"Since he's your cousin, isn't he your eldest son?"
As the lady spoke, she asked Xin Jiuwei, "Or do you have other cousins?"
Unexpectedly, the misunderstanding caused by Qi Huaiyu's deliberate manipulation has spread to Yuncheng. Xin Jiuwei smiled and said, "It must be a misunderstanding that has been passed around. Jiuwei is not engaged and has no other cousins in her family."
"Then they must have been lying to me." The lady didn't know the truth either, and just thought she had heard a false rumor. "Such a beautiful girl deserves a good husband."
The group chatted and laughed for a while longer. Xin Jiuwei estimated the time and quietly asked Wang Qing.
Where is my cousin?
Wang Qing also whispered, "This servant just sent someone to check, and the young master is still receiving guests in the front yard."
Xin Jiuwei nodded.
The birthday celebration for his maternal grandfather was a grand affair, attended by all the prominent figures in Yuncheng. Qi Huaiyu, who had already missed his chance to use his grandfather's influence, had disappeared without a trace.
The birthday celebration continued until nightfall, with a banquet held in the courtyard where Xin Jiuwei and her sisters, including Qi Xinghui, sat together.
Xin Kui entered with a group of songstresses, sang a few songs, and as she left, her gaze met Xin Jiuwei's, who nodded slightly.
Not long after, Xin Jiuwei saw a maid accidentally spill wine on Qi Huaihe's clothes, and Qi Huaihe got up and left the table.
Qi Huaiyu really always uses these kinds of methods.
Xin Jiuwei gave a cold laugh, stood up, and instructed Wang Qing, "Send a message to Xin Kui."
Wang Qing nodded, exchanged a glance with Mian Feng, and then Mian Feng helped Xin Jiuwei leave the table.
"Jiuwei, where are you going?" Qi Xinghui asked as she stood up. "To change? I'll go too."
Xin Jiuwei said, "I feel a little dizzy sitting here. I'll go to the lakeside for some fresh air."
"Your health is really poor. Don't catch a cold again." Qi Xinghui also stood up. "I'll go with you."
Xin Jiuwei thought for a moment and nodded.
It's good to have her along; Qi Huaiyu needs more witnesses.
On the other side, Qi Huaihe had drunk a few cups with the respected gentleman and was already somewhat drunk. His residence was far from the front hall. In the past, when entertaining guests at home, there was a special room for changing into clean clothes in case they got dirty.
The evening breeze rustles through the bamboo leaves, and the bright moon hangs high in the sky.
A blurry shadow flickered past the window paper.
Qi Huaiyu didn't notice as he pushed open the door.
Another gust of wind stirred up ripples on the lake.
"Ah! Help me—"
A high-pitched and terrifying female voice pierced the night sky. The lake was close to the courtyard where the banquet was being held, and many people heard the sound.
"What's wrong?"
"Has someone had an accident? Sounds like a girl."
Many people turned to look in their direction, and the Qi family's steward quickly led his men over.
"Second Miss, Cousin! Are you alright?"
The steward only saw Xin Jiuwei and Qi Xinghui standing in front, and hurriedly went forward, only to find Xin Jiuwei's face pale, and Qi Xinghui pointing to the distant lake, before finally saying anxiously:
"It wasn't us! It looks like someone fell into the water up ahead. Go check it out!"
The steward quickly sent a servant over.
Qi Xinghui grabbed Xin Jiuwei, who was about to walk forward, and said, "Where are you going? You're not in the right body to go and save someone, are you?"
"It seems like the person who fell into the water was a girl," Xin Jiuwei said hesitantly. "Wouldn't it be inconvenient to send a servant to rescue her, and besides, I think..."
She turned her head and, with a trembling hand, took Qi Xinghui's hand. "Cousin, look, isn't that Huaiyu standing over there?"
Qi Xinghui looked over, but couldn't see clearly in the darkness. She could only tell from the outline of the clothes that he looked like a young master.
As they were talking, many guests had already come over.
While her maternal grandfather was still at the table, Qi Xin came over, holding Shen Ping's hand.
"Jiuwei, Xing'er, stand further back so you don't bump into each other."
Xin Jiuwei said, "That's a girl, I'll go take a look."
She seemed extremely worried and hurried toward the crowd that was being rescued.
Qi Xin was somewhat puzzled, "What's wrong with the young lady? We've already sent people to rescue her. What help can a little girl like her possibly provide?"
Qi Xinghui hesitated before saying, "When we heard the girl fall into the water, we saw a man. Jiu Wei said it looked like Qi Huaiyu who came with her."
Shen Ping frowned. "Let's go see what's going on."
The group walked to the lakeside, where the person who had fallen into the water had already been rescued. Although she was soaking wet, the color and style of her clothes revealed her to be a singer who had just performed.
Xin Jiuwei quickly took off her cloak and wrapped it around her, asking in a low voice, "Are you alright?"
The songstress choked on water and coughed for a while before shaking her head in response. Then she suddenly looked up and saw Qi Huaiyu standing to the side. Her face showed a look of horror, and she hid behind Xin Jiuwei.
Her reaction surprised everyone, and they immediately began to guess what had happened.
Qi Huaiyu had intended to leave when the songstress retreated towards the lake, but he didn't expect Xin Jiuwei and the others to arrive so timely. Before he could get away, the songstress herself fell into the lake!
"Jiuwei, I just happened to be passing by." He explained to Xin Jiuwei through gritted teeth, "She accidentally fell down."
Xin Jiuwei remained silent, but the songstress suddenly trembled and hid behind Xin Jiuwei, crying out:
"Just because you're from a wealthy family doesn't mean you can talk nonsense. You were clearly trying to take liberties with me, and I only fell in because I was avoiding you!"
Qi Huaiyu's expression changed, and everyone immediately began to look him over.
"Whose young master is this? To have caused such trouble."
"I don't recognize her. Perhaps she's some relative of the Qi family. The songstress who came today is indeed quite good, but we can't just start a fight here."
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