Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 680 - 516 Concealing and Not Speaking

She couldn’t help but stomp her foot in anger. Lianxin, that little wench, she would deal with her once they returned to the mansion. What audacity she had to dare push her.

And the Third Miss, she was getting harder to handle. She needed to report to the Madam, and once back at the mansion, the Madam would surely deal with her.

Lianxin was just momentarily angry before, and now she faintly regretted it.

"Miss! Who knows what kind of stories Mrs. Lian will make up about you when she goes back! I was too impulsive earlier."

Yao Mengxian saw the remorse on Lianxin’s face, knowing it was just a spur of the moment. However, she was not too worried; at most, she would be punished by kneeling and copying the Women’s Rules.

Mrs. Ke still wanted to meddle with her marriage, but she wouldn’t go too far before that. She had ways to deal with some minor punishments.

Last time, her maternal grandfather had a talk with her grandfather, and since then, her grandfather showed some concern for her. Although he had previously ignored her, it was impossible for her not to feel resentment.

However, with her maternal grandfather running around for her, how could she bear to reject his good intentions?

"When we return to the mansion, I’ll give the Thousand Miles of Mountains and Rivers painting from the study to Grandfather. With Grandfather’s protection, Mrs. Ke wouldn’t dare to be too blatant."

Previously, although Yao Mengxian didn’t have much genuine feeling for her grandfather, she got closer to him to honor her maternal grandfather’s wishes.

That Thousand Miles of Mountains and Rivers painting was originally given to her maternal grandfather by Gu Chengyu, but her maternal grandfather insisted she take it to the Duke Mansion to please her grandfather.

Although Grandfather was driven by profit, over time, he had developed a bit of genuine feeling for her.

However, this bit of genuine feeling was because of her potential marriage alliance, which was the value of her existence as a legitimate daughter.

Lianxin felt even more regretful upon hearing this, "That was given to you by Old Master Liang, and you’re just going to give it away?"

Lianxin had accompanied Yao Mengxian in Jingyuan Prefecture for over three years, and Liang Zhirui never made things difficult for the servants and was kind to their own Miss.

So naturally, she was inclined towards Liang Zhirui somewhat, but now back at the mansion, there was also an old master, so for distinction, she had to add a surname in front when addressing them.

Gu Chengyu went with everyone to the flower hall, intending to leave shortly after the banquet began.

However, before that, he had one more thing to do. The effects of Ji Mingxuan’s drug should have started by now, right? He must be incoherent, maybe even starting to undress.

He stroked his chin, thinking about how to lead everyone over to see. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Kong Shuhuan was still feeling uneasy, sitting in the pavilion dazed with Ying Yue.

Recalling what happened earlier, she still felt some lingering fear. If it hadn’t been for Gu Chengyu arriving in time, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

Not only would the marriage with Zhu Pang fail, but she wouldn’t have the face to live in this world.

Ji Mingxuan was truly detestable; just because Zhu Pang punched him twice, he bore a grudge. To think of such a despicable method, being the son of an official, everything he studied in the Holy Books went to the dog’s stomach.

"Sister!" Yao Mengxian saw from afar that there were only two women in the pavilion, Kong Shuhuan and her maid, indicating they still hadn’t found Ji Yuying.

Ji Yuying heard Yao Mengxian calling her and finally snapped out of her fear.

She and Ying Yue had already taken Clear Heart Pills and were not affected by the aphrodisiac.

"Sister! I still haven’t found Cousin, and I fear we can’t hide this matter any longer, better return early to report it to my mother."

Kong Shuhuan then remembered that Ji Yuying had not been found. She was so frightened earlier that she almost forgot she had to look for Ji Yuying.

Yao Mengxian nodded, thinking Ji Yuying might have gone to the front yard, hoping that there was still time.

"As Sister suggested, they have already started the banquet over there, let’s return first to avoid any random suspicions from those people."

"Thank you for your help today, Sister." Kong Shuhuan expressed gratefully, holding Yao Mengxian’s hand.

It was due to the earlier danger that she now felt extremely thankful for Gu Chengyu’s appearance. Given that Gu Chengyu knew about it, he must have received a note as well.

But what was written in that note, and why did Gu Chengyu come as agreed? She absolutely didn’t believe that Gu Chengyu coincidentally passed by the pavilion.

Suddenly, Kong Shuhuan glanced at the nearby Yao Mengxian, seemingly realizing something.

"What are you saying, Sister? We are kindred spirits and intimate friends in the boudoir, so let’s not mention this and create distance."

Zhu Pang pulled Gu Chengyu over, "Jinyu! Where have you been just now? Why did you take so long?"

Gu Chengyu hesitated a bit, unsure of whether to speak about the matter or not.

At this moment, Zheng Lun also chimed in, "Jinyu! It’s a pity you weren’t here earlier; Min Feng snatched the top spot. His poem will definitely be inscribed on your painting; what a shame!"

Zheng Lun genuinely felt regretful; had Gu Chengyu been there to write a poem, the chance wouldn’t have fallen to Min Feng, would it? Now, this situation favored others, plus there had been talk earlier about Min Feng secretly competing with Gu Chengyu, and this time Min Feng benefited.

Gu Chengyu chuckled, although he had put effort into that painting, he hadn’t taken it to heart.

In truth, it would be better not to present it to the Empress, as it would certainly bring trouble in the future.

As for the advantage given to Min Feng, if Min Feng didn’t mind being a supporting role, why should he mind being the star?

Zheng Lun walked beside them, making it difficult for Gu Chengyu to mention Kong Shuhuan’s matter further. Besides, he was also involved in the incident, and if Zhu Pang found out, would there be suspicion?

He and Miss Kong not only met in private, but she also inhaled the aphrodisiac. Would Zhu Pang misunderstand their relationship?

After all, it was just him and the Kong Shuhuan and maid present; oh, and Ji Mingxuan, but Ji Mingxuan was already unconscious, making it unclear.

Moreover, a fiancée inhaling the aphrodisiac and being witnessed by his friend—ancient men took these things very seriously. In their view, this already counted as losing one’s honor, and it was inevitable that Zhu Pang would feel troubled about it later.

Even if he gained Zhu Pang’s understanding, if Kong Shuhuan kept silent about the affair, would this not become a thorn in Zhu Pang’s heart?

Human nature couldn’t withstand tests, and he couldn’t guarantee that Zhu Pang wouldn’t mind, so he chose not to speak. Meanwhile, he believed Kong Shuhuan would also keep silent about it.

Regardless, to protect her reputation, Kong Shuhuan would certainly keep this matter a secret.

Anyway, no one saw him; as long as Kong Shuhuan and that maid didn’t speak of it, no one should know.

However, to ensure Kong Shuhuan remained sensible, Gu Chengyu felt it necessary to give a discreet warning. Having made up his mind, Gu Chengyu no longer hesitated.

"Huh? Why has Brother Ji been gone so long and still not returned?" Yu Ting, who was originally conspiring with Ji Mingxuan, felt puzzled about Ji Mingxuan’s prolonged absence.