Three years later
The situation in the Capital had changed greatly.
It started with Duke Zhen’s Mansion.
Three years earlier, after the conversation between Su Li and the Twelfth Prince at the banquet, she returned ho to find that, although the plotline had changed beyond recognition, what was ant to co still ca.
Compared to her previous life, the dragon-phoenix twins had not encountered misfortune this ti; instead, they were thriving more as they grew up outside the mansion.
Ms. Zhang had also reunited with her cousin, and everything seed to be developing in a positive direction.
Although Mr. Chang had thrown in the conflict with the Eldest Prince to distract, in truth, their discord had not escalated to life-or-death enmity.
But after returning from the banquet and stepping into the study, Su Li knew instantly that soone had been there, and there were traces of disturbance.
The visitor had been extrely cautious and skilled in restoring, but they hadn’t reckoned with Su Li, the anomaly, who could detect a stranger’s presence by simply sniffing the air.
Although everything was different, it all led to the sa conclusion: the Eldest Prince’s people had still targeted Duke Zhen’s Mansion.
With Ms. Zhang’s internal and external collusion gone and the mansion completely under her control, Su Li was puzzled...
Right, how could she have forgotten; a dead centipede still squirms.
The Old Master, although stripped of his influence by her, was not of much concern to Su Li; perhaps they had connected long ago?
Last ti, the original body, despite being extrely filial, still witnessed the forr Duke sacrificing his own son; this ti, having been replaced by Su Li, the other party probably wanted to skin her alive, without any consideration for blood relations.
Perfect, Su Li felt her life was quite tedious and it was just right to have a real go with them.
----------
Xiangchun Courtyard
Miss Li, the renowned Oiran of the Capital, was charmingly raising her wrist, pouring tea for soone, while her conversation sparkled and enchanted.
Her posture, head bowed and ears inclined, involuntarily incited a curiosity to peep.
Who on earth was the visitor that brought out such behavior in Miss Li?
It’s known that Miss Li was no lowly courtesan; there was a ti when a rich rchant’s son presented heavy gold and yet failed to earn even a glance from her.
And if soone with pride attempted to force his way, aside from trouble, he would not even touch the hem of Miss Li’s robe.
So said that a noble protected Miss Li from behind the scenes, allowing her the leisure and freedom she enjoyed now.
Seeing Miss Li’s deanor today, could it be that the person accompanying her was the influential figure behind her?
Due to the noble’s visit, Xiangchun Courtyard was closed for the day, serving only one person.
Miss Li was also utmost charming and considerate, showing the true nature of Jieyu.
Outsiders often said that Xiangchun Courtyard’s Miss Li was like an alpine frost flower, unknown who could make her smile.
Yet, today, this much-coveted frost beauty was smiling only for herself, surely fulfilling the utmost psychological satisfaction for anyone.
Similarly, the man sitting here, enjoying the Beauty’s ticulous care, with his usually calm and silent face, showed a trace of satisfaction.
"Sir, does the tea please your taste?"
"Very much so."
Via a serious conversation, from outside the door, people might still think Mr. Chang was a gentleman of incomparable integrity, able to remain calm in the presence of such a beauty as Miss Li.
However, unbeknownst to them, underneath the table, their hands were already clasped together.
"It’s still more comfortable here... At ho, that woman...."
Miss Li smiled tenderly, saying, "Sir, if you like, then visit more often, I will prepare the couch awaiting."
*
After Mr. Chang left, the young girl serving Miss Li couldn’t help but express her envy, "Mr. Chang is really good to Miss, even sending such precious jewelry over."
Yet Miss Li’s gentleness when facing Chang Wenqing instantly turned cold as ice, and she snorted disdainfully, "n...."
She casually picked up the jewelry placed in front of her, examined it, and with an expression devoid of much joy, said, "Everyone says Mr. Chang and his wife share a deep love. They loved each other but couldn’t stay together, and after more than a decade, they reunited. Even though she had been married before, he resolutely married her, undeterred by the rumors and gossip...."
"Actually...."
Miss Li’s following words were a low murmur, and the serving girl, although close by, couldn’t quite catch what she muttered.
"A man’s mouth is a lying demon; you can’t trust anything that cos out of it, or you won’t even know how you might die."
The young girl was still puzzled, "But Mr. Chang has been very good to Miss."
If it weren’t for Mr. Chang’s reputation, Miss Li might have ended up like the other girls in Xiangchun Courtyard, shared by many.
"He’s just a slightly more attentive plaything, that’s all."
With those words, Miss Li said no more.
Speaking so much today was already a lapse in her usual comportnt. Speaking further would probably be detrintal to her.
Although Mr. Chang had a wife, his status had risen sharply in recent years, and he was now a highly influential figure in the Capital, an indispensable right-hand man to the Eldest Prince.
For won like them, embroiled in worldly pleasures, he was not a good sanctuary.
But only Miss Li knew that Mr. Chang was far from what outsiders perceived him to be.
Even his own family and relatives, should they vex him, might also... let alone her, a woman without a solid backing.
Every interaction with him was like dealing with a chilling poison snake, leaving her trembling with fear.
----------
Returning ho covered in incense powder, Chang Wenqing was imdiately confronted by Chang Zhang at the gate.
With her daughter favored by a courtier in the palace, Mrs. Zhang’s status had risen as well.
Now, her deanor was no longer cautiously timid as it had been three years ago; instead, it revealed so of her true domineering nature.
At this mont, it was evident.
Dressed opulently, her extravagant attire a heap upon her, she was followed by a host of serving girls and old won, a dozen or so in total.
It’s was truly like wherever she stepped, eight feet hurried to follow.
Who would have imagined such fortune for her three years ago?
But then, she did have an exceptional daughter, a Luck Bag in her own right, even favored by a noble princess from the palace.
As this thought crossed her mind, a smug smile spread across Mrs. Zhang’s lips, but the mont she saw Chang Wenqing, her smile tightened into a straight line.
Anyone could see the displeasure on her face.
"Cousin, where have you been? Have you been with that cheap wench again?" Mrs. Zhang’s sharp voice echoed in everyone’s ears, adding to Chang Wenqing’s embarrassnt.
The servants around bowed their heads to their chests, pretending they were just air.
Coldness flashed in Chang Wenqing’s eyes, but he managed to keep his tone restrained, his voice hoarse as he said, "Madam, watch your words."
"You’d better thoroughly study the won’s virtues and disciplines again; don’t let Zuo Jiao beco the subject of ridicule."
Mrs. Zhang’s spirits, previously high, faltered as she seed to recall her daughter’s admonitions, yet she was still visibly upset.
She was annoyed by her daughter’s indulgence towards her father, but at this point, her own status in the mansion still largely depended on her daughter, so she moderated her attitude sowhat.
But still with stiffness, she said, "Cousin, if you wish to take a concubine, just inform , why bother with those filthy ones outside."
Reviews
All reviews (0)