The merchant's rebirth led to the complete downfall of the Marquis's mansion.

Chapter 54 Private Transactions

It was lively with many people, but there was also a lot of socializing. When Liu Qingping saw that there were many people, she pulled Qin Yao to hide.

Helpless, Chen Yiru had them led to the backyard.

Qin Liu understood. It was normal for Liu Qingping to not have much contact with people growing up and not to like socializing.

The eldest princess was also anxious and forced her to come out.

Now that I'm getting to know Qin Yao better, things will probably get much better.

The two drank tea in the backyard for a while before going to Chen Yiru's courtyard.

With many people gathered together, chatting amongst themselves, the makeup process began, and everyone started saying auspicious words.

Qin Yao led Liu Qingping forward and placed the items on the trunk next to Chen Yiru. Just as she was about to speak, Liu Qingping had already started talking.

"Wishing Sister Chen and her husband a long and happy marriage, and many children!"

Although the visitors would make jokes, they were at least somewhat subtle. Liu Qingping's bluntness made everyone burst into laughter.

Chen Yiru blushed and glared at Liu Qingping.

Liu Qingping was completely unaware of this and introduced all her belongings.

Naturally, everyone was envious. Not to mention that these ornaments came from the princess's residence, their quality alone showed that they were very valuable.

Everyone was praising her, which made Liu Qingping very happy, and she didn't forget to include Qin Yao in the praise as well.

"The things Sister Qin sent are all exquisite pieces from Diancui Pavilion!"

Qin Yao chuckled and couldn't help but nod her head.

Everyone burst into laughter.

Just then, the Jiang family members, whom we hadn't seen for a long time, also made their appearance.

Only then did everyone look over.

Logically speaking, the mother should be the most tired when her daughter gets married.

However, Mrs. Jiang was quite the opposite. She was very idle. She had made an appearance since the beginning of her wedding preparations, including with the Jiang family members behind her.

In particular, while her own daughter stayed with her nanny, Madam Jiang kept her niece by her side.

However, everyone tacitly remained silent, only watching with interest as Jiang Qianqian linked arms with Mrs. Jiang.

The old nanny behind Chen Yiru coughed lightly, drawing everyone's attention back to her.

The old woman stepped forward and bowed slightly in greeting.

"Now that you ladies have arrived, please come forward!"

It was obvious what they were going to do.

As expected, the maternal family members definitely contributed the lion's share.

To everyone's surprise, not a single member of the Chiang family, including Chiang Ching-kuo himself, stepped forward.

"This……"

"What's going on here?"

"Yup!"

"I do not know!"

As time ticked by, the people below began to whisper among themselves.

Even Liu Qingping noticed something was wrong and nervously tugged at Qin Yao.

The Jiang family had quite a few people present this time, including Jiang Qianqian's mother, an older sister, and two younger sisters.

Of course, her two older brothers were also in the front hall.

They all stared at Chen Yiru.

Chen Yiru looked back at him calmly.

Jiang walked over and sat in the main seat. Jiang Qianqian followed, and the Jiang family members also went over and found seats for themselves.

From this perspective, it does resemble a joint trial by three judicial departments.

Chen Yiru stood up and bowed respectfully, which made it seem like a joint trial by the three judicial authorities.

She was supposed to be the main character today; all the relatives needed to do was greet her and exchange pleasantries.

However, Jiang neither introduced her nor considered her feelings, and sat down directly. She couldn't afford to embarrass the Chen family in front of so many people.

Chen Yiru bowed and stood up on her own before Jiang Shi could say anything.

The Jiang family, who had originally planned to make things difficult for her, immediately turned somber.

Chen Yiru looked at them, then looked at Jiang Shi with a puzzled expression and asked.

"Mother, what is this...?"

Jiang did not answer, and Jiang Qianqian raised her chin arrogantly.

"What...what are they doing?" Liu Qingping asked Qin Yao in a low voice.

Jiang Shi didn't seem to have the joy one would expect from someone celebrating their daughter's wedding.

That group of people didn't seem to be there to offer congratulations.

Qin Yao patted her hand and gestured with her eyes for her to calm down.

Liu Qingping then calmed down.

Soon, a commotion arose outside.

Everyone turned around and saw a man being carried over by two servants.

Jiang Qianqian pushed through the crowd and was the first to step forward, "What's all this commotion?!"

The servant holding the man down stopped and respectfully replied to Jiang Qianqian:

"Miss, this scoundrel dares to slander your innocence! I'm about to take him over to the master for punishment!"

This interruption caused the man who had been pinned down to raise his head and hurriedly say to Jiang Qianqian:

"No! I am not slandering you! Miss, I am truly in love with your daughter. If you just let her out and confront her, you will know that what I said is true."

As soon as the man spoke, the ladies and wives present covered their mouths in surprise.

This is an absolutely shocking piece of gossip.

The Chen family only has one daughter! And she's getting married soon!

What is this? A secret transaction? And someone even came to our door to confront us?

"You...you mustn't talk nonsense! My cousin would never be that kind of person!" Jiang Qianqian retorted hastily, as if trying to cover up the truth.

"I didn't! Miss, I have proof! It's right in my arms!" The man struggled fiercely, as if afraid that Jiang Qianqian wouldn't believe him.

"aunt!"

Jiang Qianqian seemed completely lost and turned around to look for Jiang Shi.

Just when everyone thought Madam Jiang would have the man dragged away, she actually took Jiang Qianqian's hand to comfort her and had two servants bring the man back up.

The crowd naturally parted to both sides, and the man finally appeared before everyone.

Seeing this, Chen Yiru still tried to persuade her from the side:

"Mother, should we have someone bring him before Father?"

Jiang Qianqian said hesitantly, "Cousin, what are you afraid of? The innocent are innocent, and besides, I believe in you."

Jiang Qianqian's mother also spoke up:

"That's right, sister. I'm not saying this to be mean, but people who spout such nonsense should be investigated and handed over to the authorities. Let's see if they dare to make false accusations again!"

The implication was clear: the matter needed to be thoroughly investigated.

The hall was quiet, everyone waiting for Madam Jiang to speak.

After all, it was her own daughter who had been wronged, and it was Jiang's right to decide how to handle the situation.

However, most people still believe that Jiang will handle this privately. If someone tries to pin the blame on her, they will definitely say some unpleasant things, which will not be good for the woman's reputation.

They didn't think Chen Yiru would really do anything; the Chen family still had its traditions.

"What did you just say? You're in love with someone?"

Everyone was stunned by Jiang's words. Jiang actually wanted to deal with it on the spot?

“Reporting to Madam! I am Qu Jing, seventeen years old this year. I passed the imperial examination in the second year of Jin Yuan. I met Miss at the tea house last year and fell in love with her at first sight. Miss also… So we have pledged our lives to each other. Please grant us your blessing, Madam!”

Qu Jing knelt down on the ground and kowtowed deeply after speaking.

These words caused the crowd to murmur amongst themselves again.

Upon hearing this, Jiang stood up in a fit of rage, pointed at Qu Jing who was kneeling on the ground, and said sternly:

"Nonsense! My daughter is beautiful and intelligent, how could she possibly have an affair with you! If you can't produce any evidence today, I will definitely take you to the authorities!"

"Yes, I have evidence!" Qu Jing hurriedly shouted.

"What are you doing?" A deep, steady male voice came from afar.

It was Mr. Chen who brought Chen Minzhi and the Jiang brothers over.

Qin Yao pulled her sleeve out of Liu Qingping's hand and continued reading.

"Master!" The servant stepped forward and recounted what had just happened.

After listening, Mr. Chen frowned, then went inside without even looking at the person on the ground, and said:

"Take him away. I want to verify this myself!"

Qu Jing became anxious upon hearing this.

"No, sir... madam! Miss and I are truly in love. This was a gift from Miss when our love was at its peak!"

Qu Jing took something out of his pocket and handed it over.

"How dare you, you brat! Guards! Take him away!" Chen's father roared in anger!

“Master, let him speak! I believe Ru’er would not do such a thing!” Madam Jiang stood straight and spoke with a firm and powerful voice.