Therefore, at this very moment, it’s better to remain silent and act like an oblivious passerby, pretending to know nothing, see nothing, and hear nothing.
The saying “The more you know, the faster you die” isn’t entirely without merit.
However, in this era of scarce entertainment, juicy gossip is always welcome. Even if people know that some things are better left unknown, it doesn’t stop them from quietly listening and being an audience member enjoying the drama.
When her own scheme was exposed, Qiu Muxue was momentarily at a loss.
Normally, she would have given orders directly to her maid in person, but the situation had unfolded too suddenly.
Originally, Qiu Muxue hadn’t planned to cause trouble at such an important event. After all, her mother had painstakingly arranged this banquet, inviting numerous guests so that Qiu Muxue could make a good impression on the young masters and ladies of noble families, showcasing herself and increasing her social capital for a better marriage prospect. Thus, not only the Duchess but even Qiu Muxue herself placed great importance on this flower-viewing banquet.
For such a crucial occasion, Qiu Muxue naturally hoped everything would proceed smoothly, achieving her initial goals without incident. However, just two days prior, Qiu Muxue had been publicly humiliated by Qiu Liuyue, leaving her furious.
As the pampered eldest daughter of the Duke’s household, Qiu Muxue maintained an impeccable public image, but in reality, she was selfish, hot-tempered, and arrogant, unable to tolerate any slight or disrespect. It was only due to the Duchess’s strict upbringing that she hadn’t caused major scandals long ago.
Yet, as the saying goes, “A leopard cannot change its spots.” After being humiliated by Qiu Liuyue, Qiu Muxue harbored deep resentment. The Duchess had instructed her to discreetly gift jewelry to her two half-sisters during the banquet—subtly showcasing her kindness and sisterly affection.
But when Qiu Muxue saw the lake near Qiu Liuyue, a malicious idea took root. At that point, summoning the maid assigned to deliver the jewelry would have seemed too deliberate, so she instead slipped a note into the jewelry box. The maid, upon receiving it, would naturally see the instructions.
While outsiders didn’t know Qiu Muxue’s true nature, those within the Duke’s household—especially her maids—were well aware. Though the maid knew obeying Qiu Muxue’s orders might cost her life, she also understood the consequences of defiance. Moreover, if she died, her family would be generously compensated to protect the Duke’s reputation. After much deliberation, the maid chose to comply, leading to the ensuing farce.
Initially, the Duchess was unaware of her daughter’s scheming. But when the situation escalated, Qiu Muxue confessed, knowing she couldn’t handle it alone. By then, it was too late—the damage was done. Though furious, the Duchess swiftly took control, covering up the scandal and framing Qiu Liuyue.
Yet, the outcome was far from what they expected.
Faced with the dilemma, the Duchess and Qiu Muxue shifted all blame onto the maid. As for the note, they simply found another scapegoat—after all, feuds were unpredictable.
The sacrificial maid, though heartbroken, silently accepted her fate, knowing her family would receive compensation.
The guests, though privately aware of the truth, played along. Under the Duchess’s skillful maneuvering, the banquet resumed as planned, the scandal glossed over.
Meanwhile, Qiu Liuyue, falsely accused, seethed with hatred—toward the maid Xia who had framed her, and toward Qiu Muxue and the Duchess for their treachery.
Learning that the maid’s family would receive compensation only deepened Qiu Liuyue’s resentment. *How dare a lowly maid profit from framing me, while I struggle to build my fortune with my modern knowledge?*
Deeming it unfair, Qiu Liuyue intercepted the compensation, pocketing it as her own. *Money is never enough. Consider this repayment for the maid’s betrayal.*
She justified her actions, hiding the windfall as part of her discreet wealth-building.
As for the banquet, though awkward at first, it gradually regained momentum.
Despite her earlier humiliation and failed scheme, Qiu Muxue, heeding her mother’s advice, composed herself and charmed the guests with her grace and talents.
True to her status as the Duke’s prized daughter, Qiu Muxue’s elegance and skills were unmatched. Under her guidance, the atmosphere lightened, and the young ladies showcased their talents one by one.
Amidst the beauty, artistry, and scenery, potential matches began to form.
Chi Huai, outwardly calm and composed—earning his reputation as the “Smiling Fox”—was inwardly a nervous wreck.
Finally gathering his courage, he approached his crush, only to be surprised by her height. *She looks delicate, but she’s quite tall!*
The woman, noticing his approach, masked her amusement with cool indifference. “Young Master Chi.”
Clearing his throat awkwardly, Chi Huai replied, “Greetings, miss. I am Chi Huai. May I know your name?”
Noticing his flushed ears, the woman—You Qi—suppressed a smirk. *Adorable.* “You may call me You’er. And I’ve long heard of you, Young Master Chi.”
“You’er? A lovely name, perfectly suited to you!” Though her voice wasn’t the typical sweet tone, its husky depth struck Chi Huai as irresistibly alluring.
You Qi didn’t correct his assumption about her name. *No matter. I can’t use my real identity now anyway.*
As their conversation flowed, their chemistry drew curious glances.
Those who knew You Qi’s true identity were stunned. *Since when does the ruthless demon act so gentle and frail?!*
But one sharp glare from You Qi silenced them instantly.
The onlookers, unaware, admired her understated beauty and poise. *No wonder she caught Chi Huai’s eye.*
Meanwhile, the informed ones questioned reality. *Is this a dream? Since when does the tyrant You Qi act like this?!*
Just as they spiraled into disbelief, You Qi shot them a warning look—freezing them in place.
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