Chapter 84 Chaos
"Madam, something happened to the master!"

The wife of Ningyuan Hou was startled and asked sternly, "What happened? Why are you so panicked?"

The maid was about to speak, but saw the surprised looks of the ladies around the wife of Ningyuan Marquis, and she was immediately speechless. She could only blush and stammer, as if she found it difficult to start the conversation.

When the wife of the Marquis of Ningyuan saw the maid's behavior, her heart skipped a beat, as if a heavy stone had been dropped on her, sinking heavily.

Since it was about her fiancé, Jiang Youyao couldn't help herself and asked, "What happened to Prince Zhou?"

The maid seemed to have just seen Jiang Youyao and became even more panicked. She avoided Jiang Youyao's questioning, but her eyes were vaguely on Yang.

Yang was a little confused, but Ji Shuran suddenly glanced at Jiang Li, and saw Jiang Li standing upright with a smile on her lips, and a terrible idea filled her mind.

"No matter what," Ningyuan Hou's wife didn't care about anything else and just said to the maid, "Where is the young master? Take me there quickly!"

The maid's voice was filled with tears as she said, "The master and the others are all in Yuxiu Pavilion... There are many adults accompanying them, Madam... The young master is in trouble this time!"

What she said was not very clear, but everyone saw the maid's appearance and understood a little. If it was simply bad, why would she be so secretive? Saying it was bad was clearly a scandal. Since there were many adults accompanying her, it was okay to not know for a while. When she returned to the mansion and asked the master, she would naturally know what it was.

Hearing this, the wife of Ningyuan Marquis swayed and almost fell down. She had also been the mistress of the Ningyuan Marquis's mansion for many years. From the maid's expression, she probably knew what had happened. But when she heard that there were many people present, she immediately felt bad. Since it was a scandal, the fewer people knew about it, the better. But the more people saw it, it would be impossible to cover it up in the future.

Jiang Li stood beside Ji Heng, with a gentle smile on her face. It could be said that Zhou Yanbang was stupid, or Zhou Yanbang was too bold, but Emperor Hong Xiao and his ministers were chatting about current affairs in a side hall not far from Yuxiu Pavilion. The two rooms were so close, and once Shen Ruyun started to make a fuss, these adults would certainly be able to arrive in the shortest time and figure out what was going on.

In this way, Zhou Yanbang's affairs would be known to the whole court, and her efforts would not be in vain.

Ji Heng looked at the smile on Jiang Li's lips and found it interesting, but she also followed her example and stood there calmly, only pressing the handle of the fan against her lips to hide the smile on the corner of her mouth.

Jiang Youyao didn't think too much. She was too concerned and didn't care about anything else since it was about Zhou Yanbang. She just said, "Yuxiu Pavilion? Madam, I'll go with you, mother." She pulled Ji Shuran's sleeve, "Let's go and take a look together!"

Ji Shuran wanted to cover Jiang Youyao's breasts. Jiang Youyao said this, and others would not feel anything. In the Yan Dynasty, it was understandable for engaged men and women to be intimate. But those ladies guessed the hidden truth, and when they looked at Jiang Youyao, their eyes contained some sympathy.

Ji Shuran was in a dilemma about whether to go or not. Madam Liu spoke slowly, saying, "No matter what, staying here is not a solution. You should all go back home after the banquet. Let's go to the waterside corridor first. It's getting late, so let's go home."

But it gave the Ningyuan Marquis's son a way out.

Liu Xu turned her head away with disdain. If it were her, she would not give these people a way out and would insist on witnessing with her own eyes what was going on.

The wife of Ningyuan Hou smiled gratefully at Madam Liu and said, "That's the case. Let's go back first." However, her steps were a little unsteady as she walked.

Jiang Li saw it all but didn't say a word. Ji Shuran, on the other hand, came over, looked into Jiang Li's eyes, and asked softly, "Li'er, do you know what's going on?"

In the end, the suspicion fell on her.

Jiang Li showed a surprised look at the right time and shook her head: "I have always been with the Duke, how do I know about the Zhou Shizi? What mother said is strange."

Ji Shuran looked at Ji Heng again. She was obviously very beautiful, but the glance from her amber eyes made Ji Shuran feel a chill.

She didn't say anything else at the moment, just forced a smile, and went to chase Ji Chen in front of her, intending to discuss something with Ji Chen.

Ye Shijie fell behind and met Jiang Li's gaze, wanting to say something but stopping himself. Perhaps because he saw Ji Heng on the side and it was inconvenient to talk, he moved his lips, lowered his head, and left with the crowd.

Ji Heng and Jiang Li walked at the back.

Jiang Li walked faster, intentionally trying to distance herself from Ji Heng, and kept walking with her head down. However, Ji Heng was tall and had long legs, so she walked slowly, but always kept pace with Jiang Li, evenly matched.

He said leisurely: "Miss Jiang's acting skills are even more exciting than Liu Sheng from the Acacia Class."

Jiang Li felt a chill in her heart. You know, Liu Sheng from the Acacia Class had his legs broken and thrown out by the master in front of him just because he wanted to climb into the bed.

Is Ji Heng hinting at something?
Jiang Li was thinking hard, but she was not idle either. She said, "My Lord, you misunderstood me. I am not interested in acting."

"People who act don't need interest," Ji Heng said with a smile, "It's enough to do it well."

Jiang Li really didn't know what this Duke Su meant, but she had to cheer up and deal with Ji Heng because Ji Heng didn't look like a good person.

Who knows what he is planning in his mind? You know, even Emperor Hong Xiao was included in his plan.

Jiang Li shuddered at the thought that Ji Heng might have turned to King Cheng.

Ji Heng has no loyalty to his subjects. This is not just cruelty, it's arrogance that makes him think nothing can take him seriously.

Jiang Li thought that it was better to stay away from such a person, even if she was a beauty.

Ji Heng stopped talking, and just walked leisurely with Jiang Li. The backs of the two of them, one was delicate and thin, the other was elegant and seductive, clearly unrelated, but the shadows cast by the lights on the ground pulled them together, showing a lingering posture, too much in tune.

After walking along the water corridor, you should head towards the exit of the palace to wait for your master.

A group of ladies were walking along when they suddenly heard a woman's voice: "Mother!"

The sound was very shrill. When everyone looked, they saw a disheveled woman stumbling towards Shen Yurong's mother, Shen's mother, outside a pavilion.

The woman was Shen Ruyun.

Even Jiang Li was a little surprised. You know, her original intention was just to let Shen Ruyun catch Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang having an affair, so that she would attract others out of jealousy. But now Shen Ruyun's clothes were disheveled and her hair was messy, and no one knew what had happened to her.

Is there any surprise?

Mrs. Liu, holding Liu Xu's hand, had a fleeting smile on her face.

Just now, everyone else only paid attention to the maid who came to report the news to the wife of Ningyuan Marquis, but she heard the maid say the three words "Yuxiu Pavilion". Knowing that she would pass by Yuxiu Pavilion on the way out of the palace, she proposed to leave the palace immediately. The wife of Ningyuan Marquis was also confused by her concern and did not notice the euphemism at all. Even Lipin and others who were familiar with the palace roads did not remind her because they had no business.

Madam Liu had no hatred towards Ningyuan Marquis Mansion, she just felt sorry for Jiang Liming. The daughter of her good friend Ye Zhenzhen was obviously a sensible and well-behaved girl, but she suffered a lot for no reason. Ningyuan Marquis Mansion also broke its promise, how could it change the marriage midway? Now that she heard that Zhou Yanbang was in trouble, Madam Liu did not feel sympathy, but rather felt a little happy, thinking that God had opened his eyes. In this case, if she did not take everyone to see how Zhou Yanbang "got into trouble", wouldn't it be a betrayal of God's kindness?
She would never give Ningyuan Marquis's Mansion a way out with good intentions!
Shen Ruyun suddenly threw herself in front of Shen's mother and almost fainted. Everyone then saw that Shen Ruyun's face was already red from crying and she looked very pitiful.

"Mother, mother..."

"Ruyun, what's wrong with you?" Shen's mother asked anxiously.

"Mother, the Ningyuan Marquis' son...he...flirted with me!"

With a "puff", a young lady from an official family couldn't help laughing. A woman who was flirted with would be angry, but she would not take the initiative to speak out. It had nothing to do with her thin skin. She always felt it was not nice to say these things in public. Shen Ruyun said this very loudly, as if she was afraid that others would not hear her. Or was she originally from a small family, so she didn't know the rules?

Mother Shen immediately gave the girl a gloomy look, and the young lady who had been laughing suddenly fell silent, and was so scared that she went straight to her mother.

Shen Ruyun was still crying and gasping for breath.

Jiang Li was surprised. This was beyond her expectation. According to her speculation, although Zhou Yanbang was indeed a hypocrite, he would never flirt with Shen Ruyun because Shen Ruyun was just a stranger to him. Besides, Jiang Yu'e was there at the time. How could Zhou Yanbang have any extra time?
At this moment, she suddenly caught a glimpse of Shen Ruyun who was held in the arms of Shen's mother. She blinked her eyes, not looking sad, but rather proud of having succeeded in some plan.

Jiang Li only suspected that she had seen it wrong, and looked at her again. This time, although she did not see Shen Ruyun's eyes, she found that Shen Ruyun's clothes were messy and her hair was messy, which seemed very deliberate. Besides, how could someone be molested and look so embarrassed, but there was no dirt on his shoes, his hairpin was worn very neatly, and his earrings were not lost.

It's so weird.

Jiang Li suddenly thought of a possibility.

She looked at Shen Ruyun in disbelief. If her guess was true, then even as Shen Ruyun's sister-in-law, she would be shocked by Shen Ruyun's boldness.

Shen Ruyun kept saying that Zhou Yanbang would be disrespectful to her, but Jiang Youyao was furious when she heard that. Before Ningyuan Hou's wife could speak, she took the lead and said, "Nonsense, how could the Zhou prince be disrespectful to you! The Zhou prince is upright and honest, you must be slandering him!"

In the eyes of everyone, it was really impossible. Although Shen Ruyun could be considered to have regular features, she was still far inferior to Jiang Youyao. He ignored Jiang Youyao, a beautiful lady, and flirted with Shen Ruyun, who was far less beautiful. In the eyes of others, unless Zhou Yanbang was a fool, it was impossible to explain it.

Shen Ruyun was annoyed when she saw Jiang Youyao acting like Zhou Yanbang's first wife. She was jealous, but she sneered without thinking, "Humph, he not only flirted with me, but also flirted with your fifth young lady!"

Jiang Yu'e!
Ji Shuran's mind was confused, and she subconsciously looked at Yang. Yang was also confused. She couldn't find Jiang Yu'e in the first place, and she was very anxious. When she heard Shen Ruyun's words, she was struck by lightning.

Unlike others, if what Shen Ruyun said was true, it would not be difficult for Shen Ruyun to marry Zhou Yanbang as the sister of the top scholar. But how could Jiang Yu'e compare with Shen Ruyun? Was she going to be Zhou Yanbang's concubine? Even if she did, how could the first wife forgive her?

Yang murmured, "Impossible..."

"How is it impossible?" Shen Ruyun immediately said: "The emperor and the ministers saw it with their own eyes. Fourth Miss Jiang was... was..." She didn't say anything else.

Lady Ningyuan felt dizzy. Oh my god, what on earth did Zhou Yanbang do? Why did he suddenly get entangled with two strange ladies? Why did the emperor see him?

Zhou Yanbang is ruined!

Jiang Youyao took two steps back and felt that she had lost all her strength. Although she was still shouting "impossible", she was already 70% convinced in her heart.

Since Shen Ruyun said that the emperor and the ministers saw it with their own eyes, it was obvious that it was not false. Jiang Youyao felt extremely heartbroken for a moment. She didn't understand why Zhou Yanbang did this. Shen Ruyun was fine, but Jiang Yu'e was a member of the Jiang family. Zhou Yanbang was slapping her in the face! How would she live in the future! Was he going to let Jiang Yu'e marry in as a concubine, so that the sisters would share the same husband? Even if she was the legal wife, Jiang Youyao would never allow it!
At this time, Jiang Youyao still regarded herself as Zhou Yanbang's legal wife. Jiang Youyao probably also thought that after this incident, Zhou Yanbang would still marry her.

Jiang Li could see clearly that it was impossible for Jiang Youyao to marry Zhou Yanbang, only because Shen Ruyun intervened.

If Shen Ruyun hadn't gotten involved, Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yu'e's scandal would have been known to everyone. But Jiang Yu'e was the daughter of a concubine's son, and her status was different, so it was normal for Jiang Youyao to suppress her. It was just that Zhou Yanbang's career would not rise in the future, and Jiang Youyao and Zhou Yanbang would always have conflicts after living together for too long. Throwing Jiang Yu'e in and letting the sisters fight each other just saved Jiang Li's trouble.

But Shen Ruyun was "molested" by Zhou Yanbang.

Shen Ruyun is a new noble in the court, the biological sister of Shen Yurong. Emperor Hong Xiao now values ​​Shen Yurong and will definitely support her. Shen Ruyun only has Zhou Yanbang in her heart, so of course she can't bear to punish Zhou Yanbang. The best solution is for Shen Ruyun to marry Zhou Yanbang.

Shen Ruyun got what she wanted.

Jiang Li was almost certain that the so-called Zhou Yanbang "flirting" with Shen Ruyun was definitely a fact fabricated by Shen Ruyun herself. Zhou Yanbang himself was probably unconscious at that time, but Shen Ruyun seized the opportunity and blamed Zhou Yanbang for the incident.

Jiang Li didn't know how Shen Ruyun came up with this idea, but she had to admire Shen Ruyun. Shen Ruyun wanted to marry Zhou Yanbang, and now she used this method to achieve her goal. She originally thought that this sister-in-law would only make a fool of herself, but now she found that Shen Ruyun was still very smart at times.

Just like now.

At this moment, some noisy noises were heard from the front. All the ladies looked in the direction of the noises at the same time, and saw many people who looked like ministers gathered at the door of the attic, and no one knew what they were doing.

Seeing this, Shen Ruyun immediately choked up and said, "Look, that's them."

Jiang Youyao's heart was already in turmoil. When she heard that Zhou Yanbang was ahead, she ignored Ji Shuran's obstruction and ran forward. The ministers standing at the door of Yuxiu Pavilion were all unwilling to pollute their eyes and avoided him. Jiang Yuanbo was also there. When he saw Jiang Youyao, he immediately said, "Youyao."

Jiang Youyao ran to the door.

But the Yuxiu Pavilion was in a mess, exuding a certain intriguing smell. Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yu'e should have woken up, but their clothes were a little messy, and they must have been dressed in a hurry. Zhou Yanbang's face was red, and he seemed very embarrassed. Jiang Yu'e looked at Jiang Youyao and called out pitifully, "Third sister."

Jiang Youyao took two steps forward and without thinking, raised her hand and slapped Jiang Yu'e in the face.

Jiang Yu'e's body was severely twisted by the beating, but she didn't move. She just covered her face with her hands, tears streaming down her face: "Third sister, I...I'm sorry for you."

Jiang Youyao looked at Zhou Yanbang again and asked sadly, "Prince Zhou, you...how could you do this?"

"I, I don't know." Zhou Yanbang was also very confused. He had no idea what happened. He remembered that he had an appointment with Jiang Li, and then Jiang Li came and they were close to each other. Later, his memory was a little fuzzy, until a woman's scream woke him up, but it was a strange woman who kept saying that he had molested her. Then the emperor, his father, and some ministers came, and the one sleeping next to him was Jiang Yu'e.

Zhou Yanbang couldn't remember anything. But when he saw Jiang Youyao hitting Jiang Yu'e and Jiang Yu'e covering her face to endure the grievance, he felt that Jiang Yu'e was very pitiful and couldn't help but feel sympathy for her. Besides, Jiang Youyao always looked like an innocent girl in front of him. He had never seen her so barbaric.

Jiang Li stood in the crowd and was a little confused when she saw Zhou Yanbang's behavior. Logically, Jiang Yu'e was the only one who drank the medicinal wine, so why did Zhou Yanbang look so dazed and confused?

"What is the second young lady thinking about?" Ji Heng asked suddenly.

"I was wondering why Prince Zhou couldn't remember anything. Is this just an excuse?"

Ji Heng laughed softly.

Jiang Li raised her head and looked at him suspiciously, but saw him shaking his fan meaningfully, and suddenly she realized something.

This guy loves watching the show so much, and he doesn't mind the excitement. Since he knew what was going on from the beginning, could it be that he added fuel to the fire to make the show more exciting?

Could it be that Zhou Yanbang's virtue was due to him?
Jiang Li was in a complicated mood and didn't know what to say. Ji Heng was not a good person, but he did a good thing in this matter, which achieved unexpected results.

I think it was because Shen Ruyun saw Zhou Yanbang's unconscious state that she suddenly had the idea to come up with such a sinister plan.

Is this considered a coincidence?
Jiang Li felt that Ji Heng had done a good thing, and the look in his eyes when he looked at him became a little gentler. However, Ji Heng seemed not to notice it, and continued to smile and watch the unfinished play in front of him.

Jiang Yuanbo could no longer bear it, so he pulled Jiang Youyao out and handed her to Ji Shuran. Jiang Youyao saw it with her own eyes, and her heart was broken. At this moment, she didn't care about anything else, and fell into Ji Shuran's arms and cried silently.

Emperor Hong Xiao has already left, reportedly because he could not bear to see such a filthy scene.

But how will this drama end? Jiang Li was also very curious. Zhou Yanbang would definitely be taken back to the mansion for the time being. Ningyuan Marquis Mansion discussed giving an explanation. But how would Jiang Yu'e deal with the anger of the first room? Jiang Yu'e had robbed Jiang Youyao's fiancé. Jiang Li didn't believe that Jiang Youyao would let it go.

Besides, Jiang Li glanced casually and found that Shen Yurong had not appeared yet.

Just as he was thinking about this, he saw a man suddenly rushing over from outside the crowd. When Shen Ruyun saw him, he called out, "Big Brother!"

Shen Yurong is here.

Ningyuan Hou was anxious about what to do next, and when he saw Shen Yurong coming, he was immediately overwhelmed. Their Ningyuan Hou Mansion was a big family, but this Zhongshu Shelang was now a favorite in front of the emperor. Shen Yurong only had one sister, Shen Ruyun, and how could she not seek justice when her sister was bullied.

The Ningyuan Marquisate was in a dilemma.

Jiang Yu'e's status and position are not mentioned for now, but Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Youyao have already been engaged. One is the daughter of the prime minister, and the other is the sister of the secretary. No one can afford to offend them, but it seems that they have offended both sides.

"Yurong, why did you come just now?" Shen's mother cried, "Your sister has been bullied!"

Jiang Li sneered in her heart, wondering why he came so late. Of course, it was because he wanted to use this precious time to meet Princess Yongning.

Sure enough, not long after Shen Yurong appeared, Jiang Li saw the graceful figure of a woman walking slowly out of the darkness. Who else could it be but Princess Yongning?

It's true that they don't spare any time, and the husband sings and the wife follows his lead.

Jiang Li stared at Princess Yongning, trying his best to hide the coldness of his expression, but Ji Heng saw it all. He held the handle of the fan with all his thoughts, and a strange light flashed in his eyes.

Princess Yongning also came over to join in the fun, and asked in surprise what was going on.

Shen Yurong hurriedly comforted Shen Ruyun with a few words, then stood up and walked towards Zhou Yanbang, who was standing with Jiang Yu'e, not knowing what to do.

Zhou Yanbang didn’t know if it was because of the medicine, but he hadn’t fully woken up yet. He seemed to have no fear, and didn’t know how serious the matter was. He still felt a little dizzy.

Seeing him like this, Shen Yurong walked directly to Ning Yuanhou and said to him, "Master Zhou, you should give my sister an explanation for this matter."

Ning Yuanhou was somewhat annoyed and angry to be spoken to in such a tough manner by a young junior in front of so many colleagues. However, he also knew that Zhou Yanbang was at fault for today's incident. Although he was angry, he showed some regret on his face at the right time and said, "It was all because of my poor parenting that this inferior son caused such a huge disaster. Little Master Shen, there is no need to say more. I will definitely let this inferior son give your sister an explanation for this matter!"

When the noble ladies around saw Shen Yurong standing up for his sister, they all looked at him with envy. In addition, Shen Yurong was also good-looking, so many people looked at him with admiration.

Jiang Li sneered, pretending to be a righteous gentleman. Who knew that he killed his wife and heir just to climb up? How shameless.

But he was born with a deceptive appearance, which made women like him.

Ji Heng said: "Master Xiao Shen is very responsible."

Jiang Li wanted to ignore it, but when she heard others praising Shen Yurong, she couldn't help but refute it, and immediately replied indifferently: "The Duke has very low requirements for people."

"Miss Second doesn't like Master Shen?" Ji Heng asked, "Strange, Master Shen is handsome and gentle, why doesn't she like him?"

Jiang Li sneered: "When you die, you're just a pile of bones. Why would anyone like you?"

"The second young lady is a detached Buddhist," Ji Heng said, "it turns out that she doesn't judge by appearance."

Jiang Li then remembered that the Duke in front of her was the one who liked beauty and hated ugliness, and looked at people's appearance the most. She didn't know why she had to confront Ji Heng, so she said, "Then Lord Shen is so beautiful, the Duke might as well consider taking her to his house, it would also be a fragrant flower."

It seems like Shen Yurong is a young prostitute's male concubine.

After a long while, Ji Heng didn't answer. He didn't know if he was choked by Jiang Li's words. Jiang Li was about to look up at him when he heard Ji Heng's voice. He sighed, "I didn't expect the second young lady to be so knowledgeable. It's amazing."

It means that she has seen all these things and is not a proper lady at all!
Jiang Li was too lazy to talk. She was not a noblewoman born and raised in Yanjing City, nor was she a lady from a rich family. She hated being restrained and loved freedom. She let others see it as they saw it. Now, she just wanted to see what would happen to Zhou Yanbang.

But on the other side, Princess Yongning finally heard the whole story from the palace maid, rolled her eyes, and walked forward.

In front of this sister of King Cheng, the favorite daughter of Concubine Liu, everyone has to be three inches shorter. Princess Yongning smiled and said, "How else do I need to explain this? A daughter's reputation is the most important. Miss Shen is also a decent lady. How can she get married in the future if she is treated so lightly?" She glanced at Zhou Yanbang who was a little dazed and chuckled, "Fortunately, your two families are well matched. This matter is not difficult to say. Let the Ningyuan Marquis's son marry Miss Zhou. Wouldn't it be a happy ending for everyone?"

Jiang Youyao's body froze and she looked at Princess Yongning in disbelief.

Shen Ruyun prostrated herself in her mother's arms, trying her best to hide the ecstasy in her eyes.

Jiang Yu'e was worried. Princess Yongning only mentioned Shen Ruyun but not herself. Was it because she was the daughter of a concubine and was not worthy of being mentioned in the same breath with Shen Ruyun? Jiang Yu'e felt deeply humiliated and had to lower her head, looking at her skirt unwillingly.

Jiang Li tucked her hands into her sleeves and couldn't help but clench them into fists. The smile at the corners of her lips also seemed sarcastic.

Princess Yongning did a good job. She clearly saw through Shen Ruyun's mind and came to please her sister-in-law. Perhaps it was not to please her sister-in-law. With Princess Yongning's temperament, she disdained to take Shen Ruyun seriously. It was nothing more than helping Shen Ruyun, and Shen Yurong was grateful to her.

If it was just a suspicion before, the Shen family had known about the relationship between Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong for a long time, but now Jiang Li can be sure.

They had indeed known it a long time ago.

(End of this chapter)