Chapter 13: The TraitorThe original host was exceptionally beautiful.This should have been a delightful thing.Yet, the ladies and young misses in the manor did not see it that way.They believed the original host stole their limelight and would inevitably take even more from them in the future.While guiding the original host into making mistakes, they also found fault with Madam Shen.The original host was simply too naive; she believed them and fell right into their trap.Madam Shen, being of low status and little influence, was powerless to resist. She suffered punishment alongside the original host and gradually grew fearful of them.Jiang Yiyue understood Madam Shen’s fear very well.However, she herself was not afraid of them.She stepped forward to leave. “I’ll go see them.”Madam Shen grabbed her arm. “You’re injured, so don’t go.”“It’s fine,” Jiang Yiyue said.“But they—”“Second Sister-in-law,” Third Madam called out.Jiang Yiyue and Madam Shen turned around.Third Madam and First Madam had already entered.Third Madam was the principal wife of the third branch, while First Madam was not only the principal wife of the eldest branch but also held the status of the wife of the heir.Jiang Yiyue and Madam Shen both bowed to First Madam.“Rise,” First Madam said.Jiang Yiyue and Madam Shen straightened up.First Madam stepped forward to take Jiang Yiyue’s hand. “Yiyue.”Jiang Yiyue disdainfully avoided her touch.First Madam was taken aback.Third Madam looked surprised.Madam Shen wanted to explain, but Jiang Yiyue raised her hand and said, “Aunt, I’m injured.”Seeing the layer of bandages, First Madam’s expression softened slightly. “How did you get injured?”“I fell while guiding Young Master Ji to suppress the bandits,” Jiang Yiyue emphasized “Young Master Ji.”No matter how much they schemed, they never expected Jiang Yiyue to latch onto such a high branch as Ji Shuhuai.First Madam forced a smile. “You’re unfamiliar with the area. How could you guide Young Master Ji?”“Because I’m clever,” Jiang Yiyue replied. The matter of assisting in suppressing the bandits was full of loopholes if examined closely.Jiang Yiyue could not go into details.First Madam had never liked Jiang Yiyue.However, due to her status as the wife of the heir, she could not stoop to Jiang Yiyue’s level.She could only resort to underhanded methods in private to prevent someone as beautiful and foolish as Jiang Yiyue from dragging down Count Jingnan’s manor.She had thought Jiang Yiyue would disappear completely in the bandit incident.Then, the marriages of her two daughters and the other young misses in the manor could proceed smoothly.But instead, Jiang Yiyue returned with merit.How could someone as foolish as Jiang Yiyue have merit?She did not believe it.She wanted Jiang Yiyue to reveal the truth herself, making everyone in Count Jingnan’s manor grow weary of her.She continued, “Of course, there are no foolish people in Count Jingnan’s manor.”“That’s true,” Jiang Yiyue agreed.Madam Shen’s palms grew sweaty, sensing that First Madam was about to set a trap for Jiang Yiyue.She opened her mouth to speak, but First Madam spoke first. “How did you escape from the bandits?”“The bandits never caught me in the first place. How can you call it an escape?” Jiang Yiyue retorted.First Madam said, “But Rufang said the bandits chased after you.”Rufang was nominally the original host’s personal maid but was actually a spy for the eldest branch.The original host’s daily pursuit of Cui Lianqing was largely thanks to Rufang.However, now was not the time to discuss Rufang.Jiang Yiyue said, “They chased, and I ran.”“What happened after that?” Third Madam asked.“I encountered Young Master Ji’s men,” Jiang Yiyue replied.“And then?”“Then I pointed out the number and routes of the bandits and helped Young Master Ji suppress them.”“How did you point them out?”“That, I cannot say.” Whatever First Madam and Third Madam asked, Jiang Yiyue answered vaguely.She was getting a bit annoyed with the answers.She said, "First Madam, Third Madam, please stop asking."First Madam and Third Madam looked displeased.Madam Shen, worried that her daughter might offend them, was about to speak up.Jiang Yiyue quickly replied, "These are confidential matters.""Confidential?" First Madam and Third Madam asked in unison."Yes, Young Master Ji forbade me from speaking about it." She shifted everything onto Ji Shuhuai.After all, Ji Shuhuai had power, influence, and intelligence—he could handle anything.Jiang Yiyue added, "If you want to know, you can ask him."First Madam and Third Madam wouldn’t dare question Ji Shuhuai.Unable to find any fault with Jiang Yiyue, First Madam was quite unwilling to let it go.Third Madam then said, "Regardless, it’s best that Fourth Miss is safe.""Thank you for your concern, Third Madam," Jiang Yiyue replied."Not just me, Young Master Cui also inquired about your safety." Everyone knew Jiang Yiyue was infatuated with Cui Lianqing.So infatuated she couldn’t help herself.So infatuated she had no shame.Third Madam deliberately mentioned Cui Lianqing in front of her.First Madam watched for any change in Jiang Yiyue’s expression.Madam Shen hastily said, "Thank Young Master Cui for his concern. Yiyue is fine."First Madam and Third Madam shot Madam Shen a disdainful glance.Madam Shen looked worried.Jiang Yiyue subtly squeezed her hand and said, "Then thank Young Master Cui for his concern."First Madam and Third Madam were seasoned in navigating the inner household.They were experts at analyzing the emotions of women in the household.They noticed that Jiang Yiyue seemed… not as concerned about Cui Lianqing anymore.What was going on?They weren’t willing to let it go.First Madam added, "When you see Young Master Cui in the future, you can thank him in person.""Men and women should maintain propriety. It’s better to meet less," Jiang Yiyue responded.Hearing this, Madam Shen secretly rejoiced.First Madam and Third Madam were utterly astonished.Jiang Yiyue didn’t want to drag this out any longer and let out a soft "hiss."Madam Shen hurriedly asked, "What’s wrong, Yiyue?"Jiang Yiyue lifted her arm and said, "My wound hurts a little.""Then you should go back and rest quickly.""Mother, please accompany me back," Jiang Yiyue said, acting coquettishly.Madam Shen glanced at First Madam and Third Madam.Jiang Yiyue had assisted Ji Shuhuai in suppressing bandits and earned merit. Count Jingnan was planning to reward her.First Madam didn’t dare provoke her at this moment and said, "Second Sister-in-law, please accompany Fourth Miss properly.""Yes, Madam," Madam Shen replied.First Madam and Third Madam left unhappily.Madam Shen supported Jiang Yiyue and said, "Walk slowly.""I’m fine," Jiang Yiyue replied with a smile."Then you—"Jiang Yiyue said directly, "I just dislike them and don’t want to talk to them anymore."Hearing this, Madam Shen quickly looked around.Realizing they were surrounded by their own people, she whispered, "Be careful with your words.""Alright," Jiang Yiyue agreed.Aside from her childhood, this was the first time Jiang Yiyue had been so obedient.It seemed that after experiencing hardships, a child would mature.Madam Shen felt particularly gratified and couldn’t help but share some worldly wisdom with Jiang Yiyue.The worldly wisdom Jiang Yiyue understood was all summarized from the hardships she endured in her past life.Hearing it from an elder for the first time, she found it especially valuable.However, as soon as they reached Tingyu Pavilion, she immediately interrupted Madam Shen, "Mother, I’m here. You can go back now."Madam Shen was puzzled.Jiang Yiyue glanced at Rufang, who had come to greet them.Madam Shen didn’t quite understand.Jiang Yiyue said, "Mother, I’ll explain it to you later."Madam Shen vaguely guessed something and said, "Alright, then rest well. I’ll come see you later.""Mm," Jiang Yiyue nodded.Madam Shen instructed the maids and matrons before leaving."Miss, you've finally returned." Rufang's eyes were red, her expression a mix of worry and joy.

The Aloof Grand Minister Doted on Her Until She Cried