The cousin is beautiful but ruthless.

Chapter 26 She is innocent

Xu Ying was so focused on Qi Jiaying and Liang Siyu that she didn't notice Liang Fangfei's expression.

The old lady personally put the jewelry on Qi Jiaying's head and then called Liang Siyu over.

"Yu'er, Miss Qi treats you with utmost sincerity, so don't let her down."

Qi Jiaying looked shyly at Liang Siyu, who lowered her eyes and nodded, which could be considered as acknowledging the marriage.

Xu Ying felt a huge weight lifted off her shoulders. She glanced at Shen Hanyu, whose face remained expressionless, and she wondered what Shen Hanyu was thinking.

Shen Hanyu was looking around and was surprised to find that Liang Ruoyan was not there today. It was an important day for her brother, and Liang Ruoyan was not there.

"Hanyu, you should also come and meet Miss Qi."

Xu Ying's sudden call to name interrupted Shen Hanyu's thoughts. Shen Hanyu obediently walked over to greet Qi Jiaying.

Liang Ruoxue looked on with amusement, while Liang Fangrong's face turned ugly.

Qi Jiaying helped Shen Hanyu up.

"My cousin is really beautiful."

Qi Jiaying didn't understand the intricacies of the situation, but after Liang Siyu called her "cousin," she sincerely praised her.

Shen Hanyu smiled and said, "Sister Qi is also graceful and charming."

Qi Jiaying immediately gave Shen Hanyu a hairpin, which Shen Hanyu naturally accepted. The two got along well and didn't let anyone laugh at them.

Shen Hanyu returned to her seat, but unexpectedly met Liang Siyu's gaze. Liang Siyu's eyes lingered on her for a moment before quickly looking away.

Liang Fangfei sensed something strange amidst the harmonious atmosphere, so she took out the congratulatory gift she had prepared beforehand.

"This is for the Qi family's daughter."

Xu Ying gave Song Mama a wink, and Song Mama stepped forward to take it.

Liang Fangfei said with a smile, "Miss Qi, open it and take a look."

Qi Jiaying took it and opened it. Inside was a Ganoderma lucidum. Strangely, the Ganoderma lucidum had a faint fragrance that could only be smelled when you got close.

Qi Jiaying was puzzled, but didn't say anything, after all, it was Liang Fangfei's heartfelt wish.

"Thank you, aunt."

Seeing Qi Jiaying accept it, Liang Fangfei's smile widened.

Shen Hanyu, who had been keeping a close eye on Liang Fangfei, sensed something was wrong. Could there be something wrong with that Ganoderma lucidum?

Qi Jiaying was going to have dinner here before leaving, so everyone chatted in the flower hall for a while before heading to the front hall.

Shen Hanyu lagged far behind, pondering what had happened since Liang Fangfei arrived.

But if this matter doesn't involve her, it seems there's no need to worry about it.

Ultimately, Qi Jiaying is innocent.

Shen Hanyu sat down in the front hall with a heavy heart. Liang Fangrong looked depressed and didn't speak to Shen Hanyu. Shen Hanyu was happy to have some peace and quiet and started eating by herself.

Xu Ying stood protectively next to Qi Jiaying, while Liang Siyu did not sit with them but went to another table.

Lin Lihua's eyes were filled with sourness, but there was nothing she could do. After all, Liang Siyu was now working at the Hanlin Academy, and even if he didn't join the Qi family, he would have better options than her good-for-nothing son.

She didn't rush out because she was thinking of finding a good husband for her son, and she would inevitably need Xu Ying's help.

The old lady was delighted with the sight, but being of advanced age, she couldn't stay long and went home after a while.

Liang Sihan and Liang Siyu were at the same table, and he moved closer to Liang Siyu.

"If you had a choice, who would you choose?"

Liang Siyu frowned and pushed him aside.

"Don't talk nonsense."

He didn't know why, but everyone thought his relationship with Shen Hanyu was improper.

Perhaps he was indeed momentarily flustered, but that doesn't prove anything.

Liang Sihan assumed he was feeling guilty and scoffed before falling silent.

Qi Jiaying ate some food, but felt a little unwell, so she told Xu Ying that she was going out for some fresh air.

Following Song Mama, Shen Hanyu also declined and left the banquet.

Liang Fangfei didn't notice Shen Hanyu; she only saw Qi Jiaying leave. She glanced in Xu Ying's direction and then had her maid whisper something to He Xu.

He Xu hesitated for a moment, but ultimately left.

Aside from Qi Jiaying, the departure of these younger generation members hasn't yet drawn attention from Xu Ying, while He Xu and Shen Hanyu's departures haven't yet been noticed.

Liang Fangfei sighed, her eyes filled with sorrow.

"What's wrong?" Liang Fangrong asked.

Liang Fangfei sobbed, "My current situation is no different from my fourth sister's."

Liang Fangrong was shocked, and the others also looked over, drawn by Liang Fangfei's words.

Xu Ying frowned, but still asked with concern, "Did something happen to your brother-in-law? Is he sick or what?"

Liang Fangfei's eyes held resentment, but she concealed it well.

“He offended someone and has now been demoted. His life is not as good as before. If it weren’t for me and Ah Xu, I really wouldn’t know what to do.”

Liang Fangfei wiped away her tears, looking incredibly pitiful.

Liang Sihan listened intently, but suddenly realized that He Xu didn't seem to be there.

Lin Lihua feigned concern for a few words, and Liang Fangrong asked her, "How could this happen? Did you offend someone?"

Everyone still thought she had come to the Marquis's residence seeking help, so none of them said a word.

Liang Fangfei's eyes flickered. "They're from the Xu family."

She looked at Xu Ying, and for some reason, Xu Ying's heart skipped a beat.

She remembered that a letter had indeed been delivered to her some time ago. It was from Liang Fangfei, but she ignored it. Mainly because she was a married woman, and she couldn't interfere with the decisions the Xu family made.

Since Granny Song hadn't returned, Xu Ying could only pretend to be calm. As long as Granny Song didn't come back with any news, Qi Jiaying should be fine.

This Liang Fangfei probably didn't come to ask for her help; she deliberately chose today to cause her trouble.

If something happens to Qi Jiaying at the Marquis's residence, not only will the marriage be canceled, but it will also damage the relationship between the Qi family and the Marquis's residence.

Liang Fangfei grasped Xu Ying's hand.

"Good sister-in-law, please put in a good word for me. My husband really didn't mean to offend me."

All eyes fell on the two of them.

Xu Ying already knew Liang Fangfei's purpose, so she naturally couldn't help her anymore. She said with difficulty, "Sister, I am a married woman, and besides, how can I interfere in the affairs of the Xu family? But I will try my best to help you."

She patted Liang Fangfei's hand, agreeing but also explaining her own difficulties.

Liang Fangfei then smiled, though it carried a hint of sarcasm.

"It's my fault for bringing this up at such a happy time. By the way, why hasn't Miss Qi returned yet?"

Xu Ying's smile froze as she suddenly realized that He Xu was also gone.

"Yu'er, go and find Miss Qi."

Xu Ying asked Liang Siyu to go out. Liang Siyu was cautious in her work and would never make a mistake.

Liang Fangfei calmly drank her tea, which only made Xu Ying more anxious.

After Qi Jiaying went outside, she felt her face was a little hot. She reached up and touched it, not knowing what was wrong with her.

Her heart felt heavy; just moments ago, Granny Song had been with her, but in the blink of an eye, she had vanished without a trace.

The young maid leading the way walked ahead. Qi Jiaying pressed her hand to her chest. "Aren't we there yet?"