“Miss Ke, sigh.” Thinking of the effort she had put into gathering those materials only to have them discarded, Honglian couldn’t help but look at her with concern. After receiving a tug from Wanchun, she sighed helplessly and began to gather the items to take them out.
“That damned bastard, I’d better not see you again. I’m so angry, I—”
Watching the two maids clean up and leave, Wanqing thought of her original intentions and the hard work she had put into those materials. She wanted to call them back, but the words had already been spoken. Furious, she stood up and slammed the table in front of her, then turned and stormed into her room.
She pulled out the herbs she had brought, grabbed a knife, and began chopping them violently on the wooden board, venting her anger as if the herbs were Leng Mingye himself.
“Miss…” The two maids knew how precious those things were to her, but seeing her in such a rage, they could only sigh helplessly and carefully repack the discarded items outside before storing them away. Then they re-entered the room.
As soon as they stepped inside, they saw her furiously chopping the herbs on the table, her rare display of anger making Honglian and Wanchun exchange uneasy glances before cautiously calling out to her.
Hearing their voices, Wanqing knew they were worried about her. But the thought of her kindness, her wholehearted devotion, and her gentleness being met with his suspicion—even doubts about her feelings and motives—made her heart seethe with resentment.
She glanced at them but didn’t slow or stop her chopping. If anything, she sped up, as if only this violent motion could release the frustration and bitterness inside her.
“Miss, please don’t do this. The young master was once so proud and formidable, and now he’s suddenly lost his inner strength, weaker than an ordinary person. It’s understandable that he’s struggling to accept it. His temper is just a reaction—”
Honglian watched as Wanqing’s delicate hands moved dangerously close to the blade. Normally, she would carefully slice the herbs, never like this. Knowing she was furious but fearing for her safety, Honglian hesitantly tried to console her.
“I’ve been patient with him all this time! What more does he want? If he can’t even handle this, then he’s just weak and pathetic. I—”
Though Wanqing understood his suffering in her heart, the thought of her patient encouragement being met with his stubbornness and even self-destructive behavior made her wish she could kill him.
Still not turning her head, she vented her rage—until her hand suddenly froze mid-chop. One of her fingers, gripping the herbs, had been sliced, the nail cut off and blood dripping.
“Miss, your hand is injured—” But after only a brief pause, she ignored the wound and resumed chopping. Seeing the blood, Honglian gasped and rushed forward to grab her hand. When Wanqing turned her furious gaze on her, Honglian pleaded in a worried whisper.
“I won’t die. Both of you, get out. I need to be alone…”
Honglian’s reminder finally brought Wanqing back to her senses. Realizing how childishly she had been acting, she felt a wave of self-reproach—all because of that damned man. After a moment of hesitation, she softened her tone and dismissed them, clutching her injured wrist as she turned away.
“Miss…” Honglian called out anxiously, but Wanqing had already retreated into her room and shut the door. Though worried about her injury, Honglian knew she was skilled in medicine. With a sigh, she exchanged a glance with Wanchun, her delicate face hardening with quiet resentment.
“This is all because of those servants. Let’s go—I want to have a word with them.”
Originally, more people could have accompanied them to ensure Wanqing’s safety—Linglong Pavilion had the resources. But remembering Fengye Wang’s instructions before their departure—to keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention—and knowing Leng Mingye had agreed to travel with Wanqing, Honglian had reluctantly agreed.
Thinking of the man’s past devotion to Wanqing and his own attendants, she had allowed only Wanchun to accompany them. Yet, just one day into the journey, he had already driven Wanqing to such fury.
If he still had his martial prowess, Wanqing could have vented her anger in a fight. But now, weakened and vulnerable, she had no outlet for her rage except to harm herself.
Understanding this, Honglian could no longer stay calm. She marched with Wanchun straight to the suite where the men were staying.
“Young Master Leng, I think we need to talk.”
As soon as they arrived, they saw Leng Mingye standing at the door, his face cold and pale, his arm bandaged from an injury. Supported by Qingfeng and Baiyu, he looked even more haggard than before, his steps unsteady.
Though unsure what had happened between him and Wanqing, the sight of her self-inflicted wound fueled Honglian’s anger. She stepped forward, her voice icy as she addressed him between Qingfeng and Baiyu.
“My lord…”
Qingfeng and Baiyu exchanged uneasy glances as Leng Mingye’s expression darkened at Honglian’s hostility. Though they didn’t know the details of what had transpired between him and the princess, they remembered how she had turned away in tears after finding him.
Fearing another confrontation might worsen his condition—or provoke his temper—Baiyu hesitated before whispering a warning.
“Come in. Say what you have to say.”
Leng Mingye studied Honglian’s glare and barely restrained fury, his jaw tightening before he turned and walked back into the room, his voice trailing behind him.
“Young Master Leng, I know your feelings for my princess are deep—you’ve sacrificed much for her. But her temperament is as stubborn as yours. She’s more distressed than anyone about your current state. Yet today, you—I don’t know what happened between you, but why can’t you sit down and talk things out calmly? Must it always end in anger?”
Honglian followed him inside, fully aware of his prideful nature—perhaps even worse now than before. But thinking of Wanqing’s self-harm, she pressed on, watching as Qingfeng and Baiyu helped him sit before stepping forward.
“If you’re here to scold me on your mistress’s behalf, save it. I’m not the only one at fault. She knew I was in a bad state—why did she assume the worst of me?”
Though he understood her frustration was out of concern for Wanqing—and for them—Leng Mingye wasn’t one to back down. His expression darkened as he shot back.
“I—Fine, I won’t argue. You know my lady’s nature—she’s as unyielding as you are. She never bends for anyone. Yet when she returned just now, she hurt herself. If you truly care for each other, why can’t you show her more patience? This—”
Seeing his stubborn refusal to listen, Honglian knew reasoning with him might be futile. But the memory of Wanqing’s rare breakdown and self-harm steeled her resolve. She cut off his complaints and spoke firmly.
“What? She’s hurt? How badly?”
But her words barely registered—until the mention of Wanqing’s injury. His expression tightened, and he looked up sharply, urgency flashing in his eyes.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage