Mother, please, you must save me.

Jiang Shuwan lifted her eyes, her lids reddened, and she said timorously, "Sister, it is nothing. If I were lying, anyone here could easily verify the truth of my words. Is it because I have been motherless since childhood that you all treat me this way, Stepmother?"

As she spoke, her gaze fell upon Madam Li.

"I..."

"I have always regarded you as my own mother, but I never imagined that you knew of my being sent to be buried alive with the dead, yet you never stood up for me, nor did you even warn me beforehand. I am truly heartbroken." Jiang Shuwan’s voice was thick with tears as she wiped the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief.

"If that is the case, the Jiang family is truly despicable."

"Who can say otherwise? The eldest daughter of the Jiang family is a Jiang herself, yet for the sake of profit, they actually made her a sacrificial offering. Even a tiger does not devour its own cubs; I never expected the Jiang family to be so heartless."

"Alas, poor eldest daughter of the Jiang family. She mistook a fish eye for a pearl, believing she had a kind mother, when in fact, it was a venomous snake hiding in the shadows."

"Exactly. And you know, for all these years, the rumors of the eldest daughter being arrogant and domineering—do you think those were spread by the Jiang family as well?"

"I suspect as much."

Madam Li was stunned. She had not expected that in just a few short words, Jiang Shuwan would not only tarnish the sterling reputation she had painstakingly built over the years but also clear her own name. Her heart burned with hatred.

Putting on a facade of maternal tenderness, she stepped forward to take Jiang Shuwan’s hand, but the girl recoiled.

"Stepmother, I only spoke the truth. Please, do not hit me." Jiang Shuwan shrank back, trembling.

The crowd looked at Madam Li with contempt.

"I did not," Madam Li said, turning to the crowd and waving her hands.

"Jiang Shuwan, stop putting on this act!"

Seeing Jiang Shuwan bully Madam Li in such a manner, Jiang Xueyu could no longer contain herself. In a fit of rage, she raised her hand to strike Jiang Shuwan, only to be forcefully restrained by Madam Li.

She whispered into her daughter’s ear, "Do not be impulsive! There are so many people here; do you want them all to laugh at us? If you act out, you will fall right into Jiang Shuwan’s trap."

Jiang Xueyu regained her composure, though she could only glare at her sister with seething resentment.

Suddenly, a servant hurried out.

"Madam, the Master requests that you bring the second young lady to see him."

These words were like a lifeline. Madam Li nodded with a smile, "Tell the Master I shall be there shortly."

After the servant left, Madam Li addressed the onlookers, "Everyone, please disperse. It is merely a minor disagreement between two sisters."

With that, she took Jiang Xueyu by the hand and headed toward the mansion gate.

As she passed Jiang Shuwan, she paused and whispered, "Wan'er, I know you are angry with Xue'er, but if you have grievances, we can sit down and discuss them. If you continue to make a scene, you will not only lose face for our Earl's Mansion but for yourself as well. You are about to be married into the Marquis of Pingning’s estate; you wouldn't want the Marquis to hear of these things, would you?"

Having said this, she walked inside.

It must be said that these words struck a chord with Jiang Shuwan. She truly could not afford to let things escalate here; after all, if it went too far, there would be no benefit for her. If handled poorly, her marriage into the Marquis of Pingning’s estate could mirror the tragedy of her previous life. After all, no one wishes to marry a woman from a family with a tarnished reputation.

Regardless, she had already revealed the truth to everyone, and for her, that was enough.

"I apologize for the spectacle. My stepmother has asked me not to escalate things, so please, everyone, go on your way. I also beg you not to spread what happened here today," Jiang Shuwan requested, appearing fragile and weak.

The crowd’s hearts immediately sided with her, and they readily agreed.

Jiang Shuwan turned away, the softness in her eyes replaced by icy coldness. She headed toward the main hall, but after a few steps, a servant blocked her path.

"Eldest Miss, the Master said he only summoned the Madam and the second young lady. You need not go."

Jiang Shuwan paused, nodded, and turned toward Yulan Pavilion.

"Miss, why would the Master not let you go?" Lusu asked, looking at her with confusion.

"You stay here and find out what is happening."

"Yes, Miss." Lusu turned and left.

**

Inside the Jiang mansion’s main hall.

As soon as Jiang Xueyu and Madam Li entered, Jiang Xunnian hurled a teacup at them.

Jiang Xueyu was splashed by the hot tea and let out a loud cry.

"You still have the nerve to scream?" Jiang Xunnian pointed a finger at her, his chest heaving with fury.

Jiang Xueyu looked aggrieved, "Father."

Madam Li stepped forward to mediate, "My Lord, what has happened?"

Looking at his beloved wife, Jiang Xunnian’s temper flared even higher, "Ask your precious daughter! If it weren't for her, our Earl's Mansion would not have suffered such a disgrace!"

Madam Li knew he was referring to the sacrificial matter, so she stepped forward to pacify him, "My Lord, Xue'er is still young. Please, do not be angry with her."

"You only indulge her! Do you know what a grave crime it is to fabricate news of the Marquis of Pingning’s death? You almost brought ruin to the entire Jiang family today!"

Jiang Xueyu, feeling defiant, stiffened her neck and argued, "It was Princess Linglong who told me! Why doesn't Father confront the Princess instead of scolding me here?"

Jiang Xunnian was livid, "You—you fool! Princess Linglong has been infatuated with the Marquis of Pingning for years; do you think she would ever wish for his death?"

Jiang Xueyu muttered, "Father believed it too."

Jiang Xunnian was shamed into further rage, "How dare you answer back!"

His eyes scanned the room, landing on a feather duster held by a maid. He snatched it and shouted, "Hold out your hand! If I don't discipline you today, who knows what kind of catastrophe you will cause tomorrow!"

Madam Li signaled to Jiang Xueyu, who, now terrified of her father, instantly crumbled, "Father, I know I was wrong. Please, forgive me."

Jiang Xunnian’s anger did not subside. He said coldly, "Hold out your hand."

Jiang Xueyu clung to Madam Li’s skirt, crying, "Mother, save me! Please, save me!"

Madam Li stepped forward and grabbed Jiang Xunnian’s arm, "My Lord, Xue'er knows her mistake. Please, spare her."

In the past, Jiang Xunnian might have relented, but thinking of how the Earl's Mansion was nearly brought to the brink of disaster because of her, he shoved Madam Li aside and pointed at her, "If you dare to interfere again, I will deal with you as well!"

Madam Li stumbled and nearly fell, catching herself on the corner of a chair. She struck her waist, and beads of sweat formed on her forehead from the pain, but knowing Jiang Xunnian was in a rage, she dared not make a sound. If she provoked him further, there was no telling what he might do.

Jiang Xunnian felt a moment of regret after pushing her, but still harboring resentment toward her for Jiang Xueyu’s actions, he chose to look away.