Wan Qing and the Qingfeng brothers returned to their own courtyard. Only when they entered the room did they realize that Prince Ning hadn’t followed, nor had Hongyan.
Considering the possible reasons, she turned to the two men and instructed,
“It seems Brother Ning was held back by Brother Shizi for a conversation. Brother Qingfeng, I’ve already reached the courtyard. You two should go protect Prince Ning instead.”
“Very well. If Miss Wanwan needs anything, just have Miss Chunhong come to the prince’s residence to find us. We’ll take our leave now.”
Qingyun, hearing her words and thinking of their master’s limited mobility, nodded to his younger brother and led the way out.
“If you encounter any trouble, come straight to me. Take care of yourself,” Qingfeng said as his brother left, with Chunhong following suit.
Recalling their earlier encounter, though puzzled by the fact that the girl had been wearing that particular outfit yet claimed ignorance, he assumed she must have had her reasons. Glancing at her, he couldn’t help but say,
“Don’t worry. If I need you, I won’t hesitate to ask. Come to me before midnight—I have something I need your help with. With those items, treating Prince Ning’s leg will be more assured. Also, thank him for me—for helping me out of that predicament today.”
Wan Qing looked up at Qingfeng, this tall and composed man, noticing an unusual flush on his face. Though surprised, she didn’t comment, only replying bluntly,
“Fine. I’ll be sure to relay your words to my master. By the way, Miss Wanwan, about you and the Shizi…”
Before she could finish, Qingfeng nodded firmly. Though her words of gratitude had been vague, he could sense her wariness toward Leng Mingye. Their relationship was nowhere near as natural and trusting as the one she shared with Prince Ning.
Puzzled by her behavior, he couldn’t resist asking,
“That matter? It was all a setup by the servants in the mansion. But I’ll handle it. Thank you for your concern, Brother Qingfeng. Now, hurry and go protect Prince Ning.”
After what had just transpired, Wan Qing’s unease only deepened. Though her shoulder ached, she couldn’t shake the thought of everything Leng Mingye had done to find that person—and the ruthless methods he employed.
She met his gaze calmly before closing her eyes, unwilling to speak further. Her mind raced with the need to prepare countermeasures. If he uncovered the truth before she was ready, she’d be dead before she knew what hit her.
“Miss, they’ve all left. Miss, your hand is still injured—why are you up? What are you drawing?”
Chunhong, having seen Prince Ning and Leng Mingye off, returned to the room to find Wan Qing with one arm bandaged and slung around her neck, while the other hand sketched something on paper atop the bedside table.
Seeing her restless despite her injury, Chunhong scolded lightly before stepping closer. The strange patterns and precise measurements on the paper made her frown in confusion.
“I have my reasons for this. Where’s Sister Hongyan?”
Wan Qing calmly covered her drawings with another sheet of paper before asking about Hongyan.
“She left with the Shizi. Who knows what they’re up to? Miss, do you think… after today’s incident, the Shizi might already suspect you? If he does, we’re—”
At the mention of Hongyan, Chunhong couldn’t help but vent. The day’s events weighed heavily on her, and she lowered her voice in concern.
“I’m not sure. But it’s always wise to be prepared. You may leave for now. Let me know the moment Hongyan returns. I’ll rest after I finish this.”
If even Chunhong could sense something amiss, Wan Qing knew Leng Mingye wouldn’t overlook it. Though he hadn’t made another move, the fact that he’d left Hongyan by her side meant she was under surveillance.
Suppressing a sigh, Wan Qing dismissed Chunhong and returned to her sketches.
Her drawings included small hidden weapons and medical tools. With her injury limiting her mobility, this was the perfect time to draft these designs and have them crafted later. Once she had these defensive mechanisms, no matter how formidable Leng Mingye was, she wouldn’t fear him.
The only question was whether anyone could actually manufacture what she’d designed. But for now, she had no choice but to proceed.
That day, Wan Qing remained in her room, meticulously recreating the blueprints of concealed weapons and medical instruments from her past life. She worked until lanterns were lit outside, finally rubbing her sore wrist in relief.
The necessary designs were complete. All that remained was to hand them to Qingfeng when he came that night and ask for his help.
“Miss, have some nourishing soup. Sister Hongyan still hasn’t returned.”
Just as she finished organizing the papers and massaged her aching temples with her uninjured hand, Chunhong entered with a bowl of tonic and set it on the table before her.
“Let her be. What did the Marquis decide regarding Eldest Sister?”
Taking a sip of the soup, Wan Qing inquired.
“What could he do? Eldest Miss is still unconscious. The Marquis has already allowed Madam to resume her duties to care for her. Miss, if Young Master Sun and Eldest Miss were involved, why would he suddenly turn his attention to you? It’s just—”
Chunhong blew on the soup to cool it, her tone laced with displeasure as she recounted the earlier events.
“Sun Fengyu doesn’t act without reason. There’s more to this. As for Eldest Sister… she deserves it.”
Wan Qing’s response was calm, but a smirk tugged at her lips when speaking of Mu Wanxia’s condition. She felt no sympathy—only anticipation and excitement.
As a descendant of the Tang Clan, someone capable of refining poison and antidotes was a thrilling prospect.
“Will Eldest Miss’s poison really be incurable?”
Compared to Wan Qing’s enthusiasm, Chunhong couldn’t help but ask, recalling the earlier scene.
“If there’s truly no cure, then she’s out of luck. But I doubt Madam would stand by and watch her die.”
Though uncertain, Wan Qing was convinced that the poisoner was connected to Lady Liu—if not the woman herself.
Thus, she harbored no concern for Mu Wanxia’s fate. Instead, she was eager to uncover Lady Liu’s true identity and motives.
“True, Eldest Miss is Madam’s lifeline. Miss—Sister Hongyan is back! Miss Hongyan has returned! And the Shizi is here too! Please, come in—”
As they spoke, Chunhong heard movement at the courtyard gate and hurried out, her voice tinged with nervous deference moments later.
“Brother Shizi, you’ve come. I was just thinking of something to ask of you—how timely. Please, sit.”
Seeing the man stride in, Wan Qing masked her surprise with a bright smile, weakly rising to greet him.
“If you’re unwell, stay in bed. What if you aggravate your injury? Little fool, tell me honestly—did you know how to use silver needles before or after meeting me?”
The moment Leng Mingye entered, his sharp eyes landed on her pale face, one hand cradled before her, the other weakly gripping the bedframe.
His brows furrowed in displeasure. Without hesitation, he strode forward, scooped her up, and deposited her back onto the bed. Watching her docilely comply, like a well-behaved kitten, he adjusted her against the pillows before gripping her shoulders urgently.
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