In the blink of an eye, it was the day of the grand opening.
As dawn was just breaking, Jiang Fuying got up to change her clothes.
The moment she sat up, she met a pair of pitch - black, bright eyes.
Jiang Fuying was a bit confused.
The night before going to bed, the young master of the Lu family had said to her, "Miss Jiang, I have urgent business to attend to tomorrow, so I'm afraid I can't go with you."
But looking at him now, dressed neatly, full of energy, and calm as ever, he didn't seem to have any urgent business. Instead, it seemed like...
She hesitated and asked, "Young master, what are you..."
Lu Huaizhou showed his big white teeth and smiled brightly. "Miss Jiang, I've finished my urgent business. I'll go with you today."
"Okay." Jiang Fuying nodded subconsciously, then realized something was wrong. "Huh?"
Seeing that she was about to ask questions, a hint of uneasiness flashed across Lu Huaizhou's face, and he quickly changed the subject.
"It's getting late, Miss Jiang. Hurry up and wash up and change your clothes. I'll wait for you outside the door."
This was just an ordinary little episode, and Jiang Fuying didn't take it to heart.
...
At the Moonlit Pavilion in White Dew Alley, Jiang Fuying and Lu Huaizhou came hand in hand.
By the time they arrived, there was already a large crowd of guests gathered in front of the shop to attend the opening ceremony.
Jiang Fuying's autumn - water - like eyes shifted slightly. Taking a closer look, she immediately spotted several unwelcome guests.
The second and third madams, as well as her dear younger sister, Jiang Fuyue, and Pei Qing'an.
She hadn't sent them invitations from the very beginning.
They've come quite completely today.
It seems there's going to be a show today!
Lu Huaizhou also clearly noticed these people and quietly exchanged a look with her.
Jiang Fuying instantly understood what he meant: The auspicious time hasn't arrived yet. There's no need to rush for the ribbon - cutting ceremony. Let's first see what tricks they're up to.
Sure enough, just as the two of them stood still in front of the Moonlit Pavilion, a commotion broke out among the guests.
"Madam of the young master, I'm really at the end of my rope! Please forgive me this time!"
Jiang Fuying's autumn - water - like eyes suddenly darkened.
This was the voice of Zhang Laoda!
"Young master, madam of the young master, you two are kind - hearted, noble, and respected. You have power and wealth. Why do you have to hold me accountable?" Zhang Laoda rushed directly in front of them and kept kowtowing.
"Previously, I led a group of brothers to work for you. The shop was already decorated, but then it was damaged by villains. At that time, you threatened me with reporting to the official, forcing me to return the money I spent on purchasing materials for you twice over, and you didn't even pay me all the wages..."
As Zhang Laoda complained, he wiped away his snot and tears. Every word of his accusation was full of emotion.
Hearing this, many guests cast strange looks at them.
But Jiang Fuying remained completely unaffected. Her face was as calm as still water, and there was always a proper smile on her lips.
If Zhang Laoda chose to cause trouble on the opening day of the Moonlit Pavilion without someone behind the scenes instigating him, she would never believe it.
And the person behind this...
Her autumn - water - like eyes fixed steadily on the second and third madams.
The second madam looked like she was enjoying the show, while there was a faint hint of excitement in the third madam's eyes.
It was obvious who the mastermind was.
"I have a family to support, with both the old and the young. At that time, I was afraid of the official, so I had no choice but to give you the money. But I'm so innocent! I beg you to be merciful and spare me and my brothers a way out!"
Hearing this, the looks from the guests present became even more contemptuous.
The young master of the Lu family had long been infamous for his dissolute behavior in the capital. People originally thought that Miss Jiang from the Jiang family had no choice but to marry this dissolute young master.
Who would have thought that this couple was actually of the same kind, all hypocrites who pretended to be kind but bullied others with their power!
Lu Huaizhou had been a dissolute young master for so many years. He was very familiar with these contemptuous looks and could easily accept them.
But there was only one thing: They could look at him like this, but they couldn't look at his wife like this!
His wife's reputation must not be wrongly affected!
Thinking like this, a surge of anger welled up in his heart, and he subconsciously wanted to rush out and expose Zhang Laoda.
But the lapel of his sleeve was gently tugged.
Jiang Fuying whispered, "Husband, don't be impatient. Let's listen to what else he has to say."
These light words were like a gentle breeze, calming all of Lu Huaizhou's restlessness.
He glared at Zhang Laoda fiercely.
Since his wife had said so, he would let this lying Zhang Laoda go for the time being!
Jiang Fuying didn't speak very quietly, and Zhang Laoda could hear her clearly.
He suddenly felt a bit guilty and secretly glanced at the third madam in the crowd.
Before coming, the third madam had told him that today was the opening day of the madam of the young master's shop. In order to calm the public opinion, the madam of the young master would definitely give him a large sum of silver.
Moreover, the third madam had promised him that as long as he succeeded, she would give him an additional five thousand taels of silver.
Where there is a heavy reward, there is a brave man. He thought this was a sure - win deal, so he decided to take a gamble.
Receiving his look, the third madam felt it was time for her, as an elder, to uphold justice.
"Ahem." The third madam cleared her throat and walked out from among the guests. "Huaizhou, Fuying, as your elder, I have something to say."
"This craftsman has a hard life, and you come from a wealthy family. They say one should be lenient when possible. What do you think about this..."
A faint sneer curled up on Jiang Fuying's lips.
Not only did she instigate Zhang Laoda to cause trouble, but she also jumped out to play the good guy?
This third aunt had really calculated well!
She was just about to speak when a familiar figure suddenly jumped out not far away.
Jiang Fuyue looked heart - broken. "Sister, why do you have to do this? He's just a craftsman. It's not easy for him to make a living outside."
Someone with sharp eyes immediately recognized her.
"It's the madam of the young master of the Pingning Marquis, the direct younger sister of this madam of the young master!"
"Unexpectedly, she's so just and will take the initiative to speak up for a craftsman!"
A hint of pride flashed across Jiang Fuyue's eyes.
This was exactly the effect she wanted.
Rarely did someone come out to point out Jiang Fuying's faults. As long as she added a few words in support, she could gain a reputation for being virtuous and reasonable. How could she miss such a good opportunity?
"Everyone doesn't know." She turned around, facing the guests and Zhang Laoda, and "explained" for her. "Sister has been living in the inner chambers for a long time and is not good at managing the family. Maybe she's short of money this time, so she acted inappropriately."
Saying this, she bent down and bowed deeply. "As a younger sister, I'm willing to apologize to everyone on behalf of my sister. I sincerely hope that everyone can forgive her."
As soon as she finished speaking, praises came one after another.
"The madam is really kind - hearted!"
"The madam of the young master of the Pingning Marquis not only knows how to protect her elder sister's face but also shows sympathy for the craftsman's difficulties. She's truly a worthy wife of a noble family!"
Amidst the praises, Jiang Fuyue felt elated and cast a provocative look at Jiang Fuying.
The good reputation that Jiang Fuying had been longing for, she had easily obtained. What could Jiang Fuying compete with her for!
Seeing her look, Lu Huaizhou glared back without showing any weakness.
Don't look at his wife like that!
Amidst the chaos, Jiang Fuying's smile didn't reach her eyes.
Apologize on her behalf? Kind - hearted?
Today was supposed to be a great day for the opening of the Moonlit Pavilion. She originally thought it was better to keep the peace and not argue with them.
But they were all rushing to court death, forcing her to take action!
Fine!
She would grant their wish!
"Has everyone finished speaking?" She suddenly spoke up.
Zhang Laoda, the third madam, and Jiang Fuyue fell silent.
"Since everyone has finished speaking, it's my turn."
"Caipu, go to the yamen and invite the Chief Magistrate of the Capital. Caizhi, go back to the mansion and fetch the account books and evidence."
"I think it's time to settle some accounts with everyone!"