Fan Lianyi stood in the courtyard of Ninghui Hall, a place that felt both strange and familiar. She had stayed there for two years more than a decade ago, and now, more than twenty years later, she had returned.

"cousin!"

The word "cousin" instantly brought tears to Fan Lianyi's eyes, and she looked at the newcomer with a coquettish expression.

The Duke of Jingguo's eyes also reddened.

"Brother, my cousin is still so radiant after all these years. She doesn't look old at all."

Tao's voice suddenly appeared from behind, interrupting the joy of their recent reunion.

Tao was followed by Song Yue.

Upon seeing Song Yue, the Duke of Jingguo's expression darkened again: "Why are you here?"

"Guests have come to visit, and as the host, I'm just here to check on them." Song Yue blinked, her gaze landing on Fan Lianyi's face.

With just one glance, Song Yue was certain that Song Hengchuan was Fan Lianyi's biological son!

It's so similar, it's uncanny!

Her eyebrows and eyes are exactly the same as Fan Lianyi's.

"Who are you?" Fan Lianyi looked at Song Yue gently.

Song Yue stepped forward: "I am the legitimate daughter of the princess, Song Yue!"

Upon hearing Song Yue's name, Fan Lianyi frowned slightly. She had heard many people outside talking about Song Yue these days.

He was arrogant and domineering, a little tyrant.

"You..." Duke Jingguo wanted to say something, but in front of Tao Shi and Song Yue, he had no choice but to swallow his words, pretending that he was not familiar with Fan Lianyi and keeping his distance.

Song Yue glanced at the Duke of Jingguo, a mocking smile curving her lips.

She'd like to see how long she could hold it in!

As the group entered together, the moment Song Yue appeared, the Grand Madam's lips twitched slightly, and she subconsciously took out a handkerchief and held it to her nose.

"Yue'er, what brings you here?"

Song Yue bowed politely: "Of course we've come to welcome our relatives. The elders of the Fan family are new to the capital, so they probably don't have a place to stay, right?"

Tao replied, "What's so difficult about that? We're all relatives. The Duke's mansion has plenty of rooms, so as long as Madam Fan doesn't mind, it's fine."

Upon hearing this, Madam Fan agreed without hesitation: "Then I'll trouble you."

The group spoke so quickly that they didn't give the Dowager Madam a chance to stop them. Madam Tao had even already planned out several courtyards: "These courtyards are elegant, large and spacious. They only need a few more items added. Mother, don't worry, your daughter-in-law will handle everything perfectly."

The old lady's face darkened: "The Fan family has many members, and they may not be willing to stay here. Besides, I have already found a courtyard for the Fan family."

"So it turns out that Old Madam Fan didn't want to live in the Duke of Jingguo's mansion. That's a real pity," Song Yue said regretfully.

Not knowing the reason, Madam Fan chuckled twice and said, "My niece-in-law invited me so kindly, and I, an old woman, couldn't refuse a junior, so I had no choice but to accept."

The old lady felt suffocated, but she couldn't explain herself in public.

"It's been over twenty years since my cousin left the Duke of Jingguo's mansion. I wonder which family she's betrothed to, and whether she's brought any children with her?" Tao asked, feigning ignorance.

Madam Fan cleared her throat, somewhat reluctantly saying, "Lianyi has never been betrothed and is still single."

Ms. Tao covered her mouth in surprise.

Upon entering, Fan Lianyi lowered her eyes, clutching a handkerchief in her hand, revealing half of her profile as if she were wronged and helpless.

Song Yue stared straight at the Duke of Jingguo.

The gaze was too intense; the Duke of Jingguo didn't even dare to look at Fan Lianyi. He took a deep breath and could only suppress his emotions.

After sitting for a short while, Song Yue couldn't wait any longer and got up to say goodbye.

Madam Fan said, "I've heard a lot about the Third Miss along the way. She seems very well-behaved, not as unruly as the rumors say."

These words made the Dowager Lady frown. She gave Tao Shi a meaningful look, but ultimately did not utter a single word to slander Song Yue.

“This child has been without a mother to take care of him since he was little. He may have been a bit wild when he first came back, but fortunately he is kind-hearted and has been raised to be well now. As for the rumors outside, they are all just deception and should not be believed,” said Madam Tao.

Madam Fan understood: "I see."

And so, the entire Fan family moved into the Duke of Jingguo's mansion, where Tao personally selected and arranged three large courtyards for them.

He even specially arranged for Fan Lianyi's residence to be located next to that of the Duke of Jingguo, separated by only one wall.

After this incident, the Dowager was certain that Song Hengchuan's identity had been exposed. She hurriedly summoned the Duke of Jingguo: "You should prepare early, because the princess will not let this go easily."

“That child is already dead…” said the Duke of Jingguo.

The old lady was dumbfounded: "Didn't you say they were doing just fine being raised on the estate?"

He suffered a serious illness and died at the age of fifteen.

Suddenly, the old lady felt a darkness before her eyes and almost lost her balance and fell. She tried her best to control herself and was extremely anxious.

I can't imagine what the consequences would be if Princess Jia Hua knew this news.

Duke Jingguo never expected that Princess Jiahua would return one day. As a result, when the child had a persistent high fever and the news came from the manor, he didn't even plan to call a doctor. After a few days of delay, the child died.

"Feng'er, as the saying goes, 'a night of marriage brings a hundred days of kindness.' Once you've gone through the wedding ceremony, the bond is different. Otherwise, the Duke of Jingguo's mansion won't gain any advantage if things continue like this." The Grand Madam was panicking.

Since Princess Jiahua returned, without exception, everyone who had been close to the Duke of Jingguo has been won over by Princess Jiahua.

"Husband and wife?" Duke Jingguo scoffed, his eyes revealing undisguised disdain.

Thirteen years have passed, and I have no idea how lowly and obsequious she has been outside.

He finds such a person disgusting even to look at.

"Feng'er, you must keep a close eye on the Fan family..." the old lady said worriedly.

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