The Marquis's line has ended? The pregnant maid is pregnant again!

Qin Linfeng!!

How did Qin Linfeng suddenly appear here?

She remembered that Lu Jihan seemed to have mentioned it when he reprimanded Qin Linfeng last time...

Lu Jihan is Qin Linfeng's brother-in-law. Qin Linfeng also has the surname Qin, and he is Qin's younger brother.

Right.

With Qin's birthday approaching, a grand birthday banquet will be held in two days, so it is only natural for her younger brother, Qin Linfeng, to come and visit his sister.

Shen Qinghe looked at the man who suddenly appeared, frowned and suppressed her fear, retreating step by step, her mind frantically trying to figure out what to do.

Upon seeing Shen Qinghe, Qin Linfeng couldn't wait to strip her clothes off, his eyes filled with a naked scrutiny and examination.

It was as if he could strip Shen Qinghe naked with his gaze, and see her beautiful body through the clothes.

Her soaked clothes clung tightly to Shen Qinghe's curvaceous body, further accentuating her alluring figure.

Qin Linfeng's eyes lit up, like a hungry wolf: "Little lady, tsk tsk... this figure, so curvaceous, even better than the most beautiful courtesan in a brothel!! Maybe my judgment is right, it's not in vain that you've been thinking about her all night long since you got back."

As Qin Linfeng approached, he was so excited that he didn't know where to touch Shen Qinghe first!

Shen Qinghe suppressed her panic and said in a steady voice, "Young Master Qin... I am already the young marquis's concubine. Moreover, I am of average appearance and it is really not right for you to have such thoughts about me."

"Hey!! Little lady, you're so naive. As the saying goes, brothers are like limbs, women are like clothes. I like you so much, and my sister is the eldest daughter-in-law of this Marquis's mansion. Do you think it's easy for me to want you?" Qin Linfeng curled his lips, his smile lewd.

"Last time it happened in public, and that brother-in-law wasn't my brother-in-law then, but the renowned General Lu of the Imperial Court—that was a matter of state. Now that something has happened again at home, he is my brother-in-law, and I am his brother-in-law—that's a family matter. Family matters and matters of state are not handled the same way. If I really make a scene and ask my sister to plead for me, do you think my brother-in-law wouldn't grant me a mere concubine?"

"A mere concubine." These six words, though seemingly light, weighed on Shen Qinghe's heart like a boulder, causing her distress and anger.

Shen Qinghe knew that Qin Linfeng meant that, to Lu Jihan, she was just a concubine.

In this cannibalistic world that oppresses women, the lower a woman's status, the less choice she has.

If she were still a maidservant, she would be at the mercy of others, and could be sent away at will.

Now she is a concubine, but she still has no say in her own life.

If it really involves any significant interests, Shen Qinghe wouldn't dare gamble that Lu Jihan would protect her.

Her rank wasn't high enough! Being a concubine wasn't enough! She wanted to climb higher!

But she might have a chance to punish Qin Linfeng today!

Despite her anger, Shen Qinghe calmed down and looked at Qin Linfeng with a timid smile: "Young master is right. I am but a concubine. Since you desire me, it is my good fortune. However, I am a little cold here... How about we go somewhere else?"

Qin Linfeng felt relieved when he saw that Shen Qinghe had figured things out, and he agreed with her, saying, "Wherever my little lady says we'll go, we'll go!"

Shen Qinghe led Qin Linfeng away, and after they gradually walked out of the artificial hill, Qin Linfeng's hand became restless and reached out towards Shen Qinghe.

Shen Qinghe didn't dodge, letting Qin Linfeng's hand touch her collar. She suddenly grabbed Qin Linfeng's wrist and then let out a scream:

"Help! Someone is committing indecent acts at the Marquis of Zheng's residence! They've assaulted me! Help! Someone is trying to rape the Marquis's concubine!"

Shen Qinghe shouted at the top of her lungs, using all her strength to grab Qin Linfeng's hand and press it against her collar. In an instant, all the maids and servants around the garden heard it.

Qin Linfeng's expression immediately turned panicked. He frantically tried to pull his hand away, only to find that the girl was holding his hand tightly: "You! You wretched servant, let go of me!! What are you shouting about?!"

Ignoring Qin Linfeng's insults and struggles, Shen Qinghe used all her strength to hold onto Qin Linfeng's hand and shouted at the top of her lungs.

Soon, many maids and servants ran over and spotted Shen Qinghe and Qin Linfeng in an instant.

Qing'er had just gone back to get her clothes and hadn't run far when she heard her older sister calling out. She immediately took off running back to the garden and asked a close maid to fetch Madam Qin.

Fang Yu also heard Shen Qinghe's shout at the same time. He glanced at it and immediately went to Yuhe Hall in silence. If he remembered correctly, the young marquis was accompanying the old lady in Yuhe Hall today.

Qing'er rushed to the front of the group of maids and servants.

Upon seeing that Shen Qinghe was soaking wet and her clothes were in a sorry state, and that the lecherous man's hand was still on her sister's chest, he immediately rushed forward and slapped Qin Linfeng across the face.

Qing'er immediately turned around and shielded Shen Qinghe behind her: "I don't know where this scoundrel came from, daring to act so recklessly in the Marquis's mansion!!"

"What are you doing?!"

Hongxing, supporting Qin Shi, rushed over and, seeing the scene, let out an angry shout.

"You! You lowly servant, how dare you hit this young master!" Qin Linfeng was deeply favored in the Duke's mansion. The Duke's mansion held a high status and was also related to the Marquis's mansion by marriage. Qin Linfeng was a man who could do whatever he wanted in Chang'an.

Let alone being slapped by a maid, even his own sister, Madam Qin, never dared to hit him!

Qin Linfeng, enraged, glared at him coldly: "Do you want to die, you lowly wench!"

Qin Linfeng turned to look at Qin Shi beside him, and immediately became aggrieved: "Sister, a maid hit me!!"

When Qin saw her younger brother's face, marked by a bright red handprint, her expression tightened, and she glared angrily at Qing'er: "Qing'er..."

Qing'er was somewhat frightened by the gazes of the Qin siblings, but remembering Shen Qinghe behind her, she straightened up and angrily questioned, "Do you know, do you know that my sister is the Marquis's woman? How dare you harass the Marquis's concubine in the Zhenguo Marquis's mansion? What is your punishment?! Does being the Madam's brother give you the right to act recklessly and disrespect women in the Marquis's mansion?!"

As soon as Qing'er said this, all the maids and servants present fell silent. Saying such a thing could mean a serious or minor offense.

It also involves the reputation of the Qin family. If not handled properly, it could be seen as the Qin family steward being arrogant and allowing his younger brother to act recklessly and disrespect the master of the Marquis's mansion.

Madam Qin frowned. How come Qing'er, that lowly maid, has become so sharp-tongued since following Shen Qinghe?!

Qin Linfeng panicked upon hearing this: "It wasn't me who wanted to take liberties with her!! It was her, she was the one who grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go, she's trying to frame me!"

Just then, a man's cold, mocking voice came from the garden gate: "You mean, my concubine went to great lengths to seduce a playboy like you?"

The maids and servants immediately sensed something was wrong and, in great fear, made way for them.

Lu Jihan rushed over with Lin Feng and saw the chaotic scene.

Qin Shi stood to one side with Hongxing, while Qin Linfeng cried and complained to his sister with a face full of grievance and anger.

The person protecting Qing'er was his concubine.

Shen Qinghe's thin clothes were soaked through by the water. The cool autumn wind blew by, making the little girl's already thin and slender figure sway in the wind.

Her usually bright and gentle face was now deathly pale; she must have been terrified.

She looked utterly pathetic.

He walked up to Shen Qinghe, casually took off his outer robe, and draped it over Shen Qinghe's body in the wind, covering her soaked body and protecting her from the cool breeze.

A wave of warmth washed over her, and Shen Qinghe seemed to feel Lu Jihan's body temperature. The situation was slightly better than before, and Shen Qinghe had already prepared her explanation.

Shen Qinghe originally thought that Lu Jihan would arrive a little later. Could it be that someone had notified Lu Jihan in advance?

Shen Qinghe turned her gaze and saw Fang Yu behind Lin Feng. It was him.

Upon seeing Lu Jihan's arrival, the expressions on Qin Linfeng and Qin Shi's faces both changed.

Qin Linfeng spoke first, trying to establish a preemptive stance: "Brother-in-law, brother-in-law, you've finally arrived! I only came to visit my sister today, thinking that her birthday is coming up soon, and to chat with her and admire the flowers. Who knew that when I passed by the garden, I would run into that wretched maid Shen Qinghe!"

I was indeed a spoiled brat before, indeed foolish, and indeed a bit lecherous. After my brother-in-law's lesson in Chang'an that night, I've turned over a new leaf, realized my mistakes, and resolved never to do such a thing again. But who knew this girl would be so devoted to me, clinging to me like glue, throwing herself at me the moment she came. I tried to dodge her, but she grabbed my hand and pressed it against her chest!

Qin Linfeng sidled up to Lu Jihan, "Brother-in-law, even the maidservant accompanying this lowly woman dared to slap me! What else is this lowly woman incapable of? I, the dignified son of the Duke of Qin, the future heir, have suffered such a humiliating disgrace! Brother-in-law, you must give me justice!"

Shen Qinghe pulled her cloak tighter around herself, stepped out from behind Qing'er, knelt before Lu Jihan, and looked up at Qin Linfeng and Qin Shi: "Could it be...could it be that I'm going to ruin my own reputation to frame you, young master?"

Without giving Qin Linfeng and Qin Shi a chance to speak, Shen Qinghe forcefully wiped away the water droplets and tears from her face. "I believe that whether you, young master, did anything indecent to a woman or to me was witnessed by so many maids and servants, there is no doubt about it. But now that you, young master, still want to frame me, then don't blame me for not giving you and the eldest young mistress any face."

Shen Qinghe raised her head, her eyes red, and looked at Lu Jihan beside her: "Young Master said that I deliberately seduced you, and that I have questions to ask. Although I come from a humble background, I am now considered a concubine of the Marquis. Why would I seduce you? Is it because I covet the power and status of the Duke of Qin's mansion? Is the power of the Marquis of Zhenguo's mansion inferior to that of the Duke of Qin's mansion? Is the young Marquis inferior to you, Young Master? Even if I were to follow you, I would still be a concubine. Putting aside the fact that your appearance and talent are far inferior to my Marquis's, just considering my background, why would I seduce you? What would I gain?"

Shen Qinghe's words were already quite blunt and direct.

These words made Qin Linfeng's face turn red with anger. Shen Qinghe, that bitch, was clearly implying that he, Qin Linfeng, was inferior to Lu Jihan in every way, so what right did she have to seduce him?

Qin Linfeng was about to speak, but before he could get the words out, Lu Jihan raised his hand and interrupted him.

Lu Jihan raised an eyebrow, glancing at Qin Shi beside him: "What's your explanation?"

Madam Qin was so angry that her face turned ashen. Her beloved younger brother had been so degraded to such a state by a lowly woman who was a maid and had even tried to steal her husband.

Unfortunately, her younger brother was truly disappointing. Qin was both angry and annoyed, yet speechless. She felt like a leather bag filled with air, with no way out, and could only suffocate herself.

Madam Qin forced a polite smile: "My lord, what Sister Qinghe said makes sense, but I also believe in my brother. Perhaps this matter... is just a misunderstanding?"

Before Lu Jihan and Qin Linfeng could speak, Shen Qinghe seized the opportunity to speak first: "Young Madam, the maids and servants in the garden saw everything clearly just now. I was soaking wet. Is this a misunderstanding? The young master's hand was on my collar. Is this also a misunderstanding? Isn't this misunderstanding too coincidental? Besides, the last time I went out to deliver food to the Marquis, it was the same before I even reached the city gate, when the young master suddenly appeared and stopped me. Are you saying I was lying both times? But last time... the Marquis clearly saw it with his own eyes!"

Upon hearing this, Qin realized that such a thing had happened, no wonder her husband did not believe her brother!

Qin stared at Qin Linfeng: "Last time?"

Qin Linfeng was most afraid of his older sister. Under Qin Shi's gaze, he lowered his head and stammered, "Last time... last time I just thought she was pretty and all alone, so I wanted to go up and talk to her to relieve her boredom. I didn't do anything to her. Besides, I didn't even touch the hem of her clothes, and I still got a scolding from my brother-in-law. Sister, this time I really didn't do anything..."

Qin was so angry at his words that she almost fainted. How could she have such a stupid younger brother?

He's done such absurd things before, so even if he really didn't touch Shen Qinghe today, her husband would never believe him again!

"Qin Linfeng, you have dared to harass and intimidate the women in my manor. You are truly audacious. If things go my way, your brother will be beaten half to death before I can quell my anger."

Lu Jihan's voice was icy cold, his calm and indifferent tone falling lightly, making Qin Shi's face turn pale.

"My husband... he has always been my own brother..." Qin wanted to plead for mercy.

Lu Jihan didn't give her a chance to speak. "That's why I'm giving you a chance. You're in charge of handling this matter."

After saying that, Lu Jihan reached out and helped Shen Qinghe up, letting her lean against him for support.

Seeing her husband embracing another woman with such affection deeply stung Qin's eyes.

His own younger brother was kneeling beside him, having committed a wrongdoing.

"My lord, may I take my younger brother back to Fuhua Hall for further processing?" Qin Shi asked, her voice choked with apprehension. She looked at Lu Jihan with pleading in her eyes.

The girl in his arms was extremely quiet, so close that Lu Jihan could hear her trembling breaths.

How badly will she be bullied?

Even now, after entering his manor and his territory, his concubine is still being bullied and is still being frightened like this!

Thinking of this, Lu Jihan's chest was filled with anger, so much so that when he looked at the Qin family pleading for Qin Linfeng, he did not soften in the slightest.

"When your brother was taking liberties with women, did he ever consider Ahe's innocence?" Lu Jihan snorted coldly.

"He made indecent advances towards the women in the backyard of my manor. So many maids and servants saw it. Since he was capable of doing it, he should take responsibility."

As he spoke, Lu Jihan felt his sleeve being tugged by the person in his arms. He looked down and met a pair of watery, red eyes.

Those eyes, which should have been filled with bright smiles, were now filled with lingering fear and grievance.

Shen Qinghe knew that at this moment, Lu Jihan's attitude was the most crucial factor. He was angry, so she had to intensify his anger so that Qin Linfeng would receive the punishment he deserved.

So she spoke.

Lu Jihan had assumed the person in his arms was about to complain or cry, but to his surprise, Shen Qinghe's first words were—

"My lord, if this puts the young mistress in a difficult position, then let it go. There are so many people watching anyway, and I am innocent. You still believe in me. I'm fine, as long as you don't continue to act this way and bully the women."

The little girl's voice was soft and sweet. She didn't express any grievances or show any intention of making a big deal out of it. All she showed was her obedience, understanding, and generosity.

The more Shen Qinghe acted this way, the more heartbroken and soft-hearted Lu Jihan became. He stared coldly at Qin Shi: "She's more sensible than you. I always thought you managed this inner courtyard very well, but now it seems that it's only because your own family isn't involved that you manage it so well. Now that you've met your brother, you've completely forgotten how to manage such things!"

Lu Jihan's voice grew colder and his tone harder, "If you cannot handle this matter fairly and cannot put the women of my household at ease, then you are no longer needed to manage the affairs of this household!"

After saying that, Lu Jihan picked up Shen Qinghe from his arms and turned to leave, not caring at all that Qin Shi might disobey him.

He knew she wouldn't dare.

Qin felt a sharp pain from Lu Jihan's icy gaze, her heart aching as if it were being torn apart.

She had been married into the Zhenguo Marquis's mansion for more than three years, but she had not received her husband's favor and had never consummated the marriage.

From the moment she married into the Marquis's household, she knew that her husband was not interested in women, but fortunately they always treated each other with respect.

Her husband trusted and respected her most, never said a harsh word to her, and never showed her any heartlessness.

But now, her husband wants to take away her power as the housekeeper!

All because of Shen Qinghe, all because of a maid who climbed into his bed!

Why treat her like that?

Madam Qin was both angry and heartbroken, but with so many maids and servants in front of her, she could only handle the matter impartially, otherwise she wouldn't even be able to keep her power as the head of the household!

If she loses her power as the head of the household and Shen Qinghe seizes the opportunity to take it from her, then Madam Qin, as the legal wife, will become nothing more than an empty shell with only the title of wife!

The Qin family absolutely could not tolerate this happening.

Madam Qin hardened her face and stared at Qin Linfeng: "So it was because you were too arrogant and reckless. It was one thing for you to be willful and bold at home, but now that you're out of the house, you still dare to act like this. If I don't discipline you properly, I, as your elder sister, will truly be failing in my duty!"

-

Shen Qinghe was carried back to the courtyard by Lu Jihan, who then put her back on the bed.

Shen Qinghe's first reaction was to pull the blanket next to her and wrap herself up like a caterpillar.

She didn't dare to lift her pale face, only daring to steal a glance at him from time to time. Her small hands tightly gripped the blanket in her hands, as if she was afraid that Lu Jihan in front of her would do something to her.

Lu Jihan couldn't help but laugh at Shen Qinghe's reaction. "Now you're scared? Where were you just now?"

Shen Qinghe looked at him somewhat guiltily, "If I had been scared just now, how could you have carried me back, Master? In that situation, I could only scream, otherwise, who knows what might have happened?"

"I'm not talking about that. You reacted correctly to that; it's the only way to ensure your own safety."

Lu Jihan reached out and rubbed her fair and rosy earlobe: "It wasn't for nothing that I taught you so many times; you've finally mustered up the courage."

It wasn't him who taught her; it was because of her higher status. If her rank were even higher, and she could become a concubine or even be elevated to the status of a secondary wife, he would have seen her become even bolder!

But this is a great opportunity to win people over, so you have to keep up the act.

Shen Qinghe looked at Lu Jihan in front of her: "Master... I'm soaking wet right now, could you... bring me some clean clothes?"

"You're ordering me around?" Lu Jihan looked at her and saw a hint of cunning in her eyes, as if she had returned to her original self. The anger in his chest dissipated considerably.

"It's really inconvenient for me!"

Shen Qinghe stretched her hand out from under the covers, hooking her index finger around Lu Jihan's little finger, swaying it gently. She looked up at him and said, "You're the best, you're the greatest person in the world!"

Her eyes and brows shone with a hint of light, and her little face was filled with a smile.

"Hypocrite! Don't think I don't know that you were deliberately praising me and stepping on Qin Linfeng in the garden just now."

Seeing her like this, Lu Jihan's anger completely dissipated. He simply sat down imposingly next to Shen Qinghe and said coldly, "Then tell me, how exactly am I good enough?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Qinghe blinked and carefully looked Lu Jihan up and down.

Why is the Marquis becoming more and more arrogant?

The Marquis stood there with his back straight, his chin raised, feigning indifference and anger, all in an attempt to hear her praise him.

To be honest, Shen Qinghe is quite good at this.

Shen Qinghe cupped Lu Jihan's large hands in hers and pulled him closer to her: "You are the most talented, the best in martial arts, and the most handsome young man I have ever seen. Among the young men in Chang'an, those who are better in martial arts than you are not as handsome as you, and those who are as handsome as you are not as good in martial arts and talent as you."

Lu Jihan's lips curled slightly as he listened, and he asked indifferently, "What about Chu Xingge? He's also a well-known elegant gentleman in Chang'an. You saw him yesterday too."

Lu Jihan originally intended to ask any good-looking person.

Shen Qinghe's hand paused, her smile froze, and she felt a moment of unease before recovering as quickly as possible.

"Compared to you, Lord Chu is just average." She smiled and held Lu Jihan's hand, placing it against her face, her cheek pressed against his palm.

"My lord is my heart, my liver, my precious sweetheart!"