The Double

Chapter 84: Competing for a Husband

Jiang Li stared fixedly at Shen Yurong.

As Shen Ruyun's elder brother, Shen Yurong couldn't possibly be unaware of his sister's feelings. Princess Yongning, being so perceptive and considerate, had helped resolve his sister's lifelong matter right before his eyes. Would Shen Yurong be moved by this?

Shen Yurong's eyelids twitched slightly, but he remained silent.

Jiang Li inwardly sneered at his apparent indifference. She had thought Shen Yurong would seize the opportunity to express joyful gratitude.

Meanwhile, Ji Shuran could clearly feel Jiang Youyao's excitement in her embrace and found herself in a dilemma.

When Zhou Yanbang had proposed breaking off the engagement with Jiang Youyao days earlier, Ji Shuran had been furious but not particularly worried. After all, any sensible member of the Marquis Ningyuan's household wouldn't do something to ruin their own prospects. But the current situation far exceeded what Ji Shuran could handle.

If it were only Jiang Yu'e involved, Ji Shuran could have devised a gradual solution. However, this also concerned the sister of Imperial Secretariat Writer Shen Yurong - Shen Ruyun wasn't someone who could be easily dismissed. Now that Zhou Yanbang, the heir of Marquis Ningyuan, couldn't even protect himself, and seeing Jiang Yuanbai's grim expression, Ji Shuran knew this marriage would likely not happen in Jiang Yuanbai's view.

Ji Shuran herself didn't want Jiang Youyao to marry Zhou Yanbang either - after this incident, Zhou Yanbang's official career would be impossible.

The problem was that Jiang Youyao loved Zhou Yanbang.

Ji Shuran felt a headache coming on. This was truly a disaster falling from the sky. While Zhou Yanbang was the unfortunate one, wouldn't Jiang Youyao be the most heartbroken? Thinking this, Ji Shuran couldn't help glancing at Jiang Li again.

Jiang Li stood beside Ji Heng, whose tall stature conveniently placed her in his shadow, making her expression unclear. But Ji Shuran imagined Jiang Li must be wearing that detestable, unshakable smile she always had.

This must be related to Jiang Li, Ji Shuran thought bitterly. Tonight was supposed to ruin Jiang Li and Ye Shijie's reputation, yet unexpectedly, Zhou Yanbang was the one in trouble. Leaving aside Shen Ruyun's involvement for now, how Jiang Yu'e got entangled with Zhou Yanbang infuriated Ji Shuran, but she believed Jiang Li must have manipulated things behind the scenes.

But what exactly was Jiang Li's relationship with Ji Heng? Ji Shuran didn't dare confront Jiang Li, as she deeply feared Duke Su. That beautiful young man was like a brightly colored venomous snake coiled around Jiang Li, inadvertently placing her under his protection.

Ji Shuran was at her wit's end.

Princess Yongning's words left everyone momentarily speechless.

Indeed, Shen Yurong found himself in a difficult position. If he accepted Princess Yongning's proposal, it would resolve matters too easily, making the Shen family's daughter seem cheap, as if they were eagerly rushing to marry Zhou Yanbang. If he refused, especially in front of Shen Ruyun... she would certainly not understand.

Princess Yongning thought she understood his intentions, but she was too foolish. Such matters should be discussed privately - why bring it up now before so many people, making it impossible to respond properly? If Xue Fangfei were here, she would never have done this... Shen Yurong thought with melancholy.In the end, he still did not take Princess Yongning's cue. Instead, he turned to Marquis Ningyuan and said, "My sister has been frightened today. I shall take her back to the residence to rest and see a physician. Everyone present has witnessed what happened, and I trust you will give our Shen family a proper explanation in due course!" After speaking, he appeared unwilling to prolong the matter, showing great concern for Shen Ruyun as he walked over to Shen's mother and prepared to leave with Shen Ruyun.

Shen Ruyun was deeply disappointed and bewildered that Shen Yurong had not taken Princess Yongning's lead. She wanted to make a fuss and protest further, but when she looked up and met Shen Yurong's stern gaze, she immediately fell silent. Although Shen Yurong was usually good to her, even Shen's mother dared not provoke him when he was truly angry.

With immense reluctance, Shen Ruyun had no choice but to leave with Shen Yurong.

Princess Yongning, who had intended to be helpful, never expected Shen Yurong to ignore her entirely. She felt deeply humiliated, inwardly cursing him for being ungrateful and unreasonable while also blaming Zhou Yanbang for causing the trouble. In her frustration, she even resented Zhou Yanbang, sneering at Marquis Ningyuan, "What a disgraceful and vulgar scandal!" before turning and storming off.

Marquis Ningyuan had lost all face and dignity in front of his colleagues that day. He stood rooted to the spot, his face flushed crimson.

A faint smile touched Jiang Li's lips.

Ji Heng asked, "What is Second Miss Jiang smiling about?"

"One who is guilty of the same fault laughs at another," Jiang Li replied. "Is that not amusing?"

Princess Yongning had mocked Marquis Ningyuan for being disgraceful and vulgar, yet she failed to see whether she herself was qualified to make such remarks. In Jiang Li's eyes, Princess Yongning and Zhou Yanbang were merely birds of a feather. Moreover, Zhou Yanbang had not committed murder, whereas Princess Yongning had usurped another's place—an even more shameless act.

Marquis Ningyuan's wife finally regained her composure. Suppressing her fury and panic, she walked to the entrance of Yuxiu Pavilion. First, she feigned a few slaps at Zhou Yanbang, then turned to Jiang Yu'e and said, "Fifth Miss Jiang must also have been frightened today. Please return to your residence to rest. In a few days, our Zhou family will certainly give you an explanation."

Her smile was insincere, which unsettled Jiang Yu'e.

While Shen Ruyun had repeatedly claimed that Zhou Yanbang had molested her, Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang had been discovered together in a manner that suggested mutual affection rather than coercion. In the eyes of Marquis Ningyuan's wife, it was entirely possible that Jiang Yu'e had seduced Zhou Yanbang first.

Given Jiang Yu'e's status, Marquis Ningyuan's wife saw no need to treat her with excessive respect. At most, Jiang Yu'e could only become a concubine in the Zhou family. Everyone knew that Jiang Yuanxing, the third master of the Jiang family, was not a full brother to Jiang Yuanbai and Jiang Yuanping. There was no need to extend courtesy to Jiang Yuanxing on account of the rest of the Jiang family. Providing an explanation to Jiang Yuanxing would be a much simpler matter.

Jiang Yu'e was not oblivious to the mockery and indifference in Marquis Ningyuan's wife's tone. She felt both humiliated and resentful, yet there was nothing she could do. She could only cast a pleading glance toward Yang Shi.Yang Shi and Jiang Yuanxing were now bitterly regretting their actions. Although Yang Shi usually disliked her daughter currying favor with Ji Shuran and her daughter, as a member of the Jiang family, she understood the stakes involved. Jiang Yu'e becoming a follower of Jiang Youyao was not without Yang Shi's tacit permission. Jiang Yu'e's current actions had undoubtedly offended the main branch, and even if Yang Shi wanted to speak up for her daughter, there was no place for the third branch of the Jiang family to interject now.

Especially since the relationship between Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang was likely consensual. If it was mutual, then there was no question of anyone owing anyone an "explanation."

Unable to say anything, Yang Shi could only brace herself and step forward to help Jiang Yu'e up. She led her daughter aside, exchanged a few hurried words with Jiang Yuanbai, and then quickly left, not daring to look at Ji Shuran's expression.

With the two young ladies involved in the incident having departed, only Zhou Yanbang remained. The Ningyuan Marquis's household was also eager to take Zhou Yanbang away immediately. The onlookers, realizing there was nothing more to see, began to take their leave and return home, already preparing to discuss this thrilling romantic scandal in detail later.

The Jiang family also had to return home.

Jiang Youyao probably still wanted to confront Zhou Yanbang and demand why he had treated her this way, but Ji Shuran held her back firmly. Moreover, with so many people still watching, she had no choice but to give up. Her heartbroken appearance made her seem even more haggard than Zhou Yanbang, who had been caught in the act.

Jiang Li followed the Jiang family, preparing to return with them. As she was about to leave, she suddenly remembered something, stopped, and turned around.

Ji Heng was still standing where he had been. Seeing her turn, he looked somewhat surprised.

Jiang Li gave him a slight bow and said, "Today's events relied entirely on Your Grace's assistance. I am deeply grateful."

"Don't be," Ji Heng replied, his fan emitting a faint, dark glow in the night. He spoke carelessly, "You were the one performing the play, and I was merely watching. Second Young Lady, don't mistake my role." Ji Heng gave a strange smile. "I only watch—I don't perform."

Jiang Li was taken aback and felt somewhat deflated. She had deliberately spoken that way to make Ji Heng believe that today's events were a joint effort between them. If he ever thought of betraying her in the future, he might hesitate. But who would have thought he wouldn't take the bait? He was incredibly vigilant.

Truly cunning.

Jiang Li's smile faded slightly. She nodded and drifted away with the Jiang family's procession.

"Hmm, women are truly terrifying," Ji Heng chuckled softly to himself. "Even a young girl is still a woman."

...

On the way back, Jiang Li did not ride in the same carriage as Jiang Youyao and the others.

Jiang Youyao likely needed to pour out her grievances to Ji Shuran in detail. Such a heartbroken appearance was something she absolutely could not let others see, especially Jiang Li, whom she regarded as a thorn in her side. So, Jiang Li rode in the same carriage as the second branch.

Throughout the journey, Jiang Jingrui wore a peculiar expression, as if he were desperately restraining the urge to speak with Jiang Li. It was understandable—he was undoubtedly eager to discuss the secret affair between Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang in detail. However, with his parents and elder brother in the same carriage, Jiang Jingrui couldn't speak openly. Instead, he spent the entire trip making faces and signaling to Jiang Li. Without even asking, Jiang Li knew exactly what he wanted to say—they would talk in detail once they returned to the Fragrant Garden Courtyard.Jiang Li, however, couldn't be bothered to deal with him.

Today's incident had been an attempt by Ji Shuran and her daughter to harm her and Ye Shijie, but it ended up benefiting Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yu'e instead, even allowing Shen Ruyun to seize an opportunity. The waters in this pond had been stirred into utter chaos, and truth be told, even Jiang Li herself hadn't anticipated such an outcome. Who would have thought Shen Ruyun would pull off such a masterstroke?

On the surface, it seemed like a win-win for Jiang Li, but in reality, it was only the beginning.

Sooner or later, Ji Shuran would figure out that Jiang Li was behind the affair between Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang. After this incident, Jiang Youyao would never end up with Zhou Yanbang. Jiang Youyao would resent Jiang Yu'e, but even more so, she would loathe the mastermind, Jiang Li.

As for Ye Shijie, although Ji Shuran's plot to harm him had failed, he was now a Vice Minister in the Ministry of Revenue—a position that naturally attracted envy. Who knew how much resentment, both overt and covert, he would face? Setting aside others for now, Ji Shuran could easily use her natal family, the Ji family, to trip Ye Shijie up. Although Ye Shijie had been personally appointed by the Hongxiao Emperor, he was new to officialdom and had no connections to rely on. The Ye family had no history of officials, so the protection they could offer Ye Shijie was minimal.

The path ahead for her and Ye Shijie was bound to become even more difficult.

But that was fine. Jiang Li thought cheerfully, no matter what, making her enemies suffer was still a gain for herself. No matter how many challenges lay ahead, they would be no different from tonight—she would overcome them one by one.

Her path would only grow smoother with time.

…

Upon returning to the estate, Jiang Li didn't bother greeting Jiang Yuanbai or the others and went straight back to Fragrant Garden Courtyard. It was already too late. Bai Xue and Tong'er breathed sighs of relief when they saw her return safely. Jiang Li didn't tell them what had happened at the palace banquet. She had been busy all night and had even tangled with Duke Su, Ji Heng. Right now, she just wanted to rest properly. Anything else could wait until tomorrow.

As for Jiang Yuanbai and Old Madam Jiang, Jiang Li smiled faintly. Tonight, they would undoubtedly be too preoccupied with more important matters to pay any attention to her.

In Evening Phoenix Hall.

Old Madam Jiang looked sternly at Jiang Yuanbai.

Having lived to such an age, she had witnessed many things. Catching adulterers in public was a tale she'd heard often, and she had even seen it with her own eyes. For instance, during the scandal involving Xue Fangfei, the wife of the top scholar Shen Yurong, who was caught in an affair at Shen's mother's birthday banquet—Old Madam Jiang had been present then.

She despised those who lacked self-respect and loathed children who tarnished their family's reputation, but she never imagined such a thing would one day happen to their Jiang family.

"Truly the behavior of an illegitimate child!" Old Madam Jiang said coldly. "And the daughter she raised is no different!" The incident involved the third branch, not her own son, so Old Madam Jiang didn't know whether to feel relieved or furious.

Jiang Yuanbai rarely saw his mother so enraged and remained silent.

"What do you plan to do?" Old Madam Jiang asked.

"I intend to immediately break off Youyao's engagement to Zhou Yanbang," Jiang Yuanbai said gravely. "After this incident, Youyao can no longer marry into the Zhou family. Regardless of what happens between Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang, Youyao is the legitimate daughter of the main branch. Marrying into the Zhou family would make her the laughingstock of all Yanjing City." Jiang Yuanbai sighed. "Moreover, Zhou Yanbang's character is deeply flawed. Despite being engaged to my daughter, he entangled himself with another young lady of the Jiang family. His morals are corrupt, and I don't believe he would treat Youyao well in the future.""I was thinking the same." Seeing that Jiang Yuanbai shared her view, Old Madam Jiang's expression softened slightly. "The Zhou family has no face to bring up the marriage arrangement with Youyao again. It doesn't matter—Youyao is still young. In the coming days, pay more attention to suitable matches. No matter what, finding a better husband for a daughter of the Jiang family than that Zhou boy is as easy as turning over one's hand!"

Jiang Yuanbai nodded in agreement.

Just as mother and son were discussing this, the sound of a girl's crying came from outside. Jiang Yuanbai turned to see Jiang Youyao, who had broken in despite Ji Shuran's attempts to stop her.

As soon as she rushed in, Jiang Youyao grabbed Jiang Yuanbai's sleeve and wept, "Father, you can't call off my engagement with Young Master Zhou!"

Ji Shuran, who had hurried over upon hearing the commotion, quickly tried to pull her away. Old Madam Jiang frowned. "Ji Shi, how are you raising Youyao? How could you let her barge in like this?"

Helpless, Ji Shuran replied, "Mother, my lord, Youyao is utterly heartbroken. She nearly fainted several times earlier... Youyao is truly pitiful. Out of nowhere, Young Master Zhou did such a thing—isn't that like driving a needle straight into our Youyao's heart?"

Jiang Yuanbai looked down at his youngest daughter. Jiang Youyao was clearly genuinely distressed. Despite her usual meticulous care for her appearance, she now paid no mind to her tear-streaked makeup, her lips pale as paper. Jiang Yuanbai couldn't help but feel sorry for her. In his eyes, she was the one who had suffered the most from this incident. After all, Jiang Youyao had done nothing wrong yet had been betrayed by the one she loved.

Jiang Yuanbai patiently said, "Youyao, don't be willful. How could Zhou Yanbang, after doing such a thing, ever become a son-in-law of the Jiang family?" Seeing Jiang Youyao's stubborn expression, he hardened his heart and continued, "Since Zhou Yanband could be with Jiang Yu'e, it's clear he has no regard for you. If he cared for you even a little, he wouldn't have done something so shameful to you. As your father, I cannot marry you to a man who is irresponsible and doesn't have you in his heart!"

"No—" Unexpectedly, instead of being persuaded, Jiang Youyao became even more obstinate after hearing Jiang Yuanbai's words. She retorted, "Young Master Zhou does care for me! The reason he was with Jiang Yu'e is because... because Jiang Yu'e seduced him! It was Jiang Yu'e who harmed him—yes, it was all Jiang Yu'e's scheme! Jiang Yu'e has long wanted to steal Young Master Zhou away, so she used such despicable means. This isn't Young Master Zhou's fault, Father. It's Jiang Yu'e's fault! What you should do isn't break off my engagement with Young Master Zhou—it's to severely punish that vile Jiang Yu'e!"

Upon hearing this, Ji Shuran inwardly panicked, and Jiang Yuanbai stared at Jiang Youyao in shock.

In Jiang Yuanbai's mind, Jiang Youyao had always been an innocent, naive young girl. But now, this hysterical woman spewing foul language felt utterly unfamiliar.

Ji Shuran quickly forced a smile and said, "Youyao is just too angry. She's heard some rumors before, saying that Yu'e..." She, too, intended to shift the blame onto Jiang Yu'e—or perhaps it wasn't entirely unjustified. In Ji Shuran's view, Jiang Yu'e's eventual entanglement with Zhou Yanbang might not have been entirely unwilling; it could even have been a collusion with Jiang Li."Nonsense!" Old Madam Jiang, who had been watching coldly all along, said sharply: "Jiang Yu'e was the one who seduced Zhou Yanbang herself, but what about Shen Ruyun? The sister of an Imperial Secretariat Writer would never need to actively seduce Zhou Yanbang!"

If Jiang Li were here and heard Old Madam Jiang's words, she would surely be unable to hold back her laughter. Because just as Old Madam Jiang absurdly claimed, wasn't it precisely the sister of an Imperial Secretariat Writer who actively seduced Zhou Yanbang? She even went so far as to sacrifice her own reputation, spreading rumors that Zhou Yanbang had "taken liberties" with her, just to marry into the Zhou family!

Jiang Youyao was stunned.

Indeed, one could say Jiang Yu'e seduced Zhou Yanbang, but what about Shen Ruyun? Shen Ruyun and Zhou Yanbang were practically strangers before. Moreover, Shen Ruyun wasn't like Jiang Yu'e—once the Shen family demanded that Zhou Yanbang take responsibility, there was no doubt, as Princess Yongning had said, that Zhou Yanbang would definitely have to marry Shen Ruyun.

Even as the daughter of a Grand Secretary, what could she do? Unless she herself had been the one Zhou Yanbang took liberties with that day, then perhaps she could compete with Shen Ruyun to see whom Zhou Yanbang would ultimately choose.

Seeing that Jiang Youyao seemed affected, Old Madam Jiang added coldly: "Besides, regardless of what ultimately happens between Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang, our Jiang family would never allow sisters to serve the same husband. Zhou Yanbang cannot become your husband."

Jiang Youyao's legs gave way, and she collapsed to the ground, unable to speak, only sobbing softly.

She knew Old Madam Jiang's words were true. There was nothing she and Zhou Yanbang could do now!

All her careful planning, snatching this marriage from Jiang Li, joyfully waiting for her beloved to marry her—just waiting for next winter, just waiting for that time when she would rightfully become the wife of the heir.

But all of this had fallen apart at the brink of success. In the end, all her hard work had only prepared the bridal gown for someone else!

Dark despair filled Jiang Youyao's heart.

Just then, the sound of a woman sobbing came from outside, growing closer. Someone entered the Evening Phoenix Hall from outside—it was the members of the Jiang family's third branch.

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

Jiang Yuanxing turned and kowtowed twice to Jiang Yuanbai with loud thuds, saying: "Elder brother, your third brother has failed you. A father's fault lies in not teaching his child properly. Yu'e has caused this disaster entirely because I failed to educate her well. Please beat me to death!"

Yang Shi also cried to Ji Shuran: "Sister-in-law, I truly have no face to see you. I know what Yu'e did is absolutely excessive, but... Yu'e is my own flesh and blood. You are also a mother—I have no choice. I beg you to spare Yu'e's life. In my next life, I'll work as your ox or horse to repay you!"

Jiang Yu'e, her eyes blurred with tears, kowtowed to Jiang Youyao while crying. Unlike Jiang Yuanxing and Yang Shi, she didn't say much, only sobbing: "Third sister... I was wrong..."

This entire family had come to apologize. For a moment, the Evening Phoenix Hall was filled with the sound of crying, creating quite a lively scene.Jiang Yuanbai felt somewhat awkward. He had never been particularly close with this half-brother, not due to distinctions between legitimate and illegitimate branches, but because Jiang Yuanxing’s character was far too weak and incompetent—traits Jiang Yuanbai looked down upon. Even now, with the saying that "a man’s knees bear gold," Jiang Yuanxing kneeling before him did not strike Jiang Yuanbai as a sign of sincerity. Instead, he saw it as Jiang Yuanxing too readily dropping to his knees.

Ji Shuran, meanwhile, avoided Yang Shi’s attempt to grasp her skirt and forced a smile. "What are you saying, sister-in-law? What do you mean by ‘giving Yu’e a way out’? I haven’t done anything to Yu’e. If you’re referring to the matter of the Zhou family and Youyao’s marriage prospects, there’s no need for such concerns. Our Youyao and the Heir of Marquis Ningyuan are absolutely impossible. Whatever plans Yu’e has next have nothing to do with Youyao. So, your talk of repaying us as oxen or horses is unnecessary."

Yang Shi had not expected Ji Shuran to speak so bluntly. Hearing that Jiang Youyao and Zhou Yanbang were impossible and that the marriage alliance was likely off made her heart sink further. Everyone in the Jiang family knew how deeply infatuated Jiang Youyao was with Zhou Yanbang. Now that Jiang Youyao could not enter the Zhou family, while Jiang Yu’e had succeeded, it would be strange indeed if Jiang Youyao did not resent Jiang Yu’e for it.

Yang Shi's heart felt like duckweed floating on water, unable to distinguish up from down or left from right—utterly bewildered and panicked.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yu'e, who was listening nearby, felt a surge of joy in her heart.

To be fair, if she had to choose between Shen Ruyun and Jiang Youyao to become Zhou Yanbang's official wife, Jiang Yu'e would prefer Shen Ruyun. Spending every day with Jiang Youyao would remind Jiang Yu'e of her own neglected days in the Jiang family and reinforce the fact that she was merely the daughter of an illegitimate child.

Jiang Yu'e had no desire to stay close to Jiang Youyao. Jiang Youyao always outshone her, forcing Jiang Yu'e to serve tea, pay respects, arrange dishes, and offer greetings—just as she had always flattered Jiang Youyao in the past, with no difference from her former self. In that case, she would rather serve a stranger.

The joy in Jiang Yu'e's eyes was clearly noticed by Jiang Youyao. Jiang Youyao felt the fire in her heart roar and surge uncontrollably. That blatant joy was so glaring that it stripped Jiang Youyao of her rationality. She leaped up and lunged at Jiang Yu'e.

"You wretched woman!" she shrieked.

Jiang Yu'e was kneeling pitifully, shrinking into herself, when Jiang Youyao suddenly sprang up to attack. Caught off guard, Jiang Yu'e was knocked to the ground. The pearl hairpin from her bun had just been flung off when Jiang Youyao pounced, sending her crashing downward.

Jiang Yu'e let out a sharp cry.

...

The sun shone lazily through the carved window. A yellow oriole perched on the branches of the Haitang flowers by the door, chirping cheerfully.

As Jiang Li approached, the oriole was startled and flapped its wings, flying up to a tall tree in the blink of an eye.

Jiang Li lifted her gaze to the sky outside—it was a beautiful day.

"Young lady—young lady—" Tong'er came running in from outside.

Bai Xue was sweeping the floor. Tong'er rushed in so hastily that she slipped, nearly tumbling to the ground. Bai Xue quickly reached out an arm to steady her. True to her reputation for strength, Bai Xue held her firmly with just one hand, allowing Tong'er to regain her balance. Relieved, Tong'er gratefully said, "Thank you, Bai Xue."

"What's the rush?" Bai Xue asked curiously. "Can't you speak slowly?"

"No, this is a matter of utmost importance. If I speak slowly, it won't feel fresh anymore. Young lady—" She finally spotted Jiang Li standing by the window, basking in the sunlight, and said, "I've found you at last, young lady! Today, when I went to the outer courtyard, I heard about something. Do you know what it is?"

Before Jiang Li could respond, Bai Xue interjected, "How would she know if you don't tell her?"

"Don't interrupt," Tong'er said. "I heard that something happened last night in the Evening Phoenix Hall. Apparently, the third young lady and the fifth young lady got into a fight over something."

"A fight?" Jiang Li was surprised, but after a moment's thought, it made sense. Neither Jiang Yu'e nor Jiang Youyao were particularly patient people, so a fight was hardly unexpected. What she hadn't anticipated was that they would clash in the Evening Phoenix Hall, right in front of Old Madam Jiang, without showing any restraint. They certainly had nerve.

"Who won?" Bai Xue was only concerned about that.

"Heh heh, the third young lady is so fierce, of course she won. I heard the fifth young lady even got her face injured and bled—this time, she's truly disfigured. But what's strange is that the third madam and the third master didn't say anything about it. They called a doctor to examine her last night, and the matter was just dropped. They didn't even scold the third young lady. Isn't that odd?"Tong'er shrugged. "I don't know what they were fighting about."

Jiang Li smiled. She knew exactly what they were fighting over.

Over Zhou Yanbang.

(End of Chapter)