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

A month or so passed in the blink of an eye.

These days, Zheng Zhihe has been busy with court affairs and has not come to see Xu Leyao.

There's no other reason than the rumors that have been circulating in the city recently.

All the comments pointed to Zheng Zhihe.

In this situation, he was worried about whether someone was plotting a rebellion, so how could he care about Xu Leyao?

Under these circumstances, Xu Leyao naturally didn't rest either.

Such rumors were a prelude to her releasing them.

As the rumors intensified, Xu Leyao's coming-of-age ceremony arrived.

The grand coming-of-age ceremony has become a well-known event in the capital.

Xu Leyao was dragged out of bed early in the morning by Zhu'er to start getting ready.

Meanwhile, Shi Zhu didn't let Jiang Xiuxiu rest either, and was also tidying up for her.

The two started at almost the same time, but Xu Leyao finished a little later.

Before Xu Leyao had finished tidying up, Jiang Xiuxiu brought Shizhu to her place.

Seeing that Xu Leyao was still getting ready, Jiang Xiuxiu felt a little uneasy.

"Sister, are you really going to proceed according to plan? If we get discovered, I'm afraid..."

Before Jiang Xiuxiu could finish speaking, Xu Leyao immediately interrupted her.

"No one discovered it, and there was no plan. It was all just a drunken mistake. The Third Prince has ruined your reputation."

Xu Leyao cut her off, finishing her sentence before she could finish.

Upon hearing this, a hint of hesitation flashed in Jiang Xiuxiu's eyes.

"But if we get discovered like this, we're doomed!"

She still seemed somewhat hesitant.

Seeing this, Xu Leyao sneered and then asked in a calm voice.

"If you want to marry a commoner and live a mundane life, then of course I have no objection. This is the last chance I'm giving you. If you cherish it, then go ahead and climb up the ladder."

Xu Leyao stopped looking at Jiang Xiuxiu after she finished speaking.

Seeing this, Jiang Xiuxiu also made up her mind.

She had no way out the moment she swallowed the pill Xu Leyao gave her.

Now, no matter how you look at it, you might be able to secure the status of a concubine of the Third Prince.

It's much better than actually marrying one of those country bumpkins.

"Sister, I'll go prepare now."

Xu Leyao nodded and let Jiang Xiuxiu leave.

However, unbeknownst to Jiang Xiuxiu, she and Shizhu exchanged a glance.

Xu Leyao couldn't fully trust Jiang Xiuxiu.

While the pills can control people's minds, they must be given willingly.

Otherwise, it's all just empty talk.

But since Jiang Xiuxiu herself believed it, then the pills must be real.

A thoughtful look flashed in Xu Leyao's eyes, then she urged Zhu'er to hurry up.

She has a lot to do today, so she can't waste time on getting ready.

"Miss, this is the last hair bun."

As Pearl spoke, she quickened her pace.

With her skillful hands, the hair bun was completed.

Looking at the woman in the mirror, Xu Leyao felt both strange and familiar.

This is not her body after all, so naturally her appearance looks different.

Having been in this body for so long, Xu Leyao had gotten used to it.

The coming-of-age ceremony is about to begin, so Xu Leyao, as the main character, naturally cannot stay here.

Mr. and Mrs. Jiang sent someone to invite Xu Leyao to wait outside the hall.

Xu Leyao followed the rules, and when the suona horn sounded, the lively atmosphere inside began.

Amidst the watchful eyes of everyone, Xu Leyao entered the hall.

The courtyard was filled with onlookers, all of them young masters and ladies from prominent families.

Although today is her coming-of-age ceremony, it is also an opportunity for those people to advise her on marriage.

Xu Leyao didn't take it to heart.

This is already the norm, so what's there to fuss about?

I wonder how things are going with Jiang Xiuxiu.

While pondering in her heart, Xu Leyao followed everyone's wishes and carefully and properly went through the coming-of-age ceremony.

She stood in the public eye, dressed in a magnificent silk gown.

Looking at her, Jiang's mother's eyes revealed a hint of excitement and a touch of reluctance.

She invited a woman of perfect fortune to come over from the side.

Lady Quanfu was a famous woman in Jinzhong, with a harmonious husband's family and two children.

She gently picked up a delicate gold hairpin and tenderly placed it beside Xu Leyao's hair bun.

The hairpin is inlaid with a purple gemstone, which is crystal clear.

"The Jiang family has really gone all out; this amethyst is probably one of the rarest gems in the world!"

Upon seeing this, the crowd began to discuss it amongst themselves.

However, none of this affected Xu Leyao and the others.

Their most important task now is to complete the coming-of-age ceremony.

It's just some idle gossip, nothing to worry about.

Everything was done according to the procedures and rules, without a single mistake.

Ultimately, it was Jiang's father who bestowed a courtesy name upon Xu Leyao.

"As your father, I only wish you peace, joy, good health, and happiness for the rest of your life. Therefore, I specially chose the words 'Chang Le' (meaning 'eternal happiness')."

After this step, the process continued according to the established procedure.

However, Jiang's mother's expression grew increasingly anxious.

A moment later, a bell rang outside, marking the completion of Xu Leyao's coming-of-age ceremony.

Jiang's mother forced a smile as she faced the guests who came to offer their congratulations.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, she came to Xu Leyao's side and asked in a low voice.

"Where did Xiuxiu go? Why isn't she here for such an important part?"

Finally, Jiang's mother glanced at Xu Leyao.

Clearly, in her view, Xu Leyao was very likely behind this.

However, Xu Leyao was always under her watchful eye and never left, as was Zhu'er.

Therefore, Jiang's mother quickly abandoned her doubts.

When asked by Jiang's mother, Xu Leyao shook her head.

"Xiuxiu came to my room this morning and said she would come over later, but why hasn't she come yet?"

Xu Leyao not only did not answer the question, but even threw the question back to Jiang's mother.

Jiang's mother's face immediately turned ugly.

She hoped she was just overthinking things.

However, Jiang Xiuxiu has not appeared after so long, which obviously means something is wrong.

"You stay here and greet the guests, I'll go find her."

Hearing what Jiang's mother said, Xu Leyao did not object.

"Then Mother, please go."

Xu Leyao gave Jiang's mother a deep look, then watched her leave.

The show is about to begin, and it can't be without people to watch it.

Xu Leyao summoned Zhu'er and then asked her to spread the news among the guests that Jiang Xiuxiu was not present.

A gossipy maid overheard this news from Xiao Zhu and immediately went to report it to her mistress.

Having achieved her goal, Pearl left without making a sound.

She hadn't appeared in front of anyone, so naturally no one paid attention to her, a mere maid.

However, after the young mistress left, the rumors spread extremely quickly.