The beloved is reborn as a substitute, and the tyrant begs for forgiveness every night.

"Tell me, what should I do?"

Jiang Xiuxiu looked at Xu Leyao, and it was a look that Xu Leyao was extremely familiar with—a look of complete obedience.

It seems that Jiang Xiuxiu's heart has now completely turned to her side.

Xu Leyao gave a slight smile, then whispered a few words in her ear.

Upon hearing Xu Leyao's words, Jiang Xiuxiu's eyes were filled with astonishment.

"Have you gone mad? If something like this were to happen... wouldn't you become the laughingstock of the entire capital?"

Hearing Jiang Xiuxiu begin to subconsciously consider her own needs, Xu Leyao felt slightly satisfied.

Fortunately, Jiang Xiuxiu is not a piece that cannot be completely controlled.

Xu Leyao's gaze softened slightly as she looked at her.

"Don't worry, I will make other arrangements after this matter."

Even though Xu Leyao said that, Jiang Xiuxiu's gaze still held a hint of distrust.

It's no wonder Jiang Xiuxiu thought that way. If others knew what Xu Leyao had just said, they would probably be even more surprised than she was.

Jiang Xiuxiu now feels that she is so glad that she was able to "turn back from the wrong path".

Xu Leyao is so ruthless even when she's dealing with herself.

If she continues to be enemies with Xu Leyao, she might end up stuck in some stinking ditch someday.

Thinking of this, Jiang Xiuxiu looked at her with a hint of awe.

Xu Leyao raised an eyebrow, then shrugged.

"Now, besides this method, you can't find any other opportunity to get in touch with the Third Prince, can you? You only have one chance. If you can't seize it, don't blame me for treating you as a pawn to be discarded."

Xu Leyao spoke frankly, her eyes filled with seriousness.

Jiang Xiuxiu put aside her surprise and took a deep breath.

"Okay, I'll listen to you."

She has no other choice but to obey Xu Leyao's demands.

Besides, Jiang Xiuxiu herself was also unwilling to accept it.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have ended up on the same path as Xu Leyao.

Concerning her future, Jiang Xiuxiu wanted to take a chance and try her luck.

After all, Zheng Zhihe currently only has these three princes under his care.

Of these three princes, the third prince was the most outstanding in ability.

If the Third Prince becomes capable in the future, Jiang Xiuxiu might very well aspire to become a concubine in the harem.

Thinking of this, her eyes filled with ambition.

Xu Leyao noticed it, but didn't point it out.

People need ambition to have the motivation to move forward.

Jiang Xiuxiu is at just the right level now.

It was neither too much nor too little, and it was all within her control.

"Logically speaking, your coming-of-age ceremony should be on the same day as mine. But given the current situation, I'm afraid they won't be able to hold a grand celebration for you. You should try to ask your mother; I think she won't let you suffer any injustice."

When Xu Leyao said this, her eyes held a meaningful look.

Jiang Xiuxiu turned her head to look at her with some confusion.

Why would my mother always help me?

Faced with her doubts, Xu Leyao shook her head.

She doesn't understand why her mother always favors Jiang Xiuxiu over the two of them.

However, Xu Leyao's intuition told her that there were some things she didn't know.

Perhaps only Jiang's mother knows what this thing is.

But since it's related to her and Jiang Xiuxiu, it's perfectly appropriate to have Jiang Xiuxiu be the test subject.

Of course, she never shared these thoughts with Jiang Xiuxiu.

Jiang Xiuxiu didn't need to know.

"If you do as I say, you won't lose out."

After saying this, Xu Leyao put down her teacup.

Her intention to see the guest out was extremely clear, so Jiang Xiuxiu naturally couldn't bring herself to stay.

After Jiang Xiuxiu left with Shizhu, she went straight to her mother's courtyard.

At this moment, Jiang's mother was discussing with Cai'er how to make Jiang Xu Leyao's coming-of-age ceremony even more grand.

Mr. Jiang had already entrusted this matter entirely to her, so naturally he wouldn't interfere anymore.

Besides, Old Madam Jiang has always disliked Xu Leyao, so she probably won't help her.

Aside from these two masters, the rest of the Jiang family were concubines and low-class young masters and ladies.

In this situation, Jiang's mother could only discuss it with Cai'er, who was beside her.

"Let's add a few more things here, and put those two white jade flower cups with double handles on top."

Just as Jiang's mother and Cai'er were discussing things enthusiastically, Jiang Xiuxiu knocked on the door and came in from outside.

Upon seeing Jiang Xiuxiu appear, Jiang's mother subconsciously put away the completed design drawings.

She quickly adjusted the expression on her face.

"Xiuxiu, what's wrong with you today? Are you feeling any better?"

Jiang Xiuxiu nodded at her mother's concerned gaze.

Immediately afterwards, a hint of grievance appeared in her eyes.

"Mother, if I heard correctly, were you referring to my sister's coming-of-age ceremony?"

Faced with Jiang Xiuxiu's expectant gaze, Jiang's mother nodded reluctantly.

She always said that both of them were equally dear to her.

However, she never thought of Jiang Xiuxiu at all when it came to her coming-of-age ceremony.

When Jiang Xiuxiu appeared at this moment, Jiang's mother couldn't help but feel a little guilty.

"Logically, you two should have had your coming-of-age ceremonies on the same day. However, your father has now decided to make your sister's ceremony even grander, so we can only ask you to make do."

As she spoke, Jiang's mother took Jiang Xiuxiu's hand and patted it gently.

Jiang Xiuxiu forced a smile.

“It’s alright, Mother. My sister has been living away from home and has suffered a lot. I also didn’t do well in the past and caused her a lot of suffering. The fact that she is still willing to save me shows that she has a kind heart. It is only right that Father loves my sister.”

Jiang Xiuxiu's words were extremely sensible, even taking most of the responsibility upon herself, which greatly alleviated her mother's guilty and remorseful feelings.

After the initial relief, Jiang's mother looked at her with a renewed sense of heartache.

She used to think that Jiang Xiuxiu was immature and had caused her so much trouble.

Seeing how sensible she is now, Jiang's mother couldn't help but feel heartbroken.

Jiang Xiuxiu had always been pampered by her since childhood, and had never suffered such grievances before.

But ever since Xu Leyao came back, she has never had a peaceful day.

Even if it was directed at Xu Leyao, it was only because Jiang Xiuxiu was afraid of losing her and her father's favor.

Now, she can't even give Jiang Xiuxiu a proper coming-of-age ceremony.

But we should at least give her some compensation.

The most important things in a woman's life are just a few things.

Birth, first birthday, coming-of-age ceremony, marriage, childbirth, enjoying old age.

These few words almost encompass the most ordinary life of a woman.

At this crucial moment of her coming-of-age ceremony, Jiang's mother was truly unwilling to see Jiang Xiuxiu looking so distraught.

Suddenly, a brilliant idea flashed in Jiang's mother's mind.