"Master, Zhu Shan has decided to take the initiative to find Qi Bainian."

"well done."

Inside the villa, Zhao Cheng praised Xia Qi, saying, "Being able to fool Zhu Shan shows that you have good acting skills."

"I don't think it's because I'm capable, but because Zhu Shan is very flustered and looks completely lost. She believes whatever I say." Xia Qi didn't take credit and spoke the truth.

“No need to be modest, you’ve got the pace of this going.” Zhao Cheng glanced at Yuan Yun beside him and continued, “At a time like this, Qi Bainian will most likely not see her. When she’s feeling increasingly agitated and panicked… Xia Qi, that’s when you need to put on the best acting. You need to encourage Zhu Shan to go find Miao Shaohua.”

"yes."

Zhao Cheng chuckled evilly, "Since Qi Bainian can't break through from the front, let's make his backyard burn!"

"Your master is wise!"

Yuan Yun said, "What brilliant idea? It's downright despicable!"

“There’s something even worse.” Zhao Cheng beckoned to Zhao Wu and said, “Send someone to find Zheng Hongxiu by fast horse. I have news to deliver to her.”

Yuan Yun asked suspiciously, "What mischievous idea have you come up with this time?"

Zhao Cheng smiled and said, "I just want to borrow a few girls from Madam Zheng."

"Tell me quickly, what exactly do you want?"

Zhao Cheng beckoned to Yuan Yun, then leaned close to her ear and whispered something.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Yun rolled her eyes at Zhao Cheng with disdain and snapped, "You call me a schemer? I think you're the one who's scheming! You're incredibly mean!"

As Zhao Cheng had predicted, Qi Bainian refused to see Zhu Shan at all, turning her away time and time again.

Perhaps worried that Zhu Shan might act recklessly and break off relations, Qi Bainian sent someone to reassure her, saying that he would be presiding over the completion ceremony of the newly built third wharf in Jiangcheng in ten days and had a lot of work to handle. He promised to see her after the ceremony.

Although Zhu Shan was very angry, Qi Bainian had already said so much, so she couldn't lash out.

In the evening, Zhu Shan and Xia Qi met for dinner again. During the meal, Zhu Shan kept complaining about Qi Bainian's attitude towards her, saying that he wasn't like this when they first got together, and she didn't expect him to change so quickly.

Xia Qi didn't say much during the meal, but acted as a good listener. It wasn't until the two were walking on the street after the meal that Xia Qi said, "Sister, if I may say something inappropriate, from your description, I always feel that Qi Bainian is trying to fool you."

Zhu Shan thought for a moment and said, "It shouldn't be that bad, right? If he doesn't want to be with me anymore, he can just tell me directly. There's no need to keep me hanging on."

“That’s not necessarily true. He might do that to other women, but I’m afraid he wouldn’t do it to you,” Xia Qi reminded him. “After all, you are Lord Ma’s wife.”

Zhu Shan said, "Ma Tiezhou has lost all power. Why should Qi Bainian be afraid of him?"

Xia Qi said, "Qi Bainian isn't afraid of Lord Ma; he's just cautious. What if he really pushes you too far and you act recklessly? With Qi Bainian's prestige in Jiangcheng, if it were any other woman, even if the matter spread, many people would probably protect him, believing that these women had ulterior motives. But you're different. Lord Ma still holds considerable influence among the people of Jiangcheng and is deeply loved by them. If you insist that Qi Bainian bullied you, some people will believe you, and some will help you for Lord Ma's sake."

"Xia Qi, you're really smart, just like my former advisor in Yanchuan."

Zhu Shan asked in surprise, "Then what am I supposed to do? Am I really supposed to spread the word that Qi Bainian is monopolizing me?"

“That won’t do. That would completely ruin things.” Xia Qi shook her head and said, “At that point, there will be no chance for you and Qi Bainian to reconcile, unless, of course, your sister doesn’t want to be with him anymore.”

"Yes, there's no need to go that far," Zhu Shan sighed. "Nothing works, nothing works. I'm just a kind-hearted woman, why is life so difficult for me?"

"It's not like there's no way." Xia Qi's eyes darted around, thinking it was a real pity that Qiu Shu hadn't come this time. If she went back and told her what had happened, Qiu Shu would definitely be incredibly envious.

"Sister, please help me! I knew you had a way!" Zhu Shan grabbed Xia Qi's hand, treating her like a lifeline.

Xia Qi said, "If you don't want to really break ties with him, and you don't want to wait around like an idiot and suffer this kind of humiliation, then give him a warning."

How to tap it?

"You don't have to publicize your affair, but you can go find Miao Shaohua!"

Zhu Shan was stunned, his eyes wide open.

Xia Qi continued, "Miao Shaohua is Qi Bainian's only wife. For Qi Bainian's reputation and her own wealth and status, she will only cause trouble for Qi Bainian after learning about your affair, and will not make it public. In this way, Qi Bainian will have to take you seriously, knowing that you are not the kind of woman he can bully, that you can get angry! You have a temper!!"

"Well said!" Zhu Shan was thrilled and raised a fist.

“There is another benefit to doing this.”

Seeing the street ahead growing narrower and darker, Xia Qi leaned closer to Zhu Shan and whispered, "By getting to know Miao Shaohua, you'll be able to understand her better and deal with things more effectively in the future. If Miao Shaohua has a bad temper and pushes Qi Bainian too hard, then Qi Bainian is very likely to side with you. If Miao Shaohua is well-educated and gentle, then you should go along with her wishes and make her happy. Maybe she'll prioritize the bigger picture and let you into the family. Even if it's just as a concubine, it'll still be a success."

"If my sister marries Lord Ma first, and then Lord Qi, she will become the most powerful woman in Jiangcheng, and it will surely be a legendary tale in the years to come!"

Xia Qi herself didn't realize that when she said those words, she was subconsciously imitating Zhao Cheng's demeanor and expression.

These words immediately excited Zhu Shan.

“Alright! As my sister wishes! But…” Zhu Shan hadn’t completely lost her temper. She said solemnly, “Qi Bainian has actually been quite good to me. The reason he said he wouldn’t see me for the time being is probably because he’s too busy with the dock’s completion ceremony. I’ll wait for him for ten days. If he still doesn’t see me after the completion ceremony, then I’ll go find Miao Shaohua!”

Xia Qi sighed, "If it were me, I wouldn't wait. Who knows what changes might happen in these ten days?"

Zhu Shan shook his head and looked at Xia Qi, saying, "Little sister, you are smart, but you are too young. You can't be too rash in some things. Give others some space and give yourself some room to maneuver, otherwise it may backfire."

As if having made up her mind, Zhu Shan walked forward with a firm expression and said, "We'll be at my house soon, little sister, why don't you come in and sit for a while before you leave!"

"good……"

Just as Xia Qi was about to agree, a figure suddenly emerged from the darkness and said coldly, "Who is Zhu Shan?"

Xia Qi glanced at He Laosan, who was wearing a mask, then at Zhu Shan, but neither of them answered.

"Fine, they've all seen my handsome big eyes, so let's kill them all!"

After saying this, He Laosan quickly drew his sword and thrust it at Zhu Shan!