Chapter 19: The Sweet and Bitter Drama of the Marquis’ Household

Chapter 19: The Dogfight Drama of "You Love Me, I Love You" in the Marquis' Estate—A Sweet...

Near 7 PM, a luxurious carriage drawn by four horses traveled along the road. The carriage was towering, nearly as large as a small room, and its entrance was not a simple curtain but two outward-opening wooden doors. The upper half was carved with peony branches, while the gaps were covered with thin gauze. From afar, the sight of four horses pulling such an extravagant carriage was quite ostentatious. The roof of the carriage was adorned with upturned eaves, on which mythical guardian beasts perched, and below them hung jade bells chiming softly in the wind.

The wheels rumbled over the neatly laid bluestone pavement of the district, leaving behind a lingering, orderly echo in the alley.

In the summer evening, the sky was ablaze with crimson clouds, and the sun dipped molten gold into the clouds.

The carriage of the Marquis of Zhongyi swayed gently, rolling over the thick, golden-red sunlight spilled across the bluestone pavement, before coming to a slow halt at the main entrance of the Marquis’ estate.

At the entrance stood an elderly woman dressed in a brown, coin-patterned cross-collared long skirt—none other than Qin Chanyue's trusted confidante, Nanny Zhao.

Seeing the carriage arrive, Nanny Zhao, her longtime confidante, hurried forward to greet it.

As soon as the carriage stopped, the coachman nimbly jumped down and placed a footstool. A maid quickly climbed onto the carriage and pushed open the doors.

After a brief moment, a statuesque woman emerged from the carriage—Lady Qin, the wife of the Marquis of Zhongyi, Qin Chanyue.

Today, Lady Qin wore a deep emerald-green cross-collared long skirt, a color as vibrant and rich as a piece of jade. Her hair was adorned with golden hairpins and ornaments, exuding an air of elegance and nobility. She swept inside, her peach-shaped face betraying no trace of unease or sorrow.

Nanny Zhao reached out to support Qin Chanyue’s arm. As the two walked past the entrance, around the screen wall, and along the corridor above the lotus lake, Nanny Zhao whispered what had transpired in the residence during Qin Chanyue’s absence.

"Fang Yiniang and Zhou Wenshan seem to have discovered the eldest young master's misdeeds. They dragged the marquis along to confront him. The marquis initially didn’t believe it, but he couldn’t resist Fang Yiniang’s hysterics and ended up going with her."

"When they arrived, they happened to witness—" Just then, a gust of wind blew, rustling the lotuses outside the corridor. Nanny Zhao shot a glare at the maids behind them, who promptly retreated further away. Lowering her voice even more, she whispered, "They happened to witness the eldest young master and Miss Bai engaging in... indecent acts."

Qin Chanyue arched her delicate brows, her tone laced with sarcasm. "How the hell did those two get tangled up?"

She prided herself all her life on never competing with others for a man. Had she known earlier about the marquis’ foolish actions, he’d be six feet under by now. Thus, she couldn’t fathom what kind of spell had been cast on her two sons—who had always been outstanding—to make them chase after Bai Yuning despite knowing she had been involved with others.

Nanny Zhao whispered, "This old servant wasn’t present at the time, so I didn’t see it firsthand. But I heard that the eldest young master forced himself on Miss Bai, and when she resisted, he slapped her repeatedly. It was quite a pitiful sight."

"Later, when the marquis and Fang Yiniang barged in, they immediately accused the eldest young master. Of course, he denied everything. But Miss Bai seized the opportunity to rush forward, claiming she had evidence that the eldest young master had framed the third young master."

At this point, a pang of worry crossed Nanny Zhao’s face. She said, "My lady, you’ve returned just in time. The marquis summoned everyone to the main hall. Your arrival will surely lend support to the eldest young master. He must have been led astray by Miss Bai—understandable, given the circumstances. But murdering his own younger brother? Out of the question! It must be Miss Bai and Fang Yiniang conspiring to slander him!"

Having stayed behind to manage household affairs, Nanny Zhao was unaware of Zhou Yuanting’s actions outside the estate. She genuinely believed he had been framed.

Though Zhou Yuanting had made many mistakes... he was still a child they had watched grow up, her own flesh and blood. When a child errs, adults shouldn’t hold grudges—they must protect them when needed. How could they stand by and watch Zhou Yuanting be wrongfully condemned?

After all, he was her own son! Nanny Zhao regarded him almost as her own.

As she spoke, her tone carried a note of persuasion. "My lady... he’ll grow out of it. If you take a step back now, he’ll surely respect you in all things hereafter. Once mother and son reconcile, and we send that Miss Bai away, all will be right as rain."

By then, they had descended from the corridor. The hem of Qin Chanyue’s splendid brocade skirt brushed against the wooden steps as they rounded a red wall with green tiles, revealing a straight path leading to the main hall. Nanny Zhao’s words lingered in the air as they approached the front courtyard.

The reception hall of the Marquis’ estate was vast, its floor paved with white marble. Though called a "hall," its grandeur rivaled that of a palace. Ceramic guardian beasts perched on the roof’s ridges, and as they drew near, the setting sun cast a multicolored glow upon them—a sight unique to summer evenings.

Amidst the shimmering hues of summer, Qin Chanyue gave a noncommittal smile.

She knew Nanny Zhao was making the same mistake she had in her past life.

Such was the nature of motherhood—even when a child was beyond redemption, mothers couldn’t help but reach out to save them. If the child couldn’t climb up, they’d even lie down to let them step over their bodies to escape.

People may distrust anyone, but they’ll always believe in their own children. Unless they’ve fallen to the very bottom, they’ll never accept that their child could abandon them.

So she didn’t say anything harsh or unpleasant to Nanny Zhao. Instead, she replied softly, "Yes, he must have been framed. I’ll go straighten this out."

She only needed to expose Zhou Yuanting's facade for all the world to see, and they would be disappointed in him, withholding all their affection from him.

As they spoke, they had already arrived at the entrance of the front hall.

All the maids outside the front hall had been dismissed, leaving only a few elderly household guards standing watch—all loyal retainers of the Marquis of Zhongyi.

The old nannies who had served the Marquis for years were originally assigned to the Shuhai Courtyard to attend to Zhou Yuanting, but Qin Chanyue had later found excuses to send them to the countryside estates, where they remained, unrecovered. Now, when trusted aides were needed, the Marquis found himself without a single reliable person at hand and had to resort to deploying household guards for security.

Upon seeing Qin Chanyue approach, the guards bowed in greeting.

As Qin Chanyue, supported by Nanny Zhao, stepped into the front hall, the atmosphere inside was tense with hostility.

Zhou Ziheng, the Marquis of Zhongyi, ailing and frail, sat in the main seat of the hall, while Fang Yiniang sniveled pitifully in the secondary seat. Zhou Yuanting knelt on the floor of the hall, and beside him knelt Bai Yuning, now dressed in clean attire.

When Qin Chanyue entered, she heard Zhou Yuanting kneeling on the ground, his tone solemn and firm: "Father, believe me—I would never harm Third Brother. Bai Yuning betrayed me first, and now she claims to have evidence—she must be framing me. Aunt Fang, don’t fall for her lies."

As he spoke, Zhou Yuanting cut her a sharp look.

He didn’t know why Bai Yuning dared to claim she had "evidence" against him, but he absolutely could not admit to anything. Besides—how could Bai Yuning possibly have evidence? He had entrusted all these matters to his trusted men, ensuring not a single word leaked. How could she know?

That was why he dared to declare so boldly that she was "lying."

Bai Yuning knew Zhou Yuanting didn’t believe she had evidence—but she truly did.

To others, she appeared helpless and alone, but in truth, she knew many secrets within the household.

For instance, that Liu Yandai was no fool! Beneath her foolish facade, she had deliberately lured Zhou Yuanting to the flower pavilion that day, ensuring he caught Bai Yuning and Zhou Chiye in the act—clearly a carefully laid trap. Everyone had been fooled by her!

And then there was Zhou Yuanting’s unwillingness to relinquish the heir’s title, resorting to dirty tricks. Though his dealings with those young noblemen to lure Zhou Wenshan out were done in secret, they couldn’t escape the Second Prince’s notice—some among those nobles were eager to suck up to the Second Prince and willingly passed on the information.

Thus, the intelligence had eventually made its way to Bai Yuning.

Though the Second Prince couldn’t openly assist her, she had secretly uncovered many truths.

Before Zhou Yuanting had violated her, Bai Yuning had known of these matters but had no intention of involving herself in the household strife. The Second Prince needed her to remain in the marquis’s residence for a greater purpose—originally to search for a certain map, but now, with the return of the Prince of Southern Pacification, staying might yield even more intelligence. The Second Prince had high expectations of her, so she had planned to lie low and avoid trouble.

But then—Zhou Yuanting had dared to violate her!

The memory of him slapping her, tearing her clothes, and forcing himself upon her made her clench her jaw in fury.

*Lying?* Once she presented the evidence, Zhou Yuanting would see whether she was lying or not!

"Lying?" At the same time, Fang Yiniang hissed the word, her sharp gaze sweeping from Zhou Yuanting to Qin Chanyue, who had just entered.

As a concubine, she ought to have risen from the secondary seat—that was the rightful place of the primary wife. Sitting there was already an overstep.

But she refused to yield. Instead, she lifted her chin haughtily, shifting her glare from the kneeling Zhou Yuanting to the standing Qin Chanyue, and lashed out with snide remarks: "You’re not my own son! Who knows what wicked schemes you harbor? Hearts are veiled—why should I trust you? You must be plotting against my son, trying to steal our family’s title!"

She carried herself as if she were the mistress of the household, as though the marquis’s residence had always rightfully belonged to her.

Qin Chanyue, who had just stepped into the hall, heard this and cast a disdainful look at Fang Yiniang before turning her gaze to Zhou Ziheng on the main seat.

Zhou Ziheng thinned his lips, his expression icy as he stared at her.

He had aged considerably in recent days. Once a handsome and refined gentleman, he now seemed haggard, his pale, once-smooth skin now sagging, making his eyes appear cold and reptilian—like a serpent lurking in the shadows, its fangs dripping with poison.

One look at Zhou Ziheng’s expression told Qin Chanyue everything: he believed Fang Yiniang’s words.

He had always favored Fang Yiniang, and now, guilt-ridden, his bias had only deepened. He could accept Fang Yiniang being subordinate to Qin Chanyue as a concubine—after all, behind Qin Chanyue stood the power sharper than blades, leaving him no choice but to concede. But he could never tolerate Fang Yiniang and their child being harmed by Qin Chanyue or her children.

If it had come to this, he would certainly show Qin Chanyue no mercy.

If things were truly as Bai Yuning had claimed, Zhou Ziheng would not spare Zhou Yuanting or Qin Chanyue—though Zhou Yuanting was his child, in his heart, Zhou Yuanting was not as important as Zhou Wenshan, just as Qin Chanyue was not as important as Fang Yiniang.

"Fang Yiniang, your words are mistaken," Qin Chanyue's gaze swept around the room, taking in everyone before settling on Fang Yiniang's face. "What do you mean by 'not being blood-related means distrust runs deep'? Zhou Wenshan isn’t my blood son either, yet wasn’t I willing to yield the position as heir to him? I treated your son like my own, yet you say my son is 'not blood-related'—what kind of reasoning is that?"

Her voice was even, betraying no emotion, yet it left Fang Yiniang momentarily speechless, her face flushing red without a word to retort.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yuanting, kneeling on the ground, turned his head and, upon seeing his mother, immediately lowered his head, putting on an expression of utmost grievance. "Mother, I truly don’t know what happened."

Zhou Yuanting knew how fiercely protective his mother was. Though she had grown distant from him due to his cold treatment of Liu Yandai and pursuit of Bai Yuning, in her heart, he was still her most important child!

A surge of delight filled Zhou Yuanting, a faint sense of triumph rising within him.

His father was gravely ill and near death. His mother loved his father so deeply that she had humiliated herself to bring a concubine into the household. Surely, she had been blinded by her love for his father. Now that she saw her own son being wronged, she would never stand idly by!

Sure enough, upon hearing his words, his mother frowned and said to his father, "I was away from the estate today upon hearing news of the Prince of Southern Pacification’s return, unaware of what transpired here. However, if it is said that Yuanting harmed Wenshan, then present the evidence. If it is true, I will punish him severely without leniency."

When Qin Chanyue mentioned the "Prince of Southern Pacification," Zhou Ziheng’s eyelids twitched, and he exclaimed in shock, "Chu Hang has returned?"

Since falling gravely ill and retiring to the estate, he had paid little attention to court affairs, instead immersing himself in Fang Qingqing’s tender affections and the familial bonds with Zhou Wenshan. Qin Chanyue had also subtly clipped his wings, delaying the flow of information to him, so he had only just learned of such significant news.

The first thought that crossed Zhou Ziheng’s mind upon hearing this was: Had Chu Hang come for revenge?

Back when he married Qin Chanyue, Chu Hang had made it explicitly clear—if he ever wronged Qin Chanyue, Chu Hang would take his life.

He had thought that, with his impending death and Chu Hang stationed far at the border, there would be no time for reckoning. Yet now, Chu Hang had returned, and he was still alive—wasn’t this just inviting trouble?

Everyone knew Chu Hang, the Prince of Southern Pacification, was iron-willed, with only one weakness—his adopted sister. Though Zhou Ziheng was a marquis, he was merely a noble enjoying comfort in Chang’an, no match for Chu Hang’s military might. If Chu Hang truly lost his temper, Zhou Ziheng would be doomed!

"Indeed," the elegant lady stood composed in the hall, seemingly oblivious to Zhou Ziheng’s panic and shock, her tone indifferent. "I’ve just seen him. Would you like to go and greet him?"

Zhou Ziheng immediately rose from his seat. "Of course I must go. I apologize for not greeting him at the city gates—my illness kept me away. I hope my elder brother will not take offense."

Not only did he stand, but he also made Fang Qingqing rise beside him, even reprimanding her in a low voice, "You are but a concubine—how dare you disrespect the lady of the house? Step back at once!"

Fang Qingqing froze, bewildered by Zhou Ziheng’s sudden change in demeanor.

She couldn’t understand why her husband had suddenly turned on her. Just moments ago, he had allowed her to sit, yet now she had to retreat, watching as he stepped forward to escort Qin Chanyue to the lesser seat in the hall.

As Qin Chanyue was led forward, she did not spare Fang Qingqing a glance, yet Fang Qingqing’s eyes remained fixed on her—on her composed expression, on the swaying red silk of her skirt—until Qin Chanyue took the seat she had just vacated.

When Zhou Ziheng helped Qin Chanyue sit, Fang Qingqing was overwhelmed by a surge of humiliation, her face burning red.

She’d always thought herself his favorite. Whether she was a concubine or not had never mattered to her, and she had taken pride in her many oversteps, seeing them as proof of Zhou Ziheng’s love and her superiority over Qin Chanyue.

Before, Qin Chanyue had never spoken up, and Zhou Ziheng had turned a blind eye. But now that he suddenly enforced propriety, the stark contrast made Fang Qingqing’s blood boil. She stomped her foot and shouted, "My lord! No matter who has returned, you must stand up for our son!"

Zhou Ziheng stiffened at her shout, first snapping, "Silence!" before anxiously glancing at Qin Chanyue’s expression.

Qin Chanyue had always been bold and domineering, only restraining herself out of love for him and yielding further due to his illness. But that did not mean she was weak or easily bullied. Fang Qingqing, knowing little of this, had dared to provoke her—Zhou Ziheng truly feared Qin Chanyue’s wrath.

Usually, he could keep her in check, but with Chu Hang’s return, no one but the Emperor himself could rein her in!

Yet the stately woman now seated in the lesser seat remained expressionless, her voice calm. "Fang Yiniang is right. No matter who has arrived, it will not hinder today’s affairs. I, Qin Chanyue, distinguish right from wrong clearly and have never wronged others. All debts in this world must be settled—now, let us settle them properly."

As she spoke, Qin Chanyue’s gaze fell upon Bai Yuning, kneeling on the ground. "Miss Bai, you claimed to have evidence of Zhou Yuanting framing Zhou Wenshan. Show it now. No matter your quarrel with Zhou Yuanting, as long as you provide proof, I’ll punish him fairly."

Everyone stared at Bai Yuning.

All their earlier arguments had been pure speculation; only Bai Yuning, who repeatedly claimed to "have evidence," held the key.

Bai Yuning knelt on the ground, dressed in a pale green round-necked bustier dress, her hair tied up with a simple jade hairpin, looking elegant and otherworldly. Yet, her face bore horrifying slap marks, and even her neck was bruised with a purplish-blue handprint, making her look utterly pitiful.

As everyone's gaze turned toward her, Bai Yuning's face showed traces of panic. Her slender, delicate fingers nervously clutched at her sleeves, her cheeks turning slightly red before she lowered her head and began explaining softly: "Three days ago, I wanted to visit the ancestral hall to see the second young master. Since he was under house arrest, I went secretly, avoiding people along the way."

The expressions of those present varied, inevitably tinged with disdain.

For a woman to meet a man privately in the dead of night was a grave offense in any respectable household. At best, she'd be said to be 'ill' and exiled to a remote estate, never to return, left to waste away in obscurity. At worst, she would be drowned in a pond to preserve the family's reputation for propriety.

Bai Yuning was well aware of how shameful her words sounded—basically trampling her own dignity as a lady of good breeding underfoot, inviting scorn from others. But without this explanation, she couldn't justify how she had come to know Zhou Yuanting's secret. So she had no choice but to press on despite the humiliation.

"On that day, while evading patrolling guards, I passed by a rockery. Hearing someone approach, I quickly hid. It turned out to be Zhou Yuanting and his servant. I heard Zhou Yuanting telling his servant to find a way to add a spice called '[Horse Agitation]' to Zhou Wenshan's personal sachet. This spice could drive horses into a frenzy, causing the rider to be thrown off—either badly hurt or killed instantly."

The combination of truth and lies made her account seem all the more credible.

Zhou Yuanting, standing nearby, had initially watched her with a sneer, confident and condescending, eager to see what lies she would spin. But when Bai Yuning mentioned "Horse Agitation," he gasped in real shock.

Because he *had* used Horse Agitation!

This substance had cost him a fortune, bought from a Western tribesman merchant. It was nearly unheard of in Chang'an, known only to a select few. How would Bai Yuning, a sheltered woman, know of such a thing?

What should have been a flawless scheme now had a glaring hole torn into it by Bai Yuning.

His astonishment was unmistakable, taking a couple of breaths before he snapped back to reality and hastily retorted, "Y-you're talking nonsense! I never spoke such words to any servant, nor have I ever heard of this 'Horse Agitation'! You're lying through your teeth!"

Bai Yuning didn't even glance at him, her gaze fixed squarely on Fang Yiniang standing nearby. "If such a thing exists, why not search the young master's person? Find the sachet and see if it contains Horse Agitation—then the truth will be clear."

As she spoke, Bai Yuning slowly turned her head, her bruised face fixed on Zhou Yuanting, whose forehead was now beaded with sweat.

She enunciated each word deliberately: "Wouldn't it be convenient if that sachet just happened to go missing? Why would it disappear so precisely? In that case, Fang Yiniang could investigate the eldest young master's recent expenditures. Horse Agitation is expensive—he would have spent a large sum. Check his outings, see which markets he visited. Then interrogate his servants—and third young master's servants too—under torture. They'll surely confess."

Some pressure—a broken bone or near-death experience—would make them talk.

Zhou Yuanting's servants might be loyal enough to endure for his sake, but what about Zhou Wenshan's? His attendants were temporarily assigned, with no loyalty to him or Zhou Yuanting.

Bai Yuning was clever and merciless, laying out every possible avenue. A single slip from anyone would be enough to seal Zhou Yuanting's fate.

And Zhou Yuanting *had* indeed ordered the sachet removed—the simplest logic. If the sachet was the evidence, then destroying it would leave no trace.

After all, who would care about a missing sachet?

Before Bai Yuning brought it up, no one had. But now, if the sachet suddenly couldn't be found, it would look highly suspicious. And if they followed Bai Yuning's suggestions to investigate thoroughly—

Zhou Yuanting broke out in a cold sweat, his whole body tense with urgency, like his bones were screaming: *Say something, say something!*

He couldn't just sit waiting for disaster. He had to defend himself! But any rebuttal he could muster now seemed futile against the mounting evidence.

Just as Zhou Yuanting teetered on the edge of panic, the matriarch seated at the head of the room finally spoke.

"Search the third young master," Qin Chanyue commanded. "See if he carries any sachet."

Nanny Zhao nodded, while Fang Yiniang, afraid of trickery, hastily added, "I'll go too."

Zhou Yuanting glared at Fang Yiniang but said nothing.

Fang Yiniang followed Nanny Zhao out of the main hall.

With their departure, only four remained in the hall: a husband and wife tied together by mutual deceit, and former lovers now bitter enemies, each wishing the other dead. Each of the four harbored their own schemes, their minds racing with plans that could start fires.

At the main seat in the front hall, Zhou Ziheng had been persistently questioning Qin Chanyue, trying to uncover why the Prince of Southern Pacification had come. Meanwhile, on the wooden floor below, Zhou Yuanting knelt, his teeth gritted as he hissed under his breath to Bai Yuning, “What do you really want? Who told you about the equine excitant? Who sent you to cause trouble for me?”

He refused to believe that Bai Yuning, a woman who knew nothing, could have uncovered this on her own!

Bai Yuning knelt, her face blank.

No one had sent her to trouble Zhou Yuanting. She had never intended to stir conflict—it was Zhou Yuanting who had left her no choice, forcing her into mutual destruction.

The slender, elegant girl turned her head slightly, staring at Zhou Yuanting for a moment before offering him a faint smile. Her eyes curved, yet held no warmth, and her lips parted slowly, revealing a chilling, razor-sharp coldness.

It was like watching a beautiful flower bloom—only to find that at its heart lay not pollen, but a spider with a human face, fangs glistening with venom. She lured others in with her delicate appearance, only to spin deadly silk, cocooning her prey before devouring them alive, laying her eggs in their flesh, using their bodies as nests for her snow-white larvae to feast upon.

Such a woman—how terrifying!

Her pale, parted lips pressed together slightly before silently forming a single word: *Die.*

Zhou Yuanting stared at her in horror, his body trembling violently. The young master’s frame slumped in an instant.

Then, in the next moment, footsteps pounded from outside the door. With each step, despair seized Zhou Yuanting.

The sachet had long been destroyed—there was no way it could be found. If they followed Bai Yuning’s suggestions and investigated, he was finished!

Regret engulfed him. He knelt frozen in place, cold sweat dripping from his forehead, too terrified to even imagine his fate.

If this were exposed, his father would never forgive him. He had crippled Zhou Wenshan—how would Fang Yiniang retaliate?

What would become of him?

What would become of him?!

Brother killing brother—according to family law, they’d cast him out and strike his name from the ancestral records!

Then—then—he would be nothing!

Terror gripped him. A stone lodged in his throat, choking him. His body convulsed with the urge to retch, but he couldn’t.

He couldn’t show weakness. He couldn’t admit guilt. Even if all the evidence surfaced, he had to grit his teeth and claim, "I was framed!" Only then might he survive.

So he bit his lip until it bled. Just then, Nanny Zhao barged in from outside.

Behind her followed the estate’s private guard captain, who stopped at the entrance, head bowed, while Nanny Zhao marched forward.

In her youth, Nanny Zhao had been battle-hardened. Unlike Qin Chanyue, who only learned for show, she was a true fighter—once capable of killing with a blade in hand. Even in old age, she remained formidable; her slap could knock a man out. Now in her sixties, she was still a robust and fierce woman, her heavy steps commanding attention as she entered.

All eyes turned to her as Nanny Zhao lifted her chin and drew a bloodstained moon-embroidered sachet from her sleeve.

Clutching it high, she strode forward, stopping two paces from Zhou Yuanting and Bai Yuning. With a bow, she presented the sachet and announced, "My lord, my lady, this servant and Fang Yiniang went to the Third Young Master’s sickbed. He had already changed his clothes upon returning, so we retrieved this sachet from the laundry maids. Upon inspection, it contained only ordinary spices—no trace of anything called 'equine excitant.' Please examine it."

As her voice faded, the expressions around the room shifted.

A maid stepped forward to take the sachet and present it. Qin Chanyue remained impassive, while the two kneeling on the floor were thrown into turmoil.

Zhou Yuanting and Bai Yuning both stared at the sachet—the former in shock: *How was it found? I destroyed it!*

The latter in disbelief: *He didn’t discard it after all?*

The situation had taken an unexpected turn, leaving both Zhou Yuanting and Bai Yuning momentarily uncertain and uneasy.

The confrontation today was set in motion by the two of them, but they had long lost control—like being caught in a massive whirlpool, they could only be swept into its depths, tossed and turned.

At this moment, Marquis of Zhongyi, Zhou Ziheng, scanned the room and asked, "Where is Fang Yiniang?"

When they left, Nanny Zhao had taken Fang Yiniang with her, yet now only Nanny Zhao returned, inevitably arousing suspicion.

"Reporting to the Marquis," Nanny Zhao replied, "When this old servant retrieved the sachet, Fang Yiniang refused to believe it was clean. She threw a fit, slapping the laundry maids and refusing to leave. She is still causing a commotion in the laundry room. This old servant had no choice but to return first and, along the way—"

Nanny Zhao’s sharp gaze lasered in on Bai Yuning before turning to the private guard captain at the door. "This old servant has brought the captain in charge of patrols. Earlier, Miss Bai alleged she overheard the young master conspiring with a servant. Then, Miss Bai, please tell us—on which day did you avoid which patrol squad, which path did you take, and behind which rockery did you hide? Once we cross-check this, we shall identify which servant it was beside the young master. Let us examine every detail and see who has been lying."

Since the sachet had been successfully recovered without any trace of the supposed poison, the situation reversed, and the accusations now turned against Bai Yuning.

Bai Yuning’s face paled instantly.

Just as Zhou Yuanting could not withstand scrutiny, neither could Bai Yuning. Zhou Yuanting had indeed committed those vile deeds, but Bai Yuning had also fabricated lies.

She could not specify which path she had taken in the marquis’s estate, nor could she later identify the servant in question. Stumbling over her words, she failed to produce a coherent answer, making it obvious to any discerning observer that she was lying.

Nanny Zhao, standing nearby, glared fiercely at Bai Yuning and scolded, "Our mistress, out of pity for you as the daughter of an old friend, treated you with boundless kindness, hosting you in the estate for days as an honored guest. And how have you repaid her? First, you entangled yourself with the eldest young master, driving a wedge between him and his wife, ruining their marriage. Then, you seduced the second young master, turning brothers against each other. And now, you falsely accuse our eldest young master of framing the third young master! What exactly is your aim, Miss Bai?"

Bai Yuning could not utter a single word in her defense.

Her misdeeds were too numerous—she had reached a dead end!

For a moment, everyone looked upon Bai Yuning with utter disdain.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yuanting, finding an unexpected lifeline, rose from the ground, wiped the sweat from his brow, and blurted out a flood of excuses: "Father, Mother, this woman is utterly malicious—she must not be let off lightly! My loyalty is as clear as the heavens!"

He conveniently ignored his own attempt to force himself upon Bai Yuning, focusing solely on her lies. "Had this sachet truly been lost, I would have been left with no defense but to atone with my death!"

Bai Yuning gritted her teeth, knowing there was nothing left to say.

With matters having reached this point, the "truth" appeared undeniable—the eldest young master was innocent, and it was all this woman’s scheme to frame him.

Then, a clamor arose outside. When everyone looked up, they saw Fang Yiniang stumbling in, sobbing uncontrollably. Her makeup was smeared, and she tripped over the doorstep, crashing heavily to the floor.

Unable to rise from the pain, she crawled forward, keening, "Husband, husband! Do not believe these people! They must have switched the contents of the sachet! Our son was murdered by them! Husband, you must seek justice for our child!"

Fang Yiniang had always appeared delicate and slender, like a fragile white pear blossom under the moonlight, exuding a gentle, demure charm. But now, as she sprawled on the ground, shrieking like a madwoman, that fragile beauty shattered entirely, revealing a face twisted with hysteria.

Her screams resembled those of a fishwife, utterly destroying the meek image she had maintained in Zhou Ziheng’s heart. He felt nothing but embarrassment.

Truly, she came from a lowly background—not a trace of dignity left!

"The truth is already clear. Cease this hysterical nonsense," Zhou Ziheng waved his hand dismissively. "Guards! Remove Fang Yiniang!"

Servants rushed in to drag her away, but Fang Yiniang refused to stand, writhing on the ground and shrieking, "Husband, husband! That was our child!"

Zhou Ziheng could not bear to look at her, disgusted by her lack of decorum. In contrast, Zhou Yuanting put on a show of pity, instructing the guards, "Be gentle. Fang Yiniang is distraught—do not be too harsh with her."

As Fang Yiniang was hauled away, Qin Chanyue sat imperiously in her seat, watching the scene with icy detachment.

For a fleeting moment, she recalled the distant past—when her foster brother had died, leaving her without support, and Zhou Ziheng had coldly thrown her out of the household. Back then, Fang Qingqing had held court, surrounded by admirers, her two children fawning over her, while Qin Chanyue was driven out like a discarded stray. That memory felt as fresh as yesterday.

And now—

Her gaze shifted from Fang Yiniang to the two figures before her.

Zhou Yuanting stood tall, radiating triumph, while Bai Yuning remained kneeling, her face ashen. The contrast between them made it clear—who had won, and who had lost.

Once Fang Yiniang left, the front hall fell silent. The battle was over at this moment, leaving nothing more to argue about.

Qin Chanyue stood up, putting an end to today's charade. She said, "Escort the eldest young master back to Shuhai Courtyard to rest—and pack Miss Bai's belongings. She is to be sent out of the estate today."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuanting immediately rose and slipped away without a word.

As he departed, he cautiously glanced at Bai Yuning but didn’t dare look longer, quickly making his exit.

Two things nagged at him: First, he had clearly sent someone to dispose of the sachet—so how had it returned? Second, how had Bai Yuning learned about the sachet in the first place? These questions gnawed at him, and he wouldn’t rest until he got answers. The second matter was easier—Bai Yuning wouldn't escape. Once she left the marquis's residence, he would have her followed, pin her down somewhere isolated, and interrogate her however he pleased. He was certain he could extract the truth. As for the first matter—the sachet—he would have to thoroughly investigate the servants and find out where they messed up.

While Zhou Yuanting left with these heavy thoughts, Qin Chanyue observed Bai Yuning closely.

She’d meant to keep Bai Yuning close, knowing she was a pawn of the second prince. Keeping her within the residence would have been more useful than expelling her. But she hadn't expected Zhou Yuanting to act against Bai Yuning first.

Still, it was just as well.

Once Bai Yuning left the marquis's residence, the real show was just starting. Outside these walls, Bai Yuning would have more freedom to act—and Qin Chanyue, watching from the shadows, would see far more.

When Bai Yuning heard Qin Chanyue's order to expel her, she felt the sting of defeat—a dull ache in her heart mixed with a trace of reluctance.

She had lost this battle against Zhou Yuanting. She was destined to leave this place. But once gone, she would no longer see her beloved Zhou Chiye, nor could she continue delivering messages for the second prince.

Unable to suppress her sorrow, she rose, mustered a stiff bow, and then departed.

Nanny Zhao dogged her steps, vigilant every step of the way—today, she would not allow this woman to cause any more trouble. Even if Bai Yuning fainted now, Nanny Zhao would haul her out by the collar!

Once Bai Yuning was gone, Qin Chanyue had no patience left for the others. She stood, descended the steps, and allowed her maids to escort her out of the front hall.

Zhou Ziheng wanted to follow and ask her a few more questions, but Qin Chanyue merely waved him off, saying, "Marquis, you should spend more time comforting Fang Yiniang. Her son is crippled—she must be heartbroken."

Zhou Ziheng thought of Fang Yiniang's hysterical state and felt a pang of pity, but he lacked the energy or patience to console her. He sighed quietly.

With Fang Yiniang dragged away, Bai Yuning expelled, and Qin Chanyue and Zhou Yuanting gone, the front hall was suddenly empty save for Zhou Ziheng alone.

The ailing marquis furrowed his brow in thought for a while but ultimately did not seek out Fang Yiniang. Instead, he returned to Qiufeng Hall to rest, instructing servants to send her some ginseng and deer antler supplements.

He could only hope Fang Yiniang would soon accept reality and stop her madness. Even if Zhou Wenshan was now disabled, he could still set him up with plenty of money, allowing him to live a comfortable, leisurely life.

But while Zhou Ziheng resigned himself to fate, Fang Yiniang refused.

Zhou Ziheng had three children—Fang Yiniang had only this one. Zhou Ziheng could accept losing one son because he still had two others. But Fang Yiniang had no others.

Every moment, she kept vigil at her son’s bedside.

This was her own flesh and blood, the treasure she had raised with her own hands. Part of her life belonged to Zhou Ziheng—but the rest belonged entirely to her son. How could she accept that he would now be a cripple, bedridden for life?

What made Fang Yiniang even angrier was that after Zhou Wenshan awoke, he kept swearing he’d been set up—that he had heard the conspirators' words with his own ears.

Fang Yiniang believed her son would never lie. Wenshan would never lie to accuse someone—so it had to be Zhou Yuanting's doing!

As for why the sachet hadn't revealed anything… Qin Chanyue must have covered for Zhou Yuanting!

Her son had been murdered, yet everyone called it an accident—everyone turned a blind eye! The idea of them mocking her behind her back made her feel as if her heart were being torn apart.

Fang Yiniang clenched her jaw so hard her gums bled. For the first time, she gave Zhou Ziheng the cold shoulder. Every tonic he sent her was thrown away—and that wasn't enough. She went to him daily, shrieking at him to reopen the case, that he seek justice.

Zhou Ziheng went from pity to frustration—all within three days.

He had believed himself deeply in love with Fang Yiniang, but he didn’t realize—he only loved the Fang Yiniang who obeyed him. The moment she defied him, the moment she became a nuisance, his affection faded.

Previously, when Qin Chanyue suppressed and scolded him, blocking him from taking concubines, he thought Fang Yiniang was flawless. But now that Qin Chanyue eased her restrictions and allowed him to bring concubines into the household, he suddenly felt Fang Yiniang wasn’t so remarkable after all.

The harder something is to get, the more you want it—yet once it’s finally within reach, it loses its luster.

Unfortunately, Fang Yiniang failed to notice this. She genuinely believed Zhou Ziheng loved her and that everyone in the marquis’s household had been deceived by Qin Chanyue. Blinded by vengeance, she relentlessly stirred up trouble, believing that uncovering the truth would allow her to avenge her son.

Fang Yiniang hounded Zhou Ziheng relentlessly, day and night, gradually driving a wedge between them. Zhou Ziheng grew weary of her and avoided her as much as possible. Meanwhile, the people in the marquis’s household were all savvy social climbers, always buttering up the winners and ditching the losers. When Fang Yiniang was in favor, they fawned over her endlessly, singing her praises to the skies. But now that her influence had waned, everyone gave her the cold shoulder, leaving her increasingly bitter and resentful.

As Fang Yiniang and Zhou Ziheng’s relationship crumbled, trouble kept simmering within the marquis’s household, with one incident after another unfolding.

First, there was Zhou Chiye. He had been confined in the ancestral hall, kept in the dark about outside news, and by the time he learned of recent events, it was already too late—Bai Yuning had been expelled from the household!

The whole showdown had been hushed up tight. Nanny Zhao put the fear of god into every servant involved, and the servants kept mum, refusing to divulge a single word. Zhou Chiye remained completely in the dark about what had happened.

Why had Bai Yuning been driven out?

Pacing like a caged tiger in the ancestral hall, Zhou Chiye found no answers.

In his desperation, the young martial artist charged straight into Qin Chanyue’s Moon-Viewing Garden.

At the time, Qin Chanyue was sitting before her mirror, touching up her makeup before heading out to visit her foster brother in Qingtian Lane.

She had been visiting him daily these past few days. Zhou Ziheng had wanted to go as well, but Qin Chanyue refused to take him, and he didn’t dare go alone. Meanwhile, Liu Yandai remained in the prince’s residence, perfectly content with her own leisure.

It was the hour of Chen.

In the summer, dawn was in full glow, with wisps of white clouds drifting across the horizon, gilded by the rising sun. The radiant glow spilled over the distant mountains, painting the vast sea of clouds—a truly splendid sight.

Golden sunlight streamed through the eaves, warm and gentle, spilling through the window and onto the wooden sill. It passed through a slender-necked crystal vase on a tall wooden stand, casting its glow onto Qin Chanyue’s face.

Outside the window, a row of vibrant flowers competed in brilliance, blooming splendidly in the summer heat. A dazzling explosion of colors greeted the eye—yet none could compare to the radiance of the lady inside.

The lady was breathtakingly beautiful, glowing like a fiery lotus. She wore a shimmering sapphire-blue round-collared gown with water sleeves, her hair adorned with a matching embroidered floral ornament—real flowers.

The people of Great Chen adored flowers, often decorating their hair with fresh blooms, showing off fragrances that lured butterflies. Noble households kept flower tenders year-round, cultivating rare and exotic blossoms—the more unusual, the more prized. A single bloom could cost a king’s ransom, exquisite today but withered by tomorrow, far more precious than ordinary gold ornaments.

With real flowers in her hair, she wore no other adornments save for a pair of matching porcelain floral earrings.

The blue porcelain, her fair neck, her full bosom and rounded waist wrapped in the lustrous sapphire silk—all oozed a lush, seductive allure. And when one glimpsed the beauty reflected in the mirror, it was enough to make hearts skip a beat.

She had just finished her makeup and was about to rise when a ruckus broke out outside. Before her maids could even step forward to investigate, the intruder barged in.

Qin Chanyue remained seated, turning her head slightly to look.

Through the beaded curtain, she saw the figure who had barged in—her second son, Zhou Chiye.

Though he had been kneeling in the ancestral hall all this time, supposedly doing penance, no one had dared to deprive him of a single meal. Moreover, he had secretly indulged in clandestine trysts with Bai Yuning, tasting the joys of intimacy for the first time. His days had been far from austere—the ancestral hall had practically become his private paradise.

One could only wonder what the ancestors of the marquis’s household, watching from beyond, must have thought—their coffins likely shaking in fury.

"Mother!" Zhou Chiye, standing outside the curtain, acted like he’d done nothing wrong. He flung the beads aside violently as he charged forward, shouting, "Why did you drive Bai Yuning away? You promised me you’d let her stay!"

His voice was sharp as a drawn sword, carrying the unbridled intensity of youth as it lashed straight at Qin Chanyue.

Suddenly, Qin Chanyue was reminded of the past life, when she had expelled Bai Yuning.

Back then, both Zhou Yuanting and Zhou Chiye had fallen in love with Bai Yuning, fighting tooth and nail for her. After Qin Chanyue forcibly sent her away, her two sons had confronted her just like this.

They accused her of "wronging Bai Yuning," insisting none of it was Bai Yuning’s fault, calling her "heartless."

"How can a fragile lady like Bai Yuning survive outside the Marquis's residence?"

"Mother disregards all past affection—how heartless you are!"

Recalling those events from her previous life, Qin Chanyue felt an urge to laugh. So, driving Bai Yuning away had become her fault?

Now, Zhou Yuanting had awakened to the truth, but Zhou Chiye remained as stubborn as ever.

Listening to Zhou Chiye's incessant questioning, Qin Chanyue turned to face him and said, "Since you insist on asking, I shall set the record straight with you."

As she spoke, she gestured with her chin toward a maidservant waiting nearby. "Tell the Second Young Master what Bai Yuning did while he was confined."

The kneeling maid then gave a well-rehearsed account of the events at the ancestral hall—how Bai Yuning had framed Zhou Yuanting.

Zhou Chiye listened in shock, his chiseled, handsome features filled with disbelief. He immediately shook his head and retorted, "Impossible! Bai Yuning would never do such a thing!"

During this time, Zhou Chiye had spent enough moments with Bai Yuning to know she had been avoiding Zhou Yuanting, unwilling to have any further entanglement with him. If that were the case, why would she suddenly scheme against him?

There must be some other explanation! A gentle soul like Bai Yuning must have been wronged—perhaps even by Fang Yiniang!

"If you don’t believe me, go ask your father or your elder brother," Qin Chanyue said, already weary of the argument. The elegant madame rose from her stool and, with those final words, strode out without another glance.

She still had to visit her foster brother and had no time to waste arguing with this thankless son. Someone else would deal with Zhou Chiye soon enough.

The hot-blooded youth stood frozen for a moment before summoning his personal attendant. Through threats and coaxing, he finally extracted a few forbidden words.

"We truly don’t know what happened in the main hall, young master. All us younger servants were dismissed that day—only the senior maids remained inside. But... we did hear something else."

The servants knelt and stammered as they recounted the events before the confrontation—how the Marquis had taken Fang Yiniang to the guest quarters to find Zhou Yuanting, only to catch him making advances toward Bai Yuning. Many attendants had witnessed the scene when the door was flung open. Though strict silence was ordered afterward, whispers still spread among the servants.

Zhou Chiye had already believed Bai Yuning must have been wronged, and now, hearing this, fury surged through his chest.

Just as he thought!

If Bai Yuning hadn’t been driven to desperation, why would she falsely accuse Zhou Yuanting? His mother must have shielded his elder brother by pinning all the blame on Bai Yuning!

Just because Bai Yuning was helpless and alone, they bullied her like this! His elder brother was guilty, and so was his mother! Grief and indignation swirled within him, igniting a burning resentment.

Didn’t they all know how much he loved Bai Yuning? Why would they treat her this way?

He thought bitterly—how could such people still call themselves his family?

If this was how they treated him, then he would treat them the same!

Without another word, the tall young man swept toward the Library Courtyard.

Like a tempest, he swept through the Moon-Viewing Pavilion, past the flower beds, through an arched gate, along the covered walkway, and across the lotus lake—reaching the Library Courtyard in mere moments.

When Zhou Chiye arrived, Zhou Yuanting was seated on a daybed, a book in hand.

The volume was bound in fine cloud-patterned paper, its pages filled with government policies written in Huizhou ink, supplemented with practical examples for deeper understanding. He needed to memorize these for the civil service examinations, ensuring he could answer policy-related questions with ease.

Such was the privilege of scions of noble families—what commoners might never learn in a lifetime, they mastered from childhood, always a step ahead.

Normally, Zhou Yuanting delighted in such readings to broaden his knowledge. But today, though his eyes rested on the pages, his mind was elsewhere. Hours passed without him turning a single page.

His thoughts lingered on the scented sachet that had appeared in the main hall that day.

Ever since he returned from the front hall that day, he'd had his men personally investigate the origin of the sachet. That very night, the servant he had assigned to destroy the sachet was summoned back and interrogated thoroughly.

The servant knelt on the ground, even more panicked than him, his face pale as if drained of blood, shaking uncontrollably. "I swear I don't know," he stammered.

At the time, the young master had instructed him to place an aphrodisiac for horses inside the sachet, and he had followed the orders meticulously. Afterward, he had secretly taken the sachet away and burned it. Every step of the process had been carried out by his own hands. Who could have guessed that the sachet would inexplicably reappear? He had burned it to ashes! Yet, how had Nanny Zhao managed to find an identical one?

It was as if ghosts were at play!

The servant remained kneeling, his back drenched in cold sweat despite the summer heat. He dared not wipe it away, only trembling as he spoke. "This matter... perhaps it would be best to ask the madam."

Nanny Zhao was the madam's servant, and her actions were undoubtedly carried out under the madam's orders. If there were doubts, why not seek answers from the madam?

Even a lowly servant could grasp this logic—how could Zhou Yuanting fail to understand?

Yet Zhou Yuanting dared not ask.

The striking nobleman sat by the window, staring at the book in his hands. Outwardly, he appeared composed, but inwardly, he was a mess. His fingers unconsciously rubbed against the delicate Yunyan paper, wrinkling the pristine surface.

He did not know how to face his mother.

He had always insisted in front of her that he had not framed his third brother, only to be caught red-handed by her. Given his mother's uncompromising nature, she should have bound him up, dragged him to the ancestral hall, denounced him before the ancestors, and punished him severely.

But she had done none of that. Instead, she had covered his tracks.

This was entirely unlike her usual behavior.

In another household, one might think—what was wrong with a mother standing by her son and cleaning up after him? Mother and son were united; in a household with concubines, they should naturally unite to fight for their interests. After all, the heir's position was a substantial hereditary position!

But his mother had never been like that.

Zhou Yuanting knew his mother's character. She was a woman of her word, straightforward and principled. While she might play politics with outsiders, she had never done so with family.

No matter what conflicts arose within the family, she always resolved them fairly and impartially, never favoring anyone. Yet now, she had transformed into someone else entirely—someone who unnerved him... terrified him.

Zhou Yuanting had done wrong himself, but he didn't find his own actions frightening. He believed he had acted to protect his own interests. But when his mother behaved the same way, it terrified him.

His mother was no longer the upright woman she had once been. She had resorted to scheming ways! The thought filled him with dread.

No matter what misdeeds he committed, no matter how corrupt he became, he didn't care. But his mother—she couldn't change. He wanted her to remain the same forthright, principled woman who punished him openly, who scolded him directly, not someone who schemed behind others' backs.

This fear likely stemmed from a chilling realization. If his mother could treat his third brother this way, if she could treat Fang Qingqing this way—could she one day treat him the same? If he ever disobeyed, would she turn him into another third brother?

He didn't know whether he feared his mother's transformation or the possibility of her using such methods against him. But this unease wrapped around him like an icy snake, startling him awake at night.

And so Zhou Yuanting remained restless, too afraid to confront his mother, too afraid to seek out Bai Yuning and stir up trouble. He could only hide in the Study Courtyard, burying himself in books.

As he read, he suddenly found himself missing Liu Yandai.

In recent days, ever since the Prince of Southern Pacification had unexpectedly returned from the borderlands, Liu Yandai had gone to his manor and had yet to return to the marquis's estate. Zhou Yuanting hadn't seen her in a long time.

Of course, he didn't harbor any affection for her. He merely thought—since his mother favored Liu Yandai so much, and since Liu Yandai was madly in love with him, if she were here, he could have her sound his mother out. A simpleton like Liu Yandai wouldn't be able to deceive him anyway.

But Liu Yandai wasn't here.

Zhou Yuanting mused. Perhaps he should pay a visit to the Prince of Southern Pacification's manor?

He had always studied literature, and though he rarely saw his uncle, marrying his uncle's adopted daughter made them even closer, so meeting shouldn’t be difficult.

Just as he thought this and set down the book in his hand, a ruckus broke out outside, as if someone had barged in.

Zhou Yuanting had barely risen from the couch when a figure in black blew in like a storm and punched him squarely in the face.

A single blow was enough to double him over, but it didn’t end there. Blow after blow landed on his face and body until Zhou Yuanting collapsed to the ground.

As he fell, he strained his neck to see who was attacking him.

It was his second brother, Zhou Chiye.

Zhou Chiye said nothing, his sharp, cold face twisted with fury as he tightened his vise-like grip around Zhou Yuanting’s throat. The force was so great that within moments, Zhou Yuanting’s face turned mottled purple-red.

He was being strangled to death by his own brother!

Zhou Yuanting lay on the ground, desperately clawing at Zhou Chiye’s hands, but they were unyielding. He tried to speak, but no sound escaped his throat.

All he could do was stare at Zhou Chiye with shock, hatred, and a flicker of desperation in his eyes.

Zhou Chiye gazed down at him expressionlessly, his narrow, upturned eyes filled with nothing but black, murderous rage. In that moment, his mind was blank, consumed by a single thought.

Kill Zhou Yuanting—avenge Bai Yuning.

He looked at Zhou Yuanting as if he were already a corpse.

This was his own brother, but from today onward, Zhou Yuanting would no longer be family!

"Second Young Master!" The servants and maids, arriving belatedly, rushed forward to pull at Zhou Chiye’s arms.

Screams and shouts of protest erupted into a chaotic cacophony, ringing in Zhou Chiye’s ears. Then, someone cried out, "Miss Bai is staying at the Lily Lane in the outskirts!"

The words snapped Zhou Chiye back to his senses.

Looking down at Zhou Yuanting’s purplish face, his tongue starting to protrude, Zhou Chiye’s stomach dropped, and his grip loosened—though he had sworn to kill Zhou Yuanting, when it came to actually doing it, his resolve wavered.

Zhou Yuanting erupted into a fit of wheezing and choking.

Amid the coughing, Zhou Chiye slowly regained his composure.

Standing tall, he shook off the servants and maids, then snarled, "If you dare touch her again, I’ll kill you," before turning and striding out without looking back.

He was going to find Bai Yuning.

As Zhou Chiye left, Zhou Yuanting remained on the ground, wheezing and choking, his aristocratic composure gone. The maids rushed to inform Qin Chanyue, but Zhou Yuanting grabbed one of them to stop them.

"Stay where you are," he choked out through gritted teeth, watching his brother’s retreating figure. "No one is to speak of what happened today!"

He still hadn’t figured out the truth behind the sachet incident—nor did he dare to—and he certainly didn’t want this to escalate. If he pushed his mother too far, who knew what she might do?

So he chose to take this beating lying down, playing it off as nothing, just to keep the peace.

But the unfairness burned in his gut.

Zhou Yuanting drove his fist into the floorboards, teeth clenched. Once his father died and he inherited the title, he'd have his revenge soon enough.

For now, the priority was sounding out his mother.

After being helped up by the maids, the first thing Zhou Yuanting did was order the kitchen to prepare some delicacies and have them delivered to the Southern Pacification Manor for Liu Yandai. He had originally planned to go himself, but looking as beat-up as he was, leaving the house was impossible. All he could do was send word.

——

After leaving the Shuhai Academy, Zhou Chiye first returned to the Sword Song Courtyard, leaving behind a letter written in blood condemning his mother and eldest brother’s deeds before making a solemn vow.

[Mother is partial, favoring the elder brother in all matters. I resent the wrongs done to Yuning! If Mother refuses to apologize to Yuning, I will never return to the marquisate again!]

After writing this letter, he abandoned the servants following him and rushed out of the marquisate without looking back, heading straight for Baihe Lane.

The servants panicked and hurriedly took the letter to Qin Chanyue.

But Qin Chanyue was not in the residence—she had gone directly to the Prince of Southern Pacification’s estate to visit her foster brother. Left with no choice, the servants delivered the letter to the Marquis of Zhongyi instead.

——

Inside the Qiufeng Hall, the Marquis of Zhongyi was being examined by a physician.

The Marquis had been plagued by Concubine Fang’s relentless nagging these past few days, forcing him to remain bedridden. He had initially believed his health was beyond saving and that death was near, yet for some reason, his condition had recently improved significantly—even showing signs of full recovery. This was mainly because Qin Chanyue, finding the household too lively, had refrained from serving him her daily tonic to prevent his premature demise.

"Your Lordship’s health has greatly improved!" The oblivious physician exclaimed joyfully. "Truly heaven’s mercy! Your Lordship is truly favored by fortune!"

The Marquis rejoiced. His illness had come and gone mysteriously, but regaining his life was undoubtedly a relief!

No sooner had he received this good news than bad news arrived. A maid requested an audience and relayed an incident that made his chest tighten in rage.

His two sons had clashed over Bai Yuning again—this time, the Second Young Master had even left a letter written in blood before vanishing!

Zhou Ziheng raged and shouted, "Go! Send someone to drag the Second Young Master back! He shall face household punishment!"

How dare he overstep so arrogantly in the marquisate! If he refuses to obey, he should be locked up and sent to the military camp for the Prince of Southern Pacification to whip him into shape!

The maids hurried to carry out his orders.

No sooner had Zhou Ziheng settled the matter of Zhou Chiye than another disturbance arose.

"Concubine Fang is outside, demanding to see you. She claims she must seek justice for the Third Young Master."

Hearing this, Zhou Ziheng’s face twisted with barely suppressed disgust. Over the past three days, Fang Qingqing had been endlessly disruptive—weeping and wailing at best, smashing bowls and chopsticks at worst, behaving like a common market hag!

He had no idea how Fang Qingqing had become like this. Had he known earlier, he would never have brought her into the marquisate!

The mere thought of Fang Qingqing’s face filled him with irritation.

Amid his frustration with Concubine Fang, he suddenly found himself missing Qin Chanyue.

Qin Chanyue had never lost her composure. She was dignified and graceful, always the most presentable no matter the occasion.

Moreover, Chanyue loved him so deeply—unlike Concubine Fang, who was not only useless but also constantly made a scene, utterly humiliating him.

He must have lost his senses to have brought Concubine Fang into the marquisate in the first place! What chaos she’s wrought!

The more he compared the two women, the more he appreciated Qin Chanyue.

Zhou Ziheng could no longer sit still.

Feeling that his health had mostly recovered, he saw no reason to remain in Qiufeng Hall. It was time to move back to the Shangyue Garden.

The thought of Shangyue Garden brought to mind Qin Chanyue’s full-figured curves, her soft waist, her thighs, soft as if they could be squeezed to dew, and those alluring fox-eyed gaze.

Since falling ill, he had not known Qin Chanyue’s touch. Now, the thought alone kindled desire in him.

*Italics: I gaze upon the green hills with yearning; surely, the hills gaze upon me the same way.* Having stayed in Qiufeng Hall all this time without accompanying Qin Chanyue, how she must have pined for him!

Perhaps it was his restored health, but Zhou Ziheng felt a surge of energy, his body lighter than before. He stood and said to a nearby maid, "Move my belongings back to Shangyue Garden. Tonight, I will lie with my wife."