The Duke of Han and Madam Han occasionally glanced at Jiang Yuanxi,
hoping she would continue speaking.

For a moment, the hall fell silent.

Sensing the change in atmosphere, Jiang Yuanxi was puzzled.

[Why aren’t Father and Mother speaking? Why are Grandpa, Grandma, and Godmother all silent?]

A maid had just served tea, and Jiang Yuanxi watched as her father and Grandpa Han took a sip.

[The tea was just served—won’t it be too hot to drink?]

The thought had barely formed when—

“Hiss—”

Two sharp inhalations of pain echoed, followed by the sound of porcelain shattering.

The Duke of Han and Jiang Fengyuan winced, sticking out their tongues and fanning them with their hands in an attempt to cool down.

“Someone, bring some ice cream quickly!”

For an elder to get burned was one thing, but if a guest were injured, it would be the host’s fault.

When the ice cream arrived, Madam Chen personally fed a spoonful to Jiang Fengyuan.

As the cool dessert soothed his burning mouth, the pain gradually faded.

Han Qianhua watched with envy—Chen Xinwan and Jiang Fengyuan were known throughout Shengjing as a loving couple.

After all these years, Lord Jiang had never taken a concubine or kept a mistress, remaining entirely devoted to his wife.

In return, Madam Chen bore him four sons and a daughter, making their family the envy of everyone in Shengjing.

Looking at herself, Han Qianhua lowered her head—there was nothing to say.

Noticing her emotions, Jiang Yuanxi offered comfort.

“Godmother, let’s have a hug.”

Han Qianhua’s lips curved slightly, her gaze toward Jiang Yuanxi growing softer.

“I’m fine, sweet girl.”

At least fate had been kind, allowing her to meet Madam Chen, see through her husband’s deception, and gain such an adorable goddaughter.

[Godmother doesn’t need to be sad. Once she gets rid of that scumbag, the right person for her will come along.]

The right person?

Han Qianhua was stunned.

After wasting her youth on Yan Song for so many years, could she really still have a fated match?

Jiang Yuanxi glanced around.

[Where’s the uncle who always follows Godmother around? Why isn’t he here?]

The Duke of Han and Madam Han exchanged a look.

Could Yuanxi be referring to that young man?

A glance at each other confirmed their thoughts.

No wonder, despite all their matchmaking efforts for Wu Jiping over the years, he had repeatedly refused. He had been hiding his feelings all along.

The Duke waved his hand decisively. “Go find that boy, Wu Jiping. I have something to say to him.”

That brat had hidden his feelings well.

The servants rushed off and quickly returned.

When Wu Jiping entered, he hesitated for a moment upon seeing the gathered guests, then bowed.

“I greet the General, Madam, and Miss.”

Among all the young generals, Wu Jiping was the most outstanding—handsome and decorated with military honors.

The Duke of Han grew even more satisfied with him.

With so many eyes on him, Wu Jiping appeared slightly uneasy.

Then, his gaze landed on Han Qianhua, who kept her head lowered, and a trace of sorrow flickered across his face.

The Duke didn’t beat around the bush. “Jiping, what do you think of Qianhua?”

Wu Jiping dared not lift his head, fearing that his long-buried feelings would be exposed.

“Miss Han is gentle and intelligent.”

She is the one I yearn for.

That was all? This kid really was tight-lipped.

“What if I betroth Qianhua to you?”

Wu Jiping’s head snapped up, his eyes finally landing on Jiang Yuanxi.

That little one must have let something slip.

His brows furrowed before he dropped to his knees.

“I have admired Miss Han for a long time. If we marry, my life will be hers—my person, my wealth, everything. I will never let her suffer.”

Oh boy, he wasn’t just answering the question—he was already offering everything he had.

That was true love.

Han Qianhua’s face flushed red in an instant.

This fool—how could he speak so bluntly and not feel embarrassed?

[Oh, Godmother is blushing.] Jiang Yuanxi teased.

[Oh my, Uncle Wu’s ears are turning red too.]

Too bad Wu Jiping couldn’t hear her thoughts, or his entire face might have turned red as well.

[A match made in heaven!]

Jiang Yuanxi’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

Madam Chen smiled knowingly.

[This is just like the plot from Fourth Brother’s book Deeply Hidden Love: The Widow’s Slow Escape…]

Though the details differed, the setup felt very familiar.

Madam Chen and Jiang Fengyuan’s smiles suddenly stiffened.

Jiang Yuancheng, Jiang Yuanxi’s fourth brother, suddenly felt a dull ache in his backside.

Tonight’s punishment was unavoidable.

Oh no, my little sister can’t keep secrets… and this isn’t even the first time.

Seeing the unfolding events, the Duke and Madam Han understood—their daughter’s marriage shouldn’t be rushed, but now that the feelings were known, things would naturally unfold in time.

There was no need to hurry.

That evening, Madam Chen and Jiang Fengyuan barely made it home before dark.

As soon as they stepped inside, Jiang Yuancheng’s legs gave out, and he smoothly knelt to the floor.

“Father, Mother, I was wrong.”

Madam Chen raised an eyebrow. “Do you want to burn your own books, or should your father do it for you?”

Jiang Yuancheng looked up and saw his father’s dark expression—he quickly lowered his head again.

“Mother… Mother can burn them.”

My precious collection of a hundred romantic novels… gone!

Jiang Yuanxi glanced between them, confused.

What were they talking about?

And why was there something she wasn’t allowed to know?

..

Since being confined at home by the Emperor, Jiang Fengyuan’s daily routine consisted of eating, sleeping, and occasional visits to the military camp.

Today, he had just returned from the camp and was already having the servants prepare fruit.

Holding Jiang Yuanxi in his arms, he peeled grapes and fed them to her.

Meanwhile, she held a large pork knuckle in one hand and a sweet osmanthus cake in the other—still having to accept her father’s offerings.

Her cheeks were puffed out from all the food.

On one side, Jiang Yuansheng wiped her mouth for her.

On the other, Jiang Yuanxian fanned her to keep her cool.

Jiang Yuanxi was overwhelmed.

She couldn’t eat this fast!

Now this is the life a noble young lady should have!

Satisfaction!

But then, she sighed.

Madam Chen immediately put down what she was doing and moved closer.

Everyone else perked their ears up.

[What a pity—Grandfather and Grandmother are still suffering.]

[They were falsely accused. To save them, we first need to protect them, and then find Lord Li Wenbo.]

Jiang Fengyuan and Jiang Yuansheng exchanged glances.

What did the Minister of Justice, Li Wenbo, have to do with this case?

They wanted to hear more, but Jiang Yuanxi stopped talking.

Madam Chen glanced at them, and Jiang Fengyuan immediately caught on.

Time for some acting.

“Ahem, Yuansheng, I heard that the Minister of Personnel’s son admires your talents.”

“I happen to be free today. Let’s pay him a visit.”

Jiang Yuansheng: “…?”

That kid is only six years old and hasn’t even started school yet.

Since when did he admire me?!

Father’s nonsense was getting more and more ridiculous.

[Ahhh, a perfect opportunity! Truly, Father understands me.]

Jiang Yuanxi’s eyes gleamed with admiration.

Jiang Yuanfan: “If we just show up, won’t they throw us out?”

Just then, a maid rushed in.

“Master, an urgent summons from the palace. His Majesty requests your presence.”

“What?!” Jiang Fengyuan scoffed.

“I’m not going! Tell them I’m sick!”

The Emperor had the worst timing—he had plans with his daughter!

The maid hesitated. “Master, it’s the Emperor’s personal attendant, Eunuch Cao, who came to fetch you.”

Jiang Fengyuan instantly tensed.

He couldn’t afford to delay.

As he rushed to change and head to the palace, Jiang Yuanxian frowned.

“Why would the Emperor summon Father now?”

Jiang Yuansheng fed a grape into his mouth.

“Maybe… he just misses him.”

Jiang Yuanfan: “Huh?”