The Cousin Is About to Marry，The Abstinent Young Lord Loses Control-Chapter 87: Breaking a Promise

Ji Mingzhu did not care about Du Peifang’s departure, and after two days, she heard that she had returned to the capital.

Upon hearing the news, she still found it hard to believe.

She always felt that this person stirring up trouble was in line with her previous behavior.

If she didn’t want trouble, after knowing that Xie Yunzhen had returned to the capital, she shouldn’t have come to the Yuan Family to say those things.

One should not have the intent to harm others, but one must always guard against being harmed.

The other party was coming for her, so it was necessary to be a bit more attentive.

Annoyed, she furrowed her delicate eyebrows; she should have sent someone to keep an eye on Du Peifang long ago.

Just hope it’s not too late to mend the fold after the sheep is lost.

With a thoughtful look, Ji Mingzhu called for Gold, "Have someone check if Du Peifang has been in contact with outsiders in the past two days."

When Ji Mingzhu arrived, she brought some of her own people.

Sending a guard to investigate would avoid troubling the Yuan Family.

Gold had served in the Duke Mansion for many years and was no easy target.

Du Peifang clearly had learned a lot of backhouse tactics. Having lost face at the Yuan Family, she might cause trouble and seek revenge.

She simply pat her hands and returned to the capital, leaving only their family’s Miss to deal with the trouble.

It’s better to be cautious.

"Miss, I’ll arrange for someone to investigate right away."

"Hmm."

Ji Mingzhu nodded, "Keep it low-key, don’t alert the Yuan Family."

The Yuan Family was simple in personnel. Occasionally, there were frictions among the sisters-in-law in the back house, but they had not reached the point of dangerous intrigue.

Continually causing trouble for the Yuan Family, Ji Mingzhu truly felt apologetic.

Gold understood, "I’ll be discreet."

On the other hand, Yuan Changan also sent someone to keep an eye on Du Peifang, fearing she might play tricks and harm Mingzhu behind the scenes.

It was he who attracted this person. If Mingzhu got hurt because of it, he didn’t know how to face her.

Upon learning that Du Peifang met with Ruan Mian, Yuan Changan knew that Du Peifang had returned to the capital, but the matter was not over.

Thinking over it, he decided to meet Ruan Mian once.

To ask if she had been troubled by Du Peifang.

Also wanted to ask if that person was trying to manipulate her to cause trouble?

Yuan Changan had promised to be honest with Ji Mingzhu and also said he wouldn’t interact with Ruan Mian alone.

But this time, he broke his promise.

Just this once, it won’t happen again.

So Yuan Changan thought.

To avoid misunderstandings, Yuan Changan did not go to any questionable venue, but instead sent a message to Ruan Mian, asking her to meet at Wangxian Building.

Wangxian Building offered a panoramic view of the city with excellent refreshments; Yuan Changan had brought Ji Mingzhu there before.

She loved eating the osmanthus cake there.

And enjoyed the scenery from there.

Without having to say anything or do anything, sitting by the window for half an hour would lift her spirits.

Hearing that the academy was in the mountains, surrounded by beautiful scenery, she had joked about moving there with him after marriage.

To experience a reclusive life.

Thinking of Ji Mingzhu, Yuan Changan’s heart softened unconsciously.

His gaze turned gentle.

He instructed a servant, "Go pack some osmanthus cake."

The servant, knowing his thoughts, suggested, "Freshly steamed osmanthus cake is best. You can pack it after you’re done, and Miss Ji can enjoy it while it’s just right."

Yuan Changan said, "I’ll just say a couple of words and leave. Pack it and wait at the carriage."

At this time, Ruan Mian arrived.

The servant bowed his head and retreated, closing the door of the box behind him.

It was already early spring, and delicate willow branches swayed outside.

Ruan Mian was dressed in a pale green skirt, adding a youthful charm compared to before.

Her long black hair was half-swept into a bun, with the other half resting on her chest.

A golden hairpin was loosely inserted into her bun, grand and luxurious.

Yuan Changan looked at her a couple more times.

Mingzhu also had several golden hairpins.

Whenever she was in a good mood, she would carefully dress up, wearing her favorite pearl and jade hairpins.

Thinking, later I’ll go to the Treasure Pavilion and pick a golden hairpin for Mingzhu.

And confess to her when I return.

That Du Peifang was his doing, and he also met with Ruan Mian.

If he’s honest, Mingzhu should forgive him.

If not, then he’ll keep apologizing, coax her, and take her out for outings.

Until she is happy.

Seeing Yuan Changan staring at her absent-mindedly, Ruan Mian felt nervous, subconsciously clasping her hands.

Amidst the nervousness, a thread of joy arose.

It seemed he really liked her attire today.

Ruan Mian lowered her eyes, her long, curled lashes concealing the shyness within.

Her slender, fair neck slightly bowed, exuding a vulnerable beauty.

"Brother Changan, what is it you wanted to see me for?"

Yuan Changan retracted his gaze calmly and sat at the table, "You met Du Peifang?"

Ruan Mian thought, so it’s really about that.

He came for the matter, not for her personally.

The root of it is Ji Mingzhu.

Since Ji Mingzhu’s appearance, he hadn’t seen her again, nor mentioned anything about her brother.

This situation had never happened before.

Ruan Mian felt a pang of disappointment.

She dared not let it be known that she was jealous of that Miss Ji from the capital.

Though Ji Mingzhu was an orphan, she was adored by the entire Yuan Family, even Brother Changan had feelings for her.

The way he left without hesitation that day was still vivid in her memory.

Ruan Mian’s jealousy grew stronger.

She knew she was full of filth, unworthy of a graceful gentleman.

She wasn’t greedy; she just wanted to stay by Brother Changan’s side, even if it meant without status or name, she was willing.

She picked up the teapot with a delicate hand, poured a cup for Yuan Changan, and served it to him submissively, just like serving a patron.

Then she sat on the side, ready to serve him at any time.

Yuan Changan frowned.

He didn’t like this look of Ruan Mian.

But there were some things he couldn’t say directly, fearing he might overstep and embarrass Ruan Mian.

Being looked at expectantly made Yuan Changan feel increasingly uneasy.

And a bit guilty.

If Mingzhu found out, she would definitely be mad at him.

After all, Ruan Mian’s current demeanor was indeed not quite honorable.

He really wouldn’t see Ruan Mian alone again in the future.

Taking advantage of drinking tea, Yuan Changan turned aside.

Waiting for her to truthfully confess what she discussed with Du Peifang.

Beneath her wide sleeves, Ruan Mian’s hand rubbed slightly, pretending not to notice his alienation.

In a gentle voice, she said, "I did meet Miss Du, it seems she had a disagreement with Miss Ji."

Yuan Changan nodded, "What did she say?"

Ruan Mian bit her lip, feigning innocence.

"Miss Du said she pitied my background and was willing to help me find out the truth."

Yuan Changan had a peculiar expression, "The Du Family doesn’t have such reach; you didn’t believe her, did you?"

"I... as long as there’s a chance, I want to try."

Ruan Mian knew it was hard to fool Yuan Changan, only by telling the truth could she continue to earn his compassion.

Yuan Changan’s gaze darkened; Du Peifang aimed to harm Mingzhu.

By collaborating with her, their target was clear.

Rage surged within him.

Yuan Changan felt like a fool, trying to pull Ruan Mian out of the mire!

He was doing right by his friend, by Ruan Mian.

Yet she repaid it by conspiring under a respectable guise to stab at his beloved.

Yuan Changan laughed in anger, "Should I commend you for being honest?"