An eight-year-old kid emptied his scumbag father's warehouse and followed his grandparents into

Fearing that their cousin (sister) would find out and blame them, the sisters kept silent when they returned home and dared not mention the matter. They all lowered their heads and looked submissive, not even daring to breathe, for fear that they would accidentally let the cat out of the bag.

But knowing that she was in the wrong, the orange fan did not dare to hide it. She was uneasy in her heart and her conscience was torn. She took advantage of the opportunity when the young ladies were not with the princess and knelt in front of Jing Chunxi. She told him everything in detail with a trembling voice.

Uncle Li, who was driving the cart, was even more frightened. He felt that he had failed in his duty, so he ran to Aunt Wei and asked for punishment. He knelt for a long time and asked for twenty lashes of the stick.

Now, the whole cause and effect of the incident were restored exactly as it was, and it could no longer be concealed.

Not only did Jing Chunxi know about it, but the news also spread like wildfire and quickly reached the ears of Jing Qiurong at the other mansion.

Finally, the servants who followed that day had two months' salary deducted as a small punishment; the sisters were also disciplined more strictly by Nanny Gong, and the rules and etiquette were taught to them more strictly. They were also ordered to copy twenty pages of Buddhist scriptures to calm down and repent.

Even so, the sisters appeared respectful and obedient on the surface, but they were fluttering in their hearts like a bird, and were quite happy because the long-awaited autumn flower viewing banquet was coming soon.

The autumn flower-viewing banquet at General Jing's residence was a lively affair. The courtyard had already been meticulously decorated, with a dazzling array of chrysanthemums, fragrant osmanthus, and dotted with rockery and flowing water. Delicate glass lanterns hung beneath the corridors, creating a magnificent spectacle even in daylight.

Maids and servants were constantly running around, carrying fruits and snacks, and serving attentively. Because the Second Madam Yin was about to give birth and was very sick, she did not leave the courtyard and stayed in her room to recuperate.

The eldest young lady, Feng Jiaojiao, was also five or six months pregnant and had difficulty moving, so she naturally couldn't help much.

It was natural for the married Jing Mingyue to return for such a family-wide celebration. She was still very young, but she was even more cautious. The maids and servants around her had received personal orders from the Duke to stay by her side, fearing any mishap.

Therefore, the responsibility of receiving female guests in the backyard almost fell on the shoulders of the eldest wife, Zhuang. Unfortunately, she was too busy to handle it alone. Just receiving those prominent ladies was very busy, and she had to keep busy with greetings and conversations.

Therefore, the task of receiving the noble ladies from various families fell entirely on Jin Jie'er and her sisters. Jing Chunxi was also very concerned about this matter and made arrangements early on, so all the palace maids and servants in the mansion who could be used were sent there in advance to serve, and they were required to obey the arrangements of the eldest lady.

Even Chuntao, who was married and running a shop outside, was specially invited back to help with the coordination. Therefore, although the scene was large, it seemed orderly and busy but not chaotic.

At this moment, she saw that the guests had just been welcomed in and there were not many of them, so she was not needed to entertain them for the time being. So she took a half-day break and stayed with Feng Jiaojiao and Jing Mingyue in an open pavilion facing the water at the back, drinking tea and chatting, and talking about personal matters.

Suddenly, I heard Sister Yan in front of me exclaim in surprise and joy, "Why is it you! Sister Jin, come here quickly, it's that good sister who is here!" Her voice was clear and filled with incredible joy.

"Oh! Really, it was this sister that day. We were just worrying about how to find you and thank you." Mingzhu's voice sounded immediately, her tone full of excitement.

"Sister, please come in quickly! I'll go tell mother!"

...

The courtyard was a bit quiet because the guests hadn't arrived yet, so the sisters' chattering and joyful voices were particularly clear, penetrating the carved window lattices. A strange young girl's voice occasionally responded gently, and just by listening to it, one could feel that they were very close and had no barriers between them.

Hearing the noise, the three people in the open pavilion all stood up simultaneously, their faces filled with curiosity, wanting to go out and investigate. However, Jing Chunxi, one on each side, gently held down Feng Jiaojiao and Jing Mingyue's arms, forcing them back to their original positions.

"Pregnant women, don't even think about joining in the fun. Just sit back and relax," Jing Chunxi said in a gentle but unquestionable tone. "I'll go check for you and come back later to tell you everything." After she finished speaking, she straightened her clothes and walked out calmly.

"Who is this distinguished guest who has come so early? I'm sorry for not welcoming you," Jing Chunxi asked with a smile as they walked. The distinguished guest was still twenty or thirty steps away, and through the densely arranged potted plants, only a slender, upright outline could be made out. Her facial features were not yet clear, but she didn't look like a lady he knew well. Suspicious, Jing Chunxi quickly asked in a clear voice.

"Sister, you are the sister who saved Sister Yan on the street that day!" Sister Jin came up quickly and explained excitedly.

"This sister is amazing. She must have learned some martial arts to be so skilled!" Ling'er added, her eyes full of admiration.

Upon hearing this, the young woman walked straight over, her steps steady. Seeing Jing Chunxi dressed in the dignified yet elegant attire of a princess, she quickly bowed, neither humble nor overbearing.

Then she raised her eyes and spoke with a hint of trepidation, "My humble daughter Ling Xiao greets ~Princess Anping?" There was a hint of uncertainty in her tone, perhaps guessing her identity, but she had to pay her respects according to etiquette. However, her words were clear and her eyes were bright, without any of the timidity and avoidance that an ordinary common woman would show when meeting a noble person.

"I'm Chunxi." Jing Chunxi smiled and nodded, confirming her identity before she continued gently, "Sister Ling, your expression is full of heroism, and your actions are so chivalrous. It's rare that my sisters all praise you so much and keep thinking of you. I really want to thank you for saving Sister Yan that day."

She said this not out of courtesy because the other party had saved her cousin, but because she could tell at a glance that the girl in front of her was a very frank and direct person with clear eyes and no complicated heart. Jing Chunxi had a good impression of her for no reason.

As Jing Chunxi spoke, she stepped forward and affectionately took Ling Xiao's hand. She blinked in the direction of the sisters and said loudly, "Did you hear that? This is Sister Ling." She also deliberately emphasized the pronunciation of the four words "Sister Ling".

The sisters over there were stunned at first, then suddenly realized, remembering what was said at the dinner table that day about Lord Ling falling in love with their third brother. Many of them covered their mouths in shock, exchanged surprised glances with each other, and then smiled and understood each other tacitly.

"Sister Ling, don't stand here, come with me quickly," Jing Chunxi held her hand affectionately and led her to the open pavilion. While pulling her, he quietly observed Ling Xiao's expression and found that after she heard the meaningful "Sister Ling", a faint, barely noticeable blush appeared on her face, adding a bit of daughter's delicate look. It was a different kind of beauty, more than enough to match her cousin Sanlang.

Ling Xiao explained softly, her tone apologetic: "The eldest lady was talking to my mother over there, and told me to go in and stroll around the garden by myself. I didn't expect to disturb the princess and the other ladies."

"Why disturb her? It's perfectly appropriate for Madam Ling to have her mother accompany her when she talks. Since Sister Ling has entered the mansion, don't be shy and just treat her like your own family." Jing Chunxi's smile became increasingly sincere. "If I had known you'd come so early today, my sisters and I should have gone out to greet you."

The family never thought that they would have such an opportunity to meet Miss Ling, whom they had only heard of but never met, in such a natural way at this flower-viewing banquet.

It was precisely because of this opportunity that they were able to see Ling Xiao's true, cheerful and polite character without any preparation, and each of them developed a genuine liking for her.

Looking at the heroic, generous, and cheerful girl before them, and thinking of the calm and reserved Sanlang, a thought flashed through their minds: It seems that Sanlang's marriage is really a done deal. This autumn flower viewing banquet was indeed the right thing to do.