Chapter Nine: Since Wen Qiuru is busy today, I will drag you down there with me.

“You know, Jiang Lingyao has a stubborn nature. With Lian’er’s support, she can better secure her position as the main wife.”

Pei Xingzhi refused without hesitation. Seeing the expectant look on Jiang Xiuyuan’s face, he said in a deep voice, “I will not marry Lian’er as a concubine.”

Jiang Xiuyuan bit his lip in frustration, thinking of Song Lian’er’s swollen, tear-streaked eyes, and finally spoke, “Since Brother Pei is unwilling to take Lian’er as a concubine, then… why not make Jiang Lingyao the concubine and let Lian’er be the main wife? What do you think?”

As soon as the words left his mouth, a restless itch stirred in Jiang Xiuyuan’s chest. He suddenly began coughing violently, the pain in his throat sharp as if cut by a blade, prompting him to instinctively reach for the soup beside him.

He was doing it for Jiang Lingyao’s own good.

Jiang Lingyao was spoiled and repeatedly targeted Song Lian’er, who had shown her kindness. The Pei family was a great clan—how could she firmly hold the position of main wife?

Song Lian’er was different. Gentle and sensible, she understood the bigger picture and was the most suitable to be the main wife.

Only this thought remained in his mind, and he added, “Brother Pei, both Jiang Lingyao and Lian’er will receive the same dowry. If Lian’er becomes the main wife, I will increase her dowry by twenty percent. Surely, the elders of both families will not object.”

Pei Xingzhi’s eyes were cold and indifferent as he glanced at him lightly.

…

Returning to the courtyard, Wen Qiu came over with red-rimmed eyes to support her, quietly shedding tears as they walked.

“Why are you crying?”

Jiang Lingyao smiled helplessly. “I’ve just come back safely, haven’t I?”

Wen Qiu forced a smile. “I haven’t seen Miss for so long. Just seeing you makes me want to cry.”

She quickly glanced sideways at Jiang Lingyao.

Jiang Lingyao was so thin that her skin appeared unnaturally pale, and under the setting sun’s glow, she looked frail and alarming.

Wen Qiu struggled to hold back her tears but couldn’t help sobbing softly.

Hearing this uncontrollable crying, Jiang Lingyao felt a rare twinge of grievance.

Only Wen Qiu truly cared for her in this house.

Before she could sit down, the steward hurriedly entered with a stern face. “Miss Sixth, by order of the eldest young master, you are to be confined indoors. The eldest young master says you must spend the next month reflecting and are not allowed to step outside the door even once.”

As he finished speaking, he locked the door firmly.

Jiang Lingyao was stunned. A few days ago, she was only confined to the Mingzhu Courtyard, but now she was forbidden from leaving her room at all.

Wen Qiu burst into tears, pounding on the door and shouting, “Not even allowed out the door! Does the eldest young master even consider Miss Sixth as his sister? Do the master and madam know what he’s doing?”

Jiang Lingyao tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Wen Qiu, come here.”

Suddenly, the door opened again. Song Lian’er stepped inside, raising an eyebrow. “That maid is crying so miserably. I heard it from afar and thought something had happened to my sister.”

“You!”

“Someone, take this unruly maid away. I have some words to say to my sister.”

Jiang Lingyao’s face darkened as she shielded Wen Qiu behind her, but Song Lian’er’s maid was unusually brazen, shoving her to the ground and dragging Wen Qiu away.

“Song Lian’er!”

Jiang Lingyao glared fiercely. “If anything happens to Wen Qiu today, even if I die, I will drag you down with me!”

Song Lian’er smirked arrogantly, but when she met Jiang Lingyao’s fierce gaze, a chill ran through her.

Realizing she was being intimidated, Song Lian’er sneered with anger. “Feigning power through others—now I am the jewel of the Pei household. How dare you threaten me?”

With that, Song Lian’er raised her hand high. Jiang Lingyao swiftly countered with a slap and then dashed toward the door.

“Close the door! And then all of you get out of here!”

Song Lian’er screamed. The maids outside quickly locked the door. Furious, she hissed at Jiang Lingyao, “You still dare to hide?”