You expect me to serve your mistress? The mistress is driving this scumbag and his entire family cra

Chapter 196 You've been tricked!

Hearing footsteps, Jian Shuyan raised her tear-streaked face. Upon seeing it was Consort Xie, she immediately stood up, curtsied, and bowed.

Consort Xie helped her up: "It's so late, why aren't you going home yet?"

Jian Shuyan lowered her head: "Shuyan has come to apologize to the Dowager Consort. I know you cherish Princess Wan'er and treat her like a daughter. But Shuyan has disappointed you, and tomorrow I may have to face Princess Wan'er in court."

Her words made Consort Xie feel even worse: "We've spoiled Wan'er, she's willful and has caused you to suffer."

Jian Shuyan shook her head: "Just because Your Highness has been so good to me, I shouldn't hold a grudge against Princess Wan'er. But I really can't bear the crime of assassinating Your Highness."

Therefore, I, Shuyan, have failed to live up to Your Highness's kindness. Tomorrow, my father will petition His Majesty to cancel my marriage to the Prince. In the future, I implore Your Highness to take good care of your health. I, Shuyan, am no longer fortunate enough to serve you. Farewell.

The more Consort Xie looked at Jian Shuyan, the more sensible she seemed. How could such a well-behaved, gentle, and sensible girl be in league with those vicious men in blue?
She grabbed Jian Shuyan's hand: "Wan'er is Wan'er, and Xizhi is Xizhi. How can this matter affect your marriage with Xizhi? I will not allow it."

Jian Shuyan burst into tears, feeling wronged: "I never expected that Princess Wan'er would harbor such deep hostility towards me. I cannot let Your Highness ruin your relationship with the Marquis's Mansion because of Shuyan. Your Highness, I'm so sorry."

She broke free from Consort Xie's hand, wiped away her tears, and turned away.

Consort Xie sighed softly, feeling helpless.

On one hand is the daughter-in-law he likes, and on the other hand is his brother from his own family. If he has to choose, then he should just let nature take its course.

Gu Xizhi rode over after her and saw Consort Xie standing blankly at the door, watching Jian Shuyan's departing figure. A bad premonition immediately rose in her heart.

"What brings Jian Shuyan here?"

Consort Xie sighed softly, "What else can she do? She's caught in the middle, torn between the two sides. She's come to say goodbye to her mother. Such a good girl, what a pity. With Wan'er and that Liang Jiang getting involved, you two are probably destined to be apart."

"Farewell?" Gu Xizhi pondered the hidden meaning in this question: "Mother, what did you say to her?"

“Mother is naturally reluctant to part with her and hopes to keep her here.”

"Oh no!" Gu Xizhi exclaimed in alarm. "You've been tricked. She's really cunning."

Consort Xie was already feeling uneasy, and seeing that Gu Xizhi also suspected Jian Shuyan, she was immediately displeased: "Have you been brainwashed by that Liang Jiang? Shuyan is your fiancée!"

Gu Xizhi did not argue, but mounted his horse and turned it around to leave.

Consort Xie pressed further, "Where are you going?"

Gu Xizhi didn't turn her head, leaving only the words: "The Duke's Mansion!"

Consort Xie said indignantly, "A woman causing such turmoil in the household! It's simply outrageous!"

The Jian family residence.

Upon returning to the Minister's residence, Jian Shuyan's expression changed drastically; her face, previously filled with forbearance and grievance, now held a fierce and resolute look, and she walked with a graceful, flowing gait.

Upon seeing Minister Jian, the two closed the door, and Minister Jian immediately asked anxiously, "How is it?"

Jian Shuyan said coldly, "The Empress Dowager Xie's attitude towards me is the same as before, and she even wants me to be her daughter-in-law. This is enough to show that Xie Wan'er is just bluffing. She doesn't have enough evidence to prove that I sent those assassins."

"What should we do tomorrow? Sue or not?"

Jian Shuyan's eyes flashed sharply, and she said decisively, "Sue!"

Minister Jian hesitated for a moment: "Then you must think this over carefully. After all, you acted on your own and attempted to assassinate the Empress Dowager. The Emperor is already furious and has punished you. If you make things worse tomorrow, it could be a matter of life and death. I hope you can back down and resolve this matter peacefully."

Jian Shuyan gritted her teeth: "Was it my own decision to assassinate the Empress Dowager? Gu Xizhi was willing to risk his life for Liang Jiang and secretly protected her. The two of them were clearly in love with each other long ago. How could he really be willing to marry me?"

Consort Xie has been trying to bring Xie Wan'er together, and her trip to the capital this time must still be driven by a glimmer of hope that she can salvage the situation.

However, the higher-ups demanded that I marry into the Prince of Pingxi's mansion as soon as possible, gain the trust of the Dowager Consort and Gu Xizhi, and monitor the Prince of Pingxi's every move in the future, working together from the inside and outside.

After much deliberation, what other choice did I have besides repaying the life-saving grace? I did this out of desperation.

"Now I'm in a bind, with no other choice but to gamble. If I win, the Marquis of Huaiyuan's mansion will inevitably be punished, and I'll barely be considered to have redeemed myself." Minister Jian sighed, "If you've already made up your mind, then I'll submit my memorial first thing tomorrow morning. If things fall apart, the Dowager Princess will hold a grudge against you, and you might not be able to marry into the Prince of Pingxi's mansion."

Jian Shuyan was momentarily moved: "Father, don't you think that if I were to marry into the Prince of Pingxi's mansion, I would truly meet a tragic end? It's enough that I can keep my life now. I would be more than happy to cancel the marriage. My only regret is that I've let down Prince Xie."

"If the Marquis of Huaiyuan's mansion is punished as a result, it might be a blessing in disguise for Young Master Xie. It's better to retire gracefully than to be implicated later."

Jian Shuyan lowered her head, her eyelashes slightly damp.

Minister Jian understood his daughter's thoughts, looked at her with heartache, but said nothing.

The wood is beautiful in the forest, and the wind will destroy it.

If she hadn't stood out and caught the eye of those in power, she wouldn't have let Xie Fubai down and put herself in such a dangerous situation.

I only hope that God will have mercy on my daughter and that this turmoil can be resolved peacefully.

She could marry a commoner and live a peaceful life, that would be enough for her.

The Duke's Mansion.

It was nearly past midnight.

Liang Su returned home after his enjoyment had subsided.

Neither Liang Wenshi nor Liang Ershen rested; they waited eagerly.

Upon seeing Liang Su, he immediately stepped forward to inquire whether Young Master Chu had arrived on time, whether their date had progressed smoothly, and whether it had come to fruition.
Liang Su drank the wine, his cheeks flushed, and he smelled slightly of alcohol.

"It's our first meeting, just a casual chat about poetry and literature. What's the rush?"

Liang Wendong, who followed behind, chuckled and teased, "What's there to be shy about? When that young master Chu saw her, his eyes widened, and he stammered and couldn't speak properly. Where is the demeanor of an imperial brother-in-law?"

Liang Su said angrily, "Then tell me, what should the Imperial Brother-in-law be like? I think he speaks eloquently and is as refined as a gentleman, which is not too different from what is said in the rumors."

Liang Wendong sat down to the side and continued to tease, "This is what you call a turtle staring at a green bean—they've hit it off. The two of them rode in a painted boat, sailed on the lake, and then went to release lanterns together. A talented man and a beautiful woman, all lovey-dovey, and I was just superfluous to follow along. I won't go next time."

Liang Su glared at him: "Who asked you to come along?"

“Burning bridges across rivers.”

Aunt Liang watched the two bickering and couldn't stop laughing: "If your sister and Young Master Chu get together, the position of Duke will be yours for the taking. It's only right that you do your part."

Liang Su frowned: "That Young Master Chu greatly admires Liang Jiang. Today, he repeatedly asked me about my trip to Xiliang, praising me to the skies."

He'd be furious if he knew I was impersonating Liang Jiang.

"Then don't be honest for now," Liang Wen suggested. "You two get to know each other better, and once you've captured his heart, you won't be afraid anymore."

"Before parting, he asked me to meet him at the same place three days later. What should I do? There are no secrets in this world. If too much time passes, I'm afraid the truth will be revealed."

"Then use some of the woman's tricks. It's said that it's easy for a man to pursue a woman, but easy for a woman to pursue a man. If he's interested in you, then it's a piece of cake."

The grandfather and grandson were laughing and joking, enjoying themselves so much that they didn't notice that outside the door, Qiao Niang silently walked away from under the window. Looking at the happy family, a ruthless glint flashed in her eyes.

Originally, Qiao Niang could have been a loving and supportive wife, but Liang Su caused her to miscarry and is now all alone.

After enduring so much, today, the opportunity for revenge has finally arrived.

You killed my child, and I will never let you get away with this.

She wanted to completely ruin Liang Su's reputation, leaving him with no chance to recover.

I need to carefully plan this situation.

(End of this chapter)