She was somewhat conscientious, then.
Fu Yan Ting's mood improved, but he maintained a distant demeanor, projecting an air of being deeply offended and in need of appeasement.
Yan Xi had no choice but to placate Fu Yan Ting.
Suddenly, a piercing scream echoed from outside.
It drew the attention of numerous members of the Yao family. Yan Xi and Fu Yan Ting exchanged glances. Although they were at the Yao residence, and if the matter didn't concern them, they could have ignored it. However, Yan Xi couldn't resist the urge to go and see.
Fu Yan Ting was indifferent to such matters, but seeing Yan Xi's desire to investigate, he worried she might be framed and therefore followed her.
By the pond, a crowd of servants had gathered, and even the family doctor was present.
Yan Xi approached and inquired, "What happened?"
The servants, upon seeing Yan Xi, were unsure how to explain the situation to her.
Just then, Old Master Yao was seen approaching.
The servants' eyes welled up with tears as they looked at Yan Xi and accused, "Miss Yan, our young lady is merely disoriented, but she has always been kind to you. Why would you do this?"
"What did I do?"
Yan Xi was bewildered by the sudden accusation from the servant. She had no idea what she had done to warrant such a reprimand.
Fu Yan Ting, standing nearby, narrowed his eyes upon hearing the servant's words. It appeared to be another scheme.
Within the Yao family, there was only one person who would consistently engage in such petty acts to harm Yan Xi. The answer was obvious.
Fu Yan Ting's gaze turned cold and menacing.
It seemed he had to take action to make her cease her provocations.
Old Master Yao arrived promptly and asked sternly, "What has happened here?"
The servants dared not look Yan Xi in the eye and quietly explained, "Old Master, this Miss Yan, for reasons unknown, perhaps seeking attention, deliberately pushed our young lady into the water. Our young lady is already disoriented, and now, having been pushed in, she cannot swim and cannot call for help. She is surely in grave danger."
"What nonsense are you spouting? When did I come here? When did I push your young lady into the water?"
"Miss Yan, I asked you just now, and you didn't answer. Why are you lying to Old Master?"
This servant had received compensation and dared not back down.
However, she also worried about being caught on camera.
Her involvement would be exposed.
Therefore, she felt a degree of fear.
But there was no alternative; for the money, she had to be brave and take a gamble. After all, Yan Xiao was the true daughter of the Yao family, while Yan Xi had no connection to them.
Even if Old Master Yao discovered the truth, he would undoubtedly side with Yan Xiao, not Yan Xi.
The servant consoled herself before steeling her resolve and facing Yan Xi, pointing an accusing finger at her.
Yan Xi had not been at the Yao residence for long, but this servant had been there for many years and was well-acquainted with everyone in the Yao family. Her character was known to all, making her accusations more convincing.
The gazes of everyone present shifted, and they began to subtly criticize Yan Xi.
Fu Yan Ting could not stand it any longer. He stepped forward, shielding Yan Xi behind him, and swept a stern glance over the servant who was framing her.
The servant, for reasons she couldn't fathom, felt her skin crawl from Fu Yan Ting's mere look, despite him saying nothing.
Fu Yan Ting smirked and calmly stated, "Yan Xi is my wife. Whatever grievances you have, take them out on me. What kind of prowess is there in troubling a weak woman?"
Damn!
He was handsome, rich, and even protected his wife so fiercely.
Indeed, when it came to relationships, observing others provided a greater sense of fulfillment.
Everyone present was unsure whether to envy or resent Yan Xi.
In a corner, Xiang Jing Chen heard Fu Yan Ting's words and was stunned.
So, everything Yan Xiao had told him was false.
He had also misunderstood Yan Xi's relationship with Fu Yan Ting in the back mountain.
They were husband and wife.
For reasons unknown, Xiang Jing Chen felt a pang of disappointment upon hearing Fu Yan Ting's declaration.
However, he quickly regained his composure.
Fu Yan Ting spotted Xiang Jing Chen in the crowd. He smirked at Xiang Jing Chen, then slung an arm around Yan Xi's shoulder, his silence conveying a strong sense of provocation.
Old Master Yao also suspected that Yan Xi was unlikely to be responsible for the incident, after all, Yan Xi was Yao Wan Qi's biological daughter.
However, it was not yet time for Old Master Yao to reveal Yan Xi's identity. He needed to observe the situation.
The family doctor examined Yao Wan Qi. Having been on medication for years, Yao Wan Qi's body was frail. The near-drowning had caused water to enter her lungs, leading to a coma. Without prompt medical intervention, her life could be in danger.
For some reason, Yan Xi felt a sense of panic upon hearing that Yao Wan Qi's life was at risk.
Old Master Yao remained calm and allowed the family doctor to take Yao Wan Qi to her room for treatment.
He looked at Yan Xi and asked, "Miss Yan, what exactly happened?"
Yan Xi shook her head. She was now too shaken to utter a word. The incident was not her doing; it had absolutely nothing to do with her. But if Yan Xi explained, she wondered if anyone would believe her.
Old Master Yao's gaze shifted back to the servant, and he asked coldly, "You tell me, what transpired."
The servant stammered through her account of events, careful not to rush, fearing she might reveal a flaw. Old Master Yao was not easily deceived.
"Grandpa, I believe my aunt falling into the water is not something to be decided based solely on a servant's one-sided account. We need to investigate properly."
Xiang Jing Chen, who had remained silent, suddenly spoke.
Old Master Yao nodded. What Xiang Jing Chen said was precisely what he intended.
Yan Xi was indifferent. The incident was not her fault. If the Yao family thoroughly investigated and cleared her name, it would be a good thing for Yan Xi.
Old Master Yao remained silent for a moment, then looked at Xiang Jing Chen and said, "Jing Chen, I will entrust this matter to you."
Xiang Jing Chen nodded.
He then turned his gaze to Yan Xi, as if to assure her that he would uncover the truth and vindicate her.
"Old Master Yao, I'm taking my wife to stay at a hotel. Such constant disturbances at the Yao residence will affect my wife's mood. Pregnant women cannot be stressed."