Yingniang was startled and quickly pulled the boy aside: "Don't cry. What happened?"

The servant sobbed, "We went to Xianju Teahouse early in the morning. After the storyteller came on stage, the Sixth Young Master kept a few of us in the private room and took Chang'an and Huang Xiaomao out shopping. They didn't come back until after noon. Chang'an went to Chunxi Tower next door and ordered a few dishes. We were eating well when a man with a goatee and a dozen burly men rushed in, pointed at the Sixth Young Master and said, 'It's him', and those people surrounded him and beat him..." He murmured, looking at Yingniang guiltily, "I was afraid that the Sixth Young Master would suffer, so I ran back... I wanted to find the Fourth Madam..."

"Did you do anything wrong?" Yingniang understood as soon as she heard it.

"No, no." The servant avoided her gaze, "We were just there to listen to books and drink tea..."

They were just listening to books and drinking tea, so why would anyone come knocking on their door? When they went out, they also brought four or five guards with them. The Yongping Marquis's Mansion was both a noble family and a foreign relative, so no matter if they were royal relatives or important officials in the court, they had to show some courtesy. This servant actually ran back to ask his mother-in-law for help. Either the other party was not an ordinary person, and Jing'er was really unreasonable, and he was not afraid even if he made a scene. Or the other party was not from Yanjing, and had no idea who Jing'er was...

Thinking of this, her heart skipped a beat.

"Tell me the truth." Yingniang didn't know how far this Xianju Teahouse was from Hehuali. No matter what the situation was, if Jing'er and his men were really outnumbered, the sooner they got there, the better. Even if it didn't make sense, they couldn't let anyone hurt Jing'er. She couldn't help but get anxious. "If the Sixth Young Master got hurt and you didn't report it, even if the Marquis didn't pursue it, the Madam would pursue it and you would be dead or dead. Tell me the details!"

There is always bumps and bruises in a fight.

The servant was originally afraid that Jin Ge'er would be hurt and punished afterwards. After hearing what Ying Niang said, he trembled even more. How could he dare to hide anything? "From the tone of the goat-bearded man, they came from Huai'an, and the master still commands everything. I don't know how the Sixth Young Master offended them. Those people were so angry that their faces turned blue. They said that even if it was the son of Chen Ge Lao, they would beat him first. Naturally, someone would come forward to argue with the emperor. Although the Sixth Young Master is a superb martial artist and several guards are also very skilled, they are outnumbered and I am afraid that they will suffer a loss..."

Huai'an was the seat of the Governor's Office of the Grand Canal, and most of the people working there were hereditary commanders and assistants. He was so arrogant, obviously no ordinary person.

Yingniang became anxious: "Have you registered your names?"

"The Sixth Young Master heard what the goatee said and refused to let us sign our names." The servant started crying again, "He also said that if we win, it's fine, but if we lose, it will be a disgrace."

Yingniang jumped up and down: "How far is Xianju Teahouse from here?"

"Not far." The servant said, "It will only take two cups of tea."

"Wait for me, I'll make the arrangements." Yingniang said, and hurried into the yard.

Two little maids beside the Madam were playing with sandbags on the stone table under the grape trellis, laughing and looking very happy. When they saw Yingniang, they greeted her: "Where is the Fifth Young Madam? The Madam asked someone to wash the pears and send them in. If you are late, you won't be able to eat them!" Their voices were crisp and their smiles were pure. Yingniang felt relieved and at peace.

The matter could not be known to the Taifu and the Second Madam. The Taifu was old and her health was getting worse. If she was frightened and something happened, then Jin Ge'er would be a sinner for all eternity. The Second Madam was strict and steady. She disliked those who were ostentatious and boastful. Jin Ge'er's matter would only make her unhappy. She might even think that her mother-in-law had failed to educate her son well.

But when something like this happens, most people would be unable to handle it.

She immediately thought of Xu Sizhun.

But as soon as the thought came to her mind, she shook her head.

Although Xu Sizhun was the heir of the Yongping Marquis's mansion, he was kind, gentle, and fair. Even if Jin Ge'er was right, he would come forward and persuade Jin Ge'er to forgive others when he saw him beating someone. If the other party got angry, he might even come forward with money to appease him. If Jin Ge'er was wrong... that would be even more troublesome. Not only would he pay for the medicine, he would probably apologize in person.

If Jing'er wins the fight, it would be fine, as he would be magnanimous; if he loses, he would just be laughed at as a coward, and if the news gets out, how would Jing'er live his life in the future?

Go find Butler Bai?

That would be equivalent to telling my father-in-law.

Yingniang thought of Xu Lingyi's stern expression and sharp gaze...and her heart went cold.

No, you can’t tell Butler Bai!

If the father-in-law knew that Jing'er had caused trouble outside, he would definitely be furious. Scolding is a small matter, but if he uses family rules... the mother-in-law will be heartbroken. If that's the case, it's better to ask Xu Sizhun to come forward!

What should I do?

Yingniang was in a mess.

The longer it is delayed, the more difficult Jing'er's situation will be.

Thinking of this, she was about to cry.

Or maybe she was too emotional and the baby in her belly kicked her.

Yingniang was startled. She thought of the pregnant Xiang, and then of Xu Siyu who had just returned home!

Her eyes lit up.

Why didn’t I think of Xu Siyu just now!

Over the years, he has traveled back and forth between Yanjing and Le'an, and he must have experienced a lot. He is also a juren, so he can be considered a person of status, and he speaks and acts very prudently. Even if he cannot resolve the dispute, he should be able to temporarily stabilize the person. She will find a way to send a letter to her mother-in-law...

But now everyone was gathered around the lady and talking, and she was his brother's wife, so it was difficult for her to find an opportunity to talk to him about this in private quickly!

In a flash, Yingniang suddenly had an idea.

She immediately called the little maid next to her: "Go tell the Second Young Master that someone who claims to be his classmate is standing at the gate of the mansion and wants to see him!"

Since it was Yingniang who said it, the little maid did not doubt her and ran in with a smile.

After a while, Xu Siyu came out.

"Second uncle, I'm looking for you!" Yingniang walked quickly to greet him.

Xu Siyu gradually understood the world, and his eyes darkened when he heard this: "What happened?"

Yingniang succinctly recounted what had happened: "...After thinking it over, I can only ask my second uncle for help!" She added, "The servant is still waiting outside the door!"

Xu Siyu immediately said, "Go back first, and don't say anything in front of anyone. I'll take care of this matter."

His calm and rational attitude immediately won Yingniang's trust. She breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "Mother, don't you say anything?"

"Don't say anything!" Xu Siyu said, "Didn't you say that the man came from Huai'an? If the situation is not right and I can't solve it, I will find a way to find Fourth Uncle or Prince Yong. Don't worry."

Only then did Yingniang feel relieved: "The stick has no eyes, Second Uncle, be careful!"

Xu Siyu nodded and quickly walked out of the yard.

Yingniang took a deep breath, calmed herself down, then walked into the hall with a smile.

* * * * * *

Eleventh Lady returned home at dusk.

Everyone gathered at the dowager's place to welcome Xu Siyu. But the real master was gone. Not only that, Jing'er, who was supposed to return home on time every day, did not come back either.

Yingniang was extremely anxious, but she didn't dare to show it. She didn't dare to mention Xu Siyu, but only mentioned Jing'er: "Yesterday, you told me that you were going to an alley near Xiangguo Temple to eat mutton head meat. Did you really go today?"

The lady was relieved immediately after hearing this, and said to Shiyi Niang with a smile: "It's Yangchanger Hutong. The sheep head meat there is the most delicious."

The Second Madam glanced at Xiang and said with a smile, "Then don't wait for Yu-ge'er. Since they are classmates, they might have come from Le'an. It's a long way from here, so Yu-ge'er must be the host."

As soon as she finished speaking, a little maid ran in: "The second young master said that a classmate came from Le'an and is unfamiliar with the place. He will return immediately after settling the classmate. Please don't wait for me, Madam Tai, Madam No. 2, Madam No. 4, and the young masters and mistresses."

"Then we won't wait." The old lady smiled and ordered the second lady, "Let them set the table!"

The second wife responded with a smile, and everyone surrounded the old lady and went to the east room.

Yingniang ate her dinner in a dull manner, and then forced herself to send Shiyi Niang back home.

"Are you feeling unwell?" Eleventh Lady pulled her hand. "If you are not feeling well, just rest at home. Don't come to visit the lady every morning and evening these days. I'll go talk to the lady-in-waiting."

"I'm fine." After spending some time with her, Yingniang knew that her mother-in-law was a careful person. She didn't dare to say that she was not feeling well, nor did she dare to pretend to be sick. She said vaguely, "If I still feel uncomfortable tomorrow, it won't be too late to tell you."

Seeing that she didn't say anything, Eleventh Lady didn't ask any further questions, but repeatedly told Yingniang to come and discuss with her if she had any problems.

Yingniang agreed and said goodbye to Shiyi Niang at the gate of the back garden.

Xu Sijie took her hand and said seriously, "What happened? You have been in a trance since your second brother left, and you kept it a secret from mother!"

Yingniang felt that Xu Sijie was her husband, not someone else, and had no intention of hiding it from him. She quietly told him what had happened.

Xu Sijie's expression changed drastically: "What should we do? If they don't come back tonight, I'm afraid we can't hide it anymore." Then he said, "Why didn't you tell me at the time? One more person means more courage. I'll go run errands for my second brother and report the news!" He clenched his fists again, "Whose boss is this? He's so arrogant. Even if Jin Ge'er did something wrong, he's young, can't he be more tolerant?"

"How can I tell you about the situation at that time?" Ying Niang said angrily, "You can't tell Fourth Uncle about this."

"I know the seriousness of the matter." Xu Sijie said, quickening his pace, "I'll take you back - I'm going to Qinglingju now. If it's too late, don't wait for me to come back!"

Yingniang pushed him away and said, "I have maids and old women accompanying me. If you want to go, go early. If you have any news, remember to tell me so that I won't worry."

Xu Sijie thought for a moment and said, "Then be careful. I'll have someone tell you as soon as I have any news."

"Go quickly!" Yingniang nodded.

Xu Sijie trotted out of the Chuihua Gate.

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Brother Jing is in trouble...O(∩_∩)O~

PS: Post a draft first!