Chapter 38 Schemes “Who outsmarts whom.”

Chapter 38: Schemes – Who's Scheming Against Whom?

Sitting in the carriage, Xue Yubai longed to ask Yue Rongrong if she had encountered Piao Yao when she left the banquet to wash her hands—if they had met, what they had said, and what they had done.

But watching Yue Rongrong by the window, her jade-like face softened in the light, he couldn't bring himself to ask. He knew he shouldn't, and perhaps he was afraid to, fearing an answer he didn't want to hear.

He took a deep, slightly bitter breath, turned his face away, and exhaled quietly, a sound Yue Rongrong caught.

She turned to him curiously, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "Why the sigh?" Her eyes danced mischievously. "Could it be that Mr. Jimo scolded you while I was away?"

Her playful mood seemed to lift his spirits. All his bitterness vanished. Perhaps she no longer harbored feelings for Piao Yao; otherwise, how could she be so relaxed? He realized he was worrying over nothing. He smiled along with her. "Yes, you're too outstanding. The teacher said my skills are no match for yours and told me to spar with you more often."

He had fabricated this on the spot, merely an excuse to draw closer to her.

Yue Rongrong wasn't one to be easily swayed by flattery. She lifted her chin, feigning pride. "Well, that flattery is quite pleasing. I'll accept it gladly. Thank you, Mr. Xue." With that, she nodded, making a gesture as if curtsying.

Xue Yubai burst into laughter at her antics.

The carriage stopped as usual at the west gate. Xue Yubai alighted and extended his hand to her. Yue Rongrong paused, her gaze shifting from his palm to his face. Seeing the sincere truth in his eyes, she beamed, tapped his palm lightly, and, lifting her skirt, stepped down on her own, radiant as the dawn.

Xue Yubai rubbed his fingers together, suppressing the bitterness in his heart, and forced a smile back at her as if nothing was amiss.

The west gate of Jinxiu Tower was located on a back street of Changlong Street. A carriage slowly passed by, its curtain slightly ajar, and the person inside happened to witness this scene, frowning subtly.

“Young Master?” His confidant noticed and immediately inquired.

Liang Yuanbian watched Yue Rongrong’s smiling face, his gaze growing increasingly somber. Only after the carriage had passed did he release the curtain and withdraw his gaze.

The confidant asked, “Has Young Master truly taken a liking to that Miss Yue?”

Liang Yuanbian sneered coldly, leaning back into the cushions. His voice was icy and drawn out. “It’s not me who’s taken a liking to her.”

The confidant immediately understood. “Are you referring to Marquis Shen? But why is she with the second young master of the Xue family?”

Liang Yuanbian couldn’t quite grasp it either, but a playful smile spread across his lips. “How intriguing, how intriguing.”

The confidant looked at him, pondering for a moment before saying, “Young Master, tonight, the Grand Princess is hosting a banquet at her residence for Lady Meng and… Miss Meng.”

Liang Yuanbian’s smile vanished abruptly, replaced by a fierce glint in his eyes.

“If the Meng family truly forms a marriage alliance with the Shen family, then you…”

“Shut up!” Liang Yuanbian snapped coldly. The confidant lowered his head. After a moment, Liang Yuanbian laughed coldly. “No wonder I recently heard that Shen Piaoyao hasn’t visited Yue Rongrong again. Back during the incident with Vice Minister Cai, I thought it wasn’t just a momentary fit of anger. I thought he would take the opportunity to bring Yue Rongrong back to his residence. Hmph! So he still harbors improper thoughts about Jia Yan! This hypocrite!”

The confidant hesitated but mustered his courage. “I believe Marquis Shen’s interest in Miss Meng isn’t about love. If the two families form an alliance, it must be because he covets the Meng family’s military power in the capital…”

Before he could finish, Liang Yuanbian shot him a sharp look. “Are you saying Jia Yan is less important than military power? Shen Piaoyao has clearly had designs on Jia Yan since childhood! He acts aloof and plays hard to get! Before, he seemed quite fond of Yue Rongrong, but as soon as he heard Jia Yan was returning to the capital, he immediately distanced himself from Yue Rongrong. What does that prove?”

The confidant said solemnly, “The one in Marquis Shen’s heart is actually Miss Meng!” He knew his young master well—in his eyes, Miss Meng was a celestial beauty, and every man who saw her would love her but never win her.

Sure enough, hearing this, Liang Yuanbian felt somewhat comforted, though his gaze turned gloomy again. “He wants to distance himself from Yue Rongrong to win Jia Yan’s favor? Dream on.”

Though the confidant was also a man, he couldn’t understand his master’s mindset. His master didn’t want any other man to win Miss Meng’s favor, yet he wanted every man in the world to adore her. It was perplexing.

Liang Yuanbian kicked him lightly. The confidant snapped back to attention, assuming a respectful posture, and heard his master ask, “Has the gift I prepared been delivered to the Meng residence?”

“It has.” Though Miss Meng had gone to the Shen residence’s banquet and probably hadn’t seen it yet, he kept that to himself.

Liang Yuanbian sipped his tea calmly when suddenly an idea flashed through his mind—a way to make Jia Yan see that Shen Piaoyao was fickle and insincere.

“Go back and draft invitations. I’m hosting a welcome banquet for Jia Yan. Invite all the necessary people.” Liang Yuanbian patted the armrest cushion and smiled broadly.

**

Wen Song returned to the Ministry of Justice from the Duke’s residence feeling utterly dejected. The minor officials at the ministry were concluding their workday, and seeing his expression, they could guess what had happened.

They couldn’t help but gloat and patted him on the shoulder. “Did the Grand Princess scold you?”

“You’re stating the obvious,” Wen Song said irritably, brushing their hands away.

“Haha, take care, take care. I was just in the study. His Lordship doesn’t seem to be reviewing case files anymore. If you go now, you might be able to persuade him to return.”

Wen Song’s face lit up, and he immediately perked up, straightening his posture with renewed confidence. “Move aside, move aside.” He pushed past them and headed toward the study.

The remaining officials couldn’t help but wonder. “Why isn’t our Marquis attending the banquet for Miss Meng at the Grand Princess’s residence tonight?”

One of the married men said, “These matters between men and women are always the same. It’s either the east wind overpowering the west wind or the west wind overpowering the east wind. If you don’t want to be overpowered, you have to take the initiative. Just watch. His Lordship has finished his work and is waiting for Wen Song to go in and urge him. He’ll then agree reluctantly and arrive fashionably late. That way, he gains the upper hand!”

“Brilliant! So our Marquis won’t end up like you, controlled by his wife.”

“Get lost!”

Another person disagreed. “How do you know for sure that the Marquis will marry Miss Meng?”

“Why else? The Marquis usually keeps his distance from women. The only one close to him was his cousin. We used to think it was her, but it turns out he only sees her as a sister. Now, only Miss Meng’s character, appearance, and status are worthy of our Marquis. Besides, Miss Meng and our Marquis grew up together.”

They fell silent for a moment. “That does make sense.” Then they went their separate ways, laughing and joking.

Wen Song stood outside the study door, took a few deep breaths, knocked, pushed the door open, and entered with an ingratiating smile. He walked over cautiously and said, “Your Lordship, are you done? The sun has set. It’s time to return to the Duke’s residence.”

As he finished speaking, his expression froze. He saw Shen Jichen leaning back in his armchair, his head resting on his hand, eyebrows tightly furrowed. He lacked his usual vigor, his eyes closed, exuding a weary desolation.

Wen Song’s heart tightened. He knew only one person in the world could make his Marquis look like this. He couldn’t help but sigh softly.

Shen Jichen slowly opened his eyes, which were slightly bloodshot, and asked in a low voice, “What is it?”

He hadn’t even heard what Wen Song had just said. Wen Song couldn’t bring himself to repeat it. He swallowed and changed his approach. “Your Lordship, in a few days, it will be your cousin’s wedding day. You promised the Grand Princess you would stay at the Duke’s residence these days. Shall we return now?”

Silence followed. Wen Song glanced over and saw Shen Jichen rub his temples, sit up straight, and begin organizing the case files on his desk.

Wen Song’s eyes brightened, and he hurried forward to help. Then, watching Shen Jichen stand up, he remembered the Grand Princess’s icy expression when she heard the Marquis wouldn’t be attending the banquet and felt relieved.

He followed Shen Jichen out of the study, closed the door, turned around, and bumped straight into Shen Jichen. He stumbled back in alarm but noticed his Marquis remained motionless, simply looking up at the sky. Wen Song followed his gaze but saw nothing—only the newly risen moon hanging solitary in the sky. His heart sank as he looked at Shen Jichen’s cold, sharp jawline, sensing something amiss.

Fortunately, after a while, Shen Jichen said nothing and simply withdrew his gaze, walking forward. Though his expression remained dark, Wen Song felt somewhat relieved. They boarded the carriage, and not daring to delay, Wen Song whispered urgently to the coachman, “Quick, quick, back to the Duke’s residence!”

The carriage sped along smoothly and steadily. As they passed through Wangjing Gate, Wen Song saw the stationed soldiers through the window and finally felt at ease. If they returned now, the banquet wouldn’t have ended yet, and they could still make it.

After a while longer, the carriage stopped in front of a grand estate. Two towering stone lions stood imposingly in the night.

Wen Song was about to get off when he saw his Marquis sitting as steady as Mount Tai. He hesitated for a moment before reminding him, “Your Lordship, we’ve arrived.”

Silence.

“Your Lordship?”

Shen Jichen lowered his head, his gaze fixed on something unseen, his emotions unreadable. Only a heavy aura surrounded him.

Wen Song didn’t dare speak again. After what felt like an eternity, he heard Shen Jichen’s cold, low voice: “Go back.”

“Turn back?” Wen Song didn't understand at first. If they were going back, why weren't they getting out? By the time he did understand, Shen Jichen was already looking at him. He immediately lowered his gaze and said, “Yes.”

He opened the carriage door and told the coachman to turn around.

The carriage drove out of Wangjing Gate once again, moving along the long street lined with lanterns that seemed to stretch forever. The soldiers at Wangjing Gate were stunned to see the carriage leaving so quickly.

They didn’t return to the marquis's estate or the Ministry of Justice. Instead, the carriage stopped outside the west gate of Brocade Mansion. This long street had no night market, and a large carriage parked so conspicuously felt eerily quiet in the night.

Wen Song sat upright, waiting for Shen Jichen’s command to knock on the door.

But he sat until his back was sore, yet no command came from his lord. He quietly relaxed his posture and glanced at Shen Jichen.

Shen Jichen sat there in extreme silence, his demeanor cold and resolute, though his eyes were calm and unreadable.

After about an hour or two, Wen Song had slowly slumped against the carriage wall when Shen Jichen finally spoke again. Wen Song immediately straightened up.

“Let’s go back,” came the deep, mellow voice.

Wen Song was stunned, then quickly told the coachman to turn around again. His mind was filled with confusion—they had arrived at the Duke’s estate, turned back to Brocade Mansion, done nothing but sit idly, and were now returning to the Duke’s estate?

Shen Jichen got off the carriage and returned to the estate. By then, the banquet had long ended. The gate attendants were both surprised and delighted to see the young master return. Those on night duty stood straight and saluted Shen Jichen, who responded with a faint “Hmm.” As he passed through the front courtyard, he noticed a figure sitting in the brightly lit main hall—dignified and noble.

His steps, which were about to leave directly, paused, and he turned toward the main hall instead.

“Mother.” Shen Jichen bowed respectfully.

The Grand Princess, her face icy, said sharply, “Do you know there was an important guest in the estate today?”

Shen Jichen indifferently took a seat in the armchair below hers and said coolly, “An important guest? That’s *your* important guest.”

The Grand Princess slammed the table in anger, startling Wen Song. Aunt Chun, who was nearby, brought tea and placed it on the table next to Shen Jichen. “Marquis, have some tea.” She then walked over to the Grand Princess and said gently, “Princess, don’t be angry.” She gave the Grand Princess a meaningful look, and the Grand Princess forced herself to calm down.

“Where did you go tonight?”

Shen Jichen looked at her, his gaze cold. “The Ministry of Justice.”

The Grand Princess’s anger flared again. “I sent someone to the Ministry of Justice—you had already left. Where did you go for those two hours?”

Shen Jichen frowned slightly. “I don’t wish to say.”

The Grand Princess felt a pang in her heart, suppressing the bitterness in her throat as she tried to speak calmly. “Jia Yan came to the banquet tonight. You had agreed beforehand. Since you grew up together, it was only proper for you to accompany her—that’s the etiquette expected of a nobleman. Yet you changed your mind at the last moment. Fortunately, Jia Yan is forgiving and didn’t hold it against you. I’ve prepared a gift for you. Tomorrow, you must personally visit her to apologize.”

Shen Jichen turned away with a mocking smile. “The esteemed Grand Princess, Duchess of Zhenguo, must now curry favor with the Meng family?” The Grand Princess’s face paled instantly as Shen Jichen’s icy voice continued, “I’m afraid not. I won't be available tomorrow.”

The Grand Princess’s face turned livid. “Must you be like this? For the sake of someone from three years ago...”

Shen Jichen suddenly stood up, his posture noble but his eyes devoid of warmth. He bowed and said, “Mother, rest early.”

He left without looking back, completely ignoring the stunned Grand Princess. Her chest tightened, and she burst into tears but covered her mouth to maintain her composure.

“Princess, please don’t be sad. The Marquis has always been like this,” Aunt Chun said anxiously, wiping her tears and comforting her.

“Am I currying favor with the Meng family? Look at him—does he seem like someone ready to marry? The Meng family is, after all, a century-old noble family. Jia Yan, as the eldest daughter, is beautiful, elegant, gentle, and kind to him. What about her doesn’t meet his expectations?”

Aunt Chun hesitated. “Princess, is it that the Marquis still hasn’t forgotten...”

The Grand Princess shot her a sharp, tearful glare. “Don’t ever let me hear that name again!” Her sorrowful eyes revealed extreme disgust.

＊＊

Shen Jichen walked along the inner courtyard path, with Wen Song closely following. He radiated an aura of icy detachment, lost in thought, so much so that he didn’t notice the figure suddenly stepping out in front of him. Wen Song urgently shouted, “Marquis!”

It was too late. The figure had already collided with Shen Jichen. Startled, he instinctively grabbed the person’s arm.

Han Zhen looked up in panic, meeting Shen Jichen’s icy gaze. She paled in fear. “Marquis... Marquis...” Her voice was weak and flustered, her gaze timid and pitiful.

“Who are you!” Wen Song barked sharply, and she seemed to jolt awake, lowering her head and stepping back.

Shen Jichen found her somewhat familiar. “You are...”

Han Zhen curtsied gracefully. “This lowly one is Han Zhen, greeting the Marquis.”

Han Zhen? Who? Shen Jichen couldn’t recall her for a moment.

But Wen Song remembered her and said sternly, “Why are you here so late? Don’t you know the rules of the Duke’s estate?”

Han Zhen hurriedly explained, “Reporting to the Marquis, Han Zhen was ordered to enter the estate to be on call for the young mistress. Earlier, the young mistress summoned me to help repair her brocade garment. I was just returning to my room when I bumped into the Marquis. I beg for your forgiveness.”

Shen Jichen usually paid no attention to such trivial matters of the inner household, but Wen Song said beside him, “Then why were you so reckless? You have no sense of propriety. Go to the house steward to receive your punishment!”

Han Zhen lowered her eyes, a flicker of resentment hidden within.

But Shen Jichen waved his hand. “Forget it. You may go.”

Han Zhen looked up in surprise, her face innocent and delighted as she smiled sweetly, as if forgetting to thank him. Shen Jichen glanced at her indifferently and left.

After they were gone, the innocence in Han Zhen’s eyes gradually faded. She lowered her gaze and smiled calmly. Earlier, when she saw Shen Jichen approaching, she recalled how he had once escorted her back to Brocade Mansion. She gathered her courage and took a gamble. To her surprise, the Marquis still remembered her and exempted her from punishment. It seemed the Marquis still had some pity for her.

Wen Song asked puzzledly, “Why did you let her off so easily, Marquis?”

Shen Jichen said coldly, “She’s from Brocade Mansion.”

When Han Zhen returned to her room, she disturbed Du Yan. In the Duke’s estate, the two of them shared a room.

“Why are you back so late?” Du Yan asked casually as she got up to drink water.

“I bumped into the Marquis earlier...” Han Zhen abruptly cut herself off and hurriedly turned to make her bed.

Du Yan had already heard and walked over in astonishment. “Who did you say you ran into?”

Han Zhen’s cheeks flushed, a faint hint of pride hidden in her eyes. She said helplessly, “I accidentally bumped into the Marquis earlier. His servant wanted to punish me, but the Marquis saved me. Otherwise, I would’ve gotten a flogging.” She sighed in relief.

Du Yan’s expression changed, as if she didn’t want to believe it. “You’re saying the Marquis saved you?”

Han Zhen smiled as if it were nothing. “It’s not a big deal. It’s late, let’s rest soon. We have to wake up early tomorrow.”

Her tone was so dismissive. Du Yan pursed her lips and turned back to her own bed. Watching Han Zhen gracefully get into bed and pull up the covers, she felt as if a stone were stuck in her heart. Though she was friendly with Han Zhen, hearing that Han Zhen had actually interacted with the Marquis left her feeling somewhat displeased.

After witnessing the opulence and status of the Duke’s estate, she felt her first eighteen years had been wasted!

＊＊

These past few days, with Han Zhen and Du Yan away from the embroidery studio, Yue Rongrong felt much more relaxed in the embroidery workshop. She didn’t have to face Han Zhen’s two-faced behavior or listen to Du Yan’s barbed comments. Even Zhou Gong and Cheng Qian hadn’t come. She relaxed and rested, feeling that such days were quite nice. She focused on earning money, waiting for Qu Lieshan’s sentence to be reduced to assuage her guilt.

She was happily sipping tea when the shopkeeper walked in. She quickly put down her teacup and pretended to be working intently on her embroidery.

“Stop pretending. I saw you lounging around,” the shopkeeper said casually. Yue Rongrong chuckled, then heard the shopkeeper call out her name, along with Zhong Yu and two other embroiderers—Embroidery Fang and Embroidery Wang.

"The four of you, today go to Yujin Garden. Someone has requested you to embroider a screen. If the task is done well, there will be a hefty reward."

Upon hearing "hefty reward," Yue Rongrong's eyes lit up, completely overlooking the words "Yujin Garden."

The Wang embroiderer excitedly asked, "Yujin Garden? The former imperial garden that is now reserved for banquets hosted by royalty and nobility?"

The manager glanced at her. "You seem most interested in that."

The other embroiderers were green with envy. Zhong Yu asked, "Who invited us?"

"The manager of Yujin Garden," the manager replied, recalling that the manager had specifically requested Yue Rongrong while the others were optional. He couldn't help but glance at Yue Rongrong with concern. "Yujin Garden is not like other places, so remember to be cautious and careful in everything."

Yue Rongrong assumed it was because of her past mishaps that the manager feared she would tarnish his reputation, so she patted her chest reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'll be absolutely well-behaved."

The manager now truly saw Yue Rongrong as a spark that could ignite at any moment—too unpredictable. However, the messenger had warned him not to say too much. Even though the messenger was merely Yujin Garden's manager, he dared not offend him, as officials at the prime minister's gate held third-rank status.

The four gathered their embroidery kits and boarded Brocade Tower's carriage to Yujin Garden.

The Wang embroiderer felt relieved. "Fortunately, Han Zhen is at the Duke's residence, otherwise this opportunity wouldn't have fallen to me. The day after tomorrow is Miss Jin's wedding day, so she should be returning soon, right?"

Fang Xiuniang said, "Probably."

Yue Rongrong leaned against the window, watching the streets outside, and sighed. Once Ren Hanzhen returned, these relaxed days would slip away.

The carriage stopped at a side entrance of Yujin Garden. The four filed out one by one. The Wang embroiderer was the first to alight but ran to a corner, excitedly saying, "Look, there are several luxurious carriages parked at the main gate. Is there a banquet today? Are many nobles attending?"

They all rushed over to look. Yue Rongrong joined them and suddenly remembered that Xue Yubai had mentioned attending a welcome banquet today. Could it be here? The Wang embroiderer said enviously, "If only I could ride in such a carriage one day, how wonderful that would be."

Fang Xiuniang pulled her back. "Stop dreaming. This isn't our embroidery loft. Watch your words."

Just then, a man who looked like a steward approached with four maidservants. He scanned them and asked, "From Brocade Tower?"

Fang Xiuniang nodded. "Yes."

The steward pointed to the maidservants behind him. "Follow them."

Yue Rongrong and the other three respectfully complied.

Yujin Garden had over thirty courtyards. The screen they were to embroider was in the Courtyard of Curving Waters and Lotus Breezes (Quyuan Fenghe). On the way, the lead maid warned them, "Today, nobles are hosting a banquet at Quyuan Fenghe. Do not wander around."

They all agreed in unison. Finally, the head maid looked at Yue Rongrong and said, "You, come with me."

The four were stunned. Yue Rongrong pointed at herself. "Just me?"

"Yes."

Zhong Yu asked, "Where are you taking her?"

The head maid sternly rebuked, "Hold your tongue." To Yue Rongrong, she said, "There's a damaged screen at the Scenic View Pavilion. You are responsible for repairing it." She then instructed the other maidservants to take Zhong Yu and the other two away first.

Zhong Yu looked at Yue Rongrong with concern. Yue Rongrong thought to herself that this was a royal garden—what danger could there be? She nodded reassuringly at Zhong Yu and followed the head maid.

Fang Xiuniang comforted Zhong Yu, "Don't worry, this isn't some disreputable place."

Zhong Yu smiled at her.

At Quyuan Fenghe, by the Flying Snow Lake (Feixue Lake), the banquet was already set. It was a splendid affair with flowers everywhere. Dozens of young nobles and ladies were seated, accompanied by court singers from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices standing in the wind, their voices ethereal and clear. Court dancers performed on a small boat in the lake, moving gracefully. Early spring flowers bloomed in clusters, their fragrance seeming to twine around the dancers' delicate fingertips.

Just then, Liang Yuanbian's gaze fixed on a stunning, graceful figure in the distance, like the queen of flowers—sacred, dignified, and graceful. He immediately stood up, looking solemn as he watched Meng Jiayan approach.

The other young ladies giggled secretly. He Minxuan lounged comfortably on his mat and shot a glance at Han Zixian, who smiled without a word. Liang Yuanbian's affection for Meng Jiayan was no secret; he wished the whole world knew.

Meng Jiayan approached and said gracefully, "I apologize for being late."

Liang Yuanbian hurriedly replied, "Not at all, not at all."

He Minxuan raised his voice, "Indeed, it's not late—Piao Yao hasn't arrived yet."

Meng Jiayan's complexion shifted slightly, but she smiled faintly. Then she noticed Xue Yubai and said softly, "Yubai, long time no see."

Xue Yubai nodded and exchanged a few pleasantries. Liang Yuanbian escorted Meng Jiayan to the seat of honor. Meng Jiayan tried to decline, but Liang Yuanbian insisted that the banquet was held in her honor and invited her to sit.

Xue Yubai also said, "Please, take a seat."

Meng Jiayan sat down graciously. The young ladies nearby gathered around to chat with her, asking if she had seen Marquis Shen at the Duke's residence banquet a few days prior.

Meng Jiayan smiled. "Piao Yao is swamped with official business and did not return to the residence."

They were naturally pleased to hear this, but upon hearing her refer to him as "Piao Yao," they knew her relationship with Marquis Shen was different from theirs.

As they spoke, He Minxuan announced loudly, "Piao Yao is here!"

All the young ladies immediately straightened up, unconsciously adjusting their hair, their cheeks flushing. They stood up in unison. Meng Jiayan watched, pursing her lips with a slight smile. When Shen Jichen approached, she rose gracefully.

The young ladies performed a curtsy. "Greetings, Marquis."

Only Meng Jiayan bowed slightly as an equal. "Piao Yao."

Shen Jichen glanced at her and gave a faint "Hmm" before turning to Han Zixian and the others. Meng Jiayan remained smiling as she sat back down and continued sharing her experiences from Xiangzhou with the young ladies. As they listened, they couldn't help but wonder: Did Jia Yan not harbor feelings for Marquis Shen? If so, wouldn't that be their opportunity?

After sitting down, Shen Jichen and Xue Yubai locked eyes. Xue Yubai smiled amiably. "I thought you wouldn't come today."

Shen Jichen replied coolly, "You seem quite busy lately."

Xue Yubai smiled meaningfully. "I want Mr. Jimo to take Rong Rong as his disciple. Lately, Rong Rong has been in good spirits. If this succeeds, she might become even happier." He lowered his gaze, smiling tenderly.

He didn't notice Shen Jichen's cooling expression—or perhaps this was his intention: to slowly let Shen Jichen know that they were growing closer and that Rong Rong had moved on from the past.

Someone as shrewd as Shen Jichen understood perfectly. Xue Yubai wanted Mr. Jimo to take Rong Rong as a disciple not only for her sake but also for his own. Shen Jichen's lips curled into a faint, cold smile. "Then I wish you success."

Liang Yuanbian, however, watched Shen Jichen's aloof and noble demeanor, convinced he was playing hard to get to attract Meng Jiayan's attention. His gaze chilled momentarily as he drained his wine cup. Later, he would expose this hypocrite and let Jia Yan see clearly!

Setting down his cup, he glanced behind him. His trusted aide nodded back, and Liang Yuanbian smiled. He stood up and said, "Sitting around is dull. Let's go to the Scenic View Pavilion. I've prepared something novel!"

He Minxuan, always eager for excitement, immediately stood up and pulled Shen Jichen along with him.

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

Author's Note: There's a subtle scheme in this chapter that will be revealed in the next.

With the female protagonist at the center, the setting will shift towards the Duke's residence, noble families, and the imperial palace.