“I need to find a way to sneak into the palace to investigate. Nothing is certain yet. Alright, I have other matters to attend to, so I won’t disturb you further, Father. Please take care of yourself. Eldest Sister’s condition might improve in a few days.”
Faced with Old Man Mu Zhenfeng’s questioning, Wanqing couldn’t help but sigh softly, recalling everything Bai Gu had told her. She was utterly perplexed by the situation. But with the palace in turmoil and Bai Gu and the others expelled, it seemed the truth could only be uncovered by entering the palace herself.
She turned to reassure her father, speaking calmly before rising to leave. Despite her words, his expression remained clouded with worry, and she could only offer a comforting glance before stepping away.
“Miss, Young Master Sun has arrived. He’s waiting for you in the front courtyard.”
No sooner had Wanqing returned to her courtyard than Wan Chun hurried over, her eyes flickering with uncertainty as she gestured toward the front courtyard.
“What does he want?”
At the mention of Sun Fengyu’s arrival, Wanqing’s mood soured, recalling their encounter at Linglong Pavilion half a month ago. She shot Wan Chun an impatient look.
“I’m not sure, Miss…” Wan Chun hesitated, noticing the immediate shift in her mistress’s demeanor. After spending so much time together, she had a good grasp of Wanqing’s thoughts. She bowed slightly, her expression troubled as she awaited further instructions.
“Let’s go see.”
Though reluctant to meet Sun Fengyu, Wanqing was preoccupied with her inability to enter the palace. His arrival, unwelcome as it was, might present an opportunity. Suppressing her irritation, she spoke coolly and strode ahead.
“Qing’er, you’re finally back! I’ve been waiting for so long. Your face… it’s healed?”
Sun Fengyu, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, rose from his seat in the front courtyard’s reception hall as Wanqing entered. His eyes lit up with delight as he approached, taking in her flawless complexion.
“Yes. May I ask what brings Young Master Sun here today?”
Wanqing observed the flicker of admiration in Sun Fengyu’s gaze. She was well aware of her transformation—gone were the red blemishes on her face, and thanks to medicinal tonics, her once sallow, malnourished skin had regained a healthy glow. Her previously dry, brittle hair now shone with luster, and her face had filled out, accentuating her natural beauty.
Her features were striking, exuding an innate elegance. When she remained expressionless, she radiated nobility; when she smiled, her charm carried a playful vivacity. Her eyes, clear as water, seemed to convey unspoken emotions with every glance.
Noticing Sun Fengyu’s stunned reaction, Wanqing smiled faintly and gracefully took a seat. “Well?”
“I… Qing’er, we are betrothed, after all. I was unwell that day at Linglong Pavilion and acted improperly. Now that I’ve recovered somewhat, I came to see you. Qing’er, let’s go for a walk, shall we…?”
Sun Fengyu, unsettled by her aloofness, forced a smile and sat beside her, extending an invitation. He wasn’t sure if she was upset about the incident, but he pressed on regardless.
“Young Master Sun, I appreciate your visit. However, I distinctly recall you abandoning me at Linglong Pavilion half a month ago. If you have no genuine regard for me, what’s the point of this persistence? Or is there another motive behind your attentions?”
Wanqing’s disdain for Sun Fengyu had only deepened since their last encounter. She remained seated, her smile cool as she watched him flounder.
“Qing’er, what are you saying? I truly was unwell, and I do care for you. If not for my condition, I’d never have left you alone. Come, let me make it up to you—anything you fancied that day but didn’t buy, I’ll get it for you now.”
Sun Fengyu’s face flushed with embarrassment, but he maintained a pleading tone, offering gifts as appeasement.
“Is that so? Then I must have misunderstood. Unfortunately, I’m occupied today—Prince Ning has requested my presence. Honglian, we’re leaving for Prince Ning’s residence.”
Wanqing had no patience for his feigned sincerity, especially knowing he might be behind the plot involving the Dragon-Tiger Token and the harm done to his own mother, as well as Su Xiang and her newborn. She stood abruptly, instructing Honglian to fetch her things before turning to leave.
“Qing’er! Qing’er! Are you truly angry with me? I was genuinely ill, Qing’er—!”
Sun Fengyu, initially furious at her dismissal, had been pressured by his parents and the Empress to reconcile. Though he loathed the idea of pursuing the once-ugly, brash girl, his family’s ambitions left him no choice.
To his shock, in just half a month, the girl covered in red blemishes had transformed into a stunning beauty, her demeanor radiating an elegance that even Mu Wanxia couldn’t match. Frustrated yet intrigued, he hurried after her, his voice pleading.
“I understand. Since you’re still recovering, you should rest. I have urgent matters with Prince Ning and must take my leave. Honglian, let’s go.”
Wanqing brushed past him, her tone indifferent as she motioned for Honglian to follow.
“Qing’er—!” Sun Fengyu’s anger flared. As the Empress’s nephew, he was unaccustomed to being dismissed so coldly by a mere marquis’s illegitimate daughter. Though her beauty now captivated him, his pride stung. He called after her, determined to catch up.
“Young Master Sun, please return. My lady dislikes being followed.”
Before he could take more than two steps, Qiuju and Dongmei blocked his path, their expressions stern. They made it clear: he wasn’t welcome to pursue their mistress.
“You—!” Sun Fengyu glared at the maids, momentarily struck by their own comeliness. But realizing their firm stance, he clenched his jaw, suppressing his rage. When his attempts to push past failed, he grudgingly acknowledged their skill. With a final glare, he turned on his heel and stormed off in the opposite direction.
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