C11 He Would Never Let It Go Easily

"Dad, this is clearly the jade pendant you gave me for my birthday last time!" Hua Yunjin pouted, looking pitiful.

Even Yeli, who was clueless about the situation, raised an eyebrow at her expression.

Hua Xiangxue thought, "This woman really has no shame!"

She couldn't confront her directly, so she had to use her wits, especially with her intended recipient right there. She needed to leverage her advantages fully.

"In that case, Dad, why don't you judge fairly in front of Duke Li?"

Only then did Hua Gongfeng realize that Duke Li was present. He quickly composed himself and said with a hint of reproach, "Xiangxue, my dear, you always take advantage of my affection and act recklessly."

After speaking, Hua Gongfeng bowed slightly to Jing Yeli and murmured, "I apologize for the spectacle, Your Grace."

Hua Xiangxue narrowed her eyes.

Hua Yunjin, too, was captivated by Jing Yeli's appearance. It was the first time she'd seen such a handsome man.

Rumors had it that Duke Li was eccentric and short-lived. Yet, no one mentioned how exceptionally handsome he was.

Since childhood, Duke Li had been frail and rarely appeared in public. Seeing him now, Hua Yunjin couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy towards Hua Xiangxue.

If she were given to such a man, it would be a real bargain for her. But then she remembered that Duke Li was said to be short-lived, and her initial awe vanished without a trace.

She gracefully stepped forward, offering a respectful nod to Jing Yeli, appearing even more dignified than Hua Xiangxue, the eldest daughter. "Greetings, Duke Li."

Hua Gongfeng was visibly pleased with Hua Yunjin's manners, his affection evident in his eyes.

"Your Grace, this is my younger daughter, Yunjin. She's been well-behaved and sensible since childhood, with impeccable character."

Hua Xiangxue raised an eyebrow, thinking, of course, this is my father—

At that moment, Hua Gongfeng seemed to forget entirely that the Duke was the 'recipient' of his daughter's hand, and his praise for Hua Yunjin was genuine.

Jing Yeli paid no attention to Hua Xiangxue standing beside him and instead asked, "I'm curious, what kind of person is Miss Hua, who was sent to the Li residence?"

Hua Gongfeng froze.

If he didn't answer well, and Jing Yeli got upset and complained to the Empress Dowager, his beloved daughter Yunjin might be in trouble!

He quickly put on a smile and nodded, "Xiangxue is the eldest daughter, and only the eldest daughter is worthy of your status, Your Grace!"

Jing Yeli nodded, "Indeed..."

Hua Yunjin felt slighted as the illegitimate daughter, her anger growing.

Moreover, she had never lost to Hua Xiangxue in any competition since childhood!

She straightened her neck, looking at Hua Xiangxue with a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Sister, shouldn't you return the jade pendant Father gave me? With Duke Li here, known for his fairness, I hope he will make a fair judgment for Yunjin—"

Watching Hua Yunjin's face filled with pride and grievance, Jing Yeli's lips curled slightly.

This was the first time Hua Xiangxue heard Hua Yunjin call her "sister."

It was also the first time Hua Xiangxue saw Jing Yeli smile.

His smile was so captivating, it made people want to lose themselves in it.

Hua Gongfeng awkwardly smiled and quickly clasped his hands, saying, "Your Grace, since this is a family matter, then I—"

"Since your younger daughter specifically asked me to handle this, you should understand that I am always fair and strict. I won't go easy on liars!"

Jing Yeli spoke slowly, looking at Hua Xiangxue beside him.

Hua Xiangxue immediately nodded, speaking with conviction, "Fairness is good, I trust you!"

As she said this, her large eyes were filled with complete trust.

Indeed, compared to Hua Gongfeng, she trusted this Duke Yeli more, because he had no reason to favor Hua Yunjin. Just this fact alone made her confident.

Being looked at like this by Hua Xiangxue, Jing Yeli quickly averted his eyes and then turned to Hua Yunjin.

Hua Yunjin knew her father would support her. With witnesses on her side, how could she lose to Hua Xiangxue? Even if Jing Yeli wanted to protect her, it seemed unlikely.

Moreover, Jing Yeli had rejected her before, so how could he possibly help her now? Clearly, he wasn't interested in Hua Xiangxue at all.

Seeing everyone's determination, Hua Gongfeng had no choice but to reluctantly agree.