The Return of the Seventh Young Lady-Chapter 156 - 155

Chapter 155

After Mu Gongzhen returned to the residence, Mu Yingying brought Mu Qingxuan to their eldest brother’s quarters to discuss the information she had learned today. Once everyone was gathered, Mu Yingying began to bring up the topic she wanted to discuss today.

“My people have extracted information from the woman we captured. She confessed that she had been working for Wan Ningtong outside the manor. The previous assassination attempt on Elder Sister was initially planned by Mu Luofei to injure Elder Sister. However, Wan Ningtong took advantage of Mu Luofei’s plan to try to kill Elder Sister, making Wan Ningtong the real mastermind behind the incident.”

“Furthermore, this woman confessed that several days ago, she was ordered by Wan Ningtong to buy a love potion from the black market and pass it on to a palace maid to carry out the plan. Both the assassination attempt and the plan to force Elder Sister to marry far away were orchestrated by Wan Ningtong.”

As Mu Yingying finished speaking, everyone in the room was shocked. They had suspected Wan Ningtong’s involvement in the events at the birthday celebration, but they didn’t expect her to be the mastermind behind the previous assassination attempt as well.

“This Wan Ningtong...cannot be left unchecked,”

Mu Gongzhen said coldly, his eyes openly revealing a murderous intent. However, Mu Yingying interrupted him. “Let me handle Wan Ningtong. You just need to keep the Empress Dowager in the dark so she doesn’t interfere. If she gets involved, our plans will be ruined.”

“Alright, I’ll take care of that. You can count on me, Ying’er. If you need any help, just let me know,” Mu Gongzhen promised quickly.

“If I need any assistance, I’ll let you know. Wan Ningtong is quite cunning, and I’m eager to repay her for what she’s done,” Mu Yingying said with a mysterious smile, her big, round eyes showing a momentary cold glint.

Now, she had decided to deal with her enemies one by one. Previously, she had been cautious and reactive, worrying about the close and distant enemies, waiting for opportunities and dealing with situations as they arose. But now that her enemies in the shadows had been exposed, her distant enemies in the Daliang Region were also formidable, so she resolved to eliminate them decisively!

She would start with Wan Ningtong, then move on to the mother-daughter trio of the Mu family, Shin Wang, the Empress Dowager, and finally the royal court of the Daliang Region...

She would meticulously plan and deal with each one, avoiding the risk of being surrounded and attacked by her enemies. Although acting first carried the risk of retaliation, the chances of success were also high.

“Do you need any help with...Wan Ningtong?”

Mu Qingxuan asked, feeling guilty. It was actually her enemies that caused trouble, but her siblings had to resolve this issue and deal with her enemies, making her feel really guilty.

Mu Yingying understood her elder sister’s feelings and thoughts, so she explained patiently. “Sister, don’t feel bad. We are siblings, and even though these are your enemies alone, we won’t stand by and watch them harm you. Your enemies are our enemies too.”

“Besides, another reason that I didn’t let you handle this yourself is because I know you have a kind heart. Even though you’ve been through terrible experiences in your past life and have changed quite a bit, becoming stronger, your inherent goodness remains. If I let you handle Wan Ningtong, do you think you could punish her as she deserves?”

Mu Qingxuan bit her lip and lowered her eyes to hide their trembling. Everything Mu Yingying said was true. Despite her past life’s hardships, she still couldn’t bring herself to kill, except for the three women who had wronged her because of the deep-seated hatred that drove her. Thus, Mu Qingxuan could decisively deal with those who had harm her in her past life—Bai Lijun, Mu Luofei, Mu Qin Shuang, and Shin Wang.

However, if the enemy in this life was someone she had no deep grudge against, Mu Qingxuan could handle them, albeit without resorting to lethal or cruel measures. Her subconscious was still conflicted about the situation.

"Sister, being kind has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that you will never be consumed by hatred and turn into a deranged vicious demon. The disadvantage is that you will be at a disadvantage when facing new enemies in this life. Let me give you some advice: for now, Eldest Brother and I can deal with your enemies on your behalf, but in the future, when we are not around, or when you ascend to the position of Empress, the enemies around you will not show you any mercy. You must not show them any mercy either, or you will regret it for the rest of your life...”

Mu Yingying’s words were direct, making Mu Qingxuan feel even more guilty for being a burden to her siblings. Mu Gongzhen agreed as well and did not object.

Currently, he and Ying’er could deal with their enemies as ruthlessly as those enemies deserved. However, they wouldn’t always be there to help Mu Qingxuan. She needed to learn to survive on her own.

“I understand now. I will try to change myself, not to be lenient or compassionate towards my enemies. I won’t be a burden to you anymore,”

Mu Qingxuan said with determination. Until now, only her elder brother and younger sister had bloodied their hands. By the time she realized it, she was the only one with clean hands. This situation taught her some important lessons: for enemies, there was no room for compassion or morality.

If we didn’t kill our enemies, they would kill us instead!

Seeing that her sister had started to grasp the harsh reality, Mu Yingying smiled slightly. “It’s good that you understand, Sister. As for Wan Ningtong, I have something for you to do as well. Since she used a love potion on you, it would be fitting to use a stronger one on her. I believe you can concoct a powerful love potion.”

“Trust me with this. I will make a potent love potion that no one else can find,” Mu Qingxuan said with a gentle smile. At least she could be useful in this regard.

Mu Yingying pondered for a while, unsure how to broach the subject of their mother. She glanced up at her brother and sister before deciding to keep this secret for now. She would reveal it after dealing with Wan Ningtong...

...

..

.

Three days later, in a large carriage moving along the road, two women sat chatting idly as they traveled to their destination. The path was covered with layers of snow, making the journey difficult and slowing the carriage down considerably.

“I heard that the plum blossom garden is more beautiful than ever this year. There are hundreds of blooming plum trees. The sight of red plum blossoms against the white snow must be stunning.”

Jiao Fangniang imagined the plum blossom garden they were heading to in her mind. Just thinking about it excited her. Since winter began, she hadn’t had many opportunities to go out. This time, because the plum blossoms were blooming, her family allowed her to go out and enjoy the garden with her friends.

“It’s probably just like every other year,”

Wan Ningtong responded emotionlessly, lacking enthusiasm to appreciate any beauty at the moment. Since the imperial decree announcing Mu Qingxuan as the future empress, Wan Ningtong had been so troubled that she couldn’t eat or sleep properly for days. She had lost some weight, and the gentle smile that usually adorned her face had disappeared.

Only a cold, emotionless expression remained for other people to see.

Jiao Fangniang, seeing her friend in this state, couldn’t help but worry. She knew how much Wan Ningtong had hoped for the position of Empress, but with the decree already issued, all she could do was try to comfort her friend and prevent her from sinking further into despair.

“I had someone prepare painting supplies for you. In case, while we sit in the pavilion, you can paint the plum blossom garden. You’re so good at painting; I’m sure the plum blossoms will look beautiful.”

Wan Ningtong didn’t respond. She understood her friend’s good intentions, but she had no desire to do anything. If it weren’t for Jiao Fangniang’s insistence, she wouldn’t have left her quarters.

Soon, the carriage came to a stop. When the two women stepped out, they saw a large plum blossom garden in full bloom with hundreds of trees. The ground was covered in white snow, and the red plum blossoms falling onto the snow created a stunning contrast.

This plum blossom garden only bloomed once a year in winter, making it a popular destination for the young nobles in the capital once winter had arrived. The garden had pavilions scattered throughout for visitors to rest and enjoy the scenery.

As Jiao Fangniang and Wan Ningtong strolled through the garden, a figure bumped into Wan Ningtong from the side, causing her to stagger slightly. She turned a cold gaze on the culprit with displeasure.

“I...I’m so sorry!” the young woman stammered, quickly bowing her head in fear.

“What household you serve, to be walking so carelessly!?”

Wan Ningtong’s close maid scolded loudly, making the girl tremble even more. “I...I apologize. My mistress had an accident, and I had to rush back to the carriage to fetch something. I didn’t see where I was going. Please forgive me, Miss!”

“You...”

Wan Ningtong interrupted her maid mid-sentence. “Enough, it’s alright since it was unintentional. Just look where you’re going next time.”

Feeling a headache from the incident, Wan Ningtong quickly dismissed the matter to find some peace. She had already been in a foul mood from recent events, and this only added to her irritation.

Hearing this, the maid quickly thanked her and left, while Jiao Fangniang and Wan Ningtong continued their walk until they decided to find a pavilion to rest.

“There’s a pavilion over there. There are people inside, but there’s still enough space for you,” reported the Jiao family’s maid, who had scouted ahead.

“Lead the way,”

Jiao Fangniang nodded, then turned to her friend. “Ningtong, let’s rest in the pavilion. I had some snacks prepared. Take this opportunity to sit and rest.”

“Alright,” Wan Ningtong agreed without hesitation, feeling tired of walking.

They followed the maid through the plum blossom garden to a large pavilion not far away. When they approached the pavilion, they saw that inside was a group from a foreign delegation who had attended the imperial birthday celebration.

Wan Ningtong cast a brief glance at the Third Prince from Yingjie Region before walking past them to sit on the other side of the pavilion, uninterested.

Ming Kai, who was conversing with his companions, noticed the women entering and couldn’t help but look at them. When he saw the cold, dignified beauty, he felt a strange, inexplicable feeling stir within him.

Before long, Ming Kai caught a faint, sweet fragrance drifting on the wind from the direction of the women.

He followed the scent to its source and found it emanating from the dignified beauty seated on the other side of the pavilion. Though her face was cold and emotionless, it exuded an air of grace and elegance, a beauty so captivating that it made one want to possess her.

At that moment, Ming Kai felt as if he had fallen into a trance once again. Something about the woman drew him in, making it impossible to look away. The more he gazed at her, the more he was enchanted by her lofty beauty.

Sensing someone’s persistent gaze, Wan Ningtong turned to meet his eyes and found it was the Third Prince from Yingjie Region. She furrowed her brows slightly, her eyes revealing a sharp, icy glare before she turned back to her friend.

Wan Ningtong felt a deep disgust for this prince. She had once secretly checked the guest list in her father’s study and had someone investigate all the guests. That was when she discovered the revolting information about Third Prince Ming Kai. Despite his gentle exterior, he had a twisted, inhuman nature.

Because of this, Wan Ningtong had chosen him, hoping to send Mu Qingxuan to marry this twisted man. But now that her plan had failed, her disdain for this man had only grown stronger.

As Wan Ningtong chatted idly with Jiao Fangniang, she was unaware that someone had approached her with a bouquet of bright red plum blossoms.

"The plum blossoms of Qingzhou are truly beautiful, blooming splendidly amidst the harsh winter. They give a sense of noble elegance, which reminds me of you, Young Miss Wan. I hope you will accept these blossoms..."

Wan Ningtong’s eyes followed the flowers up to the young man’s face, her gaze as cold as ever. “Thank you for the compliment, Your Highness. However, these plum blossoms would be more beautiful if they were left on their tree. Picking them like this is just a waste.”

Her tone and words showed no respect towards Ming Kai, clearly implying that something as beautiful and noble as the plum blossoms should not be touched. The Third Prince was taken aback for a moment but then smiled slyly.

“You’re right, Young Miss Wan, but it’s not entirely wasted. Picking them allows me to display them in a vase. At least they can enhance the elegance of my palace,”

His words this time hint that even if something was touched or wasted, it could still be used to add beauty to his surroundings, even if it was useless. This was a direct, unyielding challenge to Wan Ningtong.

He leaned closer to her, using his finger to play with a strand of her hair. “Young Miss Wan is as elegant and beautiful as these plum blossoms. Displaying you in my palace would certainly add a lot of color.”

Slap!

Wan Ningtong slapped his hand away without hesitation, her eyes flashing with disgust before turning icy cold. She grabbed the beautiful plum blossoms tightly and crushed them into pieces.

“Your Highness, you are a guest of Qingzhou. Please mind your words. Some things, some matters, and some people are not for you to touch...”

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