Chapter 26: Chapter Su Yueqing followed the maid through several winding corridors of the Xi Manor, her pace unhurried despite the fact that she was already running late for breakfast.
The morning sun had fully risen by now, casting warm golden light across the estate. Servants moved busily between courtyards carrying trays of food and fresh flowers, while guards stood quietly at their posts.
Su Yueqing, however, paid attention to none of it.
She was still thinking about the strange favorability points from earlier.
The more she thought about them, the less sense they made.
[This system is definitely broken.]
[There is no other explanation.]
[Yesterday I was accused of burning down a residence.]
[I was questioned in front of the entire family.]
[I almost got roasted alive.]
[And somehow people like me more now?]
[Who designed this nonsense?]
Soon, the maid stopped outside a large open courtyard.
Unlike the previous days where different branches of the family had eaten separately, today’s breakfast had been arranged in the central courtyard.
Several stone paths connected together around a beautiful pond filled with lotus flowers, while elegant tables had already been arranged beneath the shade of flowering trees.
The maid bowed respectfully.
"Young Madam, we have arrived."
Before Su Yueqing could respond—
A servant standing near the entrance immediately announced loudly,
"Young Madam has arrived!"
The entire courtyard became quiet.
Su Yueqing immediately felt several gazes land on her.
[Wonderful.]
[Everyone is staring again.]
[Maybe if I catch fire a second time they’ll stop.]
The moment she stepped inside, she noticed something strange.
Only the women were present.
Old Madam Xi was seated at the head table.
Beside her sat Lin Meiyun.
Xi Lanyin was nearby.
Xi Ronghua and Gu Zhen were seated together.
Xi Qianqian was present.
Gu Yue was present.
Xi Anran was present.
But none of the men were there.
Neither Xi Jianyu nor Xi Wenzhe nor the brothers had arrived yet.
Before Su Yueqing could think further—
"Sister-in-law!"
Xi Qianqian immediately stood up.
A bright smile appeared on her face as she hurried over.
At the same time, Gu Yue practically jumped out of her seat.
"Cousin In-Law!"
Even Xi Anran quickly approached from the other side.
Within seconds, the three young girls had completely surrounded Su Yueqing.
Su Yueqing froze.
[...]
[What is happening?]
Xi Qianqian gently held her arm.
"Sister-in-law, did you sleep well?"
Gu Yue nodded enthusiastically.