Chapter 679: Chapter 515: An Affair
The two left one after another, and theyâre not back yet. Could something have happened?
If something really did happen to them, Yao Mengdie wouldnât gloat over their misfortune.
In the eyes of outsiders, they all come from Duke Zhenâs Mansion and are biological sisters. If those two did something disgraceful, wouldnât it implicate her?
Although Yao Mengdie used to target Yao Mengxian, it was merely small provocations.
No one can tolerate improper behavior from women. Of course, she wouldnât want Yao Mengxian and the others to damage her reputation.
Besides, the second sister was her birth sibling, and she held some genuine feelings towards her second sister.
Mrs. Ke frowned. These two troublemakers come to othersâ mansions and donât know to be cautious with their words and actions.
"Mrs. Lian! Go look for the two ladies quickly. Itâs almost time for the banquet to begin; bring them back immediately."
Princess Rong Jia felt relieved upon seeing Gu Chengyu arrive. However, she didnât get a chance to meet Gu Chengyu today, and he probably hadnât seen her at all!
Thinking about it, she felt stressed and anxious. Recalling her motherâs probing earlier, she sighed softly.
The Eldest Princess could tell her daughter was troubled, but with so many guests present today, she refrained from scolding her.
She wondered when Yuanyuan had met Gu Chengyu, was she infatuated? Could it be that they had an affair without her knowing?
The more the Eldest Princess thought, the more she felt it was likely. No! Later she would have Min probe Gu Chengyuâs thoughts.
If indeed there was an affair between them, she wouldnât hesitate to be ruthless. The Eldest Princessâs eyes suddenly became sharp.
"Everyone! Please move to the flower hall for the seating!" The Eldest Princess signaled Nanny Chang to begin the banquet, and Nanny Chang quickly invited the guests to move.
After dispatching Mrs. Lian, Mrs. Ke planned to go to the flower hall with the others.
"Eh? Fourth Miss Yao, where are your second and third sisters?" Fourth Miss Yao from Duke Zhenâs Mansion, Qin Liangyuan, glanced at Yao Mengdie, surprised not to see Yao Menglian.
Based on Yao Menglianâs nature, she would surely cling to her third sister. Typically so eager, yet today, at the Princessâs Mansion, she wasnât as proactive.
"They might have gone to the restroom." Yao Mengdie explained with a smile to Qin Liangyuan.
Yao Mengxian and Lianxin hid there watching Yao Menglian ahead; she felt anxious. It must be time for the banquet, but if those two donât leave, neither she nor Lianxin can go.
Besides, she didnât know whether Sister Kong had returned to the pavilion, nor if Miss Ji had been found. If Sister Kong saw she hadnât arrived, she might worry.
Just as Yao Mengxian was extremely anxious, Yao Menglian finally separated from the man.
Yao Mengxian memorized the manâs appearance, uncertain which familyâs mansion he belonged to. How did her second sister know him? When did they meet?
Aristocratic girls like them rarely leave the house; how would they get a chance to meet outside men?
After the two left, Yao Mengxian took Lianxin to hurry to the pavilion.
Unexpectedly, they encountered Nanny Liu, searching for them midway. Seeing Yao Mengxian, Nanny Liu let out a sigh of relief.
"Third Miss! This is the Princessâs Mansion, you mustnât wander off. If you get lost or go somewhere you shouldnât, it might implicate other ladies in the mansion."
Mrs. Lian finally found Yao Mengxian. Relieved, she also spoke sharply.
Originally, Yao Mengxian wanted to explain and tell a lie or two. However, upon hearing Mrs. Lianâs words, her face darkened.
But only for a moment, then she returned to normal.
"I did get lost! Mrs. Lian, did you see Second Miss on your way here? I just saw her walking ahead, unsure if she went somewhere she shouldnât."
Lianxin was indignant seeing Mrs. Lian scolding the lady right away.
Even though Mrs. Lian is useful, sheâs just a servant, feeling emboldened by the favor shown by the madam, acting domineering in the mansion.
"Yes! Mrs. Lian, did you see Second Sister earlier? Itâs our fault worrying mother, both mine and Second Sisterâs."
Yao Mengxian lightly jabbed at Mrs. Lian, then headed towards the pavilion.
This Mrs. Lian, acting usefully around the madam, even made them as masters heed her.
Stepmother Mrs. Ke is the Lady of the Clan, managing the mansionâs food, clothing, and other necessities. Correspondingly, the wet nurses and maids around Mrs. Keâs status all rose considerably.
The mansion has plenty of servants currying favor with them, and sometimes Mrs. Lian is even more esteemed than those masters who arenât favored.
She was just trailing Yao Menglian earlier; logically, Mrs. Lian came from that direction and should have bumped into Second Sister. Yet she didnât hear Mrs. Lian scold Second Sister, seemingly targeting only her?
Soft targets are always picked; though Second Uncleâs official position isnât high, he wins the mansionâs ladyâs affections. The lady loves her second uncleâs children, so Yao Menglianâs treatment in the mansion is exceptional, unlike hers.
Mrs. Lian felt uncomfortable with Yao Mengxianâs jab. In the mansion, whether itâs young masters or ladies, who wouldnât be polite to her? She never received such treatment.
"Third Miss, where are you heading? Itâs almost time to start; if you donât return, the madam might worry."
Seeing Yao Mengxian heading elsewhere, Mrs. Lian, though upset, didnât dare go unchecked in anotherâs mansion, hurriedly asked.
To deal with Yao Mengxian, there would be plenty of opportunities back in their mansion; why bother worrying today?
Yao Mengxian didnât look back, knowing she had already offended her, unconcerned if Mrs. Lian would badmouth her to the stepmother. Previously, she spoke kindly to Mrs. Lian but didnât gain any favor. In that case, why should she bend over backward?
"Please tell Mrs. Lian to inform the madam that I promised to meet Sister Kong at the pavilion, and Iâll return shortly with her."
Mrs. Lian prepared to grab Yao Mengxianâs arm and forcefully lead her back.
She just caught up with Yao Mengxian, intending to stop her but got flicked away by Lianxin.
"Mrs. Lian, you should go back to report! Miss will return soon; donât let the madam wait impatiently."
Lianxin previously feared offending Mrs. Lian, often acting timidly. But her lady later told her that currying favor with Mrs. Lian wouldnât make them care, hindrances would remain.
Therefore, Lianxin hardened up; her lady was still young, and if she didnât protect her, wouldnât they be devoured by these people?
She followed her lady for life; why fear these petty people?
Mrs. Lian didnât expect Lianxin to suddenly deal with her, nearly twisting her ankle when Lianxin pushed her off balance. By the time she steadied herself, Yao Mengxian and the others had gone far.