Rejected Beauty Practices the Villain Play-Chapter 28 Domestic Affairs 2

"When your eldest aunt's family was imprisoned and sentenced to exile back then, she sought help from Marquis Zhenbei Mansion through connections, but Marquis Zhenbei rejected her." The Old Madam recalled those turbulent days filled with bloodshed and fear, her emotions complex. "That year, rivers of blood flowed in the Capital City, power struggles were rampant, and your eldest aunt harbored resentment towards Marquis Zhenbei Mansion. Later, Marquis Zhenbei Mansion rose to prominence, and when the Marquis and your grandfather sought familial ties, logically speaking, the engagement should have been between your eldest sister and Xie Zhang. Yet, the Marquis chose Shu'er. How could your eldest aunt be pleased with that? Proud and stubborn, she refused to accept reality and couldn't find a better match than Marquis Zhenbei Mansion. Your eldest sister's marriage was thus delayed. In her eyes, she was meant to be a noble lady of a prominent household. Yet the merchant's daughter she once looked down upon not only lived a better life but also had her daughter marry advantageously. She couldn't help feeling unbalanced. No one likes others to fare better than themselves, especially those they once disdained. Your mother understood this well, so she never quarreled with her."

Fengyu hadn't realized that there had been so many grievances between her eldest aunt and her mother, feeling a touch of melancholy in her heart. Seeing that Fengyu was listening attentively, the Old Madam sighed in relief. "She managed the household for many years, never being harsh or restrictive with you sisters and granting you considerable freedom. She also protected you externally. She is not a bad person. Even if she makes mistakes in the future, remember that her life has been one of immense ups and downs, and she cared for you and Shu'er. Think more about her good qualities. If she truly errs, your grandmother will handle it."

"I understand," Fengyu said earnestly. "I have been too impulsive."

The Old Madam lovingly caressed her face. "Fengyu only defended herself, which is no grave mistake. Grandmother just wants you to be happy and only encounter good people."

Fengyu nodded strongly, clearly absorbing her grandmother's words. Unable to resist, she embraced her grandmother, acting spoiled. "If Grandmother is happy, Fengyu will be happy."

The Old Madam smiled and tapped her nose before feeding her a piece of pastry. After Fengyu finished, she recounted the events at the manor in detail. The Old Madam's face changed dramatically, nervously clutching her arm and body. "Were you hurt?"

Fengyu felt warm inside. "No, but three Protectors died, and both Zhang Da and Chunlu were injured. As I was collecting rent, there was a riot during the day, and then an assassination attempt at night. I don't know if the two are related. Upon returning home, I learned that the Land Office came to file a complaint, and Eldest Aunt unfairly accused me. I was already upset, so I lost my temper. On a normal day, I wouldn't have confronted her so bluntly."

"Let's not talk about that for now. Did they catch the perpetrator? What if they harm someone again?" The Old Madam hugged her tightly, fear lingering in her heart. "Thank the gods and Buddha that you are safe."

"The County Magistrate in Gaoping County doesn't want to investigate. It was pouring rain last night with no clues; it seems unlikely to be solved."

"Then you must be careful in the coming days. Avoid going out unless it's necessary, and take more Protectors with you if you do."

"Rest assured, Grandmother. Zhang Da already reassigned personnel, and I won't leave the Capital anytime soon. They wouldn't dare be so bold." Fengyu spoke resolutely. "Grandmother, you raised me, and my reputation in the Capital has been poor. Others say Grandmother failed in educating me, damaging your name. I truly feel guilty."

"I know how much of that reputation is true and how much is false." Among the children in the family, the Old Madam doted on Fengyu the most. "It is we who have let you down."

"How could that be? A bad reputation is fine too—I'll simply stay by Grandmother's side for life."

"Nonsense!" The Old Madam embraced her in pity. "Grandmother will find you a suitable and dependable marriage alliance."

Fengyu shared a couple of cups of tea with the Old Madam. As the elderly are accustomed to early rest, Fengyu took her leave. Mrs. Rong entered to tidy the desk, chuckling softly. "Third Miss's temperament is becoming more like Second Miss."

The Old Madam shook her head, sighing. "Shu'er has a steadfast and broad-minded nature, able to see things clearly, while Fengyu... harbors grudges and is overly sensitive. They are entirely different."

On the way back to Plum Garden, Qiuxiang noticed her pale expression. "Miss, did the Old Madam reprimand you?"

"Not exactly," Fengyu replied with a gentle smile. "Grandmother hopes I can be more respectful and compliant, refraining from overly confronting elders."

Qiuxiang happily remarked, "The Old Madam loves Miss dearly. She couldn't bear to punish you."

"Do you also think I was mistaken in confronting Eldest Aunt?"

"Miss did nothing wrong in my eyes," Qiuxiang said, scratching her head with straightforward honesty. "But outsiders, upon hearing it, will surely say Miss disrespects her elders and is overly aggressive."

"Why do you feel I wasn't wrong?"

"Qiuxiang doesn't care what others say. If Miss says or does something, it must be right."

"And if your Miss commits murder or arson one day?"

"Miss may murder—I'll bury the body. Miss may set fires—I'll add fuel." Qiuxiang chuckled, her tone unexpectedly serious.

Fengyu was amused by Qiuxiang, laughing out loud. Seeing her smile, Qiuxiang laughed along with her. Qiuxiang had been by her side since the age of three, growing up together as playmates. To Qiuxiang, Fengyu was her world, her blind devotion unwavering.

"Miss, you finally smiled. Since Jiang Yang broke off the engagement, you haven't truly smiled once," Qiuxiang commented.

Fengyu chuckled lightly. "With you as my jester, how can I not be happy... I am a bit hungry."

"You barely ate at dinner. Gingko has prepared bird's nest soup—it'll be ready when we get back."

"Alright!"

The mistress and maid bantered happily as they returned to Plum Garden. The bird's nest soup Gingko had prepared was ready. Fengyu arranged to meet Xie Xun at midnight, with an hour left until the meeting. Fengyu instructed the maids to rest, leaving only Qiuxiang, who knew about her and Xie Xun's soul swap. Although she trusted Zhang Da and Chunlu, she believed fewer people knowing was better. They might be unaware of the soul-swapping matter but were aware of her connection with Xie Xun.

Whenever Fengyu and Xie Xun swapped souls, Qiuxiang would always find a way to send Chunlu away. While it might not entirely prevent suspicions, Chunlu was loyal enough to keep secrets and wouldn't probe into Fengyu's affairs even if she suspected.

"Take one bowl of bird's nest soup to Chunlu so she can recover well."

"Understood!"

Qiuxiang carried the bowl off to find Chunlu. Meanwhile, Fengyu changed into a fresh set of clothes and leisurely savored her bird's nest soup, ensuring the maids were all dismissed.

Just as she took her first bite, Xie Xun arrived.

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The young marquis wore a black robe with dark patterns, a waistband embroidered with cloud motifs. His hair was casually tied with a hairband, exuding an air of nonchalance. Renowned as the most highly regarded and charming marquis in the Capital, he radiated elegance akin to orchids and jade trees.

He leaned against the corridor lazily, his cold gaze sweeping over her. His tone was indifferent. "What do you want from me?"

Fengyu, needing his help, stood and greeted him. "Young Marquis, please come inside to talk."

Xie Xun disliked Fengyu's boudoir. Coming here always meant losing control, and he harbored deep disdain for it. When visiting soberly, his irritation intensified. Fengyu, being a secluded maiden, had Xie Xun close the door partially. Through the gap, the lanterns in the corridor could be seen.

"Would Young Marquis like some bird's nest soup?" Fengyu asked with a radiant smile under the light.

"Speak directly," Xie Xun responded curtly.