As soon as she finished speaking, the already frightened servant scurried away in a panic, stumbling and crawling out of the room. With a faint smile, she turned back.
“With such cowardice, how dare they act tough with me? Chunhong, when you have time, I’ll teach you some self-defense techniques so you won’t have to fear these ruffians anymore. Is breakfast ready? I’m exhausted from that nap.”
Watching the servant stagger away, Wanqing covered her mouth and chuckled softly. Noticing Chunhong’s admiring gaze, she looked at her earnestly before walking to the dressing table, allowing her to comb her long hair while asking,
“It’s ready, just waiting for you to wake up and eat. Miss, your face…”
As she combed Wanqing’s hair, Chunhong answered obediently. After spending the night together and witnessing the morning’s events, she was utterly in awe of her mistress. She nodded happily but then frowned with concern upon seeing Wanqing’s reflection in the bronze mirror.
“My face? That nobleman sensed poison in me, but he was in a hurry and didn’t have time to detoxify me. He even promised to teach me medicine. Don’t worry, just prepare a veil for me. Bring me water to wash my face, and then we’ll eat. Afterward, I’ll take you out for a walk.”
Wanqing smiled faintly, reassuring Chunhong, whose expression eased slightly at her words.
“Miss, you wash up, and I’ll bring the food.” Relieved, Chunhong fetched water and, seeing Wanqing ready to wash herself, excused herself to prepare breakfast.
“Miss, this is all we have. Please eat.”
By the time Wanqing finished washing, Chunhong had already set the table. Watching Wanqing sit down without complaint and pick up a steamed bun, Chunhong ate alongside her, thinking of the lavish meals the other mistresses in the front courtyard enjoyed—while she and Wanqing had nothing but plain buns and a plate of bland vegetables. She couldn’t help but sigh dejectedly.
“Silly girl, whatever the Fourth Miss has, we’ll have too someday. Salted greens with steamed buns and porridge aren’t so bad, right?”
Noticing Chunhong’s expression, Wanqing knew she always gave her the best. She took a bite of the bun and spoke reassuringly.
“But your health is so poor, Miss. Granny Liu always told me to take good care of you, but… this is all I can provide.”
Wanqing’s indifference only deepened Chunhong’s guilt. As she ate, she recalled Granny Liu’s instructions and couldn’t hold back her distress.
“Fool, poor health can be nursed back slowly. Besides, I believe the things taken from our room will soon be returned. Don’t worry—eat up, and afterward, I’ll take you out.”
Chunhong’s words reminded Wanqing of her predecessor’s past. When Granny Liu was alive, their room still held some valuables, supposedly left by her long-deceased mother. But as Granny Liu aged and fell ill, their circumstances worsened. Though they had food daily, it was only vegetables and buns—even the occasional meat was just greasy scraps.
Without proper nourishment, their bodies suffered. Wanqing understood just how dire her current condition was. Earlier, just moving lightly had left her wrists aching and breathless. Facing a stronger opponent, escape would be nearly impossible.
Yet she harbored no fear for the future. With money, her skills would allow her to restore her health and detoxify—hardly a challenge.
So, comforting Chunhong, she ate heartily and spoke of their outing.
“Alright.”
Though Chunhong didn’t know how Wanqing planned to recover without money for nourishing food, she trusted her mistress implicitly. She believed Wanqing’s words would come true—that their stolen belongings would soon be returned.
With a cheerful nod, she happily ate the salted greens and porridge alongside Wanqing.
After finishing and tidying up, Wanqing donned a veil over her face and ears. Though reluctant, she observed her reflection—her eyes clear and lively, her curvaceous figure evident despite the covering. The ensemble didn’t evoke ugliness but rather an air of mystery and allure.
“Chunhong, this veil matches my dress perfectly. Let’s go for a walk.”
Her lavender dress, adorned with small floral patterns, paired with a matching jacket and sash, accentuated her graceful curves. The light purple veil completed the look. Though she could restore her original appearance immediately, she was content with this disguise until the danger passed.
With a playful smirk, her crescent-shaped eyes gleaming mischievously, she twirled before the mirror and stepped out, satisfied.
“Second Miss, the master and madam are waiting for you in the front courtyard. You should hurry.”
As soon as she and Chunhong left their small courtyard, they encountered Uncle Zhong rushing toward them. He paused at the sight of Wanqing but, noticing Chunhong’s respectful bow, quickly composed himself.
“Uncle Zhong, why are the master and madam waiting for Miss? Her face is still…”
Though Uncle Zhong had always been kind to them, Wanqing felt neither gratitude nor resentment toward his urgency. She stopped but remained silent. Chunhong, however, grew anxious and pressed for details.
“You’d best go quickly. If you’re late and the master and madam blame you, I won’t be able to help. Second Miss, your attire today is quite unique.”
At Chunhong’s questioning, Uncle Zhong glanced at Wanqing, who merely gave him a cool look before turning her gaze to the flowers. Resigned, he hurried off after a brief explanation.
“Miss, do you think it’s about the Fourth Miss? This…”
After Uncle Zhong left, Chunhong—aware that Wanqing was no longer the same person—voiced her worries about facing the master and madam, recalling recent events.
“If they’ve summoned us, we might as well go. Sooner or later, we’ll have to face them.”
Unlike Chunhong’s nervousness, Wanqing remained composed. She strode forward, taking a path she’d only walked when summoned for reprimands. The scenery and furnishings along the way were worlds apart from her humble courtyard.
“Might I ask why Madam and General Father have called for me?”
Upon reaching the front courtyard, she saw Madam Liu and Concubine Xu seated below her father, General Mu Zhenfeng, who occupied the central seat. Her elder sister and the others were present, while Mu Wanyu sat with a swollen face.
As Uncle Zhong led them in and departed, Wanqing entered directly, stopping before Mu Zhenfeng and Madam Liu. She regarded them coolly and asked,
“You—you insolent girl! Is that any way to speak to your father and mother?”
Standing before him, though veiled, her eyes—once timid—now shimmered with defiance. Recalling how he’d been struck the previous night and how, early that morning, Concubine Xu had brought Mu Wanyu, claiming she’d only inquired about her face, only for her maids to be beaten and herself left bruised, Mu Zhenfeng seethed.
He couldn’t fathom how this girl had suddenly grown so bold, overpowering four maids and leaving them battered. Now, she addressed him neither as “Father” nor Madam Liu as “Mother.”
His fury boiled over. “Father? Mother? Ha. In my heart, I have only one mother—long dead. As for my father… are you worthy of the title?”
Wanqing laughed behind her hand as if hearing a grand joke, her gaze icy as she taunted Mu Zhenfeng.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage