Chapter 20

The next moment, Ling Wu pressed down on her hand, stared at Song Leyuan and shook her head, the meaning in her eyes was clear.

The Jiang family, after all, had a legacy spanning several generations. Although no high-ranking officials had emerged from them, the Jiang family members were ubiquitous in the imperial court.

Lingwu interrupted, "Your Highness, I am a little tired."

Song Leyuan understood Ling Wu's meaning, and unconsciously smiled, pulling Ling Wu's hand that she wanted to pull back.

Since she dared to say it, she must have evidence.

Moreover, who is Song Leyuan? The reason why no one dares to report her extravagance and debauchery is not because of Song Jue.

Seeing Ling Wu's worry, she didn't explain for some reason, but let Ling Wu look at her with concern.

Song Leyuan blinked her phoenix eyes pitifully.

Ling Wu's eyes were filled with worry, but the little devil in her heart raised an eyebrow.

"Of course I will stand up for myself and for you," Song Leyuan said awkwardly, trying to comfort her.

When she turned her head, she dropped her pitiful act and her face became cold and ruthless. "Go to the Jiang residence and inform them that this cousin of the Jiang family plotted to frame my and Consort Xian's younger sister. If it weren't for Miss Bai's intelligence, I would have fallen for her scheme."

Thinking of this, she sneered: "Go ask the Jiang family if the crime of plotting against the current princess is enough for their few cousins ​​to cover up?"

Song Leyuan exuded authority without anger. As soon as she finished speaking, a servant took the order and left, while Su Meier stood there dumbfounded.

Ling Wu pursed her lips; she couldn't let the Princess swallow this insult because of her.

Knowing Ling Wu's temperament, Song Leyuan looked at Ling Wu's face and said seriously:

“I know you are kind-hearted, but you must not be soft-hearted when it comes to framing someone! Moreover, Jiang Qi has been bothering you for a long time. I know his character in private. He may seem gentle and kind, but he is actually ruthless. Wu'er must not be deceived by his appearance.”

Ling Wu frowned slightly, then relaxed. "I believe what Your Highness says, but I am worried that with the Jiang family's power, this might harm Your Highness."

Her voice was gentle and soothing, capable of calming any worries.

"If I ever go hungry again, I'll have to rely on you." Song Leyuan gently pinched Lingwu's delicate nose.

For a moment, both of them were stunned.

Seeing this, Su Meier, sitting to the left, felt a ripple in her otherwise lifeless eyes, and her gaze toward Song Leyuan seemed to be laced with venom.

The only person who had been kind to her for over a decade was gone...

Song Leyuan and Ling Wu sat facing each other, a gentle breeze caressing their faces and the leaves rustling.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the branches and leaves, casting dappled shadows that adorned the figures of the two people.

Ling Wu was the first to look away, and Song Leyuan's lips curled into a bitter smile.

Before long, a report came.

Only Jiang Qi showed up. Song Leyuan raised an eyebrow. "What? Can't my princess residence even find a head of the household?"

Jiang Qi was dressed in a moon-white long robe, his hair was a little messy in his haste, but he was still handsome and aloof, like a jade gentleman.

A gentle breeze swept by, and his long robe fluttered like that of a banished immortal.

Ling Wu did not meet his gaze, and Jiang Qi felt a moment of sadness.

"My father fainted in anger upon learning of this, and my mother fell ill a few days ago and has not been able to get out of bed since. Now, only I am left in the Jiang family. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

As he spoke, he lowered his head again and presented a thick stack of papers with both hands.

"These are all the land deeds and estates that my Jiang family currently owns, as well as the things Your Highness mentioned a few days ago. My Jiang family has agreed to all of them."

"Su Meier will leave her to Your Highness's disposal, she only asks that Your Highness and Miss Bai not be angry."

"If Your Highness and Miss Bai are not satisfied, they may raise their concerns. Whatever it may be within the Jiang family's sphere of influence, we will grant your request." He knelt with his back straight, like a green bamboo.

Jiang Qi's eyelashes drooped slightly, his expression gentle and refined.

These words, delivered with utmost humility, earned Song Leyuan's praise.

A few days ago, she provoked Jiang Qi by trying to send some spies into the Jiang family, but... did she really think she was so easy to deal with?

“Young Master Jiang speaks with perfect tact. Since that’s the case…” Song Leyuan paused with a mischievous grin, then glanced at Ling Wu.

Seeing that Ling Wu showed no signs of having any feelings for Jiang Qi, Song Leyuan felt a little relieved, but her face still showed some displeasure.

"Young Master Jiang said, within your acceptable limits, what can your Jiang family promise?"

Jiang Qi raised his eyes, his gaze as clear and gentle as ever, but a deep sense of guilt lingered when he looked at Ling Wu.

There was a reason for everything, and half of it was his fault. If he had known earlier, perhaps Ling Wu wouldn't have almost ended up in jail.

When Ling Wu's eyes met his, she only nodded politely, and then did not look at him again.

Jiang Qi felt a deep bitterness in his heart. He cupped his hands and said, "As long as the Jiang family can fulfill any of Your Highness and Miss Bai's requests, we will grant them all!"

Song Leyuan raised her phoenix eyes slightly and whispered in Lingwu's ear.

Seeing Ling Wu shake her head in confusion, Song Leyuan thought to herself, "Silly girl, doesn't she know to tell him to stay away from you now?"

Then, she slightly raised her chin and said, "In that case, this princess will bestow a marriage upon you."

Jiang Qi felt a sense of unease, Su Meier beside him also looked up, and the other noble ladies were even more puzzled.

Only Ling Wu showed no curiosity. She glanced at the mischievous look in Song Leyuan's eyes and simply sipped her flower tea.

As expected, Song Leyuan said, "That maid said that Su Meier had such a vicious heart because of you, Young Master Jiang. I am not a bad person. Since she has been infatuated with you for a long time, and you two are cousins, it would be perfect to strengthen our kinship."

"Young Master Jiang is still unmarried, and Yunying is also unmarried. You two are childhood sweethearts, so I wish you two lovers a happy ending! Today is a bit rushed, so tomorrow, I want to see you two drink the nuptial wine with my own eyes."

"This, you, Young Master Jiang, can do it, right? If you can't..."

Song Leyuan chuckled, her eyes flashing with a chilling light that sent shivers down everyone's spines. "I believe Young Master Jiang has no desire to know the consequences."

Jiang Qi couldn't contain his emotions this time, and he looked up in disbelief.

But Ling Wu remained gentle and soft, and even said "Congratulations" in a low voice.

Jiang Qi's eyes dimmed, and his heart felt as if it were being scraped by a knife.

His gentle and refined demeanor was surprisingly ruthless; he gritted his teeth and maintained his usual calm and collected demeanor.

One sentence felt like a thousand pounds pressing down on me: "Your humble servant respectfully obeys Her Highness the Princess's oral decree!"

His breath smelled sweet and metallic, and his hands were clenched tightly under his sleeves.

Song Leyuan snorted coldly and waved her hand, signaling the servants to take Su Meier away. "Take Young Master Jiang's fiancée back to the Jiang residence properly. No accidents are allowed before the two of them drink the nuptial wine."

One sentence blocked all the ways out!

"yes."

Su Meier was forced to leave, her head bowed, obscuring the thoughts on her face.

Before Jiang Qi could even stand up, Song Leyuan teased, "What? Is Young Master Jiang kneeling here because he wants to get married to Su Meier today?"

Jiang Qi finally raised his head. His tongue was bitten and blood spread throughout his mouth. "Your humble servant dares not. Your humble servant takes his leave!"