Leng Minghao turned around and saw Wanqing arriving with a beautiful maid dressed in red. With an air of self-righteousness, he retorted,
“Who do we have here? It’s the Second Miss Mu. Second Miss Mu, you’re already engaged to Young Master Sun Fengyu, yet you’ve been parading around with Prince Ning while he’s been chasing after you. Aren’t you afraid of becoming a laughingstock? Besides, this is a gathering hosted by Princess Qingyang for young men and women to mingle. I took a liking to this girl and wanted to chat and share a drink with her. What’s wrong with that?”
“Of course, it’s wrong,” Wanqing countered coldly. “Princess Qingyang organized this gathering to foster genuine connections and understanding between young men and women. Whether affection develops should depend on mutual interest, not coercion. What you’re doing is no different from the behavior of a rogue.”
Seeing him bully others while spouting such high-minded excuses, Wanqing felt a surge of frustration. If not for the inappropriate setting, she would have taught him a lesson on the spot. With a frosty smile, she met his gaze and continued, “This has nothing to do with Second Miss Mu. Instead of meddling in others’ affairs, perhaps you should focus on your own. Frankly, I feel sorry for Brother Sun. Don’t you agree, Young Master Sun?”
Cornered by Wanqing’s words, Leng Minghao struggled to respond. Noticing Sun Fengyu approaching from a nearby corner, he sneered and redirected the question to him.
“Second Young Master, you’re mistaken. Qing’er’s actions are entirely justified. Such gatherings are meant for mutual affection, not for you to throw your weight around as the heir of Prince Ji’s household. Your behavior not only tarnishes your family’s reputation but also disrespects Her Highness the Grand Princess and Princess Qingyang. Qing’er, you and Prince Ning moved so quickly—I could hardly keep up. Miss, are you alright?”
Sun Fengyu had finally caught up after Prince Ning and Wanqing parted ways, only to stumble upon this scene. Without hesitation, he sided with Wanqing, even clarifying her relationship with Prince Ning—clearly for Leng Minghao’s benefit.
Seeing Wanqing frown at his words without acknowledgment, Sun Fengyu felt a pang of disappointment. Still, he swiftly stepped forward, forcefully shoving Leng Minghao away from Hongxiao and pulling her to safety. Gently, he asked, “Are you unharmed?”
“Thank you, Young Master Sun, for your timely intervention…” Hongxiao, grateful for his help and moved by his words, felt even more favorably toward Wanqing. She bowed slightly to Sun Fengyu before standing beside Wanqing and coolly addressing Leng Minghao. “Second Young Master, I hold no romantic feelings for you whatsoever. Please understand.”
Just as tensions peaked, a haughty, mocking laugh cut through the air. A group approached, led by Leng Mingye, his demeanor as icy as ever, accompanied by a stunning noblewoman—none other than Wu Qingyang.
Spotting the commotion and noticing Wanqing and Sun Fengyu standing together with another beauty, Wu Qingyang tugged Leng Mingye over, feigning concern.
“Cousin Qingyang, you must stand up for me!” Leng Minghao seized the opportunity, rushing to Wu Qingyang’s side like a drowning man clutching at straws. “Hongxiao and I were deeply in love, but Second Miss Mu and Young Master Sun slandered me, turning her against me! When I tried to explain, they ganged up on me. How can I, alone, defend myself against their united front? Cousin, you must help me!”
His dramatic performance—complete with sleeve-dabbing but no actual tears—made Wanqing inwardly scoff. She glanced at Leng Mingye, whose expression remained unreadable, then at Wu Qingyang, waiting to see how they’d respond.
Wu Qingyang, well aware of her second cousin’s antics, noticed Leng Mingye’s gaze lingering on Wanqing despite her presence. Jealousy flared, but she masked it with indignation. “Cousin, how could they treat your own brother this way? Big Cousin, you must intervene!”
She reached for Leng Mingye’s arm, but he subtly withdrew, his voice low yet carrying across the group. “Speak plainly. No need for theatrics. Is this truly what happened? Young Master Sun, Second Miss Mu, and… Hongxiao, is my brother’s account accurate?”
Wanqing, seeing Sun Fengyu’s unease and Hongxiao’s pallor, knew Leng Mingye’s reputation for ruthlessness. But she refused to be cowed.
“Would the heir of Prince Ji’s household even listen or believe us?” she countered with a faint smile, meeting his dangerously narrowed eyes. “My advice? Keep your brother in check. If he picks a fight with the wrong people, he’ll regret it. Now, if you’ll excuse us—Sister Cui, let’s go.”
With that, she guided Hongxiao away.
Sun Fengyu, heartened by Wanqing’s use of “us,” bowed stiffly to Leng Mingye and Wu Qingyang before following.
Wu Qingyang, incensed that Leng Mingye’s gaze still trailed Wanqing, clenched her fists. “Big Cousin! She’s insulting our families! How can you let them leave? Look how heartbroken Second Cousin is!”
Leng Mingye cut her off impatiently. “Enough. I know my brother better than you. Minghao, if you seek a woman’s affection, it must be genuine. This behavior is disgraceful. If you continue, return home at once.”
With that, he strode off, leaving Wu Qingyang scrambling after him. “Cousin, wait for me!”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage