Everyone in Ci'an Hall had different expressions. The faces of the eldest wife and the old lady were so gloomy that water could drip out of them. The eldest young master studied hard for many years, but failed to even pass the examination to become a scholar.

However, both the second and third wives served as officials in the court and held high positions. This made them feel like a can of lemon juice had been overturned, and they felt sour. The eldest brother was so jealous that his face was distorted.

Less than a quarter of an hour later, a servant outside the door announced that the second and third young masters had arrived. Everyone's eyes shot towards them like arrows. They saw the second young master in brand new clothes, looking very dignified; the third young master was also in high spirits, with a steady step.

As the two came in, they first bowed to the old lady, then exchanged pleasantries with everyone. The old lady forced a smile and praised the two for their promising future.

Gu from the first wife said sarcastically, "Oh, your second and third brothers are so successful now, unlike our husband who has read a lot of books but is useless." The eldest master's face instantly turned red like a ripe apple. He lowered his head and dared not speak like a child who had made a mistake.

The second young master smiled slightly and said, "Sister-in-law, what you said is... too polite. My brother is very knowledgeable, but his luck has not come yet." The third young master also echoed.

The young master snorted coldly and turned away like a proud peacock. At this time, the old lady waved her hand and said slowly, "Don't stand there, sit down and talk."

Everyone then took their seats feeling relieved. However, beneath the apparent harmony in Ci'an Hall, an undercurrent was still surging like raging ocean waves.

Jin Linlin and Cao Jiao both knelt and saluted, calling out in a sweet voice, "Hello, husband!"

Jiang Zhixu looked at Jin Linlin deeply, as if he could see through her eyes into her innermost being, and then he weakly helped her up. Jiang Shuyan, like a lively little deer, walked over and helped Cao Jiao up.

"Jiaojiao, do you miss me?" He whispered softly in her ear and winked playfully! Others couldn't hear their whispers, but Jin Linlin was the closest to them, so she could hear it clearly.

She remembered that the book described the hero as a calm and intelligent person, but this hero looked so erratic, like a child who never grew up. It was obvious that he was acting like a spoiled child to the heroine!

Jin Linlin glanced at Jiang Zhixu vaguely again, wondering in her heart, could it be that because his brother is still alive and has his brother around for everything, he hasn't really grown up yet?

She actually guessed right. Since he went to the battlefield, because he was a civilian, he had not been able to go to the front line in person and could only make suggestions from the rear!

The Duke of Zhenguo took his two sons in hand, asking them about their lives with great concern, and asked them in detail about their situation in the court. The second and third young masters answered each question respectfully, their words full of humility.

Seeing her husband being eclipsed by the others, Gu felt indignant and could not help but continue, "Although you are officials now, the officialdom is like a battlefield, with ever-changing circumstances. Who knows what will happen in the future?"

As soon as she finished speaking, the atmosphere instantly became awkward, as if a thin layer of ice had condensed in the air.

The second young master remained calm and said calmly, "What the eldest sister-in-law said is very true. We must tread carefully and do our best." At this time, the third young master suddenly laughed heartily and said:

"Don't worry, sister-in-law. Even if there are changes in the officialdom, as a family, we work together and support each other. What is there to fear?" After hearing this, the old lady also quickly agreed, "Yes, a family should live in harmony and unity."

The eldest young master disagreed. He snorted and muttered softly, "It sounds better than singing."

After having dinner in Ci'an Hall, everyone went back to their rooms.

Second bedroom

The couple returned to Zhiyuan Residence, where the maids and servants helped them change into their home clothes and brought them hot water to wash their hands. Jiang Zhixu dismissed the maids and servants with a dignified manner, leaving the couple alone in the room.

Jiang Zhixu sat steadily at the table, while Jin Linlin sat dignifiedly on the other side. Jiang Zhixu gently reached out and patted her hand, saying softly, "I'm sorry that you've been wronged during my absence these past few years. You've worked so hard to serve my father and mother for me."

"I don't feel wronged. As long as my husband comes back safely, I will be satisfied." After she said this, she stopped talking!

Jiang Zhixu raised his eyes and gazed at her, like the deep starry sky, "If you have something to say, just say it." Jin Linlin bit her red lips lightly, and whispered softly like a yellow oriole out of the valley:

"Today in Ci'an Hall, the words of the eldest sister-in-law were so harsh and mean, but you didn't bother with her."

Jiang Zhixu raised the corner of his mouth and chuckled, "Why bother with her? She just can't stand seeing others doing well. Besides, a family should still live in harmony and keep things together on the surface."

Jin Linlin nodded slightly and added, "I see that Third Brother's wife and Third Young Master have a very close relationship." Jiang Zhixu was slightly startled, then said fluently, "Shuyan is still young and lively, and he and Miss Cao are a perfect match."

Jin Linlin thought about the plot in the book and said, "But the officialdom is as complicated as a den of dragons and tigers. No one can predict what will happen in the future." Jiang Zhixu's expression was as calm as Mount Tai, "I will deal with it carefully.

You don't have to worry, just live a peaceful life in this mansion." Jin Linlin looked at his calm and composed appearance, and the uneasiness in her heart gradually receded like a tide.

"Oh, right, since you're not at home, my eldest brother and his wife haven't been able to conceive. The old lady gave him three concubines the day before yesterday. And then there's the issue of my fourth brother. Seeing how submissive he is, the old lady definitely doesn't care much about him. I'm a nobody, and my words don't carry much weight, so you should be aware of this!"

"Well, I'll see if I can move him to the front yard."

The two chatted for a while and then went to sleep. They had a peaceful night. Jin Linlin thought he would touch her like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey, but Jiang Zhixu could even cover his wife with the quilt and sleep peacefully.

Jin Linlin couldn't help but doubt her own charm. This tall and graceful figure, with a protruding front and a curved back, looked like a fairy. Her appearance was even more stunning. She was the undisputed number one beauty in the Jiangnan region! Such a beautiful woman, leaving such a handsome husband alone, was simply unbearable!

Outside Zhiyuanju, a turbulent undercurrent was quietly brewing.

principal wife

Zhuang sat in front of the dressing table, watching Mother Lu slowly and gently wipe off her flower ornaments for the day.

In her hand, she held the jade ring that had been sent by her superiors today. The jade ring was like the brightest star in the night sky, emitting an enchanting light. Zhuang gently handed the ring to Mother Lu, as if delivering an important mission.

"Give the order and act immediately. Have Changshou search carefully. The higher-ups said this item is extremely important and must be found. Have the Jin family members also take action and search with all their might."

Mother Lu respectfully took the ring, bowed and left the room, disappearing into the night like a ghost!