In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, the Jiangs make a strategic move to secure a marriage alliance between a late bloomer, Jiang Ying, and the crown prince, Lan Xichen. However, their plans are disrupted when Jiang Ying is abducted before the mee...
The cold air brushes against exposed skin, carrying the weight of the moment. The person before Yu Ziyuan stands tall, their features unveiled to all who watch. Murmurs begin to ripple through the crowd as the truth dawns on them. Yu Ziyuan's eyes narrow in recognition, a mix of betrayal and disbelief evident on her face. "You!" Before she finds the right words to speak, Hu Xiaoting steps forward and slaps the one who brings shame upon her family.
"Mother," the person gasps, holding a hand to their stinging cheek.
The pavilion falls silent, all eyes now on Hu Xiaoting as she stands tall, her eyes blazing with fury. "Shut up, Mianmian! You have brought dishonor to our family by playing such a treacherous game with the crown prince. I taught you well, groomed you to be a woman of integrity and honor, and yet here you are, destroying everything for your selfishness."
Jin Mianmian looks down, her cheeks flushed with shame as she struggles to find the right words to defend herself. The weight of her mother's disappointment feels heavy on her shoulders, making it hard to breathe. She knows she has made a grave mistake, one that may have far-reaching consequences, but she has no choice. She opens her mouth to speak, but no words come out, only a sense of deep regret and sorrow.
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Jiang Yanli watches Jin Mianmian in silence, trying to process everything one by one. Something clicks into place, not everything, so she decides to clear her one doubt. "Are you the mystery maiden?"
Jin Mianmian remains silent, her eyes downcast and hands trembling. But the tears pooling in her eyes give Jiang Yanli the answer she needs. Realizing something more is at play, Yu Ziyuan grabs her daughter's arm and turns her to make eye contact. "What mystery maiden?"
Jiang Yanli flinches at the authoritative tone but calms herself and explains what is needed. "Mother, three days ago, a maiden tried to enter A-Ying's room without permission. She was wearing a veil and seemed to be hiding something. I tried to confront her, but she trapped me in a room and..."
"Why didn't you inform me?" Yu Ziyuan snaps, and Jiang Yanli falls silent, trembling. Clenching her jaw, Yu Ziyuan turns back to Jin Mianmian and scowls. "Did you have any say in this, Mianmian?"
Hu Xiaoting's face turns red, more from anger than shock. She turns her daughter toward her and grips her shoulders firmly. "Say something! Did you trap A-Li in a room?"
"I'm sorry, Mother," Jin Mianmian stammers.
Unwilling to hear any more excuses, Hu Xiaoting hits her daughter mercilessly, ignoring the gasps and protests of those around her until the truth is forced out. "I-I had no desire to hurt either Jiang Ying or Jiang Yanli. I was forced to... not by someone, but by Father," Jin Mianmian cries. "He convinced me that it was for the best. You were upset with Brother for breaking the engagement with Jiang Yanli, so I believed you would be happy if I claimed to be the prince's mate."
Hu Xiaoting wants to hit her daughter again for her stupidity, but she holds back, feeling a mix of anger and pity toward her. She never imagined that her husband would manipulate their daughter in such a way, using her as a pawn in his political games. She shakes her head and places a hand on Jin Mianmian's shoulder. "I was upset not because of the engagement breakup, but because of your brother's stupidity. He lost a precious treasure that he didn't deserve in the first place. Now, you have done the same and brought shame upon our family. You should have confronted me rather than followed your father's footsteps."
