Eunuch Sun’s sudden outcry immediately caught the attention of Prince Ning and his companions on the other side.
Seeing the two young eunuchs collapsed at his sister’s feet and Eunuch Sun cowering in apparent terror, Prince Ning’s expression turned icy, his eyes flashing with murderous intent. Clenching his fists at his sides, he asked coldly, “What happened? What’s going on here?”
“These two tried to restrain him and threatened me, so I killed them. Alright, Eunuch Sun, you seem quite shaken. Best hurry back to Her Majesty with your task. Any further delays might bring more trouble.”
Wan Qing’s calm gaze lingered on Eunuch Sun. Though he appeared terrified, she had noticed the swift, ruthless efficiency with which he had silenced the other eunuch when the man had been about to speak. She doubted his fear was genuine.
Uncertain of the motives behind Eunuch Sun—or the Empress Dowager he served—Wan Qing maintained her composure. As others arrived, she watched Eunuch Sun exhale deeply, trembling as he wiped sweat from his brow with his sleeve.
“Y-yes, yes. Many thanks, young lady, for saving me and for subduing these men. I must take my leave now.” Though nervous that his act might have been seen through, Eunuch Sun nodded repeatedly and scurried away.
“Did you find out who sent them?”
As Eunuch Sun departed, Qing Feng and the others exchanged disdainful glances. Only when he was out of sight did Prince Ning kneel to examine the wounds on the bodies before looking up at Wan Qing.
“Before I could question them, Eunuch Sun killed them,” Wan Qing replied coolly, glancing at those present.
“He killed them? No wonder the wounds don’t match your style… If he could kill them, why wait until they reached the Marquis’s residence?”
Prince Ning frowned, recalling the discrepancies in the injuries. Rising, he eyed his sister suspiciously. “His actions are unexpected. From what I know, he’s usually quite timid…”
Song Ziqian suddenly interjected, “Then it’s clear—someone behind him ordered it. But why bring them here, only to kill them after they threatened you? What was his goal?”
Wan Qing smiled faintly. “Perhaps a warning to remind me of my place, or some other scheme. Either way, it wasn’t out of goodwill. Wouldn’t you agree, Your Highness?”
Song Ziqian shrugged, crossing his arms. “Regardless, it’s best to be cautious when entering the palace from now on. Guards! Take these two to my father. Inform him they attempted to harm Prince Ning at the Marquis’s residence and have been neutralized. Hand them over to the Capital Prefect for disposal.”
As Prince Ning and Song Ziqian voiced her thoughts, Wan Qing smirked dismissively. She instructed the servants, who quickly dragged the bodies away while maids cleaned the mess. Wan Qing and Prince Ning then returned to their seats.
“Most women would be screaming in terror after such an ordeal, or paralyzed with fear. Yet here you are, composed as ever, ready to resume tea as if nothing happened.”
Liu Yufeng observed her with admiration. Beneath her delicate, innocent appearance, this young woman possessed remarkable medical and martial skills—her calm demeanor only added to her mystique.
Noticing the silver needle embedded in the other corpse’s neck, he had initially wondered who could wield such a weapon. But seeing her retrieve and clean the needle with practiced ease, he realized she was the one who had struck the fatal blow.
Her poise was extraordinary. Any other woman, no matter how skilled or indifferent to death, would have been unsettled. Yet she rejoined them for tea as if it were just another day.
Such fearlessness and grace commanded his respect.
“Since we’ve all gathered here today, and I’ve gained a new senior brother, why let petty troublemakers ruin the mood? The tea’s run out. Chunhong, fetch more—Who’s there?!”
As Wan Qing rose gracefully to refill the cups, she noticed a figure atop the wall. In an instant, a silver needle shot from her bracelet toward the intruder. Qing Feng lunged forward simultaneously.
“Is this how the Second Young Miss of the Mu family greets her guests?” The intruder dodged effortlessly, landing lightly near the pavilion. He held the needle between his fingers, smirking at Wan Qing.
“It’s the Young Marquis…” Qing Feng halted, bowing respectfully.
“No harm done. Prince Ning, you’re quite unkind. I asked where you were headed earlier, only to find you all gathered here. Little Miss, am I unwelcome? No tea for me?”
The intruder was none other than Leng Mingye. With his cover blown, he vaulted down from the wall, catching Wan Qing’s needle midair. As the group turned to him, he sauntered in, teasing Prince Ning before seating himself. Noting Wan Qing’s icy demeanor, he raised a brow. “Still ignoring me?”
“Young Marquis, your penchant for eavesdropping remains undiminished. Honglian, didn’t you hear our guest? To what do we owe the honor—or rather, why were you spying on us? Surveillance, or another mission?”
Despite his charming smile, Wan Qing’s resentment simmered. His past manipulations at the Grand Princess’s estate still rankled. Though protocol demanded courtesy, she couldn’t resist a barbed remark. As Honglian fetched tea, she eyed him with a frosty smile.
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