It's all ruined, who cares about the chastity arch

A hint of hesitation flashed through the man's eyes, and his concern for the cat was like a vine. He was about to raise his foot to follow, but the alert servant beside him grabbed his sleeve tightly and whispered, "Master, don't forget that the concubine's spies are everywhere. If you are not careful, you will fall into the trap."

Pei Chi'an paused, his eyes filled with a complicated look.

For many years, as Concubine Pei's confidant, he had been walking on thin ice and was well aware of her fierce methods.

In recent years, the Concubine Dowager's surveillance of him has become even more severe. Even in the Pei Mansion, his every move cannot escape her eyes.

It was an unintentional act, just because she looked at the little maid for a second longer, the concubine could calmly have the girl's delicate face scratched at night, leaving behind a series of hideous scars as a warning.

What's more, he once met a young cook whose finger was injured by hot oil in the kitchen. He felt pity for her and secretly gave her precious ointment. However, he did not expect that only three days later, the poor girl was poured with a pot of boiling oil in the middle of the night. Her whole body was severely burned and she was in great pain. She died a few days later.

From that moment on, fear followed him like a shadow, and Pei Chi'an never dared to disobey the Concubine Dowager again. Her orders became his only code of conduct.

This orchid lantern festival was a place that the Concubine Dowager strictly forbade him to set foot in, but due to Yuan's constant instigation, he came reluctantly and pretended to meet the daughter of the Wu family by chance.

At this moment, he knew that if he had anything to do with a strange woman in such a public place, once the news got to the ears of the concubine, the woman would be doomed.

After careful consideration, Pei Chi'an slowly turned around, with a hint of helplessness in his voice: "Forget it, let's continue to enjoy the lanterns."

When the servant heard this, he quickly agreed with a flattering smile on his face: "Yes, Master."

Pei Chi'an looked back at the shop, his eyes seemed to show some reluctance and regret. Then he put his hands behind his back, stepped into the crowded street, and disappeared in the crowd.

At the same time, Yun Yi hurried back to the store, only to see that Si Qi had already pocketed all of Shopkeeper Liu's defective merchandise.

The two of them carried heavy packages and quickly entered a quiet alley. Yun Yi lowered her voice, her eyes sparkling with excitement: "Sister Siqi, do you know who I just met?"

Siqi glanced sideways, her eyes full of curiosity: "Who is it?"

Yun Yi looked around to make sure no one was watching, then whispered, "The eldest young master of the Pei family, Pei Chi'an."

Hearing this, Siqi's face changed slightly: "Is it him?"

Yun Yi bit her red lips and nodded, gently shaking a snow-white kitten in her hand: "He also said that this is his cat, it's really inexplicable."

Siqi sneered, as if she remembered something: "It's really a narrow road for enemies. A few days ago, the eldest lady specifically told us to pay attention to this person."

A few days ago, Su Wanyu secretly told Siqi to pay attention to Pei Chian's every move.

However, Pei Chi'an acted extremely cautiously. Apart from attending court, he would go home and was almost impeccable.

I never thought that tonight, at such an inadvertent moment, I would discover something unusual in his whereabouts.

The two of them understood each other tacitly and hurried back to the mansion, reporting to Su Wanyu everything they had seen and heard.

Su Wanyu held Xiaotuan in her arms, and gently stroked its paws with her fingertips, her eyes full of surprise: "It turns out that the cat my father picked up was Pei Chian's cat."

Yun Yi frowned, her expression full of displeasure, as if she was full of hostility towards Pei Chi'an. She stroked the kitten's head distressedly, muttering, "It must be because he didn't take good care of Tuan'er that Tuan'er ran away from home."

Xiaotuan opened his lively eyes and rubbed Yunyi's palm affectionately. This gentle interaction made Yunyi feel even more disgusted with the uninvited guest.

Seeing this, Siqi smiled secretly, then immediately regained her serious expression and said to Su Wanyu seriously, "Miss, Pei Chian must have a purpose for participating in the Orchid Lantern Festival. It can't be accidental."

Su Wanyu handed the little ball back to Yun Yi's arms and pondered for a moment: "This may be an opportunity. Pei Chi'an is the weak spot of the concubine. We can use this opportunity to open up the situation."

At this time, the streets of Lanshi were dimly lit, and young men and women were walking among the colorful lanterns. On the surface, they were enjoying the beautiful scenery, but in fact, they all had the dream of finding true love in their hearts.

"Go and find out the Pei family's intentions immediately, especially which daughter they have their eyes on. Remember, be careful when you act."

Su Wanyu's instructions were firm and unquestionable.

"Yes, Miss."

Siqi took the order, then turned around quietly and passed secret words to her trusted confidants Xiaoyi and Xiaoer.

After the two men understood and quietly left, she quickly closed the door and took out pieces of pearl and jade jewelry from the package one by one.

Su Wanyu examined these exquisite jewellery, her tone filled with disbelief: "Are these all the goods from our Su family shop?"

Si Qi looked heavy-hearted, nodded slightly, and said affirmatively: "That is indeed the case, Miss. Shopkeeper Liu is selling inferior goods as good ones and pocketing the profits. If we don't deal with it soon, it will affect the reputation of our Su family for many years."

"Tomorrow morning, take these things and go to the store with me. It's time to teach him a lesson."

After Su Wanyu finished speaking, she placed a jade hairpin heavily on the table, her voice revealing her unquestionable determination.

Siqi leaned forward and took it respectfully, saying, "As you wish, Miss."

This kind of thing is usually handled by the butler Fangbo, and there is no need for the master or the eldest daughter to do it personally.

But this time, Su Wanyu decided to take action personally and use this opportunity to establish her authority and warn others.

Ever since she returned to the Su Mansion, she realized that it was imperative to establish her own prestige.

The next day, before going to Lanshi Street, Su Wanyu first returned to her father's residence.

After hearing the whole story, the master frowned and sighed: "Alas, it's all because of my negligence in discipline during this period."

Facing her father's self-blame, Su Wanyu comforted him gently: "Don't worry, Dad. I will be by your side in the future and we will face it together."

"My body is not as strong as before..."

The old man sighed and took out a finely carved seal from his bosom. He smiled with some satisfaction, "This is a token of my Su Mansion's chief treasurer. From now on, you will be the one making the decisions on Su Family's affairs."

"It's just that your identity is different now..."

At this point, the master's eyes revealed a hint of worry, and he was filled with complicated emotions about his daughter's future path.

Su Wanyu gently lowered her eyelids, her long eyelashes casting a soft shadow under her eyelids. Her words were filled with unquestionable firmness: "No matter what position I hold, no matter whether I am crowned Princess Pingle or not, the affection flowing in my blood tells me that I will always be your daughter."

Her voice is gentle yet powerful, and every word is full of affection.

She continued, her tone revealing a sense of maturity and responsibility: "Please rest assured, father, I will manage the Su family properly, make it prosperous, and ensure that you will live a worry-free and peaceful life for the rest of your life."