Chapter 56: Why was the person having a secret tryst with Jiang Lingyao none other than him!

The group proceeded together toward the teahouse.

Jiang Xiushu’s face was restless, but Song Lian’er, seizing the moment when no one was paying attention, stepped forward quietly and whispered, “Third Brother, Lian’er knows you’re the most soft-hearted, but Jiang Lingyao seriously injured you. You’re still limping, yet you’re thinking of forgiving her?”

He flinched. “Impossible!”

Indeed! Although Jiang Lingyao had helped him get rid of Jiang Xiuyuan, she had also gravely wounded him. Those final lashes—she delivered them with more cruelty than the executioner’s assistant. How could he possibly forget?

Jiang Xiushu’s earlier agitation vanished; his brow furrowed tightly. “Let’s go.”

Tch, Jiang Lingyao deserved it!

Song Lian’er lowered her eyes, concealing the smile flickering there.

Foolish—such a perfect opportunity, of course she wouldn’t let it slip.

Jiang Xiushu thought Jiang Lingyao was merely asleep?

No, no, no. If they barged in now, everyone would see her lying with two gamblers—one woman and two men—a scandalous sight beyond reproach.

Her smile deepened as she quickened her pace.

Upon reaching Mingqu Tower, the proprietor hurried to block their way, his face betraying a hint of panic Jiang Xiushu hadn’t noticed.

“Hey! There’s an honored guest on the second floor. What do you think you’re doing?”

Jiang Xiushu frowned, his voice firm. “My sister is upstairs. Of course I’m going to see her.”

The proprietor recalled the blade pressed against his neck moments earlier and panicked. “There’s no sister here! Upstairs is a distinguished guest! This is Mingqu Tower. Are you trying to cause trouble?”

Impatient, Jiang Xiushu pushed him aside and strode upstairs, abruptly opening the door to the largest private room.

“Bang—”

He froze in place, instinctively stepping back.

Song Lian’er was slower and saw his hesitation with delight.

It seemed their plan was succeeding.

What must Jiang Xiushu be feeling now? Regret? Fear? Worry?

None of that mattered. Just as Jiang Xiuyuan dared not let outsiders know he had Jiang Lingyao take the blame, Jiang Xiushu would never allow anyone to know he had harmed his own sister with his own hands.

Moreover, now that Jiang Xiushu was determined to claim the position of heir, he wouldn’t need to lift a finger; he would erase all the evidence himself.

She was thrilled, triumphant even—her steps trembling slightly—until the scene within the private room came into full view. Suddenly, her eyes widened in shock, as if doused with ice water.

Inside were Jiang Lingyao and Pei Xingzhi!

Why Pei Xingzhi? Why was it Pei Xingzhi? Could it be… could it be that Jiang Lingyao and Pei Xingzhi—

Song Lian’er’s vision darkened, and she collapsed to the floor, overwhelmed by joy and sorrow, unable to speak, her gaze fixed on the two.

Madam Jiang, who had arrived behind, gasped, “Prince Pei? Why are you here?”

Her eyes landed on Jiang Lingyao lying on the nearby couch, her expression darkening.

The Duke’s eyes grew cold; he furrowed his brow. “Prince Pei, what have you done with my daughter?”

He spoke without realizing his tone had softened.

“Sir, Madam Jiang, Third Young Master Jiang, Fourth Young Master Jiang, Lian’er,” Pei Xingzhi rose, his expression calm. “I was just about to escort Mingzhu back to the residence.”

Song Lian’er burst into tears. “Brother Pei, how could you… Did Sister use some underhanded trick on you? Why are you with her?”

She stared at Pei Xingzhi, noticing his clothes were slightly disheveled, the hem torn, and the sleeve’s fabric darkened as if soaked.

Tears streamed down her face. “Brother Pei, didn’t you promise Lian’er that you would…”

She sobbed, unable to continue, supported by the silent Jiang Xiumo at her side.

Jiang Xiushu was also stunned, unable to believe it. “No, no, that can’t be right. Why… I didn’t…”

Realizing he almost spoke too much, he bit his tongue hard to swallow the words.

The commotion drew others from the adjacent rooms, who glanced inside and stared at Pei Xingzhi in shock.

What was this? Could it be that the Jiang family lady was caught meeting privately with Prince Pei, causing all this turmoil?

A sharp intake of breath.

Pei Xingzhi’s expression faltered slightly. “Too many people here. Perhaps we should return to the Prince’s residence first?”

As he spoke, he carried Jiang Lingyao in his arms, nodded slightly to the Duke, covered her face with a handkerchief, and took her downstairs to the carriage.

His gaze darkened as it settled on her face, a reluctant anger stirring within.

He hated his own softness.

But when he recalled the wound he had just seen, he understood how much effort Jiang Lingyao had made to stay conscious. Her thigh was drenched in blood; one inch deeper would pierce an artery and she would bleed out.

Silently, he watched her, his hand unconsciously brushing her cheek.

At that moment, Jiang Lingyao’s eyes shot open.