After the divorce, I was adorned in a phoenix robe, while my ex-husband's entire family dug up

Aunt Qin's courtyard was comparable to that of the mistress of the house. For a concubine to reach such a status was enough to demonstrate the father's favoritism.

Wei Zhaoning walked in unhurriedly. Aunt Qin was eating fruit on the chaise longue. When she saw her, she smiled.

"Ningning is here."

Wei Zhaoning said, "Aunt Qin."

Aunt Qin's voice was soft, but she couldn't hide her excitement. She guessed that Aunt Qin didn't know that the Duke had been taken away, nor did she know that her good daughter was being held outside.

"Won't your husband's family think anything if you come back to your parents' home so casually? Oh, I forgot, Marquis Yongxin can't possibly control everything."

Wei Zhaoning glanced at her.

"I can't manage it all, so you'd better be careful, Aunt. I'm just an idle person, and I'll be visiting the Duke's mansion often in the future."

These words are a warning.

My mother died of a serious illness in my previous life; it must have been because Aunt Qin used some kind of trick.

Aunt Qin's expression froze for a moment. "Haha, that's fine too. If Jia Ruo can't get away, you can come back often and liven up the Duke's mansion. That would be good."

"Ningning, sit down and have some fruit with me."

Wei Zhaoning sneered, "Enough, there's no need for us to put on an act."

"I've only come today to give you a heads-up, Aunt. If you dare to harm my mother, don't blame me for being impolite."

Aunt Qin's forced smile vanished instantly. She sized up Wei Zhaoning, then chuckled and asked, "What are you saying, Ningning? I don't understand."

"The mistress is the legitimate daughter of the General's mansion, how could I possibly have such abilities?"

Wei Zhaoning didn't waste any more words with her, only saying three words, "Qin Jingshu".

Aunt Qin's face turned deathly pale in an instant, and her eyes widened.

"She's your deceased brother's illegitimate daughter, isn't she?"

Since the incident in Jiangnan, the Regent quickly discovered that Qin Jingshu was behind it all. Given his style of doing things, if Wei Zhaoning hadn't stopped him, Qin Jingshu wouldn't be alive today.

On the surface, Qin Jingshu was a child from a collateral branch of the Dongyang Marquis's family, but a careful investigation would reveal that she was an illegitimate child who received very good treatment in the Dongyang Marquis's family.

The eldest son of the Marquis of Dongyang was born of the same mother as Aunt Qin, but unfortunately, he was cursed and died young.

Long ago, she indulged in debauchery and incurred many romantic entanglements, leaving behind a daughter. Aunt Qin went to great lengths to bring her brother's child back to the Dongyang Marquis's mansion and raise her there as a member of a collateral branch.

Aunt Qin felt as if someone had grabbed her throat, and she could hardly breathe.

"What exactly do you want to do?"

Wei Zhaoning smiled faintly, "She brought this upon herself by offending the Regent."

Before you do anything, Auntie, you should think about your brother's orphan.

I told you, I'm very free and will be visiting the Duke's mansion often. If I discover anything amiss, my aunt can expect to be collecting the body.

After saying that, Wei Zhaoning left without looking back.

Aunt Qin stood there stunned for a long time, her chest heaving, and she almost couldn't catch her breath.

"Someone come here! Where is Jing Shu? She hasn't returned from Jiangnan yet!"

*

Tomorrow is Lu Jieyue's wedding day.

That evening, Lu Jieyue took a thorough bath.

Qingque served him from the side.

"Qingque, let me tell you, I used to think that Brother Mengyun had a bad temper and kept delaying marrying me, so I was always uneasy."

After not seeing him for a while, Brother Mengyun has become so considerate and kind to me. I realize now that I am a blessed person.

These days, she has been taking care of Qingque, who is very attentive and they get along well. Not to mention a maid, Lu Jieyue even started to regard her as a close friend.

Qingque is someone who came from the Empress's side, so her status is not shameful.

As Qingque combed Lu Jieyue's hair, she squinted her eyes.

"Miss, there were rumors circulating that Lord Meng killed his wife. But I saw Lord Meng at the Marquis's residence these past two days, and that's when I realized that what outsiders say is not credible."

Lu Jieyue laughed and said, "It's true that he killed his wife. Brother Meng Yun has a bad temper and hit me once before."

But things are different now. Brother Meng Yun has changed. Didn't you see how gentle he speaks?

Let me tell you, it's a human problem. His two wives, whom he killed, couldn't have children and were always causing trouble. No wonder they got beaten up.

"I'm different. Look at Brother Meng Yun, how could he possibly bear to hit me now?"

Qingque echoed her agreement, tightening her grip on the comb even more.

"What's wrong with you?" Lu Jieyue frowned as her hair was pulled.

"It's nothing. My hand just trembled a little. Did I hurt you, Miss?"

Lu Jieyue was in a good mood, and since she quite liked Qingque, she quickly waved her hand, "It's okay, I'll just be more careful in the future."

She suddenly noticed Qingque's hands in the bronze mirror, pursed her lips, and said, "Your hands look a lot like my little sister's."

Qingque's shoulders trembled slightly.

"Sigh, my little sister is the same. Why did she have to become someone's mistress? You have no idea what people outside are saying about her. Her body has been exposed to everyone. She won't even have any dignity in death."

Lu Jieyue continued talking to herself.

Qingque's heart wavered slightly.

But the next moment, Lu Jieyue added, "It's just that she's unlucky. There are too few people as fortunate as me."

"However, we can only talk about this in private. You must not mention it outside, especially tomorrow. If we mention her in front of the guests, who knows how much criticism the Marquis's mansion will suffer. I can't let her ruin my special day."

Qingque's breathing became heavier, her voice low and inscrutable, "Don't worry, Miss, I won't say anything."

Where Lu Jieyue couldn't see, Qingque's eyes grew increasingly deep.

Lu Jieyue got married on the thirteenth day of the twelfth lunar month.

Before dawn, the Marquis's mansion was brightly lit, and everyone got up to prepare.

"Move this flowerpot a bit more. The Marquis said if things don't go well today, you'll all lose your heads!"

"And another thing, the silk ribbons at the main gate are crooked. Do you want outsiders to laugh at your mansion?"

The housekeeper was extremely anxious and at his wits' end.

Lu Ze also got up early and instructed his servant, "Quickly light these incense sticks. Send some to all the guests at today's banquet so they can see the power of Lu Ze."

"Yes, young master! This time, the fragrance you blended is the most beautiful one yet; I'm sure many people will like it."

"Make my eye makeup a little heavier, I want Brother Mengyun to be immediately impressed when he sees me." Lu Jieyue got up early and was having Qingque do her makeup.

Qingque pursed her lips and smiled coldly, "Alright, Miss."

Lu Jieyue gave Qingque a strange look. "What's wrong with you today? Why are you talking so sarcastically?"

"Is there some ignorant servant in the Marquis's mansion bullying you? Don't worry, you can tell me anything. With me here, I'll gouge out the eyes of anyone who's so blind..."

Before the words had even finished...

Lu Jieyue then let out a terrified scream.