She accidentally flirted with the villain and was fiercely criticized as the regent for forcibly mar

Shao Yun has handled countless cases, big and small. He wouldn't dare say he could tell a person's character at a glance, but after several interactions, he could see through about 70-80% of them.

But when she thought about how she had been staring at his shallow, beautiful eyes for the past three months, pretending to be infatuated, and how he hadn't even noticed it was an act, and had confidently believed that her charm would work, she felt frustrated and a little embarrassed!

"With Lord Jiang away from the capital, there will inevitably be people who take the opportunity to get close to and win over her and her daughter. She doesn't want to be used, so she can only pretend to be stupid and make people think that it's pointless to win her over."

"As it turns out, her tactic really worked. Apart from being mocked as a fool a few times, she wasn't outmaneuvered by anyone. Now that the Jiang family father and son are about to return to the capital, she naturally has no need to continue pretending."

Xie Lanheng wholeheartedly agreed: "I underestimated her. So, do you think she has feelings for you?"

Shao Yunting shook his head: "To be honest, I didn't notice. But it's quite obvious that she's angry with me now."

Xie Lanheng asked curiously, "How did you offend her?"

Shao Yunting sighed: "I underestimated the jealousy of those young ladies in the capital. She's angry that I brought her trouble."

Xie Lanheng understood.

He had witnessed the scheming and plotting that arose from jealousy and rivalry; the methods were all increasingly dirty and ruthless.

"Before, when you didn't respond, people only mocked her for being too eager, but they wouldn't think of scheming against her. Now that you've taken the initiative, it's definitely a big problem for her. If she's a little slow and doesn't understand anything, you can take the opportunity to be a hero and win her favor."

He chuckled gloatingly.

"Even the handsome Duke has moments when he mentions iron plates!"

Shao Yunting: "..."

Xie Lanheng asked him, "What do you plan to do now? Continue to get close to her, or find someone else to approach her?"

Shao Yunting's brow twitched slightly: "If she finds out again, we'll have completely offended her."

Xie Lanheng saw right through him: "You've become curious about her; that's a sign you're falling for her."

Shao Yunting did not deny it, and the corner of his mouth slightly curved: "She's a pretty interesting girl, but it's not that simple for her to win my heart."

Xie Lanheng raised an eyebrow.

Then I remembered something else: "But I remember when you first returned to the capital, you asked me about a girl. Someone you asked about must be exceptionally beautiful, like a fairy. Did that mean you already didn't want to date her?"

Shao Yunting was slightly taken aback.

Even though she already knew who the other person was, and had even seen them at the Jiang family's house today, she no longer felt the urge to get closer to them.

Although he approached Jiang Ruining with a purpose, he couldn't help but keep his eyes on her.

He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he vaguely sensed that something was quietly spiraling out of control!

"I only caught a quick glance and didn't see it clearly, which is why I became curious."

Xie Lanheng didn't believe it and laughed teasingly, "Your eyesight is excellent, could you be mistaken? Or have you suddenly realized that a cunning and beautiful woman like Miss Jiang is more attractive to you?"

Shao Yunting suddenly realized that having a friend who knows you too well isn't necessarily a good thing!

"You'd better start thinking about how to handle your marriage! If you don't take any action soon, your parents will have to finalize the marriage negotiations with the Zheng family!"

Xie Lanheng never truly loved his wife; all he needed to do was ensure she didn't disgust him.

If necessary, even if you dislike him, you can act like you like him.

"The Zheng family of Hedong is a prominent clan with a history of three hundred years and deep roots. Your daughter is charming and adorable, with a pure and kind heart. Everyone in my family loves her. Apart from being a bit cunning, she is perfect in every way. What could I possibly object to in such a marriage?"

Marriage is merely a piece on the chessboard of life!

He smiled, appearing completely indifferent: "The Zheng family has married both a woman from the Cui family and a woman from the Regent's faction. They seem neutral, but in reality, they want more promises and power. However, the Cui family and the Regent are already well-connected with trusted officials, which is why the Zheng family has been hesitant to express their stance."

"If we can offer more, and give the Zheng family a chance to stand above other powerful families, why should we be afraid of their lack of attitude?"

As long as the power struggle between the Empress Dowager and the Regent continues, important positions such as the Six Ministries, the Salt Transport Commission, and the Grand Canal Transport Commission will be constantly filled by successive generations, giving them the opportunity to place their own people in positions of power, thus allowing the Zheng family to taste the benefits of siding with the Regent.

Just like the current Minister of State Ceremonies and Minister of Rites, the Empress Dowager and the Regent both thought they were their people, but in reality, these officials were only loyal to the one on the dragon throne!

Shao Yunting wasn't particularly attached to matters of love and romance, but it would be even better if he could marry a wife with whom he shared mutual affection.

Jiang Ruining... is very interesting, more interesting than any other high-born women he has ever met.

Spending your life with interesting people makes "going home" something to look forward to.

"If you're willing, then this marriage is naturally wonderful."

……

Jiang Ruining stepped into Chaohua Residence.

Yun Mi caught up right behind her: "Miss, we've already sent Miss Chen back."

Jiang Ruining humiliated Chen Anran, but he didn't actually lead her back to the street like a dog. It was just to intimidate the group of women around Cui Jingwei and make them think twice before plotting against her.

Whether you succeed or fail, if you anger her, you will face her retaliation.

Anyway, the outcome is unlikely to be good!

"Have you seen the Chen family?"

Yun Mi nodded: "You gave Miss Chen face, but I didn't expect there were several guests at the Chen family at the time. Her slanderous remarks about you were overheard, and Miss Chen has completely disgraced the Chen family!"

Jiang Ruining raised an eyebrow: "He brought this on himself, he deserves it!"

Yun Mi nodded vigorously: "Exactly!"

Jin Yu raised her hand and punched her on the head: "You're number one at stirring things up!"

Turning to his master, he said, "Miss acted impulsively today. With Miss Chen's madness, she certainly won't let this go easily. We need to be on guard."

Jiang Ruining is troubled.

She had read many novels about palace intrigue and domestic power struggles, but had almost no practical experience in them.

The book does mention one of the methods Chen Anran used to harm others, but it's unclear whether they'll use it against her.

If that's the case, then she'll be better off guard.

But who knows the actual situation?

Let's take it one step at a time!

But she's not a saint. If Chen Anran were to fall into her hands again, he would have absolutely no chance of escaping unscathed.

"Be careful, not only will Chen Anran not let this go, but Cui Jingwei and those who are infatuated with the Regent and Duke Shao will also make moves. Be careful that they don't try to bribe them."

Jin Yu agreed, "Yes, this servant will keep a close eye on things in the courtyard."

We went inside.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a familiar figure behind the screen, leaning lazily against the armrest of the low table, looking as carefree as if he were in his own home.

Jiang Ruining squeezed her eyes shut.

I hope it's just my own illusion.

But when I opened my eyes again, the figure was still there.

Is it unexpected?

He turned back, which surprised her.

After all, mentally ill people never do things according to common sense, so it would be strange if normal people could guess what they were doing.

I really admire the group of bodyguards around him; they are incredibly skilled, managing to carry a seriously injured patient through heavy surveillance and a tight net.

She also has a good temper.

Despite the risk of being riddled with bullets, and accompanying his capricious master in and out, he surprisingly didn't stab him in the back!

Xiao Che's voice was icy: "What kind of look is that?"