Song Qianqian's gaze swept over Song Ci's cold and beautiful face, then landed on Shen Huaizhou's burly body, her eyes full of disgust.
"Eldest Sister's taste... is really peculiar. It's just a pity for that Tanhua; his wife isn't even married yet, and he's already green with horns."
Granny Hua's eyes rolled: "Second Miss, should this old servant go inform Madam?"
"Once Eldest Miss's scandal comes to light, Madam will surely loathe her. From then on, in this manor, you will be the only one she favors."
Before Song Qianqian returned to the mansion, her adoptive parents from the Zhao family specifically instructed Granny Hua to do whatever it took to help their young lady secure a firm foothold in the Marquis's Mansion, for in the future, the family would rely on her support.
Song Qianqian refused without a second thought.
"That's not good. If you act, Song Ci will certainly lose face, but Mother will blame me for acting rashly and ruining the manor's reputation. This deal is not worth it. Better to kill with a borrowed knife and win without bloodshed."
Granny Hua thought for a moment: "This old servant heard that this Flower Appreciation Banquet has invited quite a few Qingliu. Perhaps that Tanhua has also come. Why not let this old servant make some inquiries..."
"Alright, come closer..."
Song Qianqian whispered a few instructions, then watched Granny Hua's round figure disappear into the crowd.
A hint of venom flashed in her eyes as she murmured softly.
"Song Ci, I will destroy everything you have. Don't think that just because Mother softened her heart and let you stay in the manor, you can continue to enjoy the glory of a legitimate daughter. You took what's mine—I'll make you regret it!"
At that moment, Song Ci was surrounded by people. Shen Huaizhou's punch had stunned a few dandies.
"Young Master Shen, let's talk things out. We're all brothers here."
Shen Huaizhou sneered: "Who's brothers with you? I, your father, am the Heir of the Duke's Mansion. You mongrels are worthy?"
The dandies... That was just too harsh.
The Powdery-Faced Young Master was furious!
Who among them wasn't spoiled at home? He had never suffered such humiliation. Roaring, he charged at Shen Huaizhou.
"I'll screw your uncle!"
Shen Huaizhou didn't show any restraint. He grabbed the other's collar and started laying into him with both hands, leaving the Powdery-Faced Young Master screaming in pain.
"Ow, ow... stop hitting!"
Amber's face turned pale with fright: "Miss, let's get out of the way quickly, so we don't get caught up in it."
"No need."
Song Ci didn't move. She trusted in Eldest Brother's strength.
Before Eldest Brother became a weight loss coach, he also studied Muay Thai for three years. For someone like that powdery-faced man, Eldest Brother could take out three with one punch.
Now, it took a bit more effort to handle one, but still more than enough.
Song Ci frowned as she watched Shen Huaizhou support his obese body.
She must urge Eldest Brother to lose weight as soon as possible, or he'll easily get the three highs.
Song Ci decided that when she returned, she would craft a set of silver needles and combine them with medicinal cuisine, attacking from both sides to help Eldest Brother regulate his body.
The commotion soon drew the attention of the Earl's Mansion people.
The Young Master of the Earl Manor arrived with his men in a hurry and quickly ordered the two to be separated.
"Young Master Shen, please spare him for my sake."
Shen Huaizhou glanced at the newcomer and thought, who is this onion? Showing off face before him?
Seeing this, the guard behind him quickly stepped forward and introduced the newcomer's identity in a low voice.
Shen Huaizhou curled his lips: "Fine, I'll give you face. Let them apologize to my sister... and this matter is settled."
The dandies' faces all changed, and they started shouting.
"We didn't even hit anyone, why should we apologize?"
Shen Huaizhou spread his hands: "See, I give you face, but they don't give you face. Don't blame me for hitting people."
With that, he rolled up his sleeves and walked toward the crowd.
Behind him followed four or five tall and big guards.
The dandies were scared stiff, stepping back step by step.
"Shen Huaizhou, what are you trying to do? You want to fight in public?"
"Don't hit me, I'll apologize."
The Powdery-Faced Young Master was the first to cave. Under Shen Huaizhou's intimidating gaze, he walked up to Song Ci and spoke through gritted teeth.
"I'm sorry!"
Shen Huaizhou: "Louder. Are you a mosquito, just buzzing?"
The Powdery-Faced Young Master dared not speak his anger: "I'm... sor... ry... Young Master, is that enough?"
"Get lost!"
Shen Huaizhou didn't show any courtesy and kicked the man far away.
The several dandies looked at each other. Even the Powdery-Faced Young Master, whose family background was stronger than theirs, had knelt. They could only hold their noses and accept it, one by one walking up to Song Ci to apologize.
"Scram! Stay away from me from now on, or I'll beat you every time I see you!"
Shen Huaizhou cursed.
The dandies immediately fled in panic.
The Young Master of the Earl Manor watched this scene with interest.
Rumors in the Capital City said Shen Huaizhou was an unlearned good-for-nothing who only kept bad company, just a dandy. What was this all about today?
Raging for a beauty?
The Young Master of the Earl Manor didn't believe that Shen Huaizhou, this dandy, would reform. After exchanging a few courtesies, he left.
Shen Huaizhou didn't care about the other's attitude either. When out in public, a man earns his own face.
He had been too useless before, so others looked down on him. It was normal.
Shen Huaizhou walked toward Song Ci, his face full of apology: "Little Sister, I'm sorry. Eldest Brother has brought trouble on you."
Song Ci shook her head: "Eldest Brother, we siblings are being too formal with those words."
"You're right. From now on, I've got your back. Whoever dares to talk smack in front of you, Eldest Brother will vent your anger."
"Thank you, Eldest Brother."
Song Ci felt a warmth in her heart. Eldest Brother was still the same, always protecting her.
Shen Huaizhou smiled with a scold: "No need to be so polite with Eldest Brother. Little Sister, remember this: no matter what we become, you will always be my sister. Eldest Brother will protect you."
A warm current surged in Song Ci's heart. Suddenly, she wondered if she was being too calm?
Too calculating about gains and losses, far less magnanimous than Eldest Brother.
Song Qianqian watched the whole scene, so jealous her eyes were red. She hadn't expected Shen Huaizhou to protect Song Ci so much.
Even more protective than the few elder brothers of the Marquis's Mansion.
Was this man crazy?
Song Ci, a merchant's daughter—what right did she have?
At this moment, she completely forgot that she herself had been raised in the Zhao family for sixteen years, and the Zhao family were also merchants.
"The General's Wife has arrived..."
A loud, high-pitched shout attracted everyone's attention.
Song Ci and Shen Huaizhou looked in that direction and saw a palanquin slowly approaching. Eight tall, majestic guards carried a sedan chair slowly forward.
The eight men were all tall and straight, with sharp features. Their tight clothes made their muscles bulge, exuding a masculine aura.
Seated on the palanquin was a madam in splendid attire, looking down from above, her gaze cold and aloof, inspiring awe.
"Madam Cai, long time no see."
The Countess hurriedly greeted her with a smile.
Madam Cai descended from the palanquin with the help of her maidservant's hand, a faint smile at the corner of her mouth.
"Countess, you're too polite. I'm still in mourning, yet you still invited me. How thoughtful."
"Madam, what are you saying? Please, come inside."
The Countess warmly took Madam Cai's hand and headed toward the backyard.
Song Ci and Shen Huaizhou exchanged glances. Could that be Mom? Was she this high-profile?
Hadn't she just lost her husband?
Having eight fresh young men carry her sedan chair, such a grand display—was that appropriate?
Song Ci pushed forward. Today, no matter what, she had to meet this Madam Cai and see if she really was Mom.
At the same time, Granny Hua was about to run her legs off. She finally found the Tanhua, Gu Mingyuan, among a circle of literati.
She quickly bribed a servant boy and handed over a note.
Granny Hua hid in the shadows and watched secretly. Gu Mingyuan took the note with a surprised look.
After reading the contents of the note, Gu Mingyuan's face suddenly darkened.
The note clearly read: "Song Ci has someone else in her heart. Beware of green horns on your head."
"How outrageous!"
Gu Mingyuan flicked his sleeves and left.
Granny Hua hurriedly ran back to Song Qianqian to report.
"Second Miss, it's done. Gu the Tanhua is furious. He's been asking around for Eldest Miss's whereabouts. We'll have a good show soon..."
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