The cousin's family is extremely wealthy; she deserves to be a concubine.

The old lady originally intended to see what kind of absurd ending these outsiders from the Marquis's mansion, who were living under someone else's roof, would eventually come up with.

Although such a disgraceful incident had occurred in the household, they still felt ashamed.

However, the people involved in this matter have nothing to do with the Marquis's residence, nor with the distinguished guests who came today. Most importantly, this scandalous affair remains hidden within the Marquis's residence, unknown to outsiders.

Therefore, although they were initially shocked and heartbroken, they were not in a great hurry or panic.

They were more interested in watching the show than in the actual performance, and also wanted to find out the truth.

As for who is right and who is wrong, who harmed whom, and who suffered a loss, they are not concerned.

In the old lady's view, this was even a good opportunity for her grandchildren to learn from their experience.

Unexpectedly, the people who were just watching the show ended up eating in their own home.

The old lady's wise eyes glanced at Jin Yaoyao.

If Jin Yaoyao were to try and curry favor with the young master Zhang Ge'er today, and were to succeed in the end, and it were to become common knowledge, then the Muqing Marquis's mansion would become the laughing stock of the capital tomorrow.

She looked at Granny Xie beside her, "I need to get her to talk. I want to know who she's waiting for."

While Granny Xie was bowing, another person arrived at Fushou Hall; it was none other than the Second Young Master He.

"Grandmother, there's no need to ask. I suspect the person she's plotting against is me."

Madam Zhan immediately stood up and pulled He Zhilang up and down, "Jin Yaoyao is the niece of the third branch of the family. Although you live in the same mansion, you have never met her more than once or twice. How can you be sure it is you?"

Mr. James was extremely disappointed in his son. At this time, everyone wanted to stay far away and avoid getting involved in such trouble, but his own son, being so stupid, still had to show his face.

Even if I manage to evade today's scheme, this lingering unwanted romantic entanglement will still have a negative impact.

He Zhilang gave Zhan a reassuring look, then pointed to the maid he had brought with him, "This matter started when this maid came to me..."

"That's how it is. So, based on Miss Rong's guess, the person Miss Jin is waiting for should be me."

Unfortunately, that side hall was already occupied, and Miss Jin's accidental encounter led to a happy ending between this young master Zeng and Miss Jin.

If Miss Rong was not lying, then Miss Jin must have entered through the window of the side hall to avoid being seen. As for the drug laced in the incense burner, we might be able to find clues through Miss Jin's connection.

This is why Young Master Zeng said he easily pushed open the door to the side hall. With the help of drugs, Young Master Zeng probably didn't have a chance to confirm who was in the room.

That's how this whole farcical situation happened.

After careful consideration, He Zhilang realized that Hua Sirong's unintentional act had saved him from trouble. He felt grateful and couldn't help but express his subtle thanks to Hua Sirong.

He Si never liked to meddle in other people's business, but when it came to her own brother, she couldn't hold back anymore and directly confronted Jin Yaoyao, "It's one thing for you to be arrogant and domineering on a regular basis, but it's none of our business if Xiao Ba from the third branch is willing to be bullied by you."

How dare you scheme against my brother? You're not worthy!

"Originally, I felt some sympathy for you after you lost your innocence. But you dared to scheme against my brother; you deserve this fate."

Although Mrs. Zhan was also angry, she did not want her daughter to gain a reputation for being mean in front of everyone, even though there was a reason for it.

She stopped He Si, who was about to speak again, but her words were directed at Jin Yaoyao: "Marriages of children have always been arranged by parents and matchmakers, and the union is between two families."

Miss Jin is quite bold, actually wanting to choose a husband for herself on someone else's turf. I've never seen a lady as daring as you in the capital.

You're very brave, but if I may be frank, I can't afford such an outrageous daughter-in-law.

Jin Yaoyao's face flushed red. Under Zhan's disdainful gaze, which seemed to regard her as something dirty, she felt utterly ashamed.

Even though she had lost her innocence today and was being watched by everyone in the Marquis's mansion, she was still as proud as a victorious rooster. But now, being looked at by Madam Zhan with the same disdainful gaze one would give to trash, her self-esteem was deeply wounded.

It was as if He Zhilang were some kind of divine being, and that it was a desecration for someone as insignificant as her to even think about him.

Jin Yaoyao suddenly felt that continuing to fight was meaningless.

But when she met He Zhilang's scrutinizing eyes, she was unwilling to admit her own depravity.

She forced herself to remain calm, her mind racing as she tried to justify herself, "I was indeed waiting for the second young master of the He family, but the reason was naturally not because I was plotting against anyone."

As I mentioned before, it was because I saw what appeared to be a male outsider entering the area where the women were staying that I ordered the maid to search for him, out of concern for their safety.

Today is the young master's wedding day, and I can't very well send a maid to find him. None of the men in the third branch of the family I know are of marriageable age, so after much consideration, only the second young master is suitable to handle this matter.”

“Over the years, the Marquis’s mansion has become like another home to me. I discovered something that was detrimental to the reputation of the Marquis’s mansion, and I could not sit idly by. Who knew that my good intentions would attract your wanton speculations?”

He Zhilang was speechless. Indeed, a man had entered the women's quarters today.

Zeng Ke is one, and there's also that book thief. I don't know if he's already escaped or is still hiding somewhere in the Marquis's mansion.

If this is the case, the claim that Jin Yaoyao met an outsider seems to have some basis. In fact, as Jin Yaoyao said, she was sincere in her feelings for the Marquis's family, but the Marquis's family took advantage of her misfortune at a crucial moment.

He Zhilang felt that he was really bad at dealing with women in the inner quarters, so he looked at Madam Zhan with pleading eyes.

Mr. Zhan has always been shrewd, so how could he be fooled by Jin Yaoyao's little tricks? But why did some things end up being a mess?

That's because there's no evidence, so she left herself some leeway in her words.

"Help Miss Jin sit down first," Madam Zhan instructed the old woman, her words intended to reassure her.

Thinking that her niece had suffered this hardship for the sake of the Marquis's reputation, Madam Jin straightened her back a bit.

Madam Zhan was too lazy to deal with her sister-in-law, who always made foolish mistakes at this crucial moment, but instead turned to interrogate the little maid.

She smiled gently and beckoned the little maid He Zhilang had brought forward, asking, "What's your name?"

The young maidservant was very perceptive. "This servant is Xiaoya, and I was assigned by the manor to serve Miss Jin."

Upon hearing this, Lady Zhan couldn't help but smile. She was a good maid who knew who her master was.

Next, Xiaoya revealed all of Jin Yaoyao's previous plans, leaving out no detail.

As the layers of clothing covering Jin Yaoyao's body were peeled away, she suddenly felt ashamed.

She used to think this girl was a bit stupid, but little did she know she was quite shrewd.

Look at her in front of the masters of the Marquis's mansion, she doesn't look stupid at all. She deserves to admit defeat today.