She remarried a cold-faced, powerful man, and the scumbag regretted it and cried his heart out.

Gu Changyi stroked her chin thoughtfully. Gu Shile suddenly turned around and asked, "Sister Shen, how is Sister Wenyin these days?"

Since their last parting at Sanchunxiao, she had always heard from the maids that Wenyin often came to the mansion to look for her second brother.

Shen Jingshu glanced at Gu Changyi, her eyes slightly raised, "Yes, she's perfectly fine."

Gu Changyi quickened her movements as she waved her folding fan.

Gu Shile nodded slightly in agreement, then turned her gaze back to the blooming flowers in the garden.

After chatting for a while, Gu Shile said, "Big sister, Sister Shen, I have some things to attend to, so I'll be leaving now."

After saying this, she curtsied and turned to leave with her maid.

Seeing that Gu Shile had left, Gu Shiyi said to Shen Jingshu, "I'm going back too. Don't you have a big order coming up? Aren't you leaving?"

Shen Jingshu nodded. "Indeed, I should go back now. Take care, sister."

"I'll take you," Gu Changyi said.

The two walked one after the other. Changfeng dismissed the maid who was supposed to lead the way in the mansion and followed behind with Yaoqin.

Gu Changyi leaned closer and whispered, "Sister-in-law, I've searched the entire mansion these past few days, but I haven't found anything."

"Just wait patiently." Shen Jingshu raised an eyebrow, then changed the subject: "Why don't you tell me first, what exactly is going on between you and Wen Yin?"

Gu Changyi opened her mouth, but didn't know how to explain.

"If you have feelings for her, you should treat her well and not hurt her. If... you should also make things clear to her as soon as possible, so as not to delay the girl's future."

"I understand." Gu Changyi lowered her eyes.

As they approached the hanging flower gate, Shen Jingshu suddenly stopped and turned to Gu Changyi, saying, "Second Young Master, no matter what happens, you must protect yourself."

Gu Changyi was taken aback, then understood the deeper meaning in Shen Jingshu's words, "Don't worry, sister-in-law, I understand. But you, with Jin'an not here, you must also be careful."

Shen Jingshu glanced at him again, then turned and got into the carriage.

Inside the Cherry Blossom Courtyard, Bi Yi took a note from a servant and went inside to hand it to Xie Wanqing.

She unfolded it and saw that it clearly stated: "Jiang Jin'an has gone to Yangzhou."

It was obvious that the message was sent by Prince Jing; he already had spies within the Pingyang Marquis's residence.

"Miss, who sent this note?" Fei Yun asked, leaning closer.

"Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask." Xie Wanqing glanced at her coldly and put the note away.

Feiyun shrank back, not daring to say anything more.

Jiang Jin'an went to Yangzhou, leaving Shen Jingshu alone in the capital.

Xie Wanqing's lips curled into a cold smile, "Shen Jingshu, let's see how you fight me this time."

On the seventh day of the fifth lunar month, the Cheng family came to propose marriage.

The Pingyang Marquis's residence was adorned with red silk, exuding a joyous atmosphere.

At dawn, Cheng Wenhao rode a tall horse and stopped in front of the Marquis's mansion, followed by a large procession.

The Cheng family was never short of money, and the girl they were marrying was related to the Pingyang Marquis's family. Therefore, although it was a merchant who was making the betrothal, the person accompanying the betrothal was actually a son of an official, Zhao Chengze, the eldest son of Zhao, the Imperial Edict Drafter.

Uncle Fu had been waiting since early morning. He quickly invited everyone in, served tea, and exchanged pleasantries, creating a lively atmosphere.

"Miss! Young Master Cheng is here!" Fei Yun ran in excitedly.

Xie Wanqing wore her newly made spring dress and the pearl and jade hairpin that Cheng Wenhao had given her. She looked at herself carefully in the bronze mirror and then applied lip rouge.

Since the groom was presenting the betrothal gifts, she couldn't show herself. So she led Biyi and Feiyun to the Moon Viewing Pavilion in the mansion. The pavilion was on higher ground and could overlook the entire front yard, giving them a panoramic view of the betrothal ceremony.

Although she was not a daughter of the Shen family, Shen Zizhong had always respected and loved Song Wan, so he did not attend court today, giving her ample face.

Shen Yuanzhou didn't go to the school either, but stayed at home to watch the excitement, claiming that he wanted to keep an eye on his cousin.

The Xie family's matriarch, first wife, and second wife all arrived, supporting her on either side. Although they wore smiles, their eyes betrayed their jealousy.

A crowd gathered around the Pingyang Marquis's residence. As the Cheng family steward loudly announced the betrothal gifts, everyone exclaimed that this young lady was truly blessed. Just look at all these betrothal gifts; a single box would be enough to feed an ordinary person for many years!

Is marrying a wealthy merchant better than marrying a clean and honest official?

Old Madam Xie's face was long and sullen, showing no joy whatsoever. As she watched the betrothal gifts being carried in box after box, she felt a pang of heartache and her head spun. All these things should have originally belonged to the Xie family!

"I told you the betrothal gifts had to be sent to the Xie family!" She held Madam Xie's hand, her voice trembling.

Madam Xie said, "If you ask me, we should have taken Fifth Miss back that day, so that she wouldn't have benefited outsiders!"

Madam Xie said, "What's the use of talking about this now? It's all gone to other people's homes!"

Madam Xie was also envious, but since her family was in the wrong, she could only say, "Mother, Second Sister-in-law, please don't say such things today, lest someone overhears."

The three of them were chattering away, but Song Wan didn't bother with them and instead talked to Old Madam Cheng and Madam Bai.

Cheng Wenhao and Zhao Cheng sat to the side, occasionally chiming in with a few words, their attitude humble and polite, leaving no room for criticism.

"Miss, the Cheng family is truly generous. This betrothal gift must have brought all the treasures of the capital." Feiyun exclaimed in admiration.

Xie Wanqing stood on the platform of the Moon Appreciation Pavilion, watching the betrothal procession clearly, her heart filled with excitement.

A total of forty-eight lifts.

The more the Cheng family values ​​her, the more secure her position will be in the Cheng family in the future.

That day, Cheng Wenhao told her that he had sent away all the concubines in the backyard and was waiting for her to enter the house.

Today, seeing him again, she realized he had changed from his usual unruly and unrestrained image. He was polite, gentle, and humble, and Xie Wanqing felt as if she were truly being cherished by him. She also felt a greater fondness for him.

But then I thought of Prince Jing, and the Cheng family didn't seem so impressive anymore.

What good is it if a merchant's wife is incredibly wealthy?

What could compare to being a princess, or... the crown princess?

Xie Wanqing's eyes darkened; what she wanted was more than just this.

"My cousin is so lucky."

Shen Jingshu walked over at some point, her face calm and revealing no emotion.

Feiyun quickly chimed in with compliments, "Of course! With such beauty and talent, Miss Cheng is the perfect match for the Cheng family. The Cheng family is truly blessed to have such a wonderful family."

Hearing this praise, Xie Wanqing's face grew smug. Holding a round fan to half-cover her face, she secretly glanced at Biyi and said, "No matter how good the Cheng family's betrothal gifts are, it's just the style of an ordinary wealthy family. When the Commandant comes to present the betrothal gifts in a few days, the scene will definitely be even more lively than this. Sister, don't you think?"

Bi Yi's eyes swept over Shen Jing Shu, and she forced herself to continue, "However, I heard from the purchasing maid that people outside are saying that the Commandant left the capital not long ago with a large entourage. He must be investigating a major case."

Xie Wanqing feigned surprise, "Really? The Commandant has left the capital? When did this happen?"

Bi Yi nodded. "I only heard about it, but I don't know exactly when."

Xie Wanqing then said, "Oh dear, investigating a major case? I wonder if my sister will be able to make it to her wedding? What if something happens to the Commandant again, sister...?"

She paused deliberately, not finishing her sentence, but the meaning behind her words was self-evident.

Shen Jingshu suddenly laughed.

Before Xie Wanqing could even look over, Shen Jingshu had already raised her hand and slapped her hard across the face.

The maids were all so shocked that they gasped.

Biyi shuddered, silently took a step back, and lowered her head, pretending to be a quail, afraid that she would be the next one to be hit.

You mustn't hit her again after you've already hit her.