"We usually only let her off the hook because we feel sorry for her since her parents are gone. It's her fault for always looking down on everyone."

"If she were truly exceptionally talented, that would be one thing, but she's still no match for Sister Xin. Besides, she's fickle and unpredictable. What is she trying to do?"

Liu Qi said softly, "She is an orphan, and it's not wrong for her to seek a future for herself, but her methods are indeed rather unsavory."

Yuan Xiaoshi said, "It's only because you're soft-hearted that you don't remember being treated so sarcastically by her before? Anyway, I won't forget. I'm happy to see her lose face today."

Liu Qi smiled and shook her head. "You."

"Forget it, I've given her too much of a hard time on weekdays." Yuan Xiaoshi waved his hand. "I've always thought, how come Xin San still puts up with it when she's so arrogant? It's infuriating! Today, seeing her shut Xue Yingxue down with just a few words, it's really satisfying."

Liu Qi also laughed and said, "Don't you think Miss Xin has been much more sensible lately? She's not as unreasonable as before."

Yuan Xiaoshi said, "She is, after all, a young lady of the Xin family. How can anyone else compare to her? I used to think it was really blind of her to always follow her cousin around. Even if Young Master Qi is very capable, he is still just her maternal cousin. How could he marry a girl from a prestigious family?"

“Isn’t that what she likes?” Liu Qi said. “Young Master Qi is also a handsome man. Alright, stop talking. You’re going too far.”

Yuan Xiaoshi stuck out his tongue and said nothing more.

Not far away, Qi Huaiyu was returning from outside. Hearing the two young ladies' discussion, he clenched his fist slightly, struggling to suppress the expression on his face before putting on a warm smile and returning to the men's seats.

After Xin Jiuwei finished talking with the other young ladies, she looked up at the sky and saw that it still seemed to be a bright spring day, but looking further into the distance, she could already see some dark colors in the sky, though they were hard to notice.

"Everyone!"

Xie Changjing's voice suddenly rang out from the crowd.

"It's about time. As is customary, those who still want to go hiking together should head to Chongwu Mountain."

The garden where the Spring Banquet is held is located at the foot of Chongwu Mountain. In the past, after the winner was determined, those who still had energy would go up the mountain together for a walk and then proceed to the next activity.

Xin Jiuwei asked Xin Xiyao, "Sister, shall we go home?"

Xin Xiyao nodded, and the two got up to say goodbye when Xie Changjing came over with a big smile.

"Xi Yao, we didn't get a good fortune slip at Lingyin Temple last time, let's go together again today." He invited Xin Xi Yao with a solicitous expression, as if nothing had happened just now.

Xin Xiyao said coldly, "No need. I'm not feeling well, so I'll go back with my sister first."

Xie Changjing quickly stopped them, "Don't go! Everyone's having a great time today, it would be such a downer if you left now!"

"Xie Changjing," Xin Jiuwei said coldly, "Didn't you hear my sister say she wasn't feeling well? Is this how you treat her?"

"It's my fault, it's my fault!" Xie Changjing quickly said, "But I also have to consider everyone's feelings for Xiyao, right? Xiyao just showed off her skills and is already the focus of today's attention. Everyone must not have had enough fun. If we leave like this, I wonder how many people will be dissatisfied with Xiyao."

Xin Xiyao said, "I don't care about these things, please let me see."

Xie Changjing sighed and said, "I'm doing this for your own good..."

Their conversation had already attracted the attention of many people, and gradually, everyone turned to look at them.

"How about this," Xie Changjing said, "The Xin family needs to leave someone behind, right? Xi Yao isn't feeling well, so..."

His eyes scanned his surroundings. "Hey, where's Brother Xin?"

Xin Jiuwei looked around but couldn't find her brother anywhere.

Wang Qing stepped forward and whispered to Xin Jiuwei, "Just now, when Miss and Eldest Miss went out, Second Young Master sent someone to say that he was drunk and had taken a carriage home first."

Xin Jiuwei felt somewhat helpless. Her brother was clearly someone who would pass out after just two drinks, yet he was drinking in this kind of setting.

Seeing her whispering with her maid, Xie Changjing smiled and asked, "What, has Brother Xin left?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Xin Jiuwei glanced over lightly.

Xie Changjing's smile froze for a moment.

Xin Jiuwei had actually seen through his ill intentions long ago and guessed what he was thinking.

Today she was rude to Xie Changjing. This young master was usually very arrogant, so she was bound to want to vent her anger. And just now, he and Qi Huaiyu disappeared at the same time. It was obvious to anyone that Qi Huaiyu was stirring things up behind the scenes again.

Xin Jiuwei looked up at the sky again without making a sound.

They're after her? Then let them come. She's not incapable of dealing with their moves.

Moreover, Jueming returned to Chongwu Mountain a few days ago, so he must be at Lingyin Temple.

If she wants to hold onto this big tree, it's time for her to take action.

Thinking of this, Xin Jiuwei smiled slightly and said, "Brother, why are you so unable to hold your liquor? I'm so sorry to everyone. How about this—"

She glanced around, her gaze briefly sweeping over Qi Huaiyu, who remained silent outside the crowd, before finally settling on Xie Changjing.

"My sister isn't feeling well, so she shouldn't go. I'll go with all my brothers and sisters so as not to spoil everyone's fun."

Xie Changjing immediately realized she had been tricked and laughed, "You said it yourself, Miss Xin San still understands the bigger picture!"

Xin Xiyao frowned and whispered to Xin Jiuwei, "Didn't you just tell me to be tougher? Why are you worried about them?"

"I also want to keep playing; I haven't had enough fun today," Xin Jiuwei comforted her sister, seeing her onto the carriage. "Don't worry, sister. Remember to check on brother when you get back."

Xin Xiyao patted her younger sister's hand. For a moment, she felt that her sister had really changed a lot overnight. She was more like an older sister than her, and more like an older brother than that good-for-nothing Xin Yunzhou.

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