“Sister Hongyan, it’s something all women experience, yet you’re making such a fuss. Honestly, Chunhong, quickly throw this away—oh, and find a secluded spot to do it. How embarrassing. My stomach aches from my monthly cycle, and it’s been quite a struggle. Is there a problem? Sister Hongyan, do you have an issue with me or suspect something?”
Wanqing hadn’t expected Hongyan to be so bold. Seeing her cast a puzzled glance before slipping into her room, Wanqing knew it was too late to stop her—her current abilities were no match for Hongyan’s.
As Hongyan retrieved the cloth, Wanqing adopted an indifferent stance, as if she couldn’t care less. She stood up, took the cloth, and handed it to Chunhong with instructions. Noticing Hongyan’s scrutinizing gaze, Wanqing feigned weakness and sat back down, pretending to be confused.
“I wouldn’t dare,” Hongyan replied, her cheeks flushing slightly at her own audacity. Remembering her master’s instructions before sending her here, she lowered her head guiltily and stepped aside respectfully.
“You’d better not dare. If you take matters into your own hands again, I’ll have my brother recall you. I don’t appreciate anyone meddling in my private affairs.”
Wanqing’s tone was authoritative as she eyed Hongyan’s reaction.
“I…” Though this little girl’s behavior and thoughts were unpredictable, Hongyan had been tasked with reporting every move back to her master. Recalling her master’s special regard for Wanqing, she hesitated, then turned and left without another word.
“Some servant, lacking even the basic awareness of her role. I truly don’t understand why my brother sent her here. Ah well, Chunhong, let’s eat.”
As Chunhong left, Wanqing continued grumbling about Hongyan’s departure before picking up her meal.
Despite her resentment, Hongyan had no choice but to silently withdraw.
As Wanqing ate, she pondered her current predicament. It was clear Hongyan had been sent by Leng Mingye to spy on her—likely to uncover evidence of her previous escape from the manor.
She felt a slight relief, realizing that the conflicting toxins from the silver needle detoxification had inadvertently neutralized the lingering effects of the rosemary poison in her system. It was time to strengthen herself while guarding against this woman’s surveillance.
With enough power, she wouldn’t fear whatever schemes Hongyan might concoct.
Her greatest need now was money. With funds, she could purchase medicinal ingredients in bulk, allowing her to concoct poisons and various remedies.
Just as Wanqing finished lunch and considered visiting Madam Liu for money, Zhongshu suddenly arrived in the courtyard.
“Young Miss, Young Master Sun is here. Madam and the master have instructed me to escort you to them. Miss, perhaps you should cover your face…”
Zhongshu spoke politely, noticing both mistress and maid present. Seeing Wanqing nod and adjust her clothes and hair before preparing to leave, the old man kindly reminded her, considering the guest they were about to meet.
“No need. Everyone falls ill at some point—my face is just reacting to the wind, hence the redness. If Young Master Sun truly cares for me, he won’t mind. Lead the way, Zhongshu. Hongyan, you’re coming too.”
Wanqing smiled faintly at the old man’s concern. Aside from the discomfort from her earlier detox, she felt perfectly fine. The only inconvenience was her face, but she paid it no mind.
As they reached the courtyard, she noticed Hongyan discreetly following. Though exasperated, Wanqing acknowledged her presence with a resigned instruction.
“And this young lady is… Young Miss?”
Zhongshu eyed the striking yet aloof woman in martial attire beside Wanqing. Though undeniably beautiful, her aura was unsettling. Unsure of her origins, he couldn’t help but inquire.
“She’s a personal guard sent by Brother Shizi. With her around, no one dares bully me. Any objections, Zhongshu?”
Wanqing’s tone was light but carried an unspoken authority.
“None at all. Young Miss, please follow me. Madam, Master, the Second Young Miss has arrived!”
Zhongshu quickly nodded, recalling the scene in the front hall. He ushered her forward, announcing her arrival at the entrance.
Upon entering, Wanqing immediately noticed the handsome young man conversing with Madam Liu, Mu Zhenfeng, and her elder sister, Mu Wanxia. Recalling Zhongshu’s words, she realized this was her fiancé—a man who had rarely visited her in the inner quarters.
As she stepped inside, she caught the affectionate and enamored look Sun Fengyu exchanged with Mu Wanxia. Suppressing a smirk, Wanqing bowed slightly to the elders before turning to Sun Fengyu.
His expression twisted in disgust at the sight of her reddened face, but she merely smiled and took a seat.
“Qing’er, this is Young Master Sun—your betrothed since childhood.”
Mu Zhenfeng had worried his unruly daughter might cause a scene, offending their esteemed guest. After all, Sun Fengyu was the nephew of Empress Sun herself. Though even he couldn’t fathom why the Empress had arranged this match for his wayward daughter.
“So it’s Young Master Sun. I mistook him for Elder Sister’s sweetheart. My apologies for the misunderstanding.”
Wanqing’s tone was playful as she addressed Sun Fengyu.
“Tell me, Brother Sun, after all these years of neglect, what brings you here today? Did my rumored beauty and charm stir your jealousy, prompting this sudden visit?”
Her words caused Mu Wanxia’s cheeks to flush, while Sun Fengyu’s disgust deepened. Unfazed, Wanqing smirked and even batted her eyes at him mockingly.
Sun Fengyu had always despised her lowly status. Now, faced with her disheveled appearance, blotchy face, and scrawny frame—far uglier than any common woman—his revulsion intensified.
Worse still, she seemed oblivious to her own hideousness, even daring to flirt with him.
As the eldest son of the prestigious Sun family, he deserved nothing less than a beauty like Mu Wanxia. The thought of marrying this wretched girl and becoming the laughingstock of noble society—or worse, bringing shame upon the Sun family—filled him with dread.
“I’ve never met a woman so lacking in self-awareness. I—today, I…”
Sun Fengyu’s face darkened with fury as he struggled to contain his outrage.
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