Seeing that no one was eating, Qiao Wanyu looked up at Jiang Jun, only to find that she was looking at Xie Ankang who was standing outside the door.

The guard had a tall and straight figure, a stern face, and an aura that could not be ignored.

This guard of the Xie family is more imposing than the young masters of ordinary families. No wonder Jiang Jun took a few more glances at him.

Qiao Wanyu muttered to herself.

However, when her eyes met Xie Ankang's, she finally understood what the glare like a knife meant.

An inexplicable chill rushed from the soles of her feet to the top of her head. Qiao Wanyu shuddered violently and suddenly understood something.

She quickly handed the bowl and chopsticks in front of her to Jiang Song, and tasted every dish on the table one by one, even taking a sip of the wine in the jug.

Sure enough, after confirming that all the food was non-toxic, the guard shifted his gaze from Qiao Wanyu to look at other people in the room.

Qiao Wanyu's series of actions instantly made the atmosphere in the room become subtle.

Jiang Jun's expression changed slightly, then she smiled gently. "Auntie is really considerate, but the food in this mansion shouldn't be a problem. Third sister, don't you agree?"

Jiang Song nodded slightly, picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks, and placed it gracefully in his mouth. "Of course, the meals at the Marquis' Mansion have always been reassuring. Auntie, you are worrying too much. Please rest assured, Second Miss."

"Song'er, I just heard you say that your son-in-law is not in good health. Even the issue of offspring is hard to guarantee, right?" Qiao Wanyu suddenly changed the subject.

Jiang Song smiled sweetly, "Auntie, although my husband is weak, the doctor has said that as long as he is properly taken care of, he will naturally have children."

"Oh? That's great." Qiao Wanyu pretended to be surprised.

"Auntie is just too worried, please don't blame me, Third Sister. Come, let's eat. It's a rare occasion for us to be together today, so we should be happy."

Qiao Wanyu picked up a piece of meat for Jiang Song and said with a smile, "Song'er, I heard that last time the Xie family held a banquet, the daughter of the Wang family challenged you to a duel, but she couldn't even withstand a single blow. She really brought shame to our Jiang family!"

Jiang Song smiled lightly and said modestly, "Auntie, you are too kind. Song'er just won by luck. I really don't deserve such praise."

"Alas, Third Sister is too modest. Your reputation in the imperial capital is growing. Even our Marquisate is benefiting from it."

"Sister, remember that when Third Sister was in the Marquis' Mansion, her swordsmanship wasn't that outstanding. Now that she's in the Xie family, has she received any guidance from a master?"

"Is she the Second Miss Xie whose spear skills are like gods? I heard that she has a very close relationship with the Third Sister. I imagine they have a lot of exchanges in martial arts."

Jiang Jun mentioned it seemingly casually, but in fact, every word was a test.

"Second Miss, you're joking. My sister-in-law is very busy with her studies, and her mother-in-law never allows others to interrupt her. Even if Song'er wanted to ask for advice, she wouldn't have the chance."

"It seems that Song'er has forgotten me, her elder sister, since she married into the Xie family. She doesn't even want to tell me a heartfelt word?" Jiang Jun said angrily, throwing the dishes and chopsticks lightly.

Jiang Song's eyes were filled with sincerity. "Second Miss, Song'er is telling the truth. My husband is in poor health, and the Xie family's honor and disgrace all depend on my sister-in-law. My mother-in-law has high hopes for her and is very strict with her. She is indeed difficult to approach."

What she said was well-reasoned and there was no flaw in it.

Could it be that the last time this bitch defeated Wang Heng'e, it was just a blind cat catching a dead mouse?

Jiang Jun pondered secretly in his heart, but remained calm on the surface and continued to deal with Jiang Song.

"I see. It was I who wronged you. Come on, we sisters finally get together. Let's not let these trivial matters affect our mood. Let's eat." As she said that, she picked up a piece of food for Jiang Song with a fake smile.

Seeing that she had not obtained any useful information and that the task assigned by the eldest lady was about to be completed, Qiao Wanyu was secretly anxious.

She rolled her eyes and figured it out.

"Speaking of which, Song'er, you've been married into the Xie family for quite some time now. Has your mother-in-law ever asked you to learn from her how to manage Xie's affairs?"

"It's too early for Auntie to speak. Song'er has just arrived at the Xie family and is not familiar with many things. My mother-in-law is kind-hearted and very tolerant of Song'er. Currently, her main focus is on serving her husband and she has never mentioned taking care of household affairs."

Qiao Wanyu sighed inwardly, "Oh, I see. However, with Song'er's intelligence and talent, I believe she will shine brightly in the Xie family in the future and gain recognition and appreciation from her parents-in-law."

Her words were half compliment and half test. She glanced at Jiang Jun from time to time, as if observing her reaction.

When talking about the housekeeper, Jiang Jun, who was born into a legitimate family, felt a sense of superiority. She took a sip of tea and a smug smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.

"Third sister, you know that managing a large family is not an easy task. It requires not only intelligence and talent, but also sufficient prestige and skill."

"I've been in the Marquis' Mansion for these years. Although I wouldn't say I've managed the affairs perfectly, I do have some experience. If you need anything, you can ask me for advice."

Jiang Song's eyes flickered slightly. "Second Miss taught me that if there is anything I don't understand, I will definitely ask her. But right now, Song'er hopes to spend more time with my husband and help him recover soon. I can't take care of anything else for now."

After hearing this, Jiang Jun felt unwilling, but he could not find any reason to refute it. He could only laugh dryly and change the subject.

"Speaking of which, you and the second young lady of the Xie family are both sisters-in-law and good friends, which is truly rare. I heard that she is not only an exceptional martial artist, but also a talented person. I wonder if I could have the honor of witnessing her?"

"Second Miss, you don't know that my aunt spends her days practicing martial arts and studying military books. She rarely attends banquets at the mansion, and even family banquets are often absent due to personal matters. Although she and I get along well, we don't spend much time together."

Qiao Wanyu poured another cup of tea for Jiang Song. "Song'er, it's been a while since you married the eldest son of the Xie family. I wonder how your relationship is going? Is the Xie family treating you well?"

"Auntie, marriage is like drinking water, only you know whether it's hot or cold. My husband treats me very well, my parents-in-law are also kind and generous, and the Xie family has taken good care of me."

"Oh, in that case, we're relieved. However, as a married woman, you'll inevitably face many trivial matters and pressures. You must learn to manage yourself and not overwork yourself."

Soon, the few of them finally finished this somewhat dull lunch. Although the atmosphere was not tense, it did reveal some subtle competition and temptation.

Jiang Song spoke a mixture of truth and lies, handling the situation with ease, making every test from Jiang Jun and Qiao Wanyu like hitting cotton, with little effect.

After the meal, Jiang Song said goodbye at the right time, "Second Miss, Auntie, my husband is still waiting at home. Song'er can't stay any longer, so I have to go back now."

"In that case, I won't stay any longer. Third sister, go back and take care of your uncle. We sisters can get together again when we have time."

"Thank you for your understanding, Second Miss. Song'er will take his leave." Jiang Song stood up, bowed slightly to Jiang Jun, then turned to Qiao Wanyu and Jiang Shu, and nodded gently to say goodbye.

Seeing this, Qiao Wanyu also quickly stood up, a smile on her face, "Song'er, be careful on the road, and come back often when you have time."

Jiang Shu seemed a little hesitant. She secretly glanced at Jiang Song, then quickly lowered her head and said softly, "Third sister, take care."

Jiang Song smiled slightly and gave Jiang Shu a gentle look, as if he could see through her thoughts, but he didn't say much. He turned around and walked out the door.

When Jiang Song and the others disappeared around the corner of the courtyard, the atmosphere in the house seemed to become even more solemn.

Qiao Wanyu quickly knelt before Jiang Jun and said, "Second Miss, I am incompetent and have been unable to extract more information about her time in the Xie family from Jiang Song. Please punish me."

Jiang Jun raised her hand slightly, signaling Qiao Wanyu to stand up. Her face did not show much emotion, but her eyes flashed with some deep thought.

"She's getting better at hiding her weaknesses. However, this also proves that her life in the Xie family isn't easy, otherwise why would she be so wary?"

"She's just a lowly servant born out of wedlock. Which noble family in the imperial capital would truly look down upon someone of her origin? Her performance today was nothing more than a facade."

"She only knows a few ways to serve others, and is barely qualified to be a maid for that sickly man. But when it comes to managing household affairs and making plans for her husband's family, hmph, her ideas are far from enough."

"No, she's not worthy! The Xie family has such a huge business, it's not her turn as a concubine's daughter to interfere. Aunt, don't you agree?"

"Yes, yes, what the Second Miss said is absolutely right." Qiao Wanyu knelt on the ground and nodded vigorously. "That girl is just a lowly creature. How can she be compared with you, the Second Miss?"

"Second Miss, you are the true jewel of the Marquisate. Whether in talent or family background, you are far beyond her reach."

"My aunt is right. I won't argue with her. But my father seems to be paying a lot of attention to her recently, which makes me feel a little unhappy."

"Of course, the Marquis knows who the real daughter is."

"Second Miss, you are talented and deeply favored by the Marquis. No matter how much Jiang Song jumps around, he is just a grasshopper in autumn and won't be able to jump for many days."

"Hahaha, Auntie, what you said is very good. I like to hear it."

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