Taking her into his tent, he incurred the wrath of a powerful and mad minister, from which he could

Mingyi sat down leisurely, and Cuizhu stepped forward to pour her tea.

Then, Madam Yu waved her hand, dismissing the other servants in the room, and looked directly at her, getting straight to the point: "What do you want me to do for you?"

Mingyi glanced sideways at the green bamboo beside her.

Madam Yu said calmly, "It's alright. She's part of my dowry that I brought from my maiden home. She's very tight-lipped and won't utter a single word."

Upon hearing this, Mingyi put aside her concerns and said softly, "I would like to trouble you, Aunt, to send my younger brother, Ji Mingzhe, out of the capital and find a safe place to hide him."

Madam Yu was somewhat surprised, vaguely guessing what was going on. She frowned and asked, "After seeing Ji Mingzhe off, what about you?"

Mingyi said, "I have my own arrangements, which will not involve Auntie. Only when Mingzhe is away from Zongxian's control can I act without any worries."

She dared to address Zong Xian by his given name.

Madam Yu understood her plan; the girl probably wanted to run away.

She stared intently at Mingyi, her tone tinged with disbelief: "I thought you came back with Second Master willingly. Have you really thought it through? Are you willing to give up the wealth and glory of the Zong family?"

"I never intended to stay in the Zong family mansion."

In truth, Madam Yu was happy to see Ji Mingyi leave, but helping her escape was far too risky.

Once Zong Xian discovers that she was involved, not only will the Second Master not let her off easily, but the Old Madam of the mansion will certainly not let her go either.

Madam Yu slowly walked to the window and saw her daughter playing with butterflies in the courtyard. The cold look in her eyes softened.

She never allowed herself to be threatened, but this brat had somehow found her weakness, and even knowing it might backfire, she had no choice but to jump in.

Madam Yu turned around, her expression turning cold again: "Let me make this clear from the start, I'm only helping you get Ji Mingzhe out safely. As for everything else, you're on your own and don't drag me into it again."

Madam Yu was merely a concubine of the first wife, and her influence was limited. Mingyi did not expect to rely entirely on her for help.

Having achieved her goal, the young girl's delicate eyebrows curved slightly. She rose, curtsied, and gave a proper bow: "Thank you for your kindness, Aunt."

"However, to avoid arousing suspicion, I would like to ask my aunt to cooperate with me in staging a play..."

Outside, Ning Shuang and Yue Gui stood guard under the eaves.

Remembering Granny Feng's instructions, Ning Shuang quietly pricked up her ears. Hearing that it was quiet inside, she became somewhat suspicious.

Why don't the girls allow them to serve them?

Just then, a loud noise suddenly came from inside the house.

It sounded like a teacup had been smashed on the ground, followed by Aunt Yu's sharp, angry rebuke.

"Ji Mingyi, what's there to be so smug about! Don't think that Second Master will protect you forever!"

Ning Shuang and Yue Gui were shocked and rushed in. They saw Ming Yi sitting on the blue brick floor in a disheveled state, and quickly helped her up from both sides.

"Miss, are you alright?" Ning Shuang asked with great concern.

Mingyi steadied herself, deliberately feigning arrogance, and retorted loudly, "Second Master favors me, so naturally he'll protect me. We'll see!"

He portrayed the arrogant and spoiled demeanor perfectly, and after saying that, he turned and strode away.

Ning Shuang was stunned for a moment, then quickly followed.

Stepping out of Wutong Pavilion, Ning Shuang lagged half a step behind and asked Yuegui in a low voice, "Sister Yuegui, did you have a grudge against that concubine from earlier?"

Yuegui, quick-witted, knew that her young lady was putting on an act, and replied softly, "That's right. Aunt Yu has always been proud and sharp-tongued, and she has looked down on the young lady from the very beginning. She always likes to make sarcastic remarks."

That's the truth.

"I see." Ning Shuang had no more doubts after hearing this, and assumed that the two had a long-standing grudge and that the young lady had come here today specifically to settle a score.

...

That evening, the dispute that had occurred at Wutongxuan reached Zongxian's ears at Songheyuan.

The servants reported back that the young lady had come to visit, but instead had a minor disagreement with Aunt Yu, and the visit ended in a bad mood.

Zong Xian casually traced the rim of the teacup with his fingertips, slightly surprised, and looked up to ask, "Did she go to Wutong Pavilion on her own initiative?"

The servant replied respectfully, "It was Miss Cousin who came to our door on her own initiative, and I heard that she made Aunt Yu quite angry."

Mingyi did not yet have a proper status in the mansion, and the servants still addressed her as "Miss Cousin".

The servants at Songhe Garden were all very shrewd and knew exactly what their masters wanted to hear, so they embellished the story.

"It is said that before she left, the young lady said that the second master only had eyes for her and would protect her for the rest of his life, and that the concubine should restrain herself in the future."

Zong Xian couldn't imagine Mingyi being arrogant and spoiled. She was always docile, timid, and cautious in front of him.

Even so, upon hearing this explanation, he felt exceptionally relieved.

What harm is there in her being a little arrogant in public, relying on his favoritism? He was happy to pamper her, and naturally, he was also happy to see her use his power to bully others.

Moreover, her actions clearly show that she has accepted him in her heart, is willing to stay in the Zong family, and will rely on him in the future.

Thinking of this, Zong Xian was naturally pleased. He didn't believe that anyone who had gained wealth and status would want to go back to an ordinary life.

She'll understand his good qualities sooner or later.

Zong Xian ignored these trivial matters in the inner quarters, raised his eyes and calmly instructed the servants: "From now on, there is no need to report these quarrels and disputes in the inner quarters to me."

"Yes."

...

The next morning, Xie Huaiyu went to bid farewell to Madam Zong, as he was going to take up his post in Qingzhou and did not know when he would be able to return.

He was courteous and gentle, without the slightest resentment, and even brought tea, a specialty of Qingzhou, to remind the old lady to take care of her health.

Seeing his appearance, Madam Zong felt a little guilty, after all, it was her son who had stolen his sweetheart.

Xie Huaiyu not only did not turn against her, but also treated her with the same respect as before. The old lady couldn't help but feel a little sorry for him and felt even more guilty.

Ultimately, the main family owed him something in this matter.

Madam Zong ordered someone to bring the mutton-fat jade ruyi.

"This white jade ruyi was a gift from Consort Xie years ago. Please accept it as my wedding present. I also wish you a smooth career and all your wishes fulfilled. When you have time another day, remember to bring your new bride to see me."

"Yes, thank you, Madam."

Mingyi came about at this time.

She came to pay her respects to Madam Zong morning and evening.

Their eyes met from a distance, and Xie Huaiyu immediately composed himself, stood up, cupped his hands in farewell, and his intention to avoid suspicion was clear even to the servants.

Mingyi forced herself not to turn around.

Madam Zong sighed softly and said to Ji Mingyi, "Go and see him off."

Mingyi was taken aback, her lower lip gently bitten. She straightened her clothes and replied, "Thank you, Madam." Then she left.

This was something the old lady had asked her to do to see Xie Huaiyu off; even if Zong Xian knew, he couldn't find fault with her.

"Please wait a moment, little sister. This is enough."

The two stopped in front of the Zong Mansion.

Mingyi looked at him with tender eyes and said restrainedly, "Brother Huaiyu, take care on your journey."

Xie Huaiyu gave her a deep look, then turned and left.

But when he reached the carriage, he quickly turned back and swiftly stuffed a small, hard object into her hand.

Xie Huaiyu pressed his thin lips into a straight line, "I'll make up for the birthday gift I owe you today."

Having said that, he didn't linger and turned to get into the car.

Mingyi lowered her eyes to look at her palm, where she saw a finely carved wooden jade rabbit, its appearance delicate and adorable.

The wood was rubbed smooth and warm, and even carried a sense of warmth.

He remembered her birthday, and he didn't blame her...

Suddenly, Mingyi felt a tiny bump under the rabbit's body with his fingertip.

With a gentle press, a small note fell into her palm.

Mingyi's expression changed slightly, and she immediately clenched her fingers. Only after confirming that no one else had seen her did she breathe a sigh of relief.

What did Xie Huaiyu secretly write to her?