"There have been quite a few things going on in the court lately," Shen Changji said calmly.

Upon hearing this, Old Mrs. Shen understood that this meant she was refusing to let Liu Jiaojiao move in.

Liu Jiaojiao's expression was somewhat unpleasant, but she still pretended to be considerate.

"It's okay, Shen Lang is actually very good to me."

"Jiaojiao, you are so understanding," the second wife couldn't help but say.

Upon hearing this, the third son scoffed and lowered his head, remaining silent.

"In that case, Ziji, you should also take more rest," Grandma Shen advised.

"My grandson knows how."

Upon hearing this, Grandma Shen nodded.

After leaving Old Lady Shen's place, Liu Jiaojiao followed Shen Changji's footsteps.

"Is Shen Lang very busy lately?"

"Um."

"I was hoping to invite Shen Lang to go listen to a folk song with me, but I'm afraid that's not possible now."

There will be another chance next time.

With that, Chen Changji boarded the carriage.

Seeing Shen Changji's attitude, and remembering that she was still in the Duke's mansion, Liu Jiaojiao could only grit her teeth and endure it.

"Miss, he's looking for you."

Cui'er leaned down and whispered in Liu Jiaojiao's ear.

"knew."

As it happened, she also needed to speak with this man.

As she spoke, Liu Jiaojiao boarded the carriage, and when they were almost at the Liu residence, she asked the coachman to take a different route.

She soon arrived at the place the man had arranged, which, as always, was a house in a secluded alley.

The room was dark. As soon as she entered, the other person eagerly embraced her, inhaling her fragrance.

"Still so alluring."

As he spoke, he couldn't help but pinch Liu Jiaojiao.

"ah……"

"I heard you're moving into the Duke's mansion?"

"No, Shen Changji doesn't want to agree. What's wrong?"

"Of course I want to have sex with you in his room," the man said without any attempt to hide his intentions.

Liu Jiaojiao chuckled softly and crouched down slightly against his firm chest.

The other party clearly knew what she wanted to do.

"So urgent? I have something to tell you today."

The other person's hand gently gripped Liu Jiaojiao's neck.

Liu Jiaojiao's expression was somewhat intoxicated, and she showed a rare bit of patience. "What's wrong?"

"Give me some silver."

Upon hearing this, Liu Jiaojiao frowned.

How much do you want?

The man told her the amount of silver, and Liu Jiaojiao's expression changed instantly.

"I don't have that much money."

"You're about to become a duke's wife, how could you not have any? Just snort at him a couple of times, do you think he won't give you the money?"

The man stroked her face and patted it gently.

Liu Jiaojiao understood who the other person was referring to as "he".

But faced with silence, she couldn't bring herself to do that.

Not only could she not do it, but Shen Changji also didn't give her a chance to get close.

"Think of a good way, I believe you can do it."

Don't tell me you don't want to. We're in the same boat. If I hadn't helped you clean up those scandals, do you think the Duke's Mansion would have wanted you? Would Shen Changji have even given you a second glance?

Everything you have now, isn't it all because of me? Otherwise, you would have been drowned in a pig cage long ago!

The man smirked, his face now bearing a hint of malice.

"I see."

If Su Miao hadn't accidentally stumbled upon Liu Jiaojiao's carriage, she wouldn't have expected to hear such exciting news.

Liu Jiaojiao is actually short of money...

So who was the man she was talking to?

Su Miao returned to the carriage and couldn't help but think about it.

Their relationship seems to be more than just a simple one!

Su Miao remembered seeing the dregs of the contraceptive medicine in Liu Jiaojiao's backyard last time. Could it be... that man was her lover?

Su Miao chuckled softly, a long, silent image flashing through her mind.

"Keep a close eye on Liu Jiaojiao's recent situation for me," Su Miao instructed.

Why was the other party so sure that she had a way to raise the money?

Given Liu Jiaojiao's personality, she probably wouldn't act coy or pretentious in front of Shen Changji.

Because she cares about her image, she wants to maintain it.

So...where did she get such a large sum of money?

Who is that man...?

Su Miao was lost in thought when the carriage suddenly stopped.

"Miss, it's my servant!"

Lone Eagle said respectfully, "Miss Su, my master is looking for you!"

A long silence?

Su Miao gently lifted the curtain and saw a carriage waiting for her across the street.

She only heard this morning that Shen Changji had refused Liu Jiaojiao's offer to come and stay, and now he's already so eager to find her?

Su Miao did not refuse and got off her own carriage to get into the silent carriage.

She had thought the man would be waiting for her inside, but to her surprise... there was no one there.

The carriage traveled for about half an hour before slowly coming to a stop.

As soon as Su Miao came down, she saw a small courtyard.

"My master has been delayed by some business. I hope Miss Su will wait inside."

"There's a medicinal bath inside; Miss Su can go there to relax," Lone Eagle said respectfully.

"Um."

Su Miao glanced around; the environment was fairly quiet and peaceful.

Is this man planning to have a secret rendezvous with her here?

A slight smile played on her lips.

It's still uncertain who the prey will be.

Su Miao didn't hold back when it came to the medicinal bath at the back.

However, she had only been in the pool for a short time, just when she was relaxing, when she heard heavy footsteps behind her.

Before she could even turn around, she felt the hairpin in her hair being gently pulled out...