Chapter Three: You Are Truly Embarrassing

The Xu family garden was filled with many rare and precious plants bestowed from the imperial inner court, delivered swiftly by royal order—an indication of the high favor shown to the Xu family.

When Liang Shanru married into the Li family years ago, she had seen a few such treasures, but none compared to the abundance and quality of those in the Xu household.

Xu Jingyi, holding her hand, walked at a leisurely pace. “You used to be so meek and obedient, a delicate flower crushed under your sister’s shadow. I advised you countless times, but you never listened. Yet these past few days, you’ve changed into a different person. How wonderful this is.”

Liang Shanru smiled faintly. “Had it not been for the marriage with the Li family, I might have spent my whole life just like that.”

The two girls shared a bond forged since childhood, like sisters. Xu Jingyi truly regarded Liang Shanru as a younger sister. Speaking of the Li family, she frowned and said sharply, “The Marquis of Changle and his wife are cunning. You and my brother were betrothed from childhood, but since your parents passed, nobody has spoken up for you. They just feign ignorance, pretending the matter doesn’t exist. Now, let me tell you about the others!

“That Li Sixlang—what sort of person is he? A frequent visitor to brothels and pleasure houses, with countless concubines. I hear he even keeps several mistresses outside. Just thinking about it makes one sick!

“Even if his family holds an unbroken hereditary title, with his uncle as Minister of Revenue and his maternal side holding a duke’s rank, what’s so remarkable about that?

“Our family has never feared them. At worst, I can speak with Grandmother.

“Besides, there is the Third Prince, who has always looked after you kindly. I will write on your behalf…”

Before she could finish, a young maid from the Xu household came running in, her face pale with fear.

Xu Jingyi recognized her as the servant she had assigned to guide Liang Baoqi earlier. Frowning, she asked, “Why are you so flustered?”

“The lady Liang said she was uncomfortable with others present and asked me to stand farther away. But I waited a long time and she never came out. After a while, I had no choice but to go look for her, only to find neither the lady nor her companions were there!” The maid clasped her hands and knelt with a thud. “Please punish me, miss. I failed in my duty and lost sight of such a distinguished guest.”

Xu Jingyi was furious, her anger nearly indescribable.

What else could Liang Baoqi be doing? She had a mind sharp enough to think of every detail!

Yesterday, Shanru had mentioned this matter. Xu Jingyi thought it was just idle gossip, nothing serious. Besides, her brother was a gentleman, well-mannered and restrained. If a scandal arose, it would only shame the Marquis of Changle’s household and Liang Baoqi, not her brother.

It was just the perfect chance to quash the Liang family’s ambitions. A girl like Liang Baoqi dreaming of becoming her brother’s wife was simply wishful thinking!

Afterward, she would petition Grandmother to formalize Shanru’s betrothal to her brother, ensuring no one else would covet him.

Yet now that the incident had truly happened, she could not quell her anger.

Grabbing Liang Shanru’s hand, Xu Jingyi set off. “My brother just went to pay respects to Grandmother. She slipped away so quickly, surely waiting on his path out. I want to see what she intends!”

The young maid, understanding the plan, dared not follow.

Liang Shanru pulled her back, urging her to slow down. “Your brother may not even have come out of the old lady’s room yet. What good would rushing do?”

Xu Jingyi ground her teeth. “She’d better behave, or I’ll skin her alive!”

Still, she obeyed and slowed her pace.

Liang Shanru sighed with some helplessness. “You were so furious yesterday, why did you even agree to help me?”

“That’s different. Helping you is also helping my brother. Only she is to blame!” Xu Jingyi’s other hand clenched into a fist, then she grew curious. “But how did you know she would do this? Just because of my one comment about favoritism?”

“It’s because she rarely gets a chance to meet your brother in private.”

Liang Shanru inhaled deeply, speaking calmly.

In truth, she knew this was instigated by the Third Prince—a rare opportunity for the Marquis of Changle to act, no doubt urging Liang Baoqi to make her move, pushing her forward.

For Liang Baoqi, such chances must be seized whenever they arise.

It was also to blame on Lady Zhou, who had spoiled her—short-sighted, petty, reckless, daring anything on impulse. A well-born daughter of a marquis’s household, yet unable to maintain decorum.

Even if she didn’t act today, other methods would come.

In her previous life, though Liang Baoqi did not marry Xu Yunxuan in the end, she had used the same tactics: offering herself, lowering her dignity.

Though they slowed their steps, they finally reached the spot Xu Jingyi had mentioned—the inevitable path.

Xu Yunxuan had just asked An to come out when Liang Baoqi blocked his way.

Xu Jingyi immediately lunged forward, but Liang Shanru held her back. Jingyi stamped her foot in frustration, cursing silently toward the scene.

The two stood close enough to hear Liang Baoqi say, “I have always heard that Xu Langjun excels in poetry and calligraphy, unrivaled in Yangzhou City. My younger brother is quite unskilled in these matters. Might I have the honor of your instruction?”

Xu Yunxuan stood at a distance, glancing around. Even his attendant servants stepped back. Sensing trouble, unwilling to engage further, he said, “I will visit the Marquis of Changle another day. Lady Liang’s concern for my brother is touching. I will remember this matter.”

He stepped to move around her, but Liang Baoqi suddenly twisted her ankle and stumbled, falling against Xu Yunxuan.

She was a girl, and the suddenness caught him off guard—he instinctively caught her with one arm.

To outsiders, it looked as though he had embraced her.

Liang Baoqi cried out, startling the servants who had withdrawn early. They hurried over, terrified at the scene. “Langjun… Langjun, please release our lady!”

Xu Yunxuan realized the gravity of the situation and quickly withdrew his hand. The maid stepped forward, supporting Liang Baoqi, clearly shielding her from behind.

Xu Jingyi could no longer stand still. She rushed out, protecting her brother. “What nonsense are you two playing at? Don’t take us for fools! You were standing there talking, then suddenly you fall? My brother is a gentleman—you are shameless!”

She launched a verbal assault first. Liang Baoqi, unable to raise her head, fought to maintain composure, her eyes red with tears. “What have I said? Xu Langjun kindly helped me without hesitation—even if… even if it were like that, I would say nothing, pretend no one saw, as if it never happened. Yet you rush out to scold me? How have I offended you to deserve such insults?”

Her crying grew heavier. “I am still the eldest legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Changle—of noble birth—and you are far too rude!”

Liang Shanru approached slowly, each step measured. When she arrived, Liang Baoqi had just finished speaking. Shanru clicked her tongue like Xu Jingyi had before. “Did you do nothing wrong? I saw clearly from where I stood—you were the one who fell onto Xu Langjun.

“Everyone says men and women should maintain proper distance. You used the excuse of slipping away to wait here for Xu Langjun—this is improper private contact, ruining his reputation unfairly. And now you stage this scene.

“Lady Liang, you have brought shame upon the Marquis of Changle’s household today.”