Chapter 32 Misunderstanding “Yue Rongrong, you’re not that important.”…

Chapter 32: Misunderstanding "Yue Rongrong, you're not that important."...

Yue Rongrong fled back to Brocade Tower without daring to pause, as if pursued by a relentless beast—not a literal one, but her own terror, the fear of once again succumbing to an inescapable abyss.

As she hurried back, she encountered Master Zhou returning with medicine. The redness and swelling on his cheeks had not yet subsided. Startled by her sudden appearance, a flicker of vicious resentment crossed his eyes before he quickly masked it and brushed past her.

Though Yue Rongrong witnessed his disheveled state, she felt not a shred of sympathy; instead, she took a certain malicious pleasure in it, almost relishing the sight.

"Feeling quite smug, aren't you?"

A voice cut in from the side. Yue Rongrong turned to see Cheng Qian approaching, his expression grim. "I always thought you were aloof, but I never imagined you could be so heartless."

Yue Rongrong took a deep breath. One nuisance gone, and another appeared. She raised an eyebrow. "Does Young Master Cheng believe I'm gloating?"

"Aren't you?"

Yue Rongrong lowered her head and smiled, then lifted her face, beaming as radiantly as the morning sun, and openly admitted, "Indeed, I am!"

Cheng Qian hadn't expected her to confess, much less with such blunt honesty. He gritted his teeth. She was so detestable, yet why did he... He despised himself for it.

"Master Zhou and I have never had any connection, yet he repeatedly gossiped about my affairs, using them as dinner-table fodder to curry favor. Now that he's been beaten, of course I'm delighted," Yue Rongrong stated calmly, a faint smile playing in her eyes.

Cheng Qian flinched. Her gaze seemed to imply she felt the same about him—that he armed himself with scorn, sharp and contemptuous. "Getting involved with Marquis Shen certainly changes things, doesn't it?"

The smile in Yue Rongrong's eyes faltered. She turned away. Cheng Qian grew even more resentful. "What, does mentioning Marquis Shen bother you so much?"

"I should take my leave," Yue Rongrong said, turning to depart.

But Cheng Qian blocked her path. "You care so much, but do you know what others truly think? Do you believe Marquis Shen cares about you? He is of noble birth and esteemed, with an incomparably lofty demeanor—even princes and princesses cannot compare. You don't actually think he'll marry you, do you? He's merely taken with you for now. Once that novelty wears off, what do you imagine you'll be? How many beautiful women in noble families have been cast aside when they're no longer wanted?"

The color drained from Yue Rongrong's face. She knew—better than anyone—and had even paid a painful price for it.

Seeing her desolate expression, a trace of fear seeping through, Cheng Qian felt a flicker of pity but said coldly, "Don't fantasize about the moon in the sky. He and we are worlds apart."

We? Yue Rongrong looked at him blankly, offered no reply, turned, and left, entering Cloud Brocade Court, utterly exhausted.

A seamstress heading to the embroidery workshop suddenly saw her, paused in surprise, then showed a look of contempt. As she passed, she muttered audibly, "She always acted so aloof toward those dignitaries, but it turns out she's just scheming. First it was a 'misunderstanding' with Vice Minister Cai, and now she's scrambling into Marquis Shen's bed. She didn't even come back last night—how quick is that?"

Someone chuckled softly, "How long do you think before Marquis Shen gets tired of her?"

They walked past Yue Rongrong. She felt like pulling their hair but restrained herself, took a deep breath, and headed to her room.

Zhong Yu was there. Seeing her return, she quickly pulled her inside and whispered, "Where were you last night?"

Yue Rongrong's temple throbbed. She glanced at Ren Hanzhen and Zhang Jing in the room. Had her overnight absence caused another stir? She rubbed her temples. "It's complicated. I'll explain later."

Zhong Yu nodded, then gestured toward Zhen Xi's bed, where a bundle lay. Zhen Xi was taking some of her former jewelry from the dressing table and walking toward Ren Hanzhen and Zhang Jing.

"Please don't disdain these, sisters. Keep them as mementos."

There was nothing for Yue Rongrong or Zhong Yu.

Ren Hanzhen's eyes reddened. "Zhen Xi, take care of yourself," she said tearfully.

Zhong Yu rolled her eyes and muttered, "So fake."

Zhen Xi, as if competing, glanced at Yue Rongrong. "Don't worry, sister." She went back for her bundle, taking only a few things—her clothes were still in the wardrobe. Of course, once she entered Vice Minister Cai's residence, she wouldn't need any of this.

Now Zhen Xi was dead set on burning bridges with Yue Rongrong and Zhong Yu. She walked straight up to Yue Rongrong, stopped before her, and smiled coldly, full of contempt. "I thought you were above it all, but you're just using cheap tricks. Except, you're more ambitious, more vain, and more shameless than I am."

Yue Rongrong knew she was referring to her overnight absence and didn't want to engage. "Good luck to you," she said coolly.

Zhen Xi hated her for this attitude. "You want to laugh at me? Then let's see who becomes the joke! We'll see if you make it into the Marquis's household or if you'll be dumped like yesterday's news!" She left in a huff, but Zhong Yu grabbed her.

"I heard Vice Minister Cai was in danger last night and seriously injured. If he doesn't come for you, how will you enter his residence?"

Zhong Yu meant it as genuine concern, but to Zhen Xi, it came off as mocking and gloating.

"Spare me the fake concern."

Zhen Xi left without looking back, without bidding farewell to anyone else or even the manager, as if cutting all connections.

Zhong Yu sighed helplessly. "I'll go to Wanfo Temple another day to pray for her. I hope she gets her wish."

Yue Rongrong had been drunk last night. She didn't want to think about what had happened between her and Shen Jichen, didn't dare to. Right now, she just wanted to catch up on sleep. The manager now treated her like the prized attraction of Brocade Tower, letting her do as she pleased, even promising a raise. Yue Rongrong didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but she wouldn't turn down extra silver.

Zhang Jing said enviously, "Rong Rong, you have it so easy. We have to do embroidery until our backs, hands, and eyes ache, but you get to sleep here."

Yue Rongrong knew Zhang Jing meant no harm and smiled.

Ren Hanzhen said gently, "Don't be jealous. Not everyone can catch Marquis Shen's eye. Someone as naive as you should focus on embroidery."

As she spoke, she looked at Yue Rongrong, her smile even more sugary. Yue Rongrong heard the sarcasm, her gaze turning cold. Not wanting to engage, she pulled the covers over her head and went to sleep.

When she woke again, it was nearly dusk. Zhong Yu came in. "You're up—perfect timing. At noon, Mrs. Wei came looking for you. She invited you to dinner at her place tonight to celebrate Young Master Wei's success in the imperial exams."

Mrs. Wei? Yue Rongrong froze, looking awkward. Zhong Yu noticed and sat on her bed. "Did Young Master Wei say something to you yesterday when he invited you?"

Yue Rongrong threw a pillow at her. "Do you have to be so perceptive?"

Zhong Yu raised an eyebrow smugly. "Even if you don't say, I can guess. It's always the same old story. You must have refused, which is why you're so hesitant about Mrs. Wei's invitation. But I think you're overthinking it. Mrs. Wei seemed very gracious when she came today."

Yue Rongrong relaxed. She got up to wash, change, and do her makeup, smiling. "Mrs. Wei is a real standout among women."

Zhong Yu sat on the bedside, watching her dress and occasionally helping. She pursed her lips. "Watch yourself tonight."

"Why do you say that?"

"If you go to the Wei family's dinner, don't let yourself get cornered."

Yue Rongrong looked at her, puzzled.

Zhong Yu teased, "Don't let Marquis Shen catch you! Everyone can see Young Master Wei's romantic interest in you. Do you think Marquis Shen can't?"

Yue Rongrong was speechless for a moment before finally saying, "Marquis Shen and I aren't in the kind of relationship you think."

Zhong Yu shrugged. "What I think doesn't matter. What matters is what you think and what Marquis Shen thinks."

Zhong Yu was too sharp. Yue Rongrong threw her comb at her. "I'm done talking to you about this."

＊＊

Yue Rongrong went to the Wei household as agreed. Mrs. Wei was indeed as straightforward and hospitable as always, welcoming her enthusiastically. Wei Hui also behaved like nothing was wrong, chatting and laughing with her. Yue Rongrong let her guard down—until dinner, when Wei Hui drank too much. Mrs. Wei cut him off and sent him to rest.

After the meal, Yue Rongrong spotted the open, blank umbrellas in the courtyard. Hearing that Mrs. Wei had to work through the night to get them done, she stayed to help.

Mrs. Wei said happily: "You've been so busy lately and haven't come to help me paint. You should know that every umbrella canopy you'd painted before got sold, all to the same person."

Yue Rongrong was painting narcissus flowers when she looked up, surprised, upon hearing this: "How strange?"

Mrs. Wei said meaningfully: "Not strange at all. It happened the day after you and that lord had dinner here."

Yue Rongrong was slightly stunned, lowered her head for a long moment to mix colors, while Mrs. Wei's laughter reached her ears: "Do narcissus flowers come in red?"

Hearing this, Yue Rongrong looked down and blushed with embarrassment, hurriedly switching colors.

Mrs. Wei chuckled softly: "Your mind is wandering."

"No, it's not," Yue Rongrong murmured.

Mrs. Wei sighed: "It's my boy who's out of luck."

Yue Rongrong pressed her lips together and looked at Mrs. Wei, who was also gazing at her intently, as if she knew everything. After a moment, Mrs. Wei chuckled, leaned in closer, and said: "But if it were me, I'd choose that lord too."

"He and I aren't that kind of relationship..." Yue Rongrong paused; today she seemed to be saying this constantly.

Mrs. Wei went 'tsk', picked up two painted umbrella surfaces, and said: "I'll go oil these two."

Only Yue Rongrong remained in the courtyard. The gentle evening breeze of March brushed softly past her, making her slightly distracted. She rinsed her brush tip before dipping it in color again, took a deep breath to focus herself, and just as she was about to start painting, she heard the door suddenly push open. Startled, she looked up and saw Wei Hui rushing toward her. She immediately stood up, instinctively tried to back away, but Wei Hui grabbed her arm.

The drunken Wei Hui stared at her intensely, making Yue Rongrong's skin crawl: "You..."

Without warning, Wei Hui hugged her and burst into tears.

Yue Rongrong, who had been about to push him away, froze, her arms frozen mid-air.

"Rong Rong, why don't you like me? I can wash clothes and cook, I won't let you do any chores. I can accompany you shopping, eat desserts with you, hold an umbrella for you on rainy days, get you drinks in summer, and sweet potatoes in winter. Rong Rong, please, like me..."

Such passionate and straightforward words shook Yue Rongrong's heart, but then she saw Shen Jichen standing coldly outside the open courtyard gate, his fierce anger barely contained, his eyes filled with boundless darkness.

In panic, Yue Rongrong tried urgently to push Wei Hui away, but he only held her tighter. Anxiously, she looked up and saw Shen Jichen striding over decisively, his wide sleeves and long robe fluttering in the evening wind, his aura imposing. He yanked Wei Hui away, and with a "thud," Wei Hui fell into a pile of umbrellas.

"What are you doing!" Yue Rongrong glared angrily at Shen Jichen and moved to help Wei Hui.

Shen Jichen dominantly pulled Yue Rongrong into his embrace, paying no mind to her struggles. His cold, angry eyes looked down disdainfully at the dazed Wei Hui, and without explanation, he held her and left.

Mrs. Wei came running upon hearing the noise and saw the courtyard in chaos, her son lying on the ground, and Rong Rong being taken away by force. She paid no mind to her son and rushed to stop Shen Jichen but was blocked by Wen Song.

Mrs. Wei knew some martial arts in her youth and was about to use them, but Wen Song pressed down on her shoulder, making her completely immobile. Her initial irritation became cautious: "Who are you people?"

Wen Song smiled, his tone still respectful: "Mrs. Wei, that is the Marquis of Wujing, Marquis Shen. Don't worry, our Marquis will not harm Miss Yue."

Although she had guessed Shen Jichen's status was unusual, Mrs. Wei hadn't expected him to be this distinguished—he was actually from the prestigious Shen family of Wangjingmen! The most noble young master in the imperial city.

Seeing Mrs. Wei calm down, Wen Song took out a silver ingot: "This is compensation for the damaged umbrellas today. Please accept it."

Mrs. Wei glanced disdainfully and turned to help her son up: "This is too much." She didn't take losses nor take advantage.

Wen Song smiled, placed the silver on the table, gave a bow, and left.

Shen Jichen took her all the way out of the alley of the Wei residence, pulling and carrying her into the carriage, making her sit in his spot.

Yue Rongrong landed with a thud, immediately stood up, and rushed to get off the carriage, but Shen Jichen grabbed her around the waist and carried her back to the soft cushion.

She wasn't giving up and tried to get up again, but Shen Jichen leaned over, pinning her against the side table beside the seat, trapping her in a small space. His gaze was icy with anger: "If Mrs. Wei hadn't been kind to you and you still had some affection for her, I wouldn't have let Wei Hui off easy."

Yue Rongrong froze, not daring to move anymore, but she said angrily: "What right do you have to do this!"

"What gives him the right to hold you!" Shen Jichen roared.

"He was drunk!"

"Does being drunk give him the right to hug you? What if he wanted to do something else!"

Yue Rongrong pressed her lips tightly together, staring at him intently. Her voice was empty of emotion, like cold stones knocking together: "That has nothing to do with Marquis Shen either."

Shen Jichen's pupils constricted sharply. His gaze, fixed on her, flickered with pain mixed with anger. A suffocating pain pierced his heart. His voice was low and hoarse: "Nothing to do with me?" Cold and dangerous.

Yue Rongrong's heart quivered. She clenched her teeth to numb her heart a little, pushed Shen Jichen away with all her strength, and ran out.

But after only two steps, Shen Jichen grabbed her arm. His strong, long arm wrapped around her waist, and she felt herself lifted backward, suddenly landing in Shen Jichen's arms, sitting on his lap. Before she could blush, she heard Shen Jichen's low, somber voice.

"What about Xin Yue?"

Yue Rongrong shuddered inexplicably and twitched the corner of her mouth: "What Xin Yue?"

Although she tried to suppress her voice, a trace of instability still showed. Looking down, she saw Shen Jichen's open palm holding a jade Xin Yue glowing with a moonlit halo. Her face turned pale. She tried to dodge away, but Shen Jichen wouldn't let her, pinching her chin and forcing her to look at him.

"Didn't you throw it away back then? Why did you pick it up again?" His deep, well-like eyes fixed on her as he asked word by word, "Why did you go back to find it?"

These past few days, because of Zhen Xi's matter, she hadn't even noticed that Xin Yue had been taken by him. She stared straight at Shen Jichen, tears twinkling in her eyes like starlight.

Shen Jichen was controlled, but a trace of wild joy ignited in his heart, quickly overshadowed by heavy heartache and confusion. He restrained his voice: "Back then, besides you being angry about me making you a concubine, was there something else?"

Actually, he had always been puzzled. He had thought she still had feelings for Qu Lieshan back then, which was why things ended so badly between them. But if she had feelings for Qu Lieshan, why would she go back to find Xin Yue? If it wasn't for Qu Lieshan, why had she been so resolute back then?

Yue Rongrong couldn't stop her shoulders from trembling. Shen Jichen's expression deepened, and his warm palm pressed against her back, making him even more certain: "Tell me."

Tell him what? Yue Rongrong couldn't say anything. Those nightmare-like past events—she didn't want to talk about them or even remember them. She looked at him, her gaze gradually calming, going still like stagnant water.

Shen Jichen suddenly felt panicked.

She smiled, the corners of her mouth curving like ripples. Her smile was light and beautiful but cold and devoid of warmth.

"Because it's valuable," she said, her voice rising with a hint of lightness.

"What?" Shen Jichen stared at her in a daze.

Yue Rongrong sighed: "Marquis, escaping requires money too. This jade is priceless. I thought about it afterward, regretted it, and went back to pick it up, thinking I could sell it for a good price if needed in the future."

Shen Jichen stared at her in stunned disbelief, his gaze on her face unclear whether it was pain or anger: "Then why didn't you sell it!"

Yue Rongrong said: "To avoid complications. Later, I thought since this jade is so valuable and too conspicuous, selling it might..." She trailed off.

But Shen Jichen instantly understood her unspoken words—afraid of what? Afraid he would find her.

"Yue Rongrong!" He grabbed her arms and lifted her up, letting go only after she steadied herself. His dignity seemed shattered, messy and confused. He sat there nobly, but his eyes were filled with distress.

"I must be mad to let you trample on me like this," he said in a suppressed voice, full of hatred and resolve.

Yue Rongrong's heart ached. She opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing.

"Get out!" With an angry roar, Shen Jichen turned his face away, his taut face almost twitching.

Yue Rongrong clenched her teeth, refusing to let herself break down, turned around, and quickly left.

Wen Song had been standing outside the whole time. Startled by the Marquis’s furious roar, he watched as Yue Rongrong dashed down from the carriage. He hurriedly tried to stop her: “Miss Yue!”

But Yue Rongrong had already evaded his grasp and ran off into the long, dark street.

Wen Song quickly approached the window: “My lord, I’ll escort her.”

There was no response from inside, so Wen Song immediately set off, following Yue Rongrong at a distance until he saw her enter Jinxiu Lou before turning back.

Zhong Yu was waiting in the courtyard of Yunjin Yuan. Seeing Yue Rongrong return, she hurried forward to meet her, looking somewhat anxious. “How did it go? Did you see the Marquis?” Yue Rongrong was slightly taken aback. Zhong Yu explained apologetically, “A while ago, His Lordship came by looking for you. I thought you had gone to the Wei family and didn’t want him to know, but who would have thought he’d be so sharp? He saw through my lie in just a few words and guessed you had gone to the Wei family. He looked pretty upset, and you… well, you don't look so hot yourself.”

So that was it. Yue Rongrong smiled faintly, a trace of sorrow in her eyes. “It’s fine, don’t worry about it.”

“But if the Marquis comes again in the future…”

“He won't be coming back.” Yue Rongrong muttered, cutting off Zhong Yu’s words. Zhong Yu wanted to ask more, but seeing how weary Yue Rongrong looked, she held her tongue.

The next morning, Yue Rongrong woke early. Ren Hanzhen and the other girls were still asleep. She washed and dressed quietly, planning to go apologize to Mrs. Wei for causing her trouble the previous night.

But as soon as she reached the entrance of the Wei family’s umbrella shop, she found a crowd gathered. Her heart sank. Pushing through the people, she saw the shop in disarray, umbrellas shattered and scattered across the floor. Mrs. Wei sat on a stool, cursing angrily.

“If those scoundrels dare show their faces again, I’ll break their legs!” Mrs. Wei fumed indignantly.

A young maid from the shop clutched Mrs. Wei’s arm excitedly. “Madam, I didn’t know you knew martial arts!”

Mrs. Wei yelped in pain. “Let go, let go! My arm hurts!”

Yue Rongrong hurried inside. “What's going on?”

Mrs. Wei’s expression softened slightly upon seeing her. “Rong Rong, you came.”

The maid spoke quickly. “A group of men barged in last night, trashed the place, and injured Madam and the young master! The young master has gone to report it to the authorities! Those thieves have some nerve—causing trouble right under the Emperor’s nose, and at a scholar’s home no less!”

A neighbor from the crowd called out, “Who did you offend, Mrs. Wei?”

“Yes, this looks like a personal grudge!”

“Probably someone with considerable influence.”

Yue Rongrong’s heart grew heavier with each word, she was getting angrier and angrier. She stood up abruptly. Mrs. Wei tried to stop her but winced in pain as she moved her injured arm. Yue Rongrong said firmly, “Look after Mrs. Wei.” Then she turned and left.

It was a day off from court duties. Shen Jichen had not attended the morning audience. Han Zixian, He Minxuan, and Zheng Xuchao arrived early, having planned to go horseback riding in the suburbs. Learning that Shen Jichen was in his study, He Minxuan called out, “It’s a day off, and you’re still buried in official work? Marquis Shen, Minister Shen, Lord Shen—must you be so diligent? What are you reading?”

Shen Jichen replied without expression, “Documents related to the corruption case in Jiangnan’s flood control project.”

Han Zixian, noticing Shen Jichen’s unusually pale complexion, asked concernedly, “Piao Yao, you look like crap. Should we call for a physician?”

“No need.”

Han Zixian glanced at Wen Song, who was standing nearby. Wen Song frowned and sighed, taking the opportunity while serving tea to whisper to Han Zixian, “The Marquis didn’t sleep at all last night.”

Before Han Zixian could react, hurried footsteps and commotion sounded from outside the door.

“Miss, the Marquis has not granted permission—you can’t…” The servant’s attempts to stop her were cut short as Yue Rongrong burst into the study.

Everyone was stunned. He Minxuan, a pastry still in his mouth, watched as Yue Rongrong glared furiously at Shen Jichen.

Shen Jichen frowned deeply, his gaze fixed on her. The servant looked terrified. Shen Jichen said coldly, “Get out.”

The servant retreated hastily, relieved. Having witnessed his master carrying Miss Yue into the residence twice before, he knew better than to interfere.

In the study, Han Zixian, He Minxuan, and Zheng Xuchao sat quietly to the side, observing the tense standoff between the two. They exchanged knowing glances but made no move to leave.

“What do you want?” Shen Jichen’s tone was icy.

Yue Rongrong clenched her fists, struggling to contain her anger. “Did you send people to wreck the Wei family’s umbrella shop?”

Shen Jichen’s eyes darkened instantly. Han Zixian, He Minxuan, and Zheng Xuchao looked at him in surprise.

Wen Song quickly interjected, “Miss, there must be some misunderstanding…”

“Why would I do such a thing?” Shen Jichen’s low, cold voice cut off Wen Song’s explanation.

“Because!” Yue Rongrong stopped abruptly, flustered, biting her lip as she stared at him—because of their bitter argument the night before.

Shen Jichen watched her, then suddenly smiled faintly, a hint of mockery in his eyes. When he looked up again, his expression was frosty. “Yue Rongrong, you overestimate your importance.”

Yue Rongrong’s face flushed with anger and humiliation. She frowned, uncertain. “So it really wasn’t you?”

Shen Jichen’s hand, resting on the documents, slowly clenched. His face was like ice. He stood up, his imposing figure radiating pressure, and said sarcastically, “If I wanted someone gone from the capital, do you think you’d still see them today?”

Yue Rongrong turned pale. After a long pause, she forced out through gritted teeth, “Don’t touch them.” Then she turned and ran out.

Shen Jichen’s expression darkened progressively. The study fell into dead silence. Suddenly, with a crash, he swept all the documents and memorials off the desk. His face was livid with rage.

He Minxuan stood up and asked gently, “Piao Yao, was it really not you?”

“Get out!” Shen Jichen roared.

Han Zixian, He Minxuan, and Zheng Xuchao quickly retreated, and even Wen Song was ushered out.

Han Zixian shot He Minxuan an exasperated look. “What did you have to go and ask that for?”

He Minxuan shrugged. “Given the situation with Yue Rongrong, it’s exactly the kind of thing Piao Yao would do.”

Zheng Xuchao sighed. “Well, it looks like our day trip is shot.”

Just then, Xue Yubai entered the courtyard. Seeing them all standing outside, he asked curiously, “Why is everyone out here? Where’s Piao Yao?”

He Minxuan said, “You missed quite a show.”

Xue Yubai laughed. “What show?”

He Minxuan waved a hand. “It’s a long story. But since you’re back in the capital, you'll get to see plenty of this kind of drama.” Suddenly, he perked up with curiosity. “By the way, that girl you were talking about last time—what’s she like?” He hoped she wasn’t as stubborn as Yue Rongrong, or there’d be twice the trouble.

A gentle look flashed in Xue Yubai’s eyes. “She’s gentle and fragile, as if she might break at a touch. She seems to need protection.”

Han Zixian and Zheng Xuchao chuckled. He Minxuan felt a twinge of envy and advised, “Well, you’re lucky then. But for the next few days, don’t bring her around us—especially not Piao Yao. No need to rub your happiness in his face.”

Xue Yubai said, “What happiness? I haven’t even gone to see her yet.”

“Why not?” Han Zixian asked, surprised.

“I’ll wait until after I meet with the Minister of Personnel tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? But isn’t tomorrow the appointment ceremony for the new examination graduates?”

He Minxuan stared in disbelief. “I thought you were just joking around before. Are you really planning to take an official post for that young lady?”

Xue Yubai chuckled and nodded, "We still need to keep things proper."

Zheng Xuchao hesitated, "But you said she isn't from a noble family, and your household..."

Xue Yubai's eyes darkened briefly, though he smiled gently, "My eldest brother is the one in charge of family matters. My father doesn't have high expectations of me."

The trio of Han, He, and Zheng were momentarily speechless. He Minxuan cut in quickly, "Hey, let's not talk about this anymore. If Piao Yao isn't joining us for horse racing, we'll go ourselves."

The moment he said this, the study door suddenly swung open. Shen Jichen came out looking grim.

"Piao Yao, where are you going?"

Shen Jichen's voice was icy, "The Ministry of Personnel."

＊＊

Yue Rongrong returned to the Wei residence and caught Mrs. Wei and Wei Hui in the middle of an argument.

"I've told you over and over not to involve the authorities! Now that you've passed the imperial exams, you won't even listen to your mother anymore, is that it?"

"Mother! Aunt and her family only dare to bully us because they think you're too easy to push around!"

Yue Rongrong froze at the doorway, thunderstruck. It wasn't Shen Jichen... it wasn't him. She had misunderstood...

-----------------------

Author's Note: Marquis Shen: Another day, thoroughly pissed off. [Cracked]

When I update daily, it will probably be around 11 PM every night. [Heart]