144: Chapter 84 Chaos 144: Chapter 84 Chaos “Madam, the young master has had an accident!”
Madam Ningyuan was startled and asked sternly, “What has happened, and why so panicked?”
The maid was about to speak, but catching the surprised glances of the other ladies around Madam Ningyuan, she became inarticulate, her face flushed red, seemingly at a loss for words.
Seeing the maid in such a state, Madam Ningyuan’s heart sank with a thud, as if a heavy stone was dragging her down.
Concerned about her betrothed, Jiang Youyao couldn’t help herself and stepped forward to ask, “What has happened to Prince Zhou?”
The maid seemed to notice Jiang Youyao only then, her panic intensifying as she dodged Youyao’s questioning, yet her gaze fell covertly on Lady Yang.
Lady Yang was somewhat confused, but Ji Shuran suddenly glanced at Jiang Li, and seeing Jiang Li standing unabashedly, smiling, a frightening thought flooded her mind.
“No matter what,” Madam Ningyuan couldn’t concern herself with anything else and said to the maid, “Where is the young master?
Take me there quickly!”
The maid’s voice was choked with sobs, “The master and many ministers are all at Yuxiu Pavilion…
Madam…
things are not looking good for the young master this time!”
Although her words were unclear, everyone could guess what was happening by the maid’s demeanor.
If it were simply a misfortune, why would she be so evasive when speaking?
Clearly, it indicated a scandal.
Since many ministers had been present to witness it, knowing the details would not be an immediate concern, since one could always ask the master after returning home, and he would undoubtedly know the full story.
Upon hearing this, Madam Ningyuan’s body swayed, and she nearly fell.
Having been the matriarch of Marquis Ningyuan’s Mansion for many years, she roughly understood from the maid’s behavior what had transpired.
But hearing that many had witnessed it, she knew the situation was grave.
With a scandal, naturally, the fewer who knew, the better; the more witnesses there were, the harder it would be to keep it under wraps.
Jiang Li stood by Jih Heng, her face still graced with a gentle smile.
It was folly on Zhou Yanbang’s part, or perhaps he was audaciously bold.
Emperor Hongxiao and the ministers were chatting about politics in a hall not far from Yuxiu Pavilion.
With the two locations in such proximity, once Shen Ruyun caused a scene, the ministers would surely rush over in the shortest time to ascertain the situation.
This way, Zhou Yanbang’s issue became known to the entire court, not in vain of her painstaking efforts.
Jih Heng found Jiang Li’s cornered smile intriguing, but stood there impassively, only placing the handle of her fan against her lips to conceal her own hint of a smile.
However, Jiang Youyao hadn’t thought so much.
Overwhelmed by concern for Zhou Yanbang, she disregarded everything else and said, “Yuxiu Pavilion?
Madam, let me accompany you, Mother,” she tugged at Ji Shuran’s sleeve, “Let us go and see as well!”
Ji Shuran wished she could silence Youyao.
She saying so wouldn’t seem odd to others; in the Yan Dynasty, it was not objectionable for an affianced couple to be close.
But those ladies, guessing the hidden implications, then looked at Jiang Youyao with sympathy.
Ji Shuran was put in a difficult position by Youyao’s words, unsure whether to leave or stay.
Madam Liu, however, slowly spoke up, saying, “Regardless, it is no use staying here.
The banquet will soon end, and everyone will return to their respective homes.
We should head to the waterside corridor and leave as it’s getting late.”
She effectively provided an excuse for the Heir of Marquis Ningyuan to leave.
Liu Xu scoffed and turned her head away disdainfully.
If it were up to her, she would not afford these people an excuse; instead, she wished to witness for herself exactly what had transpired.
Madam Ningyuan smiled gratefully at Madam Liu and said, “Indeed, let’s head back first.” As she walked, her steps were somewhat shaky.
Jiang Li watched, saying nothing.
It was Ji Shuran who approached and, looking into Jiang Li’s eyes, asked softly, “Lili, do you know what this is about?”
Ultimately, suspicion had fallen on her.
Jiang Li revealed a perfectly timed expression of surprise, shaking her head, “I have been with the Duke the entire time, how would I know what has happened to Prince Zhou?
Mother, your question is peculiar.”
Ji Shuran then glanced at Jih Heng, undoubtedly beautiful, yet her amber eyes swept past, sending a shiver down Shuran’s spine.
She said no more, managing only a forced smile before going after Lady Ji Chen, intending to discuss the matter with her.
Ye Shijie lingered behind, his gaze meeting Jiang Li’s, hesitating as if wanting to speak.
Likely noticing Jih Heng at her side, it was not the right moment for words.
He moved his lips slightly and then, lowering his head, followed the crowd as they departed.