“I, miss, I…”
Honglian, questioned by her, looked troubled and hesitated, unsure how to begin.
“Speak. Given the bond we’ve shared these past days, I won’t make things difficult for you. But if you refuse to explain, then I can no longer keep you in this marquis’s residence.”
Wanqing watched Honglian’s hesitation calmly, noting how her lips pressed together but still no words came. She didn’t press further. Instead, she withdrew the silver needle and said coolly, then turned to dismiss her.
“No, please! I beg you, miss. I shouldn’t have kept it from you. But—it was all Aunt Bai who told me. She asked me to help her with something—to check if you had a purple rose-shaped birthmark on your shoulder. I don’t know why, but… you know I’m from Linglong Pavilion. Since I was little, she raised me, taught me martial arts, how to read… She’s like family to me. I—”
Hearing Wanqing’s cold dismissal, Honglian panicked. The rules of Linglong Pavilion were clear: once someone left, they could never return and had to serve only their new master. Beyond that, this young lady had treated her well, and her extraordinary spirit and abilities made Honglian reluctant to leave.
Seeing Wanqing turn away, take out a banknote, and place it on the table before walking off, Honglian urgently called out to stop her. When Wanqing paused and turned back, Honglian knelt respectfully before her and confessed everything she knew.
“So you pulled at my collar just to see if I had a rose birthmark?”
Wanqing found this strange. Aside from Granny Liu, only Chunhong had known about that birthmark. Yet Bai Nianlong had sent Honglian to investigate it. Though still puzzled, she pressed further.
“Yes, miss. Every word I’ve said is true. If I’ve lied, may I be struck by lightning and die a wretched death!”
Honglian raised her hand in a solemn vow, her tone earnest.
“Fine, I believe you. By the way, find me an opportunity—I need to speak with her.”
Wanqing considered Honglian’s loyalty and companionship. Despite her suspicions, Bai Nianlong’s unusual behavior—first her strange reaction to the jade pendant around Wanqing’s neck, then sending Honglian to check for the birthmark—made her wary.
Bai Nianlong’s motives and identity were now in question.
Yet, recalling their past encounters and the kindness Bai had shown her, Wanqing sighed and relented, giving Honglian her instructions.
“Of course, I’ll arrange it. But miss… do you really not want Honglian anymore?”
Honglian’s eyes brimmed with sorrow and disbelief.
“Who told you to hide the truth from me? I had to scare you into talking. Now that you’ve confessed, why wouldn’t I keep you? But if you truly wish to leave, though I’d be reluctant, I’d respect your choice.”
Wanqing smiled faintly, helping Honglian up and teasing her lightly.
“Miss, I’ll never do this again! I’ll go deliver your message to Aunt Bai right away so you two can meet!”
Overjoyed, Honglian turned and dashed out without another word.
“This girl… I thought she was steady, but she’s just as impulsive as the wind.”
Wanqing shook her head in amusement but didn’t stop her.
Alone in her room, Wanqing browsed through the books from her mother’s study.
She had stumbled upon them by accident—while idly searching for something to read, she’d bumped into a vase on a shelf, revealing a hidden compartment in the wall. Inside, she found a stack of books.
Curious, she flipped through them and discovered they were all medical texts. The prescriptions and symptom descriptions were extraordinary—some even addressed incurable diseases of the time, with detailed explanations and precise herbal formulas.
Though unsure who had left them there, Wanqing treasured them. She’d hidden them in a secret compartment beneath her desk, studying them whenever she had time.
Just as she was engrossed in reading, Wanchun arrived outside.
“Miss, the eldest young lady is here. Will you see her?”
Wanqing frowned slightly at the mention of Mu Wanxia, recalling their past conflicts and the recent scandals she’d caused in the household.
“What does she want? Have her wait in the flower hall. I’ll be there shortly.”
After tidying the books, she sighed and went out.
“Elder Sister, aren’t you supposed to be reflecting on your mistakes? What brings you here? If you have business, state it plainly. If not, I’m busy.”
In the front hall, Wanqing saw Mu Wanxia, dressed in plain but elegant gauze robes, seated with her maid in the guest area. As Wanqing entered, Mu Wanxia rose with an ingratiating smile.
Wanqing sat down coolly, accepted the tea Wanchun handed her, and took a sip before speaking bluntly—clearly signaling that if Mu Wanxia had nothing important to say, she should leave.
“I… Second Sister, I know I was wrong before. I was obsessed with Young Master Sun and nearly made a terrible mistake. Thankfully, you stopped me in time. Today, I came to apologize. I truly regret my actions, I—”
Mu Wanxia’s face twisted with shame as she stood humbly, tears welling as she bowed deeply, even kneeling before Wanqing.
“Enough with the empty words. If you’ve truly realized your mistakes, that’s enough—no need for pretty speeches. If you’re just here to apologize, it’s unnecessary. Just behave properly from now on, as a dutiful daughter and elder sister. If that’s all, you may leave. I have matters to attend to.”
Wanqing rose impatiently, helping Mu Wanxia up as the latter’s maid supported her. Though Mu Wanxia’s past actions warranted severe punishment, Wanqing chose not to dwell on it—after all, they were family.
“I… Qing’er, I know you won’t forgive me easily, but I truly repent. Words alone aren’t enough to prove it—I’ll show you through my actions. Actually, I came for another reason. The Grand Princess’s birthday is in a few days. In the past, Third Sister and I attended together. This year, I hope you’ll accompany me. Let’s go together.”
Mu Wanxia’s expression grew even more uneasy under Wanqing’s cold gaze. After a pause, she spoke again, but when Wanqing remained silent, she sighed deeply and left with her maid.
To be continued.
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