Xu Wanying didn't react much to the system's furious question.
In ancient times, the prevailing social norm was that men were responsible for external affairs and women for internal affairs. Women were expected to stay within the confines of their homes and rarely ventured out. If a woman frequently went out, it was considered "showing her face in public," and she would likely be the subject of much gossip.
Men, on the other hand, are taught from a young age to stay away from the inner quarters, otherwise they might lose their ambition.
Xu Wanying thought it was normal that the men of the Jiang family didn't show up, but the system was very dissatisfied and kept nagging.
[System, what does it matter to you whether the men from the Jiang family appear or not? There aren't any of your men there, so why are you so resentful every day?]
Xu Wanying couldn't hold back and directly confronted him.
The system was momentarily speechless, then reacted after a moment, saying impatiently, "Host, I'm just worried for you!"
Don't tell me such lies. You're clearly worried about Xing Xiaoya. Whether the Jiang family man comes back or not, what does it have to do with me?
[How can it be unrelated? Don't you know—] Just as the system was about to say something, a maid came in to report.
"Madam, the Second Madam invites you to come out of the manor for a visit!"
Upon hearing that she could go out and have fun, Xing Xiaoya immediately became enthusiastic and agreed.
"Did Second Sister-in-law say where she's going? What should we prepare?"
"The second madam said there was no need to prepare anything, as it was all family members playing together, and there were no outsiders."
Xu Wanying quickly tidied herself up and then met up with Lu Ling, accompanied by her maid.
Lu Ling was also traveling light, with a smile on her face, looking like a gentle spring breeze.
"Second sister-in-law, what happy event have you had? Your face is rosy and glowing." Seeing her amiable appearance, Xu Wanying's mood improved, and she couldn't help but tease her.
Lu Ling chuckled at her words and whispered in her ear, "It was your second brother who invited us to go horseback riding together. He's waiting for us at the horse farm."
Upon hearing this, Xu Wanying's eyes lit up. She had long wanted to ride a horse, but after transmigrating into this body, she had been lying in bed recuperating. Then the Jiang family encountered various troubles, so she had no chance at all.
She was naturally happy to finally be able to go horseback riding, but since the suggestion came from Second Master Jiang, she hesitated.
"My second brother invited my second sister-in-law out to play, why did he bring me along? Maybe I shouldn't go this time, you two have a good time!"
She wanted to go horseback riding, but she didn't want to be a third wheel.
"No problem at all. Your second brother specifically asked me to bring you along. There's not much to do at home, so why not come with us? Chengxiao isn't as successful as the third brother, but he's quite the expert when it comes to having fun. I guarantee you'll be happy!"
Xu Wanying readily agreed and asked, "Should we change into riding attire?"
"No need, we can change them when we get there. They'll have them ready-made."
The two walked hand in hand, only to bump into Xing Xiaoya.
"Where are you two sisters-in-law headed?"
After exchanging greetings, Xing Xiaoya took the initiative to ask, seemingly having grown accustomed to her new role, now even calling her "sister-in-law."
Xu Wanying and Lu Ling exchanged a glance, and Lu Ling took the initiative to speak: "Wanying and I have arranged to go out today."
She didn't say what she was going to do, but it was precisely this ambiguity that made people hesitate.
After all, this sounds like a private matter that doesn't need to be investigated further.
But Xing Xiaoya, whether she didn't understand or did it on purpose, actually said directly, "Sisters-in-law, please take me with you? It's so boring for me to be alone in the mansion."
"This—" Lu Ling hesitated, clearly unsure how to refuse her.
Fortunately, Li Chunlan came over at that moment. "You're all here. What are you talking about?"
“My third sister-in-law and I have to go out, and Xiaoya wants to come along, but—” Lu Ling explained, but she didn’t finish her sentence. However, the troubled expression on her face was very obvious, and anyone could see her predicament at a glance.
"Hey, why don't you two go out then? Xiaoya, if you're bored, your sister-in-law will keep you company. There are lots of fun things to do in my yard!" Li Chunlan said, taking Xing Xiaoya's arm and leading her away.
She hadn't taken more than a few steps when her arm was forcefully pulled down. Xing Xiaoya turned around, still insisting on her own opinion: "Sisters-in-law, since I came to Wangjing from the countryside, I've rarely gone out to play. I really want to go. Can you take me out? You can take care of your business afterwards, and I'll just wander around by myself."
During her stay at the Marquis of Zhongyi's residence, Xing Xiaoya felt very uneasy, always feeling that the Marquis's residence would definitely try to harm her again.
Furthermore, none of the men in the Jiang family returned to their residence, which seemed abnormal. The more enthusiastic the women were towards her, the more frightened she became. Her mind was filled with all sorts of dark novel plots, such as how a large and powerful mansion like the Marquis of Zhongyi's mansion could easily kill a poor girl like her.
She feared that if she were killed directly, some false evidence would be fabricated, and a scapegoat would be found. Even if Princess Zhaoyang wanted to avenge her, she wouldn't have a chance, and she would probably die in vain.
It was the most sensitive time, and as soon as she heard that Lu Ling and the other person were going out, she wanted to follow them, hoping to find a chance to escape.
"This—" Just when the atmosphere was tense, Cen Ying unexpectedly sent a maid over.
"Ladies, Miss Xing, the Lady of the Marquis says the weather is nice today and she wants to take you out of the manor for some fun!"
After the maid relayed the message, the group hurried to Shou Kang Garden, only to encounter Cen Ying on the way.
Cen Ying's gaze swept over them, and she asked softly, "The carriage is ready. If you have nothing else to do, please get in and leave."
"Mother, where are we going?" Li Chunlan asked.
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