Others may not know what happened, but Aunt Yang and her son knew it perfectly well.

But they didn't care, since it wasn't them who would be humiliated.

Moreover, the Marquis has already promised them that he would arrange the marriage. If this matter cannot be accomplished, it will be because the Second Madam has failed in her duties.

Aunt Yang refused to believe that the Second Madam would not go to great lengths to make this marriage happen, otherwise she would not only offend the Master, but also bring trouble upon herself.

Zheng was not afraid at all. Ever since Gu Ting led her son astray last time, she had no choice but to kick her ten-year-old child out of the house.

She had completely lost all affection for the Second Master. If he were to die in front of her now, she would probably just be overjoyed.

Not only did they ignore it, but they also suppressed news from all sides. After a few days, Aunt Yang, who couldn't hear any progress information, panicked.

I tried to subtly bring up the matter of the third young master's marriage to Madam Zheng several times, but not only did I not get any response, I was also scolded by Madam Zheng.

"His older brother hasn't even gotten engaged yet, that's really strange. What kind of explanation is that?!"

She glanced at Aunt Yang again, "Gu Ting is only fifteen years old, what's the rush? We'll talk about other things after he passes the imperial examination."

After all, this is about marrying a principal wife, so we need to choose carefully. It's not like taking a woman as a concubine, where you can just touch her and say a few sweet words, and she'll shamelessly follow you into the house!

Aunt Yang was so embarrassed by her teasing that she blushed and felt bitter and regretful.

Why bother arguing with your wife? Things have dragged on and on until they've turned out like this.

However, she had guessed that since the daughter of the First Madam of the Anbo Mansion was being treated this way, they would definitely make things difficult for her.

She didn't want to suffer this indignity, and since the second wife was the legitimate wife, she had to stand up for her.

I decided to pretend I knew nothing, but who knew they were just using me as an excuse to back down and then really abandoned me.

They went to plead with the second master, but when the master heard about it, he looked embarrassed, ignored them, and made an excuse to leave.

Only then did she belatedly realize that they looked down on them. She was immediately filled with shame and indignation.

But as a concubine kept in the inner quarters, she rarely had the opportunity to even go out. There wasn't much she could do.

The only thing we can do is urge Gu Ting to study hard so that he can earn a degree in the imperial examinations and everything will go much more smoothly in the future.

Zheng was still seething with anger after being humiliated like that. Then, Aunt Yang came over again, arrogantly asking all sorts of questions.

With both old and new grudges combined, they grew increasingly displeased with Gu Ting and the Second Master.

She took a fruit platter to the second master and said, "Master, I went to see the old lady today and heard that spring plowing has started in the countryside."

Judging from the old lady's tone, someone and the steward need to be sent down to supervise. It's not a large estate; it's just on the outskirts of Beijing, so it's convenient to travel back and forth.

He said he wanted to give the younger generation some experience; if they supervised them well this time, the estate might just be given away.

"What do you mean by that? You want Dalang to go down? But you can't leave from the training ground."

Madam Zheng rolled her eyes inwardly. "I wanted Gu Ting to go. Once he got there, he wouldn't have to do anything. He could just close the door in the house and read quietly."

It's effortless and will please the old lady. You're out running around all day, and the younger generation can show their filial piety; the old lady will surely be happy."

When it comes to pleasing the old lady, he takes it quite seriously, but, "No matter what, this is a estate, it can't be given to Gu Ting, can it?"

"What difference does it make whether they give it or not? Just make the old lady happy and don't forget about our branch of the family."

Besides, you know why I gave Ting'er a few lashes last time—the girls at home are always chasing after him, how can he study?"

“That makes sense. The competition is about to begin, so we must make good use of these next few months.” The second master clapped his hands and hurried off to the old lady to show his filial piety.

Madam Zheng sneered inwardly. Such a heartless person, yet she always seemed to feel sorry for Gu Ting. Ha!

Upon hearing this news, Aunt Yang felt as if struck by lightning. She wept bitterly before the master, pleading softly.

However, it had no effect. The second master settled the matter with just a few words.

“The maids in the courtyard are leading him astray, and my mother has already recorded it. This is a good opportunity to change his impression of me.”

Having no other choice, Gu Ting took a servant boy and fled to a country estate, far away from the bustling capital.

With the weather improving in spring, poetry gatherings and parties are usually a good opportunity to network.

It's easy to say that once something is sent to the village, you can return whenever you want because you live nearby, but you might not even receive a letter.

Aunt Yang is ill, but the Second Madam is in a good mood and is busy taking her several concubine daughters to various families' flower viewing banquets to make friends.

They should be arranged good marriages. These concubines are all honest, and Zheng Shi also pities these girls.

They had an unreliable father who couldn't support them or earn them any respect.

Therefore, one should carefully consider and think about the marriage. Finding a person of good character is the best course of action, while family background is not so important.

As soon as Gu Ting left, everyone in Mo Yuan Academy was delighted, except for Lin Mu, who wanted to go with him.

Everyone else stayed at the mansion to guard the courtyard, even Liu Xiang'er stayed behind.

She wanted to go out too, but before she could finish speaking, Aunt Yang slapped her hard across the face and threw her to the ground.

Aunt Yang now hates her to the core, wishing she could eat her flesh and drink her blood.

Although he knew she was just a figurehead, he had nowhere to vent his anger and hatred, so he could only take it out on the servants who were inferior to him.

Even Gu Ting shared the same thought. If it weren't for Liu Xiang'er, the Second Madam might not have been able to find a reason to punish him.

He went out with a cold expression, his brows icy. He didn't even glance at the clothes Liu Xiang'er had made for him, and had Lin Mu throw them away at home.

Fangli glanced at it, but didn't go forward to tidy up. She went back to her room to embroider clothes, pretending not to have seen anything.

Manjing glanced out the window, then quickly closed it again. It was best not to risk bad luck at a time like this.

Liu Xiang'er would probably rather spend half a day tidying herself up than let anyone see her predicament.

"Girl, let me clean it for you. These are all new, just covered in a layer of dust. A quick wash will make them clean." Chun'er ran quickly and squatted down to pick up the clothes.

Liu Xiang'er remained silent for a while before forcing a smile. "No need, I can do it myself. You can go and call Hongye over."

These words interrupted Chun'er's actions. How could Hongye, that lazy girl, let the young lady clean up by herself!

She went to find Hongye in a fierce manner. Hongye was summoned and appeared enthusiastic, but in her heart she was somewhat disgusted with Chun'er.

This girl seems like the type who stirs up trouble even when there's nothing wrong, and now she's lecturing her with great authority.

They're all young maids in the courtyard, and Miss Xiang'er hasn't said anything to her yet, so why is she the only one who can't stand it?

After Chun'er's lecture, Hongye only nodded and agreed, not taking it to heart at all. Chun'er was so angry that she wrinkled her nose.

But since the girl didn't say anything, she kept quiet. The truth was, Liu Xiang'er's face was now turning a bit purple, and she belatedly realized she shouldn't have come over.

Hongye gave her a sly glare.