“However, Chunhong was stabbed to death at the time. I asked Zhongshu, and he personally saw her body—her face was disfigured beyond recognition, and she had been stabbed multiple times. Yet, I…”
Seeing the two women captivated by her words, Wanqing, though finding it hard to believe, slowly recounted everything about Chunhong’s death.
“So, it’s uncertain whether Chunhong is alive or dead. But as for Mu Wanxia, the Marquis issued a kill order for her after the Grand Princess’s birthday banquet. Any lead on her would result in immediate capture and handing her over for punishment. The real concern is whether she has some ulterior motive.”
Honglian noticed the pain and suppression in Wanqing’s eyes after she finished speaking. Though Wanqing said nothing more, Honglian truly understood how important the maid named Chunhong was to her. While they didn’t take Mu Wanxia seriously, the current situation made them exchange puzzled glances and offer a warning.
“Regardless, I must see her. If she dares to deceive me, I’ll make her pay. I’ll also expose her true relationship with my father, ensuring she’s stripped of the Mu name and spends the rest of her life as a fugitive.”
Responding to Honglian and the other woman’s concerns, Wanqing’s eyes grew colder. Gripping the tweezers in her hand tightly, she gritted her teeth and muttered, but the chilling aura around her and the murderous glint in her eyes sent shivers down their spines.
“Very well, we’ll accompany you to see her.”
Knowing they couldn’t dissuade Wanqing, Honglian and the other woman nodded in reluctant agreement, though they worried about her internal injuries.
“No need. She specified that I go alone. I’ve always made Chunhong worry and suffer for me. Whether it’s really her or not this time, I will save her. Help me up. Alright, both of you, leave now.”
Wanqing understood their concern. Recalling how she had sent Hongyan to search for Chunhong without success, this news—whether true or false—was crucial to her. With a calm glance at them, she struggled to rise, but her chest injury was too severe. Unable to stand on her own, she instructed them to assist her as she staggered toward the room with the medicine stove.
Once inside, she paused to catch her breath, steadying herself before speaking. “Go.”
Though Honglian and Chunlan were filled with worry, they knew they couldn’t change her mind. Exchanging glances, they cast one last concerned look at her before stepping out and closing the door behind them.
Facing the familiar poisons and medicinal herbs, Wanqing gave a weak smile and set to work. First, she prepared two pills to accelerate her internal healing. Though they would cause dizziness and nausea, she swallowed them without hesitation, placing her hands on the table and closing her eyes to endure the discomfort.
When the effects subsided, she opened her eyes, her demeanor entirely different. She resumed mixing the powders before her, filling her personal medicine pouch with the concoction.
“Miss…” Honglian and Chunlan, having waited anxiously for nearly two hours, were startled when the door opened. The woman who emerged was unrecognizable—her expression eerily calm. “I’ll go see Mu Wanxia shortly. You two needn’t follow.”
Confident in her preparations, Wanqing returned to her room, retrieving hidden weapons crafted by Qingfeng. She concealed them in her sleeves, hairpin, and even around her waist and neck. Satisfied, she nodded and stepped out.
“But, Miss…”
Though her condition seemed improved and her confidence unwavering, the two women couldn’t shake their unease, especially recalling the mysterious black-clad figure who had taken Mu Wanxia from the Grand Princess’s estate. While Mu Wanxia posed little threat, the stranger was another matter.
“That black-clad man is likely a poison expert. Though Miss has taken medicine and her injuries have improved, she’s not just facing Mu Wanxia. Perhaps we should inform the Young Master immediately. Even if Miss scolds us later, it’s for her safety.”
Chunlan, watching Wanqing’s retreating figure, noted the icy smile on her lips. Though sweet, that smile—as they’d learned—meant she was truly furious. Considering the danger, Chunlan turned to Honglian with a suggestion.
“Agreed. I’ll go to the Prince Ning’s residence to inform the Young Master. You seek out the Marquis. Given his recent concern for Miss, his presence alone should deter Mu Wanxia.”
Honglian nodded, recalling Mu Zhenfeng—Mu Wanxia’s father. Whether or not Liu Cuier’s claim about Wanxia’s parentage was true, he had raised her for years.
“Then it’s settled. We must act quickly, or Miss might suffer.”
With that, the two women sprang into action.
“What? You say Miss Wanqing went to meet Mu Wanxia?”
In the Prince Ning’s residence, Qingfeng, upon hearing Chunlan’s news, was stunned.
“Yes. Mu Wanxia sent word that she has Chunhong. Miss forbade us from following, so we’re worried…” Honglian explained anxiously.
“But the Master is at the palace. I’ll gather some men and follow. Where’s the location? I’ll catch up.” Qingfeng, aware of Wanqing’s stubbornness and her injuries, quickly made arrangements before setting off.
As Qingfeng left to assemble help, Honglian hurried back to the Mu residence. Upon hearing the news, Mu Zhenfeng immediately decided to intervene. The three of them, accompanied by a few servants, rushed to the meeting place.
Wanqing arrived at the designated spot.
“Mu Wanqing, you actually came.”
As Wanqing stepped into the hillside pavilion, a figure emerged with a cold laugh.
“Mu Wanxia—no, you shouldn’t bear the Mu name. I’m here. Where’s Chunhong?”
Facing the once-gentle Mu Wanxia, now icy and furious, Wanqing spoke calmly but firmly.
“She’s right here. Want to take her?”
With a clap of her hands, Mu Wanxia signaled two figures to step forward—one was Chunhong, the other a refined middle-aged man holding a knife to her throat.
“Miss, run! It’s a trap! Go…!” Chunhong, overjoyed yet terrified at seeing Wanqing, struggled and pleaded through tears.
“Chunhong, since I’m here, I’ll save you. Where have you been all this time? I searched everywhere, thinking you were dead. I…”
Seeing Chunhong alive, Wanqing’s eyes welled up. Despite the danger, she refused to leave, vowing to rescue her maid no matter the cost.
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