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Trust in those employed, and do not employ those you doubt - this is the ruler's consistent approach. Otherwise, who would dare to associate with that cunning monk, Xuan Ce?

Thus, Chang Ji developed more trust in Rong Shu, which led Heng Ping to keep a watchful eye on her. With Heng Ping's nature, even if he didn't say it out loud, he would likely secretly protect the young madam.

Upon hearing this, Gu Changjin pondered for a moment before asking, "Do we know where they went?"

"To the Riverside Pavilion."

Riverside Pavilion.

The man frowned, considering the matter for a few breaths. Then, gesturing towards the Weeping Flower Door, he said, "Let's go to the Riverside Pavilion."

...

In the Heaven-Rank room of the Riverside Pavilion.

After sitting in the room for over an hour, Rong Wu's patience was nearly exhausted. She stood up and asked, "You said Brother Jiang already has someone he loves, yet you brought me here to wait for half a day. Why can't we see a single person now?"

Rong Shu leisurely sipped her fruit tea and replied, "Why are you in such a hurry? It's only just turning dark, isn't it? Your Brother Jiang is probably on his way to pick up his companion."

"You—" Rong Wo was exasperated. She didn't believe a single word Rong Shu said.

She had met Jiang Shenglin on several occasions. How could such a proper and gentle gentleman, who was already betrothed, become entangled with another woman?

She hadn't followed Rong Shu to Jinjiang Tower to catch Jiang Shenglin in the act; she had come to expose Rong Shu's lies.

Yet here they were, and Rong Wo's face was as cold as frost, her cheeks puffed up with anger as she sat down.

Very well, she would see just how long Rong Shu could maintain her stubbornness!

Rong Shu felt somewhat uncertain too. Despite her apparent confidence, many of her memories from her previous life were gradually fading away.

All I can recall is that as the wedding approached, Miss Jiang from the family fell ill. Out of concern for his cousin, Jiang Shenglin took her out for several days to lift her spirits.

On one occasion, Rong Shu happened upon it, vaguely recalling it was a few days after the Lantern Festival.

Back then, she was unaware that the person in question was the very Jiang family brother often mentioned by Rong Yue. It was only when he came to the marquis manor to escort his bride that she finally recognized him.

Today, she brought Rong Wu here in the hope of a fortunate encounter.

In any case, Rong Wu would eventually learn the truth. Even if they didn't meet today, she would sooner or later discover that Chang Ji's words were not false.

As for why she insisted on revealing this truth to her now, it all started with Rong Wu's visit to the Phoenix Avenue earlier in the day.

Perhaps Father had mentioned to Rong Wu his plan to marry her off from the Qingheng Courtyard. Perhaps Concubine Pei guessed that Chang Ji was behind this proposal. Fueled by resentment, Rong Wu had come to the Phoenix Avenue.

Rong Shu hadn't intended to engage in a prolonged argument with her. However, when Rong Wu firmly declared that their mother had stolen Concubine Pei's rightful position as wife and refused to leave the Qingheng Courtyard or pay respects to their mother, Rong Shu saw no reason to spare her sister's pride.

So, she decided to take this arrogant younger sister to witness firsthand how her future husband was deeply affectionate with his cousin.

She wanted to see if her sister had the grace to accept this reality.

The Riverside Pavilion, as its name suggested, stood by a tributary of the Canglang River. From the windows of the rooms labeled "Heaven," one could admire the elegant boats sailing on the river.

Chang Ji parked the carriage by the Canglang River, while Heng Ping climbed aboard and recounted the reason behind Rong Shu's visit to the Riverside Pavilion.

"For that young master of the Jiang family?"

Gu Changjin tapped lightly on the table. Huang, the magistrate from the Ministry of Punishment, was notorious for visiting various government offices and knew many secrets about the noble families in the capital.

He had even mentioned earlier in the afternoon that Young Master Jiang secretly ordered a painted boat on the Canglan River.

"Find out where Jiang Shenglin is and figure out a way to force him to go to the Riverside Pavilion," Gu Changjin instructed.

Chang Ji immediately understood Gu Changjin's plan, and being skilled in such matters, he eagerly took charge, saying, "Leave this trivial task to me."

With that, he slipped away like a slippery fish.

Gu Changjin asked Heng Ping, "Which of the Heavenly rooms is Madam in?"

"Number Three," Heng Ping replied. "I was worried something might happen to Madam, so I booked the adjacent Heavenly Four for her."

Gu Changjin nodded nonchalantly and picked up a cloak nearby. "I'll go take a look. You don't have to come with me."

Chapter 34

The lantern spectacle on the Canglan River is a magnificent sight during the Lantern Festival, with hundreds of wooden boats carrying various lanterns gathering in the river's center every 15th day of the first lunar month.

From afar, it appears as if stars have descended into the water, or fireworks have burst within its depths, creating a unique and enchanting ambiance.

The best view of this grand spectacle can be enjoyed from the Linjiang Pavilion.

Thus, on this night, the Linjiang Pavilion was bustling with excitement, filled with those who had missed the river's lantern display the previous evening, eager to catch a glimpse.

Amidst the clamor downstairs, people's hearts grew restless.

Rong Shu stood beside Rong Wan, whose face was etched with impatience, while Rong Shu calmly admired the river's illuminated scene.

"You worry too much. Even if Jiang Shenglin doesn't come today, he will tomorrow. The lantern show lasts only three days, and tomorrow is the last. How could your brother Jiang possibly resist such a breathtaking sight?"

Rong Wan bit her lip, glaring at Rong Shu, longing to refute her sister's words. However, seeing Rong Shu's unwavering confidence, she felt a momentary uncertainty.

She wondered if Rong Shu truly possessed some evidence.

Just then, Rong Shu exclaimed, "What has happened to that painted boat?"

Yonguo followed her gaze and saw that a few wisps of white smoke were rising from the stern of a painted pleasure boat moored by the riverbank. The people inside must have been startled, for they hastily rushed down from the boat and headed towards the nearby Riverside Pavilion.

In the midst of them was a man dressed in a brocade robe, wearing a jade crown. His demeanor was as graceful as a willow in the breeze, and there was no mistaking him for anyone other than Jiang Shenglin.

Despite the distance, Yonguo could identify Jiang Shenglin at first sight.

As her eyes lingered on his side, her eyelids reddened with emotion.

Although the young lady wore a veil, her lithe figure and elegant posture betrayed her youth and beauty. Clearly shaken, she clung to Jiang Shenglin like a frightened bird, trembling in his embrace.

Jiang Shenglin turned his head now and then to reassure her with gentle words, his expression filled with tender concern and affection.