“That may be so, but I still feel… fine, go see him then.”
Upon hearing her words, Liu Cuishan’s thick brows furrowed slightly, clearly displeased. Yet, he had to admit she had a point. Thinking of his daughter’s future, he hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.
“Alright, fine. I’ll go then. But remember, don’t wander around the manor, and don’t let Xia’er know of your presence. It’s not yet time for you two to reunite.”
Though Liu Shi’s illness still lingered, the obstruction from the man she loved had somewhat eased her condition these past days. Her face flushed with shyness as she glanced at him, then playfully scolded him. Watching him reluctantly embrace her and plant a kiss, she gently pushed him away, still uneasy, and gave him a few more reminders before nodding and rising to leave.
“Ah, where on earth is that thing?”
As Liu Shi departed, the warmth and affection on Liu Cuishan’s face vanished, replaced by an indescribable urgency and coldness. Muttering to himself, he swiftly followed her.
“Damn it, what did I even do wrong? Why, as the legitimate daughter, can’t I marry the one I want, while that wretch gets everything? And Father has been so distant because of this. I know I shouldn’t have, but I’ve already apologized. What more does he want? Does he need me to die in front of him before he’s satisfied? Ah!”
Back in her courtyard, Mu Wanxia, who had just returned from Wanqing’s place, seethed with anger. She had followed her mother’s advice and sincerely sought her father’s forgiveness, yet he refused to even see her—as if her presence was an inconvenience.
Though she knew she was wrong for what she had done to her father, she had already apologized in person, even kneeling to beg for his mercy. Yet he still ignored her.
On top of that, Mu Wanjun had also distanced herself from her. The way that girl had turned against her, changing her attitude so abruptly, only fueled Mu Wanxia’s fury. Now, in her courtyard, she unleashed her rage, smashing objects in a fit of frustration.
Her maids shrieked and scattered in fear, leaving her alone in moments.
Only after shattering every cup and plate on the table did she finally exhaust her anger. Slumping weakly, she slid from the table onto a nearby stool, her expression desolate.
“What must I do for you to forgive me, Father? I’ve truly made a mistake. Is this one misstep enough for you to cast me aside? Weren’t you the one who loved me most? How could you do this? Is it because of Mother? Did she hurt you so deeply that you’d abandon even me? But why is it different with Jun’er? Why? Why?”
Curled up on the stool like a helpless child, hugging her shoulders, she recalled how she had knelt before him in tears, pleading for mercy, yet he had ignored her. Mu Wanxia couldn’t fathom why her father treated her this way.
“Because you and Mu Wanjun are different.”
Just as she sat hugging her knees, tearfully questioning herself, a calm voice spoke. Then, with a flash outside her window, a figure leaped in front of her.
“You—who are you? Hel—”
Startled by the sudden appearance of the black-clad figure, Mu Wanxia scrambled to her feet, trembling as she tried to call for help. But the intruder swiftly covered her mouth. Panicking, she lashed out, thrusting poison needles hidden between her fingers toward him.
“Don’t bother struggling. Your mother’s poison techniques were taught by me. If you stay quiet, I’ll release you.”
Effortlessly catching her wrist, the man spoke coolly, watching as she struggled in vain. Only when Mu Wanxia paused and nodded slightly did he let her go.
“You… you’re Grandmaster? But you’re so young!”
Freed, Mu Wanxia instinctively stepped back, finally taking in the man’s appearance. Dressed in black, he exuded an air of refined elegance. Though he appeared to be in his thirties, his demeanor carried an ethereal, almost immortal grace.
His features, though not as delicate as a woman’s, possessed a unique charm—handsome, scholarly, and with an otherworldly aura. He was like a clear spring, both noble and transcendent.
For a moment, she was dazed. Remembering his words, she watched as he gracefully took a seat before speaking hesitantly.
“Heh, I’m not as old as your grandmaster. So, you’re Wanxia?”
The man chuckled lightly, his smile radiant yet understated. As she cautiously sat across from him, he studied her before asking.
“I am. Grandmaster… are you here to help us?”
Though he had corrected her, knowing her mother had learned poison techniques from him, Mu Wanxia felt an inexplicable surge of hope. This serene, elegant man before her seemed to radiate strength. Hearing his question, she nodded eagerly, thinking of her and her mother’s plight.
“Yes, I’m here to help. But don’t call me Grandmaster. If you must, call me Uncle Liu.”
Liu Cuishan couldn’t help but adore this daughter of his—beautiful like Liu Shi, graceful like himself, a perfect blend of their best traits.
Seeing her lovely face, he inwardly sighed at being called “Grandmaster.” Was he really that old? Still, he smiled warmly.
“Uncle Liu? But you don’t look much older than me. How about ‘Brother Liu’? Fine, fine, Uncle Liu it is. You must know about Mother’s and my current situation, right?”
Mu Wanxia muttered in surprise, studying him again. The man before her was gentle and refined, appearing no older than thirty. Yet he insisted on being called “uncle.” She almost protested but quickly corrected herself, remembering his offer of help.
“I’ve heard some things.”
Her playful yet earnest demeanor warmed Liu Cuishan’s heart. All these years of confinement suddenly felt worth it. Nodding, he replied with a faint smile.
“Good. Right now, I just want Father to change his attitude toward me—preferably let me attend the Grand Princess’s birthday celebration. But because of what I did, he’s furious. Uncle Liu, you must help me!”
Relieved by his answer, Mu Wanxia let out a long breath. Clinging to his arm like a pleading child, she made her request.
“You silly girl. Very well, I’ll help. Here—get him to take this pill. Afterward, I’ll teach you how to handle him. Not only will he forgive your past actions, but he’ll also change his attitude entirely, even obeying your wishes.”
Chuckling at his daughter’s plea, Liu Cuishan thought of his beloved wife and daughter’s suffering. Though he longed to live with Liu Shi, they were stuck in the desolate Nether Courtyard. Seeing the sorrow on his daughter’s face, he paused before pulling out a small brocade box.
“Really? This pill is that powerful?”
Though astonished, Mu Wanxia couldn’t hide her excitement.
“Indeed. But the strategy to handle him will require my guidance. There are three pills inside—one each day. After three days, give him another kind of pill, and he’ll become completely compliant.”
Smiling at her disbelief, Liu Cuishan handed her another box.
(To be continued.)
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