The cousin is beautiful but ruthless.

Shen Hanyu shook her head honestly. These days, besides arranging things for Liang Ruoxue and looking at the account books, she has no time to pay attention to what is happening in the Duke's mansion.

However, this must be related to Pei Du's recent condition, so Shen Hanyu listened carefully.

Wei Ming slowly began her story, starting with Han Yueru's marriage into the Duke's mansion.

"It was around the same time you entered Chang'an, because I had just heard that you went to the Marquis's mansion, and not long after, news spread from the Duke's mansion that Young Master Pei..." Wei Ming carefully chose her words, "...punched his younger brother and slapped his stepmother. At that time, Madam Han had just married into the Duke's mansion."

Because of this, Pei Du not only suffered family punishment at the hands of Pei Mingjian, but his reputation was also ruined.

Shen Hanyu knew about this matter. After several encounters with Pei Du, she felt that Pei Du's sudden action was likely for a reason.

Wei Ming didn't know why she had taken action, but she continued, "These past two days, Madam Han wanted to include the Second Young Master Pei in the family genealogy, but Young Master Pei disagreed. He took Madam Han's previous statement and said that only members of the Pei family could be included in the genealogy. The Duke wanted to include the Second Young Master Pei in the genealogy, but Young Master Pei kept blocking it."

In fact, none of them knew that Pei Xingzhi was Pei Mingjian's son. As for how this son, who was one year younger than Pei Du, came to be, it was a scandal for Pei Mingjian.

That's why Pei Xingzhi's identity was hidden when he married Han Yueru.

After listening, Shen Hanyu felt that the Duke's family was also quite disgusting, even worse than the Marquis of Anping's family.

“My father looks down on the Duke’s behavior, so he didn’t come today. He only asked my mother and me to come and say hello.”

Shen Hanyu nodded. General Weiyuan's actions weren't wrong. In fact, many of the people who came today were just there to watch the show.

During their conversation, Liang Ruoxue ran to Shen Hanyu's side. When she saw Wei Ming, she lowered her voice and whispered in Shen Hanyu's ear to ask about the Third Prince.

"Don't worry."

Shen Hanyu said a few words to her and then got Liang Ruoxue away.

Liang Ruoxue was satisfied with Shen Hanyu's answer and then walked away.

The people chatting in the garden were quite lively. Han Yueru spoke a few words to someone first, and then looked at Liang Fangrong.

"Has Madam Liang settled in well since returning to Chang'an?"

Liang Fangrong nodded: "I'm used to it. I grew up in Chang'an myself."

Han Yueru smiled and affectionately took Liang Fangrong's hand.

"We really are destined to meet."

Hearing this, Liang Fangrong felt slightly uncomfortable. She had heard about the things Han Yueru had caused during her time at the Duke's mansion, and she had more or less guessed Pei Xingzhi's identity.

Liang Fangrong didn't like Han Yueru. In fact, among the wives present, few of them liked Han Yueru.

“Our Yuanzhou and your daughter are even more destined for each other. Everyone knows Yuanzhou’s personality, but he’s been very good to your daughter.”

Liang Fangrong raised her head. "It's just some unfounded rumors. Madam Han, please don't take it seriously."

Just as Han Yueru was about to speak, Yang Yueying interrupted her.

"Alright, why isn't the feast starting yet? I think almost everyone has arrived."

It was obvious to everyone that Han Yueru was trying to smear Shen Hanyu. Since Shen Hanyu was her daughter's friend, Yang Yueying naturally had to protect her.

Liang Fangrong knew that Yang Yueying had helped her, so she gave a grateful smile.

Han Yueru, who was interrupted, was not annoyed and led them to their seats.

I had barely sat down when I heard the doorman announce my arrival.

"Princess Yongning has arrived—"

Princess Yongning suddenly arrived, and Han Yueru was delighted, getting up to greet her.

Liang Ruoxue looked towards the doorway and waited and waited, but only Princess Yongning walked over alone.

She tugged at Shen Hanyu's sleeve: "Why didn't the Third Prince come?"

Shen Hanyu didn't tell her about this.

"It's the same even if the princess comes," Shen Hanyu replied calmly.

Liang Ruoxue knew what she meant, but she still felt a little disappointed.

Liang Ruoyan was just as disappointed as Li Jun. She had been hoping that Li Jun would come and that she could salvage the situation, since this time was different from the last and the situation was simpler.

But to my surprise, Li Jun didn't give him that chance at all.

Princess Yongning came today because most of the prominent women in Chang'an are here.

The matter of establishing a girls' school is urgent, and she needs to gather some people to help her.

Han Yueru was unaware of Princess Yongning's plans. She simply felt that she had gained enough face today, and with the princess around, she would no longer have such a difficult time in Chang'an as before.

When Princess Yongning arrived at the Duke's residence, Pei Mingjian naturally followed. Not only did he come, but he also brought Pei Xingzhi with him.

"Your Highness, I am truly grateful for your presence today. I never expected you to come."

Princess Yongning raised her hand: "There's no need for words of gratitude."

She wasn't there to support Han Yueru. She glanced at the unfamiliar face next to Pei Mingjian and figured it must be Pei Xingzhi.

Just as Pei Xingzhi was about to bow, Princess Yongning asked, "Where is Pei Du?"

Pei Mingjian and Han Yueru's expressions changed for a moment, but they quickly regained their composure.

"Yuanzhou is over at the men's section. I'll have someone call him over right away."

Pei Du was summoned over, and Princess Yongning treated him very well because Pei Du and Li Jun had a good relationship.

However, when Princess Yongning saw Pei Du today, she couldn't help but be taken aback.

“My Lord,” Princess Yongning said, pointing at Pei Du, “Why do you look so haggard, Pei Du?”

This person is completely different from the one who was in the princess's residence.

Pei Mingjian was somewhat embarrassed, but still stubbornly explained, "He has been ill recently and is not feeling well. Let him go back first, so as not to offend His Highness."

Han Yueru also chimed in that it was true.

Shen Hanyu's eyes widened, because Pei Du was indeed different from the one she had just met.

Pei Du's lips were pale, and his brows were constantly furrowed.

Pei Du cupped his hands in greeting: "I apologize for appearing before Your Highness in such a sickly state; I apologize for startling you."

As he moved, his wide sleeves slipped down slightly, revealing several obvious whip marks on his arms.

hiss!

Someone in the crowd gasped. Pei Du lowered his eyes, quickly pulled down his sleeve, and pretended to cover it up, saying, "I accidentally brushed against it."

People from the men's section also came over to watch, but they dared not discuss it in front of Pei Mingjian and could only keep it to themselves.

Princess Yongning didn't need to worry about these things. She glanced at Pei Mingjian and Han Yueru's expressions and knew what had happened.

"You don't need to bother lying to me. I'm not blind. I'll have someone bring you the wound medicine from the Princess's residence later. Look at the marks on your body, Your Highness. Pei Du is your son after all. You should take good care of him."

Pei Mingjian wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Your Highness is right."

He dared not utter a single word of dissent; the princess had spoken, and to contradict her now would likely cost him his life.

This Pei Du, suddenly putting on this show today, made me wonder why he made such a big fuss the other day. Turns out it was all to play the victim.

Han Yueru clenched her fists and exchanged a glance with Pei Xingzhi.