Chapter 59: The Former Husband Ascends to the Clouds (Bonus Chapter)

"Think carefully, did you offend anyone today?"

Madam Li's words left Li Liuqing somewhat confused. However, since her mother asked, there must be a reason. Enduring the pain, she pondered for a moment, then shook her head helplessly.

"After entering the manor, your daughter has only been talking with the Shi family sisters, and we drank the wine together. Nothing untoward happened, let alone offending anyone, except..."

"Except what?"

"Except seeing Young General Pei standing together with the newly betrothed Jiang family girl, which made me feel somewhat unhappy, so I muttered a few words. But when I said those words, my voice was very soft. Absolutely no one else could have heard."

Li Liuqing's certainty made Madam Li somewhat uncertain as well.

For a banquet like this, the Marquis Wenxuan's Mansion must have inspected everything thoroughly, so there is no way someone could have touched hairy peaches and then gone to touch the wine cups. The only possibility is that her daughter inadvertently offended someone and was retaliated against.

Yet, listening to her account, things did not quite add up.

After all, that eldest Miss Jiang whom her daughter targeted did not even come close; how could she possibly retaliate against her?

For a moment, both mother and daughter fell into deep contemplation.

Instead, Li Liuqing's brother, Li Liuyun, had a calculating look flash in his eyes, and excitedly said to the two of them:

"Mother, this is not the time to dwell on this matter. Third sister met with misfortune in the Marquis Wenxuan's Mansion, and they should rightfully be held responsible. If her face truly bears a scar, or if outside gossip affects her future marriage prospects, all of that must naturally be pinned on the Marquis Wenxuan's Mansion."

"What do you mean?"

Madam Li glanced at her son, a bad premonition rising within her.

"The Marquis Wenxuan's Mansion has four sons, all of legitimate birth. Although the eldest is already married, there are still three younger brothers below him. Leaving the youngest aside, aren't the second and third young masters of this family just at the right age for marriage? Furthermore, there have been no rumors outside of any family seeking to betroth them. Would it not be perfect for third sister to pick one of them?"

Hearing this, Madam Li suddenly felt as though a misfortune had turned into a blessing. However, Li Liuqing's heart was set on Pei Zizi, so how could she possibly look favorably upon Wang Kuan and Wang Hong? Thus, she suddenly kicked up a fuss.

"Bah! Brother, you really know how to calculate, always eager to ship off all of us sisters just to pave the way for yourself. Let me tell you, even if the young master of the Marquis Wenxuan's Mansion comes knocking, I would still have to consider whether or not to marry him. If you dare to make an issue of this, I will surely... I will surely go into the palace and tell our aunt, letting her decide for me!"

Among the younger generation of the Li family, this third miss was the most favored by Consort Li, giving her genuine leverage to make such a threat. Li Liuyun curled his lip, his tone losing its previous firmness.

"I was merely making a suggestion; it still requires your nod, doesn't it? Don't constantly pull out our aunt to suppress people. I am the Third Prince's study companion, yet I don't use people as leverage the way you do!"

"You!"

The brother and sister bickered like fighting cocks, nearly starting a quarrel right there within the Marquis Wenxuan's Mansion. Seeing them acting so unseemly, Madam Li hurriedly gave a stern reprimand and said:

"Nonsense! How did your father instruct you before we left? If he hadn't been occupied with court affairs today, he certainly would have come along. If he were to see the two of you acting like this, wouldn't he fly into a rage? If you don't want a scolding, both of you behave yourselves. Things have gotten so out of hand today; staying here any longer is inappropriate. Let's return home first and make plans then."

The brother and sister lowered their heads. Though unwilling, they dared not talk back in front of their mother. Therefore, after composing their emotions, the Li family departed from today's banquet ahead of schedule under the arrangements of the Marquis Wenxuan's Mansion.

As they left, they were still filled with doubts.

Meanwhile, in the inner courtyard, upon learning that the incident involving third Miss Jiang was caused by herself, Jiang Shiyuan still wore a helpless expression.

"Sister-in-law was far too blatant. If the Li family insists on making a big fuss over today's matter, wouldn't it disrupt Aunt's birthday banquet?"

"Since she dares to act so arrogant right inside our own gates, who knows how outrageous she would be outside? Let her peaceably stay home and nurse her face; staying away from gatherings will mean fewer absurd rumors spreading!"

Feeling her family's protectiveness, Jiang Shiyuan felt an indescribable sense of warmth.

However, Pei Zizi by the side was clearly not the type to let Li Liuqing off so easily. Exchanging a look with Pei Ziyao, the siblings' long-standing tacit understanding made it clear: merely letting the third Miss Li tend to facial wounds was nowhere near enough to vent their anger.

Didn't she run her mouth, claiming Jiang Shiyuan might not even live to marry into the Pei family? Very well, then the siblings would let her know precisely whose life King Yama intended to claim!

Both of them reached a silent conclusion in their hearts, but since it was a joyous occasion, they chose not to ruin the mood and remained silent, merely standing nearby while secretly plotting. Until suddenly, footsteps and greetings were heard outside, and Parrot, the maid serving old Madam Wang, walked in.

"Eldest Young Madam, Princess Qinghuan has arrived. Old Madam says you should bring everyone out to greet her."

"Naturally. Let's go, A-Nian, greeting the Princess is paramount!"

Jiang Shiyuan did not overthink it, following her cousin-in-law Madam Xiang out the door. However, in a place she did not notice, Pei Ziyao had already excused herself under the pretext of needing the latrine and departed first, her target being the departing Li family.

The Pei family members had always been known for holding grudges and seeking immediate revenge. If today's matter were brushed aside so lightly, even if she agreed, the nine-section whip in her hand certainly would not. With light steps, she headed toward the porter's lodge.

Pei Zizi made no attempt to stop her; he knew his sister's sense of proportion and that she wouldn't disrupt the day's events, so he said nothing further. Instead, when they arrived at the front hall, they saw Princess Qinghuan chatting and laughing amicably with old Madam Wang, old Madam Xiang, and the others.

"The Princess has arrived. We subjects have failed to welcome you from afar, please forgive us, Princess."

"Eldest Young Madam, do not stand on ceremony with me. My relationship with the eldest Jiang girl is exceptionally good, which naturally makes the Marquis Wenxuan's Mansion a place I hold in high regard. Today is the Marquis's Madam's birthday, and I have arrived late; later, I must penalize myself with three cups of wine."

If only a few of them were present, they could be more intimate, but now, before the crowd, protocol and status still had to be observed, so Princess Qinghuan did not directly use Jiang Shiyuan's given name.

Yet these were minor matters. What shocked Jiang Shiyuan once more was that Princess Qinghuan had not come alone today. Aside from Mother Shen, who always attended her, there was also Cheng Dengping.

His gaze was gloomy, seemingly harboring unspeakable hidden words.

Yet seeing him dressed entirely in luxurious garments, his appearance even more refined than before, Jiang Shiyuan felt somewhat bewildered. How was it that just days ago he was a "prisoner awaiting trial," yet today he had transformed into an attendant by Princess Qinghuan's side?

In an instant, a wave of confusion surged into her mind.

Clearly, this scene had caught Princess Qinghuan's eye. Looking quite calm, she pointed to the person standing beside her and said:

"Oh, by the way, this is the Imperial Consort-to-be personally chosen by me. His surname is Cheng, a scholar of the tenth year of Shenkang. His Majesty has already consented to our marriage, set for the twenty-eighth of August. When the time comes, we will naturally invite everyone to the banquet!"

Princess Qinghuan's words struck like a bolt from the blue.

Every person present was startled into mutual glances of astonishment. Even the seasoned old Madam Wang and old Madam Xiang were profoundly shocked, momentarily not knowing what to say.