Shi Qingshan quickly returned to the Prime Minister’s house. That man must have a big backing. She could only hope that no one followed her.

“Qingshan? You went outside?”

Shi Qingshan stopped and looked at the elegant and dignified woman in front of her. A wave of anger rolled through her as she recalled her mother who was framed to death.

The hand hidden in her sleeve unconsciously formed a fist while her face wore an innocent and obedient smile, “Mother, I went to pick up the kite for Fourth Sister and Wanyin.”

A flash of disdain crossed Lady Mo Yuling’s eyes, but she smiled lovingly, “How could you leave to get the kite? If some people outside see you running around, your reputation will be ruined!”

A vigorous and powerful male voice chastised, “A daughter entering and exiting whenever she pleases, what kind of education is this?!”

A tall and majestic middle-aged man walked over. In Shi Qingshan’s memories, this father-like figure Shi Mingyuan never gave her face.

Shi Qingshan seemed stunned as she lowered her head and quietly said, “Fourth Sister and Wanyin’s kite was caught in a tree. I climbed up the wall and finally found it. I didn’t expect to fall down accidently, which is why I came in from outside. Father… this is entirely your daughter’s fault so please don’t blame Fourth Sister and Wanyin.”

People who are smart would immediately understand that Shi Jingxuan and the others were bullying her again. As her father figure, how could he not know?

However, Shi Mingyuan doesn’t meet Shi Qingshan often and was just about to say something when Shi Jingxuan and Shi Wanyin walked over.

Shi Jingxuan bluntly chastised, “Qingshan, why did you take so long to pick up a kite? Did you go out for a loop or something?”

“Father, Mother,” Shi Wanyin timidly paid her respects.

Shi Jingxuan glared at Shi Qingshan and opened her mouth after doing a formal greeting, “Father, Mother, Qingshan said she would go get our kite for us but where is it? I believe she just slipped out to play!”

“I didn’t…”

“You definitely went out to play, yet you want to blame it on me!” Shi Jingxuan indignantly cried.

There was a coldness hidden deep within Shi Qingshan’s eyes. Shi Jingxuan had always been this way: complain and push all the blame onto someone else.

The madam glanced at Shi Mingyuan and smiled, “There are always children who like to play so Qingshan, just tell Mother first next time you want to go out.”

Shi Jingxuan’s face was radiant.

The madam’s words implied that she sided with Shi Jingxuan and Shi Qingshan looked up at them with an expression of having been wronged, “Fourth Sister, I wanted to cover up for you at first, but you actually blamed me like this! I…”

“Shi Qingshan, what the heck are you talking about? I don’t have anything to cover up!” Shi Jingxuan’s eyes widened.

Shi Mingyuan and the madam’s eyes hovered over the two sisters.

Seeing their hesitation, Shi Qingshan opened her mouth, “The young master from the Luo family had long been waiting under the courtyard wall. When I fell, he took Fourth Sister’s kite and ran away happily, calling it a sign of Jingxuan’s acceptance or something like that…”

“You…” Shi Jingxuan was stunned, her face red with fury.

The commotion was big and Shi Chenghuan also hurried over. After paying her respects, she softly asked, “What happened?”

Seeing Shi Chenghuan, Shi Jingxuan pointed to Shi Qingshan and complained loudly, “Second Sister, Qingshan not only didn’t get my kite but also blamed me for it! You must help me settle my grievances!”

Shi Chenghuan kindly turned to Shi Qingshan, “Qingshan, was there some misunderstanding here?”

Shi Qingshan’s eyes were red as she shed tears of indignance, “Second Sister, I’m telling the truth! You also know that last time Master Luo brought Young Master Luo here, Young Master Luo and Fourth Sister got along best! He even frequently sends her little gifts!”

The Luo’s family unruly young master, Luo Feifan, was invited to the Prime Minister’s house and saw the beautiful young ladies, but only hooked up with the dumb and brainless Shi Jingxuan.

The sisters all knew about this incident and they all looked at Shi Mingyuan.

Shi Chenghuan thought for a moment and smiled at Shi Mingyuan, daggers hidden behind it, “Jingxuan is clever and cute. For Young Master Luo to take a fancy to her is normal.”

The madam smiled and continued, “Chenghuan is correct. Qingshan, no need to bring up these past matters anymore. No one blames you for going out to play.”

Even Shi Mingyuan gave Shi Chenghuan a praising glance and a deep coldness flashed across Shi Qingshan’s eyes. She burst out in tears, “But I didn’t lie! Young Master Luo thought I was a maid and even handed me a note after taking the kite! He told me to be sure to deliver this to Fourth Sister.”

“Nonsense! Father, she wants to frame me!” Shi Jingxuan gritted her teeth in fury.

Shi Mingyuan only gave a piercing gaze, “Qingshan, where is the note you speak of?”

Under everyone’s gazes, Shi Qingshan quietly took out a strip of paper from her sleeve and handed it to Shi Mingyuan.

The note said, ‘My lovely Xuan’er, days are intoxicating and nights are like a dream. -From Feifan.’ Shi Mingyuan’s face turned unsightly, “You dare say Qingshan framed you?!”

Shi Jingxuan panicked and read the note herself. Her lips were white as she pleaded, “No! This… I… I didn’t! This must be written by Shi Qingshan! Father, don’t believe her lies!”

Shi Chenghuan frowned and also read it, still playing the part of a good person, she placated, “Father, there may be a misunderstanding somewhere.”

“What misunderstanding?!” Shi Mingyuan angrily retorted, “Do you think I’m blind?! Do you think I wouldn’t recognize Luo Feifan’s writing?!”

Shi Mingyuan was far from incompetent. He had studied calligraphy for a long time and never forgot a person’s calligraphy after he saw it once. That’s why he could instantly recognize Luo Feifan’s words.

Shi Qingshan’s mother Jiu Liu was a talented woman, her knowledge one step higher than that of Shi Mingyuan. Therefore, she had taught Shi Qingshan various things since she was young.

Shi Qingshan had seen a love letter Luo Feifan wrote to Shi Jingxuan once during her past life. His writing was terrible and his penmanship could only be considered barely neat.

Therefore, it was easy to imitate Luo Feifan’s calligraphy.

Shi Qingshan quietly said, “Young Master Luo also said that Fourth Sister must absolutely bring that red jade bracelet to meet him. If that bracelet isn’t good enough, he’ll send a better one to Fourth Sister.”

“Shi Qingshan!” Shi Jingxuan trembled with anger and raised her hand to hit her. However, everyone stared with burning eyes at her raised hand’s wrist.

Shi Jingxuan quickly reacted and hid her wrist. Her face paled as she explained, “Father, please listen to me! It’s not like what you think!”

“What else needs to be said?!” Shi Mingyuan angrily yelled.

Even though he rarely sees Shi Qingshan, there should still be no reason to frame Shi Jingxuan that slut. “You’re wanton and even bully your younger sisters! Looks like I am too lenient on you!”

The reputation of an unmarried young lady was very important! In her past life, Shi Jingxuan was able to cross the sea through unhanded means, but Shi Qingshan won’t make it easy for her this time around!

“Father…”

Shi Chenghuan still wanted to be the mediator but shut up with a glare from the madam. She clamped her mouth shut and listened to Shi Mingyuan’s punishment.

Shi Qingshan naturally noticed this detail. Shi Chenghuan was used to playing the good person, but the madam was different. She observed the situation and knew the right words to say at the right time.

For example, the madam was able to clearly discern the situation. Shi Mingyuan was keen on reputation and Shi Chenghuan pleading on Shi Jingxuan’s behalf would not only lower her good name but also the madam’s reputation.