Chapter 17

Zhang Yuying also left, and the once lively teahouse finally fell silent.

“You scared away my customers again.”

The corpulent owner laboriously shuffled down the stairs, “It’s so hard to have a beautiful woman waiting outside, and you scared her away.”

“Alas,” Gongsun Yan sighed, “You know, my wife has a task for me. As they say, ‘The higher-ups speak, and the lower-ups run their legs off.’ If I don’t scare them away, how can I do my job?”

The fat owner laughed, and after laughing, he said knowingly, “The King Lu?”

Gongsun Yan put both hands in his sleeves and nodded, “Who else could it be?”

Zhang Yuying led Jinzi to a different place to continue waiting. She thought she would have to wait a long time, but after about a quarter of an hour, she saw Qiao Ling coming out, looking dejected, with her hands clasped behind her back.

Zhang Yuying was somewhat surprised, “Didn’t you find any styles you liked in those jewelry?”

“Haha,” Qiao Ling laughed brightly, “I didn’t like the prices!”

Zhang Yuying: “…”

Then Qiao Ling took the dog leash from Jin Zi with a sad face and walked back to the mansion with Zhang Yuying, also with a sad face.

Just as she was thinking about where to get a suitable and decent return gift, a servant from Lady Liang’s place came to call her, “Madam requests your presence, Lady.”

Qiao Ling felt a pang of anxiety, but she didn’t hesitate. She handed Gold to the maidservant and went to Lady Liang’s place with Zhang Yuying.

Lady Liang rarely went out. This didn’t mean she was dull. It just meant that her residence was spacious and exquisite enough, with pavilions, terraces, and courtyards, and even an artificial lake. She didn’t need to leave her own courtyard to enjoy everything.

Qiao Ling hadn’t looked closely when she came before. It was summer, and there was little wind. Today, before she even entered, she heard a clear sound of wind chimes. She subconsciously looked up and saw several strings of golden bells hanging under the eaves, tinkling as the wind passed through them.

Qiao Ling, a country girl, was stunned.

Seeing this, Zhang Yuying whispered to her, “Lady, those are bird-scaring bells.”

Qiao Ling exclaimed in amazement, “Wow!”

Seeing this, Zhang Yuying laughed again, “The peony garden here is famous throughout the Divine Capital . Lady Liang loves flowers and cherishes them. Every time the peonies bloom, golden bells are also hung on the flower stalks to drive away birds and beasts. It’s both elegant and unique.”

Qiao Ling couldn’t help but say “Wow” again, feeling that living in the Duke of Yue’s mansion had somehow rubbed off some elegance on her.

However, after entering, Lady Liang woke her up from her fantasy with just one sentence.

“I heard you went to the jewelry shop specifically to choose a return gift for me? That’s good, but it’s unnecessary.”

Lady Liang said condescendingly, “I won’t use the trash you send. Throwing it away would make me seem arrogant, and keeping it would just waste one of my treasure boxes. So, I advise you not to waste your effort, and don’t send me any more junk from now on. Understand?”

Qiao Ling: “…”

Qiao Ling shrunk back and said, “Yes, I understand.”

Seeing her so compliant, Lady Liang seemed satisfied. She told her, “The Marquis of Huai’an has a new child. He’s sending out invitations. You’ll accompany me to the banquet in a couple of days.”

Qiao Ling thought that a new child wouldn’t usually be celebrated so grandly. Remembering the booklet that Lady Jiang had shown her, she pondered, “Has the Marquis of Huai’an finally had a son?”

The expression on Lady Liang’s face was subtle, like mockery, but also like disdain, “You could say so. Unless something unexpected happens, he’ll be the future heir.”

Seeing this, Qiao Ling knew that there must be some details she didn’t know. She wanted to ask further, but Lady Liang didn’t want to say more. She waved her hand and dismissed her, “Go back. Dress up properly then, don’t embarrass me.”

Qiao Ling nodded obediently.

Seeing this, Lady Liang was about to offer her tea and send her off. Her hand reached halfway, but she suddenly remembered something and put it down, “There’s been a lot of trouble in the Divine Divine Capital  lately. It’s not safe outside. Just stay put and don’t go wandering around. If you get into trouble, no one will care about you!”

Qiao Ling was stunned for a moment before saying, “Mother-in-law, actually, you could have said something like, ‘It’s not safe outside, it’s best not to go out, or I’ll worry about you.'”

Lady Liang’s eyebrows shot up, “Who do you think you are, deserving such concern from me?!”

“Huh?” Qiao Ling tilted her head and looked at her with a smile.

Seeing this, Lady Liang became uncomfortable first. She waved her hand impatiently, in a very “Liang Batian” way, and chased her away, “Go! I was just saying that. Believe it or not, it’s up to you!”

Qiao Ling clasped her hands behind her back, said “Goodbye, Mother-in-law,” and then left with a smile.

After leaving, she asked Zhang Yuying, “Is there anything strange about this child of the Marquis of Huai’an?”

Zhang Yuying was also clueless, “It’s probably just that the Marchioness of Huai’an has a new son. I’ve been busy with other things and don’t know the details. Their family has always been small, and I only know that the Marchioness of Huai’an had a daughter before, who must be about ten years old now…”

Then she laughed, “Lady Liang is willing to take you out to meet people, which means she has truly accepted you. That’s good news!”

Qiao Ling thought so too.

She asked again, “What’s going on with Mother-in-law saying that things haven’t been safe outside lately?”

Zhang Yuying also didn’t know, “I’ve been with Lady all the time. How could I go out and find out?”

Both of them were a little clueless. They went back to the courtyard and tried to ask the maidservants, but they got an answer.

“Didn’t Lady know? There were evil spirits killing people in the Divine Divine Capital  before. It was very scary. People were afraid for days!”

Qiao Ling was slightly surprised, “Huh?!”

Zhang Yuying misunderstood and thought she had forgotten about it. She whispered a reminder, “When Lady and I entered the city together that day, I mentioned it to you. The Saint even specially called back the Goshawk to the Divine Capital …”

Qiao Ling touched her forehead and said, “I remember, I didn’t forget. I’m just curious.”

She was a little confused, “So this hasn’t been solved yet…”

Zhang Yuying was a little helpless, “It seems not only has it not been solved, but it’s getting worse.”

Qiao Ling frowned.

The maidservants were bored all day. Seeing Qiao Ling seemed interested in this, they started chattering.

“It hasn’t been solved, it’s even worse!”

“I heard there’s a new red-clothed evil spirit!”

“No, it’s not a red-clothed evil spirit, it’s an evil spirit with a red umbrella!”

Qiao Ling couldn’t help but say, “Ah?!” “An evil spirit with a red umbrella?!”

“Yes!” The maidservant who revealed this news was confident, “Many people have seen it. Every night, the female ghost with a red umbrella will wanders around the Divine Divine Capital  of Gods !”

Qiao Ling twitched her lips, “Ah? It’s a female ghost?!”

“Yes!” Someone else said, “I heard that her umbrella is stained with human blood! Anyone she catches will have their blood drained, turning them into a dried-up corpse!”

The little girls imagined the scene, and Qiao Ling imagined the scene too.

Finally, they shivered together, touching their arms.

They all said in unison, “It’s so scary!”

It was almost evening, and the setting sun was a fiery red.

Qiao Ling stretched her muscles. She heard someone talking in the courtyard. She looked out the window and saw Zhang Yuying watering flowers with a watering can, while Jinzi wagged his tail, circling around Fang Yi’s feet.

Fang Yi was still carrying a two-tiered food box. Seeing Qiao Ling looking out, she smiled, “The scholar from the south who was favored by the Old Lady sent some lychees to the mansion. The Old Lady thought that Lady is from the south and might miss the taste of her hometown, so she asked me to bring some for you.”

Qiao Ling was quite moved, “The Old Lady is really too kind to me.” She then invited Fang Yi to come inside for tea.

Fang Yi shook her head, “Another time, it’s getting late today.”

Qiao Ling signaled the two maidservants to see her off. She opened the lid of the food box, and the cold air rushed out first.

The steamer in the middle of the food box was removed, and a layer of ice was laid underneath, with bright red and lovely lychees covering it.

Qiao Ling grabbed a handful and handed the food box to Zhang Yuying, “Take it and share it. Everyone   can have a taste.”

Zhang Yuying said, “This is specially for Lady from the Old Lady.”

The others also said, “No, no.”

Qiao Ling laughed, “How can I finish it all by myself? This stuff spoils quickly. If we don’t eat it soon, the aroma will disappear.”

Zhang Yuying knew her temperament and didn’t refuse anymore. She shared it with the maidservants, but she saw Qiao Ling already holding Jinzi’s leash, looking like she was about to go out.

She quickly followed, “Lady, it’s almost dark…”

Qiao Ling wrapped the leash around her wrist, making it shorter, “You don’t need to follow me. I’m not going anywhere else, just to that pawnshop I went to before.”

She was a little embarrassed, “Maybe I can negotiate a good price and redeem it!”

Zhang Yuying hesitated, “But it’s a bit late…”

“It’s okay,” Qiao Ling answered seriously, “The curfew is on the roads between the districts. There’s no such thing within the districts. And that pawnshop is in a bustling area. What could happen?”

She looked up at the sky, “At most an hour, I’ll be back. The streets will still be lively then.”

Seeing her determination, Zhang Yuying could only obey, “Okay, we’re agreed. Just one hour. If you’re not back, I’ll go find you.”

Qiao Ling smiled and agreed, “Okay!”

Then she shook the leash again, as if she were holding a spirited horse, “Jinzi, let’s go!”

Jinzi barked happily and wagged his tail, walking ahead.

The two of them left the house and turned towards the east where the pawnshop was located. But they walked further and further away, finally entering a grove of poplar trees.

Jinzi didn’t feel that it was remote. He was actually happy.

Because there was no one here, his owner untied the leash around his neck, and he could run freely.

Nightfall approached. Only a faint line of dark yellow remained in the sky. The shadows in the forest flickered and swayed, and a few crows cawed in the distance.

Gold couldn’t understand the fear that humans might feel.

He only felt happy.

Oh, there’s a flower!

Wow, a rabbit ran past!

Chase!

Didn’t catch it…

Hey, where’s my owner?!

Jinzi panicked and ran back along the way. He saw that his owner, who had saved him from danger, was still sitting on an old tree root, just like when he left. There was a wooden figure at his feet, and he was using a hard, long thing to carve on a piece of wood.

Jinzi suddenly realized that his owner had rescued a puppy from that piece of wood!

A puppy!

Jinzi was amazed!

He thought, how did you know it was hiding in the wood?!

My owner is the best!

The pear blossom Qiao Ling carved was lifelike, and the wooden sculpture she carved was naturally no less impressive. Finally, she shook it twice, causing the wood chips covering it to fly off, and the work was finished.

After finishing the carving, she gently plucked a tuft of fur from Jinzi’s body, held it between her fingers, and blew it towards the wooden puppy.

Then Qiao Ling stood up and put the leash back on Jinzi, “Let’s go.”

Qiao Ling led her puppy, walking through the night in the Divine Capital .

But she didn’t go to the bustling East and West Markets. Instead, she walked specifically through remote places.

“Strange,” she couldn’t help but murmur as she passed through a dense forest again, “Why are there so many forests within the Divine Divine Capital  city? And there seems to be a strange atmosphere within these forests…”

Qiao Ling shook her head, noting this question, and continued walking.

Leaving the bustling area where the powerful gathered, the Divine Divine Capital  city belonging to the common people opened its doors to her.

The night market in the district was equally lively. A young couple doing business, one carrying a shoulder pole and the other carrying a bamboo basket, walked one after the other to make a living.

A young girl sold a basket of lotus buds in the street.

An old man with leather straps on his shoulders pulled a large cart, his forehead covered in sweat, rushing uphill.

Qiao Ling gave him a push from behind.

An old woman washed clothes by the river, beating them with a rhythmic sound.

After crossing the bridge, a woman was selling freshly steamed buns.

There was also a young man in black clothes, looking anxious, standing in front of a fortune teller’s stall, hesitating, writing something on the paper in front of him.

Passing by the river, a brightly lit pleasure boat had a girl in fine clothes with a gloomy expression skipping stones, while several servants stood by with their heads bowed, respectfully.

A group of children chattered around a puppeteer, asking him to bring out more puppets.

Walking further, she saw a middle-aged man in plain clothes with graying temples sitting on the bridge, talking to an old man dressed as a farmer.

She passed the bridge without looking sideways, noticing that the surroundings became desolate and the number of people gradually decreased.

It was finally completely dark.

Tian San’s surname was Tian, but he wasn’t a farmer. He was a fisherman.

He spent half the year drifting on the river, occasionally coming ashore to pull his boat. After years of hard work, his left shoulder was a fist lower than his right, and he looked a bit crooked.

He hadn’t been home for half a year. Thinking of his parents, wife, and children, he quickened his pace by a third. But the further he walked, the stranger it felt. Even though it was late, it shouldn’t be so deserted, not a single person in sight!

The street was empty, silent. The moon was hidden behind dark clouds. Not a single person, not even a dog’s bark, could be heard.

Tian San couldn’t help but quicken his pace.

Just then, he suddenly heard a strange sound, like metal scraping against the ground…

What happened after that, Tian San couldn’t remember clearly.

He was almost scared to death.

When the Yulin Guards came to ask, he was delirious and incoherent.

“It was an evil spirit carrying a long knife!”

“And there was a good ghost in red!”

The Imperial Guard captain, Cheng Mu, was a little helpless, “It was a good ghost with a red umbrella, right?”

“No,” Tian San said, trembling, “It wasn’t holding an umbrella, it was a good ghost in red!”

Cheng Mu said, “You’re mistaken. It was holding a red umbrella!”

Tian San insisted on his story. Looking back, if he hadn’t been scared silly, he wouldn’t have dared to contradict such a high-ranking official, even if he had ten lives. “It was really a ghost in red, and it was leading a very fierce beast. It bit the black-clothed ghost to death!”

Cheng Mu was slightly stunned, “You said the ghost in red was also with a beast? Are you sure?”

Tian San nodded vigorously, “Yes! The beast was taller than a man, its mouth was as big as a jar, and it swallowed the black-clothed ghost in one bite!”

Cheng Muxin thought to himself, didn’t you just say it bit him to death?

The details might be a little off, but the general plot should be correct.

The one who saved him tonight was probably not the one with the red umbrella, but the one in red who was leading a beast.

Cheng Mu sighed sincerely, a deep sense of unease rising in his heart.

Lately, there have been more and more strange things happening in the Divine Capital .

Not only the Yulin Guards, but also the Jinwu Guards, the Zuoyouwei Guards, and other garrison troops were all involved, but they couldn’t catch them all.

Those people in black didn’t seem to be afraid of exposing their identities, and they didn’t even think about hiding. They appeared with only one purpose – to kill!

But with such actions, there must be a purpose, right?

However, so far, the government office hasn’t received any related documents about showing off or extortion.

Was it purely to create panic?

Or was there a bigger conspiracy behind it?

Cheng Mu was lost in thought. Just then, the sound of horses’ hooves came from behind him.

He quickly stood up, “General Zhonglang.”

Yu Pu sat on horseback and told him calmly, “Let’s go. This matter is no longer under our jurisdiction.”

Cheng Mu was stunned, then a chill ran down his spine, “Did another garrison troop take over this matter?”

“No,” Yu Pu shook his head, his gaze shifting to the distant imperial palace, “A certain purple-robed scholar from the Imperial Court has officially taken over this matter.”

A purple-robed scholar…

Cheng Mu’s heart skipped a beat, and he fell silent.

The moon was just beginning to hang over the willow branches, and the sky was hazy.

Zhang Yuying returned from outside and saw Jinzi already lying in his little nest.

She was slightly stunned, “Lady is back already?”

Several maidservants who were joking in the courtyard answered her softly, “She’s been back for a while.”

They said, “Lady brought back candied chestnuts. Come and have some, Miss Zhang!”

Zhang Yuying smiled and thanked her. She walked into the room quietly and saw that the gauze curtain was drawn, and Qiao Ling was sleeping soundly.

She felt relieved and couldn’t help but mutter, “This round trip was really fast…”

It seemed like just a blink of an eye, and it was already the day they had agreed with Lady Liang to go to the Marquis of Huai’an’s mansion for the banquet.

Qiao Ling hadn’t touched any of the betrothal gifts from the Duke of Yue’s mansion before, but now things were different.

As the future Duchess of Yue, she was accompanying Lady Liang out, representing the dignity of the Duke of Yue’s mansion. She couldn’t be disrespectful, so she could naturally use the items from the betrothal gifts openly.

The maidservants in the courtyard finally had something to do. They picked out several outfits for Qiao Ling, and they also chose several sets of jewelry, making sure that the future Duchess of Yue would appear radiant in front of everyone.

Finally, Qiao Ling was scared, “This is too much!”

She chose an outfit with bright colors. The jewels in her hair weren’t excessive, but she added a jade necklace around her neck to add a touch of elegance.

The next day, Lady Liang saw it and was somewhat satisfied, “At least it’s not so flashy that it looks like a circus act.”

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law got into the carriage one after the other. Lady Jiang’s cough hadn’t gotten better, and she had stopped going out lately.

After arriving, Qiao Ling realized that Lady Liang’s words “sending out invitations” yesterday weren’t an exaggeration at all!

As far as the eye could see, there were people everywhere!

It goes without saying that there were male and female guests, each with several servants following them. Add to that the Marquis of Huai’an’s own servants, the cooks, and the opera troupe hired from outside, it was more than just lively!

There were nine Dukes and twelve Marquises in the Divine Capital . Although not all of them would be present, the unmarried ladies from the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law’s families alone would be enough for Qiao Ling to handle. This wasn’t even counting the wives of officials from non-noble families!

Thankfully, Lady Jiang had given her a crash course beforehand, and Zhang Yuying was there to give her hints. Otherwise, how would she know who was who!

Lady Liang obviously didn’t enjoy socializing either. After exchanging pleasantries with a few guests she met, she was led by the host’s servants to visit the Marchioness of Huai’an. Qiao Ling followed like a tail.

Perhaps to take care of the newborn child, the room wasn’t cooled with ice. It was a bit stuffy in the summer, and the smell was a bit unpleasant. However, the Marchioness of Huai’an had a rosy complexion and her eyes were filled with ten parts joy and love, clearly ignoring the summer heat.

“What a good child! Lady Jiang, come and see…”

She then untied the swaddling clothes, revealing the tiny bundle underneath, and gestured for Lady Liang to come closer and take a look.

Lady Liang felt a sudden darkness before her eyes.

Qiao Ling: “…”

Qiao Ling couldn’t help but scratch her head at the back.

Lady Liang smiled faintly, “What a good child. He looks very healthy.”

These words hit the Marchioness of Huai’an right in the heart.

She immediately said, “Yes! He weighed over 15 pounds when he was born. I initially only hired two wet nurses, but seeing how much this little guy eats, I quickly had people find two more!”

Over eight jin?!

Qiao Ling thought, what a hardship it must have been for the mother!

Lady Liang and the Marchioness of Huai’an weren’t really familiar, so they exchanged pleasantries in a perfunctory way. But the Marchioness of Huai’an was just so happy.

Qiao Ling guessed that she would probably say the same things to whoever she met today.

Just as she was thinking this, the Marchioness of Huai’an was already talking about her, asking Lady Liang, “This is…”

Lady Liang put on a polite smile, “This is my future daughter-in-law, who hasn’t married yet.”

The Marchioness of Huai’an’s expression became a little subtle. She beckoned Qiao Ling over, had someone fetch a pair of gem earrings for her, and said with pity and a sigh, “She’s a pitiful person. I have a son, so I have someone to rely on. What do you have?”

Then she asked Qiao Ling to hold the swaddling clothes that the baby had used, “Come and touch some good fortune. May heaven bless you, so that you too may have the good fortune of having a male heir. Otherwise, you don’t know how you’ll live your life in the future.”

Qiao Ling: What???

What are you saying, Lady?

The gem earrings were presented in front of her, but she didn’t take them. Instead, she looked at Lady Liang.

Lady Liang was also unhappy. How could my daughter-in-law be pitiful?

Isn’t it just a marriage into the Duke of Yue’s mansion for good fortune? What’s so pitiful about that?!

From a daughter of a low-ranking official, she became a first-rank noble lady. After marriage, you’ll have to bow to her when you see her. What’s so pitiful about that?

We’re not the kind of family that buys wives to be buried with them!

She was unhappy, and Liang Batian’s face showed it, “Our two families don’t have a deep relationship. How can you just give such an expensive thing? Marchioness Dong, you should take it back. Keep it for your future daughter-in-law.”

The Marchioness of Huai’an was naturally able to read people’s faces. She knew that her words had offended the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, but she couldn’t help but feel wronged. She really didn’t mean any harm!

Your Duke of Yue’s family can find someone to marry a sickly man who’s about to die, but I can’t say anything?

Besides, without a son, there’s no one to rely on. The hard times are still ahead!

What a case of “the dog biting Lu Dongbin, not knowing a good heart!”

Thinking of this, the Marchioness of Huai’an’s tone also had a touch of displeasure, “Once a gift is given, how can it be taken back? It’s just that Miss Qiao is about to marry the Duke of Yue. Maybe this thing can bring good luck to the two newlyweds.”

She held the baby’s hand and looked at Qiao Ling with a sly smile, “Maybe with this good luck, Miss Qiao will also be fortunate enough to leave behind a son for the Duke of Yue, so that you won’t live such a miserable life.”

Liang Batian:??

Sister, don’t go too far!

Liang Batian was about to explode, but before she could, Liang Batian had already gone ahead and exploded, sneering coldly and rudely, “If you want good luck, you have to find the right person. This son wasn’t born to you, the Marchioness of Huai’an. How does it concern you?!”

Qiao Ling was shocked, “Ah? So you didn’t give birth to him?!”

Help!

She looked at the Marchioness of Huai’an, who was lying crookedly on the couch with a forehead band, and said in astonishment, “What are you doing then? A new kind of confinement period?”

It wasn’t an act, she was genuinely shocked.

The Marchioness of Huai’an was obviously stung by this statement. She immediately sat up straight, her face full of anger, and retorted, “He’s my son, I’m his mother. So what if I didn’t give birth to him? What does it matter?!”

“And you, Lady Jiang, you and your daughter-in-law are meddling in other people’s family affairs. You’re probably just nosy!”

“No wonder,” the Marchioness of Huai’an’s eyes showed a hint of amusement, mockingly, “It’s because your own family has the ugly business of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law discord, sister-in-law and sister-in-law discord, so you’re so eager to gossip about other people’s affairs!”

Qiao Ling gasped and pointed at her, “Ugh, you’re flustered!”

The Marchioness of Huai’an lost it, “What are you talking about? What do I have to be flustered about?! The family tree says I’m his mother, and I raised him since he was little. How could he not be my son?!”

Qiao Ling gasped again, “You’re saying so much, it seems like you’re really flustered!”

The Marchioness of Huai’an was furious, “You! You’re really ungrateful. A woman from a poor family, you’ve never seen anything good. I kindly gave you such a precious gift, but you…”

Qiao Ling hadn’t even started to retort when Liang Batian exploded first. “I’m this poor girl’s mother-in-law. It’s fine if I say a few words to her, but who are you? How dare you say that to her in front of me?!”

“You have a few measly coins in your pocket, and you dare to make a fool of yourself in front of me!”

She sneered, glancing at the Marchioness of Huai’an, “Such precious gifts, how can our daughter-in-law handle them? You should keep them well, hide them carefully, and be careful not to let the cats steal them. Keep them for your heirlooms in the future!”

Then she turned to her personal maid, “Go find two boxes of gems from my treasury for her. They’re not precious things, why be so careful? If you don’t know any better, you’d think I’m begging for food!”

The Marchioness of Huai’an touched her purse, and in her anger, she was furious.

Qiao Ling, however, didn’t expect this windfall. She was flattered and her eyes sparkled, silently asking, “Really for me?!”

Lady Liang found her embarrassing and gave her a disdainful white look.

Qiao Ling wasn’t angry at all. Instead, she was touched. She clung to Lady Liang’s sleeve, unwilling to let go, “Mother-in-law, you’re so good to me, I’m really ashamed of myself.”

She felt ashamed, “Although I seem honest and kind, in fact, I’ve secretly said a lot of bad things about you…”

Lady Liang: “…”

Just as she was about to say something, a girl came in from outside. She was about ten years old, with delicate features. After entering, she said in a heavy tone, “Mother, today is my brother’s full moon ceremony!”

The Marchioness of Huai’an suddenly woke up from her dark mood. Her lips quivered a few times. She looked at the baby in the swaddling clothes with affection and lowered her eyes.

The girl then said to Lady Liang and Qiao Ling, “I’m truly sorry. We’re having a banquet at the mansion, and yet we have a disagreement with our guests. It’s really inappropriate…”

After saying that, she actually bowed deeply to them.

Lady Liang didn’t say anything, but just gave her a look.

Qiao Ling quickly helped her up, “How can I accept such a gesture?”

The girl stood up, feeling grateful, “Lady is magnanimous, and the Duke of Yue’s mansion is also a kind family. No wonder they say it’s a match made in heaven!”

Qiao Ling thought, this girl’s intelligence and eloquence are truly far superior to her mother’s.

After leaving, how could she and Lady Liang gossip about the Marchioness of Huai’an?

They exchanged a few more words, and other guests came from outside. The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law took the opportunity to leave.

Qiao Ling stepped over the threshold and looked back at the room.

The Marchioness of Huai’an was obviously still upset about what had just happened. She was facing the bed, silent.

The girl stood by the side, her face half hidden in the shadows, looking at her brother with a gloomy expression.

After walking some distance, with no one around, Qiao Ling whispered to Lady Liang, “Mother-in-law, that child wasn’t really born to her?!”

Lady Liang replied lightly, “Of course not. Would I lie?”

Qiao Ling could tell from her voice that she was actually happy about having shut the Marchioness of Huai’an up, so she pressed on, “Then what’s the story with that child? Why…”

Lady Liang said disdainfully, “She’s crazy. She didn’t establish her own daughter as heir, but instead, she established a son born to someone else as the heir. And she’s so happy, like she’s gone mad!”

She sneered, “Just wait and see. The Marquis of Huai’an’s title will probably go to someone else in the future! I don’t believe that girl would be willing to hand over such a large family business to a half-brother, but she’s stuck with a foolish mother. It wouldn’t be strange if they end up fighting each other in the future!”

Qiao Ling wasn’t surprised that Lady Liang saw this, but she asked another question, “Is that girl the eldest daughter of the Marquis and Marchioness of Huai’an?”

Lady Liang replied casually, “I think her name is Lingci. It should be that name.”

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were led to the banquet area, but it wasn’t the usual front hall. It was a high platform in the mansion.

It was hot in the summer, and there were many guests. If they were all crammed into the house, it would be stuffy and the ice buckets wouldn’t be effective.

Therefore, the Marquis of Huai’an’s mansion had set up the banquet on a high platform this time. Not only could they enjoy the cool breeze from the air, but they could also look out at the scenery of the Divine Divine Capital  city.

In addition, there were ice buckets placed at the four corners of the platform. Servants turned fans to send out the cool air.

When Qiao Ling and Lady Liang arrived, there were already many female guests there. Qiao Ling followed Lady Liang in and glanced around. She saw someone at the head of the table, and it felt like she was looking directly at the sun, so bright.

Because she was truly a beauty she had never seen before.

Zhang Yuying was beautiful, but compared to this woman, she lacked the richness of age.

Lady Liang was also beautiful, but compared to this woman, she seemed to lack a certain elegance.

She wasn’t young anymore, but how to say it, that innate charm and beauty hadn’t faded with time, but instead, they had become even more dazzling.

Qiao Ling vaguely guessed who this person was, and she finally understood Lady Liang’s admiration for Empress Zhu.

Sure enough, Zhang Yuying saw her expression and whispered in her ear, “That one is the current Duchess of Dingguo, the mother of Empress Zhu.”

Qiao Ling thought, That’s right!

Then, she couldn’t help but think, Duke Zhu’s family guarded the east.

“The Book of Natural History” says, “The east is where the sun rises, where the sun and moon emerge. The mountains and valleys are clear, and the people are beautiful.”

That’s probably true.

Lady Liang was arrogant, and Lady Zhu seemed to be no less so. They exchanged a few brief and indifferent greetings and fell silent.

Qiao Ling couldn’t help but steal glances at Lady Zhu, one after another. Finally, Lady Liang, probably finding her embarrassing, glared at her fiercely. Qiao Ling then reluctantly stopped.

She turned to Zhang Yuying and wrote on her palm.

“She’s so beautiful!!!”

Zhang Yuying knelt behind her, looking straight ahead, calmly writing on Qiao Ling’s palm.

“The Zhu family of the Duke of Dingguo produces beauties, the most beautiful in the dynasty. The selection of talented men and women in the Divine Divine Capital  has an age limit, and they are no longer eligible after marriage. I just took advantage of the fact that the Zhu family didn’t have any eligible ladies of the right age.”

She wrote again, “In Lady Liang’s time, the most beautiful woman in the Divine Divine Capital  was Empress Zhu. After Empress Zhu entered the palace, the most beautiful woman was Empress Zhu’s sister, Miss Zhu San.”

Qiao Ling secretly admired her for a while, but then she suddenly felt something was wrong. So she grabbed Zhang Yuying’s hand again and replied seriously, “What about Lady Zhu’s family?”

To be able to produce a beauty like Lady Zhu, it’s hard to say it was just luck. At least Lady Zhu’s parents should have been good-looking.

And Lady Zhu could be the Duchess, so her family background should be good. There’s no reason why, besides her, there wouldn’t be another beauty who was famous in the Divine Capital !

Unexpectedly, Zhang Yuying told her, “Lady Zhu wasn’t from a noble family. She came from the Under World  The Duke of Dingguo traveled the world in his youth. He met her and fell in love with her. So he brought her back to the Divine Divine Capital  and married her.”

Qiao Ling was shocked: Ah?!

Zhang Yuying told her again, “The heads of the Zhu family have always done this. They prefer to be loyal ministers and won’t let incompetent people inherit the title of Duke. The person who inherits the title, whether male or female, won’t choose a partner from a noble family. Instead, they like to have them travel the world, broaden their horizons, and find someone who truly loves them.”

Qiao Ling was surprised and then felt a little sentimental, “It’s easy to find priceless treasures, but hard to find someone who loves you.”

Zhang Yuying was also a little envious, “The heads of the Zhu family have all been like this. So, there have never been any children born out of wedlock between husband and wife, and the wives or husbands they choose are all beautiful. No wonder they’ve all been beauties for generations.”

Qiao Ling was moved, “So there are families like this!”

Just as she was pondering this, someone started talking to Lady Liang. They mentioned the rumors about the Duke of Yue’s mansion, but there was no mockery in their words. It was more like they were trying to comfort Lady Liang.

Qiao Ling secretly observed her mother-in-law’s expression and knew that she was familiar with this lady. She leaned back slightly and heard Zhang Yuying whisper to her, “That’s the Princess of Cheng’an. Her husband is the Jingzhao Yin Taishuhong.”

Qiao Ling instantly understood.

A princess, a member of the imperial family.

In terms of seniority, she should be Lady Liang’s cousin.

So, after catching Lady Liang’s eye, she cleverly continued, “That matter? It’s actually a misunderstanding. When I went to the Duke of Zheng’s mansion before, I already asked Lady Pei to explain it. Why, didn’t she say anything?”

Qiao Ling frowned, “I can’t believe Lady Pei is like this!”

Lady Pei had just entered when she heard Qiao Ling talking bad about her.

Her face darkened, and she entered the hall with a sullen expression. Then she coughed heavily.

Maidservants carrying chilled fruit entered in a row, and others brought silver forks and fruit tea. They didn’t dare to interfere with the conversation between these noble guests. They put down the things, bowed, and left quickly.

Qiao Ling then stood up and offered Lady Pei an orange. She asked with a puzzled expression, “Why didn’t you explain it to others? My mother-in-law has always been very good to me. Everyone knows that she’s also a kind and considerate person. I didn’t expect her to go back in such a bad mood. When I asked her, I learned that there were rumors spread by the Prince of Lu that our mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were not getting along. Oh, this is really…”

After listening, Lady Pei wasn’t sure if Qiao Ling was really stupid or just very clever.

But remembering what her husband had told her, she took the orange and went along with it, “Oh, His Highness the Prince of Lu…”

She didn’t make any further comments, just sighed.

Actually, that was enough.

Qiao Ling also sighed, “Oh, the Prince of Lu…”

Princess Cheng’an also sighed, “Oh, the Prince of Lu…”

Lady Liang picked up a silver fork, speared a golden apricot, ate it, and sighed after swallowing, “Oh, the Prince of Lu…”

If you didn’t know any better, you’d think the Prince of Lu had died young, causing everyone to sigh like this.

Just then, a roar came from a distance, like an earthquake. Then, everyone felt a slight tremor beneath them.

While they were bewildered, someone suddenly exclaimed, “Look over there!”

Everyone looked in the direction they were pointing, and they saw thick smoke billowing up. It wasn’t the white smoke from a fire, but the thick dust from a collapsed building.

Everyone was astonished.

Finally, someone reacted and said uncertainly, “It, it seems like, the Prince of Lu’s mansion?”

Lady Pei abruptly stood up.

Gasps and exclamations arose from the crowd.

“Ah? The Prince of Lu’s mansion?!”

“Such a tall building collapsed. Is the King of Lu safe?”

“He wouldn’t be on the top floor, would he?!”

Just then, a light “clink” reached their ears. Everyone was on edge, so they all looked in the direction of the sound.

It was Lady Liang’s silver fork that had fallen to the ground.

Her face was slightly pale, and she covered her chest, acting frightened, “Such a loud noise, it’s really…”

Upon closer inspection, two silver forks had fallen to the ground.

The owner of the other silver fork, Zhang Yuying, who had been feeding Qiao Ling fruit, also had a pale face and covered her chest, “I’m a coward, I’m sorry for making you all laugh…”

Seeing this, everyone didn’t find it strange.

With such a loud noise, who wouldn’t be startled?

Moreover, everyone knew about Zhang  relationship with the Prince of Lu, and the feud between the Prince of Lu and the Duke of Yue’s mansion had been brought to the surface.

Some people secretly felt disdain for Lady Liang.

She seemed so arrogant on the surface, but she couldn’t handle anything serious. A mere tremor could scare her like this!

No one knew what Lady Liang was thinking at this moment.

Just as no one knew what Zhang Yuying was thinking.

But at this moment, the emotions surging in their hearts were indeed something they could resonate with.

Once they confirmed that everyone’s attention had shifted back to the ruins in the distance, Lady Liang and Zhang Yuying looked at Qiao Ling, the suspected lawbreaker, at the same time.

Qiao Batian was originally looking around with the others. After noticing the two gazes, she turned back in confusion. Then she understood and winked at them proudly.

She leaned closer to them and whispered, “I told you I would find someone to deal with him!”

Lady Liang: “…”

Zhang Yuying: “…”

Friends, we’re sweating bullets!

A maniac is among us!!!