If you force me to take the blame, I'll spend a day in jail and gain a year's worth of spi

The capital city, the Yong'an Marquis's residence, the study.

In the oppressive atmosphere, Zhang Qingyue, who had been silent all along, slowly raised her head.

Her eyes were the calmest, revealing a shrewdness that could see through people's hearts.

"Actually, we have another way."

Zhang Qingyue's voice wasn't loud, but it silenced the noisy discussion. "I think Zhang Yu's unusual behavior isn't because he's truly heartless, but because there's a reason behind it."

"Third Sister, what do you mean by that?" Zhang Heng asked, frowning.

Zhang Qingyue stood up, her gaze sweeping over everyone, and spoke in a clear and analytical manner:

"Think about it, what kind of person was Zhang Yu before?"

She obeyed her mother's every command, tolerated her younger brother Heng in every way, and was always willing to grant her older sister Luo Han's requests, wishing she could give her her heart.

But why did things suddenly change?

She paused, then emphasized, "It all started when he took the blame and went to jail, and when he learned that Hengdi was getting engaged to Sister Luohan!"

"These two things ruined his future and took away his beloved."

For a man, this is an utter disgrace, a catastrophe.

Upon hearing this, Qin Xuehua nodded thoughtfully: "Qingyue is right. Although that brat is useless, he used to listen to me. This time, his reaction was indeed too much."

"so,"

A calculating smile curved Zhang Qingyue's lips:

"His current 'toughness' is likely an extreme form of self-protection, a way of sulking and venting his dissatisfaction."

He didn't really want to destroy the Marquis's mansion; he just wanted us to see his pain and know that he also had a temper.

"Third Sister, you mean... he's acting?"

Zhang Wanning exclaimed in surprise.

"You could say that."

Zhang Qingyue looked at Jiang Luohan with a meaningful gaze:

"Especially because of Sister Luo Han."

We all know how deep Zhang Yu's feelings are for Luo Han.

The thought of watching his beloved woman marry his younger brother was enough to drive him insane.

Everything he's doing now—refusing to help and standing by coldly—is a show of defiance towards Luo Han, a way of telling her, "You'll regret leaving me."

Jiang Luohan's initially irritable mood changed instantly upon hearing these words.

An indescribable sense of vanity and satisfaction grew and spread in her heart like poisonous weeds.

So... that's how it is?

Is Zhang Yu so extreme because he loves me too much and can't accept losing me?

Did he do all this just to get my attention, to make me regret it?

This thought instantly transformed Jiang Luohan's original resentment towards Zhang Yu into a sense of superiority, as if she were in control of everything.

She knew it all along; how could Zhang Yu, that simp, possibly ever truly let her go?

His previous indifference was nothing more than a clumsy attempt to play hard to get.

"Qingyue's analysis is absolutely correct."

Jiang Luohan slightly raised her chin, reverting to her haughty fairy-like demeanor, her tone carrying a hint of pity and disdain:

"Zhang Yu... he really did have deep feelings for me."

I never expected him to resort to such a self-destructive tactic to gain my attention. It's so naive and pathetic.

"Now that we know where the problem lies, there is a solution."

Seeing that Jiang Luohan had taken the bait, Zhang Qingyue immediately pressed her advantage:

"The one who tied the knot must untie it. Since Zhang Yu was provoked by Luo Han's marriage to Hengdi, then we should temporarily... cancel the public announcement of this marriage."

"Cancel?"

Zhang Heng's expression changed, and he seemed somewhat unwilling.

"It's just for show for Zhang Yu, it's not a real cancellation."

Zhang Qingyue comforted her, saying:

"Then, have Sister Luo Han visit Zhang Yu in the prison, say a few kind words to him, tell him that the wedding is canceled, and if necessary, coax Zhang Yu."

"this……"

Jiang Luohan frowned slightly. To ask her to submit to that good-for-nothing Zhang Yu was an insult to her pride.

"Sister Luo Han, I know this has wronged you."

Zhang Qingyue took Jiang Luohan's hand and earnestly advised her:

"But this is for the future of the Marquis's mansion, for that 'gold mountain' that can continuously produce Qi-Nourishing Pills!"

"As long as Zhang Yu changes his mind, the alchemy workshop can reopen. Then, you can have as many resources as you want!"

"Yes, Luo Han."

Qin Xuehua quickly chimed in, "Just treat him like a dog, keep him calm for now. Once he's repaired the alchemy workshop and paid off his debts, what happens after that is entirely up to you."

Jiang Luohan's heart fluttered.

She desperately craved the Qi-Nourishing Pill, and she longed for the feeling of her cultivation level rapidly increasing.

If all it takes is telling a few lies and putting on a show to get all of this back, it seems... not so unacceptable.

"and,"

Zhang Qingyue lowered her voice, her tone carrying a hint of seduction:

"Just imagine how overjoyed Zhang Yu would be to see you turn around?"

He used to treat you like a god, but now he'll be completely at your mercy.

He has to do whatever you want him to do.

Isn't it wonderful to have the feeling of controlling a man's life and death?

These words struck a chord deep within Jiang Luohan.

She not only wanted the elixir, but also enjoyed the feeling of being wildly admired and in control of everything.

Making Zhang Yu kneel down at her feet again, feeling grateful for the small act of kindness she "generously" bestowed, is itself a great pleasure.

"All right."

Jiang Luohan finally relented, her face revealing an expression of condescension and superiority:

"For the sake of the Marquis's mansion, and for the sake of Xiao Heng, this young lady will... reluctantly go and try to persuade Zhang Yu."

"Very good!"

Zhang Wanning immediately cheered, "I knew Sister Luo Han was the kindest!"

"Luo Han, I'm sorry to have put you through this."

Zhang Heng also breathed a sigh of relief and patted his chest to assure him:

"Don't worry, I know you're doing this for the greater good, and I definitely won't be jealous."

"Once the alchemy workshop is restored, I will definitely get you the best cultivation resources."

"Um."

Jiang Luohan responded lightly, but in her heart she had already begun to make plans.

When she wants to see Zhang Yu again, how should she phrase her words so that he is moved to tears but not so that he takes advantage of her?

"Without further ado, Luo Han, let's prepare to go to the Heavenly Prison," Qin Xuehua said impatiently, hope rekindling in her eyes.

Jiang Luohan nodded in agreement and then went to the prison alone.

Inside the carriage, Jiang Luohan adjusted her makeup in front of a small mirror, ensuring she was breathtakingly beautiful enough to make any man fall head over heels for her.

A confident yet disdainful sneer played on her lips.

"Zhang Yu, you piece of trash."

It's a blessing you've earned in your past lives that I'm willing to condescend to coax you.

You'd better be grateful and continue to work for me like a dog.

She could almost see Zhang Yu's surprised, excited, incoherent, and perhaps even humble appearance as he knelt down to thank her for her change of heart when he saw her.

At this moment, Chen Dongpeng, whom the Marquis's family had been searching for, returned to the capital once again.

As he made his way toward the Heavenly Prison, he sighed and said, "This Zhou Tian Star Array Diagram is still too profound. I need to find Brother Zhang to give me some pointers."