Pei Jingzhou moved swiftly, sidestepping with ease to avoid her.
Jiang Wanxue fell to the ground with a heavy thud.
“Wanxue!” Wu Shi exclaimed in shock.
“Sister!” Jiang Junyi cried out.
“What happened to Wanxue?” Jiang Shihong hurriedly asked.
Jiang Zhaoyue let out a soft chuckle.
Hearing the sound, Pei Jingzhou turned to look at her.
Jiang Zhaoyue raised an eyebrow and glared back at him, then leaned forward to peer at Jiang Wanxue on the ground, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
This woman truly lacked any semblance of a refined lady!
Pei Jingzhou frowned but followed her gaze toward Jiang Wanxue.
Jiang Wanxue had known from a young age that Jiang Zhaoyue was destined to marry the second son of the Zhenguo Duke Mansion.
So be it.
After all, the second son of the Duke’s mansion would not inherit the title, and he might end up like other noble sons—unaccomplished for life.
Unexpectedly, rumors gradually spread through the capital that the second son of the Zhenguo Duke Mansion, Pei Jingzhou, was the most handsome man in the capital, had fought on the battlefield, passed the imperial examinations, earned the title of top scholar, entered the Ministry of Personnel, and became a favored general and minister of the emperor.
She didn’t believe it and sneaked a glance at him at Tianxiang Pavilion.
At that time, Pei Jingzhou stood by the window like a tall, straight pine tree, his features handsome and noble, as cool and distant as the moon in the sky.
When conversing with an elder, he was poised and measured, embodying the grace of a noble son.
She was instantly captivated.
Returning to the mansion, she eagerly told her mother that she had taken a liking to Pei Jingzhou.
Her mother also thought it would be an excellent idea for her to replace Jiang Zhaoyue and marry into the Zhenguo Duke Mansion, as it wouldn’t violate her grandfather’s wishes.
Together with her mother, she schemed and framed Jiang Zhaoyue, hoping Jiang Zhaoyue would give up her engagement to Pei Jingzhou while expecting the Zhenguo Duke Mansion to change the bride.
But!
But the ever-foolish Jiang Zhaoyue seemed blessed by heaven, repeatedly escaping their traps and insisting on the marriage.
The Zhenguo Duke Mansion, fully aware of Jiang Zhaoyue’s tarnished reputation, refused to change the arrangement.
And so, she watched helplessly as Jiang Zhaoyue married into the Zhenguo Duke Mansion.
She cried all night.
Today, during Jiang Zhaoyue’s Returning to the natal home ceremony, she finally saw Pei Jingzhou again.
Up close.
Even more handsome than before.
Unable to control her heart’s longing, she deliberately leaned toward Pei Jingzhou, hoping to touch him and leave an impression, planning to gradually win him over and eventually kick out that foolish, empty-headed beauty Jiang Zhaoyue.
But!
But she never expected Pei Jingzhou to dodge her so directly, leaving her to fall so disgracefully to the ground.
She… how could she, the legitimate daughter of the Chengnin Marquis Mansion, appear so disgraced in front of others?
No!
She had to salvage this humiliation!
Immediately, she feigned weakness and called out, “Mother.”
No one knows a daughter better than her mother.
Wu Shi instantly understood Jiang Wanxue’s intention and said with feigned concern, “Wanxue grew up with Zhaoyue. Seeing her own sister marry, she cried all night in sorrow, caught a chill, and has been unwell these past few days. Yet, upon hearing Zhaoyue was returning home, she forced herself to come and see her, only for her body to give out.”
The explanation was plausible.
Perfect. No one would suspect a thing.
Jiang Wanxue was inwardly pleased, but on the surface, she pretended to be on the verge of tears. “Mother…”
“Did she fall ill because of me? Then I must take a closer look.” Seeing Wu Shi and the others about to help Jiang Wanxue up, Jiang Zhaoyue quickly stepped forward, gave a forceful push, and called out with exaggerated emotion, “Second Sister!”
With a “thud,” Wu Shi and the others failed to catch her, and Jiang Wanxue fell to the ground once more, her head striking the floor heavily.
Stars instantly danced before her eyes, and a sharp pain shot through the back of her skull.
But Jiang Zhaoyue showed no mercy. She grabbed Jiang Wanxue’s chin and shook her head from side to side like a rattle drum.
Wu Shi was horrified. “Zhaoyue, what are you doing?”
Without looking up, Jiang Zhaoyue replied, “Didn’t Mother say my sister has cold invading her body? I’m driving the cold out.”
“Who drives out cold like that?!”
“I know a bit of medicine. Trust me, she’ll be fine in a moment.”
Knows a bit of medicine… That day when Pei Jingzhou fell off the bed and was then crushed by Jiang Zhaoyue, who tumbled right after, landing right on that spot.
Back then, she also said she knew a bit of medicine and wanted to examine him.
Thank goodness.
Thank goodness.
Thank goodness he didn’t let her examine him, or else she might have shaken him like this… Then he might very well have been doomed to have no descendants.
“Mo…ther…” Jiang Wanxue’s hairpins clattered wildly as Jiang Zhaoyue shook her, her hair disheveled, her words broken and halting.
“Enough!” Wu Shi raised her voice sharply.
Those around them were startled.
“Done.” Jiang Zhaoyue obligingly released Jiang Wanxue.
Jiang Wanxue’s pale little face tilted heavily to one side.
It happened to bump against a hairpin, leaving a red mark.
She couldn’t see it, but she knew she must look utterly hideous in this state.
Utterly hideous in front of Pei Jingzhou!
Overwhelmed with grievance, she let out a sob and cried, “Mother.”
“Yes, crying is good. A good cry can help expel the cold.” Jiang Zhaoyue clapped her hands, stood up, and looked at Wu Shi as if seeking praise. “See, I told you I know a bit of medicine. I guarantee Second Sister will fully recover within ten days.”
Wu Shi wished she could slap Jiang Zhaoyue.
But at that moment, Pei Jingzhou suddenly stepped in front of Jiang Zhaoyue.
Instantly, Wu Shi dared not act recklessly. She could only swallow her anger, resentment, and hatred, helping Jiang Wanxue to her feet.
Jiang Wanxue buried her face in Wu Shi’s shoulder.
“Second Sister, you must be feeling much better now, right?” Jiang Zhaoyue feigned concern.
“Jiang—” Jiang Wanxue immediately turned her head, about to curse Jiang Zhaoyue directly, when she suddenly noticed Pei Jingzhou frowning at her as if looking at a filthy dung beetle.
Unable to bear such a gaze, she buried her face in Wu Shi’s shoulder again and sobbed.
“It seems the cold is quite severe. She should cry more.” Jiang Zhaoyue sighed heavily, adopting the demeanor of an experienced physician.
The corner of Pei Jingzhou’s mouth twitched slightly.
Jiang Shihong and Jiang Junyi had seen enough of the women in the inner quarters making a fuss. They couldn’t understand what Jiang Zhaoyue was doing, just as they couldn’t comprehend Wu Shi and Jiang Wanxue, but they didn’t intervene. Together, they said, “Get plenty of rest.”
Having already been thoroughly humiliated, Wu Shi didn’t want Jiang Wanxue to suffer further embarrassment. She quickly helped Jiang Wanxue toward the rear courtyard.
The maids picked up the hairpins and ornaments and followed.
“Alright, it’s over now.” Jiang Zhaoyue’s voice carried a note of delight.
Jiang Zhaoyue’s happiness made Jiang Junyi unhappy. He shot her a glare, then suddenly felt a chill around him. Turning his head, he met Pei Jingzhou’s icy gaze and couldn’t help but shiver, his voice trembling slightly. “Brother-in-law.”
Pei Jingzhou instantly concealed the coldness in his eyes, returning to his usual aloof demeanor.
Jiang Junyi wondered if he had imagined it.
“Jingzhou, please sit.” Jiang Shihong gestured.
The group sat down again and resumed their casual conversation.
At that moment, a maid from Wu Shi’s side came over and said, “Marquis, Eldest Son-in-law, the Madam requests the eldest young lady to come to the rear courtyard for some private words.”
“Very well.” Jiang Zhaoyue stood up and walked toward the rear courtyard.
“Jiang… Zhaoyue.” Though unaccustomed, Pei Jingzhou still called out Jiang Zhaoyue’s name.
Jiang Zhaoyue turned back: “What is it, Second Master?”