CHAPTER 237: CHAPTER 236: SCHEMES AND EXPOSURE

"Has Mr. Song agreed?"

"Initially, father was against it, thinking it was simply toying with the Song Family. But after Marquis Chengyang visited in person, somehow father changed his mind and told me to get along with Luu Shaoqi for a while. Who knows, I might like him."

Song Caiwei wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, lamenting, "Isn’t that consent?"

"Isn’t there still Mr Song? You can have Mr Song step in."

"Yes, I’ve mentioned it to grandfather too. He told me to get along first, and if there’s nothing about Luu Shaoqi that I could possibly like, to tell him then."

Song Caiwei sighed deeply, "Zhaozhao, I really don’t know what to do. Luu Shaoqi and I detest each other and would never like each other. He’s even bluntly told me he has no intention of settling down, but still both the Song Family and the Luu Family are pairing us, even..."

Her eyes dimmed, and she swallowed her words, her heart filled with bitterness.

"Are you trying to say Luu Shaochen also pushed you away?" Yu Nianzhao sharply cut to the heart.

Song Caiwei’s body trembled, and she sobbed, "Yes, just like earlier when I clearly invited Mr Lu, yet he shoved Luu Shaoqi onto me. He really doesn’t like me, does he? In the past, there was Lanyi, and now there’s Luu Shaoqi. I don’t know whether I should continue holding on."

Yu Nianzhao sighed gently, wrapping her arm around Caiwei’s shoulder, saying, "Follow your heart. If you like someone, just tell him. Don’t keep it hidden. When two people are passive, one must take the initiative. If after revealing your true feelings, it turns out to be futile, it’s not too late to extricate yourself from that vortex then."

Under Song Caiwei’s stunned gaze, Yu Nianzhao lifted her chin with one hand, smiled and said, "Caiwei, you’re very beautiful and come from a good family. Even if you flirt a bit with Mr Song and Mr Song, you can still choose a suitable husband. Why compromise yourself? As strong women, we should live our own lives well and let those foolish men cry."

Yu Nianzhao’s words made Song Caiwei’s heart race, like a seed sprouting and growing in her heart.

In the shadows, Luu Shaochen saw their intimate gestures. Even though Yu Nianzhao’s manner was frivolous, it was inexplicably pleasing. He couldn’t help but crush the wood beside him, watching for a long time before turning to leave.

"Zhaozhao, what are you doing?"

Xie Jiarou was startled by their posture, "This kind of behavior isn’t good, is it?"

Beside her, Xia Muyan clasped her hands together, adorningly said, "To be treated by Zhaozhao like this is truly lucky."

Xie Jiarou curiously glanced at her, wondering how the County Princess Muyan suddenly became Yu Nianzhao’s admirer?

"Let’s release the sky lanterns and not dwell in bad emotions. It’s not worth it for some worthless man."

Yu Nianzhao patted her shoulder, confidently said.

"Alright, I know, Zhaozhao."

Song Caiwei shyly smiled, clenched her fist, and decided firmly, "Zhaozhao, tomorrow I’ll get to the bottom of it. I definitely won’t let down your expectations."

"Yes, keep it up."

Yu Nianzhao wasn’t interested in releasing sky lanterns. She was alert to her surroundings, sensing that there must be hidden threats under such calmness.

For example, who was that shadow earlier intending to use incense on her?

When the sky lantern was finished, Xie Jiarou noticed Xie Yunzhe hadn’t returned yet and worriedly led people to search.

"Ah ah ah—"

They couldn’t find him, but a scream echoed back.

A group of people rushed to one of the boats, the open door wafting out a fragrance, with clothes strewn on the floor, clearly indicating something had happened inside.

Consort Chen arrived with her people, and the crowd made way for her.

"Outrageous! Today is the spring boat banquet, not a place for shameless acts."

Consort Chen glanced around, frowned, and said disdainfully, "Who are these people on the bed? Ms Li, drag those shameless ones out for me."

"Yes!"

"No, don’t go over!"

Before Ms Li could act, Xie Jiarou shouted sharply, her face pale.

She stared at the clothes on the floor, feeling they looked familiar.

Behind the veil on the bed, a graceful silhouette could be faintly seen.

"These are Pei Yunzhi’s clothes." Xia Muyan glanced over and recognized them.

Xie Jiarou bit her lip hard, her eyes filled with resentment.

Damned Pei Yunzhi, she actually tried to enter An Nan Royal Mansion in such a disreputable manner. She had been oblivious; otherwise, she wouldn’t have given her the opportunity.

"Why are you hesitating? Ms Li, hurry and drag them out!"

Consort Chen didn’t care about these things. She was entrusted by the Emperor and Empress to organize the spring banquet, and something disgraceful happened in her hands. She must find out who it is!

Ms Li pushed Xie Jiarou aside and lifted the veil.

"Ah!"

A sleepy Pei Yunzhi exposed a large area of white skin, hastily pulling up the quilt to cover herself, staring fearfully at them with wide eyes.

"Consort Chen, she’s the noble lady of the Pei Family."

Ms Li snorted lightly, and as she looked behind Pei Yunzhi at the man, she froze.

Pei Yunzhi’s eyes spun, and she aggrievedly said, "Sorry, Consort Chen, it was me and my cherished one having mutual feelings, entering this room, and somehow losing control. My head still hurts a lot, not knowing how it turned out this way."

Having stayed in the devouring palace for so many years, Consort Chen was an expert, clearly understanding Pei Yunzhi’s words.

Wasn’t she implying that the room had aphrodisiac scent, causing the two young people to lose control?

Indeed, entering the room, she smelled a sweet aroma.

Even so, Consort Chen despised the whole affair, stating, "Discipline, did Pei Family’s teachings not instruct you?"

Pei Yunzhi’s face didn’t look good, but inside she felt satisfied.

Even the scandalous, she was determined to confirm her relationship with Xie Yunzhe, aiming to marry into An Nan Royal Mansion!

Ms Li’s sharp voice rang out, "Consort Chen, this this this... he he he..."

"Why stumble over words?"

Consort Chen impatiently spoke, staring at the man on the bed sitting up, her face changed.

"What are you all gathering here for?"

Xie Yunzhe’s familiar voice came from outside, entering and seeing the people inside, his expression changed.

"Brother Yunzhe?"

Pei Yunzhi, upon seeing Xie Yunzhe, stood as if struck by lightning, incredulously, "Impossible, how are you outside? You were clearly..."