"Jiang Er Lang, the dog still looks at its master's face. Even if it was my subordinate who made a mistake, you should have told me and let me handle it. You didn't give me any face by doing this." Jiulang said coldly, then suddenly burst out laughing: "Although you don't understand things, I'll spare your life for Zhu Guogong's sake and not ruin the harmony between us. How about this? I won't hold it against you for beating my subordinate, and you shouldn't be so petty with two ignorant underlings over a couple of idle remarks. Anyway, what's said is said, what's beaten is beaten. The truth can't be faked, and the fake can't be made true. Let's not mention evidence."

  His words were clever, and the more Jiang Er Gong made a fuss, the more guilty he looked. Everyone burst out laughing and chimed in to advise: "Forget it, why ruin the harmony over such a small matter?" But someone also quietly asked: "Where's the evidence? Let's take a look."

  Jiang Er Gong glared at the onlookers, who all hated him but didn't dare offend the majority, so he gritted his teeth and shouted loudly at Jiu Lang: "You think you're so great standing there talking big, with a reputation as heavy as a mountain? Come try it yourself?"

  Jiulang laughed and said, "I don't have that skill, nor do I have the luck to hit two deer at once. Even if I wanted to try, I wouldn't be able to. But honestly, Second Master is indeed worthy of being from the Zhu Guogong Mansion, your archery skills are impressive, such techniques are not something we can match. Teach me a couple of moves another day, okay?"

  The rest of the imperial brothers heard this and nodded in agreement: "Reputation can't be gained by pretending to be something you're not."

  Jiang Er Gong's eyes turned red, he glanced at Xiao Xue Xi, but saw Xiao Xue Xi standing far away, intently whispering to the maid with a smile on her lips and an expression of leisure, as if she hadn't even put him in her eyes. He was looked down upon by a beauty! This fake reputation he couldn't bear! He was severely stimulated, his blood rushed to his head, and he suddenly pounced forward, grabbing Jiulang's collar, gritting his teeth and saying: "If you can't produce evidence today, I'll go in with a white knife and come out with a red one!"

  Jiulang brushed off Jiang Ergong's hand from his collar with a disdainful gesture, and sneered: "What a big tone! Are you not crying until you see the coffin? Then try it!"

  Jiang Ergong's breath was stuck in his throat, and he could only open his mouth to pant heavily. His hand reached for his waist, he wanted to defend his dignity with blood!

  Jiulang saw this and his pupils contracted, also reaching for his waist. The people on both sides immediately drew their swords and bows were stretched.

  Ankang Jun saw the situation was not good, and hastily came forward to advise: "Listen to my advice, it's better to be harmonious, let's all say a few less words. If this gets out of hand, no one will benefit." Xiao Xue Creek, Li Man Niang, Duan Fu Ren and others also rushed forward to offer their advice.

  However, the two men who had thoroughly made up their minds to settle the matter once and for all would not listen to their advice. One thought he was flawless, and even if others guessed correctly, they couldn't produce evidence, and without evidence, it was slander, so he had to stubbornly stick to his story until the end. The other was confident, determined to tear off the opponent's hypocritical mask and trample him into the dust. In the end, they were pulled apart by the crowd, and the truth spoke for itself.

  When a piece of venison with obvious signs of animal bites was presented to the crowd, Jiang Er Gong was stunned and his hand reaching for his waist softened. He looked at Que Er Duo with a helpless and fearful expression, Que Er Duo's face was full of surprise, then winked at him. He calmed down and was convinced that the marks had been handled cleanly at the time, this piece of meat was just someone else's test or something done afterwards, so he sneered: "If you want to frame me, what can't be said? What is this? Just leave a piece of venison, throw it to the dog and let it bite for a while, isn't that enough? Jiulang, I have no grudges with you, why are you so careful and trying to get rid of me?"

  Qian Er's ears were missing, but he stepped forward and saluted: "Ninth Master is probably just misunderstanding. The difference between a post-mortem bite and an ante-mortem bite can be seen by experienced hunters and coroners. Why don't we find someone to take a look and clear up this misunderstanding?"

  "Jiulang smiled slightly: 'I'm not trying to get in the way of anyone, nor am I intentionally framing anyone. It's just that I accidentally found out some facts, which didn't concern me at first, and I didn't want to stir up trouble, willing to let things slide. However, someone doesn't know what's good for them, doesn't know when to stop, and insists on coming at me with a white knife and going out with a red one. For the sake of my own life, I don't want to bear the name of a person who frames others, so I have no choice but to ask everyone to judge what's right.'"

  Upon hearing this, Jiang Er Gong and Que Er Duo were both startled, not knowing what evidence Jiu Lang had grasped. He then said stubbornly: "Bring it out! Don't just talk without action."

  Jiulang looked at the two with disdain and curled up his lips in a cold smile: "What a coincidence, I happen to know several hunters in the mountains. If we ride horses from here, it will take about two hours. Otherwise, let's rest for another day and go ask them to come and see who is right, and clear one of our names..."

  Just as he finished speaking, everyone saw Jiang Er Gong's face turn pale and speechless. They all had a guess in their minds and started discussing in low voices, saying that Zhu Guo Gong was wise and capable for generations, how could he have raised such a good-for-nothing.

  Jiang Er Gong's face turned pale, he looked around blankly, and couldn't hear any sound except for a buzzing noise, which turned into mocking laughter. Everyone's expression was contemptuous and disdainful, looking down on him. He had never suffered such humiliation in his life. He tried to calm himself down, but felt indignant and unwilling to leave, yet he really couldn't stay there anymore. Jiang Er Gong's eyes became red-rimmed, and tears welled up in his eyes.

  Previously impulsive and refusing to listen to advice, he is now in such a sorry state. If he had dared to take on the hunter and confront him, designing a delay, there would have been a way to slightly cover up the situation, so as not to make it look so bad. But since he didn't, it's clear that he's guilty and afraid of confrontation. Having lost the initiative, even if he wanted to make amends, it's too late. The only thing to do now is to retreat for the time being. Disappointed, he let out a sigh and went forward to support Jiang Er Gong: "Sir, since someone intentionally wants to frame us, it's hard to distinguish between truth and falsehood. Let's go back first and find a fair solution."

  This was clearly just a way for them to save face, but Jiang Er Gong, who was sensitive and good at making connections, heard something else in it. He clenched his fists, his face twisted in a fierce expression, and said in a low, hoarse voice: "I'm not done with him! Let's go back!" After speaking, he didn't look at anyone and strode away. No one knew who the "him" he was referring to was, but it made their hearts sink.

  Jiang Er Gong has completely lost face and will not dare to show up in front of everyone for a long time, let alone try to show off or flirt with anyone again. Jiulang's goal has been achieved, so he retreated to the side and stopped speaking.

  Some people ridiculed Jiang Ergong for being extremely stupid, but others whispered: "How could such a thing not be extremely careful? It's clear that he was calculated by someone with ulterior motives. Be aware that even with day and night precautions, it's hard to guard against internal thieves."

  Upon hearing this, several people around them fell silent for a moment, as if lost in thought.

  The unease in Peony's heart grew heavier. Although this matter was Jiang Ergong's doing, and he got what was coming to him for being so reckless, she didn't think that Jiang Ergong and the people around him were all fools. They couldn't even cover up their actions properly, and it only took one night for the truth to come out. There must be someone who intentionally leaked the information. Was it Jiang Changyang? Was he seeking revenge for Jiang Ergong's intimidation of her the other day? Or was he still hiding in the vicinity? She turned around and scanned the distant mountains shrouded in mist, shaking her head lightly to deny her previous speculation. Jiang Changyang's calm personality wouldn't choose this timing even if he wanted to help her. Could it be that Jiang Ergong was just having bad luck? Peony looked up at Jiang Ergong and his group as they walked further away.

  Unintentionally, she saw the leopard trainer Ak embracing his hands standing in the distance camp, coldly looking at Jiang Er Gong and others. The kind of eyes made people very uncomfortable. Ak was very sensitive, Peony had only looked at him twice, he immediately detected it, he turned around to look at Peony, a close and friendly smile, just like when he saw her two days ago that kind of closeness. The cold and gloomy person from just now seemed as if he never appeared before.

  Because everyone in the Zhu Guo Gong Fu had left, people were not reserved, and Jiang Er Gong's matter became the most popular and hottest topic to discuss on the way back. Along with it, the matters of the Zhu Guo Gong Fu were also dug up and talked about again. Mudan quietly listened on the side, knowing that although Zhu Guo Gong Jiang Chong had a somewhat violent temper, he was usually very low-key and not enthusiastic about socializing with the wealthy and powerful people, and even the people in the mansion rarely went out.

  The people in the mansion are simple, and the one who ranks first is the old lady who was sealed as the loyal and brave national wife, who says one not two. The current Madame Zhu, whose surname is Du, gave birth to two sons. The elder is this Jiang Er Gong Jiang Changzhong, 19 years old this year, and everyone has seen that he is not good at martial arts, spoiled by his grandmother, maternal grandmother, and mother since childhood. The second is Jiang Changyi, 17 years old this year, who doesn't like to dance with knives or wield clubs, but loves to read books. These two sons are not very satisfactory to Zhu Guogong.

  In addition, there are two rooms for Mrs. Du to show her absolute difference from Mrs. Wang in virtue and to lift up the concubines. These two concubines were both brought by Mrs. Du as dowry, one had no children, and the other gave birth to a daughter who is 14 years old this year, named Jiang Yunqing, who rarely appears.

  To be honest, there's nothing much to gossip about in the Zhu Guo Gong Fu nowadays. When people talk about it, they can't find anything interesting to say about the Zhu Guo Gong Fu. They can only bring up the two wives of Zhu Guo Gong and compare them back and forth. They say that Wang Furen has a bad temper and is no match for Du Furen, not being favored by her mother-in-law, ultimately losing out. However, they also sigh that Wang Furen isn't someone to be underestimated either. At such an old age, she was still able to win over Anxi Jie Shi Fang Bo Hui. Although she's a stepmother, the position of Anxi Jie Shi has always been sensitive and important, being one of the people most trusted and valued by the Emperor. What young and beautiful woman wouldn't want that? It can be seen that Wang Furen must have something special about her.

  After finishing with his mother, he brought up Jiang Changyang and compared him to Jiang Er Gong. Someone recounted Jiang Changyang's achievements in detail, then covered their mouth and heartlessly ridiculed Jiang Er Gong. Some people even made a bold assertion that Jiang Changyang had returned this time to avenge his mother's past humiliation, and with the passage of time, the Zhu Guo Gong Fu would certainly become Jiang Changyang's domain.

  The topic behind was dragged to other things, Peony listened without interest and turned the horse around. The weather was bad that day, a bit chilly, she wrapped her cloak tightly around her body, pressing the hat down to block the piercing cold wind. She missed Jiang Changyang, what was he doing at this time?

  "Hello, He Niang." A clear and pleasant voice came from the left rear, Peony turned her head, but saw Xiao Xue Xi following behind with a smile, looking at herself. Xiao Xue Xi wore a luxurious purple brocade Hu dress, with a silk hat on his head, wearing a jade-colored cloak, with gold and jade inlaid on the waist belt, paired with a small and delicate curved knife. Her chest was full, her bones and flesh were well-proportioned, her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her smile was gentle, looking delicate but very proud of her beauty.

  What is she doing by herself? Peony hesitated for a moment, then looked at Xiao Xue and smiled sweetly: "Xiao Niang, hello."

  "What's wrong, I've been wanting to talk to you and get close to you for a long time, but these two days have been busy, and I couldn't find the right opportunity. Now that I finally have the chance, you won't think I'm being too sudden, will you?" Xiao Xue Xi's gaze was fixed on Peony. Today, Peony was wearing a sea-otter red silk woolen robe with a high collar, a black leather belt around her waist, and black high-top boots on her feet. She wore a light blue cloak with a hood, under which was a face as white as jade, with eyebrows that seemed to be painted by the heavens and lips that seemed to be colored by nature itself. The most captivating thing about her was her pair of phoenix-like eyes, which sparkled like autumn waves when she turned around, making it hard for one's soul to bear."

  "Nothing of the sort," Peony laughed. "You're being too polite, Xiao Nang."

  "I've heard of you several times before, although this is the first time we meet, He Niang." Xue Xi secretly sighed. She had only seen this woman from afar in the past, who was famous for her divorce, and knew she was a beauty. But now that they were close, she realized that "beautiful" wasn't enough to describe her. Seeing that she came over to greet her warmly on her own initiative, there was no surprise or fawning expression on her face, but rather a calm and natural demeanor, with a pretty good temperament. If there's anything regrettable, it's just that she's slightly thinner than expected.

  "Peony's face showed a hint of surprise as she raised an eyebrow and smiled: "Oh, is that so? So I'm like this?"

  Xiao Xue Xi said: "I've heard a lot about you..." She quietly observed Peony's expression, seeing that Peony only had a smile on her face, leaning in to listen carefully, without any signs of displeasure. Her courage grew a bit, "Someone like you, people would only pity and sympathize with, I don't know what day Jiang Er Lang would do such a foolish thing?"

  "Peony's expression didn't change: 'Xiao Niang misunderstood, that day was just a misunderstanding, Jiang Er Gong also apologized, I didn't take it to heart.'"

  Xiao Xue Xi fell silent for a moment, glossing over the topic, and smiled: "Jiang Er Lang is really different from his brother Jiang Da Lang, isn't he?"

  Here is the translation:

  "Ah, ah, it's really a thorough investigation, it seems that Jiang Er Gong was telling the truth. Not only does Zhu Guo Gong have this intention, but also Xiao Jia and Xiao Xue Xi herself have this intention. Why bother asking around and getting yourself into trouble by saying things that easily lead to rumors? You're not a good person! Peony smiled faintly: "It's normal, people are all different from each other."

  Xiao Xue Xi smiled and said: "That's right. Jiang Da Lang has only just returned to the capital for a short time, but his reputation is already spreading far and wide. He is indeed a hero emerging in his youth."

  Peony couldn't help but want to laugh, "A hero emerges from a youth?" Whether in ancient or modern times, Jiang Changyang's age is already not considered young, right? But on the surface, he was still serious and solemnly nodded: "You're right. Hero."

  Xiao Xue Xi's eyes naturally revealed a sense of longing and excitement: "The first time I heard about him, it was after the festival, that he could save people in such a situation, and do it so beautifully. Among the young men I know, there aren't many like that."

  "Peony could only nod and say: 'Yes, he is my benefactor who saved my life.'"

  Xiao Xue Xi's eyes lit up: "You think he's great too?"

  It's indeed good, but it's none of your business. Peony said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes: "A young hero is naturally good. Who can say he's not?"

  Xiao Xue Xi's smile became even sweeter: "However, having only archery skills and being braver than others doesn't necessarily make one the best. If we were to consider only exceptional archery skills, there are many border generals who possess them."

  "Yes." Peony smiled slightly, and didn't say more. She knew that according to the usual practice, she should immediately start praising the various merits of her benefactor, but she just didn't want to talk about Jiang Changyang's other good qualities with Xiao Xuexi anymore.

  Xiao Xue Xi waited for a while, but didn't hear Peony tell her what she wanted to know, and couldn't help feeling disappointed. Her mouth was really tight, probably not wanting to get involved in trouble. This could be understood. Xiao Xue Xi politely bid farewell to Peony and rode away on horseback.

  Xue Niang stepped forward and whispered, "He sister, she always asks you what Jiang brother is doing. Yesterday, she was laughing with those Zong Shi brothers, then went to chat with Jiang Er Gong, now she's asking about Jiang brother again, what does she want to do?"

  "Maybe it's just curiosity."

  Xue Niang said: "Zhao Erlang really got what he deserved! Zhao Dage is truly pitiful, I thought he was the eldest son, who knew it would be like this. Have you seen him recently?"

  Peony suddenly remembered the warm and powerful hands in the dark of night, as well as the heartbeat that was jumping loudly beside her ear, and the fresh scent of green grass. It had been a long time since she last saw him, and although she hadn't reached that state yet, she often thought about him. She shook her head slightly: "No, it's been a very long time since I've seen him."

  The peony's sudden fall into Xue Niang's eyes was a different scene, and Xue Niang sympathetically said: "Then you..."

  "Peony smiled slightly: 'What's wrong with me?'"

  Xue Niang shook her head with a complex expression: "Nothing." She then leaned towards Mudan and said in a soft voice, "He sister, I recently got two pieces of snow fox fur, which are thick, soft, and beautiful. Winter is coming, I'll give you one piece, you often ride horses out, it's just right to make a hatband. The remaining can be sewn into a sleeve tube. You're not allowed to decline, otherwise, I'll get angry."

  "Thanks in advance," Peony smiled faintly. "What do you want? Don't be polite."

  Xue Niang smiled sweetly and closed her eyes: "I don't want anything, just consider it a thank you for helping me with that bathroom last time." She had done many wrong things and caused Peony a lot of trouble, but Peony never blamed her. The only time she scolded her was ultimately for her own good. Lady Duan often told her that this is what friends are for. Although she couldn't do anything for Peony, she was willing to care about Peony a little more.

  As they were approaching the capital, Li Maniang rode over on her horse: "Dan Niang, are you going to follow us back to the city or return to Fangyuan? If it's the latter, we'll send you back first when we reach the entrance."

  Peony remembered that Jiang Changyang had told her to buy another person, and she also thought that he had just been rewarded and might stay in the city. If the two of them wanted to meet, it would be more convenient in the city than in the countryside. After Jiang Er Gong's big embarrassment, Xiao Xue Creek's attitude was already very clear, and Madam Zhu Guo Gong was afraid she couldn't sit still and would take action immediately. It wasn't suitable for her to be alone in Fang Garden, so it was better to follow everyone back to the city and wait quietly at home for a few days. She said, "I haven't been home for several days, I'll go back with you all."

  The crowd entered the city together, each going their separate ways. Li Maniang escorted Mudan back home. As they approached the vicinity of Zhao Guo Fang, they suddenly heard shouts and curses from behind. A large group of people arrived in a majestic manner, surrounding an eight-person white-framed sedan chair in the middle. The curtain was lowered, making it impossible to see the face of the beauty inside. However, following closely beside it, riding a tall horse and wearing deep green official robes, with a gloomy expression and piercing gaze, who else could it be but Liu Chong?

  As soon as she saw him, Peony knew without looking that the person under the eaves was none other than Qinghua County's young mistress. Now that she had become crippled, it was natural that she would no longer be able to ride her horse and show off her beauty and horsemanship skills like before. If she didn't have to go out, she wouldn't want to make a fool of herself in front of others. The curtains on the carriage naturally wouldn't be lifted.

  Liu Chang had long seen the peony, and he disdainfully raised his chin high, walking past them with a cold expression. Although the news that the Zhu Guo Gong Fu was intentionally discussing marriage with the Xiao Shang Shu family had not yet spread, he, who was always paying attention, knew about it. Even if this marriage did not come to fruition, Jiang Changyang, who had just received an official reward, would still be a target for many families as a noble son-in-law. His mouth couldn't help but curve into a cold smile, thinking: He Peony, I'm waiting to see your outcome. Thinking of the peony's hoarse and mournful cries, his heart was ruthlessly torn apart once, followed by another kind of pleasure.

  Tsinghua County's mistress lay half-reclined on the awning, gazing coldly at Liu Chong's profile through the curtain. Liu Chong had a good face and a good figure, sitting upright on his horse with a straight back, looking very attractive. Once she loved nothing more than riding horses side by side with him, galloping down wide streets, envied by others for their perfect match. But now it was different. He had flirted with women, and she was like this... She painfully clutched her leg, which was two inches shorter, the pain easing the bitterness in her heart a little.

  In two months, she would be marrying him. She had originally wanted to live with him in the county princess's estate, but he insisted that she move into the prime minister's estate. If her legs were still good, she wouldn't believe he would do this... It was clear that he looked down on her. Whatever, she thought coldly, it was a good opportunity to get rid of those people and their illegitimate children. She wasn't He Mudan, who could be manipulated by others, just wait and see.