Xiao Yue had originally come to mock Ji Yunshu.
There were many noble ladies in the capital, but one like Ji Yunshu—born of a Marquis’s residence, with a father and brother holding military power, and an Empress Dowager as an Aunt in the palace—was truly one of a kind.
She was so prominent that even Princesses and Commandery Princesses of the Imperial Clan had to yield to her.
In the past, Ji Yunshu was indeed beyond reproach, but things were different now.
The noble Legitimate Daughter of the Ji family had actually married a disabled man.
Lately, whenever Xiao Yue thought of this, she felt incredibly pleased.
Today, she had intentionally arrived early, specifically to witness Ji Yunshu looking desolate and dejected.
So what if her status was noble?
In the eyes of Second Young Master Zhao, wasn’t she still inferior to a cousin whose family had fallen into ruin?
Regarding what happened on Ji Yunshu’s wedding night, although Madam Yao had issued a gag order, the matter was so suspicious that people couldn’t help but investigate.
Within a few days, everyone who needed to know already knew.
In the eyes of the public, it was certainly absurd for Zhao Heng to fool around with another woman on his wedding night, but Ji Yunshu’s act of switching husbands on the spot was hardly a wise move either.
Men, after all—who among them could stay faithful to one woman forever?
Marrying a disabled man was truly ruining one’s entire life.
Facing Ji Yunshu’s unyielding retort, Xiao Yue only thought she was putting on a brave face. She sneered, “What are you still pretending for at a time like this? You managed to cause a scandal even just by getting married. Doesn’t your family dote on you? Why didn’t they step forward to demand justice for you this time?”
Ji Yunshu actually didn’t want to deal with this girl, whose head was clearly missing a few gears; after all, in the book, this girl’s end was not very good.
But with so many people watching, if she didn’t speak up, it would look like she had admitted defeat.
“My family has already stood up for me. In terms of status, appearance, and talent, Second Young Master Zhao cannot compare to the Shizi in any way. I married the Shizi instead of the Second Young Master; haven’t I actually gained from this?”
Xiao Yue scoffed, “How is that an advantage? No matter how good Zhao Shizi is, he is still disabled. If I were you, I’d be too ashamed to even show my face in public.”
Ji Yunshu was truly annoyed by such a muddled person. Her tone turned slightly cold as she said, “Mind your words, Miss Xiao. Although the Shizi has difficulty moving his legs, he has never done anything wrong, nor has he wronged anyone. Why should I be ashamed to show my face for marrying him?”
In this life, who can be certain they will remain safe and prosperous forever?
Xiao Yue was born into the Imperial Clan and held a noble status, but she also had to bear the corresponding responsibilities.
After Yong Wang ascended the throne and negotiated peace with the Northern Desert, Xiao Yue was titled a Princess and sent for a Marriage Alliance.
Later, when the two countries went to war again, Xiao Yue was killed in front of the battle lines by the people of the Northern Desert to serve as a Sacrificial Banner.
Xiao Yue looked at the cold sternness between Ji Yunshu’s brows and couldn’t recover for a moment.
Thinking of these things, Ji Yunshu felt no sense of triumph, but rather a bit of weariness. “I married Zhao Shizi of my own free will. In my heart, even though he is disabled, he lives with integrity and honor. There is nothing wrong with him. If you look down on my marriage, then I wish you get what you desire in the future and marry a husband who fulfills your ideals.”
Xiao Yue had never seen Ji Yunshu like this. In the past, they would start bickering as soon as they met because they were evenly matched.
But now, the aura Ji Yunshu possessed completely overshadowed her.
It made her look like the one who was beneath notice.
Ji Yunshu didn’t bother with her any longer. Having said her piece, she turned and walked away.
Leaving Xiao Yue alone on the spot, she glared at the onlookers gathered nearby and barked irritably, “What are you looking at? Is there something worth seeing?”
With a flick of her handkerchief, she also departed.
Once the crowd had dispersed, from behind a nearby cluster of flowers…
A man dressed in a royal blue brocade robe smiled at Zhao Shen, who was sitting in a wheelchair. “It seems Eldest Miss Ji really likes you.”
Although Zhao Shen’s face remained expressionless, a faint smile flickered in his eyes. “Are you feeling sorry for your sister?”
The man with Zhao Shen was none other than Xiao Yu, the Shizi of the Lin’an Commandery Prince’s Manor.
He brandished a folding fan, looking every bit the romantic dandy. Shaking his head, he said, “It was just a spat between girls, what’s there to feel sorry about? Yue’er has been spoiled by my father and mother to the point of being oblivious to the heights of heaven and the depth of the earth. She dares to say anything; it’s time she learned a lesson.”
Zhao Shen heard the underlying intent of him pleading for his sister and said indifferently, “I’ve heard all sorts of unpleasant words over the years; I won’t stoop to bickering with a young girl. However, that sister of yours really should be taught properly. To be used as a pawn so easily—she’s the one who will suffer for it.”
“You mean…”
Xiao Yu’s expression grew solemn.
Zhao Shen smiled. “Is there any fundamental conflict between your sister and Yunshu? What benefit does she gain from coming here today to mock and humiliate Yunshu?”
While it was true that impulsive disputes between young girls often had no reason and required no benefit, in Zhao Shen’s view, Xiao Yue’s actions—which harmed others without benefiting herself—were truly quite strange.
Xiao Yu nodded. “You’re right. Previously, when the family mentioned you, my mother felt it was a pity. My sister isn’t the type of person who would use your disability to humiliate Ji Yunshu.”
After saying this, Xiao Yu smiled again. “Well, you can rest easy now. Eldest Miss Ji is not someone who will let herself be bullied.”
Zhao Shen ignored his teasing and pushed his wheelchair forward.
Xiao Yu quickly followed to help push the wheelchair. “What exactly did you come here for today? Surely it wasn’t because you were worried Eldest Miss Ji wouldn’t be able to handle herself?”
Zhao Shen realized these two siblings had one thing in common: they talked too much.
He said nonchalantly, “Do you have nothing better to do? Why are you following me?”
Xiao Yu casually plucked a flower, picking at its petals as he spoke. “What is there to do at a banquet like this? If I didn’t know you were coming, I wouldn’t have bothered. Why did you have people keep an eye on Zhao Heng and Wei Yuanmin today? Is there some connection between the two of them?”
Zhao Shen shot him a glance. “Those two have met secretly who knows how many times, and yet you still don’t know what their connection is? Are your people all good-for-nothings?”
Xiao Yu tightened his grip on the flower, not even bothering to wipe the flower juice that stained his hand. “Zhao Heng and Wei Yuanmin? Are you certain?”
Zhao Shen’s face clearly asked: Do I look like I’m joking?
Xiao Yu also knew that although Zhao Shen’s relationship with his brother Zhao Heng was poor, he wouldn’t just say such things without cause.
He looked at the red flower juice on his hand, which resembled blood; the smile on his face had completely vanished. “When you suddenly asked me to investigate Yong Wang before, I realized that the frequency of contact between Yongzhou and the capital was abnormally high, especially with Princess Taining’s Mansion. Although I haven’t found a lead on other matters yet… Zhao Heng is, after all, your brother.”
Zhao Shen was not one to make baseless claims. If Yong Wang truly had ulterior motives and Princess Taining was involved, Zhao Heng’s connection to Wei Yuanmin would drag the Changxing Houfu into the mess as well.
A cold smirk touched Zhao Shen’s lips. “Do your investigation; don’t worry about these things.”
Ji Yunshu had only walked a few steps when she ran into one of the hosts of the manor, Wei Yuanmin, who should have been out welcoming guests from the start.
Wei Yuanmin seemingly didn’t know about the argument with Xiao Yue. She walked up with a beaming smile and took Ji Yunshu’s hand. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Sister Ji. Where are you going? Are you blaming me for not hosting you properly?”
Ji Yunshu took a breath, deeply feeling that she’d rather argue with Xiao Yue than deal with the person in front of her, who hid daggers behind her smiles.
“How could I? I was just bored and taking a stroll.”
Wei Yuanmin said, “If Sister Ji feels bored, then I truly haven’t hosted well enough. I’ve had some games prepared; come and play together.”
As she spoke, she pulled Ji Yunshu toward the pavilion ahead.