The expression on Madam Xiang’s face completely changed.
She looked at Madam Wang with a cold, insincere smile and gave a sharp “Oh?”
Though her tone remained gentle and her words seemed soft, the chill behind her smile could no longer be hidden.
“Don’t talk nonsense!” she patted Xiang Rong’s hand with a smile. “Your Brother Yunting is a noble young master, and Qi Jin is the pearl of the capital, everyone knows this.”
Noble young master, pearl of the capital.
Both were titles that should have sounded complimentary, but coming from Madam Xiang’s mouth now, the sarcasm was so thick it could no longer be concealed.
Madam Wang could no longer force a smile. She stammered in panic, “It must be a childish misunderstanding…”
She was practically crying inside!
Those two fools! She had loved Qi Jin wholeheartedly, even after knowing she wasn’t her biological daughter, she still cherished and protected her like her own. And now, Qi Jin had ruthlessly stabbed her in the heart!
Qi Jin had grown up in the Qi family. How could she not understand the importance of this marriage to Qi Yunting? How could she not know how much this union meant to the entire Qi family?
The Qi family held a hereditary title; the Xiang family was renowned for their scholarly heritage. A marriage between the two would be a perfect blend of military and literary prestige—a great alliance for both families.
Qi Jin knew all this, yet she deliberately acted in a way that would lead Xiang Rong to misunderstand!
Where was her gratitude for being raised in the Qi family for more than a decade?
Xiang Rong could clearly see Madam Wang’s shame and anger, but she didn’t hesitate.
This was a matter that would affect her entire life.
If Qi Yunting dared to openly embrace Qi Jin right in front of her before they were even married, then what would he do after marriage? Would he ever take her seriously?
She could see it now—Qi Jin completely controlled Qi Yunting. As long as Qi Jin beckoned, Qi Yunting would always be swayed by her.
Even if the Qi family forced him to come back, what would be the point?
She had no intention of becoming a resentful wife, dealing with endless household drama.
So she smiled sweetly and said, “Auntie, this is no joke! Sister Qi Jin was kneeling and threatening to smash her head against the wall in front of me, begging me to spare her life, pleading not to force her to death…”
Everyone at this kind of banquet was a seasoned socialite. Many already knew that the Xiang and Qi families had been discussing marriage.
But when Xiang Rong casually said those words, everyone was stunned.
They’re not biological siblings, they were embracing, she threatened to kill herself, begged for mercy, pleaded for a way out…
No matter how you looked at it—they were clearly entangled!
How scandalous!
How did the Qi family raise such children?!
Even if Qi Jin wasn’t their biological daughter, she had still been raised in the Qi family for over a decade, calling Qi Yunting her brother all those years.
How could Qi Yunting cross that line?
Wasn’t this forbidden love?
Madam Wang was on the verge of collapsing, her lips moved, but she could barely hear her own voice: “Rong Rong, you must have misunderstood…”
Madam Xiang’s smile vanished completely. She held her granddaughter’s hand, glanced meaningfully at the crowd, and calmly said, “Yes, that Qi young master really is so childish! Talking about a fiancée? I’ve never heard of him being engaged to anyone!”
The Xiang family’s Old Madam immediately backed her up, her tone firm and cold. “Exactly. Such matters are not something to joke about.”
By saying this, they were clearly declaring in front of all the noble ladies present: there was no engagement between the Xiang and Qi families. None at all.
Madam Wang’s heart bled, but she had no way to argue. The Xiang family was in the right, and she had no defense.
Besides, anything she said now would only sound like an excuse for Qi Yunting and Qi Jin.
Madam Wang could hardly remember how she eventually managed to leave the Xiang residence.
By the time the carriage arrived home, she finally came back to her senses.
When she saw Qi Yuan reach out to help her down, she angrily shook off her hand.
There was one thing Qi Yunting wasn’t wrong about: Qi Yuan was a bringer of bad luck!
Ever since the truth of her parentage was revealed, their family had known no peace.
If they hadn’t brought home the wrong child, none of this would have happened.
Even if Qi Yunting had previously treated Qi Jin with excessive closeness, with the sibling bond intact, no one would have criticized it.
Even if Qi Yunting had inappropriate feelings—it all stemmed from the tangled identities.
Madam Wang glared fiercely at Qi Yuan, barely restraining the urge to curse at her.
In front of so many people, Madam Wang showed Qi Yuan no courtesy at all. Lianqiao, her maid, felt heartbroken just watching.
What had her young lady done wrong?
After they returned, she was unloved by her father, ignored by her mother, had a deranged brother, and a scheming fake sister.
Clearly, it was Qi Yunting and Qi Jin who had behaved disgracefully, yet Madam Wang blamed her own daughter instead!
Qi Yuan’s face remained calm.
She wasn’t particularly upset.
She never considered these people her family—if she didn’t care about them, they couldn’t hurt her.
Since Madam Wang didn’t want her help, she dusted off her dress and returned to her own courtyard.
Lianqiao hurried to follow her. “Miss, don’t be sad…”
Qi Yuan stopped and looked at her, making Lianqiao fumble awkwardly with her sleeves before she mustered the courage to say, “I—I’ll stay with you…”
When she had been at her lowest, it was Qi Yuan who had reached out and saved her life. She would remain loyal to her for the rest of her life.
Even though she was just a maid, she knew who truly cared for her.
Qi Yuan couldn’t help but laugh. She poked Lianqiao’s nose and said, “Why would I be sad? I don’t think I’m the one who should be sad right now, am I?”
She laughed heartily and walked back to her courtyard. Suddenly, she seemed to be in a great mood. “Let’s go to the kitchen.”
“Huh?”
Baizhi and Lianqiao exchanged glances, unsure why Qi Yuan suddenly wanted to go to the kitchen.
But of course, neither of them would disobey her.
Qi Yuan thought to herself— The Qi family probably wouldn’t be in the mood to enjoy their meals anytime soon.
But that’s fine. As long as she’s happy, that’s all that matters.
After all, she had just completed her sixth kill.
