"No way—"
Jiang Qingyun's expression changed, and he quickly spoke up to stop him, saying, "You absolutely mustn't alert the authorities! Once the authorities are alerted, this will no longer be just a family matter!"
If this matter were to spread, the entire capital would know, and how would he face his colleagues? Which noble family doesn't have its share of conflicts and disputes? But if this matter were to be taken to court, it would become a huge laughingstock!
Jiang Qingyun faced a difficult choice.
On one side was the reputation of the Marquis's mansion, and on the other was his favored daughter.
After a brief moment of thought, he avoided Jiang Xue's pleading gaze and made a resolute decision.
"It is my fault for failing to discipline my children properly. Your Highness may punish me as you see fit, but please, please do not involve the authorities!"
Jiang Qingyun chose the Marquis's reputation without hesitation.
"Father--"
Jiang Xue became anxious.
She knew perfectly well that her father would never allow this matter to escalate to the authorities. But she never imagined that her father would so decisively push her forward to quell the Seventh Prince's anger.
No amount of fatherly affection or doting love can compare to the reputation of the Marquis's mansion!
Is it wrong for her to only want to be the Crown Princess and then the Empress?
She did nothing wrong!
One day... I will definitely trample all those who have humiliated her and looked down on her under my feet!
Jiang Jiaojiao! The Seventh Prince! The Marquis's Residence!
Jiang Jiaojiao did not miss the venomous resentment spreading wildly in Jiang Xue's eyes.
The Seventh Prince has her father completely under his thumb. Not to mention her father, who values face above all else, even her self-proclaimed noble grandmother would make the same choice.
Even Jiang Liu, who always protected Jiang Xue, was speechless and cowered with his head down.
"In that case, before my wedding with Jiaojiao, Miss, please go to the temple to pray for our blessings..."
Hmph, lest I upset Jiaojiao in the manor.
Run away from the wedding? How could he tolerate such a scheming and ruthless woman instigating him? Jiao Jiao has always been innocent and kind; he can't let her be led astray.
The Seventh Prince saw beauty in his lover's eye. He reluctantly agreed.
Those deep eyes remained fixed on Jiang Jiaojiao, their gaze filled with boundless affection: "Second Miss, I pray that I may live a long and healthy life, and that I may stay with Jiaojiao forever, growing old together..."
His voice was clear and resonant, carrying his uniquely captivating charm.
really……
Jiang Jiaojiao's heart pounded like a deer's. She couldn't help but secretly swallow, and when she met his gaze, a shy blush rose on her cheeks.
Ahhhh—
Jiang Jiaojiao felt her body gradually heating up and becoming slightly weak. Her heart was beating more and more violently. She wanted to look away, but she seemed to be drawn by an invisible force and couldn't help but want to steal another look at him.
She silently berated herself for being so spineless.
Jiang Jiaojiao took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. However, she couldn't take her gaze off him...
Li Yan's smile grew even more tender and affectionate.
Whether it's through her heart or her face, such an interesting princess is definitely worth bringing back first.
Jiang Xue watched the Seventh Prince and Jiang Jiaojiao exchanging glances, and a surge of jealousy and anger welled up in her heart, but she could only use pitiful tears to cover up her true emotions.
"Your Highness, I know I was wrong!"
Jiang Xue cried, feeling wronged and pitiful, her tears falling like beads from a broken string.
"Sister—please ask His Highness to forgive me! I can…I can stay here and reflect on my actions until you forgive me! I can copy scriptures for you, make offerings in the small Buddhist shrine, and pray for you and His Highness…"
Jiang Xue's voice was choked with sobs, which made people feel sorry for her.
Jiang Qingyun's heart softened instantly.
"Jiaojiao..."
“Your sister has indeed lost her mind and is talking nonsense. You are the older sister, so don’t hold it against her. Your father… your husband apologizes on behalf of your sister, okay?”
"Don't--"
Jiang Jiaojiao quickly dodged away.
“I cannot bear the stigma of being disobedient and unfilial.”
Apologize on behalf of Jiang Xue?
Hehe... Jiang Xue should naturally bear the consequences of her own mistakes. She should think twice before trying to scheme against me again!
She, as a daughter, dared not accept her father's apology, but her mother had worked hard for this marquis's mansion for more than ten years. Let alone an apology, even if he cried and admitted his mistake, she could bear it.
Jin stood protectively in front of Jiao Jiao.
He glared hatefully at Jiang Qing. For the sake of a concubine's daughter, he was putting Jiao Jiao on the spot. They were both his own children, but his heart would only ever belong to that bastard!
Jin never thought about herself. Even if Jiang Qing treated Jiao Jiao even a little better, she would be willing to devote herself wholeheartedly to managing the Marquis's mansion. But she also knew that even that little bit was wishful thinking.
Li Yan coughed lightly.
He slowly began to speak, "If the temples are no good, how about the Dali Temple...?"
The voice was soft, yet it was as loud as thunder.
Jiang Qing's eyes widened instantly, her face turning ashen.
The Dali Temple is no ordinary temple; once you enter there, there's no chance of survival.
Jiang Liu's legs went weak, and he fell to the ground in fright.
Jiang Lingtian's eyes widened slightly as he looked at the Seventh Prince. He... was actually protecting Jiao Jiao like this, and believed in Jiao Jiao?
Jiang Jiaojiao and Jin were both stunned.
They never expected the Seventh Prince to defend her so fiercely, and an indescribable emotion welled up in their hearts. Jiang Jiaojiao gazed at the Seventh Prince, and at this moment, she seemed to see a dazzling golden light shining behind him. Even though his peerless face had become blurred, it was still dazzling and captivating.
Li Yan and Jiang Jiaojiao looked at each other, a slight smile playing on her lips, and she asked softly, "Jiaojiao, what do you think... is this alright?"
Jiang Jiaojiao nodded involuntarily and subconsciously replied, "Okay!"
Li Yan smiled slightly and said gently, "As long as Jiaojiao is happy, that's good."
"..." Jiang Jiaojiao fell silent.
Was she charmed by him again?
Ahhhh—
Where's the sickly, cold-blooded character I was promised?
Ahhhh—
Help!
"Jiao...Jiaojiao, nosebleed!"
Jin felt something fall on her shoulder. She turned around and was so frightened that she quickly covered her shoulder with her handkerchief and shouted anxiously, "Granny—quickly go and call the royal physician!"
Jiang Jiaojiao felt a sudden heat in her head.
Her round cheeks instantly turned bright red. Ugh! How embarrassing!
At times like these!
Would it be better if she fainted?
then……
Jiang Jiaojiao closed her eyes, fell backward, and dramatically pretended to faint.
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