With her delicate face and slender waist, the royal uncle lost control.

The following day, an invitation from the Marquis of Ruyang's residence was sent to the Prince of Ningxiang's residence, stating that three days later would be the Marquis of Ruyang's fortieth birthday, and that the entire Prince's residence was specially invited to attend a banquet at the Marquis's residence to celebrate.

Three days later, at dusk.

Yun Nian sat in front of the dressing table, and Qi Luo was doing her hair and makeup.

The woman in the mirror had delicate features and bright red lips. She wore a newly tailored lotus-colored brocade dress that made her skin look as white as jade. She was neither too ostentatious nor lacking in manners.

As Qiluo adjusted her skirt, she asked, "Miss, do you really think something bad will happen at tonight's banquet?"

Yun Nian closed her eyes, letting Qi Luo do as she pleased, and upon hearing this, she only said indifferently, "Hmm. Something bad will happen."

She recalled a similar incident that had occurred in the Ruyang Marquis's mansion in her previous life, and she figured she wouldn't escape it in this life either.

However, the protagonist might change because of her interference.

This is her last chance, and she has to seize it no matter what.

She opened her eyes and looked at her calm face in the mirror. "Tonight, I'm going to put on a show too."

Qi Luo felt a chill run down her spine and stopped asking questions, but her movements became even more meticulous and cautious.

At three quarters past the hour of You (5:45 PM), the carriage of Prince Ningxiang arrived at the residence of Marquis Ruyang.

The Hou Mansion was bustling with carriages and horses, brightly lit, and filled with guests.

Qin Jiuchen, Qin Senyao, Qin Jiaxue, Yun Nian and their entourage were respectfully welcomed into the mansion.

The banquet was held in the main hall of the Marquis's residence and the adjacent garden pavilion, a spacious and luxurious venue.

Most of the prominent officials, nobles, and imperial relatives from the capital city arrived.

The melodious sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air, wine cups clinked, and elegant attire created a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Yun Nian was positioned next to Qin Senyao, while Qin Jiaxue was placed next to Qin Senyao on the other side.

As one of the highest-ranking guests, Qin Jiuchen was personally invited by Marquis Ruyang to sit at the main table, next to Marquis Ruyang.

He was still dressed in a black brocade robe, his expression indifferent, completely out of place with the lively atmosphere around him. He only occasionally exchanged a few words with the Marquis of Ruyang or the important officials who came to offer him a toast.

As the banquet began, Marquis Ruyang, beaming with joy, accepted the congratulations and toasts from everyone, creating a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.

Fine wines and delicacies were served in a continuous stream, and geisha took turns performing, their dances graceful and their songs melodious.

Yun Nian sat quietly, sipping her fruit wine, her gaze seemingly casually sweeping across the room before finally settling on Lady Ruyang, who was dressed in an exceptionally elegant and luxurious manner.

Lady Ruyang moved gracefully among the women with a charming smile.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

A lively performance of "Magu Presents Longevity" is being staged on the stage.

At this moment, a maid quietly approached Qin Jiaxue and whispered a few words in her ear.

Qin Jiaxue frowned slightly, then relaxed, and said sweetly to Qin Senyao beside her, "Brother, I feel a little dizzy, probably from the alcohol. I want to go out for some fresh air."

Qin Senyao was discussing polo with the young master sitting next to him when he heard this and casually said, "Have a maid follow them, but don't let them go too far."

"Um."

Qin Jiaxue responded, rubbed her forehead, and, supported by the maid who had delivered the message, rose from her seat and walked towards the depths of the garden.

Yun Nian lowered her eyelashes, picked up her wine glass, and concealed a cold smile from her lips.

She tilted her head back and drank the rest of the fruit wine in her glass in one gulp.

On stage, another graceful water sleeve dance was performed.

Qi Luo had quietly moved behind Yun Nian without her noticing, and under the guise of pouring her wine, she gave her a very slight nod.

Yun Nian put down her wine glass, waited for a moment, and estimated that the time was about right.

She turned slightly to Qin Senyao, who was chatting animatedly with someone beside her, and whispered, "Young Master, it seems like Xue'er has been gone for a while now. Why hasn't she returned yet? She just said she felt dizzy. Could it be that she's drunk and feeling unwell somewhere?"

Qin Senyao was interrupted and was a little impatient, but when he heard that it was about Qin Jiaxue, he still turned his head to look at Qin Jiaxue's empty seat and frowned.

"Yeah, why did it take so long? That girl, she's such a worry."

His concern for Qin Jiaxue was genuine.

Yun Nian's tone became even more worried: "Why don't you go and check on her, Your Highness? The Marquis's garden is huge; what if she got lost or something happened? After all, she's a young lady, and she's been drinking..."

What she said makes perfect sense.

Qin Senyao couldn't sit still any longer and immediately stood up: "I'll go find her."

After saying that, he quickly left his seat and headed in the direction Qin Jiaxue had gone.

Seeing this, Qi Luo also quietly took a few steps back, turned around and followed.

Two more performances were staged, and the sounds of traditional Chinese string and wind instruments grew even more melodious.

Qi Luo returned to Yun Nian's side, and under the guise of adjusting her shawl, she whispered quickly, "Miss, it's all done."

Yun Nian nodded.

She put down her wine glass, a slight blush rising on her face, and looked at the two young ladies of the Minister's family beside her, saying softly, "Sister Zhao, Sister Li, this fruit wine is sweet, but it has a strong aftereffect. I'd like to go change and wash my hands. Would you two like to come with me?"

The two young ladies, having been toasted a couple more times by Yun Nian, were feeling the urge to relieve themselves. Upon hearing this, they quickly nodded, "That's exactly what I was thinking. Let's go together."

So Yun Nian and the two young ladies, accompanied by their respective maids, left their seats and headed towards the washroom in the backyard for female guests.

The Hou Mansion Garden is a secluded and tranquil place, where lanterns hang high at night, casting a mesmerizing glow.

Yun Nian walked ahead.

She led the two young ladies, seemingly unintentionally, down a slightly secluded path.

As she walked, Yun Nian suddenly stopped in front of a rather elegant room.

The doors and windows of the room were tightly closed, but a light shone faintly from inside, along with the soft sobbing of a woman and the indistinct sounds of a man trying to comfort her.

The voices were clearly those of Qin Jiaxue and Qin Senyao.

Miss Zhao and Miss Li, who were following behind Yun Nian, also heard it. They exchanged a glance, their faces showing doubt and a hint of unease.

Yun Nian whispered, "Huh? That voice sounds like Xue'er? Why is she crying here? Did she suffer some injustice?"

As she spoke, she stepped forward, as if to knock on the door and ask, "Sister Xue'er? Is that you? What's wrong?"

The sounds of crying and talking inside abruptly stopped.

A cold glint flashed in Yun Nian's eyes. Without further hesitation, she reached out and pushed open the door.

The door was wide open.

Inside the brightly lit room, Qin Jiaxue was wearing only a light red embroidered bodice, her outer garment lying haphazardly on the floor, her hair disheveled, and her face streaked with tears. She was curled up in Qin Senyao's arms.

Qin Senyao's clothes were also somewhat disheveled, and his face was full of panic and anxiety.

Anyone who saw the two of them like this would immediately have all sorts of wild thoughts.

"what!"

Standing behind Yun Nian, Miss Zhao was timid and was caught off guard by such a sensual and shocking scene, so she screamed in fright.

Miss Li also covered her mouth, her eyes wide open.

Yun Nian was utterly shocked. She staggered back a step, her finger trembling as she pointed into the room. "What...what are you doing?!"

Qin Senyao and Qin Jiaxue, who were inside the house, were terrified by the sudden crash.

Qin Jiaxue screamed and pulled more blankets over herself, covering herself completely, leaving only her pale face exposed.

Qin Senyao was so anxious he was incoherent: "Nian'er! No! It's not what you see! Let me explain! I came to see Xue'er, and when I came in she was already..."

"It's already come to this, what's the point of explaining?"

Yun Nian interrupted him, her eyes instantly reddening and tears welling up. "Qin Senyao, we're getting married in just a few days! How...how could you do this! How could you do this to me?! How could you do this to Xue'er?!"

Her performance was so sincere and moving, filled with grief and indignation.

"No! We didn't! We didn't do anything!"

Qin Senyao was sweating profusely, unable to defend himself, "I'm innocent! Xue'er... she was... she was..."

He swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

When he came in, this was the scene. Xue'er's reputation had already been ruined, and the man who did the evil was nowhere to be found. If he rashly told the truth, it would only make things more difficult to handle.

At this moment, Qin Jiaxue suddenly raised her tearful eyes and said:

"Yes, my brother and I have long been in love. I'm the one who's wronged you, Sister Yun Nian. Blame me if you must!"