It Was A Fake Marriage, But Jiu Qian Sui Took It Seriously - Chapter 28

The fierce look in his eyes had caused Jiang Yingwan to be genuinely frightened for a while when she first arrived in the capital. Fortunately, after seeing Jiu Qian Sui a few times at banquets, he never spared a glance at her and her daughter, gradually putting her mind at ease.

The Marquis of Yongwang’s residence wasn’t as grand as it appeared. Jiang Yingwan handed over part of her property to help them maintain their appearance, and in return, the Marquis’ residence provided her and her daughter with a place to stay.

Later, when Qing Li got engaged to Zhi Li, she gradually forgot about it.

Recently, nightmares had started to haunt her, filled with scenes of that bloodthirsty young man killing mercilessly, leaving her extremely uneasy.

For the sake of her daughter’s happiness, she bit her lip and entered Chaohui Hall.

Even Tian Xing didn’t know what Madam and Lady Lu’s mother conspired about. After returning from Chaohui Hall, Madam Lu instructed her to deliver the precious jade.

A few days later, Manager Qian reported that the plaque for the Shen residence had been hung up and they could move in on an auspicious day.

Jiang Yingwan said there was no rush and that they would move in after attending the Grand Princess’ banquet.

The banquet day quickly arrived.

Early in the morning, Chun Hua woke up Shen Qing Li to get ready. She chose a set of red agate head ornaments to match the bloodstone earrings and a white silk feather robe with red and gold trim.

It was neither too flashy nor too plain.

Chun Hua, who spent every day with her mistress, was stunned: “Miss Shen, you should dress up more often. You are indeed the most beautiful woman in the capital.”

Not only Chun Hua, but even the servants they passed by also secretly admired her.

“Qing Li?” Jiang Yuying was shocked. “You are too beautiful.”

Seeing her wearing those earrings, Jiang Yuying’s guilt eased a lot.

She was so dazzling that standing next to her, Jiang Yuying felt like a mere background.

She originally intended to remind her that her aunt would also be attending the banquet today but forgot.

Shen Qing Li smiled and said, “Sister Yuying and Sister Yurong are also very beautiful.”

After the greetings, Madam Qian cheerfully invited everyone to get on the carriage.

Today’s Grand Princess’ banquet was grand, with foreign envoys and officials of the fourth rank and above invited. The streets were livelier than usual.

Halfway through, the carriage suddenly stopped, and they heard the coachman outside say, “Madam, there seems to be an incident ahead. Several carriages have stopped.”

Being her first time attending such a banquet, Madam Qian was worried about being late and asked the coachman to investigate. If the wait was long, they would walk the rest of the way.

Soon the coachman returned, jogging, and reported, “Jiu Qian Sui was riding his horse and was stopped by Princess An Ning of Western Jin in the street. The road is now clear.”

Shen Qing Li’s heart tightened.

Since their parting at the cottage, she hadn’t seen him for half a month. Hearing that he was nearby made her heart race uncontrollably.

With Madam Qian and the two sisters in the carriage, Shen Qing Li dared not make any moves but subtly glanced at the curtain.

Jiang Yuying couldn’t help but pull the curtain open to look outside.

As the carriage passed by, Shen Qing Li looked out and saw that familiar figure. Today, he was dressed in a moon-white double-embroidered robe with gold thread, as cool and distant as the moon in the high sky.

A soft voice floated to her ears: “Don’t make a fuss.” It was his deep, cold voice, penetrating her ears and making her heart tingle.

He happened to look towards the carriage, and their eyes met briefly before the curtain quickly closed, cutting off their gaze.

Jiang Yuying suddenly sat up straight with a blush on her face, her eyebrows showing shyness. Madam Qian, not knowing what happened, peeked outside through the gap.

“Oh my, mother, don’t look, don’t look,” Jiang Yuying pushed Madam Qian, her face turning even redder.

Madam Qian teased her with a smile. “Blushing so suddenly, one might think something happened.”

Shen Qing Li smirked; she might have guessed why Jiang Yuying reacted this way.

…He truly is a troublemaker.

The “Don’t make a fuss,” he just said, seemed to be directed at the girl beside him. Was that Princess An Ning?

She didn’t get a clear look in that brief moment, but the girl’s figure seemed very elegant.

They looked very well matched together. He must treat her well too. Although his words sounded impatient, not many women would dare to make a fuss in front of him.

When his gaze fell on her, it was a fleeting moment, cold and indifferent as if she were a stranger.

Jiang Yuying, seeing Shen Qing Li not speaking, leaned in and whispered, “Did you see? Jiu Qian Sui was looking at me just now.”

For some reason, Shen Qing Li chuckled and shook her head.

Jiang Yuying’s smile froze, her eyes showing some displeasure.

Jiu Qian Sui’s turn was so obvious; how could she not have seen it? She must be jealous.

Thinking this, she lost the desire to speak, her gaze briefly passing over the striking red and gold earrings, which looked especially eye-catching against Shen Qing Li’s fair skin.

Her gaze seemed odd. Shen Qing Li sensed something was off but couldn’t pinpoint what it was.

Jun Mo Ran watched the carriage of the Yongwang Marquis’ residence leave, then mounted his horse, ignoring the rude Princess Anning.

He hadn’t seen her for days. She looked good, perhaps because she had dressed up for the occasion. Even from the crowd, she stood out like a blooming peach blossom, making one want to pick her.

Recalling their brief encounter, her features replayed in his mind.

Upon arriving at the Ninth Prince Mansion, Jun Mo Ran hesitated and didn’t dismount. He asked, “Send someone to find out if the Yongwang Marquis’ family is also attending the Grand Princess’ banquet today.”

Yun Sheng, looking as if he had expected this, quickly rode off and returned shortly to report, “The First and Second Ladies of the Yongwang Marquis’ family and several young ladies are attending, including Miss Shen.”

Yun Sheng kept a straight face but was secretly pleased. He truly was his lord’s confidant.

After hearing this, Jun Mo Ran turned his horse, and Yun Sheng quickly followed, thinking he might get to enjoy the banquet today.

The Grand Princess’ residence was bustling. As their carriage turned onto the street, they joined a long line of carriages. After a long wait, Shen Qing Li and the others finally entered with their invitations.

It was everyone’s first time attending such a banquet, so they were especially cautious.

Jiang Yuying, who had previously gone out with Lady Lu, occasionally greeted familiar ladies with pride in her eyes.

Shen Qing Li and Jiang Yurong stayed quietly by Madam Qian’s side. Shen Qing Li felt that others were giving her odd looks.

Was she overdressed? It shouldn’t be; her outfit was according to protocol and not eye-catching in this crowd.

Her headpiece was even less extravagant than Jiang Yuying’s.

While deep in thought, a clear voice called out, “Miss Jiang, long time no see.”

Jiang Yuying, surprised, quickly greeted back, “Miss Liu, how are you?”

Shen Qing Li looked up and found the voice familiar. The girl had bright features, a spirited demeanor, and a graceful, courteous manner that was instantly likable.

Jiang Yuying hurriedly introduced them: “This is Miss Liu from the Duke’s residence. Qing Li, we met her at the Duke’s banquet last time.”

Shen Qing Li paused, realizing why she looked familiar.

They had briefly seen her from afar last time, and she heard that Miss Liu of the Duke’s residence was close to Jiu Qian Sui.

She wasn’t the only one; there was Yingzi, Princess Anning, and now Miss Liu…