Xie Qingran was well aware that in the current situation, she had to take the initiative. But there was a major prerequisite for going on the offensive: she had to meet Xiao Jue.
If she went to the Zhen Guo Duke Manor, her family’s reputation and face would be utterly lost. Conversely, having Xiao Jue come to their door was the best option.
Xie Yankang hadn’t figured out what to do at first, but now, hearing Xie Qingran’s words, his interest was piqued, and he genuinely felt she was right.
“In that case, I will discuss it with your mother.”
After speaking, Xie Yankang turned and walked toward the main courtyard.
Watching Xie Yankang’s retreating back, Xie Qingran faintly tugged at the corners of her lips before turning and heading into the inner room.
Upon entering, she found an unfamiliar man standing there, holding a small medicine kit.
Baozhu hurried over. “Miss, you’re finally back! Quickly, let the physician take a good look at you!”
The Estate Physician stepped forward and carefully took her pulse. Only after confirming that there was nothing seriously wrong with Xie Qingran did he breathe a sigh of relief and say, “Eldest Miss’s arm is fine now. But, may I ask which physician reset it for you? Their skill is truly remarkable!”
“I did it myself,” Xie Qingran said with a slight smile.
In her past life, after being thrown into a beggars’ den, every inch of her skin had been tormented beyond recognition. Her every joint had been repeatedly dislocated and reset, a constant cycle of torture. Therefore, no one understood better than Xie Qingran where each joint was, how much it hurt, and how agonizing it could be.
In this life, Xie Qingran knew where her joints were and how to dislocate them even with her eyes closed.
Seeing Xie Qingran like this, the Estate Physician was taken aback. Not daring to ask more, he turned and walked out.
“It’s wonderful that you’re alright, Miss. You must be tired. This servant will help you change so you can rest well.”
Baozhu finally relaxed and bustled forward to help Xie Qingran change her clothes.
But in the next instant, Baozhu shrieked again.
“Ah, how did your back get such a huge scrape! It’s bleeding!”
“Miss!”
As Baozhu spoke, she burst into tears.
Xie Qingran silently rubbed her ears. The girl was good in every way, except for her terribly shrill voice.
“Baozhu, can you please not shout all the time?”
“If there’s something wrong, you can just say it softly.”
“If it’s scraped, then apply medicine.”
With that, Xie Qingran took out a bottle of ointment, handed it to Baozhu, and gave her a gentle smile.
Seeing Xie Qingran like this, Baozhu couldn’t hold back her tears. She carefully applied the ointment for Xie Qingran. “Miss, does it hurt?”
“It hurts.”
Xie Qingran told the truth. However, compared to the torture and pain of her previous life, this was nothing.
She had already calculated carefully. If she relied on her own efforts, she certainly wouldn’t be able to do anything to Lu Jinzhi and the others. But if their little group started fighting amongst themselves, things would become much simpler.
Today, Xie Qingran could confirm that Shen Wen Yuan was a man with more money than brains, and he could be used.
The reason she had deliberately ignored him was that she knew his personality all too well. He was just naturally contrarian, drawn to those who disliked him.
Everything Xie Qingran did today was to attract his attention.
“Baozhu, have the junior maids tidy up the room. Tomorrow, an esteemed guest will be visiting.”
Xie Qingran smiled faintly, then turned and lay down on the bed. Before long, she had fallen into a deep sleep.
In the main courtyard.
After listening to Xie Yankang, Wang Shi nodded. “Our Xie Family is a respectable one. If we host a banquet and send out invitations, they won’t refuse to give us face. It’s just… the Zhen Guo Duke Manor, I’m afraid we won’t be able to get close to them, right?”
“Just send the invitation over,” Xie Yankang said with a frown, looking at Wang Shi. “This matter is of the utmost importance to our Xie Family. You must preserve our family’s dignity. Zhaoye and Hanyue are also getting older. It’s time to properly look for matches for them.”
Wang Shi was somewhat reluctant but could only nod.
“Yes, my lord, rest assured. I will definitely organize this matter well.”
“We cannot lose face for the Xie Family in any way.”
The next day, early in the morning.
First thing in the morning, Shen Wen Yuan sent his name card, requesting to see Xie Qingran.
Baozhu had thought Xie Qingran was just speaking casually yesterday, but she never expected that someone would actually visit, and an esteemed guest at that.
“Eldest Miss Xie.”
Shen Wen Yuan entered and bowed properly.
Xie Qingran was as cold as ever, but her etiquette was impeccable.
When Wang Shi heard that a guest had arrived, she was a little puzzled. Why hadn’t the guest come to the main courtyard?
“Where is Young Master Shen now?” Wang Shi frowned, looking at Hongshan beside her.
Hongshan immediately replied, “Madam, Young Master Shen is currently at Ying Xing Pavilion.”
At these words, Wang Shi became even more furious.
“Her marriage to Heir Xiao is just around the corner, yet she still dares to seduce an outside man!”
“How audacious! She’s going to completely disgrace the Xie Family!”
With that, Wang Shi quickly stood up and strode toward Ying Xing Pavilion.
Rushing in hastily, Wang Shi immediately started shouting, “Xie Qingran, have you no shame!”
Xie Qingran, seated in the main chair, frowned slightly at Wang Shi’s ferocious appearance but still rose and curtsied properly. “Greetings, Mother.”
“I’m asking you a question! Having a secret tryst with an outside man in your own courtyard in broad daylight, do you have any shame left!” Wang Shi grabbed Xie Qingran and slapped her hard across the face.
Xie Qingran swayed, nearly falling. At this moment, Shen Wen Yuan could finally no longer hold back.
“Madam, what are you doing?”
“I came here properly after sending my name card. How has it become a secret tryst?”
Shen Wen Yuan stood up, looking at Wang Shi with displeasure, his brows knitted tightly together.
Wang Shi was momentarily speechless, then said unhappily, “No matter what, you shouldn’t have entered my daughter’s private chambers without permission. It’s broad daylight, what does it look like for the two of you to be talking in here!”
“Mother, this is not my boudoir. This is the reception hall,” Xie Qingran replied, her voice still cold, though one side of her face was now swollen high.
Wang Shi’s expression grew even darker. “Insolence! How dare you talk back to me! Is this how you were raised? Kneel!”
Without any struggle, Xie Qingran silently knelt on the ground. Tears began to fall, making her look as pitiful as could be.
Seeing Xie Qingran like this, Shen Wen Yuan’s heart filled with pity.
“Madam, I’m afraid you’ve misunderstood. I came today to see if Miss Xie’s injuries have gotten any better.”
“Yesterday at my Jin Yue Lou, Miss Xie fell down the stairs. As the host, it is only natural that I should come and check on her.”