The next day, news spread across the entire capital of Shengjing that Jiang Yuancheng had gotten into a fight while carrying his infant sister in his arms.

The An Guogong Mansion instantly became the hottest topic in Shengjing.

When the Duke learned of this, he was too embarrassed to go outside.

So, he summoned Jiang Fengyuan and gave him a thorough scolding.

After Jiang Fengyuan left, the Old Madam emerged from behind the screen.

As always, she reassured him.

“Calm down, Duke. Fengyuan has a stubborn temper, but Yuancheng is a good child. He was simply forced into a corner.”

The Duke huffed in frustration. “And being forced into a corner justifies fighting? Where am I supposed to put my old face now?”

By now, everyone in Shengjing knew of the infamous title “The Useless Fourth Jiang.”

His reputation was completely ruined.

Although the second household was incompetent, they had never embarrassed him to this extent.

The Old Madam’s eyes narrowed slightly.

After yesterday’s incident, she had secretly fueled the rumors, ensuring that “The Useless Fourth Jiang” became a firmly established reputation.

The Duke despised Jiang Fengyuan yet still refused to abandon him—he was simply waiting for Yuan Sheng and Yuan Wu to grow up.

As long as the main branch had no successors, her son would have a chance to take the heir’s position sooner.

Nine months later, Jiang Yuanxi’s diet was enriched by Madam Chen with various nutritious foods.

Every day, she had a bowl of steamed egg custard with milk and a drizzle of honey.

It became Jiang Yuanxi’s favorite meal.

Madam Chen fed her spoonful by spoonful, and after each bite, Jiang Yuanxi would lick her lips.

Mmm, sweet and delicious.

Jiang Yuanxi came to a conclusion: Why do children eat sweet things?

Because children love sweets.

Once Jiang Yuancheng’s injuries healed, he spent all his time by his sister’s side.

His little sister was the best.

Not only could she play with him, but she wouldn’t scam him out of money.

“Yuanxi, this is a wooden carving I made for you. Do you like it?”

Jiang Yuancheng took out a palm-sized object from his pocket.

Jiang Yuanxi’s eyes lit up.

“A piggy!”

[Wow, it’s a little pig! My brother actually carved a pig! Although the craftsmanship is a bit rough, it’s still acceptable.]

Jiang Yuancheng froze in shock.

That… that was clearly a deer.

Seeing his dejected expression, Jiang Yuanxi panicked.

[What’s wrong with my brother? Could he be upset because his carving is too ugly, and he feels bad about it?]

Jiang Yuancheng was devastated once again.

Jiang Yuanxi started to worry—had she not reacted well enough earlier?

Her fourth brother might have a bad reputation, but he was extremely sensitive.

Simply put, he had a fragile heart.

When it came to anything related to talent, even the slightest criticism could shatter his confidence.

How had he survived under the title of “The Useless Fourth Jiang” all this time?

Now, how should she comfort him?

Jiang Yuanxi grabbed Jiang Yuancheng’s hand.

“Pretty,” she said softly in her sweet voice.

But Jiang Yuancheng still hung his head.

Just then, Madam Chen entered the room.

“Mother!”

Jiang Yuanxi called out sweetly and stretched her arms toward Madam Chen.

Madam Chen immediately came over and picked up her daughter.

[Mom, hurry up and comfort Brother! Why is he so upset?]

Madam Chen glanced at her son.

He looked completely defeated.

[The pig may be a bit ugly, but I didn’t say that out loud!]

Jiang Yuancheng suddenly lifted his head and murmured, “Mother, I carved a deer.”

Jiang Yuanxi: [… Liar. That was definitely a pig.]

Fortunately, she had overthought it.

Jiang Yuancheng used to be sensitive, but ever since he had been labeled “The Useless Fourth Jiang,” he had not only stopped feeling ashamed but had even taken pride in it.

His skin was now as thick as a city wall.

Seeing her daughter’s stunned expression, Madam Chen covered her mouth and laughed quietly.

These two little troublemakers could always stir up endless amusement.

At that moment, Chun Zhi walked in.

“Madam, the rumors about the Fourth Young Master in the capital are becoming more and more exaggerated. Should we—”

Madam Chen instinctively glanced at Jiang Yuancheng. Seeing that he was still cheerfully playing with his sister, she shook her head.

The truth would speak for itself.

Once Yuancheng grew up, those rumors would naturally disappear.

But there was something odd about this whole situation.

“And also, a few days ago, the second household’s concubine-born daughter secretly visited Liu Ruqing at night.”

[What?!]

Jiang Yuanxi gasped.

[The female lead went to see Liu Ruqing?!]

[Second Brother hasn’t responded to her advances, and Liu Ruqing must be getting anxious. The female lead must be frustrated about not being able to enter the main household. If those two are meeting, there can’t be anything good coming from it.]

Madam Chen frowned slightly.

After hearing her daughter’s thoughts before, she had already ordered people to keep an eye on the second household.

And now, they had actually caught something.

What could those two be plotting?

Whatever it was, it wouldn’t be anything good.

No matter what happened, they would handle it as needed.

“Keep watching them, but don’t let them notice.”

Chun Zhi nodded. “Yes, Madam.”

After the meal, someone from Cangwu Courtyard came to summon them.

Jiang Fengyuan, worried for his wife, said, “I’ll go with you.”

Madam Chen shook her head. “It’s just women’s matters; there’s no need for the General to intervene.”

Jiang Fengyuan insisted, but Madam Chen refused to let him come along.

However, she did bring Jiang Yuanxi with her.

When they arrived, the room was filled with lively discussion.

The Old Madam was laughing heartily but immediately straightened up and put on a serious face when she saw Madam Chen.

“Greetings, Mother-in-law.”

The Old Madam waved her over. “Come, sit here.”

“Yuanxi has grown so much! Let Grandmother hold her.”

She reached out her hands.

Jiang Yuanxi immediately turned away and buried herself in Madam Chen’s arms.

“Stinky!”

The Old Madam’s face darkened instantly.

[Mom, don’t let her hold me! She stinks.]

Madam Chen sniffed the air.

The Old Madam had burned incense in the room—the scent of sandalwood filled the space.

Where was the stink coming from?

Jiang Yuanxi covered her nose.

[She smells like death—must have a lot of blood on her hands.]

Madam Chen’s heart skipped a beat.

She quickly composed herself.

“Mother, please forgive Yuanxi. She’s just learning to talk and doesn’t know what she’s saying.”

“I apologize on her behalf.” Madam Chen knelt slightly.

Even if the Old Madam was furious, she couldn’t do anything.

After all, Yuanxi was just a child.

She couldn’t possibly argue with a baby.

Wu Cuirou sneered. “Mother, Eldest Sister-in-law treats Yuanxi like a treasure—we can’t even touch her.”

“If she grows up this spoiled, imagine what kind of person she’ll become.”

Madam Chen smirked.

“Oh, but I only have Yuanxi to raise. I will be sure to educate her properly so neither you nor Mother will have to worry.”

“By the way, Concubine Hua recently came to me, asking if I could help take care of Ruowei.”

Wu Cuirou’s smile instantly vanished.

The second household’s children didn’t need anyone else’s help!

She clenched her handkerchief tightly.

That wretched woman dared to go behind her back?!

The Old Madam coughed, bringing Wu Cuirou back to her senses.

Jiang Yuanxi grinned in her heart.

[Mom is amazing—she angered Wu Cuirou and undermined the female lead at the same time. A perfect double strike!]