CHAPTER 1096: CHAPTER 223: DEFEATED FOE ESCAPES DISASTER (PART 6)

The heart suddenly sank; the footprints belong to Ji Yunya and Yan Song. It seems the two really have an ’affair.’

Yan Hua furrowed his brow, "Miss Dongfang, please don’t speak carelessly. These footprints are scattered, how can one tell what they were doing at that time."

"Why are you anxious, Miss Hua? Miss Dongfang is just speculating, and besides, there are so many guests today, who knows which young couple might have come here for a date. We can understand." Jiang Hanbi smiled, suddenly pointing to the not-so-distant spot, "It seems there’s a third person disrupting their good time."

A line of footprints appeared in the snow ahead, larger than a woman’s but smaller than a man’s, clearly indicating a third person’s footprints.

Yun Ya’s cold eyes narrowed slightly; it seems this group has not come to admire the plum blossoms on a whim. She has already guessed their intentions.

Sure enough—

Yan He suddenly looked at Yun Ya, then directed her gaze to the snowy ground she had walked over, where row after row of footprints were clearly visible: "Miss Ji’s footprints are very similar to this woman’s footprints."

Unintentional words spoken, intentionally heard. As Yan He’s words fell, the gazes of several people immediately fixed on Yun Ya, recalling Dongfang Yi and Jiang Hanbi’s previous words. Could it be that Ji Yunya was meeting a man here before?

Yan He was most skilled at traceology; she was certain that these footprints belonged to Ji Yunya. She spoke with resolute conviction, considering her reputation, she certainly wouldn’t speak without basis.

"Is it really Miss Ji? She seems quite proper; who would have thought she would do such a thing."

"You know a person’s face but not their heart; secretly dating a man, ha, starving for men as if possessed."

Yan Hua frowned and stepped forward, "Miss Yan, is it too hasty to make such a judgment based only on one footprint? Besides, after leaving Rongju Garden, Yun Ya has always been with me, never been to this so-called Plum Forest. I think, these footprints look more like Miss Jiang’s. After leaving Rongju Garden, everyone went to the front hall, but Miss Jiang and Miss Dongfang were missing for a while. These two women’s footprints, I believe they resemble Miss Jiang’s and Miss Dongfang’s more. Miss Yan, do you agree?"

The footprints are a mess; how could they resemble Yun Ya’s? You’re pointing out wrong, fine then, I’ll put it back on you and see how you explain.

Yan He frowned, in a dilemma—however she speaks, she’ll offend someone. What has Ji Yunya given Yan Hua to make her so biased?

Jiang Hanbi slightly squinted her eyes, smiling gently, "Miss Hua, your words wrong me. After leaving Rongju Garden, I was speaking with Miss Dongfang and didn’t come to Plum Garden. I understand you’re concerned about Miss Ji, but that doesn’t mean you can spread falsehoods and tarnish our reputation."

Yun Ya curled her lips into a cold smile; so her reputation can be easily slandered? These women can twist the truth with their tongues; soon enough, the news of Ji Yunya secretly meeting a man will spread all over Capital City.

"Yes, second sister, how long have you known her and yet you’re so protective, turning around to slander Miss Jiang and Miss Dongfang? Everyone knows they’re exemplary figures among Capital City’s noble ladies; how could they do such things? After leaving Rongju Garden, I clearly saw you go to the front courtyard with Mom. Why lie? Did she ask you to lie? If not guilty, why lie?"

Yan Hua glared coldly, making Yan Xing shrink back in fear. In the next moment, she straightened her spine, "Second sister, I’m doing this for your own good. Don’t get involved with this woman."

Yun Ya smiled lightly, patted Yan Hua’s hand, stepped forward, and said, "May I, the involved party, say a few words?"

Only then did everyone realize they were the ones speaking all along, while Ji Yunya, the involved party, hadn’t said a word yet.

Looking at Ji Yunya now, standing beneath a plum blossom tree, her garments fluttering, ethereal and graceful, like a fairy who has dropped in the Plum Forest.

Jealous eyes red with envy.

Dongfang Yi narrowed her eyes slightly, "Can Miss Ji prove her innocence?"

"Why should I prove it? If I didn’t do it, I didn’t do it. With a clear conscience, I fear no shadow." Her tone icy and sonorous, like the frosted plum blossoms, proud and unyielding.

Before anyone else could speak, Yun Ya first looked at Yan He, her gaze sharp, her tone calm: "Miss Yan, so sure they are my footprints, may I ask what your basis is? Much of the snow has melted, the footprints no longer show their original shape. Why is Miss Yan so sure they are mine? I know Miss Yan is skilled, with sharp eyes, would not speak without grounds. However, Miss Yan, only evidence can convince everyone. Otherwise, relying solely on your unfounded words to taint my name, how have I, Ji Yunya, incurred your displeasure?"