“Miss, the eldest miss—”
Late Spring watched as Mu Wanxia left with her maidservant, then turned to the silent Wanqing with a hesitant reminder.
“Whether she truly repents or not, it’s wise to be cautious. As for her mention of the Grand Princess’s birthday celebration, I find it odd. In previous years, she and her younger sister Mu Wanjun attended together. Why would she think of me this year? Do you think this is an attempt to curry favor or something more sinister?”
Wanqing chuckled lightly at Late Spring’s concern and warning, but her expression turned thoughtful as she pondered the latter part of her words.
“This matter is indeed unpredictable. However, I’ve heard that ever since the eldest miss poisoned and framed the master the day before, he has refused to see her. Even when she knelt outside his door, he wouldn’t grant her an audience. The third miss was also deeply displeased with her actions, and they reportedly had a heated argument. Many in the household know what she did to the master, and aside from her personal maidservants, though no one says it outright, they all harbor resentment. That’s why she’s trying so hard to win back the favor of the third miss and the master. I suspect she came today to flatter you, hoping you might speak on her behalf to the master and the third miss.”
In response to Wanqing’s question, Late Spring nodded in agreement, offering various possibilities.
“I have no interest in meddling in her affairs. She brought this upon herself—who else can she blame? Enough of this. Let’s go see Father.”
Wanqing scoffed at Late Spring’s reminder and speculation. Given Mu Wanxia’s current predicament, she considered herself merciful for not settling scores with her, let alone helping her—such thoughts were pure delusion. Thinking of another matter, she wondered about Mu Zhenfeng’s condition, as she hadn’t yet finished preparing the antidote.
With that, Wanqing dismissed Late Spring’s unnecessary worries and stood up, leading the way to her father’s quarters.
“Qing’er, about you and the Young Master… are you two… alright?”
Lian’er ushered her in upon her arrival. Mu Zhenfeng sat with a troubled expression, lifting his head at her entrance. Recalling what he knew and the unease he’d been feeling, he motioned for her to sit and immediately asked.
“We’re fine. Everything’s fine. Father, how do you plan to handle the matter with Eldest Sister?”
Hearing him inquire about her relationship with Leng Mingye right away, Wanqing knew her father was being cautious. She smiled reassuringly and, thinking of her eldest sister’s situation, posed her own question.
“Ah, I never imagined she would do such a thing. Let’s not speak of her anymore. How are things progressing with Young Master Sun lately?”
At Wanqing’s question, Mu Zhenfeng sighed in disappointment, unwilling to dwell on the painful topic of his eldest daughter. Instead, he turned his attention to Wanqing’s affairs.
“Nothing much, just the usual. There’s no need for you to worry about such matters. By the way, Father, has the tightness and pain in your chest worsened these past two days?”
Speaking of her relationship with Sun Fengyu, Wanqing recalled how, after that day when she had toyed with him at Linglong Pavilion, he had stopped visiting the Marquis’s residence altogether. Dismissing someone like Sun Fengyu with a nonchalant wave, she approached Mu Zhenfeng and, while inquiring about his condition, took his pulse.
“It’s gotten worse than before. That wretched woman—I’ll make sure she pays for this.”
Mu Zhenfeng sighed gloomily at Wanqing’s reaction and question, his eyes turning cold as he thought of the culprit behind his suffering.
“Enough, Father. Don’t trouble yourself over this. Take these medicines for now—I’ll prepare the antidote as soon as possible. Oh, and Father, do we usually attend the Grand Princess’s birthday celebration every year?”
Seeing that Mu Zhenfeng’s condition had worsened and he was still seething with anger, Wanqing spoke coolly about Liu Shi’s punishment. She had full confidence in her silver needles—without her unique antidote, no ordinary person could easily undo their effects.
Recalling Mu Wanxia’s mention of the Grand Princess’s celebration, she probed further.
“We usually attend. Not just our Marquis’s household, but all the noble ladies and talented young men in the capital participate. It’s an event the Grand Princess holds out of love for her precious granddaughter, Princess Qingyang. It serves both as a birthday celebration for the Grand Princess and as a gathering for Princess Qingyang and the other noble ladies and young men to mingle. Many prominent families in the capital attend—it’s ostensibly a social gathering, but it also functions as a matchmaking event.”
Hearing her question, Mu Zhenfeng turned to Wanqing and explained in detail.
“I see. And who from our household has attended in previous years?”
Understanding the underlying purpose of the celebration, Wanqing nodded and, thinking of Mu Wanxia’s invitation, asked her father.
“In the past, your stepmother would take your eldest sister, third sister, and fourth sister. This year, I plan for you to accompany your third and fourth sisters.”
At Wanqing’s question, Mu Zhenfeng’s expression grew slightly awkward. After a pause, he shared his plans for the event.
“Oh? But earlier, Eldest Sister came to me, saying she would take me. If you exclude her, Father, what will others think?”
Noting the clear exclusion of Mu Wanxia in her father’s words, Wanqing responded mildly, considering the implications of his decision.
“That’s a fair point. Very well, let her accompany you all. I owe you an apology—you’ve grown up without ever attending such an event. This time, I’ll personally take you all to broaden your horizons.”
After some thought, Mu Zhenfeng nodded in agreement with Wanqing’s reminder. Seeing her calm demeanor, he felt a pang of regret for his past biases and spoke remorsefully, his eyes filled with trust as he looked at her.
“Alright, then I’ll attend. Do we need to prepare a gift?”
Wanqing nodded calmly at her father’s words. Realizing she was about to attend such an important event, she naturally turned to him for guidance.
“No need. The household prepares for this event every year in advance. This year is no different. You may go now. I’m tired and need to rest.”
At Wanqing’s question, Mu Zhenfeng replied plainly. Waving wearily, he closed his eyes to rest.
“Very well, I’ll take my leave. Remember to take the medicine I gave you—I’ll prepare the antidote in a couple of days.”
Wanqing nodded at Mu Zhenfeng’s instructions, reminded him once more, and then departed.
Though their conversation was brief and not widely known, the household was well aware of Wanqing’s impending attendance at the celebration. With Liu Shi still confined and no signs of her release as the Grand Princess’s birthday approached, many speculated whether the Marquis would lead his daughters to the event this year.
“Damn it, Mu Zhenfeng! No—I must go see him.”
That day passed uneventfully, but that night, after hearing her beloved daughter’s account, Liu Shi, though displeased with her past recklessness, decided to speak with Mu Zhenfeng directly for the sake of her daughter’s future happiness.
“After all he’s done to you, why bother seeing him?”
As Mu Wanxia left after chatting with her mother, Liu Shi’s lover, Liu Cuishan, stopped her and questioned her decision.
“I have no desire to see him for what he’s done to me. But for our daughter’s sake—to secure her a good future—I must go. If I can lead them to the Grand Princess’s celebration, I can both teach that girl a lesson and find a suitable match for our Xia’er. Don’t you agree?”
Though Liu Shi’s complexion had improved slightly thanks to her lover’s daily efforts to alleviate her pain, she still looked unwell. Her eyes, however, were resolute as she posed her question.
To be continued.
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