Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Guest Becomes the Host

Everyone had left.

In truth, Yan Hemiao was not lying on the bed without a stitch of clothing; she was simply dressed in thin garments. Such attire might be acceptable in the eyes of one’s own family, but with men from outside present, it was naturally deemed improper.

Yan Heru closed the door with a smile, but when she turned to face the others, her expression shifted to one of grievance.

“Now you see, don’t you? Eighth Sister is perfectly fine, yet you all came here to wrongly accuse me, and even brought an outsider, visiting me so late at night!” As she spoke, Yan Heru symbolically dabbed at the two tears she had managed to squeeze from her eyes with a handkerchief.

At that moment, the Deputy Minister of the Court of Judicial Review was at a loss for what to do, glancing awkwardly at Old Madam Yan.

Meanwhile, inside the room, Yan Hemiao quickly dressed and rushed out. She had no idea what Yan Heru had just said to Old Madam Yan and the others, nor was there anyone to recount those words to her, so she remained unaware of what had transpired.

All she knew was that she had just been seen by the Deputy Minister while wearing such thin clothing. Far from feeling upset, she was actually delighted.

She had long harbored feelings for the Deputy Minister, and now, this was a perfect opportunity—perhaps she could become his legitimate wife!

“Grandmother! Why have you brought Brother Jing here so late at night?” Yan Hemiao spoke with a mix of feigned anger and grievance, casting a coy glance at Jingcheng.

Jingcheng, who had ascended to the position of Deputy Minister at such a young age, was the object of admiration for many young women in the capital.

“It’s all because of your Seventh Sister!” Old Madam Yan was furious. Had Yan Heqi not been so certain, she would never have brought the Deputy Minister, an outsider, into her home at this hour.

Such a matter, if word got out, would be utterly disgraceful!

Yan Heqi, ever perceptive, knew she had acted wrongly tonight. She had initially misunderstood Yan Heru, but had failed to check whether Yan Hemiao was alive or dead, intimidated by Heru’s terrifying demeanor.

Thus, the present fiasco had unfolded.

“Yan Heqi? You brought him here?” Yan Hemiao looked at Yan Heqi.

Yet her question made everyone present think her a fool.

The Deputy Minister was not someone an ordinary daughter could simply bring home, and Hemiao was just that—ordinary.

“I...no...I...” Yan Heqi had wanted to deny bringing him, but seeing Old Madam Yan’s fierce gaze, she almost felt compelled to admit it.

“Since tonight was nothing but a misunderstanding, I shall take my leave. Old Madam, it is late; please rest early.” Jingcheng spoke and prepared to depart, but Yan Heru would not let him go so easily—the night’s drama was too rare to waste.

This was her chance to clear her name, and she immediately blocked Jingcheng’s path, much to Yan Hemiao’s displeasure.

Hemiao quickly pulled Heru aside and stood before Jingcheng herself, not noticing the Deputy Minister behind her, her face darkening.

“Yan Heru, why are you clinging to the Deputy Minister? Don’t forget you’re already married to the Ninth Prince! Are you still thinking of other men?” Hemiao looked up at Heru.

Heru found the sight amusing, yet she knew she must not let the topic shift. Tonight, she intended to use the Deputy Minister to clear her name of those accusations of impropriety—she could not let Hemiao disrupt her plan.

“No, Eighth Sister, I know I am not worthy of the Deputy Minister, nor have I ever entertained such thoughts. Tonight, with the official here, should he simply leave after a muddled case? I believe he owes me an explanation,” Yan Heru declared righteously.

Assured that Heru had no designs on Jingcheng, Hemiao relaxed but continued to stand before him.

Suddenly, Yan Heqi recalled the matter of Heru’s alleged impropriety. Perhaps mentioning it now could change the situation.

Yet, having already suffered once tonight, she hesitated. If she blurted it out, she might end up bearing the consequences herself.

Thus, she pondered how to subtly remind Old Madam Yan—it would be best for the old lady to bring it up.

As Yan Heqi deliberated over how to hint at the issue, Old Madam Yan herself broached the subject.

“Heru, I never expected you to be someone who would harm her sisters. There is no evidence that you’ve plotted against them, but the proof of your impropriety lies with me! Seeing you now, I cannot protect you any longer!”

Old Madam Yan angrily struck her cane twice, then extended her hand toward Lady Lin, who had been watching the spectacle.

Though the incident involved her own daughter, Lady Lin was timid and dared not intervene.

Seeing Old Madam’s outstretched hand, she blanked out and asked, confused, “Mother... what do you need?”

Old Madam Yan was so infuriated by Lady Lin’s question that she nearly spat blood. Granny Wang quickly prompted, “The wooden box!”

“Oh, yes! Here you are.” Lady Lin dutifully handed over the box.

Old Madam Yan glared at her fiercely before handing the box to Jingcheng, who stood nearby.

Jingcheng had no desire to accept the box; he wanted nothing more than to leave Yan Manor. In just this brief time, he had realized there were few clever people in this household.

No wonder whenever Old Master Yan was about to be promoted, rumors of family scandals would circulate, thwarting his advancement.

He had thought such rumors were purposely spread, but now it seemed some people were merely eager to expose them.

The Yan family was truly a mire, and now, unwittingly, he had stepped right in.

With Old Madam Yan thrusting the box at him, it would be inappropriate to refuse, so he reluctantly took it.

“In this box lies the evidence of your impropriety! Heru, you have truly disappointed your grandmother. It is time you suffered for your actions!”

Old Madam Yan spoke with righteous indignation, looking every bit the elder who had worried herself sick for her descendants.

Jingcheng pressed his lips together, opened the box, and took out a piece of paper. He read it—and was stunned.