"Madam, young master got into an accident!"
Ningyuan Marchioness was startled and asked sternly: "What happened? Why are you this panicked?"
The servant girl was about to speak, but upon seeing the Ningyuan Marchioness was surrounded by the surprised eyes of a group of madams, she was immediately blocked, unable to speak out. She merely stammered with a flushed face, seemingly finding it difficult to say.
When Ningyuan Marchioness saw the servant girl's attitude, her heart went 'thump', as if a heavy stone fell and sank down.
As it concerned her fiance, Jiang You Yao couldn't help stepping forward to ask: "What happened to heir Zhou?"
The servant girl seemed to have just noticed Jiang You Yao and became even more panicked. She dodged Jiang You Yao's question, but her sight faintly fell on Yang-shi.
Yang-shi was somewhat confused, but Ji Shuran abruptly glanced at Jiang Li. When she saw Jiang Li standing uprightly with a smile on the corner of her mouth, a terrible idea flooded her brain.
"No matter what," Ningyuan marchioness couldn't care less and just looked at the servant girl to say: "Where is the young master? Take me there!"
There's a sob in the servant girl's voice as she said: "Master and the others are all in Yu Xiu Pavilion....... There are still a lot of other respectable adults with them. Madam..... This time the young master is not good!"
She spoke vaguely, but everyone saw the look and movements on the servant girl's face and they understood a bit. If it was a simple 'not good', why was she so secretive? Saying that it wasn't good, it was clearly scandalous. Since there were many respectable adults following and watching, it's fine if it's not yet known for a while. When they returned to the residence and asked the master, they would naturally know what happened.
Hearing so, in an instant, Ningyuan marchioness's body shook and she almost fell. She was the main mistress of the Ningyuan residence and had been managing the household for many years. Based on the servant girl's manner, she could roughly guess what had taken place. But listening that there were many people, she at once knew it wasn't good. Since it was a scandal, naturally it was best for less people to know about it. The more people who saw it, wanting to cover it up in the future would be impossible.
Jiang Li stood beside Ji Heng, a mild smile hung on her face. To say so, Zhou Yan Bang was stupid, or perhaps he was bold and lusty. Hong Xiao Emperor and the court officials were chatting about the current politics at the side palace hall, not far from Yu Xiu Pavilion. The two rooms were so close, once Shen Ruyun made noise, these respected adults would of course arrive in the shortest time and would be able to clearly figure things out.
As such, Zhou Yan Bang's matter could be considered as known to each and every member of the court. Her painstaking effort was not in vain.
Ji Heng looked at the smile at the corner of Jiang Li's mouth and found it amusing. He also imitated her, remaining calm and collected as he stood, and he used the handle of his fan to press against his lips to cover the smile at the corner of his mouth.
On the other hand, Jiang You Yao didn't think to that extent. She wasn't concerned about chaos, but about Zhou Yan Bang. She didn't care about anything else and merely said: "Yu Xiu Pavilion? Madam, I'll go with you. Mother," she pulled Ji Shuran's sleeve," let's go and see together, okay?!"
Ji Shuran wished she could cover Jiang You Yao the most. With the words Jiang You Yao said, other people wouldn't think like that. In the Yan dynasty, it's understandable for a male and female who were betrothed to be a bit close. But those madams were guessing sentiments best kept secret. Their sights as they looked at Jiang You Yao contained a bit of sympathy.
Ji Shuran was made unable to decide by Jiang You Yao's words. It's not right to go, yet it's also not right not to go. Madam Liu opened her mouth slowly and said: "How is it regardless? Staying here is also not a solution. After a while, when the feast is over, everyone also has to return home. It's better for us to first go out from the water promenade. It's no longer early, let's go back home."
She's actually giving the Ningyuan Marquis's heir a step down.
Liu Xu flung her head to the side. If it were her, she would never give these people a step down and must insist on seeing for herself what had actually happened.
Ningyuan marchioness smiled gratefully at Madam Liu and said: "Indeed, it's better to go back first." When walking, her steps were somewhat floating.
Jiang Li took everything in but didn't say a word. On the contrary, Ji Shuran walked over to her, looked into Jiang Li's eyes and asked quietly: "Li-er, do you know what happened?"
In the end, the suspicion fell on her.
Jiang Li timely showed astonishment. She shook her head: "I have always been with Duke Su, how would I know Zhou heir's matter? Mother's words are strange."
Ji Shuran looked at Ji Heng. He was clearly born extremely good looking. Yet when those amber eyes glanced at her, it made Ji Shuran feel a burst of coolness.
She no longer said anything else, and merely smiled with reluctance. Then she walked forward to Ji Chen-shi, planning to consult with her.
Ye Shijie fell to the back, facing Jiang Li's eyes, he wanted to say something but hesitated. Probably he saw Ji Heng on one side and felt it was inconvenient to speak. He just moved his lips, lowered his head and left following the crowd.
Ji Heng and Jiang Li walked at the very back.
Jiang Li took quicker steps, intending to pull the distance with Ji Heng, walking with her eyes looking at the ground. Perhaps Ji Heng's legs were too long, he walked leisurely yet always kept up with Jiang Li's pace, not knowing his own place.
He unhurriedly spoke: "Jiang second miss's ability to put on a play is more brilliant compared to Liu Shen from the Xiang Si group."
Jiang Li only felt her heart trembling. The mentioned Liu Sheng from the Xiang Si group was known for having his leg broken and thrown out by this master in front of her for wanting to climb on his bed.
Could Ji Heng be hinting something?
Jiang Li racked her brain, but her mouth wasn't idle as she said: "The duke has misunderstood, I am not interested in putting on a play."
"People putting on a play are not required to have the interest," Ji Heng said with a smile: "It's enough to do well."
Jiang Li truly had no idea the intention of this Duke Su. But she had no choice but to raise her alertness to cope with Ji Heng. Simply because Ji Heng didn't seem to be a good person.
Who knew what he was planning in his heart? Even Hong Xiao Emperor was calculated by him.
Thinking that Ji Heng might have already changed his stance and sided with Cheng Wang, Jiang Li was immediately terrified.
Ji Heng did not have the righteousness of the ruler and the ministers. This was no longer vicious and merciless, but the arrogance that nothing could enter his eyes.
Jiang Li felt, this kind of person, though he was a beauty, it's better to stay far away from him.
Ji Heng no longer spoke, just walking along with Jiang Li leisurely. The rear views of the two of them, one thin, quiet and exquisite, one sumptuous and flirtatious, were clearly unmatched. But the shadows on the ground cast by lights fell together, showing touching postures, were completely harmonious.
After walking through the promenade, to go towards the direction of the palace, the womenfolk had to wait for their husbands.
The group of ladies were walking when they heard a female's voice suddenly ring out: "Mother!"
The voice sounded extremely mournful. When everyone looked over, outside the pavilion, there's actually a female whose appearance cut a sorry figure, staggering to come over, running towards Shen Yurong's mother, mother Shen's side.
That female was Shen Ruyun.
Even Jiang Li felt a bit astonished. Her original intention was merely to let Shen Ruyun run into Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yan Bang engaging in illicit affairs, felt jealous and drew other people to come. However currently, the dress on Shen Ruyun was not orderly, her hair was messy, it's not known what she had encountered.
Is there an accident in between?
A smile flashed on Madam Liu who was holding Liu Xu's hand.
Just now, the bystanders were only paying attention to the servant girl who came to inform Ningyuan Marchioness and heard the three words Yu Xiu Pavilion from the servant girl's mouth. Aware that it was necessary to pass through Yu Xiu Pavilion on the path to go out of the palace, Madam Liu immediately mentioned to go out of the palace. Ningyuan Marchioness was also in a confused state of mind and didn't care, absolutely didn't take note of the tact inside. Even the people waiting around Li-pin who were familiar with the palace had a bearing of holding the matter as not a concern to themselves and didn't remind them.
Madam Liu had no enmity with Ningyuan Marchioness, she merely cried out against injustice for Jiang Li. Her good friend, Ye Zhen Zhen's daughter, was clearly a sensible and clever young lady. Yet without any good reason, she suffered a lot of blame. Ningyuan Marquis's residence was also treacherous; how could they change the marriage midway? Now hearing that Zhou Yan Bang had met with mishap, Madam Liu did not feel sympathetic at all. On the contrary, she was a bit elated and felt that the heavens had opened their eyes. Since it was so, not personally bring everyone to look at how Zhou Yan Bang met with "an accident", wasn't it failing to meet the expectation of heaven's good intention?
She definitely wasn't kind enough to give Ningyuan Marchioness a step down.
At once, Shen Ruyun threw herself in front of mother Shen, nearly fainting. Only then was everyone able to see clearly, Shen Ruyun had already cried for some time and looked totally pitiful.
"Mother, mother......."
"Ruyun, what happened to you?" mother Shen asked urgently.
"Mother, Ningyuan Marquis's heir, he..... He..... was disrespectful to me!"
"Puff", a burst of uncontainable laughter actually sounded from one of the young ladies from the official families. When a female suffered frivolity, although they were angry, they wouldn't take the initiative to say it out loud. No matter what, girls were thin-skinned. It was not pretty to say this in the presence of a lot of people under their gazes. But Shen Ruyun actually said this loudly, as if afraid other people could not hear her. Possibly because she came from a small door and a small family, thus didn't know any rules.
Mother Shen immediately glanced gloomily at the young lady. Right away that young lady who burst out was silent, frightened into drilling into her mother's embrace.
Shen Ruyun was still crying and gasping for air.
Jiang Li was surprised, this matter was unexpected for her. In her speculation, although Zhou Yan Bang was a fake nobleman, no matter what, he wouldn't be frivolous towards Shen Ruyun because for him, Shen Ruyun was merely a stranger. Moreover, at that time, Jiang Yu'e should still be present, Zhou Yan Bang....... How would he have free time?
Right at this moment, she suddenly glimpsed Shen Ruyun who was wrapped in mother Shen's embrace. Her eyes blinked, not appearing to be grieving. Instead it looked like she was feeling proud of herself for getting her way with her scheme.
Jiang Li suspected that she had seen wrongly and looked at her again. This time around, she didn't see the expression shown in Shen Ruyun before. However, she discovered Shen Ruyun's entire messy clothes, her disheveled hair, all seemed deliberate. Furthermore, which person, after being harassed, had her whole body cut a sorry figure, but her shoes were not touched by any bit of dirt, her hair clip was also proper and her earrings were intact.
It's very strange indeed.
Jiang Li suddenly thought of a possibility.
She looked unbelievably at Shen Ruyun. Supposed that her guess was right, even if she was Shen Ruyun's older sister-in-law, she would also be shocked by Shen Ruyun's boldness.
Shen Ruyun kept on saying that Zhou Yan Bang was being disrespectful towards herself. Jiang You Yao burst with rage after hearing her, without waiting for Ningyuan Marchioness to open her mouth, she stood up and said: "Nonsense, how could Zhou heir be disrespectful to you! Zhou heir is straightforward and upright, it must be you slandering Zhou heir!"
In everyone's eyes, it was truly impossible. Although Shen Ruyun could be regarded as having above average features, compared with Jiang You Yao, she was much more inferior. Not caring about such a beautiful and tender young lady but being frivolous towards Shen Ruyun whose looks were not as good, in other people's eyes, unless Zhou Yan Bang was a fool, it could not be comprehended.
Shen Ruyun saw Jiang You Yao behaving as Zhou Yan Bang's primary wife and was irritated. Jealousy bubbled forth and without a second thought, she coldly said: "Hmph, he wasn't just being disrespectful towards me, your family's fifth miss too!"
Jiang Yu'e!
Ji Shuran's brain froze, she subconsciously looked towards Yang-shi. Yang-shi was also frozen.She was originally anxious when she couldn't find Jiang Yu'e's silhouette. Now hearing Shen Ruyun's words, it was as if being struck by lightning.
It's different with outsiders, if what Shen Ruyun said was true, using the identity of top scorer Shen Yunrong's sister, it's not difficult to marry Zhou Yan Bang. But how can Jiang Yu'e be compared with Shen Ruyun? Could it be that she has to become Zhou Yan Bang's concubine? Even if she became one, how could the main branch forgive her?
Yang-shi muttered: "Impossible......."
"How is it impossible?" Shen Ruyun promptly said: "The emperor and all the cabinet ministers have seen it with their own eyes. Jiang fifth miss has been....... has been......." She didn't continue.
Ningyuan Marchioness only felt the sky spin. Heavens! What is actually Zhou Yan Bang doing! Why suddenly getting involved with two strange ladies, why must be seen by the emperor!
Zhou Yan Bang was ruined!
Jiang You Yao retreated two steps back, feeling her whole body losing strength. Even though her mouth still shouted "impossible", she already believed seven points in her heart.
Since Shen Ruyun had said that the emperor and all the ministers had seen it with their own eyes, it's clear that it wasn't a lie. Instantly, Jiang You Yao felt her heart ache terribly. She didn't understand why Zhou Yan Bang would do this. Okay, no need to mention Shen Ruyun; but Jiang Yu'e was a member of the Jiang family. This time, Zhou Yan Bang really hit her face! How is she going to live in the future! Do they want to let Jiang Yu'e also marry as a concubine, sisters serving the same husband? Even if she is the main wife, Jiang You Yao will not allow it!
At this time, Jiang You Yao still believed herself to be Zhou Yan Bang's primary wife. Perhaps Jiang You Yao also thought after this matter passed, Zhou Yan Bang would still take her as his wife.
But Jiang Li could clearly see that it's impossible for Jiang You Yao to marry Zhou Yan Bang.
Solely because Shen Ruyun had also stuck her foot in.
If Shen Ruyun wasn't mixed inside, it would only be Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang Yu'e's scandal known to everyone. In the final analysis, Jiang Yu'e was just the daughter of a shu branch in the family. With the difference in identities, it's a very common matter for Jiang You Yao to press Jiang Yu'e down. It's just that it's impossible for Zhou Yan Bang's career to rise up in the future. Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang You Yao's days were long, there would always be disagreements. In addition, with Jiang Yu'e thrown in, the two sisters would fight each other. It's a lucky coincidence, saving Jiang Li from troubles.
But Shen Ruyun was "disrespected" by Zhou Yan Bang.
Shen Ruyun was an upstart in the dynasty, Shen Yurong's blood related younger sister. Hong Xiao emperor regarded Shen Yurong highly and would definitely take care of him. There's only Zhou Yan Bang in Shen Ruyun's heart, naturally she couldn't bear to punish Zhou Yan Bang. The best solution was for Shen Ruyun to marry Zhou Yan Bang.
Shen Ruyun got what she wished for.
Jiang Li was almost certain the so-called "disrespected" by Zhou Yan Bang was a matter made up by Shen Ruyun herself. Perhaps, Zhou Yan Bang was delirious at that time, thus the opportunity was grabbed by Shen Ruyun and she found an excuse to blame Zhou Yan Bang.
Jiang Li had no idea how Shen Ruyun could come up with this move, but she had to admire Shen Ruyun. Shen Ruyun wholeheartedly wanted to marry Zhou Yan Bang; before, she thought that this sister-in-law could only make stupid disturbance but now she used this method to achieve her purpose. She discovered that Shen Ruyun still had a brain at some point.
For instance, the current moment.
At this time, a noise was heard from ahead. All the madams tacitly looked towards the sound and saw many people looking like officials were crowding at the gate of an attic. They had no idea what they were doing.
Upon seeing this, Shen Ruyun was immediately choked with sobs and said: "You see, that's them."
Jiang You Yao's heart had long since fluctuated violently. Hearing that Zhou Yan Bang was ahead, regardless of Ji Shuran's obstruction, she ran straight forward. Some cabinet ministers were standing at the door of Yu Xiu Pavilion, each and every one of them was out of the way, unwilling to dirty their eyes. Jiang Yuan Bai was also here. Upon seeing Jiang You Yao, he immediately spoke: "You Yao."
Jiang You Yao ran to the door.
She saw the inside of Yu Xiu Pavilion was in a mess and emitting some kind of smell. Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang Yu'e have woken up, but their clothes were disheveled, it should have been put on in a hurry. Zhou Yan Bang's face was flushed, appearing thoroughly embarrassed. However, Jiang Yu'e looked towards Jiang You Yao and called out pitifully, "third sister."
Jiang You Yao stepped forward in two three steps and without thinking, she raised her hand and "smack", she slapped Jiang Yu'e.
Jiang Yu'e's body was ruthlessly slanted sideways by the slap, but she didn't budge. She merely covered her face with her hand, tears streamed down: "Third sister, I....... I'm sorry* to you."
[*This is not just a simple, straight forward apology, more like saying that she has done something to disappoint, wronging and did something that cause her to feel apologetic towards the other party]
Jiang You Yao then turned to look at Zhou Yan Bang and asked sorrowfully: "Heir Zhou, you..... How could you do this?"
"I, I don't know." Zhou Yan Bang was also totally anxious and confused. He truly didn't know what happened. He only remembered that he arranged a meeting with Jiang Li, afterwards, Jiang Li came and the two people had a very close relationship. Later on, his memory was a bit fuzzy until a female's fearful cry woke him up. It was an unfamiliar woman, but she kept on saying that he had harassed her. Following that, the emperor and his father, plus some cabinet ministers, came over, but the person sleeping by his side turned to Jiang Yu'e.
Zhou Yan Bang couldn't recall anything, but upon seeing Jiang You Yao beating Jiang Yu'e, and Jiang Yu'e covering her face to resist, looking wronged, he felt that Jiang Yu'e was extremely pitiful and his compassion stirred. Moreover, in front of him, Jiang You Yao had always looked naive, when did he ever see her so barbaric?
Jiang Li, who was standing in the middle of the crowd, saw Zhou Yan Bang's behavior and was puzzled. According to reason, Jiang Yu'e was the only one who drank the wine laced with medicine, why would Zhou Yan Bang also have a dizzy and confused look on him?
"What is in second miss's thoughts?" Ji Heng suddenly asked.
"Wondering why heir Zhou doesn't seem to remember anything, whether it was just him making excuses."
Ji Heng laughed lightly.
Jiang Li lifted her head and doubtfully glanced at him. Yet, she saw him shake his fan meaningfully and suddenly realized.
This person liked watching a play so much, enjoyed the bustling scene, and liked seeing the matter become big. Since the beginning, he knew her plan, did he perhaps add firewood in the middle to make this play becoming more wonderful?
Zhou Yan Bang's conduct, could it actually be because of him?
Jiang Li felt complicated, she truly didn't know the proper thing to say. This person, Ji Heng, was nothing good, but in this matter, he did very well. Actually achieved an unexpected result.
Shen Ruyun had presumably seen Zhou Yan Bang's unaware appearance and was quickly struck with inspiration and thought of such a shady method.
Can this be regarded as an accident?
Thinking that Ji Heng had done a good thing, the way Jiang Li looked at him turned milder. But Ji Heng didn't seem to notice and remained smiling as he watched the not-yet-finished play.
Jiang Yuan Bai could no longer bear it and pulled Jiang You Yao out to hand her over to Ji Shuran. Jiang You Yao personally saw everything and her heart was totally broken. She was unable to deal with other things at this time and silently cried while being held in Ji Shuran's arms.
Hong Xiao Emperor had left, reportedly must not see this sordid scene.
But how will this play end? Jiang Li was also very curious. Zhou Yan Bang would certainly be brought back to his residence for now. Ningyuan Marquis's residence would have a discussion and give an answer. But how would Jiang Yu'e deal with the main branch's fury? Jiang Yu'e grabbed Jiang You Yao's fiancee, Jiang Li didn't believe that Jiang You Yao would leave the matter just like that.
Moreover, Jiang Li carelessly glanced around, Shen Yurong had not yet showed up.
She was just thinking about this when she saw a person hurriedly come over from outside the crowd. Shen Ruyun saw this person and called out: "Big brother!"
Shen Yurong had arrived.
Ningyuan Marquis was in the middle of worrying about what step to take next when he saw Shen Yurong come. His head immediately felt twice as big*. Their Ningyuan Marquis family could be considered a great family. However, this minister was currently the emperor's favorite person. Shen Yurong had only one younger sister, Shen Ruyun. His own younger sister being bullied, how could he not ask for justice.
[Head twice as big = super headache incoming]
Ningyuan Marquis was in a dilemma.
No need to talk about Jiang Yu'e's identity for now, but Zhou Yan Bang and Jiang You Yao were already engaged. The other was the daughter of the court's chief assistant, while the other was the younger sister of the court's secretary, both couldn't be offended. But looking at the current situation, both parties were already offended.
"Yurong, why did you just arrive?" Mother Shen wept as she called out: "your younger sister was bullied!"
Jiang Li sneered inside. Why did he just arrive? Naturally he was using this precious time to meet with Princess Yongning.
Sure enough, not long after Shen Yurong showed up, Jiang Li soon saw a woman's silhouette come over leisurely in the dark night. Who else was it if not Princess Yongning?
Truly not a long time had passed, and the man sings and the woman follows.
Jiang Li stared at Princess Yongning, trying her best to conceal her ice-cold expression. However, Ji Heng took in the entire scene and as he held the handle of his fan thoughtfully, a strange light flashed in his eyes.
Princess Yongning took her time before gathering with the crowd, just asking with a surprised face what had happened.
Shen Yurong hurriedly comforted Shen Ruyun in a few words then stood up and walked towards the awkward Zhou Yan Bang who was standing together with Jiang Yu'e.
Zhou Yan Bang didn't know if it was due to the drug, but he wasn't completely sober yet. He looked as if he didn't know fear, also not understanding how grave the matter was, he remained somewhat dizzy.
Shen Yurong saw him like that and directly walked to face Ningyuan Maquis. He said: "Master Zhou, you should give an answer to my sister."
Ningyuan Marquis was ashamed and angry at being spoken to by a younger generation with a tough stance like this in front of so many colleagues. However, he understood clearly that the matter today was Zhou Yan Bang's fault. Although annoyed at heart, his face showed remorse, suitable for the situation. He said: "All due to this old man being unable to educate properly and let this inferior son cause a great disaster. Young master Shen, no need to speak much, I will certainly let this inferior son give an account to your younger sister!"
Shen Yurong standing up for his younger sister like this had made the surrounding noble daughters who saw it had envy in their eyes. In addition, Shen Yurong had good looks, many people looked at him with admiration in their eyes.
Jiang Li snorted disdainfully. Putting up the front of a righteous noble person by speaking like that, who knew of his undertaking of killing his wife and exterminating his successor, all done to climb up? Really shameless.
Unfortunately, he was born with a deceptive good look, tricking females to be fond of him.
Ji Heng said: "Young master Shen is quite responsible."
Jiang Li originally wanted to ignore him, but hearing other people praising Shen Yurong, she couldn't help retorting. At once she replied, not salty but not mildly: "Duke Su's requirements of people are very low."
"Second miss doesn't like young master Shen?" Ji Heng asked, "strange, young master Shen is handsome, gentle and refined, why don't you like him?"
Jiang Li laughed sarcastically: "After death, only a pile of bones left, why should one like?"
"Second miss has a Buddha nature, free from vulgarity," Ji Heng said: "so you don't look at the external appearance."
Only then Jiang Li recalled that this person in front of her, Duke Su, loved beauty and hated ugliness. Doesn't he look at a person's exterior the most? She didn't know why she wanted to argue with Ji Heng and said: "Then, since young master Shen looks this good, Duke Su might as well consider receiving him into the residence, it will be more fragrant."
She was saying that Shen Yurong was the same as a young male pet.
For quite some time, there was no reply from Ji Heng. Perhaps he was choked by Jiang Li's words. As Jiang Li was about to lift her head to look at him, she heard Ji Heng's voice. He sighed and said: "Didn't expect second miss to be experienced and knowledgeable, making people surprised."
He's saying that she had seen these kinds of things before, basically not a decent, well-bred young lady at all!
Jiang Li was too lazy to speak. She wasn't originally a noble daughter native of Yanjing, also not a girl from a wealthy family. She basically disliked being bound and loved freedom. How others saw her, she didn't care. Now, she only wished to see Zhou Yan Bang's ending.
But on the other side, Princess Yongning had finally finished listening to the whole sequence of events from a palace maid. Her eyes turned and she walked forward.
This was Cheng Wang's younger sister. Facing Liu taifei's most doted daughter, everyone had to lowered themselves three points. Princess Yongning opened her mouth with a smile: "How are you going to explain? A young girl's reputation is the most important. Miss Shen is also an honorable miss; she was disrespected in vain. In the future, how is she going to get married?" Her sight swept over the stunned Zhou Yan Bang, smiled slightly, and said: "Luckily your two families are well-matched. It's not difficult to talk about this matter. Just let Ningyuan Marquis's heir marry Miss Shen, wouldn't it be to everyone's joy and satisfaction?"
Jiang You Yao's body stiffened and she looked at Princess Yongning in disbelief.
Shen Ruyun crawled in mother Shen's embrace, trying her best to cover up the delight in her eyes.
Jiang Yu'e was anxious and frightened. Princess Yongning speaking up was only talking about Shen Ruyun, without mentioning her. Could it be because she was a shu born daughter that she wasn't worthy to be discussed in the same sentence with Shen Ruyun? Jiang Yu'e felt deeply humiliated but she could only lower her head and unwillingly looked at her skirt.
Jiang Li pulled her hands back into her sleeves, couldn't help clenching them into fists. The smile at the corner of her mouth also appeared mocking.
Princess Yongning played a good hand, she had clearly seen Shen Ruyun's thoughts. She just came to push the boat with the current to please the little sister-in-law. Perhaps, it wasn't that she wanted to please the little sister-in-law, because according to Princess Yongning's temperament, she definitely would not hold Shen Ruyun in her eyes. It was nothing more than to help Shen Ruyun so that Shen Yurong would be grateful to her to some extent.
If before it was just a suspicion that the Shen family had known the relationship between Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong early on, with the current sentence, Jiang Li was certain.
They had indeed known it from long ago.