“What should I do? I’ve already told you, we must wait for the right opportunity. Right now, you need to remain composed and find another way to resolve the rift between you and your father. Even if it means taking the initiative to apologize to him. Believe me, once your attitude changes, Jun’er will also help you.”
Seeing that her daughter remained unmoved despite her advice, Madam Liu felt a pang of helplessness. After a pause, she softened her tone and looked at her gently.
“Yes, Mother. Thank you. You’re the best to Xia’er.”
Mu Wanxia’s expression eased as she basked in her mother’s affection. She clung to Madam Liu’s arm, leaning against her with heartfelt gratitude.
“Silly girl, you’re my daughter. Who else would I dote on if not you?”
Madam Liu lightly tapped her daughter’s delicate nose, feigning exasperation but unable to hide her fondness.
“By the way, Mother, speaking of opportunities, I just thought of something. In a few days, it will be the Grand Princess’s birthday celebration, and Princess Qingyang has invited me to attend. With such a perfect opportunity, do you think we should take action then?”
Seeing her mother’s unwavering affection, Mu Wanxia playfully guided her to sit down and brought up her upcoming meeting with Wu Qingyang, posing the question.
“Princess Qingyang, Wu Qingyang? Isn’t that girl at odds with you? If you make a move at the banquet, won’t you just be adding another enemy?”
Madam Liu perked up at her daughter’s words, countering with a question.
She knew all too well about the rivalry between her daughter and Wu Qingyang. Both were renowned beauties of the capital. As the saying goes, where there are beauties, there is competition. Though she had always warned her daughter not to provoke Wu Qingyang—given her royal status—the tension between them was undeniable.
Under her guidance, Mu Wanxia had cultivated an elegant and dignified demeanor, earning a reputation that rivaled Wu Qingyang’s. While Wu Qingyang was undeniably beautiful and noble, her status and stunning looks had fostered an air of superiority and aloofness, making her seem unapproachable. In contrast, Mu Wanxia, though lacking Wu Qingyang’s grandeur, possessed a unique charm—graceful, serene, and approachable. Well-versed in literature, painting, and music, she had become the object of admiration for many young talents in the capital, standing toe-to-toe with Wu Qingyang in popularity.
Yet, despite this, Mu Wanxia always seemed overshadowed by Wu Qingyang’s dazzling presence. Though her daughter never voiced it, Madam Liu knew the two were anything but friendly.
Now, Madam Liu waited, puzzled, for her daughter’s response.
“Mother, you don’t understand. Wu Qingyang and I could never get along. But have you heard about her pursuit of Prince Ji’s heir?”
Mu Wanxia smiled faintly, offering a hint.
“I’ve heard rumors. What of it? Xia’er, you’re not thinking of using Wu Qingyang to deal with that girl from Zhuxiang Garden, are? While this opportunity seems perfect, I don’t advise it. None of them are people our Marquis’s household can afford to provoke, let alone Prince Ji’s heir—he’s practically a living demon.”
Madam Liu frowned, nodding at her daughter’s reminder. The thought of targeting someone connected to the heir sent a chill down her spine. Despite the tempting opportunity, she cautioned her daughter against it.
“Mother, Wu Qingyang knows about the special relationship between Prince Ji’s heir and that girl, and her attitude toward me has shifted. We can orchestrate something at the banquet, but it’s best if Wu Qingyang takes the fall. Surely you’ve heard—despite her beauty and status, she’s rather dim-witted. I’ll ensure everything is seamless, leaving no trace. What do you think?”
Seeing her mother’s hesitation, Mu Wanxia reassured her while outlining her plan.
“Very well. But be careful—don’t leave any evidence. If anything goes wrong, I’ll find someone to cover for you. Now, go back. Remember what I told you: apologize to your father properly. I don’t want my issues with him to affect you or Jun’er. And take good care of her for me.”
Madam Liu knew her daughter was stubborn once she set her mind to something. With a resigned sigh, she watched her leave, offering one last reminder.
“Alright, Mother, I’ll head back now. Oh, how is your health? Earlier, you mentioned that wretched girl’s needles—”
Mu Wanxia, reinvigorated by the thought of the upcoming confrontation, paused before leaving to inquire about her mother’s condition.
“I’ve taken some medicine and feel better. Don’t worry about me—just be more cautious in the future. Think twice before acting rashly.”
Madam Liu managed a rare smile at her daughter’s concern. After reassuring her and watching her nod, she bid her farewell with a final warning.
“Be careful.” As Mu Wanxia’s figure disappeared into the distance, Madam Liu, who had been leaning against the door, suddenly swayed and nearly collapsed. A shadowy figure emerged from the inner chamber, catching her just in time.
“Cuishan, you’re here? The Sect Leader released you?”
Turning, Madam Liu saw the man lower his hood, revealing a gaunt yet strikingly handsome face. His features were sharp, his eyes like stars, exuding an ethereal elegance. Despite his thin frame, he carried an air of timeless grace.
“Yes, Rou’er. Ya’er has been poisoned—a toxin so potent even the Sect Leader is powerless. I came to ask you: what exactly has happened in this household lately? Do you know anything about Ya’er’s poisoning?”
The man’s voice trembled as he spoke, his eyes filled with sorrow and longing. He gently lifted Madam Liu, seating her on a bench before taking her hand and pressing a tender kiss to it, his gaze never leaving her face.
“Ya’er—it’s all because of me. What’s happened to him? Cuishan, tell me—”
Madam Liu’s eyes welled with tears as she clung to his hand like a lost child. At the mention of Hei Ya, her expression turned anxious, sensing the gravity of the situation from the despair in his eyes.
Though he hadn’t elaborated, she knew the boy’s condition must be dire. The Sect Leader had always favored him, and only a life-threatening crisis would have prompted his release. (To be continued.)
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