Chapter 383

Jiang Liangjin kept a calm face, "Earl, you flatter me."

Mu Youyu listened from the side, lifting her chin, but she remained composed and calm.

The Earl noticed, inwardly amused, but he preferred to see through without saying anything; he promptly set aside idle chatter and turned to the matter at hand.

"Your Highness," he said solemnly, "that unworthy scion is my younger brother's son; for years he has been secretly contacting the remnants of the old nobility from ten years ago. He intends to use them to stir up trouble in Y country and, incidentally, push for major reforms in both nations alongside others."

"I have no sons; the heir of the Lilian Kane family ought to be chosen among my nephews. By seniority, he is the most promising, but he is impatient and cannot wait. Thus he wants to use outside help to seize the position early."

Mu Youyu sorted out the context: "He wants to use those people to stir up chaos in Y country, then seize the chance to take power?"

Jiang Liangjin seemed to recognize something... After all, it's still about inheritance rights; the noble circle is truly chaotic.

Upon hearing this, his expression turned cold.

No matter the other party's intent, any harm to her, however slight, is unforgivable and deserves death.

The Earl nodded, "He may think he's acting covertly, but he doesn't realize that behind those people, someone else is pulling the strings."

Jiang Liangjin's eyes flickered, "You mean he's being used as a pawn?"

I just don't know if it's the same as his and Mu Xie's investigation.

The Earl fell silent for a moment, then spoke slowly: "He indeed wanted to use those people to rise to power, but behind them there is another group. That group is the true mastermind."

Mu Youyu and Jiang Liangjin exchanged a glance.

The Earl continued: "That group is likely targeting the Paveika family; their true goal is the Paveika family, or rather, the young master Ai Luoxiu."

Mu Youyu's heart tightened: "My brother?"

The Earl nodded firmly, his tone grave: "Your Highness, you should know better than I the status of Young Master Ai Luoxiu in Y country. He is the heir of the ducal mansion, the most dazzling figure among Y country's youth, even more radiant than Princess Zhenli. Those who would move against him are not just one or two."

Mu Youyu didn't press further, turning her head to Song Ze Yi: "Xiao Yi, any news from my brother's side?"

Jiang Liangjin gave him a look; Song Ze Yi stepped forward half a pace: "The young master's side has already identified several suspicious individuals."

Upon hearing this, the Earl's heart jolted.

Young Master Ai Luoxiu is personally investigating? Then this matter probably won't be easily resolved.

Mu Youyu nodded satisfied, then turned back to him: "Earl, besides apologizing, do you have any other business today?"

The Earl realized she was giving him the dismissal, he stood: "Your Highness, I came today mainly to express my apologies to you and the Paveika family, and furthermore..."

He took out an exquisite badge from his pocket, presenting it with both hands: "This is the token of the Lilian Kane family; whoever holds it can mobilize all resources within the family's sphere of influence. I present it to Your Highness as compensation."

Mu Youyu looked at the badge, not taking it immediately.

Song Ze Yi's eyes flashed, he immediately signaled Jiang Liangjin: "Hurry up and take it! Not taking it would be pointless!"

With fiery eyes, Jiang Liangjin glanced at him, reached out and took it, examined it carefully, then said: "Then I'll accept it on the princess's behalf."

Mu Youyu also didn't know what Jiang Liangjin wanted the token for; it was useless to her, she said: "I accept the Earl's good intentions, but as I said, how this matter is handled still depends on my brother's opinion."

The Earl dared not object: "That's right, that's right."

Mu Youyu stood: "Then please take your leave, Earl; I'll have someone see you out."

"Good." The Earl stood up sensibly: "Your Highness, I've said everything I needed to say. He has already been detained by me and can be handed over to the Paveika family at any time. As for that group, I will continue investigating and will inform you immediately of any news."

Mu Youyu acknowledged, and Jiang Liangjin spoke for her: "Thank you, Earl."

The Earl waved his hand: "That's right."

He turned to leave, but suddenly stopped, turned back to look at Mu Youyu with a very serious expression: "Your Highness, there is something I don't know whether I should say."

Mu Youyu's curiosity was piqued: "Earl, please speak."

"In this noble circle, interests come first, people's hearts are unfathomable." The Earl's gaze carried the earnestness of someone who has been through it: "You must remember, a soft heart is the most fatal weakness."

She is Ai Luoxiu's weakness.

Mu Youyu paused a moment, then slowly nodded: "I will remember."

The Earl smiled, said nothing more, turned and left, with Song Ze Yi following behind to see him out.

Once again quiet, Mu Youyu leaned against the sofa, watching the sleeping glutinous rice, and sighed.

Jiang Liangjin lowered his head to look at her: "What's wrong?"

Mu Youyu shook her head: "Nothing, I just feel these matters are very complicated."

Jiang Liangjin reached out to ruffle her hair: "Don't overthink it; with your brothers around, you can do whatever you want."

Mu Youyu lifted her face to look at him: "And you?"

Jiang Liangjin met her gaze, the corners of his mouth slightly lifting: "I'm here too."

The two sat quietly for a while, then Mu Youyu suddenly said: "A Jin, he originally had the best chance to become heir, but because he couldn't wait, he went down the wrong path; now he not only lost his inheritance rights, but can't even stay in the family."

Jiang Liangjin's tone carried a hint of worldly-wise coldness: "Everyone must bear responsibility for their own choices."

Mu Youyu looked up at him, she fully agreed with that statement; no matter what, that person brought this upon himself, quite deserved.

Seeing her thoughtful expression, Jiang Liangjin couldn't resist pinching her cheek: "Alright, don't think about this anymore; what do you want to do this afternoon? I'll keep you company."

Mu Youyu thought for a moment: "I want to go to the studio."

"Sure, I'll go with you." Jiang Liangjin agreed readily, reaching out to help her up.

The two stood up, about to head out, when the door was pushed open again; Mu Xie stood in the doorway, followed by Jun Chenling and Ting An.

Mu Youyu blinked: "Brother, why are you here?"

Mu Xie walked in, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment: "You saw him, right?"

Mu Youyu nodded: "Yeah, he just left."

Mu Xie nodded, didn't ask further, turned his gaze to Jiang Liangjin: "What's his attitude like?"

"His attitude is good." Jiang Liangjin replied softly, handing over the token: "He has surrendered the family token and is willing to fully cooperate with our pursuit."

Mu Xie then relaxed and walked to his sister's side, lowered his head to look at her, his tone softened: "Dear, weren't you frightened?"

Mu Youyu obediently shook her head: "No, he was quite courteous."

Then it's good.

Qing An stepped forward, patted Jiang Liangjin's arm, "Brother Qing An, you overpraise me," Jiang Liangjin faced Mu Xin, "This matter mainly relies on Brother Xin's effort."

"Brother Qing An, you overpraise me," Jiang Liangjin faced Mu Xin, "This matter mainly relies on Brother Xin's effort."