It Was A Fake Marriage, But Jiu Qian Sui Took It Seriously - Chapter 29

Upon hearing this, Miss Liu smiled and said, “So this lady has visited the Duke’s residence. I’m sorry for not recognizing you earlier.”

Jiang Yuying was a bit surprised. The Marquis’ residence and the Duke’s residence had a significant difference in status, and she had never had the chance to talk to this lady before. Why would she approach her?

Despite her confusion, she didn’t want to miss the opportunity to meet someone important. She smiled and said, “The banquet was busy that day; Miss Liu couldn’t have had the time to meet everyone. It’s not too late to know each other now.”

“This is my cousin Shen Qing Li. She has always lived in our residence. Her father is General Shen Zhong.”

Liu Yuyan looked Shen Qing Li up and down, smiled, and said, “Miss Shen is very beautiful.”

Shen Qing Li found the name Yuyan familiar but couldn’t recall where she’d heard it. She quickly replied, “You’re too kind, Miss Liu. You are the real beauty.”

Shen Qing Li felt that Miss Liu’s gaze was a bit unusual and couldn’t tell if she liked or disliked her.

Miss Liu lightly laughed and said, “I noticed Miss Shen’s headpiece is very nice, but those earrings stand out a bit. It might look better without them, making you appear more elegant.”

Hearing this, both Jiang Yuying and Qian Shi’s expressions changed. They didn’t know the significance of the earrings, but if she took them off, it might ruin Lu Shi’s plan. They feared Lu Shi would cause trouble for them.

Jiang Yuying instinctively said, “My mother gave those earrings to my sister. I’m sure she doesn’t want to disappoint her.”

Jiang Yuying didn’t really want to harm Shen Qing Li, who had always been nice to her, but she still said those words.

Miss Liu glanced at Jiang Yuying and then looked at Shen Qing Li.

Shen Qing Li immediately understood that there was something wrong with the earrings.

Touching her ear lightly, she thought, why would Jiang Yuying want to harm her? If she made a fool of herself at this banquet, it would affect all the ladies in the Marquis’ residence. Didn’t Jiang Yuying understand such a simple reason?

Miss Liu didn’t say more, but Shen Qing Li felt she could trust her.

Shen Qing Li calmly said to Qian Shi, “I’m sure my Aunt Qian also wants me to look my best, right?”

Qian Shi reluctantly agreed, “Of course, of course, if Miss Liu thinks it looks better without them, then take them off.”

Shen Qing Li gracefully removed the earrings and handed them to her maid, Chun Hua.

Miss Liu saw this and said, “The princess is about to arrive. I’ll go check. Please feel free to relax.”

After Miss Liu left, the atmosphere became awkward. Jiang Yuying nervously tugged at Shen Qing Li’s sleeve and said, “Sister Qing Li, don’t overthink it. My mother spent a lot of money to buy those earrings.”

Despite feeling guilty, Jiang Yuying wasn’t too worried. Shen Qing Li and her mother were easy to manipulate, rich, and never caused trouble, even when offended.

Shen Qing Li originally hoped that Qian Shi and Jiang Yuying didn’t know about the problematic earrings and had bought them unknowingly.

But with Jiang Yuying’s words, it was clear. Shen Qing Li gave her a faint smile.

For years, Qian Shi and her daughter had taken advantages from her and her mother. Shen Qing Li had thought someone in the residence remembered their kindness, but now she knew they had been exploited.

Seeing that they were taking her and her mother for granted, Shen Qing Li decided she didn’t need anyone else to support her. She would stand up for herself.

Shen Qing Li’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. Jiang Yuying felt she was looking at a stranger.

“If you like, sister, I’ll give these earrings to you.”

The maid Chun Hua handed the earrings to Jiang Yuying, who quickly refused, “I can’t take back a gift. You should keep them.”

After saying this, Jiang Yuying hurriedly left and joined a group of ladies.

Qian Shi wanted to say something but remained silent…

Shen Qing Li said coldly, “Aunt Qian Shi, thank you for attending the banquet on behalf of my mother.”

Qian Shi watched her leave, noticing her determined and upright posture. She seemed so different, no longer the obedient girl she once knew, and now carried her father’s pride.

Qian Shi smiled bitterly, thinking this might be Shen Qing Li’s first and last time attending such a grand banquet.

Shen Qing Li wandered aimlessly around the Grand Princess’s residence. From afar, she saw Miss Liu feeding fish by the pond.

Without hesitation, Shen Qing Li walked to the pavilion and greeted Miss Liu, “Thank you for your advice earlier, Miss Liu.”

Liu Yuyan heard her and turned around, then continued feeding the fish, saying, “You’re quite smart.”

So there really was an issue with the earrings.

Shen Qing Li asked, “What was wrong with the earrings?”

Liu Yuyan put down the fish food and said, “Please have a seat, Miss Shen.”

After washing her hands with a towel handed by her maid, Liu Yuyan poured tea for Shen Qing Li.

“The earrings themselves are fine, but they’re not suitable for today. The Emperor had a set of headpieces made from rare chicken bl00d stone, which caused a stir among the concubines.”

“The headpieces eventually went to the Grand Princess, and she will definitely wear them at today’s banquet. With your beauty, wearing the same chicken bl00d stone earrings might outshine the Grand Princess.”

“Our Grand Princess… isn’t very forgiving.”

Shen Qing Li broke into a cold sweat. She had heard stories of ladies who had to marry rough men from the countryside just because they wore similar clothes as the Grand Princess at banquets.

Shen Qing Li quickly stood up and respectfully thanked Miss Liu, “Thank you for telling me, Miss Liu.”

Liu Yuyan’s voice remained calm. “No need to thank me. I’m just doing it on someone’s behalf.”

On someone’s behalf?

Shen Qing Li immediately thought of Jun Mo Ran, the only person in the capital who could ask the Duke’s daughter for help.

So, in a fleeting glance, he noticed the issue and immediately sought Miss Liu’s help.

Shen Qing Li blushed slightly and smiled faintly.

Liu Yuyan’s eyes darkened as she thought that Shen Qing Li and Jun Mo Ran would look good together, both being elegantly beautiful, unlike her own striking brightness.

The two silently drank tea, not saying another word.

Shen Qing Li wondered why Jun Mo Ran didn’t tell her directly and instead asked Miss Liu to help. Was it more convenient for him to see Miss Liu?