Chapter 85 Fighting for a Husband
Jiang Li stared at Shen Yurong.

As Shen Ruyun's elder brother, Shen Yurong couldn't possibly be unaware of his sister's thoughts. Princess Yongning was so considerate and tactful, helping her sister solve her lifelong affairs. Would Shen Yurong be moved when she saw it with her own eyes?

Shen Yurong's eyelids moved slightly, but she didn't say anything.

Jiang Li sneered in her heart, she was so indifferent. She thought Shen Yurong would happily thank her.

Ji Shuran on the other side could clearly feel Jiang Youyao's excitement in her arms, and was also in a dilemma for a moment.

If it was said that Zhou Yanbang proposed to cancel the engagement with Jiang Youyao a few days ago, Ji Shuran was just angry, but not very worried. After all, if the Ningyuan Marquis Mansion had a little bit of brains, they would not do something to ruin their future. But the current situation was far beyond the scope of Ji Shuran's ability.

If it was just Jiang Yu'e, Ji Shuran could have thought of a way to slowly work it out, but it also involved the sister of Zhongshu Shelang Shen Yurong, and Shen Ruyun was not a character that could be easily dismissed. This time, Ningyuan Hou's son Zhou Yanbang was also in trouble. When Ji Shuran saw Jiang Yuanbai's ugly face, she knew that in Jiang Yuanbai's heart, this marriage should not be successful.

Ji Shuran also didn't want Jiang Youyao to marry Zhou Yanbang - once this incident with Zhou Yanbang was over, there would be no chance for her to have a career in politics.

But Jiang Youyao likes Zhou Yanbang.

Ji Shuran felt a headache. This was really a sudden disaster. Although Zhou Yanbang was the unlucky one, wasn't Jiang Youyao the saddest? Thinking of this, Ji Shuran couldn't help but glance at Jiang Li again.

Jiang Li stood beside Ji Heng. Ji Heng was tall, so Jiang Li stood behind him, so Jiang Li's expression could not be seen clearly. But Ji Shuran thought that Jiang Li must have a nasty smile on her face, as if nothing could shake her.

This matter must be related to Jiang Li, Ji Shuran thought bitterly. She had wanted to ruin the reputation of Jiang Li and Ye Shijie tonight, but she never expected that Zhou Yanbang would be the one in trouble. Not to mention Shen Ruyun, how Jiang Yu'e was involved with Zhou Yanbang made Ji Shuran angry, but she also believed that Jiang Li must have played a role in it.

But what is the relationship between Jiang Li and Ji Heng? Ji Shuran didn't dare to question Jiang Li, she was really afraid of Duke Su. The handsome young man was like a colorful poisonous snake, hovering around Jiang Li, but inadvertently took Jiang Li under his protection.

Ji Shuran was also at a loss.

Princess Yongning's words were hard to follow for a moment.

In fact, Shen Yurong was in a dilemma. If he accepted Princess Yongning, it would be too easy to solve the matter, and it would seem that the daughter of the Shen family was contemptuous and could not wait to marry Zhou Yanbang. If he refused, in front of Shen Ruyun... Shen Ruyun would definitely not understand.

Princess Yongning thought she understood his intentions, but she was too stupid. This kind of thing should be discussed in private. Why bring it up in front of so many people now? It's hard for people to answer. If Xue Fangfei was here, she would definitely not do this... Shen Yurong thought sadly.

In the end, he still did not take the opportunity to respond to Princess Yongning's words, but just said to Ningyuan Hou: "My sister was frightened today, I will take her back home to rest and see a doctor. Everyone present has seen this with their own eyes. Please give my Shen family an explanation in the future!" After that, he walked to Shen's mother, took Shen Ruyun away, and looked like he didn't want to get involved any more and was very concerned about Shen Ruyun.

Shen Ruyun was very disappointed and was very puzzled that Shen Yurong did not follow Princess Yongning's words. She was still insisting on making a fuss. When she looked up, she met Shen Yurong's stern eyes and dared not speak immediately. Although Shen Yurong was very kind to her, when Shen Yurong was really angry, Shen's mother did not dare to provoke him.

Shen Ruyun had no choice but to leave with Shen Yurong reluctantly.

Princess Yongning had good intentions, but Shen Yurong didn't respond to her words at all. She was very embarrassed. She cursed Shen Yurong in her heart for being heartless and ungrateful, and at the same time she blamed Zhou Yanbang for causing trouble. For a moment, she even hated Zhou Yanbang, and sneered at Ningyuan Hou, "What a shameless and immoral person!" and turned away.

Ning Yuanhou had completely lost all his dignity and face in front of his colleagues today. He stood there with his face flushed red.

A smile appeared on Jiang Li's lips.

Ji Heng asked: "What is Miss Jiang Er laughing at?"

"The pot calling the kettle black," Jiang Li said, "Isn't it funny?"

Princess Yongning scolded Ningyuan Hou for being immoral and unpresentable, but she didn't consider whether she had the qualifications to say this. In Jiang Li's eyes, Princess Yongning and Zhou Yanbang were just birds of a feather. Besides, Zhou Yanbang didn't kill anyone, and Princess Yongning even took over his place, which was even more shameless.

The wife of Ningyuan Marquis finally came to her senses. She suppressed her anger and panic and walked to the door of Yuxiu Pavilion. She pretended to hit Zhou Yanbang a few times, then looked at Jiang Yu'e and said, "Miss Jiang Wu was also frightened today. Go back to the mansion and rest. In a few days, our Zhou family will definitely give Miss Jiang Wu an explanation."

But he was smiling with his lips but not his eyes, which made Jiang Yu'e a little scared.

Shen Ruyun kept saying that Zhou Yanbang flirted with her, but when Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang were found together, they didn't look like they were flirted with, but rather they were in love. In the eyes of Lady Ningyuan, it was probably Jiang Yu'e who seduced Zhou Yanbang first.

As for Jiang Yu'e's identity, it was not necessary for the wife of Ningyuan Hou to be so nervous. Even if Jiang Yu'e was to be given an identity, she would at most be a concubine of the Zhou family. Everyone knew that Jiang Yuanxing, the third master of the Jiang family, and Jiang Yuanbo and Jiang Yuanping were not blood brothers, and there was no need to treat Jiang Yuanxing with courtesy for the sake of the other members of the Jiang family. Giving Jiang Yuanxing an explanation would make things much easier.

Jiang Yu'e noticed the ridicule and indifference in Ningyuan Hou's wife's tone. She felt humiliated and ashamed, but she could do nothing about it. She could only look to Yang for help.

Yang and Jiang Yuanxing were both complaining at this moment. Although Yang didn't like her daughter to please Ji Shuran and her daughter, as a member of the Jiang family, she also knew the pros and cons. Jiang Yu'e became a follower of Jiang Youyao, which was not without Yang's indulgence. Jiang Yu'e's current behavior undoubtedly offended the first wife, and even if they wanted to speak for Jiang Yu'e, there was really no place for the third wife of the Jiang family to speak.

In particular, between Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang, it might not be consensual. If it is consensual, there is no question of "explanation" or not.

Yang didn't know what to say, so she had to bite the bullet and go forward to help Jiang Yu'e up. She took Jiang Yu'e to the side and hurriedly said a few words to Jiang Yuanbo. She didn't even dare to look at Ji Shuran's expression and left in a hurry.

Seeing this, the two young ladies left, leaving Zhou Yanbang alone. Ningyuanhoufu was about to take Zhou Yanbang away. Seeing this, the spectators knew that there was nothing exciting to watch next, so they said goodbye and went home, preparing to return to the mansion to continue talking about this thrilling affair.

The Jiang family also has to return home.

Jiang Youyao probably wanted to question Zhou Yanbang why he treated her like this, but Ji Shuran kept holding her tightly, and there were many people around watching, so she had to give up. However, she looked so disheartened that she even looked more haggard than Zhou Yanbang who was caught cheating.

Jiang Li also followed the Jiang family and prepared to go back home together. When she was about to leave, she suddenly thought of something, stopped and turned around.

Ji Heng was still standing there, and was a little surprised to see her turn around.

Jiang Li bowed to him gently and said, "Today's matter is entirely dependent on the help of the Duke. Jiang Li is very grateful."

"Don't." Ji Heng's fan emitted a dim glow in the dark night. He said nonchalantly, "You are the one who sings the show, and I am the one who watches it. Second Miss, please don't make a mistake." Ji Heng smiled strangely, "I only watch the show, not sing."

Jiang Li was slightly startled, feeling a little disappointed. She deliberately said this to make Ji Heng think that what happened today was done by the two of them together. If Ji Heng wanted to betray her in the future, she would always be a little cautious. Who knew that this person would not even fall for this trick, but was extremely vigilant.

It's so cunning.

Jiang Li's smile faded a little. She nodded and floated away with the Jiang family's team.

"Well, women are really scary," Ji Heng chuckled behind her and said to herself, "Little girls are also women."

……

On the way back, Jiang Li did not ride in the same carriage with Jiang Youyao and the others.

Jiang Youyao was about to have a good cry with Ji Shuran. This heartbroken look could not be seen by others, especially Jiang Li, who was a thorn in Jiang Youyao's side. Jiang Li took a carriage with the second wife.

Along the way, Jiang Jingrui looked strange, as if he was trying hard to resist the urge to talk to Jiang Li. It was understandable, he must have been eager to discuss with Jiang Li the secret of Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang today, but his parents and brother were in the same carriage, so Jiang Jingrui couldn't open his mouth, so he winked at Jiang Li along the way. Jiang Li knew what he wanted to say without asking him - they would talk about it in detail at Fangfei Garden after returning home.

Jiang Li was too lazy to deal with him.

Today, Ji Shuran and her daughter wanted to harm her and Ye Shijie, but ended up helping Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yu'e, and even letting Shen Ruyun take advantage of the situation. The water in the pond has been stirred to the point where it can't be any more muddy. To be honest, even Jiang Li herself didn't expect such a result. Who knew Shen Ruyun would have such a brilliant idea?
It seemed like everyone was happy for Jiang Li, but in reality, it was just the beginning.

Sooner or later, Ji Shuran will figure out that the affair between Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang was caused by Jiang Li. After this incident, Jiang Youyao will never be with Zhou Yanbang again. Jiang Youyao hates Jiang Yu'e, and even more so Jiang Li, the instigator.

As for Ye Shijie, Ji Shuran wanted to harm Ye Shijie but failed. However, Ye Shijie was already a member of the Ministry of Revenue, which was already arousing jealousy. Who knew how much jealousy he would attract? Not to mention other people, Ji Shuran could have asked her family, the Ji family, to trip up Ye Shijie. Although Ye Shijie was appointed by Emperor Hong Xiao, he had just entered the officialdom and had no connections to rely on. There was no official in the Ye family in the past, so there were very few people who could protect Ye Shijie.

The road ahead for her and Ye Shijie will inevitably become more difficult.

But, that's nothing. Jiang Li thought happily that no matter what, it wouldn't be unfair to herself if she could let the enemy suffer. No matter how many difficulties there are in the future, they can be solved one by one like tonight.

Her path will always become smoother and smoother.

……

After returning to the mansion, Jiang Li did not say hello to Jiang Yuanbo and the others, and went straight back to Fangfei Garden. It was too late today. Bai Xue and Tong'er were relieved to see her return safely. Jiang Li did not tell them what happened at the palace banquet today. She was busy all night tonight, and she also wanted to have a good rest now. If there was anything, it would not be too late to talk about it tomorrow.

As for Jiang Yuanbo and Old Madam Jiang, Jiang Li smiled slightly. Of course they couldn't take care of themselves tonight as they had more important things to do.

In Wanfeng Hall.

Old Madam Jiang looked at Jiang Yuanbai solemnly.

She had lived to such an old age and had seen a lot of things. She had heard a lot about people being caught having affairs in public, and she had also seen it with her own eyes. For example, Xue Fangfei, the wife of the top scholar Shen Yurong, was caught having an affair at Shen's mother's birthday party, and Old Lady Jiang was also present. She despised people who didn't know how to love themselves, and hated children who destroyed the family's reputation, but she never expected that one day, this would happen to their Jiang family.

"What a character he has as a bastard!" Old Madam Jiang said coldly, "The daughter he taught is the same!" The one in trouble was the third wife, not her own son. Old Madam Jiang didn't know whether to be glad or angry.

Jiang Yuanbai rarely saw his mother so angry, so he remained silent.

"What are you going to do?" asked Mrs. Jiang.

"My son plans to cancel Youyao's marriage with Zhou Yanbang immediately." Jiang Yuanbai said seriously, "After this incident, Youyao can no longer marry into the Zhou family. No matter what Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang do, Youyao is my eldest daughter. If she marries into the Zhou family, she will become a laughing stock in the whole Yanjing City." Jiang Yuanbai sighed, "Besides, Zhou Yanbang is a man with a very bad heart. He is obviously engaged to my son, but he is involved with other young ladies of the Jiang family. His character is not good. I don't believe he will treat Youyao well in the future."

"I thought so too." Perhaps seeing that Jiang Yuanbo and she were thinking the same thing, Madam Jiang's expression eased a little and said, "The Zhou family has no face to mention the marriage with Youyao this time. It doesn't matter. Youyao is not old now. You can pay more attention to the right family in the next few days. No matter how good my daughter of the Jiang family is, it will be easy for her to find a better husband than the boy from the Zhou family!"

Jiang Yuanbai nodded in agreement.

Just as the mother and son were talking to this point, the sound of a girl crying was heard outside. Jiang Yuanbai turned around and saw that it was Jiang Youyao who had rushed in despite Ji Shuran's obstruction.

As soon as Jiang Youyao barged in, she pulled Jiang Yuanbo's sleeve and cried, "Father, I can't cancel my marriage with Prince Zhou!"

Ji Shuran, who came upon hearing the news, quickly pulled her up. Old Madam Jiang frowned and said, "Ji, how did you take care of Youyao? Why did you let her in?"

Ji Shuran was helpless and could only say, "Mother, Master, Youyao is too sad. She almost fainted several times before... Youyao is too pitiful. For no reason, Zhou Shizi did such a thing. Isn't it stabbing Youyao in the heart?"

Jiang Yuanbai looked down at his little daughter. Jiang Youyao was obviously really sad. With her personality of cherishing her appearance, she didn't care about her makeup even though she cried so much. Her lips were as pale as paper. Jiang Yuanbai couldn't help but feel distressed. In his opinion, Jiang Youyao was the one who was hurt the most in this matter. After all, Jiang Youyao did nothing wrong, but was betrayed by her lover.

Jiang Yuanbai said patiently, "Youyao, don't be willful. How can Zhou Yanbang be the son-in-law of our Jiang family if he did such a thing?" He took another look at Jiang Youyao's unwilling look and continued with a cruel heart, "Since Zhou Yanbang can be with Jiang Yu'e, it is obvious that he doesn't have you in his heart. If he cares about you in his heart, he won't do such a shameful thing. Your father cannot marry you to such an irresponsible man who doesn't care about you!"

"No——" Unexpectedly, after hearing what Jiang Yuanbo said, Jiang Youyao was not convinced, but became even more stubborn. She retorted: "Zhou Shizi has me in his heart. The reason why he is with Jiang Yu'e is because... because Jiang Yu'e seduced him! It was Jiang Yu'e who harmed him. Yes, it was Jiang Yu'e who did it. Jiang Yu'e had long wanted to snatch Zhou Shizi away, so she used such a despicable method. This is not Zhou Shizi's fault, Dad, it's Jiang Yu'e's fault. What you have to do is not to cancel my engagement with Zhou Shizi, but to severely punish that bitch Jiang Yu'e!"

After these words were spoken, Ji Shuran secretly cried out in dismay, and Jiang Yuanbo looked at Jiang Youyao in surprise.

In Jiang Yuanbai's heart, Jiang Youyao has always been an innocent and naive little girl, but this crazy woman with foul language is so unfamiliar.

Ji Shuran hurriedly laughed and said, "Youyao is too angry. I heard some rumors before that Yu'e..." She also intended to throw dirty water on Jiang Yu'e. Perhaps it was not really dirty water. In Ji Shuran's opinion, Jiang Yu'e's final involvement with Zhou Yanbang might not have been half-hearted, or she might have been in cahoots with Jiang Li.

"Nonsense!" Old Madam Jiang, who had been watching coldly, said sternly, "Jiang Yu'e seduced Zhou Yanbang herself, so what about Shen Ruyun? The sister of the Zhongshu Shelang should not have taken the initiative to seduce Zhou Yanbang!"

If Jiang Li was here, she would definitely laugh out loud after hearing what Old Lady Jiang said. Because just as Old Lady Jiang said, wasn't it the Zhongshu Shelang's sister who took the initiative to seduce Zhou Yanbang? She even sacrificed her own reputation to spread the word that Zhou Yanbang was "flirting" with her and marry into the Zhou family!
Jiang Youyao was stunned.

Indeed, Jiang Yu'e could be said to have seduced Zhou Yanbang, but what about Shen Ruyun? Shen Ruyun and Zhou Yanbang were strangers in the past. Besides, Shen Ruyun was not Jiang Yu'e. Once the Shen family asked Zhou Yanbang to take responsibility, there was no doubt that Zhou Yanbang would marry Shen Ruyun as Princess Yongning said.

Even if she was the daughter of the Prime Minister, it wouldn't matter. Unless Zhou Yanbang flirted with her that day, she might be able to compete with Shen Ruyun and see what Zhou Yanbang would choose in the end.

Seeing that Jiang Youyao seemed touched, Madam Jiang said coldly, "Besides, no matter what happens between Jiang Yu'e and Zhou Yanbang in the end, our Jiang family will never allow sisters to share the same husband. Zhou Yanbang can never be your husband."

Jiang Youyao's body went limp and she collapsed to the ground, unable to utter a word. She just kept sobbing.

She knew that what Old Madam Jiang said was true. She and Zhou Yanbang could not accomplish anything!

After working hard to plan, she snatched this marriage from Jiang Li and happily waited for her lover to marry her.
, just wait until next winter, just wait until then, she will be the legitimate wife of the Crown Prince.

But all this failed just when it was about to succeed, and in the end, all the hard work was in vain for others!
There was a dark despair in Jiang Youyao's heart.

At this moment, the sound of a woman sobbing came from outside. Someone came into Wanfeng Hall from outside, and it was someone from the third branch of the Jiang family.

As soon as Jiang Yuanxing entered the room, he knelt down in front of Old Madam Jiang without saying a word. Behind him, Yang and Jiang Yu'e also knelt down.

Jiang Yuanxing turned around and kowtowed twice to Jiang Yuanbo, saying, "Brother, I'm sorry for you. It's the fault of the father if the son is not well educated. Yu'e got into trouble this time because I didn't teach her well. Just beat me to death!"

Yang also cried to Ji Shuran, "Sister-in-law, I really don't have the face to see you. I know Yu'e has gone too far this time, but... Yu'e is my flesh and blood, and you are also a mother. I have no choice. Please give Yu'e a way out. In the next life, I will work like a cow or a horse to repay you!"

Jiang Yu'e's eyes were also blurred with tears. She kowtowed to Jiang Youyao while crying. She didn't say as much as Jiang Yuanxing and Yang. She just sobbed and said, "Third sister... I was wrong..."

The whole family came to apologize. For a moment, the Wanfeng Hall was filled with crying and it was very lively.

Jiang Yuanbai was a little embarrassed. He and his half brother were not very close on weekdays. It was not because of the difference between legitimate and illegitimate children, but because Jiang Yuanxing was too cowardly and incompetent, and Jiang Yuanbai looked down on him. At this moment, a man's knees are as precious as gold. Jiang Yuanxing knelt down for him. Jiang Yuanbai did not think that this was a sign of Jiang Yuanxing's sincerity, but felt that he knelt down too easily.

Ji Shuran dodged Yang's hand that was grabbing her skirt and forced a smile, saying, "What are you talking about, sister-in-law? What do you mean by asking me to give Yu'e a way out? I didn't do anything to Yu'e. If you are talking about the marriage between the Zhou family and Youyao, then there is no need to worry about it. It is absolutely impossible for our Youyao to be with the Ningyuan Marquis's son. What Yu'e plans to do next has nothing to do with Youyao. So you don't need to work like a cow or a horse to repay me."

Yang didn't expect Ji Shuran to speak so straightforwardly. When she heard that it was impossible for Jiang Youyao and Zhou Yanbang to get married, her heart sank. Everyone in the Jiang family knew that Jiang Youyao had a deep affection for Zhou Yanbang. Now that Jiang Youyao couldn't enter the Zhou family, but Jiang Yu'e did, it would be strange if Jiang Youyao didn't hate Jiang Yu'e.

Yang's heart was like duckweed floating in the water, unable to tell up from down, left from right, feeling lost and panicked.

Jiang Yu'e, who was listening, was delighted.

To be fair, if she had to choose between Shen Ruyun and Jiang Youyao to become Zhou Yanbang's legal wife, Jiang Yu'e would rather choose Shen Ruyun. Staying with Jiang Youyao every day would remind Jiang Yu'e of the days when she was not valued in the Jiang family, and would also remind her that she was just the daughter of a bastard.

Jiang Yu'e didn't want to stay with Jiang Youyao. Jiang Youyao outshined her, and she had to serve tea to Jiang Youyao, serve dishes to her, just like she usually complimented Jiang Youyao, which was no different from her past self. In this way, she might as well serve a stranger.

The joy in Jiang Yu'e's eyes was clearly seen by Jiang Youyao. Jiang Youyao felt the fire in her heart suddenly surge up, and the joy was so dazzling that she lost her mind. She jumped up and rushed towards Jiang Yu'e.

"Bitch!" she screamed.

Jiang Yu'e was kneeling with her body huddled up, looking pitiful, when Jiang Youyao suddenly jumped up and hurt her. She was knocked to the ground. The pearl hairpin on her bun was thrown off and she fell to the ground as Jiang Youyao pounced on her.

Jiang Yu'e screamed.

……

The sun shone lazily through the carved windows. An oriole perched on a branch of crabapple at the door, chirping happily.

When Jiang Li came over, the oriole was startled, and it flapped its wings and flew to a tall tree in the blink of an eye.

Jiang Li looked up at the sky outside. It was a good day.

"Girl - Girl -" Tong'er came running in from outside.

Bai Xue was sweeping the floor. When Tong Er came in, she ran too fast and slipped. She was about to fall to the ground. Bai Xue quickly stretched out an arm to hold her up. Bai Xue was really strong. She held her up steadily with one hand. Tong Er stood up straight. She was grateful to Bai Xue for being safe and sound, "Thank you, Bai Xue."

"What's so urgent?" Bai Xue asked curiously, "Can't you just talk slowly?"

"No, it's a top priority. If I talk about it slowly, it won't be new. Miss..." She finally found Jiang Li standing in front of the window basking in the sun and said, "Finally I found you, Miss. Today, I went to the yard outside and heard something. Do you know what it is?"

Before Jiang Li could speak, Bai Xue interrupted and said, "If you don't tell me, how can the girl know what it is?"

"Don't say anything." Tong'er said, "I heard that something happened in Wanfeng Hall last night. I don't know why the Third Miss and the Fifth Miss fought."

"A fight?" Jiang Li was surprised, but she felt relieved after thinking about it. Jiang Yu'e and Jiang Youyao were not the type to hold their temper, so it was normal for them to fight. But she didn't expect them to be so courageous in front of Old Madam Jiang in Wanfeng Hall.

"Who won?" This was all Bai Xue cared about.

"Hehehe, the Third Miss was so arrogant, so of course she won. I heard that the Fifth Miss was also injured on the face by the Third Miss, and she bled. This time her face was disfigured. But the strange thing is that the Third Madam and the Third Master didn't say anything. They asked a doctor to check it out last night. Even though the matter was exposed, they didn't blame the Third Miss. This is too strange."

Tong'er shrugged: "I don't know why they fought."

Jiang Li smiled, she knew what they were doing.

For Zhou Yanbang.

(End of this chapter)