Did you drop number 46?

In her previous life, she had deduced that Gu Lin must have conceived around this time, which was why she was somewhat prepared.

Madam Gu’s face turned ashen. “Lin Rou, how dare you! To gain entry into our Marquis residence, you not only faked a pregnancy but also falsely accused Miss Jiang. Truly, you’ve played a cunning game.”

Lin Rou anxiously shook her head, denying, “It’s not like that, it’s not like that.” Suddenly, she pointed at Jiang Shuwan. “Jiang Shuwan, did you bribe the doctor?” Then she turned to Physician Zhang and questioned sharply, “Physician Zhang, how much did she pay you to slander me like this?”

Physician Zhang was renowned for his skill; even the palace consorts would show him respect. Seeing Lin Rou accusing him thus, Jiang Xun raised his eyes and noticed the physician’s expression darken. He hurriedly whispered to Lin Rou, “Rou’er, don’t say nonsense.”

“I have served the consorts in the palace for many years; how could I be bribed by a mere maiden from the inner chambers just to frame a concubine?” Physician Zhang said coldly.

“No, it’s not like that,” Jiang Xun stepped forward and pulled Physician Zhang aside. “Physician Zhang, children often speak nonsense and say things in anger—please don’t take offense.” He then produced several silver coins and handed them to the physician.

Physician Zhang glanced at the coins, snorted coldly, and pocketed them. “Since today is her day of joy, I’ll let it slide.”

“Thank you, Physician Zhang,” Jiang Xun said with a flattering smile.

Madam Jiang, who had remained silent, finally spoke. “Though Rou’er’s pregnancy was a misunderstanding, Shuwan did indeed push her down. Rou’er was raised in our household from childhood, so Shuwan must bear half the responsibility.”

“Mother is right,” Jiang Xun replied.

Jiang Shuwan sneered inwardly. How had she failed to see in her previous life that these people were deceiving Lin Rou? Truly, she had been blind.

She looked coldly at them. “Grandmother, Father, I’ve long had a question. Why have you always been so kind to Lin Rou? Could it be, as you recently recognized her in the mansion, that Lin Rou is actually the illegitimate daughter of a concubine from our household?”

“You’re talking nonsense!” Jiang Xun roared, as if a secret had been exposed.

“Father, why are you so angry? If not, then my cousin is an outsider. Now that the heir has taken her as his concubine, if you want justice for her, you should talk to her husband’s family.”

Jiang Xun suddenly realized they were in the Pingning Marquis residence, not their Jiang household, and his face darkened considerably.

“Enough.” Madam Gu had just figured out what kind of people the Jiang family truly were. She impatiently scolded and then looked gently at Jiang Xiyu. “I don’t think the eldest miss meant to push down Aunt Rou. Let’s put this matter to rest.”

Lin Rou was unwilling. “Madam, I—”

Madam Gu cut her off. “Also, Aunt Rou, since you faked your pregnancy, stay in the residence and reflect on yourself.”

Lin Rou was completely flustered. She stepped forward and grasped Gu Xin’s hand, tears welling in her eyes. In the next moment, she wept softly, “Brother Xin, please say something.”

Gu Xin disdainfully shook off her hand.

Seeing Gu Xin’s cold expression, Jiang Shuwan sneered inwardly. The love Gu Xin once had for Lin Rou had turned to utter disgust. This man truly was heartless.

“Grandmother, as you see fit. If nothing more, I shall take my leave,” Jiang Laofuren nodded.

Gu Xin turned and walked out.

Lin Rou looked at him in disbelief. “Brother Xin…”

The passionate calls once filled with affection now meant nothing to Gu Xin, as if she were trash underfoot. His steps quickened noticeably.

Jiang Xun bowed his head slightly and pleaded with Madam Gu on Lin Rou’s behalf. “Madam, may you spare Rou’er this once for my sake.”

Madam Gu’s face remained cold. “Pingning Marquis, this is a family matter in the Marquis residence. You should not interfere.”

Jiang Xun’s face stiffened; he knew Madam Gu would not let Lin Rou off.

Lin Rou was only a concubine and dared not sever ties with the Gu family. She could only sulk, “Madam Gu is right. We shall take our leave.”

Jiang Xun gave a glance to the Jiang family and then headed outside.

“Wait.”

Suddenly, Madam Gu called out loudly.

Jiang Xun thought she had changed her mind and smiled as he turned. “Madam.”

Madam Gu ignored him, removing a bracelet from her wrist. She took Jiang Shuwan’s hand and placed the bracelet on it, gazing at her with affection. “Wan’er, this is the Gu family’s ancestral bracelet. I now entrust it to you.”

Jiang Shuwan stared at the translucent green bracelet in surprise and tried to push it back. “Madam, this is too precious.”

“Keep it. When the formal betrothal comes, the Prince of Duan told me you defended Yunting’s honor. Now that you and Yunting have set a date, and since he’s not home these days, I will give it to you on his behalf. You are the principal wife of the Marquis residence; no one may challenge that.”

Jiang Shuwan had not expected Madam Gu’s recognition. Recalling her kindness all along, warmth filled her heart. “Thank you, Madam.”

Jiang Xun listened, deeply moved. Clearly, Madam Gu valued Jiang Shuwan greatly. This cemented the ties between the Jiang and Gu families even more firmly. His Pingning Marquis title was merely honorific without real power, but marrying into the prestigious Gu family could bring only benefits.

A pleased expression crossed his face as he said to Jiang Shuwan, “Wan’er, accept this. It is Madam’s earnest intention; do not disappoint her.”

After some thought, Jiang Shuwan accepted and knelt slightly to thank Madam Gu. “Thank you, Madam.”

Lin Rou watched all this. What should have been hers was now Jiang Shuwan’s. Her fists clenched tightly, but she dared not make a scene. She could only harbor her hatred in her heart.

After Jiang Shuwan stepped outside and reached the courtyard, a sudden force pulled her into a corner. Startled, she looked up to see Gu Xin.

“Gu Xin, what are you doing? Let me go!” she struggled fiercely.

Her eyes darted around in panic. Only when she saw no one else nearby did she breathe a sigh of relief.

Gu Xin gripped her hand tightly. “Was the child in Lin Rou’s belly yours to terminate?”

“You’re talking nonsense, heir apparent,” Jiang Xun turned around at the noise. “What are you two doing?”

Gu Xin immediately released her hand.

Jiang Shuwan shot him a glare and composed herself. “Nothing. The heir apparent just told me Madam Gu had more to say to me. You all can leave first; I will go a bit later.”

Jiang Xun waved his hand. “Then let’s go.”