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

A struggle flashed in Master Jiang's eyes. "The princes are coming of age, and recently there have been rumors in the palace that His Majesty is unwell. As a result, His Majesty has been suppressing the princes in the court."

The Second Prince's life in the palace is not easy either; you should be more understanding of his difficulties.

Jiang Huaiji stiffened his neck, looked up at the sky, and let out a faint sneer. "How could I not be considerate? I was just sharing His Highness's burdens."

He covered his face with his long sleeves for a moment, paused, and then said in a hoarse voice, "Uncle, there's no need to be so anxious. I understand that if one suffers, all suffer, and I would never do anything to dig my own grave."

The faint sadness emanating from Jiang Huaiji ignited the deep-seated guilt within Old Master Jiang, who also exuded a profound sense of powerlessness, ultimately culminating in a long sigh:

"You're eighteen this year. The Second Prince married a long time ago and will likely have a son next year. You're the same age as him... so we can't delay."

I will go to your mother tomorrow and discuss the matter of arranging a marriage for you with her. Is that alright?

Outside the warm pavilion was a grove of plum blossoms in full bloom. From the depths of the plum grove came the cheerful laughter of the women. Jiang Huaiji seemed oblivious, only coldly tossing out a sentence, "Whatever."

----

"Oh dear, has any of you seen Miss Rong?"

"Miss Rong? That unlucky woman?"

"Does anyone know where she went?"

"What? The person is missing?"

"Could it be that he knew he was disliked, so he found a place to hide and cry? Hahaha..."

"Let's help look for him. How could a grown man get lost in the Jiang residence?"

"I'll go this way..."

"Let's go over there..."

The plum garden suddenly became lively, but where was Hua Sirong, whom they had been talking about missing?

Following the directions given by Master Jiang, she was about to return to the crowded area.

Suddenly, a young maidservant appeared and blocked her way, saying that the old lady of the Jiang family wanted to see her.

As a guest, one should follow the host's lead. Since one is at someone else's home and has received kindness from Master Jiang, it is only natural to pay respects to his elderly mother.

Hua Sirong couldn't refuse, and besides, with Chunyan by her side, she felt somewhat more confident.

"Young lady, isn't this road a bit off-center?" Looking further ahead, it didn't seem like the place where a distinguished old lady would live.

Hua Sirong stopped and questioned the young girl who had led the way.

The young maid glanced around in a certain direction before turning back to Hua Sirong and saying, "My old lady usually prefers quiet and loves to worship Buddha, which is why she lives in a somewhat remote place."

Besides, the path I took for you was a shortcut, which didn't look as luxurious as the main courtyard.

Hua Sirong was used to being cautious. She leaned against Chunyan, clutching her stomach, and said, "Ouch, ouch, my stomach is suddenly hurting badly. I think I ate too much tea and snacks at the waterside pavilion."

"Please go ahead, young lady. I need to find a place to change."

The little girl looked unwell, unsure whether this was Hua Sirong's trick or if she was truly just lazy and needed to poop and pee a lot.

But there were two of them, and the girl accompanying them was quite burly. Even if she tried to drag them away, she couldn't beat them. She was secretly anxious, hoping that the person hiding in the shadows would discover her predicament.

Hua Sirong ignored what the little girl said and quickly led Chunyan away along the way they had come.

Just two more turns and they would reach the pavilion that Hua Sirong had previously chosen, two people suddenly appeared and blocked their way. One of them was Jiang Yilan.

"Miss Rong, where are you going? Why don't I lead you to the house next door to rest?" She pointed to the back of the plum grove. Hua Sirong looked over and indeed saw the eaves and tiles of the house hidden among the plum blossoms.

She was invited by the old lady in front, and blocked by Jiang Yilan behind her.

Hua Sirong's sensitive and suspicious mind instantly realized that the old lady's invitation was probably a trap, and that Jiang Yilan's trip was actually ill-intentioned.

She looked Jiang Yilan up and down, her gaze falling on the tall girl beside Jiang Yilan. Her brows furrowed slightly, a strange feeling creeping over her, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

However, adhering to the principle of preferring to offend her master rather than put herself in danger, she resolutely refused, saying, "There's no need to trouble Miss Jiang. My cousin hasn't seen me for a while and is probably worried. I need to hurry and meet up with them."

After saying his goodbyes hastily, he left in a slightly hurried manner.

Seeing that Hua Sirong showed her no respect whatsoever as a young lady of the Jiang family, Jiang Yilan gritted her teeth in anger and gestured to the tall maid beside her to become a roadblock.

She immediately stepped forward and grabbed Hua Sirong's sleeve tightly, saying, "Sister, what's the panic? I just heard you say your stomach hurts terribly."

"What a coincidence! Instead of my sister wandering around my garden like a headless fly, why don't I lead the way and take her to rest and change first? Then I'll take you to find your sisters."

Hua Sirong looked at the tall figure diagonally in front of her and thought to herself, "Sure enough, the old lady's request to see me was just an excuse to get rid of me and leave me alone."

I wonder what grudge she has against this young master of the Jiang family that would lead him to frame her behind her back.

Chunyan was a protective little leopard. Sensing her mistress's resistance and struggle, she rushed out like a firecracker and knocked Jiang Yilan aside.

Jiang Yilan was helped up by the tall man in time, and she finally managed to stand up. "Well, Hua Sirong, you really are the type to refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit."

I offered to help out of kindness, but you're ungrateful. Since that's the case, then don't blame me for being impolite.

After saying that, the tall man stood directly in front of Hua Sirong and her servant, with Chunyan taking a defensive stance to block his way.

But his tall stature and imposing presence still gave Hua Sirong an unusual sense of oppression.

She discreetly sized up the tall girl, her mind racing. This was no girl at all; it was clearly a man.

She finally understood where her strange feeling had come from.

Ordinary maids and servants in the inner quarters are at most a bit stronger, like Chunyan, but how is it normal for her to be several heads taller than other women?

Now that the enemy is strong and we are weak, there is always the risk of our reputation being ruined.

Hua Sirong was on edge, forcing herself to calm down and think of a solution.

Chunyan is strong and has recently been learning martial arts from Master Wu. Even so, the difference in strength between men and women is huge, and Hua Sirong cannot guarantee that she can definitely subdue this obviously unfriendly man in front of her.

She stopped Chunyan from making her move, while her other hand gripped the purse at her waist tightly, looking at Jiang Yilan with a serious expression.

"I have only met Miss Jiang for the first time today, why are you being so aggressive and making things difficult for me?"

If you despise my reputation and think it tarnishes the honor of your Jiang family, then I will never visit again.