“Is that so? So, the one out shopping with Sun Fengyu is your younger sister?”
Wu Qingyang was inwardly seething, wishing she could just step forward and slap her—preferably hard enough to ruin her face. But she knew that laying a hand on her would only give others the impression that she was bullying someone weaker.
Though her heart burned with fury, her face betrayed no anger. Instead, she smiled and countered, “So, the princess saw them? You happened to witness her with the young master, then?”
Despite the green tinge of anger on her delicate face, Wu Qingyang played dumb. Mu Wanxia, who also harbored resentment toward Wanqing for stealing Sun Fengyu away, could roughly guess the situation from Wu Qingyang’s expression and words.
With a knowing nod, she rubbed salt into Wu Qingyang’s wound. “I never expected that a woman from the Mu family would openly flirt with another man while out with her own fiancé. The Mu family’s upbringing seems rather lacking.”
Mu Wanxia’s reminder made Wu Qingyang clench her fists at her sides, but she still managed a mocking smile. “Princess, you’ve misunderstood. Our Mu family’s upbringing is indeed strict. My mother often reminds us to treat others with courtesy. That girl is just an exception—wild and unruly. Even my parents can’t control her. It seems my sister has offended you, Princess.”
Hearing Wu Qingyang speak of the Mu family’s reputation, Mu Wanxia instinctively denied it with a faint smile. Lowering her voice, she probed, “If only my sister had your tolerance and generosity, Princess, I’d be spared much trouble. But those who walk different paths cannot conspire together. Any woman who dares covet the man I care for shouldn’t blame me for showing no mercy. Hmph. Cui Hong, let’s go.”
Seeing Mu Wanxia feign ignorance even after her direct words, Wu Qingyang scoffed, her smile not reaching her eyes. Her next words carried a clear warning, laced with vented frustration, before she turned to leave with her maid.
“Princess, please wait. I’m not entirely clear about the conflict between my sister and you, but I imagine you’d want to know more about her flaws and weaknesses before taking action. If so, I might be able to share some insights.”
Mu Wanxia hadn’t expected her attempt to cool off would lead to such an unpleasant encounter. The thought of that girl provoking someone who then took it out on her made her blood boil. Though she wanted to lash out, she considered Wu Qingyang’s status and her well-known infatuation with the young master.
Rather than making an enemy, she decided to step back and form an alliance. Strength in numbers—and Wu Qingyang’s notorious arrogance could be useful. If she could win her over, that wretched girl would think twice before causing more trouble.
As Wu Qingyang turned to leave, Mu Wanxia hastily called out, “She’s your sister, isn’t she?”
Wu Qingyang, though skeptical of Mu Wanxia’s outwardly gentle and refined demeanor, couldn’t help but question her motives cautiously.
“To be honest, though we’re sisters, she’s repeatedly humiliated my mother and me. She even schemed to have my father lock my mother away—all with your cousin’s support. Since we share the same goal, why not speak openly, Princess?”
Seeing Wu Qingyang’s wariness, Mu Wanxia sighed inwardly. To win her over, she lowered her voice and stepped closer, smiling as she spoke.
“Very well, let’s discuss this over there.”
After a brief hesitation, Wu Qingyang nodded and led the way to a nearby teahouse, where the two sat down for a long, detailed conversation—naturally, one filled with grievances and fury over their shared rival, Wanqing.
“So, this Mu Wanqing truly is despicable, daring to steal the man I, Wu Qingyang, have set my sights on—without even considering her own lowly origins. I’ll humiliate her publicly and see just how thick-skinned she is. Let’s see if she still clings shamelessly to your cousin afterward.”
After their discussion, Wu Qingyang, her eyes cold and mocking, clenched her teeth at Mu Wanxia’s recounting of Wanqing’s many offenses. Thinking of the upcoming birthday banquet for the Grand Princess, she smirked triumphantly.
“Even better. If you expose her true background and vulgar behavior at the banquet, no one—including your cousin—will need us to say a word to see how unworthy she is.”
“Naturally. You’ve given me valuable information today, easing some of my anger. Consider me your friend, Miss Mu. If you learn anything else that might benefit me, send word to the Grand Princess’s estate.”
Mu Wanxia’s flattery and agreement drew a smug smile from Wu Qingyang, who arrogantly lifted her chin. Seeing Mu Wanxia’s deferential nod, she grew even more self-satisfied. Rising, she patted Mu Wanxia’s shoulder and added, “I’ll certainly help you gain favor among the noble gentlemen. With your looks, a mere flick of your fingers should suffice. With my introductions, finding a suitable match—handsome and talented—will be no issue.”
Mu Wanxia inwardly scoffed at Wu Qingyang’s arrogance—a woman who relied solely on her grandmother’s status, pretty but empty-headed. Outwardly, she smiled obsequiously. “Then I must thank you in advance, sister. I’ve been out long enough and should return home. I won’t disturb your shopping further. At the Grand Princess’s banquet, I’ll come to offer my respects—and bring a fitting gift.”
Wu Qingyang, pleased with their newfound camaraderie, readily agreed. The two walked side by side, their shared goal making even former rivals appear agreeable.
Under the influence of mutual benefit, even the most stubborn adversaries can find common ground—perhaps the most selfish facet of human nature.
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