“Auntie doesn’t have that much cash or banknotes on hand right now. How about another day…”
Liu Shi was already annoyed that she wanted a place to stay, and now she was bringing up money. Suppressing her anger, Liu Shi forced a smile and tried to brush her off.
“Auntie, who knows if you’ll change your mind again tomorrow? Since I’ve spoken up today, why don’t you go to the accounts office and get it for me now? Or just give me a note so I can collect it from Steward Liu myself.”
Seeing Liu Shi’s barely concealed anger and evasive words, Wanqing chuckled lightly and sat down casually, pouring herself a cup of tea to drink.
“You—Mu Wanqing, don’t push your luck! Just because the young master visited you twice, you think you’re something special?”
Before Liu Shi could react, the blunt and outspoken Mu Wanjun pointed at Wanqing and started shouting.
“Third Sister, the young master is a royal relative. His word naturally carries weight. Besides, Auntie promised me in front of him. Or does Auntie think the young master’s words don’t count?”
Wanqing thought that if Liu Shi had just given her the money, she wouldn’t have pressed further. But with Wanjun’s provocation and Hongyan present, she curved her lips slightly and turned to Wanjun.
“Pfft, the young master may have immense power, but does that mean he can meddle in our household affairs? You’re delusional, treating his words like imperial edicts. And calling him ‘young master brother’ so affectionately—isn’t it nauseating?”
As Wanqing finished, Wanjun sneered in disdain, sticking out her tongue in disgust.
“So, you’re saying the young master’s words mean nothing to you? You—”
Hearing Wanjun’s words, Wanqing inwardly smirked but feigned anger and hurt, her eyes reddening.
“Mu Wanqing, I don’t think you understand your place yet. Do you really believe the young master cares for you? Dream on. Look at yourself—have you even glanced in a mirror? Ugh, calling him ‘young master brother’—it’s vomit-inducing!”
Wanjun had expected Wanqing to lose her temper, but she only cried. Though her mother had warned her not to provoke Wanqing directly, seeing her so weak, Wanjun ignored her sister’s attempts to stop her and spat out more venom.
“You—you dare say the young master is vomit-inducing? You—”
Wanqing noticed Hongyan’s expression darkening and deepened her act, appearing even more wronged.
“Mu Wanqing, let me make this clear. Whatever the young master feels for you is your own wishful thinking. Household matters are my domain. Dragging him into this is just causing trouble. And Wanjun only spoke her mind—why take it so hard? Wanjun, that’s enough.”
Liu Shi, puzzled by Wanqing’s sudden shift from defiance to tears, saw her daughter’s words had struck a nerve. Remembering the young master’s unpredictable nature, she adopted her matriarchal tone, scolding both Wanqing and her daughter.
“Speaking one’s mind doesn’t justify slandering the young master. This is outright treasonous—”
Wanqing noted how Liu Shi, initially cautious, now asserted her authority. Smirking inwardly, she thought, *Keep pushing your luck—soon enough, you’ll regret it.* Outwardly, she softened slightly but maintained a regal air, clearly condemning Wanjun’s behavior.
“You—you ugly wretch! Look at yourself before throwing around words like ‘treason.’ Do you even know what it means? My mother is your elder—defying her is the real treason!”
Enraged by her mother’s scolding and Wanqing’s high-handed tone, Wanjun pointed at her nose, lecturing her.
Her words were meant to remind Wanqing of her place, but Wanqing seized the opportunity.
“Auntie, you heard her. She’s saying the young master’s words are worthless while yours are law. I see now. Just wait—I’ll go tell the young master how you defy and insult him. Let’s see if he intervenes. Chunhong, let’s go find him.”
Wanqing turned to Liu Shi and the haughty Wanjun, then motioned for Chunhong to leave with her.
“You—do you really think you can stir up trouble in the Marquis’s household? Flaunting the young master’s name to intimidate us? Today, I’ll show you what happens when you cross me. Guards! Drag this girl out and beat her to death!”
Seeing her warnings ignored, Liu Shi, though unsure if the young master would intervene, thought of his unpredictable nature and snapped. She coldly ordered the servants to seize Wanqing.
Wanqing, inwardly triumphant, feigned terror. “You—Sister Hongyan…” Clutching Hongyan’s sleeve, she whimpered.
“Who dares touch her?” Hongyan, furious at the Liu mother-daughter pair’s audacity—defying their master’s orders and threatening Wanqing right in front of her—stepped forward, her sword unsheathed.
“You—who are you?”
Startled by Hongyan’s sudden move, Liu Shi finally noticed her. Eyeing the sword and her refined attire, she demanded answers.
“Sent by the young master of Ji Manor to protect Second Miss Mu. I heard every word you said. Fulfill her request, or I’ll report this to the young master—and you’ll regret it. Miss, let’s go.”
With that, Hongyan shielded Wanqing and Chunhong, leading them away.
“You—seize her too! Think a sword makes you invincible?”
Realizing Hongyan’s status, Liu Shi felt a twinge of regret over her daughter’s earlier outburst. But seeing her as just a young girl, she ordered the servants to attack, planning to eliminate them all and cover it up later.
“Fools. Madam Mu, I’m feeling merciful today. Next time, my sword won’t stop at just a servant’s arm. Move.”
Hongyan, incensed by Liu Shi’s murderous intent, swung her sword, severing an advancing servant’s arm. Ignoring his screams, she issued a cold warning and escorted Wanqing away.
“You—take him to be treated! And fetch Second Miss’s money for her. Wanqing, wait!”
As they left, Liu Shi’s panicked voice ordered the wounded servant’s care and sent another maid to deliver Wanqing’s money.
“Hehe, Sister Hongyan, I’m in awe! So ruthless—slicing off that guy’s arm in one stroke. Teach me martial arts, please? That way, even if you’re not around, I can defend myself.”
Wanqing, hearing Liu Shi’s forced conciliation from behind, gazed admiringly at Hongyan. As Liu Shi caught up, she tugged at Hongyan’s sleeve, pleading with exaggerated sweetness.
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