“Qing’er, what are you going to do?”
Song Ziqian watched as she turned to leave, the icy chill in her beautiful eyes unmistakable. Realizing that his momentary anger might have pushed her into recklessness, he instinctively wanted to stop her. But Prince Ning was quicker, turning his wheelchair to face his sister, who had followed him forward.
“Princess Qingyang has gone too far. If I don’t teach her a lesson, I’m not Mu Wanqing.”
She knew her brother would try to stop her, but no one dared to provoke Mu Wanqing. Now, because of her, even her close friends had suffered. If she didn’t retaliate, she wouldn’t be herself.
With a calm glance at her brother, she continued walking out.
“Stop her…”
Though his sister was skilled, Prince Ning was still worried about her impulsiveness. He instructed Qingfeng and his brother outside to intervene while he followed closely.
“You’d better not stand in my way. Honglian, hold them back. If I don’t teach her a lesson, everyone will think Mu Wanqing is easy to bully—even Prince Ning and the rest of you. Do you understand?”
Seeing Qingfeng and his brother blocking her path, and noticing the helplessness in Qingfeng’s eyes, Wanqing could no longer remain composed. She ordered her two maids, Honglian and the other, to block the doorway behind Qingfeng. Then, with a cold glance at those inside, she turned and left.
“Miss Mu… This, Your Highness…”
Song Ziqian already regretted his earlier outburst. Now, unable to stop her from confronting Princess Qingyang, he could only look helplessly at Prince Ning.
“Let her go. That’s just how she is, but I trust she won’t act recklessly. It’s time Princess Qingyang learns not to underestimate us. Otherwise, everyone will think we’re easy targets, right?”
Though Prince Ning knew he couldn’t stop his sister, he still worried. If he stood up now, it would only escalate the situation. Her actions were, in a way, paving the way for him. Despite his calm demeanor as he reassured Song Ziqian, his concern ran deeper than anyone else’s.
“Qingfeng, Honglian, follow her discreetly. Only intervene if she loses control.”
After a brief hesitation, he gave the order and then joined Song Ziqian and the others.
Wanqing left the courtyard and headed straight to where the young men and women were drinking. From a distance, she saw Wu Qingyang in the crowd, surrounded by a few women, smiling as she urged Leng Mingye to drink.
“I’ve already had three cups. As guests, you should entertain others too. Focusing only on me is discourteous.”
Leng Mingye was visibly displeased with Wu Qingyang’s persistent attention since the banquet began. But with the event hosted by the Grand Princess, he couldn’t outright refuse. After three cups, she still showed no sign of stopping. He set down his cup and spoke firmly.
“Cousin, the others have their own companions. Qingyang only wishes to attend to you…”
Wu Qingyang pouted but poured another cup for him.
“I must pay my respects to the consort. I won’t indulge you further. Qingfeng, let’s go.”
Unable to tolerate her any longer, Leng Mingye stood and left with Qingfeng.
“Cousin, you— Who’s pulling me? How dare you—!”
Wu Qingyang had gone to great lengths for this banquet, inviting many of her friends to help entertain. But her true motive was to corner Leng Mingye. If he got drunk, she could manipulate the situation—with so many witnesses, he’d have no choice but to marry her.
Yet he remained unmoved. Though she had even procured special ingredients from Mu Wanxia to spike his drink, he left after just three cups. Furious, she turned to see who had grabbed her arm.
When she saw the woman standing before her—smiling sweetly, eyes clear, completely sober—her face paled.
“Surprised? I came in good faith to celebrate the Grand Princess’s birthday, yet you treated me like this. If you don’t give me an explanation, I won’t let this go.”
Wanqing’s voice was calm but firm, ensuring Wu Qingyang heard every word.
“You— Let’s discuss this outside. Everyone, please continue. I need a word with Miss Mu.”
Panicked, Wu Qingyang led her away from the crowd, fearing exposure.
“Now that we’re alone, are you trying to cover up or convince me it was all a misunderstanding?”
By the lake, Wuanqing smirked at Wu Qingyang’s nervousness.
“It— It was your elder sister who instigated this! I—”
Wu Qingyang stammered, recalling Mu Wanxia’s earlier words during their argument.
“Really? But I know she wouldn’t dare act against me without orders. Princess, you’re not being honest. I thought the proud Princess Qingyang was braver. Turns out, you’re just a coward. You targeted me because of Leng Mingye, didn’t you?”
Wanqing flicked her wrist, revealing a dagger. Wu Qingyang’s eyes darted around, torn between calling for help and fear.
“Stop right there, Mu Wanqing! If you take another step, I’ll scream. Fine, I’ll tell you. Yes, I did it for my cousin. Only I deserve him. You— You’re engaged to Sun Fengyu, who treats you well. Why can’t you just stay with him instead of meddling?”
Backed against the marble railing by the lake, Wu Qingyang forced herself to sound defiant, though her trembling voice betrayed her fear.
Regret gnawed at her. If she’d known how formidable Mu Wanqing was, she wouldn’t have provoked her.
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