This is a public street; it does not belong to you.

"Oh, I actually just heard that from the servants in the manor. As for why I recognize him, I happened to see Prince An during a gathering once."

Liusu did not doubt her. "Miss, do you think the Second Miss is reaping what she sowed?"

Before they had arrived, they had already investigated the matter thoroughly. Jiang Xueyu’s invitation for Jiang Shuwan to have tea was nothing more than a trap; she intended to drug the tea and then bring in a beggar to ruin Jiang Shuwan’s reputation. That was precisely why they had staged that performance in the private room. It was time for her to taste the bitterness of having her own stone fall on her own feet.

"I suppose so. She tried to steal a chicken but lost the rice instead. Since she was the one with malicious intent, this is just a small lesson for her." Jiang Shuwan’s eyes turned cold.

Liusu suddenly recalled something. "Miss, I remember you clearly drank that cup of tea. Why didn't you faint?" She had been terrified when she watched Jiang Shuwan drink it earlier.

Jiang Shuwan smiled. "Silly girl, I poured the tea I drank into this silk handkerchief." She unfolded the handkerchief, and seeing it was mostly soaked, Liusu instantly understood.

"You are so clever, Miss," Liusu praised with a smile.

"It only worked because you cooperated so well, Liusu." Flattered, Liusu shyly touched her head. "Everything went so smoothly only because of your brilliance, Miss."

"Alright, let’s go."

"Yes."

As soon as they stepped out of the tavern, Jiang Shuwan headed toward the East Street.

"Miss, we aren’t heading back to the manor? Where are we going?" Liusu asked, puzzled.

"To the pharmacy," Jiang Shuwan said calmly.

"Why are we going to the pharmacy? Miss, are you feeling unwell? Or was the poison not in the tea?" Liusu, anxious, stepped forward to hold her hand and looked at her with concern.

Jiang Shuwan felt warmed by her genuine worry. She said indulgently, "Silly girl, I am perfectly fine. We ran into Lady Li on our way out. If Jiang Xueyu returns and slanders me, I will have a reason to say I left early. Going to buy medicine will be my evidence."

Upon confirming that her mistress was indeed unharmed, Liusu breathed a sigh of relief. "You really do think of everything, Miss."

"Alright, let's go."

Halfway to the East Street, they bumped into Lin Rou, who was heading their way. Seeing Jiang Shuwan, Lin Rou’s expression shifted dramatically, and she asked in shock, "Cousin, why are you here?"

"Cousin, this is a public street, not your private property. Why shouldn't I be here?" Jiang Shuwan retorted.

Lin Rou choked on her words, her expression turning ugly. "Cousin, is there any need to be so cynical? I know you are upset that Brother Xin chose me over you, but we are in love. I never intended to steal him from you." As she spoke, Lin Rou’s eyes instantly turned red.

Jiang Shuwan looked at her coldly. "Cousin, are you suffering from hysteria? I have no feelings for Gu Xin. I am to marry the Marquis of Pingning, and he will be my stepson. Please refrain from spouting nonsense and tarnishing my reputation."

Lin Rou clenched her fists at her sides. She had not expected this woman to become so sharp-witted. "Cousin, I was only trying to comfort you because I was afraid you would be sad. Is it necessary to speak to me like that?"

Watching her act again, Jiang Shuwan felt speechless. "You are overthinking, Cousin. I am not upset; in fact, I am quite happy. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have matters to attend to."

Not wanting to play along with her drama, Jiang Shuwan walked straight past her. Watching her back, Lin Rou’s face darkened instantly. She felt as though Jiang Shuwan had become a completely different person. Suddenly realizing something, her expression shifted again, and she hurried toward the tavern.

Upon reaching the private room booked by Jiang Xueyu, she found the place in total disarray. The maid, Liutiao, was kneeling on the floor, trembling, beside a pile of pink clothing. Jiang Xueyu, wearing only her white undergarments with her hair disheveled, was frantically smashing everything within reach.

"Cousin, what has happened to you?" Lin Rou stepped forward to grab a ceramic vase Jiang Xueyu was about to throw.

Seeing it was Lin Rou, Jiang Xueyu acted like a madwoman, grabbing her hair with force. "It’s all because of you, you wretch! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have ended up like this!"

Lin Rou’s scalp burned with pain as she reached up to grab Jiang Xueyu’s hands. "Cousin, let go! You’re hurting me!" Lin Rou grimaced in pain, but she dared not scream.

"Everything I had is ruined because of you! I’m going to kill you!" Jiang Xueyu’s mind was clouded by rage; she could hear nothing, and her grip only tightened.

Unable to endure it any longer, Lin Rou shrieked, "Ah!" She grabbed Jiang Xueyu’s hair in retaliation and pulled. Jiang Xueyu wailed in pain and began kicking Lin Rou’s shins. Lin Rou dodged and kicked back, neither willing to give an inch.

Liutiao, standing to the side, was stunned. How had they suddenly started fighting like a pair of common shrews? It was the first time she had ever seen such a spectacle.

"Liutiao, are you dead? Why aren't you helping me!"

Hearing Jiang Xueyu’s roar, Liutiao snapped to her senses and rushed forward, though she didn't know how to intervene. Logically, as Jiang Xueyu’s personal maid, she should help her, but Lin Rou was the cousin of the Earl’s manor, and with the Earl and the Old Madam protecting her, she dared not lay a hand on her. She couldn't afford to offend either of them.

Closing her eyes, she threw her arms around Jiang Xueyu’s waist. "Miss, Cousin, please stop fighting! We can talk this through!"

"Are you trying to get yourself killed? I told you to help, and you’re blocking me!" Jiang Xueyu cursed as she clawed and pulled.

"Miss, the most important thing right now isn't fighting with the cousin—it's dealing with your situation! If others find out, your reputation will be destroyed!"

Jiang Xueyu’s fury suddenly dissipated. She released Lin Rou, but Lin Rou did not let go. Jiang Xueyu glared at her viciously. "Release me! You’re the one who caused this—how dare you still have the nerve to hit me?"

Lin Rou paused. She noticed the marks on Jiang Xueyu’s neck, which looked suspiciously like those left after intimacy, and recalled how disheveled her hair was when she first entered. Having experienced the ways of the world, she immediately understood what had happened and released her grip at once.

Still uncertain, she probed, "Cousin, were you..."

Before she could finish, Jiang Xueyu cut her off with an angry shout: "Shut up!" Still feeling vengeful, she grabbed a teacup and smashed it hard against the floor.

At that moment, Lin Rou understood everything.