My stepsister tried to steal the prince's hand in marriage, but little did she know I had been

Upon hearing this, Wen Yitong was stunned.

Then Lin Mama said, "The humiliation on the wedding day kept the madam awake at night. It's one thing for her to suffer humiliation, but over the years, because of the difficulties caused by the Chu family, she has also suffered a lot of hardship and cold looks."

"But you are her daughter, the apple of her eye. She has endured so much humiliation all these years, just for you and the young master."

"However, your wedding has made you the laughingstock of the entire capital. How can she swallow this insult? You live in the Chen family and will be with them day and night. It's not good for her to cause trouble."

"Therefore, the lady played the role of the 'good cop,' wanting the Chen family to know that the Wen State Duke's Mansion is not to be trifled with!"

"How could a noble family like ours allow the Chen family to humiliate us?"

Lin Mama's earnest words stunned Wen Yitong.

She wanted to say something, but then she met Lin Mama's gentle gaze.

“Miss, the person who loves you most in this world is Madam,” Lin Mama said softly. “Everything this old servant has done was at Madam’s behest.”

After a moment, Wen Yitong lowered her head: "But what Mother did today has already made things difficult for Chen Che and me..."

"So what?" Granny Lin raised her chin proudly as she mentioned the matter. "Now that you're home, Chen Che will come to curry favor with you."

"But before that, you still need to come back with this old servant."

Upon hearing this, Wen Yitong hesitated.

She just made some harsh remarks; if she goes back now, wouldn't she be contradicting herself?

Seeing what Wen Yitong was thinking, Lin Mama added, "How can there be any grudge between a mother and daughter that lasts overnight? Madam is still waiting for you."

Lin Mama offered a way out, and Wen Yitong hesitated for only a moment before taking it.

“Then I’ll go see Mother.”

As she spoke, she headed towards the main courtyard.

At the same time, Wen Shuyao arrived at Tingquan Garden.

Tingquanyuan was the courtyard where Chu Wanqing lived.

Chu Wanqing disliked the solemnity of the main courtyard and preferred the tranquility of Tingquan Garden, so she chose Tingquan Garden as her residence.

Since Chu Wanqing passed away, Tingquan Garden has been sealed off.

Wen Shuyao only had a few fragmented memories of this courtyard.

She raised her head, her eyes deep and unfathomable, gazing at the dilapidated courtyard before her.

"Miss." Magpie looked worried and kept glancing at Wen Shuyao.

Just then, a tall figure stepped forward and completely blocked Wen Shuyao's path.

"After so many years, any clues would probably have been completely wiped out by those with ulterior motives."

A thoughtful expression crossed Xie Jinghan's handsome face.

He had heard about the mess at the Duke of Wen's mansion.

After all, the Chu family almost beheaded the Duke of Wen on the spot. If the Imperial Guards hadn't arrived in time, the Duke of Wen's mansion would have already changed hands.

The cause of Chu Wanqing's death remains a mystery. Although it was officially stated that she died of illness, Chu Wanqing came from a military family and was in good health. How could a minor illness take her life?

When Wen Shuyao brought up Chu Wanqing's former courtyard, he guessed her intention.

Upon hearing this, Wen Shuyao gently shook her head.

“I know where Mother will hide the clues,” Wen Shuyao said softly. “Mother is wise; she has already left me clues.”

Chu Wanqing was perceptive and had already noticed something was wrong while she was bedridden.

She was still young at the time.

All I know is that my mother is constantly worried, and her health is deteriorating day by day.

However, she knew that after the imperial physicians came, her mother's condition had improved, but just as she was about to recover, she suddenly developed a high fever.

Then, she heard the news of her mother's death.

Wen Shuyao closed her eyes, trying to erase those scenes from her mind.

She reached out and placed her hand on the door.

After making up her mind, she pushed open the door.

In fact, she discovered the clues left by her mother after the Duke of Wen's mansion began to show signs of decline.

She missed this clue for years, and this time, she must find it ahead of time to prepare for the plan ahead.

With a "whoosh," the door was pushed open, startling a shower of fallen leaves.

Wen Shuyao stood in this familiar yet unfamiliar courtyard, her eyes unconsciously becoming moist.

“Someone has been here.”

Suddenly, a large hand wrapped around her waist.

She felt the broad chest behind her, and her heart skipped a beat.

"Has anyone been here?"

Wen Shuyao murmured Xie Jinghan's words, her gaze carefully surveying the Tingquan Garden.

However, the pile of fallen leaves on the ground was two feet high, and there was no sign that anyone had been there.

"How did Your Highness figure that out?"

The two were so close that they could feel each other's heartbeats.

Xie Jinghan could clearly feel Wen Shuyao's heartbeat quicken.

He lowered his eyes and replied softly, "Look at the door."

Xie Jinghan's reminder made Wen Shuyao realize that the small area at the bedroom door was spotless, without a single fallen leaf.

Clearly, the door had been opened before they arrived.

Wen Shuyao noticed this, but didn't show much emotion.

Only Xie Jinghan, who was very close to her and carefully observing her expression, could detect the sarcasm in her eyes.

"What?" Xie Jinghan asked again, "Is what you wanted not there?"

“Your Highness is so clever.” Wen Shuyao lowered her voice. “What I wanted was never in the room from the beginning.”

“However…” Wen Shuyao glanced at the surrounding courtyard walls, still feeling somewhat uneasy, “If I do something in this courtyard, will someone see me?”

"No," Xie Jinghan replied quickly.

Wen Shuyao looked up in surprise. Her phoenix eyes held so many emotions that Xie Jinghan couldn't decipher them for a moment.

"The people I brought with me are all my trusted confidants," Xie Jinghan explained. "They will never reveal what happened in the courtyard today."

Seeing that Wen Shuyao's delicate brows were still furrowed, he added, "And they will cover up the commotion you cause."

“I naturally trust the people under Your Highness’s command.” Wen Shuyao nodded emphatically.

As the saying goes, "If you doubt someone, don't use them; if you use someone, don't doubt them."

Since she was willing to bring Xie Jinghan along, it means she chose to trust Xie Jinghan.

Xie Jinghan is in a good position now, so he must have a good eye for people. Anyone who becomes his confidant must be extremely loyal.

Then, Wen Shuyao pointed to the peach tree in the courtyard and said, "My mother buried three jars of Daughter's Red wine under this peach tree, saying that she would take them out to entertain guests when I got married."

"Please send someone to retrieve these three jars of Daughter's Red wine, Your Highness." Wen Shuyao's voice suddenly lowered as she said this. "In addition, there is a jade box under the peony over there. Please send someone you trust to retrieve it."

Xie Jinghan glanced at Wen Shuyao, and finally, to Wen Shuyao's surprise, walked towards the peony bushes himself.