The Song sisters were completely at a loss for words when Jiang Segu asked them questions, and had no idea how to answer.

Fortunately, Madam Song arrived at that moment.

"This is all a misunderstanding! I originally intended to come and explain things to your mother, but I was busy with family matters, and my second sister-in-law fell ill because of it. Rongniang was also punished for it and is still kneeling in the ancestral hall, which is why I was delayed!"

Jiang Segu gave Madam Song a graceful curtsy. "I see. I was thinking that the Song family, known for its poetry and etiquette, shouldn't act this way! It was I who was petty and kept this matter in mind."

Then, with a worried expression, she asked, "Is Madam Song alright? Now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up, why make yourself sick with anger?"

How is Miss Song's health now? I saw her when I was at Fahua Temple that day..."

Upon hearing Jiang Segu mention Fahua Temple, Madam Song felt half of her body go numb, and her heart pounded with anxiety. To prevent Jiang Segu from saying anything more embarrassing, she forced herself to cut him off.

"Thank you for your concern. Rongniang is fine. It was indeed Rongniang's fault for acting inappropriately this time, and as her aunt, I apologize on her behalf!"

As for the phoenix painting, it has already been sent to the Jing'an Prince's Mansion. Of course, since it caused Zhenbaozhai to miss out on business that day, we should also offer our condolences!

However, this matter needs to be discussed between the second son's family and Grandma Jiang, so it's not appropriate for me to get involved..."

Slippery!

They'll just say nice things!

Jiang Segu was not about to let the mother and her two daughters off so easily!

"Madam Song is truly a person of propriety. Now everyone has heard clearly that this is nothing serious, just a misunderstanding..."

Jiang Segu spoke the word "misunderstanding" with a profound and lingering tone.

"Since that's the case, I didn't want to cause any trouble in the first place. However, since Madam Song has brought up the matter of compensation, let's make it clear how much silver the Song family is prepared to compensate our Treasure Pavilion?"

Madam Song was so angry that she broke her fingernails, but she dared not show the slightest change in expression.

If Jiang Segu were to reveal the matter of Fahua Temple in the current quarrel among the young ladies, none of the Song family's daughters would be able to find good husbands in the future!

The Song family's century-old reputation was ruined in an instant because of the concubine's affair and the fact that she lost her virginity before marriage to a married man!

The girls weren't stupid; they knew there was more to the story than met the eye. But they also knew there were things they shouldn't be curious about, so they all went away in twos and threes to avoid the trouble.

Seeing that everyone was about to leave, Madam Song naturally breathed a sigh of relief, but Jiang Segu did not do as she wished.

"Madam Song's silence could be a pretext to stop me from revealing the matter of Fahua Temple, and she doesn't actually intend to compensate Zhenbaozhai!"

Once a person's curiosity is piqued, it's quite difficult to suppress it.

Seeing that the girls had stopped again, Madam Song cursed Jiang Segu in her heart, but her face remained kind.

"There's nothing shameful about what happened at Fahua Temple; it was just Prince Jing'an rescuing a damsel in distress! As for compensation, Rongniang is, after all, a daughter of the second branch of the family. How can I make decisions for the second branch?"

Jiang Segu looked at Madam Song in surprise, "So that's what Madam Song considers a hero rescuing a damsel in distress! I've really learned something new. I must tell you all so you sisters can see for yourselves!"

Madam Song closed her eyes. Jiang Segu was putting her on the hot seat!

Now that compensation has been given, people will say that the matter at Fahua Temple is unusual and they will definitely investigate the events of that day in private!

That stupid woman from the second son's family said that no one knew what happened that day, but now Jiang Segu has suddenly appeared. When we get back, she will definitely report this to her father!

But that happened later.

Right now, if she doesn't make a statement, and even the slightest hint of what happened that day comes out of Jiang Segu's mouth, her father will not forgive her when she gets back!

After a moment, she opened her eyes and said slowly, "I will discuss the compensation with Third Madam right away, and Sixth Miss can come along too! As for the matter of Fahua Temple, the Song family has already discussed it with Prince Jing'an. When Prince Jing'an returns, he will marry Rongniang as his concubine!"

As she said this, Madam Song prayed silently to all the gods and Buddhas in the heavens: hoping that Hui Niang's body would hold up!

Jiang Segu knew he couldn't push people too far, so he nodded happily and said, "I hope Madam Song won't find me, a junior, in the way!"

Then he said some words of congratulations to Miss Song.

The girls watching had their eyes darting around, but they all chimed in with their congratulations!

Only Madam Jiang felt her heart was bleeding.

What's there to congratulate me on!

Even though Hui Niang was pregnant, she was only a concubine!

A concubine is still a mistress, isn't she?

Why is her Hui Niang's life so miserable!

***

As night fell, the Changping Marquis's residence, which had been noisy all day, finally quieted down.

But Huilan Courtyard was even noisier than during the day.

"Jiang Segu, are you really going to marry that guy surnamed Gu?"

Do you know him?

"I've heard he's a former soldier. With your personality, you're likely to suffer!"

"I read in the plays that those brutes all have a habit of beating their wives. With your small frame, you probably won't be able to withstand many blows if you marry into that family!"

Jiang Segu couldn't stop talking as he looked at the food, and Jiang Zhihui, who kept chattering away, twitched her lips slightly.

"Fifth Sister, you should worry about yourself! Today, Eldest Sister shielded you from Aunt, but what will you do once Eldest Sister enters the palace the day after tomorrow?"

Thinking about what happened during the day, Jiang Zhihui put down the pastry in her hand.

"We'll deal with whatever comes our way! And if all else fails, you'll be there to protect us! Besides, you were the one who instigated this whole thing, so you have to take full responsibility for me!"

Jiang Segu really couldn't quite understand Jiang Zhihui.

After what happened during the day, how come you're acting like nothing happened!

"What are you looking at! I'll gouge your eyes out!"

Alright!

She was just worrying about the wrong person!

Jiang Segu took a piece of mung bean cake and started eating it.

Jiang Zhihui also grabbed a piece and ate it more fiercely than Jiang Segu, as if she was competing with Jiang Segu to see who could finish eating first!

Jiang Segu's eyelid twitched slightly. What's wrong with him?

But her chewing speed increased, as if she didn't want to lose to Jiang Zhihui.

Sitting opposite them, Jiang Chuhui looked at their childish behavior and a hint of amusement flashed in her eyes.

But then he thought about what would happen tomorrow, and his eyes darkened as he looked at Jiang Segu.

At this moment, Lin Mama, who was beside Jiang Chuhui, lifted the curtain and came in, reminding her, "Young lady, it's getting late, you should rest!"

Jiang Segu glanced at Lin's mother, feeling that she looked somewhat familiar, but didn't think much of it.

"I'll talk to my two sisters a little longer. Mom, go and rest now. No one needs to stay here tonight!"

Lin's mother agreed and left.

As she lowered the curtain, Zhang's mother gave Jiang Segu a venomous look...