“What’s all the fuss about? I just wanted her to sleep for a while. Look how tired she is from running around—let her rest. Let’s eat first, and then we’ll go find Madam. Do you remember when we first entered the room and you fainted?”
Chunhong wore an expression as if she had committed murder, and Wanqing couldn’t help but purse her lips. Seeing Chunhong still full of confusion and reproach, Wanqing ate while quietly asking her.
“Me fainting? Miss, you mean…” If she hadn’t brought it up, Chunhong might not have recalled the strange events when they first entered the room. Her expression shifted to shock as she looked at Wanqing.
“At least you’re not completely clueless—you finally figured it out. I suspect the oddities in the room were Madam’s doing, but I have no proof. That’s why I pulled this stunt to confirm my suspicions.”
Only when Chunhong’s face lit up with realization did Wanqing deign to explain.
“Miss, I never thought Madam could be so vicious. But Miss Hongyan has martial skills to protect us. Knocking her out and just the two of us going to confront Madam—isn’t that…”
Though Chunhong’s dissatisfaction faded after Wanqing’s explanation, she still couldn’t understand Wanqing’s actions, given Madam’s fear of Hongyan.
“You little brat, since when do you question me? Grown a backbone, have you? I have my reasons. Didn’t I tell you? Hongyan’s arrival might mean the Young Master already suspects the jade token is mine. Involving her in our affairs would only complicate things.”
Chunhong’s persistent confusion made Wanqing lose all patience for further explanations.
Nonetheless, taking into account her loyalty and concern for her own safety, Wanqing held back from reprimanding her further. She simply flicked Chunhong’s forehead with a displeased look, observing as the girl instinctively recoiled but bore the gentle tap, her eyes welling up with grievance.
Sometimes, a slap followed by a sweet treat truly wins hearts. Wanqing softened her tone and explained patiently.
Seeing the grievance in Chunhong’s eyes finally lessen, Wanqing soothed her. Once they had eaten enough, she set down her chopsticks and pulled Chunhong up to leave.
“Alright, let’s eat and then go find Madam. Don’t worry—it’s just a sleeping draught. Stop eating so much; we’re leaving now.”
“Miss, the dishes—I need to clean up…” Chunhong, being dragged away, couldn’t help but glance back at the tableware.
“Leave them. We’re going to see Madam. And don’t say a word when we get there, understand? Or we’ll both regret it.”
Wanqing tugged her forward, reminding her sharply, her mind already calculating the next steps.
“Okay.” Though puzzled by Wanqing’s urgency, Chunhong obediently agreed and followed.
“Move aside. I need to speak with Madam.”
Upon arriving at Liu Shi’s courtyard, Wanqing ignored the mother-daughter trio and her father dining in the hall. With a cold glare, she slapped away a maid who tried to block her path, leaving a clear handprint on the girl’s cheek. The other servants scattered in fear as Wanqing stormed forward, Chunhong trailing behind with a stern expression.
“Everyone, leave. I’ve already given you the house—what more do you want?” Mu Zhenfeng, who had been enjoying a meal with his wife and daughters, set down his chopsticks with a frown. The sight of Wanqing striking a maid and her murderous aura made his hidden anger flare, though he restrained himself, mindful of the Young Master’s warning.
“That house belonged to my mother. Returning it to me isn’t an act of kindness—don’t pretend otherwise. I’m here for her.”
Wanqing’s retort was icy. Seeing her father’s preferential treatment of the other women—their harmonious, loving expressions—pierced her heart like a thorn. Though she had no memories of her birth mother, the injustice stung.
She pointed at Liu Shi beside him, her voice dripping with disdain.
“You—you unfilial wretch! I—” Mu Zhenfeng’s temper exploded. He rose, his hand raised to strike her.
“Go ahead. Hit me. Better yet, kill me. Otherwise, step aside. It’s her I want to question.”
Wanqing’s fingers curled around a hidden silver needle, her gaze unflinching as she stared him down.
“You—you—” Though his hatred for this daughter ran deep, her defiance and the unspoken threat gave him pause. His hand trembled but didn’t land.
“Master, calm down. She’s just a child. Sit, sit. Qing’er, what brings you here in such a state? If you need something, speak to Steward Zhong or Liu. Why this outburst?”
Liu Shi smoothly intervened, her voice honeyed as she soothed her husband. Once Mu Zhenfeng reluctantly sat back down, she turned to Wanqing with a saccharine smile, though her eyes held venom.
Wanqing ignored her, her furious gaze locked onto Liu Shi as if she were staring down a mortal enemy.
“Child, what’s wrong? You said you came to see me, yet you won’t speak. How can I help if you don’t tell me? Qing’er…”
Liu Shi’s unease grew under Wanqing’s glare. Though confident in her schemes, the girl’s silence unnerved her. She forced a gentle smile.
“Miss, Madam is speaking to you. Miss?” Chunhong nudged Wanqing softly, uneasy at the tension.
“Oh, I just want to know—what grudge do you hold against me? Xiangmei confessed. Their target was me. They planned to drug me, let that dung-hauling brother of yours assault me while I was unconscious. Luckily, Hongyan intervened and turned the tables. Tell me—why are you so cruel? You gave me the house, yet plotted this behind my back. What’s your game?”
Wanqing’s voice cracked with emotion as she accused Liu Shi, her finger trembling with rage. The room fell silent.
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