After getting married, she spent every night alone in her room; when she asked for a divorce, he kne

On the tenth day of the eighth month, Yuan Min, on behalf of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, met with Madam Liang of the Minister's mansion and her granddaughter Zhi Yao.

This is the old lady's intention. Now that Yuanmin has been released, she has to do the work she's supposed to do, whether she likes it or not. Right now, the most important things for the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion are getting Xie Qinghe and Liu Yuansheng pregnant and arranging a marriage for Xiao Jingzhuo.

Originally, Xiao Jingzhuo thought that Sun Zhiyao was in love with Jiang Zhihuan and that he had no chance, so he gave up his feelings for Sun Zhiyao. But things took an unexpected turn. At the last Lanyuan Poetry Gathering, Sun Zhiyao took the initiative to talk to him and praised his talent.

The old lady was well aware of the principle of striking while the iron is hot. As soon as she heard the news, she immediately sent her confidants to the Minister's Mansion. The Minister's Mansion also intended to form a marriage alliance with the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion, so they frequently arranged for the two children to meet.

Because of Yan'er's kidnapping, the owner of Lan Garden closed the garden and launched an investigation to arrest the spies. Xie Qinghe then arranged to meet them on Taiping Lake, where they took a boat trip to enjoy the scenery while discussing their marriage with Madam Liang.

Because he was going to see his beloved, Xiao Jingzhuo dressed up in an exceptionally dazzling manner, as Xiao Jinghan put it, like a peacock spreading its tail feathers.

Xie Qinghe's family had some trouble, so she couldn't come this time. During the meal, Liu Yuansheng, her third sister-in-law, stayed by her side the whole time, exchanging a few words with Sun Zhiyao from time to time.

Sun Zhiyao was quiet and didn't talk much. She was also very easygoing. Ever since she sat down with Liu Yuansheng, she would occasionally glance at Liu Yuansheng with a curious look.

Liu Yuansheng was aware of this, but she didn't feel offended. On the contrary, she had a good impression of Sun Zhiyao. Every time she met Sun Zhiyao's gaze, she would smile, and Sun Zhiyao would smile back at her.

It's already the end of summer, and the breeze is slightly cool and refreshing. The scenery by the lake is even more delightful, with rolling green hills embracing a clear lake. Sunlight falls into the lake and shatters into countless pieces of silver.

The banks are lush with greenery, and the wind carries a sweet fragrance through the woods. Ripples gently lap against the stone shore, and distant mountains, clouds, and green trees are all reflected in the water, blending reality and illusion to create a peaceful and picturesque landscape.

"It's been a long time since I've been boating on the lake. The last time I came was for my birthday. I drank too much that time and almost fell into the lake!"

Xiao Jingzhuo sat next to Sun Zhiyao, reminiscing about the past without feeling embarrassed at all. On the contrary, he was enjoying it. Sun Zhiyao smiled and said, "I haven't been to the lake in a long time. I remember there were many golden koi in this lake."

"That's right, that's right. I saw it last time I came. It was dazzling and beautiful," Xiao Jingzhuo said. "If you like it, I'll catch a few and give them to you."

Sun Zhiyao: "You know how to fish?"

"Sure," Xiao Jingzhuo stood up. "Wait here, I'll bring you a huge golden koi fish!"

Immediately, a servant handed the fishing rod to Xiao Jingzhuo, who adjusted it and began fishing.

Liu Yuansheng had been sitting for a long time and was feeling a bit tired. The constant rocking of the boat made her even more drowsy. She looked up at Yuan Min and saw that Yuan Min was still chatting and laughing with Madam Liang. She then turned her head away and took a sip of tea.

It must be said that Yuan Min, born into a noble family, is well-mannered and knows how to conduct herself, making her a qualified matriarch who can also uphold the prestige of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.

But who could have imagined what kind of person this noble and respected matriarch was in private?

She couldn't help but think of what had happened a few days ago.

That day, she went to Baohe Hall to visit the old lady. On her way back to Chenxiang Courtyard, she was momentarily distracted and wandered aimlessly to a small pavilion on the west side of the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion.

The small attic was located in a remote area, and only a few old women were guarding it. Perhaps because of the summer heat and fatigue, they were all sitting on the veranda dozing off.

She didn't know who lived in the small attic, and not wanting to disturb the old women, she left by hugging the corner of the wall.

Suddenly, she heard a suppressed, chilling groan coming from the attic.

She was startled and instinctively glanced into the attic, only to see a disheveled man and woman entangled together, behaving in a wanton manner.

The man pinned beneath the woman had disheveled hair and long, limp legs, clearly incapacitated.

But his upper body was strong and powerful, and he pressed his hands firmly against the woman's waist while cursing vulgarities.

Her mind went completely blank for a moment; she didn't hear anything clearly, only the repeated calls of "Mother"...

mother.

In the entire Zhenguo Duke's Mansion, who else besides his stepmother Yuan Min could be called "mother" by Xiao Jingting?

Duke Xiao Xiuyan spends most of the month in the military camp. Is that why Yuan Min and Xiao Jingting had an affair?

What about Xie Qinghe? Does Xie Qinghe know about this? She's still hoping to have a child with Xiao Jingting. If she knew...

Liu Yuansheng dared not think any further, let alone tell the old lady about it, for fear of upsetting her.

She was just hesitating, wondering whether she should tell Xiao Jinghan.

Thinking this, Sun Zhiyao pushed a cup of tea in front of her and said, "Sister Liu, have a cup of tea."

Liu Yuansheng was slightly taken aback. He looked at the tea that Sun Zhiyao pushed over and smiled, saying, "Okay."

She picked up her teacup and took a small sip. Sun Zhiyao silently observed her every move, a hint of envy in her eyes.

Feeling uneasy under that gaze, Liu Yuansheng couldn't help but ask, "Miss Sun, what's wrong?"

"Oh, it's nothing," Sun Zhiyao said somewhat shyly. "Sister Liu is so beautiful. I know it's impolite, but I still can't help but want to look at you a few more times."

Liu Yuansheng became even more embarrassed upon hearing this, "Miss Sun is exceptionally talented and beautiful, a true role model for women."

"Are you talking about me?" Sun Zhiyao shook her head. "But men still tend to prefer beautiful women."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Xiao Jingzhuo shouted excitedly, "Zhiyao, Third Sister-in-law, I caught a fish! A huge golden koi!"

"You really caught one?" Sun Zhiyao affectionately took Liu Yuansheng's hand. "Come on, let's go take a look."

"it is good."

Liu Yuansheng stood up and followed Sun Zhiyao toward Xiao Jingzhuo.

Not far away, Yuan Min, who was having a pleasant conversation with Madam Liang, stopped laughing and looked at Liu Yuansheng, who had walked to the side of the boat.

Her pupils contracted, she gritted her teeth, and gave a look to the maid Qiuju beside her.

Qiuju understood and quietly walked towards Liu Yuansheng.

Liu Yuansheng was completely unaware of this. She stood behind Sun Zhiyao and watched as Xiao Jingzhuo caught a large, golden koi carp.

"You actually caught it!" Sun Zhiyao dodged backward, afraid of getting splashed by the koi's water. "What should we do now?"

"Put it in the bucket!"

Xiao Jingzhu squatted down and busied himself removing the fishhook. "I'll catch a few more for you. Take them home and keep them in your fish tank. They'll look great."

"Okay, sure!"

The two hit it off immediately and continued fishing by the boat. Liu Yuansheng, not wanting to disturb them any further, quietly took a few steps back, preparing to leave.

Just as she turned around, a pair of hands appeared out of nowhere and shoved her hard from behind...