If others do not offend me, I will not offend them.

Resentment—ah, the electricity was out all day, and only just now has it returned, so the update is late. My apologies. I’ve posted two chapters today as compensation.

As soon as Lady Du spoke, not only did Ning Qian’s expression change, but so did those of all the women from the Yu family. If it weren’t for the presence of the Lady of the House, they might have responded less politely.

The Lady of the House’s curiosity was piqued. “Those words sound strange. How could Qian Qian be found lying at the gate of the Ning residence? For a young lady of the Ning family to encounter such a thing—is this some sort of jest?”

If not for Nian Yu grasping her hand, Shuni would have rushed forward to confront Lady Du. Held back, she turned and whispered, “Sister Nian Yu, why are you holding me back? Didn’t you hear what she said? She’s slandering our mistress. Let me go, please.”

Nian Yu widened her eyes at Shuni. “What are you doing? Is this the place to act out? Don’t you see the Lady of the House is here? Stop speaking; our mistress will know how to handle this.”

Shuni fumed, but she knew Nian Yu was right. This was not a problem a mere maid could solve. For the first time, she resented her humble status. If only she were more than a lowly servant, perhaps she could help Ning Qian.

Lady Du, hearing the Lady of the House’s question, quickly stood and replied, “Madam, regarding this matter…” She glanced at Ning Qian, seeming to hesitate.

The Lady of the House’s curiosity grew. “What is it? Is there something difficult to say? Or is there some secret? If it’s truly a secret, then let it be—I don’t wish to pry into others’ privacy.”

The old matron secretly exhaled in relief. She had feared all day that Ning Qian’s incident would be brought up. Her nerves had been stretched thin, and now it had come to pass.

Lady Du looked at Ning Qian, then at the Lady of the House, finally leaning forward. “Madam, this matter is no secret in Huizhou; nearly everyone knows about it.”

The Lady of the House turned fully toward Ning Qian and her companions. “Oh? It’s become such a sensation? How curious. Qian Qian, is this something that can be told, or not? If it troubles you, then say no more. I don’t wish to expose your affairs.”

Ning Qian forced a bitter smile. She certainly didn’t want to speak. But seeing the Lady’s obvious curiosity, she feared that even if she refused, Lady Du would surely reveal it.

The old matron gave a cold snort. “Qian Qian, the Lady of the House has asked you—why do you not answer?”

Ning Qian was caught in a dilemma: on one side, the Lady’s curiosity; on the other, her own reputation. She truly did not know how to choose. Just then, a maid rushed in, announcing that Yu Ziqi wished to see them.

The Lady of the House looked with surprise at the old matron beside her. “Why would Ziqi come at this hour? Let him in.”

Ning Qian breathed a silent sigh of relief. Thankfully, Yu Ziqi had arrived. Otherwise, she wouldn’t know how to answer, and might even offend the Lady.

Yu Ziqi entered, led by a maid. He did not look at Ning Qian, but walked past her. Standing before the Lady of the House, he bowed deeply. “Madam, peace be upon you.”

“No need for such ceremony—you’re not a stranger.” Once Yu Ziqi straightened, the Lady continued, “Ziqi, why are you here? We’re all women here; if you have no business, you may withdraw.”

Yu Ziqi turned to Ning Qian, beckoning her. “Madam, my wife and I have just married, and we have yet to pay our respects to you together. Permit us to offer our formal greetings.”

The Lady of the House smiled gently. “Very well, Qian Qian, come quickly.”

Ning Qian hurried to Yu Ziqi’s side, and together they bowed deeply before the Lady. Watching them, she smiled repeatedly. “Truly, a perfect match—a union of talent and beauty. Since you’re here, Ziqi, stay and keep Qian Qian company for a while. It’s been too long since I’ve seen you.”

“Thank you, Madam.” Yu Ziqi smiled and led Ning Qian back to their seats. A sharp-eyed maid promptly brought stools and tea.

“So, where were we?” the Lady of the House asked.

Lady Du immediately replied, “We were discussing that well-known incident.”

“Meng’er, do not speak nonsense,” Lady Du Wang, the wife of the magistrate, glared at Lady Du the Third.

Lady Du the Third sat down, pouting in grievance. She had deliberately brought up the matter today. Everyone was saying she’d picked up what others discarded, that she was a substitute, and could never compare to Ning Qian. Proud as she was, these rumors infuriated her. Given the chance, how could she not trouble Ning Qian?

Yu Ziqi glanced at the silent, downcast Ning Qian. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“If you’re fine, why do you look so troubled?”

“I…”

Before she finished, Lady Liu across the table spoke. “Lady Du the Third? Why aren’t you speaking now? I’m curious, too—don’t tell me you’re making things up?”

Lady Du the Third bristled. “I am not making things up, Lady Liu. You’re too ignorant, aren’t you? Everyone in Huizhou knows about this. Don’t you know about the wedding abduction? Lady Yu the Third was taken by bandits on her wedding day, and only returned after several days. Coincidentally, I saw her when she was released—she was lying at the gate, her clothes in disarray. I swear I wasn’t mistaken, truly, I wasn’t!”

Her words fell like a heavy stone into calm waters. Apart from the Lady of the House, everyone lowered their eyes, their expressions flickering. They all knew the story, but none expected Lady Du the Third to voice it openly and offend others—was she a fool?

Yu Ziqi’s brows furrowed deeply, his gaze landing on Lady Du the Third. This wretched woman, always seeking trouble.

After a long silence, the Lady of the House recovered. “How could that be? Didn’t Qian Qian marry Ziqi? I never heard of any abduction.”

With a sudden motion, Yu Ziqi pushed aside his chair and stood. He swept his eyes across the gathering, fixing his gaze on Lady Du the Third. “What abduction? What disheveled state? Are you implying that my wife was no longer pure when she married me?”

Ning Qian’s body trembled, unable to believe what Yu Ziqi had just said. He had spoken such words—did he want to shame her further?

Under Yu Ziqi’s sharp gaze, Lady Du the Third lowered her head in fright. His look was so piercing, as if reading her soul, she could not remain composed.

Yu Ziqi looked around again, speaking with unwavering resolve. “I know all of you have mocked my wife behind her back. About the abduction, you have all misunderstood her. Now, before the Lady of the House and everyone here, I clarify: my wife married me as a pure woman.”

He turned, took Ning Qian’s hand, and repeated firmly, “As her husband, I am the one most qualified to speak of her purity. You may have doubts, but I tell you—this is the truth.”

Though Yu Ziqi’s words lacked evidence, his presence subdued those in the room, making them reconsider—was it merely a rumor?

“Enough, Ziqi, sit down,” the Lady of the House waved him back. Once seated, she continued, “Though I wasn’t present, I believe Ziqi’s words. A woman’s reputation is no trivial matter. I detest those who joke about such things. Qian Qian, I trust your purity. Don’t let such gossip anger you. Whatever others say, as long as you and Ziqi know the truth, that’s what matters.”

Her words ensured that, henceforth, no one present would dare speak against Ning Qian in public. Though behind closed doors, who could say?

Ning Qian and Yu Ziqi rose and bowed deeply once more. The Lady gestured at them. “Enough now, Ziqi. Qian Qian seems tired—why not accompany her home?”

Yu Ziqi understood this was her way of sending them away. Their presence only brought awkwardness. He made his farewells and led Ning Qian and her entourage out.

After their departure, the Lady and her guests soon dispersed as well. The day’s events were a farce; save for the Lady, none left content. Least pleased were Shuni and Nian Yu, while Ning Qian herself seemed oddly unruffled.

Watching her quietly eat, Yu Ziqi felt a sudden pang of sympathy. He reached out and took her hand, speaking softly, “Wife, are you not angry? If you’re upset, you can cry—I’ve heard it helps.”

Ning Qian tilted her head, studying his anxious expression, then burst out laughing. This man truly didn’t know how to comfort someone. “Did I hear correctly? You heard that from someone—who? If I’m not mistaken, does that mean you’ve cried, too?”

Yu Ziqi turned awkwardly away. “A man’s tears are not easily shed. Why would I cry? I just don’t want you to hold your sorrow inside. Isn’t it easier for a woman to cry?”

“Who says a man’s tears are not easily shed? It’s just that he hasn’t reached heartbreak yet. You have your own sorrows, don’t you? You could try letting them out, too.” In truth, Ning Qian wanted to say it was his stubborn masculinity at work.

Yu Ziqi patted her head. “Seems you truly are fine—good. I think they won’t dare speak like that again.”

Ning Qian smiled. “I really don’t care what they say. Nothing they say will hurt me. The angrier I get, the happier they are—I won’t let them have that satisfaction.” Whether you call it the spirit of A-Q, or something else, she simply refused to let unhappy matters affect her mood.

Life is but a few decades; whether happy or unhappy, it passes all the same. Even a fool would choose happiness, wouldn’t they?

“Ziqi, were you close with the Lady of the House before?”

Yu Ziqi’s hand shook, dropping a piece of meat onto the table. He coughed lightly, then picked up some fish and put it in his mouth. “Why do you ask? The Lady has visited our home a few times, and I’ve only met her with my parents.”

Ning Qian looked at him skeptically. She didn’t believe him at all. From their interaction in the pavilion earlier, it was clear they were more than mere acquaintances.

She had seen a familiar look in the Lady’s eyes—a look of affection. She swore she hadn’t misread it. Besides, he had been so flustered he’d dropped his food—wasn’t that proof enough?

“Ziqi, are you telling the truth?”

“You don’t believe me?”

“If I said I don’t, would you tell me the truth?”

“I already did.” Setting his chopsticks aside, Yu Ziqi stood. “I have things to attend to. Take your time eating.” Watching his retreating figure, so obviously escaping, Ning Qian smiled silently. But her expression soon grew cold.

“Nian Yu, Shuni, come in.”

The two entered. “Mistress, do you need something?”

Ning Qian tapped the table, her face stern. “Was it Lady Du Chengyang who brought up the abduction today?”

“Yes, it was her. They say her family is a scholarly household, but she doesn’t seem the part. I think she’s just bluffing. That woman—how could she be a proper lady? She’s clearly a gossip. To bring up such matters before the Lady—truly detestable.”

“Shuni, do you remember my motto?” There was a wicked undertone to Ning Qian’s voice.

Shuni perked up. “Mistress, I know—it’s ‘If others don’t offend me, I won’t offend them.’ Mistress, do you have a plan? That woman is so awful, we must…”

“Mistress, she’s now part of the magistrate’s household. Should we just let it go?” Nian Yu, who had grown up with Ning Qian, knew exactly what mischief they were plotting.

“No, we can’t let it go. I detest that woman,” Shuni objected immediately.

Ning Qian wagged her finger. “This must be done. ‘If others don’t offend me, I won’t offend them.’ But since she provoked me, she must be prepared for the consequences. I am not someone who stands idly by and lets others bully me. I will make it known—I am not to be trifled with. Come here, this is what you’ll do tomorrow.”

The three gathered to plot, their conversation punctuated by Shuni’s sinister, conspiratorial laughter.