager¡¯s confidence came from. Did she think that sharp words could rival the toughness of military power? Qiu Yn asked in confusion, ¡°Do you think you¡¯ll be gone when the crown prince ascends the throne? What should he do when hearing your words?¡±

    Empress Dowager Gu ignored this and said, ¡°Don¡¯t change the subject! I only ask you. Did you murder my son because of what I just said?¡±

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Qiu Yn nced at her, ¡°But just now, administrative assistant Gu counted the furnishings of the bedroom hall one by one. I remembered that there must have been one thing taken in front of his majesty recently. It seems that administrative assistant Gu didn¡¯t mention it. But I don¡¯t know whether you forgot to or simply didn¡¯t want to mention it?¡±

    Before she finished, everyone in the hall was silent. Empress Jiang even leaned forward slightly and asked urgently, ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Fen Zhuanglou, the Chinese rose that was called Fen Baolin by His Majesty. It was also called Yu Linglong.¡± Qiu Yn thanked Princess Yongfu for nagging that day. She did not expect to use it here. She said with a smile. ¡°His Majesty promised to give this flower to Her Royal Highness, Princess Yongfu, after his recovery.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, I didn¡¯t see this flower in His Majesty¡¯s bedroom hall.¡± Administrative assistant Gu hurriedly said. He was relieved because he could not provoke the Empress¡¯ party. He was more worried than Empress Jiang when he found out the problem of that pair of chopsticks.

    But it was impossible to hide it for so many people seeing the mechanism and poison being found out.

    Now Qiu Yn seemed to have found a w. Administrative assistant Gu naturally felt that the pressure was greatly reduced.

    Empress Jiang asked, ¡°Where is the flower now?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, the flower is ill, so it should not be ced in His Majesty¡¯s bedroom hall.¡± A momentter, a pce man came back and said, ¡°When Her Royal Highness came, they enjoyed it for a while, and then it was moved back. Now the flower is still in the back hall.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure it is in the back hall?¡± Qiu Yn asked after hearing the words with a half-smile. ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the back hall.¡± That pce man didn¡¯t know why she had such expression. He thought for seconds and nodded.

    Empress Jiang and others were also confused. They looked at Qiu Yn, waiting for her answer.

    ¡°When Her Royal Highness first ordered me to make appetizers for His Majesty, she told me that His Majesty intended to give flowers.¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t tantalize everyone, but said frankly, ¡°At that time, I thought it was a little strange: His Majesty owned everything, and Her Royal Highness was the only legitimate daughter of His Majesty. Even if His Majesty raised a pot of rose in person, why didn¡¯t he give it immediately, but after he recovered?¡±

    ¡°So?¡± the Empress¡¯ party replied.

    ¡°So I thought that this flower must be sick! His Majesty loves his royal highness, so he will postpone the reward until the flower recovers and give it to Her Royal Highness again.¡±

    What was the point?

    Qiu Yn ignored the people¡¯s confused expression and continued, ¡°I know a little about the flower ¡®Fen Zhuanglou¡¯. In this season, its most vulnerable disease is the vast white between the branches and leaves, like frost!¡± In fact, it is powdery mildew, the mostmon disease of Chinese rose.¡±

    ¡°The Chinese rose suffering from this disease should be moved to a ventted and sunny ce immediately before it can recover. How can it be put in the dark back hall?!¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°This flower is easy to get sick.¡± The name of medicine pot for the Chinese rose came for the reason.

    ¡°If so, the flower won¡¯t survive.¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because the pce people are ignorant?¡± Someone in Empress Dowager¡¯s party retorted, ¡°They thought that since it was ill, it couldn¡¯t be beaten by wind and rain, so they put it in the back hall. Moreover, madam Qiu, it¡¯s just a pot of flowers. What does it have to do with His Majesty¡¯s death?¡±

    Qiu Yn nced at that man and said, ¡°Why doesn¡¯t it matter?! Her Royal Highness told me before: this flower was cut and cultivated by His Majestyst autumn! Now the flowers have already grown several buds. Am I right, Your Royal Highness?¡±

    Because of the death of her father, Princess Yongfu, who was crying ferociously, was shaken several times by Maid Lin before she came back in a trance and said, ¡°Yes. The flower has several buds. When my father showed it to me, one of them was about to bloom...¡±

    ¡°This shows that His Majesty cultivated it well.¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t have the patience to wait for Princess Yongfu to finish. After she got the answer she wanted, she immediately interrupted, ¡°The reason why it got sick is that this kind of flower is very easy to get sick in this season. It can¡¯t be avoided.¡±

    Even Empress Dowager Gu couldn¡¯t stand it here, ¡°What about the rtionship between flower and my son¡¯s death? I¡¯m here with the Empress and all the officials. You keep talking about flowers... What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Since His Majesty raised flowers so well, he obviously has some experience in the art of raising flowers! Pce people are ignorant. They thought it was ill and vulnerable to wind and rain and put it in the back hall!¡± Qiu Yn squinted, ¡°But how could His Majesty not know that this flower should be exposed to the sun after it was ill?! Moreover, this potted flower is His Majesty¡¯s promise to reward Her Royal Highness, Princess Yongfu. How can His Majesty not care about it?¡±

    ¡°As a result, it was still left in the back hall. What does that mean? It means that the pce people didn¡¯t pay attention to His Majesty¡¯s orders at all! How could the pce man have the courage to do this? I am afraid that after knowing today, His Majesty is going to die. Of course, there is no way to give flowers to Her Royal Highness! And the princess is heartbroken. How can she remember a pot of flowers? When the princess isn¡¯t sad, even if the potted flower is dead... With the benevolence of Her Royal Highness, it is impossible to find the pce man any trouble and let it go!¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at the crowd with a sneer, ¡°From this point, it seems that some people have long nned to murder His Majesty.¡±

    After she finished, some people came and asked outside the hall, ¡°The flower is here. Shall we move it to the hall?¡±

    ¡°Although I don¡¯t know how you and your people killed His Majesty, or what n you have, most of the time theck of evidence can be made up by strength!¡± Qiu Yn calmly looked at a pot of yellow leaf withered ¡°Fen Zhuanglou¡± being carried to the hall as material evidence. She thought, ¡°I guess the cause of the His Majesty¡¯s death will soon be transferred to this pot of ¡°Fen Zhuanglou¡± from the chopsticks offered by Princess Yongfu!¡±

    After all, when she just mentioned the word ¡°Fen Zhuanglou¡±, she saw Princess Yongfu¡¯s maid quietly withdraw from the hall!

    The reason why she said such a simple thing so slowly that Empress Dowager urged her twice was that she wanted to buy time for the maid. If this ¡°Fen Zhuanglou¡± had not been tampered with by the Empress¡¯ party, no one would believe it.

    ¡°Empress Dowager Gu, I don¡¯t know if your n is still useful?¡± Although she was sure that the Empress¡¯ party would frame again, Qiu Yn was still very cautious and thought quietly, ¡°If you don¡¯t use it, you¡¯ll be dead.¡±

 Chapter 340 - Rest in Peace

    <h4>Chapter 340 Rest in Peace</h4>

    Administrative assistant Gu inserted the silver needle into the ¡°Fen Zhuanglou¡± in front of everyone. In an instant, the shiny silver needle became ck and dull!

    ¡°It is known to all that Yongfu gives the chopsticks to His Majesty as a gift! Will my daughter be so stupid to poison with her father in public?¡± Empress Jiang wouldn¡¯t let this opportunity go that it could clear her daughter¡¯s name, so she said loudly, ¡°Luckily, Ning Yi is clever and realizes the detail of Fen Zhuanglou, otherwise, Yongfu would have been wronged in this life!¡±

    ¡°Fen Zhuanglou was brought over here by your people.¡± When the evidence was clear, Empress Dowager Gu couldn¡¯t maintain her calmness. She couldn¡¯t help but shout, ¡°Who knows?¡±

    Since the Empress¡¯ party had got the reason, they didn¡¯t bother to continue talking with Empress Dowager Gu. Empress Jiang gave a wink and the little servant understood instantly. He rushed to the hall and knelt down with a kowtow, saying that it was Empress Dowager Gu who asked him to poison Emperor on the Fen Zhuanglou!

    This little servant took the lead. People who served in Fu Ning Pce knew clearly that if Emperor was killed, they had to be buried with him ording to the rules. Their family members might be implicated. The only way to survive was to stand in the right party. If they couldn¡¯t live, their families might get some benefits.

    These servants in Fu Ning Pce strived to be the first one to expose that Empress Dowager Gu was frenzied and wanted to kill her son, which made the entire hall silent. Even Tang Zimo looked up at Empress Dowager Gu in amazement!

    In this case, Empress Dowager Gu finally used her trump card!

    She copsed on the upper seat, tremblingly pointing at the people in the Pce. She gritted her teeth and said, ¡°How dare you! Do you think that if you work together to nder my family, you can confuse right and wrong? When my son got poisoned, I knew that all of you wouldn¡¯t admit your crime. Thus, I wrote the blood edict in advance and sent it out of the Pce. If you are not afraid that all the people in the world condemn you, why should I be afraid of death?¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at Empress Dowager Gu with astonishment, ¡°Is this her trump card?¡±

    She wanted to lead to the destruction of both the good and the bad.

    As mentioned before, the most powerful military forces of Dari Country were the Northern Army and the Western Army. These two armies were supreme as they had undergone tests by foreign races for many years. But it was impossible for Dari Country to have only two armies. Besides Emperor¡¯s Imperial Army, there were other regr armies in some cities.

    These regr armies wouldn¡¯t be the opponents of the Northern Army and the Western Army.

    But there was a problem. Could the Northern Army and the Western Army leave the border easily?

    No! If they left the border and came to the interior, all the foreign races would invade in minutes!

    As soon as the blood edict written by the Empress Dowager Gu was sent out, the ambitious people of Dari could raise and rebel. They got the righteous name called helping instead of rebellion. They would im that they revenged for Emperor who was about to die!

    ¡°This is chaos instead of a prosperous world. It even might have a new dynasty!¡± Qiu Yn was speechless and looked at Xue Chang, who was not far away. He was always calm, and this was the first time Qiu Yn saw him be angry!

    The prosperous age of this dynasty began from Tao Yinsong. After Tao Yinsong¡¯s death, Xue Chang took over, and so it could be said that the prosperity was created by these two great men. They worked hard and managed a prosperity. However, in order to fight for power and money, Empress Dowager Gu ruined everything with the blood edict. Xue Chang would like to rush to kill this selfish old woman for both Xue Nongying and himself!

    ¡°His Majesty has died and Empress Dowager was overwhelmed with grief. Her body is not good. She needs to have a rest and should not be overworked. May I ask Your Majesty to serve at Pce of Ganquan? Don¡¯t disturb her without Her Majesty¡¯s decree.¡± After a brief silence andmotion, Marquess Qin said coldly,¡± Her Majesty could have a quick recovery from illness and get well soon!¡±

    After that, he didn¡¯t look at Empress Dowager Gu, who wasughing crazily. Looking at Xue Chang, Tang Zimo, and others, he said, ¡°As for the blood edict...¡±

    It needed to be solved with everyone¡¯s efforts!

    Qiu Yn left the Pce with worries and she met Jiang Yashuang in front of the pce gate.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you go in?¡± Qiu Yn asked casually.

    Everybody knew that Marquess Qin and Empress Jiang thought highly of Jiang Yashuang. They arranged everything for him. Today so many people from the Jiang family were called into Fu Ning Pce, but Jiang Yashuang was not there. Qiu Yn was involved in the matter in Fu Ning Pce, otherwise, she would ask others about it.

    Now she saw Jiang Yashuang, so she wanted to ask her husband.

    However, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s words shocked Qiu Yn, ¡°My grandfather asked me to take men to track down the person who went out of the Pce today. Only then did I catch a few servants and finally found out the blood edict.¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Qiu Yn covered her mouth in surprise, pulled Jiang Yashuang into the carriage, and asked in a low voice, ¡°Is it the blood edict that Empress Dowager Gu mentioned? How could your grandfather know? Does he have spies?¡± Did Marquess Qin deliberately get Qiu Yn involved? Why did he do this? Couldn¡¯t he tell her in advance?

    Fortunately, Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°My grandfather is alert. He had told us earlier that if something wrong happened in the Pce, he and other elders would enter the Pce to discuss matters. When it happens, my brothers and I would be responsible for arresting people outside the Pce!¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at him speechlessly. ¡°I thought it was a big trouble!¡± She couldn¡¯t help but admire Marquess Qin very much, ¡°He is so wise! Otherwise, this time it will be a big trouble!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang seemingly wanted to say something, but he just smiled and asked with concern, ¡°This time you got involved. How are you? Are you alright?¡±

    ¡°Grandfather has arranged everything. How can I be frightened?¡± Qiu Yn stretched her hands and replied, ¡°We have such a big advantage and Empress Jiang also supports us there. How could I be afraid of Empress Dowager Gu?¡±

    At this point she felt a little strange and asked, ¡°Just now grandfather asked Xue Chang and Tang Zimo to have a discussion. Why did he ask Tang Zimo?¡±

    ¡°Firstly, Tang Zimo is talented enough to be a minister. Secondly, they might think about a good end for Empress Dowager Gu,¡± Although Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t enter the Pce, someone notified him of what happened in Fu Ning Pce. At this moment he smiled indifferently, ¡°After all, he is a rtive of Empress Dowager Gu. Although the blood edict was taken back, it was hard to guarantee that no words were spread out. Therefore, Xue Xiang and Tang Zimo exined together, which would be better than our family.¡±

    This was the exact follow-up. After Marquess Qin and Xue Chang promised that they wouldn¡¯t vent the anger on his family, Tang Zimo happily handed over the name list of Empress Dowager¡¯s party, especially those who nned to receive the blood edict.

    A few days after Emperor¡¯s death, Empress Dowager Gu hanged herself in the Hall of Taishi.

    There were a lot of spections about whether Empress Dowager Gu really hanged herself. Before Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s funeral, the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang was impeached for dozens of serious crimes. Especially, Gu Yan hadmitted numerous crimes. Even many servants were sent into prison for investigation.

    When the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang lost power, the news that Emperor, who was the former Emperor now, was killed by Empress Dowager Gu was spread out secretly, making all people in Dari shocked!

    Therefore, Qiu Yn believed that Empress Dowager Gu didn¡¯t hang herself, ¡°If Her Majesty were alive, who would punish her as her identity is so special? The crown prince is her grandson. This kind of matter about filial piety couldn¡¯t be judged! It couldn¡¯t be handled by a minister. Why bothered to kill her and get a bad name? It was better to kill her secretly and give her the name ofmitting suicide with fear of crime!¡±

    However, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t care about whether Empress Dowager Gumitted suicide or was killed.

    She was currently concerned about two issues. The first one was Qiu Jinn¡¯s current situation and the second one was Qiu Nie¡¯s situation.

    ¡°A few days before His Majesty¡¯s death, Gu Yan invited Qiu Nie out in a carriage, but only Gu Yan was back. Is Qiu Nie alive?¡± Qiu Yn frowned and asked Su He, ¡°What did Gu Yan say?¡±

    Su He felt awkward and said, ¡°He made a lot of conditions. I think master Qiu wouldn¡¯t agree to it.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s really stupid!¡± Qiu Yn pounded the table and stood up, ¡°He is in jail and the Empress Dowager¡¯s party is over. He dares to make a request! Who is he? He isn¡¯t Tang Zimo! Does he have any value? What do the prison guards do? Why does he have the energy to make conditions?¡±

    The prison guards didn¡¯t dare to deny Qiu Yn¡¯s words, but they didn¡¯t torture Gu Yan for a reason. ¡°Gu Yan led a voluptuous life. For many years his body has been in bad health and was nourished by tonic. Now after being in prison, he is immediately ill. If we severely tortured him, he might die.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? How many years have you been doing this job? Aren¡¯t you capable to do this?¡± Qiu Yn wouldn¡¯t be coaxed by these words, ¡°If you can¡¯t do it, I¡¯ll go to Dalisi to borrow some professors for you, okay?¡±

    ¡°Excuse me!¡± The prison guard tried to make things a little more difficult, so he could ask for more rewards. He asked for leaving with embarrassment.

    With some torture, the result came within two or three days, but this result made Qiu Yn frowned again, ¡°Qiu Nie was arranged to take away Deng Yi¡¯s mother and him. Would Gu Yan be so kind?¡±

    When the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang was confiscated, Deng Yi and his mother were not there. Qiu Yn knew about it.

    However, they weren¡¯t important, so Qiu Yn didn¡¯t pay attention to them.

    Now hearing that Qiu Nie¡¯s disappearance was rted to Deng Yi, she waspletely speechless. ¡°If Gu Yan really cared about Deng Yi, why did he make trouble for him at first?¡± She thought, ¡°He knew his family would fail, so he gave his cousin a way out. Ahh!¡±

    Qiu Yn made efforts to trace Qiu Nie because she wanted to give Mrs. Li an exnation. Although she couldn¡¯t find Qiu Nie now, there was a clue. She called Mrs. Li and Mrs. Zhou who cared about Qiu Nie, ¡°Qiu Nie should be alive. But it¡¯s hard to say where he is. Fortunately, Mei Xue and Qiu Qian are here, so I can bring them over to ask. We will decide the heir when my brotheres back!¡±

    Mrs. Li, Mrs. Zhou, and others heard that Qiu Nie couldn¡¯t be found yet and they were very disappointed. But they were happy when they knew he was alive, so they nodded together, ¡°We hope he will return safely soon!¡±

    Jing City was in peace and the matter of Shazhou wasing to an end.

    At dusk, it was in a snowstorm.

    Qiu Jinn, who wore mourning clothes, plucked out the heart and liver of Kuang Shihan, served them at the memorial table, poured wine three times, and feasted on the ancestors.

    Kuang Qingwu, who was tied up, was kneeling behind him. Actually, it wouldn¡¯t matter if Qiu Jinn didn¡¯t tie him at this time. Since knowing the true identity of Ren Ziyong, Kuang Qingwu, the husband of Princess Changping and the son of Marquess Zhang, looked as dull as a puppet. He was at the mercy of others. Even if Qiu Jinn clearly told him the reason for keeping him alive, he would remain indifferent. He knew that they sent him to Jing City to be the scapegoat.

    ¡°The dew on the grass fell after morning. Every day it is the same. What a pity it is! Isn¡¯t it the same as a man¡¯s life, which is easy to lose!¡±

    As the old ministries, Han Jishan and Zhao Bin led their soldiers to wear mourning clothes. They knelt down on the stage. The soldiers who were good at singing the elegy ¡°Xie Lu¡±, which had been passed down since ancient times, were mourning the death in this ce for ten years, like Qiu Zhongyan and the Ruan family.

    ¡°Father! Mother! I finally killed Kuang Shihan and Xing Kang. I have avenged for you!¡± On the high tform, the wind blew his in clothes, he prayed silently. ¡°Uncles, brothers, please rest in peace. Empress Dowager Gu is dead! Next is the battle for the Western Army. For the sake of my sister, I must win! Hope you can shelter us.¡±

    On the high tform, the incense was burned out and a period of grievances ended.

    Under the high tform, spring grasses grew quietly and something new came.

 Chapter 341 - Difficult Labor

    <h4>Willow Twig Tosses Separately Chapter 341 Difficult Labor</h4>

    Autumn in Jing City was usually sunny. The day was as warm as in spring and the noon was as hot as in summer. But the chill of autumn woulde at night eventually.

    However, on the evening of August 23, Madame Tao and the womenfolk of the Marquess¡¯s Mansion stood in the chilly wind without wearing their cotton-padded jackets or furs. Even so, they were all sweaty.

    As Madame Tao Junior¡¯s screams came out of the delivery room, He Shuijin raised her handkerchief gently and wiped Madame Tao¡¯s sweat carefully. Sheforted her in a soft voice, ¡°Grandmother, don¡¯t worry. the eighth sister-inw is well taken care of during her pregnancy. She¡¯ll give birth to the kid safely. You¡¯ll have a healthy grand-grandson!¡±

    Madame Tao smiled reluctantly, ¡°I know...¡± She caught sight of Qiu Yn who was twisting her handkerchief not far away and called her over in a hurry. She asked in a low voice, ¡°How¡¯s Zheng¡¯er?¡±

    Jiang Qizheng was found out to be pregnant a few dayster than Madame Tao Junior. So, their due dates were close. Now Madame Tao Junior was inbour. Although Jiang Qizheng wasn¡¯t, she wouldn¡¯t be long. She had been staying at her maiden home since being found pregnant. So, she needed to be taken care of at that moment as well in case no one was there when something happened to her.

    ¡°Sheng Shishui is there.¡± Qiu Yn answered in a hurry, ¡°Shishui has experience. With her in charge, Qizheng will be reassured.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good!¡± Madame Tao gave Madame Tao Junior all her attention at that moment. She asked about Jiang Qizheng in order to ease her mood. And she wanted to show others that she didn¡¯t forget her granddaughter even though she was about to have a grand-grandson. She nodded and then looked towards the room with concern. She murmured anxiously, ¡°It has been so long... Don¡¯t use up your strength!¡±

    Her voice was low. But He Shuijin and Qiu Yn who were near her both heard it. They looked at each other nervously. Although neither of them had kids, they heard about it from the old maids. Madame Tao Junior¡¯s present condition wasn¡¯t good. She was in critical condition since she was a woman in her thirties who was giving birth to her first kid.

    Moreover, she had been in poor health. Her screams died down after struggling for so long, which showed that she almost used up her strength. If she couldn¡¯t keep pushing when the baby¡¯s head just came out, the result would be devastating!

    Seeing how nervous Madame Tao was, they forced themselves to be calm andforted her, ¡°It won¡¯t be like that. Mom Hu is inside... How wouldn¡¯t shee out and tell us when something is wrong? And you have asked the imperial doctor to wait outside, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    However, their words didn¡¯t make her feel easy.

    Madame Tao Junior struggled until dawn, but still failed to give birth to the baby. Seeing the morning light through the window, she grabbed Mom Hu¡¯s hand with her dying breath, ¡°I¡¯m dying! Please go out and tell grandmother to save my baby at all cost!¡±

    Mom Hu also knew that Madame Tao Junior and her baby would both be dead if they continued to waste time. So, she didn¡¯t decline her request and went out to tell Madame Tao what happened, ¡°The midwife also said that the baby might suffocate if we didn¡¯t do anything!¡±

    Madame Tao had been waiting for a night and half-day. When she heard that, her face became as white as a sheet at that moment, ¡°Send the imperial doctor in!¡±

    ¡°Madame, should we let him save Madame Tao Junior or her baby?¡± Mom Hu asked in a low voice with her head down.

    He Shuijin and Qiu Yn supported Madame Tao on each side and they clearly felt her body trembling. And then she choked, ¡°She¡¯ll have another kid! Save her, of course!¡±

    Everyone could tell that Madame Tao lied. Because Jiang Yadan didn¡¯t like Madame Tao Junior. It was a happy surprise that she was pregnant. The Jiang Family won the fight with the Empress Dowager¡¯s party at the beginning of the year, which made them more powerful and their offspring more popr. So, the number of Jiang Yadan¡¯s concubines and mistresses grewrger. Was there any chance for him to sleep with his wife again?

    Besides, Madame Tao Junior was already above 30. And she had difficultbour this time, which would damage her health more or less. It was uncertain if she could get pregnant again after she recovered.

    Madame Tao Junior most likely wouldn¡¯t have a kid of her own if she lost this one!

    So, Madame Tao just wanted Mom Hu tofort her by saying that she would have another kid.

    Everyone knew it, so did Madame Tao Junior. So, she asked the imperial doctor to save her baby when he went in, ¡°Don¡¯t save me. Don¡¯t!¡±

    Mom Hu held back her tears andforted her, ¡°We¡¯ll do as you say. Don¡¯t worry. Please let the imperial doctor treat you, okay?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d rather die if only I survive!¡± Madame Tao Junior wasn¡¯t fooled. She stared at Mom Hu with clear eyes. Seeing her determined look, Mom Hu knew that she couldn¡¯t take the responsibility. So, she went out to consult Madame Tao.

    ¡°Just do as she says!¡± Madame Tao froze for a while and then she copsed with tears running down her face amid the screams of her granddaughters-inw, ¡°How have the women in my family sinned?¡±

    Madame He went towards them with tears in her eyes. She asked He Shuijin and Qiu Yn to take Madame Tao to rest, ¡°You don¡¯t need to be here for what¡¯sing!¡±

    They took Madame Tao back to her yard and helped her go to bed. They waited outside as Madame Tao wanted to be alone.

    ¡°How did this happen?¡± He Shuijin held back her tears to avoid upsetting Madame Tao. But when they went out, she began to cry uncontrobly. She murmured while snuffling, ¡°Although the eighth sister-inw is a little old to have a baby, the imperial doctors have been taking care of her. They said everything was good!¡±

    Qiu Yn was in a mess. She said after crying for a while, ¡°First was Gu E¡¯nuo in the first lunar month and then many other women appeared... How could she be happy no matter how virtuous she is?¡±

    She thought Jiang Yadan should take most of the me for Madame Tao Junior¡¯s difficultbour.

    He Shuijin covered her mouth in a hurry after hearing what she said and whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t ever say that! The sensible ones know that you¡¯re mad at Yadan because you take pity on Madame Tao Junior, the others will assume that she did this to herself because she was jealous!¡±

    Qiu Yn knew she was right. She was angrier and sighed, ¡°I can¡¯t live like this anymore!¡±

    ¡°Maybe they can save them both.¡± Normally, He Shuijin would tease her, ¡°Our eighth sister-inw is unloved. But Yashuang loves you.¡± But she wasn¡¯t in a good mood and changed the subject. She whispered, ¡°Both of them may be safe, right?¡±

    But only one was safe...

    Two hourster, news came from the fourth branch, ¡°Young master was born. The imperial doctor had checked and said he was in good health. But Madame Tao Junior... Madame Tao Junior wants to talk to Madame Tao!¡±

    Normally, she needed to rest after giving birth to her baby. But she insisted on talking to Madame Tao, which meant that she had somest words to say.

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help crying out loud!

    She didn¡¯t listen to the words He Shuijin said and followed Madame Tao to the delivery room. But the imperial doctor stopped her, ¡°Let Madame Tao Junior talk to Madame Tao first!¡± He implied that Madame Tao Junior could only talk to Madame Tao about the arrangements after her death at herst breath. She didn¡¯t have time to say goodbye to Qiu Yn!

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know how she got back to her yard. She only knew that Jiang Yashuang was also crying when she entered the room. He asked hoarsely, ¡°Is the eighth sister-inw gone?¡± She wanted to answer him. But she fainted.

    When she woke up, Madame Tao Junior¡¯s mourning hall was ready.

    The Jiang Family gave their granddaughter-inw a grand memorial service. Although the service was solemn, people¡¯s mood wasn¡¯t sad. It was partly because Madame Tao Junior was a junior. They couldn¡¯t hang white cloth all over the Marquess¡¯s Mansion, considering the elders of the Jiang Family. Most importantly, it was because a lot of people who came to pay their respects couldn¡¯t hide their true feelings as one of their beautiful daughters, granddaughters, and nieces might be Jiang Yadan¡¯s next wife.

    They didn¡¯t need to worry about the result of the power struggle between the Empress and the Empress Dowager if their families and the Jiang Family became inws. Because the Jiang Family had already won!

    If they weren¡¯t afraid of Madame Tao, they would be celebrating Madame Tao Junior¡¯s death in public. For them, the trueborn Madame Tao Junior left behind was the only fly in the ointment!

    However, they were optimistic again on the thought of Jiang Yadan¡¯s harem, ¡°Who knows how long this trueborn could live? He has a lot of brothers and sisters whose mothers are all scheming.¡±

    Seeing those women who pretended to express condolences pushing those pretty girls that were gorgeously dressed to Madame Tao, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t hold back her anger and asked, ¡°Grandmother, is there any happy event in our family?¡±

    Madame Tao asked spiritlessly, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Our guests are all dressed up luxuriously. It seems that they aren¡¯t here to express condolences. Theye here to congratte us.¡± Qiu Yn nced over those pretty girls coldly, ¡°The smell of their makeup is so overwhelming that I almost feel dizzy! Grandmother, please forgive me if I have said something inappropriate!¡±

    What she said embarrassed everyone. Those girls¡¯ faces all turned red. Some of them who were arrogant and willful looked angry because they were humiliated!

    But when Madame Tao squinted at each of them, the madams and youngdies all put on meek looks in a hurry.

    After all, Empress Jiang had be Empress Dowager Jiang. As her mother, even if Madame Tao couldn¡¯t decide on Jiang Yadan¡¯s marriage all by herself, she definitely had a vote! Whoever wanted to be Jiang Yadan¡¯s next wife needed approval from her.

    ¡°Mom Hu, ask them to leave. I¡¯m not in a good mood to join in the fun!¡± Madame Tao didn¡¯t me Qiu Yn and she even didn¡¯t say a word of me to her, which meant that she agreed with Qiu Yn. Besides, she used the terms ¡°join in the fun¡± which made those guests feel too ashamed to show their faces.

    However, Madame Tao didn¡¯t care if they were embarrassed, given her current status. No one dared to say a word. They all looked down embarrassedly and pretended to be meek.

    Seeing this, Madame Tao didn¡¯t scold them. She staggered to her feet and said tly, ¡°Yn, follow me. I need to talk to you about something!¡±

    Qiu Yn went forward and held her with doubt. When they got into the inner chamber, she saw a cradle in front of Madame Tao¡¯s bed. Looking at the sleeping baby in the cradle and thinking of Madame Tao Junior whoy in the coffin, Qiu Yn felt sad and turned her head in a hurry!

    ¡°Qianbin gave him a pet name, An, when she was dying. She hoped he could have a lifetime of peace.¡± Madame Tao also felt like crying. But she closed her eyes to stop the tears from falling. She approached the cradle and said without looking up, ¡°As for his name, she said you and Yashuang should decide it!¡±

    ¡°Yashuang and me?¡± Qiu Yn was wiping her face and then she was stunned after hearing what Madame Tao said. Even if she didn¡¯t want Marquess Qin and Empress Dowager Jiang to name him, his father Jiang Yadan was still alive. How could she ask them to name him?

    ¡°Yes.¡± Madame Tao said tly, ¡°She wanted you to raise him... I wonder if you¡¯re willing to?¡±

 Chapter 342 - You Two Will Raise the Kid

    <h4>Chapter 342 You Two Will Raise the Kid</h4>

    ¡°To tell you the truth, Qianbin wanted Jiang Yazhu and his wife to raise him. Because their Huan is still young who can keeppany with An.¡± Madame Tao whispered, ¡°Besides, they get less attention. It would draw less attention for them to raise An than for you and Jiang Yashuang. But I convinced her to let you raise him!¡±

    ¡°Because I don¡¯t want Qianbin¡¯s only kid to get treated badly!¡±

    Madame Tao felt tired as she was standing near the cradle and saying those words. It was because she was devastated by Madame Tao Junior¡¯s death. She approached her bed and sat down. And then she continued, ¡°Sheng Shishui is smart. However, her origin... Jiang Yazhu is far less sessful than Jiang Yashuang. They would treat An well if I should let them raise An. However, they might not be able to prevent or stop others from giving An a hard time. You know our family value the trueborn, especially the one of the first wife! Jiang Yadan will remarry. And An will be a thorn in his stepmother¡¯s side. I¡¯ve thought it over. It¡¯s better for you and Jiang Yashuang to raise him than for Jiang Yazhu and his wife. I want him to grow up safely!¡±

    Madame Tao didn¡¯t say why Madame Tao Junior decided to let her brother-inw raise her kid on her deathbed. Actually, she didn¡¯t need to. Let alone the mess in Jiang Yadan¡¯s harem, those young women out there who were so eager to marry Jiang Yadan had proved how much danger An was in!

    He could be dead at any minute if he was raised by Jiang Yadan¡¯s concubines.

    Since Madame Tao Junior was the wife of the eldest son of the fourth branch, if her son needed to be raised by others, the candidates surely were her two brothers-inw of the fourth branch.

    In Madame Tao¡¯s opinion, everyone knew that Marquess Qin valued Jiang Yashuang the most and Qiu Yn was hard to deal with. They were known to be tough. Besides, with their tempers, if they agreed to raise Madame Tao Junior¡¯s son, Jiang Yadan¡¯s second wife woulde to no good end if she wanted to look for trouble!

    On the other hand, Jiang Yazhu and his wife couldn¡¯t afford to act like that.

    However, it was very beneficial for An to be raised by Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang. But it might not be the same case with Jiang Yazhu and his wife.

    Madame Tao didn¡¯t avoid mentioning that, ¡°Raising a baby is rather troublesome. You don¡¯t have a kid of your own. Even with the old maids¡¯ help, you¡¯ll be in a panic. Besides, since you¡¯re not his biological mother, people will inevitably use you of not doing your best no matter how hard you try. And that¡¯s only for now. If you should have your own kid, there would be more gossips. With Jiang Yashuang¡¯s talent, he¡¯ll be the pir of the fourth branch. And Jiang Yadan will depend on him. You won¡¯t get anything in return by raising his son! So, it¡¯s reasonable for you to refuse!¡±

    Qiu Yn bit her lips, ¡°Grandmother, since you¡¯ve made it clear, I¡¯ll cut to the chase! I know what the eighth sister-inw was worried about. I¡¯m willing to help her!¡±

    She paused, ¡°But I¡¯ve never been a mother. I¡¯m afraid I couldn¡¯t raise An well!¡±

    That was true. She had never raised a kid. Kids, especially boys, had a high death rate at that time. And she didn¡¯t know what to do when Madame Tao suddenly asked her to raise An!

    ¡°I¡¯ll handle the rest as long as you¡¯re willing to raise him!¡± Madame Tao rubbed her forehead and said tly, ¡°I¡¯ll make it worth your while. What do you think?¡±

    Qiu Yn pondered for a while and nodded decidedly, ¡°I¡¯ll try my best!¡±

    ¡°You may leave now. And tell Jiang Yashuang about it!¡± Madame Tao was relieved and waved her hand, ¡°He¡¯ll agree. But he needs to be informed, doesn¡¯t he?¡±

    After Qiu Yn left, Mom Hu went into the inner chamber stealthily. She whispered, ¡°Have you talked to Madame Yn about it yet? I think it¡¯s a bit early.¡±

    ¡°How so?¡± Madame Tao stared at the cradle and frowned.

    ¡°Madame Yn have never been a mother. How could she raise such a baby?¡± Mom Hu exined, ¡°Especially, he¡¯s not her own baby! Even if she takes Young Master An to her ce for Madame Tao Junior¡¯s sake, she might be annoyed by the baby¡¯s cries! It would be better that we raise him to a certain age and then give him to her!¡±

    Madame Tao shook her head, ¡°You¡¯re missing the point! People will be intimate when they spend time together in their growth. As an old saying goes, one should be more grateful to the one who raises him than the one who gives birth to him! We let her raise An right now, even if he upsets her, she¡¯ll forget when he is of a sensible age! If we should bring him up until he bes old enough to understand, even to one-year-old... Jiang Yashuang adores her so much that he doesn¡¯t even have a concubine. They have been married for almost two years. She may soon be pregnant. How could we give An to her then?¡±

    ¡°At that time she¡¯ll have her own kid. Even if we give her An then, she¡¯ll naturally focus on her own kid! How much attention will she give An?¡±

    ¡°So, we must give her An now. She can focus on An and get bonded when she doesn¡¯t have her own kid! In this case, she won¡¯t treat An unfairly even when she has her own kid!¡±

    Mom Hu still thought it was too early and she said, ¡°But Madame Yn can¡¯t make all the decisions by herself. She still needs to consult with Young Master Yashuang. Young Master Yashuang always respects Madame Tao Junior. He won¡¯t let her kid suffer! I¡¯m just afraid that Madame Yn can¡¯t take good care of Young Master An.¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yashuang needs to work. How could he take care of the baby all day?¡± Madame Tao smiled bitterly, ¡°Otherwise, why did I ask Yn¡¯s permission first? And then I let her inform Yashuang, even though I knew Jiang Yashuang would agree if I mentioned it to him directly. Even if I let Jiang Yashuang take An to his ce, Qiu Yn would be the one to look after An. You¡¯re worried that she doesn¡¯t know how to take care of a baby. You don¡¯t need to. One of the maids she brought to our family, Mrs. Zhou, is Princess Ruan¡¯s wet nurse. She is the one who raised Princess Ruan and Qiu Yn. How couldn¡¯t she take good care of An?¡±

    She sighed, ¡°Qiu Jinn adores his sister so much. Do you think he¡¯ll forget about his nephew¡¯s care because he¡¯s in Xijiang? If he didn¡¯t have faith in Mrs. Zhou, he would have hired someone else and sent her here a long time ago! So, if Yn should fail to take good care of An, it wouldn¡¯t be Qiu Yn¡¯s fault. It is because An isn¡¯t blessed with happiness. No one shall say Qiu Yn doesn¡¯t know how to do, or she doesn¡¯t try her best. Do you understand?¡±

    There was a warning look in Madame Tao¡¯s eyes. Mom Hu sensed it and lowered her head, ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re not fools. Raising An isn¡¯t beneficial. Instead, it¡¯s worrisome and they have to take a huge responsibility. Besides, they need to exin to Jiang Yadan!¡± Madame Tao said wearily, ¡°No one will be happy if they¡¯re criticized after spending so much effort! Moreover, I begged them to raise An on behalf of Qianbin. If they should know that even we doubt if Qiu Yn could take good care of An, wouldn¡¯t she turn against us? It doesn¡¯t matter that sheins to Jiang Yashuang. What if she treats An poorly in private?¡±

    Unlike An¡¯s biological mother, Qiu Yn wasn¡¯t a pushover. If she knew what Mom Hu said, Madame Tao was sure that she wouldn¡¯t let it go!

    Madame Tao spent much effort nning An¡¯s future. She couldn¡¯t let Mom Hu destroy it!

    Mom Hu fell to her knees, drenched with sweat, and said, ¡°I... I won¡¯t say it again!¡±

    ¡°Stand up.¡± Sensing that Mom Hu got the message, Madame Tao said tly, ¡°Jiang Yadan will remarry soon. We need to send An to Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn as soon as possible. Otherwise, it would be tricky if his new wife should get in our way. Jiang Yadan is An¡¯s father after all. He¡¯s most qualified to raise him. We need to think about how to give An to them without hurting their feelings.¡±

    They decided to use the mysterious fate as an excuse for Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn to raise An. They said that An was destined to be raised by others instead of his biological parents!

    To prevent Jiang Yadan¡¯s new wife from taking him back and to help Qiu Yn get rid of future problems, Madame Tao hardened her heart and asked the fortune-teller to add a sentence, bordering on a curse. It¡¯s said that this kid would be dead if he was taken back to his biological parents! He would have a chance to survive if he was raised by his uncle and aunt!

    In that case, no matter how Jiang Yadan¡¯s new wife wanted to show others she cared about An, she had to leave him alone. Otherwise, people would suspect she wanted An to die! And Qiu Yn also could raise An without worry, since An only got a chance of surviving if he was raised by his uncle and aunt. His life and death were decreed by fate. It had nothing to do with his uncle and aunt if he died!

    Qiu Yn was fine with that. She was busy decorating An¡¯s room and preparing to take An to her ce. She was also busy consulting with Sheng Shishui and Mrs. Zhou about other things. Madame Tao promised that she would take care of everything anyway. Qiu Yn had faith in Madame Tao¡¯s ability.

    Jiang Yashuang on the other hand was a little uncertain, ¡°Grandmother, in this case, it¡¯s hard for Jiang Yadan to see An as well, right? Will their rtionship be affected?¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yadan is so busy. Few of his sons can see him very often,¡± Madame Tao said tly, ¡°Besides, they¡¯re connected by blood. Will he renounce him because he¡¯s raised by you?¡± It was better for Jiang Yadan not to see him often! Spending too much time with a yboy like him might be a bad influence on An!

    Madame Tao wished An had as less to do with his biological father as possible. Learning from his uncle was the right thing to do!

    Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t win the argument with Madame Tao. But he was still worried. So, he went to exin to Jiang Yadan. However, Jiang Yadan wasn¡¯t mad about not being able to see his son. He said carelessly, patting on Jiang Yashuang¡¯s shoulder, ¡°I was worried that since Tao is gone, it¡¯s not ideal for my concubines to raise An. And our grandmother is old. I can¡¯t leave An at her ce forever. You and your wife really help me out!¡±

    Before Jiang Yashuang could say anything, Jiang Yadan continued, ¡°I only have this one trueborn. It¡¯s good that you¡¯re going to raise him. It¡¯s better for him to learn from you than me. There is already an unworthy man like me in our family, which is enough. If there are more, our family will end up like the Tao Family!¡±

    He wasted his talent and became a yboy. But he wasn¡¯t so muddled that he was indifferent to his son¡¯s future. He hoped his son could be sessful.

    Jiang Yashuang cut to the chase after hearing what he said, ¡°Then we¡¯ll raise An. You cane to see him by yourself at any time if you miss him,¡± He emphasized the words ¡°by yourself¡± to remind Jiang Yadan that he and his wife didn¡¯t trust his future wife!

    Finally, An was taken to Jiang Yashuang and his wife. Everyone in the Jiang Family knew the reason. They all took pity on Madame Tao Junior¡¯s hard life. She had been bullied for years for not having kids. But she died when she finally had a son!

    If it weren¡¯t for Madame Tao, her son might not live long after she died!

    Now her son was raised by Jiang Yashuang. He should be able to make a difference under Jiang Yashuang¡¯s tutge, right? It would be a constion to Madame Tao Junior.

    An¡¯s matter quieted down with Madame Tao Junior¡¯s burial. One day, while Qiu Yn was busy learning how to take care of a baby, a servant rushed in and reported that Jiang Qizheng was inbour!

 Chapter 343 - Becoming from Your Enemy to Your Sword!

    <h4>Chapter 343 Bing from Your Enemy to Your Sword!</h4>

    Jiang Qizheng and Madame Tao Junior got pregnant at a simr time. So, their due dates were close.

    Madame Tao Junior who went intobor first died in childbirth. So, everyone in the Jiang Family couldn¡¯t help being anxious when Jiang Qizheng was inbor at this moment.

    Poor Qiu Yn became a scapegoat for Qiu Feng¡¯s absence and Madame Tao gave her an earful in public, ¡°I know that Qizheng¡¯s husband is close with your brother. But he has been in the west for almost a year. He isn¡¯t here for his first kid! I wouldn¡¯t me him if he had seniors to take care of things for him. Thank God Qizheng has us. Otherwise, she would go through this alone!¡±

    Actually, Madame Tao had already known that Qiu Feng went to the south halfway instead of going to Xijiang to help Qiu Jinn. And he was nowhere to be found!

    She wanted to cover for Jiang Qizheng byining to Qiu Yn.

    After all, Jiang Qizheng was so loved before she got married that she was crowned a princess. However, the man she insisted on marrying disappeared without notice. And she had been staying at her maiden home since she was pregnant. Her husband still didn¡¯t show up when she was inbor. How could she face others if there was no good reason?

    Qiu Yn scolded Qiu Feng inwardly and apologized for Qiu Jinn, ¡°Jinn didn¡¯t expect that Qizheng would be pregnant. He wouldn¡¯t have asked Qiu Feng for help if he had known. The western savages were so vicious that people in Shazhou were miserable! Qiu Feng couldn¡¯t bear to see them suffer.¡±

    ¡°s, he is good for everything but his heart is too soft!¡± Madame Tao didn¡¯t mean to give Qiu Yn a hard time. So, she let it go when Qiu Yn gave her an excuse, ¡°But it¡¯s reasonable since he used to be a knight-errant! s, he helped those people, but his wife and kid suffered the consequences. When hees back, I need him to apologize to Qizheng properly before he takes her back!¡±

    They teamed up to finish the show and then waited in anxiety.

    Luckily, although Jiang Qizheng was depressed for a while after she got married, she was young and in good health. She gave birth to a son smoothly after struggling for half a day.

    Madame Tao was relieved. She pulled herself together to check the baby and say a few nice words. And then she instructed Madame He to handle the following things and went back to rest in a hurry. She was still grieving over the dead Madame Tao Junior. She might be ill if she didn¡¯t get enough rest.

    While Madame He was making arrangements for Jiang Qizheng, Qiu Yn also went back to her room to see An after sending her blessings. Jiang Yashuang went back from the East Pce and was thrilled to have a nephew. He showered and changed his clothes before going to see the baby.

    However, he was frowning when he came back. He sent the others away and discussed with Qiu Yn, ¡°Our nephew was born. But we still don¡¯t have news on Qiu Feng. It¡¯s not okay!¡± He was furious about Qiu Feng¡¯s disappearance. So, when he mentioned Qiu Feng in private he didn¡¯t refer to him as his brother-inw.

    ¡°I think so too. But we can¡¯t find him. What should we do?¡± Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°We can¡¯t let everyone know that we¡¯re looking for him for Qizheng¡¯s sake! Looking for him secretly isn¡¯t so effective!¡±

    ¡°Can we ask your brother for help?¡± Jiang Yashuang muttered, ¡°He knows Qiu Feng well. Maybe he can figure out where Qiu Feng is?¡± He remembered that Qiu Jinn yed tricks on Qiu Feng like a fiddle when he was in Jing City.

    Qiu Yn was puzzled and asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you ask my brother for help before?¡±

    ¡°I mentioned it to him once. But you know he has a lot on his hands. So, I didn¡¯t tell him all the details.¡± There was a look of guilt on Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face, ¡°But now our nephew has been born. We need to know if Qiu Feng is still alive. If he doesn¡¯t n toe back, Qizheng shouldn¡¯t keep wasting her time on him!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face went dark after saying all that!

    Qiu Yn also felt that Qiu Feng was over the line this time. Jiang Qizheng was wrong to force him to get married. But was it irresponsible of him to leave without saying goodbye? It was better for him to leave before getting married! Luckily, the seniors adored Jiang Qizheng. So, she could keep it a secret. Otherwise, the gossip would drive her into a corner if the truth leaked out!

    ¡°Write my brother a detailed letter!¡± Qiu Yn wasn¡¯t in the mood of pleading for Qiu Feng. She sighed, ¡°Is there any news about Xijiang? I didn¡¯t expect Kuang to have so many backup ns. Have they found Kuang Qingwu?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head. Kuang Shihan died in the war at the beginning of the year. However, his plots had been uncovered before the government could confer a posthumous title on him. It was said that he colluded with the western savages to start the war and helped his son perform military exploits. But he was defeated because the western savages screwed him!

    So, it was impossible to confer a posthumous title on him. Moreover, Kuang Shihan¡¯s existing titles and official positions were deprived. His son was sent to Jing City on charges of killing his mother. However, the team was attacked halfway and Kuang Qingwu was rescued. Afterward, he led his men to attack the Western Army several times. The Western Army was caught off guard and he knew the Western Army very well. So, a few generals were hurt!

    How could the Western Army suffer in silence? They sent people to track down him and meanwhile reported to the government. But the operation didn¡¯t go well. They still hadn¡¯t found Kuang Qingwu until now. And they suffered losses during those encounters!

    ¡°It¡¯s probably because Kuang still has influence over the army. Those soldiers aren¡¯t trying their best.¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Otherwise, how can¡¯t they catch Kuang Qingwu since he is still in Shazhou which is the Western Army¡¯s territory? Maybe he is living in the house of one of the generals right now!¡±

    She didn¡¯t know that her assumption was right.

    It was already snowing heavily in early autumn in Shazhou.

    Looking at the falling snow in the yard, Kuang Qingwu pulled his clothes open and gulped spirits. Feeling the sting in his stomach caused by spirits, he couldn¡¯t help but throw his head back and exhaled a heavy breath.

    At this moment, Kuang Qingwu was very different from the elegant image of himself six months ago.

    He had a full beard and looked tough. His eyes were as sharp as knives. There was no trace of a gentleman he used to be in Jing City. Instead, he looked like an indigenous bandit in Shazhou.

    ¡°Young master, Mr. Leshan is here!¡± A soft voice came from behind. Kuang Qingwu turned around and saw a young maid bowing. He could see the most beautiful curve on a woman from her current pose.

    ¡°Serve him tea in the Flower Hall. I¡¯ll be there in a minute!¡± However, Kuang Qingwu just nced at her indifferently and then instructed coldly.

    The maid showed a slight look of disappointment. But she still answered with respect, ¡°Yes, Young master!¡±

    ¡°I heard that you fell off the horse on this trip.¡± In the Flower Hall, Ren Ziyong was in a blue gown and was elegant as always. He looked at Kuang Qingwu and asked, ¡°Are you hurt?¡±

    Kuang Qingwu neglected his question and cut to the chase, ¡°Who does Qing Jinn want to kill this time? Does he want me to do it soon?¡± After he killed his parents, he was used of killing his mother and was sent to Jing City. He thought it would be his doom. He didn¡¯t expect that Ren Ziyong would free him on the way.

    Ren Ziyong exined why he did that, ¡°I was your master after all. Besides, you have nothing to do with the former Prince¡¯s death!¡±

    However, he was caught again shortly afterward.

    It wasn¡¯t because Ren Ziyong went back on his promise. It was because without help and supply he couldn¡¯t get far with the money Ren Ziyong gave him.

    Ren Ziyong saved him again with strings attached. He advised Qiu Jinn who caught Kuang Qingwu, ¡°Young master, you want to take over the Western Army. There are many things you want to do but you can¡¯t do in person. However, you can let Kuang Qingwu do those things for you!¡±

    Qiu Jinn agreed after pondering for a long time. So, Kuang Qingwu went from being Qiu Jinn¡¯s enemy to being a sword.

    He and Qiu Jinn¡¯s men had been moving around in Shazhou and making surprise attacks in these months. They removed the obstacles in Qiu Jinn¡¯s way of taking over the Western Army in the most direct way.

    He knew that the day Qiu Jinn reached his goal would be the day he died. He was alive only because he was useful to Qiu Jinn. But it wouldn¡¯t affect Qiu Jinn much even if he refused to be his sword. His allegiance just made it easier for Qiu Jinn.

    However, since he agreed to be his sword, who knew what would happen in the future?

    Kuang Qingwu had yed his role well so far. He was silent, quick, determined, and efficient. He developed the qualities of apetent subordinate who would satisfy his superior in a short time.

    It was just like his disinterested and direct question at this moment.

    ¡°The Jiang Family wanted to send their two goddaughters to serve young master at the beginning of this year. He politely refused by saying that he just avenged his family and wanted to mourn the former Prince for a few months,¡± Ren Ziyong cut to the chase, ¡°Half a year has passed by now. The Jiang Family is probably going to mention it again. You need to kill them on their way here! Young master doesn¡¯t hope two spies stay around him!¡±

    ¡°I see. Let me know when it¡¯s time.¡± Kuang Qingwu asked tly, ¡°Anything else?¡±

    ¡°Take care of yourself. In case of leaving any seque,¡± Ren Ziyong looked at him indifferently, ¡°You can tell Yuan Yong if you need any medicinal material. He is from Tianya and is the most loyal one to young master among all the subordinates in the Western Army! Make yourself at home at his ce. And of course, don¡¯t hold a grudge.¡±

    He stood up as soon as he finished talking and left hastily!

    Kuang Qingwu stared at his back for a long time. An abnormal flush appeared on his face. He wobbled and then lifted his sleeve to cover his face. He spat out a mouthful of blood!

    ¡°Young Prince!¡± Zheng came in to serve him stealthily after Ren Ziyong left. He approached in a hurry after seeing that.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Kuang Qingwunguidly pushed his hands away and said in low voice, ¡°Don¡¯t call me Young Prince anymore. That man¡¯s title has been removed. I¡¯m no longer a young prince. Refer to me as young master from now on!¡±

    Zheng agreed with hesitation. And then he asked with care, ¡°Shall I ask for a doctor?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Kuang Qingwu said coldly, ¡°I coughed blood on purpose. The maid will see it when she washes my clothes. She will report this.¡± His eyes were deep, ¡°I pretend to be calm every time I meet with Ren Ziyong to show that I¡¯m not scheming enough. Otherwise, how could I fool Qiu Jinn?¡±

    What Ren Ziyong said seemed to remind him to take care of himself and not to worry about bothering Yuan Yong. But he meant to remind him that Yuan Yong was loyal to Qiu Jinn and he should do his job without thinking otherwise.

    ¡°But since you gave me this chance...¡± Kuang Qingwu washed his mouth with the tea that Zheng handed to him. His looks were vicious, ¡°Even though you¡¯re on guard against me while using me, I still can make you regret it!¡±

 Chapter 344 - Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 344 Marriage</h4>

    While Qiu Jinn was preparing to prevent the Jiang Family from meddling with his marriage, Jiang Yashuang was reminding his wife, ¡°Our two uncles may bring up the thing again that your brother refused at the beginning of this year!¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°I don¡¯t know what they¡¯re thinking. Even if those two girls are dead set on working for them, how can they be so sure that my brother will be bewitched by them?¡± Qiu Jinn would live in vain if he couldn¡¯t handle those two girls. Besides, those two girls had been convinced by Qiu Yn and decided to have it both ways. They wouldn¡¯t let the first and the third branch manipte them!

    ¡°Not just our two uncles, Jinn wrote in his recent letter that Han Jishan invited him to dinnerst month. The dinner was served in the garden on purpose. Han Jishan left During the dinner, Han Jishan excused himself. But his niece ¡®identally¡¯ went to the garden and saw your brother.¡± Jiang Yashuang said tly, ¡°And Prime Minister Xue¡¯s granddaughter, Xue Nongying¡¯s younger sister, is still unmarried. Your brother keeps stalling. But I¡¯m afraid he can¡¯t stall for time anymore!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn was silent for a while, ¡°What¡¯s your advice? Xing?¡± Ou Qinn was devoted to Qiu Jinn. She tried serval times to go to Shazhou in those days. But the Ou Family stopped her. Qiu Yn knew it because the Ou Family had revealed it to her on purpose. They wanted to sound Qiu Jinn out about his attitude via her.

    After all, Qiu Jinn¡¯s appearance, ability, origin, status, and power were all impable. His only w as a son-inw was his association with those prostitutes such as Hua Shenshen. However, a capable man was inevitably a bit romantic before getting married. Especially, Qiu Jinn didn¡¯t have a senior to discipline him. He might change after getting married.

    The Ou Family had no objection to Ou Qinn marrying Qiu Jinn. Although they had no objection, they needed to consider their family¡¯s reputation. They could hide the truth that Ou Qinn was hell-bent on marrying Qiu Jinn. How could they protect their reputation if they let Ou Qinn go to Shazhou? So, they told Qiu Yn about it tactfully when they stopped Ou Qinn from going there.

    Ou Qinn¡¯s brother, Ou Bicheng, was Jiang Yashuang¡¯s best friend and confidant. So, Qiu Yn thought that Jiang Yashuang intended to set Ou Qinn up with Qiu Jinn.

    To her surprise, Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°Xing marrying Jinn is thest thing I approve of!¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Qiu Yn was confused, ¡°I heard that you and she were childhood friends. How couldn¡¯t you grant her wish?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I don¡¯t want to screw her!¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°Let me be honest with you. Don¡¯t be mad. Although your brother is young, he has been with many women. It¡¯s hard for him to fall in love with someone! Besides, judging by the current situation in the Western Army, even if he should get married, he may need to join in the fun on asion or even ept a few beautiful women to enrich his harem. He won¡¯t care about those things. But Xing has a strong temper. She can¡¯t change her nature and be obedient even though she loves your brother so much! We¡¯ll only make her suffer if we grand her wish now!¡±

    Speaking of which, he frowned and whispered, ¡°Just like Qizheng and Qiu Feng. So, never give her what you shouldn¡¯t give!¡±

    Hearing that, Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°It worries me too! Honestly, I grow fond of Xing after spending time with her these years. Although she has a temper, she truly loves my brother!¡±

    She pondered for a while, ¡°Who should my brother choose if we rule out Xing?¡±

    ¡°Han Jishan has a head start. But it is the worst choice. Your brother won¡¯t choose them!¡± Jiang Yashuang said after thinking for a while, ¡°Because they represent the old-timers of the Western Army. With the Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s party¡¯s eclipse and Prime Minister Xue¡¯spliance, our family is the most powerful one in the country! If Han and Zhao want to disobey us by relying on their influences over the Western Army, they¡¯lle to no good end.¡±

    ¡°If your brother marries one of their girls, it will mean that he chooses their side. It¡¯s unnecessary and unworthy. So, I don¡¯t think your brother will choose girls on their side!¡±

    ¡°As for those two goddaughters of our uncles, if your brother had been willing to ept them, he wouldn¡¯t have used the excuse that he finally avenged my mother-inw and father-inw and needed time to mourn. I think Miss Xue is the most possible choice. However, I heard that she was kind and generous, but not scheming?¡±

    Qiu Yn said with frustration, ¡°Yes! I¡¯ve considered Xue Nongqing a long time ago. She¡¯s all good but too generous. I don¡¯t think my brother will like her for her generosity.¡±

    ¡°It is not the key point that your brother won¡¯t like her.¡± Jiang Yashuang clearly knew that if Qiu Jinn were going to get married, at least for now, he would only care about his future wife¡¯s ability, rather than personal feelings. So, it didn¡¯t matter if Qiu Jinn liked Xue Nongqing¡¯s personality or not. What mattered was that, ¡°I¡¯m afraid that your brother¡¯s marriage with her has two sides. The upside is that it will make him closer to Prime Minister Xue. The downside is that he will have to protect her from the intrigues in the harem!¡±

    That wasn¡¯t a good deal. Because judging by how much Xue Chang valued Qiu Jinn, even if they weren¡¯t inws, he would still try his best to help him.

    After all, Qiu Jinn was qualified to form an alliance of interests with Xue Chang now. Although this kind of alliance was unstable, it was effective!

    As the marriage had little value, Xue Nongqing¡¯s ability was the key to this marriage.

    But ording to Xue Nongqing¡¯s personality and mindset, she clearly couldn¡¯t help Qiu Jinn take over the Western Army.

    ¡°In that case, no one is suitable for my brother, right?¡± said Qiu Yn, frowning. ¡°Or he chooses neither of them? He has to get married eventually, doesn¡¯t he?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s just my opinion. We need to ask your brother¡¯s opinion.¡± Jiang Yashuang exined, ¡°The situation in Shazhou has been rtively stabletely. So, I¡¯ll tell him more about his personal matters when I write to him this time. For example, Qiu Feng¡¯s whereabouts, his marriage... Do you have anything else to tell him?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought for a while, ¡°Let¡¯s tell him that Ciyi is pregnant. It will make him happy!¡± Ruan Ciyi was found pregnantst month. Li Qianzhi was so happy that he borrowed a few careful old maidservants from his aunt to take care of her. He truly cherished her. Qiu Jinn was right to select him as his brother-inw.

    Hearing that, Jiang Yashuang sighed inwardly and thought, ¡°Your brother will be happier if you¡¯re pregnant. However, he may worry about your parturition. Never mind, what we have now is fine!¡± He believed Qiu Yn¡¯s words which she had forgotten. She said that she survived in the avnche on Mount Dizi. But she was harmed by the coldness. So, she couldn¡¯t have a baby.

    So, he never talked about pregnancy in front of Qiu Yn to avoid upsetting her.

    Qiu Yn mentioned it at this moment. But he avoided the topic and just said, ¡°Our doorman said that Spring House and Jinpa Pavilion both sent stuff here and they wanted us to give them to your brother. We should mention it as well!¡±

    ¡°I forgot about them if you didn¡¯t mention it!¡± Qiu Yn was distracted and then said, ¡°I remembered Hua Shenshen from the Spring House was with Prince of Zhou, right? Since he was dead and the Empress Dowager lost her power, how could she be fine?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said with frustration, ¡°Prince of Zhou wasn¡¯t the only one who was infatuated with her.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± It looked like that the Jiang Family¡¯s offspring took her under their wings. It wasn¡¯t known if Jiang Yadan was involved.

    When she thought of Jiang Yadan, she thought of Madame Tao Junior and An. Qiu Yn became gloomy, ¡°An has been crying at nighttely. I wonder if he knows that he has lost his mother.¡±

    ¡°Shall we send for a doctor?¡± Jiang Yashuang had never been a father. He became anxious after hearing that, ¡°Is he sick?¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Qiu Yn yelled in exasperation, ¡°There¡¯s no child who doesn¡¯t cry! How can you instantly assume that your nephew is sick?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said awkwardly, ¡°I was just guessing... We need to consult with our old maidservants.¡±

    ¡°I know you were guessing. But can you say something nice?¡± Qiu Yn pinched his arm and said sulkily, ¡°I¡¯ll punch you if you say anything like that again!¡± She knew that babies only ate, slept, and cried all day although she hadn¡¯t been a mother! How could anyone assume that a baby was sick because he cried at night?

    ¡°I still think it¡¯s better to send for a doctor.¡± Jiang Yashuang said seriously, ¡°He¡¯s too delicate. What if he gets hurt from crying?¡±

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t win the argument with him. So, she had to send for a doctor. As expected, he was all fine.

    ¡°I told you not to overthink it or make crazy assumptions!¡± Qiu Yn held her nephew and tried tofort him in an immature way. She gave her husband an earful whileforting the baby, ¡°Such a healthy baby may be cursed by you!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang poked the baby in his pick cheeks and said with a smile, ¡°We can¡¯t be too careful. The doctor did all the work anyway!¡± He paid so much attention to An. It wasn¡¯t entirely because he cared about him, but he also thought that since he couldn¡¯t have kids and Qiu Yn wasn¡¯t willing to adopt, raising An made up for their inability to have kids. So, he treated An as his own kid.

    ¡°An could arrange for our funerals and other things when Lan and I grow old. Hopefully, An would have kids by then. He could choose one for us to adopt.¡± Jiang Yashuang thought, ¡°In that case, I can leave our estate to his offspring.¡± He had a lot of nephews and there would be more. But he valued An the most as Madame Tao Junior took care of him when he was young.

    He thought he would never have kids. Naturally, he would like An¡¯s offspring to inherit his bequest.

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know what was on his husband¡¯s mind. She had long forgotten the reason she used to refuse to get married back then. Watching An grow up every day made Qiu Yn want a kid of her own, ¡°Mrs. Zhou urged me to take the medicine which was good for conception yesterday. I wonder if it works or not. However, I just have begun to take care of An. I may neglect him if I¡¯m pregnant.¡±

    They had their own thoughts as they yed with An. Suddenly, Su He walked in with a weird look, ¡°Young master, Madame, something happened in the first branch.¡±

    ¡°What happened?¡± Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn asked in a hurry.

    ¡°Miss Huizhi bumped into His Majesty in the imperial garden. A lot of people saw them.¡± Su He coughed, ¡°Madame Dou is weeping out her grief to the Old Master.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 345 - Strike First to Gain the Initiative!

    <h4>Chapter 345 Strike First to Gain the Initiative!</h4>

    ording to the wedding n set by the royal family at the end ofst year, at the beginning of this year, it shall be the wedding of Prince of Wei, the Sixth Prince, followed by Princess Lexin and Princess Yongfu, and then crown prince Chu Weisang married Xin Fubing and made her the empress.

    However, because Empress Dowager Gu and her son died one after another, the crown prince ascended the throne. It was not easy to talk about marriage during the filial piety period of father and grandmother¡¯s funeral. Of course, Emperor didn¡¯t have to keep his father¡¯s filial piety for three years like others, but Chu Weisang asked Empress Dowager Jiang to let him keep it for a year before getting married.

    Considering that the new emperor and Xin Fubing were still young, and Empress Dowager Gu previously made rumors that the Jiang Family murdered the former emperor, Empress Dowager Jiang believed that Chu Weisang¡¯ste marriage and his image of filial piety were also beneficial to the Jiang Family. After all, he was pushed toe to power by the Jiang Family.

    As a result, this image was just built and was about to be destroyed.

    Qiu Yn gave An to her nursing mother and rushed to Madame Tao to inquire. Because Jiang Yashuang was also present there, Su He didn¡¯t make it clear. The truth was that when Jiang Huizhi and Emperor were found, they even barely wore clothes. Jiang Huizhi¡¯s shoulders and arms were also seen by the servant.

    Although the pce maid specially sent by Empress Dowager Jiang to tell Madame Tao described it haltingly, a few words and phrases could help them imagine the scene at that time.

    Madame Tao¡¯s face was gloomy and frightening. She said, ¡°Stop talking!¡± Hearing this, younger people around couldn¡¯t lift their heads. They didn¡¯t dare to continue listening to it.

    ¡°Qiu Yn, you and Xin Fubing have always been good friends. You canfort her.¡± Madame Tao tried to suppress her anger and began to arrange, ¡°If you worry about An, let Jiang Yazhu¡¯s wife help you take care of An for a day. Fourteenth daughter-inw, you take care of our home. If anyone who dares to talk nonsense, beat him to death immediately.¡±

    She told Madame He and Madame Huang, ¡°Although this family is now managed by the Fourteenth daughter-inw, she is still young. Don¡¯t let those old people bully her. You should also help her.¡±

    Qiu Yn was unhappy. She went back to her yard to change her clothes. Sheng Shishui followed her to pick up An. She took the opportunity tofort her, ¡°Don¡¯t be too sad for Cousin Xin. How can Emperor not have many wives? When Cousin Xin epted the royal family¡¯s marriage, she had thought about today. Although she didn¡¯t expect this person to be her niece, Empress Dowager has always disliked people in the first branch. She will deal with this and exin it to her.¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered and said, ¡°With my grandfather there, no matter how Empress Dowager will exin to Cousin Xin, Jiang Huizhi will surely marry Emperor. Moreover, you know what the first branch can do, don¡¯t you? Let¡¯s see, even if she can¡¯t win Cousin Xin¡¯s position, she will have designs on the position of Noble Consort. When they have children in the future, the first branch must be hard on Cousin Xin.¡±

    Although Emperor was also responsible for this, he was just a puppet and was particrly afraid of Empress Dowager Jiang. How dared he touch Jiang Huizhi under normal circumstances? It was no secret that Empress Dowager Jiang hated the first branch and didn¡¯t want women who had a rtionship with the first branch to be a daughter-inw.

    Now Emperor had an affair with Jiang Huizhi. If it was not suggested or even coerced by Jiang Tianao and his wife, no one would believe it.

    The Jiang Family finally defeated Empress Dowager Gu. Now it seemed that Jiang Tianao and his wife wanted to learn from Empress Dowager Gu again. How could they? Jiang Huizhi was not only Xin Fubing¡¯s niece, but also the niece of the Emperor¡¯s eldest sister-inw. With such a mess, the first branch wanted wealth regardless of their face.

    How could Madame Dou have the face to cry in front of Marquess Qin?

    Sheng Shishui sighed, ¡°It¡¯s all like this. Let it go. You¡¯d better go and see Cousin Xin! Neither Aunt nor Uncle is in Jing City. Her grandmother also has no idea. She must be mad.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought so. Sure enough, when she arrived at Xin Mansion, she saw a mess when she entered the door. When she stepped into the back hall, Xin Fubing sat there with a sallow face and a numb look. Her grandmother, Madame Ge, was unkempt and holding her, crying loudly and bitterly.

    The two were surrounded by servants who were crying and trying to persuade them. The whole back hall was in chaos.

    Qiu Yn, together with Chunran and Xiaran, tried their best to persuade them, and then they became calm. She asked the servants to help old Madame Ge into the inner room to have a rest. And she took Xin Fubing to her inner room to talk.

    ¡°Before I came, Madame Dou had gone to my grandfather to cry. You know his attitude towards the first branch. Although Jiang Huizhi is one of the young generations, my grandfather will certainly ask His Majesty to give her a position.¡± Qiu Yn took the tea made by Chunran, drank it to moisten her throat, and hurriedly said, ¡°So I don¡¯t have time tofort you now. You should know why the first branch sent her granddaughter to Your Majesty¡¯s harem in such a shameless way. You have to deal with it quickly and don¡¯t give them any chance.¡±

    ¡°How can I deal with it?¡± Xin Fubing cried, ¡°You know my attitude when I first decided to marry. The person I like don¡¯t like me, so I can only listen to the arrangement of my elders. Jiang Huizhi didn¡¯t dare to do this without the elders¡¯ arrangement. Think about it. My destiny is to be a chess piece. I don¡¯t know what it means to live like this. ¡±

    Hearing that she had the intention tomit suicide, Qiu Yn became more serious and sent all the maids out. She sat next to her, took her hand, and said seriously, ¡°If you want to do so, you will make what the first branch wante true. But think about it, why?¡±

    Xin Fu said coldly, ¡°Why? Just because grandfather Jiang likes Jiang Huizhi more than me. I can see that my life is probably the same as that of Madame Tao Junior...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense!¡± Qiu Yn interrupted her words thatpared herself with Madame Tao Junior, ¡°My grandfather surely takes pity on Jiang Huizhi as she relies on her grandfather and grandmother for life. But doesn¡¯t grandpa like you? Moreover, after entering the Pce, you will live under the hands of Empress Dowager. In front of her, Jiang Huizhi can¡¯t evenpare with you.¡±

    Xin Fubing smiled miserably, ¡°There is no one here. Do you still coax me? No matter how Empress Dowager likes me, can she vite the order of grandfather Jiang?¡±

    ¡°You are so confused.¡± Qiu Yn shook her head when she heard that, ¡°Is there only Empress Dowager behind you? Have you forgotten your grandfather and grandmother?¡±

    Thinking of Sir Jibei and his wife, Xin Fubing¡¯s eyes brightened, but then darkened. She said, ¡°Because of Jiang Yn, I have a gap with Mi Yinyin. I seldom visit my grandfather and grandmother these days. Grandfather Jiang is thinking the kindness of his brother, and doesn¡¯t my grandfather think it?¡±

    ¡°Grand uncle thinks about this, but what about your parents?¡± Qiu Yn reminded, ¡°I think you should take this opportunity to transfer the fifth aunt and the fifth uncle to Jing City. Otherwise, if something happens like this time, you and your grandmother are the only people in the Xin Family. No one else can go out and help you. If the fifth aunt and her husband were here, wouldn¡¯t the fifth aunt talk about your grievances when Madame Dou ran to her grandfather to cry? ¡±

    Xin Fubing said bitterly, ¡°Do you know why my parents stay in Guanzhou for so many years and don¡¯t return to Jing City? My mother is my grandfather¡¯s only daughter who is alive in the world. Is it difficult for them to return? Because of the wealth of Guanzhou, my father and mother n to save enough money for generations there before they live. When I wrote myst home letter, I said I missed them. My mother replied that we could be reunited in ten or eight years.¡±

    Speaking of this, she burst into tears.

    ¡°That was before!¡± Qiu Yn was very angry at the speech. How could the couple do this? But immediately She said, ¡°You must be the empress. If you have a prince, the prince will surely be the crown prince. It is based on the premise that you are not framed by Jiang Huizhi. If so, won¡¯t theye back to help you? I say that directly, can the empress¡¯s family be poor? Guanzhou will be nothing at that time.¡±

    Xin Fubing bit her lips and said, ¡°It¡¯s not just for money, but also for positions. There are many descendants of the Jiang Family. Of course, we should take care of those people first. My father is fine, but my mother... To be honest, she tends to thrust herself forward too much. If my father doesn¡¯t have a good position, she will feel embarrassed in front of her rtives...¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this the best chance?¡± Qiu Yn said, ¡°It¡¯s natural for the first branch to give a high-ranking position andpensate for the fifth uncle considering such a thing they did. You don¡¯t need to ask anyone else, just let Empress Dowager ask the first branch.¡±

    ¡°OK. ¡± Xin Fubing thought carefully and said, ¡°I¡¯m in a bad mood now. Can you help me tell Empress Dowager?¡±

    Qiu Yn shook her head and said, ¡°No, you must tell it by yourself.¡±

    Seeing Xin Fubing¡¯s reluctant look, she reminded, ¡°Jiang Huizhi will certainly be brought into the harem by His Majesty. As long as my grandfather is here, we can¡¯t change this! However, grandpa can¡¯t pass over Empress Dowager and you, the empress in the future, and decide her position. Grandpa doesn¡¯t have time.¡±

    ¡°So, you go to the Pce immediately to meet Empress Dowager and ask for a position for Jiang Huizhi. But remember, just a position. As for the position, not to mention other things, just because she seduced His Majesty who was still on filial duty in the imperial garden and was seen by many people, it is enough to determine that shecks virtue. If there is ack of virtue, can she be in a high position? Are you kidding?¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered and said, ¡°It¡¯s best to put her under the master of a pce and even are not qualified to raise children so that she can¡¯t covet your position in the future.¡± This came to her mind when she talked to Sheng Shishui before going out. If there was no ident, Marquess Qin must allow the first branch to fight for Jiang Huizhi¡¯s position second only to the empress.

    But if Xin Fubing asked Empress Dowager before Jiang Huizhi¡¯s position was settled, it would make the first branch owe her one favor. It would also make Jiang Huizhi even more unable to lift her head in front of her in the future. As a prospective empress and the younger generation of Empress Dowager Jiang, even if Xin Fubing hadn¡¯t entered the Pce, it was not a mistake for her to express her opinions on Jiang Huizhi¡¯s position.

    When Jiang Huizhi¡¯s position was suppressed, Xin Fubing could not only revenge, but also control this niece. Otherwise, the niece would consider when to kill Xin Fubing and be the empress by herself.

    Of course, this behavior of helping others after being wronged could get great benefits, but it also required high tolerance. As long as she could bear it, she would have the chance to revenge.

    Xin Fubing was silent for a long time before she sighed, ¡°She has robbed my husband and I have to ask for a position for her. Although it is said that this is for my own magnanimous reputation and to frame her again, it¡¯s disgusting to think about it.¡±

    ¡°But if you don¡¯t do that, it will only make you more disgusting.¡± Qiu Yn clenched her hands and advised, ¡°The first branch has even done the shameless thing. What else can¡¯t be done? Think about Empress Dowager Ye and Empress Dowager Gu of the former emperor¡¯s reign.¡± At present, the situation was not good. The elders gave much pressure and the grandchildren had no power to fight back.

    Unless Xin Fubing died, she would certainly be the empress. If she didn¡¯t prepare in advance, she would only suffer more losses in the future.

    Otherwise, Qiu Yn wouldn¡¯t try to persuade her to bear this.

    ¡°I know!¡± Xin Fubing, with tears in her eyes, whispered, ¡°I will do as you say.¡± She held Qiu Yn¡¯s hands and said sadly, ¡°Will you apany me into the Pce? I¡¯m very confused. I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t know what to say when Ie to Empress Dowager. ¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you!¡± Qiu Yn sighed and said softly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Empress Dowager must be on your side. You just have to show your attitude. Empress Dowager will say it to my grandfather.¡±

 Chapter 346 - There Will Be Fun!

    <h4>Chapter 346 There Will Be Fun!</h4>

    It was at Pce of Ganquan in Hall of Taishi.

    Empress Dowager Jiang quietly listened to Xin Fubing¡¯s statement and Qiu Yn¡¯s additional words and then smiled, ¡°Good girl, you are so virtuous. How can I refuse you?¡± Empress Dowager Jiang told Maid Lin, ¡°You go to Marquess¡¯s Mansion and tell them Fubing¡¯s words.¡±

    After Maid Lin left, Empress Dowager Jiang let servants leave and stopped talking about the polite words. She said to Xin Fubing with a solemn expression, ¡°Don¡¯t control your tears! I know you are wronged! No servants are here, so you can cry out!¡±

    Before she finished her words, Xin Fubing threw herself on Empress Dowager Jiang¡¯sp and cried bitterly, ¡°I¡¯m really sad! I know that His Majesty won¡¯t only treat me good, but how can he like my junior?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that you don¡¯t know the details!¡± Empress Dowager Jiang stroked Xin Fubing¡¯s hair and was silent for a while. After Xin Fubing calmed down, Empress Dowager Jiang said, ¡°Let me tell you about the details. His Majesty and Jiang Huizhi are wronged this time!¡±

    Qiu Yn wasn¡¯t surprised at all. Emperor said he wanted to keep his filial piety. How could he make love with a younger girl at this moment? He was wronged, otherwise, he broke his promise.

    Seeing this, Empress Dowager Jiang calmly said, ¡°The imperial doctor gave Jiang Huizhi a diagnosis. She drank an overpowering drug and the love potion. ording to her memories, she was hit by a strange maid before she fell into aa. But before she scolded this maid, she lost consciousness. When she woke up, His Majesty was near.¡±

    Qiu Yn nced at Xin Fubing, who was still crying on Empress Dowager Jiang¡¯s knee. Qiu Yn asked on Xin Fubing¡¯s behalf, ¡°Did His Majesty drink the overpowering drug?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Empress Dowager Jiang frowned. ¡°His Majesty is fascinated by the chrysanthemum in the imperial garden these days, so he will go to the Jing room near the imperial garden to stay for a while. When he just went into the room today, Jiang Huizhi jumped on him suddenly. He was shocked at the time and wanted to leave with force, but he was afraid of hurting Jiang Huizhi. If she got hurt, Jiang Tianao and his wife would be mad. He couldn¡¯t get rid of Jiang Huizhi, who took the strong love potion! When they chased each other, the maid, who delivered wine and food ording to the rules, went there!¡±

    Emperor¡¯s servants were from Empress Dowager Jiang, so she knew every movement and she believed this saying which is proved by the personal servants.

    ¡°Aunt, Uncle Mengmin did it, right?¡± Qiu Yn raised her eyebrow and asked, ¡°They even ignored you.¡±

    Since the beginning of the year, she visited Empress Dowager Jiang frequently. She was treated very preferentially because of her husband. Now she had her own decent identity. Empress Dowager Jiang red at her when she heard this, ¡°I know that you have a good rtionship with Fubing, but you can¡¯t provoke our family¡¯s rtionship so obviously, right?¡±

    She said these words without being annoyed.

    Qiu Yn noticed it and said in a coquettish tone, ¡°My dear aunt, don¡¯t say that! I¡¯m telling the truth! Since we defeated the Gu family and you moved to Pce of Ganquan, you have to make your own rules. Those who make troubles should be sent out and now people who are left are credible after many checks and investigations. Even if there are one or two persons that have escaped, the Gu family has been over. Who can they rely on? Don¡¯t they do their own work?¡±

    ¡°How dare to do such a big thing! How can it be possible without being instructed? Jiang Huizhi has already been engaged. When this happened, why did Aunt Yang find grandfather first instead of you? Is this clear?¡±

    Empress Dowager Jiang replied, ¡°I know. You shouldn¡¯t say this here. I choose Fubing as my son¡¯s wife. Will I treat her badly? Do you need to worry about it?¡±

    ¡°Yes! I know that you love Cousin Xin. I¡¯m sorry!¡± Qiu Yn just wanted her words, so she cleverly pleaded guilty when her goal was achieved.

    Xin Fubing cried and was tired. Empress Dowager Jiang called for someone to lead her to the side hall to take a shower. At this time, Empress Dowager Jiang said to Qiu Yn, ¡°The little maid who used the overpowering drug to Jiang Huizhi is certainly from the Gu family!¡±

    Qiu Yn was shocked when she heard the words and then said, ¡°Does the Gu family instigate her?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right!¡± Empress Dowager Jiang gave her an approving look. ¡°When the Pce was reformed, I was too busy to do it alone. The Jiang family helped me. Jiang Tianao and his wife knew that the little maid had a problem. They didn¡¯t report it but control her privately for their own use!¡±

    She paused, ¡°You know your grandfather. I like Fubing. After Jiang Huizhi entered the Pce, I will try my best to support her! But your grandfather will watch us, so Fubing should be more prudent!¡±

    ¡°I will tell Cousin Xin!¡± Qiu Yn answered hurriedly.

    Empress Dowager Jiang said, ¡°When your fifth aunt and uncle are back to Jing City, what position do you think is better for them?¡±

    ¡°How could I know this?¡± Qiu Yn said with a smile, ¡± Cousin Xin misses her parents. As long as you ask them toe back, she won¡¯tin about your decision.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Empress Dowager Jiang said unhappily, ¡°If she really doesn¡¯t care about her parents¡¯ official position, why did she say that? Her father wants to harden himself and be better when he is back to Jing City. She really misses her father and mother. Doesn¡¯t this mean that she needs to ask a high-ranking official for her father in Jing City? If I don¡¯t understand her, why can I sit here?¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t feel embarrassed. She chuckled and said, ¡± Cousin Xin doesn¡¯t care about that. Aunt, you love her so much. Even if she didn¡¯t say this, can you treat her without kindness?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t treat her badly because of you fifth aunt.¡± A memory shed in Empress Dowager Jiang¡¯s mind. She sighed, ¡°Although your fifth aunt has a quick temper, when we were at home, she treated me best among all brothers and sisters!¡±

    ¡°And then you will give Cousin Xin¡¯s father a high-ranking official!¡± Qiu Yn added, ¡°In this way, the fifth aunt and Cousin Xin will have the face, and it can make Uncle Mengmin feel upset. Isn¡¯t this good for the fifth aunts¡¯ family?¡±

    Empress Dowager Jiang nced at her, ¡°If you really want to help Fubing, go back and talk to Jiang Yashuang with these words!¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°It can¡¯t be decided by me, who is a woman.¡± Empress Dowager Jiang said. A hint of dissatisfaction shed between her eyebrows, so she purred, ¡°Let Jiang Yashuang go and talk to your grandfather!¡±

    Qiu Yn pretended not to notice her dissatisfaction, smiled, and talked for a while. Seeing the maid came in with Xin Fubing, she stopped talking. The two didn¡¯t stay long and left the Pce.

    Qiu Yn sent Xin Fubing home and she felt very tired when she returned to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion, but she had to send greetings to Madame Tao and exin the day.

    After listening, Madame Tao nodded slightly, ¡°It is good of you to persuade Fubing to go to see Tianluan. They could turn passiveness into activeness. This is a good action! Fubing was the one who was wronged, so why do those people nder her?¡±

    ¡°Does grandfather finish everything?¡± Qiu Yn took the opportunity to ask.

    ¡°Let Jiang Huizhi have a rest at home first, and so her previous engagement can only be forgotten.¡± Madame Tao said with humph, ¡°At the beginning, they were really good at pretending. I really thought they wanted to choose a right man for their granddaughter. Now I have understood that they are just afraid that Tianluan would stop Jiang Huizhi from visiting the Pce!¡±

    Jiang Huizhi¡¯s engagement started when Qiu Yn got married and it was not decided until the summer of this year. The man was the son of Jiang Tianao¡¯s confidant. It was said that the man was both talented and generous. In short, he was all good. After that engagement, Qiu Yn even gave a gift for them. After only a few months, Jiang Huizhi was about to enter the Pce to be an imperial empress. But she might not be the true empress because of Xin Fubing.

    Madame Tao was bored of this and said, ¡°After His Majesty¡¯s wedding, she will enter the Pce. Your grandfather has ordered that no one is allowed to discuss this. After you go out, you should not talk about it. You should also manage people around you well. Don¡¯t let others make the mistake.¡±

    Qiu Yn thanked her for the suggestion and she excused for leave. She went to Sheng Shishui to pick up An first. Of course, she had to exin to Sheng Shishui about today¡¯s experience. After that, she took An back to her house. She was so tired that she couldn¡¯t open her eyes. She told the nursing mother, ¡°Take care of him well. I need rest for a while!¡±

    She fell asleep as soon as she went to the bed!

    When she woke up, the sky was dark and Su He, who was guarding the couch, told her, ¡°The master has returned early and is ying with the young master!¡±

    ¡°Is it a long time?¡± Qiu Yn asked Su He to help her dress up and she said, ¡°Don¡¯t exhaust the child!¡±

    ¡°When the master came back, the young master was crying. The nursing mother couldn¡¯t coax him, so the master came to coax him.¡± Su Heughed and said, ¡°When the young master had a rest just now, the master came to see you. But the young master cried again.¡±

    Qiu Yn felt very strange. ¡°Does such a little child recognize people?¡±

    ¡°This shows that the young master is smart!¡± Su He rolled her eyes and lowered her voice, ¡°It must be smarter if you can give birth to another kid!¡±

    She knew that Qiu Yn was very afraid of Mrs. Zhou and others talking about the issue of kids and so she did this so deliberately to tease her master.

    Qiu Yn was not ashamed or annoyed when she heard these words, but she looked at Su He thoughtfully, ¡°I¡¯m really confused. You are at the same age as me. I have to consider about kids. How can I stop you from marrying? Come on! Who do you like? Or what kind of men do you like?¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about!¡± Su He was shy and her face flushed with shame. She hurriedly raised her sleeves, hid her face, and ran out. ¡°I will ignore you!¡±

    Qiu Yn wasbing her hair and felt speechless, ¡°I¡¯m serious with you! Why do you think that I tease you now?¡±

    Shaking her head, she walked out of the room and went to the house where An was. As expected, as soon as she entered, she saw Jiang Yashuang holding An and pacing back and forth in the house. He was humming a song. It was her first time to see this scene. She couldn¡¯t help but feel a little amused, ¡°Can you sing?¡±

    ¡°When I was a child, the nursing mother used to hum and coax me and Jiang Qizheng. After listening too much, I remember it.¡± Jiang Yashuang was blushed when he heard these words. He handed An to her, ¡°He kept crying but stopped after listening to the song.¡±

    ¡°You hold him.¡± Qiu Yn said slyly, ¡°I don¡¯t know how to hum. What if he starts to cry if I take him?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang red at her awkwardly and saw that An was asleep. He breathed a sigh of relief and carefully handed him to the nursing mother. ¡°ce him in the cradle. Don¡¯t wake him up!¡±

    They were afraid that they would not be able to leave after An woke up. They walked out of the house lightly like thieves. After going out, they breathed a sigh of relief and both felt funny.

    Afterughing for a while, Jiang Yashuang asked, ¡°Is Cousin Xin okay?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± Qiu Yn described today¡¯s experience for the third time, ¡°Uncle Mengmin is really too bad! I don¡¯t know what the fifth aunt will do, but she won¡¯t let it go after going back to Jing City because her daughter gets such a humiliation!¡±

    When she said this, she intended to ask Jiang Yashuang to arrange a good position for Xin Fubing¡¯s father, so her parents would be calmed down. However, Jiang Yashuangughed bitterly when he heard the words, ¡°You are right that the fifth aunt won¡¯t let it go. Her temper is worse than the fourth aunt sometimes!¡±

    He said helplessly, ¡°Youe up with an idea to get them back. There will be fun at home now.¡±

 Chapter 347 - They Shouldnt Look down the Madame of the Jiang Family.

    <h4>Chapter 347 They Shouldn¡¯t Look down the Madame of the Jiang Family.</h4>

    When Mrs. Jiang Tianhe of the Jiang family returned to Jing City with her husband, they would bring much excitement to the Jiang Family. Because it took time to send orders to Guanzhou and pack up there, Marquess Qin made the decision to suppress Jiang Huizhi¡¯s affair, which made the Marquess¡¯s Mansion be quiet as usual.

    As for the silence, it was only temporary... Qiu Yn thought that Mr. and Mrs. Jiang Tianhe should only be grateful to her without resentment anyway. What they should toss about was the first branch and Marquess Qin, which had nothing to do with her.

    So, she ignored it and began to n Su He¡¯s and others¡¯ marriages.

    At that time, when a girl heard that her marriage was mentioned, she was always shy and refused to speak. So Qiu Yn simply called Mrs. Zhou and Mrs. Li to n together.

    However, the two old people advised her not to think that first, ¡°You have been married for more than a year. These days, you have also begun to drink the decoction of fertility drugs. Like the former Princess, you can get pregnant after drinking this for a few months. Our young master was handsome and generous. There are too many people who want to marry him inside and outside the family. Now that you¡¯re in charge and those people don¡¯t dare do anything anymore. If they know you¡¯re pregnant, they will do something.¡±

    ¡°Su He and others are the people you are used to. If they serve you during pregnancy and confinement, you can rest assured. They can also watch the young master for you. If you let them get married, someone else wille up. We are not sure if the new people will seduce the young master on the excuse of serving you.¡±

    ¡°Even if they don¡¯t seduce the young master, maybe they are more vicious and juste for you. Have you forgotten that someone wanted to rece the eighth madame¡¯s position when she was alive? The Jiang Family is now more prominent than in previous years. Jiang Yashuang is also the best of his generation. Old Master attaches the most importance to his direct grandson. There are more people who want to marry him than those who want to marry the eighth young master.¡±

    ¡°So why don¡¯t you let Su He and others serve you until you have your eldest son and then let them get married?¡±

    The two old servants were so loyal, especially that Mrs. Zhou was Su He¡¯s grandmother. Her son and daughter-inw had passed away and Su He was her only granddaughter. Qiu Yn felt warm in her heart but thought that it was unfair to Su He, ¡°Girls¡¯ youth is short. If so, won¡¯t it dy them? And no one can say surely about the son. ¡±

    Qiu Yn thought, ¡°If I can¡¯t conceive a child, like Madame Tao Junior, for many years, I¡¯ll waste their whole life.¡±

    ¡°Even if I am pregnant after three or five years, ording to themon age of marriage at this time, these maids will be too old to get married.¡±

    ¡°My madame, what are you saying? You look like your mother and your body must be the same! ¡± As soon as Mrs. Zhou heard this, she was unhappy and said in a hurry, ¡°Your mother drank this soup and was pregnant in a short time. The reason why you have only one brother is that your father put great emphasis on serving the country. He went to the frontier soon after his marriage. After that, unless he returned to Jing City to do his work report, he was always far away from your mother. Otherwise, you should have many brothers and sisters.¡±

    Mrs. Li said, ¡°That¡¯s because madame loves Su He. I think it¡¯s better to find good families for them first and settle the matter, but not arrange their marriages at once. When madame has a child, she can get married, and so that she can also get blessed by madame¡¯s son.¡±

    Seeing that they were determined to let Su He and others serve her until she had her son, Qiu Yn had to ept the result and said, ¡°So what kind of husbands do you want to choose for them? I asked them, but they wouldn¡¯t say it!¡±

    Mrs. Li stopped talking about this topic. After all, there was no her younger generation among maids who are old enough to get married.

    Mrs. Zhou said, ¡°You decide it. You always love them and will surely pick good ones for them.¡±

    ¡°Good character doesn¡¯t mean getting along pretty well!¡± When Qiu Yn was about to persuade her to ask Su He and others what kind of men they like, Chen Shui suddenly knocked at the door and said, ¡°Madame, someone from the side yard said that the person who lives there wants to see you.¡±

    ¡°The side yard?¡± Qiu Yn was stunned and thought for a moment before she realized, ¡°Oh, Are they Mei Xue and Qiu Qian? Why do they want to see me? Have they found traces of Qiu Nie? Or can¡¯t they wait to look for Qiu Nie? Come in and tell me. ¡±

    After entering the door, Chen Shui saluted Qiu Yn and also greeted Mrs. Zhou and Mrs. Li. She said, ¡°the messenger didn¡¯t say much, only said that they haven¡¯t eaten for several days.¡±

    ¡°I think it was because people there refused to send a message for them.¡± Qiu Yn guessed so. Mrs. Zhou and Mrs. Li nodded. She thought about it and said, ¡°let them eat and recuperate. Bring them here when they recover.¡±

    Chen Shui left with the order.

    Interrupted by Chen Shui, Mrs. Li got up and left, saying that it was almost time to cook and she had to go to the kitchen to prepare.

    Seeing this, Mrs. Zhou said hastily that Su He was not in a hurry to get married and they could talk about this in a few days. However, Mei Xue and Qiu Qian suddenly wanted to see Qiu Yn. What was the matter with them?

    ¡°Maybe it has something to do with Qiu Nie.¡± Qiu Yn thought, ¡°At the beginning, Qiu Nie ran away with Deng Yi and his mother. No one knows where they have gone. Later, the Jiang Family searched several times and even issued an arrest document. Unexpectedly, they didn¡¯t find him! Qiu Nie came from ¡®Tianya¡¯. He is good at hiding himself. If only Deng Yi and his mother had escaped, they would have been caught long ago.¡±

    Of course, this was also because Qiu Jinn ignored them. Qiu Yn believed that Qiu Nie couldn¡¯t hide if her brother took action. Thinking of this, she frowned, ¡°My brother was busy with big events before and the main power of ¡®Tianya¡¯ was also restrained. But when Jiang Yashuang wrote to himst time, he told me that my brother had finally been able to rest and could deal with his private affairs... Does it mean that he is already looking for Qiu Nie and Deng Yi and his mother?¡±

    If it was only Qiu Nie, the Jiang Family might not care too much. But Gu Yan confessed that he ordered Qiu Nie to send away Deng Yi and his mother. Although the Gu Family had been executed, it was the family of the Regent Empress Dowager. The remnant party couldn¡¯t be eliminated in a day or two. Deng Yi and his mother had the blood of the Gu Family. If the Jiang Family ignored them, they might be a disaster in the future. The Jiang Family couldn¡¯t rest assured if they didn¡¯t find them.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what benefits Gu Yan promised Qiu Nie or is he worried about the hatred with my brother before? But his sister, Qiu Qian, and his lover, Mei Xue, are all in my hands. If he was just worried, did he dare not toe?¡± Qiu Yn thought, ¡°The Gu Family has fallen from power, but he didn¡¯t betray Deng Yi and his mother. Howe he betrayed my brother without hesitation before.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps he was killed by Deng Yi and his mother, wasn¡¯t he?¡± Thinking of this possibility, Qiu Yn¡¯s face stiffened, ¡°Qiu Nie¡¯s martial arts were abolished. Even if there were no seque, he would almost be like ordinary people. Deng Yi and Mrs. Gu are two... If they left with some servants, the servants would also be on their master¡¯s side. It¡¯s highly possible that they have killed Qiu Nie.¡±

    Up to now, they couldn¡¯t find Deng Yi and his mother. Was it because they killed Qiu Nie after they were taken to safety by him?

    ¡°Mrs. Li wanted him to inherit from Qiu Zhongyan and his wife...¡± Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°Don¡¯t die!¡±

    When Jiang Yashuang came back in the evening, Qiu Yn asked him about Qiu Nie and the other two who were still on the loose, ¡°Are we still looking for them?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but not in a hurry.¡± Jiang Yashuang heard that Mei Xue and Qiu Qian wanted to see her, so he reminded, ¡°Those two have been in ¡®Tianya¡¯. Even if they have no strength, it is difficult to prevent their sinister means. You¡¯d better be careful if you want to see them.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Qiu Yn was framed by them before. Although it was because she was unprepared, it also had a lot to do with their good performance. This time they would probably not dare to do anything to harm her, but she could notpletely cken her vignce.

    Jiang Yashuang was still worried and said, ¡°Well, since you only said that let theme in a few days and didn¡¯t decide a specific date, you can then make it the rest day. See them when I¡¯m at home.¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled and said, ¡°There¡¯s no need to be cautious like seeing an enemy.¡± But she still agreed, ¡°The rest day then.¡±

    On the rest day, people from the side yard brought Mei Xue and Qiu Qian.

    After two or three years of not seeing each other, the two didn¡¯t change much. Mei Xue was still naturally beautiful, charming, and dignified, but she looked like seducing others. Qiu Qian was still beautiful and innocent, but when people looked at her, her eyes showed rebellion and indifference.

    Qiu Yn had never asked the side yard how they raised them in recent months. Seeing their clothes, she thought although they were not the best, they were not bad. They both looked good, which couldn¡¯t be changed in just a few days. So, they were notcking food and clothing in the side yard. Why they went on a hunger strike before was just to see me, so they didn¡¯t hurt their strength.

    Both sides looked at each other. Seeing that they didn¡¯t say anything, Qiu Yn took the initiative to ask, ¡°Do you want to say anything?¡±

    ¡°When will your brothere back?¡± Mei Xue was about to speak, but Qiu Qian spoke first and asked discontentedly, ¡°He has been in Shazhou for almost a year, hasn¡¯t he? If he doesn¡¯te back for so long, my brother can only wander outside. Does he want to default?¡±

    Qiu Yn was confused when she heard this, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? My brother...¡± Speaking of this, she was shocked and looked at them suspiciously, ¡°Default? What?¡± Qiu Yn thought in her heart, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re undercover, too.¡±

    ¡°He said how much he loved you, but he didn¡¯t tell you anything!¡± Qiu Qian said unhappily, ¡°This was the worst business my brother took over in his life and almost got sister Xue involved. As a result, the task waspleted long ago, but your brother, the employer, hasn¡¯te back to check out yet.¡±

    She was a little angry, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me he is going to live in Shazhou for ten or eight years! We don¡¯t have that much time to wait!¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned. Although she knew that Qiu Jinn hid a lot of things from her, now the life and death of Mei Xue and Qiu Qian were in her hands. Qiu Qian might not dare to bluff, but her lofty manner still made Qiu Yn feel ufortable.

    So, she simply ignored the reason and said coldly, ¡°Since it is the business with my brother, when my brotheres back, you can talk to him. As for when my brother wille back, Shazhou is the frontier, involving foreigners and the country. There are many things. Do you think you are in charge of the imperial court? My brother is an important person in the frontier. Can you decide when hees back?¡±

    Qiu Qian was stunned by her words for a long time and was about to argue. Mei Xue saw that the situation was bad and hurried to mediate, ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand, Your Grace. At the beginning, your brother did hire Qiu Nie to do an important thing. He agreed that he would pay the reward immediately after the thing was done. But now things have been done well for several months, but your brother is in the frontier and doesn¡¯te back. We have been living in the side yard of the Jiang Family. We don¡¯t even know where Qiu Nie has gone. I¡¯m so worried and so wee here to ask Your Grace for help. Can you mention it in your letter to your brother?¡±

    ¡°This is a proper way to talk.¡± Qiu Yn snorted and stared at Qiu Qian fiercely, only to find that Qiu Qian was also looking at her dissatisfiedly. She was unhappy and said to Mei Xue, ¡°If you don¡¯t tell me what happened, how can I mention it to him?¡±

    ¡°We dare not tell you what happened without your brother¡¯s permission.¡± Mei Xue smiled and said softly, ¡°As long as you say we want to ask your brother for the promised reward, he will know.¡±

    Qiu Yn failed to know what happened. Her face was gloomy. She suddenly patted the table, ¡°Stop talking the nonsense! What is it? Tell me the truth and details, otherwise, you don¡¯t have to worry about disobeying my brother. I won¡¯t give you the chance now.¡±

    They shouldn¡¯t look down on the madame of the Jiang Family.

 Chapter 348 - Troublemaker (Part One)

    <h4>Chapter 348 Troublemaker (Part One)</h4>

    Qiu Yn¡¯s sudden anger made Mei Xue and Qiu Qian frown. They said, ¡°Your Grace, if you want to know, why don¡¯t you ask when you write to your brother? If he permits, we won¡¯t hide it.¡±

    ¡°Shazhou is so far away. Is it convenient for writing a letter?¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t have the patience to wait and said with a sneer, ¡°And just now Qiu Qianined that my brother hasn¡¯t returned to Jing City until now, I don¡¯t think you put so much importance on his opinions.¡±

    Earlier when she realized that Qiu Jinn had concealed many things from her, she tried to find out the truth, but Qiu Jinn just didn¡¯t tell her. And before that, she also failed to get a word from Qiu Feng. Now there were finally two breakthrough points, Mei Xue and Qiu Qian, so Qiu Yn wouldn¡¯t let go of the opportunity for sure.

    So, she said sternly, ¡°You must say it today. Don¡¯t think you can still be at ease and enjoy the delicious food and drink provided by the Jiang Family these days.¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at the two people in front of her and sneered, ¡°The Jiang Family hasn¡¯t found Deng Yi and his mother who are taken away by Qiu Nie. If you don¡¯t tell me today, I don¡¯t know whether Qiu Nie will show up if the Jiang Family takes you away and hangs you naked on the wall.¡±

    These words made Mei Xue and Qiu Qian feel frightened, ¡°You! Qiu Nie and Qiu Qian are your cousins.¡±

    ¡°When Qiu Qian kidnapped me, he didn¡¯t regard me as his cousin.¡± Qiu Yn disdained.

    ¡°That¡¯s the idea agreed by your brother. He let us not tell you!¡± Mei Xue said anxiously, ¡°How can you do this?¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Qiu Yn pondered for a while and said casually, ¡°Well, I¡¯m wrong, but no one wouldn¡¯t do bad things in the life, right?¡±

    ¡°...¡± She did this because she was in the Jiang Family. Mei Xue and Qiu Qian had to give in, ¡± We don¡¯t deliberately hide anything from you. We can¡¯t say it without your brother¡¯s permission.¡±

    Being afraid that Qiu Yn would order people to strip them naked and then hang them out to the public, Qiu Qian restrained her temper and added, ¡°The reason why we are anxious toe and ask for the reward is that we are afraid of dying your brother¡¯s next n. You just think we three grew up together with your brother. If you destroyed us, where could he find helpers like us? Apart from holding you hostage in our early years, we have never let you down. That was your brother¡¯s order. He did this to win the trust of Empress Dowager Gu.¡±

    ¡°Who wants to talk with you about those things a long time ago?¡± Qiu Yn sneered, but she was quite embarrassed in her heart. She thought that if she believed them, she couldn¡¯t do anything to that person. Looking at the appearances of these two people, she knew they wouldn¡¯t confess if she didn¡¯t punish them. If she didn¡¯t believe them, she was afraid of harming her brother, who was feudal.

    ¡°After all, it¡¯s my brother¡¯s fault!¡± Qiu Yn thought about it. Considering Qiu Jinn¡¯s great n, she didn¡¯t dare to destroy his helpers, and so she had to find an excuse to send Mei Xue and Qiu Qian back to the side yard. However, she was really unhappy. Sheined to Jiang Yashuang who came out from behind the screen, ¡°I¡¯m not a three-year-old child. He didn¡¯t tell me anything. Now I can¡¯t frighten others for fear of getting him into trouble. If he had told me something earlier, would I have been so passive today? I don¡¯t know whether what Mei Xue said is true.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang understood Qiu Jinn¡¯s style of taking full responsibility for things, ¡°Your brother loves you so much. Since he could undertake things, why would he bother you? You see, there are a lot of things in our family. We also negotiate among our brothers and don¡¯t tell our sisters.¡±

    Male heirs had a high status and the corresponding responsibilities were certainly greater.

    Jiang Yashuang thought that it was responsible and considerate of Qiu Jinn not to tell his sisters the trouble.

    He could understand his brother-inw, but Qiu Yn didn¡¯t think so. She sneered and said, ¡°You think he is responsible. I say it¡¯s not because you despise women. If I were my brother¡¯s younger brother instead of his younger sister, I think he would have consulted with me long ago. Mei Xue and Qiu Qian even know something, but I, who is known as his favorite person, don¡¯t know anything.¡±

    ¡°Have you forgotten that I was beaten and scolded by my cousins at will in the past? It¡¯s no secret that your brother treats you as the apple of his eye. If it is considered as a contempt for his sisters, what¡¯s the life of us?¡± Jiang Yashuang doesn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. He joked and said positively, ¡°In short, your brother has a kind intention. If you don¡¯t like him to do so, you can exin to himter. You are his only sister and he will definitely not make you unhappy.¡±

    ¡°And do you want to hide more from me than from your sisters?¡± Qiu Yn was angry. It was hard to coax her. She sneered, stared at him, and asked, ¡°How many things have you concealed from me? Like my brother¡¯s leaving and was seriously injured, which one did you not want to hide?¡±

    ¡°I was afraid you would be worried!¡± Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t expect that his wife criticized his brother-inw and pointed the finger of me at him. He felt that he was wronged and exined, ¡°You found a clueter. Didn¡¯t I tell you right away?¡±

    Qiu Yn said angrily, ¡°Who knows if you made up another lie to coax me? When Qiu Qian held me hostage, I was so moved that my brother told me the truth! As a result, I have known what the two meant today. At the beginning, they had made an appointment to cheat me! I don¡¯t think I deserve his cheating.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang knew it was because his brother-inw was not here and he spoke for him. As a result, he became a scapegoat. He quickly changed his tone, ¡°Yes, your brother went too far! It is him but I didn¡¯t lie to you!¡±

    ¡°Who knows about Mei Xue and Qiu Qian? Will you cheat me another day?¡± Qiu Yn gnashed her teeth, ¡°I don¡¯t doubt it. Are you happy to cheat me? You think I¡¯m easy to be coaxed and you can muddle through with any reason in the future, right? Honest people are easy to be cheated these days.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang became more and more irritated. Finally, he simply stood up.

    Qiu Yn thought he couldn¡¯t help quarreling with her and immediately stared at him.

    As a result, when Jiang Yashuang stood up, he lifted up his clothes, stepped up to her, and picked her up.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Qiu Yn was stunned, then struggled, and said angrily, ¡°What do you want to do in the daytime? Put me down!¡±

    ¡°I think my temper is too good. You are more and more unreasonable!¡± Jiang Yashuang always obeyed her, but this time he ignored her. While holding her into the inner chamber, he said faintly, ¡°Rules are important. It¡¯s better to follow the rules when you are unreasonable, so as to stop you from fooling around again.¡±

    While talking, he had already been near the bed. Regardless of Qiu Yn¡¯s madness, he directly pressed her on the quilt and sneered, ¡°Don¡¯t think I can¡¯t deal with you although I don¡¯t want to beat you.¡±

    At dusk, leaning on her husband¡¯s arms to rest for a long time, Qiu Yn saved her strength to speak. Jiang Yashuang¡¯s smiling eyes made her want to bite him, but she didn¡¯t dare to make trouble again. She said listlessly, ¡°Who did Qiu Nie kill for my brother? What reward did my brother promise him? Do you know that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s your brother¡¯s arrangement. I naturally don¡¯t know.¡± Jiang Yashuang yed with his wife¡¯s long hair scattered on his chest, smiled, and said, ¡°However, Mei Xue and Qiu Qian said that the task has beenpleted for several months, so they came to ask for the reward. Among the events that happened a few months ago, the only thing rted to the assassination should be... The regicide?¡±

    Qiu Yn was startled, ¡°The death of the former emperor? Although Empress Dowager Gu didn¡¯t admit it, she couldn¡¯t get rid of it. Is it true that Qiu Nie is the one who killed the former emperor?¡±

    She then frowned, ¡°If so, the person who ordered Qiu Nie should be Empress Dowager Gu or the Gu family. How could it be my brother? At that time, my brother was far away in Shazhou. It was unlikely that he ordered Qiu Nie to do so. And ording to Mei Xue and Qiu Nie, the scene where they kidnapped me before was also a deliberate act toplete the task given by my brother. This was years ago. Why did my brother ask them to do so at that time?¡±

    At that time, there were signs of fighting for the crown prince. The two empresses werepeting and it was hard to say who would win. If the Empress Dowager¡¯s party won, even if the former emperor died, Empress Dowager Gu would be the Great Empress dowager and she would be regent as before.

    And at that time, she hadn¡¯t married into the Jiang Family. Qiu Jinn¡¯s favorite brother-inw was Xun Yuxi. Therefore, there was no possibility that he intended to form an alliance with the Jiang Family and n tomit regicide so that the Jiang Family could seize this opportunity to defeat Empress Dowager Gu.

    Jiang Yashuang saidzily, ¡°Qiu Qian mentioned what my brother asked Qiu Nie to do just now. She said ¡®business¡¯ and ¡®task¡¯, but didn¡¯t say killing people.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Maybe your brother originally didn¡¯t refer to anyone in particr, but set a goal.¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°As long as Qiu Nie could achieve this goal, the task was considered to bepleted. It was up to Qiu Nie to judge how many people he had to kill and what he should do to achieve this goal. Your brother wouldn¡¯t care about it or make requirements for it. After all, if Qiu Nie and the other two kept in touch with him after they went to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang, it was hard for them not to be found!¡±

    After a pause, he continued, ¡°It¡¯s like you entrusted ¡®Tianya¡¯ to send the dowry list of Old Princess Lian and the collection of the Lian Family from Lanxi to Jing City. Your task for them is to send the dowry listpletely. You don¡¯t care how many people ¡®Tianya¡¯ sent, where it was hidden, whether someone was killed or released in the middle, or even if they paid for something... Anyway, you just want the list! ¡±

    ¡°So, was the task my brother gave him was to destroy the Gu Family?¡± Qiu Yn thought this was the most possible guess, ¡°But what is the reward?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know that!¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled meaningfully, ¡°Your brother¡¯s wealth... It¡¯s hard to say!¡±

    Although the Qiu Family was not as prominent as the Jiang Family, it could be regarded as a real aristocrat in terms of wealth and time. Qiu Jinn was hard to be seen through, so Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t tell what his brother-inw had in his hands.

    So, they could only write to ask him.

    Before the reply to thest letter, Qiu Yn wrote it by herself and sent the letter out.

    Shazhou was far away from Jing City and the road was hard to travel. Even the reply to the previous letter was expected to be received by the end of the year.

    So, after the second letter was sent out, they guessed for a while, then restrained themselves, and waited.

    Now it was alreadyte autumn. And it was the time when Xue Fangmi would get married at the end of this autumn and the beginning of this winter.

    The marriage of the daughter of the famous prime minister would surely be busy as all parties should join in.

    Although Qiu Yn had no personal rtionship with Xue Fangmi, she still visited her in person seven days before Xue Fangmi¡¯s wedding.

    This reception banquet was not a formal one, but to earn a reputation for Xue Fangmi. It treated and entertained guests who have nothing to do with the Xue Family. For example, passers-by, ordinary people, and merchants who wanted to tter the prime minister. As long as they entered the door and said a few nice words, they could get seated at the banquet. They did this for celebration.

    As for Qiu Yn¡¯s identity, it was impossible for her to sit on such a seat. So, she went straight into the backyard to see Xuesun as before. After these days, Xuesun no longer regarded her as an outsider. She was receiving several olderdies and couldn¡¯t get away, so she asked her daughter Xue Nongqing, ¡°Go with Your Grace to talk to your aunt.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought that with her rtionship with Xue Fangmi, Xue Fangmi would be cold even if she respected her.

    So, on the way, she talked to Xue Nongqing that she would leave after a few polite words.

    Unexpectedly, Xue Fangmi was very grateful for Qiu Yn¡¯s personal visit, which was so unlike her to do like that. She even said a series of intimate words. Qiu Yn was stunned, but became more cautious.

    Sure enough, without talking for a while, Xue Fangmi asked her to go to the greenhouse to see the flowers she had nted. ¡°Its name means sending people the happy news. It¡¯s said that these flowers were in Princess Ruan¡¯s dowry in that year. It looks so good. Let¡¯s go and have a look.¡±

    Qiu Yn knew that she wanted to lead her to a secluded ce. She didn¡¯t want to grant her request. However, Xue Fangmi mentioned Princess Ruan. If she refused, she would be med, and so she took Xue Nongqing with her, ¡°Shall we go together?¡±

    She thought that no matter what tricks Xue Fangmi yed, Xue Nongqing¡¯s presence could at least prevent her from confusing ck and white and making her embarrassed. As for the other aspects, Qiu Yn was not afraid of her.

    However, on the way they went together, a servant woman suddenly appeared and called Xue Nongqing away on the pretext that Xuesun was looking for her daughter. At this time, they had alreadye to the door of the greenhouse. Xue Fangmi said with a smile, ¡°In that case, let us two go in and have a look? But I don¡¯t know...¡±

    Here she showed her true intention, ¡°Qiu, do you dare?¡±

 Chapter 349 - Troublemaker (Part Two)

    <h4>Chapter 349 Troublemaker (Part Two)</h4>

    Qiu Yn wasn¡¯t provoked by her. She said decidedly, ¡°I dare. But I won¡¯t!¡±

    Anyone could tell that Xue Fangmi had set a trap in the greenhouse for Qiu Yn. How could Qiu Yn be so foolish to walk into the trap because of a dare?

    Qiu Yn refused to go into the greenhouse. She nced at Xue Fangmi who was sneering, ¡°Your wedding is in seven days which is the most important day in your life. But you¡¯re still looking for trouble at this very moment. Aren¡¯t you afraid that it¡¯ll bring you bad luck? I don¡¯t know what you are thinking!¡±

    ¡°My wedding?¡± Xue Fangmi didn¡¯t look happy or shy after hearing that. Instead, she was angry!

    She looked around and said, ¡°Leave us!¡±

    Qiu Yn refused to let Chunran and Xiaran leave. She just looked at her calmly.

    Xue Fangmi didn¡¯t mind it. She ground her teeth and said after her maids left, ¡°Have you heard of Li Xuan who I¡¯m about to marry?¡±

    ¡°Sons of the Li Family are gentle and generous. And their family has good family traditions,¡± The nobles all knew about the inw of Xue Chang. Besides, Qiu Yn had done the research before going there to send her congrattions. So, she said tly, ¡°I have heard that your future husband is good-looking and talented. He also has a good temper. And he¡¯s young and promising. Prime Minister Xue did a good job to select him to be your husband. You should cherish such a good husband!¡±

    ¡°I remembered that he and your cousin took the exam together. No wonder you knew about him,¡± Xue Fangmi seemingly thought that she knew nothing about Li Xuan. So, she was stunned for a bit and then sneered, ¡°How about others? Does anyone else who doesn¡¯t associate with the Li Family know about him? He¡¯s just a nobody!¡±

    ¡°And it¡¯s ridiculous for you to say that he is good-looking and talented. Everyone knows that your cousin Ruan Qingyan got the Juren title when he was 18. And he¡¯s known to be talented and romantic! With a sessful precedent like him, people like Li Xun are only said to be handsome and talented out of courtesy!¡±

    ¡°You think he has a good temper, but how could hepare to your husband? You hit your sister-inw right after getting married. He was scolded by his seniors because of it. But he even didn¡¯t me you at all! Let alone that so many people want to marry their daughters to him since the Jiang Family is so powerful now, but he only loves you. Moreover, how could you say that Li Xuan is young and promising? Everyone knows that Ruan Qingyan is famous in Xijiang. Jiang Yashuang has secured his ce in the government. Even His Majesty values him! How does Li Xuanpare with them in the career?¡±

    ¡°In the final analysis, Li Xuan is not on the same level as either Ruan Qingyan or Jiang Yashuang! He is just the one who doesn¡¯t get picked! As the daughter of the Prime Minister, I¡¯m beautiful and talented. Ruan Qingyan wanted to marry me with arge dowry but failed when he got into the Hanli Academy at 18. But now I end up marrying a guy like this!¡±

    Seeing Xue Fangmi¡¯s face contorted with bitterness, Qiu Yn felt that she was totally a troublemaker, ¡°You rejected my cousin by yourself! Of course, I need to thank you for not ruining him! As for Jiang Yashuang, he never considered you. Don¡¯t say that as if there is something between you and them! It doesn¡¯t matter that you don¡¯t care about your reputation. But they do! I don¡¯t think they will be happy to be associated with you!¡±

    Besides, ¡°What¡¯s your point of saying that to me? Do you think I¡¯ll help you go to Shazhou to tie the knot with my cousin, or I¡¯ll give my husband to you out of pity?¡±

    Qiu Yn felt that Xue Fangmi wasn¡¯t just a troublemaker but also a fool.

    If Qiu Yn hadn¡¯t been at the Xue Family¡¯s ce, she would have pped her without listening to all that crap!

    Xue Fangmi sneered, ¡°I was willing to admit that I was no match for you. But you incited Sun to persuade my father to marry me to a nobody like Li Xuan.¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°Did I meddle with your marriage? How could I?¡± using her of that was too ridiculous, wasn¡¯t it?

    ¡°You have beening to visit Sun and her daughter every now and then. How dare you deny it?¡± Xue Fangmi was furious after hearing that. She ground her teeth and said, ¡°Sun is a lot older than you. And Xue Nongqing is a dork. You¡¯re young and scheming. How could you enjoy spending time with them? You only socialize with them to trick me!¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Could you be more stupid? I starteding to your home more often this year. But your marriage was settledst year! And your father decided it by himself. Do you think your father is too old to tell that someone is trying to meddle with your marriage?¡±

    She found Xue Fangmi¡¯s imagination was unbelievable, ¡°Besides, you¡¯ve been getting the short end of the stick since the first time we met. Do I need to keep going after you? Do you think I have nothing better to do?¡±

    How could a winner hold a grudge? Idiot!

    Xue Fangmi sneered, ¡°My father adores me after all! How could my father listen to Sun if she and you were close when he selected my future husband? Sun said that my husband and I would be estranged from each other due to my arrogance if I married into a powerful family. Also, it would be hard for me to please my father-inw and mother-inw. Amon family like the Li Family was the right choice. She clearly wanted to humiliate me by marrying me to a man inferior to me. But she sounded like she was looking out for me! You heartless b*tches.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the heartless b*tch!¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s face went dark, ¡°You aren¡¯t just heartless but also brainless! Even if Madame Sun said so, what was wrong with what she said? Aren¡¯t you arrogant? Can you please your father-inw and mother-inw? If you weren¡¯t Prime Minister Xue¡¯s daughter, let alone the Li Family, no family would ept you as their daughter-inw no matter how powerless they were!¡±

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t bear it anymore, ¡°You can do whatever you want at your ce. But I¡¯m leaving!¡±

    She couldn¡¯t keep talking to an idiot like her. Normal people couldn¡¯t possibly understand a troublemaker!

    ¡°Are you leaving? Where are you going?¡± Xue Fangmi screamed, ¡°Are you going to see Xue Nongqing or Xue Nongying? I wonder what Jiang Yashuang¡¯s reaction will be when he finds out his dear wife is also loved by someone else?¡±

    Qiu Yn stopped after hearing that. She approached her and put her hand on her shoulder. She patted on her face with proper strength and said in a serious tone, ¡°If you dare to say one more word, I¡¯ll drag you to see your father and ask him to give me an exnation! Let¡¯s see if your father will put your whole family in danger for you, the daughter of a concubine!¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a portrait of you in Xue Nongying¡¯s room. And he wrote love poems on it. I¡¯m telling the truth,¡± Xue Fangmi bit her lips and then yelled, ¡°You can¡¯t me him. You¡¯re young and beautiful. And you even saved his life. It¡¯s reasonable that he has a crush on you! I just feel sorry for Cheng Guoxi, the youngdy of the Cheng Family. In order to thank my father for helping with his career, her father insisted on marrying her to Xue Nongying who hasn¡¯t recovered yet. It¡¯s so sad that a beautiful and talented youngdy is going to marry a cripple. However, the cripple is in love with someone else. Even though Cheng Guoxi isn¡¯t as beautiful as you, she¡¯s still...¡±

    ¡°B*tch!¡± Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help kicking her to the ground. Before she could hit her again, Xue Fangmi who wasying on the ground began to tear up her dress and take off her hairpins. She cried and yelled, ¡°How dare you hit me! How dare you! You hit me while knowing that I¡¯m about to get married. How could I get married like this? I¡¯m in pain all over. I can¡¯t get married in seven days.¡±

    Chunran and Xiaran were worried and angry when they saw that, ¡°Miss Xue, you¡¯re a youngdy. How could you frame my madame in such a dirty way?¡±

    ¡°Oh, my youngdy! What happened to you?¡± The maids who Xue Fangmi sent away just now approached at that moment. A woman who looked like a wet nurse held Xue Fangmi who wasying on the ground into her arms and then began to scream, ¡°You¡¯re about to get married. How could you get hurt now?¡±

    And then she asked Qiu Yn for an exnation, ¡°My youngdy kindly took you here to see the flowers. But you did this to her! How could you? Even if my youngdy offended you, you should take her to her seniors. How could you just hit her? My youngdy is so delicate. How could you do such a thing! Boo-hoo...¡±

    Chunran said angrily, ¡°You¡¯re unreasonable. It¡¯s your youngdy...¡±

    ¡°We all saw it clearly!¡± The wet nurse suddenly interrupted. She asked the people around them, ¡°Madame Qiu hit our youngdy, didn¡¯t she?¡±

    Those maids all replied in one voice and said with pity that Xue Fangmi was hurt too badly to get married in time.

    How couldn¡¯t Qiu Yn know what Xue Fangmi wanted to do at that moment? She said all that just to provoke Qiu Yn. After Qiu Yn hit her, she could cancel the wedding by saying that she was badly hurt. She then would try to break off her engagement and find another man who she liked!

    Staring at Xue Fangmi who was yelling in the wet nurse¡¯s arms, Qiu Yn was livid, ¡°Are you so sure that you can find a better husband after you break off your current engagement?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t be able to get married anyway. I¡¯m in so much pain...¡± Xue Fangmi smirked and then groaned with tears, ¡°Go get a doctor now! I... I¡¯m feeling dizzy. And I have pain in my bones and stomach. I think I twisted my ankle...¡±

    ¡°My poor youngdy!¡± The wet nurse got her implication and she hugged her tighter, crying out loud, ¡°You¡¯ve been the apple of our eyes since childhood. You¡¯ve never been wronged like this! Oh, God! The one who hit you is heartless and should go to hell.¡±

    ¡°It seems that you have misunderstood,¡± Qiu Yn inhaled deeply, ¡°Your family is important. So, I restrained myself from pping you. But it doesn¡¯t mean that you can do whatever you want to me because you have a powerful father. Just as you know, not only does my cousin needs your father, but your father also needs him!¡±

    ¡°So, I believe your father knows what is more important, a daughter who is about to get married or the future of his other offspring!¡± Qiu Yn approached. She leaned forward and grabbed Xue Fangmi by her throat as everyone including Xue Fangmi herself looked at her in surprise and horror. She looked at her right in the eyes and said slowly, ¡°You may as well reincarnate as a pig to avoid being a moron again!¡±

    The wet nurse was shocked. She grabbed her arm and tried to pull her away, ¡°What¡¯re you doing?¡±

    Qiu Yn pushed the wet nurse down with a sweep of her sleeve. The wet nurse rolled herself to her feet. She wanted to stop Qiu Yn. But it was toote.

    A clear voice suddenly came from the flowering shrubs not far away at that very moment, ¡°Madame Qiu, do you want to kill her?¡±

    ¡°Are you the witness she brought here?¡± With a little bit of force, Qiu Yn could break Xue Fangmi¡¯s neck. That voice didn¡¯t catch her by surprise. She said without turning her head back, ¡°I thought you would be smart enough to call for help stealthily. But it looks like...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Cheng Guoxi. Nice to meet you, Madame Qiu.¡± Cheng Guoxi interrupted her calmly which startled Qiu Yn. Qiu Yn knew that Xue Fangmi wanted to look for trouble the moment Xue Nongqing was sent away. How couldn¡¯t she be on her guard even though she didn¡¯t go into the greenhouse?

    So, she had noticed that there was someone behind the flowering shrubs. She thought it was Xue Fangmi¡¯s aplice. But it was Cheng Guoxi who was Xue Nongying¡¯s future wife. She wasn¡¯t supposed to be on Xue Fangmi¡¯s side, was she?

    But when Qiu Yn thought about what Xue Fangmi said just now that Xue Nongying had a crush on her, she couldn¡¯t help being frustrated.

 Chapter 350 - Bully My Wife, She Surely Doesnt Take Me Seriously!

    <h4>Chapter 350 Bully My Wife, She Surely Doesn¡¯t Take Me Seriously!</h4>

    ¡°Guoxi!¡± Xue Fangmi didn¡¯t expect that Qiu Yn dared to kill her at her home. She was scared out of her wits. Seeing Cheng Guoxiing out, she was thrilled and yelled in a hurry, ¡°Guoxi, you have seen it all, haven¡¯t you? She not only hit me, but also wanted to kill me! It¡¯s so terrifying. Thank God you¡¯re here. Run! In case she...¡±

    Unexpectedly, Cheng Guoxi interrupted her coldly, ¡°Miss Xue, what are you talking about? Aren¡¯t you the one who brought me here? But then you made an excuse to leave. Before you left you warned me not to wander around in case that I would offend the taboo at your home.¡±

    She squinted, ¡°Otherwise, why would I be here on such a cold day in the wind?¡±

    Xue Fangmi was stunned. She nced at Qiu Yn and then Cheng Guoxi, biting her lips, ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about!¡±

    ¡°But I have understood what you said!¡± Cheng Guoxi said impolitely, ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re badly hurt. You just fell over. Just see a doctor and you¡¯ll be fine. Your wedding is in seven days. Even if it¡¯s in three days, you¡¯ll be able to get married, won¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Xue Fangmi got her implication. If she dared to refuse to get married by using Qiu Yn of hitting her, Cheng Guoxi would go to Xue Chang and tell on her.

    Since Xue Chang selected Li Xuan to be her husband personally, she believed that he would be hopping mad if he knew what she did!

    At that time, even if she didn¡¯t need to marry Li Xuan as she wished, Xue Chang would be furious and marry her to a more inferior one just to get rid of her!

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget that Qiu Yn and your fianc¨¦...¡± Xue Fangmi¡¯s face became pale with anger and she tried to sow discord However, Cheng Guoxi interrupted her indifferently, ¡°Our seniors never mentioned anything like that. You¡¯d better watch your mouth! Otherwise, I have to go to Prime Minister Xue to seek justice. Although your family is powerful, I¡¯m a decent girl. I¡¯m here to congratte you. But I can¡¯t let you nder me at will!¡±

    Xue Fangmi came with confidence but left with embarrassment. She really cried when she left. She thought, ¡°If I had known that my n would fail, I wouldn¡¯t have been kicked and lied on the ground on such a cold day.¡±

    Qiu Yn looked towards Cheng Guoxi after Xue Fangmi left. They¡¯ve met two years ago at Emperor¡¯s birthday on Mount Dizi. But their families weren¡¯t on the same side. So, no one introduced them to each other and they never talked. They met briefly during the dinner.

    When she looked at Cheng Guoxi at that moment, she found that Cheng Guoxi looked a little childish, but with her slim figure and good looks, she was a gracefuldy.

    However, Cheng Guoxi had a cold look. She asked indifferently after being watched by Qiu Yn for a moment, ¡°Madame Qiu, may I leave if you¡¯re done looking at me? I¡¯m just a mediocre person.¡±

    ¡°Xue Fangmi tricked my cousin before. So, there¡¯s bad blood between her and us.¡± Qiu Yn knew why she was hostile towards her even though she just sent Xue Fangmi away for her. So, she exined, ¡°Since you heard her every word, you should know that what she said about Xue Nongying is pure nonsense! She wanted you to hear it!¡±

    ¡°Madame Qiu, you¡¯re right!¡± Cheng Guoxi was nomittal after hearing that, ¡°However, Madame Qiu, you are really beautiful. I can¡¯t bearparison with you!¡±

    Her jealous tone amused Qiu Yn, ¡°You¡¯re also young and pretty. Just now you told the truth that Xue Fangmi asked you to wait behind the flowering shrubs, which indicated that you¡¯re sensible. Since you have known that she was up to no good, why are you still prejudiced against me because of her side of the story?¡±

    Cheng Guoxi was embarrassed to have her thoughts spoken out. She managed to maintain her cold look and sneered, ¡°Madame Qiu, I¡¯m not prejudiced against you... I¡¯m leaving if you don¡¯t have anything else to say.¡±

    She turned around and left hastily before Qiu Yn could answer.

    ¡°Thatdy...¡± Chunran and Xiaran had mixed feelings. They talked about her while watching her leave, ¡°She doesn¡¯t seem to be a fool since she wasn¡¯t incited by Miss Xue. But she seems not to be smart either. How could she be jealous of our madame because of what Miss Xue said?¡±

    The maids might believe Xue Fangmi when she swore that Xue Nongying had a crush on Qiu Yn at other times. But after seeing Xue Fangmi make such a scene, Chunran and Xiaran didn¡¯t trust her at all. They didn¡¯t believe Xue Nongying would do something so inappropriate.

    ¡°She¡¯s smart.¡± Qiu Yn twisted her shawl and said with a faint smile, ¡°Her honesty scuttled Xue Fangmi¡¯s n to harm me. Although she didn¡¯t mention it, it was the truth! And then she showed her jealousy after that. I won¡¯t hold a grudge against her even if I feel wronged. Besides, do you think I dare not to make a detour when seeing Xue Nongying in the future after she made it so clear? In this case, she doesn¡¯t need to worry about me no matter Xue Nongying likes me or not!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Chunran and Xiaran were frustrated, ¡°But there¡¯s nothing between you and Mr. Xue!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all Xue Fangmi¡¯s fault!¡± Qiu Yn looked furious at once, ¡°She¡¯s Xue Nongying¡¯s aunt. How couldn¡¯t Cheng Guoxi care about what Xue Fangmi said even though she didn¡¯t trust her? After all, Cheng Guoxi hasn¡¯t married Xue Nongying yet. She doesn¡¯t know him or me at all.¡±

    Chunran and Xiaran looked at each other, ¡°What should we do now?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to see Madame Sun first and tell her what happened.¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s face was gloomy, ¡°And then I¡¯ll tell Jiang Yashuang about it when we get back. Xue Fangmi grew more foolish and bolder. How dare she refer to Xue Nongying as a cripple in front of his fianc¨¦e... Who knows if she will tell the Jiang Family that Xue Nongying loves me!¡±

    As expected, Madame Sun surely believed Qiu Yn instead of Xue Fangmi. She was embarrassed and kept apologizing after hearing the beginning of the story. When she heard that Xue Fangmi referred to Xue Nongying as a cripple and let Cheng Guoxi hear it on purpose, she was so furious. Not caring about proprieties, she grabbed Qiu Yn by her arm and asked in a high voice, ¡°Did she really say that? How dare she say something like that! How dare she!¡±

    Xue Nongying was really her nephew no matter how bad their rtionship was. Besides, Xue Nongying had recovered a long time ago and his movements were just fine. He was just physically impaired due to the ident. So, he needed a long time to recuperate because he was still weak! But Xue Fangmi referred to him as a cripple. Madame Sun wanted to choke Xue Fangmi to death at that moment!

    Qiu Yn knew how she felt. So, sheforted her for a while and promised that she wouldn¡¯t tell others about it. But she asked Madame Sun to subject Xue Fangmi to discipline, ¡°Although she and I had a few disputes before, those were nothing serious. I don¡¯t think we¡¯re enemies! I shouldn¡¯t have disturbed you on this very day but she really took it too far. I should havee to congratte her on her wedding day. But now she hates me, I think I¡¯d better note so as to avoid upsetting her. Please don¡¯t me me for giving her the cold shoulder!¡±

    Madame Sun was so embarrassed because of Xue Fangmi at that moment. And she was also mad at her. How could she me Qiu Yn? She held Qiu Yn¡¯s hands tightly, ¡°It¡¯s our fault! She trampled on your kindness. It¡¯s so kind of you not to me us. We¡¯ll be way off base if we me you! Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll tell my father-inw about it when we don¡¯t have so many guests. Although he adores her, he¡¯s fair. He won¡¯t let you be wronged.¡±

    Theyforted each other for a while. Qiu Yn then went back home.

    When Qiu Yn met Madame Tao, she didn¡¯t tell what happened between Xue Fangmi and her. She excused herself and went back to her yard. Jiang Yashuang was just there. She took him to the inner chamber and began to cry to him about her encounter with Xue Fangmi.

    Jiang Yashuang was happy that his wife dragged him to the inner chamber. He was about to get handsy when the door closed. However, he was shocked when he saw the tears in his wife¡¯s eyes, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Who bullied you?¡±

    He was so furious that he stood up after hearing the whole story from Qiu Yn, ¡°Prime Minister Xue¡¯s daughter? She¡¯s just a concubine¡¯s daughter. She¡¯s nothing! How dare she bully my wife like that! Wait here. I¡¯m going to the Xue Family right now to ask Xue Chang how he raises her daughter!¡±

    ¡°Their whole family will be humiliated if you go now!¡± Qiu Yn stopped him in a hurry. Xue Chang wasn¡¯t that kind of father who would defend his offspring no matter what they did. Besides, he was so good to Qiu Jinn. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want him to be implicated because of his daughter. So, she dragged her husband tightly and pushed him back to the bed. She said, ¡°We need to think of our brother! He¡¯s Prime Minister Xue¡¯s student. We¡¯ll put him in an awkward position when hees back if you cause a scene in their ce today.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sneered, ¡°If your brother were here, he would go and seek justice for you as well! I don¡¯t know why Xue Chang still keeps that kind of daughter alive. Does he want her to harm others? He should beat her to death as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°It is easy for you to say. Why are your vexatious cousins still alive?¡± Qiu Yn criticized inwardly. She kept pinning him down and said, ¡°Madame Sun has promised to give me an exnation. Why do we insist to be the bad guys? Besides, since Xue Fangmi was able to say things like that and asked Miss Cheng to listen behind the flowering shrubs, who would know what she might say if you went there and made a scene? There will be widespread rumours then! Let¡¯s just wait for the Xue Family¡¯s message. Prime Minister Xue and Madame Sun are sensible. They won¡¯t let her keep looking for trouble!¡±

    She added, ¡°Besides, she¡¯s about to get married. She cursed her nephew, Xue Nongying this time. Do you think Madame Sun who only has this one son will let her go? Once she gets married, she¡¯s no longer a member of her Xu Family. She can¡¯t be as willful as before. Madame Sun will probably give her a hard time.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s look was vicious. He said tly after a silence, ¡°Since you insist on protecting the Xue Family¡¯s reputation, I¡¯ll agree. You¡¯re right anyway. That b*tch is about to get married. We can deal with her after she gets married.¡±

    ¡°The Li Family is also the family of Ciyi¡¯s husband!¡± Qiu Yn meant to exin to him that there was nothing going on between Xue Nongying and her. She didn¡¯t expect her husband to be furious. She was afraid that it might end badly after he made a fuss about it. She reminded him softly, ¡°Besides, the Li Family is innocent.¡±

    ¡°I know. I won¡¯t let them get in trouble.¡± Jiang Yashuang touched her hair and said, ¡°No need to make a fuss to get rid of that b*tch. Just wait and see. How dare she bully you like that! She surely doesn¡¯t take me seriously!¡±

 Chapter 351 - Here Comes the First Branchs Big Trouble!

    <h4>Chapter 351 Here Comes the First Branch¡¯s Big Trouble!</h4>

    Jiang Yashuang adored his wife. He couldn¡¯t even say a harsh word to her. How could he stand others who offended her?

    Madame Sun herself came to apologize the next day and kept saying nice things. Xue Chang also apologized for his daughter¡¯s inappropriate behavior when he met Marquess Qin in the Pce two dayster. But Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t intend to let Xue Fangmi off the hook so easily. He instructed his subordinates with a sneer, ¡°It¡¯s not over as long as that b*tch is still in Jing City. Considering that Yn pleaded for the Xue Family, let¡¯s not touch her before she gets married. But after she marries into the Li Family...¡±

    Since the Jiang Family had changed from the ¡°Half Regime Jiang¡± to the ¡°Whole Regime Jiang¡±, everyone surely obeyed Jiang Yashuang¡¯s order. They all promised that they would make Xue Fangmi restless once she got married.

    Xue Chang heard about it soon after. He found it troublesome even though he was the prime minister of great eminence. Judging by the fact, Xue Fangmi was in the wrong. Judging by the power, his family was inferior to the Jiang Family. Judging by the seniority, Jiang Yashuang was his junior. Xue Chang couldn¡¯t deign to beg Jiang Yashuang to cool down for his daughter no matter how good-natured he was, could he?

    As for asking Marquess Qin for help, everyone knew that Jiang Qianchuan would always defend his own children. It was good enough that he said he would let it go after Xue Chang apologized when he knew that his granddaughter-inw was wronged. How could he restrain his grandson from retaliating?

    ¡°s! Chunjun isn¡¯t here!¡± Xue Chang was upset, ¡°If he were here, he would surely make up for Xue Fangmi¡¯s fault by interceding with Commandery Princess Ningyi!¡± Thinking of Qiu Jinn, he thought of Xue Nongying as well, ¡°If Ying¡¯er were fine, he also could go and intercede with Jiang Yashuang. They¡¯re about the same age and of the same generation. Even if Jiang Yashuang doesn¡¯t agree at first, it¡¯s not shameful for Ying¡¯er to badger him long enough!¡±

    He then thought of Madame Sun¡¯sint. She used Xue Fangmi of deliberately misleading Cheng Guoxi by saying that Xue Nongying was a cripple. It was a pain in Xue Chang¡¯s heart that his grandson who he had high hopes for became like that. But his daughter was so heartless, which made Xue Chang very disappointed. Thus, he didn¡¯t adore his daughter like he used to, ¡°Fine. Every time she causes trouble, I only scold her and always clean up her mess in the end. That¡¯s why she¡¯s so spoiled that she became foolish and reckless! She¡¯s about to marry into the Li Family. It¡¯s hard for her to be a good wife judging by her personality. If she causes trouble for the Li Family, they will hate her more, won¡¯t they?¡±

    So, he instructed his henchman, ¡°ording to tradition, Fangmi will return home three days after her marriage. Arrange a job outside Jing City for his husband to send them away after that!¡±

    The henchman knew that he wanted Li Xuan to take Xue Fangmi away to avoid trouble. Jiang Yashuang could still hurt them even if they hid elsewhere. But Xue Chang showed the white feather by sending his daughter and son-inw out of Jing City. If Jiang Yashuang kept going after them, Xue Chang had a reason to ask Marquess Qin for a favor.

    However, although the Li Family didn¡¯t know that Xue Fangmi had despised them already, Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t mind telling them. As Xue Chang was in Jing City, Li Xuan probably didn¡¯t dare to say anything even though he was angry. But when they went to other ces, it would be inconvenient for Xue Fangmi to tell on him. It was difficult to say if Li Xuan would still yield to her.

    The Li Family had a decent family tradition and Li Xuan was also generous. But how could anyone with integrity stand what Xue Fangmi said? The truth was that Li Xuan¡¯s marriage with Xue Fangmi was nned by Xue Chang. Xue Chang gave the Li Family a hint and the Li Family proposed the marriage after discussion. The Li Family didn¡¯t y up to the prime minister¡¯s family deliberately!

    ¡°With Li Xuan¡¯s temper, he probably won¡¯t scold or hit Fangmi. But he may take mistresses.¡± Xue Chang pondered, ¡°That may be good. Fangmi will only reflect on what she did when she¡¯s neglected! Otherwise, she¡¯ll bring disaster if she keeps being so willful and vicious!¡±

    After making up his mind, he said to his henchman, ¡°Arrange somece far away from Jing City... But choose a good ce. Li Xuan is innocent after all.¡± Not only was he innocent, but Xue Chang also needed to ay his anger causing by Xue Fangmi¡¯s despise.

    So, his job must be good to fully show Xue Chang¡¯s intentions of cultivation andpensation.

    But Xue Chang didn¡¯t know that Jiang Yashuang wasn¡¯t mad when he heard that Li Xuan left Jing City to take office hastily three days after he got married. Instead, he smiled faintly, ¡°Did they really arrange a job for him elsewhere? Where?¡±

    ¡°Xizhou.¡± the subordinate answered respectfully, ¡°His position is assistant to the governor.¡±

    Seeing that Jiang Yashuang smiled meaningfully, the subordinate said tteringly after some thought, ¡°Xizhou is prosperous. The Prefectural Governor is a member of Prime Minister Xue¡¯s party. They can benefit from that ce and don¡¯t need to worry about their superior giving them a hard time. Prime Minister Xue really thought it over for them. But it¡¯s a pity that he doesn¡¯t know that you meant to let him send them away as you said that you wouldn¡¯t let it go as long as his daughter was still in Jing City.¡±

    ¡°You did a good job!¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°Go get ten taels of silver from the ountant. Keep an eye on them. Do it when they arrive at Xizhou.¡±

    Qiu Yn walked out from the inner chamber after that subordinate left. She said with worry, ¡°I threatened Xue Fangmi at her home that I would kill her. But Prime Minister Xue would hold a grudge against us if we killed her. Most importantly, if he is forced to turn against us for the sake of his dignity... Our grandfather has told you that our country needs him, hasn¡¯t he?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry!¡± Jiang Yashuang saidzily, ¡°I won¡¯t get my hands dirty for her... I know what I¡¯m doing. I won¡¯t kill her, but I¡¯ll make her suffer!¡±

    Qiu Yn was curious, ¡°What¡¯s your n?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll see.¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled and hugged her, ¡°You say our grandfather values Xue Chang¡¯s management skill. I have an idea now.¡± He wasn¡¯t pleased with how Xue Chang educated his daughter. So, he referred to this famous prime minister by his name and didn¡¯t respect Xue Chang as he used to.

    ¡°Don¡¯t change the subject!¡± Qiu Yn always had a good intention for Prime Minister Xue because of her brother. But she didn¡¯t want to care about such a trifle. She continued to ask him after hitting him, ¡°What kind of arrangements have you made in Xizhou?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang hugged her tightly and squinted, ¡°Listen to me. I¡¯m wondering if our grandfather is going to go to war with Beihu and the western savages.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Qiu Yn was stunned. She lost interest in Xizhou at once and asked in surprise, ¡°It¡¯s a big deal. Where did you hear it?¡±

    ¡°Xue Chang is good at running our country. But our eldest uncle is also capable of being the prime minister. Of course, he is not as good as Xue Chang!¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°Our eldest uncle has been dying for the prime minister position for years. Now Gu was finally executed. Our aunt became Empress Dowager. With our family¡¯s current power, our grandfather can ask Xue Chang to resign just by saying so! You know that our grandfather is always partial to our eldest uncle. This time he doesn¡¯t do that, but he also treats Xue Chang like before. How couldn¡¯t there be a reason?¡±

    Qiu Yn said with doubt, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because Prime Minister Xue is old and has a good reputation. Besides, there were nasty rumors before Gu was executed. So, our grandfather wants him to work for a few more years.¡±

    Judging by the time, it hadn¡¯t been a year since Jiang Tianluan became the Empress Dowager. Although the purge of the rest of Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s party went well, there were still a lot of secret pawns left. Let alone that the power struggle in the Western Army hadn¡¯te to an end... Considering going to war with the foreign countries at that moment was too hasty, wasn¡¯t it?

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°You don¡¯t know that our grandfather¡¯s lifelong desire is to deport Beihu and make Beihu afraid to invade our country again. Besides, Xue Chang is old. It makes sense to cultivate our eldest uncle. Otherwise, if something happens to Xue Chang and our eldest uncle can¡¯t take charge, things could easily go wrong!¡±

    ¡°If our grandfather is thinking of going to war, and just as you have said, something happens to Prime Minister Xue because of his old age, will it cause chaos then?¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t think that he was right, ¡°Besides, have you forgotten the Western Army? The power struggle there hasn¡¯te to an end! We can think of going to war only when our country is stable, right?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s just my assumption.¡± Jiang Yashuang muttered, ¡°Our grandfather intends to sharpen me. So, he doesn¡¯t tell me things directly as he used to. He just leaves clues for me to figure it out by myself. Otherwise, I can just ask him.¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°If it¡¯s true, your brother will be in trouble!¡±

    If Marquess Qin really wanted to go to war, he definitely wasn¡¯t patient enough to wait for the power struggle in the Western Army to end. He would apply pressure in person. And he was surely partial to the first branch which was bad for Qiu Jinn.

    ¡°It won¡¯t happen soon!¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head after hearing that, ¡°Going to war with Beihu is a big deal and an opportunity. Our grandfather won¡¯t let me miss that chance. So, he won¡¯t dere it until I go to the army. He said that I should work in the Royal Court for at least three years before I can go to the army. After all, my father can teach me the military stuff. As for the government affairs, our grandfather feels he should teach me himself!¡±

    ¡°It has been almost two years since you joined the Hanlin Academy!¡± Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead, ¡°How could my brother take over the Western Army within a year?¡±

    Jiang Yashuangforted her with a smile, ¡°He has us... Besides, our eldest uncle doesn¡¯t have any capable candidates. Jiang Yayue has talent. But the Western Army and the Northern Army don¡¯t get along well with each other. He once spent some time in the Northern Army. But his mother¡¯s family is guilty of coboration. Even if he goes to the Western Army, it¡¯ll be hard for him to keep a foothold. Moreover, he hasn¡¯t been able to go yet!¡±

    Even if he were able to go, he would have to get past Kuang Qingwu, after which he was qualified topete with Qiu Jinn. But Jiang Yashuangdidn¡¯t say it out.

    Su He ran in, lifting her skirt, to report before Qiu Yn could say anything, ¡°Madame Tianhe came back! Madame Tao asked you toe over, Madame!¡±

    ¡°Herees the first branch¡¯s big trouble!¡± Jiang Yashuang¡¯s smile widened after hearing that. He said to his wife, ¡°Judging by the time, Aunt Tianhe definitely came back without halting to rest! Cousin Xin will have an easy life since she has taken your advice. But some people will have a hard time!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that I gave Cousin Xin any advice!¡± Qiu Ynined, ¡°Do you want the first branch to hate me? What if our grandfather mes me for meddling?¡±

    ¡°There are just the two of us in our yard. I¡¯m just teasing you.¡± Jiang Yashuang said in a hurry, ¡°I said it was all Cousin Xin¡¯s ideas and it had nothing to do with you when our grandfather asked mest time.¡±

    Qiu Yn tidied her dress, ¡°That¡¯s more like it! I don¡¯t want to be their target!¡±

    After asking about what she should avoid mentioning in front of Jiang Tianhe, she took Su He and Chen Shui and went to Madame Tao¡¯s yard.

    When she arrived, she saw a lot of well-dressed strangers standing in the corridor. They all looked tired with their dusty looks. Did Jiang Tianhee straight here to seek justice for his daughter without going to her mansion first?

    She went in while thinking of that. She saw Madame Tao smiling lovingly and talking affectionately to a well-dressed woman.

    When she saw Qiu Yne in, she stopped talking. She smiled to that beautiful woman and said, ¡°This is Qiu Yn. She and Fubing knew each other before Fubing was married.¡±

    She then instructed Qiu Yn, ¡°Come and meet your Aunt Tianhe.¡±

 Chapter 352 - Can She Be Lucky Enough to Fulfill Her Dream?

    <h4>Chapter 352 Can She Be Lucky Enough to Fulfill Her Dream?</h4>

    Qiu Yn approached and saluted after hearing Madame Tao¡¯s words. Jiang Tianhe raised her hand to stop Qiu Yn. She looked closely at Qiu Yn and thenplimented her for her beauty, ¡°No wonder they married you to Jiang Yashuang. You are indeed a matchless beauty I have never seen!¡±

    Madame Tao smiled and said, ¡°Fubing is pretty, too. They two look like twin lotus flowers when they stand together in front of me, delicate and charming. I seem to be young again with them!¡±

    Seeing Madame Tao already replied to Jiang Tianhe for her, Qiu Yn just stood there and kept a smile quietly.

    ¡°You are still so youthful that you haven¡¯t aged even a day after so many years!¡± Jiang Tianhe didn¡¯t mention Qiu Yn anymore after thatpliment. She responded to Madame Tao by making a few modest remarks for her daughter. After that, she looked out at the sky and was ready to leave, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. It¡¯s time for me to go back home to see my daughter and mother-inw, and I need to visit my parents in the Mansion of Sir Jibei tomorrow.¡± Jiang Tianhe dide straight here as soon as she entered Jing City without going to see her parents or back to her own mansion. No wonder her servants outside all looked so tired.

    Madame Tao didn¡¯t stop Jiang Tianhe from leaving as she heard the words and she just ordered Qiu Yn to see Jiang Tianhe off on her behalf.

    After getting out of the room, Jiang Tianhe soon questioned Qiu Yn about the whole story between Jiang Huizhi and Emperor as she saw no other people around. Qiu Yn had heard Jiang Yashuang emphasize that Jiang Tianhe was so aggressive that she and Madame Zhuang were evenly matched in the past years. Qiu Yn thought, ¡°If she made the matter more troubleter and then told others she heard it all from me, how wronged I would be!¡±

    So Qiu Yn just retold Jiang Tianhe Empress Dowager Jiang¡¯s original words. Finally, she emphasized that these were all told by Empress Dowager and she saw nothing in person.

    Jiang Tianhe perceived her thoughts and sneered slightly, ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry! I am not so foolish that I even cannot distinguish the person who helped my daughter and the one who harmed her! Now I ask you only in order to know if there is anything inside. I will not get you involved! I owe you a favor this time. Come to me when you have any trouble!¡±

    ¡°Never mind, Aunt Tianhe. I have had a good rtionship with Fubing before I get married. And at that time, she pitied me for having few sisters and went to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe to apany me during my wedding. How can I not care about her?¡± Except for Jiang Yashuang, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t trust other people in the Jiang Family on the credit or character, so she didn¡¯t take Jiang Tianhe¡¯s remarks seriously. She replied politely, ¡°This is what I should do. Don¡¯t mention it.¡±

    ¡°Could you please keep Fubingpany more if you have time? She is lonely and pitiful since she has no sisters!¡± Jiang Tianhe didn¡¯t respond to Qiu Yn¡¯s words. She took a jade bracelet off her wrist and forced Qiu Yn to wear it, ¡°I am afraid she will have no one to talk to in the Pce even if she bes the Empress!¡±

    They had already arrived at the door of the yard while talking. Jiang Tianhe waved her hand, signaling Qiu Yn to stop here, and then she got on her carriage and left by herself.

    At this time, Qiu Yn took a close look at the jade bracelet that this aunt gave her. It was bright green without any w, gleaming and crystal-clear. Everyone could find it a priceless treasure at first sight.

    ¡°What a generous gift!¡± Qiu Yn took the bracelet off after appreciating it for a while. She went back and reported to Madame Tao, handing the bracelet over to her.

    After hearing her words, Madame Tao took the bracelet and nced at it. She then said, ¡°Such a bracelet is worth at least ten thousand taels of gold. Since Tianhe has given it to you, it belongs to you now. Tianhe has brought everyone gifts this time, but the bracelet is worth much more than the things other people got. You¡¯d better wear it a few dayster in case of causing trouble.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought that the gift Madame Tao got was probably not as precious as the bracelet and so she said, ¡°Grandma, how can I wear such a good bracelet? It¡¯s better that you keep it for me!¡±

    ¡°Everything will be good on a good-looking girl like you!¡± Madame Tao smiled and shook her head, ¡°Tianhe brought me other presents. Don¡¯t worry!¡± Though what Madame Tao got was really not as valuable as this bracelet, she was not so shallow to covet the bracelet of her grandson-inw since she came from a prestigious family. Naturally, she refused.

    Qiu Yn¡¯s statement still pleased her though she was not green with envy, and so she was willing to talk some more, ¡°In fact, it is nothing in our mansion. I am afraid that your sixth aunt will grumble. After all, she is your Aunt Tianhe¡¯s sister-inw and her daughter-inw is also the nephew¡¯s wife of your Aunt Tianhe.¡±

    They were close rtives, but so what? When Xin Fubing got aggrieved at that time, only Qiu Yn went to Xin Mansion to apany her as the order of Madame Tao, but those of the sixth branch who should haveforted Xin Fubing all did not show up! Although it was partly because Marquess Qin wanted to suppress the case and prevent others from learning it, the sixth branch¡¯s people, as the family of Xin Fubing¡¯s only uncle, turned to be too cold and aloof!

    Qiu Yn thought that it was why Jiang Tianhe came here first to visit Madame Tao when she came back to Jing City.

    ¡°No wonder Jiang Yashuang said that Aunt Tianhe is fierce. She even did not see her parents first just for that the sixth branch didn¡¯t go to see her daughter at the time!¡± thought Qiu Yn. She asked Madame Tao curiously, ¡°Grandma, how will Aunt Tianhe deal with the case of Huizhi?¡±

    Madame Tao nced at her, ¡°How can I know? After she came, she just made some usual pleasantries and asked after everyone at home. She then asked to see you and I sent you a word toe. You came here and heard everything.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Aunt Tianhe mention the case of Huizhi?¡± Qiu Yn felt surprised, ¡°I thought she was to talk about it when she came to visit you as soon as she arrived at Jing City!¡±

    Madame Tao said with a serene smile, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about her! Anyway, it won¡¯t bother us!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought and agreed. Even if Jiang Tianhe had any ns, her target would be the first branch. Just let the first branch worry about it!

    Qiu Yn then chatted with Madame Tao for a while and talked about An. Thinking it was time to leave, she was going to say goodbye.

    All of a sudden, Madame Tao gave a cry, ¡°I almost forgot! I have something to tell you!¡±

    ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m all ears!¡± Qiu Yn said in a hurry.

    ¡°Qianbin has passed away for a long time, but Jiang Yadan is still in the prime of life. He needs a wife to be in charge of his family.¡± Although Madame Tao looked calm while speaking, her voice sounded going out through her gritted teeth. By tradition, a widower should be in mourning for one year when his wife died. Although the limitation of a widower was far less strict than that of a widow, considering his past days with Madame Tao Junior and the face of An, Jiang Yadan should not have his remarriage until the next year at the very least!

    However, Madame Tao Junior just died not far ago. An was born in August and it was just October now!

    Only two months passed and Jiang Yadan could not wait anymore. He wanted to marry a new wife so hurriedly though he nevercked the apany of his mistresses. It was indeed a humiliation for Madame Tao Junior and An!

    After Madame Tao finished this sentence, she took a deep breath before continuing, ¡°Nowadays, there are a great number of people who pay attention to the position of Jiang Yadan¡¯s wife! I wanted to choose ady with both a pretty appearance and good character for Jiang Yadan and it would be better if she could persuade him to make progress! However... Do you know who he wants to marry?¡±

    Qiu Yn knew that the one was surely not a suitable person because Madame Tao, who kept a calm expression just now, had her face distorted in an instant when speaking of her!

    Qiu Yn asked cautiously, ¡°Who is it?¡±

    ¡°An Zhenshang!¡± Madame Tao gritted her teeth, ¡°Are all thedies in the world dead? He actually wants to marry such a shameless and malicious b*tch! He surely wants to drive me crazy!¡±

    Qiu Yn felt speechless. If An Zhenshang were only ady willing to be Jiang Yadan¡¯s mistress for many years, Madame Tao would not be so angry. However, she was tired of being a mistress and wanted to usurp Madame Tao Junior¡¯s position. In the past, she even tempted Jiang Yadan so profoundly that he nearly hounded Madame Tao Junior to death!

    Now she wanted to be Jiang Yadan¡¯s new wife. How could Madame Tao be willing?

    ¡°Why would Jiang Yadan choose her?¡± Qiu Yn really couldn¡¯t understand, ¡°Now there are so many people avable for him and An Zhenshang is not the best one among them.¡±

    ¡°Anyway, let those who want to be your sister-inw know the news when you go to visit others these days!¡± Madame Tao ordered without any expression.

    Obviously, she wanted to deal with An Zhenshang through the hands of others. Those who tried every means to have contact with the Jiang Family would definitely join hands to get rid of An Zhenshang to clear the way for their daughters!

    Qiu Yn also didn¡¯t have a good impression of An Zhenshang. She nodded and said, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen Zhuang Man, Xing, and others for some days. Jiang Yashuang will be on duty tomorrow and I will pick them up to have fun.¡±

    Madame Tao nodded, ¡°OK, just do it!¡±

    Qiu Yn returned to her yard and Jiang Yashuang was waiting for her. He directly asked her with a smile, ¡°What good things did Aunt Tianhe give you?¡±

    ¡°Has Aunt Tianhe always been so generous? So, you know before seeing it.¡± Qiu Yn took out the bracelet, ¡°Grandma has said it is worth ten thousand taels of gold.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°It is normal that Aunt Tianhe has always been generous to the ones who she thinks well of. And Empress Jiang is much like Aunt Tianhe in this respect, isn¡¯t she?¡± He then asked Qiu Yn what requirements Jiang Tianhe made for Jiang Huizhi¡¯s case.

    ¡°She said nothing!¡± Qiu Yn pouted her lips, ¡°Grandma said that Aunt Tianhe only asked after the families and left a bunch of gifts. By the way, Aunt Tianhe dide directly and visit our grandmother after she arrived at Jing City. She didn¡¯t go home, nor did she go to see her parents! She went back home just now and she will go to the Mansion of Sir Jibei tomorrow!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was not shocked at all. He said calmly, ¡°This is natural. The sixth branch did nothing when Cousin Xin was wronged!¡±

    ¡°As for this, I feel weird! The sixth uncle is the only uncle of Cousin Xin! Why is he so indifferent to his niece? Our uncle seems very affectionate to Jiang Yadan, Jiang Qizheng, and you, and he also cares about Jiang Yazhu,¡± Qiu Yn asked suspiciously, ¡°Was it because Cousin Xin was unwilling to marry Jiang Yn?¡±

    If so, the uncle was too narrow-minded!

    ¡°Sixth uncle was not deliberately indifferent to Cousin Xin, but something had happened. Some time ago, the tenth sister-inw went home to serve her heavily ill father after the sixth aunt allowed. Hence, she was not in the Mansion of Sir Jibei at that time.¡± Jiang Yashuang mocked, ¡°And Jiang Yn showed pity on Cousin Xin when he heard the case of Jiang Huizhi. So, his wife naturally had grievance! Even though the sixth aunt scolded Jiang Yn, Mi Yinyin still refused to visit Cousin Xin. The sixth aunt is an elder and it is impossible for her to visit a junior by herself, right? So, she just sent a servant to Xin Mansion. Cousin Xin had been in a bad mood and when she saw only the servante, she turned to be much unhappier. She didn¡¯t even see the servant but called the butler to deal with the one.¡±

    ¡°Now it seems that Cousin Xin has kept their negligence in mind and told it all to Aunt Tianhe!¡±

    The sixth uncle and his wife of the sixth branch had two sons and one daughter. The daughter Jiang Qijia ranked twelve. She got married long ago and already had her children. She was living with her husband out of Jing City. So, the ones that could get along with other families on behalf of the sixth branch were only the two daughters-inw. The tenth madame went to serve her own father and thus Mi Yinyin should be the one to visit Xin Familyst time.

    But Mi Yinyin cared about her husband¡¯s admiration for Xin Fubing in his early years. What was worse, her husband spoke for Xin Fubing again this time. It annoyed her and so she refused to visit Xin Fubing. Madame Mi, the sixth aunt, pampered Mi Yinyin so much and just let her do as she wanted. As a result, the sixth branch was negligent inforting Xin Fubing at that time.

    Qiu Yn felt that they deserved it, ¡°Although the sixth uncle did not intend to be indifferent to Cousin Xin, he even did not ask about it personally when such a thing happened to his only niece. If he had said anything, the sixth aunt would not dare to indulge Mi Yinyin not to visit Cousin Xin. No wonder Aunt Tianhe feels angry!¡±

    However, it was not her concern and so she then changed the topic to Jiang Yadan¡¯s remarriage, ¡°It might be better if he chooses any others. As for An Zhenshang, I have to say if she hadn¡¯t had the desire to usurp the position of eighth sister-inw and egged Jiang Yadan on to make troublest year, the eighth sister-inw would not have got ill and then be weak, and An would not have lost his mother at birth!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face darkened, ¡°Follow what our grandmother has ordered you and have contact with others more often! Let¡¯s see whether she can be lucky enough to fulfill her dream!¡±

 Chapter 353 - Fabulous Show Was Started by the Remarriage of Eighth Brother

    <h4>Chapter 353 Fabulous Show Was Started by the Remarriage of Eighth Brother</h4>

    The next day Qiu Yn sent her assistants to pick them up. She was so familiar with Zhuang Man that they didn¡¯t even send a post. Qiu Yn¡¯s rtionship with Ou Qinn was not as good as that with Zhuang Man, but Ou Qinn was a forthright girl. She dared to open her heart once she liked someone, even though they just knew each other. As a result, everything went smoothly.

    The two smiled and asked Qiu Yn, ¡°You urged us toe. Is there any good news? Tell us! If the good news was not satisfying, we will take away your good stuff topensate!¡±

    Qiu Yn gestured to them to get seated. She smiled, ¡°There is really a good thing. So long as you promise, you will be visited by lots of people with treasures. By that time please do not say the benefits are too many.¡±

    Zhuang Man was amazed, ¡°How can that be?¡±

    Ou Qinn was not interested. She asked directly, ¡°Is there a letter from Shazhou? Can you show me?¡±

    ¡°I will talk to youter about Shazhou!¡± Qiu Ynforted her and went back to the original topic, ¡°Eighth sister-inw passed away two months ago. Jiang Yadan ns to remarry another woman.¡±

    Though words were not finished, Zhuang Man frowned, ¡°It has been just two months. Is he so impatient that he could not even wait after the new year? No matter where he is, is he short of servants to look after him? Even if he did not care about the affection with eighth sister-inw, why didn¡¯t he save some dignity for An?¡±

    Ou Qinn had no association with Madame Tao Junior generally, but she also felt it was disgusting. She said, ¡°Even if he is fond of someone else, he can be engaged before the new year, which is in two or three months. Why can¡¯t he wait just for several days?¡±

    Qiu Yn said calmly, ¡°Maybe Jiang Yadan can wait, but someone else cannot! She has had designs on the position for so many years. She could not force the eighth sister-inw to diest year, we could not imagine how regretful she would be. Now eighth sister-inw passed away, she must hope to get married tomorrow!¡±

    ¡°Do you mean An Zhenshang?¡± Zhuang Man was shocked to ask.

    Seeing Ou Qinn was puzzled, she exined, ¡°She is also a nobledy, but her families are all shameless. Earlier her father and brother introduced her to Jiang Yadan by themselves. These years she has been serving as a mistress and living outside. Last year she even tried to drive eighth sister-inw away and tossed around for quite a while.¡±

    ¡°Now are there any elders who will allow her to enter?¡± Ou Qinn was confused, ¡°Jiang Yadan is able to marry anyone he wants. Why must it be her?¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°I was also confused! There are various girls in front of him. He has also got tired of so many girls. However, Jiang Yadan cannot forget An Zhenshang all these years. He always follows her advice!¡±

    ¡°So, she definitely cannot be allowed to enter.¡± Zhuang Man was unsatisfied, ¡°Just a mistress outside can mess you up. If she married in, you couldn¡¯t imagine what she would do!¡±

    ¡°My grandma says he is allowed to remarry, but he must marry someone who is from an eminent family and have a good personality. The girl can also persuade him to get better. But An Zhenshang just puzzles him. Now he only has one thought, that is to marry her. Don¡¯t you feel ridiculous?¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Since eighth sister-inw passed away, there were so many people in her funeral that hoped to send their daughters to Jiang Yadan. Finally, the old lover An Zhenshang won. Those people must feel furious after hearing the news.¡±

    Zhuang Man got it after hearing her words, ¡°You want us to spread the news away?¡±

    ¡°Not all of it. You can just put a bug in their ears. You can say that you have heard the news from me. The news will be the most precise one because it is the first-hand information from my grandmother.¡± Qiu Yn sipped tea and smiled, ¡°I promise there will be many people that rush to give you presents and treat you with meals, just to get more details!¡±

    ¡°Now it is possible as Jiang Yadan is so popr.¡± Zhuang Man squinted, ¡°Let¡¯s see how An Zhenshang will die. Be at ease, we will share with you what we obtain!¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°Save it! I am not short of those stuff. You can just keep it!¡±

    Zhuang Man did not force her, ¡°I know your trousseau is rich enough and so I won¡¯t show you!¡±

    Seeing that the thing about Jiang Yadan had been finished, Ou Qinn urged to ask, ¡± What about Shazhou?¡±

    ¡°My brother is fine. It is because that the Western Army is busy and he has to take time to handle for a while. He can¡¯t return home soon.¡± Seeing her hopefully waiting for his news, Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°I have mentioned you in the letter recently, but he did not reply yet. Once I received his letter, I will send someone to tell you.¡±

    Ou Qinn listened carefully and she said quietly,¡± Thank you!¡±

    ¡°Never mind!¡± Qiu Yn felt a little bit guilty. In fact, Qiu Jinn¡¯s reply to Ou Qinn¡¯s hot pursuit had already been received. It was just the same as before, telling Qiu Yn not to mind her.

    Jiang Yashuang cherished Ou Qinn and thus stopped her from marrying Qiu Jinn, but Qiu Jinn rejected her just for realistic reasons. Ou Qinn¡¯s father and brother were all loyal to Jiang Tianchi and so she was born as a member of the fourth branch! Now Qiu Jinn already had the support of Jiang Yashuang, the first and official son of the fourth branch. There was no need to waste a position as a wife at another person in the fourth branch. He could marry a woman who would be more helpful in his career.

    In the letter Qiu Jinn asked Qiu Yn to refuse Ou Qinn directly for him so that she would not be entangled with him and waste both of their time.

    Qiu Yn agreed that now that they would get married, they should make it clear early.

    However, every time she saw Ou Qinn¡¯s expectant eyes, she could not say anything.

    This time was also the same. After sending Zhuang Man and Ou Qinn away, Qiu Yn was so depressed. After Jiang Yashuang returned home, sheined, ¡°Next time Xinges here to ask, I really don¡¯ know what to say.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was able to be malicious, ¡± If you could not tell her, next time I will!¡±

    ¡°Then you go!¡± Qiu Yn replied quickly.

    Shirking the thing to Jiang Yashuang, she felt relieved. She called Su He and asked, ¡°Did Aunt Tianhe go to the Mansion of Sir Jibei today?¡±

    ¡°She went there in the afternoon and talked with Madame Ou for a while. At that time Madame Shi went there to pay respects. She spoke to Madame Tianhe, but she ended up being shamed. And then hearing that Lady Fubing just sent a servant to greet as you came there by yourself, Madame Ou became so angry and scolded the Sixth Madame severely. I heard that the Sixth Master was also scolded after he returned home.¡±

    Su He briefly finished her words. Seeing that Qiu Yn and her husband were at ease, she recklesslyughed, ¡°I could not imagine that the Sixth Madame dared to cover up the thing that she neglected Lady Fubing.¡±

    Madame Ou was strict with the younger generation. It was because she had lost a daughter and so she cherished the daughter who was alive very much. No matter how terrible the younger generation was, she was her natural child. Madame Mi and Mi Yinyin were outsiders! There was no doubt who Madame Ou preferred.

    Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°I bet that it was because grandaunt apanied granduncle to live in the west, while aunt Tianhe and her husband were not in downtown. Sixth aunt was used to be a master in the house and when grandaunt came back they did not ask her to give back the power. She did so many fraudulent things that she looked down upon grandaunt. She deserved to be debunked by Aunt Tianhe!¡±

    ¡°Has Aunt Tianhe returned the Xin Family? Did she mentioned when to discuss the thing about Huizhi?¡± Jiang Yashuang did not care about the thing that her wife talked about grandaunt. Since Gu was killed, the contradiction inside the Jiang Family had be obvious. It was because Jiang Yashuang had little association with the sixth branch from the beginning and so he certainly cared not so much about it when his wife was outraged due to the injustice to Xin Fubing and the sixth Madame spoke rudely to Madame Mi. Anyway, she wouldn¡¯t say anything outside.

    Su He said, ¡°Madame Tianhe refused Madame Ou¡¯s dinner invitation. She left at dusk. As for anything else, I did not hear.¡±

    ¡°Now it¡¯s just at dusk. You are well informed!¡± Jiang Yashuangughed unconsciously.

    ¡°It was a maid serving Madame that came here to chat with Chunran.¡± Su He did not im credit for herself. She said as things really are, ¡°Otherwise, how could I know things happened outside Marquess¡¯s Mansion?¡±

    Hearing these sentences, the couple looked at each other, ¡°Grandmother loves us dearly!¡±

    It was grandmother who took advantage of maids¡¯ visits to inform them.

    After all it involved the contradiction of the Mansion of Sir Jibei and Madame Tao was not convenient to ask Qiu Yn to go there to discuss this thing particrly.

    ¡°Aunt Tianhe is not such an easy-going person. This time it seemed that she turned to another woman.¡± Jiang Yashuang thought for a while and frowned, ¡°Was that for her husband¡¯s career after returning to Jing city?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Qiu Yn asked, ¡°What will he be?¡±

    ¡°The minister of the Ministry of Revenue.¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°This position originally belonged to a person who was loyal to Uncle Mengmin. The person was Lai Ming whose daughter was adopted as a goddaughter. Lai Ming took the position just three months ago. Because the fifth uncle will be back, he has to take another position. Uncle Mengmin did not want to give the position away before, but my aunt insisted, and grandfather agreed with her, and so he had to transfer Lai Ming away.¡±

    He sighed, ¡°If now Aunt Tianhe went to Huizhi to mess up, maybe Uncle Mengmin would think that Huizhi was wronged and refuse to give the position away as they got even with each other. After all, the fifth uncle hasn¡¯t arrived yet.¡±

    ¡°You mean Aunt Tianhe ns to make trouble to Huizhi after he arrives?¡± Qiu Yn thought that Jiang Tianhe just arrived yesterday and today she made her brother and sister-inw shameful in front of Madame Ou. She must be a person who is revengeful. Now she did not say a word to the first branch. She must want to achieve nice things before turning hostile.

    She thought for a while,¡± I am wondering whether the first branch knows.¡±

    ¡°What will they do if they know?¡± Now in the first branch, Jiang Tianao was so anxious to say to his wife, Madame Dou, ¡°She made up her mind that she will not meet us until Xin Ke assumes the office. How can we positively find her mistake? Is it to give her a chance to mess things up?¡±

    Madame Dou was depressed, ¡°What can we do? If we do nothing, we can only see that she takes the minister of the Ministry of Revenue and then kicks down thedder to tackle with Zhi?¡±

    ¡°We won¡¯t have any association with her anymore. Let¡¯s just have a cool rtionship with them.¡± Jiang Tianao frowned, ¡°By that time she arrives here, you bring more people to meet in case youe to grief in the fight. As for Zhi, no matter how sweetly she said, she could not see her.¡±

    There was a malicious and insidious look on his face, ¡°we did not intend to send Zhi to the Pce to strive for favour! The kid bears great humiliation and also is suspected. If I knew who is behind, I would kill him!¡±

    Madame Dou was so furious, ¡°Such a good kid who already has been engaged. How can we let her go into the Pce with a bad reputation that she betrayed marriage? Let alone that it is Yun who will apany Emperor in the life!¡±

    The first branch was really treated unjustly this time. They were sincere to pick a nice man for Jiang Huizhi. They had prepared to marry their granddaughter decently!

    However, everyone includes Marquess Qin thought that the plot to set up Jiang Huizhi was a y they directed, aiming to gain the position of the next empress dowager.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know who is so malicious!¡± The couple was so angry. They spontaneously looked at the direction of the fourth branch. They thought it was most likely that the fourth branch joined hands with Empress Dowager Jiang.

    ¡°It is a pity that we don¡¯t have evidence!¡± The couple swore to themselves, ¡°if we have the evidence, they won¡¯t forgive them easily!¡±

 Chapter 354 - Doubt Me and Still Want My Help? Do I Owe You?

    <h4>Chapter 354 Doubt Me and Still Want My Help? Do I Owe You?</h4>

    Never had the fourth branch expected that they would have got involved. Each of them was rxed, waiting to watch avidly.

    However, with the family property saved by him and his wife in Guanzhou for so many years, Xin Ke was slow and would not arrive until some dayster. So, it might take some time to see the fun.

    But the fight over the position of Jiang Yadan¡¯s step-wife, the buzz topic right here in Jing City, wasing.

    When Zhuang Man and Ou Qinn got home that day, they each put the word out that they had heard from the neenth madame of the Jiang Family about the candidate of Jiang Yadan¡¯s step-wife as Qiu Yn instructed. Sure enough, countless visitors came immediately.

    Having epted the guests¡¯ gifts, the two simply gave the details of An Zhenshang.

    At this time, the families who were interested in bing Jiang Yadan¡¯s rtives by marriage stopped fighting. They sat down and discussed, agreeing that An Zhenshang should be eliminated firstly and then they couldpete with their own means!

    After receiving the news, Qiu Yn no longer cared about An Zhenshang. The An Family was not rich and famous. Even if Jiang Yadan sent someone to protect her for private purposes, how could An Zhenshang get away from the joint calction of so many families?

    She thought An Zhenshang would be dead.

    At the end of November, when Qiu Yn took An to have her humble respects delivered to Madame Tao, she happened to see that Mom Hu was asked to prepare rewards for An Zhenshang after she married into the Jiang Family. Thus, Qiu Yn was very surprised, ¡± How could it still be her?¡±

    ¡°Just take her as a concubine!¡± Despite this, Madame Tao¡¯s face was still not good. She kissed An on the cheek and called for An¡¯s wet nurse to carry him to the inner room, so as not to be disturbed by the sound of conversation. She then said lightly, ¡°She is pregnant and she seems to have twins... The An Family has sent a generous gift to the first branch and asked them to help straighten it out with your grandfather! Your grandfather said that An Zhenshang could be epted into our home, but not as a step-wife. The An Family was incredibly smart this time. They did not dare to bargain and agreed directly.

    ¡°Still bargain at this very juncture? Did they want to die?¡± said Qiu Yn in the heart and she asked, ¡°Is she here already?¡± A concubine was no more than just amodity. It was not a big deal to have a concubine and so a feast for fun was enough. But considering that An Zhenshang was pregnant and she was disliked by Madame Tao, there might not even be a feast. ¡±

    Not surprisingly, Madame Tao said coldly, ¡°Send a sedan chair to get her tomorrow. Considering the babies in her womb, I will grant her some medicinal herbs... And as for the feast, forget it. Jiang Yadan still doesn¡¯t have his step-wife and no one can be in charge of this. Anyway, the An Family has said they just want to seek a future for the unborn twins. If there is anything else, it will be a great gift.¡±

    After a pause, Qiu Yn said, ¡°Should Sheng Shishui and I give a hand£¿¡±

    ¡°There are lots of concubines in Jiang Yadan¡¯s home, among which many of them have children. That¡¯s not new! Forget that!¡± said Madame Tao decidedly.

    Qiu Yn was also impatient to pay attention to An Zhenshang. Having heard that, she nodded readily, ¡°Ok, Grandma. You¡¯re the boss!¡±

    Qiu Yn talked a little longer with Madame Tao. When the wet nurse came out and said that An was sleepy, she stood up and asked for leave, saying that she would take An back to the house for sleep.

    Back in her own yard, Qiu Yn had just got An settled when He Shuijin suddenly came to visit.

    Qiu Yn was a bit surprised. Having invited her to have some tea in the small Flower Hall, Qiu Yn asked curiously, ¡°Why do youe here in person?¡± After the downfall of Gu, He Shuijiny down for a rest for a few more days before gradually getting better. During this period of time, Madame He had to not only take care of the huge Marquess¡¯s Mansion but also deal with Madame Chi who would put a spoke in the wheel openly and secretly. As a result, she was exhausted.

    Until recently, Madame He was ill in bed as no one knew whether she ran out of energy or couldn¡¯t stand it. In so doing He Shuijin stood out for responsibility and said, ¡°Mother is not well, but affairs of the mansion cannot be left unattended. I cannot stand by, even though I¡¯m still not fit. I¡¯d bettere out and do something.¡±

    To this end, Marquess Qin and Jiang Tianqi both praised her for her understanding and filial piety and rewarded her.

    It was near the end of the year. All kinds of matters needed to be dealt with by He Shuijin as Madame He had just taken over the Marquess¡¯s Mansion for almost one year. Even though she had always been the one that wore the pants, she must be busy now.

    It was obvious that she came in person for something.

    He Shuijin took a sip of tea and said with a smile, ¡°I¡¯m asked toe here! ¡±

    Being familiar with Qiu Yn and pressed by time, He Shuijin cut to the chase and said pointedly, ¡°Jiang Yadan wants to marry a step-wife, right? Someonees to me!¡±

    ¡°Who?¡± said Qiu Yn, frowning.

    ¡°Sixth sister-inw.¡± said He Shuijin helplessly, ¡°Her own family was trying to make her sister marry Prince of Lu, but it didn¡¯t work out atst. After that, they also approached several families but were still not satisfied. This time, they want to betroth the girl to Jiang Yadan. Now I¡¯m very busy, otherwise, if it were not for their sake, I wouldn¡¯t care about it!¡±

    ¡°A girl from sixth sister-inw¡¯s family?¡± Qiu Yn thought about it and asked, ¡°Do you know that Madame An has married into this family?¡±

    As the one who was in charge of all the domestic affairs of Marquess Mansion, He Shuijin was well-informed. She nodded, ¡°Certainly! She is wise this time. If she still dreamed of being Jiang Yadan¡¯s step-wife, then the twins in her womb would never have the chance to see the world!¡±

    ¡°Does sixth sister-inw know?¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± He Shuijin snorted, ¡°So many families plot with each other for betrothing their daughters to Jiang Yadan. What are they up to? If they do care, they won¡¯t even mention it!¡±

    ¡°Well, but it¡¯s no use for you to tell me about it. How can I have any say in this matter when grandmother is hardly capable of making decisions?¡±

    He Shuijin smiled, ¡°Grandmother can have some voice, or why does Madame An have not been taken as the step-wife? Moreover, Empress Dowager can have a say as well.¡± With a pause, she said again, ¡°In fact, if you know what grandmother and Empress Dowager think in their minds, that is to say, if they are not annoyed when Madame Shi Junior is taken as Jiang Yadan¡¯s step wife, I suggest that you should take this deal.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked in surprise, ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Have you forgotten that when the princes chose their concubines, none of Madame Shi¡¯s girls but your Cousin Wang was chosen?¡± said He Shuijin, ¡°Personally, Madame Shi was a bit angry with you after that and thought you spoke for your cousin by taking the advantage of Jiang Yashuang. But she did not say it and I can hardly exin it to you. So, if you can do them a favor, they would not be against you in the future!¡±

    ¡°At that time Madame Zhuang came over to tell me about Zhuang Man in person!¡± Qiu Yn said as her face was dark, ¡°They doubt me about this, but it is the Zhuang family that should be doubted! Two days ago Man came to my ce but she didn¡¯t show anything strange! Madame Shi is funny. Let us not talk about whether her suspicion is right or not. What if I really squeeze out her girl from her own family for Cousin Wang? I don¡¯t know her well, let alone her girl!¡±

    Qiu Yn was never the one to grovel to anybody. Faced with Madame Shi¡¯s anger, how could she buy that?

    She snorted and told He Shuijin, ¡°There is no need to put the feelers out to Empress Dowager and grandmother. I won¡¯t interfere in the affairs of the Shi Family! If they can send Madame Shi Junior into the fourth branch to be my sister-inw, I¡¯ll ept it. But if not, let them keep going and find a good bridegroom for their daughter!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought in her heart, ¡°You doubt me but I have to do you a favor to remove your doubts and hostility! Do I really owe you?¡±

    Even though Qiu Yn said she would ept it if the Shi Family had the ability to turn Madame Shi Junior into Jiang Yadan¡¯s step-wife, what she thought was that she would never make that happen!

    He Shuijin didn¡¯t insist, ¡± I¡¯ll tell Madame Shi that Empress Dowager and grandma seem to have other ideas. And It¡¯s hard for you to interrupt.¡±

    ¡°Just tell her that I¡¯m not going to lend a hand!¡± Qiu Yn muttered.

    He Shuijin said with a smile, ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m the one who¡¯s going to say it. Why do you care about what I say?¡±

    As she went off, Qiu Yn beckoned to Su He toe, ¡°Go and find out if Madame Shi mes me for her girl¡¯s failure to be the princess.¡±

    She was a little uneasy about He Shuijin.

    Not long after Su He left, Chunran brought in a post, ¡°It¡¯s from your Cousin Xin, saying that her mother Madame Tianhe has taken back a lot of specialties from Guanzhou and she ns to give a banquet for her friends. She insists that you should be present!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s totally different that she stays with her own mother.¡± Qiu Yn said to her followers as she opened the post, ¡°Madame Tao was in charge of the Xin Family before, but now she was too old to go out frequently. And as the inws of our family, she can hardly say or do something. The Xin Family was not exactly short of money for a banquet, but since Fubing has been sent back to Jing City for many years, it¡¯s the first time that she gives a banquet at home!¡±

    Chunran smiled, ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to you.¡±

    As they spoke, Qiu Yn had read the post. The appointed time was very close, just two dayster. Qiu Yn and her knew each other well. Nowadays it is not necessary to post. But this was probably the first time that Xin Fubing hosted a banquet to treat her friends and so she was so d that she especially followed the rules of etiquette.

    Having asked a follower to put the post in the box, she began to search through her cabs for that she determined not to spoil her friend¡¯s fun. She got dressed up, with passion equivalent to the time when she first attended the banquet of a grand ceremony after years of mourning. In this way, she was able to show respect for Xin Fubing¡¯s first time to be a formal host.

    On the day of the banquet, Qiu Yn arrived at the Xin Mansion as she was well dressed up. She thought that even if there were no lights and decorations in the whole house, at least the backyard should have been decorated well and youngdies in best clothes would have been present.

    However, Zhuang Man and Xin Fubing, who arrived first, looked at her in consternation, ¡°Why do you dress up like that?¡±

    Qiu Yn, who was in a gorgeous dress and wore ornaments, looked at Zhuang Man and Xin Fubing with anger. They were both in regr clothes. Xin Fubing, the host, wore a brand-new dress, but Zhuang Man was even in a half-new one.

    How could that be for a formal banquet? It would not have been so free even for a casual meal at distant rtives¡¯ ce.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you send a formal post? I thought you were going to have a proper banquet!¡± Qiu Yn gnashed the teeth in anger, ¡°You should say it earlier if it¡¯s just a casual banquet!¡±

    ¡°But I have only invited you, Man, and Xing.¡± Xin Fubing held back herughter, ¡°I would like to make it a lively event, but there are only four here. What else can we do but an informal banquet?¡±

    Qiu Yn sat down, depressed. Looking around, she found it was ready to treat three guests. So, sheined, ¡°Why did you just invite us? We have gathered a lot usually, Ok? I thought you would have invited all of your cousins, thus I, for the sake of you, particrly wear a ceremonial dress and hairpins.¡±

    Xin Fubing put the arms around her shoulders and apologized with a smile, ¡°My fault! I originally wanted to have someone send the message, but the apricot blossom note taken from Guanzhou by my mother was so nice and pretty that I couldn¡¯t help but write on it! As I was writing, I thought it would be better to share happiness and so I wrote a post for you to take a look!¡±

    ¡°Take a look?¡± Qiu Yn was a bit speechless, ¡°I didn¡¯t notice at all. After reading it, I asked someone to put it in the box!¡± She had even forgotten the post¡¯s color now.

    ¡°If it had been two or three years ago, I would have invited many people toe today!¡± Xin Fubing yed with beads on her hairpins and said seriously, ¡°But for the past two years, I found it enough to have you four! I¡¯m not interested in others¡¯ing. The banquet is held for my happiness and guests¡¯ happiness. Would we be happy if people like Mi Yinyin were here? Forgive me, please!¡±

    Having heard that, Qiu Yn was softhearted, ¡°Well, I take this wrong myself. Did I mean it?¡±

    Zhuang Man kept smiling as she watched them, but now she asked, ¡°It¡¯s too insincere to apologize like that! You have to do something for Madame Yn, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Xin Fubing replied with a smile, ¡°Definitely. Just let me know.¡±

    ¡°I almost forgot but for you.¡± Qiu Yn wanted to say nothing, but something urred to her, ¡°The maid Nijin of Empress Dowager asked me for helpst year. But I¡¯ve put off doing that.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± said Xin Fubing hastily, ¡°I couldn¡¯t make a promise before, but my mother is back now. Unlike us, it¡¯s more convenient for her to talk to Empress Dowager.¡±

 Chapter 355 - Ling Zui Was Back.

    <h4>Chapter 355 Ling Zui Was Back.</h4>

    ¡°To be honest, I did not want to hide anything from you. The reason why I suggested her for a senior concubine at that time was that I wanted to figure out any other information.¡± Qiu Yn exined thoroughly. She said, ¡°However, after that the tomb of my grandfather was dug up and then the Gu was killed. How could I catch up with this matter when I was so engaged?¡±

    Xin Fubing squinted and smiled, ¡°How hard would it be? No matter what happened, Princess Qi has no choice but to go to the farm outside the Pce to recuperate. The Mansion of Prince of Qi needs to be in charge by someone. Empress Dowager likes Ni Jin so much. Though she used to be a maid, she is so sophisticated. Besides, she used to serve Empress Dowager for so many years and their rtionship cannot be neglected. If she bes a concubine, both Prince of Qi and Concubine Tong will be pleasant.¡±

    ¡°It is just because Empress Dowager adores her. It looks like poaching from Empress Dowager, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Qiu Yn peeled an orange, cleaned the tangerine pith, divided it into three, and then gave away to them, ¡°Otherwise I will say something, after all Empress Dowager treats me well.¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Zhuang Man took over the orange and reminded her, ¡°Did Ni Jin say if she could be the concubine, she would help you handle with Niguang? I heard that Niguang still serves as an assistant for Empress Dowager. How could we allow her to be a concubine? She certainly has to help you and then Aunt Tianhe can intercede for her.¡±

    Qiu Yn said softly, ¡°Is she waiting for my positive decision?¡±

    ¡°Do you want to let me deal with it?¡± Xin Fubing suggested, ¡°My mother ns to bring me to renew acquaintance with Empress Dowager more often the next days. I will meet Nijin many times. I believe she won¡¯t doubt my promise.¡±

    ¡°You are the future empress. Your promise will be more reliable than mine.¡± Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°I will leave it in your hands. This is a good deal. I just wear a formal dress to attend the banquet, but you help me handle such a trouble!¡±

    Xin Fubing said carelessly, ¡°It is my mother who will have a chat. I just pass the information for you.¡±

    ¡°So, you should have asked Aunt Tianhe toe back much earlier!¡± Zhuang Man said critically, ¡°The branch of my sister-inw is always exploited by others like the first branch and Maid Lin just because my aunt and her husband are not in Jing City all the year round. If my aunt were here, would they dare?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s easy for you to say. That is your aunt! She will never be bad to you. I am just a daughter-inw.¡± Qiu Yn did not agree with her. She thought, ¡°Such a fierce mother-inw will frequently humiliate me if she does not like me. How can I bear with that? I cannot imagine what the situation will be like.¡±

    Thinking of that, she remembered what Jiang Yashuang said. Marquess Qin wanted him to stay in the court for three years. Around the year after the next year, he would send him to the Northern Army. By that time no matter she had a kid or not, she would be reluctant to separate with her husband for such a long time like Qiu Zhongyan and Princess Ruan, who were together for only several days after getting married.

    But if she apanied her husband to Beijiang, she would live with her father-inw and mother-inw.

    ¡°I hope my mother-inw will treat her enemies ruthlessly like the autumn wind blows away leaves and treat her families warm-heartedly like spring, instead of not caring about others but her husband and children!¡± Qiu Yn looked at Zhuang Man seriously, ¡°It is wonderful if she will be like Man.¡±

    Xin Fubing and Zhuang Man romped for a while and they finished the orange. Xin Fubing looked at the copper hourss. She was about to ask maids to serve the dishes but she suddenly remembered, ¡°Where is Xing? Why hasn¡¯t shee?¡±

    Qiu Yn and Zhuang Man were also surprised. But it was because all of them were in Jing City and the Ou Family was the henchman of Marquess Qin. Even boys in the Jiang Family cannot bully them for no reason. So, they didn¡¯t feel worried. They suggested, ¡°Shall we go for a walk?¡±

    Just as they were talking, maids led Ou Qinn to them.

    She was always fond of red. Today she wore a dark cloth with loose colour and the whip was still around her waist. She came in with a serious face.

    ¡°You arete, Xing!¡± Zhuang Man yelled at her loudly, ¡°Do not exin. Drink three cups of wine to show your pardon!¡±

    ¡°Just three cups are not a big deal.¡± Ou Qinn smiled slightly because of her yelling. she said with arms akimbo, ¡°Let¡¯s battle! I make a concession for three jars.¡±

    Hearing that, Zhuang Man, a trouble maker, stood straight, showing a holy face, and pretended to say angrily, ¡°Ridiculous! We are girls from respectable families! How can we battle?¡±

    Xin Fubing kept nodding her head as her fear was on her face. It was easy to tell that the two were once bullied by Ou Qinn and so they have emotional shadows.

    Seeing the situation, Qiu Yn smiled as a sense of honor appeared. She decided, ¡°Ok! Let¡¯s battle! What if you lose?¡±

    ¡°Yn, do not mind! ¡± Zhuang Man and Xin Fubing didn¡¯t know Qiu Yn¡¯s capacity for liquor. They stopped her hurriedly, ¡°Xing was born in Beijiang. It is cold in winter so no matter boys and girls can drink in order to keep warm. Her father took chopsticks to stain wine to feed her when she was just a few days old. When she was three years old she could apany her father to drink every day. Last time we did not know, so we were plied with drink heavily. We had serious headaches and even could not get up.¡±

    Ou Qinn said quickly, ¡°I can make a concession for three jars!¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter!¡± Qiu Yn said generously. She was so confident, ¡°Let¡¯s have a fair battle!¡±

    ¡°Do you have a great capacity for liquor?¡± Knowing that Qiu Yn was not an aggressive person, Zhuang Man and Xin Fubing were full of expectations. They looked at each other and opened their wallet, ¡°I bet Yn will win!¡±

    And then Zhuang Man and Xin Fubing got sleepy. The battle of the capacity of liquor between Ou Qinn and Qiu Yn cannot appear a winner.

    ¡°When will they finish?¡± Xin Fubing said faintly, ¡°The dishes were cold.¡±

    ¡°Why did we have a headache for so many days?¡± Zhuang Man said calmly, ¡°It seems that her capacity of liquor is abnormal!¡±

    Xin Fubing said with a fainter voice, ¡°Don¡¯t you think Yn was scarier? She even doesn¡¯t blush! Xing has already blushed!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat!¡± Zhuang Man caught the chopsticks, ¡°Otherwise, we could only look at them today.¡±

    They were envious of their capacity of liquor, while Ou Qinn and Qiu Yn were in higher spirits. Finally, Ou Qinn threw her wine jar away, ¡°Stop!¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Qiu Yn asked her confusedly, ¡°I think you still can drink, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Today we came here to attend the banquet. If we continue, Fu Bing and Man will hate us!¡± Ou Qinn made faces to her with a smile and shemended her, ¡°I thought you were a delicate girl. I did not imagine you are a master when you are drinking! Do not mention Jiang Yashuang, my brother cannot catch up with you!¡±

    Hearing that, Zhuang Man and Xin Fubing breathed a sigh of relief,¡± We finallye to your mind!¡±

    Xin Fubing hurried to ask maids to fetch hot soup. She sent through the hot handkerchief by herself, ¡°The dishes have already got cold. Let me ask maids to serve some new dishes!¡±

    It was because the drinking battle had wasted some time and though the banquet only had three guests, the night had almost fallen when it finished.

    It got dark early in the winter. The carriage was just on the way when the sky darkened.

    Qiu Yn saw she had already separated with Zhuang Man and Ou Qinn and so asked Su He, ¡°Go to check out why Xing waste today.¡±

    Su He promised. She asked puzzledly, ¡°Madame, do you think Miss Ou runs into trouble? But for her family background, who can get her trouble?¡±

    ¡°There must be something wrong!¡± Qiu Yn rubbed her head, ¡°Her expression was upset when she just walked in. She asked Man to drink with her. It was definitely to conceal her feelings. I thought she wanted to cry in her wine!¡±

    Though the possibility that Ou Qinn became her sister-inw was small, after two years of acquaintance, they had feelings for each other. Qiu Yn could not help her with her marriage, but she would spare no effort to help her at any other matters.¡±

    When they got to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion, the sky waspletely dark.

    Since Madame Tao gave An to Qiu Yn to raise, she treated Qiu Yn much more considerate than before. At this time, she particrly sent maids to wait for her at the gate, telling her that the night was long in winter and she didn¡¯t have to pay respect to Madame Tao.

    Qiu Yn thanked that maid and asked Xiaran to give her a piece of silver. She went back to her own yard and met with Jiang Yashuang in the corridor, ¡°Are you going outside?¡±

    ¡°Seeing that you have note back, I want to pick you up.¡± Jiang Yashuang held her hand,ining, ¡°You can go to Cousin Xin¡¯s ce anytime you want. Why do you go home sote? Take care of the cold wind!¡±

    After saying that he smelled the wine around her, he said unhappily, ¡°How much wine did you drink? The alcohol smell did not melt away all the way back.¡±

    ¡°Xing seemed disappointed and so I apanied her to drink!¡± Qiu Yn exined with a sentence. When she was about to talk, Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow you can ask her toe, I will tell her.¡±

    Qiu Yn could not figure out whether the disappointment on Ou Qinn¡¯s face was for Qiu Jinn or not and so she answered vaguely.

    ¡°Today there is a reason why I ask you toe back earlier.¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°Ling Zui came back!¡±

    ¡°Is he?¡± Qiu Yn was stunned and then she was surprised, ¡°Just now? Did hee here or ask anyone else to send a message?¡±

    ¡°Just now. He did not even go to Princess Royal¡¯s Mansion. He straightly came here to see how is it going with you. Hearing that you were not at home, he tried to set my words. He said he would go to the Li Family to see Sister Ruan and go back to Princess Royal¡¯s Mansion atst!¡± Jiang Yashuang hummed, ¡°I was wondering whether he would get punched after Princess Royal heard his words.¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°Are you mad because he doubted you treated me bad? You cannot me him. My brother asked him to take care of me and my cousin when he left. However, he was forced by Princess Royal to go to the South till today. Didn¡¯t he keep his promise?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face was sullen,¡± Was I the person who maltreat my own wife?¡± He nced at her, ¡°It is you who maltreat me!¡±

    ¡°When did I maltreat you?¡± Qiu Yn was puzzled.

    ¡°You stand by his side. You don¡¯t consider my feelings!¡± Jiang Yashuang said that confidently, ¡°Is it you who maltreat me?¡±

    Qiu Yn gave him a supercilious look, ¡°Since I have missed him today, let¡¯s ask him toe here tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. I believe he wants to know my brother¡¯s situation. The south is not as convenient as Jing City when someone wants to send a letter.¡±

    She did not expect that the next day when she invited Ling Zui toe in the afternoon, he told her something that surprised her, ¡°Sister Qiu, I have heard that Xue Fangmi, the b*tch, bullied you many times, didn¡¯t she? Why don¡¯t you send someone to the south to tell me? If you tell me earlier, do you need Jiang Yashuang to make a scheme to drive her away? A letter written by me can put her to death. Of course, she will die right away!¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at her husband with surprise, ¡± Didn¡¯t you promise you wouldn¡¯t kill her?¡±

 Chapter 356 - A New Wave of Discord

    <h4>Chapter 356 A New Wave of Discord</h4>

    ¡°I never send someone to kill her,¡± said Jiang Yashuang innocently.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Qiu Yn looked at Ling Zui, suspicious.

    ¡°She cheats on her husband and tries to murder him with the adulterer. Prime Minister Xue had her at ater age, though, do you think she can live anymore?¡± Ling Zui said coolly.

    ¡°You did that?¡± Qiu Yn was surprised, looking at her husband.

    Jiang Yashuang mused, ¡°I just have someone make Li Xuan busy with lots of things, so he has no time to go back to his yard, and then I arrange someone to seduce Xue Fangmi... But I haven¡¯t heard that she colludes with the adulterer to murder her husband. Li Xuan is quite tight with your brother.¡±

    Ling Zui put in, ¡°Well, stop, it was me. Because of Chunjun, Li Xuan is also my friend. How could I stand by and watch him being ruined by that b*tch? Now Li Xuan can get rid of this sh*t without upsetting Prime Minister Xue.¡±

    He added, ¡°Yn, don¡¯t feel I¡¯m a cruel man. Think, even if the adulterer might egg her on, Madame Xue shouldn¡¯t have agreed. What chance would there be of the man himself murdering Li Xuan? It shows that Xue Fangmi is a spiteful woman. If we do not eliminate her in time, there will probably be lots of troubles in the future.¡±

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°I don¡¯t feel sorry for her. It just seems surprising.¡±

    Thinking of Xue Chang¡¯s treatment of Qiu Jinn back then, she couldn¡¯t help but sigh, ¡°Prime Minister Xue is wise in his lifetime. What a pity to have such a daughter!¡±

    ¡°Fortunately, Prime Minister Xue is sensible, or the Li Family would be pissed,¡± scoffed Ling Zui. ¡°Li Xuan has to take a rest in Xizhou before getting off. that Xue Fangmi will be secretly marched to the capital first... But I guess that Prime Minister Xue will not allow her toe into Jing City.¡±

    Among numerous nobles in the capital, whose family does not have eyes? While Xue Fangmi just got married, shemitted adultery and even tried to murder her husband. In Xizhou, the local Prefectural Governor, who was promoted by Xue Chang, would probably help to hide this scandal. In case she was marched into Jing City, that would surely leak out.

    For preserving the honor of the Xue Family and giving an exnation to the Li Family, Xue Chang could do nothing but ensured that his daughter would never make it to Jing City.

    Qiu Yn felt Xue Chang was quite pathetic. ¡°Xue Nongying is still not well and Xue Fangmi...¡± Suddenly Qiu Yn thought of something, ¡°If Prime Minister Xue couldn¡¯t get over from the blow and fell ill, then who would take the position of Prime Minister?¡±

    Ling Zui said casually, ¡°Then your eldest uncle and sixth uncle will...¡±

    By saying it already, he came to himself and said, ¡°It seems not good for your branch, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Because of switching sides, Tang Zimo survived when Madame Gu was killed. But he knew what was good for him and resigned himself to return to his homnd. Thus, the position of Deputy Premier was vacant. Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei were coy about that for some time. Finally, Marquess Qin made it. He managed to make Jiang Tiancan, the only son of Sir Jibei, Deputy Premier, rather than his eldest son Jiang Tianqi.

    Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tiancan were currently the strongest candidates for the position of Prime Minister.

    ¡°That¡¯s all right,¡± Jiang Yashuang remained calm, ¡°No matter who will be Prime Minister, it¡¯s grandfather who will have thest word as long as he is still here. Besides, as Empress Dowager, my fourth aunt is not ornamental. Eldest uncle is not going to be all-powerful even though he finally bes Prime Minister.¡±

    ¡°But for Chunjun, it is better for Xue Chang to hold the position of Prime Minister whenpared with your eldest uncle.¡± Ling Zui frowned and nced at Qiu Yn apologetically, ¡°I haven¡¯t thought about that. I¡¯m not helping, right?¡±

    He saw why Jiang Yashuang was not much of a good man. He had sent someone to seduce Xue Fangmi, but why did he leave some room? That was because they needed Xue Chang. After all, Xue Chang was a deep person. If the whole thing was that his daughter could not get along with his son-inw, he would be sad and disappointed. But he might not be badly shaken.

    If he ordered to kill her daughter in person... It was hard to tell.

    ¡°That¡¯s Okay!¡± said Jiang Yashuang calmly. ¡°If we just tell Xue Chang, it might kill him. But if we put it this way, it would be a different story.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was so certain that Ling Zui and Qiu Yn asked curiously, ¡°What kind of way?¡±

    ¡°Say, I have sent someone to Xue¡¯s ce to tell him yesterday,¡± said Jiang Yashuang airily. ¡°I have pinned what Ling Zui did on the first branch on the ground that they tried to use it for the position of Prime Minister under the banner of mine. It¡¯s clear that they are trying to drive a wedge between your brother and him and destroy their teacher-student rtionship. Luckily, you just passed by Xizhou when you came back. For Two days at Li Xuan¡¯s ce, you found something wrong. So, you immediately walked back day and night to tell me. Xu Chang now is busy dealing with my eldest uncle. How can he manage to feel worried about a mistress¡¯s daughter?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn and Ling Zui stared at each other. After a while, Ling Zui sighed, ¡°I got the adulterer to egg on Madame Xue to poison Li Xuan. And I didn¡¯t bring Li Xuan a doctor until he was close to death. I thought I couldn¡¯t be harder. I never would have guessed that you¡¯re the most vicious one.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t blow up at him for his evaluation and smiled, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. Let¡¯s talk about the details after the departure. We are concerned about you in these days when you went to the south.¡±

    ¡°There is nothing to say,¡± Ling Zuiughed at himself, ¡°It¡¯s purely nominal. After being sent there, all I do is wandering outside... I¡¯ve had some trouble at the beginning of this year, otherwise, I should have been back when Emperor ascended the throne.¡±

    Having noticed that Ling Zui was a little awkward when he said ¡°I¡¯ve made some trouble¡±, Qiu Yn assumed that he had met trouble there because of women and it took him a few months to settle it. So, she didn¡¯t ask for more details but cared about whether he was tired on the journey.

    Ling Zui was d, ¡°No wonder Chunjun loves his younger sister. It¡¯s so sweet to have a younger sister! After I got home yesterday, I met my elder sister. She caught me by the ear and scolded me from the second door to the back room. My mother wasn¡¯t even as tough on me as she was...¡±

    That made the coupleugh and stamp their feet. They thought, ¡°Havinge back from afar, you didn¡¯t first visit your parents or sisters, but take a look at sisters of your friend. And then you remembered to get back home. It would be weird if your elder sister didn¡¯t kick your ass.

    Having had a nice chat, Qiu Yn left Jiang Yashuang to treat Ling Zui. She went to the kitchen to prepare meals. After that Ling Zui talked to them for a little longer. And then he got up to leave, ¡°My mother said she would take me to visit Empress Dowager. So, I have to get back earlier for fitting.¡±

    As he left, Qiu Yn asked her husband, ¡°Would Prime Minister Xue believe your words?¡± The Prime Minister was such a wise man that he would not be easily fooled.

    ¡°The question is not if he will believe or not, but if he is willing to do so,¡± said Jiang Yashuang. He smiled faintly, ¡°The Xue family is in no position to turn against our family. If he believes my words, at least he would have the help of our branch. If he doesn¡¯t, not to mention our eldest uncle has got his eye on the position of Prime Minister, our branch would like to cut him down. So clever as Xue Chang is, how do you think he¡¯s gonna choose?¡±

    He added, ¡°Plus, his daughter is the one who has done wrong and made even more serious mistakes. She deserves it! If he has to find fault, he is the one to me as he has failed to educate his daughter well.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought in her heart, ¡°Does your family have any im to judge the way others educate their daughters?¡± But she said, ¡°Princess Royal Maode is going to take Ling Zui to visit Empress Jiang. Does she want to get a position for Ling Zui?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang saw what she meant, ¡°I¡¯ll make some inquiries. If so, I will ask Empress Jiang to give him a good position.¡±

    He said thoughtfully, ¡°But he is not selected from the Imperial Examination. I¡¯m afraid the official rank will not be high from the beginning.¡±

    ¡°You know that,¡± Qiu Yn nodded, ¡°For my brother¡¯s request, he didn¡¯t visit his parents but first came to visit Ruan Ciyi and me when he returned from so far away. We really should do something nice for him in return.¡±

    And with that, Marquess Qin sent someone to call the grandson over for discussion. So Qiu Yn asked Su He toe in and asked, ¡°What about the two things you were asked to find out?¡±

    ¡°What the fourteenth madame saidst time should be true. When the concubines of princes had just been selectedst year, Madame Shi¡¯s own family had someone look around the Lian Family and ask the neighbors of the Lian Family about Cousin Wang.¡± Su He said with a twist of her mouth, ¡°How ridiculous the Shi Family is! Just because none of their girls was able to enter into the Imperial Family, they could not bear to see that other families had concubines!¡±

    Qiu Yn was also not good on her face. She thought about this and said, ¡°Next time when I enter the Pce to have my humble respects delivered to Empress Dowager, remind me! I would like to talk about this with Empress Dowager!¡± The thing that Prince of Wei took Wang Qingqian as his concubine was agreed by Empress Dowager, though this marriage was asked by Prince of Wei¡¯s birth mother before Empress Dowager.

    Now the Shi Family harbored resentment for that. Doesn¡¯t it mean that they are mad at Empress Dowager?¡±

    Empress Dowager Jiang was not so fond of Madame Shi. That was because of Madame He.

    As the wife of the eldest son, Madame He was not friendly with her step-mother-inw Madame Tao and sister-inw Empress Dowager Jiang. Particrly, when the Old Master Jiang Tianjiao, Empress Dowager Jiang¡¯s brother, died, Madame He finally stopped worrying that Jiang Tianjiao wouldpete with her husband and her. And she dared to gloat at the Old Master Jiang Tianjiao¡¯s funeral... How could Empress Dowager Jiang like them?

    As long as Qiu Yn went to tell Empress Dowager Jiang, she wouldn¡¯t mind calling Madame He and her mother-inw to tell them off!

    Well, if she did it, that would be a semi-public signal that they would turn against the third branch. But Qiu Yn said with indifference, ¡°Not as much as the first branch has done, but the third branch does set us up a few times. Why should I be afraid of offending them?¡±

    Having made up her mind, she asked what she was concerned about yesterday, ¡°Have you known about the reason why Xing waste yesterday?¡±

    ¡°It was said that Miss Ou happened to meet Young Earl Ling on the road. She stopped and talked with him for a while. But she went back in tears!¡± said Su He. ¡°It was only after a change of clothes that she went out again. That was why she waste.¡±

    ¡°When she ran into Ling Zui, howe she was the one who went back crying?¡± Qiu Yn was surprised and said, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t she have beaten Ling Zui and made him back in tears?¡± As Ling Zui dallied with Ou Qinn before, he was punched severely by this toughdy. Since then, when he met Ou Qinn, he would run away as far as possible like a mouse saw a cat. How could she be made to cry?¡±

    Su He said, ¡°I guess that Young Earl Ling might tell Miss Ou something happened in Shazhou... Right?¡±

    ¡°Ugh!¡± Qiu Yn felt it was problematic, ¡°I¡¯ll ask Jiang Yashuang!¡± It¡¯s time to put everything on the table. Otherwise, it would hurt Ou Qinn!

    Ultimately, she determined to have a big talk with Ou Qinn to let her put any thought of marrying Qiu Jinn out of her head. However, the second day the servant sent by her failed to invite Ou Qinn, who used to arrive at the first invitation. The servant came back and reported, ¡°Miss Ou said she had lived in Jing City for two years and missed her parents a lot. So, she nned to go to Beijiang for being with Count Jing and Count Jing¡¯s wife. So, these days she needed to pack up and had no time foring here. She begged your pardons, Madame.¡±

    That made Qiu Yn surprised and sighed with emotion. She thought to herself, ¡°Ling Zui probably heard about the content of that letter from Jiang Yashuang and told Ou Qinn all about it. Thus, the girl is so sad that she ns to return to her parents for healing her heart.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang also sighed a little when she heard about this. But he was relieved as well, ¡°It¡¯s better to be sad for the moment rather than for a lifetime!¡±

    The couple just barely managed to take a load off their minds. However, they didn¡¯t expect that four or five dayster, Ling Qu, the daughter of Princess Royal Maode and sister of Ling Zui, came to visit them. Looking very somber, she said, ¡°My younger brother has gone out for three days withouting back. Today this letter is sent to us. We don¡¯t know whether it¡¯s true or not, please check it.¡±

    Madame Tao took a look at it and suddenly her face changed. She sent someone to call Qiu Yn over and asked sharply, ¡°Was it you who gave Zheng the idea? You had gonepletely off your head! The girl has been cosseted and never traveled, not to mention that it has only been a few days after her confinement!¡±

    Qiu Yn was confused, ¡°Hasn¡¯t Jiang Qizheng gone back to clean up the Princess Mansion and nned to move back in with her son? I have no idea about what you said, grandmother.¡±

 Chapter 357 - The Good-for-nothing Father and Son Deserve a Bad Ending!

    <h4>Chapter 357 The Good-for-nothing Father and Son Deserve a Bad Ending!</h4>

    No one knew where Emperor¡¯s son-inw, Qiu Feng, had gone. Jiang Qizheng lived in her parents¡¯ house to finish her miscarriage prevention, delivery, and confinement.

    Shortly after she finished her confinement, she decided to move back to Chunfu Princess¡¯s Mansion. She asked Sheng Shishui and Qiu Yn to persuade Madame Tao. Four days ago, she entrusted her baby to Sheng Shishui while she led maids to Chunfu Princess¡¯s Mansion to clean up.

    After all, there had been no one to live in thest several months. She just gave birth to a baby who needed a new room and so they had to clean a few days.

    How could they know that they were cheated!

    The truth was that she had already made a n with Ou Qinn to stay in Chunfu Princess¡¯s Mansion for a night. And then they would bring the luggage they packed previously and go west to Shazhou. One would find her husband and the other would pursue the one she loved.

    Luckily, they had asked Ling Zui about the address of Qiu Jinn before they left. Ling Zui could not stop them. He was concerned about them and so he followed them. Because they were too hasty, he only managed to leave a letter behind their back.

    Ling Qu read the letter and so he went to the Jiang Family to tell them for fear that if the girl of the first branch was in danger, they would me Ling Zui.

    ¡°They have just left three days. We may be capable of catching up with them!¡± Qiu Yn collected herself after reading the letter. Sheforted Madame Tao, ¡°Jiang Qizheng and Xing are women. They must go outside with a carriage! If only Ling Zui rides a horse, they will not press on so quickly. Right now, if we send someone to chase them, we can make it!¡±

    Madame Tao sighed, ¡°You go to ask Jiang Yashuang to make an arrangement.¡± She then turned to Ling Qu to excuse herself.

    Ling Qu was amused by Madame Tao and so Qiu Yn went outside with Madame¡¯s task. She asked a maid to call Jiang Yashuang, who was on guard, to return home, ¡°The thing is like that. Grandma asked me to make you send someone to catch up with them!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang almost vomited blood after hearing that, ¡°I am not surprised by what Sing has done. But what the h*ll is Jiang Qizheng? Are they kidding? It is not easy to go to such a distant ce?¡±

    At that time transportation was inconvenient. No matter how rich a person was, he had to suffer a lot when going to a distant ce.

    Jiang Qizheng was born in an affluent family. She was so delicate that her family could not feel relieved for what she was suffering in her journey.

    Jiang Yashuang was too hurried to change his clothes. He went outside right away, ¡°I will chase them by myself! Others cannot ask them to return home!¡±

    He knew his own sister. Though she was gentle usually, she was also obstinate when she was serious.

    But Jiang Yashuang did not make it by himself. He was stopped by Marquess Qin before he went out of the town. Marquess Qin asked Jiang Yadan to chase them.

    The reason given by Marquess Qin was that the main task of Jiang Yashuang was to learn government affairs and enrich himself. The stuff like chasing his sister could be finished by someone else. They had no need to cultivate his brother Jiang Yadan anyway and he could be useful at this moment!

    And then the whole Jiang Family witnessed how unreliable Jiang Yadan would be. After five days, a bodyguard came back and told them, ¡°The eighth young master thought what princess said was reasonable. So, he decided to apany her to go west!¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Madame Tao struggled to send idlers away. She asked him, ¡°How reasonable her words are?¡±

    ¡°Princess said that the little master was born but her husband did note back. Would he want them to wait for him forever? No matter what would happen, she wanted to put in words with him.¡± The guard then said awkwardly, ¡°And then the eighth young master agreed with her.¡±

    Madame was so angry that she started to break things, ¡°If he really loves his sister, he should use his brain to ask her to return home! He could go to find Qiu Feng by himself! Why did he agree with Zheng¡¯er? He did not think that she was so delicate! How could she bear such hardships!¡±

    Besides, Qiu Feng was not in the west at all!

    The reason why she said he was in the west was that she was afraid of hurting her feelings. And she was also afraid that others would tease her. If she did not go to Shazhou by herself, she could make up the lie as usual. How could she cover up when she went there?

    Madame was so exhausted!

    Seeing that the guard had something else to tell, she asked without patience, ¡°Anything else?¡±

    ¡°It was because that the eighth young master heard thatdies in Shazhou have a distinctive vor and so he decided to escort princess.¡± The guard did not dare to conceal as well as tell the truth. After saying that he kneeled on the ground and did not dare to look up.

    Though she already knew the nature of Jiang Yadan, after hearing his words, Madame Tao was so...

    She broke all the ceramics around her and then she said gravely with clenched teeth, ¡°I cannot handle it! You go to tell Chaohai!¡± She thought in her mind, ¡°You gave birth to such a grandson! Jiang Qianchuan, you should discipline by yourself! I quit!¡±

    Marquess Qin was not so anxious as Madame Tao. He said calmly, ¡°Since Jiang Qizheng has decided to go and now she is apanied by Jiang Yadan, let her go. Kids in the Jiang Family were not too delicate to suffer hardships!¡±

    After hearing that, the guards gave up catching up with them. They silently agreed on their behavior.

    However, what was tragical was that when the whole Jiang Family messed up, no one remembered Ou Qinn. That could not me on the Jiang Family. It was Ling Qu who came to tell the Jiang Family that they went west, but they forgot to ask whether he had told the Ou Family.

    So, after the thing happened half a month, Ou Bicheng hurried to find Jiang Yashuang to take his leave!

    Jiang Yashuang asked surprisingly for what happened seriously in Beijiang. He said the one who was sent to pick her sister up did not get her. The person did not get her for a few more days. So, he freaked out to send a pigeon to ask him. He hurried to ask Jiang Yashuang for help to find her sister!

    ¡°How dare he! Though Chunfu Princess is noble, isn¡¯t my sister a valueddy?¡± Hearing Jiang Yashuang¡¯s description about the experience, Ou Bicheng was so angry that he did not have patience to hear any other words. He straightly went to the Ling Family to ask the reason. Princess Royal Maode was puzzled by hising. Hearing his reason, everyone in her mansion was shocked.

    The reason why Ling Qu went to the Jiang Family instead of the Ou Family was that Jiang Qizheng had a formal and eptable reason to go west, that was to find her own husband. But Ou Qinn went west was for pursuing the person she loved, which was shameful to tell them. Ling Qu thought that the Jiang Family had a good rtionship with the Ou Family and so they would tell them. He did not expect that they were so unreliable!

    Though the rank of nobility of Princess Royal and her husband was much higher than the Ou Family who got rich because of being bandits. But right now, the Jiang Family was powerful. Though the Ou Family was an adherent of the Jiang Family, the power they possessed could help them bully Princess Royal. Princess Royal Maode had no choice but to apologize to him, exining that she never looked down on Ou Qinn.

    Finally, she sent Ou Bicheng away. Princess Royal Maode was so angry. She thumped on the long table and said resentfully, ¡°When hees back, I will get him a fierce wife to restrain him. If such a thing happened again, I would be angry to die!¡±

    Princess Royal was so mad here. Ou Bicheng just thought that he forgot to ask what his sister¡¯s condition was.

    And then he returned to the Jiang Family and asked Jiang Yashuang. After asking him, Ou Bicheng said without expression, ¡°Does anyone else know this thing besides the Jiang Family and the Ou Family?¡±

    ¡°No. Don¡¯t you just know the thing just now?¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°Luckily Jiang Qizheng and Xing got along well with each other. We can say that my sister went to find her husband. She was inconvenient on the road so she asked Xing to apany her.¡±

    Ou Bicheng sneered,¡± Come on! We may cover up when they are on the road. When they arrive, will Xing refrain from finding Qiu Jinn? There were so many people there. How can we hide the message?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang meditated for a while and said, ¡°What do you think?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Ou Bicheng sneered and then he was distressed, ¡°What do I think? Qiu Jinn has no sense to Xing. If you force him to marry her, he will not treat her well. I am unable to call her back. What else can I do except for submitting to the will of Heaven?¡±

    And then he thumped on the table, ¡°The father and son in the Kuang Family was good-for-nothing! Why didn¡¯t they cut Qiu Jinn¡¯s face after being defeated by him? If that happened, how could Xing be obsessed with him? Those two guys deserved to gain such a bad consequence! They could not even do such a small thing!¡±

    He did not know one of the two he just cursed, Kuang Qingwu, was cleaning his long knife in snow carefully. Kuang Qingwu asked Zheng, ¡°Is it true?¡±

    ¡°Certainly!¡± Zheng said seriously, ¡°Empress Dowager Gu sent secret pawns in the Jiang Family. Many of them were found out in the half of the year. Now the only person was thest one. After he has given away the message he will find a chance to kill himself half the road in case of being found.¡±

    ¡°Is Chunfu Princess to find her husband on her own? When did her husbande to Shazhou? Or did he arrive but we did not get the message?¡± Kuang Qingwu murmured to himself. And then he said instantly, ¡°No matter what happened, the daughter of Jingbo is definitely in the line. It must be that the fourth branch in the Jiang Family tries to support Qiu Jinn on purpose. I am afraid that Chunfu Princessing here to find her husband is just a lie. The true purpose theye here was to marry Ou Qinn to Qiu Jinn!¡±

    Zheng hesitated and he said, ¡°But if Miss Ou does note to Shazhou, the marriage...¡±

    ¡°If she does not appear, the marriage will hardly seed.¡± Kuang Qingwu sneered as he paused his hand which is cleaning the knife. And then he said, ¡°The b*tch, Jiang Qianchuan, shows partiality to the first branch. In his sons, the third branch is the first and the eldest, who is nearer the front than the fourth branch! If the fourth branch controls the Northern Army, will Jiang Qianchuan support them? At the beginning of the year, the first branch and the third branch wanted to send two goddaughters to Qiu Jinn. He excused to refuse them for that he was in the mourning period.¡±

    ¡°Now it is the end of the year. The first branch and the third branch in the Jiang Family will mention Qiu Jinn¡¯s marriage again. Before that Ren Ziyong came to tell about it in person. The fourth branch is so decisive. They just sent a girl to him. That was the only daughter of Jiang Qianchuan¡¯s former subordinate when he started up! If something happened between her and Qiu Jinn and the Ou Family asked Qiu Jinn to take responsibility, Jiang Qianchuan would not refuse when!¡±

    He wiped the knife, held it in his hand, and cut it out against the wind and snow!

    ¡°Do they want to achieve their willingness? Go through me firstly!¡±

 Chapter 358 - Dont Care Too Much! Get Her Firstly!

    Chapter 358 Don¡¯t Care Too Much! Get Her Firstly!

    Even Kuang Qingwu doubted that the true purpose of Jiang Qizheng going west was to marry Ou Qinn to Qiu Jinn. How could Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi think?

    After all, among the four in this trip, Jiang Yadan and Jiang Qizheng were all born of the official wife of the fourth branch, while Ou Qinn¡¯s father and brother were the most trusted confidants of Jiang Tianchi and his son. Even Ling Zui, who was forced to go, seemed to be a good friend of Qiu Jinn, the leading actor in this marriage.

    Nobody would believe that such a group of people went west just to find the husband for Jiang Qizheng.

    In fact, Jiang Tiancan also agreed with this opinion. Hearing that two of his cousins joined up with each other, he also tried to be part of them. And then he was cursed by Sir Jibei, ¡°If your son and you were brilliant, wouldn¡¯t I cultivate you in the Northern Army? You have no choice but to stay honestly in the court! After all you have worked there for so many years, even if you do not achieve something, you do not do anything wrong. Now you are staying with me and your uncle. If you have troubles, we can help you! If you go to the army, you will be humiliated!¡±

    Though Sir Jibei just returned to Jing City for two years, he knew his son and grandsons very well. Those three were even not good at being a general, not to mention amander. If they took over such a position that help Emperor to find out one¡¯s true ability in the long term, the only thing they would gain was a shame.

    Besides, in the court Marquess Qin already gave him a position as a Deputy Premier. What was he striving for? His ability was clear. If he gained too much, he would not be able to handle. Wasn¡¯t it humiliating if he should give up what he gained?

    Though Sir Jibei stopped Jiang Tiancan, he could not stop Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi.

    The two discussed after receiving the news and then they went to Marquess Qin to express their grievance together. Marquess Qin made it clear that the Western Army was only for their branches. The idea of taking a goddaughter was from Marquess Qin. At this moment the fourth branch aggressively got involved. If Marquess Qin did not handle the two b*st*rds, Jiang Yashuang and Jiang Yadan, did they want to control the two armies together?

    They did not imagine that after their words, before Marquess Qin say anything, the old butler came in and said seriously, ¡°Young Prince of Jingboes here!¡±

    Marquess Qin knew Ou Bicheng was sent here by Jiang Yadan before Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi could say anything.

    He was about to refuse when the servant guarding the gate came in, ¡°Madame Oues!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Marquess Qin¡¯s face got pale for a while and then he said, ¡°Invite her toe in!¡±

    The Ou Family was a devoted supporter when Marquess Qin started up his business. Jiang Yashuang and Ou Bicheng got along so well with each other and so the Ou Family had served as a supporter for three generations in the Jiang Family. The Jiang Family could not take the Ou Family as a normal subordinate. Ou Bicheng was a junior for Marquess Qin and so he could let him arrive hereter. However, Madame Ou was his fellow as well as his brother¡¯s wife. He could not snub her.

    A few momentster Madame Ou came in with Ou Bicheng. Seeing that Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi were here, they greeted them coolly. They said to Marquess Qin directly, ¡°There is an awkward thing. Ou Bicheng doesn¡¯t dare to talk to you and thus he asks if I can help him. This is about the only girl in this generation in my family. I cannot bear to refuse him. So here I am to bother you!¡±

    Madame Ou was very like the ancestors of the Ou Family. In the past when Sir Jibei got injured heavily, she was so mad that she took the general position to revenge for her husband. She was even much more decisive than Sir Jibei sometimes. So Marquess Qin respected her all the time instead of treating her as a normal female.

    Hearing her words, he already knew what she meant. He could only produce a bitter smile, ¡°Do not hesitate. Just say your requirements.¡±

    ¡°Ou Bicheng¡¯s sister, Xing, fell in love at first sight to Qiu Jinn when he was in Jing City. At that time, he was observing mourning for General Ruan. He did not have some eldership to help him make a decision. These words are not easy to say.¡± Madame Ou said directly, ¡°And I was afraid that she just was on the spur of the moment so that she would change her mind a few dayster. I have never expected that she loves him so deeply. You know that Zheng¡¯er has gone to find her husband in Shazhou, but she should follow her instantly.¡±

    Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi definitely knew how creditable Madame Ou was in front of Marquess Qin. They lost their cool after hearing those words, ¡°Madame, as far as I know, though Xing loves Qiu Jinn, Qiu Jinn had no crush on Xing!¡±

    Madame Ou nced at them. She did not agree with them, ¡°The boy is aspiring. He does not want to marry a girl in a noble family because he wants to revive his family by himself. The thought is great. But how can¡¯t he be moved if he knows Xing loves him sincerely and deeply? After all she is the only girl in my family. Both her appearance and her talent are good enough for Qiu Jinn.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi were trapped to say nothing. Qiu Jinn just wanted to use the wife position to find another powerful ally. How could he be so noble and unsullied in Madame Ou¡¯s words? Besides, if he was the one who would easily be moved, how could he get involved in so many love affairs?

    ¡°Madame, Xing is obviously a wonderful girl. She is the only pearl in the Ou Family in this generation. We all hope she is happy, don¡¯t we?¡± Jiang Tianqi gritted his teeth secretly, while he appeared to be respectful, ¡°It is because that Qiu Jinn is not a normal man. Even if he knew Xing was sincere, I am afraid that he would not be moved so easily.¡±

    He posted an example hastily, ¡°I have heard that in the south he pissed off so many girls. Among them there are many girls who are still waiting for him right now. In Jing City, the two prom queens in Spring House and Jinpa Pavilion also have affection for him. He has married no one right now. He never keeps those spoony women in mind!¡±

    ¡°That is a decent man!¡± Madame Ou¡¯s words made the two cousins almost vomit blood as such a flirting man could be called a decent man. Did the whole Jiang Family have no one who was concupiscent?

    But Madame Ou had her own logic, ¡°Those degrading girls will never be allowed to enter a respectable family. He is just ying! Qiu Jinn does not marry them, which means he is a nice kid. Besides, Xing is generous and she will not care so much!¡±

    She nced at them, ¡°How could they, those currish women,pare to Xing?¡±

    ¡°You can go back. This thing is about Xing¡¯s reputation and integrity. Don¡¯t spread this matter to others!¡± Marques Qin sighed. After he asked his son and grandson to leave, he said, ¡°Though Tianao and Tianqi have an ulterior motive on their marriage, some words they said are right. Qiu Jinn was not the kind of guy who values a rtionship. Even if he knew Xing was sincere, he would not be moved. Even if we forced him to marry her, Xing would get hurt. They are all kids who we see grow up. I don¡¯t think that this marriage is suitable for Xing. What do you think?¡±

    Madame Ou said, ¡°Does it matter? Xing likes him. As for him, who will know? It is crucial that we let them get married. No matter what happened, we are here. She will not suffer any loss!¡±

    Marquess Qin had no word when he faced such a decisive Madame. A few momentster he said, ¡°The marriage of Zheng¡¯er got¡­¡±

    ¡°How could Qiu Fengpared to Qiu Jinn?¡± Madame Ou interrupted him, ¡°Qiu Fenges from a normal family. He doesn¡¯t value fortune so much. There is nothing he asks from us. But Qiu Jinn is an aspiring boy and he has to rely on us. Will he be bad to Xing?¡±

    After hearing what she said, Marquess Qin was tired of trying to persuade her in case of offending her. He said, ¡°If you make up your decision, I won¡¯t put my foot in this matter.¡±

    A few momentster Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi were called back. Hearing the result, they felt angry, ¡°When did Madame Ou mind this stuff? It must be Jiang Yashuang and Ou Bicheng who asked her to do so!¡±

    Marquess Qin said calmly, ¡°The several generations in the Ou Family have apanied me and your uncle many times. Now such a big family has only a few people. Xing is the only girl in this youngest generation in the Ou Family. Madame Ou came here to ask me by herself and I cannot refuse her.¡±

    If Sir Jibei came, he could make his promise clearly to have a chat.

    But his wife came. After all, it was much more inconvenient to talk with her instead of his brother. Besides, Madame Ou was not such a kind of woman who lived in the backyard and knew nothing. If she said this thing, obviously she knew he was in a pickle. But she chose to help the girl in her parents¡¯ home!

    If Marquess Qin could not refuse her, he had no choice but to agree with her.

    Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi were disappointed after hearing that, ¡°What about the Western Army?¡±

    ¡°Let Yue and Qing go there to help Han Jishan.¡± Marquess Qin hesitated, ¡°Now Kuang Qingwu messes up in Shazhou. The army is also stopped by the western savages. Though Han Jishan cannotpare to Kuang Shihan after he has reced the general which used to be Kuang Shihan¡¯s, he should have some ways to deal with the twenty-year-old young man. Why Kuang Qingwu has been free and unfettered so far must have connection with Qiu Jinn. If Yue and Qing go there, they will get a promotion by killing him as well as weakening Qiu Jinn¡¯s power. The two can face Qiu Jinn with General Wang¡¯s favor. If they cannot deal with Qiu Jinn¡­¡±

    Marquess Qin said calmly, ¡°That means they are not capable of hosting the Western Army.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi were surprised for a while and then they appeared to be joyful. The second son of Jiang Tianao, Jiang Yayue, was tied down by the Dou Family, while the son of Jiang Tianqi¡¯s first wife, Jiang Yaqing, was detained in the army by Jiang Tianchi. These two were the most talented guys in the leading troop. But if Marquess Qin said nothing, they could only heave a sigh on the Western Army.

    Marquess Qin talked about this matter by himself. No one would stop the two from entering the Western Army. His son was much more reliable than his subordinates and his future son-inw.

    It was better than that Marquess Qin agreed with him to have a goddaughter to marry Qiu Jinn.

    Though Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi were happy, the allies they joined with to fight against the fourth branch certainly broke up.

    In a minute, Jiang Yashuang frowned. He said to Ou Bicheng, ¡°My wife¡¯s brother is difficult to handle. Xing loves him. I don¡¯t think that she would be the rival to him. If you agreed with her, you might get her in trouble!¡±

    Ou Bicheng sneered, ¡°Do you really think we don¡¯t care about her marriage which matters in her whole life? That was just a makeshift. The aim is to make Marquess Qin allow Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing to join the Western Army so that we can divide the first branch and the third branch. As for Xing¡¯s marriage with Qiu Jinn, my grandmother said she just wanted Marquess Qin to agree. She did not promise this will make it!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang frowned, ¡°But Xing¡¯s reputation¡­¡±

    ¡°She went to Shazhou by herself. Whether grandaunt will go to say the words or not, her reputation has a stain already.¡± Ou Bicheng sighed, ¡°Luckily she was shrewish. She will never suffer loss whether she marries Qiu Jinn or not!¡±

    ¡°Did father have anything else to say?¡± Jiang Yashuang felt that the marriage of his fellow all made him headache. He rubbed his head, put aside this matter, and asked.

 Chapter 359 - Failed to Use Others and Lost Their Face.

    Chapter 359 Failed to Use Others and Lost Their Face.

    Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing were transferred to the Western Army. The first branch and the third branch urgently wanted to support their sons to make a good career. They hoped that their sons could dominate the Western Army.

    This happened during the former emperor¡¯s reign.

    In the backyard, the two goddaughters renamed Jiang You and Jiang Ya were crying ferociously.

    Originally, they came to the Jiang Family to win over Qiu Jinn. At the beginning of the year, Qiu Jinn had dyed it for a year on the pretext of filial piety. By the end of the year, they didn¡¯t mention it. So, they were anxious.

    Now, as soon as the situation changed, the first and the third branch had their sons seize the power in the Western Army. Naturally, they didn¡¯t want to be a meaningless father-inw for Qiu Jinn. So where would the goddaughters go?

    Concerning the future, they summoned up the courage to hint, but both Madame Dou and Madame He pretended not to understand and onlyforted, ¡°Just live well in this family. We will n for you.¡±

    It was impossible! Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi were all thinking about helping their sons now. How could they manage their goddaughters? Madame Dou and Madame He were not sure whether their husbands would need them yet. Of course, they didn¡¯t dare to give promises.

    Jiang You and Jiang Ya were not fools. Their godmothers spoke well, but when they inquired, no one mentioned their marriages. They knew that those words were lies. However, their families were threatened by the Jiang Family. They dared to be angry but not to speak. They had to cry secretly and silently figure out how to survive.

    In the backyard, An Zhenshang was crying bitterly because of this series of things. She had been a lover as a daughter from a rich family for so many years. It was hard for her to conceive twins, but the first wife died in childbirth. She thought she could be the wife now after all the suffering.

    As a result, she didn¡¯t be the step-wife and entered the door as a concubine. Now Jiang Yadan apanied her sister to Shazhou to find his brother-inw. The newdy of the house hadn¡¯t entered the door yet. Madame Zhuang was far away in Beijiang. Madame Tao wished her bad luck. All the concubines ganged up against her. Even if An Zhenshang had a lot of means, she was out-numbered. She was bullied badly.

    ¡°Youngdy, next time they make trouble again, you can yell for a stomachache.¡± The confidant maid gave her advice, ¡°And then I will go to find Madame. Even if she doesn¡¯t like you, it¡¯s impossible not to take your pregnancy seriously.¡±

    An Zhenshang shook her head as she wiped her tears. She said, ¡°You are so stupid! Do you think Madame values my pregnancy very much? She can¡¯t wait for the three of us to have an ident as soon as possible! If you tell her about my stomachache, she will say it is my fault. Who won¡¯t listen to her in this yard? At that time, everyone will say that I am making troubles. Maybe I¡¯ll be gone one day! When my husbandes back, he will think I die because I am unlucky.¡±

    She clenched her teeth and said, ¡°So no matter how noisy they are, I can¡¯t say I¡¯m sick. Instead, I have to go out and walk often, telling everyone that I¡¯m in good health and my children are good! Only in this way, in case something happens, they can¡¯t shirk their responsibility. On the contrary, they will have scruples and dare not go too far!¡±

    The maid felt wronged for her, ¡°You were so favored at home! Even in the farm outside Jing City, no one dared to annoy you these years. Unexpectedly, now that you have got married, these people¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s mainly because my husband is not here!¡± An Zhenshang sneered and said, ¡°Let¡¯s bear it now. When hees back, let¡¯s see how I clean up all the things in the yard!¡±

    Thinking of this, she suddenly narrowed her eyes and said, ¡°Yesterday, that Zhang b*tch gave birth to Jiang Huiwan. It seemed that she said something about the Madame Tao Junior¡¯s son?¡±

    The maid thought and said, ¡°Exactly! In the yard, the little b*tch quarreled with Jiang Jingheng, who was born of Cao, and said, ¡®you are just the son of a concubine. Even if you are a male heir, you are not nobler than me. Don¡¯t pretend to be delicate and serious! Everyone knows where youe from. The noble one is now raised by Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn¡¯.¡±

    In the eyes of An Zhenshang and her maid, these words were obviously taught by adults and deliberately pointed out to them.

    Outwardly she scolded Jiang Jingheng. But what she really meant was the two children of An Zhenshang.

    So, the maid felt very angry when she mentioned it here, ¡°Such a little old girl is so vicious. She will harm people when she grows up. Madame Tao Junior is thedy of the house, but didn¡¯t she teach her any rules?¡±

    An Zhenshang snorted, ¡°Take some bags tomorrow to find the maids of Qiu Yn and tell them Jiang Huiwan¡¯s words.¡±

    The maid was surprised and asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Madame Tao Junior¡¯s son is only fostered by Qiu Yn, not adopted. His brothers and sisters are still other children of my husband.¡± An Zhenshang said slowly, ¡°Jiang Huiwan was taught by others obviously. The intention is to stimte me, but they also make trouble among brothers and sisters of their generation. The Jiang Family attaches more importance to the trueborn, but they don¡¯t want hatred between the trueborn and the son of a concubine. ¡±

    Moreover, ¡°Qiu Yn is not the birth mother. She should be more careful when raising children, so as not to be discussed that she is not dedicated enough! So, as long as she knows the news, she can¡¯t ignore it!¡±

    Here it was necessary to talk about An Zhenshang¡¯s understanding of Qiu Yn. Because She was new in the Jiang Family and Madame Tao obviously hated her, people in the Jiang Family were very hostile to her and so naturally she couldn¡¯t find out much news. Therefore, the spection about Qiu Yn¡¯s temperament was based on hearsay before.

    After all, it was impossible for Jiang Yadan to talk about his sister-inw with his lover. An Zhenshang didn¡¯t know other people who got in touch with Qiu Yn. She could only start with the news in the public.

    And then she came to the conclusion that Qiu Yn was violent and arrogant. She beat her cousin when she got married. She was favoured because she didn¡¯t get punished. She was afraid of people¡¯sments. In those days, she took the initiative to hook up with Jiang Yashuang without the order of his parents and the words of a matchmaker. But when she was engaged, Jiang Yashuang brought the curse to himself. She didn¡¯t like Madame Zhang, Cao, and others. These two didn¡¯t speak very well when they mentioned Qiu Yn. It seemed that they had suffered a loss in her hand.

    So, An Zhenshang felt that Qiu Yn was born to be used by her.

    Not to mention An Zhenshang¡¯s wishful thinking, Qiu Yn listened to Chen Shui¡¯s message and looked at the purse filled with silver as Chen Shui handed it over. She asked Chen Shui to take the purse and buy some makeup. She immediately got up and went to Madame Tao to exin the matter and express her idea of asking.

    But Madame Tao asked, ¡°Do you need me to punish them?¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s just the words of a maid. It may not be urate! And the maid has only been in our house for a few days. She has learned to make trouble. It can be seen that she is bad. I think it¡¯s better to call Huiwan and Jingheng to ask if it¡¯s true and then make a decision! These two children are too young. They can¡¯t lie!¡±

    Madame Tao gave her a meaningful look, ¡°Let¡¯s do it. Send someone to call them. I¡¯m old. Your people are good at calling people.¡±

    ¡°I have troubled you, grandmother. How dare I use your people?¡± Qiu Yn looked at Chunran and Xiaran. They naturally understood.

    In the backyard of Jiang Yadan, Xiaran went to find An Zhenshang and her maid as Chunran found Zhang and Cao, the biological mothers of the two children, and intimidated them, ¡°Madame was very angry when she heard that someone had instigated the friendship between the grandson and the granddaughter! She even said that these people should be dead. She shouted for someone to drag them out and kill them. When Jiang Yadanes back, Madame will say it in person!¡±

    Zhang and Cao were skeptical, but concubines were like goods these days. They were not fond of Jiang Yadan as before, but they had a foothold by relying on their children. Madame dared to kill them with her own identity. So, they¡¯d rather believe it than not. They begged Chunran for help and said, ¡°No. How dare we make trouble for them? We live peacefully all the time. We are wronged!¡±

    When Chunran saw that she had frightened them, she said, ¡°You are lucky. My madame thought that a maid who was in the Jiang Family only for a few days might not be credible! So, she persuaded Madame and begged her for a while, and then Madame agreed to let you take your children to tell Madame the truth.¡±

    Zhang and Cao thanked Chunran. Chunran kindly promised to give them some time to ¡°change their clothes¡± for their children. The two concubines were not fools and they told their children what to say when changing clothes.

    So, Jiang Jingheng and Jiang Huiwan went to Madame Tao and greeted timidly. They didn¡¯t admit what they had said before. The articte Jiang Huiwan also cried and said, ¡°We all know that Jiang Yaheng is raised by uncle Jiang Yashuang and aunt Qiu Yn. We hope he can grow up and y together! How could we say something bad with him? He is our own brother and the only trueborn. We miss him!¡±

    Madame Tao asked An Zhenshang and her maid with a gloomy face, ¡°What do you say?¡±

    Zhang and Cao understood Madame¡¯s intention. How couldn¡¯t they catch this opportunity? At that moment, they cried, saying that An Zhenshang ndered them. She thought that Jiang Yadan¡¯s other children were in her way and so she asked the maid to do this. The most annoying thing was that they said together, ¡°Fortunately, the fourteenth grandson is raised by Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn, otherwise, An Zhenshang would hate him more.¡±

    Seeing this, An Zhenshang knew that she harmed herself.

    Qiu Yn was not willing to be used, but harmed her severely.

    An Zhenshang was a decisive person. Seeing that she couldn¡¯t get rid of the provocative charges, she simply turned around, pped the maid on the face, and scolded fiercely, ¡°How dare you do such a thing?¡±

    With one word, she shifted the responsibility to her confidant maid.

    Her maid was loyal. Although her face was beaten pale and her tears came down immediately, she insisted that it was her own idea regardless of Madame Tao¡¯s questioning. Even the purse was taken care of by her when An Zhenshang was pregnant and she took the opportunity to take it.

    Finally, Madame Tao was impatient, ¡°We can¡¯t keep people like this who make trouble only a few days after entering the door¡­ What do you think, An Zhenshang?¡±

    Speaking of it, Qiu Yn thought An Zhenshang was indifferent. The confidant maid, who grew up with her, stared at her, but she could even salute Madame Tao calmly and said, ¡°Obey your orders!¡±

    ¡°Then drag her out and kill her!¡± Madame Tao said indifferently.

    The maid was paralyzed on the ground, ¡°Miss¡­¡±

    ¡°Ridiculous! When I entered the Jiang Family, I was no longer your youngdy.¡± Without Mom Hu¡¯s reprimand, An Zhenshang¡¯s eyes shed fiercely and scolded, ¡°I¡¯ve told you many times, you should call me mistress An, but you don¡¯t listen to me. You should do such a thing this time! If Madame and Qiu Yn hadn¡¯t made a clear observation, wouldn¡¯t you have wronged the children? And you have hurt the rtionship between the fourteenth grandson and his brothers and sisters! I have misjudged you! ¡±

    She said with a sigh, ¡°You served me. I¡¯ll send someone to take care of your parents and brothers¡­¡±

    The confidant maid understood and gave her a kowtow with a tragic smile, ¡°Thank you, mistress An. It¡¯s natural that I should get punished after I did such things. I don¡¯t hate anyone!¡±

    Without waiting for others to react, the maid turned around and bumped into the column. The blood sshed on An Zhenshang not far away!

    Qiu Yn lowered her head and looked at some blood stains on her sleeve. The color she was wearing today was light and the blood was very eye-catching. She said coldly, ¡°Mistress An, you are pregnant. Are you OK?¡±

    An Zhenshang¡¯s voice seemed to change a little, but it was generally stable. She said, ¡°Thank you for asking. I failed to manage my maid and I¡¯m sorry to cause trouble for you.¡±

    She continued, ¡°Your clothes¡­¡±

    ¡°Clothes are not worth a lot of money. Just dump them!¡± Qiu Yn looked at the maid who fell in a pool of blood and said faintly, ¡°You¡¯d better worry about grandma¡¯s floor.¡±

    Madame Tao lowered her eyes to hide the intention to kill An Zhenshang in her eyes. How could she rest assured without killing such a decisive and indifferent woman?

    ¡°Someone will clean up here. Zhang and Cao, you two send An back to settle down and be careful of the children in her belly!¡± Madame said coldly, ¡°That¡¯s the blood of the Jiang Family!¡±

    If Chaohai hadn¡¯t valued the blood of the Jiang Family, she would now¡­

 Chapter 360 - Fulfil Promises

    Chapter 360 Fulfil Promises

    The death of An Zhenshang¡¯s trusted maid didn¡¯t stir up a storm in the Jiang Family at all. An Zhenshang was no more than a concubine to the Jiang Family.

    ¡°No wonder she could make Jiang Yadan like her for so many years!¡± However, He Shuijin talked about it when Qiu Yn asked her to stay and have tea while she was delivering things to each branch, ¡°We could never have her determination and ferocity! I cried for days when Wan died. Even she was just a maid, we grew up together. Besides, she never ratted An Zhenshang out until she died. Although An Zhenshang mentioned her parents to threaten her, even an ant clings to life. How could shemit suicide if she wasn¡¯t loyal to An Zhenshang?¡±

    Qiu Yn said tly, ¡°Our grandmother sees it all! Let¡¯s see how her future will be!¡±

    Let alone Madame Tao who hated her already, Marquess Qin probably also hated her at that moment. After all, how ambitious she was since she could discard her trusted maid who was with her for years! And she happened to be in a low status. Keeping her around surely would cause trouble.

    Madame Tao and Marquess Qin probably had made a deal to get rid of her and keep her son.

    He Shuijin got what Qiu Yn meant. She said with a faint smile, ¡°You¡¯re right. The wages of sin are death!¡±

    They moved on from that topic. He Shuijin was more interested in what happened in the Pcetely, ¡°Her Majesty¡¯s senior maid, Nijin, is given to Prince of Qi to be his senior concubine. I remember that she and you are close. I should congratte you!¡±

    ¡°Yes. Such good news hase from the Pce at the end of the year. I¡¯m thinking about preparing something to give to the Feng Family,¡± Qiu Yn smiled. She thought that the words of Empress Dowager Jiang¡¯s sister were indeed more useful than a junior¡¯s words. Aunt Tianhe delivered a message saying it was done after she went to the Pce with Xin Fubing just once. It would be announced at an appropriate time.

    The decree came yesterday.

    Since Nijin¡¯s status as a maid was too humble, Empress Dowager Jiang let the former mayor of Jing City, Feng Rugui who was now the Chief of the Directorate of Education, ept her as his goddaughter. As a tterer with no morality, Feng Rugui was d to have one more daughter. So, the adoption ceremony was as grand as an ordinary family marrying a daughter.

    Everyone probably remembered that the former Chief, whose family name was Dou, was exactly Madame Dou¡¯s older brother.

    So, Qiu Yn thought of something after saying that. She looked towards He Shuijin, ¡°Shuijin, you¡¯re best informed since you manage our household. I wonder how our eldest aunt istely?¡±

    ¡°She got up this morning,ining of a headache. I heard that she would rest for a few more days.¡± He Shuijin squinted, ¡°Poor eleventh sister-inw! It is said that our eldest aunt is always in a bad mood and constantly finds fault with her. If our eleventh sister-inw hadn¡¯t been too embarrassed to tell her maiden family about it, the Zhuang Family would havee to reason with our eldest aunt a long time ago.¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned and looked outside. Su He knowingly went outside and guarded the door. Qiu Yn continued, ¡°Talking about our eleventh sister-inw, I¡¯m really surprised. I heard that my mother-inw had problems with our eldest aunt. But how did our eleventh sister-inw marry into the first branch?¡±

    Madame Zhuang humiliated Madame Dou badly back then. But her niece married a son of a concubine of the first branch. Did she want to suffer?

    He Shuijin put down the teacup and whispered, ¡°It¡¯s a long story. It¡¯s said that the Zhuang Family wanted to marry our eleventh sister-inw to Jiang Yadan. But our grandmother has chosen our eighth sister-inw to be Jiang Yadan¡¯s wife. Jiang Yahong met our eleventh sister-inw a few times and they had a great time. So, the Zhuang Family chose the second best one.¡±

    It turned out that their intention of continuing being inws with the Jiang Family was to me!

    Qiu Yn shook her head, ¡°I¡¯ll send someone to tell Zhuang Man about it. Keeping suffering in silence isn¡¯t good for her health!¡±

    He Shuijin agreed with her. The third branch and the first branch¡¯s cooperation had fallen apart. And they began to undermine each other again. He Shuijin did Madame Zhuang Junior or even the Zhuang Family a favor and caused trouble for the first branch by doing so. Besides, she let Qiu Yn deliver the message which gave Qiu Yn a chance to do the Zhuang Family a favor. It could be described as killing three birds with one stone!

    So, she said dly, ¡°I¡¯m also worried! Our eleventh sister-inw doesn¡¯t look welltely.¡±

    Since her purpose had been achieved, she left after chatting for a while.

    Qiu Yn sent someone to tell the Zhuang Family about Madame Zhuang Junior¡¯s situation immediately. The Zhuang Family was furious after getting the message. However, Zhuang Mo decidedly rejected Zhuang Man¡¯s suggestion of going to the Jiang Family to make a fuss, ¡°It¡¯s okay for your aunt to pick up a fight with the first branch if she is in Jing City. She has already been a member of the Jiang Family after all. It¡¯s their family affair no matter how much your aunt makes a scene. But we¡¯re outsiders even though we¡¯re their inws. Do you truly think that Marquess Qin has a good temper because he tolerated your aunt in those days? Besides, your sister already has kids. What will she do if it doesn¡¯t end well? Her kids belong to the Jiang Family. Do you think they will let your sister take them away? If she can¡¯t take them away, are you willing to let your brother-inw¡¯s next wife abuse them?¡±

    Zhuang Man¡¯s anger wasrgely quenched by reality. She said listlessly, ¡°Are we going to sit by and watch my sister suffer?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you close with the Xin Family¡¯s kid?¡± Zhuang Mo surely couldn¡¯t sit by and watch his daughter get bullied. He said to his younger daughter after some thought, ¡°Madame Tianhe of the Jiang Family came back. Her words mean a lot to the Empress Dowager. Beg the Xin Family¡¯s kid to arrange a job outside Jing City for your brother-inw so that your sister could be far away from that vicious woman!¡±

    ¡°We put up with her too much!¡± Zhuang Man¡¯s temper was very much like Madame Zhuang¡¯s. She wasn¡¯t the kind of person who was willing to suffer losses. She said angrily, ¡°Besides, what if Madame Dou forces my sister to stay when my brother-inw transfers?¡±

    Zhuang Mo¡¯s face was dark, ¡°I¡¯ll make sure she has to let your sister go!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going out now.¡± Although Zhuang Man agreed, she went to see Qiu Yn first. She wanted to ask Qiu Yn toe up with a good idea to avenge her sister. But her trip was in vain. She didn¡¯t get to see Qiu Yn when she arrived at the Jiang Family. She was told that Qiu Yn went to the Pce to visit the Empress Dowager.

    Zhuang Man had to go talk to Xin Fubing first.

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know Zhuang Man was looking for her as she was in the Pce of Ganquan now. However, instead of keeping Empress Dowager Jiangpany, she was ying go with Princess Royal Yongfu in the side pce.

    Neither of them was very good at ying go. So, they were neck and neck.

    ¡°It¡¯s fun to y with you. ying with Jiang Yashuang was so boring. He always won within a few moves!¡± Princess Royal Yongfu said while cing a go chess piece, ¡°What annoyed me most was that I couldn¡¯t win a fight with him! So, I couldn¡¯t beat him up to vent my anger!¡±

    Qiu Yn burst intoughter when she heard that, ¡°Really? Was he so annoying? I¡¯ll beat him for you when I go back.¡± She actually knew why Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t go easy on Yongfu. His studies were so intense back then and Yongfu was bad at ying go. So, Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t feel challenged enough when ying go with her. He just felt it was a waste of time. So, to prevent her from badgering him, he chose to beat her to the ground so that she would lose interest and stop ying with him.

    So, her husband wasn¡¯t so innocent back then. She was a fool to think that he was gullible.

    Qiu Yn was distracted for a moment. When she came to her senses, she only heard half of what Princess Royal Yongfu said, ¡°I don¡¯t know who I can y with in the future.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯lle to y with you when I have time.¡± Qiu Yn thought what she didn¡¯t hear was Princess Royal Yongfuining about not having people to y go with. So, sheforted her casually.

    Princess Royal Yongfu said, ¡°You need to spend time with Jiang Yashuang and take care of trifles in your ce. How could youe here to y with me every day? Niguang was my mother¡¯s maid. I can summon her any time. It¡¯s a pity¡­¡± She shook her head.

    Qiu Yn squinted and thought, ¡°Did something really happen to Niguang? Nijin really kept her promise.¡±

    Probably because the happy event of Nijin¡¯s marriage had just happened, Niguang¡¯s incident was hushed up. If it were not Princess Royal Yongfu who mentioned it to her, Qiu Yn was going to send someone to ask Nijin some other day if she would fulfil her promise.

    Of course, another possibility was that sending out Nijin¡¯s good news at that moment was to cover up Niguang¡¯s incident.

    Qiu Yn asked, pretending to be careless, after cing a go chess piece, ¡°What happened to Niguang? I didn¡¯t listen carefully because I was thinking about my next move.¡±

    ¡°She was careless on such a cold day. She was toozy to fetch hot water when she was thirsty at midnight. So, she drank cold water which gave her enteritis.¡± Yongfu sighed, ¡°She was at herst breath when the imperial doctor arrived in the morning. And she was gone because of it.¡± No matter how Empress Dowager Jiang valued Niguang, she was still just a maid. There was no such a rule about opening the pce gate to summon the imperial doctor for a maid in the Pce. But diseases like acute enteritis must be treated in time. So, everyonemented her death, but no one doubted it.

    ¡°I¡¯m shocked!¡± Qiu Yn knew that Nijin and Niguang lived in the same room. However, since Nijin was close to her and Niguang tried to undermine her marriage, they didn¡¯t get along well. So, Niguang always took precautions against Nijin. She wondered how Nijin managed to make it look like Niguang died of enteritis. Especially, Niguang was Maid Lin¡¯s goddaughter. Maid Lin had taken care of the domestic affairs of the Pce on behalf of Empress Jiang for years. She was extremely clever!

    But it wasn¡¯t important. She was d that Niguang was dead. She didn¡¯t care how Nijin did it. The senior concubine position didn¡¯t matter to Qiu Yn and Jiang Tianhe was the one doing the work. It was a good deal to get rid of Niguang who coveted her husband by offering Nijin that position.

    She spent a whole afternoon ying go with Princess Royal Yongfu and left at dusk.

    She heard that Zhuang Man came to look for her when she got back to her ce. She could guess why she came. So, she turned her charm on Jiang Yashuang, ¡°She definitely came for our eleventh sister-inw. But I can¡¯t do anything about it. I can¡¯t go to the first branch and beat our eldest aunt up for her, can I? I¡¯ll be happy then. But even if I¡¯m not afraid, how will our eleventh sister-inw face the others? She¡¯s our older cousin and Man is our younger cousin. We must do something about it. Hurry and give me an idea!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sneered, ¡°No need to go and talk to our eldest aunt. Although those people of the Dou Family left the Jiaofang, they were still in low status. I¡¯ll ask the head of the Jiaofang to hand them over to me tomorrow. Let¡¯s see if our eldest aunt dares to vent her anger on our eleventh sister-inw again!¡±

    The Dou Family took the me for the first branch which implicated all the womenfolk in their family. They were all relegated to the Jiaofang. And the Empress Dowager¡¯s party hit them when they were down by making their lives a living hell. And then the Empress Dowager¡¯s party fell from power. Madame Dou begged so earnestly that she managed to take them to her vi to rest.

    However, they were still in low status. After all, their crimes were too great. But that was just an excuse to fool Madame Dou. The real reason was that the Jiang Family didn¡¯t want Qiu Yn and her brother to hold them ountable for digging up General Ruan¡¯s grave. They nned to keep using the Dou Family as the scapegoat. So, they couldn¡¯t be too nice to them.

    If they lifted them out of their low status at that moment, would they throw them back to the Jiaofang again when Qiu Jinn came back and tried to find someone to me? That would be a p in the Jiang Family¡¯s face. How could Marquess Qin do something like that?

    It was better to let Madame Dou take them to her vi without lifting them out of their low status. So, the Jiang Family could give them to Qiu Jinn when he asked and let him do whatever he wanted. Because killing a few people of low status wasn¡¯t a big deal.

    Madame Dou arranged for those people to live in her vi to rest at that moment. Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t n to force them back to the Jiaofang. He just wanted to make Madame Dou afraid to vent her anger on Madame Zhuang Junior.

    Qiu Yn was so satisfied that they could use it to their advantage, ¡°In that case, Man should be happy.¡±

    Chunran came in to report with a grave look when they were talking, ¡°News came from Kui County, saying that Madame Han is seriously ill¡­¡±

    Jiang Yashuang stood up suddenly before Chunran finished talking and asked in a low voice, ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°News came from Madame Tao,¡± Chunran answered at once.

    ¡°How badly is she ill? Is it critical? What does the first branch n to do?¡± Qiu Yn was stunned and then came to her sense. So, she asked a series of questions. Madame Han was Jiang Qianshan¡¯s second wife who was also Jiang Tianao¡¯s stepmother.

 Chapter 361 - You Need to Learn That from Jiang Yashuang!

    Chapter 361 You Need to Learn That from Jiang Yashuang!

    Although Madame Han was Jiang Tianao¡¯s stepmother, he and his branch all needed to resign and return to Kui County to mourn her for three years if she died.

    In fact, they just needed to mourn for twenty-seven months. But judging by the current situation, let alone twenty-seven months, the first branch might lose the fight over the Western Army in seven months. Besides the Western Army, how much influence they would have over the government was unclear.

    So, everyone in the first branch was worried when they got the message from Kui County.

    On the contrary, the third branch felt it was a heaven-sent fortune! They were ready to put up a desperate fight with the first branch. However, the first branch was about to be forced out. Jiang Tianqi was so happy that he didn¡¯t know how to celebrate.

    However, the fourth branch wasn¡¯t as optimistic as the third branch.

    ¡°Madame Han was born a peasant woman. She is always healthy. And she is younger than Granduncle Qianshan. Even if she is sick, she is unlikely to die.¡± Jiang Yashuang urged his wife after returning from Marquess Qin¡¯s study, ¡°Even if she is dying and thus the first branch is forced out, the third branch is still in running for power over the Western Army. So, you mustn¡¯t look happy. In case someone tells our grandfather on you, which will cause trouble.¡±

    Qiu Yn rolled her eyes at him, ¡°Do you think of me as a fool?¡± The first branch was in the most frightening state of all, okay? Since they wouldn¡¯t be able to fight for power because they needed to return to their hometown to observe mourning, they might drag others down with them. Didn¡¯t they learn enough from what happened to Madame Dou and Madame He who offended Madame Tao and Empress Dowager Jiang?

    Jiang Yashuang said after pondering, ¡°Actually, I have some guesses about why Madame Han is ill. I just don¡¯t know if my guesses are right.¡±

    He lowered his voice, ¡°If my guesses are right, it¡¯ll cause us trouble.¡±

    ¡°Um?¡±

    ¡°You know that Madame Han is Granduncle Qianshan¡¯s second wife.¡± Jiang Yashuang said, frowning, ¡°I can tell you this since you¡¯re my wife now. Granduncle Qianshan¡¯s first wife, Madame Lin, died not long after she gave birth to our eldest aunt. So, Granduncle Qianshan married Madame Han so that she could look after our eldest uncle and aunt. It¡¯s said that Madame Han doesn¡¯t treat them well¡­¡±

    ¡°But she treats her biological kids who are our second aunt, second uncle, and fifth uncle well. Granduncle Qianshan didn¡¯t allow our second uncle and fifth uncle to work in the government. Partly because he didn¡¯t want to trouble our grandfather and youngest grand uncle. It was also because he wanted tofort our eldest uncle and aunt. And our second aunt married into the Dou Family for a reason. Our eldest uncle already married our eldest aunt back then. It would bring our two families too close together if our second aunt married into the Dou Family. Even though our family wasn¡¯t as powerful as now, we didn¡¯t want to do that.¡±

    ¡°However, when our eldest uncle got married, Madame Han saw the Dou Family was quite rich. They were richer than us back then. So, she made the Dou Family have to ept our second aunt as their daughter-inw. Gu wasn¡¯t executed when the Dou Family¡¯s crime was exposed. So, to save our eldest uncle, our grandfather chose to sacrifice the Dou Family which also meant sacrificing our second aunt and her kids. How could Madame Han be patient since they¡¯re still in trouble?¡±

    Qiu Yn was frustrated, ¡°Marquess Qin treats Jiang Tianao so well. As Marquess Qin¡¯s favorite nephew, instead of saving Marquess Qin from worries, he always plots against Marquess Qin¡¯s sons. Besides, Madame Han doesn¡¯t treat him well. It looks like that if Madame Han is not very capable, she should be protected by Kui Xiannan since she is still alive.¡±

    She couldn¡¯t say that to Jiang Yashuang. Instead, she said, ¡°No wonder our eldest uncle only felt sorry for the men in the Dou Family who were able to work for him after the Dou Family fell from power. He didn¡¯t care about the womenfolk of the Dou Family at all. Our eldest aunt cared about them more than him. It turns out there is a reason for that.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°So, I think Madame Han may not be sick. I¡¯m afraid that she is pretending to be sick to save our second aunt and her kids!¡±

    ¡°And then who is to me for digging up my grandfather¡¯s grave?¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s face went dark after hearing that. Honestly, she was frustrated at that moment. She knew it better than the Jiang Family that Empress Dowager Ye sent people to dig up General Ruan¡¯s grave. But she could never tell the truth. So, she had to believe what Jiang Yashuang said that the Dou Family dug up the grave.

    Now the people who dug up her grandfather¡¯s grave were about to be released. How couldn¡¯t she respond ordingly?

    ¡°I don¡¯t think our grandfather will do anything about it. The best he could do is to send someone to Kui County to exin it to Granduncle Qianshan.¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head after hearing that, ¡°Although Madame Han is our grandfather¡¯s older brother¡¯s wife and Madame Ou is our grandfather¡¯s younger brother¡¯s wife, our grandfather takes Madame Ou¡¯s words more seriously than Madame Han¡¯s.¡±

    It was partly because Madame Han was Jiang Qianshan¡¯s second wife and was born a peasant woman who was less admirable than Sir Jibei¡¯s talented wife, Madame Ou.

    The most important reason was that she treated Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianyuan poorly when they were kids. And Marquess Qin valued trueborn. He wasn¡¯t the kind of person who neglected his trueborn after remarrying. For example, Madame Tao married him for years whose daughter was first the Empress and then the Empress Dowager. But she mainly yed nice with the third and the fourth branch and didn¡¯t dare to offend them easily. So, he could never take his brother¡¯s second wife seriously!

    Qiu Yn asked after pondering, ¡°What kind of trouble are we going to have? Are you afraid that the first branch wille to talk to us about it? What are they going to do to me if I refuse?¡±

    Without Marquess Qin¡¯s help, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know what she should be afraid of if the first branch came.

    ¡°Madame Han is said to be ill. They won¡¯t all go back. I think they¡¯ll send Jiang Yayun or Jiang Yahong to go back and visit her.¡± Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°But I don¡¯t think Madame Han will get better as long as our second aunt and her kids are still in trouble. She is our eldest uncle¡¯s stepmother after all. It¡¯s inappropriate for our eldest uncle not to go back and take care of her if she is ill abed for a few months. Don¡¯t you think our eldest uncle willpromise?¡±

    Madame Han wasn¡¯t scared of anything since she had nothing to lose. Her biological kids were with her anyway. They could take care of her when she was ill or mourn her when she died. Since she didn¡¯t have the power to make Marquess Qin back down, she had to force Jiang Tianao. She could pretend to be ill forever if Jiang Tianao refused to obey.

    The result of that stalemate was easy to predict. Jiang Tianao would back down eventually.

    What happened next would be that, ¡°The Dou Family is in the wrong on that matter. So, our grandfather won¡¯t speak for them. And our eldest uncle surely knows that he is unlikely to achieve his purpose if he talks to you and your brother. There is only one way left for him if he wants to give Madame Han what she wants and make you and your brotherpromise.¡±

    ¡°Reverse the verdict. He needs to reinvestigate the Dou Family¡¯s treason and the case of digging up your grandfather¡¯s grave.¡±

    ¡°Of course, we know exactly what they did to your grandfather¡¯s grave. He could never deny it.¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°But about the Dou Family¡¯s treason¡­ You know that I framed them.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought, ¡°Speaking of digging up my grandfather¡¯s grave¡­ You don¡¯t know that I caused it.¡±

    ¡°Our eldest uncle may not be sure that I was behind it. But he may target our branch to make you and your brotherpromise.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought, ¡°I knew that what Empress Dowager Ye did was a recipe for disaster.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked listlessly, ¡°What can we do now?¡±

    ¡°Deny it anyway,¡± Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t think of anything at that moment. Mainly because the first branch hadn¡¯t made their move yet. He tried his best to deal with the aftermath back then. Now he just had to wait and see what the first branch would do and then react ordingly. He said with frustration, ¡°I¡¯m only warning you because I¡¯m afraid that is what the first branch may do. In case they catch you off guard.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t think of any better idea either. She could only be on her guard.

    However, they needn¡¯t have had that discussion at all.

    Because as Jiang Tianao sent his eldest son, Jiang Yayun, and his eldest grandson, Jiang Jingxu back to his hometown to visit his stepmother on behalf of him and his wife, he began to prepare himself just in case that Madame Han was really dying instead of pretending.

    After all, Jiang Tianao would face a career crisis if she died. He wasn¡¯t as sure as Jiang Yashuang that Madame Han was faking it. After all, for Jiang Yashuang and others like him, it would be such great news if Madame Han wasn¡¯t faking it. They could just wait for the good news without doing anything.

    Jiang Tianao had to consider what he should do to secure his position and power in the government and the army if he truly needed to spend twenty-seven months mourning his stepmother.

    The fourth branch was lucky that time. Because after some serious thought, Jiang Tianao chose the third branch to be his first target.

    The reason was simple. Marquess Qin supported the first branch and the third branch in governing the Western Army together. He didn¡¯t support the fourth branch.

    ¡°Father, but Qiu Jinn hasn¡¯te back yet. Moreover, the fourth branch has sent Ou Qinn there.¡± Jiang Yayun who was about to depart reminded, frowning, ¡°My second grand uncle stopped criticizing the fourth branch after Madame Ou pleaded for them. If we suppress the third branch and Madame Han really¡­ What if the fourth branch takes the opportunity to prevail over the third branch and then takes over the Western Army all by themselves?¡±

    Jiang Tianao shook his head and said, ¡°It is impossible! Although Qiu Jinn is Jiang Yashuang¡¯s brother-inw, he is not one of us! Your second grand uncle knows what he is doing. He won¡¯t let him take over the Western Army for real.¡± He paused, ¡°The third branch has your second grand uncle¡¯s support. But Qiu Jinn only has the fourth branch¡¯s support. And he is young. I¡¯m afraid he won¡¯t stand a chance against the third branch. The third branch may win over the Western Army in a short time. So, we have to go after the third branch to prevent the fourth branch from losing the fight before wee back.¡±

    Jiang Yayun still thought it wasn¡¯t a good idea. He said after some thought, ¡°My brother is already on his way to Shazhou anyway. How about this? We don¡¯t tell him about it just yet. When he arrives at Shazhou, we can deliver the message to him if Madame Han really is dying, and in the meantime¡­¡±

    He lowered his voice, ¡°We can ask him to pretend to be sick. My grandfather, second grand uncle, and youngest grand uncle all adore him. They surely will ask him to stay put. In that case, even if it is inconvenient for him to go out as he is recuperating, it is better to have someone there to take charge.¡±

    Jiang Tianao sighed, ¡°You¡¯re unwise! He can pretend to be sick for a few months. But how could he pretend to be sick for a few years? Besides, what does he want to take over? The military power! And it is the military power of the strongest army of our country. Those fierce soldiers believe in force. If your brother takes your advice, he doesn¡¯t need to pretend to be sick for a few years. The third branch will make him famous for being weak after he pretends to be sick for a few months. Do you think of any strong army will be willing to ept a weakmander?¡±

    And then he sneered, ¡°Besides, when the mourning period is over, he magically recovers after being sick for a few years. Do you think of others as fools?¡±

    Jiang Yayun blushed scarlet.

    ¡°Go to Kui County with Xu¡¯er and see what is going on.¡± Since Jiang Yayun was Jiang Tianao¡¯s eldest son, he didn¡¯t bear to humiliate him. He changed to a gentle tone after seeing that, ¡°Madame Han isn¡¯t nice. Watch out for your second uncle and fifth uncle when you get there. Spend more time with your grandfather. You¡¯re his eldest grandson who he values the most among all his grandsons. That is why I send you. If Madame Han is pretending, you can go cry to your grandfather. Don¡¯t feel embarrassed. You need to learn that from Jiang Yashuang. He looks so dignified in front of people. But when he badgers your second grand uncle, he is extremely good at acting like a child. Even a smart man like your second grand uncle falls for that, let alone your honest grandfather.¡±

    Jiang Tianao didn¡¯t have time to take a sip of water after sending his eldest son away. He called up his staff at once and began to discuss how to me the third branch for the Dou Family¡¯s downfall.

 Chapter 362 - Jiang Yashuang Thought Too Much.

    Chapter 362 Jiang Yashuang Thought Too Much.

    It was almost New Year¡¯s Eve.

    No matter how turbulent it was, the annual festival would always be celebrated.

    Jiang Yashuang and his wife began to prepare for the festival while guarding against the first branch¡¯s scheme. There were many elders and brothers and sisters of them. They didn¡¯t have anything else to do except arranging their own yard. So, most of their energy was spent on watching out for the first branch.

    But a few days before New Year¡¯s Eve, good news made the couple temporarily lose the idea of intriguing the first branch. Qiu Yn was pregnant!

    Although they had raised An, their child was different from the nephew.

    While Qiu Yn was happy, Jiang Yashuang, who was cheated by her at the beginning, was going crazy with joy. After all, he always thought he would not have his own child in his life. Now his wife was pregnant. There were no words that could describe his happy mood!

    However, in front of his wife and servants, Jiang Yashuang suddenly thought of a fatal problem, ¡°At first, Qiu Yn said she couldn¡¯t bear a child because she suffered the cold in the avnche of Mount Dizi. Now it is a happy thing to be pregnant, but I don¡¯t know what will happen to her body.¡±

    It was normal that he thought too much. After all, at this time, women¡¯s pregnancy might take their life. In particr, the Jiang Family just lost a granddaughter-inw not long ago. How could Jiang Yashuang not think much?

    Finally, he had his child but might face the risk of losing his wife. Jiang Yashuang forced a smile tofort her wife to rest. He went out on the pretext that he needed to go to deal with some business and quietly went to Qi Shuluo, who diagnosed Qiu Yn. He asked, ¡°How is Ningyi¡¯s pregnancy?¡±

    ¡°Madame is in good health and the young master is very good!¡± Qi Shuluo felt a little embarrassed and said, ¡°you have asked more than a dozen times at home just now. Why are you so worried that youe to my home to ask?¡± Even though the feeling of being a father at the beginning was understandable, it was too nervous for Jiang Yashuang considering his education background and position.

    But he was surprised that Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t rx but frowned more tightly after getting this answer, ¡°Really?¡±

    Qi Shuluo saw that he didn¡¯t seem to be worrying for no reason. He realized something and said seriously in a hurry, ¡°I have been practicing medicine for many years. Even if I¡¯m not the best, I¡¯m sure madame is healthy. Both mother and son are definitely good. I assure you!¡± In fact, Qiu Yn was just pregnant and no one knew whether it would be a boy or girl. As usual, calling it a boy was for good luck.

    Jiang Yashuang, with his hands on his back, paced back and forth in the hall, looked up, and asked, ¡°So it will be no harm to the mother if Ningyi gives birth to this son, right?¡±

    Qi Shuluo was stunned by this question. He said, ¡°This¡­ Of course, it doesn¡¯t matter! I have told you that your wife and child are very healthy. Why?¡±

    The old imperial doctor felt that it was not so easy to be themon doctors of the powerful family. If it were not for the fact that people inside and outside the Jiang Family all said that Jiang Yashuang and his wife loved each other very much, and there were no concubines of Jiang Yashuang, and If Jiang Yadan asked this, he would doubt that Jiang Yashuang was eager for his wife¡¯s death, so as to give a ce for his lovers.

    ¡°Really?¡± Jiang Yashuang asked again. His eyes were sharp and stared at Qi Shuluo, ¡°There are no others here. You can only tell the truth. Otherwise¡­¡±

    For the first time in his life, Qi Shuluo doubted whether Jiang Yashuang was mentally ill or not.

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you for nearly 20 times. Your wife and children are very healthy!¡±

    ¡°Your wife even didn¡¯t cough once since she has married you for nearly two years. She is more beautiful than flowers. Her skin is white and her eyes are bright. If she can¡¯t have children, will there be anyone suitable for having children in the world?¡±

    Qi Shuluo was afraid to speak frankly and so he had to be assured. He said, ¡°If I lied, you could punish me as you wish.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention today to anyone!¡± Jiang Yashuang thought for a while and left with this sentence.

    Behind him, Qi Shuluo was confused, trying to understand his purpose, ¡°Jiang Yashuang¡­ Does he want his wife to live or to die?¡±

    He was totally confused.

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t have time to deal with Qi Shuluo¡¯s madness. When he entered the door, he was very nervous. He was afraid that he had to choose to protect the mother or the child. Although he was a little worried after going out, Qi Shuluo¡¯s guarantee relieved him in the end.

    ¡°This is the blessing of God!¡± Jiang Yashuang decided to do fewer bad things in the future, for example killing the Dou family, so as to umte good virtues for the child.

    However, this idea only lingered for a while as the short journey from Qi Shuluo¡¯s home to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion.

    The reason was very simple. He returned to his yard with light steps. Before he entered the house, he heard Madame Dou Junior¡¯s words, ¡°Why don¡¯t you send him to me? I can take care of him for you for some days! After all, you are pregnant and An is so little that you will be tired.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang lifted the curtain without even thinking about it. He replied to Dou, ¡°Thank you for your kindness. But since grandma lets us raise An, you don¡¯t need to be worried. Even if my wife is pregnant, she will arrange properly¡­ It¡¯s gettingte. If there¡¯s nothing else to do, please go back! Everyone is busy before the festival!¡±

    In the room, Madame Dou Junior, Madame Shi, Madame Zhang, Madame Zhuang Junior, Mi Yinyin, He Shuijin, and Sheng Shishui, except for the tenth madame who was ill in her mother¡¯s house and the second madame who was beaten by Qiu Yn before, all the sisters-inw in Jing City had arrived. They were congratting Qiu Yn andughing. Although Madame Dou Junior¡¯s previous words calmed the scene, everyone, including Madame Dou Junior, knew that Qiu Yn could not agree to this request. So, everyone listened to it as a joke and no one took it seriously. The atmosphere was still very harmonious.

    Jiang Yashuang suddenly rushed in and said that, followed by an eviction order. Sisters-inw were all speechless.

    ¡°He is right. The New Year¡¯s Day is approaching and everyone is busy!¡± After all, He Shuijin reacted quickly, ¡°Since Yashuang is back and Yn has an apany, we should leave now.¡±

    She barely mediated.

    At this time, Madame Dou Junior and others realized and left one after another.

    However, Madame Dou Junior was unhappy, ¡°It is true that the first branch has failed to educate Jiang Yadan properly. I also know you won¡¯t send An to the first branch again, but wasn¡¯t that a polite word? Jiang Yashuang went too far. I am his oldest sister-inw anyway. He didn¡¯t respect me!¡±

    In fact, An was little. Not to mention Madame Dou Junior¡¯s words, she only took care of him during Qiu Yn¡¯s pregnancy and childbirth. Even if she took him to the first branch for three or five years, how old would An be? How bad could he be? It would be easy to be corrected at that age, wouldn¡¯t it?

    The more she thought about it, the more she felt wronged.

    But Madame Dou Junior didn¡¯t dare to quarrel with Jiang Yashuang. After he became really angry, even his elders would be a little afraid. It was mainly because that whether the family members of the Dou Family could live depended on the attitudes of Qiu Yn and her brother. She couldn¡¯t say this grievance and so she had to endure. She even wanted to exin, but Jiang Yashuang was so sharp that she couldn¡¯t stay any longer.

    After everyone else left, Qiu Yn picked a kumquat from the silver te and threw it to her husband,ughing and scolding, ¡°The first branch doesn¡¯t think I¡¯ll agree to let them take care of An. Besides, even if we agreed, grandma would probably disagree! I think she didn¡¯t mean it this time. She didn¡¯t take it seriously at all. However, you rushed in quietly and said so. If she went to the elders to cry, wouldn¡¯t grandpa punish you?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang, who had always been generous, was still annoyed until now. After waving his hand to the servant to step out, he said faintly, ¡°Do you think she didn¡¯t mean any harm when she said it casually? What did she mean that since you are pregnant and An is little, it¡¯s inevitable that you can¡¯t take care of him? This will cause others to talk about that you will neglect An when you are pregnant.¡±

    ¡°Even if she hadn¡¯t mentioned it today, someone in the family would say so!¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know his happiness that he had his own child and he didn¡¯t have to exchange it with his wife¡¯s life. So, after the joy, he was very peaceful and said, ¡°Just ignore it! After all, we have made many people unhappy.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was a high-ranking rich and handsome man and it was normal to have prostitutes and concubines at that time. However, he was loyal only to her. Could many people not be jealous?

    ¡°You¡¯re jealous! He is good to me. He is good and he doesn¡¯t flirt!¡± Qiu Yn thought proudly, ¡°And I¡¯m pregnant now. No matter it will be a boy or a girl, Jiang Yashuang will love it. I¡¯m afraid you¡¯re red-eyed like a rabbit, but you¡¯re just looking for more unhappiness for yourself! What can you do to me?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang, who had always been obedient to her, insisted on being careful to the end this time. He said, ¡°The bank of thousands of miles copsed because of the ant nest. I¡¯m trying to be strict today and then I will see who dares to say that.¡±

    He stroked her shoulder and said softly, ¡°Next, I¡¯ll recruit more staff to work for me, so as to spare time toe back and apany you and take care of An¡­ Don¡¯t worry about anything. Just eat and drink! I¡¯ll deal with everything else!¡±

    He coaxed his wife with sweet words and snuggled up together to imagine the scene after the birth of the child. Of course, he made numerous names for both boys and girls.

    When it was dark, the servant came in and put on dinner. They finished their meal and went to see An. Qiu Yn was pregnant. Although she hadn¡¯t had morning sickness yet, she was already sleepy. So, she went back to the inner room for rest.

    Jiang Yashuang was tired but happy to dispose of the backlog of documents in the study.

    As soon as he entered the study, he asked Jiang Tan, ¡°Are there any suitable people whom I asked you to observe?¡±

    Without waiting for Jiang Tan¡¯s answer, he added, ¡°As long as they can handle official business for me at present, you can solicit them first. Next, I will need a lot of free time!¡±

    After he arranged to find more people, Jiang Yashuang asked him to send someone to ask Ou Bicheng toe here and discuss important matters tomorrow.

    At the moment, Jiang Yashuang had forgotten the idea of ¡°less bad things and more virtues for his wife and son¡± that he came up with on his way home in the afternoon. What he thought was that, ¡°Use special means at the special moment. If the means were not strong enough, there would always be some people not knowing how to write the word ¡®fear¡¯.¡±

    ¡°My wife and I have been looking forward to this child for a long time. We must be safe! Who dares to harm my wife and child, no matter it is intentional or unintentional, I will make them regreting to this world.¡±

 Chapter 363 - It Was My Incompetence That Made You and Daughter Live in Aggrieved Life.

    Chapter 363 It Was My Ipetence That Made You and Daughter Live in Aggrieved Life.

    Jiang Family had so many descendants. It was inevitable that some kids relied on their parents to start up their businesses.

    As the most valuable grandson, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s first kid had won so much attention, especially that the biological mother was Jiang Yashuang¡¯s legal wife. The good news came out around the festival. Marquess Qin and his wife were so happy that they could not stop rewarding treasures. Marquess Qin told Madame Tao by himself, ¡°Qiu Yn does not have reliable parents to help her. The wife of our fourth son is far away in Beijiang. She is having her first kid. You should pay much more attention!¡±

    Madame Tao smiled, ¡°I don¡¯t need you to tell me. I have asked Mom Hu to go there every day. It was lucky that Mrs. Zhou who served Madame apanied her to Jiang Family when she got married. I have observed Mrs. Zhou on my own. She is meticulous.¡±

    Madame was clear. The reason why she did not ask Mom Hu to take care of Qiu Yn as she did when Madame Tao Junior was pregnant was that she knew Qiu Yn would be ufortable if she went there. Besides, there was Mom Zhou to look after her. If Mom Hu came, she would suppress Mom Zhou, who was the wet nurse of Qiu Yn¡¯s mother and apanied her when she was in trouble. Qiu Yn would not be happy to see Mom Zhou was suppressed.

    So, she would like to ask Mom Hu to go there every day instead of letting her live there to bother them.

    Everyone knew Madame¡¯s considerations. They were more jealous of her.

    No matter how jealous they were, the attitudes of Marquess Qin and his wife were firm. So, they had to preparevish gifts for them.

    ¡°I remember this is your dowry. Why do you take out that?¡± Jiang Yazhu was ying with his daughter under the west window. Jiang Huihuan could not speak fluently because she was just two years old. She seized his sleeves and kept calling. Jiang Yazhu pinched her face and her fingers as he looked at the delicate box on the table, asking, ¡°Do you n to send it to Jiang Yashuang¡¯s kid?¡±

    Sisters-inw like Sheng Shishui came to visit Qiu Yn immediately when the news that she was pregnant came out. However, they were just so hasty as to carrymon gifts. These days Marquess Qin and Madame Tao showed their attitudes. Those who wanted to kiss up to them prepared another princely gift.

    Jiang Yazhu and his wife were from the fourth branch, which meant they should be more serious.

    Sheng Shishui made an agile hair style. She was sitting around the table, checking the list of presents. Hearing the words, she answered, ¡°Of course. These days, proper presents in shops have been sold out. Those that we cannot afford are left. My dowry is useless. If we give it to them, we won¡¯t be under so much pressure.¡±

    Jiang Yazhu¡¯s face changed as his hand on his daughter¡¯s face paused for a while. It was not until Jiang Huihuan bit him curiously that he stopped puzzling. He took out a handkerchief to wipe her saliva and then his hand. He said coolly, ¡°I heard about that when Emperor Gaozong wanted to select wives for the feudal princes and the news was just given away, the price of treasures all rose high and supply could not meet demand. Though I did not see the view in the previous dynasty, now I have experienced it because of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s wife¡¯s pregnancy.¡±

    ¡°We have no loss if we send these gifts.¡± Sheng Shishui turned her back to him and sighed. She said in a soft voice, ¡°Qiu Yn knows this is my dowry. She will pay back.¡±

    ¡°I am the brother of Jiang Yashuang. When you were pregnant, they did not act like that!¡± Jiang Yazhu looked at her innocent daughter. He lookedplicated, ¡°Though I know there is difference between the son of the legal wife and that of a concubine, but the difference¡­¡±

    He hung his eyes and sighed, ¡°I am so ipetent. It is because of me that you do not live a happier life.¡±

    ¡°Why do you say that?¡± Sheng Shishui turned to him and frowned, ¡°Though our situation is not good, will we be poorer than our grandpa when he is young? I have told you that if you work hard, even if our officialmother does not look up upon us, grandfather will help us because you are his grandson. Besides, Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn had no n to suppress us.¡±

    ¡°Do we have something worthy of being suppressed?¡± Jiang Yazhu sneered. ¡°I may not gain stuff which Jiang Yashuang throws away. Even our fourth aunt Empress Jiang¡¯s trousseau cannotpare to Qiu Yn¡¯s. They should have mercy on us!¡±

    Sheng Shishui felt terrible at this moment. As her husband said, she was also the daughter-inw who married into the Jiang Family and carried a baby before Qiu Yn. She was more well-behaved and considerate than Qiu Yn. What did it matter? Wives relied on their husbands to be noble, not to mention the difference of treatment they got when they were pregnant. Qiu Yn got pregnant after she married Jiang Yashuang for two years and Jiang Yashuang had no mistress. However, Sheng Shishui was so shrewd to live a life while her husband got two mistresses who were beautiful and young.

    What made her more helpless was that in such a situation she had to be strong enough to inspire her husband instead of receivingfort from her husband.

    ¡°ording to what you have said, it seems that Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn do not respect us!¡± Sheng Shishui actually wanted to let off her anger by crying and yelling. But when she turned to her young daughter, she took a deep breath and refrained. She persuaded him calmly, ¡°Jiang Yashuang respects you all the time. He is also polite to me as well as Qiu Yn. Why do you think so much? Though they show partiality to him, they give us a way to make a living. Now since our official mother is not here, you should try your best to pursue your future. Otherwise, if our official motheres back, will she give us a chance to expand ourselves? If you are talking about unfairness, try to think about the eldest uncle and the third uncle!¡±

    The humblest guy in the Jiang Family was Jiang Tianqi. As the first son of Marquess Qin¡¯s legal wife, he should have enjoyed all the respect. However, Jiang Tianao suppressed him from childhood to adult period by virtue of their father¡¯s affection.

    Thinking about that Jiang Yazhu felt inspired, ¡°If tomorrow grandfather is free to see me, I will ask him whether I can get a position or not.¡±

    He wasted too much time when he was young. He was bad at both learning and military. Though he did not go out to be mischievous after he got married with Sheng Shishui, who could persuade him, he did not have any fame orpetence. Besides, he was the one to be cracked down as the official mother made it clear. Who would trust him and give him a serious business? So, when he checked out the ounts in Qingfeng Ji, he gained leisure again.

    ¡°There will be a higher possibility to get a position of real power if you invite Jiang Yashuang to visit our grandfather together. You may take this chance to get along well with the official mother again. If you be reconciled with her, she will not aim at you like that.¡± Though Sheng Shishui wanted to say the words, she was silent after a thought. ¡°My husband feels so pity. I may mess it up if I still mention Jiang Yashuang.¡±

    However, she asked her maid to mention it to Su He when she gave the present.

    ¡°Jiang Yazhu has been at home without a career for so long indeed. It is said that he has stopped being mischievous since Sheng Shishui married him. Though he may not be able to take on a crucial position, he is young and perhaps can learn something from someone.¡± Qiu Yn did not mind satisfying Sheng Shishui. At that night she told her husband, ¡°After all Huan has been born while Jiang Yazhu does not have a serious business. It is unreasonable.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang did not take Jiang Yazhu as an outsider at all. Hearing her words, he agreed, ¡°I will tell grandfather tomorrow to give Jiang Yazhu a good position. I will try my best to make Sheng Shishui and Huan a noble life.¡±

    It was no wonder that Jiang Yazhu was jealous of his brother. If he wanted a business, he could only ask Marquess Qin for help, which depended on whether Marquess Qin was free. Besides, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s young servant may gain a position for his rtives easier than him. Jiang Yashuang could enter into Marquee Qin¡¯s schoolroom whenever he wanted. If he didn¡¯t want to go there, once there was a sign of disturbance or trouble, Marquess Qin would positively ask him to discuss. Marquess Qin was afraid that his cultivation of Jiang Yashuang was not enough.

    They were all grandsons of Marquess Qin. The gap was so huge. A normal people would be jealous.

    In fact, Jiang Yashuang knew his brother¡¯s grievance. He did not have hatred and estrangement to him, though he knew his origin as he was not brought up by Madame Zhuang, ¡°Though Jiang Yazhu does not be mischievous as he used to be, he also does nothing respectable. It is hard for him to make elders impressive. Though my wife and I respect him, we cannot erase his jealousy. What kind of a position should we get for him to give him space to show his capabilities?¡±

    There were three kids in the fourth branch. Obviously, they could not count on Jiang Yadan. Jiang Yashuang definitely hoped Jiang Yazhu could bepetent so that he could help him when needed.

    So, he spent a lot of his energy on thinking about Jiang Yazhu¡¯s future.

    However, the next day when he went to talk with Marquess Qin, Marquess Qin said, ¡°I already have a n for his future. Today if you do note to me, I will ask you to make it clear.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was surprised, ¡°What a n?¡±

    ¡°I will let him go to the Northern Army.¡±

    ¡°The Northern Army?¡± Jiang Yashuang was shocked. ¡°Though Jiang Yazhu does not want to attend the imperialpetitive examination, he grew up in a prosperous ce in Jing City. Won¡¯t the life in the Northern Army be too ascetic?¡±

    He was covering up for Jiang Yazhu. The reason why he did not want to take the imperial examinations was that he did not have the ability. Not every reformed person had the talent to pass the examination after learning hard for several years. Jiang Yazhu was not firmed at reforming. If Sheng Shishui did not persuade him, he would give himself up as well.

    How could such kind of person bear the hardship in the Northern Army? The most important thing was that if he went to Beijiang, he would live right under Madame Zhuang¡¯s nose.

    Jiang Yashuang was sent to Jing City when he was a baby. His impression about mother was from what others said. But he knew Madame Zhuang would not give Jiang Yazhu an easy life to live. She might even kill him.

    At this moment he heard that Marquess Qin nned to send him to the Northern Army. He had to oppose him.

    Marquess Qin shook his head, ¡°Will Jiang Yazhu keep away from your mother in his whole life?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled bitterly, ¡°If you must send him to the Northern Army, could hee with meter?¡± If he went to Beijiang with him, when Madame Zhuang became mad, he could try to persuade her as her natural son.

    ¡°Hey! You only have two brothers in the fourth branch. Now your father and your uncles were in high intensity ofpetition. If you have another choice, you cannot use your brothers at all!¡± Marquess Qin sneered, ¡°If you don¡¯t send him to Beijiang to temper him, two yearster what can he do? Do you think you could handle so many things in army?¡±

    He paused, ¡°If your mother considers for you sincerely, she should give up her jealousy. If she can¡¯t, I am tired of bearing her. Ask her toe back in case that she breaks the rtionship between you and your brother!¡±

    Seeing his grandfather was decisive, Jiang Yashuang had no choice but asked for leave.

    He went back to his yard and told Qiu Yn this thing. He said, ¡°I want to go to the schoolroom to write a letter to persuade my mother. Otherwise, she will be unhappy if Jiang Yazhu goes there.¡±

    Qiu Yn agreed with him, ¡°Go ahead!¡±

    Su He went in ironically after he left, ¡°Something happened in Sir Jibei¡¯s mansion.¡±

    ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Mi Yinyin went back to her maiden family with tears. Madame Mi started to pretend to be ill.¡±

    Qiu Yn was shocked, ¡°What happened to Madame Mi and her nephew?¡± Though she did not have conflicts with Mi Yinyin, she got along well with Xin Fubing. Naturally she could not take a shine to them. Hearing this news, she had nothing to worry about, but she was interested.

    ¡°Madame Tianhe tells Madame Ou that you entered into the Jiang Familyter than Jiang Yn¡¯s wife but you have been pregnant now. Though the fourteenth madame does not have a kid, she was pregnant before. For the sake of Jiang Yn¡¯s descendants, they have to find other wives for him.¡± Su He chuckled, ¡°They said that such things should be raised by Jiang Yn¡¯s wife by herself. She had not said a word. She was not so virtuous and generous!¡±

    ¡°And then?¡± Qiu Yn left out of consideration that the revenge of Jiang Tianhe to the sixth branch did not finish yet. They messed up on the excuse of her pregnancy. She was curious how they would finish such things when she felt herself innocent.

    Su He said, ¡°You know Jiang Yn¡¯s wife. She was spoiled when she was in her maiden family. After she got married, her mother-inw pampered her. How could she bear it? Hearing these words, she cried and went back to her room. But she still felt wronged and so returned her maiden family. It was a pity that the sixth madame said something for her in front of Madame Ou. But she was chocked by Madame Ou¡¯s words. Madame Ou said that she was not virtuous as she could not give birth to a baby and why she did not find a person who could give a child for her husband since she just stayed at home. She was also med by Madame Ou as she spoiled Mi Yinyin too much. So, she went back to her yard and said she was ill.¡±

    ¡°The aunt and the nephew are so amazing. ¡°Qiu Yn shook her head. She suddenly remembered He Shuijin. She curled her lips, ¡°Though Madame Mi treats my cousin badly, she treats Mi Yinyin very well. She is a good example of being a good aunt. She is not like Madame He¡¯s attitude to He Shuijin, which is really disgusting!¡±

 Chapter 364 - The Fire Burnt to her!

    Chapter 364 The Fire Burnt to her!

    Qiu Yn did not pay too much attention because the conflict between sisters-inw and aunts happened in another mansion. Besides, they were all her elderships.

    She did not expect that in the New Year¡¯s Eve dinner, the fire was burning on her head.

    Before that eve, Jiang Yashuang was worried about her pregnancy and so he turned down the invitation to the dinner. He and his wife ate a richer meal than usual in their room.

    The next day was the first day of the lunar year. The whole family was busy with ancestor worship. Besides kids, only Qiu Yn was idle.

    They would visit their rtives the next day. Qiu Yn did note back. Ruan Ciyi was also pregnant. Qiu Yn waszy to go to Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. So, she sent Mrs. Zhou there as usual.

    Mrs. Zhou went back from there. She was about to tell the situation of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe while Xian, who served He Shuijin, was led in by Chen Shui. There was a delicate fruit basket in her arm. She smiled, ¡°Our madame brought some fruit that grew up in the warm house from Mayor¡¯s mansion. She thought that you have a good appetite and so she asked me to send some to you.¡±

    The vegetable was rare these days, not to mention fruits. Though the Qiao Chengbo Family had a warm house, they could not supply so much demand. Xian just said that they sent fruits to Qiu Yn without mentioning others. It was obvious that the fruits were only given to her. It might be that He Shuijin considered that she was pregnant so that she gave the fresh fruits which her mother sent to her to Qiu Yn.

    Though she knew that He Shuijin was calcting and was trying to win her over, it was hard for her to get moved for what she did. Qiu Yn kept thanking, ¡°Thanks a lot!¡± Eating more fruits in pregnancy was good for the baby¡¯s innate quality. It was winter and there were so many kinds of fruits she could choose even in the cer. Such kind of consideration she did won her heart.

    Chunran took the fruit basket over. Qiu Yn gave a sign to Su He to give her a considerable amount of money as a reward. She asked He Shuijin¡¯s circumstance. And then she asked Xian to take some cakes in return to He Shuijin. She listened to Mrs. Zhou about the stuff in Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. ¡°Now it is dested in the mansion. Princess Yang bes old a lot. Prince is also listless. Though they were so hospitable that they asked me to stay longer, I felt ufortable. So, I took you as an excuse to farewell.¡±

    She said, ¡°Prince now is fourteen years old. I guess what old Princess means is to choose a nice candidate as his princess. She perhaps wants to ask your ideas.¡±

    ¡°Why does she want to ask me?¡± Qiu Yn tried hard to cast off from Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe which was like a morass. She was tired of having any association with Yang and her son. She used to promise Qiu Baozhu to defeat Yang, but she did not realize it yet. How could she help her? She took a piece of cake to eat. She said calmly, ¡°His marriage should be decided by his parents. If his mother is still alive, I, his cousin, should not help him to make the decision. If she wants to have someone to talk about, she should talk with Ding, her daughter-inw.¡±

    Qiu Hongzhi was sentenced to death because of murdering his sister and pissed his father off. At the same time, his wife, Ding Qinghong, who was Xue Chang¡¯s nephew, was saved by lots of people. So, she didn¡¯t die. However, their kid, Qiu Feng, had died because of having a fever.

    Whether he died because of illness or not was not Qiu Yn¡¯s business. At that time there were noises in the court, but Qiu Yn didn¡¯t care about it.

    Though Ding Qingyang lost her husband at a young age, she refused the advice that the Xue Family and the Ding Family gave to her to choose another man to marry. She insisted to keep vigil beside the coffin for her husband and son for three years.

    Hearing that Qiu Yn mentioned her, Mrs. Zhou raised her eyebrow. ¡°When I was there, I saw Old Princess Yang asked Xiuyan to visit Madame Ding on her own and brought the tonics which she ate to give her. It seemed that she cared about her.¡±

    After Yang was proposed to the old Princess, Ding Qinghong was not a young madame anymore. She became a madame.

    ¡°No matter how much she cares, Qiu Feng has dead!¡± Qiu Yn said coolly, ¡°Before that, Ding Qinghong was not content with Yang. Because she thought Yang would not cultivate him seriously. In her heart, Qiu Feng¡¯s death had a direct rtionship with Yang, no matter he was killed by her or not.¡±

    She said, ¡°Everyone knows the purpose that Yang caters for Ding Qinghong. What else will Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe have except for their title of nobility, a mansion, and several shops? She wants to n for Qiu Yinzhi¡¯s future. If she wants to find someone who can give him a hand, it will be Ding Qinghong or me.¡±

    Mrs. Zhou saw she was not interested in this topic and so she stood up and left with a smile.

    However, a few moments after she left, she went back as Chen Shui followed her. They wore an unhappy expression. They entered and said to Su He, ¡°You go out.¡±

    Su He was shocked. She was about to say something. Seeing her nice-tempered grandmother give her a stern look, she followed her order and went out finally.

    ¡°For what, Mrs. Zhou?¡± Qiu Yn put down her cake, asking in bewilderment.

    ¡°Madame, I think that there are several guys in the army who are nice. Why don¡¯t you appoint one of them to marry Su He in this happy period?¡± Mrs. Zhou breathed deeply, saying it grindingly.

    Qiu Yn feels confused. She asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t you and Mrs. Li said¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s all in the past!¡± Mrs. Zhou seemed to be so disturbing. She interrupted her stubbornly, ¡°Now please arrange her a marriage!¡±

    ¡°But what did Xian say to Chen Shui when she came here?¡± Qiu Yn nced at Chen Shui, who was looking at Mrs. Zhou. And then she said slightly, ¡°Xian said, while in the dinner in New Year¡¯s Eve, Madame Tianhe praised you in front of Empress Dowager. The sixth madame agreed. She said you were generous and virtuous not likedies of the house. She said that as soon as you got pregnant, you were busy sending the good-looking maids away and picking some ugly maids to serve you. It seemed that you were afraid of being cheated by your maids and your husband¡­¡±

    After saying these words, her face blushed. Being stared at by Qiu Yn, she had no choice but to continue, ¡°The sixth madame mentioned Su He expressly. She said that Su He was beautiful and you had always been nice to her. She also said that Su He was eighteen while you didn¡¯t pick a nice guy for her. It was obvious that you saved her for our young master!¡±

    Mrs. Zhou observed Qiu Yn¡¯s expression gingerly, ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry! Now you are too delicate to be angry. You know Su He best. Though she is innocent, she never has such an idea to be a concubine of the young master.¡±

    ¡°Please rest assured, Mrs. Zhou. I¡¯m not stupid to doubt my maids easily when being provoked.¡± Qiu Yn said without expression. ¡°I have to criticize you, Mrs. Zhou. The sixth madame does not have any other association with us. She does not care about us, either. Do you want me to hastily marry Su He to some guy just because of a sentence she said?¡±

    Hearing her words, Mrs. Zhou was stunned and her face changed, ¡°I¡¯m silly!¡±

    After hearing the words Xian conveyed to Chen Shui, the only thing Mrs. Zhou wanted to do was to let Su He get married as soon as possible in case of being regarded as Jiang Yashuang¡¯s concubine. However, she did not think that if Qiu Yn did so, she would fall into the trap of the sixth madame.

    ¡°But as what she told to Empress Dowager, if Su He stays¡­¡±

    ¡°Even grandmother has not sent anyone to remind me. Why only He Shuijin told me?¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Aunt Tianhe must talk about it to the sixth madame personally. He Shuijin just happened to know it. I think that grandmother does not hear these words. Otherwise¡­¡± She lowered her voice, ¡°An is fostered by Jiang Yashuang and me. Do you think grandmother will offend us by such a little thing?¡±

    Thinking of the tender care Madame Tao showed to An, Mrs. Zhou felt relieved, ¡°Now Madame Zhuang is not in the Jing City. If Madame does not suggest you, nobody could ask you to prepare a concubine for the young master!¡±

    ¡°For An¡¯s sake, Madame will not suggest me.¡± Qiu Yn touched the warm jade bracelet on her wrist. She squinted, ¡°If I go to ask her this stuff, she will even get justice for me.¡±

    After saying this word, she struck the table, ¡°Go and get my fur coat! I want to visit Madame! Are they kidding me? Such a nice maid, whom I treat as my sister. Why does Madame Mi have the qualification toe here to make indiscreet remarks? Now she has said Su He is the candidate of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s concubine. Will she say Xian is the candidate whom He Shuijin picks for Jiang Yaheng in the future? If things go on like this, how can those maids serving the family live? Why should the future of maids whoe here with brides be decided by her? Even in Sir Jibei¡¯s mansion, she cannot have such a right.¡±

    Mrs. Zhou said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you let me tell it to Madame? Please stay home in such a cold winter!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not proper for you to say these words.¡± Qiu Yn shook her head, ¡°Even the immediate elder will not involve in the future of maids who enter the mansion following their master. What the hell is Madame Mi? How dare she go over my mother and grandmother¡¯s head to make such a decision? I should ask my grandmother on my own. After all Su He is my maid!¡± She did not know if Madame Mi lost her mind because of being provoked by Jiang Tianhe. But how dare she to say these words?

    She offended almost the whole family! Nowadays, even maids were a part of the dowry, which was private property.

    If the husband¡¯s family was self-respecting, they would never put a finger on a woman¡¯s dowry! Madame Mi, a wife of their father¡¯s cousin, conjectured the arrangement of Su He¡¯s future groundlessly. It appeared to be that she wanted to force Qiu Yn to arrange a concubine for Jiang Yashuang. In fact, this thing was more than that. It was the interference of an elder on how her juniors, a young hostess handled her dowry!

    ¡°If you treated Xin Fubing well, though Jiang Tianhe was vixenish, she would not make such a big deal. Now you can¡¯t deal with Jiang Tian He, so you want to drag me down?!¡± Qiu Yn was getting dressed with the assistance of Chen Shui, while she was thinking ruthlessly, ¡°Dumb! Don¡¯t you know the game rule is a woman will be valued because of carrying a baby? The reason why An Zhenshang is alive is that she is pregnant! Not to mention I am a daughter-inw whose husband was born by the legal wife in this mansion! How dare you scheme against me? If I don¡¯t sap your vitality this time, I don¡¯t have to stay in Jiang Family anymore!¡±

    She got ready. When she was about to go out madly, Jiang Yashuang, who was called away by Marquess Qin, went back. He certainly would ask her the reason why she went out.

    After hearing the issue, he was so angry that even her face became ck. He endured again and again. Then he said, ¡°Now it¡¯s cold outside. If they put a stove in the sedan, you will feel stuffy. Besides, it is bad for your health. Stay at home. I will tell grandma this issue.¡±

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°I don¡¯t need a stove in such a short way. I wear a lot!¡±

    ¡°Be good.¡± Jiang Yashuang pulled her back gently and predominantly, ¡°The road is slippery on snowy days. What if the old maidservants bumped you? I will be back as soon as I can.¡±

    After relieving his wife, Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t tell Madame Tao. He directly went to the mansion of Sir Jibei.

 Chapter 365 - Inflicting Someone on Your Husband

    Chapter 365 Inflicting Someone on Your Husband

    That day Mi and her niece Mi Yinyin both went back to their maiden family. Jiang Yabi, the eldest grandson of Sir Jibei, had been in the army. His wife had taken their son back to Jing City with Sir Jibei and his wife. Jiang Yabi¡¯s wife, together with her son, was taking care of the patients at her maiden family. The branch of Sir Jibei was a small family, so the ce seemed particrly quiet at the moment.

    It was only near the main hall that the festive atmosphere was enhanced by theughter of Jiang Tianhe, her daughter Xin Fubing, Sir Jibei, and his wife Madame Ou.

    ¡°What are you doing here today?¡± When those in the main hall heard that Jiang Yashuang came, they were a bit surprised and called him in. Sir Jibei chaffed him, ¡°I¡¯ve heard that because your wife is pregnant, you don¡¯t have the heart to deal with official business. And you are in a hurry to get someone to help you¡­ How could you find time to visit us?¡±

    Clinging to Madame Ou¡¯s arms, Xin Fubing yfully spitted of the tongue and said, ¡°I guess that Cousin Yashuang has smelled good things to eat in grandmother¡¯s kitchen. So, hees here to see whether it¡¯s Yn¡¯s taste!¡±

    The crowdughed at this. Jiang Yashuang smiled as well and said, ¡°Thanks for reminding me, Cousin Fubing. I will ask something new to eat from grandaunt and bring it home!¡±

    ¡°You naughty girl!¡± Madame Ou pretended to hit Xin Fubing, ¡°I think you are joking at Yashuang. You are on his side and hint him in secret, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± said Xin Fubing in a wronged tone, ¡°Cousin Yashuang, how smart you are! I¡¯m just teasing while you pay me back at once!¡±

    ¡°Well, in our family, everyone does know that Jiang Yashuang cares a lot about his wife! He is here for something!¡± Jiang Tianhe guessed why he visited here. She smiled broadly to herself and came to the rescue, ¡°You can hardlye here just for my mother¡¯s kitchen, right?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang exchanged looks with her and said, ¡°You¡¯re right, Aunt Tianhe! There is something I want to ask granduncle and grandaunt for help.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Having realized that what he was going to say was likely to be a wet nket, Sir Jibei frowned. But Jiang Yashuang was the best one among his counterparts in the Jiang Family. So, after thinking, Sir Jibei decided to listen as a courtesy to him, ¡°I¡¯m listening. What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked at people around here.

    Madame Ou patted Xin Fubing as a signal. Without another word, she stood up immediately and left, followed by the servants.

    Seeing this, Jiang Tianhe pretended to ask for leave. But Jiang Yashuang stopped her, ¡°I also need to consult you, Aunt Tianhe.¡±

    ¡°Shall we begin now?¡± Sir Jibei shot a suspicious look at his daughter.

    ¡°Su He is one of the maids of Ningyi¡¯s dowry, but she is different from other maids.¡± The first word of Jiang Yashuang made Sir Jibei and his wife surprised and puzzled. In their position, it was nice of them to care about Qiu Yn. But how could they pay attention to a maid of Qiu Yn?

    ¡°When Qiu Mengmin and her biological mother Madame Lu were there before, they treated Ningyi and her mother badly. As my mother-inw died, the servants and maids were all sent home. And even more, Ningyi was faced with being murdered many times. But throughout that time, Su He and her grandmother Mrs. Zhou had always been loyal to Ningyi. Thus, Ningyi promised them a good future.¡±

    As Jiang Yashuang spoke, Sir Jibei and his wife thought they understood it a little. They asked tentatively, ¡°Did Su He get her eye on someone in our house? Just tell us.¡±

    The couple was in a very good mood and thought, ¡°To help on a marriage in such a festival¡­¡±

    They had not finished their words but found Jiang Yashuang shaking his head. He said, ¡°Ningyi tried to find someone for Su Hu and other maidsst year. But she is eagerly hoping they marry well so that she hasn¡¯t made decisions yet. Now she is pregnant. Mrs. Zhou and others suggest discussing it after the birth.¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°So, Su He is definitely not for me. What the sixth aunt said to Empress Jiang makes Ningyi and me not feel well now.¡±

    ¡°So, I am here to ask you to help exin to the sixth aunt¡­¡±

    A wry smirk touched the corners of his lips, ¡°The maid is after Ningyi¡¯s heart and I do not admire her at all. We n to find her a great family when Ningyi gives birth. But now we do not know whether the gossip will arouse her suspicion of others.¡±

    He looked at Jiang Tianhe, ¡°And Aunt Tianhe seems to know that. Right?¡±

    Sir Jibei and his wife frowned and looked toward their daughter together, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    How could Jiang Tianhe let go the chance of kicking Mi when she was down? She curled her lips and said, ¡°It was on the feast on New Year¡¯s Eve, wasn¡¯t it? The sixth sister-inw got upset as I praised Yashuang¡¯s wife before the fourth sister Empress Jiang. She looked sulky and said angrily that if Qiu Yn was virtuous, she would not keep a maid in herte teens. She added that the maid was just kept for Yashuang. She also said that the news of Yn¡¯s pregnancy did note out the day before New Year¡¯s Eve, but why did they still do nothing? The fourth sister Empress Jiang stopped her from making that up at once¡­¡±

    ¡°That is ridiculous!¡± Madame Ou originally had a problem with Mi because of her daughter¡¯s words these days. Now Jiang Yashuang came here andined about her. And her daughter supported that. All these made her embarrassed and she was enraged, ¡°That¡¯s a dowry of Qiu Yn. How to arrange the maid is none of Mi¡¯s business! The loyal maid had been with Qiu Yn through thick and thin. Even though she is a maidservant for cleaning, my second sister-inw hasn¡¯t said anything. What rights does Mi have to tell them what to do?¡±

    Sir Jibei cleared his throat, ¡°Mi is not here. When shees back, you can talk to her. Let¡¯s just talk about the maid of Qiu Yn.¡±

    He asked, ¡°How is the maid nowadays? What are you going to do?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°Su He¡¯s grandmother Mrs. Zhou suggested that she should get married immediately to avoid any misunderstanding! But Ningyi was not willing to do so. First, as we haven¡¯t chosen a family she can marry into, we are afraid of ruining her life in a hurry. Second, if Ningyi sends her away as soon as Mi has said that, there will be countless rumors.¡±

    After a pause, he said, ¡°If it were on a normal day, I would note to disappoint you during the Spring Festival. But Ningyi just gets pregnant and she has always liked Su He. When she heard about that, she was kind of¡­¡±

    ¡°You shouldfort her! Do not let it affect the baby!¡± Jiang Tianhe added, looking somber. ¡°It is her first baby. You can never be too careful!¡±

    When she put it like that, Sir Jibei and his wife had no choice but to ask about Qiu Yn¡¯s pregnancy. They had moreints about Mi in their hearts. ¡°It is fine that you fight against your sister-inw. But why do you get Jiang Yashuang¡¯s pregnant wife involved? How dare you not prioritize the baby of Jiang Yashuang!¡±

    Anyway, with Madame Zhuang¡¯s disposition, if she could take vengeance, she would have done so even after years or decades. Wasn¡¯t she making trouble for Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion?

    So, as Jiang Yashuang excused himself and left, he not only got a promise that Sir Jibei and his wife would give Qiu Yn and him an exnation but also received a bunch of stuff for Qiu Yn.

    However, neither Jiang Yashuang nor Qiu Yn was interested in all that stuff. They just looked at it casually.

    ¡°I¡¯m wondering that the sixth sister-inw is not a smart one, though, howe she can be so unwise this time? Was she just mad at Aunt Tianhe?¡± Qiu Yn asked, looking unconcerned. At the same time, she took several pieces of her husband in in sight to find a way for her own chess.

    There was a great gap between the couple¡¯s power in chess. And Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t want his wife to bother, so he just held out his arms to Qiu Yn and pinched her face as a punishment. ¡°Who cares? They should not get you involved¡­ I have talked to Aunt Tianhe as well. She can turn against the sixth sister-inw as she likes, but they should not mention you ever again!¡±

    While the couple, Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn, were ying chess in a rxed way, something happened in Mi¡¯s Mansion.

    Madame Mi said angrily, ¡°Youpletely went off your head! I don¡¯t care if you turn against Jiang Tianhe. Why did you mention the fourth branch of the Jiang Family? Speaking of Jiang Yashuang, who does not know he is Marquess Qin¡¯s favorite son? And Commandery Princess Ningyi is his best love. Well, Commandery Princess Ningyi has been a close friend of Xin Fubing. Now you get Jiang Yashuang to Jiang Tianhe¡¯s side. Don¡¯t you think you are stupid?¡±

    While Madame Ou was the first hostess of Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion, Mi had been in charge of the Mansion for years. Even though she came to her maiden family, when Jiang Yashuang came toin, she would have had no one to tip her off.

    The trusted subordinate told the Mi family about Jiang Yashuang¡¯s visit and Jiang Tianhe¡¯s exaggeration. After hearing that, how could the Mi Family have the heart to celebrate the festival? They had a family meeting immediately to discuss how to deal with the matter.

    Being scolded by Madame Mi, Mi felt aggrieved, ¡°Since she hase back to Jing City, Jiang Tianhe always stands against me in everything, making Yinyin implicated time after time. Especially when Commandery Princess Ningyi gets pregnant, she drops by nearly every day. And she talks to my mother-inw about procreation a dozen times a day. Why doesn¡¯t she think that people like us have a tacit agreement? Only when the wife has been childless for three years can the mistress be allowed to have children. Yinyin hasn¡¯t been in the family for three years. What has she got to urge? She has a daughter herself. I will see if her daughter can get pregnant as soon as she bes the Empress!¡±

    Mi Yinyin¡¯s mother Chu had a good rtionship with her sister-inw Mi ¡ª that¡¯s part of the reason why Mi showed great fondness for Mi Yinyin ¡ª so she covered for Mi and said, ¡°Mother, don¡¯t you know about how Mi is? She is most sensible. That she said something that might leave others ammunition was because she got mad!¡±

    ¡°Well, enough of this!¡± Madame Mi realized that it made no sense to chide Mi for her careless remarks. The thing they had to do was how to deal with the matter. She waved her hand, ¡°Just think about when youe back to Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion, what you and Yinyin are going to tell them? If it were Jiang Tianhe alone, I believe that you would cover it up! But Jiang Yashuang came by himself. I¡¯m afraid that your father-inw will ask!¡±

    Mi said irritably, ¡°My parents-inw favors their daughter more than me! Now Jiang Tianhe has Jiang Yashuang as an ally. I can¡¯t exin it clearly. What should I say? Whatever! I have two sons born to the Jiang Family. I don¡¯t think they will send me away for that!¡±

    ¡°Look at the time. Why are you saying the cross words?¡± Madame Mi said, annoyed. ¡°Right. You are the daughter-inw in Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion and you have sons born to them. So, they won¡¯t make their son divorce you or take over from you! But do not forget that the toughest part of this thing is not your parents-inw, but Jiang Yashuang!¡±

    ¡°Allow me to be honest: Yabi and Yn are of mediocre ability. And your grandsons are too young to tell. Even though some of them are capable, is it easy for them to prosper greatly without fathers¡¯ support? The branch of Sir Jibei may have to count on the family of Marquess Qin in the future. Jiang Yashuang of the fourth branch, in particr, is going to run the Northern Army. If you disgust him, that he is not willing to groom your offspring can be an issue, not to mention he can give them a hard time!¡± Madame Mi said with a sigh, ¡°So why do you get on their bad side for such a little thing? If we are not their inws, can we be such a good family today?¡±

    She looked at her daughter-inw Chu and thought in her heart, ¡°Otherwise, how could a girl from the royal n marry into the Mi Family? Especially she is the first sister of the old Princess of the Duke of Puyang!¡±

    Mi said, choking in tears, ¡°Mother, do you mean that you want me to apologize to Jiang Yashuang and his wife? Anyway, I am their aunt-inw. That is¡­¡± That is too humbled, isn¡¯t that?

    Jiang Tiancan was the only son of Sir Jibei. In the early years, Sir Jibei and Madame Ou didn¡¯t live in Jing City. When Mi married into the family, she did not have to be controlled by her mother-inw nor fight against sisters-inw. Her only sister-inw Jiang Tianhe got married and left the family within days. Anyone could imagine how well Mi lived in Marquess Qin over these years, couldn¡¯t they?

    However, Si Jibei and his wife returned to Jing City for a very restful retirement two years ago. Since then, Mi began to have her mother-inw watch out for her. And not long ago her sister-inw Jiang Tianhe came back to the capital as well and she had always been provocative¡­ This difference sucked!

    Madame Mi knew that her daughter had been living afortable life for a long time and it was hard for her to change her mentality and be a docile daughter-inw from the very beginning. So, she toned down hernguage, ¡°I am certainly not asking you to apologize personally. But it won¡¯t hurt to send someone to exin for you, right? That was brought up by Jiang Tianhe. How could it bepletely on you?¡±

    After a great deal of coaxing and persuading, Madame Mi and Chu finally got Mi¡¯s promise that she would send someone to Jiang Yashuang and his wife to exin and try to bury the hatchet after soothing her parents-inw when she came back.

    In the evening, Mi endured her grievances and returned to Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion with Mi Yinyin. But when Mi and Mi Yinyin wanted to have their humble respects delivered to Madame Ou, her trusted maidservant Mrs. Luo held the gate, deadpan, ¡°Madame Ou is tired. She said you and Mi Yinyin should go back and deal with your family stuff first.¡±

    ¡°Family stuff?¡± Mi and her niece Mi Yinyin suddenly had the feeling that something was wrong, ¡°What do you mean about ¡®family stuff¡¯?¡±

    ¡°Madame Ou thinks that there are not enough children in Sir Jibei¡¯s family. So, she has sent several women to Old Master Tiancan and Young Master Yn.¡± Mrs. Luo¡¯s remark made them look thunder-struck. ¡°These women have been sent there. How to arrange them is up to you. Madame Ou has been busy picking them today and is tired now. So, you can express your gratitude to Madame Ou tomorrow!¡±

    Mi and Mi Yinyin were pale for a second. They looked at each other, stunned.

 Chapter 366 - Failed Settlement Talks

    Chapter 366 Failed Settlement Talks

    Because of Mi¡¯s inappropriate remarks, Madame Ou sent some mistresses to her son and grandson as a knockout. When the news reached Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion, Madame Tao found it improper to disregard that. So, she particrly sent Mrs. Hu to take them a message, ¡°It is not a big deal. While the neenth madame concerns about Su He¡¯s future marriage, she has beenforted by the neenth young master. For what you have done, not only the neen madame but also Madame Ou feels guilty¡­¡±

    ¡°My second sister-inw, you are too serious! There are few sons in our branch. It is good to have more children in this family as I have sent some people to Tiancan and Yn.¡± Madame Ou replied.

    But when she talked to Mrs. Luo in private, she told the real reason, ¡°There was once a Marquess in Mi¡¯s own family, but it declined when she was born! Mi¡¯s vision is too narrow! It is part of being a person to favor her niece. But she gives the cold shoulder to Fubing. What a foolish thing to do so! I favor both my granddaughter and my daughter-inw. She doesn¡¯t even think that Fubing is certainly the future Empress and will have a son who is sure to be the crown prince! If there is no ident, Fubing will be the Empress Dowager. Fubing has only one uncle, Tiancan. But Mi, Tiancan¡¯s wife, has had a grudge with her and made her feel closer to Yashuang rather than Yabi and Yn. Mi has gonepletely off her head!¡±

    Madame Ou sneered and asked, ¡°What were Mi and Mi Yinyin doing these days?¡±

    ¡°The sixth madame properly settled those people when she came back and she did not say anything. She behaved as usual these two days,¡± Mrs. Luo said lightly. ¡°But the thirteenth madame¡­ When she returned, the wet nurse was asked to help arrange those mistresses. Last night she said she didn¡¯t feel good. So, the thirteenth young master went into the inner chamber and visited her. The servants seemed to hear them argue and the thirteenth young master stormed out of the door. He then went to¡­ Jinpa Pavilion.¡±

    Those mistresses were sent by the elders, while Mi Yinyin had her wet nurse help make arrangements, which seemed that she harbored a grudge against Madame Ou. Otherwise, that was what she, as a wife, should do. It was Mrs. Luo who gave her the message that Madame Ou wanted her to do that in person. Why did she still get her wet nurse to help?

    Madame Ou frowned, ¡°I should not have believed Mi and got Yn to marry Mi Junior. Her health is so delicate that she is not the sort of person who is fruitful and multiply. Since she has married into this family for two or three years, she hasn¡¯t had any child. If not for thest glimmering hope, the soup sent to Yabi¡¯s mistress for preventing pregnancy should have been stopped earlier.¡±

    ¡°The thirteenth madame¡¯s unhappiness is not just for the mistress. I guess that it has something to do with Lady Fubing.¡± Mrs. Luo had been with Madame Ou all the time and so she didn¡¯t have rtions with Mi and Mi Yinyin. But Jiang Tianhe, as Madame Ou¡¯s only grown daughter, grew up right before her eyes.

    And when Jiang Tianhe came back this time, she cared about her in considerable detail and even her offspring were included. So, Mrs. Luo wouldn¡¯t mind standing on Madame Tianhe¡¯s side, ¡°The thirteenth madame herself is overthinking about that! If she cannot change her character, it will be hard for Lady Fubing to be close to Old Master Tiancan, the tenth young master Yabi, and the thirteenth young master Yn.¡±

    Madame Ou, looking bad, said, ¡°Fubing has treated Yn as her elder brother. Yn liked her before, but atst, he married Mi Junior with happiness! Now Fubing is the future Empress and everybody knows that. What does Mi Junior mean? She won¡¯t ever be happy unless Fubing never shows up before her, will she?¡±

    Fubing was the only granddaughter of her! A granddaughter-inw who couldn¡¯t bear a child had no right to give Fubing that attitude!

    And in particr, her granddaughter Fubing would be Empress in the future!

    ¡°Well, since that Mi is quite sensible, you go to her ce and¡­¡± Madame Ou thought for a while and told Mrs. Luo with a sneer, ¡°Ask her in private. That Jiang Yashuang is favored today is of course due to his outstanding talent and the fact that he is loved by my second brother. But don¡¯t my second sister-inw¡¯s utmost care and Empress Dowager¡¯s repeated praises work?¡±

    ¡°How can you know that if Fubing will live in Taishi Hall where Empress Dowager lives now!¡±

    Marquess Qin was old while Xin Fubing was young.

    With the current power of the Jiang Family, if there was no ident, there would be no problem making sure that Xin Fubing¡¯s son would inherit the throne.

    By the time when Xin Fubing became Empress Dowager, the generation of Marquess Qin would be too old.

    At that time, even if Xin Fubing did not have the power of regency, her status as the Empress Dowager alone would be enough to help rtives of her maiden family rise to exalted positions. But as Mi and Mi Yinyin had turned against Xin Fubing and Jiang Tianhe, it would be good if Jiang Tianhe, as vengeful as she was, didn¡¯t settle the score by then, not to mention that she would allow them to steal the glory!

    When Mi heard what Mrs. Luo said, she suddenly got a shock!

    Though Madame Ou had exined to her what was at stake here, Mi found it extremely hard when she made apologies to Jiang Tianhe and her daughter Xin Fubing.

    Xin Fubing was a junior youngdy anyway. It was easier to coax her.

    Mi, as Xin Fubing¡¯s aunt, came to the door and made apologies in person. And she cried in pain, ¡°I really didn¡¯t mean to make you feel slighted with that thing before about Huizhi! It was because your tenth sister-inw¡¯s father was not well and she had to attend to him. And I needed to take care of Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion and had no time to make it out. The only one who could be sent there was your thirteenth sister-inw. But I thought she was thoughtless and once offended you before. And it would be an upset for you if I sent her there. That was why I sent the butler to pay a visit!¡±

    ¡°Not at all, Aunt Mi. The thirteenth sister-inw was¡­ She was overthinking!¡± When Xin Fubing first returned to Jing City, Mi treated her well. But because of Mi Yinyin, Mi became gradually unfamiliar to her. When Xin Fubing saw Mi groveling like that, her heart was softened.

    The problem was that settling the feud was¡­ It was not up to Xin Fubing. Her mother Jiang Tianhe was the one who had thest say.

    Jiang Tianhe was not as generous as her daughter! Having looked coldly at what Mi did, she suddenly asked, ¡°In terms of who offended us, the me actually lies with Yn¡¯s wife, Mi Yinyin. Howe there is no sign of her and youe here alone today?¡±

    Without waiting for an answer, Jiang Tianhe lectured her unmercifully, ¡°I¡¯m not judging you, my sister-inw! You have spoiled your niece of your maiden family, haven¡¯t you? You don¡¯t even treat Yn as well as you treat her. Even if you are close to your mother¡¯s family, it is not the way to do so¡­¡±

    ¡°My fifth younger sister! I fear there has been some misunderstanding!¡± Mi would have controlled her anger if Jiang Tianhe said anything else. But now she was saying that Mi was taking the side of her mother¡¯s family. Mi had to argue about that. At that time, when a woman got married, she was part of her husband¡¯s family. It might happen to everybody that the married woman still chose her own family over her husband¡¯s family. But she could never admit that on the table. As such, Mi interrupted at once, ¡°I treat Yn¡¯s wife as well as I treat Yabi¡¯s wife. It is because Yinyin has not been so well that I have to give her more attention.¡±

    ¡°My sister-inw, that is where you are wrong!¡± Jiang Tianhe was waiting for that! She got more ammunition and said passionately, ¡°Personally, such a woman in poor health should not have married Yn. Look at her. She has been married into the family for two or three years while she still hasn¡¯t been able to bear a son or daughter. And if Yn goes to his mistress¡¯s room or stays outside, she is said to be unhappy, isn¡¯t she? That is fine that she fails to bear a child. But she dares to prevent others from having a son for her husband. Based on the seven grounds for divorce, a jealous wife like her can barely be kept!¡±

    Mi went purple in the face. Her niece had been considered as a jealous wife and seven grounds for divorce were even mentioned here. How was that different from pping the whole Mi Family¡¯s face?

    Even though she did not forget what Madame Ou reminded her, Mi could hardly keep her temper and almost quarreled with Jiang Tianhe!

    Thankfully, her wet nurse pulled at her sleeve from behind. Mi gritted her teeth and put up with that. Mi said, in a shaky voice, ¡°My fifth younger sister! This marriage was agreed by my mother-inw and Yn themselves!¡±

    ¡°My mother had been lived in Beijiang for years. How could she know about whatdies in Jing City are like? And Yn is your son. How could he disobey you?¡± Jian Tianhe saidzily, ¡°Don¡¯t you know about how your niece is anyway? Despite that, you get her to marry Yn. That is too bad for him!¡±

    ¡°Enough of that!¡± Mi could bear it no longer. She stood up and said sharply, ¡°It is true that Yinyin and I have wronged you before. So, I am here today to apologize to you and your daughter with all sincerity! But our grudge has not reached the point of death! You have been saying aggressive words again and again. Must I kneel down and beg for your pardon?¡±

    ¡°Mother!¡± Xin Fubing was appalled as she heard that. At that moment she looked hard at Jiang Tianhe, hoping to stop her while feeling overwhelmed.

    Jiang Tianhe seemed not to see Mi¡¯s outbursts of anger. She took a catory look at her daughter first and then gave Mi a halfugh, ¡°What? Can¡¯t you pretend anymore? You pretended to be generous and virtuous to apologize to us, but you didn¡¯t even bring the one responsible here. You were just coaxing my daughter since she is young and soft-hearted! All these years when we were away from Jing City, you had often been picking on her, hadn¡¯t you?¡±

    After saying that, she didn¡¯t care about Mi¡¯s pissed look. Instead, she taught her daughter on the spot, ¡°You think your good aunt has had a change of her heart and felt sorry for you, don¡¯t you? Let me tell you. The other day she messed with your neenth sister-inw and was reported by Yashuang. Your grandmother has been infuriated by your aunt and so she sent someone to Mi and Mi Yinyin¡¯s home! See! Herees she today!¡±

    Jiang Tianhe raised her eyes and looked at Mi. And she sneered, ¡°You are not young. Plus, you haven¡¯t got another son after giving birth to Yn. As my sixth brother is a sweet-tempered man and a pushover, you have bossed him around and prevented him from taking some new mistresses. Now as soon as the young and beautiful mistresses are sent here, you get heated¡­ You and your niece are not open-minded while you are more jealous than each other¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I will get you for that!¡± Mi would never have expected Jiang Tianhe to break openly with her and get them to this point!

    It was not a problem of being petty. Her attitude showed that she was not nning to resolve the issue with her!

    Mi had failed to seek settlements with Jiang Tianhe and Xin Fubing, which soured their rtionship even more. No one seemed to know that. But Jiang Tianhe and Mi had talked past each other and quarreled bitterly before Madame Ou. Xin Fubing, unwilling to listen to that anymore, crept to Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion to speak to Qiu Yn.

    Having seen Qiu Yn, she told her the whole story exactly and said in frustration, ¡°I thought Mi was my aunt anyway and she visited us to make amends in person. Although she might be halfheartedly, we could y dumb and let it go. If we were always arguing, not only grandfather and grandmother would get upset, but my uncle and cousins would be caught in the middle. But my mother insisted that she would not let go of Aunt Mi and Mi Yinyin¡­ I don¡¯t know when they will stop arguing today. So, I am here to talk.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked, ¡°Was only the sixth aunt-inw there? Where was Mi Yinyin?¡±

    ¡°She is said to be ill and not be able to get up,¡± Xin Fubing sorted. ¡°She has not been well. But who does know that if it is true or not? Of course, I will be d that she is not going to show her face around me¡±

    ¡°No wonder that Aunt Tianhe got angry. While making amends, howe a seniores while a junior doesn¡¯t show up?¡± Qiu Yn frowned. ¡°Let alone sixth aunt-inw neglected you for the sake of Mi Yinyin. How could Aunt Tianhe do not suspect that the sixth aunt-inw was trying to fob you off?¡±

    Xin Fubing picked a peach from the fruit bowl in front of her and muttered, looking depressed, ¡°All that mess makes me feel bad!¡±

    However, she happened to experience something even more upsetting. ¡°Cousin Xin!¡±

    Having heard a shout from outdoor, Xin Fubing was so shocked that she nearly dropped off the peach that she had just raised to her lips. ¡°Cousin Yashuang! It¡¯s like you have never seen me before. Why are you shouting so loud? You are freaking me out!¡±

    In a big stride, Jiang Yashuang entered the room and walked over to her without saying one word. Having been watched by her and Qiu Yn in amazement, Jiang Yashuang, without missing a beat, coolly pulled the carefully washed, sweet and tasty peach from her hand, and took a fistful of dried peaches from the dried fruit te around him. He had acted so smoothly and naturally and said, ¡°Your neenth cousin-inw is with child now. These peaches were specially sent by your fourteenth cousin-inw. With you eating it, there will be one less for Yn! If you want peaches, just have these dried ones!¡±

    With dried peaches in hand, Xin Fubing stared at him and longed to throw them at his head. ¡°It¡¯s in the Spring Festival. Why do you have to count such a peach? It was given to me by my neenth cousin-inw!¡±

    Qiu Yn defended her, ¡°Honestly! It¡¯s just a peach! And there are several fruits sent by the fourteenth sister-inw and I can¡¯t eat them all¡­¡±

    ¡°If you can¡¯t eat all those, just keep them. Maybe you want to taste them sometime?¡± At that moment, Jiang Yashuang seemed to forget to follow his conscience. He calmly put the peach in his sleeves and made it clear that he wouldn¡¯t give it to Xin Fubing. ¡°In case there are no fruits, how can I get some more for you?¡±

    While Xin Fubing and Qiu Yn were speechless, Chunran rushed in, ¡°Something has gone wrong in Shazhou!¡±

    ¡°The group of the eighth young master has been attacked. The eighth young master has been desperately rescued by the bodyguards. Except for him, whether Chunfu Princess, Miss Ou, and Young Master Ling are still alive is unknown.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± The three in the room could no longer care about peaches or something else. They were all astonished, ¡°Who did that?¡±

 Chapter 367 - A Desperate Situation

    Chapter 367 A Desperate Situation

    ¡°How did your brother lose control of Kuang Qingwu?¡± Jiang Yashuang worried about his pregnant wife. So, with a strong effort to conceal his anxiety, Jiang Yashuangforted his wife first and then sent someone to the third branch to ask He Shuijin to apany Qiu Yn. After that, he hurried to Marquess Qin¡¯s study to discuss what should be done. By that time Jiang Tan had sent more detailed information that the one who attacked the group of Jiang Yadan was exactly Kuang Qingwu!

    On his way to the study, Jiang Yashuang was astonished and furious. ¡°Those men for Kuang Qingwu are given by Qiu Yn¡¯s brother and directed by someone else. What Kuang Qingwu is arranged to do is just to show up and take the me. How could he attack the eighteenth sister and others?¡±

    His heart jolted when he thought of this. He was shocked to himself, ¡°Is Qiu Yn¡¯s brother set up by someone? Are those he sent to Kuang Qingwu not reliable?¡±

    From thinking of it that way, the suspects were most likely to be from two sides, Kuang Shihan¡¯s old subordinates and secret guardsmen from the first branch or the third branch.

    Whichever side Jiang Qizheng and the other two fell into, they would be in grave danger!

    ¡°The eighteenth sister was persuaded by Xing to travel west. And because of that, Ling Zui was involved! That was also why Jiang Yadan changed his mind to catch up with and escort them!¡± Jiang Yashuang took a deep breath and said, ¡°So, if anything happens to the eighteenth sister and Ling Zui, Xing will bear the brunt. But the reason why Xing persuaded the eighteenth sister to head west was that she wanted to run after Qiu Yn¡¯s brother! This matter has nothing to do with Qiu Yn¡¯s brother. But Xing is the only girl of this generation of the Ou Family. If something happens to her, how couldn¡¯t her family hate Qiu Yn¡¯s brother?¡±

    ¡°Furthermore, the eighteenth sister was intrigued to set out in that she thought her husband was in Shazhou. Her husband has got along with Qiu Yn¡¯s brother. And when he left secretly, he used the Qiu Yn¡¯s brother as a cover.¡±

    In short, if all three of them died, the Jiang family¡¯s inws, including the Jiang family, would definitely be enemies of each other!

    Anyone could imagine that what a big blow the fourth branch, at the heart of the hatred, would suffer!

    ¡°The first teacher of Qiu Yn¡¯s brother, Ren Ziyong, sacrificed his martial art and pretended as a counselor to be with Kuang Shihan and his son for years. Atst, he finished all the tasks at a stroke! How could he not keep an eye on the Kuang?¡± After stopping for a few seconds, Jiang Yashuang passed on again and his face became dark, ¡°The first branch and third branch are the most suspicious. Particrly, three of the four people were taken as captives while Jiang Yadan had a narrow escape¡­¡±

    Jiang Yadan was the first son of the fourth branch. And for his birth, no matter how a failure he was, he could not be hurt by the first branch and the third branch. Otherwise, once the thing was leaked out, Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei would no longer cover up for them!

    But among the rest three, Ou Qinn and Ling Zui were not part of the Jiang Family. And though Jiang Qizheng used to be a member of the Jiang family, she had got married. She was not as important as Jiang Yadan!

    The more Jiang Yashuang thought, the more he became suspicious of the first branch and the third branch. And at the same time, in a most private site in Shazhou, a thousand miles away from Jing City, Kuang Qingwu was flippantly surveying Jiang Qizheng and Ou Qinn, who looked aplete mess, especially thetter. ¡°You are so pretty in scarlet. I have never expected to see such a beauty! Jiang Yashuang is said to love his wife a lot and it seems he extends his love to her wife¡¯s brother. Though it is a match between two families, he does make an effort to pick a wife for his brother-inw.¡±

    Ou Qinn was tied up tightly, though, she kept her head high with strong disapproval, ¡°I like Ruan for who he is, not for Jiang Yashuang!¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Kuang Qingwu savored the words and smiled, ¡°Ruan? You are an alert one. But I have known that his real name is Qiu Jinn. Why are you doing the faux thing?¡±

    ¡°Qiu Jinn?¡± Ou Qinn didn¡¯t know the whole story. She didn¡¯t trust the enemy so she unconsciously turned to look at Ling Zui who was a short distance away, ¡°Is he telling the truth?¡±

    Compared with the two women, Ling Zui was treated more badly. He was shackled and the chains were so heavy that he could hardly stand. As such, he could only sit on the ground and said in a weak voice, ¡°The one that you care about is truly Qiu Jinn, Ningyi¡¯s biological brother. It¡¯s aplicated story¡­ I will tell you when I regain my strength!¡±

    He shook himself and said, ¡°Kuang, you¡¯ve seen me in Jing City. Don¡¯t you know who I am? Do you have to keep me shackled? Miss Ou is better than me, okay? Even if I am tied up with a rope, I cannot get away!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu nced at him with a sour smile, ¡°You¡¯re too modest, Young Earl! I was the one who was defeated in the street fight! So, how can I not be careful about you?¡±

    ¡°I say, you don¡¯t seem like a petty man, do you?¡± Ling Zui said with displeasure, ¡°Are you still on such a little thing?¡±

    But soon he remembered that moment when Kuang Qingwu¡¯s followers were all killed and he himself was gued to death by Jiang Yashuang. And at that time, he just stood watching and trampled Kuang Qingwu to please Qiu Yn¡­ Instantly Ling Zui felt embarrassed.

    But Kuang Qingwu looked at him for a while and said with a significant smile, ¡°Remove those shackles for him!¡±

    ¡°Is the guy so nice?¡± Ling Zui rubbed his arching wrist and muttered in his heart, ¡°He seems not to kill us at once. What is he all about?¡±

    So, he ventured, ¡°You have just praised Miss Ou¡¯s beauty. How can you treat a beauty like that? Why don¡¯t you let them loose?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry about that!¡± Kuang Qingwu refused him this time and said indifferently, ¡°I will have someone look after them¡­ As for you,e with me. I have something to tell you!¡±

    Ling Zui looked around and found there were almost men. He frowned, ¡°It¡¯s better to talk about it right here. Princess and Miss Ou were both womenfolk. It has been bad for them to be taken by you. If they are separated from me, I¡¯m afraid that in the future their reputation will be influenced!¡±

    ¡°Future?¡± Kuang Qingwu looked at him for a moment and burst into augh, ¡°It¡¯s like you do have a future!¡±

    After hearing that, Ling Zui¡¯s face changed, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Chunfu Princess and Miss Ou are rigorously chaste. So, after being captured, they wait for the opportunity andmit suicide to defend their reputation!¡± Kuang Qingwu said casually, ¡°You are the only lucky one as you have been helpful to Qiu Jinn in the early years. And these two years, he cannot leave Shazhou and expects you to look after his beloved sister in Jing City¡­ So, he is sure to save you ¡®in time¡¯!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re talking absolute nonsense!¡± Kuang Qingwu said that to Ling Zui, but how could Jiang Qizheng and Ou Qinn not know what he meant?

    He was saying that the kidnapping was nned by Qiu Jinn! Otherwise, how could he save Ling Zui in time?

    As Ou Qinn adored Qiu Jinn, how could she tolerate others¡¯ ndering him? She retorted immediately, ¡°Sister Chunfu was the sister-inw of Ruan¡¯s¡­ Qiu¡¯s sister. How can Qiu hurt her? Besides, Qiu is in Shazhou and he is helped by the Jiang Family. There¡¯s no reason for him to do that! If he does so, doesn¡¯t he cut the ties with Jiang Family by himself? You are the evil man¡­¡±

    ¡°The second young master and the sixth young master of the Jiang Family has arrived at the Western Army a while ago. Your Qiu has been struggling these days!¡± Kuang Qingwu gave a thin smile while said without expression, ¡°Fortunately, you havee here, which gives him a golden opportunity!¡±

    Ling Zui said as his face darkened, ¡°What do you mean about the golden opportunity?¡±

    ¡°The first and third branch of the Jiang Family wants to carve up the Western Army. And they do not like Qiu Jinn who stands for the fourth branch,¡± Kuang Qingwu said leisurely. ¡°So, to get rid of Qiu Jinn as soon as possible, they will cross the line. For instance, they provide me with the opportunity to take Chunfu Princess, Miss Ou, and You here so that I can insult and kill you¡­¡±

    He was satisfied to see that the color went from Jiang Qizheng and Ou Qinn¡¯s faces!

    After a pause, he said, ¡°And then they will pin it on Qiu Jinn. Of course, there is a w in the setup. Whichever of them, Qiu Jinn or Jiang Yashuang, will figure it out at a key moment and turn it all around! So, the first branch and third branch of the Jiang Family cannot make a reasonable exnation to the fourth branch. How can they get their hands on the Western Army? As long as he gets himself to be wronged for a moment, he can take over the Western Army. That is all what Jiang Yashuang will be in the future¡­ Isn¡¯t that opportunity good enough?¡±

    He looked at Ling Zui with a smile, ¡°To ensure the fourth branch of the Jiang Family will have good reason to hector them and to help Qiu Jinn to be cleared of suspicion, Chunfu Princess and Miss Ou, the two who have a past rtionship with him, must die! The more horrible their death, the better! As for you, you are his friend. You need to corroborate his innocence£¡¡±

    ¡°Bah!¡± Ling Zui, who was listening thoughtfully and seemed to be half-convinced, was walking up and down with his hands behind his back. But when he went near Kuang Qingwu, he abruptly turned his head and spat on Kuang Qingwu¡¯s face, cursing, ¡°Does such dirty tricks on Chunjun work?¡±

    But before the words left his lips, he was kicked by Kuang Qingwu. The back of his head hit against the wall so hard that he fainted from the pain!

    ¡°Young master!¡± Zheng said with a very ugly look on his face. He walked forward and helped Kuang Qingwu to wipe his face with a handkerchief.

    Kuang Qingwu looked at Ling Zui, who was unconscious, without expression. And then he looked at Jiang Qizheng and Ou Qinn, who were tied up, with a flicker of evil in his eyes, ¡°Pump them full of drugs to make them dumb. And then take them to the barracks! Tell those men¡­ they are¡­ rewards for these days!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu dislocated Jiang Qizheng¡¯s jaw at an incredible speed and kept her from biting off her tongue andmitting suicide just in time. And he looked with interest at Ou Qinn, who showed no intentions tomit suicide. He said, ¡°Chunfu Princess is really a princess¡­ Miss Ou is not so rigorously chaste as I think, right?¡±

    ¡°You beast!¡± Ou Qinn red at him with hatred and swore fearlessly, ¡°You have been like a homeless dog with nowhere to turn while now you dare to offend us. You¡¯re heading for your doom! Why should Imit suicide? I¡¯m waiting for your death!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu smiled warmly while looked daggers at her, ¡°Seriously? I originally didn¡¯t want to touch you personally. But since you¡¯re waiting to see my demise¡­ I¡¯d like to try the taste of Qiu Jinn¡¯s wife!¡±

    He caught Ou Qinn by the shoulder roughly and carried her up,ughing evilly, ¡°I hope you will not let me down¡­ I have not been in a good mood recently. Many of those maids who slept with me were killed often. But I will try to restrain myself from killing you. After all, I n to use you to reward the subordinates arranged by Qiu Jinn. I can¡¯t wait to see their faces when they find out that it is their master¡¯s betrothed who is raped by them! Hahaha!¡±

    ¡°Xing!¡± Jiang Qizheng had been powerless. With her jaw dislocated and being tied tightly, she could do nothing but watch Kuang Qingwu carry off Ou Qinn. She felt regretful beyond words. ¡°We¡¯re wrong! We shouldn¡¯t havee to Shazhou rashly. If only I had chosen to stop you rather thane with you when you asked me if I wanted to take a message to my husband!¡±

    Unfortunately, it was toote¡­

 Chapter 368 - Survived from a Desperate Situation and Framed Each Other

    Chapter 368 Survived from a Desperate Situation and Framed Each Other

    ¡°Son of b*tch! Go to the h*ll!¡± Ou Qinn was tied up tightly. Though she was good at kung fu, she had no choice but to be thrown into a bed and be raped by Kuang Qingwu.

    She said through gritted teeth, ¡°I will cut you into meat one day!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu was on top of her. His lips almost touched her face, while in his eyes there was no other emotion but an endless storm. He smiled frivolously, ¡°I hope you can survive from Qiu Jinn¡¯s subordinates. Just now I forgot to tell you that those women all died within three days after I rewarded them to those guys. Qiu Jinn is inconvenient toe in or go out. If he wants toe here, he at least needs five days.¡±

    He unzipped her dress with his hands. His eyes turned to dark, ¡°If you still want to see Qiu Jinn again, be good. If you can satisfy everyone, you will be alive when he arrives. Ha-ha!¡±

    Kuang Qingwu burst into a wildugh. He was about to tear Ou Qinn¡¯s robe, while the door was knocked.

    ¡°What?¡± The anger glowed in Kuang Qingwu¡¯s eyes. He asked in a cold voice.

    ¡°Master¡­ Master! Mr. Zheng fainted suddenly!¡± A trembling voice sounded outside.

    Kuang Qingwu was shocked after hearing the message, ¡°Zheng?¡±

    Before knowing the real identity of Ren Ziyong, Kuang Qingwu attached great importance to Zheng. After knowing that Ren Ziyong was a spy, Zheng became the most important person in his heart.

    Indeed, Zheng was in poor health these days. Kuang Qingwu wanted him to lie in the bed to have a rest, but Zheng was used to serving him. If he could get up, he would not have a rest. Could it be that his condition got worse?

    Kuang Qingwu hesitated. He thought it was not in a hurry to humiliate the fiancee of Qiu Jinn. He got dressed as soon as possible and walked out. Seeing a subordinate kneeling on one knee not far away with a nervous expression, he was more anxious than before. ¡°What happened? Didn¡¯t I ask Zheng to lie in bed for a while? Why did he faint?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Zheng said master today was enraged. He told the chief to make some soup to mollify you. He just said a few words and was about to leave¡­¡± The subordinate said carefully, ¡°Now we have sent him to the bedroom. The doctor said his physical condition was poor.¡±

    ¡°Let me have a look!¡± Kuang Qingwu said sullenly. He walked several steps. Seeing the subordinate following him, he gave an order, ¡°Go to supervise the woman in my room!¡±

    ¡°Yes, Sir!¡± The subordinate stopped as soon as he heard the order.

    A few momentster, Ou Qinn heard that someone came in and looked at the door viciously, only to see a man in a grey garment. The man noticed her sight and so he made a gesture to let her be silent.

    Ou Qinn was puzzled. When she was about to say something, the man lunged at her. He quickly cut off the ropes and passed her a leather pouch. He whispered urgently, ¡°A horse has arranged. I will send you out right away. After you go out, let the horse guide you. Please quickly go to Shazhou to send the message!¡±

    At this moment, in Shazhou¡­

    In a dedicated yard in the old mansion of Xingkang Grand Princess, Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing were ying chess near the window.

    Their ability to y chess was equally matched.

    However, at this moment, Jiang Yayuepletely defeated Jiang Yaqing.

    ¡°Yaqing, you are so out-of-condition today. What happened?¡± Seeing this circumstance, Jiang Yayue put down a chess piece and asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care Ling Zui. He is not our rtive or friend. Whether he is alive or departed does not matter.¡± Jiang Yaqing was seen through. He didn¡¯t deny his words. He sighed, ¡°But Jiang Qizheng is our cousin. She has a good personality. When she was at home, she was caring and attentive to us.¡±

    Jiang Yayue smiled, ¡°Don¡¯t forget it was because of her partiality to Qiu Yn, Jiang Qisheng had to marry far away to Beijiang. Have you forgotten how grieved you were when Jiang Qisheng got married? She is your sister!¡±

    When he said that, he showed a sardonic expression, ¡°While Jiang Qisheng didn¡¯t get along well Ou Bikong these two years. Didn¡¯t you know that when you were in Beijiang?¡±

    ¡°Jiang Qizheng told the truth that time!¡± Jiang Yaqing shook his head. ¡°It was Jiang Qisheng¡¯s fault. We can¡¯t me Qizheng. Besides, if that thing didn¡¯t happen, my father would marry her to the guy in the Northern Army, either. You don¡¯t have to say this word to deceive yourself. It sounds boring!¡±

    He sighed, ¡°Xing and her brother Ou Bicheng were born in Beijiang. We almost watched them grow up. When she was a little child, I held her frequently.¡±

    ¡°Hum!¡± Jiang Yayue was disdainful, ¡°Now there is nobody else here. Why are you so pretentious?¡± He squinted, ¡°Don¡¯t forget the message sent by pigeons! Qiu Yn is pregnant! Think about the talent and achievement of the kid¡¯s father and his uncle! If that kid is a boy, how can our second grand uncle not take the kid as a treasure?¡±

    ¡°Qiu Jinn is already tough to handle. Though he was appointed to join hands with Han Jishan by our second grand uncle to force us, he has achieved nothing for now. He has no choice but to hide in the mansion to drink tea and appreciate flowers to kill time. If he has a nephew to support him, how much advantage do you think we can take?¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we get rid of Qiu Jinn when Jiang Qizheng goes west defenselessly so that we can stir up animosity among the forces of the fourth branch. Otherwise, how can we beat those guys of the fourth branch, who are preferred by Empress Dowager and own the power of military?¡±

    Jiang Yaqing frowned, ¡°I am just mournful when thinking of the affection we used to have. In fact, if we disclose that Kuang Qingwu ismanded by Qiu Jinn, it is enough to kick him out.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s done is done. You don¡¯t want to quit, do you?¡± Hearing his words, Jiang Yayue¡¯s face was downcast. ¡°You agreed on what we did at the beginning. Are you trying to be a nice guy now? If you quit and confess, though our second grand uncle may let you go, do you really think our fourth uncle will let you off?¡±

    There appeared enmity on his face, ¡°These years we worked for the fourth uncle. Aren¡¯t you tired of being suppressed? Don¡¯t you know his character?¡±

    Jiang Yaqing sighed, ¡°An arrow fitted on the bow-string can¡¯t avoid being discharged. I don¡¯t regret it. But Jiang Qizheng is our sister. Xing is also like our sister. I just can¡¯t bear to hurt them.¡±

    ¡°Think about how to exin to our second grand uncle rather than pity them!¡± Jiang Yayue put down a chess piece and said cynically, ¡°Don¡¯t forget he reminded us of the rtionship between Kuang Qingwu and Qiu Jinn. Otherwise, we couldn¡¯t get in touch with him before we arrived at Shazhou. I think our second grand uncle wanted us to kill Kuang Qingwu to weaken Qiu Jinn¡¯s power. However, we will use him to frame Qiu Jinn. Our second grand uncle is shrewd. I¡¯m afraid that it will be hard to deceive him.¡±

    Jiang Yaqing frowned, ¡°Don¡¯t you said if we let Jiang Yadan go, we can muddle through this stuff?¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Jiang Yayue dropped a chess piece, ¡°Now that Jiang Qizheng has been married, she is not one of the members of the Jiang Family anymore. In special, the one she married is just a populist. He even doesn¡¯t know how to appreciate favors! It is obvious that our second grand uncle doesn¡¯t care too much about Jiang Qizheng. As for Xing, you do cosset her. But if our second grand uncle doesn¡¯t care about Jiang Qizheng, how can he care about Xing? Not to mention Ling Zui. So, even if our second grand uncle saw through our n, if Jiang Yadan were safe and sound, he would conceal it for us!¡±

    He squinted, ¡°After all, our second grand uncle never wants to see the fourth uncle regards the first branch and the third branch as enemies, does he?¡±

    ¡°You are forcing grandfather!¡± Jian Yaqing sighed, ¡°He is old. No matter how astute he is, he will be heartbroken! Such a thing can only happen once!¡±

    Jiang Yayue smiled, ¡°Of course!¡± He sneered in mind, ¡°Definitely happening once is not enough! This time I will use Qiu Jinn of managing subordinates improperly, making Kuang Qingwu rape the girls to death. As a consequence, I canpletely resolve the threat which is brought by the fourth branch in the Western Army. You, the third branch, will be the next one!¡±

    He didn¡¯t know at the same time Jiang Yaqing was considering, ¡°He is ambitious. He even doesn¡¯t care about kinship when he tries to gain military leadership. Though this time I agree, the predominant one is him. I can say I was deluded by him after the stuff happened. Whether should I find a chance to give away the thing to grandfather? Will he be angry? Will he kick the first branch out of the Western Army as a punishment?¡±

    ¡°Though grandfather doesn¡¯t care Jiang Qizheng too much, she is the only daughter of the fourth aunt of the fourth branch.¡± Jiang Yaqing thought quickly, ¡°Though grandfather can let it go, her mother won¡¯t! If I inform positively and think of a way to pass the buck¡­ If her parents revenged for their daughter, they would aim at the first branch. That means I would have a helper.¡±

    When the cousins were intrigued by each other, Qiu Jinn went out of Shazhou with followers.

    ¡°Young master, do you think Han Jishan is reliable?¡± After they left the city, they galloped for a while. When they slowed down, Ruan Yi caught up with him anxiously. He asked in a low voice, ¡°Young Earl Ling, Chunfu Princess, and the daughter of Jingbo. Despite young Earl, who is a man, others aredies. Besides, the daughter of Jingbo hasn¡¯t even got married yet. If the news that she is abused were given away, Jingbo would surely ask you to give him a good ount.¡±

    ¡°If we want Kuang Qingwu to think that the recruits were sent here by the first and third branches, we can assemble some guys from the central ins. Why do we have to lend from Han Jishan?¡±

    Ruan Yi thought that was dangerous, ¡°Not only we can¡¯t control the situation of the Young Earl Ling and the girls, but we also give him a thing that he can threaten you, which is¡­¡±

    ¡°This thing is of the utmost importance. If I don¡¯t let him know, do you think he will spare no effort to help me?¡± Qiu Jinn sneered, ¡°Besides, my subordinates are trained as assassins. They arepletely different from those who are battle-hardened. Though it may be hard for you to tell the difference, Kuang Qingwu, the guy who grew up in the western army, can. The assistants who are sent there to help him by the first branch and the third branch are elites from the Northern Army. Except for the elites in the Western Army, can anyone else pretend to be them?¡±

    ¡°If we gave the task to lurk in Kuang Qingwu¡¯s ce to Han Jishan¡¯s henchmen, we would not only prevent Kuang Qingwu from seeing through, but also get him involved.¡± Qiu Jinn sneered, ¡°If he got involved, do you think he would weasel out when I was revealed? I have a brother-inw, who can intercede for me in front of Marquess Qin. What does he have?¡±

    He paused and then continued, ¡°As for how to protect Ling Zui, Han Jishan is a temporarymander of the Western Army. If he can¡¯t achieve this thing, he can quit! Don¡¯t worry. The only thing we should be anxious about is how to face Marquess Qin!¡±

    Ruan Yi was confused, ¡°Marquess Qin? This time we can find evidence that the first branch and the third branch collude with Kuang Qingwu to murder the daughter in the fourth branch and kids in the Ou Family and the Ling Family. Will Marquess Qin be partial to them?¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Qiu Jinn sneered, ¡°Don¡¯t forget Kuang Qingwu will assert emphatically that he is appointed by me to attack the army of the Jiang Family!¡±

    If Chunfu Princess and Miss Ou die, under the pressure of the Jiang Family and the Ou Family, Marquess Qin may track the thing down and not let the first branch and the third branch go!¡± Qiu Jinn squinted, ¡°If the girls are fine, Marquess Qin will believe that I am the wrong guy. But for my sister, I have to protect them. Otherwise, Jiang Yashuang and my sister will alienate with each other!¡±

    Ruan Yi changed his expression, ¡°So now?¡±

    ¡°We should get them out of here at first. ording to the n, we can find Jiang Yaqing and Jiang Yayue to talk about the thing. We just save the reputation of being righteous!¡± Qiu Jinn sneered, ¡°As for Marquess Qin, we just wait for Jiang Yashuang to speak for us. I just hope that he means a lot to Marquess Qin.¡±

 Chapter 369 - No One Is Crueler than the Two Uncles

    Chapter 369 No One Is Crueler than the Two Uncles

    In the Jing City¡­

    The heavy snow in the first lunar month was vast and boundless. Firecrackers were scattered in the sound of wind and snow. The atmosphere of the new year was still strong. However, servants in Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion were trembling and nervous.

    In the study in the front yard, the atmosphere was in tension.

    ¡°Kuang Qingwu is a callow youth. If he is not Kuang Shihan¡¯s only son, he is just a mediocre man! Kuang Shihan himself was caught by Qiu Jinn, not to mention him.¡± Jiang Tianao sneered and looked at the people, ¡°Even if he escaped by chance, what did he doter? Instead of quickly finding a corner to hide and make a living, he openly bes a bandit in Shazhou.¡±

    ¡°The most ridiculous thing is that since the Western Army knows that the so-called bandits are always against the Western Army and even have harmed the soldiers several times, the Western Army won¡¯t kill them all every time¡­ The Western Army, known as the elite in the world, has guarded Xijiang for years. Although the western savages can¡¯t advance half a step to the East over the years, they can¡¯t kill a 17-year-old child of a criminal.¡±

    Jiang Tianao looked at Jiang Yazhu and Jiang Yashuang and said, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare think that this person was not ordered by Qiu Jinn to eradicate dissidents under the guise of bandits?¡±

    It was the first time that Jiang Yazhu was called to participate in a negotiation of this level. He didn¡¯t expect to be caught by his uncle. Moreover, he knew nothing about the matter. At the moment, he was stunned and speechless.

    ¡°Now that you have said this, I want to ask you and my third uncle a question. How did Jiang Qizheng, Xing, and the young son of Earl of Jingchuan offend you?¡± Jiang Yashuang also knew that his brother couldn¡¯t cope with their oldest uncle. So, he stood out expressionless and his dark eyes were cold. He asked angrily, ¡°To deal with my wife¡¯s brother, you colluded with Kuang Qingwu to take them away!¡±

    ¡°Ridiculous!¡± Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi denounced at the same time, ¡°You connived at your wife¡¯s brother to let Kuang Qingwu make trouble in Shazhou, but now use your elders and incite your brothers. The more you grow up, the less sensible and the more mischievous you are. If you continue to be like this, you will be no better than Jiang Yadan¡­¡±

    ¡°Sensible? Mischievous? These should be judged by my grandfather and father!¡± On his way to the study, Jiang Yashuang had inferred who was the real culprit behind the attack on Jiang Yadan and his group. Now looking at the first branch and the third branch, who couldn¡¯t wait to put the me on Qiu Jinn, he was more determined. Although he had been colluding with these two uncles on behalf of the fourth branch in recent years. However, due to Marquess Qin and their blood rtionship, attacks were mostly aimed at each other¡¯s forces. In terms of their own harm, they all held their hands and controlled the bottom line.

    He had restrained the bottom line. What did the first branch and the third branch do?

    Jiang Qizheng was the only daughter in the fourth branch. Her son with Qiu Feng was just born.

    Ou Qinn, the earliest and most loyal follower of the Jiang Family, was the only girl of this generation!

    Even if the Jiang Family didn¡¯t care about Ling Zui¡¯s life, Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t sit back and watch him in danger because of his friendship with Qiu Jinn and his care for Qiu Yn and Ruan Ciyi.

    ¡°When Lan was newly pregnant before, I reminded myself that I must use extraordinary means at a special time.¡± At the moment, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s heart was suffering and his hatred was overwhelming.

    ¡°Now I know that I¡¯m still too young. How can Ipare with these two uncles in terms of cruelty?¡±

    He thought that the three people should have little chance to survive. After all, the death of them would hit the fourth branch hardly. Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t think of any reason for the first branch and the third branch to stop? Family affection? If they still knew it, they wouldn¡¯t do it.

    ¡°The only helper is Qiu Yn¡¯s brother, but his power has been basically exposed when Kuang Shihan was eradicated. Ren Ziyong¡¯s family wealth that umted for many years has been mostly cost. The first branch and the third branch were well organized and prepared. There is basically no hope.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang cleared his mind and suddenly smiled. He thought, ¡°Although my father is far away in Beijiang, my grandfather is close and he can admonish his nephews. The two uncles were so anxious to take over the reins because I was right.¡±

    ¡°nder elders without evidence! Jiang Yashuang, you¡¯ve never been such an unreasonable person!¡± Jiang Tianqi sighed, showing pity, and his tone changed kindly, ¡°But I understand you. After all, you must feel very sad when Jiang Qizheng suddenly has suffered the misfortune. Now you are upset and have a few words to the elders. Although it¡¯s impolite, we all are a family and no one will care¡­¡±

    Speaking of this, he looked at Jiang Tianao. As soon as Jiang Tianao frowned, he immediately understood that it was time to start the model of kindness and tolerance for the elderly, so as to hint that Jiang Yashuang was making trouble on purpose.

    When he was about to assist, Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°It¡¯s easy for my third uncle to see the evidence.¡±

    Ignoring the expressions of the first branch and the third branch after they hearing the speech, he adjusted his clothes and suddenly bowed down, ¡°Grandfather, you and grand uncle know Xing and Jiang Yadan¡¯s power. Please say a fair word for me.¡±

    After saying this, he knocked heavily. Although the floor of the study was covered with thick felt, his forehead was bruised at once. However, Marquess Qin closed his eyes slightly to refresh himself. It seemed that he didn¡¯t see this scene at all. Fortunately, there was Sir Jibei. He was a grand uncle, not a grandfather. So, he couldn¡¯t afford to lose Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face.

    Seeing that, he changed his face and said, ¡°Don¡¯t kneel. Get up and talk!¡±

    ¡°I beg you to say a fair word.¡± Jiang Yashuang stopped kowtowing, but refused to get up and insisted, ¡°Although Jiang Yadan is a man and older than Xing, how can his kung fu bepared with Xing because of the neglect over the years?¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡± Sir Jibei smiled bitterly, looked around, and saw that Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi were also looking at him. His eyes wereplex. He pondered for a moment and said, ¡°It should be Xing!¡±

    ¡°What uncle has said is very true!¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled. He got up and returned to his seat. He looked around with cold eyes and said, ¡°Of course. It¡¯s Xing! Xing¡¯s brother Ou Bicheng can¡¯t practice martial arts. Jing Bo has always educated Xing as a boy. In terms of riding, shooting, and drinking, she is no weaker than a man! Moreover, since she was a child, she often traveled between Beijiang and Jing City. She was not afraid of traveling, but after the attack, the only one who wasn¡¯t kidnapped was Jiang Yadan, rather than Xing who was most likely to escape!¡±

    ¡°It was Kuang Qingwu¡¯s intention to let Jiang Yadan go.¡± Jiang Yashuang asked with a smile, ncing sideways at Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi, ¡°You two really deserve to be elders! You¡¯re so calcting and cruel. Jiang Yadan is also the eldest son of the fourth branch. If something happened to him, my grandfather would punish rted people even if he took my uncle¡¯s kindness into consideration. But Xing and Ling Zui don¡¯t have a surname of Jiang and Jiang Qizheng is a married woman. So, you let Jiang Yadan go so as to avoid my grandfather¡¯s punishment.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why you have misunderstood us?¡± Jiang Tianao frowned and said in a gentle voice, ¡°But your inference is too arbitrary! Jiang Yadan and others were apanied by bodyguards. Of course, when they were attacked, they mainly relied on bodyguards to resist. There was absolutely no reason to rely on the four of them! Bodyguards couldn¡¯t protect everyone and should give priority to the protection of Jiang Yadan! Among the four of them, Jiang Yadan is the most valued, isn¡¯t he?¡±

    Jiang Tianqi also said calmly, ¡°And perhaps it was Qiu Jinn who inspired Kuang Qingwu to do this calction for making trouble among us and then he would benefit from it. Jiang Yashuang, you are the best in the Jiang Family. We, elders, have high hopes for you! You can¡¯t do things that hurt your rtives and make your enemies happy because of the voice beside your pillow!¡±

    Speaking of this, he looked at the crowd, ¡°Although it is said that themander of the Western Army has alwayse from the Ruan and Qiu Family since the founding of our Dynasty, it is still a long time ago. Qiu Jinn himself promised that he would only take revenge. After that, he will never take any power of the Western Army. Kuang Shihan has been killed for years and he kept Kuang Qingwu for himself. Others are still in the Western Army, obstructing our family from taking over the army. This is really¡­¡±

    The two cousins made a rigorous inference and a bold assumption. Both of them believed that the fourth branch was trapped this time and it was Qiu Jinn who had nned it with his purpose to drive away Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing and monopolize the Western Army. Jiang Yashuang¡¯s suspicion was bewitched by his wife Qiu Yn.

    ¡°In fact, there is a clue about this, but Shazhou is too far away from Jing City. When the news arrived, it coincided with the good news from your wife. We thought it was your first child and should not be ignored. So, we don¡¯t want to tell you the annoying news.¡± Jiang Tianao continued to pretend to be a good elder, ¡°I was going to remind Qiu Jinn, so as not to embarrass you in the future. I think maybe it is what I have done that makes him decide to do this.¡±

    ¡°Shazhou is vast. Jiang Yadan and others were not ostentatious when they traveled. How could they be blocked by Kuang Qingwu?¡± Jiang Tianqi added, ¡°Someone must have revealed their whereabouts. Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing are cousins of Jiang Qizheng. Don¡¯t mention Jiang Yadan, that girl of the Ou Family was held often by Jiang Yaqing when she is three or five years old in Beijiang. He took her as a sister. There are scum killing rtives in the world, but even if there is a gap asionally among us, we won¡¯t go this far. Jiang Yashuang, what you just said really hurt our hearts.¡±

    They two cooperated and created a lively image of an elder who was misunderstood by his younger generation but still full of love andpassion. Jiang Yashuang just looked at them indifferently. Seeing that they had finally finished, he said, ¡°Since both uncles think I am making troubles without reason, I don¡¯t know if you can answer my question.¡±

    Without waiting for them to answer, Jiang Yashuang asked with a smile, ¡°You keep saying that my wife¡¯s brother has a bad intention for a long time. But for this time, there was also a clue about the experience of Jiang Yadan. Since you had arranged for someone to remind my wife¡¯s brother, why didn¡¯t they remind Jiang Yadan and others who are going to Shazhou?¡±

    Hearing this, the first branch and the third branch all slightly change their expression!

    Jiang Yashuang stared at them and asked word by word, ¡°You know Kuang Qingwu has a problem, but you let Jiang Yadan and others enter Shazhou unprepared¡­ I dare to ask you that since you are so tolerant and considerate of me, how can you forget to care for Jiang Yadan and others?¡±

    He suddenlyughed, ¡°Fortunately, Jiang Yadan is all right. He is the eldest son of the fourth branch. No one dares to harm him! Therefore, if you can¡¯t remember whether you have told him or not, it doesn¡¯t matter. When Jiang Yadan returns to Jing City, we¡¯ll know! I think that although Jiang Yadan is a little mischievous at ordinary times, he is in his prime of life. He won¡¯t forget the concerns of you so soon, will he?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi still looked calm, but their hands under their wide robes and big sleeves trembled slightly. They thought, ¡°We are careless! We want to push Jiang Yashuang step by step. Unexpectedly, we fail to force him into hysteria, but he has caught a w!¡±

    If they said that they hadn¡¯t reminded Jiang Yadan before, they could find some excuses to exin. But now they pretended to be nice and acted as that they knew Qiu Jinn had a problem with Kuang Qingwu but didn¡¯t tell Jiang Yashuang and his wife because they thought about them. How could they exin they didn¡¯t tell Jiang Yadan?

    Just as Jiang Yashuang said, they dared not kill Jiang Yadan!

    If they couldn¡¯t kill them, they had to exin. But how?

    The study became quiet strangely.

    ¡°Jiang Yazhu?¡± After a brief silence, Jiang Yayi suddenly said, ¡°Although the fourth uncle and Jiang Yadan are not here, the fourth branch has not only Jiang Yashuang now but you. You are his brother. Do you think the first branch and we will be responsible for the misfortune of Jiang Qizheng?¡±

    Hearing the speech, in addition to Marquess Qin who was still meditating with his eyes closed, all people in the study focused on Jiang Yazhu!

    Jiang Yazhu had never appeared on such an asion. He caught up with such a nervous scene for the first time. He was at a loss. Being looked at like this at the moment, he suddenly blushed.

    Jiang Yayi¡¯s eyes shed a nce of contempt, but outwardly he asked kindly, ¡°Jiang Yashuang has said his opinion before you. Now it¡¯s time to listen to yours. After all, the fourth uncle and Jiang Yadan are not here. ording to the age, the fourth branch is now in your charge.¡±

    Of course, this was using Jiang Yashuang of not obeying the order of the elders and surpassing his brother.

    When Jiang Yashuang smiled calmly and was about to speak, Jiang Yazhu suddenly said, ¡°Although I¡¯m older, he is the trueborn son.¡±

    Everyone was stunned!

    Especially, Jiang Yayi was astonished!

    But Jiang Yazhu, who was not used to speaking on this asion, said with a red face, ¡°The old saying goes that the trueborn son is the first. Now the fourth branch has Jiang Yashuang and me. He is the trueborn one. It¡¯s natural for him toe out to speak for us. Brother, what¡¯s your intention to make trouble between us?¡±

    Jiang Yazhu was ttered outside, but he was very insignificant in the Jiang Family. To be honest, other people didn¡¯t take him seriously except Jiang Yadan, Jiang Qizheng, and Jiang Yashuang, who respected him. Jiang Yayi also didn¡¯t respect him. He thought he could make a breakthrough by questioning him. Unexpectedly, Jiang Yazhu, who had always been a waste, was clever. He not only found a good reason for Jiang Yashuang, but also showed his decision to rely on Jiang Yashuang.

    This put Jiang Yayi into a dilemma.

    Jiang Yazhu had not finished his words yet. He looked at the people around him and said, ¡°I¡¯m not the trueborn son. I¡¯m not very talented. I let go of it earlier. I wouldn¡¯t be here today if it didn¡¯t involve the fourth branch. But since Jiang Yayi hase to me and asked me what I mean, I will say directly. I¡¯m not familiar with Ling Zui and Lady Ou. However, Jiang Qizheng is my sister and her children are still raised in my yard now! Whether it is because of brotherhood or the exnation we need to make to my nephew in the future, we, the fourth branch, will never ept it if it is not investigated thoroughly.¡±

    ¡°Thorough investigation!¡±

    The sudden interruption surprised everyone.

    Following the voice, Marquess Qin slowly open his eyes and nced at Jiang Yazhu without any emotion. He said indifferently, ¡°There¡¯s something wrong with the people in your branch. You want thorough investigation¡­ Then investigate!¡±

    After a brief silence, Jiang Yashuang asked calmly, ¡°And then who will investigate it?¡±

 Chapter 370 - A Good Wife

    Chapter 370 A Good Wife

    Everyone in the study went silent again after Jiang Yashuang asked that question.

    Marquess Qin said in a calm tone, ¡°Your branch doesn¡¯t trust the first branch and the third branch. The result of the investigation will be discredited if I send any of you there. As Deputy Premier, Tiancan shouldn¡¯t go on a long journey for our family business. Jiang Yn is younger than Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing. I think your branch will also have a problem if he goes there. As for Tianxiao¡­¡±

    Speaking of which, he nced at his youngest son, Jiang Tianxiao.

    Jiang Tianxiao who had been avoiding being drawn into the crisis was shocked when his father looked at him at that moment, ¡°Father, although I¡¯m Jiang Yazhu and Jiang Yashuang¡¯s uncle, I¡¯m only a few years older than them. Besides, I have little talent and learning. I¡¯m only where I am because of you and my brothers.¡±

    Was he kidding? How couldn¡¯t people know that the culprit was in one of the three branches after listening to their quarrel? Since the fourth branch had fallen out with the first branch and the third branch, Jiang Tianxiao would offend one side or the other when he found out the culprit. He didn¡¯t want to get caught up in their fight.

    Marquess Qin didn¡¯t say anything about what he said. He looked towards Sir Jibei and said in a sad tone, ¡°Qianqiu, you have trouble with your legs. I know that you havee back to Jing City to rest. But this time¡­¡±

    Sir Jibei nodded slightly and said tly, ¡°It is not like I¡¯m going to war. I¡¯m just going there to investigate. It can give me a chance to see if the Western Army canpete with our fine soldiers in the north.¡±

    ¡°Your youngest grand uncle has spent a lot of effort in cultivating your father who he is today,¡± Marquess Qin looked towards Jiang Yazhu and Jiang Yashuang. ¡°I¡¯ll ask him to go to Shazhou to investigate. Do you trust him?¡±

    Jiang Yazhu meant what he said. After hearing the question, instead of answering, he looked towards his younger brother at once, showing that he would follow Jiang Yashuang¡¯s lead. Jiang Yashuang bowed to Sir Jibei and sobbed, ¡°Grand uncle, please seek justice for Jiang Qizheng, Xing, and Ling Zui.¡±

    Before Sir Jibei could say anything, Marquess Qin asked the first branch and the third branch, ¡°I think you know how well Qianqiu has been treating you both for all these years. How about you two? Do you trust him?¡±

    ¡°Uncle Qianchuan, you¡¯re too cautious. How can¡¯t we trust Uncle Qianqiu?¡± Jiang Tianao said in a hurry. Could he say no at that moment? Besides, Sir Jibei did treat him well.

    Jiang Tianqi said, ¡°Father, I¡¯ll follow your and Uncle Qianqiu¡¯s lead.¡±

    ¡°In that case, Qianqiu, get ready and leave tomorrow,¡± Marquess Qin closed his eyes indifferently. ¡°You all can leave if you don¡¯t have anything else to say. I¡¯m tired.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang ignored the first branch and the third branch after leaving the study. After saluting Jiang Tiancan and Jiang Tianxiao, he and Jiang Yazhu walked away.

    ¡°I thought he should be a sensible kid since Uncle Qianchuan has been teaching him for years. However, he is¡­ Tut!¡± Looking at Jiang Yashuang¡¯s back, a gloomy look shed through Jiang Tianao¡¯s eyes. But his tone was kind and a little disappointed, ¡°Uncle Qianchuan¡¯s efforts are in vain.¡±

    ¡°He is still young.¡± Jiang Tianqi smiled and then said tly, ¡°It worries me that Uncle Qianqiu is going to Shazhou on a snowy day.¡±

    Jiang Tianao squinted, ¡°Let¡¯s go back to our ces and see if there is anything that he may need which we can pack for him.¡± While they were talking, they inevitably left together and went to discuss their n.

    Jiang Tiancan and Jiang Tianxiao stood not far away and they looked at each other, smiling bitterly. And then they went their separate ways.

    Marquess Qin whose face was expressionless stood behind the window of his study with his hands behind his back.

    Sir Jibei sat on the bed and sighed, ¡°With what happened today, no matter what I find out¡­ Things between the first, the third, and the fourth branches¡­¡±

    ¡°So, the person who incited Kuang Qingwu to attack Yadan and others must not be from the first branch and the third branch, nor Qiu Jinn!¡± Others all left within a short while. In the snowy courtyard, a red plum in the corner bloomed brightly. Its bright red color looked ominous. Marquess Qin stopped looking outside and went back in. He sat opposite his brother and said calmly, ¡°It must be someone else! So that they could reconcile.¡±

    Sir Jibei frowned, ¡°How could you expect them to reconcile at this point?¡±

    He reminded, ¡°The source of the fight between the first, the third, and the fourth branches isn¡¯t what happened today.¡±

    He paused and then continued, ¡°Besides, what do you n to do with the Western Army? In my opinion, you may as well let me run a thorough investigation. Whoever did it should leave the Western Army and hand over the military power to the other side aspensation. And no one shall bring it up ever again!¡±

    Marquess Qin shook his head and said, ¡°The first branch and the third branch probably did it together. Tianchi doesn¡¯t have many kids. And Jiang Yashuang isn¡¯t the kind of person who will exchange his siblings for military power. Without their approval, Qiu Jinn won¡¯t trick his sister like that. The fourth branch already has the Northern Army. What do you think will happen if they have the Western Army as well?¡±

    ¡°Qiu Jinn isn¡¯t one of us!¡± Sir Jibei said, frowning, ¡°Although his only sister is Jiang Yashuang¡¯s wife, they will only be as close as a family in their generation. He¡¯ll build his influence in Xijiang if the Western Army is handed over to him. His kids won¡¯t be close to Qiu Yn if he doesn¡¯t send them back to Jing City. When the next generation is in charge in a few decades, there won¡¯t be much love between them. It¡¯s more of a rtionship of interest. In my opinion, instead of worrying that the fourth branch will have so much power that they will prevail over others, you should consider how to make Qiu Jinn hand over something in exchange for the Western Army.¡±

    Marquess Qin said tly, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that. I¡¯m willing to let nature take its course if the first branch and the third branch didn¡¯t go after Jiang Qizheng and the others. After all, Qiu Jinn values Qiu Yn a lot. He won¡¯t offend us easily if he has the Western Army. Giving him the Western Army isn¡¯t so bad if the first branch and the third branch aren¡¯t capable of controlling it. But like you have said, the fourth branch will never let the first branch and the third branch off the hook after what happened today. How can¡¯t I give them something to protect themselves?¡±

    He sounded extremely tired, ¡°We are old after all.¡±

    Sir Jibei was silent. He said after a long time, ¡°I¡¯ll draw people¡¯s attention elsewhere. However, it mustn¡¯t happen again. Even though Jiang Qizheng is married, she is still our blood. Jiang Yazhu was right. Tianchi and his wife only have this one daughter. How can we abandon her?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I have agreed to run a thorough investigation.¡± Marquess Qin said tly, ¡°I want to remind Tianao and Tianqi that they are over the line.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Sir Jibei wanted to say something but he didn¡¯t. He thought, ¡°I know you want to warn Tianao and Tianqi. However, the trueborn daughter of the fourth branch is now dead. How can you scare them by such a gentle warning?¡±

    Jiang Tianchi and his sons weren¡¯t the kinds of people who were willing to suffer in silence. Since you were so unfair, how couldn¡¯t they seek justice for themselves?

    ¡°Fine. Since he is hellbent on doing so, I don¡¯t think anything I say will make a difference.¡± Sir Jibei sighed inwardly, ¡°I¡¯ll make a decision after I arrive at Shazhou and find out what really happened. I don¡¯t have to follow his lead. He always lets his kids suffer in order to mediate. How couldn¡¯t his kids hold grudges? Things definitely will go wrong since they hold grudges!¡±

    When their conversation was over, Jiang Yashuang was inviting Jiang Yazhu into his study.

    ¡°Yazhu, I¡¯m sorry that I offended you just now. Thank you for mediating for me.¡± Jiang Yashuang poured a cup of tea by himself and handed it to Jiang Yazhu with both his hands. He said seriously, ¡°Thinking of Jiang Qizheng and others, I was so furious that I forgot I should let you speak first.¡±

    Jiang Yazhu took that cup of tea and said in aplicated look, ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it. You know that I hardly ever deal with that kind of situation. And our two uncles were so aggressive¡­ I truly didn¡¯t know what to say back then. If you hadn¡¯t defended us, they would have gone too far bullying us.¡±

    Actually, Sheng Shishui urged him to say those words when he was getting dressed in the inner chamber after being informed to go to the study to join the discussion.

    Sheng Shishui didn¡¯t know what happened to Jiang Yadan and the others. But she still reminded her husband, ¡°Our grandfather never asked you to join their discussion in his study. I¡¯m afraid that today¡¯s topic is tricky. So, you may as well follow Jiang Yashuang¡¯s lead. Let him answer for you if you feel uncertain.¡±

    Jiang Yazhu felt his spirit was soured at that moment. So, he said angrily, ¡°Although Jiang Yashuang is favored, I¡¯m still his older brother.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m worried about,¡± Sheng Shishui knew how easily his pride could be hurt. She wouldn¡¯t have said that at any other time. But she had to say it at that crucial moment to prevent any trouble, ¡°Your parents are absent all the year round. Now that Jiang Yadan isn¡¯t here either. We only have two men, you and Jiang Yashuang, in our branch. They summoned you suddenly. Do you think they did it because you are older than Jiang Yashuang? Don¡¯t say anything when you get there. Just follow Jiang Yashuang¡¯s lead.¡±

    ¡°Do you want me to change into servant¡¯s clothes and be Jiang Yashuang¡¯s servant?¡±

    Sheng Shishui inhaled, ¡°Please don¡¯t be mad! Your parents are in the prime of life. Please allow me to say something inappropriate. Your mother can ruin your life just by using filial piety as means if she wants to. Besides, Jiang Yashuang treats us well. Why do you have to go against him? Please do listen to me this time! If someone taunts you by saying that Jiang Yashuang doesn¡¯t respect you as his brother, you can say that there is a difference between a trueborn son and a concubine¡¯s son. Don¡¯t feel embarrassed. We can¡¯t afford to stand on our dignity now. Even if your parents can¡¯t give you anything better than the outsiders can, they can take it away. As a member of the fourth branch, your root is here. Intentionally or not, you can¡¯t be used against our branch by others. You¡¯ll ruin your future if you do that.¡±

    She lowered her voice, ¡°Jiang Yashuang is sophisticated. He¡¯ll make it worth your while if you help him by admitting the difference between a trueborn son and a concubine¡¯s son. Didn¡¯t our grandfather ask you to go to Beijiang? Your mother is there. She would be less upset if she knew what you did.¡±

    ¡°Do you want to ruin your whole life by acting on impulse or swallow your pride in exchange for the future of our family? Yazhu, please think twice!¡±

    Thinking of his wife¡¯s earnest advice before he left his ce, Jiang Yazhu smiled bitterly, ¡°If Shishui hadn¡¯t reminded me, I would have¡­¡±

    Judging by his personality, he should be eager to project himself since it was his first time to join such a formal family meeting. But he found out about the topic after he went into the study. It was about the attack on Jiang Yadan and others. And Jiang Qizheng was probably dead.

    If Sheng Shishui hadn¡¯t urged him not to stand out, he would have been tricked by Jiang Tianao from the beginning.

    His fate was predictable if he fell into that trap. He was already the least valued son of a concubine in the fourth branch. Even his father, Jiang Tianchi, would despise him when he was used of ignoring his sister¡¯s death, let alone his official mother, Madame Zhuang¡¯s reaction.

    However, what about now?

    Although he admitted that he was inferior to Jiang Yashuang, as Sheng Shishui said, Jiang Yashuang wouldn¡¯t let his effort be in vain. It was the first time he set foot in his brother¡¯s study. He knew of that study. Besides Jiang Yashuang and his wife, Ou Bicheng was the only one allowed toe in and out at his will.

    It didn¡¯t seem like a big deal that Jiang Yashuang brought him in. In fact, it meant that he was qualified to participate in the affair of the fourth branch.

    It was extremely important for a member of the fourth branch to have that qualification.

    Besides, Jiang Yashuang was more generous than that.

    ¡°Since Grand Uncle Qianqiu is going to investigate the matter of Shazhou, there is not much we can do at this moment. We have to wait for his news,¡± Jiang Yashuang was being euphemistic. The truth was that he could meddle but Jiang Yazhu couldn¡¯t help at all.

    So, he said to Jiang Yazhu, ¡°Our grandfather arranged for you to go to Beijiang to join the army. Since you¡¯ve never been to Beijiang before, I¡¯m afraid that you don¡¯t know much about the Northern Army. I store all the letters our father sent from Beijiang here and I¡¯ve begun to sort out letters about the Northern Army. You cane by and go through these letters every day. This study is separated from the backyard living area anyway. It¡¯s fine for you toe here even if I¡¯m not here.¡±

    ¡°There is one more private matter,¡± Jiang Yashuang paused because he was pondering. He looked up at his brother and said as gently as he could, ¡°I miss our parents so much since I haven¡¯t seen them for years. I want to write to each of them before you go. I hope you could give them my letters.¡±

    Did it mean that Jiang Yashuang was going to plead for him with their parents?

    Jiang Yazhu inhaled deeply, ¡°My grandmother didn¡¯t trick me on my marriage.¡± Sheng Shishui came from an awkward and humble background. But she qualified as a good wife by reminding him on that day.

 Chapter 371 - A Letter Written in Blood

    Chapter 371 A Letter Written in Blood

    There were turbulent waters in Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion in Jing City.

    At the moment, something happened in Shazhou.

    In the room, which had been decorated as much as possible but was still rough, Jiang Qizheng was writing a letter in her blood with her fingers moving rapidly!

    Ling Zui was unnerved, ¡°Princess, whose blood is not precious? You have bitten your fingers a few times¡­ Or shall I go outside and ask for some blood? Otherwise, your face¡­¡±

    ¡°Good!¡± Ling Zui had thought it would take a while to persuade her because the princess, who came over as a gentle and quiet woman, was so murderous at the moment. She seemed not to be in the mood to listen to him. Unexpectedly, as soon as he said that, Jiang Qizheng nodded her head, which made Ling Zui stunned for a moment before he realized it.

    He went out to inform Han Jishan¡¯s subordinates, who soon brought in arge basin of steaming blood, promising that he could just ask if he wanted more. Anyway, two days ago Han Jishan¡¯s forceunched a sudden attack and contained Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing¡¯s men. Among those, a few of the most important men were kept alive while others were killed.

    Not to mention the fact that Chunfu Princess only wanted to write a blood letter, she could have copied several volumes of books!

    ¡°By the way, why are you writing this?¡± Ou Qinn escaped earlier and Han Jishan¡¯s men went to catch up with her and protect her. So, Ling Zui stayed around to guard Jiang Qizheng. But Jiang Qizheng was writing the blood letter since she had been rescued. That was to say, she had written several blood letters but she kept revising and rewriting because she was so dissatisfied with them.

    Ling Zui looked at some of those letters and found they were all the same, which just said that they were trapped by the first branch and the third branch of the Jiang Family. Because she thought there was no way to live, she wrote a blood letter and sent it out, which was not only for having someone take care of her young son but for hoping to take revenge in the future!

    So, Ling Zui found it was really a headache, ¡°You¡­ are still alive, aren¡¯t you?¡± He thought in his heart, ¡°Just tell the truth! Why do you make yourself suffer? Don¡¯t you want to live anymore?¡± That was not good. The Jiang Family was known to be unreasonable. If Jiang Qizhengmitted suicide, they would definitely get angry with him in that he was just around her!

    ¡°Young Earl, though you are not on intimate terms with my family, you know that my grandfather likes Uncle Tianao very much, don¡¯t you?¡± With her finger still moving, Jiang Qizheng gave a sad smile, ¡°If I had died this time, my grandfather wouldn¡¯t have done something. Let alone the fact that I¡¯m alive and it is only a false rm!¡±

    Ling Zui frowned, ¡°I don¡¯t know about your family for sure¡­ Honestly, the only thing that I care about is that if the thing will be nted on Chunjun. That guy, Kuang, stated categorically that Chunjun was the culprit!¡±

    ¡°That is why I am writing this blood letter!¡± Jiang Qizheng¡¯s eyes were cold, ¡°Fortunately, two or three of my bodyguards are alive. When I finish this letter, I will ask them to take a short cut to Beijiang and send it to my parents as soon as possible!¡±

    ¡°And then Great General of North and his wife will ask Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi to ount for this, won¡¯t they?¡± Ling Zui¡¯s eyes brightened, ¡°This way, even if Kuang Qingwu tries to nder Chunjun, it won¡¯t work, right? After all, everyone knows that he has a grudge against Chunjun!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng nodded and said decisively, ¡°Right! My grandfather doesn¡¯t care for granddaughters and he shows preference to the first branch. If he knew that we were safe, he would sweep the whole thing under the rug, shift the me to Qiu Jinn, and transfer him to Jing City! For the sake of Qiu Jinn, the only thing that I can do is to straighten it out with my parents and let theme forward to put pressure on it!¡±

    Ling Zui was relieved and thought that the princess didn¡¯t let it bother her. Now that she was willing to think for Qiu Jinn, his friend, it would be great!

    As he rxed, he started worrying about the princess out of habit, ¡°But why do you have to have this letter written in your blood? You are the beloved true-born daughter of Great General of North. As long as there is your item, a letter is enough to convince the Great General, isn¡¯t it? Particrly, you bite your fingers to take blood¡­¡±

    He hurried to look everywhere for medicine and clean handkerchiefs. But Jiang Qizheng nced down at her bleeding fingers and refused coolly. Her eyes once were unworldly and full of innocence but now there was evilness in them, which was only gained after getting worn out. ¡°How could a home letterpare with a letter in blood? And how could a letter written in others¡¯ bloodpare with a letter written in my blood? Such minor injuries can make it easier for my parents to justify their actions when disputing with my grandfather and show that the two branches that my grandfather defended are even crueler¡­ So, there is no need to have my wound dressed. The other day when we gather at Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion, I will show my hands and witness how ruthless my two good uncles are and that they don¡¯t care about their flesh and blood!¡±

    With medicine he just searched out, Ling Zui was wordless for a while and then said, ¡°I am afraid that your wounds will leave a scar as time goes on. That will be a real pity!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng smiled thinly, ¡°It is really nice of you, Young Earl!¡± But she still refused to have her wound dressed and was not fearful of leaving a scar.

    Ling Zui talked to her a few times while she didn¡¯t listen. ¡°The infighting of the Jiang Family has really pissed off the princess!¡± He had no way but put things back and thought, ¡°I¡¯ve never met a woman who is not afraid to leave a scar since I was a kid! It¡¯s often harder for women to do so than to be killed. Especially the hands are the ones that need to be put out and seen by others all the time, and it¡¯s hard to cover them up¡­ Chunfu Princess¡¯s hands were beautiful and her fingers were slim but now she fears that there are not any scars. She is determined to fight against the first branch and the third branch!¡±

    With that, Ling Zui¡¯s heart sank within him.

    ¡°Although Han Jishan¡¯s men attacked suddenly, some of them had been spread out to send letters to Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing¡­ Furthermore, some men were ordered to catch up with Xing as she escaped¡­ I don¡¯t know how Miss Ou is now. She¡¯d better be safe and sound. The family of Jingbo is not to be trifled with! Even if they have been living a wealthy life, they are still bandits. If someone messes up with them, it¡¯s not likely to live a normal life!¡±

    While Ling Zui was worried, Ou Qinn was using herst strength to stab her dagger into the throat of a pursuer!

    Earlier in her escape, Ou Qinn had spared time to thank her father. If it hadn¡¯t been for Jingbo¡¯s careful coaching and the same harsh climate of her homnd in Beijiang, she would never have escaped so far even with an experienced horse and supplies!

    But soon she was not in the mood to think about anything else.

    The ce she escaped from was Kuang Qingwu¡¯s stronghold. So, these pursuers were certainly familiar with the terrain and climate. And no matter how strict Jingbo was when he trained Ou Qinn, the rigorous standards for a youngdy would not have been the same as those for the elite force!

    After all, no one ever imagined that with her status, she would one day run from the elite force of the border army all alone!

    It was also fortunate that the men who were hunting her were the Northern Army¡¯s elite. As the daughter of a top general of the Northern Army, Ou Qinn could not confront these men, but she did know something about their means.

    Otherwise, she would have been caught even if she had more strength than now!

    ¡°It is all over!¡± Ou Qinn thought with exhaustion, ¡°My horse was killed. Food and water ran out and I have lost the way¡­ I can¡¯t make it!¡±

    The dagger was sticking out of the enemy¡¯s throat and the hot blood was sprinkled on Ou Qinn¡¯s head and face. But she was too tired to draw her dagger out!

    ¡°I hate to¡­ I cannot be reconciled!¡± Ou Qinn struggled to seize the hilt of her dagger as she muttered with an effort, ¡°Shazhou, how much further is it? Qizheng, Ling Zui¡­ Jiang Yadan¡­ Father¡­ Mother¡­ And him¡­¡±

    The overwhelming fatigue came over her and every moment of wakefulness seemed like eternal torture. In Ou Qinn¡¯s mind, she felt as if thousands of years had passed or she had just snapped her fingers. She drew her short sword slowly and doggedly, feeling as if the spark of her life was like a candle in the wind, which might go out at any second.

    Not knowing how much time went by, she suddenly woke up to the shaking ground.

    ¡°There go them again!¡±

    Ou Qinn¡¯s red eyes glinted ferociously like a wolf and she pulled out the dagger which was deep into the enemy¡¯s throat, ¡°Let me see if I can kill one more!¡±

    But after a while, when the wildly running procession stopped near Ou Qinn, she heard a voice which made her quite surprised, ¡°Miss¡­ Miss Ou!¡±

    Ou Qinn looked up incredulously. When Qiu Jinn took off his hood that sheltered him from wind and storm and there appeared a face that she had hoped to see, she thought that it seemed as if time had stopped.

    Not only was she surprised, but Qiu Jinn was terribly shocked in his heart! He dropped his reins to the subordinates and dismounted rapidly. And he took the water bag hanging on the saddle as he walked to her. ¡°Drink it¡­ Why are you here?¡± Qiu Jinn thought in his mind, ¡°D*mn it! Is there anything wrong with Han Jishan¡¯s arrangement?¡±

    Ou Qinn drank with loud sucking noises. Her life nearly ebbed away. So, despite Qiu Jinn was close by, Ou Qinn couldn¡¯t afford to keep her manner. She drank by Qiu Jinn¡¯s hands until he took the water bag away and reminded her in a deep voice, ¡°Miss Ou, you are not well now. You¡¯d better not drink too much!¡±

    And he asked someone to take some dry food. But when the order was just given, Ou Qinn pulled at his sleeve with her feeble hand and shook her head, ¡°Qizheng and Ling Zui are still there. Especially Qizheng, she¡­¡±

    After hearing Ou Qinn¡¯s description, Qiu Jinn¡¯s face suddenly turned ugly. ording to his agreement with Han Jishan, there was not such a thing to have Ou Qinn run off alone to Shazhou for help! Ou Qinn, who was good at horse riding and archery, was not as noble as Jiang Qizheng, but she was still a spoilt and pampereddy! If something had gone wrong on the way, she would have suffered from cold or fallen down, not to mention being killed by the pursuers. And then how would he exin to the Ou family?

    Qiu Jinn was not going to marry into the Ou Family but he also didn¡¯t want to mess up with them!

    ¡°Han Jishan, you are an old devil!¡± He said, outraged, ¡°You have changed the n¡­ Are you trying to trap me?¡±

    With a strong effort to conceal his anger, Qiu Jinn said something tofort Ou Qinn and got a line of soldiers to look after and escort her. And then he stood up, ¡°It¡¯s urgent! Miss Ou, I beg your pardon if I have done wrong!¡±

    Having watched his figure disappear, Ou Qinn bit her lip and mounted up the horse which was vacated by a soldier. In her heart, a sense of loss was mixed with unspeakable sweetness, ¡°He recognized me at once, didn¡¯t he?¡±

    After walking for a distance with the muddle in her head, she thought to ask, ¡°Are we going to Shazhou?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± The soldiers who were asked to protect her looked at each other. The captain hid his meaningful look and said reverently, ¡°Miss Ou, the matter that you were attacked has a great deal with some people in Shazhou! So, for your safety, we will escort you to¡­ The temporary room of the eighth young master Jiang.¡±

 Chapter 372 - Did Not Take Him as an Idiot!

    Chapter 372 Did Not Take Him as an Idiot!

    At this moment, in a temporary campsite a hundred miles from Shazhou, Jiang Yadan was kicking soldiers one by one fiercely who knelt on the ground, ¡°Crap! You are a group of crap! What have you achieved? How many days you have already taken? Not to mention going to rescue them, can you even find them? Does Kuang Qingwu know sorcery? Or are you all blind, deaf, or oafish?¡±

    Though many of them fell in a faint because of his kick, he still felt furious. He shouted, ¡°Where is my whip? Go and get my whip!¡±

    His young servant, Jiang Gan, held the whip, kneeling to him. He was trembling because of fear. He didn¡¯t dare to give it to him, ¡°Young master, please relieve. The second master and the sixth master have already urged them to hurry up. I think several dayster they will¡­¡±

    ¡°Several days?¡± Jiang Yadan kicked him on his chest without a word and then he sneered, ¡°My eighteenth sister has been in favor since she was born. She has suffered a lot on the way. Moreover, she is kidnapped! We still haven¡¯t rescued her. I don¡¯t even know how to exin to my parents and my nephew. But you, son of b*tch, tell me that several more days are needed?¡±

    Jiang Gan knew his master well. Though he spared no effort to serve him these years, if he riled Jiang Yadan when he was furious, he would be killed, too. The Eighth Young Master wasn¡¯t short of young servants.

    He didn¡¯t mind the pain in his chest. He kowtowed on the ground, coughing with blood, ¡°I¡¯m sorry! Young Master, please forgive me! I was mindless to speak that! I deserve to die!¡±

    He treated his young servant in such a cruel way. Jiang Yadan would certainly not care much about these trusted subordinates of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing. He thrashed their faces and heads with the whip. Though these guys were elite soldiers the first branch and sixth branch cultivated in the Western Army, they were still human beings. How could they bear the pain caused by being whipped on their head by a man with a horsewhip which contained iron inside?

    Being whipped several times, four to five people were beaten to death.

    At this moment Jiang Gan even couldn¡¯t protect himself. He didn¡¯t dare to say anything, not to mention those guys who followed Jiang Yadan to go westward from Jing City. However, the subordinates of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing couldn¡¯t stand it, ¡°Young Master, we tried our best to find them, while the heister, Kuang Qingwu, was so¡­¡±

    ¡°If you can¡¯t find them, then go to hell.¡± In the heart of the first branch and the third branch, these guys were elite soldiers that they spared no efforts to cultivate. They cherished the soldiers like treasure. However, in Jiang Yadan¡¯s eyes, they were just like roadside nts, poultries, and livestock. For the eighth young master in Jiang Family, beating several of them to death every day could smooth him down and they could say that they did not live in vain.

    He was already furious because of his eighteenth sister who got lost and their failure to find any trace. Seeing that they dared to stop him, Jiang Yadan sneered. He dropped the whip and brushed out the long knife from the waist of the guard. He was about to cut off the one¡¯s head, who just made an exnation, ¡°If I can¡¯t find them after your death, I will kill your whole family.¡±

    ¡°Yadan!¡± The soldier was greatly frightened, but he ducked and tried to revolt subconsciously, while a shout was heard. And then he came to his sense to stop. He hung his head to cover up the enmity in his eyes. As a henchman of the first branch and third branch, he already held a grudge against the fourth branch. He was trampled by Jiang Yadan at this moment and so definitely he would hate him.

    But he knew even if his masters dared not to handle Jiang Yadan. Though he was a dandy, he was the trueborn son of the fourth branch. Unless they wanted to break with the fourth branch drastically, they could not harm him at all.

    He was in his thought while there was a sharp pain shot through his shoulder.

    ¡°Yadan, what are you doing?¡± The one who rushed here to rescue those soldiers was Jiang Yayue. After all, Jiang Qizheng was kidnapped. Jiang Yadan was unwilling to go to Shazhou. He had to stay here to wait for news. As his elder cousins, Jiang Yaqing and he shoulde here to take a look at him.

    They had proper business to deal with and so they could not pitch camps here like Jiang Yadan but took turns to visit him.

    It was Jiang Yayue¡¯s turn this day. As he was afraid of being urged by Jiang Yadan, he made excuses of finding the eighteenth sister on his own after he arrived. And when the time was enough, he came back to the camp to take leave.

    He didn¡¯t expect that while he was dragging his feet, he heard Jiang Yadan killed someone again.

    He umted these soldiers in the Northern Army as his foundation. He wanted to take advantage of them to take down the Western Army. They couldn¡¯t be beaten or killed by Jiang Yadan randomly like livestock!

    ¡°Now Qizheng has not been found yet. We are all miserable!¡± Looking at the corpses lying on the ground and those soldiers who would be disabled for the rest of their life, Jiang Yayue had excruciating pain in his chest.

    Had it not been for the overall situation, he would grab the knife in Jiang Yadan¡¯s hand to stab him severely!

    But at this moment he could not do it. He even had to keep his temper tofort the ck sheep, ¡°If you kill all these guys, will anyone else here rescue Jiang Qizheng?¡±

    ¡°These days there is no news. What is the meaning of keeping these crap guys?¡± Jiang Yadan didn¡¯t show any respect at all. Hearing these words, he gave the soldier a few more stabs. He killed the guy in front of Jiang Yayue and blood even sshed on his face!

    He held the knife and said disdainfully, ¡°I would rather keep several dogs than keep them here.¡±

    Jiang Yayue knew this cousin was arrogant. But he stayed in the Northern army for years and only knew him in the letter from his family members. He didn¡¯t see the scene that Jiang Yadan went to find his sister-inw in the first branch to get even with her. At that time, he was so unruliness. This day he finally saw how snooty his cousin was. He almost fainted with anger.

    ¡°Even if he were a dog, he should be mine! Do you have any respect for me?¡± Jiang Yayue roared. He stared at Jiang Yadan with blue veins standing out on his temples.

    And then Jiang Yadan threw the knife on the ground in front of him. The knife almost cut his feet with a bang. He took on a mad expression, ¡°You are my brother. I just kill several of your dogs. Why are you yelling at me? Have you treated me as a brother?¡±

    Jiang Yayue finally knew how difficult and aggressive he was. However, he couldn¡¯t punch or hurt him, not to mention kill him. In case he would kill him after running out of his patience here, he sensibly shut up and asked his retinue to leave.

    Jiang Yadan only had no more than twenty guards left. He could not stop him. Though Jiang Yadan tried to block them by scolding, they all left there.

    ¡°Please cease to be angry, my master! Extreme anger will hurt you!¡± Jiang Gan¡¯s chest was still very painful, but he had to serve a cup of tea. These years Jiang Yadan was obsessed with eroticism. Though he was at the prime of life, he was in poor health. If he was sick because of anger, a servant like him must die!

    As a result, though Jiang Gan was so frightened, he had to try to persuade him to calm down, ¡°Maybe we will find them soon¡­¡±

    ¡°You are silly!¡± Seeing that around him were all guards he brought from Jing City, the furious expression on his face disappeared. He sneered, ¡°Even if those guys in the Western Army were pigs, if I let them smell the clothes of my eighteenth sister, they would have found clues! So many people took so much time. Do you believe they can¡¯t find her?¡±

    He put on a cold face, ¡°They don¡¯t want to find her at all!¡±

    Jiang Gan was shocked, ¡°But they are Princess¡¯s cousins¡­¡±

    ¡°Though I don¡¯t care about those things in my family, I know that Duck of Xihe gained his position by exchanging the life of his sister who was killed by her mother, old Princess Yang. Jiang Yadan ridiculed, ¡°This kind of person can kill their own daughters to gain power, not to mention just a cousin!¡± Jiang Yadan was just obsessed with erotism and didn¡¯t have ambition. Though he knew the right direction, he didn¡¯t want to go. But he was not an idiot!

    Though Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing controlled him, their behavior was so abnormal. Did they treat him as a fool? Especially Jiang Yayue protected his subordinates urgently just now while he did not mention Jiang Qizheng at all. Jiang Yadan was sure that there must be something abnormal!

    ¡°How will they treat you, young master?¡± Jiang Gan woke up after being reminded. He was shocked. Thinking that at this moment Jiang Yayue could decide whether to kill his master and him or not, he freaked out.

    ¡°They don¡¯t dare to!¡± Jiang Yadan sneered, ¡°I was born in the fourth branch. If they dared to kill me, my father and grandfather would punish them without mercy. Moreover, my father owns the whole Western Army. He can kill all the members in the two branches if he makes an order. Otherwise, how can I stand here safe and sound? How can I kill Jiang Yayue¡¯s subordinates in front of him?¡±

    Jiang Gan queried with trembling lips, ¡°But, young master, you are controlled by them. You just killed so many guys they cultivated¡­¡± He thought in his mind, ¡°At present, you are staying in theirir. Please have some consciousness that you should have some respect when you are under their control! It would be toote if they were pushed too far!¡±

    ¡°They are just pawns of the first branch and the third branch! They deserve to die!¡± Jiang Yadan killed so many people before and he didn¡¯t even take it seriously, ¡°Just now the expression Jiang Yayue put on was so fierce that I thought he wanted to fight with me. But he endured. We can see that though they arrest me in this ce, they don¡¯t dare to hurt me!¡±

    ¡°What should we do next?¡± Jiang Yadan knew his identity would protect him from getting hurt by the two cousins. But Jiang Gan was not so sure. As Jiang Yadan said, the expression on Jiang Yayue¡¯s face which meant that he wanted to kill Jiang Yadan was so clear. Even if he endured this time, who knew whether he would kill Jiang Yadan or not after he thought about this thing and got angrier?

    If he didn¡¯t kill Jiang Yadan, he might kill someone who served Jiang Yadan, like him, his servant, to vent his anger.

    So, he was so anxious.

    Suddenly Jiang Yadan sneered, ¡°Next, you go to tell Jiang Yayue that I am so anxious about Jiang Qizheng that I am in poor health. Ask them to find some gorgeous girls to serve me!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Jiang Gan almost spurted out blood because of anxiety. He thought, ¡°It is the most urgent time while you still want to flirt. Hearing what you just said, I thought you were an heir after all and though you were confounded usually, you could take on the responsibility at this critical moment.¡±

    He didn¡¯t know he was wrong. After telling Jiang Gan to send word to Jiang Yayue, Jiang Yadan was thinking, ¡°So many days have passed, my eighteenth sister may be¡­ But there may be a way I can find her and I must try my best until something bad happens. Even if my family knows the situation and no matter how shrewd Yashuang is, he can¡¯t help me solve this issue. Now the guards I have are not able to beat them. If I want to get rid of them to find Qizheng, I have to depend on someone else!¡±

    ¡°In Shazhou, I have to find the brother of my neenth sister-inw, Qiu Jinn! I guess he must try to get in touch with me. However, those guys outside fix their eyes on me. I am afraid that he can¡¯te in as well.¡±

    ¡°Besides, I don¡¯t know how many soldiers and supplies the first branch and third branch can use. If Qiu Jinn is not a match for them, it is the best choice to cover up the contact between us. So, I have to force Jiang Yayue to find some girls to serve me. After all, this is normal as I did the same thing when I was in Jing City. Even if there will be spies in the first batch, I always love new girls. I will ask him to change girls every day. Unless Qiu Jinn died, otherwise, he would arrange someone to talk to me!¡±

    For this sudden attack, Jiang Yadan never doubted Qiu Jinn, the one who wanted to kill the two brothers without regarding the power of the Jiang Family only because that Jiang Yashuang sent Qiu Yn back home at midnight.

    How could such a brother do something to hurt his sister?

    Qiu Jinn, who was counted on by Jiang Yadan, was thinking of Jiang Yadan as well, ¡°I wish he is shrewd. After all, I can¡¯t contend against Marquess Qin. What I could persuade and do is so limited. Otherwise, once somebody gets the goods on me, I will be killed. Jiang Yashuang, whether your n will realize depends on how calctive your foppish brother is!¡±

 Chapter 373 - They Have to Die!

    Chapter 373 They Have to Die!

    In Jing City, Hall of Taishi, Pce of Ganquan, the imperial city¡­

    Empress Dowager Jiang stared at Chu Weisang who was standing on the red steps. She asked impatiently, ¡°Why do youe here, Emperor?¡±

    ¡°I hear that you have no appetite for food and drinks. I am worried about you and so Ie here to take care of you.¡± Chu Weisang respectfully took the edible bird¡¯s nest from the golden tray which the maid knelt to hold. ¡°Being healthy is the most important thing for you. Please have some for the sake of all people and the country.¡±

    Empress Dowager Jiang frowned. Among the three kids who were kidnapped in the attack in Shazhou, she didn¡¯t mind Ling Zui, but Jiang Qizheng was her nephew who she had watched group up. Even if she ignored their connection, the consequence caused by her death was very tricky. In such a situation, she was not in the mood to have some edible bird¡¯s nest.

    ¡°My father can maintain peace now and my fourth brother and his wife only dare to be furious. But he is old and how many years can he maintain? After he dies, the fourth branch must take revenge on the first branch and the third branch. I can think of this point that my father must be able to think of as well. To save the first branch and the third branch, he might give the Western Army to them as thest choice in case that the fourth branch has massive forces to revenge for their daughter!¡±

    Empress Dowager Jiang was so distracted, ¡°The aim to establish the Wester Army is to fight against the western savages. If my father gives the power to the first branch and the third branch, the army will be a tool to fight against the fourth branch. My father is still alive and the guys in the two branches dare to kill their nephew. If he dies, I can¡¯t imagine how malicious they will be. For their interest, they can ignore the whole country¡¯s interest. They even mightmand the army to enter the Jing City¡­¡±

    That Jiang Qizheng went through such an ident made Empress Dowager Jiang feel there would be a political storm, while the thing that Ou Qinn was kidnapped distracted her personally. Princess Royal Yongfu, the only daughter she gave birth to, was married to Ou Bicheng.

    ¡°There is only one daughter in the whole Ou Family. They regard her as a treasure. Even her young aunt, who had always been strict with her juniors, personally asked her father to intercede for her.¡± Empress Dowager felt the life was difficult to go through. She thought, ¡°If the girl died because of the internal strife in the Jiang Family in Shazhou, the Ou Family would never let it go! The Ou Family stands by the fourth branch¡¯s side. Now as the two kids in the two families go through the misfortune together, they must be ipatible as fire and water with the first branch and the third branch. For the sake of power and reason, I should support the fourth branch and the Ou Family. But father¡­¡±

    From the perspective of Marquess Qin, he was also in the dilemmatic state to handle this thing. He was not so decentered to the first branch. He would not still take sides on the first branch as the daughter born by the legal wife of the fourth branch was killed. In fact, the first branch, the third branch, and the fourth branch were all families of his sons. Though he wanted to punish the first branch and the third branch to vent the anger of the fourth branch, he was unwilling to kill his grandson topensate a daughter who had been married. Especially Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing were outstanding among those kids in the Jiang Family.

    But if he didn¡¯t kill them, were there any kinds of punishment that could vent the anger of the fourth branch?

    The fourth branch would revenge them. Those kids would fight against each other.

    Marquess Qin was unwilling to see that situation. He had no choice but to rub salt in the wound of the fourth branch and Ou Family. He didn¡¯t punish the first branch and the third branch. Instead, he enforced their power to make the fourth branch not dare to start the revenge.

    If they wanted Marquess Qin not to take sides, they had to make him believe that the fourth branch would never revenge. However, Empress Dowager Jiang knew this was impossible, not to mention anyone else. Madame Zhuang had the worst temper. She rushed into the first branch¡¯s mansion to beat a servant to death who apanied Madame Dou to get married because of a tiny matter. What would she do if her daughter was killed by them?

    She would cut all the people in the first branch and the third branch into pieces!

    If she could not change the mind of Marquess Qin, Empress Dowager Jiang should be anxious about her political investment and her daughter¡¯s future. ¡°Though the fourth branch has the power of the Northern Army, they are weak in the court. Now that Xue Chang is the prime minister, Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi have started to recruit followers to manage the affairs of the country. If they united the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War, they would defeat the fourth branchpletely. If they led the Western Army, they wouldn¡¯t have to push the fourth branch too far hurriedly. If the fourth branch were not stable, the best end for me would only be a puppet.¡±

    ¡°My daughter Yongfu would have a bad ending.¡±

    The more Empress Dowager thought, the more disappointed she became. After a while, she raised her head, finding that Chu Weisang hadn¡¯t left yet. He was looking at her respectfully and worriedly.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Though she knew the filial piety of Chu Weisang was because of scare, not sincerity, she also knew she treated him badly. Seeing him waiting for her so long, she felt sorry. She said gently, ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have made you so worried about me. Put the bowl here. I will have it. Go back to your pce. It is cold outside. Pay attention to your health!¡±

    Chu Weisang said tactfully, ¡°Mother, the bowl of the edible bird¡¯s nest just now got cold. I have asked them to get a warm one. Could you please allow me to serve you to finish it? And then I will leave.¡±

    Seeing that his eyes were full of expectation, Empress Dowager Jiang¡¯s heart melted. She nodded.

    A few momentster, the servants brought a new bowl. Chu Weisang picked it up with two hands and stepped forward. He served Empress Dowager Jiang to have it by himself.

    And then he asked about Empress Dowager¡¯s and Princess Royal Yongfu¡¯s recent situation. He spent a lot of time in the Hall of Taishi. After making Empress Dowager Jiang be happy, he left.

    After he went out from Pce of Ganquan, an exhausted expression appeared on his face. He was so tired that he almost fell down when he got off the imperial carriage as it arrived at Fu Ning Pce. Old Princess Wu was waiting for him at the stage and she was shocked by seeing that. She didn¡¯t care about her deportment at all and came to support him, ¡°Be careful, my son!¡±

    Old Princess Wu was Wu Jieyu when the former emperor was alive. Chu Weisang was born by her.

    After Chu Weisang became the emperor, he should have called his official mother as mother Empress Dowager and called his biological mother as deity Empress Dowager. But he was afraid that the Jiang Family was unsatisfied. As a result, Madame Wu found some excuses to be an old Princess. She was so well-advised that she gained the chance to visit Chu Weisang at any time she wanted.

    She didn¡¯t have any other kids. So, the old Princess Wu came here to visit her son every other day. They were naturally affectionate.

    On the outside of the pce, old Princess Wu was afraid of Empress Dowager Jiang and so she dared not to precept her son in the public. After stepping into the pce and clearing up the gatherings, she started to talk, ¡°You are an adult. Why don¡¯t you cherish yourself? Today it is so cold outside. Even if you want to serve Empress Dowager, you must take care of yourself as well. The servants around you¡­¡±

    Thinking of those guys sent by Empress Dowager Jiang, old Princess Wu¡¯s face stiffed and stopped. She sighed, ¡°No matter what happens, you should mind your health.¡±

    ¡°I will die, not to mention keeping health.¡± Chu Weisang sneered and said as he sipped the tea his mom gave him.

    Old Princess Wu was shocked by his words. She almost overturned the table in front of her, ¡°What nonsense?¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yadan escorted Jiang Qizheng, Ou Qinn, and Ling Zui to Shazhou. However, they were attacked on the road a hundred miles away from Shazhou!¡± Chu Weisang said in a low voice, ¡°Except for Jiang Yadan, the other three might have died!¡±

    Old Princess Wu dazzled and then she relieved, ¡°What does that have to do with us?¡±

    Though as a puppet she didn¡¯t qualify to make a decision, she had the easiness that she didn¡¯t have to make a decision.

    Chu Weisang looked at old Princess Wu, ¡°Mom, do you think that it is not our business?¡± He smiled bitterly, ¡°If I were right, I would be framed as the one who devised the ident.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Old Princess Wu was shocked, ¡°What does it have to do with you?¡±

    She was frightened!

    ¡°You spare no effort to serve Empress Dowager. I think that she is satisfied with you. How can she be upset?¡± Old Princess cried right away. She lived here for so many years. She was used to be afraid of Empress Dowager Jiang. At this moment when she heard that her son would be a scapegoat, the first reaction was not furious but grievance, ¡°Are we not well-advised enough?¡±

    Chu Weisang also choked with sobs, ¡°No, it was just¡­ Marquess Qin can¡¯t admit that the guys who attacked and tried to murder Jiang Qizheng in the name of Kuang Qingwu are the first branch and the third branch in the Jiang Family!¡±

    Old Princess Wu dazed, ¡°Do you mean that¡­¡±

    ¡°Any other guys are not capable of being the scapegoat to stop the fourth branch to revenge. Don¡¯t you think that they wille to me?¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager Gu just passed away. Can¡¯t it be the residual party of her?¡± Old Princess Wu was helpless. She thought of this excuse, ¡°After all Empress Dowager Gu was involved in political affairs for so many years. It is not easy to clear her party uppletely!¡±

    Chu Weisang smiled bitterly, ¡°Mom, the Jiang Family now don¡¯t need to exin tomon people. They have to make up an exnation to the fourth branch!¡±

    Not waiting for his mom to say something, he continued, ¡°And the fourth branch is pretty sure that the thing is done by the third branch and the first branch. So, the scapegoat should not only be qualified, but reasonable. Even if they can¡¯t make the fourth branch fully convinced, they have to make them trust a half.¡±

    ¡°Though I am the emperor, I am not resigned to be a puppet. So, I take advantage of the residual party my grandmother left to egg on Kuang Qingwu to murder Jiang Qizheng and her fellows. And I try to frame on the first branch and the third branch!¡± Chu Weisang sneered, ¡°And then the Jiang Family kill me or discard me. Here is the story. Marquess Qin can reasonably ask his kid to be reconciled. He will tell them not to fall into my trap of sowing discord. That¡¯s the best ending to the Jiang Family.¡±

    Old Princess Wu¡¯s face was covered with tears, ¡°But we¡­¡±

    She pressed on her chest and asked imploringly, ¡°We can figure out some way to solve it, can¡¯t we? You are smart, my son. I am not a match for you. You will have a solution, right?¡±

    Chu Weisang muted and then he said coldly, ¡°The only way is to make the fourth branchpletely turn against the first branch and the third branch. Even if they frame me for the matter that Jiang Qizheng was attacked, they can¡¯tpensate it! And then Marquess Qin will not do superfluous things.¡±

    Old Princess Wu ignited hopes in her heart, ¡°What should we do?¡±

    ¡°We have to kill Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing.¡± At the same moment, in the Ruan¡¯s Mansion, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s hands were sped behind him. He stood in the study of Qiu Jinn and said calmly, ¡°My grandfather wants to cover it up. But I can¡¯t endure it. This time my eighteenth sister, Xing, and Ling Zui were attacked. What about next time? Will it be my eighth brother, my nephew, even you or me?¡±

    He shook his head, ¡°It is human nature that much will have more. Moreover, their son still is alive, but why are our sisters dead? Why can they get the Western Army by trampling on their blood and their life?¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing have to die!¡±

    ¡°If they died, you brother would take over the Western Army reasonably. The first branch and the third branch would never expect topete with your branch. They would never dare to treat us as nonentities!¡±

    ¡°I hope them die!¡± Ou Bicheng sat seriously not far away. He didn¡¯t have an expression on his face, ¡°But Qiu Jinn can¡¯t achieve it. Since the first branch and the third branch attacked Xing, they must be on guard against Qiu Jinn. If Qiu Jinn made it, he wouldn¡¯t do it by himself. He is not a member of the Jiang family. Though Marquess Qin cherishes talents and he has to consider Commandery Princess Ningyi who is pregnant, he still may kill him when he is furious. Qiu Jinn loves Commandery Princess Ningyi so much that he doesn¡¯t even see his nephew. How can he be willing to die?¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°I don¡¯t wish him to do it. If he were caught by my grandfather and killed, I wouldn¡¯t be able to exin to Ningyi. I can¡¯t find another one to take over the Western Army, either!¡±

    Ou Bicheng frowned, ¡°Is there anyone else that you can count on?¡±

 Chapter 374 - Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

    Chapter 374 Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

    ¡°I put forward this idea by myself. Of course, I should do it by myself!¡± Jiang Yashuang turned back and looked at his friend, ¡°And apart from us, the fourth branch, who do you think can bear the consequences of this?¡±

    Ou Bicheng paled at his words, ¡°If you were to do it, you mightmit fratricide!¡±

    ¡°Nothing serious!¡± Jiang Yashuang said indifferently, ¡°Back then, I had a reputation of forcing a marriage out of power in order to marry Ningyi. Now, for the sake of the unjust death of Jiang Qizheng, Xing, and Ling Zui, what¡¯s the point of having the notorious reputation again?¡± He couldn¡¯t help but sneer at this point, ¡°Besides, the reputation of the Jiang Family¡¯s juniors¡­¡±

    It was already in a shambles! The one who was scolded the most was Jiang Yadan, but he was still living just the same, wasn¡¯t he?

    ¡°Do you think Marquess will let you leave Jing City?¡± Ou Bicheng¡¯s gaze flickered and after a long time, he asked indifferently, ¡°Not to mention you, nowadays it¡¯s probably difficult for messengers you send to contact the Eighth Young Master, right? Moreover, Jing City is thousands of miles away from Shazhou. Even if you were lucky enough to reach there, things would already be settled down!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said slowly, ¡°That is why I don¡¯t n to go to Shazhou to fight with them.¡±

    ¡°Given the current situation, they will never return to Jing City anytime soon. By the time they return to reim their posts, they will surely have already rooted in the Western Army!¡± Ou Bicheng said in a deep voice, ¡°At that time, there might not be an opportunity to strike!¡±

    ¡°I never n to wait for them to return to Jing City either!¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head, his handsome face filled with coldness. ¡°I n to send someone to ambush them on the only way from Shazhou to Kui County! Grandfather is now focusing on my meddling in Shazhou. I should be able to send people elsewhere behind his back!¡±

    Ou Bicheng was shocked, ¡°You¡­ Even though the reputation ofmitting fratricide is terrible, it can be hidden among your peers. But as for Kui Xiannan and Madame Han, they are your grand uncle and grand aunt!¡±

    ¡°Grandfather has been biased towards the first branch for so many years because of great uncle!¡± Jiang Yashuang said mockingly, ¡°How could I break his taboo? However, Jing City and Shazhou are thousands of miles apart. Aren¡¯t Kui County and Shazhou even more distant?¡±

    ¡°You want to cheat?¡± Ou Bicheng pondered for a moment, still disapproving, ¡°It¡¯s true that Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing may not be familiar with people in Kui County. But generally speaking, if there is any bad news in Kui County, it will be reported to Jing City first. Jing City will send someone to inform the juniors and their rtives from all sides¡­ So, people who go to inform the two of them must be from the first branch and the third branch!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was about to answer when a voice suddenly came from outside, sounding confident, ¡°There is no need for people from the third branch to arrive together, but only those from the first branch will suffice! After all, if there is bad news in Kui County which may affect the future of us, the first branch, it is right for the messengers from the first branch to run faster and leave the messengers from the third branch behind!¡±

    Hearing this voice, Ou Bicheng was first shocked and then stunned, ¡°The Eleventh Young Master?¡±

    Before he finished, Jiang Yahong came through the door, ¡°Bicheng, long time no see!¡±

    ¡°The Eleventh Young Master, do you mean that you will be in charge of tricking Ding Qingyan into going to Kui County?¡± Ou Bicheng was like a brother to Jiang Yashuang, but his rtionship with Jiang Yahong was not so close, just an acquaintance. At the moment, he saw Jiang Yahong get into the middle unexpectedly and Jiang Yashuang even did not remind him beforehand. It was clear that Jiang Yashuang also couldn¡¯t figure out his purpose. Did it possibly mean that he should act as the bad cop to interrogate him for the truth?

    At that moment, his face sank and he said nonchntly, ¡°As far as I know, the Eleventh Young Master, you have suffered a lot under Madame Dou because you are the son of a concubine! It is possible for you to be angry with your official brother because of this! However, this was a serious matter. Given the position of you in the first branch, please forgive me as I put it directly that I don¡¯t see any chance for you to survive if the matter fails.¡±

    Jiang Yahong was not angry at his words, ¡°Nothing ventured, nothing gained! As long as Yashuang allows me to be a minister in the future, what¡¯s the point of taking a risk? Besides, although Yashuang doesn¡¯t care about getting the reputation of fratricide, if he can, why not avoid it?¡±

    He looked at Ou Bicheng and smiled, ¡°The emissary sent by the first branch is a secret pawn hidden by Gu in the early years. It could only me Empress Dowager Gu for being too insidious. As for whether my mother and father, in their grief, want to dig up Emperor¡¯s mausoleum and drag the Empress Dowager Gu out to flog, it¡¯s not my business! Anyway, what does it have to do with me and Jiang Yashuang?¡±

    Ou Bicheng sneered, ¡°The Eleventh Young Master, you are so thoughtful, but can you be sure that details won¡¯t be found out? Not to mention the Marquess, your parents are not ipetent, are they?¡±

    ¡°I have been waiting all these years in the first branch for such an opportunity to hold my head up and have a promising future!¡± Jiang Yahong raised his eyebrows, ¡°But I¡¯m not for a bad reputation or a bad end! How could I not be sure of getting through? I sent the man and he reported the bad news. All that Yashuang needs to do is to send someone to wait on the only way. And if it seeds, he can prove my word! If it doesn¡¯t work, it¡¯s just a wasted trip for the henchmen¡­ Don¡¯t you even dare to try like this?¡±

    Ou Bicheng said disdainfully, ¡°There is no need for you to be so provocative, the Eleventh Young Master! What if it doesn¡¯t go like that? You say nice things butter when Yashuang sends his men over, you just soon blow the gaff to the Marquess, who sends his men over to take a look, and even Jiang Yashuang has not even done anything yet, he is then used of fratricide? What is to be done?¡±

    Jiang Yahong got a long face, ¡°If Yashuang weren¡¯t moved by my proposal, he wouldn¡¯t have met me discreetly by using Ruan¡¯s Mansion to avoid the spies of my second grand uncle. In that case, why are you dragging your feet like this? Just say what you intend to do!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang and Ou Bicheng looked at each other and thetter coughed, ¡°Unless you write this n down and make your mark! And it must be written down that it is you who take the initiative to ask Jiang Yashuang for wealth and prosperity, not that he forces and entices you!¡±

    ¡°And then what if Yashuang sells me out after the matter is done?!¡± Jiang Yahong frowned, ¡°That¡¯s too much, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°You said it by yourself, nothing ventured, nothing gained!¡± Ou Bicheng said, ¡°Without your help, even if Yashuang fails this time, he may also have another chance in the future! But you are being suppressed by your official mother and brothers and your official nephew has also grown up. If you miss this chance, there will be no hope in your life!¡±

    He slowed down, ¡°As for your fear of Yashuang betraying you, you are over-worried! You think that if you sell Yashuang out without leaving the goods on you there, you¡¯ll win the attention of your parents! But why should he betray you? If he doesn¡¯t betray you, the fourth branch will be suspected after Jiang Yayue¡¯s death. If he sells you, he just confirms that suspicion! After all, who do you think will believe that you alone can kill your official brother?¡±

    ¡°So, no matter what it turns out to be, Yashuang will certainly not be able to clear himself of suspicion. And then why should he betray you? Keeping you in the first branch would be like arranging a spy there. So, why doesn¡¯t he do so?¡±

    ¡°Fine!¡± Jiang Yahong¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change for a long time as he saw that Jiang Yashuang always looked calmly and sipped tea, not showing any urgency. Jiang Yahong could not let go of this opportunity to hold his head up and in the end, he gnashed his teeth, ¡°I write! However, Jiang Yashuang, you have promised me¡­¡±

    Jiang Yashuang then revealed a slight smile, ¡°It¡¯s not easy to promise you the position of the main minister in the future, but I can guarantee that you will have the honor of a Deputy Premier in this life!¡±

    ¡°Deal!¡± Jiang Yahong sighed, only to see that Ou Bicheng had already rolled up his sleeves and was diligently preparing the ink and paper.

    After sending Jiang Yahong away, Jiang Yashuang exined, ¡°He told me about thisst night when it was dark, but I was afraid of dy, and so I didn¡¯t consult with you before I¡­¡±

    ¡°Do you think I will bother about this kind of trivial matter?¡± Ou Bicheng shook his head and said, ¡°Let¡¯s get down to business. Since you have the goods on him in hand, it seems that Jiang Yahong is determined to sell his brother out for glory. As for Jiang Yayue, we shall follow his n, but what about Jiang Yaqing?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang narrowed his eyes, ¡°If Jiang Yayue believes the letter reported by the person sent by Jiang Yahong, what do you think he will do?¡±

    ¡°The first branch and the third branch always have a deep estrangement before, but this time as they have done such a thing to the fourth branch, they soon became people in the same boat.¡± Ou Bicheng pondered for a moment and said, ¡°So even if the first branch is to be in mourning for parent¡¯s death, their primary precaution should still be the fourth branch, not the third branch! I think Jiang Yayue should hand over his power to Jiang Yaqing, lest after he returns to Kui County, Jiang Yaqing is no match for Qiu Jinn and then they will find that their killing finally bes a wild-goose chase.¡±

    ¡°However, with the Marquess around, the first branch will never dare to mention the word ¡®Duo Qing¡¯ (reducing grief during bereavement)! So, Jiang Yayue has to prepare for reinstating after three years¡¯ mourning, or let¡¯s say, two or three years¡­ But who knows what will happen then? And the first branch and the third branch are also far from being close!¡±

    At this moment, seeing the note left by Jiang Yahong on the table, Jiang Yashuang suddenly thought of something, ¡°Jiang Yayue should also ask Jiang Yaqing to give the first branch the goods in the name of the third branch to ensure that after the first branch reinstates, they will not be ostracized by the third branch and have nowhere to go.¡±

    As for how did Jiang Yayue get Jiang Yaqing to hand over the goods was much too easy! Since Marquess Qin was already at his age, who could guarantee that after the first branch had been in mourning for three years, there would still be this uncle to continue his partiality? If the third branch refused to hand over the goods, then the first branch would be in a crisis with no future!

    It would be like forcing the first branch to beg the fourth branch for mercy now! How could the third branch dare to take such a risk?

    Jiang Yashuang nodded approvingly, ¡°Exactly right!¡±

    ¡°So, as long as we find the goods after Jiang Yayue¡¯s death, we can take ¡®good¡¯ care of the third branch.¡± Ou Bicheng frowned, ¡°But you¡¯ve still forgotten one thing, the Marquess! As long as he is here, the truth, or the appearance, is far less important than what the Marquess means!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was indifferent, ¡°But if it reallyes down to a matter of life and death, the fourth branch will be more important than the third! Even if my father is to give away his power now, can the third branch be in charge of the Northern Army?¡±

    Ou Bicheng was stunned and then sighed with relief, ¡°You are right!¡±

    The Northern Army is the foundation of the Jiang Family, which must not be given away!

    Since Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei had spent decades of hard work to cultivate Jiang Tianchi to take over, how could they possibly feel at ease if someone else was going to taking over?

    Therefore, even if the third branch was Marquess Qin¡¯s firstborn son, if he had to choose only one branch, he could only choose the fourth branch.

    ¡°No one can rece the military power in father¡¯s hands, but that is not for the position the third branch can take!¡± Jiang Yashuang¡¯s tone was cold and calm, ¡°As long as we have the evidence and keep the attitude that if the third branch doesn¡¯t hand over Jiang Yaqing, this feud will be unending and grandfather is bound to back down!¡±

    ¡°After all, although Jiang Yaqing is the third branch¡¯s firstborn son, he is not as important as the third branch itself!¡±

    Ou Bicheng sighed, ¡°And we can also reasonably im the Western Army aspensation!¡±

    While the two of them were discussing the matter, in the backyard of Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion, Qiu Yn was asking Su He in surprise, ¡°Qiu Feng? Is it really him?¡±

    Su He nodded in the affirmative, ¡°I heard from people close to Madame that the emperor¡¯s son-inw, travel-worn and weary, had lost a lot of weight and looked very haggard like a different person! But it is indeed that the emperor¡¯s son-inw has returned!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Qiu Yn stood up without saying another word, ¡°Let¡¯s go and see! Where did he go on earth that it took him a whole year toe back?¡±

    But he hade back at the same time as Jiang Qizheng¡¯s bad news was brought back. It was not known how Qiu Feng, who had never been very satisfied with the marriage, would feel when he found out that his wife died as she tried hard to find him.

 Chapter 375 - An Experience of Qiu Feng

    Chapter 375 An Experience of Qiu Feng

    However, although Qiu Yn rushed towards the back hall as soon as she received the news, she was a littlete.

    When she arrived, Qiu Feng had been taken to Jiang Yazhu and Sheng Shishui¡¯s house to see his son.

    Qiu Yn saw that only Mrs. Hu came out to tell the news and the bead curtain of Madame Tao¡¯s inner room was closed. She also vaguely heard that there wereforting words of subordinates. As such, she sighed in her heart and asked in a low voice, ¡°Is my grandmother all right?¡±

    Mrs. Hu smiled bitterly, ¡°When the news first went out, Madame Tao often cried in the night¡­ She heard nothing from anyone these days. How could she not know that in her heart? If it hadn¡¯t been for the filial piety of the sixteenth madame, who often brought young master over to cheer her up, I¡¯m afraid Madame Tao would have fallen ill. However, Chunfu Princess¡¯s husband rushed back at this moment¡­¡±

    She shook her head, ¡°I have sent someone to invite a doctor. If you want to ask Chunfu Princess¡¯s husband something, just go to the sixteenth madame¡¯s ce!¡±

    Qiu Yn would like to go there immediately. But as Mrs. Hu told her that the doctor was going to make the diagnosis for Madame Tao, how could she, a granddaughter-inw, walk away? So, she said, ¡°I will wait until the doctor finishes up with my grandmother. That¡¯s how I can feel reassured.¡±

    A few momentster the doctor arrived while the result of the diagnosis for Madame Tao was not good. At Madame Tao¡¯s age, whether she was happy or not had a great influence on her health. What happened to Jiang Qizheng and others was a big blow to her. And then she was jarred by Qiu Feng¡¯s sudden return. Although the doctor had put it politely, Qiu Yn recognized it, ¡°Grandmother may be sick for a few days!¡±

    Even so, when Mrs. Hu saw the doctor off, Madame Tao called Qiu Yn to her and told, ¡°We said before that Qiu Feng was in Shazhou to give your brother a hand and that was why Zheng went towards the west. Now that he hase back, there has to be an exnation to back up this story!¡±

    As she said it, her tears fell down again. After all, Madame Tao had watched Jiang Qizheng grow up. The girl was so meek that she never disobeyed Madame Tao in anything other than her marriage. But she ¡°died¡± at such a young age. How could Madame Tao not feel sad?

    Madame Tao sniffed and continued, ¡°That Qiu Feng left for a year must be discussedter! But there is something that you should let Yashuang know. Zheng¡¯s death was such a tragedy that she should not be talked about by others after death! Not to mention that she has left a child. For the sake of her kid, at least when in public¡­ Tell Yashuang, he must make aprehensive arrangement!¡±

    ¡°I get it!¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s mind was in turmoil and she whispered, ¡°I promise that no one will talk about my eighteenth sister and her son!¡±

    ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯m tired!¡± Madame Tao shook her hand and said wearily.

    As Qiu Yn asked for leave and walked out, she took a deep breath and told Su He, ¡°Go to my sixteenth sister-inw¡¯s ce and tell Qiu Feng to go to Shazhou immediately!¡±

    ¡°Madame, if young master knows about it¡­¡± Su He was not stupid and she understood what Qiu Yn meant at once. She knew that Qiu Yn wanted to have Qiu Feng avoid meeting Jiang Yashuang. Since the news that Jiang Qizheng and the other two died tragically had gone out to Jing City, Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t cry in front of people. But in private, he went to Jiang Qizheng¡¯s yard and stood outside for a long moment almost every day to remember his sister.

    At this very juncture, Qiu Feng, who made Jiang Qizheng ¡°die¡± indirectly, came back. With great anger, Jiang Yashuang would probably kill him!

    So, Su He was worried that if Qiu Yn let Qiu Feng go, the couple¡¯s rtionship would go sour when Jiang Yashuang knew it.

    ¡°My grandmother told that we said before that Qiu Feng was in Shazhou and that was why my eighteenth sister went towards the west¡­ We have to finish this story!¡± Qiu Yn said in a hollow voice, ¡°So, tell Qiu Feng to go to Shazhou immediately! And just say to others that hees back to tell something urgent. As he finishes it, he is going to return to Shazhou to find my eighteenth sister ande back with her!¡±

    Hearing that Madame Tao had given the word, which could be used as a cover, Su He was relieved. And then she took the order and left!

    Qiu Yn came back to her yard. But when she just changed her clothes and took a sip of tea, she saw Su Hee in furiously, ¡°Madame! I have never seen such a person! He doesn¡¯t appreciate your kindness at all! He refuses to leave andes here, saying that he has something to tell you!¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s tea bowl was shaken a little and she hurried to casually ce it on the table, ¡°Is Qiu Feng now at the front?¡±

    ¡°Yes! He¡­¡± Even before Su He finished what she wanted to say, she was interrupted, ¡°Invite him to the Flower Hall!¡±

    Qiu Yn knew how Qiu Feng was. As he refused to leave, she couldn¡¯t push him out of Jing City! So, it would be better to go and ask him for the truth in person before Jiang Yashuang returned! As such, she would know what to do if she needed to persuade Jiang Yashuang or something!

    Upon entering the Flower Hall, she was stunned. Su He said before that Qiu Feng had lost a lot of weight and looked like a different person. She thought he was just tired. But when she saw him, she found that Qiu Feng, who was thin, was now so skinny. How horrific he looked!

    ¡°What happened to you?¡± Qiu Yn was shocked and also suspicious, ¡°Where have you been in the past year?¡±

    Qiu Feng seemed to have known what happened to Jiang Qizheng as he looked grieved and regretful. He said drily, ¡°I have¡­ buried my master!¡±

    ¡°Your master?¡± Qiu Yn felt stunned, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell the princess before you left?¡±

    Ever since that, Qiu Yn could not understand how Qiu Feng, who always faced problems with integrity, could do such a heartless thing. Qiu Yn thought in her mind, ¡°No matter how unsatisfied you are with this marriage, you are a man! How could you walk away without speaking? And since that you left a letter, why did you have to lie?¡±

    If he didn¡¯t say that he went to Shazhou to help Qiu Jinn, Jiang Qizheng wouldn¡¯t have gone to find her husband, let alone lose her life for that!

    ¡°When my master found out I married Qizheng, he told me not to say a word about him!¡± Qiu Feng said darkly, ¡°So, when I received the news that he had something urgent and asked me to return to my school, I couldn¡¯t find any other reason. And I used your brother as a cover. I thought I would be back in three or five months. And If I had found someone sometime to tell your brother and let him finish this story for me, I would have covered it up. But unexpectedly¡­ When I went back, I realized why my master asked me to go back. He was sick!¡±

    Without his speaking, Qiu Yn knew the rest. His master had been ill ever since. Qiu Feng looked after his ill master and then took care of things after his death¡­ He came back as everything was settled.

    She was puzzled and asked, ¡°But why did we not hear from you during that time? If you had asked my brother to send several letters here, I believe that the princess wouldn¡¯t have left her baby and gone to Shazhou for you!¡±

    After a long silence, Qiu Feng said, ¡°I told others in the Jiang Family that my master lived in the middle of nowhere and there was no one else. When I met my master, I was busy taking care of him and had no time to have someone take a letter for me.¡±

    ¡°What are you going to tell me?¡± Qiu Yn set her mouth in a line.

    ¡°My master passed away within ten days of my return!¡± Qiu Yn said tonelessly, ¡°When he was dying, he told me that he had chosen a grave for himself. But as I buried him to where he said, I was trapped by magic circles around there¡­ I was not able to escape until recently!¡±

    He nced at the nearby ck ze bottle decorated with gold pattern, whose bright body revealed his worn-out face. And heughed to himself, ¡°Half the reason why I look like this was my sorrow. But another half the reason was that there was nothing else but little food. I had never known that my master could draw magic circles. He never mentioned that and I didn¡¯t know. If I hadn¡¯t been lucky enough to find a way to live, I would have probably still been there.¡±

    Qiu Yn found it hard to believe, ¡°Why did your master do that?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t your brother mention it to you?¡± But after hearing that, Qiu Feng stared hard at her and asked in a deep voice.

    Qiu Yn said nkly, ¡°My brother? No! I didn¡¯t know what happened to your master until today. I even didn¡¯t know that you wanted to kill him and how you were coaxed back!¡±

    Qiu Feng was silent for a moment and then said, ¡°I will go to Shazhou and ask him in person.¡±

    ¡°What does that have to do with my brother?¡± Qiu Yn looked at him, puzzled, ¡°Is your master¡­ also the master of my brother?¡±

    Qiu Feng nced at her, ¡°No. My master is a famous master in the field of martial arts in the south. Although your brother grew up in the south, as far as I know, my master retired before your brother was born. I was found by my master and epted as a student one or two years before his retirement. My master had not left the ce where he lived since when he retired, which is hundreds of miles away from where your brother grew up! I don¡¯t think they¡¯ve ever met!¡±

    ¡°So, youe to my brother and ask him for help to figure out the whole story, right?¡± Qiu Yn mused.

    ¡°When your brother talked about poems and articles with Qiu Nie, they happened to change the subject and mention magic circles.¡± Qiu Feng said with a disinterested look, ¡°For the previous Left Dharma Protector of Tianya, I had been finding some basis for charges against him. So, I paid much attention to every sentence and every movement of him! Even though it seemed like random words, I kept them in mind.¡±

    Qiu Yn was startled.

    Qiu Feng said, ¡°The reason why I could escape from my master¡¯s magic circles lies in those words!¡±

    Qiu Yn stared at him, ¡°What could it mean?¡± The whole story of Qiu Jinn wasplicated. He hadn¡¯t regained his real name and it seemed that he would never be able to make it in all his life. Did Qiu Feng also have a difficult andplicated background?

    Qiu Feng was clearly not in the mood to discuss it in detail with her. He said coldly, ¡°Since you know nothing about that, I¡¯m going to Shazhou now¡­¡± He looked at the yard of Jiang Yazhu and his wife with fleeting sorrow in his eyes, ¡°The boy¡­ Please look after him for a few days! When I take his mother back¡­¡±

    ¡°It is your fault. My eighteenth sister has died. And do you expect to take her only kid away?¡± As Qiu Feng hadn¡¯t finished what he said, a cold voice came suddenly out from the outside of the hall.

    Qiu Yn screwed up her face. Sure enough, Jiang Yashuang, whose face was dark, strode into the hall. And he looked at Qiu Feng murderously, ¡°You don¡¯t have to go anywhere. Waiting to be buried with my eighteenth sister is the only thing you should do and you can do!¡±

    ¡°Yashuang!¡± Qiu Yn stood up and wanted to say something. But she was stopped by the icy re from her husband!

    ¡°Qizheng died because of me. It is right that I go and get her back,¡± Qiu Feng gave Jiang Yashuang a level look and said tonelessly, ¡°If you don¡¯t trust me, you can send enough manpower to go with me!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sneered and said, ¡°Get my eighteenth sister back¡­ Do you think you are qualified? For a whole year, you didn¡¯t give her a message let alone a letter! If it hadn¡¯t been for my grandmother¡¯s protection, my eighteenth sister wouldn¡¯t have been able to hold on!¡±

    He pointed toward the yard where Jiang Qizheng lived and said slowly, ¡°Soon after you left, my eighteenth sister got pregnant! It was a great thing while you were nowhere to be seen! Do you know how sad she was in her heart as she listened to people¡¯s congrattions and forced a smile to exin for you?¡±

    ¡°Lan also gets pregnant recently. I recruit a group of staff urgently and leave most of my business behind. Even though I spend most of my time with her, I cannot be reassured! You are so careless. Since you married my eighteenth sister, didn¡¯t you think that you would have a baby this past year?¡±

    ¡°Last August my eighth sister-inw died in childbirth. And the due date of my eighteenth sister was a few days after that of my eighth sister-inw! You can imagine how fearful my eighteenth sister was! When the old maidservant who helped with the childbirth came out and said that mother and baby were both safe, my grandmother felt so weak that she nearly slumped on the ground! I was also wet with perspiration outside the door! Even so, my eighteenth sister wasn¡¯t willing to speak ill of you!¡±

    ¡°I know that you were not willing to marry my eighteenth sister. Despite so much anguish she suffered, she didn¡¯t even mention a word to her family. And she ordered the whole mansion of the princess to keep their mouths shut! It can be observed how much she cares for you! If you want to divorce her, will she refuse you?¡± Jiang Yashuang looked at his brother-inw with red eyes, ¡°Qiu Feng! Master Qiu! Do you think you are qualified to get my eighteenth sister back?¡±

 Chapter 376 - Unforeseen Event of the Future Princess of Wei

    Chapter 376 Unforeseen Event of the Future Princess of Wei

    Although Qiu Feng admitted that he treated Jiang Qizheng poorly, Jiang Yashuang who imed that Qiu Feng didn¡¯t deserve to bring Jiang Qizheng backpromised atst. He agreed to arrange for some men to go to Shazhou with Qiu Feng.

    Because Qiu Yn found a chance to interrupt, ¡°Our grandmother instructed that we shouldn¡¯t let people gossip about Jiang Qizheng after she died in such a heartbreaking way. Everyone who thought Qiu Feng was in Shazhou already found it weird when he came back suddenly. If he doesn¡¯t go to Shazhou¡­ How will we answer when they ask us about it?¡±

    ¡°Our nephew is still alive. Please think about how he will face others.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think about running away on your way there. I¡¯ll go to the ends of the earth to find you if you do that,¡± Jiang Yashuang only said that as he didn¡¯t know how to answer Qiu Yn¡¯s question. He stormed out after he summoned Jiang Tan in and told him to make arrangements.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Qiu Yn looked at Qiu Feng and didn¡¯t know what to say. She just sighed, ¡°Consult with my brother more when you get there.¡±

    That was the best she could do for Qiu Feng at that moment.

    When she walked out of the Flower Hall, she saw Jiang Yashuang standing with a cold look in the corridor not far away, his hands crossing behind his back. He seemed to be enjoying the plum blossoms outside the railings.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you wearing your fur coat? There is still snow everywhere. You¡¯ll get cold,¡± Qiu Yn knew he was waiting for her. However, he was unhappy because Qiu Yn defended Qiu Feng back then and he felt sorry for his sister. So, he gave her the cold shoulder.

    She approached and held his arm. And then she whispered, ¡°Let¡¯s go back to our room and talk.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Jiang Yashuang wasn¡¯t willing to move until she pulled him several times. But he still looked gloomy.

    When they got back to their room, he sent away others. And then he sneered, ¡°Why did you defend Qiu Feng? How couldn¡¯t you care about our sister?¡± Jiang Yashuang was truly mad for the first time since they got married. He knew that Qiu Feng and his wife had known each other for a long time. And Qiu Feng protected his wife for some time on Qiu Jinn¡¯s orders. So, they were close.

    But no matter how close they were, Qiu Feng still couldn¡¯tpare with Qiu Jinn.

    Jiang Yashuang could understand if his wife was negligent in what happened to Jiang Qizheng because of Qiu Jinn. But it was because of Qiu Feng. He was genuinely unhappy about it. After all, he tried every means to please his brother-inw after he found out that Qiu Jinn was his wife¡¯s brother. He didn¡¯t ask Qiu Yn to treat his sister in the same manner. But she couldn¡¯t value a random acquaintance more than his sister, could she?

    ¡°I said that because I cared about our sister!¡± Qiu Yn asked Su He to persuade Qiu Feng to go to Shazhou. Because Madame Tao told her to do so which would make their previous lies usible. But it was also because she wanted to protect Qiu Feng. She felt guilty at that moment when her husbandined. So, she tried to exin, ¡°Just think about Jiang Qizheng¡¯s status. And she was loved by our seniors¡­ How could she bear the gossip that Qiu Feng had abandoned her once whether she was alive or dead?¡±

    ¡°You have already exined that to me,¡± Jiang Yashuang was expressionless. There was a look of disappointment in his eyes, ¡°Is that all? You are going to im that he didn¡¯t go look for Jiang Qizheng because he had something important to do and he only came back temporarily. I think we can kill him. After Jiang Qizheng¡¯s body gets sent back, we can bury them together. Does it make sense as well?¡±

    Qiu Yn bit her lips, ¡°Our nephew already lost his mother. Why do you insist on killing Qiu Feng? If he dies, our nephew will be an orphan. Although we can raise him and love him, we can¡¯t rece his parents.¡±

    ¡°Such an irresponsible father is useless,¡± Jiang Yashuang said coldly. ¡°He doesn¡¯t care about his wife. How much do you think he cares about his son?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not true. He didn¡¯t mean to disappear for a year without sending back messages. He was stuck in¡­¡± Qiu Yn suddenly stopped.

    But Jiang Yashuang had got what he wanted. His cold and disappointed look disappeared in an instant. He mused, ¡°As expected, Qiu Feng lied to my grandmother, Jiang Yazhu, and Sheng Shishui. Why did he disappear for a year without sending back messages? He told you just now, didn¡¯t he?¡±

    Qiu Yn had mixed feelings and said coldly, ¡°Yes! He told me. But he didn¡¯t want to tell you.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang stared at her for a while and turned away suddenly. His voice was low and uncertain, ¡°And¡­ You don¡¯t want to tell me either?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiu Yn opened her mouth. Looking at him who was noticeably thinner these days, her heart was softened, ¡°There seems to be bad blood between Qiu Feng¡¯s master and your family. So, he deliberately urged Qiu Feng not to mention him after he knew Qiu Feng married Jiang Qizheng. When Qiu Feng got a message from his master telling him to go back, he left in a hurry. But he couldn¡¯t think of a reason. So, he used my brother as a cover.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was stunned and then turned around, ¡°Qiu Feng¡¯s master?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Qiu Yn puckered her lips. ¡°Qiu Feng is also confused. Speaking of which, you have been studying alongside our grandfather. Do you know about it?¡±

    She told him about Qiu Feng¡¯s experience in that year. But she didn¡¯t tell him that Qiu Feng managed to escape because he memorized the conversation between Qiu Jinn and Qiu Nie.

    Although she didn¡¯t know the secret behind those things, her instinct told her that she¡¯d better not say.

    However, as meticulous as Jiang Yashuang, he was suspicious after hearing that, ¡°Qiu Feng¡¯s master is dead. Whether there is any bad blood between us or not and what bad blood there is, we won¡¯t dig up his grave andsh his corpse. Why aren¡¯t Qiu Feng and Lan willing to say that until I trick her into telling me about it?¡±

    ¡°As a knight-errant, Qiu Feng isn¡¯t the posturing type. Lan knows how much I love her. She won¡¯t hide things from me. In this case, why are they both hiding it? Is it because of her brother?¡±

    He didn¡¯t expose her after some thought. He just said, ¡°That¡¯s strange. We heard of Qiu Feng¡¯s master. He was a famous knight-errant who called himself the Oldman from Lingnan, right? He was a knight-errant. My grandfather and I both know a little about him. I never heard my grandfather say that there was bad blood between him and us.¡±

    ¡°There isn¡¯t?¡± Qiu Yn asked with doubt, ¡°Is it possible that you don¡¯t know?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not likely,¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head after pondering for a while. ¡°Didn¡¯t you ask me about Qiu Feng when we just met? I didn¡¯t know about him back then. So, I asked our grandfather. He didn¡¯t show any signs of abnormality. He treated Qiu Feng like a normal knight-errant after he knew about Qiu Feng¡¯s master. Our grandfather was helping me with my study back then. So, he basically answered every question I had.¡±

    He added, ¡°If there were bad blood between the Oldman from Lingnan and our family, do you think our grandfather would leave me defenseless against his apprentice, Qiu Feng, who is skilled at kung fu? Let alone allow Jiang Qizheng to marry him.¡±

    Qiu Yn agreed with him, ¡°It¡¯s so strange. Qiu Feng is also confused. He doesn¡¯t know what was wrong with his master. He trapped his apprentice near his grave after he died. Was he afraid to be alone so that he had to drag his apprentice with him? If so, why did he leave food and water at that ce to keep Qiu Feng alive?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about itter,¡± Jiang Yashuang interrupted after some thought. ¡°How do you feel today? Is there anything that you are tired of eating? Or do you want to eat anything new?¡±

    The atmosphere lightened considerably after he changed the topic to Qiu Yn¡¯s pregnancy.

    The wet nurse brought An for them to see after a while. The atmosphere enlivened after they yed with their nephew for a while.

    Mrs. Zhou walked in while they were having fun. She said in a serious look, ¡°Young master, madame! Old Master Lian Jianhai is here.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Lian?¡± Qiu Yn was stunned a bit, ¡°He barelyes here¡­ What happened?¡±

    The Lian Family was sophisticated. They knew that there wasn¡¯t much love between Qiu Yn and them as Qiu Yn only met them for the first time after she grew up. Although they teamed up to go after Qiu Mengmin, the Lian Family also profited a lot from it. They couldn¡¯t use Qiu Yn of owing them. So, they barely asked her for help after that.

    Although they often sent gifts to Qiu Yn, they always sent their servants to do it, which showed that they just cared about Qiu Yn instead of wanting a favor.

    Since Lian Jianhai came in person, obviously something was wrong.

    No longer in the mood of spending time with An, they asked the wet nurse to take An back to his room and take good care of him. After tidying up, they went to the Flower Hall together.

    When they walked in, they saw Lian Jianhai circling the room with his hands at his back which showed that he was too worried to sit still.

    ¡°Yn!¡± Seeing them walk in, Lian Jianhai was thrilled and approached in a hurry. He addressed Qiu Yn first and then Jiang Yashuang, ¡°Yuxiang is also at home?¡±

    ¡°Lan is pregnant. My eldest sister-inw diedst year and my mother isn¡¯t at home. I¡¯m worried about her. So, I¡¯ve been spending most of my time at home these days,¡± Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t hide how much he valued his wife. He asked Lian Jianhai to sit down after saluting, ¡°Uncle, you look worried. Is something wrong?¡±

    Lian Jianhai sighed after hearing that and said with embarrassment, ¡°Not just wrong. I¡­ I really don¡¯t know how to say it.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought it was about government affairs which she shouldn¡¯t listen to. So, she said, ¡°Uncle, please talk to Jiang Yashuang. I¡¯ll go prepare some snacks.¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Lian Jianhai didn¡¯t want her to leave. He was silent for a while and then stated the reason for his visitnguidly, ¡°The thing is that Qingqian may not be able to marry Prince of Wei.¡±

    ¡°What happened?¡± Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang were both shocked, ¡°Did something happen to her?¡±

    Lian Jianhai said with a pale face, ¡°It¡¯s my and your aunt¡¯s fault. We couldn¡¯t prevent her maid from stealing her personal belongings. We don¡¯t know how some rogues from out of town got it. We knew about it when they came to look for trouble today.¡±

    ¡°Only personal belongings?¡± Jiang Yashuang said, frowning, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. How could strangers recognize it as hers? Just don¡¯t admit it. Arrest those men and then send them to Governor¡¯s office. They¡¯ll be charged with ndering the noble.¡± Although the Lian Family and the Wang Family were of modest status, Wang Qingqian was the future princess who was qualified to be a noble.

    ¡°But our neighbours all have known about it. We can¡¯t exin ourselves since the rumour has been widespread¡­¡± Otherwise, Lian Jianhai would never mention it as his niece was about to marry such a good husband. He came to them to confess because he couldn¡¯t hide it anymore. They could at least feel sorry for Wang Qingqian whether they could help or not.

    Qiu Yn said with a gloomy face, ¡°I don¡¯t believe those so-called rogues are so bold that they dare to frame the future princess.¡± She looked towards her husband and continued, ¡°I forgot to mention one thing to you. Our sixth sister-inw sent He Shuijin over when Jiang Yadan just hinted that he wanted to remarry. She wanted me to persuade our grandmother to allow Jiang Yadan to marry her cousin of her maiden family. I didn¡¯t agree. But He Shuijin implied that I shouldn¡¯t offend our sixth sister-inw.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was livid. He nced at Lian Jianhai, ¡°Uncle, pleasefort Qingqian when you go back. A clean hand wants no washing. Old Princess Miao is a smart woman,¡± He paused. ¡°I¡¯ll look into it and send someone to tell you the result in a few days.¡±

    Lian Jianhai suspected that someone tricked Wang Qingqian. He was overjoyed after Qiu Yn pointed out the suspect. How could he have a problem with that? He left without hesitation.

    Jiang Yashuang rubbed his forehead after he left, ¡°Jiang Qizheng and others just had the ident. And Jiang Yadan hasn¡¯t decided on his second wife. Our sixth sister-inw should be smart enough not to mess with us at this very moment. Do you have any other reason to doubt her?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it because she is jealous of my cousin bing the Princess of Wei?¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°The princes were selecting their concubines when Jingzhui just died. Our sixth sister-inw went to beg our aunt. She wanted to marry her cousin of her maiden family to one of the princes. But she didn¡¯t get what she wanted. However, nobody expected that Old Princess Miao herself would choose my cousin to be the Princess of Wei.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang pondered for a while, ¡°I see!¡± He said calmly, ¡°You can¡¯t think too much or get angry since you¡¯re pregnant. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll seek justice for Qingqian.¡±

 Chapter 377 - Couldnt Figure out Who Did It

    Chapter 377 Couldn¡¯t Figure out Who Did It

    Jiang Yashuangforted his wife and then asked Jiang Tan to pry into the news. But at this moment those guys who took personal belongings of Wang Qingqian and made trouble in their house were arrested by guards of the Governor¡¯s office, while the rumor that Princess of Wei had a love affair with someone else had been spread through the city.

    At present, the governor was Ye Zhiru. He broke into a cold sweat when the process of interrogation went on for just a while. He thought, ¡°Miss Wang has never left Jing City since she came here with her mother. Those guys are from other cities. They certainly can¡¯t have a love affair with her. It is nder! Though the Lian Family and the Wang Family are not in a high position in court, Commandery Princess Ningyi, the wife of Jiang Yashuang, is always supporting Miss Wang and she is pregnant now. I hear that even Marquess Qin cares about her. If there exists someone who dares to offend Commandery Princess Ningyi at this point, it must be members in the Jiang Family.¡±

    An inferior governor like him didn¡¯t dare to get involved in internal strife in the Jiang Family.

    However, it was his duty and he had to deal with it.

    He pondered for a while and made a decision, ¡°Put them into the prison. Don¡¯t torture them and don¡¯t kill them. Let¡¯s wait till we hear from the Jiang Family.¡± And then he covered his chest to pretend to fall in a faint because of heartache. He was carried back to the restroom to malinger. He didn¡¯t wait for so long as Jiang Tan took Jiang Yashuang¡¯s calling card to ask him the process of the investigation of the case.

    Jiang Tan heard that Ye Zhiru had an acute disease. He followed Jiang Yashuang for so many years and was ustomed to the tricks of officialdom. So, he certainly knew the reason why he was sick. If he wasn¡¯t in a hurry, he would not give a pleasant look to him. But today, Jiang Yashuang was waiting for his news, he would not make trouble. He interrogated the private adviser who went out on behalf of Ye Zhiru. He ordered that no one shall meet those criminals without permission and then left.

    After he went back to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion, he told it to Jiang Yashuang in detail. He passingly said, ¡°Ye Zhiru is healthy all the time. How can it be a coincidence that he gets ill at this point? Clearly, he is hiding something!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang hummed, ¡°You have to warn him. Otherwise, those outsiders may think that if we are not in the army, we are nobody.¡± He knew Jiang Tan wanted to indict and so he told him in this way. Ye Zhiru didn¡¯t want to offend any side of them. Otherwise, he would kill the criminals to cover up the truth. This guy was not so well-advised that he dared to avoid meeting his young servant.

    If his attitude towards Jiang Tan was known to all, people might think that Ye Zhiru despised the fourth branch¡¯s power on the court. Jiang Yashuang wanted to punish him to warn those governors to be careful when they handle issues.

    Jiang Tan got it. He reminded Jiang Yashuang, ¡°As for the rumor about the future Princess of Wei, should we refute it?¡±

    ¡°Of course, we should.¡± Jiang Yashuang wore a somber expression, ¡°But the most urgent issue is to find out who is behind those criminals,¡± He paused, ¡°the one who nned it!¡±

    Though Qiu Yn doubted the Shi Family, Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t agree with her. He thought the Shi Family was well-advised. Qiu Yn was pregnant and Jiang Qizheng was murdered. The rtionship between the fourth branch and the third branch was extremely tense. Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei were busy mediating them. If the Shi Family added fuel to the fire at this critical moment, once they were found, Marquess Qin would kill them right away.

    He thought the first branch was suspicious, ¡°They wanted to nder Madame Wang in the name of the Shi Family so that we would aim at the third branch¡­¡±

    However, the n was rather sketchy.

    Those guys who made trouble were from other cities. From this perspective, even a fool could know that what Ye Zhiru said was nonsense.

    The first branch wouldn¡¯t look down on the intelligence of the Shi Family in such a way. If this thing was instigated by Shi Family, then they might deliberately leave many ws so that they could excuse themselves and frame the first branch.

    Turning it over in his mind, he decided to interrogate by himself. Otherwise, he might be used.

    Thinking for a while, he turned to tell Qiu Yn to take care of herself. He got dressed and went to the Governor¡¯s office.

    As he just left, Qiu Yn, who promised him to stay at home, asked Su He to help her get dressed.

    Su He was surprised, ¡°Where are you going? Young master asked you to stay at home and not worry about anything.¡±

    ¡°Such a terrible thing has happened. I have to go to the Lian Family.¡± Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°The Lian Family doesn¡¯t t have a high position. Though it is good that my cousin will marry Prince of Wei, she is also envied by others. Now she is ndered by someone. I don¡¯t know how many people will gloat. Though Yashuang is going to investigate by himself, it will take him some time. During this period, who knows what kind of rumor will spread into the Lian Family? I go there so that I canfort them in case that my cousin focuses on the wrong stuff.¡±

    ¡°But didn¡¯t you just tell young master that you would just ask my grandmother to go there?¡± Su He said dully, ¡°If young master knows that you are rushing about this issue, he will be unhappy.¡±

    ¡°So, hurry up. We should return before hees home. Let¡¯s keep the secret.¡± Qiu Yn was good at pretending to be obedient and she didn¡¯t take it seriously, ¡°And if I get caught, he won¡¯t beat me up.¡±

    Su He almost had hematemesis, ¡°He won¡¯t hurt you, but he will punish us.¡±

    ¡°I will take care. He won¡¯t punish you.¡± Qiu Yn urged her, ¡°Come on! Don¡¯t waste time!¡±

    Su He was unable to dissuade her. So, she helped her get dressed and get her a carriage.

    They arrived at Lian¡¯s Mansion soon. They just sent Mrs. Zhou out. Seeing Qiu Yning, they were surprised and expected. They thought there had been a development in the case and hurriedly invited her toe in.

    But Mrs. Zhou couldn¡¯t leave at this moment. After she stepped into the mansion, she pinched Su He hard. She asked angrily in a low voice, ¡°What kind of great news deserve to be told by Madame in person? Do you break your legs?¡±

    Su He was aggrieved, ¡°Nothing. She wants toe here!¡±

    Qiu Yn was already invited to sit in the hall. She looked around and didn¡¯t see Wang Qingqian and Madame Lian. She guessed that the two were in their room tofort each other. And then she told Lian Jianhai and his wife directly, ¡°Yashuang has gone to Governor¡¯s office. We must give my cousin a satisfactory exnation. I have nothing but tofort my cousin. After all, she is young. I am afraid that such kind of rumor will destroy her.¡±

    Hearing that this case didn¡¯t have a consequence, Lian Jianhai and his wife were disappointed. But they were delighted that Qiu Yn cared about Wang Qingqian very much, which meant that Qiu Yn think highly of them.

    They exchanged greetings. Lian Jianhai and his wife apanied Qiu Yn to the small building where Wang Qingqian lived in. The Lian Family loved their niece so much. After Wang Qingqian was chosen to marry Prince of Wei, her house was extended and rebuilt. At present, the building looked rather stately.

    The message that Qiu Yn came here came through. Madame Lian went out to open the door personally. Lian Jianhai and his wife took leave, saying, ¡°If Yn wants to chat with Qingqian, then we don¡¯t go in there.¡±

    Madame Lian pulled Qiu Yn¡¯s hand with red eyes, ¡°I¡¯ m sorry for getting you trouble.¡±

    ¡°No, it was we who took care of her so badly that she was aggrieved.¡± Qiu Ynforted her. Just as the two entered the house, Wang Qingqian stepped out from the screen and gave her a salute, ¡°I dare not to meet my aunt and my uncle. I¡¯m afraid that I will break their heart. Sorry for snubbing you.¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t mind this. She asked her to stop, ¡°The best thing is that you are fine. Don¡¯t mind mere courtesy.¡±

    She thought that her cousin would break down because of such an ident. Especially Lian Jianhai, his wife, and Madame Lian were so grieved as if they had lost parents.

    Looking at her carefully, Qiu Yn found that though Wang Qingqian cried, she didn¡¯t despair. She thought that it was a nice thing that her cousin was not sentimental.

    Next, sheforted Wang Qingqian for a while. Seeing that she did not disguise her sorrow, Qiu Yn tried to ask her about the thing.

    Wang Qingqian said directly, ¡°I am the one who should be med. Seeing the maid, Shi Zhu, was shrewd, I entrusted her. I was careless. She took so many of my belongings, but I didn¡¯t find any trace. When someone made trouble, my servant Mo Zhu said these belonged to me. And then I found it.¡±

    Madame Lian added, ¡°Shi Zhu and Mo Zhu have been arrested and they are in the wood house now. Some old servants are guarding there.¡± The reason why they didn¡¯t send them to Governor¡¯s office was that they were afraid that they would be killed. If they were killed, the truth would be concealed and then Wang Qingqian was beyond dispute.

    ¡°Now we can send them to the governor¡¯s office.¡± Qiu Yn raised her head. She thought for a while and asked, ¡°I suspect my husband¡¯s sixth sister-inw has something to do with it. I am wondering whether there exists someone to connect with her.¡±

    She calmed down and thought about it. The third branch really couldn¡¯t be so stupid.

    The two from the Wang Family looked at each other. They shook their head, ¡°I don¡¯t know who will do it.¡±

    Madame Lian said, ¡°Though Qingqian and others treated Shi Zhu and Mo Zhu not so well, they were generous.¡±

    ¡°As we have arrested them, I believe we can interrogate them.¡± Qiu Yn thought for a while. She said, ¡°Don¡¯t be deluded by the rumor. Otherwise, those snobs will be satisfied!¡±

    Next, she said something tofort them. Seeing that it waste, she took leave.

    She returned to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion. When she just entered the yard, she saw Jiang Yashuang stood inside the door without expression. His hand was behind his back.

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t expect that he came back so early. She thought in her own heart that it was not so good. She smiled and came to him, ¡°Darling, are you waiting for me?¡±

    ¡°It is cold outside. Who allows you to go out?¡± Jiang Yashuang asked her angrily, ¡°How did you promise to me before I left?¡±

    ¡°I am boring at home. And I am worried about my cousin¡­¡± Qiu Yn knew she was wrong. She said to him arm in arm and acted coquettishly, ¡°I havee back.¡±

    Seeing that Jiang Yashuang was about to rebuke her, she rolled her eyes, ¡°I was thirsty!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Jiang Yashuang knew she wanted to change the subject. But he took pity on her. He turned around angrily, ¡°I have asked the chef to cook bird¡¯s nest of rock candy for you. Now they may get ready to serve.¡±

    After they went home, they served it. Qiu Yn saw Jiang Yashuang still wore a cold face. She asked their servants out and asked him to feed her. After ying with him for a while, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s expression became soft. He touched the end of her nose, ¡°Dare you next time?¡±

    ¡°Next time? Let¡¯s see.¡±

    Qiu Yn said to herself in her mind. But she promised seriously, ¡°I will follow your advice!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang hummed, ¡°It¡¯s the best.¡± He finally understood the mood Qiu Jinn used to have.

    ¡°How about Governor¡¯s office? Who wanted to frame my cousin?¡± Seeing that Jiang Yashuang forgave her, Qiu Yn was tired offorting him. She pushed his arm and asked, ¡°Have you figured out? Tell me!¡±

 Chapter 378 - Who Murdered the Kids of the Jiang Family?

    Chapter 378 Who Murdered the Kids of the Jiang Family?

    When Qiu Yn kept asking her husband about the thing, in the third branch, Madame Shi just asked her maids to get out. She asked He Shuijin wonderingly, ¡°Why are you so serious?¡±

    ¡°My sixth sister-inw, I have a thing to ask you, which concerns the future of our branch. Please tell me the truth!¡± He Shuijin was always diplomatic with a ready smile. At this moment she was serious without an expression. What she asked made Madame Shi get nervous. ¡°What happened? Please tell me.¡±

    Though at this moment there were only the two in the room, He Shuijin asked in a low voice, ¡°Princess of Wei is ndered. Who did it? Do you have any idea?¡±

    Madame Shi zed over and then she became unhappy, ¡°She is the cousin of Qiu Yn. Does it have anything to do with me? She is in trouble, but why do you ask me?¡±

    Originally, Madame Shi was jealous that He Shuijin bypassed her to take over the business of the family. Hearing what she said, she got a little angry. The words she said were unpleasant. ¡°I know you are close to the fourth branch. But you belong to the third branch. Now even Qiu Yn doesn¡¯te here. Are you hurried to question me for her?¡±

    He Shuijin frowned, ¡°What are you thinking of? If I don¡¯t consider our branch, I won¡¯te here to talk with you as I have so many things to deal with. There are no others. I ask you directly. Princess of Wei gets in trouble. Is there anyone else to be suspicious except you?¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Madame Shi just now was unhappy, but at this moment she was really angry, ¡°There are so many people who want to have a marriage with the imperial household. Why is only my sister excluded? Why are you asking me?¡± Her face darkened, ¡°Oh! I get it. Is it because of what my husband has done?¡±

    ¡°The first reason is because of my sixth brother.¡± He Shuijin said peacefully, ¡°The second reason is that the guys who dare to offend people in the Jiang Family are only people in the Jiang Family.¡±

    Madame Shi changed her face. After all, she had been the oldest legal daughter-inw of the third branch for so many years. She was not a fool. She understood what He Shuijin said. She softened her tone a little, ¡°My parents¡¯ family and I have nothing to do with it!¡±

    Seeing that He Shuijin seemed not to trust her, she exined, ¡°We are not foolish. I heard that Jiang Yashuang even wanted to kill the first branch and us because of Jiang Qizheng. And I heard that the gifts you gave themst time were all rejected. At this juncture, to nder those who are connected with him, is this ready to give him a chance to vent his anger?¡±

    And then she added, ¡°Qiu Yn is also pregnant. Given the talents of her brother and her husband, if she is carrying a boy, grandfather will take the baby as a treasure. Though I hate Madame Wang, I am not an idiot. Why do I provoke her now?¡±

    He Shuijin frowned, ¡°The n to nder Princess of Wei is so clumsy. Not to mention Jiang Yashuang, no matter who is asked about the thing, he will know this thing is groundless.¡±

    Madame Shi breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°So we have nothing to do with it. I don¡¯t want to brag. If I had to humiliate Madame Wang, it would be easy for me to ruin her reputation just like raising my hand as she just depends on the Lian Family, which is in such a low position. Why would I leave so many ws?¡±

    ¡°It may be on purpose so that it is easy to be clear of a charge.¡± He Shuijin looked at her, ¡°I don¡¯t want to cover up, my sixth sister-inw. Qiu Yn was unpleasant with you because of the matter about Princess of Wei before and that you resented as you failed to intercede with her.¡±

    ¡°It is not us!¡± Madame Shi gritted her teeth. But she had to exin because of the situation, ¡°I have to say honestly. Though my parents hope to have a princess in our family, they value more on Jiang Yadan¡¯s remarriage. They haven¡¯t settled down his second wife yet. Though I resent her, I won¡¯t do anything. Otherwise, I will be the stumbling block of his marriage with my sister.¡±

    He Shuijin said calmly, ¡°Do you forget what happened to Jiang Qizheng? Do you still expect that Jiang Yadan will marry your sister? I want to say something which may offend you. If he married her, I¡¯m afraid she would have a worse end than Madame Tao Junior, the one who died.¡±

    The most valuable morality Jiang Yadan had was that he treated his brothers and sisters in his branch well.

    Especially, Jiang Qizheng and Jiang Yashuang were also born by his mother. Jiang Qizheng was in trouble. If the daughter of the Shi Family could marry him, He Shuijin would not be surprised if the bride was beaten to death on the day of their marriage.

    Madame Shi scowled, ¡°Are you interrogating me for the fourth branch?¡±

    ¡°I am telling you to prepare early!¡± He Shuijin took over the business of the family by bypassing the two sisters-inw¡¯s power and so she was envied and excluded. She was tolerant of them. But after she lost her kids, a load was on her mind and so she was tired of being thoughtful. She respected them in front of them while behind their backs she was insipid. And she would not stand on ceremony if she had to be strict.

    At this moment, she said unceremoniously, ¡°You know the consequence to the third branch if you involve yourself in. You should be aware that the fourth branch won¡¯t give up the chance to get us in trouble!¡±

    She sneered to remind her, ¡°No matter who did it, the fourth branch must think we have something with it!¡±

    Madame Shi flushed and she still wanted to argue. He Shuijin raised her voice, ¡°Guys in Kui County sent messages, saying that grandaunt had a heavy sick and so the first branch asked my oldest brother and Xu¡¯er to go there to take care of her. No matter whether she is ill or not, think about how old our granduncle is.¡±

    Madame Shi was shocked. He Shuijin was right. Kui Xiannan was so old that his first grandson was old enough to get married. Though Kui Xiannan was in good health, he was fated to die because of age. Once he died, the guys in the first branch had to observe mourning for him. How could theypete with the fourth branch?

    From the perspective of the fourth branch, if the first branch and the third branch became their enemies, the first one they would handle must be the third branch.

    ¡°But I really have nothing to do with it!¡± Madame Shi became anxious. She had been in the Jiang Family for so many years. She was clear that if the fourth branch imed insistently that she did it, how Marquess Qin would deal with it. The Dou Family was a lesson. Especially her son, Jiang Jingzhui, killed himselfst year and so she couldn¡¯t even protect herself by using her son.

    ¡°It must be the first branch!¡± Madame Shi added, ¡°It must be the first branch who wants to frame us. Otherwise, who will use such a clumsy way to nder Princess of Wei?¡±

    That was where He Shuijin was confused, but the most important thing for her at this moment was to make sure that the third branch was not involved in it. As for who did it¡­ Wait till they stay out of it!

    ¡°If the fourth branch gets you involved, please remember some points¡­¡±

    When He Shuijin was telling Madame Shi, Qiu Yn finished hearing the description of the interrogation from her husband. She felt it was incredible, ¡°They were here for brotherhood? They were here to vent anger for their friend? Are they kidding? Qiu Feng was not so foolish!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°Qiu Feng is just innocent. But he is not foolish. These guys are idiots. I think their masters must be angry now.¡±

    When Lian Jianhai came to tell the thing, he told them that they were a group of rogues. So did Governor¡¯s office respond to him.

    But when Jiang Yashuang went there to interrogate, they said that they were from some famous schools! They went to the Lian Family to ruin Wang Qingqian¡¯s reputation, while they thought they were righteous. Because the one who instigated them to do so said that Wang Qingqian not only was a prostitute but also cheated him out of all his wealth and sent someone to murder him¡­ So, he hoped they can help him to revenge. Besides, he also hoped they could disclose Wang Qingqian¡¯s real identity.

    And then these little rookies who were just released by their master to travel around were tricked into Jing City.

    Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°Have you found out who tricked them?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but he died.¡± Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°The reason why those rookies knew him was that by the time when he was about to die, he did them a favor to handle a big problem. Maybe the problem was made by him. And then before he died, he asked them to help him. So, they promised him on impulse.¡±

    ¡°These guys¡­ They came to Jing City and did it without inquiring about the background of the Lian Family. How stupid they are!¡± Qiu Yn was speechless. Even an idiot would not be like them.

    Jiang Yashuang sneered, ¡°The man behind them was so sophisticated. ording to those rookies, they didn¡¯t have toe to Jing City. They even didn¡¯t find a hotel before making trouble. They heard that our cousin was good at seducing. They were afraid that the Lian Family wouldn¡¯t believe them but only help our cousin. So, they decided to make it worse so as to ask all people to figure out her true identity. They thought they were shrewd!¡±

    ¡°Where did he die? Can we continue the interrogation?¡± Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°I think it is intractable.¡±

    ¡°Except for those rookies who were tricked into Jing City, there are only two possibilities for those who dare to nder my cousin. One is the rest party of Madame Gu, while the other is guys in the Jiang Family.¡± Jiang Yashuang put his hand behind his back. After pacing the room a few steps, he paused. ¡°If it is the first possibility, I have nothing to say! If it is thetter one¡­¡±

    He frowned, ¡°I am wondering whether it will be a surprise or a trouble.¡±

    Qiu Yn was confused, ¡°If it were our family members who ruined my cousin¡¯s reputation, why would it be a surprise.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I just guess so.¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled. He did not move on and then changed the subject, ¡°Our granduncle has traveled day and night with a light pack. Counting the days, he may have arrived at Shazhou. I am not sure what he will find out.¡±

    He was not interested in the result. ording to the intention of Marquess Qin, he must try to disassociate the first branch and the third branch from this issue. After all, Sir Jibei never disobeyed Marquess Qin¡¯s order.

    ¡°But it doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Jiang Yashuang thought calmly, ¡°If the eldership weren¡¯t fair, I would find the justice for her by myself!¡±

    He had no idea that at this moment in Shazhou, Sir Jibei asked them hysterically, ¡°Who did it? Who? Who dared to murder kids in the Jiang Family? I will kill him!¡±

 Chapter 379 - The Most Vicious Thing Is Womens Heart

    Chapter 379 The Most Vicious Thing Is Women¡¯s Heart

    No wonder Sir Jibei, who was used to seeing thousands of soldiers and horses kill each other, was so out of control. He was already old enough to retire, but he was stilling all the way to Shazhou, night and day, with his old wounds. For what? Just to investigate the attack on Jiang Qizheng and her other party?

    No!

    His real purpose was to settle the dispute between the first, third, and fourth branches!

    On the way, Sir Jibei had already thought it over that the dispute between his nephews and grandnephews had be so acute that it could no longer be suppressed! So, this time, he couldn¡¯t listen to Marquess Qin and he had to make the first branch and the third branchpensate the fourth branch so that the Jiang Family wouldn¡¯t be at war with each other once they, the old, died!

    If necessary, he even intended to let Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing withdraw from the Western Army!

    But now¡­

    The two men had to be sent away from the Western Army even without his words because they were already dead!

    Looking at the two dead bodies in front of him and recalling the children who chased after him and called him grand uncle years ago, Sir Jibei suddenly felt his blood rushing to his head!

    In stark contrast to his anger, Jiang Yadan was not far away, holding a pot of hot tea and sipping it with narrowed eyes. He was so rxed that he looked like an elegant man seeking plum blossoms in the snow, his tonezy and casual, ¡°Dear grand uncle, your anger might hurt your body. Why don¡¯t youe over and let me apany you to drink a pot of tea to calm down? After that, you can ask questions, can¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Yadan!¡± Sir Jibei always knew that Jiang Yadan was an example that being bright at an early age didn¡¯t necessarily bring sess upon growing up. But at this moment he was still so angry that his body shivered, ¡°No matter what Yayue and Yaqing did to your fourth branch when they were alive, you are still official cousins! Now that they¡¯re both dead¡­ Aren¡¯t you even at least a bit sad?¡±

    Jiang Yadan said lightly, ¡°Listen to your words, grand uncle¡­ Why do I have to be sad?¡±

    Hearing these words Sir Jibei was already furious, but Jiang Yadan still continued with aplomb, ¡°If I were sad, then why would I have killed them?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± No wonder no one answered after he had questioned him for so long. Sir Jibei¡¯s eyes were so red with hatred that they were almost dripping blood! He snarled and grabbed the long knife of the guard beside him, ¡°You did this?¡±

    The old general¡¯s hair was on end as he pounced on Jiang Yadan like a raging lion, ¡°I¡¯ll kill you. You are ruthless!¡±

    ¡°Calm down, Sir! Calm down!¡± The generals around him were frightened and rushed to pull him, ¡°Perhaps there is something hidden, or perhaps the Eighth Young Master is speaking out of anger.¡±

    The second trueborn son of the first branch and the eldest trueborn son of the third branch were already gone. If the eldest son of the fourth branch were killed, all of them wouldn¡¯t even have enough people to be punished or killed when they returned! So how could they dare to let Sir Jibei hurt Jiang Yadan?

    Fortunately, Jiang Yadan reacted quickly. Seeing that Sir Jibei was not pretending, he realized that he had made his grand uncle really angry and he even might kill him¡­ Without saying a word, he threw the teapot onto the ground, turned around, and left.

    The wind blew under his feet as he was walking. Even Jiang Gan was running, otherwise, he could not keep up with Jiang Yadan!

    ¡°When grand uncle calms down and doesn¡¯t intend to kill me anymore, you shalle back and call me!¡± As he walked, he instructed the guards he met, ¡°Lest grand uncle should do anything wrong in his rage that will make him regretter¡­ It is only filial piety to suffer the little and walk away when the great punishment ising!¡±

    Jiang Gan and the guards he met had the urge to vomit blood. They thought, ¡°You not only killed his two official cousins, but also left the corpses for his grand uncle to see, and afterwards openly told him that you did it. Sir Jibei was lucky enough not to die on the spot, but you still had the face to mention filial piety.¡±

    The temporary barrack was in a mess. In the tent at the center of the barrack, Ling Zui was on pins and needles, seeing Jiang Qizheng calmly practicing her handwriting, while Ou Qinn was lying on the soft couch, holding up her chin, meditating and smiling sweetly from time to time¡­ He finally couldn¡¯t hold on and went to Jiang Qizheng¡¯s side, ¡°Princess!¡±

    ¡°I have told you not to call me like that. It¡¯s so ufortable!¡± Jiang Qizheng and he had shared weal and woe. Especially, when Ling Zui did not feel at ease with Han Jishan¡¯s men, he was dying to guard her side every inch of the way, which made Jiang Qizheng very moved, and thus she nned to recognize Ling Zui as her stepbrother when she returned to Jing City. It would be a promotion for him and also cover up the problem of the reputation as they had stayed together in private for several times after being taken captive. Seeing him walking towards her, she stopped writing and said, ¡°If you¡¯re not used to calling me by my name, you can just call me by my title!¡±

    Ling Zui smiled awkwardly and whispered, ¡°There¡¯s a lot of noise outside. Can it be that Sir Jibei has arrived?¡±

    ¡°It must be!¡± Ou Qinn, who seemed to be lost in thought, suddenly turned her head and said, ¡°Otherwise, who else dares to be so noisy?¡±

    ¡°And then the things happened before¡­?¡±

    Before he finished half of his words, he was interrupted by Jiang Qizheng with a smile, ¡°Brother Yadan will take care of it. You don¡¯t need to worry!¡±

    ¡°No worries?¡± Looking at her calm look and then looking at the collected Ou Qinn, Ling Zui suppressed the urge to lift the table. He thought, ¡°I watched with my own eyes. You came up with the idea and Xing did the work. Chunjun¡¯s men came to help. You sneaked into the barrack and killed Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing right here in this tent. But you then made Jiang Yadan the scapegoat¡­ The roar of Sir Jibei is now almost overturning the ce through the tents. How can I not be worried?¡±

    If this was exposed, even if he was notpletely involved but just a spectator, ording to the style of the Jiang Family, the whole Mansion of Earl of Jingchuan would not have a good ending, right?

    It seemed that Ou Qinn saw his worries and saidfortingly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We were sent over by Qiu¡¯s men after Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing¡¯s death. The whole battalion can attest to this! Qiu is so powerful that his subordinates must be tight-lipped. As long as we don¡¯t tell anyone, who dares to say that their death has anything to do with us?¡±

    ¡°All you think about is your Qiu!¡± Ling Zui twitched the corners of his mouth, ¡°So, as soon as Chunfu Princess said that killing Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing would be of great benefit to Chunjun, you drew your sword without saying a word! You didn¡¯t even think about what disaster it would bring to the Ou Family if it failed¡­ How many sins had the Ou Family umted in its early years as mountain bandits so that it gave birth to such a scourge like you! Compared to you, someone like me who was sent to the south for a year and a half and returned to Jing City without going to see my parents first is a model of the greatest filial piety!¡±

    At that night when Ou Qinn pretended to be the maid to serve the wine, she pulled out a short knife from her sleeve and shed the two unsuspecting cousins to death. At that time Jiang Yaqing even couldn¡¯t finish his suspicious words, ¡°This maid looks familiar¡­¡± The scene seemed to appear in his mind again. Although the poor Ling Zui was a famous yboy in Jing City, he was not the person who had never seen the killing of people but the one that had never seen such a cruel kill.

    He threw up for two days!

    In these two days, he had seen what it meant to be the most vicious woman. Jiang Qizheng, the mastermind, was very quick to manage the aftermath, teaching Jiang Yadan how to deal with the questioning afterwards, instructing Ou Qinn to rehearse the acting skills she would need to use, and even spending time cooking a bowl of chicken soup for him to nourish his body!

    As for Ou Qinn, after throwing her knife and taking off her bloody clothes, she soon threw herself into the exercise of acting skills and imagined the scene of her lover¡¯s sess with her help and finally marrying her in a pnquin¡­

    In short, the princess and the youngdy, who grew up in care and wealth, had not experienced even a bit of shock of bloody scene, not to mention the guilt and burden ofmitting fratricide! They didn¡¯t even have a trance-like look afterwards, not to mention vomiting. They were as calm as if they had killed two chickens and t hadn¡¯t even done it by themselves!

    So, Ling Zui didn¡¯t dare to say anything about it and said resentfully, ¡°Can Jiang Yadan really hold it? Listen to the noise. It¡¯s getting louder and louder!¡±

    ¡°He is justing towards us!¡± Jiang Qizheng shoved the pen into his hand and greeted Ou Qinn with a smile, ¡°Xing, we should go in!¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Ou Qinn agreed readily and the two of them entered behind the screen arm in arm!

    Ling Zui was left dumbfounded with her pen, not knowing what to do or say.

    A few momentster the furious Sir Jibei barged in with murderous rage and when he saw him at first nce, he asked, ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± Ling Zui opened his mouth before remembering the words Jiang Qizheng had told before, ¡°I was uncertain in my mind and so¡­¡±

    Before he uttered the following words about asking for calligraphy and so on, Sir Jibei had already waved his hand impatiently, ¡°Since I have heard that this is now the ce where Jiang Qizheng and Xing are recovering from their illnesses, what is the decency of youing here as a man? Get out! Don¡¯t evere here again! If you need anything, ask the maid to send your words!¡±

    Ling Zui was so relieved that he didn¡¯t mind his attitude and hurried away.

    Before he could walk out of the tent, Sir Jibei shouted towards the screen, ¡°Qizheng, Xing, how are you?¡±

    ¡°Dear grand uncle! Are you really here?¡± Ling Zui was sure that Jiang Qizheng and Ou Qinn were both carefully undressing behind the screen and definitely didn¡¯t have time to hide into the quilt!

    But Jiang Qizheng acted with her voice sounding like that she was so weak and a little surprised and was even choking. The feeling of survival after the upheaval, even behind the screen, was so vivid that Ling Zui crooked his mouth and was iparably grateful, ¡°Fortunately, my father and mother were strict with me and so I didn¡¯t have messed with any women of the Gu Family and the Jiang Family¡­ If I had seen the beauty and innocence of Chunfu Princess and thus seduced her¡­¡±

    Even without the Jiang Family to stand up for her, Jiang Qizheng would turn entric after being stimted and he definitely couldn¡¯t afford to offend!

    ¡°Just now the maid came in and said, but I still couldn¡¯t believe it!¡± Jiang Qizheng¡¯s performance wasn¡¯t over yet. After the joy of surviving the attack, it immediately turned into grievances. The miserable and sorrowful tone made Ling Zui, who had already walked out with one foot, want to shed tears. ¡°I thought I would never see my home in Jing City, my parents, and rtives, nor my poor nephew in my lifetime! Woo woo¡­¡±

    As the tent curtain was lowered, Ling Zui heard Sir Jibei speaking. The murderous intent and fury that Sir Jibei had when he entered the tent had apparently subsided and there was a hint of a sigh, ¡°Poor kids! You have been wronged! It is fortunate that you are all right¡­ s, it is lucky that you are all right¡­ Now¡­ Your bodies¡­ Don¡¯t worry¡­ I am here¡­ Don¡¯t be afraid¡­¡±

    ¡°Tsk!¡± Outside the tent, Ling Zui drew back his hands into sleeves. He hesitated about his ambition for the first time in his life since childhood, ¡°Wives and concubines are all over the yard as mothers-inw are all over the world or something else¡­ It seems¡­ quite dangerous¡­¡±

    If a woman like Jiang Qizheng got into his backyard, it was a sure bet that he would die without knowing how!

    The worst part was that for more than ten years before Jiang Qizheng¡¯s sudden change, everyone thought she was gentle, beautiful, kind, considerate, and generous. Even if he went back to Jing City now and told people that Chunfu Princess was actually ruthless and vicious as she had killed two of her cousins without blinking her eyes¡­ Probably everyone would think he was crazy, right?

    ¡°Qiu Feng, I have not seen you for so long, not knowing whether you are alive or dead.¡± Ling Zui shivered, ¡°I was hoping you would be alive because of Chunjun, but now I think for your sake I should pray that you had better be dead¡­¡±

 Chapter 380 - Qiu Jinglanâ€™s Self-justification

    Chapter 380 Qiu Jinn¡¯s Self-justification

    Sir Jibei was not easy to deal with as Ling Zui thought.

    He just never suspected Jiang Qizheng and Ou Qinn.

    After all, in the eyes of the elders, the former was a typicaldy from a noble family, who was simple, innocent, and weak. And despite her recognized force, thetter was not a deep one. Anyway, the two were sheltered children to Sir Jibei.

    Furthermore, they were part of his own family.

    So, Si Jibei could never guess that the death of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing was basically nned and executed by the two ¡°terrified¡± juniors. And the ck sheep of the family Jiang Yadan, whom he had the almost overwhelming desire to kill, just bore the me for them as the first true-born son of the fourth branch.

    But he suspected Qiu Jinn, the savior of his two children!

    So, after giving somefort to Jiang Qizheng and Ou Qinn, Sir Jibei started to get them to talk smoothly, ¡°Thankfully, you survived! It is our mistake to make you suffer¡­ Thanks to Chunjun, he was prepared and protected you in time! But he was too careful. Even though he didn¡¯t know who was behind Kuang Qingwu, he should have sent us a message! You didn¡¯t know how we were worried about you. At least, Yadan was known to be in Shazhou. We in Jing City were almost going out of our minds!¡±

    His words were filled with hidden traps. It had been some days since Jiang Qizheng and the other two were taken away. Especially Jiang Qizheng and Ou Qinn were both women. Since that they said they were not humiliated, they must have been rescued very early on. Otherwise, given the feud between Kuang Qingwu and the Jiang Family, there was no way they could be spared.

    As such, Qiu Jinn saved them for sinister motives. Why did Jiang Yadan kill Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing? The most direct reason was that Jiang Yadan believed that his sister was murdered by them!

    If Jiang Yadan had known earlier that his sister was alive and well, how could he have killed his two cousins in a fit of rage?

    Sure enough, Sir Jibei also wondered, ¡°Could the case be that the first branch and the third branch were actually wronged and that the fourth branch was obfuscating the issue?¡±

    If so, the fourth branch was quite suspicious. ¡°Qizheng was pampered. It could be understood that she missed Qiu Feng a lot since he had left for more than a year. But Shazhou was so far away and her child was so young. Why did she suddenly wanted to find her husband by herself? Xing imed that she went there for Qiu Jinn, but how could we know that she was not trying to confuse others? And Ling Zui is a great friend of Qiu Jinn!¡±

    ¡°Plus, Yadan tried to get them back at that time. Yadan is a man, but he loves to live a luxurious life. How could he give up the pleasure in Jing City and go with them? I thought it was strange earlier, but Yadan always has his own way and is capable of doing anything. So, I didn¡¯t think much about it¡­ If all these were calcted by the fourth branch, their purpose would be to let Kuang Qingwu ¡®grab¡¯ the three of them and provide a reason for Yadan to attack Yayue and Yaqing¡­ And then Qiu Jinn would be able to take over the Western Army, which meant that the army was given to the fourth branch¡­¡±

    The realization made Sir Jibei look bad!

    Jiang Qizheng replied while wiping her tears, ¡°Granduncle, there are things you do not know. General Qiu had ced a man in Kuang Qingwu¡¯s army, but that man didn¡¯t have the ear of Kuang Qingwu. When Kuang Qingwu wanted to¡­ grope Xing¡­ that man risked his life to drive Kuang Qingwu away. Xing could therefore take the horse and escape, running for many days over the snow. Thanks to Xing¡¯s skill in riding and shooting and great prowess at martial arts, otherwise, the consequences would be dire!¡±

    When Kuang Shihan was killedst year, Qiu Yn got transferred into the army as a General.

    ¡°Ling Zui and I survived with the help of that man as well. After letting Xing go, he knew that he could no longer hide his identity and so poisoned Zheng with orchid incense. Mr. Zheng was the old servant apanying Kuang Qingwu since he was young. So, under the threat of losing the antidote, Kuang Qingwu was hesitant to act and didn¡¯t dare to hurt us! But despite his care about the old servant, he harbored malice towards us! In retrospect, those days were like a lifetime. But for Ling Zui¡¯s protection, I wouldn¡¯t want to live!¡±

    She sniffed and looked down at her scarred fingers, ¡°Right! I had written a letter with my blood and asked the bodyguard to take that with them. I ordered that if they had the opportunity to escape, they should run away themselves and leave me there¡­ How about them now?¡±

    Sir Jibei had noticed the wound on her hands when she looked down. With his eyes, he could tell instantly that those scars had been made for some days rather than these two days. And there were clear bite marks on the edges of the wounds, which suggested that without an instrument to cut her fingers, these wounds could only be made with her teeth.

    ¡°When Qizheng was at home, she would be surrounded with concern even for bumping or jarring somewhere, not to mention biting her fingers by herself!¡± Sir Jibei spected on Jiang Qizheng as he always thought of her. So, he went soft, ¡°No matter who is behind the whole thing, the kid¡­ was deserving of pity!¡± He could see that many of those scars would be impossible to remove.

    Even though Sir Jibei was a man, he knew that how much a beautiful young woman, who was especially a princess, valued her body and hair! The hands, part of the body that would be seen by others at all times, were taken good care of by every eligible noblewoman. So, why would Jiang Qizheng do this to herself if she didn¡¯t have to?

    But he was still very suspicious of Qiu Jinn. So, he asked, ¡°Did Kuang Qingwu highly value Zheng? What a surprise!¡±

    Zheng was just a servant. Even though Kuang Qingwu valued his rtionship with Zheng, how could the servant be more important than his father Kuang Shihan?

    Kuang Qingwu had a vendetta against the Jiang Family because of his father¡¯s death! At a time like this, he was threatened because of a servant. What a great joke!

    Jiang Qizheng didn¡¯t answer this question, instead, she shook her head, ¡°I don¡¯t know the reason. As Kuang Qingwu didn¡¯t get the antidote of orchid incense by methods of torture, he started to treat us with decorum!¡±

    ¡°That guy gave himself away!¡± Sir Jibei flew into a volcanic rage! With efforts to conceal his great anger, he coaxed the two juniors who were ¡°frightened¡±. Seeing that they were calm, he excused himself and left at once.

    After he was gone, Ou Qinn, who had echoed what Jiang Qizheng said, was a little worried, ¡°Qiu¡­¡±

    ¡°If your Qiu failed to get through with grand uncle junior¡­¡± Jiang Qizheng said airily, ¡°He should stop thinking about the Western Army and go back to Jing City to ept Xue Chang¡¯s promotion!¡±

    For a long moment, Qiu Jinn was summoned to the temporary barrack. He was cool when he faced with Sir Jibei¡¯s questioning, ¡°The so-called spy whom Chunfu Princess and Miss Ou have thanked is indeed not my subordinate!¡±

    Sir Jibei said coldly, ¡°Really? I¡¯ll know when I get to the bottom of that!¡±

    Sir Jibei made it clear that he didn¡¯t trust him.

    Qiu Jinn kept calm and said, ¡°I suddenly received the news that Chunfu Princess and others had been attacked and were trapped somewhere. Even though I was suspicious, but I had nothing else to do and I did hear that they were heading towards Shazhou. So, I took some men out of the city¡­ And I happened to meet Miss Ou on the way! That was why I could rescue Chunfu Princess and Ling Zui.¡±

    ¡°It seems that you are meant to be the savior of them!¡± As Sir Jibei said it, there was a clear point of murder in his tone. ¡°We in Jing City thought the three of them all died. Yashuang of the fourth branch, in front of my second brother and me, turned against the first branch and the third branch! So, my second brother had to ask me to get over here. However, we had no idea how it went. The thing once led to the fourth branch¡¯s fight or even a vendetta against the first branch and the third branch, but it didn¡¯t prove to be a problem. In a twinkling, it was settled by you!¡±

    ¡°Afterwards, I also found it very strange. So, I asked Miss Ou specifically how she came across my team in all that snow.¡± Qiu Jinn continued, ¡°Miss Ou said the man who let her out had prepared a horse for her that knew the way! All she needed to do was to let the horse run!¡±

    Sir Jibei heard that with a slight frown.

    Qiu Jinn¡¯s expression remained unchanged as he continued, ¡°Furthermore when I met Miss Ou, she was barely alive! If it hadn¡¯t been for her tenacity, she would even have been dead¡­¡±

    He paused, which left time for Sir Jibei to think. How difficult and frightening was it for a pampered youngdy to escape alone on a horse in the frozen wilderness?

    ¡°If I had been the one who instructed Kuang Qingwu to hijack the group of Princess Chunfu, I would never have let Miss Ou go alone. And even if I had done so, I would not have used my own name!¡± Qiu Jinn said calmly, ¡°If something had happened to Miss Ou, I would not have been able to bear the responsibility! After all, Miss Ou¡¯s brother, Ou Bicheng, is the best friend of my brother-inw!¡±

    ¡°You know my whole story and you of course know how important my sister is in my heart! No matter how much I calcte, I will not harm my sister!¡±

    Sir Jibei said, deadpan, ¡°If you seed to run the Western Army, your sister will be able to domineer over her sisters-inw on your power!¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t achieved something now, but is my sister treated badly in the Jiang Family?¡± Qiu Jinn asked in return, ¡°A wedded woman¡¯s pride in her sisters-inw depends on her husband and son. If she relies only on her maiden family, with all due respect, Princess Qi is a good example!¡±

    His words made Sir Jibei speechless. Indeed, since Qiu Yn had married into the Jiang Family, she was the hardcore one among her sisters-inw, which made her look like Madame Zhuang, her mother-inw. But the one that she did rely on was Jiang Yashuang rather than Qiu Jinn!

    Qiu Jinn added, ¡°Besides, a few days ago, just before what happened to the second young master and the sixth young master of the Jiang family, I had already received the news that my sister was pregnant and that Marquis Qin asked her in person!¡±

    What he really meant was that his sister had been privileged before she got pregnant. Now she had a baby, she could never be too happy and carefree! It was not even a problem for him, as her brother, to take advantage of her glory! Why would he risk his life to harm the young masters? Did Sir Jibei think he was stupid?

    Sir Jibei listened grimly and after a while, he only said eight words, ¡°The lies mixed with the truth, vice versa!¡±

    Qiu Jinn knew that Sir Jibei was apparently suspicious. He thought that Sir Jibei probably held that, ¡°Maybe it is because you are able to list all these reasons why you are not likely to make this. And then you just did it, didn¡¯t you? The more unlikely, the more likely!¡±

    However, Sir Jibei hesitated in his heart.

    This was what Qiu Jinn had expected. Because as Sir Jibei calmed down, deep down in his heart, he hoped that this had nothing to do with Qiu Jinn!

    Otherwise, the Jiang Family would lose not only two true-born sons but also a most promising inw. Furthermore, the Jiang Family would have to decide who would be the next one to take over the Western Army!

    Qiu Jinn could be a general as well as a minister. Who would say they have too many talents like him?

    But if he were involved in the death of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing, he must die!

    If the outsider dared to attack the sons of the Jiang family, it would be generous of the Jiang Family to only kill the culprit. There was nothing to bargain with on that point. Even if Qiu Yn were standing there with her pregnant belly, nothing would be changed!

    ¡°Did Yadan do it?¡± Sir Jibei had no idea that he should be relieved or outraged at that time.

    ¡°Tianchi and his wife are in Beijiang. Even if you escape from me, but when you return to Jing City¡­ how will you exin to others?¡± Sir Jibei was at a loss, ¡°We were such a good family with so many descendants that many people envied us. Unknowingly, things have turned out in this way¡­ Are we brothers not able to teach our sons?¡±

 Chapter 381 - The Real Aftermath!

    Chapter 381 The Real Aftermath!

    Sir Jibei motioned Qiu Jinn away with mixed feelings and then instructed his guards, ¡°Find that vicious b*st*rd for me!¡±

    His guards left at hismand.

    And then¡­

    He waited for more than four hours. It was getting dark and began to snow again. Jiang Yadan was still nowhere to be found.

    ¡°Is he scared off? It¡¯s so cold out there. As useless as he is, where can he go in such a hurry even if he brings men with him?¡± Thinking of which, Sir Jibei couldn¡¯t sit tight. He wanted to kill Jiang Yadan as he was mad back then. But how could he kill Jiang Yadan after he calmed down?

    After all, Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing couldn¡¯te back to life. There was no turning back among the fourth branch, the first branch, and the third branch. Killing Jiang Yadan would only make things worse. As a senior of the Jiang Family, how could Sir Jibei kill another junior?

    The living was more important than the dead. Even though Jiang Yadan was useless, he was still Jiang Tianchi and his wife¡¯s beloved son.

    So, although he was mad, he still stood up and was going to look for worrisome Jiang Yadan himself.

    But noises came from outside at that moment.

    ¡°They finally found him!¡± Sir Jibei was relieved. He put on an angry look and sat back down.

    ¡°No! I won¡¯t go! I¡¯m not going in! It hasn¡¯t been long. It¡¯s not even overnight. How can my grand uncle calm down?¡± Sir Jibei heard Jiang Yadan yelling just when he sat down, ¡°He may kill me right when I walk in. I¡¯m the eldest trueborn son of the fourth branch. How dare you harm me! My parents won¡¯t let you off the hook. Jiang Gan, remember their looks and tell my parents after I die. I won¡¯t go! I¡¯m not going in! I have said I won¡¯t go in!¡±

    Sir Jibei looked extremely gloomy at that point.

    Jiang Yadan kept yelling at the door and refused to go in. But the bed canopy Sir Jibei was in began to shake. Sir Jibei looked up and then instructed with a poker face, ¡°Go and see what he is doing?¡±

    At the next moment, before Sir Jibei¡¯s guards could answer, he saw the top of his bed canopy falling down towards himself while hearing the screaming from outside.

    ¡°Earl, watch out!¡± Guards were all shocked and rushed to the rescue.

    One hourter, Jiang Yadan who was badly battered around the head and face ran around the camp with his head in his arms. He exined while running, ¡°Grand uncle, I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you! Soldiers who built the camp clearly didn¡¯t do their job right. They didn¡¯t secure the pirs of the bed canopy. That was why it copsed when I held it! I almost got hit¡­ Besides, you¡¯re skilled at kungfu and well blessed. How could you get hurt because of a fallen bed canopy? You¡¯ve been chasing me for so long, which shows that you¡¯re still strong¡­¡±

    He was so heartless that he was in the mood ofplimenting Sir Jibei. But Sir Jibei who was chasing him was hopping mad.

    Sir Jibeiforted poor and innocent Jiang Qizheng and Ou Qinn and met with Qiu Jinn himself. He who came to his senses after that intended to question Jiang Yadan properly to find out the real culprit. So that, he could decide what to do based on the result.

    However¡­

    Jiang Yadan made him wait for a long time. When Jiang Yadan finally got dragged to the bed canopy by the guards, as a grown man, he had the audacity to cling to the pir which caused the bed canopy to copse. Sir Jibei and others in it all got buried.

    As was known to all, about half a meter of snowy on the top of the bed canopy at that season in Shazhou!

    Although crowds of guards risked their lives to protect Sir Jibei, there was still a bruise on his head after such a long time.

    ¡°Yadan was smart when he was a kid. I wondered why Qianchuan didn¡¯t teach him in person so that he could mend his ways even though he was spoiled by the first branch.¡± Sir Jibei finally understood how Marquess Qin felt for all these years, ¡°It turns out that he is¡­ is¡­ is¡­¡±

    Although Sir Jibei wasn¡¯t as talented as Marquess Qin, he was by no means illiterate after being taught by Marquess Qin for a few years. But it took him a long time to think of a word to describe his grandnephew.

    ¡°I may lose thirty years of my life if I let him learn alongside me!¡± Sir Jibei managed to tie Jiang Yadan up with his guards¡¯ help and took him to the bed canopy which had just been cleaned out. He looked at his grandnephew who was gabbling on about how it was an innocent mistake and he shouldn¡¯t be punished. After a long time, he managed to speak, ¡°I¡¯ll kill you right now if you dare to say one more word!¡±

    Sir Jibei had been in the army for his whole life. He had a murderous vibe due to the countless killings in the wars. He deliberately restrained himself when he wasn¡¯t in the army. How couldn¡¯t an idle yboy like Jiang Yadan be scared when he showed his vicious side? Jiang Yadan stopped talking immediately.

    Sir Jibei wasn¡¯t in the mood of talking about other things. He asked directly, ¡°How could a loser like you kill your two cousins?¡±

    The first branch and the third branch sent Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing to the army to fight for military power because they were adept with both the pen and the sword. At least they were the best among their brothers. Both of them could beat Jiang Yadan in one-on-onebat.

    Otherwise, how could they ept Jiang Yadan¡¯s dinner invitation and went to dinner by themselves since they had put him under house arrest?

    ¡°I drugged them!¡± Jiang Yadan looked reluctant to hear Sir Jibei call him a loser. But he didn¡¯t dare to argue as he saw how angry Sir Jibei looked. He said bitterly, ¡°After I drugged them, I could do whatever I want to¡­¡±

    He stopped talking when he saw Sir Jibei¡¯s eyes suddenly be dark.

    ¡°Drug?¡± Sir Jibei said coldly, ¡°Where did you get it?¡±

    ¡°I brought it with me when I left Jing City!¡±

    ¡°You nned to kill them when you left Jing City!¡± Sir Jibei¡¯s hands shook a bit. In that case, was the fourth branch behind all that? Given Jiang Yashuang¡¯s age and his experiences as he grew up around Marquess Qin, Sir Jibei didn¡¯t believe he could operate such a grand scheme remotely without Marquess Qin knowing about it. In that case, was Jiang Tianchi behind it?

    Jiang Tianchi spent more time with Sir Jibei than Sir Jibei¡¯s son, Jiang Tiancan. Although Sir Jibei was Jiang Tianchi¡¯s uncle, they were as close as father and son. It was the reason that Sir Jibei suggested Marquess Qin give the fourth branch a proper exnation when he was in Jing City. Although Sir Jibei and Marquess Qin were both grateful to Kui Xiannan and adored Jiang Tianao because of him, he was more affectionate to and protective of Jiang Tianchi, the nephew he watched grow up.

    However, at that moment, he found out that Jiang Tianchi didn¡¯t need his protection. On the contrary, his other nephews and grandnephews needed his help and protection.

    Sir Jibei felt dizzy.

    He heard Jiang Yadan mumbling at that moment, ¡°If I had known that Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing were so vicious, I wouldn¡¯t have apanied Jiang Qizheng here. I¡¯m just used to bringing this kind of drug with me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re used to?¡± Sir Jibei thought Jiang Yadan wanted to muddle through after he found out that he spilled the beans. Sir Jibei couldn¡¯t help sneering, ¡°Don¡¯t you think I know about your indulgent life in Jing City? Why do you take this kind of drug with you?¡±

    Unexpectedly, Jiang Yadan said confidently, ¡°I bring this kind of drug with me because I live an indulgent life. You can send someone back to Jing City to ask my fair-weather friends if you don¡¯t believe me. How can¡¯t I prepare this kind of drug?¡±

    He took a little china bottle out of his sleeve while talking and sneered, ¡°Although ces like Spring House and Jinpa Pavilion are skilled at taming girls, inevitably there will be some fierce girls since they buy so many girls. Will the guests ask others to pin the girl down if they don¡¯t use drugs? It¡¯s one way to go. But some guests like me don¡¯t like the presence of others. That¡¯s when the overpowering druges in handy.¡±

    ¡°Animal!¡± Sir Jibei stared at the little china bottle in Jiang Yadan¡¯s hand. He couldn¡¯t believe his two outstanding grandnephews who survived wars and attacks from the Northern Army to the Western Army were defeated by a bottle of overpowering drug used in brothels.

    The camp was quiet at night except for Sir Jibei¡¯s roars.

    The senior maid Mengtao carefully handed a bowl of goat milk to Jiang Qizheng with both her hands, ¡°Your highness, please go to bed.¡±

    ¡°Let me embroider a little longer,¡± Jiang Qizheng was sewing a child¡¯s dress by the candlelight. It was a magenta dress with an auspicious pattern. The stitching was fine but not skillful as there were several marks of repair and rework.

    Looking at the bloodstains on Jiang Qizheng¡¯s fingertips, Mengtao couldn¡¯t help persuading, ¡°Your highness, you will have plenty of time to do this when you go back to Jing City. I can¡¯t find nice material here. This brocade looks nice. But it¡¯s not soft enough for my young master to wear.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Jiang Qizheng didn¡¯t agree with the first two sentences. But she was stunned by thest one. She touched the brocade and hesitated, ¡°Is it really not suitable for children?¡±

    Seeing Mengtao nodding, she sighed with disappointment and looked at her hands with self-deprecation, ¡°I have too many scars on my fingers which made my skin rough. So, I can¡¯t tell the quality of the material.¡±

    Mengtao sensed that Jiang Qizheng wasn¡¯t intended to go on. She felt happy and said in a hurry, ¡°So, you don¡¯t need to make the clothes now. You should take care of your hands first.¡±

    ¡°Send someone to find nicer material for me tomorrow!¡± Jiang Qizheng instructed, ¡°My youngest grand uncle needs to find out how Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing died. We shouldn¡¯t be able to leave soon. Even if we¡¯re going back to Jing City shortly, it takes a long time on the road. I don¡¯t have time to waste.¡±

    Mengtao said with worries, ¡°My young master is in Jing City. Madame Shishui takes care of him and Madame Tao protects him. How can he be short of clothes? Your hands are still wounded. Why do you insist on making clothes for him now? There will be ample time. Besides, your wound isn¡¯t severe. You may recover after recuperating for some time. You can make as many clothes as you like for my young master then. I won¡¯t stop you, okay?¡±

    ¡°There will be ample time?¡± Jiang Qizheng smiled after hearing that. She thought, ¡°My silly maid only cares about me. But she doesn¡¯t know that since Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing are both dead while Ou Qinn, Ling Zui, and I, especially me, are safe and sound, this isn¡¯t something that can be brushed off even though Jiang Yadan has taken the fall counting on his status as the eldest trueborn son of the fourth branch.¡±

    Even if Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei wouldn¡¯t choose to end this drama by killing another grandkid, they definitely would make the fourth branchpensate the first branch and the third branch with other things such as military power, money, forces, and jobs.

    ¡°My father joined the army when he was twenty years old, which separated him from us for decades. He only got his current position by taking the lead and risking his life in countless wars. My mother was supposed to live a luxurious life at home. But she has been apanying my father in Beijiang with a harsh environment. And she is still there. Jiang Yadan is spoiled by the first branch because of that. What happened to Jiang Yazhu was¡­ And Jiang Yashuang has been taught by my grandfather since he was young. He passed the exam after ten years of diligent study. Although my grandfather helped us to get our power, we earned it harder than other branches. How can I let my branch give our power to the first branch and the third branch because of me?¡±

    Jiang Qizheng had thought it through when she convinced Ou Qinn to do it and Jiang Yadan to take the fall. She would kill herself in front of the first branch and the third branch after she went back to Jing City. In that case, Jiang Yadan was wrong to kill his two cousins before he confirmed his sister¡¯s death. But the first branch and the third branch also forced the trueborn daughter of the fourth branch to kill herself. Even if they couldn¡¯t call it even, it was impossible for the first branch and the third branch to demand an exorbitant price.

    That was her real n to deal with the aftermath.

    ¡°I only hope Jiang Yadan wouldn¡¯t me me then. After all, I promised that nothing would happen to us as long as he insisted on iming that he did it. But it¡¯s impossible for our branch not to sacrifice someone.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng folded the half-done dress slowly. She touched the dress with her scarred fingertips. She couldn¡¯t tell if the material was soft or not. She felt sad, ¡°I wonder how many clothes I can make for my son before I die. If I had known this, I would have spent all my time practicing embroidering instead of writing and ying the zither.¡±

    When she thought of her son, she thought of that man. He cruelly abandoned her and was gone for more than a year. She wondered where he was and how he was.

    ¡°If he is alive, I hope he could stay heartless. I hope my family could never find him so that he wouldn¡¯t be implicated. I thought he also loved me. It seems like a lifetime ago as I think about it now.¡± Jiang Qizhengughed at herself again and instructed evenly, ¡°I must have the right material for my son by noon tomorrow!¡±

    ¡°But¡­¡± Mengtao still wanted to persuade her. But she was stunned by Jiang Qizheng¡¯s suddenly chilled looks. She answered subconsciously, ¡°Yes, your highness!¡±

 Chapter 382 - Jing City Would Be in a Mess!

    Chapter 382 Jing City Would Be in a Mess!

    In Shazhou, the news that Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing died was like a bolt from the blue. However, Shazhou was far away from Jing City and so it hadn¡¯t been sent there yet.

    At this moment Jing City was in a mess. An urgent message arrived from Beijiang, saying that Madame Zhuang took her beloved daughter¡¯s letters written in blood and returned to Jing City to host her funeral.

    ording to the rules, the urgent message could only be delivered for a military emergency.

    But now, nobody would find fault with Jiang Tianchi because of the power of the Jiang Family. Most of those who knew Madame Zhuang well wiped the sweat to appreciate that Jiang Tianchi was kind to tell them before she arrived lest they were captured unconsciously when they knew nothing.

    Like the Mi Family, when Old Madame heard the news, her face turned pale immediately. She rushed to ask her servants to prepare a generous gift and sent it to Qiu Yn. And she also sent a maid to remind her daughter, Madame Mi.

    Her daughter-inw, Madame Chu, was confused, ¡°Mother, I hear that the reason why Madame Zhuang came back is to host the funeral for Chunfu Princess. Does it have anything to do with us? Even if my sister offended Qiu Yn before, it has been a long time ago.¡±

    ¡°How long has it been?¡± Old Madame Mi sneered, ¡°You are young. You don¡¯t have much contact with her and so you don¡¯t know how horrible she is. To prevent Jiang Tianchi from having concubines, she stayed in Beijiang to supervise him. She hasn¡¯t returned for so many years until today. Her daughter was killed and so she came back to handle it. Do you think she will just handle the matter of her daughter? I can tell you if shees back, Jing City will surely be in a mess. She will revenge on all those guys who maltreated her people in her maiden family and her kids and grandkids. Otherwise, she won¡¯t give up.¡±

    Madame Chu was shocked, ¡°How dare she?¡±

    ¡°Of course, she dares to!¡± Old Madame Mi said disdainfully. ¡°Her mother-inw, Madame Tao, is the second wife, who lost her son so early. In the future, she will rely on her stepson and step-grandson to take care of her when she is aged. Even Empress Dowager needs her brothers and nephews to help her act as regent. The most reliable kids for Empress Dowager and her daughter are in the fourth branch. Who dares to stop Madame Zhuang?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there still Marquess Qin?¡±

    ¡°If Marquess Qin said the word ¡®punishment¡¯, even if Jiang Yadan is in Shazhou, Jiang Yazhu and Jiang Yashuang would surely kneel to beg for taking the punishment in ce of their mother. Not to mention Jiang Yazhu, Jiang Yashuang is the most excellent kid in the Jiang Family. Though he is young, he enters into the Hanlin Academy because of his ability. Do you think Marquess Qin will punish him?¡±

    Old Madame Mi sneered, ¡°Besides, what I just said was under the situation that Madame Zhuang would punish people in the Jiang Family. If shees here and kills someone, not to mention she smashes the stuff in our house, what do you think Marquess Qin will do? I promise he will pretend to know nothing. He even will wait for us to apologize to them!¡±

    Though the Mi Family was the inws of the Jiang Family, they didn¡¯t have any crucial members to stand for them. Marquess Qin allowed them to profit from association with them. But if they wanted Marquess Qin to make efforts to protect them, they were wrong.

    Madame Dou was a lesson. If it had been the Mi Family, Marquess Qin would surely have been tired of bothering Madame Zhuang. Jiang Yashuang was there, he wouldn¡¯t punish Madame Zhuang. Why did he summon his intractable daughter-inw to make himself unhappy?

    Madame Chu took a breath, ¡°I will supervise them to prepare the gifts right away!¡±

    Old Madame Mi was not the only one who trimmed the sails.

    Even the Xue Family and Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe were busy preparing gifts. It was deeply rooted in their minds that Madame Zhuang was insolent, fierce, and ferocious.

    In Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion, Marquess Qin mmed papers of the urgent message in front of Jiang Yashuang and said without expression, ¡°See it!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang bent over and pick it up. He looked through quickly and smiled, ¡°My father tells the truth!¡±

    ¡°Truth?¡± Marquess Qin was so angry, ¡°Do you think that I can¡¯t figure out that though he says he is for the overall situation, he actually is threatening me?¡±

    No wonder Marquess Qin was so angry. Jiang Tianchi said at the beginning of the message that Madame Zhuang cried for three days after she received her daughter¡¯s letters written in blood. He choked back the grieve to persuade her but failed. And then the two hugged each other and cried many times. They were thin to the bone. He had no choice but to allow her toe back to host their daughter¡¯s funeral and greet their eldership.

    This was normal in the past. However, in the next part of the message, Jiang Tianchi used a regr script to write ¡°In Memory of My Dear Baby Good Daughter Jiang Qi Zheng on three pieces of papers¡± and ¡°It¡¯s a Pity We¡¯ve Been Separated for so Many Years¡± on two pieces of papers. But he hadn¡¯t finished yet!

    These were followed by a whole piece of ¡°How Pitiful is My Little Grandson Who Lost His Mother before He Was One Year Old¡±, a whole piece of ¡°How Pitiful Are My Sons and Grandchildren Who Have Lost Their Sisters and Aunts After Years of Being Deprived of Maternal Love by Their Parents and Grandfather¡±, and a whole piece of ¡°How Pitiful Is It that My Wife and I Have Lost Their Daughter in Middle Age After so Many Years of Guarding the Border¡±!

    The content all mentioned that other branches could enjoy family reunions while they, people of the fourth branch, lived a hard life. Besides, he all mentioned that garrisoning the frontier was so difficult that even if talents could not take it over after several months of training. The one who might be capable of taking over the business must practice and study for a long time. But it might be possible!

    That was not the point. The point was that Jiang Tianchi made it seriously that he believed Marquess Qin, Sir Jibei, brothers, nieces, and nephews would understand their feelings at this moment very much!

    And they all knew his wife was perfect but she was a little cranky. At this moment she was struck by the loss of her daughter. So, if she did something offensive when she came back to Jing City, Jiang Tianchi said he hoped they would forgive her and not mind it as the fourth branch was so pitiful.

    In Marquess Qin¡¯s eyes, Jiang Tianchi told him directly, ¡°My wife wants toe back to create a disturbance this time. If you don¡¯t hope the Northern Army has some idents, let her go. If she wants to beat someone, let her go. It will be best that you cheer by the side. If she wants to punish someone, let her go and pick up the pieces for her!¡±

    ¡°Otherwise, either you can find someone else who is at my age or younger than me to take charge of the Northern Army, or I will create disturbances for you!¡±

    Hearing Marquess Qin¡¯s rebuke, Jiang Yashuang said frankly, ¡°My parents love my sister. Losing a daughter in middle age is a kind of great sorrow in life. If my father can bear it as if nothing has happened, he is not telling you the truth. Now in his message, there exists resentment, which means it is human nature to be sad. It also shows that he is your son and so he doesn¡¯t cover up in front of you.¡±

    Marquess Qin didn¡¯t know how to answer his grandson because he didn¡¯t know Jiang Qizheng was alive while Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing died. He said a few momentster, ¡°Your granduncle has not brought back any messages. What if someone else did it?¡±

    ¡°My father just wants to let my mothere back to beg for justice for my sister. He doesn¡¯t want to create a disturbance in our family.¡± Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°What do you mean, grandfather?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Marquess Qin rubbed his forehead distractedly, ¡°Anyway after Madame Zhuanges back, you have to persuade her.¡±

    Obviously, due to the changes these days, Marquess Qin, who had always been calm about changes, almost lost his mind. He even made an indiscreet remark. Pausing for a while, he was back to normal. He said calmly, ¡°Though we can¡¯t decide someone to rece your father, we don¡¯t have topromise to your branch. The frontier of Darui is not guarded by only a person!¡±

    ¡°If you want to kill your brothers¡­¡± Marquess Qin raised his head and watched him with a cold face, ¡°And then I will divide the power of the Northern army equally among themanders. I will call your father to court to be an officer, which is better than that you kill your brothers once I die.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked at him for a while. He looked back and said, ¡°Don¡¯t be oversensitive, grandfather. No matter my father or me, we won¡¯t do that. It is my eldest uncle and my third uncle who are jealous of us and aggressive to us all the time.¡±

    ¡°When Madame Zhuang is about to arrive, go to pick her up!¡± Marquess Qin waved his hand with a sullen face, ¡°You can leave.¡±

    In fact, not only people like Old Madame Mi who are afraid of being visited by Madame Zhuang and Marquess Qin who felt uneasy about Madame Zhuang¡¯s arrival, but Qiu Yn was also nervous.

    When Jiang Yashuang was called away by Marquess Qin, she frowned and talked to Mrs. Zhou, ¡°What if my mother-inw doesn¡¯t like me?¡±

    ¡°How is that possible?¡± Mrs. Zhou cheered her up, ¡°Human beings all love beauty. Anyone who marries you will be pleased with your appearance. Not to mention you¡¯re pregnant right now! For the sake of your son, when Madame Zhuanges back, she will love you so much!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s possibly not true!¡±

    Qiu Yn said to herself. She would be assured during the previous period. But the experience of Madame He and He Shuijin taught her a lesson. He Shuijin was so sweet and beautiful. She was also good at wealth management. Besides, she could manage family affairs. She was so diplomatic that being her mother-inw was so easy.

    She believed if her son could marry a wife like her, she would surely help his wife supervise him and prevent him from phndering and so his wife would treat him wellpletely.

    But what Madame He did? Not to mention that she was choosy to her in private all the time, when her daughter-inw was pregnant, she even tried to cause her to miscarry!

    ¡°If my mother-inw is annoyed like Madame He, I will be in trouble as I am pregnant.¡± Qiu Yn was so frightened when she thought of it.

    Seeing her acting like this, Mrs. Zhou felt it incredible.¡± Though it is said that Madame Zhuang is vixenish, it is her attitude towards outsiders. For her families, like Jiang Yadan, she loves him so much!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it! I heard that the reason why Madame Zhuang broke into the mansion of the first branch and killed the maid in front of the eldest master¡¯s wife was that the maid ran into Jiang Yadan and she didn¡¯t apologize to him, excusing him for sending stuff to her master.¡±

    ¡°In every letter, she wrote to princes and princesses when she stayed in Beijiang, there existed so much love in them.¡±

    ¡°You know that¡¯s for her sons and daughters. I am her daughter-inw. I ampletely different.¡± Qiu Yn was speechless. ¡°Alright. I just worry about that for a while. Now I feel so much better.¡± If she didn¡¯t make a promise to He Shuijin that she won¡¯t take Madame He, the freak, as an example, Mrs. Zhou wouldn¡¯t understand her anxiety.

    But her anxiety was just a possibility. What Sheng Shishui worried about would be true.

    After all her husband was the guy that Madame Zhou wanted to kill. As her daughter-inw, she wouldn¡¯t have a happy life.

    At the very least, if Madame Zhuang was not against her but Jiang Yazhu, her fate was decided by her husband. After all, she didn¡¯t have a son to rely on.

    ¡°Let our kitchen make some dessert. I want to talk to Yn.¡± Though Sheng Shishui was mentally prepared for her mother-inw, she was still anxious. Finally, she made a decision that was not well-advised. She wanted to beg Qiu Yn to intercede for her.

    ¡°Yn is Jiang Yashuang¡¯s wife. She is the Commandery Princess and she is beautiful. My mother-inw will love her as she loves Jiang Yashuang. If she intercedes for me, my mother-inw won¡¯t treat me so badly.¡±

    Sheng Shishui said to herself, ¡°I don¡¯t expect that she gives me dignity. I only hope she won¡¯t make me feel embarrassed.¡±

 Chapter 383 - Which Side Was Their Eighth Uncle on?

    Chapter 383 Which Side Was Their Eighth Uncle on?

    Though the news that Madame Zhuang would return to Jing City created a disturbance in the court, she didn¡¯t arrive yet. There were so many things to deal with.

    For Qiu Yn, the rumor which ruined Wang Qingqian¡¯s reputation wasn¡¯t finished yet.

    ¡°As you are unwilling to tell me what you have found out in the Governor¡¯s Office, I will not ask you anymore.¡± Qiu Yn held a bolster andined to her husband, ¡°But her reputation should be rified. Though Zhaoyi Miao and Prince of Wei know she is innocent, it won¡¯t be wonderful if we don¡¯t rify the issue to the public for her.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang felt strange, ¡°Haven¡¯t I asked the government to rify it for her?¡±

    ¡°Shall we ask our aunt to reward her something as a kind offort?¡± Qiu Yn acted coquettishly to him. ¡°I don¡¯t want to extort. But if the future daughter-inw like heres across something which will almost ruin her reputation, it will be the best way to refute the rumor to be rewarded by the imperial household.¡±

    ¡°Did our aunt never reward cousin Wang?¡± Jiang Yashuang felt strange. ¡°As customary, she should have already rewarded her.¡±

    Qiu Yn hugged him, ¡°If she had done, I wouldn¡¯t have mentioned it.¡± She felt this was an unlucky sign. No matter Empress Dowager Jiang forgot it or intentionally did it, outsiders would think that Empress Dowager Jian had a bad impression of Wang Qingqian.

    For the imperial household, it was acknowledged what would happen to a daughter-inw if Empress Dowager had a bad impression of her.

    Qiu Yn was kept in the house to nourish the fetus. So, she had no way to enter the Pce. As a result, she could not get thetest news inside. She had no choice but to rely on her husband to say something nice for Wang Qingqian.

    Jiang Yashuang frowned, ¡°Tomorrow I will go to ask my aunt.¡±

    He stared at her warily, ¡°When I go to the Pce, you are not allowed to run out! Otherwise, if something like this happens again, I will not help you anymore. I will just stay at home and monitor you!¡±

    ¡°I will follow your order!¡± Qiu Yn promised him without hesitation.

    ¡°I would be a fool if I believed you.¡± Seeing her promise so quickly and that what she said was the same as what she didst time without even changing a word, he hummed, ¡°I will send you to my grandmother¡¯s mansion to let her monitor you.¡±

    Qiu Yn felt funny. She punched him and then said yfully, ¡°Are you treating me as a kid?¡±

    ¡°A kid is not as tricky as you!¡± Jiang Yashuang flicked her forehead, ¡°Don¡¯t be naughty. It is cold. Though it is spring, the temperature is still low. It is rainy and snowy all the time. If you go out and fall, you won¡¯t even have any time to regret it. Tomorrow wait for me to send you to my grandmother¡¯s ce. Do not go anywhere else!¡±

    He did what he said. The next day he sent his wife to pay respects to his grandmother who was in the back hall. He excused, ¡°Lan hasn¡¯te here to give her regards to you for a long time. So, she misses you so much. She says she must have lunch with you today.¡± He left his wife to Madame Tao to take care of and then went away.

    Madame Tao definitely knew what he thought, but she was lonely without any kids apanying her. When Qiu Yn came here, she asked maids to take An to have fun with Madame Tao. So, Madame Tao didn¡¯t feel bothered with them.

    They didn¡¯t even start to have a chat when a servant came to tell her, ¡°Madame, the eighth Madame wants to visit you!¡±

    Madame Tao was a little surprised, ¡°Why does shee here?¡± Madame Tao was always attentive but not strict with her stepsons and their wives. As a stepmother, she would be concerned about them. But she would y dumb when it came to disciplining them.

    Among those kids, because Jiang Tianxiao was the youngest kid of Marquess Qin, whose biological mother was still alive and still served Marquess Qin to sleep, Madame Qin never disciplined him. As a result, his wife, Huang, never came to greet Madame Tao.

    Now hearing that she wanted to visit her, Madame Tao was surprised and then she understood her after thinking. She said to Qiu Yn, ¡°I believe shees here because of you!¡±

    Qiu Yn felt strange, ¡°Why?¡± She didn¡¯t remember she had anything to do with her.

    ¡°Now the Prefectural Governor in Shazhou is her uncle.¡± Madame Tao exined to her, which enlightened her at once. Jiang Qizheng was killed in Shazhou. Whether the Prefectural Governor in Shazhou was involved or not, not to mention whether he was aware of it or not, he should take responsibility for what happened in the area he managed!

    She figured out the reasons and so she knew why Huang came here. Although Huang was not much older than her, she was still an elder. As an aunt of their misbegotten uncle, she had little reason to go to her nephew¡¯s house. Besides, they had no previous interaction. So, she also couldn¡¯t find a proper person to pass on a message. Of course, it might be that she was afraid of Jiang Yashuang.

    She finally left their house to Madame Tao¡¯s ce. How could Huang let this chance go?

    But Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want to promise her anything, ¡°I said something for Qiu Feng for the sake of Chunfu Princess several days ago, because of which Yashuang was hard on me. If I promised to intercede for the Prefectural Governor, he would probably get angry. If I were him, I would be angry, too!¡±

    So, she told Madame Tao, ¡°I am just a woman. I dare not to say anything about matters in the court!¡±

    Madame Tao knew she would not promise her. Qiu Yn did notck anything and she was not greedy. She was also not afraid of giving offense. Why would she risk breaking up with her husband to help Huang?

    Besides, Madame Zhuang was on her way to Jing City. She was not the foolish daughter-inw. So, she would not intercede for an officer who had to take responsibility for her sister-inw¡¯s death.

    ¡°Go and tell Huang that I am busy. If she doesn¡¯t have anything urgent, ask her to leave.¡± Madame Tao had put her bet on the fourth branch quite early. After Qiu Yn expressed clearly that she didn¡¯t want to get involved, Madame Tao decided to help her to stop Huang.

    Madame Tao was unwilling to meet Huang and she dared not to break in. So, she left unwillingly.

    Qiu Yn believed this thing came to an end. However, after she was picked up in the afternoon by Jiang Yashuang, she even didn¡¯t have time to ask about what happened in the Pce when Mrs. Zhou came in with a strange expression, ¡°The eighth madame, Huang, asked her maids to send a box of snacks just now. She said these snacks were made by her in the kitchen. She knew that you have a good appetite because of pregnancy. So, she sent some snacks to you.¡±

    That was true. Qiu Yn had a good appetite indeed. So,dies in those branches who got along well with her would send some infrequent snacks to her. Jiang Yashuang heard and asked, ¡°Shall we eat immediately or ask the chef to heat it for us?¡±

    ¡°We cannot heat it.¡± Mrs. Zhou took out a wad of bills. She said reluctantly, ¡°What is put in the box is money.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was stunned. But he was the government official who was also the key one to cultivate. He didn¡¯t need Qiu Yn to remind him. His face scowled, ¡°Does she send the money for Huang Si?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Mrs. Zhou had no idea about Huang Si indeed, ¡°I just feel the box is strange. So, Ie here to tell you.¡±

    ¡°Thanks a lot!¡± To the dowry servant of his wife, especially Mrs. Zhou and her granddaughter who suffered a lot with his wife, Jiang Yashuang was polite. At that moment, Jiang Yashuang said, inclining his head in a nod, ¡°Please put the stuff into the box and return it. Tell her the stuff is not suitable for Lan. Besides, our chef makes delicacies every day. So Lan doesn¡¯t want to eat food made by others.¡±

    Mrs. Zhou obeyed and left. Jiang Yashuang was not in the mood to tell his experience in the Pce. He asked his wife, ¡°Is this her first time to do such a thing?¡±

    ¡°Today when I was in grandma¡¯s ce, she came here. Grandma told me her intention. I said I didn¡¯t want to meet her and thus grandma asked her to leave.¡± Qiu Yn shrugged, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that she brought a box of snacks toe here.¡±

    ¡°The previous Prefectural Governor in Shazhou is capable. Otherwise, he could not guard Xijiang with Kuang Shihan in peace for so many years.¡± Jiang Yashuang looked surly. ¡°After Kuang Shihan was killed, I didn¡¯t approve to rece the old Prefectural Governor. After all, he governed Shazhou for so many years and knew Shazhou well. We should win him over instead of recing him. However, the Huang Family asked my eighth uncle to persuade my grandfather to rece the Prefectural Governor with Huang Si. If he did a good job, I would remark on nothing. Since he did a bad job, he should get punishment. Otherwise, is it proper for him to take the advancement and avoid a punishment? Why should he be so lucky?¡±

    It was not Jiang Yashuang¡¯s fault that he was so angry. If the previous Prefectural Governor hadn¡¯t been reced by Huang Si, under the deep-rooted power in Shazhou, perhaps he could have prevented Jiang Qizheng from tragedy.

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°Do you mean that Huang Si¡¯s position, the Prefectural Governor, was asked by the Huang Family? They even drove the former Prefectural Governor away, didn¡¯t they? Does the Huang Family know about thepetence in the Western Army? Which side does our eighth uncle take?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang hummed, ¡°He wants to please the two sides so that he can benefit from thepetition. Now he wants to beg for mercy. He is an elder. So, I don¡¯t want to judge him. My mother wille back soon. Let him exin to my mother.¡±

    Though he had no impression of his mother, he still expected her toe back, ¡°It is said that my mother is fierce. I am wondering what she will do for the justice of my sister¡¯s death.¡±

    Qiu Yn was about to answer him but Jiang Yashuang got upset, ¡°It is a pity that my mother never stayed in Jing City before. Otherwise, my sister would have her mother to talk with. She might not leave my nephew and go on the long journey because of Xing¡¯s instigation. Now that kid even doesn¡¯t have a name, while he has lost his mother already.¡±

    ¡°Though it has been several days, possibly they are fine. We haven¡¯t received any message yet.¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t believe what she said. But she didn¡¯t know she told the truth.

    They were silent for a while and then Qiu Yn tried to ask her husband about the situation in the Pce.

    Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°There are so many issues to handle these days. My aunt forgets it. Now the empress¡¯s decree may have been sent to Lian Family.¡±

    He continued, ¡°When I was about to leave there, I met Emperor. He asked me about Wang Qingqian and told the Lian Family to relieve. People in the imperial household are clear about it. So, they won¡¯t let her be wronged.¡±

    Qiu Yn was not familiar with Emperor. So, she had no interest in him. She didn¡¯t continue to ask and only said, ¡°Fine.¡±

    They were talking when the servants came in and said, ¡°Madame Shi and Madame Hees here. They say they have something to tell master and madam.¡±

    The couple was stunned. Soon they woke up and looked at each other, ¡°Do theye here for our cousin?¡±

    ¡°I think they want to exin.¡± Jiang Yashuang said dispiritedly, ¡°I am tired. I don¡¯t want to meet them. Do you want to talk with them by yourself?¡±

    What did it matter? Qiu Yn was more worried about her health. She touched his forehead and said anxiously, ¡°Are you exhausted?¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡± Jiang Yashuang looked at the Flower Hall significantly, ¡°I just don¡¯t want to meet them.¡±

    He paused and then said, ¡°If they want to exin, you can handle it. I don¡¯t want to go out. I don¡¯t want to answer anything.¡±

    Qiu Yn perceived that he wanted to do something by taking advantage of this thing. So, he didn¡¯t want to meet Madame Shi and He Shuijin. But it was not a proper time to ask him. So, she nodded and went out.

    Jiang Yashuang had a deep thought for a while in the room. He stood up and walked into the study. He took out a paper which was made in special material from a secretpartment. He started to write seriously¡­

 Chapter 384 - Who Was the Most Perfect Scapegoat?

    Chapter 384 Who Was the Most Perfect Scapegoat?

    Qiu Yn went out to the Flower Hall and exchanged pleasantries with Madame Shi and He Shuijin, who indeed came to exin about Wang Qingqian. ¡°We are sisters-inw! Now that I¡¯m here, I¡¯m going to cut to the chase! Earlier my family¡¯s younger sister was indeed disappointed that she was not chosen as a princess!¡±

    Before she came, Madame Shi was prepared to make amends. It would be more humiliating to beat around the bush and waste time. So, as He Shuijin implied Qiu Yn to clear the hall, she came right to the point, ¡°At that time, we did want to embarrass Miss Wang and take our revenge! But, this time, it wasn¡¯t me or the Shi family who did it!¡±

    He Shuijin supported her as well, ¡°My sixth sister-inw has always been a straightforward one. As long as she says no, it won¡¯t be wrong. I can vouch for her!¡± She must have investigated and confirmed it when she dared to say that.

    Qiu Yn was amazed in her heart, ¡°Wasn¡¯t it the third branch, then? Was it the first branch?¡± Not knowing the truth and what her husband intended to do with it, she said vaguely, ¡°I naturally believe it as you say so.¡±

    He Shuijin knew that Qiu Yn didn¡¯t mean it. With some frustration, she made a sign to Madame Shi to leave first and she herself stayed to say something from the heart with Qiu Yn, ¡°Our sixth sister-inw is indeed innocent this time. If there were some clues pointing to the third branch, I suppose it should also be done by the first branch. I¡¯m not defending the third branch. It is based on evidence!¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°Evidence?¡±

    ¡°Those people who tried to ruin Miss Wang¡¯s reputation at the entrance to the Lian Mansion came from Jiangnan, didn¡¯t they?¡± He Shuijin had driven a wedge between Madame Shi and Qiu Yn before. But back then, there was no conflict between the fourth branch and the third branch and their argument was just a trivial matter in the backyard. So, she could use Qiu Yn to suppress Madame Shi, the first daughter-inw of the third branch.

    However, the situation was different now. As the fourth branch turned against the third branch, the first branch was also involved. It would be very bad if the third branch became the first target of the fourth branch because of Madame Shi!

    How could He Shuijin, such a sensible person like her, stand by and watch the third branch suffer the loss? Since she had dragged Madame Shi here today, she was sure enough to make things clear.

    She immediately told the whole story, ¡°Last year a letter from Kui County said that grandaunt fell ill. So, our eldest uncle sent our eldest brother Yayun and Xu¡¯er back to visit and attend to her! Some of those who were with them took advantage of the opportunity to go to Jiangnan!¡±

    Qiu Yn was a bit surprised, ¡°My fourteenth sister-inw, you know so much about that!¡±

    ¡°Jiangnan is a prosperous ce with arge poption. Thus, there are many shops,¡± He Shuijin said tonelessly. She did not hide the fact that the third branch had been spying on the first branch for a long time, which meant that the fourth branch could be watched by the third branch as well. ¡°And the first branch sent a trusted subordinate who was always with them in the hope of assuring his loyalty. So, the man must be familiar to others. And he was recognized soon after he arrived in Jiangnan!¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell it before?¡±

    ¡°How could I have imagined that it had something to do with the thing about Miss Wang?¡± He Shuijin set her mouth in a line, ¡°I thought the first branch tried to reach out to someone in Jiangnan! I didn¡¯t remember it until I heard that those who ndered Miss Wang were from Jiangnan! But verbal statements are no guarantee. I had to collect some evidence to show, didn¡¯t I? See, I took my sixth sister-inw here as soon as I got the evidence!¡±

    What she said made sense while Qiu Yn knew at once that she wanted to kill two birds with one stone. In this way, the third branch could be cleared in front of the fourth branch and could use the fourth branch to impart a blow to the first branch!

    Thinking that Jiang Yashuang told her to give the runaround, Qiu Yn smiled faintly as she said, ¡°My fourteenth sister-inw, why do you say so? How could we not believe your words?¡±

    ¡°Anyway, here¡¯s the evidence.¡± He Shuijin realized that her words were insincere. With a sign, she left a booklet and excused herself.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t imagined that my mother-inw is so powerful!¡± When Qiu Yn took the booklet back to the inner room, Jiang Yashuang hade back from the study. She handed over the booklet and told him what happened in the Flower Hall. She said, ¡°My fourteenth sister-inw said she was there to exin with my sixth sister-inw because she had finally found all the evidence. But I think they are actually afraid of our mother!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said with a thin smile, ¡°Of course. My grandmother had said earlier that the family¡¯s women are all wary of my mother!¡±

    It made sense. She didn¡¯t even give a sh*t to Madame Dou. Would she take others to her heart?

    ¡°She exined that the thing about Cousin Wang was made by the first branch. And she got the evidence here. It seems to be true,¡± Qiu Yn adjusted her hair and leaned on her husband, ¡°doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s one way to put it!¡± Jiang Yashuang took the booklet and flipped through it which gave a detailed description of the whole thing. When Jiang Yayun and Jiang Jingxu returned to Kui County to attend to the patient, Jiang Shun, a servant born in the first branch, sneaked to Jiangnan and stayed there for a while. The time and ces in it matched with when and where those innocent dupes appeared.

    Even though he had never met those dupes¡­ The one who set them up was dead, wasn¡¯t he?

    So, it turned out that the first branch had something to do with it!

    But as Qiu Yn thought over what her husband said, she was a bit surprised, ¡°You mean¡­ those in Kui County?¡±

    ¡°Right!¡± Jiang Yashuang nodded and said calmly, ¡°Since Jiang Shun is indeed a member of the first branch and an old man brought out from Kui County back then, it is clear that our eldest uncle has trapped us again. And it seems that he tries to nt it on the third branch! But in fact, it is impossible. When Jiang Shun followed my elder brother Yayun and Xu¡¯er back to Kui County, the first branch all focused on my grandmother¡¯s life. How could they be so leisurely as to care about such a trifle to set Cousin Wang up¡±

    To tarnish Wang Qingqian¡¯s reputation was such a minor matter for the Jiang Family. Even if it worked, it was nothing, not to mention the fact that it didn¡¯t work.

    Faced with the threat that the first branch¡¯s officials were all about to resign, no matter how stingy Jiang Tianao was, he would not try to set her up!

    And if Jiang Tianao intended to set Wang Qingqian up, why should he go to Jiangnan and take an indirect route? He could just find several people who were in rtionships with the Shi Family and stick to the story that the Shi Family did it. It was much more feasible to do so than to trick several dupes from Jiangnan!

    ¡°Did our grandmother im herself to be ill for this?¡± Qiu Yn said thoughtfully, ¡°It seems that our grandmother cannot be reconciled as our second uncle and our fifth uncle are not allowed to be officials.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said coldly, ¡°Despite her willingness, my eldest uncle has been promoted to such a high position with the support of my grandfather and granduncle. There is no doubt that Yayun, Yayue, Yahong, and Xu¡¯er are all going to have a promising future! But what about my second uncle and my fifth uncle? Now the seniors are still there. Even though they are not allowed to be officials and have to stay in their hometown, they are able to live an extravagant andfortable life! But in the future¡­¡±

    When the three of the brothers, Kui Xiannan, Marquis Qin, and Sir Jibei, passed away, with Jiang Tianao¡¯s grudge against his stepmother Madame Han, it would be strange if he didn¡¯t kick his two brothers¡¯ ass!

    Even if he could be generous to let go of the second branch and the fifth branch, as he showed any signs of discontent, how could it be possible that his brothers have a good time throughout the rest of their life?

    He didn¡¯t even have to show his discontent. All he needed to do was to say that he didn¡¯t care about the two brothers. And the second branch and the fifth branch would be over. Without the shelter of the corresponding power, the estate that the Jiang Family had umted over the years could be the death knell for them!

    ¡°Since our eldest uncle is like that¡­ No wonder our grandmother schemed against him!¡± Qiu Yn sneered and said in a deep voice, ¡°Although my fourteenth sister-inw hase with evidence pointing to the first branch, it doesn¡¯t stand up to scrutiny! It can be found to be the nder from our uncle¡¯s grandmother as we just think about it¡­ Moreover, I remember that you were aware of it before, right? Was it because that those guys who made a fuss in front of Lian¡¯s Mansion confessed?

    How many of them would endure the torture?

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°So, I didn¡¯t say anything.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked in surprise, ¡°What are you going to do then?¡±

    ¡°Since my grandmother is worried about that, I should give her a hand,¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled. ¡°Of course, it is right for me, a junior, to relieve the worries of my elders, and vice versa, right?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m d that you have made up your mind!¡± Qiu Yn was relieved to see his certainty. She frowned, ¡°I haven¡¯t heard from my bother for a long time. Now Shazhou must be in turmoil¡­ I hope everything is well with our brothers and sisters!¡±

    In fact, Shazhou was not as messy as she thought.

    The main reason was that the deaths of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing had scared all the people in Shazhou, including those in the Western Army!

    Besides, Sir Jibei rushed to Shazhou in person!

    The Western Army, despite that theypeted with the Northern Army, heard much about the old General. Even if he hadn¡¯t gone to the Western army by himself, they were taken by him as others heard he was in Shazhou!

    In that case, both Han Jishan, the temporarymander of the Western Army, and Huang Si, the miserable new Inspector of Shazhou, put aside all their own affairs. And they put all of their energy to restrain their subordinates and deal with their official duties lest they would do something wrong and be a punching bag for the old General¡­

    So, there was prevailing peace in Shazhou.

    But Sir Jibei was in no mood to pay attention to this. Especially all of this was triggered by the deaths of his brothers¡¯ grandsons! What he was most concerned about and torn about at the moment was how to clear up anything after the deaths of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing!

    ¡°Yadan insisted that he killed them and took the poisons out. And he had a reasonable exnation as well,¡± The old General sat in the tent and said to his trusted subordinates numbly, ¡°If he still stands by his story, I¡¯m afraid that it won¡¯t help to go down this road. He is part of our family, anyway. As he has been dissipated these years, he may not be as strong as me. I can¡¯t kill him by myself¡­ Do you think this is how it¡¯s going to end?¡±

    ¡°If the case is closed like this, the Western Army will be handed over to Qiu Jinn. But since the neenth madame is in the Jiang Family, there is no need to fear that he will burn bridges!¡± His trusted subordinates looked at each other and then gave an opinion quietly, ¡°And then some adjustment should be made to bring the greater stability to Xijiang¡­ But, each branch in Jing City¡­¡±

    ¡°If not so, the grudges between each branch in Jing City could not be resolved. Especially Qiu Jinn was the only brother of the pregnant neenth madame. If something happened to him, she would hold a grudge in her heart. I have heard that the neenth young master loves his wife¡­ What is most important is the Western Army. Xijiang is far from peaceful. Han Jishan can¡¯t stay long in that position, regardless of his ability or age! If there were another fight, I¡¯m afraid that the Western Army would be damaged¡­¡±

    Sir Jibei had got what his trusted subordinates meant. They all believed that the real culprit was definitely Qiu Jinn and Jiang Yadan had just taken the me for him. But it was better to y dumb for the sake of the greater good.

    These trusted subordinates had worked for him for so many years that they dared to say anything. Otherwise, when Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing were not buried, none of them would dare to suggest to Sir Jibei that his nephews¡¯ deaths were fine and they had more important things to worry about!

    ¡°But how will Yadan exin to the first branch and the third branch when he returns to the capital?¡± After a while of silence, Sir Jibei asked.

    Two of his grandsons had died, he didn¡¯t want to lose any more of his juniors.

    ¡°Now nothing is known in the capital. Maybe we can pin it on others and tell Marquis Qin that the eighth young master is the culprit,¡± The subordinates had a discussion and made this suggestion, ¡°In terms of martial arts, the second young master and the sixth young master was better than the eighth young master. Normally, who will believe that it was the eighth young master who killed them? Only if we can find the most perfect culprit¡­ the anger of the first branch and the third branch can be shifted! But the fourth branch knows the story well. We can make them stand out and make it up to the first branch and the third branch. But publicly we can say it is because the fourth branch shows kindness for his brothers. As such, the rtionships among the three branches will be on better terms!¡±

    Sir Jibei thought for a moment and asked, ¡°Who will be the most perfect scapegoat then?¡±

 Chapter 385 - Sir Jibeis Choice

    Chapter 385 Sir Jibei¡¯s Choice

    ¡°Except Qiu Jinn and the Eighth Young Master, the most possible culprit naturally should be the remaining people of Gu!¡±

    ¡°However, if the one who was able to n such a scheme and cause the death of the two young masters wasn¡¯t a prominent figure of Gu, it would make no sense!¡±

    ¡°For example, Deng Yi. This man is the only one who was sent away to hide by the Young Prince of Duke of Guangyang when he sensed that the Gu Family¡¯s regime had been in its death throes!¡±

    ¡°But Deng Yi¡¯s whereabouts are hard to find. If it were he who did it this time, we should have found some traces. Without any traces, I¡¯m afraid it would be difficult for us to exin!¡±

    ¡°What about the imperial household?¡±

    His trusted subordinates gave suggestions in all sorts of gossip, but an abrupt voice silenced them all.

    Sir Jibei stroked his beard and pondered, ¡°The imperial household? Do you mean¡­ His Majesty?¡± He shook his head almost immediately, ¡°That is not proper!¡±

    Seeing that all his trusted subordinates were stunned, Sir Jibei exined, ¡°Although there are still a few bloodlines of the former emperors under His Majesty, if they were to be abolished, it would not be difficult to make a new emperor! However, the abolition of the emperor is not a trivial matter, for fear that it will affect people¡¯s livelihood and allow the alien races to take advantage of it!¡±

    Moreover, ¡°Yayue¡¯s official niece, Zhi, has been confirmed to be included in the Pce in the future! If something happened to His Majesty, what would happen to Zhi in the future? Since she is to marry His Majesty and is getting on in years, it is not possible that she will be satisfied if she marries again. Yayue has died in Shazhou and for the sake of the greater good, we are already aggrieved that we can¡¯t investigate the cause of his death, but we also can¡¯t ruin his official niece¡¯s life for the sake of the aftermath, can we?¡±

    One of his trusted subordinates suggested, ¡°Promising Miss Zhi a position in the Pce may relieve the nerve of the first branch!¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Sir Jibei nodded, ¡°When we return, I will ask my second brother to discuss with Empress Dowager and since Empress has already decided, we should give Zhi a position of Noble Consort so as to ease the grief of the first branch.¡±

    Of course, this was very aggrieved of Xin Fubing, but before the rtionships among the Jiang Family¡¯s male heirs, granddaughters were all secondary. And the Noble Consort was never as high as Empress, was her?

    Sir Jibei continued, ¡°So it¡¯s better not to change anything about His Majesty if we can! Other granddaughters of the first branch are still young and even if they can be married to the lords, they will not be old enough to get married! We might as well let Zhi make them look forward to the future. I¡¯m afraid it will make them even more anxious!¡±

    Jiang Huizhi was the only girl of marriageable age in the first branch and as soon as Xin Fubing married Emperor, she would be admitted to the Pce. If she did, she could expect to have a son, and if she had a son, the first branch could count on her daughter to continue their prosperity. But her sisters were still young. Even if Emperor were abolished and we chose someone from the first branch¡¯s granddaughter generation to be Empress, it would be a few years before they were married, but who would know what might happen in between?

    If Marquess Qin, the oldest generation, died by then, it would be difficult for the first branch to recover. It was also impossible for them to keep their granddaughter as Empress. They had better consider the question of survival first!

    The first branch should also think about this. In fact, about Jiang Huizhi¡¯s admission into the Pce, both Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei thought that was the first branch¡¯s preparation because of their worry about the mourning. In case that after the mourning, they had no one to rely on afterwards. At least there would still be a granddaughter who was Empress in the Pce and could think of them and so that they wouldn¡¯t be like the Lian Family. When the eldest of the Lian Family died, there would be no one in the court to care about them and they would have to stay in the countryside.

    ¡°If that is the case, then we can only go against the princes.¡± The trusted subordinates looked at each other and said, ¡°The Prince of Qi is the son-inw of the first branch and has a weak temperament. I don¡¯t think anyone would believe if we make him the scapegoat. The Prince of Yan and his wife died long ago. The Prince of Zhou was executed. The Prince of Lu is also a peaceful person and the Princess of Lu is Empress¡¯s niece¡­ In this case, we only have the Prince of Cai, and fortunately, he is still alive. The Princess of Cai, Duan, also has reasons to be against the Jiang Family!¡±

    Since the maiden family of the Princess of Cai, Duan Wenji, was the first family to suffer a tragedy when the Empress Dowager¡¯s party fell. The Prince of Cai¡¯s biological mother, Mu Meiren, had beenmanded by Empress Dowager Gu to serve the former emperor. Thus, the couple could be said to be born into Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s party. But because the Prince of Cai was timid, the Jiang Family killed the Prince of Yan and his wife immediately aftering to power, but kept them to confirm the magnanimous virtues of the Jiang Family¡­ That is nowing in handy.

    Sir Jibei pondered for a while and nodded his head, ¡°Let¡¯s do it!¡±

    The trusted subordinates were relieved since they had a direction and a target and then the rest was easy. It was just a matter of silencing and falsifying evidence.

    The extermination was more brutal as it was the extermination of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing¡¯s remaining subordinates. Those people were loyal to the first branch and the third branch. They knew that their masters died after being invited to a banquet by Jiang Yadan, which had nothing to do with the Prince of Cai and his wife or the remaining people of Gu. How could they not tell the truth when they returned?

    Sir Jibei thought that since he had chosen to take care of the overall situation, it would be better to kill all these people so that he could feel more relieved.

    At his word, the people who were expecting Sir Jibei to avenge their young masters were in to death by his vicious men before they knew anything about it.

    ¡°Kuang Qingwu won¡¯t make it to Jing City alive either!¡± Sir Jibei nced faintly at the corpse and ordered again, ¡°Give him the penalty! It must be obvious as he has been tortured many times! Freeze the body and bring it back to Jing City. Say that he died of torture!¡±

    After a pause, he continued, ¡°The real culprit is actually the Prince of Cai and that is what he should confess in the end. Only I and a few of you hear it with your own ears!¡±

    ¡°Also, two of you now return to Jing City in secret and seize a chance to infiltrate the Mansion of the Prince of Cai to make preparations! When it is time to search the mansion and look for evidence, it will be more real!¡±

    These series of instructions from Sir Jibei would naturally not be concealed from Jiang Qizheng and the others.

    ¡°When the timees, you should say so!¡± Sir Jibei deliberately found some time to personally check their statements, ¡°Remember?¡±

    ¡°The Prince of Cai and his wife were mindful of Gu and used the power handed over to them by Empress Dowager Gu before she died to n this attack!¡± Jiang Qizheng looked odd, ¡°And the reason why my niece, Xing, and my stepbrother were safe and sound was that they nned to use the safety of my niece and her party to threaten my aunt and the others once they failed so that they could exchange for their lives¡­¡±

    Sir Jibei was pleased with her memory, ¡°Exactly! You must all remember well that this is the truth of the matter. There is no other truth, do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Your defending Brother Yadan in this way is also defending us, the fourth branch. What more can I say?¡± Holding back her excitement, Jiang Qizheng switched to her grateful mode and started to wipe her tears, ¡°It¡¯s all my fault! I shouldn¡¯t havee to Shazhou at first¡­¡±

    Sir Jibei was very busy nowadays and left after hastilyforting her. As soon as he left, Ling Zui walked dully into the tent, ¡°So that¡¯s it?¡±

    ¡°What else could it be?¡± Ou Qinn looked at Jiang Qizheng in admiration, ¡°Chunfu, you¡¯re amazing!¡± She thought it was all within Jiang Qizheng¡¯s calctions.

    ¡°Silence!¡± Jiang Qizheng gave her a stern look, ¡°Did grand uncle say not to talk about the past?¡±

    Ou Qinn knew that she meant not mentioning anything rted to the truth of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing¡¯s death and so she shrank back, ¡°I know!¡±

    ¡°Now that grand uncle has an idea, let¡¯s do as what we are told!¡± Jiang Qizheng took a breath, a little relieved and a little apprehensive. What made her relieved was that she had not expected that Sir Jibei would choose to defend the fourth branch this time, not telling the first branch and the third branch the truth at all, but finding a scapegoat, which was tantamount to handing over the Western Army to Qiu Jinn by default! In this way, the fourth branch would not owe anything to the first branch and the third branch. She did not need to die in exchange for the fourth branch¡¯s unjustifiable loss.

    Jiang Qizheng was in her youth and her son was still young. It would be good if she did not die.

    However, what was annoying was that such a big matter, even if Sir Jibei killed all of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing¡¯s subordinates¡­ Could this be concealed? The Prince of Cai¡¯s mediocrity and ipetence was well-known in Jing City, how could he be believed to have nned such a matter? The death of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing was a rumor known in Shazhou. It was hard for it not to reach Jing City after a long time.

    The first branch and the third branch were not dead. The death of any official son would not be believed, even with the testimony of Sir Jibei. They must have sent their trusted subordinates to ask around.

    ¡°In case that they know the truth¡­¡± Jiang Qizheng considered for a while and suddenly thought that since Sir Jibei had killed them, he would never admit that Jiang Yadan hadmitted fratricide anyhow, even if someone had found any evidence, which would probably also be considered by the old general as a deliberate attempt to cause the internal strife in the Jiang Family. That would be enough!

    In the face of sufficient power, evidence was only a joke.

    Besides, the first branch and the third branch were no fools as Sir Jibei had even prepared all the ¡°evidence¡± and killed all the people, showing his determination to exonerate the fourth branch and Qiu Jinn! They could have their suspicions in private, but if they still hold on to it openly, it would be like being against Sir Jibei, who was the second powerful man in the Jiang Family!

    Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi had other sons and it was impossible for them to bring their dead sons back to life. Rather than offend their youngest uncle, they should pretend to be confused while Sir Jibei, who knew very well, wouldpensate them elsewhere.

    It was not possible that the first branch and the third branch were unable to figure it out.

    ¡°This is really a narrow escape!¡± Thinking clearly about this, Jiang Qizhengpletely rxed and looked up at Ou Qinn and Ling Zui, ¡°ording to grand uncle¡¯s request, we have to get our statements familiarized so that we won¡¯t make mistakes when we are asked even more questions¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s sure enough that Sir Jibei has chosen the big picture!¡± In the city of Shazhou, Qiu Jinn put down the letter, saying to Ren Ziyong, ¡°All is within your prediction.¡±

    Ren Ziyong did not lookcent, ¡°Given the situation, Sir Jibei is bound to choose the most advantageous one! However, even though he is already taking care of our affairs, it doesn¡¯t mean he doesn¡¯t suspect you! I suggest that you do something to calm him down, otherwise he will definitely find an opportunity to deal with youter!¡±

    ¡°Then¡­¡± Qiu Jinn was pondering what he could do to make Sir Jibei pleased when Ruan Yi suddenly walked in, ¡°Young master and Mr. Ren, Qiu Feng hase to Shazhou!¡±

    ¡°Eh?¡± Both men were startled and asked in unison, ¡°When? On himself?¡±

    Ruan Yi said, ¡°He has just entered Shazhou as our master has sent some people to follow him, which seems they are spying on him. They heard that Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing were dead, while Chunfu Princess and her party were rescued safe and sound. The people spying on Qiu Feng were so frightened that they didn¡¯t dare to bring him to meet Sir Jibei and they came to our people! Now they have hidden Qiu Feng, I beg you toe up with an idea!¡±

    Qiu Jinn twitched his mouth corner, ¡°Qiu Feng¡­ What would he be doing out here!¡±

    Ren Ziyong also felt a headache, ¡°If he hadn¡¯t left for years, Chunfu Princess wouldn¡¯t have had to look for her husband and Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing wouldn¡¯t have had the chance to attack the fourth branch directly¡­ ording to the Jiang Family¡¯s thinking, it was all Qiu Feng¡¯s fault! No wonder the people Jiang Yashuang sent to follow him didn¡¯t dare to take him to see Sir Jibei! If Sir Jibei had seen him, he might have immediately taken action! How can he still hide in Shazhou? Let him run away and go back to where he came from! If he misses Chunfu Princess, let her go to him quietly so that he doesn¡¯t appear in front of people and trigger their hatred!¡±

    ¡°But Qiu Feng said that even if he didn¡¯t hear the news of Chunfu Princess¡¯s ident in Shazhou, he would still have toe for you!¡± Ruan Yi said embarrassedly, ¡°He wants to ask you what your rtionship with his master is. And who exactly is his master?¡±

    Qiu Jinn was stunned and quickly nced at Ren Ziyong, while both of them looked embarrassed, ¡°How can the Oldman from Lingnan¡­ How can he be so nosy? Haven¡¯t we said we won¡¯t tell him anything?¡±

    ¡°Young Master, will you see him or not?¡± Ruan Yi only pretended not to hear this and only asked as Qiu Feng had requested.

    ¡°Help him avoid the spy of Sir Jibei and bring him here!¡± Pondering for a moment, Qiu Jinn consulted Ren Ziyong, ordered with a sigh, and sighed again at the end, ¡°What to say to him?¡±

    Ren Ziyong rubbed his brow, ¡°Let¡¯s wait until he arrives¡­ And then we discuss it!¡±

    The two men had always been concealing their anger and delight, but at this moment, they were disturbed, which showed the difficulty of this matter¡­

 Chapter 386 - Why Lie to Him at This Point?

    Chapter 386 Why Lie to Him at This Point?

    Qiu Feng arrived in Shazhou without any trouble. It wasn¡¯t because Qiu Jinn¡¯s subordinatespletely hid it from Sir Jibei¡¯s scouts. The real reason was that Sir Jibei¡¯s top priority was to make Prince of Cai the culprit of killing his two grandnephews. Although he was furious when he knew that Qiu Feng was about toe, he decided to keep pretending not to know after weighing his options. After all, he really didn¡¯t have the time.

    Besides, what could he do when he saw Qiu Feng? Beating him up wasn¡¯t enough and Jiang Qizheng might be upset about it. Killing him would make his grandniece a widow and his grand grandnephew a fatherless child. Sir Jibei couldn¡¯t do things like that. So, he might as well not see him.

    However, not seeing Qiu Feng didn¡¯t make Sir Jibei feel happy. So, he didn¡¯t mention sending Jiang Qizheng and others to Shazhou to rest, ¡°Does that man rush here to find Zheng¡¯er? I won¡¯t let him see her.¡±

    He wanted to torture Qiu Feng. So, he didn¡¯t tell Jiang Qizheng and others about it. Jiang Qizheng didn¡¯t feel any different since she didn¡¯t know.

    Qiu Feng came to Shazhou for two reasons. First, he wanted to take his wife back. Since he knew that his wife was safe and things between them wereplicated, he didn¡¯t know he was relieved or disappointed about Sir Jibei refusing to let him see Jiang Qizheng.

    Second, he wanted to investigate the matter of his master, the Oldman from Lingnan.

    He thought Qiu Jinn surely could help him with that matter. So, he was eager to see Qiu Jinn when he arrived at Qiu Jinn¡¯s home. However, a schr in blue stopped him in the back hall, ¡°We haven¡¯t seen each other for years. You look a lot withered.¡±

    ¡°Ren!¡± Qiu Feng looked at Ren Ziyong with aplicated expression, ¡°I know you¡¯re Qiu Jinn¡¯s subordinate. If I were here for something else, I would stay and chat with you. But¡­¡±

    Ren Ziyong also looked at him with aplicated expression, ¡°You deserve to be called Master Qiu. So generous! You and I hit it off right away back then and became friends. We were like brothers! And then I faked my death and discarded my Kungfu to help my young master get his revenge. I came here and joined the Kuang¡¯s side as a hermit. I didn¡¯t say a word to you during that time. However, I left a note to my young master telling him to use our rtionship to trick you into doing his bids.¡±

    Speaking of which, heughed at himself. But he didn¡¯t look guilty. He looked sad instead, ¡°Now we meet here. How can¡¯t you scold me? I wonder if you want to cut ties with me and so you don¡¯t need to say a word to me, or you have another agenda?¡±

    Qiu Feng shook his head, ¡°As Qiu Jinn¡¯s subordinate, it¡¯s your duty to make ns for him. You didn¡¯t tell me because you didn¡¯t want me to be implicated. Your behaviour showed that you treated me as an outsider which was regrettable. But how couldn¡¯t I know that you did it out of kindness?¡± He pondered for a bit, ¡°As for Qiu Jinn using me, it seemed heartless back then. But when I thought about it after I found out that you were still alive, I was suddenly enlightened. Although he forced me to stay with him and often ordered me to do things, he was afraid that I would be framed by others if I joined Jianghu again.¡±

    He met Ren Ziyong when he just left his master. They met because he suffered great losses due to hisck of experience. If Ren Ziyong hadn¡¯t happened to be there and given him some advice to clear his name because he cherished his talent and personality, he would have died there.¡±

    Ren Ziyong uncovered many plots against him so that he coulde to the fore and get the name, Master Qiu. It was fair to say that Ren Ziyong should take the credit for most of his sess.

    If Ren Ziyong hadn¡¯t insisted on making friends with him as equals, Qiu Feng would have regarded him at least as a superior as in Qiu Feng¡¯s eyes Ren Ziyong was only inferior to the Oldman from Lingnan who raised Qiu Feng. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have abandoned everything and followed Qiu Jinn to Jing City to investigate Ren Ziyong¡¯s death.

    ¡°Since you have seen through everything, I¡¯ll cut to the chase.¡± Ren Ziyong sighed after hearing what he said, ¡°Sometimes it¡¯s better to be ignorant. Especially, you have a wife and a son now. Besides, it¡¯s said that Chunfu Princess indulges you despite her noble status. Isn¡¯t it a good life? Why cause trouble? The Oldman from Lingnan is already dead. A lot of things have gone by. I truly don¡¯t think it¡¯s necessary to expose them.¡±

    He paused and then continued, ¡°I asked my young master to reveal to you how to get out of the Oldman from Lingnan¡¯s graveyard. It was just a precaution. I didn¡¯t expect that he did leave me such trouble before he died. He was indeed unreasonable.¡±

    ¡°You and my master know each other?¡± Qiu Feng was a little surprised, ¡°Why did you insist on making friends with me as equals?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re willing to stop asking about it now, I¡¯ll lead you to my young master right away and discuss how to appease the Jiang Family¡¯s anger towards you,¡± Ren Ziyong looked at him, hands crossing, and said seriously, ¡°You probably know that Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing are dead. Although the Jiang Family always treats human life lightly, they think highly of their offspring. Although you didn¡¯t kill them, you¡¯re still involved when getting to the bottom of it. So, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s men don¡¯t dare to let Sir Jibei know that you¡¯re here. They¡¯re afraid that they can¡¯t deal with Chunfu Princess if Sir Jibei kills you out of rage.¡±

    Qiu Feng asked calmly, ¡°What will happen if I demand an answer?¡±

    ¡°The Oldman from Lingnan has already started it. Who knows how you¡¯ll investigate if I don¡¯t tell you?¡± Ren Ziyong said tly, ¡°I should tell you directly instead of letting you cause trouble. Didn¡¯t you ask me why I made friends with you as equals? Because we¡¯re really equals.¡±

    Seeing that Qiu Feng was stunned, Ren Ziyong continued, giving him no chance to ask, ¡°It was one evening more than 30 years ago. My aunt who was also your mother and I escaped Jing City together. I was luckier than her that Old Princess Lian saved me at a crucial moment. Knowing that my identity was suspicious, Old Princess Lian was afraid that taking me in might bring disaster to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. But she didn¡¯t have the heart to send me to the feudal official as I was so young. The Left Dharma Protector of Tianya happened to be nearby. So, she gave me to him. That was how I joined Tianya.¡±

    ¡°Although my aunt survived, she became a prostitute because no one took care of her. More than ten years ago, just after you were born, I found her under Tianya¡¯s help. She was seriously ill and didn¡¯t have much time left. She entrusted you to me after we met and then died.¡±

    ¡°After I buried her, I wanted to find a rich foster home for you so that you could live in peace and wealth. But I saw a rich family getting murdered by robbers when I was looking for a foster home for you. It made me worried. I happened to meet your master when I was in a dilemma. He thought you were built for learning Kungfu. So, I gave you to him.¡±

    Ren Ziyong sounded like it was nothing and then continued tly, ¡°So, do you know why my young master let you get married even though he didn¡¯t want you to? Because the Jiang Family is powerful. If your origin gets exposed, as the son-inw of the Jiang Family, you may have some protection. Otherwise, given my young master¡¯s means, he could make Chunfu Princess give up since she was so innocent and gullible.¡±

    ¡°Did my mother have something to do with the dethroned prince of the Dezong Dynasty?¡± They escaped 30 years ago. And as noble as the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe back then, even they would be in big trouble if they took Ren Ziyong in. The reason was obvious.

    The crown prince of Dezong Dynasty was used of killing the emperor with the poison Youmianxiang. After it happened, everyone in the East Pce was sentenced to death, except for Prince Qiyang who was born mentally retarded. No one survived.

    ¡°My aunt¡¯s title was Muyang. She was the youngest daughter of one of the dethroned prince¡¯s concubines. So, she was just a County Princess. Also, outsiders were unfamiliar with her since she lived in seclusion for years because the dethroned prince¡¯s wife didn¡¯t like her as she was a concubine¡¯s daughter. So, her trusted maid pretended to be her and fooled the eunuch who announced the decree, which gave her a chance to get out and escape with me.¡±

    Ren Ziyongughed at himself, ¡°I wasn¡¯t a royal member and I was also young. My father and brothers drew most of the attention so that I got to escape. Of course, I also need to thank Old Princess Lian for being so kind.¡±

    Qiu Feng looked pale in a sh. He grew up in the countryside and drifted about. Although he married a princess, he still felt out of ce in the royal court. He never thought that one day someone would tell him that he came from one of Darui¡¯s noblest bloodlines.

    However, years had passed since that happened. Qiu Feng wasn¡¯t taught that way. He found it unbelievable when he just heard it. But he calmed down not long after he lost his mind. He asked in a low voice, ¡°Why did my master trap me near his graveyard?¡±

    ¡°Was he unhappy about your marriage?¡± Ren Ziyong asked calmly.

    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Qiu Feng muttered to himself, ¡°Is it the reason that my master trapped me near his graveyard to kill me? How is it possible?¡± The Oldman from Lingnan raised him. He knew him very well. The Oldman from Lingnan treated him like his own son. He didn¡¯t bear to scold or beat Qiu Feng when Qiu Feng waszy in practicing Kungfu as a child. How could he bear to kill Qiu Feng as he was forced to get married without knowing his master¡¯s preference?

    The Oldman from Lingnan might scold him. But Qiu Feng could never believe that he wanted to kill him because of that.

    ¡°Who says that he wanted to kill you by trapping you near his graveyard?¡± Ren Ziyong sneered, ¡°If he wanted to kill you, why did he leave you water and food? Starving you to death is more efficient, isn¡¯t it? How could you get out?¡±

    Qiu Feng was confused, ¡°If he didn¡¯t want to trap me, why didn¡¯t he give a hint about the trap when he told me about the graveyard?¡±

    ¡°I said that your master didn¡¯t mean to trap and kill you. I didn¡¯t mean that he didn¡¯t want to trap you.¡± Ren Ziyong shook his head, ¡°Your master knew about your origin. He didn¡¯t agree with me on your marriage. I think your marriage is one way to be proactive. But he thought your origin was more likely to be exposed after you got married. Especially, the former emperor was able to be the emperor because Gu framed your grandfather. The Jiang Family also benefitted from that. How can they protect you for Jiang Qizheng?¡±

    ¡°He called you back when he was dying so that you couldn¡¯t have time to tell Chunfu Princess. In that case, Chunfu Princess may find another man if he can trap you for over a year.¡± Ren Ziyong sighed, ¡°However, he didn¡¯t anticipate that Chunfu Princess was pregnant and had neverined to her family about you. Otherwise, even though she is pregnant with your baby, as dominant as the Jiang Family, they¡¯ll be furious and find her another husband.¡±

    He continued, ¡°Don¡¯t think that you managed to get out of the trap because my young master revealed the solution to you on purpose. You would not have been able to get out until the specified time even if you had remembered the solution.¡±

    Qiu Feng was silent for a while, ¡°So, my master set the trap around his graveyard for me, didn¡¯t he?¡±

    ¡°Not entirely. He did a lot of dirty work for the Tao Family when he was young. Naturally, he was afraid of others digging up his grave for revenge,¡± Qiu Jinn and Qiu Nie revealed the solution to Qiu Feng while pretending to be chatting. Qiu Feng hadn¡¯t met Chunfu Princess at that moment.

    Ren Ziyong wouldn¡¯t make a mistake like that. He sneered, ¡°So, he asked me to set a trap around the graveyard he chose. Since he didn¡¯t have kids, his funeral arrangements surely were your responsibility. Of course, he ought to tell you the solution. However, he didn¡¯t want you to know those things he did when he was young. So, he didn¡¯t know how to tell you. He had to let you know via my young master.¡±

    He paused, ¡°That¡¯s the whole story. Do you have any other questions? If not, you can stay in the guest house for now. My young master is busy with work today. He only has time to see you tomorrow.¡±

    He looked a bit tired at that moment, ¡°As you know, the current situation here can¡¯t be neglected at all.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiu Feng was silent for a while and then left.

    Knowing that he was the grandson of the dethroned prince of the Dezong Dynasty meant nothing to him. He didn¡¯t want to avenge his grandfather at all who he just knew about. He didn¡¯t want to take advantage of his origin to do great things either. But he still needed time to calm down and sort it out after knowing such a big secret.

    Besides, his intuition told him, ¡°How much of what Ren said is true and how much of that is false?¡±

    ¡°Other than my grandmother saving you and the Oldman from Lingnan setting the trap to separate Qiu Feng and Chunfu Princess¡­¡± Not long after Qiu Feng left, Qiu Jinn who was busy as Ren Ziyong imed walked in. He sighed, ¡°You lied to him about the rest. Why? I think he really doesn¡¯t care about his origin. Even if we tell him that he is the dethroned prince¡¯s trueborn grandson, I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll ask us to help him to fight for the throne, am I right?¡±

    Ren Ziyong smiled bitterly, ¡°The Oldman from Lingnan deliberately raised him to be a pure swordsman in hoping that he would keep being a swordsman and living a carefree life instead of starting a riot when he knew about his origin someday. Isn¡¯t it what the Oldman from Lingnan wanted? We let him marry Chunfu Princess because we wanted to get him some security. After all, no one will doubt his origin after the Jiang Family investigated him. The Oldman from Lingnan wasn¡¯t satisfied even so. He used hisst trick before his death, trying to break him up with his wife. Of course, I know that Qiu Feng won¡¯t have any ambitions after knowing his origin.¡±

    He heaved a deep sigh, ¡°I just feel, in that case, I may as well change his identity from the trueborn grandson to a maternal grandson. A maternal grandson is an outsider. He should feel at ease when he cast aside his identity.¡±

 Chapter 387 - Madame Zhuang Came Back!

    Chapter 387 Madame Zhuang Came Back!

    Though Qiu Feng¡¯s origin was striking, he was not the person who would take advantage of it. That was also what Qiu Jinn and Ren Ziyong meant. So, he would not make any impact on the overall situation. They arranged amodation in the guest house for Qiu Feng. Qiu Jinn talked about the past with Ren Ziyong for a while and then they got down to business. If Sir Jibei chose to focus on the overall situation, it was time for Han Jishan, the temporary general, to set aside.

    It took Sir Jibei some time to prepare the human testimony, material evidence, and contractors inside Jing City to take control of the overall situation. So, he blocked the delivery of the message that his nephews died to Jing City. As a consequence, in Jing City, people thought that Jiang Qizheng was murdered while others were safe. So, Madame Zhuang, who appeared at the Jiang Family suddenly, scared the whole Jiang Family out of their wits.

    ¡°Are those scouts along the way all dead?¡± Marquess Qin heard the news and then almost died of anger. He thundered, banging his fist on the table, ¡°I told them to find out Madame Zhuang¡¯s itinerary and let Yashuang pick her up. I expected he could tell her what was important to handle. How could she appear so suddenly?¡±

    His subordinates broke out into a cold sweat by being scolded, ¡°It is said that Madame Zhuang entered the Jing City by the south gate. I guessed¡­ I guessed that she took a detour so that the scouts didn¡¯t find her. They thought Madame Zhuang was at somewhere far away from Jing City.¡±

    He shouldn¡¯t be med. Jiang Tianchi¡¯s letter was expedited. Everyone including Marquess Qin believed that Madame Zhuang would return to Jing City at the fastest speed. So, she wouldn¡¯t be in the mood to detour.

    But she did!

    So, it caught everyone off guard!

    Marquess Qin scolded for a while and then stopped as he had no time to continue to rebuke. He waved his hand, ¡°Go to find Jiang Yashuang¡­ Wait, is he out of Jing City today?¡± Marquess Qin expected Madame Zhuang would arrive in two days. He worried that she would spare no efforts to hurry on with her journey when she was around Jing City. It would be toote for Jiang Yashuang to stop her if he set out from the Marquess¡¯s Mansion. So, he sent Jiang Yashuang to the post outside the city to wait for her. It was supposed to be in the case. However, Madame Zhuang chose to detour. The kid who was the ablest to stop her was impossible to help.

    It was absurd that he, father-inw, argued with her as soon as she returned home. Marquess Qin couldn¡¯t afford to bring such shame on himself. He was about to ask Madame Tao to talk with Madame Zhuang. But he didn¡¯t expect that Madame Tao sent Mom Hu to tell him, ¡°Madame felt dizzy just now. The doctor told her to stay in bed for rest. She knows that Madame Zhuang is irritable. So please take more care of her.¡±

    It was clear that Madame Tao tried to avoid getting into trouble. How couldn¡¯t Marquess Qin see through her? So, he was livid with anger. Marquess Qin thought for a while and then he heard from his servants that Madame Zhuang brought a group of strong and ferocious servants to go to the mansion of the first branch. She also sent some of them to barricade the gate of the third branch. He bitterly gave his sleeve a swing, ¡°Let Qiu Yn stop her!¡±

    He was worried that it would have a bad impact on Qiu Yn¡¯s pregnancy as there were so many people gathering there. He ordered, ¡°Ask more servants to apany Yn. It is the most important thing to keep her kid safe!¡±

    Qiu Yn felt anxious as soon as she got the order. ¡°Is he serious? What shall I do? I am anxious about how to get along with my mother-inw! Is it absurd that I go to tell her not to hurt those guys who murdered her daughter the first time I met her?¡±

    How could she live for the rest of her life?

    It was lucky that Mrs. Zhou was sober, ¡°Marquess Qin said that your pregnancy was the most crucial thing. You can walk around there and then you excuse yourself for feeling ufortable because too many people are around you. In that case, we can apany you toe back.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do it!¡± Qiu Yn made the decision as she stood up!

    ording to the ideas, they would walk around for a while and then leave.

    However, when those servants saw hering, they instantly cleared a path for her to walk right away.

    In full view of arge crowd, with Marquess Qin¡¯s order, Qiu Yn tangled up for a while and then entered the house apanied by Su He gingerly. They crossed the corridor, walked through the courtyard, and turned into the pavilion. She wounded her way for a while to get to the main house where Jiang Tianao and his wife lived in. It also suggested how preferential Marquess Qin was to his nephew.

    But such a fancy mansion was ruined. On her way to the main house, Qiu Yn saw flowers and nts along the way were stepped on and exquisite furnishings and railings were destroyed as if the typhoon had just passed. ¡°Does my mother-inw take the vanguard troops in Northern Army?¡±

    The damage and speed of destruction were beyond the ability of the average robust servant.

    She was thinking when Mrs. Zhou who followed her pulled her sleeve, ¡°Wait, Madame! There spreads a loud noise in the main house. You are pregnant. Do not show up first. Please let me take a maid to check it out. In case you get hurt by the people who are scuffling inside.¡±

    Qiu Yn followed her advice. She asked Mrs. Zhou to make inquiries together with Chunran and Xiaran. If something wrong happened, she could leave with the excuse that she was ufortable. However, after they entered for a while, they came out with a group of nannies and a woman in a in blouse.

    The woman was about 40 years old. Her skin was white and her appearance was charming. Though her face looked strained and weary, she wore a fierce expression. She was in a in white dress. There seemed to be something in her right sleeve. She looked around and then walked directly towards Qiu Yn and looked at Qiu Yn with scrutiny.

    Qiu Yn was anxious. Suddenly she found that the woman looked familiar. She thought carefully and then she figured out that Zhuang Man looked like her so much! She knew the woman was her mother-inw!

    ¡°You¡¯ve had a hard journey, mother.¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t expect that her mother-inw came to see her on her own after hearing her arrival. She was surprised. She had a feeling of being caught off guard and hurried forward to salute.

    Though she wore fierce expression when she got out, it had nothing with her. By the time she came up to her, there was already a slight smile on her face, ¡°Are you the wife of my son? It is said that you are pretty. That is true.¡±

    Though Qiu Yn heard a lot of discussions about her mother-inw, she was not sure of her temper. She thought rapidly that it wouldn¡¯t make mistake if she said something sweet. She smiled, ¡°Thanks, mother. You are so elegant and graceful. I can¡¯t evenpare with you.¡±

    Madame Zhuang was nearly fifty. It was bitter and deadly cold in Beijiang. Though she maintained herself meticulously, she was not young any more. It was not proper for Qiu Yn topliment her on her youth and beauty. So, she chose to praise her elegance.

    ¡°I hear that you are pregnant. What are you doing here?¡± Madame Zhuang was indifferent to herpliment. She cared more about Qiu Yn¡¯s pregnancy. Madame Zhuang then stepped forward to support her. She took her hand and said, ¡°Go home. I will take it over.¡±

    At the moment, Mrs. Zhou considerately told her, ¡°Madame, Madame Yn didn¡¯t know youe back. It was Old Master¡­¡±

    She didn¡¯t finish her words yet when a girl¡¯s shrill voice rang out from the moon gate, ¡°Grandmother! Grandma! Grandfather, look at grandma¡­¡±

    Instantly, there was a mess inside the door. Qiu Yn and others around her were startled. She was about to say something while a disheveled girl ran out from the moon gate. She came at Madame Zhuang directly, ¡°You are such a vicious b*tch! I will kill you!¡±

    Qiu Yn figured out that girl was Jiang Huizhi. She was wondering whether Madame Dou was beaten to get ill. Otherwise, how dared Jiang Huizhi beat Madame Zhuang? She didn¡¯t finish thinking as Madame Zhuang leaned to another side. She winked at a nanny who came out with her. The nanny didn¡¯t mind the identity of Jiang Yazhi at all as she kicked her insouciantly, causing Jiang Huizhi to roll on the floor.

    At that moment it was silent all around.

    Madame Zhuang stared at Jiang Huizhi without expression. She said in a cold voice, ¡°You are such an innocent b*tch! You dare to make a scene in front of me¡­ Next time I will rip her mouth off.¡±

    Several nannies responded to her magnificently. Qiu Yn was not sure whether Madame Dou was fine or not after seeing this circumstance. Or if something wrong happened to her, how serious the injury was? Suddenly, she felt that something in her sleeve dropped. She looked at her sleeve subconsciously while Madame Zhuang pinched gently on the back of her hand.

    She raised her head surprisingly. She saw that Madame Zhuang suggested she not to say anything. After that, Madame Zhuang hummed, ¡°Now we have finished greeting the first branch. Let¡¯s go to the mansion of the third branch. You are easy to be exhausted when you are pregnant. I just want to reminisce with the elders. You shall not interfere. Just go home!¡±

    That would be best! Qiu Yn was unassured and unwilling to stop her mother-inw. She had no energy and no mood to apany her to fight. It was the best choice to get away. So, she didn¡¯t refuse her. She greeted, ¡°I will follow yourmands to leave, mother.¡±

    When she just got to the door of her house, she was stopped by Marquess Qin¡¯s servant.

    ¡°What does he mean?¡± Qiu Yn got angry this time, ¡°He asked me to stop my mother-inw and I followed his order. But I am pregnant. I just came back and did even not go through the door. Why shall I go over there? Even if my husband were here, he should also fail. I am just a daughter-inw. The mansion is sorge that I am so exhausted even in the soft sedan. If the first branch is in a critical moment, he can go there by himself. Why does he ask me to go there over and over again? Is he bullying me?¡±

    She was about to refuse him by excusing of pregnancy. The servant knew she was discontented, he persuaded her, ¡°Please go there. I hear that something horrible happened to the first madame after being beaten by Madame Zhuang. Old Master now is mad. He even has sent Dr. Lin to the first branch to diagnose.¡±

    Qiu Yn was shocked, ¡°What?¡± Dr. Lin was not the one who could be called out easily!

    ¡°Otherwise, as you are pregnant, how can he ask you again and again?¡± The servant smiled bitterly, ¡°Let me say something ominous. The first madame breaks her head. Now she is in poor health.¡±

    ¡°I will go there right away.¡± Qiu Yn remembered what Jiang Huizhi reacted. She was anxious, ¡°I see my mother-inw was nonchnt at that moment¡­ Wait!¡± She touched the stuff in her sleeve. She dared not to see it because Madame Zhuang implied her to be secret. She nned to take it out after she went home. She had no idea what it was.

    Qiu Yn was surprised by the stuff after she touched it. It was clearly a hammer!

    Qiu Yn quietly weighed this hammer. ording to her preexistent experience, she knew that whoever held it could kill the one she wanted to kill.

    ¡°My mother, how dare you to act so exaggeratedly?¡± Qiu Yn was speechless. ¡°If you wanted to be fierce, you could find someone else.¡± Madame Dou was just a woman who lost her parents. Killing her could make no sense but let Jiang Yayun grieve. The first branch could also threaten them with this thing. Next, if the fourth branch wanted to find justice for Jiang Qizheng¡¯s death, they even had something to refute them.

    ¡°If you want to destroy someone, why don¡¯t you kill Jiang Tianao?¡±

 Chapter 388 - She Had No Choice but to Play Her Trump Card

    Chpater388 She Had No Choice but to y Her Trump Card

    Qiu Yn returned to the first branch¡¯s house sullenly. At that moment Marquess Qin was asking them what had happened. It was not her turn when Qiu Yn came in. She finally came to realize that she looked down upon her mother-inw after she listened for a while. The reason why she brought a hammer was to kill Jiang Tianao in the mess.

    But it was Madame Dou who was eager to protect her husband. She took a blow for him.

    ¡°Though Yashuang is excellent, you are just a mother-inw. Aren¡¯t you afraid of being killed by your father-inw?¡± Qiu Yn heard the first branchining hysterically. She was in a mess. ¡°Or are you willing to sacrifice yourself to avenge your daughter¡¯s death?¡±

    She was anxious about how to exin for her mother-inw. Madame Zhuang said, ¡°Nonsense! The wound in Madame Dou¡¯s head is made by something blunt. How could I hurt her without a weapon? I heard my daughter-inwing to find me. I was in a rush to meet her. It was you who made the wound and tried to nder me!¡±

    Qiu Yn nearly vomited blood. If the hammer hadn¡¯t been in her sleeve, she definitely would have believed that Madame Zhuang had been ndered when she saw Madame Zhuang was so assured now.

    ¡°I finally understand why Zhuang Man can still pretend to be innocent when she does something wrong.¡± Qiu Yn was speechless, ¡°It is because of inheritance!¡±

    Even her daughter-inw gossiped about her like that, not to mention the first branch. They were so mad, ¡°We saw you in front of the public¡­¡±

    ¡°You saw it?¡± Madame Zhuang looked around. ¡°Were you the only one who was there? Mrs. Qu, what did you see?¡±

    Those nannies who were taken by herughed, ¡°You were worried about madame. So, you went out. After that Young Lady Jiang Huizhi took out a hammer and then¡­¡±

    ¡°Are you clear?¡± Madame Zhuang touched her headwear which was made of pearls. She said calmly, ¡°It is lucky that I have kept an eye on it. When I left, I asked several nannies to stay. Otherwise, I would be set up.¡±

    People from the first branch were almost out of their minds. Madame Dou was about to die while Madame Dou junior was taking care of her. At that moment it was Jiang Huizhi who was a representative of their branch. Jiang Huizhi shouted, ¡°Why are you shameless?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Madame Zhuang turned to be ferocious, ¡°Do elders in your branch die? You are just a junior. Do you dare to talk to me in such an impolite way? Do they want me to help them discipline her?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Marquess Qin unbearably shouted after seeing them arguing for a while, ¡°Shut up Madame Zhuang. I want to hear the truth. Did you hurt Madame Dou on her head?¡±

    Madame Zhuang raised her hand and then covered her face. She burst into a rage of tears at once, ¡°My poor daughter! I feel so pity! I¡¯ve been apart from you for over 20 years. And I even have no chance topensate. Why do you leave me so early? I bring your letter written in the blood back. I want to ask for justice for you. I don¡¯t expect that I fail to ask for justice while your grandfather is annoyed with me. Why do none of the family members think of you? Why are they standing by the side of the first branch? D*mn the first branch. They have done so many disgusting things. They made you so tragic. Why does your grandfather take them as treasures? Why aren¡¯t they struck by lightning?¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at Marquess Qin, whose expression turned from being sullen to mad. He pointed at Madame Zhuang with a shiver without a word. Qiu Yn was anxious, ¡°Don¡¯t make Marquess sick because of madness. Will he kill my mother-inw if he is so angry?¡±

    She pushed her way out from the crowd to hold Madame Zhuang in her arm. ¡°Mother, mother. Please calm down. My grandfather must love us. You can tell him about the grievance of Qizheng. He will hold the scales even. Please calm down!¡±

    It was lucky that she showed up in time. Otherwise, Marquess Qin would ask someone to drag her out and beat her to death. Marquess Qin saw the granddaughter-inw who was pregnant show up. He recovered his self-possession and said in a trembling voice, ¡°Your uncle has gone to Shazhou to investigate the death of your daughter. Jiang Yazhu and Jiang Yashuang both agreed on it. Now your uncle has not returned. None of us know the truth now. Why are you so sure that the first branch murdered Qizheng just ording to bloody letters? Even if the first branch is relevant to her death, is it all your sister-inw¡¯s fault? You came back from the distance. You have not even gone to your own home. You even have not greeted your mother. You went directly to the first branch¡¯s home to hurt your sister-inw with a hammer. You¡­¡±

    Though Marquess Qin was polite and modest, when he thought of what Madame Zhuang did, he felt dazzled, ¡°You¡­ You, son of b*tch, are not worthy of being my daughter-inw!¡±

    All the people at that moment changed their expressions after hearing his words.

    The members of the first branch were delighted and they also hated her so much. Jiang Tianao gnashed his teeth in anger, ¡°You are right, my uncle!¡± He used to think that Madame Zhuang was just a shrew. If his wife hadn¡¯t protected him, he would have been the one who was dying. Thinking of that scene he started to burst into a sweat. At that present, if he got a chance to drive Madame Zhuang away from the Jiang Family, he would do it immediately.

    ¡°After you are kicked out from this family, I will kill you!¡± Jiang Tianao swore it in his heart maliciously.

    ¡°Grandfather, please recall yourmand.¡± Qiu Yn was restless and uneasy. Maybe her mother-inw was too aggressive. Marquess Qin had a bad impression on her. Why did she so aggressively create the disturbance? Moreover, their sympathy for Jiang Qizheng¡¯s death was segmented because Madame Dou was about to die as she was hurt. Now she was still in conflict with Marquess Qin. Did she want to be maltreated by Marquess Qin?

    At that moment she had no choice but to kneel in front of Marquess Qin and beg him, ¡°My mother doesn¡¯t mean to offend you. It is because that she is sad about my sister¡¯s death. So, she acts so abnormally. If you kick her out, will my husband, his sisters, and his brothers stay here securely? And even their spouses like me will have no dignity to stay here, not to mention their kids. Please forgive my mother-inw. After all, what she has done is all because that she loves her children so much¡­¡±

    Seeing Marquess Qin was still mad, she had to y her trump card. She took a deep breath, changed her face, stroked her stomach with her hands, and then grunted.

    As she expected, Marquess Qin, who didn¡¯t look at her on purpose, became worried about her, ¡°Help her stand up!¡±

    Mrs. Zhou didn¡¯t know that Qiu Yn pretended to be sick. She freaked out. She even didn¡¯t mind where she was as she pounced on. Su He and her supported Qiu Yn with their hands. She asked how Qiu Yn felt and then she stamped, asking where the doctor was. Marquess Qin didn¡¯t want to punish Madame Zhuang anymore. His face was livid as he waited for the doctor¡¯s diagnosis.

    The doctor diagnosed that Qiu Yn was fine. However, she said she was ufortable. The doctor had heard what happened there and so he knew her purpose. He said, ¡°She is so anxious that she even affected the baby.¡±

    Even Madame Zhuang looked pale, ¡°Does it matter?¡±

    ¡°Emm. Just a little. She may be fine. But she cannot be provoked anymore.¡± The doctor looked around and said discreetly.

    ¡°Take her back!¡± Marquess Qin looked at the noisy hall as his eyebrows shed. He was silent for a moment and then shook his sleeve, saying to Madame Zhuang, ¡°Take good care of your daughter-inw! You¡¯re not allowed to go anywhere again until Qizheng and the others get back!¡±

    It was not known that whether Madame Zhuang was unwilling to look at others¡¯ faces or not. Otherwise, she just wanted to annoy him deliberately. She took exception to him, ¡°Ie back scarcely. It is proper for me to visit my parents, Empress Dowager, and the rtives like my fifth sister.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiu Yn saw Marquess Qin was about to explode with anger and then she interrupted, ¡°Doctor, can I sit in a sedan to go back?¡±

    She tried her best to draw their attention. Su He supported Qiu Yn to get out. They were about to take Madame Zhuang to leave. When they passed by Jiang Hui Zhi, she said suddenly, ¡°Aunt, what¡¯s in your sleeve?¡±

    Qiu Yn was shocked. She looked down. She just wanted to rely on Su He to y weak but ignored that if she did so, her arm would be on Su He¡¯s shoulder. The hammer was so heavy that the shape of it was shown!

    ¡°I was just eating walnuts with the maids. And then we went out in such a hurry that we brought the hammer with us. I didn¡¯t remember it until I got to the door, but I didn¡¯t have time to put it back. So, I tucked it up to my sleeve!¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s reaction was so fast. Seeing that all eyes now focused on her sleeve, she simply took the hammer out, shook it, and then quickly put it back again. She felt the hammer was dry and so she believed it wasn¡¯t stained with blood. However, she was afraid of idents and so she dared not to let them look at it carefully.

    Though her action was fast, the members in the first branch all recognized that Madame Zhuang almost used that hammer to kill Jiang Tianao. Jiang Huizhi was so angry that she evenughed, ¡°I hear my aunt¡¯s dowry is generous. Why don¡¯t you even have a little golden hammer to hit the walnuts? Why do you have to use such a big hammer which is usually used by a craftsman?¡±

    ¡°I am pregnant. I am easy to be exhausted.¡± Qiu Yn said seriously, ¡°Though the little golden hammer is delicate, it is not as convenient as the big hammer.¡±

    Mrs. Zhou was anxious after seeing Jiang Huizhi was about to talk. ¡°Youngdy, my madame is pregnant. She can¡¯t be exhausted. Can we talk about the hammerter?¡±

    Would there be a chance to talk about itter? Jiang Huizhi believed that they were faking it and tried to get away with it. She shouted, ¡°Grandmother was injured by this hammer just now.¡±

    ¡°My madame even didn¡¯t get in the yard where the first madam was hurt!¡± Su He said without hesitation.

    ¡°Madame Zhuang went out at that time. That was when she handed the hammer to my aunt!¡± How could Jiang Huizhi not figure out the process? No wonder Madame Zhuang was unwilling to admit that she hurt Madame Dou. She nned to be frisked if Qiu Yn didn¡¯t stand out so as to prove that she didn¡¯t have the tool to hurt Madame Dou!

    How could the daughter-inw and mother-inw in the fourth branch be so malicious? Jiang Huizhi was so mad that her hands and feet were chilled!

    What got her so mad was that Madame Zhuang supported her daughter-inw by herself, saying ¡°Unreasonable!¡± After she said it, she took Qiu Yn and their servants to leave.

    ¡°Grand uncle!¡± Jiang Huizhi could not stand it any longer. She cried loudly and turned to Marquess Qin, ¡°Help me! You see them!¡±

 Chapter 389 - Being as a Father and a Mother

    Chapter 389 Being as a Father and a Mother

    While the first branch was crying andining, the fourth branch was not much better.

    Because Qiu Yn¡¯s pregnancy was influenced, she was personally sent back to the courtyard by Madame Zhuang to prevent miscarriage. No one knew if it was because of her status as an official daughter-inw and the fact that she was pregnant that Madame Zhuang was very attentive to her and offered many words offort and understanding.

    However, the people around Qiu Yn didn¡¯t have a good ending, especially Mrs. Zhou, who was usually the most dignified, was publicly admonished by Madame Zhuang, ¡°Since your madame is young, she doesn¡¯t know how to be perfunctory. But you have been serving in the backyard for ages. It is also said that you ever served Princess Ruan. How can you know nothing? Why was the Old Master so besotted? He certainly knew that your madame was pregnant but still sent her to the first branch. Why didn¡¯t you do anything to prevent him?¡±

    Mrs. Zhou was so embarrassed that she only apologized with a red face.

    In the end, it was only after Qiu Yn repeatedly interceded for her that Madame Zhuang stopped talking. But she still instructed Mrs. Qu to stay and keep an eye on them, ¡°Don¡¯t let any nonsense influence Yn¡¯s pregnancy again! Just ignore whoever sends anyone else to nag, even the Old Master. If youe across any trouble, just send someone to call me. I¡¯ll go andmunicate!¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know how she felt when she thanked her mother-inw for her concern and returned to the inner chamber tofort Mrs. Zhou, desperately hoping that her husband would return soon!

    However, she didn¡¯t know that she was already in a good situation. When Madame Zhuang returned to the main house of the fourth branch after taking care of the official daughter-inw¡¯s chores, Sheng Shishui, who was finally allowed by her mother-inw to pay her respects, personally held her nephew and daughter, kowtowing respectfully. However, Madame Zhuang didn¡¯t even raise her eyelids and only ordered, ¡°Bring me my grandson to see!¡±

    The baby boy, who had not yet been named, was picked up and carried to the hall by the nanny. Madame Zhuang smiled slightly after taking a look at him, ¡°This child does not look much like his mother but rather like Yashuang when he was a child!¡±

    ¡°It is said that nephews are like their uncles.¡± The kneeling Sheng Shishui was all smiles, trying to please her, ¡°I also think that although my nephew is young, he has intelligent eyes. He will be just like Yashuang in the future, adept at both the pen and the sword and endowed with both beauty and talent.¡± She lived with foster parents since she was a child because of her origin, which made her ability to read others¡¯ moods superior to others. Although these were ordinary words, she was actuallyplimenting her nephew along with Jiang Yashuang.

    Generally speaking, now Madame Zhuang loved Jiang Yashuang and her grandson most, who was still in her hands. So, she should be very impressed by these words. Even though Sheng Shishui was the wife of Jiang Yazhu, she should be called up to speak, right?

    However, Madame Zhuang only gave a faint ¡°hm¡±, taking off her bracelet to tease her grandson and discussing with people around about the appearances of Jiang Qizheng and Jiang Yashuang when they were babies, without any intention of calling Sheng Shishui to get up.

    If she didn¡¯t say anything, Sheng Shishui could only kneel.

    However, even she could bear it, her daughter Jiang Huihuan was too young to bear this. Despite her mother¡¯s frequent winking, Jiang Huihuan got up after a while and sat on the cushion where she kowtowed, pouting and looking at Madame Zhuang with a face of grievance. Jiang Huihuan always seeded in asking for a hug even when her father, Jiang Yazhu, was busy. But now she wanted Madame Zhuang to put down her cousin and hug her.

    But Madame Zhuang nced at her and only let out a coldugh, ¡°I¡¯m not sure if it is my absence in Jing City for more than ten years that makes the ritual change. Now the grandchildren sit to pay respects to their grandmothers.¡±

    Sheng Shishui hurriedly pressed Jiang Huihuan down, ¡°How did your nanny teach you the rules? Kowtow to your grandmother and pay your respects!¡±

    Jiang Huihuan, as the eldest official daughter, had no younger siblings to share love and affection, and thus had not felt any grievance yet. How could she stand such tantly different treatment from Madame Zhuang? At once, she burst into tears, ¡°No! I¡¯ve been kneeling for such a long time! I want a hug from grandmother, too!¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Seeing this, Madame Zhuang¡¯s eyes shed with a stern look and she ordered indifferently, ¡°Since you, as her mother, can¡¯t even teach her the kneeling rituals properly, you can¡¯t teach anything else either! Since she is my granddaughter, I have to teach her the rules! Mrs. Chang, from now on, teach her well!¡±

    Sheng Shishui was shocked. The nannies that Madame Zhuang brought back were so ruthless that their ruthlessness was known throughout the Marquess¡¯s Mansion. How could she not hear of that? Since Jiang Huihuan¡¯s nominal year of age didn¡¯t reach three, how could she withstand the torment of those nannies? These days, it was not strange for children to die young!

    ¡°Mother! It¡¯s all my fault, I beg you¡­¡±

    Madame Zhuang interrupted her indifferently, ¡°You don¡¯t need to beg! I will teach her well for you!¡±

    She waved her hand after speaking, ¡°I¡¯m tired. Go away!¡±

    Sheng Shishui was thrown out of the hall in a daze. Not even bothering to return to her own house, she hurriedly headed for the courtyard of Qiu Yn and her husband, hoping to find her sister-inw¡¯s help to beg for mercy. When she arrived at the door, she was stopped by Mrs. Qu, ¡± Madame has ordered that no one is allowed to disturb madame Yn as she is pregnant!¡±

    With no response after begging, Sheng Shishui soon went to Madame Tao. But after waiting outside the courtyard for a long time, only Mom Hu came out and told her, ¡°Madame is not well. I¡¯m afraid she can¡¯t manage things now¡­ Youngdy Jiang Huihuan is your eldest daughter after all. I think Madame Zhuang only wants her to know the rules. You can rx¡­¡±

    It was the same as not saying anything.

    ¡°It¡¯s my husband¡¯s origin that makes you so upset about it, but how innocent Huan is¡± Sheng Shishui didn¡¯t know how she went back. Sitting in the familiar inner chamber but not hearing her nephew¡¯s babbling and her daughter¡¯s innocent words, she felt cold and resentful as never before, ¡°I never looked forward to any treatment from you as your official daughter-inw, but didn¡¯t you realize that I was making myself humble in front of you? Do you have to let my family die out so that you can be satisfied?¡±

    But she had wronged Madame Zhuang.

    Because Madame Zhuang was now instructing Mrs. Chang, ¡°You should teach some rules to that little one. But be careful and don¡¯t let her get into trouble!¡±

    Mrs. Chang knew that Madame Zhuang had always regarded Jiang Yazhu as a sting in her eyes and so of course she had no love for Jiang Yazhu¡¯s daughter. She smiled and asked, ¡°Do you still want her to be useful?¡±

    ¡°If Yashuang mentions her when he returns, send her back immediately! We have a lot of things to do aftering back. We don¡¯t have time to bring this little one around for long.¡± Madame Zhuang said carelessly, ¡°Keeping her here is just to show that evil b*st*rd a piece of my mind and make her owe Yashuang even more!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that after more than ten years of separation, I even have no chance to see my daughter with my own eyes again!¡± She had a deep hatred for Jiang Yazhu and even the young Jiang Huihuan could not make her feel anypassion. However, thinking of her daughter, she felt so sad that drops of her tears fell onto her grandson¡¯s swaddling clothes. She was crying and could hardly speak, ¡°If I had known this, I would absolutely not have sent the kids back! Although Beijiang is bitterly cold, aren¡¯t Xing¡¯s siblings still living there?¡±.

    Mrs. Chang and the others were busyforting her, ¡°You¡¯ve been giving up eating and drinking since you heard the news. I¡¯m afraid it may hurt your vitality on the journey! If you don¡¯t restrain your grief now, what should the Eighth Young Master and the Neenth Yong Master do in the future? Even your grandson, who is in your arms now, will have to count on you without Chunfu Princess! You cannot cry anymore! Take care of yourself!¡±

    Madame Zhuang nodded while wiping her tears, and suddenly asked, ¡°It is said that the child left by Yadan¡¯s wife is being raised by Yn, right? I forgot to ask just now¡­ Since Yn¡¯s mother died early, shecks caring elders in her family and even the proper dowry iscking. She didn¡¯t have time to mention anything about her nephew because her pregnancy was influenced, but shouldn¡¯t there be someone mention this?¡±

    As Qiu Yn was the official daughter-inw, she had no conflict with Mrs. Chang and the others. It was also said that she was loved by Jiang Yashuang very much. Thus Mrs. Chang and the others often spoke for her, ¡°Perhaps since we have just arrived, madame Yn was afraid that you are too tired!¡±

    It seemed that what they said showed that Sheng Shishui was selfish. She brought her nephew over right away and only used him to change her mother-inw¡¯s manner without any consideration for her mother-inw¡¯s exhaustion. But she had no choice since she was the daughter-inw of a concubine and her husband was hated by Madame Zhuang.

    Madame Zhuang frowned and grunted, ¡± Madame Tao found a good wife for that sinful son! She just looks like a calcting woman!¡±

    ¡°Even if she is calcting, what else can she do since you are here?¡± Mrs. Changughed, ¡°Give the young master to me, Madame. You really don¡¯t look well. After all, we¡¯ve rushed too much to get around this time!¡±

    ¡°How could we make it without a detour?¡± Madame Zhuangughed coldly, ¡°The Old Master is bent on favoring the first branch. Even with a letter from my husband, we never know if he will send someone to stop us on the way and force me to go back to Beijiang, not allowing me to personally conduct my daughter¡¯s funeral?¡±

    She added, ¡°You see, I have two daughters-inw and a grandson on my knee, but where is my son Yashuang? He said that he was on an errand at the imperial court and could not get away for the time being and that he would not be back until the evening or tomorrow¡­ Today, the chancellor, Jiang Tianao, is staying at home, not to mention my son. I¡¯m sure that the Old Master has sent him out to interfere with me and so he can¡¯te back soon!¡±

    With these words, she handed her grandson to Mrs. Chang and felt a pang of sadness as she looked at the baby¡¯s fair face, ¡°If I had known that Zheng¡¯er was so unlucky, I would havee back when she was giving birth! I really owe the children so much!¡±

    ¡°Please take care of yourself!¡± Mrs. Chang hurriedly changed the subject, ¡°I don¡¯t know how serious Madame Dou has been injured in the first branch and how to deal with the aftermath.¡±

    None of them who had served Madame Zhuang for so many years could expect that Madame Zhuang should hide a hammer and raid the first branch. Otherwise, they would have been able to stop her.

    Now, although she had returned to the fourth branch by the help of Qiu Yn¡¯s pregnancy, the matter would certainly not end like this. No one knew what Marquess Qin would do about it.

    Madame Zhuang was calm, ¡°Isn¡¯t she still alive? Even if she is dead, I have been with my husband for many years and our rtionship is very close and profound, not to mention the fact that Yashuang is very respectable in front of the Old Master. If the Old Master asks me to pay for Madame Dou¡¯s death, how will my husband and Yashuang be able to let the first branch and the third branch go in the future? If the Old Master really loves the two branches, he must protect me at all costs! If he didn¡¯t care enough for the two branches, why would he force me to die?¡±

    Mrs. Chang worried, ¡°I¡¯m afraid that even if the Old Master doesn¡¯t me you harshly, he won¡¯t revenge for Chunfu Princess¡¯s grievance¡­¡±

    From Marquess Qin¡¯s point of view, it was a good deal that the death of Madame Dou made the fourth branch have no reason to continue investigating Jiang Qizheng¡¯s death. Since Madame Dou wasn¡¯t his child anyway, he didn¡¯t feel any grief. With all the tragedies in the Dou Family, he didn¡¯t even need to give an ount to his inws.

    But for the fourth branch, it was a losing proposition. Madame Dou was only thedy of the house of the first branch and there was a third branch.

    Furthermore, Madame Dou was Jiang Qizheng¡¯s elder, and technically speaking, the fourth branch was reasonably still in debt to the first branch!

    ¡°How can I wrong my son?¡± Madame Zhuang sneered, ncing around. Mrs. Chang hurriedly handed the baby in her arms to the others to carry to the back. Once the room was cleared and only her henchmen were left, Madame Zhuang lowered her voice and said, ¡°The only sons who are capable ofmanding an army among the first branch and the third branch are Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing. Once these two are dead, the only way they can get their hands on the military power again is by supporting outsiders! At that time, we will continue to kill whoever they support and see who dares to collude with them!¡±

    Seeing that Mrs. Chang and the others were stunned, Madame Zhuang narrowed her eyes and finally told them the reason why she was so impulsive as to conceal a murderous weapon and strike hard as soon as she entered the door, ¡°When my husband saw the bloody letters from Zheng¡¯er, he decided to send the army, which had been saved up over the years and was absolutely trustworthy, to Shazhou to kill those two b*st*rds! To avenge for Zheng¡¯er¡¯s death!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just that although that army can cut through Beihu¡¯s territory and enter Xijiang, it will inevitably leave traces over the thousands of miles! So, we have to keep making trouble here so as to draw the Old Master¡¯s attention away and deplete his energy. So, he simply has no time to care about the news from other ces¡­ It can also let him think that our fourth branch¡¯s injustice towards Zheng¡¯er is just making trouble by me¡­¡±

    Madame Zhuang¡¯s eyes glittered with monstrous hatred, ¡°Thinking that when Madame Dou¡¯s servant girl was not respectful enough to my Dan¡¯er, even if she hid in front of Madame Dou, I dragged her out and beat her to death in front of Madame Dou! Not to mention my Zheng¡¯er! How could she be killed? If I don¡¯t kill those two things, how can we be worthy of being a father and a mother?¡±

 Chapter 390 - In an Uproar

    Chapter 390 In an Uproar

    Madame Tao, who imed to be ill, was half-supported on the bed. She frowned as she listened to Mom Hu¡¯s whisper of what happened this day, ¡°I hear that Dr. Lin has diagnosed the first madame. Even if she can get through it, she may no longer see things through her eyes.¡±

    ¡°What did Chaohai say?¡±

    ¡°Lady Huizhi cried for a long time, but Old Master only let someone take her back to her room for rest¡­¡± Mom Hu answered, ¡°He took Old Master Tianao to the study and talked with him alone.¡± After a pause, she continued, ¡°I don¡¯t know what they were talking about.¡±

    Madame Tao sighed, ¡°The first branch has colluded with the third branch to put the group of Qizheng at risk. As Tianchi¡¯s wife came back, she tried to put the first branch to death. How could their grudges be resolved? It¡¯s just because that bad something has happened to someone important of both sides and so it seems not to be the case to punish someone or not! I¡¯m wondering what Chaohai is going to do with it.¡±

    Mom Hu said softly, ¡°That the fourth madame tried to kill the first madame was seen by quite a few people. And Old Master always loves the first branch. I guess that it will be worse for the fourth madame.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so!¡± Madame Tao shook her head, ¡°Chaohai didn¡¯t do with her on the spot. When Yashuanges back, it will be even more impossible for her to go harder¡­ The position of Yashuang in Chaohai¡¯s heart is not low!¡±

    ¡°But as something big has happened to the first madame, it can¡¯t be swept under the carpet easily, right?¡± Mom Hu was a little worried. The first branch had upied such a special status for so many years while this timedy of the house was beaten so badly in public that she was almost not able to breathe!

    Madame Tao sneered, ¡°Zheng¡¯er is the trueborn granddaughter of our family! Doesn¡¯t Xing have a noble origin? As for Ling Zui, he is the youngest trueborn son who Earl of Jingchuan and Princess Royal Maode love most. The deaths of the three can even be covered easily, not to mention the death of Madame Dou!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the third branch that takes advantage of it this time!¡± Mom Hu said, ¡°Because of the first madame, the fourth madame won¡¯t have time to go after the third branch even though she does want to do so.¡±

    ¡°After all these years, you still don¡¯t know what the first branch is.¡± Madame Tao sneered, ¡°The third branch together with the first branch did harm to Zheng¡¯er and others. But now only the first branch suffersrge losses. Do you think they will be willing to let it go?¡±

    ¡°If Madame Dou really died, as a result, Jiang Yayue would be sure to conduct his filial mourning. Wouldn¡¯t that be good for Jiang Yaqing? Do you think the first branch would be content to ept the result and swallow it?¡±

    Mom Hu was suddenly shocked, ¡°Did the fourth madame do it deliberately?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a trick to kill someone with a borrowed knife!¡± Madame Tao said coldly, ¡°However, Tianchi¡¯s wife seems not to have such a calcting mind. Mostly, it is Tianchi who is behind everything¡­ Right, Zheng¡¯er is the only trueborn daughter of the couple. She did nothing wrong but she was murdered at such a young age. In that context, if her parents didn¡¯t pay it back, who would respect the descendants of the fourth branch?¡±

    ¡°So, is Old Master instructing Old Master Tianao at the moment?¡± How could Marquis Qin not see through such a thing that Madame Tao could figure out?

    Madame Tao said with a smile, ¡°So what? The fourth branch didn¡¯t plot it. If the first branch didn¡¯t crack down on the third branch, most of the consequences of what the two did together would be borne by the first branch while most of the benefits would be taken by the third branch. If it were you, could you stand it? Not to mention that people of the first branch are all feisty.¡±

    Mom Hu thought for a while and said, ¡°Even if it were me, I would not be willing to take it!¡±

    ¡°I am right, right?¡± Madame Tao said with a scornfulugh, ¡°Jiang Tianao could have realized it even though there were no warnings of Chaohai. But if he did nothing to the third branch, he would suffer more losses!¡±

    ¡°But¡­¡± Mom Hu set her mouth in a line, ¡°If the first branch implicated the third branch, the fourth branch would benefit from it, wouldn¡¯t they? Despite the jealousy for the third branch, if the first branch had to choose between the third branch and the fourth branch¡­¡±

    Madame Tao said with contempt, ¡°Don¡¯t they have Chaohai? As the fourth branch has made a family feud with the first branch, will he let the former develop at will?¡±

    It was right. Even though Jiang Tianao didn¡¯t have confidence in himself, he wouldn¡¯t lose faith in Marquis Qin¡¯s partiality to him. Over the years, whether he was justified or unjustified, right or wrong, did Marquis Qin not stand by his side and think for him with all his heart and soul?

    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ll stay sick and leave things aside this time. If someonees, just get rid of them for me!¡± Madame Tao touched her hair and said with disinterest. ¡°Tianchi¡¯s wife is not the type to save the face of the elders. She can make Chaohai mad over and over again, let alone me! I¡¯m old now. I really needn¡¯t be humiliated in front of her!¡±

    She leaned back and saidzily, ¡°Besides, if it weren¡¯t for the fact that Chaohai spoilt the first branch, how would this happen? He¡¯s the one who needs to clean it up. Don¡¯t count on me!¡±

    Madame Tao made up her mind to keep herself away from the mess, let alone others. Jiang Yashuang was ordered to go out of the city for two days and it would take several days for him to get a message and reply to it. In the meantime, all the people in the Marquis Qin¡¯s Mansion were on the ice!

    However, apart from the big mess, she made on her first day in the first branch, Madame Zhuang only went to Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion to visit Madame Ou and catch up on old times with her. Madam Ou, who was in Beijiang with her husband before, got on with Madame Zhuang for a dozen years. And they were on good terms. So, Madame Zhuang ignored Madame Tao but showed her respect to Madame Ou.

    When Madame Zhuang went to Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion, the sixth madame Mi was terrified. But Madame Zhuang, her cousin-inw, was visiting the Mansion and she was the only daughter-inw there. She had no choice but to apany her.

    Fortunately, Madame Zhuang did nothing to her. It was not known whether it was because Madame Zhuang didn¡¯t know how she treated Qiu Yn, or just gave it up for the sake of Madame Ou.

    ¡°Had Madame Zhuang gone to Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion?¡± While Madame Zhuang was talking andughing with Madame Ou, in the Marquis Qin¡¯s Mansion, Marquis Qin asked evenly, ¡°I seemed to have made it clear that she shall stay in the ce of the fourth branch and not go anywhere else, didn¡¯t I?¡±

    The old servant nodded, ¡°The fourth madame intends to defy you.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps She thinks that Tianchi and Yashuang are there and I can do nothing to her, doesn¡¯t she?¡± said Marquis Qin with a smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes. He instructed faintly, ¡°Go down to the fourth branch¡¯s house and take Yazhu¡¯s daughter out to his wife!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°Tell Yazhu¡¯s wife to pack up her things and set off to Beijiang within three days!¡±

    The old servant said nkly, ¡°What about the sixteenth young master¡­¡±

    ¡°Of course, he should go with them!¡± Marquis Qin said coldly, ¡°Tell Yazhu¡¯s wife that if Madame Zhuang were in Beijiang, they might not even have the chance to visit her father-inw when they went there! Do as much as they can while Madame Zhuang is not over there now!¡±

    The old servant said carefully, ¡°If the sixteenth young master made something in the army, then for the neenth young master¡­¡± He thought in his mind, ¡°The neenth young master is the future head of the family that is groomed carefully by you! You cannot transfer your anger to the neenth young master just because of the fourth madame and drive him over the edge, right?¡±

    ¡°It is Madame Zhuang who is to me!¡± Marquis Qin said with no expression on his face, ¡°Isn¡¯t she good at making a scene and dragging it out? Let¡¯s see how many mistakes her husband and son¡¯s future can offset for her!¡±

    It was obvious that Madame Zhuang¡¯s disrespect really pissed Marquis Qin off. Thus, Marquis Qin made up his mind to promote Jiang Yazhu as a warning for her!

    The old servant knew that it was no use persuading Marquis Qin to reconsider and so he only sighed in his heart and said, ¡°Yes!¡±

    When Sheng Shishui saw that her daughter was sent back by the old servant who served Marquis Qin, she was so ecstatic that she kowtowed towards the direction where Marquis Qin resided, holding her daughter Jiang Huihuan in her arms.

    Not knowing that Madame Zhuang had no intention to kill Jiang Huihuan, she was ready to part with her daughter forever. Now the life changed suddenly. Her daughter was sent back safely. She could not describe how grateful she was for the change!

    Seeing that, the old servant was also touched. He didn¡¯t have much contact with those people in the backyard, but he knew that Sheng Shishui had always been filial and prudent. And the best part was that after marrying into this family, she persuaded Jiang Yazhu to be a better person. This time when Madame Zhuang came back, she did her utmost to satisfy her. But Madame Zhuang just didn¡¯t treat her as a person. The old servant¡¯s heart softened and he gave a bit more advice, ¡°It¡¯s better if the fourth madame does not know that you are packing up¡­ And you do the same when you set out.¡±

    ¡°It is said that as the fourth master has no children around him all these years, he misses all the young masters anddies.¡±

    ¡°I have to stay away from my mother-inw!¡± Sheng Shishui sent him out with great gratitude. And then she embraced her daughter and checked her out carefully. Only when she found her daughter was unharmed and in good spirits did she feel relieved and vow to herself, ¡°I must get round my father-inw!¡±

    Under the intended covering of Marquis Qin, Jiang Yazhu and his wife managed to pack up their things secretly without disturbing anyone.

    As Madame Zhuang knew that Jiang Huihuan had been picked up by someone sent by Marquis Qin, she would not just let it go. It was only because that Mrs. Chang and the others persuaded her that since Marquis Qin directly interfered with the matter of a grand granddaughter who he had never asked about, it was clear that he was expressing his displeasure at her as she went out without permission. So, before Jiang Yashuang came back, it was better not to make Marquis Qin angry again.

    Atst, she decided to send Mom Chang to send several books, ¡°Behavioral Norms of Girls¡±, to Sheng Shishui and ordered her to take her daughter¡¯s ce and copy out the books, which somewhat helped to save her face.

    Sheng Shishui took the books courteously but she threw them into the box at once as she turned around, ¡°Keep the door these days. If someonees, just tell them that I¡¯m busy copying out books and have no time to receive them¡­ It will save me the trouble of exining why there are packed things.¡±

    On the afternoon of the day when Sheng Shishui received the books, Jiang Yashuang returned to Marquis Qin¡¯s Mansion. As soon as he walked in the door, he was taken to the study by Marquis Qin as a punching bag. After he heard what Madame Zhuang did in the first branch, he was astonished. But he wouldn¡¯t refuse to take Madame Zhuang¡¯s side for that. He tried to justify her while Marquis Qin just listened to him with a cold smile. In the end, he said simply, ¡°Anyway, now that your eldest aunt is about to die. And Madame Zhuang did that as everybody watched! This is not something that can be denied¡­ I¡¯ll give you two days to discuss with Madame Zhuang about how to deal with it, but if you can¡¯te up with something convincing, don¡¯t me me for being cruel!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sighed and returned to the fourth branch. He came to visit his mother first. When the biological mother and son met again after such a long time, they were extraordinarily emotional and full of tears. Madame Zhuang watched her young son, who was so handsome, feeling both proud and indebted. But when she thought of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s twin sister Jiang Qizheng, she felt extremely sad. ¡°Up to now we have no messages about your sister from Shazhou. Once upon a time¡­¡±

    With that, before Mrs. Chang and the others could persuade her, Madam Zhuang suddenly coughed violently and blood was faintly seeping out of the corners of her mouth!

    ¡°Mother!¡±

    ¡°Madame!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang, Mrs. Chang and the others all got shocked. They hurried to pat her back and send someone to summon a doctor. When it was in an uproar, Jiang Yashuang seemed to see a familiar figure hovering outside the door. His heart, which was already on edge for her mother, almost jumped into his throat. Hurrying out, he asked, ¡°Su He, why do you get here? Does something happen to Lan?¡±

    Fortunately, Su He shook her head and said, ¡°Madame was fine! But¡­ Miss Qiu in the Jiang¡¯s residence said she wanted to meet madame. Madame is willing to do so but she is afraid that Mrs. Qu will try to stand in their way¡­¡±

    ¡°Those two came from amon family. It is better to see them when I¡¯m free to apany Lan!¡± Hearing that his wife was fine, Jiang Yashuang heaved a great sigh of relief. At that moment he was not in the mood to care about that trivial matter, ¡°Is there anything else?¡±

    ¡°But Miss Qiu said it was urgent!¡± Su He was worried, ¡°Madame is worried that she really has something important to say and is afraid of holding that up!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang rubbed between his eyes, ¡°You go there for Lan and see what¡¯s up with her!¡±

 Chapter 391 - Took Care of the Sick.

    Chapter 391 Took Care of the Sick.

    Su He took Jiang Yashuang¡¯s order, going out of the mansion to ask Qiu Qian about the matter. But she had to go back before she left. She told Qiu Yn that Madame Zhuang vomited blood and fainted. Her mother-inw was in poor health. As a daughter-inw, she could not enjoy delicious foods cozily to prevent miscarriage. She went to visit Madame Zhuang with her maids right away.

    By this time, the doctor had arrived. The servants stood around her. The atmosphere in the room was tense. Seeing Madame Zhuang lying in a daze on the bed, he was trembling as he felt Mrs. Zhuang¡¯s pulse. Jiang Yashuang looked after his mother in front of her bed. When he saw his wifeing, he went up to her with a slight frown and asked her in a low voice, ¡°What brings you here? Don¡¯t force yourself. I can take care of our mother.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. She even needs a doctor. I have to be here.¡± Qiu Yn bit her lips, ¡°What¡¯s the matter with our mother?¡±

    ¡°I think she was so upset about my sister¡¯s death and had to return home in a rush, which made her ill.¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed, asking her to sit down, ¡°After listening to the news, please go home. Be good and don¡¯t make me entangled at both of you!¡±

    There were a lot of people around them at that time. And everyone was watching them. Qiu Yn was not convenient to tell him that the baby was fine. So, she had to promise him. The couple sat across from each other. They were serious. The servants grew more and more rmed at their looks. And the atmosphere almost froze.

    A few momentster the doctor almost held his breath when he stopped. Jiang Yashuang stood up right away, ¡°What¡¯s my mother¡¯s condition?¡±

    ¡°Madame Zhuang must have been in a hurry¡­¡± The doctor¡¯s expression was grave as he spoke his diagnosis carefully. Qiu Yn could not understand long paragraphs of technical terms. While she was trying to understand, there was a noise outside. A few momentster, the blushed Jiang Yazhu and Sheng Shishui came in timidly, ¡°We have just received the news that mother is sick, so¡­¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was urgent to know his mother¡¯s condition. So, he had no patience to hear their exnation. He waved his hand to ask them toe in and then he gestured for the doctor to go on.

    The doctor exined for a while. The conclusion was consistent with Qiu Yn¡¯s conjecture. The loss of her daughter in her middle age was a significant blow, while Madame Zhuang was so hot-tempered that she could not bear any grievance. In addition, she was so irritated when she hurried on her way back day and night. When she met her son, she was very excited. It was inevitable that she would get sick!

    Seeing Jiang Yashuang was unsatisfied, the doctor said, ¡°It is lucky for her to get sick. Otherwise, if the disease remained dormant and eruptedter, it could be¡­¡± It could be fatal!

    Jiang Yashuang frowned, ¡°So does this sick matter?¡±

    ¡°As long as she does not worry and gets better, she should be all right.¡± The doctor emphasized the term ¡°not worry¡±. Madame Zhuang was in good health before she was ill. Otherwise, she couldn¡¯t have supervised her husband for so many years in Beijiang. But after all, she was old enough to be a grandmother. So, the doctor couldn¡¯t affirm. If something went wrong with her, he would get into trouble.

    ¡°Make a prescription!¡± Jiang Yashuang said anxiously.

    Jiang Yashuang asked a servant to take the doctor to the study to make the prescription. He then turned to Jiang Yazhu, ¡°Why are you sote?¡±

    ¡°We came as soon as we heard that the doctor was called!¡± Sheng was still calm, while Jiang Yazhu was uneven. ¡°But I did not expect that we were stillte!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t want to embarrass them when he asked them. Instead, he said, ¡°Mrs. Chang, have you sent anyone to tell my brother that my mother is sick?¡±

    Mrs. Chang froze. She thought, ¡°Everyone knows your mother hates him. Why would I tell him? If they werete or they didn¡¯t even show up, your mom could have a chance to rebuke themter!¡±

    After all, she was a servant. She could not say it directly. So, she mumbled, ¡°Madame is sick and thus the servants are hectic. Besides, they have just reached home. They are unfamiliar with the house. So, they forget it.¡±

    ¡°My eighth brother and my sixteenth brother¡¯s yards are beside our yard. It just takes a few steps to arrive at their yards. Next time it¡¯s better to let everyone know if there¡¯s something that needs to be told. Don¡¯t forget it.¡± Jiang Yashuang nodded, saying calmly, ¡°If they do not know, they can also go to our yard to tell us. So, I can let the servants in our yard convey the message.¡±

    Mrs. Chang looked at him. She was dread because he was born by Madame Zhuang. So, she promised unwillingly, ¡°Yes.¡±

    After reminding Mrs. Chang, Jiang Yashuang turned to apologize to Jiang Yazhu and his wife, ¡°My mother left Jing City for so many years. She has juste back. Normally, her maids are not familiar with the rules here¡­¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to apologize, Yashuang.¡± Sheng Shishui said with a smile as she looked at her husband. ¡°It is we who are not respectful enough to go to see mother and take care of her. Otherwise, I would not havee here after the doctor was called.¡±

    She also mentioned that Qiu Yn was pregnant. It was proper that she took after her mother-inw.

    Naturally, Jiang Yashuang would not let her stay. Although he had juste back, he also knew that Sheng Shishui was humiliated by Madame Zhuang and her daughter was even detained. If he let her stay to take care of Madame Zhuang, no one could know how his mother would torture her! And Jiang Huihuan was still young. She needed her mother to look after her.

    So, he replied, ¡°I should not have interfered with sister-inw¡¯s filial piety. But Huan is still young and my nephew also needs you to take care of. Besides, I have not seen my mother for many years. I have been missing her so much. I want to show my sincerity to her. So, let me look after her! Please help me take care of Lan!¡±

    Sheng Shishui just said some words for politeness. She was d to hear her brother-inw say so. So, she readily agreed, ¡°You are so respectful. I will not argue with you.¡±

    Jiang Yazhu then said slowly, ¡°Brother, do you need me?¡±

    ¡°Thanks for your consideration. But I have heard that grandfather often gives you tasks these days. So, I am afraid you will be too busy.¡± Jiang Yashuang even did not want Sheng Shishui to stay, not to mention him. So, he looked for an excuse to reject him.

    Jiang Yazhu and Sheng Shishui talked to him for a while and then left. Only when they got out the door did they say with a sigh of relief, ¡°It is lucky that Yashuang is thoughtful.¡±

    Not to mention that they were about to sneak off to Beijiang, they had no time to take care of Madame Zhuang as they were busy packing these two days. Besides, Madame Zhuang had a significant prejudice against them. If they stayed and took care of her, they didn¡¯t know what would happen to them. It was fortunate that Jiang Yashuang was willing to take this responsibility and helped them to leave.

    ¡°Only he was not brought up by his official mother.¡± Jiang Yazhu hummed, ¡°Otherwise, he would take us as his enemy as his mother does!¡±

    ¡°Go back to pack!¡± Sheng Shishui knew he was stung because Jiang Yashuang turned to be the owner of the family. She didn¡¯t expose it but covered it up.

    When Madame Zhuang did not wake up and the servants went to decoct medicine, Jiang Yashuang sent his wife back to the yard. He told her to take good care of herself and do not worry about other things. He asked Mrs. Zhou, Mrs. Qu, and others to look after her. He then hurried back to the hall to serve his mother.

    After he left, Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°He just returned from the outside of the city. He travelled back and forth for so many days¡­¡±

    Mrs. Zhou whispered, ¡°We have nothing to do. The Eighth Young Master is not in Jing City and the eighth madame died. Chunfu Princess just¡­ If the Sixteenth Young Master and the sixteenth madame look after Madame Zhuang, I am afraid that she will be unhappier! Only our young master can go now.¡±

    ¡°Tell the private kitchen to make some nourishing food. Give to my mother-inw and my husband.¡± Qiu Yn was upset, ¡°I hope my mother-inw can quickly get better.¡±

    Otherwise, Jiang Yashuang would look after his mother while worrying about her pregnancy. Even if he was young and healthy, he might be ill with fatigue when he worked hard for a long time.

    Chunran received her order. She was about to tell the kitchen when Su He went back from outside. Su He looked strange.

    ¡°How¡¯s it going?¡± Qiu Yn asked her when she saw her, ¡°What did Mei Xue say to Qiu Qian?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Su He was anxious.

    Qiu Yn saw this situation and made a wink to Mrs. Zhou. After Mrs. Zhou led the others out of the room, Su He said in a low voice, ¡°Hearing that Madame Zhuang had beaten Madame Dou to thest breath, they asked me if they could help us.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°Why did they know that?¡± Though Mei Xue and Qiu Qian were treated well in the side yard, they were still arrested in the yard. They could not get the news so quickly.

    If they knew the thing, everyone in the court would know it.

    Su He chuckled, ¡°Sure! Everyone knows it!¡±

    ¡°The first branch must have spread it.¡± Qiu Yn even did not have to think deeply as she could figure it out easily. ¡°They are trying to force my grandfather to punish my mother-inw.¡± She sneered, ¡°Now she is ill. Are they expecting that my grandfather pulls mother out from her bed to punish her?¡±

    If they meant that, it was in the time that Madame Zhuang got sick.

    She asked, ¡°But Mei Xue and Qiu Qian cannot even protect themselves. What can they do?¡±

    Su He lied down to her ear. She said in a lower voice, ¡°They said there was a kind of medicine in ¡®Tianya.¡¯ The killers use this kind of medicine to remain alive when they are almost dying. Although it is said that anyone who uses it will inevitably shorten his life period, at that time, the effect is good. If Madame Dou will die within two days, we could give her a pill. It will keep her alive for several months or even a year and then Madame Zhuang¡¯s charges will be reduced.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Miss Qiu was sure of it. Miss Mei said so, too. Besides, you can control their lives. I don¡¯t think they dare y tricks, do they?¡± Su He added, ¡°If Madame Dou dies, Madame Zhuang will be hard to extricate herself.¡± She nipped her lower lip, ¡°It¡¯s just a matter of how to convince the first branch to take medicine after the fight between them and us!¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t be a trouble!¡± Qiu Yn shook her head, reminding Su He, ¡°Do you forget the medicine my brother gave me? I have run out of it. But few people have seen it before¡­¡±

    Su He¡¯s eyes lit up and she was about to say something when Qiu Yn continued, ¡°But there is another problem. What should I do if someone in my family gets into trouble again and asks me for such medicine? I already said that the one I gave Prince of Qi was thest!¡±

    ¡°Ask young master!¡± Su He suggested, ¡°Ask him to tell our old master. Even if he favors the first branch, he doesn¡¯t want it to be judged that Madame Zhuang beats Madame Dou to death. It will be a few days before we have a chance to muddle through! Otherwise, it is the shame of the Jiang Family, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Qiu Yn murmured, ¡°Yashuang¡­ He is so busy. Now he is the only one who can take care of my mother-inw. He has no time to deal with it. You go to meet my grandmother and tell her about the n.¡±

    ¡°But Madame has already said she is ill.¡±

    ¡°That depends on who begs her and what it is for!¡± Qiu Yn knew her very well, ¡°The rtionship between grandmother and the first branch is not good. This thing is not difficult for her. Besides, if she does us a favor, we own her. Why does she not do it?¡±

    Sure enough, Madame Tao listened to Mom Hu who conveyed the words of Su He. She squinted to think about it for a while and thenmanded, ¡°You go to find Chaohai and tell him secretly!¡±

 Chapter 392 - Shameless Guy!

    Chapter 392 Shameless Guy!

    Mom Hu told Marquess Qin. He didn¡¯t object but said, ¡°Even if the medicine can be found, Madame Zhuang¡¯s title of nobility has to be taken away as a punishment!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang just frowned and did not say anything. He had no time to argue with his grandfather because he only hoped his mother could get better quickly. Besides, his mother had beaten her sister-inw so hard in public that Madame Dou was almost dying. And now everyone in Jing City heard about the news. This level of punishment was not heavy. Besides, Madame Zhuang didn¡¯t tyrannize others by virtue of her title of nobility. With the rtionship between the fourth branch and Empress Dowager Jiang, he believed that Madame Zhuang could regain the title sooner orter.

    So, he asked the servants to keep the secret in case she should be stimted.

    But the first branch created problems for them. They learned that the fourth branch was willing to take pills to cure Madame Dou to reduce punishment for Madame Zhuang. They made another request, ¡°Mother has been hurt so badly. How can one pill be enough? This pill may be the one which is made by Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. In the past, there were many idents. Qiu Jinn was assassinated. Prince of Qi barely died. Xue Nongying was almost dying and Qiu Jinn was on the edge of death in Shazhou¡­ In these issues, they used four pills. Now that they¡¯ve been able to produce another one. It¡¯s all a lie that the pill is a treasure!¡±

    ¡°Ask them to take some more! And call Qiu Jinn return right away! Otherwise, we will not stop charging her!¡±

    It was evident that the perfunctory action of the fourth branch was regarded as a concession by the first branch. So, they decided to push their victory!

    These words were conveyed to Mom Hu and then she told Madame Tao. Madame Tao was so angry that her face turned to be purple, ¡°Shameless!¡±

    Mom Hu was worried, ¡°This kind of medicine is not hard to get. But what about calling Qiu Jinn back? The fourth branch won¡¯t agree at all.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about asking Qiu Jinn toe back! I can¡¯t believe they want more pills. Is it a question of whether medicine is avable or not?¡± Madame Tao sneered, ¡°Haven¡¯t you listened to the first branch? If Yashuang¡¯s wife can take one pill after another, it can be seen that there is a lot of medicine. If the news were spread, the people outside would think that Yn has a lot of pills of this kind of medicine. It must get her in trouble!¡±

    She said bitterly, ¡°Actually, it¡¯s not Yn who is in trouble. She is our legitimate granddaughter-inw. How many people dare to persecute her now? The one who is in trouble is her brother Qiu Jinn! It¡¯s no matter whether he is in Shazhou or Jing City. When someone else believes these rumors and asks him for the pills, what should he do? He is alone and not as powerful as our family. If he offends his colleagues, even if he has our support, I am afraid he will still be under a difficult circumstance!¡±

    Mom Hu was shocked, ¡°What shall we do?¡±

    ¡°Have you told Chao Hai?¡±

    ¡°Old Master asked me to tell you. He said that if you were unwilling to step in, let the fourth branch solve it by themselves!¡± Mom Hu sighed.

    ¡°The first branch is looking for death! Does Chaohai still think that if the fourth branch concedes for the first time, they will make concessions all the time?¡± Madame Tao sneered, ¡°They can¡¯t forget that it is proposed by the two prisoners in the other courtyard who are in an attempt to atone for their sins. The fourth branch¡¯s real masters are Madame Zhuang and Yashuang who haven¡¯t said any words yet! Now he doesn¡¯t want to step in. Is he afraid that when he died, there would be no kids to apany him?¡±

    Mom Hu smiled bitterly. She dared not to reply.

    ¡°Then tell the fourth branch!¡± Madame Tao thought for a while. She ground her teeth, ¡°I can¡¯t decide for them. And I don¡¯t want to. What the f*ck! Why are they so childish?¡±

    Qiu Yn had thought things would go well. When she listened to what happened from Mom Hu, she was shocked, ¡°Why are the guys in the first branch so stupid?¡±

    ¡°Madame Tao said it was probably because all the branches always gave in to them these years. As a result, they¡¯ve got used to it.¡± Mom Hu smiled bitterly, ¡°I¡¯m so useless. Logically, this is a good thing for both sides. But for the first branch, their Madame has been beaten to death. They may think they are insulted! I haven¡¯t achieved it for you! Please forgive me, madame!¡±

    This was clearly an apology, but it suggested that the first branch¡¯s words to her were not so good to hear. Otherwise, if Mom Hu didn¡¯t know Qiu Yn hated the first branch, she would not point out that they were gullible.

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Qiu Yn concealed her anger. Sheforted Mom Hu gently and said, ¡°The first branch has lost their mind! Why could they say such shameless words! When Qizheng was in trouble, everyone in our family knew it was they who stepped in! But did they ever apologize to us? Now it is because I am so young and polite that they want to bully us. Not only does grandmother and you have to worry about us, but you have also been wronged!¡±

    Mom Hu replied quickly, ¡°No. It is my job to convey the message to you. I am not wronged!¡± Sheforted Qiu Yn, ¡°You are so kind. You are not the one who should be med. I didn¡¯t expect that they would be so shameless! Even Madame Tao was surprised! She said she never met someone like them!¡±

    The twoforted each other. They scolded the first branch fiercely. But the problem had to be solved. After Mom Hu left, Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead. She called Mrs. Zhou, Mrs. Qu, and others to discuss countermeasures.

    Mrs. Qu was anxious, ¡°Madame Zhuang and young master ask you to keep your health. Why are you still worrying about this matter?¡±

    ¡°My mother-inw is sick. I am so guilty that I can¡¯t look after her because of my pregnancy. I am so worried about my husband who is so busy managing all things in our family. I try to give him a helping hand¡­¡± Qiu Yn was unhappy because of being med. But she knew Mrs. Qu was Madame Zhuang¡¯s s maid. So, she could not rebuke her. She started to cry, ¡°I have already told my grandparents. I thought it was a perfect way to preserve the dignity of both sides. So, I believed they would agree. I didn¡¯t expect that¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be upset. If the trouble appears, let¡¯s solve it!¡± Mrs. Zhou felt pity when she saw her crying. She handed a handkerchief to her andforted her gently, ¡°You are pregnant¡­¡±

    Mrs. Qu could not say anything about her anymore after hearing her words. After all, Qiu Yn just wanted to help her mother-inw and her husband. It was the first branch which should be med because of their arrogance!

    Hearing Mrs. Zhou and othersforting her with her pregnancy, Mrs. Qu was also afraid that if something terrible happened to Qiu Yn, she would be in trouble! So, sheforted her with Mrs. Zhou. After Qiu Yn calmed down, she was relieved. She said, ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, madame. Let me tell young master. He will figure out how to wake them up!¡±

    ¡°Wait a minute!¡± Qiu Yn stopped her, ¡°I am unthoughtful and so I haven¡¯t handled it properly. But I think that there is a way to deal with it. Please give me several days and let me handle it. I am worried that he is so exhausted to handle everything.¡±

    Mrs. Qu frowned, ¡°I dare not stop madam from taking pity on young master. But you are pregnant and can¡¯t bear being tired!¡± Mrs. Qu thought in her heart, ¡°And most of all, can you handle it properly? Don¡¯t make trouble. Otherwise, you still need the help of young master! If so, it would be better to hand it over to him now!¡±

    ¡°I can do it.¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t tell her the detailed information. She just insisted on giving her several more days before telling her husband.

    Mrs. Qu didn¡¯t believe her at all. But she didn¡¯t want to hurt her dignity. So, she mumbled and found a reason to leave. She stealthily asked Mrs. Chang for a way out of this.

    Mrs. Chang was the most valued servant of Madame Zhuang. After listening to Mrs. Qu, she said, ¡°Is it the first branch that pushes their luck? If madame Qiu does cause trouble, it won¡¯t be a big one. She is pregnant. Madame Zhuang loves her so much! And as you know, our young master is outstanding and promising. Though he has been married to her for two or three years, he has only one lover. So, we can see that she¡¯s maniptive! Even if she is not, it can be seen that young master is very fond of her¡­ So, we don¡¯t have to offend her. She only needs two or three days. Are you afraid that if we inform young master one or two dayste, the first branch will dare toe to gossip in front of us?¡±

    ¡°But she is unwilling to tell me what she will do. Otherwise, I can give her some suggestions.¡±

    ¡°What suggestions?¡± Mrs. Changughed, ¡°Madame arranged you to assist her. Do you take yourself as her trusted maid? Remember, she is our madame. She has so many maids as dowry. Why does she need you? Besides, you don¡¯t know what and who she will need in her n and whether she has to keep a secret or not. Remember that some talents are her brother¡¯s subordinates. What those guys do is unpresentable. She cannot tell you.¡±

    Mrs. Qu relieved, ¡°And then I will go back and say yes to her.¡±

    ¡°You still have to treat madame Qiu respectfully!¡± Mrs. Chang thought about it for a while and reminded her as they had been sisters for so many years. ¡°Because I did not send messages to that brat when Madame was ill, our young master should be unsatisfied with me! He even rebuked me in front of that b*st*rd couple¡­ Madame always gives priority to her trueborn children. Although we don¡¯t know much about the Eighth Young Master, our young master doesn¡¯t want us to be too aggressive!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Mrs. Qu was surprised, ¡± I know what to do now.¡± Jiang Yashuang rebuked Mrs. Chang, the noblest maid of Madame Zhuang, for his brother and sister-inw. What would he do if his wife was wronged? If he knew that she didn¡¯t respect his wife, how would he punish her?

    Especially Madame Zhuang, their most powerful supporter, was a doting mother. She had been separated from her children for so many years. And she recently lost her daughter. She felt guilty about her sons, who were still alive. If Jiang Yashuang conflicted with people like Mrs. Chang, it was evident that Madame Zhuang would choose to take her son¡¯s side.

    Thinking of that, Mrs. Qu decided to be humble, but she still felt unfair. ¡°We have served our Madame for so many years. Even if we haven¡¯t achieved anything, we spare no effort to assist her. Young master, let us lose our dignity.¡±

    But she didn¡¯t speak it out. After she returned to Qiu Yn¡¯s ce, she expressed that she supported her. Qiu Yn took action as soon as she left.

    When Mrs. Qu expressed her opinion, Su He went to Zhuang Man¡¯s ce secretly. ¡°My madame said that since Madame Zhuang was ill, and you and the eleventh madame were her nieces, both of you should go to see her. Now Madame Dou is sick. The eleventh Madame dare not to leave without elders¡¯ permission¡­¡±

    She didn¡¯t finish her words yet, but Zhuang Man asked her worriedly, ¡°Should I ask my parents to send their maids to pick her up? And then we can go to visit my aunt together! I already n to do it. Madame Dou mistreats my sister. Now my aunt ising back. Why can¡¯t we visit her?¡±

    ¡°My madame wants you to help her to ask the eleventh madame to convey a message to the Eleventh Young Master for her.¡± Su He said helplessly, ¡°Please allow me to tell you the truth, youngdy. After all, the eleventh madame is the daughter-inw of Madame Dou. And it is Madame Zhuang who hurt Madame Dou. If Old Master Tianao and his wife don¡¯t allow her, she dare not visit Madame Zhuang. Otherwise, she will be in a dilemma. But if someone from her parents¡¯ ce asks her, it will be reasonable.¡±

    ¡°There is still an urgent thing which needs your help. My madame hopes the Eleventh Young Master can help her. But you need to keep a secret.¡±

 Chapter 393 - Madame Dous Death and the Grievous News at Last!

    Chapter 393 Madame Dou¡¯s Death and the Grievous News at Last!

    Jiang Yahong was puzzled at first and then shocked when he received the message from his sister-inw. He wandered around the room for a while before making up his mind, ¡°Since the hand-stamped and privately sealed confession has already been written to Jiang Yashuang, how can I refuse his wife¡¯s request?¡±

    This might be a little difficult for him at ordinary times. But now Madame Dou was lingering on with herst breath. Besides, half of the first branch was focusing on her and half on getting justice back from the fourth branch. The chaos was perfect for him to do this.

    So, he was quick to finish the job and then asked his sister-inw to inform Qiu Yn.

    ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± Zhuang Man personally paid a visit as she pretended to visit her aunt and cousin-inw. However, she didn¡¯t hang around for long at Madame Zhuang¡¯s ce before she was thrown out by Jiang Yashuang with satisfaction. She ran to Qiu Yn, asking her excitedly, ¡°Is there anything else I can do?¡±

    ¡°None!¡± Qiu Yn saidzily, ¡°Next you should forget about it and pretend that nothing has happened!¡±

    Zhuang Man was disappointed, ¡°Is there really nothing I can help with?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Qiu Yn knew that she was young and meddlesome and so she warned her with a serious tone, ¡°Even for me, I¡¯m going to get rid of this. Don¡¯t mess around!¡±

    ¡°Is it okay if I listen by the side?¡± As Zhuang Man heard her words, she begged, her eyes twinkling.

    Although Qiu Yn didn¡¯t agree at first, after failing to drive her away several times, she finally reluctantly agreed as she thought that Zhuang Man was usually very tight-lipped and was now a participant.

    After allowing Zhuang Man to stay behind, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t dy and called Su He toe up, ¡°What did Senior Concubine Feng say?¡±

    ¡°At first, she was surprised.¡± Su He said with a smile, ¡°But after thinking about it for a while, she agreed.¡±

    ¡°Senior Concubine Feng?¡± Zhuang Man asked confusedly.

    ¡°It¡¯s the Prince of Qi¡¯s senior concubine, the Empress Dowager¡¯s former senior maid, Nijin, who waster taken by Chief Feng as his goddaughter.¡± Qiu Yn nced at her, ¡°About Madame Dou¡¯s matter, I originally thought of giving us and the first branch an out together, but they clearly refused. Now they even want to ask for more. However, I have nothing to say. Let¡¯s find our own way to deal with the aftermath!¡±

    Zhuang Man asked, ¡°What does this have to do with Senior Concubine Feng?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s only a senior concubine. Princess Qi is the princess!¡± Qiu Yn said lightly, ¡°But how many days has the princess been recovering from her illness on the farm outside the city? Do you think she will be willing to live like this for the rest of her life?¡±

    ¡°If not, how else would she want to live?¡± Zhuang Man blurted out and then the penny dropped, ¡°You¡¯re nning to do something to her, right? But why was Senior Concubine Feng willing to help? Although she is the goddaughter of Chief Feng, she is also known as a real maid, which means she cannot be a princess! Now bing a senior concubine is all because Aunt Tianhe personally begged for her fate!¡±

    ¡°Prince of Qi is still young and weak. If we get rid of the current Princess Qi, there might be another family which wants their girl to be a concubine to bring fame to the family and thus picks him. Now that Princess Qi has made a big mistake and is being trapped on the farm, she is simply a woman existing in name only! For Senior Concubine Feng, there is nothing better than a princess who can do nothing but only exist in name¡­ Why bother?¡±

    Although Feng Nijin was only made a senior concubine by Qiu Yn, she was now a senior concubine and served Empress Dowager Jiang. So, even if she had scruples towards Qiu Yn, it was not to the extent that she must obey her words.

    So Qiu Yn definitely convinced her not only by intimidation but also by other ways. Zhuang Man was puzzled, ¡°Or is it because Princess Qi is already dealing with her and she has no choice?¡±

    Qiu Yn gave her an approving look, ¡°You¡¯re brilliant enough for thinking of this! But you have forgotten one thing. The first branch ismitting daylight robbery this time!¡±

    Zhuang Man was surprised and asked, ¡°What? No mention of the Senior Concubine Feng!¡±

    ¡°It is obviously a daylight robbery. The first branch wants a lot of life-sustaining pills and the entire Western Army. Do you think that¡¯s possible?¡± Qiu Ynughed slightly and said, ¡°They themselves should know that there is no such thing as we agree to whatever they ask for. So, the next step is definitely to negotiate! If they do, no one knows whether Jiang Huizhi¡¯s future position in the Pce or the possibility of Princess Qi¡¯s returning to the Prince¡¯s Mansion will be brought up.¡±

    ¡°If the fourth branch is really willing to talk to them, do you think these two things are important to the fourth branch and grandfather?¡±

    Of course not!

    Zhuang Man pursed her lips, ¡°If Jiang Huizhi entered the Pce to be in the high position, the first one to lose face would be Xin Fubing, the granddaughter of Sir Jibei. Although Xin Fubing can get along well with the fourth branch juniors, in front of Jiang Tianchi and his wife, she is just one of the many juniors only!¡±

    ¡°As for Princess Qi¡¯s returning to the Prince¡¯s Mansion, the fourth branch doesn¡¯t mind! The moods of Prince of Qi, Senior Concubine Feng, and Old Princess Tong¡­ Are they worthy of the fourth branch worrying about?¡±

    ¡°So, Senior Concubine Feng agreed to cooperate with you in order to prevent the resurgence of Princess Qi, right?¡± Zhuang Man mused, ¡°This senior concubine¡¯s reaction was not slow.¡± Actually, she hadn¡¯t thought of that much.

    However, ¡°Does dealing with Princess Qi have to do with Madame Dou¡¯s situation at this time? Even if Princess Qi did something unwise right now, I don¡¯t think she could be condemned at all, given that Madame Dou is dying.¡±

    ¡°What if the unwise thing she did was the very thing that caused Madame Dou to be sick, or even¡­¡± Qiu Yn asked unhurriedly, ¡°thus die?¡±

    Zhuang Man was shocked, ¡°Well¡­¡± She pondered for a moment, ¡°Princess Qi once almost forced her own husband to death! Although the incident was covered up, almost everyone among the nobles knew the inside story. It¡¯s quite possible that she can do something more desperate. But why did she do it to Madame Dou? Madame Dou loves her as her official daughter! And in her current situation, without her own mother¡¯s affection, there will be no hope for her in her life, right?¡±

    Qiu Yn said lightly, ¡°Even with her mother¡¯s love, she¡¯s still recovering outside the city.¡±

    ¡°But there¡¯s always hope, right?¡± Zhuang Man insisted, ¡°If Madame Dou were gone¡­¡±

    ¡°And then it will be necessary to prepare for her funeral affairs, and then Princess Qi will have toe back to the Mansion to offer her condolences, which no one can possibly stop!¡± Qiu Yn said calmly, ¡°If she came back to mourn and cried miserably and emotionally, mentioning Madame Dou¡¯s love and kindness to her before, and if there are Madame Dou Junior and others to speak for her, maybe she doesn¡¯t need to go back to the farm outside the city. Even if she can¡¯t go back to the Mansion of the Prince of Qi right away, staying at the Marquess¡¯s Mansion is not more than a few steps away from the Prince¡¯s Mansion, and it¡¯s already enough to make influences.¡±

    ¡°Transitioning in the Marquess¡¯s Mansion, she might be able to have a chance to move back to the Prince¡¯s Mansion to be the decisive person. If so, everything that Senior Concubine Feng has now, including her life, would be hard to say!¡±

    Zhuang Man drew a cold breath and pondered sharply, ¡°Was the reason why she was doing it that she wanted to use it to put pressure on the fourth branch and had more certainty of achieving her goal?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Qiu Yn narrowed her eyes and said indifferently, ¡°It was more because the first branch had said surely that Madame Dou was dying, which made Princess Qi think that she was really dying. She thought now that Madame Dou was about to die, she might as well let Madame Dou love her for thest time. Because once Madame Dou died, Jiang Yayue and others would need to mourn, which would be a blow to the first branch! Princess Qi certainly knew that! So even if she wanted to use her mother¡¯s life as a stepping stone, she would have to think about whether the consequences were worth it.¡±

    ¡°But she wouldn¡¯t have to think too much if Madame Dou were bound to die.¡± Zhuang Man murmured, ¡°So, it was not only Princess Qi who murdered Madame Dou, but also the entire first branch. They were the ones who took the initiative to spread the rumors all over the city, causing Princess Qi to misunderstand and leading to¡­¡±

    She took a deep breath and looked at Qiu Yn with aplicated expression, ¡°That would make my aunt¡¯s me much lighter! After all, if it weren¡¯t for Princess Qi¡¯s matricide, maybe Madame Dou wouldn¡¯t die.¡±

    ¡°She can¡¯t die!¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°I previously sent life-sustaining pills to the other side through my grandmother and grandfather, but what about the other side? Instead of being anxious to ept it, they even had the time to negotiate the price with me. In that case, either Madame Dou¡¯s injury was not as serious as they said, or from the young to the elder of the first branch, there was no one filial but one was more unfilial than another! What do you think they would choose?¡±

    Even a fool would choose the former!

    Zhuang Man bit her lip, ¡°So you told my brother-inw to put those things in Madame Dou¡¯s dowry room¡­ And you then asked him to go to Senior Concubine Feng¡­¡±

    ¡°I was very sincere about reconciling with them, but they thought I was weak and deceivable.¡± Qiu Yn said indifferently, ¡°I had to be quick about it. After all, I can¡¯t afford to waste time with them nowadays!¡± Even if she was in good condition and could squander days with the first branch, she still had to consider Jiang Yashuang¡¯s worries, didn¡¯t she?

    Besides, she was really disgusted by the way the first branch had acted this time. Jiang Qizheng¡¯s whereabouts were still unknown and the other side didn¡¯t mention anything about her from the beginning. Once she had just shown an intention to smooth the things over, they immediately acted overbearing! It¡¯s hard for her not to smack them!

    ¡°They still want to get thepensation, to take advantage, and to show their authority¡­¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Let the first branch go y with themselves! I¡¯m not going to apany them!¡±

    Two dayster, Madame Dou died!

    The first branch knelt outside Marquess Qin¡¯s study, mourning and asking Marquess Qin for justice!

    As for the fourth branch, Jiang Yashuang left his mother in the care of Mrs. Chang and his wife in the care of Mrs. Qu and Mrs. Zhou, and then he went for the battle alone.

    He already knew Qiu Yn¡¯s arrangements and so he questioned her as soon as he reached there, ¡°Two days ago, Ningyi said she was going to send you the pills, but you dragged your heel and refused to take them, which could prove that my eldest aunt was not in a very critical situation! If she had been in the critical situation, could you still have had the mood to dilly-dally? It is only a few days before my eldest aunt died. No one knows why she died! How can they me it on our mother!¡±

    Naturally, the first branch felt that this was sophistry. However, after a heated dispute, the first branch finally agreed to let the Imperial Academy of Medicine organize an investigation into Madame Dou¡¯s death, under the situation that Empress Dowager Jiang at the Pce heard about it and sent Maid Lin to intervene.

    This investigation revealed that Madame Dou¡¯s death was caused by poisoning.

    How could the first branch not know they had been plotted against by the fourth branch? But arge group of imperial doctors made that conclusion in full view of the public. It was toote to regret. Since Madame Dou was poisoned by an acute poison which was recognized by the imperial doctors, the first suspect was naturally in the first branch, especially those who had served her and stayed close to her these days!

    The suspected stuff that Qiu Yn had asked Jiang Yahong to arrange naturally pointed at Madame Dou¡¯s dowry maid!

    This maid reacted quickly and was loyal enough! Seeing the remaining poison found in her room, she knew that it was basically impossible to be clear of suspicion and so she simply knelt down with a thud, ¡°Young Master, didn¡¯t you say that as long as I did the job, you would leave me a decent end?¡±

    But Qiu Yn was also on guard against her, and Jiang Yashuang, who had been instructed to do so, gave a wink, and then someone found a secretpartment from the maid¡¯s chamber and took out ¡°the handwritten letter¡± from Princess Qi!

    Jiang Yashuang then asked to send someone to confront Princess Qi on the farm outside the city. With the help of Senior Concubine Feng who had quietly arranged a man there, both human testimony and material evidence were clear. The first branch understood that their family was over and so they just stayed silent.

    ¡°Let the idle disperse!¡± Seeing this, Marquess Qin let out a long sigh and stood up with a gloomy face. Just then, the old servant, who had always been steady, stumbled in and said in a trembling voice, ¡°Old Master!¡±

    It was the first time that Marquess Qin had seen his long-time henchman lose his calmness in such a manner and his heart suddenly sank, ¡°Is it the western savages or Beihu?¡±

    ¡°The Second Young Master and the Sixth Young Master were assassinated in Shazhou!¡±

    What a bolt from the blue!

    A few momentster, Jiang Tianao had a ckout and soon copsed to the ground!

 Chapter 394 - To Save Qiu Jinglan!

    Chapter 394 To Save Qiu Jinn!

    After hearing the news, Jiang Tianqi and his wife also crumpled to the ground, just like Jiang Tianao. By this time, no one in the Jiang Family cared about Madame Dou¡¯s death or whether she was killed by Princess Qi or not. All the attention was given to the sudden and terrible news!

    How did Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing die?

    Who killed them?

    What about the Western Army?

    What would happen to the first branch and the third branch?

    Would the rtionship and power among the various branches of the Jiang Family be changed?

    As for this series of questions, not only the Jiang Family was eager to know the answers, but also all officials were trying to get information. In this context, it was natural that Madame Dou¡¯s funeral which was once grand at the beginning became almost unattended atst. And even Jiang Tianao did not pay much attention to it. So, Madame Dou was buried in a very hasty manner.

    Jiang Huizhi and other juniors who were favored by Madame Dou had been devastated. Because of this, they had a deep hatred for the fourth branch!

    But the fourth branch had no time to bother with them. They were busy thinking about the changing situation in Shazhou!

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s something wrong with this news!¡± Jiang Yashuang hurried back to his yard to discuss with his wife, ¡°It has been some days since the two were assassinated and the news reached Jing City. But the news from your brother these days is actually as usual without even mentioning it!¡±

    ¡°I know, right?¡± Qiu Yn also frowned, ¡°Someone must have given a gag order¡­ Apart from the youngest grand uncle, there is no one else who can make my brother keep his mouth shut like this!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang frowned, ¡°My youngest grand uncle ordered to keep him quiet. It is somewhat interesting! The deaths of these two are a blow to the whole Jiang Family, especially to the first branch and the third branch. But as long as my grandfather is there, it doesn¡¯t matter a lot to suffer these blows¡­ Why should they be ordered to keep silent so strictly?¡±

    Qiu Yn guessed, ¡°Could it be because of the murderer? It can be calcted that the two were assassinated when my youngest grand uncle arrived in Shazhou. So, he should have started to search for the murderer as soon as he arrived! Perhaps he ordered to keep his mouth shut to confuse the murderer. And now he may have a clue and then speak it out, right?¡±

    ¡°My youngest grand uncle didn¡¯t say much in his handwritten letter. He only said that it was something important and he would tell my grandfather in person when he returned to Jing City.¡± Jiang Yashuang paced a few steps, frowning, ¡°I¡¯m more worried about whether it has something to do with your brother¡­¡±

    He thought the only person in Shazhou who had the ability and motivation to kill Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing was Qiu Jinn.

    Of course, everyone knew that Qiu Jinn loved his sister and he wouldn¡¯t do something that made her in a difficult position between her husband¡¯s family and her maiden family. But what if Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing attacked Qiu Jinn first? In that case, the situation was so critical that Qiu Jinn had to kill them first as he was about to be killed.

    ¡°If it had something to do with my brother, howe they should raid Ruan¡¯s Mansion?¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s face changed slightly when he mentioned this. But after thinking for a moment, she said, ¡°But I haven¡¯t heard of such news now!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang mused, ¡°That¡¯s just my guess. After all, those two men, protected by great guards, are mostly in the army. So, assassinating them would be no easy task! Even my brother could hardly make it if he intended to do so.¡±

    The couple, like Marquis Qin, thought that Jiang Yadan was just a fop, and Jiang Qizheng and Ou Qinn had been killed. Even if the two women were alive, how could they, one gentle and quiet and the other spirited and simple, have nned the deaths of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing? They were the ones who were likely to be killed!

    Atst, the only suspect was Qiu Jinn!

    Noticing that his wife was looking increasingly pale, Jiang Yashuang was afraid that her worries would affect her baby and so he sent Jiang Tan out to look for information in front of her.

    Fortunately, after some time Jiang Tan returned and said that although there were many rumors outside about the deaths of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing, there was no mention of Qiu Jinn. ¡°In Ruan¡¯s Mansion, everything is just the same as usual. On the pretext that I was passing by, I went in to ask for a cup of hot tea. Butler Ruan there happened to be free and came to the front to talk with me. I told him that I wanted to deliver a letter to my distant cousin, who had gone to Shazhou with the Eighth Young Master, and the butler readily agreed. He told me to send the letter over at any time and he would arrange to bring it with the letter to young master Ruan. He promised that by then, the letter would be taken to the person unopened!¡±

    ¡°It seems that it has nothing to do with your brother.¡± Jiang Yashuang was relieved secretly and he said to his wife in a monotone voice, ¡°Otherwise, as almost all the people in Ruan¡¯s Mansion are members of Tianya and they are the most capable and trusted for your brother, how can something happens to him but they are kept out of it?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought what her husband said did make sense and she settled down a bit. So, she urged her husband to go back to the main hall, ¡°In that case, I won¡¯t worry about it. You should go and see your mother. Has she been much better these days?¡±

    This was what Mrs. Zhou reminded her of, ¡°I can see that Madame Zhuang loves her children very much. But for various reasons they were separated for years. Now shees back but gets sick! I¡¯m afraid that if young master Yashuang oftenes back to the yard here, she will feel lonely and be angry with you!¡±

    Qiu Yn did not want to create a rift with her mother-inw because of the time she had with Jiang Yashuang. So, as she was reassured, she urged her husband to go and spend time with his mother.

    This time she was right. Because not long after Jiang Yashuang left the fourth branch¡¯s main hall, Madame Zhuang woke up. As she knew about the assassination of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing and heard that her son had gone to discuss it with her daughter-inw, she could not wait to see him.

    She was extremely eager to see her son. As soon as Jiang Yashuang stepped outside, he ran into Mrs. Chang who went there to urge him, which also shocked him, ¡°Is there something wrong with my mother?¡±

    ¡°Madame Zhuang has woken up and she appears to be in better spirits than a couple of days ago,¡± said Mrs. Chang quickly, ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with her. She just wants to ask you about the deaths of the Second Young Master and the Sixth Young Master!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was therefore relieved. After rushing to Madame Zhuang¡¯s sickbed, he paid respects to her first and then took a seat on the drum stool the servants offered, smiling, ¡°Mother, you want to know if the news of the deaths of my second brother and sixth brother is true, right? The news was sent back personally by my youngest grand uncle¡¯s trusted men and so I don¡¯t think it¡¯s wrong!¡±

    ¡°You all get out!¡± Madame Zhuang waved her hand and dismissed her servants. After that, she said through gritted teeth, ¡°I guess it is poetic justice! I have been thinking about avenging your sister¡¯s death. I count the days, thinking that this happy news woulde in over half a month. But here it is!¡±

    Her words made Jiang Yashuang astounded, ¡°Mother, do you mean¡­¡±

    ¡°The first branch and the third branch murdered your sister. How could your father and I let them go?¡± Madame Zhuang sneered, ¡°Before I set out, the men your father sent to Shazhou to avenge your sister¡¯s death had already been on the way. But to hide from your grandfather, they passed through Beihu¡¯s territory on the pretext of spying on its movements¡­¡±

    With that Madame Zhuang frowned slightly, ¡°They were too fast. Did they change their routeter?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said, startled and confused, ¡°Mother, my second brother and sixth brother were not assassinated recently! If my father had started to make arrangements since he received my eighteenth sister¡¯s blood letters, he must have flown there! Otherwise, it would never have been done by someone of my father!¡±

    Madame Zhuang said, astonished, ¡°Really?¡± She had been away from Jing City for so many years before returning and she almost had no influence in Marquis Qin¡¯s Mansion. So, the information she had obtained was certainly not very detailed. When she heard the details from his son, she confirmed that the deaths of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing had nothing to do with Jiang Tianchi. Therefore, she was quite surprised, ¡°And then who did it?¡±

    She also suspected Qiu Jinn, ¡°Is that your brother-inw? His men, those descended from Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, are specialized in assassination, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°I do think so!¡± In front of his mother, things he could not say to his wife could be open to discussion, ¡°Although there isn¡¯t news of the raid on Ruan¡¯s Mansion and the search for Tianya, I guess maybe it is because my youngest grand uncle is considerate. He knows that Lan is pregnant and is afraid that she will not be able to bear the news. That¡¯s why he has suppressed it first, isn¡¯t it? Otherwise, as it would not be too much to say that we, the Jiang Family, have all the power in the court now, what can¡¯t we say directly about who the murderer is? Is it necessary to reveal the answer when my youngest grand uncle returns?¡±

    Madame Zhuang frowned, ¡°If so, it is indeed a problem! Your eighth brother is not interested in the army and you will have to take over your father¡¯s position in the future. An and the others are too young¡­ If Qiu Jinn could not control the Western Army now, we could only watch others take it away!¡±

    ¡°And if my brother-inw did it, we, the fourth branch, couldn¡¯t get away with it!¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°It¡¯s not certain what the first branch and the third branch will do at that time!¡±

    ¡°Who cares what they will do?¡± Madame Zhuang sneered, ¡°Anyway, the two sons they most expect to steal the military power are dead!¡±

    She did not hide her gloating, ¡°So, God forbids their being greedy! Great! How great to see their death! Let¡¯s see if they still dare to want the military power!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang coughed, ¡°Lan only has one brother from her maiden family that she can rely on. If it is true that her brother is considered a murderer, I am afraid that even though she is concealed now, one day she will¡­¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to tell me about that. As Qiu Jinn is a talented person and is on our side, your father and I must try to keep him!¡± Madame Zhuang readily said, ¡°Go to the cupboard over there and get my mother¡¯s personal seal! I will tell you the code word that I have agreed with your father¡¯smanders¡­ Write a letter at once and send someone reliable to send it to Shazhou!¡±

    ¡°If there are no idents, he should arrive just in time for when the men your father arranged to avenge your sister¡¯s death arrive! If Qiu Jinn is really the murderer, your youngest grand uncle will definitely bring him to Jing City alive to give an exnation! When he does, let your father¡¯s men disguise as bandits and take him away. Hide him in the Western army and after a couple of years, we can give him a new identity and arrange him to be an official again!¡±

    What Madame Zhuang said meant that in a couple of years when Marquis Qin and the others were old and dying, Qiu Jinn could show up again. As for what the first branch and the third branch would think, was it important?

    ¡°My youngest grand uncle is there now!¡± Jiang Yashuang quicklyid out the paper and ground the ink while saying, ¡°If my youngest grand uncle takes charge in person¡­¡±

    Madame Zhuang snorted, ¡°Take it easy! Those men are one of the cornerstones of your father¡¯smand of the Northern Army. Your youngest grand uncle couldn¡¯t bear to kill them! If he has his hands tied like this, there will be no problem with getting Qiu Jinn out!¡±

    The foundation of the Jiang family was too shallow at the beginning. And it took a lot of hard work to cultivate a man like Jiang Tianchi who can take charge of the Northern Army. There was simply no alternative! Even though the fourth branch had repeatedly held that against the real power of the Jiang Family, as the elders, they could only endure it. Even if they had reached their limit, all they could do was endure it all over again!

    While Madame Zhuang and Jiang Yashuang were trying to find ways to save Qiu Jinn, in Shazhou, Qiu Jinn was frowning at Qiu Feng in the hall, ¡°What are you saying? Are you really going to take Chunfu Princess with you to wander all over the world? Are you awake?¡±

    ¡°Wander all over the world?¡± Qiu Feng frowned at him as well. The meaning was almost the same, but as Qiu Jinn changed the wording, it sounded different and seemed not to be good. ¡°After this, Qizheng feels tired of the court and is no longer willing to go back to Jing City. I don¡¯t like that kind of environment either and so I thought I could just take her around¡­ Of course, we need to pick our son up. It¡¯s not a good idea to always entrust the Jiang Family with him.¡±

    Qiu Jinn looked at him as if he were stupid, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that you do not know the true reason why Chunfu Princess said that!¡±

 Chapter 395 - If You Have Anything to Say, Just Tell Me Directly!

    Chapter 395 If You Have Anything to Say, Just Tell Me Directly!

    ¡°She was afraid that you would be angered by the Jiang Family when you returned to Jing City and so she said she didn¡¯t want to return to Jing City on purpose to get you to travel around. Didn¡¯t she do that for avoiding your showing up in front of the Jiang Family?¡± Qiu Jinn said, sneering, ¡°Tired of prosperousnd? You don¡¯t even think about where shees from! She is the first daughter of the Jiang Family and the princess crowned by the emperor! She is a gentle girl of noble birth. So, it would be a relief for her to return to the prosperous Jing City immediately after such a fright! If it weren¡¯t for you, I¡¯m sure she would have gone back to Jing City for rest and recuperation!¡±

    Qiu Feng blushed at once, ¡°It is thoughtless of me. I will go back and persuade her to go back to Jing City.¡±

    ¡°Go back to Jing City?¡± Qiu Jinn continued to sneer, ¡°Have Chunfu Princess beg her maiden family to let you off the hook, will you? Or will you continue to give her that attitude and remind her how much you don¡¯t want this marriage?¡±

    ¡°We have a child now. And what do you think I can think about?¡± Qiu Feng, who had a pleasingly direct manner, was not an indecisive man. After hearing that, he could not help frowning, ¡°I¡¯ll take whatever punishment the Jiang Family wants!¡±

    Qiu Jinn sneered again, ¡°Yeah. Master Qiu, you are excellent at martial arts and you are a righteous man. But have you thought about that? The Jiang Family is not the same as those you met in Jianghu! This time two of their trueborn sons died! Do you think that if you were stabbed by them, they would erase it all and give you a thumbs up afterward? Or do you want to simply die and leave Chunfu Princess being a widow and your child, who cannot yet walk or talk, losing his father?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean then?¡± Qiu Feng knew that what he said was true. Although Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing were not killed by him, the trigger for the whole thing was that Jiang Qizheng travelled west to find her husband. Qiu Feng was the husband and the Jiang Family would naturally vent their anger on him.

    He rubbed between his eyes and said expressionless, ¡°After all that, what you want me to do is to listen to you. What do you intend to do?¡±

    Seeing that, Qiu Jinn made his tone down, ¡°You can¡¯t go to Jing City. You¡¯ll get yourself killed! If the first branch and the third branch of the Jiang Family received the news that Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing had died, they would go crazy, and at that time, even the fourth branch would be busy defending themselves. How could they have the time to care about you? If you go there, you will only be an inconvenience to Chunfu Princess and even your children. You can¡¯t go to Jianghu as well!¡±

    He raised his hand to stop Qiu Feng who was about to say something, ¡°Much has changed! You have a wife and a son now. You are okay with the conditions in Jianghu. But Chunfu Princess is weak and delicate, do you think she can stand it? Even if she can stand it, don¡¯t forget your son is still young. Can he stand it?¡±

    ¡°This is the mostmon difficulty in Jianghu. Do you think that the first branch and the third branch of the Jiang Family won¡¯t give you any trouble? And the enemies you¡¯ve made in the past are a piece of sh*t. What tricks can¡¯t they use? When you are alone, you can barely manage it with your excellent martial arts skills, but you still need Mr. Ren to look after you in secret. That¡¯s why you¡¯vee this far while remaining intact!¡±

    ¡°Now having your wife and son, how dare you wander outside?¡±

    Qiu Jinn said word by word, ¡°even if you don¡¯t care about your own life, can you bear the costs of losing your wife or your son?¡±

    His words made Qiu Feng defeated. He was silent for a long time before he said, ¡°I just want to live a free and easy life! I didn¡¯t know where I came from before and I just wanted to live such a life without a guilty conscience. Now that I know about my background, I¡¯ve thought about it carefully and I still think the same! Even if I have my wife and son, and my wife is a princess, I still want to stay away from the court and be free in Jianghu!¡±

    ¡°Just stay in Shazhou!¡± Qiu Jinn ignored his words and said indifferently, ¡°Previously, to cover up for Chunfu Princess, the Jiang Family made up the lie that you were serving in Shazhou. Now it¡¯s just the right time to finish the story! Sir Jibei has already acquiesced to my taking over the Western Army. And the first branch and the third branch of the Jiang Family will soon be cleansed of their power in Shazhou. So, you¡¯re safe only when you stay here.¡±

    He paused a minute and said, ¡°As for Chunfu Princess, you can decide with her about whether she should stay in Shazhou or go back to Jing City!¡±

    With that, he didn¡¯t give Qiu Feng a chance to answer but drew out his official documents to read, which made it clear that he wanted to send his guest away.

    When Qiu Feng left with disappointment, Jiang Qizheng walked out from behind the screen and sighed softly, ¡°General Qiu, thank you for being willing to keep him in Shazhou!¡± Qiu Feng was caught in a situation that he could not go to Jing City and could not stay in Jianghu. Since Jiang Qizheng was able to n the murder of his two cousins and no one noticed that she was the one behind the whole thing, how could she not understand this?¡±

    But she was just worried that if she analyzed the situation with Qiu Feng, he would not listen to her. So, she turned to Qiu Jinn for help in secret. As a matter of fact, Qiu Jinn came out and managed to persuade Qiu Feng, easily making him have no room to argue.

    ¡°Qiu Feng, my master, and I are closely connected. Even if you kept silent, I would not let him do something stupid.¡± Qiu Jinn put down his pen and stood up. He bowed to her with hands folded and smiled faintly, ¡°You¡¯re wee, Princess!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng gave a bitter smile, ¡°Anyway, he is my husband. I appreciate it that you are willing to help him!¡± Although the trip was confidential and the matter had been finished, she did not want to stay longer with Qiu Jinn. She bowed her body, ¡°If there is an opportunity in the future, I will pay you back¡­ I should get going!¡±

    Qiu Jinn returned the salute, watching her yfully as she walked out the door. When Jiang Qizheng was almost out the door, he suddenly asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious about where Qiu Feng came from? He said this himself just now!¡±

    ¡°Did he get married before? Does he have a son or daughter outside?¡± Jiang Qizheng stood still at his words and then she smiled back at him, asking calmly.

    This answer caused Qiu Jinn to be slightly stunned and heughed at once, ¡°Of course not!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think he is that kind of person!¡± As the wind blew through the door, Jiang Qizheng raised her hand to sweep up a strand of her hair and said sweetly, ¡°Otherwise, how could he, such a person who wants to be free, be willing to acquiesce to your arrangement for the sake of our child and me?¡±

    ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°So, no matter where he came from¡­¡± Jiang Qizheng said with dignity, ¡°It¡¯s not a big issue for me!¡±

    With a bright light shining in her eyes, she beamed with pleasure, looking frank and calm, ¡°If that is the case, why should I consume your time for something so trivial that it will be forgotten in the blink of an eye?¡±

    ¡°I used to think that you were no different from other nobledies, but today I realize that I underestimated you.¡± After a pause, Qiu Jinn gave a bow to her again and showed his appreciation, ¡°You are more open-minded than any man! It is such a blessing for Qiu Feng to marry you. I will tell him about what you did in the future¡­¡±

    But Jiang Qizheng shook his hand and interrupted, ¡°That¡¯s not necessary! Didn¡¯t you just say that? We¡¯ll take care of our own business! Besides, my husband hasn¡¯t done me any wrong. We¡¯re just¡­¡± She frowned, which clearly showed that even though she knew well that Qiu Jinn did have a great influence on Qiu Feng, she was not willing to tell others what had happened between her husband and her.

    ¡°General Qiu, since that youpliment me on my open mind, you are surely a supporter ofdies¡¯ being forthright?¡± Jiang Qizheng was about to end the conversation and leave, but as she just took a step, she suddenly had a thought and said, ¡°But in terms of forthrightness, I think I can neverpare with Xing! You know that on this trip to the west, Qiu Feng and I are married, but Xing is¡­¡±

    Qiu Jinn stopped her at once, ¡°Princess, now there is a turmoil in Shazhou. We still don¡¯t know how those in Jing City will deal with the deaths of two young masters of the Jiang Family. I¡¯m not in the mood to think about love affair!¡± As noble as Jiang Qizheng was, if she made it clear, it was almost impossible for Qiu Jinn not to give a definite answer. So, Qiu Jinn could not let her say it.

    ¡°General Qiu, just give me the dope on it.¡± Jiang Qizheng insisted, ¡°I am not forcing you to do something by mentioning Xing to you! After all, I have already experienced it by myself, and I don¡¯t want you or Xing to repeat the same mistake! I just want to say that General Qiu was a regr visitor of the whorehouse back in the day and so you can¡¯t be unaware of Xing¡¯s thoughts! Both in terms of honor and the age of her¡­¡±

    After a short silence, she said coldly, ¡°If you don¡¯t intend to choose Xing, please let her down easy as soon as possible!¡±

    ¡°I believe that with your great tact and cruelty, it¡¯s not difficult for you, right?¡±

    Qiu Jinn looked at her in silence and then nodded calmly, ¡°Yes, Princess!¡±

    ¡°s!¡± He promised with sincerity, but Jiang Qizheng¡¯s heart was suddenly shaken, ¡°It looks like he won¡¯t choose Xing.¡±

    But when she thought about her own expectations before the wedding and the grievance she swallowed in silence afterward, Jiang Qizheng gritted her teeth, ¡°It¡¯s better to have a short pain than a long one. Xing will understand one day!¡±

    She went out of the door, looking preupied. Just as she reached the corridor, she heard a familiar voice coughing behind her, ¡°Qizheng!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s you?¡± Jiang Qizheng turned around in astonishment, but she saw Qiu Feng, who had left before,ing slowly from a short distance away. She quickly looked at the room where Qing Jinn was, only to find the door was closed in such a short time. She understood at once and could not help but be furious. She said through clenched teeth, ¡°Qiu Jinn, you such a¡­ You said you would not let him know. You dare¡­ I¡¯ll get back to you!¡±

    She concealed her anger with efforts and exined to Qiu Feng cautiously, ¡°I don¡¯t mean anything else. I¡¯m just thinking that¡­¡±

    ¡°In the future, if you have anything in mind¡­¡± However, at that time, Qiu Feng said carefully as well. Both of them looked at each other¡¯s apprehensive and somewhat timid look at the same time so that they could not help stopping their words.

    After looking at each other in silence for a while, Jiang Qizheng could not help herself but chuckle. As she was afraid of making her husband embarrassed, she quickly lifted her sleeves to cover her mouth and coughed to hide it.

    Qiu Feng slowly blushed and didn¡¯t know how to act for a while. And then he made up his mind and finished his speech loudly, ¡°If you have anything in mind in the future, you can tell me directly! There is no need to ask someone else to convey it!¡±

    Looking at the sudden tears and the stunned look on Jiang Qizheng¡¯s face, he felt his heart unprecedentedly softened, like a pool of water. His heart was so soft and tender that even his voice was subconsciously tender like water. ¡°After all, we are husband and wife! There isn¡¯t something that we cannot say directly, is there?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right!¡± Jiang Qizheng wept andughed at the same time. After a while, as Qiu Feng wiped her eyes clumsily, she nodded vigorously and said earnestly, ¡°From now on I¡¯ll tell you whatever I want to say and never look for someone else to tell it to you, especially the guy in there who is such a bad egg!¡±

    ¡°She does burn the bridge!¡± Ruan Yi, who was peeking from behind the window, turned down the corners of his mouth and crept back to Qiu Jinn¡¯s table to help with the ink, saying angrily, ¡°You have just helped Chunfu Princess while she is scolding you!¡±

    Qiu Jinn continued to read through his official documents and said coolly, ¡°They were just past all this and a bit awkward. They¡¯re trying to get out of that by scolding me!¡±

    ¡°Master, you are the one who knows Master Qiu well!¡± Ruan Yi said in admiration, ¡°How did you know that with such arrangements, Master Qiu would show his true feelings?¡±

    ¡°Do you think everyone is like me?¡± Qiu Jinn stopped writing, looked at his trusted subordinate, and said with a smile, ¡°Since I was a child, I have been carrying a blood feud. Lingering in the whorehouse was just a means to an end. No matter how good those women I met were, I dared not to disappear among them in front of the revenge n. Over time, how could I not be stone-hearted?¡±

    ¡°But Qiu Feng is different from me. He has been taught to be righteous by the Oldman from Lingnan. And he is such a man who would rather let the world betray him than betray the world!¡± Qiu Jinn said evenly, ¡°Earlier, Chunfu Princess forced him into marriage without knowing the true story, but he didn¡¯t even have an outburst of resentment in his heart. And after the marriage, despite being treated coldly by him, the princess still protected him from her maiden family. Furthermore, she almost died because of him this time!¡±

    ¡°Even so, after meeting him, she didn¡¯t say any word toin about him but tried awfully hard to think about his safety¡­¡±

    Qiu Jinn continued, tonelessly, ¡°The most precious thing is that Chunfu Princess never acts like a princess but like a selfless and devoted woman in the world¡­ Except for a few people like me, how many men in the world can be unmoved? Particrly, a righteous man like Qiu Feng is much easier to be moved!¡±

    While looking at Ruan Yi¡¯s look of inward illumination, Qiu Jinn thought in his heart, ¡°Chunfu Princess and Jiang Yashuang are really the siblings! Back then, didn¡¯t Jiang Yashuang coax my sister over by being kind and gentle to do whatever she wanted? That even worked for such a tough person like my sister, not to mention Qiu Feng, who is easier to dupe than her, right?¡±

    ¡°But my sister is a girl and has a bit of a difficult temperament. So, Jiang Yashuang always has to coax her so far!¡± Qiu Jinn gloated in his heart, ¡°The more you get along with Qiu Feng, the kinder Qiu Feng is¡­ And Chunfu Princess is gentle on the surface but ruthless inside. Hopefully, he can keep Chunfu Princess in love with him in the future, otherwise¡­ Ha-ha!¡±

    After his snigger, Qiu Jinn suddenly remembered what Jiang Qizheng told him just now. He slightly frowned, ¡°To let Miss Ou down easy? She¡¯s the only girl in this generation of the Jingbo¡¯s Family and her father and brothers are both right-hand men of the fourth branch of the Jiang Family. I can¡¯t offend her too hard, or else I¡¯ll get my sister into trouble¡­ I have to think about it carefully!¡±

 Chapter 396 - Every Dog Has His Day!

    Chapter 396 Every Dog Has His Day!

    When Qiu Jinn pondered how to turn Ou Qinn down properly, clouds were gathering in Jing City.

    After mixed feelings of shock, doubt, confirmation, and grief, the first branch and the third branch of the Jiang Family simultaneously believed that the fourth branch must have something to do with the murderer of their sons!

    But this time everything changed, it was their turn to taste the feeling of being stopped by Marquis Qin, ¡°Although your third uncle does not say who the real culprit is, his words imply that he has already known. Let¡¯s wait until he returns. Otherwise, it doesn¡¯t matter a lot to use the fourth branch unjustly. Won¡¯t it be a shame to fall into the treacherous plots of others?¡±

    ¡°It is my third uncle¡¯s silence that makes us suspect the fourth branch! In this world nowadays, apart from members of our own family, what kind of the real culprit cannot be told by the third uncle?¡±

    Marquis Qin sneered, ¡°And then you can tell me how the fourth branch killed Yayue and Yaqing, can¡¯t you? Considering the time when Qizheng¡¯s blood letters were sent to Beijiang, even if Tianchi had sent someone as soon as he received the message, the man couldn¡¯t arrive in Shazhou by now, right? Or do you think Yadan, Qizheng, and the few guards they have with them are capable of doing that?¡±

    ¡°But Qiu Jinn is in Shazhou!¡±

    ¡°Qiu Jinn?¡± Marquis Qin stood silent, ¡°Even though Qiu Jinn can¡¯t take over the Western Army, he can get promoted in the government! He has just avenged his parents¡¯ deaths. And his sister, whom he cherishes, has been Yashuang¡¯s wife. In the prime of his life¡­ How could such a clever man be so foolish that he would put all his eggs in one basket for the sake of the Western Army?¡±

    ¡°My second uncle, Yashuang¡¯s wife is pregnant. Maybe he thought we wouldn¡¯t do anything to him for the sake of his pregnant sister, didn¡¯t he?¡±

    Marquis Qin said coldly, ¡°If it were others, it would be possible for them to do so. But Qiu Jinn is someone that Xue Chang appreciates. Do you think he could be so unwise?¡±

    ¡°But Yayue and Yaqing died!¡± Looking at his indifferent look, Jiang Tianqi shouted angrily, ¡°If it weren¡¯t done by the fourth branch or by Qiu Jinn, the Western Army would be handed over to the fourth branch, wouldn¡¯t it? By then, won¡¯t you be worried about the future of my eldest brother¡¯s branch and mine?¡±

    ¡°You also know that Yayue and Yaqing have died, don¡¯t you?¡± Marquis Qin said, sneering, ¡°If the Western Army was not to be handed over to Qiu Jinn, then who are you going to hand it over to?¡±

    Jiang Tianqi blurted, ¡°Bikong has grown up in the army and he knows the military work well!¡± His younger daughter, the seventeenthdy Jiang Qisheng, exactly married Ou Bikong, who was both the nephew of Jingbo and the cousin of Young Princess Ou Bicheng. And he served as the general of the Northern Army.

    Since that the Ou Family had a good rtionship with the Jiang Family and Sir Jingbo and his son also knew Jiang Tianchi and his son well personally, Ou Bikong had taken a higher position in the Northern Army than Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing. He was in charge of one of the troops at a very early stage. Both the formermander Sir Jibei and the currentmander Jiang Tianchi favored and valued him. So, they often took him with them to share their experience.

    ¡°Ou Bikong is really a talent!¡± But hearing that, Marquis Qin reacted calmly, ¡°But he is too young! The reason why he can take control of his troops is not only because of his own talent but also the Ou Family¡¯s foundation in the Northern Army. He has grown up in the camp and therefore he has a lot of brothers who grew up with him and uncles there! Besides, your third and fourth uncles have been fond of him! If he relied on himself only, he could notmand such a great number of subordinates!¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t Qiu Jinn younger than Bikong?¡± Jiang Tianqi¡¯s face was dark. As he had lost his son, the best choice for him to get his hands on the military power was of course his son-inw!

    Marquis Qin sneered, ¡°But what his grandfather and father left for him is in the Western Army! Wasn¡¯t it that how he was able to easily kill Kuang Shihan and Gu? Not to mention his own talent, Ren Ziyong, the man beside him, is so talented that even the Kuangs treated him as an honored guest! But he is loyal to Qing Jinn. To help Qiu Jinn take his revenge, he even sacrificed his own martial arts to be a spy! Even though Qiu Jinn doesn¡¯t know anything, as long as he is willing to listen to Ren Ziyong¡­ Don¡¯t forget the fact that Ren Ziyong stayed in Shazhou for years as a wingman! Do you think that he will not pave the way for Qiu Jinn to take charge of the Western Army?¡±

    ¡°If it is our family¡¯s trueborn sons who want to meddle in the military power of the Western Army, Ren Ziyong may be more worried about interfering with it!¡±

    ¡°But if not, how do you think Ren Ziyong will do?¡±

    The advisor who used to be known as Mr. Leshan was not the type to be kind! Particrly, he had been in the top level of the Western Army since the time of Kuang Shihan, several years earlier than them. Who did know how many backstops he had in the Western Army today?

    Marquis Qin looked at his nephew and his eldest son coldly, ¡°And don¡¯t you think that it¡¯s too much of a coincidence? It was fine at the beginning but all of a sudden, our family¡¯s descendants are in trouble one after another¡­ We haven¡¯t found all the survivors of Gu while there is a fight in our own family! Who knows if it¡¯s a conspiracy on their part? Shazhou was taken control by Kuang Shihan for years. Even if he died, not all of his subordinates die, don¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°But¡­¡±

    ¡°No but!¡± Marquis Qin stopped Jiang Tianqi directly, ¡°No matter what you think, in terms of the deaths of Yayue and Yaqing, you must wait! We will discuss it when your third uncle brings back the news about the real culprit! In the meantime, if anyone dares to act recklessly and do something that saddens the friends and ddens the enemies, the whole branch shall go back to Kui County! Do you hear me?¡±

    He was the one who led the rise of the Jiang Family. With his umted authority over the years, even though Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi were full of reluctance, they couldn¡¯t help bowing their heads when his gazes swept over them, ¡°Yes!¡±

    Compared to the first branch and the third branch¡¯s being resentful and helpless, the fourth house was at ease.

    Madame Zhuang began to recover after a few days in bed, making Jiang Yashuang and others take a load off their mind. However, because of the ban given by Marquis Qin and the fact that Madame Zhuang had just recovered, it was not appropriate for her to run around. So, she not only did not get out, but also refused to see visitors. Only Jiang Yashuang and his wife were always at her side to take care of her.

    Since that she was grounded in the inner yard, Madame Zhuang had to ask about what had happened there.

    For example, she asked about the daughter-inw Madame Tao Junior who had died, ¡°I heard that she was kind and generous, but she just didn¡¯t get along well with Yadan! I was thinking of getting the couple around to persuade them sometime¡­ But I never expected that she would die first!¡±

    She took An in her arms when she said this. And it was An who started the conversation. So, Qiu Ynforted her, ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, mother. My eighth sister-inw had always been filial. If she knew that you felt bad for her, it would surely be really hard for her.¡±

    Qiu Yn was mainly afraid that Madame Zhuang would be too sad to have a rpse. Therefore, she said so and led her to look at An, ¡°Look at An, do his eyes and eyebrows look like those of my eighth brother?¡±

    ¡°They are also like Yashuang¡¯s!¡± Madame Zhuang watched An carefully for a while and said, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen your eighth sister-inw in person, but I can imagine how good she was as a mother who was willing to trade her life for her own child! It¡¯s just a pity that¡­¡± She looked at the baby boy who was in the cradle not far away and felt hurt, ¡°The two babies just look like Yadan and Yashuang. If you don¡¯t say, outsiders will think they are real brothers!¡±

    It caused Qiu Yn a pain in her head. As she was about to change the subject from Jiang Qizheng, Madame Zhuang suddenly asked, ¡°I heard that the reason why An¡¯s mother died in childbirth seemed to have something to do with a concubine in Yadan¡¯s backyard?¡±

    ¡°For that¡­¡± Qiu Yn pondered quickly. She personally disliked An Zhenshang and did not want to let go of the opportunity to speak ill of her. But she, as a sister-inw, dared to discuss her brother-inw¡¯s backyard¡­ Was it a test by Madame Zhuang? Especially since that she forgot to bring Jiang Yadan¡¯s children born by his concubine to pay a visit to Madame Zhuang before, could it be the reason why Madame Zhuang suspected that she was not willing to see anything well in Jiang Yadan¡¯s backyard?

    But Madame Zhuang didn¡¯t allow her to dy, ¡°It seems that the concubine, whose surname happens to be An, is called Zhenshang, right? And now she is pregnant, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    What she said was indeed An Zhenshang!

    Her mother-inw said the name. If she still yed dumb, it might annoy her. Qiu Yn set her mouth in a line, ¡°Yes, mother! She did have something to do with that!¡±

    ¡°What had happened?¡± Madame Zhuang squinted her eyes.

    Qiu Yn gave a short ount of the matter, not exaggerating it, but attributing Jiang Yadan¡¯s behaviour to An Zhenshang¡¯s deception and teachings. After all, it was unwise to speak ill of her first-born son in front of her mother-inw.

    After hearing that, Madame Zhuang showed little emotion. She said coldly, ¡°The concubine¡¯s surname is An. And the nickname of the baby given by his mother on her deathbed is also An. How could it be appropriate?¡±

    Qiu Yn blurted, ¡°Mother, my eighth sister-inw was a generous person. Even though her maid cheated on her and was taken by brother Yadan, she didn¡¯t say anything. The reason why she gave An the nickname was that she wished him nothing but the best! It was impossible for her to harbor resentment!¡±

    ¡°I see!¡± Madame Zhuang¡¯s voice remained toneless, ¡°She was willing to sacrifice her life for An. How could she remember such a person? But it is not good for Yadan¡¯s first son to have the nickname which is the same as a concubine¡¯s surname!¡±

    She looked at Mrs. Chang who stood by, ¡°Tell that concubine An to change her surname!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t expect this ending and so she was speechless. She was worried that Madame Zhuang suspected that Madame Tao Junior¡¯s naming her son An was because she was thinking about An Zhenshang! Atst, she did that to give vent to the anger for Madame Tao Junior!

    These days it wasmon for concubines and servants to change their names, but it was rare for them to change their surnames. Only if the surname was given by their masters, otherwise it was a great insult. Especially for An Zhenshang, who was a highborndy, changing her surname was an embarrassment for her, or rather, the whole An Family!

    But Madame Zhuang¡¯s anger for her eldest daughter-inw did not stop here. When Mrs. Chang agreed and was ready to go forward to give the order, Madame Zhuang said carelessly again, ¡°A person like her should never have been brought into the family! Your grandmother is too kind. Your eighth sister-inw is her niece! A mistress who murdered a man¡¯s wife should be taken as a concubine. If I had been there back then, I would have killed her before she was pregnant! How could we tolerate her till today?¡±

    Qiu Yn gave a bitter smile as she thought in her heart, ¡°How could Madame Tao not be willing to take sides? But Jiang Tianchi was not born by her! Both as a trueborn mother and a biological mother, no matter how Madame Zhuang treats her son¡¯s concubines, it is unnecessary for her to worry that her son will turn his back on her. Even he does so, it is not difficult for them to sort things out. But Old Madame Tao is worried about that!¡±

    ¡°As the concubine gives birth to the baby, get her to apany An¡¯s mother! And as for the one who cheated on An¡¯s mother and induced Yadan, she doesn¡¯t get pregnant, does she? If so, get her to be a sacrifice right now!¡± Madame Zhuangmanded coldly, ¡°People shall be punished when doing wrong, right? And their family can be forgiven¡­ Oh, tell the An Family to change their surname! I¡¯m not happy with that!¡±

    Qiu Yn was quite happy as she heard. So, she didn¡¯t even pretend to plead, ¡°Mother, on behalf of my eighth sister-inw, I¡¯d like to thank you for your mercy!¡±

    As a man¡¯s wife, she could never be too favorable for what Madame Zhuang did, could she?

    Once the news that how Madame Zhuang made arrangements came out today, who would dare toe on to Jiang Yadan and Jiang Yashuang in the future?

    No wonder that Zhuang Man said that everything would be fine in the fourth branch as long as her aunt came back!

    ¡°It was a pity that my mother-inw didn¡¯te back earlier. If not so, my eighth sister-inw might be still alive!¡± Qiu Yn looked at An with mixed feelings, deeply affected.

 Chapter 397 - A Mother-in-law That Even a Real Mother Cannot Compare With!

    Chapter397 A Mother-inw That Even a Real Mother Cannot Compare With!

    Qiu Yn was so d, but bitter crying started to burst from Jiang Yadan¡¯s backyard. ¡°I have served the Eighth Young Master and the dead eighth madame so many years. I at least deserve credit for efforts. How can Madame ask me to be buried alive with the eighth madame as soon as shees back? I can¡¯t believe it! There must be some misunderstanding!¡±

    Of course, the one who cried was Lu Zhan. In other words, she was very lucky to live until now. Before that, because of the premature death of Jiang Jinghu, when Madame Tao Junior¡¯s position as the first wife was undermined, Madame Tao had wished to kill her. But at that time, Jiang Yadan and An Zhenshang saved her life because they needed her. After Madame Tao Junior was pregnant, ording to the fact, she shouldn¡¯t have managed to escape from death this time.

    But she served Madame Tao Junior for many years and was keenly aware of her temper. She, remaining unkempt, knelt in front of Madame Tao Junior and kowtowed repeatedly until several tiles were stained with her blood. In the end, she melted Madame Tao Junior¡¯s heart. Madame Tao Junior interceded with Madame Tao for Lu Zhan. After such a time, Lu Zhan thoroughly saw the cruelty of the backyard struggle. She never dared to initiate anything and lived carefully!

    However, she thought it was not toote for her to wake up and turn back. Just a few causal words of Madame Zhuang would make her die.

    ¡°How dare you have the nerve to say your efforts?¡± said Mrs. Chang, the trusted subordinate of Madame Zhuang. She was skilled at watching faces in front of Jiang Yashuang, the dearly love trueborn son of Madame Zhuang. But before Lu Zhan, the maid with humble origin who was going to be punished by Madame Zhuang, she pulled a long face. Without saying a word, Mrs. Chang immediately tore her hair and pped her face with no hesitation.

    Mrs. Chang pped her so hard that Lu Zhan was stunned totally!

    ¡°When Madame was far away in Beijiang, I didn¡¯t know how you could be so ungrateful to bully the eighth madame in the Jiang Family.¡± Mrs. Chang scolded and hit her at the same time, giving her a severe beating. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for you, a shameless woman, the poor son of the Fourteenth Young Master would never be born without his mother!¡±

    Lu Zhan was chosen as the maid of Madame Tao Junior since she was a child. Madame Tao Junior was good-tempered and treated servants with generosity. Later, she sank into the arms of Jiang Yadan and was quite spoiled. Although she was a maid, she had always lived a better life than normal rich youngdies and never been treated like this! After a few hits, she instinctively wanted to resist!

    But Mrs. Chang was just waiting for her to resist!

    ¡°This little humble maid is so bold! She even dares to disobey Madame¡¯s order!¡± Mrs. Chang justly and forcefully asked others to help beat Lu Zhan violently, ¡°In that case, don¡¯t give her the white silk and poisoned liquor to preserve her dignity. Just kill her!¡±

    Mrs. Chang was not exactly to vent anger on Lu Zhan for Madame Tao Junior. After all, she didn¡¯t see Madame Tao Junior. She just wanted to give a favor to An. But An was still so young, wasn¡¯t he?

    Her main purpose was to ckmail Lu Zhan¡¯s family, ¡°You really raise a good girl! She even dares to disobey Madame¡¯s words! Don¡¯t you really think that Madame know nothing about things that happened in this backyard when she is not at here? Do you know? Madame is willing to let the humble Lu Zhan be buried with the eighth madame because she considers that Lu Zhan served the eighth madame and the eighth madame was generous! She makes an exception. Otherwise, ording to her temper, such a maid who betrayed her master would be sank to the moat and exile her whole family three thousand miles away! ¡±

    ¡°Do you really think anyone is qualified to be buried with the eighth madame?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be shameless. Wait for Madame¡¯s order to deal with you! Such a family is doomed to be servants. The eighth madame was so good-tempered that she indulged you! You dare to pull a long face to your master. You don¡¯t fear because you have never seen Madame¡¯s means, right? Never mind. As long as Madame sends a message, I will teach you how to be a maid!¡±

    ¡°Oh, what a lovable girl. It is said that you have three sons and two daughters besides Lu Zhan. Which family is the little girl from? A granddaughter? Tut-tut, her face is so delicate, but your family won¡¯t have a good future!¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you understand?¡±

    ¡°If Madame gets angry and sells your family casually, your young granddaughter may fall into some dirty ce at that time! But it doesn¡¯t matter. Now those popr courtesans in Jing City also move in the circles of dignitaries and nobles. Maybe you¡¯ll be lucky in the future. You can rely on her for a good life, right?¡±

    ¡°Hah-hah. she was not discreet. I kindly advised her to obey Madame¡¯s order, which considered her rtionship with the eighth madame and helped her fulfill her filial piety as a daughter! She not only didn¡¯t listen to me, but also started to fight me!¡±

    ¡°I have served Madame all life. I have never been humiliated like this even before the Eighth Young Master and Jiang Yashuang!¡±

    Lu Zhan¡¯s family should also be the dowry of Madame Tao Junior. ording to the rules, after Madame Tao Junior¡¯s death, it should be An, the son of the Fourteenth Young Master, who had the perfectly justifiable right to deal with them. As the husband¡¯s family, the Jiang Family should avoid arousing suspicion. After all, the people as dowry were also part of the dowry. They should all belong to An. It was not convenient for the husband¡¯s family to get involved.

    However, there were few people in the Jiang Family who would abide by the rules. Madame Zhuang was even the most unreasonable person. Lu Zhan¡¯s family was beaten by Mrs. Chang with no way to fight back. Everyone knelt in front of her and begged for a long time. They almost took out all their savings over the years to send her away!

    With Lu Zhan as an example, she didn¡¯t need toe to the An Family. They would obediently offer arge number of the property to her and ask her to say good words in front of Madame Zhuang. For example, they wanted to let An Zhenshang change her surname alone. As for their family, they would like to avoid this kind of humiliation!

    However, though Mrs. Chang took the property openly, she replied to the request with two words: ¡°No way!¡±

    Not only did she reply to the An Family in this way, but when she came back to report to Madame Zhuang, sheined to Madame Zhuang about the An Family, ¡°The An Family was so delusional. They thought that I would ept a little money and they even dared to have designs on your order! No wonder their daughter was bold to murder the eighth madame! The whole family is unruly!¡±

    Mrs. Chang said, presenting the property she extorted from them to Madame Zhuang for disposal.

    Madame Zhuang said coldly, ¡°Since it¡¯s for you, take them and share with Mrs. Qu¡­ As for some people who refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit, you can send a message to Censor and ask them to investigate what illegal things the family has done!¡±

    Qiu Yn, who was talking with her, understood that since Madame Zhuang said this, the An Family almost came to an end. Seeing that the An Family who oppressed Madame Tao Junior overwhelmingly and even Madame Tao couldn¡¯t do anything with was about to go up in smoke because of a few words of Madame Zhuang, she couldn¡¯t help turning her head to wipe the corners of her eyes. There seemed to be a wall blocked in her heart, ¡°It¡¯s a pity that my eighth sister-inw can¡¯t see this!¡±

    She was very regretful now. She thought of so many ways to help Madame Tao Junior, but she only forgot one way to persuade her to go to Beijiang to find Madame Zhuang!

    ¡°I really didn¡¯t know my mother-inw before!¡± Otherwise, Madame Tao Junior could serve her mother-inw alone. Even if she might not conceive An, she would have been much better under Madame Zhuang¡¯s protection. Maybe Madame Zhuang simply called her son over. But it was toote to say this now.

    ¡°Are you thinking of An¡¯s mother?¡± After ordering Mrs. Chang, Madame Zhuang let everyone withdraw with one look. She took her hand and sighed, ¡°Although I haven¡¯t seen that girl, I know her feeling very well!¡±

    At this point, a hint of ferocity shed across her face, ¡°Jiang Yazhu¡¯s biological mother was also such a tterer! Luckily, I got the news early and arrived in Beijiang in time to stop her wild ambition! Since I got married with your father so many years, the only quarrel was because of that b*tch. So, I could see it! These shameless ones should be beaten to death as soon as we find out! Only in this way can we give a warning and deter those coveters!¡±

    Although Qiu Yn saw her mother-inw dispose of Lu Zhan and An Zhenshang, she knew that her mother-inw would deal with those troubled mistresses with nopassion, but she didn¡¯t expect that her mother-inw would tell her the harm of mistresses bluntly. This was what a mother would tell her daughter. And not every mother would say so. In this era, many mothers persuaded their daughters to be generous and take the initiative to take mistresses for their son-inw!

    Anyway, she got along well with Madame Zhuang for a short time. She didn¡¯t know whether her words were sincere or not.

    After all, seeing the cruel mother-inw like Madame He, Qiu Yn dared not to take her mother-inw lightly!

    Madame Zhuang didn¡¯t ask her to answer but said to herself, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen Jiang Yazhu and his wife these days. Do you know where they have gone?¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned and replied, ¡°Aren¡¯t they in the yard?¡±

    ¡°They packed up their things two days ago. The whole family has set off to north to go to your father!¡± Madame Zhuang sneered, ¡°That¡¯s what your grandfather means! They think I don¡¯t know. The son of a concubine in my own branch is going away. Of course, I can know, unless I¡¯m dead!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°What does grandfather mean?¡±

    ¡°He did it to show me deliberately!¡± Madame Zhuang sneered, ¡°It¡¯s just a warning to me that there is not only my son in the fourth branch. Even Jiang Yazhu, the son of a concubine, is also the blood of the Jiang Family. But does that evil guy deserve to bepared with my child?¡±

    Looking at Qiu Yn, she continued, ¡°So, have you seen the harm of mistresses? Once you cannot handle it well, it will make trouble for your own children! Even if the bad child can¡¯t shake the status of Yadan and Yashuang, it will eventually take their possessions! You must learn from me in the future. Once you find that someone is hitting on Yashuang, just strike! Remember to remove out the source of the trouble! Don¡¯t worry about the aftermath. I¡¯ll bear anything for you!¡±

    After Qiu Yn, wiping her tears, left, Mrs. Chang came in with bird¡¯s nest for Madame Zhuang. Seeing her drinking slowly, she smiled and said, ¡°I really don¡¯t know why madame Qiu is so blessed to be your daughter-inw! Even a real mother may not be willing to indulge her daughter by telling what you just said to her!¡±

    ¡°I hate those mothers-inw who add other mistresses to daughter-inw in my life!¡± Madame Zhuang drank half a bowl of bird¡¯s nest and gave the rest to Mrs. Chang, humming coldly, ¡°If my grandmother of my maiden family hadn¡¯t stuffed mistresses to my father¡¯s backyard one after another, my mother might not have died so early! So, when I got married, I swore that if my mother-inw dared to stuff someone in my backyard, don¡¯t me me for ignoring the rtionship with her!¡±

    ¡°Anyway, Madame Dou passed away early, and Madame Tao didn¡¯t do that! So, I didn¡¯t suffer any grievances from my mother-inw. Naturally I should benefit my own daughter-inw! After Dan¡¯er was born, I decided that as long as my daughter-inw was reasonable and somewhat polite and filial, I wouldn¡¯t embarrass her¡­ I didn¡¯t intend to tell my daughter-inw about those words, but up till now, after listening to so many words, I realized that the virtue of Madame Tao Junior was better than Qiu Yn. Such a good person has gone for Yadan¡¯s offspring! Now I only have Qiu Yn, the only legitimate daughter-inw of mine. I can¡¯t stay in Jing City for a long time. I¡¯m afraid that if Jiang Yashuang were to get tired of getting along with his wife after a long time, Qiu Yn probably would repeat the mistakes of Yadan¡¯s wife!¡±

    ¡°An has lost her biological mother¡¯s protection. He has to depend on Qiu Yn¡¯s love and careter! Once Qiu Yn might pass away, what would my legitimate grandchildren do in the future?¡±

    Mrs. Chang listened with a smile and said, ¡°When all is said, the fact remains that it¡¯s your kindness to treat your daughter-inw as your own daughter¡­¡±

    Speaking of which, she realized her mistake immediately and felt regretful. She quickly stopped. Madame Zhuang¡¯s only biological daughter had just passed away!

    Fortunately, Madame Zhuang didn¡¯t notice it and said to herself, ¡°And there¡¯s another reason why I treat Qiu Yn so confidentially. Since Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing have died, no matter what Old Master and those guys think, it¡¯s the most appropriate to hand over Western Army to Qiu Jinn now! It¡¯s said that Qiu Jinn loves his sister Qiu Yn most and regards her as his life! Anyway, Jiang Yashuang also dearly loves her now. I¡¯ll help her a lot and make herpletely loyal to Jiang Yashuang and our branch! As for Qiu Jinn, he¡¯ll definitely work for us wholeheartedly for that! ¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s necessary to give a reason for people to work themselves to death for us. It could be either threat or gratitude! Otherwise, no way!¡±

    Mrs. Zhuang took a breath, narrowed her eyes, and said lightly, ¡°Qiu Yn was born noble with good appearance and an outstanding brother. Now she is pregnant. And Jiang Yashuang likes her so much¡­ I just make it clear that I¡¯ll protect her. In this way, she is happy, and thus her brother can feel relieved. I am happy too and rest assured for my sons. So why not?¡±

 Chapter 398 - Knowing the Real Culprit

    Chapter 398 Knowing the Real Culprit

    Qiu Yn actually knew that at least half of Madame Zhuang¡¯s consideration was for Qiu Jinn, but it was at least nice to hear those warm words. After returning to the chamber, she happily summoned Mrs. Zhou, intending to take a few high-end items from her dowry to pay tribute to her mother-inw as a token of gratitude.

    However, just when she spoke briefly to Mrs. Zhou, Chunran led Dongran in and both of the maids looked extremely grave!

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Qiu Yn was shocked, ¡°Is there anything wrong at Ruan¡¯s Mansion?¡± She at once thought of the real culprit she had spected about earlier, ¡°Could it be that Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing were really killed by Qiu Jinn? Has the truth been leaked out?¡±

    Nevertheless, they shook their heads together and Dongran whispered, ¡°Your Grace, let me speak to you alone!¡±

    After sending away the subordinates, Dongran took a deep breath before speaking, ¡°Young master sent someone in disguise to take a side road. He took a detour near Jing City to make sure no one was following him before sneaking into Ruan¡¯s Mansion at night and informed me of the young master¡¯s message!¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but grip her sleeve tightly.

    ¡°Chunfu Princess, Miss Ou, and Young Earl Ling¡­¡± Dongran struggled to maintain the soft, measured tone while keeping a close eye on Qiu Yn, fearing that she couldn¡¯t endure any excitement in her pregnancy, ¡°These three are all still alive! And all of them are safe!¡±

    Qiu Yn was dumbfounded!

    Only after a long time did she say in a faltering voice, ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true!¡± Dongran said with certainty, ¡°This matter is of vital importance and so young master ordered that this couldn¡¯t be written down, but only the oral message was allowed!¡±

    ¡°And then where are the three of them now? Is my brother the only one who knows? What about Sir Jibei?¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s face turned pale, then blue, and finally red. She thought sharply for a moment before asking in a deep voice, ¡°What is my brother¡¯s n for sending this oral message with such efforts?¡±

    This should have been good news if Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing weren¡¯t dead!

    Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing were dead, no ifs or buts about it. But as the cause of their death, Jiang Qizheng and others were alive! They were not only alive but safe and sound! How could the first branch and third branch ept this? Not only could they not ept it, but even Marquess Qin might also not be able to ept it. No one would believe that the deaths of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing had nothing to do with the fourth branch.

    Everyone would believe that the whole thing was a conspiracy nned by the fourth branch from the beginning of the journey to the west.

    When Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing died, the first branch and the third branch were already going to the fourth branch for an exnation. Besides, the fourth branch didn¡¯t suffer any losses at all, and so¡­

    If Marquess Qin kept blocking their way, Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi, the two brothers would have to risk being death-defying to exert pressure despite their age!

    Qiu Yn had no choice but to keep cautious!

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Your Grace! As a matter of fact, Sir Jibei knew the news that Chunfu Princess and others are safe and sound as soon as he arrived in Shazhou!¡± Dongran was busy saying, ¡°These days, Sir Jibei was so busy, but he often spent time visiting Chunfu Princess and Miss Ou!¡±

    After a pause, she added, ¡°Chunfu Princess has nned to recognize Young Earl Ling as her foster brother!¡±

    ¡°Do you say Sir Jibei has long known that Chunfu Princess and others are safe and sound?¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t pay much attention to the following things Dongran said, but she just noticed this, ¡°So did Sir Jibei deliberately leave this matter out of the news of the mourning?¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡± Dongran nodded her head and then whispered, ¡°It is said that the surviving subordinates of the Second Young Master and the Sixth Young Master were even killed by Sir Jibei! It was to exterminate all the witnesses!¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s gaze sharpened, ¡°So you mean he is on our side?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Dongran nodded, ¡°ording to the messenger, Sir Jibei also has nned to set Prince of Cai and his wife up! But¡­¡±

    She hesitated and lowered her voice, ¡°The Jiang Family¡¯s first branch and the third branch may not be willing to ept this result! Young master is quite worried that they will get angry and do something desperate! After all, Old Master Tianchi from the fourth branch of the Jiang Family certainly holds the army, but in Jing City, those two branches are still entrenched!¡±

    ¡°If they want to do anything desperate, they have to think of Marquess Qin!¡± Qiu Yn pondered for a moment and said, ¡°People can¡¯te back from death. Even though in the eyes of Marquess Qin, Chunfu Princess isn¡¯t as important as Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing, it¡¯s impossible for him to kill his official granddaughter for the sake of the two dead persons! Unless Marquess Qin is insane, he won¡¯t have to ept the current oue! He has to help the fourth branch to suppress the first branch and the third branch¡­ Otherwise, if the first branch and the third branch really dare to be against us, the fourth branch, no matter what the oue is, my father-inw in Beijiang will not be able to spare them! At that time, it will be chaos all over the world!¡±

    ¡°The Jiang Family has always been arrogant and domineering since it started! Once they lose their current position, there will surely be many enemies waiting to revenge them. Marquess Qin cannot afford to take that risk! This is also the reason why Sir Jibei is pretending to be besotted¡­ Wait!¡±

    She frowned, ¡°Who on earth killed Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing¡­? Was it my brother?¡±

    ¡°How could it be young master?¡± Dongran smiled bitterly, ¡°It was someone you couldn¡¯t even think of. Chunfu Princess masterminded it, Miss Ou Qinn did it, and the Eighth Young Master stood in front of Sir Jibei to take the me!¡±

    ¡°Chunfu Princess?¡± Qiu Yn was stunned, ¡°It was her!¡±

    The result was so surprising!

    She could understand that Ou Qinn killed Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing because of anger, but she still had the impression that her sister-inw was a typical high-born girl!

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it either when I heard it!¡± Dongran pursed her lips, ¡°But it was these two! It was also because of them that the Eighth Young Master decided to bite the bullet, saying that he did it himself. Sir Jibei couldn¡¯t hand the Eighth Young Master over to the first branch and the third branch for disposal. So, he had to find Prince of Cai to be the scapegoat!¡±

    ¡°I know!¡± Fortunately, Sir Jibei had been in Beijiang for many years and spent decades with Jiang Tianchi. Of course, he couldn¡¯t do anything like handing over Jiang Yadan, the trueborn son of his nephew who had been cultivated with great care, to die! Qiu Yn settled down and said, ¡°This news must be kept secret for the time being. Although Marquess Qin should refuse to let the conflict between the branches go too far, this is a big matter, and it is better to wait until Sir Jibei returns to announce it!¡±

    Dongran nodded and said, ¡°I understand!¡±

    After sending Dongran away, Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead and asked around, ¡°When will Yashuang return today?¡±

    As Madame Zhuang was recovering, she refused to ask her son to abandon his official duties to apany her. Like her mother-inw, Qiu Yn naturally had to act like a virtuous wife, telling her husband not to worry too much about her and to go to work when he had to. So, Jiang Yashuang was not at home now.

    ¡°If you are in a hurry, shall I send someone to urge, madame?¡± Su He suggested.

    ¡°No!¡± If it were something else, Qiu Yn would order someone to urge, but the thing that Dongran told must not be leaked out in advance. If Qiu Yn immediately urged Jiang Yashuang to return home as soon as Dongran came, everyone else would know that important message from Shazhou had been delivered.

    So, they could only wait.

    After Jiang Yashuang finished his errand at noon, he first went to serve a cup of soup to Madame Tao, and then went to Madame Zhuang to have some fun before returning to his own courtyard.

    At that time, Qiu Yn was already waiting for a long time, feeling anxious to see him, and so she pulled him into the inner chamber upon meeting him, ¡°I need to tell you something important!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was surprised and asked, ¡°What?¡±

    When he heard that Jiang Qizheng and the others were still alive, he almost jumped, ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Who dares to joke with you about such an important thing?¡± Qiu Yn frowned and said, ¡°It¡¯s just that my brother is worried that the first branch and the third branch will use this as an excuse to turn against us. It¡¯s fortunate that my grand uncle has a partiality for us and has hidden the news!¡±

    ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s great news that Qizheng sister and others are well!¡± Jiang Yashuang stood up and couldn¡¯t wait to go to Madame Zhuang to report the news, ¡°Does mother know this? I¡¯m sure she doesn¡¯t! Otherwise, she surely should have told me when I went to visit her!¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Qiu Yn shouted at him, ¡°I got the news before noon. Don¡¯t I want mother to be happy? But I don¡¯t dare to tell her so easily. Have you forgotten the doctor¡¯s advice that since mother¡¯s condition has only been stabilised, she cannot be overjoyed or overwhelmed?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang froze, sat down again, and exhaled, ¡°Yes, yes, thanks to your reminding. I was so happy that I forgot it!¡±

    However, the news that his official sister was still alive made him overjoyed. He just couldn¡¯t settle down. He got up again and paced back and forth, thinking about what to say when he goes to see Madame Zhuang, ¡°Although mother is in better spirit these two days and doesn¡¯t talk much about sister Qizheng, she is still very sad in her heart. Just for our sake, she is not willing to show her weakness¡­ Only when she knows that sister Qizheng is still alive can she rest easy! But the doctor¡¯s advice must not be disregarded¡­ We need to let her know and meanwhile keep her emotion stable¡­¡±

    The couple discussed for a long time and finally decided not to say anything on that day first and then go together the next day to tell Madame Zhuang slowly. They decided to bring An and their nephew with them at that time to pamper Madame Zhuang first and rx her before carefully telling her.

    Of course, the doctor would be called too!

    However, something unexpected happened. The next morning, they were just freshening up when the servant outside hurriedly came to report, ¡°An ident at the side yard!¡±

    ¡°Which yard?¡± Jiang Yashuang, being a man, was quick to tidy up. He tied his clothes and went out to ask, ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the yard where Miss Qiu and Miss Mei are staying!¡± The servant reported urgently, ¡°The two girls have been taken away by Old Master Tianao and Old Master Tianqi¡¯s men!¡±

    Qiu Yn, who had just finishedbing her hair, rushed out without even putting on her hairpin and ring, ¡°What? Why?¡±

    ¡°The two old masters said they nned to trace Deng Yi¡¯s whereabouts from the two girls!¡±

    Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang quickly looked at each other and turned grave, ¡°It is a lie! They clearly suspect that Qiu Jinn is the murderer of their sons, but Marquess Qin has stopped them from doing anything about it, and so they turn to Qiu Qian and Mei Xue now!¡±

    After all, although Qiu Qian and Mei Xue were grounded by the fourth branch after the Gu Family was defeated, they were not treated badly. So, anyone would think that their rtionship with Qiu Yn was not as bad as it appeared. Perhaps they knew something.

    Especially there was still no news of Qiu Nie and Deng Yi. Since Qiu Jinn was able to take in the only son of the murderer of his father, Kuang Qingwu, let alone Deng Yi, whose hatred for him was not so deep.

    Perhaps the disappearance of these two men was rted to the deaths of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing!

    ¡°Whether these two are enemies or friends, I¡¯m not sure!¡± Qiu Yn looked at her husband, ¡°However, since the people are held by us, the fourth branch¡­¡±

    ¡°There is absolutely no reason to let the first branch and the third branch grab and dispose of them at will!¡± Jiang Yashuang nodded with a sullen face, ¡°You go to mother¡¯s side, and I¡¯ll go to argue with the two uncles!¡±

    But Qiu Yn shook her head, ¡°These two have a deeper connection with me than you do! It was also my fault that they were ced in the side yard at the beginning! I¡¯ll go with you!¡± She reached out and stroked her belly, thinking, ¡°With all this fuss, there¡¯s no way for Marquess Qin not to step in! Even though he has always been partial to the first branch, now that I am pregnant, he will have to show me, his grandson-inw, some respect and not just force Yashuang to concede!¡±

    After all, Qiu Qian and Mei Xue were insignificant in the eyes of Marquess Qin and they would probably be used by him as a bargaining chip to appease the first branch and the third branch!

 Chapter 399 - My Cruelty Is Always Enough!

    Chapter 399 My Cruelty Is Always Enough!

    However, Jiang Yashuang did not approve of his wife going with him, ¡°The first branch and the third branch would like to see us in a bad situation. Now that you are pregnant, what if you get hurt in the heat of the moment?¡±

    Hearing this, Qiu Yn suddenly changed her idea because she thought that it was possible for the first branch and the third branch to do such things.

    ¡°And since mother has recovered, we have been paying our respects to her every morning!¡± Jiang Yashuang added, ¡°If I don¡¯t go, I can still say that I¡¯m busy with my duties, but if you don¡¯t go, I don¡¯t know what our mother will think or worry about. So, I¡¯ll go alone to ask about it, and you go and stay with mother!¡±

    Qiu Yn asked, ¡°What about Sister Qizheng?¡±

    ¡°Just as we discussed yesterday, we¡¯ll talk about it together when I return!¡± Jiang Yashuang patted her back, ¡°I¡¯m going. You can take An to mother¡¯s ceter, and be careful not to let her see anything wrong! She can¡¯t afford to worry about that now!¡±

    ¡°All right!¡± Qiu Yn sighed and reached out to straighten the edge of his clothes, saying, ¡°Be careful! Although you are in Marquess¡¯s Mansion, the two branches are used to being domineering. Now that they suffer the loss of their son, it is possible for them to do something!¡±

    After sending Jiang Yashuang away, Qiu Yn returned to her inner chamber to decorate her hairpin. Su He and the others knew that she must be in a bad mood at the moment, and so they gently picked out the jewelry for her. After thest hairpin was inserted into her hair, Qiu Yn looked at the mirror to examine her appearance. Satisfied with her appearance, she did not stand up but slightly closed her eyes and thought.

    A few momentster, she called Xiaran, ¡°Go to Ruan¡¯s Mansion and ask Mr. Ruan for some men.¡±

    ¡°What do you want, madame?¡± Xiaran asked quietly.

    ¡°Go to the first branch¡¯s courtyard where Madame Dou and others are housed, and take away the second aunt Jiang Tianou and her children!¡± Qiu Yn said with an expressionless face, ¡°Just say that I dreamt of my grandfather yesterday!¡±

    Xiaran nodded, ¡°I understand! Do you have any other orders?¡±

    ¡°Tell Chunran to get some pastries from the kitchen at random and make a trip to the third branch. There¡¯s no need to say anything else.¡± Qiu Yn plucked the bracelet on her wrist and said indifferently, ¡°He Shuijin is in the third branch. She will understand!¡±

    In the past year, the first branch excavated General Ruan¡¯s tomb, which could be used to control them. Although Madame Dou was dead and Jiang Tianao didn¡¯t care about the situation of his half-sister and nieces and nephews, Madame Han was still there! Qiu Yn thought, ¡°As long as we get Jiang Tianou in our hands and pass the news to Madame Han, we¡¯re not afraid she won¡¯t do anything!¡±

    As for the third branch, He Shuijin would remind Madame He that the fourth branch was not what it used to be, and thedy of the house, Madame Zhuang, was back!

    If Madame He didn¡¯t want to follow in Madame Dou¡¯s footsteps and be beaten to death in public without a word and involve her own daughter, she¡¯d better persuade Jiang Tianqi not to do things to the extreme!

    ¡°That should take some of the pressure off Yashuang!¡± Qiu Yn stroked her brow, giving a gentle and submissive smile to the mirror and adjusting her subtle expression before sighing, ¡°Time for the meal. I still have to go to mother¡¯s sideter.¡±

    While the battle in Jing City was bing increasingly fierce, in Shazhou Jiang Qizheng was persuading Qiu Jinn with a smile, ¡°Just say it to her face to face! General Qiu, you¡¯re a man, a good schr and a good fighter. Since you¡¯ve met so many lovers in your life, why do you refuse? Are you still afraid that Xing will eat you up?¡±

    Qiu Jinn said indifferently, ¡°Your Highness, we have reached an agreement before. If I don¡¯t fall in love with Miss Ou, then I will let her give up as soon as possible! Now that I have conveyed my meaning very clearly, Your Highness is still asking me to see Miss Ou again. It is giving her hope, isn¡¯t it? This is against Your Highness¡¯s previous wishes!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve changed my mind!¡± Jiang Qizheng said confidently, ¡°I am a woman, and since General Qiu is a frequent visitor to the brothel, you should know that women¡¯s minds are fickle! Besides,st time when I persuaded General Qiu to let Xing give up, there was still a gap between me and my husband. And so of course I don¡¯t want Xing to repeat the same mistake!¡±

    She gave a smug smile, ¡°Now I and my husband have bridged the gap and are in harmony! However, I can¡¯t help but see Xing¡¯s persistence. After all, thanks to your help that we have reconciled! Even though I was born with wealth and prosperity while my husband came from an unknown family, you still believed in us. But why can¡¯t you believe in Xing and yourself? Isn¡¯t Xing more suitable for you than the delicate youngdy from the Han Family, both in terms of background and temperament?¡±

    In order to satisfy Jiang Qizheng¡¯s previous request and in consideration of the convenience of ruling the Western Army, Qiu Jinn asked Ren Ziyong to help him propose marriage to one of the temporarymander¡¯s granddaughters.

    Although Han Jishan said he would consider the proposal and give a reply in a couple of days, everyone knew that it was just a cosmetic proposal for the sake of the girl¡¯s face. How could he not say yes?

    Since Shazhou was not so big, with Qiu Jinn¡¯s current status, how could his lifelongmitment not be noticed? So, Jiang Qizheng, Ou Qinn, and the others all knew about it!

    When Jiang Qizheng came to him today, Qiu Jinn thought she was here topliment him on his good work, but it turned out to be a request for him to give Ou Qinn a chance to meet him in private!

    This really made Qiu Jinn feel speechless, ¡°Since Your Highness believes that it is the work of me to reconcile you with your husband, why do you have to put me on the spot now?¡± He thought, ¡°So my design to get rid of all the bad blood between you and your husband has prompted you to change your attitude towards the matter of Ou Qinn pestering me?¡±

    Jiang Qizheng said seriously, ¡°How can I put you on spot? Your sister, my sister-inw, is going to be a mother while you are still not married. Not only will the people who care about you have to worry, but you also have no one who shares your joy and sorrows. You are now taking care of so many things a day, but when youe back to the backyard, you only have subordinates to serve you¡­ Since I¡¯ve taken advantage of your kindness and made up with my husband, I can¡¯t bear it that you are in such a situation!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiu Jinn rubbed the corner of his forehead and continued to be expressionless, ¡°Your Highness is in love with your husband and so you don¡¯t need to care about me. The people serving beside me are very attentive. There are often people who are warm and considerate and so¡­¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about kindness!¡± Seeing that he was still stubborn, Jiang Qizheng had to y her trump card, ¡°Since you are tall and strong and now have a high and powerful position, your future will be promising¡­ You wouldn¡¯t be an ungrateful person, would you?¡±

    ¡°When I convinced Xing to do such a dangerous thing, I only said one reason!¡±

    ¡°It will be of great benefit to you! Xing didn¡¯t even think about it when she agreed! Now she is only asking for a private meeting with you. If you are determined not to give her a chance, why should you be so stingy with this little time?¡±

    Jiang Qizheng asked, half provocatively and half tentatively, ¡°Could it be that the reason why you refuse to response is that you are worried that you may not be able to refuse after seeing Xing?¡±

    Qiu Jinn looked at her and smiled, ¡°Your Highness, I am reluctant to meet Miss Ou because of her status and her personal rtionship with Your Highness and my sister, for fear of hurting the peace! But now that Your Highness has said so, I do not care to show off my heart of stone that I have honed over years of drifting around the demimonde¡­¡±

    His smile was filled with gentleness and cordiality, but also with concealed sharpness and coldness, ¡°As long as Your Highness won¡¯t regret, my cruelty is always enough!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Jiang Qizheng froze for a moment, but in the end, she said, ¡°So, when will you have time to spare?¡±

    ¡°I now have a thousand things on my hands and my official businesses are piling up like a mountain!¡± Qiu Jinn said indifferently, ¡°So it is better not to dy such a trivial matter any longer. Tonight! As for the ce, Your Highness and Miss Ou can decide!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng pursed her lips, ¡°And then please be punctual, General Qiu! Since Xingkang Grand Princess¡¯s Mansion covers a vast area, I will make a special ce for you and you will never be disturbed!¡±

    After the downfall of Kuang Shihan, both Marquess Zhang¡¯s Mansion and Xingkang Grand Princess¡¯s Mansion had been sealed off. Now Qiu Jinn upied Marquess Zhang¡¯s Mansion as his office. Xingkang Grand Princess¡¯s Mansion was so luxurious and beautiful that many of the systems inside were only avable to the royal family. So, no one dared to ask for it. When Jiang Qizheng and her party came to Shazhou for a temporary stay, it was logically given to her to use. Although Jiang Qizheng had no royal bloodline, she was a proper princess.

    Jiang Qizheng chose this ce because Ou Qinn could have the benefit of the location.

    But it didn¡¯t matter to Qiu Jinn, who promised readily, ¡°I will be there then!¡±

    With his promise, Jiang Qizheng didn¡¯t stay too long and got up to say goodbye.

    When she returned to Xingkang Grand Princess¡¯s Mansion, she did not tell Ou Qinn the result immediately, but first went to Qiu Feng andined, ¡°I had to talk a lot to get Qiu Jinn to agree! But his tone indicated that he wouldn¡¯t be able to exin it politely when he saw Xing. What if Xing couldn¡¯t take it? But she has to ask him in person¡­ Now it¡¯s neither right nor wrong to tell her!¡±

    However, Qiu Feng was a novice in matters of love. How could he help? But when he saw his wife¡¯s frowning face, he racked his brains to find a solution for her, ¡°Why don¡¯t we ask Mengtao to tell Miss Ou?¡±

    ¡°But she still has toe and ask me.¡± Jiang Qizheng sighed, ¡°Besides, if I go and say to her, I can still enlighten her and give her some ideas! But if Mengtao goes to say¡­¡±

    ¡°We can let Mengtao go and say it when the appointed time is almost up, can¡¯t we?¡± With Qiu Feng¡¯s character, it was rare for him toe up with such a bad idea, ¡°And then Miss Ou won¡¯t have time toe to you!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng looked at him unexpectedly and said with a smile, ¡°That¡¯s a good idea¡­ But she¡¯ll be angry with meter! She¡¯s been telling me thousands of times over the past few days that when she met Qiu Jinnst time, she was being chased and was in a terrible mess. She regretted it very much! If they meet again, she¡¯ll have to dress up properly! You can think if you don¡¯t leave her enough time to dress up¡­¡±

    Qiu Feng did not think so, ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of dressing up? If Qiu Jinn really had had an interest in her, he would have felt pity for her when he saw her in a poor state, instead of disliking her! If he is not interested in her, he will still refuse her, even though she dresses up in a fancier way. Is Qiu Jinn a kind of person who has never seen beauty?¡±

    ¡°You really don¡¯t understand!¡± Jiang Qizheng hid her mouth and snickered, ¡°A girl will spare no effort to dress her up to please her loved one. As for a girl¡¯s mind¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiu Feng froze at her words and suddenly began to look at her seriously. Seeing this, Jiang Qizheng turned red and lightly punched him, snapping, ¡°I¡¯m talking about Xing! What are you looking at me for?¡±

    After all, they had just made up. Jiang Qizheng was still a bit shy, but she was also thinking about Ou Qinn¡¯s matter. She slightly sulked and left, ¡°I¡¯ll go to talk to Xing. I won¡¯t talk to you anymore!¡±

 Chapter 400 - If You Want to Get Married, Why Dont You Marry Me?

    Chapter 400 If You Want to Get Married, Why Don¡¯t You Marry Me?

    The moon was hazy that night. It was already spring, but the snow hadn¡¯t melted in Shazhou.

    The dim moonlight shone on the snow with a hazy feeling.

    Qiu Jinn changed into regr clothes. He knocked at the back door of the mansion of Princess Royal. When he was led to the bank of the serpentine bridge, he saw Ou Qinn was already quietly waiting in the corridor across the bridge.

    The ancestral home of the Ou Family was in Beijiang. Ou Qinn inherited the tall and robust genes of her ancestors. Even though Qiu Jinn was tall among men, Ou Qinn was only half a head shorter.

    He looked across theke. Even at night, her ga dress was still very red! Her slender waist glimmered in a damask embroidered with mand leaves. She had an indescribable grace in the overhead light.

    ¡°Miss Ou!¡± Such a beauty, the moonlight, and her striking eyes with tenderness would attract even the dandiest young men, such as Ling Zui, Gu Yan, and Jiang Yadan. But Qiu Jinn just lightly looked at her, and then he walked on the serpentine bridge. When he reached Ou Qinn, he spoke slowly, ¡°I am ordered toe. What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    His manner was easy, and his tone was calm, and his diction was deferential. Without being noticed, he distanced himself from her. It showed a guy who was good at flirting could turn to be cruel instantly.

    Ou Qinn¡¯s expression changed from being eagerly hoping to talk to being tearfully disappointed and injured. He was so close to her that he could see it clearly. But he was not moved or touched at all.

    ¡°Qizheng says he is ruthless. And so, he is!¡± Ou Qinn had mixed feelings. She had never seen a man whom she was so attracted to. She never thought he would be so cruel, either. He knew that she had traveled so far for him, and that she had killed his enemy for him alone, and that she had sacrificed all her dignity to beg him to meet her tonight¡­

    However, he kept her at a distance as if they had met for the first time and had never known each other before.

    ¡°If my brother or Yashuang were here, whether they could defeat him or not, they would beat him at once.¡± She bit his lips, ¡°I can beat him by myself.¡±

    ¡°But I can¡¯t do it.¡± She gazed at Qiu Jinn¡¯s elegant face in the moonlight. Ou Qinn struggled for a while and then she finally became resolute, ¡°Don¡¯t marry Miss Han!¡±

    Qiu Jinn wasn¡¯t surprised. He knew the youngdy in front of him. She grew up in a frontier fortress and so she was direct and enthusiastic. He just smiled softly, ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°How can you like her when you¡¯ve never met her?¡± Ou Qinn clenched her hands in her sleeves. She said earnestly. ¡°And I bet she¡¯s not as pretty as I am, or as good at martial arts, or as fond of you as I am! If you want a wife, why don¡¯t you marry me?¡±

    ¡°How does Miss Ou know that Miss Han is inferior to you in every aspect?¡± Qiu Jinn said cruel words in a gentle tone, ¡°At least she is more reserved than you, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    Ou Qinn¡¯s eyes were red, but she held her tears. She said still earnestly, ¡°Because I am also the daughter of a frontier general! No one in Beijiang does not know me, my beauty, and my martial arts! But here, who knows about thatdy of the Han Family? No one even knows herst name! If she is so good, why is she so obscure?¡±

    ¡°As for modesty and self-respect,¡± Ou Qinn said fatuously as if Ou Qinn had endured a moment of heartache. ¡°Miss Han maybe just cowers in her boudoir! How do you know she¡¯s reserved and self-respecting? Perhaps she is ashamed of herself! She dares note out to appear on public asions.¡±

    ¡°It may be.¡± Qiu Jinn smiled. He didn¡¯t want to argue with her. After all, there were so many aspects that he could blow her. So, he didn¡¯t mind just the one or two.

    He said calmly, ¡°But Miss Han¡¯s grandfather is Han Jishan, the temporarymander of the Western Army! Several generations of the Han Family were in the army. They have great power in the Western Army. If I marry Miss Han, my life will be much better in the Western Army! That¡¯s not the advantage you can bring to me if I marry you.¡±

    ¡°Han Jishan is temporarily appointed asmander in chief of the Western Army and it is only expedient!¡± Ou Qinn took a deep breath. She had been warned that Qiu Jinn was not a nice guy. But she also insisted on talking to him. So, she was prepared. As for the question of who Qiu Jinn would pick, she had carefully considered. Besides, she had consulted Jiang Qizheng about figuring it out.

    So, the question was rtively innocuous. She said decisively, ¡°There are two reasons why they chose him. It is firstly because he has been so many years in the Western Army, and also because he is old! So, once the realmander of the army is decided, they can let him leave for his age. Both sides will be decent! You say the Han Family¡¯s several generations used to be in the army so that they are certainly influential in the Western Army. But being influential does not mean they are powerful! It is like that Han Jishan is an old man in the Western Army, but he is not an important one.¡±

    Qiu Jinn sneered, ¡°If he is not important, he will not be appointed as the temporarymander.¡±

    ¡°If he is important, he will not be just a temporary one!¡± Ou Qinn chuckled, ¡°It is obvious that he is not qualified. Even if it is just sensible, Marquess Qin won¡¯t appoint him as the realmander. Besides, when Kuang Qingwu kidnapped us, I was set free by someone. And then I met you on the way. So, the guy who set me free was not your subordinate. If he was, you didn¡¯t ask him to do so.¡±

    ¡°That was an ident.¡± Qiu Jinn said without emotion. ¡°Nobody expected that Kuang Qingwu was so bold that he dared to be inurbane to you. He was afraid that something disgusting might happen to you and so he set you free.¡±

    Ou Qinn shook her head, ¡°Although I am not good at calcting, Qizheng is! She told me that if the man had done what you ordered, he would never have let me go to Shazhou for help! He would only hide me or point me to a safe, hidden ce to take refuge! Because that ce is far away from Shazhou. And I am a girl. Besides, it was my first time toe here with not much water, and no one could be sure that I could safely reach Shazhou! What if something terrible happened along the way? You will not wish to offend my Family for your sister¡¯s sake.¡±

    ¡°Chunfu Princess! It¡¯s none of your business!¡±

    Qiu Jinn sighed in his mind. He said, ¡°Princess is so smart. That guy is not my subordinate. What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°So, he is Han Jishan¡¯s subordinate, isn¡¯t he?¡± Ou Qinn stared at him. She said calmly, ¡°He pretended to be your subordinate to let me leave, but he asked Kuang Qingwu to send killers to chase me. He used to be your ally. What he did would entrap you. So why? Qizheng said that the most likely reason was that he was hesitant! Or he was afraid!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how you persuaded him to join you in framing the first branch and the third branch of the Jiang Family. But sooner orter, Marquess Qin would know it! Even if Marquess Qin does not punish you, he must warn you in private. Your sister is the wife of Jiang Yashuang, and now she is pregnant. With her pregnancy and your talents, Marquess Qin will surely show mercy to you! And then it must be Han Jishan who will mainly bear his wrath!¡±

    ¡°Han Jishan was unwilling to ept it and so he wished to make you the guy who was forced to take on the primary responsibility. He ordered a guy to pretend to be your subordinate to set me free. Even if I was killed on my way to flee, he knew how to let my Family see the news. And it was all because that your subordinate didn¡¯t correctly help me. Otherwise, why could the pursuing forces catch me so quickly after I escaped so easily?

    Ou Qinn looked at Qiu Jinn. He didn¡¯t deny it. She bit her lips and continued, ¡°What qualification does a guy like him have to make you call him grandfather?¡±

    ¡°He is useful to me.¡± Qiu Jinn said calmly, ¡°The reason why I can gain a foothold in the Western Army is that I was born in the Ruan Family, not because of my talents! If I marry Han Jishan¡¯s granddaughter, I will gain wide approvement in the Western Army, which means I can obtain more military power than before. I won¡¯t mind his ambivalent attitude which is the same as Kuang Qingwu I used before. But if I marry you, not only will I fail to gain the advantages Miss Han can give to me, but my soldiers will doubt that the power of the Northern Army may permeate into the Western Army.¡±

    ¡°As the daughter of a border general, you should know that although the Western Army and the Northern Army will not encounter each other, they have beenpeting with each other for long, right? You are the jewel of the Northern Army¡­¡±

    He smiled ironically and calmly.

    Ou Qinn raised her eyebrows, ¡°You are wrong.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡±

    ¡°Do you only care about the Western Army? Have you ever thought about the whole country?¡± Ou Qinn pointed in the direction of Jing City. ¡°Now Half Regime Jiang has be a whole regime. The emperor is just a puppet. The Western Army is just an elite army of the whole country. Even if the generals¡¯ power here is entrenched, what is it whenpared to the whole country?¡±

    ¡°Gu was killed and Kuang Shihan was murdered. Whether generals in the Western Army are willing or not, it is a foregone conclusion that the Jiang Family is going to encroach on the Western Army¡¯s military power! Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing came here for the military power, didn¡¯t they? The generals here all weed them with smiles! If you marry me, you will strengthen your power and position. Miss Han is not worthy ofparison with me. And the Han Family is not worthy ofparison with my Family in aspects of power and status!¡±

    Ou Qinn pursed her lips, ¡°I¡¯m the only girl of this generation in the Ou Family. And I¡¯m still the daughter of Jingbo¡¯s official wife. My position in my family is more important than many people think! If you be my husband, my parents and my brother will treat you generously! Besides, I grew up with your sister¡¯s parents-inw. They treated my brother and me as their own children because their children were far away from them! Your sister¡¯s father-inw, whom I call fourth uncle, is now indispensable to the Jiang family!¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing died. There are no kids in the first branch and the third branch who can participate in the distribution of military power. But they won¡¯t give up! Now the one who can stop the Jiang Family is in the Jiang Family! The one who can stop Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianchi is my fourth uncle!¡±

    ¡°Now, the fourth branch of the Jiang Family cannot choose a proper person to lead the Western Army. If you are not here, the Western General will have no choice but to support me!¡± Qiu Jinn was still calm, ¡°The status and connections your Family has can bring me a lot. But it is not enough for you to persuade me!¡±

    Ou Qinn became silent in an instant.

    When Qiu Jinn prepared to say something hurtful before leaving, she said faintly, ¡°All right. I will not mention my Family. I will only talk about myself!¡±

 Chapter 401 - Dare You Agree? If You Do, I Will Marry You!

    Chapter 401 Dare You Agree? If You Do, I Will Marry You!

    ¡°I am beautiful and young. I am unmarried. I can read and write, and I y the musical instrument and y chess. I can ride and shoot as well as men. I can say I am good at both the pen and sword!¡± Ou Qinn stared at theke not far away and whispered, ¡°There are few men with my talent, not to mention women¡­ What¡¯s more, I love you so dearly!¡±

    ¡°So why do you reject me? What does your ideal wife look like? Tell me. I can do it.¡±

    Qiu Jinn smiled, ¡°Miss Ou, if it is not our destiny to get together, you can¡¯t force me to ept you. Besides, you don¡¯t have to wrong yourself. There exist lots of excellent guys who expect to be your destiny, I guess.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe that you want to marry an ugly, old, married, illiterate, clueless, and weak wife.¡± Ou Qinn ignored his interruption and still looked at theke, carefully continuing. ¡°Qizheng told me that you attracted many young women in the past, all of whom were beautiful and talented. Although I have only seen Peni Yue and Hua Shenshen, I am not worse than them. Why are they allowed to be in a rtionship with you? And why do you reject me?¡±

    ¡°Though they are sincere to you, I am the only one who came from the distance to find you. What¡¯s wrong with me that you¡¯re avoiding me just like getting rid of a snake?¡±

    She looked at Qiu Jinn, ¡°I had thought about it for a long period. And finally, I figured out the reason. It is because I am Jingbo¡¯s daughter. Because I am the girl who my fourth uncle treated me like his own daughter. Because I am the pearl of the Northern Army. You doubt that the reason why I like you is that I am instigated by my uncle, my father, or my brother!¡±

    Qiu Jinn frowned and then he smiled, ¡°I am curious, indeed. Even though your ancestral home is in Beijiang and your family tradition is influenced by Beijiang¡¯s folk customs, Miss Ou is a woman after all! In the beginning, when you left Jing City, Jingbo¡¯s Mansion still could excuse that they were negligent. Butter, the Eighth Young Master Jiang Yadan caught up with you and he decided to follow you, which was incredible¡­ Do you think that under Chunfu Princess¡¯s cover, it will be taken for granted?¡±

    ¡°If my sister dared to do so, I would give up everything and bring her home to punish her ording to the familyw!¡±

    He looked calmly at Ou Qinn. ¡°You can say it was because your father and brother were so furious that they left you alone, which can prove that you are not crucial to them. If so, I will gain little advantages after marrying you.¡±

    ¡°When Jiang Yadan led people to catch up with us, do you believe that he didn¡¯t want to send me back to Jing City?¡± The night wind was cold before the snow melted. Ou Qinn was wearing only a thin coat. She just stood at the bank of theke for a few moments while she was feeling so cold. However, at that moment, her heart was broken as well. She managed to contain herself and said in a quavering voice, ¡°It was I who fought with all my strength against a dozen of his security guards and told him that if he insisted on sending me back to Jing City, I would stille to Shazhou alone when the escorts were negligent on the way! Qizheng also said she would rather go with me. At least we had somepany. Otherwise, something terrible might happen. That was why he said yes!¡±

    ¡°And I don¡¯t think you shouldpare Ningyi with me. Ningyi doesn¡¯t like Yashuang as much as I like you!¡± Ou Qinn said calmly, ¡°And you should not doubt my father and my brother. My father is far away in Beijiang, which is beyond my reach! My brother¡¯s martial arts are not nearly as good as mine and so I don¡¯t care about his opinion! He can¡¯t do anything to me even if hees!¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t judge that my father and brother do not love me because they did not prevent me froming to you at the expense of my fame. It is wrong! If they didn¡¯t love me, they would have kicked me out a long time ago!¡±

    Ou Qinn took a deep breath and looked at the self-possessed Qiu Jinn. ¡°As for doing this under their orders¡­ In that year, when Empress Dowager was still the empress, I went to the Ruan Family with Ningyi on the Her Majesty¡¯s birthday. It was the first time that I met you¡­ Back then, who could expect that you would be running the Western Army? Why would my father and brother frame you when you were still a kid?¡±

    ¡°At the very least¡­¡±

    ¡°Even if I get close to you under their orders, are you afraid?¡±

    Her provocations did not influence Qiu Jinn. He said calmly, ¡°Why not? I¡¯m too busy with military affairs now. And I¡¯m not married! If I marry a wife who is always against me, I will have much more to worry about. Indeed, Miss Han is not as good as you, but at least such a typical gentlewoman¡¯s manner and her grandfather¡¯s support will make me feel a lot easier, won¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Her appearance is very ordinary and she is not outstanding. What can she help you except taking care of your daily life?¡± Ou Qinn lowered her head to blink away the tears on her eyshes and said thoughtfully, ¡°But I can apany you to defend the enemy border, and I can n the piano and the panpipe with you. I don¡¯t know much about politics, but I can learn it! And I¡¯m willing to learn it for you. Miss Han isn¡¯t good enough. Even if she doesn¡¯t want to be bad, who knows if she won¡¯t do bad things with good intentions?¡±

    ¡°So, you will not do the same, will you?¡±

    ¡°But my family is better off!¡± Ou Qinn pursed her lips, ¡°She and her family can only rely on you. My family and I can help each other with you. So, whoever sets you up will set her up even more! But anyone who does anything to you needs to worry about me! You think my family is not powerful enough to touch you. You don¡¯t marry me. How do you know what we have?¡±

    Qiu Jinnughed, ¡°Well, Miss Ou, you are indeed a nobledy! But have you thought that your family is so good that I may not be able to bear it? You also know those several ridiculous years when I had mistresses all over the country! If I marry Miss Han and I ask them to be my mistresses in my house, I think Miss Han will most likely agree with me. And she can¡¯t refuse me. But will you refuse, Miss Ou?¡±

    His smile was elegant but malicious, ¡°If you agree, I will stop talking about the marriage with the Han Family. Tomorrow I will ask my subordinates to send the hairpin, which my grandmother gave me, to you as a token of affection!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Ou Qinn¡¯s expression became rigid instantly.

    The night wind moaned as the moon was dark and the stars were thin. In the dead silence of the bank of theke, she seemed to hear her own heartbreaking.

    She fell in love with him at first sight on Her Majesty¡¯s birthday. Her heart was full of longing as she kept waiting for him. She took the courage to put aside the fame to find him and came from the distance to meet him. Her inward panic and despair when she was insulted by Kuang Qingwu, the difficulty she handled after escaping, the surprise when she saw him, the decisiveness when she was about to kill Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing¡­

    Those memories shed in her mind. For the man in front of her, she poured out all her strength and radiance!

    Before she met him, she didn¡¯t expect that she could do so.

    Even if she heard about his proposal to Miss Han and Jiang Qizheng tried to persuade her to let him go, she still believed that she had a chance. She thought that she could touch him with her talents, appearance, and sincerity. She felt she was able to open the door to true love.

    However, what about now?

    He finally made a promise to her. But the price was to share with other women.

    ¡°You are cruel enough to drive me to despair!¡± Ou Qinn stared at Qiu Jinn.

    In the moonlight, he looked so gentle as if he was in her dream.

    He stood there quietly and deliberately. His eyesight was t and distant. His heart seemed to be at peace.

    ¡°If I refuse him, I will never make it, probably.¡± The thought was stopped over and over again and then it appeared over and over again. ¡°He is so cruel after all. He just wants me to give up!¡±

    ¡°Or should I agree right now?¡± She had an inspired thought, ¡°After we get married, nobody will have the chance to share with me!¡±

    She turned to look at Qiu Jinn again. The night wind blew, his clothes flying as if he was ready to take the wind away. This was the man she had risked everything to pursue and her courage and strength were inexhaustible when she just thought of him!

    So, if she could be with him, even if she acted shamelessly for once, did it matter?

    Her heart began to warm.

    Qiu Jinn looked at her when she was gazing at him. He smiled, ¡°Miss Ou, can you agree?¡± At that moment, he was giddy and indifferent. But his tone was gentle as if they were in love, and the wind seemed to be warmed by his words.

    Ou Qinn gazed at him greedily. She was hesitant. She was wondering that she should follow her heart to refuse or lie to realize her intention.

    A few momentster, she said in a low and choked but decisive voice, ¡°No. I refuse!¡±

    ¡°Aunt Zhuang, your sister¡¯s mother-inw, taught me when I was a little kid that a couple should be a unit. If so, why can there exist those mistresses? I will not promise you to have mistresses. I want to be your wife who will be close and intimate to you. Not just the general steward of your lovers!¡±

    She couldn¡¯t lie to him, even if she had to pay the price of losing him!

    Qiu Jinn said cozily, ¡°So if we don¡¯t get married, you will benefit. Do you think such a dissolute guy like me will be willing to have a lover the whole life?¡±

    ¡°But you don¡¯t even have a mistress now!¡± Ou Qinn blinked over and over again to stop her tears. The ground in front of her was already wet. But the tear stains remained on her face. ¡°Before I appeared, you fell in love with nobody! After I showed up, you wanted to be together with them. Why? Do you want to take them as excuses to refuse me?¡±

    Qiu Jinn smiled, ¡°I wish I could marry ady from a noble family. But I can¡¯t stop myself from going to the brothel. So, I cannot give them any promise. Otherwise, their families will not marry me.¡±

    ¡°You should have asked them to marry you before I appeared!¡± Ou Qinn sobbed for a while. And then she said calmly, ¡°When you want to marry ady from a noble family, you can drive those mistresses away to show your sincerity. So, what you said are excuses! No matter how you will think, I want to be your wife. And I will never allow my husband to have any mistress!¡±

    ¡°And then I have no choice but to make a concession!¡± Qiu Jinn sighed, ¡°But Miss Ou, why do you think I will agree with you? When I had no fame or official rank, I was still loose. Now I am paramount and powerful and it is more reasonable for me to enjoy the romance¡­ Now you want me to give it up for you. Don¡¯t you think you push me too hard?¡±

    Ou Qinn bit her lip hard. She didn¡¯t stop until the smell of blood appeared. She said slowly and clearly, ¡°I am willing to die for you. I am willing to do everything for you except help you get mistresses. Maybe you will not marry me because of that. If so, I will be so sad. And I may never get married anymore!¡±

    ¡°But I still can¡¯t ept that you have any mistresses!¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t share you with anyone else!¡±

    She gazed at the guy several meters away from her with a pair of misty eyes. He was so handsome and elegant that he looked like a guest from the moon. But his indifference was also like the moon in this night. So, did she lose him forever?

    ¡­After a while, just as Ou Qinn was about to turn around and leave, suddenly her shoulder fell and the robe with a man¡¯s breath and body temperature wrapped her abruptly.

    ¡°Tomorrow, I will ask Ruan Yi to send you the hairpin.¡± Not far away, Qiu Jinn smiled with peace. But there was no deliberate estrangement in his voice. ¡°It is said that the hairpin was given to my mother by my grandmother. When I left my home, it was toote for me to bring it. My sister shared hers with meter.¡±

    When he saw Ou Qinn gazing at him, he smiled, ¡°Are you surprised?¡±

    Ou Qinn nodded simple-mindedly.

    ¡°It iste. I want to go home. If you cannot figure out¡­¡± Qiu Jinn showed a faint smile to her, ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask Chunfu Princess? She is so smart that she must be able to know what I mean!¡±

    ¡­After Qiu Jinn¡¯s figure disappeared from the other side of the serpentine bridge, Ou Qinn was just waking from a dream. She jumped ecstatically and then held the robe tightly. She bore not to let it slide to the ground, ¡°Oh my god! God! God!¡±

    ¡°He unexpectedly¡­¡±

    ¡°I know I can move him!¡±

    ¡°No, no. Wait! What does he mean? What is it? I don¡¯t understand¡­ He said I could ask Qizheng!¡±

    ¡°Yes. Qizheng! Where is she? I want to meet her right now!¡±

    She twirled her pomegranate-red skirt as beautiful flowers seemed to open one after another on the corridor, which even couldn¡¯t be covered by the night. She ran to Jiang Qizheng¡¯s ce. ¡°Qizheng! Qizheng! Wake up! Don¡¯t sleep anymore! I have something urgent to ask you!¡±

 Chapter 402 - I Knew It That I Would Marry Him, Surely!

    Chapter 402 I Knew It That I Would Marry Him, Surely!

    The door opened with a creak.

    Ruan Yi was leaning against the wall near the back door outside the Princess Royal¡¯s Mansion. Upon hearing the slight sound, he immediately awakened from his nap. He rubbed his eyes and looked over, just in time to see Qiu Jinn stepping out.

    ¡°Young master!¡± Ruan Yi greeted and passed Qiu Jinn the stove for warming hands, ¡°It¡¯s freezing tonight!¡±

    Qiu Jinn waved his hand, ¡°Keep it yourself. I¡¯m okay.¡± He sounded calm, but Ruan Yi vaguely saw his mouth tilt upwards into a smile with the help of the faint moonlight. Ruan Yi asked curiously, ¡°Young master, how is Miss Ou?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all done.¡± Qiu Jinn understated, ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go back! There is still something to do tomorrow.¡±

    Ruan Yi heaved a sigh of relief and smiled happily, ¡°Has the youngdy finally agreed to stop pestering you? That¡¯s so great! Let me see. It is time for the Han Family to give an urate answer tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. Should I have the hairpin left by your mother prepared first?¡±

    ¡°You should have the hairpin prepared. But it is not for the Mansion of the Han Family.¡± Ruan Yi had already brought the horses over while speaking. Qiu Jinn got on his horse, smiling faintly, ¡°You need to send the hairpin here, to the Princess Royal¡¯s Mansion, and ask Chunfu Princess to pass it to Miss Ou.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Ruan Yi was getting on the horse when he heard the words, and he was so shocked that he almost fell off the horse! It was fortunate enough that he clenched the reins tightly and climbed onto the saddle finally. He asked with astonishment, ¡°Young master, what do you mean?¡±

    Qiu Jinnughed, ¡°Can¡¯t you understand? I have changed my mind. I won¡¯t marry Miss Han. I will marry Miss Ou!¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Ruan Yi felt it iprehensible, ¡°Didn¡¯t you always want Miss Ou not to pester you?¡± Ruan Yi thought in his mind, ¡°You even fobbed off Chunfu Princess with excuses when she came personally to beg you to see Ou Qinn. Though you finally sumbed to the entanglement of Chunfu Princess and agreed to meet Miss Ou tonight, how could you indeed change your mind after the meeting?¡±

    Not only did Ruan Yi not understand, but also Jiang Qizheng and her husband felt at a loss at this moment. They stayed up and waited for fear that Ou Qinn could not stand the stimtion. ¡°Are you sure that you heard that right? Did he say that he would send someone to give us the token tomorrow instead of sending someone to escort you back to Jing City tomorrow? Or to deliver the token to the Mansion of the Han Family?¡±

    Jiang Qizheng and her husband had been sighing and worried for Ou Qinn in the room. Hearing the sounds that Ou Qinn ran over from far and kept squealing all the way, Jiang Qizheng was so scared that she ran out barefoot without wearing her shoes, fearing that Ou Qinn had gone out of her senses.

    She pulled Ou Qinn into the room and asked her nervously.

    Sure enough, Ou Qinn had gone crazy! She even began raving!

    The ecstatic Ou Qinn red at them upon hearing their words, ¡°What do you mean!¡±

    ¡°Oh, well,¡± Seeing that Ou Qinn got mad, Jiang Qizheng took a deep breath and forced a smile, ¡°We¡­ We are happy for you!¡±

    ording to the older man, a person in this condition must not be provoked again. The idea shed into Chunfu Princess¡¯s mind. She calmly held Qiu Feng¡¯s hand, beckoning to him to be silent. She said in a soft voice, ¡°Don¡¯t hurry! Tell me slowly! What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°He said he would send a token tomorrow. When I return to Jing City, he will entrust Prime Minister Xue to propose marriage to me!¡± Ou Qinn was so happy that she even couldn¡¯t stopughing. Her bright eyes were like the crescent moon. ¡°See, I told you I could marry him! Miss Han? Hua Shenshen? Peng Laiyue? What does it matter even if there are so many women? He is mine and no one can take him from me!¡±

    The corners of Qiu Feng¡¯s mouth twitched, ¡°Did he say he would marry you?¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Ou Qinn raised her head proudly, ¡°I want to return to Jing City right away! And then he will propose to me!¡± She pulled Jiang Qizheng¡¯s sleeve, ¡°Are you willing to urge grand uncle to leave as soon as possible tomorrow? And then I can take a visit to your kid for you!¡±

    What a silly girl! He just cheated you!

    Qiu Feng and his wife looked at each other. There were sympathy and helplessness in their eyes, ¡°If so¡­ You go home and have a rest now. Tomorrow I will apany you to see your grand uncle!¡±

    ¡°Ask Meng Tao to make a bowl of soup for her to calm down!¡± Jiang Qizheng sighed, ¡°Qiu Jinn has cheated her so that she will return to Jing City. There are more elders there who canfort her. And if she arrives at Jing City, I guess Qiu Jinn will get married. By that time, Xing has no choice but to give up!¡±

    She was distracted. Suddenly Ou Qinn yelled, ¡°I forgot the most critical issue! Qi Zheng, do you know why he agreed?

    ¡°Why? Because he is cheating!¡± Jiang Qizheng was helpless as she thought in her mind, ¡°But do I dare to tell you the truth when you¡¯re looking so happy? D*mn Qiu Jinn, to extricate himself, he made up such a lie. But he lets us help him to cheat her. What can I say?¡±

    They struggled for a while. Qiu Feng wanted to share his wife¡¯s care and burdens. So, he stammered, ¡°Does conscience guide him?¡±

    It was his actual words. From his point of view, Ou Qinn¡¯s efforts for Qiu Jinn deserved Qiu Jinn¡¯smitment!

    But Ou Qinn stared at him angrily because of his actual words. ¡°Jinn is always tolerant, generous, and high-toned. You can¡¯t defame him!¡±

    ¡°¡­ Are you sure you mean Qiu Jinn?¡± Qiu Feng asked incredulously. He thought, ¡°Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but isn¡¯t that crazy? I have never done anything wrong in my life, but I dare not to brag myself like this!¡±

    Jiang Qi Zheng quietly pulled her husband¡¯s sleeve. And then she whispered, ¡°You know that she is addicted to Qiu Jinn. Why bother to stimte her again?¡± She was crazy. She couldn¡¯t say any words that judged Qiu Jinn!

    The couple looked at Ou Qinn with sympathetic eyes again. Taking lessons from her husband, Jiang Qizheng told a lie, ¡°I think it is because he is already interested in you. However, he is a man with ambition and backbone and so he does not want to be attached to the nobledy from the Northern Army. So, he refused you. But you met him personally tonight and he was so impressed by your sincerity. So¡­¡±

    ¡°That ounts for it!¡± Ou Qinn was suddenly enlightened. ¡°I thought he was suspicious of me! So, he didn¡¯t want to be attached to me!¡±

    That would be strange, indeed!

    Jiang Qizheng and Qiu Feng hummed in their mind at the same time. ¡°Qiu Jinn is not the guy who is unwilling to attach himself to anyone else. He is the guy who only cares about how rich and powerful his father-inw will be. He even doesn¡¯t care about his wife¡¯s character and appearance!¡±

    She even believed in such a lie. They were wondering whether she could be cured after she returned to Jing City.

    Jiang Qizheng was so helpless that she wanted to sigh heavily. But she still had to force a smile and reply to her. ¡°Yes, yes¡­ It¡¯s gettingte. Look at you. You don¡¯t even have a coat on a snowy day. Why did you take off your robe?¡± She reached for what seemed to be a wad of her robe. ¡°Put it on. Meng Tao, go and get my fur coat. Let me take you back to your room. Can¡¯t we talk about it tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± She didn¡¯t expect that Ou Qinn raised her hands to keep her fingers away. She pouted to say, ¡°This is Jinn¡¯s robe. I am afraid that it may get wet by the night dew. Give me another one!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Jiang Qizheng was shocked!

    Qiu Feng almost knocked over his cup. The couple knew Qiu Jinn well. If he just wanted to put off her, he might lie to her and coax her. But he would never do such a generous act that he took off his robe and put it on her at such midnight!

    The reason was simple. Because of her status, he was not destined to y with her! In this case, unless he nned to marry her, Qiu Jinn even wanted her to hate him. How could he do something like that to make her love him more?

    ¡°Xing said that Qiu Jinn promised to marry her¡­ Is it true? Not to coax her to leave Shazhou?¡±

    The idea shed across her mind. Jiang Qi Zheng took a deep breath. She remained calm, ¡°Xing, where did you get this robe?¡±

    ¡°It was windy by theke and so he helped me put it on!¡± Ou Qinn smiled proudly. ¡°After he left, I took off my robe and wrapped it for fear of getting it dirty.¡±

    ¡°Theke is so far away from here. You could catch a cold easily without a fur coat. How dare you to take off your robe?¡± Jiang Qi Zheng¡¯s mouth twitched, ¡°Thank god, you are not my daughter!¡± Jiang Qizheng thought angrily, ¡°Or I would smack you!¡±

    Qiu Feng coughed, ¡°What did you talk about tonight? Can you tell us?¡± He winked at his wife. The point wasn¡¯t to me the silly girl for not taking good care of herself! They needed to figure out what happened tonight. Was this girl crazy, or was she telling the truth?

    ¡°When he arrived¡­¡± Ou Qinn was busy sharing her feelings and there was no way she could hide it. Thus, even without Jiang Qizheng¡¯s encouragement, she happily went on, ¡°¡­ And then he asked me whether I agreed on having them in our family.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng and Qiu Feng were surprised and said, ¡°And then you agreed?¡± Both of them felt discouraged. Ou Qinn was so in love with Qiu Jinn that she disregarded her reputation and chopped herpetitors. But it was so unfair that her efforts only received such returns.

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Ou Qinn said, ¡°Am I supposed to be such a generous person? Madame Zhuang has always taught me that the concubines are all sneaky and cannot be spared. I shouldn¡¯t let go of any one of them, even at the risk of making mistakes. How would I say yes to him about having concubines!¡±

    ¡°¡­ And then?¡± The couple asked carefully. It did not sound to be a happy ending. So, how the h*ll did it still end so well?

    ¡°And then heughed and said that it was toote and he had to return. He also said that he would send someone to take the token here tomorrow morning!¡± Ou Qinn screamed excitedly, hugging Jiang Qizheng. ¡°It¡¯s the hairpin of Princess Ruan, which he keeps with himself for his future wife after Ning Yi gave him. It¡¯s for his wife!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng was finally saved from her tight hug by Qiu Feng¡¯s hand chop. She leaned against her husband and caught her breath, still confused, ¡°What the h*ll has happened?¡±

    Previously to persuade Qiu Jinn to meet Ou Qinn, she, the princess, had to visit him in person and ttered him as if she would bow down to beg him. But only after a couple of hours, Qiu Jinn had apletely different attitude.

    Who could understand the situation?

    ¡°Is it really true as my husband said that Qiu Jinn had finally found out that his previous rejection to Xing was a total mistake?¡± Jiang Qizheng thought crazily, ¡°But howe! He never made a mistake. So, what has happened?¡±

    The poor couple thought about this for the whole night!

    They discussed, guessed, and even had some spats. But they failed to find a usible reason even until the sun rose.

    In sharp contrast to them, Ou Qinn, who was sent back to her own room unconsciously after being hit by Qiu Feng¡¯s hand chop, had a sound sleep with her lover¡¯s coat in her arms.

    The next day midday, when Qiu Jinn was doing the paperwork, he also listened to the report from Ren Ziyong, who sent the token to the Princess Royal¡¯s Mansion. He said, ¡°Chunfu Princess couple and Lady Ou came and received the token. Lady Ou was for sure extremely happy. But Chunfu Princess couple did not look well, albeit friendly. So, I returned after some small talks.¡±

    ¡°They deserved it!¡± Qiu Jinn gestured for his servants to serve Ren Ziyong a cup of tea. And he mocked, ¡°Previously, I was being nice and helping her and her husband get back together. But now, she has forgotten my kindness and helped others. How dare she think that I am such a pushover? I am just giving her some little punishment!¡±

 Chapter 403 - Get Them All into Trouble!

    Chapter 403 Get Them All into Trouble!

    After they finished dealing with their issues, Shazhou just became peaceful again. At the same time, in Jing City, there was a mess.

    First, Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi doubted that the fourth branch murdered their sons with Qiu Jinn. However, under the pressure given by Marquess Qin, they didn¡¯t dare to charge against the fourth branch or the Ruan¡¯s Mansion. So, they turned their targets to Qiu Qian and Mei Xue. They forcibly captured the twodies. And they hoped that they could ask something valuable by torturing them.

    However, by the time they captured them, the fourth branch began to fight against them fiercely.

    ¡°Father, it must be the fourth branch!¡± said Lu who hugged her son, Jiang Jingzhao, and wept tears of sadness in front of Jiang Tianao. ¡°Qiu Yn said she just wanted to find someone from her maiden family. However, she stealthily captured all my second aunt¡¯s family members. Now all my brothers have been missing. It must have something to do with them!¡±

    ¡°Zhao¡¯er is still so young. But he has already lost his father! If he loses his uncle, how can I make it in the rest of our life?¡±

    Her husband was the trueborn son of her father-inw, which meant her husband was so noble. But he died in Shazhou without any excuse. And now her brothers were captured. She couldn¡¯t imagine what the malicious fourth branch would do to them.

    She talked little with her father-inw. Now she grabbed his sleeve and was unwilling to get up. ¡°For my husband¡¯s sake, let the twodies go! They have been arrested in the side yard after Gu was killed. What could they know? If you arrest them, you will give the fourth branch a chance to be malicious¡­¡±

    Jiang Tianao wanted to leave with his livid face while his daughter-inw was holding his robe so tight. After all, she was his daughter-inw who had his grandson in her arm. So, he couldn¡¯t kick her the same as he did to servants.

    But he was the lucky one because only Lu was begging him. However, at the same time, in the mansion of the third branch, Jiang Tianqi was tangled by Shi, Zhang, and He. ¡°Please help us! Please rescue them!¡±

    After Qiu Qian and Mei Xue were captured, Jiang Yashuang and his wife tried every means to rescue them. But when Jiang Yashuang wanted to visit his uncles and Marquess Qin, they all rejected him. Though Madame Dou Junior cried and screamed after Qiu Yn took away Jiang Tianou and her family, Jiang Tianao decisively sent his daughter-inw to Kui County. The reason why he did so was that Jiang Yayun and Jiang Jingxu might look after the patients for an extended period and so he couldn¡¯t bear to see them being separated from their families for a long time.

    And then the fourth branch would figure out that the first branch and the third branch were decisive in finding the clue that the fourth branch murdered their kids!

    Jiang Yashuang was tired of tangling with them. So, he just dealt with them by using their method. He sent his soldiers to capture all the crucial kids in the Lu Family, the Shi Family, the Zhang Family, and the He Family.

    Now the four families became anxious as they didn¡¯t want to get involved in the infighting of the Jiang Family.

    Especially, just as Lu feared, Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing were killed in the internal strife, not to mention the rtives like her maiden family. By the power of the Jiang Family, when Marquess Qin was still alive, even if some guys in the fourth branch killed their brothers, they couldn¡¯t do anything to the fourth branch. How could they fight against the fourth branch, which had two armies and was supported by Empress Dowager Jiang?

    It was not only the guys from the fourth branch who asked Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi to be self-dignified by releasing the twodies endlessly but also their daughters-inw all brought their kids to tangle them.

    ¡°It is three days. Why don¡¯t uncles agree with us?¡± The atmosphere in the fourth branch was not the same as that in the first branch and the third branch. They were peaceful. Qiu Yn gave a cherry to her husband and said, ¡°They are so malicious. If they don¡¯t care about their daughters-inw, they should mind their grandchildren!¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Jiang Yashuang said calmly. ¡°They don¡¯t guard them in person. If they do, they still have to sleep at night. Shuijin has just sent her maids to tell me that they are forcing uncles to tell them the ce where Mei Xue and Qiu Qian are arrested. If they can find the ce, we will send people or figure out a way to release them. They want their brothers to be fine and so they will surely help us!¡±

    Qiu Yn was relieved, ¡°Luckily, Shuijin is smart.¡±

    She frowned then, ¡°But now we offend all those guys. Shall wefort themter?¡±

    ¡°Never mind.¡± Jiang Yashuang said disapprovingly. ¡°Do you forget Qiu Qian¡¯s identity? She is your cousin! It is the first branch and the third branch that have been stirring things up. We just retaliate. Even if the Lu Family, the Shi Family, the Zhang Family, and the He Family are indignant, they will not hate us. Even if they don¡¯t believe the first branch and the third branch cause it, they should remember how long their daughters and grandchildren cried before my uncles as they ignored them. It clearly shows that even if my uncles do not kidnap people from their maiden families, they are not important to my uncles at all!¡±

    When Jiang Yashuang decided to take actions against people from the rtives by marriage of the first branch and the third branch, he already had a n to kill two birds with one stone. The one was to force the two branches to release his wife¡¯s cousin and the other was to create enmity between them and their rtives by marriage.

    After releasing those guys from the four families, they would know that they suffered nothing even if they were kidnapped. They were arranged in the side yard outside the city. And they were served with delicacies and by pretty maids!

    ¡°For the Lu Family, the Shi Family, the Zhang Family, and the He Family, it is just a false rm. I¡¯m afraid they hate us less than they hate the first branch and the third branch!¡± Qiu Yn agreed and smiled, ¡°After all, we just arrest their kids for several days while the two branches don¡¯t care about their life at all!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang nodded, ¡°It is true!¡± Since there existed a chance to rescue Qiu Qian and Mei Xue, he was tired of talking about it again. He asked about the situation of Madame Zhuang thoughtfully, ¡°How is my mother today?¡±

    ¡°Much better!¡± Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°This afternoon, she brought An and our nephew to the garden in person. She even folded a flower and gave it to An!¡±

    Seeing outside, there were all the servants they trusted. She said in a low voice, ¡°Now she is hoping that Yadan and Qizheng can return home as soon as possible. She is looking forward toing up with a name for our nephew!¡±

    It was because she wanted to let Qiu Fenge up with a name for their son. Madame Zhuang thought that her daughter was killed and so she decided to give her grandson a name by herself. Now she knew her daughter was still alive and she wanted to wait for them toe back¡­ In a word, the kid who was just a little younger than An still didn¡¯t have his name!

    Jiang Yashuang couldn¡¯t helpughing, ¡°Why won¡¯t she directly give him a name? I believe when Qizheng returns home, she will ask my mother for a name.¡±

    They talked about some household affairs for a while and then they turned to another gossip. It was not about Sir Jibei but the marriage the emperor would hold.

    ording to the rank of the emperor, his brother Prince of Wei, his sisters Princess Lexin and Princess Yongfu should get married before him. But from Empress Dowager Jiang¡¯s point of view, she nned to arrange a marriage for Prince of Wei, Princess Lexin, and Princess Yongfu in the first half of this year. And then the emperor could get married after them. But when she mentioned the n, Xue Chang and the other ministers all vehemently opposed her!

    The reason was that in amon family, when one¡¯s father died, they should observe mourning for at least three years, not to mention the former emperor who died. It was not enough for the princes and princesses to attend the mourning for only a year. But the emperor could be excluded. He could only observe the mourning for just a day or a month!

    The debate ended with Xue Chan¡¯s words in private, ¡°Don¡¯t mention Prince of Wei and Princess Lexin. It is said that Princess Yongfu is Empress Dowager¡¯s daughter. Can you bear to see the public talk about her unfilial piety after your death? When the first emperor was poisoned in bed, Princess Yongfu served him liquid medicine very assiduously, which was enough to show her filial piety! Whether you are willing to let people speak ill of the princess just because of two years¡¯ filial piety, please reconsider!¡±

    Empress Dowager Jiang loved her daughter so much. She would let her daughter be wronged. So, she decided to concede at that moment. She allowed the Prince of Wei, Princess Lexin, and Princess Yongfu to observe mourning for three years. After all, the most important thing was to mourn for their father. The grandmother¡¯s death was not necessary as their father¡¯s. So, it could be finished at the same time. But the emperor whose identity was different from his brothers and sisters and he could get married this year!

    Through the divination by the Royal Observatory, the wedding date was settled in June, only two or three months from now.

    ¡°Cousin Xin may be so busy these days. Several days ago, Aunt Tianhe brought her to visit our mother. They even didn¡¯t say anything while the maids from Xin¡¯s Mansion came and asked her to return home. But Aunt Tianhe stayed and had dinner with us.¡± Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°She is thinner than before. But it seems that she is happy!¡±

    Cousin Xin¡¯s fate was miserable. Her marriage had always beenplex. She had been secretly in love with Ou Bicheng for many years but was forced by her elders to marry the emperor when he was still the Seventh Prince. When she finally epted this arrangement, the emperor and Jiang Huizhi made a disturbance. Even the wedding day was decided after several twists and turns because of Xue Chang¡¯s dispute with Empress Dowager Jiang.

    ¡°I hope everything goes well after her wedding!¡± Qiu Yn said helplessly. After her Cousin Xin¡¯s wedding, Jiang Huizhi, not to mention other families, had already be a concubine. With the deaths of her grandmother Madame Dou and her uncle Jiang Yayue, she could even take the position of Noble Consort! Jiang Huizhi¡¯s existence was difficult to ignore!

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget that Madame Dou just died.¡± Jiang Yashuang reminded despite her disappointment. He wrinkled and gentlyforted her, ¡°ording to the rules, the granddaughter of a person who has just died needs to observe filial piety for a year before she can get married. Emperor and Cousin Xin are in good health. Could it be that after a year from now, your royal son will be born?¡±

    If the first trueborn kid of the emperor could grow up safe and sound without vital mistakes, he would be in the East Pce! Even if Jiang Huizhi could give birth to a boy, she was just a concubine. As the kid was not the first one, even if the first branch supported her, she was still an old Princess!

    Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°That will be great!¡±

    When her Cousin Xin had a kid, even if Jiang Huizhi was a Noble Consort, she should consider her ability to covet Xin Fubing¡¯s position!

 Chapter 404 - Swapped in the Courtyard!

    Chapter 404 Swapped in the Courtyard!

    Two dayster, the message came from He Shuijin and the others, saying that they had found the ce where Qiu Qian and Mei Xue were being held and they had seeded in buying over the guards. They asked Jiang Yashuang and his wife to superficially send someone to ¡°kidnap¡± them so that the guards wouldn¡¯t have to be med for that.

    Jiang Yashuang sent some of his men and they were able to get them out easily. But¡­

    After the two were ¡°kidnapped¡± and settled in another courtyard, Su He, ordered by Qiu Yn to go tofort them, soon came back to Marquess¡¯s Mansion to report, ¡°Madame, we kidnapped the wrong people! Those two are not Miss Qiu and Miss Mei at all!¡±

    Qiu Yn was shocked and then furious, ¡°Go to the third branch and ask what¡¯s going on!¡±

    At this time, they said that Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi were so cunning that they made a fool of the daughters-inw. Su He went to the third branch and asked He Shuijin. But they investigated for most of the day and returned with a suspicious message, ¡°The two people who were kidnapped from the side yard by the people sent by the eldest uncle and my father-inw are truly them. There is no lie!¡±

    In other words, they had been swapped in the side yard!

    Knowing that Qiu Yn might not believe this, He Shuijin came over personally under the cover of her mother-inw and sisters-inw and exined to her face to face, ¡°People sent by the eldest uncle and my father-inw had never seen the two girls. They only knew that the two girls lived in the side yard. When they went there, they saw the two young women fully dressed and took them away directly. I have asked each of the men who are involved in the kidnapping and all of them have identified the two girls as the ones who lived in the side yard!¡±

    She also suggested, ¡°Perhaps we could question them about where they came from and who made them impersonate Miss Qiu and Miss Mei.¡±

    Qiu Ynughed coldly, ¡°I would like to question them, but Su He said that they couldn¡¯t speak at all! I thought they were pretending to be deaf and mute, but when I ordered someone to torture them, I found out that the two uncles had ordered someone to cut out their tongues! When they were given ink and pen, they shook their heads. They couldn¡¯t read either!¡±

    He Shuijin was shocked, ¡°The eldest uncle and my father-inw should be too busy to go for interrogation these two days!¡±

    ¡°Do you want the two uncles to do the torture themselves?¡± Qiu Yn asked coldly in return.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go back and check again!¡± He Shuijin¡¯s heart sank and she got up, ¡°Our family members¡­ We hope you to be generous and I¡¯ll give you an exnation after all!¡±

    Qiu Yn said nomittally, ¡°What family members? What does it have to do with me?¡±

    After sending away He Shuijin, Qiu Yn called in a person, ¡°Tell me what happened again!¡±

    This man was one of the servants in the side yard where Qiu Qian and Mei Xue were put under house arrest before. When Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi sent their henchmen to kidnap them, they killed almost all the guards in that side yard because they hated the fourth branch. This servant narrowly escaped with his life by hiding in the doghouse.

    At this moment, he told the whole story in detail, and at the end of it, he had to cry and beg Qiu Yn to do justice to him and his dead colleagues.

    ¡°Even if you don¡¯t say this, we won¡¯t spare the first branch and the third branch!¡± Qiu Yn frowned and asked, ¡°But there¡¯s something wrong with the two people we have got back. Where do you think is the problem?¡±

    The man was at a loss for words and he cautiously replied after a moment that since he was a manservant and the ce he was responsible for cleaning was not the area where Qiu Qian and Mei Xue often lived, he really couldn¡¯t say anything, ¡°I saw those masked men entering the door, killing everyone on sight, and people in the side yard were defenseless and in great chaos. I didn¡¯t know where the twodies were and it was difficult to identify the direction in the night. So, I ran out of the side yard and then¡­¡±

    ¡°Masked men? How many?¡± Qiu Yn suddenly felt a sh of light in her mind and asked.

    The man hesitantly shook his head, ¡°Sorry for my ipetence. I only heard the sounds of shouting and killing. I really do not know exactly how many people were there!¡±

    ¡°Well, you can go back now!¡± Qiu Yn waved her hand and gestured for the apprehensive servant to leave. She turned to Mrs. Zhou, Su He, and others, ¡°Do you think it is possible that Qiu Nie sent someone to hide in the men of the two uncles and took the two people away?¡±

    Mrs. Zhou and Su He said at the same time, ¡°Do you believe what the fourteenth madame said?¡±

    ¡°Her own brother is in our hands. Even though she has guessed that Yashuang wants to use this as a ploy to sow discord, his main purpose is to get back Qiu Qian and Mei Xue. If they don¡¯te back, we can¡¯t give up!¡± Qiu Yn thought, ¡°It will be difficult not to punish those people at that time!¡±

    After all, it was Jiang Yashuang who ordered the kidnapping and these days they were well fed and entertained. If there wasn¡¯t an exnation for Qiu Qian and Mei Xue and they just sent them back¡­ Wasn¡¯t it funny?

    Considering the face, Jiang Yashuang had no choice but to turn against them. Even if he didn¡¯t kill some of them, he needed at least to let those people suffer so as to end the situation.

    Since He Shuijin was smart, she certainly knew the reason.

    And ording to the surviving servant, the attack on the side yard took cete at night and the men were masked in ck, which provided an opportunity for someone to fish in troubled waters!

    ¡°Send someone to check the neighborhood of the previous side yard to see if there are tenants who have suddenly moved out or changed recently.¡± Qiu Yn pondered for a moment and ordered, ¡°If it happened right at the side yard, it was most likely to be done by Qiu Nie! I don¡¯t think he could let his henchmen hide on the two uncles¡¯ sides, but I¡¯m afraid that he has a nest near the side yard, keeping an eye on them. The two uncles¡¯ actions gave him the opportunity to do so!¡±

    They found it true. Su He came back in the evening and reported, ¡°The house with three yards set at the southeast direction of the side yard is only at a distance of two streets. It is said that it was bought in the second half ofst year. The new owner told the neighbors that the house would be used for the wedding. So, even though the house was still new, he still nned to renovate it before moving in. With this exnation, even though the neighbors often saw peopleing and going and it sometimes had strange noise, they thought it was the craftsmen who were cleaning up. But in the past two days, the house was suddenly silent and so I asked someone to look for a ce in the backyard and went inside. There were just some tools for cleaning inside but there were more signs showing many people used to live there!¡±

    ¡°Where are the people?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s empty!¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s face turned ugly, ¡°Keep searching!¡±

    She had no intention of telling He Shuijin about this and she certainly had no intention of hiding it from her. So, the next day, He Shuijin also learned the news through her tracking of Su He and came to the door to sound her out, ¡°It seems we¡¯ve all been worrying for nothing! The eldest uncle and our father-inw have been tricked too!¡±

    ¡°Maybe!¡± Qiu Yn did not intend to form a deadly feud with the He Family and several other families and so he dropped hints while putting on airs, ¡°But I only think the new owner of the mansion is suspicious. Whether it is or not, it¡¯s not clear yet!¡±

    The words sounded as if she was putting someone on spot, but in fact, it was a hint to He Shuijin that if she wanted the fourth branch to release the people, the current clues alone were not enough. There had to be more important and widely known evidence so that the fourth branch would not be perceived as a tiger¡¯s head and a snake¡¯s tail and that the confidence was not strong enough.

    He Shuijin naturally understood this. When she returned to the third branch, she asked He, Shi, and Zhang to discuss the matter, ¡°The people are very likely to be rescued by Qiu Nie. The problem is that not many people know about this now and if the fourth branch just let them go, it would be a shame! So¡­¡±

    ¡°They killed our husbands, kidnapped our maiden family, and now they want us to think about their face?¡± He and Zhang could still listen in silence, but Shi could not stand it anymore and sobbed in grief and anger, ¡°There is no way to live like this!¡±

    He Shuijin frowned, but then let go. She couldn¡¯t me Shi for saying that. She had lost her own son for some reason and now Jiang Yaqing also died. What else could she hope for in the future?

    He Shuijin, He, and Zhang looked at each other,forting Shi for a long time. When she saw that Shi was still in tears, He Shuijin let her maid, Juan, send her back to her room, ¡°Since you are not feeling well, go back to your room and rest for a while. Let us take care of things here.¡±

    When Shi left, the remaining mothers-inw and daughters-inw started to talk about business, deciding to describe Qiu Qian and Mei Xue¡¯s escape from house arrest as Qiu Nie¡¯s plot to kidnap. Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi¡¯s men happened to pass nearby and they intended to intercept them but failed because they were caught off guard.

    As for those who were taken away by Jiang Yashuang, it was announced that they had gone to a faraway ce for pleasure. They had sent their subordinates home to report this, but they had an ident and were unable to deliver the messages! This was how the ¡°rumor¡± spread that the sons of the families had been abducted.

    ¡°That should be enough to cover it!¡± He Shuijin sighed after a long time of deep thought.

    In fact, by this time, the fourth branch had already found more evidence that Qiu Qian and Mei Xue had indeed been rescued by Qiu Nie¡¯s men. So, after a few more trips by He Shuijin, Jiang Yashuang ordered the sons and daughters who had gone out together ¡°forpleasure¡± to be released. The families were relieved of their worries as they returned in goodpany!

    After this matter, Sir Jibei and his party finally arrived in Jing City!

    When they first entered Jing City, the first branch and the third branch could not resist the urge to meet them and ask them what was going on. However, Sir Jibei had sent a letter asking everyone not to greet him! When they returned to Marquess¡¯s Mansion, things were to be told on the spot!

    So, no matter what was in their minds, they had to gather outside Marquess¡¯s Mansion and wait for it.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯ve lost so much weight?¡± Sir Jibei had said in his letter that he would bring someone to Marquess¡¯s Mansion as soon as he entered Jing City to tell the truth. So, the people from Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion to greet him had toe first and wait together at the entrance of Marquess¡¯s Mansion. Madame Ou, who was concerned about her husband, also arrived. Sir Jibei was much darker and thinner and he looked even ten years older than before. When Madame Ou saw Sir Jibei from afar, she could not help but frown and murmur softly, but then snapped out of it, ¡°Two trueborn grandsons! s¡­¡±

    Since Madame Ou could see how haggard and old Sir Jibei was, naturally the others could see it too. For a while, the atmosphere was a bit sorrowful.

    ¡°What are you all waiting for here?¡± When he reached the front, Sir Jibei nced at the people, nodded slightly towards his old wife, jumped off his horse, and said indifferently, ¡°Go in to talk!¡±

    The crowd promised to move out of the way but did not move their feet. Their eyes all were looking at the group following behind his horse, especially Madam Zhuang, who hade deliberately to perform that the fourth branch knew nothing. Supported by Jiang Yashuang left and Qiu Yn right, she saw Sir Jibei with eyes filled with tears and padded her feet, looking frequently at the several carriages at the back and asking in a trembling tone, ¡°Where is my daughter? Where is my daughter? Where? My poor child!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng was not dead. Sir Jibei had concealed this news before and it was even worse to say this in public. But now he was most concerned with pacifying the first branch and the third branch. So how could he be in the mood to pay attention to Madame Zhuang, who was in a position to take advantage of him? Therefore, without saying anything, he walked past her into Marquess¡¯s Mansion!

    It was Madame Ou who didn¡¯t know what was going on. She came over tofort Madame Zhuang in a low voice, ¡°He definitely has brought her back. Since you¡¯re at such an age, hold on! You still have Yadan, Yashuang, and grandchildren, don¡¯t you?¡±

    This immediately reminded Madame Zhuang, who had been ying the role of ¡°a poor mother who lost her daughter¡±, and she was shocked, ¡°Right! Where is Yadan? Why isn¡¯t he back?¡±

    Jiang Qizheng didn¡¯t have to show up at the moment for Sir Jibei said that he would talk to her after he entered the mansion. Perhaps she would be allowed to show up then. But if Jiang Yadan came back, he should have leaped up to Madame Zhuang to pay his respects. But now the team that followed Sir Jibei back had almost all entered Marquess¡¯s Mansion and there was no sign of Jiang Yadan!

    Now even Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn changed their expression, ¡°You are right! Where is Brother Yadan? He shouldn¡¯t have been left behind in Shazhou, should he?¡±

 Chapter 405 - My Brother Is Getting Married After All

    Chapter 405 My Brother Is Getting Married After All

    The three of them were in a great hurry. They did not even bother to pretend to be sad for Jiang Qizheng and rushed into the mansion to chase after Sir Jibei. Could it be that Jiang Yadan had been secretly attacked by the first branch and the third branch in Shazhou or on the road?

    However, although Sir Jibei was old, he was a military officer and walked with long strides. At the moment, he had entered Marquess Qin¡¯s courtyard!

    ¡°What are you doing in such a hurry?¡± Marquess Qin did not go to the gate to wee Sir Jibei because he was the elder brother, but still waiting in the corridor of his own courtyard. Seeing Sir Jibei enter, he frowned. He did not ask anything but only ordered, ¡°Go back to your mansion first. Ask your wife to make you a bowl of hot soup. And have a good sleep. We¡¯ll talk about the thing after you get enough energy!¡±

    ¡°Yayue and Yaqing¡­¡± Sir Jibei spoke up but then was interrupted by Marquess Qin, ¡°They are already dead. What difference does it make if they know the truth earlier orter? If you work yourself into the ground because of this, how will the descendants be able to face themselves?¡±

    Since he had said so, no matter what the public thought, they had to move forward together, asking Sir Jibei to go back to rest for the night and tell them about the trip tomorrow.

    The fourth branch, however, took advantage of Sir Jibei¡¯s departure to ask about Jiang Yadan. However, Sir Jibei, who had been tortured by the long journey and the pressure and consequently had a pale face, instantly turned red, ignoring the fact that Madame Zhuang, who had been taking care of him for years like his daughter-inw, was right in front of him, and saying through gritted teeth, ¡°I killed him!¡±

    After saying those words, he ignored the fourth branch and simply went off in a huff!

    ¡°But¡­¡± Madame Zhuang knew the nature of Sir Jibei well. She knew that it was nothing more than angry words. So after a while, she asked Jiang Yashuang to ask the person who had returned with Sir Jibei to find out what had happened.

    Madame Zhuang, who doted on her son, was speechless when she found the truth. Jiang Yadan had not been left behind in Shazhou, but rather he made trouble again when he entered Jing City. He saw a pretty girl on the road and suddenly got horny, rushing up to rob her! If it had been in the past, the girl wouldn¡¯t have escaped, but this time it was under the nose of Sir Jibei!

    Sir Jibei was already ufortable with this kind of bullying and this time he had to transport the coffins of his two nephews back to Jing City. However, Jiang Yadan, as the official cousin, was not only unfilial at all, but in the mood to snatch a beautiful girl! Sir Jibei was almost incensed and without saying a word, he drove his horse forward and whipped Jiang Yadan off his horse, giving him an unpredictable thrashing!

    The others in his party could not stop him by begging for mercy!

    In the end, it was the molested girl who was reminded by the guards that the one being beaten was the Eighth Young Master of the Jiang Family. If he was beaten badly, the rest of the Jiang Family, not to mention the general and his wife, could not spare her. She had to bravely go forward and pull on the corner of Sir Jibei¡¯s coat, kneeling and begging him to show mercy, which barely mediated a dispute.

    ¡°So where is Yadan now? Is he seriously injured?¡± Madame Zhuang also felt so shameful for her eldest son. But as his mother, she was in the end more concerned about Jiang Yadan¡¯s well-being and hurriedly asked.

    The guard said awkwardly, ¡°Although Sir Jibei was angry at the time, he still didn¡¯t hurt him badly. The Eighth Young Master was not badly injured, but just had a flesh wound. However, he can¡¯t ride a horse and so he had someone carry him in a sedan chair behind us. If he can¡¯te tonight, he should be ready tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°I will bring someone to greet brother Yadan!¡± Jiang Yashuang said before Madame Zhuang looked at him.

    Madam Zhuang nodded, ¡°Take care on your way!¡±

    While Jiang Yashuang went to greet Yadan, Qiu Yn apanied her mother-inw back to the fourth branch alone. When she entered the house, Madame Zhuang also told her to sit down and rubbed the corner of her forehead with a headache, ¡°Yadan is excellent at everything, but except women¡¯s charm¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiu Yn made a forced smile and thought, ¡°He is excellent at everything? Fortunately, she was recovered or she may not hold out when hearing the truth.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s more than half a year since An¡¯s mother passed away.¡± Madame Zhuang muttered to herself and asked in a deep voice, ¡°Did your grandmother ever say anything about a suitable candidate for his wife before?¡±

    Qiu Yn understood Madame Zhuang¡¯s intention to have his wedded wife take charge of him after the renewal of his marriage, in which case perhaps Yadan would not be so absurd. However, she thought that this only was Madame Zhuang¡¯s wishful thinking. Once Jiang Yadan as a scum waspletely activated, it was hard to make him be loyal.

    But since her mother-inw asked a question, she respectfully said, ¡°My grandmother was grief-stricken by the death of my eighth sister-inw. At her funeral, many mothers brought their daughters and dressed up in fancy clothes, which made grandmother very unhappy. So, during my eighth sister-inw¡¯s funeral, she didn¡¯t mention this. Later on, when it was time to discuss the matter seriously, brother Yadan went after my eighth sister and so the matter was put on hold. I don¡¯t know if my grandmother has found a suitable candidate!¡±

    Madame Zhuang said, ¡°I¡¯ll ask herter.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know whose daughter is the tragic one this time. Maybe they don¡¯t think it¡¯s a tragedy, but that they¡¯ve found good rtives.¡± Qiu Yn silently thought. Although it was said that Madame Zhuang had a deep hatred for concubines, and being her daughter-inw, she didn¡¯t have to worry about the rtionship with her mother-inw, and her mother-inw would back her up if she met a mistress, but her mother-inw might not be in Jing City all the time!

    Perhaps after seeing her children, Madame Zhuang would go back to Beijiang to keep an eye on her husband.

    She had a chat with Madame Zhuang and then seeing she was sleepy, Qiu Yn returned to her own chamber.

    After she returned, Su He greeted her with Dongran, ¡°Young master¡¯s men have brought back a message.¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded, ¡°Go inside to talk!¡±

    After entering and clearing the room, Dongran showed a slight smile, ¡°Young master¡¯s marriage has been decided!¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiu Yn was first delighted, but then she felt some inexplicable loss. She subconsciously suppressed this feeling of loss and asked expectantly, ¡°Who is thedy? What are her personality and appearance?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Miss Ou, who has gone to Shazhou this time!¡± Dongran¡¯s tone was a bit emotional.

    Qiu Yn was also stunned, ¡°It is her!¡± Although she had beenmenting Ou Qinn¡¯s persistence towards Qiu Jinn before, this time when she heard that Ou Qinn really got what she wanted, Qiu Yn still felt a bit incredulous, ¡°Didn¡¯t my brother always¡­ He had always been adamant that he wouldn¡¯t even consider Ou Qinn!¡±

    Dongran understood her meaning, ¡°This is something that even Ruan Yi finds very sudden. Perhaps young master was touched by Miss Ou¡¯s sincerity, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Honestly, she didn¡¯t believe this possibility any more than Qiu Yn, his own sister. As the earliest henchman to follow Qiu Jinn, Dongran knew all too well how ruthless Qiu Jinn was. Was he someone who could be easily impressed?

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiu Yn pondered for a while without any clues, but the good thing was that she at least still knew something about Ou Qinn¡¯s family, her talent, her character, and¡­ So, Qiu Yn gave up thinking since she could not figure out why Qiu Jinn changed his attitude, ¡°So when will this marriage be announced? And what will happen when the marriage is arranged? Will my brother be able to return from Shazhou at this juncture?¡±

    Dongran answered, ¡°The marriage has not yet been announced, but only the marriage proposal has been mentioned. He made someone back with the letter, intending to ask Prime Minister Xue to propose marriage on behalf of him.¡± She took out a letter from her sleeve and took it to Qiu Yn with both hands, ¡°For such a big event, Mr. Ruan thought it would be more formal to ask you to go to Xue¡¯s Mansion and entrust the matter to him personally!¡±

    She also smiled, ¡°Although young master had already given Princess Ruan¡¯s hairpin and ring to Miss Ou in Shazhou, which was, in the end, a private matter. This time, he asked Prime Minister Xue to go to Jingbo¡¯s Mansion to propose marriage. So, I thought he should take another token. It¡¯s just because that there¡¯s nothing left behind by the old Princess and the Princess¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s easy!¡± Qiu Yn frankly asked someone to open the storehouse, smiling, ¡°I told my brother earlier that he should take more things left by grandmother and mother, but he didn¡¯t listen to me! Now there¡¯s not enough to go around, is there?¡±

    She also instructed Su He, who was going to the storehouse, ¡°Take the best ones! I can¡¯t let my future sister-inw lose out on the lion¡¯s share of these things!¡±

    After Dongran left, Mrs. Zhou and the others all congratted Qiu Yn, and she also ordered all the servants in her courtyard to be rewarded with a month¡¯s sry to add to the joy.

    But after all this hrity, she sent her servants away and returned to the inner chamber alone. The smile on her face suddenly disappearedpletely, ¡°Brother is getting married after all!¡±

    As husband and wife are one, even the closest siblings before the wedding would inevitably be estranged when they eachposed a family.

    To think of such a scenario was a heartfelt difort!

    ¡°But I was married before my brother. I can¡¯t expect him to stay single for the rest of his life, can I? At least Xing and I are close, and we¡¯ve got to know each other well over the past two years.¡± Qiu Yn listlessly reassured herself, ¡°It¡¯s better than a strange sister-inw¡­ And brother loves me so much that even after getting married, he may not be as distant as other families¡­ s¡­ Anyway, it¡¯s a good thing that brother is getting married!¡±

    She bit her lip and punched the pillow in exasperation, ¡°Yes! It¡¯s a good thing. I¡¯m not jealous at all! It doesn¡¯t hurt at all!¡±

    Unfortunately, the more she said, the more depressed she got!

    In the end, she simply climbed up onto the bed and pulled the covers off to sleep!

    She woke up as she felt her forehead being rubbed by someone. She opened her eyes, finding it was already bright, and it was the next day¡¯s morning.

    Jiang Yashuang had a relieved look on his face, ¡°How are you? Do you feel ufortable? I came backst night and heard that you had been asleep since noon and couldn¡¯t even wake up at dinner!¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiu Yn was also shocked to hear that she had slept for so long, but as she felt full of energy, she was relieved and shook her head, ¡°I think it¡¯s because I¡¯m pregnant¡­ How¡¯s brother Yadan?¡±

    ¡°He arrived home at midnightst night. He indeed had only some flesh wounds.¡± Jiang Yashuang paused and sighed before continuing, ¡°But it¡¯s no wonder that grand uncle let him stay in a sedan chair at the back in that his head and face were injured, which was really not appropriate to see people.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought he deserved that. She didn¡¯t care much about his attitude towards his cousins¡¯ deaths, but the young girl he met on the road would have had her life ruined if Sir Jibei hadn¡¯t been there. It was a great pleasure to see such a scum being beaten up, but of course this could not be said to Madame Zhuang and Jiang Yashuang, who were his blood rtives!

    Knowing that Jiang Yadan wouldn¡¯t die, she changed the subject, ¡°My brother is getting married. Do you know about this?¡±

    ¡°I only heard about it this morning. Congrattions to him!¡± Jiang Yashuang said so, but his face had little congrattory meaning, obviously worrying about Ou Qinn¡¯s poor life after the wedding. But this was not the time to discuss those things carefully, because the most important thing is about to start, ¡°Just now Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion sent messages, saying that grand uncle wille over soon¡­ Since you are fine, I will go over to grandfather¡¯s side first. Shall we discuss these thingster?¡±

    Qiu Yn looked seriously, ¡°Be careful!¡±

    There was no choice now. The fourth branch had taken too much advantage this time and even if Sir Jibei were to take care of the overall situation, it would be hard not to get a big bite of blood and flesh!

 Chapter 406 - Are We in Your Way When We Survive?

    Chapter 406 Are We in Your Way When We Survive?

    At the moment, there was tension in the air in Marquis Qin¡¯s study!

    Sir Jibei had not yet arrived, but the first branch and the third branch¡¯s anxious men who coulde were all there.

    Because of Madame Dou¡¯s death, the first branch, except for Jiang Tianao, was in mourning apparel. And as for the third branch, two frightened-looking sons of concubines of Jiang Yaqing, who were less than ten years old, walked beside Jiang Yayi and Jiang Yaheng, wearing mourning apparel as well. Just by looking at the situation, one could see the determination of these two branches to get to the bottom of the matter!

    But Jiang Yashuang, who had been educated by Marquis Qin and Empress Dowager Jiang since he was young, was used to scenes. So, despite the stiff and heavy atmosphere in the study, he was far from being intimidated. When he entered the door, even though he was looked at by the two branches with hatred and indifference in their eyes, he calmly saluted Marquis Qin ording to the etiquette and then sat down in his seat, waiting patiently.

    He was worried about his wife and arrivedte. He didn¡¯t wait long before someone at the door passed on the message that the group of Sir Jibei had already entered the mansion. ¡°Madame said she was concerned about Marquis Qin¡¯s health and so she came along. Besides, she brought Miss Ou and Young Earl Ling along!¡±

    ¡°Ou Qinn and Ling Zui?¡± The first branch and the third branch, who bore serious resentment, were astonished to hear that. They looked at Jiang Yashuang all together, ¡°It is understandable that grand auntes along as she is worried about grand uncle. But what about Ou Qinn and Ling Zui? They are killed, together with Jiang Qizheng, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    It was Jiang Yahong who asked the question. He was indeed the man who had betrayed his branch for his own future. At the moment, he looked shocked with anger and suspicion, showing the proper attitude of a son standing up for the first branch. Who would believe that he was simply overjoyed at the deaths of his official mother and official brother?

    But Jiang Yashuang was more than ready for that. His face was more shocked than Jiang Yahong¡¯s. Furthermore, his surprise was mixed with anticipation and apprehension and he even made a motion that he was about to stand up, ¡°Is my eighteenth sister still alive?¡±

    The impromptu performance between the cousins made the atmosphere in the study be weirder and weirder, which seemed that the night was falling.

    The group of Sir Jibei had already entered the mansion and they would arrive here a few momentster.

    ¡°My youngest grand uncle!¡± Seeing that Ou Qinn and Ling Zui who were behind Sir Jibei and his wife were still alive, the first branch and the third branch were both horrified and furious! When Sir Jibei was invited by Marquis Qin to sit down beside him, Jiang Yahong, who had performed before, couldn¡¯t wait to jump out and shout in grief and anger, ¡°Howe these two are still alive?¡±

    ¡°What did we ever do to you?¡± Before Sir Jibei answered, Ou Qinn had already spoken with a puzzled expression, ¡°Or are we in your way when we survive?¡±

    Ling Zui retorted almostzily, ¡°Maybe the Eleventh Young Master believes that none of us are supposed to survive!¡±

    Jiang Yashuangmended their close cooperation secretly. What they said meant that the first branch and the third branch knew about the attack on Jiang Qizheng and the others, and they were certain that Ou Qinn and Ling Zui could not survive.

    Jiang Tianao gave a piercing look at him, ¡°Shut up! Who has taught you that you are allowed to shout at your youngest grand uncle!¡± And then he made amends to Sir Jibei on behalf of Jiang Yahong. However, Sir Jibei ignored their argument and said to Marquis Qin with a cold look, ¡°My second brother, what happened in Shazhou is extremelyplicated and many people of our family are involved. So, I bring Xing and Ling Zui here to corroborate it!¡±

    Marquis Qin nodded, ¡°Go ahead!¡±

    Sir Jibei said coldly, ¡°When I arrived in Shazhou, Yayue and Yaqing were assassinated and died.¡± Hearing this, the people of the first branch and the third branch looked even more sad and angry. Sir Jibei paused, to allow them to restrain their emotions before continuing, ¡°Their assassination had everything to do with the previous attack on Qizheng and the others. So, Xing and Ling Zui, you tell everyone here in detail about your journey to the west!¡±

    On the way back, Ou Qinn and Ling Zui had been working exclusively on getting their story straight, and now they were really familiar with it, ¡°Finally we arrived in Shazhou but we didn¡¯t expect that we shoulde with an attack¡­ When we found it was Kuang Qingwu who attacked us, we didn¡¯t think about surviving, but we were stopped frommitting suicide. And to our surprise, he didn¡¯t make us suffer. Except for being confined, we were well treated. And we all three were locked in the same ce¡­ By taking advantage of the opportunity, Qizheng was able to write blood letters¡­ Atst, we were saved!¡±

    ¡°So, it was Qiu Jinn¡¯s secret pawn sent around Kuang Qingwu who managed to leave secret marks that helped Qiu Jinn find where Kuang Qingwu was hiding and thus save you, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Jiang Tianao asked expressionlessly, ¡°But as the secret pawn, who was beside Kuang Qingwu, was aware of his movements and could get Qiu Jinn informed, why didn¡¯t he warn him when Kuang Qingwu attacked you?¡±

    ¡°Moreover, Kuang Qingwu had terrorized Shazhou for a long time. Since that Qiu Jinn nted someone around him, why not inform the army as soon as possible and destroy him?¡± Jiang Tianqi also said coldly, ¡°Or, why not just sacrifice himself to kill Kuang Qingwu in one blow?¡±

    Ou Qinn turned down the corners of her mouth and said nothing.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you know that better?¡± Ling Zui said coldly, ¡°Why are you ming Chunjun on the contrary?¡±

    Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi suddenly froze and looked at Marquis Qin and Sir Jibei, the two brothers.

    Sir Jibei nced at Marquis Qin, who was silent, and calmly said, ¡°Although Gu was killed and the remainders were cleared before, the Gu Family had been in power for more than 30 years, there are many remaining viins! The border army in particr is too important to ignore! Therefore, we secretly told Qiu Jinn to let go of Kuang Qingwu and let him stay in Shazhou as a bandit. As such, the remaining members of the Gu Family woulde into the trap. So, we can kill them all!¡±

    After a pause, he continued, ¡°It is a big deal. We didn¡¯t tell you to avoid giving away it.¡±

    Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi were so angry that they in turn gave a smile, ¡°My third uncle, considering how Kuang Qingwu acted these days, he had been clearing the way for Qiu Jinn!¡±

    In great anger, the two men even said what Marquis Qin had privately advised them before, ¡°Moreover, my second uncle had said Kuang Qingwu was likely to be recruited by Qiu Jinn and allowed to be a bandit, right? My second uncle had told Yayue and Yaqing to kill him first when they had the chance after going to Shazhou. Howe it was our family who tacitly allowed Qiu Jinn to do this?¡±

    After these words, although Marquis Qin still looked indifferent and did not say anything, the hearts of Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi jolted and they felt something was wrong inwardly, ¡°We shouldn¡¯t have said that!¡±

    Even if they wanted to say it, they shouldn¡¯t have said it so honestly and unabashedly. It was Sir Jibei¡¯s defense that surprised and angered them so much that they were out of line! After all, everyone knew that Marquis Qin was partial to the first branch and even the third branch that stood with the first branch in the confrontation against the fourth branch took advantage of it as well. But, in the end, the scene must be taken good care of!

    However, Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi now gave out what Marquis Qin did in private.

    At that moment, anyone could see the anger gathering between Jiang Yashuang¡¯s eyes!

    Even Old Master Tianxiao, who came here to watch, started to look bad. He was born by a concubine but he was the son of Marquis Qin. And normally, he was the most favored youngest child. While he was listening and watching how his father showed preference to his cousin and trueborn brother¡­ He thought of his treatment only to find that even though his biological mother smoothed things over with Marquis Qin during pillow talk, there was little change!

    ¡°When I first proposed with my second brother that Qiu Jinn should do this, he indeed did not agree.¡± Sir Jibei hadmunicated with Marquis Qin through private letters on his way back. He knew that there was such a loophole and so he naturally thought about countermeasures. As such, he exined calmly at this moment, ¡°He believed that as the chief viin, Gu had been killed, the remainders would not be able to make it even if they still had mischievous intentions!¡±

    He then turned it and said, ¡°But I don¡¯t have the same courage as my second brother! As far as I was concerned, those who were in fear of being implicated in the copse of the Gu Family could be let go of, but those who were still thinking of making waves could not be spared! So, when my second brother refused my proposal, I sent someone to tell Qiu Jinn to do so. Because my second brother did not agree, I did not let him read the letter I gave Qiu Jinn.¡±

    He said tonelessly, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask Qiu Jinn for the handwritten letterter!¡±

    ¡°Since you have personally been to Shazhou and met with Qiu Jinn, what kind of handwriting can he not offer?¡± The first branch and the third branch were furious in their heart. Jiang Yahong, who had been scolded by Jiang Tianao, squinting his eyes, suddenly said, ¡°My youngest grand uncle, there is one thing that I still don¡¯t know!¡±

    ¡°Say it!¡±

    ¡°Miss Ou and Ling Zui said they, together with my eighteenth sister, were well treated after being taken captive. They were just confined. So, is my eighteenth sister alive or dead?¡±

    Just then it became so silent in the study that all could hear a pin drop!

    Under everyone¡¯s gaze, Sir Jibei said indifferently, ¡°Of course she is still alive!¡± He didn¡¯t need Jiang Yahong to continue asking and said in a rush, ¡°However, she was shocked and her fingers were badly injured because of writing the blood letters. And she fell ill all of a sudden when Qiu Feng rushed over. Now the couple is staying in Shazhou for rest and will not be back until some dayster!¡±

    Confirming that Jiang Qizheng was still alive, Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi both rose to their feet!

    The cousins, who were more than half a hundred years old and in the position of great power, both turned purple and had veins on their foreheads as they looked deadly at Jiang Yashuang, the only member of the fourth branch present today!

    They looked very fierce as if they were about to tear him the next moment, ¡°What a ruthless tactic! We really underestimate you, the fourth branch. You dare¡­ Qizheng didn¡¯t die¡­ The daughter of the Ou Family¡­ Ling Zui¡­ What a trick!¡± At the time, how could they not think that everything was a plot by the fourth branch to kill Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing?

    A smile appeared on the corner of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s mouth when Sir Jibei confirmed Jiang Qizheng¡¯s safety, and a look of relief and excitement appeared on his face. But now it suddenly disappeared without a trace. He said coldly, ¡°My uncles, what do you mean by that? Is it not a happy event that my eighteenth sister is still alive?¡±

    Ou Qinn looked at Madame Ou and said in injured tones, ¡°My grandmother, why do so many people want something to happen to us? Who did we piss off?¡±

    Madame Ou said coldly, ¡°Don¡¯t be so nosy. You have your parents and brothers who support you anyway!¡±

    Madame Ou was a bit annoyed by her words. It had been another night since Sir Jibei¡¯s return. Madame Ou, as Sir Jibei¡¯s wife, naturally knew the whole story from her husband. She was the type of person who would be partial towards her rtives rather than the others who had good reasons. She had been with the fourth branch for many years in Beijiang and was psychologically inclined towards them. When she heard what had happened, she automatically assumed that the first branch and the third branch brought this on themselves!

    Now she saw that the two branches did not repent, instead, they held her husband in question. Besides, their words were filled with implications, meaning that ¡°Xing, you should all die.¡± Therefore, Madame Ou¡¯s tone suddenly turned sour.

    However, Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi were not in the mood to pay attention to the two women of the Ou Family at this time. In their rage, they almost made a move against Jiang Yashuang. But after being rebuked by Marquis Qin and Sir Jibei in unison and pacified by their respective sons and grandsons for a long time, they gritted their teeth and questioned, ¡°Since Jiang Qizheng was treated very well when she was confined and was locked up with Ling Zui and Ou Qinn, why did she write blood letters? Even if she was so panicked and scared that she wanted to write, why didn¡¯t Ling Zui and Ou Qinn stop her?¡±

    Sweeping his eyes over Ling Zui¡¯s and Ou Qinn¡¯s unscathed fingertips, Jiang Tianao sneered out, ¡°If it was Jiang Qizheng who dropped the brush as a representative, then what about the blood? Did Ling Zui and Ou Qinn just stand and watch as Jiang Qizheng bit through her fingers alone and used her own blood as ink?¡±

    ¡°And the two guards who sent the blood letters to my fourth brother and his wife!¡±

    ¡°No matter how well Kuang Qingwu treated them, they were under his confinement! How could he let go of their guards! Don¡¯t say that the guards escaped on their own! If they were so powerful, why did they fail to protect Jiang Qizheng and the others from falling into the hands of Kuang Qingwu?¡±

    ¡°Moreover, the guards took the blood letters of Jiang Qizheng and asked for help from Beijiang. It was a long journey from Shazhou to Beijiang. From the west to the north, they did not inform any official. They had to ask help from distant Beijiang to solve problems in Shazhou. It was¡­¡±

    Jiang Tianqi opened his eyes quite wide with indignation and he almost shouted, ¡°It was a certainty that no matter how far they ran to get the rescue, nothing would happen to Jiang Qizheng and the others!¡±

    ¡°My youngest grand uncle, we all know that you have treated my fourth brother as your son.¡± Jiang Tianao took a deep breath and said with a sad smile. ¡°But how old are Yayue and Yaqing? They were in their prime¡­ And their sons are young¡­ Since I was a child, I have never asked you for anything¡­¡±

    He lifted the corners of his robe and fell heavily to his knees with a thud!

    The force of his kneeling was so strong that one could feel the pain of him even if the floor was covered with a thick nket. ¡°Now for the first time, I am asking you. Please give justice to my first son! Will you?¡±

    Before he finished his sentences, he was already in tears!

 Chapter 407 - The Remaining Members of the Dou Family and Gu Are the Masterminds!

    Chapter 407 The Remaining Members of the Dou Family and Gu Are the Masterminds!

    Hearing this, Sir Jibei¡¯s facial muscles tautened and his heart suddenly was filled with disgust, ¡°My second brother has been partial to you all these years. His children and grandchildren have suffered a lot for so many years. But I never saw you make any allowances or show sympathy for them! If you had felt for them and known the truth of being self-restraint and forbearing, the third branch and the fourth branch would have had less resentment. So how can you have today¡¯s woe?¡±

    ¡°Now I want to help the fourth branch to get rid of it for the sake of the overall situation. You are glibly professing that I treat Jiang Tianchi as my real son. You should kneel down and cry in public. Do you imply that I¡¯m unfair?¡±

    In such a situation that Jiang Tianao cried heartfeltly and Jiang Tianqi followed to kneel down and beg, Sir Jibei felt very sad, ¡°What¡¯s the purpose of me to n so painstakingly and rush around regardless of my old age, infirmity, and injuries? It¡¯s all for you. No matter who wins out at the end of the fight among the first branch, the third branch, and the fourth branch, I only have the sixth branch irrelevant to all matters! How much can I be affected? You think I¡¯m biased and selfish, don¡¯t you?¡±

    He was so furious that he smiled instead, ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll give Xing and Ling Zui, as well as all the people who havee back with me, to you to interrogate personally, okay? You can torture them at will regardless of their life. Is that alright?¡±

    Even a fool could realize that Sir Jibei was really angry!

    Madame Ou¡¯s face changed. She whispered, ¡°Cool down¡­ Pay attention to your health!¡± As a great-grandfather, he had just experienced a long journey. If he couldn¡¯t restrain his emotions, something might go wrong!

    Marquess Qin also knew this. He eventually didn¡¯t sit on the sidelines. Heid down the tea bowl with moderate strength and said to Sir Jibei, ¡°Listen to Madame Ou!¡± After that, he nced coldly at Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi, ¡°Do you think your third uncle owes you as he has travelled thousands of miles away?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t dare!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t dare!¡±

    Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi were so frightened that they didn¡¯t dare to make any more trouble. They answered carefully together.

    ¡°If so, stop your petty intrigues!¡± Marquess Qin scolded mercilessly, ¡°Either listen to us or get out of here and don¡¯t step in forever! Don¡¯t offend elders just because of your third uncle¡¯s good temper!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi bore the humiliation and suppressed the resentment. They kowtowed to Sir Jibei, ¡°We are not filial to you. Please forgive us!¡±

    Of course, Sir Jibei could see their real mood after they atoned by apologizing. He just felt so discouraged. After a moment of silence, he said, ¡°Have you read the blood-written letter of Qizheng?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­¡±

    ¡°So, what did it say?¡± Sir Jibei asked faintly.

    Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi looked at each other. Finally, the Seventh Young Master Jiang Yayi came out and answered, ¡°My eighteenth younger sister said that the first branch and our branch jointly harmed her. How is this possible? This is definitely¡­¡±

    ¡°Right. That letter is forged!¡± Although he was discouraged, Sir Jibei still forced himself to deal with problems for all branches. He had to nt the deaths of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing on Prince of Cai. Of course, the attack on Jiang Qizheng¡¯s party couldn¡¯t be med on the first branch and the third branch. So, the letter must be false.

    ¡°ording to my personal inquiry of Qizheng, the reason why she wrote the letter was that she worried about her reputation once she fell into the hands of enemies. Moreover, she was concerned about her husband and her child, and thus she wrote the letter to say goodbye to him and entrust her child to Jiang Yadan and Jiang Yashuang and his wife.¡±

    ¡°How could Xing and Ling Zui write such a blood-written letter together?¡± Madame Ou was afraid her husband was too tired and so she continued, ¡°They took care of Qizheng and kept her from taking a wrong road. Our family should thank them!¡±

    Jiang Tianao said in a low voice, ¡°So, Madame Dou¡­ Did she really die wrongfully?¡±

    As soon as hearing his words, Sir Jibei could hardly hold up and shout abuse. He thought, ¡°I¡¯ve made painstaking efforts to rescue you but you should feel emboldened and even so aggressive. Are you afraid of not losing shamefully enough?¡±

    It was a foregone conclusion that the Western Army and the Northern Army belonged to the fourth branch. Days of the old generation¡¯s backers are numbered. In this case, Jiang Tianao¡¯s smartest behavior was to feign ignorance and magnanimity going along with the statement of Sir Jibei! This was the long-term n for avoiding troubles for his own branch!

    ¡°What do you want?¡± Sir Jibei steadily stared at the nephew with mixed feelings, ¡°Do you think that my second brother is partial to you and thus he will eradicate the fourth branch for your branch? They are trueborn sons and grandsons of him! My second brother has spoiled you so much that you turn out to be like that! Is it a satisfying result for you to force him to kill his offspring?¡±

    Even though Sir Jibei was used to seeing people¡¯s sinister hearts at his age, he never saw such an ungrateful person as Jiang Tianao!

    At this time, Jiang Yashuang seemed to say casually, ¡°Uncles suspected that my wife¡¯s brother saved people but now you are doubting that my sister¡¯s letter is forged¡­ But in my opinion, the most suspicious matter is the attack on my sister¡¯s party, right?¡±

    His eyes swept around the crowd cynically and then he looked at Sir Jibei, ¡°At the beginning, the aim of requesting my youngest grand uncle to Shazhou was to investigate this matter! Unlike in central ins, Shazhou is a vast territory with a sparse poption. It¡¯smon for people not to see a wisp of smoke of the dwellings in a day or two! Although the party didn¡¯t deliberately hide their whereabouts, there hadn¡¯t been so much movement that could draw all people¡¯s attention! Moreover, before they entered Shazhou, Kuang Qingwu was on the rampage for a time. Wouldn¡¯t they guard against him? However, they were not only beguiled into Kuang Qingwu¡¯s ambush but also utterly defeated. In the end, only Jiang Yadan broke through under the cover of more than a dozen bodyguards!¡±

    ¡°You should know that there were many elite guards of the Northern Army in my sister¡¯s party. Kuang Qingwu was just a stray dog. If he didn¡¯t thoroughly know the team like the back of his hand, how could he defeat the party so easily? His team even left no trace after retreating.¡±

    ¡°There is a more suspicious thing. I was ordered by my mother to meet Jiang Yadan yesterday. He told me that after my sister and other people were captured, Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing received the news and took men from Shazhou to the nearby ce where they were attacked. They set up camps and scattered to look for them! But so many good hands spread out to search in these days, there was even no one clue!¡±

    ¡°Was Kuang Qingwu so brilliant, or were Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing¡¯s men too ipetent?¡±

    ¡°Or, is there another inside story?¡± Jiang Yashuang said coldly, ¡°I¡¯m so fool that I cannot understand the reason! Please make it clear to me!¡±

    Sir Jibei said expressionless, ¡°What you think is right!¡±

    He didn¡¯t bother to mind the dark faces of the first branch and the third branch after hearing these words and said, ¡°Of course the attack on Jiang Yadan and Jiang Qizheng¡¯s party was due to traitors! The men of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing couldn¡¯t find themter because those traitors were definitely bribed!¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yadan told me that Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing brought a lot of people!¡± Jiang Yashuang said slightly, ¡°But after so many days that were enough tob out the entire Shazhou, no one brought back any news! My youngest grand uncle, what do you think about it?¡±

    ¡°Because most of those people were bribed!¡± Sir Jibei said impressively, ¡°A few people who werepletely in the dark made great efforts to find them, but they were deliberately sent to the ces far away from Kuang Qingwu¡¯s hiding ce. Though they found some clues asionally, they would be deceived by others. How could they bring back useful news?¡±

    Jiang Yahong couldn¡¯t help but ask with ¡°grief and indignation¡±, ¡°So, were these people responsible for the deaths of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing? How was this possible! These people were arranged by father and my third uncle! Would they murder their trueborn sons?¡±

    This time Jiang Tianao didn¡¯t scold him because that was what he wanted to say, but he didn¡¯t dare to speak in that he was just berated by Marquess Qin for forcing Sir Jibei. Now when his son asked what he thought, he couldn¡¯t help feeling touched, ¡°Fortunately, there is still Jiang Yahong!¡±

    His eldest son and eldest grandchild were all trapped in Kui County, and the second son died miserably in Shazhou. Other grandchildren were still young. Although he brought them here today, they were too frightened to breathe. How dared they step forward and help? He would fight alone today without the son of a concubine!

    But he didn¡¯t know what Jiang Yahong was thinking at the moment, ¡°Before father condemned the fourth branch for the death of the first mother. And then Jiang Yashuang raised the doubtful points about Jiang Qizheng¡¯s party being captured. The youngest grand uncle¡¯s answer was that the people around Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing were bribed! Obviously, this is not only to pave the way for the deaths of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing, but also to exculpate the fourth aunt from the death of the first mother!¡±

    For now, was it necessary for Sir Jibei and Jiang Yashuang to talk about how to exonerate Madame Zhuang.

    So, he thought, ¡°It is time for me to say so! Anyway, my first mother¡¯s family has already gone.¡±

    Sure enough, Sir Jibei replied without looking up, ¡°It¡¯s true. The bodyguards were arranged by Tianao and Tianqi, but Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing are trueborn sons. It was understandable for a mother to get their luggage ready and prepare some intimate people for her sons¡­¡±

    Speaking of this, he paused and talked slightly, ¡°Maybe Madame Dou was cheated at the beginning. She thought that the Dou Family begged her to arrange those people around Jiang Yayue just to give them a way out. But she didn¡¯t realize that the Dou Family bore grudges about what happened in past years and hated our family deeply. They set up such a big trap and even Jiang Yayue was involved!¡±

    ¡°Of course, Madame Dou was unexpected to know that the rest of her family were so crazy that they even turned around to cooperate with the remaining members of Gu. Didn¡¯t you know Gu¡¯s people wanted our family to copse so much? But in today¡¯s situation, unless we get the internal strife, they can only think in vain!¡±

    Sir Jibei looked at the younger generations sternly, ¡°Do you understand? The remaining members of the Dou family and Gu were the masterminds who kidnapped Jiang Qizheng and murdered Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing! If I hadn¡¯te here in person this time, you would have been fooled by them and fought against each other awfully, right?¡±

    The sudden deafening scolding made the whole study silent deathly for a few seconds!

    A momentter, Sir Jibei looked at the first branch and the third branch. They had to suppress their anger without saying anything. He shook his head slightly, ¡°I know you are deeply estranged from each other! You firmly believe that I show partiality to the fourth branch again, right?¡±

    He waved his hand to stop their argument, saying to his attendants, ¡°Bring the evidence!¡±

 Chapter 408 - Trump Card: Tell My Father!

    Chapter 408 Trump Card: Tell My Father!

    A few momentster, a dozen pieces of evidence put on tes were brought in, along with a string of people who were handcuffed together. Marquess Qin¡¯s study was designed earlier to double as a meeting room so it was spacious enough. Otherwise, there would be no room for so many witnesses and they would have to go outside together to watch.

    Sir Jibei had the physical evidence on the te distributed to the first branch and the third branch, and then said coldly, ¡°You can personally see the physical evidence and ask the human evidence! I¡¯ll wait here, but if you have any doubts, just say so!¡±

    Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi took the physical evidence and looked at the human evidence, feeling bitter, ¡°My third uncle has already said that the deaths of Yayue and Yaqing had nothing to do with the fourth branch. So, how could there be anything left in the evidence that had anything to do with them?¡±

    Sir Jibei, who was the formermander of the Northern Army, was able tomand great armies with nothing wrong, let alone a case of assassination.

    So, it was no use seeing the evidence.

    Besides, Marquess Qin was already unsatisfied with them for questioning Sir Jibei. If they questioned him again, it would only make Marquess Qin feel even worse. And how could Sir Jibei not hold a grudge in his heart?

    ¡°But should our first trueborn sons die in vain?¡± The two cousins looked at each other with resignation in their eyes, ¡°My third Uncle is determined to take sides. He ignores the fact that our two branches have already had a grudge against the fourth branch. Once the fourth branches out on top, where is our way out?¡±

    Jiang Tianqi subconsciously looked at Marquess Qin only to see that his father¡¯s gaze lowered and he calmly looked at the tea bowl in his hand. As such, no one could know what he was thinking.

    ¡°I am your first trueborn son! Yayue is your first trueborn grandson! Even though he is not as outstanding as the fourth branch¡¯s Jiang Yashuang, he is still one of the outstanding sons of our family! And how could a youngest grandson¡¯s statuspare with that of the eldest grandson?¡±

    He was both sad and indignant in his heart and almost wanted to rush up and roar, ¡°To repay the eldest uncle¡¯s kindness, you always let Jiang Tianao hold me back. It¡¯s okay because he is my elder cousin. Everyone should show respect for seniority. But my fourth brother Tianchi is younger than me! Even though he left the prosperous Jing City to join the army back then and went through a lot of hardships to get to be what he is today, the Northern Army has been given to him! It was the ce where our Jiang Family rose! What right does he have to take the Western Army too?¡±

    ¡°You think even if you leave one day, he will not kill me because I am his eldest brother! But even if that is true, do I, as the eldest brother, have to live on my brother¡¯s face in the future?¡±

    The thought of that situation made him want to run his head into the ground right now!

    Wasn¡¯t he humble enough in his life because of Jiang Tianao?

    Wordlessly, two lines of his tears fell.

    But although Marquess Qin, who sat at the top, nced at him, his eyes remained calm without any pity or guilt, looking so unruffled!

    This calm gaze made Jiang Tianqi sink down and miss the power. He knew that even if he really rushed up and roared, he would not be able to scare Marquess Qin. He had no one else to turn to.

    There wasplete evidence in his youngest uncle¡¯s hands and his father had no intention of overturning it¡­ What else could he do?

    But while he couldn¡¯t do anything more, Jiang Tianao still had more leverage to use!

    ¡°My third uncle, you are too serious. How can I doubt what you have said?¡± Jiang Tianao said this respectfully but with a hidden sneer. He couldn¡¯t doubt it but it didn¡¯t mean that he was not suspicious of it in his mind. Without waiting for Marquess Qin or Sir Jibei to say anything, he added, ¡°My third uncle, thank you for bustling about and figuring out the thing. Now the results are here. I know that my wife and son were both murdered. And as I was mistakenly tricked, I had conflicts with my families so many times! I am so distressed that I would like to leave first!¡±

    And he was just going to let it go, wasn¡¯t he?

    Ou Qinn and Ling Zui were not deep ones. Having heard that, they were all surprised in their faces.

    On the contrary, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face remained calm. But his gaze dropped, which revealed a touch of gloom!

    Surely Jiang Tianao had more to say.

    He bowed towards Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei, who had noment. His body slightly hunched and he said in his quavering voice, ¡°After Dou died, I didn¡¯t feel well either¡­ Andter I heard about the death of Yayue, I have been trying to be strong these days¡­ I just want to wait for my third uncle toe back so I can find out the truth¡­ Now I have known. So, I¡¯m thinking about¡­ It¡¯s time for me to get back to Kui City, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Only when the words left his mouth, both Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei changed their faces and looked up at him angrily together!

    It sounded like that Jiang Tianao was saying that he had suffered the loss of his wife and son in quick session and thus he thought of resigning. But his two uncles were no fools. How could they not see that he was making a threat? ¡°You won¡¯t give me an exnation, will you? And then I¡¯ll go back to Kui County and tell my father!¡±

    Though Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei knew Kui Xiannan, when he knew the whole story, he wouldn¡¯t help Jiang Tianao! Maybe he would even smack him! But Jiang Yayue was the first trueborn grandchild of Kui Xiannan! He had never seen Kui Xiannan more than a few times in his life. However, Kui Xiannan had lost his grandson in old age, how could he not be sad?

    Furthermore, Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei did not dare to tell Kui Xiannan everything that had happened. Because that would certainly not cover up the conflict among the first branch, the third branch, and the fourth branch, as well as the internal strife in the Jiang family that everyone in the court knew about!

    When people were as old as Kui Xiannan, what did they care most about? Their children and grandchildren, of course!

    If he knew that the Jiang family in Jing City was in such a state, he probably wouldn¡¯t close his eyes when he died, even if he wouldn¡¯t die on the spot!

    ¡°If you don¡¯t feel well, just take a few more days off!¡± Marquess Qin took a deep breath and concealed his emotions. He said expressionlessly, ¡°As for Kui County, I suggest you not go there! Your father is already at such an old age, don¡¯t tell him that Dou and Yayue have gone! Although this has already been ordered, how can you have a few people with you when returning to Kui County in person? And there will be so many people, how could we hide it from him?¡±

    Sir Jibei was more of a violent man than Marquess Qin, but his tolerance for Jiang Tianao was not the same as his counterpart¡¯s. At this moment, he simply talked things out, ¡°If you¡¯re not satisfied with the results of my investigation, you can send your own people to Shazhou to find out the truth!¡±

    ¡°As for your father, he¡¯s an old man and has suffered enough in his early years! For god¡¯s sake, leave him alone!¡±

    Jiang Tianao lowered his head to hide the resentment in his eyes and instead he said, ¡°My two uncles, you have misunderstood me! I am just thinking of my father because of the death of Yayue! As the eldest son of my father, I have not been with my father for many years due to my being an official, which is unfilial. Now that I have experienced the pain of losing my son, I feel I owe my father a lot for all these years, which is why I want to return to my hometown to make up for it!¡±

    What he said made sense. Thus, Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei were so angry that they trembled slightly, but they had nothing to say. After all, Jiang Tian asserted that he wanted to return to his hometown to do his filial duty. Nowadays the filial piety was the most important thing. Especially, these two uncles were also known for their being respectful and filial to Kui Xiannan. As such, what else could they say?

    But while they could not reason with Jiang Tianao, they could control him in his actions.

    Marquess Qin waved his sleeves, ¡°In any case, you can resign. But you cannot return to Kui County! There is nothing to say about this!¡±

    Since he had given the word, Jiang Tianao could not leave even if he wanted to.

    But it could not stop Jiang Tianao. He said indifferently at once, ¡°But I think my letter to my father is on the way. In the letter, I have already told him that I will return to my hometown in the recent days to spend time with him¡­ If my father doesn¡¯t see me back in a few days, I¡¯m afraid he will be worried! Even if I write again to say that I have changed my mind, I¡¯m afraid that my father will be disappointed!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Marquess Qin could not say anything and his face instantly turned red!

    A vein throbbed stood out on Sir Jibei¡¯s forehead. He was so angered that he smiled instead, ¡°Well! How well you have done! In that case, how about I apany you on another trip to Kui County? I¡¯ve already been to Shazhou with you, can¡¯t I go to the hometown? Just let my eldest brother judge whether I¡¯ve treated you badly or not!¡±

    ¡°My third uncle, you misunderstand me. Both you and my second uncle have taken good care of me over the years. How could you not treat me well?¡± Jiang Tianao hid his resentment and said unwillingly, ¡°I just want to show filial piety to my father.¡±

    As the atmosphere in the study grew stagnant, Jiang Yashuang suddenly smiled lightly and said, ¡°My grandfather! My youngest grand uncle! May I say a few words?¡±

    ¡°Go ahead!¡± Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei were both very restless, but when they saw that Jiang Yashuang, one of the most anticipated grandsons of the Jiang Family, was the one speaking, they held back their fury and nodded slightly.

    ¡°My grandfather and my youngest grand uncle, since my eldest uncle was so filial, you can just go with him.¡± Jiang Yashuang said airily, ¡°But my grandfather¡¯s concern was true. It would be hard not to leak the news of the deaths of my eldest aunt and second brother if my eldest uncle went back with so many men! My eldest grand uncle is so old. How can he stand this? So, my eldest uncle had better set off with several subordinates when he resigns. Even if my eleventh brother and his nephews are with him, it will be best to reduce the subordinates. The fewer subordinates he takes, the better! This is the only way to prevent my eldest grand uncle from learning the bad news! Is this a goodpromise?¡±

    Because Ou Qinn had always been bold and her grandmother, Madame Ou, was just present, she didn¡¯t even think to interpose and add her voice, ¡°Yashuang, there is no use you asking this! Uncle Jiang is so filial to his father. How could he say no? Maybe he¡¯d like to go back alone! In that way, no one would talk!¡±

    The muscles on Jiang Tianao¡¯s face twitched and he wanted to p Jiang Yashuang and Ou Qinn to death!

    Taking fewer people? Would he still make it back to Kui County alive?

    When his son Jiang Yayue went to Shazhou, he had arranged so many people and so many things, both explicitly and implicitly. But what happened? He died just like that! Not even one of his men survived!

    Moreover, Jiang Yashuang even told him to take just three or five people on the way, and Ou Qinn even tried to suggest him to go back to his hometown alone. Were they trying to send him to his death?

    ¡°ording to the way the two uncles are acting nowadays, the bad news is definitely not allowed to be told to my father!¡± Jiang Tianao secretly gritted his teeth, ¡°If I die halfway, they will just let the thing go away. The two evils!¡±

    But he had said so certainly before, as if ¡°no one should stop me from returning to my hometown to do my filial duty¡±, and now it was difficult for him to change his words. He waited while Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei didn¡¯te to the rescue. Since then, he began to realize that he had offended his two uncles. And they were waiting gleefully for him to fail¡­ So, he made up his mind and said in a deep voice, ¡°That¡¯s a great idea!¡±

    He raised his eyes to look at Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei, ¡°My two uncles, I will set offter with three or five people and I hope you will agree with that!¡±

    He thought to himself, ¡°I do have pissed you off, but how can you really see me on my way like this?¡±

    ¡°Not to mention the fact that I am my father¡¯s eldest trueborn son, just as I said earlier, I have written a letter to inform my father that I am returning home to be with him! If I fail to arrive in Kui County, let¡¯s see how you can exin to him!¡±

 Chapter 409 - The Filial Jiang Yahong

    Chapter 409 The Filial Jiang Yahong

    Jiang Tianao walked into the room with a livid face. After sitting down, he found that Jiang Yahong had been creeping along with him. He scolded angrily, ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear what I just said? Hurry to pack up!¡±

    ¡°I have ordered the manservant to tell Madam Zhuang to pack up.¡± Jiang Yahong said carefully appearing submissive and meek, ¡°I am worried about you, father, so¡­¡±

    Jiang Tianao looked at the son of a concubine who had never gotten any attention from him. The son stared at his father with an awkward and concerned expression. Jiang Tianao¡¯s heart was mixed with all kinds of feelings, and his tone eased down, ¡°I¡¯m all right. Get your things done first!¡±

    ¡°Can I offer you a cup of tea before leaving?¡± With a moment of hesitation, Jiang Yahong asked softly.

    He had practiced in front of the bronze mirror countless times for this moment. His tone, his behavior, and his expression were just to the point. The sincere spirit of trying his best to please his father was really vivid!

    Jiang Tianao was now experiencing the most frustrating moment in his life. As two trueborn sons were away and Madame Dou didn¡¯t appear to interrupt, how could he not be moved?

    He sighed inwardly and said with the gentlest voice, ¡°Of course!¡±

    And naturally, Jiang Yahong showed a surprised but joyful look, and his hand carrying the tea bowl even trembled slightly because he was over-excited.

    This made Jiang Tianao delighted but grieved. He thought to himself, ¡°I was too careless about this child in the past¡­ Unexpectedly, he is so filial!¡± He decided to consider Jiang Yahong¡¯s future after the ckmail was sessful.

    He didn¡¯t know that Jiang Yahong who looked ecstatic at the moment was thinking that, ¡°Jiang Yashuang has already made an appointment with me to kill Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing in collusion. However, Jiang Yayue died before I got down to action! I don¡¯t know whether Jiang Yashuang still doesn¡¯t trust me since he has the goods on me, or did someone else in the fourth branch do it? But it¡¯s not enough to remove Jiang Yayue. Once Jiang Yayun and Jiang Jingxu both die, I will be the only son of this old guy. His other grandchildren are still young. My good days are on the way!¡±

    Thinking about this, he regretted giving Jiang Yashuang the goods at the beginning. ¡°Jiang Yashuang holds the goods with the handprint. Even if I am the only son of the old guy, I can¡¯t get rid of the control of the fourth branch! I was too anxious at that moment!¡±

    But he also knew it. He would just bring about his own destruction if he asked Jiang Yashuang for the goods. Because Jiang Yayue definitely didn¡¯t die in the manner described on it. If Jiang Yashuang showed it to everyone and simply med Jiang Yayue¡¯s death on him, saying, ¡°At the beginning, Jiang Yahong intended to urge me to harm Jiang Yayue. How could I do such a thing? Jiang Yahong had such a mind. If I told my eldest uncle and eldest aunt, I was afraid of hurting the hearts of the two elders. If I didn¡¯t tell them, would Jiang Yahong find someone else to conspire with?¡±

    ¡°So, I scared Jiang Yahong to write this confession. I thought that Jiang Yahong would not dare to do wrong things again if I took it! It would be over! But I never considered that Jiang Yahong was totally out of his mind¡­ I really can¡¯t stand it. I have to reveal the truth!¡±

    ¡°y it by ear!¡± Jiang Yahong held with a heavy heart, ¡°me my biological mother who is not the first wife.¡±

    He was ¡°very excited¡± to serve Jiang Tianao with tea. He even tactfully massaged his father¡¯s shoulders. When he saw Jiang Tianao put the tea bowl back on the table, he showed a touch of loss and reluctance and left away quietly.

    This performance obviously helped him acquire a lot of favor from his father because Jiang Tianao told him, ¡°You¡¯ve been working hard these days. Go to the storehouse and get some mountain ginsengs. Ask your wife to stew it for you.¡± He also mentioned his rules of physical and mental health to the son.

    Jiang Yahong pretended to be ttered and said constantly, ¡°It¡¯s not hard for me! It¡¯s hard for you, my father¡­ Thank you for caring about me!¡± In fact, he sneered inwardly, ¡°It¡¯s the first time this old guy treats me like that in my life. Sure enough, if his other children and grandchildren don¡¯t die all, I won¡¯t stand out!¡±

    When he was thinking about how to persuade the fourth branch to kill his eldest brother and nephews for him, a servant suddenly came in trembling, ¡°Master, the Eleventh Young Master and the Neenth Young Master areing!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s he doing here?¡± Hearing this, Jiang Tianao¡¯s kindness suddenly disappeared. He roared with his distorted face, ¡°Are they afraid that I won¡¯t go or I won¡¯t die? Tell him we¡¯ll set off early tomorrow morning!¡±

    Jiang Yahong hurriedly said, ¡°Go and send him away!¡± He repeatedly told Jiang Tianao to calm down, ¡°Take care of yourself, father. Don¡¯t fall for the trick of the fourth branch!¡± And then his eye sockets suddenly turned red. He said sincerely, ¡°My mother has gone, and my second brother has gone, too. Jiang Yayun is not in Jing City now. If you were angry with them and ruined your health, how could we manage our branch? Please calm down, father!¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry!¡± Jiang Tianao waved his hand wearily, ¡°Although I¡¯m a little tired these days, I won¡¯t be so useless to be mad due to a junior. I¡¯m just really angry for his annoying and overbearing behaviors! It¡¯s really¡­¡±

    ¡°Uncle, why do you say this?¡± Before his words died away, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s voice suddenly came outside the door.

    The servant who had reported before followed Jiang Yashuang. He ran in and kowtowed in horror, ¡°Master! Master! I really can¡¯t stop the Neenth Young Master!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang entered leisurely and said with a smile, ¡°I don¡¯te to urge you to set off. On the contrary, Ie here to ask you to stay!¡±

    Jiang Tianao changed his mind, ¡°Does it mean that the two uncles can¡¯t resist my pressure and force the fourth branch to step backwards?¡± Although Jiang Yashuang smiled and looked rxed, it didn¡¯t seem like he was forced to give in. But Jiang Tianao knew that his nephew was really cunning. It was hard to say whether he pretended on purpose or not?

    So, he immediately scowled, ¡°Don¡¯t be too aggressive! I go back to my hometown to show filial piety. This is the tradition of human ethic. You as a younger generation should say such absurd words. Have you ever listened to inculcations even a little over the years?¡±

    ¡°I am for your own good, uncle!¡± Jiang Yashuang said slowly, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, why don¡¯t you let Jiang Yahong and the servant leave and listen to me alone?¡±

    Seeing that Jiang Tianao didn¡¯t want to reply, he said with half smile, ¡°By the way, I just went back to the fourth branch to change clothes, but Ningyi called me to persuade mother to calm her anger. Does uncle know why my mother was angry?¡±

    His face turned dull and his tone changed to be creepy, ¡°Because mother went to visit Jiang Yadan today, and she finally realized that Jiang Yadan was not as talented in both the pen and the sword as the family letters said over the years. He had been highly expected by the elders of my family since he was a child! On the contrary, Jiang Yadan is now sapping his spirit by seeking pleasures with no desire to make progress. My mother trembled with anger and said that she woulde to the first branch to argue with you. I came here just on behalf of my mother!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s said that one is intelligent as a child but may not be so brilliant when he grows up!¡± Since Jiang Tianao dared to abandon Jiang Yadan at the beginning, he was surely ready to respond to the fourth branch. At the moment, he sneered, ¡°There are so many people praised as smart and clever when they were young. Do they all sessful when they grow up? This only suggests that Jiang Yadan is one of them!¡±

    ¡°Besides, there are three sons and two daughters in your fourth branch. You entered the Imperial Academy before twenty years old. This is an achievement worthy of being remembered in history. Who knows if it¡¯s you who take Jiang Yadan¡¯s blessing that make him be such a useless person now?¡± Jiang Tianao said expressionless, ¡°So if your mother wants to me someone, she should me you!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was not angry after he heard the unreasonable and topsy-turvy words, but said slightly, ¡°ording to your words, my eldest grand uncle also has three sons and two daughters, but you are the only one who has be an official. You must have taken all the blessings of my eldest grand uncle¡¯s branch, right? No wonder my eldest grand aunt¡­¡± He stopped here meaningfully and then went on as if nothing had happened, ¡°My eldest grand aunt hasn¡¯t seen you for many years. She misses you very much!¡±

    Jiang Tianaoughed grimly, ¡°Are you forcing me by Madame Han?¡±

    He was really afraid of Madame Han¡¯s death indeed, because he had to worry about filial piety, but it didn¡¯t mean that he was afraid of Madame Han!

    Because the fact that Madame Han abused him and Jiang Tianyuan in those years had been exposed.

    Madame Lin, his and Jiang Tianyuan¡¯s biological mother, was not only the first wife of Kui Xiannan, but also suffered all her life with Kui Xiannan and never enjoyed even one day¡¯s happiness. Later, Madame Han married into the family and soon Marquess Qin began to be sessful. Kui Xiannan was nostalgic and still felt sorry for his first wife. Otherwise, he would not have refused Marquess Qin and the Jibei Hou¡¯s mediation and insisted on not letting the second branch and the fifth branch of his step-wife be officials so as to beg for Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianyuan¡¯s forgiveness.

    If he returned to Kui County in person, he would just need to mention Madame Lin and cry hard. Madame Han and her son had gotten along with Kui Xiannan day and night and prepared many slings and arrows. He ensured that Kui Xiannan would stand on his side!

    Jiang Yashuang also knew this. So, after listening to his sneer, he also smiled lightly, ¡°I thought it was disreputable so it would be best to tell you alone. But since you refuse to give me the chance, I have to say it here!¡±

    He stared into Jiang Tianao¡¯s eyes and said slowly, ¡°Miss Wang, Ning Yi¡¯s cousin, who had promised to marry with Prince of Wei, was stigmatized before. It first found out that it had something to do with the sixth sister-inw¡¯s maiden family. Butter, it found out that a person in front of you was the chief plotter!¡±

    ¡°It had nothing to do with our first branch!¡± Jiang Tianao said coldly, ¡°Even if it had something to do with us, I haven¡¯t heard of the Wang family. Do you want to trouble me with such a small thing?¡±

    ¡°Of course, I am not so naive!¡± Jiang Yashuang chuckled, ¡± I really didn¡¯t think that it was done by someone in your branch. After all, you had a big plot at that time. How could you have the time to care about such a small means?¡±

    He smiled, ¡°I am very curious about the person who ndered your branch. At first, I thought it was the third branch, but then He Shuijin took out incontestable evidence to prove their innocence! I suspected that it was the remnants of the Dou family, but in fact, the Dou family was already powerless at that moment! I didn¡¯t get any clues after checking around!¡±

    ¡°But everythinges to him who waits. I have never given up. Unexpectedly, I found a clue after a few days!¡±

    ¡°The person who urged the rangers to nder Miss Wang¡¯s reputation and integrity is indeed in your branch, uncle. However, the person was not ordered by your branch, but my eldest grand aunt!¡±

    Jiang Tianao¡¯s pupils suddenly contracted, ¡°What are you talking about?¡± He took a deep breath and sternly ordered Jiang Yahong and the trembling servant to step back, ¡°Shut up!¡±

    When the door closed, he asked him word by word, ¡°What do you know?¡±

    ¡°The Dou family couldn¡¯t even nder Miss Wang of the small Wang family in the name of you. They definitely couldn¡¯t deceive my eldest aunt and arrange enough people in the entourages of the second brother and the sixth brother to harm them.¡± Jiang Yashuang stared at him with smile and said slowly, ¡°So since I knew the deaths of the second brother and the sixth brother, I thought of my eldest grand aunt. Although my second uncle and my fifth uncle didn¡¯t be officials, it is sure that they can raise many talented people in the countryside for so many years, can¡¯t they, uncle?¡±

    Jiang Tianao¡¯s eyes were totally red. He came forward swiftly and grabbed his shoulders, saying through gritted teeth, ¡°Where¡¯s the evidence? Show me the proof!¡±

    Seeing that Jiang Yashuang stood still and smiled sarcastically, he roared, ¡°What do you want? Don¡¯t tell me that you juste to inform me of it!¡±

    ¡°Uncle, why are you so excited?¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled lightly without budging his feet. He shook Jiang Tianao¡¯s hands away with a slight tremble of his shoulders. He dusted the ce where Jiang Tianao had caught and then smiled calmly, ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear my demand just now? Don¡¯t go back to Kui County. Just believe what my youngest grand uncle said. You just need to believe and do following my grandfather and my youngest grand uncle¡¯s words¡­ Understand?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re out of your mind, aren¡¯t you?¡± Jiang Tianao was so angry that heughed instead, ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll agree to your such outrageous demand?¡±

    He said in a cold voice, ¡°Anyway, you have mentioned Madame Han. Do you think that I can¡¯t find the evidence even if you don¡¯t give me? Even if I can¡¯t find it, I can get it from other ways!¡±

    ¡°No, no, no!¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head with a stern smile, ¡°I bet you will agree to my demand after you make all kinds of efforts. After all, you and my third uncle persuaded grandfather like that before, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Jiang Tianao was stunned and thought carefully. In an instant, he waspletely running with sweat and almost fainted!

 Chapter 410 - Ling Zuiâ€™s Charm Had a Powerful Effect on Married Women.

    Chapter 410 Ling Zui¡¯s Charm Had a Powerful Effect on Married Women.

    ¡°The dead are never as important as the living!¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled. His eyes seemed to have eternal ice, without any warmth. He stood with his hands behind his back. He wore a blue shirt and a jade belt, and his demeanor was elegant. He said calmly, ¡°So after my eldest uncle and my third uncle conspired to murder my sister and herpanions, you want to request grandfather and my youngest grand uncle to give the military power of the Western Army to your branches! Because you have sworn enmity against our fourth branch, if grandfather and my youngest grand uncle do not give you enough capital for your living, after my father intervenes, you will not be able to survive on your own!¡±

    ¡°For the same reason!¡±

    ¡°Although my second uncle and my fifth uncle who are blocked in Kui County are not allowed by my eldest grand uncle to be officials, after all, they are my eldest grand uncle¡¯s sons! And it is you who mostly have caused the situation! Grandfather and my youngest grand uncle must have felt sorry for them, though they do not say so. After all, it was my eldest grand aunt who mistreated you and my eldest aunt, not them!¡±

    ¡°If nothing had happened, or if my eldest grand aunt had justined to my second uncle and my fifth uncle, my grandfather and my youngest grand uncle might believe that even if you didn¡¯t assist them, you would not get them in trouble¡­¡±

    ¡°But the death of my brothers has something to do with my eldest grand aunt. What will they think?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said cynically, ¡°I just found out it was my eldest grand aunt who did it. It may be that she doesn¡¯t trust you, so she wants to find a way for her sons to survive after she dies. However, you are indeed a family. You think in the same way!¡±

    ¡°With your temper, even though there is overwhelming evidence showing that my eldest grand aunt did all this alone and that my second uncle and fifth uncle have nothing to do with it, you will still me them! Not to mention my second uncle and fifth uncle have so many children. They have served my eldest grand uncle for so many years! Even though they have achieved nothing, they still spare no effort! How can my grandfather and my youngest grand uncle not intervene?¡±

    ¡°So, if I tell them and show them the evidence, I guarantee that the first thought of grandfather and my youngest grand uncle is not to force my eldest grand aunt to death to avenge the second and sixth brothers, but to prepare a n for my second uncle and my fifth uncle to protect themselves!¡±

    At this point, Jiang Tianao had been paralyzed on the ground. But Jiang Yashuang still did not shut up, ¡°But my eldest uncle,¡± he continued, ¡°you have been an official for so many years! My second uncle and my fifth uncle are getting old, while they have never been county officials! Even if grandfather makes them premiers now, how can they be your rivals?¡±

    ¡°So, they must weaken your power!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled at Jiang Tianao, ¡°Do you request to return to Kui County? If so, you can just go to observe mourning for my eldest grand aunt who murdered my second and sixth brothers! You have no chance toe back to the government! So, I have just told you that you will agree with my suggestion!¡±

    He said gently, ¡°See, I am so considerate for you!¡±

    ¡­When Jiang Yashuang ill-treated Jiang Tianao, the fourth branch was amid theughter.

    Madame Zhuang tenderly looked at Ling Zui, ¡°I have only one daughter, Zheng¡¯er. You rescued her so you rescued me. Even if she didn¡¯t write to me, I am willing to make you be my godson!¡±

    Ling Zui was already to leave after being a testimony of a witness. But when he walked out of the study, Mrs. Chang, who was waiting for him, respectfully stopped him. She told him that Madame Zhuang wanted to appreciate the savior of her daughter. He already knew that how doughty Madame Zhuang was. So, he dared not to refuse. When he stepped into the house, he started to observe carefully. He was much better behaved than he was at home

    When he heard Madame Zhuang¡¯s words, he replied with trepidation, ¡°Thank you, Madame! I did not do anything. Chunfu Princess overpraised me as she said that I was the one who rescued her! My bosom friend Chun Jun was the one who saved princess, Miss Ou, and me!¡±

    ¡°What a modest kid he is!¡± Madame Zhuang couldn¡¯t be more satisfied. She smiled to her maids, ¡°I always thought noblemen at your age were bossy! Now, you are wise and courageous and you haven¡¯t said any disdainful words. You are so gentle. After all, you are the eldest Princess Royal¡¯s son. You are a gentleman.¡±

    Ling Zui almost knocked over his tea bowl. As the youngest trueborn son of Princess Royal Maode and Earl of Jingchuan, he was loved by all his eldership. But even Princess Royal Maode, the most indulgent of all, had not been praising him like that. And from Madame Zhuang¡¯s expression, it was evident that she was not talking a lie. She really thought so!

    Qiu Yn almost burst outughing. She stifled augh and said solemnly, ¡°Right, mother! Brother Ling always values love and justice. Even I have been taken good care of by brother Ling all these years because he and my brother are friends.¡±

    She was not surprised that Madame Zhuang would regard Ling Zui as a gentleman. Her mother-inw, after all, had stayed in Beijiang for many years. Besides, it was not convenient to correspond. So, she didn¡¯t have time to find out about the gossip in Jing City. Even on this return, she had urgent business to attend to, not to mention that she had been busy and seriously ill since she got back!

    How could she possibly have the time or energy to get to know the dudes in Jing City?

    In addition, Jiang Qi Zheng spoke highly of Ling Zui in the letter, while Madame Zhuang was the kind of mother who would rather doubt the people worldwide than challenge her kids. So, she definitely would have a good impression on Ling Zui!

    When she met him, she saw Ling Zui was handsome and modest. With the letter written by her daughter and her expectation of him, she loved Ling Zui so much. She even thought that Ling Zui was the model of everyone in the world!

    So, she decided to ask him to be her godson. ¡°And then you ought to be part of our branch! If you don¡¯t mind, from today on, I will be your godmother! And my kids¡¯ father is also your godfather!¡±

    Ling Zui was indifferent to whether he had a godfather or a godmother. But it was good to take some pressure off his parents. Besides, Madame Zhuang¡¯s attitude was far less terrible than hearsay. He got up to kneel, took some tea from the tray that Mrs. Chang had brought out, and gave it to Madame Zhuang, ¡°Please have some tea, mother!¡±

    ¡°Good boy!¡± Madame Zhuang happily took the tea and took a sip. And then she ordered Mrs. Chang to take out the greeting gift she had prepared for Ling Zui. She told servants to help him stand up. She said smilingly, ¡°Now, you are my child, too. But I am sorry to make you feel bad! I am supposed to have a banquet for you to receive this cup of tea, but I had to cancel it because something terrible happened in my family. I hope you won¡¯t mind it!¡±

    Ling Zui wiped the cold sweat and smiled, ¡°You are too wee, mother. I never thought I could be your godson. So never mind.¡±

    Perhaps Madame Zhuang was the only person in the world who dared to call the deaths of Madame Dou, Jiang Yayue, and Jiang Yaqing as something unlucky! Even Jiang Tianchi dared not to say such words in public!

    ¡°You¡¯ve juste home from a long journey. You need to take care of yourself!¡± Madame Zhuang loved him more when she saw his good behavior. She had always been generous to the one she liked and then she sent Ling a pile of precious herbal medicine, telling him, ¡°If you eat up,e to me. I have plenty of it! If I am not in Jing City anymore, ask your sisters-inw for them!¡±

    Ling Zui carefully said yes. Madame Zhuang said again, ¡°It is not convenient to ask your mother to talk here. I will ask Mrs. Chang to pay my respects to her.¡±

    Ling Zui didn¡¯t take what she said thoughtfully so he gave a superficial answer. But Qiu Yn had been around her mother-inw for a long time so she knew a little about her mother-inw. Thus, she was surprised.

    Madame Zhuang asked Ling Zui to stay to have lunch with them. After that, they chatted for a while. When Jiang Yashuang came back from the first branch, she asked her son to send him back. Sure enough, after they left, she dismissed all the maids and let Qiu Yn stay alone to talk, ¡°I heard that you were familiar with Ling Zui before you married to my son.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Qiu Yn now knew her mother-inw was not narrow-minded. So, she replied honestly, ¡°When my brother just came to Jing City, he met Ling Zui by chance. After that, brother Ling treats me like his own sister. So, I am familiar with him.¡±

    And then she smiled, ¡°When my brother went to the west, he requested brother Ling to take care of my cousin and me. However, he was sent by his mother to the south to steel himself. After he returned to Jing City, he visited my cousin and me first. After that, he just went to his mother¡¯s mansion to visit her. His mother even got angry about that!¡±

    Madame Zhuangughed, ¡°I am wondering why you think that he treasures friendship. He is indeed a good boy!¡±

    And then she calmed down, ¡°He is such a nice guy. Besides, he is so handsome. Why hasn¡¯t he gotten married yet? Is he too picky?¡±

    ¡°Ling Zui, you mean?¡± Qiu Yn thought in her mind, ¡°He is the least picky one. He would flirt with any girl who is beautiful and young. He likes them all!¡±

    How could a matching family be willing to marry their daughters, except the unvalued one, to him, who was so dissolute and unachieved? Princess Royal Maode would turn her nose up on the girls who were not beloved or who were not from a matching family. So, his marriage hadn¡¯t been settled down yet!

    But Ling Zui was her brother¡¯s friend so Qiu Yn would not speak ill of him. She replied, ¡°In my opinion, it may be because his girl in destiny hasn¡¯t shown up yet. After all, he is not an unapproachable guy.¡±

    ¡°Destiny?¡± Madame Zhuang thought for a while and then she muttered, ¡°Yes. You are right. Man¡¯er is such a nice girl. Your aunt said they introduced so many nice guys to her, but they didn¡¯t make it. It is just because of the destiny.¡±

    Qiu Yn was shocked, ¡°Mother, you mean¡­¡± She just guessed what her mother-inw meant. Madame Zhuang had just mentioned that she would ask Mrs. Chang to visit Princess Royal Maode a few dayster. She might want to ask about Ling Zui¡¯s marriage. Otherwise, it would not have been Madame Zhuang¡¯s disposition to send her most capable Mrs. Chang on a routine visit. After all, the Jiang family was in a mess now. Mrs. Chang was her most capable subordinates and so she was rather busy.

    But she didn¡¯t expect that Madame Zhuang liked Ling Zui so much that she even wanted to marry her favorite niece to him!

    ¡°My mother-inw likes Ling Zui so much. He just met my mother-inw for the first time today! But she¡¯s going to marry her niece to him!¡± Qiu Yn twitched her mouth, ¡°It is fortunate that I have no sisters-inw. Otherwise, I guess that my mother-inw won¡¯t ask him to be her godson. She will ask him to be his son-inw directly!¡±

    Zhuang Man was not just amon niece to Madame Zhuang! Qiu Yn believed that Madame Zhuang treated her like her own daughter. She just came back several days while she always mentioned that her niece was simr to her.

    Since ancient times, the elders beloved kids who were simr to them so much. Even an emperor would consider this point when dethroning a prince or choosing a crown princess!

    Madame Zhuang thought that Zhuang Man¡¯s behaviors and appearance were the same as her when she was young. So, it was evident that how important Zhuang Man was to her!

    She loved her niece so much, while she nned to marry her niece to Ling Zui, who met her for the first time today. It showed that she had a super good impression of Ling Zui!

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°Would it be Ling Zui¡¯s character after years of picking up girls that make my mother-inw fond of him? My mother-inw is not an innocent girl anymore! Or is he good at deluding married olddies?¡±

    ¡°Your aunt came to see me the other day. She spoke of the marriage of Man¡¯er in private. She asked me to help her find a nice son-inw if it was convenient for me.¡± Madame Zhuang did not hide it from her daughter-inw. ¡°After all, I hear that your cousin has not had a perfect life after she married Jiang Yahong. Fortunately, now that Madame Dou has been dead, she can rx more in the future¡­ Your aunt has only two daughters in all so I naturally hope Zhuang Man will marry a perfect man.¡±

    ¡°I am not going to stay in Jing City for long. How can I find a nice guy for Zhuang Man? I realize that maybe it is no need to find one. Ling Zui is suitable!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiu Yn slightly opened her mouth, rapidly thinking. Now, if she exposed that Ling Zui had so many lovers and concubines and that if it had not been Princess Royal Maode who supervised him strictly, his kids born by his concubines would have been enough to open a kindergarten, would she irritate her mother-inw who had just recovered?

    Madame Zhuang had no idea of what she was thinking about. She was so happy, ¡°As the old saying goes, within ten steps, there will be talents. If Man¡¯er and Ling Zui can be a couple, I will be relieved.¡±

    And then the members of the Zhuang Family would go crazy! Qiu Yn was very confused. She prayed her husband toe back to help her figure out a way to solve it!

 Chapter 411 - Madame Zhuang Met Her Sister-in-law.

    Chapter 411 Madame Zhuang Met Her Sister-inw.

    Jiang Yashuang sent Ling Zui to his mansion. When he returned to Madame Zhuang¡¯s ce, Qiu Yn had already left. He had a chat with Madame Zhuang and then returned to his own house. Once he walked in, Qiu Yn eagerly told him that Madame Zhuang wanted to pair Ling Zui and Zhuang Man. ¡°You know I want to give each of them my best wishes. However, if they get together, Man¡¯er cannot stand those concubines he has at all.¡±

    ¡°It is a problem.¡± Jiang Yashuang frowned. In Madame Zhuang¡¯s opinion, all concubines could be killed. Madame Zhuang thought that Man¡¯er was like her and so she was also easy to be jealous. Ling Zui was such a guy who even wanted to flirt with all girls in the world. If they matched him with Zhuang Man, something terrible would happen!

    However, Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t agree with her. He smiled and then reminded his wife, ¡°I know you are afraid of making mother disappointed, so you haven¡¯t told her the truth. However, mother loves them so she wants to get them together. Now that she has told you her n, she will also ask both of them whether they agree or not in case of making the wrong match. I believe Man¡¯er will refuse her.¡±

    Qiu Yn agreed with him. She felt that she was officious. She mocked herself, ¡°I stay at home all day long to guarantee the safety of my kids. If I don¡¯t go out, I will be more stupid than before.¡±

    ¡°It is because you care about them that you are just flurried.¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled and rubbed her nose with his finger, ¡°Do you have a good appetite today?¡±

    They talked about her pregnancy for a while. And then Qiu Yn asked him what was going on in the first branch, ¡°Did he agree with you?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Jiang Yashuang mocked, ¡°Did he have any choice?¡±

    ¡°You took nothing to there. Did he ask you for evidence?¡± Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°I thought he would not believe in you and ask for the evidence. But you didn¡¯t prepare any evidence about that the eldest grand aunt had something to do with the issue in Shazhou.¡±

    It was Madame Han who wanted to frame Wang Qingqian with nder. However, there was nothing to do with her anymore about the issue in Shazhou. So, when Jiang Yashuang told his wife and mother that he wanted to ckmail Jiang Tianao with this issue, Madame Zhuang and Qiu Yn were worried about him.

    Jiang Yashuang wrapped in a wisp of hair hanging down beside her temples. He smiled, ¡°If he wants evidence, it is easy for me. I just ask my servants to ask my eldest grand aunt for it! If she admits that she has murdered Yayue and Yaqing, grandfather and my youngest grand uncle will give a guarantee to the second branch and the fifth branch. But if she denies, they will attain nothing. So, what will she do? I am sure she will!¡±

    ¡°You just pay it back! They deserve it!¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t feel sorry for Jiang Tianao at all. ¡°The one who was the murderer was even more reasonable than the one who was murdered. It was the first branch¡¯s turn to have this feeling!¡±

    She thought for a while, ¡°Now the first branch would stop. I am wondering whether the third branch will stop or not!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°What can they do? Does my third uncle want to go to my eldest grand uncle and put me on me?¡±

    If so, Marquess Qin would kill him! After all, he was his son!

    ¡°The disturbance finally ended!¡± Qiu Yn was rxed. She started to talk about the marriage of Qiu Jinn. ¡°Prime Minister Xue has already been to Jingbo¡¯s Mansion. But Sir Jingbo and his wife are all in the Beijiang. So Bicheng said that he had to ask their parents for opinions. I count the dates. Even if Sir Jingbo and his wife write back as soon as they receive the letter, we can only receive their replies after my cousin¡¯s wedding ceremony. So, I want to talk to Mr. Ruan about rebuilding the mansion of the Ruan Family. Do you agree with me?¡±

    ¡°The Ruan¡¯s Mansion is indeed a little bit dpidated. Your brother was the only one who lived there before, so all he wanted was for the main house to be intact.¡± Jiang Yashuang nodded, ¡°Now if he wants to get married, whether in the future he and his wife will live in Xijiang or not, this mansion should be well repaired. Otherwise, it is inconvenient for them to carry on the six ceremonies of betrothal and marriage.¡±

    But Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°I can handle it. Don¡¯t worry. Just keep you and our baby safe!¡±

    Qiu Yn was disappointed, ¡°Again? I am so bored at home!¡±

    She thought she could find something to kill time!

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°If my mother allows you to handle it, I will not oppose!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiu Yn reluctantly gave up. She knew her tricks which were used for treating Qiu Jinn and Jiang Yashuang was useless to her mother-inw who taught her how to kill the concubines and how to guarantee the true-born kids¡¯ profits. And Madame Zhuang definitely would not allow her to watch on the construction progress. So, she said in dejection, ¡°Alright.¡±

    She was so boring after she got pregnant. The next day Madame Zhuang asked her to handle an issue, ¡°Look at the list. Do you know how many of them are eager to marry Yadan after An¡¯s mother died?¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°Mother, what do you want to do?¡±

    ¡°Dan¡¯er¡¯s private life was in a mess.¡± Madame Zhuang hummed. ¡°So, I want to get him another wife to constrain him as soon as possible! Those guys who just have the desire for wealth and honor will never bring up elegant girls! Those girls are just another version of Madame Duan!¡±

    Madame Duan was An Zhenshang. She was under too much pressure pushed by Madame Zhuang. So, she changed her family name. And the An Family now changed their family name to Jiao. It was said that the family name of An Zhenshang¡¯s grandmother was Jiao.

    ¡°So those guys who want An¡¯s mother to die as soon as possible don¡¯t expect to marry their daughters to my son!¡± Madame Zhuang pointed at the list holding in Mrs. Chang¡¯s hands. ¡°This list is given by your grandmother. These are the guys who want to marry their daughters to Dan¡¯er. Please help me to pick out those who are ill-intentioned. We willter discuss those guys who are left.¡±

    Qiu Yn now got her. She consented happily, ¡°I will do it right now!¡±

    Madame Tao Junior¡¯s funeral was held by He Shuijin. But those who wanted to marry their daughters to Jang Yadan were too eager. So, they just set a base in the funeral hall and then scrambled to tter Madame Tao.

    Qiu Yn was impressed by them. So, she took the list and returned to her house. She asked her maids to give her the zinnober to underline the names of those guys who wore vivid clothes at Madame Tao Junior¡¯s funeral. She was so lightsome just like having iced plum soup in the summer!

    But after finishing it, she frowned, ¡°There are not so many of them left¡­¡±

    However, she had a sense of guilt. ¡°These families didn¡¯t tter. So, they might have a conscience. But would it be right to marry those girls from these families to Jiang Yadan?¡± She hesitated for a while. And then she asked her maids to take orpiment and erased some families who did not have the dignitary and critical status.

    She knew An would surely be raised by her husband and herself. So, she wasn¡¯t worried about what his stepmother would do to him. If this second wife was not virtuous, she was just the scourge of Jiang Yadan. Anyway, Jiang Yadan was not a good man so there was no need to marry him a nice girl.

    The reason why she didn¡¯t choose the daughters of high officials and noble lords was that she was afraid that if they had power and got developed after the wedding, they would want more, like An.

    With these thoughts, Qiu Yn checked the list again. And then she handed the list to Madame Zhuang.

    Madame Zhuang received the list and asked her to sit down. After looking it through, she asked her, ¡°Who is the most proper one for your brother?¡±

    ¡°I think the most proper one is the one who is born in a noble family, and her martial arts must be equal to Xing, and also is ruthless and merciless. Otherwise, how could she handle them?¡± Qiu Yn thought in her mind. But she told to Madame Zhuang, ¡°I am not familiar to anyone of them. So, I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine. Even if Empress Dowager doesn¡¯t know who is the most proper girl, she knows about their mothers. Girls are always like their mothers. So, we can have a spection!¡± Madame Zhuang looked at her daughter-inw. She smiled, ¡°You are so boring these days to stay at home. Why don¡¯t you apany me to the imperial pce?¡±

    Qiu Yn was awkward after hearing that. She doubted that Jiang Yashuang told what she said to her mother-inw. She covered up hastily, ¡°Now?¡±

    ¡°Yep!¡± Madame Zhuang said happily, ¡°I have been back for a while. But I haven¡¯t met anyone yet. Now if there exists an exnation of the issue in Shazhou, I guess your grandfather will not supervise me all the time anymore. Yesterday I sent a post requesting a visit. Now we can have a visit.¡±

    She knew that her mother-inw was also boring. Once the first branch and the third branch stopped making trouble, she wanted to have a visit right away!

    Qiu Yn found her droll, ¡°Mother, if you do not feel me burdensome, how could I be so stupid not to go?¡±

    Madame Zhuang made the decision, ¡°It¡¯s settled. Go to change your dress. I have already prepared the carriage!¡±

    They went to the imperial pce. It might be because that the fourth branch now was more and more powerful, Empress Dowager Jiang specially asked Princess Royal Yongfu to wee them at the gate of Hall of Taishi. ¡°Aunt, you finallye! My mother has always been missing you these days!¡± And then she smiled to Qiu Yn, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you for a long time!¡±

    Madame Zhuang had no conflict with Empress Dowager Jiang. And Princess Royal Yongfu was easy-going. They entered the hall while chatting. And then they met Empress Dowager Jiang in a harmonious atmosphere. Empress Dowager Jiang asked them to sit beside her. She sighed, ¡°So many years have passed. It seems like yesterday that before you left Jing City.¡±

    They were separated for so many years. So, when they met, they had many topics to talk about, like how they were going after they separated.

    Princess Royal Yongfu was naughty all the time. So, she didn¡¯t listen for a while and then found an excuse, taking Qiu Yn to go out,

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t refuse her. So, she told elders before she left. She warned the princess, ¡°Now I am pregnant. I can¡¯t cook for you anymore!¡±

    ¡°Do Ie to you for food?¡± Princess Royal Yongfu grimaced at her and said, ¡°I see that my mother is talking to my fourth aunt warmly, but what they are talking about are all matters of the old time. We can¡¯t get involved. Why do you just sit there? It is better toe out!¡±

    ¡°Is that so? I have wronged you!¡± Qiu Yn made amends with a smile. Princess Royal Yongfu didn¡¯t take it seriously, saying, ¡°I have made an appointment with Bicheng to watch lingbo dance in the waterside pavilion of the imperial garden. Do you like it? Shall we go together?¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled and looked at her. She thought, ¡°I don¡¯t want to get involved with you two!¡± So, she rejected without hesitation, ¡°I have no interest in dance and songs. Just go to watch it! I want to take a walk in the imperial garden!¡±

    The Jiang Family now was powerful. Everyone in the court knew it. So, Princess Royal Yongfu didn¡¯t worry that she would be hurt in the imperial pce. So, she agreed with her immediately. And then she left with her maids hastily.

    After she left, Su Heughed, ¡°I originally believed that princess thought you two couldn¡¯t get involved in the conversation and so she wanted to take a walk. She is just afraid of her boyfriend waiting for her!¡±

    ¡°She is young!¡± Qiu Yn sighed like she was old, ¡°Seeing they get along with each other so well, I am d!¡±

    Su He didn¡¯t know that she thought of the innocent County Princess Duanrou, Chu Chunxiao. She smiled, ¡°Princess Royal Yongfu is treated like his own sister by young master. And Emperor¡¯s son-inw is a good friend of young master. If they are good, it is so nice!¡±

    As they spoke, they were already in the imperial garden. It waste spring but the garden was lush and still interesting. Though Qiu Yn entered the imperial pce a couple of times before, she hadn¡¯te to the imperial garden for a visit. And when Gu was still alive, she had never been rxed. So now she looked at the scenery with relish. They enjoyed sharing the scenery with each other and they were amused.

    But they didn¡¯t go far. There appeared several people from the back of the fake mountain. The paths of bluestones they walked on were narrow. So, they met with each other!

    ¡°Your Majesty?¡± Qiu Yn was surprised after she discerned the guy who was around by people, ¡°Wishes your Majesty happiness and prosperity!¡±

 Chapter 412 - The Gap Between Mother and Son

    Chapter 412 The Gap Between Mother and Son

    Mi Yinyin acted so inappropriately in the banquet and was ordered to go back home by Madame Ou. But it wasn¡¯t over for her punishment.

    The next morning, the news came over from the Mansion of Sir Jibei that Mi Yinyin was sick because of her exposure to wind on the way back homest night.

    ¡°Such a coincidence?¡± Madame Zhuang smiled contemptuously when hearing of the news, ¡°Now she knows she made a huge mistake, but it¡¯s toote! Didn¡¯t she have any idea of how important the day was? If it hadn¡¯t been for a long-running feud, how could she had ruined the biggest day of Empress? How dare she do that? Her maiden family still needs to rely on our Jiang Family. And she has married Jiang Yn for so many years but given birth to no children. And even her husband doesn¡¯t like her. But she is still so capricious. Does she really think naively that our family will tolerate her doing anything she is capable of, even before the whole imperial court, and we¡¯ve owned so much to her?¡±

    Qiu Ynughed, ¡°I think she knows that the sixth aunt overindulges her and that¡¯s why she is so capricious. She didn¡¯t even care to act so improperly before the whole imperial court and their wives and children. But more importantly, the elders of our family were all there watching her acting so rudely.¡±

    She turned her eyeballs and said, ¡°Mother, do you think this time she can still dodge any punishment? I¡¯ve heard that the youngest aunt has never intervened in the family affairs of the others in her family. By the way, Min Yinyin is her niece.¡±

    ¡°Have you forgotten about your Aunt Tianhe?¡± Madame Zhuang nced at her daughter-inw, ¡°Besides, Fubing has be the most powerful woman in our country since she received the decree yesterday! And there is a big difference of status between them. As long as the Mi Family weren¡¯t that stupid, they would understand that this time Mi Yinyin was unable to avoid punishment. If she insisted to protect such a capricious niece from any punishment, I¡¯m afraid your Aunt Tianhe wouldn¡¯t allow her to do that.¡±

    It turned out that Madame Zhuang knew well Madame Ou.

    When Madame Ou heard that Mi Yinyin was sick, she didn¡¯t show any annoyance, but said lightly, ¡°Mi Yinyin has always been in poor health and she may be weaker than such an old woman like me. Yesterday was a big day and she was asked to attend the wedding ceremony. Who knows she got sick because of that! Such a pity girl.¡±

    Because Madame Mi had not spent much time with her mother-inw, she knew little about her temperament, but she could tell that her mother-inw was annoyed. Suddenly, her heart stuttered in her chest, but she forced a smile and said, ¡°You are right, mother. I¡¯ve already sent someone to tell her to stay home from now on and focus on recuperating herself.¡±

    The reason why she told Madame Ou that she grounded Min Yinyin was hoping that Min Yinyin would get less punishment. Meanwhile, she was trying to say that Min Yinyin didn¡¯t have the opportunity to stir up trouble again because she was grounded.

    But Madame Ou looked more pleased with her words and med her, ¡°Have you grounded her? Does anyone want to be ill? She must feel upset at a time when she is ill. And you willpound her illness by criticizing her. She is your niece as well as your daughter-inw! You should love dearly and pity her!¡±

    ¡°Mother¡­¡± Even if Madame Mi didn¡¯t know well about Madame Ou, she could tell that she was extremely angry and determined to punish Min Yinyin. Her expression suddenly changed and pleaded, ¡°Mother! This is my fault. I haven¡¯t taught her how to act properly! I beg you for the sake of¡­¡±

    Madame Ou ignored her and interrupted her, ¡°Since it¡¯s the case, how can you continue to teach her to act appropriately? From my perspective, it¡¯s better to let her go back to her maiden family for recuperation. And she can get well faster with her mother¡¯s careful attendance, right? ¡±

    Madame Mi burst into tears suddenly.

    She had been in charge of the family since she married her husband. How could she not understand what Madame Ou really meant? Unless something really important happened in the maiden family and someone was sent to her husband¡¯s family to ask for permission, and the husband¡¯s family forgave her, for instance, her eldest daughter-inw¡¯s father was seriously ill and asked her only daughter toe home to attend to him, otherwise, how could a married daughter go back to her maiden family alone?

    Mi Yinyin would definitely attract a lot of k when she was sent home at a time when she was ¡°sick¡±, let alone she cried in public at Emperor and Empress¡¯s wedding.

    Moreover, Madame Ou only said that she would get better and faster if she went back to her maiden family, but she didn¡¯t say that she would take her back when she was well! She simply meant to keep Mi Yinyin at her maiden family forever.

    Madame Mi pleaded but ended in vain. She didn¡¯t know how she got back into her room.

    She really didn¡¯t know how to ry the meaning of Madame Ou to Mi Yinyin whom she treated as her daughter. She was silently weeping in her room with the maids and servants around her not daring to breathe¡­ Suddenly someone came in to report, ¡°Young master is back!¡±

    These words reminded Madame Mi, ¡°The most suitable person who could plead with Madame Ou for Mi Yinyin this time is her son Jiang Yn!¡±

    But when she called her youngest son Jiang Yn to the front, she cried andined about Madame Ou¡¯s decision of dealing with his wife. But before she could ask his son Jiang Yn to plead for his wife, Jiang Yn interrupted her and coldly snorted, ¡°The reason I¡¯m here now is to ask your permission for me to divorce my wife!¡±

    Madame Mi couldn¡¯t help but p her son, ¡°Do you have no heart? She is your true cousin from a proper official family! If you repudiate her, what other choice does she have but to die? And how could your uncle¡¯s family live their life in the future if you divorce her daughter?¡±

    Most of the children of the Jiang Family were dandies, but the grandchildren generally were awed by their mother. Jiang Yn was one of them. He didn¡¯t get angry after his mother pped him, and just lightly said, ¡°You¡¯ve always considered your brother¡¯s family and Mi Yinyin. If doing this could make you happy, I promised I would never mention the divorce again.¡±

    He said these words in a tone so calm that it was frightening. Madame Mi also noticed that even though she was crying. She could not help but be stunned, ¡°My son¡­¡±

    ¡°If you have no other orders, I have to go back to my room to take a bath and change my wet clothes because of the sweat since I stayed out all night.¡± Jiang Yn lowered his head and said softly.

    ¡°¡­ Ok, go.¡± Madame Mi was confronting with mixed feelings right now and didn¡¯t know what to say. She only said bitterly after a moment¡¯s hesitation.

    When he stepped across two thresholds, he looked around and found no one. And then Jiang Yn raised his hand to wipe his eyes, bit his lips hard, and walked towards his room.

    In June, although it was still morning, the sun was baking the whole city. But Jiang Yn felt like living in a world of ice and snow, ¡°This is not the first time Mi Yinyin causes trouble. She didn¡¯t know how to behave properly when Cousin Xin was the Empress-to-be, but now that Cousin Xin has be Empress, a motherly model of the country, she still doesn¡¯t know how to behave, not to mention that I have nothing to do with Cousin Xin. Is it possible in her eyes that she still considers Cousin Xin as someone whose parents are far away and has only an elderly temperate grandmother to depend on in Jing City?¡±

    He was the trueborn son and Sir Jibei didn¡¯t have so many children. Even though he wasn¡¯t the eldest son, he was still offered many opportunities to expand his horizons and observe the deliberations of his elders and their aids and staff since he was young.

    Even though he didn¡¯t achieve sess in his life and idled away most of his time in pleasure-seeking, he had broad horizons. Although Emperor was a puppet, the Jiang Family couldn¡¯t act as regent without him. They could take Emperor lightly in private. But the Jiang Family, even including Qiu Yn who was taken seriously by the family in these months, behaved properly and courteously before Empress in the imperial gardenst time in public.

    Moreover, Empress was also from the Jiang Family and Mi Yinyin depended on the Jiang Family. So, Mi Yinyin should have always been on the side of Empress.

    ¡°But now Mi Yinyin has repeatedly offended Cousin Xin. She has long caused trouble because of being jealous of Cousin Xin, which often ends up with more trouble for me. As my wife, she always angers Cousin Xin. Even if Cousin Xi knows that it is not my intention, she may bother herself about the offence a few times. But if my wife continues to offend her, it is possible that she may vent her anger on me someday.¡± Jiang Yn clenched his teeth with his forehead veins appearing, ¡°She will simply ruin my future!¡±

    Xin Fubing might just start her new life as Empress and she might not have the direct influence at the imperial court yet. But as the niece of Empress Dowager Jiang, coupled with her mother¡¯s close rtionship with Empress Dowager Jiang, she was fully capable of influencing the imperial court by virtue of Empress Dowager Jiang.

    And she already had such an influence right this moment.

    And when Empress Dowager Jiang got old one day and Xin Fubing gave birth to a son, she might have the opportunity to act as a regent Empress or Empress Dowager. Until then, it would be a piece of cake if she wanted to make things difficult for Mi Yinyin and Jiang Yn. After all, even if Jiang Yn was the trueborn grandson of the Jiang Family, but the Jiang Family had so many children and grandchildren. And they have been busy trying to trip each other up. If Jiang Yn was punished by Empress, the other children or grandchildren from the Jiang Family would love to see it because a rival was eliminated.

    ¡°A wife like Mi Yinyin who is not virtuous is a real trouble-maker, but my mother has a partiality for her just because she is her niece!¡± Jiang Yn felt sad and resentful, ¡°I really don¡¯t know who is her real flesh and blood.¡±

    He felt that he couldn¡¯t allow things to develop in a worse direction.

    He took a bath and changed his clothes after returning to his room, but he didn¡¯t bother to see Mi Yinyin who was ¡°lying sick¡± in the inner room and sobbing from time to time. He left the house hurriedly towards the direction of Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion.

    At Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion, Madame Zhuang was describing the grand wedding to Qiu Yn, except for the trouble Mi Yinyin caused. Yesterday was very smooth and festive. The imperial wedding was so spectacr that ordinary people could hardly imagine and it was beyond the understanding of those who were not wealthy enough. The vivid description enabled Qiu Yn to broaden her vision and delighted so many maids like Su He.

    At a time when they heard that Jiang Yn hade to pay his respects to Madame Zhuang, they all felt surprised, ¡°What brought him here?¡±

    Yesterday, Mi Yinyin acted so improperly. So, Jiang Yn was held responsible for her poor discipline as her husband. Was it reasonable that he should be at home to receive criticism, right?

    Madame Zhuang suddenly realized and said, ¡°I¡¯m afraid he¡¯s here to beg me to take him to the northern border!¡±

    Qiu Yn understood as soon as she heard what Madame Zhuang said and sighed, ¡°The sixth aunt has always overindulged her niece. And Jiang Yn may not know what to do with her mother so he has toe and beg you!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not afraid of getting into trouble!¡± Madame Zhuang knew that her daughter-inw was trying to warn her, but she didn¡¯t care, ¡°Besides, your sixth aunt has always had a partiality for her maiden family. But your youngest uncle and her wife don¡¯t think Mi Yinyin is anything cute!¡±

    A few momentster, Mrs. Chang led Jiang Yn in. And unsurprisingly, Jiang Yn asked in a roundabout way whether Madam Zhuang would still go to the northern border and when she would go after paying his respects.

    Madame Zhuang disliked Mi Yinyin under the influence of her son as well as her daughter-inw. So, she readily said, ¡°I wanted to leave a few days ago. But given His Majesty¡¯s wedding, I chose to stay to observe the ceremony. I am expecting to leave in a couple of days!¡±

    Jiang Yn then said bluntly, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen my fourth uncle for some years and I have long longed for a life in the northern border. Could you take me with you when departing for the northern border?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Madame Zhuang was not afraid of offending the Mi Family, not to mention Madame Mi and her niece. So, she agreed without thinking, ¡°Just go back to pack your things. I will send someone to tell you tomorrow or the day after tomorrow when I set the exact departure date! The boys from the Jiang Family should have gone to the northern border to improve their capabilities. Moreover, Jiang Yashuang and his wife will go there in two years. If you are willing to stay there for two years, then you will havepany!¡±

    ¡°Thank you!¡± Jiang Yn sighed with relief. He didn¡¯t want to turn against the Mi family, but he was fed up with Mi Yinyin. So, he just decided to stay away. So even if Mi Yinyin caused trouble again, he was nominally responsible for her poor discipline. But anyone sensible would know that it had nothing to do with him due to the long-distance, right?

    ¡°If Mi Yinyin is sensible, she shouldn¡¯t offer to follow me to the northern border!¡± Jiang Yn thought, ¡°But if she offers to go there with me, then¡­¡±

    He sneered, ¡°The northern border is bitterly cold. The fourth uncle and his wife sent Jiang Yazhu, Jiang Qizheng, and Jiang Yashuang back to be raised¡­ Given Mi Yinyin¡¯s poor health, even if she dares to go there, she is unable to live long!¡±

    Although he was still unable to forget Xin Fubing, he also kind of liked Min Yinyin when they got married. But with consecutive suspicion and trouble she made, that bit of affection had long been dissipated!

    And now Jiang Yn was so fed up with her and only wished to get rid of her as soon as possible!

 Chapter 413 - This Is the Opportunity for Us!

    Chapter 413 This Is the Opportunity for Us!

    Not only did Qiu Yn not understand how Commandery Princess Lihui was involved with Jiang Yadan, at the moment, in the Mansion of Duke of Huainan, but Young Prince Chu Weixian was also pleading with Duke of Huainan, ¡°Our family is already a royal family, and you have been Minister of the royal n. Why should we worry about wealth? Even though the Jiang Family is the most powerful in the country, they treat you with courtesy and respect. The Jiang Family has so many followers. Even if my sister marries Jiang Yadan, how much care will they give to our family? No one doesn¡¯t know that the Jiang Family is now in fierce internal strife. Jiang Yadan is the first trueborn son of the fourth branch. The fourth branch of the Jiang Family has achieved a dominant position in the army but it is not powerful in the court! It is not wise of you to do this¡­¡±

    ¡°What do you know?¡± Chu Xiao interrupted him with a frown, ¡°If the fourth branch of the Jiang Family were not so weak in the court, why would I give up my trueborn daughter to make this marriage possible?¡±

    Chu Weixian was stunned and then said in surprise, ¡°My father, what do you mean?¡±

    ¡°The fourth branch of the Jiang Family now has been in charge of two major armies. So, it can be said that it has a solid position in the army!¡± Chu Xiao screwed up her eyes and said faintly, ¡°Even though Jiang Tianchi is in his 50s, he is in good health and has an outstanding trueborn son like Jiang Yashuang to seed him. How could he be satisfied with that? Next, he is certainly going to expand his power in the court. But his first trueborn son and his second son of a concubine are such failures, and his grandchildren are still young. As for his inws, the Zhuang Family and the Qiu Family have few descendants. The Tao Family no longer exists and the Sheng Family is of a low social ranking. Besides, because of Sheng¡¯s confusing birth, it has been strange with her maiden family and her¡­¡±

    And with that, he sneered, ¡°For the sake of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s wife, Xue Chang now has joined with an alliance of the fourth branch of the Jiang Family. But Xue Chang has served three dynasties as an elder statesman. How many years will he be in power? The fourth branch of the Jiang Family is now in need of help in the court. And this is an opportunity for us!¡±

    ¡°But Jiang Yadan, such a lecherous man, is not a good match for my sister at all!¡± Chu Weixian and Commandery Princess Lihui Chu Yitong were from the same mother. There was a big age difference of several years between the sibling. It could be said that Chu Yitong grew up before Chu Weixian¡¯s eyes, and she had almost been treated as a daughter. In particr, Chu Yitong med herself for the idental death of Duchess of Huainan two years ago. She was so depressed and haggard during the years of mourning, because of which Chu Weixian was heartbroken.

    Not long ago, after the mourning, Chu Weixian was trying his best to pick a good family for his sister. How could he let her be a step-wife of Jiang Yadan?

    At this moment, he begged earnestly, ¡°And Jiang Yadan has had his trueborn son born by his first wife. ording to the Jiang family¡¯s practice of giving preference to the trueborn child over the child of a concubine, even if my sister gives birth to a male heir, he will still be inferior to that child. What will she gain from it? Father, my mother loved my sister the most during her lifetime. Please, for her sake, don¡¯t force my sister to wed that fop, okay?¡±

    ¡°How could I not think of her?¡± Chu Xiao was surprised, ¡°It is an opportunity of a lifetime. We are in time for Madame Zhuang¡¯s returning to Jing City for her daughter! You might not be able to remember this madame since you were young. She is known to hate concubines! When she is in Jing City, we can ask her to get rid of all those messy people in Jiang Yadan¡¯s yard. Even though she may not send them all away, she can teach them a lesson one by one!¡±

    ¡°As for the trueborn son of Jiang Yadan, he is brought up by Jiang Yashuang and his wife. Madame Tao has made it clear that the child should be raised by his uncle and aunt until he bes an adult! Think, if so, the child may have a special status. But as he has not been with his official father, how much affection can the child have for his father? Moreover, even though he is close to Jiang Yashuang and his wife, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s wife is pregnant now. Can a nephew bepared to their trueborn son?¡±

    ¡°While Jiang Yadan is so dissipated, how many men in this world, except for those who are poor or in exceptional circumstances, do not have concubines?¡± Chu Xiao sneered, ¡°Don¡¯t talk about Jiang Yashuang and his wife. You don¡¯t even think about the beauty of Commandery Princess Ningyi! Moreover, Jiang Yashuang has been taught by Marquess Qin to be ambitious. Now at this age, he is looking forward to greater sess. His mind is not at all on beauty! It is hard to say whether he¡¯ll still have only Commandery Princess Ningyi in his backyard in a few years! You can marry your sister to someone else. But unless she marries a man from such an inferior family that they dare not even raise their heads when they see us, how can you guarantee that she will not suffer in the backyard for the rest of her life?¡±

    And then he sighed, ¡°Your sister is amandery princess! Do you want her to marry into a family of the low ranking? If so, even though you do not despise her, will your wife and children not despise her? In others¡¯ eyes, who won¡¯t say that you don¡¯t love her and so you do that?¡±

    Therefore, he continued, ¡°So, if she marries Jiang Yadan, it will be good for our family and it won¡¯t do any harm to her!¡±

    Chu Weixian almost wanted to vomit blood, ¡°My father, do not forget what happened to Jiang Yadan¡¯s first wife! Madame Zhuang is now in Jing City and she can send all concubines in Jiang Yadan¡¯s backyard away. But as jealous as she is, she will return to Beijiang to watch over Great General of North soon. When Jiang Yadan gets back into his old habits, it is my sister who will be sad, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Perhaps Jiang Yadan would be happy to take advantage of his mother¡¯s discipline. Because of that, those in his backyard could be reced by a group of concubines who were younger, prettier, and more considerate.

    ¡°Madame Tao Junior was not good-looking. How could she bepared to your sister?¡± Chu Xiao said dismissively, ¡°Mistresses are just ythings. Jiang Yadan is not the sort of person who is persistent in love. If your sister is dissatisfied with him in the future, we can deal with that when he is no longer interested in her, right?¡±

    Chu Weixian could see that he was determined to use his daughter to pave the way to get in touch with the fourth branch of the Jiang family. As such, he could obtain the support of the fourth branch and make a big move in the court. Chu Weixian couldn¡¯t help weeping. He pulled his robes up, knelt down, and pleaded, ¡°My sister has been loved by my mother and you since she was a child. How could she suffer such indignity? I beg you to withdraw your order for the sake of father-daughter rtionship!¡±

    ¡°How stupid you are!¡± Chu Xiao¡¯s face was dark and he roared, ¡°Do you think I¡¯m doing this just for myself? I am so old. How many years can I go? In the end, it¡¯s good for you and your children and grandchildren!¡±

    Chu Weixian insisted, ¡°It is unwise of me. I¡¯ve been blessed by you to be a young prince. So, I dare not think of anything else!¡±

    ¡°Do you think what I refer to are wealth and honors?¡± Chu Xiao said with a sneer, ¡°What I am talking about is life!¡±

    Chu Weixian was stunned, ¡°My father, why do you say that?¡± The Mansion of Duke of Huainan had never had a feud with the Jiang Family, nor did it threaten the Jiang Family. How could they be in danger?

    ¡°Why do you still not understand? It¡¯s not only the fourth branch of the Jiang Family that needs the help of the court, but also the Empress Dowager! Otherwise, why do you think the Empress Dowager is willing to act as a go-between?¡± Chu Xiao sighed and said earnestly, ¡°Strictly speaking, Empress Dowager Jiang is the one who most hopes that the fourth branch of the Jiang Family can also be powerful in the court. Don¡¯t forget that she and her daughter have ced their bets on the fourth branch for many years!¡±

    ¡°Now Marquess Qin is still alive, and Jiang Yashuang and Madame Zhuang are in Jing City. Even though the first branch and the third branch of the Jiang Family are annoyed with the fourth branch, they will not be so angry as to take it out on the Empress Dowager!¡±

    ¡°But, you think, once Marquess Qin passes away and Madame Zhuang and Jiang Yashuang have gone to Beijiang, will the first branch and the third branch of the Jiang Family not be angry with the Empress Dowager? Empress Dowager Jiang, despite her high position, is not a good ruler! Jiang Tianao alone is able to get her to be putty in his hands! Do you think the Empress Dowager, without a few people from the fourth branch of the Jiang Family in the court and someone that she can trust and rely on, can be at ease?¡±

    ncing at his bewildered son, Chu Xiao sneered, ¡°So, the Empress Dowager thought over and then thought about me! And do you think I can refuse the Empress Dowager¡¯s hint? Don¡¯t forget that even if the Empress Dowager is unable to defeat her brothers, she can still make us be in kind of hell with just a word!¡±

    ¡°If I just rush to the court to fight for power with the first branch and the third branch of the Jiang Family, don¡¯t you think it is the same asmitting suicide?¡±

    Chu Xiao let out a long sigh, ¡°Except for marrying my daughter, what else can I do?¡±

    ¡­ Seeing Chu Weixian leave in a daze, Chu Xiao snorted lightly, ¡°A woman¡¯s pity!¡±

    ¡°Young Prince has a gentle heart. As he has treated Commandery Princess with respect, will he not be more respectful and filial to you?¡± The trusted subordinate who had been hiding behind the screen turned out and spoke warmly to smooth things over.

    Chu Xiao was just saying. Anyway, Chu Weixian was his first trueborn son who had been recognized as Young Prince. He shook his head and stopped scolding Chu Weixian. And then he said to his trusted subordinate, ¡°It is not difficult to fool such a bad son. But do you think the marriage is going to work? While Empress Dowager Jiang personally acts as a go-between, she cannot decide for Madame Zhuang, who has always done as she likes. So, she will not agree unless she is satisfied with this marriage.¡±

    The subordinate said with a smile, ¡°In my opinion, there is no problem. Prince, please think about this. Commandery Princess Lihui is of royal blood and Princess¡¯s child. In terms of status, being a wife to Jiang Yadan is a step down for her! Although Jiang Yadan¡¯s sister-inw Commandery Princess Ningyi is also a princess, she is not from a royal family! In terms of appearance, Commandery Princess Lihui is beautiful, gentle, and dignified. So, how will Madame Zhuang not like her? Madame Zhuang does not know Commandery Princess Lihui¡¯s temperament while Princess is known to be a woman of noble character! Everybody knows it!¡±

    So, he concluded, ¡°As long as no one stands in the way, this is going to seed!¡±

    ¡°You are right!¡± Chu Xiao nodded slightly, ¡±However, you should watch out for any interference as well! Nowadays, many people have eyes on the position of Jiang Yadan¡¯s step-wife! It is about the future of the Mansion of Duke of Huainan. You must make sure there¡¯s no problem!¡±

    It was necessary to thank the death of the Duchess of Huainan. Otherwise, Chu Yitong, who was his youngest trueborn daughter, would not have had to observe mourning for the past few years and would have married someone. And then where could he get another daughter to marry the Jiang family?

    ¡°Prince, please feel assured! I have been prepared for this!¡± The subordinate smiled gently and said with certainty, ¡°Prince, I would like to congratte you to have such a son-inw and such a promising future!¡±

    Chu Xiao smiled pleasantly as he stroked his beard, ¡°All thanks to your lucky words. I hope everything goes well!¡±

    People in the Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion didn¡¯t see what happened in the Mansion of Duke of Huainan. But when Jiang Yashuang came back and heard from his wife and mother that Empress Dowager Jiang rmended Commandery Princess Lihui as Jiang Yadan¡¯s step-wife, he revealed the mystery in a single sentence, ¡°It¡¯s just that Duke of Huainan has seen that our branch has no one of our own in the court and wants to take advantage of our branch¡¯s power by marriage!¡±

    Madame Zhuang then asked, ¡°Do you think this marriage can be approved?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no harm,¡± Jiang Yashuang thought for a while and said, ¡°Duke of Huainan has been maniptive. He knows his ce. Otherwise, he would not have been decent since Gu until now. He should know what he needs to do and what he can¡¯t do if he wants to obtain the advantage of our branch¡¯s power.¡±

    He added, ¡°Of course, these days a few officials want the support of our branch. But the key is still whether Commandery Princess Lihui is suitable for my eighth brother.¡±

    Madame Zhuang was relieved, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll ask someone to find out how she behaves and what she looks like. And then I¡¯ll see if she¡¯s qualified to marry into our family!¡±

 Chapter 414 - It Is an Ability to Deal with Lovers at Home and Outside

    Chapter 414 It Is an Ability to Deal with Lovers at Home and Outside

    It was not a business that could be undertaken in a day to figure out whether Chu Yitong was suitable for being Jiang Yadan¡¯s step-wife. After Madame Zhuang asked someone to handle it, her attention shifted to the pair of Ling Zui and Zhuang Man.

    So, it was only natural that Qiu Yn received instructions from her mother-inw. ¡°I¡¯ll send someone to invite your aunt to bring Man¡¯er over for a visit. When I talk to your aunt, you should call Man¡¯er to your house and sound her out about her thoughts!¡±

    ¡°Rest assured, mother. I¡¯ll find out what Man¡¯er is thinking!¡± Qiu Yn took the order with a smile.

    Qiu Yn told the whole story, and after that, Zhuang Man burst outughing, bending down on a pillow, ¡°My aunt has been away for so many years that she actually thinks that marrying me to Ling Zui is something good for me. If the thing goes out, everyone in the court will say I¡¯ve offended her! If we were not blood rtions or I didn¡¯t know that my aunt loved me like her own daughter, I¡¯d suspect that my aunt has actually hated me for a long time!¡±

    Qiu Yn took the cherry in her fingers and ate calmly, ¡°You don¡¯t agree, do you?¡±

    This was expected.

    However, instead of answering immediately, Zhuang Man pondered for a moment before she mused, ¡°Didn¡¯t you just ask me about my feeling? Who knows what Ling Zui thinks? Many people in Jing City ridicule him, though, when ites to status, he does have choices among the daughter of noble families. I don¡¯t want to refuse at the moment and hear that he actually does not like me! Anyway, he is the one who has saved my eighteenth sister. There is no need to make him lose face, right?¡±

    Qiu Yn had been down this road before. How could she not know the meaning of Zhuang Man¡¯s words? Although she didn¡¯t think Ling Zui was as good as Madame Zhuang thought, she didn¡¯t resent it either and even approved of him somewhat. Qiu Yn was surprised to realize it, ¡°I¡¯m surprised that you think he is not bad, do you?¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Zhuang Man nced at her, ¡°It is okay for others to say that. But how can you say that? He treats you all right!¡±

    ¡°You brute!¡± said Qiu Yn, torn between annoyance and a desire tough, ¡°Of course I think he is good. I am thinking about that for the sake of you, aren¡¯t I? You know what goes on in his backyard! Not to mention the fact that he¡¯s got as many mistresses out there as my brother!¡±

    Zhuang Man calmly arranged the cherries into a pattern, ¡°Do you think those mistresses can put me through?¡±

    ¡°Of course not.¡± With that, it could be said that Zhuang Man almost agreed to this marriage. So, Qiu Yn could not help but be curious, ¡°I don¡¯t think you would be bothered by those mistresses. Yet, why would you like Ling Zui? It¡¯s not like you have never seen him before, but I didn¡¯t hear you say that!¡±

    ¡°Cmity is the touchstone of man!¡± Zhuang Man had always been close to Qiu Yn. And since the two were alone in the inner room, there was nothing she couldn¡¯t say. Zhuang Man set her mouth in a line, ¡°After this thing that my eighteenth sister and Xing travelled north¡­ I think he is good. Moreover, he is not bad-tempered.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought for a moment and said severely, ¡°This is a lifelong matter. You¡¯d better think it through!¡± It was not that she didn¡¯t appreciate Ling Zui¡¯s care and support over the years. But marriage, which was a matter of two parties living their lives, couldn¡¯tst long with a temporal emotion.

    As the Zhuang Family took the advantage of being inws of the fourth branch of the Jiang Family, it seemed hard for Princess Royal Maode to ignore them. But they couldn¡¯t have Ling Zui eating out of his hand and doing whatever they want. After all, Ling Zui had supported Jiang Qizheng amid her difficulties. And his great friend Qiu Jinn was someone that Marquess Qin was trying to pull on to his side!

    This kind of marriage, which was an even match, could only be lived up to by genuine love.

    As Zhuang Man saw how solemnly Qiu Yn spoke, she hesitated for a moment and then nodded and exined, ¡°At first, I thought he was the same as my eighth cousin. Moreover, two years ago, after hearing Xing talk about beating him up, I felt that he was more gutless than my eighth cousin! But then I learned that despite so many mistresses in his backyard and outside, he never had any baseborn children!¡±

    ¡°That is because Princess Royal Maode has been watching out for him!¡± said Qiu Yn warningly, ¡°If my mother-inw had been in Jing City all the time, I don¡¯t think my eighth brother would have had so many baseborn children who were born before An!¡± In that case, An wouldn¡¯t have been so young and he might have been a few years older and had several younger siblings. After all, Madame Zhuang was so supportive of her daughters-inw.

    Zhuang Man said, ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t know that this is due to Princess Royal Maode¡¯s strict discipline? But what about his mistresses outside? Princess Royal Maode has been keeping an eye on those. But as you have said, there are so many mistresses. Can Princess Royal Maode handle all of them? Moreover, it¡¯s not like those people don¡¯t know who he is. Would they not be interested in having a child for the sake of the position or something else?¡±

    ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°So, while he has been fooling around, he knows what he is doing.¡± Zhuang Man lowered her voice, ¡°In this respect, my eighth cousin is far beneath him. Besides, think, so many mistresses outside are trying to use a child as a bargaining chip while none of them have seeded. So, you can see that he is notpletely ipetent!¡±

    Qiu Yn put her hand to her forehead and thought to herself, ¡°Well, it is indeed an ability to deal with the lovers at home and outside.¡±

    ¡°But he does not do well in both the pen and the sword. I¡¯m not looking down on him while it is the truth. You have been one tough cookie. When a woman gets married, her decency first depends on her husband. I¡¯m sure there will be many people who will say that to you in the future. Do you think you can stand it?¡±

    Zhuang Man was dismissive, ¡°Is it difficult for him to be an official?¡±

    Of course, it was not difficult. Princess Royal Maode and her husband were afraid that Ling Zui would be dragged down by the battle between the two Empress Dowager before. And they sent him to the south to gain experience. Didn¡¯t they easily give him an official position? And After hearing that the battle between the two Empress Dowager came to an end, didn¡¯t Ling Zui just pick up ande back?

    ¡°Among those who take official positions, some work hard and busily while some pick and choose with ease¡­ I don¡¯t know why the former is qualified to mock thetter, okay?¡± Zhuang Man threw up her hands and said innocently.

    Qiu Yn, defeated by her logic, sighed, ¡°Well, I see what you mean. Later I¡¯ll tell my mother-inw all about it!¡±

    After sending off Zhuang Man and her mother, Madame Zhuang and Qiu Yn hurriedly came together for a meeting that day.

    The two were busy with the same thing today. Qiu Yn had asked about Zhuang Man¡¯s thoughts. And Madame Zhuang rmended Ling Zui to her sister-inw Madame Wen as a son-inw. The results, however, were very different.

    Zhuang Man surprisingly agreed and Madame Wen naturally declined.

    That was why Madam Zhuang eximed when she saw Qiu Yn. ¡°Ling Zui is such a good boy. When ites to women, just like Yadan, why would he not be able to control himself? Otherwise, he and Man¡¯er should have been good together, shouldn¡¯t they?¡±

    Qiu Yn once againmented the mystical bond between Ling Zui and Madame Zhuang. Given Madame Zhuang¡¯s enthusiasm for this marriage, Madame Wen must have told her the real about Ling Zui lest she thought her sister-inw of her maiden family was blind and ignorant of good people!

    As such, Madame Zhuang thought Ling Zui was nice except for this w. Ling Zui seemed to be her biological son rather than her surrogate son!

    After the emotion, the problem came. If Zhuang Man had also refused, Qiu Yn would have given a perfunctory word. ¡°There are many other wonderful men in Jing City. Cousin Man is such a great girl that we can take our time to choose for her!¡±

    However, now, she couldn¡¯t say that. Qiu Yn thought for a moment before saying, ¡°Man¡¯er doesn¡¯t think so.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Madame Zhuang said in amazement.

    ¡°She thinks that¡­¡± Qiu Yn repeated what Zhuang Man said as it was and then said, ¡°Anyway, Man¡¯er is the one who is going to marry. I don¡¯t know what to do either. Mother, please make a decision!¡±

    This was a life-long decision for the two of them. One was her great friend and the other was her surrogate brother that was almost the same as her biological brother. So, Qiu Yn could not make a decision.

    ¡°Tell you what¡­¡± Madame Zhuang pondered for a moment, ¡°We have agreed before to have Mrs. Chang pay respects to Princess Royal Maode. Let¡¯s wait for the news from there and discuss it when ites!¡±

    As both the marriage of her eldest son and the marriage of her surrogate son did not go well, Madame Zhuang was rather bored. She decided to think about the follow-up when the thought of Princess Royal Maode was brought to her. So, Madame Zhuang changed the subject, ¡°Today, the servants came to report that my fourteenth daughter-inw came back from outside with red eyes. It seemed that she had cried hard. Even though she had put on powder, she couldn¡¯t hide it. What do you think the reason is?¡±

    Qiu Yn asked in surprise, ¡°What is the reason for this?¡± She thought to herself, ¡°He Shuijin has been tough andposed. What kind of news can make her forget herself?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m also wondering about that! So, I sent someone to figure it out. It turns out that she had quietly summoned a doctor under the pretext of checking her ounts,¡± said Madame Zhuang. ¡°Is there something physically wrong with her? If that¡¯s the case, it¡¯s a pity for her at such a young age! And if something were to happen to her, there wouldn¡¯t be another capable housekeeper in the family!¡±

    Madame Zhuang had not gotten along with Madame He earlier before she went to Beijiang. Naturally, she did not have a good impression of the third branch either. However, He Shuijin was an exception. It was because Madame Tao, Qiu Yn, and Jiang Yashuang all did not have a low opinion of her.

    Madame Zhuang had met her a few times since she returned. He Shuijin, who was neither humble nor arrogant and showed appropriate respect to her, had made Madame Zhuang feel that this junior was very extraordinary and she was very impressed with her. At the moment Madame Zhuang was afraid that she was suffering from some bad illness and thus she took pity on her.

    With these words, Qiu Yn¡¯s face slightly changed, ¡°She asked for a doctor¡­ And she cried hard¡­ Could it be that she had suffered miscarriage plotted by He and was affected by it?¡±

    That was quite possible!

    It had been two years since He Shuijin had miscarriage. As usual, she had kept Jiang Yaheng under tight control over the past two years. Apart from Jiang Yaheng¡¯s asional cheating, there was no mistress in the backyard. If the couple were healthy, He Shuijin would have gotten pregnant! But there had been no news so far. Could it be that she was no longer able to have a baby, or was it hard for her to have one?

    ¡°What a great feud! I really don¡¯t know how He Shuijin ns to get back at Madame He?¡± Qiu Yn sighed in her heart, ¡°In this generation, an infertile woman, no matter how capable or powerful she is, is nothing. It is just because Madame He¡¯s son is He Shuijin¡¯s husband. Or, given He Shuijin is the type of person who will not stop revenging her enemies until she dies, it is hard to say what will happen to the whole third branch!¡±

    Madame Zhuang noticed her abnormality and was about to ask about it when Mrs. Chang knocked on the door outside. She reported in a soft voice, ¡°Madame, the neenth young madame! the fourteenth young madame has sent something over. And she says she has something to discuss with you!¡±

    Madame Zhuang and Qiu Yn looked at each other in confusion. And Madame Zhuang said thoughtfully, ¡°Perhaps it has something to do with her going to see the doctor¡­ However, if there is really something wrong with her health, why does shee to us?¡±

 Chapter 415 - No Shrewishness, No Rules

    Chapter 415 No Shrewishness, No Rules

    A few momentster, He Shuijin was led in. Just as Madame Zhuang had said, her eyes were still slightly red. But she had calmed down, and after greeting and taking her seat, she exchanged a few pleasantries and said, ¡°I¡¯vee to apologize to you today, Aunt!¡±

    Madame Zhuang said unexpectedly, ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Today I went out to inspect some stores. I felt familiar with some of the items in a store, so I asked someone to take me for a closer look. I thought they looked very simr to some of the items in my eighth sister-inw¡¯s dowry.¡± When He Shuijin said this, Madame Zhuang¡¯s face became unpleasant.

    ¡°I was afraid that I might be mistaken, so I asked the shopkeeper who had taken them. But I found it was someone from our mansion!¡± He Shuijin was apologetic, ¡°Firstly, I have been in charge of the internal affairs since I entered the mansion. No matter who did this, I am responsible for it! Secondly, I didn¡¯t think that it was really my eighth sister-inw¡¯s dowry at first, and so I didn¡¯t clear the ce when I traced it. I¡¯m afraid that if this spreads a bit¡­ Anyway, it¡¯s all my fault and I beg you to punish me!¡±

    Madame Zhuang looked calm, ¡°Who did this?¡±

    He Shuijin looked as if it hadn¡¯t been convenient for her to say anything. Seeing Qiu Yn not far away shaking her head slightly towards her to hint that she should not keep Madame Zhuang in suspense at this time, only then did she say, ¡°It was¡­ Brother Yadan¡¯s concubine!¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Chang, go and drag all the concubines in Yadan¡¯s courtyard out. Cane each a hundred times and sell those who are not dead!¡± Madame Zhuang didn¡¯t even ask who exactly she was, but just ordered!

    Such a sharp arrangement made He Shuijin dumbfounded, and only after a while did she say, ¡°And then the concubines¡­¡±

    ¡°These are the ones you stumbled upon by chance!¡± Madame Zhuang coldly interrupted her, ¡°Since one concubine did this, are the others necessarily innocent? I wonder how many of An¡¯s mother¡¯s things have been sold off. The dowries are the things that we, the Jiang Family, don¡¯t even touch as her husband¡¯s family, but these lowly women dared to touch them. You can see how reckless they are! If I leave them in the courtyard and even if they don¡¯t do anything now, they will definitely cause trouble in the future! It would be better to get rid of them sooner rather thanter!¡±

    And then she called Qiu Yn, ¡°Although you are just her aunt, since An is under your care, until he grows up and is able to dispose of his mother¡¯s dowry, it is your duty to make things right for him! Tell Mrs. Qu and the others to go with you to Yadan¡¯s side. Take the list of your eighth sister-inw¡¯s dowries, check them off, and seal them in the wife¡¯s house! If any item is missing, even if you beat all those b*tches to death, find out where they have gone!¡±

    Madame Zhuang couldn¡¯t stop herself from pping the table and snapping her teeth, ¡°My daughter-inw was gone, and my official grandson lost his mother just after he was born! Now even his own mother¡¯s belongings have been taken away by a bunch of nasty women that can¡¯t even show up in the public! If we don¡¯t get to the bottom of this, there will be no more ¡®rules¡¯ in this family!¡±

    Qiu Yn was not surprised by Madame Zhuang¡¯s reaction. She had long known how much Madame Zhuang valued the wife over the concubines. No, she not only looked down on the concubines but even ignored them. Jiang Yadan¡¯s trueborn son, An, was not loved enough by Madame Zhuang, but none of his children of concubines was even able to meet their grandmother!

    Not to mention his concubines.

    Although He Shuijin had heard of Madame Zhuang¡¯s ways, she was not like Qiu Yn, who was always by her mother-inw¡¯s side. After getting slightly shocked, she felt envy at her. But in a sh, she regainedposure and gently reminded, ¡°Aunt, there are many stores that have the dowry of my eighth sister-inw, and the profit the past half year¡­¡±

    Obviously, she had offended Jiang Yadan¡¯s concubines anyway and now she didn¡¯t care about offending them a little more. Besides, as the official daughter-inw of the third branch, she wasn¡¯t so afraid of the concubines and the concubines¡¯ children! After all, Madame Zhuang¡¯s attitude was obvious. So, if these people wanted to stand up for themselves, they had to go through Madame Zhuang first!

    Madame Zhuang slightly frowned and said, ¡°I¡¯ll do the checking of An¡¯s mother¡¯s dowry. Yn, since you¡¯re pregnant now, you¡¯d better not do hard work.¡±

    If He Shuijin was just envious, it was hard to say how disappointed she felt, ¡°Why am I not lucky enough to have such a mother-inw?¡±

    However, she did note here today to see the fourth branch mother-inw and daughter-inw being as close as mother and daughter. So, she quickly settled down and said with a smile, ¡°If Aunt does not mind, I am willing to give a hand to my neenth sister-inw. I think I still have some experience in reading the ount book.¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want to worry her mother-inw either. After all, Madame Zhuang had been ill only a short while ago so Qiu Yn said, ¡°Mother, why don¡¯t you let sister Shuijin help me? I am in good health! Besides, the nannies said that it was better to move around as much as possible during pregnancy!¡±

    Madame Zhuang looked at her daughter-inw¡¯s sanguine face and pondered for a moment before saying, ¡°In that case, then I¡¯ll leave it to you!¡± She also urged, ¡°If you don¡¯t feel well, don¡¯t force yourself! If anyone is insensitive, just report to me! I¡¯ll take care of it!¡±

    The two sisters-inw excused and went out. He Shuijinughed softly, ¡°You are really lucky for my aunt loves you so much!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you today?¡± Qiu Yn looked at her eyes, which hadn¡¯tpletely faded from red until now, and asked in a lowered voice.

    For a moment, there was a faraway look in He Shuijin¡¯s eyes, but she shook her head, ¡°Nothing.¡±

    ¡°You can just say.¡± Qiu Yn said suspiciously, ¡°The sixth brother was gone and because of the eighteenth sister, Yashuang offended your maiden family a lot before. But now things have passed. If you need help, you can just say it!¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± He Shuijin smiled to herself, ¡± I¡¯m here to trouble you now, aren¡¯t I? You see, if I hadn¡¯te here today, you wouldn¡¯t have had to make this trip. And you may be hated.¡±

    Qiu Yn shook her head, ¡°It¡¯s about my eighth sister-inw¡¯s dowry, which is also An¡¯s stuff! As my mother said, An is now under my care so how can I not keep his things for him? I should thank you for saying that, otherwise, when An finds out that something is missing when he checks it, how can we still check it out then?¡±

    As they spoke, they had already reached Jiang Yadan¡¯s courtyard, and Mrs. Chang was waiting for them at the door, ¡°Madame has asked me to invite the Eighth Young Master over for a chat.¡±

    This was to avoid the embarrassment of Jiang Yadan¡¯s sisters-inwing to the house in that he didn¡¯t have a wife in the house. It also prevented those concubines and the concubines¡¯ children froming to him crying and making hime out to stop them.

    He Shuijin and Qiu Yn thanked Mrs. Chang for telling them and went in together. By this time there was chaos inside with adults and children!

    It actually made sense that when Madame Tao Junior was there, she was unable to manage the courtyard. They were so used to getting away with it that when they were suddenly hit with such a vicious attack, how could they not be in disarray?

    But Mrs. Chang and Mrs. Qu were very good at holding the fort. They caught the most favored concubine these days, pped her twice, and made her kneel down, and then did the same to a few others who were usually in the limelight. Suddenly the rest were shocked and dared not to vite the rules.

    But when Qiu Yn announced that she would investigate thoroughly about Madame Tao Junior¡¯s dowry, a flurry of uproar went around the crowd. This time, Mrs. Chang did not do anything, but announced sorrowfully, ¡°By order of Madame, the fourteenth madame and the madame Qiu will count the eighth madame¡¯s dowry. Anyone who disobeys and provokes trouble will be killed on the spot!¡±

    Having seen her ruthlessness, the crowd immediately calmed down!

    The investigation went very smoothly, mainly because Qiu Yn did not tell them what Madame Zhuang had done with those who had taken away Madame Tao Junior¡¯s dowry. It was also because almost every concubine was not clean. At Madame Zhuang¡¯s words, they all should die!

    He Shuijin and Qiu Yn were not sympathetic with them. As Madame Zhuang said, even a decent husband¡¯s family would not touch his wife¡¯s dowry these days, let alone a concubine! When Madame Tao Junior was alive, she was bullied by those people, and now that she was dead, these people still wanted to continue to bully An, who was still in his infancy!

    ¡°Let¡¯s do as mother wishes!¡± Qiu Yn looked at the list in her hand and said indifferently.

    Madame Tao Junior¡¯s dowry wasn¡¯t checked out atst. The main reason was that many of them had been sold a long time ago. How could they be recovered at the moment?

    There were also some that were simply broken, for example, Jiang Jingheng and Jiang Huizhu both revealed each other¡¯s crimes that they had deliberately smashed several of Madame Tao Junior¡¯s porcin vases of flowers and birds.

    Looking at the jewelry, clothing, herbs, and treasures found in each room¡­ even He Shuijin sighed and quietly said to Qiu Yn, ¡°As for this backyard of brother Yadan, if he doesn¡¯t marry a shrewish wife, you can¡¯t think about the word ¡®rules¡¯!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing that my mother is a rule-follower!¡± Qiu Yn felt suffocated as she didn¡¯t know how tolerant Madame Tao Junior was. How could she be able to live in such a backyard for so many years?

    If she had been her, she would have died with Jiang Yadan long ago!

    ¡°Please ask the two nannies to tidy up here. I will go back with sister Shuijin to report to my mother first!¡± Seeing that she really could not recover more on the spot, Qiu Yn wrote down the things that had been sold out and asked the concubines to get them back. After that, she got up and said to Mrs. Chang and Mrs. Qu.

    The two nannies said, ¡°You should go since there is no need to stain your eyes.¡± Even Qiu Yn didn¡¯t say so, they were going to ask the same thing. The madame was pregnant. If the execution scene scared her out of her wits, even if they were Madame Zhuang¡¯s henchmen, they couldn¡¯t afford to take responsibility for it!

    ¡°If they are so bold in the mansion, how can we say that about the estates and the stores?¡± Back in the main hall of the fourth branch, Madame Zhuang looked at the things her daughter-inw and niece-inw had presented to her and was so angry that her whole body trembled. She couldn¡¯t help but pick up the duster in her hand and smack Jiang Yadan, who was sitting at the bottom, ¡°Look at those who you married! Look at your backyard! No wonder your wife died at such a young age! I feel like I¡¯m going to lose a few years of my life just by looking at them for a while!¡±

    Jiang Yadan was a nomittal person after growing up crooked, and of all the elders in the Jiang Family, only Marquess Qin could make him truly afraid. But his own mother was different in the end, so he meekly allowed himself to be beaten and scolded, and he only said awkwardly, ¡°What are you saying, mother? Mother is blessed with a long life!¡±

    ¡°If you really want me to live a long life, what do you think about these people?¡± After a few blows, Madame Zhuang was tugged by He Shuijin and Qiu Yn by sleeves and they pleaded for mercy for Jiang Yadan. Thinking that her eldest son was so old and was still being watched by her two sisters-inw, she really shouldn¡¯t make him lose face too much and then put off her duster.

    Jiang Yadan was the kind of person that if he could not satisfy everyone, he would not even do such a thing. Thus, he did not have any solutions. He said with a smile, ¡°I listen to my mother on everything!¡±

    ¡°Do you really listen to me?¡± Madame Zhuangughed coldly, ¡°And then you don¡¯t want all those concubines!¡±

    Jiang Yadan didn¡¯t even think about it, ¡°Listen to you!¡±

    ¡°All those who have stolen An¡¯s mother¡¯s dowry will have their children¡¯s share of the family property, dowry and daily reduced by half!¡± When Madame Zhuang saw Jiang Yadan¡¯s hesitation after she said this, her anger red up again and she shouted angrily, ¡°What? They have bullied An¡¯s mother to death, and now they are bullying An. You are a father and a husband! Can the dignity of your wife and trueborn son be made up by just those lowly women¡¯s lives?¡±

    Only then did Jiang Yadan say, ¡°No!¡±

    When Madame Zhuang saw that he was obedient, her anger subsided a little, and she said to He Shuijin in a pleasant manner, ¡°As for An¡¯s mother¡¯s dowry, the ones in the house have all been counted today, and we have sent people to check the lost ones. But I¡¯ll have to ask you to run through the ounts and the stores outside.¡±

    The implication was that she didn¡¯t believe in the ount books reported. After all, the mansion had gone too far. No one knew if the books were true or not. Not to say that they would have to be checked one by one, at least a few of them would have to be randomly checked!

    But she couldn¡¯t let Qiu Yn go as well. Even if she took a carriage and only listened to what was going on, her pregnancy of five or six months would not be able to withstand the torment.

    It was not an easy thing for Madame Zhuang to go, either. For one thing, at her age, she couldn¡¯t afford to be rattled, and for another, she still had a lot of work to do. As there was no one suitable in the fourth branch, she could only leave it to He Shuijin. Especially as He Shuijin was an expert at this, she would be more efficient and productive than Madame Zhuang and her daughter-inw!

    ¡°What are you talking about, Aunt?¡± He Shuijin said respectfully, ¡°Since you don¡¯t mind my recklessness, I am already grateful! Moreover, my eighth sister-inw took great care of me during her lifetime, so I would like to do my best for her and for An!¡±

    Madame Zhuang was pleased with her attitude and took off the bracelet she was wearing to reward her, ¡°Go back and tell your third sister-inw that I need to borrow you, and if you have any difficulties, just call me!¡±

    Qiu Yn did not make a sound, but in her mind, she thought, ¡°What is her intention in revealing this?¡±

    She didn¡¯t believe that He Shuijin was afraid that if she didn¡¯te to report this, Madame Zhuang would be in trouble if she found out that Madame Tao Junior¡¯s dowry had been pawned off on her own store. She could have concealed it with her skills. After all, she didn¡¯t need to hide it for long as Madame Zhuang wouldn¡¯t live in Jing City for long before she leaves for Beijiang. Even if it was revealed, she could just say she didn¡¯t know and hand over a few scapegoats to end it.

    ¡°Although she is not afraid of the trouble caused by this matter, with her nature, if it¡¯s not beneficial, she will not offend people in this way¡­ What exactly does she want to do?¡±

    When Qiu Yn returned to her courtyard, she was still thinking about this. She quietly called Su He, ¡°Go to the Ruan¡¯s Mansion to borrow some unfamiliar people and¡­ Ask them to keep a tight eye on her and be careful not to be noticed!¡±

 Chapter 416 - What a Psycho! Ignore Her Niece!

    Chapter 416 What a Psycho! Ignore Her Niece!

    He Shuijin took the bracelet given by Madame Zhuang and returned to the third branch. She talked to Madame He with her version, ¡°Since the fourth aunt came back, the first branch caused such a big mess! Now the matter in Shazhou is settled finally. I am worrying if she wants to strike our room again. After finding those dowries of the eighth sister-inw in the pawnshop, how dare I not report?¡±

    Originally, Madame He was very upset that He Shuijin had taken the initiative to tell the fourth branch about this matter and helped her. But when she heard this, her expression changed, ¡°I don¡¯t know if Qing¡¯s grievance will be cleaned in this life! Does she want to kill everybody in this matter?¡±

    ¡°Mother!¡± He Shuijin¡¯s eyes were red. She didn¡¯t say anything, and she took out her veil and whimpered, ¡°I have the same deep resentment towards the fourth branch like you. But, think about the eldest aunt¡­ I am so worried that Madame Zhuang will treat you badly.¡±

    Did the death of the third branch¡¯s eldest trueborn son matter? Was it the same as the first branch¡¯s dead trueborn son? Madame Zhuang killed thedy of the house in the first branch. If she really caught the goods, who could guarantee that she would be good with Madame He?

    Thinking that Madame Dou was severely injured under the eyes of everyone, there was no reason for that after her death. Madame He hated but feared her. She cried and said, ¡°You can go now, and don¡¯t tell me such annoying things anymore.¡±

    He Shuijin waited for her words for a long time. After hearing that, she cried and said, ¡°Mother, don¡¯t worry. I will let the fourth branch keep silent, even if I need to fight with her desperately. I won¡¯t give the fourth aunt a chance to embarrass us!¡± Everything was ready, and so she went to the door, bit her lip, and cast a very sulky nce at Madame He. She sneered and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    And then she asked her trusted maids like Xian, Juan to help her settle the affairs in the house. She began to check Madame Tao Junior¡¯s shops in person.

    For several days, He Shuijin was busy checking and reconciling the ounts. But she also rushed to the fourth branch to report to Madame Zhuang every day under the banner of ¡°letting the fourth branch keep silent¡±.

    ¡°The fourteenth daughter-inw is really talented!¡± After several times, Madame Zhuang noticed that He Shuijin was good at finance and she did it better than ordinary people. Madame Zhuang sighed with emotion, ¡°I remember that Madame He is not as good as me! But she has a good niece!¡±

    He Shuijin¡¯s efficiency was so high that Madame Tao Junior¡¯s shops in Jing City were quickly checked one by one, and the ounts where they were manipted were also collected in a booklet, and it was handed to Madame Zhuang. As for the follow-up, He Shuijin did not need to worry about it because Madame Zhuang would teach these people the attitude and loyalty they should have.

    He Shuijin requested, ¡°I think that since there are problems in these shops, I am afraid that we cannot believe the ounts handed over by the shops outside the city! We¡¯d better go and see by ourselves!¡±

    Madame Zhuang felt both gratified and a little sad, ¡°You have been working hard these few days. As for the shops outside the city, I remember that several shops are extremely far away. Will you be too tired?¡±

    ¡°I have to check them because they¡¯re so far away!¡± After this period, He Shuijin and Madame Zhuang became more familiar with each other so they talked more casually. He Shuijin said, ¡°There are so many problems among those shops that are close. I really don¡¯t know what those shops that are far away are like. These are all the eighth sister-inw left for An. How can we let these bad servants take them?¡±

    Of course, Madame Zhuang wanted to protect the interests of her grandchildren. Seeing He Shuijin sincerely thinking for An, she nodded slightly, ¡°And then I thank you on behalf of An! In the future,e and ask me for help!¡±

    He Shuijin pursed her lips when she heard the words, ¡°Your favor is very valuable, my aunt! I must remember it and wait for a good chance to take advantage of it in the future!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m generous. I¡¯m not afraid!¡± Madame Zhuang also smiled, ¡°I heard that there is a strict rule in your branch, so Mrs. Chang will send you back!¡±

    The reason why Madame Zhuang would say this was a reminder from Qiu Yn in private, ¡°As far as I know, although the third aunt is He Shuijin¡¯s aunt, she is far from being kind to He Shuijin, and even embarrasses her privately.¡±

    Madame Zhuang remembered that day when she mentioned that He Shuijin secretly watched the doctor and cried so much, she thought that she was abused by Madame He. Madame Zhuang had a bad rtionship with Madame He. This made her even look down on Madame He. ¡°What a psycho! She even treats her niece bad!¡±

    Madame Zhuang treated Zhuang Man as her daughter. Since returning, she gave all the benefits to her. Moreover, ¡°You can¡¯t find a junior like He Shuijin, who is so excellent! Madame He doesn¡¯t have any good skills but bes jealous!¡±

    She identally said the reason why Madame He disliked He Shuijin.

    After discussing with He Shuijin about shops outside the city, Madame Zhuang couldn¡¯t let her be embarrassed by Madame He, and so she immediately sent Mrs. Chang to apany her back to the third branch. Mrs. Chang, who was taught by Madame Zhuang, was extremely arrogant. After arriving, she gave a hasty salute and said casually, ¡°My Madame said that in the dowry of the eighth madame, the shops outside the city haven¡¯t been checked. They are far away from the city. We are afraid there will be more problems, and so we have to borrow the fourteenth madame to check these shops one by one.¡±

    ¡°How much time will it take?¡± Although Madame He was afraid of Madame Zhuang, she wasn¡¯t afraid of the servants of her. Her face looked bad when she heard that, ¡°She needs to take charge of the house. In these days, she was busy checking the shops of the eighth daughter-inw, and the things can only be entrusted to the maids. If she goes to the shops outside the city¡­¡±

    ¡°Madame, you are the eldest daughter-inw of the branch. Can you give an excuse for the eighth madame and my Madame¡¯s grandson?¡± Mrs. Chang shouted aloud, ¡°My Madame has not been in Jing City for so many years. As the eldest daughter-inw of the Jiang Family, how can you do this? The dowry of the nephew is corrupted by the viin. The estate of your grandnephew is taken, but you are thinking about the time of your own daughter-inw. Do you think our fourth branch is easy to bully?¡±

    Madame He was trembling with anger!

    The vengeance of killing her son could not be taken, and it had been tormenting her heart day and night. Now Mrs. Chang was a servant and she dared to speak to her like this!

    ¡°I said no. I won¡¯t let her go!¡± Madame He became tough but didn¡¯t quarrel with Mrs. Chang. As the eldest wife, if she quarreled with a maid, it would make her lose face. She just said coldly, ¡°You want to check the eighth daughter-inw¡¯s dowry. Find a way to go by yourself! Don¡¯t dy our time here!¡±

    Mrs. Chang sneered and said, ¡°Really? If you insist, Madame, I have no choice but to go back and plead with my Madame. I don¡¯t do it well!¡±

    How was this different from a naked threat?

    Madame He broke the tea bowl on the spot and screamed hysterically, ¡°Go! I want to see what they will do! Will they rush in and kill me like my eldest sister-inw? Ah? Go!¡±

    Mrs. Chang arrogantly went back to the fourth branch toin. Madame He looked at He Shuijin, and He Shuijin immediately cried, ¡°Mother, look! She is a servant of the fourth branch. How dare shee to our third branch to say these words in front of you! She was so arrogant! I went to the fourth branch these days. Over there, I couldn¡¯t stand it!¡±

    She cried and said, and so Madame He couldn¡¯t be mad at her. Madame He said and tried to control her anger, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let you continue to be driven by them. There is no such reason. For their private affairs, they want you to handle like a manager!¡±

    He Shuijin sobbed, thanked her, and said quickly, ¡°Fortunately, you support me, otherwise, I would not have been able to tolerate!¡±

    But Madame He¡¯s guarantee was not reliable. Because Madame Zhuang didn¡¯t treat her directly like Madame Dou, she asked Madame Tao toe.

    Madame Tao really loved Madame Tao Junior and An so she wouldn¡¯t watch them being abused. At the moment, holding her sick body, she called Madame He and tried to persuade her.

    Madame He was angry. She was not very afraid of Madame Tao so she still refused. Instead, she cried, sued Madame Zhuang, and asked Madame Tao to help her.

    Madame Tao had expected this so she coughed a few times and said weakly, ¡°It¡¯s not easy for me to be alive now. How can I help you? Ie here today because I can¡¯t stand the fourth daughter-inw. She asked me to give you a message. What can I do?¡±

    ¡°Mother, even you can¡¯t help me! Not only am I wronged, but poor Qing suffers from injustice!¡± Madame He wiped her tears and cursed, ¡°You show partiality to the fourth branch. As soon as I ask for help, you keep silent!¡±

    Madame Tao said, ¡°Before the fourth daughter-inw wanted to find your father, I persuaded her. Now it seems that only your father can solve it. So, you go back now. Your father will give you justice!¡±

    Madame He was shocked suddenly, ¡°How dared she see the father?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it right for the daughter-inw to ask the father-inw for peace?¡± Madame Tao said calmly, ¡°Is it strange?¡± Seeing that Madame He was choked by these words for a while, Madame Tao said again, ¡°By the way, she also has a powerful daughter-inw!¡±

    Qiu Yn! Thinking of her, Madame He gritted her teeth for a while. ¡°Yes, father dislikes Madame Zhuang, but he always believes that Qiu Yn is a good one!¡± Thinking of this, Madame He hated Madame Tao even more. ¡°If Madame Tao didn¡¯t say good words for Qiu Yn before she came, how could father be deceived until now?¡±

    Not only did Marquess Qin have a good impression of this granddaughter-inw, but Qiu Yn had a capable brother who was her back. She was sure to be pregnant with a boy. They sent He Shuijin to do trivial matters. Marquess Qin would not care about the grievance between the third branch and the fourth branch because of killing a child.

    ¡°We have had no ways.¡± Madame Tao saw that Madame He had thought that if the fourth branch really sent Qiu Yn to ask Marquess Qin for help, the third branch would probably lose, so she persuaded, ¡°She isn¡¯t familiar with this city because she has been outside all the time. Besides, she is old. It¡¯s strange to let her run around to check her lost daughter-inw¡¯s dowry. If it is passed out, it is not appropriate. An will inevitably be criticized in the future! Jiang Yazhu¡¯s wife has followed Jiang Yazhu to the outside. Jiang Yashuang¡¯s wife is pregnant. What can she do if she doesn¡¯t borrow someone to help her?¡±

    ¡°Although she has other people, who canpare with the fourteenth daughter-inw in terms of checking the ounts? Besides, the people in front of the fourth daughter-inw just returned. How can they know the harvest and price changes in the city over the years? Jiang Yashuang¡¯s wife is young, and there are not many elderly people around her, so she may be deceived if she is sent out!¡±

    Madame Tao looked at Madame He, ¡°You are the eldest daughter-inw in our family. If someone has troubles, who can they look for?¡± She said, ¡°As for the grievances, your father and your third uncle have already shown the evidence, why do you be fooled by others?¡±

    Madame He was stunned for a long time before she said frustratedly, ¡°Mother, since you said so, what else can I say? Let He Shuijin answer by herself!¡±

    The next day He Shuijin took some people out, nning to check the furthest shop at first.

    Hearing the news, Qiu Yn stood up suddenly and told Su He, ¡°No need to send someone to watch her. I know her purpose!¡±

 Chapter 417 - Tit for Tat

    Chapter 417 Tit for Tat

    ¡°I thought it strange before. He Shuijin had always been capable of dealing with all the things. She even wouldn¡¯t easily offend a servant if there was no reason. Besides, my mother is famous outside. She put her head in the noose at this critical moment. She not only implicated the whole backyard of Jiang Yadan, but even made the children of Jiang Yadan¡¯s concubines hate her bitterly afterwards. What exactly does she want to do with those behaviors that totally go against her typical temperament?¡± Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead with a grave look, ¡°Now it seems that she is probably pregnant again!¡±

    ¡°Is the fourteenth madame pregnant?¡± Su He said in surprise, ¡°Why haven¡¯t any hints been leaked?¡±

    ¡°Think about the end of her first pregnancy. Does she dare to leak the news?¡± Qiu Yn stroked her swollen belly and said with a terrible face, ¡°That person is both her mother-inw and her aunt. He Shuijin should consider it carefully even though she wants to ask her maiden family for help. She won¡¯t let the news spread to her ears. Otherwise, maybe she will be med!¡±

    Su He had helped run errands about that matter at that time so she knew it. She recalled it at the moment and drew a cold breath, ¡°If I hadn¡¯t participated in it personally, I couldn¡¯t have believed that there was such a person like her in the world! In contrast, our Madame is so charitable!¡±

    ¡°The vige where He Shuijin is going is far away from Jing City. The ce is so remote that the road must be rough and bad.¡± Qiu Yn recalled it. It was He Shuijin that juggled all aspects of the matter, but as the person raising An, she should have a fair idea about it. ¡°She can plead illness there in due course, or just find some men to damage the road. Anyhow, she needs to find a way to cover the news for a few months. She can buy off Mistress Chi and intercede with my third uncle at thete-stage of her pregnancy. My third uncle will definitely allow her to stay there until she gives birth!¡±

    ¡°ording to my understanding of He Shuijin, her n is not just to avoid the mad behaviors of Madame He to harm her, so as to give birth safely. If she went to the vige during the prenatal period, there must be someone to take over such a big Marquess¡¯s mansion!¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°Madame Shi¡¯s husband just died. She is still lying on the bed! Madame Zhang is incapable of running the big mansion alone. What else can Madame He do if she doesn¡¯te out again to shoulder the main responsibility by herself? As for He Shuijin¡¯s finesse, it is a piece of cake to dig a huge pit for Madame He!¡±

    Su He stuck her tongue out, ¡°Anyway, the third madame is not a good person. This is tit-for-tat!¡±

    ¡°My mother-inw and I have been used both this time!¡± Qiu Yn understood He Shuijin¡¯s n and couldn¡¯t help but curl her lips, ¡°How could He Shuijin leave Jing City if my mother-inw had failed to subdue Madame He? This time she could go out to the remote vige because she had mentioned that I was pregnant. Madame He had to let her go out¡­ But she is really pitiful to have such an elder who is just from the same family as her. He Shuijin is tied up by her maiden family. It¡¯s not right either to deal with Madame He or to let her go unchecked¡­ I don¡¯t know what kind of pit she has dug for Madame He which can clean her up without implicating the He Family this time!¡±

    Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°You prepare some medicinal materials for miscarriage prevention from my storehouse, and send a clever man from the Ruan Family to catch up with her and give the materials to her in the name of snacks. I don¡¯t want to embarrass her, but she didn¡¯t even tell me a hint of the matter this time. I need to warn her!¡±

    She and Madame Zhuang were a little distracted by the matter of Madame Tao Junior and her son. During this period, the discussion on the marriage of Ling Zui in the mansion of Princess Royal Maode wasing to an end. Princess Royal Maode frowned and said to her daughter Ling Qu, ¡°The Jiang Family has sent word to us for several days. We are the male side. We can¡¯t dy too long. We must reply to them today or tomorrow!¡±

    Ling Qu thought there was nothing to consider. She said, ¡°I think it¡¯s all right. Madame Zhuang loves her niece very much and treats her as her own daughter. Moreover, my little brother has saved Madame Zhuang¡¯s own daughter before. Madame Zhuang doesn¡¯t need to pit him. It must be a good intention of her to bring him and Zhuang Man together.¡±

    ¡°How could it be all right?¡± Princess Royal Maode said with annoyance, ¡°How could I not know that she meant well? But think about Ling Zui¡¯s reputation in Jing City! Madame Zhuang didn¡¯t know because she had juste back. How could the Zhuang Family not know it? If we agree to the marriage dly but her niece refuses itter, how can we back down with good grace? Anyhow, our family status is not low. No matter how ipetent Ling Zui is, he is not a person that a daughter of an education officer qualifies to look down on!¡±

    ¡­ When the Jiang Family defeated Gu and began to share the benefits, Zhuang Mo, as an inw of the fourth branch and a staunch follower of the Jiang Family, should have been promoted. But the Jiang Family fought inside and the fourth branch with weak power in the royal court was only willing to give him some dispensable positions. In a rage, Zhuang Mo simply refused to be promoted and continued to be an education officer!

    The education officer of the Imperial Academy was just the lower fourth-grade official. Even if Zhuang Man was the trueborn daughter, it was absolutely unqualified to marry the trueborn young son of Princess Royal Maode and the Marquess under normal circumstances.

    Even if the Jiang Family, the Zhuang Family¡¯s inw, was very powerful, Princess Royal Maode, an orthodox imperial daughter and the aunt of Emperor, needed to maintain her face absolutely.

    So, she felt very embarrassed. After all, she knew her son well. If she hadn¡¯t really found a suitable person, she would have already married a wife for the little son she loved so much!

    Ling Qu reminded, ¡°Since Madame Zhuang loves her niece so much, wouldn¡¯t she ask her niece first?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Mrs. Chang say that if we had the intention, Madame Zhuang would ask the Zhuang Familyter?¡± Princess Royal Maode hesitated.

    Ling Qu was a little embarrassed, ¡°You just has said that we are the male side and the Zhuang Family is the female side! It was improper for Mrs. Chang to tell you that the Zhuang Family had agreed already and were waiting for us to reply.¡±

    ¡°Even so, Ling Zui hasn¡¯t seen the shrewish Madame Zhuang before. Don¡¯t you remember her when you were a child?¡± Princess Royal Maode frowned, ¡°Her little niece is no quieter and gentler than her eldest niece! When I came to visit your cousins before, I heard your cousins mentioned that she was very obtrusive and had the style of Madame Zhuang¡­ Before the trueborn daughters of the first branch and the third branch of the Jiang Family got married, they could do nothing about her! Especially she has the Jiang Family to support her. Maybe she will bully Ling Zui a lot! You know that. Though Ling Zui is thoughtless for spending much time on the tiles, he is good-natured and easy-going.¡±

    Speaking of this, she frowned more tightly, ¡°He joked with thedy of the Ou Family before and was beaten badly by her. He just ran away speedily and didn¡¯t make a fuss with her.¡±

    If it had not been Ling Zui¡¯s fault, even if Ou Qinn¡¯s elders were not easy to be trifled with, considering Princess Royal Maode¡¯s favor for her youngest son, she would havee to the Ou Family and asked for an exnation for her son!

    Ling Qu hummed, ¡°It¡¯s better to be formidable! Didn¡¯t you say before that my little brother should marry a formidable wife to control hiszy character?¡±

    ¡°But she can¡¯t be too sharp!¡± Princess Royal Maode¡¯s heart was obviously softened when she saw her son and she wanted to go back on what she had said. She argued, ¡°If she were too sharp, she would discipline him not just control him.¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t my little brother be disciplined?¡± Ling Qu had long felt that Ling Zui should be well-disciplined, or he had to rely on his parents to drift along aimlessly all his life. Ling Qu said disapprovingly, ¡°He was actually good at studying earlier. Later when he waszy, if you and my father had been willing to beat him up, maybe our family would have had a member of the Imperial Academy now.¡±

    Princess Royal Maode rebuked, ¡°Nonsense! Is it so easy to be enrolled in the Imperial Academy?¡±

    Ling Qu knew that her mother always spoiled her younger brother, so she just curled her lips and said, ¡°Well. Let me say if you refuse this marriage for him, is there another suitable person?¡± She threw up her hand, ¡°If so, will you wait until today?¡±

    She continued, ¡°Besides, why do you worry that Miss Zhuang will bully my younger brother? The fourth branch of the Jiang Family is the anchor of Miss Zhuang. But you should think about who is the most valued descendant of the fourth branch of the Jiang Family. It is Jiang Yashuang! Commandery Princess Ningyi, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s first wife, had been taken care of by my younger brother before she got married, not to mention the rtionship between Ling Zui and Ruan Qingyan! As for the Western Army, the fourth branch of the Jiang Family now depends on Ruan Qingyan!¡±

    ¡°And I heard that Commandery Princess Ningyi had a good rtionship with Miss Zhuang. Will Miss Zhuang bully my younger brother on ount of Commandery Princess Ningyi?¡±

    Ling Qu said disapprovingly, ¡°To take a step back, Miss Zhuang is as feisty as Madame Zhuang. Madame Zhuang has had a reputation of being jealous for so many years, but when did she bring shame on Great General of North in front of outsiders? The aunt and niece of the Zhuang Family have clear minds, not like Princess Qi who is woolly-minded!¡±

    Princess Royal Maode rubbed her forehead, ¡°All right, call him over and ask him!¡±

    ¡­ Ling Zui was called over. He heard that it was Zhuang Man. After thinking about it carefully, he hesitated, ¡°I remembered that Miss Zhuang was very feisty, right?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t like her, do you?¡± Princess Royal Maode breathed a sigh of relief.

    Ling Qu couldn¡¯t help humming coldly when she saw this. She thought that her mother always doted on her younger brother. She also wondered when her younger brother would be able to make some progress.

    Unexpectedly, Ling Zui¡¯s eyes lit up and said, ¡°That¡¯s great!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Princess Royal Maode and her daughter were stunned and hesitated to say after looking at each other for a long time, ¡°Didn¡¯t you keep away from Ou Qinn when you saw her?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no feisty woman in your backyard, right?¡± Ling Qu looked at him suspiciously, ¡°Are you mad?¡±

    Princess Royal Maode scolded her daughter, ¡°What are you talking about?¡± And then she turned to Ling Zui and quickly changed to a kind face, ¡°Zui, don¡¯t be afraid of your sister. Just tell me your thoughts!¡±

    Ling Zui rubbed his hands and said awkwardly, ¡°Now¡­ I just feel that a feisty woman has a real temperament and is easy to get along with!¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ As for being easy to get along with, aren¡¯t girls who are gentle and virtuous easy to get along with?¡± Princess Royal Maode lost for words and hesitated for a long time, ¡°You¡­ Do you like the feisty one or an easy-going one?¡±

    Ling Qu also had some doubts and said, ¡°I think Miss Zhuang can certainly prevent you from fooling around. As for being easy to get along with¡­ It depends on your feeling of the first nce.¡± Anyway, in whole Jing City, in addition to Commandery Princess Ningyi, Ou Qinn, and Chunfu Princess, probably only Zhuang Man¡¯s sister thought that Zhuang Man was easy to get along with!

    If she could be seen as an easy-going person, were there any people in the world difficult to deal with?

    ¡°I can¡¯t tell them What Chunfu did. What else can I say besides praising Miss Zhuang¡¯s true nature?¡± Ling Zui racked his brains to think about the reason and went crazy inwardly. ¡°No matter how fierce and arrogant Miss Zhuang is, one advantage of her is that she expresses her joy and anger outwardly. If I offend her, we will quarrel openly. It¡¯s safer than people like Chunfu!¡±

    People like Princess Chunfu usually looked gentle and virtuous. However, if she didn¡¯t want to be patient, there would be no sign at all. She could kill her two cousins decidedly and even didn¡¯t tremble after killing them!

    After witnessing the scene in Shazhou, Ling Zui couldn¡¯t help but make up a scene in his mind when he heard that the daughter of a family was gentle and virtuous. This was another hidden version of Chunfu. And then he imagined that the woman who would marry him gently and generously took good care of him and inquired after his health considerately. Maybe she would give some beautiful concubines to him when she was free and raised all his children of concubines as her own children¡­ Finally, one day, she finally couldn¡¯t bear it and chopped him to pieces to make steamed stuffed buns with his meat¡­

    It was so creepy to just imagine it!

    ¡°Anyway, I won¡¯t get close to a girl with the same temperament as Chunfu!¡± Ling Zui thought with fear while coaxing his mother and sister, ¡°Miss Zhuang¡¯s feisty temper is good. She¡¯s not good at disguise. She doesn¡¯t hide matters secretly in her mind. If she is unhappy, she will beat me up at most! It¡¯s better to have a jealous and cantankerous wife than to have a virtuous and generous wife who may kill me in secret!¡±

    With the idea that it was now or never, Ling Zui made up his mind. There were fewdies with feisty reputations. Zhuang Man was the only one who had such a reputation and was introduced to Princess Royal Maode to be her daughter-inw. Ling Zui intended to stick to marrying her!

 Chapter 418 - An Episode Before the Wedding

    Chapter 418 An Episode Before the Wedding

    Princess Royal Maode was not optimistic about Zhuang Man and Ling Zui, but she had always spoiled her young son. Ling Zui pestered her and acted like a spoiled child for a while, and then she relented, ¡°It¡¯s rare for you to be so obsessed with a person. How can I not help you? It¡¯s just¡­ You have to get along well with Miss Zhuang of the Zhuang Family after she marries you!¡±

    Ling Zui¡¯s goal was achieved. Of course, he promised Princess Royal Maode and made her words go in one ear and out the other.

    Princess Royal Maode epted the marriage on behalf of her son. Considering that the marriage was first put forward by Madame Zhuang, Zhuang Man¡¯s biological aunt, she needed to take the initiative on behalf of the male side. So, Princess Royal Maode especially took a hairpin she wore when she was young and wrote back, ¡°This is a hairpin I especially treasured in the early years and prepared to leave it to the wife of Ling Zui!¡±

    Madame Zhuang was very pleased to know it. She told Mrs. Chang to put away the hairpin properly and sent a servant to invite her sister-inw Madame Wen and her niece Zhuang Man to her home. This time, her task was to persuade Madame Wen.

    Concerning the youngest daughter¡¯s whole life, although Madame Wen didn¡¯t want to offend her sister-inw, she didn¡¯t intend to ignore her casually. Finding out the reason for inviting them from the servant who came to her, she felt very vexatious. After thinking, she found an excuse for not being able to visit and tried to find a solution through temporizing on it.

    Madame Zhuang guessed her sister-inw¡¯s mind and said disapprovingly, ¡°Zui¡¯er is actually a good child. Even if he is a little naughty, is Man¡¯er so vulnerable to be bullied?¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled to make mediation, ¡°Isn¡¯t the news about Commandery Princess Lihui reported? It¡¯s the same to deal with the matter of Jiang Yadan first.¡±

    ¡°Right.¡± Madame Zhuang thought of the unsolved matter about her eldest son¡¯s step-wife and nodded slightly, ¡°Call the man in!¡±

    Chu Yitong had never been out of home in the past two years because she observed mourning for her mother. So, she was very quiet. The person that Madame Zhuang sent to check her temperament and conduct was a trusted subordinate of Madame Zhuang brought back from Beijiang and was reliable enough. But it was difficult to spy on the inner chambers of the Prince¡¯s Mansion in just a few days.

    The conclusion reported at this moment was basically thements when the Princess of Huainan had still lived, ¡°¡­ She is an adorable girl among her family sisters!¡±

    She was good-looking, lively, and loved tough with honey-lipped¡­ This was the impression Commandery Princess Lihui left to outsiders when her mother Princess of Huainan had lived. She had a noble status and never bred enmity with anyone. Naturally, most people praised her.

    Madame Zhuang was somewhat satisfied after hearing this, ¡°Dan¡¯er should like her. Her mother is a virtuous woman. I think her family education should be pretty good.¡±

    Mrs. Chang also agreed, ¡°She has stayed at home for observing mourning for the past two years so that she is almost forgotten by outsiders. It can show her filial piety!¡±

    A filial daughter could always score points in front of elderly people.

    ¡°Go and call Dan¡¯er over. If nothing unexpected happens, it¡¯s settled!¡± Madame Zhuang calcted the date silently. It had been a long time since she left Beijiang. The original intention was to seek justice for her daughter. Later, when she knew that her daughter was fine, it turned to be a reunion with her children. But now Jiang Qizheng and her husband stayed in Shazhou. In order to stay away from troubles, they might note back in a year or so, but she couldn¡¯t wait so long.

    ¡°Go back to Beijiang after the Emperor¡¯s wedding!¡± Madame Zhuang had made up her mind two days ago. Although Jiang Tianchi was not young like her, his identity as Great General of North meant that he would notck the temptation of youthful and beautiful women even in his seventies and eighties. Madame Zhuang didn¡¯t want to be negligent about it, or it would add a brother or a sister of a concubine to her children.

    In this case, she didn¡¯t say it, but she was determined to deal with all important matters quickly!

    Of course, matters about the step-wife of her eldest son and the marriage of her niece were the two most important ones.

    Jiang Yadan, like Ling Zui, agreed immediately when he came to his mother and knew the name.

    It was no surprise for Qiu Yn that he would agree. Her eldest brother-inw would never refuse any beautiful girls!

    Moreover, he was badly scolded by Madame Zhuang these days. How dared he disobey his mother?

    Even now, after agreeing to ept the step-wife rmended by Madame Zhuang, he still couldn¡¯t escape from being rebuked. ¡°At your age, the marriage of the eldest son of concubines should be discussed in two years. I really shouldn¡¯t embarrass you anymore! But look at what you¡¯ve done¡­¡±

    When Madame Zhuang only picked up a small part of the absurd things that Jiang Yadan had done before, it was getting dark already. Madame Zhuang hummed coldly, ¡°Since you know that you were wrong before, you can¡¯t do it againter!¡±

    She warned him, ¡°Your dead wife was a good person. You¡¯ve been sorry for her. Now she¡¯s gone and I won¡¯t say anything. But your step-wife is also good ording to the information inquired. If you degrade your second legal wife licentiously again, don¡¯t let me know for the rest of your life! Otherwise, even if I can¡¯te back by myself, I¡¯ll send Mrs. Chang back to deal with you!¡±

    Mrs. Chang was a stranger to Jiang Yashuang and his wife, but Jiang Yadan was not strange to her. He still remembered that Mrs. Chang often took him in arms when he was a child. Although Jiang Yadan had barely moral integrity, he still had a sort of respect for the old servant who had brought him up. At the moment, he said with a bitter smile, ¡°Mother, you said these words before, and I have never forgotten!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d better remember it!¡± Madame Zhuang sneered and said some tough words. And then she ordered to serve dishes and asked Jiang Yadan to eat with her.

    ¡­ After the news that Commandery Princess Lihui would be the step-wife of Jiang Yadan came out, even when the Emperor¡¯s wedding was approaching, it raised a lot of discussions.

    ¡°The dignified princess should be a step-wife. It is even Jiang Yadan that is going to marry her. Who doesn¡¯t know Jiang Yadan¡¯s personality in the whole Jing City?¡±

    ¡°It is said that it was put forward first by Duke of Huainan!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s really¡­ they can do anything for power and influence¡­ Ah!¡±

    In all kinds of discussions, half of the people thought that the Jiang Family abused its power and was bullying others. They thought the princess was forced to marry into the Jiang Family. Another half of them despised Duke of Huainan in that he didn¡¯t hesitate to marry the beautiful trueborn daughter to a prodigal for the purpose of pleasing the booming Jiang Family. Anyway, both sides were shameless.

    These shamelessments naturally didn¡¯t trouble the whole Jiang Family at all. They had suffered these kinds ofments for a long time. They had been used to being scolded for so many years.

    But Duke of Huainan was different.

    Chu Weixian, the unsophisticated young prince, was congratted deliberately face to face by someone in the court. He pleaded illness after returning home. Chu Sitong, a daughter of concubine and the County Princess Lixian, also especially went back to her maiden family to remind her father, ¡°Everyone outside is talking about us¡­¡±

    Chu Xiao understated to hush her up, ¡°Since you have been married, don¡¯t worry about the matters of your maiden family!¡±

    Chu Sitong failed to persuade her father and flushed with shame. She just wanted to leave. But after deliberations, she gritted her teeth and went to the backyard. When her biological mother and Chu Yitong¡¯s biological mother died at the same time, the two sisters supported each other at the beginning. Therefore, although they had different mothers and she was a few years older than Chu Yitong, they were really close.

    ¡°Yi¡¯er, why are you still so haggard?¡± Chu Sitong began to sigh when she entered Chu Yitong¡¯s yard, ¡°Is it for your marriage?¡±

    The pale Chu Yitong just smiled, ¡°I¡¯ve been like this for the past two years. Didn¡¯t you know that?¡±

    As for the marriage that has been widely discussed outside, she behaved with no interest and expectation, but she did not resist, ¡°Parents are in charge of children¡¯s marriage. Besides, how could there be so many perfect men in the world? Just rub along with each other.¡±

    Chu Sitong was a little angry, ¡°This is really humiliating you!¡±

    ¡°There are also princesses to be Jiang Yadan¡¯s sisters-inw!¡± Chu Yitong was calm, ¡°If he wants to marry someone with noble birth, those princesses will be absolutely delighted!¡±

    It was true.

    Chu Sitong sighed, ¡°They¡­ seek a living under the Empress Dowager. Naturally, they want to please the Empress Dowager.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. Anyway, my father has made up his mind.¡± Chu Yitong said faintly, ¡°Besides, Madame Tao Junior could live for so many years, why can¡¯t I? The Tao Family is gone now, but it was also a famous family that everyone admired in those days¡­ And Madame Tao Junior died of dystocia, not abuse!¡±

    She was not directly abused to death, but if Jiang Yadan had had a conscience, why would he have got her pregnant in her thirties for the first time? If not, she might not die!

    Chu Sitong muttered inwardly, but she understood Chu Yitong¡¯s meaning. Whether she agreed or not, their father would surely marry her to the Jiang Family anyway! It was no use to cry. It was better to be broad-minded!

    The courtyard of the Mansion of Duke of Huainan was filled with pessimism about this marriage. However, all families in Jing City who coveted the position of Jiang Yadan¡¯s step-wife were gnashing their teeth, hoping that Chu Yitong would die immediately!

    Just because Empress Dowager Jiang acted as the go-between in the marriage and Madame Zhuang agreed first, even Marquess Qin and Madame Tao didn¡¯t say a word. Other people didn¡¯t dare to do anything though they had different opinions. They just prayed that Madame Zhuang could leave here quickly to give them the courage and opportunity to ce obstacles.

    Time flew and it was June in the twinkling of an eye.

    Of course, the biggest thing in June was Emperor¡¯s wedding.

    However, at the beginning of June, something that was neither big nor small happened to the fourth branch of the Jiang Family and the servants didn¡¯t dare to make up their minds. Qiu Yn, who heard the report first, also didn¡¯t dare to make a decision. So, she had to ask Madame Zhuang, ¡°Duan gave birth to twins some time ago! Mother, didn¡¯t you tell her something before? But now the backyard of Jiang Yadan is empty and the date of marrying Commandery Princess Lihui is at the end of the year¡­ Duan wanted to beg you to let her raise her children by that time. What do you think then, mother?¡±

    Madame Zhuang didn¡¯t even think about it and said, ¡°She thought that I wouldn¡¯t stay in Jing City until then and she could stay alive as long as she got through these months, right?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought so, but her identity was different. It was improper for her to say these words while Madame Zhuang could say casually. She just truthfully said, ¡°If we deal with her, I¡¯m afraid there will be no suitable person to raise her children in the backyard.¡±

    ¡°And then let the nursing mother raise them.¡± Madame Zhuang said coldly, ¡°Is there only Duan who can raise children in the world?¡±

    This result was expected by Qiu Yn. Because of Jiang Yazhu¡¯s biological mother, Madame Zhuang thought that all concubines deserved to die even the ones that were robbed or bought, not to mention someone like Duan who seduced a married husband actively.

    But Qiu Yn reminded, ¡°Mother, of course, it¡¯s good to let the nursing mother keep them. But Commandery Princess Lihui is young and Jiang Yadan is still in his prime. These two children are Jiang Yadan¡¯s own flesh and blood. We can¡¯t always let the nursing mother raise them¡­ When Commandery Princess Lihui moves into our family, will she keep them?¡±

    ¡°This¡­¡± Madame Zhuang frowned when she heard this. Right, neither Jiang Yadan nor Chu Yitong is not too old to bear children! Jiang Yadan¡¯s backyard was cleaned up again before. After Chu Yitong moved into the family, if she didn¡¯t bring up the twins, she must be judged as unkind!

    Not only the twins, but also other children of Jiang Yadan that had not yet reached the age of 15. These children, either big or small, had to be taken care of by the legal mother or their biological mothers. But Madame Zhuang cleaned up their biological mothers. These children lived with their nursing mothers at present. Would the legal mother ignore them after she moved into the family?

    Anyway, it was too ttering for the children of concubines to be raised by the legal mother!

    Moreover, if Chu Yitong had childrenter, how would she treat these children of concubines who were raised by her as before? After all, with many children, there must be no way to achieve the absolute even-handedness. If she treated one of them unfairly, he or she might be ungrateful for the legal mother¡¯sborious upbringing!

    Therefore, Madame Zhuang cleaned the eldest son¡¯s backyard by tracking down Madame Tao Junior¡¯s dowry. Although she gave enough respect to her daughter-inw, she didn¡¯t expect to raise problems for her.

    Madame Zhuang had always been determined to be a good mother-inw because of her mother¡¯s experience. Chu Yitong was her daughter-inw chosen by herself and she wouldn¡¯t harm her. After thinking for a moment, she hummed, ¡°Even so, it¡¯s not the reason that she can live!¡±

    She asked her attendants, ¡°Are there anyone with some discretion among Dan¡¯er¡¯s concubines?¡±

    Mrs. Chang pondered and said, ¡°Although the previous Princess Zhou is a remaining member of Gu, she is very well-advised!¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s lips twitched slightly, ¡°She immediately betrayed her husband and her maiden family when she realized the unfavorable circumstance and just wanted to live alone¡­ Can¡¯t she be called well-advised?¡±

    Madame Zhuang asked the reason and gave the samement on her, but she thought it didn¡¯t matter, ¡°As long as she has a normal brain, she should know that it¡¯s an honor to be able to enter our family. If she thought that she could fight against the legal wife for raising some children of concubines, she was fearful of living too long. Tell her what I said!¡±

    So, half a dayter, Madame Duan was carried out of the mansion in a roll of the straw mat. The previous Princess Zhou Gu E¡¯nuo, as Mistress Gu, was carried into the mansion from the side door in a small sedan and acted as the adoptive mother of Jiang Yadan¡¯s many children of concubines.

 Chapter 419 - The Grand Wedding of the Emperor and the Empress

    Chapter 419 The Grand Wedding of the Emperor and the Empress

    Madame Zhuang handled decisively this incident all by herself, and the backyard of Marquess¡¯s Mansion quickly restored calm again under her deterrent influence. The disappearing Ms. Duan and the nee Ms. Gu both sank into silence as if nothing had ever happened.

    The grand wedding of the Emperor and the Empress would begin in just a few days.

    June had always been the hottest time of the year. If it had been in the former years, Emperor would have apanied Empress Dowager to take refuge from the summer heat in Mount Dizi long ago. But the Royal Observatory had picked on a day in June as the most suitable date for the marriage of Emperor and Xin Fubing. For the grand wedding celebration, Emperor chose to give up this year¡¯s summer holiday.

    The hot sun was baking the whole city day after day, but it couldn¡¯t extinguish the festive air across the city.

    The road from the Xin¡¯s Mansion to the pce had long been refilled with yellow soil and maintained by daily sprinkling water.

    The road was lined with bouquets of flowers and piles of brocades, and decorated with a variety of green draperies with golden screens and silver flowers. There were so many novel decorations for the eyes to take in. Furthermore, the whole road was smoked by the famous incense Rui Longnao which could only be enjoyed by the imperial household. As the south wind blew, the whole city was full of strong fragrance.

    This was just the sight of the road from the Xin¡¯s Mansion to the pce when Xin Fubing was carried into the pce in a sedan. It could be imagined how grand the scene would be in the pce. But for such a grand wedding, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t go to attend.

    She was already 7 months, almost 8 months pregnant. Not to mention that Madame Tao, Madame Zhuang, and Jiang Yashuang were worried about her, she also felt herself clumsy and needed two maids on each side to help her when getting up or sitting down. With such a big pregnant belly to attend the wedding, even with the good care of Empress Dowager Jiang, it wouldn¡¯t be easy for her.

    So, without any persuasion from the elders and her husband, she volunteered to stay at home.

    On June 15, she got up early and sat under the grapevine in the courtyard to enjoy the cool. And the maid presented her a chilled dark plum drink. Both of them listened to the moring from the outside, guessing the process, ¡°Now I guess grandmother and mother should have arrived in the pce, and Empress Dowager is ready to meet the guests¡­ His Majesty has to send someone to offer sacrifices to Heaven and Earth and the Imperial Temple before he can inform his wedding to the Empress Dowager¡­ Right this moment, the imperial edict should have been announced at the Xin family, and my cousin Xin should have received it, which deres her to be the Empress.¡±

    ¡°The phoenix cor and robes of the imperial household are really beautiful!¡± Su He said with her eyes shining brightly, ¡°Two days ago, you sent me to take something to the Xin¡¯s Mansion, and thus I had the privilege to admire the phoenix cor and robes. The phoenix cor is set with so many pearls and jewels that it brightens the house with dazzling light. Not to mention the wedding dress, its embroidery is simply vivid as if it were real rosy clouds on the sky horizon when piling in the te. Miss Xin¡­ no, it was the Empress who allowed me to touch for the sake of madame¡­¡±

    ¡°Really? How does it feel?¡± Chen Shui observed with an excited but regretful tone, ¡°If I had known that, I would have begged madame that day to allow me to go along with you!¡±

    ¡°The Empress and your madame have long been intimate friendship.¡± Qiu Yn smiled and threw a grape into her hand, ¡°Next time when I go to the pce, you can go along with me. And you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of them.¡±

    The maids pondered for a moment and all agreed with her words. Empress Xin had always treated Qiu Yn as an intimate friend and even been very nice to her maids!

    So, they were all moring for Qiu Yn to take them into the pce someday to admire the Empress¡¯s wedding dress and other wedding stuff, to make up for the regret of not being able to go to the wedding ceremony at the moment.

    They were talking andughing untilte afternoon. Qiu Yn had a meal alone, freshened up, and went to bed. She thought that the Jiang Family would not return untilte. But surprisingly, not long after she went to bed, she heard that Jiang Tan was calling the maids to prepare hot water so that Jiang Yashuang could bathe and change clothes.

    ¡°Why are they back so early?¡± Qiu Yn had not yet fallen asleep. She got up when hearing the sound from outside, and called Chunran who was waiting in the outer room in case her madame might need any help, ¡°Go and pour a cup of the mint dew on the table for Jiang Yashuang!¡±

    A few momentster, Jiang Yashuang walked in. The fragrances of delicacies and wine amid the strong mint fragrance could still be smelled. His robe was already wet by sweat, and he was wiping his face with a handkerchief and said to Qiu Yn, ¡°Did I wake you up?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t fallen asleep yet¡­ Why are you back so early?¡± Qiu Yn asked, ¡°I¡¯ve had dinner, freshened up, and gone to bed. You might as welle back home together with grandmother and mother after the pce banquet ends. If you worry about me being alone at home, why don¡¯t youe back a little earlier to have dinner with me?¡±

    He escaped the banquet at such an awkward time¡­

    But before she could finish her talking, Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°Something went wrong at the banquet so grandmother asked me to apany Jiang Yn and his wife toe back earlier. I just sat down for the banquet and ate a little. Is there anything left to eat in the kitchen now?¡±

    Qiu Yn could not help but be stunned, and then she instructed Chunran, ¡°Go and ask Mrs. Li to make a few simple and light dishes quickly.¡±

    And then she walked to the opposite of Jiang Yashuang and sat down, asking, ¡°Mi Yinyin dared to make a show of herself on such a big day¡­ Moreover, my cousin Xin is also a married woman from this day on. Shouldn¡¯t she be happy about this?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked unhappy. Originally, Mi Yinyin, as the inws of the sixth branch, bore no blood rtionship with him and so she was never on a par with Xin Fubing, his blood aunt¡¯s daughter.

    Given the intimate rtionship between Xin Fubing and Qiu Yn, he had always been on the side of Xin Fubing in the feud between Xin Fubing and Mi Yinyin. Moreover, today¡¯s incident was caused by Mi Yinyin. And his disgust was gradually showing up on his eyebrows when his wife said, ¡°Originally, His Majesty sent people to offer sacrifices to Heaven and Earth and the Imperial Temple this morning, and then went to Hall of Taishi to meet my aunt. After getting her permission, he would return to Hall of Funing and then send people to the Xin¡¯s Mansion to bring Miss Xin into the pce¡­ Everything was very smooth!¡±

    It happened when Xin Fubing entered the Hall of Beique of the Zishen Pce. When she sat down on the phoenix chair and was ready to be worshipped by the mothers or wives of the officials, unexpectedly, Mi Yinyin acted very improperly, which was bad to arge extent. The rest of the women got up while she didn¡¯t. It wasn¡¯t obvious. But when the rest of the women kneeled, she still didn¡¯t kneel. Everyone onsite saw what happened.

    But luckily, the eunuch who presided over the ceremony didn¡¯t say anything for the sake of her status. But there were so many people there then. Even though the people in front of her did not see the whole thing, did the people behind her not see it?

    But they all knew that today was the big day of the Emperor and the Empress. Who dared to discuss it openly when they all saw that the newly crowned Empress Xin didn¡¯t say a word about this?

    But the fact that they didn¡¯t discuss it openly didn¡¯t mean that they wouldn¡¯t discuss it. So, after the banquet started, the news was whispered across the banquet.

    The others might not know the feuding love pentagon among Jiang Yn, Mi Yinyin, Xin Fubing, Ou Bicheng, and Emperor¡­ but the five involved knew it very clearly.

    Originally, Jiang Yn preferred to marry Xin Fubing. If it were not for the fact that Xin Fubing did not fancy him, he would never let his uncle be his father-inw even though the Mi Family and Mi Yinyin made every effort to make this happen.

    Today on such a bid day of Xin Fubing¡¯s wedding and bing the Empress, she dressed up so dazzlingly beautiful, and her aura of being the most powerful woman in the imperial harem was quite different from that of her status as a ¡°cousin¡±. Whoever else would envy Emperor to have such a beauty as his wife, even if for the bold stranger, not to mention Jiang Yn who was once infatuated with her and still was in love with her, right?

    On such an asion, it would be unlikely that Jiang Yn didn¡¯t feel kind of upset and regretful.

    At a time when he heard that Mi Yinyin acted improperly when presenting herself before the Empress, he was naturally upset and said, ¡°If I had known that you would have such a rude behavior today, you might as well have stayed at home like Jiang Yashuang¡¯s wife!¡±

    And then Mi Yinyin justifiably burst into tears in public!

    ¡°You also know that the status of our family today would present us in the most prominent position. When she burst into tears, the majority of the people in the hall noticed that!¡± Jiang Yashuang was still a bit annoyed at this moment, ¡°So awkward and such a bummer. My aunt¡¯s face suddenly looked terrible as if she wanted to throw something over her to stop her crying!¡±

    ¡°And then what happened?¡± Qiu Yn also frowned as Xin Fubing¡¯s marriage was already full of twists and turns. Why did Mi Yinyin continue to make trouble on her big day?

    Jiang Yashuang said scornfully, ¡°The hall suddenly sank into silence. And Jiang Yn felt so embarrassed that he was about to stand up to apologize for what his wife had done. Fortunately, Cousin Xin reacted quickly. She said with a smile that she was very close with Mi Yinyin even though they bore no blood rtionship and Mi Yinyin must weep with joy to see her be married. My aunt, grandmother, and the younger aunt also echoed with her and finally, the whole thing subsided!¡±

    He sighed tiredly, ¡°Even if it is a wedding for ordinary people, I believe there will be no one like her who only cares about her own feelings to ruin the wedding, let alone the wedding for the Emperor and the Empress. To make this grand wedding go on smoothly, so many people have been quite busy fromst year to this year. Look at what she¡¯s done! She almost ruined the whole wedding because of her jealousy!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s so lucky for her to have such a good mother-inw like the sixth aunt who loves her niece more than her own son.¡± The more Qiu Yn listened, the more annoyed she was. She said scornfully, ¡°It always has been the case that she provokes my Cousin Xin proactively to cause the feud. Earlier when Aunt Tianhe came back and the sixth aunt came and apologized to her, Min Yinyin even didn¡¯te. With such great airs, I really do not know how much the Mi family is spoiling her to make her so ill-mannered. But she can only behave unrestrainedly at her family. Since the day she became a member of the Jiang family, she takes advantage of the good nature of my youngest uncle and his wife and continues to put on airs and graces!¡±

    The majority of what Qiu Yn said was true. A daughter-inw like Min Yinyin wouldn¡¯t be tolerated by Marquess Qin!

    Let alone Madame He who always tricked her nieces, even for the model mother-inw Madame Zhuang, she was kind because her daughter-inw was respectful and submissive, but her biological sons were always more important than her daughters-inw for her. But for a daughter-inw like Mi Yinyin, Madame Zhuang would make her respectful and submissive, or send her back to her maiden family after her son divorced her.

    ¡°After cousin Xin dealt with the episode resourcefully, the youngest aunt asked Jiang Yn and his wife to go back home directly at a time when Prime Minister Xue began to toast and she had to exin this to the Empress Dowager and the Empress at ater time!¡± Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t want toment further on his sister-inw either and said coolly, ¡°My grandmother noticed that Jiang Yn was extremely unhappy, and so, she asked me to apany him back home. Moreover, I¡¯m a little worried about you.¡±

    Qiu Yn then asked, ¡°What happened on the way back home?¡±

    ¡°Hardly had he passed the pce gate, he wanted to quarrel with his wife, but I stopped him.¡± Jiang Yashuang lightly said, ¡°After leaving the pce gate, Jiang Yn just greeted me and rode directly away towards the direction of Mirror Lake.¡±

    As mentioned in previous chapters, Mirror Lake was the most famous ce in Jing City that was full of brothels. Jiang Yn chose to go there with an aim to deliberately embarrass Min Yinyin!

    ¡°What about his wife?¡±

    ¡°I followed her carriage to the gate of her residence and saw her enter the door, and then I came back.¡± Jiang Yashuang exhaled, ¡°No talking about her. Is the meal ready? I got up early this morning to head into the pce and had been busy all the time. I don¡¯t even have the time to drink a few mouths of water and I really feel hungry now.¡±

 Chapter 420 - The Gap Between Mother and Son

    Chapter 420 The Gap Between Mother and Son

    Mi Yinyin acted so inappropriately in the banquet and was ordered to go back home by Madame Ou. But it wasn¡¯t over for her punishment.

    The next morning, the news came over from the Mansion of Sir Jibei that Mi Yinyin was sick because of her exposure to wind on the way back homest night.

    ¡°Such a coincidence?¡± Madame Zhuang smiled contemptuously when hearing of the news, ¡°Now she knows she made a huge mistake, but it¡¯s toote! Didn¡¯t she have any idea of how important the day was? If it hadn¡¯t been for a long-running feud, how could she had ruined the biggest day of Empress? How dare she do that? Her maiden family still needs to rely on our Jiang Family. And she has married Jiang Yn for so many years but given birth to no children. And even her husband doesn¡¯t like her. But she is still so capricious. Does she really think naively that our family will tolerate her doing anything she is capable of, even before the whole imperial court, and we¡¯ve owned so much to her?¡±

    Qiu Ynughed, ¡°I think she knows that the sixth aunt overindulges her and that¡¯s why she is so capricious. She didn¡¯t even care to act so improperly before the whole imperial court and their wives and children. But more importantly, the elders of our family were all there watching her acting so rudely.¡±

    She turned her eyeballs and said, ¡°Mother, do you think this time she can still dodge any punishment? I¡¯ve heard that the youngest aunt has never intervened in the family affairs of the others in her family. By the way, Min Yinyin is her niece.¡±

    ¡°Have you forgotten about your Aunt Tianhe?¡± Madame Zhuang nced at her daughter-inw, ¡°Besides, Fubing has be the most powerful woman in our country since she received the decree yesterday! And there is a big difference of status between them. As long as the Mi Family weren¡¯t that stupid, they would understand that this time Mi Yinyin was unable to avoid punishment. If she insisted to protect such a capricious niece from any punishment, I¡¯m afraid your Aunt Tianhe wouldn¡¯t allow her to do that.¡±

    It turned out that Madame Zhuang knew well Madame Ou.

    When Madame Ou heard that Mi Yinyin was sick, she didn¡¯t show any annoyance, but said lightly, ¡°Mi Yinyin has always been in poor health and she may be weaker than such an old woman like me. Yesterday was a big day and she was asked to attend the wedding ceremony. Who knows she got sick because of that! Such a pity girl.¡±

    Because Madame Mi had not spent much time with her mother-inw, she knew little about her temperament, but she could tell that her mother-inw was annoyed. Suddenly, her heart stuttered in her chest, but she forced a smile and said, ¡°You are right, mother. I¡¯ve already sent someone to tell her to stay home from now on and focus on recuperating herself.¡±

    The reason why she told Madame Ou that she grounded Min Yinyin was hoping that Min Yinyin would get less punishment. Meanwhile, she was trying to say that Min Yinyin didn¡¯t have the opportunity to stir up trouble again because she was grounded.

    But Madame Ou looked more pleased with her words and med her, ¡°Have you grounded her? Does anyone want to be ill? She must feel upset at a time when she is ill. And you willpound her illness by criticizing her. She is your niece as well as your daughter-inw! You should love dearly and pity her!¡±

    ¡°Mother¡­¡± Even if Madame Mi didn¡¯t know well about Madame Ou, she could tell that she was extremely angry and determined to punish Min Yinyin. Her expression suddenly changed and pleaded, ¡°Mother! This is my fault. I haven¡¯t taught her how to act properly! I beg you for the sake of¡­¡±

    Madame Ou ignored her and interrupted her, ¡°Since it¡¯s the case, how can you continue to teach her to act appropriately? From my perspective, it¡¯s better to let her go back to her maiden family for recuperation. And she can get well faster with her mother¡¯s careful attendance, right? ¡±

    Madame Mi burst into tears suddenly.

    She had been in charge of the family since she married her husband. How could she not understand what Madame Ou really meant? Unless something really important happened in the maiden family and someone was sent to her husband¡¯s family to ask for permission, and the husband¡¯s family forgave her, for instance, her eldest daughter-inw¡¯s father was seriously ill and asked her only daughter toe home to attend to him, otherwise, how could a married daughter go back to her maiden family alone?

    Mi Yinyin would definitely attract a lot of k when she was sent home at a time when she was ¡°sick¡±, let alone she cried in public at Emperor and Empress¡¯s wedding.

    Moreover, Madame Ou only said that she would get better and faster if she went back to her maiden family, but she didn¡¯t say that she would take her back when she was well! She simply meant to keep Mi Yinyin at her maiden family forever.

    Madame Mi pleaded but ended in vain. She didn¡¯t know how she got back into her room.

    She really didn¡¯t know how to ry the meaning of Madame Ou to Mi Yinyin whom she treated as her daughter. She was silently weeping in her room with the maids and servants around her not daring to breathe¡­ Suddenly someone came in to report, ¡°Young master is back!¡±

    These words reminded Madame Mi, ¡°The most suitable person who could plead with Madame Ou for Mi Yinyin this time is her son Jiang Yn!¡±

    But when she called her youngest son Jiang Yn to the front, she cried andined about Madame Ou¡¯s decision of dealing with his wife. But before she could ask his son Jiang Yn to plead for his wife, Jiang Yn interrupted her and coldly snorted, ¡°The reason I¡¯m here now is to ask your permission for me to divorce my wife!¡±

    Madame Mi couldn¡¯t help but p her son, ¡°Do you have no heart? She is your true cousin from a proper official family! If you repudiate her, what other choice does she have but to die? And how could your uncle¡¯s family live their life in the future if you divorce her daughter?¡±

    Most of the children of the Jiang Family were dandies, but the grandchildren generally were awed by their mother. Jiang Yn was one of them. He didn¡¯t get angry after his mother pped him, and just lightly said, ¡°You¡¯ve always considered your brother¡¯s family and Mi Yinyin. If doing this could make you happy, I promised I would never mention the divorce again.¡±

    He said these words in a tone so calm that it was frightening. Madame Mi also noticed that even though she was crying. She could not help but be stunned, ¡°My son¡­¡±

    ¡°If you have no other orders, I have to go back to my room to take a bath and change my wet clothes because of the sweat since I stayed out all night.¡± Jiang Yn lowered his head and said softly.

    ¡°¡­ Ok, go.¡± Madame Mi was confronting with mixed feelings right now and didn¡¯t know what to say. She only said bitterly after a moment¡¯s hesitation.

    When he stepped across two thresholds, he looked around and found no one. And then Jiang Yn raised his hand to wipe his eyes, bit his lips hard, and walked towards his room.

    In June, although it was still morning, the sun was baking the whole city. But Jiang Yn felt like living in a world of ice and snow, ¡°This is not the first time Mi Yinyin causes trouble. She didn¡¯t know how to behave properly when Cousin Xin was the Empress-to-be, but now that Cousin Xin has be Empress, a motherly model of the country, she still doesn¡¯t know how to behave, not to mention that I have nothing to do with Cousin Xin. Is it possible in her eyes that she still considers Cousin Xin as someone whose parents are far away and has only an elderly temperate grandmother to depend on in Jing City?¡±

    He was the trueborn son and Sir Jibei didn¡¯t have so many children. Even though he wasn¡¯t the eldest son, he was still offered many opportunities to expand his horizons and observe the deliberations of his elders and their aids and staff since he was young.

    Even though he didn¡¯t achieve sess in his life and idled away most of his time in pleasure-seeking, he had broad horizons. Although Emperor was a puppet, the Jiang Family couldn¡¯t act as regent without him. They could take Emperor lightly in private. But the Jiang Family, even including Qiu Yn who was taken seriously by the family in these months, behaved properly and courteously before Empress in the imperial gardenst time in public.

    Moreover, Empress was also from the Jiang Family and Mi Yinyin depended on the Jiang Family. So, Mi Yinyin should have always been on the side of Empress.

    ¡°But now Mi Yinyin has repeatedly offended Cousin Xin. She has long caused trouble because of being jealous of Cousin Xin, which often ends up with more trouble for me. As my wife, she always angers Cousin Xin. Even if Cousin Xi knows that it is not my intention, she may bother herself about the offence a few times. But if my wife continues to offend her, it is possible that she may vent her anger on me someday.¡± Jiang Yn clenched his teeth with his forehead veins appearing, ¡°She will simply ruin my future!¡±

    Xin Fubing might just start her new life as Empress and she might not have the direct influence at the imperial court yet. But as the niece of Empress Dowager Jiang, coupled with her mother¡¯s close rtionship with Empress Dowager Jiang, she was fully capable of influencing the imperial court by virtue of Empress Dowager Jiang.

    And she already had such an influence right this moment.

    And when Empress Dowager Jiang got old one day and Xin Fubing gave birth to a son, she might have the opportunity to act as a regent Empress or Empress Dowager. Until then, it would be a piece of cake if she wanted to make things difficult for Mi Yinyin and Jiang Yn. After all, even if Jiang Yn was the trueborn grandson of the Jiang Family, but the Jiang Family had so many children and grandchildren. And they have been busy trying to trip each other up. If Jiang Yn was punished by Empress, the other children or grandchildren from the Jiang Family would love to see it because a rival was eliminated.

    ¡°A wife like Mi Yinyin who is not virtuous is a real trouble-maker, but my mother has a partiality for her just because she is her niece!¡± Jiang Yn felt sad and resentful, ¡°I really don¡¯t know who is her real flesh and blood.¡±

    He felt that he couldn¡¯t allow things to develop in a worse direction.

    He took a bath and changed his clothes after returning to his room, but he didn¡¯t bother to see Mi Yinyin who was ¡°lying sick¡± in the inner room and sobbing from time to time. He left the house hurriedly towards the direction of Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion.

    At Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion, Madame Zhuang was describing the grand wedding to Qiu Yn, except for the trouble Mi Yinyin caused. Yesterday was very smooth and festive. The imperial wedding was so spectacr that ordinary people could hardly imagine and it was beyond the understanding of those who were not wealthy enough. The vivid description enabled Qiu Yn to broaden her vision and delighted so many maids like Su He.

    At a time when they heard that Jiang Yn hade to pay his respects to Madame Zhuang, they all felt surprised, ¡°What brought him here?¡±

    Yesterday, Mi Yinyin acted so improperly. So, Jiang Yn was held responsible for her poor discipline as her husband. Was it reasonable that he should be at home to receive criticism, right?

    Madame Zhuang suddenly realized and said, ¡°I¡¯m afraid he¡¯s here to beg me to take him to the northern border!¡±

    Qiu Yn understood as soon as she heard what Madame Zhuang said and sighed, ¡°The sixth aunt has always overindulged her niece. And Jiang Yn may not know what to do with her mother so he has toe and beg you!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not afraid of getting into trouble!¡± Madame Zhuang knew that her daughter-inw was trying to warn her, but she didn¡¯t care, ¡°Besides, your sixth aunt has always had a partiality for her maiden family. But your youngest uncle and her wife don¡¯t think Mi Yinyin is anything cute!¡±

    A few momentster, Mrs. Chang led Jiang Yn in. And unsurprisingly, Jiang Yn asked in a roundabout way whether Madam Zhuang would still go to the northern border and when she would go after paying his respects.

    Madame Zhuang disliked Mi Yinyin under the influence of her son as well as her daughter-inw. So, she readily said, ¡°I wanted to leave a few days ago. But given His Majesty¡¯s wedding, I chose to stay to observe the ceremony. I am expecting to leave in a couple of days!¡±

    Jiang Yn then said bluntly, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen my fourth uncle for some years and I have long longed for a life in the northern border. Could you take me with you when departing for the northern border?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Madame Zhuang was not afraid of offending the Mi Family, not to mention Madame Mi and her niece. So, she agreed without thinking, ¡°Just go back to pack your things. I will send someone to tell you tomorrow or the day after tomorrow when I set the exact departure date! The boys from the Jiang Family should have gone to the northern border to improve their capabilities. Moreover, Jiang Yashuang and his wife will go there in two years. If you are willing to stay there for two years, then you will havepany!¡±

    ¡°Thank you!¡± Jiang Yn sighed with relief. He didn¡¯t want to turn against the Mi family, but he was fed up with Mi Yinyin. So, he just decided to stay away. So even if Mi Yinyin caused trouble again, he was nominally responsible for her poor discipline. But anyone sensible would know that it had nothing to do with him due to the long-distance, right?

    ¡°If Mi Yinyin is sensible, she shouldn¡¯t offer to follow me to the northern border!¡± Jiang Yn thought, ¡°But if she offers to go there with me, then¡­¡±

    He sneered, ¡°The northern border is bitterly cold. The fourth uncle and his wife sent Jiang Yazhu, Jiang Qizheng, and Jiang Yashuang back to be raised¡­ Given Mi Yinyin¡¯s poor health, even if she dares to go there, she is unable to live long!¡±

    Although he was still unable to forget Xin Fubing, he also kind of liked Min Yinyin when they got married. But with consecutive suspicion and trouble she made, that bit of affection had long been dissipated!

    And now Jiang Yn was so fed up with her and only wished to get rid of her as soon as possible!

 Chapter 421 - Troubles from Women

    Chapter 421 Troubles from Women

    As Jiang Yn came here to ask when Madame Zhuang would leave, Qiu Yn asked about it with concern after he left, ¡°Will you leave in the few days, mother? I don¡¯t want to separate with you!¡±

    Madame Zhuang smiled, ¡°It is cold there. Your father stays there alone so I am worried about him.¡± And then she said, ¡°Several yearster after Yashuang learns how to handle things in the court, your grandfather will ask him to join the Northern Army to harden himself, and then you cane there with him. We will see each other again by that time!¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled and agreed with her. And then she asked whether her mother-inw needed her to help her pack the luggage.

    Madame Zhuang looked at her belly and refused her, ¡°Thanks. But I can handle it with my maids.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang returned home at night. He was disappointed because he heard the news that his mother would leave. He went to ask Madame Zhuang whether she could stay until Qiu Yn gave birth to the baby, ¡°Her mother passed away early. There are not any elders in the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe close to her. I heard that it is dangerous to give birth. If you can be here, she will be relieved.¡±

    ¡°By that time your grandmother wille here to help her.¡± Madame Zhuang became silent for a while. But she still refused, ¡°Mrs. Zhou and Mrs. Li are experienced. If you are not assured, I can leave Mrs. Qu here.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was disappointed. But he knew Madame Zhuang had already made her decision. He had no choice but to agree with her.

    The news was spread to the yard they lived in. Qiu Yn was speechless, ¡°It is fine that my mother-inw doesn¡¯t want to stay here. But why does she keep Mrs. Qu here?¡±

    She was not sick of Mrs. Qu. But if there was a maid who was left by Madame Zhuang, she needed to consider Madame Zhuang when she wanted to do something. So, she was not as free as before. Besides, those maids who followed Madame Zhuang were all shrewish. If they conflicted with Mr. Zhou, it would be difficult to mediate between them.

    But if Madame Zhuang said so, Qiu Yn had no choice but to show her appreciation.

    Several dayster Madame Zhuang settled the date when she would leave for Beijiang. She kept her words to send a maid to the mansion of Sir Jibei to tell Jiang Yn.

    The one who went to tell him came back without an affirmative message, which made Madame Zhuang and Qiu Yn who were packing packages surprised. ¡°Is Mi Yinyin crazy?¡±

    The maid said reverently, ¡°When I went to the Thirteenth Young Master¡¯s yard, I heard two maids saying so. And I also heard the madam crying and shouting. But when she just shouted, she was covered up.¡±

    ¡°Where was Yn?¡±

    ¡°The Thirteenth Young Master didn¡¯t mind her. He just told me to show his appreciation on his behalf. And he promised that he would be there on time.¡±

    Madame Zhuang snorted. She said to Qiu Yn, ¡°I really don¡¯t know how your sixth uncle and his wife manage their family. They even allow the undisciplined daughter-inw to make the mess. Firstly, she made trouble at Emperor¡¯s wedding ceremony. And then she pretended to be ill afterwards. Now she just pretends to be mad! No wonder your granduncle didn¡¯t allow your sixth uncle to join the army. He has only two sons and a daughter, but they even make such chaos. If he were in the Northern army, he would be killed by those fierce soldiers!¡±

    Qiu Yn also felt that Old Master Tiancan was useless and muddleheaded. Jiang Tiancan only had one sister, Jiang Tianhe. If Jiang Tianhe¡¯s daughter became the Empress, the sixth branch would benefit from her. However, he indulged his wife and daughter-inw to disturb the ceremony. All their noble rtives were offended by them!

    Even if he didn¡¯t need the assistant of the Emperor and Empress, he would need them after Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei passed away.

    When she was thinking, the maid continued, ¡°I saw some guys from the Mi Family go in when I was about to leave.¡±

    ¡°It is toote.¡± Madame Zhuang sneered, ¡°Their daughter bullied the Express when her parents were not in Jing City. And the rtives in Mi Family didn¡¯t stop her at all. Seeing that their daughter has made a big mess, they get flustered now and beg for mercy. Why could they be forgiven?¡±

    Qiu Yn was worried that Madame Zhuang was so angry that her health would be influenced. She interrupted her, ¡°They will never be forgiven for such a mess their daughter has caused. Mother, you mentioned that after lunch you would go to the Zhuang Family today. I¡¯d like to have lotus seed soup made by my cousin. Can you bring it back for me?¡±

    Madame Zhuang certainly would meet her demand. She nodded, ¡°Your cousin¡¯s cooking skill is just passable. But she is indeed good at the soup. She is always considerate. I will go to tell her!¡±

    Mrs. Chang smiled and said, ¡°In fact, her cooking is also fine in the eyes of ordinary people. The reason why Madame thinks so is that our madame¡¯s cooking is really superb. Last time Madam rewarded me with half a cold dish made by you, it was so delicious that I almost swallowed my tongue.¡±

    Qiu Yn was asked to stay at home to keep the baby safe during this past half year. She was bord. Madame Zhuang was nice so she allowed her to go to the kitchen and cook for Madame Zhuang. Madame Zhuang didn¡¯t eat anything cooked by her before. So, she happily tasted the dishes. And then she was full of praise for her cooking and liked her daughter-inw more.

    Mrs. Chang knew how much she loved her. She bantered, ¡°It is lucky that madame is pregnant. So, it is inconvenient for her to cook. Otherwise, if Madame is used to your cooking, after she goes to Beijiang, she will fire all her chefs.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t overpraise me, Mrs. Chang. I can just cook several routine dishes.¡± Qiu Yn smiled, covering her mouth, ¡°Fortunately, mother likes them¡­¡±

    ¡°It shows that you and I are meant to be a family!¡± Madame Zhuang put down the tea bowl and said gently, ¡°You are good at cooking, indeed.¡±

    After seeing that, she took a nce at the clock. And then she urged the maids to serve the lunch for them, ¡°After lunch I have to go to the Zhuang Family. The marriage of Man¡¯er shall be settled today. Otherwise, after I leave, your aunt will hesitate. The two kids¡¯ marriage will be procrastinated.¡±

    Qiu Yn said yes.

    After finishing having lunch, Madame Zhuang went to the Zhuang Family with Mrs. Chang to discuss the marriage of Zhuang Man and Ling Zui. Qiu Yn walked with Madame Zhuang to the second gate and then she returned to her own yard.

    When she just walked in, Chen Shui went to wee her. She said, ¡°Mistress Gu has just sent a maid here to find you. And she has something to tell you.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± She was different from Madame Zhuang, who didn¡¯t pay much attention to Mistress Gu at all. Qiu Yn was always on the lookout for her. However, it involved Jiang Yadan and his child-rearing issue. So, it was not proper for her to get involved. She gazed after hearing the words, ¡°What did she say?¡±

    Chen Shui said, ¡°It has been a long time since Jiang Jingheng said something.¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Mistress Gu¡¯s maid said that from the day Mistress Gu came in, he had not spoken a word.¡± Chen Shui pursed her lips, ¡°She thought Jiang Jingheng was born unable to speak. It took her several days to find out that he had been frightened when his biological mother was ¡®sent away¡¯ by Madame Zhuang. That¡¯s why he hasn¡¯t said a word since then. Mistress Gu said sheforted him for several days, but the kid did not open his mouth at all. Now he does not even leave his room and bes weak gradually. She was afraid that she had to take the me so she sent a maid to ask for your advice. She wanted to ask Madame Zhuang for advice on how to solve the problem.¡±

    Did he shut himself up in fear? Qiu Yn pondered, ¡°How did he see that his biological mother was ¡®sent away¡¯?¡±

    She had an impression on Jiang Jingheng. He was born by one of Jiang Yadan¡¯s concubines, Madame Cao. She was deeply affected by Jiang Yadan and so she often bullied Madame Tao Junior. When Madame Tao Junior had a hard time, Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang went to the yard of Jiang Yadan to mediate. They ran across Jiang Jingheng and Jiang Huizhu making noise on purpose to torture her.

    When Madame Zhuang made the order to investigate the dowry of Madame Tao Junior thoroughly, most of the loot was found in her room. Even those rare curios found by He Shuijin were obtained from her.

    Though she insisted that Madame Tao Junior had rewarded it to her, there was no way that Madame Zhuang would believe her.

    So, she was certainly executed ording to Madame Zhuang¡¯s order. She was dragged to the courtyard to be beaten to death, as a sample to others!

    When Madame Cao was beaten to death, ording to the rules, Jiang Yadan¡¯s concubines were supposed to be present to watch so that they would be deterred. But Jiang Yadan¡¯s children should not have been there. Because the children were so young, they would have been terrified. In addition to Jiang Jinghu, who died in the river, the eldest kid of Jiang Yadan was Jiang Jingheng, who was just ten years old.

    At that moment Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t stop thinking whether it was the maid who was so careless to let Jiang Jingheng see his mother die, or someone else who intended to do so.

    Chen Shui shook her head, ¡°The maid didn¡¯t tell me.¡±

    ¡°Go there and ask them for the details!¡± Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°Tell her that my mother-inw is not here. After she returns home, I will tell her.¡±

    After Chen Shui left, Mrs. Zhou seemed to be worried, ¡°I am afraid that Madame will be angry after she knows it.¡±

    ¡°Mistress Gu asks me to solve the trouble. I can¡¯t take the me. So, I have to tell her.¡± Qiu Yn sighed. She guessed that Jiang Jingheng was overstimted so that he lost his voice. If they wanted him to be normal, they had to try all efforts tofort him. And he also might need to change a ce to live.

    But good filial piety was the most important thing. Children could not be as important as the old. Madame Zhuang did not like the children born by concubines. So, she was afraid that Madame Zhuang might not consider how to let Jiang Jingheng return to normal. Even she would think that he was simmering with resentment so he deliberately did not speak to show his resistance!

    Mrs. Zhou sighed, ¡°Though Madame Cao was awful, her son is a kid of the Jiang Family. Even if Madame Zhuang doesn¡¯t value him, Marquess Qin and my young master all treat him as a family member. Why destroy the peace of our own family for the sake of a child ill-taught by his biological mother?¡±

    ¡°I agree with you. But you know my mother-inw¡¯s temper.¡± Qiu Yn was helpless, ¡°I will try to persuade her tofort those kids of Yadan.¡± After seeing that, she frowned, ¡°Oh, Mistress Gu only asked her maid to tell my mother-inw. So, what about Yadan? He is the father of the kid. What will he do?¡±

    Mrs. Zhou hesitated, ¡°Does he go out to flirt with women?¡±

    ¡°How dare he? My mother-inw hasn¡¯t left yet!¡± Qiu Yn finally found another advantage of him besides loving brothers and sisters, that is, following his mother¡¯s order. After he returned from Shazhou, he didn¡¯t go to brothel even once because of being rebuked by Madame Zhuang.

    But when it came to loving sisters and brothers, a thing suddenly stroked her mind, ¡°Oh, hasn¡¯t the ninth sistere back yet?¡±

    There were three sons and two daughters in the fourth branch. Though Jiang Qi was born by a concubine and got married already so that she didn¡¯t have toe back to the Jiang Family frequently, she was still the daughter of the fourth branch. But since Qiu Yn married Jiang Yashuang for almost three years and she was even pregnant, they met each other only once at their wedding ceremony.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t heard her husband be sent to the outside. What happened?¡± Qiu Yn was as if deep in thought. ¡°If she were suppressed by her mother-inw, she wouldn¡¯t daree back as Ningxin did. But she came here to our wedding. And I didn¡¯t find any resentment on her face at that time. My mother-inw came back from distance, but she even didn¡¯te here to visit her!¡±

 Chapter 422 - Giving Birth and the Completion of the Babys First Month of Life

    Chapter 422 Giving Birth and the Completion of the Baby¡¯s First Month of Life

    Qiu Yn thought Jiang Qi was in conflict with the Jiang Family. After Jiang Yashuang came back, she asked him and he said, ¡°She did note back these days because some days ago her wet nurse was seriously ill. She was brought up by her wet nurse and they were deeply attached to each other. Two days before mother¡¯s return, she had gone with her to the south to seek advice from a retired imperial doctor. After mother came back, her family sent a maid to exin it. I suppose there was a mess in the Jiang Family so no one told you.¡±

    After listening to his words, Qiu Yn dispelled her suspicion. After all, when Madame Zhuang just came back, almost everyone in the Jiang family was focused on the internal warfare. So, no one was really in the mood to talk about that the daughter born by a concubine didn¡¯t go back to visit her official mother. However, even if there was a reason for this incident that Jiang Qi didn¡¯te back, she should keep contact with her maiden family. Qiu Yn had married Jiang Yashuang for two years, but she never showed up no matter what the time was, the New Year or other festivals! Wasn¡¯t she too distant from the Jiang Family?

    She remembered that Jiang Yadan had made a special mention of Jiang Qi as he divided the lychees. Jiang Yadan valued her, not to mention Jiang Yashuang, who would never neglect the sister. In such a circumstance, Jiang Qi still didn¡¯t return home to show up. Qiu Yn really didn¡¯t know how she thought.

    But it was the business of her husband¡¯s siblings. Although she married Jiang Yashuang, she did not grow up with them. So, she couldn¡¯t be sure whether they had conflicts with each other or not. Thus, she stopped the conversation. She said, ¡°Just now Mistress Gu sent a maid to tell me the situation about Jingheng. What do you think?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang asked her what was going on and then he frowned, ¡°Let me ask my mother for the arrangement on him. But how did he see the scene where his mother died? I don¡¯t know whether there was someone who intentionally did this.¡±

    A few momentster Madame Zhuang came back. She heard the thing of Jiang Jingheng from her son and daughter-inw. She said calmly, ¡°Go to find some medicine that canfort him. And then go to find the guy who frightened him. Tell Mistress Gu tofort him carefully in case that he loses his voice forever!¡±

    Madame Zhuang just said so for the thing. And then she talked about the marriage of Zhuang Man and Ling Zui. ¡°Your uncle and aunt have already epted. Tomorrow I will send a maid to inform the Mansion of Princess Royal. But I will leave these two days. So, I am afraid that I am not ready to prepare the bride-price. But I have already prepared the gift for them. I put it in the hall. Please send it to them for me!¡±

    Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang said yes. They teased Zhuang Man and Ling Zui for a while and then asked maids to serve them dinner.

    Two days went by in a sh. Ling Zui and Zhuang Man did not have time to settle their engagement before she left. But both families sent people to see Madame Zhuang off. Ten miles outside the pavilion, Madame Zhuang looked back at her niece and her god son¡¯s youthful appearance. She was very pleased. And she waved them to farewell for a long time.

    Qiu Yn was disappointed that it was inconvenient for her to farewell her mother-inw who treated her as her own daughter because of the pregnancy.

    But her maidsforted her that they would reunite in Beijiang in two years. So, she was relieved.

    Madame Zhuang left Jing City in June, the hottest period in a year. Madame Tao felt happy in secret, ¡°The Emperor got married this year. So, all the officers in the court could not avoid the summer. The rest of the family was all right. I was afraid Yn would be sick in such a hot summer here because of her pregnancy! It was fortunate that her mother-inw was there in June. Otherwise, if anything had happened to her, it would have been my fault.¡±

    Since Qiu Yn had been in peace and safe in June, she would enjoy the much cooler July. There were two things in July. One was that the letter written by Sir Jingbo and his wife that they supported the marriage arrived in Jing City. With this handwritten letter, the six ceremonies of betrothal and marriage, which had been shelved before, could begin. The other was that Ruan Ciyi gave birth to a son. And they were safe. This made Li Qianzhi, who had only two daughters with his first wife, extremely happy.

    Even though Qiu Yn, who was about to give birth in August, could not express her congrattion to her, she was still pleased. Ruan Ciyi gained a firm foothold with this son in her husband¡¯s family. Otherwise, she had to rely on Qiu Jinn and Qiu Yn.

    Since the beginning of August, the atmosphere of the fourth branch had been a bit tense. Jiang Yashuang was anxious about his wife. He even wanted to ask for leave to stay with his wife. But Marquess Qin and Madame Tao did not allow him to leave. Jiang Yashuang could also muddle through the reprimand given by Marquess Qin, but he had to listen to what Madame Tao reminded him of. ¡°If you make such a fuss, your wife will be frightened by you. What if something terrible happens because of you?¡±

    Unluckily, the production date was one day earlier than the date estimated by the imperial doctor. This day Jiang Yashuang just went out. When Qiu Yn was talking to Su He, suddenly the pain stroked her.

    Su He was scared and ran out to call for help. She ran so fast that she tripped over the threshold and nearly lost her front tooth!

    Fortunately, Mrs. Zhou and Mrs. Qu were experienced. They calmed down and came to see what was going on. After making sure that she was about to give birth, they methodically ask people to help Qiu Yn to walk into the delivery room which was already prepared. They also called the birth maid who lived in the front house in advance, then ordered people to boil water and inform old Madame Tao and others¡­

    Seeing that they were solemn and calm to arrange things well, Qiu Yn, who was anxious about her first-time delivery, was relieved. ¡°My body has always been well. During pregnancy I asked doctor to take my pulse frequently so I won¡¯t have an ident!¡±

    Though she thought so, when she was about to deliver and the pain started, she was in huge panic!

    It was fortunate that Madame Tao arrived there in time. Sheforted her through a window. Mrs. Zhou and Mrs. Qu cheered her up in the delivery room. Four hourster, the baby, the first trueborn son of Jiang Yashuang, was born.

    Even though Qiu Yn was healthy, she was exhausted. She struggled to look at the baby¡¯s red face. Seeing that the kid was healthy, she fainted!

    ¡­ A day and a night had passed before she awoke. As soon as she opened her eyes, she saw Mrs. Zhou waiting in front of her bed with red eyes. When she saw Qiu Yn awake, she said with joy, ¡°You are awake! What is your feeling now? Are you still tired?¡±

    ¡°No. Where is my kid?¡± Qiu Yn knew the rules. The puerperia needed to stay in the delivery room for a month, in which period even her husband should note in. So, she didn¡¯t feel strange that Jiang Yashuang wasn¡¯t there. But she didn¡¯t find the kid so she was worried, ¡°Is the kid here?¡±

    Mr. Zhou smiled, ¡°Madame Tao was afraid that he would bother you. So, she asked us to clean up the next room for him.¡± And then she said, ¡°Mrs. Qu is watching him. Please be assured. He is fine. Just have some food and then I will bring the baby to you.¡±

    Qiu Yn believed in the maid of her mother-inw. So, she was relieved and smiled, ¡°Has my husbande back? Has he seen the kid?¡±

    ¡°He already came back. After making sure that you were fine, he went to see the condition of the baby. Madame Tao taught young master how to hold the baby by himself. They stayed in the next door for a long while.¡± Mrs. Zhou smiled and went to wring out the handkerchief in the water carried by Chen Shui. She went to scrub for Qiu Yn, ¡°Marquess Qin also came here. And he rewarded you a lot of treasures.¡±

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t care about the treasures. After washing her face, she had some food brought by Mrs. Zhou. And then she urged Mrs. Zhou to bring the baby to her.

    ¡°Look at our kid, Lan. He looks like you!¡± When the kid was brought in, Jiang Yashuang followed to walk in. But he could not enter the room. So, he stood beside the window and talked to his wife through it. Though she could not see his expression, she could tell that he was happy. ¡°We will be happy in the following days!¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at the baby. She was speechless. The child was born yesterday, but now he was still red. His facial features were still not clear to recognize. So, she didn¡¯t think he was handsome, not to mention he looked like her!

    ¡°I hope he will be handsome after he grows up.¡± Qiu Yn kissed the baby. No matter what he looked like, she was his mother, who would never abandon him.

    The reason why she urged to see the baby was that she wanted to check out whether he was healthy, not to make sure that he was handsome. She was satisfied that the baby could cry loudly, and he was full of strength when he stretched out his hands and feet. Qiu Yn was relieved because that she was worried her kid would die. ¡°It seems that the kid gets our genes to have a healthy body condition.¡±

    ¡°Does he have a name?¡± Though Qiu Yn loved him so much, it was her first time to be a mother. So, the gesture she held the baby made the baby ufortable. Seeing the baby crying, Qiu Yn was in a muddle. After Mrs. Zhou guide her to adjust the baby¡¯s position, the baby stopped. She wiped her sweat and smiled at her husband who was standing outside, ¡°If you haven¡¯t made the decision, show me the name you have already chosen.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was helpless, ¡°My grandfather just sent a servant to tell me that when he was a month-year-old, he would give him a name.¡±

    What he meant was that Marquess Qin would give a name to his great grandson, instead of letting the couple name him.

    The right to give a name to the first trueborn son was seized by the elders. Qiu Yn was speechless. But she knew that it was because Marquess Qin valued her son. Otherwise, he would not send a servant specially to tell them. After all, he had so many great grandsons, whose parents begged him to give their kids names.

    ¡°I hope that grandfather gives him a nice name!¡± Qiu Yn knew that their grandfather had literary talent. Almost all kids in Jiang Yashuang¡¯s generation were given names by him. Though she could note up with a name for her son, she was not worried about him.

    When the baby was a month old, Marquess Qin announced that the seventeenth great grandson¡¯s name was Jinng. Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn read it twice after they heard it. They were all satisfied with it.

    Though they just considered whether the name was nice or not and whether it was good for the kid¡¯s future, the others didn¡¯t agree with them.

    Jiang Tianqi stealthily said to Jiang Tianao, ¡°Lang means the sound of reading. If the kid is Yashuang¡¯s first trueborn son, it is possible that he will join the army. But why father gives him such a name¡­¡±

    ¡°Do we have to discuss it?¡± Jiang Tianao said without emotion, ¡°Jiang Yashuang and his wife are sweet and healthy so how can they only have one kid? The first son goes to study and became an official, and the next son joins the army¡­ Their sons will exist in both the court and the army. They can totally kick us out!¡±

    They stared at the kids who were held by Marquess Qin and introduced them to everyone. Their expression wasplex. And then they coincidentally took a swag of wine.

 Chapter 423 - The Death of Sir Jibei

    Volume Six Go Back Alone with Pearl Drape and Lamplight

    Chapter 423 The Death of Sir Jibei

    It had already snowed twice in Jing City in early November, neither of which was very heavy. Even though it was freezing cold and the snow was difficult to melt, only the tiles were covered with snow, which was like a few brushstrokes on a scroll.

    When Chu Yitong, who had recently been the eighth madame of the Jiang Family, saw that her husband Jiang Yadan looked tired, she gently invited him into the inner room to take a nap. But she excused herself from disturbing him and took her wet nurse Zhu to the study to talk, ¡°The fourteenth junior young master is the first trueborn son. While I don¡¯t have to worry about him as he is brought up by my neenth brother-inw and his wife, I can¡¯t forget to send him presents in the holidays. If there is something good here, we should leave one for him. Please remember this for me.¡±

    Zhu nodded, ¡°Your Grace, please set assured. I will¡­¡±

    ¡°Just call me madame!¡± Chu Yitong said calmly, ¡°See, my neenth sister-inw is also the Commandery Princess while all her people call her madame, don¡¯t they? It is just a name. Do not let others think that I¡¯m physically here while I¡¯m somewhere else in spirit!¡±

    Zhu murmured and obeyed. After thinking about it again, Chu Yitong added, ¡°In fact, it is not a big deal as the fourteenth junior young master is not with me. It is the children of the mistresses who bother me. My mother-inw has appointed Mistress Gu to bring up them. But in addition to the ninth junior young master who died at an early age, there are still three sons and three daughters, making a total of six children. How can Mistress Gu alone handle all of them? If shees to offer me teater and says so, what do you think I can answer that?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the order made by the fourth Madame. If she can¡¯t make it, she can be reced by another mistress who can do it!¡± Zhu said severely, ¡°You also know where Mistress Gu is from. She is not ordinary! The fourth Madame doesn¡¯t take her seriously. It¡¯s because, given her status and means, she doesn¡¯t need to. But we have to be careful about that woman!¡±

    Chu Yitong nodded with a frown. As she was about to say something, suddenly a young maid barged in in a panic, ¡°Commandery Princess! Bad news!¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Zhu couldn¡¯t help but be furious, ¡°What do you have to say? Our madame has just got married. What¡¯s wrong with you? Why are you yelling? How dare you!¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Zhu, please allow me to exin. Something is very wrong. Sir Jibei has just fainted!¡± The young maid argued with a white face, ¡°The Old Master almost fell down when he heard the news just now. If it were not for the Neenth Young Master Jiang Yashuang, who was at the front to report the matter and quick to hold on him, I¡¯m afraid he would also¡­ Now all the branches are rushing to the Mansion of Sir Jibei. The neenth young madame specially sent someone to call our young master and Commandery¡­ Our madame!¡±

    Chu Yitong¡¯s face turned pale and she leaped to her feet, ¡°Go back to my room! Be quick!¡±

    The young maid didn¡¯t talk nonsense. That Sir Jibei was not well was definitely a big deal, especially for the fourth branch!

    After all, with his support for Jiang Tianchi when he was in the Northern Army and his choice of the stance on the issue of the Western Army, everyone thought that Sir Jibei was partial to the fourth branch. At this juncture, as the son and daughter-inw of the fourth branch, it was okay that if they did not show enough concern and thus were poked and prodded. But if other branches got something on them because of that, it would be a big problem!

    Chu Yitong hurriedly returned to the inner room and shook Jiang Yadan, who was catching up on his sleep. And then the couple hastily changed out of their auspicious clothes and chose clothes suitable for visiting a patient. Qiu Yn, who was waiting for them to leave together, was already so anxious that she did not care to say much after they met each other. She just said, ¡°Hurry up, the others have already gone!¡±

    At this time, the Mansion of Sir Jibei was already crowded with people. The street, which was originally wide, was solid with carriages and pnquins winding outside the mansion!

    Luckily, the carriage of Marquess¡¯s Mansion was always privileged. So, ane was separated from the crowd to allow them to pass.

    After entering the gate, they made their way in the yard where Sir Jibei was arranged with difficulty. Looking at the officials in the corridor, they could hardly get closer.

    ¡°Do you have news of my youngest grand uncle?¡± So, they had no choice but to ask someone that had been there earlier.

    Chu Yitong had just married into the Jiang Family and was not acquainted with her husband¡¯s family. So, it was Qiu Yn who was asking. She also exined for them, ¡°My eighth sister-inw has just married into our family. Upon hearing the news, she was held up for changing clothes. That is why we have just gotten here.¡±

    The one she asked was Madame Zhuang Junior, the eleventh madame, who did not look very well, ¡°My second grand uncle has taken Dr. Lin in. But they haven¡¯te out yet. Our sixth uncle came out just now but he looked¡­¡± She frowned and didn¡¯t go on.

    Qiu Yn¡¯s heart was tightened, ¡°Did he say anything?¡±

    ¡°He said that Dr. Lin had asked him to go to the treasury for ginseng.¡±

    People who grew up in wealthy families knew more or less how to maintain their health. At this moment, hearing Madame Zhuang Junior¡¯s words, Qiu Yn, Chu Yitong, and Jiang Yadan looked at each other and their faces all changed. For a man at Sir Jibei¡¯s age, ginseng soup and tea were always prepared. But now Jiang Tiancan was asked to open the treasury for ginseng which obviously must be hundreds of years old. That kind of ginseng was kept for saving a life that was at stake!

    When panic was clutching at their hearts, the door was opened suddenly. All stood in the corridor and the middle of the yard looked up together without muttering!

    When they saw that the person who opened the door was actually Marquess Qin, who seemed to be haggard for more than ten years, everyone felt a chill in their hearts!

    Sure enough, Marquess Qin looked around and whispered as if he were giving up his soul, ¡°Everyone¡­ please go back first! Allow our Jiang Family to get together!¡±

    His words clearly meant that Sir Jibei was no longer able to get through it. As such, he had got to hurry to tell family matters to his families and had no time for outsiders.

    In a moment, the crowd booed and hissed. Xue Chang took the lead in showing consideration to Marquess Qin and helped persuade guests who were not members of the Jiang Family to disperse.

    At this time, Qiu Yn and the others could finally get up to the front. But no one could open their mouths when they looked at Marquess Qin¡¯s face. Finally, it was Marquess Qin himself who broke the impasse. He pointed to Jiang Yadan, ¡°The junior that your youngest grand uncle cares most about in his lifetime is not your sixth uncle but your father! Now your father is in Beijiang. As his first trueborn son,e in and listen on behalf of him!¡±

    Jiang Yadan said carefully, ¡°Yes!¡±

    When he entered, Marquess Qin closed the door.

    When the door was opened again, the person who was asked toe in was Jiang Jingzheng, the first trueborn great grandson of Sir Jibei, also known as the first trueborn son of the Tenth Young Master Jiang Yabi.

    Madame Ou had been at the couch from the beginning. And Madame Tao was let in as soon as she arrived one step behind Marquess Qin. Except for them, none of the women were called in.

    Qiu Yn¡¯s lips trembled slightly as she looked down and quietly wiped the corners of her eyes, ¡°ording to the traditional rules, when an old man is dying, all in his branch should knee to send him away at his bedside. Now the daughter-inw and granddaughter-inw have not been allowed in, but the nieces are all there. Perhaps Sir Jibei is still worried about his family and wishes to persuade them to make peace once more before he dies, right?¡±

    Otherwise, even if men were inferior to women at this time, it would be impossible to prevent daughters-inw and granddaughters-inw from sending the elder away at the bedside, right?

    In the evening of that day, Madame Tianhe staggered and entered the yard. The crowd was in a heavy mood at the moment and did not pay attention to her at first, but soon they found out that it was Empress Xin who was supporting her!

    ¡°Why is Empress Xin here?¡± Madame Mi hurried to meet them. Jiang Tianhe did not look at her, but Empress Xin said coldly, ¡°My grandfather is ill and I muste here to visit!¡±

    Empress Xin traveled light in person and came to visit in the name of Empress Dowager and Emperor. So, it was natural that she could not be made to wait outside the door. As this news was brought in, Jiang Yahong, who had gone in with Jiang Tianao, came over and opened the door, greeting Empress Xin in a low voice. And Jiang Tianhe took the opportunity to follow them inside!

    ¡°My father-inw is dying. My sister-inw and niece can go in, but I, the daughter-inw, should be left out!¡± Madame Mi thought to herself.

    Madame Mi could not help but bite her lip even though she knew that this was because Xin Fubing was Express. Despite the decline of imperial power and the increase of the power of the Jiang Family, it was impossible to spoil the face of the Empress of the country when the rtionship between the lord and his men still existed! But as Jiang Tianhe also came forward because of his daughter, she couldn¡¯t rest assured!

    Anyway, ¡°Since my sister-inw hase back to Jing City, she keeps on screwing with me! Now my father-inw is dying. Shees here with Empress Xin rather than by herself directly. I¡¯m afraid that she wants to take the opportunity of Empress¡¯sing to go in and talk! I don¡¯t believe she does this without a purpose. Could she being at me and Yinyin?¡±

    She got it right.

    That night, just after midnight, a cry erupted from closed doors!

    Among those voices, there was the voice of Marquess Qin.

    The daughters-inw who had been outside the door all day and half the night were stunned. They looked at each other in fear but did not dare to make a sound because they were not sure. A momentter, it was still Jiang Yahong who opened the door. He said to Madame Mi while wiping his tears, ¡°My sixth aunt, my youngest grand uncle¡­ has gone! My youngest grand aunt asked you to get things ready!¡±

    When the women got the message, they covered their sleeves and wailed!

    Chu Yitong¡¯s wet nurse Mrs. Zhu cried even harder than her master, the real niece-inw, ¡°My madame has just finished her tea ceremony. But at this time, her husband¡¯s youngest grand uncle had an ident and didn¡¯t even make it through the night. How will she live with it?¡±

    But no one was talking behind like that because the death of Sir Jibei was all so sudden!

    From the time when things went wrong to the time when he took hisst breath, it was less than a day. No one could have anticipated it, nor could they have prepared for it in advance.

    Madame Mi¡¯s ability had been quite ordinary. She was caught off guard by the death of her father-inw. And because her sister-inw Jiang Tianhe, who had a grudge against her, was there while her father-inw was dying, she had been worrying about that. As such, she did things so dreamily that she either missed this or forgot that.

    Fortunately, after the mistakes were made, she remembered to insist that she was too sad to get things wrong. In that case, Madame Tao asked Madame He and Madame Huang came over for help to be inmand. Of the two women, one was ipetent while the other was young and not experienced. None of them were capable. So, it was indispensable to get granddaughters-inw to help.

    Not only Chu Yitong, who had been in the family for less than three days, but also Qiu Yn, who had three unweaned children under her care, were kept upied! No one had the time or the mood to gossip.

    In the chaos, the mourning clothes were finally finished. When Madame Mi had just finished giving them out to all people present, she thought that she could send someone to give one to Mi Yinyin, who had just been sent back to her maiden family. However, upon the words were given, Jiang Tianhe burst out from nowhere. Her eyes were red. It seemed that she had just cried. But her gaze was piercing, ¡°My sixth sister-inw, who are you going to deliver it to?¡±

    ¡°To my daughter-inw. She is the granddaughter-inw of Sir Jibei. As her grandfather-inw has just died, could she not wear mourning clothes?¡± Madame Mi screwed up her face and asked strongly.

    ¡°My father¡¯s greatest regret on his deathbed was that neither of his grandchildren was with him!¡± Jiang Tianhe sneered, ¡°Yabi has gotten to run an errand. That¡¯s fine! But Yn has been in Jing City. If you hadn¡¯t been so confused and partial towards your maiden family, can he be driven away, would my father not have seen any of his grandsons before his death? When my father just saw Zheng, hemented that he had never seen Yn¡¯s child in his life. Do you want to send the mourning clothes of a granddaughter-inw to your niece? You think that by making her take the advantage of the chaos to observe mourning as a granddaughter-inw, she can continue to rely on Yn, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Madame Mi¡¯s pupils were suddenly contracted. She was so angry that she almost screamed out, ¡°You¡­ You and your daughter¡­¡± When Jiang Tianhe knew that her father was not well, she didn¡¯t rush over immediately but went into the pce and called on Xin Fubing to join her. Sure enough, it had nothing to do with her filial piety. She did that with the aims to do great harm to the Mi Family!

    ¡°Do yourself a favor!¡± Jiang Tianhe covered her mouth with a handkerchief, seemingly wiping his tears. But her tone was cold and devoid of any emotion, ¡°This was said by my father himself. All the men in the room heard it! Do you dare make a scene if you don¡¯t like it? If you dare to do so, even you won¡¯t be able to stay in this family!¡±

    Seeing Madame Mi¡¯s furious look, she sneered and tucked the handkerchief into her sleeve, ¡°Unpleasant? When my husband and I were not in Jing City, you and your niece were quite pleasant to bully my daughter, weren¡¯t you? It¡¯s time for you to taste it!¡± And with that, without looking at her face again, she left directly!

    ¡­ Not far away, Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang were talking about the arrangements of the three children. The couple watched the scene from beginning to end. Only when they saw that Madame Mi was about to notice them did they turn their eyes away, ¡°Did my youngest grand uncle really say that?¡±

    ¡°When Aunt Tianhe mentioned that my thirteenth brother was not there and he hadn¡¯t had a child, my youngest grand uncle sighed.¡± Jiang Yashuang said, deadpan, ¡°Forget it. Anyway, they didn¡¯t make a scene. Let them do what they want!¡± The Jiang Family¡¯s yard, which was handled well by He Shuijin before, was now in a great mess. Without He Shuijin, even though the young and the old joined to help, the Jiang Family couldn¡¯t care about trifles.

    Qiu Yn also knew this and she sighed. When she was about to nod, Jiang Yahong suddenly walked over, looked at her, and said warmly, ¡°My neenth sister-inw, can I have a word with my neenth brother?¡±

 Chapter 424 - I Knew You Wouldnâ€™t Believe Me!

    Chapter 424 I Knew You Wouldn¡¯t Believe Me!

    Qiu Yn looked at her husband. And when she saw Jiang Yashuang nod slightly, she bowed and said, ¡°I will go and see my grandmother and my youngest grand aunt.¡±

    When a husband died, it was the rule that the wife had to keep staying in the funeral hall.

    But since Madame Ou was so old and grieving for the death of herpanion, no one dared to let her go and kneel there for a few days. So, Marquess Qin personally stepped in and persuaded her to rest in the back room where Madame Tao would apany her.

    When Qiu Yn reached the door, she was greeted with a silent gesture from Mom Hu, who was on guard here. Mom Hu gestured that she should not go in yet.

    After waiting for a while, Madame Tao came out alone. She saw her with a slight nod and pointed to thepartment not far away.

    Qiu Yn saw that her back was slightly hunched. So, she went forward to support her. After they entered the room together, Madame Tao pushed her arm away and gestured her to sit down. ¡°It was so sudden. You have been tired. Now no one is around and there is no need to care about etiquette!¡±

    ¡°Thank you, grandmother.¡± Qiu Yn set her mouth in a line and sat on the stool. She asked softly, ¡°Is my youngest grand aunt all right?¡±

    ¡°The couple has been together for a lifetime. They have basically never fought with each other,¡± said Madame Tao in a sad voice, ¡°As one died first, how could the other be well? No matter how resolute and decisive your youngest grand aunt is, she is so sad that she is almost at a loss! I have put something to help her sleep well in the tea. At least, it can let her get some sleep!¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s nose twitched and she slightly turned her head away.

    But she heard Madame Tao asking, ¡°Now all of you are helping out there. Have you arranged the things at home? It is okay with other things. But the three children brought up by you and Yashuang cannot be ignored!¡±

    ¡°I have asked Mrs. Qu and Mrs. Zhou to take care of them, ordering that they should guard the door and make the children their priority. Anything else can be put aside.¡± Qiu Yn said in a low voice.

    ¡°Well.¡± Madame Tao rubbed between her eyes and said wearily, ¡°That¡¯s too bad! Shuijin has been ill and is found to be pregnant. So, she is stuck in the ce far away from Jing City and thus cannote back. If she were here and only made simple orders, why should so many people be busy helping there?¡±

    Qiu Yn twitched the corner of her mouth and said softly, ¡°Although my sixth aunt is too sad, with my fourth aunt and eighth aunt to help, everything will be OK.¡±

    Madame Tao asked a few questions about the funeral ceremony. A sh of disappointment passed over her face and she sighed, ¡°It¡¯s indeed just OK!¡± What she meant was that they were barely OK. But when He Shuijin was there, everything was done properly and no one could find real mistakes. Compared with that, it was far from being that good!

    Qiu Yn could not make anyments on that topic. After a silence, she persuaded Madame Tao to take care of herself as well.

    ¡°I¡¯m cool with that. I am almost going to die and have seen human beings who have gone ande.¡± Madame Tao said coldly, ¡°You should worry about your father!¡±

    ¡°My father-inw?¡± Qiu Yn was stunned. She thought to herself, ¡°Jiang Tianchi hasn¡¯t received the news yet, has he?¡±

    ¡°Your father has been trained by your youngest grand uncle who is like a father to him. Your father is not young. But in the earlier years, your grandfather made him start as a soldier to get him some experience. He was seriously injured a few times inbat. And as you know, it¡¯s hard not to cure in Beijiang¡­ Before he died, your youngest grand uncle kept telling the news of his death should not be told to him immediately so that he would not grieve too much.¡± Madame Tao touched the corner of her forehead, not feeling well. Qiu Yn stood up and walked behind her, gently rubbing and pressing for her.

    ¡°There is no one else here at the moment. So, I¡¯ll be straight with you. The death of your youngest grand uncle will have an impact on your branch. But, with your father around, the impact is small.¡± Madame Tao closed her eyes for a moment to enjoy herself before she whispered, ¡°But you couldn¡¯t let anything happen to your father! It¡¯s not just because Yashuang is still young but also because your father is the foundation of our entire Jiang Family¡­ The death of your youngest grand uncle has been a big blow to your grandfather. If your father¡­ I don¡¯t know if your grandfather can hold it up.¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s fingers stopped for a moment and then she continued. She said seriously, ¡°I see, grandmother.¡±

    ¡°The family have been spoiled by the fourteenth daughter-inw. Now none of them are fit to take charge of the situation.¡± After another moment, Madame Tao opened her eyes, pushed her hand away, and said warmly, ¡°Go and help. Don¡¯t make it too chaotic. Otherwise, if your grandfather sees it, he will be anger!¡±

    ¡­ After leaving the room, Qiu Yn greeted Mrs. Hu, who was still guarding the outside. And then she took Su He at the door towards the front hall.

    As they passed through a narrow alley, a girl in linen, with two maids following behind, happened toe by. When they looked at each other, the girl in linen immediately bowed, ¡°My neenth aunt!¡±

    ¡°Huizhi!¡± Qiu Yn nodded slightly and gestured her to straighten up, ¡°There¡¯s no need of that!¡±

    Compared to the time when Madame Zhuang just returned, Jiang Huizhi had lost a lot of weight. Although girls at her age were generally slim, they shouldn¡¯t be as thin as a shadow as she was.

    Qiu Yn knew that it was probably because of the unhappiness in her heart. Once upon a time, the first branch was the proudest one in the Jiang Family. Whatever good things and opportunities were theirs as long as they liked. Even if things were not originally theirs, they had to be theirs in the end.

    Jiang Huizhi, as the first trueborn granddaughter of the first branch, was treasured and loved by both Jiang Tianao, Jiang Yayun, and their wives. Strictly speaking, this girl¡¯s upbringing was even more prestigious than that of Jiang Qizheng, the only princess of the Jiang family to be crowned.

    But their situation turned ugly these two years. The first branch was beaten again and again in several important fights, even to the point where the death of thedy of the house could only be ignored. Faced with such a gap, Jiang Tianao sounded his age. How could the young girl Jiang Huizhi feel nothing?

    ¡°You look too peaked. You don¡¯t look so good that you ought to see a doctor and get into shape when you have time!¡± Looking at her niece, who was about her age, Qiu Yn said warmly, ¡°The past is gone for good. You¡¯d better take good care of yourself.¡±

    Half of the me for how Jiang Huizhi looked like thaty in the fourth branch. But Qiu Yn had no resentment towards her¡­ After all, it was easy for the victor to forgive.

    When they happened to meet this time, Jiang Huizhi behaved with decorum and didn¡¯t show resentment. So, Qiu Yn gaveforting words to her.

    After saying this, she wanted to leave. After all, Qiu Yn believed that Jiang Huizhi had heard a lot of simr words and she wouldn¡¯t care about the words from her.

    But Jiang Huizhi smiled sadly at her words and said, ¡°Thank you for your concern, my neenth aunt. But the dead is as natural as the living. There is no point in taking care of myself or not!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought she was talking about Madame Dou¡¯s death. She was not angry, saying, ¡°If you don¡¯t think of yourself, think of your parents and brothers. You have always been the apple of your family¡¯s eye. If something happens to you, how distressed do you think they will be?¡±

    ¡°If it hadn¡¯t been for them, I would have killed myself!¡± However, no one had expected that Jiang Huizhi would roar like that without thinking!

    Qiu Yn could see that she was not talking in anger. So, she was slightly stunned and repented that a casual word of concern had let this niece say something of her death wish. Above all, she was not very good at this kind offort either. It took her a while to find the right words to say, ¡°Why do you have to force yourself to take on things between thest generations? I believe my dead eldest aunt would like you to have a good life!¡±

    ¡°My neenth aunt, you¡¯re overthinking this. I am not talking about matters between elders but about what happened to me.¡± Jiang Huizhi¡¯s lips trembled slightly. And then she suddenly said, ¡°If I say the thing in which the Emperor and I got involved in the pcest time¡­ was neither done by me nor by my branch, will you believe that?¡±

    Qiu Yn was a bit surprised. She hadn¡¯t thought that what let Jiang Huizhi have a death wish was not the decline of the first branch nor the death of Madame Dou and Jiang Yayue. It should be this matter that made her act like this.

    While she was pondering, Jiang Huizhi misunderstood it. She raised her sleeve to cover her face and whimpered, ¡°I knew you wouldn¡¯t believe me¡­ Except for those in my branch, no one believes me! No one!¡±

    ¡°No¡­¡± Qiu Yn was about tofort her, but Jiang Huizhi no longer had the confidence to say more. She hid her face and held onto the wall of the narrow alley, pushing her way past Qiu Yn and stumbling away.

    ¡°Miss Huizhi!¡± Her two maids were so anxious that they shouted and gave a hasty salute to Qiu Yn, ¡°Miss Huizhi has not been in a good mood these days. The neenth madame, if she has offended you, please excuse her for that!¡± After saying that, they hurried to chase after Jiang Huizhi.

    Qiu Yn frowned and twisted her head to look at where she hade from. Jiang Huizhi was hurriedly running and in a few moments, she was out of the alley and gone. The figure of Jiang Huizhi looked so hasty and frustrating. She had lost her grace and elegance as ady and was full of despair and sorrow.

    ¡°Madame, what do you think about what Miss Huizhi just said?¡± Su He, who was waiting, asked in confusion.

    ¡°We¡¯ll talk about itter. What is most important now is the things after my youngest grand uncle¡¯s death.¡± Qiu Yn shook her head and stopped Su He. But in her heart, she was pondering, ¡°It wasn¡¯t like she was lying¡­ If it wasn¡¯t the work of the first branch or her, could it really be that the rest of the Gu Family had deliberately set her up in order to pick us against each other?¡±

    Suddenly she remembered the time she apanied her mother-inw to the pce when she was pregnant and bumped into Emperor in the imperial garden. ¡°The internal fight in the Jiang Family can make the rest of the Gu Family take their revenge. Moreover, wouldn¡¯t it be better for Emperor to no longer be a puppet?¡±

    If this was true, it would be a great matter!

    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Yashuang about that!¡± Qiu Yn thought this and then frowned again, ¡°But Cousin Xin has already be the Empress! With the Jiang Family¡¯s power now, it¡¯s not a big deal to have another Emperor. But what should Cousin Xin do?¡±

    The confidante¡¯s marriage was already tragic. It had been less than a half year since she became the Empress. Was she going to be the Empress Dowager?

    Moreover, although she felt that Jiang Huizhi told the truth, who could tell that if she acted like that or not? What if it was a ploy by the first branch and they have some ulterior motive?

    ¡°It has been too busy for these days. Just wait for a couple of days!¡± Qiu Yn set her mouth in a line and made up her mind, ¡°In a couple of days, when I¡¯m not so busy, I can calm down and I¡¯ll be able to look at things with less emotion.¡±

    Only when she had thought of this, she heard Jiang Tianhe¡¯s voice behind her, ¡°Yn!¡±

    ¡°Aunt Tianhe!¡± Qiu Yn was stunned and turned around to salute, ¡°Do you have anything to tell me?¡±

    Jiang Tianhe looked at her with a half-smile, ¡°I just saw Jiang Huizhi walking in the direction you came from. Did you meet her?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiu Yn was surprised and she asked, ¡°Are you looking for her?¡±

    ¡°She just came to me. Why should I look for her?¡± Jiang Tianhe said disdainfully, ¡°Now my father has died. The whole family is so busy. I don¡¯t know how the first branch has taught her! On the pretext ofing over to pay respects, she dared toe here to fight against me¡­ And she dared to say that she had never thought about being a concubine. All was nned by someone else! Hey! If she really didn¡¯t want to be a concubine, why would she have seduced Emperor earlier?¡±

    Only then did Qiu Yn understand why Jiang Huizhi ran away in tears when she had only thought for a while before she answered. That was because she had already been humiliated once by Jiang Tianhe!

    ¡°You are so thoughtless. Your fifth grand aunt has the disposition of the Jiang Family. You cannot think that how hard and merciless she is! There is a generation between her and you. As a junior who is not known for a fiery temper, you dare speak to her alone¡­ Are you troubling yourself?¡± Qiu Yn sighed in her heart but did not admit that Jiang Huizhi had said something simr to her. She pretended to be surprised, ¡°Is there still such a thing? I don¡¯t know about that.¡±

    ¡°Yes, there is!¡± Jiang Tianhe sneered, ¡°Your youngest grand uncle even mentioned her before he died, telling Fubing to treat her well in the future!¡±

    Qiu Yn exhaled, ¡°It¡¯s true that before he died, my youngest grand uncle still remembered to get the family to make up.¡± But sadly, just by looking at Jiang Tianhe, it could be observed that the efforts of Sir Jibei had been wasted!

    ¡°So, I have something to ask you!¡± Jiang Tianhe didn¡¯t stop Qiu Yn just to tell her niece how she bullied her grand niece. After saying the whole story, she stated that she was there for something¡­

 Chapter 425 - Today Wasnt the Same as Before!

    Chapter 425 Today Wasn¡¯t the Same as Before!

    Madame Tao, who was still in the room, saw Qiu Yning back and got slightly surprised, ¡°Anything wrong?¡±

    ¡°Before I arrived, I met two people one after another on the road. They each told me something so I came here for advice!¡± Qiu Yn exined, ¡°I first met Huizhi in a narrow alley. She mentioned what happened in the imperial garden and said that it was definitely not done by her or the first branch. She felt wronged and even wanted to die! And then I met Aunt Tianhe. She said that Huizhi told her the same thing. Since Huizhi will enter the pce and the youngest grand uncle asked Empress to take care of her before his death, why did she say this? Aunt Tianhe didn¡¯t understand so she hoped that I could let you ask my grandfather!¡±

    Madame Tao snorted and said, ¡°I know what she is thinking! Why is she so impatient when your youngest grand uncle just passed away? Huizhi should keep filial piety to her grandmother before she enters the pce. But she is in such a hurry now. Does she want to help or hurt Empress?¡±

    Madame Tao knew everything clearly. Jiang Tianhe said that she didn¡¯t understand Jiang Huizhi¡¯s meaning, which clearly showed that she was dissatisfied with Sir Jibei¡¯s order of treating Jiang Huizhi well before his death. It was at this time that Jiang Huizhi went to exin to her. So, she used it and wanted to put this matter to Marquess Qin in order to make Marquess Qin think that the first branch was greedy because of this. The promise of Empress was not enough for them and they even yed tricks in an attempt to gain more!

    ¡°Although Jiang Tianhe did this to protect her daughter from the first branch who might take advantage of Kunlun¡¯s order after his death, did this action lose her face? Chaohai is sad about his younger brother¡¯s death now. How dare someone want to break the family harmony that is wanted by Kunlun before he died? If she talks to Chaohai at this time and Chaohai thinks the first branch is greedy, will he have a good impression on her?¡±

    At that time, he might vent his anger on Xin Fubing. Madame Tao, as the messenger, would also lose her face! How could Madame Tao listen to Jiang Tianhe? At this moment, she frowned and said, ¡°You tell her what I said. Chaohai doesn¡¯t want to listen to these messy things now! Let her do her responsibility of filial piety well and wait for her father¡¯s burial!¡±

    Qiu Yn agreed, but Jiang Tianhe believed that his daughter had been wronged for so many years, so she couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. Moreover, Xin Fubing¡¯s grievance was for the fourth branch. If Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yayue died for a clear reason, why did Sir Jibei ask people to treat his niece who was suspected of seducing Emperor well before he died?

    Therefore, the fourth branch had the obligation to stand on Xin Fubing¡¯s side and fight against Jiang Huizhi!

    Although Jiang Tianhe¡¯s attitude was threatening, Qiu Yn had a good rtionship with Xin Fubing and knew the truth about the deaths of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing. She felt that Xin Fubing was wronged this time. Even though she didn¡¯t agree with Jiang Tianhe, she still did it ording to Jiang Tianhe¡¯s will.

    Now that Madame Tao told her the words, she nodded and said, ¡°I will tell Aunt Tianhe.¡±

    Madame Tao added, ¡°Your grandfather was in a very bad mood these past two days. Don¡¯t make him angry anymore! Otherwise, you will suffer.¡±

    ¡°Thanks. I will keep it in mind!¡± Qiu Yn nodded and decided to tell Jiang Tianhe this sentence. She was afraid that Jiang Tianhe would make Marquess Qin angry and let Xin Fubing be in a pickle.

    After she left, Madame Tao called Mom Hu and told her what Qiu Yn had said again. Her face became gloomy, ¡°As soon as Kunlun died, his daughter made such a trouble. She is not doing well in keeping her duty of filial piety but went everywhere. She is really stupid! She has been arrogant in the outside for so many years. Qiu Yn is a junior and she may not be able to persuade her! You find a chance to talk to her and tell her what she should do at this moment! Does she really think that Chaohai doesn¡¯t know anything when lying on the couch now?¡±

    Mom Hu cautiously said, ¡°However, Jiang Huizhi has the words of Sir Jibei. It is really difficult for Empress to deal with her in the future. Even if she makes a big mistake, Empress will forgive her unless she makes more than two times!¡±

    ¡°Tianluan and I always dislike the first branch, so do you think we have to kill Jiang Huizhi because she belongs to the first branch?¡± Madame Tao nced at her and said slowly, ¡°But now it is not the same as before. Although the power of the Xin family is not very strong and there is no outstanding manpower, who can tell the future? Once Empress Xin is powerful in the Imperial Harem, why can¡¯t the Xin family be powerful rapidly? Although they can¡¯t touch the military power under normal circumstances, they have other powers. If they use military power to interfere with the court, what will the situation be?¡±

    Seeing Mom Hu being in a daze, Madame Tao said lightly, ¡°Tianluan is the Empress Dowager instead of Empress today. She can control the Imperial Harem of Emperor. Even if Tianluan doesn¡¯t have to worry about Empress Xin taking her up now, she needs to think about the future. The first branch is an example!¡±

    ¡°I understand, Madame.¡± Mom Hu whispered with tears as the cold sweat was on her back. ¡°I will persuade Madame Tianhe to do her duty of filial piety at ease and not cause trouble for the Empress!¡±

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t Jiang Tianhee and tell me by herself? Her mother is lying here! Wasn¡¯t it more convenient to talk to me in the name of visiting her mother than to stop Qiu Yn on the road? She could earn a reputation for caring about her mother by the way.¡± Madame Tao sneered and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know if Qiu Yn can see her intention of conveying these words. Her real purpose is to test Qiu Yn!¡±

    ¡°After all, although Prince of Cai was ounted for the deaths of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing, who would not doubt the fourth branch in this family?¡± Madame Tao lowered her voice and said it to Mom Hu, ¡°Especially Qiu Yn and Empress Xin are good friends all the time. Jiang Tianhe is using this to draw Jiang Yashuang and his wife over to her side. After all, the Xin family¡¯s foundation is not so good, though there is an Empress in the family. People will rush to support the Xin family, but no matter how many people do that, how can the Xin Familypare with the Jiang Family? The fourth daughter-inw is not in Jing City so I help her to manage her branch. If Qiu Ynes to help Jiang Tianhe, how can I exin in the future?¡±

    Hearing this, Mom Hu understood it. Empress Dowager Jiang and Madame Tao spent so many years in the fourth branch because they wanted the fourth branch to support them and help them hold the power together! How could she tolerate Jiang Tianhe poaching Qiu Yn?

    Her thoughts changed a few times and she whispered, ¡°I will persuade Madame Tianhe, but if she does not listen to your advice and does it, then¡­ Not only can¡¯t I do anything, but you can¡¯t make it. After all, Madame Ou can¡¯t do anything without you!¡±

    Madame Tao smiled with satisfaction, ¡°Fine!¡±

    When Sir Jibei was lying on the sickbed, Xin Fubing promised to bury the hatchet and take good care of Jiang Huizhi before him. Xin Fubing was the most innocent person. How couldn¡¯t Marquess Qin understand it? Jiang Tianhe only saw the grievances suffered by her daughter, but did not see Marquess Qin¡¯s face when Xin Fubing promised to treat Jiang Huizhi well!

    After all, Xin Fubing was the granddaughter of Sir Jibei instead of Marquess Qin¡¯s! In Marquess Qin¡¯s view, this was ridiculous that his son and grandson bullied his brother¡¯s son and grandson, but in the end, it was his brother¡¯s granddaughter who paid the price!

    How could Marquess Qin let Xin Fubing suffer this loss?

    Even if Jiang Huizhi had the words of Sir Jibei, she would be a noble concubine if she didn¡¯t make any big mistake in the future. And Xin Fubing wouldn¡¯t treat her badly. However, the future of Jiang Huizhi and the first branch woulde to an end, unless Xin Fubing couldn¡¯t give birth to a son and she was willing to adopt Jiang Huizhi¡¯s son. Otherwise, Jiang Huizhi¡¯s son would never be an emperor!

    ¡°Even though Empress is young, she knows everything! Make concessions in order to gain advantages! She earned her face! But her mother, who is too arrogant, seems to be stupid!¡± Madame Tao sneered in her heart, ¡°Originally, if Jiang Tianhe hadn¡¯t done do anything, not only would Chaohai protect the position of Empress, but even the Xin family would get a huge return. But now if he knows that Jiang Tianhe has caused troubles, the Xin family will never get benefits as it will also be unclear that whether Empress will be benefited!¡±

    But she was very satisfied with this situation, ¡°Emperor is not Tianluan¡¯s biological son and I do not have a biological son. Is there anything good for Tianluan after the Yue Family bes stronger? They are begging Tianluan to help them now and we are at ease.¡±

    ¡°Also, Jiang Tianhe dared to draw Jiang Yashuang and his wife over. She even wanted to deceive Jiang Yashuang¡¯s young wife and tried to persuade her. This must be known by Chaohai!¡± Madame Tao squinted and thought in her mind, ¡°Chaohai works hard to cultivate Jiang Yashuang. He doesn¡¯t want him to be used by others. Jiang Yashuang¡¯s wife was Lang¡¯er¡¯s mother and she is favored by Jiang Yashuang. Hey! Jiang Tianhe, you are stupid! Even Tianluan and I were cautious about Jiang Yashuang back then, and we were afraid to let Chaohai think we wanted to control him!¡±

    Madame Tao was secretly irritated by Jiang Tianhe. Qiu Yn went back to the front and looked around, but she did not find Jiang Tianhe. She took a few people to ask and all said they didn¡¯t see her. She was thinking about where Jiang Tianhe went when Madame Zhuang Junior led a few people, looking around and walking towards her. Upon seeing Qiu Yn, she asked, ¡°Have you seen Huizhi? We can¡¯t find her in a twinkling. She is very depressed these days. I am a little worried!¡±

    ¡°I just met her on the road. She went over there.¡± Qiu Yn nodded and pointed behind her.

    Madame Zhuang Junior nced in the direction and didn¡¯t say anything, but a middle-aged man, who seemed to be a steward, suddenly changed his face, ¡°Madame, the garden is in that direction. On such a cold day, there is no beautiful view. Even servants don¡¯t like to pass by there! What is Miss Huizhi going there for? The pond in the garden¡­¡±

    Hearing that, Madame Zhuang Junior was shocked, ¡°Yn, when did you see Huizhi?¡±

    ¡°For a while!¡± Qiu Yn was also shocked. Although she was not the daughter-inw of the Marquis¡¯s Mansion and didn¡¯t have a close rtionship with the Marquis¡¯s Mansion, she felt bad for her carelessness. Why did she not ask one more question about where Huizhi was going?

    ¡°But she went there with two maids. I think everything will be fine, right?¡± After being surprised, Qiu Yn said subconsciously as she thought for a while and felt that things would not be as bad as what the steward said.

    Madame Zhuang Junior bit her lip and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go and check it out!¡±

    Qiu Yn hesitated and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go with you!¡± After all, Jiang Huizhi met her and talked to her when she was going there. If Huizhi really did something bad, Qiu Yn, as her aunt, would have to bear the me for being too careless!

 Chapter 426 - How Dare You, a Little Girl, Threaten Me?

    Chapter 426 How Dare You, a Little Girl, Threaten Me?

    Fortunately, they arrived just in time. When they arrived at theke in a hurry, they saw two maids tugging at Jiang Huizhi¡¯s sleeves and trying their best to stop her.

    Seeing this, Madame Zhuang Junior and Qiu Yn rushed up to pull Jiang Huizhi and scolded, ¡°It¡¯s such a cold day. You said you wanted to get some fresh air. Why are youing to theke?¡±

    Qiu Yn took out her own handkerchief and wiped her niece¡¯s face, saying warmly, ¡±You¡¯ve been blowing the cold wind for a while. If you don¡¯t go back inside, you¡¯ll be sick! There are many things going on at home nowadays. And we are already busy. We¡¯re still counting on you to help out. Don¡¯t you dare duck out of it!¡±

    The two aunts had an unspoken message in their minds so they never mentioned that Jiang Huizhi tried to suicide. They pretended that she hade for fun. They said so while dragging her away. Jiang Huizhi was a weak girl, and now she was as thin as a stick because of haggardness, so she was no match for them.

    Although she cried and shouted that she didn¡¯t want to go back, she was still pulled out of the garden. The steward that Madame Zhuang Junior had called out to find someone earlier was from the Mansion of Sir Jibei. He was familiar with theyout of the Mansion. He found a room close by, had someone burn a fire to warm Jiang Huizhi, and secretly ordered people to go to the kitchen to fetch ginger soup and other things.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let this spread!¡± Madame Zhuang Junior told her maids to stay with Jiang Huizhi in the inner room and gave a wink to Qiu Yn. She then called on that steward to join her in the outer room to discuss, ¡°At this critical moment, the elders have no time to deal with more problems. And if this matter is spread, it will not be good for Jiang Huizhi.¡±

    The steward knew that Jiang Huizhi was not a member of the Mansion and the one who was admonishing him was Jiang Huizhi¡¯s own aunt. He was not foolish to say no to her words. He hurriedly said yes.

    ¡°However, since she has done this, we need to send a few reliable maids to apany her.¡± Qiu Yn frowned and reminded, ¡°Luckily, this time, we are the ones who can stop her in time, but what about next time? Who can be sure of being there in time?¡±

    Madame Zhuang Junior hesitated and said, ¡°Mother left a few maids before she passed away. I¡¯ll send someone back to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion to ask them toe¡­¡±

    When Madame Dou was alive, she disliked Madame Zhuang Junior. Now even though she was dead, Madame Zhuang Junior had no right to order her trusted maids to do anything. Especially Madame Dou was killed by Madame Zhuang Junior¡¯s aunt.

    However, Madame Zhuang Junior didn¡¯t dare to send her own trusted maids, either. Once she didn¡¯t keep an eye on Jiang Huizhi, she would be held ountable for what happened. Even if she kept an eye on Jiang Huizhi and nothing happened to her, she would inevitably be ndered that she was taking advantage of her brother and sister-inw¡¯s absence to restrain her niece. So, it was best to let Madame Dou¡¯s maids take over the matter if they could. Madame Dou was Jiang Huizhi¡¯s grandmother. Before she died, she loved this eldest granddaughter the most. If Madame Zhuang Junior asked Madame Dou¡¯s maids to look after Jiang Huizhi, no matter how it turned out, it had nothing more to do with Madame Zhuang Junior.

    ¡°It¡¯s better to talk to Uncle Mengmin.¡± Qiu Yn reminded, ¡°The eldest aunt has passed away. And the eldest sister-inw and eldest brother are both away from Jing City. Jiang Huizhi is a girl from the first branch. Even if those few maids are willing to apany her, I guess something may happen anyway. When the timees, how will you be able to afford it?¡±

    Madame Zhuang Junior blushed and said, ¡°That¡¯s right! I¡¯ll go and find my husband right now!¡± It was not as convenient for a daughter-inw to see her father-inw as for a son to see his father.

    Qiu Yn immediately interjected, ¡°I have nothing urgent to do. I¡¯ll watch her for you for a while!¡±

    Once Madame Zhuang Junior left, she said to the steward of the Mansion of Sir Jibei, ¡±Everyone in the Mansion is busy now. If you guys have something to do, then you go ahead and get busy. I¡¯ll just watch her here.¡±

    The steward was an agile man and he excused himself at that moment.

    Qiu Yn did not enter the inner room until now. She said to the maids inside, ¡°I¡¯ll have a few words with Jiang Huizhi alone. You all go out!¡±

    Madame Zhuang Junior¡¯s maids obediently stood up and went out. Jiang Huizhi¡¯s two maids hesitated. After all, the feud between the first branch and the fourth branches still existed.

    ¡°Your eleventh sister-inw and the steward of the Mansion of Sir Jibei all know that I¡¯m here with your madame Jiang Huizhi. Are you still afraid that I¡¯ll hurt her?¡± Qiu Yn plucked the bracelet on her wrist and said unhurriedly.

    Jiang Huizhi choked up a bit and said listlessly, ¡°Go out. If my neenth aunt wants to do something with me, it¡¯s useless for you to be here.¡±

    There was some sarcasm in those words, but Qiu Yn didn¡¯t care. The fourth branch had a feud with her branch as Madame Zhuang killed Madame Dou in public. So it made sense for Qiu Yn to hear a few sarcastic words.

    ¡°You really don¡¯t want to be a concubine of Your Majesty, do you?¡± When the people had gone out, Qiu Yn leaned down in front of her and stared closely into her eyes, asking softly.

    Jiang Huizhi cowered for a moment, tears flowing again, ¡°My branch and I were wrongly used! But you all don¡¯t believe it!¡±

    ¡°Do you still remember what happened that day?¡± Qiu Yn pondered for a moment, still asking in a low voice, ¡°I¡¯ll listen to you and you tell me what happened. Maybe I can try to find the real culprit.¡±

    ¡°¡­ What use is it now?¡± Jiang Huizhi opened her mouth and finally smiled helplessly, ¡°My reputation is already stained. My fifth aunt thinks I¡¯m a street girl¡­ Even if I find the real culprit, can it change my fate?¡±

    Looking at her with a disheartened look, Qiu Yn suddenly said, ¡°Are you seeing anyone? Who is it?¡±

    Jiang Huizhi was caught off guard and blurted out, ¡°You¡¯re talking nonsense¡­¡± She immediately stopped talking as she felt something wrong. But Qiu Yn had already sneered, ¡°Indeed! You keep saying that you don¡¯t want to marry Emperor. And then you brought two maids to theke, pretending tomit suicide. You are only trying to put on a show. What is your purpose? The position of Noble Consort doesn¡¯t satisfy you. Are you contemting letting Aunt Xin give up her position for you?¡±

    Seeing that Jiang Huizhi didn¡¯t say anything, Qiu Yn¡¯s face became serious, ¡±That incident has passed for so long and I didn¡¯t hear you talking aboutmitting suicide or anything before! Last time when my mother returned to Jing City, you even fought for your grandmother. It¡¯s only been a few months, but your attitude has changed so drastically! If you¡¯re not seeing anyone, then I think you¡¯re deliberately being pretentious here. Well, you think I can¡¯t do anything to you just because you shut up and don¡¯t say anything!¡±

    Jiang Huizhi said angrily, ¡°You can beat me to death!¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t!¡± Qiu Yn said coldly, ¡°I¡¯ll drag you to grandfather and tell him about your desire tomit suicide in theke. You just said you didn¡¯t want to marry Emperor. As your aunt, I will let you go! Don¡¯t try to deny what happened just now. I, your eleventh sister-inw, and the steward of the Mansion, so many people witnessed the maids tugging you at theke! Anyway, ah, Emperor has little power nowadays. Even if they¡¯ve agreed to promise you to marry Emperor as a concubine, I think the Jiang Family can still afford the result of breaching it!¡±

    She said as she straightened up and grabbed Jiang Huizhi¡¯s arm with a slight force. Jiang Huizhi was pulled by her and she staggered up as a sh of resentment appeared in her eyes. Instead of being astonished, she sneered, ¡±Go! let¡¯s go! We all know that you and Empress Xin are very close. You can¡¯t wait to deal with me for the Empress. So, what can I do? After all, I am a junior. My aunt is my elder. I¡¯ll give in to you a little. Do as you say!¡±

    When she finished, she said nothing and posed an indifferent attitude with mockery.

    ¡°So, you went to Aunt Tianhe to say those words on purpose, didn¡¯t you?¡± Qiu Yn saw this and sat down instead, asking in a good-natured manner.

    Jiang Huizhi froze and then sneered, ¡°Auntie, if you say so, that is it!¡±

    Qiu Yn alsoughed coldly, ¡±Just now when Aunt Tianhe stopped me and said that you were entangled with her, I felt very weird! Do you know what day it is today? Our youngest grand uncle passed away a few days ago. You and Aunt Tianhe came here to offer condolences, to see off him for thest time! It turned out to be a mess. You¡¯re sick but you are here anyway. Instead of showing your respect, you sought out Aunt Tianhe to talk about something that had nothing to do with the funeral rituals!¡±

    ¡°You know that Aunt Tianhe is a rude and unreasonable woman. She¡¯s been annoyed with you for giving the Empress a hard time! So, you went to her and told her some secrets. And then you took your maids and went to theke, pretending tomit suicide! Even if the eleventh sister-inw and I decide not to spread the news now, so many people have seen you. I think your farce will be known even if you tell the story to Grandpa!¡± Qiu Yn looked at her coldly, ¡°In this way, you let the Empress and her daughter get a reputation for deliberately provoking you to death! Is that what you¡¯re thinking?¡±

    Realizing that Qiu Yn had exposed her secret, Jiang Huizhi¡¯s face stiffened and she simply said frankly, ¡°I just did that. So what? You should me the fifth grand aunt. She is so stupid and vicious! I went to her for forgiveness. But look at what she did! She was more vicious than ever! She even pointed her finger at me and called me a brothel girl! Did she even realize that the one in the pce is just nominally Emperor? He has no power to decide anything for this country. I¡¯m not blind to marry such a puppet!¡±

    She gritted her teeth and said, ¡°I haven¡¯t suffered from such grievance since I was born! My fianc¨¦ and I are about to get married! But our marriage was disrupted. The people in this family, instead of being sympathetic, all think I am a street girl. The position of Noble Consort? I don¡¯t care! The Noble Consort is still a concubine! I never thought that I would actually be a concubine one day. Not even for Emperor!¡±

    Jiang Huizhi let out a gasp. Her pale face flushed with an abnormal redness, ¡±Since I had to marry the Emperor, I must think for myself. Do you think that I don¡¯t know the Empress like Emperor! She married him because the so-called nobleman looked down on her. That was why she had to marry Emperor¡­ What a noblewoman she pretends to be! Are you justified in helping her without asking why?¡±

    Qiu Yn said indifferently, ¡°I¡¯m not the Secretary of the Dalisi. What do I want fairness for? I¡¯ve always been better at helping my own people than reason!¡±

    ¡°But you can¡¯t do it now!¡± Jiang Huizhiughed coldly, ¡°You should me the fifth grandaunt for this time! She deserved it. She is so mean. The truth is right there. It¡¯s useless for her to have a glib tongue!¡±

    She said calmly, ¡°You don¡¯t want me to go to see my second great grand uncle, right? But, I myself just want to go and meet him. So, what do you think we should do? I have said that I want to be a filial junior. Since the Empress and her mother don¡¯t like the idea of me marrying Emperor and bing a concubine, I will grant them their wish. Let¡¯s go and ask the elders. Just don¡¯t let me get in their way. Only a few days ago the Empress gave her word in front of the youngest grand uncle, but now the Empress can¡¯t wait to see me die! Do you think my second great grand uncle will agree with me or not?¡±

    ¡°Of course not. He won¡¯t say yes to you!¡± Qiu Yn looked at her sure look and smiled slightly, ¡°Because you won¡¯t even bother to give him the word!¡±

    Jiang Huizhi had only given a contemptuous smile when she suddenly felt a sharp pain in the back of her head, followed by ckness. She felt unconscious!

    ¡°You dare to do that¡­¡± This was thest thought Jiang Huizhi had before she passed out!

    ¡°How dare you, such a little girl, threaten me?¡± Qiu Yn withdrew her hand knife. As Jiang Huizhi fell headfirst onto the couch, she pped her hands disdainfully, ¡°How dare you to set me up in your plot! Do you think I didn¡¯t realize that you plotted all? You set up your Aunt Tianhe first and then met me and said to me those words. Your purpose was to let me be a part of your n. You wanted others to think that your suicide was provoked because of us!¡±

    She casually pulled a quilt to cover Jiang Huizhi, went out, and shouted to the people who served toe in. She announced carelessly, ¡°She lost her grandmother a few months ago, and learned the sad news of her youngest uncle. She is too sad¡­Now she passed out. You serve her carefully and don¡¯t wake her up! ¡±

    ¡­ She immediately instructed Su He after she went out, ¡°You go out and spread the news that Jiang Huizhi is filial and grief-stricken to pass out. You immediately spread this news out. Within an hour, it¡¯s best that everyone in the Mansion knows the news!¡±

    Turning the negative energy into a positive one, she pondered that the people of the first branch would not dare to go and talk to Marquess Qin again!

    Qiu Yn thought coldly, ¡°You wanted tomit suicide beside theke but you brought two maids with you. What a spoiled girl you are! You can¡¯t even put on a show well! I see why you tried tomit suicide with two maids apanying you now. With your maids beside you, they definitely wouldn¡¯t let you die! Grandfather has no patience to deal with those messes now. But he can see through your trick! Grandfather will be cross with the first branch if they are silly and dare to expose your trick to him. You stupid guys! You don¡¯t even know when you can bring a case! I feel so sorry for my youngest grand uncle now!¡±

 Chapter 427 - Got Poisoned!

    Chapter 427 Got Poisoned!

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t show mercy on Jiang Huizhi when knocking her out. Jiang Huizhi was in aa andpletely woke up two dayster. At this time, praises for her pure filial piety had existed everywhere. Jiang Jingzhi, her eldest younger brother of a concubine, came to tell her the messages and advised her, ¡°After the second great grand uncle knew it, he praised you a lot. The bird¡¯s nest you just ate was specially sent by my third great grand aunt. Now the elders all believe the rumors. It¡¯s not worth it to tell the truth instead!¡±

    After weighing carefully, Jiang Huizhi understood that Jiang Jingzhi¡¯s words were right. She gnashed her teeth for a while and sneered, ¡°At least I have earned a reputation of filial piety! I didn¡¯t harm the Empress this time, but I can do it again next time¡­ There will be ample time. We¡¯ll see!¡±

    However, the sister and the brother didn¡¯t know some other things. These two days Qiu Yn finally found Jiang Tianhe and met her in a secluded ce. Qiu Yn told her all the plots of Jiang Huizhi and advised Jiang Tianhe to speak and conduct gently, not to provide goods for others easily. ¡°Why dispute with your grandchildren as for your seniority and status? Isn¡¯t it right? Even if you¡¯re really angry, you should consider it for the Empress!¡±

    Jiang Tianhe was not too stupid to listen to Qiu Yn¡¯s advice. Although Qiu Yn was her junior, because of the influence of the fourth branch, she couldn¡¯t regard her as other daughters-inw or disregard her. So, she seriously scolded the first branch for being shameless and Jiang Huizhi for being vicious at a young age for a while. And then she said that she would notice itter and wouldn¡¯t let these viins seed again.

    But her anger was far more than being entrapped by Jiang Huizhi¡¯s plots, ¡°In the past Fubing was wronged for the fourth branch. I took it as an excuse to make Qiu Yn be in the wrong and overpower her! However, she gave me back a favor immediately. If I mentioned Fubing¡¯s grievanceter, how could it be so effective? These b*tches of the first branch really always made troubles for me!¡±

    Jiang Tianhe had nned to use the good rtionship between Qiu Yn and Xin Fubing. Qiu Yn¡¯s husband and her brother from her maiden family had totally taken advantage of the deaths of Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing. Xin Fubing had suffered losses for the real murderer. It was expected that Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but feel guilty! Jiang Tianhe wanted to seize her guilty conscience to make her be a partner step by step¡­ Jiang Tianhe schemed well. Unexpectedly, just because of hercency, she personally gave Qiu Yn an opportunity to get even with her at the very beginning!

    ¡°And the fourth branch is deeply favored by my father. My father died, my fourth brother being charged with important tasks may not be able toe back, and my fourth sister-inw muste back on his behalf!¡± Jiang Tianhe bit her lips and felt deeply worried, ¡°If shees back and realizes that I want to draw Qiu Yn in, she will not sit back!¡±

    The couple of the fourth branch was best at protecting their own branch. If they know that she had such intentions, it would be strange for them not to find her directly and fall out with her!

    ¡°Fortunately, I only said those words. I can say that I was angry with the affectations of the first branch so that I spoke impatiently. My father has just passed away. It¡¯s expected that my fourth sister-inw can¡¯t do anything to me no matter how shrewish she is!¡± Jiang Tianhe thought of this and was a little calm. And then she nned how to deal with Jiang Huizhi, ¡°Such a little abject b*tch dared to y tricks in front of me. If I don¡¯t give her a knock, she will really treat me as a person who can be bullied casually!¡±

    Although the confrontation between the two sides was tacitly suppressed by people close to the matter, the funeral ceremony of Sir Jibei was still so abustle and grand. But it could not be concealed from Madame Tao. Madame Tao smiled leisurely to Mom Hu in private, ¡°That¡¯s right! Only if they fight, can wey aside all anxiety and rest content!¡±

    Qiu Yn knew a little about these obscure minds, but she was not in the mood to deal with them. It was because Jiang Jinng was ill!

    Like his cousin An with a formal name called Jiang Jingkun given by Marquess Qin on his first birthday, Jiang Jinng was also born in August. Now he was only four months old. It was conceivable that how frightened Qiu Yn was when such a young child had a fever at that time with bad medical conditions!

    Luckily, although Marquess Qin and others were grieving for Sir Jibei, they also attached great importance to this great grandson. They specially asked Qiu Yn not to help in the Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion and let here back to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion to take care of her son!

    When she hurried back with fear, the child with simr eyebrows and eyes to her in the swaddling clothes flushed from fever. His sickly look made Qiu Yn cry on the spot!

    The room was so quiet that they even could hear a pin drop. Not only Mrs. Zhou and others were terrified, but also Mrs. Qu, who was confident and a little arrogant because she was Madame Zhuang¡¯s trusted subordinate, lost her arrogance and carefully exined, ¡°We took care of him as usual without making him get in a draught or helping him take off clothes. He fevered this morning! I really can¡¯t think of anything wrong.¡±

    Qiu Yn touched her son¡¯s small face and felt the heat with her hands. She only felt extremely upset with sorrow. How could she have the mind to condemn them? She asked the doctor continuously, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? When can he get better? Is there a way to reduce his fever immediately?¡±

    At that time, it wasmon for children to die young whether in the royal pce or the rural families. Moreover, such a young child that had a fever might inevitably be mentally retarded even if he or she could survive. How dared the doctor promise her? But he also didn¡¯t dare to say something serious to her and could only fumble with an embarrassed look!

    When Qiu Yn waspletely impatient and her tone became more severe, fortunately, Dr. Lin arrived at themand of Marquess Qin and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, madame. Your son makes his own luck! Could you please let me check him?¡±

    Qiu Yn gave him the child in the swaddling clothes without saying a word!

    Dr. Lin had served Marquess Qin for many years and had a noble position in the Jiang Family. He was not as timid as thest doctor. He asked the servants to turn the heating floor up. After confirming that Jiang Jinng would not be chilled for unfolding the swaddling clothes, he started to observe and palpate. After that, his face became clouded immediately and he said in a deep voice, ¡°He is not ill. He got poisoned!¡±

    Qiu Yn was shocked. Mrs. Qu, Mrs. Zhou, and others also looked at each other in fear!

    ¡°Can this kind of poison be detoxified?!¡± Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t stand stable when she asked the doctor and Mrs. Qu hurriedly supported her before she fell!

    ¡°¡­ Please let me prepare two medicines and ask the wet nurse to drink, and then feed him.¡± Dr. Lin knew Jiang Jinng¡¯s position in the eyes of Marquess Qin. Although he couldn¡¯t see whether the baby who was only four months old was clever or not, considering the talent of his biological father and his uncle, who dared to say that he would not be another gifted person of the Jiang Family in the future?

    If so, he would be the guarantee of the long-term prosperity of the Jiang Family!

    So, he thought for a long time before answering her question, but he didn¡¯t dare to give an urate answer. For fear that Qiu Yn might ask him intensely, he quickly changed the topic and said, ¡°The top priority is to find out how he was poisoned?¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Qu, you go outside to guard the door, and no one is allowed to go in and go out!¡± Qiu Yn repressed her fear and anger and ordered in a deep voice, ¡°Mrs. Zhou, you call all the people in the yard out and let them monitor each other. If someone dares to hide any hints, don¡¯t me me for being cruel and merciless. Su He, you go to the Ruan¡¯s Mansion and borrow more men to search the yard inch by inch!¡±

    At this critical moment, she trusted these people left by Qiu Jinn more!

    After giving urgent orders, Qiu Yn carefully picked up her son and choked, ¡°Dr. Lin, please check the things close to Lang¡¯er and see if there is anything wrong.¡±

    ¡­ Although Dr. Lin found out that the room where Jiang Jinng lived was all right, Qiu Yn was worried to put her son in it. She sent a person to Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion to ask Madame Tao¡¯s permission and borrow several rooms in Madame Tao¡¯s yard. Not only Jiang Jinng, but also Jiang Jingkun and the child of Jiang Qizheng and Qiu Feng who previously lived in the same room with Jiang Jinng, were all moved to the other two rooms!

    The most valued and noble great grandson of the Jiang Family was unexpectedly poisoned during his great grand uncle¡¯s mourning period! When the news reached Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion, even if the funeral ceremony was not over, all people were stunned!

    Marquess Qin was particrly angry, ¡°Check out! Check it out! Borrow helpers from me if you don¡¯t have enough hands! Find out the culprit and cut him to pieces!¡±

    Madame Ou forced herself to hold on. She urged Jiang Yashuang to go back and give a hand, ¡°With such a serious matter happened, your wife must be worried about the child. How can she have spare time to find the culprit out? Go and help her.¡±

    Being afraid of being blocked by Marquess Qin, she specially sent a servant to tell Marquess Qin, ¡°Although Kunlun took good care of Tianchi before he died, that¡¯s what an uncle should do. Now Jiang Yadan, Tianchi¡¯s eldest trueborn son, is enough to be here. If something happens to Jiang Yashuang¡¯s room, don¡¯t detain Jiang Yashuang for courtesy. If Kunlun knew it, he would ask Jiang Yashuang to go back and protect his child at the moment!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang returned to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion with a pale face. He only nced at the child in a rush and then Qiu Yn asked him to find out the culprit, ¡°I¡¯ll watch him with other servants and you can¡¯t give a hand here! Find out the person who harmed our child! My grandfather said he would cut the culprit alive, right? I¡¯ll do it by myself!¡±

    On this day, the atmosphere was extremely depressing in both Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion and Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion.

    All people stopped fighting openly or secretly and stopped cking off, lest they would offend Marquess Qin and other masters!

    In the room of Madame Tao¡¯s yard, Qiu Yn touched her son¡¯s forehead to check the temperature again and again. The baby¡¯s hair on the top head was dark. He had thick eyebrows and long eyshes like Qiu Yn. His pink face turned abnormal purplish red, but it looked white touched with red and was so lovely that people would love him so much. The child was her son and her own blood. Her heart was softened when she just looked at him. The loud cry and powerful kick at his birth seemed to be still lively in front of her eyes, but now he fell asleep. Each breath that he exhaled was so difficult and hot. Qiu Yn had never felt so helpless and sad!

    ¡°Are there other prescriptions?¡±

    ¡°Change another wet nurse to take medicine!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve served my grandfather for so many years. Your medical skill must be superb! There must be another way, right?¡±

    Even if Qiu Yn had little medical knowledge, she also knew that if Jiang Jinng¡¯s current temperature can¡¯t be dropped tonight, the child will be a disabled person even if he could live tomorrow morning! She looked at Dr. Lin and said with a trembling voice. Dr. Lin, who was always calm, turned away in embarrassment.

    This action made Qiu Yn¡¯s heart almost sink to the bottom, ¡°Can¡¯t you really do anything about it?¡±

    ¡°He is too young!¡± Dr. Lin whispered and considered his words, ¡°The cures that can be used for ordinary people can¡¯t be used on him, and the poison¡­ It¡¯s too difficult to expel the poison!¡±

    Qiu Yn only felt a whirl of heaven and earth!

    ¡°Tell Jiang Yashuang that there is only one way now! Find out the culprit immediately and ask for the antidote!¡± The exmation of the servants seemed to be noisy. The noise was both far and near to her. Qiu Yn pinched her fingernails into the palm of her hand hard to stimte herself to stay awake with pain. She couldn¡¯t copse now. Her son needed her!

    ¡°Find out the source of the poison even by tearing down our yard!¡±

    ¡°Find out all people that went in and out of our yard these days. Even a dog can¡¯t be missed!¡±

    ¡°Check all the things that were taken in our yard, including a leaf, a drop of rain, and a piece of snow. Check out whether those things are poisoned or not!¡±

    ¡­ At night, Marquess Qin still didn¡¯t receive the news that his great grandson had turned to be safe, or that the culprit had been captured. He finally couldn¡¯t repress his anxiety. He asked Madame Ou to forgive him and went back to the mansion in person. As soon as the sedan stopped in front of the mansion, the bodyguards outside the sedan suddenly became alert, ¡°Who is there?¡±

 Chapter 428 - What a Good-for-nothing Madame He Is!

    Chapter 428 What a Good-for-nothing Madame He Is!

    The Jiang Family had had great influence in the imperial court for many years. The family had both good and bad children. Even in daylight, except for someone with a visiting card, no one dared to linger in front of the gate, let alone at midnight.

    Just in two seconds¡­

    The bodyguards around the sedan already pulled their arrows and swords out of their scabbards. The flickering cold light pointed directly at the shadow that ordinary people could easily ignore on the street corner. They would kill him or her immediately when something was wrong!

    At the same time, the gate of the Marquess¡¯s Mansion opened with a bang and two teams of fully armed bodyguards rushed out to surround the sedan, using their bodies as a barrier to protect the sedan and escorting it into the mansion quickly!

    ¡°Keep one alive and find out his or her identity!¡± Marquess Qin got off the sedan behind the screen wall and gave an order without looking back, and then he hurried to his wife¡¯s yard!

    But when he was halfway there, a trusted bodyguard came up with sweat dripping from his face and told him, ¡°The woman on the street corner imed that she was Qiu Qian, madame Qiu¡¯s cousin from her maiden family. She said that she had brought the antidote that could expel the poison that the seventeenth grand young master got!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Even Marquess Qin with such great shrewdness could not help eximing! Without hesitation, he immediately ordered, ¡°Bring the woman and the antidote in quickly! Quickly! Detain the woman first and take the antidote to Dr. Lin to check out!¡±

    This sudden turnaround made the whole mansion at a loss!

    However, when Dr. Lin announced with a happy face that the antidote was true, everyone had no intention to care about Qiu Qian and waited for thetest news of Jiang Jinng¡¯s condition!

    Perhaps it was because Jiang Jinng inherited the physique of his parents better than ordinary people though he was young. Perhaps it was because that the antidote came in time and Dr. Lin also had good medical skills. At dawn, Jiang Jinng¡¯s temperature finally returned to normal!

    Looking at the little face that was a little pale after the bright red faded in the swaddling clothes, Qiu Yn wept with joy!

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s eyes were filled with tears and silently stroked her back. The couple didn¡¯t notice that even Marquess Qin, who was always firm and strong, turned his head quietly and wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes.

    At noon, Dr. Lin finally announced with confidence, ¡°The grand young master has a deep blessing. Now he has turned the crisis into safety! There will be no more idents!¡±

    Everyone breathed a sigh of relief!

    At this time, Qiu Qian was mentioned, ¡°Since she can bring the antidote, does she know the culprit?¡±

    ¡°Anyway, she has saved our child¡¯s life!¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t close her eyes all day and night and was highly nervous all the time. Now she was like a spent arrow, but she still forced herself to see Qiu Qian and ask about the matter, ¡°As long as she is not the culprit, I really have to thank her regardless of her identity!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked at her tired face and wanted to persuade her, but he caught a glimpse of fear and resentment that had not dispersed in the depths of her tired pupils. It was clear to him. How could he not want to find out the culprit as soon as possible and revenge for his beloved son?

    He was about to say something, but he heard the voice of Marquess Qin, ¡°You two go together! I¡¯ll watch Lang¡¯er here!¡±

    ¡°Grandfather?¡± The couple was slightly surprised. Although they were exhausted because they were busy with their son until now, they were better at being young and could still hold on. Although Marquess Qin was old but vigorous, he mourned the death of Sir Jibei for two days. He also apanied his great grandson all night yesterday. How could he still look after Lang¡¯er?

    Marquess Qin waved his hand and didn¡¯t mind about it, ¡°I¡¯ll stay here and I don¡¯t think anyone dares to harm Lang¡¯er under my eyes! I¡¯ll sleep here when I¡¯m sleepy¡­ It¡¯s clear that the woman has been spying near the gate of the mansion for a long time. She showed up only when she saw mee back. You should know very well about it!¡±

    The couple understood what he meant. Their hearts sank!

    Although Jiang Jinng¡¯s poisoning was sudden, to be honest, it was reasonable. Not to mention the hatred that the fourth branch incited before, as for the super talents of his uncle and his biological father, the child had shouldered endless expectations since he was born from the two most important elders of the Jiang Family, Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei!

    Only the expectations were enough to arouse murderous schemes out of jealousy!

    So, whether the culprit was alone or not, someone from the Jiang Family must have been involved in it!

    Otherwise, Mrs. Qu, Mrs. Zhou, and others took their lives to ensure that even a cat didn¡¯t enter into the yard in the past two days, let alone a person. Jiang Jinng¡¯s condition was going as usual. Their yard was almost demolished totally but they didn¡¯t find the source of the poison. It was so clear that no one believed that it was done by outsiders!

    It was better to believe that the poison slipped into the yard and harmed Jiang Jinng!

    Now Jiang Jinng was out of danger. It could be seen that Qiu Qian was sincere to save him. In that case, why should she wait and show up until she saw Marquess Qin¡¯s sedan? After all, if something bad happened to Jiang Jinng at this age, dying treatment might cause an irreparable tragedy!

    The reason why Qiu Qian dyed must be that she was afraid of being blocked by the traitor. If so, not only couldn¡¯t she save the child, but she could be harmed!

    If Marquess Qin had note back to see his great grandson in person, the couple who tossed around in their backyard wouldn¡¯t know that Qiu Qian outside the mansion had the antidote to save their son. And then¡­

    Thinking of this, Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn both broke into a sweat with shock!

    ¡°For the sake of your youngest grand uncle, I¡¯m not sure now. You¡¯d better think over and tell me after you hear her words!¡± Marquess Qin stared at his great grandson in the swaddling clothes and said in a slow voice, ¡°Your youngest grand uncle passed away suddenly, but there¡¯s no one among you who canpletely shoulder the responsibility¡­ I have to hold on! Perhaps in this time, I can only keep away from it!¡±

    ¡°Grandpa, take care!¡± Jiang Yashuang whispered andforted Marquess Qin with a pale face.

    ¡°The most important thing to pass down the fire is the firewood. The fire can be lit slowly. Even if the fire is weak at first, it is not difficult to flourish when the firewood is enough! But if there is no firewood, no matter how thriving it is, the fire will be extinguished sooner orter.¡± Marquess Qin smiled sadly, ¡°Regardless of something far away from us, the Tao Family is a ready-made example. Therefore, the reason why I am willing to pay attention to you and Lang¡¯er not only lies in my own preferences. I must do so and I should do so. Do you understand?¡±

    Before Jiang Yashuang answered, he waved his hand again and whispered, ¡°Go and leave me alone!¡±

    The couple silently withdrew from the room and went to the outer corridor. Guessing that Marquess couldn¡¯t hear them, Qiu Yn whispered, ¡°Is it the first branch or the third branch?¡±

    ¡°Ask Qiu Qian!¡± Jiang Yashuang¡¯s thin lips closed tightly. Under the windmp, his eyes were bright and sharp like a de, ¡°She sent the antidote. How could she not know it?¡±

    But Qiu Qian said that she really didn¡¯t know!

    After Jiang Jinng¡¯s temperature reduced after taking the antidote she sent, Marquess Qin ordered people to treat her as a guest of honor. At the moment, after bathing and dressing, she looked like a youngdy of a noble family when she was dressed in silks and satins, but her eyes were full of wildness and aggression, which showed her personality indirectly. When she saw Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yning in, she said, ¡°I bumped into it by chance and took efforts to steal the antidote. I don¡¯t know the context of the matter! I don¡¯t know who is the culprit!¡±

    Qiu Yn was about to say something, but Jiang Yashuang said first, ¡°We now have only one son. If there is something wrong that happens to him, we can¡¯t live anymore! No matter who saves our child, we won¡¯t refuse any demands even a great reward.¡±

    ¡°What Sister Mei said is absolutely right!¡± Qiu Qian picked up the fruit from the silver te in front of her and spit the core casually. She saidzily, ¡°I sent you the antidote. Your first thought is not to thank me, but to doubt whether I¡¯m the culprit.¡±

    She looked at Qiu Yn with a sneer, ¡°Our power and ability can¡¯t break the ¡®Tianya¡¯. Do you think your good brother will give us this kind of opportunity?¡±

    ¡°They grew up with my brother. Mr. Ren who apanies my brother is theirmon mentor.¡± Qiu Yn said to her husband after keeping silent for a while.

    The implication was that she believed that Qiu Qian and the other two people would not be the person who harmed Jiang Jinng, not only because they had no secrets for Ren Ziyong and Qiu Jinn and they were impossible to be a threat to Qiu Yn, but also because murdering Jiang Jinng was harmful to them.

    ¡­ A long time ago, when Qiu Qian and Mei Xue failed to get out of house arrest, they told Qiu Yn that Qiu Jinn still hadn¡¯t paid remuneration! And Qiu Jinn was in Shazhou until now. He would return to Jing City at the marriage of Ou Qinn next year! Now if they were trying to kill Qiu Jinn¡¯s nephew, weren¡¯t they asking for deaths?

    Of course, Qiu Qian saved Jiang Jinng, but as Mei Xue said, the Jiang Family would never treat her immediately as the life-saving benefactor of the Jiang Family¡¯s children for the antidote! Unless she could prove that she didn¡¯t make Jiang Jinng poisoned!

    ¡°I left several important objects in that yard when I got away from there in a hurry. Later, I heard that all of those objects were taken by the first branch of your family.¡± Qiu Qian said the origin of the antidote slightly, ¡°Although I was distressed, I could only feel lucky to get away from there in time when thinking of the Jiang Family¡¯s power!¡±

    ¡°Butter, you didn¡¯t make great efforts to find us. The management of the Marquess¡¯s Mansion has be looser and looser in the past six months!¡±

    ¡°Three months ago, I even risked to dress up as a servant girl and strolled around the yard of the first branch! Although I didn¡¯t have a chance to go inside to find my objects. I don¡¯t know if they are still there. Those objects are the relics left by my father. They may not be precious in the eyes of other people and be thrown away at random. But if I can find them back, I still want to find them.¡±

    ¡°I was scolded by Sister Mei seriously after I went back that time, and my brother almost beat me! They said I was too reckless and it would be terrible if I was found!¡±

    Speaking of this, Qiu Qian pursed her lips, ¡°And then I was locked up for three months! Two days ago, Sir Jibei passed away. People of the Marquess¡¯s Mansion rushed to offer condolences and help. It was even more chaotic here. I sent two men to sneak in without much effort. Although it was difficult to enter into the rooms of each branch, no one asked them when they wandered around the garden or other ces. Of course, I came to find those objects by myself! After all, I¡¯ve always carried those objects close to me, and my men haven¡¯t seen it before. They might not be able to find them urately!¡±

    ¡°As a result, after sneaking into the first branch, I heard someone saying something about poison. Those old women wanted to simply throw away the antidote. You know that my martial arts were abolished before. It was hard for me to fight with them so it took me much effort to knock the two old women out and steal the antidote!¡±

    ¡°But I didn¡¯t know where was the fourth branch and I didn¡¯t dare to ask the way. So, I went back to ask Sister Mei for help.¡±

    When Qiu Qian said this, she stroked her hair on the temples and said casually, ¡°Sister Mei asked me to hide near the gate of the Marquess¡¯s Mansion and stare at it. She told me never to appear unless I saw the couple of Marquess Qin, you, or your trusted subordinates! Otherwise, who knows if I may be caught by someone.¡±

    She threw up her hands and said, ¡°Well, my story is over. By the way, can you help me get my father¡¯s relics back from the first branch?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn did not answer her but remained silent for a long time.

    After a long time, the two people shouted angrily, ¡°What good-for-nothing Madame He is!¡±

    If it were the time that He Shuijin was in charge of the family, let alone Qiu Qian who could sneak into the mansion and stroll around without being found, her men who wanted to sneak in would expect to have a burst of luck!

    And what about Madame He? Qiu Qian simply took the Marquess¡¯s Mansion as the backyard garden! And since Qiu Qian could do this, what about other people?

    No wonder they didn¡¯t find any results in their yard. The yard they lived in was in the mansion. They thought it was under heavy protection. How many precautions could they have? How much protection could they have? How could they think that the courtyard wall had long been prated by people?

    ¡°Since you heard about the poison matter in the first branch and got the antidote from there, why don¡¯t you know who is the culprit?¡± After Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn scolded Madame He, they barely calmed down and asked Qiu Qian suspiciously.

 Chapter 429 - I Consider You My Sister from Now On!

    Chapter 429 I Consider You My Sister from Now On!

    Both Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn knew that although Qiu Qian grabbed the antidote from the first branch, the third branch was also suspected. Even if Madame He was seen as a bad housekeeper and made some changes during this time, it couldn¡¯t be rendered into such a bad situation in such a short period as He Shuijinid a solid foundation for her before she left only a few months ago.

    As the Jiang Family didn¡¯t divide up family property or live apart, the spending of food and clothing of each branch went into public ounts, for which the third branch Madame He was responsible. If she was useless, then the problems would not only emerge in the bodyguards but also in the management of the mansion, including the shares of each branch. So, the fourth branch could find the problems and take precautions even though they never got involved in the housekeeping matters.

    But the monthly shares were as usual in these months. How could the third branch not be suspected?

    But the fourth branch had been feuding with more than just these two branches over the years. So, who could know if there were other people involved this time? Obviously, they had to find out the truth.

    ¡°You should just give up.¡± Qiu Qian said bluntly, ¡°I was willing to get involved in this because you treated me and Mei Xue well with the generous daily provision and protected us from humiliation when we were under your house arrest after the Gu Family fell, even though you had ulterior motives. Now that your child is safe and sound, you should find out the real culprit by yourselves. As Mei Xue said it was most likely to be the internal struggle in your family. People like us who get involved in your family matters will be considered as seeking death!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°You just tell us the truth. I¡¯ll keep you safe with my own life! In addition, if you have any conditions, just tell us.¡±

    Qiu Qian replied without raising her head, ¡°No need! Now it¡¯s not the time yet for you to be in charge of the Jiang Family. Even though your life is valuable, for us, if we lose our own lives, what¡¯s the use of having your life?¡±

    ¡°Before we got back here, our grandfather also stated that this matter would be thoroughly investigated until we could find out the real culprit and punish him.¡± Qiu Yn also tried to relieve her.

    But Qiu Qian sneered, ¡°That¡¯s your grandfather, not mine! Marquess Qin would definitely have a good word for both of you as you are his excellent grandson as well as his daughter-inw. But for the culprit like me who causes his children and grandchildren to feud with each other, how could he show the same mercy? He also didn¡¯t need to get to the bottom of this incident. He could make me die in my boots easily. This might implicate my brother and Mei Xue. Is this how you n to repay me?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± The couple didn¡¯t say anything for a while and then continued, ¡°But you did find the antidote from the first branch and then the first branch is certainly involved!¡±

    ¡°Not necessarily!¡± Qiu Qian faintly said, ¡°Firstly, I could find the way to grab the antidote and run away. I didn¡¯t know whether those several olddies were from the big branch. Secondly, even if they were, I did not hear them mentioning any members of your family. It¡¯s most likely that the secret pawn is trying to provoke conflicts. Anyway, I only care about saving your son. I really don¡¯t care about who is the real culprit.¡±

    Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°Qiu Qian, do you know many people have known that you brought the antidote to us? Now if you are unwilling to tell us the real culprit, do you think the real culprit will spare you? You simply tell us and leave us to dispose of him. You will be much safer, right?¡±

    ¡°But I didn¡¯t say where I took the antidote!¡± Qiu Qian shook her head and said, ¡°Now because there are only three of us here, I told you that I grabbed it from the first branch. I am afraid that if I don¡¯t tell you clearly the process of getting the antidote, you will end up suspecting me. So, I will not admit anything I said in this room the moment I leave here. I will also spread the information that I will leave you a note, to tell the truth, if the real culprit dares to kill me. But if I¡¯m safe, I won¡¯t tell the secret. Today, I don¡¯t report the real culprit. He has the reason to believe that I won¡¯t report him at ater time. Anyway, if you want me to tell the real culprit, you can send someone to torture me. If you are unwilling to get the truth in this way, then let me go. And by the way, return the things I left behind in the first branch.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s expression got unpleasant and he said, ¡°You simply underestimate us!¡±

    This remark indicated that the couple wouldn¡¯t make her report the real culprit in a coercive way. Even though Jiang Yashuang and his wife Qiu Yn were not fainthearted and hesitant in action, they were not ungrateful either as Qiu Qian just saved their son¡¯s life despite the grudges between them.

    ¡°If you really are unwilling to tell the truth, then so be it.¡± Qiu Yn nced at her husband and said, ¡°It¡¯s already November. My brother might note back this year. We have to wait until next year when he gets married. What exactly does he promise to offer you?¡±

    Qiu Qian curled her lip and said, ¡°Tianya! Can you give me that?¡±

    ¡°Tianya?¡± The couple froze for a moment and said, ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Otherwise, do you think the three of us would like to do so much willingly?¡± Qiu Qian pursed her lips, ¡°After the revenge, he will pursue his official career and hands us Tianya. From then on, we won¡¯t have any contacts between us. This is the deal that he and my brother made in those years! But the revenge had been taken for so many years. He is trying to stay at Shazhou and refuses toe back. Do you think that it is necessary to hurry him toe back soon?¡±

    Qiu Yn subconsciously exined for Qiu Jinn, ¡°He has been really busy all the time.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why we have nothing better to do now!¡± Qiu Qian sighed, ¡°Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t bother to sneak around here!¡±

    ¡°Did your brother take Deng Yi away?¡± Jiang Yashuang suddenly asked, ¡°What exactly did Gu Yan hand over to him?¡±

    Qiu Qian hummed, ¡°Gu Yan said so? I really don¡¯t know whether he wants to trap Deng Yi or protect him? It was my brother who took Deng Yi away but it had nothing to do with Gu Yan! In the beginning, Gu Yan forced my brother to kill the former emperor and then intended to kill my brother afterwards. It was Deng Yi who saved my brother and asked my brother to take him out of the control of the Gus. So, my brother fled with him together!¡±

    ¡°And what about now?¡±

    ¡°Now he¡¯s helping Mei Xue and working as a bookkeeper for a few of our stores!¡± Speaking here, Qiu Qian seemed to remember something and pped her hands, saying, ¡°All right. Do you wanna repay me? Mei Xue told me to ask for a favor for him if possible. He is good at keeping ounts. Nowadays he indeed has nowhere to go. But he is a trustworthy person as Mei Xue stated!¡±

    Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang were speechless when hearing that. Deng Yi was considered as a sessful candidate in the highest imperial examinations by the Gu family and as a person of great ability and tremendous potential. Now he ended up being valued because of his ability to keep ounts.¡±

    Reorganizing his emotions, Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°As long as he does leave the Gus and does not bear us no malice, helping him is just a piece of cake.¡± He mused, ¡°Do you have any other requests?¡±

    ¡°Money!¡± Qiu Qian did not hesitate to say, ¡°Tianya used to be extremely rich, but the money has almost been spent up by Qiu Jinn. Even if it¡¯s not, he might not be willing to leave us much. Therefore, we are now short of money. Many people in Tianya have died in the hands of Qiu Jinn and training people are also costly!¡±

    ¡°Ok, no problem.¡± Jiang Yashuang agreed without hesitation, not even bothering to ask how much money she needed as he had the reason to promise that because of the current power and influence of the Jiang family.

    ¡°Do you really n to wander around the corners of the country and have nothing serious to do?¡± Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°In terms of bloodline, you are also from the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe¡­¡±

    Qiu Qian interrupted her and asked in reply, ¡°Have you seen that I act like ady from a royal family?¡± When she said this, she sat on the seat, grabbed arge handful of candied fruit in her hand, and threw one into her mouth while talking, with an expression of not caring what other people thinking of her. Though beautiful and lovely she was, she behaved recklessly with unruly expressions in her eyes. Even a maid from a rich family was even more civilized than her.

    ¡°You are good-looking!¡± Qiu Yn hesitated for a moment before saying.

    Thisment made all three people in the roomugh out loud, making the atmosphere much lighter.

    ¡°Being good-looking is just superficial. But I didn¡¯t notice anything wrong with you when you used to study at the all-girls school of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe.¡± Qiu Yn continued, ¡°How about your brother¡¯s face¡­¡± It was appropriate to say grace instead of grievance in such a situation. But she only mentioned without further discussion, ¡°No matter what it is, you are a girl and have grown up. You shouldn¡¯t apany your brother to wander around with nothing serious to do. From my perspective, you should return to your original family. But you don¡¯t have to bother Yang. I promise to arrange the whole thing for you.¡±

    ¡°We are not the kind of persons who are willing to be officials!¡± Qiu Qian narrowed her eyes and said lightly, ¡°Originally my brother participated in the imperial examination with an aim ofpleting his mission. My brother¡¯s face was destroyed. This incident, for persons with powers and influences like you, should be a family feud. But for us, it is just trivial. In fact, my brother doesn¡¯t really care about the status of Hanlin Academy. So, we¡¯d rather wander around all the corners of the country.¡±

    Qiu Yn could tell that she really meant it. She sighed and said cautiously, ¡°No matter what it is, we are originally cousins in terms of bloodline! This time you saved my child. From now on I consider you as my sister! And if you need anything, just ask!¡±

    ¡°My father¡¯s relics¡­¡± Qiu Qian said with a dark face, ¡°I¡¯ve mentioned it for the third time, haven¡¯t I?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said awkwardly, ¡°I will immediately send someone to look for it in the first branch!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang demanded Su He take Qiu Qian to the guest room to rest and then made his trusted guards responsible for her safety. Their courtyard was in such a mess after the searching so they decided to direct towards Madame Tao¡¯s courtyard to see their son.

    Just before entering the door, they saw the old servant of Marquess Qin waiting quietly behind the door with his arms folding in his sleeves and his figure slightly hunched.

    ¡°Mr. Jiang, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Jiang Yashuang was personally taught by Marquess Qin so he was quite familiar with the trusted servant Mr. Jiang who used to be the personal guard of Marquess Qin when he was still in the army and had saved him many times. Marquess Qin trusted him deeply and conferred him the surname Jiang. So, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s generation had to respect him as their uncle.

    It seemed like that he was waiting for someone. The couple was taken aback and couldn¡¯t help but get worried.

    Mr. Jiang came over and bowed, telling that Marquess Qin and Jiang Jinng were fine. ¡°Marquess Qin is already asleep. So, I took the opportunity to get away and came over to see whether you woulde over here again.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang mused and said softly, ¡°Do you have anything to say to us?¡±

    ¡°Since you¡¯re asking, I guess you know what I¡¯m going to say.¡± Mr. Jiang sighed and said in a choked voice, ¡°Marquess Qin is even five years older than Sir Jibei¡­ The Kui County is still afraid to send us messages until now.¡±

    ¡°Although Marquess Qin knew what was happening this time, if you continue to dig the truth, it will be such a big blow for him when the truthes out.¡± The old servant, who used to be calm and sensible, sobbed like a child at the moment, ¡°So, I¡¯m begging you to pretend nothing happened given thete death of Sir Jibei, which already caused a heavy blow to Marquess Qin.¡±

    Qiu Yn subconsciously nced at her husband. Jiang Yashuang was looking at Mr. Jiang silently with a pale face.

    ¡°Of course, Marquess Qin had told that you didn¡¯t need to report to him. But you could imagine that even though both of you wouldn¡¯t tell him, could you make sure that the others wouldn¡¯t tell him the truth?¡± The old man wept bitterly, trembling to kneel down, and continued, ¡°You two¡­ actually didn¡¯t necessarily to endure this for much longer¡­ I just saw Marquess Qin¡­ vomiting blood¡­ right after you two left!¡±

    ¡°Marquess Qin hid the handkerchief in his sleeve and winked at me to keep silent¡­¡±

    ¡°If you continue to dig the truth¡­¡±

    ¡°And then Marquess Qin would¡­¡±

    The old man¡¯s suppressed cries drifted in the evening¡¯s afterglow, making the season even bleaker.

    Qiu Yn clung to her husband¡¯s sleeve with her mind in turmoil.

    After a long hesitation, she noticed that Jiang Yashuang, with his eyes closed, seemingly used all his strength to squeeze out a word ¡°Ok!¡±

 Chapter 430 - Finding Out the Poison Source

    <h4>Chapter 430 - Finding Out the Poison Source</h4>

    Watching Mr. Jiang¡¯s receding figure, Jiang Yashuang turned his head and looked at his wife and said, ¡°My grandfather¡­¡±

    ¡°The good thing is that Lang¡¯er is fine.¡± Qiu Yn, with her eyes drifting, said lightly, ¡°Even though we can spare the real culprit, we still need to find out who he is. Otherwise, who knows whether he will hurt us again or not?¡±

    She didn¡¯t care about the promise she made to He Shuijin because it was a matter of her son¡¯s life and death, and said, ¡°The reason why He Shuijin insisted on staying at the eighth sister-inw¡¯s mountain vi on purpose and refused to leave was that her first child was murdered by Madame He. This time when she found she was pregnant again, she was afraid that her child would be murdered again. So, she took advantage of the opportunity when mother was in Jing City. She offered to go there to find out the truth in the name of justice for the eighth sister-inw and An.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said with his pupils suddenly contracting, ¡°Really?¡± He remembered the secret behavior of Qiu Yn and Su He during the summer vacation. He tried to find out why they behaved so secretly, but Qiu Yn refused to tell. So, he let it go given that continuing to investigate would ruin their rtionship. Who knew that this narrowly cost their beloved son¡¯s life?

    ¡°If you had told me earlier, perhaps¡­¡± With such thoughts surfacing, he got upset, but when he noticed his wife¡¯s haggardplexion, he suppressed his anger, ¡°Go on!¡±

    ¡°You know her temperament. She will avenge herself on such a big loss! But Madame He is her mother-inw and even her aunt! If she disclosed the ugly behaviors of Madame He to the public, it would damage the Qiao Chengbo Family¡¯s reputation. She has always been a sensible person. How could she be willing to sacrifice the reputation of her family because of Madame He? I¡¯ve thought it before that her leaving this time would be her two-fold n. That is avoiding Madame He¡¯s harmful behaviour and finding a way to trap her.¡±

    ¡± Lang¡¯er was poisoned. For the sake of grandfather¡¯s health, you could y dumb. But Madame He is the person in charge of family matters. How could she absolve herself from responsibility when our son was poisoned at home!¡±

    Qiu Yn said calmly, ¡°I helped her when she had a miscarriage. And she begged me not to disclose it to anyone for the sake of her family¡¯s reputation, and I agreed to do so. I had no intention of breaking my promise, but she shouldn¡¯t have gotten the idea of hurting our child!¡±

    When she called Madame He moron, she thought of He Shuijin, ¡°The Jiang Family raised their reputation from the military, and family members were not allowed to apany living in the military. And Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei were both born from a poor family and had no one in the higher position to count on. So, they had to fight if they wanted to get a promotion. Thus, there was little time left for the family. That was why thedy of the Jiang Family had to deal with everything all by herself.¡±

    So, even after Marquess Qin became an imperial official, only Jiang Tianchi chose to join the military for the generation of Jiang Tianao. But the tradition that has been inherited for many years doesn¡¯t change. It is that the men of the Jiang Family have long only focused on business affairs and not concerned themselves with family matters unless something goes wrong.

    ¡°As the Jiang Family feuded with so many enemies over the years, Marquess¡¯s Mansion reinforced its defense!¡± Although Qiu Yn did not see the Jiang Family¡¯s guards¡¯ reaction speed and resilience when Marquess Qin entered and Qiu Qian was found snooping. She did remember that Jiang Yashuang had mentioned that the guards were all elite soldiers from the Northern Army when she climbed over the wall of the other courtyard of the Jiang Family to meet Jiang Yashuang in the middle of the night before her marrying Jiang Yashuang. So, it could be imagined how strong the defense was at Marquess¡¯s Mansion.

    ¡°These people are nominally under the control ofdy of the house. In fact, even Madame Dou, who had experience in the military, was unable to dictate in this regard. This is a matter of life and death. How could we not listen to the advice from the experts?¡±

    ¡°Now grandfather is still alive and living here. These guards¡¯ abilities can¡¯t be ignored even ifdy of the house is unreliable. So, how could they allow a person like Qiu Qian to sneak in and out without notice? We have the reason to believe that she was let in purposedly. Madame He didn¡¯t have the ability to allow her in. Allowing a reckless person like Qiu Qian into our mansion was a risky move. The guards on duty would be punished severely once it was found out.¡±

    ¡°To cover the whole thing without a second person knowing it is not a job one or two guards could achieve. To win so many guards over is not something that can be done in one year and a half either. Not to mention the influence of Madame He, even if she had the influence, it would be impossible for her as she has only been in charge of the family matters for just a few months. It might be possible that she didn¡¯t even have enough time to identify all the house guards, not to mention she managed to analyze which guards could be won over by any means and which couldn¡¯t, and which ways should be used to win them over¡­ Anyway, it¡¯s something Madame He couldn¡¯t achieve.¡±

    Only He Shuijin had the chance to do this. She managed the ounts before she married Jiang Yaheng. After the marriage, she was in charge of everything except the official business. She had the opportunity and time to win the guards over by any means!

    ¡°Furthermore, Qiu Qian told us that she sneaked in three months ago. It was about the time when Lang¡¯er was a month old. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a coincidence. It happened at the time when something happened in our family. There is no secret that Madame He is not good at managing family matters and she usually struggles to cope with it. There was always something going wrong when there were family matters to attend such as the celebration of the first month of Lang¡¯er and the death of the youngest grand uncle. Who wouldn¡¯t think that this happened because of herck of ability?¡±

    By doing so, it would purge He Shuijin of suspicion, and the guards she won over were able to shift most of the me to Madame He¡¯s blindmand!

    ¡°I¡¯ll send someone to the capital immediately!¡± Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face fell, ¡°We have a son. But He Shuijin herself is also getting pregnant. I have no problem with her avenging her first child. That¡¯s her own business. But if she dares to use our children as the trigger, I won¡¯t spare her. She expected that Qiu Qian would bring the antidote in time¡­¡±

    He sneered, ¡°Anyway, He Shuijin had a miscarriage before!¡±

    A child who had never been born yet wouldn¡¯t break the heart of Marquess Qin. After all, it was not the first time Marquess Qin lost his great-grandson. The eldest son born by the concubine of Jiang Yadan who grew up and often ran around the courtyard died suddenly without any signs.

    By this time, the twilight had been approaching. The couple ended their discussion. Fatigue came up like a tidal wave, which reminded them that they hadn¡¯t eaten anything in two days.

    They had dinner at the Flower Hall and sneaked to see their son Jiang Jinng. Marquess Qin was also sleeping here. He was curling up on a soft couch by the window, frowning in his sleep, with Mr. Jiang sitting nodding at his bedside. The white hair of these two people made them even more sorehead and bitter under themplight.

    Watching this scene, Qiu Yn¡¯s heart was getting soft, with her faint dissatisfaction and grievance dissipating gradually. She hugged her beloved son tightly and said, ¡°It¡¯s good that Lang¡¯er is safe and sound!¡±

    After seeing their son, they returned to the temporary dwelling and fell asleep with no strength to say anything more.

    Although they were exhausted, they were still concerned. So, they got up earlier the next morning and called the maids to serve them to get freshened up, while asking, ¡°How is Lang¡¯er? And how about grandfather?¡±

    ¡°Junior young master is fine!¡± Chen Shui handed over a hot handkerchief and said softly, ¡°Marquess Qin woke up half an hour ago and called for Dr. Lin to diagnose junior young master. Dr. Lin said that junior young master was well now and there was no need for the wet nurses to drink medicine any more and they just need to eat something nourishing.¡±

    Qiu Yn replied immediately, ¡°Go to my storehouse to get the best herbs for the wet nurses!¡±

    ¡°Marquess Qin ordered to use the best herbs which would go to public ounts.¡± Chen Shui said, ¡°Furthermore, since yesterday noon, the Mansion of Sir Jibei sent people over here to get to know whether junior young master is safe and sound, and each branch also sent gifts.¡±

    ¡°You keep all these and tell meter.¡± Qiu Yn now had no mood to care about who sent gifts to express sympathy and solicitude for their son. She only cared about whether her son was totally recovering.

    At a time when the couple was about to see their son after they freshened up, Mr. Jiang came, ¡°Young master and madame, the cause to get junior young masters poisoned has been found!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn, who were drinking tea to rinse their mouth, both stood up and asked in unison, ¡°Where exactly is the poison source?¡± God pity! Their courtyard was almost demolished t, but they still couldn¡¯t find the poison! Before, Jiang Yashuang promised to y dumb this time for the sake of the health of Marquess Qin and given his son was safe and sound. But Qiu Yn was still upset because she couldn¡¯t find the source of the poison. She didn¡¯t even know how her son was poisoned. Who could guarantee that Qiu Qian could deliver the antidote in time if the murderer tried to poison her son again?

    That was right. The couple suspected that this time He Shuijin took advantage of their son Jiang Jinng to trap Madame He. As long as Madame He got trapped and punished this time, He Shuijin¡­ Anyway, she was the daughter-inw of the third branch. She wouldn¡¯t expect anything bad happened to Jiang Jinng?

    But there was a blood feud between the third branch and the fourth branch, okay?

    Now when the couple heard that the cause of poisoning had been found out, how could they not be excited?

    ¡°It was the wet nurses who got poisoned first.¡± Mr. Jiang hadn¡¯t finished speaking, Qiu Yn shouted out in rm, ¡°Could Lang¡¯er be poisoned again?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face instantly got pale. Lang¡¯er was his first child, his favorite. He still remembered Qiu Yn once said it was hard for her to get pregnant. So, he never expected to have a biological child in this life, not to mention a son. So, it could be imagined how much he valued Jiang Jinng.

    So, in Jiang Yashuang¡¯s heart, Jiang Jinng was a surprise. If he lost Jiang Jinng this time, he might not have any child in his life! There was nothing to be afraid of than losing something valuable after gaining it. If it weren¡¯t for the slightest hope, he would have pushed Mr. Jiang away and rushed to see his son!

    It was good that Mr. Jiang knew how they felt and continued without hesitation, ¡°Both of you needn¡¯t get worried. Previously, Dr. Lin wanted to give junior young master the antidote so he prescribed many prescriptions. And because the breast milk of the wet nurses was not enough to supply junior young master, we recruited other wet nurses. Andter, when the antidote was brought over, Dr. Lin was afraid that there were still residues of the poison in his original wet nurses, which would be bad for junior young master, so he found two more wet nurses from local. From yesterday to now, junior young master has been fed by these two wet nurses!¡±

    Only then did the couple let out a long breath and asked for confirmation, ¡°Is Lang¡¯er really okay?¡±

    ¡°Before I came over, Marquess Qin was hugging junior young master to y with him, and junior young master was pulling his beard and wouldn¡¯t let go, causing Marquess Qin to plead for mercy!¡±

    ¡°Such a naughty child. Chen Shui, you go there to make sure that Lang¡¯er won¡¯t hurt his grandfather!¡± Qiu Yn said this because she didn¡¯tpletely trust what Mr. Jiang had said. She only could feel relieved after her trusted maid went there to check. Mr. Jiang didn¡¯t take it as inappropriate and only said, ¡°The reason why the wet nurses got poisoned was that to promote the breast milk, they ate stewed pig leg daily, without no salt or basically no salt adding in it. So, they got fed up with the dish over time.¡±

    Qiu Yn knew exactly what his son¡¯s wet nurses ate every day, and asked, ¡°Is there any problem with the stewed pork leg?¡± Her face became darker. The stewed pork leg was made by Mrs. Li. And there were only several people in the kitchen and all of them were her dowery¡­

    ¡°No, no¡­!¡± The good thing was that Mr. Jiang denied what she said, ¡°It was not because of the pork leg. It was because of the candied fruits. Because the wet nurses got fed up with the nd pork leg, they were offered several candied fruits to adjust their taste.¡±

    ¡°But we sent our own maids to buy these candied fruits and they always bought at the same store. And each time we put them on a silver te. If there had been something wrong with the candied fruits, how could these silver tes not react?¡± Jiang Yashuang frowned, ¡°Is there still a betrayer inside?¡±

    They had the reason to believe that those who were still left here to serve them were trusted. But Su He and Xiaran were wearing a serious look when hearing this, not even daring to breathe.

    ¡°For silver te or silver needle, they could only be used to test out whether the outeryer of the candied fruits was poisoned or not. How could you know that the stones of the candied fruits had been poisoned?¡± Mr. Jiang said bitterly, ¡°Those apricots, peaches were with stones. The wet nurses of junior young master were not born in this courtyard and were hired from outside. And they were all from a poor family. Every time they ate candied fruits, they would break the stones to eat the kernels inside. That¡¯s why they got poisoned!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn gazed at each other in speechless despair!

    It was their idea to find wet nurses from the market because they were afraid that the third branch would trap them as Jiang Yashuang wasn¡¯t the first son of the fourth branch and they were never in charge of family matters. Ironically, the wet nurses from the market, honest as they were, got poisoned because of their poverty!

    ¡°Have you found out who poisoned the stones of the candied fruits yet?¡±

 Chapter 431 - Subscription for Shares

    <h4>Chapter 431 - Subscription for Shares</h4>

    ¡°The owner of the shop was used to be a guy in Qingfeng Ji.¡± Mr. Jiang said in a weird tone, ¡°When Qingfeng Ji was sealed up, all the crucial guys were arrested because it was famous all over the country. Those guys who were not important were released after being arrested for some time.¡±

    After all, the subbranches of Qingfeng Ji were all over the country. The families and connections of regr employees added up to tens of thousands. So, it was impossible to kill all those people. Especially since many of them were skilled, it would be a pity not to reuse them.

    Therefore, except for important people, those who were not close to the Gus and were quite talented were released after being fined.

    The owner of this preserved fruit shop was one of them.

    There were a lot of people in the group so the maids couldn¡¯t know everyone. The people Qiu Yn sent out to buy the preserved fruit had no idea who owned the shop. He just heard that their goods were clean and cheap, which also tasted good, so he bought the preserved fruit from them. After all, he thought the food had to be checked before Qiu Yn ate. Since the candied fruit he bought before was not poisonous, he kept buying it.

    They didn¡¯t expect that they poisoned the stones of the fruit. Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t have the habit to eat kernels and neither did their maids and servants. They never wanted to eat the kernel after eating the preserved fruit.

    But the two wet nurses were born in poor families. Though they became the wet nurses of Jiang Jinng and would be paid a generous amount of money which would meet their need to support their whole families, their habit of frugalitydidn¡¯t change at all!

    However, Qiu Yn said calmly, ¡°In case that the two wet nurses were framed, when they entered our yard, I never allowed them to go out. Even if they missed their families, I only asked Su He to write letters and give some presents to her families for them. I didn¡¯t even know that they ate the kernel, not to mention the owner!¡±

    Mr. Jiang wanted to say something but he looked longingly at Jiang Yashuang.

    ¡°If the owner is from Qingfeng Ji, he must be the remaining members of the Gus!¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°Later I will tell my grandfather. There must be lots of guys in Qingfeng Ji that hate us. We have to investigate once again!¡±

    Mr. Jiang relieved, ¡°Surely we have to!¡± What Jiang Yashuang meant was that it was obvious that he defined the murderer in this scope of remaining members of the Gus.

    ¡°Granduncle¡¯s funeral values the most!¡± Now Chen Shui came back after seeing Jiang Jinng. So, she gave a sign to Qiu Yn, showing her that everything was fine. Seeing that, Qiu Yn was relieved and her voice became soft, ¡°Now Lang¡¯er is fine. Please tell my grandfather to take care of the funeral! I am afraid to be unfilial if we slight the funeral because of Lang¡¯er.¡±

    And then she looked at her husband, ¡°You can go there. We can take care of Lang¡¯er. Please ask my eighth sister-inw to help me deal with the business!¡±

    The real killer couldn¡¯t be punished now so they had no choice but to punish the aplices. Qiu Yn felt so dull to continue to investigate the case. She was more concerned about the current situation. Although Marquess Qin and Madame Ou had allowed them toe back, the most important thing was the funeral. Now their son got better. If they still stayed with their son, they would be denounced. After all, Sir Ji Bei was really good to the fourth branch.

    Jiang Yashuang wanted to stay another half of the day to make sure that his son was fine. But after hearing what her wife said, he could only say yes, ¡°I guess my grandfather will go there. I will go with him!¡±

    ¡­ The case that the Jiang Family¡¯s most valued trueborn great-grandson was poisoned and framed by someone ended up with tracing the remaining members of the Gus and reinvestigating Qingfeng Ji. The case never mentioned anyone inside the Jiang family.

    Two dayster, Jiang Jinng waspletely healed. After that, the funeral of Sif Jibei was on the right track again. So, there was no need that all people in Marquess¡¯s Mansion had to help.

    Madame Ou was worried that Marquess¡¯s Mansion would have other troubles so she tried to persuade Marquess Qin to go back, ¡°Things are being arranged here now, and everything is in order. So, we don¡¯t need so many people here. The poption of Marquess¡¯s Mansion is more than that of the Mansion of Sir Jibei. So, there must be more things which need you to handle. How can you stay here all the time? Especially Tianchi and his wife are in the north. Even though he cannote back, his wife is sure toe back. The funeral hall still needs decorating. Are you going to wait here for her toe back?¡±

    Marquess Qin and Madame Tao wanted to go back to the Marquess¡¯sMansion to take care. After all, besides Jiang Jinng, there was more than one kid in the Marquess¡¯s Mansion who was still too young to condolence. No one could guarantee that there was no more ident.

    So, as they made sure that Madame Ou had recovered from the deep sorrow, they farewelled. But they still left several people of the first branch and the third branch there.

    After Madame Tao returned to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion, the first thing she did was to let Jiang Yashuang and his wife bring the three children to see her. She touched each one from head to foot and then shed tears, ¡°Luckily they are all right!¡±

    Madame Tao sighed when she saw that Qiu Yn also turned her head and quietly wiped her tears. She waved back idle people. And then she used warm words tofort Qiu Yn, ¡°Do not feel sad. The child is blessed. He is still fine, despite what he has been through. Mind your own business, and as long as he is well with you, you ought to be happy!¡±

    After saying that, Madame Tao felt heartache. She thought of her own son, Jiang Tianjiao. What a good boy he was! He was talented, handsome, considerate, and filial piety, but he didn¡¯t live long!

    She was silent for a long time as feelings of sympathy rose up. After a while, she said, ¡°Your grandfather intends to send a decree to the Empress Dowager to make Qiu Qian the Commandery Princess. What do you think?¡±

    This news made Qiu Yn a little surprised. But on second thought she knew that this was the reward for Qiu Qian not telling the truth. Even though she didn¡¯t say anything, the fourth branch could guess who the suspect was. But if she did, there would be no turning around.

    ¡°Grandfather is kind. I will show my appreciation for Qiu Qian.¡± Qiu Yn considered for a while, ¡°Just before I tried to persuade Qiu Qian to regain the identity of the daughter of the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, she was not very willing.¡±

    ¡°I heard your grandfather said that Qiu Nie and Mei Xue were a couple. And they nned to take over ¡®Tianya¡¯, right?¡± Madame Tao was apparently ordered by Marquess Qin to be a lobbyist. She said, ¡°Though ¡®Tianya¡¯ is in Jianghu, they can remain till now because of the inextricable contact with the court. Qiu Nie and Mei Xue love freedom so they do not want to be constrained. It is impossible for them to set up such a big business and run it well, even if they have outstanding martial arts. In my opinion, Qiu Qian should have the princess identity and she can marry a high-ss kid in the future. If they have a supporter in the court, it will be asting business.¡±

    In fact, Qiu Yn agreed with her. Wealth was a lure. Those small shops on the street not only had to pay taxes, but they had to give some money to treat the patrol police with cups of tea. A prosperous shop had to give the government some bribery on festivals, let alone ¡°Tianya¡±, the killer organization. Even if it was now run out by Qiu Jinn only, with former fame and profit, it was also worth a lot of people to fight for!

    It was impossible for such an organization to survive if it didn¡¯t have any support in the court. That was the reason why Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe could get it away but they couldn¡¯t. Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe tried to break the rtionship with ¡°Tianya¡± for so many years. The leader, the Left Dharma Protector, and the Right Dharma Protector were not all flunkeys who didn¡¯t want to attain anything from ¡°Tianya¡±.

    However, Qiu Yn remembered that Qiu Qian had mentioned that when Qiu Nie was young, even Hanlin Academy was not a lure to him. He determined to return to Jianghu. And then she said, ¡°I think they have been disced for a long time and are afraid of being used as pawns.¡±

    ¡°What if we let Mom Hu take the lead to ask the subordinates of Empress Dowager and Empress to buy shares of ¡®Tianya¡¯? They only ask for dividends every year without managing any other things. We can guarantee it by noting it down, shall we?¡± Madame Tao sipped her tea, ¡°So, they just give us money every year. And they can do what they want. In fact, it doesn¡¯t matter whether there is such a document written or not. Do you think that Mom hu and others have leisure time to ask for it?¡±

    They let Mom Hu buy shares. But the real people who were the shareholders were Madame Tao, Empress Dowager, and Empress. After all, their identities didn¡¯t allow them to get involved in a killer organization.

    Madame Tao made sense. Whether it was Mom Hu or her, they had no need to lower themselves to seize power with Qiu Nie and Mei Xue!

    ¡°However, the rules of ¡®Tianya¡¯ should be changed. It can¡¯t disturb the order of the court. Otherwise, if we are hard to deal with them, they can also gain nothing!¡± Madame Tao said. Qiu Yn thought for a while and then she said tentatively, ¡°Shall I invite Qiu Qian for lunch to talk about that?¡±

    ¡­ The next day Qiu Qian heard it from Qiu Yn. She nodded, ¡°If they don¡¯t make indiscreet remarks on my sisters and brothers, it is fine that we just give them the dividends. It can be regarded as a protection fee.¡±

    Qiu Qian also thought that it was eptable that Madame Tao wanted them to change some rules, ¡°Even if Madame Tao didn¡¯t mention it, we will never hurt any important officials at will. After all, ¡®Tianya¡¯ is well-known because of your brother so we dare not to kill officials in case of getting ourselves into trouble.¡±

    ¡°Tianya¡± was a killer organization. But killers were not Men of Sacrifice.

    Qiu Yn squinted and smiled, ¡°Mei Xue was good at scheming! She kept you from telling the truth so that you could solve all the problems! You even trapped my brother!¡±

    ording to Qiu Qian and Mei Xue, it was Qiu Jinn who promised that after he finished revenging, he would send the whole ¡°Tianya¡± to Qiu Nie as a reward. But as Madame Tao pointed out that Qiu Nie was powerless to support this organization alone, he still had to look for a backer in the court. And the one they were most familiar with was Qiu Jinn. Of course, they could also choose to resolutely not bother Qiu Jinn. But the power of Qiu Jinn now was super. He was the proud student of Prime Minister Xue Chang, the rtive-inw of the Jiang Family, the future general of the Western Army, and Sir Jingbo¡¯s son-inw¡­

    All the officials and generals knew that ¡°Tianya¡± was his estate. Who else dared to take it over?

    The first branch and the third branch dared to do so. But it would be trouble as they used to arrest Qiu Qian and Mei Xue. So, they hurled themselves willingly into the!

    They had no choice but to rely on Qiu Jinn, which meant that the reward promised by Qiu Jinn would be withdrawn.

    Definitely, he would not withdraw the whole reward. But it would not be too little.

    Qiu Qian gave such a big favor to the Jiang family this time. How could Marquess Qin be stingy?

    Asking for a Commandery Princess title for Qiu Qian was not a real reward. Madame Tao took the lead personally to find shareholders for ¡°Tianya¡±, which was the true reward. With the official support, as long as Qiu Nie and others were not very stupid, ¡°Tianya¡± would have no pressure if it wanted to recover and grow bigger, just like Qingfeng Ji!

    With these shareholders, if Qiu Jinn wanted to buy a share, Qiu Nie and Qiu Qian would not worry about being contained by him! After all, Madame Tao, Empress Dowager, and Empress were enough to counterbnce with him!

    Qiu Yn had been taking care of her son these days so she hadn¡¯t taken this into ount. But when she listened to Madame Tao¡¯s persuasion, she also came to her senses. She was not angry with them now, just reminding Qiu Qian not to take herself as a fool.

    Qiu Qian was not afraid so she made a face with a smile and said, ¡°You know your brother is cunning, right? We can¡¯t let him set us up all the time, can we? Please be assured. Sister Mei these days is calcting stocks with Deng Yi these days. You and your soon-to-be sister-inw have shares, which are free of charge. These shares are to make amends to your brother and you!¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at her weirdly, ¡°Oh! I¡¯ve never seen you being so good before. I thought you would jump up and scold my brother and me for being greedy and dishonest after hearing what I say!¡±

    ¡°A businessman must act like a businessman!¡± Qiu Qian said honestly, ¡°Besides, I don¡¯t know Madame Tao, and even if I be the Princess, I won¡¯t be able to visit her very often. If I go to her, I cannot please her. If we get in trouble, we¡¯ll have to ask you to pass on the message. So, of course, I want to talk to you.¡±

    She really took ¡°Tianya¡± as Qingfeng Ji now. Was it because of Mei Xue?

    Qiu Yn was speechless for a while. And then she waved her hand, ¡°If so,e to pick up a title. And then I can tell Empress Dowager.¡±

 Chapter 432 Was This Option Worth Thinking About?

    Qiu Qian chose the first one, Yishu, from the list Qiu Yn showed her, which was given by Madame Tao.

    ¡°Commandery Princess Yishu?¡± Qiu Yn read it twice. She smiled, ¡°You are really a business woman. You are so considerate!¡±

    ¡°It is the first one. It is obvious that Madame Tao and Marquess Qin wanted me to choose it.¡± Qiu Qian waved her hands, ¡°I guess they want me, and even my brother and sister Mei, to be nice and meek, to make it easier for them. It¡¯s just a title. If I can win them over, why not?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought so, too. When she got these alternate titles, she was prepared to persuade her even if Qiu Qian didn¡¯t choose this one. But she didn¡¯t expect Qiu Qian was smart.

    ¡°Since you refuse to regain the identity of the daughter of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe, the reason for giving you the title is that you have saved my son. But you cannot tell the truth about the origin of the antidote!¡± Qiu Yn began to exin the details to her, ¡°You can say it is your ancestral medicine. After you go back, remember to think of a dignified name for it to tell me. So, Empress Dowager could write a decree. Or you can say that you identally discovered the Gus¡¯ conspiracy¡­ You can¡¯t say you were in Marquess Qin!¡±

    Qiu Qian said, ¡°I will choose the second one. The secret prescription handed down from ancestors¡­ If some fools believe it and keep eyes on us, we will get in trouble.¡±

    ¡°It could have been easy to give Qiu Nie a knighthood. Nevertheless, since he wants to manage ¡®Tianya¡¯, a title will draw too much attention. And it is not good for you to lead a wandering life. Anyway, you¡¯re the Commandery Princess. With this title, you can go to both the noble house and the pce. It will be convenient for you to handle issues on your own.¡± Qiu Yn nodded, ¡°Several dayster the decree will arrive. Stay here for a few days. I will apany you when ites so that you will not be disrespectful.¡±

    And then she said, ¡°You shall go to the pce to give thanks. It is inconvenient for me to go there with you now as I am observing the duty of filial piety for my youngest grand uncle. But it doesn¡¯t matter. Mom Hu will apany you. She is the mom who helped Madame Tao to bring up Empress Dowager. With her around, I think everything will be fine! I don¡¯t think Empress Dowager will embarrass you. Moreover, the Empress and I have always been good friends. And two months ago, she mentioned making Lang¡¯er as her godson. So, she must be there to help you.¡±

    Qiu Yn was teaching Qiu Qian how to give thanks, while Jiang Tan and others were waiting to see He Shuijin.

    ¡­ After arriving at Madame Tao Junior¡¯s most remote farm, she dered herself ¡°injured¡± and ¡°pregnant¡± and inconvenient to move. So, she ¡°had to¡± live on that farm to keep the baby. Thus, she was unable to return to Beijing!

    As Qiu Yn expected, she privately ordered people to send a gift to her father-inw¡¯s concubine, Madame Chi. With Madame Chi¡¯s good words, Jiang Tianqi not only told his daughter-inw to rest in the farm securely but also asked her husband to apany her, so as to avoid any misadventure with He Shuijin in case that no one in the farm who dared to make decisions for her, which would result to a mistake.

    When news of Sir Jibei¡¯s sudden death reached the farm, even though He Shuijin was pregnant, they had to return to Jing City to condolence. The matter was pressing. So, Jiang Yaheng would ride a horse to go back as soon as he could, while He Shuijin could travel slowly in carriages.

    Fortunately, Sir Jibei was very kind to Jiang Tianchi. Now that Sir Jibei was dead, it was polite of Jiang Tianchi and his wife if one of them was able toe back. So, the mourning hall would remain open and there would be no burial before they arrived. Even if He Shuijin went slowly for the sake of pregnancy, it was still faster than Madame Zhuang who came back from Beijiang.

    So, she just walked slowly in case of getting hurt.

    On that day, He Shuijin had a rest in a vige near an official road. The richest family in the vige were very obliging when they heard that the granddaughter-inw of the Jiang family was passing by. He Shuijin waszy to personally deal with people in their hierarchy. So, she let a maid go out to slight over, which already let the whole family all be greatly ttered.

    He Shuijin just drank warm rose dew in the main house which was given by the host. A maid hurried to tell her that Jiang Tan brought some guys here with something urgent. She was taken aback and hurried to call them in, ¡°What happened in Jing City? Why do youe to see me?¡±

    Logically, if anything had happened, it would have been the guys in the third branch to look for her, right?

    Even if some personal staff of the fourth branch had happened, the guy who went to find her should have been the servants of Qiu Yn!

    Jiang Tan saluted casually, which made He Shuijin think that it was because of the urgent issue. She didn¡¯t expect that Jiang Tan said without any expression, ¡°Madame, my young master and madame have some urgent questions to ask you.¡±

    He Shuijin was smart. She found out that his attitude was not honorific as before. She was surprised. But she stayed calm and raised her head, ¡°Tell me.¡±

    ¡°My junior young master several days ago was poisoned.¡± The first sentence Jiang Tan said made He Shuijin shocked. After hearing what he said, she didn¡¯t need to know the doubt of Qiu Yn and her husband anymore. She stopped Jiang Tan, ¡°Ok. So, are they suspicious of me?¡±

    Jiang Tan agreed, ¡°There are no burrs in the Jiang Family. And those remaining members of Qingfeng Ji don¡¯t know any habits of my junior young master¡¯s wet nurses at all. Besides, Miss Qiu could not enter the Marquess¡¯s Mansion whenever she wanted. Especially the time when Qiu heard about the poisoning and the delivery of the antidote was too coincidental. It onlysted an hour or two before my junior young master¡­ My young master and madame don¡¯t think that even the first branch and the third branch worked together, they could not be so urate, but¡­¡±

    ¡°But I, who have been in charge of the house for so many years, have a reputation for manipting! So must I have done it?¡± He Shuijin¡¯s anger extremely turned into a smile, ¡°Your madame knows the reason why I am outside is that I want to keep the baby well! I also have to thank her and my fourth aunt for their assistance to achieve so! Why should I bite the hand that feeds me and hurt her child?¡±

    Saying that, her tears fell, ¡°I know better than her that what it feels like to have one¡¯s own kid murdered! At least her baby¡¯s still alive!¡±

    Jiang Tan grew up with Jiang Yashuang. Whenever He Shuijin gave presents to Jiang Yashuang, she usually would give him some. Although the one given to him was not as good as Jiang Yashuang¡¯s, with the identity of He Shuijin, if she was willing to send him, she was already respectful to him. So, although He Shuijin had not earned his admiration, he still respected her. At the moment when he saw He Shuijin¡¯s tears streaming, he felt guilty. After a pause, he softened his tone and said, ¡°My young master and madame regard child as their life. My junior young master was almost murdered at a young age. So, my young master and madame are naturally heartbroken! But that¡¯s why they sent me here to question you. All they want is to find out who did it! ¡®

    And then he hesitated for a while and said, ¡°Even if Miss Qiu, who sent the antidote was investigated again and again, not to mention you. Miss Qiu is still in the Marquess¡¯s Mansion and can¡¯t leave!¡±

    He Shuijin heard what he said and then she said bitterly, ¡°If they even doubted the one who rescued their son, then I have nothing to say.¡±

    Listen to her tone of sarcasm, Jiang Tan lowed his head. But when he thought of the order of this trip, he looked up, ¡°Please exin it, madame!¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to exin. I didn¡¯t do it.¡± He Shuijin said lightly, ¡°I have suffered the pain of losing my son so I would never do anything to a child! I don¡¯t care whether your young master and madame trust me or not!¡±

    The maids were anxious to see her being angry. If something like this happened in another branch, He Shuijin, the legitimate granddaughter-inw who was in charge of the family, didn¡¯t need to be afraid of it when there was no hard proof. But the fourth branch had dealt with so many simr cases before. Because of the death of Sir Jibei, that horrible Madame Zhuang was still at full speed to return to Jing City now! If they convinced their suspicions, without any evidence at all, they might murder her!

    At that time, Ting¡¯er persuaded her, ¡°Madame, why do you say so? You never buy over any bodyguards. I think the neenth madame will understand you. Now that Jiang Tan is the trusted subordinate of young master Yashuang, will he refuse to hear you?¡±

    He Shuijin had not answered, Ting¡¯er urgently told Jiang Tan, ¡°I should not tell you. But when ites to the safety of the seventh junior young master, and since there are no outsiders here, let me tell you. Madame He, though she is our madame¡¯s aunt, she has always been very strict with her! When my young master flirted with others, my madame just asked him to stop several times. However, she was scolded by Madame He. Fortunately, Old Master Tianqi is a fair man. With Madame He keeping an eye on us like that, how could our madame buy over bodyguards? Once when the head of the guard gave his monthly report ording to the rule, my madame was busy with some ounts. So, she casually called him to the living room to talk. At that time my young master was still there, but my madame was still be rebuked by Madame He!¡±

    Jiang Tan frowned. After all, Ting¡¯er was He Shuijin¡¯s maid. Her words hit the nail on the head. Everyone thought there was something wrong with the bodyguards as Qiu Qian could slip into the Marquess¡¯s Mansion at will. So ording to this logic, He Shuijin, thedy of the house, was the most suspicious one. But Ting¡¯er pointed out that Madame He was quite harsh on He Shuijin. Even if her son was at home, when He Shuijin asked the leader of the bodyguards to go to the living room to report, she would scold her. So, He Shuijin wouldn¡¯t buy over bodyguards at all. She might even think about ideas to avoid meeting them.

    If she hadn¡¯t bought over any bodyguards, her suspicion would be greatly cleared!

    ¡°You cannot only ask the leader of those guards, but also my young master.¡± Ting¡¯er knew his hesitation. So, she listed the witnesses instantly, ¡°At that time, madame never met the leader of the guards again. Even if there was something official, they asked aged maids to handle it. She even didn¡¯t send us to deal with it. We would have helped those guards if we had known they were in trouble before, but now we dare not ask.¡±

    ¡°If so, Madame He is more suspicious, right?¡± Jiang Tan muttered to himself, ¡°She deliberately scolded madame for being udylike with the bodyguards so madame would try her best to avoid suspicion. She didn¡¯t want to help the guards who were in trouble. If so, wasn¡¯t it just a good opportunity for Madame He to buy up the guards?¡±

    Jiang Yaqing, who died at the beginning of the year, was the biological son of Madame He. With this vendetta, Madame He had a sufficient motive to poison Jiang Jinng. In contrast, He Shuijin was just Jiang Yaqing¡¯s sister-inw. So, she might not be willing to take such a risk for the sake of a brother-inw whom she had just met several times.

    Except that, she was pregnant. What she wanted to do was to keep her baby safe!

    ¡°Although Madame He has always been thought to be unintelligent, she still suppresses He Shuijin, who is known as a smart woman. After all, it is a matter of status. Even He Shuijin is shrewd, she can do nothing under her suppression. What a nobledy she is!¡± The more Jiang Tan thought, the more he thought it was possible, ¡°Besides, under the drive of hatred, even if she were a fool, she would also be clever!¡±

    He thought about how to report¡­

    ¡°Wait!¡± All of a sudden, He Shuijin, who had been sitting there with a straight face, said, ¡°You said that Miss Qiu entered the Marquess¡¯s Mansion three months ago and a few days ago, respectively, and was never discovered, right?¡±

    Jiang Tan was surprised. He said, ¡°Yes. It is because so¡­.¡±

    He Shuijin interrupted him, ¡°So the way that she slipped into the Marquess¡¯s mansion was by robbing a maid¡¯s waist card and being dressed up as a maid?¡±

    ¡°Not robbing. Otherwise, she would be found in the three months. ¡°Jiang Tan told the truth, ¡°She asked someone to trick the servants out to drink and let someone else get them drunk. And then she stole the waist card. When she had done her thing with it and returned it, she woke them up. It was said that the two servants said they knew nothing. So, they just imed their capacity of liquor was not so good.¡±

    ¡°And then not many guards were bought over!¡± He Shuijin sneered, ¡°Your young master and madame are not in charge of the family affairs. So, they thought the guards in the Marquess¡¯s Mansion were unreliable after that! If so, we would be in trouble! Grandfather is still alive. These old men were brought back from the Northern Army by him. How could they be so dishonorable?¡±

    Seeing Jiang Tan startled, He Shuijin sneered, ¡°Three months ago, when Lang¡¯er was one month old, our family held seven days of celebration. In those days there were many guests and servants. We didn¡¯t have enough servants to cater for our usual guests. So, they had to ask a bunch of guys from shops and farms to help. And then we would send them back to where they came from when it was all over. So, if a guy was brave enough and prepared, there were lots of chances for him to sneak into the mansion. After all, these servants did note to the mansion frequently. So, it was hard for them to meet the same gatekeeper. And nobody could recognize everyone.¡±

    ¡°It was my youngest grand uncle who was dead this time! So, there would be a lot of condolences. But this time they went to the Mansion of Sir Jibei! As you said, even the grandparents themselves went to the Mansion of Sir Jibei to help. What about others? My youngest grand uncle died suddenly, all guys in the Marquess¡¯s Mansion went there after they received the news. And then, after arriving at the Mansion of Sir Jibei, would they find that there was something they hadn¡¯t brought, which needed someone to fetch?¡±

    He Shuijin said slowly, ¡°I¡¯m away and my youngest grand uncle¡¯s funeral is a big event. I¡¯m afraid the rest people of our family have been used to having leisure time. So, the arrangements for his funeral must have been chaotic at first. If there was someone of the Marquess¡¯s Mansion left things, they would send people to take. Their maids and themselves are upied so they had to ask others to help them¡­ No matter in the Marquess¡¯s Mansion or the Mansion of Sir Jibei, there are all lots of maids. No matter how capable the gatekeeper of our mansion is, he cannot keep all the servants and maids of the pce in mind. Even if someone could remember all guys in our mansion, it would be difficult for them to see them clearly all the time because different maids have entered so many times. So, if someone is careful and bold and able to seize this opportunity, with the name of maids from the Mansion of Sir Jibei to go to our mansion, she can enter easily.¡±

    Jiang Tan was startled. A few momentster, he said, ¡± Miss Qiu was unwilling to tell us. But why didn¡¯t the guards say anything?¡±

    ¡°You dumb!¡± He Shuijin scolded him without patience, ¡°Miss Qiu who just saved Lang¡¯er was unwilling to tell the truth, not to mention those guards!¡±

    She sneaked into the Marquess¡¯s Mansionunder someone¡¯s name. Qiu Qian therefore saved Jiang Jinng. Even if this so-and-so was casually made up by Qiu Qian, as long as the details were said, the one who told the truth would be charged for buying over guards and doing things maliciously.

    Qiu Qian and Mei Xue, these rough guys, could understand the truth, let alone the guards who were in the Jiang Family for so many years and were used to seeing the internal struggle? If they didn¡¯t say Qiu Qian used someone¡¯s name to slip into the mansion, although they had to be punished, somehow the rtionships between the master and the servant for so many years could save them. If they told the truth, they would offend the whole branch. And they might even do not know how they would be killed, which would also get their families involved!

    Did they need to consider?

    Jiang Tan was shocked for a while. And then he said, ¡°Madame, what you said makes sense. But if you coulde up with such ideas, would it be your maids who did so?¡±

    Though he respected He Shuijin, he was loyal to Jiang Yashuang. ording to the analysis of He Shuijin, Qiu Qian didn¡¯t need to bribe the guards at all. All she needed was to seize the chance that the Jiang Family had idents. ording to Ting¡¯er, He Shuijin had no trusted guards so she could not be cleared of suspicion¡­

    ¡°Go back. Bring my hair sp to find the owner of Ling Ji. Let her tell you all my arrangements. Will that be fine?¡± He Shuijin was almost crazy as she thought, ¡°When I kindly pointed out the errors in the analysis of you idiot on managing a family, you should begin to suspect me even more. Even burning Bridges was not so fast as you did!

    She saw Jiang Tan¡¯s vision calmly sweep over her belly, she was heartbroken, ¡°Yashuang and his wife seem to be really angry. So, they would rather kill the wrong guy than let the murderer go? If I don¡¯t clear me of suspicion, I might¡­¡±

    She dared not get in a rage anymore, ¡°I promise that owner can clear me of the suspicion!¡±

 Chapter 433 Be in the Clear

    <h4>Chapter 433 Be in the Clear</h4>

    When Jiang Tan and his party went to find He Shuijin, they didn¡¯t know where Shuijin had gone. So, for fear that they would miss her, they walked along slowly to find her. But they travelled much faster when they came back to Jing City. As each of them took more than one horse, they galloped back by changing horses. It only took them two days and a night to reach Jing City!

    When they arrived at Ling Jewelry Store, which was a dowry of He Shuijin, they violently rushed into the store and dragged the manager away, even though she was a small and slight woman. And then they, without drawing breath, hurried to Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion to report.

    Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn were waiting for their news. So, after hearing that, they were both surprised, ¡°Just bring her and the hairpin there. Let¡¯s see how she is going to tell us!¡±

    A few momentster, the disheveled manager was brought here. She still cried out toin of being wronged. And when she saw Qiu Yn, she cried even more bitterly, ¡°The neenth madame, don¡¯t you remember me? I am¡­¡±

    ¡°Look at that!¡± Qiu Yn and her husband were not in the mood to listen to her nagging. They directly took the hairpin that He Shuijin had handed to Jiang Tan. And then the manager¡¯s cries crashed to a halt! In a sh, she not only quickly straightened her dress and smoothed her sideburns but also changed her demeanor from that of a soft-hearted daughter-inw to that of a calm, professional manager.

    ¡°Mydy has told me that if someone takes the hairpin to see, I should treat him as if he were mydy in person! Madame, as the hairpin is in your hands, I am entirely at your disposal!¡± Ling Jewelry Store was a dowry of He Shuijin, and it was opened with her own money before she got married. And the manager had never served in the Marquess¡¯s Mansion. So, she still called He Shuijin Lady Shuijin.

    Qiu Yn also did not say anything needless but straightforwardly told the whole story, ¡°Do you have anything to say to make yourdy cleared?¡±

    The words stunned the manager. But after a moment of silence, her eyes shed, ¡°I know what mydy means!¡± And then she begged, ¡°It is not appropriate to let many people know this matter¡­¡±

    ¡°All here is trustworthy!¡± Qiu Yn had cleared out the ce before she was brought in. Except for Jiang Yashuang and her, people like Jiang Tan and Su He were all trusted subordinates. They could even do the job of making He Shuijin taste the pain of losing her son again as long as she could not give a credible ount. So, what else could they not know?

    As such, she just said coldly, ¡°Just go ahead!¡±

    The manager bit her lip and she didn¡¯t force it. She said, ¡°The neenth madame, you know why Lady Shuijin avoids being in Jing City to ensure that her baby is well. I am not going to say more about that.¡± With that, she continued, ¡°The neen madame, you also know why Lady Shuijin lost her first baby, right?¡±

    With that, Qiu Yn thought about something in her heart.

    Sure enough, the manager pressed on, ¡°Only the parents can understand how painful losing a baby is! Even though that person is a senior and a blood rtive, she did that. Each time when mydy thinks of her lost son, she can¡¯t help but finally take action to seek justice for the innocent junior young master!¡±

    ¡­ He Shuijin managed to leave Jing City with the help of Madame Zhuang as she had thought about killing two birds with one stone. For one thing, she could avoid being attacked by Madame He and attend to her unborn baby at ease. For another, she could take revenge on Madame He for her miscarriage!

    It was the same difficulty that had been repeated! Given Madame He was the aunt of He Shuijin, the revenge should get Madame He what she deserved but not have the descendants of the He Family or her children involved! Moreover, it had to be done in such a secretive way that no one would find out!

    Fortunately, when He Shuijin cleared up the ounts of Qingfeng Ji, she found a silver lining, a box of the poison Youmianxiang!

    Without hesitation, she sent her trusted subordinates to the ce recorded in the ount book to take it away. And then they found the moment when there was no one else and burned the ount book!

    Anyway, there were so many books in Qingfeng Ji that no one would find one or two missing even though it was important. Even though somebody noticed that, He Shuijin could just say that she didn¡¯t see them as her subordinates had burned all the books. After all, she took care of things with illness at that time. As long as there were no big mistakes in the ounts, no one would me her. If something was missing, then, of course, it was because the servants didn¡¯t keep an eye on it or put it away properly. What did that have to do with her?

    ¡°¡­ ording to what Lady Shuijin told me, after the Spring Festival, I would use the excuse that there was a big problem with the ounts to get the third Madame out of the mansion to preside the most important shops for a few days. And then this box of poison Youmianxiang should be lightened secretly by her side!¡± The manager said truthfully, ¡°There are two reasons that the poison should be put at that time. For one thing, it is because Lady Shuijin¡¯s delivery is in the first month and she¡¯ll naturally have to return to Jing City afterward. So, she¡¯ll be able to take over andplete the whole story!¡±

    ¡°For another, rtives need to visit each other in the first month. Among the women in the third branch, the sixth madame is a widow. It is not appropriate for her to go out or go to the store. And the seventh madame is the only one that can visit rtives on behalf of the third branch. If the third Madame has to check the ounts, she cannot bring the seventh madame together! And also, the eighth madame will not be with her¡­ So, no one else will be hurt by mistake!¡±

    The manager exhaled and said severely, ¡°Lady Shuijin has even taken the eighth madame and the seventh madame into consideration. How could she harm your beloved sons?¡± And then she told something about the poison Youmianxiang, the ount books that had been tampered with, and the room which was ready to set Madame He up¡­ And she said that Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn could check all these things as they wanted.

    What she mentioned were all in Jing City. So, under the instruction and cooperation of the manager, everything was checked with an afternoon.

    Despite other things, the ount books that were made for getting Madame He to go to the stores were over a foot high. They looked so real that Qiu Yn, a housewife at normal standard, found it quite wrong when she took one to check in person. If that were real, she would also rush to the stores and find the butlers to discuss solutions!

    None of this could have been done in just a few days.

    After all, even if He Shuijin gave birth in the first month, she would return to Jing City on the 15th day of the first lunar month. And she would take over these books herself then. But ording to the questions listed on these ounts, would the rest of the Jiang Family not be concerned about such a big issue?

    These fabricated ounts should be in line with the ounts that were made to cover them. And then the operation in between must also be reasonable. Only by that could the holes of what He Shuijin did be covered. Qiu Yn thought that even if He Shuijin were good at ounts, the efforts she spent would not be less than that involved in the plot of setting up Jiang Jinng.

    Originally, Qiu Yn suspected that He Shuijin was involved in the plot to kill her son because she thought she was trying to use Jiang Yashuang¡¯s and her hands to deal with Madame He. But when it came to what He Shuijin wanted to use to take revenge, the poison Youmianxiang, Qiu Yn knew it well!

    It was no exaggeration to say that, in the days before General Ruan¡¯s death, the poison made his life a living hell!

    With such means, would it not be superfluous to borrow the hands of the fourth branch again?

    As such, they first confirmed that what the manager hid was exactly the poison Youmianxiang. And then they checked the room that was ready for Madame He to check the ounts in the first lunar month. The room had been decorated not long ago. All the things there were prepared in two sets, one for current and the other for the substitute, which could prevent anyone from noticing the traces of the poison incense being burned in the room. After that, Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang both thought that He Shuijin was innocent, ¡°We were worried about our son so much that we have offended our fourteenth sister-inw. We can¡¯t take time off now. When our fourteenth sister-inw is back, we will make amends to her!¡±

    They sent Jiang Tan, on behalf of them, to make amends to He Shuijin first.

    As for what He Shuijin nned to set up Madame He, the two returned the poison Youmianxiang to the manager as if nothing had happened. And they asked her to send some jewellery in a couple of days there, ¡°You can tell others that we need to buy some silver pins and rings from you in case the servants wear something bright and colorful after our youngest grand uncle¡¯s death. And because we are buying arge quantity for the family, we call you over there in person.¡±

    The manager tacitly put away the poison and said respectfully, ¡°Master and madame, you are so filial to the elder and considerate to the servants. You are such good people that no one like you can be found again in the world¡­¡±

    She gave severalpliments and then calmly asked for leave.

    Only the couple were left there, sighing, ¡°It is not our fourteenth sister-inw¡­ And then who is behind that? Who?¡±

    They could not make a big deal out of it. They also could not threaten and intimidate others one by one. He Shuijin did not go after them. However, the others would have told Marquess Qin immediately, wouldn¡¯t they? That was not different from not agreeing to Mr. Jiang¡¯s request!

    ¡°Apart from everything else, I have to go to my grandmother and ask a favor for my fourteenth sister-inw!¡± Qiu Yn stood up unhappily, ¡°This time she has toe back to pay her final respect. And we don¡¯t know how Madame He will plot her! However, she cannot make it open for the sake of the reputation of the He Family¡­ I will go and ask our grandmother to see if she can stay in Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion on the pretext of helping them! And then she cannote back to the third branch. As such, she may get less annoyed with us.¡±

    Even though He Shuijin might be a little busy at Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion, she would be able to cope with it with her ability. Especially, the busiest time of the funeral ceremony had gone. Anyway, that was better than her going back to the third branch, wasn¡¯t it? When she came back, people might think she would ¡°feel free to nurse her baby¡±. But in fact, she would be put on thin ice to be on guard against Madame He.

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t expect that when she reached the door of Madame Tao¡¯s room, she saw Chu Yitonging out with red eyes. Chu Yitong seemed to be a little awkward to see her. And she barely managed to pull out a little smile, ¡°How is Lang¡¯er?¡±

    ¡°He has been fine. Thank you for your concern!¡± Qiu Yn nodded. She was not familiar with Chu Yitong. So, even though she found her look strange, she did not ask too much but pretended not to notice it. After a few words, Chu Yitong said she had something to deal with and then excused herself to leave.

    Qiu Yn watched her for a while and then entered the room. As soon as she entered, Madame Tao, who was sitting at the top, said, ¡°You¡¯vee at the right time. These days, you should visit your eighth sister-inw more often with some small presents. Let others know that there is nothing wrong between you two sisters-inw!¡±

    ¡°Did someone say that? What an injustice! It has only been a few days since my eighth sister-inw married into the family, hasn¡¯t it? While we don¡¯t know each other well, there couldn¡¯t be any beef between us!¡± Qiu Yn felt a total mess in her mind and said.

    Madame Tao sighed, ¡°She has just presented tea after marriage. And then your youngest grand uncle was not well, followed by Jinng¡¯s ident. Some servantsmented that she was unlucky and she had brought all these things into our family. You know, despite your mother¡¯s management, there is something wrong with your eighth brother¡¯s yard!¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s what it¡¯s all about!¡± Qiu Yn felt speechless but she promised, ¡°I will ask someone to make some snacks and bring them to visit my eighth sister-inw.¡± She had deep sympathy for her previous eighth sister-inw, Madame Tao Junior. But her tragedy had nothing to do with Chu Yitong. So, she had no problem with the new eighth sister-inw. And she wouldn¡¯t think that her son¡¯s poisoning was caused by her.

    After hearing Madame Tao¡¯s exnation, she thought that it was really tough to be Jiang Yadan¡¯s wife. She had just married into this family while others were sneering at her behind her back. There must be a lot toe to her!

    Madame Tao said, ¡°I know you are clear on that. And I have told her not to worry about it. You won¡¯t me her.¡± And then she asked, ¡°At this moment, youe to me rather than stay with Lang¡¯er. What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°Grandmother, I doe here for a reason!¡± Qiu Yn weighed her words carefully. It was not proper to publicize what Madame He had done. So, Qiu Yn found it really hard to choose words that could persuade Madame Tao to talk to Madame Ou and have He Shuijin stay at Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion to avoid Madame He. Qiu Yn had just thought about a sentence. It was on the tip of her tongue when a servant rushed into the room and reported, ¡°After hearing Sir Jibei¡¯s death, Old Master Tianchi left the army behind and galloped back to Jing City for paying respect. Even Madame Zhuang was left far behind!¡±

    Madame Tao was surprised. But she said instantly, ¡°He is not the only one in charge of the Northern Army. Jingbo is also in charge out there, isn¡¯t he? He is such a filial person¡­¡± With that, Madame Tao found the servant was not considerate at all. She thought to herself, ¡°Anyway, Tianchi is on his way back. So, what if the news is toldter? What¡¯s the point of rushing in and scaring us like this?¡±

    However, the servant spluttered, ¡°Madame! The news that Old Master Tianchi¡¯s personal return to Jing City for paying respect was known by Beihu on the same day as he set off! The news from the carrier hawk said that Beihu would invade in ten days at the most. But when the messenger stopped Old Master Tianchi, he said he would get Beijiang back if it is lost. He said he muste back to see Sir Jibei before he passed away! Old Master¡­ Old Master was so angry that he fainted!¡±

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 Chapter 434 Tensions

    <h4>Chapter 434 Tensions</h4>

    Compared to the chaos that followed the sudden death of Sir Jibei, the Jiang Family was now in a real mess. Although the situation today was not as precarious as it was during the summer of that year. Back then, once something happened to Marquess Qin, the Jiang Family would beprehensively devastated. Now they were ever-more-powerful than others. But that only meant that outsiders could do nothing to them. When they fought with each other in the family, they had a lot of scruples.

    The first branch and the third branch were wary of the fourth branch¡¯s military power. Especially, Jiang Tianchi was on his way back to Jing City. Who would know that how many people he had with him and what his means were? He even didn¡¯t care about Beihu¡¯s invading. Did he reallye back to see Sir Jibei onest time? Anyway, Sir Jibei was dead! Perhaps he wasing at them!

    After all, Beihu was a threat circling around. Even if Marquess Qin didn¡¯t die this time, he couldn¡¯t do anything to Jiang Tianchi for the sake of the overall situation. Didn¡¯t that give Jiang Tianchi a chance to do whatever he wanted against his brothers and nephews?

    The fourth branch was afraid that the first branch and the third branch would be desperate to do something. After all, the two branches were still very powerful in the imperial court, and Jing City was the home base of them for many years. Meanwhile, it was the two branches that benefited most from the end of the Gus. The fourth branch¡¯s manpower and material resources in Jing City were nothing to them. Jiang Tianchi had not yet returned. What if the two branches, who were wary of Jiang Tianchi, took the opportunity to hold the entire fourth branch hostage if something happened to Marquess Qin?

    So, when Madame Tao took Qiu Yn to visit Marquess Qin, she was stopped on her halfway by Jiang Yashuang, who hurried there, ¡°Grandmother, there are so many people around my grandfather. I think that there is nothing Yn can do. Just let her go back and take care of Jinn. Otherwise, if she is there with the crowd, it may be upsetting for my grandfather!¡±

    When he was done, he dragged Qiu Yn and hurried to the wing of Madame Tao¡¯s courtyard. But he only saw that the ce was already filled with people. And there were a lot of weapons hidden in the flowerbeds and corridors. The atmosphere was so serious that as if there had been a threat!

    Jiang Yashuang dragged his wife into the room where Jiang Jinng and the other two children were ced, and said severely, ¡°Stay here. Don¡¯t go out unless I or Jiang Tane calling for you! Don¡¯t trust anyone else!¡±

    After a while, Chu Yitong, Gu E¡¯nuo, and Jiang Yadan¡¯s children were also sent over together. Gu E¡¯nuo was fine as she had not only been crowned as a princess and married a prince, but also survived the disaster with her beauty and calction that all her families were killed. So, at this moment, she couldfort Jiang Jingheng and others calmly.

    But Chu Yitong looked not well. Regardless of not being familiar with Qiu Yn, she came over and asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Don¡¯t they say that grandfather is not well? And then we should be visiting him. Why are we called to grandmother¡¯s yard?¡±

    ¡°There are too many people with our grandfather. Even if we go there, we can hardly help.¡± In front of so many people, it was hard for Qiu Yn to say the truth. ¡°Our youngest grand uncle has passed out suddenly and fast. What if our grandfather suddenly died as well? And if the first branch and the third branch want to get to us first¡­ So, if we in the fourth branch don¡¯t save for a rainy day, we¡¯ll be prisoners by then!¡±

    So, she told her what Jiang Yashuang had said to Madame Tao, ¡°We may just add to their workload. It will be okay to let Yashuang and other brothers serve there.¡±

    ¡°Why do wee here?¡± Chu Yitong had just married into the Jiang Family. Though she knew that the fourth branch didn¡¯t get along with the first branch and the third branch, she didn¡¯t expect their rtionship would be so bad. As soon as Marquess Qin fell into aa, the fourth room would start to guard against their attacks. Chu Yitong was thus surprised, ¡°If we stay in the yard, we can serve our husbands when they are tired of serving the sick, right?¡±

    ¡°A few days ago, Jinng was calcted by others, right? Our grandfather is not well now. And the whole family has to be about him. To avoid being attacked by some evil people, we are called over to get together. And we take care of each other.¡± Qiu Yn persuaded her at a regr time, ¡°It¡¯s only for a few days. I believe our grandfather will be fine soon. My sister-inw, please hold it!¡±

    With that, Chu Yitong¡¯s wet nurse Mrs. Zhu had pulled at her sleeves several times. Even though Chu Yitong was still in disbelief that the branches of the Jiang Family had be sworn enemies that would attack the women and children, she took the hint and stopped asking, ¡°I am just confused. Why would I feel badly treated? It is our blessing to stay at our grandmother¡¯s ce!¡±

    Although Madame Tao¡¯s yard was rtively spacious, the family members of the fourth branch couldn¡¯t take over all the ce. They just borrowed a few rooms. So, it was natural that they would have to squeeze in. At Qiu Yn¡¯s hint, Gu E¡¯nuo offered to take Jiang Yadan¡¯s baseborn children to live in another room without taking up the one where Jiang Jinng and the other two children stayed.

    After all, those baseborn children of Jiang Yadan gave a bad impression on Qiu Yn. And their biological mothers had been ordered to be killed by Madame Zhuang for touching Madame Tao Junior¡¯s dowry. If these children were ced together, they would perhaps be angry with Jiang Jingkun and harm him. Even though someone would have an eye on that, it would be awkward and troublesome in the end. So, it would be better to separate them from the beginning.

    When Gu E¡¯nuo rose and was about to ask Jiang Jingheng and the others to follow her, Jiang Huizhu, the eleventh junior youngdy, raised her head and asked, ¡°Mother, my neenth aunt, I haven¡¯t seen my fourteenth brother for a long time. Can I y with him?¡±

    ¡°An is just a little kid. It¡¯s easy for him to get tired while ying. Just wait for him to grow up a bit!¡± said Qiu Yn, smiling.

    Chu Yitong also frowned, ¡°If you like kids, you can y with your fifteenth brother and sixteenth brother. Just leave An alone!¡±

    Jing Huizhu bit her lip, looking disappointed. And then she left with Gu E¡¯nuo.

    When they left and were out of the door, Chu Yitong coughed dryly and exined, ¡°Huizhu¡­ She just wanted to be more intimate with her trueborn younger brother!¡± She intentionally emphasized the word ¡°trueborn¡±. And Qiu Yn got the point. Jiang Huizhu¡¯s biological mother, Luan, had forced her subordinates to save her daughter first, resulting in the death of Jiang Yadan¡¯s eldest baseborn son, the ninth junior young master Jiang Jinghu. After that, Madame Tao ordered to kill her. And Jiang Huizhu lost her biological mother. Luan dared to disregard the life of the eldest baseborn son for the sake of her daughter. So, it was clear that Jiang Huizhu lived a good life when she was still alive. That was to say, she must have offended many people!

    So, after the death of Luan, Jiang Huizhu¡¯s life could be imagined! Now she wanted to please her trueborn younger brother to improve her situation, which was only human nature.

    Though Qiu Yn could understand her feelings, she wasn¡¯t going to give her that chance. With an effort, Jiang Jingkun was able to be brought up by Qiu Yn. She didn¡¯t want him to be dragged into the tumble in Jiang Yadan¡¯s backyard again!

    ¡°They are siblings. It¡¯s natural for them to be close.¡± Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°But An is too young to y with his sisters yet.¡±

    Chu Yitong was relieved to see that she had overlooked it, ¡°My sister-inw, you are right. I feel the same way.¡±

    Having talked about what Jiang Huizhu thought, the two sisters-inw exchanged a few pleasantries before Chu Yitong excused herself and went to her own ce to tidy up.

    Qiu Yn yed with the kids. Jiang Jinng was too young and had just recovered. So, he was still mainly eating and sleeping. She mostly spent time with Jiang Jingkun and Jiang Qizheng¡¯s son. Both of them had reached their first birthday and were now able to walk with the help of the couch and speak a few words. And they were more energetic.

    ¡°My eighteenth sister has got pregnant again. I don¡¯t think she¡¯ll be able toe back next spring.¡± While ying with the kids, Qiu Yn said to servants, ¡°If she gives birth and experiences confinement in Shazhou, she will not leave until her baby is able to have a long journey. When will she be back? It¡¯s not appropriate as my nephew hasn¡¯t got a name. See, each time when I called ¡®An¡¯, my nephew turn would his head as he thought I was calling him!¡±

    Mrs. Qu said, ¡°Madame, why don¡¯t you give a pet name? I think the Princess and her husband will be okay with that.¡± Anyway, Qiu Yn had brought up their son for such a long time. It was a pet name rather than a formal name. If they didn¡¯t like it, they could change one. Though Mrs. Qu hadn¡¯t seen Jiang Qizheng and his husband, she thought that the biological daughter of Madame Zhuang shouldn¡¯t be mean.

    ¡°Just call him Fu. My eighteenth sister¡¯s title is Princess Chunfu. And this character is auspicious.¡± Qiu Yn nodded.

    With that, someone outside said suddenly, ¡°Fu? ¡®Fu¡¯ is also in my title!¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised and she handed them the rattle that Jiang Jingkun and Fu were fighting for. She stood up, ¡°Yongfu, what brings you here?¡±

    It was Princess Royal Yongfu. In her early years, the Princess was very close to Jiang Yashuang. She often sneaked out of the pce to y with her cousin Yashuang, and often stayed at the Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion or the Jiang Family¡¯s residence. But ever since Jiang Yashuang met Qiu Yn, the number of times she sought out her cousin had dropped considerably. She hadn¡¯t even spent the night at the Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion in the past two years. Of course, this was also because she had a new ymate, Ou Bicheng.

    ¡°As my grandfather falls ill, my mother is worried about him. So, she sent me here to visit my grandfather.¡± Princess Royal Yongfu dressed in purple and wore boots, which was a smart outfit. She looked worried on her beautiful face, ¡°When I just went to my grandfather¡¯s yard, my grandmother said that my grandfather had just fallen asleep after drinking his medicine and asked me not to disturb him inside. I didn¡¯t see you over there. And after staying with my grandmother for a while, I heard that you were here, so I came over to take a look!¡±

    At the words, a person came up from behind her. It was the seventh madame of the third branch, Madame Zhang. She said with a poker face, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen An,ng, and my nephew for days. I wanted to apany the Princess for a walk, but I didn¡¯t expect to hear that you had given her nephew a nickname.¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned slightly and thought to herself, ¡°Is Madame Zhang watching Princess Royal Yongfu? Even Yongfu is treated like that. It¡¯s no wonder that why Jiang Yashuang and Jiang Yadan don¡¯t allow their families to visit Marquess Qin in his yard. They are afraid that we, as their families, will be attacked.¡±

    But with a face as if she hadn¡¯t noticed anything, she asked with concern, ¡°How is our grandfather?¡±

    ¡°Dr. Lin said it was because he had been exhausted for days. He was already tired. When he heard that there was a change in Beijiang, he was suddenly stimted to fall ill. He will be okay.¡± Yongfu Princess set her mouth in a line, ¡°I think he will wake up tonight.¡±

    Madame Zhang said, ¡°Our grandfather has been healthy.¡± And she added coldly, ¡°I¡¯m not picking on you as your sister-inw. When something happened to Lang¡¯er two days ago, you were worried about him. But our grandfather has been ill. Shouldn¡¯t you go there and visit him?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought to herself, ¡°How dare you say that! Just look at the way you¡¯re spying on Yongfu! I¡¯m not sure what will happen to me if I go there!¡± But she said, ¡°Nothing I can do about it. My fourteenth sister-inw hasn¡¯te back. Even if she returns there, how can a pregnant woman be busy with that? I¡¯m not saying that my third aunt and you, my seventh sister-inw, are not capable of being in charge of the family. However, when ites to the family affairs, even our grandfather praises her a lot, right?¡±

    After hearing that, Madame Zhang¡¯s face grew darker, ¡°Isn¡¯t this saying that Jiang Jinng¡¯s getting poisonedst time had a lot to do with the third branch¡¯s ipetence in running the family matters?¡±

    ¡°By the way, has Lang¡¯er¡¯s wet nurse been changed to those from more affluent families?¡± Madame Zhang thought for a moment and then suddenly said, ¡°Earlier, I had already advised you that although people from humble families were honest, they were also stupid! How could they know the rules better than our family servants? If it weren¡¯t for those two wet nurses being so mean, Lang¡¯er wouldn¡¯t have had to suffer so much! My neenth sister-inw, you are too young. You¡¯d better listen to your sisters-inw more often. What do you think?¡±

    It was better if she didn¡¯t say that. But when she did, Qiu Yn almost couldn¡¯t resist pping her twice, ¡°He Shuijin is no longer a suspect, but that doesn¡¯t mean you, the third branch, can get away with that! You may be one of the people who harmed my son. How dare you lecture me about this!¡±

    ¡°My seventh sister-inw, you are right!¡± Qiu Yn took several deep breaths before she could suppress her anger and gave a fake smile, ¡°It¡¯s because there are few people in our yard and we usually live a peaceful life. Also, I¡¯m afraid that my subordinates have been nowhere and can¡¯t control the new servants. So, I thought wet nurses from humble families would make it easy for me! I didn¡¯t expect to get caught up here! But this time, the wet nurses were chosen by Yashuang himself. And he had told them a lot. So, I don¡¯t think there will be any more problems.¡±

    It was Madame Zhang¡¯s turn to take deep breaths, ¡°Few people? Live a peaceful life? Your subordinates have been nowhere? You are just showing off that since your marriage, Jiang Yashuang just has you. And you are in charge of the yard!¡±

    ¡°The wet nurses were chosen and told by Yashuang himself! This is a tant disy of how much your husband values your son and how considerate he is of you! Your husband has taken over the job for you which should have been your job!¡±

    ¡°But what about my husband Jiang Yayi? He even got a performer of a brothel into this family just three days before the death of Sir Jibei!¡±

    Moreover, Jiang Yayi loved both his new and old mistresses, who fight with each other. Madame Zhang, as thedy of the house, not only needed to help Madame He and be the scapegoat for her but also had to y mediator for these mistresses. Otherwise, Jiang Yayi would be bothered by these mistresses and thus thought that his wife was ipetent to run the yard!

    Madame Zhang felt so miserable about her own situation that she didn¡¯t even notice that Princess Royal Yongfu proposed to leave. It was only when she was quietly nudged by a servant that she woke up. She gritted her teeth and made it go away together with the Princess!

    As soon as they left, a bodyguard came over to report, ¡°The maid of the Princess stuffed this silk into my arms when the maid of the seventh madame wasn¡¯t noticing!¡±

 Chapter 435 Jiang Tianchi Arrived in Jing City

    <h4>Chapter 435 Jiang Tianchi Arrived in Jing City</h4>

    Qiu Yn took a look at the silk, and more than a dozen names were on it. At the bottom, there were three blurred characters that couldn¡¯t be seen after checking, ¡°Something has been changed!¡±

    ¡°They¡­¡± Qiu Yn looked at the silk and her face looked bad because she didn¡¯t know any of them. Princess Royal Yongfu brought it from the pce so she could guess who they were. She ordered, ¡°Ask Mistress Gu toe here!¡±

    Mistress Gu prepared things for Jiang Huizhu and others in a house not far away. She came quickly and said respectfully, ¡°Your Grace!¡± In fact, Mistress Gu¡¯s family background was good among these concubines so she didn¡¯t need to say this. But after hearing about Madame Zhuang¡¯s methods, she behaved well and regarded herself as a maid when she saw these masters.

    ¡°Do you know these names?¡± Qiu Yn asked her toe over and handed the silk to her.

    ¡°They are the Imperial Guards!¡± Mistress Gu, who used to be Princess Zhou, was an important member of the Gu Family at the time. She just nced at it and answered without hesitation, ¡°And most of them are officers in the Imperial Guard!¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered and said, ¡°I know!¡±

    ¡°Madame, this silk¡­ Is it brought by Princess Royal Yongfu?¡± Although Yongfu didn¡¯t go to see Jiang Yadan¡¯s children just now, everyone was in the same courtyard. As soon as the princess came, everyone knew it. She was smart and suddenly knew the key points, so she couldn¡¯t help but cry, ¡°If these people are really from the first branch and the third branch¡­ How are Your Grace and Your Majesty¡­?¡±

    Although Empress Dowager Jiang and Emperor were not the controllers of Darui now, they had the titles!

    If they were under the control of the first branch and the third branch and were coerced to write down imperial decrees that were unfavorable to the fourth branch, the first branch and third branch of the Jiang Family could lead the army to rush into the city and control the whole fourth branch!

    At that time, even if Jiang Tianchi returned to Jing City with enough power, he would be in an extremely unfavorable situation. If he fought with them, it would be regarded as a tant rebellion. How about his children and grandchildren? If he gave up, he would be controlled by them and lead a miserable life.

    ¡°Since Yongfu is able to let the pce maid deliver this silk to us, everything hasn¡¯t been so bad!¡± Qiu Yn saw that others were shocked after being reminded by Mistress Gu. In an instant, they felt afraid. Qiu Yn frowned and said coldly, ¡°You only know that the first branch and the third branch have attracted so many people in the guard. Don¡¯t you know that we have the power to fight against them?¡±

    She said loudly and red at Mistress Gu fiercely. Mistress Gu looked pale and knelt down without daring to lift her head. ¡°Madame, please! I didn¡¯t deliberately threaten them. I just feel scared.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know that you were so courageous before!¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°When the decree that ordered you and Prince of Zhou tomit suicide came to King Zhou¡¯s mansion, weren¡¯t you calm? You are even alive now.¡±

    Mistress Gu didn¡¯t dare to reply but kept kowtowing!

    Within a short time, a piece of the carpet was stained with blood.

    ¡°Take her out to my eighth sister-inw!¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want to refute his sister-inw so she didn¡¯t deal with her in person. She asked people to take her out and wipe the blood. After that, she said, ¡°Go and invite themander of the guard!¡±

    When she talked, there was a cheer from the outside!

    Qiu Yn was surprised and stood up, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Madame, it¡¯s okay! Old Master has woken up!¡± Jiang Tan walked in happilyter., ¡°Dr. Lin has said that Old Master¡¯s body is in good health and he can walk after two or three days of recuperation!¡±

    Qiu Yn was stunned for a long time before she asked, ¡°How about the eighth sister-inw?¡±

    ¡°Jiang Gan, who is the servant of the eighth young master, will ask the eighth madame toe back,¡± Jiang Tan whispered, ¡°We should spread the news that we don¡¯t hope anything bad will happen to the seventeenth junior young master again and say it is ordered by Madame Tao. And just now Madame Tao agreed.¡±

    Qiu Yn was quite speechless when thinking about the troubles today, ¡°I know. Ok!¡±

    Although she was very depressed, it was always a good thing that nothing happened, right?

    Jiang Yashuang came back in the evening and he was in a good mood, ¡°It happened so suddenly that I couldn¡¯t tell you clearly. Were you scared?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Qiu Yn asked in surprise.

    ¡°We suspected that the first branch and the third branch had done a lot of tricks in the guard. But we couldn¡¯t investigate directly because of my grandfather.¡± Jiang Yashuang said truthfully, ¡°The news that my father returned to Jing City made my grandfather faint. Jiang Yadan and I contacted my aunt. We took the opportunity to test them. Sure enough. Many people came up!¡±

    He squinted and said, ¡°These people might not be all of them, but most of them must havee out! Next, as long as we eradicate them one by one and rece them with ours, there is nothing to do with the first branch and the third branch!¡±

    Qiu Yn suddenly said, ¡°I was surprised before. If the grandfather were not good, you should be worried that the first branch and the third branch would take the opportunity to attack us. Why did you gather them together? They should be hidden separately! The bodyguards only have a few people even if they are very strong. They are stuck in the Marquess¡¯s Mansion and when the timees, they will be surrounded by our people. It will be difficult for them to escape!¡±

    Though people could be found one by one when they hid separately, if it was really necessary to prepare for unexpected events, they had the chance of escaping. But if it was to deceive the first branch and the third branch, gathering the family and concentrating all the strength to protect them was a panacea.

    Although there was a danger of being all trapped and the number of guards to protect them was limited, they were not easy to be defeated. It might be a protracted battle!

    In that case, if Marquess Qin woke up halfway, wouldn¡¯t it be miserable for the first branch and the third branch?

    If Marquess Qin did not wake up, guards could take them out separately. The fourth branch could insist that Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi were frenzied as they wanted to kill their families by sending people to attack their brothers and sisters!

    If they wanted to win a quick battle, the first branch and the third branch could only use soldiers from outside. In addition, the Jiang Family had an elite army that only listened to Marquess Qin!

    That elite army would not reason with the first branch and the third branch and say that their people were only allowed to attack the fourth branch after entering the mansion and shall not disturb Marquess Qin. They would only say, ¡°Kill people who break into the Marquess¡¯s Mansion without the authorization of Marquess Qin!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought about it and was a little worried, ¡°But if my grandfather knows, will he be angry?¡±

    She was not afraid of Marquess Qin¡¯s punishment now but was worried about his body.

    In a short period of time, two elders died in the Jiang Family. Not to mention that the internal fighting would immediately erupt without suppression, it would be a huge blow to the power of the entire Jiang Family!

    ¡°Grandmother is there and she has said that everything will be discussed when grandfather is in good health!¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°Before grandfather is fully recovered, who dares to make troubles? If anyone does, grandmother will go to denounce him for his unfilial piety in person!¡±

    Obviously, Madame Tao was ready to fight because Marquess Qin couldn¡¯t die right now!

    Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead, feeling very tired, ¡°But I hope my father will arrive in Jing City soon!¡±

    Although Jiang Tianchi had never returned to the court for many years, his patience, forbearance, vision, and perseverance were beyond ordinary people because he was a man who could let go of his noble life when he was young. He fought everything by himself. He was in the same generation as Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi. If he came back, the fourth branch would be strong and stable!

    ¡­ Jiang Tianchi returned very quickly. He even left Beijiang and his army. What else could stop him?

    He was exposed to the wind and dew on the journey, changing horses all the time. After falling from the horse back a few times because of tiredness, he refused to ride with the guard in order not to slow down the speed of returning to Jing City. Instead, he tied himself with the saddle with a belt. After thousands of miles, he was finally back. The moment the belt was cut off in front of the Mansion of Sir Jibei and he jumped off the horse, the expensive and strong horse fell to the ground in an instant!

    Jiang Tiancan, who was in front of the Mansion, couldn¡¯t help but pause. He subconsciously looked at the numerous scars on the horse¡¯s buttocks and the horse blood sprinkled all the way on the long street. As the only son of Sir Jibei, Jiang Tiancan knew the method of driving at the expense of the horse¡¯s life. Although he had never joined the army, he knew the cost was the life of the horse and it was hard for the person who rode to stand it.

    Seeing Jiang Tianchi, who was so weak and clearly supported by his will, he couldn¡¯t help but feel shocked!

    ¡°What about my uncle?¡± Jiang Tianchi, who was holding the whip and walking up the steps, didn¡¯t look back at the horse, but briefly asked his younger brother, ¡°Lead the way!¡±

    He was themander who had experienced numerous battles. He looked so powerful. This time, he was dedicated to condole upon the death of Jiang Tiancan¡¯s father as he abandoned everything and rushed back. When Jiang Tiancan was seen by him, he couldn¡¯t help but lower his head, as if he was lower than him for an unknown reason. Shortly, he said, ¡°My fourth brother, pleasee with me!¡±

    Sir Jibei¡¯s body had long been ced in the coffin. It had not been nailed for letting Jiang Tianchi see him once.

    Jiang Tiancan was about to call the servant to lift the lid of the coffin, but Jiang Tianchi waved his hand, ¡°No! Let¡¯s do it in person, brother. Be careful. Don¡¯t disturb my uncle!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Jiang Tiancan was suppressed by him as soon as they met. He didn¡¯t dare to say no at this moment, but he had been a civil servant. Now his strength was not enough because he hadn¡¯t practiced riding and shooting for a long time. Jiang Tianchi came back from such a long journey and he looked so weak. What if something happened when he did this work?

    Still considering the wording of persuasion, Jiang Tianchi was already working on it. Jiang Tiancan had to help, ¡°My fourth brother, this coffin lid is too heavy.¡±

    Before he finished speaking, Jiang Tianchi had already opened the lid of the coffin alone, revealing Sir Jibei who was lying quietly in the coffin!

    Jiang Tiancan opened his mouth. When he was about to say something, he saw Jiang Tianchi staring at Sir Jibei¡¯s ck face for a moment, and then Jiang Tianchi burst into tears, ¡°Uncle! I am back to see you!¡±

    Before he finished his words, he knelt down suddenly and banged his head three times in the coffin. Jiang Tiancan didn¡¯t dare to neglect so he knelt down in response and tried to persuade, ¡°My fourth brother, people can¡¯te back to life after death. Take care!¡±

    It had been almost a month since Sir Jibei passed away. Although Jiang Tiancan was his son, his sorrow had passed. At this moment, he was infected by Jiang Tianchi, so he felt so sad that he cried, ¡°If I had known that my father would pass away so fast, I should have gritted my teeth and stayed in the army even though I was not talented. I just want to serve my father day by day!¡±

    When he thought of this, he heard a sound of bang which was different from the sound of kowtowing. When he looked up, Jiang Tianchi fell to the ground as expected!

 Chapter 436 - Elder Preference

    <h4>Chapter 436 Elder Preference</h4>

    After Jiang Tianchi fell and was carried back to the fourth branch, Jiang Yadan and Jiang Yashuang took turns taking care of him for two days and nights before he woke up.

    After waking up, he still asked about Sir Jibei, ¡°Is my uncle buried?¡±

    It happened to be that Jiang Yashuang was guarding him at this time. He saw that although Jiang Tianchi was awake, his energy was damaged, and he did not fully recover. He whispered softly tofort him, ¡°Father, don¡¯t worry. My youngest grand uncle¡¯s mourning hall is still there. Grandfather and my youngest grand aunt both said that since you were back, they must bury my youngest grand uncle after you could get better.¡±

    ¡°When my uncle was dying, did he feel relieved?¡± Jiang Tianchi closed his eyes. His voice was not high but very oppressive as he was ustomed tomanding thousands of troops.

    ¡°My youngest grand uncle passed away peacefully but not contentedly.¡± Jiang Yashuang, who had been with Marquess Qin since his childhood, had been ustomed to it and he was not affected. He said calmly, ¡°My youngest grand uncle hoped that we could get along well with each other and get back together. But this is impossible right now!¡±

    Jiang Tianchi was silent for a while before he said faintly, ¡°Help me up!¡±

    After getting up, he was served by Jiang Yashuang and drank a bowl of chicken soup stewed with old ginseng. Jiang Tianchi regained some energy and asked about Marquess Qin and his wife, ¡°How are your grandfather and grandmother?¡±

    ¡°My grandmother is all well, but my grandfather got ill two days ago. At that time¡­¡± It was at night and it was not convenient to visit the elders. Jiang Yashuang asked someone to make ginseng tea and briefly told him the situation in Jing City. When he was halfway through his sentences, Jiang Yadan came and saw that his father was awake. He was overjoyed, ¡°I pay homage to my father!¡±

    After arriving at the Mansion of Sir Jibei, Jiang Tianchi was solemn all the time. He was reticent and serious that people were afraid to get close. Even when speaking to the youngest son after waking up, he had the same expression. But at this moment, seeing the eldest son, he became soft suddenly and greeted him, ¡± Dan¡¯er, you don¡¯t have to be polite. Get up!¡±

    He even struggled to sit up and pretended to help him up at this time. As a father, his son and he had been separated for many years and finally they met now.

    At this time, Jiang Yashuang had already got up and gave a salute to his elder brother. He left the ce that was closest to the bed and retreated to another ce.

    Jiang Tianchi let his two sons sit down and looked at them. He had a strong feeling for them, especially for Jiang Yadan. Although his face was still calm, his eyes were filled with uncontroble excitement, and tears were hidden in his eyes, ¡°I never thought of seeing you again. You grow up!¡±

    Jiang Yadan was a little bit embarrassed and frustrated. He lowered his head and said, ¡°It¡¯s a pity that I am stubborn and silly, which disappoints you, father!¡±

    As the eldest son, he was known as a dude and a family scum. His younger brother was so talented. Compared with him, he looked so silly. Jiang Yadan was ustomed to these judgements over the years. He didn¡¯t care about others¡¯ views, but it was different now because he cared about his parents¡¯ views.

    Thinking of Madame Zhuang who scolded him as a disappointing person a few months ago, he couldn¡¯t help shrinking his head. Madame Zhuang was a mother. No matter how bad her son was, she scolded him a few times but was reluctant to beat him. But fathers were different, especially Jiang Tianchi¡¯s job was a general of the Northern Army. If he were merciful, He might be incapable of charging the army. Could he not beat his son?

    ¡°We were not in Jing City for these years, and you were inevitably set up by others.¡± Jiang Tianchi didn¡¯t scold him butforted him with good words when Jiang Yadan was upset. ¡°Jiang Yashuang could be protected by your grandparents, but you were trapped by the first branch from the beginning. How old were you then? The elders deliberately set you up. How could you handle these? We are not good and fail to protect you.¡±

    Speaking of this, Jiang Tianchi turned his face away, as if he couldn¡¯t help himself. He choked with sobs.

    Jiang Yadan was stunned and helplessly tried to persuade, ¡°Father, it¡¯s my fault!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was shocked but said, ¡°Father, you have traveled a long distance and you are too sad in front of my youngest grand uncle. And you¡­ Take care of yourself please!¡± But he thought, ¡°What does father mean that I was protected by grandparents, but Jiang Yadan was set up by the first branch from the beginning?¡±

    ¡°Does hein that I was raised and taught by my grandparents and led a good life while not caring about Jiang Yadan? Is it possible?¡± He was twelve years younger than Jiang Yadan. At that time, Jiang Yadan followed bad examples and even Marquess Qin couldn¡¯t help him!

    Jiang Tianchi would never ask the youngest son to start persuading his elder brother to be kind when he was a baby, right?

    ¡°Does he imply that I have not suffered as much as my brother?¡± This was a very unfair description. Jiang Yadan was raised in the first branch and the intention of the first branch was to make him a worthless person so they satisfied his every request!

    Jiang Yashuang was brought up by Marquess Qin and Madame Tao in person. Both of them sincerely hoped that he would be good, but they never spoilt him. Since Jiang Yashuang was three, his daily homework was much. He was allowed to have holidays only on Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve and Mid-Autumn Festival. He never stopped learning and practicing martial arts, and he would be beaten whenever he was ck. So, in terms of hardships, Jiang Yashuang worked much harder than Jiang Yadan.

    Of course, for the people who wholeheartedly raised them, Jiang Yadan did suffer a lot.

    ¡°Why does father say this?¡± Jiang Yashuang felt very puzzled. His father said that his young son suffered far fewer grievances than the elder son in front of them. He must have his purpose. Jiang Tianchi was not a person who would say words that provoke his son¡¯s suspicion.

    ¡°I have never been mad with Jiang Yadan, nor have we fought for anything. When father came back, he hinted that Jiang Yadan suffered more grievances than me. What does he mean?¡±

    If the two brothers were bad to each other, Jiang Tianchi¡¯s words were not surprising. He wanted to persuade them to settle their dispute.

    But now they were very good. What Jiang Tianchi said made Jiang Yashuang think much, ¡°Is it for the session of the title?¡±

    Jiang Tianchi currently had no title of nobility. He only had the title of Great General of North. Although Marquess Qin had not decided his heir yet, ording to the Jiang Family¡¯s custom of elder preference, even if the power of the fourth branch overwhelmed the third branch, Marquess Qin would not set Jiang Tianchi as his heir. But this did not mean that Jiang Tianchi had no hope of getting the title because he returned to Jing City in person this time.

    Just for the purpose of being close to the fourth branch, Empress Dowager Jiang would definitely give Jiang Tianchi a title of nobility.

    In the past, some people even wanted to deduct the customary rewards of Sir Jibei. Now everything was different because the Jiang Family had real power. The title of nobility was possible.

    ¡°Jiang Yadan is the eldest trueborn son so he should be the heir for the estate and title.¡± Jiang Yashuang thought of this with a feeling of sadness. ¡°Even if I take over the Northern Army, it is because Jiang Yadan cannot do it. Am I the kind of person who snatches things from my brothers?¡±

    He was thinking about finding an opportunity to confess his thoughts to his father, but Jiang Tianchi suddenly said, ¡°Is Dan¡¯er here to change your brother¡¯s shift?¡±

    Jiang Yadan was so anxious and he was willing to turn away from the topic just now, so he immediately replied, ¡°Brother Yashuang has been here for a whole day so I am worried about him.¡±

    ¡°Shuang¡¯er, you go back to the house and have a rest! Just leave Dan¡¯er to take care of me.¡± Jiang Tianchi looked at his younger son. Although his eyes were gentle, he loved Jiang Yadan more. Jiang Yashuang was a child trained by Marquess Qin. How could he not notice this difference?

    Since he was young, he had always been preferred in front of the elders, especially Madame Tao and Empress Dowager Jiang, who would satisfy all his requests. Madame Zhuang, who returned to Jing City a few months ago, said that she loved her two own sons the same, but she also made it clear that she was disappointed with the elder son¡¯s debauchery and sincerely satisfied with the young son¡¯s outstanding ability.

    But when he was in front of father, how did everything change?

    Jiang Yashuang went back to his yard with sadness and puzzlement. He had a family of three members so it was not convenient to live in Madame Tao¡¯s inter-yard. Fortunately, there were many empty courtyards in the Mansion so a courtyard had been cleaned up these days for them to live in first. They could move back when their courtyard was repaired.

    Qiu Yn put the child to sleep and went back to the inner room. Hearing that he was back, she greeted him and asked, ¡°How is father?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s awake,¡± Jiang Yashuang said and nodded slightly, ¡°Is there any food in the kitchen?¡±

    ¡°I have asked Mrs. Li to keep it for you.¡± Qiu Yn called someone to get the meal. She noticed that her husband seemed to be in a bad mood and was very worried. She asked quietly, ¡°Anything wrong with father?¡±

    This was really terrible. If Marquess Qin died now, the Jiang Family would be in an internal fight and others would seize this chance to take power when the Jiang Family lost its current strong power. If Jiang Tianchi wasn¡¯t well, there was no need to fight with each other anymore because the fourth branch needed to think about how to save their lives first!

    Fortunately, Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°Father is okay. He should be fine.¡±

    Qiu Yn breathed a sigh of relief, stopped talking, and served him in person.

    After Jiang Yashuang went to bathe and everything was settled, the couple returned to the room together. After a while, Qiu Yn asked him why he was unhappy.

    Hearing Jiang Yashuang talking about the difference in Jiang Tianchi¡¯s attitude, Qiu Yn also felt it was strange. They were both sons and the young son was preferred by everybody because of his outstanding abilities. Jiang Yashuang was young and outstanding, but Jiang Yadan wasn¡¯t so good at all! How could Jiang Tianchi do this?

    ¡°Unless Jiang Yashuang isn¡¯t his son¡­¡± Qiu Yn hurriedly stopped the idea before thinking more. This was really impossible. Jiang Yashuang¡¯s appearance was simr to Jiang Yadan¡¯s and they looked very simr to Marquess Qin so they were definitely from the Jiang Family!

    Unless Madame Zhuang had an infidelity with the other person in the Jiang Family whose son looked like Jiang Yadan¡­ But was Jiang Tianchi a person who could bear infidelities for more than 20 years?

    Apart from other things, Madame Zhuang¡¯s family was not a famous family. If he wanted to worry about it, he could kill her anytime!

    ¡°Did someone provoke it?¡± Qiu Yn thought for a while and made a guess, ¡°Otherwise, you are both his sons. Even though Jiang Yadan is the eldest son and father thinks highly of him, there is no need to say that to make you suspicious!¡±

    Suddenly, she thought of Jiang Yazhu and his wife who were secretly sent to Beijiang by Marquess Qin a few months ago. ¡°This couple arrived in Beijiang two months earlier than their mother-inw. How dared them provoke this! Would my mother-inw not find this after she arrived there? If she finds it out, can she let them go?¡±

    Moreover, Jiang Tianchi was the Great General of North. He was believed by Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei, and they even let him take charge of the Northern Army, so how could he believe his son of a concubine and the daughter-inw?

 Chapter 437 - The Meeting of the Brothers

    <h4>Chapter 437 - The Meeting of the Brothers</h4>

    In fact, as for the cause of the difference in Jiang Tianchi¡¯s attitude, not only did Jiang Yashuang and his wife not know, but also Jiang Yadan muttered inwardly, ¡°I¡¯m twelve years older than Jiang Yashuang, but I¡¯m much worse than him! I thought it would be good if my father didn¡¯t hang me up to beat me when he came back. But my father seems to like me more.¡±

    And then he changed his mind, ¡°Did my father still not know what I had done these years? Because he just arrived home.¡± He knew that letters that were sent from Jing City to the Jiang Tianchi couple always reported good news about children of the fourth branch rather than bad news.

    Thinking about this, Jiang Yadan was both guilty and afraid. He thought that the reason why his father was very kind to him was that his father believed in his excellence. When Jiang Tianchi found out the truthter, he might turn his face ruthlessly. But Jiang Yadan didn¡¯t dare to tell all the bad things that he had done over the years!

    In this panic, Jiang Yadan enjoyed his father¡¯s solicitude most of the night.

    Towards midnight, Jiang Tianchi was worried about his son. He asked him to rest. But Jiang Yadan refused his father. On the one hand, Jiang Yadan was reluctant to part with his father. On the other hand, he intended to show more filial piety. If his true face was revealed, his father might beat him more gently.

    The father and son discussed it for a long time and finally decided to take a step back. They called the servants to make a temporary bed for Jiang Yadan in front of Jiang Tianchi¡¯s bed. Overlooking the happy but uneasy sleeping face of his eldest son, Jiang Tianchi sighed silently. And then he flicked his fingers to turn the light out in the distance.

    Although the two trueborn sons of the fourth branch were puzzled by Jiang Tianchi¡¯s partiality, the most important thing now was the funeral affairs of Sir Jibei.

    It was originally thought that Madame Zhuang of the fourth branch woulde back to offerfort on behalf of her husband. People in Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion nned to set up a mourning hall for forty-nine days and then buried the body. But now Jiang Tianchi came back. What was worse was that there should be a war in Beijiang!

    Marquess Qin discussed this with his wife and his sister-inw. The Jiang Family had developed for only a few decades and didn¡¯t pay so much attention to etiquette as a noble family. The rules of the Jiang Family were set by Marquess Qin! Therefore, he decided that as soon as Jiang Tianchi could set off, they began to arrange for burial. After the burial, they could quickly let him go back to Beijiang to deal with the overall situation!

    The next day, Jiang Tianchi woke Jiang Yadan up. When they were just washing and dressing, Chu Yitong and the couple Jiang Yashuang came to pay respect to Jiang Tianchi.

    Jiang Tianchi¡¯s attitude towards his daughters-inw was the same. He had no father-inw¡¯s manners. His tone was quite kind. He said that he had been in a hurry toe back so that he didn¡¯t bring any gifts to them. He also asked Madame Zhuang to make up for itter.

    Chu Yitong and Qiu Yn replied that it didn¡¯t matter, ¡°As long as you are healthy, we as daughters-inw will be very d, father. We feel very sorry for not attending to you and mother in recent years. How can we ask for father¡¯s gifts?¡±

    And Chu Yitong and Qiu Yn said, ¡°We should have brought the children to see you, father. But considering that you just came back, we are afraid they may disturb you¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see them when the matters are done!¡± Jiang Tianchi nodded. Served by his sons and daughters-inw in turn, Jiang Tianchi had breakfast. Later, he asked his daughters-inw to pay respect to Madame Tao, while he took his two sons to visit Marquess Qin.

    Jiang Tianao, Jiang Tianqi, and Jiang Tianxiao were already there. When the brother of them who had long parted for more than twenty years entered the room with their two nephews, their faces were veryplicated.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother, sit down!¡± Jiang Tianchi abandoned the responsibility of guarding thend and the army in order to mourn his uncle. It made Marquess Qin very angry. But now Jiang Tianchi had alreadye back. It was useless to scold him. Looking at the tired face of his second son, Marquess Qin sighed inwardly, ¡°When Jiang Tianchi joined the army, he was about the same age as Jiang Yashuang. Time flew and his temples were gray now¡­ Although Kunlun took care of him a few years ago, he still suffered a lot!¡±

    So, Marquess Qin didn¡¯t show a terrible attitude toward him. After receiving the respect, he asked Jiang Tianchi to sit down like others.

    Jiang Tianchi didn¡¯t sit down immediately, but paid respect to his two elder brothers and nodded to his eighth younger brother. And then he said, ¡°My eldest brother, my third brother, and my eighth younger brother! I haven¡¯t seen you for many years. How are you recently?¡±

    ¡°What a d*mn how are you!¡± These were the inward voices of Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi. The series of previous conflicts made their two branches suffer losses. The lists obtained by cheating by the fourth branch a few days ago also made them furious! They couldn¡¯t believe that Jiang Tianchi had not known. Now Jiang Tianchi inquired after them like a good brother. If Marquess Qin were not here, Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi would vomit on Jiang Tianchi¡¯s face!

    Only the eighth Old Master Jiang Tianxiao replied to his fourth brother and respectfully said, ¡°Thank you for caring about me, my fourth brother. I¡¯m all right! You must be toilsome, please take care!¡±

    Jiang Tianxiao¡¯s performance didn¡¯t mean that he would be a partner of the fourth branch. He thought that he was the youngest one anyway. It was natural to be respectful to his elder brother, which could show filial piety in front of Marquess Qin. Why not?

    Sure enough, Marquess Qin frowned when he saw that his nephew and his eldest son kept silent with sullen faces, ¡°Tianao, Tianqi, aren¡¯t you goodtely? Why do you keep silent to Tianchi¡¯s respect?¡±

    ¡°Please let me exin, uncle. I was thinking about my third uncle just now. I was in a trance so I forgot to answer my fourth brother. Please don¡¯t me me, brother!¡±

    ¡°Father, I didn¡¯t expect that I had separated from my fourth brother for so many years. Now when I saw him again, we even have grandchildren. So, I was in a trance too.¡±

    Anyway, they dared not to annoy Marquess Qin and hummed to reply to him casually.

    When Jiang Tianchi heard ¡°my third uncle¡±, his eyes were reddened again. He sobbed, ¡°My third uncle is my benefactor. I didn¡¯t wait on him when he passed away. I am extremely unfilial!¡±

    Marquess Qin felt heartache when he heard his words. He said gently, ¡°All things past. Don¡¯t be too sad! After all, you have to hold on without your uncle in Beijiang! You can¡¯t count on such an old man like me.¡±

    No matter how willful Jiang Tianchi was this time, his original intention was out of filial piety, which could certainly leave a good impression on the elders. Particrly, Marquess Qin felt guilty of the death of Sir Jibei, ¡°My third brother is the youngest one among our brothers, but he is the earliest one that passed away. His death was so sudden. I sent him to Shazhou before. I don¡¯t know if his death has something to do with it.¡±

    After all, the three brothers had grown up together. He had suffered a lot in the early years, but Kui Xiannan was the poorest one who had been sold as a ve in his teens. He had been injured in the early years, but Marquess Qin was also full of old injuries! How could Sir Jibei be the first one to pass away?

    Marquess Qin thought about it thoroughly. Sir Jibei basically followed Marquess Qin¡¯s life path from studying, joining the army to making contributions. The only difference was that he asked Sir Jibei to Shazhoust year to quell the conflicts between the family branches!

    This trip was not only a long journey, but also Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yayue died there. For the overall situation, Sir Jibei spared no efforts to frame remaining members of the Gus and help the fourth branch to get rid of it¡­ After returning to Jing City, he had to deal with the doubts of the first branch and the third branch. His mental and physical energy was exhausted, which led him to sudden death in a few months!

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for my third younger brother!¡± His younger brother had still told his nephews earnestly to live in harmony before he died. Thinking of this, Marquess Qin was so mournful that he couldn¡¯t express it, ¡°If it were not for my failure of teaching my sons and nephews, how could it cause his death?¡±

    It was impossible for Marquess Qin to have no resentment to the first branch, the third branch, and the fourth branch. They had forced Marquess Qin to send Sir Jibei to go west. But they were the family¡¯s own blood. It couldn¡¯t let Sir Jibei return to life by punishing them, so Marquess Qin didn¡¯t show any hints about it.

    Now, Jiang Tianchi¡¯s performance made him feel better, but Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi didn¡¯t satisfy Marquess Qin, ¡°If it were not for the conflicts among you, how could I send my third brother to Shazhou for investigation? What time it is now? What you are thinking about is still internal strife. My third brother passed away only a few days ago. Do you still refuse to adhere to hisst instructions until his funeral finishes?¡±

    ¡°Chi¡¯er, go and pay respect to your mother. She has been missing you so much over these years.¡± Marquess Qin was unhappy, but he spoke to Jiang Tianchi very gently. He didn¡¯t call his number in the family in the way that he called Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi. He called Jiang Tianchi¡¯s name to show intimacy and satisfaction, ¡°And then go to see your aunt!¡±

    Jiang Tianchi wiped the corners of his eyes before he stood up and left.

    After he went out, he immediately regained his dignity. There was no one around. He asked his two sons, ¡°Are the two of them always like this since your youngest grand uncle passed away?¡±

    Jiang Yadan and Jiang Yashuang knew that ¡°the two of them¡± must refer to Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi. They both nodded, ¡°Father, our two uncles¡­ They are always like this since my youngest grand uncle passed away!¡±

    ¡°What unfilial nephews!¡± Jiang Tianchi gnashed his teeth and scolded them. He asked with a gloomy face, ¡°Did your grandfather¡­ Did he never scold them?¡±

    ¡°My grandfather is always partial to my eldest uncle. My third uncle follows my eldest uncle. Perhaps it¡¯s improper for my grandfather to say something.¡± Jiang Yadan said disapprovingly.

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°My eldest uncle and my third uncle have always believed that my youngest grand uncle is partial to our branch. My youngest grand uncle had exined for this many times before he died, but they never believe it.¡±

    This made Jiang Tianchi¡¯s face gloomier. His lips twitched slightly. After a long time, he just said, ¡°Take me to see your grandmother. I haven¡¯te back for many years. I don¡¯t know the road!¡±

    When Jiang Tianchi paid respect to Madame Tao, she was very happy. Madame Tao was partial to the fourth branch. But Madame Zhuang had bothered the first branch first instead of paying respect to her when she hade back. No matter how much inside information there was, Madame Zhuang severely humiliated Madame Tao as a mother-inw. Now Jiang Tianchi came back to mourn for Sir Jibei. After meeting his father, he came to see his stepmother. He totally followed the rules. So, Madame Tao was in a good mood.

    Besides, when Jiang Tianchi entered the room, he led his sons to kowtow to Madame Tao three times to thank her for her kindness in raising children for him these years. And then he told his sons and daughters-inw never to forget Madame Tao¡¯s sacrifice. Whether he acted or not, Madame Tao was moved to tears. In fact, Madame Zhuang had also said these words to Madame Tao a few months ago, but she had said those words with a casual attitude. It was lucky for Madame Tao not to be angry. How could she get moved?

    ¡°Chi¡¯er is a sensible person! It¡¯s alright that he is sensible!¡± Madame Tao wiped the corners of her eyes and thought happily, ¡°Although I have a purpose to be kind to Jiang Qizheng and Jiang Yashuang, I¡¯m not their biological grandmother. There are so many young generations in the Jiang Family. It¡¯s the same to me to love anyone of them. Why do I have to treat them differently and help themboriously? At least half of their excellence is due to me! Madame Zhuang is so shortsighted. She thought that I took advantage of her children. She didn¡¯t understand. Although I do this for my own sake, it¡¯s a lifetime benefit to her children!¡±

    Apart from other things, if Madame Tao and Empress Dowager Jiang hadn¡¯t worked tirelessly to support one side regardless of fairness for more than a decade, how could Jiang Yashuang have so many opportunities to experience and participate in major events?

    Even if Madame Zhuang stayed in Jing City to take care of her own children, she couldn¡¯t give her sons such chances. No matter how shrewish she was, she was just an ordinary woman! As for Empress Dowager Jiang, she was the Empress before. Her position and circumstance were destined to be higher than those of Madame Zhuang!

    Madame Tao didn¡¯t stop crying until noon that day. When it was time for lunch, she asked Jiang Tianchi to have lunch with her. Jiang Tianchi told Madame Tao that Marquess Qin let him visit Madame Ou so she gave up her idea. But she still told him, ¡°If you are free,e here and let me take a good look at you. I am old. I may live for a few years. The times that I can see you will be less and less¡­¡±

    And then she cried again.

    When Marquess Qin, Jiang Tianao, and Jiang Tianqi heard it, Marquess Qin was naturally gratified. He always restrained Madame Tao and didn¡¯t allow her to rule over the trueborn sons of his first wife as a stepmother. It didn¡¯t mean that he was d to see his children despise Madame Tao. Anyway, Madame Tao was his step-wife. Husband and wife were a unity. Despising Madame Tao was also disrespectful to Marquess Qin, right?

    ¡°I have so many children, but the most filial one is Chi¡¯er who didn¡¯t grow up beside me!¡± Marquess Qin was gratified but sad, ¡°If only other children were so filial and sensible like him, all would be good!¡± He would be willing to die immediately!

    Compared with moved elders, Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi almost died of anger. The two brothers smashed things at the same time, ¡°That¡¯s affectation! Jiang Tianchi, you are the Great General of North. I never expect that you have the talent to be a lower actor.¡±

    The younger brother was definitely stepping on his two elder brothers to gain favor and a good reputation from the elders and others! Did he think that they couldn¡¯t see it?

 Chapter 438 - Whether There Exists Firm and Unyielding Character?

    <h4>Chapter 438 - Whether There Exists Firm and Unyielding Character?</h4>

    Jiang Tianchi got along well with Madame Tao, which showed a harmonious and lively picture between a mother and a son. However, when it came to Madame Ou, there was far less harmony. Actually, it was far more than disharmony. Madame Ou even disdained to see him!

    Even if Jiang Tiancan and Jiang Tianhe, Madame Ou¡¯s son and daughter, came over and tried to persuade their mother earnestly outside the window, Madame Ou still spat out one word in the room, ¡°No!¡±

    ¡°Mother, why are you so hardhearted?¡± Jiang Tiancan said in earnest, ¡°Even if you ignore the filial piety of my fourth brother to my father, at least you should consider for my fourth brother. Hees back after a long journey and pays respect to you before back to health! How can you bear it?¡±

    The door opened when he just finished speaking. Madame Ou appeared behind the door. But she didn¡¯t seem to be softhearted at all. Instead, she put on a chilly face. ncing coldly at the juniors outside the door, she said, ¡°How can I bear it? Right. I also want to ask you, Jiang Tianchi. The Northern Army is the enterprise of our Jiang Family. Beijiang is so important that any mistakes are not allowed to happen! Besides, you started your career as a soldier. Although you have been supported by Kunlun and done very well, your fellow officers in the army have also helped you a lot, right?¡±

    ¡°When you joined the army, you didn¡¯t know anything. You rushed forward recklessly when the war started! Several old soldiers who didn¡¯t know your identity risked their lives to pull you back because they thought you were still young. If it were not for them, how could you be where you are now?¡±

    ¡°As for the battle that made you get promoted to a general, your Imperial Guard sacrificed his life to get an arrow for you. Otherwise, you would have lost half of your life even if you had survived. You would have been retired and gone back to Jing City long ago. How could you continue to gallop on battlefields?¡±

    ¡°Just five years ago, you were assassinated by the spies bribed by people from Beihu when you were patrolling the front line. Although you were not seriously injured, you were harmed by a toxicant that was only produced in Beihu. It was Bikong who led thirty picked men to attack Beihu at night. Thirty-one men¡¯s war robes were all stained with their blood. After they returned to the camp, the least injured one was unconscious for three days. Nearly half of them passed away! Even so, they still held the key antidote tightly to save you!¡±

    The more Madame Ou scolded, the angrier she became. She couldn¡¯t help but hurry forward and p Jiang Tianchi seriously. She scolded him angrily, ¡°Years ofradeship! No matter how well Kunlun has treated you, he is only one person! How can he be equal to the kindness of thousands of people to you? You¡¯re so good. For his death, you ignored both the army and Beijiang and came back to Jing City. If you are just an inferior officer, it can be understood. However, you are a general! There should be a general like you who was born in our Jiang Family and taught by Kunlun!¡±

    ¡°Luckily, he had died before you came back. Otherwise, he¡¯d have died of anger for you!¡±

    Speaking of this, Madame Ou couldn¡¯t help crying, ¡°Kunlun worked hard for so many years. He taught you military tactics. He made no efforts to build your prestige. He taught you the way ofmand hand by hand¡­ He cultivated only you all his life. He depended on you to thrive our family and keep the Jiang Family¡¯s reputation in Beijiang! What have you done? The condolence destroys everything!¡±

    ¡°I regard my uncle as my benefactor. I have toe back to say goodbye to him!¡± Madame Ou was proficient in riding and shooting. Although she was old, she was still strong. She pped Jiang Tianchi with all her strength. Even if Jiang Tianchi was a military general, he felt a burning sensation on his face and a faint smell of blood in his mouth. But he still stood straight and respectfully said, ¡°Aunt, I¡­¡±

    ¡°You say you have to say goodbye to him. You could have sent a person on your behalf. Will I me you?¡± Madame Ou¡¯s answer was another unrelenting p to Jiang Tianchi. Her eyes were zing with anger and full of disappointment and sadness, ¡°Our Jiang family is now in power. Can¡¯t we keep your uncle¡¯s body for months or even years? After you put down Beijiang, you can return to Jing City and personally see Kunlun to be buried. We have always regarded you as our own son. We¡¯ll definitely meet your wish!¡±

    Seeing that Jiang Tianchi still didn¡¯t mean to repent, Madame Ou was absolutely furious! Without saying a word, she went back to the room. She picked up a one-foot-high vase and intended to throw it at Jiang Tianchi¡¯s head, saying, ¡°What a loser! Dare to dy at here! As long as you are taught by Kunlun, go back to Beijiang now! If you don¡¯t go, that is good! I¡¯ll clean up our family for Kunlun today!¡±

    ¡°Mother, don¡¯t do that!¡± Jiang Tiancan realized that Madame Ou didn¡¯t mean to frighten Jiang Tianchi at all. She really wanted to hit Jiang Tianchi hard. If Jiang Tianchi got the blow, he might almost die. Jiang Tiancan was so scared that he hurried up to grab Madame Ou, ¡°Mother, calm down! Calm down!¡±

    Jiang Tianhe was also stunned. When her brother grabbed her mother, she pushed Jiang Tianchi hard, ¡°Fourth brother, you just go! Hurry! Go back to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion now. We¡¯ll talk to my mother!¡±

    At a time of chaos, looking at his father and his elder brother, Jiang Yashuang requested softly, ¡°Father, let me persuade my youngest grand aunt, shall I?¡±

    Before Jiang Tianchi answered, Jiang Yadan reminded, ¡°Our youngest grand aunt may beat you severely now. We cane back until she calms down.¡± Hisst sentence was encouraging Jiang Tianchi to leave.

    ¡°You go and try. I¡¯ll go out of the yard with your brother.¡± After considering for a while, Jiang Tianchi told Jiang Yashuang gently.

    Jiang Yadan was very anxious and he said, ¡°Father, what if my youngest grand aunt¡­¡± He didn¡¯t say out all his thoughts, ¡°What if she hits Jiang Yashuang instead of you?¡±

    Fortunately, although Madame Ou was so angry, she didn¡¯t want to punish a son instead of his father. She just pointed to Jiang Yashuang and shouted angrily, ¡°What are you doing here? Pull your father out and help him get on the horse quickly! Ask him to go back to Beijiang to deal with the war!¡±

    ¡°My youngest grand aunt, let¡¯s go in first!¡± Jiang Yashuang winked at Jiang Tiancan. Jiang Tiancan had given up martial arts for many years. He was no match for his strong mother and could hardly hold his mother. He also knew that Jiang Yashuang was strong enough. He immediately put his hand away. Wiping his sweat, Jiang Tiancan tried to persuade Madame Tao, ¡°Mother, listen to Jiang Yashuang. My fourth brother has done something wrong, but Jiang Yashuang doesn¡¯t make any mistake, right?¡±

    Madame Ou didn¡¯t want to hear it. However, Jiang Yashuang was young and strong. He was brilliant at martial arts. He coaxed Madame Ou and suddenly held her, dragging her into the room. And then he mmed the door!

    Madame Ou was about to get angry. Unexpectedly, Jiang Yashuang said softly, ¡°My youngest grand aunt, do you really think my father will go back to Jing City without preparations?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Kunlun has passed away so suddenly. What can Jiang Tianchi prepare?¡± Madame Ou was stunned and sneered!

    ¡°I haven¡¯t gone to Beijiang yet. It¡¯s hard to say.¡± Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°But when we visited my grandfather this morning, my grandfather was very gentle to my father!¡±

    Madame Ou frowned, ¡°Gentle?¡±

    She knew Marquess Qin¡¯s feeling to Sir Jibei. Marquess Qin had brought the Jiang Family from humble to thriving. She also knew that Marquess Qin would definitely not allow personal feelings to outweigh the overall situation!

    At that time, Jiang Tianchi had determined to return to Jing City regardless of the war in Beijiang. When Marquess Qin had heard that, he had fainted on the spot, which had almost led to a direct fight between branches of the Jiang Family! If Jiang Tianchi had appeared in front of Marquess Qin at that moment, Marquess Qin might have throttled Jiang Tianchi! It only passed a few days. He should be gentle when he saw Jiang Tianchi.

    ¡°Is it¡­.¡± Seeing that Madame Ou calmed down, Jiang Yashuang quickly released his grip. Madame Ou sat at the top seat and pointed a seat near her to ask Jiang Yashuang to sit down. She frowned, ¡°Is it Jiang Tianchi¡¯s n to let Beihu attack Beijiang?¡±

    ¡°My father insisted on returning to Jing City day and night. I¡¯m afraid it is also a part of his n!¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°And it coincided with my grand uncle¡¯s death. My father might have made other arrangements to convince Beihu that he must return to Jing City suddenly!¡±

    Madame Ou thought for a moment. Although Jiang Tianchi was beaten and scolded by her just now, he was neither ashamed nor worried about Beijiang. It seemed that he had a n in mind. She sighed with relief, ¡°If so¡­ I wronged him!¡±

    But her face became gloomy again, ¡°Why didn¡¯t he tell me earlier? Does he like being beaten? Does he want me to beat him againter?¡±

    ¡°Maybe it is inconvenient for my father to say it in public.¡± Jiang Yashuang guessed. He didn¡¯t know anything, but he thought he was right. Sir Jibei and Jiang Tianchi might be like a father and a son. In Jiang Tianchi¡¯s mind, his uncle was even more important than Marquess Qin. But what was Jiang Tianchi like?

    In his youth, he resolutely abandoned the prosperity in Jing City. As a son of a general, he got promoted step by step from a soldier to a general. Regardless of his perseverance,petence, and efforts, the reason for his behaviors lied in ambition. Frankly, it was careerism!

    While his brothers were fighting for the interests in the royal court, Jiang Tianchi aimed directly at the foundation of the Jiang Family!

    Jiang Yashuang never thought that his ambitious and insightful father would be so impulsive to push the overall situation aside. There was no room for such a mentally disabled general in the Northern Army!

    So, Jiang Tianchi insisted on returning to Jing City like a brain cripple. There was nothing to exin the reason except that he nned to entrap Beihu.

    ¡°My grandfather was angry a few days ago. I discussed with Jiang Yadan privately to cheat the first branch and the third branch. Unexpectedly, we should have the same idea as my father¡­ My father also set a trap for Beihu!¡± Jiang Yashuang felt a little embarrassed inwardly. He looked up and said, ¡°If you don¡¯t trust me, why don¡¯t you go and ask my grandfatherter, my youngest grand aunt?¡±

    ¡­ After Madame Ou visited Marquess Qin, she really didn¡¯t scold Jiang Tianchi anymore. But she didn¡¯t send any servant to visit him. She pretended that she had never beaten him.

    When Madame Tao knew this, she felt amused. She asked Mom Hu tofort Jiang Tianchi, ¡°That¡¯s your aunt¡¯s temper. It hasn¡¯t changed for many years. Just pardon her! She is also for you!¡±

    Jiang Tianchi didn¡¯t mean to argue with his aunt. When his sons were waiting for him to apply for medicine on his face, he thanked his stepmother for her concern. And then he didn¡¯t mention it anymore. Of course, others didn¡¯t dare say anything.

    Because Jiang Tianchi¡¯s face was beaten by Madame Ou, it was inconvenient for him to appear in front of people. Therefore, the funeral procession that was nned to go the next day was dyed for two days. When his face looked normal, it officially began. It was particrly grand. Marquess Qin saw the procession off in person. The Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Empress arrived at the Mansion of Sir Jibei to light incense. The whole Jing City was shocked by the funeral!

    The funeral procession, which was more than ten miles long, included people of the whole royal court and most of the imperial n. They surrounded the heavy coffin and slowly moved to the suburb. After consultations among the Jiang Family, they decided to hide the death of Sir Jibei from Kui Xiannan so that Sir Jibei¡¯s body couldn¡¯t be buried in his hometown now. They buried his body around the Jing City. After Kui Xiannan passed away in the future, the sixth branch would send his body to his hometown.

    This was a tragedy for those noble attendees. ording to the rules, if the coffin of Sir Jibei was sent back to Kui County, they just needed to send the procession to the resting station outside the city. It was a ce where many people walked by with neat official roads all the way. It was easy to go without any trouble!

    But now, in order to show their attention to the Jiang Family, they had to apany the procession all the way to the temporary cemetery on the mountain!

    It was alright for young and strong ones. But for those old people like Xue Chang, when they looked up the rugged mountain path at the foot of the mountain, they wanted to swear. If Xue Chang could still climb this kind of mountain now, why should he bet his hope on Qiu Jinn? He should wholeheartedly wait for his grandson to recover!

    Fortunately, Marquess Qin was sensible. If those old civil officials including Xue Chang really climbed the mountain, he might need to dig more tombs in the mountain.

    So, before he went up to the mountain with others¡¯ help, he asked them to stay at the foot of the mountain. After the Jiang Family buried Sir Jibei, they would go down and return to Jing City for thest funeral banquet.

    ¡°Prime minister Xue!¡± Xue Chang stayed in the temporary pavilion at the foot of the mountain. Feeling stuffy there, he stood up and went to the nearby forest for a walk. As soon as he walked to a secluded ce, he heard someone behind him saying, ¡°The Great General of North insisted on returning to Jing City for his own sake, regardless of the overall situation. Although Marquess Qin was angry at first, he acted as if nothing had happenedter¡­ What do you think, Prime Minister Xue?¡±

    Xue Chang looked at the person and frowned slightly, ¡°No idea.¡±

    ¡°Why are you so defensive?¡± The person smiled slightly, ¡°In those days, the ¡®Tian¡¯ generation of the Jiang Family intended to be officials in the royal court. Even Jiang Tianqi, who was reminded by Madame Tao, was reluctant to abandon the prosperity in Jing City and unwilling to suffer in the army! Only Jiang Tianchi was far-sighted and ambitious¡­ His trap for Beihu just coincided with the death of Sir Jibei¡­ However, what would he do if Sir Jibei didn¡¯t die?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re curious, why don¡¯t you ask Jiang Tianchi? After all¡­¡± Xue Chang was only halfway through his words, the person interrupted him, ¡°Draw a snake out of its hole. Even if he can¡¯tpletely annihte Beihu, he¡¯ll beat them seriously! And Beihu can¡¯t attack the border in a short time!¡±

    Xue Chang¡¯s face was gloomy, ¡°Enough!¡±

    But the person didn¡¯t stop, ¡°It seems to be a good thing, but Jiang Tianchi¡¯s position is so stable. There is no room to promote. Why should he be eager to make such a great achievement? It¡¯s better to keep Beihu and slowly deal with it. After all, he still needs to cultivate his younger son Jiang Yashuang, who is recognized to be his sessor, right?¡±

    ¡°He is so eager to free himself. What does he want to do? You are so perceptive. Can¡¯t you see it, Prime Minister Xue?¡±

    The person saw Xue Chang turning around to leave. He hurried to keep up. Although the person¡¯s voice was light, his words pricked Xue Chang¡¯s heart, ¡°When the Gus with the Empress Dowager¡¯s support forced you to surrender for your whole family. You once said that in your life, you were only loyal to Emperor and the country, but not the Empress Dowager¡­ Now I wonder if you still have such firm and unyielding character!¡±

 Chapter 439 The Empress was Pregnant

    <h4>Chapter 439 The Empress was Pregnant</h4>

    After the burial of Sir Jibei, the majority of people who came toment returned to the Jiang Family home for thest funeral banquet. Until now, the mourning was over. Everyone involved was so exhausted, especially the Jiang Family. They were too exhausted to say a word.

    So, the He Family logically offered to take He Shuijin to take good care of her, ¡°You¡¯ve just finished a big event. And Shuijin is pregnant. She needs someone to take care of her. So, I take her home to have someone take care of her for a few days.¡±

    Madame He murdered He Shuijin¡¯s unborn child for a reason, which caused her eldest grandson to death. Anyway, she murdered her grandson. How could she not feel unashamed and uneasy? But now, she was expecting He Shuijin could have a safe delivery. So, she dly agreed, ¡°I¡¯m thinking that we are all so busy and exhausted right now. I¡¯m afraid that we may not take good care of her! ¡±

    This matter only frightened He Shuijin and her mother as well as Qiu Yn. The others didn¡¯t care about it.

    Not only did they not know that He Shuijin lost her unborn child but also it was at a time when Marquess Qin decided to dere who was the Young Prince as Jiang Tianchi and other sons were around him.

    In fact, it was not a big event at all. For a Marquess family, it could be expected that the first son would be the Young Prince after the demise of Marquess Qin!

    Unsurprisingly, his oldest son Jiang Tianqi became the Young Prince. And Empress Dowager Jiang and Emperor also issued a decree to dere him as the Young Prince¡­

    Rather unexpectedly, Emperor additionally mentioned in the decree, ¡°The two Generals stationing in the northern border are faithful, hard-working, and meritorious¡­¡± After high praise of Sir Jibei and Jiang Tianchi, Emperor dered that the son of Sir Jibei Jiang Tiancan could inherit the rank of nobility directly when Jiang Tianchi was granted the rank of nobility.

    Considering respect for seniority, the title of nobility wouldn¡¯t be the Duke, nor the Marquess, but the Sir.

    Sir of North.

    The title of nobility admitted the control of the Jiang Family of the northern border.

    ¡°This is my duty. I dare not to be rewarded by Your Majesty!¡± Jiang Tianchi refused without hesitation. And then Emperor insisted, but he refused again. After three rounds, Jiang Tianchi epted the title, saying ¡°Thanks, Your Majesty.¡±

    Unlike Marquess Qin who dered his oldest son to be the Young Prince until now, Jiang Tianchi dered the Young Prince since he was granted the title of nobility.

    ¡°Jiang Tianchi was so arrogant that he dered the Young Prince several days after he was granted the title of nobility.¡± In the afternoon, Mom Hu threw a few kumquats into the small incense for the fresh aroma while softlyining to Madame Tao, ¡°The Eighth Young Master showed filial obedience, but in fact¡­¡±

    ¡°Do you really believe that Chi¡¯er didn¡¯t know what Yadan has done?¡± Madame Tao said lightly, ¡°Do you think he is a fool? He would believe whatever people in Jing City told? You can ask around about what Yadan has done and you will hear all kinds of ridiculous things from the teahouses or restaurants. If he still believes Yadan, he must have broken his brain when falling down from the horse!¡±

    Mom Hu said embarrassedly, ¡°It is unfair for Jiang Yashuang who has great filial affections and capabilities. The title of nobility is given to the Eighth Young Master. It¡¯s intolerable if you allow me to say!

    ¡°You are considering this from the perspective of Jiang Yashuang and so you may think it¡¯s unfair for him.¡± Madame Tao shook her head, ¡°But from the perspective of father and mother, Dering the Young Prince should consider the legitimate son first. There are two legitimate boys, with one who is capable of achieving something and the other a total yboy. So, the capable one can earn his own title while the yboy, if you don¡¯t give him the title, he has to depend on the other families after he quickly squanders his share of money left by the parents. ¡±

    Mom Hu mused for a moment and said, ¡°You¡¯re right. Jiang Yashuang has the opportunity to win a title of nobility after he takes control of the Northern Army. ¡±

    Madame Taoughed, ¡°As for a title of nobility, it may be a lifelong honor for officials. But for the imperial family, it¡¯s just a decree plus the annual allocation of money and grain! What¡¯s so rare about it? Now Chaohai is still around, we couldn¡¯t be too partial to the fourth branch. Otherwise, Tianluan could offer Jiang Yashuang the title of nobility now!¡±

    Qiu Feng was also offered the title of nobility despite his poor background.

    ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­¡± Mom Hu stammered after she was lectured by Madame Tao.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I feel that Jiang Tianchi is not as affectionate and attentive to Jiang Yashuang as he is to the Eighth Young Master!¡± Mom Hu hesitantly said, ¡°Although Marquess Qin spent not so much time with two of them, I just have that feeling.¡±

    Madame Tao frowned and mused for a while before saying, ¡°I haven¡¯t brought up Chi¡¯er myself. So, I didn¡¯t know what he was thinking. However, he has only three sons. The only one he can count on is Jiang Yashuang! No matter whom he has a partiality for, he will definitely hand over the Northern Army to Jiang Yashuang!¡±

    As long as Jiang Yashuang took control of the Northern Army, Madame Tao would have made the right decision.

    As for Jiang Tianchi¡¯s partiality, it might allocate less family property to Jiang Yashuang. But Madame Tao didn¡¯t give a d*mn care. As long as Jiang Yashuang owned the power, the high position and great wealth woulde naturally. Why should they care about the family property?

    Madame Tao said calmly, ¡°It¡¯s good for me that the Eighth Young Master doesn¡¯t have any ambition. Otherwise, Jiang Yashuang owns less opportunity.¡± Jiang Yadan was not close to her, or more exactly, there was a gap between them. So, Madame Tao did not hope that he was on a par with Jiang Yashuang!¡±

    The Young Prince was dered and Jiang Tianchi was about to go back to the northern border.

    Although he had formted a n for the Beihu¡¯s invasion and entrusted the northern border to his trustworthy subordinates during his absence. But anyway, he was the General. He had to go back to the northern border to preside over the big picture to strive to achieve sess at one time!

    ¡­ It was not until then that Madam Zhuang arrived.

    No one would me her. After all, she was a woman. No one would expect her to ride back without much rest like Jiang Tianchi, right?

    Not to mention that Jiang Tianchi went first and took all the good horses along the way, Madame Zhuang and others had no horses to change at all! This meant that neither she nor her escorts could go fast. Once the horses were tired to death, it would be miserable!

    So, Madame Zhuang went into the mansion with a disheartened face. When she greeted Madame Tao and Madame Ou and asked for forgiveness, they both expressed their understandings, ¡°You¡¯re just a woman. You set off a few months ago but arrived here so soon. You must have shuttled back and forth without rest. It¡¯s good that you¡¯re all right. We didn¡¯t wait for you to catch up with your uncle¡¯s funeral. After all, Tianchi can¡¯t dy in Jing City. It¡¯s not your fault. You go to your uncle¡¯s grave tomorrow and offer a column of incense. It¡¯s all right to show your mind!¡±

    Jiang Tianchi said, ¡°I¡¯m leaving tomorrow. The military situation is urgent and I can¡¯t wait for you. Moreover, you juste back. You shouldn¡¯t go back the next day. It¡¯s unreasonable to the elders and it¡¯s also bad for your health. It¡¯s better to spend the Spring Festival in Jing City and recover for a few months. You can set off next year.¡±

    He reminded, ¡°After all, our daughter and son-inw are still in Shazhou. They don¡¯t dare toe back. It¡¯s the end of the year now. Don¡¯t mention it this year. Send a letter to call them back at the beginning of next year. You can see them for yourself. Even if the children are in trouble when theye back, you can protect them if you stay in Jing City.¡±

    Madame Zhuang gave an irrelevant answer, ¡°In the blink of an eye, Jiang Yashuang bes a father. Think about the time when he and Jiang Yadan were still in swaddling clothes. It seemed as if yesterday!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± The sons, daughters-inw, and servants around her didn¡¯t understand her meaning. Only when Jiang Tianchi understood it, he couldn¡¯t help smiling bitterly and asked all of them to leave. He sighed, ¡°You¡¯re so narrow-minded¡­ My uncle just passed away. ording to the rules, we all have to mourn for one year. Not to mention taking mistresses, even singing and dancing have to be banned. You know how my uncle treated us before he went away. I¡¯m not such a conscienceless person!¡±

    ¡°A year, right?¡± After thinking for a while, Madame Zhuang nodded with satisfaction, ¡°I¡¯ll go to Beijiang before the mourning period finishes. You behave yourself! Our youngest child Jiang Yashuang bes a father now. If you have any inappropriate ideas, don¡¯t me me. You¡¯ll never have the end of it!¡±

    Jiang Tianchi also felt embarrassed that she could always remember not to let him have an affair. He twitched his mouth and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry! As for Beihu, although I have entrapped them seriously this time, these barbarians are always fierce and stubborn. It¡¯s not so easy to give them an unforgettable lesson¡­ There must be so many things to do in the army. If I canplete them all before the mourning period finishes, it¡¯ll be the blessing of my uncle in heaven!¡±

    After all persuasions, Madame Zhuang promised to stay in Jing City for a few more months.

    Jiang Tianchi thought it was a good arrangement for his children and grandchildren in the branch. After so many years, the fourth branch finally had the elder to support!

    But he didn¡¯t realize that this might be good news for Jiang Yashuang. However, it came as a bolt from the blue for Jiang Yadan¡¯s backyard, especially for Jiang Yadan¡¯s sons and daughters of concubines who had been thoughtful!

    Two days ago, they were led by the legitimate mother to visit grandfather. Madame Zhuang was a grandmother who didn¡¯t even look at the children and grandchildren of concubines. After seeing Madame Zhuang, they thought Jiang Tianchi was so kind. He not only asked the names of his grandchildren one by one and gave them gifts, but also hugged several younger grandchildren in person¡­ They thought he was their backer. But now, the backer left suddenly and ¡°considerately¡± advised a tough elder to stay!

    However, Chu Yitong and Zhu were relieved, ¡°I hear that our mother values legitimate ones over concubines. Our good day ising!¡±

    Quickly they sent servants to inquire about Madame Zhuang¡¯s preferences, in order to select gifts to please their mother-inw.

    As for Qiu Yn, she could livefortably without Madame Zhuang. But she was still full of enthusiasm to discuss with Mrs. Qu, Mrs. Zhou, and others about how to please her mother-inw, ¡°My mother seems to prefer the dish of wild duckst time¡­¡±

    Before she finished, Chen Shui walked in hurriedly, ¡°Madame! Good news. Good news¡­¡±

    ¡°You are such an idiot!¡± Mrs. Qu opened her mouth and closed it again. She would scold Chen Shui if it were at the time before Jiang Jinng was poisoned. She thought that she neglected her duty and disappointed Madame Zhuang¡¯s trust. Since then, she felt ashamed to put on airs again. She still scolded lower servant girls. But she would no longer scold such a close maid as Chen Shui.

    But Mrs. Zhou scolded unhappily, ¡°Sir Jibei has just gone. Our master has just left Jing City. You ran in happily and repeated good news. Are you afraid that other branches can¡¯t say that we areck manners orck of filial piety?¡±

    Chen Shui was embarrassed for a moment. After all, Mrs. Zhou had a good temper and wasn¡¯t terrifying as Mrs. Qu. Chen Shui smiled faintly and asked for forgiveness casually. Later, she slightly grinned and said, ¡°The Empress is pregnant!¡±

 Chapter 440 - The Happiness

    <h4>Chapter 440 - The Happiness</h4>

    Empress Xin¡¯s pregnancy made the Jiang Family less sorrowful and more rejuvenated after the exhaustion of holding the funeral, except for the first branch. At a time when Beijiang was needing more soldiers to reinforce the border, any pregnancy or giving birth to a child of the imperial family had always been considered as an auspicious omen since ancient times, not to mention the Empress¡¯s pregnancy.

    Marquess Qin decided right away to send this piece of good news to the frontline at a speed of great urgency to boost morale!

    Regrettably, the whole Jiang Family was now wearing mourning dresses. For fear of bringing bad luck to the imperial heir, they were unable to go to the pce to visit Empress Xin.

    However, Jiang Tianhe decided right away to send her trusted subordinate to congratte her daughter and to secretly ask about the gender of the imperial heir.

    ¡°Now I¡¯m in the early period of pregnancy and the imperial doctor is unable to identify the gender yet!¡± It seemed that Empress Xin was now in good mood, on the contrary to her low spirits a few months ago. Her expression was filled with joy and satisfaction. She softly stroked her still t belly and said with her lips pursed, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whether it is a boy or a girl. It¡¯s my child. I only wish him healthy and intelligent.¡±

    The trusted subordinateughed, ¡°Her Majesty is so blessed to get pregnant after only six months of officially bing Empress. The imperial heir will be strong and intelligent, and as handsome and lovely as Her Majesty and His Majesty!¡±

    Empress Xin smiled demurely, ¡°All thanks to your lucky words!¡±

    The trusted subordinate came back to Xin¡¯s Mansion and told Jiang Tianhe everything that had happened. But Jiang Tianhe got a little anxious and said, ¡°Is the imperial doctor unable to tell whether it¡¯s a boy or a girl? Ok, then. We will wait for some days to check it again¡­ That will be better if it¡¯s a boy. This time my second uncle will send the news of Fubing¡¯s pregnancy to the frontline to boost morale. If Fubing gives birth to a male heir this time, we could take advantage of the war in the northern border and request Emperor to dere him as the crown prince!¡±

    As long as the child was brought up, what else could the first branch possibly do?

    It was approaching the New Year. The whole Jiang Family were wearing mourning dresses because of the death of Sir Jibei. Some officials were also wearing mourning dresses toment the death of Sir Jibei or avoid amusement in order to please the Jiang Family. The New Year¡¯s Eve banquet, luxurious as usual, appeared be cold and with no fun, which bored Empress Dowager Jiang very much.

    The good thing was that Emperor and Empress were in high spirits and were quite active at New Year¡¯s Eve banquet because they would wee their first child soon, which made the banquet much less awkward.

    The Lantern Festival was approaching without notice after being busy visiting rtives during the New Year.

    The Lantern Festival marked the end of the celebration of the New Year. Madame Zhuang remembered what her husband said before his leaving. So, she called her trusted subordinate toe to her and wrote a letter, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen our daughter since we parted two decades ago. Now she and her husband are in Shazhou. It¡¯s a good opportunity for me to stay in Jing City to meet her. If she can move, let here back to me for our reunion. And besides, I could use the opportunity to talk to our son-inw.¡±

    Worrying that Jiang Qizheng would hurry on with her journey for their reunion, she added, ¡°No hurries on the road. Please take your health as the top priority!¡±

    Madame Zhuang was looking forward to the reunion with her daughter and her son-inw. And Qiu Yn was bathing in the sunshine in the courtyard.

    With three babies around her, she couldn¡¯t enjoy the sunshine wholeheartedly.

    She was holding a bowl of egg custard in her hand, while Jiang Jingkun, Jiang Jinng, and Fu¡¯er were sitting side by side on a soft couch moved to the middle of the courtyard, with screens on all sides to keep out the wind, and soft cushions cing behind them to lean on, and small quilts wrapped around their bodies to keep them warm. They were all staring at the egg custard and waiting anxiously for Qiu Yn to feed them a small spoonful in turn.

    With a spoonful holding before the one, he was so happy to grip it with his teeth. If it was offered a littleter, Jiang Jingkun and Fu¡¯er who knew how to speak would anxiously cry, ¡°Quick¡­ Be quick.¡±

    Jiang Jinng who couldn¡¯t talk yet was babbling and pouncing hard towards her. Qiu Yn felt like being surrounded by three fledglings. Their constant chattering made her dizzy. She was so busy with feeding this one or that one while saying with a smile, ¡°Take it easy. We have a lot of egg custard. Take it slowly. Do not get yourself choked!¡±

    Amid the bustle, one of the screens was moved away and Jiang Yashuang dodged in. But he immediately put the screen in its original ce.

    ¡°Uncle!¡± The oldest Jiang Jingkun already recognized people because his nanny kept teaching him to recognize people. At a time when Jiang Yashuang entered, he shouted in a cute voice, stretched out his short arms, kicked off the quilt, and stood up shakily to beg for a hug.

    ¡°Be careful not to catch cold!¡± Jiang Yashuang said with a smile, quickened his steps to the edge of the couch, and carried Jiang Jingkun in one hand and Fu¡¯er in another. He weighed them masterly and then said, ¡°It seems to be a little heavier than yesterday.¡±

    Jiang Jinng, who was left behind, was not annoyed at all and was gleefully staring at the silver spoon in his mother¡¯s hand. It seemed that he was much happier without the two brothers¡¯petition for the food.

    Qiu Yn said while she was digging the egg custard for her son, ¡°They are growing fastest at this age. You may not feel apparent that they are growing because you¡¯re with them every day. But they are actually different in just a few days. You can feel the big difference when you dress them up.¡±

    ¡°You are ungrateful, Lang¡¯er. Don¡¯t you even cast a look at me? Could it be that your own father is not on a par with the less half of egg custard?¡± After hugging his nephews for a moment, Jiang Yashuang put them back under the quilt and wrapped them up for fear that they might get cold, and then stroked their little heads to soothe them while Qiu Yn was holding the spoonful of the egg custard up high to draw their attention back.

    Jiang Yashuang took the opportunity to take his son into his arms and kissed his chubby cheeks, ¡°Yeah! My baby weights heavier!¡±

    He showed great affection for his son but Jiang Jinng did not appreciate it. He was about to cry when he saw that the delicious egg custard was gone. He bit the tasteless corner of the clothes instead!

    ¡°Hurry up and bring me another bowl of egg custard!¡± Jiang Yashuang had no choice but to call out to Su He.

    It was only when Jiang Yashuang raised the extra bowl of egg custard from the kitchen that Jiang Jinng stopped crying and babbled for food.

    ¡°Be careful!¡± Now with her husband¡¯s help, Qiu Yn only needed to take care of her two nephews, which was much easier for her. When she took time to look at her husband and son, she saw her husband holding her son in hisp and circling him in his arm to feed him. So, she reminded him.

    Jiang Yashuang knew that his wife thought it was unsafe and said carelessly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Lang¡¯er is so light that it¡¯s a piece of cake for me to hold him.¡± He was able to brandish weapons of several dozen Jin for hours without taking a breath, let alone his son who was now less than 20 Jin.

    Before he finished his talking, he felt a sense of hotness on his leg¡­

    ¡°I¡¯m trying to warn that he just refused to pad his diaper¡­¡± Before Qiu Yn finished her talking, she saw her husband¡¯s speechless look. She couldn¡¯t help butugh, ¡°It seems that he is just waiting for you to hug him.¡±

    ¡°You little ungrateful brat!¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head, and kissed his son¡¯s forehead while scolding him, and handed the egg custard to Su He, and said to his wife, ¡°I take him back to the room for the change and I need a change too.¡±

    He had been helping his wife since Jiang Jingkun was entrusted to their care. As of now, he was peed many times by his nephews. Although he got a little depressed, he calmly went back to the room and handed Jiang Jinng over to Mrs. Qu to clean him up, and he took a quick shower and changed into clean clothes. When he came out, Qiu Yn had already returned to the room and the screens and couch in the courtyard had been also moved back to the room. He asked, ¡°Where are the children?¡±

    ¡°They have taken enough sunshine. So, I asked the wet nurses to take them back.¡± Looking after children was not an easy job. Though healthy as she was, Qiu Yn felt exhausted after only apanying the three children bathing in the sunshine and feeding them egg custard. At the moment, Su He was giving her a massage to rx her.

    Jiang Yashuang signaled Su He to allow himself to massage his wife and said, ¡°Today, Ou Bicheng came over.¡±

    ¡°Is it about Xing and my brother?¡± Qiu Yn asked.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Jiang Yashuang nodded and said, ¡°It¡¯s about their wedding which has been set in April. They are both now in Jing City and their parents are also living healthy. And it¡¯s not the first time they are holding such a big event. So, there is nothing to worry about.¡±

    Qiu Yn mused for a moment and said, ¡°Though my maiden family couldn¡¯t help much. Mr. Ruan, who followed my grandfather for many years, wouldn¡¯t embarrass the Ou Family and would deal with it properly.¡±

    ¡°Not about that.¡± Jiang Yashuang exined, ¡°The Ou Family understands that as long as your elder brother treats Xing well, they won¡¯t care about the gifts. The thing is that the northern border is going into war. Sir Jingbo has sent back news that the western savages seem to have movements. If so, your brother has to grab this opportunity to render meritorious service. I¡¯m afraid they have to put off their wedding.¡±

    ¡°So¡­¡± Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°It¡¯s hard to say. After all, my brother is young. If he wants to win respect, rendering meritorious service is the easiest and fastest way. But it¡¯s also a tough decision to put off the wedding!¡±

    The couple discussed for a while but there was nothing they could do about it for this force majeure. Couldn¡¯t they let Qiu Jinn leave everything behind and go back to Jing City to just get married on time? Even if they were willing, Qiu Jinn wouldn¡¯t do that.

    ¡°The good news is that their wedding has been set in August. And then they will talk about it if they need to put it off.¡± Atst, they ended their discussion.

    Jiang Yashuang started talking about Emperor and Empress, ¡°Since Empress married Emperor, His Majesty sleeps every night in the Beique Hall. My aunt said they were very affectionate. Even if His Majesty is just doing this for the sake of my aunt, they will bond together after getting along for a long time.¡±

    Qiu Yn hummed, ¡°Empress has suffered enough. It¡¯s time for her to have a few days of a good life!¡±

    ¡°If Empress could give birth to a prince, it could save a lot of trouble.¡± Jiang Yashuang mused, ¡°But if it is a princess this time, and if she has a prince next time, her son will still be the first choice to be the crown prince. However, if it is a princess this time, next year when Jiang Huizhi gets married to Emperor, she may have the idea of trying to make her son to be the crown prince.¡±

    ¡°Even if she has the thought, she has to get pregnant first.¡± Qiu Yn calmly said, ¡°It may by then Empress also gets pregnant again?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°That will be nice!¡± He lowered his voice and continued, ¡°When departing, our father told us that the first branch reaped what they have sown. We needn¡¯t punish them again for the sake of the old age and health of our grandfather. If they don¡¯t do something terribly wrong, just spare them in case our grandfather may get sad. If Empress could get a male heir this time and the heir could be the crown prince, that is the best!¡±

    Qiu Yn narrowed his eyes, ¡°Yes. I won¡¯t urge Empress to take the initiative to deal with Huizhi when I visit Empress after the mourning is over.¡±

    She suddenly thought of something here, ¡°Did our father say this to you for just telling you to be merciful to the first branch? Or does he mean something else?¡±

    For example, ¡°Before our mother beat all the concubines of Jiang Yadan to death because they stole the dowry of my former eighth sister-inw. Should our father think that we provoked this?¡±

    So, she advised the youngest son to be merciful to the first branch to make Marquess Qin feel better. His original intention was to warn us, ¡°Don¡¯t be so overbearing. Don¡¯t meddle in your brother¡¯s family stuff!¡±

    ¡°This really wronged us! There is nothing to do with us.¡± Qiu Yn said angrily, ¡°This is obviously your wife¡¯s own intention! You and your wife have lived together for most of your life. You¡¯ve known quite well your wife¡¯s temper. Not to mention Jiang Yashuang wasn¡¯t absent at that time. Was I capable to persuade my mother-inw after my knowing her for only a few days? Besides, it was natural that I didn¡¯t persuade her. Those concubines were bullying the weak and fearing the strong. They tortured An and the former eighth sister-inw as she was good-natured and An¡¯er was young. Anyway, they were bad people themselves.¡±

 Chapter 441 - Finishing the Mourning

    <h4>Chapter 441 Finishing the Mourning</h4>

    Qiu Yn told her husband what she was thinking about. But he shook his head after thinking for a while, ¡°Though my father doesn¡¯t care so much about whether a kid is the trueborn one or not as my mother does, he still cares about kids in our Jiang Family.¡±

    A concubine could be bought and sold like goods. So, concubines were not so important that even a master of a branch would value her.

    ¡°But they are still mothers who gave birth to my nieces and nephews. The reason why Heng¡¯er doesn¡¯t speak a word right now is that he saw how his mother died, as you know.¡± Qiu Yn reminded him, ¡°The day when my eighth sister-inw took them to visit my father, my father found that Heng¡¯er was the oldest kid so he wanted to talk with him about his study. But he didn¡¯t answer a word. And my eighth sister-inw¡¯s expression even changed. It was Jiang Gan who reminded my eighth brother. And then my brother interrupted them to cover the embarrassment.¡±

    ¡°ording to the intelligence of our father, even if he didn¡¯t know about the reason why Heng¡¯er lost his voice, he would ask maids after the talk. Is he angry with us because of that?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°You forget that the estrangement between father and me and his affection for my brother started when he was awake, which was before he met my nieces and nephews. Besides, these things have nothing to do with us. My father¡­¡± He stopped for a while and then reminded her, ¡°Men in my father¡¯s generation are not used to getting involved in the management of the family. The order to clean out all the concubines of my eighth brother was made by my mother. So, my father would not even get involved, not to mention be unsatisfied.¡±

    The official wives of the Jiang Family were used to managing all aspects of the family. And men in Jiang Family were not used to meddling in. This situation was caused by men in Marquess Qin¡¯s generation. Jiang Tianchi was the second son of Marquess Qin¡¯s official wife. So, he was used to it. And he was also used to intervening nothing.

    So, it showed that Qiu Yn¡¯s spection was wrong.

    ¡°Should we find a chance to ask mother?¡± Qiu Yn proposed, ¡°Did us do anything wrong that made father get angry?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang hesitated. But finally, he refused, ¡°Maybe my father just thought that my eighth brother was entrapped by the first branch. So, father wanted to make amends. I don¡¯t want to ask him. You know my mom. If she knows, she will query my father, which will make my father sad.¡±

    After all, they had grown apart because of years of separation. So even if they were father and son, they had scruples.

    In this case, Qiu Yn also no longer importunate him. Anyway, although Jiang Tianchi was more affectionate to the older son, he did not abuse the younger one. This time before Jiang Tianchi left, he sent servants out to buy the gifts for the grandchildren. The gifts for Jiang Jingkun and Jiang Jinng who were the two legitimate grandchildren were the same, while Fu¡¯er¡¯s share, except that an inkstone was different from the two Cousins¡¯, the others were the same.

    However, the gifts for grandchildren who were born by concubines were different from theirs, which could show that even though Jiang Tianchi had preferences, he still followed the rules. Qiu Yn was not a woman who was so selfish as to think that an elder should not have preferences for anyone except for themselves. Now that her husband refused to query, she would support him.

    Time flew as the lunar first month flew by. It was the season of revival in Jing City. Plum blossoms bloomed in February and apricot flowers bloomed in March, and the flowers on Jinxiu Slope were like the sea.

    All of a sudden, it was time for peonies in April to stir Jing City.

    ording to the funeral regtions, grandnephew and grandnephew¡¯s wife were only required to be in mourning for grand uncle for five months. Sir Jibei died in early Novemberst year. So, at the beginning of April, the grandchildren at Marquess¡¯s Mansion were the first to call it quits.

    Although they had only been in mourning for five months, there were many things left undone.

    ¡°Put the clothes which we will wear when we go to the pce to visit Empress Dowager and Empress over there. And don¡¯t let the children make them dirty!¡± Qiu Yn sat in front of the mirror and inserted a gilding jade pin. Although, as a grandniece, she had done with mourning, her elders were still in mourning. So, she should dress more carefully during this period. If she wore too in, it would be inconvenient to go out. But if she wore too bright, her elders would be sad. It took even more time than dressing up during mourning. ¡°Check the gift which will be given to Empress again! Is there¡­¡±

    She hadn¡¯t finished when Su He came in. She told her, ¡°The ginseng has been sent here. But madame Shuijin refused the money. She said she wanted to congratte the princess on having a girl baby.¡±

    ¡°Fine. she does notck money. Let me pay back next time.¡± Qiu Yn turned around, ¡°Where is the ginseng? Let me check out.¡±

    Su He passed it to her. As soon as she opened it, a fresh, bitter smell filled the air. The ginseng in the box was plump and shiny. And it was almost like a human. Obviously, this ginseng was the best choice both in appearance and medicine.

    ¡°I will go to visit my mother-inw.¡± Qiu Yn closed the box with satisfaction, ¡°And then I will take it to her.¡±

    ¡­ Jiang Qizheng and Qiu Feng nned to stay away from trouble in Shazhou for a while and then return to Jing City. After all, their son was there. Though Qiu Yn was helping them to take care of him, it would be best that they looked after the kid by themselves because the child was so young.

    However, Jiang Qizheng was pregnant again. After the Lantern Festival, when Madame Zhuang¡¯s letter arrived, she was nearly inbor. Qiu Feng wrote to exin that after his wife gave birth, if both mother and kid could bear it, they would return to Jing City and reunite with his mother-inw.

    In February, Jiang Qizheng gave birth to her girl. Mother and daughter were fine. After her confinement, the three of them set foot on their way back to Jing City.

    They travelled slowly for fear of jolting them. It was April and they were still hundreds of miles from Jing City. The servant who followed Madame Zhuang¡¯s order to visit them came back and said that Jiang Qizheng¡¯s was not very fine. It seemed that she had been exhausted during the long journey.

    Madame Zhuang loved her daughter so much. So, she nned to give her daughter and son-inw a good tonic when they returned. So, Qiu Yn also should make a move. She asked He Shuijin to help her buy superb ginseng to give her mother-inw.

    ¡°You are too busy to look after three kids. You¡¯ve just finished your mourning. And then Ling Zui¡¯s wedding ising. Besides, you have to go to the pce to congratte Empress. I can stay here to watch out. Why do you bother?¡± Madame Zhuang was pleased to see the ginseng, but she still scolded her daughter-inw, ¡°I ept this ginseng for Qizheng. Don¡¯t worry so much next time! What will happen to the children if you are exhausted?¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled and said, ¡°Mother loves me the most. It¡¯s just ginseng. I don¡¯t need to worry too much.¡±

    Chu Yitong, who sat opposite her, smiled demurely but stiffly. The mother-inw only loved her daughter. But they were her daughters-inw, and they had to do what she liked. Chu Yitong had also spent effort. She sent Mom Zhu to use resources of the Prince¡¯s Mansion and take a good Ganoderma lucidum back.

    But the resources that the Mansion of Duke of Huainan umted could notpare to that of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe. Even if most resources were controlled by Qiu Jinn, most were used for revenge. But Chu Yitong had her father and so many sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews. So, the distribution of the property she could gain was not as much as Qiu Yn, who only had a brother.

    Though the Mansion of Duke of Huainan would support her for political interest, she couldn¡¯t pick everything in the warehouse. Qiu Yn loved her mother-inw so she was willing to spend money. Besides, Qiu Yn had an ally who had many resources and connections. So, Qiu Yn¡¯s present could beat hers easily!

    ¡°It¡¯s a disgrace! Chu Yitong usually had no grudge against Qiu Yn. But now she felt difort, ¡°I thought it was an unspoken rule. Gifts should not just be given based on how much money she has but in order of age. This time Qiu Yn sent ginseng, which beat my Ganoderma lucidum¡­ Could it be that she despised me for being merely a stepmother? ¡±

    But then something else happened, which made her even angrier. After receiving the ginseng, Madame Zhuang asked how her daughter¡¯s yard which she lived in before she got married was cleaned.

    Chu Yitong was in charge of it. After hearing the question, she braced herself up, ¡°It¡¯s already done. I told the craftsman to paint the walls again. Her bedding is renewed. So are her nts.¡±

    She stressed, ¡°I think when Qizheng and her husbande back, mother will ask them to stay here for a while with Fu¡¯er. There is a pond in the yard. Since now Fu¡¯er can walk, even though maids will apany him everywhere, he can¡¯t get close to the pond. So, I take the time to build Low railings around the pond in case of the ident.¡±

    Madame Zhuang was satisfied. She smiled, ¡°You did a good job. It¡¯s better to save than to regret.¡±

    And then she told Qiu Yn, ¡°Later you go there with your sister-inw to check whether there is something that is needed.¡±

    Qiu Yn did not know the ginseng she sent offended her sister-inw. But she knew Chu Yitong took over to prepare their sister-inw¡¯s residence with the identity of the oldest daughter-inw. So, if she got involved, it would be annoying. She was about to refuse, Madame Zhuang said, ¡°I heard that you with Qizheng get along very well with Qizheng before you married here. So, I believe you are clear about her affection.¡±

    Madame Zhuang was exining to her oldest daughter-inw. She trusted her. But it was just because she was not familiar with Jiang Qizheng. So, she might not know Jiang Qizheng¡¯s vision and habits. But Qiu Yn¡¯s rtionship with the oldest daughter-inw was not as good as Madame Zhuang thought. At the moment Qiu Yn looked at Chu Yitong whose face appeared to be unsatisfied, she felt wronged. She opened her mouth and said with an embarrassed smile, ¡°You don¡¯t know, mother how careful my sister-inw is. I am sure that my sister-inw must have asked the people who served my sister before!¡±

    And then she gave a signal to Chu Yitong.

    Chu Yitong saw that Qiu Yn was sensible so her resentment also dispelled a little. She smiled and said, ¡°I did ask someone who served my sister before. I also consulted several moms around my grandmother who took care of my sister to grow up!¡±

    And then Madame Zhuang stopped letting Qiu Yn check the preparation. She praised Chu Yitong for her thorough consideration.

    ¡°This is such a big family!¡± After greeting, Qiu Yn went back to her yard and sighed. She adjusted her emotion and said resolutely, ¡°Where are the kids? Take them to me!¡±

    Su He and others were tittering after seeing her solemn and stirring look. The three kids were so young. Now madame could not stand them. What if they were at the age that even chickens and dogs felt them disgusting?¡±

    They wereughing, Chunran walked here, ¡°Madame, young master asked you to prepare a present for engagement.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°For whom?¡±

    ¡°The Censor of young master and the sixth granddaughter of Prime Minister Xue.¡±

    ¡°Xun Yuxi?¡± Qiu Yn was surprised, ¡°Last year I talked with my husband that it would be a trouble if he never got married. And we prepared to introduce severaldies for him to see how it would work. Why did he engage with Nongqing so soon?¡±

    Xun Yuxi became a Jinshi together with Qiu Jinn through the entrance examination in the year when she got married to Jiang Yashuang as Qiu Jinn predicted.

    But his rank was not high to be a member of Hanlin Academy. Besides, even though his family was richer than the normal families. his family was far away poorer than the Jiang Family, who had powerful officials in three generations. So, he had no choice but to umte experience. Last year Qiu Yn was pregnant. So, Jiang Yashuang hired so many asides and staff to help him handle affairs. Though Xun Yuxi was an official and he didn¡¯t be one of the staff, he showed his intention to cozy up Jiang Yashuang.

    By Jiang Yashuang¡¯s promotion, he walked out from a local government into the censor.

    Now he was junior level six, lower.

    This guy had a house, a carriage. His parents died. He was tall and handsome. And he was also a Jinshi. Qiu Jinn rmended him to her as a husband candidate. As usual, his marriage should not be dyed until now. It was just not his time. He was despised by thosedylike families before he became a Jinshi. When he became a Jinshi, however, the political struggle between the Empress and the Empress Dowager went wild. So, a few events happened. Every family was busy discussing the situation, watching, and considering the side that they should support. So, they were not in the mood to find husband candidates for their daughters and granddaughters.

    Finally, the political struggle between the Empress and the Empress Dowager came to an end. However, the internal strife of the Jiang Family began.

    Although he weighed the situation to take refuge in Jiang Yashuang, he still was lofty and unyielding. So, he was unwilling to marry the daughter of a small family, nor did he take the initiative to cozy up the powerful families. Thus, his marriage was dyed.

    But she didn¡¯t expect he would marry ady in the Xue Family.

    Chunran said, ¡°The marriage was settled by Prime Minister Xue. It was said that Prime Minister Xue valued his appearance, height, and his character.¡±

    ¡°That was true. ¡± Qiu Yn nodded. She thought that all these years the reason why the Xue Family didn¡¯t settle a marriage for Xue Nongqing was to wait for Qiu Jinn. Since Qiu Jinn had been engaged with Ou Qinn, they had no choice. And then they had to be content with the second-best, that was to choose a guy who suited her most.

    ¡°Is Xue Chang busy these days? Why does he have time to settle the marriage of his granddaughter? I think he is like Marquess Qin, who loves granddaughters but will not do anything for them.¡± Since Xue Chang was an important political ally of Qiu Jinn, Qiu Yn valued the rtionship of their families. She felt strange ording to herprehension of the Xue Family. ¡°It should be Xue Fangchao and his wife who make the decision. Well¡­ Maybe he wants her granddaughter and grandson-inw to have a decent marriage so they announce it with Prime Minister Xue¡¯s name, right?¡±

 Chapter 442 - Curtsy to Empress

    Chapter 442 Curtsy to Empress

    The Xue Family always got along well with Qiu Jinn and Qiu Yn. Besides, Xue Nongqing was a good friend of Qiu Yn. Xun Yuxi made friends with Qiu Jinn while now he was an assistant of Jiang Yashuang. So, if they were engaged, Qiu Yn had to choose gifts carefully. She asked Mrs. Qu and Mrs. Zhou to help her. And then she considered for a while and settled the presents down.

    ¡°Please count all the presents and send them in the morning.¡± Qiu Yn sipped tea and said, ¡°Please tell the Xue Family that I will congratte them in several days!¡±

    Mrs. Qu and Mrs. Zhou answered together and they reminded her, ¡°Young master¡¯s cousin will get married this month. Should you go to the Zhuang Family?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiu Yn nodded, ¡°But after tomorrow.¡±

    This was in ordance with the rules. They were all friends with her. But Xin Fubing now was the Empress. So, neither Zhuang Man nor Xue Nongqing could receive congrattions before her. What was more, Empress Dowager Jiang was in the pce.

    The next day, Qiu Yn brought Jiang Jingkun and Fu¡¯er into the pce. ording to the regtions, she had to visit Empress Dowager in the Hall of Taishi. Empress Dowager was so happy when she saw the two kids, ¡°They look like the same! If I don¡¯t know they are cousins, I will think they are born by the same parents.¡±

    ¡°My mother said that the nephew was like the uncle. An is like my eighth brother. So, they look like the same.¡± Qiu Yn smiled and answered.

    Empress Dowager asked maids to bring the two kids to her. She pulled out a jade hairpin for them to grasp, ¡°It is true that these two children look the same as Yashuang and Yadan when they were children.¡±

    The fourth branch hadn¡¯t entered the pce for almost five months. Now they met with each other. So, the topic would not always be kids. A few momentster Jiang Jingkun and Fu¡¯er were sent to the partial house to y.

    Empress Dowager Jiang asked the maids to leave. And then she talked to her niece about serious issues, ¡°I heard that after your father came back, a bunch of people was cleared up in the Imperial Guard. Now I am assured. But there must be guys left. You should be precautionary!¡±

    Qiu Yn agreed with her. The issue was not handled by her. So, she didn¡¯t know it very well. But she was just a messenger so she had to tell her husband about what Empress Dowager said.

    Empress Dowager Jiang talked with her for a while about the military embargo. And then she mentioned Emperor and the Empress, ¡°Emperor is kind to Fubing. I see that Fubing¡¯s pregnancy has relieved the annoyance that she had before she got married. That¡¯s a good thing. After all, you¡¯ve been there now. And you know that if you are upset during pregnancy, it¡¯s not good for you or your baby.¡±

    She sighed when she mentioned that topic, ¡°Besides, the madame of the first branch has finished mourning, right?¡±

    Jiang Huizhi mourned for three peoplest year. The first one was her grandmother, for whom the mourningsted for a year. And then it was her grand uncle, for whom the mourning alsosted for a year. Thest one was her great grand uncle, which took her three months.

    She finished mourning for Sir Jibei in February, which was earlier than Qiu Yn. Madame Dou and Jiang Yayue died in the first half year. Now it was April. There would be a Noble Consort, which was undoubtedly a matter that would greatly affect the mood of Xin Fubing.

    Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°It was alright to observe mourning. You are still here, my aunt.¡±

    Empress Dowager got it. The fourth branch, at least for now, wasn¡¯t trying to suppress the first branch by taking advantage of the harem feud. She nodded, ¡°OF course, I hope Fubing can give birth to a royal child safely.¡±

    She pondered, ¡°My sister is vixenish, but the Xin Family is unmatched by the imperial family. Her family does not improve until she is appointed as the Empress. Fubing is pregnant now. The prestige of the family, though rising, is still unmatched with the first branch. Somehow the first branch has been in operation for so many years with father and uncle¡¯s support.¡±

    ¡°My fifth sister is very mean. She is still angry about the contradiction between Fubing and Mi Yinyin so she refuses to reconcile with Madame Mi! Now she cannot take advantage of the forces of the sixth branch¡­ If the fourth branch doesn¡¯t take action, I¡¯m afraid it will be Fubing who will suffer the loss! That¡¯s not good.¡±

    Empress Dowager Jiang hoped that Xin Fubing could have the upper hand. After all, Xin Fubing was the daughter-inw that she chose. But she also needed to be vignt, lest Jiang Huizhi seizes the opportunity to attack them! As for Jiang Huizhi, although she could only stop at the position of imperial concubine, she always felt that if she worked hard, she could get the position of Empress or even the position of Empress Dowager!

    If so, her attitude would decide the consequence of the battle, which would make her be cozy and have a sense of control.

    ¡°I guess it has something to do with my fourth brother who came backst year.¡± During these five months, the master of the Jiang Family had to observe filial piety so they did not enter the pce. But the maids went into the pce to send presents to please her. So, Empress Dowager also knew a little. Qiu Yn got along well with Xin Fubing. The reason why she took on the responsibility might be the words said by Jiang Tianchi.

    ¡°Does my fourth brother want to help those who may give him more benefits?¡± Empress Dowager Jiang had always been afraid of her brother. In fact, the time that she stayed with Jiang Tianchi was not long. So, she was mainly influenced by Madame Tao. Madame Tao used to say, ¡°At the beginning, I advised your third brother to join the army, but he firmly refused and even suspected that I had ulterior motives! I didn¡¯t say anything to your fourth brother. But he chose this path on his own. This affair showed the wisdom of your fourth brother. So, in the future, if the third branch and the fourth branch have any contradiction, we can rest assured to choose the fourth branch! Your third brother¡¯s vision, verve, and perseverance are far worse than your fourth brother¡¯s. He only bears the title of first trueborn son of a legal wife!¡±

    Since now Jiang Tianchi said so, Empress Dowager Jiang dared not to force the fourth branch. She thought for a while and then decided that she should make the n slowly, ¡°No matter what may happen, Jiang Tianchi is my brother. He always treats her son and daughter-inw well. Since I don¡¯t have conflicts with him, he will not set me up. The reason why he did so, I suppose, may be that Jiang Yashuang had been so cruel in thest two years that most of the advantages were gained by him, which made his father so angry.¡±

    Thinking so, Empress Dowager Jiang literally said a few words with Qiu Yn. So, she asked Qiu Yn to the Beique Hall to visit her, ¡°Fubing has been missing you! She is going to greet me this morning. So, she can wait for you here! I take into ount that she is going to give birth to a baby in July. Now that she¡¯s pregnant, she¡¯s going to be exhausted if she walks too far. So, I let her wait in her own Hall. Please go.¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°Sure. After all, she is Empress. I can¡¯t afford such a treat now!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be too polite when there are no outsiders!¡± Empress Dowager Jiang did not mind at all, ¡°We used to be rtives. Now we still are rtives!¡±

    She got out of the Hall of Taishi. Qiu Yn led her servants to Beique Hall. When they were on their road, she saw Xin Fubing standing at the white jade steps in front of the Hall with the support of the maids in the distance. She could not help urging the sedan to go faster. They hurried to the hall. Before the soft sedan stopped, Xin Fubing came up with a big belly and asked with a smile, ¡°Where are An, Fu¡¯er, and Lang¡¯er? Yongfu came to tell me that the children looked different every day. Children¡¯s eyes and eyebrows grow now. They¡¯re a lot cuter than they werest year. How I wish I can see them!¡±

    ¡°An and Fu¡¯er havee here. Lang¡¯er is too young toe here.¡± Qiu Yn smiled and saluted to her. But Xin Fubing stopped her, ¡°Don¡¯t do that. We don¡¯t need to be polite. Are the kids in the sedan?¡±

    ¡°Their wet nurses are holding them.¡± Qiu Yn held her, ¡°Do not hurry. Since Ie to the pce, I will take them to you. Why are you waiting here? Take care!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I just walk several steps. I can handle it.¡± Xin Fubing was happy when she looked at the nephews the wet nurses were holding. ¡°They are even more handsome!¡±

    Jiang Jingkun and Fu¡¯er yed for a while in the Hall of Taishi. But they were so young. So, after ying for a while, they became exhausted. They didn¡¯t respond to Xin Fubing¡¯s tantalization.

    ¡°They look tired!¡± Xin Fubing stopped regretfully. She told her servants to take them to the side hall to rest. She turned back to the Hall with the support of Qiu Yn, ¡°I heard Qizheng woulde back, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes. But she is exhausted on the road. After she returns to Jing City, my mother-inw wants her and her husband to stay in the Marquess¡¯s Mansion for a few days to recover health.¡± Qiu Yn continued with this topic. And then they talked about the situation of their rtives. And they walked to the hall and took seats.

    Xin Fubing asked the servants to leave. She left only three maids to serve tea and fruit. She concentrated and spoke directly about Jiang Huizhi, ¡°I¡¯m counting the days. It is time for her toe to the pce. I think that if I have promised my grandfather to be kind to her when he was about to die, the wedding process could not be simplified. And it still needed a little more ceremonious. After all, she¡¯s going to be an imperial concubine, which is just lower than me, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought for a while, ¡°If we want to hold a ceremony, we have to choose a nice day! Otherwise, if even the wedding day is casually chosen, the ceremony is also hard to avoid being underestimated.¡±

    ¡°Right!¡± Xin Fubing smiled, ¡°I¡¯m going to ask the Royal Observatory to predict a nice day which should be happy and prosperous!¡±

    ¡°You love her so much, but how could the first branch not appreciate?¡± Qiu Ynughed, ¡°I¡¯ll tell my mother and grandmother to make sure that the first branch gets ready to thank you!¡±

    Originally Jiang Huizhi would definitely marry into the pce before June, while Xin Fubing¡¯s delivery was in July. So, she was busy supervising Jiang Huizhi. But now Xin Fubing treated her so ¡°well¡±. Unless the Royal Observatory was a fool, otherwise, they would not choose a date before August. If so, after Jiang Huizhi went into the pce, Xin Fubing could personally supervise her.

    Qiu Yn praised secretly that Xin Fubing did it well. She said that she promised Sir Jibei that she would treat Jiang Huizhi well. So, the first branch even could not refuse her!

    ¡°When you go back, please bring her some gifts. Let her know that I have not forgotten her, though I am with a child!¡± Xin Fubing turned the bird¡¯s nest cup in her hands and said with a weird smile, ¡°I promised my grandfather I would treat her well. I can¡¯t forget it! I have to let others know that I think of her all the time. I am thoughtful andmitted!¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Qiu Yn murmured. She reminded her, ¡°If she takes advantage of your words, she will say that she is very grateful to you. In order to repay your kindness, she wants toe into the pce to serve you as soon as she finishes filial piety.¡±

    Xin Fubing answered her without thinking, ¡°If so, I will insist on letting her stay at home to keep the filial piety. After all, it will surely be difficult for her to go back home when she enters the pce. When I don¡¯t allow her to enter the pce, she can¡¯t make it even if she begs me!¡±

    Qiu Yn was relieved when she saw Xin Fubing was calm and at ease, ¡°If you can control the situation, it will be fine.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty has been kind to me. So, we hit it off.¡± Xin Fubing said directly, ¡°I was just unhappy before. I really don¡¯t want anyone to rob my husband now¡­ Especially she¡¯s my junior! But now, I have promised to my grandfather so I have to do my best!¡±

    She was the original legal Empress anyway. Xin Fubing wanted to kill her by ¡°supportive¡± strategies. Jiang Huizhi could do nothing. But Marquess Qin was not in a position to me his grandniece. It was just too tiring to be constantly calcting. Qiu Yn prayed, ¡°I hope my cousin could produce the first prince or princess safely. And then she will win right away!¡±

    She didn¡¯t make any efforts this time to enter the pce. In the evening, Xin Fubing ordered the maids to serve dinner earlier. She invited Qiu Yn to finish eating. And then she let her leave.

    Back to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion, Qiu Yn asked the maids to bring her nephews to her yard. And then she went to Madame Zhuang¡¯s room to report about what happened in the pce.

    When they were talking, Mrs. Chang came here and told them, ¡°There are twodies at the backdoor of Marquess¡¯s Mansion. They want to see madame Qiu.¡±

    She said in a weird tone, ¡°ording to the porter, they are richly dressed, but not very respectable.¡±

 Chapter 443 - Miscarriage

    <h4>Chapter 443 - Miscarriage</h4>

    Hearing this, Madame Zhuang smiled and looked at her daughter-inw in confusion, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± As she knew that Jiang Yashuang was a decent person and loved his wife very much, Madame Zhuang did not think that her youngest son would be the kind of person to mess with the prostitutes, so she thought, ¡°Did you hear that clearly, Mrs. Chang? They are looking for Yashuang¡¯s wife rather than Yadan¡¯s wife, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    When the grandchildren of the Jiang Family had just finished their mourning for their youngest grand uncle, a woman who was suspected of not being from a good family came to the door. Could it be that Jiang Yadan had rpsed into his old illness?

    Madame Zhuang was still thinking. But she saw that Qiu Yn, who froze for an instant, stood and said with embarrassment, ¡°These two¡­ Perhaps theye here for me. But it has nothing to do with our family. I¡¯m afraid it¡­¡±

    That was not a secret. If Madame Zhuang had wanted to know, she would have known it sooner orter. So, Qiu Yn hesitated and then confessed, ¡°It may have something to do with my brother of my maiden family.¡±

    ¡°The flings that Qiu Jinn caused in the past?¡± Madame Zhuang was stunned, showing an unpleasant expression, ¡°He¡¯ll be married in four months. Why should he haven¡¯t gotten rid of these people?¡± It was not because Madame Zhuang was a big supporter of the wife. Instead, it was a convention.

    To show respect for the woman, a suitable family often settled all affairs down before the marriage. Of course, after the marriage, it was a different matter if the man¡¯s family took in someone else or took back the past mistresses.

    The key was that the man must show his attitude.

    When Madame Zhuang heard that the prostitutes came to Qiu Yn to find her brother Qiu Jinn, she naturally thought that Qiu Jinn had not done as the convention. And that was clearly a disgrace for the Ou Family. The fourth branch had been friends with the Ou Family for several generations. And the siblings, Ou Bicheng and Ou Qinn, had been watched growing up by Jiang Tianchi and Madame Zhuang and loved as their own children. How could Madame Zhuang not feel aggrieved for Ou Qinn?

    So, at that moment she looked unpleasant, ¡°Does Qiu Jinn look down on Xing?¡± It was no wonder she thought so. Ou Qinn¡¯s running after her husband was indeed shocking at this time. Those who were pedantic, not to mention epting it, would have shouted at her to kill herself if they hadn¡¯t been deterred by the Ou Family¡¯s power!

    Qiu Yn said awkwardly, ¡°Mother, I think there must be some kind of misunderstanding. If my brother were such a person, how could he promise to get married?¡±

    ¡°And then why do the riff-raffe to him?¡± Madame Zhuang sneered, ¡°They can¡¯t go to Shazhou so theye to you. How dare they find their way to a family like ours! Are you familiar with the two?¡±

    Seeing that Madame Zhuang was really unhappy, Mrs. Chang was busy rounding up the situation, ¡°Madame, General Qiu has been in Shazhou for a year or two. He perhaps has forgotten about these people, right? It¡¯s these people who are still delusional when they hear that General Qiu is going to get married.¡±

    Madame Zhuang thought that was true. If Qiu Jinn had really promised these people something, why would theye to Qiu Yn? With that, she eased her expression and said, ¡°And then just send someone to talk to them clearly! They know to ask to see you at the back door. But, don¡¯t they know that they are not qualified to ask my neenth daughter-inw to meet them?¡±

    As she said so, Qiu Yn had to obey her orders. In fact, she was a bit ufortable in the heart, ¡°Hua Shenshen and Peni Yue¡­ They were in deep love with my brother¡­ Since my brother went to Shazhou, they never stopped sending things there¡­ Now¡­¡±

    She shook her head, thinking that she did not have the ability of Qiu Jinn. He could have several women at the same time and make them allpete to please him¡­ Even if Madame Zhuang did not stop her to see them, she would not be able to deal with it well. It would relieve her of the bother of how to say to them.

    However, the next day, Commandery Princess Yishu Qiu Qian came to the door. Of course, given her identity, no one stopped her. The servants invited her directly to Qiu Yn¡¯s courtyard.

    ¡°Has anything happened?¡± Qiu Yn hadn¡¯t seen her for months. So, when she saw her now, she naturally thought that Qiu Nie and Mei Xue met some difficulties.

    But Qiu Qian shook his head, ¡°I¡¯m asked to take a message for you. You know about Peni Yue, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Yesterday, my mother-inw prevented me from seeing her. I didn¡¯t expect that they woulde to you.¡± Qiu Yn smiled bitterly at her words.

    ¡°She is indeed the courtesan of Jinpa Pavilion. How generous she is!¡± Qiu Qian was in a good mood. She hid her lips and smiled, saying sweetly, ¡°She gave a thousand taels of gold to me to take a message. I didn¡¯t even think about it and took it. You wouldn¡¯t me me, would you?¡±

    Qiu Yn said thoughtfully, ¡°I would like to share half¡­¡±

    ¡°No way!¡± Qiu Qian said in a crisp, ¡°Let me have it! I promise I won¡¯t answer you back and scold you!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiu Yn was speechless, ¡°Well. What has she said? Go ahead!¡±

    Qiu Yn found it difficult when she said so. Sure enough, Qiu Qian said, ¡°I can¡¯t remember or bother to remember her long words. Sister Mei concluded for me. Generally, she was asking that for old time¡¯s sake, if there was a position for Hua Shenshen and her in Qiu Jinn¡¯s yard after his marriage. They were willing to bring arge dowry without being acknowledged and serve Qiu Jinn and his wife as maids¡­ Anyway, they could have any arrangement as long as they could be taken into Qiu Jinn¡¯s yard!¡±

    With that, Qiu Qian eximed, ¡°When ites to pleasing the girls, your brother is really better than my brother! My brother is not very good at pleasing Sister Mei! Your brother should be able to make a courtesan, who is used to seeing the world, so obedient!¡±

    ¡°Stop it when you¡¯ve had enough of your sarcasm!¡± Qiu Yn¡¯s face darkened, ¡°Tell her that my brother is the only one who can make decisions in his backyard and that I have no say in this matter.¡± And she turned her head again and told Su He, ¡°Fetch a bank note for a thousand taels of gold!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll pay you what Peni Yue promised. Give her money back. If she asks you to do something again, do not promise her.¡± Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead and swallowed, ¡°Oh, my god. Perhaps the western savages may start a fight this year. It is not sure whether my brother and Xing can get married on time! The courtesan is already thinking of entering the family¡­ After the mourning, there is a lot of things at once!¡±

    Qiu Qian took the bank note and looked at it for a few moments, ¡°I¡¯ll have two thousand taels of gold if I don¡¯t give her money back!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Qiu Yn warned, ¡°After all, you are crowned as Commandery Princess. How can you do something like that?¡±

    ¡°You have said you will treat me like your own sister. Are you going to flip out over a thousand taels of gold?¡± Qiu Qian gave her a nk look, put the bank note away, and got up to leave, ¡°Alright! I¡¯ll go back and send a message! Maybe I can even catch Hua Shenshen waiting for me! Speaking of which, it would be good for your brother to attract a few more of these moneyed and foolish people. If each of them asked to take a message, it might be nearly ten thousand tales of gold in a day!¡±

    Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°If you are going to get married, I will share with you half of my dowry. You can do the math yourself! Eight thousand, you¡¯ve got to be the Sheriff! Ten thousand or so? Just be like a Commandery Princess!¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± said Qiu Qian, her eyes gleaming!

    ¡°Really!¡± Qiu Yn waved her hands, ¡°I have to congratte Xue Nongqing and Zhuang Man this month. Zhuang Man is getting married in the middle of the month. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be free until next month. By then, I¡¯ll personally choose a husband for you. Now you can think about who you want to marry!¡±

    Qiu Qian promised, ¡°If you do share half of your dowry, you are in charge of my marriage! I won¡¯t hesitate even if you have me marry a beggar!¡±

    ¡°Spare me the charm!¡± After her cutting up, Qiu Yn was in a better mood. She scolded jokingly, ¡°Go back and ask Mei Xue! She is more thoughtful than you!¡±

    After sending Qiu Qian away, Qiu Yn was leading someone to check the gifts for tomorrow¡¯s visit to the Xue Family when Chen Shui came in and said, ¡°Madame, the eighth madame is pregnant!¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± With that, Qiu Yn was not happy but stunned, ¡°How many months?¡±

    ¡°Two months.¡± Chen Shui also knew why she did not look happy. The grandchildren had just finished their mourning for Sir Jibei just two days ago. That she was two months pregnant also meant that Jiang Yadan and his wife didn¡¯t obey the rules during mourning. In fact, as long as the couple¡¯s sleeping together was not known during mourning, everyone would turn a blind eye to it. After all, the mourning period was at least three months. In traditional mourning periods, the period was nominally 3 years, but it was usually 25 months in practice. It was eptable for the energetic couples and those who were not married. Were there any couples who did not vite the rules during the mourning period?

    But having a baby would make the folly well known¡­

    Especially, the fourth branch had a special rtionship with Sir Jibei. As the first trueborn son of the fourth branch and the Young Prince who was crowned the next day of Jiang Tianchi¡¯s being crowned, Jiang Yadan didn¡¯t observe his youngest grand uncle¡¯s mourning. That was¡­ What would people think of the fourth branch if the folly went out?

    ¡°What a dork! Efforts of both my father-inw and Yashuang cannot offset what he did!¡± Qiu Yn asked, inwardly cursing Jiang Yadan for his being a jackass, ¡°Two months¡­ Why would it be announced now?¡±

    Even though Jiang Yadan was a jackass, Chu Yitong was not a fool. Wouldn¡¯t it give a hard time for themselves to spill the beans at this juncture? Anyway, women didn¡¯t show at two months. They could just stall over the thing. And during childbirth, they could exin it as prematurebor. As there was a saying, the thing could be covered on the table. Even if Marquess Qin didn¡¯t like it, he would not force his granddaughter-inw to have an abortion, right?

    ¡°They nned to announce it in a few days and leave the month vague. But when the eighth madame was descending the steps, she tripped over for her skirt being too long and had a bad fell. It was said that there was bleeding. That¡¯s why they¡­¡±

    Qiu Yn took a deep breath, ¡°I see¡­ Mrs. Qu and Mrs. Zhou, you stay here and watch them. I¡¯ll visit my eighth sister-inw!¡±

    When she rushed to Jiang Yadan and Chu Yitong¡¯s courtyard, Madame Zhuang was already there, frowning and sitting by the couch.

    On the couch, Chu Yitong looked pale and sickly, with a handkerchief strapped to her forehead. Her eyes were veiled. She should have taken the medicine just now as the air in the room smelled like medicine for fetus protection. Qiu Yn had taken a lot of such medicine before and so she could recognize it as soon as she smelled it.

    As she entered, Madame Zhuang stood up, ¡°Stay here with your eighth sister-inw for a while. I¡¯ll go and report to your grandmother!¡±

    Qiu Yn replied. Madame Zhuang¡¯s words showed that she wanted to keep Chu Yitong¡¯s baby. So, after a while, as she saw Chu Yitong¡¯s long eyshes blinking slightly with tears falling upon it, she counseled, ¡°My sister-inw, don¡¯t be afraid. With our mother here, you will definitely be fine!¡±

    However, Chu Yitong opened her eyes suddenly and her beautiful face trembled. She muttered, ¡°My¡­ My tummy hurts! It hurts!¡±

    Qiu Yn rushed out to call for help. But it was not clear whether Chu Yitong¡¯s body was delicate or she had fallen too hard. Even though the doctor came quickly, Chu Yitong could not keep it before Madame Zhuang returned from Madame Tao¡¯s yard!

    ¡°My neenth sister-inw!¡± When the doctor announced that Chu Yitong was going to lose her baby, her face turned white. She suddenly looked at Qiu Yn, who frowned and looked at her, worried. ¡°I beg you. I heard that the medicine descended from your maiden family can raise the dead. It must be able to save my baby, right? Please give me one. I¡¯ll give you everything in exchange, OK? Okay?¡±

    Looking at hysterical Chu Yitong, Qiu Yn was stunned and then speechless, ¡°Calm down, my eighth sister-inw! Listen to me. That medicine is only for hanging on to life. It has nothing to do with bringing back the dead! I really don¡¯t have any more in my hand. Otherwise, I would have taken it out when my youngest grand uncle was not well.¡±

    ¡°No! You must be lying to me! You must be lying! Just say what you want. I¡¯ll trade with you. I¡¯ll trade with you!¡± Perhaps Chu Yitong was so extremely stimted that she could not believe it. She went for Qiu Yn wildly. The young noblewoman¡¯s well-kept nails dug into Qiu Yn¡¯s skin through her silk dress. Chu Yitong screamed, ¡°Help me! Help my child!¡±

    The old maids in the room were so frightened that they rushed up and held Chu Yitong down with all hands, ¡°The eighth madame, please calm down!¡±

    She was about to have a miscarriage but she still behaved like this. She might even lose her life!

    ¡­ When Madame Zhuang was invited back from Madame Tao¡¯s yard, Chu Yitong had lost her baby. And the room was cleaned up. Qiu Yn stood at the door of the inner room with blood-stained sleeves, looking down in silence.

    Mrs. Chang, who went to get Madame Zhuang back, whispered, ¡°That was made by the eighth madame when she had a miscarriage!¡±

    ¡°¡­ It was your eighth sister-inw¡¯s first baby but finally, she lost it. No wonder why she behaved so hysterically.¡± Madame Zhuang frowned and paused in front of Qiu Yn, saying warmly, ¡°Don¡¯t bother with her¡­ Go back and get some medicine. I¡¯ll take care of it here!¡±

    Qiu Yn said lightly, ¡°Mother, I do not have any more of the kind of medicine as my eighth sister-inw said. Please exin it to her lest she misunderstands me!¡±

    ¡°I know. Go ahead!¡± said Madame Zhuang. But in her mind, she knew that even though Chu Yitong, who was young, knew that it wasn¡¯t because Qiu Yn didn¡¯t give her the medicine, she would instinctively take it out on Qiu Yn to get her psychological bnce. She couldn¡¯t bear the thought that she had identally lost her baby because of a fall. Madame Zhuang had only two daughters-inw. So, of course, she wanted they could get along with each other. But now that this had happened, it would take a lot to bridge the gap between them¡­

 Chapter 444 - Alliance

    <h4>Chapter 444 Alliance</h4>

    It was not the time for Chu Yitong to have her baby. Although Madame Zhuang barely persuaded Madame Tao to intercede with Marquess Qin and Madame Ou, Madame Tao said that she would only persuade them depending on the situation. If these two really did not agree, she could not force them to do so.

    Now that she had a miscarriage, it was natural that they could not recognize that Chu Yitong had gotten pregnant. As such, the folly that she got pregnant during the mourning period could be covered. That made Madame Tao relieved, ¡°Send some nourishing herbs to her and tell her not to be sad. It has only been a few days since she entered the family, hasn¡¯t it? It was just the first time. The couple is both in their prime. Should they be afraid of not having enough children in the future?¡±

    Madame Tao was usually a generous elder. Although this time, strictly speaking, Chu Yitong and his husband were in the wrong. Even though Chu Yitong had a miscarriage, the couple should have been given a few words of warning. However, with Madame Zhuang as a mother-inw there, she was not willing to be the viin. So, she did not mention the embarrassing date of the pregnancy and treated it as if Chu Yitong had had a normal miscarriage.

    Madame Zhuang was someone that loved her daughters-inw. And she knew that the reason why Chu Yitong was pregnant was mostly that her eldest son was driven by pure lust and could not resist. So, she would not me Chu Yitong as well.

    Marquess Qin and Madame Ou were serious about this thing. As they knew it, both of them felt unhappy. But when they heard that Chu Yitong had had a miscarriage and was thus devastated, they felt it pity, ¡°The folly of Yadan, in turn, did harm to his wife! It was a pity to lose such a baby!¡±

    Both of them decided to punish Jiang Yadan but chose to appease Chu Yitong.

    But the other elders were not so gentle. For example, upon hearing of Chu Yitong¡¯s miscarriage, Madame He counted the days and sneered to her people around, ¡°No wonder the child was not kept. He knew he should not be given birth and would be disgraced for the rest of his life. He would rather die and find another family to be born into the world. Anyway, Chu Yitong is the trueborn Commandery Princess of the Prince¡¯s Mansion and she doesn¡¯t even know the rules. Do you know whether she really doesn¡¯t know it or not?¡±

    Although Madame He spoke harshly in private, out of respect for Madame Zhuang, she did not dare to say anything out in the public.

    The first branch waited for a few days but there was no movement from the third branch. So, Madame Lu said to Jiang Huizhi, ¡°Madame He must be afraid of that shrew Madame Zhuang. As that is the case, Zhi¡¯er, you¡¯d better not go to the fourth branch to visit Chu. In case you run into Zhuang, you may have to suffer a lot!¡±

    She had a vendetta against the fourth branch for her husband¡¯s murder! But at this moment, she did not want Jiang Huizhi to rub salt into the wounds of the fourth branch, because she was afraid that Jiang Huizhi would follow in Madame Dou¡¯s footsteps and be killed by Madame Zhuang!

    Jiang Huizhi had an idea in her mind, ¡°I¡¯m not going there publicly. I¡¯m just being nice and condoling with my aunt. Although the fourth branch refuses to admit that Chu has a miscarriage, they have told that she has an infection on her bed. As her niece, is there anything wrong with me to visit my aunt? If my fourth aunt wants to use me as a punching bag, she should also think about my second great grand uncle!¡±

    Madame Lu shook her head, ¡°It¡¯s true that your second great grand uncle doesn¡¯t like Zhuang. But Zhuang is so lucky that she has her sons and grandsons, who are all loved by the elders! And Zhuang is capable of doing anything! You¡­ Don¡¯t me me for speaking badly. You are just a female and not as important as a male heir. Zhuang has your neenth uncle¡­¡±

    ¡°My second aunt, please rest assured. I saw what my grandmother went through with my own eyes. How could I not know how cruel Madame Zhuang is?¡± A flicker of resentment appeared in Jiang Huizhi¡¯s eyes. She said calmly, ¡°But you forget my neenth sister-inw. She has just taken a message from the pce the other day, saying that that person will keep his promise before my third great grand uncle¡¯s death and promote me. She will choose the best date to take me to the pce. Since that she has heart-to-heart with me, it is natural that I go for her when I have been treated badly!¡±

    She sneered, ¡°We¡¯ll see if she really loves me, or she is just pretending! If she really loves me, I wille to her sooner orter to thank her. If she is just pretending, I am sorry! I am so young and simple that I will do anything if I cannot redress my grievance¡­ Anyway, if we have to lose face, we will all lose face together. If someone has to lose face, then I will make everyone embarrassed. Anyway, I have nothing to care about now. She is now six or seven months pregnant. I do hope nothing happens to her!¡±

    Madame Lu was still hesitant, ¡°She is with the fourth branch. And the Empress Dowager is partial to her. She is in the pce. If the Empress Dowager stops our people and says that she cannot be bothered as she is pregnant and that we should look out for ourselves¡­¡±

    ¡°My aunt, do you forget that there is the sixth branch?¡± Jiang Huizhi sneered, ¡°Her mother of the maiden family is such a fool. She treats her only trueborn brother of the sixth branch like dirt and refuses to let go of the feud between her and Mi Yinyin. She drove Mi Yinyin crazy and then forcibly repudiated her from the Mi Family a few days after the death of my third great grand uncle! A deadly feud had been formed between her and my sixth grand aunt! But Mi Yinyin has no sons, and it¡¯s useless for her to be backed up by my sixth grand aunt. But my sixth grand aunt herself has sons and grandsons of her own!¡±

    ¡°My sixth grand aunt is her only aunt and she swore to treat me well before the death of my third great grand uncle. And then my sixth grand aunt can just tell my third great aunt that she is afraid that if she does not tell the Empress and does not let her do my justice, her reputation will be ruined! People will say that the mother of the country has broken her promises to her elders! My aunt, do you think my third great grand aunt will not let my sixth grand aunt go to the pce to deliver the message? No matter how rude the mother of the maiden family is, she cannot do anything to my third great grand aunt!¡±

    Madame Lu thought carefully about Jiang Huizhi¡¯s n and only then did she agree, ¡°And then you can go¡­ But I should go with you! Zhuang is such an evil woman. Even if she can¡¯t get something on you, she may create problems where there are none and make you suffer. If I go with you, I can block it for you!¡±

    ¡°My aunt, you¡¯d better not go!¡± Jiang Huizhi shook her head, ¡°I have the promise of the Empress in the pce but it still may not be safe for me to go to the fourth branch! If you go, it will be even more dangerous for you! Even if you don¡¯t think of yourself, you should also think of my two cousins, right?¡±

    Thinking of her two young sons and her husband who died in Shazhou in his prime, Madame Lu¡¯s heart was filled with hatred and pain. It took a while before she said, ¡°Be careful. Remember, it¡¯s okay if your n fails. Do not make yourself suffer immediate losses!¡±

    Madame Lu and Jiang Huizhi nned for a long time and the two almost cried together. And then Jiang Huizhi made herself presentable and went to the fourth branch to visit Chu Yitong. However, she never expected that she got a problem before carrying out her n. Because the fourth branch did not let her in!

    ¡°The eighth madame has a cold. For fear that others may be taken ill, the fourth branch is closed to guests at the moment. I humbly beg your pardon, junior youngdy!¡± The doorkeeper was polite, not arrogant or rude at all, but unusually determined to stop the door from entering. Jiang Huizhi was blocked from entering after several attempts. The grievance in her heart was unspeakable!

    As they were in the middle of a standoff, Jiang Yadan came back from outside. Jiang Huizhi came forward and teased, ¡°My eighth uncle! I have heard that my eighth aunt is ill. So, I want toe and see her. But they don¡¯t let me in! He said he was afraid that I would be taken ill. Am I so delicate? Besides, I¡¯m always at home. I¡¯m not afraid of a minor illness! I came all the way over here. I shouldn¡¯t just go back, right?¡±

    Jiang Yadan was always loafing but he was not stupid. How could he not know the reason for her visit was not good? But his guess was wrong. ¡°The little girl wants to find out the truth about Yitong¡¯s miscarriage so that she can spread the word and ruin the reputation of our fourth branch, doesn¡¯t she?¡±

    He was scolded by Marquess Qin and Madame Ou for this. Marquess Qin even had his guards give him tenshes to let him remember his mistake. And he was not in a good mood at the moment. If it were his nephew, he would probably kick him and vent his anger at being punched before Marquess Qin. But he could not do so as it was his niece who was at her marriageable age.

    However, squinting his eyes, he said, ¡°Really? Go with me!¡± After leading her in, Jiang Yadan did not let her go to his own courtyard but went straight to Madame Zhuang, thinking, ¡°Looking for trouble in our branch? Come and be disciplined before my mother first!¡±

    Jiang Yadan didn¡¯t know what he did was exactly what Jiang Huizhi wanted. Jiang Huizhi intended to use her own grievance in the fourth branch as a reason to force Xin Fubing to stand up for her. Her visit to Chu Yitong was just a pretext. She would be very d to take Jiang Yadan¡¯s behavior, which he thought was a trap.

    When they met Madame Zhuang, Madame Zhuang said tonelessly, ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    When Madame Zhuang said so, she immediately began to whimper, ¡°My fourth grand aunt, listen to your words! I just want to visit my eighth aunt. That¡¯s all! Do you think I should note? I don¡¯t know what has displeased you and made you dislike me so much¡­¡±

    Madame Zhuang disliked her. When she saw that she was still pretending in front of her, she didn¡¯t bother to make a fuss but directly told Mrs. Chang, ¡°Get two people to send her back to the first branch. Shees to our branch and keeps crying for no reason. Even if Madame Dou Junior is not in Jing City, Lu should have cared about it. It is folly!¡±

    As soon as she gave the order to send her back, Jiang Huizhi went from sobbing to crying!

    Now everyone could see that she hade here for looking for trouble. Jiang Yadan had wanted to watch the fun, but unexpectedly he was set upon. He was livid with rage! He was not the type of disciplined man. He was so angry that he didn¡¯t care if his niece could not be hit. And he pped her across the face, ¡°What are you howling about?¡±

    Jiang Yadan knew what he was doing and reduced the strength of his hands. But how could Jiang Huizhi not seize this opportunity? Without saying a word, shey down on the ground and kept quiet!

    The maids she had brought with her began to cry, saying that her youngdy was dead or something else¡­ Madame Zhuang called over her subordinates, her face darkening, ¡°Carry her back to the first branch! If she wants to cry or make a scene, just go back to her own room! Don¡¯t spoil the peace of our fourth branch!¡±

    She also ordered, ¡°Go to the main room and ask Dr. Lin to check her. Don¡¯t think that she can me her situation on our fourth branch just because she managed to get in!¡±

    Finally, she cursed Jiang Yadan to be silly, ¡°I have the door guarded. And no one is allowed to visit. What do you think the reason is? You brought her in. And just now you even hit her. Have you gotten used to beating those mistresses? So, now you¡¯re beating your niece, right? Have you forgotten what your father told you before he left?¡±

    Madame Zhuang was now in the same mood as her youngest daughter-inw had been before, ¡°What a dork!¡±

    ¡­ As to the first branch, as soon as Dr. Lin and the people from the fourth branch left, Jiang Huizhi opened her eyes. She pressed the towel on her face and said to Madame Lu, who was guarding her by the couch, ¡°My aunt, I hope you will talk to my sixth grand aunt!¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Madame Lu looked at her face with pain and gritted her teeth, ¡°Don¡¯t worry! Your fifth great grand aunt is unforgiving. She has been pressing hard these days. And your sixth grand aunt is being driven mad by her! If we seek an alliance with her now, there will be no reason for her to refuse!¡±

    And that was exactly what happened. Madame Mi didn¡¯t hesitate to agree as soon as she heard the people that Madame Lu sent there say they did that to set up Xin Fubing!

    Her trusted subordinate tried to persuade her, ¡°Why should you get into this? Given Old Master Tiancan¡¯s identity, it doesn¡¯t matter which side wins. Our branch will be rich and prosperous anyway!¡±

    ¡°We will be rich and prosperous while we should be humiliated by the b*tch Jiang Tianhe once again and again!¡± Madame Mi said so as she clenched her teeth, ¡°I¡¯d rather bow to my grand nieceter than let go of Jiang Tianhe and Xin Fubing!¡±

    She added, ¡°Besides, Jiang Tianhe hates me so much. Do you think it will be good for our branch if Xin Fubing is in charge of Hall of Taishi in the future?¡±

 Chapter 445 - A Fight

    <h4>Chapter 445 A Fight</h4>

    ¡°Seriously?¡± Jiang Tianhe asked his people with an ugly expression. ¡°Madame Mi went to the pce and asked Fubing to help the little b*tch of the first branch? Why did mother agree to let her enter the pce?¡±

    The man replied, ¡°Madame Mi told Madame Ou that before Sir Jibei passed away, Her Majesty promised to take good care of Miss Huizhi of the Jiang Family! Now Miss Huizhi has been wronged by the fourth branch. If she did not report to Her Majesty, others would think that Her Majesty didn¡¯t think highly of her promise because they believed that Her Majesty knew it. So, for the sake of Her Grace¡¯s reputation¡­¡±

    ¡°Nonsense! Did my mother believe it?¡± Jiang Tianheughed with anger, ¡°Didn¡¯t she just want to have trouble with me? Fubing is pregnant now and Madame Mi is really cruel to be an aunt. If so¡­¡±

    In the fourth branch of the Marquess¡¯s Mansion, Qiu Yn smiled and looked at Jiang Qizheng sitting beside her. They hadn¡¯t met for more than one year. Chunfu Princess didn¡¯t look bad as she lived in hardship and remote areas. She even looked better than two years ago. She was just tired because of the long journey though.

    Obviously, she had a very good rtionship with Qiu Feng right now. Otherwise, as Jiang Qizheng had been spoiled since childhood, with her frailty and delicacy, she would definitely not have the spirit or energy that she had now. People were in high spirits when getting involved in happy events.

    ¡°How time flies!¡± Qiu Yn watched Jiang Qizheng, whose childishness and innocence were reced by calmness. Qiu Feng, who was covered in luxuriant clothes, respectfully answered Madame Zhuang¡¯s questions. Qiu Yn sighed with emotion, ¡°This couple has changed a lot these two years!¡±

    When she thought, the conversation between Madame Zhuang and Qiu Feng came to an end. Madame Zhuang was unhappy with Qiu Feng because he neglected her daughter at the beginning, but Jiang Qizheng couldn¡¯t help but help them make peace. Obviously, she was unwilling to see the conflict between her mother and husband. Madame Zhuang had two sons, but only one daughter, so she spoiled her daughter. At the beginning, she was a little unhappy. Seeing Qiu Feng was respectful, she turned her attitude, ¡°You must be tired after the long journey so let¡¯s talk tomorrow. You can greet your grandmother first and then go to the Mansion of Sir Jibei to see your uncle!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thanked her mother, and solemnly bowed to Qiu Yn, ¡°Thanks for taking care of Fu¡¯er.¡±

    ¡°Sister, are we strangers?¡± Qiu Yn wanted to stop her and smiled, ¡°Furthermore, Lang¡¯er was not born before. An¡¯er was so lonely and it would be better to have Fu¡¯er keeppany!¡±

    They exchanged a few words and then Madame Zhuang said, ¡°We are a family. Don¡¯t be polite. Qizheng, you go to greet your grandmother with your husband. Yn, you stay. I have something to tell you!¡±

    After Jiang Qizheng left with Qiu Feng, Qiu Yn asked, ¡°What is that, mother?¡±

    ¡°Since they havee back, it¡¯s not good for you to take care of Fu¡¯er anymore.¡± Madame Zhuang thought for a while and said, ¡°If you can often go to visit your eighth sister-inw, she can feel better.¡±

    Qiu Yn knew what she meant. It was that she didn¡¯t want to have any gossip between her daughters-inw.

    Chu Yitong was unreasonably troublesome. She became the mother of a group of children before she got married. She was finally pregnant, but the time was embarrassing. It was easy to end her pregnancy by ident! Considering that she was sad now, her behavior was understandable.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I asked someone to get some ingredients yesterday. I n to make a can of nourishing porridge for my eighth sister-inw by myself!¡± Qiu Yn sighed in her heart and smiled, ¡°Of course, I share it with mother, grandmother, the youngest grand aunt, and my eighteenth sister.¡±

    ¡°Thank you!¡± Madame Zhuang was very satisfied with her daughter-inw¡¯s obedience. For her own people, Madame Zhuang was fair and generous so she took off her dowry bracelet as a reward, ¡°I can¡¯t eat yours for nothing. This is for you!¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled and refused it, ¡°Showing filial respect for you is my duty, mother. We are a family!¡±

    ¡°You are right but this is a reward for you!¡± Madame Zhuang said kindly, ¡°As your mother, all of my things will be yours in the end.¡±

    Seeing that she really wanted to give it to her, Qiu Yn thought about it and didn¡¯t refuse it anymore. She smiled and took it, ¡°Thanks, mother!¡±

    And then they talked about Ling Zui¡¯s marriage to Zhuang Man, and Qiu Yn went back to her yard to make porridge.

    She said she would cook it, but in fact, she just went into the kitchen, put the cleansed ingredients into the pot, and asked the people to light up the fire. After that, she went back to the room and had a rest. When she came into the room, Jiang Jingkun jumped over, hugged her legs, and tumbled her down suddenly. Qiu Yn sighed and hugged him, ¡°Why did you get off the bed? Don¡¯t I tell you to have a rest on the couch?¡±

    The wet nurse who followed hurriedly bowed and exined, ¡°The junior young master thought that the couch was too small so he wanted to walk on the ground!¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow, please change the nket on the floor and pick up a thicker one!¡± Qiu Yn looked down at the ground and said, ¡°Don¡¯t be too thick to prevent him from walking. Find one that if he falls, he won¡¯t get any injuries!¡±

    Jiang Jingkun was known as three years old this year, but his real age was not two years old. Although he could walk and talk, he was not very proficient. Qiu Yn was afraid that he got hurt when he was eager to learn these two things without any protection.

    After ying with her nephew for a while, Qiu Yn coaxed him to see Jiang Jinng and took advantage of the opportunity to slip away to the kitchen by herself because the porridge was done. Jiang Jingkun and Jiang Jinng yed a drum-shaped rattle together.

    ¡°Don¡¯t add the green onion to this bowl because my eighth sister-inw doesn¡¯t like it.¡± Qiu Yn tasted the porridge and thought it was yummy, so she asked the servants to serve the dishes ording to everyone¡¯s preference. ¡°Add more pickles to the bowl for mother. Add some preserved eggs to the bowl for grandmother because she is too old to bite pickles. It is not suitable for the youngest grand aunt to eat meat today so we should put a portion of braised tofu.¡±

    In order to fulfill Madame Zhuang¡¯s instructions, all servants delivered the porridge, but Qiu Yn delivered it to Chu Yitong in person.

    When she arrived at Chu Yitong¡¯s yard, she was blocked by Mrs. Zhu, ¡°Just now madame Chu fell asleep. She didn¡¯t sleep well over the past two days. If you go into her room, I am afraid that it will wake her up, madame Qiu.¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned, doubting her words, but when she thought about Madame Zhuang, she said calmly, ¡°In this case, I won¡¯t bother her. I made the porridge for her. Please pass it to my sister-inw!¡±

    Ms. Zhu thanked her, took the food box with both hands, respectfully sent her to the door, watching her going to the pnquin before closing the door.

    Although Mrs. Zhu had a good attitude, Su He and others still felt unhappy for Qiu Yn on the way back, ¡°It is Madame who gave you a bracelet for this pot of porridge. However, madame Chu even refused to show her face when you cooked and sent it in person.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you listen to Mrs. Zhu? Madame Chu doesn¡¯t feel well so I can¡¯t bother her.¡± Qiu Yn was not very happy but she still scolded the servants, ¡°We are a family so I don¡¯t care about it. Why do you say this?¡±

    Of course, Madame Zhuang and others knew this. Thinking that Chu Yitong was in confinement because of childbirth, it was hard for them to me her, but theyforted Qiu Yn.

    Jiang Yashuang felt aggrieved for his wife when he knew it, ¡°The eighth sister-inw is young and she gets pregnant for the first time. I think she doesn¡¯t understand it now. You shouldn¡¯t care about her these days. She wille to make amends with youter when she understands!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Qiu Yn was unfamiliar with Chu Yitong and this little dispute wouldn¡¯t make her hate. Now she cared more about Shazhou, ¡°Is there a war in Xijiang? How about my brother¡¯s marriage?¡±

    Speaking of this, Jiang Yashuang also sighed, ¡°He cannot return! But the Ou Family is not unreasonable so let¡¯s talk about itter!¡±

    ¡°The war in Beijiang has been going on for several months and it won¡¯t be finished quickly. If there is going to be a war in Xijiang¡­¡± Qiu Yn pondered, ¡°I don¡¯t know if the national treasury is enough.¡±

    Although Xue Chang governed the country well and managed Darui¡¯s financial resources well under the pressure of years of chaotic politics and power struggles between the heroines, the cost of wars was extraordinary. Qiu Yn knew that the current political situation was not good. It would be worse than the time when two empresses fought for power. At that time, the two restrained each other and Xue Chang bnced them. Many corrupt officials were afraid of being caught by political enemies who might put them to death.

    Now?

    The Jiang Family had the final say so Xue Chang was just relying on his talent to protect himself. How about his subordinates? If things went on like this, Xue Chang might remain in power and it would not be able to stop the decline of national power.

    ¡°It is okay for one or two years.¡± Jiang Yashuang groaned, ¡°If they dy it, I am afraid it will be troublesome. But the war in Beijiang will be stopped in one or two years!¡±

    As for Beijiang, Jiang Tianchi did it with an unintentional positive oue. Because of Sir Jibei¡¯s death, even Marquess Qin was deceived at first and Jiang Tianchi seeded in cheating Beihu. Although the war was not over, they got the upper hand.

    What needed to be worried about was Xijiang. Han Jishancked ability and Qiu Jinn was young and had few qualifications. Although the Kuang Family had been cleared several times, it was hard to say whether there was anyone left.

    Domestic strife had been over. If the aggression of the western savages¡­

    ¡°After Beijiang is settled, it will be hard to say whether the western savages dare to attack.¡± Jiang Yashuang thought for a while and said, ¡°Anyway, there is nothing to worry about now so let¡¯s talk about itter!¡±

    ¡°This is only for Darui as a whole. The Northern Army first calms Beijiang and then helps the Western Army settle Xijiang, so there is no need to worry about Darui¡¯s safety!¡± Qiu Yn pursed her lips and thought, ¡°The Western Army enjoys the same reputation as the Northern Army, but it has to rely on the Northern Army to resist foreign aggression, which shows their ipetence.¡±

    Previously, Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei did not want to find out the truth of Jiang Yayue¡¯s and Jiang Yaqing¡¯s deaths and allowed Qiu Jinn to develop in the Western Army. The biggest reason was that Qiu Jinn had the support of the Ruan Family and the Qiu Family in the army.

    If it was because of the defeats of the Western Army, the soldiers were dissatisfied and the morale of the army was shaken, and Qiu Jinn had a bad name of coward. How could he stay in the Western Army by then?

    ¡°Xijiang starts a battle and wins, and then my brother can take charge of the Western Army! If he loses, I am afraid that the first branch and the third branch will make trouble!¡± Qiu Yn thought, ¡°Even Marquess Qin will not really be willing to give up the Western Army!¡±

 Chapter 446 - Ling Zui and Zhuang Man Got Married

    <h4>Chapter 446 Ling Zui and Zhuang Man Got Married</h4>

    Time flied quickly. It was April 18 now. Today was a good day for Ling Zui and Zhuang Man.

    Early in the morning, people in the fourth branch got up, freshened up, and tidied up. They were divided into two groups under the assignment of Madame Zhuang. Because Madame Zhuang had to keep the filial piety of Sir Jibei, it was not proper for her to attend their wedding. She asked her children to do it for her. But Chu Yitong was in the confinement of childbirth so only five people could go.

    ¡°Zheng¡¯er and Zui¡¯er are friends in adversity. Zui¡¯er helps Yn all the time so his kindness should be considered first. We are reasonable people.¡± Madame Zhuang decided after thinking, ¡°So, Zheng¡¯er and Yn go to Princess Royal¡¯s Mansion with your husbands. Dan¡¯er, you go to your uncle¡¯s house alone and say sorry to your uncles and aunts on behalf of your brothers and sisters!¡±

    Everyone agreed on this arrangement. After lunch, everyone set off because the wedding was in the evening.

    ¡°Yo! They look so alike!¡± When Qiu Yn and others arrived at the Princess Royal¡¯s Mansion, Ling Zui weed them with Ling Ming, who was the eldest son of Princess Royal and Earl of Jingchuan, and his wife, Madame Chu.

    After people from the Jiang Family entered and greeted Princess Royal and Earl of Jingchuan, Ling Ming and Ling Zui invited Qiu Feng and Jiang Yashuang to have dinner and drink at the table. Princess Royal talked with Jiang Qizheng and Qiu Yn.

    Seeing Jiang Jingkun and Fu¡¯er brought by them, women in the hall were all very interested. Princess Royal rolled up her sleeves and stretched out her hands to hug them and put them on herp. She looked at them and was so happy. She said, ¡°They wear the same clothes as twins.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng smiled and said, ¡°When they were babies, we can tell the difference. But over two years, I am also shocked! How could they look like his uncles instead of my husband and me?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s reasonable to say that nephews are like uncles.¡± Princess Royal alsoughed, ¡°Furthermore, their uncles are all handsome. When they grow up, they will attract many girls in the future!¡±

    Princess Royal also asked about the two children they didn¡¯t bring. Qiu Yn smiled and answered, ¡°They are too young. I am afraid that they would cause annoyance after bringing them over so I leave them at home for the wet nurses.¡±

    In fact, she was afraid that they would be ill because they were too weak now. Being brought to a crowded ce was not good for them because they were easily frightened.

    Princess Royal understood it, but she said in a polite way, ¡°How can children not make noise? Children who are noisy are popr!¡±

    Everyone unanimously agreed. They chatted about children. Jiang Jingkun and Fu¡¯er were not used to such a noisy scene so suddenly they refused to let Princess Royal hold them. Seeing this, Qiu Yn and Jiang Qizheng hurriedly came forward to take them, but the two children were still uneasy, muttering that they did not want to stay here and pulling their aunts and mothers to go out. Princess Royal guessed, ¡°Are they hungry?¡±

    Qiu Yn and Jiang Qizheng knew that the two children were learning to walk at this time so they refused to be held. After hearing what Princess Royal said, Qiu Yn smiled and said, ¡°Because they are learning how to walk and very eager to walk. They want to go out for a stroll!¡±

    Originally, they only wanted to let the wet nurses take them out for a while, and they stayed to continue talking, but the two children dragged their sleeves tightly and refused to walk alone. Qiu Yn and Jiang Qizheng had no choice but to apany them out.

    As soon as they left the house, Jiang Jingkun and Fu¡¯er were no longer annoying and they ran forward, regardless of the small maid who protected them for fear of falling.

    ¡°I always feel like that I am yed by them!¡± Jiang Qizheng felt both funny and annoyed. She thanked Qiu Yn, ¡°Thank you for taking care of them over the past two years!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought that it was really difficult to raise these two naughty boys. Fortunately, Jiang Qizheng came back in time. Otherwise, they would be more energetic than now when they were four or five years old. At that time, they didn¡¯t need to read books so they would make trouble. But she couldn¡¯t admit it so she said with a smile, ¡°We are a family.¡±

    They worried that the two children would make trouble again after entering the house so they could only chat under the porch.

    After a short chat, Madame Chu, the wife of the eldest son of Earl of Jingchuan came out. She was a member of the imperial family. She was the cousin of Emperor and the daughter of Duke of Anyi so her rtionship with the imperial family was closer than that of Princess Chu, who was the mother of the Duke of Puyang, and the first daughter-inw of the Mi Family. Her title was Commandery Princess Lihui.

    Duke of Anyi was Commandery Princess Lihui¡¯s father and he died early. Commandery Princess Lihui¡¯s elder brother was the same kind of people as Jiang Yadan so Duke of Anyi was less prominent in the court. However, because they were in a low profile, they had a good life not only during the political struggle between the Empress and the Empress Dowager but also at present, unlike the two Prince¡¯s Mansions of Guangyang and Xihe who were prominent before but now they either disappeared or lingered out.

    ¡°Mother is afraid that you are thirsty so I bring some fruit for you!¡± Commandery Princess Lihui asked her maids to ce a seat on the porch and put fruit on it. She looked around and saw Jiang Jingkun and Fu¡¯er lying under a banana tree. She couldn¡¯t help but smile, ¡°A few children in my family always like to go there every time theye to y in mother¡¯s yard! Once I was curious and ran over to see it in person. I found nothing! I don¡¯t know why all the children love to stay there.¡±

    Qiu Yn and Jiang Qizheng became curious as soon as they heard it, ¡°Really? Nothing? Why would these children squat over and watch?¡±

    Commandery Princess Lihui smiled and said, ¡°Yes, I even asked them, and they all told me that the tree was interesting. I came over but found it was ordinary. They thought different with us.¡±

    Speaking of this, she asked Qiu Yn with concern, ¡°How is the little son of Madame Ruan now?¡±

    ¡°I sent someone to her family yesterday. It seems she doesn¡¯t cough anymore, but she still has a little fever. She is afraid that she may pass the illness to children, so¡­¡± Qiu Yn was interrupted by Commandery Princess Lihui, ¡°Oh, as long as Young Master Li is great, nothing will be more important.¡±

    ¡­ Last year Ruan Ciyi had a baby boy so he and his wife were extremely happy.

    But the baby boy was weak. It might be because his parents were old. The baby was in bad health since he was one month old. This time Ling Zui got married. Originally, Ruan Ciyi and his wife woulde. Unfortunately, their baby was ill three days ago so Ruan Ciyi could only ask for leave with Princess Royal and stay at home to take care of his child.

    Jiang Qizheng came back just now and she was busy visiting rtives and cultivating love with Fu¡¯er these days. She didn¡¯t know the news so she listened and cared about them when she heard it at this moment.

    After chatting for a while and getting familiar with each other, Commandery Princess Lihui suddenly said, ¡°A cousin of mine would also be here today, but something happened suddenly so she didn¡¯te.¡±

    The imperial family wasrge for the two generations. There were numerous Commandery Princesses. How did Qiu Yn and Jiang Qizheng know who she was talking about? They casually asked, ¡°Oh? Who is she?¡±

    ¡°She is also your rtive.¡± Princess Lihui smiled, ¡°She is in the Mi family.¡±

    ¡°The Mi Family?¡± Qiu Yn and Jiang Qizheng looked at each other and suddenly understood that the reason why Commandery Princess Lihui came out to chat with them. It was mostly rted to the Mi Family. They pondered for a while and tentatively asked, ¡°What happened to the Mi Family?¡±

    Commandery Princess Lihui looked embarrassed, ¡°Today is a good day for my brother-inw. Some things are not good to mention. You don¡¯t me me if you know it afterwards. I just pass the words.¡±

    This made Qiu Yn and Jiang Qizheng more confused. What happened to the Mi Family? And why did she tell them in such a way? Shouldn¡¯t she tell the sixth branch?

    ¡°Do they think we did it?¡± Qiu Yn felt that the fourth branch might be wronged. She frowned, ¡°Who did it? The first branch? The third branch? Jiang Huizhi did it too much. We didn¡¯t resist so she nned another bad thing?¡±

    Because Madame Zhuang did note today, Qiu Yn could only throw a meaningful nce at Jiang Qizheng, deciding to go back and discuss with Madame Zhuang.

    Speaking of this, the bells in front rang and some decently dressed servants hurried in, ¡°The bride ising soon. Her Highness, pleasee to sit and receive the gifts of the bride and groom!¡±

    Hearing that, Princess Royal rushed in and made an excuse to everyone. She made up, changed the princess clothes, and came out, looking graceful and luxurious with jewels.

    Many of the female family members who came to congratte rushed over to see the wedding, but Jiang Qizheng and Qiu Yn needed to take care of their children, so they didn¡¯t join in the fun. Commandery Princess Lihui apanied them and said with a smile, ¡°We stay here. After a while, the bride and groom will go to the bridal chamberter. We are much closer from here so we can take a good position!¡±

    Qiu Yn and Jiang Qizheng were both surprised by these words, ¡°Why don¡¯t we go there and wait now?¡±

    Ling Zui was a famous dude in Jing City. Zhuang Man was unkind to him. The two hated each other. Now they were married and there were many people waiting to have a look when they were in the bridal chamber. This made everyone excited!

    So, under the lead of Commandery Princess Lihui, they waited early on the only way to Ling Zui¡¯s bridal chamber. After a long while, Ling Zui, who finished worshipping the hall, and Zhuang Man, who was still covered with a bridal veil, were surrounded as they walked towards them. As they came over, a group of people from afar looked at them with a gleeful expression. When they came closer, Ling Zui couldn¡¯t help but feel shocked, ¡°My eldest sister-inw, Sister Qiu, and Sister Chunfu, why are you here?¡±

    ¡°Waiting for you!¡± Commandery Princess Lihui followed them with a smile, ¡°Let¡¯s go! Don¡¯t make others wait in a hurry!¡±

    Ling Zui looked at them suspiciously, always feeling that these three people seemed unkind, but it was not the time to ask so he had to lead Zhuang Man into the bridal chamber suspiciously.

    After entering the bridal chamber, people couldn¡¯t make trouble right away. After things were done one by one, everyoneughed and started to make trouble. ¡°Man¡¯er has much luck and fortune. When will you give birth to some boys so that you can let use to congratte you?¡±

    ¡°One boy is not enough. It¡¯s better to have twins like Madame Zhuang, Man¡¯er¡¯s aunt. She has two babies of one boy and one girl, which is the best!¡±

    ¡°Twins are good but Man¡¯er can be better. Man¡¯er can have three babies at the same time.¡±

    The custom was that the bride should not be angry when others made trouble in the bridal chamber. Today, Zhuang Man had no way but to let them do this. Ling Zui was not dull so he said, ¡°We will have babies, but the number depends on the heaven.¡± People began tough in the room and the jokes about this young couple were endless. Zhuang Man didn¡¯t know how to answer it so she had to lower her head and pretend to be shy. She frequently nced at Qiu Yn and others, hoping they could help her.

    Qiu Yn and Jiang Qizheng were talking in low voices because they hardly saw Zhuang Man being shy and speechless when she was asked. They could not waste this great opportunity! They wanted to watch it for a while!

    If the jokes were not enough, the two might say more in person. Commandery Princess Lihui, as the eldest sister-inw, also nned to make Zhuang Man shy and more difficult to answer.

    The three of them were busy making trouble. How could they respond to Zhuang Man¡¯s silent requests at this moment?

    Among these people, someone suddenly said, ¡°All the time, Man¡¯er is known as being unreasonable and jealous, but now she gets married. Ling Zui has so many concubines here, but Man¡¯er is peaceful, so Man¡¯er is really kind! Don¡¯t bully her anymore!¡±

    People were suddenly silent in the bridal chamber!

 Chapter 447 - Thought It Wrongly

    <h4>Chapter 447 Thought It Wrongly</h4>

    Although Qiu Yn and the other two were happy to see Zhuang Man and her husband being embarrassed, they were just making harmless jokes. Now the words deliberately stirred up troubles. They wouldn¡¯t stand by idly.

    ¡°You¡¯d better make it clear, Miss! It involves Man¡¯er¡¯s reputation!¡± Qiu Yn squinted and pointed to the person who had just spoken in the crowd. In fact, the person shoved aside hurriedly, trying to muddle through. But Qiu Yn had learned martial arts. She could see and hear more clearly than ordinary people. Qiu Yn took aim at the girl as soon as she said the wrong words. How could the girl hide away?

    At the moment, other people around her subconsciously gave way and immediately showed the girl in bright colors!

    ¡°Everyone knows that Princess Royal Maode and Earl of Jingchuan deeply love my brother. They wholeheartedly tried to choose a good and beloved wife for my brother. That was the reason why he didn¡¯t get married until now.¡± Qiu Yn stared at the girl and said calmly, ¡°ording to your words, do you doubt their love for my brother or the reputation of the Zhuang Family?¡±

    Princess Royal Maode and Earl of Jingchuan must love Ling Zui. But as for the reputation of the Zhuang Family, men were alright but women¡­ Who dared to give badments? Were they not afraid of Madame Zhuang? She could visit them personally and teach their whole family how to evaluate women of the Zhuang Family.

    So, the girl just blushed with shame. She opened her mouth but didn¡¯t say anything.

    Jiang Qizheng sneered, ¡°Is Man¡¯er feisty and jealous? I¡¯ve never heard of this! Who has heard of it? Tell us and open our eyes. When did these messy rumors spread in Jing City?¡±

    When she spoke, her eyes were shining with hostility and swept back and forth at the crowd!

    In fact, although the girl lied about Zhuang Man¡¯s jealousy, Zhuang Man¡¯s feisty manner was really recognized. But still, no one wanted to be taught by Madame Zhuang about how to evaluate women of the Zhuang Family.

    So, they all agreed with Commandery Princess Lihui, ¡°This is really a rumor! My father and mother choose Zhuang Man because she is gentle, virtuous, and considerate. How could my father and mother see mistakenly? Miss Lu, you are still young and ignorant. You may be cheated by viins. Your sister-inw Zhuang Man is famous for her virtue in Jing City!¡±

    After this, the bridal chamber couldn¡¯t be exciting. Commandery Princess Lihui drove them away, ¡°The banquet outside should be ready. You have teased my brother and sister-inw for so long. Aren¡¯t you hungry? Go out and take a seat.¡±

    Ling Qu took the lead in responding, ¡°If my eldest sister-inw didn¡¯t mention it, I almost forgot it. I¡¯ve been busy for so long. I¡¯m so hungry!¡± She asked several women that she knew, ¡°Let¡¯s go and see what my sister-inw has prepared for us today!¡±

    Most of the people didn¡¯t want to get into trouble. so they followed the daughter of Princess Royal Maode and took the excuse to leave. Miss Lu wanted to go, but Qiu Yn and Jiang Qizheng looked at her with mocking smiles. She really didn¡¯t dare to move.

    In a moment, only Ling Zui and his wife, Commandery Princess Lihui, Qiu Yn, Jiang Qizheng, and Miss Lu stayed in the bridal chamber.

    ¡°Why are you still here, brother?¡± Commandery Princess Lihui looked at the situation and winked at Ling Zui, ¡°It¡¯s time for you to greet guests! Although your eldest brother can drink, he will have a headache if he drinks too much. Hurry up and have a look. Don¡¯t wait for him to call you!¡±

    It was an unwed girl that stirred up troubles. What was he doing here as a man?

    After Ling Zui was sent away, Commandery Princess Lihui looked at the faces of Qiu Yn and others. She sipped her mouth and said tentatively to Zhuang Man, ¡°Today is your good day. It seems that Miss Lu doesn¡¯t go out often. In my opinion, it¡¯s better to let her apologize to you and the matter is over. What do you think?¡±

    Zhuang Man¡¯s face was gloomy. If Miss Lu dared to provoke her like this before, Zhuang Man would p her face and kick her ording to her temper! But today¡­ Now it was her husband¡¯s sister-inw to mediate. After thinking that there would be ample time, she said lightly, ¡°Just follow your words, my sister-inw!¡±

    Qiu Yn and Jiang Qizheng kept silent. After Miss Lu felt relieved and apologized to Zhuang Man, they said calmly, ¡°Everyone has gone to the table, Miss Lu will go too, right? Let¡¯s go together!¡±

    Miss Lu turned pale immediately when she heard the words. She looked at Commandery Princess Lihui for help.

    Commandery Princess Lihui frowned slightly. To be honest, although she knew Miss Lu, they had a big age gap and little friendship. She didn¡¯t want any big trouble in her brother-inw¡¯s marriage. After all, Commandery Princess Lihui basically arranged the marriage. If an ident disturbed the joy, it not only damaged the face of Princess Royal Maode and the Earl, but also showed the ipetence of Commandery Princess Lihui. Besides, Miss Lu was also well-connected. Commandery Princess Lihui didn¡¯t want to offend her. So, she helped Miss Lu.

    But now, after Miss Lu apologized, Qiu Yn still made such a request. Obviously, she didn¡¯t intend to end it simply. The fourth branch represented by Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t be ignored even in the Jiang Family. In particr, Commandery Princess Lihui just told Qiu Yn about the Mi Family. After considering for a moment, Commandery Princess Lihui decided to give up Miss Lu. She behaved as if nothing had happened and said, ¡°I¡¯ll stay with my sister-inw¡­ You can go first.¡±

    ¡°We won¡¯t regard you as an outsider, Commandery Princess! We¡¯ll go!¡± Qiu Yn and Jiang Qizheng smiled. They came forward to hold Miss Lu to forcibly drag her out!

    ¡°You choose today to make trouble for Man¡¯er particrly. You are from our second sister-inw¡¯s maiden family, right?¡± After going out, Qiu Yn and Jiang Qizheng naturally didn¡¯t really go to the banquet. Instead, they dragged Miss Lu to a quiet ce and asked, ¡°Who ordered you to do this? Our second sister-inw? Or someone in your family?¡±

    Miss Lu and her servant were surrounded by a group of people. She looked fearful but she insisted, ¡°I just wanted to make a joke. Unexpectedly, the joke was too serious. I have apologized to Man¡¯er ording to Commandery Princess Lihui¡¯s advice. What else do you want?¡±

    ¡°When is it now? Are you still pretending to be ignorant?¡± Qiu Yn sneered, ¡°There is a wedding in Princess Royal Maode¡¯s Mansion today. It¡¯s improper to cause some bad matters. But there¡¯s no one in the corner. If we do something to you, no one will know. Even if you ask our second sister-inw for help, do you really think she can help you? I really don¡¯t know what you¡¯re doing¡­ Be honest to us, or you¡¯ll suffer for it!¡±

    Miss Lu clenched her teeth and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about! But who hasn¡¯t been young and ignorant? Why are you so aggressive? Can¡¯t you give me a chance to correct my mistakes?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just curious.¡± Qiu Yn said lightly, ¡°If you are really ignorant and not sensible, how can your family rest assured to let you go into the bridal chamber alone? Aren¡¯t they afraid that you¡¯ll say wrong words just like before and cause big trouble to your family?¡±

    ¡°My family probably won¡¯t let me go anywhere aler.¡± Miss Lu lowered her head and said in a regretful and pitiful voice.

    Jiang Qizheng looked at Miss Lu and said suddenly, ¡°My sister-inw, why do you say so much to her? Now she doesn¡¯t tell us the truth, just because we are outsiders to her. In that case, it¡¯s alright to turn her into our family. The day before yesterday, my mother said with emotion that there are many fierce soldiers in the Northern Army. They fought on the battlefield. Although they have made great achievements and received rich rewards, they are difficult to marry as disabilities¡­¡±

    Miss Lu¡¯s face suddenly changed, ¡°No!¡±

    ¡­ Miss Lu was frightened to cry but still refused to tell the person who ordered her. After Miss Lu walked for a while, Qiu Yn whispered to Jiang Qizheng, ¡°There must be something wrong. Miss Lu seems to be delivered to us to punish her. How can the first branch be so stupid? I remember that Huizhi went to our fourth branch two days ago.¡±

    At that time, Jiang Qizheng hadn¡¯te back, but she heard about it in the past few days. At the moment, she frowned, ¡°You are right! I heard that Huizhi ran back to the first branch and became ill since that day.¡±

    ¡°And there was noint from the first branch. But after my grandfather heard about it, he still asked grandmother to warn our mother. Of course, my grandmother told our mother the story gently.¡± Qiu Yn said, ¡°Our fourth branch is wronged, but my grandfather preconceived about it¡­¡±

    ¡°Does the first branch want to drive my mother away?¡± Jiang Qi Zheng¡¯s face was slightly cold, ¡°Isn¡¯t there something ready to deal with us?¡±

    Qiu Yn pursed her lips, ¡°You juste back from Shazhou. Over there¡­¡±

    ¡°Xijiang is really going to war!¡± Since Jiang Qizheng became a schemer, the insight from her noble birth had been inspired. Now she considered with a long-term perspective. She immediately understood the meaning of Qiu Yn, ¡°If the Western Army is defeated, the first branch and the third branch will inevitably me the ipetence of Han Jishan and General Qiu¡¯s young age and shallow knowledge. They must try to seize the military power of the Western Army again!¡±

    ¡°If my mother stays in Jing City, it should be a deterrent to the two branches.¡± Qiu Yn squinted, ¡°After all, Jiang Yadan, Jiang Yashuang, and you are juniorspared to two uncles. There a is seniority gap. We¡¯re inevitable to be limited! However, Xijiang hasn¡¯t started a war yet. Even if the war starts, it won¡¯t end in one day or two. I heard from my mother that she would go to Beijiang after autumn. At that time, the war in Xijiang will not necessarilye to an end.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng changed her face, ¡°The first branch and the third branch must believe that before our mother leaves, there will be a war in Xijiang. Its result will be bad for the Western Army, right?¡±

    At the same time, they remembered the reason for the copse of the Dou Family and the first branch¡¯s inws, the Yue Family. They had colluded with the western savages!

    It is said that they had only done business with the western savages. Since there was the connection, who knew if it could really be collusion?

    ¡°But before we returned to Jing City, the Western Army had been purged. All important positions had been taken by credible people. Mr. Ren also had countermeasures for the invasion of the western savages¡­¡± Jiang Qizheng mused, ¡°Mr. Ren worked for the father and son of the Kuang Family for many years. He won deep trust. He is familiar with both the western savages and the Western Army!¡±

    Ren Ziyong had been around Kuang Shihan and his son for many years. He aimed at revenge and the umtion of resources for Qiu Jinn to recapture the Western Army. Han Jishan and Qiu Jinn would implement Ren Ziyong¡¯s ideas. Under normal circumstances, there was unlikely to be a big defeat.

    ¡°Mr. Ren is not a secret to the first branch now!¡± Qiu Yn pursed her lips, ¡°If they really did so to drive our mother away, their arrangement in the Western Army¡­ Either they believe that Mr. Ren can¡¯t cope with it, or they aim at Mr. Ren himself!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng was silent for a moment and suddenly said, ¡°I suddenly remembered that Miss Lu¡¯s words. Her words are not pleasant, but is it true? Man¡¯er has married into our family, but my brother¡¯s backyard hasn¡¯t been cleaned up. How can this be?¡±

    Zhuang Man didn¡¯t have the reputation of being jealous before. That was because she didn¡¯t get married. But Madame Zhuang personally admitted that Zhuang Man¡¯s temper was like her when she was young. How could she be so generous as to tolerate concubines?

    Princess Royal Maode restricted her youngest son before marriage in case that he would have a child because of his numerous romantic debts. Even if Zhuang Man could tolerate it, why Princess Royal Maode didn¡¯t clean her son¡¯s backyard before marriage to show her tacit understanding and respect for her daughter-inw and the Zhuang Family?

    Reminded by Jiang Qizheng, Qiu Yn was also inexplicable, ¡°Right! What¡¯s going on?¡± There were many matters after finishing the mourning. Especially in these days, she was the only daughter-inw who could deal with matters outside. How could she have time to inquire if Ling Zui¡¯s backyard had been cleaned up in advance to wee the bride?

    They looked at each other and felt like falling into haze!

 Chapter 448 - Assassination

    <h4>Chapter 448 - Assassination</h4>

    Jiang Qizheng and Qiu Yn were worried about something so they were absent-minded at the whole wedding banquet. It was already midnight when they returned to the Mansion so they didn¡¯t want to disturb Madame Zhuang.

    It was until the next day that they went to find Madame Zhuang to greet her and tell her about the banquet. They took the opportunity to ask her, ¡°Is what Miss Lu of the Lu Family said yesterday true or false?¡±

    Madame Zhuang frowned and said, ¡°The Lu Family? How dare they provoke Man¡¯er and Zui¡¯er?¡± After saying that, she continued to say, ¡°Zui¡¯er¡¯s people in the backyard haven¡¯t left yet and it¡¯s not Man¡¯er¡¯s intention instead of Zui¡¯er¡¯s.¡±

    Qiu Yn and Jiang Qizheng all felt incredible, ¡°What did Man¡¯er think?¡±

    With years of friendship, the two of them really didn¡¯t see that Zhuang Man was so broad-minded.

    ¡°She said that Zui¡¯er would clean the backyard before she entered the family. Although it is a tacit rule and elders will act in their capacity for her, which does not embarrass her, those people have served Zui¡¯er for many years. They have done hard work even if they don¡¯t perform meritorious deeds. I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s not appropriate to drive people away like this. If Zui¡¯er doesn¡¯t say it, she will feel guilty. She may haveints in the future!¡± Madame Zhuang sipped her tea, feeling guilty, ¡°So, it¡¯s better to wait for her to deal with this matter after the marriage¡­ I¡¯m confused that we have acted in our capacity for her. Why did he me Man¡¯er? Besides, I also asked Zui¡¯er. He used to be young and ignorant, but now he is eager to send them away so that he can have a happy life with Man¡¯er!¡±

    Qiu Yn and Jiang Qizheng looked at each other for a long time and they said, ¡°Maybe¡­ It is because¡­ Man¡¯er is sincere to brother Ling Zui so she really cares about his thoughts. When they are familiar with each other, they should know each other¡¯s thoughts.¡± When did Zhuang Man be gentle and virtuous? Why didn¡¯t they find out?

    Madame Zhuang whispered, ¡°Since she insists, let her do it. It¡¯s up to her! After all, Princess Royal pays more attention to rules and she will not let people mess up the order.¡±

    After hearing that, Qiu Yn thought that Zhuang Man was persuaded by her family to cater to Princess Royal. After all, there were only a handful of mothers-inw like Madame Zhuang who couldn¡¯t wait to provoke her daughter-inw to kill the concubines. Most mothers-inw were still fond of virtuous and tolerant daughters-inw such as Madame Tao Junior.

    ¡°But Man¡¯er seems not to be the kind of person who will deliberately please her mother-inw!¡± Zhuang Man could rely on Madame Zhuang, her dear aunt. She was not as concerned about her reputation as Madame Zhuang Junior. She refused to say her grievances after marriage. Although Princess Royal Maode was Emperor¡¯s aunt, she was quite afraid of this daughter-inw. As long as Zhuang Man was not too bad, how dared Princess Royal bully her?

    After thinking for a while, Qiu Yn was still confused. She decided to ask Zhuang Man when she met her. She changed her focus to talk about Miss Lu¡¯s matter. She and her mother-inw together with Jiang Qizheng felt that things were very suspicious, ¡°If the Western Army is really defeated, even if I am in Jing City, I may not be able to protect Chunjun! Unless it is your father who can protect him.¡±

    Madame Zhuang said seriously, ¡°But Beijiang needs your father, which makes it more difficult. Now what we can do is to send a message to Shazhou. Let Chunjun pay attention to it and especially remember to protect Mr. Ren.¡±

    ¡°Yes, mother, you¡¯re right.¡± Qiu Yn nodded, ¡°I¡¯m going to write a letter.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng whispered and said, ¡°Or let my husband go to send this letter? Just let him stay in Shazhou and help General Qiu!¡±

    ¡°My nephew and niece are still young. How can I take care of and teach them without their father?¡± Qiu Yn refused without looking at Madame Zhuang¡¯s eyes, ¡°Sister, I appreciate your kindness on behalf of my brother, but my brother-inw should stay in Jing City to apany you and your kids. Fu¡¯er is three years old and begins to have memory. Now he always regards me and Jiang Yashuang as parents. So, how can you let it go?¡±

    Of course, Jiang Qizheng was reluctant to separate from her husband. In order to thank Qiu Jinn, she made this suggestion. Now she was refused by Qiu Yn. She felt relieved and was just about to say something. Madame Zhuang whispered, ¡°That¡¯s it. Let¡¯s check again. Are there any people in the first branch and the third branch who can join the Western Army?¡±

    ¡°As long as they don¡¯t have such a person in their hands, even if the Western Army is defeated, they can only wait without any actions!¡± After Madame Zhuang said that, Mrs. Chang, who was talking to them outside and guarding the door, came in with an odd face and said, ¡°Madame, Mrs. Zhao who serves Madame Wen wants to see you!¡±

    Madame Zhuang only said that the Zhuang Family married her daughter yesterday and sent something to her today. She said to her daughter and daughter-inw, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about things when Mrs. Zhao leaves!¡±

    So, they stayed and stopped discussing, asking Mrs. Chang to lead Mrs. Zhao toe in. After kowtowing and saluting, Mrs. Zhao didn¡¯t mention anything about sending gifts. Instead, she said with embarrassment, ¡°Madame, Hong Shan has always been an honest child. She serves my Madame since young. My Madame also arranged a marriage for her six months ago, but she was only engaged. Moreover, the steward¡¯s mother died. So, it was dyed because of this matter. Madame, if you remember that, you can know that Hong Shan¡¯s appearance is not the best, but she is fairly beautiful! However, what can we do¡­ This thing¡­ ¡±

    After hearing that, Madame Zhuang was confused. Qiu Yn and Jiang Qizheng were used to such things. They looked at each other and Qiu Yn coughed, slightly leaned towards her mother-inw, and whispered, ¡°Yesterday¡­ Jiang Yadan went to my uncle¡¯s house alone to celebrate!¡±

    She intentionally emphasized the word ¡°alone¡± and Madame Zhuang understood it at once. She couldn¡¯t help but be furious, ¡°Go and call Dan¡¯er for me!¡±

    In this case, the younger sister and the younger sister-inw must persuade, ¡°Mother, please calm down! I think yesterday was a good day for my cousin Man¡¯er. Jiang Yadan was happy for her and drank too much for a while!¡±

    After hearing that, Mrs. Zhao sighed, ¡°Yes, he drank too much. Otherwise, in the past, the Eighth Young Master used to be served by Hong Shan, and there was no ident.¡± As she said, the girl was not very good-looking, but she was fairly beautiful and couldn¡¯t be the type of girl Jiang Yadan who had ever seen. The Zhuang Family didn¡¯t intend to introduce a maid for nephew so Hong Shan had been serving him.

    However, it happened that something went wrongst night!

    Now, what was done couldn¡¯t be undone. The reason why Mrs. Zhao came here was that, ¡°My Madame wanted to give Hong Shan more money to do dowry and cover up the matter. However, after the steward who was engaged to her knew it, he asked my Madame to introduce another maid to him. Even if it was a rough girl, he could marry her as long as she was clean¡­ Although my Madame felt that Hong Shan was wronged, since the steward didn¡¯t want her, it was also harmful to force Hong Shan to marry him¡­ So, after thinking for a while, I had no choice but to tell you, Madame!¡±

    Madame Zhuang was persuaded by her daughter and daughter-inw and so she couldn¡¯t lose her temper. She had to contain her anger and asked, ¡°What does my sister-inw mean? Although Dan¡¯er is my son, as you know, he is a pervert! It will not be a good thing if a girl marries him. Besides, his wife is not well these days. If we tell her the news, she will be very angry.¡±

    Mrs. Zhao said carefully, ¡°My Madame is thinking that Hong Shan is not a virgin anymore so she is always inferior. If the Eighth Young Master can give her a status and then let the Eighth Young Master get her married.¡±

    When it came to marriage, the identity of a maid who had been yed was different from that of a concubine of a noble family. It could be seen that Madame Wen was fond of Hong Shan and she couldn¡¯t bear to let Hong Shan regret it for the rest of her life.

    However, although Madame Zhuang didn¡¯t want to provoke her sister-inw, she asked about Hong Shan¡¯s appearance and made sure that she could never hook up with Jiang Yadan under normal circumstances. And then she nodded, ¡°How about sending her here in a few days? You also know about the Eighth Young Master¡¯s wife. Now it really makes her sad if wee to tell her! When she is recovered, I will tell her the story.¡±

    Mrs. Zhao was also afraid that Hong Shan would make Chu Yitong unhappy when she married and so she just promised, ¡°I will represent Hong Shan to thank you.¡±

    ¡­ Although Madame Zhuang let people keep it a secret, she won¡¯t allow anyone to tell Chu Yitong before she finished her postnatal confinement. But Chu Yitong still knew that atst. After all, some people from Mansion of Duke of Huainan also went to the Zhuang Family to attend the wedding banquet. As Madame Wen¡¯s maid, Hong Shan was forced into the house by Jiang Yadan, and several people of the Zhuang Family saw it. Since Mansion of Duke of Huainan knew it, how could they not tell Chu Yitong?

    ¡°Sister, just take it easy. She¡¯s just a maid. She¡¯s nothing.¡± The next day, Young Princess of Duke of Huainan was ordered by her husband and came to snitch andfort her sister-inw. After asking others to retreat, there were only her and her sister-inw. She held Chu Yitong¡¯s hands and earnestly advised her to be broad-minded, ¡°And I have asked other people about the maid. She is not neat as a maid who sweeps the courtyard in our house! If your husband didn¡¯t drink too much, he wouldn¡¯t have let her wash his feet! Even if the Zhuang Family backed her up and provided support for her marriage, she would be very busy and finally die in this backyard!¡±

    ¡°And your mother-inw hates such things the most. I don¡¯t know if she will agree to her marriage!¡±

    ¡°Besides, the Zhuang Family did wrong in this matter. If you can¡¯t bear it anymore, wait for a few months after the marriage, and when your mother-inw goes to Beijiang, you can bully her for some reasons. Although the Zhuang Family is your mother-inw¡¯s maiden family, can they punish you just for a maid regardless of your mother-inw¡¯s opinions?¡±

    Young Princess talked about it for a long time. When she saw Chu Yitong calm down, she was relieved to leave and reported to Chu Weixian.

    She didn¡¯t know that as she just left the yard, Chu Yitong immediately changed her face with deep hatred. Chu Yitong grabbed the jade Ruyi on the couch, severely whipped it to the ground, and denounced it, ¡°B*st*rd!¡±

    Jiang Yadan had done a lot of such things. Madame Zhuang thought that the reason why the eldest son used to be dissolute was that he was not supervised by his parents and no one really advised him to be a better man. Now that she was here, her son would never do bad things again. So, Madame Zhuang was angry when she saw Jiang Yadan repeating the old tricks.

    Others, including Qiu Yn and her husband, and Jiang Qizheng and her husband, were not strange to this.

    As a saying went, ¡°A leopard can¡¯t change its spots.¡± They lived with Jiang Yadan for a long time so they didn¡¯t expect that Jiang Yadan would be a better man. So, they were just surprised that Jiang Yadan was wrong again before Madame Zhuang went to Beijiang. After all, Jiang Yadan treated his parents very well.

    The daughter, the youngest son, the daughter-inw of the youngest son allforted Madame Zhuang for a few days. However, Madame Zhuang was still angry and she asked Jiang Yadan to kneel in the ancestral temple for three days. She felt guilty for Chu Yitong so she brought many things from her private ount forpensation. Moreover, she was afraid that Qiu Yn felt unfair so she deliberately asked Mrs. Qu to exin it to Qiu Yn. Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°These are my mother¡¯s things. Only she can make a decision. After all, I also took benefits from my mother. Moreover, the eighth sister-inw ranks as my senior in the n so it also makes sense that she can take more benefits.¡±

    After knowing that, Madame Zhuang sighed to Mrs. Chang and said, ¡°Daughters-inw are all good. Yashuang is good, and I don¡¯t have to worry about my daughter and son-inw very much. Only Dan¡¯er makes me worry about him!¡±

    Mrs. Chang stopped her and said, ¡°Madame, you¡¯re very young. How can you say that? Besides, the Eighth Young Master was raised by people of the first branch who were bad. Is it possible for him to be a better man in three or five days? Actually, he needs you to teach him.¡±

    ¡°I just hope that he can be a good person before I go to Beijiang this year!¡± Madame Zhuang was upset, ¡°Although my husband didn¡¯t say it, he also wanted Dan¡¯er to make progress and be positive, and more importantly, not always think about women all day. But I just hope that I can tell him good news when I leave. And it is also worthy of the hardships that we have suffered over the years.¡±

    Unfortunately, Madame Zhuang didn¡¯t tell Dan¡¯er good news. At the end of April and the beginning of May, the nobles in Jing City began to pack their bags and prepare for the summer vacation. There was also bad news from Kui County. Jiang Jingzhan, the eldest grandson of the fifth branch and the eldest son of Jiang Yawan, was assassinated. After the bad news, Kui Xiannan was ill on his couch and was dying.

 Chapter 449 - More Doubts

    <h4>Chapter 449 - More Doubts</h4>

    Last November, Sir Jibei, the youngest one in his generation of the Jiang Family, just died.

    It was just only six months that people of the Jiang Family didn¡¯t finish the mourning apart from grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Kui Xiannan was ill now, which was an obvious blow to the Jiang Family in Jing City.

    What made Marquess Qin sad most was that it was the remaining members of the Gus who assassinated Jiang Jingzhan. And Marquess Qin was hit hard after receiving the news for this reason!

    Therefore, Marquess¡¯s Mansion could be in the charge of Madame Tao.

    Madame Tao told the whole story to the younger generation in grief, ¡°More than half a month ago, Jingzhan went out to race horses. When he passed a dam, a woman suddenly rushed out under the dam and almost frightened the horse. Jingzhan was going to be angry, but when he saw that the woman was only thirteen or fourteen years old and very beautiful, he changed his attitude and fell in love with this woman.¡±

    Qiu Yn was speechless and she said, ¡°Did no one think of checking this unknown woman?¡± Qiu Feng, a recognized warrior, might not be treated with kindness when walking along rivers andkes, let alone the Jiang Family, which built its glory at the sacrifice of other people¡¯s life.

    It seemed that Madame Tao knew something so she sighed, ¡°This matter is supposed to be very suspicious, but there is a reason. Since Tianluan married the former emperor and became the empress, our Jiang Family became the imperial family. In Kui County, the Jiang Family is a first-ss one. Many women tried their best to seduce Jingzhan and his brothers. Therefore, Jingzhan and his followers said they just met once again.¡±

    As a saying went, man should pay his romantic debt. Jiang Jingzhan happily led this beauty home to enjoy their day and he had a quarrel with his wife Madame Jin Junior. Unexpectedly, the next day, after sunset, he didn¡¯te out of his room. The servants didn¡¯t hear his orders when they passed by. Some people noticed something wrong and told Madame Jin Junior. Madame Jin Junior knocked on the door with resentment but she couldn¡¯t get any response. Therefore, she was in a panic and entrusted someone to tell her mother-inw and father-inw. She went to the door and called the strong servant to hit the door.

    As soon as the door opened, all people almost stumbled due to the bloody air inside.

    Madame Jin Junior was almost dragged by maids into the inner room. Her husband was stabbed many times and seriously injured just with the intact face. Man of Sacrifice who died beside her husband was still stained with the blood of Jiang Jingzhan. Bloody words ¡°Eye for Eye, Tooth for Tooth¡± were written on the quilt. Seeing the scene, Madame Jin Junior fainted.

    Later, Jiang Tianjun and his wife were also carried away after seeing that. In Kui County, the Jiang Family was not wealthy as that in Jing City. Madame Han was not born in a wealthy family and was not much nobler than Madame Lin, Kui Xiannan¡¯s first wife. The Second Old Mater and the Fifth Old Master were not allowed to be officials and they didn¡¯t marry women from noble families. Therefore, they all married daughters of local squires with limited ability and knowledge.

    So, when they first saw such a thing they were very worried. How could they conceal it? In less than an hour, Kui Xiannan and his wife knew that.

    Jiang Jingzhan was only twenty years old this year and his birthday was in the second half of the year. Jiang Jingzhan was not an adult yet. Kui Xiannan and Madame Han had supervised this great-grandson since he was very young, watching him get married without offspring. He died at a young age so miserably. How could the two old people bear it?

    ¡­ Of course, Kui County was anxious to report the situation to Jing City, which was mainly for the sake of Kui Xiannan as the importance of Madame Han came second. Moreover, none of the informants mentioned her.

    Madame Tao didn¡¯t bother to mention this stepsister-inw. After telling the story, she asked everyone, ¡°Tianao has to be in mourning and they must go back to hometown to observe filial piety. How about the mourners of you?¡±

    Strictly speaking, the rise of the Jiang Family was mainly thanks to Kui Xiannan. Without his efforts, Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei could not be cultivated when they were young, andter they might not be able to be strong and powerful rapidly. In this way, they might miss many opportunities for development and growth, and it was almost impossible for them to make today¡¯s achievements.

    However, emotionally speaking¡­

    These offspring of Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei had no feelings for Kui Xiannan.

    It was not strange that Eighth Old Master Jiang Tianxiao was indifferent to Kui Xiannan because he was born in Jing City and never saw his uncle. Jiang Tianqi who was older than Jiang Tianxiao had ever seen this uncle and was doted on by Kui Xiannan. Jiang Tianao¡¯s manner in these years had already made Kui Xiannan angry. Although Jiang Tianqi was in a state of alliance with the first branch, it was difficult to express how many true feelings he had for this uncle now.

    Jiang Tianchi never said bad words about Jiang Tianao. Between uncles, Qiu Yn was more inclined to support Sir Jibei.

    Therefore, when Madame Tao asked this question, whole people were silent for a while and it took a long time for Madame Zhuang to break the silence, ¡°Uncle Mengmin has made a lot of contributions to our Jiang family, but now the war in Beijiang is raging, and my husband is busy and can¡¯t get away. So, we can only let Dan¡¯er, the eldest son, go on his behalf!¡±

    After that, they were silent.

    Obviously, Madame Zhuang meant that the fourth branch should dispatch Jiang Yadan because Jiang Yadan had nothing important to do in Jing City. But for example, she, her daughter, her son-inw, her youngest son, and daughters-inw were not going there.

    Led by Madame Zhuang, Jiang Tianqi of the third branch said, ¡°Fine, we can only dispatch Yayi to go with Yadan, you know¡­ He lost his brother.¡±

    Jiang Tianqi took a glimpse of the fourth branch while saying that.

    Actually, the eighth branch was the most helpless. Jiang Tianxiao had married Huang and several concubines one after another in these years. But now he just had two daughters, namely Jiang Qixiao and Jiang Qipian. He didn¡¯t have sons and even if he had sons, his sons were not old enough to serve on behalf of him. Therefore, Jiang Tianxiao had no choice but to go there.

    Madame Tao didn¡¯t say anything about this matter. Although the Jiang Family was prominent now, they were finding themselves at the front line so they couldn¡¯t cause any trouble. If all people went back to their hometown to mourn, even if they didn¡¯t observe filial piety there, so many people would have to go back and forth for several months. No one knew what would happen in the future.

    ¡°Fine. All of you can disband and ask a maid to look at the first branch¡­ Don¡¯t make Tianao too sad.¡± Madame Tao said calmly, ¡°And I will ask Chaohai¡¯s opinion. Anyway, someone must be going, you can pack your luggage first.¡±

    After saying goodbye to go out, Madame Zhuang said indifferently to Jiang Yadan, ¡°Since they raised you when you were very young, you should go. We¡¯ll go back to the fourth branch to discuss things!¡±

    Although the third branch and the eighth branch would go to Beijiang in person, the eighth branch had no choice. Because they didn¡¯t have sons, they had to do it by themselves. The third branch had a hypocritical manner

    ¡°The war in Beijiang is going to break out. We thought that the heaven gave us another chance. Unexpectedly, Uncle Mengmin would¡­¡± Jiang Tianqi entered the room of the first branch. He felt guilty and sad when he saw Jiang Tianao who had aged a lot in just one day.

    It is often said that cousins were the best brothers and sisters of their peers when they were young. When Madame Han married, she didn¡¯t treat Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianyuan very well so they lived a miserable life at that time. Later, when Marquess Qin returned to his hometown to visit his rtives, he told Kui Xiannan in a rage and insisted on taking his nephew and niece to his side and raising them by his first wife, Madame Dou.

    Therefore, Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi grew up together. It could be said that Jiang Tianchi grew up with them, but Jiang Tianao was several years older than Jiang Tianqi, and he was much older than Jiang Tianchi. How could they y together with such an obvious age gap? Therefore, the rtionship between the eldest son and the third son was the best, and they were estranged from the fourth son.

    Until their youth, they took the official careers one after another. As Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei ignored them time and time again, the two cousins began to be divided gradually andter formed an alliance because of the threat of the fourth branch.

    At the moment, the two cousins were sitting opposite each other. Looking back on their life experiences, they all felt overwhelmed, ¡°I can clearly remember that there was no suspicion between us at the beginning. I don¡¯t know how ites to be what it is today.¡±

    ¡°I have to return to my hometown to observe filial piety. You are difficult to support alone and you may not be able topete against the fourth branch.¡± Jiang Tianao was absent-minded for a long time and said with a hoarse voice, ¡°It¡¯s better to be quiet. Let us just endure it for the time being!¡±

    ¡°If we endure, is there any hope for us to revenge for our sons?¡± Jiang Tianqi was old, but he cried loudly, ¡°My eldest brother, you have Yun and Xu¡¯er who are excellent children. So, you don¡¯t need to worry about any sessors. I¡¯m not¡­ I have no excellent children. Apart from Qing, Qisheng, and Yaheng, is there anyone else who can represent the whole family? They are not more sophisticated than He Shuijin. How can I not revenge for Qing?¡±

    Jiang Tianao had a miserable smile and said, ¡°What can you do? As Qiu Jinn is assisted by Ren Ziyong, we may not fail in this war. If we fail this war, will you be able to take his military power sessfully? Don¡¯t forget that the identity of the step-wife of Jiang Yadan. If Duke of Huainan and Empress Dowager cooperate with each other, it won¡¯t be easy to convict Qiu Jinn. After all, he is not themander in chief now and he still has Han Jishan as a cover! If they win, Han Jishan will definitely give him merit. If they lose, Han Jishan will take the me for him!¡±

    He breathed a sigh of relief and said wearily, ¡°Time is advantageous for me! Time is not advantageous for you and me!¡±

    ¡°We will always have solutions.¡± Jiang Tianqi was silent for a long time and whispered, ¡°Despite the hardships, our father and uncles still made a progress. It can be seen that human effort is the decisive factor! Although the fourth branch now has advantages, but¡­ It may not be that we have no strength to fight back!¡±

    ¡°Be careful!¡± Jiang Tianao whispered, ¡°Although Jiang Tianchi is not in Jing City, he still has his people spy on us¡­ And our little nephew is very hard to deal with.¡±

    When they talked in secret, the fourth branch was also discussing this matter, but the atmosphere was certainly not as sad as that of the first branch.

    ¡°There are also many people in Kui County. Jingzhan was our junior. Although he was the eldest grandson of the fifth branch, he just had a little advantage in the ranking. He was not outstanding and had not undertaken any heavy responsibilities.¡± Madame Zhuang took the first to say, ¡°The remaining members of the Gus would kill him at the sacrifice of a Man of Sacrifice. Are they not afraid of being found by us through clues? It¡¯s really strange!¡±

    At that time, Chu Yitong had already finished the confinement in childbirth and Jiang Yadan was sent to the first branch to offer condolences. After Madame Zhuang finished speaking, others were waiting for their first sister-inw to answer.

    ¡°Will the target be directed at my uncle?¡± Chu Yitong pursed her lips, ¡°This time Kui County was in a hurry to tell us. Wasn¡¯t it because my uncle was shocked by this? Moreover, Jingzhan died¡­ So miserable!¡±

    ¡°So, the people who gave the information to your grand uncle are suspicious.¡± Madame Zhuang frowned, ¡°I don¡¯t know if people in Kui County realized this. Don¡¯t miss the point. Amidst the war, your grand uncle¡¯s life is the most important, which is more important than killing the enemies.¡±

    Jiang Qizheng pondered, ¡°Although the people in Kui County have never been out of the house, they often don¡¯t think carefully when they encounter great matters. But Jiang Yayun and his wife, my first sister-inw, and Xu¡¯er are all there. So, they should think of it.¡±

    Madame Zhuang thought for a while, ¡°Yes! If your grand uncle passes away, it will not be a good thing for the first branch. I think the first branch must do the best in this matter!¡±

    ¡°In fact, what makes me strange is that although I don¡¯t know what about the house that Jingzhan lived in, since he was stabbed by the Man of Sacrifice with countless knives, the house must be bloody and terrible! But didn¡¯t anyone notice the change in the room that night? Even if Jingzhan was subdued at that time and couldn¡¯t shout, the sound of knife stabbing into the body and blood sshing should not be very small in the quiet night. Moreover, it is May now, and more than half a month ago, the climate was warm and it was not very cold. So normally speaking, the window in the house should be open at night. Even if it was covered with green screen sash, how could it prevent the spread of bloody smell?¡±

    ¡°It was unreasonable that Jingzhan was found dead the next evening!¡±

    Madame Zhuang and others were startled, ¡°Do you mean¡­¡±

 Chapter 450 - When It Was Through, It Was Through (1)

    <h4>Chapter 450 - When It Was Through, It Was Through (1)</h4>

    At nightfall, Marquess Qin took a breath and was aware that Madame Tao was next to him. He then asked, ¡°Did kids know about that?¡±

    Madame Tao rose to her feet, went to the table, and poured a cup of hot ginseng tea for him. After Marquess Qin finished the tea, she replied, ¡°Mourners have been scheduled to set off tomorrow. They are packing up now.¡±

    Marquess Qin asked about who those mourners were and was in silence for a while. And then he said, ¡°You also believe my eldest brother¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s always wise to y safe.¡± Generally speaking, Jiang Jingzhan, one of the great-grandchildren, was not worth many condolences, let alone all mourners there were his elders, Jiang Yayi in the third branch, Jiang Yadan in the fourth branch, and Jiang Tianxiao in the eighth branch. They went there for Kui Xiannan rather than Jiang Jingzhan. Madame Tao said calmly, ¡°You can¡¯t go!¡±

    Feeling absent-minded, Marquess Qin sighed and said, ¡°If my third brother had been alive, I could have stayed a couple of days with my eldest brother. But now¡­¡±

    He was undermined by the sudden loss of his younger brother in Novemberst year. And now if he went to Kui County for condolence, it was likely that he would be hit again. If so, he would be faced with death threats.

    Marquess Qin was still indispensable in the Jiang Family. He had to be alive at least for now. Therefore, he couldn¡¯t risk his life whether Kui Xiannan was seriously ill or dead.

    ¡°Probably, I¡¯ll be like what my third brother was before. After death, I could return to my hometown.¡± For decades, the memory of the hometown in Kui County had been erased from his mind.

    Once he was dreaming for the future with Sir Jibei. His greatest hope was to buy a big house and save Kui Xiannan. The three brothers would live together in peace and harmony with the whole family ever since.

    However, the god of destiny made fool of them. The poor family in Kui County was dominating almost everything in the imperial court. That distant hometown, however, would never be within reach.

    Marquess Qin well remembered thest time he returned hometown was when Empress Dowager Jiang got married. That was also Kui Xiannan¡¯s birthday. Marquess Qin hurried there without hesitation. The two brothers shared the same bed that night, during which Kui Xiannan woke up several times,ughing.

    Reflecting on the past, Marquess Qin wore unprecedented fatigue and said, ¡°I¡¯ve got really tired these days. Would you mind keeping an eye on what¡¯s happening at home? I knew exactly that our eldest son and the third son have been unfriendly to you until now. Actually, I was to me. In the early days, Madame Dou was still alive. When I was back to visit the eldest brother and his wife and found that Madame Han was so hostile to Jiang Tianyuan and our eldest son that my brother kicked her off. Finally, I managed to persuade my eldest brother to let them go. Madame Dou could live together with them.¡±

    ¡°I married you in the wake of Madame Dou¡¯s death. My brother¡¯s wife, Madame Lin, was born as a maid, but Madame Han was just a daughter from a humble family. She dared to mistreat the children of my brother¡¯s first wife. Madame Dou, however, was a daughter of an ordinary official. Born as the descendant of an eminent family, you are quite different.¡±

    ¡°Sir Tao was still alive when we married. But privately, I told two brothers to talk freely in front of you¡­ I was kind of a green and inexperienced person, but you were well-informed. Madame Han was no better than you did in terms of knowledge. Over the years, you didn¡¯t treat anyone badly. On the contrary, you were greatly wronged by the third branch and the first branch. Even Madame Zhuang in the fourth branch put you in an awkward position now and then.¡±

    Hearing about the heartfelt words, Madame Tao said calmly, ¡°Though I¡¯m not your first wife, we¡¯ve lived together for years. It¡¯s what we call an old married couple. You go too far on polite remarks.¡±

    Marquess Qin said, ¡°Not at all. From the bottom of my heart, I¡¯ve been so sorry for two things. First, it¡¯s about the Tao Family. They betrayed us first. If we had had a showdown with them at that time, they might not have had the courage to take thest step! I did nothing just in order to go against the Gus.¡±

    Madame Tao said with calm, ¡°There had been no talents in the Tao Family except for grandfather. If he were alive now, it would be unlikely for the Tao Family to prosper. Unfortunately, Qianbin gave birth to a boy before she died. Without mom¡¯s guidance, the child An¡¯er would not keep a close rtionship with the Tao Family when he grows up. The ties between the Jiang Family and the Tao Family were cut after Tianluan¡¯s marriage. It was a matter of time before they went to the bad. They should be to me for their own failures. Even if you hadn¡¯t set them up, others would have done it. Besides, I had been out for years. There was no time for me to take them into consideration due to the heavy stuff.¡±

    ¡°The second one is about Jiang Tianjiao.¡±

    Hearing that, Madame Tao took a few deep breaths and said, ¡°The poor boy. We lost him forever. Why do you want to reflect on him?¡±

    Marquess Qin sighed and said, ¡°Tianjiao was a good kid. Ever since he showed his talent as a child, he had been envied by his brothers.¡± Marquess Qin smiled bitterly, ¡°Because of the matter of Madame Han, I was afraid you would possibly regard Madame Dou¡¯s child as stumbling stones after having a son of your own. Tianjiao was outstanding. So, I liked him a lot. Also, I once wondered why he was not my eldest son. But I still restrained myself from spoiling him too much.¡±

    ¡°But it didn¡¯t work. His filial piety, consideration, tolerance, generosity, and modesty all made him adorable. No matter how our sons and daughters y tricks on him, he didn¡¯t even care about that. Unlike him, Jiang Tianchi kept in mind and didn¡¯t speak out.¡±

    Marquess Qin continued, ¡°At that time, I had mixed feelings in my heart. I felt so proud to have such a good child. But I also hoped Tianjiao could be ordinary since he was not the eldest son. I hoped Tianqi could be more tolerant as Tianjiao could be more arrogant. Until Tianjiao died, I didn¡¯t even¡­¡±

    Madame Tao was already in tears, staring at the carved lines on the pedal. She said coldly, ¡°Be quiet. He was dead. He was the only trueborn son of myself. You know exactly how I feel. So why do you still mention that?¡±

    ¡°After Tianjiao died, our sons and their wives lit up with pleasure. You, skinny and sick then, asked Mom Hu to tell me about that, hoping that I could uphold justice. But I didn¡¯t consent. Your look at that time has been well kept in my mind.¡±

    Choked up by his words, Madame Tao said, ¡°What¡¯s the point of thinking about that? Just as you said, Tianjiao was not the eldest son. If he had been Madame Dou¡¯s child, things would have been different. There¡¯s nothing I can do for you and I¡¯m not reliable enough.¡±

    Marquess Qin shook his head and said, ¡°Absolutely not. I refused to stand out and speak for you not because I didn¡¯t love Tianjiao, but because I was so disappointed!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s clear to you that we three brothers started from scratch. We did all that we could do to enter the imperial court. Frankly speaking, I didn¡¯t bear much ambition. Tianluan was affianced to the former emperor andter I married you. The reason why I did this was to save ourselves.¡±

    Marquess Qin sighed with a long voice, ¡°The third brother and I risked our lives and fought for the country, so we were entitled ¡®Defender of the State¡¯. However, nowadays, few people know we were envied by peers just because we made several contributions. Had it not been for Madame Dou¡¯s father, we wouldn¡¯t have survived since then.¡±

    ¡°Since then, I came to know it was not what we achieved that really counted. There are far more viins in this world than gentlemen. Taking Madame Dou¡¯s father as an example, what he did actually benefited him the most, or he would rather stay out of the business.¡±

    ¡°After Madame Dou¡¯s death, I married you. In that way, Sir Tao would be our backing. Under his protection, no one could take credit from my third brother and me. On the contrary, some others would give their credit to us.¡±

    ¡°And then Sir Tao died. I hadn¡¯t yet found a new alliance of courtiers. The former emperor ascended the throne at a young age. At that time, the former emperor and his mother were worried all day long due to Empress Dowager¡¯s meddling in political affairs. Both Sir Tao and Madame Dou¡¯s father were dead. At that time, I was so worried. For a general who had been defending the frontier for years, if there was no one to support him in the imperial court, it was easy to be set up by viins! Since ancient times, there have been few famous generals who made great contributions and had a good ending. Regrettably, most of them died even without knowing what was going on.¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager Gu¡¯s servants rushed to Beijiang secretly and asked me for permission. I agreed to marry Tianluan to the former emperor. I was not willing to see everything that my third brother and I worked so hard fore to nothing. I don¡¯t want my children and grandchildren to live the way our three brothers lived. It was too much for us to expect enough food. If I wanted to read, my brother had to beg others with his knees down.¡±

    Madame Tao stopped him and said, ¡°You just came to yourself. Don¡¯t talk too much.¡±

    Marquess Qin said with a sigh, ¡°Please let me finish. Both the alliance of Empress Dowager Gu through marriage and theter power struggle with her were out of self-protection. If it were known by the public, they would use me of having no sense of shame due to my refusal to acknowledge my ambition and power. But the truth is that from the beginning, our three brothers had always been hoping that our children would be blessed with food and happiness forever.¡±

    ¡°So, I was really disappointed to see our sons behave like that after Tianjiao died. I wish I could kill them by myself!¡±

    Madame Tao was shocked and almost stood up!

    Marquess Qin sighed and said, ¡°But I didn¡¯t speak for you in the end. That was the first time you made aint to me openly. You were used to suggesting me in an indirect way, and you would stop if I frowned. It was the only time that you forced me to listen to you. But I didn¡¯t make it.¡±

    ¡°That was because I had changed my mind since then.¡±

    ¡°Why do I want the children in Jiang Family to live a better life? The reason is simple. I knew exactly my eldest brother was enved and called by his master like a pig or a dog. Also, in order to cover me in front of the battlefield, the third brother did not hesitate to stop me from getting wounded. I, myself, spared no efforts to make contributions in order to redeem my eldest brother. We three brothers can do whatever in need to benefit our future generations.¡±

    ¡°But on the other hand, how old was he when Tianjiao died? No sooner had he finished imperial examination in spring when the bad luck came. Right at the time, his brothers were delighted for Tianjiao¡¯s death. For such descendants, how can I even have the slightest bit of impetus to struggle for them?¡±

 Chapter 451 - When It Was Through, It Was Through (2)

    <h4>Chapter 451 When It Was Through, It Was Through (2)</h4>

    ¡°That¡¯s why you preferred the first branch all these years. Even if Kunlun came back to persuade you, you didn¡¯t want to follow¡­¡± Madame Tao twittered, ¡°We thought that you appreciated Jiang Yayun. You know that the kids have grown up and they get married and have their own kids now. But brothers and sisters are not friendly to each other. It will hurt them if the elder is unfair and you still prefer the first branch. Are you ill-intentioned?¡±

    ¡°Just let it be!¡± Marquess Qin looked up at the top of the tent and said with no expression, ¡°If I had been so cruel, I would have gone back to Kui County with my third brother to apany my eldest brother, regardless of whether they were alive or dead. Just when Tianjiao died, the Jiang Family had no way toe back! Even though I don¡¯t have the energy to fight for these kids who are without conscience, I don¡¯t want to see the whole family being reduced to the situation in which the Tao Family and the Duan Family used to be. So, I have to endure!¡±

    He said calmly, ¡°The reason why I don¡¯t follow Kunlun¡¯s advice is that I know they won¡¯te back. Tianjiao kept giving in when he was alive. But he died before he could get the distribution. After he died, his brothers all didn¡¯t even regret it. What they wanted were benefits. Even if a dog fostered by a human being dies, the owner of the dog will take pity on it, not to mention the brothers.¡±

    ¡°They were so mad. Why should we bother? So, I told Kunlun I had my own ns. Actually, I lied to him. I just didn¡¯t want him to worry about all this crap just after he retired from Beijiang! But I never thought he worried so much¡­¡±

    Madame Tao looked at him, ¡°Since you had no intention to quell the fighting, why did you force Kunlun to go to Shazhou at the beginning?¡±

    ¡°I did it for two reasons. One was that I didn¡¯t want Kunlun to see that I was tired of trying to mediate between them! After a lifetime of hard work, who he met were those hopeless, heartless creatures. I should be the only one who experiences the terrible feeling! I didn¡¯t want him to feel it!¡±

    ¡°As for the second reason, again, I was disappointed in them. But they are my children after all and I cannot see all of them die! I don¡¯t want to see them in hell just after I die!¡±

    Madame Tao asked ironically, ¡°Do you? Even if you send Kunlun to Shazhou to mediate the dispute, have you changed the ending?¡±

    ¡°Certainly, it has.¡± Marquess Qin said calmly, ¡°Yadan, Yashuang, and Qizheng all have made progress in Shazhou.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Madame Tao didn¡¯t know that it was Jiang Qizheng who murdered Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing. But she was still shocked, ¡°What do you mean?¡± Was the matter of Shazhou already anticipated by Marquess Qin? Two legitimate grandchildren of the Jiang Family were dead! Had Marquess Qin been unconcerned from beginning to end?

    ¡°A leopard cannot change his spots!¡± Marquess Qin was calm and cruel. He said faintly, ¡°Since they have had the nature of wolves, I cannot let them get along harmoniously at all! It¡¯s better to find another way than to try in vain. I just want to pick the best kid to cultivate. Otherwise, after I die, they will be defeated in the internal struggle and then be taken in by outsiders. In this case, they will only waste our generation¡¯s efforts!¡±

    Madame Tao was relieved, ¡°So, you choose the fourth branch, right?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have to choose.¡± Marquess Qin said faintly, ¡°I am just following the rules. I must not forget my eldest brother¡¯s kindness to me. And his first trueborn son was raised by me. So, it is reasonable to treat Tianao well. Tianqi is my first trueborn son. Since the elder and the younger should be in order, I will give priority to him in the same situation. Tianchi is not in Jing City and he can only be represented by his children. So, in the same situation, Tianchi is certainly after Tianao and Tianqi. Tiancan is the only son of Kunlun so I have to take special care of him. The eighth son is the youngest. Although he was born by my concubine, his mother is still alive. So, I gave him some dignity sometimes.

    ¡°I have a preference for them, but I have control over them. Everything is measured ording to human decency and propriety. It¡¯s up to them whoes out on top!¡±

    Marquess Qin sneered, ¡°The ancestors of the Jiang Family were very poor. It was something we had worked so hard to earn. How much better off they are now than we were! Their opponents are probably only their brothers and nephews, who they know well. If they are still suppressed, no matter how much priority I give to them, it will be a benefit to others! It¡¯s better to give the benefit to our own kids than to keep them as stepping-stones for others!¡±

    ¡°A few years ago, I thought it would be Tianao who won the game. I had never expected that as Yashuang grew older, he would be able to suppress the first branch!¡± Marquess Qin sighed, ¡°Of course, it can¡¯t be said that all the credit should be given to Yashuang. You, Tianluan, and Tianchi, all give him support to achieve it. Especially Tianchi¡­ It was reasonable that Kunlun liked him so much. He¡¯s the kid who resembles us the most when we were young! Even¡­¡±

    Marquess Qin¡¯s expression was a littleplicated, ¡°He¡¯s even more ruthless than we were when we were young. But it doesn¡¯t matter. I just don¡¯t want to be taken advantage of by outsiders! This is gonna hurt your feelings again. The Tao family is an example! Your family was so illustrious when your father was alive. If it had not been for the fact that he was dying and that no one of his descendants was worthy of honor, when I went to ask for a bride, I would have been kicked out of the house.¡±

    Only a few decades, the reputation of Tao Yinsong was still remembered in the court, but the top blue blood, the Tao family, had disappeared!

    ¡°I have not been able to express this thought. To posterity, I am disdained to say. To Kunlun, I dare not say. Now I hear my brother cannot make it through. Thinking of me and my brothers, one of whom had already gone when another one was about to go, I¡¯m probably about to die soon.¡± Marquess Qin smiled tragically, ¡°I have been thinking about it for a long time, but I can only tell you. Now I know why it is said that young couples make oldpanions. Though I was not a teenager when I married you, as for the words stuck in my heart, I can only tell you!¡±

    And then he sighed, ¡°It is fortunate that you support Yashuang. Now I don¡¯t have to worry about how you will spend the time after I die. I believe Yashuang and Yn will take good care of you!¡±

    Madame Tao was moved to cry, ¡°You know the words can only be told to me. If you leave me, who else can I talk to? I am not familiar with Kunlun¡¯s wife. If you pass away, I have no choice but to pick arge yard to live in and talk to myself.¡±

    A few momentster Marquess Qin didn¡¯t respond to her. Madame Tao looked at the bed. He closed his eyes. He was cid and he stayed still.

    That evening when Madam Tao called out to her servants in a sad voice, many members of the Jiang Family were getting ready to hold the funeral for Marquess Qin. The baggage packed for the condolence in Kui County was re-opened. Marquess Qin who almost died before Madame Tao slowly woke up after slipping into aa for three days and two nights!

    Dr. Lin was so exhausted. He only said a sentence before he fainted because he was tired. ¡°He needs a light diet in seven days¡­¡±

    Madame Tao was also beside Marquess Qin¡¯s bed for three days. But she struggled to ask maids to support Dr. Lin to have a rest. And then she asked the members of the third branch, the fourth branch, and the eighth branch toe here. She said hastily, ¡°You can arrange the date to serve him by yourself. But we cannot dy going to Kui County. Make your own decision. I have no energy to mind these businesses!¡±

    And then she went to her room to rest without caring about their feelings.

    ¡­ After Madame Tao left, the Flower Hall was in silence. Jiang Tianqi coughed to break the situation, ¡°It¡¯s lucky that father is fine. We have to be careful!¡±

    He meant it from the bottom of his heart. He did not know that after the death of Jiang Tianjiao, Marquess Qin was full of anger towards his descendants. So, he didn¡¯t care how brutal the internal struggle was. He only hoped to see a wonderful kid who could support the whole family and keep the foundation of the Jiang Family, lest the Jiang Family step on the road of the Tao Family that had been fooled and taken as a stepping stone. Now Jiang Tianqi thought that in the face of the growing threat of the fourth branch, all the members of the third branch might not survive, let alone revenge, if he lost his father as his backer!

    So now he was very wary of the fourth branch, ¡°Our eldest uncle¡¯s contribution to the Jiang family is from the early years so it doesn¡¯t affect us. The only people who can really intimidate us are father and uncle. Uncle has died. If father also died, the fourth branch would bepletely unrestrained and they could do whatever they want. My father has barely survived this time, but he is old enough¡­ I will not leave the fourth branch alone!¡±

    What if they murdered Marquess Qin?

    He also didn¡¯t believe his eighth brother, ¡°The fourth branch is powerful now, what if the eighth brother is drawn to their side¡­¡±

    However, it was Jiang Jingzhan and Kui Xiannan who had idents before Marquess Qin. Because Marquess Qin almost passed away, other branches stopped condolence. But Jiang Tianao was the first trueborn kid of Kui Xiannan. So, he couldn¡¯t wait. He kowtowed to Marquess Qin two days ago. And then he went to Kui County.

    Without the ally, the first branch, people in the third branch who could serve Marquess Qin were only Jiang Yayi, Jiang Yaheng, and him. Marquess Qin was a man. All his daughters-inw and granddaughters-inw could do was to bring and take things and help him to have medicine. As for body washing or relieving, these jobs need to be finished by his sons, grandsons, sons-inw, and grand sons-inw.

    The granddaughter of Jiang Tianqi was not old enough to get married. He only had a daughter who married to Beijiang. So, he could not rely on his son-inw.

    Jiang Tianqi tried his best to make a schedule to serve Marquess Qin. It was lucky that the fourth branch and the eighth branch had no opinion. Though Jiang Tianqi didn¡¯t trust the fourth branch, he was also distrusted by them. When Empress Dowager Gu fell into a desperate struggle, what he did was well-known.

    So, seeing him arrange the fourth branch and the third branch together, Madame Zhuang was also assured.

    In this mutual distrust, the branches readjust the list of members who needed to condole to the Kui County. Jiang Yayi and Jiang Yadan could not go. The reason was simple. These two were now the eldest children of the third branch and the fourth branch. Once Marquess Qin really passed away, even if in Kui County, Kui Xiannan also died, their grandfather¡¯s funeral was certainly more important than granduncle¡¯s.

    It was like that even if Jiang Tianao cared more about Marquess Qin¡¯s health condition, he had to go to Kui County.

    The two kids could go nowhere, so as Jiang Tianxiao.

    So, all the three branches could only send maids and servants to go there.

    Madame Zhuang looked at her sons and daughters-inw, ¡°Let¡¯s ask Mu Zixuan to go there. He has served your father for so many years. He is informed. So, he will not let us shame!¡±

    Chu Yitong, Jiang Qizheng, and Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know him at all. But Jiang Yadan and Jiang Yashuang agreed, ¡°He is the most proper man. If he goes there, it will be fine.¡± And then they stopped asking.

    It was in the middle of May. All officials in the court cared about Marquess Qin¡¯s situation.

    The good news just spread. A maid from the imperial pce came there hastily. Because Madame Tao was so exhausted so they dared not to disturb her. The maid was sent by Empress Dowager Jiang, who would not believe guys in the third branch. So, they went to the fourth branch finally.

    The maid asked the situation of Marquess Qin and then she said that Empress Dowager asked her to inquiry them, ¡°Before June, Emperor went to Mount Dizi to avoid the summer heat with Empress Dowager Jiang. This Year Marquess Qin is not well. Shall they go there?¡±

    Empress Dowager Jiang didn¡¯t want to care about Marquess Qin. It was because that all the officials were under the Jiang Family¡¯s control. If they all served Marquess Qin there, how could they go to Mount Dizi?

 Chapter 452 - Interlocking Stratagems?

    <h4>Chapter 452 Interlocking Stratagems?</h4>

    Madame Zhuang learned that as well. So, she was a bit surprised, ¡°Empress Dowager and Emperor¡­ Isn¡¯t it Empress Dowager and Emperor who are in charge? Why would you ask me, a wife of an official?¡±

    It was impossible for Marquess Qin to move in this condition, let alone go to Mount Dizi. He could not go, neither could the Jiang Family. So, of course, the imperial family couldn¡¯t go there for a summer holiday, either! How could the Jiang Family let go of power just because Marquess Qin was ill? They would seize power to prevent others from being in a panic when the news about Marquess Qin¡¯s condition was spread!

    Normally, Empress Dowager Jiang and Emperor should have known better and taken the initiative to cancel this year¡¯s n to spend the summer!

    However, now they sent someone to ask if they should go there for the summer. Even though Madame Zhuang was not very good at politics, she also instinctively felt that something was wrong. As she saw that the person who came here was a trusted subordinate of Empress Dowager, she asked, ¡°Did someone say something to Empress Dowager and Emperor?¡±

    The visitor smiled, ¡°Not really.¡±

    When Madame Zhuang saw him stop after saying that, something urred to her. She raised her hand and said, ¡°Leave us, all of you!¡±

    After clearing the room, the visitor whispered, ¡°Empress Dowager has recently discovered that there are some suspicious people among the Imperial Guard who guard the pce. She wanted to catch these men right away, but Marquess Qin suddenly fell ill. And it is spreading panic in the pce. Empress Dowager is worried that if she takes action now, chaos will be caused. Especially, Empress is due in July!¡±

    Madame Zhuang said with understanding, ¡°So, Empress Dowager wants to use the excuse of spending the summer and take Empress to Mount Dizi so that she can vacate the pce to catch those people?¡±

    ¡°Madame, you are right.¡± The visitor whispered, ¡°If I may say so, this is not a big deal in normal times. The only concern is that they don¡¯t do anything. As long as they show up, it just needs the order to catch them, doesn¡¯t it? However, Madame, you know it. Marquess Qin¡­¡±

    Marquess Qin acted as such a significant deterrent, which could bring both good and bad things. When he was well, no one underneath dared to take action. However, when something happened to him, all wanted to do something!

    ¡°We can¡¯t really just pick and go for the summer.¡± Madame Zhuang pondered for a moment and said, ¡°Now that my father is ill, my mother is also tired after so many days of apanying him. All right, when they can discuss things in a couple of days, I¡¯ll report it to them and see what they think. As you know, I am just a woman and a junior. How can I make decisions on such matters?¡±

    The visitor didn¡¯t hang up on that. He thanked her and excused himself to return to the pce and report it.

    Madame Zhuang summoned her children to discuss the matter at once. ¡°The assassination of Jingzhan turned out to be the work of the remaining members of the Gus. Empress Dowager found out about the dissidents in the imperial guards before your grandfather fell ill. Could it be that the remaining members of the Gus have set up interlocking stratagems?¡±

    Someone first killed Jiang Jingzhan to get Kui Xiannan to fall ill and then used Kui Xiannan¡¯s condition of being confined to bed to spur Marquess Qin. If they looked at it this way, it seemed to make sense that the remaining members of the Gus would risk being traced out by sending the Man of Sacrifice to assassinate the not-so-brilliant great-grandson of the Jiang Family in Kui County.

    ¡°Our grandfather must not move now. We, as his descendants, must not stay away from his couch¡± This time, because Jiang Yadan was there, it was not appropriate for Chu Yitong to be the first to answer. However, Jiang Yadan was toozy to use his brain on serious matters until he had to. So, with that, he immediately looked at his brother.

    Jiang Yashuang had toe out and say, ¡°So, regardless of whether or not Emperor and Empress Dowager go to Mount Dizi this year, our family will definitely not be able to go. However, the safety of my fourth aunt, Emperor, and Empress cannot be ignored!¡±

    Empress Dowager and Emperor had no power. But they are essential as a front! Empress, who was created by the Jiang Family and was pregnant with the heir, was the guarantee that the Jiang Family would continue to hold the reins of power. She must be safe and sound!

    ¡°But our family is just an official family. If there are decisions to be made, they all have to be submitted or reported to Emperor face to face. And then Empress Dowager and Emperor will issue an edict.¡± Madame Zhuang frowned, ¡°It is troublesome for the royal family to go to Mount Dizi! Even if fast horses are quick to send messages, the Summer Pce is built on a mountain. How can the climb be quick?¡±

    ¡°Aunt Tianhe and Emperor¡¯s imperial edicts may not be written by themselves either.¡± Jiang Yashuang reminded, ¡°The reason why they are judged to be imperial edicts is because of imperial jade seal!¡±

    Madame Zhuang¡¯s eyes narrowed, ¡°That would be one way! But¡­ It is okay with Empress Dowager. Emperor¡­ Although he never looks at the folders that our family submits and does not oppose them and just presses the seal. After all, the imperial jade seal has always been in his hand. If we go to ask him for it, I¡¯m afraid he will misunderstand it, won¡¯t he?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°Yes! In fact, I suspect that this thing may be made to get our family to ask Emperor for the imperial jade seal! If the remaining members of the Gus have any power left, they can announce that our family has mischief in mind and intends to take over the throne!¡±

    ¡°So, we can¡¯t ask Emperor for the imperial jade seal, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Jiang Yashuang nodded, ¡°With the war raging in Beijiang and flightsing in Xijiang, it will never be good for Darui to face civil unrest at this juncture!¡±

    ¡°And then what if there are things that need to be decreed after the imperial family go to the Summer Pce?¡± Chu Yitong couldn¡¯t help but ask.

    Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°We can¡¯t ask Emperor for the imperial jade seal, but we can ask him for some nk edicts. After all, whether Emperor is in Jing City or not, for him, is there any difference between the edict on which he presses the imperial jade seal and a nk one?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s ask your grandparentster before deciding!¡± Madame Zhuang felt that thispromise was a more appropriate method. But she decided not to let the fourth branch take the responsibility and must get the approval of the Marquess Qin¡¯s generation before answering the pce.

    After discussing the matter, Madame Zhuang let her sons and daughters-inw go.

    When they returned to their own yard, Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang went to see the children first as usual. But not long after entering the house, a servant reported from outside when each of them had just hugged a child to y with. ¡°Empress¡¯ maid is asking to speak to you at the back door in disguise!¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± The couple was slightly stunned. They ordered the servant to bring Empress¡¯s maid in quietly when they coaxed the babies back into the hands of the wet nurses.

    They readjusted their clothes and went to the Flower Hall. After they sat down, the maid was brought there. After paying her respects, she told what happened without waiting to be questioned, ¡°Over the past month, Madame Mi has sent someone to the pce a total of four times to cry to Empress about the grievances suffered by Miss Huizhi! Empress was going to ignore her. But yesterday, Madame Mi sent someone to ask to see her, telling Empress that before Miss Huizhi left, she had asked her to pass on a message that if the promise Empress had made to Sir Jibei was only tofort the dying man, she would be willing to go to Kui County and never enter Jing City again, lest Empress be unhappy!¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at her husband and saw that Jiang Yashuang furrowed his eyebrows and there seemed to be anger on her face. The corners of her mouth twitched as well. ¡°Jiang Huizhi is really determined to spend time with Xin Fubing, isn¡¯t she? Even when she went back to her hometown to condole with her family upon the death of her nephew and prepare for her grandfather¡¯s mourning, she didn¡¯t forget to give Xin Fubing a hard time while she was busy packing!¡±

    Of course, the most annoying one was Madame Mi. As Xin Fubing¡¯s aunt, she was biased towards her maiden family¡¯s niece and bullied Xin Fubing in secret in the early years. And now she went together with the first branch to stand in the rival camp of Xin Fubing once again. It was really confusing that, as Xin Fubing¡¯s aunt, how much she hated her niece.

    ¡°Of course, Aunt Tianhe is always not helping. If she had saved Madame Mi¡¯s face and not been so tough and used some carrot-and-stick approaches, I think Madame Mi would not have chosen to do so.¡± Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead helplessly and sincerely shed a sour tear for Xin Fubing, ¡°With an aunt who turns her arm outward and a mother who holds her back, it¡¯s really¡­¡±

    After settling down and seeing that Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t say anything, Qiu Yn asked the maid, ¡°Does Aunt Tianhe know about this? Empress is pregnant now. It is not good for my sixth aunt to go into the pce and disturb her all the time. If it¡¯s not convenient for Empress to say, why not ask Aunt Tianhe to persuade her?¡±

    The maid sighed, ¡°Empress said that it had been less than a year since Sir Jibei¡¯s death and that the whole family should still be in mourning and shall not be disturbed!¡± She continued, ¡°Besides, thedy of Marquess E is straightforward. Empress is worried that she will make Madame Mi misunderstand. And in the end, it will be Madame Ou and the Jiang Family that will have to worry about it.¡±

    It was customary that the father of Empress was crowned as Marquess in the dynasty. That was how Marquess Qin came to be. So, Xin Fubing¡¯s parents, then, were made Marquess E and thedy of Marquess E.

    Qiu Yn pondered for a moment and said, ¡°Empress is so filial. Although she thinks about the Jiang Family, she has not thought about herself at all! Even in normal times, this will be a disruption of the rtionship between the ruler and his officials, not to mention the fact that she is still pregnant with Emperor¡¯s heir, right?¡±

    ¡°Why did Empress send you here today?¡± Jiang Yashuang asked suddenly.

    The maid said softly, ¡°Young master, Empress wants to ask you to send someone to catch up with Miss Huizhi and exin to her that Empress definitely did not mean to let her stay in Kui County and never enter Jing City!¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Jiang Yashuang waved his hands and did not let Qiu Yn continue to ask anything. Instead, he sent the maid away, ¡°You should go back to the pce. We will take care of this small matter for Empress!¡±

    When the maid left, the couple looked at each other and both sighed, ¡°We can¡¯t decide if we don¡¯t talk to the elders about this. If we talk to them, now that our grandparents are either sick or tired¡­ It¡¯s cruel for them to listen to such troubles after they wake up!¡±

    ¡°But Empress has already opened her mouth. It¡¯s not good to refuse her.¡± Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°And to be fair, she has suffered enough anguish!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not saying that I won¡¯t help.¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°I¡¯m just worried that our grandfather can¡¯t hear these trivial matters at this juncture.¡±

    Empress Dowager had just sent someone to tell Madame Zhuang about the journey to the Summer Pce. The couple knew in their hearts that if the fourth branch could link it to the assassination in Kui County, others would also think of it. And then Xin Fubing sent someone to tell them Jiang Huizhi and Madame Mi¡¯s ckmail, which was seemingly helpless. But in fact, it was a reminder to the whole Jiang family, ¡°Jiang Huizhi¡¯s cousin has died and her grandfather is dying of heartache! After what happened in Kui County, what about her? While following the first branch back to Kui County, she still remembered to do something bad to the pregnant Empress! There was no sign of grief for Jiang Jingzhan or Kui Xiannan!¡±

    ording to Qiu Yn and Jiang Yashuang¡¯s position, they were definitely on Xin Fubing¡¯s side. Especially this time, Xin Fubing sent someone to ask for help. But considering the current health condition of Marquess Qin and Madame Ou, it was not appropriate for them to disturb them with these matters, which were not so important.

    ¡°Since we promised to send someone to catch up with Jiang Huizhi to exin, how about going to choose two witty messengers?¡± Qiu Yn pondered, ¡°As for the elders¡­ It is not good to disturb our grandfather. When our grandmother wakes up, maybe we can see if we can ask her. Anyway, it won¡¯t only be one or two days for Jiang Huizhi and others to go back to Kui County. If theye back now, they will be in time for Jingzhan¡¯s funeral ceremony. And after that, they have to attend to their great grand uncle¡¯s illness. As such, I don¡¯t believe she dares to spread any rumors when her great grand uncle suffers a serious illness!¡±

    Fortunately, there was still a cushion.

    Jiang Yashuang mused, ¡°You¡¯d better go into the pce tomorrow and ask again. As the sixth aunt sent people into the pce so frequently to force Empress, my fourth aunt and my youngest grand aunt should have known it. Howe they did not stop it?¡±

    Qiu Yn agreed and started making arrangements to go to the pce the next day. However, the trip that she thought to be smooth didn¡¯t happen because that night the Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion received an urgent report from Xijiang, saying that the western savages were invading!

    Afterst year¡¯s war in Beijiang, the war broke out in Xijiang!

 Chapter 453 - Conversation Between the Grandfather and Grandson

    <h4>Chapter 453 - Conversation Between the Grandfather and Grandson</h4>

    There were signs that a war would break out in Xijiang. The court was prepared for it and so it was not a big surprise.

    But it didn¡¯t mean that they could take it easy. The war was all about money. Even if nowadays Darui was still rich, fighting on two fronts ced a lot of stress!

    And at this juncture, the actual regent, Marquess Qin, was seriously ill, which could be traced to the remaining members of the Gu family. The internal struggle of the Jiang Family was no longer a secret¡­ Things didn¡¯t look good with all the mess that was going on!

    ¡°It is a battle that can¡¯t afford to lose!¡± Duke of Huainan Chu Xiao headed for Xue Chang as soon as he received the news of the war in Xijiang, ¡°Prime Minister Xue, please give some advice!¡±

    Xue Chang screwed up his eyes and stroked his moustache, ¡°As an official of Darui, how can I not hope that Emperor¡¯s army can pacify Xijiang as soon as possible? But I don¡¯t know anything about the wars. The only thing I can do is to take care of the provisions for Emperor¡¯s army!¡±

    Chu Xiao knew that he was always a deep one. So, he cut to the chase, ¡°There are still reminders of the Gus. And they dare to assassinate the trueborn sons of the Jiang Family! This shows that their wild ambition has reached the point where they will stop at nothing! Once the frontier is lost, I¡¯m afraid it will be used by them¡­ It can be a big problem!¡±

    And with that, he lowered his voice, ¡°Deputy Premier Jiang and Minister Jiang have long coveted the Western Army. They reluctantly give up because of Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei. Now Xijiang is at war. Once the war is lost, we can put others aside, but what will General Ruan be able to do with himself? Prime Minister Xue, he is your favorite pupil. You won¡¯t sit idly by and watch, right?¡±

    ¡°Prince, you know that Chunjun is my favorite pupil. I will do my best!¡±

    Chu Xiao was not very satisfied with Xue Chang¡¯s answer and he wanted to persuade him again. But on second thought, he was afraid that a man like Xue Chang would annoy him if he was pushed too far. So, he said, ¡°Prime Minister Xue, I can rest assured with your words!¡±

    After he excused himself and left, Xue Nongying came out from the back hall, ¡°Duke of Huainan exactly married his trueborn daughter to Jiang Yadan. His concern for the fourth branch of the Jiang Family is so urgent!¡±

    Xue Chang gave him a measuring look, ¡°How are you feeling today?¡±

    ¡°The doctor invited by Guoxi is good at acupuncture treatment. I feel less pain these days.¡± Xue Nongying smiled and said, ¡°Didn¡¯t the doctor also say before that I was young and could get better? Don¡¯t worry too much, my grandfather!¡±

    Cheng Guoxi married into the Xue Family in March. The reason for the dy was that Xue Nongying had not recovered very well before and did not want to ruin the life of a good girl.

    Cheng Jin, Cheng Guo¡¯s father, was promoted by Xue Chang. It was not right or just for him to break off the engagement just because of the ident that had happened to Xue Nongying. Finally, he even said, ¡°If you look down on my daughter, you cannot take her into your family. Anyway, she will never marry into any other family except for the Xue Family! If you refuse to take her for the rest of her life, our Cheng Family will support her forever. When she dies, her tombstone will be written as Madame Cheng, the wife of Xue!¡±

    At this point, Xue Nongying had no choice but toply.

    Fortunately, when Cheng Guoxi married into the Xue Family, whether it was because people were in high spirits when getting involved in happy events or that acupuncture treatment she found for her husband really worked, Xue Nongying¡¯s health was improved significantly.

    Now Xue Chang looked at his grandson carefully. As Xue Nongying¡¯s face was rosy and his eyes as bright, Xue Chang breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, ¡°And then let¡¯s get to it. Easy for Duke of Huainan to say it! As an official of Zongzhengsi, he has nothing to do with the war of Xijiang, doesn¡¯t he? He has made a name for himself in front of the fourth branch of the Jiang Family and Chunjun while he left all the problems to me!¡±

    ¡°Although the first branch of the Jiang Family has gone back to Kui County, their gang is still in Jing City! The third branch of the Jiang Family is still in Jing City to take care of Marquess Qin. And the court is still in their control. Originally, when Marquess Qin was well, he was in charge. With his vision and temperament, he was always generous to me. So, I didn¡¯t have to be too constrained in my actions. But now he is ill. There are many of his children and grandchildren who don¡¯t like me!¡±

    Xue Chang stroked his bead and said, ¡°The main reason is that Marquess Qin¡¯s reputation is so strong that when something happens to him, not only there are rumors outside but the Jiang Family itself will also be in a mess. I¡¯m worried that some people will egg the Jiang Family on to make an example of us. And we may be their target!¡±

    During the period of the political struggle between the Empress and the Empress Dowager, Xue Chang was Prime Minister. When the Jiang Family was in charge, Xue Chang remained as Prime Minister. How could no one be jealous? Those who had followed the Jiang Family since their early years and considered that they made a great contribution to the political struggle were looking at him with dislikes for more than a day or two!

    If something happened in this situation, they were likely to suggest that the Jiang Family should kill or maim one or two powerful officials or royal families to dominate the situation! Xue Chang was definitely one of the candidates!

    Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi had had an eye on the position of Prime Minister. And there were many people lining up behind them. Since that, regardless of the reliability of that idea, Xue Chang must prevent himself from being put into the situation.

    ¡°But the most important thing now is that Marquess Qin is sick!¡± Xue Nongying said softly, ¡°If something happens to him, the first branch and the third branch will be unable to protect themselves. And then how will they have the strength to take over the Western Army? Speaking of which, Chunjun is so lucky. Just before the war, there was an ident in Kui County, and Marquess Qin fell ill, which has drawn the attention of the first branch and the third branch of the Jiang Family¡­¡±

    Xue Chang interrupted him, ¡°It might be moreplicated than you think. You shouldn¡¯t forget that the fourth branch of the Jiang Family has not been idle now. Even though they have the upper hand in the war in Beijiang, they have not gained an overwhelming advantage! I have counted the provisions of the Northern Army. Although they are still enough to go around now, ording to the current war situation, the court will have to replenish them within three months. The war will probablyst a lot longer!¡±

    ¡°If Marquess Qin were there, he would not have let anyone¡¯s personal grievances affect military and state affairs. But this is not necessarily the case with the first branch and the third branch of the Jiang Family. They have such a great grudge against the fourth branch that given their nature, they are not likely to shake hands with the fourth branch. So, when the first branch and the third branch are worried that once Marquess dies, the fourth branch will vet them. The fourth branch is also worried that the two branches will choose desperate fighting in hysterics, isn¡¯t they?¡±

    How deadly was this for front-line soldiers when the home front was unstable in times of war?

    ¡°So, Marquess Qin¡¯s being bedridden is a problem for all the descendants of the Jiang Family. In the end, it is because there¡¯s no one among them who can rece Marquess Qin yet! Generally speaking, they each have their own scruples. We may not say they are evenly matched. But the gap is not veryrge either.¡± Xue Chang said indifferently, ¡°In this situation, Chunjun must win. For not giving hope to the first branch and the third branch of the Jiang Family, if for no other reason!¡±

    Xue Nongying was confused, ¡°If there was no hope, would they not fight to the death?¡±

    ¡°Normally that would be the case. But now there is a perfect stepping stone. Kui Xiannan is critically ill. The first branch has all gone back to Kui County.¡± Xue Chang said lightly, ¡°It¡¯s a long way between the two ces. They won¡¯t be back in a short time. So, the first branch can either go forward or go back. If the Western Army loses, they can again seek military power. If the Western Army wins, especially if Chunjun can be famous in the war¡­ Jiang Tianao can simply retire on the pretext of apanying his old father, or observing mourning for his father!¡±

    ¡°Anyway, they are trueborn cousins. If Jiang Tianao backs down to the point of returning to the countryside to work as a farmer with the whole family, the fourth branch of the Jiang Family will not need to kill them all!¡±

    ¡°Same for Jiang Tianqi!¡±

    ¡°So, as long as the Western Army is defeated, not only will Xijiang be lost but there will be further strife in the court! For the sake of Darui, they must win!¡±

    Xue Chang sighed, ¡°The reason why Duke of Huainan came to visit me personally was not only because he was now on the side of the fourth branch of the Jiang Family, but also because he saw that if the Western Army lost this battle, Darui would be in danger of losing its vitality! At that time, it will be hard to say whether the two border forces can shock the foreign savages. But Shazhou is so far away and the timing in the war is so fleeting. Even if we want to help, we will not be able to do so!¡±

    ¡­ The conversation between the grandfather and grandson was noted down and sent to Marquess¡¯s Mansion soon.

    Each branch made a copy, to which each responded in various ways.

    In the first branch, the person in charge was not there. The trusted subordinates who stayed behind were not in a position to usurp the authority. After thanking Jiang Tianqi for sharing, he hurriedly browsed through it and then sent someone to take that to Jiang Tianao at a hard gallop.

    Naturally, the third branch was furious, ¡°That old man! You know that I do not like you as Prime Minister. And now you dare to speak out like this! Do you really think that because of your talent, no one can touch you? If you fall into my hands, I will make you regret it!¡±

    ¡°My father, Xue Chang has said he cannot help in the war of Xijiang. Why do you care about him?¡±

    ¡°How stupid you are!¡± With great anger, Jiang Tianqi scolded his son for his uselessness, ¡°He is looking forward to the victory of the Western Army. Do you think he will not prevent us from taking advantage of the situation if the Western Army is defeated? This means that although Xue Chang will not be able to help Qiu Jinn to fight in the war, he will target our branch and the first branch as we may attack Qiu Jinn in the court. Fortunately, your grandfather has always been on guard against him and ced pawns in his mansion early on. Now your father is not able to handle things. We can read these messages directly. Otherwise, we won¡¯t even know that this old man has got us into trouble!¡±

    When the fourth branch received the news, the couple were getting together. So, Qiu Yn draped her husband¡¯s shoulders and finished reading. When she was about to speak, Jiang Yashuang suddenly said, ¡°Do you think that if your brother wins this battle, how likely is it that the first branch and the third branch will ask themselves to return to the countryside to work as farmers?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say!¡± Qiu Yn considered that, ¡°Prime Minister Xue is presuming our two uncles based on his own experiences. It¡¯s not likely to be right. How can one easily let go of wealth and power when he is used to it? Those who have done so throughout the ages have been the most famous men in history! I don¡¯t think our two uncles have the courage to do so!¡±

    Both Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianqi did not struggle up on their own, but they were under the shade of their elders. It could be said that they got everything much easier than others. With their experiences, what kind of wisdom did it take to understand the principle of ¡°stopping while the going was good¡±?

    Besides, both Jiang Yayue and Jiang Yaqing were outstanding sons of their respective branches. This blood feud was not so easily forgotten.

    ¡°So, we need to prepare as well. No matter whether we win or lose the battle in Xijiang, I¡¯m afraid there will be no peace in the mansion! If there are changes on both fronts, there is no telling what will happen in the court, Jing City, and our mansion!¡± Jiang Yashuang closed his eyes for a moment of contemtion and said, ¡°Dress smartly tomorrow. And I will gather my staff to pay you a visit, just in case!¡±

 Chapter 454 - Staff

    <h4>Chapter 454 - Staff</h4>

    Qiu Yn had met a few of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s staff. In order to show trust and closeness to certain subordinates, it was customary for the master to introduce them to pay a visit to thedy of the house.

    There were five people who had met with Qiu Yn alone. Xun Yuxi was one of them. He was someone who had been known by Qiu Yn before she got married. So, there was no need to introduce him again.

    The rest four were Tang Sipeng, Dongfang Que, Yan Rong, and Lu He.

    ¡°Now I most rely on Tang Sipeng. He is not good at the imperial examination. He is over forty years old this year while he is just Juren.¡± Jiang Yashuang told his wife in private, ¡°When he first came to me, I saw that he was well organized and he talked about his official duties in a sensible way. So, I asked him if he wanted to continue on the path of the imperial examinations. But after hesitating, he decided to follow me to the army. The man is not young but I consider him as my right-hand man.¡±

    If nothing else, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s future focus would be on the Western Army. So, of course, he would pay extra attention to the subordinates he could bring into the army.

    So, even though Tang Sipeng was far away from Xun Yuxi in the imperial examination, he had a higher status than Xun Yuxi in Jiang Yashuang¡¯s mind. After all, if Xun Yuxi could not sharpen his skills in the future, an official who had been a sessful candidate in the highest imperial examinations was far from umon for Jiang Yashuang.

    Dongfang Que and Yan Rong were also Juren. But they were not the same as Tang Sipeng who decided to give up the imperial examination and chose to follow Jiang Yashuang to seek a promising future. ¡°Dongfang Que and Yan Rong are just in their twenties. I have seen their articles. They are likely to pass the imperial examination in spring. But they are just not cutting it.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang talked about his n as following, ¡°Now they are my staff. They help me do some things in normal times and I will give them some advice for passing the imperial examination and being an official in my free time. As it is less likely for them to pass this year, I will not get them to take part in the imperial examination. But three yearster I¡¯m afraid that we are not in Jing City. So, in a couple of days, when grandfather is feeling better, I will guide them to meet Duke of Huainan and ask him to take care of them at that time. If they can pass the imperial examination, they can team up with Xun Yuxi. And then I will get them to go out for training. After that, it all depends.¡±

    Among those sessful candidates in the imperial examination who came to Jiang Yashuang, they were not the youngest or the most certain to pass the imperial examination in spring. However, after the overall assessment, their talents and character were well to Jiang Yashuang¡¯s liking. As such, he decided to cultivate them.

    ¡°What about Lu He? What are you going to do with him?¡±

    Among these staff, Lu He held a special ce. He was the son of Jiang Tianchi¡¯s personal guard. Mu Zixuan, who had been sent to Kui County to pay final respect by Madame Zhuang, could be seen as his uncle. Lu He¡¯s father had been dead in war several years ago. Before dying, he trusted Mu Zixuan with his son. So, Mu Zixuan took Lu He with him when he was ordered to escort Madame Zhuang back to Jing City.

    As a result, when Madame Zhuang found him, she took care of him because of his young age. She often called him over and gave him some fruit and cakes to eat. Over time, Madame Zhuang found out that he was a talented child for study. So, when she returned to Jing City, she rmended him to Jiang Yashuang.

    ¡°He does well in both studying and dealing with things. He¡¯s a diamond in the rough.¡± Jiang Yashuang thought for a while, ¡°But he is so young that I have to train him over days! If he remains diligent a few yearster, I will take him as my pupil!¡±

    Lu He was thirteen years old, only eight years younger than Jiang Yashuang. But eight years could be approximate to a generation.

    ¡°You mean we will take him around us all the time, right?¡± Qiu Yn made a note of her husband¡¯s intention in her heart. If Lu He became Jiang Yashuang¡¯s pupil formally, she would be his master¡¯s wife. Nowadays, a teacher for a day was a father for life. The rtionship between teacher and student was extremely close. Especially, Lu He¡¯s parents had died. And his uncle Mu Zixuan, with errands to run, could not take care of him all the time. So, on behalf of Jiang Yashuang, Qiu Yn should take care of his basic necessities of life, including food, clothing, shelter, and means of traveling.

    Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°Now it is okay. But when we go to the Western Army, I will probably get super busy. How can I teach him? I n to trust Xun Yuxi with him when we leave Jing City!¡±

    This was not only because Xun Yuxi was the highest-ranking member of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s staff, but also because Xun Yuxi was the Xue Family¡¯s promising grandson-inw. Just as Jiang Yashuang had said to Qiu Jinn, ¡°You have a master, go to your master¡±, he asked Xun Yuxi to instruct Lu He for the same reason. If he couldn¡¯t, Xue Chang could help teach.

    ¡°I see.¡± Qiu Yn said thoughtfully, ¡°What about the others that I have just seen today?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay if you know their face.¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled, ¡°Those people rarelye to Marquess¡¯s Mansion. They don¡¯t always make it when something really happens.¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded slightly. Even though he said that, he did not look nervous. She thought to herself, ¡°The whole fourth family is here. It is impossible to have a backhand against the first branch and the third branch. When Yashuang introduces his staff to meet me, perhaps he is just in case.¡±

    After these people had formally paid their respects, Qiu Yn also asked about their families¡¯ situation and assigned people to help and draw them. By the end of May, Marquess Qin was in a stable condition, but he was still unable to get up.

    Empress Dowager and Emperor took Jiang Yashuang¡¯s advice. They left a pile of nk edicts and went to Mountain Dizi to spend the summer.

    Because the Jiang Family was not going this year, before the journey for the summer, people from the pce to the court all came over to visit as a sign of respect.

    Zhuang Man and Ling Zui, who newly got married for a month, followed Princess Royal and her husband to Marquess¡¯s Mansion. Madame Tao came forward to greet them. After exchanging pleasantries, Zhuang Man was eager to go and see Jiang Jingkun and the other children. As her aunt who was known for her fiery temperament sat in the hall, both Princess Royal and Madame Tao would not refuse her.

    ¡°If you like children so much, you should have one yourself!¡± As soon as they stepped outside, Qiu Yn teased, ¡°Look at you and my brother Ling Zui. Your child will be cute!¡±

    ¡°Before leaving home this time, my sister-inw came over to give me a message. Have you inquired about the Mi Family?¡± Zhuang Man was cool for such jokes. With that, she was not blushing. Instead, she askedzily, ¡°What happened to the Mi Family again? I asked my sister-inw, but she digressed at once. I don¡¯t know what she meant.¡±

    Qiu Yn patted her head, ¡°When I came back that day, I was so busy telling my mother about Miss Lu that I forgot all about this!¡± She turned her head and ordered Su He, ¡°Go and find out what happened to the Mi Family.¡±

    ¡°My poor sister-inw. She must have been waiting to hear back from you all these days, right?¡± Zhuang Man tsked, ¡°She has never expected that you¡¯ve long forgotten it!¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s so much going on these days, right?¡± Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°One thing after another. It¡¯s just endless!¡±

    Although Zhuang Man was newly married to Ling Zui, she was aware of what was happening at the Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion and was deeply impressed, ¡°There are so many things going on this year! But when you think about it, it¡¯s still Xing who is the most pitiful. With the war in Xijiang, your brother will definitely not be able toe back on time for the wedding. And because of that, when will they be able to get married?¡±

    ¡°Who knows it? I just hope there will be good news from Xijiang soon.¡± Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead, ¡°Empress will be apanying Emperor to Mount Dizi. And I do feel a little worried. It is fine to have a phoenix carriage for the bumpy ground. But I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s more difficult to climb up the mountain. Especially, when Empress is due in July, she is still up there.¡±

    ¡°I also find it puzzling. Empress is about to give birth. Why is she still going to Mount Dizi? Even if Empress Dowager and Emperor want to go, they should have left her in Jing City to wait for her delivery!¡± Zhuang Man bristled, ¡°Even though they will take half of the Imperial Academy of Medicine with them, how can a pregnant woman travel a long distance?¡±

    Qiu Yn thought to herself, ¡°It can be seen that there is a big problem in Jing City. Otherwise, they will not have taken Empress, who is already eight months pregnant, to climb a mountain to spend the summer. It seems that they are worried that it is not safe enough for Empress to give birth in Jing City.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not mainly fear of the remaining members of the Gus. They are worried that once Marquess Qin passes away, the manpower of the first branch and the third branch will turn against them!¡±

    After all, the first branch had a concubine to be. Could they not see the pregnant Empress as a thorn in their side?

    With this in mind, Qiu Yn slowly spoke up to persuade Zhuang Man, ¡°If Empress really can¡¯t stand it, I¡¯m sure the Imperial Doctor dare not to conceal it. If so, why would Empress Dowager and Emperor insist on taking her with them? Since that they can take her with them, I think it will be fine.¡±

    While they were talking, they had already reached the courtyard. Qiu Yn ordered someone to carry out Jiang Jingkun and Jiang Jinng. Zhuang Man hugged this one and that one and teased them. However, whether it was because she was a novice and didn¡¯t know how to hold a baby or something else, she made Jiang Jinng cry so much that he couldn¡¯t be coaxed!

    That made her call Qiu Yn for help in a stack of sound.

    Qiu Yn, torn between annoyance and a desire tough, took over her son. She hugged him and walked back and forth in the courtyard. But it still didn¡¯t work. Zhuang Man said miserably and defensively, ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything to him. I just held him and teased him for a while¡­ Doesn¡¯t he like me? I just¡­¡±

    ¡°Will I suspect you of doing something to him?¡± Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°I think it¡¯s because he hasn¡¯t seen you too much and he is not familiar with you. I¡¯ll just coax him. Don¡¯t worry!¡±

    Zhuang Man looked embarrassed and turned around, trying to hug the elder Jiang Jingkun. But when Jiang Jingkun saw her reaching out for him, he stuck his head in his wet nurse¡¯s arms and refused toe out! The courtyard was filled withughter. And Zhuang Man was speechless with a darkened face.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go and sit over at my eighteenth sister-inw¡¯s ce for a while? Fu¡¯er is quite well-behaved and so is Jiao¡¯er.¡± Qiu Yn saw that Jiang Jinng could not be coaxed for the time being and Jiang Jingkun was clearly not giving face to Zhuang Man. She could not let Zhuang Man sit here and watch herself coax the child, could she? So, she turned to her and suggested, ¡°I¡¯ll go over to you guys when I¡¯ve finished coaxing him!¡±

    Zhuang Man thought she was right. So, she left with Chen Shui. The full name of Jiao¡¯er was Qiu Yejiao, the youngest daughter born to Jiang Qizheng and Qiu Feng in Shazhou.

    Strangely enough, as soon as Zhuang Man left, Jiang Jinng cried in a lower voice.

    After Qiu Yn coaxed him some more, he stopped crying.

    ¡°If I didn¡¯t know that Man¡¯er wasn¡¯t that kind of person, I would have doubted whether she hadid a secret hand on this child!¡± This situation made both Qiu Yn and her maids very speechless, thinking that it might be the fate that Jiang Jinng and Zhuang Man could not get along with each other.

    However, when Qiu Yn was relieved and handed her son to the wet nurse with the intention of going to Jiang Qizheng¡¯s ce, Jiang Jinng burst into tears again!

    There was nothing she could do but ask Su He to go and give Jiang Qizheng a message that she was stopped by his son.

    And soon it was noon. Jiang Jinng was tired of crying. After being watched by his mother as he ate his milk in the arms of his wet nurse, he fell asleep exhausted. And then Qiu Yn was able to leave. When she went outside, she asked Su He to squeeze her arms. She had hugged the child for the whole morning so that she was quite tired!

    As she just came out the door, she ran into someone who was sent there by Madame Tao to call for a meal.

    After the meal, Princess Royal and her husband excused themselves to leave. Zhuang Man wanted to stay longer, but Madame Tao did not agree. As she had married, she could not be capricious. Even if Princess Royal did not say anything about her because of Madame Zhuang and the Jiang Family, she might not be happy in her heart.

    Especially, with the journey for the summer around the corner, while Zhuang Man was the youngest daughter-inw who didn¡¯t have to worry about anyone else, she should send someone to pick up her own things in her room, right? How could she be allowed to do nothing and behave like an unmarried girl as she wished?

    Madame Zhuang could hardly bring herself to do so. Even though she was not quite reasonable, she knew the reason. She knew that what Madame Tao did was for the sake of Zhuang Man. So, she didn¡¯t look at Zhuang Man and let her be disappointed after a gaze. Atst, Zhuang Man, who turned to look back repeatedly at every step, was pulled away by Ling Zui.

    ¡°After all, she has just married. She is still like a child!¡± Madame Tao didn¡¯t smile lightly until she waited for Zhuang Man to leave, ¡°The good thing is that she is only the youngest daughter-inw. And she has her sister-inw to take care of everything. So, she doesn¡¯t have to worry about anything! As her brother-inw and sister-inw are a few years older than her and Zui¡¯er, there¡¯s nothing to argue about. Otherwise, her yful nature would have made Princess Royal worry.¡±

    It seemed to say that Zhuang Man was naughty and capricious, but in fact, it meant that Madame Zhuang had chosen a good husband for her niece.

    Madame Zhuang understood that. So, she smiled, ¡°At first, I thought that both Zui¡¯er and Man¡¯er are nice. And it would be great for them to be a couple! It turns out to be true.¡±

    The story was therefore covered. After Qiu Yn apanied her mother-inw and grandmother-inw to talk for a while, she returned to her own yard. Just at that time, Su He got the news and reported, ¡°Something has indeed happened to the Mi Family!¡±

 Chapter 455 - Kui Xiannan Passed Away

    <h4>Chapter 455 Kui Xiannan Passed Away</h4>

    ¡°Mi Yinyin was kind of crazy already when she was in the Mansion of Sir Jibei, and then the Thirteenth Young Master wrote the divorce letter to her after she was sent back to her maiden family. Although it became a peaceful divorce after Madame Shi intermediated, she was no longer the thirteenth madame after all. Mi Yinyin became even crazier after she knew it.¡± Su He gossiped about the things she overheard, ¡°She was tossing around at home every day and it made everyone miserable. Although Old Madame Mi and Madame Chu loved her, they couldn¡¯t leave her to disturb the lives of other family members. So, they pampered and persuaded her into being sent away to stay at the vige outside the city.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked, ¡°When was this?¡±

    ¡°It was the days aroundst Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve. I think they were afraid that she might spoil the auspicious atmosphere of the festival, right?¡± Su He made her guess, ¡°She stayed in the vige for over a month. After the first lunar month, she was getting better slowly. Madame, you know Mi Yinyin was so loved in her maiden family. She was sent to the vige only because there was no alternative. So, when her mother and grandmother knew she was doing well, they were so delighted that they invited her back to the city again. She stayed there till the end of the second lunar month. They saw her behavior had recovered to be normal so they made arrangements to find her a new husband.¡±

    ¡°This made sense. It¡¯s a liberal society now and families that truly love their daughters will never follow the rule of ¡®one husband till the end of the life¡¯. Some time back, Ruan Ciyi had been married for over ten years and given birth to two children yet after her breaking up with Fang Nongyan. But she was forced into another marriage by Qiu Jinn, not to mention that Mi Yinyin was only in her early twenties, just in her prime form.¡±

    ¡°Was there something wrong with the husband the Mi Family found for her?¡± Qiu Yn guessed, ¡°But what has it got to do with our fourth branch? Or maybe they have their eyes on someone rted to our branch.¡± She thought about Xun Yuxi, who was the grandson-inw to be of the Xue Family. The Mi Family would not wishfully think that they could possiblypete with the Xue Family. However, the engagement between Xun Yuxi and Xue Nongqing happened in April. There was no news about it at all by the end of February.

    Fortunately, things were not that dramatic yet. Su He shook her head, ¡°Mi Yinyin used to be the madame of our house after all. It would be awkward if she married someone in Jing City again. Moreover, her peaceful divorce with the Thirteenth Young Master led to a lot of judgements of her being jealous, none-virtuous, and childless. So, decent families in Jing City would naturally not want her. Therefore, the Mi Family matched her with the son of a non-local Prefect in the hope that the gossips wouldn¡¯t travel that far, and a low-rank magistrate wouldn¡¯t look down upon her. Well, there was nothing wrong with the Prefect¡¯s family, but Mi Yinyin went mad again after knowing the truth behind her marriage.¡±

    Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead, ¡°How was she mad?¡±

    ¡°She jumped into theke and off the building, hanged herself, and swallowed gold¡­ She tried all means to kill herself!¡± Su He shrugged her shoulders, ¡°The Mi Family had no other way but to call off the marriage, and sent her to the vige outside the city again.¡±

    ¡°What did this have to do with our branch? Why did Mi Yinyin¡¯s mother ask Commandry Princess Lihui to send the message to me secretly?¡± Qiu Yn was confused and asked, ¡°Did she think her daughter¡¯s madness had something to do with our branch?¡±

    Su He said, ¡°This was not the end yet. She was sent back to the vige at the beginning of March and she was mad for more than ten days. By mid-March, she seemed to get the right idea again. But the Mi Family couldn¡¯t trust her entirely again this time and sent someone to test her. Mi Yinyin admitted her foolish behaviors in the past and confessed her regret of dismissing all the family support¡­ Her words even made the tester cry, who then reported honestly back to the Mi Family. Afterwards, the Mi Family took her back and started again looking for a new husband candidate.¡±

    Qiu Yn felt tangled, ¡°Tell me the result. Why did Madame Chu ask us to inquire about her situation?¡±

    ¡°It is said that Mi Yinyin has been normal since she was invited back in mid-March. The person who she is going to marry was chosen and he is Jiang Hao, the nephew of the Prefectural Governor of Songzhou.¡± Su He pursed her lips, ¡°Jiang Hao lives with his uncle in Songzhou. Therefore, Mi Yinyin doesn¡¯t know if she could go back to Jing City again for the rest of her life after this marriage. She wishes to see her female friends before she goes.¡±

    ¡°So, this is!¡± Qiu Yn nodded her head. No wonder on the day of Zhuang Man¡¯s marriage, Commandery Princess Lihui hinted to Jiang Qizheng and her euphemistically that something had happened in the Mi Family. She didn¡¯t say it specifically but emphasized that she delivered this message only because she was the rtive. Now Mi Yinyin was a divorced woman and the divorce was caused by her own aunt who forced her son to do it. Only to speak of the resentment between Empress and her, how many persons woulde to see her off for her marriage, even they were invited?

    All had changed after all and the carefree youngdies in those days were already wives or moreover mothers. The one like Zhuang Man was not allowed to be capricious, let alone the others. Even if there was someone who felt sorry for what happened to Mi Yinyin and would like to visit her, she had to think about if The Empress would be offended!

    Besides, Qiu Yn was the best female friend of Empress. If Qiu Yn¡¯spassion brought her to the visit, the others wouldn¡¯t need to have any qualm.

    However, the nobles knew that the rtionship between Qiu Yn and Empress was established when Empress was at odds with Mi Yinyin. How would Qiu Yn annoy Empress for Mi Yinyin?

    Therefore, no matter how Madame Chu implored at her, the best thing Commandery Princess Lihuipromised on was to imply Qiu Yn to inquire about what happened in the Mi Family. In this way, if Qiu Yn was willing to visit Mi Yinyin out of pity, it was the best. Or if she would not go, Commandery Princess Lihui could save the embarrassment by telling the story face to face and avoid offending Empress if the story traveled to her ears.

    ¡°Of course, I am not going.¡± Qiu Yn made the decision without even thinking much, ¡°Forget about how preupied I am already with all the family chores. Even if I do go, it will give Empress a headache. I haven¡¯t really known Mi Yinyin well but I do know that she has always been weak since little and spoiled by her family. After marriage, she was also pampered like a daughter by the sixth aunt. People like her tend to be sensitive and fragile. When shepeted with others in the past, she couldn¡¯t even cope with a fewpliments to her opponents, let alone all the challenges recently. You never know what she might be struggling with right now. I am not afraid of her but why do I invite extra troubles?¡±

    After understanding what Commandery Princess Lihui hinted on that day, Qiu Yn just left it aside.

    The worst thing about choosing a side was to swing back and forward. Moreover, Mi Yinyin was at a young age, and her experience of repeated madness was indeed pitiful. But as it was said that the one who was pitiful must have done something hatred. Looking back at when she just got married, she was spoiled and pampered by her aunt and Jiang Yn always gave in to her. She was ountable to get herself into the current situation from the superiority she had before.

    However, Jiang Qizheng struggled after getting to know this. After much pondering, she came to discuss it with Qiu Yn, ¡°Yinyin is about to be married far away and has invited some old friends for a gathering. I know you are not going, but it may be difficult for me to do the same.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d better make a notice to Empress if you¡¯d like to go there.¡± Qiu Yn reminded her.

    She knew Jiang Qizheng had a different situation. The first time Qiu Yn saw Mi Yinyin, Jiang Qizheng invited her to Jinxiu Slope. It was not a few years ago and they had never been so close to each other. It made sense she was not invited this time since they were only shallow acquaintances to each other.

    But Jiang Qizheng and Mi Yinyin grew up together. Back to the year under the Jinxiu Slope, Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qisheng quarreled with Jiang Qizheng for Qiu Yn¡¯s sake. They asked their female friends to leave to embarrass Jiang Qizheng when she had the disputes with Gu E¡¯nuo. At that time, even He Shuijin, who was the best friend to Jiang Qizheng, left since she was afraid of offending her prospective sister-inw. Empress did not intend to leave at first, but she left atst to find the cat which was entrusted to her by her beloved one¡¯s sister. Mi Yinyin was the only one who stayed and she fought at the side of Jiang Qizheng.

    Just for this reason, Jiang Qizheng had to go there this time now that she was invited by Mi Yinyin.

    When she heard what Qiu Yn said, she implored, ¡°Please help me exin it to Empress!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng didn¡¯t pick up the side in the dispute between Empress and Mi Yinyin, but Mi Yinyin grew up with her while Xin Fubing was brought back to Jing City when she was a bit elder. So, the friendship with thetter was not as good as it was with the former. However, thetter was Empress then. She could not be offended.

    Qiu Yn answered positively, ¡°I am going to send someone to Dizi Hill tomorrow. I have something for Ruan Ciyi. It is a good chance to ask her to tell Man¡¯er so that Man¡¯er can exin the details to Empress.¡±

    Since it was not proper for the Jiang Family to apany Emperor for the summer holidays, Ruan Ciyi had nned not to go this year. However, Li Qianzhi said, ¡°It is as hot as a stove in Jing City every year. Even the adults find it unbearable if we don¡¯t use ice. But if we use ice, the house will be stuffy inside and it is not pleasant. Our children are young and weak, we can¡¯t let them suffer, can we? It is safe to go to the mountain for the natural coolness. If you think about Qiu Yn, send someone to visit her often. The summer vacation is only a few months and you can¡¯t see her every day even you stay in Jing City, can you?¡±

    Ruan Ciyi changed her mind then.

    Qiu Yn knew it and in order to make Ruan Ciyi feel at ease in Dizi Hill, she promised to send the message of safety frequently. She calcted the time and thought Emperor should just arrive at the Summer Pce. By the time her people arrived, it was estimated that Ruan Ciyi had cleaned up the side hall and had time to summon visitors. In fact, Qiu Yn could send someone to ask for a visit to Zhuang Man directly and not through Ruan Ciyi. This arrangement of her was out of some personal consideration. She would like Ruan Ciyi to have more chances to show her face to the seniors and make Jiang Qizheng remember the favor of Ruan Ciyi.

    This couldn¡¯t be said to be a deliberate scheme against Jiang Qizheng or Empress. It was just to help her cousin by the way. Jiang Qizheng saw it through but she didn¡¯t mind it, ¡°Thanks, my sister. I will send someone to the Mi Family and ask about the specific date of the gathering.¡±

    ¡­ Jing City was silent after Emperor left.

    It was kind of lonesome in the Marquess¡¯s Mansion.

    It was in the early morning that Qiu Yn awoke from her dream. Through the silk bed curtain, she saw the flicker in the thick yarnmpshade outside which was kept for the night. She sighed silently.

    Although it was a quiet sigh, Jiang Yashuang noticed. He asked with a vague voice, ¡°Are you concerned about your brother?¡±

    ¡°Maybe it is too hot.¡± Qiu Yn answered in azy voice, ¡°It seems the ice in the ice-pot has all melted into water, right? Shall we ask them to put more ice if you don¡¯t mind the cold?¡±

    She naturally worried about Qiu Jinn but it was not just for Qiu Jinn. In this sultry summer in Jing City, even staying in the cool house, people could get impatient for no reason and think about the burning sun. Things were so annoying like bad omens. Generally speaking, it was a year especially bad for the Jiang Family.

    But this was not yet the end of the year and this frustrating situation seemed to be going on as if it was determined.

    When Jiang Yashuang said ¡°good¡± to his wife, a hasty sound of footsteps came from the outside, making them rise up in horror!

    Fortunately, this was not about the deterioration of Marquess Qin!

    But it was not any better than that either. Well, this might not be entirely bad news to the Fourth branch.

    Anyway, Kui Xiannan passed away.

    The sky was notpletely bright yet and Marquess¡¯s Mansion was lit up all at once.

    All the masters got up in a hurry except for the children who were not old enough to understand the matter. All of them received the strict order from Madame Tao whilst getting up, ¡°The first is to hide the news from Chaohai. And second, alle to my yard for discussion at once!¡±

 Chapter 456 - Prepare for the Worst Thing

    <h4>Chapter 456 - Prepare for the Worst Thing</h4>

    ¡°Our father always deeply respects this eldest uncle, regarding him as his own father.¡± Jiang Tianqi wiped his cold sweat, uncovering worries and fears in his tone, ¡°Certainly, he mustn¡¯t hear the death. But now, our father¡¯s elder brother died while all grown men are serving around our father. We can¡¯t just send our butlers or bodyguards to Kui County. What should we do?¡±

    Nobody could me Jiang Tianqi for his unsuitable behavior now. Even if Marquess Qin¡¯s health condition had been improved, he was still on the bed. And the most important thing was that the sad news of his brothers¡¯ deaths would strike his struggles for life. Otherwise, he shouldn¡¯t hold Madame Tao¡¯s hands to say the words hidden in his heart.

    Under this circumstance, Marquess Qin must give up hisst struggle for life after hearing that Kui Xiannan died and go with his brother.

    All people were in silence for a long while. Jiang Tianqi looked at the fourth branch, ¡°Madame Zhuang, the only way now is to let Jiang Yashuang leave with reasons. He can be said to go to his father. Nobody else can express his condolence at Kui County with suitable reasons so that we can hide it from my father. If my father gets overwhelmed, then all our family¡­¡±

    Madame Zhuang¡¯s face became grave, ¡°Before the war in Beijiang, my husband had much spare time. If Yashuang had been there, his father should have given some directions. During the war, he could still have opened his eyes. His father wanted to foster him twice and Marquess Qin knew it. But now at the awkward time, sending him to Beijiang can deal with the absence of treating our father¡¯s health, but what if our father asks the war of Beijiang and worries that something worse may happen?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Jiang Tianqi muted with his face frozen.

    He knew what Madame Zhuang said all above was not for Marquess Qin as she did not want Jiang Yashuang to go to Kui County for condolence in the name of Marquess Qin¡¯s branch.

    Jiang Yashuang was the mainstay of the fourth branch. When Jiang Yashuang left, it would be fine if Marquess Qin got well. But what should the fourth branch do if Marquess Qin died and the third branch schemed against the fourth branch?

    But Madame Zhuang¡¯s words were also reasonable. Jiang Tianqi couldn¡¯t deny her. With annoyance, he lowered his voice, ¡°This isn¡¯t okay and that can¡¯t work. So, don¡¯t we send people there for our elder uncle¡¯s condolence? How could it be?¡±

    ¡°How about the junior generations?¡± Madame Tao finally spoke to rescue, ¡°Juan¡¯er and Huai¡¯er have been beyond ten years old. Actually, Heng¡¯er is older, but¡­ He isn¡¯t suitable.¡±

    All people be silent again.

    Among grandsons of Marquess Qin¡¯s branch, Jiang Jingzhui, Jiang Yaqing¡¯s eldest trueborn, was also the eldest grandson, but he suicided for his anger with Jiang Yaqing. And then it was Jiang Jinghu, Jiang Yadan¡¯s eldest son, who drowned. Thest was Jiang Jingheng, the second son of Jiang Yadan, who got severe autism now and couldn¡¯t go out alone.

    Following were Jiang Jingjuan, the eldest trueborn son of Jiang Yayi, and Jiang Jinghuai, the second child of Jiang Yaqing, who was born by a concubine.

    These two grandsons were eleven years old and ten years old. At their age, they were elder enough to present in the name of the seniors. But Madame Zhang said carefully, ¡°If Juan¡¯er goes there, I can say our grandmother thinks highly of him. But Juan¡¯er is always spoiled by me and he is always careless. I¡¯m afraid he may disgrace our branch¡¯s reputation.¡±

    As the eleven-year-old son would be sent far, how could his mother be at ease?

    But since Madame Tao put forward this suggestion, she surely thought twice, ¡°The sons and grandsons of our branch can¡¯t go, but at the Mansion of Sir Jibei, Jiang Yn may go. If he takes them, anything will be okay.¡±

    Madame Zhang helplessly looked at Madame Shi. Seeing that she was faceless and had no idea to reject it for Jiang Jinghuai, her son of a concubine, Madame Zhang signed in the heart and said, ¡°Grandmother. you are always considerate!¡±

    Jiang Tianqi looked at the fourth branch and the eighth branch and signed. These two branches showed a look as there was finally someone who would go. Apparently, they regarded two children of the first branch as their representatives.

    The day drew clearly and brightly. Madame Tao asked Madame Shi and Madame Zhang to pack for children quickly and sent servants to the Mansion of Sir Jibei to make sure that these nephews could go with their uncle¡­ After all these, she went to Marquess Qin in case of his worry.

    Jiang Yashuang would take care of Marquess Qin tonight. In case of weariness, Madame Zhuang asked him to sleep for a while.

    ¡°Jiang Yashuang follows me to my room. We, uncle and nephew, have something to say.¡± Jiang Tianqi said to the fourth branch.

    Madame Zhuang frowned, ¡°Yashuang needs to take care of Marquess Qin tonight. What if he is too weary to serve Marquess Qin well without good sleep?¡± Facing the hostility of killing the son, Madame Zhuang indeed took precautions against the third branch. Jiang Yashuang was the only son the fourth branch could rely on. What if the third branch took it so hard to die together?

    ¡°Hasn¡¯t he slept for all night?¡± Ignoring Madame Zhuang, Jiang Tianqi stared at his youngest nephew with aplicatedplexion, ¡°Otherwise we won¡¯t talk the whole day.¡±

    ¡°Mom, take it easy. My uncle will take care of Marquess Qin then.¡± Thinking twice, Jiang Yashuang promised him and calmed his mother down, ¡°My eldest grand uncle has gone. I am young and my uncle worries that I may say something wrong with my grandfather and so he wants to tell me something.¡±

    But somehow the uncertainty and anxiety oppressed Madame Zhuang¡¯s heart but Jiang Yashuang disappeared with Jiang Tianqi. Biting the lips, she spoke loudly to the servants, ¡°take care of time, if Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯te back within an hour, ask our people¡­¡±

    But she worried too much. Though the third branch hated the fourth branch, they didn¡¯t trap for Jiang Yashuang this time. Of course, Jiang Yashuang knew it, otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t go with Jiang Tianqi.

    ¡°Only two of us here now. I¡¯m not circuitous!¡± It was time for Jiang Yayi and Jiang Yadan to take care of Marquess Qin. And Jiang Yaheng, Jiang Tianqi¡¯s youngest son, took care of Jiang Tianqi. But now Jiang Tianqi asked him out, talked directly with Jiang Yashuang, ¡°There are only three seniors in your grandfather¡¯s generation. Two of them have gone. As the middle one, your grandfather is staying in the bed and he can hardly be stimted. All the descendants want the old to live longer, but¡­¡±

    After those forewords, Jiang Tianqi addressed with a heavy tone, ¡°But under this circumstance, we need to prepare for the worst thing.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang totally knew what he wanted to say. Without disclosure, he nodded slightly, ¡°What should we do now?¡±

    ¡°If there¡¯s something wrong with your grandfather, I will go with your eighth uncle for condolences in the hometown.¡± Jiang Tianqi made it direct, ¡°It¡¯s the cardinal rtionship that we have to obey. Within the sons of your grandfather, your father has the most probability to seize the power.¡±

    Now with Beijiang¡¯s ongoing wars, personal filial responsibilities weighed, but the name of the country and the nation weighed more.

    But Jiang Tianqi and Jiang Tianxiao didn¡¯t have the same fortune. They both had the most distinct powers but were not so important to the court and nation. Both the country and the nation worked well without them.

    So, they had no reason to seize power. And their insistence on power just gave reasons for the fourth branch to take revenge.

    ¡°As for the feud in our branch, I will not talk too much. We all know.¡± Jiang Tianqi stroked his beard under his jaw and spoke carelessly, ¡°If you think my following words are exaggerating, I don¡¯t me you. You can take it just as I have said nothing! ¡±

    ¡°The first branch and our third branch have managed for many years in the court, though your eldest uncle and I have disappointed people as we can¡¯t fight Xue Chang down. At the same time, your fourth branch trapped us several times. All these have led us to these continuous failures. However, even if Xue Chang, the elder statesman for three emperors, dares not to say it¡¯s easy to deal with us.¡±

    ¡°And the power in Jing City, your fourth branch fall much to us. It¡¯s useless even if Jiang Yadan remarried Commandery Princess Lihui and drew Duke of Huainan over to his side. Duke of Huainan had inclusive strategies. But in order to defend against Empress Dowager Gu, he kept alone. Forming cliques now is just like the Xin Family with ate pace and weak stage. It¡¯s ok to seize power with ordinary people. But for the old foxes like people of Xue Chang, he is just a green hand.¡±

    ¡°Surely the first branch and my branch have to condole, but our people do not need to. They can still work in the court. However, if your grandfather dies and we go back to Kui County at the same time, no one knows if they will still be faithful to us. Just speaking of Xue Chang, we are losers of him. How can you think you can win without us?¡±

    Jiang Tianqi gazed at Jiang Yashuang, addressing his voice, ¡°Your grandfather treats Xue Chang very well, but it is said that he has always been faithful to Emperor! Emperor is the most talented son of the former emperor. He always behaves considerably. But how do you know he is willing to behave so all his life? And Duke of Huainan, speaking about the blood, he is the uncle of Emperor. Blood is thicker than water. The inws or the nephews, who do you think he will pick?¡±

    Having said that, Jiang Tianqi made himself clear. The fourth branch had no power to rely on. In other words, they could believe in nobody in the court.

    No matter Xue Chang or Duke of Huainan, their standing for the fourth branch, the essential reason was either that they could draw the attention of the first branch and the third branch or Xue Chang and Duke of Huainan could benefit from the fight against the first branch and the third branch.

    Without the fourth branch¡¯s support, Xue Chang would fail behind. So, they must secure the fourth branch.

    This rtionship of benefit could be strong and fragile. Kui Xiannan¡¯s death had been confirmed as the Jiang Family¡¯s first branch was on the way home. Marquess Qin was ill in bed. If his health condition got worse, the third branch would pack stuff and leave the court.

    The departure of the first branch and the third branch would make the fourth branch less important to Xue Chang and Duke of Huainan. They could divide their benefit themselves.

    Surely the fourth branch had great power in the army and so what? In old days Marquess Qin had the name of Defender of the State and had much greater influence than Jiang Tianchi. And he also needed to curry favors with Tao Yinsong. So, he proposed marriage with the Tao Family after his first wife died.

    The court could set up Great General of North and Great General of West. There was a way for the court to manage them.

    The simplest threat was army baggage.

    Tough and frozen frontiers could hardly bear the cost ofrge frontier armies. Once the court did something with the frontier armies, the greatest general had to bow to the court.

    Even if wars broke out in Xijiang and Beijiang, the court dared not venture. But how long wars wouldst? Bring up foes to seize their power? There were old foxes in the court, not old idiots. They would consider negotiating peace.

    They didn¡¯t need to worry if other nations would disagree because both the western savages and Beihu had more people and less wealth than Darui. Honestly, a long war would exhaust them.

    And then they gave them some benefits with a sound reason and leaked that Premiers wanted to set upon the generals but couldn¡¯t make it because of the war. There were no idiots of the other nations¡¯ negotiators. They hoped to see an internal struggle between Premiers and generals.

    That was to say if the Jiang Family continued the internal struggle after Marquess Qin died, there were many possibilities for them to return to the time their family built. They had to make benefits or all of the families were in danger.

    Jiang Tianqi held his hands at his back, ¡°So, give me a certain word. If your grandfather¡­ Do you believe what I said or take time to step us down to get your branch higher?¡±

 Chapter 457 - Ace in the Hole

    <h4>Chapter 457 - Ace in the Hole</h4>

    ¡°Is Hong Shan pregnant?¡± Jiang Tianqi had a showdown with his nephew to deal with the situation after the pir of the family fell. Madame Zhuang, who was waiting for her son in the fourth branch, had a pale face, ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Because she hasn¡¯t been pregnant for a long time, the doctor doesn¡¯t dare to confirm it, but he also says that she may well be pregnant.¡± The servant sent by Madame Wen said cautiously, ¡°Madame let mee here to ask you¡­ What if Hong Shan is really pregnant?¡±

    Qiu Yn, who was also waiting for her husband, had a twitch at the corner of her mouth, thinking that fortunately Chu Yitong had just been sent back to the yard by Madame Zhuang. Otherwise, she would be so annoyed.

    But Madame Zhuang was just as annoyed as her eldest daughter-inw. After rubbing her forehead for a long while, she said lukewarmly, ¡°What about Hong Shan herself? Would she like to be with Dan¡¯er or would she like to marry another person in the future?¡±

    That person thought for a while and said cautiously, ¡°Madame, Hong Shan has always been honest and she has not spoken since the incident in April. Even if my Madame talked to her, she only cried without saying a word. Now¡­ It¡¯s even more difficult to know what she thinks about. My Madame thinks this matter involves the bloodline of the Jiang Family, so it¡¯s better to let you know it.¡±

    ¡°Dan¡¯er has a lot of children. My sister-inw likes Hong Shan so much so she must want her to live a good life¡­¡± Madame Zhuang didn¡¯t finish her words but she had already shown her thoughts. Jiang Yadan had no shortage of children, whether boys or girls. So, Madame Zhuang didn¡¯t mind Madame Wen helping Hong Shan have an abortion and continuing the remedial n which they had negotiated before.

    That person heaved a sigh of relief, ¡°Thank you for your advice, Madame. I¡¯ll go back to tell it to my Madame now!¡±

    In fact, Madame Zhuang¡¯s attitude was clear even if nobody came to ask her. However, Hong Shan was carrying a baby of the Jiang Family, so how would the Zhuang Family dare to meddle in it and make the decision?

    ¡°How could this be?¡± Madame Zhuang sighed and said to Qiu Yn, ¡°Fortunately, Shuang¡¯er is not as useless as Dan¡¯er. Otherwise, I don¡¯t know how to live a life then!¡±

    Qiu Yn agreed with what she said in her heart so much, but she couldn¡¯t belittle her brother-inw just as her mother-inw, so sheforted her softly, ¡°Mother, don¡¯t be so upset. I think my eighth brother did that just because he drank so much that night.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think he will have a promising future for the rest of his life.¡± Madame Zhuang touched her temples in frustration and said lightly, ¡°By the way, remember to remind me to send something to the Zhuang Family for that maid aspensation after two days! That maid is really pitiful. She was about to get married, but she just encountered Yadan who destroyed her life! In the future, when she leaves our family and gets married, we have to prepare a generous dowry for her!¡±

    Madame Zhuang was always said to be vicious in Jing City, especially in the circle of nobles rted to the Jiang Family. However, ording to Qiu Yn¡¯s observation, other than hating concubines and being partial to the people she liked and somewhat domineering, she was actually quite easy-going.

    Otherwise, no matter how much Madame Wen valued this maid named Hong Shan, she was just a servant after all. There were so many important things that the Jiang Family needed to worry about at the moment, but Madame Wen had sent people over and over again to discuss with Madame Zhuang for the sake of a maid of hers. After all, even if they didn¡¯t tell Madame Zhuang about it and didn¡¯t dare to kill the baby, they could cause an ¡°ident¡±. A grumpydy of the house would have already been annoyed if being disturbed like this in this eventful period!

    For example, Madame He would definitely feel that there were too many things in her maiden family¡­ Of course, this was also because Madame He was not good at handling affairs and she would be annoyed when there were many things to deal with¡­

    Qiu Yn murmured in her heart. After she said yes, someone outside reported that Jiang Yashuang was back.

    Both of them breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing that Jiang Yashuang was alright after he came in, they were finally relieved, and then they asked him what Jiang Tianqi talked to him about together.

    Seeing that there were no outsiders here, Jiang Yashuang did not hide it and told them what Jiang Tianqi had just said. Madame Zhuang and Qiu Yn both frowned after hearing it, ¡°Will things really be as he says?¡±

    ¡°We just have a small number of people in our branch and our inws don¡¯t have many offspring as well.¡± Jiang Yashuang nodded, ¡°In the final analysis, we don¡¯t have enough reliable helpers in the court. We are likely to fall into the situation of being alone and returning to the army if the first branch and the third branch copse!¡±

    The Jiang Family got the title ¡°Half Regime Jiang¡± after Marquess Qin quit the army and entered the court. Before that, although Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei had made great achievements in the wars, they were not considered to be powerful ministers, let alone ministers who could hide the truth from the masses and make Emperor a puppet at this time. How could powerful ministers stay away from the court for so many years?

    Therefore, in order to maintain the current status and power of the Jiang Family, they must seize the military power and reliable court allies.

    But¡­

    The Jiang Family didn¡¯t have particrly reliable court allies at this time.

    After all, although Empress Dowager Jiang, Jiang Tianao, Jiang Tianqi, and Jiang Tiancan, who were under the leadership of Marquess Qin, were of the same bloodline, they had been contending for power and profit all the time. For them, the fewerpetitors, the better! They didn¡¯t have enough profits even for their family, so how could they allow outsiders to get involved?

    The only exception was Xue Chang, who was strong and had a deep foundation since he started to make his fortune from an early time, so he managed to secure a ce in the situation where the Jiang Family was dominant.

    Even the Duke of Huainan, who was the member of the royal n, was barely qualified to squeeze into this rank recently because of theck of representatives in the court for the fourth branch of the Jiang Family.

    In other words, in terms of military power and the power in the court, the Jiang Family had arge number of people and they only used their own people.

    But Kui Xiannan¡¯s and Sir Jibei¡¯s offspring had been in mourning, and once Marquess Qin died, the Jiang Family, who led both civil and military officers at this time, would have to hand all the power to others! They had never thought that there would be such an unfortunate moment. The offspring of three families had to resign in less than half a year and they were not prepared to train any outsiders at all. Something was bound to go wrong!

    Madame Zhuang was so anxious, ¡°And then what should we do? Should we let your father support the third branch and the fourth branch or let him be against Xue Chang and Chu Xiao?¡±

    ¡°This is just an emergency n.¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°Grandfather¡¯s condition is fairly stable now¡­¡±

    ¡°It will be the best if your grandfather is alright.¡± Madame Zhuang said in a low voice, ¡°But if something really happened, what should we do then? We can¡¯t have an internal struggle and allow the outsiders to take advantage of it and drive our family out of the court. But you are also aware of the feud between the first branch and the third branch and our branch. How can the feud be eliminated since a son was killed? Even if they have no evidence, they are clear in their hearts. We may trap ourselves then!¡±

    Madame Zhuang was not very concerned about Marquess Qin¡¯s life and death at first. In her opinion, Marquess Qin would suppress her branch as long as he was alive. If he died, the first branch and the third branch would be like the meat on her own chopping block. Their good days would be over then!

    But at this time, hearing the consequences that her son told her, she wanted her father-inw to stay alive, at least for two years!

    Although the rtionship between the first branch and the sixth branch and them was not very good, with their existence in the court, the fourth branch would not be restricted by the people in the court to enter the court because their forces were almost in the army.

    Immediately, she was extremely annoyed, ¡°It¡¯s annoying to measure the scale. If your father has to keep the filial piety, he will definitely be fighting in Beijiang, and you must go back to Kui County to observe mourning. It will be inconvenient tomunicate since you are far away from each other¡­¡±

    Jiang Yashuang sighed slightly and said, ¡°Mother, you don¡¯t need to worry. If I had not guessed what the third uncle would talk to me about before, I would not have agreed to go there!¡±

    ¡°Um?¡±

    ¡°Mother, the three years of mourning are just for your generation.¡± Jiang Yashuang said calmly, ¡°For my generation, we just have to do that for one year. Although our Jiang Family has been growing and thriving only for decades, we have good luck and deep foundations in the whole country. Even if some important officials in the court intend to do something to us, how can they turn the world upside down in just one year?¡±

    ¡°But people of your generation haven¡¯t grown up yet!¡± Madame Zhuang said, frowning, ¡°Even the eldest Jiang Yayun, although he has been carefully trained by Jiang Tianao, is no match for Xue Chang. And Xue Chang has Cheng Jin, Ding Yiguang, and some others behind him. All of them have experienced the political struggle between the Empress and the Empress Dowager and have been in the court for many years, so how can they be easy to handle? I don¡¯t think Jiang Yayun can threaten them!¡±

    Speaking of this, she sighed secretly. If Jiang Yadan had not picked up bad habits since he was in his prime and been talented, the fourth branch would have had nothing to worry about then after he cooperated with Jiang Yashuang.

    ¡°We still have our fourth aunt!¡± Qiu Yn, who had been listening to them, suddenly said.

    Jiang Yashuang nced at her approvingly, ¡°Yes! It doesn¡¯t matter whether our eldest brother is a match for the important officials or not. We still have our fourth aunt. Even if Emperor is not her biological son, she is his nominal mother. His Majesty doesn¡¯t dare to disobey aunt¡¯s words.¡±

    So, after listening to Jiang Tianqi¡¯s ¡°honest¡± words just now, he directly pointed out that once the whole Jiang Family returned to the hometown to have a mourning time, the most important thing was to keep Empress Dowager Jiang safe during this period if the Jiang Family wanted to stage aeback then.

    After all, Empress Dowager could control Emperor in the name of ¡°filial piety¡±, and she would have righteousness after controlling Emperor. It would be a good pawn in the future no matter to restore the Jiang Family or to control the officials.

    Empress Dowager Gu also changed the Gu Family, which was originally just an ordinary official family, into a noble family with a mansion and a title of Duke in the name of helping her son handle affairs.

    ¡°¡­ The third uncle promised to make a list of the spies arranged by the third branch in the Imperial Pce to our fourth aunt, and he would also help to persuade the first branch. After all, these people are now under the control of the first branch and the third branch. But once these two branches both go to Kui County thousands of miles away, some people may have some evil thoughts then! Even if not, they may be bewitched by others as well! Anyway, only let the reliable people stay with our fourth aunt!¡±

    After Jiang Yashuang figured out the purpose of Jiang Tianqi¡¯s invitation, he ignored Madame Zhuang¡¯s obstruction and came to the third branch not to listen to Jiang Tianqi¡¯s persuasion but to force him to hand over this list and pave the way for Empress Dowager Jiang to clean up the Pce. There would be no better opportunity to weaken the first branch and the third branch in the Pce anymore. Because of Jiang Tianjiao, Empress Dowager Jiang and Madame Tao had always been very dissatisfied with the first branch and the third branch. Even at this time, they didn¡¯t show weakness to Empress Dowager. If Marquess Qin really died, with Empress Dowager Jiang, the fourth branch would have an ace in the hole and be able to hold on for three years.

    In particr, the Northern Army was gaining the upper hand in Beijiang. In Jiang Tianqi¡¯s opinion, his fourth brother would certainly take advantage of this opportunity to beat Beihu badly! After handing over the Northern Army to Jiang Yashuang, he would return to Jing City to be the next ¡°Marquess Qin¡±!

    In short, the fourth branch was holding good cards, owning routes of retreat in any situation. But the first branch and the third branch were not so lucky!

    After listening to the ins and outs from Jiang Yashuang, the mother-inw and daughter-inw let out a long sigh of relief, ¡°You have to serve at night, so go to have a sleep now!¡±

 Chapter 458 - The Next Year

    <h4>Chapter 458 - The Next Year</h4>

    This night, Jiang Yashuang served a bowl of medicine to Marquess Qin. Suddenly, Marquess Qin asked, ¡°Kui Xiannan died?¡±

    ¡°What do you say?¡± Jiang Yashuang was taken aback, considering if somebody serving him just now leaked. Jiang Yashuang disagreed in the mouth, ¡°My eldest grand uncle can¡¯t get up now. But it¡¯s no big deal. And for the return of the eldest uncle¡¯s family, my eldest grand uncle gets a higher spirit and bes healthier.¡±

    ¡°I dreamed that he said goodbye to me.¡± Marquess Qin said weakly.

    Jiang Yashuang kept calm, ¡°You must worry too much about my eldest grand uncle so that you dreamed about him at night. It can¡¯t be real.¡±

    ¡°Just go into mourning!¡± Marquess Qin closed his eyes and said weakly, ¡°He is the eldest brother of our generation. Don¡¯t trifle his mourning things for me. And pay attention to the people of condolence. Don¡¯t send children of grandsons to temporize him. Your generations go in condolence. Make sure his funeral is fine.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± About this, Jiang Yashuang knew the death of Kui Xiannan couldn¡¯t be covered. He answered with his heart sank, ¡°Yes, grandfather.¡±

    Actually, the Jiang Family all thought Marquess Qin would go with his two brothers. Now Marquess Qin dreamed about Kui Xiannan¡¯s death and made sure it was true. The whole people regarded it as a bad omen.

    ¡°All in all, let¡¯s try our best!¡± Jiang Tianqi listed the names for condolence and signed to his two sons, ¡°Luckily, Empress Dowager supports our family.¡±

    Empress Dowager Jiang could have such a high status nowadays was because of her father¡¯s power. The Jiang Family¡¯s thriving didn¡¯t rely on her. So, when Marquess Qin was well, Empress Dowager was just so-so. No matter how graceful she was, she was just nobody as Marquess Qin was in charge of the court. Especially, she showed partiality to the fourth branch, which made her in the way of other branches. But once Marquess Qin went by, she was the best support to defend the political attacks.

    Nothing in life was certain.

    There were many uncertain things. At that time Jiang Jingzhan was assassinated and Kui Xiannan was ill in bed after hearing the news. Now the Jiang Family made the same preparations as they thought this time Marquess Qin would probably go with Kui Xiannan. However, after two days¡¯ sleep, Marquess Qin looked healthier than before.

    The whole Jiang Family, including Madame Tao, all thought Marquess Qin was the gasp near copse and began to tear secretly.

    But days went by. Almost the end of June, Marquess Qin was still alive.

    At this time, Dr. Lin confirmed the diagnosis, ¡°Old Master isn¡¯t thest gasp near copse. He indeed bes healthier.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Ready to hear the second death, the Jiang Family didn¡¯t know how they should behave.

    The most regretful one was the third branch who thought Marquess Qin must die. They tried to get the support of Empress Dowager Jiang and sent their secret pawns who were unknown in the court to Empress Dowager Jiang. But now, a few days went by, Marquess Qin¡¯s health condition bes much better.

    Regrets were useless and they couldn¡¯t tell these losses to Marquess Qin. After all, nobody would be happy to know that his children were eagerly seeking other support when he got close to death.

    ¡°Anyway, my father is well. The Jiang Family is stable. It¡¯s great.¡± The third branch could just console themselves like this.

    At the beginning of July, Empress Xin gave birth to the eldest trueborn son in the Summer Pce on Mount Dizi. Empress Dowager and Emperor overjoyed and called to grant a general amnesty to all people in the country and then asked servants to send the news to frontiers to celebrate the sessors of Darui.

    The little prince¡¯s banquet of his first month of life¡¯spletion was held in the Summer Pce on Mount Dizi. On that day, Empress Dowager Jiang herself named ¡°Shao¡± for her grandson, which meant grace.

    Hearing the news in Jing City, the couple of Qiu Yn released, ¡°As long as this prince is well, after years, we try to apply him as the crown prince. And then Jiang Huizhi can¡¯t mount any conspiracy.¡±

    In the middle of August, Emperor took Empress and prince back to Jing City. Compared with the news that Marquess Qin became well and the country had a prince, the recement of the Imperial Guards by new people hardly drew people¡¯s attention.

    Maybe too many things happened in the first half of the year, almost taking the quotes of the whole year. So, nothing great happened in thest half of the year for some people. Ou Qinn didn¡¯t want to be dyed by the wars in Xijiang and thus waste her youth. So, she decided to get married to Qiu Jinn in Xijiang. And Madame Zhuang was going to return to Beijiang in September. These events were big. But from the broad situation, these two things were private matters.

    Time flew as trees and grass grew and withered. Another spring came.

    Under brilliant spring sunshine, Qiu Yn half opened the windows to watch her two kids walking unstably in the yard. Smiles showed on her lips, ¡°It¡¯s rare for them not asking me to y with them for such a long while.¡±

    ¡°Two junior young masters are ying with Nianxue and Whitey. Nianxue and Whitey are super cute. Junior young masters love them at first nce.¡± Mujin ground the ink and smiled respectfully.

    Mujin was one of Qiu Yn¡¯s dowry maids. Qiu Yn didn¡¯t want to dy the youths of her maids so she gave marriages to her maids like Su He and others, including Chunran and Xiaran who imed that they wouldn¡¯t marry all their lives.

    And then in thest half ofst year, after arranging Su He¡¯s marriage, Qiu Yn chose four maids from the little maids, changed their names as Mujin, Mumian, Mn, and Mulian, and asked Su He to teach them. They used to serve at the yard and learned many of Qiu Yn¡¯s love and habits. So, Qiu Yn got used to them quickly.

    But as they have neither the rtionship like Su He who grew up with Qiu Yn nor the experiences that Chunran and Xiaran had with Qiu Yn. So, they could still y jokes with Qiu Yn too but not so suitable and close as Su He.

    Hearing that, Qiu Ynughed and rebuked, ¡°They are catching the cats all around the yard now. When they grow older, the cats will not have a ce to rest.¡±

    Mujin smiled with no appropriate words to reply.

    At this time, Su He came behind curtains, ¡°My madame, the Lian family has sent the invitation card for Miss Wang¡¯s birthday party next month, asking you to go with two junior young masters.¡±

    ¡°Get it. You can write me the name list of the gifts.¡± Qiu Yn was practicing her handwriting and asked, ¡°How about your own things? Or I list the gifts myself. Your time is worth.¡±

    Su He became shy and pouted, ¡°I¡¯m free now and always. You can ask me to do anything safely.¡±

    ¡°But there are only five or four days left and you still worry about these. I can¡¯t give this thing to you.¡± Qiu Yn stopped her brush, asking Mujin, ¡°Ask Mrs. Zhou about the process of Su He¡¯s marriage.¡±

    Mujin chuckled, ¡°Yes!¡±

    After Mujin left, Su Heined, ¡°I said I didn¡¯t marry and served you all my life. If you don¡¯t need maids, then it¡¯s ok. But you marry me outside the mansion and have burned my ve contract. I can¡¯t serve you forever. There are just a few days to do something for you. How can you drive me away?¡±

    And then her eyes became red.

    Seeing her grievances, Qiu Yn put her purple blush down, holding her hands, ¡°We grew up together. You know our rtionship. I never regard you as a maid. But I had a baby. Lang¡¯er was a thorn in many people¡¯s eyes. So, he was not safe and I was afraid that no trusted people apanied me. Or I should have married you two years before. Saying about the ages, you are a few months younger than me, Now Lang¡¯er can call others but you haven¡¯t married. How can I dy it?¡±

    And then Qiu Yn said again, ¡°Although you marry outside our mansion, can¡¯t youe back to see me? Who doesn¡¯t know you at our mansion? Who dares to stop you? Tell me at my drowsy store. I must stand for you.¡±

    ¡°But the Huang family have some industries. You know, after my marriage, I must manage his family. With so many trifles, how can I have time to see you?¡± Su He got upset, ¡°I don¡¯t want to depart with you. Can¡¯t you find a servant in our mansion for me? And then I can serve you after marriage.¡±

    ¡°What the silly words are! Your talent would be wasted if you married a causal servant.¡± Qiu Yn patted her hand, ¡°Huang Muyuan only has the reputation as a Xiucai, but he has brilliant character and family finance. His parents have passed away. He doesn¡¯t live with his brother¡¯s family. When you marry him, you can do things as you want. You will surely lead a free and happy life. If you have something difficult, you can tell me at any time.¡±

    Qiu Yn lowered down her voice, ¡°After two years, if he treats you well, we can help him to get a higher position. If he can do better, maybe he can earn you the title of nobility.¡±

    With muchfort, Su He felt better and asked about Chunran¡¯s marriages. She and Qiu Yn chattered for a while. Jiang Yashuang came back and then Su He left.

    ¡°Su He doesn¡¯t want to leave you at all. Why do you marry her outside?¡± Jiang Yashuang Seeing their red eyes with tears, Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t know to me orugh. He undressed his clothes with the help of Qiu Yn and said, ¡°If you want to give her a title of nobility, you can choose a good servant, giving him a chance to be an officer outside our mansion. And then she also can get the title.¡±

    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t feel sad when marriage? After she gets married, when her life bes better, she will not be upset anymore.¡± Qiu Yn cared less about the sadness, ¡°Our family can give the servant an office. But how can theypare with people who gain his own reputation?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang just mentioned casually and then he followed, ¡°This year Yongfu will end her condolence. For months ofst year, the Ministry of Rites has prepared. Today I heard Princess Royal Lexin will marry in July, two days after Emperor¡¯s birthday.¡±

    ¡°Princess Royal Lexin marries after Emperor¡¯s birthday. Won¡¯t it be too hurry?¡± Qiu Yn was surprised.

    ¡°When both Princess Royal Lexin and Prince of Wei get married, then it¡¯s Yongfu¡¯s turn. Counting the age, Yongfu has been twenty. How can¡¯t my fourth aunt worry?¡± Jiang Yashuang exined, ¡°And if Princess Royal Lexin marries after Emperor¡¯s birthday, Ministry of Rites can save much arrangement. After all, both of them are great events. They can just adjust a little.¡±

    This couple started to discuss the gifts. There are many good things in the imperial family. These three were dyed by the deaths of the former emperor and Empress Dowager Gu. There were sisters and brothers who were younger than Emperor, two or three of who needed to be arranged marriages.

    If nothing happened, the weddings would be held from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.

    ¡°This is also a big expense. We have won wars in Beijiang one by one, but Beihu doesn¡¯t give up. Some wars in Xijiang failed. But luckily without a huge loss, then good newses now. I wonder when the firework will end.¡±

    So, the weddings didn¡¯t mean good things. ¡°ording to our country¡¯s default rules, if sons or daughters have his or her own mansion after marriage, they will be given hundred thousand for their setting. Just Lexin, Prince of Wei, and Yongfu, these three would cost at least two million silvers. Yongfu is the only daughter. Empress Dowager will surely give more than one or two million to Yongfu! Counting the next, the national treasury may be empty.¡±

 Chapter 459 - One-year-old Birthday Banquet

    <h4>Chapter 459 - One-year-old Birthday Banquet</h4>

    But no matter how empty the national treasury was, it was not possible to keep highborndies from marriage. It was basically impossible to save on these expenses. It was no wonder that Marquess Qin treated Xue Chang so favourably. Faced with the amount of money the court needed to spend, if there hadn¡¯t been a prime minister who was good at filling the national treasury without harassing the people, he would have exploited their people!

    Qiu Yn sighed for a while about the pressure on the national treasury. And then she suddenly thought of Chu Chunxiao, ¡°Chunxiao is about the same age as Yongfu. She is 20 years old this year. Even though Yongfu doesn¡¯t marry, she has gotten engaged. It has been three or five years now, hasn¡¯t it? They can¡¯t continue to force her to marry the Duke of Puyang, can they?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was reminded of this. He pondered for a moment and said, ¡°All right, you should go to the pce in a couple of days and put the feelers out to see what my fourth aunt thinks. If she does not allow it, I will go there and persuade her.¡±

    ¡°What if your fourth aunt still forbids it?¡± Qiu Yn demanded.

    ¡°Yongfu hasn¡¯t seen much of Xiao Su in the past two years. So, my fourth aunt wouldn¡¯t disagree.¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°Speaking of Xiao Su, he seems to be ill again.¡±

    The corner of Qiu Yn¡¯s mouth twitched, ¡°Will Yongfu go over to visit?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps my fourth aunt is not willing to let her know the news. After all, she and Bicheng are going to set the date for their wedding. How could my fourth aunt allow unwanted epilogue?¡±

    Two dayster, Qiu Yn entered the pce. She went to Hall of Taishi to see Empress Dowager. After exchanging pleasantries, the topic of Chu Chunxiao¡¯s marriage was brought up. Empress Dowager did not mention her marriage to Xiao Su again but said, ¡°In the past two years, there has been so much going on in the court and beyond that, I forgot about this child¡¯s marriage! When speaking of that, it was Qizhuan who treated us like strangers. If she hade to me and mentioned it, we would have remembered it, wouldn¡¯t we? And the child will not be unmarried until now. Luckily, you keep that in your mind!¡±

    ¡°I also thought of it by chance. I don¡¯t deserve your praise, my fourth aunt.¡± Qiu Yn said modestly. And then she asked if Empress Dowager Jiang had any requests or instructions for Chu Chunxiao¡¯s marriage. ¡°Speaking of which, my third sister has not said anything about Chunxiao¡¯s marriage. Apart from the fact that she has had a lot of things to do in the past two years and is afraid of disturbing you, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s because she has only one daughter and she doesn¡¯t know what kind of person to choose for her. My fourth aunt, you know so many people. If you could do her a favor, she would thank you a lot!¡±

    Empress Dowager Jiang understood her meaning and said with a smile, ¡°After all, it should be someone that is good in character and appearance with a decent family background. And he must treat Chunxiao well and be filial to Qizhuan and her husband! If they can¡¯t decide, just report to me. I can lend a hand!¡±

    As such, Qiu Yn was relieved. Empress Dowager clearly meant that she did not intend to interfere with Chu Chunxiao¡¯s marriage.

    After chatting with Empress Dowager Jiang for a while and making her happy, Qiu Yn excused herself and went to find Empress in Beique Hall.

    But when she arrived, Emperor was also there. The pce maid outside said quietly, ¡°Emperor is watching the little prince. I¡¯m afraid that he won¡¯t leave for a while.¡±

    ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll withdraw. Please tell Empresster!¡± There was nothing that Qiu Yn had to see Empress for this visit to the pce. So, with that, she asked Mujin to give that maid a pouch and then left the pce.

    After leaving the pce, she first went to visit Jiang Qizhuan¡¯s family at the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Qiyang and told them that Empress Dowager Jiang softened her attitude.

    Jiang Qizhuan was in tears at her words. If Qiu Yn hadn¡¯t pulled her quickly, she would have almost kowtowed to her. After crying for a while, she was persuaded by Qiu Yn to stop crying. But she sighed, ¡°My husband is increasingly getting sicker. And I¡¯m not a strong person myself. I¡¯ve been calling the doctor over. And the smell of medicine in the mansion has never stopped! As a result, Chunxiao hasn¡¯t been able to go out much in the past two years! How could I know someone suitable for Chunxiao? My sister-inw, please help us once again and give us an idea!¡±

    Qiu Yn was very willing to help them. But it also put her in difficulty. ¡°I¡¯m not very familiar with the young men in Jing City. What about I go back and ask Yashuang?¡±

    ¡°My sister-inw, it¡¯s all up to you!¡± Jiang Qizhuan insisted on calling Chu Chunxiao toe out and kowtow to her aunt before letting Qiu Yn go.

    When she returned to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion, her husband had already returned and was ying with the two children in the yard. So, she stood by and waited for a while. When Jiang Yashuang was free to go and came over to ask, she told him what had happened, ¡°The third sister has entrusted me with the task of finding a husband for Chunxiao. But how do I know about the young men of Jing City? So, I told my third sister that I¡¯lle back and ask you.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang thought for a while, ¡°Let me make a list for you tonight¡­ And you take it to the third sister.¡±

    After the list was finished, Qiu Yn picked it up and read it first. When she saw that the first one was the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang, she was slightly surprised. But when she took a closer look, she found that it was not Xiao Su but Xiao Mu. And then she was relieved, ¡°Although Xiao Mu does not have a royal title, he is in good health. And from the experience that we met him before, he is not a sly person. Plus, as the Duke of Puyang¡¯s younger brother, it¡¯s okay for him to match Chunxiao.¡±

    Especially, Xiao Su, at such a young age, took medicine as a meal. And he was forever falling ill. The evil thought was that he would probably not be able to put through it and die. At that time, wouldn¡¯t the position of the Duke of Puyang belong to Xiao Mu?

    The Prince¡¯s Mansion of Puyang¡¯s mourning period had long expired. But the brothers of the Xiao Family had not been engaged. So, Qiu Yn pointed to Xiao Mu¡¯s name and asked, ¡°I think Xiao Mu is good. But howe he has not been married yet? Is there a reason for this?¡±

    ¡°He insisted on waiting for Xiao Su to marry before considering his own marriage. But just think about Xiao Su¡¯s health condition. Which noble family would dare to allow their daughter to marry him? Even if there were a family who would sacrifice their daughter, old Princess Chu wouldn¡¯t dare to make him marry. After all, he¡¯s going to fall ill with a little toss and turn now. What if the strain of marriage aggravates his condition?¡± Jiang Yashuang exined, ¡°So, both old Princess Chu and Xiao Su were in favour of Xiao Mu¡¯s marrying first, so as to, at least, the Xiao Family can have a descendant. When Xiao Su was sick two days ago, I went to visit him. And Xiao Su even asked me privately to persuade Xiao Mu. So, when you talked about choosing a husband for Chunxiao, I immediately thought of Xiao Mu. Speaking of which, Chunxiao is quite familiar with him.¡±

    Qiu Yn bore that in mind and asked each of the others about their situation. The next day, she took the list to the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Qiyang and introduced them to Jiang Qizhuan one by one, asking her to choose on behalf of her daughter. Jiang Qizhuan looked at them all. But she was hesitant to make up her mind and finally asked Qiu Yn to choose for Chu Chunxiao.

    Qiu Yn pulled a wry face, ¡°My sister, Chunxiao grew up in front of you. To be honest, I have not seen her many times. How can I know her as well as you know her? If the one I choose for her is not to her liking, won¡¯t that be a disservice to her for the rest of her life?¡±

    When she saw that Jiang Qizhuan was hesitant, she said, ¡°We don¡¯t have to make decisions in a day or two anyway. Why don¡¯t I leave the list with you? You and Chunxiao can discuss it for a few days. I¡¯lle back in ten days. What do you think?¡±

    Jiang Qizhuan thought it a good idea. And it was settled.

    When Qiu Yn returned to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion before she had time to change her clothes, Mumian came up to report, ¡°Just now, I went to Madame¡¯s ce to send something. And I have heard that Mistress Gu, who is in the Eighth Young Master¡¯s yard, is pregnant.¡±

    ¡°Is Gu E¡¯nuo pregnant?¡± Qiu Yn froze for a moment and asked in a deep voice, ¡°Did the servants say it privately, or did my eighth sister-inw go and tell my grandmother?¡±

    ¡°It was the eighth madame who went to report to Madame. And Madame rewarded her with something.¡±

    ¡°And then let¡¯s pack up some things and send them there too. Remember to choose the second-best ones. Do not make my eighth sister-inw upset!¡±

    After ordering this, Mn came up, holding an invitation card in both hands, ¡°Lady Yejiao will be one year old in five days. Chunfu Princess invites you toe to her mansion for a gathering, madame!¡±

    It was Jiang Qizheng and Qiu Feng. They decided to hold a family banquet for their second daughter, Qiu Yejiao, on her one-year-old birthday.

    ¡°In a blink of an eye, my niece has turned one year old. It feels like yesterday she was held in hands!¡± Qiu Yn looked at the invitation card with some emotion, ¡°It seems like my eighteenth sister has been pregnant again, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    Mn smiled, ¡°Madame, exactly!¡±

    ¡°Go open the storehouse and prepare the gifts!¡± Qiu Yn put the invitation card on the desk, ¡°By the way, take the newly made dresses out. I¡¯ll see which one is good to wear on that day.¡±

    After a busy period, it was time for the banquet for Qiu Yejiao¡¯s first birthday. Chunfu Princess¡¯s Mansion was decorated with lights and flowers. But it wasn¡¯t too noisy as not many people received the invitation card.

    ¡°Jiao¡¯er is so lovely. You are lucky to have both a boy and a girl. And now you have a baby again. How flourishing your family is!¡± He Shuijin hugged Qiu Yejiao and couldn¡¯t stop kissing her soft cheeks.

    Jiang Qizheng and Qiu Feng were both good-looking. Naturally, their children were good-looking too. Qiu Yejiao, swaddled in a red silk and pomegranate swaddle, was as pretty as a snow doll. What made her more appealing than her brother, Qiu Yebai, also known as Fu¡¯er, was that she loved to smile.

    She couldugh out loud even though no one was teasing her. And now, while He Shuijin was hugging and kissing her, her tinklingughs never stopped. That made people melt inside.

    ¡°You already have Ya¡¯er. You can also make it if you have a daughter.¡± Jiang Qizheng kept an eye on her eldest son, Qiu Yebai, who was running around, and smiled, ¡°And Ya¡¯er looks so much like you. I¡¯m really jealous! Look at my two children. Fu¡¯er looks just like his uncles. And Jiao¡¯er looks just like her father. None of them look like me. What a pity!¡±

    Ya¡¯er was He Shuijin¡¯s son Jiang Jingya. He was born in Februaryst year as well. But it was the beginning of the month. So, the banquet had already been held. As Marquess Qin had not recovered from his illness, the scale was even smaller than today. Only the Jiang Family¡¯s own people were invited.

    ¡°If you have a few more, you don¡¯t need to be afraid that there won¡¯t be one like you.¡± Qiu Yn, who was feeding Jiang Jingkun with candied fruit,ughed and said, ¡°Maybe this one in your belly now is exactly like you, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°From your mouth to the God¡¯s ear!¡± Jiang Qizheng smiled, ¡°I really want a child who looks like me, no matter it is a boy or girl!¡±

    Although the Princess¡¯s Mansion didn¡¯t hold avish feast today, Qiu Yn and He Shuijin were not the only guests. So, when Zhuang Man heard them talking about children, she beamed, ¡°I don¡¯t have any children yet! You¡¯re all talking about children. And you¡¯re leaving me out!¡±

    ¡°Go back and tell your husband if you¡¯re envious¡± He Shuijin teased her with a smile, ¡°You just got married in Aprilst year. It hasn¡¯t even been a year yet. Why the rush? Perhaps there will be good news if you be with us, won¡¯t there?¡±

    Zhuang Man was not the kind of person who would be caught off guard by such words. When she was about to retaliate, someone not far away suddenly put down the bowl of tea. Chu Yitong was smiling while there was no smile in her eyes as she stood up and said, ¡°I identally dripped tea on my dress. I¡¯ll go and change. I¡¯ll leave you out to it!¡±

    ¡°¡­ It seems that we have offended my sister-inw?¡± After she left, the crowd looked at each other. He Shuijin spat out her tongue with remorse, ¡°Sincest year, there has been no news after the miscarriage of my eighth sister-inw. But two days ago, Mistress Gu got pregnant¡­ We should not have talked so much about children just now!¡±

    She was a tactful person and did not want to make unnecessary grudges. That was she thought so. Zhuang Man thought differently, ¡°We¡¯re here for the birthday banquet of Jiao¡¯er. How can we not talk about the topic of children? If she really doesn¡¯t want to hear it, she can just quietly walk away. Why does she drop a tea bowl to draw our attention before getting up? She gives that attitude¡­ As if we all deserve to look at her face!¡±

    ¡°Forget it. It¡¯s my fault for being thoughtless.¡± Jiang Qizheng¡¯s face did not look good. As Zhuang Man had said, it was reasonable to say something about the child at a baby¡¯s one-year-old birthday banquet. Chu Yitong could have expected this before she came here. But now she gave that attitude. As a host, her face waspletely swept away.

    At this moment, she covered it coldly, ¡°We are all families. Let¡¯s be amodating to each other! I think my eighth sister-inw is too upset to behave herself.¡±

    Despite this, all felt bored. The one-year-old birthday banquet, to which not many people were invited, was anticlimactic atst. After the banquet, looking at the sisters-inw and young aunts who were much colder than when they arrived, Mrs. Zhu could not help but advise Chu Yitong on the way back to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion, ¡°Madame, I know that you are feeling miserable. I understand. But on an asion like this¡­¡±

    ¡°Leave me alone!¡± Chu Yitong interrupted her with an expressionless face.

    There was a moment of silence in the carriage.

 Chapter 460 - Unexpected Visitors

    <h4>Chapter 460 - Unexpected Visitors</h4>

    The furor at Qiu Yejiao¡¯s one-year-old banquet was not mentioned by any of the parties involved after they returned to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion. So, it passed.

    Three days after that, it was Wang Qingqian¡¯s birthday.

    Qiu Yn brought Jiang Jingkun and Jiang Jinng to visit her as promised. And the Lian Family received them with great enthusiasm. At the birthday banquet, Madame Lian sought an opportunity to ask quietly, ¡°I heard that Princess Royal Lexin is going to get married in the same month of Emperor¡¯s birthday, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiu Yn knew what she meant, ¡°After the marriage of Princess Royal, it was the turn of Prince of Wei.¡±

    Madame Lian was relieved. Back then, Wang Qingqian was unexpectedly chosen as the princess. But first, she couldn¡¯t get the dowry together, which was finally solved after the raid on the Duan Family. And then Empress Dowager Gu and the former emperor died. On the advice of important officials, Prince of Wei kept his mourning for three years. However, after the mourning, Wang Qingqian¡¯s reputation was strangely ruined¡­ For several years, the Lian Family had been worrying about the marriage. When Princess of Wei finished his mourning, Madame Lian was eager to see her daughter marry him as soon as possible to avoid any idents!

    Now, with Qiu Yn¡¯s words, she calcted that in her heart. Although July was already the second half of the year, it might not be toote to have a big wedding in the remaining months. Especially, Princess Royal Yongfu, the daughter of Empress Dowager, was two years older than Wang Qingqian. Madame Lian was afraid that her daughter¡¯s youth would be dyed again. And she thought that Empress Dowager would also consider the same thing for the sake of Princess Royal Yongfu. So, if there were no idents, Wang Qingqian should be able to get married this year.

    With this in her mind, Madame Lian¡¯s mind was set. And she asked Qiu Yn for advice on what to wear for Emperor¡¯s Birthday in a few days.

    When she returned from the Lian family¡¯s banquet, Qiu Yn changed her clothes. Shan who served He Shuijin also got married. Xian, Juan, and others got married as well. The four new maids of He Shuijin, Shan, Jiao, Jie, and Yuan, were named with the same form as her former maids. Shan, the leader of He Shuijin¡¯s four new maids, came over to report, ¡°My madame invites you over for a chat, Madame Qiu!¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± He Shuijin had always been a busy person. Especially, now that she had a son and had to guard against her mother-inw Madame He, she had been even busier this year. This year, she had always asked her trusted subordinates to send word directly and rarely asked Qiu Yn to go over to meet her. At this moment, Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help but guess if something had happened again.

    As expected, Shan said softly, ¡°It seems to have something to do with the fact that several young masters from Kui County are escorting Miss Huizhi to Jing City.¡±

    ¡°Counting the days, my eldest brother and eleventh brother have all finished their mourning. Huizhi is also twenty now. It is time for them to return to Jing City together.¡± Qiu Yn followed Shan to the third branch. When she saw He Shuijin, she asked, ¡°Is there any change in this matter¡­ That needs to be discussed?¡±

    He Shuijin looked at the servants around her. When all of them left, she said, ¡°If it were just the grandchildren of the first branching back with their great-grandchildren, there would be nothing. But this time, there are people from the second branch and the fifth branching along.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Qiu Yn was slightly surprised, ¡°These two branches are not going to be officials, aren¡¯t they? Do theye to Jing City just for a visit¡­?¡±

    ¡°It would be nice if it were so! But think about it, although Kui County is much richer than before because of our Jiang Family. No matter how rich it is, can it bepared to Jing City?¡± He Shuijin plucked the tea bowl in front of her and said seriously, ¡°Even if they reallye here to open their eyes when they see this flowery world, can they really hold on to it and not stay? We all know very well how our grandfather treats our eldest grand uncle¡¯s family! It was our eldest grand uncle¡¯s wish that the second branch and the fifth branch should not be allowed to be officials. But now our eldest grand uncle passed away, he did not leave the second branch and the fifth branch with the words that they would not be allowed to be officials in the future. If these two branches begged grandfather, do you think our grandfather would be soft-hearted?¡±

    ¡°Besides, even if they didn¡¯t mention being officials and just stayed in Jing City for having fun¡­¡±

    He Shuijin put her hand out, ¡°I¡¯m not that petty. However, my sister-inw, you know that there are a lot of people in our family who only spend money and don¡¯t care about earning it! Your fourteenth brother-inw is one of them! Although I have some experience in managing properties, I don¡¯t have the skills to turn stones into gold. I can maintain the current situation. But if there are a few more who waste money, I can¡¯t make it!¡±

    ¡°Our third branch is managing the property of the Marquess¡¯s Mansion nowadays. But to put it bluntly, in the future, when the family is divided, your fourth branch and the eighth uncle¡¯s branch are rightfully entitled to share the wealth while the other branches have no reason to do so. The first branch has been living with grandfather for decades. It is just eptable to provide them with food, clothing, and housing. But if the second branch and the fifth branch also make the Marquess¡¯s Mansion feel being taken for a ride, then¡­¡±

    Obviously, He Shuijin didn¡¯t wee the second branch and the fifth branch to Jing City at all!

    After all, the estate she now presided over would have to be divided into four in the future, with the third branch taking two shares and the fourth branch and the eighth branch each taking one share. That was to say, without taking into ount the gifts Marquess Qin would make to his nephews on his deathbed, half of the assets that He Shuijin was now worrying about would be for the fourth branch and the eighth branch.

    Even if the third branch, as the eldest branch, could take two shares. However, Jiang Yaheng was not the only male heir of the third branch. The third branch¡¯s estate had to be divided into four shares, with the dead Jiang Yaqing¡¯s branch taking two shares, and Jiang Yayi and Jiang Yaheng each taking one share. Even if Jiang Yaheng could get arger share, considering that for many years it was He Shuijin who presided over them, it might not be more than Jiang Yaqing¡¯s share!

    And in this case, she had to supply some outsiders. It made sense that He Shuijin would be resentful. Who wanted their hard-earned possessions to be squandered by someone who came out of nowhere without wincing?

    ¡°And that¡¯s just in terms of family assets. In terms of the political pie, the second branch and the fifth branch are unlikely to be in high positions at the moment. But what about the future? Even though Marquess Qin may still be alive for a few years. The second branch and the fifth branch are always members of Kui Xiannan¡¯s branch. Previously, Kui Xiannan did not allow the second branch and the fifth branch to be officials because he did not want to encroach too much on the interests of his nephews and also to appease Jiang Tianao¡¯s grievances. How is it possible that the second branch and the fifth branch have followed the first branch back to Jing City without the permission of the first branch?¡±

    It urred to Qiu Yn in a sh, ¡°The first branch is not someone who will remember brotherhood. They must be doing this for a reason. Could it be because Jiang Yayue has passed away and there are not enough trustworthy people and so they are nning to get help from the second branch and the fifth branch?¡±

    From the point of Marquess Qin, the head of the Jiang Family, he didn¡¯t like Madame Han. But the second branch and the fifth branch born by Madame Han were also the bloodline of Kui Xiannan in the end. When Jiang Tianao and Jiang Tianyuan were wronged, Old Master Tianju and Old Master Tianjun were still young. They were not at the age so that they were not abetted by their mother to bully their half-siblings. So, Marquess Qin¡¯s feelings towards these two nephews were not bad.

    Besides, the two branches had been in Kui County for decades. No matter how prominent the Jiang Family was in Jing City, they could only keep their old father as a country squire in their hometown. They were totally paying the price for their mother. As such, Marquess Qin would have some pity for them.

    In terms of the second branch and the fifth branch themselves, they were not allowed to be officials. No matter how well they did in their study, they were not allowed to enter Jing City for the imperial examination. They were artificially limited as Juren. Even if the ban on their being officials was removed, it was hard for them to develop overnight. As they had spent many years in Kui County, they never got along with their rtives from the two branches of Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei, nor did they have much affection for each other.

    In contrast, despite the feud between the first branch and them, their bloodlines were closer. And their sons and daughters of the same family had many contacts. If they wanted to be officials, who else could they follow except for the first branch?

    ¡°I really didn¡¯t expect Jiang Tianao to choose this way after his old father passed away. What he did is also tantamount to a magnanimous gesture in front of Marquess Qin.¡± Qiu Yn pursed the corners of her lips and said in a slow voice, ¡°It¡¯s just that when they say they¡¯reing, we can¡¯t say we don¡¯t want them toe, can we?¡±

    ¡°The people who are in mourning in Kui County, except for the married daughters, have alle. The family of our fourth brother born to our second uncle and the family of our fifth brother born to our fifth uncle are also included.¡± He Shuijin took a sip of tea, ¡°Our fourth brother was Juren. Not to mention his daughters, his only son Jingmu is just eleven years old. When hees here, do you think he won¡¯t have a try in the imperial examination in spring? And if he doesn¡¯t pass, he will probably try again. I have made inquiries. The way our fourth brother acts¡­¡±

    She threw up her hands, ¡°It¡¯s somewhat simr to that of our eighth brother.¡±

    Well, without any other words, Qiu Yn already knew the character of this fourth brother whom she has never met.

    ¡°No offense. But my sister-inw, as who he is, even if our eighth brother passed, do you think he is willing to leave Jing City for being an official?¡±

    Of course not. Jiang Yadan had apanied Jiang Qizheng to Shazhou, which was already his only advantage that he valued his siblings. And at that time, Jiang Yadan thought that he could return to Jing City soon after a short trip to Shazhou. He never intended to stay there for long. If it were for any other matter that he was asked to leave the bustling Jing City, perhaps he would rather be killed.

    ¡°At this age, Jingmu is at the right time to study. Our fourth brother can use him as an excuse. He can say that he is worried if he doesn¡¯t take the kid with him when being an official outside. However, if he takes him, he is afraid that it will be bad for his study because there aren¡¯t as many schrs outside as in Jing City!¡±

    So, when the family of the Fourth Young Master Jiang Jingzhao came there, it was nearly impossible to make him go unless he himself was willing to leave.

    ¡°And when ites to our fifth brother, he doesn¡¯t have many children either. He just has two sons. You also know the news that after Jingzhan¡¯s death, his wife, Madame Jin Junior, hanged herself and died for her husband.¡±

    ¡°Nowadays, there are only our fifth brother, his wife, and his youngest son Jingman in his family. Jingman is only thirteen, two years older than Jingmu!¡±

    ¡°Our fifth brother is not interested in studying. But I have heard that he is quite good at pleasure. When he was in Kui County, he alone spent more than 100 gold a day! That¡¯s because Kui County is just a county and its prosperity is limited! When hees to Jing City, I really don¡¯t know how much money he will spend.¡±

    He Shuijin said, ¡°It is said that the son takes after his father. Jingzhan did the same thing as our fifth brother when he was alive. Jingman is still young. But I think he should be simr to his father and brother, right? If that were true, what should we do with our life?¡±

    Qiu Yn knew that the Marquess¡¯s Mansion could afford the squandering like this. But why was that?

    She couldn¡¯t help but frown, ¡°Aren¡¯t they nning to bring any money to Jing City themselves?¡±

    After the rise of the Jiang Family, the branches in Jing City grabbed countless amounts while the other branches in Kui county got in on that and raked in a lot of money as well. How else would Jiang Yawan be able to spend a hundred gold a day on himself?

    ¡°The first branch has been using the public ounts of our Marquess¡¯s Mansion to afford their daily use. It is said that our grandmother Madame Dou started it during her lifetime.¡± He Shuijin sneered, ¡°Having them as an example, do you think the second branch and the fifth branch, who are brought to Jing City by them, will not take advantage of this? In their eyes, they have been suffering in the countryside! Now that they¡¯vee to Jing City, it¡¯s only right that we spoil them!¡±

    ¡°When they pay their respects to our grandfather, he will, in all likelihood, keep them in the mansion¡­¡±

    After living in the mansion, if they asked for things and said nothing about paying money, how could He Shuijin ask them for money as Marquess Qin was there?

    Qiu Yn rubbed her forehead and mused, ¡°Well, my sister-inw, why don¡¯t you say that there is a problem with the ounts and reduce the expenses of all the people in the mansion, except for grandparents? When the two familiese, we can treat them with the standard that we have reduced. And then they will have no reason to say they are treated badly. For the rest of the expenses, you can pretend to be confused and let them find their own way, can¡¯t you?¡±

    It seemed like the only way to go. They couldn¡¯t just kick them out, could they?

 Chapter 461 - A Kept Man

    <h4>Chapter 461 - A Kept Man</h4>

    He Shuijin went ahead and did it. Two dayster, there was news that she got so mad that she imposed heavy punishment on a dozen stewards. Of course, the reason was that they made major mistakes that had resulted in huge losses.

    ¡°It is no exaggeration to say that our family is now rolling in money every day. You and the stewards have earned so much for the family over the years, haven¡¯t you? But we all make mistakes. You can punish them for their asional mistakes. Why be so angry?¡± When Madame Tao found out about this, she called He Shuijin over and advised her, ¡°Don¡¯t make them feel chilled in their hearts. It is okay to make up for the mistakes in other ways. You need to take care of such a big family. Even though you are young, it¡¯s no good for your health if you always get angry!¡±

    ¡°My grandmother, the thing you don¡¯t know is that I have got a n to make a good deal of money. They didn¡¯t get things wrong before while at this point, they made mistakes. As such, I¡¯m afraid that we won¡¯t make much this year!¡± He Shuijin told Madame Tao gloomily, ¡°ording to my calctions, our family has lost all the money we earned in the past few years. And we may have to pay more for cleaning up the mess!¡±

    Madame Tao was shocked at her words, ¡°How could this happen?¡±

    ¡°I am to me for being greedy. I had the intention to set up this trap a few years ago. But I didn¡¯t expect that I would get myself into trouble!¡± He Shuijin was ashamed and apologized, ¡°Although it was the stewards who made mistakes, I am also responsible for theck of discipline. I have decided to put in my dowry to make up for it. But this is not enough¡­ Please punish me, my grandmother!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that! Why are you going to use your dowry? No matter how much we lose in business, the Jiang Family will nevere to use the dowry of my granddaughter-inw! Just take your dowry away! If I find out that you dare to use your own private property to fill the gap in the public ounts, I will not spare you!¡± Madame Tao pulled a long face instantly, ¡°Let it go at that! In business, it¡¯s normal to lose or win. When you made money for the family in the early years, it went into the public ounts and was divided among all of us. It did not all go into your personal pocket. Now that there is loss, you¡¯re going to fill it with your own money. It doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±

    Madame Tao passed on the message to all the branches. Before He Shuijin spoke, she offered, ¡°Our family was spending a lot of money over the years. I have thought that we should cut costs somewhere in this family. But I have never remembered to ask! Now that we¡¯ve lost a lot of money on the business, I think we should take this opportunity to cut back on spending, except for your grandfather.¡±

    All branches had long been informed by He Shuijin. They knew that it was to prevent the Kui Xiannan¡¯s branch from squandering the funds belonging to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion after they arrived in Jing City. So, they all readily agreed. And they also said, ¡°It is, of course, reasonable to reduce our spending. But how could our grandmother¡¯s spending be curtailed?¡±

    Madame Tao could not make the juniors change their minds. So, she had to promise that her spending and that of Marquess Qin would remain unchanged. Only the expenses of each branch would be reduced. It was also in ordance with the generation. The expenses of the generation of Jiang Tianqi were reduced less and basically remained unchanged.

    After all, Jiang Tianju and Jiang Tianjun were already at this age. As there was Madame Han in Kui County, the two brothers couldn¡¯t leave their mother behind ande to Jing City after they observed their mourning, right?

    So, it was the grandchildren who were really cut down more on the expenses. After confidential discussions between the branches, the amount of money set for the grandchildren was less than half of what it was before¡­

    Let alone the great grandchildren.

    ¡°The two junior young masters are still young. If their expenses are deducted like this all of a sudden, won¡¯t their future food and amodation be downgraded as well?¡± When Mrs. Zhou and Mrs. Qu heard the news, they were both a little worried.

    ¡°Nope!¡± Qiu Yn waved her hand, ¡°While our spending is going to be reduced in public ounts, we can live the same life as before. If we need extra money, just take it from my dowry!¡±

    In fact, Qiu Yn did not care how much property she could get from her husband¡¯s family in the future. The main reason why she was standing with He Shuijin was that she was worried that the second branch and the fifth branch would affect the interests of the fourth branch politically when they came to Jing City.

    So, despite giving He Shuijin the idea of cutting back on expenses, she had no intention of making her branch condemned to a life of hardship. Whatever, she had arge dowry!

    When Jiang Yashuang knew that, he said, ¡°I am kind of a kept man, aren¡¯t I?¡± At that time, the rule was that no one was allowed to acquire private property before the family was divided even though everyone would break this rule in private. Otherwise, how could they set up their own forces? But in order not to be discovered, the size of the private property was not that big!

    And the earnings from the private property were needed to gather subordinates. His sries were also used for that. He had always relied on the public ounts to support his family. As the public ounts were cutting back on expenses now, the people in this branch would have to lower their living standards if Qiu Yn did not take the dowry to make up for it.

    ¡°There are conditions to be a kept man. If someone is not handsome enough, he cannot be a kept man even if he wants!¡± Qiu Yn touched his lips with her fingers with an evil grin, ¡°Yashuang, don¡¯t you think so?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang looked at her with a smirk. Suddenly, he stretched his arm and pulled her into his arms. And he said slowly, ¡°It is not enough to be handsome. He also has to¡­¡± He abruptly turned around and carried her into the bed, and murmured in her ear, ¡°Be good at serving his woman, right?¡±

    The second day, Qiu Yn got up with her back aching. She irritably pushed the arms holding around her and said darkly, ¡°Serve¡­ Do you serve me? Or do I serve you?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang pulled her into his arms again with a smile and saidzily, ¡°The husband and the wife are one flesh. Isn¡¯t it the same for us?¡±

    ¡°It is not the same!¡± Qiu Yn snorted and tried to get out from his arms, ¡°Stop it! Let me go! Empress Dowager¡¯s birthday ising in a couple of days. I¡¯ve asked someone toe and make some new clothes! I can¡¯t get upte!¡±

    ¡°You look good in any outfit. Why put any effort into dressing up?¡± Jiang Yashuang kissed her on the cheek. And then he released her with fondness and teased, ¡°Everyone else will be out of style by then and will surely hate you!¡±

    ¡°If they hate me, they should hate you as well!¡± Qiu Yn bickered with him while she was getting dressed.

    Jiang Yashuangughed out loud and said smugly, ¡°There are many people who hate me as I have a beautiful wife and lovely kids. Do you think it only starts on Empress Dowager¡¯s birthday?¡±

    The two of them got up,ughing and joking. It was the day to pay respects to Madame Tao. So, after Qiu Yn helped her husband dress up and sent him out on his errand, she asked the wet nurses to carry the two children and together they went to the yard of Madame Tao.

    Madame Tao was always considerate. If there was nothing important, she never detained her juniors. She would basically let them go after greetings. Of course, she also liked it when her juniors were free and willing to spend more time with her.

    But today Madame Tao sent the others away except Qiu Yn, ¡°Yesterday your youngest grand aunt sent someone over to our mansion to tell me about something. You may need to do an errand!¡±

    Qiu Yn said rapidly, ¡°Grandmother, just tell me!¡±

    ¡°Your thirteenth brother has finished his mourning. Madame Mi Junior was not virtuous. And she didn¡¯t have a baby for him! So, he was still all alone after all the years since he got married!¡±

    Madame Tao sighed, ¡°Your youngest grand aunt saw how pitiful he looked all alone. Now your sixth uncle and sixth aunt are still in their mourning. And there is a rift between your thirteenth brother and your sixth aunt over the matter of Madame Mi Junior. So, your youngest grand aunt thinks she should deal with it! She has found a girl for your thirteenth brother. She is the youngestdy of the Feng Family, who is said to be very close to your cousin Ruan Ciyi of your maiden family. So, your youngest grand aunt wants you to find out more about her from your cousin lest she ends up like Madame Mi Junior, who was said to be so good. But after she married your thirteenth brother, they found that they got screwed!¡±

    When Qiu Yn heard Madame Tao say this, she vaguely recalled something. When Ruan Ciyi had just returned to Jing City, Qiu Jinn was annoyed with her ex-husband Fang Nongyan who bullied the Ruan Family as it had been declined, spoiling his mistresses and dishonoring his wife. In order to end the matrimonial rtionship between Ruan Ciyi and Fang Nongyan, Qiu Jinn begged Madame Sun of the Xue Family toe forward and invited a number of noblewomen to check on Ruan Ciyi¡¯s injuries. At that time, Madame Feng was the first toe forward and cried foul for Ruan Ciyi. Madame Feng was said to be the closest friend of Ruan Ciyi¡¯s mother, Madame Tan, when she was a girl.

    Could it be that this Miss Feng was the junior of that Madame Feng?

    Although Jiang Yn was not such a dedicated person, he was not a bad person. If it were not for Mi Yinyin who was obsessive, the two of them would note to divorce. All in all, Cousin Yn was no match for the top of the noble sons. He was neither as good as the real heirs like Jiang Yashuang who had been carefully educated, nor as bad as the fops represented by Jiang Yadan who had beenpletely abandoned by the family.

    If he was given an overall score¡­ Qiu Yn thought for a while and felt that it was not a pitfall for Miss Feng. So, she agreed.

    She sent a message to Ruan Ciyi that day and came to the door the next day. ¡°This is what happened. Please talk to me about it so that I can go back and tell my grandmother!¡±

    Ruan Ciyi was a bit surprised, ¡°Feng Hanyan? I didn¡¯t have a lot of contact with her before. Otherwise, you would have met her. But she is very fond of Shan¡¯er. After seeing him at the one-month birthday banquet with her aunt, she came over every other day. And that¡¯s how I get to be familiar with her.¡±

    Shan¡¯er was exactly Li Shan, the son of Ruan Ciyi and Li Qianzhi.

    Qiu Yn made a note of this and asked her to borate on Feng Hanyan¡¯s appearance, talents, and personality.

    Ruan Ciyi pondered for a moment and said, ¡°She looks quite simr to her aunt, whom you should have met, the closest friend of my mother in her early years.¡±

    Sure enough, it was that Madame Feng¡¯s own niece!

    ¡°If so, she is a beauty too!¡± Qiu Yn recalled. She didn¡¯t remember much of what Madame Feng looked like. But it seemed to her that although Madame Feng was a little older, her beautiful face could still be recognized. Furthermore, as Feng Hanyan had been listed as a candidate of Jiang Yn¡¯s wife, Madame Tao¡¯s trusted subordinate must have seen her. How could Madame Tao not consider the appearance when she was choosing a new wife for her grandson?

    ¡°As for the talent¡­ I think it¡¯s simr to that of an ordinarydy. She can do a few things that ady should master. I don¡¯t find her particrly outstanding. But she has got a great personality. Shan¡¯er is at the age when he likes to cry. The fact is that you can find a lot of people unless they are parents or wet nurses, who just like children when they are not crying. When children make a fuss, they want to hide away!¡± Ruan Ciyi said, ¡°She is patient. Every time shees to see Shan¡¯er, not only does she not hide when he cries, but she often offers to coax him for the wet nurse.¡±

    And with that, sheughed softly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. To be honest with you, Shan¡¯er is now even closer to his Aunt Feng than you, the real aunt.¡±

    ¡°When she gives her heart, she gets something in return!¡± Qiu Yn was not jealous. She covered her mouth and smiled, ¡°Didn¡¯t Shan¡¯er call out to me just now? He is not too distant from me, either!¡±

    Afterughing and listening to Ruan Ciyi¡¯s specific story about Feng Hanyan, Qiu Yn stayed at the Li Family for lunch before she left.

    When she returned to the Marquess¡¯s Mansion, she told Madame Tao all about it. After listened that, Madame Tao nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll send Mom Hu to tell your youngest grand aunt. If things work outter, I¡¯ll ask her to reward you with her personal fortune!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my duty to share my elders¡¯ worries, not to mention that I had a gathering with Cousin Ruan. How can I ask for my youngest grand aunt¡¯s reward?¡± Qiu Yn smiled and refused it. After having a few words with Madame Tao, she excused herself and went back to the yard. When she entered the room, Mumian served the drink Fufangyin as usual for her. When Qiu Yn took a sip of it, she suddenly felt a feeling of retching. Before she could call someone to get a spittoon, she vomited violently, causing everyone around her to be shocked!

 Chapter 462 - Being Pregnant Again

    <h4>Chapter 462 - Being Pregnant Again</h4>

    The servants carried Qiu Yn into the inner room andid her down. A few momentster, the doctor was brought in. Once he checked Qiu Yn¡¯s pulse, he smiled happily and congratted her, ¡°Young madame, you are pregnant!¡±

    After all, Qiu Yn had given birth to Jiang Jinng. She was kind of an experienced woman. She had already felt something when she vomited. But only when the doctor had confirmed it, she felt at ease. At this moment, her mouth curled into a smile, ¡°Reward!¡±

    Not only was the doctor rewarded, but everyone in this yard received an extra month¡¯s earning. It was as joyful as the beginning of a new year. With all the excitement, there were people asking around. So, in no time, the news that the neenth madame was pregnant again spread throughout the entire Marquess¡¯s Mansion.

    When Madame Tao learned of this, she was so pleased that she had someone open her private treasury and fetch a lot of appropriate things. And she asked Mom Hu to personally congratte her with those things.

    Other branches also began to prepare congrattory gifts. Only Chu Yitong went into the inner room without saying a word when she heard that.

    ¡°Go and find out what the fourteenth madame has sent. Prepare a simr congrattory gift and send it to the neenth madame!¡± Mrs. Zhu sighed. She called for the senior maid and told her hastily. And then she hurried into the inner room to persuade Chu Yitong.

    ¡°The neenth madame is in the same branch with you. Now that she is pregnant again, it¡¯s right for you to go over and visit her.¡± When Mrs. Zhu entered, she saw Chu Yitong sitting on the couch in a daze, holding a small garment. She recognized that it was made by Chu Yitong herself when she was pregnant. She felt sad and so she persuaded in a low voice.

    Chu Yitong did not raise her head. She gazed at the small garment made by hand and said quietly, ¡°The first time I saw her was at Jinxiu Slope. And it was on the way back to Jing City from there that I lost my mother. Though it was that b*tch Kang who caused the death of my mother, if she hadn¡¯t driven her to desperation, would Kang have been willing to be a concubine of my father? And Kang seemed to have said that this sister-inw helped her be my father¡¯s concubine, right? In the end, she is also my enemy who killed my mother!¡±

    ¡°I have never expected that we would be sisters-inw! For the sake of my father¡¯s instructions, I think I should let go of the matter of my mother¡­ After all, if I hadn¡¯t urged her to go to Jinxiu Slope, she would not have been willing to go there at that time!¡±

    ¡°But my baby¡­¡±

    There was a distant look in Chu Yitong¡¯s eyes. She was seemingly crying orughing, ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t she help me? Is it because she doesn¡¯t think I¡¯m worth her help? It seems that the Mansion of Duke of Huainan is above Marquess¡¯s Mansion. But in terms of power, it is out of reach. I¡¯m just a step-wife. And my husband treats me neither good nor bad¡­ It wouldn¡¯t do her much good to help me, would it? Do you think so, Mrs. Zhu?¡±

    Mrs. Zhu murmured, ¡°My madame, I think that the neenth madame was telling the truth when she said that she no longer had such medicine. Otherwise, if she still had such medicine, why didn¡¯t she bring it out for Sir Jibei the year beforest and Kui Countyst year?¡±

    If she had given medicine ording to the identity, the rewards for saving those two when Marquess Qin was still alive would have been more than ¡°lucrative¡±!

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to see her!¡± Chu Yitong said coldly, ¡°The sight of her reminds me of Jinxiu Slope! I will think of Kang and my mother, Concubine Mo. You can arrange for gifts or whatever. And tell the public that I¡¯m sick!¡±

    With that, she raised her hand and put the beds down, which clearly showed that she was not willing to discuss it any further.

    Mrs. Zhu opened her mouth but said nothing. She thought to herself, ¡°You are sisters-inw in the same branch. When the younger sister-inw has just said she is pregnant again, she, as the elder sister-inw, ims to be ill. How can there be no rumors?¡±

    But Mrs. Zhu knew that the death of Duchess of Huainan was a great blow to Chu Yitong. If it hadn¡¯t been for Chu Weixian who loved his sister and tried to persuade and protect her, Chu Yitong would have wanted to die with her mother during the two-year mourning. The unsessful request for medicine from Qiu Yn was just a trigger. Even Mrs. Zhu could understand that Qiu Yn was not excusing herself by saying that there was no more medicine like that. How could Chu Yitong not know?

    ¡°I wonder when my madame will be able to let go of the matter of Concubine Mo?¡± Mrs. Zhu sighed and retreated. She intended to take care of the problems arising from it for Chu Yitong.

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t know about the whole story. And she didn¡¯t care either that Chu Yitong wasn¡¯t there to congratte her in person like the other sisters-inw. ¡°I guess it¡¯s because I¡¯m pregnant that she is sad again. Two days ago, at the first birthday banquet of Jiao¡¯er, she couldn¡¯t even hear about the topic of baby¡­ It is just as well not to break her heart again!¡±

    Zhuang Man swallowed a piece of snack, patted the crumbs on her hand, and agreed, ¡°It¡¯s for the best that she doesn¡¯te. Otherwise, if the harmonious atmosphere here pierced her heart, she would find ways to spoil our fun!¡±

    He Shuijin made a gesture of silence and said, torn between annoyance andugh, ¡°You¡¯re still so harsh after you got married! If your eighth sister-inw hears it, you¡¯ll have a grudge against her!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised that I didn¡¯t hear that Commandery Princess Lihui from Mansion of Duke of Huainan was stingy before. Why does she act like a new person after marrying my eighth cousin?¡± Zhuang Man said dismissively, ¡°She is about our age. So, I thought we would have a new friend to y with us once we became rtives. However, she is not as sociable as the former eighth sister-inw, who was more than ten years older than us!¡±

    ¡°Our eighth sister-inw has not been well since her miscarriagest year. Perhaps that is why she doesn¡¯te over in person, right?¡± Qiu Yn mediated, ¡°We are all family¡­¡± Only when these words were spoken, Chu Yitong¡¯s senior maid sent a congrattory gift and said, ¡°Originally my madame was going toe to congratte you in person. But unfortunately, she is not well. She is afraid that she will infect you with diseases. So¡­¡±

    ¡°See, I told you, right?¡± After dismissing the senior maid, Qiu Yn said to Zhuang Man, He Shuijin, and the others.

    Zhuang Man was a bit embarrassed, ¡°Oops, I have misunderstood my eighth sister-inw. Fortunately, she didn¡¯t know that!¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager¡¯s birthday ising¡­¡± He Shuijin thoughtfully changed the subject to avoid an awkward scene.

    In an instant, it was Empress Dowager¡¯s birthday.

    It was the second Empress Dowager¡¯s birthday that Jiang Tianluan celebrated since she became Empress Dowager. The previous one was not celebrated at all because of the fierce internal struggle in the Jiang Family. Empress Dowager just gave a feast to major officials. And it was ended hastily. This year, the situation was generally quite stable. Marquess Qin, who was originally thought to die, endured again. Happy events happened one after another in the Imperial Family from the middle of the year. In short, this Empress Dowager¡¯s birthday was held in a grand and solemn manner.

    It was so grand and magnificent that Emperor took care of most of the decorations and arrangements.

    ¡°His Majesty is extraordinary filial!¡± On that day, the officials and their wives entered the pce to celebrate Empress Dowager¡¯s birthday. When they looked at the gloriously decorated pce, they praised Emperor¡¯s filial piety.

    Empress Dowager Jiang pretended to be displeased, ¡°Originally I said there was no need to make such a big fuss, but my son refused¡­ He, an emperor, worked so hard for such a long time in person!¡± Even the deaf could hear that she was showing off. ¡°And he even persuaded Yongfu and the others along with him. They insisted on turning a deaf ear to my words!¡±

    ¡°Mother, I have been taught by you to get to where I am today. How could I neglect your birthday?¡± Emperor said with a smile as his eyes were filled with fondness and respect for Empress Dowager. And his demeanor was modest. ¡°And it was Yongfu and the others who did most of the work. I only gave them a hand!¡± As he spoke, he looked down at Princess Lexin, Prince of Wei, Princess Yongfu, and the others in turn.

    ¡°You are giving me far more credit than I deserve, my brother. Everything is arranged based on your suggestion!¡±

    ¡°Why should you be so modest, my brother? It¡¯s more likely that we¡¯re giving you a hand!¡±

    Princess Lexin and the others were not foolish enough to take credit for his work. They said that Emperor was the one who should take the brunt of the preparations for Empress Dowager¡¯s birthday.

    With such harmony among the siblings and Empress Dowager¡¯s kindness, the Imperial Family was spending quality time in the warm and weing atmosphere.

    At the harmonious atmosphere, the feasting of the Empress Dowager¡¯s birthday began. Empress Dowager Jiang asked about Qiu Yn¡¯s pregnancy and ordered the servants to be careful with the dishes for her, reminding everyone once again of Empress Dowager¡¯s preference for the fourth branch of the Jiang Family.

    People didn¡¯t know if it was for the sake of Qiu Yn or for the sake of Old Princess Miao. Empress Dowager Jiang then noticed Wang Qingqian, who was apanying her aunt to the banquet. After asking a few questions, she rewarded her with a pair of hibiscus bead hairpins, which brought Princess-to-be of Wei who had been forgotten back into the limelight of the nobles.

    After Empress Dowager¡¯s birthday, it was time for the people from Kui County to arrive in Jing City.

    As Jiang Tianao and his siblings had not yet finished the mourning, Jiang Yayun was at the head of the trip. So, the Jiang Family in Jing City sent someone that was of the same generation as Jiang Yayun to meet their rtives from Kui County. Marquess¡¯s Mansion sent Jiang Yayi and Jiang Yadan, who didn¡¯t hold any important posts. And the Mansion of Sir Jibei sent Jiang Yn, who was also unupied.

    The three brothers went dozens of miles outside the city. They picked the people up and brought them into Jing City. They first went to Marquess¡¯s Mansion and paid a visit to Marquess Qin and his wife. They were worried that Marquess Qin¡¯s emotions would be bad for his health. Also, they did not want the people from the second branch and the fifth branch to spend too much time with Marquess Qin. As such, they did not say a few words to Marquess Qin. Only after they announced their names and identities one by one, Dr. Lin came up to persuade Marquess Qin to take the medicine.

    Jiang Tianqi took the opportunity to instruct Jiang Yayun, ¡°You take Yazhao and Yawan to see your second grand aunt. Your second grand uncle has been tired these days. After taking the medicine, I¡¯m afraid he will have to rest.¡±

    Jiang Yayun bowed his head and said yes, leading his two cousins and their families to Madame Tao¡¯s yard, where the women of Marquess¡¯s Mansion were already waiting at that time.

    After they met each other, Madame Tao took a look at Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan and their families. The two grandsons did not look like the children of the Jiang Family, presumably because they got their looks from Madame Han. However, Jiang Jingmu and Jiang Jingman, the two great-grandchildren, were quite simr to Jiang Jingxu and the others in terms of their eyebrows and eyes.

    The fourth madame He and the fifth madame Jin were both daughters of the squires in Kui County. So, they were of limited horizons. What they had seen and heard since they entered Jing City blew their mind. Especially, when they entered Marquess¡¯s Mansion, the Jiang Family¡¯s great power had already shocked them deeply. At this moment, although the women of Marquess¡¯s Mansion from Madame Tao downwards were all amiable, they still looked apprehensive and dared not even raise their heads.

    ¡°You have had a hard journey!¡± Seeing that, Madame Tao became much kinder. And after asking them in a gentle tone about their tiring journey, she said, ¡°The amodations have been prepared. But we don¡¯t know what you are used to. I¡¯ll have my fourteenth daughter-inw apany youter. If there is anything you need, just let her know!¡±

    She also called Jiang Jingmu and Jiang Jingman to her. She touched their faces and squeezed their hands, and said with a smile, ¡°The two boys are about the same age as Jingyi, Jinghuai, and Jingjuan. They can study together!¡±

    At that, Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan thanked her at once, ¡°The reason we have brought them to Jing City is to have them spend more time with their brothers! In Kui County, there are only two brothers in this generation now.¡±

    These words brought a moment of silence to the room. The second branch and the fifth branch were unable to be officials. They had nothing else to do but to support their father. Both branches were full of concubines. But they had few children. There was only one son and not even a daughter. When it came to the great grandchildren, there were a few more girls. But there was only one male heir. Jiang Yawan had two sons. However,st year his eldest son, Jiang Jingzhan, died in an ident, leaving young Jiang Jingman as the only son.

    Jiang Jingmu and Jiang Jingman were the only two great grandchildren left in the second branch and the fifth branch.

    ¡°Fortunately, you alle to Jing City now. They have many siblings!¡± Madame Tao frowned and then smiled, saying, ¡°These are your daughters? They are all pretty¡­ Come closer. Let me have a look at you!¡±

 Chapter 463 - Family Matters

    <h4>Chapter 463 Family Matters</h4>

    After meeting Madame Tao, Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan went to Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion to visit Madame Ou with their cousins. At the same time, they also paid a visit to Jiang Tiancan and his wife and met with Jiang Yabi and his wife.

    Because Jiang Tiancan was still observing his mourning, many treasures and other furnishings were removed. The whole mansion looked empty. But the vastness and the grandeur of the mansion still amazed the younger generation who came from afar.

    ¡°In a twinkling of an eye, so many years have passed. I remember when you two were born, I held you and you were so small.¡± Madame Ou didn¡¯t feel well since her husband died. At the moment, looking at Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan, she kept herself awake and recalled, ¡°Now your children have grown taller!¡±

    ¡°My youngest grand aunt, please forgive us that we couldn¡¯te to pay final respect to our youngest grand uncle when he passed away!¡± Thest time Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan saw Madame Ou, they were babes. So, they would not remember that Madame Ou had held them in her arms. Madame Ou had been bandits together with her family when she was young. And she had been on guard with her husband for decades in Beijiang. As such, she was somewhat savage in her manner. Usually, even Jiang Yadan and other grandnephews who grew up in Jing City had to be careful when they came to her, let alone Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan.

    So, at this moment, they answered carefully, ¡°Ashes to ashes. Please take care of yourself, my youngest grand aunt...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. It was originally our decision as elders not to let youe.¡± Madame Ou shook her head. Since she had to conceal the news that Sir Jibei, the youngest brother, had died before Kui Xiannan who was still alive at that time, how could she let her nephews and grandnephews who were far away in Kui Countye to offer their condolences?

    After a few greetings to each other, Jiang Tiancan and his wife quickly took the conversation when they saw Madame Ou was tired. They talked for a while, and it was almost noon. So, they kept them for lunch in Marquess¡¯s Mansion before letting them go.

    The moment when Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan left, Jiang Tianhe came to the door to ¡°visit¡± her mother.

    ¡°I heard that people from the second branch and the fifth branch hade to Jing City. Was that true?¡± Jiang Tianhe had not spoken a few words when she asked.

    Madame Ou nced at her, ¡°That is why you came here in such a hurry, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t the second branch and the fifth branch say they wouldn¡¯t be officials?¡± When Jiang Tianhe¡¯s purpose was recognized by her mother, she was not ashamed. Instead, she simplyid it on the line, ¡°Now why are they here again?¡±

    ¡°Your eldest uncle did not allow them to be officials but he did not forbid them froming to Jing City!¡± Madame Ou snapped, ¡°They just arrived here. We haven¡¯t even talked about whether they will be officials or not. And you are so anxious to... How can you treat your rtives like this?¡±

    Jiang Tianhe felt aggrieved, ¡°There are only a few positions with real power, which are not enough... However, if they want to get in it, then...¡±

    ¡°It seems that there are two branches. But your two cousins are at this age. They have no rank in the imperial examinations. And they need to care for their old mother. How could they alsoe to Jing City?¡± Madame Ou frowned, ¡°There are only two nephews and two grandnephews. The two grandnephews are still young. Even if we make arrangements for Yazhao and Yawan immediately to help them enter the court, they only take up two positions! The second branch and the fifth branch have been suppressed for so many years. Can¡¯t we give them such a small advantage?¡±

    Jiang Tianhe went to her side and tugged her arm to pamper her, ¡°It¡¯s not right that I really don¡¯t want to see the second branch and the fifth branch live a good life. I am just worried about your only granddaughter! Mother, do you know that the second branch and the fifth branch were brought to Jing City by the first branch? Who would believe it that they buried the hatchet and joined hands with the first branch? No one!¡±

    ¡°This time the reason why they went to Jing City is to escort Jiang Huizhi. It is obvious that they want to fight against your granddaughter! Your son-inw has always let us down. You are the only one that can protect your granddaughter!¡±

    Jiang Tianhe shook and pulled her mother, pleading, ¡°You have to give justice to your granddaughter. Please do not let the branch of the eldest uncle hurt her!¡±

    Madame Ou sneered, ¡°Huizhi hasn¡¯t entered the pce yet. Even if she does, Empress Dowager is still in the pce! Emperor has always treated Fubing well. And Fubing has given birth to the first trueborn prince. Does she need to be afraid of Huizhi? You don¡¯t have to talk about them on the pretext of protecting your daughter. You think I don¡¯t know that you are just doing it for the Xin Family!¡±

    The Xin Family began to expand since they had Empress in their family. Originally, the Xin Family was not prosperous. But as the family rose, all kinds of rtives came to the door. For the grand ambition, Jiang Tianhe and her husband never declined. Relying on Empress Xin, the Xin Family developed rapidly. However, although they became the family of Empress, the family of the former Empress, the Jiang Family, was still in the ascendant. The Xin Family was unable to take the first share and had topete for the greater good. As such, Jiang Tianhe, who was a proud woman, had long felt unhappy!

    Now the Jiang Family actually had a few more people to take up the share, so how could she not be anxious?

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t! I just care for your granddaughter!¡± As what Jiang Tianhe truly thought was revealed by her mother, she also felt a bit embarrassed. She muttered and let go of Madame Ou¡¯s hand, ¡°We cannot make her aggrieved as she is honest and generous, can we? Even though the second branch and the fifth branch did note to Jing City for her, others will think Jiang Huizhi has the support of these two uncles! How can they not underestimate Fubing?¡±

    ¡°Two elders are not officials. Even though Jiang Huizhi has their support, how can others underestimate Empress?¡± Madame Ou said so. But in her heart, she thought, ¡°Although Tianhe has always plotted, Fubing is a sensible child... At such a young age, she knows about hard decisions. If she had not firmly made the oath in front of Kunlun, Kunlun would not have died peacefully.¡±

    With that, Madame Ou sighed and said, ¡°In a couple of days, I will write a letter to Tianchi and talk to him about the establishment of the crown prince... When the little prince is past his first birthday, we will find an opportunity to mention this, okay?¡±

    Jiang Tianhe was very happy. Thanks to Empress from their family, the Xin Family could have the current situation. Once Empress Xin¡¯s son was appointed as the crown prince, that meant she would be Empress Dowager. Did they have to worry that their family could not go any further? Even those who had joined the Jiang Family, particrly, all the younger ones, should think about it. Should they now stay in the Jiang Family and never catch up with the senior Jiang Family party? Or should they look more at the long term and turn to the Xin Family as a patriarch?

    She happily rushed to leave and went home to share the good news with her husband and son. But she did not know that Madame Ou was looking at her back with aplicated gaze, ¡°Yazhao and Yawan have juste to Jing City. And Tianhe is so eager to squeeze them out! She is sopetitive and refuses to forgive. How can she dissolve her grudge against the sixth branch?¡±

    ording to Jiang Tianhe¡¯s nature, in the future, once her daughter was in power, she must immediately liquidate her enemies. And Madame Mi would probably be the first in line!

    In the end, Madame Mi was only her daughter-inw. Madame Ou was not very heartbroken. But she was afraid that Jiang Tianhe would get Jiang Tiancan and his son involved.

    ¡°What should I do?¡± It was hard for a judge to make an urate decision on family matters. Madame Ou had never had such a headache in her life!

    When Madame Ou was having a headache, Jiang Yashuang was also having a headache.

    There was no other reason. When Jiang Yashuang got off work and heard that his two cousins and their families had arrived, he went to the yard where they lived to pay his respects.

    However, before they could say a few words, Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan pushed their sons to him at the same time, ¡°We¡¯ve heard for a long time that our neenth brother is very talented. You entered Hanlin Academy as the third-ce in the imperial examination at the age of twenty. If you hadn¡¯t been suppressed by the Gu Family, you must have won the first-ce and be one of the top talents in our family. While Jingmu and Jingman are not much clever, they are diligent. Brother Yashuang, as they are your nephews, please give them some advice!¡±

    If it weren¡¯t for the war in Beijiang and Jiang Tianchi¡¯s changed n, Jiang Yashuang would already be in the Northern Army now. Although he did not leave now, he had lots of things to do. He was the most beloved grandson of Marquess Qin and the most useful youngest son of Sir of North. Who dared to make him a figurehead or snub him?

    Except for his official business, he had a young nephew and his little son with him. And as Qiu Yn got pregnant again, he needed to take care of children and chores in the yard. It could be said that he was overwhelmed. When he had time, he had to pay attention to his aides and staff, consolidate and expand his power, and teach his preordained student, Lu He, in his study... How could he have the time to care about another two nephews?

    Especially, he had given discreet help to them before. And he knew that his two nephews thought no matter how well they did in study, Juren would be the best result for them as they were born in the second branch and the fifth branch of the Jiang Family. So, why should they put more efforts in it? They were about the age of Lu He. But in terms of academic levels, they were not even as good as Lu He when he was eight or nine years old.

    Jiang Yashuang came from a noble family. And since childhood, he was a good student. Naturally, he set high standards for students. He didn¡¯t think they were qualified to be his students. And ording to the level of these two nephews, they could have some Xiucai at the street teach them. If they had Jiang Yashuang as their teacher, Jiang Yashuang would be overqualified. And it was also not suitable for Jiang Jingmu and Jiang Jingman.

    As such, Jiang Yashuang was going to decline.

    However, Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan wore Jiang Yashuang down and insisted that their sons should be taught by him!

    ¡°My fourth brother and fifth brother, I don¡¯t want to spoil your face. But I¡¯m full of lots of things. I don¡¯t have much free time. And I¡¯m afraid that I¡¯ll not be helpful to my two nephews¡¯ prospects!¡± As Jiang Yashuang found out that he could not decline them, hepromised, ¡°If you insist that they should be taught by me, I can only instruct them once in a few days. And the instruction time is not guaranteed!¡±

    Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan were overjoyed, ¡°And then it¡¯s settled!¡±

    Seeing this, Jiang Yashuang was really speechless. He looked at the two nephews who were also full of joy and kindly reminded, ¡°I cannot always instruct you two. You¡¯d better hire a teacher to teach you in usual time, so as not to waste the study!¡±

    ¡°It does not matter. My neenth brother, you are so talented and learned. As long as they can learn a little from you, it will be enough!¡± Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan obviously did not take his words to heart.

    With that, Jiang Yashuang shook his head and thought to his heart, ¡°I have told you that I don¡¯t have much time to teach your sons. But you don¡¯t listen. When you notice that they do not improve in their study a few dayster, you will know that it is a dy for them.¡± However, as he taught them every few days, it was already April after three or five times of teaching. Jiang Jingmu and Jiang Jingman¡¯s study was not much better than before. And because they did not see Jiang Yashuang in the middle of the time, they started to bezy and seemed to be regressed.

    But when Jiang Yashuang wanted to remind his two cousins...

    ¡°It has been more than ten days since I met your fathersst time?¡± Jiang Yashuang asked in confusion, ¡°Is that true or not? I didn¡¯t hear that they had a long journey!¡± ording to the two cousins¡¯ characters, as they were in Jing City, temptations were almost everywhere. It wasmon that they did not return for several days as they stayed in brothels. However, there was something seriously wrong as they didn¡¯te back for a dozen days!

    Jiang Jingmu timidly said, ¡°My mother said my father and my fifth uncle were staying at the Spring House these days. It was my eighth uncle¡¯s treat...¡±

    ¡°No wonder they didn¡¯te back for more than ten days. So, it was my eighth brother who took the lead... I don¡¯t know who will pay for the expenses. If it is going to be paid by the public ount, I¡¯m afraid that my fourteenth sister-inw will hate my eighth brother!¡± Jiang Yashuang was so angry. After a while, he said, ¡°In short, you should currently ask a teacher and study every day...¡± With that, he suddenly thought, ¡°Or, you can go to the n school of our Jiang Family, right?¡±

    The Jiang Family had lots of descendants and followings. So, there was a n school.

    But the n school took the model ofrge ss. And as the teacher invited there knew that all students were noble, they didn¡¯t dare to discipline them. Back then Jiang Yadan studied there. And relying on the love of the first branch, he got used to indulging himself and ended up in a debauched person...

    So, when Jiang Yashuang was young, Marquess Qin and his wife took him around to teach him personally and did not let him go to the n school.

    That was why he just remembered the n school.

 Chapter 464 - Unexpected Concubinage

    <h4>Chapter 464 Unexpected Concubinage</h4>

    It was easy for Jiang Yashuang to arrange for Jiang Jingmu and Jiang Jingman to enter the n school. He did not even need to go there in person. But in the end, he was their uncle rather than their father. He had to talk to Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan.

    However, after three or two more days, there was still no sign of the two cousins. Jiang Yashuang sent someone to ¡°Spring House¡± to poke around, only to learn that Jiang Yadan and the other two brothers went on a journey together with prostitutes. They went to a vige near Jing City and did not give the date of returning to Jing City when leaving.

    Jiang Yashuang was speechless. So, he had to personally go and find his two sisters-inw, Madame Ho and Madame Jin, to discuss.

    Madame Ho had no problem with it, ¡°My neenth brother, thank you very much indeed for your trouble! You think about Jingmu like this in the midst of your busy schedule. It really makes my heart uneasy...¡± After a few polite words, she told Jiang Jingmu that he must respect his uncle and listen to him well.

    Afterwards the subordinates reminded Madame Ho that Jiang Yashuang was probably not willing to ept his nephew as a student. And now after a few times of teaching his nephews, he suggested that his nephews should go to the n school. Could it be that he decided to push his nephews to the n school and leave them there? Madame Ho didn¡¯t think so, ¡°Do you think the Jiang Family¡¯s n school in Jing City is the same as the one in Kui County? In Kui County, in addition to Jingmu and two or three of his brothers over there, there are sons of the gentries from near and far, who only fawn over them. It is so seedy there so that it is the same whether they go or not!¡±

    ¡°Although I do note from a noble family and I am of limited horizons, I have been given advice by my father before this journey. In the Jiang Family¡¯s n school in Jing City, besides the cousins of Jingmu, those who are not named Jiang are also mostly from high-ranking officials and nobles! Even if he cannot make progress in his study in the n school, it¡¯s good to get familiar with these people!¡±

    Madame Ho also instructed, ¡°From today onwards, double the monthly money for Jingmu. And teach him to treat guests when you have time so that he can make friends with fellow students earlier. As such, in the future, no matter how well he does in study, there are more ways to do things, right?¡±

    Compared with Madame Ho¡¯s crity, Madame Jin¡¯s attitude was thought-provoking. Before Jiang Yashuang finished his words, she took out her handkerchief and started whimpering, ¡°My husband and I only have two sons. Jingzhan has died. And now only Jingman is left with us! I really can¡¯t feel assured if he is out of my sight!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said quickly, ¡°My fifth sister-inw, although the n school is not in Marquess¡¯s Mansion, it¡¯s only a street away from there. Besides, when our children go to the n school, there are guards escorting them! Nothing ever goes wrong!¡±

    ¡°Did anything happen to Jingzhan before? But... But all of a sudden, he died!¡± Madame Jin sniveled, but she was quite firm on that, ¡°So, I don¡¯t want Jingman to leave me. I¡¯d rather let him be mediocre for the rest of his life. It¡¯s better than asking us to bury our son once again!¡±

    Anyway, no matter how Jiang Yashuang spoke, she just did not agree with Jiang Jingman to go to the n school. She just wanted to have him be around and keep an eye on him every day!

    Jiang Yashuang returned to his yard, extremely depressed. And he told Qiu Yn, ¡°I have even asked my fifth sister-inw to go to the n school to have a look. Our family has made countless enemies over the years. How can we not pay much attention to such an important ce as our n school? But my fifth sister-inw didn¡¯t buy it!¡±

    ¡°Perhaps she didn¡¯t disbelieve you. I remember that Jiang Jingman and Jiang Jingzhan are from different mothers. Thetter is the trueborn son and the former is given birth by a mistress.¡± Qiu Yn smiled but secretly thought, ¡°Originally a mistress¡¯s son was hardly a threat to Madame Jin and her son. But now the trueborn son died while the mistress¡¯s son survived. And her husband is always fooling around outside. Madame Jin is afraid that she is not very likely to give birth again at her age. If the mistress¡¯s son can achieve something after study, it may not be easy for her to control him! That¡¯s why she excused that she was worried about him and refused to send him to the n school!¡±

    But she was not familiar with Madame Jin. There was no need to mention what she guessed in her heart to Jiang Yashuang. If she was wrong, wouldn¡¯t she make Madame Jin into trouble? Even if she was right, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t intend to needlessly make herself any enemies.

    ¡°Perhaps it was because that Jingzhan¡¯smentable death stimted her, wasn¡¯t it?¡± At this moment, Qiu Yn answered, putting him off, ¡°Because of that, Jingzhan¡¯s wife also died, right?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have someone go to the vige and invite my fifth brother back to talk about it. For Jingman¡¯s age, it is not good to dy him anymore. I see that he doesn¡¯t have a solid foundation in study. If he still studied in fits and starts, he would hardly achieve something in imperial examinations in his whole life!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang rubbed his eyebrows. And his face didn¡¯t look good, ¡°Honestly, my eighth brother has been ying around. It¡¯s okay. But why drag my fourth brother and fifth brother into it? It has only been a year since my great grand uncle died. Although my fourth brother and fifth brother have already finished their mourning, their parents are still in mourning. So, it¡¯s really unbing for them to hang out like this!¡±

    Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°If your fourth brother and fifth brother did not like it, your eighth brother would not be able to drag them into it! It¡¯s notpletely your eighth brother¡¯s fault.¡±

    ¡°You are right!¡± After being reminded by his wife, Jiang Yashuang remembered that the biggest concern of Marquess¡¯s Mansion was that the second branch and the fifth branch would waste their money and take a share of the court after they came to Jing City. It was costly to have Jiang Yadan take Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan to indulge in beauty. But if the two were lost in Jing City, the ce of temptation, they would not be able to get in the court.

    It was actually a good thing for the fourth branch, who did not value the estate of Marquess¡¯s Mansion very much but valued the court more.

    At that moment, Jiang Yashuang no longerined about Jiang Yadan. He called his young servant Jiang Lin and told him, ¡°You must bring back a definite answer of my fifth brother. And then I can arrange Jingman to enter the n school, so as not to make him only count on my teaching and neglect his study!¡±

    Jiang Lin was Jiang Tan¡¯s cousin. The two were both sons of the Jiang Family¡¯s servants. Last year, Jiang Tan got married and was assigned to go out of the house to be a steward. Since that, Jiang Yashuang ordered the 12-year-old guy Jiang Lin to rece him. With his cousin¡¯s words and guidance, Jiang Lin knew Jiang Yashuang¡¯s preferences very well. So, he was quick to take over the job.

    It was believed that this time he would bring back a reply from Jiang Yawan soon. But it turned out that there was no message for three to five days. Jiang Yashuang was inconvenienced and displeased, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Did something happen? Or did he get confused and dyed?¡±

    While Jiang Yashuang was wondering, the servants reported that Jiang Yadan had returned together with Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan. Jiang Lin was back with them.

    After hearing that, Jiang Yashuang went to see his three brothers first. He asked them whether the trip was enjoyable. And soon he mentioned the matter of the n school. Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan were quick to say, ¡°Brother Yashuang, you are professional in study. It¡¯s all up to you to decide!¡±

    So, it was settled. Jiang Yashuang took Jiang Lin back to the yard and naturally asked him about the reason why he dyed.

    ¡°When I arrived at the vige, the eighth young master said they were going toe back anyway and asked me to return with them.¡± Jiang Lin said cautiously as he could see that Jiang Yashuang was unhappy.

    With that, Jiang Yashuang said no more and waved to let him go.

    However, after two days, Jiang Yashuang instructed the steward of the front yard to arrange a job for Jiang Lin in the outside store and re-pick a young servant, who was renamed Jiang Shan, to rece Jiang Lin.

    Jiang Lin, no matter how ignorant he was, knew that he had angered Jiang Yashuang. He did not dare to go to his master to pester him and so he went to Jiang Tan to weep and tell him his grievances. ¡°How extremely stupid you are!¡± Jiang Tan was so angry that he gave him a kick, ¡°Are you the neenth young master¡¯s servant or the eighth young master¡¯s servant? The neenth young master told you to ask the fifth master for a reply and go back to report. But when the eighth master asked you to stay, you stayed, didn¡¯t you? You are so stupid. How can the neenth young master still keep you around? Fortunately, the neenth young master is such a nice man that he got you to do another job! If it were another young master, you would have been beaten and kicked out!¡±

    Jiang Lin sobbed, ¡°But the eighth young master is the brother of the neenth young master. As he said...¡±

    ¡°This is not a question of how the rtionship between the eighth young master and the neenth young master is!¡± Jiang Tan was speechless, ¡°You only thought about daring not to refuse the eighth young master. However, you did not think that the neenth young master only sent you to go to the vige to get a reply. As long as you did not go back, the neenth young master would keep waiting for your news, right? Fortunately, it was not a very urgent thing this time. Otherwise, could you afford to dy the big event!¡±

    It was only then that Jiang Lin understood. He asked sadly, ¡°Now I know I¡¯m wrong. Do I still have a chance to go back to be around the neenth young master?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d better do the job the neenth young master has arranged for you!¡± Jiang Tan shook his head. Since Jiang Shan had gone to work, how could Jiang Lin still have a chance? Jiang Lin only had himself to me for being so stupid.

    ¡°It¡¯s all the fault of the eighth young master! If he hadn¡¯t said something to keep me, how could I have note back in time to report to the neenth young master?¡± While Jiang Lin was greatly disappointed, he relocated his anger to Jiang Yadan. Of course, he didn¡¯t dare to do anything to Jiang Yadan. He just hated him in his heart.

    What happened to Jiang Lin meant nothing to masters. As Jiang Lin was sent out, the masterspletely forgot about him within a few days.

    After all, there were a lot of people and things to worry about in the big family.

    For example, when the thing that Jiang Jingmu and Jiang Jingman were going to join the n school had just settled, Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan revealed two decisions that they wanted to take mistresses, which made the entire Jiang Family, especially the fourth branch¡¯s Jiang Yashuang and his wife, vomit blood.

    Their taking mistress was not the point. The point was that one of the two intended to take Hua Shenshen of ¡°Spring House¡± as his mistress and the other intended to take Peni Yue of ¡°Jinpa Pavilion¡± as his mistress!

    ¡°Is it coincidental or intentional?¡± When Qiu Yn learned the news, she was so shocked that she came back to her senses after a long time, ¡°Besides,st time, your eighth brother invited them out... Didn¡¯t they say that they first went to the ¡®Spring House¡¯ and then decided to have a journey and took someone from ¡®Spring House¡¯? Why Peni Yue is involved?¡±

    ¡°It is said that my fourth brother and my fifth brother found Hua Shenshen very pretty at first sight. And they almost fought for her. To round up, my eighth brother said that there was a beauty Peni Yue in Jing City, who had been a rival for Hua Shenshen.¡± Jiang Yashuang looked angry as well, ¡°So, he invited Peni Yue from the ¡®Jinpa Pavilion¡¯. My fourth brother and fifth brother didn¡¯t stop until they each have one!¡±

    Qiu Yn now simply did not know what to say.

    After calming down, she said, ¡°I remember, there is a rule in our family that a woman who is not from a decent family cannot be a mistress, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t disturb grandfather over such a small matter, can we?¡± Jiang Yashuang smiled bitterly, ¡°My eldest uncle and others have no intention of dealing with it. We are their peers. It is inappropriate for us to say something.¡±

    Marquess Qin had been lying on his sickbed for more than a year. It was so hard that he began to recover. No one in Marquess¡¯s Mansion would agree to bother him with such trivial matters as the concubinage of his great grandchildren at this juncture.

    Now the elders said nothing. It would be awkward if Jiang Yashuang as the cousin went to persuade. Qiu Yn rubbed his forehead. Hua Shenshen and Peni Yue failed to enter the yard of Qiu Jinn but now they were going to be taken into the Jiang Family together. Qiu Yn felt that they wereing for her. And in fact, they wereing for her brother Qiu Jinn.

    So, she said, ¡°It is not good to persuade them not to ept the famous prostitutes into our family. But there are stories between them and my brother. I think it is better to exin, or... I¡¯m afraid that they will then hate my brother and make something trouble!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang thought for a while, ¡°I¡¯ll talk to my eighth brotherter and ask him to tell my fourth brother and fifth brother.¡±

    After these days of ying around, Jiang Yadan had been close with Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan. Having him to say it was the most suitable. Moreover, Jiang Yashuang had been a decent man. With his character, if he was asked to tell his two cousins that the mistresses they were going to take had an affair with his brother-inw. They once cried out to be with his brother-inw. But unfortunately, his brother-inw¡¯s wife didn¡¯t agree... He was really a bit clueless to speak.

 Chapter 465 - It Was Time for Summer Again

    <h4>Chapter 465 It Was Time for Summer Again</h4>

    When Jiang Yadan learned his brother and sister-inw¡¯s concerns, he said dismissively, ¡°The thing between them and Qiu Jinn? I have told my fourth brother and fifth brother long ago!¡±

    ¡°Do our fourth brother and fifth brother still want to take them as mistresses?¡± Qiu Yn was surprised.

    ¡°What does it matter? They are courtesans from the brothel. Who expects them to be chaste?¡± Jiang Yadan snickered, ¡°As my fourth brother and fifth brother like their talents and appearances, they intend to take them as mistresses. Back then they were well-known in the court and had many friends of high status. And among their guests, there were nomon people. But everything changed. Now they are being no longer pretty. If they do not find a good husband, they would probably be miserable in the future. They may not have hostility towards you, my neenth sister-inw.¡±

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°I¡¯m not afraid that they have any animosity towards me...¡±

    Before Qiu Yn finished her sentences, Jiang Yadan said, ignoring her, ¡°Even though you are right to be worried about their hostility, the two women are in their twenties, not as young as they were. How many of those who visit a brothel are not easily bored? Only my fourth brother and fifth brother, who just came to Jing City, are dazzled by them and insist on taking them as mistresses. In a few years, when they are wrinkled, who will remember them? And they can do nothing big at that time!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn had no words for this. After all, Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan¡¯s grandfather was not the same one of the fourth branch. And they didn¡¯t meet until recently. So far, they had still been polite towards each other when they met. They were not so close that they could prevent them from taking Hua Shenshen and Peni Yue as their mistresses without making them enemies.

    As such, Qiu Yn had to return with a failure.

    Jiang Yashuangforted her on the way back, ¡°Although the war in Xijiang is not as smooth as that in Beijiang, there is no big mistake. So, the first branch has no reason and opportunity to intervene there. And naturally, they cannot do something to your brother, let alone my fourth brother and fifth brother! Even if Hua Shenshen and Peni Yue are going to provoke the rtionship between them and your brother, what does it matter?¡±

    As for whether Hua Shenshen and Peni Yue would vent their anger on Qiu Yn, Jiang Yashuang thought they didn¡¯t dare to do that unless they wanted to die. Moreover, the yard where Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan lived was next to the first branch and far from the fourth branch. With their identities, the two women were not likely toe alone to visit the fourth branch. Even though they were in Marquess¡¯s Mansion as well, they could hardly meet Qiu Yn. Also, they could not manage anything. How could they do something to Qiu Yn?

    So, it was done.

    In a few days, with the help of Jiang Yadan, Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan redeemed Hua Shenhua and Peni Yue and ced them in a residence not far from Marquess¡¯s Mansion. The two courtesans, who had been making the world mad for nearly ten years, were good at enchanting men. Since that, they not only coaxed Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan to ignore the rules of the Jiang Family that their sons must take mistresses from good families, but also let them solemnly invite someone to choose a date.

    At the beginning of May, Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan set up a wedding banquet in the yard where they lived. They invited Jiang Yadan and some others of the Jiang Family, as well as a few friends they had known these days, namely some dandies from other families, to celebrate the ceremony and witness that they officially epted Hua Shenshen and Peni Yue as their mistresses.

    As the two courtesans were taken into the Jiang Family, Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan indulged in their beauty. Instead of going out with Jiang Yadan, they remained indoors all day. He Shuijin privately told Qiu Yn, ¡°Our fourth sister-inw and fifth sister-inw now grind their teeth for the two courtesans. But the two courtesans are not easy to mess with, aren¡¯t they? As our two sisters-inw just gave warnings to them on the pretext of caring for the health of our fourth brother and fifth brother, they were viciously sued by the two courtesans. That made our two sisters-inw a great disgrace!

    ¡°My eighth brother is likely to be hated by two sisters-inw!¡± Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°Yesterday, I heard from Yashuang that our fourth brother and fifth brother now even did not care about Jingmu and Jingman. All they cared about is how to coax the two mistresses!¡±

    The corners of He Shuijin¡¯s mouth curled, ¡°Our fourth sister-inw and fifth sister-inw are nning to arrange for their trusted subordinates to go out and buy someone these two days!¡±

    ¡°Eh?¡±

    ¡°They think they have grown old. Even when they were young, in terms of appearances and seduction skills, they were notparable to the courtesans from the first-ss brothels in Jing City. So, they want to find someone who can fight with the two courtesans to vent anger!¡± He Shuijin said, ¡°After all, their maiden families are much lower than our Jiang Family. It was only because the second branch and the fifth branch had been confined in Kui County that my fourth brother and fifth brother married them. Now that my fourth brother and fifth brother have almost been enchanted to death by their mistresses, how can they not worry?¡±

    Qiu Yn mused, ¡°I¡¯m afraid it is difficult to buy someone.¡±

    ¡°Of course, it is difficult. If they are only beautiful, they will be unlikely topete with those two!¡± He Shuijin jeered, ¡°If they have beauty and means, they will be ambitious, and then will they be willing to be driven by my fourth sister-inw and fifth sister-inw? The two sisters-inw are just driving the tiger to swallow the wolf. There is still a lot to worry about in the future!¡±

    With that, she heaved a sigh of relief, ¡°But Hua Shenshen and Peni Yue can make our fourth brother and fifth brother stay in the mansion. Perhaps that¡¯s a good thing! The two brothers are too careless with money. When the previous expenses were reported to me, I almost wanted to immediately get up and get them out!¡±

    Qiu Yn asked, ¡°Was it thest time they went on a trip with our eighth brother? How much did it cost?¡±

    He Shuijin gave a number. Qiu Yn also felt the urge to go with her to drive the two brothers away, ¡°How could they spend so much? How much do we the whole family spend in a full year?¡±

    It was only a dozen days, no more than a month. However, the expenses were nearly half of the whole family¡¯s one-year expenditure! Who could ept such rtives?

    ¡°I asked your fourteenth brother to ask your eighth brother about what happened. It was said that our fourth brother and fifth brother were a bit apprehensive on the way to the ¡®Spring House¡¯, asking that as it was their first journey far away from home, whether the courtesans in Jing City, who must be used to seeing great things, would look down on them and make them lose face in front of people.¡± Speaking of this, He Shuijin grimaced, ¡°What do you think our eighth brother said?¡±

    ¡°What did he say?¡± Qiu Yn was sure that Jiang Yadan must have said something terribly bad!

    It was sure enough, ¡°He said that the brothels were all the same all over the world. As long as a person was rich, he had a say. If the person was generous enough, no one would care about whether he was a frequent visitor or not!¡±

    ¡°And then the fourth brother and the fifth brother sent Hua Shenshen a bucket of pearls as soon as they met!¡±

    ¡°It took less time before a cup of tea was finished that they promised half-car cloud brocade, which was as valuable as gold.¡±

    ¡°As Hua Shenshen just yed one song, the fourth brother promised her a house in the heat of the moment. Before others could say anything, the fifth brother jumped in and said he would send Hua Shenshen a bigger house than his fourth brother... The two of them just fought all the way, promising countless benefits like water!¡±

    He Shuijin sneered, ¡°The two of them are very generous. But they didn¡¯t pay a single penny themselves. They let the factotum in the brothel write it down. And then they asked someone toe to our mansion and ask me for money! If they didn¡¯t take the two courtesans in and love them so much, I would suspect that they were working together to ckmail our Marquess¡¯s Mansion!¡±

    ¡°... When you say so, I also think it¡¯s a good thing that Hua Shenshen and Peni Yue have been taken into our family!¡± Qiu Yn sighed.

    Although she did not expect to live on the property of Marquess¡¯s Mansion, she would not be happy when she watched people who were not qualified to share the property boldly squander and spoil the family¡¯s money!

    At the end of May, it was the day when Emperor and Empress Dowager went to Mount Dizi for spending the summer.

    Marquess Qin¡¯s condition was a little better this year thanst year. But Dr. Lin still suggested that he should not go on a trip. So, once again, the entire Jiang Family stayed.

    ¡°Watch out for them. Do not let them run too fast and fall to the bottom of the steps!¡± The zing summer sun baked the earth. Though the tall trees around the yard were cleaned twice, there were still sounds of the cicadas that were missed when they trying to pick them up, which added to the restlessness.

    Qiu Yn, in a loose low-necked dress,y on a rattan bed under a vineyard, squinting at the asional halo of light leaking down between the dense grape leaves.

    With four utensils containing ice around the rattan bed, she felt cool while the breeze was blowing.

    Jiang Jingkun and Jiang Jinng were running around under the corridor not far away. Children¡¯s screams and frolics made the yard extremely lively, but also let Qiu Yn worry about idents.

    ¡°Where there are steps, two of you should stand there. When you see the junior young masters approaching, protect them! Don¡¯t let them hurt! Or else you will be punished!¡± Mrs. Qu answered and passed the order.

    Mrs. Zhou handed over a bowl of sour prune drink and said, ¡°My madame, you didn¡¯t sleepst night and this morning, you also didn¡¯t want to eat anything. Now as you have an appetite, just drink it!¡±

    When Qiu Yn was pregnant with Jiang Jinng, she behaved as she was not pregnant. At that time, she could eat, drink and sleep. And even the birth went surprisingly smoothly. But perhaps her luck was run out with the first child. This time her second baby got her to suffer terribly.

    She found out that she was pregnant because of the vomiting. As she took the medicine prescribed by the doctor, she had been fine for two or three months in a row. And she had thought it was all the same as she had Jiang Jinn. Even He Shuijin said she envied her for having a second child so soon and not suffering so much. However, two days ago, she started throwing up again without warning!

    Jiang Yashuang was scared enough to call someone to open the door and invite the doctor toe in the middle of the night. They were all up all night. And finally, Dr. Lin was invited over. Only until then did they confirm that Qiu Yn was fine. It was just the reactions of pregnancy. From that night until now, Qiu Yn had always wanted to vomit, whichpletely hurt her appetite.

    She didn¡¯t eat for a day and a night. But when she finally had some appetite now, she just asked for a bowl of sour prune drink. No matter what else food was held to her eyes, she was not interested.

    She drank less than half a bowl of sour prune drink by Mrs. Zhou¡¯s hand and then pushed the bowl away, ¡°I can¡¯t eat anymore!¡±

    Mrs. Zhou and Mrs. Qu looked at each other, worrying and thinking, ¡°How could a pregnant woman always not eat?¡±

    The two old women hadn¡¯te up with any ideas when someone outside reported that Commandery Princess Yishu had arrived.

    ¡°Just let her in!¡± As Qiu Yn heard that, she immediately half sat up. She thought to herself, ¡°Qiu Qian always does note to the door. Once shees to visit, she must have something. I do not know what brings her here this time.¡±

    A few momentster, Qiu Qian entered the yard with two willow hats in her hand. ording to the freshness of the leaves, it could be known that they must have been folded after Qiu Qian entered Marquess¡¯s Mansion. She nodded to Qiu Yn as a greeting and walked to the corridor. And then she called Jiang Jingkun and Jiang Jinng over and smilingly gave them one each to wear, ¡°How about your Aunt Qiu Qian¡¯s handicraft?¡±

    ¡°Be careful of the bugs on the willow hats!¡± As Qiu Yn saw them, she hurriedly reminded. There were too many caterpirs on the willow leaves this season.

    ¡°I know they are delicate. I have picked caterpirs off and washed the leaves in theke water.¡± Qiu Qian spread her hands as she walked down the corridor. She sat down on the soft couch in front of Qiu Yn, ¡°I promise it will not hurt your two babies. You can rest assured!¡±

    Even though she said so, Mrs. Qu still picked up the two willow hats and carefully checked them before giving Jiang Jingkun and Jiang Jinng to wear back. It was the first time for the two brothers to see the willow hats, which were new to them. Since that, they thanked Aunt Qiu Qian happily.

    ¡°You are so good at fooling children!¡± Qiu Yn said contemptuously, ¡°How can you ask with this sort of handicraft... It is not as good as my handicraft!¡±

    ¡°It is not for you anyway. Your son and nephew like it. That means I am good at handicraft!¡± said Qiu Qian triumphantly.

    Qiu Yn turned down the corner of her mouth, ¡°Your visits are too few. Why are you here this time?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s too hot to eat and drink. I told Sister Mei that I wanted to change into a better cook, but she refused. So, I have toe over here to eat your food!¡± Qiu Qian sighed as soon as she heard it, ¡°You don¡¯t know the ce where we live now...¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Qiu Yn gestured for the servants to back off and asked in a suspicious whisper, ¡°At the end ofst year, didn¡¯t my brother send Ruan Yi back quietly to hand over ¡®Tianya¡¯ to you? Howe Mei Xue is still in Jing City? And why didn¡¯t you guys go for the summer?¡±

    The corners of Qiu Qian¡¯s mouth twitched, ¡°Your brother just gave us an empty shell! You think we can immediately give orders as soon as we take over ¡®Tianya¡¯? Now Sister Mei wishes to pinch pennies. Except my brother, my expenses on food and clothing are being reduced again and again together with Sister Mei. How can I note to you?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Qiu Yn found it farcical, ¡°Nothing else?¡±

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Qiu Qian swore, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you can send someone to send me food every day and I won¡¯te anymore.¡±

    ¡°Am I so stingy?¡± Qiu Yn turned around and called Mrs. Zhou toe over, ¡°Go and pack a room for Qian¡¯er!¡±

    At night, Jiang Yashuang came back. As he knew about this, he smiled and said, ¡°It may be that she has been involved with somebody and something, and shees to hide in our yard because she is inconvenient to speak out, right? Your cousin really does not seem to be a person who wille to stay just for some food and drink.¡±

    ¡°I think so as well.¡± Qiu Yn smirked, ¡°I have quietly sent someone to check after keeping her stay. I¡¯m telling you. She is not young now. We have yed matchmaker for her these two years. But she doesn¡¯t like those men. Perhaps it has something to do with this!¡±

 Chapter 466 - You Think I Donâ€™t Know What You Are Thinking

    <h4>Chapter 466 You Think I Don¡¯t Know What You Are Thinking</h4>

    Since then, Qiu Qian stayed at Marquess¡¯s Mansion. Qiu Yn had her well fed and asionally took her to pay respects to Madame Tao. After a few days, the subordinate who had been sent out to snoop came back with a shameful face, ¡°I am ipetent. I spent the first two days in the vicinity of the residence where young master Qiu and Miss Mei live. But I could not find out what was going on in the residence. Today, when I got closer, I was discovered by the people of young master Qiu¡¯s mansion. And then I was caught to see Miss Mei. Only after revealing my identity did I get away!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn was a bit speechless. The bodyguard she sent there was agile and, in her impression, clever. She had never imagined that he would be exposed. After a pause, she said, ¡°It is not all your fault. Qiu Nie and Mei Xue are both skilled in snooping around. Mei Xue... Did she say anything when she knew you were sent by me?¡±

    ¡°Miss Mei said that someone was indeed proposing marriage to Commandery Princess Yishu. But young master Qiu thought it was inappropriate and already rejected it.¡± The subordinate answered, with his hands crossed.

    Qiu Yn mused, ¡°What kind of person is it?¡±

    ¡°It isst year¡¯s Number One Schr Cheng Xide. His uncle is Hanlin Academy¡¯s Grand Master Cheng Huijin, whose daughter is married to Prime Minister Xue¡¯s grandson!¡±

    ¡°Cheng Guoxi¡¯s cousin?¡± Qiu Yn looked startled, ¡°Last imperial examination¡¯s Number One Schr? He¡¯s quite a big deal!¡±

    Qiu Qian was Commandery Princess now. In terms of her identity, she was noble. Yet in terms of power, this title was not as worthy as her rtionship with Qiu Yn. After all, the thing that Qiu Qian was the blood of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was not officially recognized. Even if it was recognized, Qiu Qian and Qiu Nie¡¯s father was the son of a concubine. And their father, who passed away, had never been Duke of Xihe. Since that, she was not quite noble.

    However, the Cheng Family was Xue Chang¡¯s hard-core henchman. And Cheng Xide was the Number One Schr of imperial examination and had a bright future. ording to his condition, he would be qualified to marry a real Commandery Princess from the royal n. Cheng Xide, yet, promised marriage to Qiu Qian, who had been born humble. Qiu Yn naturally found it a bit unbelievable, ¡°Is it Cheng Xide¡¯s own doing? Or is there something else?¡±

    ¡°ording to the person who delivered the message, it was Cheng Xide who took a fancy to Commandery Princess Yishu. So, he asked Cheng Hanlin to propose marriage on his behalf.¡± The servant said, ¡°But young master Qiu thought that Commandery Princess Yishu and Cheng Xide might not be a perfect match in their personalities and so he politely declined.¡±

    ¡°What about Qiu Qian? What did she think of this?¡±

    ¡°Commandery Princess Yishu had never noticed Cheng Xide. So, she didn¡¯t have any argument for that.¡±

    Qiu Yn was a bit confused, ¡°So, did shee to our house just for a short stay?¡± It sounded that Qiu Qian was not there to avoid trouble. To be honest, Qiu Yn didn¡¯t think that the Cheng Family was the kind of being relentlessly annoying. ording to their family¡¯s typical principles, it was somewhat reluctant for the family to allow its son to marry ady like Qiu Qian. They would not mention the same thing again after being rejected.

    ¡°That¡¯s not entirely true. Miss Mei said you were pregnant again. But the senior maids that you were used to using have just been changed. And at the same time, the first branch took the second branch and the fifth branch back to Jing City. She was afraid that something like the seventeenth junior young master¡¯s poisoning would happen again. Anyway, Commandery Princess had nothing to do. So, she sent her over to help you keep an eye... Miss Mei said your well-being was also good for them!¡±

    That was more like it! Qiu Yn had been wondering why Qiu Qian woulde over for a short visit. This blood cousin was not the kind of person who liked to hang around!

    Qiu Yn breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°Well, I will appreciate that.¡± As Qiu Qian, who was from ¡°Tianya¡±, stayed in the yard, Qiu Yn found it really helpful. When Jiang Yashuang was out, Qiu Yn could have Qiu Qian apany her.

    In the middle of June, when there was half a month left before Emperor¡¯s birthday and the marriage of Princess Royal Lexin, all in Mount Dizi had their hands full!

    The royal family originally intended to cancel this year¡¯s journey for summer and stay in Jing City to organize the wedding ceremony for Princess Royal.

    But when considering that Empress Dowager Jiang who was already old and Prince Chu Shao who was too young couldn¡¯t stand the heat, Princess Royal Lexin offered to hold her wedding in Summer Pce. Anyway, ¡°Everywhere under the sky is His Majesty¡¯s dominion. Imperial city and Summer Pce both belong to the imperial family. And it¡¯s still the imperial family who are marrying off a daughter. It¡¯s all the same.¡±

    Empress Dowager Jiang was fine with that. She had always been in good health. When she was young, she was as good as the man at horse riding and archery. Even if she didn¡¯t go for the summer heat, for her, it was just stuffy in the cool room. But Emperor and Empress worried about the young prince who was not yet one year old because of the high infant mortality rate nowadays. So, as Princess Lexin insisted, Emperor and Empress praised her and allowed it.

    Since that, people in Mount Dizi were really busy. Both Emperor¡¯s birthday and the wedding ceremony of Princess Royal were great things. Many things, after being used on Emperor¡¯s birthday, could be kept for Princess Royal¡¯s wedding ceremony. However, they couldn¡¯t make everything remain the same, which would make Princess Royal Lexin too shameless!

    Anyway, when Mount Dizi was hectic, an Empress¡¯s decree was quietly sent to Marquess¡¯s Mansion that Jiang Huizhi would be officially weed into the pce after the Mid-Autumn Festival and ranked as a Noble Consort!

    ¡°My mother, have you seen that?¡± After receiving the decree and sending the servants away, Jiang Huizhi returned to her room. She pointed at the brilliantly embroidered Empress¡¯s decree, sneering, and said through clenched teeth, ¡°After the Mid-Autumn Festival, what a bad day it is. It¡¯s June now. The whole court is focused on Emperor¡¯s birthday and the wedding ceremony of Princess Royal Lexin. Who will care that the date of my entry into the pce has finally been set? When July passes into August, I¡¯m sure that the b*tch Xin will definitely hold a big Mid-Autumn Festival so that people will forget that after the Mid-Autumn Festival, there will be a new Noble Consort in the pce!¡±

    What made her most angry was not this thing, but another one. ¡°I¡¯ll enter the pce as a Noble Consort on the 16th day of the eighth lunar month. But soon on the 24th day of the same lunar month, Prince of Wei is going to marry the daughter of the Wang Family! And Wang is going to be Princess of Wei! They are letting me be caught in the middle and ignored! What is the Noble Consort! I¡¯m afraid that my wedding will even be less remarkable than my fourth brother¡¯s and fifth brother¡¯s concubinage!¡±

    Madame Dou Junior said bitterly, ¡°Now our branch is down. And Empress Dowager is also on Empress¡¯s side. The words in the Empress¡¯s decree seemed to be considerate. Considering that you just came back from Kui County and you should spend the Mid-Autumn Festival with your family one more time, Empress specially asked Royal Observatory to choose the date, the sixteenth day of the eighth lunar month... Do you think we can say no?¡±

    ¡°... One day!¡± Jiang Huizhi was silent for a long time and gritted her teeth, ¡°There wille a day!¡±

    The news was full of malice for them. But others were underwhelmed. Qiu Yn casually ordered someone to send a congrattory gift to the first branch and left it alone.

    Jiang Tianhe sent her daughter-inw Madame Zhao to personally congratte her with gifts. She said to Madame Dou Junior, ¡°The imperial family has many happy events this year. After all, princes and princesses have justpleted their mourning of the previous emperor. Many of them are not young. Their marriage should not be put off! That¡¯s why Empress has been so busy. But the position of the Noble Consort is reserved for Huizhi. And she is not young as well. If she still wasn¡¯t taken into the pce, there might be rumors! Empress has racked her brains to schedule Huizhi¡¯s wedding this year. So, it is short in time. Madame, I hope you won¡¯t take offense!¡±

    Madame Dou Junior mentally abused Jiang Tianhe for her taking the advantages for granted. But in fact, she had to call out her daughter and thank Empress Xin for her thoughtfulness and concerns.

    And after that, Jiang Tianhe went to tell Madame Tao and Madame Ou in person, ¡°Empress¡¯s son is younger than one year old. Even if there are maids to help, the prince still needs some attention from Empress! But in this situation, Empress still needs to worry about lots of things. How hard she is! If Huizhi is picking on Empress when she enters the pce, it will be too cold of her!¡±

    Madame Tao had never liked the first branch. But for one thing, she didn¡¯t want to argue with her great grandniece. And for another thing, she didn¡¯t want to give others a handle. So, she smiled and said, ¡°We are a family. How can we be so critical? I¡¯m afraid that someone is deliberately provoking, right? Tianhe, you must be careful. Do not let that viin take advantage of the situation!¡±

    Madame Ou said, without much enthusiasm, ¡°As you know she¡¯s busy, why don¡¯t you stay at Mount Dizi and give her a hand? Why are you doing back here?¡±

    The Mansion of Sir Jibei also did not go to Mount Dizi for the summer in the past two years. Because they wanted to give a hand in case something happened to Marquess Qin. It was Madame Ou who said so, ¡°How can nephews and grandnephews happily go for the summer when their uncle or granduncle is bed-ridden?¡±

    So, on such hot days, the whole Mansion of Sir Jibei stayed home to spend the summer.

    But the Xin Family all went there to get out of this heat.

    Jiang Tianhe heard that Empress¡¯s decree that Jiang Huizhi was going to be taken into the pce had been issued. So, she brought Madame Zhao back to Jing City to collude with her family. However, she didn¡¯t get expected answers from her aunt and mother. She was quite depressed and said, ¡°It has been a fiercely hot summer this year. And I feel worried about you. So, Ie back to see you.¡±

    ¡°Now you have seen us. Go do your bit!¡± Madame Ou said grumpily, ¡°Empress has her own ideas. Does she need you to work tirelessly to help? I¡¯m afraid that if you do too much, you will mess up Empress¡¯s n!¡±

    Anyone with a discerning eye could easily see why Xin Fubing picked such a date for Jiang Huizhi to enter the pce!

    The reasons in Empress¡¯s decree seemed to be reasonable. So, even the first branch felt angry inside, they couldn¡¯t say anything. But what Jiang Tianhe did just made things go opposite. Others would think that those words were just excuses and Empress was holding Jiang Huizhi back on purpose!

    Madame Ou was not happy, ¡°Empress is Emperor¡¯s first wife. And she has given birth to the first true-born prince. She is safe as being Empress. Who can unseat her? Why are you doing fooling?¡±

    Jiang Tianhe was aggrieved, ¡°I¡¯m afraid that Jiang Huizhi will be too proud to respect Empress when she enters the pce, won¡¯t she? So, I intend to give her a warning in advance, in case...¡±

    ¡°In case that she will not be angry and disrespect Empress? In case we cannot get her father and brother for their not teaching her well and make room for your Xin Family?¡± Before Jiang Tianhe could finish her sentences, Madame Ou snapped, in a sarcastic way, ¡°I¡¯m old. But I¡¯m not senile! You think I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re thinking?¡±

    ¡°...¡± As what Jiang Tianhe was thinking about was revealed, she said, embarrassed, ¡°How could I think this way? My second uncle is still alive. Who dares to fight with the first branch?¡±

    Madame Ou sneered, ¡°You may not listen to what I say nowadays. I¡¯m sick of talk! In a word, stop jumping up and down! Don¡¯t be too greedy and get Empress involved!¡±

    Without caring about her daughter¡¯s embarrassment, Madame Ou simply told someone to send her out!

    After Jiang Tianhe was asked to leave, Madame Ou let out a long sigh, ¡°The life!¡±

    She was done with life!

    Qiu Yn also thought so at the same time. As she had been getting morning sickness all the time, she touched her swollen belly and sighed, ¡°I¡¯ll have the baby in November. There is half a year... How I¡¯m going to make it through?¡±

    It made Jiang Yashuang heartbroken. But he could not be much help. As he didn¡¯t know what to do, he asked, ¡°Maybe I can talk with the elders and send you to Mount Dizi?¡± His wife had been suffering terribly, which did not happen when she had her first baby. Jiang Yashuang thought perhaps the reason was that it was too hot in Jing City and perhaps his wife would feel better when she was in Mount Dizi.

    ¡°Am I going alone?¡± Qiu Yn pointed to the adjoining room, weakly, ¡°What about An and Jinng?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Jiang Yashuang wanted to say that he could take care of them himself. But when he thought about a huge backlog of official documents in his hands, he felt it hard to deal with them even with the help of his staff. How could he have the time to take care of the two children. But Jiang Jinng¡¯s poisoning was a warning to them. As parents, how could they rest assured if they had servants or somebody else to babysit?

    ¡°Why not take them with you?¡±

    ¡°Do not look for trouble. Suck it up!¡± Qiu Yn shook her head, ¡°There is much room in the mount. I¡¯ll feel more worried if they run around there!¡±

    ¡°... When the baby is born, I¡¯ll kick its ass for you!¡± Jiang Yashuang had no choice but to coax his wife. He said fiercely, ¡°The baby doesn¡¯t learn from its eldest brother Jinng¡¯s understanding and thoughtfulness at all! It really deserves a good beating!¡±

 Chapter 467 - Labor and Title Conferring

    <h4>Chapter 467 Labor and Title Conferring</h4>

    Her morning sickness was constant and tormenting, but days quickly went by. Soon, it was November.

    The sky cleared up after the snow. With a handkerchief tied to her forehead, Qiu Yn leaned against the head of the bed, looked at her daughter in swaddling clothes, and asked her husband with a smirk, ¡°You mean you want to teach her a lesson since she is not well behaved?¡±

    ¡°She is forbidden to wear beads before the age of three. What do you think?¡± Jiang Yashuang poked his daughter¡¯s glowing cheeks with his fingertip and asked tteringly.

    Greed was human nature. When he thought that his wife was infertile, he was content to raise his nephew. Later, his wife got pregnant, and he got jittery, hoping that both the mother and the child would be safe. After Jiang Jinng was smoothly delivered, he secretly wished that they could safely have another child!

    And then Qiu Yn got pregnant again. Now that he had got a son and a nephew, he yearned for a daughter. When his dream came true, he immediately pushed his promise to the back of his mind.

    As his wife brought it up, he grudgingly put forward a method of punishment. Qiu Yn burst her sides withughter and said, ¡°Is she able to wear any beads before the age of three? You¡¯re ungrateful. Now that you¡¯ve got a daughter, you forget about me, right?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Jiang Yashuang said sanctimoniously, ¡°I was just afraid that the punishment of our daughter would upset you.¡±

    ¡°Sweet talker!¡± Qiu Yn rolled her eyes at him, ¡°Where are An and Lang¡¯er? It¡¯s inconvenient for me to go outside, and you should take care of them!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang repeatedly agreed, ¡°I¡¯ll check up on them after seeing our daughter... But boys are naughty by nature. On the rest day, it urred to me that I hadn¡¯t spent much quality time with them, so I yed with them for half a day. That was really exhausting. They are not as sensible and well-behaved as I was when I was a child!¡±

    ¡°Sure enough, people abandon the old for the new!¡± Qiu Yn helplessly said, ¡°During the hot days this year, you thought our daughter was not as considerate as Lang¡¯er! In the blink of an eye, Lang¡¯er has be the insensible kid!¡±

    ¡°I am telling the truth!¡± Jiang Yashuang said with a smile, ¡°I was quiet when I was little, and my grandmother said that they took after Jiang Yadan!¡±

    As soon as Qiu Yn heard that, her expression changed. She said earnestly, ¡°An is Jiang Yadan¡¯s only son, and Lang¡¯er is our eldest son. We¡¯ll have to count on them to manage the family when they grow up. We cannot spoil them! Naughty kids at their age should be spanked so that they will learn their lessons...¡±

    No kidding! People like Jiang Yadan failed as husbands and sons! Although Qiu Yn didn¡¯t demand prominence out of Jiang Jingkun and Jiang Jinng, she could never ept that the children she had taken pains to raise grew up into immoral dandies!

    Now it was Jiang Yashuang¡¯s turn to tease her, ¡°Every child is naughty, and you intend to spank them! Where is your motherly love? Reserved for your daughter? If Lang¡¯er found out, wouldn¡¯t he be sad? Sigh, you...¡±

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Qiu Yn smiled at him.

    ¡°I said you¡¯re a loving mother!¡± Jiang Yashuang sensed an unfavorable situation and quickly corrected himself, ¡°Love well, whip well. At an early age, An and Lang¡¯er are disciplined by you. Your love for them is ocean deep!¡±

    They bickered for a while before Qiu Yn asked if anything had happened in the past few days.

    ¡°The servantse and go every day. Can there be anything hidden from you? Oh, you remind me of one thing. When I came back, I heard from the servants that the eighth sister-inw got pregnant again. When people from her ce came to report, you hadn¡¯t been up yet. I didn¡¯t tell you for fear of disturbing your sleep,¡± Jiang Yashuang said.

    ¡°Have you sent the gift over?¡± Qiu Yn asked, raising her brows.

    Ever since Chu Yitong¡¯s miscarriage, the rtionship between them hadn¡¯t been good. Now that the news of Chu Yitong¡¯s pregnancy came again, Qiu Yn certainly would not miss the opportunity of making peace with her.

    ¡°Mrs. Zhou had the gift list drawn up, and I¡¯ve checked it. It¡¯s fine, and Mrs. Qu has been dispatched to present the gifts,¡± Jiang Yashuang replied.

    Qiu Yn trusted Mrs. Zhou the most, but Mrs. Qu had been assigned by Madame Zhuang to take care of her grandson. Mrs. Qu¡¯s status was extraordinary, and she was regarded as more important by people out of this courtyard. Such an arrangement showed their respect for Chu Yitong.

    ¡°Good!¡± Qiu Yn bowed her head, ¡°I hope that the eighth sister-inw will deliver safely and forget about those unpleasant things!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang leaned over, kissed her on the forehead, and gently said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for your grievances. At the end of the day, the current eighth sister-inw is not as magnanimous as the former one!¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t live in the same courtyard anyway. It¡¯s just that the atmosphere is a bit awkward.¡± Qiu Ynughed, ¡°I¡¯m not aggrieved at all.¡±

    ¡°There is one more thing.¡± Seeing that his wife hadn¡¯t taken it to heart, Jiang Yashuang added, ¡°My aunt heard about our daughter and wanted to confer a Princess title on her. ording to my aunt, it was not just her idea. Empress also proposed so.¡±

    Qiu Yn was surprised before she thought of Jiang Qizheng. Back then, thetter had just been sent back to Jiang City. Still in swaddling clothes, she had been conferred on the title of Chunfu Princess by Empress Dowager Jiang with a certain excuse. Empress Dowager Jiang favored Jiang Yashuang even more than Jiang Qizheng. However, Jiang Yashuang and Jiang Jinng were both male heirs, and too many rewards would bring about turbulence in their inheritance of titles and properties, so she had to give up.

    Now that Jiang Yashuang finally had a trueborn daughter, Empress Dowager would certainly repeat the practice. Empress Xin acted as the catalyst of her decision. After all, in the eyes ofmoners, princesses were unapproachable. For the royal family, however, it just meant an extra edict, a princess house, and an annual sry.

    ¡°Our aunt has always loved us, and Empress also thinks for our good!¡± Qiu Yn pondered for a moment and continued, ¡°But there are many girls in the Hui generation. The royal family has never conferred any titles on them! If our daughter bes the only one, won¡¯t it be too ostentatious?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s OK.¡± Apparently, Jiang Yashuang had been used to such favors since his childhood. He said nonchntly, ¡°Wasn¡¯t it like this when Jiang Qizheng was conferred on the Princess title? Haters are gonna hate. Even if she had not been conferred, she would have had friends and enemies when she had more siblings.¡±

    Qiu Yn reminded him, ¡°But our father has been conferred Sir of North, and Jiang Yadan is the Young Prince! Jiang Yadan¡¯s daughters were all given birth by concubines, and none of them has been conferred on, not even the title of County Princess. Our first daughter, however, will be given the title of Princess. I¡¯m not sure if Jiang Yadan will mind it, but the outsiders will definitely think that the royal family favors us, the fourth branch. It won¡¯t be a good thing if this gets out!¡±

    It was true that Jiang Tianchi had made the Young Prince, but even the Crown Prince could be deposed, let alone a Young Prince.

    Jiang Tianchi¡¯s reputation was mainly in the army. His influence in court was limited. Maybe people would make an issue of Empress Dowager Jiang¡¯s and Empress Xin¡¯s favors for Jiang Yashuang and his wife. They might incite Jiang Tianchi to depose his eldest son and let his youngest son inherit his title. Who knew?

    On the one hand, Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn had never intended to usurp the Young Prince of Sir of North. They didn¡¯t want to be manipted by those flunkeys. On the other hand, given Jiang Tianchi¡¯s attitude towards his two trueborn sons, he would never pass over the elder in favor of the younger! But what if someone incited him to make Jiang Yashuang the Young Prince? He would not be happy even if he knew that Jiang Yashuang and his wife were not part of it!

    It hadn¡¯t been a month since the birth of his daughter. Jiang Yashuang¡¯s dream hade true. Still beside himself with excitement, he was willing to give all the best things to her. Therefore, he had totally agreed to Empress Dowager Jiang and Empress Xin¡¯s n.

    After hearing his wife¡¯s advice, however, he frowned for a long time and said ndly, ¡°Makes sense. I¡¯ll talk to my aunt and turn down the offer!¡±

    ¡°Even if she doesn¡¯t have the title of Princess, who would dare question her high status?¡± Seeing that her husband¡¯s spirits had been dampened, Qiu Yn picked up their daughter, showed her to him, and said with a smile, ¡°Except Yongfu, all the daughters of the emperor will probably not be as carefree as her!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang echoed with a smile, ¡°True.¡± He lowered his head, kissed his daughter, and chatted happily with his wife for a while longer.

    The next day, Jiang Yashuang went to the imperial pce to pay his respects, saw Empress Dowager Jiang, and rejected the title on behalf of his daughter. Empress Dowager Jiang asked about the reason and said regretfully, ¡°It¡¯s not that we think little of Yadan, but his daughters were all given birth by concubines. So many trueborn great-granddaughters haven¡¯t been conferred. If those daughters of concubines are conferred first, it will be a humiliation to the trueborn ones! Besides, you know that your mother doesn¡¯t like those daughters of concubines. If Yadan had a trueborn daughter, she would have been conferred a long time ago.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang smiled apologetically and said, ¡°We appreciate Empress and your good intentions, but just as you said, Yadan has no trueborn daughter. If my daughter is conferred first, people are likely to misunderstand and sow discord! In my opinion, even if Empress and you don¡¯t confer titles on my daughter, your love for her will not change, right?¡±

    ¡°So be it!¡± Empress Dowager Jiang pondered, ¡°Isn¡¯t the wife of Yadan pregnant? We don¡¯t know if it is a boy or a girl. If it is a girl, your daughter will be conferred along! If it¡¯s a boy... We¡¯ll see. But if he doesn¡¯t have a trueborn daughter, your daughter will be conferred before she gets married. No one will have a word about it by then!¡±

    The grandaunt wanted to confer the title of Princess to her grandniece so that thetter would have a grander wedding. When that day came, no one would be so insensible as to object.

    This matter was settled.

    Due to his full schedule, Jiang Yashuang asked Empress Dowager to pass the message to Empress, retired from the pce, and went to work.

    After her nephew left, Empress Dowager Jiang went to Beique Hall and told Empress about the matter. Emperor was also there. As a puppet, he didn¡¯t have to worry about state affairs at all. Most of his time was spent in the Imperial Harem.

    Although Noble Consort Jiang had been taken in a few months ago, Emperor rarely went to her ce. The reason? Firstly, he had been in love with Empress for two or three years. Secondly, he spent most of the time in Beique Hall for the sake of his son, Chu Shao.

    Hearing that Jiang Yashuang and his wife turned down the title on behalf of their daughter, Xin Fubing sighed, ¡°What a shame! We came up with so many titles... In the end, none will be used!¡±

    Emperor chimed in with a smile, ¡°How so? Those are your choices and will be used when we have our own daughters.¡±

    His speech surprised Xin Fubing. The courtiers hadn¡¯t retired yet. At that moment, they were snickering behind their sleeves. She blushed up to her ears, sullenly cast a sidelong nce at him, and said to the courtiers, ¡°Since the edict cannot be issued, reward the child with some gifts... Servants!¡±

    Busy preparing the gifts for Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn¡¯s daughter, Xin Fubing was unaware that Emperor, who was sitting leisurely in the near distance, was coaxing Chu Shao with a smile. He was not asposed as he looked. In his sleeves, his fingers syed and closed alternately. ¡°They declined? Were they afraid of stealing the thunder of the Young Prince of Sir of North? Or did they sense anything wrong?¡±

 Chapter 468 - The Most Important Person

    <h4>Chapter 468 The Most Important Person</h4>

    Emperor was worried. He looked at the time and stood up, ¡°The wintersweets in the imperial garden are in bloom and I¡¯m going to paint a painting of them. Fubing, are you going with me?¡±

    The snow had fallen on and off for the past few days, and it stopped only yesterday. One could imagine how beautiful the imperial garden was now. Xin Fubing was a little tempted, but when she turned her eyes and saw Chu Shao lying on the bed, she shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Your Majesty. I¡¯m afraid I have to stay because I have something to do here.¡±

    Now Jiang Huizhi had entered the pce. Although Xin Fubing didn¡¯t believe that she could reach out to her pce in the past three or four months, who knew what secret n the first branch hade up with when they purged the forces of Empress Dowager Gu in the past?

    ¡°Chu Shao¡¯s safety is the most important thing!¡± Xin Fubing knew this very well. As long as his status as the eldest trueborn son was maintained, it would help him a lot in the future. The healthy growth of Chu Shao was the most powerful guarantee for Xin Fubing and the Xin Family in the future. Moreover, apart from the benefits that her son would bring her in the future, Xin Fubing didn¡¯t want to risk her son on a whim.

    So, she regretfully rejected Emperor¡¯s proposal.

    It was expected, and Emperor said with a smile, ¡°Well, I will bring some flowers for you when Ie back!¡±

    Xin Fubing walked him out of Beique Hall happily and watched him leave. No one thought Emperor¡¯s move was abrupt. After all, since he ascended the throne, apart from greeting Empress Dowager Jiang and apanying Empress, Emperor¡¯s only hobby was to draw paintings of flowers and nts in the imperial garden.

    At first, the Jiang Family watched him so closely that even the ink he used had to be checked secretly. However, people were generallyzy. They hadn¡¯t seen anything unusual about him in the past two years, so they naturally rxed.

    The imperial chariot arrived at the imperial garden, and a desk had already been set up under the wintersweet trees. The painting tools wereplete on the desk. Two pce servants waited on Emperor, one on the left and the other on the right. One was preparing the ink while the other one was serving tea. A furnace was set up around with charcoal in it to prevent Emperor from feeling cold.

    ¡°Cen Wei will stay and wait on me. Everyone else can leave.¡± Emperor put on a fox fur in the chariot beforeing out. He looked around, nodded slightly, and ordered.

    Over the years, the valets had be ustomed to his request. At first, when they retreated to a distance, they would use their eyepieces to observe secretly. But no abnormality had been found, and now they didn¡¯t take it very seriously.

    After leaving the wintersweet trees, many of them even took the opportunity to find a corner to take a break. Anyway, Emperor didn¡¯t dare toin about them.

    So, after a moment, the silence was restored in the trees where only Emperor and his servant Cen Wei were left, and there was only the sound of rustling when writing.

    ¡°Your Majesty, your painting skills have improved again!¡± Cen Wei looked at the vigorous plum branches on the paper, and praised while preparing the ink, ¡°With just a few strokes, I feel a burst of energy!¡±

    Emperor smiled faintly, ¡°There is no power in me. How could there be energy? It¡¯s just some likeness!¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re the blessed Holy Son of Heaven.¡± Cen Wei narrowed his eyes, looked around calmly, and lowered his voice, ¡°Even if there are asionally some viins, it will notst long... Your Majesty, why should you be discouraged??¡±

    ¡°Jiang Yashuang refused to confer the title of nobility on his trueborn daughter. I¡¯m worried if he has noticed something. He is the grandson Marquess Qin has cultivated with painstaking efforts. He should not be underestimated!¡± Emperor painted with a focused expression and said in a low voice, ¡°You should know the current situation. Although Marquess Qin is ill, once my actions in the past two years are noticed...¡±

    Cen Wei¡¯s face changed when he heard it, but he thought about it and shook his head, ¡°Your Majesty, to be honest, you already have a prince. If Jiang Yashuang really sees something wrong, then...¡±

    And then Emperor wouldn¡¯t have a chance to draw a painting about wintersweets here, and he would have been ¡°killed¡± to make room for Chu Shao!

    Emperor heard the implied meaning of Cen Wei¡¯s words. He stopped his pen for a while, and said lightly, ¡°But this time I was rejected, and simr methods will not work next time. It will be very bad for me if he gets suspicious!¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re right.¡± Cen Wei pondered for a moment and then said, ¡°But Your Majesty, you don¡¯t need to worry at all this time. After all, as for the Jiang Family¡¯s daughter being a princess, there has been Chunfu Princess¡¯s example. Besides, Jiang Yashuang¡¯s wife and Empresshave always been close. You had asked Jiang Yashuang to assist you even before you were made crown prince. You¡¯ve been on good terms with him... In this case, it is understandable that you want to favor the trueborn daughter of Jiang Yashuang and his wife. Besides, you just mentioned it casually in front of Empress. Jiang Yashuang and his wife were asked because Empress went to Empress Dowager to ask for instructions. Even if Jiang Yashuang investigates it, it is impossible for him to conclude that you have other intentions other than favor!¡±

    When the pce just learned the news that Qiu Yn gave birth sessfully, Xin Fubing was very happy for her friend. So, it seemed Emperor tried to cheer her up and said casually, ¡°Fubing, since you like Jiang Yashuang¡¯s daughter so much, how about making her a princess?¡±

    Xin Fubing readily agreed and went to Taishi Hall to discuss with Empress Dowager Jiang in person. After scrutinizing the matter again, Emperor sighed in relief and said, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    He stopped for a while and then quickly sketched a half-open wintersweet flower and restored his serious tone, ¡°Although this time it didn¡¯t arouse suspicion, it also failed. We must find another way... Although Beijiang has frequently reported victories, they haven¡¯t defeated the enemy at one stroke. It¡¯s not that Jiang Tianchi can¡¯t do it, but he did it on purpose... We don¡¯t have much time!¡±

    Cen Wei said seriously, ¡°Yes, Your Majesty!¡±

    ¡°I just thought about it on the imperial chariot. I kept favoring the Jiang Family¡¯s fourth branch to turn them against other branches... Because of Empress Dowager and Empress¡¯s favor, it is not easy to be suspected. But, it¡¯s too slow!¡± Emperor kept drawing and said coldly, ¡°Not only is it slow, but the other branches of the Jiang Family have no military power in their hands. When they really fight, the fourth branch is not only the target of public criticism but also absolutely has the upper hand! The result may not be what we hope!¡±

    ¡°So, if we want to bring down the Jiang Family as soon as possible, the quickest and best way depends on one person!¡±

    Cen Wei subconsciously said, ¡°Who is it, Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Commandery Princess Ningyi Qiu Yn!¡± Emperor said with an expressionless face, ¡°The foundation of the Jiang family lies in the Northern Army, and the only one who canpete with the Northern Army is the Western Army! Her elder brother Qiu Jinn, thanks to the good news of victories these days, has established prestige in the Western Army... As a brother, if he knows that his sister has been wronged in Jiang family, he would never let it go!¡±

    Cen Wei frowned, ¡°But Jiang Yashuang always dotes on his wife. This is a well-known fact in the court! Madame Zhuang, the wife of Jiang Tianchi, is domineering and vicious to outsiders, but she loves her biological children and daughters-inw very much!¡±

    Both her mother-inw and her husband loved her and she had children. How could Qiu Yn be wronged?

    Seeing Emperor pondering, Cen Wei thought, ¡°Empress Dowager and Empress are both very fond of Jiang Yashuang and his wife. This time they failed to confer the title of princess on their trueborn daughter, but over time, Empress Dowager and Empress will definitely invite them to the pce with their children often! On this asion, I think they will also invite Noble Consort Jiang toe together lest anyone think they deliberately leave out her... If something happens to the children in the hands of Noble Consort Jiang...¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not right!¡± Emperor shook his head before he could hear it, frowning, ¡°Even if the Jiang Family¡¯s fourth branch and the first branch fight with each other, how will it help my n? Now I have to make Qiu Jinn and the Jiang Family¡¯s fourth branch turn against each other! Hasn¡¯t the first branch been bullied by the fourth branch enough?¡±

    The death of their second trueborn son was a mess! How much more could he expect from them?

    ¡°... The quickest way for a husband and his wife to break up is an affair.¡± Cen Wei pondered, ¡°The problem is that Jiang Yashuang has always been loyal...¡±

    His life style was impable. With Jiang Yashuang¡¯s identity and force, it was impossible to drug him and send a woman to sleep with him.

    Even if they did do it, Qiu Jinn was not a fool, and he wouldn¡¯t definitely be mad at his brother-inw. He would probably vent his anger on finding the conspirator!

    ¡°An affair...¡± Emperor pondered for a while and then slowly said, ¡°Even if there is a way to do this, it is not very appropriate. After all, Commandery Princess Ningyi is far from being old and unattractive. Even if Jiang Yashuang has an affair, it is impossible for him topletely stop loving her. Besides, they have children, and for the sake of the children, I am afraid they will have to live with each other. It is impossible for them to take it to Qiu Jinn and fight against each other!¡±

    ¡°Even if Jiang Yashuang¡¯s children have an ident and the fourth branch is med, it would not be able to meet my expectations!¡±

    ¡°Because they are still young and can have more children. As you said, Commandery Princess Ningyi has always had a good time as a member of the Jiang Family¡¯s fourth branch. The most troublesome thing about being a daughter-inw is that her mother-inw is picky and her husband is unloving. She has never met any of these cases! Qiu Jinn is not a stupid man and he will not easily allow his sister to abandon such a husband... Commandery Princess Ningyi is still young as a married woman, but she is well over marriageable age! After leaving Jiang Yashuang, could she marry another man as eligible as Jiang Yashuang?¡±

    ¡°All in all, as long as Commandery Princess Ningyi is still alive, everything can be salvaged.¡±

    ¡°But if there is hope, things often don¡¯t necessarily develop to the worst!¡±

    Emperor continued painting and the ink stains changed from thick to light, turning into a beautiful plum branch on paper. His voice was cold, ¡°So, do you understand what I mean?¡±

    Cen Wei took a deep breath and bowed to answer, ¡°Yes, Your Majesty!¡±

    The person Qiu Jinn loved most was Qiu Yn, so as an uncle, he certainly liked Qiu Yn¡¯s children. But, in the final analysis, Qiu Jinn loved Qiu Yn the most!

    Therefore, the quickest and most thorough way to arouse Qiu Jinn¡¯s hatred and anger towards the Jiang Family¡¯s fourth branch was neither to plot against Qiu Yn¡¯s children nor turn him against Jiang Yashuang or someone in the Jiang Family¡¯s fourth branch, but...

    Let Qiu Yn die in the hands of the fourth branch!

    This was the sharpest and deadliest way topletely ruin the happy cooperation between Qiu Jinn and the Jiang Family¡¯s fourth branch!

    Based on what he knew about Qiu Jinn, as long as it was confirmed that his sister died at the hands of the Jiang Family¡¯s fourth branch, even if Qiu Yn¡¯s two children were still alive, it wouldn¡¯t be able to stop his revenge!

    ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re truly far-sighted, and I¡¯m so impressed!¡± Cen Wei said softly after bowing, ¡°It is my blessing to serve you!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t count the chicken before they are hatched!¡± Emperor was very calm. He was not proud of Cen Wei¡¯s admiration at all. He kept painting thest plum blossom. And then he raised his eyes and looked at the snow-covered trees, ¡°It¡¯s far from the time to celebrate!¡±

    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty!¡± Cen Wei¡¯s admiration was even deeper. Emperor had lived on thin ice, yet he could remain unmoved in the face of rare sincere praise, which showed Emperor¡¯s strong will and ambition.

    With such a wise master, why worry about his future?

 Chapter 469 - Swaddle

    <h4>Chapter 469 Swaddle</h4>

    The Jiang Family knew nothing about Emperor¡¯s mind.

    After all, the two frontier troops were in their hands, and there were also many cronies in the court. Emperor had always been so docile and sensible, so it was normal for them to let their guard down on him.

    Qiu Yn, who was unaware that she had been regarded by Emperor as a stepping stone for a shortcut to seize power, discussed Qiu Qian¡¯s marriage with He Shuijin, ¡°The Cheng Family really asked again?¡±

    ¡°Of course. I¡¯m serious.¡± He Shuijin slowly peeled an orange and threw the orange peel into a small incense burner not far away. The fragrance filled the room and she said, ¡°After your daughter was born when the family threw a party to celebrate her birth, the Cheng Family came to the party. Madam Yin pulled me to the corner to talk about it, saying that Cheng Xide really liked Commandery Princess Yishu, but Qiu Nie did not think that he and Commandery Princess Yishu would get along well, so he wanted me to talk to you to see if it was really hopeless.¡±

    Madam Yin was Cheng Jin¡¯s eldest daughter-inw and the sister-inw of Cheng Guoxi, the wife of Xue Nongying.

    ¡°Not only is Qiu Nie not optimistic, but I also don¡¯t understand it. ording to what I know, Cheng Xide is an upright and well-educated gentleman who is most concerned with the virtues of women, right?¡± Qiu Yn pondered. The Cheng Family had a good style, and it was said that there was a family rule that a mistress could only be epted after the couple had no children at the age of fifty. Such a family had a good reputation, and they cherished their reputation very much. A woman who was not from a good family and had a poor reputation was generally not considered, no matter how noble her background was.

    Why did they propose to Qiu Qian again and again?

    Compared with those orthodox virtuous women, Qiu Qian was a young untraditional girl in nature though her title contained the meaning of being virtuous. Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t understand why she would attract people from the Cheng Family. If she only attracted Cheng Xide, one could say that tastes differed. But now the Cheng Family proposed marriage, which was strange.

    ¡°The Cheng Family relies on Prime Minister Xue. Although it has nothing to do with our Jiang Family, its status is very stable. Judging from their usual behaviors, their moral integrity is not low. It is not like Prime Minister Xue is thinking about looking for a new backer before he is dead... If it¡¯s not after the Jiang Family, is it ¡®Tianya¡¯? It doesn¡¯t feel like it... If it¡¯s after this, they could ask the Xue Family to pull some strings and invest money. Why do they have to do it at the cost of the marriage of the Number One Schr?¡±

    She was thinking about it when He Shuijin said, ¡°There are no outsiders here, so I¡¯ll tell the truth. You¡¯ve been there. Do you really think that an upright gentleman only likes a virtuous woman?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t be sure.¡± Qiu Yn said, ¡°After all, people¡¯s preferences are different.¡± In fact, a silly and rigid young man was basically matched with a quirky youngdy...

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think so?¡± He Shuijin didn¡¯t think there was anything wrong with this, because the couple Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn had greatly impressed her, ¡°I¡¯m two years older than Yashuang. I watched him grow up. I always thought that he was so obedient, sensible, and filial when he was a child, and he would definitely find a gentle and virtuous wife like Madame Tao Junior! When you dated him, to be honest, I was very surprised!¡±

    Qiu Yn was a little speechless, ¡°This is really different. To be frank, although Yashuang was very honest in the past, do you think the others in this family are honest? He has long been used to dishonest people! He doesn¡¯t hate orin that his family has humiliated him. It can be seen that though he doesn¡¯t make trouble, he is not very disgusted by people who make troubles. But it¡¯s said the Cheng Family is rtively old-fashioned.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a little old-fashioned, but it¡¯s not that they are not flexible at all!¡± He Shuijin said, ¡°Think about it. Cheng Xide is Cheng Jin¡¯s junior, but Cheng Jin won¡¯t force him, because he is Number One Schr! If Cheng Xide isn¡¯t attracted, why did the Cheng family mention it again and again? Besides, I don¡¯t think you should always think of Qiu Qian as a reckless girl. In terms of blood, she is your cousin, and the wealth of Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe could be dated back to the founding of our country. Back then, the Cheng Family was little known, let alone their backer, the Xue family! In terms of upbringing, she was also educated by Madam Shao. In terms of identity, she is Commandery Princess now. Well, the Cheng Family doesn¡¯t even have the lowest title, so who do they think they are to look down on her?¡±

    Qiu Yn pondered, ¡°It¡¯s not that we look down on them. I just think it¡¯s a bit strange... But just as you said, since the Cheng Family has talked about it for the second time, it can be seen that they are sincere. Well, when I recover from giving birth to my daughter, I¡¯ll invite Mei Xue over to discuss it.¡±

    He Shuijin achieved her goal and said goodbye, ¡°And then I¡¯ll wait for your message!¡±

    That night, Qiu Yn told her husband about it, ¡°Last time I heard that Qiu Nie refused, and I thought that it was the end of the matter, and I didn¡¯t care anymore. Unexpectedly, the Cheng Family took it seriously and asked He Shuijin toe to deliver a message. Well, since the Cheng Family is so eager to set Cheng Xide up with Qiu Qian, are they sincere or up to something else?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was more open about it, ¡°Even if they¡¯re up to something else, we should see what they¡¯re up to. If it¡¯s not too much, and they¡¯re good to Yishu, I don¡¯t mind it.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought about it and agreed, ¡°Well, when I recover, I¡¯ll ask Mei Xue and Qiu Qian toe over and have a good talk! Qiu Qian is really old enough to get married. It¡¯ll be harder to find her a husband if she gets older!¡±

    She made a decision.

    At this time, there were less than ten days before her daughter was one month old. After two or three days, while Mumian was serving her, Mn came in and reported, ¡°Mistress Gu is here, saying that she has something to consult you about!¡±

    ¡°Consult me? Huishan is still young. She should look after her daughter in her yard. Why would shee to talk to me?¡± Qiu Yn was quite puzzled and said, ¡°Bring her in!¡±

    ... At the beginning of the year, Gu E¡¯nuo had announced her pregnancy right after Jiang Qizheng. The two gave birth to two daughters in October this year, and both the mothers and daughters were safe.

    Jiang Qizheng¡¯s daughter was named Qiu Yehe after her brother and sister, and Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s daughter had the word ¡°Shan¡± in her name. The two children were both just one month old now. Normally, as a mother, she should be concentrating on taking care of her child and her body. Why did shee here in such cold weather?

    After a moment, Gu E¡¯nuo was brought in. After greetings, she said, ¡°Our branch¡¯s expenses for this month...¡±

    ¡°Wait, shouldn¡¯t you talk to our eighth sister-inw about it? Why do you talk to me?¡± Qiu Yn was surprised when she took out the ledger.

    ¡°Our eighth sister-inw has severe morning sickness and couldn¡¯t get up at all!¡± Gu E¡¯nuo sighed, ¡°Mrs. Zhu stays with her day and night and she really doesn¡¯t have time to manage things. So, she asked me to take care of it for a few days. When your mourning is over, I¡¯ll handle it over to you! There are a few ounts I can¡¯t decide on, so Mrs. Zhu asked me toe over and ask you for advice!¡±

    Qiu Yn hurriedly asked, ¡°Is our eighth sister-inw all right?¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Zhu said that there were no other problems but she had vomited a lot. After taking a few medicines, it still doesn¡¯t work.¡± Gu E¡¯nuo said, ¡°We can only wait a few days to see if it will get better.¡±

    In this case, Qiu Yn really had to help. After all, Sheng Shishui was not here. She and Chu Yitong were the two daughters-inw in the fourth branch. Gu E¡¯nuo couldn¡¯t manage in that she was a mistress after all. Fortunately, the fourth branch was not in charge of Marquess¡¯s Mansion, so the so-called ledger was just about their branch, and it wouldn¡¯t take much effort.

    And then Qiu Yn asked about Chu Yitong¡¯s diet, expressing enough concern as a sister-inw, and then began to ask about the ounts.

    She didn¡¯t hear anything wrong. She confirmed with Gu E¡¯nuo the ounts that she couldn¡¯t decide on, and nodded, ¡°And then you can take care of it for a few days. I can¡¯t go out now and it¡¯s inconvenient. You can give it to me when I¡¯m recovered.¡±

    Gu E¡¯nuo left after nodding. She took a step but turned around hesitantly, ¡°Madame Qiu...¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s it?¡±

    ¡°Huishan has been crying a lot for the past few days. The doctor said it was because the swaddling material for her was not very good.¡± Gu E¡¯nuo said cautiously, a little embarrassed, ¡°But given the current standard, we can only use something like this... Our eighth sister-inw is ill and I don¡¯t think I should trouble her with it.¡±

    In order to prevent the Kui Xiannan¡¯s branch from squandering too much of the property of Marquess¡¯s Mansion, He Shuijin had reduced the fees since the first half of the year. Since the second branch and fifth branch were still in Jing City, the fees had not been increased. The wives had dowries, and the impact on them was not very big, but the mistresses and concubines weren¡¯t so lucky.

    Although Gu E¡¯nuo came from a noble family, when she ran away from Prince Zhou¡¯s Mansion, she was lucky enough to be able to survive in a desperate situation. She was poor. As soon as the fees were deducted, she was inevitably short of money. She could bear it herself, but when the one-month-old child felt ufortable, she would just cry. How could a mother ignore it?

    Therefore, Gu E¡¯nuo could only bite the bullet and beg the person she had looked down on in the past.

    Qiu Yn looked at her, ¡°Your daughter is little and delicate. You should have said it earlier.¡±

    And then she told Mn, ¡°Go to open the warehouse and choose some materials for swaddles...¡±

    ¡°No, no!¡± Gu E¡¯nuo hurriedly said, ¡°I mean, I can just take the old swaddling clothes of the fourteenth junior young master and the seventeenth junior young master in the family! How could I ask for new ones?¡±

    ¡°An and Lang¡¯er are both boys, and the swaddles they used may not be suitable for Huishan. You should take a new one. It¡¯s going to be New Year¡¯s Eve, so it¡¯s more festive with a new one!¡± Qiu Yn looked calm, but she secretly sighed. When Empress Dowager Gu and the Prince¡¯s Mansion of Guangyang still existed, Gu E¡¯nuo had been so pampered. Even Princess Lexin and other princesses were polite to her.

    Now she was a humble mistress. When her own daughter needed some better swaddling clothes, she could only beg for it...

    ... Gu E¡¯nuo thanked her profusely and followed Mn to choose materials in the warehouse. Mumian was very young. She had been sold to Jing City as a ve when she was a child, she no longer remembered Princess Shou¡¯an. Sheughed when she saw it and said, ¡°Mistress Gu is lucky to meet a kind-hearted madame like you! The swaddles used by junior young masters and junior youngdies are the best! Even the other junior young masters and junior youngdies can have the clothes. Her daughter is so lucky!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was still in the process of forming his forces. He had invested everything he had earned, so he had no money left. The things in the warehouse were Qiu Yn¡¯s private belongings. Most of them were her dowries, and each item of them had been carefully selected by Qiu Jinn back then.

    Qiu Jinn was a young prince and the owner of ¡°Tianya¡± with total assets of over ten million. He felt guilty and wanted topensate his sister, so he naturally focused on the quality of things instead of their prices.

    A swaddle took little material and time, but Mumian knew that even the used clothes by swaddled, such as Jiang Jingkun, Jiang Jinng, and the twenty-third junior youngdies who had not got a name, weren¡¯t cheap. Even ayman, just by looking at its texture, knew it was expensive.

    As a primary maid, Mumian had lived a veryfortable life, and even she thought that the material was terrifyingly expensive. Once Mistress Gu begged for it, Qiu Yn asked Mn to take her to choose something new in the warehouse. She couldn¡¯t help feeling a little jealous. She had wanted to praise Qiu Yn for her generosity, but when she said it, it sounded jealous, ¡°My madame, you allowed her to go into the warehouse and choose by herself. She will definitely be impressed!¡±

    But Qiu Yn just said lightly, ¡°Impressed? You¡¯re underestimating her. What had she not seen back then? As for the things in my warehouse, she had probably had most of them!¡±

    Mumian froze.

 Chapter 470 - Something Odd

    <h4>Chapter 470 Something Odd</h4>

    At the middle of thest lunar month, Qiu Yn finally finished her postpartum confinement. The next day of her baby¡¯s one-month birthday banquet, Gu E¡¯nuo brought her the ount books and keys, together with two embroidered handkerchiefs, ¡°I made them in my free time. It¡¯s just a little token of my affection even though I¡¯m not good at embroidering. Madame, hope you not mind.¡±

    Qiu Yn epted it. And then she casually asked what Jiang Huishan was doing and called someone to take something that fit children to her. When she just sent Gu E¡¯nuo away, Mulian came in and said, ¡°My madame, Madame Tao asked you over there, saying that there is something to discuss.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be going!¡± Qiu Yn nodded.

    The lunar new year wasing. And Chu Yitong¡¯s pregnancy reaction was more intense than Qiu Yn¡¯s when she was pregnant with her daughter. In a situation like that, Qiu Yn took the responsibility of running the fourth branch. So, she had thought that Madame Tao called her over to give her some advice as Madame Tao was worried about whether she could do it well.

    However, when Qiu Yn arrived there, Madame Tao didn¡¯t mention it. Instead, Madame Tao said, ¡°Your youngest grand aunt has decided to choose Miss Feng.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Qiu Yn was taken by surprise at first. And soon she remembered it was about Jiang Yn¡¯s thing. It had been nearly a year since the time when she was ordered to ask Ruan Ciyi about Feng Ruyan. It seemed that Madame Ou had really made a great effort to find a step-wife for her grandson this time since she had taken so long to decide. So, Qiu Yn said, ¡°That¡¯s a happy event. When will it be set?¡±

    ¡°Now it is thest lunar month. ording to traditional rules, they can¡¯t do anything this month.¡± Madame Tao said, ¡°So, they decide to send the bride price till in the next first month. And they have talked with the Feng Family, who has agreed as well. There is only one problem here.¡±

    With that, Qiu Yn knew that the reason why she was asked over there was because of this problem.

    ¡°Except for the first month, there is not a day that suits them next year. Your youngest grand aunt thinks that although Yn has been married once, he does not have a son or a daughter. The wedding should not be dyed any further. She ns to let them get married in the first month!¡± Madame Tao said, ¡°In that case, it is short on time. Moreover, in the first month, your sixth uncle and sixth aunt are still in mourning in Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion!¡±

    ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°I have discussed with your youngest grand aunt. And we decided to hold Yn¡¯s wedding in Marquess¡¯s Mansion.¡± Madame Tao said, ¡°I have told Shuijin about that. But as you know, she is too busy. So, you also need to give a hand at that time!¡±

    ¡°That is what we should do.¡± Qiu Yn had thought it was something else. So, after hearing that, she nodded, ¡°My Grandmother, please rest assured!¡±

    After the matter was finished, Madame Tao asked about the three children in her yard, ¡°Have Jingkun and Jinng been naughty these two days? How about Huiying? Did she still cryst night?¡±

    The name of Jiang Yashuang and Qiu Yn¡¯s first trueborn daughter had just been decided the day before yesterday, which was called Jiang Huiying.

    Qiu Yn smiled and replied one by one. And then she said, ¡°My grandmother, I was afraid of dying and making you wait when I heard that you summoned me today. So, I didn¡¯t bring them here. I¡¯ll bring them to pay respect to youter!¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Madame Tao shook her head, ¡°It¡¯s so cold. It¡¯s better to let them stay in the yard. Do not make them go to that trouble!¡±

    When they were on that, Mom Hu hurried in, ¡°Madame, the neenth young madame, something has happened to the fifth young master!¡±

    Both Madame Tao and Qiu Yn were stunned, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°Mistress Yue has lost her baby. It is said that she was pushed by the thirteenth junior young master!¡±

    ¡°How could Jingman push Peni Yue?¡± Madame Tao frowned at the words, ¡°What in heaven is going on? How is it going on now?¡±

    Qiu Yn, in her postpartum confinement, heard the news that Peni Yue was pregnant. At that time, she said to He Shuijin, who went to visit her, that Madame Jin and Jiang Jingman would have a difficult time in the future.

    After all, Peni Yue had enchanted Jiang Yawan to death. Since she was taken into the family as a mistress, Jiang Yawan had never gone to his wife and other mistresses¡¯ ces. Madame Jin, the first wife of Jiang Yawan, waspletely ignored. Besides, Jiang Jingman, the only alive male heir of Jiang Yawan, couldn¡¯t see his father in a month or so.

    If Peni Yue gave birth to a boy, it could imagine that there would be less room for Madame Jin and Jiang Jingman in Jiang Yawan¡¯s heart.

    But no one had expected that Peni Yue would have a miscarriage just in less than one month. And it was uncertain whether there was something there.

    ¡°Now there are two sides to what happened. I can¡¯t figure it out. But the fifth young master is going to kill the thirteenth junior young master!¡± Mom Hu said quickly, ¡°Madame, please go there to decide. In my view, the fifth young madame seems not likely to be able to stop the fifth young master!¡±

    ¡°B*st*rd!¡± Madame Tao¡¯s whole frame was quivering with anger, ¡°What happened to Jingzhui was still not enough? They don¡¯t treat their own flesh and blood as human beings, do they?¡±

    ... It was reasonable that why Madame Tao was so angry now. Since Jiang Jingzhui killed himself with hatred, the whole Jiang Family tacitly decided that they should not hit their children, no matter how big mistakes they had made. Otherwise, if their children followed in Jiang Jingzhui¡¯s footsteps, it would be toote for them to regret!

    However, Jiang Yawan beat Jiang Jingman so hard that Mom Hu rushed to report personally. How could Madame Tao not be angry? Although Jiang Jingman was not her blood nor a junior that she often saw, his family was the guest in Marquess¡¯s Mansion now!

    If something, even if it was made by his father, really happened to Jiang Jingman in Marquess¡¯s Mansion, how could Marquess¡¯s Mansion not take the responsibility? Marquess Qin, the real person in charge of Marquess¡¯s Mansion, was still alive. And he was the one that most valued the blood of the Jiang Family!

    Without saying a word, Madame Tao stood up, ¡°Let¡¯s go and see!¡±

    In this case, Qiu Yn could not ask for leave. She hurried to go forward to support Madame Tao. And she said, ¡°My grandmother, please calm down. I think my fifth brother may do it out of a moment of anger. And now he may have stopped...¡±

    What she said was just her rhetoric. But when she was there, she found she got it right. Jiang Yawan had stopped. But it was not because he began to care for his son but because Peni Yue put great efforts to stop him.

    Right. It was Peni Yue who stopped Jiang Yawan rather than his wife Madame Jin or someone else. When Qiu Yn helped Madame Tao into the yard, Peni Yue was crying, ¡°... For my sake? My young master, have you thought about what I can do if you really hurt the thirteenth junior young master. I don¡¯t me him. It¡¯s just an ident! I¡¯m still young... As long as you care about me, I can have your babies! Young master, please, for my poor baby¡¯s sake, let go of the thirteenth young master!¡±

    When they arrived inside, they found the room in a mess. And among that, Jiang Yawan was sitting at the top seat, looking livid. Peni Yue, very pale, did not rest on the couch but knelt in front of Jiang Yawan and sobbed. Madame Jin and a few servants felt overwhelmed and stood not far from the two, twisting their handkerchiefs, with darkened faces.

    Jiang Jingman, disheveled, knelt down. His face was ck and blue. And there was some blood seeping from the corner of his mouth. His eyes were closed. And his body trembled slightly. Others could not tell whether it was because he was emotional or because he got beaten badly.

    When Madame Tao saw this, she frowned and coughed!

    ¡°My second grandaunt, what brings you here?¡± Jiang Yawan looked towards the source of the voice. When he saw Madame Tao, he was slightly shocked. He hastily got up to greet her, saying awkwardly, ¡°I have beenx with my son. But I haven¡¯t thought that it will get you here!¡± While he was talking, he passed by Jiang Jingman and raised his leg to kick him, cursing, ¡°You son of a b*tch!¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Madame Tao interrupted unhappily, ¡°I heard that something happened in your branch, thinking that what couldn¡¯t be said properly in such an important festival. So, I purposely came to see... I came here so hurriedly that I still do not know what happened. It seems that people are here now. Can you talk to such old bones like me?¡±

    Jiang Yawan was awkward, ¡°My second grandaunt, it may make youugh... My beloved mistress had got pregnant, which was a happy event. But I didn¡¯t expect that the son of a b*tch would lose his head and do it to his unborn sibling just because he was worried that his favor would be shared! If he hadn¡¯t been discovered, I¡¯m afraid that even the life of my mistress would not have been saved!¡±

    With that, he nced at Jiang Jingman in disgust, ¡°My mistress is still asking a favor for him, but the b*st*rd... I think I should send him back to Kui County after the new year. And he shall stay around his great grandfather and never leave Kui County!¡±

    Madame Tao had a look at Madame Jin out of the corner of her eyes and found her face was suddenly white, which made Madame Tao suspicious, ¡°From what Jiang Jingman dressed when he arrived in Jing City and the thing that Yashuang suggested that he and Jiang Jingmu went into the n school, Madame Jin is not a wise first mother... Now Jiang Yawan is going to get Jiang Jingman back to keep the grave, which is clearly to ruin his future and severe their father-son rtionship! Is that because her own son Jiang Jingzhan has died and Jiang Jingman is the only one that she can rely on? As Jiang Jingman¡¯s future is ruined, she will also have a difficult time... Or is that because Jiang Jingman¡¯s killing the baby in his concubine-mother¡¯s belly has something to do with her and she is afraid that Jiang Jingman will expose her out of despair?¡±

    But after waiting for a moment, she saw Jiang Jingman lowered his head and did not make a sound, and so she was a little unsure, ¡°Is that really because he wanted to protect his position?¡±

    However, Madame Tao and Jiang Jingman were not rted by blood. And there were no feelings between them. The reason why Madame Tao hurried there was that she was afraid that the Jiang Family would once again beat a son to death or push a son over the edge. Now, Jiang Yawan had stopped beating his son and Jiang Jingman had nothing to say when faced with clear evidence.

    Madame Tao was not willing to be the judge. So, she thought for a while and said, ¡°I see! In this case, the kid is really wrong!¡±

    When Jiang Yawan was about to speak, suddenly someone outside the door hurriedly answered, ¡°My grandmother, although this is the case, my fifth brother has only one son. If he is sent back to his hometown, won¡¯t my fifth brother be lonely? And how old is Jingman now? Such a young child often does something wrong. My fifth brother, why not give him a chance to correct himself?¡±

    With that, Jiang Yayun hurried in. He first showed his respect to Madame Tao and then said to Jiang Yawan, ¡°My fifth brother, think about it. Don¡¯t you think it is right?¡±

    Jiang Yawan¡¯s face looked bad. As he nced at Peni Yue, who had stopped sobbing after Madame Tao came in and now knelt by the couch, he frowned, ¡°My first brother, how kind of you! But he is so cruel at such a young age. If I have him stay, won¡¯t he hurt my other children? Or should I never have another child because of him?¡±

    ¡°It was my concubine-mother who first said that when she had a son, using me as a servant was even a favor to me!¡± Jiang Jingman did not say a word before but now suddenly said, ¡°I think I am also my father¡¯s blood. She is a mistress,ing from the brothel. How could she trample me like that? So, I was so angry that I pushed her...¡±

    ¡°You dare to set your concubine-mother up?¡± Jiang Yawan got mad. He rolled up his sleeves and wanted to go on to beat his son. But Jiang Yayun held down him, frowning, ¡°My fifth brother!¡±

    He seemed to have some other emotions in his shout so that Jiang Yawan, who was already furious and looked at Jiang Jingman without any affection of a father to his son, just gave a cold snort after a moment of stagnation! He didn¡¯t insist on punishing his son but said coldly, ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s him who harmed his brother or sister from another mother. Even if he is not sent back to Kui County, he must be punished!¡±

    ¡°Of course. But a stumble may prevent a fall. My fifth brother, anyway, he is your blood, right?¡± Jiang Yayun heaved a sigh of relief and mediated, ¡°Jingman, how could you be so silly? If what your concubine-mother said hurt your heart, you could report to your elders and ask them to help. How could you do something by yourself?¡±

    ... Anyway, with the efforts of Jiang Yayun, the storm ended hastily.

    ¡°There is something odd...¡± Qiu Yn did not feel that there was something wrong, but when she helped Madame Tao leave, she happened to find that when Jiang Jingman was shouted to be givenshes, he was fearless. Instead, he seemed to know he could end up with impunity.

 Chapter 471 - Jiang Qilaiâ€™s Origin

    <h4>Chapter 471 Jiang Qi¡¯s Origin</h4>

    That evening, after Jiang Yashuang returned, Qiu Yn told him what had happened at Jiang Yawan¡¯s yard. ¡°... In a big festival like this, they made such a scene that our grandmother got mad. And she also had to instruct others not to tell our grandfather.¡±

    With that, Jiang Yashuang frowned, ¡°Why did this always happen?¡±

    ¡°Jingman was kind of weird!¡± And Qiu Yn thought to herself, ¡°The rules of the family are not in ce. And the sons of the Jiang Family are all fond of ying the field. When there are many people in the yard without any rules, how can there not be fights? Moreover, when there is a fight, there will be a lot of miscarriages, murders, and so on, won¡¯t it?¡± She didn¡¯t bother to talk with Jiang Yashuang about that. So, she said, ¡°I don¡¯t think he was worried about being severely punished by your fifth brother. It was as if he had been expecting your first brother toe to his rescue!¡±

    ¡°Jingman?¡± Jiang Yashuang mused, ¡°Did that happen?¡± He thought for a while and nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll have someone look into itter and see if there¡¯s anything inside!¡±

    They stopped at that point. And after asking about his nephews and children and learning that everything was fine, Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°I think Lu He is talented and has been working very hard these days. So, I n to formally take him as my student. Anyway, he¡¯ll turn 15 after the new year. Apart from studying, it¡¯s time for him to go out and make some friends so that he can prepare for his being an official in the future. It will also be easier for him to act if he is formally recognized as my student.¡±

    Lu He was one of the typical descendants of the Northern Army. His father, mother, and the former generations of his family had everything to do with the Northern Army. And all of his uncles served for the Northern Army. His origins made him part of the army side and so he was inevitably left out by the schrs, which was not good for building some rtionships.

    So, Jiang Yashuang intended to let him use the identity of being his student to enter the circle of schrs. After all, Jiang Yashuang was Tanhua, the Number Three Schr, and had grown up in Jing City. Also, he had been in the imperial court for so many years. It would be better for Lu He if he introduced to people that he was Jiang Yashuang¡¯s student rather than he was the son of ate guard of Sir Jibei.

    After all, Jiang Yashuang had long wanted to take him as his student. So, it was natural for Jiang Yashuang to n for Lu He.

    Qiu Yn asked, ¡°Should I prepare something?¡±

    ¡°No need. Just have him give me a bowl of tea at that time.¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°I will invite a few people to be there as witnesses... A table in our yard will be enough.¡±

    Qiu Yn answered. She asked about the date and wrote it down on the apricot blossom note, and then pressed it into a corner of the desk so as not to forget it.

    The matter of Lu He was not finished here. Jiang Yashuang continued, ¡°He¡¯ll be 15 next year. And it is time to think about his marriage. I have asked Mu Zixuan. The girls that he can introduce to Lu He are all descendants of the Northern Army, which is not very appropriate. After all, although Lu He is endowed with literary talent, he has little talent in horse riding and archery. And he is not very good at military strategies either. It will be much better for him to make his official career. Considering that, his wife should better be ady from the official family.¡±

    Even though there were desk jobs in the army, those who did those jobs were also not bad at horse riding and archery. Otherwise, when the army was about to move, did it make sense that they were in the sedan chair or wagon while the General, fully equipped, were riding horses?

    Lu He was not good at military strategy. And it was clear that he wasn¡¯t likely to be a wingman. So, Jiang Yashuang thought that Lu He would just look for trouble if he went to the army. Back then, Mu Zixuan probably thought of this when he took Lu He back to Jing City.

    ¡°So, whose daughter are you going to pick for him?¡± Qiu Yn, as Jiang Yashuang¡¯s wife, had seen Lu He several times. Lu He was a typical Northern hard man. Even though his nominal age was fourteen, he was already huge, dark, and good-looking.

    Although Jiang Yashuang said that Lu He was not good at horse riding and archery and could not do well in the Northern army. But that was when he waspared to the elite border army. Whenpared to those unarmed schrs, Lu He could be barely considered a master of pen and sword.

    So, Qiu Yn thought it would not be difficult for him to find someone willing to marry his daughter to him. Particrly, Jiang Yashuang would arrange for Lu He in person.

    ¡°When my ninth brother-inw saw Lu Hest time, he was somewhat moved. And afterward, intentionally or unintentionally, he asked about whether Lu He was engaged to be married.¡± Jiang Yashuang mused, ¡°But my ninth sister rarelyes back. I haven¡¯t seen my nephews and nieces for a long time and so I don¡¯t know what they are like now. After all, I intend to groom Lu He. I don¡¯t want to hastily arrange for him to marry someone just for the sake of kinship!¡±

    The bond between the teacher and his students caused the situation that in many cases, for the master, their students were more reliable than sons, let alone nieces. Jiang Yashuang had waited so long to find a student he liked. He didn¡¯t want to give his student in marriage to a daughter of his rtives. It would be a great loss if Lu He became estranged from his master just because his master got him into an unhappy marriage. Jiang Yashuang¡¯s nephew Jiang Jingkun and eldest son Jiang Jinng were still young. They could not be counted on for more than a decade.

    Before the male heirs he raised grew up, the resources of Jiang Yashuang would be tilted mainly towards Lu He. If his male heirs appeared to be not worthy of the resources, Lu He might even be the heir to all of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s political resources in the future. It was just like why Xue Chang chose to increase his support for Qiu Jinn immediately after Xue Nongying was seriously injured. With such high hopes for Lu He, Jiang Yashuang naturally would not let Lu He be resentful over the matter of marriage. For this reason, he did not mind refusing his rtives.

    However, if there was someone good among his rtives¡¯ daughters, he didn¡¯t mind marrying his student off.

    ¡°Your ninth sister?¡± Qiu Yn narrowed her eyes and thought to herself, ¡°Isn¡¯t it true that Jiang Qi rarelyes back? I¡¯ve been married into this family for a few years now. But apart from the day I got married, I¡¯ve never seen her again, okay?¡±

    So, she said, ¡°I only met her once when I entered this family. At that time, she didn¡¯t have her son or daughter with her! You don¡¯t even know how her children are doing, let alone me. Now that it¡¯s almost the lunar new year, why don¡¯t I send someone to ask her to bring the children back this year? But she hasn¡¯te back in previous years. I don¡¯t know if she¡¯ll agree this year.¡±

    Jiang Yashuang mused, ¡°You should first ask someone to invite her. If she says she won¡¯te back, then I will go and invite her myself.¡± After thinking about it, he added, ¡°It is different this year. After all, since my ninth brother-inw has that intention, he will also find an opportunity to let us see what our nieces look like now. I think my ninth brother-inw will not let go of this opportunity.¡±

    Qiu Yn looked at him and gave a halfugh, saying nothing.

    After a long time of silence, Jiang Yashuang said with resignation, ¡°Well, there is no harm in telling you. But it¡¯s somewhat awkward. My ninth sister may not be my father¡¯s blood. So, she seldomes back after she got married. And she usually does not like to hang out with us.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn said, thunderstruck, ¡°Who is her father?¡±

    She had long felt that there was something odd about this elder sister-inw Jiang Qi. Setting the past aside, just from what Qiu Yn had seen since she married, Jiang Qi didn¡¯t even show up at the lunar new year and festivals. And when Jiang Tianchi and his wife returned one after another after Sir Jibei passed away two years ago, they didn¡¯t even see here back to pay her respects. Qiu Yn had thought that it was the same as what happened to Qiu Baozhu, who was treated badly by her first mother when she was an unmarried girl. So, after she got married, she refused to go back to her maiden family as if she finally escaped from the depths of hell!

    But when Madame Zhuang came back, she seemed to care little about this baseborn daughter Jiang Qi, unlike Old Princess Yang, who was full of hatred for Qiu Baozhu. Madame Zhuang bore Jiang Qi no ill will or goodwill. It seemed that Jiang Qi was just a stranger to her.

    Anyway, it was hard to figure out the rtionship between Jiang Qi and the fourth branch of the Jiang Family.

    But Qiu Yn didn¡¯t expect that Jiang Yashuang would give such an answer, which was quite astonishing!

    ¡°... Well, it¡¯s not appropriate for us to talk about the elders¡¯ previous affairs.¡± Jiang Yashuang hesitated for a moment and shook her head, ¡°In short, my ninth sister may or may not be my father¡¯s blood. But when we knew that, her name was already written in the genealogy book. So, if we didn¡¯t admit her identity, we might not only drive the blood of the Jiang Family out of the family by mistake but also make my father disgraced. As such, my grandparents implied that the whole family should pretend to be confused together and treat her as if she was the real daughter of the Jiang Family. Since she was a girl anyway, there wouldn¡¯t be any problems.¡±

    Although he refused to go into detail, Qiu Yn thought a little about it and could guess that Jiang Tianchi was cuckolded back then. And it was only after a rtively long period of time that the affair was discovered. That was why Jiang Qi was born and recorded in the genealogy book.

    She was speechless, ¡°When it was around the day Jiang Qi was born, Marquess Qin hade back to the court, joined forces with Empress Dowager Gu to suppress the court and be a powerful minister, hadn¡¯t he? At that time, someone dared to covet his trueborn son¡¯s mistress... I wonder what kind of person was so brave!¡±

    It was no wonder that Jiang Qi had dropped the Jiang Family after she got married. After all, although Qiu Yn only found out about this until today, even Jiang Yashuang, the youngest grandson, knew about it. It was clear that most of the Jiang Family¡¯s juniors knew about it. Even though they wouldn¡¯t embarrass her with words, even just thinking about it, it kind of gave her embarrassment. So, she might as well not meet the Jiang Family!

    Qiu Yn was curious about this, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, howe your ninth sister married someone in Jing City and stayed here?¡± Girls of such unknown origins were supposed to be sent far away and never seen again, weren¡¯t they? For example, before Sheng Shishui was old enough to marry, she couldn¡¯t stay in the mansion of her nominal ¡®father¡¯ and had to be cultivated by her grandmother.

    Jiang Yashuang replied with a dry smile, ¡°Our family had originally nned to do the same. But I heard that my ninth sister had been liked by my ninth brother-inw when she reached marriageable age... My ninth brother-inw is the only son of his family. His parents did not want to let him down. So, they begged my grandfather to marry off my ninth sister to their son. My grandfather agreed. That was it.¡±

    Qiu Yn remembered that Jiang Qi¡¯s husband served in the Ministry of Revenue and her father-inw had been serving as Minister of the Ministry of War. It was known to all that Jiang Tianqi was just Assistant Minister of War before. That was to say, Jiang Qi¡¯s father-inw had been Jiang Tianqi¡¯s immediate superior!

    The Jiang Family, who started in the military, definitely wanted to hold the Ministry of War in their hands. However, in this case, Jiang Tianqi, the first trueborn son of Marquess Qin, was still unable to be the head of the Ministry of War, which showed the ability of this Minister.

    ¡°No wonder... Anyway, no matter whether Jiang Qi is the blood of the Jiang Family, the Jiang Family is the one who raised her and gave her the status of the ninth youngdy of the Jiang Family. Plus, the family of Minister of the Ministry of War is noble. When Marquess Qin wanted to win the alliance through her marriage for the sake of the Jiang Family, she would be in no position to refuse it!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought in her heart and then she nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll send someone tomorrow!¡±

    The next day as she got up and she ordered someone to do this, Mujin reminded, ¡°My young madame, you said that you would invite Miss Mei and Commandery Princess Yishu toe over for a visit after the postpartum confinement. I¡¯m wondering if it¡¯s this year or next year.¡±

    ¡°I almost forgot about this!¡± Qiu Yn pped her hands, ¡°Hurry up and send them the invitation post as I¡¯ll still have time in the next several days!¡±

 Chapter 472 - Trifles Before the Lunar New Year

    <h4>Chapter 472 Trifles Before the Lunar New Year</h4>

    What Jiang Yashuang thought was right. While Jiang Qi had kept out of the Jiang Family¡¯s way before, she readily said yes this time as it was about her daughter¡¯s lifelong business. Jiang Qi promised that she would take her husband and daughter back to Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion on the second day of the lunar new year.

    After receiving her permission, Qiu Yn personally went to Madame Tao to tell her about it. Of course, Jiang Qi¡¯s background could not be mentioned. She went straight out and said the purpose was for the marriage of the junior, ¡°My ninth brother-inw thinks that Lu He is a nice person. But, anyway, it is such a big thing that we are thinking that it will be better to let our niece meet Lu He in person. In case they won¡¯t get along and have an unhappy life in the future when the elders decide it is a good idea. And then that may be a bad thing for the elders to do with their good intentions!¡±

    ¡°That is quite true. After all, they are the ones who are going to live their lives.¡± Sure enough, Madame Tao didn¡¯t have a problem with this and said kindly, ¡°But can Lu He formally be a student of Yashuang before the second day of the lunar new year? Without the title of Yashuang¡¯s student, it is not convenient for him to enter the backyard. And it will be too deliberate to ask Qi¡¯s daughter to go to the front yard, which would not be proper for a youngdy. We need to think carefully about arranging for them to meet to prevent anything awkward from happening!¡±

    ¡°I n to arrange for Lu He to paint in the plum forest in the garden.¡± Qiu Yn had already considered this and said, ¡°My grandmother, at that time, I will also like to ask you to help and ask someone to guide my niece over to enjoy the plum blossoms. So, it follows logically that they can meet each other.¡±

    Madame Tao mused, ¡°To make it not look programmed, this has to be done by girls of simr age...¡± After a moment¡¯s thought, she asked Mom Hu next to her, ¡°Yadan¡¯s eldest daughter seems to be in her early teens, right?¡±

    ¡°The eleventh junior youngdy will be twelve years old after the lunar new year.¡± Mom Hu said quietly.

    ¡°It¡¯s easier to ask the girl in your branch to do that.¡± Madame Tao said, ¡°When the timees, I will instruct her to receive the girl brought by Qi. What do you think?¡±

    It didn¡¯t matter if Jiang Qi was the blood of the fourth branch of the Jiang Family. Anyway, she nominally belonged to the fourth branch. When she came back to her maiden family, it was reasonable that the daughter of the eldest brother of the branch should receive her daughter.

    Qiu Yn thought it was a good arrangement, ¡°My grandmother, it¡¯s so considerate of you. I only thought of someone to guide my niece to enjoy the plum blossoms. But I didn¡¯t think who was the right person to do that!¡±

    ¡°When you go back, stop by to see Yadan¡¯s wife and tell her about this. It¡¯s cold outside. And my maids here are all old bones. Just give them a chance to rx.¡± Madame Tao smiled.

    Qiu Yn smiled back, ¡°My grandmother, I have bothered you a lot. How can I have your servants to go over there?¡±

    She apanied Madame Tao for a while longer before retiring and then she excused herself to leave.

    When she returned to the fourth branch, she went to see Chu Yitong just as Madame Tao asked. However, she didn¡¯t see her, same as thest time. ording to Mrs. Zhu, ¡°My young madame has been vomiting for the past two days. It was constant that she was too tired to see guests! The neenth young madame, I beg your pardon!¡±

    Qiu Yn expressed her understanding and then exined the reason for her visit. And then Mrs. Zhu said, ¡°The eleventh junior youngdy has been raised by Mistress Gu. How about asking Mistress Gu toe here?¡±

    When Gu E¡¯nuo arrived, she agreed that she would tell Jiang Huizhu to get along with Jiang Qi¡¯s daughter.

    When this was done, it was the agreed time for Qiu Yn¡¯s appointment with Mei Xue and Qiu Qian.

    ¡°You called us here in the lunar new year. Are you going to give us luck money?¡± As soon as they met, Qiu Qian joked.

    ¡°The lunar new year is yet toe. And you haven¡¯t paid a new year call to me. How can I give you lucky money?¡± Qiu Yn, smiling, motioned with her hands for the servants to leave. After that, she said, ¡°Besides, you¡¯re not a child who needs lucky money to buy candy. If you ask me... It¡¯s good to have someone who knows how to take thorough care of you!¡±

    With that, Mei Xue and Qiu Qian knew why she invited them to go over today.

    Qiu Qian turned down the corners of her mouth. When she was about to say something, Mei Xue passed a wink to silence her and said with a smile, ¡°Qiu Nie and I are also getting anxious as Qiu Qian still doesn¡¯t marry at this age. As you know, the marriage of a girl is very important. If she can¡¯t find the right person, we¡¯d rather her stay single than marry someone she doesn¡¯t like. After all, she is Qiu Nie¡¯s only younger sister. He doesn¡¯t want her to suffer!¡±

    ¡°The man who proposed the marriage, Cheng Xide, asked my fourteenth sister-inw to sound out when I was in my postpartum confinement. I heard from my fourteenth sister-inw that they still wanted to have Qiu Qian marry into their family. I¡¯m wondering why Qiu Nie refused the marriage.¡± Qiu Yn exined, ¡°I¡¯m not trying to persuade you to say yes to the Cheng Family. I just have heard that Cheng Xide seems to be a good person. And the Cheng Family hees from has a good family tradition, right?¡±

    ¡°It was because of the good family tradition of the Cheng Family that my brother refused!¡± Qiu Qian found that there was nothing to be embarrassed about and so she said dismissively, ¡°My brother said that that kind of family was the one who most concerned about the virtuousness of girls, and that as how I am, I certainly wouldn¡¯t be happy if I married into that family!¡±

    ¡°But I heard that Cheng Xide¡¯s parents had died. He lived with his uncle Cheng Jin in his early years. And he has moved out of Cheng¡¯s Mansion to live alone since the second half of this year, hasn¡¯t he?¡± Qiu Yn said, ¡°In that case, it seems that his wife doesn¡¯t need to see other people of the Cheng Family frequently, right?¡±

    Mei Xue was a bit surprised, ¡°Didn¡¯t he live with Cheng Jin¡¯s family? From what we heard earlier, he was staying with his uncle. It is said that Cheng Hanlin is so upright that he insisted on not repudiating her daughter¡¯s marriage when news came that Xue Nongying was dying... Though his character is respectable, he is so strict with his daughter. And how would he treat his nephew-inw? The fact is that Qiu Qian is not able to bear the constraints of an orthodox schr¡¯s family. So, Qiu Nie will never agree.¡±

    Qiu Yn got what she meant. Qiu Nie and she both thought Cheng Xide was a very nice person. They were just worried about the atmosphere of the Cheng Family. After all, a leopard didn¡¯t change its spots. Qiu Qian¡¯s experience made her who she was. She could pretend to be virtuous and tame for a while. But it would be too painful if she was asked to curb her sharpness and pretend to be gentle and virtuous for the rest of her life.

    ¡°The mansion seems to be the one that his parents were interested in when his father served as an official in Jing City. Unfortunately, they passed away before they could buy it. Later, Cheng Jin sent someone to Jing City to take care of his parents¡¯ affairs and bring him to live with them. Last year, when he won in the imperial examination, he remembered his parents¡¯ wish and bought it as a tribute to them.¡±

    Qiu Yn said what she had recently heard. After all, she needed to prepare something as she wanted to ask Mei Xue about the Cheng Family¡¯s marriage proposal. So, at this moment, she told them all about it, ¡°But that mansion has been unupied for thest few years. It takes quite a few days to get the mansion ready to live. Cheng Xide is grateful for Cheng Jin¡¯s raising him. So, even though the mansion is ready in the first half of the year, he didn¡¯t move into that mansion until he spent the Mid-Autumn Festival with Cheng Jing and the others of the Cheng Family. The mansion is just two streets ahead, not far from here. I have asked someone to find out about it. It¡¯s a house with three yards, well-designed.¡±

    Mei Xue thought in her heart, ¡°If it is two streets ahead, it is not close to Cheng¡¯ Mansion! If Qiu Qian marries Cheng Xide, it will be inconvenient for them to have much contact with the Cheng Family too often.¡±

    ¡°Cheng Xide is nearly ten years older than Qiu Qian. He is going to turn thirty.¡± Mei Xue mused, ¡°But considering his status as Number One Schr, he may not be a bad choice for Qiu Qian... If the Cheng Family doesn¡¯t impose their requirements of being gentle, frugal, and virtuous on Qiu Qian, this marriage can be a good one!¡±

    In the past two years, Qiu Yn had introduced several people to Qiu Qian. But she had not been able to marry her off. Mei Xue and Qiu Nie, who were more like people in Jianghu, were careless about trivial things. But when they found Qiu Qian just idled away her time and was about to turn twenty, they became anxious as well!

    The main reason for refusing Cheng Xide before was that they were afraid that Qiu Qian would be pressured by Cheng Jin and other elders after she married into their family. Now that they knew that Cheng Xide did not live with the elders anymore and that it was Cheng Xide who intended to propose marriage to Qiu Qian, Mei Xue was immediately moved. She raised her head, ¡°And then how about I go back and discuss it with Qiu Nie again?¡±

    Qiu Yn nodded, ¡°Anyway, we can¡¯t let Qiu Qian be badly treated!¡±

    ... After this meeting, the lunar new year came.

    At the banquet of the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve, all the members of Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion, except Marquess Qin who was still sick, dressed up and attended the banquet.

    Madame Ho and Madame Jin, who had for the first time seen such a big asion, were very nervous.

    After all, they were only the daughters of country squires. Their father and brothers were not even county magistrates. Although they had known before that the Jiang Family in Jing City was very distinguished, a picture was worth a thousand words. They had never even met a Prefectural Governor before. Suddenly, they were going to the pce to see the noblest people, including Empress Dowager, Emperor, Empress, and Noble Consort. Even if they knew they were rtives, how could they not be terrified?

    Mothers were so nervous, not to mention their daughters.

    Jiang Yazhao¡¯s two daughters, the second junior youngdy Jiang Huiyan and the third junior youngdy Jiang Huili, were even so timid that they wanted to refuse to go there on the pretext of being sick.

    ¡°How can you do that?¡± Madame Ho was also afraid that her daughters, who might be frightened, would be disgraced if they went to the pce and did something improper. So, she thought that although it was a pity not to go there, it was secure.

    But when she reported this idea to Madame Tao, Madame Tao rejected it without hesitation, ¡°If you don¡¯t take the younger children, it is all right. But Huiyan and Huili have reached marriageable age. It¡¯s just because too many things have been going on at home during the past few months since you arrived in Jing City. Otherwise, I would have asked their aunts to take them out more often! How can they miss such a great opportunity to go to the banquet in the pce?¡±

    As an ally of the fourth branch, Madame Tao didn¡¯t try quite hard to persuade the great-granddaughters of the second branch. The reason why she said so was mainly that she did not want to fall foul of the people. After all, the rest of the generation of the Jiang Family, such as the three children raised by Jiang Yashuang and his wife, would all be brought to the banquet this time. If the girls from the second branch, who were of a proper age to stay social, were not brought there, Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion might be criticized that they did not take enough care of the branch of Kui Xiannan.

    Sure enough, Madame Tao didn¡¯t want to take that loss.

    However, Madame Ho was truly grateful, ¡°My second grandaunt, thank you for your advice. I¡¯ll go and tell them to practice their manners so that they won¡¯t lose face of the Jiang Family!¡±

    Madame Ho had only one biological child, the third junior youngdy, Jiang Huili. Madame Ho was good to her concubine-son Jiang Jingmu, but she wanted her own flesh and blood to have a good future. Madame Tao was close to saying explicitly, ¡°If you¡¯re lucky, maybe a noble family have an eye on your daughter at the banquet in the pce. If you keep her at home and no one else can see her, why should otherse to the door to propose to her? If you really care for her, you shouldn¡¯t spoil her by saying no.¡± Naturally, Madame Ho would do everything to coax her daughters to attend the banquet.

    ¡°You are thinking too much about losing the face of the Jiang Family... Empress Dowager is your fourth aunt and Empress is your cousin. Neither of them is an outsider. What have you got to be afraid of?¡± Madame Tao smiled lightly. In her heart, she thought, ¡°My two grandnieces-inw are so honest as they have juste to Jing City. Why should the Jiang Family be afraid of losing face? Over the years, the Jiang Family has been humiliated enough for the sake of Jiang Yadan and Jiang Qiyun. What big fuss could two great-granddaughters make in the banquet?¡±

    ... It turned out that although Madame Tao had seen a bit of life, there were times when she was wrong. Jiang Huiyan and Jiang Huili, the two of her juniors, really caused a furor at the banquet of the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve!

 Chapter 473 - The Miserable Former Emperor

    <h4>Chapter 473 The Miserable Former Emperor</h4>

    Actually, it was not their fault.

    The second branch and the fifth branch had few male heirs in this generation. Although the girls led a luxurious life as well, they were far less cosseted than their cousins in Sir Jibei¡¯s Mansion and Marquess Qin¡¯s Mansion in Jing City.

    When Jiang Huiyan and Jiang Huili were in Kui County, they had been in their boudoirs and never been out for banquets. Otherwise, when they heard that they were going to the banquet in the pce, they would not have been so timid as to refuse it on the pretext of being ill. After Madame Ho¡¯s constion and enlightenment, they finally entered the pce for the banquet. But it could be imagined that how they were both excited and apprehensive!

    After the banquet started, while the song and dance shows were going on, they toasted several times with people around them. It was after they had a few sses of fruit drink that they began to rx.

    Once rxed, the two sisters became curious and looked around frequently. It wasmon for people like them as it was their first time to be in the pce.

    But they had only been in Jing City for a few months. And their fathers had no official position. Moreover, their aunts and uncles happened to either be busy or have other concerns. So, they were not brought into the social circle of noble women in Jing City. After several drinks, the hall began to bepletely livened up. But the two sisters were sitting there alone, without anyone going to talk to them. They had thought to listen to what their cousins were talking about. But they grew up in different circles and so they felt unable to enter the conversation.

    The girls were so embarrassed that they wanted to go for a walk and see what the pce looked like outside the hall. In so doing, they entered the pce and could see something, didn¡¯t they?

    A young maid showed them the way. They just wandered around outside the hall and saw what appeared to be two people in the shadows in the corner.

    That was not the point. The point was that before they could see if it was two people and what they were doing here, a pair of dark green pupils suddenly appeared in the darkness behind them!

    ¡°Ah!¡±

    Without even thinking, the two sisters screamed hysterically. By the time the hall was rattled and a tidal wave of armoured soldiers came over and surrounded them, Jiang Huiyan had even fainted from sheer terror!

    ... And then before the eunuch steward, who had rushed to ask what had happened on behalf of Empress Dowager Jiang, could console the two sisters, he was stunned by the scene in the corner illuminated by thentern torches raised by the armoured soldiers. There were indeed two people in the corner.

    One of them was a woman, who was no stranger to the people around.

    It was Old Concubine Fan.

    The deadly thing was that the other person was a man.

    Adding to the problem, the man was dressed in the costumes of the Imperial Guard.

    What made the eunuch steward want to die a million times over was that even though the two people, pale as death, had parted and done their best to straighten up with faces ashen, it was hard to say that they were fully clothed.

    If only a few or a dozen people had seen it, it might have been possible to keep it quiet.

    Unfortunately, Jiang Huiyan and Jiang Huili¡¯s shout was so loud that it drew almost all of the Imperial Guard nearby garrison over. There were at least hundreds who had seen it on the spot. How could it be kept quiet?

    The eunuch steward moved as if in a dream and ordered someone to send Jiang Huiyan and Jiang Huili to the side hall. And then he returned to the hall and reported as if nothing had happened, ¡°Your Grace, Your Majesties, it¡¯s no big deal outside. The two junior youngdies of the Jiang Family were startled by a leopard cat and so they screamed. They are still reeling from that. So, I have asked someone to take them to the side hall. And after tidying themselves up, they will make amends to you!¡±

    Empress Dowager Jiang believed it and said with a smile, ¡°Anyone would be shocked when a pair of eyes suddenly appeared in the darkness! Besides, as it is their first time entering the pce, they may get nervous. It is natural for them to scream. Send two bowls of tranquilizing soup and tell them not to panic. They don¡¯t need toe and make amends. It¡¯s the lunar new year. I¡¯m going to let it go.¡±

    And again, she said, ¡°Have the soldiers look around. If there are any leopard cats, drive them away, so as not to scare anyone again!¡±

    The eunuch steward dared not raise his hand to wipe the cold sweat. He said yes, forcing himself to be calm, and then excused himself. Only when he heard that the hall had resumed its bustle did he lean back against the pir and order his trusted junior eunuch, ¡°Go insideter and ask the maid who serves wine to spill some on Her Majesty¡¯s dress. In that case, Her Majesty can walk out and change her dress!¡±

    With that, the eunuch steward reported to Empress Dowager Jiang in person what happened. Empress Dowager Jiang almost vomited blood at the news, ¡°Who was that man?¡±

    Old concubine. Just by hearing this title, it could tell that she was someone left when the former Emperor was alive! Empress Dowager Jiang remembered that Old Concubine Fan was a new favorite of the former Emperor, who had been taken as a concubine only six months before his death!

    In the past, Jiang Yadan also seduced the concubines of the former Emperor. He often used his identity as the General of the Feather Squad to have a date in the quiet corners of the pce. But Jiang Yadan at least knew that he should ask the concubines to meet in the Ganli Pce, where he was in charge of the garrison and not many people were around. However, this man was so bold that he had the audacity to do such a thing not far from the hall where the banquet was held!

    Empress Dowager Jiang was outraged, ¡°What kind of ce did they think this was? What a heartless and shameless act! Did they have any respect for Emperor, Empress, and me? They, they...¡± Empress Dowager Jiang was so angry that she could not speak!

    ¡°That man was... Yan... Yan Linxue, the Commander Yan! The eunuch steward reported in a buzzing voice as he got down on his knees, hands and head, not daring to look up.

    ¡°What about themander of the Imperial Guard who is in charge of the banquet? Who is that? How could he let him in?¡±

    ¡°... It¡¯s Commander Yan!¡± The eunuch steward carefully replied. After that, Empress Dowager Jiang didn¡¯t make a sound for a long time. When the eunuch steward was getting more and more frightened, he suddenly heard a muffled ¡°bang¡±. He looked up, only to find that Empress Dowager Jiang fall onto the carpet with her arms and legs open. She had passed out!

    The eunuch steward slipped and staggered to go out, asking Maid Lin toe in. They hurriedly sent Empress Dowager Jiang to Hall of Taishi for rest and called the imperial doctor over... During this period of time, the news spread that the old concubine left behind by the former Emperor had an affair with themander of the Imperial Guard in the pce not far from the banquet!

    After all, there were so many people witnessing the affair. The eunuch steward ordered that the Imperial Guard be transferred from elsewhere to take over the guarding of the banquet in the pce. And he made these people assemble quickly and warned them that they should keep it secret. But as mentioned before, almost all the guards guarding the banquet in the pce had been drawn there. If they were to be reced together, there was no way that the noise could be hidden from Emperor and ministers in the pce who were feasting.

    It didn¡¯t matter much if the pce scandal was spread out immediately. But if there was any misunderstanding that the banquet of Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve was actually a trap for murder, there would be a big problem!

    So, the guards could only be changed quietly. Only several guards were changed at a time...

    That was a slow process. During the banquet, some people went out to change their clothes, sober up, or whatever. And those who went a little further made contact with the guards. And then the news came out. Especially, Empress Dowager Jiang went to change her clothes and never returned, making the news more reliable!

    ¡°You go and check on Huiyan and Huili.¡± Looking around the hall full of whispering, Jiang Yashuang cleared his throat and inclined his head to Qiu Yn, saying softly, ¡°My fourth sister-inw went over to look at them just now. But she hasn¡¯t returned for such a long time. Are they frightened?¡±

    Qiu Yn understood what he meant. When she got up, she subconsciously looked at Jiang Yadan. When she saw that Jiang Yadan was indeed in position, she was relieved. It was said that the man who had seduced Old Concubine Fan was amander of the Imperial Guard. And Jiang Yadan had long been expelled from the Imperial Guard. But whenever she heard of such things, she was always worried that he was one of the main characters...

    She hadn¡¯t taken a few steps when she was called by Madame Zhuang Junior and He Shuijin together, ¡°Yn, are you also worried about our fourth sister-inw, Huiyan and Huili? Shall we go together?¡±

    When the three sisters-inw hurried to the side hall, they saw that Jiang Huiyan was still in aa and Madame Ho was holding Jiang Huili. Madame Ho and her daughter Jiang Huili both were in a state of confusion. When Madame Ho saw them, she let go of her daughter, lifted her skirt, and knelt down to them, ¡°My three sisters-inw, please help us! The two children were really frightened by the leopard cat. They didn¡¯t mean to expose such a thing to the public!¡±

    ¡°Is there really someone around to seduce the old concubine?¡± Although they knew that no one would dare to make such jokes about the former Emperor¡¯s concubine, Qiu Yn and the other two were still shocked after hearing the confirmation from Madame Ho. They were speechless for a long time. And they thought to themselves, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with this world? Jiang Yadan used to cheat on the former Emperor. Anyway, he had a good grandfather and a good aunt as his backdrop. But what kind of a person that Commander called Yan Linxue is? Howe he dares to be even crazier than Jiang Yadan?¡±

    ¡°How many sins did the former Emperormit in his previous life?¡± Qiu Yn truly felt that the former Emperor had not done a single good thing in hisst eight lifetimes and so he had such a miserable life before and after his death. ¡°He had been a puppet all his life. His nephew Jiang Yadan alone cuckolded him numerous times. Atst, he lost his life at the hands of his own mother. Now, even the old concubine he left behind hooked up with someone... It is really...¡±

    Her heart was in turmoil. Madame Zhuang Junior and He Shuijin were also disgusted, looking as if they ate a bad burrito. They made themselves say somethingforting, ¡°My sister-inw, do not panic. Please get up and talk. Tell us clearly what happened... Now people in the hall are whispering about this. But what was going on is still not clear. Perhaps there still have a chance to save it?¡±

    Madame Ho had already asked Jiang Huili about what had happened. So, she did know that hundreds of people had already witnessed the scene. Today was a time of great festival when Emperor and his ministers had fun together. It was impossible to block the scandal. It was not the fault of her two daughters as they didn¡¯t mean it. But if they hadn¡¯t been so young and ignorant, and hadn¡¯t been frightened by the leopard cat that happened to pass by and screamed, it would not havee to that!

    Now the royal family had been embarrassed. No matter how ignorant Madame Ho was, she was also the first granddaughter-inw of the second branch of the Jiang Family and had been thedy of the house for many years. How could she not know that Jiang Huiyan and Jiang Hui Li had directly offended Empress this time? Xin Fubing was in charge of the pce. With such a big scandal in the pce, how could she, as Empress, not bear the brunt of that?

    When Madame Ho thought about her family, which didn¡¯t even have an official member, had gotten Empress into trouble, she couldn¡¯t stand up and just wept, begging her sisters-inw to show her daughter a way out!

    Some time had passed before Qiu Yn pulled her up and told her off. And then Madame Ho told what had happened heard from her daughter in snivel tears. ¡°... They were really scared by that leopard cat. They really didn¡¯t mean to make a big scene! In fact, if the Imperial Guard hadn¡¯t arrived and shone a light on the people, they wouldn¡¯t have been able to see if there was anyone in the corner or not!¡±

    ¡°...¡± After hearing this, Qiu Yn and the other two looked at each other and did not make a sound. What they thought was the same, ¡°Did Jiang Huizhi make it? If Empress did poor in managing the pce, as a rule, it is the noble consort who is responsible for managing... Is she for the pce power of Empress?¡±

 Chapter 474 - The Second Day of the Lunar New Year

    <h4>Chapter 474 The Second Day of the Lunar New Year</h4>

    The banquet of the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve ended hastily because Empress Dowager Jiang was suddenly indisposed.

    All returned to their mansions nearly two hours earlier than in previous years. But no one was able to sleep on this night.

    ¡°Ever since my third uncle submitted to our fourth aunt, there isn¡¯t a lot of mole in the Imperial Guard these days.¡± In the midnight, Jiang Yashuang and his wife, who were sleeping in beds, tossed and turned, whispering about the affair. ¡°Especially, since Yan Linxue was arranged as themander for the banquet of Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve. At least, our fourth aunt did not suspect him. But I didn¡¯t expect such a person would cause such a big incident... Whether he was directed by the first branch or not, I¡¯m afraid that our fourth aunt won¡¯t be able to sleep peacefully the next few days!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Empress who is most pitiful! With such a big scene this time, even if our fourth aunt loves her, there¡¯s no way she can get away easily!¡± Qiu Yn sighed, ¡°I¡¯m wondering how much profits the Noble Consort can get out of this?¡±

    ¡°Our fourth aunt knows that. She won¡¯t let the Noble Consort have her way.¡± Jiang Yashuang said indifferently, ¡°Have you forgotten Maid Lin? When our fourth aunt was still Empress and had no time to take care of the pce, Maid Lin was the one in charge. Even if Empress is going to be out of the power of managing the pce, it¡¯s not necessary to give it to the Noble Consort. Especially Emperor now only has one Empress and one Noble Consort. It doesn¡¯t need to worry much about so-called taking care of the pce!¡±

    Qiu Yn thought for a while and said, ¡°Before leaving the pce, our fourth sister-inw said that although Huiyan and Huili didn¡¯t mean to do it, they had caused such a big incident tonight. So, she wanted to take them back to Kui County to make atonement by guarding the eldest great grand uncle¡¯s tomb!¡±

    ¡°The matter has not yet been dealt with. If our fourth sister-inw brings her two daughters back to Kui County, there will be a lot of people talking about it!¡± Jiang Yashuang rubbed his brow, ¡°You should find a chance to persuade her tomorrow. At this juncture, their departure from Jing City will not help but will add fuel to the fire! Moreover, who will take care of our fourth brother and Jingmu after they leave?¡±

    He added, ¡°As for Empress... You can exin to her for them. If there is a chance, take them to apologize in person! Empress is always sensible and should know that Huiyan and Huili were most likely set up this time. Otherwise, how could the leopard cat happen to pass by there? And how could the two innocent juniors who had entered the pce for the first time see the leopard cat?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Empress the next time I am in the pce.¡±

    ¡°Well, sleep... We¡¯ll be busy tomorrow.¡±

    After an awkward Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve, it was a busy first day of Lunar New Year.

    After the first day of the Lunar New Year, it was the second day of the Lunar New Year when the married daughters returned to their maiden families. Marquess Qin¡¯s eldest daughter, the third aunt Jiang Tianjuan, had died early. The fourth aunt was Empress Dowager. The youngest trueborn daughter of the third branch, Jiang Qisheng, married into Beijiang, far away from here. And the girls from the eighth branch were still young. So, Only the fourth branch needed to receive married daughters and sons-inw on this day.

    On this day, Chu Yitong also went back to Mansion of Duke of Huainan to spend time with her father and brothers. So, Qiu Yn became the main host of her husband¡¯s married sisters.

    In the early morning, she called Jiang Huizhu over and instructed, ¡°If your great grandmother asks you to lead your sisters of your ninth aunt around the mansion, lead them towards the plum woods... However, don¡¯t let them see that you do this deliberately. You just get there by ident. Understand?¡±

    Jiang Huizhu nodded tamely and said in a thin voice, ¡°My neenth aunt, please rest assured! Mistress Gu has instructed me.¡±

    ¡°Good girl!¡± Qiu Yn stroked her head and asked Mujin to bring up a pair of emerald earrings, ¡°It¡¯s Lunar New Year. I¡¯d like to send you something for dressing up.¡±

    After sending Jiang Huizhu down, it was still a little while before Jiang Qi and Jiang Qizheng arrived at the door. So, Qiu Yn asked someone to summon Lu He toe again. For today¡¯s match, before Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve, Jiang Yashuang had called Lu He to stay in the guest room of the front yard on the pretext that he was afraid Lu He would neglect his study during Lunar New Year. As such, it would not seem too deliberate to call him from outside the mansion today.

    Now it was convenient to call him over.

    ¡°Who picked this outfit for you? It suits you.¡± Qiu Yn looked at Lu He¡¯s attire with satisfaction. The young man was wearing a long chartreuse full-body garment with a cloud pattern, whose hem was decorated by a yellow cloudscape pattern, with a ck belt. And a jade was fastened on his belt. Besides, over his garment, he put on a crane-white gown with a pattern of the character ¡°le¡±. On his feet, he wore a pair of ck boots, on his head he used a jade ring to tame his hair. He was dashingly good-looking.

    Lu He said respectfully, ¡°It was picked by my uncle.¡±

    ¡°This is a very good outfit. What colour and texture is the fur coat?¡± Qiu Yn thought to herself. Mu Zixuan seemed to be a big strapping guy. She didn¡¯t expect that he would be so thoughtful. Chartreuse, a light yellow-green color, was extremely delicate. And pine green outside was almost dark green. This match not only remained the vigor of Lu He¡¯s age but also added a bit of solemn and calm temperament. He really made Lu He look good. ¡°Bring it over here and let me see!¡±

    A few momentster, the fur coat that Lu He had taken off when he entered the room was brought up. It was a coat made of red fox fur, which was not low in its value. After all, Lu He¡¯s father died for saving Jiang Tianchi¡¯s life. ording to who Jiang Tianchi was, he would not treat him badly. Besides, when Lu He entered Jing City, he had been given a lot of help by Jiang Yashuang even though he was living with his uncle. He had some savings.

    But Qiu Yn took one look and shook her head, ¡°Mumian, go open the chest by the west window in the inner room. And take Yashuang¡¯s white fox fur out from it!¡±

    ¡°Red fox fur is eye-catching in snowy weather. But you have dressed in the robe embroidered with chartreuse and pine green. It¡¯s already enough to attract attention in the plum woods. You needn¡¯t have worn red fox fur!¡± Qiu Yn said so as she noticed that Lu He did not dare to ept Jiang Yashuang¡¯s clothes, ¡°It is not as elegant as the white fox fur... Yashuang has more white fox fur. He doesn¡¯t use this one often. Don¡¯t worry!¡±

    And then she gave some advice for Lu He¡¯s mannerisms when he was painting. After that, when Qiu Yn saw that he seemed very nervous, she could not help but smile and saidfortingly, ¡°Today you are just going to have a face-to-face with that girl. Don¡¯t worry too much.¡± She lowered her voice, ¡°Not only she is going to observe you but you are going to have a look at her as well. If you don¡¯t like her, even if she likes you, Yashuang won¡¯t agree to this.¡±

    Lu He said, looking embarrassed, ¡°I am so lucky to be where I am today. I am afraid that I am not good enough to be liked by Miss Yi. How can I be qualified to dislike her?¡±

    ¡°If it is the fate, that will be the best.¡± Qiu Yn smiled. She thought to herself that Lu He¡¯s attitude was good. But ording to what Jiang Yashuang said, he didn¡¯t like Jiang Qi¡¯s daughter much. He just wanted to let it be. As such, Qiu Yn thought she had better let Lu He know that. Otherwise, if he didn¡¯t dare to say something different and Miss Yi had no objection, then it would be settled. And finally, if the two didn¡¯t get along with each other, they would fail to live up to Jiang Yashuang¡¯s expectations. The family name of Jiang Qi¡¯s husband was Yi.

    ¡°Yashuang thinks you¡¯re only old enough to marry. It¡¯s not very urgent. You should find someone that you two can attract each other.¡± Qiu Yn told him gently, ¡°After all, a couple is meant to live their whole life, right?¡±

    Understanding the meaning of the words, Lu He really showed a rxed look and said respectfully, ¡°Young madame, thank you for your guidance!¡±

    At that moment, Mulian came up to report, ¡°The ninth youngdy¡¯s family and Her Highness Princess Chunfu¡¯s family have both arrived at the door!¡±

    Because of Jiang Qi¡¯s embarrassing origin and the fact that she had not returned to her maiden family for many years, Qiu Yn was afraid that she would be awkward when she returned this year. So, after consulting with Madame Tao, Qiu Yn sent someone tomunicate with Jiang Qizheng, asking her to invite Jiang Qi to join her in her homing. In doing so, there wouldn¡¯t be an awkward scene because Jiang Qi, whom people here were not familiar with, would not be too quiet when she returned to her maiden family.

    When Qiu Yn arrived at the second door, she greeted Jiang Qi and her daughters warmly. The two daughters and one son Jiang Qi had brought over today were fine. But she herself only smiled and did not say anything. If it had not been for Jiang Qizheng who tried to mediate, it would have been difficult to make this scene lively.

    It was only when they were in front of Madame Tao and Madame Tao talked first that Jiang Qi began to speak more, ¡°My grandmother, thank you for missing me. All these years the Yi Family was always involved in one thing or another. I couldn¡¯t get away! I didn¡¯te back to see you and the elders for several years in a row. That was on me!¡±

    ¡°As you know you shouldn¡¯t do that. You should visit me more!¡± Madame Tao pretended to be annoyed, smiling, ¡°Do not make me look forward to youring every year while I can never see you!¡±

    Jiang Qizheng suggested, ¡°My ninth sister,ter in the lunch, you have to drink three shots to make amendments to our grandmother!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to Qizheng!¡± Before Jiang Qi answered, Madame Tao said with a smile, ¡°Your ninth sister is the same as Yashuang. They are not good at drinking. If you had her drink three shots, she might fall asleep at once. How can I talk with her?¡±

    ¡°My grandmother, in this case, as my ninth sister can¡¯t talk with you, I can hog you!¡± Jiang Qizheng said her fine idea, smiling.

    ¡°You are so mean!¡± Madame Tao pretended to beat her, ¡°You are just using your sister¡¯s nice personality!¡±

    Afterughing for a while, Madame Tao looked at the great grandchildren standing behind her granddaughter and granddaughter-inw and nodded, ¡°We are having fun here. But I¡¯m afraid the children will be bored by our talking. Why don¡¯t we let them go out and have some fun?¡±

    Qiu Yn understood and said, ¡°My grandmother, you are right. It¡¯s the right time to let the cousins get close to each other!¡±

    ¡°Jingheng is not well and did note out. Let Huizhu take the lead and entertain your aunt¡¯s children!¡± Madame Tao nced at Jiang Huizhu. She immediately curtsied and bowed, ¡°Yes, my great grandmother!¡±

    After the youngest generation had been sent out, during the small talk, all were distracted by the spection about how the day would go and what the oue would be.

    ¡°I really don¡¯t know which of the two girls is the one who intends to be introduced to Lu He?¡± Qiu Yn thought silently.

    Because she was afraid of making the girl lose face if things didn¡¯t work out, she couldn¡¯t ask Jiang Qi this question. She could only guess for herself, ¡°The girl in pink top and saffron dress, who looks more decent, shall be the elder sister. The girl in a blue top and moonlight dress shall be younger. She looks more active... The two girls are somewhat pretty. And their manners are of the noble family. But how can they be rted to Lu He?¡±

    From Madame Tao to Jiang Qi, all of them were not in the mood for conversations. They were tacitly waiting for news from the plum woods.

    When it was finally time for the luncheon, Madame Tao sent someone to get all the great grandchildren, who had previously been sent out, back for the feast. Her granddaughters and granddaughters-inw also logically retired to change their clothes before the luncheon. And naturally, they took the opportunity to get the information.

    ¡°The two cousins spoke to Lu He after they met him in the plum woods.¡± Jiang Huizhu reported all about it, ¡°But what they talked was all about painting and something rted. I was too dull to understand. But looking at the two cousins, they were very appreciative of Lu He¡¯s painting skills.¡±

    Qiu Yn knew that Lu He was a good painter. Otherwise, she would not have arranged for Lu He to go to the plum woods to draw plum blossoms. On hearing this, she asked, ¡°Do you know which of them is more interested in Lu He?¡±

    Jiang Huizhu hesitantly said, ¡°I am too foolish...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll ask your ninth auntter. It¡¯s the same.¡± Qiu Yn smiled at this and waved her hand to tell her not to worry. And she gave her a couple of words offort and a bracelet as a reward before letting her go.

    After the luncheon began, Qiu Yn watched Jiang Qi and her daughters, but she saw that they looked at ease and could not tell how they felt about Lu He. Until they said goodbye this day, Qiu Yn did not find the right time to ask about that.

    ¡°Perhaps they are afraid that if they take a stand and Lu He refuses, they will not be able to step down. So, they¡¯re waiting for Lu He to give them the go-ahead before they¡¯re willing to say their answers.¡± Madame Tao said, ¡°You have been busy for most of the day. Go back to your room and rest. By the way, ask what Lu He thinks. After that, we can know what to do next.¡±

    Qiu Yn thanked Madame Tao for her thoughtfulness and returned to the yard. Before she could ask to summon Lu He, Jiang Yashuang, who had gone to apany Marquess Qin early in the morning, returned in a hurry, ¡°There¡¯s news from the pce about the thing that happened on Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve!¡±

 Chapter 475 - Behind the Scenes of His Failed Blind Date

    <h4>Chapter 475 Behind the Scenes of His Failed Blind Date</h4>

    Qiu Yn didn¡¯t bother to ask how the pce handled the aftermath of this incident and asked in surprise, ¡°How did grandfather know this matter?¡±

    ¡°How could I make grandfather know it?¡± Jiang Yashuang shook his head, and he looked very solemn, ¡°It was our fourth aunt who was so anxious that she fainted twice sincest night, and now both Emperor and Empress are taking care of her in the Hall of Taishi. Uncle Mengmin and the third uncle were so frightened that they asked Yadan toe back from the Mansion of Duke of Huainan to cover for me and told me to immediately go to the pce with them to visit her!¡±

    ¡°What did grandfather say?¡± Qiu Yn hurriedly said, ¡°Grandfather is always shrewd. If Yadan suddenly covered for you, would it arouse grandfather¡¯s suspicion?¡±

    Today¡¯s shift was different from usual. Because Qiu Jinn was not in Jing City and Qiu Yn¡¯s rtionship with Prince¡¯s Mansion of Xihe was very bad. On the second day of the first lunar month, she still stayed in her husband¡¯s family. In this case, Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t need to apany his wife to the Yue Family, so he took over the task of apanying Marquess Qin all day today.

    If Jiang Yadan, who was supposed to be in the Mansion of Duke of Huainan, suddenly came to rece Jiang Yashuang, how could Marquess Qin not suspect that anything happened?

    ¡°Fortunately, today Lu He and my ninth sister¡¯s daughter were going to date each other.¡± Jiang Yashuang nced at Lu He, who was standing beside him, and said to his wife first, ¡°I told grandfather about this, using the excuse that something went wrong and needed to be dealt with. I also said that Yadan didn¡¯t like the food of the Mansion of Duke of Huainan, so he came back early... Grandfather should have no doubts by now!¡±

    And then he told Lu He, ¡°If you have any thoughts on this matter, just say it. It¡¯s a matter of marriage, so it can¡¯t be taken lightly! You don¡¯t have to worry about anything else. You know?¡±

    Lu He hurriedly said, ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°Our fourth aunt had always been in good health. How could she be so angry?¡± After leaving Mujin outside to greet Lu He, Qiu Yn followed her husband into the inner chamber and asked in a low voice while changing his clothes for the pce, ¡°It is understandable that my fourth aunt never thought that such a ridiculous and shameless thing would happen, so she fainted! But the second time she fainted... Could it be that there was something else that was found outter?¡±

    The Darui Pce was so chaotic...

    Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. Let¡¯s wait and see what¡¯s going on after entering the pce!¡±

    He was going to the pce to inquire about the news. Qiu Yn, who was very concerned about it, was no longer in the mood to go around in circles with Lu He and asked bluntly, ¡°What do you think of the girls in the Yi Family?¡±

    ¡°The two youngdies are both talented and beautiful.¡± Lu He¡¯s shyness, fear, and embarrassment were all disturbed by the sudden thing mentioned by Jiang Yashuang. He was awkward yet very straightforward. Obviously, he also noticed that in the face of Empress Dowager Jiang¡¯s health problems, he¡¯d better not wear out the patience of the wife of his prospective master, ¡°I¡¯m only afraid that I¡¯m not good enough for them!¡±

    Although Qiu Yn was thinking about Empress Dowager Jiang, she wasn¡¯t going to dismiss Lu He hastily. Hearing this, she pondered, ¡°Well, his descriptions of the two girls in the Yi Family are quite ordinary, and I can¡¯t tell if he likes or dislikes them. It seems he doesn¡¯t have a deep affection for them even if he likes them. He also said that he wasn¡¯t good enough for them... Is this because he is afraid that because the girls in the Yi Familye from a prominent family and they¡¯re also Yashuang¡¯s nieces, at least his nominal nieces, they will look down on him, right?¡±

    She wondered, ¡°Could it be that the girls of the Yi Family were quite proud in the plum woods? Lu He is very well-behaved and sensible after all... But why didn¡¯t Huizhu mention this? Could it be a misunderstanding?¡±

    She pondered for a while and then said, ¡°You heard what Yashuang just said just now. He is going to enter the pce under the pretense that something went wrong with your date. So, I thought about it. I¡¯m sorry, but we¡¯re not going to talk about your marriage for now. We¡¯ll discuss it in a few days, because if Old Master asks, it¡¯s not easy for us to answer, and it also seems that Jiang Yashuang deliberately deceived him. What do you think?¡±

    Of course, Lu He had no problem with it, and he gently said that it was up to her.

    ¡°Go and bring Huizhu!¡± Qiu Yn decided to inquire about what had happened in the plum woods.

    After Jiang Huizhu was called over, ording to her request, she recalled the scene in the plum woods word by word, but Qiu Yn didn¡¯t find anything wrong. After thinking for a while, she asked, ¡°You never left, did you?¡±

    ¡°When I saw Lu He and the two cousins were chatting very happily, I made an excuse and told them I was going to break off a few plum blossoms. I walked away for a while.¡± Jiang Huizhu said in a panic, ¡°But I didn¡¯t do it on purpose!¡±

    Qiu Yn frowned, ¡°Could it be that something went wrong during this time?¡± It was just that Jiang Huizhu took her maid with her when she went away to take the plum blossoms. Now, if she wanted to know what Lu He had said to the sisters of the Yi Family during this period, she could only ask them.

    ¡°Forget it. If the sisters of the Yi Family did something wrong, Lu He would not tell us the truth. After two days, he will officially be the disciple of Yashuang. When our rtionship bes closer, I will ask him again. I think he will tell the truth by then!¡± Thinking of this, Qiu Yn warmly said to Jiang Huizhu, ¡°If you want to leave next time, remember to leave your maid behind.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Jiang Huizhu said timidly.

    ... After she left, she didn¡¯t stay in her room for a long time. She went to find Gu E¡¯nuo and bowed respectfully, ¡°Auntie, you were right. I¡¯m so impressed!¡±

    Gu E¡¯nuo helped her up with a smile and asked with concern, ¡°How was it? Your aunt just called you over. Did she really ask about what happened in the plum woods?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Jiang Huizhu nodded and her childish face couldn¡¯t hide the joy, ¡°Aunt Yn asked me to describe the whole process... It must be Lu He who declined the marriage with the cousins of the Yi Family but refused to exin the reason, so Aunt Yn called me over and tried to find out the reason. It was exactly as you expected, auntie!¡±

    Speaking of this, she couldn¡¯t help but ask curiously, ¡°But I wonder how you could be sure that as long as I encouraged the sisters of the Yi Family to be scornful after seeing Lu He, he would definitely decline the marriage. After all, the sisters of the Yi Family are very beautiful and privileged, but Lu He is only the son of an Imperial Guard...¡±

    ¡°Not to mention that, even Mrs. Qu is only a servant, and you¡¯re a youngdy of the Jiang Family. Do you dare to take her as just a servant?¡± Gu E¡¯nuo gave her a nce in amusement, ¡°Especially Lu He¡¯s father died for your grandfather. Just because of this, your father, the ninth aunt, Jiang Yazhu, Jiang Qizheng, and Jiang Yashuang will not treat him badly! Did you forget that when he was brought back to Jing City by Mu Zixuan, your grandmothers and others all took good care of him and treated him like a junior?¡±

    With that, Gu E¡¯nuo sneered, ¡°So how could sisters of the Yi Family look down on him? Apart from the friendship in his father¡¯s generation, just because he can win your uncle Jiang Yashuang¡¯s favor, this boy is definitely not simple! How outstanding Jiang Yashuang is! He is not a gifted man, and he is willing to take time out of his busy schedule to instruct the boy?¡±

    ¡°Not to mention that your uncle Jiang Yashuang still ns to formally ept him as his disciple. He is even taking over his marriage. He is simply treating him as his son and future disciple! Your uncle Jiang Yashuang cares about him a lot. Lu He is not a fool and he certainly knows it!¡±

    Jiang Huizhu said timidly, ¡°But... But Uncle Yashuang has been so kind to him and this time his blind date was the ninth aunt¡¯s daughters. How could he refuse? Wasn¡¯t he too proud?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a petty idea!¡± Gu E¡¯nuo shook her head again and again, ¡°First of all, your ninth aunt rarely goes back to her maiden family and she herself is not very familiar with your uncle Jiang Yashuang, let alone her daughters, so for your uncle Jiang Yashuang, Lu He is definitely more important than his two nieces of the Yi Family. Lu He is very clear about this, and the opportunity to meet the girls this time was given because your ninth aunt¡¯s husband took a fancy to Lu He first. If your uncle Jiang Yashuang paid more attention to the Yi Family, why would he want Lu He to go on a blind date? He would just tell him to get engaged. Do you think Lu He dares to say no?¡±

    ¡°Secondly, although Lu He¡¯s background is much humbler than that of the sisters of the Yi Family, he is the son of their grandfather¡¯s confidant! For example, when you meet Mrs. Chang and Mrs. Qu, you don¡¯t dare to take them lightly for the sake of your grandmother! As I said earlier, even your father, uncles, and aunts respect Lu He, let alone the younger generation like the sisters of the Yi Family. How dare they despise him?¡±

    ¡°Thirdly, with the above two points, Lu He doesn¡¯t need to worry that his rejection of this marriage will make your uncle Jiang Yashuang unhappy. In this case, when he expresses his true thoughts, he doesn¡¯t seem to be deceiving, does he?¡±

    Jiang Huizhu pondered, ¡°But he clearly didn¡¯t tell Aunt Yn the truth. He just declined it subtly! He was so secretive. Would he tell Uncle Yashuang the truth? Wouldn¡¯t he offend Aunt Yn?¡±

    ¡°What a silly girl! After all, he is your uncle Jiang Yashuang¡¯s prospective eldest disciple, and it¡¯s a shame to just say that the sisters of the Yi Family looked down on him. Of course, if he insists that he is not worthy of the sisters of the Yi Family and repeats it several times, won¡¯t your uncle Jiang Yashuang and your aunt Qiu Yn hear the overtones?¡±

    ¡°Auntie, on the way I apanied the sisters of the Yi Family to the plum woods, I said some provocative words. If Uncle Yashuang and Aunt Yn know about it, will they be angry?¡± When Jiang Huizhu understood Lu He¡¯s reaction, she became uneasy again and asked her for advice, ¡°At that time, even if you try to get Uncle Yashuang and Aunt Yn to consider me... I¡¯m afraid... I¡¯m afraid they won¡¯t!¡±

    Gu E¡¯nuo asked calmly, ¡°What did I teach you to say?¡±

    ¡°To praise Lu He¡¯s father highly and make it sound like he is better than generations of the Yi Family!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Gu E¡¯nuo said with a sneer, ¡°You were kind enough to give Lu He a boost and warned the sisters of the Yi Family not to underestimate his father and him because his father was just a guard! But in the end, the sisters of the Yi Family just didn¡¯t appreciate it. What could you do? They simply are not destined to marry Lu He, right?¡±

    Although the sisters of the Yi Family had rarely interacted with the Jiang Family due to their mother, their grandfather and father were both high-ranking officials in the court, and the girls were usually spoiled at home. Even if they were not arrogant, they are not submissive. They may not despise a bodyguard, but they won¡¯t like the bragging about a bodyguard!

    Especially when Gu E¡¯nuo instructed Jiang Huizhu, she had deliberately told her to memorize a few words that didn¡¯t sound serious on the surface, but when one thought about it, it belied the meaning of despising the Yi Family while touting Lu He¡¯s father.

    Thus, if the two sisters certainly were not angry after hearing this, Gu E¡¯nuo¡¯s n would fail!

    But looking at it now, the sisters were not so smart. It was the first time they had ever visited their grandfather¡¯s house since they were children. Jiang Huizhu was a cousin who was two years younger than them. They couldn¡¯t vent their anger on her. Lu He would certainly be the victim when they met himter!

    As the son of a soldier from the Northern Army, Lu He was now young and promising mainly because his father had loyally protected the master and died in battle. So, he had been taken seriously by the fourth branch of the Jiang Family, and his talent could be discovered and cultivated. It could be said that his father had exchanged his life for the favor from Jiang Tianchi, Madame Zhuang, and now Jiang Yashuang and his wife! He was too proud to be taken lightly by anyone!

    To despise a person¡¯s origin was to despise his parents!

    In this case, he certainly wouldn¡¯t agree to marry the girls of the Yi Family!

    ¡°I will make ns for you to get married to Lu He. You have to win him over!¡± Gu E¡¯nuo said with a smile, ¡°If nothing else happens, Jiang Yashuang will like him as his son in the future. Well... As for the future of my daughter, can I entrust you in advance!¡±

    Jiang Huizhu said obediently, ¡°Of course, auntie. Without your advice, I don¡¯t know what I can do in the future! If I have my day in the future, I will not forget your kindness, and I will do my best to take care of my twenty-second sister!¡±

 Chapter 476 - Naughty Parents of Naughty Children

    <h4>Chapter 476 Naughty Parents of Naughty Children</h4>

    Gu E¡¯nuo encouraged Jiang Huizhu to marry Lu He, of which Qiu Yn had no idea yet. After sending Jiang Huizhu away, she yed with Jiang Jingkun and Jiang Jinng while waiting for Jiang Yashuang to return from the pce.

    She waited until midnight. Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t bring back any bad news, ¡°Our fourth aunt fainted the first time because she heard about the matter about Yan Linxue and Old Concubine Fan. The reason why she fainted the second time was that she heard that they had been in contact since the former emperor was still around... Fortunately, our fourth aunt has calmed down and won¡¯t be angry anymore!¡±

    Qiu Yn hurriedly asked, ¡°How is our fourth aunt doing now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid she¡¯ll have to lie down for a while. She¡¯s getting older after all.¡± Jiang Yashuang sighed, ¡°If we¡¯re free these two days, let¡¯s go to talk to Grandma with An so that Grandma won¡¯t worry too much.¡±

    And then there was another news, ¡°Our fourth aunt is sick, so Maid Lin and other confidants have to concentrate on taking care of her. They¡¯re unable to hold any pce power... Since Empress is punished, Noble Consort will manage the pce affairs!¡±

    ¡°Although Noble Consort has been in the pce for only a few months, the first branch has a lot of dirty things in the pce.¡± Qiu Yn frowned slightly and said, ¡°Especially she entered the pce in the early years, and the thing between Yan Linxue and Old Concubine Fan happened this time. By the way, what have you found out in this incident? Does it have anything to do with the first branch?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang shook his head, ¡°Yan Linxue confessed that when the former emperor was staying in Fu Ning Pce before dying, Old Concubine Fan was not allowed to visit the former emperor and was afraid of falling out of favor, so she bribed the pce servants with money and silks to inquire about the news in Fu Ning Pce. He was one of the people who was bribed. He passed the news to Old Concubine Fan several times and the former emperor never summoned Old Concubine Fan, so Old Concubine Fan was so lonely and resentful that she took the initiative to seduce him.¡±

    ¡°But since the death of the former emperor, Old Concubine Fan and the former emperor¡¯s other concubines retreated to Zhenyu Pce, and the two were disconnected. At the banquet of this Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve, our fourth aunt felt sorry for these old concubines who were lonely and invited them toe to celebrate it together, but they took the opportunity to...¡±

    Qiu Yn was quite disgusted with Yan Linxue, ¡°They were caught in the act, and he still tried to pass the buck to Old Concubine Fan! If he were a good person, how could Old Concubine Fan have forced him to see her?¡±

    But now was not the time toin about the two. She frowned and asked, ¡°Yan Linxue happened to be in charge of the guard for the banquet of this Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve, and there was no shortage of pavilions, side halls, or Jing rooms for the guests to rest and change clothes. There were also nts and flower beds that could cover them. But he should do such a thing with Old Concubine Fan in the corner of the corridor. Even if the leopard cat didn¡¯t happen to pass by, Huiyan and Huili identally saw them! Weren¡¯t they deliberately dragging down Empress? He could deny it, but did he have any exnation for this?¡±

    ¡°He said it was because he hadn¡¯t seen Old Concubine Fan for a long time, and he couldn¡¯t hold back his passion!¡± Jiang Yashuang¡¯s eyes were a little cold, ¡°Originally, the court in charge of the Imperial Harem was going to continue the interrogation, but... Just when I was going to leave the pce and return to the mansion, He died suddenly! ording to the imperial doctor¡¯s judgment, he had already taken chronic poison, and it was time for the poison to kick in!¡±

    Qiu Yn¡¯s face was extremely upset, ¡°How about Old Concubine Fan?¡±

    ¡°She said that when the former emperor was sick, she was very worried. She couldn¡¯t enter the Fu Ning Pce to visit him, so she asked the pce servants to inquire about some news, but Yan Linxue took this opportunity to molest her, and she fought back and escaped. Yan Linxue had been holding grudges against her since then! Fortunately, she moved to Zhenyu Pce to get rid of Yan Linxue¡¯s harassment.¡± Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face showed a look of disgust, ¡°This time she left the banquet to change clothes, but she was pulled into a corner by Yan Linxue... She was afraid of being discovered and ruining her reputation, so she didn¡¯t dare to make a sound, but when she resisted, Huiyan and Huili caught them!¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re really a couple of...¡± Qiu Yn didn¡¯t expect that Old Concubine Fan and Yan Linxue were so close together, and they both tried to put the me on each other. Speaking of which, Old Concubine Fan tired even harder, and she even didn¡¯t admit that she and Yan Linxue were rted at all. Qiu Yn couldn¡¯t help feeling speechless.

    After a while, she asked, ¡°And then Old Concubine Fan is still alive?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s still alive. The court has promised to take good care of her!¡± Jiang Yashuang rubbed his eyebrows, ¡°Our fourth aunt is ill now, so she shouldn¡¯t worry about it. But the thing that happened between Yan Linxue and Old Concubine Fan can¡¯t be dyed. Our fourth aunt asked our family toe up with a solution as soon as possible so that she can issue an edict to deal with it!¡±

    ¡°When I left the pce, I cross-examined the eldest uncle with the third uncle for a while. The eldest uncle insisted that it had nothing to do with him! He also said that if we didn¡¯t believe it, he could ask Noble Consort to decline to manage the pce affairs to prove his innocence!¡±

    Qiu Yn snorted, ¡± Empress Dowager is ill, and the people of the Pce of Ganquan are all busy. Emperor now has only one empress and one concubine. If Empress is stripped of her power in the pce, Noble Consort will certainly take the task. She can¡¯t decline it even if she wants.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it tomorrow. Well, the first month of this year is definitely not going well!¡± Jiang Yashuang nced at the east and west rooms and asked his wife in a low voice, ¡°How are the children today? When I wasn¡¯t here, did they bother you?¡±

    ¡°An made some noise, but Lang¡¯er never thought of you. He was having a lot of fun chasing Nianxue and Whitey! He was called several times during meals but he ignored us. If it had not been for Mrs. Zhou¡¯s persuasion, I would have just wanted to tell him not to eat so that he could learn his lesson!¡±

    ¡°It is too cruel, isn¡¯t it? How old is Lang¡¯er? How can a child not be naughty?¡± Jiang Yashuang became anxious when he heard it. There was no one in the Jiang Family who was strict with children. Jiang Yashuang was no exception. Especially Jiang Jinng was so young now, and he loved him too much to starve him.

    ¡°Just saying... If I had really wanted to punish him like this, how could I have given up easily when Mrs. Zhou said that?¡± Qiu Yn said angrily, ¡°You have no idea how naughty the boy is. The wet nurse told me that during the day, Nianxue and Whitey¡¯s screams never stopped. He either pulled their tails or their beard. Thanks to these two good-tempered cats, they didn¡¯t care about it with him. If they had been less tame cats, they would have scratched him! I feel tired when I think about how naughty he will be when he grows up!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang changed his face slightly, ¡°Why didn¡¯t anyone separate Nianxue and Whitey from him? Although we have raised these two cats, they won¡¯t hurt anyone easily. But just in case, Lang¡¯er is still so young after all... Tomorrow, ask someone to take them somewhere else so that Langer won¡¯t see them!¡±

    Well, when he had his son, he didn¡¯t hesitate to throw his pets away!

    Qiu Yn was quite speechless, ¡°Are you afraid that Nianxue and Whitey will hurt him? They even tremble when they see your son!¡± Therefore, the biggest natural enemy of small animals was naughty children because they were so curious, bold, and clumsy. The most frightening thing was, no matter who started first, as long as the naughty child was injured, it would be the animals¡¯ fault...

    Jiang Yashuang was obviously a typical naughty parent of a naughty child!

    ¡°They are afraid, but maybe they will be forced to use their ws.¡± He insisted, ¡°Lang¡¯er is so young and fragile now. How can he stand it?¡±

    ¡°I know that you spoil him. Just now I asked someone to send Nianxue and Whitey to the corridor outside the study.¡± Qiu Yn rolled her eyes at him, ¡°I had someone make a wooden box for them to live in. They¡¯re so pitiful!¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried too?¡± Jiang Yashuang breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, ¡°It¡¯s inevitable for boys to be a little naughty when they are young, and it will be fine when they grow up and go to school. We can hire a strict teacher...¡± With that, he sighed with emotion, ¡°Fortunately, Ying¡¯er is a girl, so she shouldn¡¯t be as naughty as her brothers in the future!¡±

    ¡°You should teach her to obey the rules too!¡± Qiu Yn disagreed, ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk behind their back, but the Jiang Family has more than one girl who makes people worry... So, we¡¯d better be stricter with our children, otherwise, they will grow up and learn their lesson the hard way!¡±

    Among the daughters of the Jiang Family, apart from the previous generation, there were some of their peers, Princess Qi Jiang Qiyun and Jiang Qizheng who had married far away in Beijiang, and both of them had been naughty when they were children. Even Jiang Qizheng, who had left Qiu Yn the impression of ¡°a typicaldy of a decent family¡±, was intimidating when she was mad!

    Jiang Huiying¡¯s aunts were all bad examples, and Qiu Yn didn¡¯t believe that if she kept her daughter free, she would grow into the ideal well-behaved and considerate daughter in Jiang Yashuang¡¯s mind!

    In short, in view of the current situation of most of the Jiang Family¡¯s children, she felt that her three children must not be spoiled!

    The two talked about raising their children, which somehow offset a lot of anxiety and distress brought about by the incident, ¡°I don¡¯t know what they will be like when they grow up. What will we look like at that time?¡±

    This evening, they revived their spirits by imagining the future of their three children. At dawn, Madame Tao called them over. Since they stopped thinking about the future, they began to discuss the business with full energy, ¡°Tianluan, as Empress Dowager, should make the decision, but she is sick now and has asked our family to discuss it... You have to reply quickly because this kind of thing can¡¯t be dyed! It happened on Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve, and it¡¯s now the third day of the first month in a blink of an eye. We have toe up with a solution quickly.¡±

    ¡°This kind of thing happened at such a big festival. Of course, we can¡¯t let Yan Linxue and Old Concubine Fan go!¡± The people of the Jiang Family looked at each other and Jiang Tianqi nced at Jiang Yayun before he said lightly, ¡°Fortunately, Yan Linxue suddenly died during the interrogation. If something were found out, I am afraid that it would not only be the royal family who would be embarrassed then!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. After all, people with the right mind wouldn¡¯t cheat in the pce. Even if they cheat, they won¡¯t be so stupid to be unable to look for a hidden ce!¡± Jiang Yayun could naturally take the hint. He did not show his uncle any respect at all and said lukewarmly, ¡°It was such an obvious mistake. I wonder if it was a trap.¡±

    ¡°Speaking of which, if Huiyan and Huili hadn¡¯t caught them, I¡¯m afraid we would still have been kept in the dark until now.¡± Jiang Tianqi¡¯s face darkened. The Imperial Guardmander and the former emperor¡¯s concubine were caught in the act. Now Empress was punished, and Noble Consort profited from it. The whole thing started with Jiang Huiyan and Jiang Huili who were brought to Jing City by the first branch. The first branch was certainly suspicious.

    Jiang Yayun sneered, ¡°Our nieces are so pitiful. They entered the pce for the first time happily. Who would have thought that someone had set a trap and waited for them?¡± The girls hadn¡¯t seen the world and they were probably used!

    Jiang Tianqi wanted to speak again, but Madame Tao scolded angrily, ¡°Enough! If you want to quarrel, get out of here and quarrel however you want. What we need to discuss now is how Tianluan will end this game!¡±

    She didn¡¯t look at the embarrassed faces of Jiang Yayun and Jiang Tianqi, and said to Jiang Yashuang, ¡°Yashuang, what do you think?¡±

 Chapter 477 - Emperor and Noble Consort

    <h4>Chapter 477 Emperor and Noble Consort</h4>

    The Jiang Family worked together to discuss how to deal with the aftermath of the royal scandal on Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve. It was in Quezhi Pce of Jing City.

    ¡°Empress can¡¯t keep her power now?¡± Jiang Huizhi wore her hair in a bun, wearing a green upper garment and a purple coat. And there was a marten coat on her shoulders. She was young and beautiful, but she was dressed like the hopeless concubines in Zhenyu Pce. Although the dull colors could not hide her bright youth, her eyes without much emotion looked lifeless.

    At this moment, she asked coldly, ¡°How will that benefit us? Why are you so happy?¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, since Empress can¡¯t take care of the pce affairs, who else can and dare take over the power of the Imperial Harem but you?¡± The trusted maid who entered the pce with her from her maiden family was confused, so she said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this a good thing?¡±

    ¡°She is His Majesty¡¯s first wife and the daughter-inw that Empress Dowager selected personally back then!¡± Jiang Huizhi said with an expressionless face, ¡°And she gave birth to the eldest trueborn prince, who is the only child of His Majesty now... Do you think she will be deprived of her power forever just for such a matter?¡±

    ¡°Emm...¡± Her trusted maid was speechless for a while, but then she said immediately, ¡°It is a serious matter this time, so even if Empress Dowager doesn¡¯t mean to punish her really, she can¡¯t let her get the power back just after she is punished. Your Grace, Empress Dowager will let you wield the power for some time certainly. We can take this opportunity...¡±

    ¡°What can we do?¡± Jiang Huizhi said disdainfully, ¡°Empress guards her Zishen Pce so tightly since she entered the pce earlier. I even cannot know what kind of flowers she has nted, not to mention reaching out to some other things. Besides, there are always a few people in this pce who grovel to those with strength. Since I entered the pce, how many times has His Majesty been back and forth? I can count on one hand! His love is in Zishen Pce as the prince is also there. What do you think I can do even if I have the imperial power in name?¡±

    The trusted maid whispered, ¡°But you are Noble Consort after all...¡±

    ¡°But there is no concubine in the Imperial Harem!¡± Jiang Huizhi gritted her teeth and said, ¡°So even if I am Noble Consort, I am at the lowest rank in the Imperial Harem! Do you think the people in the Imperial Harem really respect me? If it hadn¡¯t been for Empress who was afraid that people would criticize her for mistreating me, we wouldn¡¯t have even been able to keep our monthly share!¡±

    She sneered, ¡°Of course, my grandfather has made some arrangements in the pce. If we use them, it can do good for us. It¡¯s just that it¡¯s not worth it!¡±

    The trusted maid asked cautiously, ¡°Your Grace, why is it not worth it?¡±

    ¡°Empress Dowager has been on guard against me all the time. Empress speaks twonguages at once. And His Majesty doesn¡¯t seem to be very interested in me!¡± Jiang Huizhi sneered, ¡°The attitudes of them are so clear, so I won¡¯t get too much no matter how hard I try to achieve something. And it may even enable others to find out some arrangements of my grandfather... So, it is better to find another way! ¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, what do you mean?¡±

    Half a dayter, in the imperial garden, Emperor only brought Cen Wei as usual and painted under the snow-capped trees.

    ¡°Has Noble Consort been in Hall of Taishi since she asked to serve Empress Dowager?¡± Emperor looked calm, painting on the white paper. He was sketching a picture of a winter snow scene carefully, ¡°Did Empress Dowager agree actually? I remember that she never likes people from the first branch in the Jiang Family. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t have given the cold shoulder to Noble Consort deliberately after she entered the pce!¡±

    While making ink, Cen Wei said softly, ¡°Empress Dowager did not agree at first. Maid Lin came out in person and asked Her Grace to manage the Imperial Harem on behalf of Her Majesty, but Her Grace said that there were only one Empress and one concubine in the pce and the others were all maids. So, she said it was enough to let the maids and eunuch stewards manage it. Besides, she said she was young and shallow, so she didn¡¯t know how to manage the Imperial Harem at all. So, she would rather serve Empress Dowager.¡±

    ¡°And then? Maid Lin let her in?¡±

    ¡°Maid Lin didn¡¯t agree, but Her Grace kept kneeling in front of Hall of Taishi for more than two hours. Just now, Maid Lin invited her in... I don¡¯t know if Empress Dowager will let her stay there.¡±

    Emperor stopped his painting for a moment, and then he said in a low voice, ¡°She is really smart. It¡¯s not in vain that I plotted to make her enter the pce!¡±

    It was no wonder that Jiang Huizhi felt upset. She had to enter the pce because she was set up by someone, and the person who tricked her was Emperor whom the Jiang Family never thought of. After all, no one would believe that Empress Dowager Gu handed over the most loyal subordinates to Emperor secretly with the thought that the two sides should both get loss just like Empress Dowager Ye.

    And Emperor grew up with Empress Dowager Jiang apanying him. Empress Dowager Jiang thought she knew him very well and she knew his ins and outs. She never considered that he should have his own team. Therefore, after Jiang Huizhi was found to have a close contact with Emperor before her wedding, among people inside and outside the court and the Jiang Family, some thought she was a member of the Gu Family, some suspected she was the political enemy of the Xin Family, and others suspected each other...

    But no one suspected Emperor!

    He fooled everyone!

    Even Cen Wei joined Emperor from a spy arranged by Empress Dowager Jiang because he found that Emperor remained unaffected after the incident, and he confirmed that he might have a bright future if following Emperor.

    ¡°It is also a blessing for Her Grace to be chosen by you, Your Majesty!¡± At this moment, he ttered respectfully and then changed the subject, saying with worry, ¡°It¡¯s just... I think even if Empress Dowager allows Her Grace to serve her, she won¡¯t let her surpass Her Majesty because of this!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s for sure.¡± Emperor said lightly, ¡°Empress... She is chosen by Empress Dowager personally! Not to mention the rtionship between thedy of Marquess E and Empress Dowager is much better than that between Jiang Tianao and Empress Dowager, Empress is Empress. What¡¯s more, she gave birth to Chu Shao. So how would Empress Dowager give up the mother and son just because of Noble Consort¡¯s temporary care?¡±

    ¡°Since so, will Her Grace be constrained by Her Majesty all the time?¡± Cen Wei thought about it for a while and asked with confusion, ¡°Your Majesty, when you plotted to make Her Grace enter the Imperial Pce, didn¡¯t you say that your purpose was to let the first branch be against the fourth branch and the sixth branch of the Jiang Family so that Her Majesty would be checked and bnced, and your n would go smoothly. But now, Her Grace is at a disadvantage everywhere, and she can¡¯t check and bnce Her Majesty!¡±

    Emperor sneered, ¡°Yes! Empress was chosen by Empress Dowager, and her maiden family is inextricably linked with Empress Dowager and the Jiang Family, so naturally, she will stand by Empress Dowager¡¯s side! In this way, she is the leader in all matters in the Imperial Harem. No matter how careful I am, it is inevitable that she will see some clues! ording to my original n, after Noble Consort enters the Imperial Pce, even if she can¡¯t get the power of Empress, she will be able to make her distracted, so that even if Empress finds something, we can incriminate Noble Consort. Anyway, just like that no one except the first branch of the Jiang Family believes that Noble Consort was framed when she entered the pce, Empress and Noble Consort won¡¯t believe each other because of their rift.¡±

    Speaking of this, he suddenly asked, ¡°What do you think of the situation of Noble Consort now?¡±

    ¡°... Not good?¡±

    ¡°Even worse than that?¡± Emperor mocked, ¡°Influenced by the elders, no matter how virtuous she is, Empress Dowager will not really treat her sincerely, let alone Empress. If Sir Jibei hadn¡¯t tried to protect her before he died, Empress would have killed her already. Even I don¡¯t dare to treat her well because of Empress Dowager. Hated by Empress Dowager, Empress, and Emperor, how could she have a bright future?¡±

    Cen Wei turned silent.

    ¡°I heard that she had a few fights with Empress and thedy of Marquess E, the mother of Empress, before she entered the pce.¡± Emperor sneered, ¡°I thought she had a strong and unruly personality and the Imperial Harem would be lively after she entered the pce, but she is so endurant. She has been living silently for several months...¡±

    Speaking of this, he said lightly, ¡°Furthermore, she learns from me now!¡±

    ¡°She learns from you, Your Majesty?¡± Cen Wei was surprised and then thought of something, ¡°Yes. Noble Consort Jiang was so arrogant who even didn¡¯t care about Her Majesty, but this time she actually gives up the opportunity to seize power and goes to serve Empress Dowager. With such a big change in her attitude, isn¡¯t she taking the opportunity to show her weakness and obedience? Your Majesty, hasn¡¯t you been using this method to protect yourself as well?¡±

    Emperor was much more professional than Noble Consort Jiang. Jiang Huizhi had a ck history of deliberately provoking and framing others before she entered the Imperial Pce. Even if she had changed temporarily, Empress Dowager Jiang and Empress Xin must still be suspicious and wary of her.

    But Emperor had always been so obedient. He was simply a professional puppet. Except for the people who stood by his side, everyone in the court and the public thought that he was as meek as the former emperor. Under such circumstances, who would imagine what he had done behind the scene?

    ¡°I don¡¯t know when she will have a showdown with me.¡± Emperor ignored Cen Wei¡¯s surprise and said lightly, ¡°The first branch of the Jiang Family has already fallen. With the current advantage of the fourth branch, she will not be given any chance to use her maiden family to bring about an upswing at all. If she wants to surpass Empress and does not want to die alone in the pce, she can only rely on me.¡±

    Emperor smiled coldly, ¡°I don¡¯t know what bargaining chip she can give me... In the future, remember to give Noble Consort more opportunities! I can¡¯t go to her very often now. So, I need you to help Noble Consort contact me gradually without being found by Empress Dowager and Empress.¡±

    Cen Wei thought for a moment, bowed, and said, ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡±

    When Emperor and Noble Consort in the pce were intriguing against each other, Qiu Yn was invited by He Shuijin to the third branch, ¡°Originally, the wedding can be very lively if held in the first lunar month, but now something like that happened in the pce. In case it is discussed again at the banquet, it will be embarrassing.¡±

    ¡°But the date has already been fixed. The reason why we hold it in our mansion is that there is only such a suitable date in the first lunar month this year. If we miss it, we have to wait until next year, but the youngest grand aunt doesn¡¯t want to wait any longer.¡± Qiu Yn sighed, saying helplessly, ¡°When the timees, shall we choose a few fresh songs and dance shows and acrobatics to distract the guests?¡±

    The twelfth day in the first lunar month, the only suitable date for Jiang Yn and Feng Hanyan to get married in the whole year, was imminent. What made the two sisters-inw feel troublesome was that the court and the public were both talking about Yan Linxue and Old Concubine Fan. Since the Gu Family fell, in the past few years, it was the first time that the wedding of the trueborn son in the Jiang Family had not attracted most people. It was really that good deeds always stayed indoors, while scandals travelled a thousand miles.

    It was not that Qiu Yn and He Shuijin wanted their own family to be showiest. Think about it. It was the wedding day, but the guests were enthusiastically discussing the illegal couple in the pce. How would the family that held the wedding think?

    ¡°That¡¯s the only thing we can do now!¡± He Shuijin frowned for a long time before saying, ¡°We didn¡¯t expect it to happen at all. Now there are only a few days left. I don¡¯t know if we can find good shows... s!

    Speaking of this, she thought of something, ¡°By the way, Yashuang will ept apprentice in the first lunar month. On which day? If you are really too busy, I will take care of the thirteenth brother¡¯s wedding first.¡±

    ¡°Yashuang doesn¡¯t want to make a big deal, so he¡¯ll only invite a few colleagues and let Lu He serve tea. That¡¯s all.¡± Qiu Yn shook her head, ¡°It¡¯s after the thirteenth brother¡¯s wedding. It¡¯s even after the Lantern Festival... Don¡¯t worry about this. Let¡¯s be busy with the thirteenth brother¡¯s wedding first.¡±

    ¡°And then help me check this list!¡± Hearing her words, He Shuijin began to arrange work for her without any hesitation. At this time, they, daughters-inw, were really busy.

 Chapter 478 - Keeping Enduring

    <h4>Chapter 478 Keeping Enduring</h4>

    In the first lunar month, people had to visit and entertain rtives, so they were really busy. This time, Jiang Yn would get married in that month, which made the whole Marquess¡¯s Mansion busier. Madame Shi had been insisting that she was sick since she became a widow, not going out. Chu Yitong was pregnant. Even the eighth madame Huang, who was about the same age as the grandchildren, was found to be pregnant when she returned to her maiden family on the second day of the month.

    Only three people could help with it then, namely Madame Zhang, He Shuijin, and Qiu Yn.

    It could be imagined how busy they were!

    They didn¡¯t have time to inquire about the result of Yan Linxue and Old Concubine Fan¡¯s affair at all. After weing Feng Hanyan to their home, the three granddaughters-inw gathered their energy forcibly to tease the bride and the bridegroom and then send the guests away. After returning to their rooms, they didn¡¯t have time to take off their coats but fell asleep directly. They didn¡¯t get up until noon of the next day one after another, asking, ¡°Why is it sote?¡±

    Qiu Yn recovered her calmness, got up slowly, and put on her clothes, asking about Jiang Yashuang and the children¡¯s situation in the half day. On the contrary, Madame Zhang and He Shuijin had a headache. Madame He, their mother-inw, was a little narrow-minded, andst year Madame Chi got pregnant again almost at the same time as Chu Yitong. Since then, Madame He had been making trouble with her daughters-inw.

    They got up sote this day and missed the greetings, so how would Madame He deal with them?

    After finishing washing and getting dressed, they came to Madame He¡¯s room anxiously. When they greeted her, Madame He said in a weird tone, ¡°I thought that neither of you would get up today!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all our fault!¡± Being Madame He¡¯s daughters-inw for so many years, both Madame Zhang and He Shuijin knew that they must not talk back at this moment, so they both showed a submissive look, ¡°Please punish us!¡±

    ¡°Actually, you guys were so busy yesterday, so it¡¯s okay for you toete this morning.¡± Madame He snorted, ¡°Although I am not so generous, I won¡¯t make a fuss unreasonably! If you had sent someone in advance to tell me that, I would have agreed already. But you didn¡¯t do anything and just let me wait here... How could you do that?¡±

    Madame Zhang and He Shuijin both scolded in their hearts, ¡°The master was so tired, but the trusted maid didn¡¯t know to take a leave of absence on behalf of the master. If their trusted maids were really so stupid, how could they make a living then? She is just talking nonsense and making trouble with them, but she pretends to be reasonable. How shameless she is!¡±

    But at this time, her identity of the mother-inw made them not dare to refute at all, and they had to admit their mistakes and make amends ording to Madame He¡¯s intention. After they knelt for half an hour, Madame He let go of them. But when they stood up, Madame He still looked unhappy, so they stepped forward with their sore bodies, giving her a massage, lest she be unhappy and make a fuss with them again!

    When it was finally time to leave, Madame Zhang and He Shuijin exited the door with a smile. And then they both sighed, looked at each other, and left with a wry smile!

    ¡°Madame really went too far!¡± Shan helped He Shuijin back to the room angrily. Seeing that there was no one on the road, she gritted her teeth and said indignantly, ¡°My madame, you¡¯ve been busy from before the New Year to after the New Year and you haven¡¯t even had a good sleep in this period. Yesterday, you were so busy with the wedding of the Thirteenth Young Master! Not to mention that Madame did nothing but just sat back and enjoyed everything, she even made trouble with you today! She doesn¡¯t act as an elder at all. She is not worthy of respect at all!¡±

    He Shuijin looked indifferent, ¡°She can¡¯t get her husband¡¯s love. She is no match for Mistress Chi, and even her sons and grandsons don¡¯t like to hear herints and grievances... Except her daughters-inw, to whom can she vent her anger?¡±

    She sighed again, ¡°It¡¯s a good thing that she targets me. It¡¯s good as long as she doesn¡¯t make trouble with Ya¡¯er.¡±

    ¡°Nevertheless, Madame is going too far now!¡± Shan bit her lip, leaned closer to her ear, and whispered, ¡°My madame, since we have the poison Youmianxiang... Why we still...¡±

    It had been five or six years since He Shuijin got the revenge weapon, the poison Youmianxiang, but Madame He still lived a good life. Even Shan couldn¡¯t endure anymore as a spectator.

    ¡°I had nned to do it four years ago, but the eldest son of Yashuang just got poisoned at that time. In order to prove my innocence, I had to tell them about it!¡± He Shuijin couldn¡¯t help gritting her teeth when she mentioned this. She secretly scolded the first branch for being insane. The most hateful thing was that even if the first branch had been so vicious, Jiang Jinng was rescued finally and her n, which she had designed for a long time to deal with Madame He, was dyed!

    They really couldn¡¯t do anything right!

    ¡°So don¡¯t use this method unless it¡¯s ast resort!¡±

    Shan asked with confusion, ¡°Why? I don¡¯t think the Neenth Young Master and madame Qiu like Madame.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a question of whether they like my mother-inw or not!¡± He Shuijin sighed and sneered, ¡°After all, we belong to two separate branches. Even if they don¡¯t care about Madame He¡¯s life and death, they may not mind using this thing to suppress our third branch!¡±

    ¡°How could that be?¡± Shan pondered, ¡°The first branch murdered the seventeenth junior young master before, but they just endured it! Not to mention that Madame...¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand!¡± He Shuijin said leisurely, ¡°In the case of Lang¡¯er, they did that for the sake of grandfather! Think about it. Grandfather has been on the bed since thest time he fell ill. We don¡¯t even know how long he canst. Once grandfather dies, do you think they need to worry that the elders are too old to bear the news of fratricidal fighting?¡±

    ¡°Although the masters of the third branch and the fourth branch are brothers with the same mother, they are not very harmonious all the time. The root cause is actually our father. In the early years, he didn¡¯t listen to grandmother and refused to join the army. When the fourth branch developed in the army, he turned regretful and jealous... If I were from the fourth branch, I would definitely be unwilling to let the third branch suffer from nothing and just take advantage of the identity as an official brother!¡±

    ¡°However, I am the daughter-inw of the third branch, so of course, I have to consider for the third branch. Now the third branch and the fourth branch are on the same side to get separated from the first branch. On the one hand, father was cheated by Jiang Yashuang. When grandfather fell ill before, he told the fourth aunt all the things in order to obtain her understanding and support. On the other hand, the first branch brought back the second branch and the fifth branch this time, so we have to be aligned since we can¡¯t know what they want to do. But there is still time. Nobody will know if there will be another conflict between the third branch and the fourth branch in the future.¡±

    ¡°Our third branch was the most ipatible with the first branch before, but in order to deal with the fourth branch, we stood together. And then because of the serious illness of grandfather, we were hostile against each other again. We don¡¯t know what will happen tomorrow, so how can we know who is the enemy and who is the friend?¡±

    ¡°If I use the poison Youmianxiang to deal with my mother-inw now, do you think the fourth branch will not expose me when the third branch and the fourth branch have a fight? Don¡¯t forget that the elders from the maiden family of Qiu Yn were just harmed by this poison. She knows the symptoms of the poison well!¡±

    ¡°The mother-inw is poisoned by her daughter-inw. Once it spreads out, can I still live and walk out from the He Family?¡±

    He Shuijin sighed, ¡°So, I can only continue to endure Madame He and think of other ways!¡±

    ¡°But they have no evidence!¡± Shan bit her lip and said decisively, ¡°So what even if they are sure that Madame is poisoned by the poison Youmianxiang? Who can be sure that you are the one who poisons her? You are the niece of Madame, so how will you murder her! If the fourth branch insists that it is because Madame hurts you first... Neither the third branch nor the He family will admit it!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget that the poison Youmianxiang is not a deadly poison!¡± He Shuijin said calmly, ¡°People will die after being poisoned with it for many years. The fourth branch doesn¡¯t need to disclose the matter publicly. They can just disclose it to my mother-inw quietly who is not dead. What do you think my mother-inw will do then?¡±

    She gnashed her teeth and said, ¡°I helped her manage her property and taught her to manage the backyard before I got married. I have done so many things for her! But she just treated my child, her grandson, like that without hesitation! And because of this, the eldest son of the sixth brother, Zhui, died as well!¡±

    ¡°She lost two grandchildren, but do you think she has ever felt guilty and ashamed these years?¡±

    ¡°If she knows that I poison her, she will definitely use all the vicious methods she can think of to deal with me. I¡¯m really not afraid to fight her if she only deals with me! But what about Ya¡¯er? What about the He Family? She is so selfish that she can ignore everything when she gets crazy. But I can¡¯t!¡±

    He Shuijin had a deep sigh, ¡°So, I can only bear it!¡±

    Shan said sadly, ¡°Madame, it¡¯s really so hard for you!¡±

    Compared to He Shuijin¡¯s forbearance, Qiu Yn was much more rxed. At this moment, she was standing in the corridor with great interest, watching Jiang Yashuang lead Jiang Jingkun and Jiang Jinng to build a snowman in the courtyard.

    ¡°I forgot to ask for the past two days. So, what¡¯s going on in the pce?¡± Looking at the sky and seeing the three of them sweating profusely, Qiu Yn smiled and stepped forward to stop them. She sent the wet nurse to help the kids take a bath and change clothes, and then handed a handkerchief to Jiang Yashuang, asking, ¡°Is our fourth aunt feeling better now?¡±

    ¡°Yan Linxue and Old Concubine Fan were executed, and their families were exiled.¡± Jiang Yashuang said while taking the handkerchief and wiping his face, ¡°The old concubines in Zhenyu Pce were arranged to go to the imperial manor outside the city in order to avoid simr incidents in the pce... Our fourth aunt is much better now, but she has to rest for some more days.¡±

    Speaking of this, he said in a strange tone, ¡°Empress was punished and grounded, and the power was handed over to the maids temporarily... Noble Consort Jiang did not get involved, and she insisted on serving our fourth aunt.¡±

    Qiu Yn asked in surprise, ¡°Wasn¡¯t it the Noble Consort who did it this time?¡± But after thinking about it, she said, ¡°Maybe she is trying to take the opportunity to clean herself! After all, even if she can deceive others, our fourth aunt and Empress know what kind of person she is.¡±

    ¡°Maybe.¡± Jiang Yashuang pondered, ¡°If our fourth aunt and Empress let down their guard against her, of course, it will be a good thing for her. However, our fourth aunt is not so easy to fool. She is just going through the motions. Don¡¯t worry about Empress! She was chosen by aunt personally.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Qiu Yn thought about it. From the friendship between the elders or from the direct line selected by Empress Dowager Jiang, Jiang Huizhi was no match for Xin Fubing. There was really no need to worry that she would be able to shake Xin Fubing¡¯s status by pleasing the fourth aunt.

    She said with concern then, ¡°The old concubines were sent to the imperial manor... To put it in a bad way, in the pce, they are under the eyes of our fourth aunt and Emperor and Empress after all. No matter how loose the pce rules are, they must be stricter than those in the imperial manor. What will happen there with nobody watching them?¡±

    The imperial manor was also guarded by the Imperial Guards. Without Empress Dowager, Emperor, and Empress watching them, there might be more messy things! Who came up with this idea?

    ¡°But the imperial manor is far away from the Jing City!¡± Jiang Yashuang exined, ¡°It¡¯s easier to deal with what happens there, and things happening there won¡¯t be known to the court and the public like this time!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Yn was quite speechless. Just as she was about to say something, Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°Speaking of this, I will ept Lu He as my apprentice after the Lantern Festival. Taking advantage of the time, you bring the fourth sister-inw and her daughter into the pce to talk with our fourth aunt and Empress, okay?¡±

 Chapter 479 - Suspicious Money

    <h4>Chapter 479 Suspicious Money</h4>

    At the Lantern Festival, Qiu Yn took Madame Ho and her daughters into the pce.

    As usual, they went first to the Hall of Taishi.

    But Qiu Yn, who had always been able to get around here without any obstruction, was stopped, ¡°Although Her Royal Highness is better than she was a few days ago, she is still not feeling well! It is fine for the neenth young madame to go in alone. But if the fourth young madame and the two junior youngdies go in, I am afraid they will remind Her Royal Highness of the past, which is not good for her health. So...¡±

    As Maid Lin said so, Qiu Yn had to take Madame Ho and her daughters to pay their respect outside the Hall of Taishi and ask Maid Lin to convey their condolences and apologies. And then they left.

    Things didn¡¯t go well as they arrived in Beique Hall. Even though Xin Fubing was grounded, she was in good health and did not need to worry about being irritated after meeting Madame Ho and her daughters. The problem was that... It happened that Emperor was there.

    And Empress wouldn¡¯t leave for a while. ¡°The Eldest Prince has been coughing since yesterday. His Majesty and Her Majesty are both very worried. They have called the doctor over in the middle of the night. And they have been staying by his side till now. His Majesty also said that he might not be going to the banquet of the Lantern Festival tonight. I don¡¯t dare to go and disturb them!¡±

    The four of them could do nothing but go back to Marquess¡¯s Mansion.

    Madame Ho and her daughters were naturally quite anxious, ¡°Will Her Royal Highness and Her Majesty be annoyed with me and my daughters?¡±

    ¡°My fourth sister-inw, don¡¯t worry. What Maid Lin and the maid of Beique Hall said was the truth. It just happened that Her Royal Highness couldn¡¯t see you. They didn¡¯t mean to refuse.¡± Qiu Yn thought Empress Dowager and Empress were not so petty. Sheforted them, ¡°There will be ample time ahead. We can go there in a couple of days when it is convenient for them.¡±

    After returning to Marquess¡¯s Mansion, Qiu Yn sent them back to the yard on her way. As soon as she arrived at the door, she happened to meet Madame Jining over.

    It might be because she had been oppressed by Peni Yue and the baseborn son who grew up before her eyes was disliked by his father, she looked very bad with anger. After meeting each other, when Qiu Yn was about to leave, she was called out, ¡°My neenth sister-inw, a moment, please!¡±

    ¡°My fifth sister-inw, is there anything I need to know?¡± Qiu Yn stood and asked. The two of them didn¡¯t have many connections with each other. So, she didn¡¯t know what Madame Jin was calling out to her for.

    ¡°My neenth sister-inw, have you ever given Jingman a monthly allowance?¡± Madame Jin seemed a little hesitant. But she asked anyway.

    Qiu Yn felt puzzled, ¡°No, the monthly allowance has always been issued by my fourteenth sister-inw. How could I do her job?¡±

    Madame Ho was surprised as well, ¡°My fifth sister-inw, is there any problem with Jingman¡¯s monthly allowance?¡±

    ¡°Maybe someone from outside gave it to him?¡± Madame Jin frowned and said vaguely, ¡°I just thought he had been spending a lot moretely, which could not be covered by his monthly allowance. I don¡¯t know where it wasing from... But he didn¡¯t want to tell me when I asked him!¡±

    ¡°Many of the students in the n school are not from our Jiang Family. Maybe they gave them to him?¡± Madame Ho didn¡¯t really believe it when she said that. Jiang Jingman was not the only one of the Jiang Family who was currently in the n school. The sons of Jiang Yayun were all in it, except for Jiang Jingxu. Who would leave those people alone and please the second branch and the fifth branch? The two branches did not even have any officials. Although they stayed in Marquess¡¯s Mansion, they did not easily see ill Marquess Qin. They had no power at all. All they had was only the status of descendants of the Jiang Family!

    Once Marquess Qin was not well, even though they wouldn¡¯t be swept out of the house immediately, it was not possible for them to stay in Marquess¡¯s Mansion forever.

    This was why Madame Ho attached much importance to the affair that happened on the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve. Kui Xiannan and Sir Jibei had both passed away. And Marquess Qin seemed to be going to die. After the older generation passed away, the next generation¡¯s masters of the Jiang Family had little affection for the second branch and the fifth branch. If they were only rted by blood, they should not think of putting up a show and relying on thepensation mentality of Marquess Qin and Sir Jibei like they did when Kui Xiannan was still alive!

    Madame Jin thought the same. But before Qiu Yn, Madame Jin set her mouth in a grim line, ¡°I guess so.¡±

    Qiu Yn felt that this had nothing to do with her. So, she didn¡¯t say anything more. As she found that they didn¡¯t say anything else, she took leave.

    After she left, Madame Ho let Jiang Huiyan and Jiang Huili go back to their rooms and invited Madame Jin into the room to have a seat. And then she asked softly, ¡°If it were because he spent more than his monthly allowance, I don¡¯t think you would be so concerned that you came to ask me specifically and stopped our neenth sister-inw to ask... What is wrong?¡±

    ¡°Jingman has used over eight hundred gold in the past two or three days. Where do you think he got the money?¡± Madame Jin took a deep breath and said.

    Madame Ho was startled, ¡°Howe he spent so much?¡±

    If Jiang Yazhao and Jiang Yawan had used more than eight hundred gold, even in one day, they wouldn¡¯t have been surprised, as they had long gotten used to it. But for Jiang Jingman, not to mention the fact that he had never squandered money like this before, where did he get the money?

    As the son of a concubine, and with an elder trueborn brother in front of him, Jiang Jingman could not even get his full monthly allowance when he was in Kui County. Even if he didn¡¯t spend a penny, it was still a problem whether he could save up to ten gold a year!

    When he arrived in Jing City, things changed. For one thing, Madame Jin¡¯s own son had died and she had no grandchildren yet, which meant she might have to count on him when she was old. So, she wouldn¡¯t dare to deduct his monthly allowance again. For another, He Shuijin, who was the master of the family, hated not being able to get a favor after spending money and so she didn¡¯t give her the chance to do so. But even so, he couldn¡¯t have saved eight hundred or so gold in these few months!

    Madame Ho couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°Could it be a misrepresentation?¡±

    ¡°The young servant close to him said it. I have asked someone to inquire about it in several shops. The number is not much different from what the young servant said.¡± Madame Jin looked bad, ¡°If it were in the past, I would think that it was given by my husband privately. After all, as you know, my husband has always been a big spender. When Jingzhan was alive...¡± She felt painful as she said this. There was a moment of silence before she continued, ¡°He was careless with money while my husband doesn¡¯t even care.¡±

    ¡°But now...¡±

    Ever since Peni Yue was pushed by Jiang Jingman, resulting in a miscarriage, Jiang Yawan had grown disgusted with this baseborn son. Had it not been for Jiang Yayun¡¯s repeated mediation, Jiang Yawan would not have even wanted to keep him in Jing City.

    Under such circumstances, how could Jiang Yawan give him money privately again?

    So, Madame Jin couldn¡¯t figure out where Jiang Jingman got the money to spend in such a way. ¡°We¡¯ve been in Jing City for a few days. And we know a bit about the prices. Even in Jing City, eight hundred gold is huge. If it were for doing favors, how could Jingman be able to do what he had to do at this price? In fact, when I asked my neenth sister, I knew it was impossible. Even if my neenth sister gave him some money privately, it would probably be for him to buy ink and pens and snacks. How much could that be? My fourth sister-inw, could it be...¡±

    With a look of apprehension and fear, her eyes actually looked in the direction of the first branch¡¯s yard!

    Madame Ho¡¯s face became ugly all of a sudden. After a while, she muttered, ¡°But... It doesn¡¯t make sense, right? Last time it was just a coincidence. And it was only because no one could think of it that... Now we¡¯vee to Jing City. How could we do that again?¡±

    Suddenly, she looked at Madame Jin, ¡°You... You have something to do with Peni Yue¡¯s miscarriage?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not me!¡± Madame Jin said rapidly, ¡°She is such a designing b*tch. How could I harm her? It¡¯s a good thing she didn¡¯t harm me!¡±

    ¡°... Maybe you can wait for two more days and see what he really wants to do?¡± Madame Ho pondered for a while before saying, ¡°I¡¯ll tell Jingmu to keep an eye on him too!¡±

    ... While the two sisters-inw were worrying, Qiu Yn was busy arranging for the banquet in three days, in which Lu He would be officially taken as Jiang Yashuang¡¯s student. ¡°Have you prepared all the fresh fruits yet? If we don¡¯t have enough, talk to my fourteenth sister-inw and ask her to help get some!¡±

    ¡°The pair of Porcin Blue and White Beauty Bottles over the main hall are too in. Rece them with the pair of Coral-Red-zed Gilt-Iid Vases. That will be perfect for the asion!¡±

    ¡°Put a bonsai plum tree in the middle. Choose the red plum tree and make it lively!¡±

    ¡°Change the tea set. Use that one, Green Bean-zed Wu-cai!¡±

    ¡°Have the tea been decided?¡±

    When she had some free time, she had tofort two children, ¡°Look, An, there¡¯s nothing fun to do here. The snowman your neenth uncle took you to make two days ago is so fun and interesting! Now let Mulian and Mn take you to build another one, okay?¡±

    ¡°Jinng, don¡¯t you want to y with your brother? Look, your fourteenth brother has gone to make a snowman. Why are you still holding on to me? Be good. Boys should y with boys. Let go of your mother¡¯s skirt and go y with your fourteenth brother!¡±

    When she just managed to wheedle the two boys into going out, there was something wrong with her daughter. Mrs. Zhou hurried over to report, ¡°The twenty-third junior youngdy is spitting up again!¡±

    ¡°How could this happen?¡± Qiu Yn immediately lost her cool. She threw the matter into Mujin¡¯s hands and rushed towards her daughter¡¯s room.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you not to let her lie down when feeding, but to let her lean on her back?¡± It wasmon for babies in their first three months to spit up milk, which could not be considered a disease. But when looking at the painful look of her own flesh and blood, Qiu Yn could not help but be angry, ¡°And let her burp after feeding. Did you hear or not?¡±

    The two wet nurses exined with trepidation, ¡°We have always done that. But the junior youngdy couldn¡¯t get burps today. So, we patted her a little longer... And then she vomited!¡±

    ¡°Go get the doctor!¡± Qiu Yn, scowling, picked up her daughter. She coaxed her daughter and instructed, ¡°See what¡¯s going on!¡±

    Asking a doctor for Jiang Huiying made Jiang Yashuang, who was discussing with Jiang Tianqi in the third branch, back. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Huiying? Why did she need to ask for a doctor?¡±

    ¡°Today, she spat up milk again. I was worried. So, I asked for a doctor.¡± As the doctor had guaranteed that Jiang Huiying was fine, Qiu Yn was relieved, ¡°Luckily, she¡¯s fine!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang was also relieved at the words. He wiped his cold sweat, ¡°As long as she is fine! As long as she is fine!¡±

    He said it twice before asking, ¡°Why did she spit up? Didn¡¯t they say that if the wet nurse paid attention to the posture while breastfeeding and patted the baby on her shoulder afterwards, then she wouldn¡¯t throw up?¡±

    ¡°The doctor said it didn¡¯t always work every time. Anyway, the kid is so young.¡± Qiu Yn sighed.

    The two of them said a few words about their daughter¡¯s situation. But suddenly, a scream rang out from the back corridor. And then Jiang Jingkun and Jiang Jinng, one after the other, rushed in hurriedly. Between them they hugged Jiang Yashuang¡¯s legs. ¡°Uncle Yashuang, let¡¯s build a snow house! Snowman is not fun!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t want to y in the snow. My father, take us for a ride. Ride! Ride!¡±

    The corners of Jiang Yashuang¡¯s mouth twitched. He bent down and touched the two children¡¯s faces, ¡°Keep your voice down. Your sister is not feeling well!¡±

    ¡°And then take your sister to build a snow house! She must love it. Once she does, she¡¯ll be fine!¡±

    ¡°Ride! Riding is fun! She rides and then she¡¯ll be fine!¡±

    ... Qiu Yn ignored her husband¡¯s look of help, backed up step by step. She quietly picked up her daughter on the couch and wrapped the baby in her fur coat. And then she left from the back door. ¡°I take our daughter and you take our nephew and son... Well, that¡¯s fair!¡±

 Chapter 480 - The Death of Madame Jin

    <h4>Chapter 480 The Death of Madame Jin</h4>

    ... There had been some incidents during the ritual that Lu He formally became a student of Jiang Yashuang. But in general, things went smoothly.

    The sun came out after the snow. As plum blossoms scented the air, Lu He performed the ceremony of kneeling three times and kowtowing nine times in the presence of the audience invited by Jiang Yashuang. Lu He offered a cup of tea to Jiang Yashuang. And as Jiang Yashuang took a sip, their master-student rtionship was settled.

    After formally epting the student, Jiang Yashuang graciously presented him with a set of four treasures of the study. Jiang Yashuang made Lu He rise and bring him to the table. And the originally solemn ceremony of worshipping the teacher was immediately transformed into a lively banquet.

    After the banquet, Jiang Yashuang took Lu He into the yard to pay respect to Qiu Yn. And then he called his nephew and son toe over to pay their respect. After all this, the two of them returned to the study to talk.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to stay in Jing City for long. You also know about the war in Beijiang. If there are no idents, I will go there sooner orter.¡± Jiang Yashuang said, cutting to the chase, ¡°So, you have to make full use of the time when I¡¯m still in Jing City. Visit all the people you should meet and see. After all, when I¡¯m not in Jing City, these people will definitely treat you differently from when I¡¯m there!¡±

    Lu He respectfully said yes.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be eager to study now. With your talent, you will definitely be able to rank second ss in the imperial examination. But only three people can be at the first rank. It depends on luck.¡± Jiang Yashuang also cautioned, ¡°The world is so big that there are many talents. Maybe there happens to be a talented person whoes out of nowhere! For example, my wife¡¯s elder brother, Ruan Chunjun, was only three years older than you when he joined the Hanlin Academy. However, even though he did not rank first, he was still incredibly talented!¡±

    ¡°Ranking first is glorious. But those who rank first may not necessarily achieve more than those who rank second. Therefore, I do not ask you to rank first in the future. But I hope that you will refrain from arrogance and be impatient, and consolidate your foundation so that you can excel in the future...¡±

    After teaching Lu He carefully, Jiang Yashuang let him go back, ¡°Go back and stay with your uncle for a few days. And then pack up your things and stay here. As such, you don¡¯t have to keep running back and forth and waste time. Besides, if you live here, it will be more convenient for you to go out to visit others! Now that you have formally joined my school as a student, you don¡¯t need to keep your distance from my wife and children anymore.¡±

    After sending Lu He away, he returned to the backyard and went to ask Qiu Yn, ¡°Hasn¡¯t there been any word from the Yi Family in the past two days?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Qiu Yn smiled, ¡°I¡¯m wondering if they are waiting for us to say about it.¡±

    ¡°We haven¡¯t given them any message, which clearly shows we don¡¯t take an active role.¡± Jiang Yashuang mused, ¡°I guess they n to just leave it at that!¡±

    Qiu Yn said, ¡°As you mentioned this, I am nning to call Lu He over in a couple of days to ask what happened. Now that he has formally been your student, I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll be so reluctant to talk anymore, right? Could it be that the girls of the Yi Family said something unpleasant? It¡¯s a bit of a bummer. Didn¡¯t you say earlier that our ninth brother-inw had taken a liking to him first? Why didn¡¯t he and his daughters agree on that? How could they make Lu He aggrieved without any reason?¡±

    ¡°Little girls!¡± Jiang Yashuang snorted. He was unwilling to bother with two female juniors, especially his nieces. But anyway, he was not very happy about his carefully selected student being looked down upon. So, he just said, ¡°Since that they don¡¯t like Lu He, let go of it! I won¡¯t agree even if our ninth brother-inw mentions it again in the future.¡±

    ¡°What about Lu He¡¯s marriage?¡±

    ¡°Whenever there is a banquet, keep an eye out for appropriatedies!¡± Jiang Yashuang didn¡¯t have a suitable candidate for a while and so he mused, ¡°You had better choose someone who is both pretty and clever. Not only she herself should be sensible, but her parents and brothers should be kind. He¡¯s still young, anyway. So, it¡¯s okay to dy for a few years. It¡¯s better to be with no one than to be with the wrong one.¡±

    ¡°At the beginning of April, Princess Yongfu is getting married. And at the end of April, so is Chunxiao. At the two weddings, I think I will see almost all the girls in Jing City. I¡¯ll keep an eye out for him then!¡± Qiu Yn nodded her head.

    Speaking of this, she suddenly remembered the question Madame Jin had asked her earlier. As she was curious, she asked her husband, ¡°Have you ever given Jingmu or Jingman money?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang said, stunned, ¡°No. What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°On the Lantern Festival, when I apanied my fourth sister-inw and the girls to the pce, we failed to meet my fourth aunt and Empress.¡± Qiu Yn said, ¡°So, I came back early. When I arrived at our fourth sister-inw¡¯s yard, I saw our fifth sister-inw. And she asked me so, saying that she thought Jingman had been spending too much money recently and thought we had given him that money.¡±

    ¡°How is that possible?¡± Jiang Yashuang said, ¡°Theye to ask for advice every few days. I instruct them just because of my fourth brother and my fifth brother. They are not my students. The tuition is already free. Why would I give them money? Both of them have the monthly allowance. And their families are not poorly fed and clothed. If they are given more money, they will probably waste the money and learn to do ill!¡±

    ¡°Could it be that they had stolen something to sell?¡± Qiu Yn guessed, ¡°Our fifth sister-inw wasn¡¯t very concerned about Jingman before. Why would she be so anxious to find someone to ask around this time just because he spent much money? It¡¯s probably because something is missing, right?¡±

    Jiang Yashuang frowned, ¡°They haven¡¯t been in Jing City for a year. At such a young age... They are so bold?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because they are so young that they can be thoughtless!¡± Qiu Yn said, ¡°Anyway, that our fifth sister-inw paid much attention to this thing made me suspect that there¡¯s something wrong. But they live there now. We can¡¯t go there and check... I hope I guess wrong! Otherwise, even though we can put up with it, I¡¯m afraid that our fourteenth sister-inw will be furious!¡±

    With that, Jiang Yashuang thought it made sense. So, he sought to keep an eye on it.

    The next day was the day when Jiang Jingmu and Jiang Jingman came over to ask for advice on their study. He paid special attention to the attire of his two nephews and found that Jiang Jingman, who was always slightly less well-dressed than Jiang Jingmu, was indeed exceptionally well-dressed today.

    What made him frown was that when he called Jiang Jingman to his side and pointed out the mistakes in his homework, he smelled a faint scent of powder on his nephew, who had not yet turned twenty!

    ¡°Could it be that this boy, at such a young age, has already been to a brothel?¡± Jiang Yashuang was annoyed. He nced at his nephew without saying anything, and turned around and ordered someone to keep an eye on him to see what kind of ces he had gone to!

    After two days, the servant came to report, ¡°In the past two days, the thirteen junior young master...¡± He began to report the whereabouts of Jiang Jingman one by one.

    At first, Jiang Yashuang was marking official documents while he was listening to the report. But soon he put the pen down and listened carefully and gloomily. At the beginning, it seemed to be normal as Jiang Jingman went to a snack shop, a silk shop, and a bookstore. And then things started to go wrong. Jiang Jingman went to a fellow student¡¯s house, a tea house, and a well-decorated boat. As the well-decorated boat docked, Jiang Jingman and his fellow students went to an antique shop and bought a pair of Peach Vase with turmeric juice yellow from a famous kiln of the former dynasty. They asked the shop to pull two feet of red brocade to wrap them. And then they went into the alleyway one street away,ughing and joking.

    ¡°And then?¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Ju lived in that alley. Her daughter has been a famous one.¡± The servant reported in a low voice, without looking up.

    Jiang Yashuang had a decent style. But as he had a brother who was a frequenter of the brothel, he could understand some obscure words. He immediately asked, ¡°So, that Ju Family is a secret brothel?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    Jiang Yashuang¡¯s face darkened. Only after a while did he say, ¡°You can go!¡±

    He was not satisfied with Jiang Jingman¡¯s qualifications and never had any intention of formally taking him as a student. But anyway, Jiang Jingman was his nephew. He couldn¡¯t just watch him go the wrong way. This kind of thing was supposed to be told to Jiang Yawan. And he should be the one to discipline Jiang Jingman. For one thing, Jiang Yashuang should not overstep his bounds. For another, Jiang Yashuang, who had instructed Jiang Jingman several times, was so busy that he did not talk much to Jiang Jingman, which meant he was not very familiar with his nephew.

    But Jiang Jingman had just made his concubine-mother lose her child and was still disliked by his biological father. If Jiang Yashuang rushed to say so, perhaps Jiang Yawan would be furious and drive him back to Kui County again, which would kill Jiang Jingman¡¯s future.

    Although Jiang Jingman had gone wrong, Jiang Yashuang still did not want him to end up staying in Kui County for the rest of his life because of it.

    He thought about it over and over again and told Qiu Yn about it, ¡°... If you have time, invite our fifth sister-inw over and tell her about it!¡±

    Qiu Yn was a bit worried that Madame Jin might disregard it, ¡°She refused to ept your advice about the n school before. Anyway, Jingman is not her blood. I¡¯m afraid she won¡¯t take it seriously even after hearing it!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not the same.¡± Jiang Yashuang reminded, ¡°At that time, although Jingzhan died, Mistress Yue had not yet entered the family. Now my fifth brother¡¯s mind is on Mistress Yue. How long has our fifth sister-inw been ignored? Mistress Yue is much loved. If she had a son, would she give her son to our fifth sister-inw? Jingman is the only hope of our fifth sister-inw. How can she not take care of him? If she doesn¡¯t understand this, you can tell her about that. She is past her childbearing years. And she has no grandchildren. What will she do if she doesn¡¯t look after Jingman?

    Qiu Yn thought about it and said, ¡°I¡¯ll invite her toe over tomorrow!¡±

    However, the next morning, before Qiu Yn went to find Madame Jin, the Ruan Family sent someone to send a personal letter from Qiu Jinn and report, ¡°News hase from Shazhou, saying that madame Ou is pregnant!¡±

    ¡°How long has it been?¡± Qiu Yn was so happy to hear the news that she didn¡¯t even bother to read the letter first. The year before that, Qiu Jinn and Ou Qinn¡¯s marriage was supposed to be dyed due to the war in Xijiang. But Ou Qinn didn¡¯t want to have any unwanted epilogue. So, despite her shame, she took the initiative to travel westwards to Shazhou and married Qiu Jinn. It had been two or three years since they were married. It would be worrying if there were no good news. Now they had finally gotten this pregnancy. Qiu Yn was happy for her brother and sister-inw, ¡°How is my sister-inw¡¯s health? Is she able to withstand the bitter cold in Shazhou?¡±

    The messenger said, smiling, ¡°It has been three months. Because of the war, they didn¡¯t ask anyone toe and say that until now.¡± He also said that everything was fine with Ou Qinn. ¡°Thinking that Princess Chunfu¡¯s daughter was also born in Shazhou, madame Ou did not intend to return to Jing City for this reason.¡±

    Qiu Yn thought so. Even the delicate Jiang Qizheng could give birth to a daughter in Shazhou and both the mother and the daughter were doing well, let alone Ou Qinn who came from Beijiang.

    When she was done being happy, she remembered something, ¡°Did you send the good news to the Ou Family?¡±

    ¡°Someone else has been sent there as madame Ou had a special letter for Young Prince Jingbo.¡± The messengersaid, ¡°But no one has gone to tell Madame Ou.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go and tell. Or maybe the Ou Family can send someone to tell her.¡± There were still two months before the end of the mourning period for Sir Jibei in their mansion. And the Ruan Family had no direct rtionship with Madame Ou. If they went to the door to tell her about that, it seemed to be ttering. There was no point in doing that.

    Qiu Yn asked him about the detailed situation in Shazhou and learned that the standoff was going on, with both sides winning and losing, and that no one could take advantage of anyone. The war wouldn¡¯t end in a short period of time. Seeing that the messenger had nothing further to say, Qiu Yn rewarded him with ten gold and let him leave.

    It was only now that she had time to look for Madame Jin. But she was disappointed, ¡°Madame took someone out early in the morning, saying that she was bored in the yard and wanted to go outside for a while.¡±

    The servant who stayed behind reported so, ¡°She didn¡¯t say when she would be back. The neenth young madame, please forgive me. I beg your pardon!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s not a big deal. I¡¯m just thinking that my fifth sister-inw has been here for a long time. But as I have been busy, I haven¡¯t been able to have a good chat with her.¡± Qiu Yn smiled and said, ¡°When my fifth sister-inw returns, just tell her I came by!¡±

    ¡°Yes, madame!¡±

    As she didn¡¯t meet Madame Jin this time, Qiu Yn thought she could make another trip tomorrow or the day after. So, she went back to her yard and left the matter behind to concentrate on his nephew, son, and daughter.

    But she didn¡¯t know that she would have no such opportunity.

    Because that afternoon, news came from outside the mansion that Madame Jin had chartered a boat with her maids for sightseeing in the Mirror Lake. But the boat turned over and none of the master and servants were rescued!

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